Mansell Vice-Admirall of England during his life by Patent in which he not onely manifested his love to his Noble friend though sometime his servant but his care to the State that his experience and abilities might support the others inabilities wel knowing that the Honour and safety of the Kingdome consisted in the wel-ordering and strength of the Navy Next Egerton had displeased him by not giving way to his exorbitant desires he must out and would not let him seale up his dying eyes with the seals which he had so long carryed and so well discharged and to despite him the more and to vex his very soule in the last Agony he sent Bacon one he hated yet to be his Successor for the Seales which the old mansspirit could not brook but sent them by his owne servant to the King and shortly after yeelded his soul to his Maker And to the end you may know what men were made choyce of to serve turnes I shall set you downe a true story This great Favourite sent a Noble Gentleman and of much worth to Bacon with this Message that he knew him to be a man of excellent parts and as the times were sit to serve his Master in the Keepers place but hee also knew him of a base and ingratefull dispotion and an arrant Knave apt in his prosperity to ruine any that had raised him from adversity yet for all this hee did so much study his Masters service knowing how fit an instrument he might be for him that he had obtained the Seales for him but with this assurance should he ever requite him as he had done some others to whom he had been more bound he would cast him downe as much below scorne as he had now raised him high above any Honour he could ever have expected Bacon was at that time Attorney Generall who patiently hearing this Message replyed I am glad my noble Lord deales so friendly and freely with me and hath made that choyce of so discreet and Noble a friend that hath delivered his Message in so plaine language but saith he can my Lord know these abilities in me and can hee thinke when I have attained the highest preferment my profession is capable of I shall so much faile in my judgement and understanding as to lose these abilities and by my miscarriage to so noble a Patron cast my selfe headlong from the top of that honour to the very bottome of contempt and scorne Surely my Lord cannot thinke so meanly of me The Gentleman replyed I deliver you nothing from my selfe but the words are put into my mouth by his Lordship to which I neither adde nor diminish for had it been left to my discretion surely though I might have given you the substance yet should I have apparelled it in a more moddest attire but as I have faithfully delivered my Lords to you so will I as faithfully returne yours to his Lordship You must understand the reason of this Message was his ungratefulnesse to Essex which every one could remember for the Earle saved him from starving and he requited him so as his Apology must witnesse were there not a great fault there needed no Apology nor could any age but a worthlesse and corrupt in men and manners have thought him worthy such a place of honour Well Lord Keeper he was for which he paid nothing nor was hee able for now was there a new trick to put in dishonest and necessitous men to serve such turnes as men of plentifull fortunes and fair reputations would not accept of and this filled the Church and Common-wealth full of beggerly fellowes such daring to venture on any thing having nothing to lose for it is riches makes men cowards Poverty daring and valiant to adventure at any thing to get something yet did not Buckingham doe things gratis but what their purses could not stretch unto they paid in pensions out of their places all which went to maintaine his numerous beggerly kindred Bacon paid a Pension Heath Atturney paid a Pension Bargrave Deane paid a Pension with many others Nor was this any certaine rule for present portions must be raised for the Marriage of a poore Kitchin Maid to be made a great Count esse so Fotherby made Bishop of Sarum paid 3500. l. and some also worthy men were preferred gratis to blow up their Fames and Trumpet forth their Noblenesse as Tolson a worthy man paid nothing in Fine or Pension after him Davenant in the same Bishoprick but these were but as Musick before every sceane nor were fines or pensions certaine but where men were rich there Fines without reservation of rent where poore and such as would serve turnes there Pensions no Fines so Weston and many others There were books of rates on all the Offices Bishopricks Deaneries in England that could tell you what Fines what Pensions otherwise it had been impossible such a numerous kindred could have been maintained with the three Kingdomes Revenue Now was Bacon invested in his Office and within ten dayes after the King goes to Scotland Bacon instantly begins to believe himselfe King lyes in the Kings Lodgings gives audience in the great Banqueting House makes all other Councellors attend his motions with the same state the King used to come out to give audience to Embassadours when any other Councellour sate with him about the Kings affaires would if they sate neare him bid them know their distance upon which Secretary Wynwood rose went away and would never sit more under his encroached State but instantly dispatcht one to the King to desire him to make haste back for even his very Seat was already usurped At which I remember the King reading it unto us both the King and we were very merry and if Buckingham had sent him any Letters would not vouchsafe the opening or reading them in publique though it was said requiring speedy dispatch nor would vouchsafe him any answer In this posture he lived untill he heard the King was returning and began to beleeve the Play was almost at an end he might personate a Kings part no longer and therefore did againe re-invest himselfe with his old rags of basenesse which were so tattered and poore at the Kings comming to Windsor he attended two dayes at Buckinghams Chamber being not admitted to any better place then the roome where Trencher-scrapers and Lacquies attended there sitting upon an old wooden chest amongst such as for his basenesse were only fit companions although the Honour of his place did merit farre more respect with his Purse and Seale lying by him on that chest My selfe told a servant of my Lord of Buckinghams it was a shame to see the Purse and Seale of so little value or esteeme in his Chamber though the Carryer without it merited nothing but scorne being worst among the basest He told me they had command it must be so after two dayes he had admittance at first entrance he fell downe flat on his
prodigality in which the Revenue of the Kingdom would not satisfie their vast expences if this had been spoken out of a Noble minde or out of that feeling he had of the Kingdomes misery as being Treasurer he ought to have done had he fallen it had been with honour and a generall compassion but being spoken out of the pride and insolency of his owne heart whose minde was ever so base as never to discerne what Honour was nor ever had he any other inherent Honour then what in his Apprentiship he raked out of the Kennel besides it was knowne to be out of hatred that he was not of councell in the undertaking he then looking at himselfe as the only States-man of all the Councell He fell without pitty and with much scorne as I formerly set downe yet left in a higher estate and better condition then so worthlesse a fellow and base Projector deserved yet afterwards hee was againe questioned upon his accounts But all this was nothing himselfe and his Posterity being left Peeres of the Realme In this case was the Prince a principall actour and did duly keep the earliest houres to sit in that Parliament where then he discerned so much juggling even to serve his owne ends on Cranfield that it was not much to be wondred at being come to be King he did not affect them And it was not well that a Prince should shew so much spleen though Cranfield deserved any ill could be cast on him and who knowes whether God doth now punish by Tallion Law to call his owne sin to remembrance and to repent In this place I hold it not unfit to shew the Reader how the King hath ever been abused and would be abused by over-much credulity in the treaty of Spaine for marriages as well as in all other Negotiations You shall now perceive how the King was abused in this treaty which was an error inexcusable in himselfe and whole Councell The Italians having a Proverbe He that deceives me once it s his fault but if twice it s my fault this second time therefore could not but be the only fault of the King and Councell In Prince Henry his life time the King had a little man but a very great and wise Counsellour his Secretary of State little Salisbury that great States-man who did inherit all his Fathers wisdome as well as his Offices and the sonne came little short of the father who was held the greatest States-man in the world of his time It is true that one State may abuse another but not to finde out the abuse is an unpardonable fault in any Statesman There was a treaty in the like case for Prince Henry Salisbury instantly discovered the juggling before any other did thinke of any for although it went forward currently yet did Salisbury so put the Duke of Lerma unto it that either it must be so or they must confesse their juggling The Duke of Lerma denyed that ever there had been any treaty or any intention from that State Salisbury sent for the Embassadour to a full Councell told him how hee had abused the King State about a treaty for Marriage which he had no Commission for that therefore he was lyable to the Lawes of our Kingdome for where any Embassadour doth abuse a State by their Mrs. Commission then the servant was freed but without Commission was culpable and lyable to be punished by the Lawes of that State as being disavowed to be servant to the King his Master The Embassadour answered gravely he did