Observations of all the Kings of England, Chapter 19

Observations of all the Kings of England · Chapter 19

p. 150CHAP. XIX.

HENRY the seventh.

THe fourteen Plantagenets thus expiring with Richard the third, five Tudors take their turns in this manner.

Henry the seventh.

Henry the eighth.

Edward the sixth.

Queen Mary.

Queen Elizabeth.

They are called Tudors, because Henry the fifth his widow being a French woman, p. 151married Owen Tudor, from whom Henry the seventh did lineally descend.

In this Nation, how hath the Crown walked, (even since Christs birth) from Britains to Saxons, Danes, Normans, Plantagenets, Tudors, Stuarts. M^rs Shawes Tomb-stone.

This King pretended a six-fold title to the Crown: By Conquest, Military election of Souldiers in the fields near Bosworth, by Parliament, by Birth, by Donation, and Marriage. He did never stand upon his marriage with the right heir as the foundation of his right unto the Crown; for he knew well enough, that if that had been his best and only title, though it might make the power good unto his children, yet while she was living, he must hold the Crown in her right, not in his own, and if she died before him, it was lost.

Because he was crowned in the field with King Richards Crown,Primus omnium Angliae Regum stip…tore… corporis▪ habere caepit, quod à Francis Principibus sumpsisse fertur… Polyd. Virg. found in an Hawthorn-Bush, he bare the Hawthorn-Bush with the Crown in it.

He was crowned the thirtieth day of October in the year of our Lord 1485, by Thomas Bourehier Archbishop of Canterbury and Cardinall.The Kings Guard when first instituted. Sir Franck Bacons Hist. of Henry the 7^th. At which day, he did institute for the better security of his person, a Band of fifty Archers under a Captain to attend him, by the name of Yeomen of his Guard; and yet that it might be thought to be rather p. 152a matter of dignity, after the imitation of that he had known abroad, then any matter of diffidence appropriate to his own case;Speed. he made it to be understood for an Ordinance not temporary,Hollinsh. Chron. but to hold in succession for ever after.

Through whose care, vigilancy, policy, and forecasting wisdome for times to come,Vide Polyd. Virg. Ang. hist. l. 26 p. 616. the State and Commonwealth of England hath to this day stood established and invincible. Camdens Britannia in Surrey.

A politick Prince he was, if ever there were any,Sir Walter Rauleighs Preface to his History of the world. who by the engine of his wisdome, beat down and overturned as many strong oppositions both before and after he wore the Crown, as ever King of England did.

Whose worthy renown like the Sun in the midst of his sphere, shineth, and ever shall shine in mens remembrance!Sir Thomas Eliots Governour. Henricus noster septimus, cùm omnes regni rectè administrandi artes calleret, sic his ornamentis instructus venit, ut cum pacem exulantem exul, extorrem que extorris concomitatus esset, reducem quo que redux apportaret. Twin. Com. de reb Brit. What incomparable circumspection was in him alwayes found, that notwithstanding his long absence out of this Realm, the disturbance of the same by sundry seditions among the Nobility, Civil Warres and Battels, wherein infinite people were slain, yet by his most excellent wit, he in few years, not only brought this Realm in good order and under due obedience, revived the Laws, advanced justice, refurnished his dominions, p. 153and repaired his mannours,He was a wise man and an excellent King. but also with such circumspection treated with other Princes and Realms,Sir Francis Bacons Epist. Dedicat. to his hist. He cals him in his hist this Salomon of England, not only for his actions, but wisdome. of leagues, of alliance, and amities, that during the most part of his Raign, he was little or nothing disquieted with War hostile or martiall business. And yet all other Princes either feared him or had him in fatherly reverence.

He could never endure any mediation in rewarding his servants,Sir Walter Rauleighs Preface to his hist. The story of England from the uniting of the Roses to the uniting of the Kingdomes is a space of time, which in my judgement contains more variety of rare events, then in like number of successions ever was known in an Hereditary Kingdome. Sir Francis Bacons Advancement of learning. l. 2. c. 7. See more there. There have died in England in these Civil Warres, since my remembrance, above fourscore person, of the bloud Royall. Phil. dem Comin. l 1. c. 2. p. 22. Quae exsurrexere factiones magnae Romanam Rempublicam pe… sum dedere. Duae quadraetae P Rempublicam illam …vertere, patritia, & plebeia factio. Duae hic turbarunt grandes R. Rosae duae, quae in unam arctissimè mixtae, per ipsam veram mixtionem commixtae sanguinis, placarunt omnia. Albericus Gentilis de unione Regnorum isput. 2 It happened that there was fallen in communication of the story of Ioseph, how his master Potiphars wife, would have pulled him to her bed, and he …led away. Now Master Maior quoth the King, you are a tall strong man on the one side, and a cunning Doctor on the other, what would you have done if you had not been Joseph, but in Josephs stead. By my troth (quoth he) and it like your Grace, I cannot tell what I would have done, but I can tell what I should have done. The King replied, He answered well. Sir Thomas Mores Dialogue. l. 1. and therein exceeding wise: for whatsoever himself gave, he himself received back the thanks and the love; on the contrary, in whatsoever he grieved his Subjects, he wisely put it off on those, that he found fit ministers for such actions.

By his happy marriage (being next heir p. 154to the house of Lancaster) with Elizabeth daughter and heir to Edward the fourth of the house of Yorke, the white and red Roses were conjoyned. Sir Francis Bacon saith of Iohn Morton Archbishop of Canterbury, Chancellor of England and Cardinal. He deserveth a most happy memory in that he was the principall means of joyning the two Roses.

From the twenty eighth year of Henry the sixth unto the fifteenth of Henry the seventh, the Civil War between Lancaster and Y…ke continued, wherein, as they reckoned, there were thirteen fields fought, three Kings of England, one Prince of Wales, twelve Dukes, one M…rquesse, eighteen Earles, with one Vicount and twenty three Barons, besides Knights and Gentlemen lost their lives. Cambd. Brit. in Warwickeshire.

**Sir Francis Bacons Hist of Henry the 7^th. Tempore fami geratissimi istius Arthuri, de quo tam incredibilia narrantur à nostris, ut …a…sa intermixta, veris fidem derogantia, meritissima laude defraudarint v…rum hand dubie insignem & aeterna memoria dignissimum. Godw. de praesul. Ang. Hic est Arthurus de quo Brittonum nugae bodie que delirant: dignus plane quem non fallaces som…iarent fabulae, sed veraces praedicarent historiae, quippe qui labantem patriam diu sustinuerit, infractas que civi…m mentes ad bellum acuerit. Malme…b. de gestis Regum Anglorum l. 1. c. 1. Regem illum inclitissimum Arthurum legimus duos …racones in suis armis portasse. Pater suus Vter, qui Pen-dragon vocabatur, habuit magnum corpus & longum, cum capite multum parvo ad fimilitudinem Draconis, qua de cause Pen-dragon, i. e. caput Draconi… vocabatur. Et sic dictus Rex Arthur portavit arma paterna, propter habitudinem corporis patris sui assumpta. Bissaei notae in Upto…um. Vide Twini Comment. de rebus `Britannicis. p. 124, 125, 161.The King (in honour of the Brittish race, of which himself was) named his first son Arthur, according to the name of that ancient p. 155worthy King of the Brittains; in whose acts there is truth enough to make him famous, besides that which is fabulous.

King Arthur fought twelve Battels with the Saxons and overthrew them. Hollinsh.

Arthurus belliger illis temporibus dux militum & Regum Brittanniae contra Saxones invictissimè pugnabat, duodecies dux belli fuit, duodecies victor bellatorum. Hunting. hist. l. 2.

That Arthur was one of the nine Worthies. There were three Jewes, Ioshua, David, Iudas Maccabaeus; three Gentiles, Hector of Troy, Alexander the Great, and Iulius Caesar; three Christians, Arthur of Britain, Charlemain of France, and Godfrey of Bullen.

Arthur ursum significat, quasi ursinum diceres. Burhillus in MS.

The Prince Arthur died before his father, and lieth buried in the Quire of the Cathedrall Church at Worcester.

After was born to the King at Greenwich the Lord Henry his second son, which was created Duke of Yorke, and after Prince of Wales, who succeeded his father in governance of this Realm, by the name of Henry the eighth.

