A Memorial Offered to John Williams

The Gracious Parliament; And 〈◊〉 , That large Pardon you expect this time, which may make this Assembly, Munificum Parliamentum, The Bountiful Parliament; The King gives you full Assurance of His Princely Resolution to do what shall be fitting and convenient to keep Life in the one, and to bring Life to the other, so as you do, scite obstetricari, play the Midwives in them both, as you ought to do.

Fourthly, For the Abortion of some late Parliaments, (from the which His Majesty is most free) a Parliament Nullity, as you T • rm it, is a strange Chimaera, a word of a Monstrous Compesition. I never heard of the like in all my Life, unless it be once in the new Creed, Credo Ecclesiam Romano-Catholicam. Parliaments naturally begat Entities, and the want of Parliaments produceth Nullities. Surely God and the King are must averse to such Parliaments. Mark God's Parliament, the first Parliament in the World, wherein the Three Persons in Trinity are consulting together, Faciamus Hominem, and you shall find it was to beget Entities: Therefore God is scarce present in that Consultation that brings forth Nullities. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , as the Philosopher begins his Ethics, Every Consultation is for some Good, some End, some Entitie, and most opposite to an Abortion, or Nullity. And therefore you may applaud those former Laws of Learning, Piety, Grace, and Bounty, which you handled before: In my Opinion, Mr. Speaker, you have kept the good Wine, and the best Law of them all till now, which is Solon's Law, Lex Oblivionis, A Law of Forgetfulness, That by His Majesty's Grace and Favor freely offered unto us the last day, all the Memory of these Unfortunate Abortions may be Buried in the River Lethe, and never be had in any further Remembrance. I will put you in Mind of a Story, which Tully relates out of Thucydides, and leave the Application to this Honorable Auditory. When the Thebans, having g • t the better of the Lacedaemonians, Erected a Brazen Trophy for that Victory, they were complained of apud Amphictyonas, that is, before the common Council of Greece, Eo quod aeternum inimicitiarum Monumentum Graecos de Graecis Statuere non oportuit; Because it was most unfit that between Greek and Greek there should remain any Record of perpetual Enmity.

Fifthly, For the Common Law of England, if we regard the Meridian for which it is Erected, it is a Law, as was said of those of Lycurgus, Disciplinae Convenientissimae, of a most apt and convenient Frame, and His Majesty hath ever so approved of it. Nay, He is so precisely affected, and disposed in this kind, that as Paterculus writes of Cato, Id solum ei visum est rationem habere, quod haberet Justitiam. He could never allow of any Devise or Project, how plausible soever, that was not justifiable at the Common Law.

183. Sixthly, For the Supply of Princes in this Kingdom, His Majesty makes no Question, but that by Parliament and Subsidy, is the most Comfortable to the King, and most Favorable to the Subject. It Comforts the King, as issuing from the Heart; and it Easeth the Subject, as brought by the Hands, not of one, or two, but of all the People. That which you call Benevolence, or Good Will, brings unto His Majesty, neither so much Good, nor so much Will as the other support. And therefore the Kings of this Land (though it hath been accepted by most of them) have made of Benevolence but Anchoram Sacram, a help at a dead lift, when Parliaments being great Bodies, and of slow Motions, could not soon be Assembled, nor Subsidies issuing from the Purses of Particulars, be so suddenly Collected. And it is very well known with what Reluctancy His Majesty was drawn to shoot out this Anchor, never Assenting thereunto, until he was in a manner forced by those intolerable Provocations from without, and those general Invitations from whithin the Kingdom. Remember therefore that good Lady, in whose Defense the Money was spent, that inimitable Pattern once of Majesty, but now of Patience to the Christian World, and you will say, no Man can be found of that Malevolence, as to find fault with this one Benevolence.

Seventhly, His Majesty Returns you most hearty Thanks for your Care and Zeal of the True Religion. And is much Rejoyced to hear, That this Lower House, as it is now Compos'd, is such another Place as Tully describes the Town of Enna, Non Domus sed fanum, ubi quot Cives, tot Sacerdotes. It is no vulgar House, but, as Originally, a Sacred Chapel, wherein are Assembled in regard of their Zeal and Devotion, look how many Men, so many Church-Men. And his Majesty gives you full assurance, that he nothing so much Regards the Airy State or Glory of this Life, as he doth that inestimable Jewel of our Religion, which is to remain his only Ornament after this Life. If there be any Scandals to the contrary, not given but taken for want of due Information, his Majesty wisheth (as Aphonso the Wise King of Aragon did) Omnes populares suos reges fuisse, That everyone of his People had been a King, for then they might soon understand, and be as soon satisfied with the Reasons of Estate. His Majesty hath never spared the Execution of any Law, but for the Execution of a greater Law, to wit Salus Reip. the Good, the Peace, and Safety of the Church and Common Wealth. And you know that is the ultimus finis, all the rest are but fines sub fine. For as the Orator well Observes, Nemo Leges legum causâ salvas esse vult, sed Reipublicae, We do not desire the Observing of our Laws for the written Laws, but for the Common-Wealths sake. And for those Statutes made for the preservation of Religion, they are all (as you heard last day from that Oracle of Truth and Knowledge) in full force, and in Free Execution. Nor were ever intended to be connived with in the least Syllable, but for the further propagation of the same Religion. What knowest thou O Man, if thou shalt save thy Wife, was a Text that gave no Offence in St. Paul's time. Remember the King's Simile, which indeed is God's Simile, Zach. 6. Kingdoms are like to Horses, Kings resemble the Riders, the Laws the Spurs and the Reins by which Horsemanship is managed: A good Rider carries always a sure, but not always a Stiff Hand. But if Agar grow insolent by those Favors, then in God's Name, out with the Bond-woman, and her Sons. For his Majesty is fully Resolv'd, That as long as Life remains in his Body, and the Crown upon his Head, the Sons of the Bond-woman shall never be Heirs in this Island, with the Sons of the Free-woman. And our Royal Master gives us his Chaplains free leave to put him in mind of that of Synesius, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , God is still careful of the Good of Kings, and Kings cannot be too careful of the Good and Service of God.

In the Eighth place his Majesty exceedingly comforted with the just Feeling, and Resentment you express against the Usurpation of that invading Enemy, who hath expel'd our most sweet Princess from her Jointure, and her Olive Branches from their Rightful Inheritance. Exoriare aliquis nostris ex ossibus ultor. Surely if the Rule be true, Attollit vires in milite causa, That a good Cause makes good Soldiers, it is no such impossibility to regain the Palatinate. You say, Sir, Cato was positively of Opinion, Carthaginem evertendam, That, whatever became of other designs, Carthage must be overthrown: And you are of Opinion, and so are all good Men besides, Palatinatum reglutinandum, That the Palatinate must be Glued again to the Right Owner, and plucked out of their Clutches, that by Arms, or cunning Treaties do Usurp it. But the way and Manner in Discovering the Couchant Enemy, in preserving that handful of our Friends, in laying down some Course of Diversion, and the like, you do most wisely and modestly refer to the proper Oracle, His Majesty's Wisdom, and Deep Counsel. Yea, but I must tell you Mr. Speaker, Vinci in amore turpissimum, the King cannot endure to be outvyed by his People in Love and Courtesies. What you in Duty do refer to him, his Majesty in Confidence of your Wisdom and Loving Assections returns upon You. You say you would have the King betake him to sound Counsel. You are his Counsel, Consilium magnum his Main and Principal Counsel. It is very true, That since the beginning of Harry the 8th, the Kings of England have reserved those Matters to their own Conisance, and Resolution. But it is as true, that from Harry the First, until that Harry the Last, our Kings have in everyone of those Questions Repaired to, and received Advice of their Parliaments, Id verum quod primum. Our Master means to follow the former Precedents. His Majesty Commands me to yield unto you Hearty Thanks for your just Resentments of his Sufferings in this Cause; and to tell you withal, that because the main of the Expedition is to be born by the Persons, and Purses of the People, whom you do represent: He is pleased to accept of the Advice of the House of Commons concerning the finding out of this secret Enemy, the re-enforcing of our remaining Friends, and by what kind of Diversion we shall begin the Enterprize. And God the Holy Ghost be present with you in all your Consultations.

184. In the Ninth Place, That Well of Wood, our Navy Royal, wherewith you well observed this whole Island to be most strongly fortified, we must all attribute the well Rigging, and good Condition of it to the great Cost, Care, and Providence of his Sacred Majesty.

And yet as that Carver that beautified the Temple of Diana, although he wrought upon other Men's Charges, was suffered notwithstanding to engrave his own Name in some eminent Places of the Building: So surely can it be denied by Envy itself, but that most Noble Lord, who is now a complete Master in his Art, and hath spent his seven years Studies in the Beautifying of the Navy, should have a glorious Name enstamped thereupon, though in a sitting Distance from his Lord and Master, whose Princely Majesty.,

Lastly, For the Reformation of Ireland, this I am bidden to deliver. Pliny commending the Emperor Trajan to the utmost reach of Eloquence, says, That the most laudable, and most remarkable Point in all his happy Government, was, That his Care was not consined to Italy alone, but Instar solis, like the Beams and Influence of the Sun, it shed itself to many other Countries. Surely his Majesty's Providence is of a large Extent; for where the Sun scarce darteth his Beams, his Majesty hath shined most gloriously by the Execution of wholesome Laws, engrafting Civility, and Planting true Religion. And let this be our Sovereign's Comfort, that though this poor Kingdom, though never so reformed, shall add very little to his Crown of Temporal Majesty here on Earth, it will be an Occasion of an immense Access to his Crown of Glory hereafter in Heaven. And now for your four Petitions, Mr. Speaker, his Majesty grants them all in one Word. What Privilege, Liberty, Access, or fair Interpretation was ever yielded to the Members of that House, his Majesty grants them to the Knights and Burgesses now assembled, fully and freely, without the least Jealousy, Qualification, or Suspicion. I will only add a Memorandum out of Valerius Maximus, to cut an even Thred between King and People, Quid Cato sine Libertate? Quid libertas sine Catone? What is Wisdom without Liberty to show it? And what is Liberty, without Wisdom to use it?

185. Hitherto the King spake to the People by the Lord Keeper's Mouth, and then the House rose: All rejoiced that such gracious Concessions were returned to Mr. Speaker's Motions, which were the Beam that held up the insequent Counsels, till the Roof was covered with Agreement. And it took the more, that it was inlaid with such Mosaic Work, not to the Eye, but to the Ear, by a perfect Orator. It was the greatest, and the knowingest Auditory that this Kingdom, or perhaps the World afforded; whose general Applause he carried away, to as much as Modesty could desire. Isocrates extolling the famous Acts of Evagoras before the full Celebrity of the Athenians, exulted, that Evagoras was approved by them, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 : whose good Opinion was more honorable to him, than all the Earths beside. It was a happy sight at that time, to see the Patriots of both Houses depart, with Hands held up to God, and with Smiles in their Looks, that you might think they said one to another, as the Princes of the Congregation, and the Heads of the Thousands of Israel said to the Children of Reuben and Gad, &c. This day we perceive that the Lord is among us, Jos. 22.31. The Lord Keeper was summoned in three days after to a fresh Business, and a larger Task than the former. So fine a Tongue was sure not to want Work. The Lord's and Commons were brought into the Banqueting-House at White-Hall, Feb. 24. where the Duke of Buckingham spake unto them, leading them into the Maeanders of the Spanish Treatise, and lead them out of them by the Clew of his own Diligence, as he spared not to give himself the Honor of it. For this time he was the Alcibiades that pleased the Commonwealth. His Zeal and unremovable Pertinacy, not to cope with the Spaniard in any Proposition, unless the Prince Elector might be brought into his own Land again with an honorable Post liminium, did enter inwardly, and into the Marrow of all pitiful Affections. But when he unfolded how strong the Prince was to the Principles of the right Faith, and how attendant and dutious himself was to see that no Emissaries should poison his Highness's Heart, the general Suffrage was, that the Prince had marched valiantly like a Captain of Holy Truth, and that the Duke deserved a great Name as a Lieutenant, that maintained the Cause of God under him. For it was ever easy to strike the good People of England half blind with the Dazling of Religion. So much did the Parliament thirst for the Report of this Narration, that it was imposed on the Lord Keeper to make it the next day. All that might be done, was, that he took him to his Memory, and to his Pen, and drew up three Sheets of Paper upon it in a fast, and scarce legible Hand. He must proceed by the Pattern. My Lord Duke's Oration was the only part of Speech he must follow; and like a wise Man, whatsoever he thought, he must make good the time. So he spent four hours in Repetition without Halt, with such Assurance, such Gesture, such Carving and Gilding, that he might wonder at himself what Spirit was in him that day. All that took the height of his Report by a skillful Parallax concluded, that he had striven with his former Peices, and had outgone himself. Yet the fourth Part will suffice to be remembered, because the Flower of it is anticipated in the Spanish Transactions after a monthly Method. Beside, I cannot help the Reader to that which I never saw; the several Letters which were read to the stronger Confirmation of every Particular Business; the Contents of them must be supplied by him that is Wise to make Conjecture, and not by my Pen. For though it be not according to Nature, yet it is agreeing to Honesty, Vacuum potius relinquere quàm verum; to leave a void Space, rather than to fill it up with a Fable: as Barrenness is incomparably to be less blamed than Adultery. So I go on to make such Room as is fit for the Heads of that long Report, which should not seem to be unsavory Coleworts, sod too often for their Taste, to whom they are well known already. Debet enim talibus in rebus excitare animos, non cognitio solum rerum, sed recordatio, as Tully speaks Philip 2.

186. The Lord Keeper plotted his Conceptions into that Order, wherein the Duke of Buckingham, the Discoverer, had gone before him, beginning from Michaelmas 1622; when the King sitting close with his Council at Hampton-Court, the Dispatches of Sir Richard Weston, his Majesty's Ambassador at Brussels, were scanned before them. Sir Richard being a Man, in whose Election to that Place, the Spanish Ministers were greatly pleased, and commended the King's Wisdom, that he did light upon him. Yet Sir Richard sent Packet upon Packet, that he found nothing from the Arch-Dutchess, but inconstant and false Dealing. For though she acknowledged she had Power from the Emperor to cause Cessation of Arms in the Palatinate, and undertook to put that Power forth, yet with the same Breath she blew hot and cold. For at that Instant, when no Excuse could be made for the Cheat, Tilly fell to it spitefully, to besiege Heidelburg, when the War was now between the Emperor and our King, for they had nobody to invade, but his Majesty's Subjects and Servants that kept it. And what spark of Patience could be left us, when by every Post we received comfortable Words from Spain, and contrary Effects from Brussels? Hereupon Mr. Porter was sent to Madrid, and commanded to stay in that Court but ten Days for an Answer. The Letters that he carried with him, were to signify, that this should be the last Sending, if no less would serve the Emperor's Revenge, but the utter Extermination of his Majesty's Children, both in Honor and Inheritance. That the Neighbor Kings and States of Christendom did malign the Match between the Prince and the Insanta, and labored to stop that Conjunction, which would make England and Spain formidable to them. But they should not need to contrive a way to prevent it: This unsufferable Unkindness would bring it to pass to their hand. For what Comfort could the Prince have in such a Wife, the nearest of whose Blood had utterly ruined his Sister, and her Progeny? The Messenger carried this Arrand with him to the President of all Affairs in that Kingdom, Condé Olivarez, one that may justly be censured to have more of Will, than of Wit; one that played foul with us, and could not hide it. Sometimes he would run back from our Propositions, as if he would never come near us: sometimes he would run into our Arms, as if his Heart and all his Powers did grow unto us. Nec constans in side, nec constans in persidiâ. Mr. Porter came back from him with a half-sac'd Satisfaction; but withal, the King of Spain 's Letters (which were there read) contained a Talent of Hope; but we found not a Grain of Reality. Upon this Journey Porter did so well remember somewhat, that sell carelestly from the Condé Duke, wishing the Prince himself were there, to see how ready the King his Master was to fasten an indissoluble Knot of Amity, and embrace Alliance with him; that his Excellent Highness (I speak in his Presence what he knows) hearing it with more Attention than was imagined, put on that heroic and undauntable Boldness, craved Leave of his Father, that he might visit the great Ingeneers at their own Forge, to see what they were working, and how they would receive him, and as we use to say, Either win the Horse or loose the Saddle. Here again, says the Reporter, my Lord Duke acquainted us how acceptable, at the first, the Arrival of the Prince did seem to Olivarez, who in the Enterview in the Garden, assured with great Oaths, that all should be dispatched with sudden Resolution, and that his Highness should be pressed to nothing that was not agreeable to Conscience and Honor, and stood not with the Love of the People of England. Then it was related, That King Philip seemed most sensible of the Courtesie, that such a Guest had visited him, and that he would permit all to his own Asking, as he did express it at their Meeting in the Prado. The Lord Duke was very copious upon all the Negotiations in Spain, from his Highness's Arrival, to his Parting, and the Lord Keeper mist not one Particular, but beautified all, and gave it Luster; which may here be spared in Repetition, because nothing was added in Substance, to that which is methodized upon it in the Months of the former Summer. Much of the Day was spent to show how deceitful Condé Olivarez was, who, like a crafty Merchant, he gave a Taste of one Wine, and upon the Bargain would sell of another. Swear us often into the Possession of the Palatinate, and yet embroiled us at the same Instant more and more with an Army: Waved all Differences of Religion between us and them at the first, and presently turned the Wheel from the Top to the Bottom, and fell into insolent Propositions, that the Prince could not make a fit Husband for their Lady, unless he would become a Papist. Sometimes he would aggravate, how far we differed from the Catholic Confession of Faith, as if the Gulf reached from Heaven to Hell. Sometimes he colleagued as if we were near upon a Point, and but a little Stride between us.

