The History of the Worthies of England, Part 2 · County 26 · Section 14

The History of the Worthies of England · Part 2 · County 26 · Section 14

p. 216Writers.

**Bale de script. Brit. Cent. 2. Num. 8.Num 8NOT…ELMUS of LONDON. Having casually let slip his forelock, I mean his Episcopal Capacity, (being successively Bishop of London, and Arch-bishop of Canterbury,) under which he ought to be entred, we are fain to lay hold on his hind-part, (that his memory may not escape us) taking notice of him as a Writer. In his Age shined a Constellation of three learned men, Bede, Alcuinus, and our Nothelme, whom the two former by their letters invited to writ (a performance proper for his Pen) the gests of Gregory the Great, and the Disciples sent by him with Austin the Monk, for the Conversion of Britain. Nothelme the more effectually to enable himself for this work, went to Rome, obtained leave from Pope Gregory the second, to peruse his Records; then sent his compleated collections to Bede, to be inserted in his Church history. Bede in gratitude, (according to the courteous custome of the learned exchange,) dedicated to him his thirty questions on the Books of Kings. His death happened Anno Domini 739.

WILLIAM FITZ-STEPHENS was descended saith Leland of Norman Nobility, but born in this City, and bred a Monk in Canterbury. He wrote many learned works, and one in Latine of the description of London, since commendably (because rare to come by) translated and added to the Survey of London.

Say not that London then, was but the Suburbs to the London now, for the bigness and populousness thereof; seeing in Fitz Stephens time, it accounted thirteen Conventual and an hundred and six and thirty Parochial Churches, not producing so many at this day▪ so that it seems though there be more Bodies of Men, there be fewer Houses of God therein.

As for the populousness thereof in his time, it was able to set forth sixty thousand Foot, which I believe it may treble in our time. It could also then raise twenty thousand Horsemen, which would pose it at this day to perform. But as railing Rabshekah made Jerusalem weaker, [not able to set two thousand Riders on horses] so possibly Fitz-Stephens might make London stronger then it was. I hope one may safely wish this City may be better in holiness, as bigger in houses, then it was when Fitz-Stephens flourished 1190.

ALBRICIUS of LONDON. Leland maketh him a Native of this City, and signally learned, though little is extant of his writings, save a work of the Original of Heathen Gods. Herein he sheweth how mankind having by error and ignorance, left and lost the true God, multiplyed Deities, that a Mock-infinite (viz. what was but Indefinite in number) should supply his place, who was Infinite in Nature. Albricius flourished Anno Domini 1217.

WILLIAM SENGHAM born of mean, but honest Parents, being one of aREM. meek nature, and quick wit, was brought up in learning, wherein he attained to great perfection. He wrote many books and one de fide & Legibus, wherein **De script. Brit. Cent. 4. Num. 17.Num 17Bale highly praiseth this passage,

There is no other law for the Salvation of men, besides the Gospel of Christ our Lord.

Now although this be but a plain expression of the common truth, yet was it beheld as an Oracle in that ignorant age. Thus a beam of noon-day might it be seen at mid-night, would shine as the Sun it self; besides, these words were uttered in that age, when impudent Friers began to obtrud on the world a fift forged Gospel, (consisting of superstitious ceremonies and) called Aeternum Evangelium, which did much mischief in the Church amongst credulous men. This William is supposed by some an Augustinian Frier, who flourished Anno Dom. 1260.

LAURENTIUS ANGLICUS was certainly an English-man, and probablyREM. a Londoner, but brought up and living most of his time in Paris, where he was Master p. 217of the Colledge, which had an **Bale de script. Brit. Cent. 4. Num. 30.Num 30English-man for the sign thereof. Hence I collect it for building little better then our ordinary Inns for entertainment, where probably our Country men had their lodgings for nothing. This Laurence, being a learned and pious person, stoutly opposed that mock Gospel commonly called **See more hereof in the life of John Driton in Sussex.Evangelium Aeternum, with the Mendicant Friars the Champions thereof. He wrote a smart book contra Pseudo-Praedicatores; but afterwards being frightned with the Popes thunderboults, and the Friars threatnings, he cowardly recanted. But what saith **Pro. 24. 16.Prov 24:16Solomon A just man falleth seven times, [the Vulgar Latine addeth in die, in one day,] and riseth again, as we hope this Laurence did, who flourished Anno Dom. 1260.