His time did excell for good Commonwealths Laws;Sir Francis Bacons hist. of Henry the seventh. so as he may justly be celebrated for the best Law-giver to this Nation, p. 156after King Edward the first. For his Laws (who so marks them well) are deep, and not vulgar: not made upon the Spur of a particular occasion for the present; but out of providence of the future, to make the estate of his people still more and more happy; after the manner of the Legislators in ancient and heroicall times.

The Tax (called Benevolence) was devised by Edward the fourth, for which he sustained much envy. It was abolished by Richard the third by Act of Parliament, to ingratiate himself with the people; and it was revived by this King,Id. ib. but with consent of Parliament, for so it was not in the time of King Edward the fourth.

It is observed as a rule in Politicks, **By some Antimonarchicall Writers, whom I will not undertake to justifie.that Dominium sequitur terram, those that are the greatest proprietaries, have the chief power, as in Turkie, because none there holds any land but during his life; therefore the great Turk hath such unlimited power, and so the Barons were able (they say) to ma…e War with their Prince, because the land was most in their and their Tenants possession. Henry the seventh therefore being raised by the Nobles, conceiving, that those which exalted him might cast him down, did abate their power, and made Statutes against Retainers. But Henry the eighth demolishing the Abbies, distributed the lands among the people, p. 157and so they again gained great power by that meanes.

He made a composition with Philip, father to the Emperour Charles the fifth, being here in England, that he should deliver into his hands, the Duke of Suffolke, his mortall enemy, who was fled out of England, and saved himself in the Low Countries, alwayes provided that the King should attempt nothing against the Dukes life; which promise notwithstanding, being ner his end, he expresly by will and testament commanded his succeeding son, that immediately after his decease, he should cause him to be put to death. Montaigne his Essayes. l. 1. c. 7.

There scarce passed any Parliament in this time, without a Law against Riot and Retainers, the King having an eye to might and multitude.

The King was on a time entertained by the Earl of Oxford (that was his principall servant, both for war and peace) nobly and sumptuously, at his Castle at Henninghom. At the Kings going away, the Earls servants stood (in a seemly manner) in their Livery Coats, with cognizances, ranged on both sides, and made the King a Lane. The King called the Earl to him, and said; My Lord, I have heard much of your hospitality, but I see it is greater then the speech. These handsome Gentlemen and Yeomen, p. 158which I see on both sides of me, are sure your meniall servants. The Earl smiled, and said; It may please your Grace, that were not for mine ease. They are most of them my Retainers, they are come to do me service at such time as this, and chiefly to see your Grace. The King started a little, and said; By my faith (my Lord) I thanke you for my good chear, but I may not endure to have my Lawes broken in my sight. My Atturney must speake with you. The Earl after compounded for a thousand marks.

His disposition to crush treasure out of his Subjects purses, by forfeitures upon penall Lawes, proved the blot of his time.

When among many Articles exhibited by the Irish against the Earl of Kildare, the last was: All Ireland cannot rule this Earl. Then (quoth the King) shall this Earl rule all Ireland; and shortly after he made him Deputy thereof.

Iames the fourth King of Scotland married with the Lady Margaret, Sir Francis Bacons hist. of Henry the seventh.the Kings eldest daughter. During the Treaty, it is reported, that the King remitted the matter to his Counsell. And that some of the Table in the Freedome of Counsellors (the King being present) did put the case; that if God should take the Kings two sons without issue, that then the Kingdome of England would fall to the King of Scotland, p. 159which might prejudice the Monarchy of England. Whereunto the King himself replied; That if that should be, Scotland would be but an accession to England, and not England to Scotland, for that the greater would draw the less: and that it was a safer union for England, then that of France.

This was the ninth time,Nulli Regum antca cúm in… numerato tum in moventibus rebus major venerat haereditas. Polyd. Vi…g. hist. l. 28. de Hen…ico 8…. that since the Conquest, the Scottish Kings have married with the English Nation. Ayscu.

He left at his death most of it in secret places, under his own Key and keeping, at Richmond, the summe of near eighteen hundred thousand pounds sterling; a huge mass of money, even for these times.

His son Henry the eight by his pleasures, by unprofitable Wars exhausted all that treasure in a few of the first years of his Raign.

He died at his Palace at Richmond which himself had built,Anno Dom. 1509. having lived two and fifty years, and raigned three and twenty years, and eight moneths.

He died, and in memoriall of his name,

Built that fair Chappell, where he now takes rest;

A rich foundation of a curious frame,

The fairest monument lest unsupprest,

Passing all temples of the gorgeous East:

O strew his Hearse with Roses red & white,

For he both stemmes did in one unite.

Stor…rs Wolseius aspirans.

p. 160HENRY the eighth.

Seven is a number fatall from the heavens. But eight King Henry passing all the sevens. Storers Wolseius aspirans.

Of personage he was tall and mighty,He overthrew Sir William Kingstone both horse and man before three Queens. and in his latter years somewhat gross, in wit and memory excellent, such majesty and humanity as was comely in such a Prince.

Cui natura fortuna que supra Regium nomen, incomparabilis formae Herberts hist. of Henry the 8th.& maxime praestantis ingenii accumulata dona contulerunt: nemo enim è tota Anglica juventute, vel staturae dignitate, vel venustate oris, vel nervorum firmitate Regem aequavit. Paul. Jov. Britanniae descript.

Huic erat à teneris annis ars bellica cordis

Ut reliquas dotes, condignas principe tanto,

Corporis at que animi non sit memor are necesse.

Quod fortis, clemens, humeris quod & alitor ibat

Omnibus, egregia facie vultu que decoro.

Oclandi Anglorum praelia.

It hath been observed by Historians, of Tiberius Emperour of Rome; of Mahomet the Great, Emperour of the Turks; and of Henry the eight, King of England; that there was no security in their love, but that such as were highest in their favour, were nearest to ruine.

p. 161He brought unto the block two Queens two noble Ladies, one Cardinall declared; of Dukes, Marquesses, Earls, and the sons of Earls, no fewer then twelve; Lords and Knights eighteen of Abbots and Priors thirteen; Monks, and religious persons, about seventy seven, and many more of both Religions, to a very great number.Having a desire to marry within degrees unlawfull, he set his learned men on work to prove it lawfull, and again after a while (being cloy'd and desiring change) set them again on work to prove the former marriage unlawfull. He never spared m…n in his anger, nor woman in his lust. Sir Robert Naunton's Frag. Regal. in Q. E. Dr. Heylins Ecclesia Restaurata.

That is a tart expression of Sir Walter Rauleigh in his Preface to his History of the world. If all the pictures and patterns of a merciless Prince were lost in the world, they might all again be painted to life out of the Story of this King. How many wives did he cut off, and cast off, as his fancy and affection changed.

When he was ready to give accompt to God for the abun…ance of bloud already spilt, and knew he was no longer able to live, he imprisoned the Duke of Norfolk the father, signed a Warrant for the execution of the Earl of Surrey his son, within nine dayes after he himself expired.

Unto a stately great outlandish Dame,

A messenger from our King Henry came

(Henry of famous memory the eight.)

To treat with her in matter of great weight;

As namely, how the King did seek her marriage,

Because of her great vertue and go…d carriage.

p. 162She (that had heard the King lov'd change of pasture)

Repli'd, I humbly thank the King, your master,

And would, (such love his same in me hath bred)

My body venter so, but not my head.

Sir Iohn Harringtons Epigrams.

Maximilian the Emperour was retained by him as his souldier.

He not only wore the Cross of St. George, but received his pay duely, viz. a hundred Crowns per diem. L. Herbert in Hen. the 8^ths life.

Sub Rege Anglorum magnus meret Induperator,

Germani que truces, duro gens strenua bello.

Oclandi Anglorum praelia.

The Raign of this King continued with great nobleness and fame the space of thirty eight years. During whose time and Raign was great alteration of things, as well to the Civil State of the Realm, as especially to the State Ecclesiasticall, and matters to the Church appertaining. For by him was exiled and abolished out of the Realm, the usurped power of the Bishop of Rome, idolatry and superstition somewhat repressed, images defaced, Abbeys and Monasteries pulled down, sects of Religion rooted out, Scriptures reduced to the knowledge of the vulgar tongues, p. 163and the state of the Church and Religion redressed. Fox his Acts and Monuments, vol. 2. p. 63. See B. Bedells Examinat. of Wadsworths motives c. 10.

