Church History of Britain
27. See we here the grand difference, betwixt the Popes power in England, before and after the Statute of Praemunire. Before it, his 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 was authentical, and his Bulls received next to Canonical Scripture. Since, that Statute hath broken off their best Seals, wherein they cross the Royal Power; and in all things else, they enter into England mannerly with, good King by your leave Sir, or else they were no better then so much waste Parchment.
28. This doth acquaint us with a perfect Character of King Henry the fourth, who though courteous, was not servial to the Pope. And S r Edward Cook accounteth this his Oxford action (though unwilling to transcribe the Instrument for the tediousness thereof) a noble act of Kingly power in that Age, and so we take our farewell of King Henry the fourth, not observed (as all English Kings before and after him) to have erected and endowed any one entire house of Religion, as first or sole Founder thereof, though a great Benefactor to the Abby of Leicester, and College of Fotheringhay in Northamptonshire; his Picture is not so well known by his Head as his Hood, which he weareth upon it in an antick fashion peculiar to himself.
29. At the Commons Petition to the King in Parliament, that all Irish begging-Priests, called Chaumberdakyns should avoid the Realm before Michaelmas next, they were ordered to depart by the time aforesaid, upon pain of loss of goods and imprisonment during the Kings pleasure.
30. I had almost forgotten, that just a month before the death of King Henry the Fourth, Thomas Arundel, Arch-Bishops of Canterbury expired; famished to death, not for want of food, but a throat to swallow it, such the swelling therein, that he could neither speak nor eat for some days. I may safely report, what others observe, how he, who by his cruel Canons, forbad the food to the soul, and had pronounced sentence of condemnation, on so many innocents, was now both starved, and strick dumb together. Henry Chichely succeeded him in the place, whose mean birth interrupted the Chain of Noble Arch-Bishop, his two predecessors and successors, being Earls sons by their extraction.
31. The Prelates and Abbots especially, began now to have the activesoul of King Henry in suspicion; For working heads are not so willing to follow old ways, as well-pleased to find out new ones. Such a meddling soul, must ne sent out of harms-way: If that the Clergy found not this King some work abroad, he would make them new work at home. Had his humor happend to side with the Lollards, Henry the fifth would have saved King Henry the Eight much pains in demolishing of Monasteries.
32. Hereupon the Clergy cunningly gave vent to his Activity, by divertting it, on a long war upon the French, where his Victories are loundly sounded forth by our State Historians. A war of more credit then profit to England in this Kings Reign, draining the Men and Money thereof. Thus Victorious Bayes bear only barren Berries (no whit good for food, and very little for Physic ) whilst the Peaceable Olive drops down that precious liquor, making the face of man to shine therewith. Besides, what this King Henry gained, his Son as quickly lost in France. Thus though the Providence of Nature hath privileged Islanders by their entire position to secure themselves, yet are they unhappy in long keeping their acquisitions on the Continent.
33. Now began the Tragedy of Sir John Oldcastle, so largely handled in Mr. Fox, that his pains hath given Posterity a Writ of Ease herein. He was a vigorous Knight, whose Martial Activity, wrought him into the affections of Jone D: la Pole Baronesse of Cobham, the Lord whereof he became, (sed quaere, whether an Actual Baron ) by her Marriage.
34. As for the Opinions of this Sir John Oldcastle, they plainly appear in his Belief, which he drew up with his own hand, and presented it first to the King, then to the Archbishop of Canterbury, wherein some things are rather coarsely then falselie spoken. He knew to speak in the Language of the Schools (so were the meetings of the Wicklivists called) but not scholastically; and I believe he was the first that coined, and last that used the distinction of the Church Militant, divided into Priest-hood, Knight-hood, and Commons, which had no great harm therein, as he explained it. As for Persons his charging him with Anabaptistical Tenets, it is pity that the words of a plain meaning man should be put on the Wrack of a Jesuits malice, to extort by deduction what never was intended therein.
35. But a worse accusation is charged on his Memory, that he was not only guilty of Herese but Treason. But by the way, it appeareth that Lolardisme then counted Heresy was made Treason by Statute, and on that account Heresy and Treason, signify no more then Heresy, and then Heresy according to the abusive language of that Age was the best serving of God in those days. But besides this, a very formal Treason is laid to this Lord's account in manner following.
It is laid to his charge, that though not present in the person with his Council, he encouraged an Army of Rebels, no fewer then twenty thousand, which in the dark thickets (expounded in our Age into plain pasture) of S t Giles Fields nigh London, intended to seize on the Kings Person, and his two Brothers, the Dukes of Bedford and Gloucester. Of this numerous Army, thirty six are said to be hanged and burnt, though the Names of three are only known, and S r Roger Acton Knight, the only person of quality named in the design.
36. For mine own part, I must confess myself so lost in the Intricacies of these Relations, that I know not what to assent to. On the one side, I am loath to load the Lord Cobhams memory with causeless crimes, knowing the perfect hatred the Clergy in that Age bear'd unto him, and all that look d towards the reformation in Religion. Besies, that 20000 men should be brought into the field, and no place assigned whence they were to be raised, or where mustered, is clogged with much improbability. The rather because only the three persons, as is aforesaid, are mentioned by name of so vast a number.
37. On the other side, I am much startled with the Evidence that appeareth against him. Indeed I am little moved with what T. Walsingham writes, (whom all later Authors follow, as a flock the Belweather) knowing him a Benedictine Monk of S t Albanes, bowed by interest to partiality; but the Records of the Tower, and Acts of Parliament therein, wherein he was solemnly condemned for a Traitor as well as Heretic, challenge belief. For with what confidence, can any private person, promise credit from Posterity to his own Writings, if such public Monuments, be not by him entertained for authentical: Let M r Fox therefore, be this Lord Cobhams Compurgator, I dare not; and if my hand were put on the Bible, I should take it back again. Yet so, that, as I will not acquit, I will not condemn him, but leave all to the last day of the Revelation of the righteous judgment of God.
38. This is most true, that the Lord Cobham made his escape out of the Tower, wherein he was imprisoned; fled into Wales, here he lived four years, being at last discovered, and taken, by the Lord Powis. Yet so, that it cost some blows and blood to apprehend him, till a Woman at last with a Stool broke the Lord Cobham 's Leggs, whereby being lame he was brought up to London in a Horse-litter.
39. At last he was drawn upon a hurdle to the Gallows, his Death as his Crime being double, hanged and burned, for Traitor and Heretic. Hence some have deduced the Etymology of Tyburne, from Ty and burn, the necks of offending persons being tied thereunto, whose legs and lower parts were consumed in the flame.
40. Stage-Po • t; have themselves been very bold with, and others very merry at, the Memory of S r John Oldcastle, whom they have fancied a boon Companion, a jovial Royster, and yet a Coward to boot, contrary to the credit of all Chronicles, owning him a Martial man of merit. The best is, S r John Falstaffe, hath relieved the Memory of S r John Oldcastle, and of late is substituted Buffoone in his place, but it matters as little what petulant Poets, as what malicious Papists have written against him.
41. Richard Fleming Doctor of Divinity, designed by the Pope Arch-Bishop of York, but (to please King Henry the fifth) contented with the Bishopric of Lincoln, about this time founded a College, named Lincoln-College in Oxford. It fared the worse because he died before it was fully finished, and the best Guardian to an Orphan-foundation comes far short of the Father thereof. Yet was this House happy in two bountiful Benefactors, Thomas Beckington Bishop of Bath and Wells, who (according to the ingenuity of that Age) hath left his Memory in a Beacon with a Tun on the Walls, and Thomas Rotherham Arch-Bishop of York, adding five Fellowships thereunto.
42. Here I wonder what made Nicholas Pont, Fellow of Merton College, and Scholar enough) to be such a back-friend to this College in the infancy thereof, enveying bitterly against it. This is that Pont whose Faith many distrust, for his violent writing against Wycliffe, but whose Charity more may dislike, for his malice to this innocent College, except it was, that he foresaw it would produce in time, worthy Champions of the Truth, Opposers of his erroneous Opinions, as indeed it hath, though I be unable to give a particular Catalogue of them.
43. Indeed I could much desire (were it in my power) to express my service to this foundation, acknowledging myself for a quarter of a year in these troublesome times (though no member of) a dweller in it. I will not complain of the dearness of this University, where seventeen weeks cost me more then seventeen years in Cambridge (even all that I had) but shall pray that the students therein be never hereafter disturbed upon the like occasion.
44. Amongst the modern worthies of this College still surviving, D r Robert Saunderson (late Regius Professor) moveth in the highest Sphere; as no less plain and profitable, then able and profound Casuist (a learning almost lost amongst Protestants) wrapping up sharp thorns in rosie leaves, I mean hard matter in sweet latin and pleasant expressions.
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So that at the present are maintained, one Rector, fourteen Fellows, two Chaplains, four Scholars, which with Servants and other Commoners, lately made up, seventy two.
43. We must not forget John Williams, Bishop of Lincoln, bred in Cambridge, related only to this House as Visitor thereof. Here finding the Chapel, (built by John Forest Dean of Wells in the Reign of King Henry the sixth) old, little, and inconvenient, he erected a far fairer Fabric in the room thereof. He had a good Precedent of a Cambridge man's bounty to this House, even Thomas Rotherham Fellow of Kings College, and Master of Pembroke Hall therein, whom Bishop Williams succeeded, as in the Bishopric of Lincoln, and the Archbishopric of York, so in his Liberality to this Foundation.
44. On the last of August, King Henry the fifth ended his life, in France; one of a strong and active body, neither shrinking in cold, not slothful in heat, going commonly with his head uncovered, the wearing of Armor was no more cumbersome unto him then a Cloak. He never shrunk at a wound, nor turned away his Nose for ill favor; nor closed his eyes for smoke or dust; in Diet none less dainty, or more moderate: his sleep very short, but sound, fortunate in fight, and commendable in all his Actions, verifying the Proverb, that an ill Youth, may make a good Man. The Nunnery of Zion was built and endowed by him; and a College was by him intended in Oxford, had not death prevented him.