not understand the cause of his comming therefore was then unprepared to give any answer but on Monday he would againe come this being Saturday and give his answer On Monday he comes begins with these words My soule is my Gods my life my Masters my reputation my owne I will not forfeit the first and last to preserve the second Then layes downe his Commission and Letters of instruction under the Duke of Lerma's owne hand he acquitted himselfe honestly to this State yet lost his owne being instantly sent for home where he lived and dyed in disgrace Here was Legatus vir bonus peregrè missus sed non ad mentiendum reipublicae causa And had we had as honest and good Statesmen in after times as Salisbury was and so demonstrated himselfe in this weighty Affaire this State could not have been so abused in all Treaties By this you see the advantage and benefit of one wise Counsellour in a whole State and although Solomon say By the multitude of Counsellors doth a kingdome flourish yet surely he intended they should be wise men that are Counsellours for we had such a multitude of Counsellours that a longer table and a larger Counsell-chamber was provided yet our State was so far from flourishing that it had been almost utterly destroyed this was the last Statesman worthy of that name and now are the ancient stock of Statesmen decayed and with them all our honour and glory I shall now bring my Story to an end as I shall this Kings life although I have made some digressions yet all pertinent to the discourse of this Kings reigne He now goes to his last Hunting journey I meane the last of the yeare as wel as of his life which he ever ended in Lent and was seized on by an ordinary and moderate Tertian Ague which at that season according to the Proverb was Physick for a King but it proved not so to him and poore King what was but Physick to any other was made mortall to him yet not the Ague as himselfe confessed to a servant of his now living who cryed courage Sir this is but a small fit the next will be none at all at which he most earnestly looked and said Ah it is not the Ague afflicteth me but the black plaister and powder given me and laid to my stomack and in truth the plaister so tormented him that he was glad to have it pulled off with it the skin also nor was it faire dealing if he had faire play which himselfe suspected often saying to Montgomery whom he trusted above all men in his sicknesse for Gods sake looke I have faire play to bring in an Emprick to apply any Medicines whilst those Physitians appointed to attend him were at dinner nor could any but Buckingham answer it with lesse then his life at that present as he had the next Parliament had it not been dissolved upon the very questioning him for the Kings death and all those that prosecuted him utterly disgraced and banished the Court Buckingham comming into the Kings Chamber even when he was at the point of death and an honest servant of the Kings crying Ah my Lord you have undone us all his poore servants although you are so well provided you need not care At which Buckingham kickt at him who caught his foot and made his head first come to ground where Buckingham presently rising run to the dying Kings bed side and
Gentleman of the Bed-chamber Master of the Wardrobe and invested with such Honours and Offices as he was capable of and that inabled him to live in a noble way during his life and to leave his Daughters great Fortunes but had you seene how the Lords did vye courtesies to this poore Gentleman striving who should ingrosse that Commodity by the largest bounty you could not but have condemned them of much basenesse especially seeing when at this time Offices and great places of Honour will not be accepted from that Sonne that the very Barber of whose Father was so much courted but to speake a good word in their behalfes Surely the times are much altered And now all preparation was made to meet the King in York that he might in that Northerne Metropolis appear like a King of England and take that State on him there which was not known in Scotland There met him all the Lords of the Councell and there did they all make Court to the Scotch-men that were most in favour with the King and there did the Scotch Courtiers lay the first foundation of their English Fortunes the chiefe of them was Sir George Hewme a kinde of Favourite but not such as after appeared with young Faces and smooth Chins but one that for his wisdome and gravity had beene in some secret Councels with his Master which created that dearnesse between them and the chiefe of those secrets was that of Gowries Conspiracy though that Nation gave little credit to the Story but would speak both sleightly and despitefully of it and those of the wisest of that Nation yet there was a weekly commemoration by the Tuesday Sermon and an anniversary Feast as great as it was possible for the Kings preservation ever on the fifth of August upon which day as Sir John Ramsey after E. of Holdernesse for his good service in that preservation was the principall guest so did the King grant him any Boone he would aske that day but had such limitations set to his asking as made his suit as unprofitable unto him as that he asked it for was unserviceable to the King and indeed did make the English beleeve as little the truth of that story as the Scots themselves did and yet on my conscience the good Gentleman did in that as a Lyer often doth by telling a Lye often beleeveth it to be a very truth but the truth was although he was not a man capable of much himselfe yet had it been true there was too little done for him being not true too much for being an Earle he was in very little esteeme either with his Master or with the better sort of Courtiers And I pray God that the effects of those Sermons in the Fathers time for that service cause no ill effects or be not one cause of Gods anger towards us in the Sons reigne This Sir George Hewme being the only man that was the Guider of the King and his affaires all the wiser sort of English made their addresses unto him amongst those Sir Robert Cicill a very wise man but much hated in England by reason of the fresh bleeding of that universally beloved Earle of Essex and for that was clouded also in the Kings favour he came to Yorke but lay close unseen or scarce knowne to be in the City untill he knew what entertainment he should receive from the King for he was in his owne and all mens opinions so under the Hatches as not ever to appeare above board againe nor did any of the Countre-faction to Essex besides himselfe ever attaine to the Kings favour but those friends raised by his wit and purse did so co-operate of which Sir Roger Aston that plaine man was principall for which he lost not his labour that Sir George Hewme and Sir Robert Cicill had many secret meetings and did so comply that Sir Robert Cicill to the admiration of all did appeare and come out of his Chamber like a Giant to run his race for Honour and Fortune and who in such dearnesse and privacy with the King as Sir Robert Cicill as if he had been his faithfull Servant many yeares before yet did not either his Friends wit or wealth raise him so much as some beleeve as the ill offices done by him to this Nation in discovering the nature of the people and shewing the King the way how to enhance his Prerogative so above the Lawes that he might inslave the Nation which though it took well then yet it hath been of sad and dangerous consequence in after times For first He caused a whole Cart-load of Parliament Presidents that spake the Subjects Liberty to be burnt Next raising two hundred thousand pound for making two hundred Baronets telling the King he should finde his English Subjects like Asses on whom he might lay any burthen and should need neither Bit nor Bridle but their Asses eares And when the King said It would discontent the generality of the Gentry He replyed Tush Sir you want the money that will doe you good the Honour will doe them very little And by these courses he raised himselfe friends and family to Offices Honours and great Possessions Yet as a punishment he lived long enough to have lost all had not Death prevented him between the Bath and London For the Duke of Bullion being then here about the overture of that unfortunate Match betweene the Palsgrave and the Lady Elizabeth had so done his errand and discovered his juggling It is most certaine he had been stript of all at his returne which he well understanding from his Friends at Court did expedite his end but he dyed opportunely to save his honour and his estate for his posterity though to leave a marke of ignominy on himselfe by that Herodian disease and that for all his great Honours and Possessions and stately Houses he found no place but the top of a Mole-hill neare Marleborough to end his miserable life so that it may be said of him and truly he dyed of a most loathsome disease and remarkable without house without pitty without the favour of that Master that had raised him to so high an estate and yet must he have this right done him which is also a note of the misfortune of our times there hath not been any since his time that equalled him to fulfill the Proverbe Seldome comes a better he had great parts was very wise full of honour and bounty a great lover and rewarder of Virtue and able parts in others so they did not appeare too high in place or looke too narrowly into his actions The next that came on the publick Theatre in favour was Henry Howard a younger Son of the Duke of Norfolke and Lord Thomas Howard the one after Earle of Northampton the other Earle of Suffolk Lord Chamberlaine and after Lord Treasurer who by Salisburies greatnesse with that Family rather then by any merit or wisdome in themselves raised many great Families of his Children