He was much addicted to the reading of Thomas Aquinas, Accuratè vacábat literis, vacabat animi gratia musicae, legebat studiosè libros divi Thomae Aquinatis, & hoc agebat hortatu Volsaei, qui totus erat Thomisticus. Polyd. Virg. Ang. hist. l. 27. Mr. Seldens Titles of honour. part. 1. c. 4.and was therefore (as some think) called by Luther Thomisticus, acerrimus ingeniorum aestimator. Had. Jun. Epist. D. Dilso.

He wrote a volume against Luther in defence of Pardons, the Papacy, and the supposed seven Sacraments. Of this Work the original is yet remaining in the Vatican at Rome, and with his own hand, thus inscrib'd;

Anglorum Rex Henricus Leoni 10. mittit hoc opus & fidei testem & amicitiae Whereupon saith Sleidan, Pontifex honorisicum Regi cognomen tribuit, Titulus iste Cothurnus est, & cuilibet pedi, cuilibet fidei aptari potest, non minus Papae qui …edit, quàm vestrae. Didoclav. praefat. ad Altare Damascenum.Defensorem appellans Ecclesiae, which is the same with Defender of the faith. This title was given him about the twelfth year of his Raign. Vide Polyd. Virg. Ang. hist. l. 27. p. 664.

His fool coming unto the Court, and finding the King transported with an unusuall joy, boldly asked him the cause thereof, To whom the King answered, It was because the Pope honoured him with a stile more eminent then any of his Ancestors; Good Harry (quoth he) let thou and I defend one another, and let the faith alone to defend it self.

p. 164Fisher was not the Author of King Henry his Book against Luther (as Sanders **Lib. 1. de schismate Anglicano.and Bellarmine will have it) nor Sir Thomas More (as others say) though I doubt not but they might both revise it by the Kings favour,My Lord Herberts life of Henry the 8th and where it was needfull also interpose their judgement.

Many thought that was compiled by Sir Thomas More, some by the Bishop of Rochester, and others (not without cause) suspected it to be the work of some other great Scholar. Godwins Annals of England.

The Pope excommunicating him, he fell off from the Pope.

Luther in an Epistle to the King saith thus, Verum etiam quód fide dignis testibue didici, libellum sub majestatis tuae nomine in me editum, non esse Regis Angliae, ut videri volebant subdoli sophistae, qui majestatis tuae titulo abusi, non senserunt quantum sibi ipsis periculum in Regia ignominia pararent: praesertim illud monstrum, & publicum odium Dei & hominum Cardinalis Eboracensis, pestis illa regni tui. The King in his Answer to this Epistle affirms it to be his. Iam quantumvi… te fingas credere, editum à me libellum, non esse meum, sed meo nomine subornatum à sophistis subdolis, tamen & meum esse multi majori fide digni, quàm sunt tuâ illi fide digni testes cognoscunt: & ego quanto tibi minus placet, tanto magis libenter agnosco.

p. 165He caused to be put into the Liturgy, Neque Romanam Ecclesiam ab Anglia expulisset Henricum, nisi prior clemens Henricus à Romana ejecisset Ecclesia. Barclasi vind. p…o Regibus advers R. Bellarm. Sanderus de schism ate Anglicano l. 1.Ab Episcopi Romani tyrannide & detestandis enormitatibius, libera nos Domine, heroica animi magnitudine imbelles pontificum bullas, & instatas execrationibus buccas despicatui habuit. Renigerus de Pii quinti & Gregorii decimi tertii Romanorum pontificum furoribus.

He thrust out the Popes Supremacy, that he might be revenged of the Pope, who would not allow of his divorce from his first wife, but he continued much of the Popish Religion, and made six Articles called a whip with six strings,Dii bo…i! quomodo hic vivunt gentes? which were the death of many godly men,Lever saith he did more then any Prince in Christendome before him ever did, the Pope being then so great. Lever in his history of the Defender of the Catholick faith, speaks much of the suppressing of Abbeys. And Iura Cleric. 3. More. being perswaded thereto by Bishop Gardiner.

There is a story of one, who seeing then both Papists hanged for traytors, because they opposed the Kings Supremacy, and Protestants burned for hereticks, in regard they denied the six Articles, cried out, What Religion is there here in England? whereupon one asked him, What Religion he was of; he answered, He was of the Kings Religion.

Nor was that boysterous King so much to blame in dissolving materiall Temples or houses (rather abused then consecrated to superstition) as he was, after this Reformation (if so it may be called) in destroying so many living Temples of God,See the Preface to Sir H. Spelmans Book De non temerand… Ecclesi… which sought not the dissolution of his Kingdome, nor any other Reformation p. 166of him and his people, save only the clearing and purifying of their hearts and brests, (which had been consecrated unto Gods service) from the infection of Romish superstition and idolatry. Dr. Iacksons Commentary on the Creed, l. 11. c. 38.

He was counted the common Umpire of Christendome.

He exceeded all his Progenitors in setting up sumptuous houses.

He confirmed Christ-Church in Oxford, and erected Trinity-Colledge in Cambridge.

The professors of the Hebrew and Greek tongues were first instituted by him in both the Universities. Sit Rich. Bakers Chron.

In running at Tilt and such exercises, he overcame the rest.

Cum lectissimi equites Cataphracti in lud… cro spectaculo infestis hastis concurrerent, tanta arte id bellici vigoris munus implebat, ut ei proposita victoribus pr…mia integra populi judicio, saepissimé deferrentur. Paul. Jov. Brit. descript.

He could not only sing his part, but of himself compose a Service of four five and six parts. Eras. in farrag. in Epist.

**An old Priest …lwayes read Mumpsimus Demine for Sumpsimus: whereof when he was admonished, he said, That he had now used Mumpsimus thirty years, and would not leave his old Mumpsimus for their new Sumpsimus. Pacaeus de fructu qui ex doctrina percipitur.Finding fault with the disagreement of Preachers, he would often say, Some are too stiffe in their old Mumpsimus, and others too busie and curious in their new Sumpsimus.

King Ine out of his devotion to the See of Rome, enjoyned every one of his Subjects, p. 167that possessed in his house of any one kind of goods to the value of nineteen penes,Cum ab Iuae tempore ad hanc (inquit Sleidanus Comment. l. 9.) atatem us que Britannia Romanis Episcopis eam pecuniam dependisset, Henricus (scilicet 8.) omnium primus inhibuit eam amplius persolvi. Selden. Analect. Anglo. brit. l. 2. c. 4. Vide Spelman. de Consil. p. 312, 374. to pay yearly upon Lammas day, one peny to the Pope, which at first was contributed under the name of the Kings alms, but afterwards was paid by the name of Peter-pence.

The Pope of Rome had out of every Chimney of England, Ireland, and Scotland, Wales, and Cornwall, a penny a year, for five hundred years together.

Omnis qui habet triginta denariatas vivae pecuniae in domo sua de proprio suo Anglorum lege dabit denarium sancti Petri. Hoved. Annal. pars posterior. p. 603.

King Henry first forbad this to be paid to the Pope.

There preached one before him whose Sermon the King liked not, as there was reason; the King willed Sir Thomas More then being Lord Chancellor, to give the Preacher thanks worthy such a Sermon. He being a man of a pleasant wit, spake aloud to the Preacher, that the King might hear, and said, The Kings Majesty thanketh you for your notable Sermon: which when the King heard, he called Sir Thomas to him, and said, What mean you my Lord to give such thanks in our name? If it like you, quoth he, there be some things notable evil.

It is a note worthy to be remembred, that Thursday hath been a fatall day to p. 168King Henry the eight,Stowes Chron. in the life and Raign of Q. Eliz. and all his posterity; for himself died on Thursday the twenty eighth of Ianuary; King Edward on Thursday the sixth of Iuly; Queen Mary on Thursday the seventeenth of November; and Queen Elizabeth on Thursday the twenty fourth of March.

After Dr. Collets Sermon preached to him, and long communication with him by occasion thereof, he dismissed him with these words, Lot every one have his Doctor as he liketh, this shall be my Doctor.

Being necessitous, he was offered by the House of Commons in a Parliament toward his latter end, all the lands and houses of the two famous Universities, to be confiscated to his Exchequer, by a most mechanick prostitution of the learning, the honour, and the piety of the Nation: but he told them not without a just scorn, that he had too much of a Scholar in him, to destroy two such Universities as the world had not the like.

