A Chronicle of the Kings of England from the Time of the Roman Government, Regnal history 17

A Chronicle of the Kings of England from the Time of the Roman Government · Regnal history 17

p. 121THE RAIGNE OF King Iames.

IAMES the fourth King of Scotland, marryed Margaret eldest daughter of Henry the 7 K. of England, by whom he had Iames the 5, who had one only child Mary Q. of Scots, who had one only son Iames the 6, who from Iames the fourth had undoubted right to the Kingdome of Scotland … and from Margaret, King Henry the 7 eldest daughter (the male line being cleane extinct) unquestionable title to the Crown of England: whereupon Q. Eliz. being dead about 10 a clock in the morning, K. Iames the 6, K. of Scotland was the very same day (M. Secretary Cecill himself reading his Title, and Q. Eliz. Will) proclaimed K. of Eng. Scot. and Ireland, by sound of Trumpet, first at White-Hall, and then in Cheapside, in presence of all the Lords and the Counsell, and other of the Nobility, with a generall acclamation of all sorts of people, that we may truly say, sorrow was never more deceived than at this time; for where upon the death of Q. Eliz. It was expected there would be nothing for a long time but sorrowing and lamenting. Now that very sorrow was swallowed up of joy, her death bringing with it no other alteration but only of sex, in all other points in a manner the same, the like wisdome, the like learning, the like Iustice, the like religiousnesse in them both: only bettered in this, that we changed a Q. of 70 years old, whom we could not look to keepe long, for a K. of 36, whom we might well hope to enjoy many years.

Q. Eliz. was not sooner dead… but Sir Robert Cary a younger son of the Late L. Hunsdon, posted away unsent, to K. Ia…es in Scotland, informing him of the accident… for bringing which news, the K. afterwards rewarded him with making him a Ba…on of the Realm, and L. of Leppington. But though it were sufficient for the K. information that he heard the news by Sir Robert Carye; yet it was not sufficient for the Lords of the Counsell in discharge of their duty, if he heard it not from them, and therefore within a very few dayes, as soon as they could provide fit men, they sent first Sir Charles Percy and Mr. Thomas Somerset, and after them Sir Thomas Lake Clerk of the Signet, a man well acquainted with the State of the Kingdome, both to acquaint him with the generall applause of all the Realme, to receive him for their Soveraigne, and also informe him in what termes the State of the Kingdom stood, that so he might not come altogether a stranger when he came into it.

Q. Elizabeth indeed had left him not only a Kingdom, but a Kingdom without incombrance; No wars abroad, no sedition at home, and not only so, but a kingdom furnished with all the fruits of Peace, plenty of all things necessary, and of all necessary things; the chiefest a wise Cousell, for the left Sir Thomas Egerton L. Chanselor, Thomas L. Buckhurst, L. Treasurer: Charles E. of Nottingham, L. Admiral & Sir Rob. Cecill principall Secretary. Foure such men that the meanest of them were sufficient to sit at the Helme of any Kingdom. Yet to these p. 122and … other besides (all wh… the K. now by his letters authorizeth to exerc… …eir severall places, …s formerly they had done) he addeth certaine new ones of his own choosing, as namely the E. of Northumberland, and Cumberland … the L. Th…. Howard, and then after the L. Henry Howard; the one the brother, the other the son of the late D. of Nor…olk, who had suffered so much, that at last, he suffered for the Q. his mother. But although the calling of these two last to such place, was done (no doubt) out of …avour to that house; yet one of them being known, the other doubted to be a Papist, it was presently apprehended, as a fa…vour to that sid…; and the Catholicks were not a little confident of his good inclination to them all in generall. And it was indeed but necessary they should at this time have such a conceit, for in the late Q. sicknes, a little before her death, Pope Clement the 8, had written two Brieves to the Catholicks in England, to admit of none to succeed in the Kingdom, when that miserable woman should happen to dye (so he pl…ased to s…il… the most glorious Q. that ever lived) but such a one, of whose good inclination to the See of Rome, they should at least be well perswaded. And now K. Iames having setled the Government of his Kingdom of Scotland, and made convenient preparation for his journey: on the 5 of Aprill 1603, he set forward, and rode that day from Edinburgh to Dunglasse, and from then… the next day to …rwick; who having stayed two days… the 8 of Aprill he r…de to With…rington … a house of Sir Robert Caries, from thence the 9 to Newcastle, wh…re he stayed Sunday and heard the Bish. of Durham preach, and so joyfull w…re the Townsmen of his being there, that all the time of his stay they bore the charg… o… his houshold. The 13 of Aprill he set forward to Durham, and from thence the 14 to Walt…orth, the 15 towards York, where his traine encreased to such a multitude, that he was faine to publish an inhibition of the peoples resort, and flocking to him. At York it was a question to whom it belonged to beare the sword before the K… in that place, for both the E. of Cumberland claimed it, as her…ditary to his House, and the President of the North claimed it as belonging to his place, but it was adjudged to George E. of Cumberland, who accordingly did it… …rom York the 18 day the K. r…de to Grimston, to a house of Sir Edw. Stanhopes, the 19 to P…f… and so to Duncaster, where he lodged at the signe of the Beare and Sun… The 20… of Aprill …e rode towards Worsuppc. a house of the E. of Shrews…ri…s; from thence the 21 to Ne…rk upon Trent, where a Cutpurse being taken in the fact, was by the K. warrant hāged, a most unseasonable delinqēnt, who would force the K. to commit Iustice at a time when hee intended nothing but mercy, the as to Beaver Castle, a house of the E. of Rutlands, hunting all the way as he rode: From Beaver the 23 to Burleigh, who having stayd 2 or 3 days, the 27 he removed to Hitchinbr…k, a house of Sir Oliver Cromwels, where the heads of the Vniversity of Cambridge met him… From thence he rode towards Royston, and as he passed thorough Godmanchester a Town close by Huntington, the Bayliffes of Town presented him with 70 Teeme of horse, all traced to faire new Ploughs… at which the K. wondring, they said, it was their ancient custome so to do, when any K. of England passed thorough their Town, and by which as being the K. tenants they held their Land. At Royston he lodged that night at M. Chesters house, at his own charge, which he had not done before, since his comming into Eng. The …0 of Aprill he rode to Stand…, a house of S. Thomas Sadlers, where he stayd Sunday, and heard the Bish. of London preach. The 2 of May he removed to Brosbourne, a house of S… Henry Cocks, cofferer to the late Q. and now to the K. where …t him the L. Keeper, the L… Treasurer, the L. Admirall & divers other Lords: The 3 of May he came to Theobalds, a house of Sir Robert Cecils; when all the Lords of th… late Queenes most honorable Privy Counsell; presented themselves, and th…r… the Lord Keeper made a grave Oration. At this house, the fourth of …, the King made diverse Noblemen of Scotland, of his Privy Counsell here in England; namely the Duke of L…n…x, the Earle of Marre, the Lord …, Sir …rg… …, Treasurer of Scotland, S. Iames Elphingston his Secretary p. 123and the Lord of Kinlosse made afterward Mr. of the Rolles. Saterday the se…th of May, he rode towards London, where by the way, the Sheriffe Swyn…er… and the Aldermen met him; and by their Oratour Mr. Richard Martin; made him an eloquent Oration; and then he rode on to the Charter-house nee…e Smithfield, a house belonging to the Lord Thomas Howard, where he stayed foure dayes: and at his departing from thence made the Lord Zouche … and the Lord Burgley, of his privie Counsell. But wee must here omit, that from the Kings first setting forth of Scotland … as hee was in all places received with most Royall entertainment and rich presents; so he againe carryed himselfe most affable, and distributed his favours in most plentious manner: in some places, discharging all prisoners, but such as lay for Treason or murther: but specially in conferring the order of Knighthood, of which sort the first he made, was Mr. Iohn Peyton, son to Sir Iohn Peyton, Leiutenant of the Tower. After him divers Scots in sundry places at Theobalds, eight and twenty; (of which number the compiler of this worke, though the unworthiest was one;) at Charter-house above fourescore: and not many dayes after, no fewer than at least a hundred, and before the yeare went about, God knowes how many hundreds; that one would wonder what the King would doe with so many Milites, having no warre to…ard. But it wa… indeed fit to give a vent to the passage of Honour, which during Queene Elizabeths Raigne had been so stopped, that scarce any County of England had Knights enow in it to make a Iury.

Before we goe further, it will not be amisse, to shew what great men attended King Iames out of Scotland; as namely the Duke of Lenox, the Earle of Marre, the Lord Hame and many other great Lords: and many other whom he afterward made great Lords, as bring in his speciall favour; first Sir George Hame, made afterward Earle of Dunbarre: then Sir Thomas Erskin, made Earle of Kelly; then Sir Iohn Ramsey made Earle of Holdernesse; (which two last had the fortune to come first in to his rescue against the Gowries) then Sir Iames Hay, made afterward Earle of Carlile; and then Sir Richard Preston made Earle of Kildare in Ireland; but whose great fortune by marrying the Heire of that Earledome, was afteward the occasion of his great misfortune; for comming out of Ireland he was unfortunately cast away and drowned.

But though King Iames was now safely come himselfe to London; yet he accounted himselfe but halfe come, untill his Queene and children were come to him; and therefore there are now appointed to goe to conduct them, of Lords, and Earle of S…ssex, the Earle of Lincolne, the Lord Compton, the Lord Norris, and Sir George Carow Knight, Lord President of Munster: of Ladies the Countesse of Worcester, the Countesse of Kildare, the Lady Anne Herberts daughter to Henry Earle of Pembrooke; the Lords Scroopes Lady, the Lady Rich wife to the Lord Rich, and the Lady Walsingham, one of the late Queenes bedchamber: But although these only were appointed to goe, yet many other Lords and great Ladies went of themselves to attend her Majesty, as the Countesse of Bedford, the Lady Hastings, the Lady Cecill, the Lady Hatton, the Lady Harington, and divers other: and with this Princely attendance, the Queene with two of her children, namely Prince Henry of the age of nine yeares, and the Lady Elizabeth on the eleventh of Iune came to Yorke: where resting themselves some few dayes, on the seven and twentieth of Iune they came to Easton in Northamptonshire, a house of Sir George Fermors, where the King met them at dinner: and afterward they rode together to a house of Sir Iohn Fortescue, and so to London. The Kings younger sonne, Charles Duke of Albany came not at this time, as being not three yeeres old, and therefore not thought able to endure such a journey, but the yeare following falling sick of a feavor, Doctor Atkins one of the Kings Physitions was sent to conduct him, who in six weekes cured him of his feavour; and the first weeke of October brought him safe to Windsor, where the King then lay; for which service he was so well rewarded, that together with the gayn…s of his usuall p. 124practice… hee grew to a greater wealth then was usuall for Physitions.

