The History of the Life Reign and Death of Queen Elizabeth, History · Letter

The History of the Life Reign and Death of Queen Elizabeth · History · Letter

p. 62To our most dear Daughter, Elizabeth Queen of England.

OUR most dear Daughter in Christ, greeting, and Apostolical Benediction. How greatly We do desire (according as our Pastoral Office requireth) to take care of your Salvation, and to provide as well for your Honour, as the Establishment of your Kingdom, both God the Searcher of our Hearts knoweth, and you your self may understand, by the Instructions which we have given to this Our beloved Son Vincentio Papalia, Abbot of St. Saviour, a man known unto you, and of Us well approved, to be by him imparted unto You. We do therefore, most Dear Daughter, exhort and admonish your Highness again, That rejecting bad Councellors, … love not you, but themselves, and serve their own De…s, You would take the Fear of God to counsel, and acknowledging the time of your Visitation, o…ey Our Fatherly p. 63Admonitions and wholsome Advices, and promise to your self all things concerning Us, which you shall desire of Us, not onelyonly for the Salvation of your Soul, but also for the establishing and confirming of your Royal Dignity, according to the Authority, Place, and Function committed to Us by God; who, if you return into the Boso… of the Church, as We wish and hope you will, are ready to receive you, with the same Love, Honour, and Rejoycing, wherewith that Father in the Gospel received his Son, who returned unto him: although our Joy shall be so much the greater than his, in that he rejoyced for the Salvation of one onelyonly Son; but You, drawing with you all the people of England, shall not only by your own Salvation, but also by the Salvation of the whole Nation, replenish Us and all our Brethren in General, whom, God willing, you should hear shortly to be congregated in an Oecumenical and General Council, for abolishing of Heresies, and the whole Church, with joy and gladness: Yea, you shall also glad Heaven it self, and purchase, …y somemorable a Fact, admirable Glory to your Name, and much more renowned than that Crown you wear. But of this matter the same Vincentio shall treat with you more at large, and shall declare unto you our Fatherly affection, whom we pray your Highness, that you will graciously receive, diligently hear, and give the same Credit to his Speech, which you would do to Our Self. Given at Rome at Saint Peters, &c. The 1.5. day of May 1560. In our first year.

Notwithstanding all this Cajoslery, Queen Elizabeth kept firm to her Motto, viz. Always the same, insomuch that the Pope was deceived in his hopes. The proposals p. 64that the Pope is said to have designed to have made by this Abbot, were, That he would disanul the Sentence against her Mothers Marriage, as unjust, Confirm the English Liturgy by his Authority, and grant the use of the Sacraments unto the English under both kinds, upon condition she would joyn her self unto the Roman Catholick Church, and acknowledge the Primacy of the See of Rome, and an offer made of several Thousand Crowns to such persons as should perswade her to it.

In the mean time, notwithstanding that the French King had promised to ratifie all that his Ministers should conclude at Edenborough, yet he delayed, or rather refused so to do, upon several frivoulous Pretexts.

Now the Affairs of the Kingdom being in a more setled Posture, Queen Elizabeth, to promote and keep those of the Church from being corrupted, caused two very seasonable Proclamations to be Published. By the one, she ordered the Anabaptists and such like Sects to depart the Realm within Twenty Days, whether her Natural born Subjects or Foreigners, upon very severe p. 65Penalties. By the other, she restrained a Sacrilegious sort of People, who under the Specious Pretext of abolishing Superstition, committed several Extravagances to the disadvantage of Honourable Families, by defacing their Epitaphs and Coat Armours, and to the Church, by taking away the Bells, and plucking away the Lead from the Roofs. She likewise converted the Abby of Westminster into a Collegiate Church, and repaired and reduced the Money which had been embased in the time of Henry the Eighth to the just value.

While that the Queen was busied in these Reformations both in Church and State, there broke out a Rebellion in Ireland, which was headed by John-O-Neal, a Man of great Authority in that Kingdom; but the Queen, having sent some Forces thither out of England, he was quickly obliged to submit himself to her Mercy.

Yet notwithstanding her Power, and the love of her Subjects at home, her Authority and Credit abroad, and her Success every where, yet the Queen of Scots, though her Husband the French King was p. 64duplicate page p. 65duplicate page p. 66Dead, refused to ratifie the Treaty of Edenborough, maugre all the Sollicitations of the English Ambassadours to the Queen of Scots, who were then at the Court of France, to condole the Death of the late King, her Husband.

During these Transactions, the truly Learned and ever Famous Bishop Jewel, in a Sermon Preached by him at St. Paul's Cross, made this bold and noble Challenge, That if any Learned Man amongst the Papists, or all the Learned Men in the World, could bring any one sufficient Proof or Sentence out of any Catholick Doctor, or Father, or General Council, or Holy Scripture, or any one Example in the Primitive Church, whereby it may clearly and plainly be proved, during the first six Hundred Years, 1. That there was at any time any private Mass in the World; 2. Or, that there was any Communion Administred unto the People under one kind; 3. Or that the People had their Common-Prayer in a strange Tongue, that the People understood not; 4. Or that the Bishop of Rome was then called an Universal Bishop, or the head of the Universal p. 67Church; 5. Or that the People were then taught to believe that Christs Body is Really, Substantially, Corporally, Carnally, or Naturally in the Sacrament; 6. Or that his Body is, or may be, in a Thousand places or more at one time; 7. Or that the Priest did then hold up the Sacrament over his Head; 8. Or that the People did then fall down and worship it with Godly Honour; 9. Or that the Sacrament was then, or now ought to be hanged up under a Canopy; 10. Or that in the Sacrament, after the words of Consecration, there remained only the Accidents and Shews, without the Substance of Bread and Wine, 11. Or that then the Priest divided the Sacrament into three parts, and afterwards received himself all alone. 12. Or that whosoever had said that the Sacrament is a Figure, a Pledge, a Token or Remembrance of Christs Body, had therefore been judged for an Heretick; 13. Or, that it was lawful then to have Thirty, Twenty, Fifteen, Ten, or Five Masses said in one Day; 14. Or, that Images were then set up in the Churches, to the intent that the p. 68People might Worship them; 15. Or, that the Lay People were then forbidden to read the Word of God in their own Tongue; 16. Or, that it was then lawful for the Priest to pronounce the Words of Consecration closely, or in private to himself; 17. Or, that the Priest had then Authority to offer up Christ unto his Father. 18. Or, to Communicate and receive the Sacrament for another, as they do; 19. Or, to apply the virtue of Christs Death and Passion to any Man, by the means of the Mass; 20. Or, that it was then thought a sound Doctrine to teach the People, that Mass, ex opere operato, (that is, even for that it is said or done) is able to remove any part of our Sin; 21. Or, that any Christian Man called the Sacrament of the Lord, his God; 22. Or, that the People were then taught to believe, that the Body of Christ remaineth in the Sacrament as long as the Accidents of Bread and Wine remain there without Corruption; 23. Or, that a Mouse, or any Worm or Beast, may eat the Body of Christ, for so some of the Papists p. 69have said and taught; 24. Or, that when Christ said, Hoc est Corpus Meum, the Word hoc pointed not the Bread, but individuum vagum, as some of them say; 25. Or, that the Accidents, or Forms, or Shews of the Bread and Wine, be the Sacraments of Christ's Body and Blood, and not rather the very Bread and Wine it self; 26. Or, that the Sacrament is a Sign or Token of the Body of Christ that lieth hidden under it; 27. Or, that Ignorance is the Mother and cause of true Devotion: Which if they did, he would be willing to yield and submit himself to whatsoever they should impose. The Papists, both at home and abroad, were extreamly startled at this Challenge, that was made in so publick a place, and so great an Auditory, and none of them durst enter into the Lists against him; but only at a distance let fly some small Crackers at him, which vanished immediately into Smoak; until at length, his old Acquaintance and School-Fellow, Doctor Harding, one of the most Learned Divines amongst the Catholicks, took up the Cudgels against him; but was p. 70so baffled by the Bishop, that the Papists themselves acknowledged, that they had not a Champion that could Oppose him.

During these Occurrences, St. Paul's Steeple being burnt, and the whole Church having received extraordinary dammage, through the negligence of a Plummer, the Queen not only contributed very largely her self towards it's Reparation, but likewise took care that a Benevolence should be raised for the Compleating and bringing it to it's former Lustre and Greatness. Which Example and Zeal so encouraged the Clergy, both of the Province of Canterbury and Diocess of London, that the former contributed the fortieth part of their Benefices, and the later the thirtieth part of the Livings that were liable to the Benevolence, and the twentieth part of those that were not. By which means that Work was so hastned and furthered, that in a short time it was compleated and finished.

In the mean time, great Preparations were making for the opening and holding of the Council of Trent, to which the Pope endeavoured to procure, that Divines p. 71might be sent from England. To which end he dispatched to the Queen a Nuncio; who being come into the Low Countries, stayed there in hopes of procuring leave to be admitted into England; for, that it was provided by an ancient Statute, that the Pope's Nuncio should not come into this Realm, without Leave first obtained. But, the Queen, having absolutely refused to admit the Nuncio, most of the Princes of Christendom endeavoured to perswade her by then Letters, to refer her self in matters of Religion, to the Occumenical Council of Trent. Whereto she made Answer, That she was very desirous of an Occumenical Council, but she would not send Deputies to a Popish Council; that she had nothing to do with the Bishop of Rome, whose Authority was expelled England by Act of Parliament; and that it did not belong to the Pope, but to the Emperour, to call Councils; nor could, nor would she acknowledge any greater Authority in him, than in any other Bishop.

Much about this time, the Queen of Scots, being sollicited by the Popish Party, p. 72to return into that Kingdom, and being grown weary of France, since the Death of the late King, her Husband, she caused Queen Elizabeth to be desired to grant her free passage thither, pretending that she could not ratifie the Treaty of Edinborough, without the Advice of the Nobility of Scotland. But Queen Elizabeth, suspecting that some dangerous Practises were contriving against England; for the preventing them, not only thought fit to deny her her Request, but to send Sir Thomas Randolph into Scotland, to exhort the Nobility to mutual Amity, and to keep firm to the Promises he had made her; and he found them and the Congregation so well resolved to adhere to her, that she was under no Apprehensions from the Scottish Queen, or her Party. However, it was judged safe to intercept her, if possible, in her passage thither; To which end, a Squadron of Men of War was fitted out, though under other Pretexts; yet the Queen of Scots her self, by the favour of a great Fog, escaped unperceived by the English, and landed safe in Scotland, though some of the Ships that attended her in that Voyage, p. 73were taken, and brought into England. That Queen, being now in Scotland, sends an Envoy, with Letters to Queen Elizabeth, wherein she expressed a great deal of Love and Kindness to her, as her dearest Friend and Sister, and desired that all true and sincere Friendship and Correspondence might be maintained between them; Queen Elizabeth, receiving Letters at the same time, to the same effect, from most of the Nobility of that Kingdom. But this was not the whole Errand of this Envoy, for the Queen of Scots did likewise by him demand to be declared Heir Apparent to this Kingdom, as being, she said, the surest way to continue Amity and Friendship between the two Crowns. Whereto the Queen could not be prevailed with to make any other Answer, than that she would do nothing to the Prejudice of her Cousin of Scotland's Title, leaving the rest to be considered of at a Personal Conference that was to be held at York shortly after; which Interview was however broken off by Popish Contrivances, lest it might be a means towards the creating in the Queen of Scots an inclination to the Reformed Religion.

p. 74And now finding, that tho' she had made all the fair offers imaginable to the Spaniard, and treated the Guises with all possible Kindness and Honour; yet her Ministers at the Courts of Spain and France, instead of meeting with fair Returns and Civilities, received affronts upon all Occasions; wherefore, though she had found her Treasure all exhausted, yet she began to make all imaginable Warlike preparations, for the security of her self and Subjects. And, amongst other her Provisions for that purpose, having caused a many Pieces of great Ordnance of Iron and Brass to be cast, God favouring all she undertook, caused a most rich Vein of rich and Native Brass to be discovered at the same time; as was likewise the Stone called Lapis Calaminaris first found out in England, being very necessary for Brass Works. Her Majesty caused likewise Gun-powder to be made here at home, being the first that had been made in England the English before having been obliged to beg hard, and pay dear for it to Foreigners▪ She also caused the several Garisons belonging to the Kingdom to be better strengthened with new Works, p. 75Men, and Fortifications. She likewise increased the Pay of the Souldiers, and took Care to provide for those that had been maimed in the Service of the Land. She added to, and provided her Fleet with all manner of Necessaries, making it the best Navy that ever belonged to Brittain; insomuch, that all Foreigners did truly term her, The Restorer of the Glory of Shipping, and the Queen of the North Sea. She caused all manner of People to furnish themselves with Arms, and to use Martial Discipline and Exercise. She gave all manner of Encouragement to Husbandry and Tillage, by permitting the Transportation of Grain. And by a Proclamation she prohibited the Merchants from supplying the Emperour of Russia with Ammunition against the Polander…; and caused the Officers of her Exchequer to pay duely the Pensions to such Religious Men as had been cast out of Abbeys. She revoked the Commissions of the Purveyors both for the Garrisons and Fleet; and designed to have done the same with those of her Household. She augmented the Stipends of the Judges: And though she was extreamly p. 76liberal and bountiful to desert, yet she took Care not to alienate the Domain.

In the mean time, the Civil War broke forth in France; the Faction and Family of the Guises aiming at that Crown, they were sensible, that they should never compass their Designs▪ as long as the Hugonots were in Being: wherefore, they used all manner of means to extirpate those Protestants; insomuch, that they were forced to take Arms, both in Defence of their Sovereign and themselves. Now Queen Elizabeth, well knowing the Practises of the House of Guise, to advance the Interests and Pretensions of the Queen of Scots, she supplyed the Protestants of that Kingdom, with Money, Corn and Ammunition, for the Service of the French King, and for the defending the Protestant Religion, and hindring the Dukedom of Normandy from being possessed by the Guises, who might, from thence, with more Ease, have executed their Designs upon England. She obliged her self, to aid the Prince of Conde and his Associates, who headed the Protestants, with her Forces both by Land and Sea, p. 77for the taking in of such Castles, Towns, and Ports, as were possessed by the Faction of the House of Guise; the Prince of Conde, and his Party, being bound not to come to any Terms of Peace with their Enemies, without the Privity and Approbation of the Queen; and, that for the Security of the Moneys and Forces that her Majesty should supply them with; they should put into her hands, the Town and Port of New Haven, or Havre de Grace, to be garrisoned by English Souldiers, and commanded by any Person of Quality, her Majesty should authorize. Presently after the Conclusion of this Agreement, she caused a Manifest to be published; in which she declared, how that having preferred the Peace of Christendom before her particular Interests, she had relinquished her Claim to the Town of Calais for the term of eight years; when as all other Princes were restored to their lost Estates by that Treaty; that for the same Reasons she had preserved the Scots from being made Vassals to the French, without retaining any part of that Kingdom in her own Possession, after the Service was performed: that with the p. 78like sence of Commiseration, she had taken notice how much the Queen Mother of France and the young King were awed and shackled by the Guisian Faction; who in their Name, and under the Pretext of their Authority, endeavoured to extirpate the Professors of the Reformed Religion; In pursuance of which Design, those bloody minded Papists had, in less than five Months time, caused above an hundred thousand French Hugonots to be massacred and butchered; that with the like Injustice and Violence they treated such of her Majesties Subjects, as traded into the Ports of that Kingdom, causing their Goods and Merchandize to be seized, themselves imprisoned, and barbarously murdered, and for no other Crime, than that they were Protestants; and therefore, in consideration of what's aforesaid, Her Majesty thought her self obliged to endeavour the rescuing the French King and his Mother out of the hands of so dangerous a Faction, by aiding such of the French Subjects, as preferred the Service of their Sovereign, and the good of their Countrey, before all other respects whatsoever, for p. 79preserving the Reformed Religion from an Universal Destruction, and the maintaining her own Subjects and Dominions in Peace and Safety.

