The firste [laste] volume of the chronicles of England, Scotlande, and Irelande conteyning the description and chronicles of England, from the first inhabiting vnto the conquest : the description and chronicles of Scotland, from the first original of the Scottes nation till the yeare of our Lorde 1571 : the description and chronicles of Yrelande, likewise from the first originall of that nation untill the yeare 1571 / faithfully gathered and set forth by Raphaell Holinshed.

King Richard the third.

[illustration]

[ 10]

THE next day, the Potector w^t a great trayne, wente to Westminster hall, [ 20] and there where hee had placed himselfe in the Co•…•…e of the Kinges 〈◊〉〈◊〉 de∣•…•… to the audi∣ence, that he woulde take vpon him the Crowne in that place there, where the King himselfe sit∣teth and ministreth the lawe, bycause hee consi∣dered that it was the chiefest duetie of a King to minister the lawes.

Then with as plesant an Oration as he could, [ 30] 〈…〉〈…〉 brought out of the Sanctuarie (for thyther had he fledde for feare of him) in the slight of the people, hee tooke hym by the hande. Whiche thyng the Common people reioyced at, and praysed, but wyse menne tooke it for a vani∣•…•…. I•…•… his retourne homewarde, whome so •…•…er 〈◊〉〈◊〉, he saluted. For a mynde that kno∣weth it selfe guiltie, is in a manner deiected to a seruile d•…•…cle.

When he had begonne his reigne the daye of Iune, after this mockishe election, then was hee Crowned the daye of the same moneth. And that solemnitie was furnished for the most parte, with the selfe same prouision that was appoynted for the coronatiō of his nephue.*

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But heere to shewe the manner of his Coro∣nation, as the same is inserted in this Pamphlet of Sir Thomas More, by master Hall and Ri∣chard Grafton, although not found in the same Pamphlet, thus we find it by them reported.

First to be sure of all enimies (as he thoughte) he sent for fyne thousande men of the Northe a∣gainst his Coronation, which came vp euill ap∣parelled, and worse harneised, in rustie harneis, neither defensable, nor scoured to the sale, which mustered in Finseburie field, to the great disdeine of all the lookers on.

The fourth day of Iuly, he came to the To∣wer by water with his wife, and the fifth day he created Thomas Lord Haward Duke of Norf∣folke, and Sir Thomas Haward his sonne, hee created Earle of Surrey, and William Lorde Barkeley was then created Earle of Notting∣ham,

and Fraunces Lord Louel, was then made Vicount Louell, and the King his Chamber∣layne: and the Lord Stanley was deliuered out of warde, for feare of his sonne the L. Strange, which was then in Lancashire gathering men (as men sayde) and the sayde Lord was made Stewarde of the King his housholde: lykewise the Archbyshoppe of Yorke was deliuered: but Morton Byshoppe of Elie, was cōmitted to the Duke of Buckingham to keepe in warde, which [ 10] sent him to his manor of Brecknock in Wales, from whence hee escaped to King Richarde hys confusion. The same nyght, the King made se∣uenteene Knyghtes of the Bathe, whose names ensue.

• Sir Edmond the Duke of Suffolkes sonne.
• Sir George Grey, the Erle of Kents sonne.
• Sir William, the Lord Souches sonne.
• Sir Henry Burganie.
• Sir Christopher Willoughbie. [ 20]
• Sir William Barkeley.
• Sir Henrie Babington.
• Sir Thomas Arondell.
• Sir Thomas Boleyne.
• Sir Gerueys of Clifton.
• Sir William Saye.
• Sir Edmond Bedingfield.
• Sir William Enderbie.
• Sir Thomas Lekenor.
• Sir Thomas of Vrmon. [ 30]
• Sir Iohn Browne.
• Sir William Barkeley.

The next day, being the fifth day of Iulie, the King rode through the Citie of London to∣ward Westminster with great pomp, being ac∣companied with these Dukes, Earles, Lordes, and Knightes, whose names followe.

Edward Prince of Wales, the Kings onely sonne.

Dukes. [ 40]

• The Duke of Norffolke.
• The Duke of Buckingham.
• The Duke of Suffolke.

Earles.

• The Earle of Northumberlande.
• The Earle of Arondell.
• The Earle of Kent.
• The Earle of Surrey.
• The Earle of Wilshire. [ 50]
• The Earle of Huntingdon.
• The Earle of Nottingham.
• The Earle of Warwike.
• The Earle of Lincolne.

Lordes.

• The Lord Lisle Vicount.
• The Lord Louell Vicount.
• The Lord Stanley.
• The Lord Audeley.
• The Lord Dakers.
• The Lord Ferrers of Chertley.
• The Lord Powes.
• The Lord Scrope of Vpsale.
• The Lord Scrope of Bolton.
• The Lord Gray Codner.
• The Lord Gray of Wilton.
• The Lord Sturton.
• The Lord Cobham.
• The Lord Morley.
• The Lord Burganie.
• The Lord Souche.
• The Lord Ferrers of Groby.
• The Lord Welles.
• The Lord Lomney.
• The Lord Matreuers.
• The Lord Harbert.
• The Lord Becham.

Knightes.

• Sir Iames Titell.
• Sir William Kniuet.
• Sir Thomas Aborow.
• Sir William Standley.
• Sir William Aparre.
• Sir George Browne.
• Sir Robert Middleton.
• Sir Iohn Henningham.
• Sir Nicholas Latimer.
• Sir Thomas Mongomery.
• Sir Thomas Delamer.
• Sir Gilbert Debnam.
• Sir Terrie Robsart.
• Sir William Brandon.
• Sir Iohn Sauell.
• Sir Henry Wentfoord.
• Sir Edward Standley.
• Sir Henry Seyntmont.
• Sir William yong.
• Sir Thomas Bowser.
• Sir Henry Winkefielde.
• Sir Thomas Wortley.
• Sir Iohn Seyntlow▪
• Sir Charles of Pilkinton.
• Sir Iames Harington.
• Sir Iohn Asheley.
• Sir Thomas Barkley.
• Sir Richard Becham.
• Sir William Hopton.
• Sir Thomas Percy.
• Sir Robert Dymocke.
• Sir Iohn Cheyny.
• Sir Richard Ludlowe.
• Sir Iohn Eldrington.
• Sir William Sands.
• Sir Richard Dudley.
• ...

• Sir William Seintlowe.
• Sir Thomas Twaightes.
• Sir Edmond of Dudley.
• Sir Raufe Ashton.
• Sir Richard Charlington.
• Sir Thomas Gray.
• Sir Phillip Barkeley.
• Sir Robert Harington.
• Sir Thomas Gresley.
• Sir Richard Harecourt. [ 10]
• Sir Wiliam Noris.
• Sir Thomas Selenger.
• Sir Richard Hodlesten.
• Sir Iohn Conias.
• Sir William Stoner.
• Sir Phillip Courtney.
• Sir William Gascoigne.
• Sir Richard Amedilton.
• Sir Roger Fynes.
• Sir George Vere. [ 20]
• Sir Henry Percie. Sir Iohn Wood.
• Sir Iohn Aparre.
• Sir Iohn Gray. Sir Iohn Danby.
• Sir Richard Tailebushe.
• Sir Iohn Rider.
• Sir Iohn Herring.
• Sir Richard Enderby.
• Sir Iohn Barkeley.
• Sir Iames Strangwishe.
• Sir Raufe Carnbrecke. [ 30]
• Sir Iohn Constable.
• Sir Robert Eliarde.
• Sir Richard Darell.
• Sir Iohn Gilforde. Sir Iohn Lekenor.
• Sir Iohn Morley.
• Sir Iohn Hewes.
• Sir Iohn Boleyne.
• Sir Edmond Shaa Alderman.