King Iames had distributed the meaner Order of Knightho…d very plentifully; now he thinks fit to raise his distributions to a higher degree, and therupon on the twentieth of May, he made Sir Robert Cecil Baron of Esindon; Sir Robert Sidney Baron of Penshurst; Sir William Knowles Baron of Greyes; and Sir Edward Wooten Baron of Morley: and not long after hee made the Lord Henry Howard Earle of North-Hampton; and Thomas Sackvile Lord Buckhurst, he made Earle of Dorset.

The King had by this time found the love and affection of his own people; but the affection of neighbouring Princes towards him stood yet in suspence, when now to take away that doubt came first in the beginning of Iune, an Embassador from the Palsgrave of Rhyne; presently after another from the States of Holland and Zeland; another from the Arch-Duke of Austria; another from the King of Spaine; from the Seignory of Venice another; another from the Duke of Florence; and lastly on the eight of Iune, Mon…ieur de Rhosny from the King of France: all congratulating his happy comming to the Crowne of England, for entertainment of which Embassadors, and all other that should come after; the King had erected an Office by the name of Master of the Ceremonies, allowing him two hundred pounds a yeer Fee, and the first that had the place was Sir Lewis Lewkenor: a Gentleman, who besides other good parts was very skilfull in the neighbouring languages.

VponUpon the seventeenth of May this yeere, were made fourteene Serjeants at Law: whereof eleven had received Writs the last yeare of Queene Elizabeth: namely, Thomas Coventry, Robert Haughton, Lawrence Tanfield, Iohn Crooke, Thomas Foster, Edward Philips, Thomas Harris, Iames Altham; Henry Hubbard; Augustine Nicholls; and Robert Perker; to whom the King added three new; Iohn Sherley; George Snygge; and Richard Hutton, who all kept their Feast together in the Middle Temple Hall

One would thinke that by this time, all Offences against Queene Elizabeth had been forgotten: but King Iames more tender of wrongs done to her than to himselfe, would not suffer Valentine Thomas so to escape; who after he had lyen many yeeres prisoner in the Tower, was on the fourth of …une arraigned at the Kings Bench-Barre; and for conspiracy against the late Queene and some of her Counsell, was on the seventh of Iune after six a clock at night, drawne to S… Thomas Waterings, and there hanged and quartered.

About this time the Honourable Charles Lord Montj…y, returned out of Ireland; bringing alone with him Hugh O Neale, Earle of Teroen; at whose comming to the King, the Lord Montjoy was sworne of the Kings Privie Counsell, and the Earle of Teroen who had beene the cause of so much English bloud shed, was yet pardoned; and Proclamation made, that by all men he should be used with respect and honour.

All this while the King had moved within his own Spheare, and had done nothing out of the Realme; his first Imployment abroad was now in Iune, to his brother the King of Denmark, to whom he sent in Embassage the Earle of Rutland upon two occasions: the one to be Godfather to his sonne, who was named Christianus, the other to present him with the Order of the Gar…er, upon the like imployment; soone after, he sent the Lord Spen…er to Frederick Duke of Wirtenberg; which Lords, saw the said Princes Invested with the Garter, and after honourable entertainment returned home.

It was now a time that every man might sit under his Vine: and enjoy the happinesse of a peaceable Government: when suddenly like a storme in a faire Somers day, brake forth a Treason of a strange Composition: for where in all Treasōs commonly they are all of some one Faction in this, there were people of all sorts; Priests and Laymen, Papists and Protestants, Noblement, Knights and Gen…lement; that one would think it should be a well mannaged Treason, and yet was the shallowest that was ever set on foot; so shallow, that it could scarce p. 125be observed, either what the Authors of it ayled, or what it was they would h…ve done. Indeed the great favour which King Iames at his first comming to the Crown, shewed to the Earle of South-Hampton, was like to breed no good blood in those that were his oposites; and it was said (how true I know not) that as the King had sent to enlarge the Earle of South-Hampton, and apointed him to meet him upon the way: So when he heard of an Intention that the Lord Cobham and Sir Walter Ralegh had to meet him; he sent them word they should spare their labour. But why there it were so or no, it seemes they found some …ause of discontentment, and discontentment will never want Complyces; and by this meanes was the composition of this T…eason made up, and thereupon were apprehended Henry Lord Cobham, and George Brook his brother, Thomas Lord Grey of Wilton, Sir Walter Ralegh, Sir Griffith Markham, and Sir Edward Parham Knights, Bartholmew Brookesby and Anthony Copley Gentlemen, William Watson and William Clerke Priests: But though they were apprehended in Iuly, yet they come not to their arraignment till November following; for by reason of the sicknesse, which was then hot in London, the Terme was put off till Crastino Martini, and then to be kept at Winchester in Hamp-shire, only the Courts of the Exchecker, Wards, Liveries and the Dutchy of Lancaster were kept in the Kings Mannour at Richmond in the County of Surrey; and so in the fourth of November following, all the foresaid Delinquents were removed from the Tower of London and other Prisons, by strong Guards to Winchester, and there arraigned; whose Indictment was for Conspiring,

1 To kill the King.

2 To raise Rebellion.

3 To alter Religion.

4 To subvert the State.

5 To procure Invasion by Strangers.

Concerning the first Point, it was proved, that the Lord Grey intended to obtaine the levying of two thousand men, for defence of the Low-Countreyes, and with them to seize u…on the King and Prince, and take the Lords of the Counsaile in their chambers. For the other Points, It was proved, that the Lord Cobham and Sir Walter Ralegh, met at S, Martins in the Fields; and there consulted about raising Sedition, mooving Rebellion, altering Religion, subverting the State, and to set up the Lady Arbella. And particularly for the Point of subverting the State: It was proved, that Watson was designed to be Lord Chancellor, George Brooke Lord Treasurer, Sir Griffin Markham Secretary, and the Lord Grey to be Master of the Horse, and Earle Marshall of England, and for effecting of these Treasons, It was proved that Waston the Priest had devised Oaths in writing, by which all parties were bound to keep them secret. And for the last point, It was proved, that Sir Walter Ralegh was appointed to treate with Count Aramberg for six hundred thousand C…owns, and the Lord Cobham to go to the Arch-Duke and to the King of Spaine, to perswade them to assist the Lady Arbella. These things being proved against them, on the dayes in which they were severally Indicted, the most which was replied in mitigation of their fault, was first by Waston, who affirmed it could not be Treason, because the King was not yet Crowned; and then by the Lord Grey, that it was but a verbal matter and never took effect, and therfore could be no Treason, but these assertions being both refuted; they were al (except Sir Edw… Parham, who only was acquitted) on their severall dayes of inditement, found guilty of Treason; and had Iudgement accordingly. The Priests Watson and Clerk were executde at Winchester, the nine and twentieth of November: George Brooke was beheaded the fift of Decemb. but then the hand of Iustice stayed… and this was the course which the K. held in shewing mercy. After the death of the three before named he signed three other warrants for the execution of the late L. Cobham, the Lord p. 126Gr…y; and Sir Griffin Mark…h…m, on a certain day then following; but before that day came he privately framed another warrant, written with his own hand to the Sheriffe; (who was then Sir Benjamin Tichburne,) by which he countermanded the former Warrants: and that there might be no notice taken of it: he sent it by Mr. Iohn Gybbe: a Scotch-man: and one utterly unknown to all the company, appointing him to deliver it so, that it might not take effect, til after their severall confessions, and at the very point of their Execution, which was accordingly performed: At which time it was a wonderfull thing to see how the Delinquents falling on their knees, lamented their misdoings, and most of all how they extolled the Kings unspeakable mercy. But though thus pardoned: yet were they carryed back to the Tower, where the L: Grey not long after dyed, and in him was extinct that Barony, which had formerly bro…ght forth many valourous & worthy men. Sir Griffin Markhā after some time was set at liberty & passed beyond sea, wher he lived long after in meane account. The Lord Cobham likewise was afterward discharged of imprisonment, but deprived of his Estate, lived divers years after in great pennury; and in him ended that noble Family, which had flourished in great honor many Ages. Sir Walter Ralegh was kept in the Tower, where to his great honour he spent his time in writing, and had bin a happy man if he had never beene released. But such is our state, that no mans fortune is understood, whether it be good or bad, untill it be discovered by the Event.

But in this meane time many things had passed… for his Majesty having deferred the Feast of St. George untill his being at some of his owne houses: held now the said Feast at Windsor, the second of Iuly where the Prince was installed Knight of the Garter; as also the Duke of Lenox, the Earle of South-Hampton, the Earle of M…rre, and the Earle of Pembrooke; and at the same time were elected the King of Denmark, and the Duke of Wirtenberg: though their investing have been spoken off before.

And now was preparation made for the Kings Coronation, and for a preparative unto it, h… first restored the Earle of South-Hampton, and then raised in honor these following: Sir Thomas Eger…on Lord Chancellour… he made Baron of Elsemere; Sir William Russell, Baron of Thorn…ugh; Sir Henry Grey Baron of Grobye; Sir Iohn Peter Baron of Writtle; Sir Iohn Harington, Baron of Exton; Sir Henry Denvers, Baron of Da…sey; Sir Thomas Gerard Baron of Gerads Bromely in the County of Stafford; and Sir Robert Spenser, Baron of Wormeleyton. After this he conferred inferiour Orders; and made Knights, all the Iudges and Serjeants at Law, all Civilians and Clerkes of the Signet: all his Gentlemen Vshers and divers other: and lastly made Knights of the Bathe threescore and two, most of them Noble mens sons, and the rest Gentlemen of speciall worth. These things done, on the five and twentieth of Iuly being St. Iames day; the King and Queen were together crowned, and anoynted at Westminster by the hands of Iohn Whitegift Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, in presence of the Nobility and other, namely Sir Robert Lee Lord Major of London, in a gow…e of Crymson Velvet, his brethren the Aldermen in gownes of Scarlet, and twelve principall Citizens admitted to attend on them: all other Citizens stayed from passing thither, either by water or by Land, by reson of the sicknesse; and the first of A…gust following, all suitors were by Proclamation forbidden to repay…e to the Count till the winter following.

At this time the King forgot no… a deliverance he had formerly had, which though it were had in Scotland, yet he would have notice of it taken in England, which was his deliverance from the conspiracy of the Go…ries, on the fift day of August three ye…es before, and thereupon Friday being the fift of August was by commandement appo…ed to be kept Holy day with Morning Prayer, Sermons, and Evening Prayer th…t day, and Bonfires …t night which was then; and after during his life solemnely o…erved.

