infensible diseases as Apoplexies whose vapors suddainly extinguish the animal spirits and Aposthumes both in the upper and middle Region of man that often drown and suffocate both the animal and vital who are like embodied Twins the one cannot subsist without the other If the animal wits fail the vital cannot subsist if the vitals perish the animals give over their operation and he that judgeth ill of such an act of Providence may have the same hand at the same time writing within the Palace-walls of his own body the same period to his lives Earthly â—â—pire His posterity refused an Apology offered in his behalf upon this ground that the things objected to him were of the number of those little Cavils which come with that rule not holding in great accusations Spreta exolescunt sâ— irascare agnita videntur The End of the Observations upon the Lives of the Statesmen and Favourites of England in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth THE STATES-MEN and FAVOURITES OF ENGLAND IN The Reign of King Iames. Observations on the Lives of the Cliffords Earls of Cumberland THE name hath been for three Ages ancient and Noble and in this last Age Warlike and serviceable They had the government of the Nâ—rth in their own right for an hundred years and the Hereditary Sheriff-dom of Westmoâ—land in right of the Vipâ—nts their Relations for two Henry the first Earl of Cumberland was raised by Henry the Eighth to that Honour 1525 for his service at Teurnay and Berwick Henry his son was by Queen Mary honoured with the Garteâ— for his conduct against Wyat and by Queen Eâ—iz graced with peculiar favours for his Industry Integrity and Vigilance in the North. As Natuâ—e â—o Nobility subsists and growes by the same thing that it is made of Vertue that creates supports it Observations on the Life of the Lord George Clifford GEorge Cliffâ—rd Lord Clifford Vescye c. Earl of Cumberland was son to Henry second Earl of that Family by his second Lady a person wholly composed of true honour and valour whereof he gave the world a large and clear demonstration It was resolved by the judicious in that Age The way to humble the Spanish greatness was not in pinching and pricking of him in the Low-Countries which only emptied his veins of such blood as was quickly re-filled But the way to make it a Cripple for ever was by cutting off the Spanish sinews of War his Monies from the West-Indies the back-door robs the house In order whereunto this Earl set forth a small Fleet on his own cost and adventured his own person therein being the best born Englishman that ever hazarded himself in that kinde His Fleet may be said to be bound for no other Harbour but the Port of Honour though touching at the Port of Profit in passage thereunto I say touching whose design was not to enrich himself but impoverish the Enemy He was as merciful as valiant the best metal bends best and left impressions of both in all places where he came Queen Eliz. Anno 1592. honoured him with the dignity of the Garter When King Iames came first out of Scotland to York he attended him with such an equipage of Followers for number and habit that he seemed rather a King than Earl of Cumberland Here happened a Contest between the Earl and the Lord President of the North about carrying the Sword before the King in York which Office upon due search and enquiry was adjudged to the Earl as belonging unto him and whilest Clifford's Tower is standing in York that Family will never be therein forgotten His Anagram was as really as literally true Georgius Cliffordius Cumberlandius Davidis regno clarus cum vi fulgebis He died Anno 1605. leaving one Daughter and Heir the Lady Anne married to the Earl of Dorset This noble person taught the world however others speak at pleasure jussit quod splendida bilis That the Art of making War hath not a positive form and that it ought to be diversified according to the state of Occurrences They that will commit nothing to Fortune nor undertake any Enterprize whose event appeareth not infallible escape many dangers by their wary conduct but fail of as many successes by their unactive fearfulness It 's useless to be too wise and spend that time in a grave gaze on business that might serve the speedy dispatch of it Neither was our Peer great onely in the atchievements of the Field to please higher spirits but gaudy at Court to astonish and ravish the lowest making noble expences when necessary and appearing splendid on the important occasions whose principal quality resided in Magnificence Yet was he not transported with these appearances or to make them the greatest ornament of his conduct the choicest expressions of his life fixing neither his greatness upon a transitory Pageant nor his glory upon a fading Pomp. No sullen opposer of the unavoidable occurrences of life but a dexterous complier with present exigencies comparing those that swelled doggedly against Providence or the present state of affairs to King Canutus who forbad the unobservant waves of the Sea to flow no higher and they that repined at and spoke against it to Xerxes who whipped the Hellespont Observations on the Life of Sir tho-Tho-Smith SIr Thomas Smith was born at Abington in Bark-shire bred in the University of Oxford God and himself raised him to the Eminency he attained unto unbefriended with any extraction He may seem to have had an ingenious emulation of Sir Thomas Smith Senior Secretary of State whom he imitated in many good qualities and had no doubt equalledâ—in preferment if not prevented by death He attained onely to be Master of the Requests and Secretary to King Iames for his Latine Letters higher places expecting him when a period was put at once to his life and to his hopes Novemb. 28. 1609. The generous piety of the honourable Countess of Exeter having erected him one Monument at Fulham his own worth another in History His Father died when he was yet so young that he knew not what a Father meant but his Mothers affection for her Husband dyed not with him whereupon she multiplyed her cares on this Gentleman and her other Children so abundantly that a long while he little found the want of that dear name her transcendent love so well supplying the place of both relations For no sooner was he fit to learn than she did by friends procure the best Mâ—sters those Times afforded to render his education perfeâ—t in those exercises as well of the mind as of the body wherein they that flattered him not would say he was no ill Proficient such majesty such modesty in his carriage that men would admire how two such distant things could meet in one subject His eye was quick and piercing his shape and motion charming the air and lineaments of his countenance lively arguments that his soul was not inferiour to his body but that the one promised no more
There remains but little of the first in his Majesties hands so honourable was he in restoring it and as little in his Successors so religious and just were they in resigning it to the same use for substance to which it was at first designed But in vain it is to reform Laws unless we reform persons too therefore as he sent Orders to reduce the Irish Nobility in their several Countâ—ies so he sent for themselves to the respective Houses built for them by his Majesty near Dublin to be civilized in the Court Caesar came saw and overcame Sir Anthony came saw and setled A man had thought there had not been so much corâ—uption in the Romish Church as to admit Children to Church-Livings for which Men are hardly sâ—fficient but that Sir Anthony St. Leiger was forced to make this Law That no Children should be admitted to Benefices We had not known this sin had not the Law said You shall not invest any under sixteen years of age in Benefices The Clergy he found there too many and the Nobility too few he lâ—ssened the number of the one to weaken the Pope and improved the other to strengthen his Master of whom they held not only their Estates but their Baronies too as obliged to duty in point of Honour as well as in point of Interest But in vain doth he civilize the present Generation and neglect the future as therefore he provided Cities for the Parents so he erected Schools for the Children that the one might forget their Barbaâ—ism and the other never know it Three things he said would settle a State 1. Good God-fathers and God-mothers performing their Vows 2. Good Housholders overlooking their Families 3. And good School-masters educating Youth this last the most useful though the most contemptible profession All War was mischievous to learning Arts as well as Laws being suppressed by armes the Muses Lawrel is no security to them against Mars his Thunder except Sr. Anthonies no mans Library being embezled no mans study interrupted reserving learning for the Civilizing of that Nation which his armes had Conquered An Athenian being asked what God was said He was neither Bow-man nor Horse-man nor Pikeman nor Footman but one that knew how to command all these Sir Anthony St. Leiger was neither Souldier nor Scholar nor Statesman yet he understood the way how to dispose of all these to his Countries service and his Masters honour being all of them eminently though none of them pedantickly and formally in himself The Athenians as Anaximander said had good Laws but used them ill our Deputy had bad Laws but governed by good It was thought by many wise men that the preposterous rigour and unreasonable severity which some men carried there before him was not the least incentive that kindled and blew up into horrid flames the sparks of discontent which wanted not pre-disposed fuel in that place where despair was added to their former discontents and the fears of utter extirpation to their wonted oppressions It is too easie to provoke a people too prone to break out to all exorbitant violence both by some principles of their Religion and their natural desires of Liberty both to exempt themselveâ— from their present restraints and prevent after-rigours wherefore he was inclined to that charitable connivence and Christian indulgence which often dissipates their strength whom rougher opposition fortifieth and puts the oppressed Parties into such Combinations as may most enable them to get a full revenge on those they count their Persecutors who are commonly assisted by that vulgar commiseration which attends all that are said to suffer for Religion or Liberty To conclude this Four things Sir Anthony St. Leiger was eminent for 1. That there was none more grave in Council than he in the morning none more free at Table at noon none more active in the after-noon none more merry at night 2. That his Orders were made but slowly so wary he was but executed quickly so resolute he was too 3. That he contrived all his Designs so well beâ—orehand that in the course of affairs they were done to his hand and he was the Deputy that made no noise 4. That as the Souldier finding his fiâ—st admission to Alexander to be difficult danced about the Court in an Antique fashion until the strangenesâ— of the shew made the King himself Spectator and then throwing off his disguise he said Sir thus I first arrive at the notice of your Majesty in the fashion of a fool but can do you service in the place of a wise man if you please to employ me So this Gentleman came to Court a Swaggerer but went off a Statesman All Prudence is not lodged under a demure look and an austere carriage There are those that can be merry and wise whose Spirit is as lively as their Judgment solid And it s no better a Character of a wise man than it was a definition of a man which Plato made and Diogenes by shewing a deplumed Cock derided that he is a living Creature that hath two feet i. e. a grave staid carriage without feathers i. e. a nimble fancy His onely â—ault was that he was a particular instance of that general rule Qui pauca considerat facile pronunciat Observations on the Life of Sir Ralph Sadler SIr Ralph Sadler was born at Hackney in Middlesex where he was Heir to a fair Inheritance and servant to the Lord Cromwel and by him advanced into the service of King Henry the VIII who made him chief Secretary of State He was one that had much knowledg therefore much imployed in all but especially in the Intrigues of the Scots affâ—irs In the Battel of Muscleborow he ordered and brought up our scattered Troops inviting them to fight by his own Example and for his Valour was made Knight Banneret Qâ—een Elizabeth made him Chancellour of the Dutchy During his last Embassie in Scotland his house aâ— Standon in Hertfordshire was built by his Steward in his absence far greater than himself desired so that he never joyed therein and died soon after Anno 1587 in the 80 year of his Age. King Henry understood two things 1. A Man 2. A Dish of Meat and was seldom deceived in either For a Man none more compleat then Sir Ralph who was at once a most exquisite Writer and a most valiant and experienced Souldier qualifications that seldom meet so great is the distance between the Sword and the Pen the Coat of Mail and the Gown yet divided this man and his time his nights being devoted to contemplation and his days to action Little was his Body but great his Soul the more vigorous the more contracted Quick and clear were his thoughts speedy and resolute his performances It was he that could not endure the spending of that time in designing one action which might perform two or that delay in performing two that might have designed twenty A great Estate he got honestly and spent nobly knowing
an Emperour it was more none was dismissed ever in discontent from Sir William Paget a Secretary of State The King was not happier in his abilities to serve him than he was in their dexterity who waited upon him These are my eyes saith the discreet man these are my right hands For his service he would chuse a Man before a Scholar a Traveller before a Home-bred Parts he preferred in his Office a Presence in his Chamber Parts and Presence in the Closet Beecher was King Henry the Eighth his Map of England so well skilled he was in our English Customs Trade Improvements Situation Interest and Inclination Paget was his Table of Germany France and Rome so exact an account could he give of their Situation Havens Forts Passages Provision Policies Revenue and Strength secured he was in King Henry's changeable times by his forein Travels and Employments Escape he did King Edward's Reformation by his Moderation and peaceableness He complied with Queen Mary's Zeal out of conscience and submitted to Queen Elizabeth's Authority out of Duty and Allegiance being one of those moderate men that looked upon the Protestants primitive Foundations of Faith Duty and Devotion as safe and on the Papists superstructures as not damnable Whose life was Grotius and Cassander's Wish An Accommodation to the Christian World Privacy is the Favourites Inâ—erest and concealment his â—are Sir William wished for success for his Masters sake but dissembled it for his own He is the man that loseth neither his Privacy nor his Reputation Quiet was his temper though noble his resolution Troublesome is a witty man on a stage as a Monkey in a cup-board of glass Placed sweet and composed is the prudent Man like an Intelligence in the Heavens or a god in the World Up he went but by just degrees that if down he must he might do so with the same leasure and safety When he had managed the Secrets and Negotiations of Henry the Eighth with Dexterity and Faithfulness the Lands of King Edward the Sixth with Skill and Improvement the Purses of Queen Mary Qâ—een Elizabeth with good Husbandry and Caâ—e When he had lived enough to his Countries to his Sovereigns to his Friends and the Publique Good he retired to live to Himself first and then to his GOD. Observations on the Life of Sir Richard Morisin SIr Richard Morisin born in Essex or in Oxfordshire was brought up at Eaton Cambridge and Inns of Court He was so skilful in Latine and Greek and in the Common and Civil Law that he was often employed Embassador by King Henry the VIII and Edward the VI unto Charles the Fifth Emperour and other Princes of Germany which he dischargeâ— with all honesty and ability After the death of King Edward the VI he was forced to fly beyond the Seas and returning out of Italy died at Strasburgh on the 17. of March 1556. Three things made a compleat man in those days 1. A publick School where their School-fellows Genius's instruct much more tâ—an their School-masters pains where a man attains at once to Learning Prudence and a Spirit 2. A comprehensive insight into Tongues and Sciences by the first whereof they unlocked Men and by the second Things â— 3 Travel where they saw what they read and made that a solid apprehension and observation which was before but a fluid notion and a floating imagination Our Knight was happy in all Three but so compleat in the last that he had the Virtues and Port of a German as if he had been a Native of that place and loathed the Vices as if he had never seen it Thereby he could get so far within that people that he saw all their Intrigues and be yet so reserved that they could see nothing The ablest German Divines guided his conscience and the greatest Statesmen his Negotiation He kept under the Emperour by the Princes the French by the Emperour and the Pope by them all So much service did the good Knight to King Henry the Eighth in his Wise Katharine's Case and so much the whole Kingdom in that of Religion that he equally fled Qâ—een Mary's wrath and her Religious Persecutions His strong paâ—ts set off his comprehensive knowledge his resolute spirit his parts and his presence and mode all King Henry always chusing an Embassador that might represent his Person as well as his power And Sir Richard had his Hegh in Germany as well as Henry in England His knack was his foresight which made that an Adviso in England which was hardly a known design there saying usually His Master maintained not Embassadors so much to write Histories as Prophecies The Trejans sent to condole with Caesar for his Son that was dead two years ago he thanked them and condoled with them for Hector that was slain as many hundred years Our Embassador in France adviseth Sir Richard of a Battel fought a Week before and he in answer makes a large discourse of the Battel of Spurs fought many years before and adds I and You are not here to tell old stories Two things he said he was troubled with Envy and Malice and two Remedies he had against them Patience and Resolution Always he wheeled with the first Mover yet he had private motions of his own Singular but modest So faithful he was that he would dâ—clare his Opinion yet so wary that he would not stand in it against his Prince knowing that if he did it out of prudence he rendered the Princes Ability suspected if out of his own sagacity it blemished his Integrity Both equal inconveniencies to intimate the Master Unable or the Servant Corrupt When others pressed for an over-strict Reformatiâ—n this Gentleman urged That Distempers in the Body and State are reduced by Physicians and Politicians not to what they should be but to what they can be Freedom Moderation and Impartiality are the best tempers of Reforming Counsels and Endeavours What is acted singularly must offend more than it pleaseth a study to gratify some men being a likely way to injure all The novelty of excessive and immoderate undertakings giving not so much content to the vulgar of a present Age as the mischiefs of them give offense to the Generations of future times And Melancthon's discourse to him was to this purpose That the Reformation of hearts should go before that of Churches and men should try that on their own hearts which they design upon the Church For Deformities within will soon betray the Pretenders of publique Reformation to such private designs as must needs hinder the publique Good It would be an easie matter for Favouâ—iâ—es to reform Kings Palaces saith Malvezzi if it were not a hard thing to reform their own houses One asked him Why his Embassie tended so much more to preserve his Masters Dominions than to augment them And he replyed what is fathered on Henry the Fourth That getting is a Chance but Keeping is a Wit After a long reâ—idence abroad he thought of
character and commendation of my Lord Bacon the Settling and the Peaceable such as Edward the VI in whose Reign he was advaâ—ced and Queen Elizabeth in whose Reign he was restored It was in pursuance of King Henry's Statute that he cloâ—ed with King Edward's Will For this Clause he pâ—oduced for himself Provided That if the Lady Mary do not keep nor perform such Conditions which shall be limited and appointed as aforesaid that then and from thenceforth for lack of Heirs of the Kings Body and the said Lord Prince lawfully begotten the said Imperiâ—l Crown and other the Premisses shall be come and remain to sucâ— Person and Persons and of such Estate and Estates as the Kings Highness by his Letters Patents sealed under His Great Seal or by His last Will in Writing signed with His Hand shall limiâ— and appoint Isocrates was a man of an excellent Wit but finding himself destitute of countenance gesture and confidence he never durst speak in publick contenting himself to teach even to his decrepit days and commonly saying He taught Rhetorique for a thousand Ryals but would give more tâ—an ten thousand to him that would teach him confidence Tâ—is Marqâ—eâ—s brought up many a Courtier yet had not the face to be One himself until Queen Elizabeth who balanced her Council in point of Religion in the beginning of her Reign aâ— she did her Court in point of Interest throughout threatned him to the Câ—uncil-Board first and then to her Cabinet where none more secret to keep counsel none more faithful to gâ—ve it and more modest to submit A sincere plain direct man noâ— crafty nor involved Observations on the Life of Sir John Cheek SIr Iohn Cheek born over against the Market-Cross in Cambridge became Tuâ—or to King Edward the Sixth and Secretary of State Not â—o meanâ—y descended as Sir Iohn Heyward pretends who writes him The Son of his own Deserts being a Bâ—anch of the Cheeks of Moston in the Isle of Wight where their Estate was â—hree hundred pound a year three hundred years ago and no more within this thiâ—ty years happy in his Father Mr. Peter Cheek whose first tuiâ—ion seasoned him happier in his good Mother that grave Matron whose good counsel Christian charge when he was going to Court setâ—led him and happiest of all in the place of his birth where he fell from his Mothers VVomb to the Muses Lap and learned as soon as he lived being a Scholar sooner than he was a man A German had the care of his younger studies and a Frenchman of his carriage his parâ—s being too large to be confined to the narrowness of English Rules and too sprightly to attend the â—edioâ—sness and creep by the compass of an English method The same day was he and Mr. Ascham admitted to St. Iohns and the same week to Court the one to the Tuition oâ— Edward the sixth the other of Queen Elizabeth there they were both happy in their Master Doctor Metcalf who though he could not as Themistocles said fiddle yet he could make a liâ—tle Colâ—edge a great one and breed Scholars thâ—ugh he was none His advice deterred them from the rough Learning of the Modern Schoolmen and their own Genius led them to the more polite studies of the antient Orators and Historians wherein they profiâ—ed so well that the one was the copious Orator the other the Greek Professor of that University A contest began now between the Introducers of the New and the Defenders of the Old Pronunciation of the Greek the former endeavoured to give each Leâ—ter Vowel and Diphthong its full sound whilst Doctor Caius and others of the Old stamp cried out against his Project and the Promoters of it taxing It â—or novelty and Them for want of experience and affirming Greek it self to be barbarous so clownishly utâ—ered and that neither France Germany nor Italy owned any such Pronunciation Iohn Cheek and Thomas Smith maintained that this was no Innovation but the antient utterance of Greek most clear and most full Chancellour Gardiner then interposed against the Pronunciation and the Authors of it But custom hath since prevailed for the use of the one and the due commendation of the other Sir Iohn Cheek's Authors were Isocrates and Thucydides his Auditors the youngest that came thither for Language and the oldest that heard him for his Discourse and Policy The one preferred him to the ample Provostship of Kings the other to the great tâ—ust of Secretary of State Prince Edward studied not his Book more sedulously than he studied him that his Rules might comply with his Inclination his Lectures with his temper Lectures that were rather Discourses instilled to him Majestically as a Prince than Lessons beaten into him pedantiquely as a School-boy The wise Man would not be debasing his Royal Pupils mind with the nauseated and low crumbs of a Pedant but ennobling it with the free and high Maximes of a States-man sugaring the more austere parts of Learning with the pleasures of Poetry Discourse Apologues and so deceiving the Royal Youth to an improvement before his own years and others comprehension His very Recreations were useful and his Series of lighter exercises for he observed a method in them too a constant study his Table his School his Meat his Discipline the industrious Tutor filling up each space of his time with its suitable instruction it being his Maxime That Time and Observation were the best Masters and Exercise the bâ—st Tutor While others doated over their Rules his Pupils practised them no day passing without his Letters to the King as that Literae meae unum semper habet Argumentum Rex Nobilissime Pater Illustrissime hoc est in omnibus Epistolis ago tâ—bi graâ—ias c. or to the Queen as that Quod non ad te jamdiu scriberoni in causa fuit non negligentia sed studium non â—nim hoc feci ut nunquam omnino scriberem sed accuratius scriberem c. I have two Tutors said King Edward to Cardan Diligence and Moderation Sir Jo. Cheeke and Doctor Coxe So exact an account he gave Prince Edward of his Fathers Kingdome and its Interest that King Henry designed him for Secretary and King Edward made him one Three years he had that place and in that three years did England more service so great his Parts Learning and Religion more kindness such his eminency in both and gave the People more satisfaction such his Integrity and Dexterity than all that went before him and most that came after him He was the first that brought in the use of a Diary and his Pupil the next that practised it His Aphorism it was That a dark and imperfect reflexion upon Affairs floating in the memory was like words dispersed and insignificant whereas a compleat view of them in a Book was like the same words pointed in a period and made significant Much did the Kingdome value him but more the King for being once
