so impetuous as to transcend the bounds of Obedience but upon the overflowing of a general Oppression Observations on the Life of Sir Nicholas Throgmorton SIr Nicholas Throgmorton fourth son of Sir George Throgmorton of Coughton in Warwickshire was bread beyond the Seas where he attained to great experience Under Queen Mary he was in Guild-hall arraigned for Treason in coâ—pliance with Wiat and by his own wary pleading and the Juries upright Verdict hardly escaped Queen Elizabeth employed him her Leiger a long time first in France then in Scotland finding him a most able minister of state yet got he no great wealth and no wonder being ever of the opposite party to Burleigh Lord Treasurer Chamberlain of the Exchequer and Chief Butler of England were his highest Preferments I say Chief Butler which Office like an empty-covered Cup pretended to some State but afforded no considerable profit He died at supper with eating of sallats not without suspicion of poyson the rather because it happâ—ned in the house of one no mean Arâ—ist in that faculty R Earl of Leicester His deaâ—h as it was sudden was seasonable for him and his whose active others will call it turâ—ulent spiâ—it had brought him unto such trouble as might have cost hâ—m at least the loss of his personal Estate He died in the 57 year of his Age Febr. 12. 15â—0 and lieth buried in the South-side of the Chanceâ— of St. Martin Cree-church London A stons and a wise man that saw through pretences and could look beyond dangers His skill in Heraldâ—y appears in his grim Arguments against the Kiâ—g of France in â—ight of his Qâ—een of Scots Usurping of the Arms of England and his experâ—ence in History in his pâ—â—emptory Dâ—clarations of thâ— Queen of Englands Title in the right of her â—welve Predecessors to tâ—ose of France But his policy much moâ—e bâ— putting Moâ—tmorency the great Enemy of the Guizes upon perswading his Master out of the humour of wearing those Arms with this Argument That it was below the Arms of Fâ—ance to be quartered with those of England those being comprehensive of these and all other of his Majesties Dominions An Argument more suitable to that Pâ—ince his ambition than convincing to his Râ—ason Wise men speak rather what is most fit than what is most rational not what demonstrates but what perswades his and takes But being endangâ—red in his person affronted in his Retinue and served with nothing at his Table but what had the Arms of England quartered with those of France he dealt underhand witâ— the Eâ—rl of Northumberland to understand the scope the Reformed propounded to themselves their means to compass what they aimed at and if at any time they were assisted upon what terms a League might be concluded between the two Kingdomes The Advices collected from all his Observations he sent to the Queen were these 1. That she should not rest in dull Counsels of what is lawful but proceed to quick Resolutions of what is safe 2. That to prevent is the policy of all Nations and to be powerful of ours England is never peaceable but in Arâ—â— 3. That how close soever they managed their Affairs it was a Maxime That France can neither be poor nor abstain from War three years together Francis Earl of Bedford bore the state of the French Embassy and Sir Nicholas the burden who gave dayly Directions to Sir Thomas Challoneâ— in Spain Sir Henry Killigrew in Germany and Sir Thomas Randolph and Siâ— Peter Mewtas in Scotland to the two first to enjealous the Princes of those Countries and to the last to unite the Nobility of Scotland he in the mean time suffering himself to be taken prisoner by the Protestants at the battle of Dreux that he might with less suspition impart secret Counsels to them and receive as secret Advices from them until discovering their lightness and unconstancy they secured him as a person too cunning for the whole Faction and too skilful in raising Hurley-burleys and Commotions When the young Queen of Scots would needs marry the young Lord Darley he told her that was long to be deliberated on which was to be done but once And when that would not do he advised 1. That an Army should appear upon the borders 2. That the Ecclâ—siastâ—cal Laws should be in force against Papists 3. That Hereford should be secured and 4. That the Lord Dudley should be advanced But the Queen being married to the Lord Darley an easie and good-natured man whom Quâ—en Elizabeth wished to her bed next Leicester and affronted by her subjects Throgmorton disputes the Queâ—nâ— Authority and non-accountableness to any against Buchanans damned Dialogue of the Peoples power over Kings until â—melling their designe of revolt to the French and cruelty upon the Queen he perswaded her to resigne her Government saying That her Resignation extorted in Prison which is a just fear was utterly void The next news we hear of this busie man was in his two Advisoes to the Queen of Scots friends 1. To clap up Cecil whom they might then he said deal with 2. To proclaim the Qâ—een of Sexs succession and in the Train he laid to serve Leicester in the Duke of Norfolks ruine But he was too familiar with that Politicians privacy to live long anno 1570 he died A man saith Mr. Cambden of great experience passing sharp wit and singular diliâ—gence an over-curious fancy and a too nimble activity like your too fine Silks or Linen and more for shew than service never blâ—ssing their Owners but when allayed with something of the heavy and the wary nor rising but when stayed Observations on the Life of Edward Earl of Derby HIs Greatness supported his Goodness and his Goodness endeared his Greatness his Heighth being looked upon with a double aspect 1. By himself as an advantage of Beneficence 2. By others as a ground of Râ—verence His great birth put him above private respects but his great Soul never above publick service Indeed he repaired by ways thrifty yet Noble what his Ancestors had impaired by neglect Good Husbandry may as well stand with great Honour as Breadth may consist with Heigth His Travel when young at once gained experience and saved expences and his marriage was as much to his profit as his honour And now he sheweth himself in his full Grandeur when the intireness of his minde complyed with the largeness of his soul. 1. In a spreading Charity Other Lords mâ—de many poor by Oppression he and my Lord of Bedford as Queen Eliabeth would jest made all the Beggers by his liberality 2. In a famous Hospitality wherein 1. His House was orderly a Colledge of Discipline rather than a palace for Entertainment his Servants being so many young Gentlemen trained up to govern themselves by observing him who knew their master and understood themselves 2. His provision Native all the Necessaries of England are bred in it rather plentiful than various solid than