She not only published this Manifesto, to acquaint the whole World with the reasons of her taking up Arms on this Occasion, but she also commanded her Ambassadour to give a more particular Account of it to the King of Spain, whom she looked upon as the Principal Patron of the Guisian League. She likewise caused her Ministers and Agents with the Princes of Germany to sollicit them to aid and assist their Brother Protestants. And then she her self fell to supplying the Hugonots with all things necessary to a War, sending them Ships, Arms, and Men, both for the scowring the Seas, and securing the Land. The Forces she sent amounting to 6000 Men, under the Command of the Lord Ambrose Dudley, the Eldest Son then living of the late Duke of Northunberland.

The Papists, apprehending that the Queen by these Courses would lay the axe to the Root of their Religion, laid a Conspiracy against her Life, for which the p. 80Countess of Lenox, Grand daughter to Henry the Seventh, by his eldest daughter Margaret Queen of Scotland, was confined with the Earl her Husband to her House: and Arthur Pole, Grand-child of Margaret Countess of Salisbury, by Geofry her third Son, the younger Brother unto Reginald Pole, the late Cardinal Legate, was Apprehended and Arraigned, as also his Brother in Law Geofry Fortescue, and were condemned to die, but confessing the Conspiracy and being of the Blood Royal, they were reprieved by the Queen. The Lady Katherine Grey, Daughter to the Duke of Suffolk, and Grand Daughter to another Sister of King Henry the Eighth, was sent to the Tower, with her Husband the Earl of Hertford, for marrying without the Queens Consent, and were detained there several Years, and their Marriage declared by the Archbishop of Canterbury, to be an undue and unlawful Carnal Copulation with her, and that for such their Excess, both he and she to be punished. About the same time was Published an Elegant and Acute Discourse, called, The Apology of the Church of England, written Originally in Latin, by the truly Learned p. 81Bishop Jewel, and Translated immediately into English, Dutch, Italian, Spanish, French, and Greek, and was highly approved of by all Pious, Learned, and Judicious Men.

Now the Practices of the Papists, and the danger the Queen and State were in, by their means obliged the Queen to call a Parliament, which being Assembled at Westminster, the first Act that passed was, for assurance of the Queens Royal Power over all Estates and Subjects within our Dominions: And Enacted, that the Oath of Supremacy should be Administred unto all Persons, for the better discovery of such as were Popishly affected; several of that Party having lately busy'd themselves by inquiring into the length and shortness of her Majesties Life, by Conjurations and other Diabolical Arts, and thereupon had caused some dark and doubtful Prophecies to be spread abroad; for which reason there passed two other Statutes for suppressing the like dangerous Practices, by which her Majesties Person might be endangered, the People stirred up to Rebellion, or the Peace disturbed. By which, and other Acts for the strengthning of the p. 82Navy, and the continual breeding of a Seminary of expert Mariners, the Queen was so well provided and secured against the Machinations and Conspiracies of the Pope and his Adherents, as to lie under no apprehensions of their bloody rage and malice.

During this Session of Parliament, it was declared by the Bishops and Clergy, then Assembled in their Convocation, To be a thing plainly repugnant to the Word of God, and the Custom of the Primitive Church, to have publick Prayer in the Church, or to Administer the Sacraments in a Tongue not understood by the People. To confirm which Declaration, it was Enacted. That the Bishops of Hereford, St. Davids, Bangor, Llandaff, and St. Asaph, should take care amongst them for Translating the whole Bible, with the Common Prayer Book, into the Welch, or Brittish Tongue, on pain of forfeiting Forty Pound apiece in default thereof. And to encourage them thereunto▪ it was ordered, that one Book of either sort being so Translated and Imprinted, should be provided and brought to eueryevery Cathedral or Parish Church, as also for all Parish Churches, and Chappels of ease, where the p. 83said Tongue is commonly used, the Minister to pay one half the Price, and the Parishioners the other. Care was likewise taken for the Translating the Book of Homilies, being looked upon as a necessary part of the publick Liturgy, by reason of the Rubrick at the end of the Nicene Creed. This Parliament likewise congratulated her Majesty for the happiness of the Times, for Religion Reformed, Peace restored, England with Scotland freed from the Foreign Enemy, Mony refined, the Navy strengthned, Warlike Ammunition provided both for Sea and Land, and for the Laudable Enterprize in France, for the securing of England, and of the young French King, and the recovering of Calice, they granted the Clergy one Subsidy and the Laity another, with two Fifteens and Tenths.

During these Occurrences at home, the Prince of Conde was intercepted, and taken Prisoner in that memorable Battel of Dreux, as was likewise Sir Nicholas Throgmorton, who shortly after paying his Ransome, was set at Liberty. But the Admiral Chastillon, Commanding both the English and French Forces, had beetter Success, by p. 84taking in of Caen and other considerable Places: which so startled those of the Guisian Faction, that they agreed unto an Edict of Pacification, by which the French Princes were restored to their Kings favour, Conde lured with hopes of the Lieutenancy General of France, and a Marriage with the Queen of Scots, the Hugonots allowed the free exercise of their Religion, and all things setled for the present to their full satisfaction. And having thus agreed among themselves, and treacherously abandoned the English, they join their Forces, and contrive how to drive them out of New-haven in case they would not evacuate it upon demand. Now sometime before this agreement, the Hostages for Calice endeavoured to make their escape, with Ribald, a Famous Pilot, who had been sent secretly into England for that purpose, but were discovered, and seized just as they were ready to take shipping. The Queen having secret notice of the French designs upon New-haven, offered to exchange it for Calice. Which being refused, War was Proclaimed on both sides. And such an extraordinary great Fleet of the English p. 85scoured the Seas, as not only shut up the French in their Havens, but the Spaniards likewise; and their Pyracies upon them being very great, the Queen caused her Ambassadour to make Excuses at the Court of Spain, and restrained them by Proclamation.

In the mean time, New-haven being close Besieged, and hard pressed by the French, and the Pestilence raging horribly in the Town, the English were forced to capitulate, and render up that Place, hoping that by leaving it they should escape the Plague; but instead thereof, they brought it with them into England, where it sorely afflicted the whole Kingdom, and especially the City of London, where there dyed of it Twenty one Thousand one Hundred and thirty Persons.

The Fathers at Trent were very much displeased with Queen Elizabeth, both for assisting the French Hugonots against their King, and passing the Statute for Punishing all those who countenanced and maintained the Popes Authority within her Dominions▪ p. 86which so incensed the Pope, that he sent a Commission to those Fathers, to proceed to an Excommunication of the Queen of England. But the Emperour, being, by his Ministers, sed with hopes of a Marriage betwixt the Queen and his Son the Arch-Duke Charles; he, by Letters to the Pope and his Legates, disswaded them from proceeding to such Extremities, and caused the Pope to revoke the Commission he had sent to his Legates in Trent. Shortly after which, that Council broke up; but were so far from having re-united the Church, that on the contrary, the Breach was become greater, and the Discords inreconcilable.

In the mean time, the Cardinal of Lorrain, fearing, without any Reason, a Match between Queen Elizabeth and Charles of Austria; to divert it, proposeth the said Charles for a Husband to his Neece, the Queen of Scots; who, imparting this Business to Queen Elizabeth, she advised her to marry, but not the Arch-Duke; and recommended to her, for a Husband, Robert Dudley, and promised her, That if she would marry him, She should, by Authority of Parliament, be p. 87declared her Sister, or Daughter, and Heir of England, in case she should dye… without Issue. But, assoon as the Queen Mother and her Uncles in France had notice hereof, they disswaded her from it; promising, if she would reject it, and persist in the French Amity, they would pay her her Dowry Money: and lured the Scots with hopes of confirming their ancient Liberties, and granting them new ones. And though the Queen of Scots took all imaginable Care to gain the Love of her Subjects, and keep them at Peace, yet they insulted her frequently; nor was she able to suppress the Commotions.

The Spaniard now grew daily more enraged against the English, for that his Ambassador here had been confined to his House, and subjected to Examinations and publick Reprehensions, for that the English Privateers had invested the French upon the Coast of Spain, and intended to set forth a Voyage to the West Indies. And the King of Spain manifested his Displeasure, by causing Proclamation to be made in Antwerp, and other places, though under Pretext of the p. 88Pestilence being in England, that no English Ship, with Cloaths, should come into any part of the Low Countries; causing the Goods of English men to be confiscated upon very light Causes: and, by new Edicts, certain Merchandise were forbidden to be transported, the Passage through the Low Country Provinces with Horses, Salt Peter, and Gunpowder, out of Germany and Italy, was forbidden. Whereupon, and at the earnest Suit of the Merchant-Adventurers, the Queen prohibited the Transporting of Wool unwrought; and the Mart or Staple of Cloaths, or English Merchandizes, was removed to Emden, upon the River Ems in Friezland.

The Apprehension that these and other Circumstances gave the Queen of the Councils of Spain, made her the more willingly hearken to a Peace with France, which was concluded upon these Terms, which were as advantageous as the Juncture would afford. That neither Party should invade the other. The one shall not aid any that invade the other. Private Mens Facts p. 89shall bind themselves only. Commerce shall be free. Traytors and Rebels shall not be received. Letters of Reprisal shall not be granted. Injuries shall be buried in Oblivion. Reservation of Rights and Titles, also, Actions, Demands, and Claims, which they have, or pretend to have one against the other respectively, shall remain to them safe and whole; and in like manner, Defences and Exceptions shall be reserved. A certain Sum of Money shall be repayed to Queen Elizabeth, at times prefixed. Upon the Payment of six hundred and twenty thousand Crowns the Hostages shall be delivered out of England; and Throckmorton shall return free into his Country, after Confirmation of the League. Which Treaty being ratifyed on both sides, the French King was invested with the Order of the Garter.

Being now at Peace with France, and in fair-seeming Terms with the King of Stain, she resolved to take the Diversion of a Progress; in the Course p. 90of which she made a visit to Cambridge, where she was received with all the Respect, Ceremony and Acclamation imaginable, and to her own, as well as their extraordinary satisfaction; and the like Honour she did to Oxford, being attended with the same Circumstances.

Don Alvarze a Quadra, Bishop of Aquila, and Spanish Ambassadour here, a Man zealously addicted to Popery, had fed the Papists here with hopes of having the Romish Superstitions again restored in England, and had been a Grand Promoter of the Distrusts and Dissatisfactions that were then brooding between the two Crowns; being dead, he was succeeded by Don Diego Gusman de Sylva, who being a wise Man, and sensible how damageable the Courses his Predecessors had taken, were to both Parties, he endeavoured to heal up the Breaches, and by his mediation procured the Commerce to be restored, and all that had been Decreed and Proclaimed on both sides to be suspended.

The most remarkable Action which attended the Queen's return from Cambridge, was, the preferring Sir Robet Dudley to the p. 91Titles of Lord Denbigh and Earl of Leicester; she having before made him Knight of the Garter, Master of the Horse, and Lord Chancellour of the University of Oxford; and these Honours were conferred upon him for the better qualifying him to be Husband to the Queen of Scots. And now Leicester, for the better screwing himself into that Queens favour, immediately accused to Queen Elizabeth the Lord Keeper Bacon, who was looked upon as an Enemy to the Queen of Scots, and an Opposer of her Title to the Succession.

In the mean time, the Queen of Scots, knowing her Title to be disputed in England, and being grown jealous of the Practices of the Earl of Murray, her Bastard Brother, and others at home, she thought it her interest to recall the Earl of Lenox to his Native Countrey, from whence he had been driven in the time of King Henry; by whose great Power and Influence she hoped to ballance the Authority of the Mutineers. This Lord, being of Royal Extraction, King Henry to engage him the more in his Interests, had given him in Marriage p. 92the Lady Margaret Douglas Daughter of Queen Margaret his Eldest Sister, by Archibald Dowglas Earl of Angus, lier second Husband; of which Marriage amongst others, was the Lord Darnly. Now Lenox, being returned into Scotland, after twenty Years Abode in England, he sends for the Lord Darnley to that Court. Where, being arrived, and being a Person Graceful, Lovely, and of a Gentile Carriage, and not yet full Twenty Years old; he quickly insinuated himself into that Queens Affections. She fancied she had now met with a Man who was pleasing to her Heart, and conducible to her Interests, for that both their Pretensions being joyned together, her Title to the Crown of England would be the better secured.

Now Queen Elizabeth, having got some notice of this Design of the Scottish Queen, she advised her to think of some other Match, saying, that this would have so incensed the Parliament, that she was forced to Prorogue them, least they should have acted something against her Title to the Succession. Wherefore, she again recommended unto her, the Earl of p. 93Leicester, for a Husband; to which purpose, she sent Commissioners to Berwick, to treat with those of the Queen of Scots; about a Match. But this Queen had given such Instructions to her Deputies, they maintained, That it did not stand with the Dignity of their Queen, to enter into such Measures, after having refused the Offers of several great Princes of Christendom. Wherefore, they broke up, without coming to any Conclusion; And, the Queen being intent upon her Marriage with the Lord Darnly, it was at length consummated: And of this Marriage was born James the Sixth, in the Palace of Edenborough, on the 19 of July, in the Year 1566, Solemnly crowned King of the Scots, on the same day of the Month, in the Year 1567, and joyfully received to the Crown of England, on the 14 of March, in the Year 1602.

But, not only the English, but the Scots themselves, being displeased with this Match, the Scots raised some Commotions, with design to have prevented it; but, being over-powered, were forced to take Refuge in England; where, by Connivance, they were allowed a safe Retreat.

p. 94During these Transactions, the great Renown and Glory of Queen Elizabeth's Reign, having invited Corcille, Sister to the King of Sweden, and Wife to Christopher Marquess of Baden, to come, tho' big with Child, from the farthest Places of the North, to see the Lustre of her Court, and observe the Wisdom of her Government; after a tedious Voyage by Sea and Land, she at length arrived at Dover, where she was received with all possible Magnificence and Respect, and entertained by the Queen all the while she stayed here, with all the Tenderness, Affection, and Splendour imaginable. Within a few days after her Arrival, she fell in Labour, and was delivered of a Son, whom the Queen christned in her own Person, by the Name of Edwardu… Fortunatus; Edward, in Memory of her dearly beloved Brother; and Fortunatus, in regard of his being born after a painful Journey. Having remained here, they were dismiss'd with many rich Presents, and an Annual Pension from the Queen. During their Entertainments here, a French Ambassador came hither to be installed Knight of the Garter, in p. 95the Place and Person of that King; and, to present the Order of St. Michael, the principal Order of France, to the Duke of Norfolk, and the Earl of Leicester; which were performed with the Ceremonies, State and Pomp, usual on such occasions.

In the mean time, Queen Elizabeth was again sollicited to Marry, by those who were fearful that the Protestant Religion in this Kingdom might be extirpated by the Pretensions and authority of the Queen of Scots, should she come to the Crown; and amongst other offers, the Emperour Maximilian did very seasonably renew the Proposals of a Match between her Majesty and his Brother Charles. About the same time, there arose great Dissentions at Court between the Earls of Sussex and Leicester, the former favouring this Marriage, and the other opposing, in regard of his own hopes and pretensions, but were at length, at least seemingly reconciled by the Queen.

About the same time came likewise into England, Donald Mac Carty More, a Lord of great Authority and large Territories in Ireland, which were confirmed to him, p. 96and his Heirs Males by the Queen; who likewise conferred new Honours both upon him and his Son, by making the Father Earl of Clencarn, and the Son Baron of Valentia, and so engaged them by Gifts and Presents, that they procured great Opposers of the Innovations designed by Desmond. Now Sir Nicholas Arnold being called from the Government of Ireland, Sir Henry Sidney was sent in his stead, as Justice of that Kingdom: The English Vicegerents there being at first so termed, and since Deputies or Lieutenants, accoring to the pleasure of the Prince. Sidney, at his Arrival finding great confusion, through the Discord of the Earles of Ormond and Desmond; the Queen, to prevent any further mischief through their Dissentions, thought fit to send for the latter into England.

