Acts and Monuments Volume 2 Part 2, Book 12 · Account 123
The myraculous preseruation of Lady Elizabeth, nowe Queene of England, from extreme calamitie and danger of life, in the time of Q. Marie her sister.
The blessed pr…tection of almighty God in preseruing the Lady Elizabeth in her manifold daungers and troubles.BUt when all hath beene sayde and tolde, what soeuer canne be recited touching the admyrable woorking of Gods present hande in defending and deliuering any one person oute of thraldome, neuer was there since the memorie of oure fathers, any example to be shewed, wherein the Lordes mightye power hathe more admirably & blessedly shewed it selfe, to the glory of his owne name, to the comforte of all good heartes, and to the publicke felicitie of thys whole Realme, then in the myraculous custodie and outscape of this our soueraigne Lady, now Queene, then Ladye Elizabeth, in the straighte time of Queene Marye her sister.
In which Storie, first we hauehave to consider in what extreme miserie,The troubles of Lady …lizabeth in Queene Marye… tyme. sicknes, feare, and pearil her highnes was: into what care, what trouble of minde, and what danger of death shee was brought. Firste with great routes and bands of armed men (and happie was he that might hauehave the carying of her) being fetched vp as the greatest traytour in the world, clapped in the Tower, and againe tossed from thence, from house to house, from prison to prison, from post to piller, at length also prisoner in her own house, and garded with a sort of cutte throtes, whych euer gaped for the spoyle, whereby they might be fingering of somewhat.
Secondly, to consider againe we hauehave, all thys notwt standing, howe straungely, or rather myraculously from daunger shee was deliuered: what fauour and grace shee founde with the almightye, who when all helpe of man, and hope of recouerie was past, stretched out his mighty protection, and preserued her highnesse, and placed her in this Princely seate of rest and quietnesse, wherein nowe shee sitteth, and long may shee sit, the Lorde of his glorious mercy graunt, we beseeche him.
In which storie, if I should sette foorth at large and at full, all the particulars and circumstances thereunto belonging, and as iust occasion of the historie requireth, besides the importunate length of the storie discoursed, peraduenture it might mooue offence to some being yet aliue, and truth might gette me hatred. Yet notwithstanding I intend (by the grace of Christ) therein to vse suche breuitie and moderation, as both may be to the glorye of God, the discharge of the storie, the profite of the Reader, and hurte to none, suppressing the names of some, whome heere although I could recite, yet I thought not to be more cruell in hurting their name, then the Queene hath bene mercifull in pardoning their liues.
Therefore now to enter into the discourse of thys tragical matter,The history of the Lady Elizabeth. first here is to be noted, that Queene Marye when shee was first Queene, before shee was crowned, would goe no whither, but would hauehave her by the hande, and send for her to dinner and supper: but after shee was crowned, shee neuer dined nor supped wyth her, but kept her aloofe from her. &c. After this it happened, immediatly vponupon the rising of sir Thomas Wiat (as before was mentioned, pag. 1418.1419.) that the Ladye Elizabeth and the Lord Courtney were charged with false suspition of Syr Thomas Wyates rising. Whereuppon Queene Marye, whether for that surmise, or for what other cause I know not, being offended with the sayde Elizabeth her sister, at that time lying in her house at Ashridge, the next day after the rising of Wyat, sent to her three of her Counsailours, to wit,Syr Richard S…thwell, Syr Edward Hastinges, and Syr Thomas Cornwalles sent to fetch vp Lady Elizabeth, with whom also afterward was sent the Lord Willi…m Haward▪ &c. Sir Richard Sowthwel, syr Edwarde Hastings, then maister of the horse, and Syr Thomas Cornwalles, with their retinue and troupe of horsemen, to the number of 200. and 50. Who at their sodaine and vnprouided comming, founde her at the same time sore sicke in her bedde, and very feeble & weake of body. Whither whē they came, ascending vp to her graces priuie Chamber, they willed one of her Ladies, whome they mette, to declare vntounto her grace, that there were certaine come from the court, which had a message from the Queene.
Her grace hauing knowledge therof, was right glad of their comming: howbeit being then very sicke, and the night farre spent (which was at 10. of the clock) she requested them by the messenger, that they would resort thither in the morning. To this they answeared, and by the sayde messenger sent woorde againe, that they must needes see her, and would so do, in what case soeuer she were. Wherat the Lady being against, went to shewe her grace theyr woordes: but they hastely folowing her, came rushing as soone as shee into her graces chamber vnbidden.
At whose so sodaine comming into her bed chamber, her grace being not a litle amased, sayd vntounto them▪ The … of the knights.… the hast suche, that it myghte not hauehave pleased you to … morrow in the morning?
They made answere, that they were righte sorye … her in that case. And I (quoth shee) am not glad to see … here at this time of the night. Whereunto they answered, that they came from the Queene to doe their message and duetie: which was to this effecte, that the Queenes pleasure was, that she shoulde be at London the 7. day of that present monethmonth. Whereunto shee sayde: Certesse, no creature more glad then I to come to her maiestie, being right sorie that I am not in case at this time to waite on her, as you your selues doe see and can well testifie.
In deede we see it true (quoth they) that you doe say: for which we are very sorie.A straye Commission from the Queene to bring the Lady Elizabeth either quicke, or dead. Albeit we …ette you to vnderstande, that our Commission is such, and so straineth vsus, that we must needes bring you with vsus, eyther quicke or dead. Wherat she being amased, sorowfully said, that their Commission was very sore: but yet notwithstanding she hoped it to be otherwise, and not so strait. Yes verely, said they. Whereupon they called for two Phisitions, Doctor Owen and Doctor Wendy, demaunded of them, whether she might be remoued from thence with lyfe, or no. Whose aunswere and iudgement was, that there was no impediment to theyr iudgement, to the contrary, but that shee might trauayle without daunger of lyfe.
In conclusion, they willed her to prepare agaynst the morning at nine of the clocke to goe with them,The gentlenes of Q. Mary to send her horselitter to bring her sister to trouble. declaring that they had brought with them the Queenes Lytter for her. After much talk, the messengers declaring how there was no prolonging of times & daies, so departed to theyr chamber, being entertained and cheared as appertained to their worships.
On the next morow at the time prescribed, they hadde her forth as shee was, very faynt and feeble, and in suche case, that shee was ready to swound three or foure tymes betweene them. What shoulde I speake here that cannot well bee expressed,Lady Elizabeth taketh her iourney toward the Queene. what an heauy house there was to behold the vnreuerend and doulefull dealyng of these men, but espcially the carefull feare and captiuitie of their innocent Lady and Mistresse.
Now to proceed in her iourney from Ashrydge, al sick in the Litter, she came to Redborne, where she was garded all night: From thence to S. Albones, to Syr Rafe Rowlets house, where she taryed that night, both feble in body, and comfortles in minde. From that place they passed to Maister Doddes house at Mymmes, where also they remayned that night: and so from thence she came to Highgate: where she being very sicke, taryed that night and the next day. During whiche time of her abode there, came many Purseuantes and messengers from the court: but for what purpose I cannot tell.
From ye place she was conueied to the Court: whereby the way came to meete her, many Gentlemen, to accō pany her highnesse, which were very sory to see her in that case.Lady Elizabeth brought vp to London. But especially a great multitude of people ther were standing by the way, who then flocking about her Luter, lamēted and bewailed greatly her estate. Now, when she came to the Court, her grace was there straight wais s…t vp, and kept as close prisonner a fortnight, which was till Palme sonday, seeing neither King nor Queene, nor lead, nor frend, all that time, but only then the Lord Chamberlaine, Syr Iohn Gage, and the Uicechamberlaine, which were attendant vntounto the dores.Syr William Sentlow committed to the Tower. About whiche time Syr William Sentlowe was called before the Counsaile. To whose charge was laid, that he knew of Wyats rebellion. Which he stoutly denied, protesting yt hee was a true man, both to God & his Prince, defying al traytors and rebels: but being straitly examined, he was in cōclusion committed to the Tower.