affecting as one said well free-will in thinking as well as in acting and at the new discoursing wits that were as unsettled though not so rational as the old Scepticks until he considered the difficulty of discerning truth the hardship of confining the Quick-silver thoughts within the limits it prescribeth or submitting them to the burden it imposeth One of the latter Schools of the Grecians examineth the matter it is the Lord Verulams observation and is at a stand to think what should be in it that men should love lies where neither they make for pleasure as with Poets nor for advantage as with the Merchant but for the lies sake But I cannot tell why this same truth is a naked and open day-light that doeth not shew the Masques and Mummeries and triumphs of the present world halfe so stately and daintily as Candlelights Truth may perhaps come to the price of a pearl that sheweth best by day but it will not rise to the pâ—ice of a Diamond or Carbuncle that sheweth best in varied lights a mixture of lies doth ever add pleasure Doth any man doubt thâ—t if there were taken out of mens minds vain opinions flattering hopes false valuations imaginations as one would and the like vinum daemonum as a Father calls Poetry but it would leave the minds of a number of men poor shrunken things full of melancholy and indisposition and unpleasing to themselves Clear and round dealing this Noble mans temper is the honour of mans nature and that mixture of falsehood is like allay in coyn of gold and silver which may make the metal work the better but embaseth it For there winding and crooked Courts are the goings of the Serpent which goeth basely upon the belly and not upon the foot There is nothing of so ill consequence to the publick a falsehood or speech being the currant coyn oâ— converse the putting false money upon the world or of so much prejudice to a mans own interest as perfidiousness which weakeneth his great security which stands by him when his estate and friendâ— cannot or so dark a blot as dissembling which as Mountaign saith prettily is only to be Brave towards God and a Coward towards man For a Lye faceth God and shrinketh from man His hearr was too stout and his head too clear to use those Arts of closeness and dissimulation which those need who have not judgment and wit enough to discern all the circumstances of an affair so as to know when to tell a truth nor courage and valour enough to look in the face of all the consâ—quences of a business so as to own it A man better made for the open Arts and generous policy of H. 8. than the suspicious closeness and the wary reservedness of H. 7. His Father lost his life in completing the union of Roses I mean York and Lancaster and he in beginning the union of Kingdoms viz. England and Scotland by treaty and England and France by War he being the first that durst fasten the Royal Standard in the sides of Bulleign and the last that advanced the St. George in the middle of it both taking and governing it The greatest thing that ever that age saw was if we believe Sleidan the delivery of the Keys of Bulleign by â— French Governour to the Duke of Suffolks hand and the greatest thing King H. 8. saw he saith was the delivery of those keys by the Duke into his hand insomuch that despairing of greater the one died that year the other the next Queen Elizabeth being to employ a famous Ambassage into France made choice of two of the Noblest Peers of her Realm equal in Rank equal in Virtue but the one excused it by a defect in his hearing and the other by an ignorance and want of the French Language To which the Queen smilingly replied that it was a miserable estate when her speaking Peers were deaf and her hearing Peers were dumb Our Duke used to complain â—hat two of the most eminent mâ—n in the Council in his time had two different but unhappy qualities the one a well-spoken man had such a humour that he pretended he understood hardly any body the other a person of an excellent judgment but speaking so darkly that hardly any body understood him He avoided two things first Catching too soon at an offence Secondly Yeilding too easie a way to anger the one shewing a weak judgment the other a perverse nature which rendereth great men as ridiculous as it did the Ambassadors of Spain and Venice who drew blood from one another in the most August Assembly at the Coronation of R. H. 4th Queen in France because one of them used the word excellency instead of the word Seigniory But in these cases he observed the Roman Discipline nec sequi nec fugere to be more prudent than to catch at such trifling Cavils and more courageous than to shun if they were offered to him being very cautious also in mentioning the name of God in small matters Nec deus Intersit nisi dignus vindice nodus Inciderit and more willing to build his resolution on the experience of former ages than his own thought being very unwilling to be of the number of those people who like the Chinois think they have two eyes their friends as those think of the Europaeans one and other men as they think of the rest blind Being vexed with the delays at Rome and the delusions at Bridewel where the Cardinals proceeded according to their instructions at Rome one day he knocks on the Table in the presence of the two Cardinals and binds it with an Oath That it was never well in England since Cardinals had any thing to do therein and from that time forward as an active Instrument he endeavoured the abolishing of the Popes power in England against whom he was not more active in the Parliament 1534 than he was vigilant in the Committee 1535 in the one cutting off the head in the other weakening the members of that Church He mâ—de provident yet moderate use of his Masters favours thereby obliging others and securing himself being above Mercenary inclinations as much in his thoughts as in his â—ortune he was neither too near the King lest he were weary of him nor too far off lest he forgot him or thought himself neglected by him His intermissions of attendance gave others no advantage but rendred him more gracious he neither engrossed nor confined his Masters affection It was easie for him to rise being descended of Noble Blood which is never envied for its advancement and as easie to keep high being well studied in his Princes disposition whose inclination when found is half fitted ever pleasing his Masters Natural humour never his Vicious Having attained a competent height he chose rather to grow stronger by relation than higher by advancement Some Favourites whose heels have been tripped up by their adversaries have with their hands held on their Allies till they could recover
strengthen his Interest abroad To which he added the Statute of Succession the Oath of Supremacy Sir William Howard's Embassy to the Scotch King the suppression of Religious Houses the War in Ireland under Sir William Sheffington and a thorow search into the bottom of the Rebellion in the North by a connivance and delay But all his services could not quit him from suspicion nor his popularity from envy The Lord Daâ—cy accuseth him to excuse himself and Cromwel seconds him â—o secure himself as unhappinesses follow one another in the same order as one wave floweâ—h after another his Nieces miscarriages threatned his fall but that the honest man as appears from a Letter the whole Council sent to Sir William Paget then resident in France was the first that declared against her and put the King upon the most safe honourable ways of trying her which satiâ—fied his Majesty so far that he employed him as câ—ief in the Treaty upon the Borders and General in the War when that Treaty failed Sir Anthony Brown upon his Recommendation being added to the Commissioners in Scotland and to the Privy-Council in England â—s Master of the King's Horse as Sir Iohn Gages was Comptâ—oller of his House Several Persons came to London for a Reward of their Scotch serviceâ— this Duke gave the King a waâ—y and grave counsel to bestow upon them as much Land as they could win in Scotland But Greatness is fatal The King is old and testy the Government disordered irregular the Duke too stifly honest to comply the Council envy him and in this Juncture his Wives passion discovereth his Minions and they to save themselves his privacies and secrets His son a man of a deep undeâ—standing of a