And now the Parliament being met, they again move the Queen either to marry or declare her Successour, which her Majesty looking upon as an Imposition, she checked both Houses for what had passed in them upon this occasion; and though they had offered far greater Sums than were usual, upon Condition she would p. 97nominate a Successour, yet she flatly refused that extraordinary offer, remitting the fourth payment of the Subsidy, saying, that Money in her Subjects▪ Coffers was as well as in her own. Nevertheless, she favoured very much the Queen of Scots Title, and punished those who called it in question.

Shortly after these Occurrences, the Queen of Scotland falling into a languishing Condition, she recommended the Prince, her Son, to the Protection of Queen Elizabeth; but before that happened, her Affection for the King her Husband being much cooled and abated, and this Unkindness in her being much fomented by one David Rizie an Italian, first a Musician, and afterwards French Secretary to the Queen. The King, her Husband, through the instigations of several Lords, resolved to dispatch a man, who had taken upon him more than became him; which, having accordingly performed, it was not long before the King himself was assassinated by Murray's Contrivances, though some Historians have laid that Regicide to the Queen his Wife's Charge. p. 98After this detestable Action, they perswaded the Queen to accept of the Earl of Bothwel, one of the Conspirators, for a Husband, being a Person renowned for his Courage; and therefore the better able to assist her against so many Enemies as she was represented to have: but, being accused of that horrid Parricide, he was brought to the Bar, and acquitted by Law. Whereupon, having new Honours conferred upon him, the Queen accepted him for a Husband; which bred a Suspition in several People, That the Queen was privy to the Murder. Which Umbrage being promoted by the Male-contents, they took Arms, caused Bothwell to fly; though, as some say, privy to their Designs: and, having seized on the Queen, they put her into Prison; which, Queen Elizabeth having notice of, and detesting the Insolency of those People, she sent Sir Nicholas Throckmorton into Scotland, to expostulate the matter with the Confederates, and procure her Restauration to her former Freedom and Authority. Yet, though this Ambassadour used all imaginable Arguments, in Vindication of that Queen, p. 99yet, he found that People so strangely exasperated against her, that instead of complying with his Demands, they put the Queen under a stricter Confinement; insomuch, that at last, to make her freely resign the Government of the Kingdom, they menaced to call her in question for Tyranny, the King's Murder, and incontinent Living; insomuch, that at length they compelled her to set her hand to three▪ Instruments: In the first whereof, she resigned her Kingdom to her young Son, at that time, scarce thirteen Months old; In the second, she constituted Murray Vice-Roy, during the Minority of her Son; and, in the third, she named, in case that Murray should refuse that Office, several of the principal Noble-men of the Kingdom.

Within a few days after this Resignation, James the Sixth, her Son, was crowned King; the famous John Knox preaching the Coronation Sermon. Now, Murray being declared Regent, he advised the Queen not to disturb the Peace of the Kingdom, by endeavouring her Liberty, by Instigating the Queen of p. 100England, or the French King, to a War with Scotland, or by thinking any more of Bothwell's Love, or meditating Revenge upon his Adversaries. As soon as Murray was confirmed in the Regency, he put to death some of Bothwell's Servants, who protested at their Execution, that Murray and Morton were the Contrivers of the Kings Death.

But, while that the Queen of England and the French King were, in vain, solliciting the Liberty of the Queen of Scots, eight years being now expired since the Treaty of Cambray, Ministers were sent into France, to demand the re-delivery of Calice, with the Appurtenances; but this Business being delayed, and prorogued by the French from time to time, at length the thoughts of it were wholly laid aside, through the Civil War that then broke out in France.

In the mean time, the Earl of Sussex, being sent Ambassador to the Emperour, to treat of the Marriage that had been proposed by his Imperial Majesty, in favour of the Arch Duke his Brother: which Commission he the more willingly accepted of, in that it might be a means for the destroying p. 101the Earl of Leicester's Pretensions. But he met with several Difficulties in this Negotiation, both as to Religion, the Arch Duke's Maintenance, the Title of King, and the Succession. As for the Title; the Arch Duke Charles should enjoy the Name and Title of King of England: Concerning the Succession, He could not by the Laws of England succeed, for that would have been prejudicial to their Children; of whom it was agreed however, that he should have the Guardianship: and all other things as fully granted, as they had been to Philip of Spain when he married to Queen Mary. As touching his Maintenance, he would at his own charge maintain the Train he should bring and keep about him; the Queen would bountifully supply the rest, according to his Royal Dignity; nay, and that other also, if he would require it. But the main obstacle was, concerning Religion; the Emperour and Arch Duke requiring a publick Church for the celebrating Divine Service, after the Romish manner; which not being granted, nor the Expedient allowed of that was devised by the Emperour, that p. 102he might have some private place in the Court granted him for Divine Service; upon condition, that no English man should be admitted thereunto: That he himself should forbear, in case of any Disorders in point of Religion: That neither he, nor any of his, should speak against the Religion of the Church of England: and moreover, That he himself should be present with the Queen at Divine Service, to be celebrated after the manner of the Church of England. Yet, notwithstanding these plausible Offers, the Queen, after mature Deliberation, made Answer, That should she consent hereunto, she should offend her Conscience, and openly break the publick Laws of the Realm, which could not be done, without endangering both her Dignity and Safety; but however, invited the Arch Duke Charles to come into England; promising, That he should not repent of his Journey. Whereupon, the Emperour dismissed Sussex with great Honour; and thus those Proposals fell to nothing by degrees, though all mutual good Offices continued to pass between the Queen and the Emperour, who p. 103persevered in thwarting all the Designs of the Pope against her Majesty; and not long after, the Arch Duke Charles took to Wife, a Daughter of the Duke of Bavaria.

Much about the same time, came Ambassadours to the Queen, from the Emperour of Russia and Muscovia, bringing very rich Presents to her Majesty, that Emperour having granted very great Priviledges to the English, who had, not long before, discovered a Passage by Sea, into his Countrey; and of whom, a Company was formed for Commerce into those parts. With those Ambassadors, returned into England, Anthony Jenkinson, being the first of all the English, who sailed upon the Caspian Sea: By him, the Czar made Proposals of an Offensive and Defensive League with the Queen; which her Majesty made slight of, not being willing to enter into farther League with a Prince, who had created an Aversion to him in his Subjects, through his Tyranny and Arbitrary Practises.

Now, Let us pass over into Ireland, where we shall find Shan O Neal so puffed p. 104up with some Victories he had gained in the Queen's Service, that he fell to committing such Extravagances, that the English could not forbear checking him; which his haughty Spirit not being able to brook, he again breaks out into Rebellion; but, having received several Losses, and being defeated by the English, he designed to have craved Pardon, and submitted himself to the Lord Deputy. But, being disswaded by some of his Crew, from so doing, he was advised to try the Amity of the Hebridians, by whom, he and his were slain, after a seeming kind Reception. After his Death, some Commotions were raised in other parts of Ireland, through the Dissentions of the Earls of Ormond and Desmond, which were stilled, by seizing on the latter, and sending him into England.

In Scotland, that Queen having made her Escape out of Prison, and called together a great Assembly of the Nobility, there was drawn up a Sentence Declaratory, That the Grant extorted from the Queen in Prison, through Fear, was actually null from the very Beginning. Whereupon, such numbers of People flocked

p. 105Releiving the poore Protestants in France.

The Queen Courted by Severall Prinfess

The Pope^s Bull set on y^e Pallace gate & he hang'dy^t did it.

to her, that in three days time, she had got together an Army of six thousand men, but her Souldiers being raw and unmartialized men, were easily defeated by Murray: whereupon, she first writes, then fled into England, in hopes of the Queens Aid and Protection. Being arrived at Hirkinton in Cumberland, she again writeth to Queen Elizabeth, imploring her Assistance and Favour. Queen Elizabeth returneth her an Answer by Sir Francis Knowls, with Promises of Defence and Succour, according to the Equity of her Cause; but however, denyeth her Access to her Person; and having referred her Case to the Privy Council, they, after mature Deliberation, did unanimously conclude, That she was to be detained, as one taken by the Right of War, and not to be dismissed till she had made Satisfaction for assuming the Title of England, and for the Death of Darnley, her Husband, who was one of the Queens Subjects born: which being accordingly performed, she summoned Murray, Regent of Scotland, to appear or send Deputies to York, to answer to the Complaints that the Queen of Scots made against him and his Confederates: p. 108page missingto the Custody of the Earl of Shrewsbury. The Duke of Norfolk grew likewise suspected, for though he had rejected, as dangerous, the offer of a Match with the Queen of Scots, yet he had since that time made several Paces, as seemed to tend towards the freeing her out of Prison.

In the mean time, the Duke of Anjou was recommended for a Husband to Queen Elizabeth, by the Queen Mother of France. And the English Ambassadour at the Court of Spain was uncivilly used, for having spoken irreverently of the Pope, and Sir John Hawkins, being with some Ships in America for Commerce, he was set upon by the Spaniards, contrary to Capitulations and Treaties, many of his Men being slain by them, and his Goods pillaged, which so exasperated the English here at home, that they demanded a War against the Spaniard.

In the mean time, the Protestants lying under heavy Persecutions in France, Queen Elizabeth took them into her Protection, supplyed them with Money and Ammunition, and received, with all manner of kindness, those that fled hither, p. 109notwithstanding they had basely abandoned her at New-haven.

And now the War began to flame forth in the Low Countries. For the Duke of Alva, a Man of the highest Arbitrary and Tyrannical Principles, being sent Governour thither by the Court of Spain, and being an Enemy of their Nations, he trampled under Foot all their Privileges, introduced the Inquisition, and endeavoured by all manner of Cruelties to extirpate the Protestant Religion in all Places of his Government; insomuch, that the People being no longer able to support his Tyranny, began to be Tumultuous, which, though quieted for a while, burst out at length into a long and dangerous War. At that time vast Sums of Money being sent in some Spanish Ships by Italian Merchants, to be employed in Bank in the Low Countries, for the ruine of the Protestants there, and being forced by French Men of War, to take refuge in England; the Queen at first ordered, that the Spaniards should be kindly used, and be defended against the French; and the Money being brought on Land for the better security, and the Queen having notice p. 110to what ill Purposes it was designed, and that it did not belong to the Spaniard himself, she was advised by the Privy Council, to borrow it of the Merchants; some of the Owners themselves being affraid the Duke of Alva would seize upon it: Yet she religiously promised to restore it, if it was made out that it was the Spaniards own Money. Whereupon, the Impetuous Duke of Alva immediately caused all Goods to be seized that belonged to the English in the Low Countries, and kept the Englishmen Prisoners. And the Queen caused the same to be done with the Dutch Merchants here in England; which being of far greater value than those of the English, the Spaniard had reason to repent of these and other Courses, that brought upon him an Unfortunate and Bloody War.

Upon the Detention of this Money, several Peers of the Realm accused Sir William Cecil of sending Money into France, but the Queen finding that all this proceeded from their envying his being so much in her favour, she checked them, and protected him.

p. 111In the mean time, the Duke of Alva sent a Person to demand the Money, but after some stay, returned with a denial; hereupon that Duke prohibited all Commerce with the English, and appointed Searchers to hinder any thing from being imported or exported out of the Low Countries by them; amongst whom, was one Doctor Story, an English Fugitive, and a Person who had used several means against the Queens Life, and suggested to the Spaniard an Invasion of England.

Hereupon, the Duke of Alva gave order, that none but Men of War should put to Sea out of the Low Countries, and that they should seize on the English, wheresoever they met with them. And the Spaniard used several other Practices for the raising a Rebellion in Engiand and Ireland, but all to no purpose. The English hereupon remove their Staple to Hamburgh, and so plyed the Spaniard with Privateers, that the Queen thought fit to restrain them by Proclamation.

Now though such as envyed the Prosperity of England used all manner p. 112of Contrivances to disturb it; and amongst others, endeavoured to put a stop to that part of our Trade as then flourished in Russia, by sowing Dissention between the English and the Russians, and amongst the English themselves; yet they were in that Favour with that Emperour, out of the respect he bare to Queen Elizabeth, that he granted them freedom from all Customes in his Countrey, allowed them liberty to trade all over his Empire, and through it to Astracan, and so by the Caspian Sea into Persia. And though that Emperour was somewhat disgusted at some Refusals and Slights of the Queen, yet he ever continued to use the English with all possible Humanity and Kindness.

In the mean time, Murray, having clap'd up in Prison the principal Favourers of the Queen of Scots Party, it caused several Rumours to be spread abroad to his disadvantage; which Queen Elizabeth having dispersed by a Publick Writing, she taking Pity of the Queen of Scots condition, sollicited her Restauration to her Crown and Dignity. p. 113But while she was making these Paces in her favour, she found that that Queen did underhand Cabal against her, and was contracting a Marriage with the Duke of Norfolk, without her Privity and Consent; whereupon that Duke was committed to the Tower, and the Bishop of Rosse and Ridol…h the Florentine to Sir Francis Walsingham's Custody.

About which time, the Earls of Northumberland, Westmerland, and others, made an Insurrection in the North, being instigated thereunto by one Morton, a Popish Priest, who was sent by the Pope to pronounce Queen Elizabeth an Heretick. But after these Rebels had by their Declarations invited all the Catholicks to come in to their Assistance, and committed several Extravagancies at Durham, by tearing to pieces all the Bibles and Common-Prayer-Books in the English Tongue, that they could find in the Churches there; and after twelve dayes Rebellion, finding their Army to be but six hundred Horse, and four thousand Foot strong, and hearing that the Queens p. 114Forces were marching against them in two Bodies, the one of seven, and the other of twelve thousand; and being proclaimed Traytors, the two Earls, finding themselves unable to make head against such great Forces, they fled with a small Company into Scotland; from whence, the Earl of Westmerland made his Escape into the Low Countries, where he lived, though poorly, to a great Age. But Northumberland was betrayed by his Party, to Murray. The Heads of the Rebels being convicted of High Treason, were proscribed, and several of them executed: Presently after which, there broke forth a new Rebellion in Cumberland, the number of the Rebels amounting to three thousand Men; but, were fought, routed, and dispersed, by the Baron of Hunsdon. There was likewise a Rebelliin Ireland, but was quickly extinguished through the Queens prudent Conduct, and the Orders she sent to the Deputy of that Kingdom. But notwithstanding these Commotions both in England and Ireland, she failed not to assist the French Protestants, with Men, Money and Ammunition. But, as the Queen assisted the p. 115French, the French King, out of Revenge, designed to have done the same to the Scots, had he not been prevented by Death.

During these Occurrences, Murray, Regent of Scotland, when he had setled all things to his Desire, and thought himself secure against all Attempts, he was shot by one Hamilton in the Belly, as he was riding along the Streets in Litchquo; of which Wound, he immediately dyed, the Assassinate making his Escape into France. Presently after his Death, the Scots that were devoted to their Queen, being joyned with the English Fugitives and Rebels, made some Incursions into England; but, Forces being sent against them under the Earl of Sussex and the Lord Hunsdon, they were defeated, and the Borders of that Kingdom severely punished for their Folly. After which Performances, the English assisted their Friends in Scotland, and by so doing, removed from the King, the Hamiltons, and the rest who stood for the deposed Queen. Whereupon, the Lords of that Kingdom met together about choosing a new Regent, and demanded p. 116Queen Elizabeth's Advice in the Business; but she replied, That she would not be concerned in it, lest if any thing should be done to the prejudice of the Queen of Scots, she might be suspected for it: whereupon they created the Earl of Lenox Regent; which was the more pleasing to Queen Elizabeth, as hoping he would have a particular care of the young King, being his Grand-child, and live in good Intelligence with the English, by Favours and Benefits he had received during his abode among them, and be at her Devotion, because she had his Wife in her Power.