The Friday before Palme sonday, the B. of Winchester, with xix. other of the Counsaile (who shall bee here namelesse) came vntounto her grace from the Queenes Maiestie, and burdened her with Wiates conspiracie: which she vtterly denied,Lady Elizabeth charged with Syr Thomas Wyats conspiracye. Lady Elizabeth ch…rged with the … of Peter Car…w. Lady Elizabeth threatned to goe to the Tower. affirmyng that she was altogether gilt lesse therin. They beyng not contented with this, charged her grace with busines made by sir Peter Carew, and the r…st of the Gentlemen of the West country: which also she vtterly denying, cleared her innocencie therein.
In conclusion, after long debating of matters, they declared vntounto her, that it was the Queenes will & pleasure that she should go vntounto the tower, while the matter were further …ried and examined.
Whereat shee beyng agaste, said, that shee trusted the Queenes Maiestie would bee more gracious Lady vntounto her, and that her highnesse would not otherwise conceyue of her, but that she was a true woman: declaring furthermore to the Lordes, that she was innocent in all those maters wherein they had burdened her, & desired them therfore to be a further meane to the Queen her sister, that she beyng a true woman in thought,Lady Elizabeth … her … to the Lordes▪ word, and deed towards her Maiesty, might not be committed to so notorious and dolefull a place, protesting that she would request no mercy at her hand, if she should bee prooued to hauehave consented vntounto any suche kynde of matter as they layed vntounto her charge: and therfore in fine desired their Lordshippes to thinke of her what she was, and that she might not so extremely be delt withall for her truth.
Wherunto the Lords answered againe, that there was no remedy, for that the Queenes Maiestie was fully determined that she should go vntounto the Tower. Wherewith the Lords departed, with their caps hangyng ouer theyr eyes. But not long after, within the space of an houre or little more, came foure of the foresaid Lordes of the counsaile, which were the Lord Treasurer, the B. of Winchester, the lord Steward, the Erle of Sussex, with the gard, who wardyng the nexte chamber to her,Lady Elizabethes se… u…untes … from her. The Queenes m…n, and wayting wom…n attendant vponupon Lady Elizabeth. secluded all her Gentlemen and Yeomen, Ladies and Gentlewomen, sauyng that for one Gentleman Usher, three Gentlewomē, and two Groomes of her Chamber, were appoynted in their roomes three other men of the Queenes, & three waiting women to geue attendance vponupon her, yt none shoulde hauehave accesse to her grace.
At which tyme there were an hundreth of Northren souldiours in white cotes, watching and warding about the gardens all that night, a great fire beyng made in the midst of the hall, and two certaine Lordes watching there also with their band and company.
Upon Saterday followyng, two Lordes of the counsaile (the one was the Erle of Sussex, the other shall bee namelesse) came and certified her grace, that forthwith she must go vntounto the tower, the barge beyng prepared for her, and the tide now redy, which tarieth for no body. In heauy moode her grace requested the Lords that she might tary another tide, trusting that the next would be better and more comfortable. But one of the Lords replied, that neither tide nor tyme was to be delayed.
And when her grace requested him that she myght bee suffred to write to the Queenes Maiestie,The hard dealing of a certayne Lord with the Lady Elizabeth. The Earle of Sussex gentle to the Lady Elizabeth. Lady Elizabeth writeth to the Queene but it would not serue. he aunswered, that he durst not permitte that, addyng that in his iudgemente it woulde rather hurte, then profite her grace in so doyng.
But the other Lorde, more curteous and fauourable, (who was the Erle of Sussex) kneelyng downe, told her grace that she should hauehave libertie to write, and as he was a true man, he would deliuer it to the Queenes highnesse, and bring an answer of the same, what soeuer came therof. Wherupon she wrote, albeit she could in no case be suffered to speake with the Queene to her great discomfort, beyng no offender against the Queenes Maiestie.
And thus the tyde and tyme passed away for that season, they priuily appointing all things redy that she shuld go the next tyde which fell about midnight: but for feare she should be taken by the way, they durst not. So they stayed till the next day, beyng Palme Sonday, when about ix. of the clocke these two returned agayne, declaring that it was tyme for her grace to depart. She answering, if there be no remedy, I must be contented, willyng the Lordes to go on before. Beyng come forth into the gardē, she did cast vp her eyes toward the window, thinkyng to hauehave seene the Queene, which she could not. Whereat she sayd, she meruailed much what the nobilitie of the realme ment, which in that sort would suffer her to bee ledde into captiuitie, the Lord knew whether, for she did not. In the meane tyme commandement was geuen in all London, that eueryevery one should keepe the Church and carye their Palmes, while in the meane season she might be conueied without all recourse of people into the Tower.
After all this, she tooke her Barge with the two foresayd Lordes, three of the Queenes Gentlewomen,Lady Elizabeth sent to the Tower. and three of her owne, her Gentleman Usher, and two of her Groomes, lying and houeryng vponupon the water a certai…e space, for that they could not shoote the bridge, the Barge men beyng very vnwilling to shoote the …ame so soone as they bid, because of the danger thereof: for the sterne of the boate, stroke vponupon the ground, the fall was so big, and the water was so shallowe, that the boate beyng vnderunder the bridge, there stayed agayne a while. At landing, she first stayed, and denied to land at those staires where all traitors and offenders customably vsed to land, neyther well could she, vnlesse she should go ouer her shoe. The Lords were gone out of the boat before, and asked why she came not. One of the Lordes went back againe to her, & broght word she would not come.
Then sayd one of the Lordes which shall be nameles, that she should not chuse: and because it did then raine, he offred to her his cl…ke, which she (puttyng it backe wyth her hand with a good dash) refused. So she comming out, hauing one foote vppon the staire, saide:The wordes of Lady Elizabeth ent…ing the Tower. Here lande… as true a subiect beyng prisoner, as euer lāded at these stair…: And before thee O God I speake it, hauyng none other friends but thee alone.
To whom the same Lord aunswered againe, that if it were so, it was the better for her. At her lāding there was a great multitude of their seruantes & Warders standyng in their order, What needed all this said she, It is the vse (sayd some) so to be when any prisoner came thether. And if it be (quoth she) for my cause, I beseeche you that they may be dismissed, Whereat the poore men kneeled downe, and with one voyce desired GOD to preserue her grace, who the next day were released of their cold coates.
After this passing a little further, she sate downe vponupon a cold stone & there rested her selfe. To whome the Lieuetenant then beyng, said: Madame, you were best to come out of the raine, for you sit vnwholsomly. She then replieng, answered againe: better sitting here then in a worse place: for God knoweth, I know not whether you wyll bring me. With that her Gentleman Usher wept: she demaunding of hym what he ment so vncomfortably to vse her, seyng she toke him to be her comforter, and not to dismay her, especially for that she knew her truth to be such, that no man should hauehave cause to weepe for her. But forth she went into the prison.
The dores were locked and bolted vponupon her: whiche did not a little discomfort and dismay her grace. At what time she called to her Gentlewomā for her booke, desiring God not to suffer her to build her foundation vppon the sandes but vponupon the rocke,The Christian prayer of Lady Elizabeth. wherby all blasts of blustering weather shuld hauehave no power agaynst her. The dores being thus locked, & she close shut vp, the Lordes had great cōference howe to keep warde and watch, eueryevery man declaring his opinion in that behalfe, agreeing straightly and circumspectly, to keepe her.
Then one of them, whiche was the Lorde of Sussex swearing, sayd: my Lordes, let vsus take heede,The Lord of Sussex speaketh for Lady Elizabeth. and doe no more then our commission will beare vsus, what soeuer shal happē hereafter. And further, let vsus consider that she was the king, our Maistres daughter, and therfore let vsus vse such dealing, that we may aunswere vntounto it hereafter, if it shall so happen, for iust dealing (quoth he) is alwayes answerable: Whereunto the other Lords agreed that it was well sayde of him, and thereupon departed. Being in the Tower, within two daies commaundement was that she should hauehave Masse within her house. One M. Yong was then her Chapleyne: and because there was none of her men so well learned to helpe the priest to say masse, ye masse stayed for that day.
The next day two of her Yeomen, who had gone long to schoole before and were learned, had two Abcies prouided and deliuered them, so that vppon the Abcies they should helpe the Priest. One of the sayd Yeomen, holdyng the Abcie in his hand, pretending ignoraunce at Kirie … leyson, set the priest, making as though he could aunswere that no farther.
