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

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

p. 89This yeare, the Queene going in Progresse, passed through Oxford, where she was entertained by the Schollers with Orations, Stage-Pl…yes, and Disputations; and by the Lord Buckhurst Chancellor of the University, with a sumptuous Feast. At her departure, She made a Latine Oration, wherein she vowed a vow, and gave them counsell; Her vow was, That as she desired nothing so much, as the prosperity and flourishing estate of her Kingdome, so she as much wished to see the Universities and Schools of learning to flourish likewise. Her Counsell was, That they would serve God above all, not following the curiosity of some wits, but the Lawes of God, and the Kingdome, That they would not prevent the Lawes, but follow them, nor dispute whether better Lawes might be made, but observe those which were already Enacted.

This year, dyed Anthony Browne Viscount Montacute, whom Queene Mary honored with this Title; because his Grandmother was Daughter, and one of the Heirs of Iohn Nevill Marquesse Montacute; who, though he were a great Roman Catholike, yet the Queen finding him faithfull alwayes, loved him, and in his sicknesse went to visit him. There dyed at this time also, Henry Lord Scroope of Bolton, Knight of the Garter, and long time Governour of the Westerne Border toward Scotland.

At this time Henry Barrow, and his Sectaries, condemning the Church of England to be no Christian Church, and derogating from the Queens Authority in matters Ecclesiasticall; he the sayd Barrow, as Ring-leader of the rest, was put to death, in terror to all such disturbers of the peace of the Church.

About this time, by reason of the Queens correspondence with the Turk, to the end, her Subjects might have free Trading in his Territories; It was maliciously given out by some, that she had excited the Turke to a War against the Christians; which caused the Queen to write to the Emperour, shewing him the falsenesse of this report, wherein she gave him full sa…sfaction.

And now a constant report came into England, That the King of France had already embraced, or was ready to embrace the Romish Religion, which so much troubled the Queene, that she presently sent Thomas Wilkes into France; with reasons (if it were not too late) to divert him from it. But before Wilkes came, the King indeed had openly professed the Romish Religion, at the Church of Saint Denis in Paris; of which his Conversion, he declared the causes to Wilkes at large, shewing, the necessity of it, unlesse he would suffer himselfe to be utterly thrust out of the Kingdome. And the French AMBASSADOR signifying as much to the Queene, in great perplexity, She writ to him to this effect.

Alas, what grief? what anxiety of minde hath befallen me, since I heard this news? was it possible that worldly respects should make you lay aside Gods feare? …uld you thinke, That He, who had hitherto upheld and kept you, would now at the last, leave you? It is a dangerous thing to doe evill, that g…od p. 90may come thereof. But I hope your minde may alter; In the meane while, I will pray for you, and beg of God, That the hands of Esau, may not hinder the blessing of Jacob.

To this the KING Answered, That though he had done this in his owne Person out of necessity; yet, He would never be wanting to those of the Reformed Religion, but would take them into his speciall care and Protection.

And now was Richard Hasket, condemned and executed for Treaso…, being sent from the English Fugitives beyond Sea, to perswade Ferdinand Earle of Derby, Sonne to Henry newly deceased, to assume the Title of the Kingdome; by right of Descent from Mary, Daughter to Henry the Seventh; and threatning him, that unlesse he undertooke this enterprize, and withall, concealed him the Abettor, he should shortly dye in most wretched manner. But the Earle fearing a trap was layd for him, revealed the matter; yet the fellows threating proved not altogether vaine, for the Earle within foure Moneths, dyed a most horrible death. This yeare, Death had his tribute payd him from the Nobility; for there dyed Henry Ratcliffe Earle of Sussex, and three renowned Barons, Arthur Grey of Wilton, Henry Lord Cromwell, and Henry Lord Wentworth; besides Sir Christopher Carlile, whose Warlike Prowesse at Sea and land, deserves to be remembred.

In IRELAND, at this time, divers great men in Connaght Rebelled; and Tu…logh Leynigh being dead, Tir-Oen assumed to himselfe, the title of O-Neale, (which in IRELAND is more esteemed, than to be called EMPEROVR) But upon a sudden, dissembling his disconte…t, hee submitted himselfe to the DEPVTY, and promised all obedience.

I… was now the yeare 1594, and the seven and thirtieth of Queen ELIZABETH… Raigne; when the good correspondence betweene the King of Scots and Queen ELIZABETH, gave the Papists small hope that ever he would prove an Instrument to restore the Catholike Religion. Whereupon, they began to bethinke themselves of some English Papist, that might succeed the Queene; but finding none of their owne Sect, a fit person, they fixed their thoughts upon the Earl of Essex, who alwayes seemed a very moderate man; and him they devised to have some right to the Crowne, by Descent from Thomas of Woodstocke, King EDVVARD the Thirds Sonne. But the English Fugitives, were for the Infanta of Spaine, and desiring to set the King of Scots and the Earle of Essex at ods; they set forth a Book, which they Dedicated to Essex, under the name of Doleman, but was written indeed by Parsons (Dolemans bitter Adversary) Cardinall Allen, and Francis Englefield. The scope of which Booke was, to exclude from Succession, all persons whatsoever, and how near soever Allied to the Crowne, unlesse they were Roman Catholikes; Contending further, for the right of Isabella, Infanta of Spaine, as being descended from Constance, Daughter of WILLIAM the Conquerour; from Eleanor eldest Daughter to HENRY the Second, Married to Alphonso the ninth King of Castile; from Beatrix, Daughter to King HENRY the Third, Titles obsolete, and which exceed the bounds of Heraldry to discusse. This year, the nineteenth of February, was Henry Prince of Scotland born, to whom the Queen was Godmother, and sent Robert Earl of Sussex for her Deputy.

But now greater matters were in hand, Plots were layd against the Queenes life; some Spaniards thinking to make her away by Poison, and not daring to trust any Englishman in such a businesse; they treat to that purpose, with Rodericke Lopes a JEV…, and Phisitian to the Queen, p. 91wi…h Stephen Ferreir…, Emmanuel Loyfie, and other Portugalls; for divers of that Nation came into England at this time, in relation to Don Anthonio … who being discovered by letters of theirs, that were intercepted, were Arraigned at Guildhall, and by their own confessions convinced, to have conspi…ed against the life of the Queen, they were all condemned, and Exe…ed at Tiburne; LOPES professing that he loved the Queen, as well as Jesus Christ, which was cause of laughter to them… that knew him to be a JEVV. The next day after them, was condemned Patrick C…llen … an Irish Fencer, sent hither by the English Fugitives, to kill the Queen, who was straightway executed, though he were at that very time sick and ready to dye.

About this time, Sir Iohn Norris having been in a hot conflict at sea against the Spaniard, where Sir Martin Forbysher received his deaths wound, was now called home, with a purpose to send him into Ireland. In which mean while, Richard Hawkins, Sonne of Sir Iohn Hawkins the famous sea Captain, had been set forth a year since, with three of the Queens ships, and two hundred men in them; whereof, one of them at the Isle o… St. Anne, was by chance fired, another of them seperated by tempest, returned into England; himself in the third, passed the Straights of Magellan, being the sixth man in the Spanish accompt, that had ever done it; and being now come into the wide Southern sea, he took five ships laden with Merchandize; one whereof he took away, the rest he suffered to redeeme themselves for two thousand Duckats: But at last, being set upon by Bertrandus a Castro, who was sent out by the Vice-Roy of those parts, with eight ships against him; after three dayes battery, he yeilded, and though upon composition, yet was neverthelesse sent into Spain, and there for divers years kept prisoner.

But Iames Lancaster in another part of America, had better successe; for being set forth by some London Merchants (whose goods the Spaniards had seized) with three Ships and a long Boat, Hee tooke nine and thirty Spanish Ships, and at Fernanbucke in Brasile, where the wealth of an East-Indian Caraque was lately unloden; hee desperately venturing upon the Shoare, Loaded Fifteene Ships with the wealth of the Indian Caraque; Sugar, Reed, Redwood called Brasill, and other Merchandize, and then safely and victoriously returned home.

At ROME, about this time dyed Cardinall ALLEN, borne in Lancashire of an honest Family, brought up in Oxford, in Oriall Colledge. In Queene Maries dayes he was Proctor of the University, and after Canon of the Cathedrall Church at YORKE. Upon the change of Religion in ENGLAND, he left the Kingdome, and was Divinity Professor at Doway in Flanders, and made Canon of the Church at Cambray. He procured a Seminary to be set up in Doway, for the English, another at Rheims, and a third at Rome; and through zeal of the Romish Religion, forgot whose subject he was born.

At home, at this time, dyed Iohn Peers Archbishop of Yorke, in whose place, succeeded Matthew Hutton, translated from the See of Durham. There dyed also Ferdinand Stanley Earl of Derby, being in the floure of his age, miserably tormented, and vomiting …tuffe of a darke rusty colour, being thought to have been poysoned or bewitched. There was found in his chamber a little image of wax, with hairs of the colour of his hairs, thrust into the belly; which some thought was done of purpose, that men should not suspect him to be poisoned; his vomit so stained the silver Andirons, that it could never be gotten out, and his body though put in searcloathes and wrapped in lead, did so …tinck and putrifie, that for a long time none could endure to come neer where he was buried. p. 92The Master of his Horse was much suspected, who the same day the Earl tooke his bed, took one of his best Horses, and fled away. About this time also dyed Gregory Fines Lord Dacres, a man somewhat crazed, the Son of Thomas Lord Dacres, hanged in the Raign of King Henry the Eight.