Whilst Queen Elizabeth was thus assisting the Queen's Party in Scotland, the Duke of Castle-Herault, the Earls of Huntley and Argyle, the Queen of Scots Lieutenants, send an Envoy to the Duke of Alva, to demand his Assistance and Offices, in favour of their Queen; which he readily granted, promising to do all that lay in his Power to satisfie their Request; and thereupon sent them Arms, Powder, Cannon and Money. In the mean time, the French and Spanish Ambassadours request Queen p. 117Elizabeth, in the name of their Masters, to set the Queen of Scots at Liberty; to all which Importunities, Queen Elizabeth returned Answer, That as she would do all that lay in her Power to reconcile the Queen of Scots and her Subjects, so she thought it was but Justice in her to provide for her own, and her Subjects Safety. And now the Pope, seeing that these Princes could not procure that Queens Liberty, he caused one Felton to fasten up in the Night-time his Bull Declaratory, upon the Bishop of London's Palace; wherein, he absolved all Queen Elizabeth's Subjects from their Oath of Allegiance, or any other Duty; and all who obey her, accursed with Anathema. Whereupon, Felton being taken, and confessing, and justifying the Fact, he was condemned, and executed accordingly, near the Place where he had fixed up the Bull.

About this time, were some Commotions, and Suspicions of more; amongst the rest, a Conspiracy of some Norfolk Gentlemen, to set the Duke of that Name at liberty; but soon defeated, and some of them executed.

p. 118The Duke of Norfolk was delivered out of the Tower the same day that Felton was Executed, having Confessed, and asked forgiveness of his Crime, with a promise under his hand, never to think of Marrying the Queen of Scots, nor to do any thing more against the Queens Authority.

Shortly after which, broke out a new Conspiracy in Darbyshire, whereof the principal Ringleaders were two o… the Stanleys, being the younger Sons of the Earl of Darby; their Design was to have freed the Queen of Scots out of Prison: But the Plot being revealed by one of the Conspiracy, the Heads of it were taken, and put into Prison.

Hereupon followed an Expedition into Scotland, under the Earl of Sussex and the Lord Scroop, who forced the Scots, of the Queen of that Names Party, to give it under their hands, that they would abstain from War, and forsake the English Rebels.

Queen Elizabeth being now full of Ombrage and Suspitions, by reason of the several late Conspiracies, and the Popes Bull, she sent Sir William Cecyl, and p. 119Sir Walter Mildmay to the Queen of Scots, to Treat with her; they found her bemoaning her Condition, excusing Norfolk, and referring her self wholly to the Queens Clemency, they proposed, that the Treaty of Edenborough should be confirmed; that she should renounce her Title and Claim to England, as long as Queen Elizabeth, and the Children lawfully born of her Body should live: that she should not renew or keep any League with any Foreign Prince against England: that she should not receive any Foreign Souldiers into Scotland: that she should have no intercourse of Counsels with the English or Irish, without acquainting the Queen therewith: that she should deliver up the English Fugitives or Rebels: that she should recompence the dammages done to the English Borderers: that she should enquire according to Law, into the Murther, as well of the Lord Darnly her Husband, as of Murray: that she should deliver her Son into England as an Hostage: that she should Contract Marriage with no English Man, but with the Advice of the Queen of England, nor with any other against the Wills of the p. 120Estates of Scotland: that the Scots should not cross over into Ireland, but by Licence obtained out of England: that for Confirmation of these things, the Queen, and the Delegates to be appointed, should set to their Hands and Seals: that the Hostages whom the Queen of England should name, should be sent into England: that if the Queen of Scots should attempt any thing by her self, or any other, against Queen Elizabeth, she should, ipso facto, forfeit all her Right and Title she claimeth to England: that Humes Castle, and Fast Castle, should be holden by the English for three Years: that in like manner, some strong Holds in Galloway or Cantyr, should be delivered into the English mens Hands, lest from thence the Scottish Irish might infest Ireland. Lastly, That the Estates of Scotland should confirm all these things by Authority of Parliament. To which Propositions, the Queen of Scots replyed, with a Proviso, referring the fuller Answer to the Bishop of Ross, her Ambassadour in England, and to some other Delegates, who afterwards, granting some of the Propositions, and rejecting others, the Treaty came to nothing, p. 121and things remained in the same state as they were in before: OnelyOnly Queen Elizabeth, as Head of all Britain, by her Authority prorogued the Parliament of Scotland. Whilst things were in this posture, the Pope supplied the English Rebells and Fugitives with Monies, and Philip of Spain contracted a Marriage with Anne of Austria Daughter to the Emperour Maximilian, his own Neece by his Sister; and she being to go by Sea from Zealand into Spain, Queen Elizabeth, to shew the Love and Respect she had for the House of Austria, sent Sir Charles Howard, with the Navy Royal, to Convoy her through the British Sea.

And now Queen Elizabeth, having compleated the Twelfth year of her Reign, which some Wizzards had flattered the Papists that it would be her last, the People, out of their great Affection and Loyalty to her Majesty, celebrated the 17th of November, with all the Pomp, Joy, and Thanksgiving imaginable; which was not only continued upon that day during her Life, but even to this very day.

p. 122In Ireland, a new Rebellion was contrived, by the Earl of Thoumond, and his Adherents; which was disappointed when it was just ready to break out, merely by the Earl's Suspicions of his being discovered: whereupon, he fled into France, and confessing his Crimes, and showing himself very penitent to the Queen's Ambassador there, this Minister procured him his pardon, and the Restitution of his Estate.

Soon after which, Queen Elizabeth made a very magnificent Entry into the City of London, for to go see the new▪ Burse, which Sir Thomas Gresham had newly built; and, in a solemn manner, nam'd it the Royal Exchange, with Sound of Trumpets, and by the Voice of an Herald. Shortly after which, she created Sir William Cecyl Baron of Burghley.

There was at this time in England Delegates from the King of Scots, of whom Queen Elizabeth having demanded that they should explain the Reasons they had for deposing their Queen; whereupon, they exhibited so insolent a Writing, that the Queen could not read it, without Indignation; and told them, That she did not see that they had any just Cause to treat their Queen after that manner; and p. 123therefore, desired they would immediately think of some means to allay the Dissentions of that Kingdom. Hereupon, several Propositions were again made them for the setting the Queen of Scots at Liberty; which being rejected by the Scottish Delegates, and Norfolk beginning a new his Practices in favour of that Queen, and she her self corresponding and caballing with the Enemies of the Crown of England, whereto, they were both excited by Ridolpho the Pope's Agent, that Queen had many of her Servants taken from her, and she her self put under a stricter Confinement, and a watching Eye was kept over the Duke, to whom, the Pope had promised great Assistance, both of Money and Men, in case he would raise a Rebellion; assuring him, That the King of Spain would aid him with four thousand Horse, and six thousand Foot, and that he had already deposited a hundred thousand Crowns, and that he would be at all the Charge of the War.

But whilst these things were acting in England, the Queen of Scots▪ Party was very much oppressed in Scotland, several of her principal Adherents being put to Death, and their strongest Holds taken p. 124in. In France was the Marriage now solemnized between Charles the Ninth, the French King, and Elizabeth of Austria, Daughter to the Emperour Maximilian, to Congratulate which, the Lord Buckhurst was sent into France by Queen Elizabeth, and was there received with all the Honours and Pomp imaginable and possibly the more, in respect of a Motion that the French Court designed to make in favour of a Match between the Duke of Anjou and the Queen of England.

After the Lord Buckhurst had performed his Commission, he returned home with great Presents, and with one Cavalcantio a Florentine, who had attended him in his Embassy. This Cavalcantio being a prudent Person, was entrusted by the Queen Mother of France, to make a motion of this Match to Queen Elizabeth. Which he accordingly performed, and the Queen seemed to listen favourably to the Proposal; for by this Match, there should be added to the Kingdom of England, the Dukedoms of Anjou, Bourbon, Avern, and possibly the Kingdom of France it self. Whereupon a Treaty was held, in which the French p. 125proposed three Articles, one concerning the Coronation of the Duke; another concerning the joint Administration of the Kingdom; a third, concerning a toleration of his Religion; whereto it was replyed, that the two first Articles might in some sort be composed, but hardly the third; for though a contrary Religion might be tolerated between Subjects of the same Kingdom; yet between a Wife and her Husband, it seemed very incongruous and inconvenient; however the matter was brought at length to this Conclusion, that if the Duke would afford his presence with the Queen at Divine Service, and not refuse to hear and learn the Doctrine of the Church of England, he should not be compelled to use the English Rites, but at his pleasure use the Roman; not being expressly against the Word of God. But they could not accommodate these Niceties; insomuch that the Treaty was quite broak off, after it had continued almost a Year.

But during these Occurrences, it happened at Kinnaston in Herefordshire, the ground was seen to open, and certain Rocks p. 126with a piece of Ground removed, and went forwards four days together, carrying along great Trees and Sheep-Coats; some with sixty Sheep in them, and overthrew Rimnalstone Chappel: the Depth of the whole where it first broke out, is thirty Foot, and the bredth of the Breach, sixteen Yards; also, High-ways were removed near an hundred Yards, with Trees, and Hedg-rows, and the like.

And now the Papists were plotting and contriving new Attempts against the Queen, but they were all frustrated by the goodness of God, and the Prudence of the Queen, and the Loyalty and Zeal of her Ministers and Protestant Subjects. Amongst others of those Devillish Instruments of Popery, was the Bishop of Ross, the Queen of Scots Ambassador; who made it his whole Business to excite and stir up People to Rebellion. He had laid several Plots for seizing Queen Elizabeth, and freeing the Queen of Scots; but they all failed him in the Execution. But notwithstanding that Bishop had received so many checks for these Practices of his, yet he continuing them to that degree, as not only to pervert the Subjects p. 127from their Loyalty, but even to Designs against the Queen's Life; the Privy Council, after mature Deliberation in the Business,, notwithstanding his Character, thought fit he should be sent, and kept close Prisoner in the Tower; which was accordingly done,: as likewise with the Duke of Norfolk, who was again committed to the same Place, it having been discovered by a Pacquet of Letters, that he still continued in his Affections, Design to marry, and free out of Prison the Queen of Scots; having for that end, kept correspondence with the Pope, and the other Enemies of the Crown, and traiterously consulted to take away the Queens Life, and to bring in Foreign Forces to invade the Kingdom; for which being brought to his Tryal, he was found guilty by his Peers, and accordingly beheaded.

The Parliament being assembled upon this occasion, it was Enacted amongst other Laws, that if any man should go about to free any Person imprisoned by the Queens Commandment, for Treason or Suspicion of Treason, and not yet arraigned, he shall lose all his Goods, for p. 128his life time, and be Imprisoned during the Queens Pleasure, if the said Person having been Arraigned, the Rescuer shall forfeit his Life; if Condemned, he shall be guilty of Rebellion.

Presently after the Dissolution of the Parliament, a Consultation was had whether John Story, Doctor of the Laws, the Duke of Alva's Searcher, who some time before having been engaged to go on Board a Ship, to search for Goods, was by that piece of cunning brought into England, being an English Man born, and having in Brabant consulted with a Foreign Prince, were to be held guilty of High Treason; which being given in the affirmative, by the Learned in the Law, he was thereupon brought to his Tryal, and Accused, of having consulted with one Preshal a Conjurer, to make away the Queen, that he had Cursed her daily, when he said Grace at Table: that he shewed a way to the Duke of Alva; how to Invade England, of which being found guilty, he accordingly suffered Death as a Traytor.

p. 129About this time Matthew Stuart, Earl of Lenox, Regent of Scotland, and the King's Grandfather, was surprized unawares by the Nobility of the adverse Faction, and having yielded himself to David Spence of Wormstone, who thereupon lost his Life in his Defence, and they were both slain together by Bell and Chaulder, after he had with great Pains and care governed the Kingdom for his Grandchild above fourteen Months; and in his room was unanimously elected by the Kings Faction, the Earl of Marr, for Regent of Scotland, but the place being two full of troubles for a Man of his quiet Disposition, he departed this Life after he had Governed thirteen Months.

Some few days after the Execution of the Duke of Norfolk, one Barnes and Mather were put to Death, for Conspireing with one Herle to take away the Life of certain Counsellours, and freeing the Duke; and at the same time, suffered one Rolph for Counterfeiting the Queens hand.

Shortly afterwhich, the Queen conferred new Honours upon several of the Nobility p. 130concluded a League with the French King, and sent several Persons to expostulate with the Queen of Scots, for that she had usurped the Title and Arms of the Kingdom of England, and had not renounced the same, according to the Agreement of the Treaty of Edenborough, that she had endeavoured the Marriage of the Duke of Norfolk, without acquainting the Queen; and had used all forcible means to free him out of Prison; had raised the Rebellion in the North; had releived the Rebells both in Scotland, and in the Low Countries; had implored Aids from the Pope, the King of Spain, and others; had conspired with certain of the English, to free her out of Prison, and declare her Queen of England: and finally, that she had procured the Pope's Bull against the Queen, and suffered her self to be publickly named the Queen of England, in Foreign Countries: all which Points, she either denyed, or endeavoured to extenuate. And though, as she said, she was a free Queen, and not subject to any Creature, yet she was willing, and desired, that she might make her personal Answer at the next Parliament.

p. 131In the mean time, Scotland was full of Civil Distractions and Dissentions, the English countenancing the King's Party, and the French the other. And the King of Spain having made Complaints to the Queen, by his Ambassador, that the Low Country Rebells were entertained and harboured in England; the Queen caused a severe Proclamation to be put forth, That all the Dutch, who could, in any wise, be suspected of Rebellion, should immediately depart the Kingdom; which proved rather disadvantageous than beneficial to the King of Spain; For, Count Vander Marea and other of the Netherlanders being hereupon compelled out of England, first seised upon the Brid, and then upon Flushing; the Surprize of which Places, being attended by the Revolt of other Towns, the Spaniards were, in a short time, in some kind, excluded from the Sea, and were never after able to recover themselves in those Countries.

During these Transactions, the French Ambassador here, made Intercession in the behalf of the Queen of Scots; and likewise, endeavoured to promote the Match between the Queen and the Duke p. 132of Anjou, but perceiving that all his Offices were to no purpose, he returned into France, where he found that Court very much taken up with making Preparations for the Marriage of the King of Navarr with the Lady Margaret, the French King's Sister. To this Solemnity were allured, by an inviting prospect of perpetual Peace and Amity, not only the Queen of Navarr, and the Chief of all the Protestants in that Kingdom; but likewise the Earl of Leicester, and the Lord Burleigh, the Elector Palatine's Sons, with several of the Principal of the Reformed Party of other Nations, were desired to be at the Celebration of that Marriage, designing at one Blow to have cut down the Protestant Religion; And though those Blood-thirsty Papists could not catch all they aimed at, yet as soon as the Marriage was Solemnized, there followed that Cruel Massacre of Paris, and that terrible Butchering of the Hugonots throughout all the Cities of France: but for the extenuating and vindicating of this horrible Fact, Proclamations and Edicts were immediately put p. 133forth, whereby the Protestants were accused of a Conspiracy against the King and the whole Royal Family: But the French King notwithstanding his mask of Piety did not escape Divine Vengeance; for before a year was expired, he fell sick of a Bloody Flux, which brought him to his end, after long and tedious Torments. And now came the Head of the Earl of Northumberland to the Block, who Rebelling, and then flying into Scotland, was by the Earl of Morton delivered for a Sum of Money to the Lord Hunsdon Governor of Berwick, and was shortly after Executed at York.