It would make a pittiful and and a strange story, here by the way to touche and recite what examinations and rackinges of poore men there were to finde out that knife that should cut her throat: what gaping among my Lords of the clergy, to see the day wherein they might wash their goodly white rochetes in her innocent bloud, but especially the Bysh. of Winchester Steuen Gardiner, then L. Chauncellour, ruler of the rost, who then within fiue days after came vntounto her, with diuers other of the counsell, and examined her of the talke that was at Ashridge,The Bishop of Winchester … nemye to Lady Elizabeth. betwixt her and sir Iames Acroft, concerning her remouing from thence to Dunnington Castle, requiring her to declare what she ment thereby.
At the first, she being so sodainly asked, did not wel remember any such house: but within a while, well aduising her selfe, she sayde: In deede (quoth she) I doe now remember that I hauehave such a place,Lady Elizabeth … by the B. of Winchester. but I neuer laye in it in all my lyfe. And as for any that hath mooued me thereunto, I do not remember.
Then to enforce the matter, they broght forth sir Iames Acroft. The B. of Winchester demaunded of her what she said to that man. She answered, that shee had little to say to hym, or to the rest that were then prisoners in ye tower. But my Lordes (quoth she) you do examine eueryevery mean prisoner of me, wherein me thinkes you doe me great iniury. If they hauehave done euill and offended the Queenes Maiesty, let them answer to it accordingly. I beseech you my Lords, ioyne not me in this sort with any of these offenders. And as concerning my goyng vntounto Dunnington Castle, I do remember that M. Hobby and mine officers and you sir Iames Acroft, had such talk: but what is that to the purpose, my Lordes, but that I may goe to myne owne houses at all tymes?
The friendly speach of the …a…le of Arundell to the Lady Elizabeth.The L. of Arundell kneeling downe, said: your grace sayth true, and certainly we are very sory that we hauehave so troubled you about so vayne matters. She then sayd: my Lordes, you do sift me very narowly. But well I am assured, you shall not do more to me then God hath appointed, and so God forgeue you all.
At their departure, sir Iames Acroft kneeled downe, declaring that he was sory to see the day in which he shuld be brought as a witnesse against her grace. But I assure your grace (sayd he) I hauehave bene maruelously tossed and examined,Syr Iames Acroft examined touchi…g the Lady Elizabeth. touching your highnesse, which the Lord knoweth is very strange to me. For I take God to record before all your honours, I do not know any thing of that crime that you hauehave layd to my charge, and will thereupon take my death, if I should be driuen to so strait a triall.
That day, or thereabouts, diuers of her owne officers who had made prouision for her diet, brought the same to the vtter gate of the Tower, the common rascall souldiors receiuing it:These were not the offi…er… of the …ower, but such as went in white & greene. which was no small griefe vntounto the Gentlem…n, the bringers therof. Wherfore they required to speak with the Lord Chamberlaine, being then Constable of the Tower. Who, commyng before his presence, declared vntounto his Lordship, that they were much afrayd to bryng her graces diete, and to deliuer it vntounto such common and desperate persons as they were which did receiue it, beseeching his honor to consider her grace, and to geue such order, that her viands might at all tymes bee brought in by them which were appointed thereunto. Yea Sirs said he? who appointed you this office?Lady Elizabeth … the Tower. They answered, her graces counsaile. Counsaile quoth he? There is none of them which hath to do, either in that case, or any thing els within this place: and I assure you, for that she is a prisoner, she shall be serued with the Lieuetenaunts men, as other the prisoners are. Whereat the Gentlemen sayd, that they trusted for more fauour at his hands, considering her personage, saying, that they mistrusted not, but that ye Queene and her Counsaile would be better to her grace then so,Displeasure bet…een… the … and Lady Elizabethes men. & therewith shewed themselues to be offended at ye vngratefull words of the L. Chamberlaine towards their Ladye and maistresse.
At this he sware by God, strikyng hymselfe vponupon the brest, that if they did either fronne or shrug at him, he wold set them where they should see neither sunne nor Moone. Thus takyng their leaue, they desired God to bryng hym into a better mynde toward her grace, and departed from hym.
Upon the occasion wherof, her graces Officers made great sute vntounto the Queenes Counsaile, that some might be appointed to bring her dyet vntounto her, and that it might no more be deliuered into the common Souldiours of the Tower. Which beyng reasonably considered, was by thē granted. And thereupon were appointed one of her Gentlemen, her clarke of her kitchin, & her two Purueiers to bring in her prouision once a day. All which was done, the Warders euer waiting vponupon the bringers thereof.
The Lord Chamberlaine himselfe being always with them, circumspectly and narowly watched, and searched what they brought, and gaue heede that they should hauehave no talke with any of her graces waiting seruauntes, and so warded them both in and out. At the said sute of her officers were sent by the commandement of the Counsaile, to waite vppon her grace, two Yeomen of her chamber, one of her Robes,Lady Elizabe…hes wayringmen in the Tower. two of her Pantry & Ewry, one of her Buttry, another of her Seller, two of her Kitchin, & one of her Larder, all which continued with her the tyme of her trouble.
Here the Constable, beyng at the first not very well pleased with the commyng in of such a company agaynst his will, would hauehave had his men still to hauehave serued with her Graces men. Which her seruaunts at no hand would suffer, desiring his Lordship to be contented, for that order was taken,… that no stranger should come within their Offices. At which answer beyng sore displeased, he brake out into these threatnyng wordes: well (sayd he) I will handle you well enough. Then went hee into the kitchin, and there would needs hauehave his meat rosted with her Graces meate, and sayd, that his Cooke should come thether and dresse it. To that her Graces Cooke answered: my Lord, I will neuer suffer any stranger to come about her diete, but her owne sworne men, so long as I lyue. He said they should. But the Cooke sayd, his Lordship should pardon hym for that matter. Thus did hee trouble her poore seruants very stoutly: though afterward he were otherwise aduised, and they more curteously vsed at his handes. And good cause why. For he had good …here, & fared of the best, & her grace payed well for it. Wherefore he vsed himselfe afterward more reuerently toward her grace.
After this sort, hauyng lyen a whole monethmonth there in close prison, and beyng very euill at ease therewithall, she sent for the L. Chamberlaine, and the Lord Shandoys to come and speake with her. Who commyng, she requested them that she might hauehave liberty to walk in some place, for that she felt her selfe not well. To the which they aunswered,Lady Elizabeth … nyed the l… bertye … the Tower. that they were right sorye that they coulde not satisfie her graces request, for that they had commaundement to the contrary, which they durst not in any wise break. Furthermore, she desired of them, if that could not be granted, that she might walke but into the Queenes lodgyng. No nor yet that (they answered) could by any meanes bee obtained without a further sute to the Queene & her Counsaile. Well sayd she, my Lordes, if the matter be so harde yt they must be sued vntounto for so small a thyng, & that friendship be so strait, God comfort me, and so they departed, she remaining in her old dungeon still, without any kynde of comfort but onelyonly God.
The next day after, the L. Shandoyes came again vntounto her grace, declaryng vntounto her that he had sued vntounto the counsail for further liberty. Some of them consented therunto, diuers other dissented, for that there were so manye prisoners in ye tower. But in conclusion, they did al agree, that her grace might walke into those lodgings, so that he and the L. Chamberlaine, and three of the Queens Gentlewomen did accompany her, the windowes beyng shut, and she not suffred to looke out at any of them: wherwith she contented her selfe, and gaue him thankes for hys good will in that behalfe.
Afterwards there was libertie graunted to her grace to walke in a little garden, the dores and gates being shut vp,Liberty graunted … Lady Elizabeth to wal… in a little garden. which notwithstanding was as much discomfort vntounto her, as the walke in the garden was pleasaunt & acceptable. At which times of her walking there, the prisoners on that side straightly were commaunded not to speake or looke out at the windowes into the garden, till her grace were gone out agayne, hauing in consideration thereof, their kepers waiting vponupon them for that time. Thus her grace with this small libertie, contented her selfe in God, to whom be prayse therfore.