King Ia… had in hi… a… it were two Persons; one as he was King of Scotland; and in this he was in perfect amity with …he King of Spain…, another as he was King p. 127o… England, and in this he had some difference with Spaine; but he, as Rex pacific…, …oke the best from both, and was altogether for the Olive branch, and thereupon when at his comming into England, he found letters of Mart granted against Spaniards: he first caused them all to be called in, and then cons…nted to a Treaty of per…it reconcilment: In which Treaty handled at London, the 18 o… August 16…4: The Commissioners for the King of England were Thomas Earle of Dorset, Charles Earle of Nottingham, Charles Earle of Devonshire, Henry Earle of North-Hampton and Robert Viscount Cranbourne: For the King of Spaine, Iohn de Velasco Constable of Castile, Iohn de Tassis Earle of Villa Media…a, and Alexander Robidius Professor of the Law in the Colledge of Millaine: For the Archdukes, Charles Count of Aramberg, Iohn Richardo… President of the Privy Counsaile, and Lodowick Verreikin principall Secretary: by whom a Peace being concluded and contained in many Articles. The Somer following, the King of Spaine sent Don Iohn de Velesco Constable of Castile and Duke of Fryas, also Pedraca de la Syerra, his great Chamberlaine: accompagnied with diverse Marquises, Earles and Barons, who comming into England, were by the Earle of Devonshire on the nineteenth of August brought to the Court, where the King in his Chappell in the presence of the …ommissioners and other English Lords, (the Duke of Fryas holding the Kings hands between his) tooke his Oath upon the holy Bible, religiously to obserue and keep all the Articles of the Peace and League agreed upon, and in March following, being now the third yeare of King Iames, Charles Earle of Nottingham, Lord high Admirall of England was sent into Spaine to take in like manner the King of Spaine's Oath: who accompanied with three Barons, and many Knights, Gentlemen and other, to the number of six hundred and fifty, the fifteenth of Aprill arrived at Groyne, from whence he was conducted to Valledolid, three hundred miles off, where the King of Spaine then kept his Court, enterteined in all places as he passed, at the King of Spaine's charge, with so great provisions and such demonstration of love and gladnesse: that it plainly shewed the Spaniards were as glad of our friendship as we of theirs. The Lord Embassadour being come to Court: He caused Thomas Knoll Esquire, to deliver the presents sent from the King of England, which were siz goodly Horses, with saddles and saddle cloaths very richly imbrodered, whereof three for the King, and three for the Queen: two crossebows with sheafes of arrows… foure fowling pieces, inlaid with plates of Gold: and a couple of Lyme hownds, of singular qualities: which the King and Queen in very kind manner accepted, and then on the thirtyth of May, the Lord Embassadour being sent for, the King came forth into a large room: where having a little Table set before him, and a Bible very reverently laid upon it, together with a Crucifix: The Archbishop of Toledo read the Oath, at the reading whereof, the Lord Embassadour held the Kings hands between his and the King kneeling down, layd his hands upon the Book, and after his Oath, subscribed to the Articles formerly concluded. Whilst the E. of Nothingham was thus imployed in Spaine, the right honorable Edward Earle of Hartford, was likewise sent Emb…ssador to Albertus and Isabella, Archdukes of Austria, to take their Oaths, for confirmation of the said Articles of Peace, which were taken at Bruxell the first of May with great State and solemnity: After which, as the Earle bestowed on the Archduks servants, to the full summe of three thousand pouns; So the Archduke at his departy, bestowed upon the Earle, a Iewell worth nine hundred pounds, and a suite of Arms worth three hundred, and bore his charges all the time of his stay at Bruxels. And now was King Iames, truly Rex Pacificus, Peece and amity with all Princes of Christendome, which few of his Auncestors ever were

A little before this, in the Month of August, in the yeare 1604, the strong Town of Ostend in Flanders, after above three years siege, and the slaughter of a hundred and twenty thousand men of both sides, and in defense whereof, Sir p. 128Francis Vere Generall, and his brother Sir Horatio Vere had shewed great Valour, was by the Marquis Spinola taken; for which Service, the King of Spaine made him Duke of Santa Severina, and Lord Generall of all his Forces in the Low-Countryes.

It was now the third yeare of King Iames his Reigne, when he kept Saint Georges Feast at Grenwich, and there made two new Knights of the Garter; namely, the High and Mighty Prince Duke Ulrick, heire of Norway, and brother to our gracious Queen Anne: and the right Noble Lord Henry Howard, Earle of North-Hampton. And upon the Saturday following, in the Hall at Grenwich, being richly hanged with Arras, he created three Earles, one Viscount and foure Barons: namely, Sir Robert Cecil Viscount Cranbourne, he created Earle of Salisbury: Thomas Cecil, Lord Burley his eldest brother, he created Earle of Exceter, and Sir Philipe Herbert, yonger brother to the Earle of Pembrooke, he created Earle of Montgomery: then Robert Sidney Baron of Penshurst, Lord Chamberlaine to the Queen, he created Viscount Lisle: Sir Iohn Stanhope, Vicechamberlaine to the King, he made Lord Stanhope of Harington: Sir George Carew Vicechamberlaine to the Queen, he made Lord Carew of Clopton … Master Thomas Arundell of Devonshire, he made Lord Arundell of Wardez: and Master William Cavendish, he made Lord Cavendish of Hardwick.

About this time a strange fancy possessed the braines of a professed Physition, one Richard Haidock of new Colledge in Oxford, who pretended to preach at night in his sleep, in such sort, that though he were called aloud or stirred and pull'd by the hands or feet, yet would make no shew of either hearing or feeling: And this he did often, in the presence of many honorable persons, that came to heare him; so as within a short time, his fame was spread thorough the land, by the name of the sleeping Preacher. At length the King commanded him to be brought to the Court, where his Majesty sate up the most part of a night to attend the event: when at last, Haidock making a shew to bee a sleepe, began to Pray; then taking a Text, made his Division; applying it to his purpose, for in his Preaching his use was to Inveight against the Pope, against the Crosse in Baptism and against the last Canons of the Church of England; and having ended his Sermon seemed to continue sleeping. His Majesty having well observed the manner of his cariage; after a few days, called the said Haidock before him, and in Conference with him (as he had indeed an admirable sagacity in discovering of Fictions) made him confesse, that all he did was but imposture: and thereupon to fall upon his knees, and aske forgivenesse, which the King granted, upon condition, that in all places he should openly acknowledge his offence; because many were brought into beliefe, that his nightly preaching was either by inspiration or by vision.

We may not here think it unworthy the relating, seeing King Iames thought it not unworthy the seeing, thereby to observe the nature of the Lyon, and made a solemne matter of it: for on Munday the 3 of Iune (taking with him the Duke of Lenox, and diverse Earles and Lords) he went to the Lyons Tower and caused two Lyons a male and a female, to bee put forth, and then a live Cock to bee cast before them… which they (as being their naturall ennemy) presently killed and sucked his bloud. Then a live Lambe to bee put downe to them, which the generous Lyons (as having respect to its Innocency) never offered to touch, though the Lamb was so bold to go close unto them. Then the King caused those Lyons to be taken away and another Lyon to be put forth, and two Mastifs to be put into him, who presently flew upon the Lyon and turned him upon his back, and though the Lyon were superior to them in strength, yet it seemes they were his matches in courage and so much superior, as that they were the first assailants, with whom otherwise, perhaps the Lyon would not have offered to meddle.

On Friday the 4 of Ianuary in the Kings second yeare, Charles Duke of Albany p. 129the Kings second son being then but 4 yeares old, was created Duke of Yorke; …hich, because it was done with extraordinary solemnity, is not unworthy to ha…e the manner of it, here related. First were appointed Knights of the Bathe, the Duke of Albany himselfe, then the Lord Willowby, the Lord Chandois, the Lord C…mpton, the Lord Norris, William Cecill, sonne and heire to the Viscount Cranbourne, Allan Percy, brother to the E. of Northumberland, Thomas Somerset second son to the Earle of Worcester, Francis Manners brother to the Earle of Rutl…d; Thomas Howard second son to the Earle of Suffolk, and Iohn Harington son and heire to the Lord Harington, the Earles of Oxford and Essex were Esquires to the Duke of Albany; all the Knights tooke their lodging that night in the first Gate-house going to Kings street; where they supped, and had Bathes provided for them. The next morning being Saturday, they went out into the Parke in their Hermits weeds, the Minstrels playing and the Heraulds going before them into the Court, and so into the Chappel, where every Knight with his Squires went to the Altar, and there offered (the Deane of the Chappell, in a rich Cope, holding the Bason. After this they went up into their lodgings, and …here new attired themselves in robes of Crimsin Taffaty, with hats and white feathers, and so went back to the great Chamber: where by the King they were girded with the sword, and had gilt spurs put upon them. This done, they were solemnly served at dinner, and after went again to the Chappell, and there offered their swords. The next day being Sunday and Twelfe day in robes of purple Sattin… with Doctors hoods on their shoulders and hats with white feathers, they issued out of the Revestry, with the Duke of Albany (being then to be made Duke of York) into the Hall, where the King sate under the cloath of Estate, and then the Heraulds going before, the Knights of the Bath followed, and then the Earle of Suffolk, Lord Chamberlain came alone, then followed Henry Howard Earle of North-Hampton and Charles Blunt Earle of Devonshire, carrying the robes of Estate, for the Duke of York, after whom Wriothsley Earle of South-Hampton carried the Coronet, George Clifford Earle of Cumberland, the Golden Rod, the Earle of Worcester the Cappe of Estate, and the Earle of Nottingham bore the Duke of Albany in his Armes, supported by the Earles of Dorset and Northumberland, who all comming in this order before the King; the Duke of Albany was after the Patent read Created Duke of York, with the Robes and Coronet put on him and the Golden Rod, delivered into his hand: all which performed, they went to dinner, and the solemnity ended.