His purpose was (if he had lived) to have made a perfect Reformation of Religion saith Mr. Fox in his second Volume of his Acts and Monuments o… the Church. p. 647. and he gives there two reasons of his opinion. But the secret working (saith he) of Gods holy providence, which disposeth all things after his own wisdome and purpose, thought it good rather by taking the p. 169King away,He prepared the way to Reformation, as his own power and profit was concerned in it. He excluded the Popes Authority, and caused himself to be declared supreme head of the Church of Ireland. to reserve the accomplishment of this Reformation of his Church to the peaceable time of his son Edward, and Elizabeth his daughter, whose hands were yet undefiled with any bloud, and life unspotted with any violence or cruelty.

Cardinal Woolsey, and after him Archbishop Cranmer were in great favour with him, Sir Thomas Moor and the Lord Cromwell were also highly esteemed by him.

Francis King of France after the death of King Henry the eight, was much disposed to melancholy, whether for that he being some years the younger, was by his death admonished of the like approaching fate. They were also of so conspiring a similitude of disposition and nature,Lever in his history of the defenders of the Catholick Faith, compares him with Frederick Barbarossa the Emperour of Germany. that you shall hardly find the like between any two Princes of whatever different times. He celebrated the Funerals of King Henry in the Cathedrall at Paris, though excommunicated by the Pope.

Many learned men lived in his dayes, Iohn Collet Dean of Pauls, and founder of the School there; William Lilly the first Schoolmaster of Pauls School, after it was erected; Thomas Linacer or rather Linaker, a learned Physician, and well seen in the tongues; Richard Pace a good Linguist; Iohn Fisher Bishop of Rochester; Sir Thomas More an excellent Scholar; Iohn Frith and William Tindall, Robert Barnes Martyrs; p. 170Robert Wakefield a good Linguist; Sir Thomas Eliot; Edward Lee Archbishop of Yorke; Iohn Leland a great Antiquary; William Grocin very expert in Greek and Latine; Hugh Latimer Bishop and Martyr, who hath put out an elegant Oration in Latine, thus entituled, Hugonis Latimeri Anglicani pontificis Oratio, apud totum Ecclesiasticum Conventum, antequam consultatio publica iniretur, de Regni statu per Evangelium reformando, Regni invictissimi Regis Henrici 8^•, 6^• anno vigessimo octavo habita; where he speaks of many things fit then to be reformed; and well concludes, Si nihil est emendandum in communi, saltem emendemus nos ipsos singuli.

He raigned thirty seven years, and nine moneths, and died in the six and fiftieth year of his life, leaving behind him three children, Edward, Mary, and Elizabeth, all which also raigned after him.

EDWARD the sixth.

Next after the death of King Henry, succeeded King Edward his son, being of the age of nine years. A Prince although but tender in years, yet for his sage and mature ripeness in wit and all Princely ornaments, as I see but few to whom he may not be equall, so again I see not many to whom he may not justly be preferred. Fox▪ his Acts & Monuments of the Church. vol. 2. p. 65 2. He fitly compares him there to good Iosias. Favour p. 171and love (saith he) of Religion was in him from his childhood; such an Organ given of God to the Church of England he was, as England had never better. Id. ib.

All King Henries issue for themselves in their severall kinds,Sir Walter Rauleighs Preface to his hist. of the world. were Princes of eminent vertue.

As Henry the eighth with Solomon was blame-worthy for women, so he left but one son and two daughters. Solomon had Rehoboam, a fool and unfortunate: his daughters but obscure, and both of them Subjects. But Henry was more happy in Edward his son, another Iosiah; and his sisters both Soveraignes of an Imperiall Crown. Speed.

Lever compares him to Iosiah in severall respects.

He was born at Hampton-Court, on the twelfth day of October anno 1537, being the only surviving son of King Henry the eight, by Iane his third wife, daughter to Sir Iohn Seymer Knight.

It hath been commonly reported, and no less generally believed, that Prince Edward being come unto the birth, and there wanting naturall strength to be delivered, his mothers body was ripped open, to give him a passage into the world, and that she died of the Incision in a short time after.

Whence this Epitaph was made upon her. p. 172Phoenix Jana jacet, He spake French perfectly, could declaim in Latin ex tempore and that without any sticking or stammering; he understood Greek, Spanish, and Italian▪ a flowing kind of eloquence he had, yet grave and polite, such as became a Prince, alwayes measuring his words by the thing he spake of. Dr. Hackwels Apology of Gods providence in the government of the world. l. 1. c. 11. Sect. 12. See more there.nato Phoenice: dolendum Saecula Phaenices nulla tulisse duos.

Alluding to the Crest of her father, a Phenix in flames within a Crown.

Yet Dr. Heylin in his Ecclesia restaurata saith, there are many reasons to evince the contrary, that he was not so born.

The other was not more poetically then truely written, he being, considering his years, an admirable President for all ages, of piety, learning, clemency, magnanimity, wisdome and care in governing his people.

As Iulius Caesar in the midst of his greatest actions, wrote an exact and curious Commentary of his notable enterprises by Arms: so King Edward during all the time of his Raign, but most especially towards the end, kept a most judicious Journall of all the most principall passages of the affairs of his estate.

Inclytus Edvardus formatus ab ubere matris

Confestim doctis à praeceptoribus artes

Ingenuas omnes didicit, qui Graeca Latinis

Adjungens studio, paucis profecerat annis,

Ut foret inferior nulli quem terra Britanna

Protulerat, claro magnorum ex stemmate Regum.

Nullus adaequari posset, si flexilis …tas

In puero egresso nondum tria lustra duos que

Annos, ingenii aut praecox spectetur acumen:

p. 173Quantum ad doctrinas virtutes que attinet almas

Ille erat Europae Phoenix, quem funere acerbo,

(Ut flos vere novo viridanti carpitur horto)

Sustulit ante diem, mors immatura Britannis,

Invidet haec terris pietatem & jura colentes.

Oclandi Anglorum praelia.

In his childhood, being about to take down something, which seemed to be above his reach, one of his fellowes offered him a bossed plated Bible to stand upon, and heighten him for taking that which he desired. But he perceiving it to be a Bible, with holy indignation resused it, and sharply reproved him that made the offer. A strong assurance of that dear esteem and veneration, in which he held that sacred Book in his riper years. Dr. Heylins History of Edward the sixth.

He hath this observation in his Diary,A piis atque eruditis praeceptoribus D. Coxo. & Johanne Checo Graecis Latinis que literis institutus, tum sa…a Religione ad praescriptam divini verbi normam imbutus aetatem longe suam doctrinae virtute que superavit. Anglicanam Ecclesiam rudem adhuc & informem tam accuratè sincera Religious perpolivit, omnes que faces pontificias expurgavit, ut à piis omnib… alter Josias merito dictus fit. Josc. Antiq. Brit. Magno miraculo humanarum rerum tanti ingenii & tantae expectationis p…r educabatur, &c. Hier Card. de Edv. 6. Rege. Dr. Cox was … utor also to Q Eliz. who recalled him from beyond seas, restored him to many Church-dignities, and appointed him to preach, that day she went to her first Parliament. Engl. Eliz. the originall of which is in the hands of Sir Thomas Cotton.

At the sixth year of my age, I was brought up in learning by Dr. Coxe, who was after my Almner, and John Cheek Master of Arts, two well learned men, who sought to bring me p. 174up in learning of tongues, of the Scripture, of Philosophy, and all liberall Sciences. Also John Belmain French man, did teach me the French tongue.

He was annointed King at Westminster, by Thomas Cranmer Archbishop of Canterbury, being of the age of nine years.

A Prince of great devotion, constancy of mind,**Had he lived, he would no doubt have made a full Reformation of those foul corruptions that remained, and yet remain to this day, and would have reduced all the Churches in his Dominio…s, unto the Primitive and Apostolicall Order and Discipline, as Bucer in his Book De Regno Christi written to him earnestly desired. Whetenhall of the abuse, now in question in the Church of Christ. love of the truth, and incredibly studious. Godwins Annals of England.

He knew all the principall Ports in England, Scotland, Ireland, France, and other Countries not far distant, how they lay, when the tide served, what vessels of burden they could receive, and what winds served for entrance.

He reformed Religion.

He caused Images and all monuments of Idolatry to be destroyed, and a great Bible in English to be set up in every Church.

He was in body beautifull, of a sweet aspect, and specially in his eyes, which seemed to have a starry liveliness and lustre in them. He would answer Embassadors sometime upon the suddain, either in French or Latin. He could call all Gentlemen of account through his Kingdome by their names.