During this tyme, there vsed a little boy, a mans child in the Tower, to resort to their chābers, and many times to bring her grace floures, which likewise he did to the other prisoners that were there. Wherupon naughty & suspicious heades thinking to make and wring out some matter therof, called on a time the childe vntounto thē,Suspicious heades. promising him figges and apples, and asked of him whē he had bene with the Earle of Deuonshyre, not ignoraunt of the childes wounted frequenting vntounto him. The boy answered, that he would go by and by thether.A young childe … for bringing flowers to the Lady E…izabeth. Further they demanded of him, when he was with the Lady Elizabethes grace. He answered: eueryevery day: Furthermore they examyned him, what the Lord of Deuonshyre sent by him to her grace. The childe sayd, I will go know what he will geue to cary to her. Such was the discretion of the childe, being yet but foure yeares of age. This same is a craftye boye, quoth the Lord Chamberlayne. Howe say you my Lorde Shandoyes? I pray you my L. (quoth the boy) geue me the figges you promised me. No Mary (quoth he) yu shalt be whipped if thou come any more to the Lady Elizabeth, or the Lorde Courtny. The boy aunswered: I will bryng my Lady my mistres, more floures. Wherupon the childs father was commaunded to permit the boye no more to come vp into theyr chambers.
The next day, as her grace was walking in the gardē, the childe peeping in at a hole in the dore, cryed vntounto her, saying: mistres, I can bring you no more floures. Wherat she smiled, but sayd nothing, vnderstanding thereby what they had done. Wherefore afterwards the Chamberlaine rebuked highly his father, commaunding him to put him out of the house. Alasse poore infant, quoth the father. It is a craftie knaue,The Con…ble of the Tower discharged of his office. Syr Henry Benifield with his company, placed about the Lady Elizabeth. Lady Elizabeth in great feare and doubt of lyfe. quoth the Lorde Chamberlaine: let me see him heere no more.
The 5. day of May, the Constable was discharged of hys office of the Tower, and one Syr Henrye Benifielde placed in his rowme, a man vnknowen to her grace, and therefore the more feared: which so sodaine mutation was vntounto her no little amaze. Hee brought with him an 100. souldiers in blew coates, wherwith she was marueilously discomforted, & demaunded of such as were about her, whether the Lady Ianes scaffold were taken away or no, fearing by reason of their comming, least she should hauehave played her part. To whom aunswere was made, that the scaffolde was taken awaye, and that her grace needed not to doubt of any suche tyrannie: for God woulde not suffer any such treason against her Person. Wherewith beyng contented, but not altogether satisfied, shee asked what syr Henry Benefield was, and whether hee was of that conscience or no, that if her murdering were secretly committed to his charge, he would see the execution thereof.
Lady Elizabeth in doubt of Syr Henry Benifield.She was answeared, that they were ignoraunt what maner of man he was. Howbeit they perswaded her that God would not suffer such wickednesse to proceede. Wel, quoth shee: God graunt it be so. For thou, O God, canste mollifie all suche tyrannous heartes, and disappoynte all such cruell purposes: and I beseeche thee to heare me thy creature, which am thy seruaunt and at thy commaundement, trusting by thy grace euer so to remaine.
About which time it was spred abroad, that her grace should be caried from thence by this newe iolly Captaine and his souldiours: but whether, it coulde not be learned. Which was vntounto her a great grief, especially for that such a company was appoynted to her gard, requesting rather to continue there still, then to be ledde thence with suche a sort of rascals. At last, plaine answer was made by the L. Shandoyes, that there was no remedye, but from thence she must needes depart to the Manour of Woodstocke, as he thought. Being demaunded of her, for what cause: for that (quoth he) the Tower is like further to be furnished. Shee being desirous to knowe what hee meant thereby, demaunded, wherewith. He answeared, with such matter as the Queene and Counsail were determined in that behalfe, whereof he had no knowledge: and so departed.
In conclusion, on Trinitie Sonday being the 19. day of Maye, shee was remooued from the Tower, the Lorde Treasurer being then there for the lading of her Car…es, and discharging the place of the same. Where Syr Henry Benifielde (being appoynted her Gailer) did receiue her wyth a companie of rakehelles to Garde her, besides the Lorde of Darbies band…, wayting in the Countrey about for the mooneshine in the water. Unto whome at lengthe came my Lorde of Tame, ioyned in Commission with the sayd Syr Henry, for the safe guiding of her to prisone: and they together conueied her grace to Woodstocke, as hereafter followeth.
The first day they conducted her to Richmond, where she continued al night,Lady Elizabeth remoued from the Tower to Woodstocke. Lady Elizabeth …ecluded frō her seru…untes. Lady Elizabeth in di…payre of her selfe. being restrained of her owne men, whych were lodged in oute Chambers, and Syr Henrye Benifields souldiours appointed in their roumes to geue attendance on her person. Wherat she being maruelously dismaid, thinking verely some secret mischief to be a working towards her, called her Gentleman Usher, and desired him, with the rest of his company, to pray for her. For this night (quoth she) I thinke to die. Wherwith he being stricken to the heart, sayde: God forbid that any such wickednes should be pretended against your grace. So comforting her as well as he coulde, at last hee brust oute into teares, and went from her downe into the Courte, where were walking the Lorde of Tame and Syr Henrye Benifielde.
Then he comming to the Lorde of Tame (who hadde profered to him muche friendship) desired to speake wyth him a woord or two. Unto whome he familiarly sayde, he should with all his heart. Which when Syr Henry, standing by, heard, he asked what the matter was. To whom the Gentleman Usher answeared: no great matter Syr (sayd he) but to speake with my Lord a woord or two.
Then, when the Lorde of Tame came to him, he spake on this wise:Lady Elizabethes V…her talketh with the Lord of Tame. My Lord (quoth he) you hauehave ben alwayes my good Lord, and so I beseech you to remain. The cause why I come to you at this time, is to desire your honor, vnfainedly to declare vntounto mee whether any daunger is meant towardes my Mistresse this nighte, or no, that I and my poore fellowes may take suche part as shall please God to appoynt: for certainely we wil rather die, then she should secretely and innocently miscarie. Mary (sayde the Lord of Tame) God forbid that any such wicked purpose should be wrought: and rather then it shuld be so, I with my men are ready to die at her foote also:The gentle ha…t of the Lord of Tame to Lady El…zabeth. and (so praised be God) they passed that dolefull nighte, wyth no …tle heauinesse of heart.
Afterwards passing ouer the water at Richmond, going towardes Wyndsore, her grace espied certaine of her poore seruauntes standing on the other side, whiche were very desirous to see her. Whom when she beheld, turning to one of her men standing by, she sayde: yonder I see certaine of my men: goe to them and say these woordes from me: Tanquam ouis.
So she passing forward to Windsore,Tanquam ouis. … Like a sheepe to the slaughter. was lodged there that night in the Deane of Windsores house, a place more meete in deede for a Priest then a Princesse.
And from thence her Grace was garded and brought the next night to M. Dormers house,Lady Elizabeth honourably receaued and beloued of the people. where much people standing by the waye, some presented to her one gifte▪ and some an other, so that sir Henry was greatly moued therwith, and troubled the poore people very sore, for shewing their louing hearts in suche a maner, calling them rebels and traitors, with such like vile woordes.
Besides, as she passed through ye villages, the townes men rang the bels, as being ioyful of her comming, thinking verely it had bene otherwise then it was in deede, as the sequele prooued after to the sayd poore men. For immediately the saide syr Henry hearing the same, sent his souldiours thether, who apprehēded some of the ringers, setting them in the stockes, & otherwise vncourteously misusing other some for their good willes.
On the morrow her grace passing from maister Dormers (where was for ye time of her abode there,The gentle entertaynement of Lady Elizabeth at the Lord of Tames house. a straight watch kept) came to the Lord of Tames house, where she lay all the night, being very princely entertained, bothe of Knightes and Ladies, Gentlemen and Gentlewomen. Whereat Syr Henry Benifield grunted, and was highly offended, saying vntounto them, that they coulde not tell what they did,M. Benefield grudging at the gentle entertaynement of Lady Elizabeth. The rude and vngentle manly behauiour of Syr Henry Benifield. and were not able to answere to their doings in that behalfe, letting them to vnderstand that shee was the Queenes Maiesties prisoner, and no otherwise: aduising them therefore to take heede and beware of after clappes. Wherunto the Lord of Tame answered in this wise: that he was wel aduised of his doings, being ioyned in Commission as well as he, adding with warrāt, that her grace might and should in his house be merry.