And now Sir William Fitz Williams Lord Deputy of Ireland was called home, and William Russell youngest Son of Francis Earl of Bedford, was sent in his room; to whom presently came the Earl of Tir-Oen, and in humble manner craved pardon of his fault, that he had not presented himself at the call of the late Lord Deputy. Bagnall Marshall of the Irish Forces, exhibited many Articles against him, but he so pleaded for himself with promise of loyalty hereafter, that he was dismissed. But see the subdolousnesse of this man, for he would never after be gotten to come again, though the Deputy sent for him with many kinde messages.

It was now the year 1595, and the eight and thirtieth year of Queen Elizabeths Raign; when Ed…ond Yorke, and Richard Williams who were formerly apprehended, came to their tryall, and were executed at Tiburn, for being bribed to kill the Queen.

At this time a constant rumor was blown abroad from all parts of Europe, that the Spaniards were coming again against England, with a farre greater Fleet than that in Eighty Eight, and that it was already under sayl; whereupon, Souldiers were levyed, and placed on the Sea-coast. Two Navies were made ready, one to expect them at home in the Channell; the other, to go for America, under Hawkins and Drake; but when all came to all, it was but certain Spaniards, who loosed from the sea-coast of France, with four Gallies, which betimes in the morning landing in Cornwall, fired a Church standing alone in the fields, and three Villages of Fishermen, Neulyne, Moushole, and Pensaus, and then presently retyred, not taking or killing any one person; And these were the first and last Spaniards, that in hostile manner …ver set foot upon English ground.

And now mischiefs growing daily in France, a great number perswaded the King, to conclude a Peace with Spain, and the Queen her self began to mistrust him; especially, having lately received intelligence out of the Popes Conclave; that he was received into the bosome of the Church of Rome, with the Popes Benediction, and that upon conditions prejudiciall to the Protestants.

And therefore at this time, were divers undertakings of the English against Spain; Sir Walter Rawleigh Captain of the Guard, having defloured a Mayd of Honor (whom afterward he married) had lost the Queens favour, and was held in Prison for certain moneths; but afterward being set at liberty, though banished the Court. He undertook a Voyage to Guyana, setting sayl from Plimmouth in February, he arrived at Trinidada, where he took St. Iosephs Town, but found not a jot of money there: From hence, with Boats, and a hundred souldiers, he entred the vast River Orenoque, ranging up in Guyana four hundred myles, but getting little, but his labour for his travell. In like manner, Amyas Preston and Sommers, Pillaged sundry Towns of the King of Spains in the Western parts; and three ships of the Earl of Cumberland, set upon a huge Caraque, which by casualty was fired when they were in fight, and these were the enterprises of private persons: but the Queen being informed, that great store of wealth for the King of Spains use, was conveyed to Port Rico, in St. Iohns Island; sent thither Hawkins, Dr…k…, and Baskervile with land Forces, furnishing them with six ships out of her own Navy, and twenty other men of War. They set sayl from Plimmo…th the last of August, and seven and twenty dayes after, came upon the Coast of the great Canarie, which being strongly Fortified, they forbore to assault. A monethmonth after, they came to the Isle of St. Dominicke, where five Spanish ships being sent forth to watch the English, lighted upon p. 93one of the small English ships which was strayed from the Company, and …ting the Master and Marriners upon the Rack, understood by them, That the English Navy was bent to Port Rico; whereupon they make all possible speed to give notice thereof, that being fore-warned, they might accordingly be armed. And thereupon, as soon as the English had cast Anchors … the Road at Port Rico, the Spaniards thundered against them from the shore; si… Nicholas Clifford, and Brute Browne were wounded as they sate at …upper, and two dayes after died. Hawkins also, and Drake, partly of dis…se, and partly of grief for their ill successe, died soon after. At the end of eight months, the Fleet came home, having done the enemy little hurt, fired onelyonly some few Towns and ships, but received infinite damage thems…lves; lost two such Sea-men, as the Kingdom, I may say, all Europe had …ot their like left. For the Spaniards having of late yeers received great …rms by the French and English, had now provided for themselves with Fortifications which were not easie to be won.

At this time the Queen made known to the States in the Low-Countries, the great charges she had been at in relieving them ten yeers together; for which she requiteth some considerable recompence: The States again alleadge the great charges they were at in Eighty Eight, in repelling the Spaniards in her cause; yet (not to fall out about the matter) they were content to allow some reasonable retribution; but yet for the present, nothing was concluded. Likewise at this time, the Hanse Towns in Germany make complaint to the Emperour, and the Princes of the Empire, That the Immunities from customes antiently granted them by the Kings of England, began to be Antiquated, and that a Monopoly of English Merchants was set up in Germany; to which, the Queen by Sir Christopher Perkins, first shewing the cause of the first Grant, and then the Reason of Queen Maries prohibiting it afterward, makes them so satisfactory an answer, that those very Hanse-Towns which complained, brought into England at this time, such store of Corne, that it prevented a mutiny, which thorough dearth of Corn, was like to have hapned in London.

This yeer was famous for the death of many great Personages, Philip Earl of Arundel, condemned in the yeer 1589. The Queen had all this while spared, but now death would spare him no longer, having since that time been wholly given to contemplation, and macerated himself in a strict course of Religion, leaving one onelyonly son, Thomas, by his wife Anne Dacres of Gillis…and. He had two brothers, Thomas Lord Howard, whom Queen Elizabeth made Baron of Walden, and King Iames afterward Earl of Suffolk; and William Lord Howard of the North, who yet liveth; and one sister, the Lady Margaret, marryed to Robert Sackvile, afterward Earl of D…rset, and father of Edward Earl of Dorset now living; a Lady so milde, so vertuous, and so devout in her Religion, that if her brother macerated himself being in prison, she certainly did no lesse, being at liberty; whom I the rather mention, because I had the happinesse to know her living, and the unhappinesse to be a Mourner at her Funerall. There died this yeer also, William Lord Vaulx, a zealous Papist, and Sir Thomas Hineage, Vice-Chamberlain, and Chancellor of the Dutchy of Lancaster, whose onelyonly daughter marryed to Sir Moyle Finch of Kent, was no small advancer of that House. There died also William Whitaker, Master of S. Iohns Colledge in Cambridge, and Divinity Professor: As likewise Sir Roger Williams, and Sir Thomas Morgan; so as this yeer was honoured with the deaths of two great Lords, one exquisite Courtier, one great Schollar, and two famous Souldiers.

In Ireland at this time, Russell the Deputy doubting a storm of War from Tir-Oen, sent into England, requiring to have some experienced souldier sent to him with Forces, who though he desired Baskervyle to be the man, yet p. 94Sir Iohn Norris was sent, with thirteen hundred old souldiers, besides a further supply; whom Tir-Oen hearing to be coming, set presently upon the Fort of Blackwater, and in the absence of Edward Cornwall the Governour, took it. But now being doubtfull of his case, in a subdolous manner (as he was a double dealing man) he both offereth his help to the Earl of Kildare, against the Deputies servants; and at the same time, maketh promise to the Earl of Ormond, and Sir Henry Wallope, of loyalty and obedience; but notwithstanding he was forthwith proclaimed Traytor, under the name of H…gh O Neal, bastard son to Con O Neal. There was at this time with the Rebells in Ulster, a thousand Horse, and 6280 Foot: and in Connaght, two thousand three hundred, all at Tir Oens command; and the Forces of the English under Norris, not much fewer, with whom the Deputy himself joyned, and marched together to Armagh; which so terrified the Rebels, that Tir Oen forsaking the Fort of Blackwater, began to hide himself. Whereupon the Deputy returned, leaving Norris to follow the War, with the Title of Generall of the Army. But this satisfied not Norris, and therefore out of emulation betwixt himself & the Deputy, he performed nothing worth the speaking of, and seemed to favour Tir Oen, as much as the Deputy hated him; insomuch, as he had private conference with him (a thing not lawfull with proclaymed Traytors) and upon his submission, and Hostages given, a Truce was granted both to him and Odonell, till the first of Ian…ary. When the Truce was expired, Tir Oen exhibited certain Petitions, protesting, if they were granted, he would then perform all duties of a loyall subject. In consulting about which Petitions, another Truce was concluded, till the first of April: during which Truce, Tir Oen dealt secretly with the King of Spain for Ayd to be sent him, making neverthelesse a fair shew of willingnesse to obedience, so far, that by the procurement of Norris and Fenton, a pardon was granted him; the which he pretended to receive more joyfully, than the Instrument whicd conferred the Earldome upon him; yet all this was but dissimulation, to win the time for his own ends.

In the midst of these Irish Affairs, Albertus Arch-Duke of Austria, and Cardinall, whom the King of Spain had newly set over the Netherlands, mustered together the Spanish Forces, upon pretence of raising the Siege of La Fere in Picardie; but upon a sudden turneth aside, and besiegeth Calice; and taking Newnham Fort, the very first day became Master of the Haven. The Queen informed hereof, forthwith, upon the very Sunday, in time of Divine Service, commandeth to leuy souldiers, whom she committeth to the Earl of Essex; but before they could be shipped, certain News came, That the Town and Fort were taken by the Spaniard: Whereupon, the Queens Army was dismissed, and onelyonly some money lent to the French King.