45. As for Katherine de Valois, Daughter to Charles the sixth King of France, widow of King Henry, she was afterward married to, and had issue by, Owen ap Tudor a noble we • chman, and her body lies at this day, unburied in a loose Coffin at Westminster, lately showed to such as desire it, and there dependeth a story thereon.
46. There was an old prophesy among the English (observed by foreigners to be the greatest Prophecy-mongers, and whilst the Devil knows their diet, they shall never want a dish to please the Palate) that an English Prince born at Winsor, should be unfortunate in losing what his Father had acquired. Whereupon King Henry forbad Queen Katherine, (big with Child) to be delivered there; who out of the corrupt principle, Nitimur in vetitum, and affecting her Father, before her Husband, was there brought to bed of King Henry the sixth, in whose Reign the fair victories woven by his Fathers valor, were by Cowardice, Carelessness, and Contentions, unraveled to nothing.
47. Report, the greatest (though not the truest) Author avoucheth, that sensible of her faultindisobeying her Husband, it was her own desire and pleasure, that her body should never be buried, If so, it is pity but that a Woman, (especially a Queen) should have her will therein. Whose dust doth preach a Sermon of duty to Feminine, and of Mortality to all Beholders.
48. But this story is told otherwise by other authors, namely, that she was buried near her Husband King Henry the fifth, under a fair Tomb, where she hath a large Epitaph, and continued in her grave some years, until King Henry the Seventh laying the foundation of a new Chapel, caused her Corps to be taken up; but why the said Henry, being her Great Grand-Child, did not order it to be re-interred, is not recorded; if done by casualty and neglect very strange, and stranger if out of design.
49. In the minority of King Henry the sixth, as his Uncle, John Duke of Bedford, managed martial matters beyond the seas; so his other Uncle, Humphery Duke of Gloucester, was chosen his Protector at home, to whom the Parliament then sitting appointed a select number of privy Counselors, wherein, only such as were spiritual persons fall under our observation.
- 1. Henry Chichley Archbishop of Canterbury.
- 2. John Kempe Bishop of London.
- 3. Henry Beauford Bishop of Winchest. lately made Lord Cardinal.
- 4. John Wackaring Bishop of Norwich, privy seal.
- 5. Philip Morgan; Bishop of Worcester.
- 6. Nic. Bubwith Bishop of Bath and Wels, Lord Treasurer.
So strong a party had the Clergy in that Age, in the privy Council, that they could carry all matters at their own pleasure.
50. It was ordered in Parliament, that all Irishmen living in either University, should procure their Testimonials, from the Lord Lievetenant or Justice of Ireland, as also find sureties for their good behavior, during their remaining therein. They were also forbidden to take upon them, the Principality of any Hall or House, in either University, but that they remain under the discipline of others.
51. Hitherto the Corpse of John Wycliffe had quietly slept in his grave, about one and forty years after his death, till his body was reduced to bones, and his bones almost to dust. For though the Earth in the Chancel of Lutterworth in Leicester-shire, where he was interred, hath not so quick a digestion with the Earth of Acheldama, to consume Flesh in twenty four hours, yet such the appetite thereof, and all other English graves, to leave small reversions of a body after so many years.
52. But now such the Spleen of the Council of Constance, as they not only cursed his Memory, as dying an obstinate Heretic, but ordered that his bones (with this charitable caution, if it may be discerned from the bodies of other faithful people) to be taken out of the ground and thrown far off, from any Christian burial.
53. In obedience hereunto Richard Fleming Bishop of Lincoln, Diocesan of Lutterworth, sent his Officers (Vultures with a quick sight scent at a dead Carcase) to ungrave him accordingly. To Lutterworth they come, Sumner, Commissary, Official, Chancellor, Proctors, Doctors, and the Servants (so that the Remnant of the body would not hold out a bone, amongst so many hands) take, what was left, out of the grave, and burnt them to ashes, and cast them into Swift a Neighbouring Brook running hard by. Thus this Brook hath conveyed his ashes into Avon; Avon into Severn; Severn into the narrow Seas; they, into the main Ocean. And thus the Ashes of Wycliffe are the Emblem of his Doctrine, which now, is dispersed all the World over.
54. I know not whether the Vulgar Tradition be worth Remembrance, that the Brook into which Wycliffe his Ashes were poured, never since overflowed the Banks. Were this true (as some deny it) as silly is the inference of Papists attributing this to Divine Providence, expressing itself pleased with such severity on a Heretic, as simple the collection of some Protestants, making it an effect of Wycliffe his sanctity. Such Topical accidents are good for Friend and Foe, as they may be bowed to both; but in effect good to neither, seeing no solid Judgment will build where bare fancy hath laid Foundation.
55. It is of more consequence to observe the differences betwixt Authors, some making the Council of Constance to pass this sentence of condemnation as Master Fox doth, inserting (but by mistake) the History thereof, in the Reign of King Richard the second, which happened many years after. But more truly it is ascribed to the Council of Sienna, except for sureness both of them joined in the same cruel edict.
56. Here I cannot omit what I read in a Popish Manuscript (but very lately printed) about the subject of our present discourse.
57.
58. It is strange that this Popish Priest alone, should light on his Recantation, which, I believe, no other eyes, before or since, did behold. Besides, if, (as he saith) Wycliffe was sufficiently reconciled to the Roman Faith, why was not Rome sufficiently reconciled to him? using such cruelty unto him so many years after his death. Cold encouragement, for any to become Romist's Converts, if (notwithstanding their reconciliation) the bodies must be burnt so many years after their death.
59. But though Wycliffe had no Tomb, he had an Epitaph, such as it was, which a Monk afforded him, and that it was no worse, thank his want, not of malice, but invention, not finding out worse expressions.
The Devils Instrument, Churches Enemy, Peoples confusion, Heretics Idol, Hypocrites Mirror, Schisms Broacher, hatreds sower, lies forger, flatteries sink, who at his death despaired like Cain, and stricken by the horrible Judgments of God, breathed forth his wicked Soul to the dark mansion of the black Devil.
Surely He with whose Name this Epitaph beginneth and endeth, was with the maker clean thorough the contrivance thereof.
59. Henry Beaufort Bishop of Winchester, Cardinal Sancti Eusebij, but commonly called, Cardinal of England, was by consent of Parliament made one of the Kings Council, with this condition, that he should make a Protestation to absent himself from the Council, when any matters were to be treated betwixt the King and Pope, being jealous belike, that his Papal would prevail over his Royal interest. The Cardinal took the Protestation, and promised to perform it.
60. The Clergy complained in Parliament to the King, that their Servants which came with them to Convocations, were often arrested, to their great damage, and they prayed that they might have the same Privilege, which the Peers and Commons of the Kingdom have, which are called to Parliament, which was granted accordingly.
61. Great at this time was the want of Grammar Schools, and the abuse of them that were even in London itself; for they were no better then Monopolize, it being penal for any (to prevent the growth of Wicklivism) to put their Children to private Teachers; hence was it that some hundreds were compelled to go to the same School, where, to use the words of the Records, the Masters waxen rich in money, and learners poor in cunning.
Whereupon this grievance was complained on in Parliament by four eminent Ministers in London, viz.
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M
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- William Lichfield Parson of All-Hallow's the More.
- Gilbert, Parson of St. Andrew's Holbern.
- John Cote, Parson of St. Peter's Cornhill.
- John Neele, Master of the House of St. Thomas Acre's, and Parson of Colchrich.
To these it was granted by the Advice of the Ordinary, or Archbishop of Canterbury to erect five Schools (Neele the last named having a double license for two places) in their respective Parishes, which are fitly called the five vowels of London, which Mute in a manner before, began now to speak and pronounce the Latin Tongue. Know that the house St. Thomas Acres was, where Mercers Chapel standeth at this day.
About this time the Lady Eleanor Cobham, so called from the Lord Cobham her Father, (otherwise Elianour Plantagenet by her Husband) was married unto Humphrey the Kings Uncle Duke of Gloucester. She was it seems a great Savourer and Favourer of Wycliffe his Opinions, and for such Mr. Fox hath ever a Good word in store. Insomuch that he maketh this Lady a Confessor, Sr. Roger Only, (alias Bolignbroke) her Chaplain, a Martyr, assigning in his Calendar, the eleventh and twelfth of February for the days of their commemoration.
But Alanus Copus, (namely Harpsfield under his name) falls foul on Mr. Fox for making Sr. Roger a Martyr, who was a Traitor, and Elianour this Dutchess a Confessor, who by the consent of our Croniclers Robert Fabian, Edward Hall, &c. was condemned (after solemn penance and carrying a Taper barefoot at Paul's Cross) to perpetual banishment, for plotting with Only his Chaplain, (an abominable Necromancer) and three others by witchcraft to destroy the King, so to derive the Crown to her Husband, as the next heir in the Line of Lancaster. But Cope-Harpsfield pincheth the Fox the hardest, for making Margaret Jourdman (the witch of Eye) a Martyr, who was justly burnt for her witchcraft. Other small errors we omit, where of he accuseth him.
In answer hereunto, Mr. Fox makes a threefold return, ingeniously confessing part of the charge, flatly denying part, and fairly excusing the rest. He confesseth, and take it in his own words, that the former Edition of his Acts and Monuments, was HASTILY RASHED up at the present in such shortness of time, (fourteen months, as I remember, too small a term for so great a Task) that it betrayed him to many mistakes, as when he calleth Sir Roger Only a Knight, who was a Priest by his profession. Adding moreover, that had he thought no imperfections had passed his former Edition, he would have taken in hand a second recognition thereof.
He flatly denieth that his Martyr-making of Margaret Jourdman the Witch of Eye,
I here (saith) profess, confess and ascertain, both you (Cope-Harpsfield He meaneth) and all English men both present, and all posterity hereafter to come, that Margaret Jourdman I never spake of, never thought of, never dreamed of, nor did ever hear of, before you named her in your Book yourself. So far it is off that I, either with my will, or against my will, made any Martyr of Her.
He excuseth the aforesaid Dutchess Elianour, alleging ten Conjectures (as he calleth them) in her vindication.
1. Sir Roger Only took it upon his death, that He and the Lady were innocent of those things for which they were condemned.
2. It was usual for the Clergy in that Age, to load those who were of Wycliffe his persuasion (such this Dutchess) with no less false then feule aspersions.
