A Chronicle of the Kings of England from the Time of the Roman Government, Regnal history 16 (2 of 5)

A Chronicle of the Kings of England from the Time of the Roman Government · Regnal history 16 (2 of 5)

p. 25But though the Queen were thus entangled with Rebellions at home, yet she was not carelesse of the afflicted Protestants in France; for she stirred up the Protestant Princes to defend the common Cause; supplyed them with money, taking in pawn the Queen of Navar's Jewells; and gave leave to Henry Champernoon to lead into France a Troop of a hundred Horse, Gentlemen all, and Voluntaries; amongst whom were Philip Butshed, Francis Barkley, and Walter Raleigh, a very young man, who now began to look into the world. But as the Queen of England assisted the French, so in revenge thereof, the King of France meant to assist the Scots, but that he was taken away by death; being slain by a shot, at the Siege of S. Iohn D'Angelo.

There was at this time a Rebellion in Ireland also, raised by Edmund and Peter, brothers to Boteler Earl of Ormond; but after many out-rages by them committed: the Earl of Ormond first by perswasions, obtained of them to submit themselves; and when notwithstanding they were committed to prison, he then obtained of the Queen they should not be called to the Barre, being exceedingly grieved that any of his Blood should be attaynted of Rebellion. The rest of the Rebells were pursued by Sir Humphrey Gilbert, and soon dispersed.

And now the Earl of Murray, Regent of Scotland, when he had wrought all things to his hearts desire, and thought himself secure, at Lithquo, riding along the streets, was shot into the belly with a Bullet, beneath the Navill, and there fell down dead. The actor was a Hamilton, who did it upon a private revenge, for that Murray had forced him to part with a piece of Land which he had by his wife; who thereupon falling Lunatick, he in a great rage committed this slaughter.

After Murrayes death, the Countrey being without a Regent, was cause of many disorders. Tho. Carre, and Walter Scot, two principall men amongst p. 26the Scottish Borders, and devoted to the Queen of Scots, made In…odes into England; wasting all places with fire and sword, till by Forces sent out of England; under the command of the Earle of Sussex, and the Lord H…nsdon, they were defeated. In whose pu…suit, three hundred villages were …ired, and above fifty Holds were over-turned. For which service the Earl made many Knights, as Sir William Drury, Sir Thomas Manners, Sir George Carie, Sir Robert Constable and others, and then returned. And now to prevent further disorders, the Lords of Scotland being ready to assemble about the election of a new Regent, they asked counsell of Queen Elizabeth in the matter; but she making answer she would not meddle in it, because she would not be thought to work any thing prejudiciall to the Queen of Scots, whose cause was not yet tried… they created Matthew Earl of Lenox Regent; which Queen Elizabeth did the better like, as conceiving he could not chuse out of naturall affection, but have a speciall care of the young King being his Grand-childe.

But while Queen Elizabeth favoured the Kings Party in Scotland, the Earl of Hun…ley, the Duke of Castle-H…rald, and the Earle of Argyl…, (the Queen of Scots Li…u…enants) imploy the Lord Seton to the Duke D'Alva, Requiting him for many great reasons, to vindicate the Queen of Scots liberty alleadging how acceptable a work it would be to all Christian Princes and to the whole Catholike Church: whereunto the Duke made answer; They should finde him ready to the uttermost of his power to satisfie their Request. At which time also the French King dealt earnestly with Queen Elizabeth to the same purpose; and the Spanish Embassadour in his masters name urged it no lesse extremely; but Queen Elizabeth assaulted with all these Importunities, made answer, That as she would omit nothing that might serve for the Reconciling of the Queen of Scots and her subjects, so sh… must have leave to provide for her own and her subjects safety; a thing which Nature, Reason, and her own Honor requires at her hands. And now when these Princes prevailed not with Queen Elizabeth to set the Queen of Scots at liberty, ou… comes Pope Pius Quintus with his Bull Declaratory, which he caused to be fastened in the night time upon the gate of the Bishop of Londons Palace, wherein all her subjects are absolved from their Oa…h of Allegiance, or any other dutie; and all that obey her, accursed with Anathem…. He that fastned up the Bull was one Iohn F…lton; who never fled for the matter, but as affecting Martyrdome, suffered himself to be apprehended, confessed and justified the Fact, and thereupon arraigned, was condemned and hanged neer the place where he had fastened the writing.

The same day that Felton was Arraigned, the Duke of Norfolk seeming now extremely pontitent for his fault, and utterly to abhorre the marriage, was delivered out of the Tower, and suffered to goe to his owne house, but yet to be in the custodie of Sir Henry Neuill still. Indeed Cecill being a good friend of the Dukes, had told the Queen, That the Law of 25 of Edward the third could not take hold upon him: And now being in a kinde of liberty, Cecill deales earnestly with him to marry speedily some other; thereby to take away all suspition in that behalf: yet some again thought that this liberty of the Dukes was granted him of purpose to bring him into greate… danger.

At this time died William Herbert Earl of P…mb…ook the grand-child of an Earl of P…mbrook, yet the son but of an Esquire, and grand-father to Phillip Earl of Pembrook and Mountgomery now living, who lieth buried in Pauls, under a faire Monument of Marble, with an Inscription …estifying his great deservings while he lived.

Many conspiracies were at this time to set the Queen of Scots at liberty; amongst others, there conspired Thomas and Edward Stanley younger sonnes p. 27of the Earl of Derby, with others; but the matter discovered, they were soon suppressed, and some of them executed. And now the Lords of the Queen of Scots Party continuing to protect the English Rebells, the Earl of Sussex once again, accompanied with the Lord Scroop, entereth Scotland, burneth the Villages all along the Valley of Anandale, and compasseth the Duke of Castle-Herald, and the Earls of Huntley and Argyle, under a Writing signed with their own Hands and Seals, to forsake the English Rebells. Whereupon the Earl of Sussex returned home, he made these Knights; Edward Hastings, Francis Russell, Valentine Browne, William Hilton, Robert Stapleton, Henry Carwen, and Simon Musgrave.

Queen Elizabeths minde being now in great suspension, by reason of that Bull from Rome, and the late conspiracy in Norfolk, sent Sir William Cecill, and Sir Walter Mildmay to the Q…een of Scots, who was then at Chattesworth in Derby-shire, to consult with her by what means the breach in Scotland might best be made up, She re-invested in her former Dignity, and her son and Queen Elizabeth might be secured… The Queen of Scots did little deplore her own afflicted condition, putting her self wholly upon the Queens clemency; when the Commissioners made unto her certain Propositions of Agreement: First, That the Treaty of Edinborough should be confirmed: then, That she should renounce her Right and Title to England, during Queen Elizabeths life, or any children of her body lawfully begotten: then, That she should send her sonne for a Hostage into England, with other six Hostages; such as the Queen should nominate: then, That the Castles of Humes and Fast-castle should be held by the English for three yeers; with some other. To which Propositions the Queen of Scots for the present gave a provident answer; but referred the fuller Answer to the Biship of Rosse her Ambassadour in ENGLAND, and some other Delegates; who afterwards allowing some of the Propositions, and not allowing others; the Treaty came to nothing, but the matter rested in the state it was before.

A… this time Philip King of Spain had contracted Marriage with Anne of Austria, Daughter to the Emperour Maximilian, his own Neece by his Sister; who was now setting Sayl from Zealand towards Spain; when Queen Elizabeth, to testifie her love and respect to the House of Austria, sent Sir Charls Howard with the Navy Royall, to conduct her thorow the Bri…ish Sea.

And now was the twelfth yeer of Queen Elizabeths Raign finished; which certain Wizards had made Papists believe should be her last: but contrary, as if it were but her first, a new Custome began, of celebrating the seventeenth day of November (the Anniversary day of her Raign) with ringing of Bells, Tiltings, and Bon-fires: which Custome, as it now began, so it was never given over as long as she lived, and is not yet forborn so long after her death.

At this time in Ireland, Connagher ô Brien Earl of Towmond, no… brooking the severe Government of Edward Fitton, President of Connaght, entred into Consultation with some few to raise a new Rebellion; which, being at the point ready to break forth, was strangely discovered: for the day before they meant to …ake up Arms, Fitton knowing not at all of the matter, sent …h… Earl word in friendly manner, That the next day he and a few friends with him, would be his Guests. The Earl convinced by his own conscience, imagined that his Intendments were revealed; that Fitton would come as an enemy, rather then a Guest. Out of which feare… he presently set Sayle into FRANCE; where repenting himselfe seriously of his fault, he confessed the whole businesse p. 28to Norris, the Queenes Embassadour in France; and by his intercession, was afterward pardoned and restored.

In Ianuary, the thirteenth yeer of her Raigne, Queen Elizabeth in royall pompe, entring the City of London, went to see the Burse which Sir Thomas Gresham had lately built, for the use of the Marchants; and with sound of trumpets, and the voice of a Herald, solemnly named it the Royall Exchange. A few dayes after, for his many great services, she made Sir William Cecill Baron Burgley.

