A Chronicle of the Kings of England from the Time of the Roman Government

rk upon Trent, where a Cutpurse being taken in the fact, was by the K. warrant hanged, a most unseasonable delinqēnt, who would force the K. to commit Justice at a time when he intended nothing but mercy, the as to Beaver Castle, a house of the E. of Rutlands, hunting all the way as he rode: From Beaver the 23 to Burleigh, who having stayed 2 or 3 days, the 27 he removed to Hitchinbr •• k, a house of Sir Oliver Cromwell's, where the heads of the University of Cambridge met him • From thence he rode towards Royston, and as he passed thorough Godmanchester a Town close by Huntingdon, the Bailiffs of Town presented him with 70 Teeme of horse, all traced to fair new Ploughs • at which the K. wondering, they said, it was their ancient custom so to do, when any K. of England passed thorough their Town, and by which as being the K. tenants they held their Land. At Royston he lodged that night at M. Chesters house, at his own charge, which he had not done before, since his coming into Eng. The • 0 of April he rode to Stand •• , a house of S. Thomas Sadlers, where he stayed Sunday, and heard the Bish. of London preach. The 2 of May he removed to Brosbourne, a house of S • Henry Cocks, cofferer to the late Q. and now to the K. where •• t him the L. Keeper, the L • Treasurer, the L. Admiral & divers other Lord's: The 3 of May he came to Theobalds, a house of Sir Robert Cecils ; when all the Lord's of th • late Queens most honorable Privy Counsel; presented themselves, and th • r • the Lord Keeper made a grave Oration. At this house, the fourth of 〈◊〉 , the King made diverse Noblemen of Scotland, of his Privy Counsel here in England ; namely the Duke of L • n • x, the Earl of Marre, the Lord 〈◊〉 , Sir ••• rg • 〈◊〉 , Treasurer of Scotland, S. James Elphingston his Secretary and the Lord of Kinlosse made afterward Mr. of the Rolls. Saturday the se ••• th of May, he rode towards London, where by the way, the Sheriff Swyn • er ••• and the Aldermen met him; and by their Orator Mr. Richard Martin ; made him an eloquent Oration; and then he rode on to the Charter-house nee • e Smithfield, a house belonging to the Lord Thomas Howard, where he stayed four days: and at his departing from thence made the Lord Zouche • and the Lord Burgley, of his privy Counsel. But we must here omit, that from the Kings first setting forth of Scotland • as he was in all places received with most Royal entertainment and rich presents; so he again carried himself most affable, and distributed his favors in most plenteous manner: in some places, discharging all prisoners, but such as lay for Treason or murder: but specially in conferring the order of Knighthood, of which sort the first he made, was Mr. John Peyton, son to Sir John Peyton, Lieutenant of the Tower. After him divers Scots in sundry places at Theobalds, eight and twenty; (of which number the compiler of this work, though the unworthiest was one;) at Charter-house above fourscore: and not many days after, no fewer than at least a hundred, and before the year went about, God knows how many hundreds; that one would wonder what the King would do with so many Milites, having no war to • ard. But it wa • indeed fit to give a vent to the passage of Honor, which during Queen Elizabeth's Rain had been so stopped, that scarce any County of England had Knights enow in it to make a Jury.

Before we go further, it will not be amiss, to show what great men attended King James out of Scotland ; as namely the Duke of Lenox, the Earl of Marre, the Lord Hame and many other great Lord's: and many other whom he afterward made great Lord's, as bring in his special favor; first Sir George Hame, made afterward Earl of Dunbarre : then Sir Thomas Erskin, made Earl of Kelly ; then Sir John Ramsey made Earl of Holdernesse ; (which two last had the fortune to come first in to his rescue against the Gowries ) then Sir James Hay, made afterward Earl of Carlisle ; and then Sir Richard Preston made Earl of Kildare in Ireland ; but whose great fortune by marrying the Heir of that Earldom, was afteward the occasion of his great misfortune; for coming out of Ireland he was unfortunately cast away and drowned.

But though King James was now safely come himself to London ; yet he accounted himself but half come, until his Queen and children were come to him; and therefore there are now appointed to go to conduct them, of Lord's, and Earl of S • ssex, the Earl of Lincoln, the Lord Compton, the Lord Norris, and Sir George Carow Knight, Lord President of Munster: of Ladies the Countess of Worcester, the Countess of Kildare, the Lady Anne Herberts daughter to Henry Earl of Pembroke ; the Lord's Scroopes Lady, the Lady Rich wife to the Lord Rich, and the Lady Walsingham, one of the late Queens bedchamber: But although these only were appointed to go, yet many other Lord's and great Ladies went of themselves to attend her Majesty, as the Countess of Bedford, the Lady Hastings, the Lady Cecil, the Lady Hatton, the Lady Harington, and divers other: and with this Princely attendance, the Queen with two of her children, namely Prince Henry of the age of nine years, and the Lady Elizabeth on the eleventh of June came to York: where resting themselves some few days, on the seven and twentieth of June they came to Easton in Northamptonshire, a house of Sir George Fermors, where the King met them at dinner: and afterward they rode together to a house of Sir John Fortescue, and so to London. The Kings younger son, Charles Duke of Albany came not at this time, as being not three years old, and therefore not thought able to endure such a journey, but the year following falling sick of a fever, Doctor Atkins one of the Kings Physicians was sent to conduct him, who in six weeks cured him of his feavour; and the first week of October brought him safe to Windsor, where the King then lay; for which service he was so well rewarded, that together with the gayn • s of his usual practice • he grew to a greater wealth then was usual for Physicians.

King James had distributed the meaner Order of Knightho • d very plentifully; now he thinks fit to raise his distributions to a higher degree, and thereupon on the twentieth of May, he made Sir Robert Cecil Baron of Esindon ; Sir Robert Sidney Baron of Penshurst ; Sir William Knowles Baron of Greyes ; and Sir Edward Wooten Baron of Morley: and not long after he made the Lord Henry Howard Earl of North-Hampton ; and Thomas Sackvile Lord Buckhurst, he made Earl of Dorset.

The King had by this time found the love and affection of his own people; but the affection of neighbouring Princes towards him stood yet in suspense, when now to take away that doubt came first in the beginning of June, an Embassador from the Palsgrave of Rhyne ; presently after another from the States of Holland and Zealand ; another from the Arch-Duke of Austria ; another from the King of Spain ; from the Seignory of Venice another; another from the Duke of Florence ; and lastly on the eight of June, Mon • ieur de Rhosny from the King of France : all congratulating his happy coming to the Crown of England, for entertainment of which Ambassadors, and all other that should come after; the King had erected an Office by the name of Master of the Ceremonies, allowing him two hundred pounds a year Fee, and the first that had the place was Sir Lewis Lewkenor: a Gentleman, who besides other good parts was very skillful in the neighbouring languages.

Upon the seventeenth of May this year, were made fourteen Serjeants at Law: whereof eleven had received Writs the last year of Queen Elizabeth : namely, Thomas Coventry, Robert Haughton, Lawrence Tanfield, John Crooke, Thomas Foster, Edward Philip's, Thomas Harris, James Altham; Henry Hubbard; Augustine Nicholls ; and Robert Perker ; to whom the King added three new; John Sherley; George Snygge ; and Richard Hutton, who all kept their Feast together in the Middle Temple Hall

One would think that by this time, all Offences against Queen Elizabeth had been forgotten: but King James more tender of wrongs done to her than to himself, would not suffer Valentine Thomas so to escape; who after he had lain many years prisoner in the Tower, was on the fourth of • une arraigned at the Kings Bench-Barre ; and for conspiracy against the late Queen and some of her Counsel, was on the seventh of June after six a clock at night, drawn to S •• Thomas Waterings, and there hanged and quartered.

About this time the Honorable Charles Lord Montj • y, returned out of Ireland ; bringing alone with him Hugh O Neal, Earl of Teroen ; at whose coming to the King, the Lord Montjoy was sworn of the Kings Privy Counsel, and the Earl of Teroen who had been the cause of so much English blood shed, was yet pardoned; and Proclamation made, that by all men he should be used with respect and honor.

All this while the King had moved within his own Sphere, and had done nothing out of the Realm; his first Employment abroad was now in June, to his brother the King of Denmark, to whom he sent in Embassage the Earl of Rutland upon two occasions: the one to be Godfather to his son, who was named Christianus, the other to present him with the Order of the Gar • er, upon the like employment; soon after, he sent the Lord Spen • er to Frederick Duke of Wirtenberg ; which Lord's, saw the said Princes Invested with the Garter, and after honorable entertainment returned home.

It was now a time that every man might sit under his Vine: and enjoy the happiness of a peaceable Government: when suddenly like a storm in a fair Somers day, brake forth a Treason of a strange Composition: for where in all Treasōs commonly they are all of someone Faction in this, there were people of all sorts; Priests and Laymen, Papists and Protestants, Noblement, Knights and Gen • lement; that one would think it should be a well managed Treason, and yet was the shallowest that was ever set on foot; so shallow, that it could scarce be observed, either what the Authors of it ailed, or what it was they would h • ve done. Indeed the great favor which King James at his first coming to the Crown, shown to the Earl of South-Hampton, was like to breed no good blood in those that were his oposites; and it was said (how true I know not) that as the King had sent to enlarge the Earl of South-Hampton, and appointed him to meet him upon the way: So when he heard of an Intention that the Lord Cobham and Sir Walter Ralegh had to meet him; he sent them word they should spare their labor. But why there it were so or no, it seems they found some • ause of discontentment, and discontentment will never want Complyces; and by this means was the composition of this T • eason made up, and thereupon were apprehended Henry Lord Cobham, and George Brook his brother, Thomas Lord Grey of Wilton, Sir Walter Ralegh, Sir Griffith Markham, and Sir Edward Parham Knights, Bartholomew Brookesby and Anthony Copley Gentlemen, William Watson and William Clerke Priests: But though they were apprehended in July, yet they come not to their arraignment till November following; for by reason of the sickness, which was then hot in London, the Terme was put off till Crastino Martini, and then to be kept at Winchester in Hamp-shire, only the Courts of the Exchecker, Wards, Liveries and the Duchy of Lancaster were kept in the Kings Manor at Richmond in the County of Surrey ; and so in the fourth of November following, all the foresaid Delinquents were removed from the Tower of London and other Prisons, by strong Guards to Winchester, and there arraigned; whose Indictment was for Conspiring,

• 1 To kill the King.
• 2 To raise Rebellion.
• 3 To alter Religion.
• 4 To subvert the State.
• 5 To procure Invasion by Strangers.