Kings Ships by Sir William Munson in whose passage a Dutch Man of Warre comming by that ship would not vaile as the manner was acknowledging by that our Soveraignty over the Sea Sir William Munson gave him a shot to instruct him in manners but instead of learning he taught him by returning another he acknowledged no such Soveraignty this was the very first indignity and affront ever offered to the Royall Ships of England which since have beene most frequent Sir William Monson desired my Lord of Hertford to goe into the Hold and hee would instruct him by stripes that refused to be taught by faire meanes but the Earl charged him on his Allegiance first to land him on whom he was appointed to attend so to his great regret he was forced to endure that indignity for which I have often heard him wish he had been hanged rather then live that unfortunate Commander of a Kings Ship to be Chronicled for the first that ever endured that affront although it was not in his power to have helped it yet by his favour it appeared but a copy of his countenance for it had been but hazarding hanging to have disobeyed my Lords Commandement and it had been infinite odds he had not beene hanged having to friend him the House of Suffolke nor would hee have been so sensible of it had he not been of the Spanish Faction and that a Dutch ship Now did those great Mannagers of the State of which Salisbury was chief after they had packed the Cards begin to deale the government of the Kingdome amongst themselves and perswaded the King to leave the State affaires to them and to betake himselfe to some Country recreations which they found him addicted unto for the City and businesse did not agree with him to that end purchased built and repaired at New-Market and Royston and this pleased the Kings humour well rather that he might enjoy his Favourite with more privacy then that he loved the sports then must Theobolds be in his owne possession as not fit for a King to be beholding to a Subject for an House of daily use but because the King had so much want of monies to expresse his love and bounty to his Native Nation Salisbury would exchange and take Land for his House and Parke in which exchange he made such an advantage that he sold his House for fifty yeares purchase and that so cunningly as hardly to be discerned but by a curious sight for he fleeted off the Creame of the Kings Mannours in many Counties not any two lying in any one County and made choyce of the most in the remotest Counties onely built his nest at Hatfield within the County where his Father had built his yet kept he still the house of Theobolds for he and his posterity were to be perpetuall Keepers of that House and many Parkes adjacent by this he not onely shewed his wisdome for his owne benefit but to the world what the Kings naturall disposition was to bee easily abused and would take counterfeit Coyn for currant payment And to fit the Kings humour and dissolve him in that delight he was most addicted to as well as to serve Salisburies owne ends and satisfie his revenge upon some neighbour Gentlemen that formerly would not sell him some convenient parcels of Land neighbouring on Theobalds he puts the King on enlarging the Parke walling and storing it with red Deere and I dare affirme with that worke the King was so well pleased and did more glory in then his Predecessors did in the conquest of France and as it was most true so an ill Omen that the King loved Beasts better then Men and took more delight in them and was more tender over the life of a Stag then of a Man yet this was the weaknesse of his judgement and poorenesse of his Spirit rather then any innate cruelty for he was not naturally cruel over lives though in displacing Officers which naturally he did beleeve was as glorious as to over-throw and conquer Kings But yet for all their setting their Cards and playing their Games to their owne advantages of getting much for themselves and friends there was one Knave in the Packe would crosse their designs and Trump in their way if he might not share with them in their winning that was one Lake a Clerke of the Signet after Secretary and after that turned out in disgrace and in truth was onely wise in the worlds opinion could swim being held up by the chin but at his fall all his weaknesses were discovered and that the world had been deceived in him I will instance in one particular amongst many that shall give you full assurance being in disgrace he gave two thousand pounds but to kisse the Kings hand beleeving that after that he might have accesse as formerly after he had paid his money he was never suffered to see the King more only jeered at by all the Court for his folly and went sneaking up and downe contemned of all men This Lake was a fellow of meane birth and meaner breeding being an under Servant to make Fires in Secretary Walsinghams chamber and there got some experience which afterwards in the Kings time made him appeare an able man which in the Queenes time when there was none in Court but men of eminencies made him an inconsiderable Fellow He had linked himselfe in with the Scotish Nation progging for Suits and helping them to fill their Purses as they did beleeve there was not so able a man in the Kingdome for in truth ever since Queene Elizabeths death the raysing money hath been the only way to raise men as being held the essentiall property of a wise man to know how to bring in money per fas aut nefas and amongst all the Scots he wholly applyed himselfe to those of the Bed-chamber and of nearest accesse to his Majesty For his good service of abusing his Country and Country-men he was made Clerke of the Signet to waite on the King in his Hunting journies and in these journies got all the Bils signed even for the greatest Lords all Packets being addressed to him so that even Salisbury and Northampton and the greatest Lords made Court to him by this meanes did he raise himselfe from a meane to a great fortune but so over-awed by his VVife that if hee did not what she commanded she would beate him and in truth his Wife was afterwards his over-throw besides he would tell Tales and let the King know the passages of Court and great men as who was Salisburies Mistris and governed all who governed Northampton and discovered their Bawdery which did infinitely please the Kings humour and in truth had so much craft as he served his turne upon all but was ingrossed by none but by the Bed-chamber who stuck so close to him that they could not yet remove him And now doe the English Faction seeing they could not sever the Scots from him endeavour to raise a mutiny
man living at which he would not smile himselfe but deliver them in a grave and serious manner He was very liberall of what he had not in his owne gripe and would rather part with 100. li. hee never had in his keeping then one twenty shillings peece within his owne custody He spent much and had much use of his Subjects purses which bred some clashings with them in Parliament yet would alwayes come off and end with a sweet and plausible close and truly his bounty was not discommendable for his raising Favourites was the worst Rewarding old servants and releiving his Native Country-men was infinitely more to be commended in him then condemned His sending Embassadours were no lesse chargeable then dishonourable and unprofitable to him and his whole Kingdome for he was ever abused in all Negotiations yet hee had rather spend 100000. livre. on Embassies to keep or procure peace with dishonour then 10000. li. on an Army that would have forced peace with honour He loved good Lawes and had many made in his time and in his last Parliament for the good of his Subjects and suppressing Promoters and progging fellowes gave way to that Nullum tempus c. to be consined to 60. yeares which was more beneficiall to the Subjects in respect of their quiets then all the Parliaments had given him during his whole Reign By his frequentinâ— Sermons he appeared Religious yeâ— his Tuesday Sermons if you wiâ—â— beleeve his owne Country-men thaâ— lived in those times when they were erected and well understood the cause of erecting them were dedicated for a strange peece of devotion He would make a great deale too bold with God in his passion both in cursing and swearing and one straine higher vergeing on blasphemie But would in his better temper say he hoped God would not impute them as sins and lay them to his charge seeing they proceeded from passion He had need of great assurance rather then hopes that would make daily so bold with God He was very crafty and cunning in petty things as the circumventing any great man the change of a Favourite c. insomuch as a very wise man was wont to say he beleeved him the wisest foole in Chriâ—tendome meaning him wise in â—mall things but a foole in weighty â—ffaires He ever desired to prefer meane men in great places that when he turned them out again they should have no friend to bandy with them And besides they were so hated by being raised from a meane estate to over-top all men that every one held it a pretty recreation to have them often turned out There were living in this Kings time at one instant two Treasurers three Secretaries two Lord Keepers two Admiralls three Lord chief Justices yet but one in play therefore this King had a pretty faculty in putting out and in By this you may perceive in what his wisdome consisted but in great and weighty affaires even at his wits end He had a trick to cousen himselfe with bargains under hand by taking 1000. li. or 10000. livre. as a bribe when his Counsell was treating with his Customers to raise them to so much more yearly this went into his Privy purse wherein hee thought hee had over-reached the Lords but cousened himselfe but would as easily breake the bargaine upon the next offer saying he was mistaken and deceived and therefore no reason he should keep the bargaine this was often the case with the Farmers of the Customes He was infinitely inclined to peace but more out of feare then conscience and this was the greatest blemish this King had through all his Reign otherwise might have been