**Bale de script. Brit. Cent. 5. Num. 12.Num 12NICHOLAS LYRA was (as Barnabas a Jew-Cypriot, and Saul a Jew-Gilician a Jew-English man, the first by Nation, the second by Nativity. He had the R…bbins at his Fingers ends, but conversed so long with, that at last he was converted by some Franciscans to be a Christian; and I behold Nicholas [Conquerour of his People] as his Font-name then given him, as predictory of those Victories he afterwards got, by his disputings and writings, over his own Country-men. Nor doth the Church of God more complain of Nicholas, that Proselite of Antioch, (the last of the seven Deacons, and first founder of the Nicholaitans whom God hated,) then it doth commend our Nicholas, who vigorously confuted the Jews; who expect the rising of the Sun in the afternoon, waiting for Messias still to come.

I read, how some fifty years before, Henry the third, founded a house called Domus Conversorum, (where now the Office of the Rolls is kept in Chancery-lane,) where Converted Jews were accommodated with Lodging, and a small Salary. But I believe Lyra made no use thereof, contenting himself to live first in Oxford, then in Paris a Franciscan Fryar, and wrote Comments on all the Old and New-Testament, whereof so different the Editions, that I am certainly informed, one is so bad, one can hardly give too little; and one so good, one can hardly give too much for it. Though sometimes he may be wide of the Mark, and this Harp be out of Tune, yet uncharitable their censure of Lyra Delirat, whilst **In his Comment on the 2. and again on the 9. chap. of Gen.Luther highly praiseth him▪ because his wanton wit did not gad after empty Allegories, but with the good house-keeper stays at home, keeping himself close to the Text in his literal interpretations. Now though there were many Jewish Synagogues in England, (at York, Cambridge, Northampton, &c.) yet the Old Jury in London, equalling all the rest in numerousness, Lyra his birth is here assigned with best assurance, though dying in Paris about the year 1340.

BANKINUS of LONDON, not Bancks of London, (who taught his Horse reason to perform feats above belief,) but one of hgher Parts, and worse employed. Being an Augustinian Friar he set himself wholly to suppress the poor Wicklevicks, and being ready to dispute against them in a publique Council, was taken off in his full speed with the following accident, worthy of the Readers observation;

Bale de Script. Brit. Cent. 6. Num. 97.

This if literally true, deserved a down-right (and not only so slenting a) mention. But hitherto meeting it in no other Author; I begin to suspect it ment Metaphorically of some consternation of mind, wherewith God's restraining grace charmed the adversaries of the truth. Bankinus flourished under King Richard the second, Anno 1382.

ROBERT IVORY was, saith Leland, none of the meanest Natives of this City, a Carmelite and President General of his Order, D. D. in Cambridge. He wrote several **Bale de script. Brit. Cent. 6. Num. 96.books, and Prece & Precio, procured many more, wherewith he adorned the Library of White-Fryars in Fleet-street. He dyed November the fifth, 1392.

JULIANA BARNES was born ex antiquâ & illustri domo. Understand it notREM. in the sense wherein the same was said of a certain Pope, born in a ruinous Cottage, where the Sun did shine through the Rotten Walls and Roof thereof. But indeed she p. 218was descended of a respective Family, though I, not able to find the place, am fain to use my Marginal Mark of greatest uncertainty.

She was the Diana of her Age for Hunting and Hawking, skilful also in Fishing, and wrote three **Bale Cent. 8. Num 33.Num 33books of these Exercises, commending the practise thereof to the Gentry of England.

The City of Leyden is scited in the very bottom of the Low-Countries, so that the water setled their, would be soon subject to putrefaction, were it not by Engins forced up that it might fall, and so by constant motion kept from corruption. Idleness will betray Noble mens minds to the same mischief, if some ingenious industry be not used for their imployment.