Aâ—vancement of Lord Treasurer and the degree of Baron of Burleigh for as he followed the Marquess of Winchester in his Employment so he did in his Compliance When he was out of place he was not out of service in Queen Mary's days his Abilities being as necessary in those times as his Inclination and that Queens Council being as ready to advance him at last as they were to use him all her Reign In Queen Elizabeth's time he setled the Crown by setling Religion and by an utter separation from Rome strengthened England He made equal use of those that were then Protestants by Interest and they who were so in Conscience Those that had affections for Church-lands and those that had affections for the Church The Pope would by a Bull confirm the sale of Abby-Lands But who said Burleigh can confirm the Popes Bull The King of Spain secured the Queen in hope of her Bed the Pope winked at her in hope of her Heart Burleigh over-reached the one by a fair complaysance and the other by insensible alterations During the Qâ—eens ten years calm Cecil provided for a tempest and improved her Shipping and Ammunition to a dreadfulness at Sea as he did her Army to a great skill and experience by Land He made Holland our Stage of War and our School of Discipline where England gained the security and experience of War without its calamity and desolations always Offensive and once onely Defensive His Intelligence abroad was no less than his Prudence at home and he could write to a friend in Ireland what the King of Spain could do for two years together and what he could not do His Advicâ—s from his Pensioners abroad were presented Queen Elizabeth once a fortnight 1. clearly and plainly 2. methodically and distinctly 3. speedily and seasonably 4. truly and fully He exchanged his Interest for Walsinghams Intelligence who commanded what he could do as he did what the other knew The Bull clapped at London-house was first in our Sâ—ates-mans study where they might learn what they were to do and Protestants what to expect many years before any thing was visible When Leicester would have no Equal and â—â—ssex no Superiour then Ceeil as Neuter served himself of them both He would wrestle with neither of them yet he would trip them both they having many rubs in their way yet never saw who laid them He never quarrelled with any neither saith Cambden did he ever sue or was he ever sued Prudâ—ns qui Patiens was his saying before it was Sir Edward Cookes Motto and he had rather tire our Opposition by his moderation than improve it by his Impatience Others wâ—re raised to balance Factions he to support the Kingdome Fickle Favour tossed them constant Interest secured him No fewer than the Marquess of Winchester the Dâ—ke of Norfolk the Earls of Northumberland Arundel Pembroke Leicester and Westmorland contrived his fall but reason of State and his Mistress kept up his â—tanding Sir Nicholas Throgmorton advised them to clap him up saying That then men would open their mouths to speak freely against him but the Queen understanding hereof and standing as I may say saiâ—h my Authoâ— in the very prison-door quashed all their Designes and freed him from the mischief projected against him Great was the value the Queen set upon him as her ablest Minister of State for coming once to visit him being sick of the Gout at Burleigh-house in the Strand and being much heightned with her Head-attire then in fashion the Lords servant who conducted her through the door said May your highness be pleased to stoop The Queen returned For your Masters sake I will stoop but not for the King of Spain She would make him always sit down in her presence saying My Lord we make use of you not for your bad Lâ—ggs but your good Head He was a good friend to the Church as then established by Law advising his son Thomas never to build a great house or bestow any great charge upon an Inpropriation as fearing the foundation might fail hereafter yet conniving at sober Non-conformists to strengthen the foundation at present he checked the forwardness of private men and advanced the honour of the publick Establishment on all hands Good my Lord saith he in his Letter to Archbishop whitgift in the behalf of some squeamish Ministers bear with my scribling I write with the testimony of a good Conscience I desire the peace of the Church I desire concord and unity in the exercise of our Religion I fear no sensual or wilful Recusant I would not make Offenders neither would I protect them And I pray your Grace bear this and perchance a fault and yet I have sharply admonished them that if they will be Disturbers in their Churches they must be corrected and yet upon your Graces answer to me Ne sutor ultra Crepidam neither will I put Falcem in alterius Messem Was his Chaplain Traverse his hand in all this And then again If I had known his fault saith he of Brown I might be blamed for writing for him Thus he carried matters without passion and prejudice prudently as became so great a States-man He was not rigid yet he was careful He would help the good-natured yet punish the stubborn He would rather be where nothing is lawful than where all things are so He would never skrue up the Law to the pitch of cruelty nor unloose it to the remissness of Libertinism He was no less honourable a Patron of the Vniversity than he was a faithful son of the Church the Church strengtheneth the State and the Vniversities furnish both particularly in the case of Rent-corn which saith my Author first grew in Sir Thomas Smiths head yet was ripened by Burleighs assistance whereby though the Rents of the Colledges stand still their Revenues increase He was not surer of all Church-men and Scholars by his Obligations upon them than he was of all by his complaisance and pleasantness None more grave than he in Publick none more free in private especially at his Table where he drew something out of his heaviest guests having an admirable Dexterity in reading and observing men their own occasional openings in common discourse there being more hold to be taken of a few words casually uttered than of set solemn Speeches which rather shew mens Arts than their Natures as indited rather of their brains than hearts His power awed many his conversation obliged more He had his hour to put on his Gown and his hour to put it â—ff When he would say Lie thou there Lord Treasurer and bidding Adieu to all State-affairs he dispoâ—ed himself to his quiet and rest He laid the Designes of War by his own Theory and his friends Intelligence yet he advised peace and died before the Quâ—stion was determined whether a War with Spain Others understood the Nature of War but he onely the Expediency and Conveniency If War was necessary none more forward to promote it none more
others as in nature he doth not fit the frame of things to the ugly nature of Monsters but the irregular shape of Monsters to the beauty of things being of opinion thaâ— we should thank our Governour as the AEthiopian flaves do their Emperour when they are slashed and we should God when we are corrected for thinking of us and having a care of us universal as that God hath of the world whom they represent Rulers within their dominions having much of the Character that God hath in the universe viz. That he is a Circle whose center is every where and Circumference no where Observations on the Life of Sir William Drury SIr William Drury was born in Suffolk where his Worshipful Family had long flourished at Haulsted His name in Saxon soundeth a Pearl to which he answered in the pretiousness of his disposition clear and heard innocent and valiant and therefore valued deservedly by his Queen and Country His youth was spent in the French Wars his middleâ— Age in Scotland and his old Age in Ireland He was Knight-Marshal of Barwick at what time the French had pâ—ssâ—ssed themselves of the Castle of Edenburgh in the minority of King James Queen Elizabeâ—h employed this Sir William with 1500 men to besiege the Castle which service he right worthily performed reducing it within few days to the owner thereof Anno 1575. he was appointed Lord President of Munster whither he went with competent Forces and executed impartial Iustice in despight of the opposers thereof For as the Signe of Leo immediately precedeth Virgo and Libra in the Zodiack so I hope not that Innocency will 〈◊〉 protected or Iustice administred in a barbarous Country where power and strength do not first secure a passage unto them But the Earl of Desmond opposed this good President forbidding him to enter the County of Kerry as a Palatinate peculiarly appropriated unto himself Know by the way as there were but four Palatinates in England Chester Lancaster Durham and Ely whereof the two former many years since were in effect invested in the Crown there were no fewer than eight Palatinates in Ireland possâ—ssed by their respective Dynasts claiming Regal Rights therein to the great retarding of the absolute Conquest of that Kingdome Amongst these saith my Author Kerry became the Sanctuary of Sin and Refuge of Rebels as outlawed from any Iurisdiction Sir William no whit terrified with the Earls threatning and declaring that no place should be a priviledge to mischief entred Kerry with a competent Train and there dispenced Iustice to all persons as occasion did require Thus with seven-score men he safely forced his return through seven hundred of the Earls who sought to surprize him In the last year of his Life he was made Lord Deputy of Ireland and no doubt had performed much in his place if not afflicted with constant sickness the forerunner of his death at Waterford 1598. He was one of that Military Valour which the Lord Verulam wisheth about a Prince in troublesome times that held a good esteem with the Populacy and an exact correspondence with the noble whereby he united himself to each side by endearments and divided them by distrust watching the slow motions of the people that they should not be excited and spirited by the nobility and the ambition of the Great Ones that it should not be befriended with the turbulency or strengthened with the assistance of the Commonalty One great Act well followed did his business with the natives whom he sometimes indulged giving their Discontents liberty to evaporate and with the strangers whom he always awed In those that were commended to his service he observed two things 1. That they were not advanced for their dependence because they promote a Party which he noted to be the first ground of Recommendaâ—ion 2. Nor for their weakness because they cannot hinder it which he remarked to be the second Observations on the Life of Sir Thomas Smith SIr Thomas Smith was born at Saffroâ—-Walden in Essex and bâ—ed in Queens Colledge in Cambridge where such his proficiency in Learning that he was chosen out by Henry the eighth to be sent over and to be brought up beyond the Seas It was fashionable in that Age that pregnant Students were maintained on the cost of the State to be Merchants for experience in Forreign Parts whence returning home with their gainful Adventurers they were preferred according to the improvement of their time to Offices in their own Country Well it were if this good old Custome were resumed for if where God hath given five talents men would give but pounds I mean encourage hopeful Abilities with hopeful maintenance able persons would never be wanting and poor men with great Parts would not be excluded the Line of Prefermenâ— This Sir Thomas was first Servant and Favourite to the Duke of Somerset and afterwards Secretary of State to Qâ—een Elizabeth and a grand Benefactor to both Universities Anno 1577 when that excellent Act passedâ— whereby it was provided That a third part of the Rent upon Leases made by Colledges should be reserved in Corn paying it either in kâ—nd or in money after the rate of the best prices in Oxford or Cambridge markets the next Market-days before Michaelmas or our Lady-dayâ— For the passing of this Act Sir Thomas Sâ—ith â—urprized the House and whereas many conceived not the difference between the payment of Rents in Corn or money the knowing Patriot took the advantage of the presenâ— cheap year knowing that hereaftâ—r Grain would grow dearer Mankinde dayly multiplying and License being lately given for Transportation so that now when the Universities have least Corn they have most Bread What his foresight did now for the Universiâ—y his reach did the first year of Q. Eliz. for the Kingdome for the first sitting of her Councel he advised twelve most important things for the publick safety 1. That the Ports should be shuâ— 2. That the Tower of London should be secured good hands 3. That the Deputy of Ireland's Commiâ—â—â—on should be renewed and enlarged 4. That all Officers should act 5. That no new Office should be bestowed in a moneth 6. Thâ—t Ministers should meddle with no Controversies 7. That Embassadors should be sent to Forreign Princes 8. That no Coyn should be transported beyond Sea 9. That no person of quality should travel for six weeks 10. That the Traiâ—-bands should be mustered 11. That Ireland the Borders and the Seas should be provided for 12. And that the dissenting Nobility and Clergy should be waâ—ched and secured Adding withal a Paper for the Reading of the Epistle the Gospel and the Commandments in the English tongue to encouragâ— the Protestants expectation and allay the Papists fear In the same Proclamation that he drew up the Sacrament of the Altar was to be reverencâ—d and yet the Communion to be administred in both kinds He advised a Disputation with the Papists one day knowing that they could not dispute without
leave from the Pope and so would disparage theâ—r Cause yet they could not say but they might dispute for the Queen and so satisfie the People and is one of the â—ive Councellours to whom the Dâ—signe of the Reformation is opened and one of the eight to whom the management of it was intrusted There you might see him a Leading man among the States-men here most eminent among Divines at once the most knowing and pious man of that Age. As his Industry was taken up with the establishment of our Affairs at home so his Watchfulness upon Sir Edward Carnees deposition of his Embassie was intent upon the plot of France and Rome abroad in the first of which places he made a Secretary his own and in the second a Cup-bearer At the Treaty of Cambray my Lord Howard of Effingham the Lord Chamberlain and he brought the King of Spain to the English side in the business of Calice 1. That France might be weakened 2. That his Netherlands might be secured 3. That the Queen his Sweet-heart might be obliged until he discovered Queen Elizabeths averseness to the marriage whereupon had it not been for the Viscount Mountacute who was not so much a Papist as to forget that he was an â—nglish-man and Sir Thomas the Spaniard had stoln over Catharine Grey Queen Elizabeths Neece for a pretence to the Crown as the French had the Queen of Scots her Cozen. After which he and Sir William Cecil advised her Majesty to that private Treaty apart without the Spaniard which was concluded 1559â— as much to the honour of England now no longer to truckle under Spain as its interest no longer in danger from France Sir Nicholas Throgmorton was the metal in these Treaties and Sir Thomas Smith the Allay the ones mildness being to mitigate that animosity which the others harshness had begot and the others spirit to recover those advantages which this mans easiness had yielded Yet he shewed himself as much a man in demanding as Sir William Cheyney in gaining Calice replying smartly upon Chancellour Hospitals Discourse of ancient Right the late Treaty and upon Montmorency's Harangue of Fears Conscience Pitying the neglected state of Ireland he obtained a Colony to be planted under his base Son in the East-Coast of Vlster called Ardes at once to civilize and secure that place So eminent was this Gentleman for his Learning that he was at once Steward of the Stannaries Dean of Carlisle and Provost of Eaton in King Edward's time and had a Pensâ—on on condition he went not beyond Sea so considerable he was in Queen Mary's Well he deserved of the Commonwealth of Learning by his Books 1. Of the commonwealth of England 2. Of the Orthography of the English Tongue and oâ— the Pronunciation of Greek and 3. an exact Commentary of matters saith Mr. Cambden worthy to be published Observations on the Lives of Doctor Dale the Lord North Sir Thomas Randolph I Put these Gentlemen together in my Observations because I finde them so in their Employments the one Agent the other Leiger and the third extraordinary Embassador in France the first was to manage our Intelligence in those dark times the second to urge our Interest in those troublesome days and the third to represent our Grandeur No man understood the French correspondence with the Scots better than Sir Thomas Randolph who spent his active life between those Kingdomes none knew better our Concerns in France and Spain than Valentine Dale who had now seen six Treaties in the first three whereof he had been Secretary and in the last a Commissioner None fitter to represent our state than my Lord North who had bâ—en two years in Walsinghams house four in Lâ—â—cesters â—eâ—vâ—ce had seen six Courts twenty Batâ—les nine Treaties and four solemn Justs whereof he was no mean part as a reserved man a valiant Souldier and a Courtly Person So â—ly waâ— Dale that he had a servant always attending the Qâ—een-mother of France the Queen of Scots and the King of Navarre so watchâ—ul Sir Thomas Randolph that the same day he sent our Agent in Scotland notice of a dâ—signe to carry over the young King and depose the Regent he advised our Queen of a match between the King of Scot's Uncle and the Countess of Shrewsbury's Daughter and gave the Earl of Huntington then President of the North tâ—ose secret instructions touching that matter that as my Lord Burleigh would often acknowledge secured that Coast. My L. North watched the successes of France Dr. Dale their Leagues and both took care that the Pâ—ince of Orange did not throw himself upon the Protection of France always a dangerous Neighbour but with that accession a dreadful one Sir Iohn Horsey in Holland proposed much but did nothing Sir Thomas Randolph in France performed much and said nothing yet both with Dr. Dales assistance made France and Spain the scales in the balance of Europe and England the tongue or holder of the balance while they held the Spaniard in play in the Netherlands watched the French Borders and kept constant Agents with Orange and Don Iohn Neither was Sir Thomas â—ess in Scotland than in France where he betakes himself first to resolution in his Protestation and then to cunning in his Negotiations encouraging Mâ—rton on the one hand and amusing Lenox on the other â—eeping fair weather with the young King and yet practising with Marre and Anguse Nothing plausible indeed saith Cambden was he with the wiâ—e though youthful King Iames yet very dexterous in Scotish humours and very prudent in the northern Affairs very well seen in those interests and as successful in those negotiations witness the first and advantageous League 1586. Video rideo is Gods Motto upon Affronts Video Taceo was Queen Elizabeths Video nec vident was Sir Thomas Randolphs These three men treated with the Spaniard near Ostend for peace while the Spaniard prepared himself on our Coast for Waâ— So much did Sir Iames Crofts his affection for peace exceed his judgement of his Instruction that he would needs steal over to Brussels to make it with no less commendation for the prudent Articles he proposed tâ—aâ— censure for the hazard he incurred in the Proposal So equal and even did old Dale carry himself that the Duke of Parma saw in his Answers is the English spirit and therefore saith my Author durst not try that Valour in a nation which he was so afraid of in a single person That he had no more to say to the old Gentleman than onelâ— thiâ— These things are in the hand of the Almighty None moâ—e inward with other men than Sir Francis Walsingham none more inward with him than Sir Thomas Randolph well studied he was in Iustinians Code better in Machiavels Discourses both when a â—earned student of Christ-church and a worthy Pâ—incipal of Broadgates three therefore was he an Embassadour to the Lords of Scotland in a commotion thrice to Queen Mary
wanting to be said while men are men For not to go higher we are taught easily so much by the very Ballads and Libels of Leicestrian time But above the aforesaid year many young ones being chosen into the House of Commons more than had been usual in great Councils who though of the weakest wings are the highest Flyers there arose a certain unfortunate and unfruitful Spirit in some places not sowing but picking at every stone in the field rather than tending to the geneâ—al harvest And thus far the consideration of the Nature of the Time hath transported me and the occasion of the subject Now on the other side I must with the like liberty observe two weighty and watchful Sollicitudes as I may call them which kept the Earl in extream and continual Cauâ—ion like a bow still bent whereof the Dukes thoughts were absolutely free First he was to wrestle with a Queens declining or rather with her very setting Age as we may term it which bâ—sides other respects is commonly even of it self the more umbratious and apprehensive as for the most part all Horizons are charged with certain vapours towards their evening The other was a matter of more Circumstance standing thus viz. All Princes especially those whom God hath not blessed with natural issue are by wisdome of State somewhat shie of their Successors and to speak with due Reverence there may be reasonably supposed in Queens Regnant a little proportion of tenderness that way more than in Kings Now there were in Couâ—t two names of Power and almost of Affection the Essexian and the Cecilian with their adherents both well enough enjoying the present and yet both looking to the future and therefore both holding correspondency with some of the principals in Sâ—otland and had râ—câ—ived advertisements and instructions either from them or immediately from the King as induciat Heir of thiâ— Iâ—perial Crown But lest they mighâ— detect one another this was mysteriously carried by several instruments and conducts and on the Essexian side in truth with infinite hazard For Sir Robert Cecil who as Secretary of State did dispose the publick Addresses had prompter and safer conveyance whereupon I cannot but relate a memorable passage on either part as the stâ—ry following shall declare The Eâ—rl of Essex had accommodated Master Anthony Bacon in parâ—ition of his house and had assigned him a noble entertainment This was a Gentleman of impotâ—nt feet but a nimble head and through his hand run all the intelligences with Scotland who being of a provident nature contrary to his brother the Lord Viscount Saint Albans and well knowing the advantage of a dangerous secret would many times cunningly let fall some words as if he could amend his Fortunes under the Cecilians to whom he was near of alliance and in blood also and who had made as he was not unwilling should be believed some great proffers to win him away which once or twice he pressed so far and with such tokens and signes of apparent discontent to my Lord Henry Howard afterwards Earl of Northampton who was of the party and stood himself in much Umbrage with the Queen that he flees presently to my Lord of Essex with whom he was commonly primae admissionis by his bed-side in the morning and tells him that unless that Gentleman were presently satisfied with some round sum all would be vented This took the Earl at that â—ime ill provided as indeed oftentimes his Coffers were low whereupon he was fain suddenly to give him Essex-house which the good old Lady Walsingham did afterwards dis-engage out of her own stoâ—e with 2500 pound and before he haâ— distilled 1500 pound at another time by the sâ—me skill So as we rate this one secrâ—t as it was finely carâ—ied at 4000 pounds in present money besides at the least 1000 pound of annual pâ—nsion to a private and bed-rid Gentleman What would he have gotten if he could have gone about his own business There was another accident of the same nature on the Cecilian side much more pleasant but less chargeable for it cost nothing but wit The Queen having for a good while not heard any thing from Scotland and being thiâ—sty of news it fell out that her Majesty going to take the air towards the heath â—he Couâ—t being then at Greenwich and Master Secretary Cecil then attending her a Post came crossing by and blew his Horn The Queen out of curiosity asked him from whence the Dispatch came and being answered from Scotland she stops her Coach and calleth for the Packet The Secretary though he knew there were some Letters in it from his Correspondents which to discover were as so many Serpents yet made more shew of diligence than of doubt to obey and asks some that stood by forsooth in great haste for a Knife to cut up the Packet for otherwise he might perhaps awakâ—d a little apprehension but in the mean time approaching with the Packet in his hand at a pretty distance from the Queen he telleth her it lookâ—d and smelt ill-favouredly coming out of a filâ—â—y Budget and that it should be fit first to open and air it because he knew she was averse from ill Scents And so being dismissed home he got leisure by thiâ— seasonable shift to sever what he would not have seen These two accidents precisely true and known to few I have reported as not altogether extravagant from my purpose to shew how the Earl stood in certain perplexities wherewith the Dukes days were not distracted And this hath been the Historical part as it were touching the difference between thâ—m in the rising and flowing of their fortunes I will now consider their several Endowments both of Person and Mind and then a little of their Actions and Ends. The Earl was a pretty deal the taller and much the stronger and of the abler body but the Duke had the neater limbs and free delivery he was also the uprighter and of the more comely motions for the Eâ—rl did bend a little in the neckâ— though rather forwards than downwards and he was so far from being a good Dancer that he was no graceful Goer If we touch particulars the Duke exceeded in the daintiness of his leg and foot and the Earl in the incomparable fairness and fine shape of his hands which though it be but feminine praise he took from his Father for the general Air the Earl had the closer and more reserved Countenance being by nature somewhat more cogitative and which was strange never more than at meals when others are least Insomuch as he was wont to make his observation of himsâ—lf that to solve any knotty â—usiness which cumbred his mind his ablest hours were when he had checked his first appetite with two or three morsels after which he sate usually for a good while silent yet he would play well and willingly at some games of greatest aâ—tentionâ— which shewed that when he listed he could license his thoughts The Duke on
force of Circumstances the errors of Comparison or the cautions of Application I like his Apology for his severity to the Clergy that he was austere to prevent others being cruel as well as his zeal for the Protestant Religion onely his Principles betrayed his profession which he rendered too obnoxious while he supported it by those novel grounds which our Adversaries could make us confess were Heterodox and by those streight-laced foundations which we saw our selves too narrow As for instance King Iames his vast capacity took him up once for making the Scripture the onely rule of Civil Affairs owning the piety but observing to his face the imprudence of that assertion Imprudence I say as for many reasons so for this because to assert a truth upon a weak principle is to tempt the world to doubt of the strength of the first when they see the weakness of the other Whether he went off in discontent and said He would not attend at the Councel-Table because he should not wait at the Altar Whether he had such malignant followers as called themselves Nicodemites or Night-Disciples Whether he turned noon-day into mid-night and mid-night into noon-day having a candle always burning in his Chamber or if so for what reason I would not have one of my years determine but rather refer the present age to his Contemporaries pen which describes him thus A very learned man he was his Erudition all of the old stamp fitly principled in the Doctrine of S. Augustine pious grave and exemplary in his Conversation But some think him a better man than Arch-Bishop and that he was better qualified with merit for the Dignity than with a spirit answering the Function in the exercise whereof he was conceived too facile and yielding his extraordinary remisness in not exacting strict Conformity to the prescribed Orders of the Church in point of Ceremony seemed to resolve those legal Determinations to their first Principle of Indifference and led in such an habit of Inconformity as the future reduction of those tender-conscienced men to long discontinued obedience was interpreted an innovation as if he thought it might fall out in Politicks as it doth sometimes in Physick bina venena juvant that the two contrary poysons of Superstition and Innovation might prove a Cordial to the Church Observations on the Life of Sir George Calvert SIr George Calvert was bred first in Trinity-Colledge in Oxford and then beyond the Seas His Abilities commended him first to be Secretory to Robert Cecil Earl of Salisbury Lord Treasurer of England Afterwards he was made Clerk of the Council and at last principal Secretary of State to King Iames succeeding Sir Tâ—o Lake in that Office Anno 1619. Conceiving the Duke of Buckingham highly instrumental in his preferment he presented him with a Jewel of great value which the Duke returned him again not owning any Activity in his Advancement whom King Iames ex mero motu reflecting on his Abilities designed for the Place This Place he discharged five years until he willingly resigned the same 1624. on this occasion He freely confessed himself to the King that he was then become a Roman Catholick so that he must either be wanting to his Trust or violate his conscience in discharging his Office This his Ingenuity so highly affected King Iames that he continued him Privy-Councellor all his Reign and soon after created him Lord Baltemore of Baltemore in Ireland During his being Secretary he had a Patent to him and his Heirs to be Absolutus Dominus Proprietarius with the Royalties of a Count Palatine of the Province of Avalon in the New-found land a place so named by him in imitation of old Avalon in Somersetshire wherein Glassenbury stands the first-fruits of Christianity in Britain as the other was in that part of America Here he built a fair house in Ferry-land and spent twenty five thousand pounds in advancing the Plantation thereof Indeed his publick spirit consulted not his private profit but the enlargement of Christianity and the Kings Dominions in that his ancient primitive and heroick work of planting the world After the death of King Iames he went twice in person to New-found land Here when Mounsieur de l' Arade with three men of War sent from the King of France had reduced our English Fishermen to great extreamity this Lord with two Ships manned at his own charge chased away the Frenchmen relieved the English and took sixty of the French Prisoners He removed afterwards to Virginia to view those parts and thence camâ— into England and obtained of King Charles the first who had as great an esteem of and affection for him as King Iames a Patent to him and his Heirs for Mary-Land on the North of Virginia with the same Title and Royalties conferred on him as in Avalon aforesaid now a hopeful Plantation peopled with eight thousand English Souls which in process of time may prove more advantageous to our Nation Judg Popham and Sir George Calvert agreed not more unanimously in the publick design of Planting than they differed in the private way of it the first was for extirpating Heathens the second for converting them He sent away the lewdest this the soberest people the one was for present profit the other for a reasonable expectation it being in the case of planting Countreys as in that of planting Woods you must account to lose almost twenty years profit and expect your recompence in the end it being necessary the Province should first find her self and then enrich you The Judge was for many Governors the Secretary for few and those not concerned Merchants but unconcerned Gentlemen The one granted Liberties without any restraint the other with great caution The first set up a common Stock out of which the Island should be provided for by proportions the second left every one to provide for himself Two things are eminent in this man 1. That though he was a Catholick yet kept he himself sincere and disingaged from all Interests and though a man of great judgment yet not obstinate in his sentiments but taking as great pleasure in hearing others opinions as in delivering his own which he heard moderated and censured with more patience than applauded 2. That he carried a digested and exact account of Affairs to his Master every night and took to himself the pains to examine the Letters which related to any Interest that might be any ways considerable He was the onely States-man that being engaged to a decryed party yet managed his business with that huge respect for all sides that all who knew him applauded him and none that had any thing to do with him complained of him Observations on the Life of Sir Arthur Chichester SIr Arthur Chichester spent his youth first in the University then in the French and Irish Wars where by his valour he was effectually assistantâ— First to plough and break up that barbarous Nation by Conquest and then to sow it with seeds