ranked with the very best of our Kings yet sometimes would hee shew pretty flashes of valour which might easily be discerned to be forced not naturall and being forced could have wished rather it would have recoiled backe into himselfe then carryed to that King it had concerned least he might have been put to the tryall to maintaine his seeming valour In a word he was take him altogether and not in peeces such a King I wish this Kingdom have never any worse on the condition not any better for he lived in peace dyed in peace and left all his Kingdomes in a peaceable condition with his owne Motto Beati Pacifici The Court of King CHARLES NOw having brought this peaceable King to rest in all peace the 27th of March his Son by the sound of the Trumpet was proclaimed King by the name of CHARLES the FIRST His Fathers Reign began with a great Plague and we have seen what his Reign was his Sons with a greater Plague and the greatest that ever was in these parts we shall see what his Reign will be and the effects of this plague have also hung as a fatall commet over this Kingdome in some parts and over London in more particular ever since and we earnestly pray we may not fall into the hands of men but rather ever with that divinely inspired royall Prophet David that we fall into the hand of the Lord for his mercies are great This King was not Crowned with that solemnity all other Kings have formerly been by riding through the City in all state although the same Triumphs were provided for him as sumptuous as for any other this some have taken as an ill omen It s further reported which I will not beleeve that he tooke not the ususall Oath all our Kings were bound unto at their Coronation and it s to be read in Covells book if so sure its a worse omen One more observation is of this King which I remember not to have happened in any other Kingdom I am confident never in this That with him did also rise his Fathers Favourite and in much more glory and luster then in his Fathers time as if he were no lesse an inheritor of his Sons favours than the Sonne of the Fathers Crowne and this as it happened was the worst omen of all for whereas in the Fathers time there was some kinde of moderation by reason he was weary of the insolency of his Favourite in the sons time he reigned like an impetuous storme bearing downe all before him that stood in his way and would not yeeld to him or comply with him This shewed no Heroicall or Kingly spirit for the King ever to endure him that had put such scornes and insolent affronts on him in his fathers time This King as his Father did set in peace did rise like a Mars as if he would say Arma virumque cano and to that end to make himselfe more formidable to Spaine and France he called a Parliament wherein never Subjects expressed more hearty affections to a Sovereigne and in truth were more loving then wise for as if for an income to welcome him they gave him two intire Subsidies and in so doing they brake the very foundation and priviledges of Parliament which never was wont to give Subsidies but as a thankfull gratuity for enacting
he such a Tutor as the other had of his Father who was the most absolute States-man in the world whose very Papers which were left to this Salisbury and served as so many rich Presidents and Instructors to him were able if wanting in abilities of his own to make him an able States-man But I held Straffords abilities to be more on this side then beyond the Seas yet might he challenge the title of a good Patriot And so indeed he was before he turned a Courtier After that he converted his studies and endeavours to make the King an absolute Arbitrary Monarch by screwing up the Regall Prerogative to so high a strain as hath made it crack and by raising his Revenues so high that he made them fal in which also his owne interest was concerned For he did neither serve God nor the King for nought Nor would Straffords abilities have been so transparent had any such Concurrents as Buckhurst Walsingham or Hatton been now living or such an one as the Earle of Essex who was Salisburies Antagonist But this man had onely the Arch-Bishop whose proper Element too was but the Church and they drew both in one line And here I shal give you one note of Straffords failing in his Master-piece that he was no such absolute wise man that could not find the just Medium of the peoples Temper but by striving to make the King all and on a sudden he made the King lesse and himselfe lesse then nothing And had he beene wise he could not but find the Kings spirit was not to undergoe nor to goe through with great actions but would faile under them and crush the owners Which he to his lamentable experience hath found and felt too true Besides I much doubt Straffords owne spirit that seeing his wisdom was too short to protect him his spirit was so low to faile him that hee did not like Sampson pull downe the house upon others heads but fall like a tame foole himselfe alone caught in a gin and lay still without any fluttering When surely some others of the Cabinet Councell were as deep as himselfe in any designe You have here now seene a great Subject yea the greatest that ever our eyes beheld that was no Favourite and greater in his fortunes then many Favourites You have also seen a King the greatest that our Nation ever had both in Prerogative Power and Revenues and the most absolute over his Subjects The one fallen below the earth the other so low upon earth that I wish I could but see him in the same state his peaceable Father left him who kept his Prerogative to the height without cracking it because hee had able Ministers and Councellors left who were of Queen Elizabeths stocke but this Kings Ministers straine all so high that the very ligaments and nerves of Sovereignty are quite broken in sunder I wish them well sothered again But because if I write further I must tune to a much lower key I will here end with my prayers That God would give the King a wise Councell and an understanding heart to bee able to give himselfe Councell what will be best for himselfe his Posterity and the people committed to his Charge And that hee may discern such as councell him for their own private ends and interest not for his Honour and Safety And here do I draw a Curtaine betwixt the time past and that to come in this Kings Reign desiring it may never be remembred to Posterity Observations instead of a Character upon this King from his Childe-hood IT being improper to write the Character of Kings before their Deaths I wish this were not much nearer the period of his happinesse than his death give me therefore leave to present unto your view some remarkable observations of this unfortunate King In his very infancy he was so subject to that wilfull humour still possessing him that if any thing crossed him he could hardly be stilled which then they were forced to give way unto by reason of that extreame weaknesse which disabled him as the like did his Father untill the 7th yeare of his Age to goe or scarce to stand alone crawling when of himselfe he would be in motion upon all foure in a most unseemly manner For the recovery whereof he was beholding to the skill of one Master Stutavile an excellent Artist for strengthening Limbs and straitning crooked Bodies but for the rectifying his wayward disposition to the tender care of the Lady Carey afterward Countesse of Monmouth This humour of his principally he tooke from his Mother who notwithstanding was a gallant Lady nor was he free from it by the Fathers side though his timorous nature gave it an allay His Mother who loved him so dearly that she said she loved him as she did her Soul yet was wont to say that she must with griefe of heart confesse He was a foole and wilfull which would hereafter endanger him the losse of his Crowne A sad Censure yet it should seeme Propheticall But it were a lesson fit for all Parents learning rather to leave their Children to Gods Providence than to pry into his office of fore knowledge He ever exprest an ill nature by taking delight to doe ill offices to his Fathers servants as well as to his owne witnesse that instance concerning Master Murrey his Tutor and Doctor Hackwell placed about him to instruct him in the principles of Religion who rightly judging it co-incident to that his employment did therefore upon the Treaty for the Spanish Match deliver him a small Treatise in Manuscript therein intimating his advice and judgement to informe his Conscience aright against coupling himselfe with a Papist saying to him Sir I beseech you make use of this by reading it your selfe but if you shew it to your Father I shall be undone for my good will The Prince returned him many thankes and assured him it should never goe farther then the cabinet of his owne breast but withall he asked him to whom he had shewed it Hackwell replyed the Arch-Bishop Abbot hath read it who returning him it said to him Well done thou good and faithfull servant Besides him he told the Prince he had only shewed it to Mr. Murrey the Tutor who belike being better acquainted with his Masters perfidious disposition then the other did then dis-swade him from delivering it to the Prince for saith he he will betray you And it so fell out for within lesse then two houres after his said engagement to the Doctor he presents it to his Father upon which he or any through whose hands and cognizance it had passed before were all under a disgrace and banished the Court only Murrey was afterwards Provost of Eaton Here was an Embleme of his breach of Oathes and protestations in future and of his untrustinesse which in a subject would have been called treachery Such a one too he shewed himselfe in the businesse of Rochell which after his faire promises and deep