sharp wit and great valour bred up with Henry Fitz-roy at Windsor and afterwards at Paris was beheaded before his face His Favourite Mâ—s. Holland deposed That he said many looked for the Protectorship when the King who lived and moved by Engines and Art rather than by Nature should die but he would carry it That the King did not love him because he was loved by his Country but he would follow his Fathers Lesson which was That the less others set by him the more he would set by himself That he had a Daughter for the King as well as othersâ— c. His Estate was great his power greater the King's occasions had swallowed up the one and his Enemies ambition the other notwithstanding his humble submission before the Council and his many services to the King had not his Majesties Death saved his Life As the deepest Hate is that which springs from violent Love so â—he greatest Discourtesies oft arise from the largest Favours It is indiscreet to oppress any dangerous a Prince with Kindnesses which being Fetters are Treason on that Person But Suspicion Ah sad Suspicion The Companion of the Weak or Guilty The Cloud of the Mind The Forfeiture of Friends The check of Busineâ—s Thou that disposest Kings to Tyranny Husbands to Jealousie Wise men to Irresolution and Melancholy Trust and you need never suspect But Policy and Friendship are incompatible I see where Norfolk begs that Life from the Block at last which he had ventured two and thirty times for his Sovereign Who knows the Cares that go to Bed with Statesmen Enemies Abroad Treacheâ—ies at Home Emulations of Neighbours Dissatisfaction of Friends Jealousies of most Fear of all unwelcome Inventions to palliate unjust Courses fears of Miscarriage and Disgrace with Projects of Honour and Plausibility with restless thoughts how to discover prevent conceal accommodate the Adversaries or his own Affairs Let us live and love and say God help poor Kings Observations on the Life of Sir Edward Stanley THe Stanley's service to Henry the Seventh was a sufficient pledge of their faithfulness to Henry the Eighth Honour floated in Sir Edward's blood and Valour danced in his spirits His stirring childhood brought him to Henry the eighth's company and his active manhood to his service The Camp was his School and his Learning was a Pike and Sword therefore his Masters Greeting to him was when they met Hoh my Souldier In many places did he shew himself but no where more than at Flodden where his Archers fetched down the Scots from their fastness and relieved the English from their distress the Earl of Surrey beginning the Conquest and Siâ— Edward crowning it for which the King immediately set him high in his favour and not long aâ—ter as high in the world being made Baron Stanley and Lord Mounteagle Twice did he and Sir Iohn Wallop land with only 800. Men in the heart of France and four times did he and Sir Tho. Lovell save Callis the first time by Intelligence the second by a stratagem the third by valour and resolution and the fourth by hardship patience and industry In the dangerous Insurrection by Ashe and Capâ—â—in Cobler his Zeal for the States welfare was aâ—ove scruples and his Army was with â—im before â—is Commission for which dangerous piece of â—oyalty he asked pardon and received thanks Two things he did towards the discomfiture of the Rebels whose skill in Arms exceeded â—is Followâ—rs as much as his policy did their Leaders first he cut off their provisions and then secondly sowâ—d sedition among them whilst his Majesty gained â—ime by pretended Treaties to be even with them drawing off the most eminent of the factions every day and confounding the rest He lived wiâ—h this strange opinion that the soul of Man was like the winding up of a Watch and when the String was run out the Man died and there the Soul determined but he died not so Observations on the Life of Sir Thomas Bolen THe City enriched this Family their Parts raised them His Activity was as taking with King Henry as his Daughters beauty He was the Picklock of Princes upon his word only would the King model his Designs and upon his word alter them He discovered Ferdinand's underhand-treaty with Lewis and his design upoâ— Navarre aâ—d writ to his Master to press the ambiguous man to a coâ—clusion and to send over some treasure for said he the whole World iâ— now to be sold adding the necessity of a peace oâ— at least a truce with Scotland Sir Thomas Boleâ— was against the Kings going to France in person before he had some more issue or Edmund de la Poâ—â— were dispatched out of the way Sir Thomas Howard was for it it being dangerous to entrust so Noble an Army or so renowned an Action with any subject especially when Maximilian the Emperour offered to serve under his Majesty as Lieutenant and the Pope to attend him as Chaplain There is nothing more remarkable of Sir Thomâ—â— Bolen than 1. The Education of his Children his eldest son being bred at the Emperours Court his youngest with the Pope at Rome and his Daughter with Queen Mary in France 2. His Negotiation with the Lord St. Iohns in Germany where
desperately sick the King carefully enquired of him every day at last his Physician told him there was no hope for his life being given over by him for a dead man No said the King he will not die at this time for this morning I begged his life from God in my Prayers and obtained it Which accordingly came to pass and he soon after against all expectation wonderfully recovered This saith Doctor Fuller was attested by the old Earl of Huntington bred up in his childhood with King Edward to Sir Tho. Cheeke who anno 1654. was alive and â—0 years of Age. But though his Prayers saved his Tutors Life none could save his who died with the Protestant Religion in his heart and arms and Sir Iohn had died with him but that being outed of all his preferments he outed himself from the Kingdome loving to all the English Exiles at Strasburgh and well beloved all over Germany until trusting to the Stars too much would he had either not gone so high or gone a little higher for advice and his friends too little he went to meet his dear Wife in Brabant where neither my Lord Paget's promise nor Sir Iohn Mason's pledges nor Abbot Fecknam's intercession could excuse him â—rom being unhorsed and carted imprisoned and tortured vexed with all the arts of power and perplexed until his hard usage meeting with some fair promises brought him to a Recantation that broke his heart and after much melancholick sighing and silence brought him to his Grave The great example of Parts and Ingenuity of frailty and infirmity of repentance and piety Forced he was to sit with Bonner in his Courts but forced he would not be to joyn with him in his judgment look on he did but weep and groan too A good Christian he was witness his pious Epistles an excellent States-man as appears by his True Subject to the Rebel a Book as seasonably republished by Doctor Langbaine of Queens Colledge in Oxford in the excellent King Charlâ—s his troubles as it was at first written in the good King Edward's commotions Vespasian said of Apollonius That his Gate was open to all Philosophers but his Heart to Him And Sir Iohn Cheeke would say to Father Latimer I have an Ear for other Divines but I have an Heart for You. A Country-man in Spain coming to an Image enshrined â—he extruction and first making whereof he could well remember and not finding from the same that respectful usage which he expected You need not quoth he be so proud for we have known you from a Plum-Tree â— Sir Iohn Cheeke one day discoursing of the