But a few dayes after, a far greater, and more select Army is raised in England, wherein many of Noble Houses served as Voluntaries: For the Queen, to divert the King of Spain from invading her Borders, thought it the best way to invade his: Whereupon a Navy of a hundred and fifty Ships was made ready; where were souldiers under pay, 6360; Voluntaries of the Nobility and Gentry, 1000; Marriners, 6772, besides the Dutch-men, who brought two and twenty ships. Robert Earl of Essex, and Charls Howard Lord Admirall of England, were made Generalls with equall Authority; but the Admirall to hold Prerogative at Sea, Essex at Land. To these, for a Councell of War, were joyned, the Lord Thomas Howard, Walter Raleigh, Francis Vere, George Carew, and Conyers Clifford. The whole Fleet was divided into four Squadrons; the Admirall commanded the first, Essex the second, the Lord Thomas Howard the third, and Raleigh the fourth. The Officers of the Army were Francis Vere, Serjeant Major Generall, or p. 95Marshall; Iohn Winkfield, Quarter-Master Generall; George Carew, Master of the Ordnance; Conyers Clifford Serjeant Major. Colonells were, Robe…t Earl of Sussex, sir Christopher Blunt, sir Thomas Gerrard, sir Richard Winkefield; William Winkefild was Commander of the Vo…untaries, and Anthony Ashley, Secretary to the Councell of War, was to Register their Acts and Consultations. The Commission being drawn, the Queen gave them private Instructions, and withall, a Prayer of her own making, to be d…ily used in every Ship.

This F…eet set forth from Plimouth at the beginning of Iune. Nigh un…o Cabo S. Vincent they lighted upon an Irish Barque, which told them, That at Cales they were secure, and that in the Haven there were at Anchor Gallies, ships of War… and a great many Merchants Vessells. The twentieth of Iune, they cast Anchor on the West side of the Island; within two dayes they were agreed to set upon the Spanish ships, whereat the Earl of Essex cast up his Cap for joy. This businesse was alot…ed to the lesser ships, because the Road was too shallow for the great. The Gallyes quickly fled, and creeping along the shore, shifted away, but the Spanish ships that lay at Anchor at Puntall, turned their broad sides; so as the English Fight with them, lasted from break of day till noon; at which time, the Spaniards having their Gallons miserably tor…, and many of their men slain, resolved to fire the the ships, or run them ashore. The Spanish Admirall, being fifteen hundred Tun of Burthen, was fired by a Moor, and two other ships which lay next her took the fire, and were lost likewise. When this Sea-Fight was ended, Essex landed eight hundred souldiers at Puntall, a league from the Town of Cales, when half a mile from the Town, the Spanish Horse and Foot shewed themselves, and presently gave back again; but straightway cometh forth a greater number: Then Essex commanded his Forces to make a fair Retreat; and having enticed forth their enemies, they turned upon them with such violence, that they forced them back into the Town. Then the Earl got up to a Bulwark newly raised, neer the Gate, where he spyed a passage into the Town… but so high from ground, that they must leap a Spears length to get down. Yet Evans the Earl of Sussex his Lievtenant, Arthur Savage, and other, leaped down; and the mean while Sir Francis Vere broke the Gate, and rushed in, and the rest with him. In the Market place Iohn Winkfield was shot in the head, and with stones from the tops of the houses divers were wounded; amongst whom, Samuel Bagnall received eight wounds, and Arthur Savage was bloody all over; which two were Knighted in the place. The next day the Castle was yeelded, upon condition, That the Inhabitants might depart with the clothes on their backs, the rest to be left for spoyl. For five hundred and fourscore thousand Duckets the Castle was to be redeemed; and for the payment, forty of the chief Citizens to be sent Hostages into England. Now Raleigh was commanded to fire the Merchants Ships lying at Port Reall, when they promised two Millions of Duckets to redeem them: but this the Admirall would not hear of, saying, He was sent to destroy Ships, not to dismisse them upon Composition. A world of Munition was found in the City, and great store of money privately carried away, every one shifting for himself. It was thought by the wiser sort, That the Spaniard could not be damnified lesse by this Expedition, than twenty Millions of Duckets. None of note was slain amongst the English, but onelyonly Winkfield, who also slew a Spanish Captain; and now at last, threescore Military men were honored with Knight-hood. After this, having spoyled the whole Island… and demolished the Forts… they returned into England, much against the will of Essex, who would fain have bin attempting some other enterprise.

The Queen received them home with much affability, giving many thanks to those of principall note, but extolling the Earl of Essex and the p. 96Admirall, above the rest. And now bethinking her self of a fit man to be Governour of the Bryll, which was given by the States as a Caution Town for money due, she made choyce of Sir Francis Vere, although Essex commended other to her for the place: but another thing he took with great indignation, That in his absence she had made Sir Robert Cecill Secretary, whereas he had formerly with great instance commended Sir Thomas Bodley to her…

And now the King of Spain, to recover his honour lost at Cales, setteth forth a Navy for England and Ireland, with a great number of Irish Fugitives… but being at Sea, most of his ships were either run upon Rocks, or cast away in storms; so as this Expedition came to nothing.

But the Queen at this time, for her better security, entred a League of Defence and Offence with the French King, against the Spaniard, upon certain Conditions; which League, she confirmed by Oath, in the Chappell at Greenwich, the nine and twentieth of August, laying her hand upon the hand of Henry de la Tour, Duke of Bulloign, and Marshall of France; the Bishop of Chichester holding forth the Evangelists, and a great company of the Nobility standing round about. In September following, Gilbert Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury, was sent on Ambassage into France, to take the French Kings Oath, and to present Sir Anthony Mildmay for the Queens Ambassadour in Ordinary, in the room of Sir Henry Unton lately there deceased, and to invest the King with the Order of the Garter. Soon after, Baskervile wafted into Picardy with two thousand souldiers; for no more were by agreement to be sent this yeer.

It was now the yeer, 1596, and the nine and thirtieth of Queen Elizabeths Raign, when Thomas Arundel of Warder returned into England, from the Wars in Hungary against the Turk; whom, for his good service done there… the Emperour by his Letters Patents, had created Earl of the sacred Empire, and all and singular his Heirs and their Posterity, Males or Females, lawfully descended from him, to be Earls and Countesses of the holy Empire for ever. Those who are graced with this Title, have a Place and Voice in the Imperiall Diets, May purchase Lands in the Emperours Dominions, May take up voluntary souldiers, And are not bound to answer any matter before any Judge, but onelyonly in the Chamber of the Empire. At his return, a great Question came in agitation, Whether Titles of Honour given to the Queens subjects without her privity, ought to be accepted by them, or admitted by her. For this new Earl stuck in the stomacks of the English Barons, who inwardly grudged to give him place. The matter was long disputed on both sides, but what issue it had, or whether he were permitted this Honour here at home, I finde not: Certain it is, That Sir Nicholas Clifford, and Sir Anthony Shirley, whom the French King two yeers since received into the Order of S. Michael, were laid in prison at their coming home, and charged to resigne their Robes of the Order.

This yeer many great persons died; Iohn Puckering, Lord Keeper of the Great Seal, whom Thomas Egerton succeeded; Richard Fletcher, Bishop of London; who for marrying the Lady Baker (as goodly a Lady as he was a Prelate) incurred the Queens displeasure; and to cure his cares, fell immoderately to drinking of Tobacco, and so expired. Henry Cary, Baron of Hunsdon, Lord Chamberlain of her Majesties House, and her Cousin German. Sir Francis Knolls, who marryed Hunsdons sister, in Queen Maries dayes an Exile in Germany for the Gospell, by Queen Elizabeth made first Vice-Chamberlain, then Captain of the Guard, afterward Treasurer of the Houshold, and Knight of the Garter. Henry Hastings Earl of Hu…tington, and President of the Counsell in the North, who spent his estate upon Puritan Ministers: Francis Lord Hastings, Nephew to him by his p. 97brother George, who succeeded him in the Earledome, and Margaret Clifford Countesse of Derbie, (who descended of the blood Royall, from Charles Brandon) consulted with sorcerers and cunning men, and thereupon a little before her end, was in a manner excluded from the Queens favour.

The Queen at this time was told, that the King of Spain was preparing a new Fleet against Ireland; whereupon to encounter him, she also prepared a Navy of a hundred and twenty Ships, seventeene of the Queens, Three aud forty lesser Ships of Warre, the rest for the carriage of provision: They were parted into three Squadrons: Essex Commanded the first, who was also chiefe Commander in the expedition; The Lord Thomas Howard the second, and Raliegh the third. In this Fleet were sundry of the Nobility and Gentry, Charls Blunt, Lord Mountjoy, Vere, Carew, Sir Christopher Blunt, the Earles of Rutland and Southampton; the Lords, Grey, Crumwell, Rich, and many other. The ninth of July they weighed Anchour from Plimmouth and were to direct their course to Ferall and the Groyne, to sieze upon the Spanish Fleet in the Harbour, and towards the Isles called Azores, to intercept the Indi…n Fleet at their returne into Spaine; but this expedition was crossed and overthrowne by Tempests, for they had not sayled forty Leagues from Plimmouth, when they were shaken with such a terrible Tempest for foure dayes together, that the Marriners themselves were at their witts end, and the Fleet had much a do to recover Plimmo…th; the Navy being mended, then hoise up sayle the second time, but the winde …ell presently againe so crosse, that for a whole Moneths time they could not get out of the Haven, returning to Plimmouth the seventeenth of August they got out of the Haven; and now the third time, with a side wind hoyse up sayle, but before they came in view of Spaine, they were dispersed by another horrible Tempest… wherein of the two great Ships which were taken at Calis, one was dashed in pieces, the other wandered no man knew whither. At the Island Flores the Fleet met againe, where Rawleigh being distressed for water, went on shore without leave; and ere he had watered, had charge to follow Essex to Fay…ll: but not finding him there, hee observed the Port, and calling a Councell, the Commanders wished him to set upon the place, and not let slippe so faire a booty. Upon this, Rawleigh with some of the prime Voluntaries, got to shoare, and wonne the Towne, but found no booty in it. The next day Essex came thither, whom Merrick informeth what Rawleigh had done, affirming spitefully, that he had done it only to prevent his Lordshippe in the honour of the exploite: whereupon, some perswaded the Earle to call a Councell of Warre and than d…place him, others again? to take of his Head for going to Land, without the chiefe Commanders leave; saying, hee was never like for to have such another opportunity to bee rid of his Adversary; upon this, Sidney, Brett, Berry, and other of Rawleighs company were displaced, and layed by the heeles; Rawleigh himselfe was sent for, and entertained with a grimme looke by Essex and all his Party; Essex rebuketh him angerly, for landing his Forces, which none upon payne of death might do, without the Generalls command; Rawleigh made answer, that the Captaines indeed, Ship-masters & the rest were within the compasse of that Law; but not the Three prime Commanders, of whom himself was One: That he had a long time wayted his comming, and longer would have wayted, but that the Islanders provoked him to fight. And now the L. Thomas Howard mediated, that no severity might be used against Rawleigh, & perswaded him to acknowledge his fault; which being done, all were friends, and the displaced Captaines were restored to their places, for the Earle was of a placable disposition; easily apt to take offence, and as easily ready to remit it.