There were now about the Scottish affaires, in the name of the King of of Scots, the Earle Morton; Peruare Abbot of Dumformelin; and Iames Mac-Gray; whom when Queen Elizabeth required to shew more clearely, for what causes they had deposed the Queen; they exhibited a long and tedious Commentary; wherein with a certain insolent liberty, they endeavoured to prove, by the ancient Right of the Kingdom of Scotland, that the people of Scotland were above the King: and urged Calvins Authority also, That Popular Magistrates are constituted for the moderation of the Licentiousnes of Princes: and that it is lawfull for them, both to imprison Kings; and upon just causes, to depose them. This writing the Queen could not reade without indignation; but to the Delegates she gave this Answer; She saw no just cause yet, why they should handle the Queen in such manner; and therefore willed them to think upon some course out of hand, how to allay the dissentions in Scotland. Hereupon in Sir Nich. Bacons house, Keeper of the Great Seal, a Proposition was made to the Bishop of Rosse, the Bishop of Galloway; and Baron Levingston, delegates for the Queen of Scots, that for the security of the Kingdom, and the Qu. of England; it were requisite, that before the Queen of Scots should be let at libertie: The Duke of Castle-Herald the Earle of Huntley and Argyle, the Lord Humes, Heris, and another of the Barons should be delivered for Hostages, and the castle of Dumbriton and H…e… yeelded up into the hands of the English, for three yeers. But they made Answer, that to yeeld up great personages, and such fortifications as were demanded; were nothing else; but to leave the miserable Queen utterly destitute of faithfull friends, and naked of all places, fit for guard and defence: yet they offered, to give two Earls and two Barons for Hostages, till two yeers were expired: which not being accepted, they straightway gathered, and spoke it openly; That now they plainly perceived the English meant to keepe the Queen of Scots perpetually prisoner, and likewise to break off the Trea…y; seeing they rigorously demanded such securitie as Scotland was not able to make good. And now Queen Elizabeth seeing that nothing could be done, for her owne, the King and Queen of Scots safety, unlesse Both Factions in Scotland consented; she held it fit that the Lords of Scotland should themselves appoint some chosen persons to compound the matter.

While matters in England, proceeded in this sort; the Queenes partie in Scotland was hardly used: Dumb…tion Fryth … the strongest castle in Scotland was taken: and I. Hamilton Archbishop of Saint Andrewes; the Duke of Castle-Heralds brother, as an accessary to the murder of D…lye, was hanged without being arraigned according to Law. In England, the Queen of Scots had all her servants taken from her, except Tenne only, and a Priest to say masse: with which indignities the Queen of Scots provoked, causeth a large Commentary of her Counsels, with certain love-letters to the Duke of Norfolk, to be carried to the Pope, and the King of Spain, by Ridolphu… ; which being brought first to the Duke, Higford (one that waited on the Duke in his bed chamber) had copyed out: but being commanded to burne them, he hid them under a Matt in the Duke Bed-chamber; and that (it should seeme) purposely. Ridolphus to daw on the Duke to be Head of the discontented Partie in England, aggravated to him the wrongs he had suffered… p. 29how against all law he had been kept a long time in prison: and now, to his great disgrace, was not Summoned to the Parliament: he exhibited to him a Catalogue of such of the Nobilitie, who had vowed to Assist him: he shewed how the Pope, (so the Catholick Religion might be promoted) would himself undergo all the charge of the Warre, and had already layd down an hundred thousand Crownes; whereof himself had distributed twelve thousand amongst the English that were fled: he promised, that the King of Spain would send four thousand horse, and six thousand foot to his Assistance; to these reasons the Bishop of Rosse added, That it was an easie matter for him to surprize the Queen; whom, when he had in his hands, he might then set the Queen of Scots at liberty, and might easily obtain of Queen Elizabeth, a toleration of Religion. The former Reasons tooke somewhat with the Duke, but this point of surprizing the Queen, he abhorred, as an impious fact, and therefore rejected as pernitious and Dangerous.

In France a little before this, was the mariage solemnized between Charles the ninth King of France, and Elizabeth of Austria daughter to the Emperor Maximilian; in gratulation whereof, Queen Elizabeth sent into France, Thomas Lord Buckhurst, who with great magnificence was received, and perhaps the more, in regard of a motion now intended to be made: for the Lord Buckhurst, having in his retinue, one Guydo Cavalcantius a noble man of Florence, the Queen Mother of France, as being a Florentine her self, had often conference with him, when she would many times say, what a happines it would be to both the Kingdoms, if a Match were made between the Queen of England and her sonne Henry Duke of Angiou; and at last desired him to commend the motion to the Queen of England, both from her, and from her son the King of France, as a thing they both exceedingly desired. The Lord Buckhurst returned, having for a present from the King of France a chayn weighing a thousand French crowns; and Cavalcantius at his return made the motion to the Queen, who seemed not unwilling to hearken to it; for by this Match, there should be added to the Kingdome of England, the wealthy Dukedoms of Angiou, Bourbon, Auverne, and in possibility, the Kingdome of France it self. Hereupon a Treaty was held, in which the French propounded three Articles, one concerning the Coronation of the Duke; another, concerning the Joynt Administration of the Kingdom; a third, concerning a Toleration of his Religion: to which it was answered, that the two first Articles might in some sort be composed; but the third, scarce possibly: for though a contrary Religion might be tolerated, between Subjects of the same Kingdome; yet between a wife and her husband, it seemed very Incongruous and inconvenient; yet the matter at last came to this conclusion, That if the Duke would afford his presence with the Queen at divine Service, and not refuse to hear and learn the doctrine of the Church of England; he should not be compelled to use the English Rites, but at his pleasure use the Romane; not being expresly against the word of God. But upon these Punctili…s they could not accord: and so the Treaty, after it had continued almost a yeer, brake utterly off. It was indeed generally thought, that the Ma…ch was never really intended of either side, but that they both pretended it, for onelyonly their owne ends: for the Earle of Leicester (who knew more of the Queenes minde then any man) wrote at this time to Sir Francis Walsingham, the Queens Embassador in France, That he found the Queens inclination so cold in the matter, that though the Point of Religion were …ully accorded; yet she would finde one point or other to breake it off.

At this time the continuance of the Duke of Norfolkes affection towards the Queen of Scots, came to be discovered by a packet of Letters, sent by Ridolphus to the Bishop of Ros…e, and by Bayliffs confession (who brought the letters) being set upon the Rack; so as the Bishop of Rosse was confined to the Isle of Ely: Thomas Stanlie, Sir Thomas Gerard, and R…l…ton were cast into the p. 30Tower: and H…nry Howard, who had an aspiring minde to be Arch-bishop, was committed to the Arch-bishop of Canterbury's keeping. At the same time the Queen of Scots sent money to her confederates in Scotland; which being by Higford delivered to one Browne to carry, and told it was Silver, when he found by the weight that it was Gold, he began to suspect something; and thereupon went and delivered both the money and Letters to the Lords of the Councell. Upon this, Higford being examined, confessed the whole matter; and withall gave notice of that Commentary also of the Queen of Scots which is mentioned before. Two dayes after, the Duke himself being examined, and knowing nothing what his servau…s had confessed, de…yed every particular; and thereupon, was brought again to the Tower, by Ralph Sadler, Thomas Smith, Henry Nevill, and Doctor Wilson: And after him Bannester, who was the Dukes Counsell at Law: The Earls of Arun…el and Southampton; the Lord Lumley, the Lord Cobham; Henry Percy, Lowder, Powell, Goodyer, and others, are committed to prison; who upon hope of pardon, confessed all they knew concerning the matter. When these things, and especially the Commentary, which the Duke thought had been burnt, were shewed him, he then cryed out, I am betrayed by my own servants; not having learned to be distrustfull, which is the very sinew of Wisedom. And then with all submission, he besought the Lords to mediate for him to the Queen; towards whom, he protested he never had the least thought of doing any hurt.

And now seeing it appeared that the Bishop of Rosse had been the whole-contriver of the businesse, it was deliberated what to do with him, because he was an Ambassadour. Hereupon divers Civilians are called; as David Lewis, Valentine Dale, William Drury, William Aub…y, and Henry Iones; of whom these questions were asked:

First, Whether an Ambassadour who raiseth Rebellion against that Prince …o whom he is an Ambassadour, may enjoy the Priviledges of an Ambassadour, and is not lya…le to pun…shment? They answered, That such an Ambassadour hath forfeited the Priviledges of an Ambassadour, and is liable to punishment.

Secondly, Whether the Minister or Procter of a Prince, who is deposed by publike Authority, and in whose room another is Ina…gurated, may enjoy the Priviledges of an Ambassadour? They answered, That if such Prince be lawfully deposed, his Proct…r cannot challenge the Priviledges of an Ambassadour, forasmuch as none but absolute Princes, and such as have-Right of Majesty, can appoint Ambassadours.