Concerning the first Point, it was proved, that the Lord Grey intended to obtain the levying of two thousand men, for defense of the Low-Countries, and with them to seize u • on the King and Prince, and take the Lord's of the Counsaile in their chambers. For the other Points, It was proved, that the Lord Cobham and Sir Walter Ralegh, met at S, Martins in the Fields; and there consulted about raising Sedition, moving Rebellion, altering Religion, subverting the State, and to set up the Lady Arbella. And particularly for the Point of subverting the State: It was proved, that Watson was designed to be Lord Chancellor, George Brooke Lord Treasurer, Sir Griffin Markham Secretary, and the Lord Grey to be Master of the Horse, and Earl Marshall of England, and for effecting of these Treasons, It was proved that Waston the Priest had devised Oaths in writing, by which all parties were bound to keep them secret. And for the last point, It was proved, that Sir Walter Ralegh was appointed to treat with Count Aramberg for six hundred thousand C • owns, and the Lord Cobham to go to the Arch-Duke and to the King of Spain, to persuade them to assist the Lady Arbella. These things being proved against them, on the days in which they were severally Indicted, the most which was replied in mitigation of their fault, was first by Waston, who affirmed it could not be Treason, because the King was not yet Crowned; and then by the Lord Grey, that it was but a verbal matter and never took effect, and therefore could be no Treason, but these assertions being both refuted; they were all (except Sir Edw • Parham, who only was acquitted) on their several days of inditement, found guilty of Treason; and had Judgment accordingly. The Priests Watson and Clerk were executde at Winchester, the nine and twentieth of November: George Brooke was beheaded the fifth of Decemb. but then the hand of Justice stayed • and this was the course which the K. held in showing mercy. After the death of the three before named he signed three other warrants for the execution of the late L. Cobham, the Lord Gr • y ; and Sir Griffin Mark • h • m, on a certain day then following; but before that day came he privately framed another warrant, written with his own hand to the Sheriff; (who was then Sir Benjamin Tichburne, ) by which he countermanded the former Warrants: and that there might be no notice taken of it: he sent it by Mr. John Gybbe : a Scotch-man : and one utterly unknown to all the company, appointing him to deliver it so, that it might not take effect, til after their several confessions, and at the very point of their Execution, which was accordingly performed: At which time it was a wonderful thing to see how the Delinquents falling on their knees, lamented their misdoings, and most of all how they extolled the Kings unspeakable mercy. But though thus pardoned: yet were they carried back to the Tower, where the L: Grey not long after died, and in him was extinct that Barony, which had formerly bro • ght forth many valorous & worthy men. Sir Griffin Markhā after some time was set at liberty & passed beyond sea, where he lived long after in mean account. The Lord Cobham likewise was afterward discharged of imprisonment, but deprived of his Estate, lived divers years after in great pennury; and in him ended that noble Family, which had flourished in great honor many Ages. Sir Walter Ralegh was kept in the Tower, where to his great honor he spent his time in writing, and had been a happy man if he had never been released. But such is our state, that no man's fortune is understood, whether it be good or bad, until it be discovered by the Event.

But in this mean time many things had passed • for his Majesty having deferred the Feast of St. George until his being at some of his own houses: held now the said Feast at Windsor, the second of July where the Prince was installed Knight of the Garter; as also the Duke of Lenox, the Earl of South-Hampton, the Earl of M • rre, and the Earl of Pembroke ; and at the same time were elected the King of Denmark, and the Duke of Wirtenberg : though their investing have been spoken off before.

And now was preparation made for the Kings Coronation, and for a preparative unto it, h • first restored the Earl of South-Hampton, and then raised in honor these following: Sir Thomas Eger • on Lord Chancellor • he made Baron of Elsemere ; Sir William Russell, Baron of Thorn • ugh ; Sir Henry Grey Baron of Grobye ; Sir John Peter Baron of Writtle ; Sir John Harington, Baron of Exton ; Sir Henry Denvers, Baron of Da • sey ; Sir Thomas Gerard Baron of Gerads Bromely in the County of Stafford ; and Sir Robert Spenser, Baron of Wormeleyton. After this he conferred inferior Orders; and made Knights, all the Judges and Serjeants at Law, all Civilians and Clerks of the Signet: all his Gentlemen Vshers and divers other: and lastly made Knights of the Bathe threescore and two, most of them Noble men's sons, and the rest Gentlemen of special worth. These things done, on the five and twentieth of July being St. James day; the King and Queen were together crowned, and anointed at Westminster by the hands of John Whitegift Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, in presence of the Nobility and other, namely Sir Robert Lee Lord Major of London, in a gow • e of Crymson Velvet, his brethren the Aldermen in gowns of Scarlet, and twelve principal Citizens admitted to attend on them: all other Citizens stayed from passing thither, either by water or by Land, by reason of the sickness; and the first of A • gust following, all suitors were by Proclamation forbidden to repay • e to the Count till the winter following.

At this time the King forgot no • a deliverance he had formerly had, which though it were had in Scotland, yet he would have notice of it taken in England, which was his deliverance from the conspiracy of the Go • ries, on the fifth day of August three ye •• es before, and thereupon Friday being the fifth of August was by commandment appo ••• ed to be kept Holy day with Morning Prayer, Sermons, and Evening Prayer th • t day, and Bonfires • t night which was then; and after during his life solemnly o •• erved.

King Ia ••• had in hi • a • it were two Persons; one as he was King of Scotland ; and in this he was in perfect amity with • he King of Spain • , another as he was King o • England, and in this he had some difference with Spain ; but he, as Rex pacific •• , •• oke the best from both, and was altogether for the Olive branch, and thereupon when at his coming into England, he found letters of Mart granted against Spaniards: he first caused them all to be called in, and then cons • nted to a Treaty of per • it reconcilment: In which Treaty handled at London, the 18 o • August 16 • 4: The Commissioners for the King of England were Thomas Earl of Dorset, Charles Earl of Nottingham, Charles Earl of Devonshire, Henry Earl of North-Hampton and Robert Viscount Cranbourne: For the King of Spain, John de Velasco Constable of Castile, John de Tassis Earl of Villa Media • a, and Alexander Robidius Professor of the Law in the College of Millaine: For the Archdukes, Charles Count of Aramberg, John Richardo • President of the Privy Counsaile, and Lodowick Verreikin principal Secretary: by whom a Peace being concluded and contained in many Articles. The Somer following, the King of Spain sent Don John de Velesco Constable of Castile and Duke of Fryas, also Pedraca de la Syerra, his great Chamberlain: accompagnied with diverse Marquises, Earls and Barons, who coming into England, were by the Earl of Devonshire on the nineteenth of August brought to the Court, where the King in his Chapel in the presence of the • ommissioners and other English Lord's, (the Duke of Fryas holding the Kings hands between his) took his Oath upon the holy Bible, religiously to observe and keep all the Articles of the Peace and League agreed upon, and in March following, being now the third year of King James, Charles Earl of Nottingham, Lord high Admiral of England was sent into Spain to take in like manner the King of Spain's Oath: who accompanied with three Barons, and many Knights, Gentlemen and other, to the number of six hundred and fifty, the fifteenth of April arrived at Groyne, from whence he was conducted to Valledolid, three hundred miles off, where the King of Spain then kept his Court, entertained in all places as he passed, at the King of Spain's charge, with so great provisions and such demonstration of love and gladness: that it plainly shown the Spaniards were as glad of our friendship as we of theirs. The Lord Ambassador being come to Court: He caused Thomas Knoll Esquire, to deliver the presents sent from the King of England, which were siz goodly Horses, with saddles and saddle clothes very richly imbrodered, whereof three for the King, and three for the Queen: two crossebows with sheafes of arrows • four fowling pieces, inlaid with plates of Gold: and a couple of Lime hownds, of singular qualities: which the King and Queen in very kind manner accepted, and then on the thirtyth of May, the Lord Ambassador being sent for, the King came forth into a large room: where having a little Table set before him, and a Bible very reverently laid upon it, together with a Crucifix: The Archbishop of Toledo read the Oath, at the reading whereof, the Lord Ambassador held the Kings hands between his and the King kneeling down, laid his hands upon the Book, and after his Oath, subscribed to the Articles formerly concluded. Whilst the E. of Nothingham was thus employed in Spain, the right honorable Edward Earl of Hartford, was likewise sent Emb • ssador to Albertus and Isabella, Archdukes of Austria, to take their Oaths, for confirmation of the said Articles of Peace, which were taken at Bruxell the first of May with great State and solemnity: After which, as the Earl bestowed on the Archduks servants, to the full sum of three thousand pouns; So the Archduke at his departy, bestowed upon the Earl, a Jewel worth nine hundred pounds, and a suite of Arms worth three hundred, and bore his charges all the time of his stay at Brussels. And now was King James, truly Rex Pacificus, Peece and amity with all Princes of Christendom, which few of his Auncestors ever were

A little before this, in the Month of August, in the year 1604, the strong Town of Ostend in Flanders, after above three years siege, and the slaughter of a hundred and twenty thousand men of both sides, and in defense whereof, Sir Francis Vere General, and his brother Sir Horatio Vere had shown great Valour, was by the Marquis Spinola taken; for which Service, the King of Spain made him Duke of Santa Severina, and Lord General of all his Forces in the Low-Countries.