About this time on the fifteenth of Iune, Thomas Dowglas a Scotch-man, was committed to the Tower and had Irons put upon him, being sent hither, but three dayes before, from the Count Palatine of the Rhyne. His offence was, that he had counterfetted the Kings Privy Seale to divers Princes of Germany; One to the Archbishop of Cullen, another to the Archbishop of Tryer, another to the Duke of Cleve, another to the Archbishop of Moguntia, and a fifth to the Count Palatine of the Rhyne … whereof being examined and convicted; he was drawn on a hurdle into Smithfield, and there hanged and quartered:

And now was a second Parliament appointed to be held at Westminster, on the nineteenth of March following, when foure dayes before the day of sitting; The King, the Queen and Prince rode solemnly in great state thorough the City of London, where in diverse places were erected Pageants: Presents given, Orations made and all demonstrations of love and observance; and then the Parliament beginning, the King made a long and loving Speech to the House, wherein he signified the …auses of his calling it; but in the time, when it should have proceeded, there was suddenly discovered a Plot of Treason (…o damnable and foule, that posteri…y will hardly thinke it true, when they shall heare it) the …ot was, to blow up with Gun-powder, both Houses of Parliament at a time, wh…n the King, Prince and all the Nobility should be sitting in the upper House, and all the Knights and Burgesses in the Lower.

p. 130The principall contriver of this Plot was Robert Catesbie, a Gentleman of great account in Northampton-shire, descended from that Catesby who had been a speciall Counseller of King Richard the third, to whose family the Divine Providence had now ordained to give a disastrous period. This Catesby not able to performe the worke himselfe alone, drawes in many to assist him, as namely, Thomas Percie, Thomas Winter, Iohn Grant, Ambrose Rookwood, Iohn Wright, Francis Tresham, Guido Fawkes, and at last Sir Edward Digby, all earnest Papists, and all bound by Oath, and by receiving the Sacrament to be secret; For effecting of this plot, they hired a house close adjoyning to the Upper house of Parliament, where they were to dig thorow a Wall, for the fit placing of their Powder. About Candlemasse they had wrought the Wall halfe thorow: when suddainly they heard a noyse in the next room which made them feare they had beene discovered: but sending Guy Fawkes (who went now under the name of Iohn Iohnson, as Master Percies man) to see what the matter was, he brought word, that it was a Cellar where Sea-Coles had beene layd, and were now a selling, and the roome offered to bee let for a yearely rent. This roome therefore as most fit for their purpose, being right under the Parliament House, Master Percie presently went and hired, laying into it twenty barrells of powder, which they covered with Billets and Faggots, for being discovered. Thus the first part of the plot was put in a good readinesse. It now remained to consider what was to be done, when the blow should be given: for though the King and Prince might be slain, yet the Duke of York, and the Lady Elizabeth should still be safe, and so they should bee no nearer their end than now they were. This work therefore for surprizing the D. of Yorke, Percie undertook, and for surprizing the Lady Elizabeth, they agreed upon a match of hu…ting neare to Dunchurch, under colour whereof they would draw company together, and surprize her at the Lord Haringtons house in Warwick-shire, where she then lay, and then proclaime her Queen, and so be sure to have all things done, as they would themselves. Thus farre their bloudy plot went fairely on, and had perhaps gone on so still, if they had continued onelyonly bloudy; but now a tendernesse of heart tooke some of them, lest their friends should perish together with the rest, and this tendernesse overthrowes them; for to prevent such promiscuous slaughter, a Letter was framed, and sent to the Lord Mounteagle, sonne and heire to the Lord Morley, brought him by one of his Foot-men, which hee received from an unknowne man in the street. The Letter was this. My Lord, out of the Love I beare to some of your friends, I have a care of your preservation; therefore I would wish you, as you tender your life, to forbeare your attendance at this Parliament; for God and man have concurred to punish the wickednesse of this time: And thinke not slightly of this Advertisement: for though there bee no appe…r…ce of any stirre; yet I say, they shall receive a terrible blow this Parliament, and yet shall not see who hurts them. This Councell is not to be contemned, because it may doe you good, and can doe you no harme; for the danger is past, as soone as you have burnt this Letter; and I hope you will make good use of it.

My Lord having read the Letter, though much perplexed, yet went presently to the Court at White-hall … (the King being then a hunting at Royston) a…d delivered it to the Earle of Salis…ie, principall Secretary of State, and the Earle having read it, acquainted first the Lord Chamberlaine with it, and then the Lord Admirall, the Earle of W…rcester and Northampton, who as soon …s the King was returned from Hunting… acquainted him with it: the Earle of … telling hi…, th… he thought it must be written either by a foole, or by a mad …, because of those words, for the d…ger is past as soone as you …ave … thi… Letter) …or i… the da…g…r-w…re so so…ne past, what needed … warni…g… But th… … considering it more deeply, apprehended presently some violent …; and th…t it must be some suddaine danger p. 131… blowing up with powder; and thereupon commanded, than diligent search … be made in the Parliament house, and all other roomes and lodgings … adjoyning… which search was made by the Lord Chamberlaine, accom…ny… with the Lord Mount…gle, who entring the Cellar under the upper … … found there great store of Faggots and Billets; which was answered to … Mr. P…rcie's owne provision; but then (it being considered why such sto…e … be laid in for Mr. Percie, who used to make but little stay in Towne… and …hereu…on more diligent search being made, there was found under the Billets one of the Barrells of powder; and after that all the rest, being six and thirty; …og…ther with other instruments fit for their purpose, and then spying the … F…wkes to stand suspitiously, they apprehended him, and found in his pocket a peece of Touch-wood; a Tynder boxe to light the Touch-wood, and a Watch, which Mr. Percie had bought the day before, to trie the short and long burning of the Touch-wood, which he had prepared to give fire to the traine of powder. The plot being thus discovered, yet the most of the confederates met at Dunchurch, as they had agreed; where they divulged many detestable untruths against the King and State: signifying withall, that they were there met for advancement of the Catholike cause; hoping thereby to have drawne many to joyne with them in their Rebellion: but this availed them no…ing: for first Sir Richard Verney high Sheriffe of Warwick-shire chased them from thence; and then Sir Richard Welsh, Sheriff of Worcestershire, knowing them to be entred into Master Littleton's house at Walbach, beset them round, where Cate…i… and Percie issuing forth, were both slaine with one shot of a Musquet; and after them, both the Wrights, Iohn and Christopher were likewise slaine outright; Thomas Winter was taken alive; all which time, Francis Tresham remained still about the Court, offering his service for their suppression: but being suspected, was examined, and sent to the Tower, where he confest all, and within a few dayes after dyed of the Strangu…ie. On the seven and twentieth of Ianuarie following, a Commission was directed to divers Lords and Iudges of both Benches, for tryall of the rest of the Confederates: namely, of Thomas Winter, Guydo Fawkes, Robert Keyes, Thomas Bates, Robert Wint…r, late of Hoodington in Warwick-shire Esquire, Iohn Graunt, late of Yorthbrook, in the Countie of Warwick Esquire, Ambrose Rookwood, late of Staningfield in Suffolk Esquire, Sir Edward Digby, late of Gotthurst, in Buckingham-shire, Knight, who were all condemned, and had judgement to dye, and on the thursday following Sir Edward Digbie, Robert Winter, Graunt and Bates, were accordingly drawn, hanged and quartered, at the west end of Pauls Church in London, and on the friday, the other foure; namely, Thomas Winter, Keyes, Rookwood, and Fawks were executed in the Parliament yard at Westminster. Of all whom, none was so much lamented as Sir Edward Digbie, and indeed worthily; for he was a goodly personage, and of excellent parts, and had it seemes beene cunningly drawne in, and bound to secresie by Oath, when he little thought of any such treason. The seventh of November the Earle Northumberland, upon suspition of being acquainted with the plots, was first commanded to keep his house, and after a while committed to the Tower. And thus was this great plot discovered, and the Plotters punished, to the great rejoycing of all people: insomuch, that even the King of Spain's and Arch-dukes Embassadors made Bonfires, and threw money amougst the people in token of joy. And at this time, on the fourth of Ianuarie, the Spanish Embassador delivered a Present to the King from the King his Master: namely six Iennets of Andalusia, with saddles very richly imbroydered, and saddle-cloathes of cloth of Tissue: One of which Iennets was snoe white, and had a Maine which reached to the ground. But this was a Present sent before any knowledge had of the Powder Treason: but as soone as that was knowne, there was presently another Present sent from the Queen of Spain to the Queen of England … of purpose to congratulate the Kings happy delive…ance p. 132from the intended Powder Treason; and the Present was brought by D… Io…n de Mendosa, which was a Roave of Murrie Sattin, imbroydered all over with Amber leather; and upon the leather, in every s…ame and skirt twice imbroydered about with gold; the fore-part whereof was set with eight and forty tagges three inches long of beaten gold, hollow within, and filled with Amber-greece; also two large Chaines of Amber-greece… Two Carkanets of Amber-greece, a velvet Cappe with gold Buttons, curiously enammeled, and a girdle suteable to the Bu…tons; all which were presented together in a large vessell of gold, in forme of a …ason, so as it seemes there was none rejoyced more for the overthrow of this plot for the Catholike cause, than the Catholike King himselfe. And now King Iames, not to be unmindfull to the Lord Monteagle, for being the meanes of discovering this treason, he gave unto him in Fee Farme of Crowne land 200 l. a yeare to him and his heires, and 500. l. a yeare besides, during his life: and not to be unthankfull to God for the deliverance, he caused the fifth of November, being the day of the discovery, to be kept holy, whith Prayers and Thanksgiving to God, which was then solemnly performed, and hath beene since, and is likely for ever to be continued.

But in the midst of this great joy, there was suddenly spread a rumour of greater sorrow, for on Saturday the two and twentieth of March, newes was brought to the Court for certaine, that the King was slaine at Oking, twentie miles from London, stabbed with an invenomed knife; whereupon the Court gates were presently shut, and double guard set in all places about London, and all mens mindes were infinitely distracted; but within two houres all these clouds were cleane dispersed, and the Sun began to shine out againe; and it was certainly knowne, that the King was safe, and in perfect health: for which a Proclamation was presently set forth to signifie it to the people; and that afternoone the King came himselfe to White-hall, where thousands of people, ravished with joy, came flocking to see him; and so generall was the rejoycing, that the Spanish Embassador, gave Sir Lewis Lewk…r, Mr. of the Ceremonies, a chaine of gold of good value for bringing him the newes: Though afterward it was thought by some, that this rumour was but politickly devised to make the Parliament and people more tender of the Kings safety, and by making them more sensible what a treasure they had of his life, to make them more willing to part with their treasure for his living, as indeed this Parliament they did, giving more Subsidies then are usuall.

The eight and twentieth of March following, Henry Garvet Provinciall of the English Iesuites, was arraigned in Guild-hall, for concealing the foresaid treason, where he had Iudgement to be hang'd, drawne, and quartered, and accordingly on the third of May, was drawne from the Tower to the west end of Pauls Church, and there executed. At his death, he confessed his fault, asked forgivenesse, and exhorted all Catholikes never to attempt any treason against the King or State; as a course which God would never prosper.

On Tuesday the twentieth of May, were enstalled at Windsor Knights of the Garter, Robert Cecill, Earle of Salisburie, and Thomas Howard Viscount Byndon; both of them honourably attended, but the Earle of Salisburie beyond ordinary proportion.

There was yet a Fag end of the late powder treason behind to be examined: whereupon two Barons of the Realms; namely, Henrie Lord Mordant, and Edw. Lord Sturton, were brought from the Tower, to the Star-Chamber: and there, not charged indeed with any poynt of the treason, but onelyonly reflectingly, because they neglected to appeare at the Parliament, according to their summons, for which neglect onelyonly, without any further charge, they were fined to pay to the King, the Lord Mordant ten thousand Marks, and the Lord Sturton six thousand, and to be prisoners during the Kings pleasure. But on the 27. of Iune H…rie Earle of North…mberla…d was likewise brought from the Tower to the p. 133… Chamber, and more directly charged with circumstances concerning the …, specially in regard of Thomas Percie, whom hee had admitted to bee … of the Kings Gentlemen Pentioners, without ministring unto him the Oath o… Supremacy… knowing him to be a Recusant; for which, and some misprisions, he was fined to pay to the King thirty thousand pounds, to forfit all his Offi…, and to be kept prisoner during the Kings pleasure, as indeed hee continued m…ny yeares, and at last released, was yet confined.