then as Sir George Villiers friend who promoted him to be Secretary of State Ian. 8. 1617. as his Majesty did a while after to be Mr. of the Wards The first place whereof he discharged with as much ability and dexterity as he did the second with integrity onely he was observed close-handed whether out of his natural inclination to Parsimony or some fixed design to regulate and reduce the great expences of this Nation or from some hidden and refined politick consideration that that might be done by a wary observation of men's integrity and inclination which was usually done with money and indeed as a great man observeth to procure good information of particulars touching persons their natures their desires and ends their customs and fashions their helps and advantages and whereby they chiefly stand So again their weaknesses and disadvantages and where they lye most open and obnoxious their friends â—actions and dependencies and again their opposites envyers and Competitors their moods and times their principles rules observations c. their actions how conducted how favoured how opposed c. is the onely way of success in business and of prevailing in fortune especially if attended with this Gentleman 's two master-Qualities 1. Reservedness the security 2. Slowness of belief the sinew of wisdom Finding his temper agreeable with the University he allowed himself more scope and liberty but observing his particular constitution not suitable to the general state of his times the whole course of his life was more close retyred and reserved opening it self but with an half-light and a full advantage and what he was to others he believed all others were to him as hardly trusting them as he was understood himself unless surprized in his countenance by the motions of it or in his actions by the suddenness of them or in his temper by his passion but as far as can be guessed from the Letters that passed between them about the Palatinate He was of the same make in the State as Arch-Bishop Abbot was in the Church zealous and sullen if others had a better wit than he in abusing him he had a better memory than they to think of it for one Mr. Wiemark a wealthy man a great Nâ—vilant and constant Paul's walker hearing the news that day of the beheading of Sir Walter Rawleigh His head said he would do well upon the shoulders of Sir Robert Naunton Secretary of State These words were complained of and Wiemark summoned to the Privy-Council where he pleaded for himself that he intended no disrespect to Mr. Secretary whose known worth was above all detraction onely he spake in reference to an old proverb Two heads are better than one and for the present he was dismissed Not long after when rich men were called on for a contribution to St. Pauls Wiemark at Council-Table subscribed a hundred pounds but Mr. Secretary told him Two hundred were better than one which betwixt fear and charity Wiemark was fain to subscribe Neither was he sooner up than he gave his Colleague and Successor in the Orators place Sir Francis Nethersole his hand to advance him too whom after his elegant Speech on Prince Henry we find a prudent Agent with the Princes of the Union and a faithful Secretary to the Queen of Bohemia for whom he did much and suffered more Yet was he lately alive and as charitable in his elder years as ever he was noble in his younger Observations on the Life of Sir Arthur Ingram SIr Arthur had wit in Italy where he was a Factor and wealth in London where he was a Merchant to be first a Customer and then a Cofferer to that King who had this happiness that he understood so much of all his affairs as to make a judgement of what persons might be most serviceable to him in each of them So pragmatical a person as this Gentleman was necessary among the Custom-house-men who were about to engross all the wealth of the Kingdom and as useful among the Green-cloath-men who shared amongst themselves vast Concealments The activity of his head had undone him had not the odium of it been allayed by the discretion of his tongue whatever he spake being naturally accompanied with such a kind of modesty and affability as gained the affection and attracted the respect of all that conversed with him onely some wary men were jealous of that watchful and serene habit he had attained to in every conference and action as well to observe as to act though it was more than they needed he having not that good stay and hold of himself his much observing tempting him to much medling though never more need of it than at that time when ninety and odd thousand pounds were spent upon the Palsgrave to reimburse which money he set up the improvement of Coyn the Farthings the borrowing of money of the Customers and as many other Projects to get money as others had to spend it Observations on the Life of Sir Henry Yelverton THis Gentleman's relation to Sir Thomas Overbury brought him to the Earl of Somerset's service and my Lord of Somerset's service recommended him to the Kings favour whereby he was at first his Counsel learned and afterwards his Attorney-General in which last place his duty enjoyned him the impeachment of that Earl but his gratitude forbad him Loth he was to refuse his Masters command more loth to have a hand in his Patrons ruine his civility outweighed his prudence and his obligations his safety for refusing to implead his Mr. as a great Delinquent at the Bar he was sent by the Council as a greater to the Tower where he continued until as some say the Duke of Buckingham came to him at midnight and hearing from him such mysteries of State as nearly concerned his own safety not onely released sed but advanced him to a place of Judicature which his Integrity and Ability might deserve but his niceness and narrowness could not keep it Law and Equity have two Courts but Law and Discretion should dwell in one breast The truth is there is a great advantage in the well-setting forth of a mans vertues fortunes merits and again in the Artificial covering of a mans weaknesses defects disgraces staying upon the one sliding from the other making use of circumstances c. which this good and plain man was a stranger to being not so true to himself or so setled but that either upon heat or bravery or kindness or trouble of mind and weakness he would open himself to his Enemies satisfaction and his own hazard Yet I must needs say That his Letter of submission to the Duke was ingenuous if he was guilty and Courtly if he was innocent Sir Francis Bacon took a wiser course in my Lord of Essex his Case than he in the Earl of Somersets for when that Lord entertained destructive before displeasing Counsel the knowing Knight fairly forsook not his person whom his pity attended to his Grave but his practises and
then his Lord let him feel what he had threatned my Lord Bacon when he advanced him That if he did not owe his preferment alwayes to his favour he should owe his fall to his frown The peremptoriness of his judgement â—endred him â—dious his compliance with Bristol suspected and his Sermon at King Iames his Funeral his tryal rather than his preferment obnoxiâ—us His spirit was great to act and too great to suffer It was prudence to execute his decrees against all opposition while in power it was not so to bear up his miscarriages against all Authority while in disgrace A sanguine complexion with its resolutions do well in pursuit of success Phlegm and its patience do better in a reâ—reat from miscarriages This he wanted when it may be thinking â—ear was the passion of King Charls his Governâ—ent as well as King Iames he seconded his easie â—all with loud and open discontents and those discontents with a chargeable defence of his servants that were to justifie them and all with that unsafe popularity invidious pomp and close irregularity that laid him open to too many active persons that watched him Whether his standing out against Authority to the perplexing of the Government in the Star-Chamber in those troublesom times his entertainment and favour for the Discontented and Non-Conformists his motions for Reformation and alteration in twelve things his hasty and unlucky Protestation in behalf of the Bishops and following actions in England and Wâ—les where it 's all mens wonder to hear of his meruit sub Parliamento had those private grounds and reasons that if the Bishop could have spoke with the King but half an hour he said would have satisfied him the King of Kings only knoweth to whom he hath given I hope a better account than any Historian of his time hath given for him But I understaâ—d better his private inclinationâ— than his publick actions the motions of his naâ—â—â—â—â— than those of his power the conduct of the oâ—â— being not more reserved and suspitious tha◠〈◊〉 effects of the other manifest and noble for nâ—◠〈◊〉 mention his Libraries erected at Sr. Iohn's 〈◊〉 Westminster his Chappel in Lincoln-Colledge 〈◊〉 repairs of his Collegiate Church his pensions 〈◊〉 Scholars more numerous than all the Bishops and Noble-mens besides his Rent-charges on all the Benefices in his Gift as Lord Keeper or Bishop of Lincoln to maintain hopeful youth according to the Statute in that â—ase provided Take this remarkable instance of his munificence that when Du Moulin came over he calleth his Chaplain now the R. R. Father in God Iohn Lord Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield and telleth him he doubted the good man was low wishing him to repair to him with some money and his respects with assurance that he would wait upon him himself at his first liesure The excellent Doctor rejoyneth that he could carry him no less than twenty pounds the noble Bishop replyeth he named not the sum to sound his Chaplains mind adding that twenty pounds was neither fit for him to give nor for the reverend Forreigner to receive Carry him said he an hundred pounds He is libelled by common fame for unchaste though those that understood the privacies and casualties of his Infancy report him but one degree removed from a Misogonist though to palliate his infirmities he was most compleat in Courtly addresses the conversableness of this Bishop with Women consisted chiefly if not only in his treatments of great Ladies and Persons of honour wherein he did personate the compleatness of courtesie to that Sex otherwise a woman was seldom seen in his house which therefore had always more of Magnificence than Nearness sometimes defective in the Punctilio's and Niceties of Daintiness lying lower than masculine Cognizance and as level for a womans eye to espy as easie for her hands to amend He suffereth for conniving at Puritans out of hatred to Bishop Laud and for favouring Papists oâ—t of love to them Yet whatever he offered King Iames when the Match went on in Spain as a Couâ—cellour or whatever he did himself as a States-man sâ—ch kindness he had for our Liturgy that he translated it at his own cost into Spanish and used it in the visitation of Melvin when sick to his own peril in the Tower and such resolution for Episcopacy that his late Majesty of blessed memory said once to him My Lord I commend you that you are no whit daunted with all disasters but are zealous in defending your Order Please it your Majesty replyed the Arch-Bishop I am a true Welsh-man and they are observed never to run away till their General first forsakes them No fear of my flinching while your Majesty doth countenance our Cause His extraction was gentile and ancient as appeared from his Ancestors Estate which was more than he could purchase without borrowing when at once Lord Keeper Bishop of Lincoln and Deau of Westminster His mind great and resolute insomuch that he controuled all other advices to his last to his loss in Wales and daunted Sir Iohn Cook as you may see in his character to his honour in England His wariness hath these arguments 1. That he would not send the Seal to the King but under lock and key 2. That being to depute one to attend in his place at the Coronation he would not name his Adversary Bishop Laud to gratifie him nor yet any other to displease the King but took a middle way and presented his Majesty a List of the Prebendaries to avoid any exception referring the Election to his Majesty himself 3. That he proposed a partial Reformation of our Church to the Parliament to prevent an utter extirpation by it 4. That he exposed others to the censure of the Parliament 1625. to save himself 5. That he answered to several Examinations without any the least advantage taken by his Antagonist This character of his I think very exact That his head was a well-fitted treasury and his tongue the fair key to unlâ—ck it That he had as great a memory â—s could be reconciled with so good a judgement That so quick his parts that others study went not beyond his nature and their designed and forelaid performances went not beyond his sudden and ready accommodations Only he was very open and too free in discourse disdaining to lye at a close guard as confident of the length and strength of his weapon Observations on the Life of Sir Isaac Wake THis honourable person whom I look upon at Oxford in the same capacity and fortune that Sir Robert Naunâ—on and Sir Francis Nethâ—rsole were in at Cambridge He was born in Northampton-shire his Father Arthur Wake being Parson of Billing Master of the Hospital of St. Iohns in Northampton and Canon of Christs-Church bred Fellow of Mâ—rton-Colledge in Oxford Protector and Orator of that University whence he was admitted Secretary to Sir Dudly Carleton Secretary of State and afterward advanced into the King's service and by his Master
our known duty but our visible advantage to ascribe our most eminent performances to providence since it not only takes off the edge of envy but improves the reason of admiration None being less maliced or more applauded than he who is thought rather happy than able blessed than active and fortunate than cunning Though yet all the caution of his life could not avoid the envy of â—is advancement from so mean a beginning to so great honours notwithstanding that it is no disparagement to any to give place to fresh Nobility who ascend the same stâ—ps with those before them New being only a term saith one only respecting us not the world for what is was before us and will be when we are no more And indeed â—his Personage considering the vanity and inconstancy of common applause or affronts imprâ—ved the one and checked the other by a constant neglect of bothâ— Observations on the Life of Sir Dudly Careleton SIr Dudly Careleton was born in Oxford-shire bred in Christs-Church in Oxford under Dr. King and afterwards in relation of Secretary to Sir Ralph Winwood in the Low-Countreys where he was very active when King Iames resigned the cautionary Towns to the States Here he added so great experience to his former Learning that afterwards our King employed him for twenty years together Ambassador in Venice Savoy and the Vnited Provinces Anne Gerard his Lady Co-heir to George Gerard Esquire accompanying him in all his Travels as is expressed in her Epitaph in Westminster-Abby He was by K. Charls the first to balance the Duke of Buckingham's enemies in the House of Peers with the Lord Mandevil now Earl of Manchester and the Lord Grandison created Baron of Imbercourt in Surrey and afterwards Viscount Dorchester marrying for his second Wife the Daughter of Sir Henry Glenham the Relict of Paul Viscount Banning who survived him He succeeded the Lord Conway when preferred President to the Council in the Secretary-ship of State being sworn at White-Hall December 14. 1628. and dying without Issue Anno Dom. 163 Much ado he had to remove a State-jealousie that was upon him That he insisted on â—he restitution of some Towns in Cleves and Iuliers to gratifie the Spaniards at that time in Treaty with us more to remove a Church-jealousie that in negotiating an accommodation in Religion he designed the undermining of the Remonstrants then in so much power there In which matter he was at a loss whether his Majesty should interpose by Letter or Message The former he said was most effectual but the later less subject to misconstruction considering Barnevel's interest in the State But he had a Chaplain one Mr. Hales that kept this Controversie even on the one hand while he balanced the State-interest on the other equally careful that the United Provinces should not be over-run by the Armies of Spain and that they should not be swallowed up by the protectiâ—n of France Watchful was his eye there over the West-India Company Diligent his carriage upon any accommodations from Spain which he apprehended always as a design to distract that people then in regard of their unsetledness but too apt upon any dispute to fall into faction Great his industry in reconciling Sir Horace Vere and Sir Edward Cecil for the honour of the English Nation and the advancement of the common service Sincere his services â—o the Prince Elector and his Lady Exaâ—t his rules of Traffique and Commerce and dexterous his arts of keeping the States from new alliances notwithstanding our likely Marriage-treaty with Spain especially since the Prince of Orange bluntly after his manner asked Qui at ' il vostre Marriage And indeed he behaved himself in all Employments so well becoming a man that understood so many Languages that was so well versed in Ancient and Modern History that had composed so many choice pieces of Politicks that was so well seen in the most practical Mathematicks and added to these a graceful and charming look a gentle and a sweet elocution that notwithstanding his and his Brother Bishop Carleton's rigidness in some points kept him to his dying-day in great favour and most eminent service and failing in nothing but his French Embassy because there he had to do with Women Leaving behinde him this observation That new Common-wealthâ— are hardly drawn to a certain resolution as who knowing not how to determine and remaining onely in suspence take ordinarily that course rather which they are forced â—o than what they might choose for themselves And this eminent service when he assisted the Earl of Holland in France viz. That he pacified the high difference there upon which the revolt of the Hugonots depended and put a real resolution in Kâ—ng Lewis to advance against the Valtoline and Spain by the advantage of the League with England proceeding upon this Maxim with that King They that have respect to few things are easily misled I had almost forgot how this Lord finding that want of Treasure at home was the ground of our unsuccessful and despicableness abroad and that Principe senza quatrius e come un muro senza crole da tulls scompisâ—iato That a Prince without money is like a wall without a Cross for every one to draw upon did mention the Excise in the Parliament-House and in no ill meaning neither and was violently cryed to the Bar and though a person of that eminence as being then a Privy-Councellor and principal Secretary of State he hardly escaped being committed to the Tower So odious was that Dutch-Devil as they called it in the excellent King Charles which was raised by the beloved Parliament with many more that were conjured up in three or four years but not likely to be laid in three or fourscore Living in those times when weak men imagined to themselves some unknown bliss from untried governments and considering that alterations countervail not their own dangers and as they bring little good to any so they bring least of all to those that first promoted them This Lord refused to be the mouth of the Zealous multitude whose rage could neither be well opposed nor joyned with whom a pardon or compliance might bring off leaving their Demagogues to compound for their folly with their ruine choosing rather to be patient than active and appear weak than be troublesom and once resolved upon an exact survey of circumstances for power against the faults of it on the one hand and the affronts of it on the other he gained the esteem of all parties by his fidelity to his own I am much taken with his plain saying which I find of late printed There will be mistakes in Divinity while men preach and errors in Government while such govern And more with his method of proceeding in his affairs whereof he laid first an Idea in his own mind and then improved it by debate the result whereof was usually so compleat as shewed the vast difference between the shallow conceptions of one man and the
Privy-Seal he brought the Court of Requests into such repute that what formerly was called the Alms-Basket of the Chancery had in his time well-nigh as much meat in and guests about it I mean Suits and Clients as the Chancery it self His Meditations of Life and Death called Manchester Almondo written in the time of his health may be presumed to have left good impressions on his own soul preparatory for his dissolution which happened 164 Tâ—e Office of Lord Treasurer was ever beheld as a place of great charge and profit My Lord being demanded what it might be worth per ann made this answer That it might be some thousands of pounds to him who after death would go instantly to heaven twice as much to him who would go to Purgatory and a Nemo scit to him who would adventure to a worse place But indeed he that will be a bad husband for himself in so advantagious a place will never bâ— a good one for his Soveraign Observations on the Life of Sir Henry VVotton with some Account of his Relations SIr Henry Wotton first having reâ—â— of his Ancestor Sir Robert Wotton the noble Lieutenant of Guisnes and Comptroller of Callais in King Edward the fourth's days His Grand-father Sir Edward Wotton that refused to be Chancellor of England in King Henry the Eighth's time 2. Having known his Father Sir Thomas Wotton one of the most Ingenuous modesty the most Ancient freedom plainness single-heartedness and integrity in Queen Elizabeths Reign His Brothers Sir Edward Wotton the famous Comptroller of Queen Eliz. and K. Iames his Court since Lord Wotton Baron Morley in Kent Sir Iames Wotton with R. Earl of Essex Count Lodowick of Nassaw Don Christophoro son of Antonio King of Portugal c. Knighted as an excellent Soldier at Cadiz Sir Iohn Wotton the â—ccomplished Traveller and Scholar for whom Qâ—een Eliz. designed a special favour His Uncle Nicholas Wotton Dean of Canterbury and York nine times Embassador â—or the Crown of England â—e that was one of King Henry's Execuâ—ors King Edward's Secretary of State Queen Mary's right handâ— aâ—d that refused the Arch-Bishoprick of Caâ—tâ—rbury in Queen Eliz. days 3. Being bred 1. In Winchester that eminent School for Discipline and Order 2. In New-Colledge and Queens those famous Colledges for the method of Living by rule could promise no less than he did in his solidlâ— seâ—tenticâ—â— and discreetly humoured Play at Queens called Tancredo in his elegaâ—t Lecture of the nobleness manner and use of Seeing at the Schools for which the learned Albericus Gentilis called him Henrice Mi Ocelle and communicated to him his Mathematiâ—â— his Law and his Italian learning in his more particular converse with Doctor Donne and Sir Richard Baker in the University and his more general conversation with Man-kind in travels for one year to France and Geneva where he was acquainted with Theodore Beza and Isaac Casaâ—bon at whose Fathers he lodged for eight years in Germany for five in Italy whence returning balanced with Learning and Experience with the Arts of Rome Venice and Florence Picture Sculpture Chimistry Architecture the Sâ—crets Langâ—ages Dispositions Customs and Laws of most Nations set off with his choice shape obliging behaviour sweet discourse and shaâ—p wit he could perform no less â—han he did 1. In the unhappy relation he had to the Earl of Essex first of Friend and afterward of Secretary 2. In his more happy Interest by his Secâ—etary Vietta upon his flight out of England after the Earl's apprehension with the Duke of Tuscany then the greatest paâ—ron of Learning and Arts in the world who having discovered a design to poyson King Iames as the known successor of Queen Elizabeth sent Sir Henry Wotton with notice of the ploâ— and preservatives against the poyson by the way of Norway into Scotland under the borrowed name of Octavio Baldi where after some suspicion of the Italian message discovering himself to the King by David Lindsey's means he was treated with much honour complacency and secrecy for three months Afteâ—â—hich time he returned to Florence staying theâ—e till King Iames enquiring concerning him of my Loâ—d Wotton the Comptroller the great Duke advised his return to congratulate his Majesty as he did the King embracing him in his arms calling him the best because the honest est Dissembler that he met with and Knighting him by his own name Adding withal That since he knewâ—he wanted neither Learning nor Experience neither Abâ—lities nor Faithfulness he would employ him to others as he was employed to him which accordingly he did to Venice the place he chose as most suitable to his retired Genius and narrow Estate where 1. Studying the dispositions of the several Dukes and Senators 2. Sorâ—ing of fit Presents curious and not costly Entertainments sweetned with various and pleasant discourse particularly his elegant application of Stories He had such interest that he was never denyed any request whereby he did many services to the Protestant interest with his Chaplain Bishop Biddle and Padre Pauloe's assistance during the Controversie between the Pope and the Venetians especially in transmitting the History of the Councel of Trent sheet by sheet to the King and the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury as it was written And in his three Embassies thither gained many Priviledges for the English along all those Coasts In the second of which Embassies calling upon the Emperour he had brought Affairs to a Treaty had not the Emperours success interposed whereupon he took his leave wishing that Prince to use his Victory soberly an advice his carriage indeared to his Majesty together with his person so far that he gave him a Diamond worth above a thousand pounds which he bestowed on his Hostess saying He would not be the better by a man that was an open Enemy to his Mistress so the Queen of Bohemia waâ— pleased he â—should call her Onely while abroad and writing in the Album that friends have this sentence Legat usest vir bonus peregre missus ad mentiendum reipublicae causa whereof Scioppius made a malicious use in his Books against King Iames. He loâ—t himself a while for using more freedom abroad than became his Employment until his ingenuous clear and choicely eloquent Apologies recovered him to more respect and cautiousness until he writ Invidiae Remedium over his Lodgings at Eaton-Colledge the Provostship whereof he obtained in exchange for the reversion of the Mastership of the Rolls and other places promised him Where looking upon himself in his Surplice as Charles 5. or Philip 2. in Cloysters his Study was divine Meditations History and Characters His recreation Philosophical conclusions and Angling which he called his idle time not idly spent saying he would rather live five May moneths than forty Decembers His Table was exquisite where two youths attended upon whom he made the observations that were to furnish his designed discourse of Education His Histories and Observations remarkable his Apophthegms sage and quick 1.