Then the Articles for the Marriage were brought in play, and with what a number of new ones his Highness's Commissioners were surcharged, and how irrespectively they stuffed the Book with strange and undisputed Additions, and commonly the last which they presented were the worst; Verres secum ipse certat, & id agit, ut semper superius suum facinus novo scelere vincat, Tul. Act. 7. in Verrem. But our Ministers rejected those bastard Slips, and all that Conscience, English Honor, and Safety could not approve.

187. After this, says the Reporter, my Lord Duke hath informed you of the Dispensation, the Whirly-Gig of the Dispensation, which run round from Pope to Pope, and never could be said to settle. And though an orbicular Motion is fittest for the Spheres of Heaven, yet a circular Motion, which is ever beginning, and never ending, is stark naught for dispatch of Affairs on Earth. Both the Dispensation, and the Labor of the Junto of Divines upon it, and their Fumbling Fingers were never fit to tie a Love-Knot. Nay, the Condé Duke brake out into such a Chase against their Theologues, that he said the Devil put it into his Head to commit the Matter to their Learning. So that it seems the Resolution of the Divines came quite contrary to the Inspiration of the Holy Ghost. The next thing (says he) reported out of his Grace's Digestions, was the Loathing that the Prince did take at the Length of the Treaty, as well as the Matter; but chiefly at that. In the Matter that he was offered the present Conducting of the Lady into England, so he would sell his Soul for the Favor, and be a Client to Saints and Images to beg a Blessing of them upon his Marriage. And whereas his Highness had travelled into so far a Country, as well to relieve a Sister and her Posterity, as to fetch a Wife, he was at such a loss about the Loss of his Sister's Inheritance, that the Spanish Council would fasten upon nothing to content him. Hereupon his Highness declared himself plainly to the Condé in these Words, Look to it, Sir, for without this, you must not conclude of either Marriage or Friendship. For I must go to my Father, and acquaint him with your Resolution. Here the Lord Keeper grew warm, and besought their Lordships to observe, how constant his Highness remained to the principal Ground of all, the Restitution of the Palatinate, which was the Hinge upon which all his subsequent Actions did move: Look to it, for neither Marriage nor Friendship can be made without the Restitution of that Dominion. Which Protestation effecting little good, his Highness looked homeward. But his Purposes and Preparations for his Return were often slackened. But because the King of Spain expected a Betrothing with his Sister before his going away, the Condé Duke revived the Treaty for the Restitution of the Paltz. And after Conference with the Emperors Ambassadors, there was projected a Restitution of the Country to the Son, upon a Condition of a Marriage with the Emperors second Daughter, which the Prince entertained: But then the stabbing Condition comes after, That for his Religion he must first be bred in the Emperors Court, at which his Highness stopped his Ears. But for the Electorate, it was a thing in Nubibus, out of their Power, and it seems out of their Affections, for they would not be drawn to meddle in it. And whereas they had once made a cheerful Proffer, To assist us with the Arms, if the Emperor did not keep his Word to put the Prince Palatine into his own again: Now they slew back, and confessed the Emperor had been inconstant, and did not deal well with them; but if he would beat and buffet them, they would not promise to employ a Leavy of Forces against the House of Austria.

188. Now, says the Voice of the Reporter, since his Highness could prevail for nothing to come on well, his wisest Project was to take care that himself might come off well. For which there is not one of your Lordships, I presume, but would have given much, and done much: And it cost you nothing, but the Perturbation of some Suspicions and Fears. I say, Fear was the worst you susser'd. For Religion, God be thanked, suffered not at all, though it was greatly mistrusted. There the Lord Keeper delighted their Expectations in that which they listened after, how the Kings Ministers, and himself principally (for he shrunk not in his Head) did proceed from time to time in the last Summer, about the Pardon and Dispensation, about which the Spanish Ambassadors struggled for the Recusants sake: In Contemplation whereof the Prince had a free and friendly Dismission, yet not a Joint of Religion sprained, nor a Law actually dislocated. But as a Wound that is cured by a Weapon Salve sine contactu, so the Law was never touched, only the Point and Edge of the Weapon a little anointed, and by the Operation of it our Noble Prince past the Pikes of Danger, and is come Home to his Fathers House from a far Land, without a Pater peccavi: GOD be thanked he neither sinned against Heaven, nor against his Father, nor against you, nor against the Laws or Religion, for which we have cause to offer up a great Thanksgiving to GOD, because there is not a spot in the Sacrifice. He goes on then, as the Tract of my Lord the Duke did lead him, and enters into a large Field to rip up that which had been told them before, how near the Prince and the Infanta were drawn together, where the Marriage staid, and upon what Conditions they parted. Which though it had been many Years in Destination, (as we were credulous, and do not yet lay down our Faith) yet if Condé Olivarez may be trusted, until they had seen the Gallantry of the Prince and his Deservings, being daily now in their Eyes, they held us with fair Words before, but Performance till then was never meant. Which he made good, at least to his own Opinion, by two Letters; the first bears date, Nov. 5. 1622. it was the late King of Spain 's, as the Condé said, read over six times by his Highness, and Sir Walter Aston, and presently out of their Memories, (for they were not permitted to excribe it) set down in Writing, and I hope, says the Lord Keeper, when you consider the Notary, you will hold it authentical. The second Letter is written with Olivarez his own Hand, Novemb. 8. 1623. Translated by the Prince himself very neatly and exactly. Let the Clerk read them both. These declare the Resolution of the Spanish Court, at least, in my Opinion, that the great Condé 's Heart was not with us, till the Prince lodged in their Palace, and sat in Council with them himself the last Summer. But by that opportunity their Eyes were opened, and they perceived that their Lady, whom they magnify so much, could never make a more happy Wife, than with so brave a Husband. So that no doubt the Desposorios, and perhaps the Nuptials, had been past by this time with mutual liking, if the scandal of invading the Palatinate had been removed out of the way. This the Duke's Grace, says the Lord Reporter, hath impartially spread out, holding a just Balance in his Hand: And most prudently, knowing that he spake in the hearing of the wisest in the Kingdom; and most faithfully; for as Valerian said of Posthumius in the History of Pollio, if Posthumius deceive us, Sciatis nusquam gentium reperiri, qui possit penitus approbari.

189. But the Unkindness of the Palatinate intervening, the Prince reserved himself, till he were satisfied therein. And at his last Farewell engaged himself to leave a Proxy, and did deposit the same in my Lord of Bristol 's Hand, who should keep it and use it as his Proctor, and by his Direction. His present Direction was, That if the Confirmation came from Rome clear and entire, (which it did not) then within so many Days he should deliver it to the King of Spain. A second Direction was sent unto him the 8th of October 1623. That for fear a Monastery should rob his Highness of his Wife, he should stay the delivery till that were cleared, and that his Highness should send him further Direction. Your Lordships may hear the Letter if you please. Read it. Now because my Lord of Bristol in his Letter November 1. 1623. doth press so vehemently, that the Prince had engaged his Faith and Power not to retract the same: And that Cirica the Secretary had put it into an Instrument, signed and sealed Authentically, I hold it most proper in this place to clear that Aspersion. First, His Highness told your Lordships plainly and directly, that he had never by Oath or Honor engaged himself, not to revoke the Powers, more than by that Clause, De non revocandá procuratione, included in the Instrument itself. Secondly, I must let your Lordships know, that it is lawful by the Civil and Canon Law, (and I Appeal herein to those Learned of that Profession now Assistants to this Noble House) for any Man to revoke his Proxy, (and so likewise his Resignation) notwithstanding that it hath the Clause, De non revocandà Procuratione inserted within it. Further and thirdly, I affirm unto you, That though the Prince had sworn not to stay or revoke his Proxy, yet notwithstanding that Oath, the Revocation is good in Law. Jurans non rev • are procuratorem, si revocet, non obstante juramento valebit revocatio, Johan. de Seluá Tract. Doctri. Vol. 5. I have digressed thus far to let your Lordships see plainly, that my Lord of Bristol in this Charge upon the Prince hath forgotten himself very much; and that his Highness might justly, honourably, and legally, not only stay, as he did; but withal, if he had so pleased, absolutely revoke his own Proxy. And now by the Mercy of God, and his own wise and judicious Demeanor, his Highness is arrived at Royston, and hath made his Narration to the King how that he is returned an absolute Freeman, excepting only this one Condition and Limitation, That if his Majesty may receive sufficient assurance from the King of Spain, concerning the Restitution of the Palatinate, then indeed he is obliged in Honor to go on to the Esposorios. Otherwise free every way. Free, because of that which Olivarez had promised to his Highness before the return of Sir Francis Cottington. Free, because of what his Highness had said to Olivarez after the return of Sir Francis, being constant to the same Principle in his dear Sisters behalf. And free, because his Power was staid justly, legally, and honourably. His Majesty was glad (as he had just cause to be) of this wise and very circumspect Carriage in so great a Negotiation; and told his Highness that he had played his part very well. And now his Majesty's part came upon the Stage: Which was to provide with all Fatherly Love, that his only Son should not be Married with a Portion of his only Daughters Tears. And therefore his Majesty likewise presently requires the stay of the delivery of the Proxy, until he had sufficient assurance for the Restitution of the Palatinate. Which your Lordships will remember to be no new or springing Condition, but the very same that is urged before, and offered once by Olivarez in a blank Paper to his Highness; which Paper was nobly returned by his Highness in his last answer to Olivarez. The Provision his Majesty took herein, your Lordships shall hear out of the Dispatch from Royston, Octob. 8. 1623.

190. Your Lordships would conceive that upon this Dispatch the Earl of Bristol would take all Hints and Occasions to put off the Esposorios, unless the required Assurance were first obtained. But the Truth is, (and I am heartily sorry to find it) he did not so.

First, The Confirmation came from Rome altered and mangled. And indeed of stopping the Power thereupon, he labors with all his strength of Wit to hide, and palliate the same.

Secondly, When they had altered the Portion from 600000 in ready Cash, to an Yearly Pension of 200000, and a few Jewels, instead of staying for all upon this Impediment, he seems to approve, and applaud the same.

Thirdly, For the Assurance of the Restitution of the Palatinate, which is the Foundation of the Marriage and Friendship, he is so far from providing for it beforehand, that he leaves it to be mediated by the Infanta after the Marriage.

Lastly, Instead of putting off the Contract; as any Man in the World would have done, he is come to prefix a precise Day for the Esposorios. These things your Lordships will soon observe out of the Letters that shall be read in the method that I will direct.
E. of Bristol 's Letters, Octob. 24. 1623. and Novemb. 1. 1623.

Out of this rash fixing of the Day in Spain, which was controlled again by an Express from hence, issued an unnecessary Discourtesie put upon that King by the Earl of Bristol, and in a manner wantonly. From that Discourtesie thrown upon them, followed others cast upon us, which being omitted the last Day, his Highness commands me to mention them in this place. As the taking away of the Title of La Princessa from the Lady; and the debarring of our Ambassadors from any further Access unto her Person. And with these the greatest Discourtesie of all, that when they returned unto us a poor, meager, and carrion Dispatch concerning the Palatinate, (not worthy the reading, and therefore wisely omitted the last Day) yet the Earl of Bristol sent it with this Item, That they were fain to antedate it for their Honor, or else it would have been ten times worse. Your Lordship may hear it, if you please. Madrid, Decemb. 6. 1623. Well, for all this bigblown nothing, they have taken their Pen in Hand again, and have sent unto his Majesty a Project of a Letter, that if his Majesty shall so desire it, shall be written unto him from the King of Spain; and this Letter is the Hercules Pillars, and the Nihil Ultra in the whole Negotiation of the Palatinate. Read it, Jan. 5. 1623. This Letter his Majesty hath scanned to a Syllable; and imagining there might be some hidden Virtue to be extracted out of that Phrase, Alzar la meno, that King Philip will not take his Hand off the Business, until our Master shall receive Satisfaction, his Majesty sent unto the Spanish Ambassador for a Comment on the same; and behold this all that they return to his Majesty. Not take off his Hand, id est, He will employ without intermission his best Offices to procure Satisfaction to his Majesty. And concerning Offices and Treatises, we have had too many of them already. Non tali auxilio, &c. But, together with this written Letter, I must acquaint your Lordships with an unwritten Tradition. Which was delivered to the Earl of Bristol, together with the Project of the Letter by Secretary Cirica, but ill concealed by his Lordship in that Dispatch, and sent afterward, probably by Mr. Cl • rke, to my Lord Duke's Grace. That whereas the King of Spain did find his Error in going on with the Treaty of the Marriage, before he had cleared the Treaty of the Palatinate, he is now resolved to change his Method, and to perfect this Treaty of the Restitution of the Palatinate, before he will proceed any further in the accomplishing of the Marriage. So that these Treatises, as they are carried in Spain, shall be quit one with another. As formerly the Treaty of the Marriage did justle out the Treaty of the Palatinate; so now the Treaty of the Palatinate hath quite excluded the Treaty of the Marriage. And indeed instead of Wedding Garments, that King, as you heard, hath made a hasty Winter Journey to Andaluzia to provide his Navy. But how they are to be employed, we shall hear shortly, (if we will still be credulous) by Padre Maestro, who is on his way for this Kingdom. My Lord's, to conclude, As the Heathen say that the Golden Chain of Laws is tied to the Chair of Jupiter; so the future Proceedings upon all this long Narration is tied to your Consultation. Things past are exactly made known to you, that things to come may be more wisely considered. An Historian says, Male humanis ingeniis Natura consuluit, quod plaerumque non futura, sed transacta perpendimus. Nature hath not well provided for Human Wisdom, that commonly we discuss upon things already done, rather than what may be done for the future. But my Lord's, you are not put to that streit. But your Lordships speedy Advice is required for that which is to follow, specially concerning this last Dispatch, that implieth the Education of the Prince Palatine 's Son in the Emperor's Court, and that the King of Spain will promise no Assistance to draw off the Emperor's Army from his Country, much less Assistance by Arms to recover it. This is it which his Majesty expects from your Lordships mature Advice, Whether this being the Product of all the Trouble, which I have opened to your Lordships, it be sufficient for his Majesty to rest upon, both for the Marriage of his only Son, and the relieving of his only Daughter.

This Report it was so grateful for the Theme, so gracefully handled for the manner, so Clear, so Elaborate, so Judiciously managed, that the Author had never more Praise in his Life for one days Work of that kind. So acceptable it was even to the Duke, though turned a Cold Friend, That he said, He knew not how to Thank him enough for it. Yet this was but as the White of an Egg, which gets some Taste with a little Salt of Eloquence, but nothing in Comparison of the Yolk of his Worth. But as Nazianzen said of St. Basil, Quae ab illo velm obiter si • bant, praestantiora crant quàm ea in quibus alii Elaborant. Such an Orator was sure to have the Custom of the Parliament upon all the like Occasions. Therefore when he had scarce taken Breath after the former Service, he was Commanded to add the Supplement as it follows in another Conference.

192. As Plutarch said of the Laconick Apothegms, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , they were Clean and Sound Timber, with the Bark taken off: So the Reader may observe in these Reports, that the Matter is Heart of Oak, the Style clear from Obscurity, and disbark'd quite from superduity. But regarding the Auditors, and their Affections at that Season, nothing could be more proper: for he spake to their Content as if he had been within them, with Sweet and Piercing Expressions, resembled in the Harp, and the Quiver of Arrows, with which the Heathen Trimm'd up Apollo, their Deity of Graceful Speech. They that detract from such Worth, would be glad it were their own, as says our complete Poet upon the like,

But this beginning presaged good Luck to the ensuing Counsels debated in that Session. This is called to this day the Blessed Parliament, and so Posterity will take it from us. Says Tully, very well 3. Philip. Magna vis est, magnum numen unum & idem consentient is senatus. A full Senate, Head and Members consenting in one, carries a Majestick and Oraculous Authority with it. This is the Confirmation of it, when the people brought before the King the Fruits of their Wisdom, which they had Studied: And the King did ratify him cheerfully with the Wisdom of his Power. They opened their Purse to him; and, which was more beneficial to them, then if they had spared a little Money, he let fall some Flowers off his Crown, that they might gather them up, which indeed was no more then desluvium pennarum, the Molting of some Feathers, after which the Eagle would Fly the better. He opened his Ear to them in all their Petitions, and they listened as much to him; and gave their Ear-Rings to Jacob, Gen. 35.4. So the King and the Subject became perfect Unisons. And as God doth knit his own Glory, and the Salvation of mankind together; so the King did imitate God, and Married his Honor with the welfare of the Kingdom. Who is it that reads the Statutes 21 Jacobi, and doth not admire them? The Peers took it to be their greatest Nobility to look well to the Public: And the other House did light upon the True Companion of Wisdom, S • data Tranquillitas, a Calm Tranquility, as Rivers are deepest where they Foam least. And all the Land had cause of rejoicing, that the House of Commons was never better Replenish'd in Man's Memory, with Knights and Burgesses of rare Parts and Tempers, especially the Gown-men of the Inns of Courts, who were extoli'd for Knowledge and political Prudence, as no Age had afforded a better Pack. And I give the Lord Keeper his Right and no more, knowing his Traces perfectly at that time, that he labor'd as for Life to keep an Harmony between the King and this Parliament, to suck out his Majesty's assent to all their Proceedings, that he might show himself as good as he was great. Which I think was the greatest, certainly the happiest part of Honor, that ever the Lord Keeper Merited. How he mitigated Discontents and softened refractoriness, how he obliged the leading Voices with benefits, how he kept the Prerogative of the Supreme Power, and the Extravagancies of pretended Liberty on the other side from Encroachments, the Wise only knew (but they that knew it not were the better for it) and that he was chiefly used in Consultation for compiling those wholesome Laws, which had their double Resining and Clarifying from Lord's and Commons. In all likelihood prosperous success might be expected from this Parliament, because it was Pious; and Pious because it was a strict preserver of the Holy Patrimony Allotted to God. Quae 〈…〉 erunt, quam quibus Deus praestitit auxilium; says Ansonius to the Emperor 〈◊〉 What Counsels are more complete, then those that are helped by God? Nay, What Councils can be more complete, then theirs that defend the Right of God? As worser times would let the Clergy keep nothing; so those times by their good Will would let them part with nothing. Let the Trial be observed, as the Case follows.