Our Julian also wrot a book of Heraldry. Say not the needle is the most proper pen for the woman, and that she ought to meddle with making no Coats, save such as Dorcas made for the widows, seeing their Sex may be not only pardoned, but praised for such lawful diversions. No Gentleman will severely censure the faults in her …, but rather imitate**De arte … liber Hype… Criticus, capite sexto. Julius Scaliger who passing his verdict on all Poets, and coming to do the like on Sulpitia a Roman Poetress (living under Domitian) thus courteously concludeth, Ut tam … Heroinae ratio habeatur, non ausim objicere ei judicii severitatem. She flourished Anno Domini 1460. under King Henry the sixth.

ROBERT FABIAN was born and bred in this**Bale Cent. 8. Num. 62. & J. …. Anno 1512. City, whereof he became Sheriff 1493. Treating his Guests with good chear and wellcome, he doubled his dishes with pleasant discourse, being an excellent Historian, witness two Chronicles of his own writing.

1. From Brutus to the death of King Henry the second.

2. From the first of K. Richard, to the death of K. Henry the seventh.

He was also an excellent Poet, both in Latine, French and English.

A Modern **Sir John Suckling.Master wit, in the contest betwixt the Poets of our age, for the Laurel maketh Apollo to adjudge it to an Alderman of London, because to have most wealth was a sign of most wit. But had the Scene of this competition been laid seven score years since, and the same remitted to the umpirage of Apollo, in sober sadness he would have given the Laurel to this our Alderman.

As for his Histories, if the whole strain of them doth foreign, it must be indulged to him that followed the genius of his own education. He died at London 1512. and was buried in the Church of All-hallows, where he hath a**Exemplified in Stow's Surv. pag. 214. tedious and barbarous Epitaph, as commonly (Reader, I should be glad to have my observation confuted,) who hath worse Poetry then Poets on their Monuments? After his death, Cardinal Wolsey caused* Bale ut prius. so many Copies of his Book as he could come by to be burnt, because therein he had opened the Coffers of the Church too wide, and made too clear discovery of the Revenues of the Clergy.

THOMAS LUPSET was born in this**Bal… & Pits. City, and was related to most English and some forraign learned eminencies of his age.

1. Bred a child in the house of Dean …olet.

2. Under W. Lilly in St. Pauls School.

3. Sent to Oxford, where he became Greek Professor.

4 Resigns his place to his friend Ludovicus Vives.

5. Travailed into Italy, and at Padua was familiar with C. Pole.

6. Was known unto Erasmus, who giveth him this Character; Hujus ingenio nihil gratius, nihil amantius.

7. Intended Divinity, diverted by Cardinal Woolsy.

8. At Paris was Tutor to Th. Winter, a ward to the Cardinal.

9. Returning into England, was known to King Henry the eight.

10. Began to grow into his favour, when cut off with a Consumption 1532. in the prime of his life.

He died in London, and lieth buried in the Church of Saint Alphage nigh Cripplegate, without a monument.

p. 219Since the Reformation.

JOHN RASTALL was a**Bale de script. Brit. Cent. 8. Num. 74. Citizen and Printer of London, by marriage a kin to Sir Thomas More, and when the said Sir Thomas and Bishop Fisher wrote in defence of Purgatory, to prove it by Scripture, Rastall undertook to maintain it by reason. Surely, he that buy's the two former books, deserveth to have this last given him to make him a saver. Some will say, the former two indeavoured to prove the fire, and Rastall the smoak of Purgatory. But to pass by his works in Divinity, he … a good Mathematician, and made a Comedy of Europe, Asia and Africa, which, my**Base ut prius. Author saith, was very witty, and very large; and I can believe the later, seeing he had three parts of the world for his subject; and how long would it have been had America been added. He wrote a book against John Frith, but afterwerds (convinced with his adversaries arguements) recanted it of his own accord; the cause why we have placed him since the Reformation. He wrote a book of the terms of Law, and made an Index to Justice Fitz Herbert; yea, I behold this John as father to Rastall the famous Lawyer, of whom**In this City, Ti…le, Writers on the Law. before. He died and was buried at London 1536.

EDWARD HALL. We may trace him from his cradle to his coffin, as followeth.