On the morrowe beeing the sixte daye of Iu∣lye, the King with Quene Anne hys wife, came [ 40] down out of the White Hall into the great Hall at Westminster, and went directly to the kings bench. And from thence, the king and the Quene going vpon raye clothe barefooted, wente vnto Sainct Edwardes Shrine, and all his nobilitie goyng wyth hym, euery Lorde in his degree. And firste went the trumpets, and then the Her∣raultes of armes in their riche coates, and nexte followed the Crosse with a solemne procession, the Priestes hauyng fine surplesses and graye a∣misses [ 50] vpon them. The Abbottes and Byshops mitred and in riche Copes and euery of them ca∣ried theyr Crosiers in their handes. The By∣shop of Rochester bare the Crosse before the Car∣dinall. Then followed the Earle of Huntyng∣ton bearyng a paire of guilt spurres signifiyng Knyghtehoode. Then followed the Earle of Bedforde bearing Sainct Edwardes staffe for a relique. After them came the Earle of Nor∣thumberlande bareheaded, wyth the Pointelesse sworde naked in his hande which signifyed mer∣cye. The Lorde Stanley bare the mace of the Conestableshippe. The Earle of Kent bare the seconde sworde on the right hande of the Kyng naked, wyth a pointe, whyche signifyed Iustice to the Temporalitie. The Lord Louell bare the thirde sworde on the lefte hande wyth a pointe, whyche signifyed Iustice to the Clergye. The Duke of Suffolke followed wyth the Scepter in his hande, whiche signifyed peace. The earle of Lincolne bare the Ball and Crosse, whyche signifyed a Monarchie. The Earle of Surrey bare the fourth sword before the King in a riche scabberd, and that is called the sworde of estate. Then went three togither, in the middest wente Garter King at armes in his rich cote: and on his left hande wente the Maior of London, bea∣ring a mace: and on his righte hande wente the Gentleman Vssher of the priuie chamber. Then followed the Duke of Norffolke, bearing the Kings Crowne betweene his hands. Then fol∣lowed King Richard in his robes of purple vel∣uet, and ouer his head a canapie, borne by foure Barons of the fiue portes. And on euery side of the King there went one Byshop, that is to say, the Byshop of Bath, and the Bishoppe of Dur∣ham. Then followed the Duke of Buckingham bearing the Kings trayne, with a white staffe in his hande, signifying the office of the high Ste∣ward of England. Then there followed a great number of Earles & Barons before y^e Queene. And then came y^e Erle of Huntington, who bare y^e Queenes Scepter, & the Vicount Lisle bea∣ryng the rodde with the Doue. And the earle of Wilshire bare the Queenes Crowne. Then fol∣lowed Queene Anne daughter to Richard Erle of Warwicke in robes like to y^e King, betweene two Byshoppes, and a Canapie ouer hir heade borne by the Barons of the Ports. On hir head a riche Coronall set wyth stones and pearle. Af∣ter hir followed the Countesse of Richemonde heire to the Duke of Somersette, whiche bare vp the Queenes traine. After followed the Dut∣chesse of Suffolke and Norffolke, wyth Coun∣tesses, Baronesses, Ladies and many faire Gen∣tlewomen. In this order they passed through the Pallaice, and entred the Abbey at the West end, and so came to their seates of estate. And after diuers songs solempnly song, they bothe discen∣ded to the hyghe Aulter and were shifted from their robes, and had diuers places open from the middle vpwarde, in whiche places they were an∣nointed. Then bothe the King and the Queene chaunged them into clothe of golde and ascen∣ded to their seates, where the Cardinall of Caunterburye, and other Byshoppes them

Crowned according to the custome of y^e realme, giuing him the Scepter in the left hande, and the ball with the crosse in the righte hande, and the Queene had the Scepter in hir right hande, and the rodde with the done in the left hande.

On euery side of the King stoode a Duke, and before hym stoode the Earle of Surrey with the sword in his handes. And on euery side of the Queene standing a Bishoppe and a Lady knee∣ling. [ 10]

The Cardinall song Masse, and after paxe, the King and the Queene descended, and before the high Aulter they wer both houseled, with one host deuided betweene them.

After Masse finished, they both offered at S. Edward his Shrine, and there the King left the Crowne of Sainte Edward, and putte on hys owne Crowne. And so in order as they came, they departed to Westminster Hall, and so to their chambers for a season, during which time, [ 20] the Duke of Norffolke came into the hall, hys horse trapped to the ground in cloth of golde, as high Marshall, and voided the hall.

About foure of the clocke, the King & Queene entred the hall, and the King sate in the middle, and the Queene on the left hand of the table, and on euery side of hir stoode a Countesse, holdyng a cloth of pleasaunce, when she lift to drinke. And on the right hand of the King sate the Byshoppe of Caunterburie, the Ladyes sate all on one side, [ 30] in the middle of the hall. And at the Table a∣gainste them, sate the Chancellor and all the Lordes.

At the table next the euphorde, sate the Mai∣or of London, and at the table behind the Lords, sate the Barons of the portes.

And at the other tables sate noble and wor∣shipfull personages.

When all persons were set, the D. of Nor∣folke Earle Marshal, the Earle of Surrey, Con∣nestable [ 40] for that day, the Lorde Stanley Lorde Stewarde, Sir William Hopton Treasourer, and Sir Thomas Percy comptroller, came in, and serued the King solemnelie, with one dishe of golde, and another of siluer, and the Queene all in gilte vessell, and the Bishop all in siluer.

At the seconde course came into the hall, Sir Robert Dimmocke the Kings Champion, ma∣king proclamation, that whosoeuer woulde say, that King Richarde was not lawfull King, hee [ 50] would fight with him at the vtterance, & threwe downe his gantlet, and then all the hall cryed King Richarde. And so he did in three partes of the Hall, and then one broughte him a cuppe of wine couered, and when he hadde dronke, he cast out the drinke, and departed with the cuppe.

After that the Heraulds cryed alargesse thrice in the hall, and so went vp to their stage.

At the ende of dynner, the Maior of London serued the King and Queene with sweete wine, and had of each of them a cuppe of golde, with a couer of golde. And by that time that all was done, it was darke nighte. And so the King re∣turned to his chamber, and euerye man to hys lodging.

When this feast was thus finished, the kyng sente home all the Lordes into their Countreys that woulde departe, excepte the Lord Stanley, whome he reteyned, till he heard what his sonne the Lorde Strange went about. And to suche as went home, hee gaue straighte charge and com∣maundement, to see their Countreys well or∣dered, and that no wrong nor extorcion shoulde be done to his subiectes. And thus hee taughte o∣ther to execute iustice and equitie, the contrarie whereof he dayly exercised: he also with great re∣wardes giuen to the Northernemen, whiche he sente for to his Coronation, •…•…te them home to their Countrey with great thankes: whereof dy∣uers of them (as they be all of nature very gree∣die of authoritie, and specially when they thinke to haue any comforte or fauoure) tooke on them so highly, and wroughte suche maisteries, that the King was fayne to ride thither in his fyrste yeare, and to put some in execution, and stay the Countrey, or else no small mischiefe had ensued.

Nowe fell there mischieues thicke. And as the thing euill gotten is neuer well kepte, thorough all the tyme of his reigne neuer ceassed there cen∣ell death and slaughter, till his owne destruction ended it. But as hee finished his tyme with the best death and the most righteous, that is to wit, his owne, so beganne hee with the most piteous and wicked, I meane the lamentable murther of his innocent nephues, the yong kyng and his tender brother: whose death and final infortune hath nathelesse comen so farre in question, that some remayn yet in doubt, whether they were in his dayes destroyed or no. Not for that onely that Perkyn Werbecke by manye folkes ma∣lice, and moe folkes folly, so long space abu∣sing the worlde, was as well with princes as the poorer people, reputed and taken for the younger of these two, but for that also that all things were in late dayes so couertly demeaned, one thyng pretended, and another meant, that there was nothing so playne and openly proued, but that yet for the common custom of close and couert dealyng, men hadde it euer inwardly sus∣pect: as many well counterfaited Iewels make the true mystrusted. Howbeit concerning the o∣pinon, with the occasions mouyng eyther par∣tie, we shall haue place more at large to intreate, if we hereafter happen to write the tyme of the late noble Prince of famous memorie King Hē∣rie the seauenth, or percase that history of Perkin

in any compendious processe by it selfe. But in the meane time for this present matter, I shal re∣hearse you the dolorous ende of those babes, not after euery way that I haue heard, but after that way that I haue so hearde by suche men and by suche meanes as me thinketh it were hard, but it should be true.