Pope's Threats said He need not be so high for we have known him a Chaplain He took much delight in that saying of Herod the Sophist when he was pained with the Gout in his hands and feet When I would eat said he I have no hands when I would go I have no feet but when I must be pained I have both hands and feet Applying it thus When we would serve God we have no soul when we would serve our Neighbours we have no body but when we suffer â—or neglecting both we shall find we have both a body and a soul. Gustavus Adolphus some three days before his death said Our affairs answer our desires but I doubt God will punish me for the folly of my Pâ—ople who attribute too much to me and esteem me as it were their God and therefore he will make them shortly know and see I am but a man I submit to his will and I know he will not leave this great Enterprise of mine imperfect Three things Sir Iohn Cheeke observed of Edward the sixth 1. That the Peoples esteem of him would loose him 2. That his Reformation should be overthrown 3. That yet it should recover and be finished As to publick Councels 1. Sir Iohn was against the War with Scotland which he said was rather to be united to England than separated from it 2. He was against King Edward's will saying He would never distrust God so far in the preservation of his true Religion as to disinherit Orphans to keep up Protestantism 3. He laid a Platform of a VVar with Spain 4. He kept Neuter in the Court-factions 5. Bishop Ridley Doctor Coxe seconded and Sir Iohn Cheeke contrived all King Edward's Acts of Charity Observations on the Life of Sir Thomas Wentworth SIr Tho. Wentworth of Nettlesâ—ed in Suffolk of a younger Family confessed by the Crescent in his Coat descended from the Wentworths of Wentworth-wood-house in York-shire and was created Baron Wentworth by King Henry the viii He was a stout and valiant Gentleman a cordial Protestant and his Family a Sanctuary of such Professors Iohn Bale comparing him to the good Centurion in the Gospel and gratefully acknowledging him the cause of his conversion from a Carmelite The memory of this good Lord is much but unjustly blemished because Calis was lost the last of Queen Mary under his Government The manner was huddled up in our Chronicles least is best of bad business whereof this is the effect The English being secure by reason of the last Conquest at St. Quintin and the Duke of Guise having notice thereof he sate down before the Town at the time not when Kings go forth to but return from battle of mid-winter even upon New-years-day Next day he took the two Forts of Risebank and Newman-bridge wherein the strength of the City consisted but whether they were undermined or overmoneyed it is not decided and the last left most suspicious VVithin three Days the Castle of Calis which commanded the City and was under the command of Sir Ralph Chamberlain was taken the French wading through the Ditches made shallower by their artificial cut and then entring the Town were repulsed back by Sir Anthony Ager Marshal of Calis the only Man saith Stow who was â—illed in the Fight understand him of note others for the credit of the business accounting four-score lost in that service The French re-entring the City the next Day being Twelfth-day the Lord Wentworth Deputy thereof made but vain resistance which alas was like the wrigling of a Worms tayl after the head thereof is cut off so that he was forced to take what terms he could get viz. That the Towns-men should depart though plundered to a Groat with their Lives and himself with 49 more such as the Duke of Guise should chuse should remain Prisoners to be put to ransome This was the best news brought to Paris and worst to London â—or many years before It not only abated the Queens chear the remnant of Christmas but her mirth all the days of her life Yet might she thank her self for loosing this Key of France because she hung it by her side with so slender a string there being but Five Hundred Souldiers effectually in the Garrison too few to manage such a piece of importance The Lord Wentworth the second of Iune following was solemnly condemned for Treason though unheard as
where you shall perceive most business to be and that for two causes One is because you may have more experience in the Wars and see things as might stand you in stead another day The other is because you might be more profitable in the Language For our Embassador who may not wear Harness cannot well come to those places of danger nor seem so to serve the French King as you may whom we sent thither for that purpose It shall be best for you therefore hereafter as much as you may to be with the French Kingâ— and so you shall be more acceptable to him and do your self much good This I write not doubting but you would have done it though I had not written but to spur you on Adding withal To learn the Tongue to see the manner of the Court and advertise His Master of Occurrences keeping close to the King of France to whom he shall offer his service in the Wars where he is to observe the fortifications of the Cities the Conduct of the Armies the advantages and disadvantages of both Parties their Skirmishes Battels Assaults and the Plots of the chief Towns where any enterprizes of weight have been done His Exercises were to be Hunting and Riding his Company few but choice c. This Gentleman after his return out of France was created by the King Baron of Upper Ossory in Ireland where he dyed a good Protestant a Publick-spirited Patriot and an honest man Observations on the Life of Sir Henry fitz-Asane Earl of Arundel HIs first appearance in the World was to adorn the Court his next was to serve it First his Estate and Train attends King Henry to the Interview with France and a while afteâ— his valour and Conduct is commanded by him to the War Equally prepared is he to please and awe thaâ— Countrey The Duke of Suffolk is made General for his Popularity and the Eâ—rl of Arundel Lord Marshal for his Spirit and Prudence and both being before Bulloign this Noble Lord run up his Squadron under a running shelter about eleven at night to the very Walls of the City which being battered down by the Canon which was mounted some forty yards higher opened to the close Bâ—siegers a passage that gained the whole Town by composition Neither was he less active in Peace than War A piercing apprehension a strong memory a large and capacious judgement a dexterous prudence a discerning wisdom was the least of his happinessâ— For to his sufficiency and capacity he added a good disposition and â—ntegrity and to that vigour and gracefulness He was the excellent Personage that 1. Discerned 2. Embraced and performed what was Noble and Publick To know to will and effect what is good make up a God To these were added a strong nature a deep study and a very great Experiencâ— qualities separated in others but united in him Nature will out Education is rude Education without Resolution is loose Resolution without â—xperience is heady Experience grounded upon particulâ—r Events is uncertain without the study of General and Immoveable Principles Knowledge of things in their sourcâ—s and original causes without Nature is a Burden All these without Exercise are a Notion This Nobleman thus furnished derived much Honor from his Ancestors more to them â—nnobling that Blood to a Glory which some had debased to a Blush That great Name after four hundred years shining in that Honour with various lustre setting in him as the Sun he bore with a full splendour The last effort of Nature is a Masteâ—-piece the