State-Worthies OR THE STATES-MEN And FAVOURITES OF ENGLAND Since the Reformation Their PRUDENCE and POLICIES SUCCESSES and MISCARRIAGES ADVANCEMENTS and FALLS During the Reigns of King HENRY VIII King EDWARD VI Queen MARY Queen ELIZABETH King â—AMES King CHARLES â— The Second Edition with Additions LONDON Printed by Thomas Mâ—lbourâ— for Sâ—â— Speed in Thread-needle-street neer the Royal-Exchange 1670. TO The HOPE of ENGLAND It s Young Gentry Is most humbly Dedicated The HONONUR of it It s ANCIENT STATESMEN A Renowned Ancestry TO An Honourable Posterity Whitehall BY permission and License of the Right Honourable Mr. Secretary Morice This Book may be Printed and Published Jo Cook TO THE READER Courteous Reader FOr bestowing some vacant hours by that excellent Personages direction to whom I am equally obliged for my Employment and my Leasure in an attempt so agreeable to the Lord Verulam's judgment which may be seen in the next page and so pursuant of Sir Robert Naunton's designe which may be traced in the following Book Another person's abilities might have gained applause and my weakness may deserve an excuse notwithstanding my years if yet any man be too young to read and observe or my profession if yet a Divine should not as times go be as well read in Men as Books Especially since I gratifie no man's fondness writing not a Panegyrick but an History Nor pleasure any persons malice designing Observations rather than Invectives Nor tyre any man's patience setting down rather the remarkes of mens publick capacities than the minute passages of their private lives but innocently discourse the most choice instances our ENGLISH Histories afford for the three great Qualifications of men 1. Noblenesse in behaviour 2. Dexterity in business and 3. Wisdome in Government among which are twenty eight Secretaries of State eight Chancellours eighteen Lord Treasurers sixteen Chamberlains who entertain Gentlemen with Observations becoming their Extraction and their hopes touching 1. The rise of States-men 2. The beginning of Families 3. The method of Greatness 4. The conduct of Courtiers 5. The miscarriages of Favourites and what-ever may make them either wise or wary The Chancellour of France had a Picture that to a coâ—mon eye shewed many little heads and they were his Ancestorsâ— but to the more curious represented onely one great one and that was his own It 's inâ—ended that this Book should to the vulgar Reader express several particulars i. e. all this last Ages Heroes but to every Gentleman it should intimate onely one and that is himself It 's easily imaginable how unconcerned I am in the fate of this Book either in the History or the Observation since I have been so faithful in the â—irst that is not my own but the Historians and so careful in the second that they are not mine but the Histories DAVID LLOYD The Lord Bacon's Iudgment of a Work of this nature HIstory which may be called just and perfect History is of three kinds according to the object it propoundeth or pretendeth to represent for it either representeth a Time a Person or an Action The first we call Chronicles the second Lives and the third Narrations or Relations Of these although the first be the most compleat and absolute kind of History and hath most estimation and glory yet the second excelleth it in profit and use and the third in verity and sincerity For history of Times representeth the magnitude of Actions and the publick faces or deportments of persons and passeth over in silence the smaller passages and motions of Men and Matters But such being the workmanship of God as he doth hang the greatest weight upon the smallest wyars Maxima è minimis suspendens it comes therefore to pass that such Histories do rather set forth the pomp of business than the true and inward resorts thereof But Lives if they be well written propounding to themselves a person to represent in whom actions both greater and smaller publick and private have a commixture must of necessity contain a more true native and lively representation I do much admire that these times have so little esteemed the vertues of the Times as that the writing of Lives should be no more frequent For although there be not many Soveraign Princes or absolute Commanders and that States are most collected into Monarchies yet are there many worthy personages that deserve better than dispersed Report or barren Elogies For herein the invention of one of the late Poets is proper and doth well inrich the ancient fiction For he feigneth that at the end of the thread or web of every mans Life there was a little Medal containing the person's name and that Time waiteth upon the Sheers and as soon as the Thread was cut caught the Medials and carried them to the River Lethe and about the bank there were many Birds flying up and down that would get the Medials and carry them in their beak a little while and then let them fall into the River Onely there were a few Swans which if they got a Name would carry it to a Temple where it was consecrate THE TABLE A Pag. SIr Thomas Audly 72 Fiz-Allan Earl of Arundel 415 Master Roger Ashcam 613 Arch-Bishop Abbot 746 Sir Edmund Anderson 803 Bishop Andrews 1024 Sir Walter Aston 932 Sir Robert Armstroder 951 Philip Earl of Arundel 953. B. CHarles Brandon Duke of Suffolk 27 Sir Thomas Bollen 137 Edw. Stafford D. of Bucks 159 Sir Anthony Brown 164 Sir David Brook 386 Sir John Russel 1 E. of B. 442 Sir John Baker 460 Sir Will. Cecil L. Burleigh 473 Arch-Bishop Bancroft 704 Sir Nich. Bacon 470 Thomas Lord Burge 591 Sir Thomas Bromley 609 Sir Richard Bingham 612 Tho. Sackvil L. Buckhurst 677. Sir Fulke Grevil L. Brook 727 Sir Thomas Bodley 805 John L. Digby E. of Bristol 838 G. V. Duke of Buckingh 843 Sir Francis Bacon 828 Sir John Bramston 926 Lord Chief-Iustice Banks 960 C. ARch-Bishop Cranmer 35 T. Cromwel Earl of Esâ—ex 57 Sir William Compton 145 Sir Thomas Cheyney 466 Sir John Cheek 191 Sir William Cordel 369 Sir Anthony Cook 373 Sir W. Cecil L. Burleigh 473 Sir Thomas Challoner 534 Sir James Crofts 569 Cliffords Earls of Cumberland 721 Sir R. Cecil E. of Salisbury 730 Sir George Calvert 750 Sir Arthur Chichester 753 L. Cranfield E. of Mid. 778 Sir Robert Cary 794 Doctor Richard Cosin 817 Lord Chief Justice Cook 820 Lord Cottington 906 Sir Dudly Carleton 910 Lord Conway 919 Sir Julius Caesar 934 Earl of Carnarvan 1014 The Cary's Lords Viscounâ—s Faulklands 938 Lord Capel 1021 Sir John Culpepper 1042 Sir Georgâ— Crook 949 James Hay E. of Carlisle 774 Sir Thomas Coventry 978 Sir John Cook 944 L. Herbert of Cherbury 1017 D. SIr Thomas Darcy 130 T. Grey Marquess of Dorset 152 Dudly D. of Northumberland 420 W. Devereux E. of Essex 486 Edward Earl of Derby 547 Sir William Drury 558 Doctor Dale 564 Sir James Dier 595 Secretary Davison 624 Sir G. Hume E. of Dunb 740 Sir
mean but well proportioned his complexion phlegmatique his countenance amiable and cheerâ—ul his voice plain and distinct and his temper sound and healthful I can add nothing to the honour of this good man yet will I pay this further devotion to his virtue whereof honour was a testimony as long as it was its self wortâ—less men having made the honour bestowed on them as despicable as themselves that wore it that royal favour receiving more contempt from them than it gave reputation to them A good name the great instrument of doing good while we live and our other life when dead could he said if any thing justify the barbarous way of duels since he is the most bloody man to himself that is careless of reputation So as to be indifferent what he doth or what others say is to bury himself alive His Credit which he said was his Royalty there being but two Empires in the World the one a general love and esteem the other common dread and fear put him upon being watchful for occasions constant in his actions moderate in prosperity resolute in encounters calme in troubles above fortune and able to make and piece up the broken miscarriages of chance that he might be settled in that state which is the work of greatness and the inheritance of goodness the prospect whereof is pleasant though the ascent be sharp and slippery â—he top shaking the footing uncertain and the downfall fearful and the reflections of it when moderated with humility like those oâ— the Sun when allayed in his declension pleasing and cheerful Towards the attainment whereof the Lives of former Worthies were such incitements to this as Hercules was to Theseus Miltiades to Themistocles and Achilles to Alexander And nothing the good Man would discourse should men be more render of than of Mens hoâ—our since tâ—eâ—e were but two effectual restraints from Vice shame and fear and but two motives to Virtue Honour and Interest the fiâ—st of which is so much the darling peculiarly of the English Nation that this is called by a French Author the Land of Honour His Fall was attended with a greater fame than his height as the Sun in the Evening hath a greater â—hadow than at Noon WHo is the honest man He that doth still and strongly good pursue To God his Neighbour and Himself most true Whom neither force nor fawning can Vnpin or wrench from giving all their due Whose honesty is not So loose and easie that a ruffling winde Can blow away or glitt'ring look it blinde Who â—ides his sure and even trot While the World now rides by now lags behinde Who when great trials come Nor seeksâ— nor â—huns them but doth calmly stay Till he the Thing and the Example weigh All being brought into a sum What Place or Person calls for he doth pay Whom none can work or wooe To use in any thing a trick or sleight For above all things he abhors deceit His words and works and fashion too All of a piece and all are clear and streight Who never melts or thaws At close tentations when the day is done His goodness sets not but in dark can run The Sun to others writeth Laws And is their virtue Virtue is his Sun Who when he is to treat With sick Folks Women those whom passions sway Allows for that and keeps his constant way Whom others faults do not defeat But though men fail him yet his part doth play Whom nothing can procure When the wide World runs Bias from his will To writhe his limbs and share not mend the ill T is is the Mark-man safe and sure Who still is right and prays to be so still Observations on the Life of Thomas Cromwel Earl of Essex Most of them from the Notes of Thomas Cromwel Esquire one of his Posterity who made a Collection of Observations upon him 1633. from the Ancestors of Baronet Worseley and Sir Ralph Hopton who had been his Servant PVtney saw his Cradle in a Cottage and England saw his Coffin in a Ditch His Original was mean his End meaner A suddain height in an unsettled time ruined him A moderate and leasurely Greaâ—ness is safe His Blood ran low but pure ennobling the veins it flowed in with a Spirit that was to raise a Family and Deserve that Honour that others Inherit His honest Parents conveyed him a strong Constitution that could support stronger parts The poor mans good Temper is an Inheritance and the Rich his Effeminacy his Disease A private School civilized his parts Travel and Employment improved them His Necessity when at home made him a Soldier abroad and his Observations abroad made him a Man at Home The Experience of Travel enlarged his Soul and the Hardship of War knitted and consolidated it His hard Fortune at Cambray was the occasion of his good One in England and had he not been undone he had been undone For his promising looks commended him to Frescobald the Merchant for Relief and to Cardinal Wolsey for service in whose private Service of Secretary for his Embassie in France he prepared himself for that more publick of Secretary of State in England Great Scholar he was none the Latine Testament gotten by heart being his Master-piece nor studied Lawyer never admitted to the Innes of Court nor experienced Souldier though Necessity cast Him upon it when the Duke of Burbon beâ—ieged Rome noâ— Courtier till bred up in Cardinal Wolsey's Court yet that of the Lawyer in him so helped the Scholar that of the Souldier the Lawyer that of the Courtier the Souldier and that of the Traveller all the rest being no Stranger to Germany well acquainted with France most familiar with Italy so that the result of all together made him for Endowments eminent not to say admirable His Apprehension was quick and clear his Judgment methodical and solid his Memory strong and rational his Tongue fluent and pertinent his Presence stately and obliging his Heart large and noble his Temper patient and cautioâ—s his way industrious and indefatigable his Correspondence well laid and constant his Converse insinuating and close None more dexterous to finde out by his Setting-Dogges and Coy-Ducks none more reserved to keep a secret He was equal â—aith my Author to the French Politicians when under his Master he over-reached them when alone doing more in one month with his subtle Head than the other in twelve months with his stately Train The King of France would have pensioned up his parts but the Vice-Roy of England advanced them His Master brought him first to serve his Country in Parliament that great School of Experience and then his King at Court where defending his Masters great actions he made it evident he could perform greater His saying in defence of his Master that new States-men like fresh Flies bite deeper than those which were chased away before them stuck much with the House that was then sensible that many of the Country-Gentlemen discoursed of the Court-States-men but
with the same success that the Gown-man Harangued it before Alexander of Military Affairs who laughed at the Scholar for talking of War to a Souldier his defence of his Master being the more observable for his civilities to his adversaries he being very cautious of reflecting upon his Patrons Enemies while he excused him the bespattering of others being not the best method of purging him and Memnon gave a railing Souldier a good blow with his Launce saying I hired thee to fight and not to raile Neither delighted he in being the Davus the troubler of the Parliament which he observed play'd the part of fond Musicians which spend so much time in tuning their Instruments that there is none left to spare for their Musick He wished that our reformation might be in one respect like the reformation of the Turkes who thought that the best way to understand the Alâ—oran was to burn all the Interpreters it being true of the Bible what one observeth of one Text of it that was clear before it was commented upon A truth become seasonable as there is no new thing under the Sun and what â—ath been will be in a less revolution of time than Plato's great Yeâ—r even in our times when passion guides Religion that should be governed by it as being without iâ— but a short madness turning man into a wild Beast that is goared which runneth upon every thing that cometh in its way without consideration or like a violent torrent descending down impeâ—uously from a steep Hill which beareth down all respects before it divine and humane For whilst passion is in the heighth there is no room for reason nor any use of the dictates of the understanding the mind for the time being like the Cyclopian Cave where no Man heard what another said only what they want in them singly in reason may joyntly be made up in noise and their respective defects in Arguments be supplied by their communion in suffrage And it is the wisdom of those who are concerned in what they oppose to stand out of their way at least till the storm be over Omnis campis duffugit Arator Omnis Agricola Dum pluit in terris ut possint sole reductâ— Exercere diem Their reason with time and due consideration will be better attended to when this earnestness hath a little spent its self into a calmness and allay Such was his Wit such his Eloquence that they who hated the Client admired the Advocate And though he could not keep his Patron from falling yet he raised himself that being the first time his Eminent Parts were observed An advantageous starting is more than half way in the Race of Preferment For hereupon he is first Master of the Kings Jewels and then of what was more precious his Secrets His Conscience inclined him to the Churches Reformation his Interest complied with the Kings he unlocked the secreâ—s of Monasteries by his Spies and put the King upon destroying them by his Power The University of Cambridge made him Chancellor to save it self where though he did no great good yet hiâ— Greatness kept others from doing harm in an Age wâ—erein Covetousness could quarrel a Colledge as well as an Abbey into superstition He was trusted by the King with the Rollâ— and Records of England and by the Scholars with the Charters and Satutes of their Universities He reforms the University in order to the Reformation of the Church enjoyning the study of the Scripture and the Tongues instead of School-Divinity and Barbarism recommending Aristotle Agricola Melancthon to their reading and the Doctrine which is in Spirit and in Truth to their Faith and razing the Popes Bulls to make way for the Kings Favour and that Architectonical Power to see that all subjects within his Dominion do their duties in their several Callings for the safety and tranquillity of the Common-wealth He was an eminent Minister of State and Chief Governour of the Church proceeding in Convocation very discreetly modelling the Church-Laws very prudently and moderately looking into Monastical Abuses very narrowly and industrioâ—sly mawling Religious Houses violently pulling down those Nests that the Rooks might not return His Master had disobliged the Pope and he weakeneth him It was not safe to disown his Supremacy and entertain thousands of his Creatures If a Kingdom be divided against it self it cannot stand and if one part of the English pay their devoâ—ion to a supream Head at Rome and another to a supream Governour in England they must both fall If the Persons might disturb the Government it is fit their Estates should secure it and if the Papists should foment a War their Lands should maintain it But Cromwel contrives that the Pope should confirm Alienations in Wolsey before he shâ—uld practise it for the King As the King knew whom he employed when he trusted him so he knew whom he trusted when he employed Doctoâ— Lee an able servant to an abler Master He fiâ—st decâ—yed Religious Men out of their Covents by the allurement of Liberty and then forced them out by Power and Authority As the Abbeys improved his Estate so his Master advanced his Honour He had one Privy Seal always to act by and was Keeper of another He had no sooner attained an Earldom for himself but foreseeing the alteration of Affairs he secured a Barony for his Son nor forfeitable by the Attainder of the Father Within five years he was Master of the Jewel-house Chancellor of the Exchequer Secretary of State Baron and Viscount Wimbledon in Middlesex Vicar General Master of the Rolls Knight of the Garter Keeper of the Privy Seal Lord High Chamberlain and Earl of Essex Justice in Eyre of Forrests Chases and Parks c. N. Trent â— Within five Months he quitted most of these places and in five minutes lost all He must needs be envied whose Birth was so much beneath all others and his Preferment above them especially when the King in preferring him injured others as the Citizens in managing the Jewels the Courtiers in undertaking State-affairs the Lawyers in the Rolls the Nobly descended at Winsor the Clergy in the Convocation the Earl oâ— Oxford and the Family of the Bourchiers in the great Chamberlainship and Earldom of Essex But he cares not whom he displeaseth if he can oblige his Master whose power he advanceth in the Paâ—liament and Synod as he improveth his Reâ—enue in the Office of first-Fâ—uits and the Court of Augmentation His Greatness waâ— allayed with his Goodness and the Envy of the One mitigated by â—he Liberality of the other He had not more Suiters at his Door than Almes-men two hundred at a time As he was good abroad so he was at home calling upon his Servants yearly to give him an account what they had got under him and what they desired of him warning them to improve their opportunities because he said he was too great to stand long providing for them as carefully as for his Son
had his Eye upon the turns flexures and points of things and business and his state and interest ready to correspond He knew when to proceed when to make a stand and when to retire It 's said of Grandees That they are the first that find their own Griefs and the last that find their Faults Our Lord was quick in both and hath taught us this That certainly Men of great fortunes are strangers to themselves and while they are in the puzzle of business have no time to tend the welfare either of Body or Soul and that they must with-draw from this World before they retire into another For Illi mors gravis incubat qui not us nimis omnibus ignotus moritur sibi There are no more Remarques of this Personage than that he was the Father of this Apophthegme Well done if warily and Great-Grandfather to the present Earl of Warwick Observations on the Life of Sir John Mason HE had his Birth at Abingdon and his Education at Oxford His Birth commended him to All-Souls and his Breeding to the Court His Study was like his Inclination rather active than contemplative his present thoughts foreseeing and providing for his future Employments But Industry and Parts may prepare a Man it is opportunity and occasion that must advance him and never had a Man fairer opportunity never made a Man better use of it None but Mr. Mason would the University pitch upon to complement Henry the Eighth none but Mr. Mason could please him although he was as great a Scholar as he was a King and as much an Humorist as both as he was inclined so he studied as he studied so he writ not with a Pedants impertinence but a States-man's prudence so elegant was his Latine that a Critick would have advanced him Professor so various his Learning that Cranmer would have preferred him Prebend and yet so grave and wise the matter and composure of his speech that the King designed him a States-man When King Henry the Eighth came to Oxford Sir Iohn is deputed to congratulate his coming who considering that a Man cannot every Day speak to Kings contrived saith my Author the matter of his speech most Man-like politick and pertinent the phrase of it polite and majestick so that what with his comely presence his becoming carriage his flowing expression his graceful elocution he gained that applause from the Court and University that the one was as eager to have him as the other was loth to part with him the University was proud of him but King Henry commanded him and disposeth of him in Forein parts to add practical experience to his speculative studies It was the excellent way of that time to pick out the choice youths of both Universities and maintain them some years abroad to make such Observations as might render them serviceable at homeâ— Dwelt with Books he had long enough now he must converse with Men and open his recluse and retired soul to a practicable and social temper by debonairness and freedom too long mewed up with study and melancholy Think and speak he could very well already now he must learn to act and live Books furnished Travel must enlarge and settle his soul. Four things made a States-man in those Days 1. The University and good Letters 2. The City and Converse 3. The Court and Freedom of spirit 4. Travel and Observation It was the politick Discipline of those days to selecâ— saith mine Author the pregnancies of either Vniversity ana breed them iâ— Forein parts for publicâ— Employments Agreeable whereunto Mr. Mason iâ— sent beyond sea with Instructions to guid him and a pension to support himâ— With Order 1. To keep exact correspondence with the Secretary at home 2. To entertain 1. The most eminent Scholar who might represent the Church 2. The ripest Undersecretary who might decipher to him the State 3. The ablest Souldier and Sea-man that might open to him the Interest of both Nations 3. To take an exact account of the Havens Forts Cities Avenues Passages Ways Treasure and Interest of the place he lives in 4. To follow the respective Embassadors Directions in every Court 5. To appear in each place upon any solemnity Civil or Military suitable to the occasion all charges to be defrayed from the English Exchequer His Pension was two hundred and twenty pounds a year his Circuit was France the Netherlands and Italy his Commission was to engage any knowing person of those respective Courts that could transcribe their Edicts or Orders give exact Intelligence make any Interest or had any influence upon their respective Governments His Rules were 1. To correspond with his Majesties Agents 2. To have few and choice Acquaintance 3. To make Collections of and Observations upon the Histories the Laws Customs and the most considerable States-men Governours and Great Men with their Relations and Dependencies in those Courts 4. To give a monethly account of such Remarques as occurred at large to the Secretary and in brief to the King and Cardinal His first undertaking was in France where his Gravity was too severe beyond the dalliances of that place His next was to Italy where he shewed as great a reach in countermining as the Inhabitants of that place do in managing their plots None designs saith the Character further off than the Italian None seeth said Sir Tho. Audley further off than Sir John Mason His last Voyage was to Spain where he out grav'd the Don Himself and then returned with the Italians quickness the Spaniards staidness the Frenchmans Ayr the Germaâ—s Resolution and the Dutchmans Industry Qâ—alities that demonstrated he understood other Countreys and could serve his own Thâ—re thâ—s pregnant Gentleman being at some distance could look more inwardly into the Constitution Situation Interest State and Complexion of his own Countrey and being near could discern those of other parts wiâ—h the mutual aspect of England upon them and theirs upon it They that livâ—d in those times say that none understood the affairs of England and France together with their mutual advantages or disadvanâ—â—ges better than Sir Iohn Mason He that had seen the mysteries of four Courts might be trusted with those of one as he was in King Henry the Eighth's time in the capacity of a Privy Counsellour and in Edward the Sixth's in the Trust of chief Secretary At the Board none clearer in his Proposals in his Office none quicker for Dispatch Let me hear Sir Iohn Mason said the King Let us to Sir Iohn Mason said the Subjects so much the reputation of his prudent integrity with the one and of his familiar access with the other Four things he said kept him in under all the Revolutions during the four Princes Reigns whom he served 1. That he thought few Things would save a Man 2. That he was always intimate with the exactest Lawyer and ablest Favourite 3. That he spake little and writ less 4. That he had attained to something which each party esteemed