It was now the 4. yeare of King Iames his Reigne, and was a time of Princely …i…itation; for this Summer, the 17. of Iuly, Christianus King of Denmarke, brother to the Queen, having beene long expected, with eight ships came into the River of Thames, and Anchored before Graves-end; to whom the next day, King Iames, with Prince Henrie, and divers of his Lords went by Barge, and conducted him to London, where he stayed till the twelfth of August following: in which time, he was entertained with all the magnificence that could be de…vised; the King and he riding in great state thorow the City; where Pageants in many places were erected; and a…ter he had beene shewed the chiefe places about London… as namely, the old Exchange, the Tower, the Monuments at Westminster, and had gone up to the top of Pauls, had beene feasted by the King, by the Earle of Salisburie foure dayes together at Theobalds, had seene Tilting, Fencing, wrastling, and many other pastimes, on the twelfth of August, conducted by the King, the Queen, and Prince, with many other great Lords, he departed to his ships, and in eight dayes arrived at home: A hapy thing when Princes can converse together like private persons, and are not kept asunder with jealousies of State.

After the King of Denmarks departure, on the 23. of September, arrived at London Francis Prince of Vaudemount, third sonne to the Duke of Lorraine, accompanyed with seven Earles, ten Barons, forty Gentlemen of quality, and six-score common persons; who all the five and twentieth of September went by Coach to the King at Hampton Court, where foureteen dayes together they were feasted and royally entertained, and then returned.

But these Festivalls were follwed with a little disturbance; for in May, the yeare after, great Assemblies were gathered together in Northampton-shire, Warwickshire, and Leicester-shire, throwing downe Inclosures, at first, without any particular head: but at last rose up a base fellow, called Iohn Reynolds, whom they named Captaine Pouch, because he had a great leather Pouch hanging by his side, who affirmed to the Company, that in that Pouch he had sufficient to defend them against all cummers: but when hee was afterward apprehended, and his Pouch searched, there was nothing found in it but a piece of green Cheese. Proclamation was made, commanding them to surcease their disorder: But this prevailed nothing, till the King sent Henrie Earle of Huntington, Thomas Earle of Exceter, Edward Lord Zouch, and Sir Edward Co…ke Lord Chiefe Iustice of England to suppresse them by force of Armes, and to punish the Levellers according to the nature of their offences; some by Death, as for Treason; some by Fines, as for Routs: but Captaine Pouch was made exampler.

On Friday, the twelfth of Iune, his Majesty attended with divers Lords, dyned with the Lord Major, Sir Iohn Wats, who after dinner presented him with a purse full of Gold, and humbly besought his Majestie, that he would be pleased to bee free of his Company, the Cloath-workers: To which, the KING graciously condiscended; and thereupon called to Sir William Stone, Master of the Company, and said, Stone give me thy hand; and now I am a Cloath-worker: And in token of my speciall favour to this fraternity, I doe here give to this Company a brace of Bucks yearely for ever, against the time of the Election of the Master and Wardens: at which time also many Lords and Gentlemen were made Free of the Cloath-workers.

p. 134On Thursday the 16. of Iuly, the King and Prince with many Lords, dined at Merchant T…l…rs-Hall, where the Master and Warden of that Society, presented the King with a Purse of Gold, giving him humble thankes for gracing their Fraternity with his …oyall presence… and therewithall shewed him a Roll, wherein were Registred the names of seven Kings, one Queene, 17, Princes, and Dukes, two Dutchesses, one Archbishop; one and thirty Eearles, threescore and six Barons, seven Abbots, seven Pryors, with a great number of Knights and Esquires, who had been free of that Company; which His Majesty graciously accepted, but told them, that he himselfe was already free of another Company: but the Prince his son should be free of theirs, and that he would see the Garland put on his head: whereupon the Master presented the Prince also with a purse of Gold, which he graciously accepted, and said, that not only Himselfe would bee free of the Merchant Tailors… but the Lords also that were with him should do the like, all which was performed with great solemnity.

The fourth of Iuly this yeare, Sir Thomas …nevet was called by Writ to the Parliament by the name of Baron of Estrick, the next day Sir Iulius Caesar, Chancelor of the Exchecker was sworne a Privy Counsellor; and the sixteenth of November fallowing Sir …ervis Clyfton Knight, was called to the Parliament by Writ, by the name and title of Baron of Layton Brameswold, whose only daughter and heire, was soon after married, to Eysme Steward, Baron of Aubigny in France, sole brother of the Duke of L…nox; whom he afterward succeeded in that Dignity.

About this time, Hugh Earle of Tervon, most ungratefully and utterly forgetfull of the Kings great clemency to him, together with Te…rconell: Hugh Baron of Dungaunon, and divers other Irish Lords, fled into the parts beyond Sea, with a purpose to solicite forreign Princes against the King, and to offer the Kingdom of Ireland to the Pope, which was presently signified to the Realm by Proclamation.

On the Eleventh of Aprill this year, George Iervis a Seminary Priest, and the three and twentieth of Iune … following: Thomas G…rnet a Iesuit, were both executed at Tybourn; Thom… Garnet having the favour offered him to be pardoned, if he would but take the Oath of Allegeance, which he refused.

The nineteenth of Aprill at Whitehall, died Thomas Earle of Dorset Lord Treasurer, whose death (because he dyed suddenly as he sate at the Counsell-Table) was by some untowardly interpreted; but being dead and his head opened, there were found in it certain little bags of water, which whither by the strayning of his study the night before, in which he sate up till eleven a clock, or otherwise by their own maturity, suddenly breaking and falling upon his braine, caused his suddain death. So certain it is that death comes not always by determinate steps; but sometimes per saltum, and we all cary about us the causes of suddain death, though unsensible of them till we be unsensible. This Lord was of excellent parts, and in his place exceeding Industrious, and I have heard many Checker men say, there never was a better Treasurer, both for the Kings profit and the good of the subject.

The twentith of May at Windsor, were made two Knights of the Ga…ter, George Earle of Dun…arre, and Philip Earle of Mo…g…mery; but the Earle of Dunbarra, within a yeare or two after left both his honor and his life; but not his life without honour, having been a faithfull servant, and a wise Counsellor to the King, and was honorably Interred in the Church at Westminster.

About this time were many famous English Pirates that stuck not some of them to turne Turks and lived in great state at Tunis, of whom the chiefe were W…rd, Bishop, Sir Francis Verney and Gl…le, whom after many depredations and outragious acts at Sea, partly the King of Spaine suppressed, and partly the King of Eng. and 19 of their associ…tes being taken, were hanged a… Wapping.

p. 135Also at this time, in the Strand on the North side of Durham house, where …ood an old long stable: Robert Earle of Salisbury now Lord Treasurer of Eng…d, caused to be erected a stately Building; which upon Tuesday the tenth of Aprill, in the yeare 1609, was begun to be richly furnished with wares; and the next day after, the King, the Queene, and Prince, with many great Lords and Ladies came to see it: and then the King gave it the name of Britteines …urse.

On the eight of May this year, the King by Proclamation prohibited all forreine Nations, that after August they should not fish upon any of the Coasts of England, Scotland or Ireland, nor the Isles adjacent, without the speciall Licence from the Commissioners in that behalfe Ordained.

At this time the making of Allum, which heretofore with great charges, had been fetched from forreigne parts, was by diverse that laboured in it, and now lastly by Sir Iohn Burchier, brought to perfection in England, and therupon the King prohibited upon paine of confiscation, any Allum to be brought from beyond the Seas, and took the whole traffick therof to himself.

And now the King according to an ancient custome, had ayde of His Subjects thorough England: for making his eldest sonne Prince Henry Knight, which yet was Levied with great moderation, and the Prince to shew himselfe worthy of it: performed His first Feates of Armes at Barriers, with wonderfull skill and courage: being not yet full sixteene yeares of Age.

It was now the eight yeere of King Iames His Reigne; being the yeare 1610, when Prince Henry being come to the age of seventeen yeares; It was thought fit, He should be Initiated into Royalty: and thereupon the thirtieth of May this yeare, He was Created Prince of Wales in most solemne manner; which was this; Garter King at Armes, bore the Letters Patents, the Earle of Sussex the Robes of Purple Velvet, the Earle of Huntington the Traine, the Earle of Cumberland the Sword, the Earle of Rutland the Ring, the Earle of Darby the Rod, the Earle of Shrewsbury the Cape and Coronet, the Earle of Nottingham and North-Hampton supported the Prince: being in His Surcoate only and bare-headed: and in this manner being conducted to the King, attended on by the Knights of the Bathe, five and twenty in number, all great men, and great mens sons: The Earle of Salisbury principall Secretary, read the Letters Pattents: the Prince kneeling all the while before the King: and at the words accustomed, the King put on him, the Robe, the Sword, the Cape and the Coronet, the Rod and the Ring, and then kissed him on the cheeke, and so the solemnity ended.

After this, it was thought fit, he should keep his Court by himselfe: and thereupon Sir Thomas Chaloner, a learned Gentleman, who had before been his Governour, was now made his Lord Chamberlaine, Sir Edw. Philips his Chancellor, and all other officers assigned him, belonging to a Princes Court: wherein he shewed himselfe so early ripe for Majesty, that he seemed to be a King, while he was yet but Prince: And all mens eyes began to fix upon him.

King Iames had long since shut up the Gates of Ianus, and was in Peace with all Princes abroad; his only care now was how to keep Peace at home; and to this end, the three first dayes of Iune, in his own person he heard the differences between the Ecclesiasticall and the Temporall Iudges, argued touching Protections out of the Kings…Bench and Common-Pleas, to this end, the eight, ninth, & tenth of Iune, he heard the manifold complaints of the abuses of the Victualers, & other Officers of his Navy Royall; to this end, the 4 of Iune, 1610, he once again by Proclamation, commanded all Roman Priests, Seminaries and Iesuits, as being the chiefe Incendiaries of troubles, to depart this Kingdome by the 5 of Iuly next, and not to returne upon pain of severity of the Law: also all Recusants, to returne home to their Dwellings, and …ot to ramaine p. 136in London, …o… to come within ten miles of the Court, without speciall Licence; a…r which Proclamation, the O…th of Allegeance was presently ministred to all sorts of people, and their names certified to the Lords of the Counsell, that ref…ed to take it; and this Hee the rather did out of consideration of the bloudy fact, committed lately by one Revill…ck, upon the person of the renowned K. of France, Henry the fourth, & whereas Queen Elizabeth in her 43 years had granted her Letters Pattents to continue for 15 years, to the East India Merchants, now upon their humble petition, the King was pleased to enlarge their Pate…s, giving them a charter to continue for ever, enabling them thereby to be a body Corporate and Politick, which so encouraged the Merchants, that they built a ship of twelve hundred …un, the greatest that was ever made in this Kingdome by Merchants; which the King and Prince honored with going to Deptford to see it; and then named it, The Trades encrease: and at this time gave to Sir Thomas Smith, (Governour of that Company) a faire chaine of Gold, with a Iewell, wherein was his Picture. But this great Ship having been in the Read Sea, and returning to Banthem, was there lost and most of her men cast away. But then the King himselfe builded the goodliest Ship of War, that was ever built in England, being of the burthen of 1400 tun, and carrying threescore and foure pieces of great Ordnance, which he gave to his son Prince Henry, who named it after his own dignity, The Prince.

