A Chronicle of the Kings of England from the Time of the Roman Government, Regnal history 16 (1 of 5)

A Chronicle of the Kings of England from the Time of the Roman Government · Regnal history 16 (1 of 5)

p. 1THE RAIGNE OF Queen Elizabeth.

QUeen Mary dying on Thursday the seventeenth of November, in the Yeer 1558, her sister, the Lady Elizabeth, of the age of five and twenty yeers, the onelyonly surviving childe of King Henry the eighth, by undoubted Right, succeeded Her in the Crown; which happened in a time of Parliament: Nicholas Heath, Arch-bishop of York, and Lord Chancellor, sent to the Knights and Burgesses in the Lower House, to repair immediately to the Lords of the Upper House; to whom he signified, That Queen Mary was that morning dead, and therefore required their Assents to joyn with the Lords in proclayming Queen Elizabeth; which accordingly was done, by the sound of Trumpet, first at Westminster, and after in the City of London. The Queen was then at Ha…field … from whence, on Wednesday the three and twentieth of November, she removed to the Lord North's house in the Charter-house, where she stayed till Monday the eight and twentieth of November, and then rode in her Chariot thorow London to the Tower; where she continued till the fifth of December; and then removed by water to Somerset-House in the Strand; from whence she went to her Pallace at Westminster; and from thence, on the twelfth of Ianuary, to the Tower; and on the fourteenth of Ianuary, to Westminster, to her Coronation… where it is incredible, what Pageants and Shews were made in the City, as she passed: On Sunday the five and twentieth of Ianuary, she was Crowned in the Abbey Church at Westminster, by Doctor Oglethorp, Bishop of Carlile, with all Solemnities and Ceremonies in such case accustomed. At this time, to honour her Coronation, she conferred more Honour, then in all her life after: William Parre, degraded by Queen Mary, she made Marquesse of Northampton; Edward Seymor, whose father had been Attaynted, she made Earl of Hertford; Thomas Howard, second son to Thomas Duke of Norfolk, she made Viscount Bindon; Sir Henry Carie, her Cousin German, she made Baron of Hunsdon; and Sir Oliver St. Iohn, she made Baron of Bletsho.

And now the Queen, though she were her self very wise, yet would not p. 2trust (and it was a great point of wisedome that she would not trust) to her own wisedome; and therefore she chose Counsellors to assist her: In which number she took Nicholas Heath, Arch-bishop of York; William Pawlet, Marquesse of Winchester, L. High Treasurer; Henry Fitz Alan, Earl of Arundell; Francis Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury; Edward Stanley, Earl of Derby; Wil. Herbert, E. of Pembroke; Edw. L. Clinton, L. Admirall; and William L. Howard of Effingham; Sir Thomas Cheyney; Sir William Peter; Sir Richard Sackvyle; and Nicholas Wootton, Dean of Canterbury; all which had been Counsellors to Queen Mary, and were of her Religion: But then to make a counter-poyse of Counsellors of her own Religion, she joyned with them William Parre, Marquesse of Northampton; Francis Russell, Earl of Bedford; Sir Thomas Parry; Sir Edward Rogers; Sir Ambrose Cave; Sir Francis Knolles; and Sir William Cecill, late Secretary to King Edw. the sixth; and a little after, Sir Nicholas Bacon, whom she made Keeper of the Great Seal. And having thus provided for her State at home, she seeks correspondence with Princes abroad: To the Emperour Ferdinand, she sent in Embassage Sir Tho. Chaloner; to the King of Spain in the Low-Countreyes the Lord Cobham; to the Princes of Germany Sir Henry Killigrew; Sir Aemygill W…ad, to the Duke of Holst; and another Ambassadour to the King of Denmark. There were also Ambassadours sent to the Pope, to the State of Venice, and to the French King; with whom at this time there was a Treaty of Peace holden at Cambray, between the Kingdoms of France, England and Spain; where for England was employed, the Earl of Arundell; Thursbey, Bishop of Ely; and Doctor Wootton, Dean of Canterbury; with whom, William, Lord Howard of Effingham was joyned by a new Commission.

As soon as King Philip heard of the death of his wife Queen Mary, pa… ly out of considerations of State, and partly out of affection of love, he solicited Q. Elizabeth by his Ambassadour, the Earl of Feria, to joyni… Marriage with himself; which was no more for two sisters to have successively one husband, then was done before, for two brothers to have successively one wife; and for this he promised to procure a Dispensation from the Pope. To which motion the Queen, though she well knew, That to allow a Dispensation in this case to be sufficient, were to make her own Birth Illegitimate; yet to so great a Prince, and who in her sisters time had done her many favours, she would not return so blunt an Answer; but putting the Ambassadou… off for the present in modest tearms: She conceived there would be no better way to take him off clean from further sute, then by bringing in an Alteration of Religion; which yet she would not do all at once, and upon the sudden (as knowing the great danger of sudden changes) but by little and little, and by degrees: as at first, she permitted onelyonly Epistles and Gospels, the Ten Commandments, the Lords Prayer, and the Creed to be read to the People in the English Tongue; in all other matters they were to follow the Romane Rite and Custome, untill order could be taken for establishing of Religion by Authority of Parliament; and a severe Proclamation was set forth, prohibiting all Points of Controversie to be medled with: by which means, she both put the Protestants in hope, and put not Papists out of hope. Yet privately she committed the correcting of the Book of Common Prayer, set forth in the English Tongue under King Edward the sixth, to the care and diligence of Doctor Parker, Bill, May, Cox, Grindall, Whitehead, and Pilkington, Divines of great Learning; with whom she joyned Sir Thomas Smith, a learned Knight: but the matter carryed so closely, that it was not communicated to any, but …o the Marquesse of Northampton, the Earl of Bedford, and Sir William Cecile. The two and twentieth of March, the use of the Lords Supper in both kindes was by Parliament allowed: The four and twentieth of Iune, the Sacrifice of the Masse was abolished, and the Liturgy in the English Tongue p. 3established, though, as some say, but with the difference of six voyces. In Iuly the Oath of Supremacy was propounded to the Bishops and others: And in August, Images were removed out of Churches, and broken or burnt. By these degrees the Religion was changed; and yet the change, to the wonder of the world, bred no disturbance: which if it had been done at once, and on the sudden, would hardly; at least not without dangerous opposition, have been admitted.

During this time, a Parliament had been summoned to begin at Westminster, upon the fifteenth of Ianuary; and now the Queen, for satisfaction of the people, appointed a Conference to be held, between the Prelates of the Realm; and Protestant Divines now newly returned, who had fled the Realm, in the time of Queen Mary: for the Prelates were chosen Iohn White, Bishop of Winchester; Ralph Bayne, Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield; Thomas Watson, Bishop of Lincolne; Doctor Cole, Dean of Pauls; Doctor Langdell, Arch-deacon of Lewis; Doctor Harpsefield, Arch-deacon f Canterbury; and Doctor Chadsey, Arch-deacon of Middlesex: For the Protestant side were appointed, Doctor Scory, Doctor Cox, Doctor Sands, Doctor Whitehead, Doctor Grindall, Master Horne, Master Guest, Master Elmer, and Master Iuell. The place was prepared in Westminster Church; where, besides the Disputants, were present the Lords of the Queens Councell, with other of the Nobility; as also many of the Lower House of Parliament. The Articles propounded against the Prelates, and their adherents, were these: First, That it is against the Word of God, and the Custome of the ancient Church, to use a Tongue unknown to the people, in common Prayer, and in the Administration of the Sacraments. Secondly, That every Church hath authority to appoint and change Ceremonies, and Ecclesiasticall Rites, so they be to edification: Thirdly, That it cannot be proved by the Word of God, that there is in the Masse a Sacrifice Propitiatory for the living and the dead. For the manner of their Conference, it was agreed it should be performed in writing; and that the Bishops should deliver their Reasons in writing first. The last of March was the first day of their meeting; where, contrary to the Order, the Bishops brought nothing in writing; but said, They would deliver their mindes onelyonly by Speech: This breaking of Order much displeased the Lords, yet they had it granted. Then rose up Doctor Cole, and made a large Declaration concerning the first Poynt: when he had ended, the Lords demanded if any of them had more to say; who answered, No: Then the Protestant Party exhibited a written Book; which was distinctly read by Master Horne. This done, some of the Bishops began to affirm, they had much more to say in the first Article: This again much displeased the Lords; yet this also was granted them, to do at their next meeting on Munday next: but when Munday came, so many other differences arose between them, that the Conference broke off, and nothing was determined. But in the Parliament there was better Agreement; for there it was enacted, That Queen Elizabeth was the lawfull and undoubted Queen of England; notwithstanding a Law made by her Father King Henry the eighth, that excluded both her and her sister Mary from the Crown, seeing, though the Law be not repealed, yet it is a Principle in Law, That the Crown once gained, taketh away all defects. Also in this Parliament, First fruits and Tenths were restored to the Crown; and the Title of Supreme Head of the Church of England was confirmed to the Queen, with so universall consent, that in the Upper House none opposed these Laws, but onelyonly the Earl of Shrewsbury, and Sir Anthony Brown, Viscount Mountague: and in the Lower House, only some few of Papall inclination, murmured, saying, That the Parliament was packt; and that the Duke of Norfolk, the Earl of Arundel, and Sir William Cecill, for their own ends, had cunningly begged voyces, to make up their Party.

p. 4The Supremacie thus confirmed to the Queen, the Oath was soon after tendred to the Bishops and others; of whom, as many as refused to take it, were presently deprived of their livings. And that we may see, how inclining the Kingdom at this time was to receive the Protestant Religion; It is said, that in the whole Realm (wherein are reckoned above Nine thousand Spirituall Promotions) there were no more that refused to take the Oath, but onelyonly fourscore Parsons, fifty Prebendaries, fifteen Masters of Colledges, twelve Archdeacons, twelve Deans, six Abbots, and fourteen Bishops, (indeed all that were at that time, except Anthony Bishop of Landaff… as Nicholas Heath Archbishop of York, Edmund Boner Bishop of London, Cutbert Tunstall Bishop of Durham, Thomas Thursby Bishop of Ely, Gilbert Bourn Bishop of Bath and Wells, Iohn Christopherson Bishop of Chichester, Iohn White Bishop of Winchester, Thomas Watson Bishop of Lincoln, Ralph Bayne Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield, Owen Oglethorp Bishop of Carlile, Iames Turbervile Bishop of Exeter, and David Pool Bishop of Peterborough: And with these Doctor Fecknam Abbot of Westminster: All which were at first committed to prison, but soon after delivered to the custody of private friends, excepting those two sawcie Prelates, Lincoln and Winchester, who threatned to excommunicate the Queen. Three onelyonly, namely, Cutbert Scot Bishop of Chester, Richard Pate Bishop of Worcester, and Thomas Goldwel Bishop of Saint Assaph, changed their Religion of their own accord; as also did certain Noble Personages, namely, Henry Lord Morley, Sir Francis Englefield, and Sir Robert Peckham, (who had been Privie-Councellours to Q. Mary) Sir Thomas Shelley, and Sir Iohn Gage.