serviceable to them and was so moderate that all thought him their own When a compleat man he was called home to be first Clerk of the Council a place of great Trust secondly Secretary of State a place of great Employment thirdly Master of the Requests an Office of great Dispatch and Business and fourthly Treasurer of the Houshold an Employment of constant care No Age wanted an able man more no Age had one more willing to secure the Universities than that which chose him to be Chancellour of Oxford at the same time that his Prince made him Treasurer of the Houshold Sacriledge it self then gaping after the University-Lands durst not tempt so honest a Man nor perswade so great a Scholar nor fright so resolute a Statesman to betray or yield up those ancient Encouragements of Learning and Virtue Loth was Oxford to part with him when a Scholar glad to entertain him a States-man with a power to protect her well tempered with Obligations to love her he who is now the Father being lately the Son maintained by a part of it as he now maintained the whole That was a scrambling time when it was catch who catch can I find not any particular favour conferred or benefaction bestowed by him in person on the University but this great good he did That his Greatness kept others from doing any harm Many hungry Courtiers had hopes to catch Fish and Fish it would be whatever came into their Nets on this turning of the Tide and alteration of Religion How easie was it for covetousness in those times to quarrel the Colledge-Lands into superstition Sacriledge stood ready to knock at their Gates and alas ' â—was past their Porter's power to â—orbid it enterance had not Sir Iohn Mason vigorously opposed it and assisted the University on all occasions He inciteth them to the study of the Tongues because sensum alicujus rei non potest ille assequi qui râ—dis esâ— Idiomatis quo traditur and directed the reading of Aristole Agricola Melancthon c. instead of Scotus Burleus Bricot calling for all their Charters Donations Statutes Popes Bulls with an exact Rental of their Lands and Inventory of their Goods which were restored intire and safe The University that could not enjoy his presence craves his protection and foreseeing in the fall of Abbeys their danger especially when Foundations erected for superstition were given by statute to the King chose Sir Iohn Mason their Chancellour who was at once a favourite oâ— Power and of Learning the greatest Lay-Statesman that was a Scholar and the greatest Scholar that was a Lay-Statesman He was not contented to secure but he must improve Oxford gaining it New Priviledges when it feared the loss of its old ones A grave and reserved Man he was who understood the Intrigues and Motions of those dark and uncertain times and his nimble and present Prudence could accommodate them His Maxime was Do and say nothing Commending the active and close man whose performances were as private coherent continued and suddain as his counsels who would not spend that time in advising that woulâ— serve for executing Many were his pensions to Scholars at home more to Agents abroad that assisted either his studies or employments whom he designed an honour to his middle and a support to his old Age. He had a peculiar way of satisfying suiters by plain dealing and dispatch he would divide all suits either into matter of Equity or a suit of Controversie or into matter of Desert or a suit of Petition In the first he had his Referrendaries to see the matter compounded between both parties rather than carried by either In the second he preferred all suitably to their Abilities No Mâ—n understood better the nature of Court-places than he and none saw further into Court-persons Two things he said always promoted a matâ—er 1. Secresie Boasting which is the way of some Courtiers though it discourageth some Competitors yet it awakeneth Others 2. Timing of it with an Eye to those about us He would advise a Man to begin with a little and mean suit For though as my Lord Bacon observes iniquum petas aequum feras is a good Rule where a Man hath strength of favour yet otherwise a Man had better rise in his suit For he that would have ventured at fiâ—st to have lost his Suitor will not in the conclusion lose both the Suitor and his own former Favour It 's from him while he lived that we learned Celerity is the best Secresie Pruâ—ence and Resolution is the only Fortune Converse is the great Education Boldness a Man's surest Success Good Nature is the eminent Nobility and a well-weighed Honesty the only Favourite It 's by him when he died we are taught that Moderation out-lasts Violence Modesty Ambition a publick Spirit a private One That to act alone may be as profitable as Honourable but to joyn with others most safe That to study the nature of a Prince may for the present advance but to understand the Interest of his Kingdom is always secure The one way being as uncertain as the frail Person it depends upon the other as sure as the lasting State it serves Observations on the Life of Sir William Stamford SIr William Stamford was of Straffordian extraction Robert his Grand-father living at Rowley in that County but William his Fathâ—r was a Merchant in London and purchased Lands at Hadley in Middlesex where Sir William was born August 22. 1509. He was bred to the study of our Municipal Laws attaining so much eminence therein that he was preferred one of the Judges of the Common Pleas. His most learned Book of The Pleas of the Crown hath made him for ever famous amongst Men of his own Profession There is a spirit of retraction of one to his Native County which made him purchase Lands and his Son settle himself in Straffordshire This worthy Judge died Aug. 28. and was buried at Hadley in this Shire in the last year of the reign of Queen Mary 1558. King Iames had a Judge that would give no money and King Henry had one that would take none There have been those Lawyers that turned the point of Law upon the Law it self that wounded the Eagle with a feather from his own Wing and stabbed the person of Princes with their Authority that dethroned Kings with a moot-point and overthrowed a Government at a Reading This Judge understood that as the Law is the security of the people so Prerogative is the strength of the Law and that that is the best temper of Government where Kings have so much power to do evil that they may be able to do good Miserable experience hath taught us that since power hath been wrested from Princes that neither they nor their people can â—e â—â—fe if both be not in such a way as the Law hath intrusted the publick safety and welfare which consists in a full power belonging to the King to secure Liberties preserve
Kings Colledge in Cambridge and afterwards was Tutor in the same University to Henry and Charles Brandon successively Dukes of Suffolk Under Qâ—een Elizabeth he was made Masteâ— of the Hospital of S. Katherines nigh the Tower of London At last he became Secretary of State to the Queen for four years together He dyed Anno 15. To whose various and yet deep knowledge not of the surface of Arts and Sciences for shews but of inside and ground of them for use not onely apprehending the frame but perceiving the power and importance of them There is no character that ever I read so agreeable as that which the most Eloquent Cicero gave the most Learned Varro Tu aetatem patriae tu descriptiones temporum tu sacrorum jura tu sacerdotum tu bellicam disciplinam tu sedem regionum locorum tu omnium divinarum humanarumque rerum nomina genera officia causas aperuisti plurimumque Poâ—tis luminis attulisti elegans poema fecisti Philosophiamque multis locis inchoasti An argument of a great capacity in a man of his great place and greater Imploymenâ— whose candor was yet equal with his parts ingenuously passing by the particular infirmities of those who contributed any thing to the advancement of a General Learning judging it fitter that men of abilities should joyntly engage against ignorance and Barbarism than severally clash with one anotherâ— giving this advice to all men concerned in publick Writings that they might avoid both censâ—re â—rom others and trouble to themselves temperanter rem gero and this he recommended not only to Scholars in general but to some peculiarly discreet persons in particular knowing that that which toucheth all usually reacheth none admonishing lâ—kâ—wise his friends to use no words but such as had some correspondent things and to take care that their conceptions should answer their expressions there having been of late in the world a way of Learning that overthrew Knowledge consisting of opinions remote from mens cogitations which men spake but thought not thinking they had invented new things when they found out new words The reason why his Writings excelled so much in the worth and use of the subject in the exactness of the method in the ingenuity of the design and in the temper of the Writer who discoursed not but demonstrated framing first the disordered minds of men to an exact way of reasoning and afterwards digesting things to a strict form of argument which a man learneth not from Precepts but by use and reading such Books as are compiled not with a loose fancy but a severe reason especially suck Politick Books as are made up of experience which is our recollecting of things past and prudence which is our expectation of things to come according to our experience of things past especially such as have the happiness of perceiving things exactly as they are and expressing them clearly and orderly as they conceive them He had the breeding of Courtiers so long until he was one himself At once reading Machiavel for my Lord Burleigh's Instruction and observing it for his own use His Parents designed him for study his nature for business His presence assisted his inclination and his complisance his presence and his good nature both A good nature that would have spoiled a Politician in any other but Doctor Wilson whose wisdom was the largeness of his Soul not the narrowneâ—s of a shift He had that comprehensive and penetrating judgement that he could at once shew the greatest prudence in laying his design and the greatest Integrity in managing it as rather securely knowing than warily close But he that is onely real had need have exceeding great parts of Vertue as the Stone had need be rich that is seâ— without foil Therefore he was something a Courtier There are small matters that win great commendation because they are continually in use whereas the occasion of any great action cometh but on festivals and it is enough to attain so much ceremony and courtship not to despise it He had a way of conveying effectual and imprinting passions among complements suitable to persons and business He had his familiarity to Inferiors that made him not cheap his state among Equals that made him not envied and his observance to Superiors that made him no Flatterer His behaviour like a well-made suit not too strait or point-device but justly measured and free for exercise or motion He had a slow but a sure way to honor which was nothing else in him but a discovery of his Vertues and Worth upon any occasion without any disadvantage It was his interest as well as his gift to be more learned than witty more reverend than plausible more considerate than active His thoughts were as his inclination grave his discourse as his reading subtile his actions as his Education well weighed regular as his temper even and smooth as custom and resolved as a habit gotten in that advancement of vertue a well-disciplined Society where Example teacheth Company comforteth Emulation quickneth Glory raiseth None had a more skilful method to sway nature in others none more prudent minutâ—s and seasonable degrees to check it in himself his Rule being Never to practise any thing until perfect for so he might exercise his weâ—kness as well as his abilities and induce one habit of both Three things he aimed at 1. The search of Truth by Industry 2. The attainment of it by apprehension 3. The enjoyment of it by assent He is a happy man that is above the troubled and confused Regions of Opinions Fancies Prepossâ—ssâ—ons in that clear and undisturbed one of Truth and Reality Though yet my Lord Verul'am observeth That if there were taken out of mens minds vain opinion flattering hope false valuations and imaginations as one would and the like c. it would leave the minds of a number of poor men poor shrunken things full of melancholy and indisposition and unpleasing to themselves Neither took he greater pleasure in knowing than in relating and doing what is true sound and plain without those crooked courses that shew a creeping rather than a raised nature and as Mr. Mountaignâ— observes is a bravery and facing of God and a shrinking from and being coward before man He said what all great men know That he wax six times a Slave 1. To Himself and his Inclination till he had advanced Reason 2. To the World and its Insolence till he had imprâ—ved his Fortune 3. To his Pupils and their Tempers till he understood their Genius 4. To Fame and its Reports till he was known in the World 5. To his Soveraigns and their Humors till he found their Inâ—erest And 6. To his Business till he had attained Experience Thus it is with all Grandees who exchange their power over themselves for that over others and with great pains comâ— to greater Two things he wished when called to the world Power and Resolution A naked man is contemptible for it's Power that begets Fear it
Undertaking as to influence it with a Character peculiar to the Dignity of such a Constitution which carried that Commerce higher than others could raise their Imaginations as we see whose profit by it is as remarqueable in this Age as their zeal for it was in the last When Fear and Distrust those ignoble passions that disparage all great Undertakings which judged that Design a piece of extravagant Folly seeth it now an Act of profound Wisdom especially when it may be improved under CHARLES the Second and the Great a Prince who by admirable order of his conduct the just administration of his Revenue and by his fatherly goodness towards his people hath put himself into a condition to uâ—dertakâ— without fear whatsoever may be put in execution with honour or Justice The End of the Observations upon the Lives of the Statesmen and Favourites of England in the Reign of Queen Mary THE STATES-MEN and FAVOURITES OF ENGLAND IN The Reign of Queen Elizabeth Observations on the Life of Sir Nicholas Bacon Sir Nicholas Bacon a man full of wit and wisdomâ— was a Gentleman and a man of Law and of great knowledge therein whereby together with his other parts of Learning and Dexterity he was prompted to be Keepeâ— of the Great Seal and being kin to the Treasurer Burleigh was brought by his help into the Queens favour This Gentleman understood his Mistress well and the times better He could raise Factions to serve the one and allay them to suit the others He had the deepest reach into Affairs of any man that was at the Council-â—able the knottiest Head to peirce into diâ—ficulties the most comprehensive Judgement to surround the merit of a Cause the strongest memory to recollect all circumstances of a Business to one View the greatest patience to debate and consider for it was he that first said Let us stay a little and we will have done the sooner and the clearest reason to urge any thing that came in his way in Court or Chancery His favour was eminent with his Mistress and his Alliance strong with her States-men No man served his Soveraign more faithfully none secured himself more wisely Leicester seemed wiser than he was Bacon was wiser than he seemed to be Hunsdon neither was nor seemed wise Much Learning my Lord Bacon gained in Bennets Colledge in Cambridge more Experience in Paris of France His Deâ—terity and Dispatch advanced him to the Court of Wards his deep Experience made him Lord Keeper Alliance was the policy of that time Bacon and Cecil married two Sisters Walsingham and Mildmay two more Knowles Essex and Leicester were linked the prudent Qâ—een having all her Favourites Relations and Dependencies in her eye and disposing of them according to their several Interests Great was this States-mans Wit greater the Fame of it which as he would say being nothing made all things For Report though but Fancy begets Opinion and Opinion begets Substance He was the exactest man to draw up a Law in Council and the most discreet to execute it in Court When others urged the repeal of that Act whereby Queen Elizabeth was declared Illegiâ—imate he rather suppressed it chusing the closure of a festered Wound more prudent than the opening of it and judging it more wisdome to satisfie the world with the old Law That the Crown takes away all defects than to perplex it with new disputes Whether Queen Elizabeth were Legitimate State-miscarriages are rather to be privately connived at than publickly redressed the remedy it may be doing no more service than putting the people in minde of the mishap He neither affected nor attained to Greatness Mediocra firma was his Principle and his Practice When Queen Elizabeth asked him Why his House was so little he answered Madam my House is not too little for me but you have made me too big for my House Give me said he a good Estate rather than a great one He had a very Quaint saying saith Robert Naunton and he used it often to very good purpose That he loved the Jest well but not the loss of his Friend He would say That though unusquisque suae fortunae faber was a true and good Principle yet the most in number were those that marred themselves but I will never forgive that man that loseth himself to be rid of his Iest. The Excellency of his Parts was set off with the Gravity of his Person and the Queen would say My Lord Bacon's Soul lodgeth well His Account of England and all its Affaires was punctual his use of learned Artist was continual his correspondence with his fellow-Statesmen exact his apprehension of our Laws and Government clear his model of both methodical his faithfulness to the Church eminent his industrious invention for the State indefaâ—igable He was in a word a Father of his Country and of Sir Francis Bacon Sir Nicholas â—acon was the moderate man that was appointed to preside at the Disputâ—tion between the Protestant and Popish Doctors in the first of Queen Elizabeth Hâ— was that Judicious States-man to whom was trusted the management of that Parliament and Convocation The satisfaction of the People and Kingdome and those Delatory proceedings with France Spain and Rome that were at the bottom of the great work of Reformation and settlement at that time Observations on the Life of William Cecil Lord Burleigh WIlliam a Cecil was born with the advantage of being Richard Cecil's Son who was of the Robes to King Henry and Legatee in his Will and bred with that of being Commoner of St. Iohns in Cambridge and Student at the Innes of Court in London whence he was advanced by his Pregnancy to serve the Duke of Somerset in quality of Master of Requests as he was afterwards by his Master to attend King Edward the sixth in the capacity of Secretary of Statâ— where he furnished all Acts and Orders with Reasons of State as he had them fitted by able Lawyers with Arguments of Law He loved always they say to wrap the Prerogatives in the Laws of the Land He was constant but not obstinate in his Advice As the Planets are whirled about dayly From East to West by the motion of the Primum Mobile yet have a contrary motion of their own from West to East which they slowly yet surely move at their leisures so our States-man though yielding in some things to Greatness of some Persons in an Age wherein it was present drowning not to swim against the stream Yet had he his counter-endeavours against the prevailing strain and privately advanced his rightful Intentions against otheâ—s wrongful Ambitions If dissenting from his Superiours he did it with all humility and mâ—deration yet chusing always rather to displease than betray He was in much favour with King Edward in some with Queen Mary in most with Qâ—een Elizabeth who though sparing of her honours yet heaped on him the trust of Secretary of State the Profits of the Master of the Wards the
careful to maintain itâ— knowing that in vain do the brows beat the eyes sparkle the tongue threaten the fist bend and the arm strike if the belly be not fed and the back cloathed and indeed this was his Master-piece that the Queen vying Gold and Silverâ— with the King of Spain had Money or Credit when the other had neither Her Exchâ—quer saith my Author though but a Pond in comparison holding water when his River fed with a spring from the Indies was dreined dâ—y It was with his advice that that Queen paid her Obligations in Preferments rather than Money giving away not above two Largesses of that nature in her life In a word when others set in a Cloud he shined clear to his last He saw Essex dead Leicester slighted Mount-joy discountenanced and what with the Queens constant favour which lodged where it lighted and his own temper and moderation when more violent men failed he died as great a Favourite as he lived leaving his son Thomas so much Estate as advanced him to the Earldome of Exeter and his son Robert so much state-Discipline as raised him successive to be Secretary of state Master of the Court of Wards Lord Treasurer and Earl of Salisbury He was a very exact and a wary Observer of Forreign Transaction witness this passage to Sir Henry Norris Embassador in France The rare manner of your Entertainment hath moved the Queens Majesty to muse upon what score it should be being more than hath been used in like cases to her Embassadors and such as besides your own report hath been by others lately advertised And for that in such things Gueses be doubtful I pray you by your next advertise me what your self do think of it and in the mean time I know you are not untaught to judge of the difference between fair words and good deeds as the saying is Fortuna cum ad blaâ—ditur Capitum advenit His thoughts of a Rebel that submitted take in these words Of late Shane Oneal hath made means to the Lord Deputy of Ireland to be received into grace pretending that he hath meant no manner of unlawfulness towards the Queen by which is gathered that he groweth weary of his lewdness yet I think he is no otherwise to be reformed than by sharp prosecution which is intended to be followed no whit the less for any his fair Writings as reason is Of Intelligence he writes thus I doubt not but you shall have of his hand no lack of Intelligence which you must credit as you see cause by proof of the event About Embassadors Dispatches he saith He must write apart to the Secretary in matters containing trouble and business and to his Soveraign of Advice In a particular Negotiation about Pyrates he advised That the King of France and his Council might perceive that it is well known how the Pyrates are suffered to do what they will notwithstanding it be contrary to Proclamation And yet you shall so order the matter saith he to a French Ambassadour as not that you shall find fault with this manner of suffering for that ought properly to be to the Spanish or Portugal Embassador with whom you may sometime deal to understand how they do know what is done and how they do interpret it Touching the King of Scots murther he would say There are words spoken which I hold best to suppress Neither would I have you saith he to his friend utter any of these things not doubting but shortly God will cause the truth to be revealed Of an underhand Traytor he writes to his friend I pray write unto me somewhat more particularly for the proof of his trayterous speeches whereby there might be some ground made how to have him demanded Of the demanding of a Town promised in a Treaty Sir Thomas Smith went to demand Callis not that we think the Goveâ—nour will deliver it but to avoid all cavillation which they might invent for by Law it must be demanded upon the very place and being not delivered the sum of 500000 It is forfeited Mrâ— Winter shall pass secretly with him to take possession thereof if they deceive our expectation but not past three of the Council know of Winteâ—s going Concerning the unreasonable words of Princes he saith If hereof the Embassador meaning the French shall make any sinister report you may as you see cause well maintain the Queens answer to be very reasonable as having cause to mislike the manner of writing of the Queen thereon which neverthe less you may impute to the unadvisedness of the Secretary for so the Queens Majesty doth impute it Of the troubles in Scotland he observed the French made their present advantage to the damage of England and you know that Scotlaâ—d is the French King to it as Ireland is the Spanish Of Fâ—rraign News he writes to Sir Henry Norris That hâ— would be glad to have a Note of the Names of the chiefest Nobility of Frâ—nce and with whom they be married adding thereto any other thing that may belong to the knowledge of their lineage and degreeâ— as you shall think meet He writes That her Majesty being a Prince her self is doubtful to give countenance to subjects I wish saith he to have a Kalender of them who are with the Prince and also to see the Edicts that have lately passed from the King against them and that in these troublesome times wherein accidents are so diversly reported your advices were large and repeated aâ—d that we had such Articles as pass on both sides Of France he sâ—iâ—h You must think that seeing all the parts of Christendome are intentive to hear of the matters of France we cannot be careless to whom the same belongeth next of all whatsoever the end thereof shall be Of the Distractions of France thus to our Embassador in France If you told the Queen-mother so as of your own head as a thing you hear spread abroad in the world I think you mâ—ght do well and speak truly for as for the Popes Ministers their â— rofession is to prefer the Weal of their own Church before the good state of any Kingdome on earth and whatsoever come of any thing they look onely to the continuance of their own ambitious Ruling And as for other Ministers of Princes or for men of War it is a truth infallible The more they do impoverish that Monarchy of France the better they think their own Estates Of a plot discovered he writes We can truly hit no man wherefore it is necessary that you speak again with the Party that gave you this Intelligence and if the matter be of truth and not a disguising to some other purpose he can as weâ—l obtain you the knowledge of the party in certainty as thus to give a guise at him for as he hath his Intelligence of the matter which he uttered to you so may he attain to a more perfect knowledge For the Protestants he saith I pray you put them in comfort
Secretary of State a Lady destinated to the Bâ—d of honour who after his deplorable death â—t Zutphen in the Netherlands where he was Governour of Flushing at the time of his Uncles being there was marriâ—d to my Lord of Essex and since his death to my Lord of Sâ— Albans all persons of the Sword and otherwise of great Honour and Vertue He had an equal temperament of Mars and Mercury Valour and Learning to as high a pitch as Nature and Art could frame and Fortune improve him so Dexterous that he seemed born for every thing he went about His â—â—presentations of Vertue and Vice were not more lively in his Bâ—oks than in his Life his Fancy was not above his Vertue his Humours Counsels and Actions were renowned in the Romancer Heroiâ—k in the States-man His Soul was as large as his Parents and his Complexion as Noble an equal Line of both the modesty of the Mother allaying the activity of the Father A man so sweetly grave so familiarly staid so prettily serious he was above his years Wiâ—dome gained by travel Experience raised from Observations solid and useful Learning drawn from knowing Languet his three years Companion and choâ—câ—st Books accomplâ—shed him for the love of all and the reverence of most His Converse was not more close at home than his Correspondence abroad equally mixed with Policy Pleasure Wisdome and Love his Worth being penned up and smothered within the narrowness of his fortune sallied not out to discontent buâ— pleasure sweetning the Affairs of State with the Debonnareness of the Stage his Romance being but policy played with Machiavil in jest and State maximes sweetned to a Courtiers palate He writ men as exactly as he studied them and discerned humours in the Court with the same deep insight he described them in his Book His Infant-diâ—courses teach men O what had his riper years done He put Life into dead Notions of Ancestors made Philosophy practicable joyned the Aâ—t as closely in him as they are in themselves His Book is below his spiritâ— a spiâ—it to be confined with Kingdomes rather than Stâ—dies to do what was to be written than onely to write what was to be done All eyes were upon him but his own at first in all Affairs he was the last at last he was the first obliging all men that ever he saw and seeing all that were worth obliging All were pleased with his Arcadia but himself whose years advanced him so much beyond himself as his parts did beyond others He condemned his Arcadia in his more retired judgement to the fire which wise men think will continue to the last Conâ—lagration His private Corrâ—spondence with William of Nassan about the highest Affairs of Europe was so exact and prudent that he assured Sir Fulke Grevil he deâ—erved a Kingdome in Forreign Parts though he had not an Office in England The Earl of Leicester held his Authority in the Low-Countries by his Councel when alive and gave it over when he was dead Sir Francis Walsingham was so much overshot by him in his own Bow that those with whom Sir Philip were acquainted with for his sake were his friends for Sir Philips King Iames was honoured when King of Scotland with his friendship Henry the fourth with his correspondence Don Iuan highly obliged with his Visits the King of Spain himself concerned in his death whom England he said lost in a moment but could not breed in an Age The Universities were proud of his Pâ—tronage the Field of his presence the Studioâ—s in all Parts communicated with him the Hâ—â—eful were encouraged by him all excellent Persons thronged to him all serviceable men were entertained by him and he among them a Prince whose minde was great but his spirit greater He taught England the Majesty of honest dealâ—ng the Interest of being Religious He looked deep into men and Councels and found no Wisdom without Courage no Courage without Religion and Honesty with which solid and active reaches of his I am perswaded saith my Lord Brooks he would have found or made a way through all the Traveâ—sers â—ven of the most weak and irregular â—imes Although a private Gentleman he was a publick Good of a large yet uniform disposition so good that the great Monarch might trust so great that a little one must fear him something he did for Fame most for Conscience His publick spirit which might have enjealoused the cautious wisdome of other Princes promoted the concerns of his own He was sent to complement Rodolph but he dealt really with the Protestant Princes and raised a Ceremony to a piece of Interest He shewed that long-breathed and cautious people that imminent danger from Romes Superstition joyned with Spains Power their private confederacies and practices their cruelty and designe which awaked their drowzy wariness into an association for Conscience and Religion more solid as he demonstrated than a Combination out of Policâ— He went against the stream and current about the Frâ—nch match which he disswaded from the consequent inconveniences of Engagements and charge to England and the little advantage from France backing his Argument with a laâ—e experience and so staying Queen Elizabeths match by some reflections on Queen Mary's which was A five years Designe or Tax rather than a Marriage adding withal That in a forreign match besides the inequalness and danger of it when a strange Prince hath such an influence on our Constitution the different Religion would make the Queen either quit the reputation of a good Protestant or the honour of an obedient Wife Teâ— ways he laid down a Forreign Prince might endaâ—ger our Religion by 1. Opposing and weakning the reverend Fathers of our Church 2. By disgracing her most zealous Ministers 3. By Latitude and Connivance 4. â—y a loose and too free a behaviour steering mens Consciences which way he pleased and setting uâ—indifferency 5. â—y decrying Customes and Statutes and enhansinâ— Proclamations to the Authority of Laws 6. â—y provoking the English with French Oppressios 7. â—y entrenching on the British Liberties with Gallicâ—â—e Prerogatives 8. â—â— breaking our League and Correspondence with oâ—er Protestant States 9. â—ightning our Queen to a Complyance 10. Aâ—d at last attempting the Protestant cause He vould say to his Friend the Lord Brooks That if the Netherlands joyn with France they are terrible to Spain if with Spain they are dreadful to France if with us they sâ—pport the Reformation if they stand on tâ—eir own legs they are too strong to be forced to Pyracy He though a private person opposed her Majesty Qâ—een Elizabeth in that Affair with that sincerity with thaâ— ingenuiâ—y that freedome that duty and peaceableness that angered and pâ—eaâ—ed her His Opinion was not more against hir humour than his manage of it was to her mindâ— in which Affair when most were hood-winkeâ— with ignorance and many captived with fear he â—njoyed the freedome of his own thoughts with dayly access to her Majesty hourly converse wiâ—h the