About this time was Sir William Cecyl Lord Burleigh, promoted to be Lord High Treasurer of England, upon the Decease of the Marquess of Winchester, who a little before ended his days, after he had lived Ninety seven years, and had seen the Issue of his Body, to the number of One hundred and three Persons. Not long before which was a motion made to the Queen in favour of a Match between her Majesty and the Duke of p. 134Alanzon, the French King's youngest Brother, which though rejected by her, by reason he was scarce seventeen years old, and the Queen now past eight and thirty; yet Alanzon did not cease prosecuting the Suit. In the mean time, the Queen fell sick of the Small Pox, but recovered again, before that it was known abroad that she was so, attending the Affairs of Government, taking Care to suppress several fresh Rebellions in Ireland, and sending a new Colony thither. She also repaid, with Thanks, the Money she had borrowed of her Subjects; and put forth two Proclamations, by one of which, she commanded the Noble-men to observe the Law, in keeping Retainers; by the other, she restrained Informers, who under the pretence of discovering Crown-Lands, concealed by private Persons, sacrilegiously seized upon the Lands of Parish Churches, and Alms-Houses, piously endowed by the Queens Ancestors. And she likewise gained a great deal of Love and Honor, by two Acts of Justice; the one, That she satisfyed the English Merchants out of the Goods that were detained, belonging to the Dutch, and p. 135restored the rest to the Duke of Alva, and made a full Transaction with the Merchants of Genoua, for the Money intercepted; the other, That she free'd England, at this time, of the Debts which her Father and her Brother had contracted in Foreign parts, and were encreased by yearly Interest; and caused the Obligations of the City of London, which had been so often renewed, to be given in, to the great Satisfaction of the Citizens.

The Spanish Conduct in the Low Countries, having not met with that Success that was expected; on the contrary, several of their Towns being lost, all the Provinces ready for a Revolt, and the Fleet they had sent to the Relief of the English Catholicks vanquished by the Zelanders; and the Duke of Alva finding how disadvantageous the cutting off Commerce with the English, had been to his Masters Subjects, he began to treat the English with more Kindness, and thereupon, the Commerce was again laid open, which had been, for some Years, prohibited between the English and Dutch, for two years, which term being expired, p. 137the English, removed their Trade to the Confederated States.

In the mean time, comes over a French Ambassadour to complain of the assistance that the Queen gave to the Hugonots of that Kingdom, to Request her Majesty to be Godmother to the French King's Daughter, and to use all manner of Offices toward the promoting a Match between the Queen and Duke of Alanzon. Whereupon her Majesty sent the Earl of Worcester into France, with a Present of a Font of Massy Gold, and to stand as her Deputy at the Solemnity of the Christening. And now the French use all their efforts for the advancing of this Match, desiring that the Duke of Alanzon might have leave to come over; which after much importunity, she consented to, upon condition, that he should not take it for any Disgrace, should he return without obtaining his Suit: And that he should first procure a Peace in France, and do something in favour of the Protestants of that Kingdom. Whereupon, p. 136a Peace was concluded, and the Hugonots allowed the Exercise of their Religion in certain Places. And the Duke of Anjou being elected King of Poland, and resolving to go by Sea thither, the French desired, that he might have free Passage through the British Ocean; which the Queen not only willingly granted, but made Offer of a Fleet for the convoying him thither.

There having been no Regent in Scotland, ever since the Earl of Marre's Death, James Douglas, Earl of Morton, was now made Regent, by the Procurement of Queen Elizabeth, and was continued and maintained by the Authority and Power of Queen Elizabeth, maugre all the Practices of the Papists, and the French against him. This Regent enacted many profitable Laws for the Defence of Religion against Papists and Hereticks, in the King's Name. But, the Protection and keeping of the King's Person, he confirmed to Alexander Ereskin, Earl of Marre (to whom the Custody of the Kings, in their tender years, belongeth by a particular p. 138Priviledge) though he were in his Minority: And now the Regent meeting with some Opposition through the Practices of the French, he implored Aid of Queen Elizabeth, which she granting him, he therewith overcame his and the Kingdom's Enemies, and brought that Realm into a very setled and quiet Posture.

About this time, the Bishop of Rosse was let out of Prison, but expelled England; and being abroad, he continued his Sollicitations to the Pope and all Catholick Princes, in favour of the Queen of Scots, his Mistress, from all whom he received fair Promises, but no Performances. And indeed he had lost the main support of his Hopes in the Duke of Alva, who about that time was recall'd from his Government of the Low Countreys, both for that he was grown too Great, and that the People there had a Mortal Aversion for his Person, by reason of his Cruelty. He was succeeded by Requesens, a man of a milder Spirit, minding his own, not concerning himself with either English or Scottish Affairs, but endeavoured to oblige Queen Elizabeth by all manner of good Offices.

p. 139Now again broke out several new Rebellions in Ireland, but were suppressed by the care and Industry of the Queen's Ministers and Officers there. But they had raised a desire in Walter Devereux, Earl of Essex, to go against them, which being opposed by Sir William Fitz-Williams, Deputy of Ireland, an Expedient was found out by the Queen, by appointing Essex to take a Patent of the Deputy; which having accordingly done, he went into Ireland with some Forces; but not meeting with the Success he had promised himself, he long sollicited, and at length obtained leave to return home.

In the mean time, the King of Navarre and the Duke of Alanzon, a Pretender to the Queen, being suspected by the Queen Mother of France, of some Designs against her Authority, were put under Confinement: whereupon Queen Elizabeth sent an Envoy to sollicit their Reconciliation and Liberty. But now Charles the French King dying, he was succeeded by his Brother Henry the Third; who having left the Throne of Poland, and being returned into his own Countrey, my Lord North was sent Ambassador p. 140to congratulate his Arrival, and Inauguration into his Kingdom: who, in return, sent a Person with the same Character hither, but whose chief Errand was to make strong Intercessions in the King's and Queen Mothers name, in Favour of the Match between her Majesty, and the Duke of Alanzon. But notwithstanding all the Kindness that passed between these two Courts, and that the League of Blois was now again confirmed and ratifyed by both Crowns, yet the French continued their Practices in Scotland, in favour of the Queen of Scots; endeavoured to have got that King over into France, contrived how to deprive Morton the Regent, of his Authority; and the French King having demanded, by Letters, whether the mutual Defence mentioned in the League, was intended to comprehend the Case of Religion also? Which the Queen answering in the Affirmative, he immediately began to prepare for War against the Protestants; and Alanzon being engaged in the adverse Party, there was no Talk of a Match for a long time.

p. 141During these Occurrences, Requesens the Spanish Governour of the Low Countries, finding how much his Predecessors neglect of Marine Affairs was prejudicial to his Master's Interests, he made his Request to Queen Elizabeth, that he might take up Ships and Marriners, for his Majesties Service: That the English Fugitives, in the Low Countries, might serve the King of Spain against the Hollanders, and have free Access to the Ports of England; and that the Dutch, who were Rebells against the King of Spain, might be banished England. But, for several Reasons, she thought not fit to grant any of these Particulars; yet to preserve inviolate the old Burgundian League, she put out a Proclamation, wherein she commanded, that the Ships of the Dutch, that were made ready, should not go forth of the Haven; nor yet, the Dutch who had taken up Arms against the King of Spain, enter into the Ports of England, and by Name, the Prince of Orange, and fifty other of the principal of that Faction. In Return of which Favour, the p. 142English Seminary at Doway was dissolved, and the Earl of Westmerland, and other English Fugitives were Banished the Dominions of the King of Spain.

In the mean time the Prince of Orange and the Confederated States finding their Forces too small to oppose the King of Spain, they consulted to whose Protection they might most securely betake themselves. The French they saw then engaged in a Civil War, the Princes of Germany were loath to part with their Money, could seldom agree amongst themselves, and were not altogether of a mind with them in Religion: whereupon knowing none more powerful nor capable of protecting them than England, they sent an Honorable Embassy of several Persons to the Queen, offering her the Soveraignty of Holland and Zealand; forasmuch as she was descended from the Earls of Holland, by Philippa, Wife of Edward the Third, Daughter of William of Bavaria, Count of Hannonia and Holland: by whose other Sister the Hereditary Right of those Provinces came to the King of Spain. Of this Offer the Queen took time to consider, and after mature deliberation, p. 143she made answer, after that she had thanked them for their good Intentions towards her; that she held nothing more glorious than Justice, that as she could not with the safety of her Honour and Conscience receive those Provinces into her Protection, much less assume them into her Possession; yet she would use her endeavours with the King of Spain, that a good Peace might be concluded.

Shortly after Requesens dying, the States of the several Provinces took upon them the ancient Administration of the Government, which the King of Spain was fain to Confirm unto them, till such time as John of Austria was arrived, whom he designed for a Successor to Requesens. In the mean time, the Queen by her Ministers endeavoured to compose Matters in those Countries; but the minds of the Factions were so exasperated against one another, that all her efforts in that kind proved Abortive. Yet he continued to intercede with the King of Spain in their behalf; and the Ambassador she sent for this purpose to that Court, finding that that King's Ministers would not admit in p. 144the Queens Title the Attribute of Defender of the Faith, he demanded it with that Courage and Prudence, that he thereby gained the favour of the King of Spain himself, who desired him that the Queen might know nothing of this Dispute, and gave severe Command that the Title should be admitted.

About this time there happened some disorders upon the Borders of Scotland, which having been favoured by the Ministers of the Regent, Queen Elizabeth would in no wise be satisfied until the Regent himself came into England to make his Submissions to the Earl of Huntingdon, the English Commissioner.

Much about the same time the Earl of Essex received a great affront, for amidst his great Exploits and Victory in Ireland, through the Practises of his Enemies at Court; He was of a sudden recalled home, and ordered to resign his Authority in Ulster. But Leicester being jealous of his Presence at Court, caused him to be sent back thither with the empty Title of Earl Marshal of Ireland; for grief whereof he fell into a Bloody Flux, and ended his days in grievous Torments, p. 145but not without suspicion of Poyson, by the Earl of Leicester's means, for that he had marryed his Widdow immediately after his Death.

In the mean time, the Confusions increased in the Low Countries, which the Queen endeavoured very much to remedy, and though the States had offered themselves to the French, yet she sent them twenty Thousand Pounds Sterling, upon Condition, they should neither call in the French into the Low Countries, nor change their Prince nor their Religion, nor refuse a Peace, in case it were offered by Don John of Austria, upon reasonable Conditions. And that Governour being now arrived, Queen Elizabeth sent a Person of Quality to congratulate his coming thither, and to offer him her assistance, if the States called in the French into the Low-Countries.

The Seas being now extreamly infested with Pyrates, the Queen caused several Men of War to put forth to scoure them; which they did to that purpose, as to take Two Hundred of them, and to put them p. 146in Prisons all along the Coast. She likewise caused the Zelanders to make Restitution and Satisfaction of the English Goods they had taken and confiscated. And now all the World courting the Prosperity of England, and the prudent Conduct of it's Queen, the Portugals requested, that the Commerce might be restored, that had been now for some time prohibited between the two Nations; and the Conditions which they offered, and were accepted, were as much or more to the English, as their Advantage About the same time, Martin Forbisher▪ undertook a Voyage for the discovery of the Northern passage to Cathaia but his, and that which was undertaken two years after for the same purpose▪ proved in vain. And now, a great Friend and Ally of Queen Elizabeth's, the Emperour Maximilian, being dead, she sent Sir Philip Sidney to his Son Rodolphus▪ to condole his Fathers Death, and congratulate his Succession, causing the same Offices to be done with the surviving Son of the then newly deceased Electo… Palatine.

p. 147In Ireland, fresh Rebellions breaking out about this time, the prudent Conduct of the Queen and her Ministers, was such, that all those Commotions were suddenly suppressed, and that Nation brought to a greater Subjection than it had ever been before; but her Ministers proceeding to lay new Taxes, she gave Order for the moderating them, …aying, that she would have her Subjects shorne, not devoured.

But, the Papists still continuing their Practices against her Majesty, had perswaded Don John of Austria to endeavour the Escape of the Queen of Scots; which, when he should have procured, he was to have marryed her, and thereupon, have demanded as well England as Scotland, in Right of his Wife. But this Plot and all the Contrivances to bring it about, being discovered by the Prince of Orange, to Queen Elizabeth; she thereupon entred into a Defensive League with the States of the Low Countries. After which, some Forces were sent over thither, with whom, flocked several Volunteers of Quality. Casimir the Elector Palatine's Son came likewise thither, with p. 148an Army of German Horse and Foot, at the Queen's Charges. These Forces were unexpectedly attacqued by Don John, at the Head of a great and experienc'd Army, assisted by the Prince of Parma, and other the best Commanders of the Spanish Monarchy; and though they had expected a certain Victory, yet after an obstinate Fight, they were compelled to retreat: but rallying again, they thought to have surprized the English and Scottish Volunteers, but were again repulsed by them, and the English and Scots were so fiery in this Engagement, that, casting away their Garments by reason of the hot Weather, they fought in their Shirts, which they made fast about them.

Before this Action, Don John had sent to Queen Elizabeth, to complain of disobedience in the States. The Spaniard himself having done the same, and likewise the French-man, of his Hugonot Subjects. Thus sate this Queen as an Heroical Princess and Umpire between the Spaniards, the French, and the States; insomuch, that it was true what one hath Written, that France and p. 149Spain were the Scales in the ballance of Europe, and England the Beam to turn them either way: For whom she assisted, did ever play the Master.

Now though Embassadours come from the Queen of England, the Emperour, and the French King into the Low Countries, with Proposals of Peace, yet their Negotiation proved to no purpose, for that Don John refused to admit the Protestant Religion, and the Prince of Orange refused to return into Holland. But shortly after, Don John Dyed in the flower of his Age, some say of the Pestilence, others of grief, both for his being out of favour with the Spanish King, and for that, his Ambition had been disappointed; first, of the Kingdom of Tunis, and afterwards of that of England.

In Scotland began again new Commotions, for the People having conceived a great Aversion against the Lord Morton, the Regent, the Nobility unanimously resolved to transfer the Administration of the Government upon the King, though then but Twelve p. 150years old, appointing him a Council of twelve of the Principal Lords, three of whom were to attend him a Month by course. Hereupon the King sent an Ambassador to Queen Elisabeth, who was dismissed with satisfaction in most of the Points he came about: but the Lord Morton, not being able to brook the Disgrace of being put from the Regency, taketh the Administration of all Affairs to himself; which so provoked the Nobility of that Kingdom, that they raised a great Army, and were ready to fight him and his Forces, when, through the Intercession of Sir Robert Bowes, the English Ambassador, things were accommodated for the present.

And now the King of Spain and the Pope conspire the utter Ruine, as they imagined, of Queen Elizabeth, having taken all the necessary Measures for an Invasion of England and Ireland; But Don Sebastian, King of Portugal, being to Head this Enterprize, was killed in the memorable Battel, wherein three Kings were slain in Africa; whereupon the King of Spain's Thoughts and Forces were wholly taken up how to secure the Kingdom of Portugal to himself.

p. 151In the mean time, the Duke of Alanzon renews his Suit to the Queen, sending over several French Lords to sollicit in his behalf: and amongst the rest, one Simier, who had the Reputation of a great Courtier, and one who understood the Art of Love, better than any one Person of his time; and indeed, he seemed to have made such Advances in his Negotiation, as made several of the other Pretenders jealous, and caused the Earl of Leicester to report, that this French-man crept into the Queens Affections by Love Potions and unlawful Arts, for which, and other Speeches, and his being married to the Earl of Essex his Widow, he was confined to the Castle of Greenwich, and had it not been for the Earl of Sussex, though his greatest Adversary, he had been committed to the Tower: But this course so provoked the Earl of Leicester, and there were such suspicions of a Design of murdering Simier, that the Queen put out a Proclamation, commanding, that no Person should offer Injury to the Ambassador, or any of his Servants. Yet it happening at that time, that the Queen going in her Barge with Simier, and some English Noblemen p. 152to Greenwich, a young Fellow, shooting off a Musket, shot one of the Rowers in the Barge, through the Arm with a Bullet, for which he was immediately carried to the Gallows; yet upon Solemn Protestation that he did it unwillingly, and with no ill intent, he was let go, and pardoned. And notwithstanding all that was suggested to the Queen, yet she was so far from suspecting her Subjects, that she frequently said, She would not believe any thing against them, which a Mother would not believe against her Children. Within a few days after which Accident, the Duke of Alanzon himself came incognito into England, and unexpected by the Queen; with whom, having had some private Conferences, he returned back to France; and within a Month or two after his Departure, the Queen appointed Commissioners to treat with Simier, concerning the Articles of the Marriage.