Thirdly, Whether a Prince who is come into another Princ…s Countrey, and held in Custody, may have his Proctor; and if he shall be held an Ambassadour. They answered, If such a Prince have not lost his Soveraignty, he may have his Proctor; but whether that Proctor shall be reputed as an Ambassadour or no, this dependeth upon the Authority of his Delegation.

Fourthly, Whether if a Prince give warning to such a Proctor, and to hi… Prince who is under custody, that this Proctor shall not from hencef…rth be accounted for an Ambassadour; Whether that Proctor may by Law challenge the Priviledge of an Ambassadour? They answered, A Prince may forbid an Ambassadour to enter into hi… Kingdome, and may command him to depart the Kingdome, if he …ontain n…t himself within his due limits; yet in the mean while he is to enjoy the Priviledges of an Ambassadour.

p. 31Upon these Answers, the Bishop of Rosse is warned by the Lords of the Councell, that he shall no longer be esteemed an Ambassadour, but be punished as his fault shall deserve. The Bishop alle…dged for himself, That he had not violated the Right of …n Ambassadour Via Iuris, but V… Fact…, (to use his own words) and therefore adviseth them, not to use harder measure to him, then was used to the English Ambassadours, … in France, R…ndoll and T…mwo…th in Scotland; who had raised Rebellions there, and were open Abettors of the same; and yet had no greater punishment, then to be gone at a time limitted. When they began to urge him what the English had testified against him, he lovingly requested them to give no credit to it… forasmuch as by a received Custome, which hath the force of a Law, The Testimony of an English man against a Scot, or of a Scot against an English man, is not to be admitted: but after some other altercations, the Bishop is led away to the Tower, and kept close prisoner.

At this very season, Matthew Earl of Lenox, Regent of Sco…and, the Kings Grand-father was by the adverse party set upon at unawares; who having yeelded himself to David Spense of Wormester, (that was then very carefull to defend him) together with him, was slain by Bell and C…ulder; when with great industry he had governed the Kingdom for his Grand-childe about fourteen months. In whose room, Iohn Areskin, Earl of Mar…e, by common consent of the Kings Faction, was chosen Regent of Scotland; who being a man of a quiet disposition, through extreme grief of the m…ny troubles he sustained in the place, departed this life when he had governed thirteen months.

And now a Parliament was held at Westminster; wherein, besides a Law for preventing of the treacherous endeavours of seditious subjects, another Law was made, That if any one, during the Queens life, by Books written or printed, shall expressely affirm, That any i…, or ought to be the Heir or Successor of the Queen (besides the naturall Off-sp…ing of her Body) or shall to that purpose publish, print, or dispers… any Book or Schedules; he, and his favour…rs, shall for the first offence suffer a yeers imprisonment, and the losse of one half of his goods: and if they offend again, they shall be in a Pr…munir…. A Law also was made, by which to be reconciled to the Sea of Rome, was made Treason: and it was pronounced against the Queen of Scots, That if she offended again against the Laws of England, it might be lawfull to question her, as the wife of a Peer of the Kingdom of England. But here the Queen interposed her Authority, and would not suffer it to be enacted. About this time, in May, a solemn Tilting was performed at Westminster; where th… Challengers were Edward Earl of Oxford, Charles Howard, Sir Henry Lee, and Chri… pher Hatt…n Esquire; who all did valiantly, but the Earl of Oxford best.

Assoon as the Parliament was dissolved, a Consultation was held, Whe…her Iohn Story, Doctor of the Laws, the Duke D'Alva's Searcher (who somtime before, was by a wile brought into England) being an Englishman born; and having in Bra…ant consulted with a for…aign Prince, about the invading of England, were to be held guilty of high Treason? It was resolved a… firmatively: whereupon he is called to the Bar, and indicted of Treason… That he had consulted with one Pres…all a Conjurer, to make away the Queen; That he cursed her dayly, when he said Grace at Table; That he shewed a way to the Secretary of Duke D'Alva how to invade England, &c. where he affirming, That the Judges had no power to meddle with him, for that he b…longed not to the Queen of England, but was the King of Spain's sworn subject… is neverthelesse condemned by the Fo…m of Nihil dicit (forasmuch as no man can renounce the Country wherin he was born, nor abjure his Prince at his own pleasure) and finally executed after the manner of Tray…ors.

p. 32Ireland at this time was indifferent quie…; for Sir Iohn Perot, President of Munster had brought Iames Fitz Morris to submit himself, and crave pardon. Sidney the Lord Deputy returned into England, and Sir William Fitz Williams, who had marryed his sister, succeeded in his room.

It was now the fifteenth yeer of Queen Elizabeths Raign; when Thomas Howard, Duke of Norfolk, on the sixteenth day of Ianuary, was brought to his Tryall at Westminster-Hall; where sate as Commissioners, George Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury (made High Steward of England for that day) Reynold Grey, Earl of Kent; Thomas Ratcliff, Earl of Sussex; Henry Hastings, Earl of Huntington; Francis Russell, Earl of Bedford; Henry Herbert, Earl of Pembr…k; Edward Seymor, Earl of Hertford; Ambrose Dudley, Earl of Warwick; Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester; Walter Devereux, Viscount of Hereford; Edward, Lord Clinton, Admirall; William, Lord Howard of Effingham, Chamberlain; William Cecill, Lord Burley, Secretary; Arthur, Lord Grey of Wilton; Iames Blunt, Lord Mountjoy; William, Lord Sands; Thomas, Lord Wentworth; William, Lord Borough; Lewis, Lord Mordant; Iohn Pawlet, Lord St. Iohn of B…sing; Robert, Lord Rich; Roger Lord North; Edmund Bruges, Lord Ch…ndois; Oliver, Lord St. Iohn of Bl…tsho; Thomas Sackvile, Lord Buckhurst; and William West, Lord de la Ware. After silence bidden, Sir Owen Hopton, Lievtenant o… the Tower, is commanded to bring the Duke to the Bar; and then the Clerk of the Crown said, Thomas, Duke of Norfolk, late of Keningale, in the County of Norfolk, Hold up thy hand; which done, the Clerk with a loud voyce readeth the crimes laid to his charge: That in the eleventh yeer of the Queens Raign, he had trayterously consulted to make her away, and to bring in forraign Forces for invading the Kingdom: Also, That he dealt with the Queen of Scots concerning Marriage, contrary to his promise made to the Queen under his hand writing: Also, That he relieved with money the Earls of Northumberland and Westmerland, that had stirred up Rebellion against the Queen: Also, That in the thirteenth yeer of the Queens Raign, he implored Auxiliary Forces of Pope Pius the fifth, the Queens professed enemy, of the King of Spain, and the Duke D'Alva, for the freeing of the Queen of Scots; and restoring of the Popish Religion: And lastly, That he sent supply to the Lord Heris, and other the Queens enemies in Scotland. These Indictments being read, the Clerk demanded of the Duke, if he were guilty of these crimes, or not? Here the Duke requested he might be allowed to have Counsell. But Catiline, chief Justice, made answer, That it was not lawfull. Yet (saith the Duke) I have heard that Humphrey Stafford, in the Raign of K. Henry the seventh, in a Cause of Treason, had one assigned to plead for him. To which Dyer chief Justice of the Common-Pleas, made answer, That Stafford had Counsell assigned him concerning the Right of Sanctuary, from whence he was taken by force… but in the Inditement of Treason he pleaded his own cause. After this, the Duke yeelding to be tryed by the Peers; first Barham, Serjeant at Law; then Gerard the Queens Atturney; and lastly, Bromley, the Queens Solicitor, enforced the crimes objected against him: to all which the Duke made colourable answers; but most of them being proved by sufficient testimony, he asked upon occasion, Whether the subjects of another Prince, who is confederate, and in league with the Queen, are to be accounted the Queens enemies… to which Catiline answered, They were; and that the Q. of England might wage War with any Duke of France, & yet hold firm Peace with the French King. When it grew towards night, the L. high Steward demanded of the Duke if he had any more to say for himself? who answered, I rely upon the equity of the Laws. After this, the Lords withdrawing a while, and then returning, the Lord Steward beginning at the lowermost, asked them, My Lord de la Ware, Is Thomas Duke of Norfolk guilty of these crimes of High Treason, for which he is called in question? He rising up, and laying his hand upon his p. 33breast, answered guilty, in like manner they answered all. After this, the Lord Steward with teares in his eyes, pronounced sentence in forme as is used. A few dayes after were Barnes and Mather executed, who conspired with one Herle, to make away certaine of the Councellors, and to free the Duke; but Herle revealed the businesse presently, to whom Barnes (when hee saw his Accuser brought forth) smilingly said, Herle thou wert but one houre before mee; else I had beene in thy place for the accuser, and thou in my roome to be hanged: at the same time with them was hanged also Henry Rolfe, for counterfeiting the Queens hand. But though the Duke were now condemned, yet the Queen was so tender of his case, that it was foure Moneths after before he was executed, at last on the second of June at eight of the clock in the morning, he was brought to the Scaffold upon the Tower-Hill, and there beheaded.