open to the spleen and advantage of his Enemies He was yet a wise man and a brave Coâ—rtier but rougâ— and participaâ—ing more of active than sedentary motions as being in his Constellation destinated for Arms. He was sent Lord-Deputy into Ireland where he did the Queen very great and many Seâ—vices Being out of envy accused of High Treason and against the â—ueens will and consent condemned he died suddenly in the Tower He was Englands professed Friend and Sir Christopher Hattons professed Enemy He fell because he would stand alone In the English Court at that time he that held not by Leicesters and Burleighs favour must yield to their frowns What gâ—ound he gained in Forreign merits as the Sea he lost in Domestick Interests The most deserving Râ—cessâ—s and serviceable absence from Courts is incompatible with the way of interest and favour Hiâ— boysterous carriage rather removed than preferred him to Ireland where he was to his cost what he would have been to his advantage chief in Command and first in Counciâ— His spirit was too great to be ruled and his Interest too little to sway He was so like a Son of Henry the eighth that he would not be Qâ—ueen Elizabeths suâ—jâ—ct but Hattons sly smoothness undermined his opâ—n roughness the one dancing at Court with more success than the other fought in Ireland He was born to enjoy rather thâ—n make a Fortune and to command rather then stoop for respect Boldness indeed is as necessary for a Souldier as the Action for an Orator and is a prevailing quality over weak men at all times and wise men at their weak times yet it begins well but continueth not closing always with the wiser sorts scorns and the vulgars â—aughter Sir Iohn Perrot was better at Counsel than Complement and better at Execution than Counsel None woâ—se to command first on his own head none better to be second and under the direction of others He could not advise because he looked not round on his dangers he could not execute because he saw them not His alliance to his Soveraign commended him at first to her favour and gave him up at last to her jâ—alousie being too near to be modest and too bold to be trusted and the more service he performed he was thereby onely the more dangerous and withal unhappy his Successes onely puffing up his humor and his Victories ripening his ambition to those fatal Sallies against the Qâ—eens honour and Government that had cost him his life had he not saved it with those very Rants he lost himself by for when he had out of an innocent confidence of his cause and a haughty conceit of hiâ— Extraction exasperated his Noble Jâ—ry to his Condemnation he had no more to say for himself than Gods death will the Queen suâ—ser her Brother to be offered up as a sacrifice to the envy of my frisking Adversaries On which words the Queen refused to sign the Warrant for his Eâ—ecution though pressed to it from Reason and Interest saying They were all Knaves that condemned him It 's observed of him that the Surplusage of his services in Ireland abaâ—ed the merit of â—hem and that it was his oversight to have done too much there His morâ—al words were those in the grear Chamber of Dublin when the Qâ—een sent him some respectful Letters after her Expostulatory ones with an intimation of the Spaniards Design Lo now saith he she is ready to piss her self for fear of the Spaniard I am again one of her white Boys A great Birth and a great Minde aâ—e câ—ushed in Commonwealths and waâ—ched in Kâ—ngâ—omes They who are to tall too stand too stubâ—orn to bow are but too fit to break Râ—ssling Spirits â—aise â—hemselves at the settlement of Governmâ—nts but fall after iâ— being but unruly Wavâ—s to a stâ—ady Rock breaking themsâ—lves on that solid Constitution they would break Few aimed at Favourites as Sir Iohn did at the Lord Chancâ—llor but their Arrows fell on their own heads Soveraignty being alwayes struck through prime Councellours and Majesty through its chief Ministeâ—s Sir Iohn Perrot no sooner claâ—hed with Hatton â—han he lost the Queenâ— and ever since he reflected on his Dancing he lost his own footing and never stood on his legs Observations on the life of Sir Francis Walsingham HE was a Gentleman at first of a good houseâ— but of a better Education and from the University travelled for the rest of his Learning He was the bâ—st Linguist of the times but knew best how to use his own tongue whereby he came to be employed in the chiefâ—st Affairs of State He was sent Ambassadour into France and stayed there a Leiger long in the heat of the Civil Wars At his return he was taken Principal Secretary and was one of the great â—nginâ—s of State and of the times high in the Queens favour and a watchful servant over the â—afety of his Mistress He â—cted the same part in the Courts of France aboâ—â— that Match that Gundamor if I be not mistaken saith Sir Robert Naunton did in the Court of England about the Spanish His apprehension waâ— quick and his Judgement solid his â—ead was so strong that he could look into the depth of men and business and dive into the Whirlpools of State Dexterous he was in finding a secret close in keeping it Much he had got by Study more by Travelâ— which enlarged and actuated his thoughts Ceciâ— bred him his Agent as he bred hundreds Hiâ— Converse was insinuating and reseâ—ved He saw every man and none saw him His spirit was aâ— publick as his parts and it was his fiâ—st Maxime Knowledge is never too dear yet as Debonnair as he was prudent and as obliging to the soâ—ter but prâ—â—dominant parâ—s of the woâ—lâ— as he was serviceable to the moâ—e severe and no less Dexterous to work on humouâ—s than to convince Reason He would say he must obseâ—ve the joynts and flexures of Affairs and so could do more with a Story than others could with a Harangue He always surprized business and preferred motions in the heaâ— of other diversions and if he must debate it he would hear all and with the advantage of aforegoing speeches that either cautioned or confirmed his resolutions he carried all before him in conclusion beyond reply He oâ—t-did the Jesuites in their own bowe and over-reached them in their own equivocation and mental reservationâ— never setling a Lye but warily drawing out and discovering truth As the close Room sucketh in most Air â—o this wary man got most intelligence being most of our Papists Confessour before their death as they had been their Brethrens before their Treason He said what another writ That an habit of secrecy is policy and vertue To him mens faces spake as much as their tongues and their countenances were Indexes of their hearts He would so beset men with Questions and draw them on and pick it out of them by piece-meals that they discovered themselves whether
To which I adde her Sister musick wherewith he revived his tired spirits lengthened as he said his sickly days opened his oppressed breast eased his melancholy thoughâ— graced his happy pronunciation ordered and refined his irregular and gross inclination fixed and quickned his floating and dead notions and by a secret sweet and heavenly Vertue raised his spirit as he confessed sometime to a little less than Angelical Exaltation Curious he was to please his ear and as exact to please his eye there being no Statues Inscriptions or Coyns that the Vertâ—osi of Italy could shew the Antiquaries of France could boast off or the great Hoarder of Rarities the great Duke of Tuscany whose antick Coyns are worth 100000 l. could pretend to that he had not the view of No man could draw any place or work better none fancy and paint a Portraicture more lively being a Durer for proportion a Goltzius for a bold touch variety of posture a curious and true shadow an Angelo for his happy fancy and an Holben for Oyl works Neither was it a bare Ornament of Discourse or naked Diversion of leisure time but a most weighty piece of knowledge that he could blazon most noble and ancient Coats and thereby discern the relation interest and correspondence of great Families and thereby the meaning and bottom of all transactions and the most successful way of dealing with any one Family His Exercises were such as his Employments were like to be gentle and manlike whereof the two most eminent were Riding and Shooting that at once wholesomely stirred and nobly knitted and strengthened his body Two Eyes he saiâ— he travelled with the one of wariness upon himself the other of observation upon others This compleat Gentleman was Guardian to the young Brandon in his younger yearsâ— Agent for Sir Iohn Mason in King Edward the sixth's time and the first Embassador for the State in Queen Elizabeths time My Lord Cobham is to amuse the Spaniard my Lord Effingham to undermine the French and Sir Henry Killigrew is privately sent to engage â—he German Princes against Austria in point of Interest and for her Majesty in point of Religion he had a humour that bewitched the Elector of Bavaria a Carriage that awed him of Mentz a Reputation that obliged them of Colen and Hydelbergh and that reach and fluency in Discourse that won them all He assisted the Lords Hunsdon and Howard at the Treaty with France in London and my Lord of Essex in the War for France in Britain Neither was he less observable for his own Conduct than for that of others whose severe thoughts words and carriage so awed his inferiour faculties as to restrain him through all the heats of youth made more than usually importunate by the full vigour of a high and sanguine Constitution insomuch that they say he looked upon all the approaches to that sin then so familiar to his calling as a Souldier his quality as a Gentleman and his Station as a Courtier not onely with an utter disallowance in his judgement but with a natural abhorrency and antipathy in his very lower inclinations To which happiness it conduced not a little that though he had a good yet he had a restrained appetite a Knife upon his Throat as well as upon his Trencher that indulged it self neither frequent nor delicate entertainment its meals though but once a day being its pressures and it s fast its only sensualitieâ— to which temperance in diet adde but that in sleep together with his disposal of himself throughout his life to industry and diligenceâ— you will say he was a spotless man whose life taught us this Lesson which if observed would accomplish mankinde and which King Charles the fiâ—st would inculcate to noble Travellers and Dr. Hammond to all men To be furnished always with something to do A Lesson they proposed as the best expedient for Innocence and pleasure the foresaid blessed man assuring his happy heaâ—ers That no burthen is more heavy or temptation more dangerous than to have time lie on ones hand the idle man being not onely as he worded it the Devils shop but his kingdome too a model of and an appendage unto Hell a place given up to torment and to mischief Observations on the Life of Arthur Gray Baron of Wilton ARthur Gray Baron of Wilton is justly râ—ckoned amongst the Natives of Buckinghamshire whosâ— Father had his habitation not at Wilton a decayed Castle in Hertfordshire whence he took his Title but at Waddon a fair house of his Family not far from Buckingham He succeeded to a small estate much diminished on this sad occasion His Father William Lord Gray being taken Prisoner in France after long ineffectual solliciting to be because captivated in the publick service redeemed on the publick charge at last was forced to ransome himself with the sale of the best part of his Patrimony Our Arthur endeavoured to advance his estate by his Valour being entred into Feats of War under his martial Father at the siege of Leith 1560 where he was shot in the shoulder which inspirited him with a constant antipathy against the Scots He was afterwards sent over Lord Deputy into Ireland anno 1580 where before he had received the Sword or any emblems of command ut acrioribus initiis terrorem incuteret to fright his foes with fierce beginnings he unfortunately fought the Rebels at Grandilough to the great loss of English Blood This made many commend his Courage above his Conduct till he recovered his credit and finally suppressed the Rebellion of Desmond Returning into England the Qâ—een chiefly relied on his counsel for ordering our Land-forces against the Spaniards in 88 and fortifying places of advantage The mention of that year critical in Churcâ—-differences about discipline at homâ— as well as with forreign force abroad mindeth me that this Lord was but a back-friend to Bishops and in all divisions of Votes in Paâ—liament or Council-table sided with the Anti-prelatical party When Sâ—cretaâ—y Davison that State-pageant raised up on purpose to be put down was censured in the Star-chamber about the business of the Queen of Scots this Lord Gray onely defended him as doing nothing therein but what became an able and honest Minister of State An Ear-witness saith Haec fusè oratorie animose Greium disserentem audivimus So that besides bluntness the common and becoming Eloquence of Souldiers he had a real Rhetorick and could very emphatically express himself Indeed this Warlike Lord would not wear two heads under one Helmet and may be said always to have born his Beaver open not dissembling in the least degree but owning his own Judgement at all times what he was He deceased anno Domini 1593. Three things he was observed eminent for 1. Dâ—spatch San Ioseph having not been a week in Ireland before he had environed him by Sea and Land 2. For his resolution that he would not parley with him till he was brought to his mercy hanging out a
capable of the title or pity due to innocence theirs might claim so large a share as not possible to be too severely condemned or flightly enough punished and that with such week and inconsiderable men as were rather against the government than for one another Grey being a Puritan and Cobham a Protestant were the gâ—eatest but there is one particular more behind That he could employ his restraint so well should â—ye under the justice as well as jealousie of K. James And knowing that Princes must not pardon any able man that either they have wronged or that hath wronged them be so intent upon a foolish liberâ—y wherein he lost himself and his in that unhappy voyage of Guiana a voyage that considering King Iames his inclination to the Mâ—tch his own obnoxiousness to thaâ— King abroad and Cecil here for oâ—structing the Peace with Spain and Gondamor's vigilance must needs be as unsuccessful as it was disguâ—â—â—ul Methinks he that was of so incomparable a dexâ—eriâ—y in his judgement as the Treasurer grew jealous of his excellent parts lest he should supplant him of so quick and ready apprehension and conduct that he puzzled the Iudges at Winchesteâ— of so good a Head-piece that it was wished then on the Secretary of State 's shoulders of so considerable an interest that notwithstanâ—ng his fourteen years imprâ—sonmeâ—t Princes interceded â—or him the whole Naâ—ion pitied him and King Iames would not execute him without an Apology And to say no more of so much magnanimity that he managed his death with so high and so religious a resolution as if a Christian had acted a Roman or rather a Roman a Christian might have gone off the world at a higher rate but that there is an higher power governs wisdome as invisibly yet as really as wisdome doth the world which when I look back upon my Lord of Essex I call fate but when from him I look forward to Sir â—alter Rawleigh I believe a providence He had a good presence in a handsome and well-compacted person a strong natural wit a better judgement with a bold and plaâ—sible tongue which set off his parts to the best advantage to these he had the adjuncts of a general Learning which by diligence and experience those two great Tutors was augmented to a great perfectionâ— being an indefatigable Reader and having a very retentive memory before his Iudges at Winchester humble but not prostrate dutiful yet not deject to the Iury affâ—ble but not fawning hoping but not trusting in them carefully perswading them with reason not distemperatâ—ly importuning them with conjurations rather shewing love of life tâ—â—n fear of deâ—th patient but not careless civil but not stupid Observations on the Life of Thomas Sackvil Lord Buckhurst HE was bred in the Vniversity of Oxford where he became an excellent Poet leaving both Latine and English Poems of his to posterity Then studied he Law in the Temple and took the degree of Barrister afterwards he travelled into Forreign parts was detained for a time a Prisoner in Rome which he revenged afterwards in the Liberty of his speech at the Powder-Traytoâ—s Tryal When his liberty was procured for his return into England he possessed the vast inheritance left him by his Father whereof in short time by his magnificent prodigality he spent the greatest part till he seasonably began to spare growing neer to the bottome of his Estate The story goes that this young Gentleman coming to an Alderman of London who had gâ—ined great penny worths by his former Purchases of him was made being now in the wane of his weâ—lâ—h to wait the coming down of the Alderman so long that his generous humour being sensible of the incivility of such Attendance resolved to be no more beholding to VVealthy Pride and presently turned a thrifty improver of the remainder of his Estate But others make him as abovesaid the Convert of Queen Elizabeth his Coâ—sinâ—German once removed who by her frequent Admonitions diverted the torâ—ent of his profusion Indeed she would not know him till he began to know himself and then heaped places of Hâ—nour and Trust upon him creating him 1â— Bâ—ron of Bâ—ckâ—urst in Sussâ—x Anno Dom. 1566. 2. Sending him Amabssador into France Anno 1571. Into the Law-Countries Anno Dom. 1576. 3. Making him Knight of the Order of the Garter Anno 1589. 4. Appointing him Treasurer of England 1599. He was Chancellour of the University of Oxford where he entertained Queen Elizabeth with a most sumptuous Feast He was called the Star-Chamber-â—â—ll so very flowing his invention and therefore no wonder if his Secretaries could not please him being a person of so quick dispaâ—ch faculties which yet run in the blood He took â— Roll of the names of all Sutors with the Date of their first Addresses and these in order had their hearing so that a Fresh-man could not leap over the head of his Senior except in urgent Affairs of State Thus having made 〈◊〉 â—nds to his house for his mispent time both in iâ—â—â—ease of Estate and Honour being created Earl of Dorset by King James he died on the 19 th of April 1608. The Lord Buckhurst was of the noble house of the Sackvils and of the Queens consanguinity his Father was that provident and wise man Sir Richard Sackvil or as the people then called him Fill-sack by reason of his great wealth and the vasâ— Patrimony which he left to this his son whereof he spent in his youth the best part untill the Queen by her frequent admonitions diverted the torrent of his profusion he was a very fine Gentleman of person and endowments both of Art and Nature His elocution is much commended but the excellency of his Pen more for he was a Scholar and a person of quick faculties very facete and choice in his phrase and style He was wise and stout nor was he any ways insnared in 〈◊〉 factions of the Court which were all his time very strong He stood still in grace and was wholly intentive to the Queens service and such were his abilities that she received assiduous proofs of his sâ—fficiency As 1. In his Embassie to Fâ—ance whereas the Queen-Mother complemented him he behaved himself very worthy of his Mistresses Majesty and his own Peerage there he had an experienced Tuscan Calacanâ—i by â—â—me to deal wiâ—h that Florentine Queen â— Montmorancy's brother to undermins the Guises and his own great parts to grapple with old Hospital He began that subtile piece the French Match under pretence whereof we â—alanced and understood Europeâ— nd Walsingham finished it 2. In his Negotiations in the Low-Countries where he watched Leicester and the Commanders he obsâ—â—â—â—d the States and their changeable and various Interests accommodating the present emergencies and suiting their occasions They that censure this Nobleman's death consider not besides the black worm and the white day and night as the Ridddle is that are gnawing constantly at the root of the Tree of Life There aâ—e many
degrees a Successor to his places though not to his Lands for he was a younger Brother He was first Secretary of State then Master of the Wards and in the last of her Reign came to be Lord Treasurer all which were the steps of his Fathers greatness and of the honour he left to his house For his person he was not much beholding to Nature though somewhat for his face which was the best part of his outside but for his inside it may be said he was his Father's own son and a pregnant Proficient in all discipline of State He was a Courtier from his Cradle yet at the age of twenty and upwards he was much short of his after-proof but exposed and by change of climate he shewed what he was and what he would be He lived in those times wherein the Queen had most need and use of men of weight â—nd amongst able ones this was a chief as having a sufficiency from his instructions that begat him the Tutorship of the Times and Court then the Academy of Art and Cunning â— English prudence and Counsel was at the highâ—â—â— as most exercised with Forreign dangers and Domestick practices Vast was his apprehension because so large his prospect Sir Francis Walsingham having opened the Conclave of Rome and his Father the Cabals of Spain insomuch that he knew each design in both places every Port every Ship with the Burthens whither bound what impediments for diversion of Enterprizes Counsels Resolutions as appears by his private dispatches as his manner was with those of the Councel one whereof to my Lord Mountjoy since Earl of Devonshire with whom he seasonably closed runs thus I must in private put you out of doubt for of fear I know you cannot be otherwise sensible than in a way of honour that the Spaniard will not come to you this year for I have it from my own what preparations are in all Parts and what he can do For be confident he beareth up a reputation by seeming to embrace more than he can gripe but the next year be assured he will cast over unto you some Forlorn-Hopes which how they may be re-inforced beyond his present ability and his first intention I cannot as yet make any certain judgment but I believe out of my Intelligence that you may expect their Landing at Munster and the more to distract you in several places as at Kingsale Beer-haven and Baltimore where you may be sure coming from Sea they will first fortifie and learn the strength of the Rebels before they dare take the Field This States man's character is engraven upon his honour and his portraicture drawn in his Patent for Earl of Salisbury which to many formal words hath added these effectual expressions As also for his faithfulness circumspection stoutness wisdom dexterity providence and care not onely in the great and weighty Affairs of Counsel but generally also in all other Expeditions of the Realm And indeed not a man upon the Helm of this Common-wealth understood all points of the Compass better than himself who in a stayed and calm setledness looked on the private designs that were promoted upon his Mistriss declining and privately overthrowed them and their Masters while in an uninterrupted course of integrity towards his Mistress and faithfulness to his Countrey he kept clear and succession equally careful not to enjealous his present Mistress and not to obstruct his future Master with whom he kept an honest correspondence although there goeth this story of him that a Post from Scotland meeting her Majesty upon Greenwich-heath Sir Robert Cecil in all hast would needs cut open the Packet and pretending it stunk had time to perfume it her Majesty being very curious in her smelling and convey away his own Letters be this so or so it 's certain that when assistant to the Earl of Derby in his French Embassie he promoted the young King of Scots interest against his Mothers when Sir Francis Walsingham's Colleague he defeated her Counsels against him and when principal Secretary he sounded crossed and undid the little plot that was shrowded under the great name of Essex turning and winding raising and ruining the Authors of it at his own pleasure No sooner was the Queen dead than his Messenger was with the King at Edenburgh and he himself with his Favourite Sir George Humes at York with whose assistance and honest Sir Roger Aston's mediation King Iames makes him his bosome-friend his house Theobalds his residence and his account of the English Laws Government and temper his rule Finding him but Knight and Secretary he created him Baron of Essenden Viscount Cranbourn Knight of the Garter and Earl of Salisbury He promoted him Master of the Wards and Lord Treasurer in all which capacities how vigilant he was against the Papists and their Plots their Libels which he answered in English and Latine very elegantly and wisely demonstrate how careful of the publique Treasure this Narrative shews King Iames had bestowed upon Sir Robert Carr twenty thousand pound my Lord apprehending the sum as more correspondent with his Master's goodness than his greatness with the royalty of his heart than the poverty of his Exchequer and observing his Majesty more careful of what money passed his own hands than what passed his servants contrives that the good King should go through the place where this great sum lay in silver to a treatment where demanding whose money it was and being answered that it was his own before he parted with it He understanding the design protested he was cheated and intended not above five hundred pounds and the Favourite was glad to make use of the Lord Treasurers mediation for the moyety of that great sum How industrious in the improvement of his Masters Revenue these particulars conel â—de viz. 1. A survey of the Crown-lands known before by report rather than by measure and let by chance rather than knowledge 2. A Revival of the Custody-lands Revenue by Commissioners of Asserts 3. A tarrier of Crown-wood-lands their growth and value where he numbered marked valued all the Timber hitherto unknown 4. The Commissioners he procured to look into Copy-hold-Lands Wastes and Commons 5. The Rules to forfeited Estates and extended Lands 6. The improvement of the Customs from 86000 to 135000 pounds per annum 7. The bargain about the London River-water 8. The encouragement of all English Inventions Manufactures and Trade whereby the Subjects might be employed our Commodities enhanced and our Treasure kept among our selves 9. The Plantations and Transplantations in Ireland And 10. The Reformation of the Court of Wards in the poynt of disposing of Orphans These services advanced him to great honour and to as great envy the popular effects whereof no man could have escaped but one whose soul was immoveable temper calm thoughts deep apprehensions large and resolution great to engage vulgar Errors rather by the greatness of his Actions than the eminence of his Interest