King Richard after his Coronation, takyng his way to Gloucester to visit in his new•…•… ho∣nour, the towne of which he bare the name of his [ 10] olde, deuised as he rode, to fulfill the thing whiche he before had intended. And for asmuche as hys minde gaue him, that his nephewes liuing, men would not recken that he could haue right to the Realme, he thoughte therefore without delay to ridde them, as though the killing of his kinsmen could amend his cause, and make him a kindelie King. Wherevpon, he sent one Iohn Greene, whome hee specially trusted vnto Sir Roberte Brakenbery, Connestable of the Tower, with a [ 20]

[illustration]

[ 30] letter and cred•…•…nce and, that the same sir Robert should in any wise put the two children to death. This Iohn Green, did his errand vnto Brakē∣bery, kneeling before our Lady in the tower, who [ 40] playnely aunswered, that he would neuer putte them to death to die therefore: with which aun∣swere, Iohn Greene returning, recoumpted the same to King Richard at Warwike yet in hys way. Wherewith he tooke such displeasure and thought, that the same night he said vnto a secret page of his: An whome shall a man trust? those that I haue broughte vp my selfe, those that I had went would most surely serue me, euē those fayle me, and at my commaundemente will doe [ 50] nothing for me. Sir (quoth his page) there ly∣eth one on your pa•…•…let without, that I dare well say, to do your grace pleasure, the thing wer right harde that he would refuse, meaning this by Sir Iames Tirrel, which was a man of right goodly personage, and for natures giftes worthy to haue serued a much better Prince, if he had wel serued God, and by grace obteyned asmuche trothe and good will as he had strength and with. The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 had an high heart, and sore longed vpward, not rising yet so fast as hee had hoped, being 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and kepte vnder by the meanes of Sir Richarde Ratcliffe, and Sir William Cateshie, whyche longing for no moe partners of the Princes fa∣uoure, and namely not for him, whose wide they wist woulde beare no peere, kepte him by •…•…e d•…•…iftes out of all secrete trust, which thing, thys Page well had marked and knowen: wherefore this occasion offered, of very speciall friende∣shippe hee tooke hys tyme to put him forwarde, and by suche wyse doe hym good that all the enimies hee hadde excepte the Deuyll, coulde neuer haue doone hym so muche h•…•…. For vp∣on thys pages woordes Kyng Richarde •…•…os•…•…. (For thys communication hadde he sitting at the draught, a conuenient corpet for suche in coun∣sell) and came oute into the pallet chamber, on which he founde in bed sir Iames, & sir Thomas Tyrels, of person like and brethren of bloud, but nothing of kin in conditions. Then said the king merily to them, what •…•…rs he ye in 〈…〉〈…〉 and calling vp sir Iames, brake to him secretely his mynde in this mischeuous matters. In whiche he founde him nothyng strange. Wherefore on the morow he sent him to Braken burne with a let∣ter, by which he was cōmaunded to deliuer Sir Iames all the keys of the tower for one nighte, to the end he might there accomplishe the kinges pleasure, in such thing as he had giuen him com∣mandement. After whiche letter deliuered & the keys receyued, sir Iames appointed the nyghte next ensuyng to destroye them, deuising before and preparing the meanes. The prince a•…•… soone as the protectour left that name, and toke himself as king, had it shewed vnto hym, that he shoulde not reigne, but his vncle should haue the crown. At which word, the Prince sore abashed, began to sigh, and sayd: Alas, I wold my vncle wold let me haue my life yet, though I leese my king∣dome. Then he that tolde him the tale, vsed him with good wordes, and put him in the best com∣fort he could. But forthwith was the prince and his brother both shut vp, and all other remoued from them, only one called black Will, or Wil∣liam slaughter excepte, set to serue them and see them sure. After whiche time the Prince neuer tyed his points, nor aught rought of himself, but with that young babe his brother, lingred with thought and heauinesse, till this traitetous death deliuered them of that wretchednesse. For Sir Iames Tyrell deuised that they should be mur∣thered in their beds. To the execution whereof, he appoynted Myles Forreste, one of the foure that kept them, a fellowe fleshed in murther be∣fore time. To him he ioyned one Iohn Dighton his own horskeeper, a bigge, brode, square, strong

knaue.

Then all the other beeing remoued from them, this Myles Forrest, and Iohn Dighton about midnight (the selie children lying in theyr heddes) came into the chamber, and suddaynely lappe them vp amōg the clothes, so to bewray∣•…•…ed them and intangled them, keeping downe by force the fetherbed and pillowes hard vnto theyr mouthes, that within a while, smothered and stifled, their breath fayling, they gaue vnto God [ 10] their innocente soules into the ioyes of Heauen, leauing to the tormentors their bodyes dead in the bedde. Which after that the wretches perce•…•…∣•…•…ed, firste by the strugling with the paines of death, and after long lying still to bee throughly dead, they layde theyr bodyes naked out vppon the bed, and fetched Sir Iames to see them, whi∣che vpon the sight of them, caused those murthe∣rers to burie them at the staire foote, meetely deepe in the grounde, vnder a greate heape of [ 20] stones.

Then rode Sir Iames in great hast to Kyng Richarde, and shewed him all the maner of the murther, who gaue him greate thankes, and (as some say) there made hym Knight. But he al∣lowed not as I haue hearde, the burying in so vile a corner, saying, that hee would haue them buryed in a better place, bycause they were a Kings sonnes. Loe the honorable courage of a King. Wherevpon they say, that a Priest of S. [ 30] Robert Brakenbery tooke vp the bodyes againe, and secretely enterred them in suche place, as by the occasion of his deathe, whiche onely knew it, could neuer since come to light. Very troth is it, and wel knowen, that at such time as sir Iames Tirrell was in the Tower, for treason cōmitted against the most famous Prince King Henrye the seauenth, both Dighton and he were exami∣ned, and confessed the murther in manner aboue written, but whether the bodyes were remoued, [ 40] they could nothing tell. And thus as I haue learned of thē that much knewe, and little cause had to lie were these two noble Princes, these in∣nocent tender childrē, borne of most royal bloud, brought vp in great wealthe, likely long to lyue, raigne, and rule in the Realm, by trayterous ti∣rannie taken, depriued of their estate, shortlye shut vp in prison, and priuily slayne and mur∣thered, their bodies cast God wot where, by the cruell ambition of their vnnaturall vncle and [ 50] his dispiteous tormentors. Which things on e∣uery parte well pondered, God neuer gaue thys world a more notable example, neyther in what vnsuretie standeth this worldly weale, or what mischiefe worketh the proude enterprise of an high heart, or finally, what wretched ende ensu∣eth such dispiteous crueltie. For first to beginne with the Ministers, Myles Forrest, at Saint Mar•…•… pe•…•…le 〈◊〉〈◊〉 away. Dighton in∣deede yet walketh 〈◊〉〈◊〉 alyue in good possibilitie to be hanged are hee dye. But Sir Iames Tyr∣rell dyed at the Tower hill beheaded for treason. King Richarde himselfe, as yee shall heereafter heare, slayne in the fielde, hacked and hewed of his enimies handes, haried on Horsebacke dead, his heade in despite torne and tugged like a curre dogge. And the mischiefe that hee tooke, within lesse than three yeares of the mischiefe that hee did. And yet all the meane time, spente in muche payne and trouble outwarde, muche feare, an∣guish and sorowe within. For I haue hearde by credible reporte of suche as were secret with hys Chamberlayne, that after thys abhominable deede done, hee neuer hadde quiet in hys minde. Hee neuer thoughte hymselfe sure. Where hee wente abroade, hys eye•…•… whitled about, hys body priuily fenced, hys hande euer vppon hys dagger, hys countenaunce and manner lyke one; alwayes readye to strike agayne, hee tooke ill rest anyghtes, •…•…y long wakyng and mu∣sing, sore weeryed with care and watche, ra∣ther slumbered than slepte, troubled with feare∣full dreames, suddaynely sometyme stert vppe lepte out of hys bedde, and ranne aboute the chamber, so was hys restlesse hearte continual∣lie tossed and tumbled with the tedious impres∣sion and stormie remembraunce of his abhomi∣nable deede. Nowe hadde he outwarde no long •…•…yme in rest. For heerevpon, soone after, be∣ganne the conspiracie, or rather good confede∣ration, betweene the Duke of Buckingham, and many other Gentlemen agaynste hym.

The occasion wherevpon the Kyng and the Duke fell out, is of dyuers folke dyuers wyse pretended.