p. 98From hence they saile to Gratiosa, where the Inhabitants crave mercy and obtained it; & here Essex would have tarried, in expectation of the Indian fleet; but that Graves the Pilot disswaded, because the harbour was not good: and now see the unluckinesse of ill counsell, for the English were not gone above an houre, or two, …rom this place; when loe, the American fleete; (wherein were forty Ships, and seven of them loaden with treasure) cometh thither; which, hearing that the English were there abouts, directed their course to Tezcera, where they gained the haven, all but three ships, indifferent wealthy; which English tooke: and then were minded to set upon the rest, in the Port; but finding the attempt not forcible, they passed from hence, to Saint Michaells; where Southampton, Rutland, Evers, Bredon and Dockwray, were Knighted… and then Essex landed within six miles of the Towne; nigh unto Villa Franca, a faire Towne, and well furnished with marchandize; wine, wood, and corne; where they tarried six dayes: and the common souldiers found good booty. And now a Caraque was espied, coming out of the east Indies; which, by a warning peece shot off in a Dutch ship, perceiveing that the English were there; run herselfe a shoare, unloaded her merchandize, and then fiered herselfe. Thus the English had ill lucke every where in this expedition: And the ninth of October they hoysted sayle for England; but within two dayes, a terrible tempest, from the northward dispersed them; and the Spanish Fleete also at the same time, so as they never came in view of one another: one Spanish shippe was cast upon Dertmouth, the Marriners and souldiers halfe starved in her; who intimated, that the Spanish fleete intended to seize upon some haven in Cornwall, which being nigh the mouth of the channell; might be convenient to receive forces from Spaine: but the divine providence frustrated the designes both of the Spaniard and the English.

But now at his returne, the Earle of Essex found that done in England, in his absence, which infinitly discontented him: Sir Robert Cicill made Chancelour of the Dutchy of Lancaster; & which was more, Charles Lord Howard, created Earle of Nottingham, with relation in his patent to the Victory in eighty eight; and his good service at Cales: This glory he envyed him, and besides stomacked it; that he must now take place of him. It being enacted in the Raigne of Henry the eighth, that the chiefe Officers of the Kingdome, should have Presidence of all men of their degree. Whereupon the Queen, to give him content, was faine to create him Earle Marshall of England; by which he recovered his place againe.

About this time, an Embassadour came into England, from the KING of Poland; who, when the Queen expected he should give her thanks for having procured a Peace between the King his Master, and the Turke, he cleane contrary expostulated unkindnesse, for breach of Priviledge in trading with Spaine, requiring a present remedy, or else the King would otherways right himselfe. The Queen not a little offended, suddenly replyed, …ow was I deceived? I expected an Embassadour, and behold a Herauld; such a speech I never heard in all my life time: And after some further checking of him for his boldnesse, she referred him to her Councell; and then retired into her Closett. The Embassadour afterward, in private conference with some of the Councell, excused himselfe, saying, that his speech was penned by others, and then given him in wrighting. To his Message, the Councell gave the like answer; as they had given before the Hanse-Townes, upon the like occasion: though now againe, the Hanse-Townes obtaine of the Emperour, to prohibite the English from trading p. 99in Germany, which made the Queen to prohibit the Hause towns from trading in England, and put them out of the Stilyard till this difference was accorded.

This yeer the Chancellor of Denmarke came into England to restore the Garter, which she had bestowed upon the Kings Father, and withall offering the Kings helpe, to make a peace for the Queen with the Spaniard. The Queen thanked him; but meant not to use his helpe for that which shee did not desire, and especially not now, when he had newly molested the King of France her Allye, and had taken Amyens the strongest Town of Picardie: Though why should the Queen be so tender of the French King, when now to get an aid of four thousand Souldiers from her, he fell to Devises; intimating unto her, that he was now offered by the Popes Nuntio a very commodious peace, if he would but forsake her. But while these things were in Treaty, Amyens was recovered againe by the valour of Baskervile (who dyed at the seige) and of Sir Arthur Savage, as the King in His Letters to the Queene thankfully acknowledged.

About this time a Parliament was holden at Westminster, where Subsidies were willingly granted; and to this Parliament was called the Lord La Ware and restored to his blood, which by Act of Parliament in the Raigne of King Edward the sixth was tainted; Also to this Parliament was called Thomas Lord HOVVARD, by the Title of Baron Howard of Walden.

In Ireland at this time, a great part of Ulster, and almost all Connacht was in Rebellion; Whereupon Russell the Deputy was called home, and Thomas Lord Burrough sent in his place, a man very stout and couragious, but no souldier: This infinitely discontented Norris, who thought himselfe sure of the place himselfe, and now to see his Rivall preferred before him, and himselfe to be under him, President of Munster, drave him into such a melancholly, that in a very short time, (and as he thought to himselfe with much disgrace) he ended his life.

And now the Farle of Tir-Oen craveth, and obtaineth a moneths Truce of the new Deputy, at the moneths end, the Deputy marcheth against the Rebels, and gaineth the Fort at Blackwater, when suddenly the Rebells sl…w themselves upon a hill hard by, against whom the Earle of Kildare marcheth and puts them to flight; but yet with some losse of his owne side, as Francis Vaughan the Deputies brother in Law, Turner a Sergeant Major, and two Fosters, brothers of the Earle of Kildare, whole death hee tooke so heavily, that within a few dayes he dyed himself.

As soon as the people had fortified the Castle at Blackwater and withdrawne his Army, the Rebels began to besiege it againe; (for this was the main place of their strength) which caused the Deputy with all possible speed to make thither, but unhappily dyed by the way. Whereupon the Rebells set upon the Fort more fiercely then before; but being still reppelled; they comforted themselves with this, that there was not many dayes provision left in the Fort; yet the admirable fortitude of Thomas Williams the Captain, and the Garrison Souldiers saved the place, who, when their horse-flesh was all spent, fedde upon weeds growing within the Trenches, and endured all kinde of misery. And now the Lord Burrough the Deputy being dead, the Army by direction from England, was committed to the Earle of Ormond, and the Government to two Lords Justices, Adam Lofthouse Archbishop of Dublin and Chancellour, and Robert Gardyner: To this new Lieutenant, Tir-Oen exhibiteth a Bill of his oppressions and greivances p. 100with request of pardon, and at the same time stirreth up Mac-Hugh to a new Rebellion in Leinster.

In France at this time, the French King being importuned by the Pope, and by his own Subjects, began to incline to a Peace with Spain, which the Queen understanding, she sent into France, Sir Robert Cecill, Herbert and W…lks, (who dyed at his landing in France:) The States likewise sent thither, Iustine of Nassaw, and Barnevolt, and others likewise into England to disswade the Peace: but notwithstanding all they could say, or do, the French King shortly after concluded a Peace, to the great discontentment of the Queen and the States, but to the great good, and establishment of the French Common-wealth.

And now the Queen providing for her own and her peoples safety, sent Sir Francis Vere to the States, to know if they were willing to joyn in a Treaty of Peace with the Spaniard; if not, what they would afford toward a Warre; and to deal earnestly with them, about repayment of money due to her from them. At home in the mean time, a great Consultation was holden, whither a Peace with Spain were convenient for England, or no; and many Reasons were on both sides alleaged. Burleigh Lord Treasurer was for Peace, Essex for Warre, and so vehement in it, that the Treasurer, after a long debating, in a strange manner of Presage, reached forth the Book of the Psalms to him, pointing him to that Verse, The bloody minded man shall not live out half his dayes. Which made Essex afterward to set forth an Apology, with Reasons for justification of his opinion.

But now another Consultation was held, about a fit man to be Deputy of Ireland; The Queen intended to send Sir William Knolles, Essex his Uncle; but Essex was violent for Sir George Carew, whom hee had a minde to remove from the Court; and when hee could not by any means perswade the Queen to it, hee then, forgetting himself and his duty, uncivilly and contemptuously turned his back upon the Queen, mutteri…g certain words. Whereupon shee growing impatient, gave him a box on the ear, and bid him be gone with a vengeance; Essex laid his hand upon his sword hilt, and swore a great oath, That he could not, nor would not put up such an Indignity; and that hee would not have taken it at King Henry the Eighth his hands; and so in a rage flun… avvay from the Court. But aftervvard, admonished by the Lord Keeper, hee became more milde, and in a short time, returned into the Queens favour.

About this time, William Cecill Lord Burleigh, and high Treasurer of Eng…and, finding himself to droop with age, (for hee was now threescore and seventeen yeers old) sent Letters to the Queen, intreating her to release him of his publike charge; whereupon shee went to visit, and comfort him, but within a few dayes hee ended his life, after hee had been the principall stay of the English Commonwealth for many yeers together. One great good hee did to his country, a little before his death, that hee brought the States of the Low-Countries to a Composition, for the payment of Eight hundred thousand pounds, by Thirty thousand pounds yeerly; likewise, a new League to be concluded with them.