and Carlisle vast consumers especially Carlisle of what they got ibid. 6 Montgomery for a time a Favourite p. 56. Vpon whose wane after a contention between the English and Scots out of whether Nation the next Favourite should come Câ—r arose a Favourite p. 57 How tended and tendred by the King when in a Tilting with the Lord Dingwel he had broke his leg p. 58 Sir Tho. Overbury taken into great favor by Car. p. 59 Salisbury and Suffolk in favour of this new Favourite regardfull of his Creature Overbury are both used by him yet through his insolency both neglected p. 60 Northamptons plot upon Overbury for his scorn of him ib Overbury a tart reprover of Somerset concerning Suffolks daughter Essex's wife p. 62 He is therefore plotted against to be removed out of the way on an Embassy to France or upon refusal c. p. 64 Being committed to the Tower he was there pâ—ysoned See the foulenesse of that businesse p. 65. c. After that Somerset marrys the Lady in which mâ—tter was seen the high corruption of the then times p. 70 c In this Favourites time came over the Palsgrave and married the Kings daughter the La. Elizabeth p. 76 Shortly after Prince Henry dyed ib. His death foretold by Bruce banished therefore by Salisbury who died in May the Prince in November following p. 78 Ingram and Cranfield Projectors made use of in Court but like Projectors as they were kept under by Somerset which were more highly regarded by the after Favourite p. 80 81. which was 8 Favourite Mr. Mr. George Villers p. 82 Zouch Goring Finit and Millicent the Court fooles as well as Archee with whose jollity this Favourite was ushered in p. 84 85. Winwood brought in Secretary of State by Somerset and by him unworthily used ruined him by discovering the poysoning of Overbury p. 86 c. It being made publickly known unto the King See his seeming serious charge upon the Judges for their impartiall sifting out and punishing the Complotters thereof in p. 92 The Kings dissimulation to Somerset p. 95 Who by a device of Sir George Moores after Elways Lieutenant of the Tower was tamely led from the Tower to his Arraignment p. 108 c. Mrs Turner Weston Franklin and Sir Gervase Elwayes executed for that businesse p. 113 This Favourite displaceth the wel-deserving Admirall the E. of Nott. and gets that place to himself p. 114 The next great Office his power reacheth at to dispose is Egertons Lord Chancellorship to whom he sends Bacon for the Seal p. 115. To whom Buckingham the Favourite sends a message p. 116. Whereto see his Answer p. 117 Buckinghams course to raise and maintain his kindred p. 119 Bacons proud carriage so soon as made Lord Chancellor the King being soon after gone to Scotland p. 121 After him degraded for his bribery by a Parliament comes Williams Dean of Westminster Bishop of Lincolne p. 127 Who was in bribery inferior to none p. 130 The Lord Treasurer Suffolk being turned out one of the afore named Projectors Cranfield was brought in by Buckingham p. 131. His censure in the House of Peers p. 132 He and the Prince go into Spaine disguised and under the names of Jack and Tom Smith p. 133 Taking their way by France the Prince eyed there that Lady whom he after married ib. Through Buckinghams miscarriages in Spaine and his spleen against Bristoll the Match with Spain was dissolved 133 c. The King now hates Buckingham p. 139 Buckingham hates the King p. 144 Which proved the Kings suggested cause true p. 149 After which his darke dealing with the King See a passage from one of the Kings Servants to the Duke p. 161 162 In the Court of King Charles beginning p. 176. the observations are AS his Fathers reigne began with a great Plague His with a greater p. 176 He was not crowned with the wonted solemnity nor took he the usuall Oath p. 177 With him arose also his Fathers favourite ib. The first Parliament he called gave him two intire Subsidies c. p. 179 Buckingham being questioned about the former Kings death dissolved that Parliament ib. Which was ill relished by the people p. 180 Williams the Lord Keeper turned out of his place and Coventry put in p. 181 Buckingham sent into France for that Lady the King had seen there ib. Through his instigation the King prepares for a war against Spaine and France p. 182 Wimbletons unsuccesfull expedition in Spaine ib. Denbigh is sent to aide Rochel ib. Buckinghams losse of many brave Gentlemen in the Isle of Rees expedition p. 183. where comes in a large supplement which the former Edition of this Book had not For these unjust Quarrels management the King pawned his Plate to Amsterdam p. 184 Cottington sent to beg a peace with Spaine ib. Rochels reliefe not really performed ib. Buckinghams ambition after higher Titles and Offices p. 186. Weston after Cranfield made Lord Treasurer by Buckinghams procurement p. 188 Shifts to raise monies p. 191 Noy made the Kings Attorney p. 195 By whom many Projects were put in practise p. 196 Buckingham intending some great secret Designe abroad was slaine by Felton p. 199 Amongst whom the managing of Affaires then was p. 201 After his death no bettering in the State but worse p. 202 Weston if not ballanced by Laud had been worse in Tyrannizing then Buckingham p. 203 Councell Table c. scourges to the people ib. Coventry a very corrupt man whose time reached to this very Parliament yet not questioned for it p. 206 Finch made chiefe Judge of the Common Pleas ib. Fees in all Courts taken excessively p. 207 The Bishops and other Court Clergy preacht away the peoples liberties and proprieties ib. Their turne now to loose both p. 208 Strafford the ablest States-man since Salisburie p. 209 First brought in by Weston ib. He failed in his ignorance of the peoples temper and of the Kings disability and faithfulnesse in weighty matters and great Agents p. 211 212 He was the greatest Subject not being a Favourite that ever was ibid. Observations upon this K. from his childhood p. 215 Certain observations before Q Eliz. death p. 223 FINIS Q. E. death K. Iames proclaimed King Sir Roger Aston K. James his Barber After made gentleman of the Bed-chamber c Sir Georgâ— Hewme a kind of Favouritâ— Sir Robert Cicill a favourite Mr. Iames Hay a Favourite His rise His sumptuous feast His accomplishment A great Plague A narration of the Treason charged on Rawleigh Mr. Carre his rise Mr. Carre Knighted Northamptons plot upon him The plot against Overbury S. W. B. Pr. Henry and Salisbury's death Ingram and Cranfield Projectors Mr. George Villiers a Favourite K. James his parting with Somerset * S. H. M. Somersets Tryall Buckinghams Message to Bacon Bacons Answer Buckinghams course to raise his kindred He is scorned The Prince goes into Spaine Cranfield accused in parliament
Northampton though a great Clerke yet not a wise man but the grossest Flatterer of the World and as Salisbury by his Wit so this by his Flattery raised himselfe yet one great motive to the raising all of that Name of Howards was the Duke of Norfolke suffering for the Queene of Scots the Kings Mother yet did Suffolke so farre get the start of Northampton that Northampton never after loved him but from the teeth outwards only had so much discretion as not to fall to actuall enmity to the over-throw of both and the weakning that faction Suffolk also using him with all submissive respect not for any love but hope of gaining his great estate and sharing it amongst his Children but Northamptons distaste was such by his losse of the Treasurers place which he had with such assurance promised to himselfe in his thoughts that except what he gave to Master Henry Howard the rest he gave to the Earl of Arundell who by his observance but more especially by giving Northampton all his Estate if he never returned from travell had wrought himselfe so far into his affections that he doted on him And now the principall managers of the English affaires were Salisbury Suffolke Northampton Buckhurst Egerton Lord Keeper Worcester and the Old Admirall For the Scots Sir George Hewme now Earle of Dunbar Secretary Elfeston after Earle of Balmerino and as wise a man as was in England or Scotland the Lord of Kinlosse a very honest but weak man You are now to observe that Salisbury had shaken off all that were great with him and of his Faction in Queene Elizabeths dayes as Sir Walter Rawleigh Sir George Carew the Lord Grey the Lord Cobham the three first very able men as the world had the last but one degree from a foole yet served their turnes better then a wiser man by his greatnesse with the Queen for they would put him on any thing and make him tell any Lye with as great confidence as a truth Three of these were utterly ruined as you shall heare in the following Discourse the fourth being a very wise man contented himselfe with a meane place that was worthy of a much greater and although very active formerly called to minde this saying Foelix quem faciunt c. and medled with no State businesse his wisdome fore-telling his Fate if he had done otherwise for he did see one better head-peece then his owne sit tottering at that time and fell off afterwards which made him think it was good sleeping in a whole skin The King no sooner came to London but notice was taken of a rising Favourite the first Meteor of that nature appearing in our climate as the King cast his eye upon him for affection so did all the Courtiers to adore him his name was Mr. James Hay a Gentleman that lived long in France and some say of the Scottish Guard to that King this Gentleman comming over to meet the King and share with him in his new Conquest according to the Scots phrase it should seeme had some former acquaintance with the then Leiger Embassadour in Scotland for the French King who comming with his Majesty into England presented this Gentleman as a well accomplished Gentleman to the King in such an high commendation as engendered a liking that produced a favourite in thankfull acknowledgement whereof he did him many faire offices for the present and comming afterwards an extraordinary Embassadour to our King made him the most sumptuous Feast at Essex house that ever was seene before never equalled since in which was such plenty and Fish of that immensity brought out of