And now whereas a Parliament had been holden this year, and was Prorogued to a certain day; the King perhaps, not finding it to comply with his designes, or for some other cause known to himself, on the last day of December, under the gr…t S…ale of England, dissolved it.

Before this time, one Sir Robert C…rre, a Gentleman of Scotland or of the bord…, being a hunting with the King, chanced with a fall off his horse to breake his leg; upon which mischance, he was forced for some days to keep his bed, in which time the King was sometimes pleased to come and visit him: and then it was first perceived that the King had begun to cast an eye of favour upon him: and indeed …ro… that time forward (as he was a very fine Gentleman and very wise) many great favours were heaped upon him: So as on Easter Munday, in the yeare 1611, he was Created Viscount Rochester. On the two and twentieth of Aprill, 1612, was swo…ne a privy Counsellor. On the fourth of November 1613, was Created Earle of So…erset, and the tenth of Iuly following, made Lord Chamberlaine.

B… this Sun-shine of Fortune lasted not long; yet not by any inconstancy in the King, but by the Earles own undeserving, which thus fell out: The Right Honourable Robert Earle of Essex, had before this time married the beautifull Lady Francis Howard, daughter of Thomas Earle of Suffolk, who upon ca…ses …udicially heard, were afterward Divorced and left free to marry any other. Afte… which Divo…ce, this great favorite (the Earle of Somerset) takes her for wife; th… King g…acing their marriage with all demonstrations of love and favour; and the Lords gracing it with a stately Masque that night, and a few dayes after, the Bride and Bridegroom, accompanied with most of the Nobility of the Kingdome were …easted at Merchant Taylors Hall, by the Lord Major and Aldermen. But see how soon this faire we…her was overcast: For it hapned, that one Sir Th…mas …erb…ry, a very ingenious Gentleman, and the Earles speciall f…d, who had written a witty Tre…tise of a Wife: and it seemes, not thinking th… Lady in all points answerable to his description, had been an earnest disswa… of the M…, and to …rengthen his di…wasion, layd perhaps some unjust … up… the Ladyes …, which so incensed them both against him; that … could not give them sati…ction, than to take away his life: So … saying:

Improbe …r, quid non mortalia pectora cogis?

p. 137… this, they finde pretences to have the said Sir Thomas committed to the …wer, and there by their Instruments effect their revenge: some say by a …oned Tansey sent him to eat, some by a poysoned Glyster ministred unto …, but howsoever effected it was… for which Fact Sir Iervis Elvis then Lieu… of the Tower, and three or fou…e other of inferiour condition were put to death, the Lady and Earle themselves were arraigned and condemned: but …horough the Kings great clemency had their lives spared, but in such a sort spa…ed… as was to them no lesse grievous than death it s…lf, being never after suffered to see the Kings face, nor to come neere his Court.

This Favorite being thus out of favour, there was place made for entertaining another; for indeed King Iames was of so sociable and loving a nature, that he could not be long well without an Alter idem; a bosome friend with whom to communicate his Internos sensus, and upon whose shoulders he might sometimes lay a burthen, which he was not willing to beate himselfe; and this new friend was Mr. George Villers, a Gentleman of a good House, but a younger brother, but of so delicate a composure of body, and withall of so excellent pa…ts of mind, as if nature had framed him of purpose to be a Kings Favorite. And indeed never any man was partaker of the Royall Influence like to him, made first a Knight, and Gentleman of the Kings Bed-chamber, soone after made a Viscount and Master of the Horse; a while after erected Earle of Buckingham, then Marquis of Buckingham, and made Lord Admirall: Lastly, made Duke of Buckingham, the greatest Title of Honour that a Subject is capable of… and yet his Title not greater than his Power: for all matters of Grace passed from the King by him, and to grace him the more, his Mother (who after his Fathers death) had marryed a younger sonne of the Lord Comptons, was created Countesse of Buckingham, his sister who had marryed a Gentleman of no ex…raordinary Family: had her husband made Earle of Denbigh, his two brothers were made, one of them Viscount Berbach; the other Earle of Anglesey; besides many other of his friends and kindred highly advanced; For this Lord affected not an advancement that should bee only personall, but rather bee in common to all his Family, and was not of the disposition of some, who like to great Oakes, love to keep all that are neer them underwood; though it be in truth both against Nature and Policy to stand alone, when they would be lesse subject to the violence of windes, if more stood together. And though never any man had juster cause to be envyed than hee, yet never any man was lesse envyed; because though his Honours made him great, yet they made him not swell, but he retained the like temper of affable carriage after his advancement, as he had done before.

But before all these favours were heaped upon him, many other great pas…ages had intervened; for first, after the death of Thomas Earle of Dorset, Robert Earle of Salisbury had beene Lord Treasurer, and after him Thomas Earle of Suffolke. But this Lord, though of a most noble disposition: yet as having had his trayning up another way, seemed lesse ready in discharging the place, and whether for this, or for his Ladies taking too much upon her by his indulgence; the staffe was soone after taken from him; after whom there came in, such a sequence of Treasures as no Age before had ever seene… all wise and able men indeed; but yet in whom the Office seemed an imployment, rather to ennoble the Officer than to enrich the King. For first Sir Henry Montague was taken from the Kings Bench: and on the fourth of December 1620. made Lord Treasurer, and presently upon it Earle of Manchester, and before the yeere went about put off. After whom Sir Lyonell Cranfield, from Master of the Wards was made Lord Treasurer, and shortly after, Earle of Middlesex: and then not only put off, but fined to pay the King fifty thousand pounds: After him Sir Iames Lee from chiefe Iustice of the Kings Bench was made Lord Treasurer, and soone after Earle of Marleborough; and then having made a good returne of his Place, p. 138p… i… off himselfe. After him Sir Richard W…ston, from Chancelour of the Ex…he…r was made Lord Treasurer, and soone after Earle of Portland: so as within the compasse of little more than foure yeares, foure Treasurer… in a row were made four… Earles; enough to make a praescription for all Treasurers hereafter, to clayme a Right of being made Earles, which yet I speake not as derogating from those worthy men whose memories I reverence, but as observing, Fataq…e F…rtunasque Virum; so rare as that there was never any President of the like.

Also the five and twenteth of Iune, 1612. the Lord S…nquer a Nobleman of Scotland, having in a private revenge suborned Robert Carlile, to murther Iohn Tu…ner a Master of Fence, thought by his greatnesse to have borne it out; but th… King respecting nothing so much as Iustice, would not suffer Nobility to be a shelter for villany, but according to the Law; on the nine and twenteth of Iune; the said Lord Sanquer having been arraigned and condemned by the name of Robert Cr…ight… Esquire; was before Westminster Hall gate executed, where he dyed very penitent.

About this time, the King in speciall favour for the present Plantation of English Colonies in Virginia, granted a Lottery to be held at the West end of Pauls; whereof one Thomas Sharplys a Taylour of London had the chiefe Prize, which was foure thousand Crownes in faire Plate.

At this time also the Corps of Mary late Queene of Scotland, the Kings Mother was translated from Peterborough, to St. Peters Church in Westminster, and from thence was carryed to the Chappell Royall there; where it was interred in a Royall Tombe, which the King had erected for her.

About this time also Sir Robert Sherley, third sonne of Sir Thomas Sherley of Sussex Knight, who sixteene yeares past had betaken himselfe to travaile: and had served diverse Christian Princes for the space of five yeares; but chiefly Rodolphus the Roman Emperour; who for his service, made him an Earle of the Empire, hee afterward went into Persia, and served the Persian ten yeares, who made him Generall of the Artillery: and held him in so great account, that hee gave him the Lady Teresia in marriage, whose sister was one of the Queens of Persia, after which the Persian imployed him to sundry Princes of Europe; and se…t him in speciall Embassage into England to King Iames, to whom he delivered his Letters, and shewed his Commission, all which signified the Persians great love and affection to his Majesty: with franke offer of free Commerce to all his Highnesse Subjects, thorough all the Persians Dominions: After a yeares stay here, in which time his Lady lay in of a sonne, to whom the Queene was God-Mother, and Prince Henry God-Father; hee left the child here in England, and then with his Lady departed into Persia.

It was now the yeare 1612. and the tenth of King Iames his Raigne, when the Illustrious Prince Frederick Count Palatine of the Rhyne; with whom a Treaty of marriage had been before, with the Lady Elizabeth: on the sixteenth of October arrived at Gravesend; to whom the Duke of Lenox and diverse other Lords were sent by the King, who conducted him to White-Hall, and from thence into the great B…quetting-House, where the King, the Queene, Prince Henry, and the Lady Elizabeth entertained him in all kind manner, and after by Barge conducted him to Essex House, appointed for his lodging. It was many ye…res since any Kings Daughter had beene marryed in England; which now happening, and to so Illustrious a Prince; was just cause of Triumph and rejoyceing… but see the misery of Humane Affaires; joy can no sooner be setting forth, but sorrow will be sure to follow her at the heeles, as now indeed it happened: for on the nine and twentieth of October, the Prince Palatine, with all the great Lords of the Kingdome in most joviall manner, dining at Guild-Hall: Prince H… who wa… also invited and expected, could not come, being newly fallen exce…ding sick of a popular malignant feavour, which raigned that yeare p. 139in most parts of this Land: whereof on the sixth of November, between seven …nd eight a Clock at night, at his Court of St. Iames he dyed. But hee being infinitly beloved of the people, and one that had given great hope of pro…ing an Heroick Prince. It caused suspition in many mens heads, that his death was not without violence offered to Nature; some said, by bunches of Grapes given him to eate: some by gloves of a poysoned perfume, given him …or a present: but these were but idle rumours and conceits: It seemes the Divine Providence had ordained it should be said of him; Hanc tantum terris …endent Fata nec ultra… esse sine…t: whose death would have given a great blow to the happinesse of this Kingdome, if there had not beene another Prince left of a milder spirit perha…s, but so accomplished with all excellent endowments, that there could be no great want of Prince Henrie, as long as there was left Prince Charles. The Corps of Prince Henrie, who dyed at the age of eighteene yeares, eight moneths, and seventeene dayes, was drawne in a Chariot to the Abbey Church at Westmin…ter, and there interred in the Chappell Royall… on the seventh of December following.