3. Sir Roger Only wrote two Books, (mentioned by Bale) the one of his own innocence, the other Contra Vulgi Superstitiones. It is not therefore probable he should be so silly a Necromancer, who had professedly confuted Popular Superstitions.
4. The Accusation of this Dutches began not until after the Grudges betwixt the Duke her Husband, and the Cardinal of Winchester, about the year 1440.
5. It is not probable if the Dutchess intended such Treason against the Kings life, (as to consume him by burning a wax candle) that she would impart a plot of such privacy to four persons, viz. Sir Roger, Margaret Jourdman, Mr. Thomas Southwell, and John Hume; seeing five, may keep counsel, if four be away.
6. So heinous a treason against the Kings person, if plainly proved, would have been more severely punished, with death no doubt of all privy thereunto. Whereas this Lady escaped with Exile, and John Hume had his life pardoned, which being so foul a fact, would not have been forgiven, if clearly testified against Him.
7. She is accused in our Chronicles, (Harding, Polycronicon, &c.) for working Sorcery and Inchantments AGAINST the Church and the King. Now how can Inchantments be made AGAINST the Church, which is a Collective Body, consisting of a Multitude of Christians? and reader in my weak opinion this Conjecture carrieth some weight with it, Balaam himself can tell us, There is no Sorcery against Jacob, not Southsaying against Israel. If any interpret Against the Church, that is, the Laws and Canons of the Church, the Sence is harsh and unusual. This rendereth it suspicious that her Inchantments against the Church, was only her disliking and distasting the errors and Superstitions thereof.
8. This Witch of Eye (saith Fabian) lived near Winchester, a Presumption (as Mr. Fox conjectureth) that the Cardinal of Winchester had a hand in packing this accusation.
9. Polydore Virgil maketh no mention thereof, otherwise sufficiently quick-sighted in matters of this nature.
10. Why may not this be false, as well as that King Richard the third, his accusing of Jane Shore for bewitching of his withered arm.
These conjectures are not Substantial enough severally to subsist of themselves, yet may they be able to stand in complication (in the whole Sheaf, though not as single Arrows) and conduce not a little towards the clearing of her innocence.
For my own part, it is past my Skill to seour out stains, inlayed in the memory of one diseased more then two hundred years ago. I see her credit stands condemned, by the generality of Writers; and as it is above the power of the present Age, to pardon it, so it is against all pity, cruelty to execute the same, some after-evidences appearing with glimmering light in her vindication. Let her Memory therefore be reprieved till the day of Judgment, when it is possible, that this Lady, bearing here, the indignation of God for her sins, may in due time have her cause pleaded, and judgment executed for her, and her righteousness be brought into light. Sure I am she fared no whit the better, for her surname of Cobbam, odious to the Clergy of that Age on the account of Sir John Oldcasile Lord Cobham, though these two were nothing of kin. The best is she left no issue to be ashamed of her faults, if she were guilty, the best evidences of whose innocence are in the Manuscript Books of J. Leyland, which as yet I have not had the happiness to behold.
At this time William Heiworth sat Bishop of Coventry and Litchfield, being translated thither from being Abbot of St. Albans. Wonder not that he should leave the richest Abbey of England (where he took place of all of his Order) and exchange it for a middle-sized Bishopric. For first, even those who most admire the holiness and perfection of Monasticallife, do grant the Episcopal Function above it in all Spiritual respects. Secondly, in Temporal Considerations the poorest Bishop was better (and might be more beneficial to his Kindred) than the richest Abbot, seeing he by will might bequeath his estate to his Heirs, which no Abbot, (incapable in his own / person of any Propriety) could legally do, whose goods belonged to his Convent in common.
This Bishop Heiworth deserved not ill of his Cathedral Church of Litchfield. Indeed the body of the Church was built by Roger de Clinton Bishop thereof, in the reign of King Henry the first, who increased the number of the Prebends, and surrounded Litchfield with a ditch bestowing, much cost on the invisible Castle, which now is vanished out of sight. Afterwards Walter de Langton his successor in the reign of King Edward the first was a most munificent Benefactor thereunto, laying the foundation of the Chapel of the Virgin Mary, and (though dying before it was finished) bequeathing a sufficient sum of money for the finishing thereof. He also fenced the Close of the Church about with a high wall, and deep ditch, adorning it with two beautiful gates, the fairer on the west, the lesser on the South side thereof. He expended no less then two thousand and pound in beautifying the shrine of Saint Chad his predecessor.
65. But now in the time of the aforesaid William Heyworth, the Cathedral of Litchfield was in the vertical height thereof, being (though not augmented in the essentials) beautified in the Ornamentals thereof. Indeed the West front thereof is a stately Fabric, adorned with exquisite imagery, which I suspect our age is so far from being able to imitate the workmanship, that it understandeth not the History thereof.
66. Surely what Charles the fifth is said to have said of the City of Florence, that it is pity it should be seen save only on Holy-days; as also that it was fit that so fair a City should have a Case and Cover for it to keep it from wind and weather, so in some sort, this Fabric may seem to deserve a shelter to secure it.
67. But alas it is now in a pitiful case indeed, almost beaten down to the ground in our civil dissensions. Now lest the Church should follow the Castle; I mean, quite vanish out of view, I have at the cost of my worthy friend here exemplified the Portraiture thereof: and am glad to hear it to be the design of ingenious persons to preserve ancient Churches in the like nature, (whereof many are done in this, and more expected in the next part of Monasticon) seeing when their substance is gone, their very shadows will be acceptable to posterity.
68. The Commons in Parliament complained to the King, that whereas they had sold great wood of twenty years growth and upwards, to their own great profit, and in aid to the King in his wars and shipping, the Parsons and Vicars impleaded such Merchants as bought this Timber, for the Tithes thereof, whereby their estates were much damnified, the King and the Kingdom disserved.
69. They also complained, that when such Merchants troubled in the Courts Christian addressed themselves for remedy to the Chancery, and moved therein for a Prohibition, which in such cases is to be granted unto them, by virtue of a Statute made in the forty fifth year of King Edward the third, yet such a writ of Prohibition and attachment, was against all law and right denied them. Wherefore they humbly desired the King to ordain by authority of the present Parliament, that such, who shall find themselves grieved, may hereafter have such writs of Prohibition and upon that Attachments as well in the Chancery as in the Kings and Common-Bench at their choice. And that the said Writs of Prohibition and Attachment issuing out of the said Benches, have the said force and effects, as the Original writs of Prohibition and Attachment so issuing out of the Chancery of our Lord the King.
70. To this it was returned, the King will be advised, the civilest expression of a Denial. However we may observe that for a full hundred years (viz. from the middle of King Edward the third, to and after this time) no one Parliament passed wherein this Grievance was not complained on. So that an Acorn might become an Oak, and good Timber in the term, wherein this molestation for the Tithes of wood, (under the pretence of Silva Cedua) did continue. But it seems it was well Ordered at last, finding future Parliaments not complaining thereof.
71. At this time William Linwood finished his industrious and useful work of his Constitutions. He was bred in Cambridge, first Scholar of Gonvile, then Fellow of Pembroke-Hall. His younger years he spent in the study of the Laws, whereby he gained much wealth, and more reputation. Afterwards (quitting his practice) he betook himself to the Court, and became Keeper of the Privy-Seal unto King Henry the fifth, who employed him on a long and important Embassy into Spain and Portugal.
72. Linwood being no less skillful in Civil than Canon Law, performed the place with such exemplary industry and judgment, that had not the Kings sudden death prevented it, he had been highly advanced in the Commonwealth. Afterwards he reassumed his Officials place of Canterbury, and then at spare hours collected and digested the Constitutions of the fourteen latter Archbishops of Canterbury, from Stephen Langton to Henry Chicheley, unto whom he dedicated the Work, submitting the censure thereof to the Church.
73. A worthy Work, highly esteemed by foreign Lawyers not so particularly Provincial for England, but that they are useful for other Countries, his Comment thereon being a Magazine of the Canon-Law. It was printed at Paris, 1505. (but at the cost and charges of William Bretton, an honest Merchant of London) revised by the care of Wolfgangus Hippolius, and prefaced unto by Jodocus Badius. This Linwood was afterward made Bishop of Saint David's, whose works (though now beheld by some as an Almanac out of date) will be valued by the judicious whilst Learning and Civility have a being.
CENT. XV.
TO M r THOMAS RICH, [Late] of LONDON, Esquire.
Great is the praise S. Paul gives to Gaius, styling him his host, and of the whole Church. Surely the Church then was very little, or Gaius his house very large. Now Hosts commonly are Corpulent persons, but Gaius not so, it being more then suspicious that he was afflicted with a faint body, as may be collected from the words of S. John, I wish that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
You are Sir the Entertainer-general of good men; many a poor Minister will never be wholly Sequestred, whilst you are living, whose Charity is like to the wind which cannot be seen, but may be felt: And God hath dealt with you more bountifully then with Gaius, blessing you in all dimentions of Soul, Body, and Estate; and my prayers shall never be wanting for the continuance and increase thereof.
1. THis year began the smart and active Council of Basil, to which our Ambassadors were to represent both their Sovereign, and the English Nation; where they were received with honor and respect, the reputation of King Henry his Holiness adding much to their credit; Foraigners there being very inquisitive of them, to be satisfied in the particulars of his devotion, which by them was represented much to their Masters advantage. But it is worth our pains to peruse the Commission they carried with them.