Author thereof may pass for an eminent instance to what perfection of Theory they may attain to in matter of War who were not acquainted with the Practick part thereof being once employed by Queen Elizabeth with a dispatch to Sir Francis Vere which occasioned his presence at the Battel at Newport For he doth so smartly discuss pro and con and seriously decide many Martial Controversies that his judgment therein is praised by the best Military Masters King Iames taking notice of his Abilities made him Clerk of the Council and Knighted him and he was at last preferred Secretary of State in the vacancy of that place but prevented by death he acted not therein At this day his goodness in his general carriage out-did his prudence and his prudence in particular his goodness but his industry loth in all things and in nothing more than in his Scotch Negâ—tiation where he over-reached the slye French composed and setled the unsatisfied King and sent those weekly Advertisements to his Mistriss that Sir Robert Cecil confessed the Master-wheel of those years revolutions When Charles the fifth presented Secretary Eraso to his Son Philip the second he said He gave him somewhat greater than his Estate and more royal than his Empire When Sir William Waad introduced Sir Clement Edmonds to Court he brought thither in that person more than he coulâ— carry away in his own A person much accomplished in the great precepts and rules he observed more in his experience and application of those he practised wherein he was wise but not presumptuous exact but not pedantick allowing much to old Observations more to new Circumstances He was not more beholding to his Nature than his Nature to his Study and Meditation and that to time and experience which offered at once occasions of ininstruction and matter of exercises to his great understanding so well acquainted with the aâ—â—airs of former Ages that he could not be surprized with those of his own knowing how to command before he was called to obey as who trusted not to his own short and perplexed life that scarce holds out five or six important Negotiations and ordinarily ceaseth to be before it beginneth to know but his policy may be guessed from his morality and his publick carriage in the tumults of Affairs from his private conduct and command in the disorders of nature these being as well managed by his reason as the former by his prudence His lesser skill in governing the little world being an earnest of that more large in ruling the greater The Government of others saith Philosophy is not fit for him who is a Slave to himself Observations on the Life of James Hay Earl of Carlisle ONe Hay his Ancestor saved Scoâ—land from an Army of Danes at Longcarty with a Yâ—ak in his hand Iames Hay 6â—0 years after saved the King of that Countrey from the Gowries at their house with a Câ—lter in his the first had as much ground assigned him by King Kenith as a Falcon could flye over at one flight and the other as much Land as he could ride round in two dayes The whole Family fell before Dubâ—in-Castle in former dayes fave a child left in his Mothers womb and had decayed in ours but that the heir of it was cut out from his He served his Master in Scotland by his Generosity and in England with his Hâ—spitality the decay whereof King Iames observed the defect of the English Nobility and the restauration of it he designed the honour of the Scots Gentry Royal was his Masters munificence towards him noble his towards others His Majesty being not more intent upon his advancement for publick service than he was upon the advancement of others to hâ—s private assistanceâ— His Majesties gracious inclination being for a Reign of Peace this servants estate was spent upon the Arts of it I mean upon Feasts Masques gay Cloathes and such other Delicacies as might soften our harâ—her natures to quietness that Princes interest who was first to understand and then to manage the â—trength of this Nation Although he failed in most of his Negotiations because he carried his money on his back rather than in his purâ—â—â— rather to spend than to bestow and amaze Foreigners rather than oblige them Yet was his Embassie more suitable to the French vanity than either the Dutch thrift or the German plainness and his carriage more answerable to a gawdy Treaty of Marriage than to a close Agency for Interest or the intricate consultations of War So great the report of his Hospitality that an Host of Delph demanded sixty pounds for providing him a Supper though he never came that way yet so displeasing to the Prince of Orange that when his Steward asked what he should provide extraordinarily for the great Embassador's entertainment the Prince looks on his Bill of Fare and whereas there was but one Pig he bid them write two tartly reflecting as well on my Lords Nation as his magnificence One of his Entertainments I understand not the reason of I mean his Ante-Suppers the manner of which was to have the Board covered at the first entrance of Guests with dishes as high as a tall man could well reach filled with the choicest and dearest Viands Sea or Land could afford and all this once seen and having feasted the eyes of the invited was removed and fresh set on to the same height having onely this advantage of the other that it was hot at one whereof an Attendant eat to his single share a whole Pye reckoned to my Lord at twenty pounds being composed of Amber-greece Magisterial of Pearl Musk c. yet was so far from being sweet in the morning that he almost poysoned his whole Family flying himself like the Satyr from his own stink and another went away with forty pound of Sweet-meats in his Cloak-bag Yet must I needs judgâ—â—â—m uncharitable that writ of this noble person that when the most able Physicians and his own weakness had passed a judgement he could not live maâ—y dayes he did not forbear his Entertainments buâ— made divers brave Cloaths as he said to outâ—ace â—aked and despicable Death adding withal That nature wantted wisdom power or love in making man mâ—rtal and subject to diseases Forgetting as that censorioâ—s Pen goeth on that if every Individual his own lust had been able to have produced should have prosecuted an equal excess with his they would in a far less time than an age have brâ—â—ght themselves or the world into the same disease he died of which was a Consumption For my part I adhere to their Civility that represent his nature modest his demeanor fair and Court-like his obligations general his interest as great with the Favourite as with the King and so much the greater with the King as he studied him more and understood him better than any man though one observeth he was rather in his favour than in his bosome and therefore he took care That as his
Expedition and Civility made him the great Master of Requests at Court so his Marriage with the Heir-general of the Dennies should get him an Estate in the Countrey wherewith he compleated his kindness with bounty and adoâ—ned his bounty with courtesie Courtesie not affected but naturally made up of humility that secured him from Envy and a Civility that kept him in esteem he being happy in an expression that was high and not formal and a Language that was Courtly and yet real Observations on the Life of Sir Thomas Lake SIr Thomas Lake was bred a Scholar under Saravia in Hampshire a States-man under Sir Francis Walsingham at Court where such his dexterity and dispatch that he would indite write and discourse at the same time more exactly than most men could severally perform them being then called the Swift-sure such his celerity and solidity in all Affairs From the Secretaries Amanuensis he was promoted the Queens Clerk of the Signet to whom he read French and Latine to her dying day for he was reading to her when the Countess of Warwick told him that the Queen was departed In which Tongues she often said he surpassed her Secretaries Such his sufficiency especially in keeping secrets that King Iames employed him in some French Affairs at his first arrival without Cecil and afterwards as Secretary of State above him For King Iames that loved what ever was facile and fluent being taken among other his Abilities with his Latine pen said that he was a Minister of State fit to serve the greatest Prince in Europe and that the Secretaries place needed him more than he it Of whom I have no more to add but that he was one of the three noble hands that first led Mr. George Villiers to King Iames his Favour Observations on the Life of Lyonel Cranfield Earl of Middlesex SIr Lyonel was born in Basinghal-street a Citizen bred in the Custome-house a Merchant-Adventurer his own Tutor and his own University though his Family was ancient in Gloucestershire and his Arms in the Heralds Office King Iames was taken with him for his brief clear strong and pertinent discourses The Duke of Buckingham was displeased because he would stand without him yea in some things against him many were as active as this stirring Lord none more exact his presence was comely his countenance cheerful and grave his soul witty and wise his apprehension quick and solid his thoughts setled and resolved When one asked him how a man might prevent death he said Get to be Lord-Treasurer for none died in that Office Though no Scholar yet was he bountiful to Scholars though a Courtier yet was he hospitable in the Countrey though he suffered much yet was he contented and though he lost much yet was he charitable Very serviceable he was to the State in the business of Trade in general but most in that of the Custom-house in particular His first preferment was the custody of the Wardrobe his second was the Mastership of the Couâ—t of Wards and Liveries and his third the Treasurer-ship of England In the last whereof his improvement of the Revenue gained him not more honour with the King than it dâ—d him envy from the Courtiers While to piece out the Treasure with the expence he husbanded the one so thriftily and retrenched the other so rigidly that malice it self after many attempts to that purpose could find no fault with his exact account in the boundless trust of the tempting Treasury When the Prince was in Spain he was the Staâ—esman of the Council-Table and the chief Minister of the Cabal managing all the Dispatches and overlooking all the Expences In the last of which services he ran counter to the Duke of Buckingham's inclination and his own Interest which was to keep himself up by that noble Person 's favour as he rose by his Alliance The occasion of his preferment might be some saving secrets of the Custome-house-men to improve the Revenue the reason of his decline was some thrifty suggestion touching the Courtiers to preserve it This is certain he was a man fit for government who quickly apprehended where any evil was and had capacity enough to apply the remedy onely he had a little too stiffe a nature that would not easily yield when he found on which side there was most reason and too much of the City in his maximes which pretended to attain to that in a short time which Politicians think not proper to arrive at but by a leasurely fuccession of Ages and Generations Observations on the Life of Henry Howard Earl of Northampton THis Family had endeared it self to many Kings by its services but to none more than King Iames by its obligations Thomas Duke of Norfolk being as it were his Mothers Martyr executed for a design to marry her and all his Relations his confessors kept under for their inclinations to advance him Reasonable therefore it was that my Lord that Dukes brother should be made Baron of Marnhill Earl of Northampton Knight of the Garter Privy-Councellor Lord Privy Seal and Lord Warden of the Cinque-Ports Learning in any man had King Iames his affection especially in a Noble-man as our States-man who was as serious a Student in Kings-Colledge and Trinity-Hall in Cambridge as a discerning observator in Rome and Florence in Italy His Dispensative against the suppased poyson of Prophesies dedicated to Sir Francis Walsingham bespeaks him a great and a general Scholar His Speeches at Cambridge and in Star-Chamber argue him both witty and wise His expences shewed him publick-spirited the unparallel'd port of his Family and dependants an Ancient Noble-man His designing of Audley-End and building of Suffolk-house an Architect His Hospital for twâ—lve poor women and a Governour at Rise in Norfolk for twelve poor men and a Goveâ—nour at Clin in Shropshire for twenty poor men and a Governour at Greenwich in Kent whereof eight to be chosen out of Shose-Sham where he was born a charitable man his using of all his interest to avoid the burthen and weight of the Treasurer's place and procure it for the Earl of Suffolk his Nephew his noble disposition not to advance himself by Court-flattery or his fortune by State employment being a Batchellour and a Student An instance of my Lord Bacon's observation He that hath Wife and Children hath given Hostages to Fortune for they are Impediments to great Enterprizes either to Vertue or Mischief Certainly the best works and of greatest merit for the Publick proceed from the unmarried and the Childeless which both in affection and means have married and endowed the Publick But to conclude this particular this Lord told his intimate Secretary Mr. George Penny who related it to my Author that his Nativity at his Fathers desire was calculated by a skilful Italian Astrologer who told him that this his Infant-son should taste of much trouble in the middest of his life even to the want of a meals meat but his old age should make amends
and to bind it with a solemn Order if it be not already so done that no copies of the orders of that Table be delivered out by the Clerks of the Councel but by the order of the Board nor any not being a Councellor or a Clerk of the Councel or his Clerk to have access to the Councel-Books and to that purpose that the servants attending the Clerks of the Councel be bound to secrecy as well as their Masters 13. For the great Offices and Officers of the Kingdom I shall say little for the most of them are such as cannot well be severed from the Councellorship and therefore the same rule is to be observed for both in the choice of them In the general onely I advise this let them be set in those places for which they are probably the most fit 14. But in the quality of the persons I conceive it will be most convenient to have some of every sort as in the time of Qâ—een Eâ—izabeth it was one Bishop at the least in respect of questions touching Religion or Church-Government one or more skilled in the Laws some for Martial affairs and some for Foreign affairs By this mixture one will help another in all things that shall there happen to be moved But if that would fail it will be a safe way to consult with some other able persons well versed in that point which is the subject of their Consultation which yet may be done so warily as may not discover the main end therein IV. In the next place I shall put you in mind of the Foreign Negotiations and Emâ—assies to or with Foreign Princes or States wherein I shall be little able to serve you 1. Onely I will tell you what was the course in the happy dayes of Qâ—een Elizabeth whom it will be no dis-repâ—tation to follow She did vary according to the nature of the employment the quality of the persons she employed which â—s a good rule to go by 2. If it were an Embassy of Gâ—â—tulaâ—ion or Ceremony which must not be neglected choice was made of some noble person eminent in place and able in purse and he would take â—t as a mark of favour and discharge it without any great burthen to the Queen's Coffers for his own honours sake 3. But if it were an Embassie of weight concerning affairs of State choice was made of some sad person of known judgment wisdom and experience and not of a young man not wayed in State-matters nor of a meer formal man whatsoever his title or outside were 4. Yet in company of such some young towardly Noblemen or Gentlemen were usually sent also as Assistants or Attendants according to the qâ—ality of the persons who might be thereby prepaâ—ed and fitâ—ed for the like employment by this means at another turn 5. In their company were alwayes sent some grave and sad men skilful in the Civil Laws and some in the Languages and some who had been formerly conversant in the Courts of those Princes and knew their wayes these were Assistants in private but not trusted to manage the Affairs in publick that would detract from the honour of the principal Embassador 6. If the Negotiation were about Merchants affairs then were the persons employed for the most part Doctors of the Civil Law assisted with some other discreet men and in such the charge was ordinarily defrayed by the Company or Society of Merchants whom the Negotiation concerned 7. If Legier Embassadors or Agents were sent to reâ—ain in or near the Courts of those Princes or States as it was ever held fit to observe the motions and to hold correspondency with them upon all occasions such were made choice of as were preâ—â—med to be vigilant industrious and discreet mâ—n and had the language of the place whither â—heâ— wâ—râ— sent and with these were sent such as were hopeâ—ul to be worthy of the like employment at another time 8. Their care was to give true and tiâ—ely Intelligence of all Occurrences either to the Qâ—een her self or the Secretaries of State unto whom they had their immediate relation 9. Their charge was always born by the Qâ—een duly paid out of the Exchequer in such proportion as according to their qualities and places might give them an honourable subsistence there But for the reward of their service they were to expect it upon their return by some such preferment as might be worthy of them and yet be little burthen to the Qâ—eens Coffers or Revenues 10. At their going forth they had their general Instructions in writing which might be communicated to the Ministers of that State whither they were sent and they had also private Instructions upon particular occasions and at their return they did always render an account of some things to the Queen her self of some things to the body of the Council and of some others to the Secretaries of State who made use of them or communicated them as there was cause 11. In those days there was a constant course held that by the advice of the Secretaries or some principal Councellors there were alwayes sent forth into several parts beyond the Seas some young men of whom good hopes were conceived of their towardliness to be trained up and made fit for such publick Employments and to learn the Languages This was at the charge of the Queen which was not much for they travelled but as private Gentlemen and as by their industry their deserts did appear so far were they fâ—rther employed or rewarded This course I shall recommend unto you to breed up a Nursery of such publick Plants V. For Peace and War and those things which appertain to either I in my own disposition and profession am wholly for peace if please God to â—less the Kingdom therewith as for many years past he hath done and 1. I presume I shall not need to perswade you to the advancing of it nor shall you need to perswade the King your Master therein â—or that he hath hitherto been another Solomon in this our Israel and the Motto which he hath chosen Beati Pacifici shews his own judgement But he must use the means to preserve it else such a jewel may be lost 2. God is the God of Peace it is one of his Attributes therefore by him alone we must pray and hope to continue it there is the foundation 3. And the King must not neglect the just ways for it Justice is the best Protector of it at home and providence for War is the best prevention of it from abroad 4. Wars are either Foreign or Civil for the Foreign War by the King upon some neighbour Nation I â—ope we are secure the King in his just and pious disposition is not inclinable thereunto his Empire is long enough bounded with the Ocean as if the very situation thereof had taught the King and People to set up their rests and say Ne plus ultra 5. And for a war of invasion from abroad onely we must
and the Duke of Buckingham employed Embassadour to Venice where he negleâ—ted his own interest to attend his Majesties employment the reason that he dyed rich onely in the just conscience of his worth and the repute of his merk Coming from Venice he was appointed Lieger of France and designed Secretary of State had not Death prevented him at Paris being accomplished with all qualifications requisite for publick Employment Learning Languages Experience Abilities and what not King CHARLES hearing of his death commanded his Corps to be decently brought from Paris into England allowing the expences of his Funeral and enjoyning his neerest Relations to attend the performance thereof These accordingly met his body at Bulloign in France and saw it solemnly conveyed into England where it was interred in the Chappel of the Castle of Dover His REX PLATONICUS or his Latiâ—e account of King Iames his six dayes stay at Oxford speaks his Learning and his Instructions for Travel his experience He observing his Predecessors failings retrenching his expences satisfying himself with a repute of nobleness while in his way to preferment and others with the expectation of his bounty When preferred he seemed liberal that he might not be despised abroad but he was neer that he might not be odious at home His prodigality it may be might have satisfied the curiosity of a few Strangers while he incurred the displeasure of all his friends Besides a close wary man may be bountiful at his pleasure but the munificent cannot be so easily sparing for if his occasions or fortunes check his profuseness all his gallantry is in his first action of good husbandry Caution in expences if it be a vice is one of those saith the Italian that never disinherited a man Nay of the two saith Machiavel It 's more discretion to hold the style of miserable which begets an infamy without hatred than to desire that of Liberal which being maintained by necessitous courses procures an infamy with hatred As never did Statesman a brave action that seemed illiberal so never did he any such that was not so Yet four things our Knight spared no cost in I. Intelligence He could afford he said a golden key for the Pope's Cabinet 2. Books his Study was his Estate 3. In watching the Spaniards saying The Indies will pay for this And 4. Entertaining knowing men often applauding the Emperour's maxim That had rather go fifty miles to hear a wise man than five to see a fair City And this he was eminent for that he saw nothing remarkable in Foreign parts that he applyed not to his own Countrey Sir Henry Wotton being not more curious in picking up small Rarities to pleasure particular persons than Sir Isaac Wake was industrious to observe any useful invention that might improve the publick good Observations on the Life of the Lord Cottington SIr Francis Coâ—tington being bred when a youth under Sir Stafford lived so long in Spain till he made the garb and gravity of that Nation become his and become him too He raised himself by his natural strength without any artificial advantage having his parts above his learning his Experience above his Parts his Industry above his Experience and some will say his Success above all So that at last he became Chancellor of the Exchequer Baron of Hanworth in Middlesex Constable of the Tower 1640. and upon the resignation of Doctor Inxon Lord Treasurer of England gaining also a very great Estate Very reserved he was in his temper and very slow in his proceedings sticking to some private Principles in both and aiming at certain rules in all things a temper that indeared him as much to his Master Prince Charls his person as his integrity did to his service Nor to his service only but to that of the whole Nation in the Merchandize whereof he was well versed to the trade whereof he was very serviceable many ways but eminently in that he negotiated that the Spanish Treasure which was used to be sent to Flanders by the way of Genoa might be sent in English Bottoms which exceedingly enriched England for the time and had it continued had made her the greatest Bank and Mart for Gold and Silver of any Common-wealth in Europe Indeed the advantage of his Education the different Nations and Factions that he had to deal with the direct opposition of Enemies the treachery of Friends the contracts of Statesmen the variety and force of Experience from the distinct knowledge of the natures of the people of several Countreys of their chief Ministers of State with their Intrigues of government made him so expert that the Earl of Bristol and Sir Walter Aston could do nothing without him and he only could finish that Treaty which they had for many years spun out Men take several ways to the ends they propose themselves Some that of confidence others that of respect and cauâ—ion c. when indeed the main business is to suit our selves with our own times which this Lord did and no man better until looking into the depths of the late Faction he declared at the Council-Table 1639. that they aimed at the ruine of Church and State And viewing the state of the Kingdom he advised That Leagues might be made abroad and that in this inevitable necessity all ways to raise money should be used that were lawful Wherefore he was one of those few excluded the Indempnity by the Faction and had the honour to dye banished for the best Cause and Master in those foreign Countries where he suffered as nobly for the Crown of England in his later dayes as he had acted honourably for it in his former When he never came off better than in satisfying the Spaniards about toleration reducing the whole of that affair to these two Maximes 1. That Consciences were not to be forced but to be won and reduced by the evidence of Truth with the aid of Reason and in the use of all good means of Instruction and perswasion 2. That the causes of Consciences wherein they excâ—ed their bounds and grow to matter of faction lose their nature and that Soveraign Princes ought distinctly to punish those foul practices though overlaid with the fairer preâ—ences of Conscience and Religion One of his Maxims for Treaty I think remarkable viz. That Kingdoms are more subject to fear than hope And that it 's safer working upom them by a power that may awe the one than by advaâ—tages that may excite the other Since it 's aâ—other rule that States have no affections but interest and that all kindness and civility in those cases are but oversight and weakness Another of his rules for Life I judge useful viz. That since no man is absolute in all points and since men are more naturally enclined out of envy to observe mens infirmities than out of ingenuity to acknowledge their merit He discovereth his abilities most that least discovereth himself To which I may add another viz. That it is not onely
purely heroick often stout but never dislâ—â—al so vehement an opponent of the Spaniard as when that Match fell under consideration he would sometimes rouze to the trepidation of King Iames yet kept in favour still for that King knew plain dealing as a Jewel in all men so was in a Privy-Councellor an ornamental duty An instance of his familiar converse with King Iames was that the King observing that he naturally hated a Frog threw one into his neck and he in requital caused a Pig of an equal disgust with the same Prince to be put under his Close-stool where though it produced no extraordinary ill effect for the present yet after the prank had been descanted upon and worst of Interpretations made by some the title of Iews being at that time bestowed on the Scots the King was much affected with it and the more because it was done at Wilton the Earls own house Though Kings when free and sociable break out to sprightful and facetious extravagancies with Courtiers yet must they not presume lest their words are interpreted not by their meaning but others jealousie free spirits cannot be too circumspect And the same true-heartedness commended him to King Charles with whom he kept a most admirable correspondence and yet stood the firm Confident of the Commonalty and that not by a sneaking cunning but by an erect and generous prudence such as rendred him as unsuspected of ambition on the one side as of faction on the other being generally beloved and regarded Observations on the Life of the Lord Conway EDward Lord Conway succeeded to his Father's Martial skill and valour who was under the Earl of Leicester Governour of Ostend and twisted therewith peaceable Policy in State-affairs so that the Gown and the Sword met in him in most eminent proportion and thereupon King Iames advanced him one of the principal Secretaries of State For these his good services he was by him created Lord Conway of Ragleigh in this County and afterwards by King Charls Viscount Killultagh in the County of Antrim And lastly in the third of King Charles Viscount Conway of Conway in Carnarvenshireâ— England Ireland and Wales mutually embracing themselves in his Honours and not long after President of the Councel Upon the breâ—â—â— with Spain King Iames and the Duke of Buckingham both judged it very convenient to have a Martial Secretary neither was there any man fitter â—or their turn than this Gentleman who was as able to direct them in the Affairs of War abroad as he was ready to be directed by them in those of Peace at home Being one of those three remarkable Servants that King Iames used to jest upon vizâ— a Lord Treasurer meaning the Earl of Suffolâ—â— that could not cast Account a Chaplain meaninâ— Doctor Preston that could not read Pâ—â—â—â—â—â— and a Secretary meaning this Lord that 〈◊〉 not write his name Sir Richâ—rd Weston beat the Bush in the Affair of the Palatinate but Sir Edward catched the Hare his rough humour being more suitâ—ble to that business Or indeed it having been always more successful to be bold than wary to be free for all occasions than to be obstinate to some ruleâ— Fortune saith Machiavel is a Miâ—triss that isâ— sooner won by those that ruffle and force her than by others that proceed coldly Indeed he was charged with treachery and cowardize in the action against the Scots 1640. but he came off with his honest animosity saying If he mighâ— but fight their whole Army he would settle Scotland in six months or lose his head being in that of my Lord of Canterbury's opinion who assured his Majesty they would not hold out four a motion that if as easily entertained by that gracious King as it was effectually pursued by the bloody Usurpers a sad experience hath taught us and them would have prevented much mischief there more here especially since it was that wise Prince his judicious observation That they and their Confederates were a people lost by favour and won by punishment Observations on the Lives of the Digges MAster Leonard Digges was one of excellent Learning and deep judgement His â—iâ—d most inclined him to the Mathematicks and he was the best Architect in that age for all manner of Buildings for conveniency pleasure state strength being excellent at Fortifications Lest his Learning should dye with him for the publick profit he printed his Tectonicon Prognostick General Stratiotick about the ordering of an Army and other Works He flourished Anno Dom. 1556. and dyed I believe about the Reign of Queen Elizabeth when as in most growing times Arts were drowned in action Nothing else have I to observe of his name save that hereditary Learning may seem to run in the velâ—s of his Family witness Sir Dudly Digs of Chilham-Castle made Master of the Rolls in the year 1636. whose abilities will not be forgotten whilest our age hath any remembrance This Knight had a younger son of a most excellent wit and a great judgment Fellow of All-Souls in Oxford who in the beginning of our Civil Wars wrote so subtile solid a Treatise of the difference between King and Parliament that such Royalists who have since handled that Controversie have written plura non plus yea aliter rather than alia of that Subject The Son writes down those Rebellions that the Father countenanced The Father I say who by a bold impeachment against his Majesties chief Minister of State to his face taught a discontented People to draw a bolder against his Mâ—jesty himself Wherefore it was that after his undutiful Prologue Against his Majesties Prerogative in favouring his Servants the Preface to more disloyal methods against his right in governing his people he and Sir Iohn Elliot were whispered out of the Lords House when they were hottest against the Duke to speak with a Gentleman and thence sent immediately by two Pursevants that attended to the Tower where and in the Country this Gentleman lay under just displeasure until it was thought fit to take off so dangerous a piece of boldness and eloquence upon the growing distempers of the age by favour and preferment to a Neutrality at least if not to the just measures of his duty But our observation here is this That faction is one of those sins whereof the Authors repent most commonly themselves and their posterities are always ashamed Observations on the Life of Sir Thomas Ridly Dr. LL. THis Knight and Doctor was born at Ely in Cambridge-shire bred first a Scholar at Eaton in Buckingham-shire then Fellow of Kings-Colledge in Cambridge He was a general Scholar in all kind of Learning especially in that which we call Melior Literatura He afterwards was Chancellor of Winchester and Vicar-general to the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury His memory will never dye whilst his Book called The view of the Ecclesiastical Laws is living a book of so much merit that the Common Lawyers notwithstanding the difference betwixt the professions will ingenuously