last blazâ— of the Candle a shine Other â—oblemen were made â—â—ing Edward's Oversâ—â—rs for thâ—ir Integrity he one of his Assistants for his Abiliâ—y When an Enemy was to be awed to a submission he was General such his Fâ—me When the Countrey was to be obliged to a loan he was Agent such his Popularityâ— Tâ—e first advanced him to the Comptrollership under Henry the â—ighth the second to the Chamberlainship under Edward the Sixth Nature hath provided that ravenous Beasts should not associate lest they should be too hard for it and Government that prime Counsellours should not agree lest they overthrow it Warwick envied the Protâ—ctors Greatness and Arundel would limit his Power both with the rest of the Council declare against him But lest he should urge the same things against Warwick that he did against Somerset they who love the Treason but hate the Traytor turn him fiâ—st out of Favour and then out of Council untill Queen Maries time when hâ— as an antient Nobleman of England that owned no upstart-designs against the old way of succession stood for her Right and as a stiff Catholique promoted her Religion So that Iuly 21. 1553. he came from the Queen to Cambridge wheâ—e the Duke of Northumberland was and entering his Chamber the Duke fell at his feeâ— desiring him for Gods sake to consider his case who had done nothing but â—y Warrant from the Council My Lord said the Eâ—rl I am sent hither by the Queen to arrest you And I said the Duke obey your Arrest â—eseeching your mercy for what I did by Commission You should have thought of that sooner â—aid the Earl Here you might have seen at once the vicissitude of Fortune the frailty of Man the dejectedness of Guilt the braveâ—y of Innocence who would neither be trampled on by Greatness nor trample on misery of an equal temper between pity and resolution As long as his Youth bore itâ— we find him for Action but when years came upon him we find him in Council as with Wottâ—n at the great Treaty at Cambray Yet not so unactive but that as Sir William Pickering for hiâ— sweet Demeaner so he for his Estate was voiced an Husband to Queen Elizabeth Wâ—en the rest of the Council were for dealiâ—g with the â—ueen of Scots underhand and at distance he was for treating wiâ—h her plainlyâ— and said in the Queens presence The Wisdom of the former Age was so provident that it needed not and so plain that it endured noâ— shifts Leicester would perswade the Duke of Norfolk to court the Queen of Scots but Arundel would not hear of it without the Queen of England's consent Experience is always wary yet hath its weaknesses wherein it may be surprized For this Noblemans kindness to his Friend balancing his Duty to his Mistress brought him the Earl of South-hampton the Lords Lumley Cobham Piercy c. to a Praemuâ—ireâ— whereupon he said He is never wise that is not distrustful Fear that betrayeth the succours of Reason when predominant guardeth them when moderate and is more safe â—hâ—ugh not so Noble as that valiant confidâ—nce that bequeathâ— a dilated Freedom to all faculties and senses But of all his Actions this is most remarkeable Treating with the Scots he writ to his Majesty King Henry the Eighth what he had gained already requiring to know his farther pleasure The King takes advice with his Council who all agree that the Peace
Artificial and careless freedome that opened others 2. A natural gravity that shut him up and was more capable of observing their Vertues and escaping their Vices Peter Earl of Savoy came to do his homage to Otho the fourth in a double attire on the one side Cloth of Gold on the other shining Armour the Emperour asked him what meant that Lindsey-Woolsey he answered Sir the attire on the right side is to honoâ—r your Majesty that on the left is to serve you Sir William Peter returns with those Gayeties of carriages on the one hand that might adorn a Court and with those abilities on the other that might support it His first employment was the Charts the Lattin Letters and the Forreign Nâ—gotiation the next was Principal Secretary In which Office Wriothesly was rough and stubborn Paget easie Cecil close Mason plain Smith noble Peter was smooth reserved resolved and yet obliging Both the Laws he was Doctor of and both the Laws he made use of the Civil Law to direct Forreign Negotiations and the other to give light to Domestick Occasions In the Kings absence in France 1554. Craumer and Thorleby are to assist the Queen in matters of Religion the Earl of Hertford in Affairs of War the Lord Parr of Horton and Doctor Peter in the Civil Government whose Maxime it was It is the interest of the Kings of England to be the Arbiters of Christendome Thus much he was to the Queen by Henry the eighth's Deputation and no less to King Edward by his Will A man would wonder how this man made a shift to serve four Princes of such distant Interests as King Henry King Edward Queen Mary Queen Elizabeth untill he recollects the French King who enquired of a wise man how he might govern himself 〈◊〉 his Kingdome the wise man took a fair large sheet of Paper and instead of an infinite number of Precepts which others use to offer upon that subject he onely writ this word Modus A Mean In King Henry's time he observed his Humour in King Edward's he kept to the Law in Queen Mary's he intended wholly Sâ—ate-affairs and in Queen Elizabeth's he was religious his years minding him of death and his death of his faith He moved with the first Movers in most transactions to his apparent danger yet he had motions of his own for his real security Able he was at home and very dexterous abroad particularly at Bulloin The Philosophers exercising their Gifts before an Ambassador he asked one that was silent what he should say of him Report to your King saith he that you found one among the Graecians that know how to hold his tongue Ah said Mounsieur Chatillon we had gained the last 200000 Crowns without Hostages had it not been for the man that said nothing meaning Secretary Peter Neither was he better at keeping his own counsel than at discovering other mensâ— as appeared by the intelligence he had that the Emperour had â—ent ships to transport the Lady Mary into Germany in case the King would not allow her the practice of her Religion though three men knew not that Designe in the German Court whereupon he fetched her two Leez and thence under the notion of preparing for Sea-matters he sent over five thousand pounds to relieve the Protestants Active he was about the Will in compliance with his duty to King Edward but as nimble in his intelligence suitable to his Allegiance to Queen Mary whom he assisted in two Particulars 〈◊〉 In making the Maâ—ch 2. In searching the bottom of Wiat's Insurrection therefore 1. When the Church-lands went against her conscience Sir William Peter must be sent for 2. When the Pope sent another Legate to turn out Pool he must be sent for who advised her to forbid him this Land as she very resolutely did As serviceable was he to Queen Elizabeth till his Age not being able to go through the difficulties and his Conscience being impatient of the severities of those â—â—â—ie and harsh times he retired to Essex where his Estate was great and his Charity greater both which he bequeathed his Son Iohn who was by King Iames made Baron of Writtle in that County Observations on the Life of Cardinal Pool HIs Extraction was so high that it awakened King Henry the Eighth's Jealousies and his Spirit so low that it allayed it When he reflected on his Royal Relation he was enjealousied to hard thoughts of restraint