REx omnibus quos &c. salutem. Sciatis quod, cum juxta decreta Constantiensis Concilii, praesens Concilium Basileense actualiter celebretur sub sanctissimo Patre Domino Eugenio Papa quarto. Nos eidem Concilio, nedum ex parte ejusdem Concilii per suos Oratores nobis ex hac causa specialiter destinatos, verum etiam Apostolicis & Imperialibus, ac aliorum quamplurimorum sanctae Matris Ecclesiae Patrum & Principum saecularium literis creberrime instigati, ad Dei laudem, sanctae Matris Ecclesiae prosperitatem optatam & honorem, & praesertim ob fidei Catholicae exaltationem interesse cupientes, variis & diversis causis rationabiliter praepediti, quo minus personaliter eidem interesse poterimus, ut vellemus, venerabiles Patres Robertum Londoniensem, Philippum Lexovieasem, Johannem Roffensem, Johannem Bajocensem, & Bernardum Aquensem Episcopos, ac carissimum consanguineum nostrum Edmundum Comitem Moritonii, dilectos nobis Nicholaum Abbatem Glastoniensem, Willielmum Abbatem Ecclesiae beatae Mariae Eborum, & Willielmum Priorem Norwincensem, nec non dilectos & fideles nostros Henricum Broumflete Militem, Magistrum Thomam Broun utrius{que} Juris Doctorem, Sarum Decanum, Johannem Colluelle Militem, Magistrum Petrum Mauricii Doctorem in Theologia, & Magistrum Nicholaum David Archidiaconum Constantiensem & Licentiatum in utroque Jure, nostros Ambassiatores, Oratores, veros, & indubitatos Procuratores, Actores, Factores, & Nuncios speciales constituimus, facimus & deputamus per praesentes, dantes & eis & ipsorum majori parti potestatem & mandatum tam generale quam speciale nomine nostro & pro nobis in eodem Concilio interessendi, tractandi, communicandi & concludendi tam de hiis quae fidei Orthodoxae fulcimentum, Regumque ac principum pacisicationem concernere poterunt, nec non de & super pace perpetua guerrarúmve abstinentia inter Nos & Carolum Adversarium nostrum de Francia, ac etiam tractandi, communicandi & appunctuandi, consentiendi insuper, & si opus fuerit dissentiendi hiis, quae juxta deliberationem dicti Concilii inibi statui, ac ordinari contigerit. Promittentes & promittimus bona fide nos ratum, gratum, & firmum perpetuo habiturum totum, & quicquid per dictos Ambassiatores, Oratores, & Procuratores nostros aut majorem partem eorundem, actum, factum, seu gestum fuerit in praemissis, & in singulis praemissorum, & hoc idem cum de & super hiis certiorati fuerimus quantum ad nos & Christianum Principem attinet, executioni debitae curabimus demandare. In cujus rei testimonium has liter as nostras fieri fecimus patentes.
THe King to all whom &c. Greeting. Know that according to the Decrees of [the late] Council of Constance, the present Council of Basil is actually celebrated under the Most Holy Father, Lord Eugenius the fourth Pope. We being often instigated to be present at the same Council, not only on the behalf of the same Council, by their Orators, especially dispatched to us, for that purpose, but also by the Letters Apostolical and Imperial, and the Letters of very many other Fathers of the Holy Mother Church, and of Secular Princes. And we desiring to be present thereat, to the praise of God, prosperity of the Holy Mother Church, and her desired Honor, and chiefly for the exaltation of the Catholic Faith, being on just reason hindered with many and several occasions, cannot (as we would) be personally present thereat. Wherefore by these presents we constitute, make, and depute, the venerable Fathers, Robert Bishop of London, Philip Bishop of Lisieux, John Bishop of Rochester, John Bishop of Baieux, & Bernard Bishop of Aix, and our most dear Cousin Edmund Earl of Morton, our beloved Nicolas Abbot of Glasto, William Abbot of S t Mary's in York, and William Prior of Norwich, and our beloved and trusty Henry Broumflete, Knight, M r Thomas Broun Doctor of Laws Dean of Sarum, John Colluelle, Knight, M r Peter Fitz-Maurice D. D. and M r Nicholas David Arch-Deacon of Constance, & Licentiat in both Laws, our Ambassadors, Orators, true and undoubted Proctors, Actors, Factors, and special Messengers; Giving, and we give to them, and the greater part of them, Power and Command, as well general, as special, in our Name, and for Us, to be present in the same Council, to treat, debate, and conclude as well of these things which may concern the support of the Orthodox Faith, the Pacification of Kings and Princes, as also upon either a perpetual Peace, or else a Cessation from War, betwixt Us and Charles of France our Adversary. Impowring them also to treat, commune, and appoint, moreover to consent, and if need be, dissent, in those things which shall happen there to be established and ordained according to the deliberations of the aforesaid Council. Promising, and we do promise, on good faith, that whatsoever shall be acted, done, or managed, in the premisses, and everyone of them by our aforesaid Ambassadors, Orators, and Proctors, or the greater part of them, we shall have and account for ratified, welcome, and firm forever. And when we shall be certified of and upon the same, we shall care to command the due execution, so far as appertaineth to Us, and a Christian Prince. In witness whereof, We have made these our Letters Patent.
Given under our Great Seal, being our witness, in our Palace at Westminster, July 10.
So eminent an Instrument of so great importance must not pass without some of our observations thereupon.
2. The Council of Basil is said to be assembled according to the Decrees of the late Council of Constance, wherein it was constituted, that within so many years a General Council should be called. For seeing the Church was subject to contract Rust in Doctrine and manners, frequency of Councils, was conceived the best way to scour the same. But the Pope lately hath willingly forgotten this Canon, no General Council being called since that of Trent, wherein all the Power and profit of the Pope was secured under the Notion of Articles of the Faith: since which time his Holiness thought it not safe to tamper with a new Council, as which might impair, but could not improve his condition.
3. See we here fourteen Ambassadors sent to Basil, Bishops 5. Earl 1. (not that he was to vote in the Council, but only behold the transactions thereof) Abbots 2. Prior 1. Knights 2. Doctor in Divinity 1. Doctors of Law 2. all Interests being in them represented; When therefore we read in Roger Howden and others, ad generale Concilium Domini Papae, quatuor Episcopy de Anglia tantùm Romam mittendi sunt, only four English Bishops are to be sent to Rome to a general Council of the Pope; understand it, that such a number is sufficient. England needed to send but so many, though, if pleased, might send more, confined by no other command save the Kings free discretion. And seeing Basil was little above the half way to Rome, the journey being shorter, the more messengers were employed.
4. The three French Bishops sent by the King, speak the great Command, which King Henry as yet had in France, especially (if as I take it) by Aquensis, Aix be mentioned, scited in the furthermost parts of Provence, though even now the English power in France was a waning.
5. John, Bishop of Rochester, here mentioned, was John Langdon, intruded by the Pope into that Bishopric, to the apparent prejudice of the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury. For the Bishop of Rochester was accounted Canterburies Chaplain, to whom he owed his Spirituals, and Temporals as his Patron, and founder; though now the Pope, contrary to the Arch-Bishops will and right forced this Langdon into the place. But indeed he was a learned man (dying this year in his Embassy at Basil) and deserved far better preferment then the poor Bishopric of Rochester. But yet as some observe of Tailors, that they make the largest garments, when they have the least clothe allowed them; so the poor Bishopric of Rochester, hath fared better then many richer Sees, seeing Sacrilege would never feed on so bare a pasture.
6. Observe the Method in the Nomination of these Commissioners, wherein no wonder if the Bishops precede so great an Earl; was it not fit that reverend Fathers should be placed before a dear Cousin? besides the employment being of Church concernment, Spiritual persons carried it clear in the race of dignity. More strange it is to find herein a Knight [Henry Broomflete] put before a Doctor of both Laws, and yet John Colevil, another Knight placed after the same Doctor. I confess the contest very ancient about priority betwixt a Knight and a Doctor of Law, ever since the comparison which Tully made betwixt Lucius Murena, a Knight of Rome, and Pub. Sulpitius a Lawyer, either of them standing for the Consulship. Though now in England the precedency of the Knight be indubitable, since preferment is taken from Civil Law, and the professors thereof shut up, as it were, in a narrow corner of their own faculty. But we leave the Critical Decision thereof, to his pen who hath wrote a just Tract of the Glory (in truth of the Vanity) of this world, and exactly stated this particular, with all the circumstances thereof.
7. Whereas the King impowreth those his Commissioners to meddle in the point of his right of the Realm of France, with King Charles his competitor, submitting his Title to be discussed in the Council, it carrieth with it a confidence of his own right, and charitable desire to save the effusion of Christian Blood; But this was not Council, but Camp-work; and we meet not with the mention hereof once touched on in this great Assembly. However, so wary was King Henry (or rather his Council) as not absolutely to tie up his title, to the decision of this Council, but to give his Commissioners a negative voice, in case they see cause to dissent.
8. The general History of the Church reporteth the Acts of this Council, how they deposed Pope Eugenius, and substituted Felix in his room; for which, and other decisions therein, Rome beholds this Council but with bad eyes unto this day. We will only meddle with a difference therein, which concerned our own Nation. The Orators of several Kings began to take their places, according to their birth-rights; dating their age from their Nations first receiving of Christianity. Here arose the controversy of course, about precedency, betwixt the English and Castile Ambassadors: the former alleging Britain's conversion by Joseph of Arimathea; which Alphonsus Garsias de Sancta Maria, Dean of Compostella and Segovia, Doctor of Law, and Ambassador for Castile, with a Speech more tedious then his name and titles, much endeavored to disprove, and his arguments may be reduced to these four heads:
- 1. First, he denied Josephs arrival in Britain, and imposed the proof thereof on the English who affirmed it, challenging them to produce any authentic Record for the same.
- 2. Secondly, he urged probability to the contrary, out of the Golden Legend, or Flores Sanctorum, where it is reported, how Titus, taking Jerusalem, caused a thick wall to be digged thorough, and therein found an aged man, who confessed himself to be Joseph Or Arimathea, there imprisoned by the Jews for burying of Christ; and that ever since he had been fed with-meat from heaven. Hence he inferred, that if Joseph were in durance all this while in the wall, he could not, as the English pretended, come over into Britain to plant the Gospel.
- 3. Thirdly, grant that Joseph, after his enlargement by Titus, preached in Britain, which must needs be after the year of our Lord, seventy and two, Spain long before had received the Gospel by the preaching of James the Apostle.
- 4. Fourthly, Be it granted, that Joseph did preach in England, it was but in a corner thereof, the grand body of Britain remaining pagan many hundred years after.
These arguments he uttered with such an affected gravity, as if he could have made the matter the more by pronouncing the words the longer.