Muscovia that Dishes were made to containe them no Dishes in all England before could neare hold them and after that a costly Voydee and after that a Maske of choyse Noble-men and Gentlemen and after that a most costly and magnificent Banquet the King Lords and all the prime Gentlemen then about London being invited thither Truly he was a most compleat and well accomplished Gentleman modest and Court-like and of so faire a demeanour as made him be generally beloved and for his wisdome I shall give you but one character for all Hee was ever great with all the Favourites of his time and although the King did often change yet he was semper idem with the King and Favourites and got by both for although Favourites had that exorbitant power over the King to make him grace and disgrace whom they pleased yet he was out of their power and the only exception to that generall rule and for his gettings it was more then almost all the Favourites of his time which appeared in those vast expences of all sorts and had not the bounty of his minde exceeded his gettings he might have left the greatest estate that ever our age or climate had heard of he was indeed made for a Courtier who wholly studied his Master and understood him better then any other He was imployed in very many of the most weighty Affaires and sent with the most stately Embassies of our times which he performed with that wisdome and magnificence that he seemed an honour to his King and Country For his carriage in State-affaires he was termed by some Princes the Kings Juggler He married the Daughter and Heire of the Lord Denny after the Earl of Northumberlands daughter and was hated of none that ever I heard of but the Earle of Northampton who had no patience to see him being himselfe of so venemous and cankred a disposition that indeed he hated all men of noble parts nor loved any but Flatterers like himselfe yet it was a great question whether he hated the Earl of Carlisle or Sir Robert Mansell most by whom he hath been heard to say Body of God I will be content to be damned perpetually in Hell to be revenged of that proud Welshman and did so hate him that he kept an Inquisition on him seven yeares to prove that he had cousened the King of fourteen thousand pounds which at the seven yeares end at an hearing before the King the Lords the Queen and all the Ladies being present with all the gallantry of the Court ended in one paire of silke Stockins given by one for a New-yeares Gift to Master Wels Sir Robert Mansells Servant at which the King stood up and sware very deeply Doe you beleeve I will take a paire of silke Stockins for my fourteen thousand pounds give me that give me that is this all the fruit of seven yeares Commission at which words Sir Robert Mansell kneeled downe and said I will now Sir take all the faults they can charge my servant with upon my selfe at which the King was very angry that so noble a Gentleman who had so wel acquitted himselfe and Honour should intrust it in the keeping of a Servant at the end of all the Earle of Salisbury kneeled down and said Sir if you will suffer malice so farre to prevaile as to have your
honest Servants traduced to satisfie the humours of any I beseech you take my staffe for were my selfe and the Earl of Worcester here present put in the ballance against Sir Robert Mansell we should prove too light I am in a great Place and cannot say but by my selfe or servants I may faile yet not with our own wils therefore Sir if you wil suffer such inquisitions there will be no serving your Majesty in such places as I hold by your Majesties favour thus ended the Earle of Northamptons malice which only served to honour Sir Robert Mansell and make a scorne of himselfe and this only to make the venome of this Monster appear who did flatter the King and dissemble with God And now begin Embassadours to appeare from divers Princes the principall were Roney Duke of Sullice from the French King the Constable of Castile from the Spanish King the Count Arremberg from the Arch Duke the former came to congratulate only and desired the confirmation of the ancient amity betwixt the two Crownes the latter two about the establishing a firme peace betwixt these two Kingdomes that had lived in perpetuall Warre and hatred of each other by which it might appeare where the advantage of such a peace would fall by those that sought or rather bought it with an infinite masse of treasure prodigally cast about the English Court To bring these Embassadours over were appointed Sir Robert Mansell being Admirall of the narrow Seas and Sir Jerome Turner his Vice-Admirall the first commanded to attend at Graveling for the Spanish Embassadour the latter at Calis for the French but the French comming first and hearing the Vice-Admirall was to attend him the Admirall the other in a scorne put himselfe in a Passage-boat of Calis came forth with flagge in top instantly Sir Jerome Turner sent to know of the Admirall what he should doe Sir Robert Mansell sent him word to shoot and sinke him if he would not take in the flag this as it made the flag bee pulled in so a great complaint and 't was beleeved it would have undone Sir Robert Mansell the French Faction pressing it so home but he maintained the act and was the better beloved of his Master ever after to his dying day This makes it appeare how jealous old Commanders were of their owne honour and of their Masters and Kingdomes honours which since hath been so prodigally wasted as we are utterly bankerupt having spent our old Stock and have not bravery enough to erect a new The Constable of Castile so plyed his Masters businesse in which he spared for no cost that he procured a peace so advantageous for Spaine and so disadvantageous for England that it and all Christendome have since both seen and felt the lamentable effects thereof There was not one Courtier of note that tasted not of Spaines bounty either in Gold or Jewels and among them not any in so large a proportion as the Countesse of Suffolke who shared in her Lords interest being then a potent man and in that interest which she had in being Mistris to that little great Secretary little in body and stature but great in wit and policy the sole manager of State affaires so it may be said she was a double sharer and in truth Audley-end that famous and great structure had its foundation of Spanish Gold The King was a peaceable and merciful Prince yet God for some secret intent best known to himself laid the foundation of his reigne with the greatest mortality ever before heard of in this Kingdome by a fearefull Plague and some by that judged what his future reign would be yet their wisdomes failed for he was a King of mercy as well as peace never cruell yet surely it had some morall He was forced by that contagion to leave the Metropolis and goe into a by corner in Wiltshire Wilton the Earle of Pembrookes House in which time of his abode there a kinde of Treason brake forth but what it was as no man could then tell so it is left with so dark a Comment that posterity will never understand the Text or remember any such treason it is true some lost their lives yet the world was never satisfied of the justice and one of them and that the only marke of Tyranny upon this good Kings reigne executed many yeares after without all president and on my conscience without any just cause and even against that good Kings will who in many things was over-awed by his timorous disposition But the Spanish Faction and Spanish Gold betrayed his life as they had done the Kingdome before and I beleeve it was one of the greatest Master-peeces of that Embassadour to purchase Rawleighs head yet had not Bristol co-operated the King would never have consented and it may be he had his secret ends fearing his wisdome might once againe have raised him to have looked over Sherborne Castle once his owne and how unjustly taken from him God will one day judge I know not whether there be a curse on those that are owners of it as Fables report but I am confident there is a curse on Bristol for taking away his life I will not take upon me too farre to pry into Gods Arke yet what is like to befall him and hath already his Son as hopefull a Gentleman as any in the Kingdome may give some token of Gods anger against him and his family But because I will not leave you altogether blinde-folded I shall as neare as I can lead you to the discovery of this Treason which consisted of Protestants Puritans Papists and of an Atheist a strange medley you will say to meet in one and the same Treason and keepe counsell which surely they did because they knew not of any the Protestants were the Lord Cobham and George Brook his Brother the one very learned and wise the other a most silly Lord the Puritan the Lord Grey of VVilton a very hopefull Gentleman blasted in the very Bud the Papists VVatson and Clarke Priests and Parham a Gentleman the Atheist Sir Walter Rawleigh then generally so beleeved though after brought by affliction the best School-Mistris to be and so dyed a most religious Gentleman This Treason was compounded of strange ingredients and more strange then true it was very true most of these were discontented to see Salisbury their old friend so high to trample on them that before had been his chiefe supporters and being ever of his faction now neglected and contemned it was then beleeved an errand trick of State to over-throw some and disable others knowing their strong abilities might otherwise live to over-throw Salisbury for they were intimate in all his secret Councels for the ruine of Essex especially Rawleigh Grey and Cobham though the latter was a foole yet had been very usefull to them as the Toole in the hand of the Workman and to have singled out these without some Priests which were Traytors by the Law had smelt