This Accident something appealed the generall joy, but yet triumphs went on. VponUpon Saint Thomas day, the Palsgrave and Grave Maurice were Elected Knight of the Garter; and the seven and twentieth of December, the Palsgrave was betroathed to the Lady Elizabeth. On Sunday, the seventh of Februarie, the Palsgrave in person was enstalled Knight of the Garter at Wind…or, and at the same time was Grave Maurice enstalled by his Deputy, Count Lod…wick of Nassaw. On the fourteenth of Februarie, being Shrove-Sunday, and Saint Valentines day, this happy marriage of the Palsgrave with the Lady Elizabeth was solemnized in the Chappell at White-hall: The Bride was led to Church by two Batchellors, her brother Prince Charles, and the Earle of Northampton, Lord Privie Seale: she was attired all in white, having a rich Crowne of Gold upon her head, her haire hanging downe at length, curiously be…e… with Pearles and precious stones, her Train supported by twelve yong Ladies in white Garments: The King gave her in marriage, the Arch-Bishop of Canterburie married them, the Bishop of Bath and Wells preached the Bridall Sermon: which ended, the Bride was led home by two married men, the Duke of Lenox, and the Earle of N…ttingham, Lord Admirall. This marriage was solemnized the first night with a stately Masque of Lords and Ladies: the second night with a magnificent Masque of the Gentlemen of the middle Temple, and Lincolnes Inne: The third night with a sumptuous Masque of the Gentlemen of the Inner Temple, and Graees Inne, provided indeed then, but was not performed till the satturday night following, by reason the concourse of people was so great, it would have hindred the Show. After this, the Lord Major and Aldermen gave the Bride a Chain of Orientall Pearle, valued at two thousand pounds: and now when all things had beene done for honouring their marriage, which either love and observance could device, or Art and Magnificence could performe: On the tenth of April, the Bride-groome with his Bride tooke leave of the King and Queene at Rochester, (who had by Barge conducted them thither) and there taking Ship: On the nine and twentieth of April they arrived at Fl…shing; from whence the Duke of Lenox, the Earle of Arundell, the Viscount Lisle, and the Lord Harington, waited upon them to their chiefe City of Heydelburgh; in all places as they passed, being received with all State and magnificence: but then on the foureteenth of Iune, the English Lords returning home, the Lord Harington dyed by the way at Wormes, whose Corps was brought over, and bu…ied in England And here it will not be amisse, to shew of what extent and largenesse the Palsgrave's Countrie is… because of the iniquity of some that seeke to disgrace it. It is in length about two hundred English miles, taking the lower and upper Countrie. In the lower hee hath six and twenty walled Townes, besides an infinite number of faire Villages, and two and twenty p. 140houses of residence. In the uper, not so many walled Townes, and houses, but those that are generally fairer than in the lower, especially Amberg, and New-market.

But it is now time to looke home; in the yeare 1609. the King having care for the quietnesse of Ireland, had granted to the City of London the present possession and Plantation in the Province of Ulster: whereupon afterward in the yeare 1612. they sent thither about three hundred persons, of all sorts of handy-crafts men, chiefely to inhabite the two Cities of London-Derrie and Coleraigne: where they ordained Alderman Cockaine for their first Governour. And for the advancing of this, or the like Plantation in Ireland, King Iames about this time began a new Order of Knights, which are called Barone…s, because they take place next to Barons younger sonnes… and hee appoynted certaine Lawes, to make them capable that should be admitted. First that they should maintaine the number of thirty foot souldiers in Ireland, for three yeares, after the rate of eight pence a day, and to pay the wages of one whole yeare, upon the passing of their Patent: Then that they should bee Gentlemen of Bloud of three Descents; and lastly, should have land of Inheritance, in possession or immediate Reversion, to the value of a thousand pounds per annum: And to keep the Order from swarming, he stinted it within the number of onelyonly 200. and as the issue should faile, the Order to cease. But he that will look, how wel the end of the Institution, and the Laws of it have bin observed shall perhaps find it to be here, as it was in the Order of St. Michael in France, into which at first… there were none admitted, but Princes and Emminent persons: but afterward, all sorts of men, without any difference, were admitted, that it came almost to bee doubted, whether the Dignity of the Order did more grace the persons, or the meanesse of the persons disgrace the Order: and indeed, when the Lawes of an Institution are not in some measure observed, it seemes to make a kind of nullity in the collation.

About this time, on Sunday the …4. of October, an exemplar pennance was imposed upon Sir Peck…all Br…kas Knight, which was to stand at Pauls Crosse in a white sheet, holding a stick in his hand, having been formerly convicted before the high Commissioners, for many notorious Adulteries with divers women.

This yeare 1614. in the month of Iuly, Christianus King of Denmark, (out of his love to his sister, and King Iames) came the second time into England; but as being now secure of himselfe, privately, and with a small company, so as he came to the Queen at Somerset house unexpected, and before any knowledge was had of his comming; but K. Iames being then in progresse in Bedford-shire, and hearing of it, came presently back, and after he had entertained him here, with Hunting, Hawking, running at Ring, Bear-baiting, Plays, Fire-works… and Fencing, on the first of August Prince Charles brought him aboard his Ship, who then took his leave, and returned home.

In Octob. this yeare was a call of Sarjeants at Law, being 11. in number, namely, George Wild, Wil Towes, Rich… Bawtrie, Henry Finch, Th… Chamberlain, Francis Mo…r…, Thomas Attow, Iohn Mo…re, Francis Harvie, Charles Chibbourn, and Tho. Richardson; and in Trenity Terme before there had two other been called, namely, Sir Randal Cre… of Lincol…s Inne, and Sir Robert Hitcham of Grayes Inne, Knights.

About this time an Embassador came from the young Emperour of Russia to King Iames, desiring his continuall love and amity, and to be a means of making attoneme…, between him and the K. of Swethland, and withall presented him with a rich present of Furs: which was no smal honour to the K. of great Britain to have so great a Potentate as the Emperor of Russia a solicit him to be his mediator.

Though King Iames out of all naturall goodnesse was addicted to peace, yet out of providence he neglected not to be prepared for war, and thereupon in the yeare 1610. had granted priviledges to a society called of the Millitarie p. 141Garden; and this year 1614, caused a Muster of men to be presented before him, which was performed to his great liking, and to the great commendation of the City.

About this time a memorable Act was performed by M. Hug. Middleton, Citizen and Gold-smith of London, and borne in Den…igh-shire, who having an Act of Parliament for his Warrant, with infinite cost and indefatigable labour, brought water to the City of London, from the two great springs of Chadwell and Amwell in Hartfort-shire, having cut a Channell from thence to a place neere Islington, whither he conveyed it, to a large Pan, and from thence in pipes of young Elmes to all places of the City: for as the Poeth saith: foreign.

Nothing is so commodious for the life of man, as water.

Another memorable Act was about this time done on the North side on Lon. called Moore-fields, which being before invironed with deep stinking ditches and noysome common showers, was now, not only made faire & sweet, but so levelled into walkes and let with trees, that it is the pleasantest place of all the City.

The next yeare being 1615, another memorable Act, for the benefit and beauty of the City of London, was performed; for Smith-field, which was before a rude dirty place, was now paved all over, and strong railes sequestring the middle part of it, were set up, to make it a faire walking place, and fit for Market or any other use.

The Lady Arbella a neare kinsewoman of the Kings, had sometime before, without the Kings privity, secretly married Master William Seymour, younger son of the Earle of Hartford, now Earle of Hartford himselfe; for which they were both committed to the Tower: and now this yeare, on the seven and twentieth day of Sep. she ended her lif there, and was buried in the Chappell Royall at Westminster.

This yeare also in Iuly, were Enstalled Knights of the Garter, Francis Earle of Rutland, Sir George Villers Master of the Horse, and Sir Robert Sidney Viscount Lis… : and in another kind of Honour, the Earle of Arundell, the Lord Carews, and Doctor Andrews Bishop of Ely, were sworne Privie Counsellours.

Wales by the death of Prince Henry, had been a good while without a Prince, and now to supply that place, Prince Charles is Created Prince of Wales: In Ioy whereof, the Town of Ludlow in Shropshire, and the City of London, performed great Triumphs: and the more to honour his Creation: There were made five and twenty Knights of the Bathe; all them Lords or Barons sons, and yet more to honour it, there were forty selected Gentlemen of the Innes of Court, that performed a solemne Iusts at Barries, with great magnificence.

This yeare was a Censure of divers great Delinquents, for first Sir Edward Cook…, was upon displeasure discharged from being Lord Chiefe Justice of the Kings Bench; and two dayes after his discharge, Sir Henry Montag…e the Kings Sergeant at Law, was placed in his room: Next to him the Lord Egerton, whyther disabled by sicknesse or age, to exercise the place, or upon displeasure also, had the Sele taken from him, which was delivered to Sir Francis Bacon the King's Attourney, he made first Lord Keeper; and the Lord Egerton dying soon after, Lord Chancellour. Not long after him Sir Henry Yelverton the Kings Attourney, for adding new priviledges to the Londo…ers Charter, without the Kings privity, was in displeasure put from his place; and in his room was placed Sir Thomas Coventry, the Kings Sollicitor. But awhile after, Sir Henry …elverton, was made a puny Iudge of the Common Pleas; having indeed the reputation of an excellent Lawyer.

And yet this work of Censuring stayed not here, for much about this time; Thomas Earle of Suffolk Lord Treasurer of England, had the staffe of his Office taken from him; which was soon after delivered to Sir Henry Montag… Lord p. 142Chiefe Iustice of the Kings Be…ch. If Sir Iohn Benet, Iudge of the Prerogative Court, had made a little more haste, he mihght have made one in this number of Delinquents: but he came short three or foure yeares; and then being charged by his own servant with brybery, he was put from his place and censured in the Starre-Chamber to pay twenty thousand pounds: and in his roome was placed Sir William Byrde a man of more integrity.

Though King Iames upon the death of Queene Elizabeth, came to reside in England, yet …e forgot not that Scotland was his native Countrey; and therefore after he had spent some yeares in England, to acquaint himselfe with the State of the Kingdome. In March this yeare one thousand six hundred and sixteent…, he made a Iourney into Scotland: for though he had left very able men to sit at the Helme there in his absence: yet he knew, that as it is the Masters Eye, that makes the Horse fat: So it is the Prince's presence sometimes that keeps out many distempers in a State, that would otherwise creep in… and now, when in his staying six Months there, he had seen all things well setled, both in the Ecclesiasticall State and in the Temporall, and made it appeare, that he resided not in England out of any neglect of Scotland; but to the end, he migt be in the place of most conveniency to both Kingdoms: on the fifteenth of September, he returned to London, not more to the griefe of the Scots to leave him, than to the joy of the English to receive him, so much was King Iames as a just and wise Prince, beloved of both the Nations.