Thys Duke (as I haue for certayne beene enformed) as soone as the Duke of Gloucester, vppon the deathe of Kyng Edwarde, came to Yorke, and there hadde solemne funerall ser∣uice for Kyng Edwarde, sente thither in the most secrete wise he coulde, one Persall his tru∣stie seruaunte, who came to Iohn Warde a Chamberer of lyke secrete trust with the Duke of Gloucester, desiring, that in the most close and couerte manner, hee myghte be admitted to the presence and speeche of hys maister. And the Duke of Gloucester aduertised of hys de∣sire, caused hym in the dead of the nyghte, after all other folke auoyded, to bee broughte vnto hym in hys secrete Chamber, where Persall after hys masters recommendation, she∣wed hym that hee hadde secretely sente hym to shewe hym, that in thys newe worlde, hee woulde take suche parte as hee woulde, and wayte vppon hym with a thousande good fellowes, if neede were. The Messenger

sent backe with thankes, and some secrete instru∣ction of the Protectors minde: yet mette him a∣gayne with farther message from the Duke hys master, within few days after at Nottingham: whither the Protector from Yorke with manye Gentlemen of the North Countrey to y^e num∣ber of sixe hundred horses, was come on his way to Londonwarde, and after secret meeting and communication had, eftsoone departed. Where∣vpon at Northampton, the Duke met with the [ 10] Protector hymselfe with three hundred Horses, and from thence still continued with hym part∣ner of all hys deuises, till that after his Corona∣tion, they departed as it seemed very great friēds at Gloucester. From whence assoone as the duke came home, he so lightly turned from him, and so highly conspired againste him, that a manne woulde maruell whereof the change grew. And surely, the occasion of their varriance is of diuers men diuerslie reported. Some haue (I heard say) [ 20] that the Duke alittle before the Coronation, a∣mong other things, required of the Protector the Duke of Herefordes lands, to the which hee pre∣tended himselfe iust inheritor. And forasmuch as the title whiche he claymed by inheritance, was somewhat interlaced with y^e title to the Crowne, by the line of King Henrye before depriued, the Protector conceyued such indignation, that hee reiected the Dukes request with manye spitefull and minatorie wordes, whiche so wounded hys [ 30] heart with hatred and mistrust, that he neuer af∣ter coulde endure to looke a righte on King Ri∣chard, but euer feared his own life, so farre forth, that when the Protector rode through London towarde his Coronation, hee fayned hymselfe sicke, bycause he would not ride with hym. And the other taking it in euill part, sent hym worde to rise, and come ride, or he would make hym bee carried. Wherevpon, he rode on with euill wyll, and that notwithstanding on the morrowe, rose [ 40] from the feast, fayning hymselfe sicke, and King Richard sayde, it was done in hatred and despite of hym. And they sayde that euer after continu∣ally, eache of them liued in suche hatred and di∣strust of other, that the Duke verily looked to haue bin murthered at Gloucester. From whych naythelesse, hee in faire manner departed. But surely some right secrete at that days denie this: and manye righte wise men thinke it vnlikely, (the deepe dissembling nature of those both men [ 50] considered, and what neede in that greene world the Protector had of the Duke, and in what pe∣ril the Duke stoode, if hee fell once in suspicion of the Tyrant) y^t eyther the Protector would giue the Duke occasion of displeasure, or the Duke the Protector occasion of mistrust. And verily, men thinke, that if King Richard had anye such opinion conceyued, he would neuer haue suffered him to escape his hands. Very truth it is, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was an high minded man, and euill co•…•… beare the glorie of an other, so that I haue 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of some that say they saw it, that the Duke at 〈◊〉〈◊〉 time as the Crowne was first set vpon the Pro∣tectors head, his eye coulde not abyde the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thereof, but wried his head another way. But men saye, that he was of troth not well at ease, and that both to King Richarde well kno•…•…, and not ill taken, nor any demaund of the dukes vncurteously reiected, but hee both was greate giftes and high behestes, in most louing a•…•… •…•…∣stie manner, departed at Gloucester. But 〈◊〉〈◊〉 after his comming home to Brecknocke, ha∣uing there in his custodie by the commaunde∣ment of King Richarde Doctor Morton, By∣shop of Elie, who (as ye before heard) was taken in the Counsell at the Tower, waxed with h•…•… familiar: whose wisedome abused hys pride so his owne deliuerance and the Dukes destracti∣on. The Byshop was a man of great naturall witte, very well learned, and honorable in beha∣uiour, lacking no wise wayes to winne fauour. He had bin fast vpon the parte of King Henrye, while that part was in wealth, and naythelesse, lefte it not, nor forsooke it in woe, but fledde the Realme with the Queene and the Prince, while King Edwarde hadde the King in prison, neuer came home, but to the fielde. After whiche loste, and that part vtterly subdued, the tother for hys fast fayth and wisedome, not only was contente to receyue hym, but also woed him to come, and had him from thenceforth both in secrete trust, and very speciall fauour, whiche hee nothing de∣ceyued. For he being as ye haue heard after king Edwards death firste taken by the Titante for his troth to the King, founde the meane to sette this Duke in hys toppe, ioyned Gentlemen to∣gither in aide of King Henry, deuising firste the marriage betweene him and King Edwardes daughter, by whiche his faith declared the good seruice to both his masters at once, with infinite benefite to the Realme by the coniunction of those two blouds in one, whose seueral titles had long enquieted the lande, he fledde the Realme, went to Rome, neuer mynding more to meddle with the world, till the noble Prince King Hen∣ry the seauenth gate him home againe, made him Archbyshoppe of Caunterburie, and Chancellor of England, wherevnto the Pope ioyned the ho∣nor of Cardinall. Thus lyuing many dayes in as much honor as one man mighte well wishe, ended them so godly, that his deathe with Gods mercie well changed his life.

This man therefore as I was about to tell you, by the long and often alternate proofe, as well of prosperitie, as aduers fortune, hadde got∣ten by great experience the very mother and mi∣stresse

of wisedome, a deepe insighte in politike worldly driftes. Whereby perceyuing now this Duke glad to comune with him, fedde him with faire words, and many pleasaunt prayses. And perceyuing by the processe of their communica∣cions, the Dukes pride, nowe and then balke out a little bredde of enuie, towarde the glory of the King, and thereby feeling him ethe to fall out if the matter were well handled: he craftely sought the wayes to pricke him forwarde, taking al∣wayes [ 10] the occasion of his commyng, and so kee∣ping himselfe so close within his boundes, that hee rather seemed to followe hym, than to leade him. For when the Duke firste beganne to prayse and boast the King, and shew how much profite the Realme shoulde take by his raigne: my Lorde Morton aunswered: Surely my Lord, follie were it for me to lie, for if I woulde sweare the contrarie, your Lordship woulde not I weene beleeue, but that if the worlde woulde [ 20] haue gone as I woulde haue wished, Kyng Henries sonne had hadde the Crowne, and not King Edward. But after that God had ordered him to leese it, and King Edwarde to raigne, I was neuer so madde that I woulde with a dead man striue againste the quicke. So was I to King Edward a faithfull Chaplayne, and glad would haue bin that hys chylde hadde succeeded him. Howbeit, if the secrete iudgemente of God haue otherwise prouided, I purpose not to spurre [ 30] against a pricke, nor labour to sette vp that God pulleth downe. And as for the late Protector and now King. And euen there he left, saying that he had already meddled to muche with the worlde, and woulde from that day meddle with his Booke and hys heades, and no farther. Then longed the Duke sore to heare what hee woulde haue sayd, bycause he ended with the King, and there so suddaynely stopped, and exhorted hym so familiarly betweene them twayne, to be bolde [ 40] to say whatsoeuer he thought, whereof he faith∣fully promised, there shoulde neuer come hurte, and peraduenture more good than hee woulde wene, and that himselfe intended to vse his faith∣full secrete aduise and counsell, whiche hee sayde was the onely cause for which he procured of the King to haue him in his custody, where hee might recken himselfe at home, and else had hee bin putte in the handes of them with whome hee should not haue founden the like fauoure. The [ 50] Byshop right humbly thanked him, and sayde, in good faith my Lord, I loue not to talke much of Princes, as thing not all out of perill, though the word be without fault, for asmuch as it shall not bee taken as the partie meante it, but as it pleaseth the Prince to construe it. And euer I thinke on Esops tale, that when the Lion hadde proclaymed, that on payne of death, there should none horned beast abyde in that wood: one that had in his forhead a bunche of fleshe, fled awaye a great pace. The Foxe that saw hym runne so fast, asked hym whyther he made all that haste? And he answered, In fayth I neyther wote, nor recke, so I were once hence, bicause of this pro∣clamation made of horned beastes. What foole quoth the Foxe, thou mayst abyde well ynough, the Lion meant not by thee, for it is none horne that is in thine head. No mary (quoth hee) that wote I well ynough. But what and hee call it an horne, where am I then? The Duke laughed merily at the tale, and sayd, My Lorde, I war∣rant you, neyther the Lion nor the Bore shall pyke any matter at any thing heere spoken, for it shall neuer come neere their eare. In good faith Sir sayde the Byshop if it did, the thing that I was about to say, taken as well (as afore God, I meant) it could deserue but thanke. And yet taken as I wene it woulde, mighte happen to turne mee to little good, and you to lesser. Then longed the Duke yet much more to witte what it was, wherevppon the Byshoppe saide, in good fayth my Lorde, as for the late Protector, sith he is nowe King in possession, I purpose not to dispute his title, but for the weale of this Realm, whereof hys grace hath nowe the gouernaunce, and whereof I am my selfe one poore member. I was about to wishe, that to those good habi∣lities whereof he hath already right many, little needing my prayse: it mighte yet haue pleased God, for the better store, to haue giuen hym some of suche other excellente vertues, meete for the rule of a Realme, as our Lord hathe planted in the person of youre grace: and there lefte a∣gayne.