In the seas of the Prelates removed, were placed Protestant Bishops, as Matthew Parker was made Archbishop of Canterbury, (who was consecrated by the Imposition of the hands of three that formerly had been Bishops; namely, William Barlow of Bath and Wells, Iohn Scory of Chichester, and Miles Coverdale of Exeter) and being consecrated himself, he afterward consecrated Edmund Grindall Bishop of London, Richard Cox Bishop of Ely, Edwyn Sands Bishop of Worcester, Rowland Merick Bishop of Bangor, Thomas Young Bishop of Saint Davyes, Nicholas Bullingham Bishop of Lincoln, Iohn Iewell Bishop of Salisbury, Richard Davis Bishop of Saint Assaph, Edward Guest Bishop of Rochester, Gilbert Barkeley Bishop of Bath and Wells, Thomas Bentham Bishop of Coventry and Litchfield, William Alley Bishop of Exceter, Iohn Parkhurst Bishop of Norwich, Robert Horn Bishop of Winchester, Richard Cheyney Bishop of Gloucester, Edmund Scambler Bishop of Peterbo…ough, William Barlow Bishop of Chichester, Iohn Scory Bishop of Hereford, Young Archbishop of York, Iames Pilkington Bishop of Durham, Iohn Best Bishop of Carlile, and William Downham Bishop of Chester.

Whilest these things were done in England, the Treaty of peace at Cambray continued still; Wherein King Phillip stood for the restitution of Calice to the English, as firmly as if it had been his own interest; and without it would agree to no peace with France: But when by Messages he understood, that his suit for marriage with Queen Elizabeth was rejected; and that the Protestant Religion was established in the Kingdom, he then left Queen Elizabeth, seeing she would not be his, to her self; and though he became not presently a Foe, yet he became presently lesse then a Friend, and forbore to do any more good offices in that businesse. Queen Elizabeth thus left to her self, agreed with the French King, to conclude her own peace apart; and thereupon, Delegates on both sides were appointed to meet at Cambray: For the Queen of England were, Thursby Bishop of Ely, the Lord Williams, the Lord Howard of Effingham, Chamberlain to the Queen, and Doctor Wootton Dean of Canterbury and York: For the King of France were, Charls Cardinall of Lorrain, the first Peer of France, Annas p. 5Duke of Memorancy, Iames Albon Lord of Saint Andrews, Iohn Morvilliers Bishop of Orleance, and Claude Aubespine Secretary of the Privie Councel. The Commissioners meeting, the chief point in difference, was the restitution of Calice; for which, the English Commissioners… by the Q…eens appointment, offered to remit two Millions of Crowns, that by just accompt were due from France to England; but the Queen was not more desirous to recover Calice, then the French King was to hold it: And thereupon at last, it was concluded, that Calice should remain in possession of the French fo… the term of eight yeers; and those expired, it should be delivered to the English, upon forfeiture of five hundred thousand Crowns… for which, hostages were given: But all this notwithstanding, though the Conditions were sealed and sworn to, and though hostages were assigned to remain in England, till one or other were performed; yet all was frustate, and came to nothing.

About this time, Henry King of France married his daughter Isabell to Phillip King of Spain, and his sister Margaret to Emmanuel Phylibert Duke of Savoy; at the solemnity of which Marriages, he would needs be a Tiltor himself; and thereupon commended the Earl of Montgomery to run against him, who unfortunately breaking his Launce upon the Kings Cuyrasse, a splinter thereof (his Beaver being somewhat open) struck him so deep in the eye, that within few dayes he ended his life: After whose death, Francis his son at the age of sixteen yeers, succeeded him in the Crown, having by the marriage of Queen Mary the Title of Scotland, and upon ground thereof laying claim to the Crown of England also, and giving the Arms of England, as properly belonging to him.

And now begins the game of Faction to be play'd, wherein the whole estate of Queen Elizabeth lyes at stake, a game that will hold playing the most part of her Reign, and if not play'd well, will put her in jeoparey of losing all, seeing all about her are against her, Phillip King of Spain hath a quarrell to her, for being rejected in his suit; the King of France hath a quarrell to her in right of his wife, which is now his right. The Que…n of Scots hath a quarrell to her for detaining her Inheritance: The Pope hath a quarrell to her, for excluding his Authority: The King of Sweden hath a quarrell to her, for slighting his son in the way of marriage: And all these being against her, whom hath she of her side, but onelyonly her own Subjects, Papists yesterday, and to day Protestants, who being scarce setled in their Religion, how should they be setled in their Loyalty? And not being Loyall, where can she finde to cast Anchor for her safety? But it is a true saying, Nullum numen abest si sit prudentia; Wisdom is a s…pply for all defects: And indeed, the Queen being very wise her self, and having a wise Councell about her, she passed all these difficulties, though not without danger, yet with little or no hazard.

It happened (if at least it happened, and were not rather plotted of purpose) that a Reformation of Religion was pretended in Scotland; but was indeed an incroachment upon the Princes Authority; for at the preaching of Iohn Knox, and other headstrong Ministers, not onelyonly Images and Altars were cast down and burnt, the Monasteries of Saint Andrews, of Stone, of Stryveling, and of Lynlithew were overthrown; but it was further put into the heads of the Nobility, that it pertained to them, of their own Authority, to take away Idolatry, and by force reduce th… Prince to the prescript of Laws: Whereupon there was presently a bandying of the Lords of Scotland, against the Queen Dowager, Regent of the Country; and in this case each of them …ought for aid; The Queen Dowager had aid out of France, the Lords of Scotland sent for aid to the Queen of England: But this was matter for consultation; It seemed a bad Example, for a Prince to give aid to the rebellious Subjects of another Prince. On the other side, it p. 6seemed no lesse then impiety, not to give Ayd to the Protestants of the same Religion; but most of all it seemed plain madnesse, to suffer adversaries to be so neer neighbours, and to let the French nestle in Scotland, who pretend Title to England: upon such like considerations, it was resolved to send them Ayd; and thereupon an Army of six thousand Foot, and twelve hundred Horse, was sent under the Command of the Duke of Norfolk, the Lord Grey of Wilton his Lievtenant Generall; Sir Iames a Crofts, Assistant to him; the Lord Scroop, L. Marshall; Sir George Howard, Generall of the men at Arms; Sir Henry Percy, Generall of the Light-horse; Thomas Huggens, Provost Marshall; Thomas Gower, Master of the Ordnance; Master William Pelham, Captain of the Pyoners; and Master Edward Randoll, Serjeant Major, and divers others. These coming into Scotland, joyned with the Scotish Lords, and set down before Leith, where passed many small skirmishes, many Batteries, and sometimes Assaults: to whom, after some time, a new supply came of above two thousand Foot; whereof were Captains, Sir Andrew Corbet, Sir Rowland Stanley, Sir Thomas Hesbith, Sir Arthur Manwaring, Sir Lawrence Smith, and others: yet with this new supply there was little more done then before; many light skirmishes, many Batteries, and sometimes Assaults; so long, till at last the young French King, finding these broyls of Scotland to be too furious for him to appease, he sent to the Queen of England, desiring that Commissioners might be sent, to reconcile these differences: whereupon were dispatched into Scotland, Sir William Cecill, her principall Secretary, with Doctor Wotton, Dean of Canterbury; who concluded a Peace between England and France, upon these Conditions, That neither the King of France, nor the Queen of Scotland, should thenceforth use the Arms or Titles of England or Ireland; And that both the English and the French should depart out of Scotland; And a generall pardon should be enacted by Parliament, for all such as had been actors in those stirs. This Peace was scarce concluded, when Francis the young King of France died, leaving the Crown to his younger brother Charles, who was guided altogether by the Queen-Mother, and molested with the Civill dissentions between the Princes of Guise and Conde; for whose reconcilement, the Queen sent Sir Henry Sidney, Lord President of VVales; and shortly after an Army, under the leading of the Lord Ambrose Dudley, Earl of VVarwick; who arriving at Newhaven, was received into the Town; which having kept eleven months, he was then constrayned, by reason of a Pestilence, to surrender again upon Composition, and so returned.

About this time when the Parliament was upon dissolving; it was agreed upon by the House of Commons, to move the Queen to marry, that she might have Issue to succeed her; to which purpose, Thomas Gargrave, Speaker of the House, with some few other chosen men, had accesse to the Queen who humbly made the motion to her, as a thing which the Kingdom infinitely desired; seeing they could never hope to have a better Prince, then out of her loyns: Whereunto the Queen answered in effect thus; That she was already marryed; namely, To the Kingdom of England: and behold (saith she) the Pledge of the Covenant with my husband; and therewith she held out her finger, and shewed the Ring, wherewith, at the time of her Coronation, she gave her self in Wedlock to the Kingdom: and if (saith she) I keep my self to this husband, and take no other; yet I doubt not but God will send you as good Kings, as if they were born of me; forasmuch as we see by dayly experience, That the Issue of the best Princes do often degenerate: And for my self, it shall be sufficient that a Marble stone declare, That a Queen having Raigned such a time, lived and dyed a Virgin. Indeed before this time, many Matches had been offered her: First, King Philip: and when he was out of hope of matching with her himself, he then dealt with the Emperor Ferdinand his Unkle, to commend his younger p. 7Son Charles, Duke of Austria, to her for a husband. And when this succeeded not, then Iohn, Duke of Finland, second Son to Gustavus King of Sweden, was sent by his father, to solicite for his eldest Brother Erricus … who was honourably received, but the Match rejected. Then Adolphus Duke of Holst, Unkle to Frederick King of Denmark, came into England, upon a great hope of speeding; but the Queen bestowed upon him the Honour of the Garter, and a yeerly Pension, but not her self. Then Iames Earl of Arran, was commended to her by the Protestants of Scotland; but neither the man nor the motion was accepted. Of meaner Fortunes there were some at home that pleased themselves with hope of her Marriage: First, Sir William Pickering, a Gentleman of a good House, and a good Estate; but that which most commended him, was his studiousnesse of good letters, and sweet demeanour. Then Henry, Earl of Arundel, exceeding rich, but now in his declining age. Then Robert Dudley, youngest son of the Duke of Northumberland, of an excellent feature of face, and now in the flower of his age: but these might please themselves with their own conceit; but were not considerable in her apprehension: they might receive from her good Testimonies of her Princely favour; but never Pledges of Nuptiall love.