193. The Duke of Buckingham lack'd a dwelling according to the Port of his Title, and to receive a very populous Family. It must be near to Whitehal, and it must be spacious. None could be found so fit as the Arch-Bishop of York his House: It was nigh to Charing-Cross, and he came little to it. The Duke used the Lord Keeper to move Arch-Bishop Matthew for his Consent, and to make the Bargain between them; causing him to make prosser of such Lands in the County of York as should be equivalent, or better, then the House, Garden, and Tenements belonging to the Arch-Bishop's Place. For nothing was intended but Exchange with considerable Advantage to him and his Successors. And that was sure as touch, because the House was to be past by Act of Parliament to the Kings Majesty. So the Duke had made it his humble Request, and drew on the King hardly to make a Chop with those Demeasnes, to which the Name of God and his Christ were made the Feoffees in the first Donation, for the use of that Tribe, which peculiarly serves him in Sacred Offices. Yet with instance and much Suit the King was wrought to it for the Duke's sake. As M. Antony said to his Confident Septimius,

So this Beloved Minion should be Wise to see what he asked, for his Master had no Power to say him nay. His Majesty was most Nice and Cautious to make the Composition profitable to the Church, and that there should be no Violation of Justice in the Grant; for which he cast his Eye religiously upon that Warrantable Rule, Levite. 26.19. He that will Redeem that which is Sanctified, must add a fifth Part to the Estimation. So this Godly King was superabundant in his Care, that the See of York should be Richer by parting with this House, as is manifest by the Lord Keeper's Letter sent to that Worthy Patriarch of the North, whose Age would not suffer him to come to London.

194. All things being agreed upon this Bargain on this side Trent, and beyond it, an Act is drawn up, and brought into the House of Commons. The Provision for the Exchange is apparent without Fallacy, or Fear of Wrong, and better than the Redemption of a thing sanctified under the Levitical Prescriptions; yet it stuck in the House of Commons, and struggled with great Opposition. The King's Counsel pleaded well, that his Majesty's Lands were more profitable by a good Size, than that which the Arch-Bishop contributed in lieu; but it was answered by a worthy Knight, Let Caesar keep that which is Caesar's, and let God keep that which is God's. And that Scruple was held in dispute for many days (although the Duke did then appear to be a Person that deserved to be gratify'd) till evident Reason, like a Condensation of Light, did shine more and more before them, that Love and Conscience, tender to preserve the Church her Rights, ought not to hinder her Augmentation. Or had it been no more than barely one for another, it would be no worse than with the Man in Famianus Strada, that sneezed once, and blew out his Candle, and sneezed a second time, and blew it in again. Therefore when the Commons had shewn their Good will not to violate Sacred things, as if the Spirit of thrice honored Sir Harry Spelman had possessed them; when they had said much upon it, and received handsome Satisfaction; when they were at a wit-stand, and could reach no further, the Bill was carried by some Votes, and the Permutation concluded. A noble Affection to the Bishops, and to that Portion which our virtuous Progenitors had given them; and little followed within twenty years after, by such as the Prophet describes, Isa. 50.11. That walk in the Light of their own Fire, and in the sparks which themselves have kindled. Those Prelates that not long ago had so many Friends to support their Demesns, are now like Abraham, when God sent him into a strange Land, where he had no Inheritance, no not so much as to set his Foot upon, Act. 7.5. Now those Manors and Houses which were kept entirely for them, are sold to make Payment, 'tis well known to whom. But such Work, such Wages. Public and Private, Civil and Sacred Lands, Civil Wars can gulp down all. And yet the Grecians, that knew not the true God, invited all to take Arms against the Phocenses, in the Quarrel of Sacrilege, and called it the Sacred War. When the whole Estate of Pompey the Great was Confiscate, after Caesar had prevailed in the Pharsalian Battle, says Tully, Philip 2. Qui ad illud scelus sectionis auderet accedere, inventus est nomo praeter Antonium: None could be found so impudent to buy his Lands, but Antony. But enow are found in these Dominions that are ready to buy God's Lands: Their Penny-worths are cheap, if there were no Account to be made to the Lord of the Vineyard hereafter. These Huxters cannot choose but think of it; and if any of them should say he did not drive this Trade, at least with a doubting Conscience, in good Faith I would not believe him 'It is the Envy of the Devil, when he cannot hinder Reformation, to discredit it with Sacrilege. And he is cunning at that horrid Sin, ever since he mixed it in his first Temptation. For the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, which was not to be eaten, had a Sacramental Signification in it, and stood in Paradise for an Holy Purpose, and was an holy Possession; in regard whereof, to eat of the forbidden Fruit, was Theft in the Act, and Sacrilege in the Circumstance. But suppose a Church be unsound, surfeited, and fit to be purged of Offences; What Physician that undertook to cure a sick Man, did ever plunder him of all that he had for his Fee? Who will think else that his Heart was set upon the Good of his Patient, and not upon filthy Lucre? He that reaps down Errors, and fills his Barns with golden Sheaves, he works for Mammon, and not in God's Harvest. The ancient Christians, that desaced Idols of Silver and Gold, would Purse none of the Metal, for fear of giving Scandal to the Heathen. Stilico demolished some such Images, and he and his Wife were found to wear the Ornaments that had belonged to them; for which they were cried out upon, says Baronius, An. 389. c. 57. Quia apud antiquae probitatis Christianos nefas erat in Idola grassari, ut in usum privatum aliquid verteretur, ut appareat pietate nos ista destruere, non avaritiâ: A very wise, and a pious Course; for an avaricious Zeal is a poisoned Cordial. And few will captivate their Understanding to edify by a Sacrilegious Reformer. I hope Loosers may have Leave to breath out their Sorrows, especially for Zion 's sake. However, I beseech God to preserve his Ark among us, though the Pot of Manna be lost, to bless the pure Doctrine, and the Sacraments of the Gospel to all, to whom they belong, that the Infant be not robbed of the one, nor such as are of grown Age of the other. Then as the Earth is the Lord's in all its Fulness, so the true Church is Christ's in all its Penury and Emptiness. And this is enough to let the Reader see what was intended to be made good before, that a most Churchloving, was a most happy Parliament.

195. Yet no feast was ever so bountiful, but some went away unsatisfied; and no Court was ever so Righteous upon Earth, but some Appellants thought they were prejudiced. If any man had Cause to complain of the Justice of this Parliament, it was the Lord Treasurer Cranfield. About whose Trial, if I should ask, as the Pharisees did about Divorces, Is it lawful to censure a principal Officer for eve-Cause? I must say as Christ answered them, From the Beginning it was not so. A Parliament is a Judge among God's; a Terror to Magistrates, that are a Terror to any, but to them that deserve Evil; the only, or the best Inquisitor into the Ways of them that Rule in high Places, that he that stands may take heed least he fall. But if it grow common, if every Session make it their Work, or their Recreation to hunt such Game down, and root up Cedars, that might have stood without Offence; Moderation will be desired, and the Prudent will think it is not fit, many a Week should be lost anent the providing of good Laws, when a Month or two pass over in bringing a white Staff, or some such Grandee, to the Stake, to be baited by Informers. The Lord Treasurer had some Petitions preferred against him in March, which at first he laughed at, and thought to scorn them down with Unguiltiness. For who regards the first Grudgings of a Sickness? Yet none perish sooner than they that are not provident against the first beginning of an Evil. The Petitioners were countenanced, because he, whose Harm they sought, was one that was not beloved. 'It is true, he was surly, and of hard Access. But be it remembered, he sat in his great Places, not to be popular, and get Affections, but to be Just, and to Husband the Revenue of the Crown with Prudence. But subtle Knavery is like to be longer unquestioned, than rough-cast Innocency. He was charged with Corruption, and sordid Bribery; all the while many Sages contended that the Proofs came not home to a full Discovery. One pressed it close, that he gave him Five hundred Pound to break well through a long Suit in the Court of Wards. To which the Treasurer answered, That the Money was paid him for a Place in the Custom-House, for which the Complainant had often moved him, which his Secretaries, and other Witnesses, made good, and that upon the Payment of that Sum, one of the Six and thirty Portions in the Custom-House was reserved for him. Albeit, the weight of this suspected Bribe (not a Bur hanging upon his Gown beside) pressed him down in the Conclusion. This was not to turn Foxes into Fleas a Bed, as H. Grotius doth in his Notes upon the Canticles; but it is to turn Fleas into Foxes, or rather Flea-bites into the mortal Spots of the Pestilence. Whether the Treasurer had great Faults, it is uncertain, and waits Report; but 'tis sure he had great Adversaries. The Duke of Buckingham and all his Party appeared against him. Whereupon Sir A. Well. the most virulent Defamer of the Lord Treasurer, writes, That a small Accusation, as his was, would serve to turn him out of his Honor, whom the Duke did then oppose. But why did his Grace heave at his Cousin by Marriage? 'tis very dark. It seems the Courtiers had no Mind to let us know it. For as Lampridius Notes in Vit. Alex. Sev. Secreta omnia in aulâ esse cupiunt, ut soli aliquid scire videantur. It is perhaps, that the Treasurer would have brought a Darling, Mr. Arthur Bret, his Countess's Brother, into the King's Favor, in the great Lord's Absence. Or that he grudge'd that the Treasury was exhausted in vast Issues by the late Journey into Spain, and denied some Supplies: Or that he dealt too plainly at the Council-Table, in giving no kind Ear to his Cousin's Relations of his Doings at Madrid, having not the Art to catch his Affections in the Springes of Flattery. But down the Duke cast him, as meseems, being not aware, how every man hath so many Relations, that he that destroys one Enemy, makes himself ten more. Or as I heard another say long ago much better upon it, that my Lord of Buckingham did never undo any of his Enemies, but he ruined many of his Friends. And in this Lord's Overthrown, the Prince abetted him▪ was Privy to the Undertakings of his Adversaries, and accompassed Suffrages to Condemn him. The bitter Welden, P. 168. could not res • ain to Comment upon it. That the Prince discerned so much Juggling in the Parliament, in Cranfield 's Case, that it was not much to be wondered at, being come to be King, that he did not affect them. King James being all that time of this Storm, not at Newmarket, as our late Mistakers say, but at Greenwich, was so sad, that a trusty Servant, and an able, should be thus handled, forced from him and quipt every day with ignominious Taunts that the kind Correspondencies between him and the Parliament began to have a Cloud over them. He courted many to take side with his Treasurer, and prevailed little, because the most did love to warm themselves in the Light of the Rising Sun. He tutored his Son, the Prince, that he should not take part with a Faction in either House, but so reserve himself, that both Sides might seek him; and chiefly to take heed, how he bandied to pluck down a Peer of the Realm by the Arm of the Lower House, for the Lord's were the Hedge between himself and the People; and a Breach made in that Hedge, might in time perhaps lay himself open. But the Duke had thrust on the Prince so far, that he could not retreat, else the Treasurer had been rescued by the Power and Justice of his Royal Master. His Majesty perceived that the Actions of this unfortunate Man, racked with the strictest Enquiries, were not Sins going over the Head, scarce reaching to the Ankles, and why should he suffer him to sink under the Waves of Envy? Therefore he sent for the Lord Keeper to Greenwich, and gave him his Sense: That he would not make his Treasurer a public Sacrifice. Sir, says the Lord Keeper, I have attempted, among my surest Friends, to bring him off fairly. All shrink, and refuse me; only the stout and prudent Lord Hollis adventured upon the Frowns of the Prince and Duke, and gave his Reasons why Middlesex to him appeared an Innocent. I were mad, if, for my part, I should not wish him to escape this Tempest, and be safe under the Harbor of Your Majesty's Clemency. Suam quisque fortunam in consilio habet, quando de alienâ deliberate. Curt. lib. 5. When I deliberate upon him, I think of myself. 'It is his Fortune today, 'tis mine tomorrow. The Arrow that hits him, is within an Handful of me. Yet Sir, I must deal faithfully: Your Son, the Prince, is the main Champion that encounters the Treasurer; whom, if you save, you foil your Son. For though Matters are carried by the whole Vote of Parliament, and are driven on by the Duke, yet they that walk in Westminster-Hall, call this the Prince's Undertaking, whom you will blast in his Bud, to the Opinion of all your Subjects, if you suffer not your old, and perhaps innocent Servant to be plucked from the Sanctuary of Your Mercy. Necessity must excuse you from Inconstancy, or Cruelty.

In the Close of this Speech, the Kings Reason was convinced, that he must use this Counsel.

So the Treasurer suffered the Dishonor, or rather the Calamity of a Censure. Himself was so comforted to his dying Hour; as the engraved Posy spake his Thoughts in his great Chamber at Copt-Hall in Essex. And I spake with few, when it was recent, that were contented with it, except the Members of the House, who would not dislike their own Action.

196. Popular Favor continued a while with the Duke, and now he was St. George on Horseback, let the Dragon take heed, that stood in his Way. The Earl of Middlesex was removed, and he that presided over the great Accounts, did now stand for a Cipher. The Lord Keeper perceived his turn was next; although he wanted not fair Words, and fair Semblance from the Contriver. But an Ambush is more dangerous than a pitched Battle, because it is hid, unless the Leader look about him in his March, and search every Hedge by Vant-curriers, as he did. A vigilant Man will not sleep with both Eyes, when he suspects Danger. Cauto circumspectu vita quae variis casibus subjacet est munienda. Apul. instam. lib. 11. The Keeper knew he had deserved no ill; yet he trusted not to that, for he knew likewise how a Judge that hears many Causes, must condemn many, and offend many. And if Justice should shrink in, to decline Offences, what were it so like unto, as to one in the Fable, that would feed upon nothing but Spoon-meat, because he would not wear out his Teeth? He was not ignorant of the laudable, or at least the durable Custom of the Commons, to countenance all Prosecutors, and to file the Medly of all Complaints. Therefore this Prometheus kept a careful Watch to repulse Embroilments as much as he could; for though he had a sound Bark, yet none but a phrantick Pilate would be willing to be tossed in a Storm. And he had been an ill Keeper, if he had not been wary to keep himself; to which I may fitly apply the Orators Words, Philip 12. Qui mul •• rum Custodem se profitetur, eum sapientes sui primum capitis aiunt Custodem esse oportere. He had made the Prince his fast Friend before; who was so ingenious, that when he had promised Fidelity, there was no fear that he would start; chiefly because he sought to lay hold on his Highness upon no other Conditions, than to mortify those spiteful accusations (if any such happened) with his Frown, that durst not stand the Breath of Truth. Concerning the Duke, he was not so silly to look any longer upon himself, as growing on the former Root of his Favor; yet he was not so rude to expostulate with him, according to the Merit of his Unkindness, and provoke him further; but as it occurs, Cab. P. 80. He tells his Lordship, That Suspicions of his Displeasure, transported him not a Jot further, than to look about him, how to defend himself: that he beg'd Assurance of his Grace's former Love, yet not in the least desire to crave the Patronage of any corrupt, or unjust act of his, that should be objected against him in Parliament; nor to take Refuge to him in any Cause or Clamor, otherwise than according to Justice and fair Proceeding. A sufficient Number of other Friends were made already to him by his Wisdom and Deservings, whom he never requested (as he had no need of it) to make a Side for him; but to be intentive to disclose such Winding Insinuations, which are apt to twine about some weak Understandings. This Forecast made him stand immovable and unaffrighted, when Petitions and Remonstrances of Perdue-Causes were entered against him. They came about him like Bees, and were extinct like Fire among the Thorns. And what were they that made a Noise with their Grievances? Itane nihil fortunam puduit, si minus accusatae innocentiae, at accusantium wilitatis? Boeth. de consol. 'It is a shame that Innocency should be accused; but what Remedy shall it have against base and beggarly Accusers? against the very Kennel of the Fleet, and other Goals? against such, whose Suits would admit of no good Order, and their Forwardness of no bad. I knew a Plaintiff and Desendant, Morgan and Bouglar, that complained one as much as the other of the same Decree to the Parliament; and at the Hearing of the Cause, one of the Counsel protested, that Two hundred and twelve Commissions, References, and Orders, had past upon it. After a while, a Bundle of those frivolous Objections being read and examined, were cast out of Doors, and the House, in the Afternoon, being put into a general Committee, Seven and thirty of those Paper-Kites slew away that same day, and were never heard of more. Some of the Members would have repaired the Lord Keeper, and asked him what he would have done to his Adversaries? Nothing, says he, for by this time they have all fretted themselves into Patience, and some of them, perhaps, into Repentance. Which proved even so: For many of them came privily to be admitted to his Favor, condemned their own scandalous Petitions, and laid it upon a great Name, that they were encouraged to bring them in, whom he cast off, as a Man would do a besmeered Dog, that desiles him with his Fawning. Some, I know, will say, Why did he not bring those Caitives to Submission, or to some open Disgrace? Because he had a stately Mind; and as Craterus said to Alexander, Cito gloria obsolescit in sordidis hostibus, An Eagle will not stoop to such Quarry. The better Reason is, that he was un-revengeful, content to get the Better, and no longer displeased with those he overcame. Yes, but they would not have served him so, very likely; but the Folly of brutish Men is not to be imitated, but contemned.