Now comes to be related a matter of speciall observation; Sir Walter R…wlegh had lived a condemned man many yeares in the Tower, and now his Destiny brought him to his end (by liberty) which it could not do by imprisonment, for out of a longing for liberty; he propounded a project to the King, upon which (as he was a well spoken man and of a great capacity) he set such coulours of probability; especially guilding it over, with the Gold he would fetch from a Mine in Guyana; and that without any wrong at all to the King of Spa…ne (if he might be allowed to go the Iourney) that the King, if he gave not credit that he could performe it, at least gave way that he should undertake it: and thereupon with diverse ships, accompanied with many Knights and Gentlemen of quality, he set forward on the Voyage; but when after long search, or shew of search, no such place of Treasure or no such treasure could be found, whether it were, that he thought it a shame, to returne home, with doing nothing: or that his Malus Genius thrust him upon the Designe: He fell upon Saint Th…m…, a Towne belonging to the King of Spaine: sacked it, pillaged it, and burnt it: and here was the first part of his Tragicall Voyage acted, in the death of his eldest son: the last part was Acted in his own death at his returne. For Gundomore the Spanish Lieger, did so aggravate this fact of his to the King, against him; that it seemed nothing would give satisfaction but Rawlegh's head, without which he doubted there would follow a breach of the League between the two Nations. Rawlegh excused it, by saying that he was urged to it by the Spaniards first assaulting of him; and besides, that he could not come at the Myne, without winning this Town: but Gundomor was too strong an Adversary for him; and the King preferring the publique Peace, before the life of one man, already condamned, gave way to have the Sentence of his former Condemnation executed upon him; and thereupon, brought to the Kings Bench Ba…e: he was not newly Arraigned or Indicted, as being already M…rtuus in Lege, but only hath the former Sentence averred against him, and so carryed to the Gate-house, and from thence the next morning to the Parliament Yard: a Scaffold was there erected, upon which after fourteen yeares reprivall, his head was cut off: at which time, such abundance of bloud issued from his v…i…es, that shewed he had stock of Nature enough left to have conti…ued him many yeares in life: …hough now above threescore yeares old, if it had not been taken away by the hand of Violence.

p. 143And this was the end of the great Sir Walter Rawlegh: great sometimes, in the …vour of Queene Elizabeth, and next to Drake the great scourge and hate of the Spaniard, who had many things to be commended in his life; but none more, than his constancy at his death, which he tooke with so undaunted a resolution that he might perceive, he had a certaine expectation of a better life afte… it: so farre he was from holding those Atheisticall opinions; an aspersion whereof some traducing persons had cast upon him.

About this time King Iames made a progresse to the Vniversity of Cambridge, who delighted with the Disputations and other scholasticall exercises: he stayed three whole dayes, and could have been content to have stayed as many yeares: for next being a King, he was made to be a Scholler.

In the yeare 1619. being the seventeenth yeere of King Iames his Raigne, that knot of love which above twenty yeares had beene tyed, betweene him and his Queene was by death dissolved; for on Tuesday this yeere the second of March, Queen Anne dyed at Hampton Court, whose Corps was brought to Denmark house, and from thence conveighed to Westminster: wherein the Royall Chappell, with great solemnity it was interred: a Princesse very memorable for her vertue, and not a little for her Fortune, who besides being a Queene, was so happy as to be Mother, of such admired children, as she brought into the World. But the dissolving of this knot cast the King into an extreame sicknesse; and after some recovery, into a Relaps: from which notwithstanding, it pleased God to deliver him, as having yet some great worke to doe.

This yeare on Munday the third of May, one Mr. Williams a Barrister of the Middle Temple, was arraigned at the Kings Bench, for civilling, and for writing Bookes against the King: and upon Wednesday following was hanged and quartered at Charing Crosse.

But an action of another nature was performed this yeare, the seventeenth of Iuly; not unworthy the relating, which was this; that one Bernard Calvert of Andover, rode from St. Georges Church in Southwarke to Dover, from thence passed by Barge to Calice in France, and from thence returned back to Saint Georges Church the same day, setting out about three a clock in the morning, and returned about eight a clock in the Evening, fresh and lusti….

In the yeare 1621. a Parliament was holden at Westminster; wherein two great examples of Iustice were shewed; which for future terrour are not unfit to bee here related: One upon Sir Gyles Montpesson, a Gentleman otherwayes of good parts; but for practising sundry abuses in erecting and setting up new Innes and Alehouses, and e…acting great summes of money of people, by pretence of Letters Patents granted to him for that purpose, was sentenced to bee degraded; and disabled to beare any office in the Common-wealth, though he avoyded the execution by flying the Land; but upon Sir Erancis Michell, a Iustice of Peace of Middlesex, and one of his chiefe Agents, the sentence of Degradation was executed: and he made to ride with his face to the horse tayle, thorough the City of London. The other example was of Sir Francis Bacon, Viscount, St. Albans Lord Chancelour of England, who for bribery was put from his place, and committed to the Tower: but after some few dayes enlarged: in whose place Doctor Williams Deane of Westminster was made Lord Keeper.

The Count Palatine, being now strengthned with the allyance of the King of Great Brittaine, was thought a fit man to be King of Bohemia, and accordingly was elected, by the States of that Kingdome, but he was no sooner invested in the Crowne; but the Emperour with great Forces assaulted him in Prague, and not only drove him with his wife and children from thence; but tooke from him also his owne Patrimony the Palatinate: so as though now a King he was fayne to flye to the States of the Low Countries for a place of residence, King Iames though he had never given his consent to the Palsegra…es taking upon him that Kingdome, as foreseeing in his great judgement what the event will bee: yet p. 144in this distresse, he could no… forbeare to take care of his daughter, and thereupon sent Sir Richard Wes…on the same that was after Lord Treasurer in Embassage to the Emperour to sollicite the restoring of the Palatinate to the Palsegrave; but he returning without successe; the King had then conference with Count Gund…mar the King of Spaines Ligier in England, what course might bee taken to procure the restoring it: who made him answere, there could be no better course than to make a marriage, betweene his sonne the Prince of Wales, and the Infant of Spaine which he said would easily be effected, if the Prince might have leave to make a Iourny into Spaine. King Iames though he considered the inveterate grudges betweene Spaine and England, and as dangerous it might be… to put the heire of the Kingdom into the Spaniards hands, yet grounding himself upon the saying: Fide lem si putaveris, facies: and drawne on by the insinuating speeches of Count Gundomar, not perhaps without some Indinction in the Marquis of Buckingham, was contented at last the Prince should goe. And so Prince Charles sending his ships about, and taking along with him only the Marquis of Buckingham (who in the time of his being in Spaine was created Duke of Buckingham) Endymion Porter, and Mr. Francis Cottington: (two that were well acquainted with the Language and affaires of Spaine) he tooke his Iourney by the way of France, went to Paris, and secretly in disguise to the Court there, where he had the sight of that Lady, that might well have stayed him from going further, but yet on he went.

In the meane time Gundomar a cunning man, and one that besides his Masters had ends of his owne, and could play his Game no lesse for his owne profit than his Masters Honour; as he had perswaded the King of the facility of the Match with Spayne, so he perswaded a certainty of it, especially amongst Catholick Ladies, by which meanes he brought no small store of Grists to his owne Mill, receiving from one Lady three hundred pounds to bee made Groome of the Stoole, when the Spanish Princesse should come; of another a good round summe to be made Mother of the Maydes, and of diverse other the like for other places.

But the Prince being arrived in Spayne, was received indeed with all the demonstrations of love and kindnesse that could be devised, so as the charge of his entertainment was said to stand the King of Spayne in nine and forty thousand Duckats; but yet his acquaintance with the Lady was much restrained, for in all the time of his staying in Spayne, which was no lesse than eight moneths, being from February to October) he saw her but very seldome, and that at good distances, never spake with her but twice, and that before company, besides that his speeches were limited, how much and what he should say, farre from any meanes of tying the knot betweene them which was pretended, what the cause should bee was much in obscurity; some thought that a difference betweene the Duke of Buckingham, and the Count Olivares, the King of Spayne's great Favorite was a great hinderance of the proceeding: but other, and more likely that the Spanyard indeed never really intended the Match at all, but had drawne the Prince into Spayne for other Ends: but what those ends were, was no lesse uncertaine; (one thought it was done to hold the Prince in a treaty of marriage with a Daughter of Spayne, till the Daughters of France should bee bestowed, thereby to keepe him from that allyance, but others and more likely, that the King of Spayne entertayned this Treaty with the King of great Brittayne, meaning to spinne it out till he had compassed some designes in the Low-Countries, and the Palatinate, at least to make King Iames, most vigilant for those pa…ts.

But when much time had beene spent in protracting, upon pretence of difficultities in obtaining the Popes dispensation, King Iames partly wearied with delay, but chiefely angred with delusion, sent to the Prince, with all speed to returne into England; which the Prince presently signified to the King p. 145of Spaine, and had his leave to depart; but upon promise to continue the treaty of the marriage still. Though it was said, the Prince was gone but a few dayes on his journey, when a Post was sent to have stayed him, if he had been overtaken. But whether it was so or no, it was Gods providence that he came safely to his ships, and in them safely into England; arriving at Portsmouth, where he was beheld of the people, with no lesse gladnesse, than the Sunne after a long Eclipse: and now his safe returning did both justifie King Iames his judgement in suffering him to goe, and the King of Spaines justice, in suffering him to come back: and was cause, that the people began to have a better opinion of the Spanish faith, than they had before. But now it presently brake out, that this match with Spaine could never take effect: for King Iames having received Declarations of the Articles touching the marriage, found many very strict and large for exercise of the Catholike Religion: but none at all for restitution of the Palatinate; which made him so much discontented, that he presently brake off all treaty of the marriage; and signified as much, not onelyonly to the King of Spaine, but to divers other Princes of Christendome: VponUpon which breach, two great Points were presently had in consultation: One for preparing forces, for recovering the Palatinate by way of Armes, which could not be done by a way of friendship: and for this purpose, a Councell of warre was called, and a proposition resolved on both of men and money, for undertaking the enterprise: as also a great contribution by way of benevolence was collected; towards which, the compiler of this worke, gave himselfe fifty pounds: as many other farre greater summes, though the collection went not thorow the whole Land… by reason there was hope given of a peaceable reconcilement: so as many that were not over-hasty in their payments escaped without contributing at all. The other point was for providing a fit wife for the Prince, in some other place. It was said, the States of Holland offered a very great portion in marriage to the Prince, if hee would match with some Lady of that Countrie: but matches are made in heaven, and there was a young Lady of France destined to his bed: and for this purpose, the Earle of Carlile, and the Earle of Holland were sent into France, to treat of a marriage with a younger daughter, of the Great Henrie the fourth, King of France deceased, and sister to the present King Lewis; which marriage afterward took effect, but was not accomplished in King Iames his dayes; who dyed soon after the agreement.

It was now the yeare 1623. in which in Michaelmas Terme, there was a Call of fifteene Sarjeants at Law, who kept their Feast in the Middle-Temple Hall.

Some Passages of small moment I confesse are omitted by me, in this Raigne of King Iames, as whereof, for want of knowing the particulars, I dare not venture upon making the Relation: which if some men would have done, the truth of our Chronicles should not have been mingled with so many falsities.