The Duke somewhat maruelling at his sud∣dayne pauses, as though they were but parenthe∣ses, with a high countenaunce sayd: My Lorde, I euidently perceyue, and no lesse note your of∣ten breathing, and suddayne stopping in youre communication, so that to my intelligence, your words neyther come to any direct or perfect sen∣tence in conclusion, whereby either I might per∣ceyue, and haue knowledge what your inwarde intent is now toward the King, or what affec∣tion you beare towarde me. For the comparison of good qualities ascribed to vs both (for the whi∣che I may selfe knowledge and recognise to haue none, nor looke for no prayse of any creature for the same) maketh me not a little to muse, thyn∣kyng that you haue some other priuie imagina∣tiō, by loue or by grudge, engraued and emprin∣ted in your hart, which for feare you dare not, or for childish shamefastnesse, you be abashed to dis∣close and reueale, and specially to me being your friend, which on my honour do assure you, to hee as secrete in this case, as the deaffe and dumme

person is to the singer, or the tree to the hunter. The Byshop beeing somewhat bolder, conside∣ring the Dukes promise, but most of all anima∣ted and encouraged, bycause he knew the Duke desirous to be exalted and magnified, and also he perceyued the inwarde hatred and priuie rancor which he bare toward King Richard, was now boldened to open his stomacke euen to the very bottome, intending thereby to compasse howe to destroy, and vtterly confound King Richard, [ 10] and to depriue him of his dignitie royall, or else to set the Duke so a fyer with the desire of ambi∣tion, that hee himselfe mighte be safe, and escape out of all daunger and perill, whiche thing hee brought shortly to conclusion, both to the kings destruction and the Dukes confusion, and to his owne safegard, and finally, to hys high promo∣tion. And so (as I sayde before) vpon trust and confidence of the Dukes promise, the Byshoppe sayd: my singuler good Lord, sith the time of my [ 20] captiuitie, which being in your graces custodie, I may rather call it a liberall libertie, more than a straighte emprisonmente, in auoyding idle∣nesse, mother and nourisher of all vices, in rea∣ding Bookes and auntient Pamphlets, I haue founde this sentence written, that no manne is borne free, and in libertie of himselfe onely, for one part of duetie he oweth or should owe to his parents for his procreation by a very natural in∣stincte and filiall curtesie: another parte, to hys [ 30] friendes and kinsfolke, for proximitie of bloud, and natural amitie, doth of very duetie chalenge and demaunde: But the natiue Countrey in the whiche hee tasted firste the sweete ayres of thys pleasant and flattering world after his natiuitie, demaundeth as a debt by a naturall bond, ney∣ther to bee forgotten, nor yet to be put in obliui∣on, which saying causeth me to consider in what case this Realme my natiue Countrey nowe standeth, and in what estate and assurance be∣fore [ 40] this time it hath continued: what gouernour we now haue, and what ruler wee mighte haue, for I playnely perceyue the Realme beeing in this case, must needes decay, and bee broughte to vtter confusion, and finall exterminion: But one hope I haue encorporate in my brest, that is, when I consider, and in my mynd do diligently remember, & dayly behold your noble personage, your iustice, and indifferencie, your feruent zeale, and ardente loue towarde youre naturall Coun∣trey, and in like manner, the loue of your Coun∣trey [ 50] toward you, the great learning, pregnaunt witte, and goodly eloquence, which so much doth abounde in the person of your grace, I muste needes thinke this Realme fortunate, yea twice more than fortunate, whiche hath such a Prince in store, meete, and apte to bee a gouernoure, in whose person beeyng endued with so manye princely qualities consisteth and resteth the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vndoubted similitude and image of true 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

But on the other side, when I call to •…•…∣rie the good qualities of the late Protector, and nowe called King, so violated and subuerted by Tyrannie, so changed and altered by vsurped authoritie, so clouded and shadowed by blynde and insaciable ambition, yea, and so suddaynely (in manner by a metamorphosis) transformed from politike ciuilitie, to detestable tyrannie: I must needes saye, and iustly affirme, that hee is neyther meete to be a king of so noble a Realme, nor so famous a Realme meete to bee gouerned by suche a tyraunt: Was not his first enterprise to obteyne the Crowne begunne and incepted by the murther of diuers noble valiant, true, and vertuous personages: O a holy beginning, to come to a mischeuous ending, did he not secon∣darily proceede contrarie to al lawes of honestie, shamefully againste his owne naturall mother, being a woman of much honour, and more ver∣tue, declaring hir openly to bee a woman giuen to carnall affection, and dissolute liuing? (whych thing if it had bin true as it was not indeede, e∣uery good and naturall childe would haue father mummed at, than to haue blasted abroade, and especially shee beeing aliue.) Declaring farther∣more his two breethren, and his two nephewes to bee basterdes, and to be borne in auoutrie: yet not with all this content: After that hee had ob∣teyned the garland for the which he so long thir∣sted, hee caused the two poore innocentes hys ne∣phewes, committed to him for especiall trust, to be murthered, and shamefully to be kylled. The bloud of which sely and little babes, dayly crie to God, from the earth for vengeaunce. Alas, my heart sobbeth, to remember this bloudy butcher, and cruell monster, what suretie shall be in thys realme to any person, either for life or goodes vn∣der such a cruell Prince, which regardeth not the destruction of his owne bloud, and then lesse the losse of other. And most especially as oftentymes it chanceth, where a couetous or a cruell Prince taketh suspicion, the smallest, swaruing that is possible (if the thing be misconstrued) may be the cause of the destruction of many giltlesse perso∣nes: and in especiall of noble and wealthye personages, hauing great possessions and riches: Suche a Lorde is Lucifer when he is entred into the heart of a proude Prince, giuen to couetous∣nesse and crueltie. But nowe my Lord to con∣clude what I meane toward your noble person, I saye and affirme, if you loue GOD, youre lygnage, or youre natiue Countrey, you must youre selfe take vppon you the Crowne and imperiall Diad•…•…ne of thys noble Empyre, bothe for the maynetenaunce of the honoure of the same (whiche so long hathe flourished in