197. There are two that impleaded him for wand of Justice, who are more remarkable than others. There was one Morley, a Woodmonger, that kept a Warf in Fleet-Street, an Oppressor of the Court of Chancery, with Bills of all sorts, for many Years. If any ask how long he had been in Law, I answer, as the Father in the Gospel answered our Savior, How long the evil Spirit had haunted his Son, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , of a Child, Mark. 9.41. Morley observing that Seven and thirty Venturers had lost their Labor in the House of Commons, printed his Case, and preferred it to the Lord's, wherein he did not spare to defame the Lord Keeper. The Grave and Learned Bishop of Oxford Doctor H. was busy in dispersing these Petitions. The Bishop had commenced a Suit against Sir H. Martin, for some Demesus lying in Bray Parish, in the County of Berks, wherein he had not Satisfaction to his Desire, by this Man's Decree, which wrought upon his Anger to do this Office, not befitting one Bishop against another; but as Nazian. deplores it, Orat. ad 150 Episc. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 . Prelates prove Anti-prelates one to another, sometimes upon small Occasions. But Morley was past Redemption for his Impudency, and was Condemned by the upper House to an infamous Punishment. For whose Pardon the Lord Keeper sued, but with no Success; their Lordships telling him plainly, That they would not be entreated in such a Varlets Behalf. Crates, as Laertius relates it, was wounded in the Face by Nicodromus, a Fidler: To divulge the Injury, Crates clapt a Paper upon his own Forehead, like a Plaister, and wrote upon it in great Letters, haec fecit Nicodromus: Nicodromus had given him that Mark. A most hair-brained Revenge for a serious Philosopher to take. But the Keeper made slight of the scratch that Morley had given him, and interceded for the Delinquent, that his Forehead might not carry a White-Paper upon it in the Pillory. But he was one of a hard Destiny, and the Shame could not be shunned: Of which Grief Morley died within a Year after, and on his Death-bed protested to a Reverend Divine, by what mighty Authority he was set on. Which took with all Men's Belief that heard it; except this Lord, who was most concerned.

198. All these Assays did more good than harm: For Innocency will stand its Ground the better when it hath wrestled with Antagonists. Linum Orchomenium semper injuriâ fit melius, says Pliny, l. 19. N. H. The Flax growing in some Fields of Baeotia, the worse you use it the better it thrives. So the Lord Keeper had as much Success in these Combats, as he could wish; for all gave him Honor by the Invalidity of their Opposition. There was one more that hunted him close, Sed tergo decut it hastas. Aen. li. 10. It was a Lady, but a Virago; And Abimelech would be loath to have it said, that he perished by the Hand of a Woman, Jud. 9.54. It was the Lady Darcies Charge, which was the most dangerous that aemulous Power could raise against him. For it was upon the stopping of an Original Writ, which is every Mans Inheritance, and the only way by which the Subjects wrongs are to be redressed, and these of course are issued out of the Court of Chancery, which gives occasion to that Maxim in the Law, Nemo recedit à Cancellariâ sine remedio. The Case came to this Head. The Rectory of Sutton in the County of Surry was void by the Death of the Incumbent. The Right of Donation was in Mr. Ed. Darcy, but under Age, and the Kings Ward. The Lord Keeper presents to the Rectory in the Kings Title, Jure minoris Aetatis, and his Clerk had Institution and Induction before ever the Lady Darcy, Mother to Mr. Edward, and Mr. George Wilmore, Guardians for the Minor, brought their Claim. The Lady Mother, (for Mr. Wilmore stir'd not) allegeth that she had compounded for the Wardship of her Son, and had procured in her Composition the Donation of that Living; which neither was so, nor ought to have been granted both to the prejudice of the Lord Keeper, and the Master of the Wards. She tries to enforce her Right by way of Quare impedit; which was the right way to Commence her Suit, and to try her Title. The Lord Keeper Commands the Officer not to issue forth the Writ, it being so appointed under the Kings Signet, as it followeth.

When these Proceedings were Canvass'd in the House of Commons, the Lord Keeper makes Answer;

To the former he declares, That the Lady Darcy, and G. Wilmore Ex. Committees of the Kings Ward, took a Lease from the King of the Wards Lands, under the Seal of the Court of Wards. And by other Indentures of the same date Covenanted with the King as followeth. And there is another Proviso in the Lease to the like Effect, with some Alteration, that the Allowance of the Master and Council of the Court of Wards be had, for a sit, and apt Clerk to be preferred to the same. Hence it plainly appears by the said Covenant, and Proviso, that the said Committees, as to the Advouson of the Church of Sutton, belonging to the said Ward, are but Lessees in Trust, to present such a Clerk to the same, as the King, or the Master and Council of the Court of Wards for the King, shall Name or Appoint. Then it is Pregnant, That the Clerk being refused, whom the Lady offered to the Rectory without the Kings Consent, &c. no Injustice is offered.

199. He rejoyns to the Second, That the said Church being become Void, the Lord Keeper by Virtue of his Place, as time out of mind hath been used, presented Dr. Grant the Kings Chaplain in his Majesty's Name. The Master of the Wards presented likewise. Dr. Wilson, in the Kings Name, to the same Church: But Dr. Grant was first presented, admitted, and Dr. Wilson gave way. After both these, the Committees present their Clerk in their own Name, and pray a Quare Impedu to remove the Kings Clerk, and to have their own Clerk admitted in his room. This Quare Impedit, by the Kings Commandment to the Lord Keeper, was denied them. For which much is alleged. Lands in Question in Chancery were Decreed by the Lord Ellsmore to Peacock, in Equity against Revell, who had a good Title in Law. Revell would have had an Original Writ of Assise against Peacock, to have recovered the Lands from him by Law. The Writ was denied him by the Lord Ellsmore. If Revell would have made a Lease, or a Feoffment to any Friend in trust, which Friend would have sued for an Original Writ, to have recovered the Land, the Writ might as well be denied to him, as to Revell himself. So the Master of the Wards presented a Clerk to the Church of Sutton in the Kings Name, before the Lord Darcy presented: If that Clerk would have sued for a Quare Impedit in the Kings Name, the Lord Keeper by the Kings Appointment might have denied the Writ. And by the same Reason may he in like manner deny the Writ to the Lady Darcy, who as to the Advouson is but a Lessee in trust, to present such a Clerk, as the Master of the Wards for the King shall name: As by the Covenant and Proviso in the Lease doth appear. If Lands in Question in the Chancery be, by Order of the Court by both Parties conveyed to one of the Six Clerks in trust, that he shall convey the same, as the Court shall Order upon the hearing of the Cause, who refuseth to convey the Land according to the trust, and prayeth a Writ of Assise to recover the Land from him, to whom the Court hath ordered the same, (for the trust appears as plainly to the Court, as in the Case of a Decree;) This Writ may be denied. So the Lady Darcy being a Lessee of the Advouson in trust to present such a Clerk as the King, or the Court of Wards shall name or allow of, if she will present a Clerk of her own, contrary to the trust reposed in her, and sue for a Quare Impedit to remove the Clerk presented by the King, and to put in her own choice, this Writ by the Kings Appointment may be denied her; for the trust appears of Record. So if Bonds be taken of a Defendant in Chancery in the Name of a Master of the Chancery, with Condition to perform the Order or Decree of the Court: The Court Decrees Money to be paid by the Defendant to the Plaintiff at a Day, who pays the same the next Day after, which the Plaintiff accepts, and the Court allows of. If the Master of Chancery will pray an Original Writ of Debt upon this Bond, to recover the Money to his own use, this Writ may be denied him. The Lord Ellsmore presented a Clerk in the Kings Name Ration Minoris AEtatis; The Lady Mordant pretended Title to present, and having four Feoffees in trust of the Manor or Lands, to which the Advouson did belong, as she pretended, would have had four Writs of Quare Impedit against the Kings Clerk, in the Names of her four Feoffees severally. The Lord Ellsmore denied them all. There are many more Precedents to be shown in like Cases, where Original Writs have been denied.

200. Yet since it is to be done with great Tenderness and Discretion, and seldom or never, but when it appears that one Injury must be prevented necessarily with another, he declares, Thirdly, That the Lady Darcy 's Proceedings thrust in so dangerously between two great Courts, that ordinary Justice could not but be denied her, for fear an extraordinary Difference should be raised between the said Courts, being thus laid open. When the Lord Ellsmore was Lord Chancellor, and Robert Earl of Salisbury Master of the Wards, there fell out a Contestation between these two Potent Lord's, whose Right it was to present to the Wards Livings, which were under Value of 20 l. in the First-Fruit-Office: And the Contention grew so insoluble, that King James, with all his Pacificous Wisdom, could not readily light upon a way to reconcile it. Yet at the last it was compounded thus, That which soever of those two Officers should first present to such a Benefice, his Presentation should be Valid for the Possession of the Living. If both Presentations should come together to the Bishop, (which perhaps would not happen in an Age) then there was Casus pro amico on the Bishop's behalf, as the Canonists speak. This Agreement had continued amicably to that very Day, and was then in danger to be infring'd. For if a Suit had commenced, as the Lady desired, the Lord Keeper could not avoid to charge the Court of Wards with Fraudulency, in passing away the Donations of Livings in the Compositions for Wards, which was a pre-occupating, or rather plain deluding of the Patronage, which was in the Lord Keeper by the Agreement. Wherefore he waves the strong and full defense he had made upon the stopping of an Original Writ, and deprecates all offense by that Maxim of the Law, which admits of a mischief rather than an inconvenience. Which was as much as to say, That he thought it a far less Evil, to do the Lady the probability of an Injury, (in her own sense) than to suffer those two Courts to clash together again, and fall into a new Dispute about their Jurisdiction, which might have produced a public inconvenience, which is most carefully to be avoided. This Plea satisfied the House and cleared him in the general Opinion; or as some Interpreted, excused him rather for his other good Parts, then absolutely cleared in this intricate Point, as Livy li. 1. says,

Yet it goes strongly to justify the Lord Keeper in the Fact, that all the Lawyers in the House did unanimously concur to propugn him. And in fine this great complaint produced but small Effect, towards that for which it was so vigorously followed. The close of all is the best part of the Story. The Lady Darcy, ever impotent in her Passions, and the more in this Case, because she could not endure the Calling, and hated the Honor of a Bishop, was even distracted with Anger, that she was crossed in her will; whom the L. Keeper mitigated with such Sweetness and Generosity, that she came out of her froward Mood, and confessed she had had no cause to be his Enemy. In the instance whilst the Cause was hot in Agitation, he sent to her Ladyship to let her know, But her Ladyship would not hearken; her thoughts were too high; for the cause was depending, she hoped to obtain it with Dr. Grant's Ejection, and his Patrons Ruin. After all was cleared against her, and she found herself at a loss of her expectation, the Lord Keeper sent to her upon the Old Terms, which she accepted of very gladly, when necessity had taught her Wisdom, and a milder Temper. In all this his Lordship showed that he had no particular Spleen against the Lady, not the least aim to oppress her with his Power, but his Scope was to preserve the Jurisdiction of his Court (in which he was ever stiff and unvanquishable) and when that was acknowledged, it was an Heroic Spirit in him to pass by a most violent prosecution, as if it had never concerned it. It was an Object sit to prove all the dimensions of Christian forgiveness. For what more true then that of Pliny to Sabinianus; as I have cited it before, Ep. lib. 9. Tune praecipua mansuetudinis laus, cum • rae causa justissima est; What more Charitable, then not only not to return Offence for Offence, but to make a beneficent Requital? For he found that Yoke of Christ easy to him, which is so heavy to others, Do good to them that despitefully entreat you. Matth. 5.45.

201. Let all now be drawn up into a Word; no Garland could look more fresh upon a Magistrates Head then this, that being narrowly looked into by the Eyes of all the Kngdom, nothing was amiss, nothing out of Frame in all his Carriage; which Credit stuck so close to him in the next Parliament, in which he still kept the Great Seal, That not so much as a Dog did open his Mouth against him, Judith 11.19. Nor was awaked out of security with the least Whisper of a Grievance. Yet I am as ready to say it as another, that to be acquit from having done no ill, is a Testimony of harmless, not of fruitful Honesty. I admire Coriolanus for that Elogy in Halicarn: Vix inter virtutes numeravit innocentiam. He scarce reckoned Innocency for a Virtue. Innocency is none of the Artillery of Virtue, with which it tries and shows it's strength, but only a privy Coat, to keep a Man from being Wounded. I bring him forth therefore from this shade into the light of Action, in an instance wherein he did so well, that it will break forth, that he had a Wit which was such a sudden Architect of Devises, so apt in a pleasant cunning, so full of Pit-falls to catch the Bird he would snare, yet not to hurt it, as never a Head-piece in this Nation could overtake him in that ingenuity. And the success suited with the Stratagem, Fortune favoring it to the help of his best Friends, the continuation of a Happy Parliament, and the enlightening of his Majesty who was stricken far into Melancholy by a perfidious contrivance, and illegitimate, born in an ill day in the Spanish Ambassadors House; which Family was vext to the Gall, because their Nation was curried in Parliament, and most of all, that the Match, the Treaty, and Friendship with them, were handled there, as the Prince and Duke had set them on, with sharp and declamatory disdeigns. Therefore they cast about to infect the King with an ill opinion of the Proceedings and the persons; and like desperate men, they looked for Redress from Malice, and safety from Confusion. Nothing did put them by their Piots so long, as that they had not the freedom to speak with his Majesty, and could never get an Audience in the Absence of Buckingham: So that Sir W. Aston writes,

But after this Parliament had fate seven Weeks, and toused their matters sufficiently, that Marquess, with Don Carlo de Colonna, came adventurously to White-Hall, and outreach'd the Spies that watched them. For while Don Carlo held the Prince and Duke with earnest Discourse, Inoiosa put a Paper into the King's Hand, and made a sign with a Wink of his Eye, that his Majesty would thrust it into his Pocket, which was done, and not discerned. Nothing can be more broken and imperfect; or more corrupt in time and other circumstances, then what is Entred into the Cabal. p. • 7. and p. 90. out of this Paper. There was a worse Pad in the Straw then is there discovered, or else Inoiosa, that juggled the Paper into the Kings Hand, had not been so roundly checked by the Lord's of the Privy Counsel. And if for his part he put no more into the Paper, then to procure his Secretary private Access to the King to tell Tales, it would not have been disputed whether he should be devested of the Privileges of an Embassador; or whether the Speakers of both Houses then sitting should call him to an Account. But he that is confessed in the Cabal to be the Pioneer that blew up the Mine, and found out the Plot, hath lest a Note of the particulars in the Paper so Tragical and Scandalous, that certainly the Spanish Don would never have stufft it with them, Si unquam jub legum ac judiciorum potestatem se casurum putasset, as Tully said of Verres, Act. 7. If he had ever dreamt to be Confronted for them, and brought Face to Face.

Thus lay the Notes of the Lord Keeper. This is the Dirt which the Swallows, or rather unclean Birds picked up, and made their Nest of it. And this is not all. But that which remains shall be burnt in the Fire.