It was now the third year of King James his Reign, when he kept Saint Georges Feast at Grenwich, and there made two new Knights of the Garter; namely, the High and Mighty Prince Duke Ulrick, heir of Norway, and brother to our gracious Queen Anne : and the right Noble Lord Henry Howard, Earl of North-Hampton. And upon the Saturday following, in the Hall at Grenwich, being richly hanged with Arras, he created three Earls, one Viscount and four Barons: namely, Sir Robert Cecil Viscount Cranbourne, he created Earl of Salisbury: Thomas Cecil, Lord Burley his eldest brother, he created Earl of Exceter, and Sir Philipe Herbert, younger brother to the Earl of Pembroke, he created Earl of Montgomery: then Robert Sidney Baron of Penshurst, Lord Chamberlain to the Queen, he created Viscount Lisle: Sir John Stanhope, Vicechamberlaine to the King, he made Lord Stanhope of Harington: Sir George Carew Vicechamberlaine to the Queen, he made Lord Carew of Clopton • Master Thomas Arundell of Devonshire, he made Lord Arundell of Wardez: and Master William Cavendish, he made Lord Cavendish of Hardwick.

About this time a strange fancy possessed the brains of a professed Physician, one Richard Haidock of new College in Oxford, who pretended to preach at night in his sleep, in such sort, that though he were called aloud or stirred and pulled by the hands or feet, yet would make no show of either hearing or feeling: And this he did often, in the presence of many honorable persons, that came to hear him; so as within a short time, his fame was spread thorough the land, by the name of the sleeping Preacher. At length the King commanded him to be brought to the Court, where his Majesty sat up the most part of a night to attend the event: when at last, Haidock making a show to be a sleep, began to Pray; then taking a Text, made his Division; applying it to his purpose, for in his Preaching his use was to Inveight against the Pope, against the Cross in Baptism and against the last Canons of the Church of England ; and having ended his Sermon seemed to continue sleeping. His Majesty having well observed the manner of his carriage; after a few days, called the said Haidock before him, and in Conference with him (as he had indeed an admirable sagacity in discovering of Fictions) made him confess, that all he did was but imposture: and thereupon to fall upon his knees, and ask forgiveness, which the King granted, upon condition, that in all places he should openly acknowledge his offense; because many were brought into belief, that his nightly preaching was either by inspiration or by vision.

We may not here think it unworthy the relating, seeing King James thought it not unworthy the seeing, thereby to observe the nature of the Lyon, and made a solemn matter of it: for on Monday the 3 of June (taking with him the Duke of Lenox, and diverse Earls and Lord's) he went to the Lions Tower and caused two Lions a male and a female, to be put forth, and then a live Cock to be cast before them • which they (as being their natural enemy) presently killed and sucked his blood. Then a live Lamb to be put down to them, which the generous Lions (as having respect to its Innocency) never offered to touch, though the Lamb was so bold to go close unto them. Then the King caused those Lions to be taken away and another Lyon to be put forth, and two Mastifs to be put into him, who presently flew upon the Lyon and turned him upon his back, and though the Lyon were superior to them in strength, yet it seems they were his matches in courage and so much superior, as that they were the first assailants, with whom otherwise, perhaps the Lyon would not have offered to meddle.

On Friday the 4 of January in the Kings second year, Charles Duke of Albany the Kings second son being then but 4 years old, was created Duke of York ; • hich, because it was done with extraordinary solemnity, is not unworthy to ha • e the manner of it, here related. First were appointed Knights of the Bathe, the Duke of Albany himself, then the Lord Willowby, the Lord Chandois, the Lord C • mpton, the Lord Norris, William Cecil, son and heir to the Viscount Cranbourne, Allan Percy, brother to the E. of Northumberland, Thomas Somerset second son to the Earl of Worcester, Francis Manners brother to the Earl of Rutl •• d; Thomas Howard second son to the Earl of Suffolk, and John Harington son and heir to the Lord Harington, the Earls of Oxford and Essex were Esquires to the Duke of Albany ; all the Knights took their lodging that night in the first Gate-house going to Kings street; where they supped, and had Bathes provided for them. The next morning being Saturday, they went out into the Park in their Hermits weeds, the Minstrels playing and the Heralds going before them into the Court, and so into the Chapel, where every Knight with his Squires went to the Altar, and there offered (the Dean of the Chapel, in a rich Cope, holding the Bason. After this they went up into their lodgings, and • here new attired themselves in robes of Crimsin Taffaty, with hats and white feathers, and so went back to the great Chamber: where by the King they were girded with the sword, and had gilt spurs put upon them. This done, they were solemnly served at dinner, and after went again to the Chapel, and there offered their swords. The next day being Sunday and Twelfe day in robes of purple Satin • with Doctors hoods on their shoulders and hats with white feathers, they issued out of the Revestry, with the Duke of Albany (being then to be made Duke of York ) into the Hall, where the King sat under the clothe of Estate, and then the Heralds going before, the Knights of the Bath followed, and then the Earl of Suffolk, Lord Chamberlain came alone, then followed Henry Howard Earl of North-Hampton and Charles Blunt Earl of Devonshire, carrying the robes of Estate, for the Duke of York, after whom Wriothsley Earl of South-Hampton carried the Coronet, George Clifford Earl of Cumberland, the Golden Rod, the Earl of Worcester the Cap of Estate, and the Earl of Nottingham bore the Duke of Albany in his Arms, supported by the Earls of Dorset and Northumberland, who all coming in this order before the King; the Duke of Albany was after the Patent read Created Duke of York, with the Robes and Coronet put on him and the Golden Rod, delivered into his hand: all which performed, they went to dinner, and the solemnity ended.

About this time on the fifteenth of June, Thomas Dowglas a Scotch-man, was committed to the Tower and had Irons put upon him, being sent hither, but three days before, from the Count Palatine of the Rhyne. His offense was, that he had counterfetted the Kings Privy Seal to divers Princes of Germany ; One to the Archbishop of Cullen, another to the Archbishop of Tryer, another to the Duke of Cleve, another to the Archbishop of Moguntia, and a fifth to the Count Palatine of the Rhyne • whereof being examined and convicted; he was drawn on a hurdle into Smithfield, and there hanged and quartered:

And now was a second Parliament appointed to be held at Westminster, on the nineteenth of March following, when four days before the day of sitting; The King, the Queen and Prince rode solemnly in great state thorough the City of London, where in diverse places were erected Pageants: Presents given, Orations made and all demonstrations of love and observance; and then the Parliament beginning, the King made a long and loving Speech to the House, wherein he signified the • auses of his calling it; but in the time, when it should have proceeded, there was suddenly discovered a Plot of Treason ( • o damnable and foul, that posteri • y will hardly think it true, when they shall hear it) the •• ot was, to blow up with Gun-powder, both Houses of Parliament at a time, wh • n the King, Prince and all the Nobility should be sitting in the upper House, and all the Knights and Burgesses in the Lower.

The principal contriver of this Plot was Robert Catesbie, a Gentleman of great account in Northampton-shire, descended from that Catesby who had been a special Counselor of King Richard the third, to whose family the Divine Providence had now ordained to give a disastrous period. This Catesby not able to perform the work himself alone, draws in many to assist him, as namely, Thomas Percie, Thomas Winter, John Grant, Ambrose Rookwood, John Wright, Francis Tresham, Guido Fawkes, and at last Sir Edward Digby, all earnest Papists, and all bound by Oath, and by receiving the Sacrament to be secret; For effecting of this plot, they hired a house close adjoining to the Upper house of Parliament, where they were to dig thorough a Wall, for the fit placing of their Powder. About Candlemasse they had wrought the Wall half thorough: when suddenly they heard a noise in the next room which made them fear they had been discovered: but sending Guy Fawkes (who went now under the name of John Johnson, as Master Percies man) to see what the matter was, he brought word, that it was a Cellar where Sea-Coles had been laid, and were now a selling, and the room offered to be let for a yearly rent. This room therefore as most fit for their purpose, being right under the Parliament House, Master Percie presently went and hired, laying into it twenty barrels of powder, which they covered with Billets and Faggots, for being discovered. Thus the first part of the plot was put in a good readiness. It now remained to consider what was to be done, when the blow should be given: for though the King and Prince might be slain, yet the Duke of York, and the Lady Elizabeth should still be safe, and so they should be no nearer their end than now they were. This work therefore for surprizing the D. of York, Percie undertook, and for surprizing the Lady Elizabeth, they agreed upon a match of hu • ting near to Dunchurch, under color whereof they would draw company together, and surprise her at the Lord Haringtons house in Warwick-shire, where she then lay, and then proclaim her Queen, and so be sure to have all things done, as they would themselves. Thus far their bloody plot went fairly on, and had perhaps gone on so still, if they had continued only bloody; but now a tenderness of heart took some of them, lest their friends should perish together with the rest, and this tenderness overthrows them; for to prevent such promiscuous slaughter, a Letter was framed, and sent to the Lord Mounteagle, son and heir to the Lord Morley, brought him by one of his Foot-men, which he received from an unknown man in the street. The Letter was this. My Lord, out of the Love I bear to some of your friends, I have a care of your preservation; therefore I would wish you, as you tender your life, to forbear your attendance at this Parliament; for God and man have concurred to punish the wickedness of this time: And think not slightly of this Advertisement: for though there be no appe • r • ce of any stir; yet I say, they shall receive a terrible blow this Parliament, and yet shall not see who hurts them. This Council is not to be contemned, because it may do you good, and can do you no harm; for the danger is past, as soon as you have burnt this Letter; and I hope you will make good use of it.