fame and renowne) as also for the deliueraunce of your naturall Countreymen, from the bon∣dage and thraldome (worse than the captiuitie of Egypt) of so cruell a Tyrant and arrogant op∣pressor. For thus I dare saye, if any forreyne Prince or Potentate, yea the Turke hymselfe woulde take vppon him the regiment heere, and the Crowne, the commons would rather admit and obey hym, than to liue vnder suche a bloud-supper and childe kyller: but howe muche more [ 10] ioyful and glad would they be to liue vnder your grace, whome they all knowe to be a ruler meete and conuenient for them, and they to be louyng and obedient subiects, meete to liue vnder such a gouernor: despise not, nor forsake not so manifest an occasion so louingly offered. And if you your selfe knowing the paine and trauaile that apper∣teyneth to the office of a King, or for anye other consideration, will refuse to take vppon you the Crowne and Scepter of this Realme: Then I [ 20] adiure you, by the faith that you owe to God, by your honour and by your othe made to Saincte George, patrone of the noble order of the garter (whereof you bee a companyon) and by the loue and affectiō that you beare to your natiue Coū∣trey, and the people of the same, to deuise some way, how this Realme nowe beeing in miserie, may by youre high discretion and princely poli∣cie, bee broughte and reduced to some suretie and conueniente regimente, vnder some good gouer∣nour [ 30] by you to be appoynted: for you are the ve∣ry patrone, the only help, refuge, and comfort for the poore amased and desolate commons of thys Realme. For if you could either deuise to set vp againe the lignage of Lancaster, or auaunce the eldest daughter of King Edward to some hygh and puissant Prince, not only the new crowned King shall small time enioy the glory of his dig∣nitie, but also all ciuill warre shoulde ceasse, all domesticall discord should sleepe, and peace, pro∣fite [ 40] and quietnesse should be set forth and embra∣sed. When the Byshop had thus ended his say∣ing, the Duke sighed and spake not of a greate while, which sore abashed the Byshop, and made him change coulour: which thing when the duke apperceyued, he saide, be not afraid my Lord, all promises shall be kepte, to morow we will com∣mon more: lette vs goe to supper, so that nyghte they cōmoned no more, not a little to the disqui∣eting of the Bishop, whiche nowe was euen as [ 50] desirous to know the Dukes mind and intente, as the Duke longed the day before to knowe hys opinion and meaning. So the next day, the duke sent for the Byshop, and rehearsed to him in ma∣ner (for he was both wittie and eloquent) all the communication had betweene them before, and so paused awhile, and after a little season, put∣ting off his bonet he sayd: O Lorde God crea∣tor of all things, howe muche is this Realme of England, and the people of the same bounden to thy goodnesse, for where we now be in vexation and trouble with greate stormes oppressed, say∣ling and tossing in a desperate Shippe, without good master or gouernoure but by thy help good Lorde I trust or long time passe, that wee shall prouide for suche a ruler, as shall bee both to thy pleasure, and also to the securitie and sauegarde of this noble Realme. And then hee put on hys bonet saying to the Byshop, my Lord of Ely, whose true hart and sincere affection toward me at all times, I haue euidently perceyued and knowen, and nowe most of all in our last priuie communication and secrete deuising, I muste needes in hart thinke, and with mouth confesse and say, that you be a sure friend, a trusty coun∣sellour, a vigilant foreseer, a verye louer of your Countrey, & a natural Countreyman for which kindnesse for my part, I most louingly render to you my harty thankes now with wordes, heere∣after trusting to recompence and remunerate you with deedes, if life and power shall serue. And sith at oure last communication, you haue disclosed, and opened the very secretes and priui∣ties of youre stomacke, touching the Duke of Gloucester now vsurper of the Crowne, and al∣so haue a little touched the aduancement of the two noble families of Yorke and Lancaster: I shall likewise not only declare and manifest vn∣to you, al my open actes, attemptes, and doings, but also my priuie entents, and secret cogitati∣ons. To the intent that as you haue vnbuckeled youre bouget of your priuie meanings, & secrete purposes to me: so shal all my clowdy workyng, close deuises, and secrete imaginations, bee (as cleere as the sunne) reuealed, opened, and made lightesome to you. And to beginne, I declare: That when King Edwarde was deceased, to whome I thought my selfe little or nothing be∣holden, (although we two hadde maried two si∣sters) bycause he neither promoted, nor preferred me, as I thought I was worthy, and had deser∣ned, neither fauored nor regarded me, according to my degree and birthe: for surely I had by him little authoritie, and lesse rule, and in effect no∣thing at all: which caused me lesse to fauour his children, bycause I founde small humanitie, or none in their parent. I then began to study, and with rype deliberation, to ponder and to consi∣der, howe and in what manner this Realme should be ruled & gouerned. And first I remem∣bred an olde prouerbe worthy of memorie, that often ruith the Realme, where children rule, and women gouerne. This olde adage so sanke and settled in my head, that I thought it a great er∣ror, and extreame mischiefe to the whole realme, either to suffer the yong Kyng to rule, or

the Queene his mother to be a gouernoure once him, considering that hir breethren, and hir firste children (although they were not extract of hygh and noble lynage) toke more vpon them, & more exalted themselues, by reason of the Queene, than did the Kings breethren, or anye Duke in his Realme: which in conclusion, turned to their confusion. Then I beeing perswaded with my selfe in this poynt, thought it necessarie both for the publique & profitable wealth of this Realme, [ 10] and also for myne owne commoditie and emo∣lument, to take parte with the Duke of Glouce∣ster: whome I assure you I thought to bee as cleane without dissimulation, as tractable with∣out iniurie, as merciful without crueltie, as now I know him perfectly to be a dissembler without veritie, a Tyraunt without pitie, yea, and worse than the tyraunt Ph•…•…leres destitute of all trueth and clemencie: and so by my meanes, at the first Counsayle holden at London, when hee was [ 20] most suspected of that thing that after happened (as you my Lord know well ynough) hee was made Protector and defender, both of the King, and of the Realme, whiche authoritie once got∣ten, and the two children partly by policie brou∣ght vnder his gouernaunce, bee beeing moued with that gnawing and couetous serpente, desi∣red to raigne, and neuer ceassed priuily to exhort and require (yea and sometimes with minatorie tearmes) to perswade mee and other Lordes, as [ 30] well spirituall as temporall, that hee might take vppon him the Crowne, till the Prince came to the age of foure and twenty yeares, and were able to gouerne the Realme, as a rype and sufficient King: which thing, when he sawe mee somewhat sticke at, both for the strangenesse of the example (bycause no suche president had bene seene) and also bycause we remembred that men once ascended to the highest tipe of honour and authoritie, will not gladly discende againe, hee [ 40] then brought in instruments, autentike doctors, proctors, and notaries of the law, with depositi∣ons of diuers witnesses, testifying King Ed∣wards children to be basterds, whiche depositiōs then I thought to be as true, as now I knowe them to be fayned, and testifyed by persons with rewards vntruely subornate. When the said de∣positions were before vs redde and diligently hearde, he stoode vp bareheaded saying: Well my lords, euen as I and you sage and discrete coun∣saylers [ 50] would that my nephew shoulde haue no wrong, so I pray you do me nothing but righte. For these witnesses and sayings of famous doc∣tors being true, I am onely the vndubitate heire to Lord Richard Plantagenet Duke of Yorke, adiudged to bee the verye heire to the Crowne of this Realme, by authoritie of Parliament, whi∣che things, so by learned men to vs for a veri∣tie declared, caused me and other to take him for our lawfull and vndoubted Prince and soue∣raigne Lord. For well wee knew that the Duke of Clarence sonne, by reason of the attaynder 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his father, was disabled to inherite, and also the Duke himselfe was named to be a basterd, as I my selfe haue heard spoken, and that vpon great presumptions more times than one: so agayne, by my ayde and fauoure, hee of a protector was made a King, and of a subiect made a gouernor, at whiche time hee promised me on his fidelitie, laying his hande in mine at Baynard Castell, that the two yong Princes should liue, and that he would so prouide for them, and so maynteine them in honorable estate, that I and all the Realme ought and shoulde bee content. But when he was once Crowned Kyng, and in full possession of the whole Realme, he cast away his olde conditions, as the adder doth hir skinne, ve∣rifying the olde prouerbe, Honours change man∣ners, as the parishe Prieste remembreth that hee was neuer parish clearke. For when I my selfe sued to hym for my parte of the Earle of Hare∣fords landes whiche his brother King Edwarde wrōgfully deteyned and withheld from me, and also required to haue the office of the high Con∣nestableship of Englande, as diuers of my noble auncesters before this time haue hadde, and in long discent continued, in this my first sure she∣wing his good mind toward me, he did not only firste delay me, and afterward denay mee, but gaue me such vnkynd words, with such taunts and retauntes, yee in manner checke and checke mate, to the vttermost proofe of my pacience, as though I had neuer furthered him, but hindered him, as though I had put him downe, and not set hym vp yet all these ingratitudes and vnde∣serued vnkindnesse I bare closely, and suffered paciently, and couertly remembred, outwardly dissimuling that I inwardly thoughte, and so with a paynted countenaunce, I passed the laste summer in his last companie, not without many faire promises, but withoute anye good deedes. But when I was credibly enformed of y^e death of the two yong innocents, his owne naturall nephewes contrarie to his faith and promise, to the which (God be my iudge) I neuer agreed, nor condiscended. O Lord, how my veynes panted, how my body trembled, and my heart inwardly grudged, in somuch, that I so abhorred the sight, and muche more the companie of him, that I coulde no longer abide in his Courte, excepte I should be openly reuenged. The ende whereof was doubtfull, and so I fayned a cause to de∣part, and with a merrie countenaunce and a de∣spitefull heart, I tooke my leaue humbly of him, (he thinking nothing lesse, than that I was dis∣pleased) and so returned to Brecknock to you.