The next day, as she should take her iourney frō Richmond toward Woodstocke, the Lord of Tame, with an other Gentleman being at Tables, playing,Lady Elizabeth commeth to Woodstocke. and droppyng vie crownes, the Ladie Elizabeth passing by, stayed and sayde, she would see the game plaied out, which sir Henry Benifield would scarse permit. The game running longe about, and they playing drop vie crownes, come on,The strayte watch kept at woodstoc…e. sayth he, I will tarie, sayth she, and will see this game out.
After this, sir Henry went vp into a chamber, where was appointed for her grace a chaire, two cushions, and a foote carpet very faire & princelike, wherein presumptuously he sate, and called one Barwike his mā to pu… of his bootes. Which as soone as it was known among ye ladies and Gentles, eueryevery one mused therat, and laughed him to scorne, obseruing his vndiscrete maners in that behalf, as they might very well.
When supper was done, he called my L. and willed him that all the Gentlemen and Ladies should withdraw themselues eueryevery one to his lodging, meruailing much yt he would permit there such a cōpany, considering so great a charge committed to him.
Sir Henry (quoth my Lord) content your self, all shal be voyded, your men and all. Nay my souldiours (quoth sir Henry) shall watch all night. The Lord of Tame aunswered, it shall not need. Well sayd he, neede or neede no…, they shall so do, mistrusting belike the company, whiche God knoweth was without cause.
The next day her grace tooke her iourney from thence to Woodstocke, where she was inclosed, as before in the Tower of London, the souldiors garding and wardyng both within and without the walles, eueryevery day to ye number of three score, and in the night without the wals xl. during the tyme of her imprisonment there.
At length shee had gardens appointed for her walke, which was very comfortable to her grace. But alwayes when she did recreate her selfe therein, the dores were …ast locked vp, in as straite maner as they were in the Tower, beyng at the least v. or vj, lockes betwene her lodging and her walkes: Sir Henry himselfe keping the keyes, and trusting no man therewith. Wherupon she called him her Gaoler: and he kneling downe, desired her grace not to cal him so, for he was appointed there to be one of her officers. From such officers (quoth she) good Lord deliuer me.
And nowe by the way as disgressing, or rather refreshing the reader, if it be lawfull in so serious a story to recite a matter incident, & yet not impertinent to the same: occasion here moueth, or rather inforceth me to touch briefelye what hapned in the same place and time by a certayne mery conceited man,A mery story concerning the s…r…yte keeping of the Lady Elizabeth. being then about her grace: who noting the strayt and straunge keeping of his Lady and Mistres by the sayd Syr Henry Benifield, with so many lockes & dores, with such watch & ward about her, as was straūge & wonderful, spyed a Goate in the ward where her grace was: and whether to refresh her oppressed mind, or to notify her strayt handling by Syr Henry, either els both, he tooke it vp on his necke, and folowed her grace therewyth as she was going into her lodging.
Which when she saw, she asked him what he would do with it, willing to let it alone. Unto whom the sayd party aunswered: no by Saynt Mary (if it like your grace) will I not: for I cannot tell whether he be one of the Queenes frendes or no. I will cary him to Syr Henry Benifielde (God willing) to know what he is. So leauing her grace, he went with the Goate on his necke, and caryed it to syr Henry Benifield. Who when he saw him comming wyth it, asked him halfe angerly what he had there.
Unto whom the party aunswered, saying: Syr (quoth he) I can not tell what he is. I pray you examine him, for I founde him in the place where my Ladyes Grace was walking,The straytenes of Syr Henry Benifield merely noted. and what talke they hauehave had I can not tell. For I vnderstād him not, but he should seme to me to be some straunger, and I thinke verely a Welchman, for he hath a white frie…e coate on his back. And forsomuch as I being the Queenes Subiect, and perceiuing the strayte charge committed to you of her keeping, that no straunger should hauehave accesse to her without sufficient licence, I hauehave here foūd a straunger (what he is I cannot tell) in place where her Grace was walking: & therefore for the necessary discharge of my duety, I thought it good to bring the sayde straunger to you, to examine, as you see cause: and so he set him down. At which his words Syr Henry semed much displeased, and sayd: Well, well, you will neuer leaue this geare I see: and so they departed.
Now, to returne to the matter from whence we hauehave digressed, after her Grace had bene there a time, she made suite to the Counsell that she might be suffered to write to the Queene.Lady Elizabeth with much ado, suffered to write to the Queene. Which at last was permitted: So that Syr Henry Benifield brought her penne, inke, and paper: and standing by her while she wrote (which he straitly obserued) always she being wery, he would cary away her letters, and bring them agayne when she called for them. In the finishing thereof, he would hauehave bene messenger to the Queene of the same. Whose request her grace denied, saying: one of her owne men should cary them, and that she would neither trust him, nor none of his therein.
Then he answering agayne, said: none of them durst be so bold (he trowed) to cary her letters, beyng in that case. Yes (quoth she) I am assured I hauehave none so dishonest that would deny my request in that behalf, but wil be as willyng to serue me now as before. Well (sayd he) my commission is to the contrary,The cruell dealing of Syr Henry Benifield to the Lady Elizabeth reprooued. and I may not so suffer it. Her grace replying againe, said: you charge me very oftē with your commission. I pray God you may iustly aunswer the cruel dealing you vse towards me.
Then he kneeling downe, desired her grace to thinke and consider how he was a seruant, & put in trust there by the Queene to serue her Maiestie, protesting that if ye case were hers, he would as willingly serue her grace, as now he did the Queenes highnesse. For the which his aunswer her grace thanked hym, desiring God that she might neuer hauehave neede of such seruauntes as he was: declaryng further to hym, that his doynges towardes her were not good nor answerable, but more then all the friends he had would stand by.
To whome Sir Henry replied and sayde, that there was no remedy but his doyngs must be aunswered, and so they should,The letters of the Lady Elizabeth sent to the Queene. trusting to make good accompt therof. The cause which mooued her grace so to say, was for that hee would not permit her letters to be caried iiij. or v. dayes after the writyng thereof. But in fine hee was content to send for her Gentleman from the Towne of Woodstocke, demaunding of him whether he durst enterprise the cariage of her Graces letters to the Queene, or no: & he aunswered, yea Sir, that I dare, and will withall my heart. Whereupon sir Henry halfe, agaynst his stomacke, tooke them vntounto hym.
Then about the viij. of Iune came downe Doctour Owen and Doctour Wendye,D. Owen and D. Wendye, Q. Maryes Phisicions, sent to the Lady Elizabeth. sent by the Queene to her grace, for that she was sickly: who ministring to her, and lettyng her bloud, taried there and attended on her grace v. or vj. dayes. Then she being wel amēded, they returned againe to the Courte, making theyr good reporte to the Queene and the Counsaile of her graces behauioure and humblenesse towards the Queenes highnesse. Which her Maiestie hearing, tooke very thankefully: but the bishops thereat repined, looked blacke in the mouth,… and tolde the Queene, they marueiled that she submitted not her selfe to her maiesties mercye, considering that shee had offended her highnesse.
About this time, her Grace was requested by a secrete frende, to submit her selfe to the Queenes maiestie, whych woulde be very well taken,Lady Elizabeth requested to submit her selfe to the Queene. and to her great quiet & commoditie. Unto whom she answered, that she would neuer submitte her selfe to them whome she neuer offended. For (quoth she) if I hauehave offended and am giltie, I then craue no mercy, but the law, which I am certaine (quoth she) I should hauehave had ere this, if it coulde be prooued by me. For I know my selfe (I thanke God) to be out of the daunger thereof, wishing that I were as cleare out of the pearil of my ennemies, and then I am assured I shoulde not so be locked and bolted vp within walles and doores as I am. God geue them a better minde when it pleaseth him.