My Lord having read the Letter, though much perplexed, yet went presently to the Court at White-hall • (the King being then a hunting at Royston ) a • d delivered it to the Earl of Salis ••• ie, principal Secretary of State, and the Earl having read it, acquainted first the Lord Chamberlain with it, and then the Lord Admiral, the Earl of W • rcester and Northampton, who as soon • s the King was returned from Hunting • acquainted him with it: the Earl of 〈◊〉 telling hi • , th •• he thought it must be written either by a fool, or by a mad 〈◊〉 , because of those words, for the d •• ger is past as soon as you • ave 〈◊〉 thi • Letter) • or i • the da • g • r-w • re so so • ne past, what needed 〈◊〉 warni • g • But th • 〈◊〉 considering it more deeply, apprehended presently some violent 〈◊〉 ; and th • t it must be some sudden danger 〈◊〉 blowing up with powder; and thereupon commanded, than diligent search 〈◊〉 be made in the Parliament house, and all other rooms and lodgings 〈◊〉 adjoining • which search was made by the Lord Chamberlain, accom •• ny •• with the Lord Mount •• gle, who entering the Cellar under the upper 〈◊〉 • found there great store of Faggots and Billets; which was answered to 〈…〉 Mr. P • rcie's own provision; but then (it being considered why such sto • e 〈◊〉 be laid in for Mr. Percie, who used to make but little stay in Town • and • hereu • on more diligent search being made, there was found under the Billets one of the Barrells of powder; and after that all the rest, being six and thirty; • og • there with other instruments fit for their purpose, and then spying the 〈◊〉 F • wkes to stand suspiciously, they apprehended him, and found in his pocket a piece of Touch-wood; a Tynder box to light the Touch-wood, and a Watch, which Mr. Percie had bought the day before, to try the short and long burning of the Touch-wood, which he had prepared to give fire to the train of powder. The plot being thus discovered, yet the most of the confederates met at Dunchurch, as they had agreed; where they divulged many detestable untruths against the King and State: signifying withal, that they were there met for advancement of the Catholic cause; hoping thereby to have drawn many to join with them in their Rebellion: but this availed them no •• ing: for first Sir Richard Verney high Sheriff of Warwick-shire chased them from thence; and then Sir Richard Welsh, Sheriff of Worcestershire, knowing them to be entered into Master Littleton's house at Walbach, beset them round, where Cate •• i • and Percie issuing forth, were both slain with one shot of a Musquet; and after them, both the Wrights, John and Christopher were likewise slain outright; Thomas Winter was taken alive; all which time, Francis Tresham remained still about the Court, offering his service for their suppression: but being suspected, was examined, and sent to the Tower, where he confessed all, and within a few days after died of the Strangu • ie. On the seven and twentieth of January following, a Commission was directed to divers Lord's and Judges of both Benches, for trial of the rest of the Confederates: namely, of Thomas Winter, Guydo Fawkes, Robert Keys, Thomas Bates, Robert Wint • r, late of Hoodington in Warwick-shire Esquire, John Grant, late of Yorthbrook, in the County of Warwick Esquire, Ambrose Rookwood, late of Staningfield in Suffolk Esquire, Sir Edward Digby, late of Gotthurst, in Buckingham-shire, Knight, who were all condemned, and had judgment to die, and on the thursday following Sir Edward Digbie, Robert Winter, Grant and Bates, were accordingly drawn, hanged and quartered, at the west end of Paul's Church in London, and on the friday, the other four; namely, Thomas Winter, Keys, Rookwood, and Fawks were executed in the Parliament yard at Westminster. Of all whom, none was so much lamented as Sir Edward Digbie, and indeed worthily; for he was a goodly personage, and of excellent parts, and had it seems been cunningly drawn in, and bound to secrecy by Oath, when he little thought of any such treason. The seventh of November the Earl Northumberland, upon suspicion of being acquainted with the plots, was first commanded to keep his house, and after a while committed to the Tower. And thus was this great plot discovered, and the Plotters punished, to the great rejoicing of all people: insomuch, that even the King of Spain's and Arch-dukes Ambassadors made Bonfires, and threw money amougst the people in token of joy. And at this time, on the fourth of January, the Spanish Embassador delivered a Present to the King from the King his Master: namely six Iennets of Andalusia, with saddles very richly imbroydered, and saddle-clothes of cloth of Tissue : One of which Iennets was snoe white, and had a Maine which reached to the ground. But this was a Present sent before any knowledge had of the Powder Treason: but as soon as that was known, there was presently another Present sent from the Queen of Spain to the Queen of England • of purpose to congratulate the Kings happy delive • ance from the intended Powder Treason; and the Present was brought by D •• Io • n de Mendosa, which was a Roave of Murrie Satin, imbroydered all over with Amber leather; and upon the leather, in every s • ame and skirt twice imbroydered about with gold; the fore-part whereof was set with eight and forty tagges three inches long of beaten gold, hollow within, and filled with Amber-greece; also two large Chaines of Amber-greece • Two Carkanets of Amber-greece, a velvet Cap with gold Buttons, curiously enammeled, and a girdle suitable to the Bu • tons; all which were presented together in a large vessel of gold, in form of a • ason, so as it seems there was none rejoiced more for the overthrow of this plot for the Catholic cause, than the Catholic King himself. And now King James, not to be unmindful to the Lord Monteagle, for being the means of discovering this treason, he gave unto him in Fee Farm of Crown land 200 l. a year to him and his heirs, and 500. l. a year besides, during his life: and not to be unthankful to God for the deliverance, he caused the fifth of November, being the day of the discovery, to be kept holy, with Prayers and Thanksgiving to God, which was then solemnly performed, and hath been since, and is likely forever to be continued.

But in the midst of this great joy, there was suddenly spread a rumour of greater sorrow, for on Saturday the two and twentieth of March, news was brought to the Court for certain, that the King was slain at Oking, twenty miles from London, stabbed with an envenomed knife; whereupon the Court gates were presently shut, and double guard set in all places about London, and all men's minds were infinitely distracted; but within two hours all these clouds were clean dispersed, and the Sun began to shine out again; and it was certainly known, that the King was safe, and in perfect health: for which a Proclamation was presently set forth to signify it to the people; and that afternoon the King came himself to White-hall, where thousands of people, ravished with joy, came flocking to see him; and so general was the rejoicing, that the Spanish Embassador, gave Sir Lewis Lewk •• r, Mr. of the Ceremonies, a chain of gold of good value for bringing him the news: Though afterward it was thought by some, that this rumour was but politically devised to make the Parliament and people more tender of the Kings safety, and by making them more sensible what a treasure they had of his life, to make them more willing to part with their treasure for his living, as indeed this Parliament they did, giving more Subsidies then are usual.

The eight and twentieth of March following, Henry Garvet Provincial of the English Jesuits, was arraigned in Guild-hall, for concealing the foresaid treason, where he had Judgment to be hanged, drawn, and quartered, and accordingly on the third of May, was drawn from the Tower to the west end of Paul's Church, and there executed. At his death, he confessed his fault, asked forgiveness, and exhorted all Catholics never to attempt any treason against the King or State; as a course which God would never prosper.

On Tuesday the twentieth of May, were enstalled at Windsor Knights of the Garter, Robert Cecil, Earl of Salisbury, and Thomas Howard Viscount Byndon ; both of them honourably attended, but the Earl of Salisbury beyond ordinary proportion.

There was yet a Fag end of the late powder treason behind to be examined: whereupon two Barons of the Realms; namely, Henry Lord Mordant, and Edw. Lord Sturton, were brought from the Tower, to the Star-Chamber: and there, not charged indeed with any point of the treason, but only reflectingly, because they neglected to appear at the Parliament, according to their summons, for which neglect only, without any further charge, they were fined to pay to the King, the Lord Mordant ten thousand Marks, and the Lord Sturton six thousand, and to be prisoners during the Kings pleasure. But on the 27. of June H •• rie Earl of North • mberla • d was likewise brought from the Tower to the 〈◊〉 Chamber, and more directly charged with circumstances concerning the 〈◊〉 , specially in regard of Thomas Percie, whom he had admitted to be 〈◊〉 of the Kings Gentlemen Pentioners, without ministering unto him the Oath o • Supremacy • knowing him to be a Recusant; for which, and some misprisions, he was fined to pay to the King thirty thousand pounds, to forfit all his Offi ••• , and to be kept prisoner during the Kings pleasure, as indeed he continued m • ny years, and at last released, was yet confined.

It was now the 4. year of King James his Reign, and was a time of Princely • i • itation; for this Summer, the 17. of July, Christianus King of Denmark, brother to the Queen, having been long expected, with eight ships came into the River of Thames, and Anchored before Graves-end ; to whom the next day, King James, with Prince Henry, and divers of his Lord's went by Barge, and conducted him to London, where he stayed till the twelfth of August following: in which time, he was entertained with all the magnificence that could be de • vised; the King and he riding in great state thorough the City; where Pageants in many places were erected; and a • ter he had been shown the chief places about London • as namely, the old Exchange, the Tower, the Monuments at Westminster, and had gone up to the top of Paul's, had been feasted by the King, by the Earl of Salisbury four days together at Theobalds, had seen Tilting, Fencing, wrestling, and many other pastimes, on the twelfth of August, conducted by the King, the Queen, and Prince, with many other great Lord's, he departed to his ships, and in eight days arrived at home: A hapy thing when Princes can converse together like private persons, and are not kept asunder with jealousies of State.

After the King of Denmarks departure, on the 23. of September, arrived at London Francis Prince of Vaudemount, third son to the Duke of Lorraine, accompanied with seven Earls, ten Barons, forty Gentlemen of quality, and six-score common persons; who all the five and twentieth of September went by Coach to the King at Hampton Court, where foureteen days together they were feasted and royally entertained, and then returned.

But these Festivalls were follwed with a little disturbance; for in May, the year after, great Assemblies were gathered together in Northampton-shire, Warwickshire, and Leicester-shire, throwing down Inclosures, at first, without any particular head: but at last rose up a base fellow, called John Reynolds, whom they named Captain Pouch, because he had a great leather Pouch hanging by his side, who affirmed to the Company, that in that Pouch he had sufficient to defend them against all cummers: but when he was afterward apprehended, and his Pouch searched, there was nothing found in it but a piece of green Cheese. Proclamation was made, commanding them to surcease their disorder: But this prevailed nothing, till the King sent Henry Earl of Huntingdon, Thomas Earl of Exceter, Edward Lord Zouch, and Sir Edward Co • ke Lord Chief Justice of England to suppress them by force of Arms, and to punish the Levellers according to the nature of their offenses; some by Death, as for Treason; some by Fines, as for Routs: but Captain Pouch was made exampler.

On Friday, the twelfth of June, his Majesty attended with divers Lord's, dyned with the Lord Major, Sir John Wats, who after dinner presented him with a purse full of Gold, and humbly besought his Majesty, that he would be pleased to be free of his Company, the Cloath-workers : To which, the KING graciously condescended; and thereupon called to Sir William Stone, Master of the Company, and said, Stone give me thy hand; and now I am a Cloath-worker : And in token of my special favor to this fraternity, I do here give to this Company a brace of Bucks yearly forever, against the time of the Election of the Master and Wardens: at which time also many Lord's and Gentlemen were made Free of the Cloath-workers.