But in that iourney as I returned, whether it were by the inspiracion of the holy Ghost, or by Melanculous disposition, I had diuers and sun∣dry imaginacions howe to depriue this vnnatu∣rall vncle, and bloudy Butcher, from his royal seate, and princely dignitie. Firste I fantesyed, that if I lift to take vppon me the Crowne, and imperiall Scepter of the Realme, nowe was the time propice and conuenient. For now was the way made playne, and the gate opened, and oc∣casion [ 10] giuen, which now neglected, shoulde per∣aduenture neuer take such effect and conclusion. For I saw he was, disdeyned of the Lords tem∣porall, execrate and accursed of the Lords Spi∣rituall, detested of all Gentlemen, and despised of all the communaltie: so that I saw my chaunce as perfectly as I saw my own image in a glasse, that there was no person (if I had bin greedy to attempte the enterprise) coulde nor shoulde haue wonne the ring, or got the gole before mee. And [ 20] on this poynt I rested in imagination secretely with myselfe, two dayes at Tewkesberie. And from thēce so iourneying, I mused and thought that it was not best nor conuenient to take vpon me as a conquerour, for then I knew that al mē and especially the nobilitie, woulde with al their power withstande me, both for rescuyng of pos∣sessiōs, and tenours, as also for subuerting of the whole estate, lawes, and customes of y^e Realm: Such a power hath a conquerour as you know [ 30] well inough my Lord. But at the last, in al this doubtfull case there sprang a newe branche out of my head, which surely I thought should haue broughte forthe faire floures, but the sunne was so hote, that they turned to drie weedes, for I suddaynely remembred that Lorde Edmonde Duke of Somerset my Grandfather, was with King Henrye the sixte in the two and three de∣grees, from Iohn Duke of Lancaster lawfully begotten: so that I thought sure, my mother be∣ing [ 40] eldest daughter to Duke Edmond, that I was nexte heire to King Henrye the sixte of the house of Lancaster. This title pleased well suche as I made priuie of my counsaile, but muche more it encouraged my foolish desire, and eleua∣ted my ambicious intente, in somuche, that I cleerely iudged, and in mine owne minde was determinately resolued, that I was indubitate heire of the house of Lancaster, and therevppon concluded to make my firste foundation, and e∣rect [ 50] my new buylding. But whether God so or∣deyned, or by fortune it so chanced, while I was in a maze, other to conclude suddaynely on thys title, and to set it open amongst the cōmon peo∣ple, or to keepe it secret a while, see the chance: as I rode betwene Worceter and Bridgenorth, I encountred with the Lady Margaret, Countesse of Richmond, now wife to the Lorde Stanley, whiche is the very daughter and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 heyre, to Lord Iohn Duke of Somerset, my Grandfa∣thers elder brother, whiche was as cleane out of my minde, as though I hadde neuer seene hir, so that shee and hir sonne the Earle of Richmond, be both bulwarke and portecolice betweene mee and the gate, to enter into the maiestie royal and getting of the Crowne.

And whē we had cōmuned a little concerning hir sonne, as I shal shew you after, and were de∣parted, she to our Ladie of Worcester, and I to Shrewsbury: I then new changed, and in ma∣ner amazed, began to dispute with my selfe, little considering that thus my earnest title was tur∣ned to a tittel not so good as Est Amen. Eftsoo∣nes I imagined whether I were best to take vp∣on me, by the election of the nobilitie and com∣munaltie, which me thought easie to be done, the vsurper king, thus being in hatred and abhorred of this whole realm, or to take it by power, which standeth in fortunes chaunce, and difficile to bee atchieued and brought to passe. Thus tumbling and tossing in the waues of ambiguitie, betwene the stone and sacrifice, I considered first the of∣fice, dutie, and payne of a King, whiche sure∣ly thynke, I that no mortall man can iustly and truly obserue, except he be called, elected, & speci∣ally appoynted by God as king Dauid, and dy∣uers other haue bin. But farther, I remembred that if I once tooke on me the scepter, and the go∣uernaunce of the realme: That of two extreme enimies I was dayely sure, but of one trustye frend (which now a days be gone a pilgrimage) I was neither assured, nor credibly ascertayned, (suche is the worldes mutation) for I manifest∣ly perceiued, that the daughters of king Edward and their alyes, and frendes, whiche be no small number, being both, for his sake muche beloued, and also for the greate iniurie and manifeste ty∣rannie done to them by the newe vsurper, muche lamented and pitied, would neuer ceasse to barke if they can not byte at the one side of me. S•…•…∣blably, my cousyn the Earle of Richmond, hys aydes and kinsfolke, whiche be not of little po∣wer, will surely attēpt lyke a fierce grandhound, eyther to byte or to pierce mee on the other side. So that my lyfe and rule, should euer hang by a haire, neuer in quiet, but euer in doubt of death, or deposition. And if the sayde two lynages of Yorke and Lancaster, whiche so long haue stri∣ued for the Imperiall diademe, shoulde ioyne in one againste mee, then were I surely mated, and the game gotten. Wherefore I haue cleere∣ly determined, and with my selfe concluded, vtterly to relinquishe all suche fantasticall i∣maginations, concerning the obteyning of the Crowne.

But all suche plagues calamities & troubles

(which I feared and suspected) might haue chā∣ced on me if I had taken the rule and regiment of this Realme, I shall with a reredemayne so make them rebound to our common enimie that calleth himselfe King, that the best stopper that he hath at tenice, shall not well stoppe without a faulte: for as I tolde you before, the Countesse of Richmonde in my returne from the new na∣med King, meeting mee in the high way, pray∣ed mee firste for kinred sake, secondarily for the [ 10] loue that I bare to my Grandfather Duke Hū∣frey, which was sworne brother to hir father, to moue the King to bee good to hir sonne Henrye Earle of Richmond, and to licence him with hys fauour to returne agayne into England: and if it were his pleasure so to doe, shee promised that the Earle hir sonne shoulde marrie one of Kyng Edwardes daughters, at the appoyntmente of the King, without any thing to bee taken or de∣maunded for the sayde espousals, but onely the [ 20] Kings fauoure, whiche request I soone ouerpas∣sed, and gaue hir faire wordes, and so departed. But after in my lodging, when I called to me∣morie with a deliberate studie, and did circum∣spectly ponder them, I fully adiudged, that the holy Ghost caused hir to moue a thing (the ende whereof she could not consider) both for the seen∣ritie of the Realme, as also for the preferment of hir childe, and the destruction and finall confusi∣on of the common enimie King Richard, Whi∣che [ 30] thing, she neither then thought (I am sure) as I by hir wordes coulde make coniecture, nor I my selfe cast not hir desire to be so profitable to the Realme, as I now doe perceyue, but suche a Lord is God, that with a little sparkle, hee kyn∣dleth a great fire, and so finally to declare to you the very cōclusion, to the which I am both bent and set, my minde is, and my power and purse shall help, that the Erle of Richmond, very heire of the house of Lancaster (in the quarrell of the [ 40] which linage, both my father and Graundfather lost their lyues in battayle) shall take to wife La∣dy Elizabeth eldest daughter to King Edward, by the which marriage both the houses of Yorke and Lancaster maye bee ioyned, and vnited in one, to the cleere stablishmente of the title to the Crowne of this noble Realme. To which con∣clusion, if the mothers of both parties, and espe∣cially the Earle himselfe, and the Lady will a∣gree, I doubt not but the bragging Bore, which [ 50] with his tuskes rayseth euery mans skinne, shall not only be brought to confusion as he hath de∣serued, but that this empire shall euer be certaine of an vndubitate heire, and then shall all ciuile and intestine warre cease, whiche so long hathe continued to the paring of many mēs crownes, and this Realme shall be reduced againe to qui∣etnesse, renoune and glory. This inuentiō of the Duke manye menne thoughte after, that it was more imagined for the inwarde hatred that we bare to King Richard, than for any 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that he bare to the Earle of Richmond. But of suche doubtfull matter, it is not best to iudge for •…•…ng to farre from the minde and intent of the auctor: But whatsoeuer hee entended, this deuice once opened to King Richard was the very occasion, that he was rounded shorter by the whole head, without attainder or iudgemente. When the Duke hadde said, the Bishop whiche fauoured e∣uer the house of Lancaster, was wonderous ioy∣full, and muche reioysed to heare this deuice, for nowe came the winde about euen as hee woulde haue it, for all his imaginacion tended to thys effect to haue King Richarde subdued, and to haue the lines of king Edward, and King Hen∣ry the sixth agayne raised and aduaunced. But Lorde howe hee reioyced to thinke howe that by this marriage the linages of Yorke and Lanca∣ster should be conioyned in one, to the very sted∣fastnesse of the publique wealth of this Realme.