1. He was a Citizen of Lond…n by his**Stow his Survay pag. 92. birth.

2. He was bred a Scholar at Eaton.

3. Thence he removed and was one of the**Ha…chers M. S. of K. Col. Foundation of Kings-colledge.

4. Thence he went to Grays-Inn, and studied the Municipal-law.

5. He became common Serjeant of London, for the well discharging whereof he,

6 Was advanced to be one of the Judges in the Sheriffs Court.

7. Wrote an elegant history of the wars of York and Lancaster, from K. Henry the fourth, till the end of King Henry the**Bale de script. Brit. Cent. 9. eight.

8. Died a very aged man 1547.

He was as by some passages in his book may appear, in that age well affected to the Reformation. He lieth buried in the Church of Saint Sithes (contracted I think for* Stows Survay p. 276. Saint Osiths) where I cannot recover any Epitaph upon him.

WILLIAM FULKE D. D. was born in this**Parker in his Scheliton Cant. City, bred first Fellow of Saint John's, then Master of Pembroke hall in Cambridge. His studies were suitable to his years, when young, a good Philosopher, witness his book of Meteors; afterwards his endeavours ascended from the middle region of the aire, to the highest heavens, when he b…came a pious and solid Divine.

Now the Romanists, seeing they could no longer blind-fold their Laitie from the Scriptures, resolved to fit them with false spectacles, and set forth the Rhemish Translation; which by Doctor Fulke was learnedly confuted, though he never attained any great prefer…ent in the Church.

Here it is worth our pains to peruse the immediate succession of Masters in Pembroke-hall, because unparallel'd in any English Foundation.

Edm. Grindall, Archp. of Cant.

Mat. Hutton, Archp. of York.

Jo. Whitgift, Archp. of Cant.

Jo. Young, …. of Rochester.

William Fulke, D. D.

Lanc. Andrews, Bp. of Winchester.

Sam. Harsnet, Archp. of York.

Nic. Felton, Bp. of Eely.

Here, though all the rest were Episcopated, Doctor Fulke was but Doctor Fulke still, though a man of great merit. This proceeded not from any disaffection in him to the Hierarchie (as some would fain suggest) but principally from his love of privacy, and place of Margaret-Professour, wherein he died Anno Dom. 1589.

EDMOND SPENCER born in this**Camb. Eliz. in Anno 1598. City, was brought up in Pembroke-hall in Cambridge, where he became an excellent Scholar, but especially most haypy in English Poetry, as his works do declare. In which the many Chaucerisms used (for I will not say affected by him) are thought by the ignorant to be blemishes, known by the learned to be beauties to his book; which notwithstanding had been more salable, if more conformed to our modern language.

p. 220There passeth a story commonly told and believed, that Spencer presenting his Poems to Queen Elizabeth: She highly affected therewith, commanded the Lord Cecil Her Treasurer, to give him an hundred pound; and when the Treasurer (a good Steward of the Queens money) alledged that sum was too much, then give him (quoth the Queen) what is reason; to which the Lord consented, but was so busied, bel…ke, about matters of higher concernment, that Spencer received no reward; Whereupon he presented this petition in a small piece of paper to the Queen in her Progress,

I was promis'd on a time,

To have reason for my rhyme;

From that time unto this season,

I receiv'd nor rhyme nor reason.

Hereupon the Queen gave strict order (not without some check to her Treasurer) for the present payment of the hundred pounds, she first intended unto him.

He afterwards went over into Ireland, Secretary to the Lord Gray, Lord Deputy thereof; and though that his office under his Lord was lucrative, yet got he no estate, but saith my**Camd. El…z. in Anno 1598. Author, P…culiari Poetis fato semper cum paupertate conflictatus est. So that it fared little better with him, then with William Xilander the German, (a most excellent Linguist, Antiquary, Philosopher and Mathematician,) who was so poor, that (as **Obi… Virourm doct. An. 1576.Thuanus saith) he was thought, fami non famae scribere.

Returning into England, he was robb'd by the Rebels of that little he had, and dying for grief in great want, Anno 1598. was honorably buried nigh Chaucer in Westminster, where this Distick concludeth his Epitaph on h…s monument,

Anglica te vivo vixit plausitque poesis,

Nunc moritura timet te moriente mori.

Whilst h…iu didst live, liv'd English poetry,

Which fears, now thou art dead, that she shall die.

Nor must we forget, that the expence of his funeral and monument, was defrayed at the sole charge of Robert, first of that name, Earl of Essex.