that Princes honour them most that have most and the People them onely that employ most A Prince hath more reason to fear money that is spent than that which is hoorded because it is easier for Subjects to oppose a Prince by Applause than by Armies Reward said Sir Ralph when he was offered a sum of money should not empty the Kings Coffers neither should Riches be the Pay of Worth which are meerly the Wages of Labour He that gives it emâ—aseth a Man he that takes it vilifieth himself who is so most Rewarded is least Since Honour hath lost the Value of a Reward Men have lost the Merit of Virtâ—e and both become mercenary Men lusting rather after the Wealth that buyeth than after the Qualities that deserve it Two things he observed broke Treaties Iealousie when Princes are successful and Fear when they are unfortunate Power that hath need of none makes all confederacies either when it is felt or when it is feared or when it is envied Three things Cato repented of 1. That he went by water when he might go by land 2. That he trusted a Woman with a secret 3. That he lost Time Two things Sir Ralph relented for 1. That he had communicated a secret to two 2. That he had lost any hour of the morning between four a clock and ten He learned in King Henry the Eighth's time as Cromwel's Instrument what he must advise in point of Religion in Queen Elizabeth's time as an eminent Counsellour His Maxime being this That Zeal was the Duty of a private Brest and Moderation the Interest of a publick State The Protestants Sir Ralph's Conscience would have in the commencement of Queen Elizabeth kept in hope the Papists his Prudence would not have cast into Despair It was a Maxime at that time in b another case That France should not presume nor Spain be desperate He saw the Interest of this State altered six times and died an honest Man The Crown put upon four Heads yet he continued a Faithful Subject Religion changed as to the publick constitution of it five times yet he kept the Faith A Spartan one day boasted that his Country-men had been often buried in Athens The Athenian repliedâ— But we are most of us buried at home So gâ—eat was Sir Ralph's success in the Northern Wars that many a Scotch man found his Grave in England so exact his conduct and wariness that few English men had theirs in Scotland the same ground giving them their Coffin that did their Cradle and their Birth that did their Death Our Knights two incomparable Qualities were Discipline and Intelligence the last discovered him all the Enemies advantages and the first gave them none His two main designs were 1. An Interest in his Prince by service 2 An Alliance with the Nobility by Marriage upon which two Bottoms he raised himself to that pitch of Honour and Estate that time could not wear out nor any alterations embezle he bequeathing to his Woâ—shipful Posterity the blessing of Heaven upon his Integrity the love of Mâ—nkinde for his Worth and as Mr. Fuller saith a Paâ—don granted him when he attended my Lord Cromwel at Rome for the sins of his Family for three immediate Generations expiring in R. Sadler Esquire lately dead His last Negotiation was that in Scotland during the troubles there about Queen Mary So searching and piercing he was that no Letter or Adviso passed whereof he had not a Copy so civil and obliging that there was no Party that had not a Kindness for him so grave and solid that he was present at all counsels so close and industrious that his hand though unseen was in every motion of that State and so successful that he left the Nobility so divided that they could not design any thing upon the King and the King so weak that he could not cast off the Queen and all so tottering that they must depend on Queen Elizabeth Three things he bequeathed such as may have the honour to succed him 1. All Letters that concerned him since of years filed 2. All Occurrences since he was capable of Observation registred 3. All expenses since he lived of himself booked Epaminondas was the first Graecian and Sir Ralph Sadler was one of the last English-men Observations on the Life of Sir William Paget SIr William Paget was born in the City of London of honest Parents He was so able and trusty a Minister of State that he was privy Counsellour to four successive Princes He was Secretary to King Henry the Eighth who employed him Embassador to Charles the Emperour and Francis King of France King Edward the Sixth made him Chancellour of the Durchy Comptroller of his Houshole and created him Baron of Beaudefert Queen Mary made him Keeper of the Privy-Seal Queen Elizabeth highly respected him dispensing with his Attendance at Court in favour to his great Age. Duke Dudley in the days of King Edward ignominiously took from him the Garter of the Order saying He was not Originally qualified for the same But this was restored unto him by Queen Mary He died very old Anno 1563. and was buried in Lichfield His Education was better than his Biâ—th his Knowledg higher than his Education His Parts above his Knowledg and his Experience beyond his Parts A general Learning furnished him for Tâ—avel and Travel seasoned that Learning for Employment His Master-piece was an inward Observation of other Men and an exact knowledge of Himself His Address was with state yet insinuating His Discourse free but weighed his apprehension quick but staid His ready and present mind keeping its pauses of thoughts and expressions even with the occasion and the emergency neither was his carriage more stiff and uncompliant than his Soul Gundamore could not fit King Iames so well as Sir William did Charles the Fifth who in a rapture once cried He deserved to BE a King as well as to REPRESENT One and one day as he came to Court Yonder is the Man I can deny nothing to Apollonius coming to Vespatian's Gate betimes in the morning and finding him up said Surely this man will be Emperour he is up so early This Statesman must needs be eminent who was up the earliest of all the English Agents in discovering Affairs and latest in following those Discoveries Three sorts of Embassadors the Emperour Charles observed were sent him from England the first was Wolsey whose great Train promised much as his great Design did nothing The second was Morisin who promised and did much The third Paget who promiâ—ed nothing and did all What Scholars observed then of three Divines that a Statesman hath set down of our three Agents the first was words without matter the second was matter without words the third was words and matter Quick and regular were his Dispatches when Secretary pleasing all with his proceedings even when he could not but displease many with his Decision It was much none went away ever sad from Augustus
by which unsteady carriage He so befooled his Adversarie with their Spies and Pensioners as they were at a loâ—s what to inform their Patrons of or themselves how to resolve Fortune and Conduct set up this Favourite it falling in his Character as at Primero and otheâ— Plays wherein Fortune is directed and conducted by Art The best and subtilest Gamester may lose if it cross him but if it smiles and favours he knoweth best how to manage and govern it Five things raised this person to a respect as great as his fortune to be as high in the Queens favour as he was in his Descenâ— 1. A Civility set off with State 2. A pleasing Modesty of Countenance and Afâ—fability of Speech ennameled with Gravity 3. A Boldness attended with Patience 4. A great Capacity enlivened with as great Dexterity And 5. An Integrity secured with wariness in the darke of which quality both in his Expression and in his Actions he wrapped himself as this sepia to preserve her self undiscovered doth shed forth about her a quantity of blushes in his blood to hide her self from the Fisherman Observations on the Life of the Lord Willoughby THe Lord Willoughby was one of the Queens first Sword-men he was of the antient extract of the Bartâ—es but more ennobled by his Mother who was Dutchess of Suffolk He was a great Master of the Art Military and was sent General into France and commanded the second of five Armies that the Queen sent thither in aid of the French As he was a great Souldier so was he of a sutable Magnanimity and could not brook the obsequiousness and assiduity of the Court at that timâ— He had more favour than he courted and he courted more rather to comply with the Queens humour than his own inclination than he desired He would say and that saying did him no good saith Sir Robert Naunton That he was none of the Reptilia being made Brother to march as a Souldier than to creep as a Courtier But Civility must allay Nature in a Courtier Prudence regulate it in a States-man and modest submission check and soften it in a Subject It s as dangerous to be stubbornly abave the kindness as it is to be factiously against the power of Princes Willoughby got nothing Stanlâ—y lost all his haughtiness which when it cannot be obliged is suspected But his service in France Holland and on the Borders compounded for his roughness so that they who could not endure he should be high at Court were pleased he should be so in the Field Stiffness which displeased when looked on as Pride at home took when heard to be Resolution abroad Each Nature is advanced in its own Element Leicester among the Ladies my Lord Willoughby among the Souldiers Itâ—s a step to Greatness to know our own way to it to exercise shew our proper Vertues as he did â—iâ— Magnanimity in these two instances among many others 1. When one challenged him then sick of the Gout he said That though he were lame in his feet and hands yet he would carry a Rapier in his teeth to fight his Adversary 2. Having taken a Spanish Gennet designed a present to that King and being offered either 1000 l. or 100 l. a year in exchange for it he nobly answered If it had been a Commander he would have freely released him but being onely a Horse he saw no reason he could not keep a good Horse as well as the King of Spain himself Sir Christopher Hatton was to an excess a courtier and my Lord Willoughby so a Souldier Queen Elizabeth on the Lord Willoughby Good Peregrine WE are not a little glad that by your Journey you have received such good fruit of amendment specially when we consider what great vexations it is to a mind devoted to actions of honor to be restrained by any indisposition of body from following those courses which to your own reputation and our great satisfaction you have â—ormerly performed And therefore as we must now out of our desire of your vvell-doing chiefly enjoyn you to an eâ—pecial care to encrease and continue your health vvhich must give life to all your best endeavours so we must next as seriously recommend to you this consideration That in these times when there is such appearance that we shall have the â—ryal of our best noble Subjectâ—â— you fâ—â—m not to affect the satisfaction of your own private contentation beyond the attending of that vvhich Nature and Duty challengeth from all persons of your quality and Profession For if necessarily your health of body being recovered you should Eloign your self by residence there from those Employmentâ— vvhereof we shall have too good store you shall not so much amend the state of your body as happily you shall call in question the reputation of your mind and judgement even in the opinion of those that love you and are best acquainted vvith your Disposition and Discretion Interpret this our plainness vve pray you to our extraordinary estimation of you for it is not common vvith us to deal so freely with many and believe that you shall ever find us both ready and vvilling in all occasions â—o yield you the fruits of that interest vvhich your Endeavours have purchased for you in our Opinion and Estimation Not doubting but when you have vvith moderation made tryal of the success of these your sundry Peregrinations you vvill find as great comfort to spend your days at home as heretofore you have done of which we do wish you full measure howsoever you shall have cause of abode or return Given under our Signet at our Mannor of Nonsuch the seventh of October 1594. in the 37 year of our Reign Your most loving Soveraign E R. Observations on the Life of Sir Philip Sidney HE was son to Sir Henry Sidney Lord Deputy of Ireland and President of Wales A Person of great parts and in no mean grace with the Queen His Mother was Sister to my Lord of Leicester from whence we may conjecture how the Father stood up in the place of Honour and Employment so that his Descent was apparently Noble on both sides For his Education it was such as Travel and the University could afford for after an incredible proficiency in all the species of Learning he left the Academical life for that of the Court whither he came by his Uncles invitation famed aforehand by a Noble report of his Accomplishments which together with the state of his Person framed by a natural propension to Arms he soon attracted the good opinion of all men and was so highly prized in the good opinion of the Queen that she thought the Court deficient without him and whereas through the fame of his deserts he was in the election for the Kingdome of Poland she refused to further his advancement not out of Emulation but out of fear to lose the Jewel of her times He married the daughter and sole Heir of Sir Francis Walsingham then
pleasure to those that looked on it than the other did service to those that employed it His meen deserving preferment from the favour of a Soveraign and his parts gaining it from his justice Fortune did him not so much wrong in his mean Birth as he did himself right by great merit so worthy a Prince's service and a Courts favour He read and saw what others did but not with others apprehensions his judgment of things being not common nor his observations low flat or vulgar but such as became a breast now furnishing it self for business and for government There was an ancient custom to celebrate the Anniversary of the King's Coronation with all the Shews of Magnificence and joy which the Art or Affections of the People could invent and because we are esteemed the Warlik'st Nation in the whole world to continue that just regulation we declined all those effeminacies which are so predominant in other Courts and absolutely addicted our selves to such Martial exercises as are nothing less pleasing and delightful than the other and yet fit and prepare men more for the real use of Arms and acquisition of glory Here our Knights praise came to my Lord of Carlisle's notice who first designed him a Commander but finding his Genius more courtly than Martial more learned than active recommended him to his Majesties softer services where none more obliging to the People by his industry and interest at Court none more serviceable to his Majesty by the good name he gained in the Countrey So careful was he of publick content that from five to nine his Chamber was open to all Comers where you would find him with the one hand making himself ready with the other receiving Letters and in all this hurry of Business giving the most orderly clear and satisfactory dispatches of any Statesman at that time From nine to one he attended his Master to whom he had as easie access as he gave to his People Two things set him up 1. A fair respect from his Master upon all occasions and as fair a treatment of the People He had his distinct Classis of Affairs and his distinct Officers for those Classis The order and method whereof incredibly advanced his dispatch and eased his burden which took up his day so that there remained but some hours he stole from night and sleep for his beloved and dear Studies and King Iames said he was the hardest Student in White-Hall and therefore he did not alwayes trouble his Master with business but sometimes please him with discourse If Fortune had been as kind to him as Nature greater Employments had been at once his honour and his business But from all his services and performances he derived no other advantage than the acting of them and at his death he left no other wealth behind him but that of a high reputation never arriving at those enjoyments that enhance our Cares not having time to withdraw himself from those cares that take away the relish of our enjoyments Observations on the Life of Sir Fulke Grevil SIr Fulk Grevil Son to Sir Fulke Grevil the elder of Becham Court in Warwick-shire descended from VVilloughby Lord Brook and Admiral to Hen. 7. was bred first in the University of Cambridge He came to the Court back'd with a full and fair Estate and Queen Elizabeth loved such substantial Courtiers as could plentifully subsist of themselves He was a good Scholar loving much to employ and sometimes to advance learned men to whom worthy Bishop Ovâ—ral chiefly owed his Preferment and Mr. Camâ—den by his own confession feasted largely of his Liberality His studies were most in Poetry and History as his Works do witness His stile conceived by some to be swelling is allowed lofty and full by others King Iames created him Baron Brook of Beauchamp-Court as descended from the sole Daughter and Heir of Edward Willoughby last Lord Brook in the Reign of King Henry the 7th His sad death or murther rather happened on this occasion His discontented servant conceiving his deserts not soon or well enough rewarded wounded him mortally and then to save the Law the labour killed himself verifyâ—ng the observation that he may when he pleaseth be master of another mans life who contemneth his own He lyeth buried in Warwick Church under a Monument of black and white Marble whereon he is stiled Servant to Queen Elizabeth Counsellour to King Iames and Friend to Sir Philip Sidney Though a Favourite he courts Ladies rather than Honour and pursued his study rather than his ambition being more contemplative than active Others ministred to Queen Elizabeths government this Gentleman to her Recreation and Pleasures He came to Court when all men should young and stayed there until he was old his fortune being as smooth as his spirit and the Queens favour as lasting as his merit He bred up Statesmen but was none Sir William Pickering was like to have gained the Queens Bed by studying Sir Philip Sidney had her Heart for writing and Sir Fulke Grevil had her favour for both one great argument for his worth was his respect of the worth of others desiring to be known to posterity under no other notions than of Shakespear's and Ben Iohnson's Master Chancellor Egerton's Patron Bishop Overal's Lord and Sir Philip Sidney's Friend His soul had the peace of a great fortune joyned to a greater mind His worth commended him to Majesty his affableness indeared him to the popularity his mornings were devoted to his Books his afternoons to his knowing Friends his nights to his debonair Acquaintance He was the Queens Counsellor for persons as others were for matters and things Sweet was his disposition winning his converse fluent his discourse obliging his looks gestures and expressions publick his spirit and large his soul his Genius prompted him to prepare himself for Domestick services by Forreign employments but the great Mistriss of her Subjects affections and duties forbad it and his own prudence checked it So dear was he to the Queen that when his horses were shipped at Dover for the Netherlands her Mandate by Sir Edward Dier stopped him When he went over with Walsingham he was remanded and when with Leicester he was checked He was the exact image of action and quiet happily united in him seldom well divided in any He would have acted his great principles of Government yet he could be confined only to write them He could sit down with some Poetick and polite Characters of Vertue when he was debarred the real â—â—ercises of it He had kept Essex his head on had not that unhappy man's Parasites made the Earl deaf to his â—â—â—nsels and his Enemies removed him from his pâ—â—â—â—nce under a pretence of guarding the Seas against his Enemies while his Kinsman was betrayed by his Friends Observations on the Life of Sir Robert Cecil SIr Robert Cecil since Earl of Salisbury was the Heir of the Lord Burleigh's prudence the inheritour of his favour and by
sufficient credit To which they assure him That one Sarah Swarton their Chamberesse stood behind the Hanging at the entrance of the Room and heard the Countess read over what she had writ and her also they procure to swear unto this before the King To make further tryal the King in a hunting journey at New-park near Wimbleton gallops thither views the Rooâ—â— observing the great distance of the Window from the lower end of the Room and placing himself behind the Hanging and so other Lords in turn they could not hear one speak loud from the window Then the Housekeeper was call'd who protested those Hangings had constantly furnisht that Room for thirty years which the King observed to be two foot short of the ground and might discover the woman if hidden behind them I may present also the King saying Oaths cannot confound my sight Besides all this the Mother and Daughter connterfeit another Writing a Confession of one Luke Hutton acknowledging for 40 pound annuity the Countess hired him to poison them which Man with wonderful providence was found out privately and denies it to the King And thus prepared the King sends for Sir Thomas Lake whom indeed he very much valued tells him the danger to imbarque himself in this Quarrel advising him to leave them to the Law being now ready for the Star-Chamber He humbly thanked his Majesty but could not refuse to be a Father and a Husband and so puts his Name with theirs in a cross Bill which at the hearing took up five several days the King sitting in Iudgment But the former testimonies and some private confessions of the Lady Rosse and Sarah Wharton which the King kept in private from publick proceedings made the Cause for some of the days of Tryal appear doubtful to the Court until the Kings discovery which concluded the Sentence and was pronounced in several Censures Sir Thomas Lake and his Lady fined ten thousand pounds to the King five thousand pounds to the Countess fifty pounds to Hutton Sarah Wharton to be whipt at a Carts tail about the streets and to do penance at St. Martin's Church The Lady Râ—sse for confessing the truth and plot in the midst of the Tryal was pardoned by the Major Voices from penal Sentence The King I remember compared their Crimes to the first plot of the first sin in Paradise the Lady Lake to the Serpent her Daughter unto Eve and Sir Thomas to poor Adam whom he thought in his conscience that his love to his Wife had beguiled him I am sure he paid for all which as he told me cost him thirty thousand pounds and the loss of his Masters favour and Offices of gain and honour but truely with much pity and compassion of the Court. Obsâ—rvations on the Life of the Earl of Suffolk HIs Uncle Northampton negotiated his preferment and his Father Noâ—folke deserved i◠〈◊〉 whose sake the eldest Son Philip Earl of Arâ—â—â—â—l was â—â—de Lord Marsâ—al and this second first Câ—â—mberlain and then Treasurer wherein as the Earl of Middlesex understood well the priviledges of the City so my Lord kenned well the Revenues of the Crown But his fair Daughter that gained him most favour did him most harm he falling with his Son Somerset's miscarriages when he might have stood without his Relation being as plain as his brother Henry was subtle as obliging as he was insinuating as knowing as he was cunning the one conversing with Books the other with Men. A Gentleman from whom I requested his Character returns me no more but this He was a man never endued with much patience and one that much retarded the progress of his fortune by often speaking publickly with too much liberty Otherwise very true to the Maximes of his Age. 1. Linking himself to the Scots 2. Buying Fee-Farm Rents to avoid envy as my Lord of Salisbury before him in the Scots Debenturers names 3. Promoting Northern Suits And 4. projecting for money He was also Chancellor of Cambridge loving and beloved of the University When at his first coming to Cambridge Mr. Francis Nethersole Oratour of the University made a Latine Speech unto him the Lord returned Though I understand not Latine I know the sense of your Oration is to tell me that I am welcome to you which I believe verily I thank you for it heartily and will serve you faithfully in any thing within my power Dr. Harsenet the Vice Chancellor laying hold on the handle of so fair a Proffer requested him to be pleased to entertain the King at Cambridge a favour which the University could never compass from their former great and wealthy Chancellours I will do it saith the Lord in the best manner I may and with the speediest conveniency Nor was he worse than his word giving his Majesty such a Treatment in the University as cost him five thousand pounds and upwards Hence it was that after his death Thomas his second son Earl of Bark-shire not suing for it nor knowing of it was chosen to succeed him losing the place as some suspected not for lack of Voices but fair counting them Observations on the Life of Sir Robâ— Cary. HE was born an ingenious man of good parts and breeding but of so uncourtly a temper that in all likelihood we had not heard of him had he not had the luck to have been the first Messenger let out of the Court by the favour of his Father the Lord Chamberlain to bring King Iames news that Queen Elizabeth was dead when the Scots expectation was so tyred that they thought Queen Eliz. would never dye as long as there was an old woman that could either wear good cloaths or eat good meat in England Upon which good account he is a Bed-chamber-man to King Iames and a Tutor to Prince Charles though he had made better use of his Talent as a Soldier than as a Courtier having too much of the Candor of that Family that as the Historian observed spake of things alwayes as they deserved And though he had wit enough yet he had not the judgment or way to make those stand in awe of him who were mâ—st obliged to him Observations on the Lives of Sir Robert Naunton and Sir Francis Nethersole SIr Robert Naunton is the Author of one Book of Observations upon the States-men of Queen Eliz. times and must be the subject of another of King Iames's He noted then in his youth what he was to practice afterwards in his more reduced years His University-Studies at Trinity-Colledge whereof he was Commoner and at Trinity-Hall whereof he was Fellow His Speeches both while Proctor and Orator of Cambridge discovered him more inclined to publick Accomplishments than private Studies He improved the opportunity of the speech he was to make before K. Iames at Hiâ—chinbrook so well that as His Majesty was highly affected with his Latine and Learning so he exactly observed his prudence and serviceableness whereupon he came to Court as Sir Thomas Overburies Assistant first and