At this time and upon this occasion, a Parliament was Assembled, wherein amongst other Lawes, it were Enacted, that if any man shall go about to free any person imprisoned by the Queens expresse Commandement… for Treason or suspition of Treason, and not yet Arraigned, he shall lose all his goods for his life time, and be imprisoned during the Queens pleasure, if the said person have beene Arraigned, the Rescuer shall forfeit his life; if condemned, he shall be guilty of Rebellion.

In the time of this Parliament, the Queen created Walter Devereux Earl of Essex, being before but Viscount Hereford; because he was descended by his Great-grand-mothers from the Bourchiers, and made the Lord Clinton (who had large Revenues in Lincolnshire) Earl of Lincoln; Also she called forth Iohn Paulet of Basing, the Marquesse of Winchester's son, Henry Compton, Henry Cheyney, and Henry Morris for Barons by Summons.

Within ten dayes after the Dukes death, William Lord De-la-ware, Sir Ralph Sadler, Thomas Wilson Doctor of the Laws, and Thomas Brumley the Queens Solicitour, were sent to the Queen of Scots, to expostulate with her; That shee had usurped the Title and Arms of the Kingdom of England, and had not renounced the same, according to the agreement of the Treaty at Edinburgh, That shee had endeavoured the marriage of the Duke of Norfolke, without acquainting the Queene, and had used all forcible meanes to free him out of prison; had raised the Rebellion in the North, had relieved the Rebels both in Scotland and in the Low-Countries; had implored Aids from the Pope, the King of Spaine and others; had conspired with certaine of the English, to free her out of Prison, and Declare her Queen of England; Lastly, that she had procured the Popes Bull against the Queen, and suffered herself to be publikely named the Queen of England in Forreigne Countries: All which accusations she either absolutely denyed, or else fairly extenuated, and though (as she said) she were a free Queen, and not subject to any creature; yet she was content, and requested, that she might make her personall answer at the next Parliament.

About this time, the King of Spain by his Embassadour here, complained to the Queen, that the Rebels of the Netherlands were harboured and entertained in England, contrary to the Articles of the League; whereupon the Queen set forth a severe Proclamation, That all the Dutch, who could any wayes be suspected of Rebellion, should presently depart the Realm; which yet turned little to D'Alva's, or the King of Spains benefit: For hereupon, Count Vander-Mark, and other Dutch going out of England surprized the Brill first, then Flushing, and afterwards drew other Towns to Revolt, and in a short time excluded p. 39the Duke D'Alva in a manner from the Sea. And this errour, to suffer the Protestant party to get possession of the Sea-towns, hath been the cause they have been able to hold out, even all this long time, against the King of Spain. And now many military men having little to do at home, got them into the Netherlands, some to Duke D'Alva; but the far greater number to the Prince of Orenge: The first of whom, was Thomas Morgan, who carryed three hundred English to Flushing; then followed by his procurement nine Companies more under the conduct of Humphry Gilbert; and afterward it became the Nursery of all our English Souldiers.

At this time, Charls the French King setting his mind wholly (at least seeming so) upon the Low-Country War, concluded a peace and entred into a league with Queen Elizabeth; which was to remain firm, not only during their two lives, but between their successors also, if the s…ccessor signifie to the surviver within a yeer that he accepteth it, otherwise to be at liberty. It was likewise agreed, what aid by Sea or Land, they should each of them afford to other upon occasion; and for ratification of this League, Edward Clinton Earl of Lincoln and Admirall of England was sent into France, with whom went the Lord Dacres, Rich, Talbot, Sands, and others. The French King likewise sent the Duke of Memorancy, and Paul Foix i… to England with a great train; that the Queen in the presence of them, and the Embassador in Ordinary might sweare to the league, which she did at Westminster, the seaventeenth of May, in the yeer 1572. The day after she made Memorancye Knight of the Garter.

Memorancye whilst he tarryed in England, made intercession in his Kings name, that what favour could be without danger, might be shewed to the Queen of Scots; and then made much a do again about the marriage with the Duke of Angiou; but being hopelesse to make conclusion thereof, by reason of the diversity of Religion he returned into France; for now was great provision making ready for the mariage, between Henry King of Navarre; and the Lady Margeret the French Kings Sister; to which solemnity with notable dissimulation, the Queen of Navarre and the chief of all the Protestants were allured, being born in hand that there should be a renovation of love, and a perpetuall peace established: The Earl of Leicester likewise and the Lord Burleigh were invited out of England, and out of Germany, the sons of the Prince Elector Palatine under colour of honour: but indeed, that they might be intrapped, and they, and together with them the Protestant Religion at one blow, if not clean cutt off, yet receive… deadly wound: For the marriage being celebrated, there presently followed that cruell Massacre at Paris, and the terrible slaughter of the Protestants throughout all the Cities of France; but to set a shew of equity upon the fact, Edicts and Proclamations were presently set forth, that the Protestants had plotted a wicked conspiracy against the King, the Queen Mother, the Brethren, the King of Navarre, and the Princes of the blood Royall; and to keep the thing in memory, Coyne was presently stamped, upon the one side whereof was the Kings picture with this Inscription, Virtus in Rebelles, on the other side; Pietas excitavit justitiam; But the King of France, notwithstanding all the shew hee made of Piety, escaped not the Divine revenge, for before the yeer came about, hee fell sick of a bloody Flixe, and afterwards with long and grievous torments ended his life.

A little before this, Mota Fenell Embassador to the King of France, being in England, by vertue of an order from the Queen Mother of France, propoundeth to Queen Elizabeth at Kenelworth (two dayes before the Massacre in that Kingdome) the marriage of her youngest sonne Francis Duke of Alenson (for the Queen Mother had been told by some cunning men, that all her sons should be Kings, and she knew p. 35no way for it but this) B…t Queen Elizabeth, by rea…on of the disparity of age, modestly excused her self, (For he was scarce …eventeen yeers old, and she was now past eight and thirty) yet she promised to consider of it, and Alenson did not leave to prosecute the …it.

At t…is time, Thomas Percy Earl of North…mberland, who first Rebelled, and afterwards fled into Scotland, was for a sum of money delivered by the Earl of Morton, to the Lord Hunsdon Governour of Barwick; and a while af…er was beheaded …t York. And now as these two great Personages, the Duke of Norfolk… and the Earl of Northumberland were taken away by a violent death; so three other great Personages were at this time t…ken away by a naturall death: First W…ll…am Paulet, who from a private man came by degree; to be Marquesse of Winchester: lived to the age of within three yeers of a hundred, and could reckon a hundred and three of his children, and his childrens issue, after he had held the p…ace of Lord Treasurer of England above twenty yeers; in whose roome succeeded Sir W…lliam Cecill, Lord Burleigh, then dyed Edmund Earle of Darby, famous as well for his hospitality and good house-keeping, as for his skill in Surgery and Bone-setting; then dyed Sir William Peter, who being descended from an honest stock at Exceter in Devonshire, was Privy Counsellor and Secretary to King Henry the Eight, Ki…g Edward the Sixth, Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth; who plant…d himself in Essex, where he purchased grea… possessions; whose son Iohn was by King Iames made Baron of Writle in that Country.

And now Q…een Elizabeth having formerly borrowed money o… her Subjects, she thankfully repayd it, which wonne her no lesse love, then if she had given it, and more love she gained also at this time by two Proclamations; by one of which, she commanded Noble men to observe the Law of keeping Ret…iners; by the other, she restrained Informers, who, under colour of spying out Crown Land concealed by private perso…s, sacralegio…sly seized upon the Lands of Parish-Churches, and Alms-Houses piously endowed by the Queens Ancestors. And more Love and Honour also she gained at this time by two acts of Justice; the one, that she satisfied the English Merchants out of the goods which were det…ined belonging to the Dutch, and restored the rest to the Duke D' Alva, and make a full transaction with the Merchants of Geneva for the mon…y intercepted; the other, that she freed England at this time of the debts which her Father and her Brother had run into in forraign part…, and were increased by yeerly interest, and caused the obligations of the City of London, which had so often been renued to be given in, to the great rejoycing of the Citizens.

The Spanish affairs growing now very turbulent in the Netherlands, Flushing lost, the towns of Holland revolted, and the Spanish Navy vanquished by the Zelanders, Duke D'Alva against his will, began to shew more kindnesse towards the English, so as in the month of Ianuary, the trade which in Anno 1568. had been forbidden, was now allowed again between the Dutch and the English for two yeer…; but those two yeers expired, the English removed their trading to the confederates State….