When Ioan Butcher (a blasphemous Heretick) was to be burned; all the Counsell could not procure him to set his hand to the Warrant. Wherefore they employed p. 175Thomas Cranmer Archbishop of Canterbury, to deal privily with him for his subscription. But the King remained firm both in reason and resolution, affirming, that he would not drive her headlong to the Devil: but because Hereticks for the most part have a strain of madness,Haywards life and Raign of Edward the sixth. he thought it best to apply her with some corporall chastisements, which with respite of time might happily reduce her to good order. The Archbishop was violent both by perswasions and entreaties, and when with meer importunity he had prevailed, the King in subscribing his name, said, that he would lay all the charge thereof upon the Archbishop before God. Of all the Papists in his Raign, there was not one man lost his life. To the godly there was no danger, unless it were by wealth and prosperity. Fox his Act. and Mon. A. D. 11…0.Not many years passed, but this Archbishop also felt the smart of the fire, and it may be, that by his importunity for bloud, he did offend, for a good thing is not good, if it be immoderately desired.

A Miller who had been busie in rebellion against the King, knowing the danger, willed his man to take the name of the master, if any enquired after him. Sir Anthony Kingston Provost Martiall came to the Mill, and calling for the master, the man in his name presented himself, who strait commanded him to the Gallows; the servant then seeing the danger of death,Speed. confessed he was not the master, but the man. Well, said the Knight, thou canst never do thy master better service, then to hang for him, p. 176and thereupon trusted him up in the next tree

The Lord Protector in his dayes marcht with a powerfull Army into Scotland, to demand their Queen Mary in marriage to our King, according their promises. The Scots refusing to do it, were beaten by the English in Musleborough fight. One demanding of a Scotch Lord taken prisoner, Now Sir, how do you like our Kings marriage with your Queen? I alwayes (quoth he) did like the marriage, but I do not like the wooing, that you should fetch a Bride with fire and sword.

The Kings Uncles, Edward-Duke of Somerset, Protector of his person, Realms and Dominions, and Thomas Lord Seymour Baron of …udley the younger, high Admirall of England, were both beheaded. Strife between their wives about place and precedency, caused the death of their husbands, and the death of the young King followed speedily after.Vide Humfredum de Nobilitate. l. 2. p. 232, 233. Sir Thomas Seymour Admirall, and the younger brother, married the Queen Dowager, whose hap it was of all the rest to survive her husband. She contested with her sister in law for priority of place: both were privately encouraged; neither would give way to the other. The one claimed it as she had been once Queen, the other challenged it as she was the present wife of the Protector. The wives set their p. 177husbands at oddes, and their enemies took hold of this advantage. The Admirall was shortly questioned for treason, by consent of his brother condemned in Parliament, and lost his head. In the same monethmonth was the Protector committed to the Tower by the Lords of the Counsell, and after beheaded.

In this Kings dayes, when Bonner was kept in prison, reverend Ridley having his Bishoprick of London, Fox Martyr. vol. 3. p. 431.would …ever go to dinner at Fulham, without the company of Bonners mother and sister; the former alwayes sitting in a Chair at the upper end of the Table. These guests were as constant as Bread and Salt to the Board, no meal could be made without them.

He died in the seventh year of his Princely Government,Ipse Rex …orum or efid o nuditus, aut Sitiosorum immannati ex positus, imma… rè (morbo an veneno incertum) praeripitur; incredibili ob eximias supra aetatem virtutes desiderio apud populum relicto. Apparatus ad Cambd…i Annales. in the sixth of Iuly, anno 1553. Some write that he was poysoned.

The death of this Prince was lamented of all the godly within Europe, for the graces given unto him of God, as well of nature, as of erudition and godliness, passed the measure that accustomably is used to be given to other Princes in their greatest perfection, and yet exceeded he not sixteen years of age. Knoxe his Ecclesiasticall Hist. p. 178of Scotland. l. 1. p. 97. I wonder that Doctor Heylin in his Epistle before his Ecclesia Restaurata should say therefore, Whose death I cannot reckon for an infelicity to the Church of England.

Cardan made this Epitaph of him.

Flete nefas magnum sed toto flebitis orbe

Mortales; vester corruit omnis honos.

Nam Regum decus & juvenum flos; spes que bonorum

Deliciae saecli, & gloria gentis erat.

Dignus Apollineis lachrymis, &c.

It is to this day a question both how this King died, and where he was …ried.

Queen IANE.

The Lady Iane Gray, whom King Edward had declared for his next Successour, was eldest daughter of Henry Lord Gray, Duke of Suffolke, Her mother was the Lady France's daughter; and in fine, one of the co-heirs of Charles Brandon, the late Duke of Suffolke, by Mary his wife, Queen Dowager to Lewis the twelfth of France, and youngest daughter of King Henry the seventh, Grandfather to King Edward now deceased.

She spake the Latin and Greek tongues, with as sweet a fluency, as if they had been naturall, and native to her; exactly skilled in the liberall Sciences, and perfectly p. 179well studied both kinds of Philosophy.

She was most zealously affected to the true Protestant Religion, then by Law established.

She was urged by her near friends to accept of the Crown.Queen Mary caused …et to be beheaded.

Her Raign was but nine dayes: her life not twice so many years, as she raigned dayes.

Ascham, Ann… Maria Schurman, Master Fox, and others, speak of her rare accomplishments.

Queen MARY.

It is a question much agitated, of the rule of women, foreign, An licita? Bodius on Ephes. 5. 22. dislikes it. Bodin de Republica l. 6. c. 5. & method. Hist. c. 6. much opposeth it.She was married to Philip the second King of Spain, who was long, but well proportioned. Some of her Coin was called Philip and Mary. He lames us for suffering Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth to raign, and saith, we violated therein not only the Law of God, but the law of nature and Nations.

knoxe also writes against it.

Danaeus a French man in his Book de H…mine c. 33. saith, It is lawfull. He quotes A…. 8. 27. 1 King. 10. and commends the Raign of Zen…b…ia Queen of the Arabians, a…d Elizabeth Queen of England, and Ioan Queen of Navarr, as happy and lasting.

There is a choice Manuscript in Arch. p. 180in Oxford Library stiled, A dutifull defence of the lawfull regiment of women, written by my Lord Howard.

The Suffolk men first resorted to her, promising her their aid and help, so that she would not attempt the alteration of Religion established by her brother, which she agreed unto, but broke her promise, and that Diocess tasted the sharpest persecution under her Raign.

So well inclined was she of her self, that had not the zeal of her Religion, and the authority of Church men overswayed her own disposition,Speed. the flames of their consuming fires had not mounted so high.Non natura sed pontificiorum arte ferox. Id. ib. Lever compares her to the Queen mother of France, Katherine de Medicis.

She was crowned by Steven Gardiner Bishop of Winchester, the Archbishops of Canterbury and Yorke being then prisoners in the Tower.

Within the compasse of less then four years continuance, there died for the testimoniall of their conscience in this case, two hundred seventy and seven persons, without regard of degree,The suffering in her dayes did more settle and enlarge the bounds of the Gospel, then all the preaching did in King Edward the sixth his Raign. Dr. Ames. sex, or age. In the heat of whose flames were consumed five Bishops, one and twenty Divines, eight Gentlemen, eighty four Artificers, one hundred Husbandmen, servants, and labourers, twenty six wives, twenty widdowes, nine virgins, two boyes, and two Infants.

There being consultation at the Counsel-board p. 181what to do with the Lady Elizabeth, Gardiner said, My Lords, we have but all th… while been … ripping off the leaves, and now and then lopped a branch; but till such time as we strike at the root of heresie (meaning the Lady Elizabeth) nothing to, purpose can be effected. God forbid (replied the Spaniards) that our King and Master should once conceive a thought to consent unto such a mischief. They thence solicited the King on her behalf, and he favoured her, and set her free at last.

The worst that can be said of her, is this,Mr. Baco… Uniform Government of England. part. 2 c. 34. that she was ill principled, and the best, that she acted according to her principles.

Judge Morgan who in her Raign gave sentence of death against the Lady Iane Gray, Whose Raign was polluted with the bloud of so many Martyrs, unfortunate by the frequent insurrections, and made inglorious by the loss of Calais. Nullus toto terrarum orbe angulus est, quo non percrebuit admirabilis tua, praeter invictam animositatem & pictatem cruditio, tam Latinè disertae, ut exterorum Regum legati, docti inprimis homines, velut attoniti obstupescant, & quasi haerente in faucibus voce obinutes…nt, re auditâ Had. Jun. Epist. Mariae Angliae Reginae.presently after her death fell mad, and in his ravings continually cried, Take away the Lady Jane from me, and in that horrour shortly ended his life.