About this time the Earl of Feria (who had married the daughter of Sir William Dormer) being denyed leave of the Queen for some of his wives friends to live out of England, grew so incensed, that he made means to Pius the fourth, then Pope, to have her excommunicate, as an Heretick and Usurper: but the Pope inclining rather to save then to destroy; and knowing that gentle courses prevail more with generous mindes, then roughnesse and violence; in most loving manner wrote unto her, exhorting her to return to the Unity of the Catholike Church; and as it is said, made her great offers, if she would hearken to his counsell; Particularly, That he would recall the Sentence pronounced against her mothers Marriage; confirm the Book of Common Prayer in English; and permit to her people the use of the Sacrament in both Kindes. But Queen Elizabeth neither terrified with the Earl of Feria's practises, nor allured with the Popes great offers, according to her Motto, Semper Eadem, persisted constant in her resolution, To maintain that Religion, which in her conscience she was perswaded, to be most agreeable to the Word of God, and most consonant to the Primitive Church.

Whilst these grounds of Troubles are sowing in England, France, and Scotland, it is not likely that Ireland will lie fallow; though indeed it be a Countrey that will bring forth Troubles of it self, without sowing: but howsoever, to make the more plentifull Harvest of troubles at this time, Iohn Oneal (whose father King Henry the eighth made Earl of Tyrone) to prevent the punishment of a private Out-rage upon a Brother, broke into open Rebellion against the Prince: and though his attempts were maturely made frustrate by timely opposition; yet this was he that in the beginning of the Queens Raign, sowed the seeds of that trouble in Ireland; which afterward took so deep root, that till the ending of her Raign it could never thorowly be rooted out: though this man a yeer or two after came into England, and casting himself at the Queens feet, acknowledged his fault, and obtained pardon.

The Treaty of Edinburgh should by promise have been confirmed by Francis the French King while he lived: he not having done it, Queen Elizabeth requires his Dowager the Queen of Scots to confirm it: but she solicited often to it by Throgmorton the Queens Ligier in France; made alwayes answer, She could not do it without the counsell of her Nobility in Scotland: whereupon Queen Elizabeth suspecting that this answer was but to hold her in amuzement, while some mischief was practising against p. 8her, sent Sir Thomas Randoll into Scotland, to perswade the Lords there to enter into a League of mutuall amity with her, and other Protestant Princes… and further, by no means to permit their Queen, now a widow, to marry again to any forraign Prince; for which she alleadged many great reasons. In the mean while, the Queen of Scots, purposing to return into Scotland, sent before-hand D'Oysette a French Lord, to intreat Queen Elizabeth, that with her leave, she her self might passe by Sea into Sco…land, and D'Oysette might passe by Land. But Queen Elizabeth openly denyed both the one and the other, unlesse she would confirm the Treaty of Edinburgh; saying, It was no reason she should do the Queen of Scots courtesie, if the Queen of Scots would not do her right. The Queen of Scots much troubled with this answer, expostulates the matter with her Ligier Throgmorton, and much complains of the unkindenesse: but in the mean time providing Shipping, she loosed from Calice; and under covert of a mist, notwithstanding that Ships were laid to intercept her, she arrived safe in Scotland; where she intreated her subjects in so loving a manner, that she gave great contentment to the whole Kingdom; as well to the Protestant Party, as the other: and then sent Letters to Queen Elizabeth, proferring all observance and readinesse to enter League with her; so she might by Authority of Parliament be declared her Successor; which was but her Right. To this Queen Elizabeth answered, That though she would no way derogate from her Right: yet she should be loth to endanger her own security, and as it were to cover her own eyes with a Grave-cloth while she was alive; but fell again to her old Admonition, requiring her to confirm the Treaty of Edinburgh: And now to shew the respect she bore her, when her Unkles the Dukes D'A…male, D' Albeufe, and other Lords of France that had brought her home, returned thorow England, she gave them most bountifull and loving entertainment.

These two Queens indeed were both of great Spirits, and both very wise; but these grew such Jealousies of State between them; (the Queen of Scots doubting lest Queen Elizabeth meant to frustrate her Succession; Queen Elizabeth doubting lest the Queen of Scots meant to prevent her succession) that it kept them more asunder in love, then they were neer in blood, and was cause of many unkinde passages between them: in all which, though the Queen of Scots were a very neer Match to the Queen of England in the abilities of her minde; yet in the favours of Fortune she was much her inferiour.

But now for all the courtesie which Q. Elizabeth shewed to the Queen of Scots Unkles at their returning thorow England, yet new practises were again set on foot against her at Rome; the Duke of Guise especially labouring to have her be Excommunicate; but Pope Pius still averse from such roughnesse, meant now to try the Queen another way; and thereupon sent the Abbot Martinengi … and when he might not be admitted to enter England, then caused the Bishop of Viterbo his Nuntio in France, to deal earnestly with the Queens Ligier Throgmorton, that she (as other Princes had done) would send her Orators to the Councell of Trent, which he before had called. But the Queen nothing tender in this point, made peremptory answer, That a Popish Assembly she did not acknowledge to be a Generall Councell; nor did think the Pope to have any more Right or Power to call it, then any other Bishop. This Answer not only exasperated the Pope, but so alienated also the King of Spain's minde from her, that he was never after so kinde a friend to her as he had been; and none of her Embassadours ever after had any great liking to be employed to him. And now at this time, as the Abbot Martinengi was the last Nuntio that ever was sent from the Pope into England, so Sir Edward Carne, now dying at Rome, was the last Ligie… that was ever sent to the Pope from the Kings of England.

p. 9And now Queen Elizabeth knowing well that she had drawn many ill willers against her State, she endeavoured to strengthen it by all the means she could devise: She caused many great Ordnance of Brasse and Iron to be cast; She repaired Fortifications in the Borders of Scotland; She encreased the number of her Ships, so as England never had such a Navy before; She provided great store of Armour and Weapons out of Germany; she caused Musters to be held, and youth to be trayned in exercises of Artillery; and to please the people (whose love is the greatest strength of all) she gave leave to have Corn and Grayn transported; and called in all base Coyns and Brasse Money.

It was now the Fifth yeer of Queen Elizabeths Raine: when diverse great persons were called in question: Margaret Countesse of Lenox, Neece to to King Henry the eight, by his eldest sister, and her husband the Earle of Lenox, for having had secret conference, by letters with the Queen of Scots, were delivered prisoners to Sir Richard Sackvile, Master of the Rolles, and with him kept a while in custody. Also Arthur Poole and his brother, whose great grand-father, was George Duke of Clarnce, brother to King Edward the fourth: Antony Fortescue, who had married their sister, and other, were arraigned, for conspiring to withdraw themselves to the Duke of Guise in France; and from thence to return with an Army into Wales; to Declare the Queen of Scots, Queen of England; and Arthur Poole Duke of Clearnce; which particulars they confessed at the Barre, and were thereupon condemned to die; but had their lives spared, in regard they were of the Blood Royall. Also the Ladie Katherine Grey, daughter to Henry Grey Duke of Suffolke, by the eldest daughter of Charles Brandon … having formerly been married to the Earle Pembrookes eldest sonne; and from him soone after lawfull divorced, was some yeers after found to be with childe by Edward Seymoure Earl of Hertford: who being at that time in France, was presently sent for; and being examined before the Archbishp of Canterbury: and affirming they were lawfully married; but not being able within a limited time to produce witnesses of their marriage; they were both committed to the Tower: where she was brought to Bed: and after by the Connivence or Corruption of their Keepers, being suffered sometimes to come together: Shee was with childe by him again, which made the Queen more angry then before; so as Sir Edward Warner Lieutenent of the Tower was put out of his place, and the Earle was fined in the star-chamber, five thousand pounds, and kept in prison nine yeers after. Though in pleading of his Case; One Iohn H…les argued; They were lawfull man and wife, by virtue of their owne bare Consent, without any Ecclesicsticall Ceremonie. The Lady a few yeers after, falling through grief into a mortall Sicknesse, humbly desired the Queens Pardon, for having married without her knowledge, and commending her children to her clemency, dyed in the Tower.

At this time (the King being under Age) dissentions amongst the Peeres grew hot in Erance; of which there were two Factions; Both pretending the cause of Religion: of the One the Duke Guise, a Paipst, was Head; of the other the Prince of Conde a Protestant: but while Delirant Reges Plectunter Achiui: while these Princes are at variance, the people suffer for it: and chiefly, as being under the weaker protection, the Protestant Party: where upon Queene Elizabeth, having well learned the Lesson: Tum tua res agitur, partis cum proximus ardet… and fearing least the flaim of their dissention, might kindle a fire within her owne Kingdome; sent over Sir Henry Sidney Lord Presiden of Wales into France, to endeavour by all possible means their reconcilement, which when hee could not effect, p. 10(and perhaps it was never meant he should effect it, but onelyonly to see what invitations would be made to the Queen for her assistance) she thereupon, at the moan of the afflicted Protestants, sent over an Army of six thousand Souldiers, under the Conduct of the Earl of Warwick, in assistance of the Prince of Conde, and other Protestant Lords, who delivered to him the Town of Newhaven, to hold in the King of France his name, untill such time as Calice were restored: But the Prince of Conde marching to joyn with the English Forces, was by the Duke of Guise interrupted and taken prisoner… which had been a great disappointment to the English, but that the Duke of Colin joyned with him, besieged Caen in Normandy, and took it; toge…her with Bayeux, Faleise, and Saint Lo. The French Hostages that were pledges for the payment of five hundred thousand Cowns, if Calice were not restored, were remaining still in England; who perceiving there was like to be War with France, prepared secretly to get away; but being ready to take Shipping, were discovered, and brought back again.