The King of Spain having constituted the Prince of Parma Governour of the Low Countries, Qu. Elizabeth supplyeth the States with a great Sum of Money; for which, William Davison brought into England the ancient pretious Habiliments of the Family of Burgundy, and their costly Vessels laid to Pawn, by Matthew of Austria, and the States. And about this time, Sir William Drury succeeded in the Deputiship of Ireland, to Sir Henry Sidney, who had been eleven years Deputy of Ireland, at several times.

p. 153And Casimir, Son to the Elector Palatine of the Rhine, came into England; and after he had been magnificentl… entertained, he was made Knight of the Garter, and dismissed with a yearly Pension. And the Queen, having procured of the Grand Seignieur a full Liberty for her. Subjects to-trade in all the Territories of Turkey, a Company of Turkey Merchants was first set up about that time; who carried on a great and most advantagious▪ Trade in the several Parts of his vast Dominions.

Hereupon, followed the Death of Sir Nicholas Bacon, Lord Keeper of the Great Seal; in whose place, succeeded Sir Thomas Bromley, with the Title of Lord Chancellor of England. And now broke out new Rebellions in Ireland, the Natives thereof being thereunto stirred up by the Pope and his Adherents: During which, Sir William Drury dying, Arthur Lord Gray was made Deputy in his stead. And now the Pope having bestowed the Kingdom of Ireland upon the King of Spain, for that Qu. Elizabeth, forsooth, had forfeited her Right by being an Heretick; great Forces were sent into that Kingdom; p. 154both of Spaniards and Italians, for to assist the Rebells in driving and expelling the English from thence; and though the Rebells and their Auxiliaries, had the advantage in some Rencounters, yet they were at length, totally routed by the English, and the Irish hanged, and the Spaniards and Italians put to the Sword. And no less successful were the English in the Low Countries, where John Norris and Oliver Temple, English Commanders, being joyned with some Companies of Dutch, attacked early one Morning, the wealthy, strong, and large City of Mecklyn, in Brabant; and after some Opposition, took it. Not long before these Occurrences, dyed Sir Thomas Gresham, who, besides the Royal Exchange, and other publick Structures, dedicated to the Profession - of Learning, a fair House of his in the City, since called Gresham Colledge; constituting therein, Lectures of Divinity, Civil Law, Physick, Astronomy, Geometry, and Rhetorick, with reasonable Stipends.

And now the English Seminaries abroad, who were incited to maintain and inculcate, That the Pope hath such Fullness p. 155of Power, by Divine Right, over the whole World, both in Ecclesiastical and Divine Matters, that by virtue thereof it is lawful for him to excommunicate Kings, absolve their Subjects from their Oath of Allegiance, and deprive them of their Kingdoms: And now I say, those Seminaries began to spawn out Instruments into all Parts, for the teaching and inculcating this Doctrine; and, amongst others, came the Jesuits, Parsons and Compian, into England, who spoke to the Papists so venemously of the Queen, and of deposing her, that the Papists themselves did design to have discovered them. Whereupon, for that these and several more of that wicked Tribe, lay lurking, and in Masquerade, stirring up People to Rebellion, and using all manner of abominable Machinations against the Queen and her Authority; her Majesty thought fit, to put out a Proclamation, wherein she declareth, That she had attempted nothing against any Prince, but for Preservation of her own Kingdom; nor had invaded the Provinces of any other, though she had sundry times thereunto been provoked, p. 156by injuries, and invited by opportunities. If any Princes do assail her, she doubteth not but to be able (by the favour of God) to defend her People, and to that purpose she had mustered her Forces both by Sea and Land, and had now made them ready against Hostile Invasions. Her faithful Subjects she exhorteth to continue unmoveable in their Allegiance and Duty towards God and their Prince, the Minister of God. The rest which had shaken off their Love to their Countrey, and their Obedience to their Prince, she commandeth to carry themselves modestly, and not to provoke the severity of Justice: For she would no longer offend in such sort, that by sparing the bad, she should be cruel against her self and her good Subjects.

About this time it was that Captain Drake returned home from his extraordinary Voyage round the World. He was a Person Born of mean Parentage in Devonshire, his Father being Persecuted in King Henry the Eighth's time, for Protestantism, changed his Abode, and lived privately in Kent, but after that p. 157Kings Death, he procured to read Prayers among the Mariners of the Queens Navy; and bound his Son Francis Prentice to the Master of a Ship, who traded to France, and Zeland. Now this Master took such a liking to Francis for his Activity and readiness in all things he took in hand, that at his Death he left him his Pinck as a Legacy: This Vessel Drake sold, and thereupon in the Year 1567, attended Sir John Hawkins in his Voyage to America, but with the loss of all he had in the World in that Voyage. Some time after, having gained a considerable Sum of Money, by Trading and Privateering, he again undertook a Voyage to America, wherein the first Prize he made, was great store of Gold and Silver, carried over the Mountains upon Mules, whereof he carried the Gold to his Ships, but left and buried his Silver. After this Exploit he proceeded, took, plundred, and fired a great place of Commerce, called the Cross, upon the River Cherarge, and whilst he was wandring and roving about the adjacent places, he discovered from the Mountains, the South Sea. p. 158Hereupon inflamed with Affectation of Glory and Wealth, falling upon his knees, he craved the assistance of God, and bound himself by a Vow to undertake the Navigating and Surveying of those Seas: And now, having obtained great Riches, he for the present returned home: Afterwards, about the middle of November, in the Year 1577, He set Sail with five Ships, and about 163 Seamen, from Plimouth, for the Southern Sea, and in the space of five and twenty days came to the Cape of Cantyne in Barbary, and then sailed along the Isle of Fogo, that casteth forth Sulphury Flames; and at his being under the Line, he caused every Person in his Ships to be let Blood, and Arriving on the Twenty sixth of April, at the mouth of the River of Plata, he saw an infinite number of Sea Calves; from thence sayling to the Haven of Saint Julians, he found a Gybbet, set up, as was thought by Magellan, when he punished certain Mutineers. In this very place John Doughty, a stout and industrious Man, the next to Drake in Authority, was called in question for raising Sedition in the Navy, and was condemned p. 159to Death, which he suffered very undauntedly, after having received the Communion with Drake. On the twentieth of August, he set Sail with three Ships, for the two lesser he had before left to the Waves, shipping the Men and Amunition into the rest, to the Streight of Magellan; the sixth of September entring into the wide Southern Ocean, called the Pacifique Sea, he found it extream Tempestuous, insomuch, that his Ships were dispersed by Storm; in the one of which John Winter was Master, who returned back into England. Drake himself, with only one Ship, Coasted along the Shoar, until he came to Mouch Island. And setting Sail from thence, he found a Barbarian fishing in a small Boat, who taking our Men to be Spaniards, gave them notice, that there rode at Anchor, a great Spanish Ship, at Villa Parizo, and directed them thither: And the Spaniards supposing him to be their own Countryman, invited him on Board, where he presently shut the Spaniards, not being above eight Persons, under Hatches, and took the Ship, wherein was four hundred pound weight of Gold. Then went he p. 160on Land at Taurapasa, where he found a Spaniard sleeping on the Sea Shoar, and lying by him thirteen Bars and Wedges of Silver, to the value of four hundred thousand Duckets; which he commanded to be carried away, not so much as once waking the Man. Afterwards entring the Haven of Africa, he found there three Ships without any Seamen in them; wherein, besides other Commodities, were seven and fifty Silver Bricks, each of which weighed twenty pound; from whence he sailed to Lima, where he found twelve Ships in one Road, and in them great store of Silks, and a Chest full of Money ready Coyned, but not so much as a Boy aboard; so secure they think themselves on that Coast: And then making all the Sail he could, he followed the rich Ship called the Cacofogo, and by the way met with a small Ship without Canon or other Arms, out of which he took fourscore pound weight of Gold, a Golden Crucifix, and some Emeraulds of a fingers length. On the first of March, he overtook the Cacofogo, and having shot down the Foremast with the shot of a great Piece of Ordnance, he set upon her and soon p. 161took her; and in her, besides Jewels, fourscore pound weight of Gold, thirteen Chests of Silver ready Coyned, and as much Silver, as would ballance a Ship. And now thinking himself sufficiently rich, he resolved to make Sail for England; and soon the third of November 1580, he arrived at Plymouth, having sayled round about the World in the space of three Years, to his Eternal Renown, and the great admiration of all Men.

He was graciously received by the Queen, who yet sequestred his Goods, that they might be forth coming if the King of Spain demanded them: And her Majesty having given order for his Ship to be drawn on shoar near Deptford, whereto, and where it does remain for a Monument; and in it being consecrated for a Memorial with great solemnity; and having been there treated with great Magnificence, her Majesty conferred the Honour of Knighthood upon Captain Drake. But the Spanish Embassadour in England began to bluster, and re-demanded the Goods that had been taken by Drake, and made p. 162Complaints of the English sayling in the American Seas: To whom the Queen replied, That she had caused the Goods to be sequestred, and that they were forth-coming, for the King of Spain's satisfaction; notwithstanding that the Queen had been at greater Expences in suppressing the Rebellions that had been raised by the Spaniard's Instigations in England and Ireland, than all the Money that Drake had brought with him: And as for sayling on the American Sea, that it was as lawful for her Majesties, and and other Princes Subjects, as the King of Spain's; and that she could not acknowledge any Right in the Pope to appropriate those or any other Countreys to any Person. However, the King of Spain's Agent in this Business, had a great Sum of Money repayed him, which, instead of being restored to the Owners, was employed against the Queen, and the Protestants in the Low Countries; where the English did extraordinary Exploits in behalf of the confederated States, General Norris raising the Siege of Fenwick, that was besieged by the Forces of the King of Spain, and shortly after fought another p. 163Spanish Army, but, being over-powered with Numbers, made a gallant Retreat. In the mean time, new Troubles were raised in Scotland, some envying the Duke of Lenox his great Favour with the King, accused him of endeavouring to pervert the King to Popery, and allure him into France, which suspicions he endeavoured to dissipate; and thinking those Rumours were promoted by Morton, and that he was not secure as long as Morton lived, he caused him to be beheaded, as accessory to the Death of the King's Father.

During these Transactions, the Match with the Duke of Alanzon was prosecuted afresh, several of the Principal Lords of France coming over for that end, and shortly after that Duke himself came over hither. In the mean time, the Articles of Marriage were agreed upon by the Commissioners on both sides, but with some Reservations, that were disclaimed by the French King, who refused to enter into an Offensive and Defensive League, until such time as the Marriage was consummated. Yet the French Duke's Presence here seemed to have so promoted his Business, that the Queen, p. 164having one day given him publickly a Ring, this was looked upon as a Contract, by all the standers by; and thereupon publick Rejoycing was made in several Places abroad, as for a thing concluded, but not so at home, when the innate Aversion the English have for the French, broke out into publick Murmurs, and Libells against this Match, which occasioned the Queen to put forth Proclamations to stifle them, and the Authors and Dispersers of those Seditious Pamphlets to be punished according to Law. About the same time, a Jesuit and several Popish Priests were convicted of having plotted the Ruine of the Queen and Kingdom; of adhering to the Pope, the Queens Enemy; and of coming into England to raise Forces against the State; for which they were condemned, and accordingly executed: Shortly after whom, several Papists suffered Death likewise for the same Crimes.

In the mean time, the Duke of Alanzon, suspecting that he had onelyonly been lured with empty hopes of a Crown here in England, having the Government of the Low Countries conferred upon him p. 165by the States, he prepared for his Journey thither, and was accompanied by the Queen as far as Canterbury; where they parting, her Majesty ordered some of the Principal Courtiers to attend him to Antwerp; where, finding his Commission so limited, that he had only the Name of Authority, he made a rash Attempt upon Antwerp, for which he was forced to leave the Low Countreys, with the Aversion and Scorn of those People.

But during these Occurences, the King of Spain subdued all Portugal in Seventy dayes time: which being a great Addition to the vast Dominions he before had, put all Europe in mind of uniting for their common Security. In the mean time, the English continued their Bravery in the Low Countries, and with great Success and Advantage to the States. And the Queen, to procure the Amity of the King of Denmark, and an Abatement of the Customes in the Sound, sent him the Order of the Carter, which he accordingly received with all acknowledgment. And now broke out again new Commotions in Scotland, the King being surprized and detained by the p. 166Earls of Goury, Lindsey, Marr, and others, who caused Arran to be imprisoned, Lenox to be banished out of Scotland, and the Earl of Arguse to be called home from Exile. But shortly after, the King being then about eighteen years old, made his Escape out of their Hands; whereupon, Sir Francis Walsingham was sent to him by Queen Elizabeth, for the giving him good Counsel, and the endeavouring to compose the Distractions of that Kingdom: During which, the famous Irish Rebell Gyrald Fitz Gyrald, the eleventh Earl of Desmond of this Family, having a long time kept himself outof the hands of the English, by lurking in private places, was about this time found out, and slain by a Common Souldier, in a poor Cottage. This great Lord was descended from Maurice, the Son of Gyrald of Windsor, an English man, famous among those who first invaded Ireland in the Year 1170. He possessed whole Counties together, with the County Palatine of Kerry, and had of his own Name and Race, at least five hundred Gentlemen at his Command; all whom, and his own Life also, he lost within the p. 167space of three years, very few of his Family being left alive. This Misfortune was brought upon him by his Disloyalty to his Prince, through the Instigation of Popish Priests.

But Ireland and Scotland, (where lately the Earl of Gowry was beheaded, as convicted of several Treasons) were not the only Scenes of Plots and Conspiracies, but England it self was again filled with Popish Practices against the Queen's Life, and in favour of the Queen of Scots. But being discovered, some of the Nobility and Ring-leaders of the Faction, were taken into Custody, others confined to their Houses, and others made their Escape into France.

In the mean time, some Disputes happening between the Czar of Muscovy and the King of Sweden, this King not finding himself able to oppose that Emperour, sendeth a Royal Ambassy to request the Queen's Intercession in his Behalf, which accordingly her Majesty immediately performed; and, by her Ambassador accommodated matters between those two Princes, upon very reasonable Terms. At the same time, the Queens Ambassador p. 168obtained of the Czar, the Confirmation of the Priviledges of the English Merchants in Russia, maugre she had denyed him Satisfaction in several points, and one of her Subjects to be his Wife and Empress, which he had extreamly sollicited.

Mendora, the Spanish Ambassador at this time in England, was put out of the Kingdom, for joyning with the English Rebells, and stirring up the People to Rebellion; and an Ambassador sent into Spain, to justifie this Conduct, who not being admitted to Audiency of the King, but referred to the Counsellors, he disdained to open himself to them, and returned home without declaring the Cause of his Embassy. The Papists printed and dispersed Books to exhort the Queens Women to commit the like against the Queen, as Judith had done with Commendations against Holofernes: The Book-seller for whom these seditious Libels were printed, was executed; but the Author could not be found out. And now farther Discoveries were made of the Practices of the Papists against the Queen and State, of a Design of invading p. 169England by the Catholick Princes, and of the measures that had been taken by the Papists, for that purpose; which Discoveries being confirmed by the Confessions of some of the Papists themselves, all possible Precautions were taken for the preventing the Execution of any such pernicous Designs; and amongst other Expedients, for the better providing for the Safety of the Queen's Person, a number of her Subjects, headed by the Earl of Leicester, men of all Ranks and Conditions, bound themselves mutually to each other, by their Oaths and Subscriptions, to persecute all those to Death, that should attempt any thing against the Queen; which League of theirs, was called the Association.