About this time was there a great consulting among the Bishops and Gentlemen touching a Mariage for her grace,Counsell of the Papistes to mary the Lady Elizabeth to a Spanyard. Wicked counsell geuen of the Lord Paget agaynst the Lady Elizabeth. Spanyardes more fauorable to Lady Elizabeth then some English men. which some of the Spanyardes wished to be wyth some straunger, that she might go out of the Realme with her portion: some saying one thing, and some an other.
A Lorde (who shalbe heere namelesse) being there, at last sayd, that the King should neuer hauehave any quiet common wealth in Englande, vnlesse her head were stricken from the shoulders. Whereunto the Spanyards answeared, saying: God forbid that their king and master should hauehave that minde to consent to such a mischiefe.
This was the curteous aunswer of the Spanyardes to the Englishmen, speaking after that sorte against theyr owne country. From that day the Spaniardes neuer left of their good perswasions to the king, that the like honour he shoulde neuer obtaine, as he shoulde in deliueryng the Lady Elizabeths grace out of prison: wherby at lēgth she was happely released from the same. Here is a plaine and euident example of the good clemencie and nature of the King and his Counsellers towards her grace (praised be God therefore) who mooued their heartes therein. Then heereuppon shee was sente for shortlye after to come to Hampton Court.
But before her remoouing away from Woodstocke,Lady Elizabeth in daunger of fire. we will a litle stay to declare in what dangers her life was in during this time shee there remained: first thorough fire, which began to kindle betweene the boardes and seeling vnderunder the chamber where shee lay, whether by a sparke of fire, gotten into a cranye, or whether of purpose by some that meant her no good, the Lord doth knowe. Neuerthelesse a woorshipfull Knight of Oxfordshire, whyche was there ioyned the same time with Syr Henry Benifield in keeping that Ladye (who then tooke vp the boardes and quēched the fire) verely supposed it to be done of purpose.
Furthermore it is thought,Lady Elizabeth in daunger of killing. and also affirmed (if it be true) of one Paule Peny a Keeper of Woodstocke, a notorious ruffin and a butcherly wretch, that he was appoynted to kill ye sayd Lady Elizabeth: who both sawe the man being often in her sight, and also knewe thereof.
An other time, one of the priuie chamber,An other conspiracye of murder agaynst Lady Elizabeth. a great man about the Queene, and chiefe darling of Steuen Gardider, named master Iames Basset, came to Blandenbridge a mile from Woodstocke, with 20. or 30. priuie coates, and sent for Syr Henrye Benifielde to come and speake with him. But, as God would, which disposed all things after the purpose of his owne will, so it happened, that a lyttle before the sayd Syr Henry Benifield was sent for by post to the Counsell, leauing straight woord behinde him with his brother, that no man, what so euer hee were, thoughe comming with a Bill of the Queenes hand, or any other warrant, should hauehave accesse to her before his retourne againe. By reason wherof it so fell out, that M. Benifields brother comming to him at the Bridge, would suffer hym in no case to approche in,Lady Elizabeth preserued by the Lordes prouidence from execution in the Tower. Winchesters platforme ouerthrowen. Whereof read before pag. 1787. who otherwise (as is supposed) was appoynted violently to murther the innocent Lady.
In the life of Steuen Gardiner wee declared before, page 1787. howe that the Ladie Elizabeth beynge in the Tower, a Wrytte came downe, subscribed wyth certaine handes of the Counsell for her execution. Which if it were certaine, as it is reported, Winchester (no doubt) was deuiser of that mischieuous drift: and doubtlesse the same Achitophel had brought hys impious purpose that daye to passe, had not the fatherly prouidence of almightye God, (who is alwayes stronger then the deuill) stirred vp M. Bridges, Lieutenaunte the same time of the Tower, to come in hast to the Queene, to geue certificate therof, and to knowe further her consent touching her sisters deathe. Whereuppon it followed, that all that deuise was disappoynted, and Winchesters deuelish plat forme, which hee sayd he had cast through the Lordes great goodnesse, came to no effecte.
Where moreouer is to be noted, that during the prysonment of this Ladye and Princesse, one M. Edmunde Tremaine was on the Racke, and maister Smithwike, & diuers other in the Tower were examined, and diuers offers made to them to accuse the giltlesse Ladie, being in her captiuitie. Howbeit al that notwithstanding, no matter could be prooued by all examinations, as shee the same time lying at Woodstocke, had certaine intelligence by the meanes of one Iohn Ga…er: who vnderunder a colourable pretence of a letter to mistres Cleue from her father, was let in, and so gaue them secretely to vnderstande of all thys matter. Whereupon the Lady Elizabeth at her departing out from Woodstocke, wrote these Uerses with her Diamond in a glasse windowe.
Much suspected by me: Nothing prooued can be. Verses written by Lady Elizabeth in the glasse Window.Quoth Elizabeth prisoner.
And thus much touching the troubles of Lady Elizabeth at Woodstocke. Whereunto this is more to be added, that during the same time, the Lorde of Tame had laboured to the Queene, and became surety for her, to hauehave her from Woodstocke to his house, and had obtained graunte thereof. Whereupon preparation was made accordingly, and all things ready in expectation of her comming. But through the procurement either of M. Benifield,Lady Elizabeth not suffered to come to the Lord of Tames house. or by the doing of Winchester her mortall enemie, letters came ouer night to the contrary: wherby her iourney was stopped.
Thus this woorthy Ladie oppressed wyth continuall sorrowe, coulde not be permitted to hauehave recourse to any frendes she had, but still in the hands of her enemies was left desolate, and vtterly destitute of all that might refresh a doulefull heart, fraughte full of terrour and thraldome. Whereupon no maruell, if she hearing vponupon a time out of her garden at Woodstocke, a certaine milkemaide singing pleasantly,Lady Elizabeth wisheth her selfe to be a milkemayde. wished her selfe to be a milkemaid as she was, saying that her case was better, and life more merier then was hers, in that state as shee was.
Now after these things thus declared, to procede further there where we left before, Syr Henry Benifield and hys souldiours, wyth the Lorde of Tame, and Syr Rafe Chamberlaine, garding and waiting vponupon her, the firste night from Woodstock she came to Ricot.Lady Elizabeth … from Woodstocke to Hampton Courte. In which iourney such a mighty wind did blow, that her seruants were same to holde downe her cloathes about her: In so much that her hoode was twise or thrise blowen from her head. Whereupon shee desirous to retourne to a certaine Gentlemans house there neare, coulde not be suffered by Syr Henry Benifield so to doe, but was constrained vnderunder an hedge to trimme her head aswell as she could.
After thys, the next nighte they iourneyed to M. Dormers, and so to Colbroke, where shee lay all that nyghte at the George: and by the way cōming to Colbroke, certaine of her graces Gentlemen and Yeomen mette her, to the noumber of three score, muche to all theyr comfortes, which had not seene her grace of long season before, notwythstandinge they were commaunded in the Queenes name immediately to depart the towne, to both their, and her graces no little heauinesse, who coulde not be suffered once to speake with them. So that night al her men were taken from her, sauing her Gentleman vsher, three Gentlewomen, two Gromes, and one of her Wardrope, the souldiours watching and warding aboute the house, and shee close shut vp within her prison.
The nexte day following, her grace entred Hamptoncourt on the backeside, into the princes lodging, ye doores being shut to her, and she garded with souldiours, as before,Lord William Haward gentle and hnourable to Lady Elizabeth. say there a fortnight at the least, or euer any hadde recourse vntounto her. At length came the L. William Haward, who maruellous honorably vsed her grace. Whereat shee tooke much comfort, and requested him to be a meane that shee might speake with some of the Counsell. To whome (not long after) came the Bishop of Winchester, the Lord of Arundel, the Lord of Shrewsbury, and Secretary Peter, who with great humilitie humbled them selues to her grace. Shee againe likewise saluting them, sayde: My Lordes (quoth shee) I am glad to see you: for me thinke, I hauehave ben kept a great while from you desolately alone. Wherefore I would desire you to be a meane to the Kyng and Queenes Maiesties, that I maye be deliuered from prison, wherein I hauehave bene kept a long space, as to you my Lordes, it is not vnknowen.