The last yeer in the month of November, a daughter was born to the French King, to whom he requested Queen Elizabeth to be God-mother, who the…eupon sent William Somerset Earl of Worcester into France with a Font of massy Gold to stand as her Deputy at the Christning. Hereupon, and for that the Queen promised to observe the League strictly, the French King and the Queen mother began to affect her more and more, and the Duke D'Alenson wrote sundry love-letters to her, the French King and His Mother interceding for the mariage with all earnestnesse. p. 36It is true, the Queen conceived divers reasons, why it was fit for her to marry; but the Courtiers for their own ends disswaded her as much from it: at last the Queen Mother of France was wonderfull importunate, that her sonne Alenson might have leave to come and see her… whereunto, being wearyed with continuall Letters and Messages, she gave her consent; but upon condition, that hee should not take it for any disgrace to him, if hee returned without obtaining his suit: But as soon as Queen Elizabeth had notice, that his brother Henry was elected King of Poland, and that the King of France was very sick, shee gave intimation to Alenson, by Edward Horsey Governour of the Isle of Wight, that hee should not make too much haste into England; but should first procure a peace by some meanes or other in France, and declare by some notable Argument, his good will towards the Protestants, thereby to be the more welcome Ghest into England. Hereupon a peace was concluded in France, and in certain places the Protestants were allowed to exercise their Religion: and then again the French King and the Queen Mother, used all their endeavour to have the marriage go forward (for they were very desirous th…t Alenson, who was of a crooked and perverse disposition, and prone to raise tumults) might bee removed out of France; and withall, they requested of Queen Elizabeth, that if the Duke of Angiou took his voyage into Poland by Sea; hee might have publike caution to sail through the British Ocean. To this last request, she not only consented with all alacrity, but also made offer of a Fleet to conduct him thither. In the mean while, Alenson fell sick of the Meazles, which his mother signified to Queen Elizabeth by Count Rhets, excusing him thereupon for not coming into England as he had determined: The Count found the Queen at Canterbury, where she gave him Royall intertainment: and Matthew Parker Archbishop of Canterbury, Royall intertainment to them both.

All this while since the death of the Earl of Marre, there had been no Regent in Scotland, but now by the procurement of Queen Elizabeth chiefly; Iames Dowglas Earl of Morton, is made Regent; who, when his Authority in a Parliamentary Assembly was established, Enacted many profitable Laws for the defence of Religion against Papists and Hereticks, in the name of the King: But the pro…ection and keeping of the Kings Person, hee confirmed to Alexander Areskin Earl of Marre (to whom the custody of the Kings in their tender yeers, by speciall priviledge belongeth) though hee were himself in his Minority: Upon these conditions, That no Papists, nor factious persons should be admitted to his presence: An Earl should come with onelyonly two servants attending him: A Baron, with onelyonly one: All other, single: and every one unarmed. The French King in the mean time, sent his Embassadour Mounsier Vyriar, to corrupt the Earls of Atholl and H…ntley with large promises, to oppose the Regent: Queen ELISABETH as much laboured to defend him: but though by the ministery of Killigrew, shee had drawn Iames Hamilton Duke of Castle-Herald, and George Gourdon Earl of Huntley, and the most eminent of that Faction, upon indifferent conditions, to acknowledge the Regent, yet VVilliam K…r…ld, Lord Gra…nge, (whom Murray when hee was Rege…t, had made Gove…nour of Edingborough Castle) The Lord Hum…s, Lydington, the Bishop of Dunkeld and others, would by no meanes admit of the Regents Government, but held that Castle, and fortified it in the Queen of Scots name, having Lydington for their Counsellor herein, and trusting to the naturall strength of the place, and to the Duke D' Alva's and the F…e…ch Kings promises, to send them supplies both of men and money. Now when these persons, could by no meanes p. 37drawne to accept of conditions of peace, and to deliver up the Castle to the Regent, Queen Elizabeth (who could in no case endure the French in Scotland) suffered her self at length to be intreated by the Regent, to send Forces, Gunnes and Ammunition, for assaulting of the Castle upon certain conditions, whereof one was, that ten Hostages should be sent into England, to be security fo… returning the men and Munition, unlesse by the common hazard of War they should chance to miscarry. The conditions being argued on; William Drury Marshall of the Garrison at Barwick, with some …reat Ordnance and Fifteen hundred Souldiers, (amongst whom were some noble Voluntiers, George Carie, Henry Carie, Thomas Cecill, He…ry Lee, William Knolles, Sutton, Cotton, Kelway, VVilliam Killigrew, and others, entred into Scotland, and besieged the Castle, which after three and thirty dayes siege, was delivered up to the Regent for the Kings use, with all the persons that were in it; amongst whom Kircald Lord Grange, and Iames his brother Musman, and Cook gold-smiths (who had counterfeited Coyne in the Castle) were hanged; although to redeem Granges life, a hundred of the Family of the Kircalds, offered themselves to be in perpetuall servitude to the Regent, besides an annuall Pension of three thousand Marks; and twenty thousand pounds of Scottish money in present; and to put in caution, that from thence forth he should continue in duty & homage to the King; but it would not bee accepted. Humes and the rest were spared, through Queen Elizabeths mercifull intercession; Lydington was sent to Leith, where hee dyed, and was suspected to bee poysoned: A man of the greatest understanding in the Scottish Nation, and of an excellent wit, but very variable; for which, George Buchanan called him the Camelion.

And now from this time Scotland began to take breath, after long Civill Warres, and as well the Captaines of both parties, as the Souldiers, betook themselves into Swedeland, France and the Low-Countries, where they valorously behaved themselves, and wonne great commendation. As for Iohn Lesle Bishop of Rosse he was now set at liberty, but commanded to depart presently out of England, and being beyond the Sea, he continued still to sollicite his Mistresse the Queen of Scots cause, with the Emperour, the Pope, the French King, and the German Princes of the Popish Religion; who all led him on with faire promises, but performed nothing: For indeed he in whom he had greatest confidence, which was the Duke D' Alva, was at that time called away, partly out of Jealousie of State, as being thought to grow too great, and partly out of opinion, that by his cruelty he made the people to revolt; and therefore in his place was sent Ludovicus Zuinga, a man of great Nobility in Spain, …ut of a more Peaceable disposition then D' Alva; & …ow this man did all good Offices to win Queen Elizabeth to him, and minding his owne Affairs only, would not intermeddle with the Scottish or English matters.

About this a frentick Opinion was held by one Peter Bourche… a Gent…eman of the Middle-Temple, that it was lawfull to kill them that opposed the truth of the Gospell; and so far was he possest with this opinion; that he assaulted the famous Seaman Captain Hawkins, and wounded him with a dagger, taking him for Hutton, who at that time was in great favour with the Queen, and of her privy Counsell, whom he had been informed to be a great Adversary to Innovations. The Queen grew so angry hereat, that she commanded Marshiall Law should be executed upon him presently, till her Counsell advised her that Marshiall Law was not to be used, but in the Field, and in turbulent times, but at home and in time of Peace, there must be Legall proceedings: Hereupon p. 38Bourchet was sent to the Tower, where taking a brand out of the fire, he strook it into the brains of one of his keepers named Hugh Longwroth and killed him, for which fact, he was condemned of murther, had his right hand cutt off, and nayled to the Gallows, and then himselfe hanged.

After the violent death of this Varlet, we may speake of the naturall death of two great persons; First, William Lord Howard of Effingham, Son of that warlike Thomas Howard Duke of Norfolk, by his second wife Agnes Tilney. This William was made a Baron by Queen Mary, and Lord High Admirall of England, and by Queen Elizabeth Lord Chamberlain, till such time that being taken with age, he yeelded up that place to the Earl of Sussex, and was then made Keeper of the Privy Seal, which is the fourth degree of honour in England. His Son Charles succeeded him in the Dignity of his Barony, who was after made Lord Chamberlain to the Queen, and then Lord High Admirall of England. A while after him, dyed Reginold Grey Earl of Kent, whom the Queen a yeer before of a private man had made Earl of Kent, when as that Title, from the death of Richard Grey Earl of Kent, who had wasted his Patrimony, and was elder brother to this mans Grand-father; had lyen asleep for fifty yeers together.

At this time many particular Rebellions were in Ireland; The O C… nors, and O Moors took Arms, and committed many outrages: In Munster, Iames Fitzmorris, and Fitz Edmund did the like; but by the industry of Sir Iohn Perrot, President of Munster, were suppressed. In Ulster, Bryan Mac Phelym burnt Knockfergus, and many other joyned in Rebellion with him. Against these, Walter Devereux, (whom the Queen had lately created Earl of Essex) desired leave to go; which Sir William Fitz-Williams Deputy of Ireland opposed, as fearing, that the glory of so great an Earl vvould ecclipse his light. But for this, the Queen findes a remedy, by appointing Essex, to take a Parent of the Deputy, whereby to be made Governour of Ulster. But this remedy for Fitz-Williams, might have made a sore in the minde o… E… sex; (to receive his Authority from his inferiour) but that the noblenesse of his minde, made him more to regard the vertue, then the glory. And so, in the end of August, hee landed at Knockfergus, having with him the Lords, Darcy and Rich, and Sir Henry Knowles and his four Brothers, Michael and Iohn Carves, Henry, William, and Iohn Norreses: At his landing, Bryan Mac Pheli… welcomed him, tendring unto him all manner of dutifulnesse and service; but presently a… ter, falls from him, and joyns with Turlogh Leynigh. After this revolt, the Ea…l of Essex, finding many difficulties in the businesse, and himself not well provided of skilfull Souldiers, makes suit to the Queen for leave to come home; which the Earl of Leicester, (who liked his room better then his company) opposed; till after expence of a yeer… time, and much treasure, hee at last obtained leave, and returned home.