In the mean while, the Prince of Conde drawn on with a hope, to marry the Queen of Scots, and to have the chief Government in France, during the Kings Minority, concluded a Peace with the King, and with the Guises; so as now, all French, as well Protestants as Papists, required to have Newhaven delivered up: But the Earl of Warwick perceiving the …icklenesse of the French Protestants, First to make su…e to draw him into France, and now upon so slight occasion to require him to be gone, he shutteth all …rench, both Protestants and Papists, o…t of the Town, and layes hold of their Ships; the French on the other side make ready to set upon the Town, saying, They fought not now for Religion, but for their Countrey; wherefore it was meet that both Protestants and Papists should joyn their Forces, seeing they had already concluded a Peace betwixt themselves. And hereupon the Duke of Memorancy sent a Trumpetter to the Earl of Warwick, commanding him yeeld the Town; who making answer by Sir Hugh Pawlet, That he would never yeeld it without the Queens leave: he thereupon besieged the Town, and with great violence of Battery, sought to get it by force: Which Queen Elizabeth hearing, she sent a Commission to the Earl of Warwick to yeeld it up, if upon honourable Conditions; which soon after was accordingly done, after the English had held it eleven months; and then the Earl, without any dishonour for yeelding up a Town, which the Pestilence made him no lesse unwilling then unable to hold, he returned into England: but that which was more dolefull then the losse of Newhaven, he brought the Pestilence with him into England. The recovery of this Town not onelyonly made the French to triumph, but hereupon the Chancellor of France pronounced openly, That by this Warre, the English had lost all their Right to Calice, and were not to require it any more, seeing it was one of the Conditions, That neither of the Nations should make Warre upon the other; which was the Point stood upon by the King of France and his mother, when Queen Elizabeth sent Sir Thomas Smith to demand Calice to be restored.

At this time there were such crosse designes amongst the Princes of Christendome, that a very good Polititian could hardly understand their Ayms. The Duke of Guise being slain in the Civill Warre, the Queen of Scots Dowry was not paid her in France, and the Scots were put off from being the Kings Guard: This exceedingly displeased the Queen of Scots: but then to please her again… and for fear lest hereupon she should apply her self to the friendship of the English, her Unkle the Cardinall of Lorrain solicites her afresh, to marry Charls Duke of p. 11Austria, offering her for her Dowry the County of Tyroll. The Queen of Scots, to make use of her Unkles fear, and perhaps to bring Queen Elizabeth into an opinion of depending upon her, acquaints her with this motion, and therein requires her advice. Queen Elizabeth not willing she should marry with any forraign Prince, perswades her to take a husband out of England, and particularly commended to her the Lord Robert Dudley (whose wife a little before had with a fall broke her neck) promising withall, that if she would marry him, she should then by Authority of Parliament, be declared her successour, in case she dyed without issue. But when her Unkles and the Queen-Mother were informed of this motion, they so much disdained the Marriage with Dudley, that so she would refuse that Match, and perseverein the friendship of the French, they offered to pay her the Dowry money that was behinde, and to restore the Scots to all their former liberties in France. And as for the King of Spain, he had indeed a Ligier Embassadour here in England; but rather by way of complement, and to watch advantages, then for any sincere love; which he began now to withdraw from the English, as suspecting them to intend a Trade to the West Indies.

And now the French Protestants may see what they brought upon themselves, by leaving the English at Newhaven, and by trusting to their Country-men the French Papists; for their peace was but a snare, and the Marriage of Henry of Bourbon, Prince of Navarre, with Margaret of Valois, the French Kings sister, was but a bait to entrap them; for upon the confidence of this Marriage, being drawn together into Paris, they were the readier for the slaughter; and a few dayes after the Marriage, which were all spent in Feasts and Masks, to make them the more secure, upon a Watch-word given, the bloody faction fell upon the Protestants, and neither spared age, nor sex, nor condition, but without mercy, and sense of humanity, slaughtered as many as they could meet with, to the number of many thousands.

It was now the sixth yeer of Queen Elizabeths Raign, a yeer fatall for the death of many great Personages: First died William, Lord Grey of We…lon, Governour of Berwick, a man famous for his great Services in War: then William, Lord Paget, a man of as great Services in Peace; who by his great deservings, had wrought his advancement to sundry dignities, and honourable places: and though zealous in the Roman Religion, yet held by Queen Elizabeth in great estimation to his dying day: Then Henry Mannors, Earl of Rutland, descended by his mother from King Edward the fourth: And lastly, Francis the Dutchesse of Suffolk, daughter to Charles Brandon Duke of Suffolk, and mother to Queen Iane.

And now Queen Elizabeth finding how fickle the French Protestants had carryed themselves towards her, intended to make a Peace; and to that end sent Sir Thomas Smith into France, joyning Throgmorton in Commission with him; and in conclusion a Peace was agreed on; whereof, amongst other Articles, this was one, That the Hostages in England should be freed, upon the payment of six hundred thousand Crowns: and this Peace was ratified by the Oath both of the Queen of England, and the King of France.

About this time the English Merchants were hardly used both in Spain … and in the Netherlands, upon pretence of Civill differences, but indeed out of hatred to the Protestant Religion: whereupon the English removed the seat of their Trading to Embden in Freezland… but Gusman the Spanish Liegier, newly come into England, finding the great dammages that the Netherlands sustained by these differences, endeavoured by all means to compose them; and thereupon Viscount Mountague, Nicholas Wootton, and Walter Haddon, Master of the Requests, p. 12were sent to Bruges in Flanders; who, after many interruptions, brought the matter at last to some indifferent agreement.

It was now the seventh yeer of Queen Elizabeth; when making a Progresse, she went to see Cambridge; where after she had viewed the Colledges, and been entertained with Comedies, and Scholasticall Disputations, she made her self a Latine Oration, to the great encouragement of the Schollars, and then returned. Presently after her return… she made the Lord Robert Dudley Master of her Horse, first Baron of Denbigh (giving him Denbigh and all the Lands belonging to it) and then Earl of Leicester, to him, and the heirs males of his body lawfully begotten: which Honour was conferred upon him with the greatest State and Solemnity that was ever known. And now Leicester, to endear himself to the Queen of Scots, accused Sir Nicholas Bacon, Lord Keeper, for being privy to the libell of Hales, who affirmed the Right of the Crown to belong to the Family of Suffolk, in case the Queen should die without Issue; and thereupon was Bacon cast into prison; till afterward, upon his purgation, and the mediation of Sir William Cecill, he was set at liberty, and restored to his place.

And now for a while we must cast our eyes upon Scotland, for that was now the Stage where all the great businesses of State were acted: Matthew Steward, Earl of Lenox, who had marryed Margaret Dowglas, King Henry the eighth's Neece by his eldest sister, had been kept as an Exile in England now twenty yeers; him the Queen of Scots invites to come into Scotland … under pretence of restoring to him his ancient Patrimony; but indeed to conferre with him about a Marriage with his son the Lord Darlie, for being reputed heir to the Crown of England, next after her self; she thought by matching with his son, to strengthen her own title, and to prevent the hope of any other. Queen Elizabeth, upon sute made by his wife, gave the Earl leave to go; but soon after, suspecting what the Queen of Scots intent was in sending for him, she, to hinder the proceeding, sent Sir Thomas Rand…ll to her, to let her know, That if she proceeded in this Ma…ch, she would exceedingly wrong her self; for that it was a Match so much disliked by all the English, that she was fain to prorogue the Parliament, lest upon dislike thereof, there should something be enacted against her Right of Succession: But if she would marry the Earl of Leicester, she should then by Parliament be declared her next Heir. Hereupon, in the month of November, the Earl of Bedford, and Sir Thomas Randoll for Queen Elizabeth … the Earl of Murray and Lidington for the Queen of Scots at Barwick, entred into a Treaty concerning the Marriage with the Earl of Leicester. The English Commissioners urged the great benefits that by this Match would accrew both to the Queen of Scots her self, and to the whole Kingdom of Scotland: The Scotish on the other side, urged the great disparagement it would be to the Queen of Scots, if refusing the offers made her of divers great Princes, she should match her self with so mean a person as the Earl of Leicester. This matter held long debate, partly for that the English Commissioners were so appointed by Queen Elizabeth; and partly for that the Scotish Commissioners had a good minde to hinder her from marrying at all; and perhaps not the least; for that the Earl of Leicester, being verily perswaded he should at last obtain Queen Elizabeth her self, by secret Letters warned the Earl of Bedford not to urge the Marriage with the Queen of Scots too far; and was thought for this cause to favour Darly under hand. The matter being in this manner protracted for two whole yeers together, the Queen of Scots impatient of longer delay, and being resolved in her minde what she would do… used means that the Lord Darly got leave of Queen Elizabeth to go into Scotland for three months onelyonly, under colour to be put in possession of his fathers Lands (though it be strange, the Queen upon any te…ms would let him go, if she really intended to hinder the p. 13Marriage: but such was the destiny, if there were not a plot in it) and …o in Febr…ary he came to Edinburgh; who being a young man, of not above nineteen yeers of age, of a comely countenance, and most Princely Presence, the Queen of Scots as soon as she saw him, fell in love with him, yet in modesty dissembling it for the present; she sought to get a Dispens… on from Rome, because of their neernesse in Consanguinity. And now, her inclination being grown so apparent, that there was no concealing it, she sent Lydington to Queen Elizabeth, desiring her consent. But she, through the suggestions of the Earl of Murray, being induced to believe that the Queen of Scots intention was, by this Marriage, to get the Crown of England, and to bring in Popery, entred into consultation with her Privy Councell, what was fit to be done to hinder the Marriage; who all concluded, that these were the best wayes: First, To have a Company of Souldi…rs levyed for terrour …ake, about the Borders towards Scotland; then to commit to prison the Countesse of Lenox, the Lord Darlies Mother; and to recall from Scotland the Earl of Lenox and his …on Darly, upon pain of the losse of all their goods in England: then that the Scots, who were known to be averse from the Marriage, should be relieved and assisted: and lastly, That Katherine Grey, with the Earl of Hertford, should be received into some grace; about whom onelyonly (it was thought) the Queen of Scots was most solicitous, as being her Rivall to the English Crown. Hereupon Sir Nicholas Throgmorton was sent to the Queen of Scots, to counsell her in the Queens name, not to proceed in this Marriage; and to shew her the many inconveniences that would accrew unto her by it. But she returned answer, That the matter was too far passed to be recalled; and that Queen Elizabeth had no cause to be displeased with i…; seeing herein she followed her advice, Not to match with … stranger, but with an English man born. Queen Elizabeth being informed of her answer, calleth home the Earl of Lenox, and the Lord D…rly his son, commanding them upon their Allegiance to return: The Father modestly by Letters excu…eth himself; the son humbly intrea… eth her not to be a hinderance to his preferment; which he vows to employ in her Majesties Service to the uttermost of his power. And now, to make him the fitter match for her, the Queen of Scots honoured him first with Knighthood; then with the Dignities of the Lord Armanack, Earl of Rosse, and Duke of Rothsay; which Dukedom by Bir…h, pertaineth to the eldest sons of the Kings of Scotland. After this, when he had not been above five months in Scotland, she marryed him, and with the consent of most of the Peers, declared him King. At this, the Earl of M…rray, and other whom he drew to his pa…ty extremely fretted, and fell to moving of turbulent questions, Whether it were lawfull to admit a Papist King? Whether the Queen of Scots might choose a husband at her own pleasure? and whether the Peers of the Kingdom might not out of their Authority, impose one upon her? But howsoever, they raised Arms, and had disturbed the Nuptialls, but that the Queen levyed an Army to encounter them; with which she pursued them so closely, that they were fain to fly into Engl…d for protection; where Queen Elizabeth made no …cruple to receive them, seeing the Queen of Scots had received Yareby, Sta…don, and Walsh, that were fled out of England; but the Ea…l of Murray especially, who had alwayes been found addicted to the English. Queen Elizabeth perhaps was not much troubled at this Marriage; partly as knowing the milde disposition of the Lord Darly, and how little accesse of strength it brought …o …he Queen of Scots; but most of all, … plain…y …eeing …here wo…ld …ouble… … in Scotland upon it; and the troubles of Scotland would be the q…i…tnes…e of England; which, as a good Mother of her Co…rey, was the …ark she aymed at: yet she made … shew of being offended with it; but rather to co…ceal her aym, then that …he was offended with it indeed.