The King of Denmarks Subjects having lately seized upon some goods of the English as Prize, to the value of a hundred thousand Dollers; the Queen sent the Lord Zouch, and Christopher Perkins Doctor of Law, in Embassage to the Dane, both to congratulate his late marriage with the Electors daughter of Brandenburg; and also to crave restitution of the English goods; who obtained, that in lieu thereof, Threescore thousand Dollers were repaid. And now George Clifford Earl of Cumberland, having with p. 101a Navie of eleven ships, waited for Portingall Cariques, and the American Fle…t, till the season of the yeer was past (they not daring to stirre forth) he at last set upon Port-Rico and took it; but seaven hundred of his men falling sick of Calentures, and dying within forty dayes, he was faine to returne home with some honour, but little profit.

About this time, one Edward Squire was Arraigned of high Treason, he had been at first an ordinary Scrivener, afterward a Groome in the Queen; stable, and going as a Souldier in Drakes last expedition, was taken prisoner and carryed into Spaine, there he came acquainted with one Wallpoole an English Jesuite, who caused him to be put into the Inquisition for an Heretick, and the fellow tasting of misery, was easily drawn to become a Papist, and afterward to attempt anything for the Catholique cause. His ghostly father perswaded him it were meritorious to make away the Queen and the Earl of Essex, and sent him into England with a certain poyson, wherewith to anoint the pommell of the Queens Saddle, and the chayre in which the Earl should sit, which he accordingly performed, but neither of them tooke effect, whereupon Wallpoole suspecting Squires fidelity was bent to revenge it, and sent one into England, who in generall termes should lay this aspersion upon him; whereupon Squire is called in question, and never thinking that his Confessor would detect him, directly denyed all at first; but after seeing himself betrayed, confessed all the matter and was executed.

This whole yeer the Rebellion was hot in Ireland; For Tir-Oen notwithstanding his pardon lately obt…ined, all on a suddain besieged the Fort at Blackwater, to the raising of which siege, the Lieutenant Generall (for there was as yet no Deputy) sent 13 Companies under the command of the Marshall, Tir-Oens sworre adversary, him Tir-Oen slew, and put his whole Army to rout, and atchieved such a Victory, with so great losse to the English, as they had never …elt the like since they first set footing in Ireland… for thirteen valiant Commanders; and fifteen Hundred Common Souldiers were slain at this Skirmish, and soon after the Fort of Blackwater was yeelded up. And now Tir-Oens fame began to resound, as the Assertor of the Liberty of the Nation, and upon a suddain all Munster brake forth into rebellion. For the cherishing whereof Tir-Oen sent thither O…ny Mac-Rorye and Tyrell (who originally an Englishman, was growne a deadly enemie to the English Nation) with four hundred Kernes. Against these; Thomas Norris President of the Province, marcheth to Killmallock with a good force; but finding that the Irish Souldiers of his Company were ready to revolt, he was faine to disperse his Army and retire to Corke. Hereupon the Rebells grew insolent, spoyled the Countrey, and in cruell manner put all the English to the sword. Furthermore they declare Fitz Thomas to be Earl of Desmond… but upon condition he should hold of O-Neal…, that is, of Tir-Oen, who now dispatched Letters to the Spaniard, relating his victories to the full, and vowing to accept no termes of peace with the English, and yet at the same instant (after his wonted treacherous manner) proffered some kinde of submission to the Lieutenant; but withall made unreasonable demands.

The State of Ireland being thus in combustion, a serious consultation is holden whom to send to quench it, the Queen and most of the Counsell thought Sir Charls Blunt Lord Mountjoy the fittest man… but Essex covertly intimated, that he had no military experience, and besides was too bookish to prove a good Commander, he seem'd to aym at the place for himself, though he made a shew modestly to refuse it, and yet still ready with his exceptions if any other were nominated… many thought it dangerous to have an Army put into his hands, for his followers talked of great matters, that he (forsooth) was descended of the blood Royall of Scotland and England, p. 102and had better Right to the Crown, then any other of the Competitors. In Conclusion, he is appointed Vice-Roy; with ample Authority, to make Warre or conclude Peace, and pardon all offenders, even Tir-Oen himselfe. An army is allotted him as great as he desired: Indeed greater then ever Ireland had seen before; Twenty Thousand Foot, and Thirteen Hundred Horse: with these, and a great Retinue besides of the Nobility, he passeth into Ireland; where as soon as he had taken the Sword, contrary to his Commission (which was to go immediately against the arch-Rebell) he marcheth towards Munster, against the petty Rebels, taketh the Castle of Cahir, and driveth the Rebels into the Woods and Groves adjoyning. His Forces being now impaired, he tarrieth to make them up; but in the mean time sendeth directions to Sir Coniers Clifford, President of Connacht, to set upon the Rebels in one place, (thereby to sever their forces) while he assaulted them in another; Clifford marcheth toward Belike, with 1500. Souldiers, where the Rebels are upon them at unawares, under the conduct of O-Rorke, (his Sonne that was hanged here in England) The English repell them at first with ease, and march along, but the Rebels finding they wanted Powder, set upon them againe, and put them to flight; in which Skirmish, Clifford and many of the old Souldiers were slain.

Essex having by this time received new supplies out of England, and a check for neglecting the Queens Command, setteth forth at length toward the Borders of Ulster, with Thirteen hundred Foot, and five hundred horse, being come thither, Tir-Oen by a Messenger requesteth Parley, Essex refuseth saying, he might speake with him the next morning, between the two Armyes; the next day, word is brought to Essex, that Tir-Oen craved the Queens mercy, and that he might onelyonly be heard speake, appointing the shallow of Balla Clinch for a most convenient place; thither came Essex alone, with whom Tir-Oen (riding his horse up to the girts) had private conference a full houre; A while after, Con Tir-Oens base Sonne came to Essex, requesting in his Fathers name a second Parley, and that some of the chiefe on both sides might be present: Essex consented, so there came not more then six. At the day appointed, many words had not passed, but it was argued, that their Delegates should Treat the next day concerning a Peace: between them it was concluded, that a Truce should be held from six weekes to six weeks, till May…day.

By this time, the Qu. understanding that no more was done, after so much time and money spent, in a great anger taxeth the Earls proceedings, and I know not how, it fell from her to some others that stood by, that he had other thoughts in his mind, then the good of his Prince and Country: And thereupon dispatched very sharp Letters to him, blaming his delay, and letting slip every faire opportunity: with which Letters Essex was so netled and chiefely troubled, that the Queen had now made Cecill Master of the Wards, which he expected himselfe: that he beganne to cast strange Projects within his minde, and held private consultations of returning into England with part of his Forces, to surprize his Adversaries; But from this course, the Earl of Southampton, and Sir Christopher Blunt disswaded him, as being dangerous and wicked. Yet within a monethmonth, over he went, and came to the Court at Nonesuch; to informe the Queen of the State of Ireland. By the way, the Lord Gray of Welton crossed him, but saluted him not; whom one of his followers offered to kill for his contempt: but Essex would not suffer him: And made such hast, that early in the Morning he was upon his Knees, before the Queen in the Privy Chamber. She enteriained him courteously, but not with the countenance She was wont: and after a little talke, bid him keepe in his Chamber; And soon after, Committed him to Custody, in the Lord Privy Seales House; where entring into Consideration of his case, he giveth himselfe p. 103wholly to Divine Contemplation, and writeth wonderfull Letters to his friends, of the vanity of the things of this life.

It was now the yeer one thousand six hundred, and the two and fortieth of Queen Elizabeths Kaign, when after the departure of the Earle of Essex, Tir-Oen began to carry himselfe as Monarch of Ireland, and sendeth Kernes to make spoyle in the possessions of such as continued in their loyalty to the Queene, under Mac-Guir their Captaine, who lighting casually upon Sir Warham Saint Leger, thrust him thorough with a speer, and was himself thrust thorough withall. Whereupon the Queen sent Sir Charls Blunt Lord Montjoy, to take upon him the Deputies place, who looseth no time, but first of all marcheth towards Ulster buildeth a fort, within eight miles of Armagh, which, in hononr of Sir Iohn Norris, under whom he had his first military schooling, he calleth by the name of Mount N…rris; there he placed Edward Blanye who kept the Rebels in awe in those pa…s, from thence back he goeth into Leynster, wherein the Glynnes he reduceth into order, Donell-Spaniah, Phelim Mac-Pheoph, and the Rebelling Nation of the O-Tooles, taking hostages of them, then back into Ulster again, being victor wheresoever he cometh, and at Tradagh, receiveth into protection Mac-Henry, Mac-Cowly, and other rebels who fell at his feet for mercy. All this and more he did in his first yeer, and no lesse successefull was Carew President of Munster, who drave out of the County the Titular Earle of Desmond, and having found Munster a turbulent Province in Aprill, he overcomed and made it so quiet by December following, that the Rebels maintained not one Fort in it against the Queen.

And now a new consultation was holden in England, touching a peace with the King of Spaine, the which he sought both by the French King, and by Alb…rtus the Archduke, who was now returned into the Netherlands out of Spain, where he was marryed to the Infanta. The Queen consenting to a Treaty, left it to the French King to nominate both the time and place for the meeting of the Delegates, who set down the Month of May, and Bulloigne in France; But now foreseeing that a question would arise about Precedency, some were appointed to search Ancient Records concerning that point. These men found in the Book of the Ceremonies of the Court of Rome, which (according to the Canons) giveth Rule to the rest, as the Lady and Mistresse; that amongst Kings, the first place is due to the King of France, the second to the King of England and the 3. to the King of Castile; That the English quietly held this priviledge in the Generall Counsells of Basill Constance, and others, besides the Kingdome of Castile, which is the Spaniards first Title, is but an upstart in regard of England, which had Earles, but no Kings till the yeere one 1017. In like manner, that Pope Iulius the third, gave sentence for Henry the seaventh of England, against Ferdinand, who was then King of Castile.