9. The English easily answered these exceptions, proving James to be slaughtered at Jerusalem by Herod, before his pretended preaching in Spain: seeing their own Country-man, and an Arch-Bishop of Toledo confesseth as much. They produced many ancient testimonies for the preaching of Joseph in Britain, the fond fable of his being kept in a wall being beneath confutation, as attested only by a worthless Author, Joannes de Voragine. Their allegation, that Britain was but partially converted, by his preaching, was but impertinent to the present purpose; the point controverted not being of the universality, but the antiquity of first receiving the Christian Faith. Besides, neither James, nor any other Disciple, ever converted a Kingdom totally, and entirely to Christianity. However, nothing was concluded in this controversy, always agitated, never decided.
- 1. In the Council of Pisa, Anno 1409.
- 2. In the Council of Constance, 1417. betwixt the Ambassadors of England and France.
- 3. In the Council of Sienes, before Martin the fifth, Pope: wherein Richard Fleming, Bishop of Lincoln, encountered France, Spain, and Scotland, about precedency.
10. Henry Chichely, Doctor of Law, Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, Founded a College in Oxford, by the Name of All-Souls, for a Warden, and forty Fellows; which number by Statute was never to be augmented, or impaired; and all void places (by death, or otherwise) once in a year to be supplied.
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So that at this present this College hath one Warden, forty Fellows, two Chaplains, three Clerks, six Choristers, besides Officers and Servants of the Foundation, with other Students, the whole number being seventy. The Fellows of this College are bound by their Statutes to be been nati, spendide vestiti, & mediocriter docti in plano cantu.
Know Reader, I was promised by my respected friend, D r Jeremy Taylor, (late Fellow of this house) well known to the world by his worth, a Catalogue of the Eminent Scholars thereof; but it seems the Press, (like Time and Tide) staying for no man, I have not been so happy seasonably to receive it.
11. Six years did this Arch-Bishop survive the first Founding of this College. He was a worthy man in his generation, had not his vassalage to the Pope (the epidemical disease of those days) engaged him in cruelty against the poor professors of the truth. Most of the Synods, called by him toward the latter end of his life, effected only the advance of money, the Clergy being very desirous to buy off the penalty of a Praemunire (so pernicious to their proceedings) but could not completely compass the same. I have nothing else to observe of Arch-Bishop Chichely, save the common tradition, how King Henry the sixth, acted herein by some misoclere-Countries (otherwise in himself friend enough to Church-men) sent this Arch-Bishop, for a New-years-gift, a shred-pie indeed, as containing pieces of clothe and stuff, of several sorts and colors, in jeer, because his father was a Taylor at Higham-Ferrars in Northampton-shire. The Arch-Bishop thankfully received the gift, even after he had seen the entrails thereof, and courteously entertained the messenger, requesting him to return to his Grace, If my Lord the King do but as far exceed Henry the fifth (whom God assoil) his Father, as my meanness hath gone beyond my poor father, he will make the most accomplished Monarch that ever was in Christendom. John Stafford, one of noble parentage, succeeded in the place of Chichely deceased.
12. This good precedent of the Arch-Bishops bounty, may be presumed a spur to the speed of the Kings liberality; who soon after Founded Eaton College, incorporate by the name of Praepositi & Collegii Regalis Col. Beatae Mariae de Eaton juxta Winsor. It seemeth these words Beatae Mariae, are so necessary, that being left out in a Lease (wherein all the other Titles of the Foundation were inserted at large) the said Lease was adjudged void for that omission. But know, this verdict passed in Queen Mary's days, when Regina Maria made the mention of Beatae Mariae, so essential thereunto.
13. Indeed it was high time some School should be founded, considering how low Grammar-Learning ran then in the Land, as may appear by the following Verses made for King Henry the Founder; as good no doubt as the generality of that Age did afford, though (scarce deserving Translation) so that the worst scholar in Eaton College that can make a Verse, can make a better.
14. This College consisteth of one Provost, Fellows, a Schoolmaster and Usher, with Kings Scholars; Besides many Oppidanes, maintained there at the cost of their friends; so that were Eaton, as also Winchester -School removed into Germany, they would no longer be accounted Scholae, but Gymnasia, a middle term betwixt a School, and an University. The Provostship of Eaton is accounted one of the Gentilest, and intirest preferments in England, the Provost thereof, being provided for in all particulars, to the very points of his hose (my desire is one tag of them may not be diminished) and as a pleasant Courtier told King Henry the eighth, an hundred pound a year more then enough. How true this is I know not, this I know, if some Courtiers were to stint the enough of Clergy-men, even the most industrious of them should (with Solomon's slothful man) have poverty enough. But take here a Catalogue of the Provosts of Eaton.
- 1. Henry Seilver D. D. Almoner to King Henry the sixth.
- 2. William Wainflet, B. D. afterwards Bishop of Winchester.
- 3. John Clerk, B. D. died Provost, the 7 th Novemb. 1447.
- 4. William Westbury, B. D. chosen Provost, Anno 1448.
- 5. Hen. Bost, B. D. he gave an hundred Marks, and twenty pounds per an. to the College, died the 7 th Feb. 1503.
- 6. Roger Lupton, B. D.
- 7. Robert Aldridge, afterwards Bishop of Carlisle.
- 8. S r Tho. Smith, Doct. of Law, of Queens College in Cambridge, chosen, Anno 1554.
- 9. Henry Colle, D. D. and Law, chosen in the same year, 1554.
- 10. William Bill, D. D. Almoner to Queen Elizabeth, chosen July 5. 1559.
- 11. William Day, B. D. Dean also of Windsor, chosen Jan. 5. 1561. afterwards Bishop of Winchester.
- 12. Sir Henry Savile, Warden of Merton College in Oxford, chosen, 3 June 1596. eminent to all posterity for his magnificent Edition of Saint Chrysostom in Greek.
- 13. Tho. Murrey, Esq Tutor and Secretary to King Charles, whilst Prince.
- 14. S r Henry Wotton, famous for several Embassies, chosen 1625.
- 15. Steward, Doct. of Law, and Dean of S t Paul's.
- 16. Francis Rouse, Esabque;
This Eaton is a nursery to Kings College in Cambridge. All that I will add, is, to wish, that the prime Scholars in this School may annually be chosen to the University, and when chosen, their places may fall accordingly, not by the death of those in Kings College, but their advancement to better preferment in the Church and Common-wealth.
15. If we cast our eyes on the Civil estate, we shall find our Foraign Acquisitions in France, which came to us on foot, running from us on horse-back. Nulla dies sine Civitate, fierce a day escaping wherein the French regained not some City or place of importance; so that the English, who under King Hen. 6. had almost a third of France, besides the City of Paris (another third in its self for Wealth and Populousness;) soon lost all on the Continent, to the poor pittance of Calais, and a little land, or (if you will) some large suburbs round about it.
16. Yet let not the French boast of their Valor, but (under God's providence) thank our sins, and particularly our discords, for their so speedy recoveries. There were many Clefts and Chaps in our Council-board; factions betwixt the great Lord's present thereat, and these differences descended on their Attendants and Retainers; who putting on their Coats wore the Badges, as well of enmities, as of the Arms of their Lord's and Masters: but behold them how coupled in their Antipathies.
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Betwixt the three last there was as it were a battle Royal in this Cockpit, each of them hating and opposing another. In all these contests their ambition was above their covetousness; it being every ones endeavor not so much to raise and advance himself, as ruin and depress his adversary.
17. Two of the aforesaid principal persons left the world this year, and in the same month. First, Humphrey Duke of Gloucester, Son to King Henry the fifth; Uncle and Guardian to King Henry the sixth: A great Housekeeper. Hospitality being so common in that Age, none were commended for the keeping, but condemned for the neglecting thereof: He was much opposed by Queen Margaret (who would have none rule the King her husband, save herself) and accused of a treacherous design; insomuch that at a packed Parliament at Bury, he was condemned of high Treason, and found dead in his bed; not without rank suspicion of cruel practices upon his person.
18. His death is suspended betwixt Legal execution and murder; and his memory pendulous betwixt Malefactor and Martyr. However the latter hath most prevailed in men's belief, and the Good Duke of Gloucester is commonly his character: But it is proper for some Oxford man to write his just Vindication. A Manuel in asserting his memory being but proportionable for him, who gave to their Library so many and precious voluminous Manuscripts. As for those, who chewing their meat with their feet, whilst they walk in the body of S t Paul's, are commonly said to Dine with Duke Humphrey; the saying is as far from truth as they from dinner, even twenty miles off: seeing this Duke was buried in St Albans, to which Church he was a great Benefactor.
19. The same Moneth with the Duke of Gloucester, died Henry Beaufort, Bishop of Winchester, and Cardinal; One of high descent, high spirit, and high preferments; hardly to be equalled by Cardinal Wolsey (otherwise but a pigmy to him in birth) for wealth and magnificence. He lent King Henry the 5 th at once twenty thousand pounds, who pawned his Crown unto him. He built the fair Hospital of St Cross, near Winchester; and although Chancellor of the University of Oxford, was no grand Banefactor thereunto, in proportion to his own wealth (commonly called the Rich Cardinal) or the practices of his predecessors, Wickham, and Wainesleet.
20. The Bishops assembled in Parliament, labored the recalling of the Act of Praemunire, and no wonder if galled horses would willingly cast off their saddles, but belike they found that statute girt too close unto them. The Lord's and Commons stickling stoutly for the continuance thereof. And because this is the last time we shall have occasion to mention this Statute, and therefore must take our farewell thereof; it will not be amiss to insert the ensuing passage, as relating to the present subject, though it happened many years after.