p. 14At this time the Emperour Maximlian sent to Queen Elizabeth his Embassadour, Adam Smiricote, renewing the former sute for his brother Charles of Austria; for which Marriage the Earl of Sussex was very earnest; the Earl of Leicester as much against it; so as it grew to a quarrell between them, and the Court was divided into factions about it: but the Queen, who never liked the dissentions of her Peers (though it be a Rule with some, Divide, and Raign) made them friends, at least in countenance.

We may now leave Scotland a while, and see the Honour done at this time to Queen Elizabeth, not much inferiour to the Honour done to Solomon by the Queen of Saba; for now Cecile, the sister of Errick King of Sweden, and wife of Christopher Marquesse of Baden, being great with childe, came from the farthest part of the North (a long Journey) thorow Germany, of purpose to see her, for the great fame she had heard of her Wisedom: At her being here, she was delivered of a childe, to whom, in requitall of her kindenesse, Queen Elizabeth was God-mother, and named him Edward…s Fortunatus; giving to her and her husband, besides Royall Entertainment, a yeerly Pension. At this time also, for the great Fame of her wisedome, Donald mac Carty More, a great Potentate of Ireland, came and delivered up into her hands all his most ample Territories; and then receiving them again from her, to hold them to him and his Heirs males lawfully begotten; and for want of such Issue, to remain to the Crown of England. The Queen in requitall, invested him with the honour of Earl of Glenkarne, and Baron of Valence; and besides many Presents given him, paid the charges of his Journey.

It was now the eighth yeer of Queen Elizabeths Raign; when Sir Nicholas Arnold, a Knight of Gloucestershire, Governing Ireland under the title of a Justice, was called home, and Sir Henry Sidney placed in …his room. And here by the way it is to be noted, That the Governours of Ireland, after it came under the English, were at first called Justices of Ireland; afterwards, Lievtenants; and their Vice-gerents were called Deputies. Afterwards at the Princes pleasure, sometimes Deputies, sometimes Justices, and sometimes Lievtenants; which last Title, though it be of greatest honour, yet in power is in a manner but the same. Si… Henry Sidney at his coming into Ireland, found the Province of Munster in much disorder… by reason of strife between Gyrald Earl of Desmond, and Thomas Earl of Ormond: whereupon the Queen sending for the Earl of Desmond into England, ordained a new Government in that Province, appointing a President to administer Justice, together with an Assistant on the Bench; two Lawyers and a Notary: and the first President she made in this place, was Sir William Sent-leger.

And now Queen Elizabeth in a Progresse went to Oxford; where she took pleasure in viewing the Colledges, in hearing Orations, in seeing of Comedies, till the Comedy of Palemon and Arcett turned to a Tragedy, for by the fall of a wall, through the multitude of people that pressed in to see it; three men were slain. At her coming away, she made an Oration in Latine to the Schollars, a sufficient recompence for all the Orations they had made to her. And this yeer, was a call of seven new Serjeants at Law, who kept their Feast at Grayes Inne in Holborn.

Upon the Queens return from Oxford, the Parliament began, where they presently fell upon the m…tter of succession; and moving the Queen to marry… in which points some went so far, that they spared not to accuse the Queen, as one carelesse of Posterity… to defame Cecill with libells and reproaches, as if he were her Counsello… in this matter; but above all, to curse Doctor Huic her Physitian, who was thought to disswade her from Marriage, by reason of I know not what womanish insufficiency. At last in the Upper House it was agreed, That Sir Nich…la… Bacon, Lord Keeper, their Orator, should in all their names beseech the Queen to marry; and p. 23withall, to declare a Successor in the Crown, if she should happen to die without Issue; for which he gave many reasons, declaring what mischiefs were likely to befall the Kingdom, if she should die before a Successor were designed. But in the Lower House there were some, amongst whom, were Bell and Mou…son (two Lawyers of great account) Dutton, Sir Paul Wentwort…, and other, who grew to far higher tearms, disparaging the Queens Authority, and saying, That Princes were bound to designe a Successor; and that in not doing it, the Queen should shew her self no better then a parricide of her Countrey. The Queen was contented to bear with words spoken in Parliament; which spoken out of Parliament, she would never have endured: but not willing to expostulate the matter with the whole number, she commanded that thirty of the Higher House, and as many of the Lower, should appear before her, to whom she delivered her minde to this effect; That she knew what danger hangeth over a Princes head, when a Successor is once declared; she knew that even children themselves, out of a hastie desire of bearing Rule, had taken up Armes against their own fathers; and how could better conditions be expected from kindred? She had by reading observed, That Successors in a collaterall Line, have seldom been declared; and that Lewis of Orleance, and Francis of Angoulesme were never declared Successors, and yet obtained the Crown without any noyse. Lastly, she said, Though I have been content to let you debate the matter of Succession, yet I advise you to beware, that you be not injurious to your Princes patience. With these and the like reasons she gave so good satisfaction, that they never after troubled her with making any more such motion. And though she consented not in plain tearms to declare a Successor, yet soon after she gave some intimation of it; for one Thornton, a Reader of the Civill Law in London, who in his Lectures, called the Queen of Scots Right in question, was clapped up in prison for his labour.

In the beginning of her ninth yeer, Charles the ninth, King of Fr…nc…, sent his Ambassadour Ramboulet into England to the Queen, with the Robes and Ornaments of the Order of S. Michael, to bestow upon which two of her Nobility she pleased; and she making choice of the Duke of Norfolk, and the Earl of Leicester, they were by Ramboulet invested with them; an Honour that had never been conferred upon any English, but only K. Henry the eighth, King Edward the sixth, and Charls Brandon Duke of Suffolk, though afterward prostituted almost to any, without difference.

And now to return to the Affairs of Scotland: The nineteenth of Iune last past, the Queen of Scots, in a happy hour, was at Edinborough Castle dilive…ed of a Son, that was afterward Iames the sixth of Scotland, and the first Monarch of Great Britain; whereof she presently sent word to Queen Elizabeth by Iames Melvyne; who thereupon sent Sir Henry Killigrew to congratulate her safe deliverance, and her young son, with all demonstration of love and amity. But now the love of the Queen of Scots to her husband the Lord Darly, was not so hot at first, but it was now grown to be as cold; and she had not heaped honour on him so fast before, but now as fast she taketh them off: for where before in all publike Acts, she had used to place her husbands name first, now she caused it to be placed last, and in the coyning of money began to leave it quite out.