The next yeer, being 1574. and the seventeenth yeer of Queen Elisabeths Raign, the Duke of Alenson grew more importunate in his suit, then at any time before; so as hee obtained of the Queen, to come into England, any time before the twentieth of May; and this she the rather did, because shee perceived him now to bee really bent against the Guyses her sworn Enemies. But before this Answer was brought him, Valentine Dale Doctor of the Civil Law, the Queens Embass… dour in France, gave intimation to the Q…een, That Alenson and Navarre were in restraint, and committed to Keepers: For the Guyses had p. 34suggested, that Alenson held intimate friendship with Admirall Colin, the chief Leader of the Protestants in France; and indeed, Alenson being examined, freely confessed, that hee had now for a good while desired the marriage of the Queen of England… and conceiving, that good correspondence with Colin might be usefull to him to that end, hee had thereupon had conference with him thereabout, and concerning the Low-Country Warre. In the mean time, Thomas W…lks, Dales Secretary, got cunningly to Alenson, and in the Queens name, made promise both to him, and to Navarre, that she would omit no opportunity of procuring their inlargement. For which, the subtle Queen-Mother so complained of him to Queen Elisabeth, that hee was fain to go into France, and there to crave pardon for his fault. But Navarre, not unmindfull of this kindnesse in Wilks, when about five and twenty yeers after, being King of France, hee saw him in Normandy, hee Knighted him. Hereupon the Queen sent Thomas Randoll into France, to the Queen-Mother, that if it were possible, hee might gain Reconciliation for Alenson her sonne, and for the King of Navarre. But before hee was landed in France, Charles the then French King dyed, whose Funerall Rites were solemnly performed in Saint Pauls Church in London.

Assoon as Henry the third, King of France, was come from Poland, Roger Lord North was sent into France, to congratulate his return, and his happy Inauguration into the Kingdom; who thereupon, together with the Queen-Mother, did forthwith send their joynt Letters into England, strongly soliciting the businesse of marriage, between Alenson and the Queen. In the mean time notwithstanding, they used all possible devices, (and left no means unsought) to get the yong King of Scotland to bee sent into France, and to deprive Morton who was the Regent, of his Authority, whereof the Queen of Scots also was very desirous; shee being perswaded, that if her sonne were once gotten safely into France, shee and the Catholicks in England should bee more mildly used. At which time, an aspersion was cast upon the Queen of Scots, as if she had made the match between Charles Unckle to the Queen of Scots (who had lately the Earldom of Lenox confirmed to him by Parliament) and Elizabeth Cavendish the Countesse of Shrewsburie's daughter by a former husband; upon which ground, both their mothers and some others also were kept in Prison for a time; and being doubted whereunto this marriage should tend: Henry Earle of Huntington, President of the Councell in the North, is authorized with secret Instructions to examine it. It will be fit here to say something of this place of Government in the North; which from small beginnings, is now become so eminent as it is at this day, whereof this was the Originall. When as in the Raigne of Henry the Eight, after that the Rebellion in the Northerne parts, about the subversion of Abbyes was quieted, the Duke of Norfolke tarryed in those quarters, and many complaints of injuries done were tendered unto him, whereof some he composed himself, and others hee commended under his Seale to men of wisdome to determine: Hereof when King Henry heard, he sent down a peculiar Seal to be used in these cases, and calling home the Duke, committed the same to Tunstall Bishop of Durham, and Constituted Assistants with Authority to heare and determine the complaints of the poor, and he was the first that was called President; and from that time, the authority of his successours grew in credit.

It was now the yeer One thousand five hundred seventy five, and the Eighteenth yeer of Queen Elisabeths Raign, vvhen Henry the third p. 40King of France being returned from Poland, and Crowned at Rheims, was carefull to have the League of Blois confirmed; which, in the Yeer 1572. had been concluded betweene his Brother Charles and that most Illustrious Queen ELIZABETH; Now therefore hee confirmed it with His owne Subscription, and delivered it to Dale the Queen's Legier, as the Queen like wise ratified it at Saint-James neere Westminster: But a little after he demanded by Letters, whether the mutuall defence against all persons mentioned in the League, was intended to comprehend the case of Religion also? Whereunto she answering, that it did comprehend it; hee thereupon hearing this from the Queen, began presently to prepare Warre against the Protestants, and Alenson being drawne to the Adverse party, there was no speech of the marriage for a long time.

In the Netherlands at this time, Lodovicke Zuinga who was successor unto Duke D'Alva, was wholly bent to recover the Command of the Seas, which D'Alva had neglected; but not being sufficiently provided of a Navy, he sent Boischott into England, that with the Queens leave, he might take up Ships and Marriners to goe against the Hollanders and Zelanders, but this she would not grant: Then hee made suite, that the Queen would please not to take it in evill part, if the banished persons of the English in the Low-Countries served the King of Spaine in a Sea-Fight against the Hollanders; and that they might have free accesse to the Ports of England, to buy provision for ready money; But this shee would not grant neither: Then he made request, that the Dutch, who were Rebels against the King of Spaine, might be put out of England; but neither would shee grant this, as being an Action voide of Humanity; and against the Lawes of Hospitality; yet because shee would not be thought to violate the old Burgundian Law, shee Commanded by Proclamation, that the Shipps of the Dutch which were made ready, should not go forth of the Haven; nor yet the Dutch, who had taken up Armes against the King of Spaine, enter into the Ports of England, and by name, the Prince of Orenge, and Fifty other the prime of that Faction; and this shee did the more willingly, because Zuinga at the intercession of Wilson the English Embassador, had removed the Earle of Westmerland, and other English Fugitives out of the Dominions of the King of Spaine, and had also dissolved the English Seminary at Doway; though in stead thereof, the Guises through the procurement of Pope Gregory the thirteenth, set up another Seminary at Rhemes.

And at this time the Prince of Orenge, perceiving his Forces but small, and thinking himself too weake for the King of SPAINE, and little hope of ayde from England, he entered into Consultation with the Confederate States, to whose protection, they were best and in the most security to betake themselves: The Princes of Germany they knew were not all of one minde, parted from money very hardly, and did not every way, nor would not by no meanes possible accord and concurre with them in their Religion; and therefore they were not so fit. Then, the French they saw, were intangled in a Civill War, and so had enough of their owne to do; besides the old grudges and heart-burnings that vvere between the French and Dutch; and therefore neither were they so fit. There remained then the English, as the fittest of any (if it might be obtained) seeing they were Neighbouss, of the same Religion, and of a Language not much different, strong in shipping, and rich in Merchandize. Hereupon (considering the commodiousnesse of the English Nation) they send into p. 41England, Philip Marnizie of S. Aldegond; Ianus Dowsa, William Nyvell, and Doctor Melsen; who in an honourable Ambassage, offer the Countries of Holland and Zealand to be possessed or protected by the Queen, forasmuch as she was descended from the Princes of Holland, by Philip wife of Edward the third, daughter of William of Bavaria, Count of Hanonia and Holland; by whose other sister, the hereditary Right of …hose Provinces came to the King of Spain. To this offer, the Queen takes time to answer; and at last, having maturely advised of the matter, her Answer was this, That as yet she conceived not how with safety of her honour, and an upright conscience, she could receive those Provinces into her protection, much lesse assume them into her possession; but promised, She would deal earnestly with the King of Spain, that a well conditioned Peace might be concluded. Presently upon this, Zuinga, Governour of the Low-Countries died; after whose death, the States of Brabant, Flanders, and the other Provinces, took upon them the ancient Administration, and Authority in the Commonwealth; which the King of Spain was fain to confirm to them, till such time as Iohn of Austria were come, whom he determined to make Governour there. In the mean time, Queen Elizabeth in behalf of the King of Spain, sent William Davyson in Ambassage to those Provinces, to exhort them to be peaceable and quiet, which yet, by reason the Spanish Souldiers, were so outragious, little prevailed.