cast into his Privy they destaining the very Dishes This continued long the Earle often sending to visit Overbury assuring him he did not forget his release which would not be long deferred wherein most men did verily beleeve he meant both nobly and truly though others conjectured his meaning was a dissolution At last the Countesse sent for Weston reviling him and calling him Treacherous Villaine for had he given those things sent Overbury had not been now alive vowing she would be revenged on him upon the very fear whereof he then gave those poysons after sent without acquainting the Lieutenant yet for all this schooling of Weston and his assurance given of his future fidelity to the Countesse she would not trust him single any more but put another Co-adjutor to him one Franklin a verier Villain then Weston and truly they themselves may be deemed very ill that could seek out such wicked instruments These two Villains out of a desire to see the successe of their hellish imployment comming shortly after it into Overburyes chamber found him in infinite torment with contention between the strength of Nature and the working of the Poyson and it being very like Nature had gotten the better in that contention by the thrusting out of boyls botches and blains they fearing it might come to light upon the judgement of Phisitians that foul play had been offered him consented to stifle him with the Bed-cloathes which accordingly was performed and so ended he his miserable life with the assurance of the Conspirators that he dyed by poyson none thinking much lesse knowing otherwise but these two Murtherers Now was all as they beleeved quiet and in the depth of security and the Earl and Countesse began to carry their loves more openly and impudently But they understanding that the world did talke very loudly and broadly of this adulterous meeting it must from that ground proceed to an adulterous Marriage as well to the wronging a young Noble man as to the dishonour and shame of themselves But they must needs goe whom the Devill drives yet know they not how and somely to effect this but by making the King a Party in this bawdy businesse which was no hard matter to effect for the Kings eye began to wander after a new Favourite being satiated with the old therefore for the bringing this bawdery to a marriage the Bishops must be principall actors as I know not in what bad action they would not be lookerson and the Bishop of Winchester an excellent Civilian and a very great Scholler must be the principal for which his Son was Knighted and will never lose that by-title of Sir Nullity Bilson For by a nullity of the first Marriage must the second take place For the canvasing whereof there were many meetings of the Bishops and the prime Civillians in which there wanted no bribes from the Lord Lady and their Friends to have this nullity brought to passe wherein the discourse would have better befitted the mouths of Bawds and Ruffians then the grave Divines among them Bishop Neal then Bishop of Rochester a Creature and Favourite of the house of Suffolke took up a learned discourse in the Science of Bawdery how many degrees in that Science must produce a Nullity wherein were so many beastly expressions as for modesty sake I will not recite them being offensive to my very thoughts and memory Aristotles Problemes was a modest discourse to his and he appeared to be better studied in that then in Divinity and to wind up his learned Discourse concluded all those met in this Lord meaning Essex and this Lady The Arch-Bishop of Canterbury Abbot to his everlasting fame mainly opposed all the proceedings and protested against them for which he ever after lived in disgrace excluded from the Councell Table and dyed in the disgrace of the King on Earth though in favour with the King of Kings Yet forsooth to make up the ful measure of Bawdery and to justifie Neales Discourse that all things in the former Marriage conduced to a nullity a search must be made to finde whether there had been a penetration and a Jury of grave Matrons were found fit for that purpose with their Spectacles ground to lessen not to make the letter larger who after their inspection gave their false verdict that she was intacta virgo which was thought very strange for the World tooke notice that her way was very neare beaten so plaine as by regia via and in truth so it was and a way more common than that before Somerset did ever travell that way besides the World tooke notice they two had long lived in Adultery yet had this old Kettle a trick for that also The Lady of Essex for modesty sake makes humble suit to the reverend bawdy Bishops who were also plotters in this stratagem that she might not appeare bare-faced for blushing but desired to come vailed with a Taffity over her face this by all meanes was thought so reasonable for a pretty modest Lady that the bawdy Bishops and pur-blinde Ladies which had forgotten modesty themselves could not thinke it worthy the deniall one Mistris Fines neare Kinswoman to old Kettle was dressed up in the Countesses Cloathes at that time too young to bee other then virgo intacta though within two yeares after had the old Ladyes made their inspection the orifice would not have appeared so small to have delivered such a verdict as they did and a just one upon their views though upon some of their knowledges it was not that Lady they were to give verdict upon if any make doubt of the truth of this Story the Author delivers upon the reputation of a Gentleman he had it verbatim from a Knight otherwise of much Honour though the very dependency on that Family may question it which did usher the Lady into the place of inspection and hath told it often to his friends in mirth Now is the Nullity pronounced and the Marriage with Somerset with speed solemnized for which they and the whole Family of Suffolke paid deare in after time and had sowre sauce to that sweet meat of their great Son in Law And surely he was the most unfortunate man in that marriage being as generally beloved for himselfe and disposition as hated afterwards for his linking himselfe in that Family for in all the time of this mans favour before this Marriage he did nothing obnoxious to the State or any base thing for his private gaine but whether it was his owne nature that curbed him or that there was then a brave Prince living and a noble Queene that did awe him we cannot so easily judge because after this Marriage and their death he did many very ill things In this Favourites flourishing time came over the Palsgrave to marry our Kings Daughter which for the present gave much content and with the generall applause yet it proved a most unfortunate Match to him and his Posterity and all Christendome for his
Cranfield that was the Projector and never could get higher then that title in Somersets time now marrying one of Buckinghams kindred attained one of the highest Titles in the Kingdome so that it was now generally said that for pride and basenesse these two greaâ— places were never so suited both of meane birth both proud only the one an excellent Scholler and of great parts the other nothing but a pack of ignorance sodered together with impudence to raise him besides his marriage in the lusty kindred This Cranfield was a fellow of so meane a condition as none but a poore spirited Nobility would have endured his perching on that high Tree of honour to the dishonour of the Nobility the disgrace of the Gentry and not long after to his owne dishonour who was thrust out of the Lords House with this censure that Thou Lionell Earle of Middlesex shalt never sit or have voice more in this House of Peeres and shalt pay for a fine to our Soveraigne Lord the King 20000. l. leaving him still to over-top the Gentry The Bishops kept him also from degrading which I doe verily beleeve is one cause the Gentry will degrade them The Spanish Match having been long in Treaty and it being suspected now that the Spaniard did juggle with the State in this as they formerly did in a Match with that brave Prince Henry and in truth in all other things wherein any negotiation had been only feeding the King with faire hopes and faire words yet foule deeds Whether the King suspected any such matter or any whimsey came in the braine of this great Favourite and Prince to imitate the old stories of the Knights Erland but agreed it was it should seeme between the Favourite and the Prince only no one other so much as dreaming of any such adventure except Cottington that the Prince must goe himselfe into Spaine away they went under the borrowed names of Jack and Tom Smith to the amazement of all wise men only accompanied with Cottington and some one or two more at most taking their way by France they had the Ports laid so that none should follow them or give any notice to the French Court till they might get the start c. yet their wisdomes made them adventure to stay in the French Court and looke on that Lady whom he after married and there did this Mars imitate one of Prince Arthurs Knights in seeking adventures through forraigne Princes territories First beheld this French beauty Mars vidit visamque cupit potiturque cupita as in our discourse will afterward appear from thence away to Spaine but as the Journey was only plotted by young heads so it was so childishly carried that they escaped the French Kings Curriers very narrowly but escape they did and arrived safely in Spaine their wished Port before either welcome or expected by our Embassadors or that State Yet now must the best face bee put on at all hands that put their Grandees to new shifts and our Embassadour the Earl of Bristoll to try his wit for at that time was Sir Walter Aston also Embassador at Spaine in all occurrences Aston complyed with the Prince and Duke Bristol ran counter and the Duke and Bristol hated each other mortally Bristol had the advantage of them there as having the much better head-peice and being more conversant and dear with that State wholly complying with them and surely had done them very acceptable services and in this very Treaty was of the pack Buckingham had the