This unkindenesse between them was fomented by one David Rizie an Italian, whom the Queen had taken into her service, first, as a Musician, and then taking a liking to him, made him here Secretary for the French Tongue; by means whereof, he had oftentimes secret conference with her, when the King her Husband might not be admitted. This indignity the King himself, being given to his pleasures of p. 16Hunting and Hawking, resented not so much, as some Lords that were his fri…nds; who told him plainly, That it stood not with his Honour to suffer this fellow to live. By whose instigation the King drawn to plot his death; One day, taking with him the Earl of Reuven, and other, he rushed into the Queens Chamber at her Supper time, where finding David Rizie at a Cupboord, tasting some meat that had been taken from the Table, he seized upon him, dragged him forth into an outer Chamber, and there murthered him; the Queen at that time being great with childe, and like by that affright to have miscarryed: But the Fact being done, the King came in to her again, assuring her there was no hurt at all intended to her Person. The man that had animated the King to do this fact, was especially the Earl Murray, of whom it is necessary to say something, because his part will be the greatest of all the Scottish Actions of this time. He was the base sonne of King Iames the fifth, and so the base brother of the Queen; made at first, Prior of Saint Andrewes: But not liking that Religious Title, he affected rather some Temporall Honour; which when the Queen, being then in France, denyed him, then in an angry mood returned into Scotland, where, by the advice of Knox, whom he held for a great Patriark, brought the matter so to passe, that in an Assembly of the States, the Religion was altered, and the French were banished out of Scotland. Yet afterward, as soon as the Queen was a Widow, he posted into France, and so insinuated with her, that she created him Earl of Murray, and promoted him to an Honourable Marriage. Being thus exalted, he returned into Scotland; where, for the further growth of his ambitious designes, he sowed seeds of Sedition, affirming often, what a misery it was to be under the Command of a woman; and that Royalty was not to be tyed to any Stock or Kindred, but to Vertue onelyonly, whether the parties were legitimaie or no; by this course making way to the Kingdom for himself. To this end, he used all the mea…s he could to keep the Queen from marrying again; which when he could not effect, he then sought wayes how to make discord between her and her Husband; for which cause he had caused the King to murther Rizie. Of the foulnesse of which Fact, when the King had a while grew sensible, he meant to be revenged of Murray, who had counselled him to do it: which Murray understanding, prevented it with causing the like to be done to him, as will presently be seen. For the Queen having been delivered of a Son, and the day appointed for the Christning being come; where the God-fathers were Charles King of France, and Philibert Duke of Savoy; Queen Elizabeth being requested to be God-mother, sent thither the Earl of Bedford as her Deputy, and a Font of Massie Gold for a Present, in value 1043 l. but gave him expresse Command, That he should not honour Darly with the Title of King. But before a month or two, after the Christning were passed, The King in a stormy and tempestuous night, was strangled in his Bed, and then cast forth into the Garden, and the house immediately blown up with Gun-powder.

The rumour of this murther being spread abroad, the common Fame laid it upon Murray and Morton, and their Confederates; Murray and Morton upon the Queen: But we must not here give ear to that which BUCHANAN writes; who to curry favour with the Earl MURRAY, layes most impudent scandalls upon the Queene; whereof, before his death, he repented himself extremely. The King thus murthered, and the QUEENE left alone to her self, she is counselled to marry with some, that might be able to assist her against all her opposites: IAMES p. 17Hepburn Earl of Bothwell being then greatly in her favour, and of great eminencie for his valour: And though he were the man that had acted the murther, yet is he by Murray and his confederates, commended to the Queen; to which motion, as being destitute of friends, and not knowing whom to trust; she at last consents, but upon these conditions, That above all things, respect might be had to her yong Sonne; and that Bothwell might be legally quitted, both from the bond of his former marriage, and also of the Kings murther. Hereupon a course is plotted, by which, Bothwell is called to the Barre; and Morton being his Advocate, by the Sentence of Judges he is cleerly acquitted. Upon this, he is created Duke of Orken…y, and by consent of many of the Nobility, is marryed to the Queen; which bred a suspition in many, that the Queen was conscious of the murther, which was the thing that by the marriage they intended: And the suspition once raised, they seek by all means to increase, that they may have the better colour against her; and so, the very same man who had absolved Bothwell, and consented to the marriage, now takes Arms against her, as a Delinquent in both; force him to flee, and then seize upon the Queen, whom, cl…d in a very homely garment, they thrust into prison in Loch-levyn, under the custody of Murray's mother, who had been the Harlot of King Iames the fifth; but boasting her self to have been his lawfull wife, and her son, his lawfull Issue. Queen Elisabeth having at length notice hereof, sent Sir Nicholas Throgmorton into Scotland, to expostulate with the Confederates, touching this insolent usage of the Queen; and to consult, by what means shee might be restored to her liberty. But Throgmorton coming into Scotland, found the Confederates in more insolent terms then had been reported; being divided in opinion, what to do with the Queen, some would have her banished perpetually, into England or France; some would have her questioned before the Judges, committed to perpetuall custody, and her son proclaimed King: others, more inhumane, would have her at once deprived of Princely Authority, of life and all; and this, Knox and some other Ministers thundred out of the Pulpits. Throgmorton on the other side, alleaged many passages out of the holy Scriptures, touching Obedience to the higher Powers; maintaining, That the Queen was subject to no Tribunall, but that in Heaven; That no Judge upon Earth might call her in question; That there was no Office nor Jurisdiction in Scotland, which was not derived from her Authority, and revokeable at her pleasure. They again opposed the peculiar Right of the Kingdom of Scotland; and that in extraordinary cases, they were to proceed besides order, taking up Buchanans Arguments; who in those dayes, by instigation of Murray, wrote that damned Dialogue, De Iure Regni apud Scotos; wherein, against the verity of the Scottish History, he indeavours to prove, That the People have power, both to create, and to depose their King. After all their debating, all that Throgmorton could get of them, was a Writing without any Subscription, wherein they protested, They had shut up the Queen for no other intent, but to keep her apart from Bothwell, whom she loved so desperately, that to injoy him, she regarded not all their ruines; willing him to rest satisfied with this Answer, till such time as the rest of the Peers met together. And notwithstanding all he could say, they shut up the Queen daily, in more straight custody, though with tears she besought them to deal more mildly with her, and to let her but once have a sight of her son, which would not be granted her. At last when fair perswasions would not serve to make her freely give over the Kingdom, they threatned to question her openly for incontinent living, for the Kings murder, and for Tyranny, so as through feare of death, they compelled Her, unheard, to set her p. 18hand to three Instruments; In the first whereof, she gave over the Kingdom to her young son, at that time scarce thirteen Months old: In the second, she constituted Murray Vice-Roy during the minority of her son: In the third, in case he refused the charge, these Governours were nominated; Iames Duke of Chasteau, Herald, Giles Spike Earl of Argile, Matthew Earl of Lenox, Iohn Earl of Atholl, Iames Earl of Mo…ton, Alexander Earl of Glencarn, and Iohn Earl of Mar. And presently she signified to Queen Elizabeth by Throgmorton, that she had made these grants by compulsion through the counsell of Throgmorton, telling her that a grant extorted from one in prison (which is a just fear) is actually void and of no effect.

Five dayes after the Queen had made this Resignation, Iames the sixth, the Queens Son, was Anointed and Crown'd King, Iohn Knox preaching at the same time; but a Protestation was then put in by the Hamiltons, that all this ought to be no prejudice to the Duke of Chasteau Herald in his Right of succession against the Family of Lenox; but Queen Elisabeth had forbidden Throgmorton to be at the Action, that she might not seem by the presence of her Embassador, to approve their proceeding in displacing of the Queen.

Fifteen dayes after this transaction, Murray himself returned ou… of France into Scotland, and within three dayes went to the Queen with some other of the confederates, who charged her with many crimes, and wished her if she tendered her Life and Honor, to observe these prescriptions: Not to disturb the peace of the Kingdom, nor desire to be at Liberty, not to stir up the Queen of England, or the King of France to m… le…t Scotland with any War, not to think any more of Bothwells love, or meditate revenge upon Bothwells adversaries.

Murray being now proclaimed Regent of Scotland, he bindeth himself under his Hand and Seal to do nothing which shall concerne War or Peace, the Kings Person or his marriage, or the Liberty of the Queen, without the consent of the confedera…es; and then gives Throgmorton warning by Lyding…on, not to make any further intercession for the Queens Liberty, for that he and the rest had rather run any hazard then to suffer it. Soon after he puts to death Iohn H…pburn, Daglish, and others that were Bothwells servants, for having a hand in the murther of the King: But they (which he little expected) when they were at the Gallows, ready to dye, protested before God and his holy Angells, that Bothwell had told them, that Morton and M…rray were the first authors of the murther. They freed the Queen from all suspition, like as Bo…hwell himself being prisoner in Denmark, both living and dying, often protested with deep asse…erations, that the Queen was innocent. And fourteen yeers after, Morton going to execution, confessed that Bo…hwell dealt with him to consent to the murther of the King, which, when he refused utterly unlesse the Queen under her hand writing would allow of it; Bothwell made answer, that could not be, but the fact must be done without her knowledge.

A little before this time, upon one and the same day, dyed two of the Privy Councell, Sir Iohn Mason Treasurer of the Queen… Chamber, a grave and learned man, but a great Usurper and Encroacher upon Ecclesiasticall Livings; and Sir Richard …ac…vile Vice-Treasurer of the Exchequer, a man both prudent and provident, and allyed to the Queen by her mother An…e Bol…. In his room succeeded Walter Mildmay, a man of wisdom and integrity; In Masons Office came Sir Francis Knowles, who married Katherine Car…e, the daughter of Mary Bolen, the Queens Mothers Sister.

It was now the yeer 1567. And the tenth yeer of Queen Elizabeths Raign, when the Earl of Stolberg came into England from the Emperour Max…millian, to treat of the mariage of the Queen with the Archduke Charls upon which very occasion the Queen a little before had sent the E. of Sussex p. 19to the Emperor, with the Order of the Garter: But in the Treaty of marriage, there fell out so many difficulties, about Religion, maintenance of the Duke, about the Royall Title, and concerning succession, that after it had been treated of seven whole yeers together, it came at last to nothing, and the Duke not long after marryed Mary daughter to Albert the fifth Duke of Bavaria; yet both he and the Emperour continued ever after a good correspondence with the Queen.

About this time, there came from Iohn Basil Emperour of Russia and Muscovia, Stephen Twerdic…, and Theodore P…gorella, with a Present of rich Furs of Otter, Miniver, and the like, tendering all service and obsequiousnesse to the Queen and the English. The Merchants by vertue of a Grant from Queen Mary, had combined themselves into a Society, which they called the Muscovie Company; and having large Priviledges granted them from the Emperour, went thither with a Navie yeerly, making a very gainfull Voyage; but then it proved most gainfull, when for the Queens sake they obtained at the Emperours hands, in the yeer 1569. That none but the English of that Company, should Traffique in the North-parts of Russia. With these Russian Embassadours there returned into England, Anthony Ienkinson, who in his Travels had made curious Observation of Russia, set forth a Geographicall Description of it, and was the first of the English that sailed through the Caspian Sea. And this yeer, the 8. of June, Sir Thomas Sackvile was created Baron of Buckhurst, at Whitehall.