In England all was calm and quiet for all this yeer, onelyonly a difference fell out between Sir Iohn Forster, Governour of Berwick, and Iohn Cormichill, Keeper of Liddesdale in Scotland: In composing whereof, the Regent of Scotland, having given Queen Elizab…th some discontentment, was fain to come unarmed before the Earl of Huntington, appointed the Legate for England, at Bonderod, and so the matter was taken up, and the Regent ever after continued constant in observing the Queen, and to his great commendation, restrayned the Freebooters of the Borders, to the great good of both Kingdomes.

This yeer there died in Scotland, Iames Hamilton, Duke of Castle-Herald, and Earl of Arran, who was great Grand-childe to Iames the second, King of Scots, by his daughter, appointed Tutor to Mary, Queen of Scots, and designed Heir and Governour of the Kingdom, during her minority.

At this time the Earl of Essex is come into Ireland again, wh…re having done good services, and being in the midst of Victory, he was on a sudden commanded to resigne his Authority in Ulster; and as though he were an ordinary Commander, is set over three hundred Souldiers; which disgrace was wrought by his adversaries in Court, to the continuall pe… plexing of his milde spirit. And now is Sir Henry Sidney the third time sent Deputy into Ireland; who going into Ulster, there came to him and submitted themselves Mac Mahon, Mac Guyre, Turlogh Leynigh, the O Conors and O Moors, the Earl of Desmond, and the rebellious sons of the Earl of Clanricard, all whom he received into favour, and with great commendation administred the Province.

At this time the Spaniard in the Low-Countries began to deal roughly with the people, and haryed the Inhabitants with all manner of spoyl and injury; Antwerp, the most famous Town of Traffick in all Europe, was miserably pillaged, the English Merchants houses rifled, insomuch that the States were enforced to take up Arms, and Messengers were sent to all neighbouring Princes; and to Q. Elizabeth was sent Monsieur Aubig…y, both to shew her upon how necessary and just causes they had taken up Arms, and also to borrow of her a great sum of money, the better to enable them to resist p. 42the Spaniard. But she being certainly informed, That they first sued to the French King for help, denieth the request, yet promiseth to intercede earnestly with the King of Spain… for peace. And in that imployment, she addressed into Spaine, Iohn Smith, cosen German to King Edward the sixth, a man of Spainsh behaviour: and well knowne to the King of Spaine, who was liberally received by the King; and with such wisdome retorted the contumelious speech, of Gasper Quiroga Archbishop of Toledo, and the Spanish Inquisitors, who would not admit in the Queenes Title, the Attribute of Defendor of the Faith; that he had gained great thankes from the King of Spaine himself, who requested him, not to speake of it to the Queen, and gave severe command, That the Title should be admitted.

And now by this time was Iohn of Austria come into the Low-countries, with a large Commission: for he was the Naturall sonne of the Emperour Charles the fifth; to whom the Queen sent Edward Horsey, Governour of the Isle of Wight, to Congratulate his coming thither, and to offer help, if the States called the French into the Netherlands; yet at the same time, Swevingham being exceeding importunate on the States behalfe, she sent them twenty thousand pounds of English mony; (so well she could play her game of both hands) upon condition, they should neither change their Prince nor there Religion, nor take the French into the Low-countries, nor refuse a Peace, if Iohn of Austria should condiscend to indifferent Conditions, but if he embraced a Peace, then the money should be paid back to the Spanish souldiers, who were ready to mutiny for lack of pay. So carefull she was to retaine these declining Provinces in obedience to the King of Spaine.

At this time a Voyage was undertaken, to trie if there could be found any sea upon the North part of America, leading to the wealthy coast of Cathaia, whereby in one Comerce, might be joyned the riches of both the East and West parts of the worlde, in which voyage was imployed Martyn Frobysher, who set saile from Harwich the eighteenth of Iune, and the ninth of August, entred into that Bay, or sea, but could passe no further for Snow and Ice. The like expedition was taken in hand, two yeers after, with no better successe.

About this time died the Emperour Maximilian, a Prince that Deserved well of Queen Elizabeth and the English, who thereupon sent Sir Philip Sidney to his sonne Ridolphus King of the Romanes, to condole his Fathers death, and congratulate his succession: as likewise to doe the like, for the decease of the Count Electour Palatine, named Frederick the third, with her surviving sonne.

And now Walter Deveruex Earl of Essex, who out of Leicesters envie, had bin recalled out of Ireland, was out of Leicesters feare, (as being threatned by him) sent back again into Ireland, but with the empty title of Earl Marshall of Ireland; with the grief whereof, he fell into a bloody Flux, and in most grievous torments ended his life. When he had first desired the standers by to admonish his sonne (scarce tenne yeers old at that time) to have alwayes before his eyes, the six and thirtieth yeer of his age, as the utmost terme of his life, which neither himself, nor his father before him could out-go, and the sonne indeed attained not to it, as shall hereafter he declared. He was suspected to be poisoned, but Sir Henry Sidney, Deputie of Ireland, after diligent search made, wrote to the Lords of the Counsell, That the Earl often said, It was familiar to him upon any great discontentment to fall into a Flux, and for his part, he had no suspition of his being poisoned, yet was this suspition encreased; for that presently after his death, the Earl of Leicester, with a great sum of money and large promises, putting away Dowglasse Sheffield, by whom he had a son openly marryed Essex his widdow. For although it was given out, That he was privately marryed p. 43to her, ye… Sir Francis Knolles his father, who was well acquainted with Leicester's roving loves, would not believe it, unlesse he himself were present at the Marriage, and had it testified by a publike Notary. At this time also, died Sir Anthony Cook of Gyddy-Hall in Essex, who had been School-master to King Edward the sixth, and was no lesse School-master to his own daughters, whom he made skilfull in the Greek and Latine Tongues; marryed all to men of great Honour; one to Sir William Cecill, Lord Treasurer of England; a second, to Sir Nicholas Bacon, Lord Keeper of the Great Seal; a third, to Sir Thomas Hobby, who died Ambassador in France; a fourth, to Sir Ralph Lowlet; and the fifth to Sir Henry Killigrew.

At this time, the sons of the Earl of Cla…ricard, who scarce two months before had obtained pardon for their Rebellion, fell into Rebellion again; but were by the Deputy soon supprest; and William Drury newly made President of Munster, reduced the whole Provice to good Order, except only the County of Kerry, whither a number of Vagabonds were gotten, trusting to the Immunities of the place. For King Edward the third made Kerry a County Palatine, and granted to the Earls of Desmond all the Royall Liberties which the King of England had in that County, excepting Wreckby Fyre, Forestall, and Treasure Trou…e. The Governour notwithstanding, who wisely judged that these Liberties were granted for the better preservation of Justice, and not for maintenance of outragious malefactors, entred into it, and violently put to flight and vanquished the mischievous crew, which the Earl of Desmond had placed there in ambush. The Earl in the mean while made great complaints of Drury to the Deputy; and particularly, of the Tax which they call Ceasse, which is an exaction of provision of Victualls at a certain rate, for the Deputies Family, and the Souldiers in Garrison. This Tax, not he onelyonly, but in Leinster also many Lords refused to pay, alleadging that it was not to be exacted but by Parliament; but the matter being examined in England, it appeared by the Records of the Kingdome, That this Tax was anciently imposed; and that, as a certain Right of Majestie, a Prerogative Royall, which is not subjected to Laws, yet not contrary to them neither, as the wise Civilians have observed. Yet the Queen commanded to use a moderation in exactions of this nature, saying, She would have her subjects shorn, but not devoured.

It was now the yeer 1577, and the twentieth of Queen Elizabeths Raign, when Iohn of Austria, pretending to Queen Elizabeth nothing but Peace, yet is found to deal secretly with the Pope, to peprive her of her Kingdome, and himself to marry the Queen of Scots, and invade England: of which his practices the Prince of Orange gives Queen Elizabeth the first intelligence. Whereupon (finding his deep dissembling) she enters into a League with the States, for mutuall defence both at Sea and Land, upon certain Conditions; but having concluded it (because she would not have it wrongfully interpreted, as though she meant to foster a Rebellion in the Netherlands) she sent Thomas Wilkes to the King of Spain with these Informations; That she had alwayes endeavoured …o keep the Low-Countryes in obedience to the King of Spain; had perswaded (even with threatnings) the Prince of Orange to accept of Peace; but withall, if the King of Spain would have his Subjects obedient to him, she then requests him to restore their Priviledges, and to remove I…hn of Austria from the Government, who not onelyonly was her deadly enemy, but laboured by all means to bring the Netherlands into utter servitude. If this be granted by the King of SPAIN, she then faithfully promiseth, That if the States perform not their Allegiance to him, as by their Promise to her they are engaged to doe, she will p. 44utterly forsake them, and bend her self with all her Forces to compell them. While Wilkes in Spain unfoldeth the…e matters, Iohn of Austria sendeth to Queen Elizabeth, in most grievous manner accusing the States for disobedience, and making a large declaration of the causes for which he had taken up Armes again. Thus Queen Elizabeth (like a fortunate Princesse) sate as an Honourable Arbitresse between the Spanish, the French, and the States; insomuch that it was not untrue which one wrote, That France and Spaine were Ballances in the Scale of Europe; and England the Beame to turne them either way; for they still got the better, to whome she adhered.