On Thursday the 16. of July, the King and Prince with many Lord's, dined at Merchant T • l • rs-Hall, where the Master and Warden of that Society, presented the King with a Purse of Gold, giving him humble thanks for gracing their Fraternity with his • oyall presence • and therewithal shown him a Roll, wherein were Registred the names of seven Kings, one Queen, 17, Princes, and Dukes, two Dutchesses, one Archbishop; one and thirty Eearles, threescore and six Barons, seven Abbots, seven Pryors, with a great number of Knights and Esquires, who had been free of that Company; which His Majesty graciously accepted, but told them, that he himself was already free of another Company: but the Prince his son should be free of theirs, and that he would see the Garland put on his head: whereupon the Master presented the Prince also with a purse of Gold, which he graciously accepted, and said, that not only Himself would be free of the Merchant Tailors • but the Lord's also that were with him should do the like, all which was performed with great solemnity.

The fourth of July this year, Sir Thomas • nevet was called by Writ to the Parliament by the name of Baron of Estrick, the next day Sir Julius Caesar, Chancelor of the Exchecker was sworn a Privy Counselor; and the sixteenth of November fallowing Sir • ervis Clyfton Knight, was called to the Parliament by Writ, by the name and title of Baron of Layton Brameswold, whose only daughter and heir, was soon after married, to Eysme Steward, Baron of Aubigny in France, sole brother of the Duke of L • nox ; whom he afterward succeeded in that Dignity.

About this time, Hugh Earl of Tervon, most ungratefully and utterly forgetful of the Kings great clemency to him, together with Te • rconell: Hugh Baron of Dungaunon, and divers other Irish Lord's, fled into the parts beyond Sea, with a purpose to solicit foreign Princes against the King, and to offer the Kingdom of Ireland to the Pope, which was presently signified to the Realm by Proclamation.

On the Eleventh of April this year, George Iervis a Seminary Priest, and the three and twentieth of June • following: Thomas G • rnet a Jesuit, were both executed at Tybourn; Thom •• Garnet having the favor offered him to be pardoned, if he would but take the Oath of Allegeance, which he refused.

The nineteenth of April at Whitehall, died Thomas Earl of Dorset Lord Treasurer, whose death (because he died suddenly as he sat at the Counsel-Table) was by some untowardly interpreted; but being dead and his head opened, there were found in it certain little bags of water, which whither by the straining of his study the night before, in which he sat up till eleven a clock, or otherwise by their own maturity, suddenly breaking and falling upon his brain, caused his sudden death. So certain it is that death comes not always by determinate steps; but sometimes per saltum, and we all carry about us the causes of sudden death, though unsensible of them till we be unsensible. This Lord was of excellent parts, and in his place exceeding Industrious, and I have heard many Checker men say, there never was a better Treasurer, both for the Kings profit and the good of the subject.

The twentieth of May at Windsor, were made two Knights of the Ga • ter, George Earl of Dun • arre, and Philip Earl of Mo •• g • merry ; but the Earl of Dunbarra, within a year or two after left both his honor and his life; but not his life without honor, having been a faithful servant, and a wise Counselor to the King, and was honorably Interred in the Church at Westminster.

About this time were many famous English Pirates that stuck not some of them to turn Turks and lived in great state at Tunis, of whom the chief were W • rd, Bishop, Sir Francis Verney and Gl •••• le, whom after many depredations and outrageous acts at Sea, partly the King of Spain suppressed, and partly the King of Eng. and 19 of their associ • tes being taken, were hanged a • Wapping.

Also at this time, in the Strand on the North side of Durham house, where •• ood an old long stable: Robert Earl of Salisbury now Lord Treasurer of Eng ••• d, caused to be erected a stately Building; which upon Tuesday the tenth of April, in the year 1609, was begun to be richly furnished with wares; and the next day after, the King, the Queen, and Prince, with many great Lord's and Ladies came to see it: and then the King gave it the name of Britteines • urse.

On the eight of May this year, the King by Proclamation prohibited all foreign Nations, that after August they should not fish upon any of the Coasts of England, Scotland or Ireland, nor the Isles adjacent, without the special Licence from the Commissioners in that behalf Ordained.

At this time the making of Allum, which heretofore with great charges, had been fetched from foreign parts, was by diverse that labored in it, and now lastly by Sir John Burchier, brought to perfection in England, and thereupon the King prohibited upon pain of confiscation, any Allum to be brought from beyond the Seas, and took the whole traffick thereof to himself.

And now the King according to an ancient custom, had aid of His Subjects thorough England: for making his eldest son Prince Henry Knight, which yet was Levied with great moderation, and the Prince to show himself worthy of it: performed His first Feates of Arms at Barriers, with wonderful skill and courage: being not yet full sixteen years of Age.

It was now the eight year of King James His Reign; being the year 1610, when Prince Henry being come to the age of seventeen years; It was thought fit, He should be Initiated into Royalty: and thereupon the thirtieth of May this year, He was Created Prince of Wales in most solemn manner; which was this; Garter King at Arms, bore the Letters Patents, the Earl of Sussex the Robes of Purple Velvet, the Earl of Huntingdon the Traine, the Earl of Cumberland the Sword, the Earl of Rutland the Ring, the Earl of Darby the Rod, the Earl of Shrewsbury the Cape and Coronet, the Earl of Nottingham and North-Hampton supported the Prince: being in His Surcoate only and bare-headed: and in this manner being conducted to the King, attended on by the Knights of the Bathe, five and twenty in number, all great men, and great men's sons: The Earl of Salisbury principal Secretary, read the Letters Patents: the Prince kneeling all the while before the King: and at the words accustomed, the King put on him, the Robe, the Sword, the Cape and the Coronet, the Rod and the Ring, and then kissed him on the cheek, and so the solemnity ended.

After this, it was thought fit, he should keep his Court by himself: and thereupon Sir Thomas Chaloner, a learned Gentleman, who had before been his Governor, was now made his Lord Chamberlain, Sir Edw. Philip's his Chancellor, and all other officers assigned him, belonging to a Princes Court: wherein he shown himself so early ripe for Majesty, that he seemed to be a King, while he was yet but Prince: And all men's eyes began to fix upon him.

King James had long since shut up the Gates of Ianus, and was in Peace with all Princes abroad; his only care now was how to keep Peace at home; and to this end, the three first days of June, in his own person he heard the differences between the Ecclesiastical and the Temporal Judges, argued touching Protections out of the Kings • Bench and Common-Pleas, to this end, the eight, ninth, & tenth of June, he heard the manifold complaints of the abuses of the Victualers, & other Officers of his Navy Royal; to this end, the 4 of June, 1610, he once again by Proclamation, commanded all Roman Priests, Seminaries and Jesuits, as being the chief Incendiaries of troubles, to depart this Kingdom by the 5 of July next, and not to return upon pain of severity of the Law: also all Recusants, to return home to their Dwellings, and • ot to ramaine in London, • o • to come within ten miles of the Court, without special Licence; a ••• r which Proclamation, the O • th of Allegeance was presently ministered to all sorts of people, and their names certified to the Lord's of the Counsel, that ref •• ed to take it; and this He the rather did out of consideration of the bloody fact, committed lately by one Revill • ck, upon the person of the renowned K. of France, Henry the fourth, & whereas Queen Elizabeth in her 43 years had granted her Letters Patents to continue for 15 years, to the East India Merchants, now upon their humble petition, the King was pleased to enlarge their Pate •• s, giving them a charter to continue forever, enabling them thereby to be a body Corporate and Politick, which so encouraged the Merchants, that they built a ship of twelve hundred • un, the greatest that was ever made in this Kingdom by Merchants; which the King and Prince honored with going to Deptford to see it; and then named it, The Trades increase: and at this time gave to Sir Thomas Smith, (Governor of that Company) a fair chain of Gold, with a Jewel, wherein was his Picture. But this great Ship having been in the Read Sea, and returning to Banthem, was there lost and most of her men cast away. But then the King himself built the goodliest Ship of War, that was ever built in England, being of the burden of 1400 tun, and carrying threescore and four pieces of great Ordnance, which he gave to his son Prince Henry, who named it after his own dignity, The Prince.

And now whereas a Parliament had been holden this year, and was Prorogued to a certain day; the King perhaps, not finding it to comply with his designs, or for some other cause known to himself, on the last day of December, under the gr •• t S • ale of England, dissolved it.

Before this time, one Sir Robert C • rre, a Gentleman of Scotland or of the bord ••• , being a hunting with the King, chanced with a fall off his horse to break his leg; upon which mischance, he was forced for some days to keep his bed, in which time the King was sometimes pleased to come and visit him: and then it was first perceived that the King had begun to cast an eye of favor upon him: and indeed • ro • that time forward (as he was a very fine Gentleman and very wise) many great favors were heaped upon him: So as on Easter Monday, in the year 1611, he was Created Viscount Rochester. On the two and twentieth of April, 1612, was swo • ne a privy Counselor. On the fourth of November 1613, was Created Earl of So • erset, and the tenth of July following, made Lord Chamberlain.

B •• this Sun-shine of Fortune lasted not long; yet not by any inconstancy in the King, but by the Earls own undeserving, which thus fell out: The Right Honorable Robert Earl of Essex, had before this time married the beautiful Lady Francis Howard, daughter of Thomas Earl of Suffolk, who upon ca • ses • udicially heard, were afterward Divorced and left free to marry any other. Afte • which Divo • ce, this great favorite (the Earl of Somerset ) takes her for wife; th • King g • acing their marriage with all demonstrations of love and favor; and the Lord's gracing it with a stately Masque that night, and a few days after, the Bride and Bridegroom, accompanied with most of the Nobility of the Kingdom were • easted at Merchant Tailors Hall, by the Lord Major and Aldermen. But see how soon this fair we •• her was overcast: For it happened, that one Sir Th • mas •• erb • ry, a very ingenious Gentleman, and the Earls special f •••• d, who had written a witty Tre • tise of a Wife: and it seems, not thinking th • Lady in all points answerable to his description, had been an earnest disswa ••• of the M •••• , and to •• rengthen his di •• wasion, laid perhaps some unjust 〈◊〉 up •• the Ladies 〈◊〉 , which so incensed them both against him; that 〈…〉 could not give them sati ••• ction, than to take away his life: So 〈…〉 saying:

〈◊〉 this, they find pretences to have the said Sir Thomas committed to the •• wer, and there by their Instruments effect their revenge: some say by a •••• oned Tansey sent him to eat, some by a poisoned Glyster ministered unto 〈◊〉 , but howsoever effected it was • for which Fact Sir Iervis Elvis then Lieu •••••• of the Tower, and three or fou • e other of inferior condition were put to death, the Lady and Earl themselves were arraigned and condemned: but • horough the Kings great clemency had their lives spared, but in such a sort spa • ed • as was to them no less grievous than death it s • lf, being never after suffered to see the Kings face, nor to come near his Court.