We have seen before, the first Act of the Queen of Scots Tragedy: Now comes in the second, having been 11 Moneths kept a prisoner; at last, by the help of George Dowglas, to whose Brother she was committed, she made escape from Loch-levyn, to Hamiltons castle; where upon the testimonies of Robert Melvyn, and others, in a meeting of a great part of the Nobility, there was drawn a sentence declaratory, That the Grant extorted from the Queen in prison, (which is Iustus metus) was actually void from the beginning. Upon which Declaration, great multitudes …locked to her, so as within a day or two she had gotten an Army of at least six thousand; but when they joyned battell with Murray, being but raw and unexpert Souldiers, they were soon defeated. In this case, the Queen sought to save her self by flight, journeying in one day threescore miles, and coming at night to the house of Maxwell Lord Heris, from thence she sent Iohn Beton to Queen Elisabeth with a Diamond Ring, which she had fo…merly received from her, as a Pledge of mutuall Amity; intimating, that she would come into England, and implore her aid, if her Subjects offered to prosecute her any further. Queen Elisabeth returned answer, that she should expect from her, in abundant manner, all loving and friendly offices. But before the Messenger was returned, she, contrary to the advice of her friends, entred into a small Bark, & with the Lords, Heris, and Flemming, and a few others, landed at Wickinton in Cumberland, neer the mouth of the River of Decwent, the seventeenth day of May; and the same day wrote Letters to the Queen in French with her own hand, the effect whereof was, That having made an escape from the the hands of her insolent and rebellious Subjects, she was now come into England, upon certain hope of her approved clemencie; and therefore humbly desiring, she might forthwith be conducted to her presence. Queen Elisabeth sending Letters by Sir Francis Knolles, comforted her, and promised her aid and defence, according to the equity of her cause; but denyed her accesse, for that she was held guilty of many crimes, giving command to have her brought to Carlile, as a place of better safety. The Queen of Scots receiving this answer, and finding accesse to the Queen denyed her, maketh request again by Letter, that she might have leave, both to unfold the injuries she had received, and to answer the crimes objected, in her own presence; p. 20humbly intreating her, that either she might be admitted to have conference and assistance, or else have free leave to depart out of England, to gain supply elswhere, and not be held a prisoner in the Castle at Carlile… for …s much as she came voluntarily into England, relying upon her love so often professed. Upon thes… Letters, Queen Elisabeth exceedingly commisera…ed her case, and could have fo…nd in her heart to admit her to her presence, but that her Councellours conceived it to be matter for consultation, what to do in this case. To detain her in England, had many mischiefs attending on it; to send her into France; as many; to send her back into Scotland, many more; so as in conclusion, the most were of opinion, to have her detained, as one taken by right of War, and not to be dismissed, till she had made satisfaction for assuming the Title of England, and for the death of Darly her husband, who was born one of the Queens Subjects. In this diversity of opinions, Queen Elisabeth out of her own judgement, sent word by Middemore, to the Regent of Scotland, that he should come himself in person, or else depute some fit persons to answer the complaints of the Queen of Scots against him and his confederates, and render sufficient reasons wherefore they had deprived her; otherwise… she would forthwith dismisse her, and with all the forces she could, settle her in her Kingdom. To this Summons, Murray obeys, and comes to York, the place appointed for this Treaty, accompanied with seven more of his intimate friends, who stood Delegates for the Infant King, namely, Iames Earl of Morton, Ad…m Bishop of the Ork…neys, Robert of Dunferm, Patrick Lord of Lyndsey, Iames Mac-gylly, and Henry …adinary; and with these, Lydington the Secretary, and Ge…rge Buchanan. And the very same day came thither Thomas Howard Duke of Norfolk, Thomas Ratcliff Earl of Sussex, and Sir Ralph Saedler a Privie-Councellour, appointed Commissioners for Queen Elisabeth. For the Queen of Scots, (who took it hainously, that Queen Elisabeth would not hear the caus… h…r self, but refer h…r to Subjects, being an absolute Prince, and not ty…d to their proc…edings) there appeared Iohn Lesley Bishop of Ross, William Lord Levyng…on, Robert Lord Boyde, Ga… of Kilwynnin, Iohn G…urd…n, and Iames Cock…urn. Being met, Lydingto… turning himself to the Scots, in a wondrous liberty of Speech, gave them this advice, Maturely to consider, what prejudice they should draw upon themselves, by accusing th… Queen of Scots, and calling her Reputation in question publikely before the English, professed enemies of the Scottish Nation. Likewise, wha… account they shall be able to give hereof to the King, when he shall grow to …iper y…rs, and shall see what an injury this was to the Kingdom, his Mother, and his own per…on. Wherefor… (said he) it seemeth requisite to forbear this businesse al…ogether, unlesse the Queen of England will enter into a …u…uall league of Offence and Defence, against all those, which under this pretenc…, shall go about …o molest us. Upon this Speech of his, the D…l…gates of the Que…n of Scots made Protestation, That although it pleased the Qu…n of Scots, to have the cause between her and her disloyall Subjects, d…ted befo… the English, yet she being a free Prince, and obnoxious to no earthly Prince whatsoever, did not thereby yeeld her self subject to th… Jurisdiction and command of any person. On the contrary, the English pro…est…d, That they did in no wise admi… that Protestation, in pr…judice to the right which the Kings of England have anciently challenged as superiou… Lords of the Kingdom of Sco…land. The day after, the Queen of Sco…s Delegates s…t forth at large the injurious dealing of Morton, Murray, Marre, Gle…car…, …, and others, against the Queen; and how they had compelled h…r, for fear of death, to resign her Crown; which therefore (they said) was of no …or…. Murray and his confederates make answ…r, That they had done nothing, but by consent of the Peers in Parliament; and tha… in pros…cu…ing o… Bothwell, the author of the Kings murther, p. 21whom the Queen protected; and as for her resignation, …hat it was voluntarily and freely done. All this the Queen of Scots Delega…es answered and confuted, affirming in particular, That where there are 100 Earls, Bishops and Barons, (more or lesse) that have voices in the Parliament of Scotland, there were not in that tum…ltous assembly they speak of, above four Earls, one Bishop, an Abbot or two, and six Barons; wherefore their earnest request was, that the Q…een of England would be …nsible of these indignities offered her; and take some course for a speedy rednesse. After this, some new Commissioners from Queen Elizabeth were added to the former, to some of whom, the Queen of Scots took exception; unlesse the French and Spanish Embassadors might be taken in, and her self admitted into the presence of the Queen and them, publickly to defend her own innocency; and that Murray might be detained and …ited, whom she affirmed, she was able to prove to have been the chief Plotter of the murther of her husband Darley. This was held to be a just demand by the Duke of Norfolk, the Earls of Arundell, Sussex, Leicester, and the Lord Clinton: But Queen Elizabeth waxing somewhat angry, openly said, that the Queen of Scots should never want an Advocate as long as Norfolk lived: It was seen here, which is said, that the heart of the King is inscrutable; for how Queen Elizabeth stood affected in this case of the Queen of Scots, no man could well discern… she detested the insolency of her Subjects in deposing her, and yet gave no assistance to restore her. After long agitation of this businesse, and nothing concluded, Murray a little before his return into Scotland, slyly propounded the mariage of the Queen of Scots to the Duke of Norfolk; which he with a modest answer rejected as a thing full of danger. But withall, Murray the more to alienate Queen Elizabeths mind from the Queen of Scots, gave ou…, that she had passed away to the Duke of Andyn her Right to the Crown of England, and that the transaction was confirm'd at Rome; he shewd Letters also which the Queen of Scots had written to some friends whom she trusted; wherein she accused the Queen for not dealing with her according to promise, and boasted of succours she expected from some others. This last clause something troubled Queen Elizabeth, neither could she conjecture from whence any such succour should come; seeing both France with the Civill Wars, and the King of Spain in the Low-countries had eno…gh to do at home. But at last it brake out, that one Robert Ridolph a Florentine under the habit of a Merchant in London, was suborned by Pope …ius the fifth, to make a secret commotion of the Papists in England against the Queen, which he performed indeed with a great deal of secrecy and much cunning; whereupon the Queen of Scots was removed from Bolton (a Castle of the Lord Scroops) where all the neighbouring people were Papists… to Tutbury more toward the heart of the Country, under the custody of George Earl of Shrewsbury.

About this time the Guises in France, and the Duke D'Alva in the Low-countries, began to endeavour the utter extirpation of the Protestant Religion. In France the Ministers of the Gospell are commanded within a limitted time to depart the Kingdom; when Queen Elizabeth forgetting the …icklenesse of the Protestants at New-haven, once again takes upon her their protection; supplyes them with two hundred thousand Crowns in money, besides Munition in abundance, and with all humanity receives the French that fled into England; the rather, for that they made solemn protestation they took not up Arms against their Prince; but only stood upon their own defence. In the Low-countries likewise, the Duke D'Alva, breathing nothing but slaughter and blood; made the Dutch come flocking into England as into a Sanctuary, where with all courtesie they were received.

p. 22And here it will be fit to shew how the War in the Low-countries began first, which was thus: At which time the King of Spain brought in the Spanish Inquisition… a small number of the meaner sort of people, in tumultuous manner… cast the Images out of Churches and brake …hem in pieces, and although that tumult was soon quieted, yet the King of Spain taking advantage at the rashnesse of a few, to charge the whole Nation with Rebellion: sent amongst them Ferdinando Alvarez, Duke D' Alva, a bloody and fierce man, (who contrary to the Ordinances and customes of the Country) took away all authority from the ordinary Courts of Justice; Erected new consistories; condemned and put to death the Peers, without tryall by their lawfull Judges; Placed Garrisons of Spaniards throughout all their Cities and Villages, and by force exacted the twentieth part of the fruits of the Earth, and the tenth of moveables upon every Alienation. At that time, a mighty masse of money borrowed from the Genowayes, and other Italian Merchants was sent out of Spain into the Low-countries, there to be imployed to interest, which being brought by shipping, was pursued by the French; and forced to fly for succour into the Havens of England, whom the Queen commanded to be succour'd; as conceiving the money to be the King of Spains as it was given out: But at the same time, Cardinall Odette coming out of France into England, and giving notice to the Queen that the money was not the King of Spains, but belonged to certain merchants of Geneva; from whence the Duke D' Alva had taken it against their will, with a purpose to imploy it to the ruine of the Protestants; and information also being given her by one that had a property in the money that it was so… she determined to put in security, and to borrow the money of the merchants her self, which is an usuall thing with Princes when goods are taken in their Ports; and the King of Spain himself had lately done the like. The Duke D' Alva being informed of this dealing of thee Queens; by Gerard de Spese the King of Spains Embassador in England; seizeth presently upon all the goods of the English in the Low-co…ntries, and kept the men prisoners; The Queen did the like with the Dutch merchants in England, Letters of Mart were granted on both sides, and this grew to such a quarrell between the Nations, that being nourished with other differences afterward, it brought forth in Eighty Eight, that Spanish Invasion, which is, and will be memorable in all future Ages.