and security when he observed his modest Hopefulness he was obliged to those more mild of Education and Care as more honourable than the other and as safe Religion and Study would enfeeble that spirit to quiet contemplation which more manlike exercises might ennoble for Business and Action It was but mewing him up in a study with hopes of a Mitre and there would be no danger of his ambition to the Crown The Privacies of the School and Colledge made him a stranger to the transactions of Court and he was two follow his Book that he might not understand himself His preferments were competent to content him and yet but mean to expose him Three things concurred to his escape from King Henry's Toyl 1. His Relation's ambition that could not endure he should be wrapped in Black that was born to be clothed in Purple 2. His own Inclination to adde Experience to his Learning 3. The Kings Policy to maintain him abroad who could not safely keep at home No sooner arriveth he at Paris than the Pope caresseth him as a person â—it to promote his Interest The House of York supports him as one that kept up their Claim and the general Discontent crieth him up as one that was now the hope of England and might be its Relief That he might not come short of their Expectation or his own Right his large capacity takes in the Learning of most Univeâ—sities observeth the way of most Nations and keeps correspendence with all eminent men The first of these improved his Learning the second his Experience the third his Converse The Marquess of Exeter the Lord Mountacute Sir Nicholas Carew Sir Edward Nevil Sir Geoffery Poole would have made him a King but to gain him a Crown they loft their own Heads and Pope Iulius made him a Kings Fellow but he was never Head of this Church since he put the Red Hat on this Cardinal The King had him declared for a Traytor in England and he him excommunicated for an Heretiâ—k at Rome His Friends are cut off by the King at home and the Kings Enemies cheâ—ished by â—im abroaâ— But Princes are mortal though their hatred not so For before the Kings deatâ— he would needs be reconciled to Pool and as some thought by him to Rome wherefore he sends to him now in great esteem in Italy desiring his opinion of his late Actions clearly and in few words Glad was Pool of this occasion to dispaâ—ch to him his Book de Vnione Ecâ—lesiarum inveighing against his Supremacy and concluding with an advice
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
French and constant respect from the people None more dutiful to his Soveraign than Sir Philip none more resolute against Encroachers upon Gentemen and Freemen nonâ— more dear to the whole State which when he had designed Sir Francis â—rake's second Voyage and stollen to him at Windsoâ— commanded his stay by an Eâ—rl and for his ske the whole Fleets although his stay disturbed â—nd his death destroyed his most exact Model for tâ—e Conquest of America the exactest Europe everâ—aw a Conquest not to be enterprized but by Sir Philips reaching spirit that grasped all circumstanes and commanded all interests on this side the Liâ—â— When his great Soul could not improve â—urope he considered it and made that the Fâ—eld o his meditation that could not be the stage of his â—ctions England he saw so humoursome and populâ—s that it was to be refined with War and corruâ—ed with Peace Her interest was he said to balance â—eighboâ—-Princes France he observed weak and efemâ—nate the Empire enslaved and secure the Hanses toâ— big Rome subtle and undermining Spain creâ—t to the Power and Councils of Europe the Protetant Princes enjealoused and distâ—ustful Poland divâ—â—ed Denmark strong Sweden invironed or impriâ—oned the Muscovite distressed and ignorant the Switz enemies yet servants to Monarchs a dangerous body for the soul of any aspiring Monarch to infuse designes into the Princes of Italy awed by their Sâ—periours â—nd cautious against their equals Turkie asleep in the Seraglio but Spain all this while Master of Rome and the wisest Council or Conclave in the World Lord of the Mines of America and the Sword of Europe Concluding that while the Spaniaâ—d had Peace Pope Money or Credit and the World Men Necessity or Humours the War could hardly be determined upon this Low-Country-stage And that there were but two ways to conquer Spain the one That which diverted Hannibal â—nd by setting fire on his own House made him draw his spirit to comfort his heart The other thâ—t of Iason bâ— fetching away his Golden Fleece and not suffering any one quietly to enjoy that whiâ—h every man so much affected The assistance of Portugal the surprizâ— of Cales her key and Sevil her treasure the drawing in of other Well-willers â—he command of the Sâ—a an exact Intelligence the Protection of Rochel Brest Bourdeaux or some other distressed Protestant to balance the over-mytrâ—d Countries the Encouragement of religious or ambitious Roytolets to advance and secure themseâ—ves the engaging of the French and Spaniards a League with Venice and the Maritime States some temptations to Italy to remove their French and Spanish Garrisonâ— an opportunity to recover Sicilly some insinuations to the Pope of the Austrian Greatness the setting up of the World in an AEquilibrium the invasion of America removing the disfidence oveâ—poyzing the Neutrality and working upon the Complexions of Kings and Kingdomes was this young but great mans designe An Expedition to the Indies he would perswade with these motives 1. That Honour was cheaper abroad than at home at Sea than at Land 2. That the Spanish Conquests like the Jesuites Miracles made more noise at distance than nearer hand 3. That the Indians would joyn with tâ—e first Undertaker against their cruel Masters 4. That Spain was too far for supply 5. That the Spaniard was Undisciplined and trusted more to the Greatness of his Name than to Order Policy or Strength 6. That England was poâ—ulous 7. That it was an action compliant with the present Humour and not subject to Emulaâ—ions 8. That it would either cut off the Spaâ—ish treasure or make it chargeable 9. And at last set up a free Trade by Sea open a great Door to Valour or Ambition for new Conquests and to Zeal for new Converts He said the Inquisition would overthâ—ow Spain being a designe upon Humane Nature and freedome to govern men at the rate of â—easts His great Abilities recommend him to Leicester's Cabinet whose Horse he commanded in the Field whose Council he guided at home Prudent and valiant he was in contriving and excuting the suâ—prize of Axil Liberal and Noble to his Souâ—diers at Flushing wary and deâ—pâ— sighted in his Council about Graveline wise and stayed in the jealousies between Leicester and Hollock His Patience and Resolution before Zutphen his quiet and composed spirit at Arneim his Christian and religious comportment in his sickness and death made his Fame as lasting as his Life was wished And why died he lamented by the Qâ—een mourned for by the Court bemoaned by Europe wept over by Religion and Learning the Protestant Churches celebrated by Kings and eâ—ernized by Famâ— because he was one whoâ—e Parts were improved by early Education whose Education was raised by Experience whose Experience was enlarged by Travel whose Travel was laid up in Observations whose Observations were knit up to a sâ—lid Wisdome whosâ— Wisdome was graced with his Pâ—esence and the one was as much admired by Kings as the other was by Qâ—eens One whose Learning guided Univeâ—sities whose alliance engaged Favourites whose Presence filled Courts whose Soul