She was learned.

Ludovicus Vives A Spaniard was sometimes her Teacher. He came to England with Queen Kahterine her mother.

She lost Calais, which had been a long time before in the possession of the Engllish; p. 182Two hundred and eleven years.and said if she were opened,It was lost in less then eight dayes. It was … won by Edward the third, being the eleventh King from William the Conque…our, and lost by her the eleventh from Edward. they would find that next her heart: pray it was that a paltry Town should lye where Christ should should have lain.

At the loss of Calai when a proud French man tauntingly demanded,Capto summa celeritate Cal… to, (quem portum Galliae portam a…p…llare consueverant Angliae Reges: quo quamdiu potirentur, tamdiu g…stare se … cingulo claves Galliae dictitahant) quicquid Gallis creptum ducentos per annos Angli f…li…iter obtinuer ant incontinenti paucorum dierum spatio, Galliae regno restituere, atque ad veteres terminos intra occanum se recipere coacti sunt. Stradae de bello Belgic. Dec. 1. l. 1. When will ye fetch Calais again? An English Captain gravely answered, Qu…ndo peccata vestra erunt nostris g…vior…, When your sins shall weigh down ours.

The Lord Cor…s Governour of Picardy under the French King said, That he would be content to lie in Hell seven years, so he might win Calais from the English. The keeping of it indeed was chargeable to the English, but yet it was very advantagious to them. While they kept it they had a door open into France upon all occasions, and therefore it is commonly said, That they carried the keyes of France at their Girdles.

Of all since the Conquest her Raign was the shortest,Though many persecutions have lasted longer, yet none since Di…esians time …age… so terribly. Dr. Heylius Eccles restaur. See more there. only excepting that of Richard the Tyrant, but much more bloudy then was his.

She raigned five years, and four moneths, wanting two dayes only.

She lieth buried in Westminster without p. 183any Monument or remembrance at all.

Queen ELIZABETH.

She was born at Greenwich on the seventh of September 15…3. Her father was Henry the eighth King of England, her mother Anne Bulloin, whose love to the pure Religion cost her her life.

Amabat Regina puram veràm que Religionem, & haec illi res odium, nox necem peperit. Adolphi à Dans vita Elizabethae.

The Archbishop Cranmer her Godfather was every where chary and tender over her, as one that at the Font had took charge upon him to see her educated in all vertue and piety.

What Prince was ever more sage in her Counsell, or more solemn in her Government, or more advised in her favours and f…owns? Dr. Gaudens Eccles. Anglie. Suspiria l. 4. c. 22.

Before the age of seventeen years she was skilled in Latine, French, Italian, and in the Greek indifferent well. Neither did she neglect musick, both singing and playing on instruments very sweetly and artificially, for so much as became a Prince. With Roger Ascham who governed her studies, she read over Melancthons common places, Cicero entire, a great part of Livies History▪ some select Orations of Isocrates (whereof two she translated into Latine) Sophocles p. 184Tragedies,Dr Hackwel… Apol. of Gods providence in the Government of the world. l. 4. c 11. Sect. 12. Se… more there▪ Vide Cambde ni etiam A…arat ad Annales. and the New Testament in Greeke, by which means she both furnished her speech with elegant language, and her mind with wholsome precepts, referring her learning rather to practice and conversation, then ostentation and pomp, yet was she in a manner for learning a miracle among the Princes of her age.

In one and the same day she answered three Embassadors of great Princes, the one in Latine, the other in French, and the third in Italian.

I have seen a Book (which is in Sion-Colledge) wherein divers sentences were turned out of English into Latine and Italian, and some translated out of French by Queen Elizabeth, and written with her own hand, in the life time of her father, and sent to her brother Prince Edward for a new years gift, she being at that time not above thirteen years of age.

Abraham Hartwell in his Regina literata written in Verse, speaks of Queen Elizabeths coming and doings at Cambridge.

She was honourably received in Kings Colledge, where she lay during her continuance there.

At the breaking up of the Divinity Act there,The Or…tion is in H…k…nsh. Chron. …de Saviii▪ Orat. corom Reg…na El…z. Oxon. …habi…a. she made within St. Maries Church a notable Oration in Latine, beginning thus, Etsi faeminilis iste … us pudor, &c. See Dr. Heylins Ecclesia restaurata. p. 163, 164. p. 185Vide Hadriani Juni… Epist. Elizabethae Angliae Reginae inter Epistolas suas. p. 544.

She was of personage tall, of hair and complexion fair, and therewith well favoured, but high nosed, of limbs and feature neat, and which added to the lustre of those exteriour graces, of stately and majestick com…ortment.

She was crowned in St. Peters Church in Westminster, by Dr. Oglethorp Bishop of Carlisle, according to the Order of the Roman Pontificall.

There was great speech of a match between her and a French Mounsieur the Duke of Alencon, of which he had great hopes, being ignorant (as Bernardine Mendoza wrote from London to the Prince of Parma) Reginam singulis annis sponsam esse, Stradae de bello Belgic. Decas 2. l. 1. p. 11.nunquam vero nuptam, That the Queen was every year a Spouse, but never married.

The silencing and ejection of Ministers in her dayes, Reformation being newly begun,Vide Parkerum de Politcia Ecclesiast. Christi. l. 2. c. 38. and the enemies to it many, the friends and those that faithfully engaged few: was looked upon by the godly prudent of that age, as very unseasonable, because of the scarcity of preachers at that time. Beams of former Light. c. 7.

She had so great a command over her appetite, that her brother Edward usually called her by no other name, but his sweet sister Temperance*.There was between these two Princes … concurrence and sympathy in their natures and affections; together with the celestiall bond (conformity in Religion) which made them one, and friends; for the King ever called her his sweetest and dearest sister. Sir Robert Nauntons Fragmenta Reg. Cambdens Britannia in Surrey. C…mb. Brit. in Wil…shire. She was so far from p. 186pressing her Subjects with Impositions, that when the Parliament once offered her a great summe of money, she refused a great part thereof, giving them thanks, and adding withall, that the money was as sure in her Subjects Co…ers as her own.

A Prince above her sexe of a manly courage and high conceit, who lively resembled as well the royall qualities of her Grandfather, as she did his princely presence and countenance, the worlds love and joy of Brittain. A Virgin for the space of fourty four years so ruled the royall Scepter, as that her Subjects loved her, enemies feared her, and every one with admiration honoured her.

She was about seventy years old when she died.

A most gracious and excellent Prince, worthy of superlative praise for her most wise and politick government of the Commonwealth, and for her heroick vertues far above that sexe.

In Queen Elizabeth, besides her sexe, there was nothing woman-like or weak. Sclater. Yet S…nders calleth her Lupam Anglicanam; Gainsfords Glory of England. l. …. c. 2. … Bi…dulphs Travels. p. 25, 26.Rhiston Leaenam nostram, omnes Athalias, Maachas, Jezabeles, Herodiades superantem.

The very Heathen and Mahumetans, the Persians and Idolaters, the Aethiopians and p. 187Muscovites do name her with reverence.

Balsac in his second Book of Letters,Her name filed the Christian, Turkish, Persian, American, Indian parts. Purchas p…grimage. 1. l. 3. c. 1. Sect. 1. See ibid. c. 3. Sect. 3. Letter 1. to my Lord Cecil saith, Even he that excommunicated her, spake of herwith honour.

Some think my Lord of Essex his death, and the long concealing of the message he sent to her, when discovered, occasioned a deep melancholy first, and after her death. Osborn in his Miscellanies saith, No act of hers was registred so contrary to the grain of her own people, as the death of the Earl. Others say,If she were a Catholick, she might be accounted the mirrour of the world, saith a secular Priest. Meteranus Rer. Belg. hist. l. 23. much commends her. the death of the Queen of Scots.

In her time the pure interest of England was the protection of Protestants, and War with Spain.

For her mercifull returning home certain Italians, which were taken prisoners in the eighty eight Invasion, she was termed Saint Elizabeth by some at Venice. One told the Lord Carleton being there Embassadour,That great Elizabeth of England, nurse of God, Church, God hath established her seat with justice and goodness, hath made her the terrour of all enemies of Christ, and the beauty of Europe. …olynes of the Civil Wars of France. that although he were a Papist, yet he would never pray to any other Saint, but the Saint Elizabeth. Mr. Trap on Ezra…c. 1.