At the day appointed, the Delegates met at Bulloign, Sir Henry Nevyll, Legier Embassadour, Sir Iohn Herbert, Robert Beale, and Thomas Edmunds for the English, and other fot the King of Spaine and the Archduke. The English had Instructions, first concerning Precedency, in no case to give way to the King of SPAINE; yet if they contended, to put the matter to the devision of Lots, rather then the Treaty should be dissolved; and for the rest, to propose and mention the renewing of the ancient Burgundian League, freedome of commerce, &c.

At the meeting, when the had severally shewed their cōmissions; the English challenge the Precedency, the Spaniards do the like, and in soe peremptory a manner, that without it they would dissolve the Treaty: p. 104hereupon the English made a proposition, to let passe the question of Precedency; and to transact the businesse by wrighting, and Messengers between them: Or that the Treaty might be intermitted onelyonly for threescore dayes, not quite brooken off; but all was to no purpose; And at three monthes end, they parted.

The States the meane while, were so farr from regarding a Peace, that at this time, they thought upon reducing the Sea Coast of Flanders into their command… and thereupon they landed an Army there, of Fourteen thousand Foote, and three thousand horse under the conduct of Maurice of Nasaw; and Fifteen hundered of the English under the command of Sir Francis Vere, and his Brother Horatio: At which true happened the famous Bataile of Newport, against the Arch-duke, wherein nine thousand of the Spaniards were slaine; and the Victory by the valour of the English, fell to the Dutch, for so forward were the English in this Battaile, that of their fifteen hundred, eight hundred were slaine and sore wounded, eight Captaines killed, and of the rest every man hurt.

All this year, and the year past, sundry quarells and complaints arose betweene the English and the French, touching reprisalls of goods taken from each other by Pirates of either Nation: Also touching Customes and Impositions, contrary to the Treaty of Bloys, and deceit in English Clothes, to the great infamy of our Nation. In Denmarke likewise arose controversies touching Commerce, and the Fishing of the English upon the coast of Island and Norway. The Queen also either time, for the increase of Navigation and Commerce, Founded the Company of East-India Merchants, allowing them large Priviledges: but whether, thi… hath proved beneficiall to the Common-wealth, (there having been by this meanes such a masse of mony and great store of other commodities c…rried out of the Kingdom, and so many Marriners lost every year) wise men make a question.

About this time also, Pope Clement the eight, perceiving the Queen to be in her declining age, sent two Breeves into England, the one to the Popish C…ergy. the other to the Layity, to suffer no person whatsoever, to take the Kingdome upon him after the Queenes death, but one that should promise by Oath to promote with all his might, the Roman Catholick Religion, how neer soever otherwise, he were allyed to the Bloud Royall of the Kings of England.

This year by reason of intemporate weather, happened a great scarcity of Corne in England, and thereby many grievous complaints was occasioned. The common people cast out reprochfull slaunders, against the Lord Treasurer Buckhurst, as the granter of Lycences for transportation of Corne; but he appealing to the Queene, shee forthwith defended his Innocency, and made it knowne by open Proclamation, imputed the fault, upon the Broggers of Corne, and Forestallers of Markets, and gave order that the slanderers should be reprehended and punished.

The Earle of Essex, who had now beene Prisoner six moneths in the House of the Lord Privie Seale… he then began to repent in good earnest, resolving to put away his perverse Councellors, Cylly Merick and Henry Cuffe, and then he shewed so much patience and great submission, that the Queene then sent him to his owne house, and to bee there confined, alwayes protesting that shee would doe nothing that should bee for his ruine… but onelyonly that, which should bee for his amendment. Neverthelesse, when as the common people extolled his Innocency, she could not, for the removall of suspition of injustice, free her self p. 105and her counsellors, but bring him to a tryall, not in the Star-Chamber, lest the Censure should fall too heavy on him; but in the house of the Lord Privie Seal, where the cause should have a plain hearing before the Lords of the Councell, four Earls, two Barons, and four Judges of the Realm. The objections were, That contrary to his Commission, he had made the Earl of Southampton, Generall of the Horse, had drawn his Forces into Munster, neglecting the Arch-Rebell Tir-Oen, entertained a Parlee with him, against the Dignity of the Queens Majesty, and the person of a Vice-Roy, which he represented; and that the sayd Parlee was suspitious, in regard it was private. Some aggravations the Lawyers added from abrupt sentences, in his Letter to the Lord Privie Seal, written two years since, as these; No storme is more fierce than the indignation of an Impotent Prince. What? Cannot Princes erre? May they not injure their Subjects, and such like.

He falling upon his knee at the end of the Boord, professed he would not contest with the Queen, nor excuse the faults of his young years, either in whole, or in part, Protesting that he alwayes meant well, howsoever it fell out otherwise, and that now he would bid the World farewell, withall, shedding many tears, so as the standers by wept also. Yet could he not contain himself, but began to plead excuses, till the Lord Privy Seal interrupted him, advising him to proceed as he had begun, to flie to the Queens Mercy, who would not have him questioned for disloyalty, but only for a contempt; and that he did not well to pretend obedience in words, which in deeds he had not performed. At length, in the name of the rest, he pronounceth this Sentence against him; That he should be deposed from the office of a Privy Councellor, suspended from the functions of the Earl Marshall, and Master of the Ordnance, and be Imprisoned during the Queens pleasure. She had given expresse charge, not to suspend him from the office of Master of the Horse (minding to take him shortly into favor) and that his Censure in no case should be Recorded. Af…er this, he made shew of wonderfull humility and mortification, which so affected the Queen, that shortly she removed Barkeley his keeper, and gave him leave to go at large; only admonishing him, To make his own discretion his keeper, and not to come at the Court, or in her Presence.

After this Sentence, Cuffe, who alwayes perswaded the Earle to stand stoutly in his own defence, began so plainly to tax him of cowardize and pusillanimity; that the Earl in anger, commanded his name to be put out of the Rowl of his servants, yet Merrick the Steward did it not, as being of Cuffes minde himself.

Essex, being now ready to go into the Countrey, remembred himself to the Queen, by the Lord Henry Howard, in these words; That he kissed the Rod, and the Queens hands, which had …nely corrected, not overthrown him; yet he should never enjoy solid comfort, till he might see those blessed eyes, which had been his load-stars, whereby he had happily steered his course, whiles he held on his way at lawfull distance; But now he resolved to eat grasse with Nebuchad-nezzar, till it please the Queen to restore his senses. She being greatly joyed with these his speeches; Would to God (sayd she) his deeds might be answerable to his words; he hath long tried my patience, I must now make tryall of his humility.

And now the Earl grew so confident of thee Queens favor, That he became a suitor to her for the Farme of sweet Wines; but she to try his temper, and with what minde he would bear a repulse, made him Answer; That she must first know what it was worth, and not give away things hand over head; and had oftentimes in her mouth, the Aphorisme of Phisitians, That foul bodies, the more you nourish them, the more you corrupt them. And indeed, this was the right way to finde, whether the ulcer of his minde were throughly cured or no; for being not throughly cured, it would endure p. 106no touching; and no more did his, but as though every denyall of a curtesie, were an injury that required revenge; his melancholy was presently turned into choller, and now began to hearken to Cuffe again; telling him, That it was now plain, the Queen determined to make him as poore as Iob, that he should live of the basket, and gather crums under the Ta…e. Hereupon he returned to London, Southampton is sent for out of the Low-Countries, his doors are set open for all commers, Merricke his Steward receiveth to his own table decayed souldiers, discontented and audacious persons; Sermons are made there every day by Puritan Ministers, to which the Citizens flock, and all signes of popularity appeared; which matters coming to the Queens ears, Alienated her affection from him daily more and more; but especially she was exasperated, that her Person was despised by him; for (not to say the worst) he had muttered, That the Queen was now old and decrepit, and withered as well in minde as body.

And now again, he runneth upon desperate counsells, for the removall of his adversaries from the Court, seeketh to scrue himself into the King of Scots favour, to whom he traduceth his adversaries, by name Raleigh, Cobham, Carew, Cecill, and the Admirall, as inclined to the Spanish Faction, and at one and the same time, seeketh to win to him both Puritans and Papists. Many were of his party, but few of his counsell; and these were the Earl of Southampton, Sir Charls Davers, Sir Ferdinando Gorge, Captain of the Garrison of Plimmouth, Sir Christopher Blunt, and some other. With these he met privately in Drury House to avoyd suspition, where he first giveth them a Catalogue of the Nobility and gentry that favoured him, to the number of a hundred and twenty. Then they consult, whether it were better to set upon the Tower of London, or the Queens Pallace; this latter they resolve upon, which should be done in this manner. Blunt should keep the great Gate, with a selected number of men, and Danvers seize upon the Presence Chamber: Then Essex with his company should come from the Mues, and present himselfe before the Queen. But now suspitions arising from divers circumstances, Secretary Herbert was sent to call him before the Councell, at the Treasurers House; but he doubting the matter, excuseth himselfe, that he was not very well. And now the Plot of seizing upon the Court, which had been four moneths in contriving, was by this means quite dashed, for they had ready at the present, neither Souldiers, nor muition, so as some speedier course must now be thought on; at which time very opportunely cometh one to them (set on no doubt by Essex his Adversaries) as if he had been sent on purpose from the Citizens, to promise him their Ayd, which made Essex to applaud his own great good fortune.