This Favorite being thus out of favor, there was place made for entertaining another; for indeed King James was of so sociable and loving a nature, that he could not be long well without an Alter idem ; a bosom friend with whom to communicate his Internos sensus, and upon whose shoulders he might sometimes lay a burden, which he was not willing to beat himself; and this new friend was Mr. George Villers, a Gentleman of a good House, but a younger brother, but of so delicate a composure of body, and withal of so excellent pa • ts of mind, as if nature had framed him of purpose to be a Kings Favorite. And indeed never any man was partaker of the Royal Influence like to him, made first a Knight, and Gentleman of the Kings Bed-chamber, soon after made a Viscount and Master of the Horse; a while after erected Earl of Buckingham, then Marquis of Buckingham, and made Lord Admiral: Lastly, made Duke of Buckingham, the greatest Title of Honor that a Subject is capable of • and yet his Title not greater than his Power: for all matters of Grace passed from the King by him, and to grace him the more, his Mother (who after his Fathers death) had married a younger son of the Lord Comptons, was created Countess of Buckingham, his sister who had married a Gentleman of no ex • raordinary Family: had her husband made Earl of Denbigh, his two brothers were made, one of them Viscount Berbach ; the other Earl of Anglesey ; besides many other of his friends and kindred highly advanced; For this Lord affected not an advancement that should be only personal, but rather be in common to all his Family, and was not of the disposition of some, who like to great Oaks, love to keep all that are near them underwood; though it be in truth both against Nature and Policy to stand alone, when they would be less subject to the violence of winds, if more stood together. And though never any man had juster cause to be envied than he, yet never any man was less envied; because though his Honors made him great, yet they made him not swell, but he retained the like temper of affable carriage after his advancement, as he had done before.

But before all these favors were heaped upon him, many other great pas • ages had intervened; for first, after the death of Thomas Earl of Dorset, Robert Earl of Salisbury had been Lord Treasurer, and after him Thomas Earl of Suffolk. But this Lord, though of a most noble disposition: yet as having had his training up another way, seemed less ready in discharging the place, and whether for this, or for his Ladies taking too much upon her by his indulgence; the staff was soon after taken from him; after whom there came in, such a sequence of Treasures as no Age before had ever seen • all wise and able men indeed; but yet in whom the Office seemed an employment, rather to ennoble the Officer than to enrich the King. For first Sir Henry Montague was taken from the Kings Bench: and on the fourth of December 1620. made Lord Treasurer, and presently upon it Earl of Manchester, and before the year went about put off. After whom Sir Lyonell Cranfield, from Master of the Wards was made Lord Treasurer, and shortly after, Earl of Middlesex : and then not only put off, but fined to pay the King fifty thousand pounds: After him Sir James Lee from chief Justice of the Kings Bench was made Lord Treasurer, and soon after Earl of Marleborough ; and then having made a good return of his Place, p •• i • off himself. After him Sir Richard W • ston, from Chancellor of the Ex • he ••• r was made Lord Treasurer, and soon after Earl of Portland : so as within the compass of little more than four years, four Treasurer • in a row were made four • Earls; enough to make a praescription for all Treasurers hereafter, to claim a Right of being made Earls, which yet I speak not as derogating from those worthy men whose memories I reverence, but as observing, Fataq • e F • rtunasque Virum ; so rare as that there was never any President of the like.

Also the five and twenteth of June, 1612. the Lord S • nquer a Nobleman of Scotland, having in a private revenge suborned Robert Carlisle, to murder John Tu • ner a Master of Fence, thought by his greatness to have borne it out; but th • King respecting nothing so much as Justice, would not suffer Nobility to be a shelter for villainy, but according to the Law; on the nine and twenteth of June ; the said Lord Sanquer having been arraigned and condemned by the name of Robert Cr • ight •• Esquire; was before Westminster Hall gate executed, where he died very penitent.

About this time, the King in special favor for the present Plantation of English Colonies in Virginia, granted a Lottery to be held at the West end of Paul's ; whereof one Thomas Sharplys a Taylor of London had the chief Prize, which was four thousand Crowns in fair Plate.

At this time also the Corps of Mary late Queen of Scotland, the Kings Mother was translated from Peterborough, to St. Peters Church in Westminster, and from thence was carried to the Chapel Royal there; where it was interred in a Royal Tomb, which the King had erected for her.

About this time also Sir Robert Sherley, third son of Sir Thomas Sherley of Sussex Knight, who sixteen years past had betaken himself to travail: and had served diverse Christian Princes for the space of five years; but chiefly Rodolphus the Roman Emperor; who for his service, made him an Earl of the Empire, he afterward went into Persia, and served the Persian ten years, who made him General of the Artillery: and held him in so great account, that he gave him the Lady Teresia in marriage, whose sister was one of the Queens of Persia, after which the Persian employed him to sundry Princes of Europe ; and se • t him in special Embassage into England to King James, to whom he delivered his Letters, and shown his Commission, all which signified the Persians great love and affection to his Majesty: with frank offer of free Commerce to all his Highness Subjects, thorough all the Persians Dominions: After a years stay here, in which time his Lady lay in of a son, to whom the Queen was God-Mother, and Prince Henry God-Father; he left the child here in England, and then with his Lady departed into Persia.

It was now the year 1612. and the tenth of King James his Rain, when the Illustrious Prince Frederick Count Palatine of the Rhyne ; with whom a Treaty of marriage had been before, with the Lady Elizabeth : on the sixteenth of October arrived at Gravesend ; to whom the Duke of Lenox and diverse other Lord's were sent by the King, who conducted him to White-Hall, and from thence into the great B •• quetting-House, where the King, the Queen, Prince Henry, and the Lady Elizabeth entertained him in all kind manner, and after by Barge conducted him to Essex House, appointed for his lodging. It was many ye • res since any Kings Daughter had been married in England ; which now happening, and to so Illustrious a Prince; was just cause of Triumph and rejoicing • but see the misery of Human Affaires; joy can no sooner be setting forth, but sorrow will be sure to follow her at the heels, as now indeed it happened: for on the nine and twentieth of October, the Prince Palatine, with all the great Lord's of the Kingdom in most jovial manner, dining at Guild-Hall : Prince H •••• who wa • also invited and expected, could not come, being newly fallen exce • ding sick of a popular malignant feavour, which reigned that year in most parts of this Land: whereof on the sixth of November, between seven • nd eight a Clock at night, at his Court of St. James he died. But he being infinitely beloved of the people, and one that had given great hope of pro • ing an Heroic Prince. It caused suspicion in many men's heads, that his death was not without violence offered to Nature; some said, by bunches of Grapes given him to eat: some by gloves of a poisoned perfume, given him • or a present: but these were but idle rumors and conceits: It seems the Divine Providence had ordained it should be said of him; Hanc tantum terris ••• endent Fata nec ultra • esse sine • t: whose death would have given a great blow to the happiness of this Kingdom, if there had not been another Prince left of a milder spirit perha • s, but so accomplished with all excellent endowments, that there could be no great want of Prince Henry, as long as there was left Prince Charles. The Corps of Prince Henry, who died at the age of eighteen years, eight months, and seventeen days, was drawn in a Chariot to the Abbey Church at Westmin • ter, and there interred in the Chapel Royal • on the seventh of December following.

This Accident something appealed the general joy, but yet triumphs went on. Upon Saint Thomas day, the Palsgrave and Grave Maurice were Elected Knight of the Garter; and the seven and twentieth of December, the Palsgrave was betrothed to the Lady Elizabeth. On Sunday, the seventh of February, the Palsgrave in person was enstalled Knight of the Garter at Wind • or, and at the same time was Grave Maurice enstalled by his Deputy, Count Lod • wick of Nassaw. On the fourteenth of February, being Shrove-Sunday, and Saint Valentines day, this happy marriage of the Palsgrave with the Lady Elizabeth was solemnized in the Chapel at White-hall : The Bride was led to Church by two Batchellors, her brother Prince Charles, and the Earl of Northampton, Lord Privy Seal: she was attired all in white, having a rich Crown of Gold upon her head, her hair hanging down at length, curiously be • e • with Pearls and precious stones, her Train supported by twelve young Ladies in white Garments: The King gave her in marriage, the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury married them, the Bishop of Bath and Wells preached the Bridall Sermon: which ended, the Bride was led home by two married men, the Duke of Lenox, and the Earl of N • ttingham, Lord Admiral. This marriage was solemnized the first night with a stately Masque of Lord's and Ladies: the second night with a magnificent Masque of the Gentlemen of the middle Temple, and Lincolns Inn: The third night with a sumptuous Masque of the Gentlemen of the Inner Temple, and Graees Inn, provided indeed then, but was not performed till the satturday night following, by reason the concourse of people was so great, it would have hindered the Show. After this, the Lord Major and Aldermen gave the Bride a Chain of Oriental Pearl, valued at two thousand pounds: and now when all things had been done for honoring their marriage, which either love and observance could device, or Art and Magnificence could perform: On the tenth of April, the Bride-groome with his Bride took leave of the King and Queen at Rochester, (who had by Barge conducted them thither) and there taking Ship: On the nine and twentieth of April they arrived at Fl • shing ; from whence the Duke of Lenox, the Earl of Arundell, the Viscount Lisle, and the Lord Harington, waited upon them to their chief City of Heydelburgh ; in all places as they passed, being received with all State and magnificence: but then on the fourteenth of June, the English Lord's returning home, the Lord Harington died by the way at Wormes, whose Corps was brought over, and bu • ied in England And here it will not be amiss, to show of what extent and largeness the Palsgrave's Country is • because of the iniquity of some that seek to disgrace it. It is in length about two hundred English miles, taking the lower and upper Country. In the lower he hath six and twenty walled Towns, besides an infinite number of fair Villages, and two and twenty houses of residence. In the uper, not so many walled Towns, and houses, but those that are generally fairer than in the lower, especially Amberg, and New-market.