My Lord Howard in his Manuscript in Oxford Library (a learned piece worthy to be published) stiled, A dutifull defence of the lawfull regiment of women, dedicated to Queen Elizabeth, quotes divers Papists commending her.

In his Defensative against the poyson of supposed Prophesies, c. 16. he saith thus, p. 188When divers (upon greater scrupulosity then cause) went about to disswade her Majesty (lying then at Richmond) from looking on the Comet which appeared last; with a courage answerable to the greatness of her state, she caused the window to be set open, and cast out this word, Jacta est alea, The Dice are thrown. Affirming that her stedfast hope and confidence was too firmly planted in the providence of God, to be blasted, or affirighted with those beames, which either had a ground in nature whereupon to rise, or at least no warrant out of Scripture to pretend the mi…haps of Princes.

She equalled the best of her Predecessors,Bacons Uniform Government of England. part. 2. c. 34. and in learned endowments excelled them all. A wise man that was an eye witness of many of her actions, and of those which succeeded her, many times hath said, That a Courtier might make a better meal of one good looke from her, then of a good gift from some other King.

The Parliament having been a monethmonth, Queen Elizabeth sent for Mr. Popham, the Speaker of the House, and asked him, What past since they sate? He answered, Iust twenty eight dayes.

Much might be said of her prosperity.

1. She was advanced to the Regall Throne, from a private and adverse fortune.

The more happy was her Government, p. 189because it ensued upon the stormy times of Queen Mary. She came as a fresh Spring after a sharp Winter, and brought the Ship of England from a troublous and tempestuous Sea, to a safe and quiet harbour.

Though the Author of Ierusalem and Babel saith, she profest her self a Catholick during the Raign of her sister, and speaks of the Duke of Feria's Letter to King Philip yet to be seen; wherein is certified that the Queen had given him such assurance of her belief, and in particular concerning the point of reall presence, that for his part he could not believe, she intended any great alteration in Religion; yet I suppose he wrongs her therein, as he doth Dr. Reynolds likewise, in saying, that he framed that combate which he published between himself and Mr. Hart, at his own pleasure.

Anti-Sanderus in his second Dialogue saith thus, Non solum nobilium potentissimos, sed & Episcopos omnes, à quorum aliquo juxta priscam Angliae consuetudinem ungi & coronari debuit, factio Pontificia sic abripuerat, ut cam, quod Lutherano dogmate tingi crederetur, solennitatibus illis usitatis decorare ad tempus procacissimè recusaverint. Vide plura ibid. p. 179. Tot magnatibus in Anglia tempore Reginae Mariae deficientibus, animosè perstitere Elizabetha postea Regina, & Johanna Graia. Voet. Sel. Theol. Disputat. part. 3.

Her time produced a world of refined p. 190wits and excellent spirits, who honoured Poesie with their pens and practice, Edua…d Earl of Oxford, the Lord … H…nry Lord Pa…et, our Phaenix the No le S… Ph…ip Sidney, Mr. Edward Dyer, Mr. E…m…nd Spenser, Mr. Samuel Daniel, with sundry others. Peach…ms compleat Gentleman. c. 10.

Those were the ablest, and most accomplished, that were tutored by both fortunes. Such was with us, King Henry the seventh; and with the French, Lewis the twelfth,She wrote then Tanquam ovis, as a sheep to the slaughter. He was a bold Preacher who afterwards told her, she was now Tanquam indomita juvenca. This was Mr. De…ring. They presenting to her the Bible in English at the little Conduit in Cheap…ide, she answered, I thank the City for this gift above all the rest, it is a Book which I will often and often read over. the former of which excelled in prudence, the other in justice During the Raign of her brother, her estate was most prosperous and flourishing; during the Raign of her sister, very tempestuous and full of hazard.

2. She was indeed the Queen of Hearts, beloved by her Subjects at home, and honoured by forraign Princes. She came to the Crown with the love of her Subjects, and while she possessed it, they continued their love to her. She was received very lovingly by the City of London the day before her Coronation, as appeared by the Assembly, prayers, wishes, welcomings, cryes, and all other signs, which argue a wonderfull earnest love of most obedient Subjects toward their Soveraign.

In her short progresses what flocking would there be of all sorts of people to see p. 191her?She delighted much in the love of her people. What gentle language would she use to them? What cordiall prayers would she make for them? and what hearty acclamations would they utter to her, God save the Queen Elizabeth.

It is a sign of a happy Raign, (saith Iohn de Serres in Henry the fourth) when the Subject rejoyceth to see his King.

She would usually reply, God bless you my people all. Her speech to the children of Christs Hospitall as she rode through Fleet-street was, We are Orphans all, Let me enjoy your prayers, and you shall be sure of my assistance. Engl. Elizab. p. 186.

In her speech to her last Parliament the third of November 1601, she hath this passage.

To be a King, and wear a Crown, is a thing more glorious to them that see it, then it is pleasant to them that bear it. Though you have had and may have many mightier and wiser Princes sitting in this Seat, yet you never had nor shall have any that will love you better. See more there.

She had an extraordinary Majesty of aspect, joyned with a sweetness, a most happy and constant healthfulness of body.

Illud sane non indignum memoratu, quod tota vitae tempore valuit pancraticè. Adolphi à Dans vita Elizabethae.

She was, and was so reputed by strangers of all the Princes of her time,Speeds Chron. the most exact observer (both for action and ceremony) of true Regall deportment and magnificence.

p. 192She was pious and constant in Religion.Surely, Surely, a Prince so high in the favour of God, and so mighty with men, so blessed with dayes, and prosperous in her Raign, so beloved at home, and so dread abroad, so absolute for blessings, and so admired for Government, was never seen in England. William Leighs Queen Elizabeth paraleld, second Sermon. He paralels he there in her princely vertues with David, Ioshua, and Hezekiah. 1. With David in her afflictions to build the Church. First Serm …. 2. With Ioshua in her puis…nce, to p…otect the Church. Second Sermon. 3. With Hezekiah in her piety, to reform the Church. Third Sermon.

She was very frequent in the reading of the Scriptures, and writings of the Fathers, especially of St. Augustine. She composed certain prayers her self upon emergent occasions. Whensoever she named God, though it were in common discourse, she would for the most part adde the title of Maker, saying, God my Maker, and compose both her eyes and countenance to a submisness and reverence.

Although she found the Romish Religion confirmed in her sisters dayes,Her Motto was Semper eadem by Act of Parliament, and established by all strong and potent meanes that could be devised,It Plutarch were alive to write lives by paralels, it would trouble him both for vertue and fortune, to find for her a paralel amongst women. Sir Francis Bacon the Lord Chancellour Elsmere. She was the happy instrment of God to promote the Protestant Religion in all parts. May his History of the Parliament of England. l. 1. c. 1. See more there. and that all those which had any Authority, or bare Office in the State, had subscribed to it; yet because she saw it was not agreeable to the Word of God, nor to the Primitive purity, nor to her own conscience, she did with a great deal of courage, and with the assistance of very few▪ persons, quite expell, and abolish it.

p. 193Within the compass of one year, she did so establish and settle all matters belonging to the Church, as she departed not one hairs breadth from them, to the end of her life.

In the years of her life she went beyond all her predecessors since the Conquest, and in the length of her Raign, she exceeded all but only two, Henry the third, and Edward the third.

There was almost no memorable Act in Christendome, for the space of forty years of her time, wherein she had not some part of Princely deserving. Levers History of the Defenders of the Catholick faith.

Rare, in all ages, hath been the Raign of a woman: more rare the felicity of a woman, in her Raign: but most rare, a permanency and lasting, joyned with that felicity.

A great French Lady (mother to the Duke of Guise) said, that Elizabeth of England was the most glorious and happy woman, that ever swayed Scepter.

Her days are not to be passed over slightly, without one touch upon that string which so many years sounded so sweetly in our ears, without one sigh breathed forth in her sacred memory.

She was wonderfully preserved from twenty conspiracies at home; and forraign invasions.

p. 194She was happy in the abilities of her servants,Robert Cecil, Robert Dudley Earl of Leicester, the Lord Howard, Adm…ral…, Walsingham. What famous Captains were Generall …Norris, Captain Williams, Morgan, the noble Earl of Essex, and others in land af…airs? Who more renowned than Captain Drake, Frobisher, Hawkins, Candish, with the …est in Sea travails? Sir Philip Sidney was her great favourite. many grave Counsellors, and martiall Commanders.