JOHN STOW son of Thomas Stow, who died Anno 1559. grand-child to Thomas Stow, who died 1526. (both Citizens of London, and buried in Saint Michaels in Cornhill) was born in this City, bred at learning no higher then a good Gramar-scholar, yet he became a painful, faithful, and (the result of both) useful Historian.

Here, to prevent mistake by the homonymie of names, I request the Reader to take special notice of three brace of English writers,

I confess, I have heard him often accused, that (as learned Guicciardine is charged for telling magnarum rerum minutias) he reporteth res in se minutas, toys and trifles, being such a Smell-feast, that he cannot pass by Guild-hall, but his pen must tast of the good chear therein. However this must be indulged to his education; so hard it is for a Citizen to write an History, but that the fur of his gown will be felt therein. Sure I am, our most elegant Historians who have wrote since his time (Sir Francis Bacon, Master Camden, &c.) though throwing away the basket, have taken the fruit, though not mentioning his name, making use of his endeavors. Let me adde of John Stow, that (however he kept tune) he kept time very well, no Author being more accurate in the notation thereof.

Besides his Chronicle of England, he hath a large Survey of London, and I believe p. 221no City in Christendome, Rome alone excepted, hath so great a volume extant thereof. Plato was used to say, that many good laws were made, but still one was wanting, viz. a law to put all those good laws in execution. Thus the Citizens of London have erected many fair monuments to perpetuate their memories, but still there wanted a monument to continue the memory of their monuments (subject by time, and otherwise to be defaced) which at last by John Stow was industriously performed.

He died in the eightieth year of his age April 5. 1605. and is buried at the upper end of the North-Isle of the Quire **In his own Survey of London (continued after his death) pag. 152.of Saint Andrews-Undershaft. His Chronicle since continued by another, whose additions are the lively embleme of the times he writeth of, as far short of Master Stow in goodness, as our age is of the integrity and charity of those which went before it.

GILES FLETCHER was born in this **So was I informed by Mr. Jo. Rainsey who married his Relict.City, son to Giles Fletcher Dr. in law, and Embassadour into Russia, of whom formerly in Kent. From Westminster-school he was chosen first Scholar, then Fellow of Trinity colledge in Cambridge. One equally beloved of the Muses and the Graces, having a sanctified wit, witness his worthy Poem intituled Christs Victory, made by him being but Bachelour of Arts, discovering the Piety of a Saint, and Divinity of a Doctor. He afterward applied himself to SchoolDivinity, (cross to the grain of his Genius, as some conceive) and attained to good skill therein. When he preached at Saint Maries, his prayer before his Sermon usually consisted of one entire Allegory, not driven, but led on, most proper in all particulars. He was at last (by exchange of his living) setled in Suffolk, which hath the best and worst aire in England, best about Bury, and worst on the Sea-side, where Master Fleticher was beneficed. His clownish and low parted Parishoners, (having nothing but their shoos high about them,) valued not their Pastour according to his worth, which disposed him to melancholy, and hastened his dissolution. I behold the life of this learned Poet, like those half-verses in Virgils Aeneids, broken off in the middle, seeing he might have doubled his days according to the ordinary course of nature; whose death happened about the year 162. He had another brother Phineas Fletcher Fellow of Kings-colledge in Cambridge, and beneficed also in Norfolk, a most excellent Poet, witness his Purple Island, and several other pieces of great ingenuity.

JOHN DONNE was born in this City of wealthy parentage, extracted out of Wales, one of an excellent wit, large travail, and choice experience. After many vicissitudes in his youth, his reduced age was honoured with the Doctorship of Divinity, and Denary of Saint Pauls.

Should I endeavour to deliver his exact character, (who willingly would not doe any wrong) should do a fourfold injury.

1. To his worthy memory, whose merit my pen is unable to express.

2. To my self, in undertaking what I am not sufficient to perform.

3. To the Reader, first in raising, then in frustrating his expectation.

4. To my deservedly honored friend Master Isaac Walton, by whom his life is so learnedly written.

It is enough for me to observe he died March 31. Anno Dom. 1631. and lieth buried in Saint Pauls under an ingenious and choice monument, neither so costly as to occasion envy, nor so common as to cause contempt.