When she had spoken, Steuen Gardiner the bishop of Winchester kneeled downe,Lady Elizabeth requested by Winchester to submit her selfe to the Queenes mercy. Lady Elizabeth standeth to be tryed by the lawe. and requested that she would submit her selfe to the Queenes grace, and in so doing hee had no doubt but that her Maiestie woulde be good vntounto her: shee making answere that rather then she woulde so doe, shee wold lie in prison all the dayes of her life, adding that she craued no mercy at her maiesties hand, but rather desired the Lawe, if euer shee did offende her Maiestie in thought, woorde, or deede: And besides this, in yealdinge (quoth shee) I should speake against my selfe, and confesse my selfe to be an offender, which neuer was towards her Maiestie: by occasion whereof the King and the Queene might euer heereafter conceiue of mee an ill opinion: And therefore I say my Lordes, it were better for me to lye in prison for the truth, then to be abroad and suspected of my Prince. And so they departed, promising to declare her message to the Queene.
On the next day, the bish. of Winchester came againe vntounto her grace, and kneelinge downe,Talke agayne betweene Winchester and Lady Elizabeth. Lady Elizabeth denyeth to confesse any fault done to the Queene. declared that the Queene marueiled that she would so stoutly vse her selfe, not confessing to hauehave offended: so that it should seme the Queenes Maiestie, wrongfully to hauehave imprisonned her grace.
Nay quoth the Lady Elizabeth, it please her to punish me as shee thinketh good.
Well quoth Gardiner, her Maiestie willeth me to tell you, that you must tell an other tale ere that you be sette at libertie.
Her grace answered, that she had as liefe be in prison with honesty & truth, as to be abroad, suspected of her maiestie: and this that I hauehave said, I wil (said she) stand vntounto, for I wil neuer bely my selfe.
Winchester againe kneled down, and said: Then your grace hath the vantage of me & other the Lordes for your long and wrong imprisonment.
What vantage I hauehave (quoth she) you knowe, takyng God to record I seeke no vantage at your hands for your so dealing with me, but God forgeue you & me also. With that the rest kneeled desiring her grace that all myght bee forgotten, and so departed, shee beyng fast locked vppe agayne.
A seuen night after the Queene sent for her grace at x. of the clocke in the nyght to speake with her:Lady Elizabeth sent for to the Queene. for shee had not seene her in two yeares before. Yet for all that shee was amased at the sodayne sendyng for, thinkyng it had bene worse then afterwardes it prooued, and desired her Gentlemen and Gentlewomen to pray for her, for that shee could not tell whether euer shee should see them aagayne or no.
At which tyme Sir Henry Benifield with Maistresse Clarencius comming in, her grace was brought into the garden vntounto a staires foote that went into the Queenes lodgyng, her graces Gentlewomen waiting vppon her, her Gentleman Usher & her Groomes going before with torches,Lady Elizabeth brought to the Queenes bed chamber. where her Gentlemen and Gentlewomen being commanded to stay all sauing one woman, maistres Clarencius conducted her to the Queens bed chamber where her maiestie was.
At the sight of whome, her grace kneeled downe and desired God to preserue her Maiestie, not mistrusting but that she should try her selfe as true a subiect towards her Maiestie, as euer did any, and desired her Maiestie euen so to Iudge of her: and sayde that shee should not finde her to the contrary, what so euer reporte otherwyse had gone of her.
To whom the Queene aunswered: you will not confesse your offence, but stand stoutly to your truth:Talke betwene the Queene and Lady Elizabeth. I pray God it may so fall out.
If it doth not, quoth the Ladye Elizabeth, I request neyther fauour nor pardon at your Maiesties hands. Wel sayd the Queene, you stifly still perseuere in your truth. Belike you wil not confesse but that you hauehave ben wrongfully punished.
I must not say so (if it please your Maiesty) to you.
Why, then (sayd the Queene) belyke you wyll to other.
No, if it please your Maiesty (quoth she) I hauehave borne the burden, and must beare it. I humbly beseeche your Maiestie to hauehave a good opinion of me,Small comforte at the Queene… hand toward her sister. and to thynke me to be your true subiect, not onelyonly from the beginnyng hitherto, but for euer, as long as lyfe lasteth: and so they departed with very few comfortable words of the Queene, in English: but what she sayd in Spanish, God knoweth.King Phillip thought to be a friend to Lady Elizabeth. It is thought that king Phillip was there behynde a cloth, and not seene, and that he shewed himselfe a verye friend in that matter, &c.
Thus her grace departyng, went to her lodgyng agayne, and the seuen night after was released of Sir Henry Benifield her Gaoler (as she termed hym) and his soldiours, and so her grace beyng set at libertie from imprisonment, went into the countrey, and had appoynted to go with her Sir Thomas Pope,Lady Elizabeth by Gods prouiden… … at libe…ye. Syr Henry Benifield discharged. one of Queene Maries Counsailors, and one of her Gentlemen Ushers, Maister Bage, and thus straitly was she looked to all Queene Maries tyme. And this is the discourse of her highnesse imprisonment.
Then there came to Lamheyre, M. Ierningham, and M. Norris Gentleman Usher,Mistres Ashley sent to the Fleete. …. Gentlewomē of …dy Elizab…the▪ sent to the …ower. … wond…rfull working of the … prouidence … of Lady Elizabeth. Lady Elizabeth d…liuere… by the … of Stephen Gardiner. Queene Maries men, who tooke away from her grace Maistresse Ashley to the Fleete, and three other of her Gentlewomen to the Tower: which thing was no little trouble to her grace, saying: that she thought they would fetche all away at the ende. But god be praysed, shortly after was fetched away Gardiner through the mercifull prouidence of the Lords goodnes, by occasion of whose opportune decease (as is partly touched in this story before, pag. 1705.) the lyfe of this excellent Princesse, the wealth of all England, was preserued. For this is credible to be supposed, that the said wicked Gardiner of Winchester had long laboured his wits, and to this onelyonly most principall marke, bent all hys deuises, to bring this our happy and deare soueraigne out of the way, as both by his words and doyngs before notified, may sufficiently appeare.
But such was the gracious and fauourable prouidēce of the Lord, to the preseruation not onelyonly of her royal maiestie, but also the miserable and woful state of this whole Iland, and poore subiectes of the same, whereby the proud platformes and peeuish practises of this wretched Achitophel preuayled not: but contrarywise, both he, and all the snares and trappes of his pernicious counsaile layed agaynst another, were turned to a net to catche hymselfe, accordyng to the Prouerbe: Malum consilium, consultori pessimum.
How the Lord here beganne to worke for Lady Elizabeth.After the death of this Gardiner, followed the death also and droppyng away of other her enemies, whereby by little and litle her ieoperdy decreased, feare diminished, hope of comfort began to appeare as out of a darke cloud: and albeit as yet her grace had no full assurance of perfect safetie, yet more gentle intertainment daily did grow vntounto her, till at length to the monethmonth of Nouember, and xvij. day of the same, three yeares after the death of Ste. Gardiner, followed the death of Queene Mary, as hereafter God graunting shall be more declared.
A note of a story … the … o… the Papistes toward Lady Elizabeth.Although this history followyng bee not directly appertaining to the former matter, yet the same may here not vnaptly be inserted, for that it doth discouer and shew forth the malicious heartes of the Papistes toward this vertuous Queene our soueraigne Lady in the tyme of Queene Mary her sister, which is reported, as a truth credibly tolde by sundry honest persones, of whome some are yet alyue, and doe testifie the same. The matter wherof is this.
Robert Farrer … to Lady …lizabeth.Soone after the s…urre of Wiate and the troubles that happened to this Queene for that cause: it fortuned one Robert Farrer a Haberdasher of London, dwelling nere vntounto Newgate market, in a certaine mornyng to be at the Rose tauerne (from whence he was seldome absent) and falling to his common drinke, as he was euer accustomed and hauing in his company three other companions lyke to himselfe,… it chaunced the same tyme one Laurence Shiriffe Grocer, dwelling also not farre from thence, to come into the said Tauerne, and finding there the sayde Farrer (to whom of long time he had borne good will) sate down in the seat to drinke with him, and Farrer hauyng in hys full cups, and not hauing consideration who were present began to talke at large, & namely against the Lady Elizabeth, and said: that Gill hath bene one of the chiefe doers of this rebellion of Wiat,Robert Farrer … agaynst Lady Elizabeth. and before all be done, she and al the heretikes her pertakers, shall well vnderstand of it. Some of them hope that she shal hauehave the crowne, but she and they (I trust) that so hope, shall hop hedlesse, or be fried with Fagots before she come to it.