And now were four of the Lords, namely the Lord Keeper, the Earle of Worcester, Sir William Knolles, and the Lord Chiefe Justice of England, sent by the Queen to Essex house, who could hardly be suffered to come, in, all their Attendants were kept out, save he that carried the Seal before the Keeper. In the Court, they found a confused number of people, and the Earls of Essex, Rutland, and Southampton in the midst of them. The Keeper turning himselfe to Essex, telleth him, The Queen had sent him and the rest to understand the cause of this concourse, promising Justice, if any person had done them wrong. Essex with a loud voice cryeth out, They lye in waite for my life, we are met to defend our selves. The Keeper urging Essex again to unfold some part of his grievance; the unruly multitude crieth out, Away, let us be gone, they come to betray you, Kill them, cast away that Great Seal. Essex retireth into the house, the Lords follow him, he chargeth them to make the doors fast, and turning him to the Lords, Have patience for a while (saith he) I must go into the City, to dispatch a little businesse with the Maior and Sheriffs, I will return presently.

p. 107There the Lords are kept prisoners; Essex maketh haste into the City, with a Troop of 200 men at his heels; the E. of Bedford, the L. Cromwell, and …her Lords meeting him by the way, joyn themselves: coming into London, …e cryeth out aloud, For the Queen, for the Queen, they lay wait for my life. The Citizens came running to gaze, but not so much as one person took Arms to take his Part. Passing along the City, he came all in a sweat to the Sheriff Smith's house, who shifteth himself forth at a back door, and goeth to the Lord Maior. By this time, certain of the Nobility entred the City with a Herald, declaring Essex and his adherents Traytors. Hereupon, hearing also that the Lord Admirall made towards him with an Army, he began to be dishear…ned; Gorge taketh care for himself, requesteth he might be sent to release the Counsellors, and with them to crave the Queens mercy, whiles the issue was yet doubtfull. The Earl content, that Popham only should be freed; but he refused, unlesse the Keeper also might be dismissed. Then Gorge freeth them all, and goeth along with them to the Court by water.

Now when Essex thought to return, he found a Chain fastened crosse the street, at the West end of Pauls, and men in Arms on the other side: then he began to draw his sword; and having once given the word, Blunt letteth fly at them, slew one of them incontinent, himself being sorely wounded and taken. Essex himself had his Hat shot thorow; whereupon retiring, he took Boat at Queen Hythe, and went to Essex House; where finding the Counsellors all dismissed, he grew extreme angry and dismayed, and cast certain papers into the fire, saying, They should tell no tales. By and by the Admirall besiegeth the house, commanding them to yeeld. Southampton offereth, if the Admirall would give Hostages to secure them, they would present themselves to the Queen. The Admirall answereth him by Sidney, That Rebells are not to profer Conditions. Within an hour, Essex finding the case desperate, resolved to rush forth; and the Lord Sands (the most aged in the company) greatly urged it, saying, It were better to die valiantly, than by the hands of a Hang-man. But Essex his minde, upon a little deliberation altering, they fell upon their knees, and deliver their weapons to the Admirall, when it was ten a clock at night. Owen Salisbury, and one or two more were slain with Musket Shot, and as many of the Besiegers. The next day, Thomas Lea, Commander of a Company of Souldiers in Ireland, who to one Crosse a Sea-Captain (that detected him) intimated, how noble an exploit it were, for six stout fellows to go to the Queen, and compell her forceably to release Essex and Southampton, was presently apprehended, examined, found guilty and executed. Essex and Southampton were carryed first to Lambeth, to the Archbishops house, because it was a dark night; but anon were sent to the Tower, by the Queens direction; and with them, Rutland, Sands, Cromwell, Mounteagle, Danverse, and Bromley, the rest were put in common prisons.

On the nineteenth of February, Essex and Southampton were called to their Arraignment, before their Peers in Westminster-Hall, where Buckhurst Lord Treasurer, was appointed Lord High Steward of England for that time. The Peers being severally called by their names, Essex demanded, If it were not lawfull for them to except against some of the Pee…s, as private persons might do against the Jurors. The Judges made answer, That the credit and fidelity of the Peers of England was presumed to be such, that in Tryalls they were not bound to take an Oath, nor are they lyable to any exception. Then were they joyntly indited of High Treason; namely, That they plotted to deprive the Queen of her life and Kingdom, To surprize her in her very Palace; And that they brake forth into open Rebellion, by imprisoning the Counsellors of the Kingdom, By exciting the Londoners to Re-bellion with vaine Fictions; By assaulting the Queens loyall Subjects in the City, and by defending of Essex House against the Queens Forces. Hereunto they pleaded, Not guilty. p. 108Essex withall averring, That they had done nothing but of necessity, and the Law of Nature. Yelverton aggravateth the specialties; and Edward Cook Atturney, argueth, That the Earl could not excuse himself from the Law of Nature, seeing Majesty is not to be affronted for private revenge. The Earl of Essex with great confidence made answer, That to his Prince and Countrey, he alwayes had and would bear a loyall affection. The Francis Bacon (one that was little expected to speak against Essex, by whom he had been raised) in defence of Cobham, Cecill, and Raleigh, aggravateth his crying out, That the Crown of England was sold to the Spaniard: wherto Essex replyed, that he heard indeed, that Cecill the Secretary should say to one of the Lords of the Councell, That the Right of the Infanta of Spain to the Kingdom of England, was as good as any of the Competitors. Upon this Cecill (who stood by as an Auditor) steppeth in, and falling upon his knees, beseecheth the Steward that with his good leave, he might quit himself from this foul aspersion: which leave being granted him, he provoked Essex, if he durst, to name the Counsellor; but he would not: therefore (saith Cecill) It is a Faction: still Essex averreth it. Then Cecill turning himself to Southampton, besought him, by all manner of Obtestations, to name the man. He referreth it to the Honorable Assembly, and to Cecill himself, if in Honour and good Reason he ought to do it: they affirming, He might, Southampton nameth Sir William Knolles, Essex his Unkle. He being sent for, at Cecills intreaty, said, That Cecill two yeers since told him, that one Dolman, in a Book, had asserted the Right of the Infanta, and had spoken no otherwise than so.

Now after the Judges had delivered their opinion what was Law in the matters alleadge…, the Earls, by the Stewards direction, were taken aside: Then the Peers rose, and went apart, and having consulted about an hour, returned to their seats, and in their order, pronounced the Earls guilty of high Treason. Then the high Steward, advising Essex to implore the Queens mercy, giveth Sentence, and that done, brake his Staff and departed.

The next day, Sir Robert Vernon, Sir William Constable, Sir Edmund Baynham, Littleton, Cluff, Captain Whitlock, Iohn and Christopher Wright and Orell an old Souldier, were called to their Tryall: but the Queen (informed by Sir Fulk Grevill, That most of them were drawn unwittingly into the danger) commanded that onelyonly Littleton, Baynham, and Orell should have their Tryall, the rest to be sent back to prison. These were all condemned, but their lives spared; which favour, Raleigh (for a good sum of money received of Baynham) procured.

Essex in the mean while, requested he might speak with some of the Counsellors, to whom he reconciled himself, and to Cecill especially; and then intimated, That the Queen could not be in safety while he lived; he requesteth he might be executed privately in the Tower: He grievously inveigheth against some of the Conspiracy, and wished to speak with some of them, but specially with Blunt and Cuffe; whom as soon as he saw, he brake forth into these words; O Cuffe, ask pardon of God and the Queen, for thou hast chiefly provoked me to this disloyalty. Also he intimated Sir Henry Nevill, ordinary Ambassadour in France, to have been acquainted with the Conspiracy; and that other in Scotland, France, the Netherlands, and the Lord Mountjoy, Deputy of Ireland, knew of his purpose, and other in England; who being many in number, and the Lord Mountjoy ordering the Affairs of Ireland in good fashion, the Queen wisely would take no notice of it.

The five and twentieth day of February, which was to be the fatall day, there were sent to the Earl divers Ministers, to give him ghostly comfort. The Queen now wavering in her self, one while remembring the p. 109…ci…nt kindenesse she had shewed him, she commanded he should not be …xecu…ed; then again, thinking of his stubbornnesse, That he would not once ask her mercy, and had said openly, That he could not live, but she must perish; countermanding her former word, she gave order that he should …e executed.

Then was he brought forth into the Yard, where a Scaffold was erected, and sundry of the Nobility present, amongst whom Raleigh also; but being …old, It was an inhumane thing to stand by and behold the death of his adversary, he withdrew himself into the Armory, and from thence beheld the Tragedy. Essex being ascended the Scaffold, uncovered his head, cast up his eyes towards Heaven… and cryed God mercy for the manifold sins of his youth, but this last specially, which he said was a bloody, crying, and contagious sin; craved pardon of the Queen and her Councellors, commended his Spirit into the hands of God, and had his head taken off at the third blow, though the first bereft him both of sense and motion.

The fifth of March, Sir Christopher Blunt, Sir Charles Davers, Sir Iohn Davis, Sir Gyllie Merrick, and Cuffe, were brought to their Tryall in Westminster-Hall, before the Queens Delegates. The Heads of their Inditements, were the same which were objected to Essex and Southampton. The others said little in their defence, onelyonly Cuffe stood upon these two Answers; Whereas (saith he) I am challenged of Treason, because I was in Essex house the day of the Rebellion; by the same Argument the Lion in the Celler might be indited; all that day I lamented the Earls Fortune, and dealt with him to flie to the Queens mercy. And as for the Consultation in Drury House, it is no more to be called High Treason, than an Embryon may be accounted a perfect man. The Lawyers on the other side demonstrated, That no necessity lay upon him to tarry in the House; and that the Consultation in Drury House was it self a Treason, though it had never broke forth into act. Merrick said onelyonly this, The Earl of Essex raised me, and he hath overturned me.