21. One Robert Lalor, Priest, a Native of Ireland, to whom the Pope had given the titulary Bishopric of Kilmore, and made him Vicar-general of the See Apostolic, within the Arch-Bishopric of Dublin, &c. boldly and securely executed his pretended jurisdiction for many years, was indicted at Dublin, in Hillary Terme, Quarto Jacobi, upon this Statute of Praemunire, made two hundred years before, being the sixteenth of Richard the second. His Majesty's learned Council did wisely forbear to proceed against him upon any latter Law (whereof plenty in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth) because Recusants (swarming in that Kingdom) might have their judgments convinced. That long before King Henry the eighth banished the Usurpation of the Pope, The King, Lord's and Commons in England (though for the most part of the Romish Religion) made strict Laws for the maintenance of the Crown against any foreign Invasion. Whereupon after the party indicted had pleaded at large for himself, The Jury departed from the Bar, and returning within half an hour, found the prisoner guilty of the contempts whereof he was indicted; whereupon the Solicitor General moved the Court to proceed to judgment, and S r ' Dominick Sarsfield (one of the Justices of his Majesty's chief Pleas) gave judgment according to the form of the Statute, whereupon the Endictment was framed. Hence it plainly appears, that such Misdemeanours of Papists are punishable at this day, by virtue of those Ancient Statutes, without any relation to such as were enacted since the Reformation.
22. About this time Jack Cade raised his Rebellion, like and unlike to the former commotion of Jack Straw. Like, first because Jacks both, I mean, insolent, impudent, domineering Clowns. Secondly, Both of them were Kentish by their extractions. Thirdly, both of them pressed upon London, and there principally played their pranks. Fourthly, both of them after they had troubled the Land for a short time, were justly slain, and their numerous rabble routed and dispersed. In other remarkables, Cade differed from Jack Straw. First, Straw defied all Nobility and Learning, vowing and endeavoring their ruin and extirpation, whilst Cade pretended himself to be the Lord Mortimer, and next heir to the Crown, and no design against Learning is charged on his account. Lastly, Straws Rebellion is (though most falsely) fathered by Popish writers on Wicliff and his adherents, to have occasioned (at leastwise connived at) his commotion; but I never met yet with any Romanists accusing the Lollards (as they term them) for having any hand in Cades Rebellion.
23. Now began the broils to break out betwixt the two houses of Lancaster and York, so mutually heightened, that scarce a County betwixt York (the place whence generally their Armies started) and London, (the Goal they both aimed to win) but a set Battle hath been sought therein, and if any one Shire lieth fallow in this kind, the next afforded a double crop in that nature, (besides other Counties in the Marches of Wales) as by the ensuing Catalogue will appear.
Besides many other Skirmishes, (corrivals with Battles) so that such who consider the blood lost therein, would admire England had any left. And such as observe how much it had left, would wonder it had any lost, such still the populousness thereof.
But these things the Reader may best inform himself of, out of the State-Historians, and particularly out of that Noble Italian Author (elegantly and expressively translated by the Earl of Monmouth) who hath written a large Volume, to the great credit of our English Nation, of the wars betwixt York and Lancaster. So that I could heartily wish that some English man, in requital of his courtesy, would write the Italian discords betwixt the Guelphes and Guibelines,
24. It was much, that in the midst of so many miseries of Civil Wars, William, sir-named Patin, from his Parents; but Wainefleet from the place of his nativity, now Bishop of Winchester, should Found the fair College, Dedicated to Mary Magdalene, in Oxford, for One President, Fourty Fellows, Thirty Demies, Four Chaplains, Eight Clerks, and Sixteen Choristers, which number can never be increased. But though this Foundation cannot be made broader or longer (admit of more members) yet may it be made deeper, and is capable of Benefactours charity to augment the maintenance of the aforesaid number. This William Wainefleet first Founded Magdalene-Hall hard by (as Scriveners use to try their pens on a small piece of paper, before they begin what they fairly intend to write) and afterwards undertook and finished this far more stately piece of Architecture. For whoso observeth the magnificence of the structure, the numerousness of the Corporation, the largeness of their endowments, and the mutual concinnity of all parts amongst themselves therein, may possibly find out a College which may exceed it in some, but hardly any that will equal it in all accommodations. Where nothing is wanting for health and pleasure, except some will say, that Mary Maudlin weepeth too much,, and the walks sometimes too wet and moist from the depressed situation thereof.
25. Nor hath this House been less fruitful then any with famous persons, and it is observable that there is scarce a Bishopric in England, to which this College hath not afforded one Prelate at the least (doubling her files in some places) as by the ensuing Catalogue will appear.
Give me leave to suspect this Catalogue of Presidents not complete (though set forth by their great Antiquarie) both because D r Higden (avowed President in the List of Benefactors) is therein omitted, as also D r Walt. Haddon, whom we find President hereof in the beginning of Queen Mary. At this day there are therein a President, forty Fellows, thirty Demies, or Scholars, four Chaplains, eight Clerks, sixteen Choristers, one School-master and an Usher, three Readers; of Divinity, Natural and Moral Philosophy, besides divers Officers and Servants of the Foundation, with other Students, being in all two hundred and twenty.
26. King Henry being Conquered in a fatal Battle at Touton in Nottingham -shire, fled with his Queen into Scotland; and to make himself the more welcome, resigned Berwick to the King thereof. Edward, Duke of York, his Adversary, Reigned in his stead by the name of Edward the fourth, who, next to God and his own right, had just cause to thak Richard Nevill, Earl of Warwick for his Crown. This was that Nevill, who for Extraction, Estate, Alliance, Dependents, Wisdom, Valour, Success, and Popularity, was superior to any English Subject since the Conquest. Peoples love he chiefly purchased by his Hospitality, keeping so open an House, that he was most welcome who brought the best stomach with him; the Earl charitably believing, that all who were men of teeth, were men of Arms. Any that looked like a man, might have in his house a full half yard of roast meat; namely, so much as he could strike through and carry away with his Dagger; The Bear was his Crest, and it may be truly said, that when the Bear roared, the Lions of the Forest trembled, the Kings of England themselves being at his disposal.
27. This Kings Reign affordeth very little Church-Story, and therefore M r Fox (whose industry would have found out Church-matter, if above ground) is fein to fill it up with foreign passages, or domestic relations of our civil differences. Indeed now the sound of all bells in the steeples was drowned with the noise of Drums and Trumpets: And yet this good was done by the Civil Wars, it diverted the Prelates from troubling the Lollards; so that this very storm was a shelter to those poor souls, and the heat of these intestine enmities, cooled the persecution against them.
28. Thomas Bourchier, Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, kept a Synod of his Clergy at London, when Geoffery Longbrooke, a member thereof (as Proctor for Peter Courtney, Arch-Deacon of Exeter) was at the suite of Simon Nottingham, arrested by the Bailiffs of the Lord Major, complaint being made hereof to the Convocation, they sent the Prior of Canterbury to the Major and Sheriffs, to restore the aforesaid Geoffery to his liberty, threatening them else with Excommunication; to prevent which the party was released. The Parliament sitting at the same time, bestowed many privileges on the Clergy. As for the other Synods in this Kings Reign, being six, as I account them, little more then granting of Subsidies was propounded and concluded therein.
29. King Henry returned out of Scotland, furnished with sufficient forces from James the third, to recover his Crown, had success befriended him. But King Edward marched against him in person (one means of his being so fortunate in his fights, seeing in peace the master his eye maketh the fat horse, as the Princes in war the valiant horse-rider) totally defeated, took, and imprisoned him in the Tower. Here whilst Church-men observe how tender-eyed the charity, States-men admire how blind the policy of that Age, in keeping King Henry alive. No such sure Prison for a Captive King, as a Grave, whose life (though in restraint) is a fair mark for the full aim of male-contents to practice his enlargement. As here it fell out in King Henry, who either slighted for his simplicity, that he could do not mischief, or reverenced for his sanctity, that he should suffer no ill, was preserved alive, and reserved thereby to be a future trouble to King Edward, who, though valiant to repel, was not wise to foresee dangers, and now conceiving himself secure, was viciously disposed, and given over to too much licenciousness.
30. Richard Nevill, Earl of Warwick, is sent over into France to obtain the Lady Bona (Daughter to the Duke of Savoy) Wife to King Edward. So powerful a spokesman could not but speed, and all things are concluded, save the meeting of the Parties and a Priest to marry them. Mean time King Edward marrieth the Lady Elizabeth Grey, the first English King who since the Conquest wedded his Subject; I might also add, and the first that matched with a Widow, seeing Elinor, Wife to King Henry the second, divorced from Lewis the younger, King of France, was properly neither maid, nor widow. Warwick stormeth hereat, that he had taken so much pains about nothing, highly sensible of the affront, seeing a potent Arm is not to be employed about a sleeveless errand. He resolves revenge, and because he could not make her Queen whom he desired, he would make him King whom he pleased.
31. Take hereof this cursory account: After many bloody battles, King Edward was taken Prisoner at Wolney in Warwick -shire, and committed by the Earl of Warwick, to the custody of his Brother George Nevill, Arch-Bishop of York. Henry is brought out of the Tower, shall I call him the sixth or the seventh, because dead, (though not in Law, in dignity, and once Deposed) he is now restored again to wear the Royal Robes, not so much as his own garments, but as the Livery the Earl of Warwick his liberality. However he acted a very short part of Sovereignty, wherein he revenged not any personal wrongs offered unto him in his restraint. For one who thrust him into the side with a sword, when he was Prisoner in the Tower, was afterwards pardoned by him, when restored to his former dignity.
32. Mean time the Arch-Bishop allowed King Edward liberty to ride abroad and follow his pleasure; now a careless Keeper giveth his Prisoner a warning, and showeth him a way to make his escape. King Edward followeth his hawking so long, that he taketh his own flight at last. Over he gets beyond the Seas to his Brother in law Charles, Duke of Burgundy, by whom he was supplied, to the proportion of a competent subsistence; but not enabled for the recovering of a Crown. However he returned into England, landed in the North, marched to York, desired to be received therein, as into the place whence he received his Title, but in no other notion then a Subject to King Henry, taking the Sacrament on the truth thereof; but having gotten the City as Duke, he kept it as King, contrary to his oath, for which his Children, are conceived to fare no whit the better.
33. Let the State-Historians inform you with what various changes K. Edward made hence into the South, and at last near Barnet, bid battle to, and defeated the Earl of Warwick, slain with his Brother the Marquess Montague on the place. Learn also from them how King Henry was cruelly put to death, and his Son and Queen Margaret soon after overthrown at Tewxbury. For when a Royal Family is once falling, all things conduce to expedite their destruction. Henceforward King Edward (saving the differences of his own, with his Wives Kindred) passed the remnant of his days in much peace, plenty, and pleasure.