About this time, when the Judges sate at the Assizes in Oxford, and one …owland I…nkes a Book-seller was questioned for speaking approbrious words against the Queen, suddenly they were surprised with a pestilent favour; whether rising from the noysome smell of the prisoners, or from the dampe of the ground, is uncertaine, but all that were there present, almost every one, within forty hours died, except Women and children; and the Contagion went no further. There died Robert Bell Lord chief Baron, Robert D'Oylie; Sir William Babington: D'Olye Sheriffe of Oxford-shire, Harcourt, Weynman, Phetiplace, the most noted men in this Tract; Barham the famous Lawyer; almost all the Jurours, and three hundred other, more or lesse.

This yeer the title of the Lord Latimer, (which had flourished in the Familie of the Nevills, ever since the dayes of King Henry the sixth) was extinct in Iohn Nevill, who died without issue male, and left a faire estate to four daughters, whereof the eldest marryed Henry Earl of Northumberland, the second, Thomas Cecill, who was afterward Earl of Exceter; the third, Sir William Cornwallis; and the fourth Sir Iohn Daverse.

In Ireland the O-Moores and O-Conors, and others, whose Ancestours the Earl of Sussex in Queen Maries dayes, had for their rebellion, deprived of their Patrimonie in Loyse and Oph…li…, did now break forth into a new Rebellion, under the conduct of Rori… Oge, that is, Roderick the younger: set on fire the village of Naasse, assault L…chlin, from whence being driven back by the valour of George Care… the Governour, he was afterward slain.

Out of England at this time there went into the Low-countries, Iohn North, the Lord Norths eldest sonne… Iohn Norris, second son to the Lord Norris, Henry Cavendish, and Thomas Morgan Colonells, with many voluntaries, to learn Militarie experience. Thither also came Caesamire the Elector Palatines sonne, with an Army of German Horse and foot, at the Queenes charges: upon the…e Don Iohn, assisted by the Prince of Parma, Mondragon, and other the best Commanders of Spain, confident of victorie, flyeth furiously, before they expected him, yet after a long fight, was forced to retreat; but then turning again, and thinking to breake through the Hedges, and Brakes where the English and Scottish voluntaryes had placed themselves, was again repulsed; for the English and Scottish were so hot upon the matter, that casting away their garments, by reason of the hot weather, they fought in their shirts, which they made fast about them. In this battell N… fought most valiantly, and had three horses s…ain under him, as also … the Scot, Bingham, and William M…r…ham.

Now for comfort …o the afflicted Provinces, there came at that …me into the Netherlands, the Count Sw…zenberg from the Emperour, M…nsie… Be…re from the French King, and from the Queen of England, the Lord Cobham and Wal…ingham, with Commission to procure conditions of Peace, but returned without doing any thing, for that Don Iohn refused to admit the Pro…estan… Religion, and the Prince of Orange refused to return into Holland.

About this time Egr…m…d R…cliffe, son to Henry Earl of Susse…, by his second wife, who had been a prime man in the rebellion of the North, and p. 45served now under Don Iohn, was accused by the English fugitives, that he was sent under hand to kill Don Iohn; which (whether true or false) he was thereupon taken and put to death. The Spaniards have affirmed, That Ratcliffe at his last end, confessed voluntarily, That he was freed out of the Tower of London, and moved by Walsinghams large promises, to do this Fact; but the English that were present at his death, deny that he confessed any such thing, though the English Rebells did all they could to wrest this confession from him.

At this very time, Don Iohn, in the flower of his age, died of the Pestilence, or (as some say) of grief, as being neglected by the King of Spain his brother; a man of an insatiable Ambition, who aymed first at the Kingdom of Tunis, and after, of England; and who, without the privity of the French King, or King of Spain, had made a league with the Guises, for the defence of both Crowns.

Alanson, although very busie about the Belgick War, yet now began again to pursue the Marriage with Queen Elizabeth; for renewing of which suit, first was Bachervyle sent to the Queen; and soon after Ramboulet, from the French King; and within a month after that, Simier, a neat Courtier, and exquisitely learned in the Art of Love, accompanied with a great number of the French Nobility; whom the Queen at Richmond entertained in such loving manner, that Leicester began to rage, as if his hopes were now quite blasted. Certainly a little before, when Ashley, a Lady of the Queens Bed-chamber, mentioned the Earl of Leicester to her for husband, she, with an a…gry countenance, replyed, Dost thou think me so unlike my self, and so forgetfull of Majestie, as to prefer my servant, whom I my self have advanced, before the greatest Princes of the Christian world?

But it is now time to return to the Scottish Affairs. The Earl of Morton, Regent of Scotland, though a man of great wisedome and valour, yet was now so overcome of covetousnesse, that he grew universally hated; and thereupon, with the joynt consent of the Nobility, the Administration of the Common-wealth was translated to the King, though he was yet but twelve yeers old, and twelve of the chief Lords were appointed to attend him in Councell, three of them by course for three months; amongst whom, the Earl of Morton for one, that they might not seem to cast him quite off. The King having taken upon him the Administration, sent presently the Earl of Dumformelin to Queen Elizabeth, acknowledging her great deserts towards him, and requesting to have the Treaty of Edinburgh, agreed on in the yeer 1559, to be confirmed, for the more happy restraining the robbers about the borders; and withall, That his ancient Patrimony in England; namely, the Lands granted to his Grand-father Ma…hew, Earl of Lenox, and the Countesse his Grand-mother, might be delivered into his hands… who was the next Heir. The Queen readily promised the former demands, but stuck a little at the last, concerning the Patrimony; For she would not grant, That Arbella, the daughter of Charles the King of Scots Unkle, Born in England, was the next Heir to the Lands in England; neither would she grant the Ambassadours proof out of History, That the Kings of Scots, born in Scotland, did anciently (without question) hold the Earldome of H…ntington by Right of Inheritance. Yet she commanded a Sequestration to be made of the Revenues of those Lands, by B…rleigh Master of the Wards; and willeth the King, That out of the goods of the Earl of Lenox in Scotland, satisfaction might be made to his Grand-mothers Creditors here. For she too… it in ill part, that the King had recalled the In…o…ment of the Earldom of Lenox (made to his Unkle Charl… and his Heirs) after the death of Charles, to the prejudice (as was suggested to her) of Arbella; although indeed, it be a Priviledge of the Kings of Scotland, That they may recall Donations made in their minor…ty.

p. 46The Earl of Morton in the mean while, not enduring the disgrace to be outed of his Regency, regarded not the prescript Form of Government lately set down, but drew the Administration of all matters to himself, and kept the King in his own power, at the Castle of Sterling, admitting none to his presence, but whom he pleased. At this presumption, the Lords growing angry, made the Earl of Atholl their Captain, and in the Kings Name levyed a great Army, and were ready to encounter Morton; but by the intercession of Robert Bowes, the English Ambassadour, they were stayed from fighting; and Morton presently betook himself home, and the Earl of Atholl soon after died, not without suspition of being poysoned.

At this time the King of Spain, and Pope Gregory the thirteenth, held secret Consultation, to invade at once both England and Ireland, and to work the absolute ruine of Queen Elizabeth; The Pope to gain the Kingdom of Ireland for his son Iames Buen of Compagno, whom he had made Marquesse of Vincola. The King of Spain secretly to relieve the Irish Rebells, as Queen Elizabeth did the Dutch, while friendship in words was upheld on both sides: and being known, That the greatest strength of England consisted in the Navy Royall, and Merchants Ships, it was advised, that the Italian and Dutch…Merchants should hire these Ships for long Voyages; to the end that while they were absent, the Queens Navy might be surprized with a greater Fleet: and at that time Thomas Stukeley, an English fugitive, should joyn himself to the Irish Rebells with new Forces. For he making great boast, and promising the Kingdom of Ireland to the Popes bastard son, had so insmuated himself into grace with the ambitious old man, that he adorned him with the Titles of Marquesse of Leinster, Earl of Wexford and Caterlogh, Viscount M…rogh, and Baron of Rosse (the principall dignities of Ireland) and made him Commander over eight hundred Italian Souldiers, to be employed in the Irish War. With which Forces Stuckeley setting Sayl from … Vecchia, arrived at length in Portingall, where he and his Forces… were by the divine providence, diverted another way. For S…a…ia… King of Porti…gall (to whom the chief Command, in this Expedition against England was assigned) being first to dispatch a War in Africa, in Ayd of Mahomet Abdall, son to the King of Fesse, perswaded Stukeley to go along with him into Maure…ania, together with his Italian Souldiers; and then afterward they would go together against Ireland: To this motion Stukeley soon agreed, and therein agreed with his destiny; for in that memorable Battell where three Kings were slain, both he and Sebastian lost their lives.