advantage of him in England although the King did now hate Buckingham yet was so awed that hee durst not discover it Then Buckingham had all interest in his Successor by this journy so that he laid a present and future foundation of his succeeding greatnesse For all his power and greatnesse Bristoll did not forbeare to put all scornes affronts and tricks on him and Buckingham lay so open as gave the other advantage enough by his lascivious carriage and miscarriage Amongst all his tricks hee playes one so cunningly that it cost him all the hair on his head and put him to the dyet for it should seem hee made court to Conde Olivares wife a very handsom Lady But it was so plotted betwixt the Lady her Husband and Bristol that instead of that beauty he had a notorious Sâ—ewsbird sent him and surely by reason of his said loose and vicious disposition had ever the Match been really intended for our Prince yet such a Companion or Guardian was enough to have made that wary Nation beleeve that hee had also been that way addicted and so have frustrated the Marriage that being a grave and sober people now especially when conversed with by such great forraign ghests but they wel observed the Prince himselfe to be of an extraordinary well staied temper But now many Lords flockt over and many Servants that he might appear the Prince of England and like himselfe though hee came thither like a private person many Treaties were sometimes hope sometimes dispair sometimes great assurance then all dasht againe and however his entertainment was as great as possible that State could afford yet was his addresses to and with the Lady such as rendred him meane and a private person rather then a Prince of that State that formerly had made Spaine feel the weight of their anger and power and was like a Servant not a Suitor for he never was admitted but to stand bare-head in her presence nor to talke with her but in a full audience with much company At last after many heats and cooles many hopes and despaires the Prince wrote a letter to his Father of a desperate despaire not only of not injoying his Lady but of never more returning with this passage You must now Sir look upon my Sister and her children forgetting ever you had such a Son and never thinking more of me Now the folly of this voyage plotted only by green heads began to appear many shewing much sorrow many smiling at their sollies and in truth glad in their hearts and however the King was a cunning dissembler and shewed much outward sorrow as he did for Prince Henryes death yet something was discerned which made his Court beleeve little greife came neare his heart for that hatred he bare to Buckingham long as being satiated with him and his adoring the rising Sunne not looking after the Sunne setting made the world beleeve hee would thinke it no ill bargaine to lose his Son so Buckingham might bee lost also for had he not been weary of Buckingham he would never have adventured him in such a journey all his Courtiers knew that very well And for a further illustration of his wearinesse of Buckingham It appeared in the Parliament before when the King gave so much way to his ruine that Buckingham challenged him that hee did seeke his ruine and being generally held as a lost man the King to make it appeare it was not so although as
imprecations for their reliefe and assistance wherein they put some confidence was meerly betrayed by him insomuch that when the Rochel Agents found themselves abused through their whole yeares attendance they left this bitter jeere upon him that now they could rightly call England the Land of Promise He seldome loved any but to serve his turne and would himselfe serve a turne to doe any mischiefe as was to be seene by his saying Amen to every full point of Buckinghams Accusation in the face of the Parliament against Bristol for his miscarriage in Spaine when it appeared by Bristols defence in Publick before the face of that same Parliament that there was not scarce one syllable had any truth in it who also freely put himself upon the Test that if there were any truth in that combined Accusation against him he would yeeld himselfe guilty of it all He was of a very poore spirit which may be conceived amongst other things by his making Buckingham his Privado after he came to the Crown otherwise would he never have forgotten those unsufferable insolencies offered him being Prince what they were you have already heard His Predecessor Henry the fifth and so his brother Henry would have instructed him otherwise for although its true noble mindes should forget injuries so as not to revenge them yet so as not to countenance the doers of them especially to take them into so much nearnesse and dearnesse as he did him after those two proud affronts which argued in him as I said before a poore and ignoble spirit He had all his Kingdomes left in peace and tranquility by his Father which he soone after made a shift to distemper by a foolish Warre upon France and Spaine and by a more foolish conduct of either ignorant unexperienced or cowardly Commanders And in truth if you will give credit to Vox populi the Booke so called written by one Scot they were suitable to the grounds of such Quarrels being no fairer than the satisfying the beastly appetite of his Favourite who must be reveng'd forsooth upon those States In which I admire Gods Justice that he who unjustly made War upon unwarrantable grounds should have Warre thus brought home unto him so that now God hath given him the same measure he hath met to others even full pressed down and running over I wish I may have a time to give him a fairer Character when he is dead then are my observations in his life but I may rather wish then hope in that course he yet continues Certaine observations before Queene Elizabeths death I Cannot but admire Gods Providence in bringing Peace when nothing was thought of but War and now bringing a cruell Warre when nothing could be expected but peace Peace with all forraigne Estates peace at Home Not long before the death of Queene Elizabeth all the discourse was in a secret whispering on whom the Succession would fall some said the Lady Arabella some the King of Scotland and reason given pro and con on both sides they who were for her saying the Lady Arabella was a Native and a Maid and that this Kingdome never flourished more then under a Maidens Reigne Others for the Scot said that the King of Scots was more neare to the Crowne by descent farther off say others as being a Stranger and that Nation ever in Hostility against us Nor did the King himselfe beleeve he should have come in with a sheathed Sword which appeared by that Letter he produced of the Earle of Northumberlands that if he made any doubt hereof he would bring him forty thousand Catholicks should conduct him into England But the Queene dyed the King comes in peaceably even to the admiration of all Forraigne Princes and to the gnashing of their teeth but the reason was they had lived in obedience under a just Sovereigne who was wont ever to say when any great man had opprest a poore Gentleman that Petitioned her for redresse against such oppression when all the great Lords and Officers would hold together to support the Suppressor and trample upon the oppressed My Lords quoth she content you I am Queene of the Valleys as well as of the Hills and I must not suffer the Hills to ore-top nor yet to over-shade the Valleys A worthy saying which if it had been imitated by her Successors these our miseries had never happened but I say and this is it I now drive at her Justice made her Subjects to beleeve there could be no injustice in Monarchy and that was it did facilitate the Kings peaceable entrance In that tranquility did the Kingdome continue all his dayes and about fifteen yeares of his Sons Reign when behold there was nothing but jollity in the Court as if saying to themselves Who dares molest us the King having now a plentifull Issue for let me tell you the Kings Issue made Him and his Courtiers the more to trample on the country Gentry But behold when nothing but peace peace sudden destruction came on them and us unawares and God sends such a War as no man could dreame of Now the corollary of all is this the high injustice of Church and State was the cause of this Warre And O may not the continuing of that in any other Government prove the continuance of this war there being a farre greater appearance of the continuance thereof then ever there was of the beginning But Gods will be done The Contents QVeene Elizabeth died at Richmond house on March 24 1602. page 1 2â— The first that carryed newes thereof into Scotland was Sir Rob. Carew who was afterward made Governor of the Kings then second Son Charles Duke of York p. 2 3â— The first man imployed from Scotland to the English Nobility for preparations of the Kings comming into England was Sir Roger Aston p. 4â— He was afterwards made from the Kings Barbar 〈◊〉 gentleman of his Bed-Chamber p. 6â— The Kings Favourites 1 Sir George Hewme a kind of Favourite for having been of some secret councels with the King whilsâ— in Scotland the cheife of which was that of Gourieâ— Conspiracy p. 7 8â— 2 Sir Robert Cicill a Favourite p. 9â— His il offices he did this Nation p. 1â— His Herodian disease and end p. 1â— 3 4. Hen Howard Tho. Howard Favorites p. 1â— The principall managers of the State affaires in Englanâ— then were Salisbury Suffolke c. p. 1â— 5 Mr. James Hay an high Favourite c. See his riâ— c. p. 17 18 1â— Passages concerning Sir Walter Rawleigh p. 27 â— A notable discovery made by Sir Rob. Mansel of a Spaniards stealing plate which cleared the false imputation laid by them on the English p. 40. c. The King easily perswaâ—ed to retire himselfe by those Managers of the State of which Salisbury was the cheif p. 46 47 48 Secretary Lake p. 49 c. Salisbury Suffolk Northampton great getters more then the whole bunch of the Scots Dunbar excepted p. 54 Kelly Annandale