grasped Europe whose merit could fill a Thâ—one whose Spirit was above it It was he who was deserving and quiet neglected and patient great and familiar ingenious and devout learned and valiant sweet and solid contemplative and active It was he whom Queen Elizabeth called her Philip the Prince Orange his Master and whose friendship my Lord Brooke was so proud of that he would have no other Epitaph on his Grave than this Here lieth Sir Philip Sidneys Friend It was he whose last words were Love my memory cherish my Friends their faith to me may assure you they are honest but above all govern your will and affections by the Will and Word of your Creator In me behold the end of this world and all its vanities THey that have known thee well search thy parts Through all the chain of Arts Thy apprehension quiâ—k as active light Clear Iudgememt without Night Thy fansie free yet never wild or mâ—d with wings to fly but none to gâ—d Thy language still enrich yet comely dress Not to expose thy minde but to express They that have known thee thus sigh and confess They wish they 'd nown thee still or known the less To these the wealth and Beauties of thy minde Be other Vertues joyn'd Thy modest Soul strongly confirm'd and hardâ— Ne'er beckned from iâ—s Guard Observations on the Life of Sir Jâ—hn Perrot SIr Iohn Perrot was a goodly Genâ—â—eman and of the Sword and as he was of a vâ—ry ancient descent as an Hâ—ir to many Exstâ—acts of Gentry especially from Guy de Bâ—yâ—n oâ— Lawhern so he was of a vast Estate and came not to the Court for want And to these Adjuncts he had the Endowments of Courage and heighth of Spirit had it lighted on the allay of temper and discrâ—tion the defect whereof with a native freedome and boldness of speech drew him into a Clouded setting and laid him
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
or grievous courses insulting over no offender but carrying it decently and compassionately to the person of the offender when most severe against the offence His Religion was rational and sober his spirit publick his love to Relations tender to Friends faithful to the hopeful liberal to men univerfal to his very Enemies civil He lest the best pattern of Government in his actions under one King and the best principles of it in the Life of the other His Essays and History made him the admiration of polite Italy his Accomplishments the wonder of France Monsieur Fiat the French Ambassador who called him Father saying to him after an earnest desire to see him That he was an Angel to him of whom he had heard much but never saw him Solid less dissipable and juicy Meat was his Diet and Rhubarb infused in Wine before meat his Physick four hours in the morning he made his own not by any means to be interrupted business was his fate retyrement his inclination Socrates brought Morality from Discourse to Practice and my Lord Bacon brought Philosophy from Speculation to Experience Aristotâ—e whom he disliked at 16 years of age not for his person for he valued him highly but his way which bred disputations but not useful things for the benefit of the life of man continuing in that judgment to his dying day he said taught many to dispute more to wrangle few to find out Truth none to manage it according to his principles My Lord Bacon was a man singular in every faculty and eminent in all His Judgment was solid yet his memory was a wonder his Wit was quick yet his Reason slaid His Invention was happy yet methodical and one fault he had that he was above the age he lived in above it in his bounties to such as brought him Presents so remembring that he had been Lord-Chancellor that he forgot he was but Lord Verulam Great his understanding his knowledge was not from Books though he read much but from grounds and notions in himself which he vented with great caution Dr. Rawley attesting that he saw twelve Copies of the Instauratio Magna revised and amended year by year till it was published and great his mind too above it in his kindness to servants to whom he had been a better Master if he had been a worse and more kind if he had been less indulgent to them Persons of Quality courted his Service For the first of his Excesses K. Iames jeered him in his progress to New-market saying when he heard he gave ten pounds to one that brought him some Fruit My Lord my Lord this is the way to Beggars-bush For the second he reflected upon himself when he said to his servants as they rose to him in his Hall Your rise hath been my fall Though indeed he rather trusted to their honesty than connived at their falshood for he did impartial Justice commonly to both parties when one servant was in fee with the Plaintiff and the other with the Defendant How well he understood his own time his Letters and complyances evidence than whom none higher in spirit yet none humbler in his Addresses The proudest man is most servile How little he valued wealth appeareth in that when his servants would take money from his Closet even while he was by he would laugh and say I poor men that is their portion How well he kenned the art of Converse his Essayes discover a piece as he observed himself that of all his Works was most current for that they come home to mens business and bosomes How far skilled in the Art of Government the Felicities of Queen Elizabeth written by him in Latine ordered by his last Will to be Printed so but published in English in his resuscitatio by his Amanuensis Dr. Rawley his H. 7. War with Spain Holy War Elements of the Law irrefragably demonstrate and how well seen in all Learning his Natural History and Advancement of Learning answerably argue In a word how sufficient he was may be conjectured from this instance that he had the contrivance of all King Iames his Designs until the Match with Spain and that he gave those Directions to a great Statesman which may be his Character and our conclusion Only be it observed that though this peerless Lord is much admired by English-men yet is he more valued by Strangers distance as the Historian hath it diminishing his faults to Forreigners while we behold his perfections abated with his failings which set him as much below pity as his Place did once above it Sir Iulius Caesar they say looking upon him as a burden in his Family and the Lord Brook denying him a bottle of small beer Though in a Letter to King Iames he thanks him for being that Master to him that had raised and advanced him sâ—x times in Office i.e. Councel learned extraordinary Solicitor and Attorney General Lord Keeper and Chancellor Knight-Lord Verulam Viscount St. Aâ—ban's with 1800 l. a yâ—ar out of the broad Zeal and Alienation Offâ—ce to his dying day most of which he allowed to his Wife towards whom he was very bountiful in gifts bestowing on her a Robe of honour which she wore while she lived which was above twenty years after his death His Religion was like a Philosophers rational and well grounded as appears by his confession of faith composed many years before his death an instance of the truth of his own observation that a little Philosophy maketh men apâ— to forget God as attributing too much to second causes but depth of Philosophy bringeth a man back again to God he being constant at the publick Prayers frequent at the Sermons and Sacraments of the Church of England in whose Communion he dyed of a gentle Feaver accompanied with a choaking defluxion and cold April 9. being Easter-day 1626. 66th year of his age in the Earl of Arundel's house at High-gate near London being Buried according to his Will at St. Michael's Church in St. Alban's the onely Church in old Verulam near his Mother â—nder a white Marble â—et up by Sir Tho. Meauty Secretary to his Lordship and Clerk of the Councel to King Iames and King Charles whereon he is drawn in his full Stature studying with an Inscription by Sir Henry Wotton He had one peculiar temper of body that he fainted alwayes at an Eclipse of the Moon though he knew not of it and considered it not His Receipt for the Gout which eased him in two hours is at the end of his Natural History His Rhubarb-draught before meat he liked because it carryed away the gross humours not lessâ—ning the spirits as sweating doth It was the great effect of his Religion that as he said notwithstanding the opportunities he had to be revenged he neither bred nor fed maliceâ— saying no worse to the King who enquired of him what he thought of a great man newly dead that had not been his friend than that he would never have made