But it is now time to look home; in the year 1609. the King having care for the quietness of Ireland, had granted to the City of London the present possession and Plantation in the Province of Ulster: whereupon afterward in the year 1612. they sent thither about three hundred persons, of all sorts of handy-crafts men, chiefly to inhabit the two Cities of London-Derrie and Coleraigne: where they ordained Alderman Cockaine for their first Governor. And for the advancing of this, or the like Plantation in Ireland, King James about this time began a new Order of Knights, which are called Barone • s, because they take place next to Barons younger sons • and he appointed certain Laws, to make them capable that should be admitted. First that they should maintain the number of thirty foot soldiers in Ireland, for three years, after the rate of eight pence a day, and to pay the wages of one whole year, upon the passing of their Patent: Then that they should be Gentlemen of Blood of three Descents; and lastly, should have land of Inheritance, in possession or immediate Reversion, to the value of a thousand pounds per annum: And to keep the Order from swarming, he stinted it within the number of only 200. and as the issue should fail, the Order to cease. But he that will look, how well the end of the Institution, and the Laws of it have been observed shall perhaps find it to be here, as it was in the Order of St. Michael in France, into which at first • there were none admitted, but Princes and Emminent persons: but afterward, all sorts of men, without any difference, were admitted, that it came almost to be doubted, whether the Dignity of the Order did more grace the persons, or the meanness of the persons disgrace the Order: and indeed, when the Laws of an Institution are not in some measure observed, it seems to make a kind of nullity in the collation.

About this time, on Sunday the • 4. of October, an exemplar penance was imposed upon Sir Peck • all Br •• kas Knight, which was to stand at Paul's Cross in a white sheet, holding a stick in his hand, having been formerly convicted before the high Commissioners, for many notorious Adulteries with divers women.

This year 1614. in the month of July, Christianus King of Denmark, (out of his love to his sister, and King James ) came the second time into England ; but as being now secure of himself, privately, and with a small company, so as he came to the Queen at Somerset house unexpected, and before any knowledge was had of his coming; but K. James being then in progress in Bedford-shire, and hearing of it, came presently back, and after he had entertained him here, with Hunting, Hawking, running at Ring, Bear-baiting, Plays, Fire-works • and Fencing, on the first of August Prince Charles brought him aboard his Ship, who then took his leave, and returned home.

In Octob. this year was a call of Sarjeants at Law, being 11. in number, namely, George Wild, Will Towes, Rich • Bawtrie, Henry Finch, Th •• Chamberlain, Francis Mo • r • , Thomas Attow, John Mo • re, Francis Harvie, Charles Chibbourn, and Tho. Richardson ; and in Trenity Terme before there had two other been called, namely, Sir Randal Cre • of Lincol • s Inn, and Sir Robert Hitcham of Grayes Inn, Knights.

About this time an Embassador came from the young Emperor of Russia to King James, desiring his continual love and amity, and to be a means of making attoneme •• , between him and the K. of Sweden, and withal presented him with a rich present of Furs: which was no small honor to the K. of great Britain to have so great a Potentate as the Emperor of Russia a solicit him to be his mediator.

Though King James out of all natural goodness was addicted to peace, yet out of providence he neglected not to be prepared for war, and thereupon in the year 1610. had granted privileges to a society called of the Millitarie Garden; and this year 1614, caused a Muster of men to be presented before him, which was performed to his great liking, and to the great commendation of the City.

About this time a memorable Act was performed by M. Hug. Middleton, Citizen and Gold-smith of London, and borne in Den • igh-shire, who having an Act of Parliament for his Warrant, with infinite cost and indefatigable labor, brought water to the City of London, from the two great springs of Chadwell and Amwell in Hartfort-shire, having cut a Channell from thence to a place near Islington, whither he conveyed it, to a large Pan, and from thence in pipes of young Elmes to all places of the City: for as the Poeth saith: 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 .

Another memorable Act was about this time done on the North side on Lon. called Moore-fields, which being before environed with deep stinking ditches and noisome common showers, was now, not only made fair & sweet, but so levelled into walks and let with trees, that it is the pleasantest place of all the City.

The next year being 1615, another memorable Act, for the benefit and beauty of the City of London, was performed; for Smith-field, which was before a rude dirty place, was now paved all over, and strong rails sequestering the middle part of it, were set up, to make it a fair walking place, and fit for Market or any other use.

The Lady Arbella a near kinsewoman of the Kings, had sometime before, without the Kings privity, secretly married Master William Seymour, younger son of the Earl of Hartford, now Earl of Hartford himself; for which they were both committed to the Tower: and now this year, on the seven and twentieth day of Sep. she ended her lif there, and was buried in the Chapel Royal at Westminster.

This year also in July, were Enstalled Knights of the Garter, Francis Earl of Rutland, Sir George Villers Master of the Horse, and Sir Robert Sidney Viscount Lis •• : and in another kind of Honor, the Earl of Arundell, the Lord Carews, and Doctor Andrew's Bishop of Eli, were sworn Privy Counselors.

Wales by the death of Prince Henry, had been a good while without a Prince, and now to supply that place, Prince Charles is Created Prince of Wales: In Joy whereof, the Town of Ludlow in Shropshire, and the City of London, performed great Triumphs: and the more to honor his Creation: There were made five and twenty Knights of the Bathe; all them Lord's or Barons sons, and yet more to honor it, there were forty selected Gentlemen of the Inns of Court, that performed a solemn Iusts at Barries, with great magnificence.

This year was a Censure of divers great Delinquents, for first Sir Edward Cook • , was upon displeasure discharged from being Lord Chief Justice of the Kings Bench ; and two days after his discharge, Sir Henry Montag • e the Kings Sergeant at Law, was placed in his room: Next to him the Lord Egerton, whither disabled by sickness or age, to exercise the place, or upon displeasure also, had the Sele taken from him, which was delivered to Sir Francis Bacon the King's Attorney, he made first Lord Keeper; and the Lord Egerton dying soon after, Lord Chancellor. Not long after him Sir Henry Yelverton the Kings Attorney, for adding new privileges to the Londo • ers Charter, without the Kings privity, was in displeasure put from his place; and in his room was placed Sir Thomas Coventry, the Kings Solicitor. But awhile after, Sir Henry • elverton, was made a puny Judge of the Common Pleas; having indeed the reputation of an excellent Lawyer.

And yet this work of Censuring stayed not here, for much about this time; Thomas Earl of Suffolk Lord Treasurer of England, had the staff of his Office taken from him; which was soon after delivered to Sir Henry Montag •• Lord Chief Justice of the Kings Be • ch. If Sir John Benet, Judge of the Prerogative Court, had made a little more haste, he mihght have made one in this number of Delinquents: but he came short three or four years; and then being charged by his own servant with brybery, he was put from his place and censured in the Star-Chamber to pay twenty thousand pounds: and in his room was placed Sir William Byrde a man of more integrity.

Though King James upon the death of Queen Elizabeth, came to reside in England, yet • e forgot not that Scotland was his native Country; and therefore after he had spent some years in England, to acquaint himself with the State of the Kingdom. In March this year one thousand six hundred and sixteent • , he made a Journey into Scotland: for though he had left very able men to sit at the Helme there in his absence: yet he knew, that as it is the Masters Eye, that makes the Horse fat: So it is the Prince's presence sometimes that keeps out many distempers in a State, that would otherwise creep in • and now, when in his staying six Months there, he had seen all things well settled, both in the Ecclesiastical State and in the Temporal, and made it appear, that he resided not in England out of any neglect of Scotland ; but to the end, he migt be in the place of most conveniency to both Kingdoms: on the fifteenth of September, he returned to London, not more to the grief of the Scots to leave him, than to the joy of the English to receive him, so much was King James as a just and wise Prince, beloved of both the Nations.

Now comes to be related a matter of special observation; Sir Walter R • wlegh had lived a condemned man many years in the Tower, and now his Destiny brought him to his end (by liberty) which it could not do by imprisonment, for out of a longing for liberty; he propounded a project to the King, upon which (as he was a well spoken man and of a great capacity) he set such colors of probability; especially gilding it over, with the Gold he would fetch from a Mine in Guyana ; and that without any wrong at all to the King of Spa • ne (if he might be allowed to go the Journey) that the King, if he gave not credit that he could perform it, at least gave way that he should undertake it: and thereupon with diverse ships, accompanied with many Knights and Gentlemen of quality, he set forward on the Voyage; but when after long search, or show of search, no such place of Treasure or no such treasure could be found, whether it were, that he thought it a shame, to return home, with doing nothing: or that his Malus Genius thrust him upon the Design: He fell upon Saint Th • m • , a Town belonging to the King of Spain: sacked it, pillaged it, and burnt it: and here was the first part of his Tragicall Voyage acted, in the death of his eldest son: the last part was Acted in his own death at his return. For Gundomore the Spanish Lieger, did so aggravate this fact of his to the King, against him; that it seemed nothing would give satisfaction but Rawlegh's head, without which he doubted there would follow a breach of the League between the two Nations. Rawlegh excused it, by saying that he was urged to it by the Spaniards first assaulting of him; and besides, that he could not come at the Myne, without winning this Town: but Gundomor was too strong an Adversary for him; and the King preferring the public Peace, before the life of one man, already condamned, gave way to have the Sentence of his former Condemnation executed upon him; and thereupon, brought to the Kings Bench Ba •• e: he was not newly Arraigned or Indicted, as being already M • rtuus in Lege, but only hath the former Sentence averred against him, and so carried to the Gate-house, and from thence the next morning to the Parliament Yard: a Scaffold was there erected, upon which after fourteen years reprivall, his head was cut off: at which time, such abundance of blood issued from his v • i • es, that shown he had stock of Nature enough left to have conti • ued him many years in life: • hough now above threescore years old, if it had not been taken away by the hand of Violence.