In a Postscript the Paper prayed the King,

202. He that says ( U. Sanderson, P. 562.) that not a day past, but that he was present, and acquainted with all the Transaction (of these pernicious Delators) to the end, should have said, he knew it at the end, when the Monster was brought to light; then his History indeed will justify itself, that it did not startle the King. But his Majesty's Sorrow increased, while it was smothered; and Fear set in apace, till a wise Remonstrance resisted it. And it was no Wonder that he was abused a while, and dim sighted with a Character of Jealousy: For the Parliament was about to land him in a new World, to begin and maintain a War, who thought that scarce any Mischief was so great, as was worth a War to mend it. Wherein the Prince did deviate from him, as likewise in Affection to the Spanish Alliance, but otherwise promised nothing but Sweetness and Obedience. He stuck at the Duke most of all, whom he defended in part to one of the Spanish Ministers; yet at the same time complained, that he had noted a turbulent Spirit in him of late, and knew not how to mitigate it. Thus casting up the Sum, he doubted it might come to his own Turn to pay the Reckoning. The Setters on expected that their Pill could not choose but have a most violent Operation. And it wrought so far, that his Majesty's Countenance fell suddenly, that he mused much in Silence, that he entertained the Prince and Duke with mystical and broken Speeches. From whence they gathered all was not right; and questing for Intelligence, they both heard that the Spanish Secretary, and the Jesuit Maestro had been with him, and understood that some in the Ambassador's House had vaunted, that they had nettled the Duke, and that a Train would take Fire shortly to blow up the Parliament. While his Majesty was gnawn with this Perplexity, he prepared for Windsor, to shift Ground for some better Ease in this Unrest, and took Coach at St. James 's-House-Gate in the end of April, being Saturday Afternoon. He received his Son into the Coach, and sound a slight Errand to leave Buckingham behind; as he was putting his Foot in the Boot, which brought Tears from him, and an humble Prayer, that his Majesty would let him know, what could be laid to his Charge, to offend so gracious a Master, and vowed it, by the Name of his Savior, to purge it, or confess it. The King did not satisfy him in it; it seems the time of Detection in his deep Judgment was not come, and he had charged all that were privy to the Occasion to be very secret. Cab. P. 77. But he breathed out this Disgust, That he was the Unhappiest alive, to be forsaken of them that were dearest to him; which was uttered and received with Tears from his own Eyes, as well as the Prince's and Duke's, whom he left behind, and made hast with his Son for Windsor. The Lord Keeper spared not for Cost, to purchase the most certain Intelligence of those that were his feed Pensioners of every hours Occurrencies at Court; and was wont to say, That no man could be a Statesman without a great deal of Money. Of this which had happened, his Scout related presently what he could see, for he heard little. Which News were no sooner brought, but he sought out the Duke at Wallingford-House, and had much ado to be admitted to him in his sad Retirement: Whom he found laid upon a Couch, in that immovable Posture, that he would neither rise up, nor speak, though he was invited to it twice or thrice by courteous Questions. The Lord Keeper gave his Grace the Faith of a deep Protestation, that he came purposely to prevent more Harm, and to bring him out of that Sorrow into the Light of the King's Favor. That he verily believed God's directing Hand was in it, to stir up his Grace to advance him to those Honors which he possessed, to do him Service at this Pinch of Extremity. He besought his Grace to make haste for Windsor, and to show himself to his Majesty before Supper was ended; to deport himself with all amiable Addresses, not to stir from his Person Night nor Day. For the Danger was, that some would thrust themselves in, to push on his Majesty to break utterly with the Parliament; and the next Degree of their Hope, was, upon that Dissolution, to see his Grace committed to the Tower, and then God knows what would follow. The Keeper adjured his Lordship to lock up this in his own Breast, which was imparted as charily to him, as under the Seal of Secrecy; but to be quick and Judicious in the Prevention, more was not to be said, because loss of time might loose all. The Duke parted with many Thanks, and lingered not but came to Windsor, before he was looked for. Though he suspected not so much Evil; yet he knew the Danger might be the worse for being contemned. Nihil tuto in host despicitur. Quem spreveris valentio rem negligent iâ facies. Curt. lib. 6.

903. No doubt but all this was disclos'd to the Prince. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , says Eurip. in Oenomao; we conjecture at unevident things by that which is evident. The Duke stir'd not from Windsor, but waited on his Majesty, and was inseparable as his shadow. The Prince was early at the Lord's House, before their Lordships began to sit on Monday Morning. His business was with the Lord Keeper, whom he took aside into a Lobby, and protested how well it pleased him, that he had given Buckingham faithful warning for his safety; And you, says his Highness, that have gone thus far, may receive greater Thanks of us both, if you will spread open this black contrivance, which hath lost him the Good Opinion of my Father, and myself am in little better Condition.

says the Lord Keeper, Well my Lord, says the Prince, I expected better Service from you; for if that be the Picture-Drawers shop, no Counselior in this Kingdom is better acquainted then yourself with the Works, and the Workmen. says the Keeper, But, says the Prince, I will make that Passage open to you again without Offence; and Enterprise any way to bring us out of this Wood, wherein we are lost. Only, before we part, keep not from me, how you came to know, or imagine that the Spanish Agents have Charged Buckingham to my Father, with High Misdemeanors, or perhaps Disloyalty. I would hear you to that Point, that I may compare it with other Parcels of my Intelligence. says the Keeper,

204. The Lord Keeper took his Place in the Lord's House to moderate Affairs as Speaker. But all the while his Fancy was Whistling to another Tune, how he might play his Game discreetly: He held the Prince his Cards, and would not for his Life that he should loose. He had well considered, and brought the Case to this Touch stone of Judgment, that he should never know how the whole Scene had been Acted but by Secretary Francisco He had requested him to refrain his house above the whole space of a Month. If he sent for him on even Terms, nothing would run freely from him. Well fare a good Invention, or a good Genius that prompted him. For a knack came into his Head, to fetch Francisco to him without any invitation, as if a Conjurer had brought him in a Whirl-wind So he beckon'd to a Servant, and bad him, that his Pursivant Captain Toothbie should wait him without fail, as soon as the House was up: The Pursivant at that hour took punctual Directions from him to seize upon an English Mass-Priest, lodged in Drury • me, Named and Describ'd exactly (for he had the Art to fetch such a Fowl or twain out of the Coope at an hours warning) to receive him without any Noise into his Custody; and upon Entreaty (as that, and proffer of Money would not be wanting) to carry him to his own House, till further Order, and not to the common Goal. The Priest was apprehended and laid up: The Man that was dearer to Francisco (which the Lord Keeper know) then his own Confessor, or any of that Coat; which made him wild when he heard of the mischance; for he knew the Law, and how hard it would be to save his Life, if he came to be Tried at the Sessions, the Parliament then Sitting. He was in a fort banished from the Keepers House, and he a poor Stranger knew not to whom else to turn him, to implore Mercy in his Friends behalf. Howsoever he saw it was no time to observe the Niceness of Modesty, but sent his Request to the Lord Keeper to be admitted that day, though he should never see his Face again. With a seeming unwillingness it was allowed him, keeping a cautious limit, not to make his Visit till Eleven of the Clock that Night, and by the back door of the Garden, where a Servant should receive him. He came at his hour, and being brought into a Gallery, fell into an abrupt Exordium,

And would you have me, says the Keeper, run such a hazard, to set a Priest at Liberty, a Dead Man by our Statutes, when the Eye of the Parliament is so vigilant upon the breach of Justice, especially in this kind, to the sadding of our Godly Men, who detest them that creep hither out of Seminaries, above all Malefactors, because they come with an intent to pervert them, who have lived in the Bosom of our Church. says Francisco (and accented his Words with passionate Gesture) By this hint the Keeper was got into the Out-Works of the Project, and played so Artificially with the Secretary, that he took the Main Fortress. Pick'd out of him at that time, the Heads of all the Articles in the Paper, with all Reasons, Circumstances, distorted Proofs, and Expositions to confirm them. The Copy of the main Paper, scratched in some places with Don Carlo Colonna's Hand (for the Keeper knew his Writing) was not brought him till four Nights after. He had enough of their Brewing at the first running; for he kept Don Carendelet till two of the Clock in the Morning, and let him not part, till he had squeez'd him dry. But to gratify his Information, he called for the Pursivant, a Reserve at Hand, and bad him immediately Release the Priest, with Caution that he should cross the Seas that Day, or the next, that he might not be produced to Confront, if the matter should come to Light to be questioned. So the Lord Keeper and Don Francisco parted with much show of Love, each having obtained that which they met for. Some that will make us believe, that they are very scrupulous and Conscientious, will snuff at somewhat related, as if it were not plain dealing; but it is as good; for it is harmless Policy; 'tis profitable and Pleasant. Et ista quidem sine noxâ decipiunt: Quo modo praestigiatorum acetabula & calculi; in quibus me fallacia ipsa delectat: They that do Feats with slight of hand, delude us, and please us with their cunning, says Seneca. So do men employed for the Public; their Motions may be like the Suns, oblique but regular. Magistratus tentat, non decipit. A Magistrate may use by-ways and pretences, to prove others, not to deceive them. As Solomon did in the Case of the two Harlots and the Child, which both challenged to be their own.

205. The Story lacks yet the latter Part; the Lord Keeper after the Good Night given to Francisco, retired to his own Thoughts, and poured the whole Conserence out of his Memory into his Papers, as if Francisco had stood by to dictate every Line. He was so well gifted in a most happy Memory, that he forgot nothing, but what he had a mind to forget. He digested the severals into a Method, and confected an Antidote for every Poison, Crystal-clear Answers, well weighed in Judgment, to Gag the Spanish ill Framed Jealousies, and as demulcing as shortness of time would permit, to make all sweet with the Old King. He saw no Sleep that Night with his Eyes, nor stir'd out of the Room till about seven in the Morning he had trimmed up a fair Copy of all the Proceedings, which he presented to the Prince in St. James 's, and told him he had the Viper and her Brood in a Box. His Highness Read the Charges, and admired at the virulency; with the Anti-scripts of the Keeper, which were much commended. So the Coach was called to be made ready for Windsor.

says the Lord Keeper, says He;

The Prince thought there could be no hurt in that, which was good for all perties, yet gave him assurance, he should not be drawn out of the Tiring House, to the open Stage. His Highness came very cheerful to Windsor, and calling Buckingham aside, reached him the Papers, with the counterfeit Brats in one Column, and the Apology in the other Column which dashed them against the Wall. The Writing was a Servants, whose hand was not known at Court. But the Duke liked the whole Bulk extremely, and most humbly thank'd the Prince, that his Case was enwoven with his Highness, and their double Vindication put into one Frame. And besought to know what Vitruvius had compacted a Piece of Architecture; of such concinnity, in so short a time; but could not obtain it. The Prince and Duke made no longer preparation, but forthwith desired a private hearing with the King, and with a modest and comfortable confidence gave up the Schedule to his Majesty's most Excellent Consideration. He Read all deliberately, and at many stops said 'twas well, very well, and an enlivening Spirit Danced in his Eye. Then he drew his Son and Buckingham near to him, and Embraced them, protesting that it sorrowed him much, that he had aggrieved them with a Jealousy somented by no better then Traitors. Assur'd them the Exhalations were dispersed, and their Innocency shined as Bright as at Noon Day. And that you may know, says his Majesty, How little you shall pay me for Reconciliation, I ask no more but to tell me, who is your Ingeneer, that struck these Sparks out of the Flint, and lighted the Candle to find the Groat that was lost. The Prince stood Mute: The Duke avowed he knew not the Author. Well says the King, I have a good Nostril, and will Answer mine own Question, my Keeper had the main Finger in it, I dare Swear it was he that bolted the Flower, and made it up into this Paist.

says the Prince, Your Majesty hath hit the Man. And God do him good for it, says the King. I need not tell you both what you owe him for this Service; and he hath done himself this Right with me, that I discern his sufficiency more and more. All this the Prince Related at his next Meeting to the Lord Keeper. This passage so memorable hath plucked on a Prolix Narration for divers Reasons. It was a secret managed between few persons, (though the greatest) and likely to be buried forever, unless it rise from the Dust, where it was smothered, upon this occasion. It will expound to inquisitive Men; why, after this time, the old King never retrieved the Spanish Match, as if suddenly it were sunk, and set beneath the Horizon of his Thoughts; it demonstrates, why in a year after, being the First of King Charles, there was such Willingness in the young King, and such Readiness in the Duke, to Rigg a great Navy, and to send it with Defiance of Hostility to Cales; for though the Grandee Inoiosa received a sharp Rebuke here, to vex his Gorge, and suddenly packed up his portable God's, and went to his own Country in a Fume, yet he received no Disfavour or Frown upon it from the Court of Spain. Nihil nefas est malitiae. It tells you what a Stone of Offence was laid before the King, able to make him to Dissolve the Parliament, just upon the Expectation of a happy Winding up, if the Lord Keeper had not removed the Jealousy away, which is one of the best Offices of a Christian; for it is God's own Attribute in the Prophets, to be a Repairer of Breaches. Lastly, His Wit was in Conjunction with the Safety of his great Friend the Duke, Et vincente Odenato, triumphavit Gallienus, says Pollio: The Keeper had Content enough, that the Duke triumphed over those Foes, whom he had vanquished for him.

206. Soon as those Hobgoblins, which haunted the King to fright him, were frighted away themselves, and the Magicians which conjured them up, were rendered odious, his Majesty was never in a better Mood to please his Subjects, and the Subjects in Parliament, never, from that day to this, in so dutiful a Frame to please their Sovereign. Fatebimur regem talibus ministris, & illos tanto rege fuisse dignissimos. Curt. l. 4. As Alexander deserved such brave Commanders under him; so they deserved to be commanded by so brave a Prince as Alexander. Their long Counsels, which had been weather bound, came to a quiet Road, and their Vessel was lighted of those Statutes, which are of immortal Memory. The wise Men of those times asked for good Laws with Moderation (for Moderation had not yet out-lived the Peoples Palate) and they were brought forth with Joy and Gladness. And that which was gotten with Peace and Joy, will out-last that, were it ten times more, which is extorted in a Hurly-burly. There were no Rents, no Divisions among the Members, much less did the Stronger Part spurn out the Weaker. The Voices went all one way, as a Field of Wheat is bended, that's blown with a gentle Gale, One and all. And God did not let a general Concurrence pass without a general Blessing. Sic viritim laboraverunt, quasi summa res singulorum manibus teneretur. Nazar. Paneg. The Laws devised were confirmed in Clusters by the Royal Authority. And though one of them, about the strict Keeping of the Sabbath, was then stopped, the Name of Sabbath being unsatisfactory to the King's Mind, yet Amends were made, that the Kingdom had a Sabbath granted it from many Suits and Unquietnesses. That which Crowned all, was the Pardon, the most general that ever was granted, which was the sooner got, because the Pillars of the Common-wealth had discharged their public Trust without Offence. The next Session of this Parliament was appointed in April following; and this Session shut up with the End of June. The Lord Keeper was not a little joy'd with the sweet Close of it; for which he had gained a noble Report.

And after three years Experience, having now spent so much time in the High Court of Chancery, his Sufficiency was, not only competent, but as great as might be required in a complete Judge. He was one of them, in whom Knowledge grew faster upon him, than his Years. As Tully praised Octavius Caesar, Ex quo judicari potest virtutis esse quàm aetatis cursum celeriorem, Philip 8. In eminent Persons, Virtue runs on swifter than Age. And it is a Slander (whereof late Writers are very rank in all Kinds) which one hath published, that this Man's Successor, the Lord Coventry, reversed many of his Decrees, and corrected his Errors. I do not blame Lawyers, if they would have us believe, that none is fit for the Office of Chancellor, but one of their own Profession. But let them plead their own Learning, and able Parts, without traducing the Gifts of them, that are excellently seen in Theological Cases of Conscience, and singularly rare in natural Solertiousness. Lord Coventry was a renowned Magistrate, and his Honor was the Honor of the Times, wherein he lived, the vast Compass of that Knowledge wherein he was always bred, and his strong Judgment in searching into those Causes, did transcend his Predecessor; yet not to obscure him, as if he were wanting in that, which was required to his Place. A good Carpenter knows how to frame a House, as well as the Geometer that surveyed the Escurial. Let me quote a couple of Witnesses, what they asserted herein, and they are rightly produced, as God, the great Witness of all things, knows. The Duke of Buckingham, in the beginning of the next Term, at Michaelmas, persuaded the Lord Chief Justice Hobart, either to deliver it to the King with his own Mouth, or to set it under his Hand, that Lord Williams was not sit for the Keeper's Place, because of his Inabilities and Ignorance; and that he would undertake thereupon, to cast the Complained out, and himself should succeed him. My Lord, says Reverend Hobart, somewhat might have been said at the first; but he should do the Lord Keeper great Wrong that said so now. After this Grave and Learned Lord, I bring forth Mr. G Evelin, one of the Six Clerks, and, in his time, the best Head-piece of the Office, who delighted to divulge it, as many yet living know, that Lord Keeper Williams had the most towering, sublime Wit that he ever heard speak; magnified his Decrees, as hitting the White in all Causes, and never missing. That Lord Coventry did seldom after anything he had settled before him, but upon new Presumptions, and spake of him always in Court with due Praise, and Justification of his Transactions. He that hath insinuated the contrary, aiming to do Honor to none, but to the Students of the Laws, hath run out of the Ring. And is it not honester to say nothing, than to go about to do good with a Mischief?