hath more reason to do what he doth than you to ask why he doth it Nevertheless If you desire me in a gentle fashion I shall acquaint you further Whereupon Luynes bowing a little said Very well The Embassador answered That it was not on this occasion only that the King of Great Britain had desired the Peace and prosperity of France but upon all other occasions when ever any War was raised in that Countrey and this he said was his first reason The second was That when a Peace was setled there his Majesty of France might be better disposed to assist the Palaâ—inate in the affairs of Germany Luynes said We will have none of your advices The Ambassador replyed That he took that for an Answer and was sorry only that the affection and the good will of the King his Master was not sufficiently understood and that since it was rejected in that manner he could do no less than say That the King his Master knew well enough what he had to do Luynes answered We are not afraid of you The Embassador smiling a little replyed If you had said you had noâ— loved us I should have believed you and made another answer In the mean time all that I will tell you more is That we know very well what we have to do Luynes hereupon rising from his Chair with a fashion and countenance a little discomposed said By God If you were not Monsieur the Embassador I know very well how I would use you Sir Edw. Herbert rising also from his Chair said That as he was his Majesty of Great-Britain's Embassador so he was also a Gentleman and that his Sword whereon he laid his hand should do him reason if he had taken any offence After which Luynes replying nothing the Embassador went on his way toward the door and Luynes seeming to accompany him he told him there was no occasion to uâ—e such Ceremony after such Language and so departed expecting to hear further from him But no Message being brought him from Luynes he had in pursuance of his Instructions a more civil Audience of the King at Coignaâ— where the Marshal of St. Geran told him he had offended the Constable and he was not in a place of security here whereunto he answered That he held himself to be in a place of security wheresoever he had his Sword by him Luynes resenting the affront got Cadenet his brother Du. of Chaun with a ruffling train of Officers whereof there was not one as he told K. Iames but had killed his man as an Embassador extraordinary to mis-report their Traverses so much to the disparagement of Sir Edw. that the Earl of Carlisle sent to accommodate Le Mal Entendu that might arise between the 2 Crowns got him called home until the Gentleman behind the Curtains out of his duty to truth and honour related all circumstances so as that it appeared that though Luynes gave the first affront yet Sir Edward kept himself within the bounds of his Instructions and Honour very discreetly and worthily Insomuch that he fell on his knees to King Iames before the Duke of Buckingham to have a Trumpeter if not an Hâ—rald sent to Monsieur Luynes to tell him that he had made a false Relation of the passages before-mentioned and that Sir Edward Herbert would demand reason of him with Sword in hand on that point The King answered he would take it into consideration But Luynes a little after died and Sir Edward was sent Embassador to France again and otherwise employed so that if it had not been for Fears and Jealousies the baâ—e of publick services he had been as great in his Actions as in his Writings and as great a Statesman as he is confessed a Scholar Observations on the Life of the Lord Capel HIs privacy before the War was passed with as much popularity in the Country as his more publick appearance in it was with valour and fidelity in the Field In our too happy time of Peace none more pious hospitable charitabâ—e and munificent In those more unhappy of our Differences none more reserved Loyal and active The people loved him so well that they chose him one of their Representatives and the King esteemed him so much that he sent for him as one of his Peers in that Parliament wherein the King and people agreed in no one thing save a just kindneâ—s for my Lord Capel who was one of those exceâ—lent Gentlemen whose gravity and discretion the King saith he hoped would allay and fix the Faction to a due temperament guiding some mens well-meaning Zeal by such rules of moderation as are best both to preserve and restore the health of all States and Kingdoms keeping to the dictates of his conscience rather than the importunities of the people to what was just that what was safe save only in the Earl of Strafford's case wherein he yielded to the publick Necessity with his Royal Master but repented with him too sealing his contrition for that miscarriage with his blood when he was more troubled for his forced consent to that brave person's death than for losing his own life which he ventured throughout the first War and lost by his Engagement in the second For after the surrender of Oxford he reâ—ired to his own house but could noâ— rest there until the King was brought home to his which all England endeavouring as one manâ— my Lord adventured himself at Colchester to extremity yielding himself upon condition of Quarter which he urged by the Law of Arms that Law that as he said on the Scaffold governeth the world and against the Laws of God and Man they are his own words for keeping the fifth Commandment dying on the Scaffold at Westâ—â—nster with a courage that became a clear conscience and a resolution befitting a good Christian expressing that judicious piety in the Chamber of Meditation at his death that he did in his a Book of Meditation in his life a piety that as it appeared by his dismission of his Chaplain and the formalities of that time 's devotion before he came to the Scaffold was rather his inward frame and habit than outward ostentation or pomp from the noble Sâ—ntiments whereof as the Poet not unhappily alluding to his Arms A Lyon rampant in a Field Gules between three crosses expresseth it Our Lyon-like Capel undaunted stood Beset with Crosses in a Field of blood as one that affrighted death rather than was afrighted by it It being very observable that a learned Doctor of Physick present at the opening and embalming of this noble Lord and Duke Hamilton delivering at a publick Lecture that the Lord Capel's was the least heart and the Duke 's the greatest that ever he saw agreeable to the observation in Philosophy that the spirits contracted within the least compass are the cause of the greater courage Three things are considerable in this incomparable person 1. His uninterrupted Loyalty keeping pace with his Life for his last