34. In most of the Battles we may observe, it was the word general of the weaker side, for London, for London, as the most martial thrift to Conquer a Kingdom in a City. For such whose necessities can allow their Armies but little time to stay, do burn day light in pelting against petty Towns in the out skirts of a Land, especially if all other human hopes be in one desperate push. Hence was it that so many Battles were fought about Barnet and S t Albans (the Cock-pit of War) the lines of all Armies drawn from the circumference of the Land, being the closer together, the nearer they approached London, the Center in Trade and Wealth, though not in exact position thereof.
35. Come we now to a tamer contest, and more proper for our pen, continuing all this Kings time, betwixt the Begging Friers, and Secular Priests; the former not content to cry up the dignity of their own Order, but cast contempt on the rest of the Clergy. But these bold Beggers met with as bold sayers • ay, I mean, these Mendicants found their matches in the Secular Priests, effectually humbling their pride herein. For it was beheld as a most pestiferous doctrine, the Friers so heightening the perfection of begging, that according to their principles all the Priesthood and Prelacy in the Land, yea, by consequence the Pope himself did fall short of the sanctity of their Order. Yet hard was it for them to persuade his Holiness to quit Peters Patrimony, and betake himself to poverty, although a Friar (Thomas Holden by name) did not blush to preach at Paul's Cross, that Christ himself (as first Founder of their Society) was a Beggar, a manifest untruth, and easily confuted out of Scripture.
36. For vast the difference betwixt begging, and taking what the bounty of others doth freely confer, as our Savior did from such who ministered unto him of their substance. We never read him begging anything, save when from the Woman of Samaria, he asked water, a creature so common and needful, that it was against the law of nature to deny it him. Nor is it probable he was a Mendicant, who was rated in the Publicans Tole-Book, and paid Tribute unto Caesar: Not to say that he was so far from begging, that it was his custom (especially about the time of the Passover) to relieve others, and Judas his Purse-bearer was his Almoner to distribute to the poor.
37. Here it will not be amiss to reckon up the principal Champions on both sides, whose pens publicly appeared.
But after Pope Paul the second had interposed herein, concluding, quod Christus publice mendicavit, pro damnata heresy undique declarandam & conculcandam esse, the Mendicants let fall their Bucklers, and the controversy sunk in silence nevermore revived.
38. Never had England at once two Arch-Bishops of so high extraction as at this time, namely, Thomas Bourchier, Son of Henry Earl of Essex; and George Nevill, Brother to the Great Earl of Warwick. The latter is famous for a prodigious Feast, wherein, whoso noteth the number and quality of the Guests, (all the Nobility, most of the prime Clergy, many of the Great Gentry) will wonder where he got meat for so many mouths, whilst such, who number the dishes thereof, will more admire where he got mouths for so much meat. But see the Bill of fare.
- Quarters of Wheat, 300
- Tuns of Ale, 330
- Tuns of Wine, 104
- Pipe of Spiced Wine, 1
- Fat Oxen, 80
- Wilde Bulls, 6
- Weathers, 1004
- Hoggs, 300
- Calves, 300
- Geese, 3000
- Capons, 3000
- Piggs, 300
- Peacocks, 100
- Cranes, 200
- Kids, 200
- Chickens, 2000
- Pigeons, 4000
- Rabbits, 4000
- Bittours, 204
- Ducks, 4000
- Hernsews, 400
- Pheasants, 200
- Partriges, 500
- Woodcocks, 4000
- Plovers, 400
- Curlews, 100
- Quails, 100
- Egrets, 1000
- Rees, 200
- Bucks, Does, Roes, more then 400
- Hot Venison Pasties, 1506
- Cold Venison Pasties, 4000
- Dishes of Gelly parted, 1000
- Dishes of Gelly plain, 4000
- Cold Custards, 4000
- Hot Custards, 2000
- Pikes, 300
- Breams, 300
- Seals, 8
- Porpaises, 4
- Tarts, 400
- Earl of Warwick, Steward.
- Earl of Bedford, Treasurer.
- Lord Hastings, Controler; with many more Noble Officers.
- Servitours, 1000
- Cooks, 62
- Kitchiners, 515.
People present at this Feast needed strong stomachs to devour, and others absent, stronger faith to believe so much meat at one time. Take the proportion by sheep, whereof magnificent Solomon spent but an hundred a day in his sumptuous Court; and here was ten times as many expended at this Feast, as he in a days provision for all his numerous retinue. How long this entertainment lasted is uncertain, but by the Porke, Doves, and Woodcocks eaten therein, it plainly appears kept in Winter, when such are in season; and how the same can be reconciled with so much Summer Fowl as was here used, I little know, and less care to resolve.
39. But seven years after, this Arch-Bishop to entertain King Edward, made another Feast at More-Park in Hertford -shire, inferior to the former for plenty, yet perchance equalling it in price. For the King seized on all his Estate, to the value of twenty thousand prounds, amongst which he found so rich a Mitre, that he made himself a Crown thereof. The Arch-Bishop he sent over prisoner to Calais in France, where Vinctus jacuit in summa inopia, he was kept bound in extreme poverty, justice punishing his former prodigality, his hungry stomach being glad of such reversions (could he get them) which formerly the Voider had taken away at his Riotous Installation.
40. He was afterwards restored till his liberty and Arch-Bishopric, but never to the cheerfulness of his spirit, drooping till the day of his death. It added to his sorrow that the Kingdom of Scotland, with twelve Suffragan Bishops therein, formerly subjected to his See, was now by Pope Sixtus Quintus; freed from any further dependence thereon; S t Andrew's being advanced to an Arch-Bishopric, and that Kingdom in Ecclesiastical matters, made entire within its self: Whose Bishops formerly repaired to York for their Consecration, not without their great danger, especially in times of hostility between the two Kingdoms. In vain did this Nevill plead for some compensation to be given his See in lieu of so great a loss, or at leastwise that some acknowledgment should be made of his former jurisdiction; the Pope powerfully ordering against it. Henceforward no Arch-Bishop of York meddled more with Church matters in Scotland, and happy had it been if no Arch-Bishop of Canterbury had since interested himself therein.
41. About this time John Goose, sole Martyr in this Kings Reign, suffered at Tower-Hill. Let Papists who make themselves sport at the simplicity of his name, remember how their Pope Os porci or Swines face, could change his name into Sergius, which liberty if allowed here, would quickly mar their mirth. This Goose when ready to suffer, desired meat from the Sheriff, which ordered his execution, and had it granted unto him. I will eat (saith he) a good competent dinner, for I shall pass a sharp shower ere I come to supper.
42. King Edward foreseeing his approaching death (who, by intemperance in his diet, in some sort, dig'd his grave with his own teeth) caused his own, and Wives kindred (sadly privy to the grudges betwixt them) to wait on him when he lay very sick on his bed. To these he made a passionate speech, to exhort them to unite, from the profit of peace, and danger of discord: and very emphatically urged it, insomuch, that seemingly they were his converts, and in token thereof shook hands together, whilst their hearts, God knows, were far asunder. This speech I may call King Edward his own Funeral Sermon, preached by himself (and it may pass also for the Funeral Sermon of his two Sons, finding no other obsequies at their burial) though very little was really thereby effected. Thus died King Edward, who, contrary to the ordinary observation, that men the elder the more covetous (as indeed dying-men's hands grasp what is next, and hold it hard) was gripple in the beginning of his Reign, and more bountiful towards the end thereof.
SECT. III.
TO JOHN FERRARS OF TAMWORTH Castle, Esquire.
SIR!
MOdest Beggars in London- streets, commonly choose twilight to prefer their Petitions; that so they may have light enough to discover Him to whom they sue, and darkness enough to cover and conceal themselves.
This may make you the more to admire my boldness, who in a mere mid-night (utterly unknowing you, and unknown to you) request you to accept this Dedication. But know Sir, though I know not your face, I know you are a FERRARS, inclined by your Extraction to a Generous Disposition, as I have found by one of your nearest Relations.
1. MIserable King Edward the fifth ought to have succeeded his Father; but alas! He is ever pictured with a chasma, or distance, betwixt his head, and the Crown; and, by the practice of his Uncle, the Duke of Gloucester, chosen Protector (to protect him from any of his friends to come near him) was quickly made away, being a King in right, though not in possession; as his Uncle Richard was in possession, though not in right. All the passages whereof are so elegantly related by Sir Thomas More, that a man shall get little who comes with a forke, where S r Thomas hath gone with a rake before him, and by his judicious industry collected all remarkables. Only (as proper to our employment) let us take notice of the carriage of the Clergy in these distractions.
2. Although most of the Prelates were guilty of cowardly compliance with King Richard, yet we find none eminently active on his side. Indeed the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury was employed to get Richard Duke of York, from his Queen-Mother in the Sanctuary in Westminster, and very pathetical he was in the persuading her to part with him: haply on a point of conscience, as fearing, if denied, some injury would be offered to the prejudice of the Church, and therefore more willing himself to woo him from her with eloquence, then that others should wrest him thence with violence. Yet he is generally conceived innocent here in, as not as yet suspecting any fraud in the Duke of Gloucester: except any will say, that it was a fault in him, that so great a States-man was no wiser, then to have been deceived by his dissimulation.
3 But of the inferior Clergy, D r Shaw, a popular preacher, made himself infamous to all posterity. His Sermon at S t Paul's Cross had nothing but the text (and that in the Apocrypha) good therein; as consisting of two parts, defaming of the dead, and flattering of the living; making King Edward far worse then he was, and Duke Richard far better then ever he would be. He made King Edward the fourth, and the Duke of Clarence, both to be bastards, and Duke Richard only right begotten, so proclaiming Cicilie his Mother (still surviving) for a whore; all being done by secret instructions from Duke Richard himself, who hereby gave a worse wound to his Mothers credit, then that which at his birth he caused to her body, being (as it is commonly reported) cut out from her. With Shaw we may couple another brawling cur of the same litter, Pynkney the Provincial of the Augustinian Fri • rs, who in the same place used so loud adulation, he lost his credit, conscience, and voice, altogether. These two were all (and they too many) of the Clergy whom I find actively engaging on his party, whilst multitudes of the Lairy sided with him. So that thorough the popularity of the Duke of Buckingham, the Law-learning of Catesby, the City-interest of Shaw, (then Lord Major of London, and brother to the preacher) the rugged rigor of Ratclifse, and the assistance of other instruments in their several spheres, the Queens kindred were killed, the Lord Hastings murdered, King Edward and his Brother imprisoned, and at last Richard Duke of Gloucester elected King of England.