The pa…te of a good trusty seruaunt▪The aforesaid Laurence Shiriffe Grocer, beyng then seruaunt vntounto the sayd Lady Elizabeth, and sworne vntounto her grace, could no longer forbeare his olde acquaintance and neighbour Farrer in speaking so vnreuerently of his Mistres, but sayd vntounto him: Farrer, I hauehave loued thee as a neighbour, and hauehave had a good opiniō of thee, but hearing of thee that I now heare, I defie thee: and I tel thee I am her graces sworne seruaunt, and she is a Princesse, and the daughter of a noble kyng, and it euill becommeth the… to call her a Gill, & for thy so saying, I say thou art a knaue, and I will complain vponupon thee. Do thy worst said Farrer, for that I said, I will say againe,Robert Farrer… complayned of to the Cō missioners, but … was …ad. and so Shiriffe came from his company.
Shortly after the said Shirife taking an honest neighbour with him, went before the Commissioners to complaine: the which Commissioners …ate then at Boner the Bishop of Londons house beside Paules, and there were present Boner then beyng the chiefe Commissioner, the L. Mordant, sir Iohn Baker, D. Darbishiere Chauncellour to the Bishop, Doctour Story, Doctour Harpsfield, and other.
The aforesayd Shiriffe commyng before them, declared the maner of the sayd Rob. Farrers talke agaynst the Lady Elizabeth. Boner answered, peraduēture you tooke him worse then he ment.
Yea my L. sayd D. Story, if you knew the man as I do, you would say there is not a better Catholike, nor an honester man in the Citie of London.
Well, sayd Sheriffe, my Lord, she is my gracious Lady and mistres, and it is not to be suffered that such a varlet as he is, should call so honorable a princes by the name of a Gil: And I saw yesterday in the Court that my Lord Cardinall Poole meeting her in the Chamber of presence, kneeled downe on his knees and kissed her hand, & I saw also that King Philippe meeting her, made her such obeisance that his knee touched the groūd: and then me thinketh it were too much to suffer suche a varlet as this is, to call her Gill, and to wish them to hop headlesse that shall wish her grace to enioy the possession of the crowne when God shall sende it vntounto her as in the righte of her inheritaunce. Yea? stay there quoth Boner.How Bysh. Boner and D. Story beare with him that rayled agaynst Lady Elizabeth. When God sendeth it vntounto her, let her enioy it. But truely (sayde he) the man that spake the woordes that you hauehave reported, meant nothing against the Ladie Elizabeth your Mistresse, and no more doe we: but he like an honest and zealous man feared the alteration of Religion, whiche euerye good manne ought to feare: and therefore (sayde Boner) good man goe your wayes home and reporte well of vsus towarde youre Mistresse, and we will send for Farrer and rebuke him for his rash and vndiscrete woordes, and we trust he will not doe the like againe. And thus Sheriffe came awaye, and Farrer had a flappe with a foxe taile.
Nowe that yee may be fully informed of the aforesaid Farrer, whom D. Story praised for so good a man, ye shal vnderstande that the same Farrer hauing two daughters being handsome maidens,Note the vngodly lyfe of these Catholicke… ▪ the Elder of them for a summe of money he him selfe deliuered to Syr Roger Cholmley to be at his commandement, the other he sold to a Knight called Syr William Good dolphin to be at his commandement: whom he made his lackie and so caried her wt hym, being apparelled in mans apparel to Bolein, and the sayd Farrar followed the Campe. He also was a greate, and a horrible blasphemer of God, and a common accuser of honest and quiet men, also a common dronkarde. And nowe I referre the life of these Catholickes to your iudgement, to thinke of them as you please.
But of this matter enough and too much. Now let vsus retourne where we left before, which was at the deathe of Quene Marie. After whose decease succeeded her foresayd sister Ladie Elizabeth into the right of the crown of England: who after so long restrainement,Lady Elizabeth proclamed Queene the same day that Quene Mary dyed. so great daungers escaped, suche blusterous stormes ouerblowne, so manye iniuries digested and wronges sustained by the mightye protection of our mercifull God, to our no small comforte and commoditie, hath ben exalted and erected out of thrall to Libertie, out of daunger to Peace and quietnesse, from dread to Dignitie, from miserie to Maiestie, from mourning to Ruling. Briefly, of a prisonner made a Princesse, and placed in her throne Royal proclaimed now Quene, with as many glad hearts of her subiects,The Lord make England thankfull to him for his g…eat benen…es. as euer was any King or Queene in this Realme before her, or euer shall be (I dare say) heereafter.
Touching whose florishing state, her Princely reigne and peaceable gouernment, with other things diuers and sondrye incident to the same, and especiallye touching the great stirres & alterations which hauehave happened in other foreine nations, and also partly among our selues here at home, for so muche as the tractation heereof requireth an other Uolume by it selfe, I shall therefore deferre the reader to the next Booke or Section insuing: wherein (if the Lorde so please to sustaine me with leaue and life) I may hauehave to discourse of all and singulare suche matters done and atchieued in these our latter daies and memorie, more at large.
Now then after these so great afflictions falling vponupon this Realm, from the first beginning of Queene Maries reigne, wherein so many men, women, and children were burned, many imprisoned and in prisones starued, diuers exiled, some spoyled of goodes & possessions, a great number driuen from house to home, so many weeping eyes, so many sobbing hartes, so many children made fatherles, so many fathers bereft of theyr wiues and children, so many vexed in conscience, and diuers against conscience cōstrained to recant, and in conclusion, neuer a good man almost in all the Realme but suffered something during all the time of this bloudy persecution: after all this (I say) now we are come at length (the Lord be praysed) to the 17. day of Nouember, which day as it brought to the persecuted members of Christ, rest from theyr carefull mourning, so it easeth me somewhat likewise of my laborious writing, by the death I meane of Queene Mary. Who being long sicke before vponupon the sayd xvij. day of Nouember, in the yeare aboue sayde,… 17. Q Mary …. Q Elizabeth beginneth her …. The maner of Q. Maryes death. about 3. or 4. a clocke in the morning, yelded her life to nature, and her kingdome to Queene Elizabeth her sister.
As touching the maner of whose death, some say that she dyed of a Tympany, some by her much sighing before her death, supposed she dyed of thought & sorow. Wherevpon her Counsell seing her sighing, & desirous to know the cause, to the ende they might minister the more readye consolation vntounto her, feared, as they sayd, that she took ye thought for the kinges Maiesty her husband, which was gone from her. To whom she answering againe: In deed (sayd she) that may be one cause, but that is not the greatest wound that pearseth my oppressed minde: but what that was she would not expresse to them.
Albeit, afterward she opened the matter more plainly to M. Rise and Mistres Clarentius (if it be true that they tolde me, whiche hearde it of M. Rise himselfe) who then being most familiar with her, & most bold about her, tolde her that they feared she took thought for king Philips departing from her.Q. Mary … …ought … the losse … Calice. Not that onelyonly (sayde she) but when I am dead & opened, you shall find Calice lying in my hart. &c. And here an end of Queene Mary, and of her persecution.
More Eng… bloud … in Q Maryes …, then … was in … her.Of which Queene this truely may be affirmed & left in story for a perpetual memorial or Epitaph for al kings and Queenes that shal succeed her to be noted, that before her neuer was readde in story of any King or Queene of England since the time of king Lucius, vnderunder whome in time of peace, by hanging, heading, burning, and prisoning: so much Christian bloud, so many Englishmens liues were spilled within this Realme, as vnderunder the sayd Queene Mary for the space of foure yeres was to be sene, and I beseech the Lord neuer may be sene hereafter.