207. And that Man might see better to do Justice, who would never receive a Bribe to blind his Eyes, 1 Sam. 12.3. This was known, not only to me a Domestic, but to all that walked the Streets; who were informed, what Repulses they had, who tempted him with Gratifications. This I am sure of, as I know what is sweet by mine own Taste, and by the common Opinion. One thing I will remember, not because it is of great Moment, but because it is pleasant. His Lordship being retired to Nonsuch in the Summer, took the Air in the great Park; and viewing from one of the Hills, the little Village of Malden, he espied a Church new built, and asked at whose Charge it was done. Mr. George Minors, that attended him, told him who was the greatest Benefactor. And hath he not a Suit now depending in Chancery? says the Keeper. The very same, says the other. And the very same, says the Keeper, shall not fare the worse for building of Churches. Which being related by Mr. Minors to his Neighbor, the Gentleman the next Morning sent a Taste of the Fruits of his Orchard, and of the Poultry in his Yard, to Nonsuch-House. Nay, carry them back George, says the Keeper, and tell your Friend, he shall not fare the better for sending of Presents. If any were so uncharitably suspicious, that this Lord sold Justice for Gold or Silver, though not for meaner things, and gathered where he should not, there could be no Ground to surmise it; but because he scattered much. For he was magnificent in great Works, profuse in Hospitality, very expensive in Liberality to poor Scholars, and decayed Persons. To maintain all this, he had plenty coming in, which wanted not the Art of good Husbandry to lay it out. He was as Provident, as he was Bountiful. He never feasted the King, and very rarely exhausted himself upon Courtiers in lavish Entertainments. But according to the honest, and thrifty Rule of Cassiodor, Fundit potiùs qui mittit in plenum: & illud reconditur, quod vasis vacuis congregatur. He spread not out his Compost upon rich Soil, but upon hungry Land. He gave so fast to Scholars, that it was not possible his Lest-hand should know what his Right-hand did. Quod momentum aut beneficio sterile? Aut vacuum laude? Plin. Paneg. If they were young, he did it to encourage them; if aged, to reward them. And Gentlemen that were brought low, not by their Vices, but by Misfortune, Poveri vergognesi, as the Tuscan calls them, Bashful, and could not Crave, though they perished, he prevented their Modesty, and would heartily thank those that discovered their commiserable Condition to him. The Prisoners of the Gate-House found the way to their Neighbor's Purse every Week. It were endless to take notice of his good Works, but in great Constellations. Fugiunt sine nomine signa, Manil. lib. 1. Stars, that appear Small and dim, were never numbered. And though he was better at Liberality than Patience; yet when he had overgone three years in the Court of Chancery, he watched his Passions so well, that the Heat of his old British Complexion was much abated, and carried all things with far more Lenity, than Choler: Would chide little, and bear much. Vehement he was often to recall Pleaders to the Point, and to press Order and Dispatch. Vehemency is mistaken, if it be called Anger: As Cicero defends himself to Fusius Calenus, Vehementer me agere fatcor, iracunde nego. Philip 8. But if his Passion break out too far beyond the Measure of Vehemency, he never rested till he had made some Amends to him, whom he had sadded or offended. which is the Apology that St. Ambrose makes for the good Emperor Theodosius the Elder in his Funeral Rites. Tunc proprior fuisset veniae, cum fuisset commotio major iracundiae—Optabatur in eo, quod in aliis timebatur, ut irasceretur. So the Clients at the Bar had studied the good Nature of this Lord, and presaged, that after he had chased at their Mis-usance, they might promise to themselves a good Cast of his Office long before the Sun set, which never set before he was returned to Patience and loving Kindness.

208. Difficulties in Parliament, Labors in Chancery were well passed over; but to keep in long with the Duke of Buckingham was insuperable; unless the Lord Keeper would be stupid, and oppose him in nothing, though the Dukes, as well as his Ruin were upon Contrivance, and the notorious Hurt of them, that were better than them both. Since his Grace's Return from Spain, you shall find the Keeper in every of his Letters in the Cabal, few excepted, endeavoring to take off the Edge of some late started Quarrel. As P. 96. in a Date July 21, 1624, in this Submission. If ever I have offended your Grace, I take Almighty God to witness, it was for want of a perfect Understanding of those high Matters (let the Reader be informed it was about the Earl of Bristol 's Recriminations) not out of any Corruption of Affections towards your Grace, or the least struggling in a continued Resolution, to live and die your Grace's most constant, and most faithful Servant. But whether it would succeed to good Liking or no, he was resolved to divert him from some desperate Courses, into which his Grace was entering, to raise vast Summs of Money, the Nerves of a sudden War with Spain, which he meant to begin, as soon as he could be furnished with Coin. The Keeper was very sick of a Fevor and a Flux at this time; and, after Danger of Life, recovered by that great Secretary of Nature, Dr. William Harvey, being not able to go into the Air, he writes to my Lord Duke, what he conceived about his former Project, Octob. 21.

In this It may be seen, that it is common with Projectors to Angle for Wit, and catch Folly; to spread their Nets for a Draught, and to drag up nothing but Weeds and Mud. What Brokerly Bargain was here about to be made? How unsuiting to the King of Great Britain? fitter for a poor Merchant that was sunk, to sell all he had, and fly his Country. What! depart with all, to make two or three merry Years of it? Is it not like the Man that burnt his House in a cold Winter, which should shelter his Head forever, to warm his Hands? Would those Vermin, that did eat up the Wealth of the Court, expose their Master to that Tyranny, to have him live wholly upon the Common Spoils, when he had made away his own Substance, and was driven to that Necessity? And were they not worthy to be thought upon, that should live in the next Generation? Our Fore-Fathers were good Stewards, and treasured up for their Children; and shall we undo Posterity before they are born, and spend their Part as well as our own, as if we wished the World might die with us? One good Heathen was worthy twenty such Christians, in Zeal, to the eternal flourishing of a Common-wealth. Says Tully in the Mouth of his Laelius, Non minori mihi curae est, qualis post mortem Respub. futura sit, quàm qualis est hodie. Those that were not public Spirits, but contrary to the succeeding Glory of this Monarchy, the Lord Keeper could not brook; but as he had got Honor by being Wise and Faithful, so he was resolved to be Wise and Faithful, though he lost his Honor.

209. The next Design made this sick Man hasten to come out of his Chamber, a Letter would not suffice to oppose it. There is no Script of it remaining in the Cabal, nor in any other Pamphlet, that I have read. It was a Mischief not better prevented, than concealed from the World that it was prevented. But the Relation of the Lord Keeper to him that heard it of him, when it was fresh and in motion, hath been preserved in the Desk, and comes forth now to public Knowledge. Rem tibi auctorem dabo, as Plautus says; whereby the Men of these times may see, how the Sale of Church-Lands was plotted, before they were swept away with an Ordinance, and that Earnest was offered for them long ago. Dr. Preston, the Master of Immanuel College, entered far into such a Proposition, a shrewd wise Man, a very Learned, and of esteemed Piety; but zealous for a new Discipline, and given to Change. When I see good Parts not always well used; or a worthy Scholar not well affected to the Church, that begat him in Christ, and nursed him up, I cannot but remember a Tale in Baronius, Ann. 513. come. 27. though I care not for believing it. That Theodorus Bishop of Seleucia, was much in love with the strict Life and Piety of a Monk, a Syrian by Nation, that cared not for the Communion of the Church; at which Theodorus was scandalized, that so virtuous a Man should incline to be a Schismatic, till God satisfied him in a Vision, for, says he, Vidi columbam super caput ejus stantem fuliginosam & squalidam; he saw the Holy Ghost come upon him, but in the Shape of a rusty sooty coloured Dove. But before the Artifice of Dr. Preston be displayed, Judgment must pass how the great Duke was prepared to be wrought upon. When all men talked jocundly upon the next Session of Parliament, appointed for April, they that were watchful for the Duke's Safety, saw Cause to fear, least the Predestination of that Session might turn to be his Grace's Reprobation. The King his Master was too Politick to seem weary of him, now become the most affected of his Son; but half an Eye might discern he was not fond of him. The Earl of Bristol, who had seen much Abroad, and knew much at Home, was charged, in his Absence, from his Mouth, with great Errors, that he had deluded the King with Hopes of a Marriage from Spain, never intended; and with Crimes, that he had, if not Counselled the Prince to alter his Religion, yet to temporize, as if he held it in a slip Knot, and could pass it easily from him, if his Highness might win the Garland he came for. The Earl, in his Replication defied the Duke, and vowed to charge upon his Head, that in his Expedition to Spain, he had done the worst Service, and the highest Wrongs, that a Subject could do to a Sovereign. His Majesty umpir'd between both with that fatal Indifferency, that he would hear Buckingham against Bristol, and Bristol against Buckingham before the two houses in due time. And his manner of Justice was not unknown, that he would shelter no man against the General, and Concluded Sentence of a Parliament. Antoninus was a wise Emperor, that never stood out against the Common Vote of the Senate, and never varied from that Saying, says Capitolinus, Aequum est ut ego tot ac talium amicorum consilium sequar, quàm ut tot & tales amici mei unius voluntatem sequantur. And if the King should shrink from him, the Peers and Commons were like to receive him unkindly. His Greatness, though it waned with the Father, it increased with the Son, and was like to flourish ever by this latter Spring; but the more it grew, the worse it was liked. He was the Top-sail of the Nobility, and in Power and Trust of Offices far above all the Nobility. Whither the Lord's maligned this, because they did not share, or whither they conceived it dangerous to the State, their own Hearts knew best. One thing is sure, that many of them did not palliate their Dis-relish, but girded at it upon all Occasions. It was come to pass, that he only turned the Key to all that were let in to the King or Prince: And his multiformous Places compel'd such a swarm of Suitors to hum about him, that the Train, that continually jogged after him, looked like the Stream of a Blazing Star, fatal and ominous. Therefore it was studied by the wisest of those, that were upheld by his Grace, and resorted most unto him, that either his Lordship must hope in a War, and that speedily, and be flush of Money, to be prodigal among the Commanders: Or if he came to be tried in the Furnace of the next Session of Parliament, he had need to make the Refiners to be his Friends.

210. Here steps in Dr. Preston, a good Crow to smell Carion; and brought Conditions with him, to make his Grace malleable upon the great Anvil, and never break. This Politick Man, that he might feel the Pulse of the Court, had prefer'd himself to be Chaplain to the Prince, and wanted not the Intelligence of all dark Mysteries, through the Scotch especially of his Highness's Bedchamber. These gave him countenance more than others, because he prosecuted the Endeavors of their Countrymen Knox. To the Duke he repairs. And be assured he had more Skill, than boisterously to propound to him the Extirpation of the Bishops, remembering what King James had said in the Conference at Hampton-Court, Anno 1. No Bishop, No King. Therefore he began to dig further off, and to heave at the Dissolution of Cathedral Churches, with their Deans and Chapters, the Seminary from whence the ablest Scholars were removed to Bishoprics. At his Audience with the Duke he told him, He was sorry his Grace's Actions were not so well interpreted abroad, as Godly Men thought they deserved. That such Murmurings, as were but Vapours in common Talk, might prove to be Tempests when a Parliament met. That his safest way was to Anchor himself upon the Love of the People. And let him persuade himself, he should not sail to be Master of that Atchievement, if he would profess himself, not among those that are Protestants at large, and never look inward to the Center of Religion, but become a warm and zealous Christian, that would employ his best help strenuously to lop off from this half-reformed Church, the superfluous Branches of Romish Superstition, that much disfigured it. Then he named the Choir-Service of Cathedral and Collegiate Churches, with the Appennages, which were maintained with vast Wealth, and Lands of excessive Commodity, to feed fat, lazy, and unprofitable Drones. And yet all that Chanting and Pomp hindered the Heavenly Power, and Simplicity of Prayer: And furthered not the Preaching of the Gospel. And now, says he, let your Grace observe all the ensuing Emoluments, if you will lean to this Counsel, God's Glory shall be better set forth, (that's ever the Quail-Pipe to bring Worldings into the Snares of Sacrilege:) The Lands of those Chapters escheating to the Crown, by the Dissolution of their Foundations, will pay the King's Debts. Your Grace hath many Alliances of Kindred, all sucking from you, and the Milk of those Breasts will serve them all, and nourish them up to great Growth with the best Seats in the Nation. Lastly, Your Grace shall not only surmount Envy, but turn the Darling of the Commonwealth, and be reverenced by the best Operators in Parliament, as a Father of a Family. And if a Crum stick in the Throat of any considerable Man, that attempts to make a contrary part, it will be easy to wash it down with Manors, Woods, Royalties, Tythes, &c. the large Provent of those Superstitious Plantations.

Thus far the Doctor, and to these Heads, as the Duke in a good Mind revealed it. The most crafty, and clawing Piece of all was, That the Destruction of these Sacred Foundations would make a Booty for a Number of Gentlemen: And as the Greeks say proverbially, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , When a great Oak falls, every Neighbor may scuffle for a Faggot. You may be sure the Duke sent this Doctor away with great Thanks, and bad him watch the best times of leisure, and come to him often, who did not lose the Privilege of that Liberty, but thrust into his Bedchamber at least thrice a Week with a sly Audacity. The Lord Keeper heard of it, and wondered what occasioned their private, and frequent Meetings; Nor could he knock off the Bar of the Secret with his Golden Hammer, till it was revealed to him by some of the nearest about his Majesty. For the Duke had cast forth the Project in a dark imperfect Form before the King; and the King, muffling his true Face that it could not be seen, heard him with a dissembled Patience, because he was pleased to have him nibble upon this Bait, that he might divert the Yonker as long as he could from forcing him to undertake a War, which was a violent Caustick that seared up the Comfort of his Majesty's Heart. All this was conveyed to the Lord Keeper, and being feeble, and scarce upon his Legs again, it wrought upon his sick Spirits with great Anxiety. He was sure his Majesty had no Stomach to devour such an unsanctified Morsel: Yet against that assurance he objected to himself, That the Duke was wont to overturn all Obstacles that stood in his way: And that the Imperial Eagle of Necessity would stoop to any Prey. Then he took Chear again, that he had never Noted in the Lord Duke a Displicency against the Prosperity of the Church: Again, his Comfort was rebated, that Self-Preservation will make a Saint a Libertine, and that Nice Points of Religion are not usually admitted to give Law against it. Howsoever, he resolved to hazard all to crush this Cockatrice in the Egg. Causa jubet superes m • lior sperare secundos. He that stickles for God's Cause sails by the Cape of Good Hope.

211. At the first Onset he had small Encouragement: For he came to Wallingford-House to break with the Duke upon this matter, who was then shut up with Dr. Preston in close Consultation, where the Great Seal, and the Keeper of it, waited two Hours in the Anti-Camera, and was sent Home without the Civility of Admission. Next Day he got Speech with Dr. Preston, by Friends employed to bring him to Westminster: And after much Pro and Con in their Discourse, supposing the want of Preserment had disgusted the Doctor, he offered to him, if he would busy himself no more in contriving the Ruin of the Church, that he would the next Day resign the Deanery of Westminster to him. But the wily Doctor did not believe him: For he came to cheat, and not to be cheated: So they parted unkindly. The Lord Keeper saw now that this Nail was driven in far: Yet he did not despair to pluck it out with his Wit: And thus he went into the Adventure. He obtained an Opportune Conference with the Duke, and in the Defense of the Church he could never be taken unprovided. He prayed his Grace to believe, That no Man wished his Safety more cordially than himself, by whose Hand he was lifted up to that Place of Pre-eminence wherein he sat. Therefore it was his Duty to admonish him timely, that he was building that Safety upon hollow Ground. He had spoken with Preston, who had offered his Grace flitten Milk, out of which he should churn nothing. There were other ways to level Envy, than by offending God: And if he meant to gather Moneys for War, let him Wage it with the Prayers of the Clergy, and not with their Curses. That Generation of male-contents, to whose Love an Evil Counselor wooed him, was ever false and untrusty; not suspected, but known, ever since the Faction was first rock'd in the Cradle, to be tied by no Benefits: Importunate Suitors, and ever craving: And having sped, think their Cause, and their Deservings have paid Thanks sufficient to their Patron. And look what Colours the King our Master hath laid upon them, (and they are in Oil, which will not be got out) in his Instructions to his Prince Henry, where, upon bitter Experience, he tells him, That he was more faithfully served by the Highlanders. Then what a Merchant have you got of this spiteful Minister, who would have you to commit your Stock to their Managing, who would bring you Hatred for Love, and Infamy for Honor? But if your Grace conceive that I am hitherto rather upon the Invective than the Proof, I will step into another Point, and clear it against all Contradiction, That if your Grace appear in distracting the Church-Lands from their holy and rightful use, your Endeavors shall be cried down in Parliament, not to terrify you, that your Adversaries will increase, and batter you with this great Shot, that you attempted to dissolve the Settlement of Church and Laws. You lose yourself, says the Duke, in Generalities: Make it out to me in particular if you can, with all your Cunning, what should lead you to say, That the Motion you pick at should find repulse and baffle in the House of Commons. I know not how you Bishops may struggle, but I am much deluded if a great part of the Knights and Burgesses would not be glad to see this Alteration. The Lord Keeper had a List of their Names in readiness, a Scrowle which he always carried about with him, which he plucked out, and prayed his Grace he might give him a Cypher of the Inclinations, either of the most, or of the Bell-weathers. And having entered a little into that tedious Work, the Duke snatched the Scrowle out of his Hand, and running it over with his Eye, said no more but, I find abundance of Lawyers among them. Yes, Sir, says the Keeper, most of them Men of Learning, and Renown in their Profession. I think by my continual Negotiating with them, I know their Addictions in Religion, whether they stand right, or which way they bend. I will not prejudge the Speaker, and one or two more, God knows their Hearts. But for the rest, I know they will be strong for the supportance of the Cathedral Chapters. Is it so, said his Grace? And what do you think of Sir Edward Coke? Marry, says the Keeper, no Friend to an old Friend. In the 39 of Queen Elizabeth, when he was Attorney-General, he Damm'd a Patent, surreptitiously gotten before his time by those Lime-Hounds employed for Concealments, by which they went far to swallow up the greatest part of the Demeasns of the Bishop of Norwich, revived the Right of those Religious Possessions by his own Industry and Prosecution, and for the most part at his own Charge; and rested not, till for more Security, after the Patent was overthrown, he had confirmed those Lands to the Bishop by an Act of Parliament. Therefore I would we had no worse Strings to our Bow than Sir Edward Coke. But whom doth your Grace name next. Nay, says the Duke, you are come to me, my Lord, in a lucky Hour. I was never further than in an Equipoise about this Project; Now I have done with it. 'It is still-born, and let it be interred without Christian Burial. My Good Lord, says the Lord Keeper, I thank God for it: And I would all the Kingdom knew as well as I do, how soon your good Nature is brought to a right Understanding.