The several Treaties that had been held with the Queen of Scots, having proved abortive, she fearing that this Association was designed for her Destruction, made this Proposition by Nave her Secretary, to the Queen and Council; That if she might be set at Liberty, and be assured of the Queen's Affection, she would enter into a strict League and Amity with her; and passing by all p. 170matters of Offence, most officiously love and observe her, above all other Princes of Christendom; and enter also into the Association aforesaid, for the Queens Security, and into a League Defensive (saving that Ancient League between France and Scotland.) This seemed to give great Delight and Satisfaction to Queen Elizabeth; and she was thought at that time to be really inclined to grant her her Liberty. But her Majesty being continually allarm'd with apprehensions from the adverse Party, both of Scots and English, who exclamed, that the Queens Life was in no wise secure while the Queen of Scots was living, o… at least, at liberty; insomuch that this Treaty was likewise broken off; and upon the Queen of Scots Adversaries suggestions, she was taken from the Earl of Shrewsbury, and committed to the Custody of Sir Amias Paulet, and Sir Drue Drury, which rendred her so desperate, that she grew the more importunate with the Pope and the King of Spain to put their Designs in execution.

And now there ran a Report, that the Catholicks had entred into a Combination, p. 171for the depriving Queen Elizabeth of her Crown, for the disinheriting the King of Scots of the Kingdom of England, as being both of them detected of Heresie; the Queen of Scots to be married to some Catholick English Noble-man; that this Noble-man should be elected King of England, by the English Catholicks, the Election confirmed by the Bishop of Rome; that his Children by the Queen of Scots, should be proclaimed Lawful Successors to the Crown; and all this was affirmed by one Hart a Priest. About this time, dyed in France the Duke of Alanzon, for grief; and in Holland, the Prince of Orange was treacherously shot with three Bullets, by one Bethazar Gerard, a Burgundian.

And now the French King being elected by Queen Elizabeth into the Order of the Garter, Her Majesty sent the Earl of Derby to invest him therewith, with all the usual Solemnity.

There being a Parliament assembled at Westminster, one Parry, a Member of the Lower House, was first imprisoned for opposing and exclaming against a Bill that was preferred against the Jesuits, p. 172but being set at Liberty upon his Submission, he was immediately after accused by one Edward Nevil, of the Earl of Westmerland's Family, of having held secret Consultations about taking away the Queens Life; which upon his Examination being confessed by him, with all the Particulars thereof; and being brought to his Tryal, and still confessing the same, he was accordingly condemned and executed. Whereupon, the Parliament then sitting, made several seasonable Laws for the Security of the Queens Person. Thereupon, the Earl of Arundel was committed to the Tower. In the same Place, and at the same time, the Earl of Northumberland, a man of a lofty Spirit and Courage, who had been committed thither upon Suspition of a secret Consultation with Throckmorton, the Lord Paget, and the Guises, for invading of England, and setting the Queen of Scots at Liberty, was found dead in his Bed, being shot with three Bullets, under his left Pap, his Chamber-door being barred on the inside. The Coroners Inquest having examined the matter, and all other lawful Scrutinies being made, it was found and declared; how that for Fear of the p. 173Law, he had laid violent hands upon himself.

The Practices of the Papists against the Queen and the reformed Religion, being thus dayly more and more discovered, the Queen resolved to endeavour the contracting an Offensive and Defensive League with the King of Denmark, the Protestant Princes and States of Germany, and the Low Countries, and with the King of Scotland: to which purpose she sent Ministers to their respective Courts, but it was delayed in Scotland by some new Commotions, which occasioned a change of Ministers and Officers of that Crown; till at length all being quieted and accommodated, it was unanimously voted by all, that a Treaty of a League with the Queen of England, should be agreed upon, and Delegates nominated to that purpose. During these Transactions, new Rebellions broke forth in Ireland, the Mutineers calling into their aid the Hebridian Scots, who together with the Irish were utterly defeated by the English, above three thousand of them, (being all except fourscore) killed upon the Place. Which Victory was famous and advantageous p. 174both for the present and future times, for hereby the name of the Mac-Williams in Connaught, was utterly extinct, and the insolent Attempts of the Scottish Islanders absolutely crushed.

About this time the States of the Low Countries being brought very low, and unable to secure themselves any longer against the ruine that was threatned them by the vast power of the Spaniards, they implored Queen Elizabeth's Protection, and offered her the sovereignty of their Provinces, which for the present, after much debate in her Council, she refused; but was willing to supply them with four Thousand Souldiers, in case the Town of Sluce with the Ordnance belonging to it, were delivered to her for caution. But afterwards, upon their farther representations of the sad condition they were reduced to, and commiserating the doleful estate of so great a Branch of the reformed Religion, she at last resolves to take them into her Protection, promising to supply them with five Thousand Foot, and a Thousand Horse, under a sufficient General, and paying them during the War, upon condition, that they should by way of p. 175Pledge, deliver to her Flushing, the Fort of Ramekin, and the Brill: And her Majesty immediately caused to be put forth a large Declaration in justification of …his her Conduct. And thereupon, that the War might not be brought to her own Doors by the King of Spain, she sent Sir Francis Drake Admiral of her Fleet, and Christopher Carlile, General of her Land Forces into America, with a Fleet of Twenty one ships, wherein were two Thousand three Hundred Volunteers and Saylors, for to make a Division thereby, who after they had taken and plundered several places in those parts of the World, and lost seven hundred of their men, most of whom dyed of the Calenture, they returned home, with a Booty valued at six Thousand Pounds sterling, and two hundred and forty of the Enemies great Brass and Iron Guns; and with Tobacco, being the first time it was brought into England.

During these Transactions in America, John Davies, with two ships, set forth at the Charges of the Citizens of London, first discovered and found a passage by the Northern parts of America to the East Indies.

p. 176About this time, the Earl of Leicester was sent by the Queen, as General of her Forces into Holland, being accompanied by the Earl of Essex, and several Persons of Quality, with a choice Band of five hundred Gentlemen. The Earl of Leicester's Reception was attended with all the Pomp and Magnificence imaginable: And at his Arrival at the Hague, the chief Government and absolute Authority over the confederated Provinces, was committed to him by Instrument in Writing, by the States General, with the Title of Governour and Captain General of Holland, Zeland, the United and the confederated Provinces. Which he accepted of, and also the Title of excellency. All which severely displeased the Queen, and she made both him and the States sensible of her anger by her Letters to them, desiring the latter to devest Leicester of that absolute Authority they had devolved upon him. The States let the Queen know how much they were grieved for having incurred her displeasure by having devolved that Authority upon the Earl, without her Previty, and p. 177desire her to be pacifyed, considering the necessity they were in so do.

Upon these Letters and those of Leicester's, that were Written with all the Submission, Respect, and Repentance imaginable, the Queen was reconciled and satisfyed. But Leicester's▪ Arbitrary way of Government, imposing new Customes upon Merchandizes, and introducing Martial Laws, quickly raised an Aversion to him in the People.

His first Warlike Exploit was the undertaking to Relieve Grave, a Town in Brabant, then besieged by the Prince of Parma: but notwithstanding all the great Efforts of the English, the Town was at length taken, through the Cowardice of the Governour, who was thereupon executed.

After which, the Prince of Parma laid Siege unto Venlo in Guelderland, where one Roger Williams a Welchman, performed great Service, yet the Spaniards took that Town also, while the Earl of Leicester was beating the Spaniard out of the Betou, a River Island lying▪ p. 178between the Rhine and the Waul, and near the Tolhuis, built a strong Sconce. After which, the Lord Willoughby, Governour of Bergen-op-zoom, cut off the Enemies▪ Convoys, and took away their Provisions. And Sir Philip Sidney, with Maurice the Prince of Orange's Son, took in Axill a Town in Flanders; and Doesburgh was likewise besieged, and taken by the Earl of Leicester. But in a Rencounter before Zutphen, was the renowned Sir Philip Sidney slain, being the greatest Ornament of the Age he lived in: he was honoured with an Epitaph by the King of Scotland, and both Universities celebrated his Memory with Elegies, and his Funerals were solemniz'd with great Ceremony, in St. Paul's Church in London. The Earl of Leicester laid siege to Zutphen, but the Winter Season being far advanced, he was forced to quit the farther Prosecution of it, leaving it only blocked up, and returned to the Hague, where the States entertained him with Complaints of his Conduct, and the ill Circumstances he had thereby brought them into; whereupon, he took away the Jurisdiction of the States Council, and Presidents p. 179of the Provinces, and then returned into England.

About this time was concluded the League of strict Amity between the Queen of England and the King of Scotland; being chiefly designed for the maintenance of the Reformed Religion. Shortly after the Conclusion of which League, was discovered a new dangerous Conspiracy against the Queen; one John Savage, having been perswaded by some Popish Priests, that it was a meritorious Work, to take away the Lives of excommunicated Princes. Hereupon was a Combination made of English Catholicks, and Correspondence held with the Queen of Scots, the Pope, the Guises, the Spaniard, and the other Enemies of the Queen and the Protestant Religion; but was first discovered by one of the Plotters themselves, and confessed by the rest, both before and at their Executions: whereupon, long Debates and Consultations were held, what was to be done with the Queen of Scots: and at length those Voices prevailed, that were for the bringing her to her Tryal: insomuch, that the Queen was perswaded to sign a Patent for the constituting p. 180the Arch-bishop of Canterbury, the principal Officers of the Crown, the chief Nobility of the Kingdom, and the Privy Counsel her Commissioners, to hear and try that Queens Cause. But the Queen of Scots for some time, refused to plead, as being an absolute Princess, and therefore exempted from any Jurisdiction: But, at length consenting, she was charged with having been privy to all the fore-mentioned Conspiracies; consenting to the Invasion of England, and the Queens Destruction by the confession of her Secretaries, and the rest of the Traytors, and which were confirmed by Letters of her own hand writing: And having little to say in her own Defence, the Commissioners pronounced Sentence against her in the Star Chamber. And, in a few days after, the Parliament being convened at Westminster, the Lords petitioned the Queen, that the Sentence against the Queen of Scots might be published: But the Queen made Answer, That she could wish that that Sentence might deterr the Queen of Scots from such like Contrivances for the future, and that some Expedient might be found out, for the saving p. 181her Life, and yet secure England and it's Queen from further Attempts and Dangers of that kind. But, both Houses replyed, That neither her Majesty, nor themselves, were safe, as long as the Queen of Scots was living; and pressed her so hard, that the Sentence might be put in Execution, that Commissioners were appointed to admonish her to prepare for Death; which News, she received without any change of Countenance, or shew of Passion. And having that Night made her Will, she, with great Courage and Devotion, prepared her self to dye the next day, and was then accordingly beheaded, in the six and fortieth of her Age, and seventeenth year of her Imprisonment in England.

But what most perswaded Queen Elizabeth to suffer the Sentence to be put in Execution, was the French and Scottish Ambassadors finding their Sollicitations in the behalf of the Queen of Scots, to be to no purpose, the French Ambassador had hired and excited some persons to kill Queen Elizabeth; but being discovered both by the Confession of the Parties, and the French Ambassadour p. 182himself, and several Rumours spread abroad, that the Spanish Fleet was already arrived at Milford Haven; that the Scots were broken into England; that the Duke of Guise was landed in Sussex, with a strong Army; that the Queen of Scots was escaped out of Prison, and levyed an armed Power; that the Northern men had raised a Rebellion; that there was a new Conspiracy to kill the Queen, and set the City of London on Fire; nay, and that the Queen was dead. Insomuch, that some Change being apprehended, the Queen was, after much Importunity, prevailed with, to sign the Sentence of Death. And the Scots report, that one of the principal Perswaders was Patrick Grey, who was sent from the King of Scots, to perswade the Queen from putting his Mother to Death.

Queen Elizabeth was so grieved when she received the News of her Death, that she commanded her Counsellors from her Presence, caused Davison to be cited in the Star-Chamber, and fined ten thousand pounds. She likewise sent one to pacifie the King of Scots, assuring that it was done against her Meaning and Privity, p. 183giving him reasons why he should not break out into the revenge he threatned, and signed an instrument, attested with the Great Seal, and with the hands of all the Judges of England, that the Sentence against the Queen of Scots, could in no wise prejudice his Right to the Succession.

In the mean time, the Queen had supplyed the King of Navarr and the Protestants of France, with a great sum of Money. And for a Diversion to the Spaniard, she sent Sir Francis Drake to the Court of Spain, with four Men of War, where he chased six Galleys in the Port of Cales, took, sunk, and burnt, above a hundred ships, set upon their Forts, and compelled them to yield, took a vast rich Carrack, called the St. Philip. Thomas Cavendish, with three ships, ravaged the West Indies at the same time, took and pillaged nineteen great ships, burnt and plundred a great number of the Spanish Towns, and then returned home; after having been the third, after Magellan, that had sayled round the World.

During these successes of the English, the Officers of the Earl of Leicester had employed, p. 184having proved Treacherous in several instances, the States accused the Earl to the Queen, who thereupon called him home, and he resigned the Government to the States, Maurice of Nassaw, Son to the Prince of Orange, succeeding in his room at the Age of Twenty Years, and the Lord Willoughby was made General of the English Forces in the Low Countries, with orders from the Queen to reduce the English Factions into obedience of the States, which he accordingly performed, with the help of Prince Maurice: and was in the Year 1588, which by the German Chronologers was presaged to be the Climacterical Year of the World, and indeed the Rumours of War, and the extraordinary preparations that the Spaniards were making for an Invasion of England by their Invincible Armado, seemed to justify their Predictions. At this time there was a Treaty of Peace held near Ostend, between the English and Spanish Commissioners, but designed by the Spaniards only to lull the English asleep, till their Navy was arrived upon the Coast of England. This Invincible p. 185Armado consisted of one hundred and thirty ships, whereof Galleasses and Galleons seventy two, in which were nineteen Thousand two hundred and ninety Souldiers; eight Thousand and fifty Mariners; two Thousand and eighty Gally Slaves; and two Thousand six hundred and thirty Pieces of great Canon. Twelve of their main ships being christned with the Names of the Twelve Apostles; Alphorozo Per…z de Gusman, being made principal Commander thereof. Besides extraordinary Preparations were making in Flanders, and the Prince of Parma had orders to joyn them with fifty Thousand Men.

In the mean time, Queen Elizabeth was preparing with all diligence, as good a Fleet as she could, making the Lord Howard of Effingham Admiral thereof, and Sir Francis Drake Vice Admiral. The Lord Henry Seymour, second Son to the Duke of Somerset, was appointed to lie upon the Coasts of the Low Countries, with forty English and Dutch ships, for the hind'ring the Prince of Parma's coming forth with his Forces. At home along the Coasts were disposed twenty Tousand p. 186Men, and besides two Armies of the choicest and expertest Men were raised, the one under the Command of the Earl of Leicester, consisting of a Thousand Horse, and two and twenty Thousand Foot, which encamped at Tilbury; the Enemy being resolved to make their first Attack upon London; the other under the Conduct of the Lord Hunsdon, consisting of thirty four Thousand Foot, and two Thousand Horse, for the Guard of the Queens Person. A Council of War was likewise established of prudent and experienced Officers. All Sea Ports were likewise fortified and provided with all things necessary, trusty and prudent Persons put into all Offices of Trust, the most suspected Papists committed to custody, the King of Scots perswaded to declare in favour of the Queen, which he accordingly did with great Alacrity. And now at length, after several false Rumours and Alarums, the two Fleets meet and engage, and after several days Fight, the Spaniards were utterly defeated: Insomuch, that of one hundred thirty four ships that set Sayl out of Lisbon, only fifty three returned into Spain: Of the four Galleasses of Naples, but p. 187one: of ninety one Gallions, and great Hulks from divers Provinces, only thirty three returned, fifty eight being lost. In short, the Spaniards lost in this Expedition, fourscore and one ships, thirteen thousand five hundred and odd Souldiers. Prisoners taken in Ireland, Zeland, and the Low Countries, were above two Thousand; insomuch, that there was no Famous or Noble Family in all Spain, but what lost a Son, Brother, or Kinsman in this Expedition.