Upon occasion of this Money detained, certain Peers of England, amongst whom, were the Duke of Norfolk, the Marquesse of Winchester, the Earls of Arundell, Northumberland, Pembroke, Leicester, and others, Accused Sir William Cecill, for sending away money into France, making this their colour, but done indeed out of envying his great favour with the Queen, and suspecting him to incline to the house of Suffolk in the matter of succession. Hereupon they consult sec…etly how to get him be imprison'd; and Throgmorton (who envyed him as much as they) suggesting that if he were once clapp'd up, they might soon find out a way to crush him; But the Queen (by what means it is uncertain) coming to have notice hereof, gave a check to their purpose, and protected Cecill against their combined practises.

The Earl Murray being returned into Scotland, makes the Lords believe that he desires a meeting at Edinbourgh, to consult about restoring the Queen to her Liberty; but as Hamilton Duke of Chasteau Herald (appointed Vicegerent of the Kingdome by the Queen) and the Lord Heris were coming thither, he circumvented them, and before any of the rest came cast them into prison; and forthwith in an open War, oppresseth all her Favourers. It may be thought, the Earl Murray could have been content, the Queen should have been set at liberty; but that he knew, p. 23her liberty could not be without his servitude; and Queen Elisabeth perhaps would willingly have had her resto…e… to her Kingdom, but that she doubted, her restoring would indanger her own security: And thus, while they regarded their own ends in the first place, and hers but in the second, she had the fortune to be pitied, but not the happinesse to be relieved; and all she could do her self, was but to tye the knot of her bonds the faster; if she could have sate still, they would perhaps have loosened of themselves; but now, the more she stirred, the more she was intangled.

And now the Destiny of the Duke of Norfolk began to work: It was in every ones mouth, that the Duke should marry the Queen of Scots; and it is true, there had been motions made; but the matter not so forward, as the Voice of the People, which commonly presageth what will follow. It had been motioned to the Duke at York, by the Bishop of Ros…e; and afterward (in pretence at least.) by Murray himself at Hampton-Court; but the Duke, before he would resolve in the matter, deliberated with the Earls of Aru…dell, Northumberland, Westmerland, Sussex, Pembroke, Southampton, and Leicester himself, who all judged it fit, he should acquaint the Queen with it first, and then leave the matter to her liking. Within a few dayes, Sir Nicholas Throgmorton meeting the Duke in the Pallace at Westminster, advised him, to move the Earl of Leicester himself to embrace the match, seeing he had formerly sued for it; but if he refused it, then at least to take him along with him, for that himself alone would hereby be able to procure the Queens consent. A day or two after, the Earl of Leicester propounded the matter to the Duke, and then communicateth it to the Earls of Arundell and Pembroke; who thereupon, together with Throgmorton, wrote Letters to the Queen of Scots, commending the Duke of Norfolk to her for a Husband; the Duke himself likewise writeth to her, tendering his singular Love and respect unto her. Upon this, Articles are drawn, written with Leicesters own hand, and sent to the Queen of Scots; to which if she consented, they then promised to procure, that Queen Elisabeth should give her assent, and that forthwith she should be reinvested in her Kingdom, and the Succession of England should be confirmed upon her. Wee may easily believe, the Queen of Scots was not hardly drawn to give consent to her own desire; but in the mean time, the Duke had imparted to the Lord Lumley the whole proceeding, and had much ado to get the Earl of Leicesters consent, that he might advise of it with some other of his Friends; yet a little after, he opened the matter to Cecill also. The rumour of this Marriage was soon come to the Queens ears; which the Duke understanding, hee dealt earnestly with the Earl of Leicester, to have the matter propounded to the Queen out of hand. Leicester makes delayes, and pretends causes to put it off… which Cecill seeing, he adviseth the Duke, to go and acquaint the Queen with it himself. This councell Leicester opposed, promising to open it to the Queen as she went in Progresse. At length, at Farnham, the Duke standing by as the Queen sate at Table, she gave him a tart Admonition, That he were best take heed, upon what pillow he rested his head. After this, at Tichfield, Leicester fell sick, or at least counterfeited; to whom the Queen coming, and bidding him be of good cheer; hee with sighs and tears craved pardon for his fault, and unfolded to her the whole story from the very beginning. Whereupon, the Queen called the Duke into the Gallery, reproving him sharply, for going about the Marriage, without acquainting her; and commanding him, upon his Allegiance, to desist. The Duke made p. 24her a free and hearty promise of obedience, and spared not to say (as if he little regarded the Qu. of Scots) that his Revenues in England were not much lesse then hers in Scotland; and that when he was at his house in Norwich, he thought himself in a sort not inferior to some kings: but notwithstanding, finding the Queens anger by her countenance, and perceiving Leicester to be in a manner quite alienated, & most of the Nobility also, as scarcely saluting him when they met him, he grew extremely dejected, and prepared presently to leave the Court, meaning to stay at Norfolk, till by his friends intercession, and his own submissive Letters, the Queens heart might be mollified towards him: Mean while, the Court was suspitously fearfull, lest he should raise Rebellion, and (they say) it was concluded, that if he did so, the Qu. of Scots should presently be made away. And now the Duke, who held secret commerce by Letters with the Bishop of Ross, Throgmorton and Leicester (for they were sent to and fro in bottles) being examined touching the marriage of the Qu. of Scots, and certain secret conferences with the Bishop of Rosse, confessed most of the Objections, and was thereupon committed to the Tower, under the custody of Sir Henry Nevill; within two dayes after the Bishop of Rosse likewise is examined, and together with the Florentine Robert Ridolph, is delivered to the custody of Sir Francis Walsingham, the Earl of Pembroke is confined to his house, and examined privately; but his confession was not committed to writing; It being his request because he could not write himself. At this time, the rumor of Insurrection in the North, begun in Autumne before, grew very strong, by reason of some frequent meetings of the Earls of Northumberland, Westmerland, and others, who thereupon being upon their Allegiance sent for to repaire presently to the Queen, they make delayes (for they stayed waiting for supplies, both from the Scots, and from the Duke D'Alva) when the Earl of Northumberland, doubtfull what to do, was frighted of purpose by his servants, telling him, that men in Arms were neer at hand to apprehend him; Who thereupon in a tempestuous night, riseth out of his bed, and in great fear gets into his Park at Topcliffe, and the night following to Branspith to the Earl of Westmerlands house, where a great many were met that were acquainted with the Enterprise: Here they brake forth into an open Rebellion, being pressed forward, by one Nicholas Morton a Romish Priest, sent by the Pope to pronounce Queen Elizabeth an Heretick; and therefore to have utterly lost all Right of Soveraignty: By and by they send forth a writting, wherein they declare that they had taken Arms for no other end, b…t that the Religion of their fore-fathers might be restored, wicked Counsellors removed from the Queen, the Duke of Norfolk, and others of the loyall Nobility relieved, who were now in disgrace; but towards the Queen, professing themselves most dutifull Subjects; withall they send Letters to the Papists all the Kingdom over, requiring them to come to their assistance… but they were so far from joyning with them, that many sent both the Letters and the bearers of them to the Queen, and afforded their aides and purposes against them; no lesse then the best Protestants, even the Duke of Norfolk himself was not backward in it. These Rebells go first to Durham, where th…y tear in pieces all the Bibles and Books of Common Prayer they could finde in Churches of the English tongue: when they had been twelve dayes in Rebellion, they numbered their Army, and could not reckon above 600 horse, and 4000 foot; wherupon being certainly informed, that the E: of Sussex with 7000, and the E: of Warwick with 12, were setting out against them, they betook themselves to Rabie, the chief house of the E: of Westmerl…d; going from thence they besieged Bernards castle, which for lack o… provision, was yeelded to them. At which time, being proclaimed Traitors and he…ring afresh of the great forces that were coming against them, th… two Earls with a small company, get presently into Scotland hard by, p. 25where the Earl of Northumberland hid himself at Harclow; in a poor Cottage, amongst the Grayhams (famous Robbers) who afterwards betrayed him to the Earl Murray: Westmerland made a shift to get into the Low-Countryes, where he had a slender Pension from the King of Spain, and there lived even to old age. Of the rest, for terrour and examples sake, there were hanged at Durham, threescore and six of the chief; amongst whom, Plomtree, a noted Priest. At York were executed, Simon Digby, Iohn Fulthrop, Thomas Bishop, Robert Penyman; and at London a few months after, Christopher and Thomas; and some other in other places. After this, the heads of the Rebels being convict of High Treason, were proscribed; namely, Charles, Earl of Westmerland; Thomas, Earl of Northumberland; Anne, Countesse of Northumberland; Edward Dacres of Morton; Iohn Nevill of Leversege; Iohn Swinborn, Thomas Markenfield, Egremond Ratcliffe, brother to the Earl of Sussex; Christopher Nevill, Richard Norton, Christopher Marmaduke, Robert and Michael Tempest, George Stafford, and forty others of good account. Out of the ashes of this Rebellion, a new fire was kindled at Naworth in Cumberland, by Leonard Dacres, second son to the Lord Dacres of Gyllisland; He was a Party with the Earls in their Rebellion; but they breaking forth sooner then he expected, and he at that time being at the Court, and there admitted to kisse the Queens hand, tendered his service to go against them; and to that purpose, was sent home: but in his Journey (branding himself with a double disloyalty) he consulted with the Rebels, and encouraged them to go on; and by vertue of Letters of Credence from the Queen, he surprised the Castle of Greystock, and other houses of the Dacres, and gathered together an Army of three thousand men: But being encountred by the Baron of Hunsdon, after a great fight, wherein, though he were crook-backt, he behaved himself valiantly, he was put to flight, and fled into Scotland, from whence soon after, he passed over into the Low-Countryes, and in great misery and poverty died at Louvayn.