The Coyn was pure in her dayes, and Religion was in great purity.

She was admirable in expressing her mind both by speech and writing: and if collection could be made of her Apophthegmes and extemporall Orations, it would certainly excell any thing extant in that kind.

King Henry the fourth of France in a Letter to Mounsieur de Rosny, Duke of Sully, commends her

In imitation of her Father Henry the eight, she did admit none about her for Pensioners, Privy-Chamber-men, Squires of the body, Carvers, Cup-Bearers, Sewers, but persons of stature, strength, and birth. Her Guard, Ushers, Porters, and all attending below stairs, were of no less extraordinary size, than activity for shooting,Sir Richard Bakers Chron. Bishop Iewel was the glory of her Raign for learning. throwing the Barre, weight, wrestling.

Elizabeth was tempered to inherit her Grandsires wisdome, and her fathers spirit. Dr. Holiday his Survey of the world, Book eighth.

Paulet Marquess of Winchester, and Lord Treasurer, having served then four Princes in a various and changeable season, that time nor any age hath yeelded the like p. 195president; this man being noted to grow high in her favour (as his place and experience required) was questioned by an intimate friend of his, how he stood up for thirty years together amidst the changes and Raigns of so many Chancellours, and great Personages? Why (quoth the Marquess) Ortus sum ex salice, non ex quercu, I was made of the pliable Willow, not of the stubborn Oak. Sir Robert Nauntons Fragm. Reg.

Her clemency also was singular.

Though she was harshly used by Sir Henry Beningfield, when she was prisoner at Woodstocke, yet when she came to the possession of the Crown,Grafton in Q. Mary. she never proceeded further, then to discharge him of the Court, which many thought was the thing that pleased him best.Cette vivacité d' esprit, fermetè de jugement, generuse resolution aux baute… enterprises, esquelles excelloit vostre Royale & Loyale soeur là brave Elizabeth d' Angleterre. Memoires de Sully. At whose departure from her presence, she used only these words, God forgive you that is past, and we do, and if we have any prisoner whom we will have hardly handled, and straightly kept, then we will send for you.

Whilest she was in her vigorous years, if at any time she were moved to declare her Successour, she would make answer, That she would never endure to see her winding sheet before her eyes.

She behaved her self so warily, as not to come within the danger of the Laws, for acting any thing in opposition unto that p. 196Religion which was then established. Concerning which there goes a Story, that when a Popish Priest had urged her very earnestly to declare her judgement touching the presence of Christ in the blessed Sacrament; she very cautelously resolved the point in these following Verses:

'Twas God the Word that spake it,

He took the bread and brake it,

And what the Word did make it,

That I believe and take it.

But all this Caution notwithstanding, her aversness from the Church of Rome, was known sufficiently not to be altered while she lived. Dr. Heylins History of Queen Elizabeth.

At her entrance to her Raign, she sent to her Agent in the Court of Spain, to represent unto King Philip the second, the dear remembrance which she kept of those many humanities received from him in the time of her troubles.

Yet afterward, some of our own and some forraign W…iters taxe her of too much unkindness toward King Philp, to whom she had been so much obliged.

The ground of his Invasion in eighty eight, was the divers indignities he received from Queen Elizabeth, though ever since the death of Queen Mary, he forbore to do any thing that might displease her. p. 197During his abode in England, Multa Regis Phi…pi secundi indignationem s…m … adversus … Reginam, tant… quidem … sensu, …uanto pro benefi…is proque vi…a i…sa, quam et bis …t que dedisse rev Rex affirmab…t, dum conspirationum insimulatam è …arcere, capitali que judicio liberaverat pro b…s aliis que prom…ritis alias super alias accepisse se indesinenter inju…ias agnoscebat. Viderat statim ab initio Principem Orangium. as Belgarum populos, consilio, pecunia, milite, ad defectionem ab illa concitato… ▪ I…di…rum provincias à Draco à Conditio, ab aliis ejus emissarlis v…xatas ac direptas … regiam pecuniam interversam▪ ac naves in Anglia r…t…tas: …lencon…am sp…ruptiarum ia Angliam allectum, at que inde in Belgium ad capiendam Brabantiae coronam instructum. Stradae de bello Belgico Decas 2. l. 9.he had done her such signall and high savours, as to preserve her head from the Scaffold, to have her allowance enlarged, to divert her Sister from a design she had to send her beyond Sea to be a …, and at his departure from England, he desired not to carry with him but one Ring of a hundred pound price.

He shewed no small love also in comprehending the su…rend…y of Calais to the English, in his Treaty of peace with France.

The Queen assisted Don Antonio the Bastard against him, about the title of Portugall, fomented his own naturall Subjects against him, in the revolt of the confederate Provinces, so far as to send a Governour of her own amongst them. She gave Commissions to rob him in the Indies. She intercepted some of his treasure in her own Seas going to Flanders, and wronged some of the Hans Towns, who were under his protection. These with sundry incitements more, caused Philip to prepare this powerfull Fleet, to be quit with her at once for all scores. Howels History of Naples.

But it may be said in her defence, that th…e King of Spain did stir up the Irish against p. 198her, and did also encourage such Traytors, as conspired against her in England.

Sir Francis Drake (who was Captain of the Iudith with Sir Iohn Hawkins, Vide Cambde…l Annales.in the voyage of Guiny 1567) received together with him considerable dammage and injuries from the Spaniard, in the Port of S^t Iohn D' Vll…a of the West Indies, contrary to promise and agreement with him, and therefore what he did against the Spaniards, was to repair himself.

At the beginning of the Netherlanders troubles, she imparted unto the King of Spain sincere advice, not to hold a heavy hand over that people, which he rejected and contemned. Her Majesty nevertheless gave not over her honourable resolution, which was, if it were possible, to reduce and reconcile those Countryes unto the obedience of the King of Spain; if not, yet to preserve them from alienating themselves to a forraign Lord: and so continued to mediate unto the King for some just and honourable capitulations of grace and accord. Which course she held untill the death of the Duke of Anjou, at which time the enemy pressing them, the united Provinces were received into her Majesties protection: which was after the King of Spain had discovered himself an unplacable Lord to them: and also a professed enemy unto her Majesty, having already actually invaded p. 199Ireland, and designed also the invasion and conquest of England. Gabriel Powell his refutation of an Epistle apologetically written by a Puritan Papist, to perswade the permission of the promiscuous use and profession of all sects and heresies. c. 9. p. 98.

Trading was much promoted in her time.See Purchas Pilgrim part 3, 4 c. 9 …ct. …. Reginam …um vixit ut sororem diligentissimè observavit. Anglos que pariter caeteros eximi… dilexit. Camd. Annal.

By her intercession the Turk gave way to the English trading in Turkie, whence the Company of Turkish Merchants.

The Great Duke of Russia also much respected her, and the English for her sake.

England was much adorned with building in her time. Plures & nobilium & privatorum villae, elegantia, laxitate, & cultu conspicuae, jam passim in Anglia surgere caep… runt, quàm alio quovis seculo, magno sanè regni ornamento, verùm hospitalis gloriae detrimento. Camd. Annal.

She was very sparing in bestowing Honours, for in twelve years she made but four Barons.

She made Westminster Abbey (famous for the Coronation and sepulture of our Kings of England, and for the keeping of the Insignia Regalia) a Collegiate Church, where there is a Dean, twelve prebends, a Schoolmaster and Usher, forty Scholars called Kings Scholars, (out of which some are chosen yearly to both Universities) Servants, Choristers, and twelve Almesmen; p. 200as Camden in his Annals shews.

Being near her end,An uncharitable Jesuit in a scandalous Libell, spread abroad and published some years after Q. Elizabeths death, saith, that she died without sense or feeling of Gods mercies, and that she wished she might after her death hang a while in the air, to see what striving there would be for her King…dome. Camd. Eliz. transl. Preface. she declared Iames King of Scotland to be her Successor, so Camden and Du Chesne, and Iohnston in his Historia Britannica.

Sir Francis Walsingham her Secretary died poor; he left only one daughter which married Sir Philip Sidney, and after the Earl of Essex.

When she was near death, Whitgift Archbishop of Canterbury came to her, and spoke much of the redemption of mankind, of the resurrection of the body, and immortality of the soul; to whom she answered with great tranquility and constancy, that she desired to be soon dissolved, and to be with Christ.

She having setled her Dominions in peace, died in the year 1602, the twenty fourth of March, the sixty ninth of her age, and of her Raign the forty fourth.