4. His Coronation was performed with more pomp then any of his Predecessors; as if he intended with the glory thereof, so to dazzle vulgar eyes, that they should not be able to see the shame of his usurpation. Indeed some of our English Kings, who by undoubted right succeeded to the Crown, accounted their Coronation but a matter of course (which did not make but manifest them to be Kings) and so less curious in the pompous celebration thereof. But this Usurper apprehended this ceremony more substantial, and therefore was most punctual in the observation of it, causing all the Nobility, who held Lands in grand Sovereignty, to do their service in state: amongst whom Richard Dimock, Esquire, hereditary Champion by tenure, with a safe piece of valor (having so many to back him) cast down his Gauntlet, challenging any that durst oppose the title of King Richard, and (for ought I do know to the contrary) he afterwards made his challenge good in Bosworth field. And, because sure bind, sure find; he is said, and his Queen, to be Crowned again in York with great solemnity.
5. Soon after followed the murder of King Edward, and his Brother Richard Duke of York. It was high time they should set, when another already was risen in the throne. By a bloody bloudless death they were stifled with pillows, and then obscurely buried▪ The uncertainty of their interment gave the advantage to Perkin Warbeck, afterwards to counterfeit Richard Duke of York: so like unto him in age, carriage, stature, feature, favor, that he wanted nothing but success; to make him who did but personate Duke Richard, to pass current for the person of Duke Richard.
6. After this bloody act, King Richard endeavored to render himself popular. First by making good Laws in that sole Parliament kept in his Reign. Benevolence, malevolence, which formerly the subjects unwillingly willing had paid to their Sovereign (power, where it requests, commands; it not being so much thank-worthy to grant, as dangerous to deny it) he retrenched, and reduced to be granted only in Parliament. He regulated Trading, which the Lombards, and other foraigners had much engrossed, to the detriment of the English Nation. Now, although all people carry much of their love and loyalty in their purses, yet all this would not ingratiate this Usurper with them, the dullest nostrils resenting it done, not for love of virtue, but his own security. And, that affects none, which all palpably discover to be affected.
7. Next he endeavored to work himself into their good will, by erecting and endowing of Religious Houses; so to plausiblelize himself, especially among the Clergy. Thus he built one far North, at Middleham, and and a College in the Parish of Alhallows-Barking, hard by the Tower, as if he intended by the vicinity thereof, to expiate those many murders, which he therein had committed. Besides, he for his time dis-Forested Whichwood in Oxford- shire (then far more extended then in our Age) which his brother Edward had made Forest to the great grievance of the Country thereabouts. Yet all would not do, the people being more patient for an injury done by King Edward, then thankful for the favor this Richard bestowed upon them. He is said also to have given to Queens College in Cambridge five hundred marks of yearly rent; though at this time, I believe, the College receives as little benefit by the Grant, as Richard had right to grant it. For, it was not issued out of his own purse, but given out of the lands of his enemy, the unjustly proscribed Earl of Oxford; who being restored by Henry the seventh, made a resumption thereof.
8. Duke Richard was low in stature, crook-backed, with one shoulder higher then the other, having a prominent gobber-tooth, a war-like countenance which well enough became a soldier. Yet a modern d Author, in a Book by him lately set forth, eveneth his shoulders, smootheth his back, planeth his teeth, maketh him in all points a comely, and beautiful person. Nor stoppeth he here, but proceeding from his naturals to his morals, maketh him as virtuous, as handsome (which in some sense may be allowed to be true) concealing most, denying some, defending others of his foulest facts, wherewith in all ages since he standeth charged on record. For mine own part, I confess it no heresy to maintain a paradox in History, nor am I such an enemy to wit, as not to allow it leave harmlesly to disport itself for its own content, and the delight of others. Thus Cardan hath written his Encomium Neronis, and others (best husbandmen who can improve the barrennest ground) have by art endeavored to praise as improbable subjects. But, when men shall do it cordially, in sober sadness, to pervert people's judgments, and therein go against all received Records, I say, singularity is the least fault can be laid to such men's charge. Besides, there are some Birds (Sea-pies by name) who cannot rise except it be by flying against the wind, as some hope to achieve their advancement, by being contrary, and paradoxal in judgment to all before them.
9. Soon after followed the execution of the Duke of Buckingham, King Richard his grand enginere, or, Master of the fabric of his preserment. The occasion thus; The Duke requested-required of King Richard (as confident that his merits were incapable of a denial) the Earldom of Hereford, and the hereditary Constable-ship of England, laying title to them by descent. Well did he ask both together, which would be granted both together. For the Earldom of Hereford was an Abishag, concubine to the former Kings of England, which had long lien in the Crown (whilst in the Lancastrian line) so embraced and interlaced therewith, that it was difficult to dissever them.
And the affecting thereof proved as fatal to Buckingham, as the desiring of the other was to Adonijah, being interpreted in both an ambition of the Kingdom. The Hereditary Constableship was conceived too unlimited a power to be trusted to a Subject, lest he should make more disorder, then he should mend therewith; so that in fine, both in effect were denied unto him.
10. Buckingham storms thereat, Shall a Coronet be denied him, by him, on whom he had conferred a Crown? Yet, what anger soever boiled in his • eart, none ran over in his mouth, pretending very fair in his behavior. But, hard it is to halt before a cripple, and dissemble before King Richard. The Duke withdraws to Brecknock in Wales, with his prisoner Bishop Morton of Eli (committed unto him by the King on some distaste) who tampered with him about the marriage of Henry Earl of Richmond, with the eldest Daughter of King Edward the fourth. The Duke carried himself so open therein, that (surprised by King Richard ) his head was divorced from his body, before this marriage was completed.
II. More cunning was Bishop Morton to get himself over into France, there to contrive the Union of the two Houses of York and Lancaster. If, Blessed be the peace-makers, be pronounced of such as reconcile party and party: how much more must it be true of his memory, the happy instrument to unite those Houses, to the saving of the effusion of so much blood. Some will say, it was a design obvious to every capacity, to make such an union. But, we all know, when a thing is done, then it is easy for any to do it. Besides, it is one thing for men in their brains barely, and notionally to apprehend a project; and another (as our Morton did) to elect proportionable means, and, by the vigorous prosecution thereof, really to effect it.
12. A modern Writer in his voluminous book, which he hath Entituled, The Rebellions, Treasons, Conspiracies, Antimonarchical practices &c. of the English Prelates, to swell his number, chargeth this Bishop Morton with Treason against King Richard the third. But, is it treason for one, in savor of the true heir, to oppose an Usurper in Title, and Tyrant in practice? Surely unbiased judgments behold Morton herein under a better notion. Had this Bishop been active on King Richards side, how would the same Author have proclaimed him for a Traitor against King Henry the seventh? Thus I see an inevitable necessity, that Morton must be a Traitor whatsoever he did; and observe, that no practice will please which cometh from one, whose person, or profession is distasted.
13. But King Richard his cruelties had so tired out Divine patience, that his punishment could be no longer deferred. Henry Earl of Richmond lands with an handful of men at Milford Haven. A landing place politically chosen, near Pembroke, the place of his Nativity, in the heart of his Countrymen, and Kinsmen, the Welsh (his grand-father Owen ap Theodore, alias, Tuthar, having thence his extraction) and far from London, the Magazine of King Richards might. From Milford the Earl marched North-East, through the bowels of Wales; and, both his Army, and fame thereof, crevit eundo, grew by going. Many old Prophesies (the people about Leicester will load a stranger with them) were fulfilled in him, and this amongst the rest may be remembered. It was foretold, that in a great battle, which was to be fought near Leicester, whosoever should shoot the arrow first, should have the victory. This most understood, that the archer in the fight which should first let loose, should gain the day to his side. When behold the Earl of Richmond, bending his march out of Wales, to the middle of England, first passed Arrow, a rivolet in the confines of Worcester and Warwick -shire, and accordingly proved victorious. For into Leicester -shire he came, and in the navel thereof is met by King Richard, and next morning both sides determine to try their fortunes in fight. This night the Earl had sweet and quiet rest, whilst King Richard his guilty conscience was frighted with hideous dreams, and fanciful apparitions, as no wonder if no pillow could give him quiet sleep, who with a pillow had so lately smothered his Lord and Master.
14. The Battle is called the Battle of Bosworth (though fought full three miles from the Town, and nearer other Country Villages) because Bosworth is the next Town of not ethereunto. The Earls Army fell far short of the Kings in number, and Arms; equalled it in courage, exceeded it in cause, and success. Indeed the Kings Army was hollow at the heart, many marching in his main battle, who were much suspected (and therefore purposely placed there to secure them from flying out) and fought as unwilling to overcome. Yet the scales of victory seemed for a long time so equal, that an exact eye could not discern on which side the beam did break. At last the coming in of the Lord Stanley with three thousand fresh men, decided the controversy on the Earls side. King Richard fighting (valiantly, so his friends; desperately, say his foes) fell in the midst of his enemies, and his corps were disgracefully carried to Leicester, without a rag to cover his nakedness; as if no modest usage was due to him when dead, who had been so shameless in his cruelty when alive. The Crown ornamental being found on his head, was removed to the Earls, and he Crowned in the field, and Te Deum was solemnly sung by the whole Army.
15. Soon after King Henry married the Lady Elizabeth, eldest Daughter unto King Edward the fourth, whereby those Roses (which formerly with their prickles had rent each other) were united together. Yea, sixfold was King Henry his title to the Crown. First, Conquest. Secondly, Military election, the Soldiers crying out in the field, King Henry, King Henry. Thirdly, Parliamentary Authority, which settled the Crown on Him, and His Heirs. Fourthly, Papal confirmation, his Holiness, forsooth, concurring with his religious complement. Fifthly, Discent from the House of Lancaster. But, that (all know) was but the back-door to the Crown, and this Henry