The thirteenth of March, Merrick and Cuffe are drawn to Tyburn, where Cuffe entring into a long Speech, was by the Sheriff interrupted; and then, after prayers to God, and desiring God and the Queen to pardon him, he was cast from the Ladder: a man of great Wit and Learning, but of a boysterous and turbulent disposition. In the same manner died Merrick.

The fifteenth of March, Sir Charles Davers, and Sir Christopher Blunt were beheaded on the Tower-Hill; albeit Davers offered ten thousand pounds to redeem his life, though with perpetuall Imprisonment. The Earl of Southampton, and the Sheriff Smith, were kept prisoners; though Smith, after some time, was upon sureties suffered to go at large. The eighth of Iuly, Sir Henry Nevill was cited before the Lords of the Counsell, where it was laid to his Charge, That he was present at the Consultation in Drury House, yet had not revealed their sinister purpo…es; and had imparted to Essex the secrets of his French Ambassage. He confessed, That at the Earls intreaty, he shewed him the Commentaries of the French proceedings, was present at one of their Consultations onelyonly, but contemned their counsells, yet durst not be an Informer against so great Personages. Hereupon he had a grievous check given him, and was committed to prison.

One Act of the By, is not here to be omitted. Essex at his Arraignment had complained, That his hand-writing was counterfeited. It happened, the Countesse of Essex being fearfull in her husbands behalf, gave a Letter which she had received from him, to the custody of one Ri…ove, a Dutch-woman that waited on her: this Dutch-womans husband, named Daniell … lighted by chance upon the Letter, and perceiving some passages in it which might bring the Earl of Essex into danger, got a cunning fellow to draw a counterfeit Copy of the said Letter; with this he cometh to the fearfull p. 110Lady, who was newly brought to bed, threatning to give the same to her husbands adversaries; unlesse she would presently give him three thousand pounds. She to shun the danger, paid him eleven hundred and seventy pounds at the very instant; yet did he deliver her the counterfeit Copy only meaning to make use of the true one, to get another sum of the Earls adversaries. This imposture being found out, he was censured to perpetuall Imprisonment, condemned in three thousand pounds (two of which were to go to the Countesse) and his ears nayled to the Pillory, with this Writing over his head; A notorious Cheater.

Soon after, a Parliament was assembled, wherein grievous complaints being tendred to the lower House touching Monopolies; the Queen, by way of prevention, sendeth out Proclamations, declaring the said Licenses and Patents to be voyd in part, leaving some part to the discussion of the Laws: which thing was so acceptable to the Lower House, that they presently sent 80 selected persons; together with the Speaker, to give the Queen thanks; and she on the other side, gave them thanks, for being such faithfull Monitors to her, to recall her from an errour, whereinto through ignorance, not wilfulnesse, she was fallen.

In Ireland, the Deputy, at the entry of the Spring, draweth his Forces together and driveth Tir-Oen from where he had fortified himself; Carew, President of Munster, taketh the titular Earl lurking in a Cave, and receiveth intelligence, That the Spaniards, invited by Tir Oen, had a purpose to land in Munster, yet could not perswade the Deputy they had any designe for Ireland; but in the midst of September, certain news was brought, The Spaniards were in sight, who wanting winde to carry their Fleet to Cork, put in to Kinsale, the three and twentieth of September, and land their Souldiers without resistance. Richard Percy, having but few Souldiers to defend the Town, is commanded to come away, and leave Kinsale to the Spaniards, into which they enter with Ensignes displayed, and by the Magistrates and Inhabitants, were bidden welcome.

D'Aquila, who commanded the Spaniards, publisheth a Declaration, wherein he sheweth, That Queen Elizabeth was deposed from her Kingdom by sentence of the Pope, her subjects absolved from their Allegiance; And that the Spaniards were now come to deliver Ireland from the Jaws of the devill. Tir Oen joyneth his Forces with them, so as they were now six thousand Foot, and five hundred Horse, and promised themselves assured Victory, the English being not neer so many. The four and twentieth of December, a Battell is joyned; where, after a long Fight, the Victory inclined to the English. Tir Oen, O donell, and the rest, cast away their Weapons, and save themselves by flight. Alphonso O Campo, chief Leader of the Spaniards, together with three other Captains, was taken prisoner, and six Ensigne-bearers, twelve hundred were slain, nine Colours taken, whereof four belonged to the Spaniards: of the English not many were slain, but a great number wounded.

After six dayes, D'Aquila sendeth Letters to the Deputy by a Drummer, requesting that some person of account might be sent to him, with whom to confer; Sir William Godolphine is sent, to whom he complained of cowardise, and (he feared) treachery of the Irish; and therefore, although he wanted nothing to hold out the Siege, and did daily expect great Forces from Spain, yet was willing to make a Composition: whereupon, at last it was agreed, The Spaniards should yeeld up Kinsale to the Deputy, as also the Castles and Forts at Baltimore, Bere-Haven, and Castle-haven, and should depart with life and goods, and Colours displayed. The English, at a reasonable price, should furnish them with Ships and provision into Spain; and that they should not carry Arms against the Queen of England, till they were arrived in Spain, &c.

p. 111And now the Spaniards being driven out of Ireland, the Queen, to prevent their coming again, sendeth out Sir Richard Levison, and Sir William M…son, with eight Ships of her own, and some smaller Ships of War, to attempt something upon the Coast of Spain. On the nineteenth of March, Levis…n hoyseth Sayl, and Monson afterward, having in vain tarryed behinde, for some Dutch Ships to joyn with them. Levison in the mean time lighted upon the Spanish Navy of eight and thirty Ships, which brought the Treasure from America, and set upon them, but to no purpose. When Monson was come with the rest of the Fleet, they had certain notice, That a mighty Indian Caraque of sixteen hundred Tun, and richly laden, was upon the Coast of Portugall. There indeed they found it, but it lay close under a Fort, attended with eleven Gallies; and the Caraque it self appeared as big as a Castle; yet they resolved to fire it, if they could not take it. The next day, they thundered so violently against the Gallies, that within seven hours the Marquesse of St. Crosse, together with Portugall Gallies which he commanded, withdrew themselves; two of them were taken and fired; and in them was great store of Powder, which was going for the Low-Countries. And now Levison signified to the Captain of the Caraque, That the Gallies which they trusted to, were driven away, and therefore, if they now refused mercy, they must expect none hereafter. After much speech to and fro, it was at last agreed, That the Caraque, with the Ordnance and Merchandise, should be yeelded up. Thus the English, having a fair winde, returned homeward with a Booty, to the value of a Million of Duckets, by the Portugall account, and not past five of their men lost in the Voyage.

At this time there arose a Contestation amongst the Popish Clergy here in England; for the Jesuites and the Secular Priests, made bitter Invectives in their writings, one against the other. The originall of the Priests quarrell was, That Blackwell, one wholly at the beck of the Jusuites, was set over them as Arch-Presbyter, who first of all despoiled them of their Faculties; and when they appealed to the Pope, caused them to be declared Schismaticks and Hereticks. They in sundry Books extolled the Queen very highly, as one that dealt mildly alwayes with the Catholikes, till such time as they set all in a combustion in England; and by their Treasons, caused most severe Laws to be enacted against the Catholikes. Parsons they traduced, as a Bastard, an Equivocator, and a Traytor. Whether they contended thus in good earnest, or in jest only, is hard to say; but the Bishop of London politickly nourished the contention; and all he gained, was this, That the Queen and her Councell, finding them dangerous to the Common-wealth, both the one and the other, upon Penalty of the Laws, were by Proclamation commanded to depart out of the Kingdom presently.

In France, the Marshall Biron, for entring into dangerous attempts against the publike Peace, was arraigned, and lost his head. His confession brought some other into danger; and amongst them, the Duke of Bulloign, of the Protestant Religion, that when he was cited, he durst not appear, but fled into Germany. Hereupon the King of France sendeth to Queen Elizabeth, complaining that the Duke held his Marriage unlawfull, and the Popes Dispensation nothing worth, pronouncing his son Illegitimate; had destined the Prince of Conde to the Succession of the Crown, and conspired the destruction of the prime of the Nobility. The Queen, by her Legier Ambassadour, adviseth the King not too credulously to entertain those reports, as doubting these suggestions might proceed from some of the Spanish Faction. Hereupon the King grew very angry, saying, The Queen held a better opinion of the Duke then he deserved, and that he was one of the chief Architects of Essex his Treason; and being questioned by the King about it, p. 112was not able to deny it. About this time also, the Duke of Savoy, by cunning slights, and open force, practised against the State of Geneva; and the Queen relieved them with a great sum of money, gathered amongst the Clergy and Laity all over England.

And now the Earl of Tyrone, perceiving himself in a desperate estate, resolved to sue for mercy, and promised at last to submit his life and Fortunes to the Queens pleasure, absolutely without condition. Hereupon, being admitted to the presence of the Deputy, at the very entry of the room, he fell on his knees; and then passing on a few steps, prostrated himself again, saying, I confesse and crave pardon for my great fault, against God, and a most bountifull Prince, my dread Soveraign: I fly to the Queens mercy, as a sacred Anchor, permitting her to dispose of my life and Fortunes at her pleasure. Upon this his submission, the Deputy commanded him to go aside, and the next day took him along to Dublin with him, meaning to bring him into England, that the Queen might deal with him according to her Royall pleasure: But before he could come into England, the Queen died.