212. Both did well: The one pressed his Doctrine home, the other caught it up quickly like a good Disciple. The best refuge to come out of an Error is undelaying Repentance. And as Curtius speaks for Alexander, Lib. 10. Bona ejus Naturae sunt, vitia temporum: So I am sure the times put the Duke upon these Shifts, and not his own Inclination. If he had not been cleansed from those pernicious Infusions, what a Sin had he drawn upon himself? What Folly? Worse then Ahab 's, that would cut down a poor Neighbors Vineyard to set Pot-Herbs: But this were to root up God's Vineyard to succor a War, that is, to set Thorns and Thistles in the Room. They that care not to be good, will think how to be wife. Yet did they ever think of that, that make away the Inheritance of God's Holy Tribe in an Out-sale? 'It is an unthrifty Sin: And in Twenty Years, or in half the time, the Sacrilegious themselves will find, that the common Purse of the State is the poorer by the Bargain. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , says an Heathen, and to the purpose, Athenae. Lib. 6. Cap. 20. Prudent Men will continue the Oblations of their Forefathers Piety. They were ever readier to supply the public need in the Custody of the Church, than in the Maws of Cormorants. But where was he that taught the Duke so well? Where was he, you will say, in the hour of darkness, when the Thief came in, and the Troop of Robbers spoiled without? Hos. Chap. 7. Vers. 8. When all that had been given to God in a Thousand Years, by them that had the Godliest, and the largest Hearts, melted like Wax before the Fire of Hell. To the Friends of Zion, and to them that lament her waste places, I return thus to them, and to their Question: Everyone that wore a Mitre and a Linnen Ephod before the Lord, was driven out of that place, where Wickedness was Enacted as a Law. He that was Couragious among the the Mighty, did flee away naked in that Day, Amos 2.16. But what if he had been in the Throng? He might as well have commended a Beauty to a Blind Man, or the smell of Nard to him that hath no Nostril, as to have contested with them not to divide the Prey, whose Ears God had not opened.

Virtue is beholding to Good Times to act its part in, as well as Good Times are beholding to Virtue. Our most Laureat Poet Spenser, Lib. 1. Cant. 3. tells of a sturdy Thief Kirkrapine,

To meet with him, and give him his hire, Una had a fierce Servant for her Guard that attended her, a Lyon who tore the Church-robber to pieces. And what is meant by Una 's Lyon? That's not hard to guess at. But rather what's become of Una 's Lyon? The Poet says afterward that Sans-Loy, a Paynim-Knight had slain him. Belike none is left now to defy Kirkrapine.

213. Also some Care is to be taken against them that are unworthily promoted in the Church. Wherein the Lord Keeper interceded with the Duke to the incurring a mighty Anger, as may be seen by the Letters of Decem. 24. and Jan. 4. Cab. p. 99. If Threatings had been mortal Shot, he had Perisht; for he never had such a Chiding before: but he kept his Ground, because he held the fairer side of the Quarrel. Dr. Meriton the Dean of York, was lately Dead, and much Deplor'd: For he was an Ornament to the Church. My Lord Duke, entreated by great ones, named a Successor, that had no Seasoning or Taste of Matter in him, one Dr. Scot: But a Doctor, Inter Doctors Bullatos, for he never stood in the Commencement to approve himself; beside too many Faults to be ripped up. I have known a Scholar in Cambridge so bad a Rider, that no Man for Love or Price would furnish him with a Horse. I would have thought no Man would have furnished such a Scholar as this with a Deanery, chiefly of York. It came about strangely. Scot was a Prodigal Gamster, and had lost upon the Ticket to a Noble Person far more then he was worth. Which Debt his Creditor knew not how to recover, but by Thrusting him, aided with my Lord Dukes Power, into this Rich Preferment. The Casuists among all the Species of Simony never Dream'd of this, which may be called, Simonia Aleatoria, when a Gamester is Installed into a goodly Dignity, to make him capable to pay the Scores of that which he had lost with a bad Hand: And yet the Man Died in the Kings-Bench, and was not Solvent. The Lord Keeper intending to put of Dr. Scot from this place, besought for the remove of those most worthy Divines, Dr. White, or Dr. Hall, or to Collate it upon Dr. Warner, the most Charitable, and very Prudent Bishop of Rochester. But he was so terrified for giving this good Counsel, that he writes, now he knew his Graces Resolution he would alter his Opinion, and would be careful in giving the least Cause of Jealousy in that kind again. Yet it is a received Maxim, Defuturos eos qui suaderent, si suasisse sit periculum, Curt. l. 3. Certainly with others this might work to his Esteem, but nothing to his Prejudice. And I dare confidently avouch, what I knowingly speak, (that I may use the Words of my industrious Friend, Mr. T. F. in his Church History)

The Case is quickly Unfolded. Dr. Price was Country. Man, Kinsman, and great Acquaintance of the Lord Keepers. By whose procurement he was sent a Commissioner into Ireland two years before, with Mr. Justice Jones, Sir T. Crew, Sir James Perrot, and others, to rectify Grievances in Church and Civil State that were complained. In Executing which Commission he came of with Praise, and with Encouragement from His Majesty, that he should not fail of Recompence for his Well-doing. Much about the time that the Prince returned out of Spain the Bishopric of Asaph soll void; the County of Merioneth, where Dr. Price was Born, being in the Diocese. The Lord Keeper attempted to get that Bishopric for Dr. Price. But the Prince, since the time that by his Patent he was styled Prince of Wales, had Claimed the Bishoprics of that Principality for his own Chaplains: So Dr. Melburn, and Dr. Carlton, were prefer'd to St. David's and Landaff. And Asaph was now Conferr'd upon Dr. Hanmer his Highness's Chaplain, that well deserved it. A little before King James 's Death, Dr. Hampton, Primate of Armach, as stout a Prelate, and as good a Governor as the See had ever enjoyed, Died in a good old Age. Whereupon the Keeper interposed for Dr. Price to Succeed him. But the Eminent Learning of Dr. Usher, (for who could match him all in all in Europe? ) carried it from his Rival. Dr. Price was very Rational, and a Divine among those of the first Note, according to the small skill of my Perceivance: And his Hearers did testify as much, that were present at his Latin Sermon, and his Lectures pro gradu in Oxford. But because he had never Preach'd so much as one Sermon before the King, and had left to do his calling in the Pulpit for many years, it would not be admitted that he should Ascend to the Primacy of Armach, no, nor so much as succeed Dr. Usher in the Bishopric of Meth. To which Objection, his Kinsman, that stickled for his Preferment, could give no good Answer; and drew of with so much ease upon it, that the Reverend Dr. Usher had no cause to Regret at the Lord Keeper for an Adversary; Neither did Dr. Price ever show him Love after that day; and the Church of England, then, or sooner, lost the Doctors Heart.

214. It is certain that all Grants at the Court went with the Current of my Lord Dukes Favor. None had Power to oppose it, nor the King the Will. For he Rul'd all his Majesty's Designs: I may not say his Affections: Yet the L. Keeper declined him sometimes in the Dispatches of his Office, upon great and just Cause. Whereupon the King would say in his pleasant Manners, That he was a stout Man that durst do more than himself. For since his Highness's return out of Spain, if any Offices were procured in State of Reversion, or any Advouzons of Church Dignities, he interposed, and stopped the Patents, as Injurious to the Prince, to whose Donation they ought to belong in just time, and preserved them for him, that all such Rewards might come entire and undefloured to his Patronage. Wherein his Highness maintained his Stiffness; for that foresight did procure, that his own Beneficence should be unprevented. And he carried that Respect to the Dukes Honor, nay to his Safety, (for notice was taken of it) that he would not admit his Messages in the Hearing of Causes, (no not when his chief Servants attended openly in Court to Countenance those Messages) to carry him a-wry, and to oppress the Poorest, and whose Faces he had never seen, with the least wrong. Judicii tenax suit, neque aliis potiùs quàm sibi credidit, as Capitolinus makes it a good Note of Maximus. He would believe his own Judgment, and his own Ears, what they heard out of Depositions, and not the Representation of his best Friends that came from partial Suggestions. Such Demands as are too heavy to ascend, let them fall down in pieces, or they will break him at the last, that gives them his Hand to lift them up. In this only he would not stoop to his Grace; but pleased himself that he did displease him. And being threatened, his best Mitigation was, That perhaps it was not safe for him to deny so great a Lord, yet it was safest for his Lordship to be Denied. It was well returned. For no Arrand was so privily conveyed in that kind, to press an Injury against any Man, but might come about to be Scann'd. Little did a greater Man than the Duke, the Emperor Ludovicus, called the Holy, Dream, That he should be Persecuted so far by his Son Lotharius. and Edo Bishop of Reims, to set under his Hand an Acknowledgment of his Errors in forcing Judges to do unjustly: Yet it was so, as it is in Baron. An. 833. Com. 17.

Of two Evils the less was to be chosen by the Keeper, rather to provoke one Man, then all Men; nay, rather to provoke Man than GOD: That some will be provoked it cannot be avoided. It is best to instance in a whole Nation, to give no Offence. Aristides in one of his Orations Censures the Old Romans, (and the Modern are no better.) They held all that were under them for Slaves, and all that would be Freemen, and not Slaves, for Enemies. The King heard the noise of these Crashes; and was so pleased, that he Thank'd God before many Witnesses, that he had put the Keeper into that Place: For, says he, He that will not wrest Justice for Buckingham 's Sake, whom I know he Loves, will never be corrupted with Money, which he never Lov'd. His Majesty would have a Judge to be such a one as Justinian aimed at, Novel. 17. Vir optimus, & purus, & his contentus quae à fisco dantur: A good Man, that took nothing of the People, but was contented with such Wages as the King gave him. He had found the Man. And because the Lord Keeper had Husbanded that Stock Three years and half, and lived fairly upon it, and was not the Richer by the Sale of one Cursitors Place in all that time, His Majesty Granted him a Suit, by the Name of a New-Years-Gift, after the size of the Liberality of that good Master, which was enough to keep a Bountiful Christmas twice over. The Giver did not repent him, but thought himself repaid, with a Conceit, that this most useful Counselor produced at that Season, about the Children of the Prince Elector. The Spanish Treaties were laid aside, and new Ones from France rose up in their Room; which being Examin'd, it could not appear that they did portend any Comfort to the Recuperation of the Palatinate. His Majesty bewailed that his Grand-Children, then Young and Tender, would be very Chargeable to England when they grew to be Men. It was their Sole Refuge. They might Seek their Fortune in another place, and come home by Spills-Bury. Sir, says the Lord Keeper, Will you be pleased to listen to me, taking in the Prince his Consent, of which I make no doubt, and I will show, how you shall furnish the Second and Third Brothers with Preferments sufficient to maintain them, that shall cost you nothing. Breed them up for Scholars in Academial Discipline; keep them strictly to their Books, with such Tutors as will Teach them, not to abuse themselves with vain Hopes upon the Greatness of their Birth. For it is a Folly to gape after the Fruit hanging upon a high Tree, and not to know how to Climb it. If they fall to their Studies, design them to the Bishoprics of Durham and Winchester, when they become void. If that happen in their Nonnage, which is probable, appoint Commendatories to discharge the Duty for them for a laudable Allowance, but gathering the Fruits for the support of your Grand-Children, till they come to Virility to be Consecrated. George Duke of Anhault, having Ministerial Gifts, was Ordain'd into that Holy Calling at Magdeburg, and yet put to no Shifts; as Melancthon is my Author, and many more. The Priestly Office was esteemed from the beginning fittest for the best Gentlemen; for the First-Born among them that served the Truo God. And the Romans, who served them that were no God's, learned it at Athens from Theseus, (Plut. in vità.) 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 That Citizens of the Noblest Blood should be trained up in knowledge of Sacred Things, and be made the Administrators of Divine Mysteries. And I am at another Benefit, wherein I praise God that I am assured Your Majesty will concur with me, That the Office of a Bishop, imprudently by many M • lign'd, (I might charge them with a worse Crime) will be the more Invi • lable, when the Branches of Your Royal Stock have so great an Interest in it. And such Provision is Needful against Schismatical Attempts, both for Religious Sake, and the Public Weal. For if such great Superstructions should fall, all would come to Ruin that is round about them. I will yet go further: If Your Majesty think a Bishopric, though of the best kind, too little for either of them; you may please to annex to each of them one of your principal Offices of State, as You find them Trusty and Discreet. When he had ended, As I Live, says the King, I will fellow this Direction: I thank you heartily for it; and I attend it, that it will save me more then the worth of a Subsidy. Thus far these Matters were well Chewed: But because they were not followed, when others bore the sway, they never came to a second Conc • ction.

215. The Peaceable Period of King James 's Reign drew on, when the times were active about a Marriage between our Prince, and a Daughter of France, the youngest of Henry the Great's Posterity, (for she was a Posthuma) a Princess eminently adorned with many Rays of Honor, celebrated far and wide for Beauty, Wit, and sweet Disclosures of Behaviour. The Lord Keeper was not used in Counsel about it, till after many sendings to and fro: Yet what fell out at last for his part, to the better Understanding of Conditions of Agreement, is worthy to hang upon the File of Honorable Registry. Viscount Kers • ng ••• . Created of Holland in the pursuance of that Service, was sent into France almost a Twelve-Month before, to discover what Approbation was like to follow, if this Match were offered. The Earl had an Amorous Tongue, and a Wise Head, could Court it Smoothly as any Man with the French Ladies, and made so Fortunate an account into England after Three Months of his Introductions, that he saw no fear of denial in the Suit, nor of Spinosity in the Articles. But because he was 〈◊〉 put in Trust by the Lord Duke, and our King would scarce acknowledge that he had given him Authority for all that he had done, He sent the Earl of Carlisle after him, His Majesty much affying in that Lord's Fidelity, and put them both into the same Commission. They were Peers of the best Luster in our Court, Elegant in their Persons, Habit, and Language; and by their nearness to King 〈◊〉 , apt Scholars to learn the Principles of Wisdom, and the sitter to improve their Instructions to Honor and Safety. While these Things went on, the 〈◊〉 made it is Thought and Study, what to do befitting a Counselor, and 〈…〉 upon the prospect of the hopeful Marriage. When the Eyes of all our 〈◊〉 were set upon the Infanta of Spain, he took into his House, as it is formerly remembered, a Spaniard by Birth, and a Scholar, John Taxeda, by whose Conversation he grew expert in the Spanish Grammar, in the Castilian Pronunciation, and in the Knowledge of those Authors, that in Ten Weeks he could not only understand the most difficult Writers of that Nation, but was able to Entreat with the Ambassadors without an Interpreter. How much will Fruit upon in one Mans Intellectuals before another's, who hath the advantage of so much Sun and Warmth in his Brains. Now, when the Glorious Nuptial Torch was in Election to be lighted from the Neighbor Kingdom of France, he endeavor'd to make himself expert in that quaint and voluble Language; and by parling often with a Servant, whom he had listed into the Check of his House for that purpose, a Frenchman, that was continually at his Elbow, in Three Months he was as ready at it to Read, Write, or Speak, as he that had lain Liegier Three years for it at Paris. And to Evidence that he had a public Soul in everything, where he put his Finger, as he had caused a Translation of our Liturgy out of Latin into Spanish, to be finished by Taxeda, and Printed it at his own Costs; so to go no less in his Preparations for this French Association, he encouraged a most able Divine. Mr. Delaun Minister of the French Church in Norwich, to turn that Excellent Liturgy into his Country Language, which was effected, and the accurate Translator greatly both Commended, and Rewarded. Hereupon how it happened that our Liturgy, now made legible to the French, did clear the Church of England, even to the Conscience of its Enemies, especially from the gross Slanders of Fugitives, that had gone out from us, is a passage that may challenge Publication, with the Attendance of its Circumstances.