And this was the end of the great Sir Walter Rawlegh : great sometimes, in the •• vour of Queen Elizabeth, and next to Drake the great scourge and hate of the Spaniard, who had many things to be commended in his life; but none more, than his constancy at his death, which he took with so undaunted a resolution that he might perceive, he had a certain expectation of a better life afte • it: so far he was from holding those Atheistical opinions; an aspersion whereof some traducing persons had cast upon him.

About this time King James made a progress to the University of Cambridge, who delighted with the Disputations and other scholastical exercises: he stayed three whole days, and could have been content to have stayed as many years: for next being a King, he was made to be a Scholar.

In the year 1619. being the seventeenth year of King James his Rain, that knot of love which above twenty years had been tied, between him and his Queen was by death dissolved; for on Tuesday this year the second of March, Queen Anne died at Hampton Court, whose Corps was brought to Denmark house, and from thence conveyed to Westminster : wherein the Royal Chapel, with great solemnity it was interred: a Princesse very memorable for her virtue, and not a little for her Fortune, who besides being a Queen, was so happy as to be Mother, of such admired children, as she brought into the World. But the dissolving of this knot cast the King into an extreme sickness; and after some recovery, into a Relaps: from which notwithstanding, it pleased God to deliver him, as having yet some great work to do.

This year on Monday the third of May, one Mr. Williams a Barrister of the Middle Temple, was arraigned at the Kings Bench, for civilling, and for writing Books against the King: and upon Wednesday following was hanged and quartered at Charing Cross.

But an action of another nature was performed this year, the seventeenth of July ; not unworthy the relating, which was this; that one Bernard Calvert of Andover, rode from St. Georges Church in Southwarke to Dover, from thence passed by Barge to Calais in France, and from thence returned back to Saint Georges Church the same day, setting out about three a clock in the morning, and returned about eight a clock in the Evening, fresh and lusti • .

In the year 1621. a Parliament was holden at Westminster ; wherein two great examples of Justice were shown; which for future terror are not unfit to be here related: One upon Sir Giles Montpesson, a Gentleman other ways of good parts; but for practicing sundry abuses in erecting and setting up new Inns and Alehouses, and e • acting great sums of money of people, by pretence of Letters Patents granted to him for that purpose, was sentenced to be degraded; and disabled to bear any office in the Common-wealth, though he avoided the execution by flying the Land; but upon Sir Erancis Michell, a Justice of Peace of Middlesex, and one of his chief Agents, the sentence of Degradation was executed: and he made to ride with his face to the horse tail, thorough the City of London. The other example was of Sir Francis Bacon, Viscount, St. Albans Lord Chancellor of England, who for bribery was put from his place, and committed to the Tower: but after some few days enlarged: in whose place Doctor Williams Dean of Westminster was made Lord Keeper.

The Count Palatine, being now strengthened with the alliance of the King of Great Britain, was thought a fit man to be King of Bohemia, and accordingly was elected, by the States of that Kingdom, but he was no sooner invested in the Crown; but the Emperor with great Forces assaulted him in Prague, and not only drove him with his wife and children from thence; but took from him also his own Patrimony the Palatinate : so as though now a King he was fain to fly to the States of the Low Countries for a place of residence, King James though he had never given his consent to the Palsegra • es taking upon him that Kingdom, as foreseeing in his great judgment what the event will be: yet in this distress, he could no • forbear to take care of his daughter, and thereupon sent Sir Richard Wes • on the same that was after Lord Treasurer in Embassage to the Emperor to solicit the restoring of the Palatinate to the Palsegrave ; but he returning without success; the King had then conference with Count Gund • mar the King of Spain's Ligier in England, what course might be taken to procure the restoring it: who made him answer, there could be no better course than to make a marriage, between his son the Prince of Wales, and the Infant of Spain which he said would easily be effected, if the Prince might have leave to make a Iourny into Spain. King James though he considered the inveterate grudges between Spain and England, and as dangerous it might be • to put the heir of the Kingdom into the Spaniards hands, yet grounding himself upon the saying: Fide lem si putaveris, facies: and drawn on by the insinuating speeches of Count Gundomar, not perhaps without some Indinction in the Marquis of Buckingham, was contented at last the Prince should go. And so Prince Charles sending his ships about, and taking along with him only the Marquis of Buckingham (who in the time of his being in Spain was created Duke of Buckingham ) Endymion Porter, and Mr. Francis Cottington : (two that were well acquainted with the Language and affairs of Spain ) he took his Journey by the way of France, went to Paris, and secretly in disguise to the Court there, where he had the sight of that Lady, that might well have stayed him from going further, but yet on he went.

In the mean time Gundomar a cunning man, and one that besides his Masters had ends of his own, and could play his Game no less for his own profit than his Masters Honor; as he had persuaded the King of the facility of the Match with Spain, so he persuaded a certainty of it, especially amongst Catholic Ladies, by which means he brought no small store of Grists to his own Mill, receiving from one Lady three hundred pounds to be made Groome of the Stoole, when the Spanish Princesse should come; of another a good round sum to be made Mother of the Maydes, and of diverse other the like for other places.

But the Prince being arrived in Spain, was received indeed with all the demonstrations of love and kindness that could be devised, so as the charge of his entertainment was said to stand the King of Spain in nine and forty thousand Duckats; but yet his acquaintance with the Lady was much restrained, for in all the time of his staying in Spain, which was no less than eight months, being from February to October ) he saw her but very seldom, and that at good distances, never spake with her but twice, and that before company, besides that his speeches were limited, how much and what he should say, far from any means of tying the knot between them which was pretended, what the cause should be was much in obscurity; some thought that a difference between the Duke of Buckingham, and the Count Olivares, the King of Spain's great Favorite was a great hindrance of the proceeding: but other, and more likely that the Spaniard indeed never really intended the Match at all, but had drawn the Prince into Spain for other Ends: but what those ends were, was no less uncertain; (one thought it was done to hold the Prince in a treaty of marriage with a Daughter of Spain, till the Daughters of France should be bestowed, thereby to keep him from that alliance, but others and more likely, that the King of Spain entertained this Treaty with the King of great Brittayne, meaning to spin it out till he had compassed some designs in the Low-Countries, and the Palatinate, at least to make King James, most vigilant for those pa • ts.

But when much time had been spent in protracting, upon pretence of difficultities in obtaining the Popes dispensation, King James partly wearied with delay, but chiefly angered with delusion, sent to the Prince, with all speed to return into England ; which the Prince presently signified to the King of Spain, and had his leave to depart; but upon promise to continue the treaty of the marriage still. Though it was said, the Prince was gone but a few days on his journey, when a Post was sent to have stayed him, if he had been overtaken. But whether it was so or no, it was God's providence that he came safely to his ships, and in them safely into England ; arriving at Portsmouth, where he was beheld of the people, with no less gladness, than the Sun after a long Eclipse: and now his safe returning did both justify King James his judgment in suffering him to go, and the King of Spain's justice, in suffering him to come back: and was cause, that the people began to have a better opinion of the Spanish faith, than they had before. But now it presently brake out, that this match with Spain could never take effect: for King James having received Declarations of the Articles touching the marriage, found many very strict and large for exercise of the Catholic Religion: but none at all for restitution of the Palatinate ; which made him so much discontented, that he presently brake off all treaty of the marriage; and signified as much, not only to the King of Spain, but to divers other Princes of Christendom: Upon which breach, two great Points were presently had in consultation: One for preparing forces, for recovering the Palatinate by way of Arms, which could not be done by a way of friendship: and for this purpose, a Council of war was called, and a proposition resolved on both of men and money, for undertaking the enterprise: as also a great contribution by way of benevolence was collected; towards which, the compiler of this work, gave himself fifty pounds: as many other far greater sums, though the collection went not thorough the whole Land • by reason there was hope given of a peaceable reconcilement: so as many that were not over-hasty in their payments escaped without contributing at all. The other point was for providing a fit wife for the Prince, in some other place. It was said, the States of Holland offered a very great portion in marriage to the Prince, if he would match with some Lady of that Country: but matches are made in heaven, and there was a young Lady of France destined to his bed: and for this purpose, the Earl of Carlisle, and the Earl of Holland were sent into France, to treat of a marriage with a younger daughter, of the Great Henry the fourth, King of France deceased, and sister to the present King Lewis ; which marriage afterward took effect, but was not accomplished in King James his days; who died soon after the agreement.

It was now the year 1623. in which in Michaelmas Terme, there was a Call of fifteen Sarjeants at Law, who kept their Feast in the Middle-Temple Hall.

The beginning of THE RAIGNE OF KING Charles.

K ING James being deceased on the 27 day of March in the forenoon, the same day in the afternoon, Charles Prince of Wales His only son, then living, was Proclaimed King of Great-Britain, France and Ireland, with the General acclamation of all sorts of People, as being a Prince of admirable endowments both of mind and body. He was now about the age of 25 years, whereof, the most part of one he had spent in Spain ; where, although he was frustrated of the end for which he went, yet it gave him a tincture of Travaile and Expe • ience, more worth perhaps, then the end he went for: For by this means he attain •• to a greater degree of that, which made Ulysses so famous:

The first thing he did after his Coronation, was to proceed in the marriage agreed upon in His Fathers time, with the beautiful & virtuous Lady Henrieta Maria, younger daughter of the Great Henry the 4 • K. of France ; after which marriage, we have only to say, that he was happy in the Wife of His bosom: Happy in His hopeful Issue: Happy in the love of His people: Happy in the Peace and tranquility of his Kingdoms • and Happy in the continue • nce of all these Happinesses, for 15 years together, and might have so continued still, if it had not been for,

But of that which happened afterward, I dare not take upon me to be a Register: Neither is it indeed safe to begin a Narration, which I must be fain to break off in amaz • meant, as having nothing left me to say, but Omnia in malu • •• ere ; and so far from any apparance of human remedy; that our only Anchor must be this: In te D •• in • sper • m •• , non confundamur in aeternum: Quid enim nisi v • a supersunt • Yet our hope is, It will be but a fit, and the storm once past, fair weather again, and fairer perhaps than it was before, and then with Joy we shall resume our style.

In the mean time comforting ourselves with the words of the Prophet David ; Many are the troubles of the Righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.