During these Transactions at Sea, the Queen went in Person to Tilbury, to view the Army and Camp there, which she did with a Leaders Truncheon in her hand; and with such a Resolution, that it strangely animated the Courages of them all. And thus was that Invincible Armado utterly defeated, that so many Countries had been so many Years preparing, that had been sanctified and blessed by the Pope, with all the Superstitions of the Church of Rome, and though Pope Sixtus Quintus had likewise sent Cardinal Allen, an English Man, into the Low Countries, and renewed the Bulls and Declarations of his Predecessours, excommunicating the p. 188Queen, dethroning her, absolving her Subjects from all Allegiance, and publishing his Croisado in Print, as against Heathens and Infidels, giving plenary Indulgences to all that should offer their Assistance. For this extraordinary Victory, the Queen caused publick Thansgivings to be made to God throughout all England, assisting thereat her self with all Humility, Acknowledgment, and Ceremony imaginable. Her Majesty likewise rewarded those who had signalized themselves in this Occasion.

Shortly after this Success, dyed the great Earl of Leicester, of a Fever; and the Prince of Parma for the regaining again some of the Honour the Spaniards had lost in this Expedition, undertook the siege of Bergen-op-zoom; but that Place being garrison'd with English, he was beaten from before it, and forced to raise his siege.

About this time, the Earl of Arundel was brought to his Tryal, for conspiring with the Pope, against the Queen; and was found guilty, and condemned by his Peers, but reprived by the Queen. In p. 189the mean time, Sir John Norris and Sir Francis Drake, undertook an Expedition into Portugal, for the establishing Don Antonio, a natural Son of a King of that Realm, upon the Throne thereof; but, though they joyned with the Earl of Essex, who was put to Sea, without the Queen's Leave, and advanced to the Gates of Lisbon, yet they returned without having effected their Design.

About this time, the Popish Princes of France entred into a new Combination, for the extirpating the Reformed Religion of that Kingdom, calling this their Association, the holy League. The Head of this League was the Duke of Guise, who finding his Party much the strongest, and being above measure extolled by the Catholicks of all Parties, it inspired him with the Vanity of aiming at the Crown for himself; which the King being sensible of, caused him to be put to Death, at the Assembly of Blois, in the midst of all his Hopes. Hereupon, extraordinary Combustions and Distractions followed; and at length, the King himself was most impiously murdered by a Monk; after which, the Popish Faction proclaimed p. 190the Cardinal of Bouillon King of France, but the King of Navarr, being the next Heir, proclaimed King at the same time by all true Subjects, and supplyed with Men and Money by Queen Elizabeth, he not only maintained his Cause against his Enemies, but vanquished them upon all Occasions. It was now, that the King of Scots contracted Marriage with Ann Daughter of the King of Denmark, with Queen Elizabeth's Consent; and which was afterwards consummated by him in Norway.

In the mean time, the Queen continued her Preparations against all Surprizes of her Enemies; she likewise soon quashed and quieted the Commotions that were then in Ireland, composed and reconciled the Differences that were amongst the States of the Low Countries, took care to assist them against their Enemies; restrained Pyrates, and upon the Desire of the French King, sent the Earl of Essex with an Army to his Assistance, wherein the English performed extraordinary things; and Sir Roger Williams, in Honour of his Nation, sent a Challenge to the Spaniards, to encounter two hundred p. 191Pike-men of the English, and a hundred Musqeteers, with as many Spaniards, in open Field; for which, and several other couragious Exploits, the French King highly extolled him, in his Letters to the Queen. The King of Poland and Prince of Moldavia, being under ill Circumstances with the Great Turk, implored Queen Elizabeths Intercession in their behalf; which she readily granted, and obtained a Peace for them upon very advantagious Terms.

At this time, Brian O Rorl, an Irish Potentate, was convicted at Westminster, and hanged for High Treason; as likewise, one Hacket, with his Adherents, for their blasphemous Carriage and Expressions. A new Proclamation came out likewise against the Papists, and for the Preservation of the Church of England, as established. Sir John Perrot was likewise about this time, tryed and condemned for Treason, but reprieved by the Queen. About this time, the Colledge of Dublin was constituted an University; and then broke out some new Troubles in Scotland, through the Instigations of the Lord Bothwell, for which he was proclaimed a Traytor. p. 192In the mean time dyed the Prince of Parma, a Person of extraordinary Accomplishments, and admired by his very Enemies. Just before whose Death, the Earl of Essex was recalled home out of France, after very great performances, and having challenged the Governour of Roàn, one of the most considerable Lords of France, who thought it not safe to answer him. In the mean while Sir Walter Rawleigh was sent into America, with a considerable Fleet, for the intercepting the Spanish Navy, but receiving intelligence, that it would not come out that Year, he divided his Fleet to see what other Prizes they could get, and thereupon took a great Coraque, called, The Mother of God, the Prize being valued at above an hundred and fifty thousand Pounds sterling, besides what the Officers and Souldiers had pilfred for themselves.

At this time the French King being turned Catholick, and having by an Ambassadour acquainted Queen Elizabeth with the necessity there was so for him to do, the Queen endeavoured to divert him from that resolution, and reduce him into

Rebells Assascinating the Queen.

The Spanish Invasion in 1588.

The burning of Cadez by the Earl of Essex.

p. 193the Bosome of the true Church; Writing to him in these very Terms. Alas! what Grief, what Anxiety of Mind hath befallen me, since I heard this News? Was it possible that worldly respects should make you lay aside the Fear of God? Could you think that he who hath hitherto upheld and kept you, would now at the last leave you? It is a dangerous thing to do evil that good may come thereof. But I hope your mind may alter. In the mean while I will pray for you, and beg of God, that the hands of Esau may not hinder the Blessing of Jacob. To which that King replyed, That though he had done this of his own Person out of necessity, yet he would never be wanting to those of the reformed Religion, but would take them into his special Care and Protection.

About this time, was executed one Hacket, for endeavouring to perswade the Earl of Derby to take upon him the Title of England, in Right of Descent from a Daughter of King Henry the Seventh, which the Earl refused to do, and likewise dyed shortly after.

At this time broke out several fresh Rebellions in Ireland, which were suddainly suppressed through the Queens p. 194Prudent Care and Conduct; as likewise several Questions were started about the Succession, some framing a Right in the Earl of Essex, others in the Infanta of Spain; and Books were likewise printed in favour of their Titles, by the Catholick Party. During these Disputes, was born Henry Prince of Scotland, to whom the Queen was Godmother; and now the Papists renew their Attempts against the Queens Life, having by a great Sum of Money perswaded one Roderick Lopez, a Jew, and Physician to the Queen, to Poyson her; and had likewise engaged several Portugals in the same Design; but this Plot of theirs being discovered by intercepted Letters, and afterwards confirmed by their own Confessions, they were accordingly executed, as likewise one Patrick Cullen an Irish Man, who had been sent by the English Fugitives to kill the Queen.

Amongst other Expeditions and Voyages of the English into America, was that of James Lancaster, who returned home about this time, after having took nine and thirty Spanish ships, and loaded fifteen more with the Wealth of an Indian Caraque.

p. 195About this time, William Russel, youngest Son of the Earl of Bedford, was sent Deputy into Ireland, in the room of Sir William Fitz Williams, who was called home; and this new Deputy quickly brought the Rebells there to submission. There was likewise a new, but false rumour, spread abroad, that the Spaniards were equipping a Fleet for the invading of England again. At which time two Papists were executed for having designed the Death of the Queen. The King of Scots was now making Levies all over Scotland, for the joyning with Queen Elizabeth, and resisting the Spaniard. Sir Walter Rawleigh being now under some Disgrace at Court, undertook a Voyage to Guyana, and though he did considerable dammage to the Spaniard, yet this Expedition was of little advantage to the English or himself. Sir Francis Drake and Sir John Hawkins, with several others, went again into America, but not meeting with the success they had promised themselves, they dyed, what of Grief, what of sickness, and the Fleet returned home without having done any great Exploits. During these Expeditions abroad, the p. 196Combustions in Ireland being grown to a considerable height, and those Rebells having craved the assistance of the King of Spain, Sir John Norris was sent over thither with new Forces to aid the Deputy.

The Arch Duke and Cardinal of Austria being now made Governour of the Spanish Netherlands, he unexpectedly attacqued and took in Cales. Whereupon the Queen sent supplies of Money to the French King, and gave order for the immediate raising a choice Army, whereof she made the Earl of Essex General, and fitted out a Fleet under the Command of Charles Howard, Lord High Admiral of England: these Forces (amongst whom were several Volunteers of the Principal Nobility and Gentry) being put on Board the ships, they set Sail under the Conduct of the foresaid Lords, under Sir Walter Rawleigh, Sir Francis Vere, and other the Principal Commanders of the Realm, and arrived before Cales; and having before received intelligence that there lay at Anchor in that Haven, several Galleys, Men of War, and a number of Merchants, it was resolved in the Council of War, that they should be attacked. Whereupon the p. 197Earl of Essex flung up his Hat for joy. The English thereupon first engaged the Spanish Ships and Gallions, which they did with that Vehemence, that some were burnt by them, others by the Spaniards themselves, but the Gallies made their escape by creeping along the shoar. When the Sea engagement was at an end, the Earl of Essex landed with eight hundred Souldiers at Puntal, about a League from the Town of Cales, and the Spanish Forces that were there abouts, being drawn up between the Town and them, with design to have intercepted them, the English attacqued them with that fury, that they put them to rout, but upon consideration, they thought fit to make a feigned Retreat, that the Fugitives might rally and joyn the Troops of Cales, which such a Stratagem was hoped might entice out of the Town. Which succeeding accordingly, they fell upon them again with that English Fury and Courage, that great numbers of them were slain, and the rest were forced to take refuge in the Town, where the English quickly overtook them; for the Gate being broke by Sir Francis p. 198Vere, and other parts of the Town scaled by the English, insomuch, that that wealthy Town was taken by Assault, and the Castle upon Condition, that the Inhabitants might depart with Cloaths on their Back, the rest left for Plunder; the Castle being to be redeemed for five hundred and fourscore thousand Duckets; forty of the Principal Cittizens being sent Hostages for the payment into England, a vast quantity of Money and Ammunition being found in the Town. The Spaniards likewise proffered Sir Walter Rawleigh two Millions of Duckets to exempt their ships from firing, which he would not hearken to; saying, That he was sent to destroy ships, not to dismiss them upon Composition. And it was generally calculated and acknowledged by all People, that the Spaniard was damnified by this Expedition, twenty Millions of Duckets. The Fleet being returned home after this Glorious Victory, the Queen made Sir Francis Vere Governour of the Briel, and rewarded all the rest according to their Deserts.

The Spaniard in the mean time, to repair the Honour he had lost at Cales, set forth a new great Fleet for the Invasion of p. 199England and Ireland, but were most of them castaway by Storm, before the News of their fitting out came into England.

In the mean while, the Queen fortify'd her Ports, and provided her self against any farther Attempts of that kind. She likewise entred into a League Offensive and Defensive, with the French King, hearing that the Spaniards were preparing a new Navy against Ireland. Whereupon, the Queen caused a considerable Fleet, under the Command of the Earl of Essex, to put forth to the Coast of Spain. After they had taken and plundered some Towns, and likewise, made a Prize of some of their India Ships, they returned home, but not with all the Success they had promised themselves at their setting out, by reason of the contrary Winds and Tempests they had met with in their Voyage. Essex, at his coming to Court, was something disgusted to find that some of his Competitors to the Queens Favours, had been raised to new Honours, Dignities and Places during his Absence; but was something pacified by the Queens creating him Earl Marshal of England. But, during these Transactions, p. 200the English did extraordinary Performances in France, in behalf of that King, which he acknowledged in his Letters to the Queen; and craved farther▪ Assistance from her Majesty, upon the Spaniards having gained some Advantage over him, which was accordingly granted. But the French, a while after, upon the Instigation of the Pope, concluded Peace with Spain, notwithstanding the Instances that were made to him by the Queen and the States General, to the contrary. Hereupon followed a Consultation, whether a Treaty of Peace was to be held with the Spaniard; which being opposed by the Earl of Essex, was laid aside for som time; but then again revived, through the Mediation of the French, and the Commissioners met accordingly at Bulloign; but upon Dispute of Precedency, was broken off altogether.

In the mean time, Tir-Oen breaking out into open Rebellion in Ireland, and having gained a greater Victory of the English than the Irish had ever done before, after some debate, the Earl of Essex was sent thither, with ample Authority; but not meeting with that Success he had p. 201promised, and having Intelligence, that his Conduct was become suspected at Court, he returns into England without the Queens Permission; whereupon, he was committed to Custody, and brought to a private Tryal; but, upon his Submission and Repentance, was again set at Liberty: yet, being reproached with pusillanimity by some of his Cabal, he turned Male-content, used all means to gain the Peoples Love, resolves to sieze on the Queen; but being disappointed, he retired into the City, endeavouring to engage the Citizrns on his side; which not being able to effect… he yielded himself up at length to the Lord Admiral, and was sent to the Tower, with his great Friend, the Earl of Southampton; both whom, being brought to their Tryal, were found guilty by their Peers; and Essex accordingly beheaded: but the Earl of Southampton, the Queen was graciously pleased to reprieve. But others of his Adherents, as Sir Charles Dorves, Sir Christopher Blunt, one Cuffe and Merrick suffered likewise Death; the two former being beheaded, and the two latter executed at Tyburn.

p. 202In the mean time, happened the famous Battel of Newport, under the Conduct of Prince Maurice of Nassaw, where the Dutch gained a great Victory by the English Valour, who were led by Sir Francis Vere, and his Brother Horatio; they slew nine thousand of the Spaniards, the English being but fifteen hundred, had eight hundred slain and mortally wounded, eight Captains killed, every man of the rest hurt.

During these Occurrences, dyed Philip King of Spain, and the Earl of Cumberland returned home from an Expedition he had undertook against the Spaniard; wherein he did great Dammage to them, but gained little profit to himself. About this time, was executed one Edward Squire for attempting to kill and poyson the Queen, and some of her chief Ministers, having been excited thereunto by the Jesuits and Popish Priests. Shortly after which, was founded the Company of the East India Merchants, the Queen allowing them very large Priviledges. Some time after, Sir Richard Levison and Sir William Monson, with eight men of War, and some smaller Ships, were sent out by p. 203the Queen to attempt something upon the Spaniard, who a little before had sent considerable Forces to the Assistance of the Rebells in Ireland; who being joyned with them, made an Army of above twelve thousand men: and now, thinking themselves secure of Victory, as being double the number of the English, they resolved to fight, but were utterly defeated by the English, twelve hundred being slain, and most of the rest taken Prisoners, the Spanish General, with most of the Officers, being of the Number; and the other Spanish Commanders were forced to deliver up the Forts they held in that Kingdom, and depart; whereupon, Tir-Oen, and the rest of the Rebells, submitted themselves, without any Condition, to the Queen. Now, though the Dutch had failed of the promised Assistance to Levison and Monson, yet they first attacked the Spanish Navy, to which, they did great Damage; and at length, took an Indian Carraque of sixteen hundred Tun, and worth a Million of Duckets; though it lay under the shelter of one of their Forts, and guarded by eleven Gallies; and returned home, having lost but five men in their Voyage.

p. 204At this time, there happening some Dispute in England, between the Jesuits and Secular Priests, the Queen, by Proclamation, commanded them to depart the Realm immediately. She likewise interceeded with the French King, in Favour of some Princes of the Protestant profession in France. And now in the Year 1602. the Queen finding the Infirmities of old Age coming upon her, having lived threescore and nine Years, six Months, and seven days; reigned four and forty years, four Months, and seven Days, she retired to Richmond, where she dyed, on the twenty fourth day of March, being the last day of the Year, 1602. having a little before her Death, supplyed the States of Geneva with a considerable Sum of Mony, upon the notice she had of the Duke of Savoy's practising against, and oppressing his Neighbours and Subjects of the Reformed Religion.

FINIS.

End of the text · Samuel Clarke, The History of the Life Reign and Death of Queen Elizabeth (1682)