216. His Majesty having in the behalf of his Son, begun the wooing part to Madam Henrietta Maria, with due Ceremony of State: The Queen Mother, Moderatrix of this and all other Solemn Negotiations in France at that time, bethought seriously to have this Happiness, and high Honor settled upon her Daughter. And her First prudential forecast was, not to loiter out time with a Spanish Pause, nor to endanger the forfeiture of a Bond of such Royal Love, for want of payment of Courtesie at the due day. Therefore she dispatched Marquess Fiatte, afterward the great Financer, and Monsieur Villoclare, one of the principal Secretaries, Ambassadors extraordinary into England, to remove all Obstructions by their Commission, and wise management of it, and to entwine the Rose and Lily upon one Matrimonial Stem. When they Landed, the King had removed himself from New-Market to Trinity College in Cambridge, where he gave Audience to those Ambassadors, providing to their welcome this Grace more then ordinary, That he received them where his choicest Darlings, the liberal Arts were round about him. Now that the Conferences about this Marriage were gone so far, and seemed, as it were, to be over the last Fire, and sit for Projection, his Majesty would have the Lord Keeper taken into the Cabinet, and to make him known by a Mark of some good Address to the French Gallants, upon the return of the Ambassadors to London, he sent a Message to him, to signify that it was his pleasure, that his Lordship should give an Entertainment to the Ambassadors, and their Train, upon Wednesday following, it being Christmas-Day with them, according to the Gregorian Prae-occupation of ten days before our Account. The King's Will signified, the invitement at a Supper was given and taken. Which was provided in the College of Westminster, in the Room Named Jerusalem Chamber; but for that Night it might have been called Lucullus his Apollo. But the Ante-past was kept in the Abby, as it it went before the Feast, so it was beyond it, being purely an Episcopal Collation. The Ambassadors, with the Nobles and Gentletlemen in their Company, were brought in at the North-Gate of the Abby, which was stuck with Flambeaux everywhere, both within, and without the Choir, that strangers might cast their Eyes upon the slateliness of the Church. At the Door of the Choir the Lord Keeper besought their Lordships to go in, and to take their Seats there for a while, promising in the Word of a Bishop that nothing of ill Rellish should be offered before them; which they accepted; and at their Entrance the Organ was touched by the best Finger of that Age, Mr. Orlando Gibbons. While a Verse was plaid, the Lord Keeper presented the Ambassadors, and the rest of the Noblest Quality of their Nation, with our Liturgy, as it spake to them in their own Language; and in the Delivery of it used those few Words, but pithy, That their Lordships at Leisure might Read in that Book, in what Form of Holiness our Prince Worshipp'd God, wherein he durst say nothing savor'd of any Corruption of Doctrine, much less of Heresy, which he hoped would be so reported to the Lady Princess Henrietta. The Lord Ambassadors, and their Great Train took up all the Stalls, where they continued about half an Hour, while the Choir-men, Vested in their Rich Copes, with their Choristers, sung three several Anthems with most exquisite Voices before them. The most honorable, and the meanest persons of the French Attended all that time uncover'd, with great Reverence, except that Secretary Villoclare alone kept on his Hat. And when all others carried away the Looks of Common Prayer commended to them, he only lest his in the Stall of the Choir where he had sat; which was not brought after him ( Ne Margarita, &c.) as if had forgot it.

217. At the same time among those Persons of Gallantry that came into England, to make up the Splendor of the Embassage, and were present at this Feast d'Amours, as some of themselves called it, there was an Abbot, but a Gentleman that held his Abbacy • lla mode de France, in a lay Capacity. He had received the Gift of our Service Book, and to requite the Doner, having much of a Scholar, and of ingenuous Breeding, he laid aside all other business to read it over. Like a Vowed Person to another Profession he was not hasty to praise it, but suspended his Sentence, till he might come in Place to see the practice of it. It was well thought of by him, that the Trial of the soundness in Religion consists not all together in the Draught of a Book, but in the motion likewise, and Exercise of it. The Abbot made his mind known to the Lord Keeper by Sir George Goring (now Earl of Norwich ) that he would gladly be present in the Abby of Westminster upon our Christmas Day in the morning, to behold and hear how that great Feast was solemnized in our Congregations, which heard very ill beyond the Seas for Profaneness: Whereas the Book for Uniformity of Public Prayer, which he had received, though it was not set off with much Ceremony to quicken Devotition, yet it wanted neither a stamp of Reverence, nor the metal of Godliness; Yet he would be careful in Launching out so far in Curiosity, to give no Scandal to Catholics, whose Jealousy might perhaps suspect him, as if he thought it lawful to use both ours and the Church of Rome 's Communion. Therefore he made suit to be placed, where none could perceive him, and that an Interpreter of the Liturgy might assist him, to turn the Book, and to make right Answers to such Questions, as fell by the way into his Animadversions. None more forward then the Lord Keper to meet the Abbot in this Request. Veritas oculatos testes non refermidat. The Abbot kept his hour to come to Church upon that High Feast, and a Place was well fancied aloft, with a Latice and Curtains to conceal him. Mr. William Beswell, like Philip Riding with the Treasurer of Queen Candace in the same Chariot, sat with him, directing him in the Process of all the Sacred Offices performed, and made clear Explanation to all his scruples The Church Work of that ever Blessed day fell to the Lord Keeper to perform it; but in the place of the Dean of that Collegiate Church. He sung the Service, Preach'd the Sermon, Consecrated the Lord's Table; and being assisted with some of the Prebendaries, distributed the Elements of the Holy Communion to a great multitude, meekly kneeling upon their knees. Four hours and better, were spent that morning before the Congregation was dismissed with the Episcopal Blessing. The Abbot was entreated to be a Guest at the Dinner, provided in the College-Hall, where all the Members of that Incorporation Feasted together, even to the Eleemosynaries, called the Beads-men of the Foundation; no distinction being made, but high and low Eating their Meat with gladness together, upon the occasion of our Savior's Nativity, that it might not be forgotten, that the poor Shepherds were admitted to Worship the Babe in the Manger, as well as the Potentates of the East, who brought Rich Presents to offer up at the shrine of his Cradle. All having had their comfort both in Spiritual and Bodily Repast, the Master of the Feast, and the Abbot, with some few beside, retired into a Gallery. The good Abbot presently showed that he was Bred up in the Franco-Gallican Liberty of Speech, and without further Proem, defies the English that were Roasted in the Abbeys of France for lying Varlets, above all others that ever he met. We have none of their good word, I am sure, says the Keeper; but what is it that doth empassion you for the present against them?

says the Abbot,

218.

(says the Lord Keeper with a Smile,) says the Abbot I protest

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says the Abbot, Do you say this upon certainty, says the Keeper, or call me Poultron, if I feign it, says the other. In good troth says the Keeper, you tell me News. I was ever as Tully writes of himself to Atticus, in Curiositate 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , apt to search narrowly into Foreign Churches; and I did never suspect, that our Brethren, that live with you were deficient in that Duty. For the Churches of the Low-Countries, of Heidelburg, Helvetia, Flassia, Breme, and others, do observe a yearly Day to the Memory of our Savior's Birth. I conceive the like for Geneva. For when Calvin had retired to Basil, some mutation about Holy Feasts was made in Geneva. Upon his Return thither again, Hallerius both in his own and in Musculus his Name, complains that the Celebration of that Memorable Feast was Neglected. Calvin Returns him Answer (the Epistle is extant dat anno 1551. Jan.) Sancte testari possum me inscio, ac ne optante quidem hanc rem • uisse transactam—Ex quo sum revocatus, hoc temperamentum quaesivi, ut Christi Natalis celebraretur vestro more. But will you have the Judgment of Protest out Divines, when they were in a Globe, and Collection together from all Quarters: At the Synod of Dort, convened about six years past, all the Divines, with the Assessors from the States, intermitted their Sessions against the Feast of Christ's Nativity with 〈◊〉 Suffrages, and the Reason is given in plain Words Sessio. 36. Decem. 1 • . Quia to tempore Festum Natalis D. N. Jesu Christi instabat, propter cujus celebrationem, &c. It will be the harder for those of the Religion in France to Answer for this Omission. Yet Judge more Charitably, then to think they do it only out of Crossness to disconform to your Practice. He that runs backward further then he need from his Adversary, plays his Prize like a Coward And I use to say it often, that there ought to be no secret Antipathies in Divinity, or in Churches, for which no Reason can be given. But let every House sweep the Dust from their own Door. We have done our endeavor, God be Praised, in England, to Model a Churchway, which is not afraid to be searched into by the sharpest Critics for Purity, and Antiquity. But as Pacat. said in his Paneg. in another Case, Parum est quando caeperit, terminum non habebit. Yet I am confident it began when Christ taught upon Earth, and I hope it shall last till he comes again. says the Abbot, So with mutual Smiles and Embraces they parted.

219. Paulo Majora. The next was the greater grapple, upon Terms Political and Scholastical, between the Lord Keeper, and Monsieur Villoclare, who is mentioned before. The King was now at White-Hall; and the French Agents plied it to concord Conditions for the Royal Marriage. And who so busy to trouble the Scene, with a new part not concerned in the Plot of the Comedy, as our Nimble-headed Recusants? The Secretary Villoclare was accounted, and not mistaken to be a servant Zealot in his own Religion; which our English had learnt, by resorting daily to Mass in the Ambassadors House. These found Access unto him and sighed out their Grievances before him, that their Priests, who adventured to come to them for their Souls Health, were Executed for Traitors; and themselves were set such Fines for their Conscience, that they were utterly impoverish'd. How happy should that Honorable Person be, that would screen them from the scorching of this Persecution? That his Lordship had Opportunity for his Power, and his Piety could not want will, to enter into a Motion for a relaxation of their Miseries, among such Articles as were to be Granted for the Honor, and Happiness of the approaching Nuptials. The Secretary heard them, and condoled with them; promised his Pains, and to be an earnest Proctor in their Cause, holding it most meritorious, to go or run on such an Errand. And he sell to his work in good earnest, and asked such large concessions for his Clients, (or rather challenged such Grace with horrid Liberty, then Petition'd for it) that the King was observed to begin to be cooler in the Treaty for the Marriage, then he had been. The Lord's that plied it beyond the Seas at the L •• r, had not discouraged the Ambassadors before they set forward; but rather pleased them with hopes of English Courtesies, and condescensions. And I fear they were persuaded into too much confidence; for I have heard it often from the Followers of the Earl of Carlisle, that after Articles had been drawn, and Engross'd, some things were Erazed, some things Interlaced, which never had his Lordships Approbation Our Courtiers at White-Hall, through whose Counsels and Resolves the Grants of Monsieur Villoclare were to pass, though directly they did dot yield to him, yet, his driving was so furious, that they declined to deny him, and shift for themselves that the first Storm of his Passion might not fall upon them. Therefore they told him, they could not assure him he had prevailed, till he had spoke with the Lord Keeper, whose Duty it was to Examine such things, upon his Peril, what were sit, or not sit for the King's Conscience, Honor, and Safety, before the Great Seal were put to. The Keeper heard of all this, and sent to the Duke, as he had wrote to him before, Cab. p. 95.

But he cast it up into this short Sum, that the disappointment of this Vexatious Solicitor, so far engaged, must light upon himself, and the displeasure of all the French, that wished it good speed. He was not to learn, that a Magistrate in his Place must have a strong back to bear the Burthen of Envy. So he Collected his thoughts into rational preparations, and was provided for a Bickering; which began on the Eighth of January, and held long. And it must be warned, that the Report of it which follows extends the length, above that which past between them on that occasion. The Secretary Vill • are after he had parted from the Lord Keeper, and brought his business to a justifiable Maturity, through the direction of some of our best Lawyers, as the way was chalked to to him, had Audience with the King, and Entreated with his Majesty upon Terms of greater moderation, then formerly he had done; which he confessed was brought about from a Conference with the Lord Keeper. And told his Majesty, Blessed be the Reduction of things to this good pass, said the King. And that Aequanimity might not slip the Knot, his Majesty Commanded the Keeper to draw up the Discourse lately past between the French Embassador and him, and to bring it with him; which he finished carefully, but with Enlargements in some Places, as he can remember that turned his Books, and assisted the Expedition. In some things more, in some things less was spoken at first, but thus goes the Draught which the King received.

My Lord Embassador Villoclare gave me a Breviate of the Instrument of Grace, which he agitated to pass in the Behalf of the Romish Recusants. When he supposed I had read it almost to the End, he spake thus to the Matter,

Our Laws, said I, against 〈◊〉 whose Clientele you undertake, have been disputed both by Church-men and States. 〈◊〉 , the Books are well known: And by Debate of Arguments, we have justified the Wisdom and Moderation of our Parliament, to all that can correct prejudice by Reason. What Law is rigid which impendent Danger extorts for the Safety of the People? The Storms looked black over our Heads in those times, when such Statutes past, so offensive to your Lordship, and were enacted not out of Revenge for Wrongs sustained, but out of Forecast against Harms to be prevented; not out of Spleen towards Adversaries, but out of Charity to ourselves. So much, and without Pause or Faultring, I am compelled to say for our Laws, because I am a principal Judge by the Favor of the King my Master, and sworn to the Maintainance of the Law. This Answer, though neither tart nor umbragious, yet it set my Lord Ambassador's Teeth on edge, and he rose up to these high Words at one pitch, That he could not imagine how our Laws could have been sharpened with more Cruelty against the Catholics: For it would look like Mercy to take away their Lives; or rather than to cut them so low with the Sickle of Penal Statutes, that they had scarce Stubble to maintain their Bodies, and their Souls were utterly starved for want of Priests to instruct them; none of them daring to adventure to hold out Breasts of Apostolic Doctrine, to feed them with sincere Milk; but that resolved to be ripped up, and quartered for their Holy Duty. Yet (he goes on) I bewail not so much those Excellent Servants of God executed upon your Gibbets, they are recompensed with the Crown of Martyrdom: But you murder the Souls of the Lay-Catholics; and if you pity them not to the Good of their Salvation, all other pretended Favors light upon them like Mildews, which are not a fruitful, but a fatal Moisture? You know my meaning Sir, you are Learned in Cases of Divinity, and need not to be told that the Use and Fruition of the Sacraments are the vital Part of Christian Religion in our Catholic Apprehension. Who shall celebrate them? Who shall impart them to this People robbed of Christ? Who shall satiate their Souls with those Comforts, if the Priests, the Dispensers of those Mysteries, be utterly kept from them? You commonly say, you have done well for the Generality of Catholics, that they have Liberty of Conscience. I say your Gift is useless, if you permit them not Teachers that are set over their Conscience. We are more clement to the Churches of Huguenots, and allow them their Ministers. Without that Favor, a Rush for all the rest. Should I send Cloth and Food enough to a Fraternity of Religious Men, What Good shall they reap from that Charity, if none shall be suffered to make them Garments with that Cloth? None permitted to dress the Meat that is sent them? Or let me spread before you your Unmerciful Dealing in this Similitude; you have not made a Law to pull out their Eyes, but you have past a Law that they shall have no Light to see by. My Lord, Why should I make it a Labor to contest with you, to have no such Statutes in Force? Methinks it is enough to prompt you, that such Incongruities, of very bad Fame Abroad, should be supervised and corrected upon so demulcing an Occasion as this Marriage? Thus far my Lord Secretary: To whom I said in this Manner.

221.

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It grieves us, God knows our Hearts, to Execute our Laws upon one ot two in Seven Years for a Terror to others. But Prudence is a safer Virtue then Pity. And it is far better our Adversaries should be obnoxious to our Tribunal, then we to theirs, by the Thraldom of our Nation; which is the drift of those unnatural Emissaries. And if the Venetians, that are under the Obedience of your Church, have banished some of that Stamp, and irrevocably, out of their Territories: Nay, if yourselves in France did sometimes Expel the same Faction, accept it favorably from us, who will never be under that Obedience, if we Banish all.

227.

Sir, says the Embassador, Use me honestly. I am a Stranger, and while I am in England, I will surrender up self to your Directions. Nay, I will possess our Virtuous, and Illustrious Madam, that you are a clear dealing Man, and of good Faith, and most worthy of her Trust, when she comes into a strange Land. And after a very civil Farewell at the present, Monsieur Villoclare made use of those Instructions; For though he Climbed not so High as he looked, yet he Climbed better; for he stood sure, where he could not fall.

228. Which Papers came to the King, with more satisfaction, as he was pleased to say, then he could have expected. Not any Line of Wisdom or Learning could be lost to him, who saw as far, and as soon as any Man, into the Intellectuals of another. For, as the Lord Bacon wrote, his Majesty had a light of Nature, which had such readiness to take Flame, and blaze from the least occasion presented, on the least spark of another's knowledge delivered, as was to be admired. And this was the last present in that kind, that the Lord Keeper sent to the King; who finding some indisposition of Health, retired for fresh Air and quietness to his Manor of Theobalds, Where Jacob gathered up his Feet into the Bed, and yielded up the Ghost, Gen. 49.33. The Lord Keeper on March 22. being Tuesday, received a Letter from the Court, that it was feared his Majesty's Sickness was dangerous to Death; which Fear was the more confirmed, for he, dispatching away in all haste, met with Dr. Harvey in the Road, who told him, That the King used to have a Beneficial Evacuation of Nature, a sweating in his left Arm, as helpful to him as any Fontinel could be; which of late had failed. And that argued, that the former Vigour of Nature was low, and spent. This Symptom of the Kings Weakness I never heard from any else. Yet I believe it upon so learned a Doctors Observation. And this might well cause a Tertian Ague, and a Mortal, when the Spring had Entred so far, able to make a commotion in the Humours of the Body, and not to expel them, with accustomed vaporation. After the L. Keeper had presented himself before his Lord the King, he moved him unto cheerful Discourse, but it would not be: He continued til Midnight at his Bedside, and perceived no Comfort; but was out of all Comfort upon the consultation that the Physicians held together in the Morning. Presently he besought the Prince, that he might acquaint his Father with his Feeble Estate, and like a faithful Chaplain mind him both of his Mortality, and Immortality; which was allowed and committed to him, as the principal Instrument of that Holy and necessary Service. So he went into the Chamber of the King again upon that Commission, and Kneeling at his Palat, told his Majesty,