And least the Dukes courage shoulde swage, or his mynde should againe alter, as it did often before, as you may easily perceyue by his owne tale. He thought to set vp all the sayles that hee hadde, to the intent that the ship of his preten∣sed purpose, myghte come shortely to some sure port: And sayde to the duke, My Lorde, sith by Gods prouision and youre incomparable wyse∣dome and policie, this noble coniunction is firste moued, nowe is it conuenient, yea & necessary to consider what personages, & what frends we shal first make priuie of this high deuice and politike cōclusiō. By my truth, quod the duke, we wil be∣gin w^t the ladie Richmōd, y^e erles mother, which knoweth where he is, eyther in captiuitie, or at large in Britayn. For I heard say, y^t the duke of Britayn restored him to libertie, immediatly af∣ter the death of king Edward, by whose meanes hee was restreyned. Sith you will begin that way (said the Bishop) I haue an old friend with the Countesse, a man sober, secret, and well wit∣ted, called Reignold Bray, whose prudente poli∣cie I haue knowen to haue cōpassed thyngs of greate importance, for whome I shall secretely send, if it be your pleasure, and I doubte not hee will gladly come and that with a good will. So with a little diligence, the Byshop wrote a let∣ter to Reignold Bray, requiring him to come to Brecknocke with speede, for great and vrgent causes, touching his mistresse: and no other thing was declared in the letter. So the messenger rode into Lancashire, where Bray was with the Countesse, and Lord Thomas Stanley hir hus∣band, and deliuered the letter, which when he had red, he tooke it as a signe or presage of some good fortune to come, and so with the messenger he

came to the Castell of Brecknock, where the Duke and the Byshop declared what thing was deuised, both for to set the realme in aquires sted∣fastnesse; as also for the high prefermente of the Erle of Richmond, son to his Lady & mistresse: willing hir firste to compasse how to obteyne the good will of Q. Elizabeth, and also of hir eldest daughter hearing the same name: & after fe•…•…ely to send to hir son into Britaine, to declare what high honor was prepared for him, if hee woulde [ 10] sweare to marrie the Lady Elizabeth assume as he was K. & in royall possession of the Realme. Reignold Bray with a glad hearte, forgettyng nothing giuen to him in charge, in greate hast & with good speede returned to y^e countesse his La∣dy & mistresse. Whē Bray was departed, & thys great doubtful vessel once set abroche, y^e Byshop thirsting for nothing more thā for libertie: whē he saw y^e D. pleasant & wel minded toward him, he told y^e Duke, that if hee were in his yle of E∣ly [ 20] he could make many friēds to further their en∣terprise, & if he were there & had but foure dayes warning, he little regarded the malice of K. Ri∣chard, his countrey was so strōg. The D. knew well al this to be true, but yet loth hee was that the B. shoulde departe, for he knew well, that us long as the B. was with him, he was sure of po∣litique aduise, sage counsayle, and circumspect proceeding. And so he gaue the B. faire wordes, saying, that hee shoulde shortly depart, and that [ 30] wel accompanyed for feare of enimies. The B. being as wittie as the D. was wilie, did not tar∣rie till the Dukes company were assembled, but secretly disguised, in a night departed (to y^e dukes great displeasure) & came to his see of Ely, where he found mony and friends, & so sailed into Flā∣ders, where hee did the Earle of Richmond good seruice, and neuer returned agayne, till the Earle of Richmond after beeing K. sente for him, and shortly promoted him to the sea of Canterburye. [ 40] Thus the B. wound himselfe from the D. when he had most neede of his aide, for if he had taryed stil, the D. had not made so many blabbes of his counsaile, nor put so much cōfidēce in y^e Welch∣mē, nor yet so temerariously set forward, with∣out knowledge of his friendes as hee did, whyche things were his suddayne ouerthrowe, as they that knew it did report.

When Reignold Bray had declared his mes∣sage & priuie instruction to the coūtesse of Rich∣mond [ 50] his mistresse, no maruell though she were ioyous and glad, both of the good newes and al∣so for the obteining of suche a high friende in hir sonnes cause as the D. was, wherefore she wil∣ling not to slepe this matter, but to farther it to the vttermost of hir power and abilitie, deuised a meanes how to breake this matter to Q. Eli∣zabeth then beeing in Sanctuarie at West. And the•…•…, she hauing in hir family at that time for the preseruatiō of h•…•…r health a certain Welsh∣man called Lewes, learned in phisicke, which for his grauitie and experience, was well knowen, and much esteemed amongst great estates of the Realm: with whome the vsed sometime liberal∣ly & familiarly to talke, now hauing opportuni∣tie and occasion to breake hir minde vnto him of this weighty matter, declared that the time was come that hir sonne should be ioyned in mariage with Lady Elizabeth, daughter and heire to K. Edward, and that K. Richard being taken and reputed of all men for the common enimie of the Realme, should out of all honoure and estate bee detected, & of his rule & kingdome be cleerely spoi∣led and expulsed: and required him to goe to Q. Elizabeth (with whome in his facultie he was of counsaile) not as a messenger, but as one y^t came friendly to visite & consolate hir, and as time and place shoulde require, to make hir priuie of thys deuise, not as a thing concluded, but as a purpose by him imagined. This phisician did not long •…•…ger to accomplish hir desire, but with good di∣ligence repared to the Q. being stil in the sanctu∣ary at West. And whē he saw time propice and conuenient for his purpose, he saw vnto hir: Ma∣dame, although my imaginatiō be very simple, & my deuice more folish, yet for the entier affection that I beare toward you & your childrē, I am so bold to vtter vnto you a secrete & priuie conceit y^t I haue cast & cōpassed in my fantastical braine. Whē I wel remēbred and no lesse considered the greate losse & dammage that you haue susteyned by the death of your noble and louing husbande, & the great doloure and sorow that you haue suf∣fered and tollerated, by y^e cruell murther of youre innocent children: I can no lesse do both of boun∣den duetie and christian charitie, than dayly to studie, & hourely imagine, not only how to bring your heart to comfort and gladu•…•…s, but also de∣uise how to reuēge the righteous quarell of you & your children on that bloudy bloudsupper, and cruel tyrant K. Richard. And first cōsider, what battaile, what manslaughter, what mischief hath risen in this Realme by the dissention betweene the two noble houses of Yorke and Lancaster, which two families (as I haue contriued) if they may bee ioyned in one, I thinke, yea and doubte not, but youre line shalbe againe restored to the pristinate estate and degree, to your great ioy and cōfort, and to y^e vtter cōfusion of your mortall e∣nimie the vsurper K. You know very well Ma∣dame, y^t of the house of Lancaster, y^e erle of Rich∣mond is next of bloud, which is liuing, & a lustie yōg batcheler, & to y^e house of York your daugh∣ters now are heires: if you could agree and inuēt the meane howe to couple youre eldest daughter with the yong erle of Richmond in matrimonie,

no doubt but the vsurper of the Realme shoulde be shortly deposed, and your heire againe to hir right restored.

When the Queene had hearde this friendely motion (which was as farre from hir thought, as the man that the rude people say is in y^e Moone) lord how hir spirites reuiued, and how hir hearte lept in hir body for ioy and gladnesse, and fyrste giuing lawde to Almightie GOD, as the chiefe author of hyr comfort, secondarily to ma∣ster [ 10] Lewes, as the deuiser of the good newes and tydyngs, instantely besought hym, that as hee hadde bin the fyrste inuenter of so good an enter∣prise, that nowe hee woulde not relinquishe nor desist to follow the same: requiring hym farther (bycause he was apperteyning to the Countesse of Richmonde mother to the Earle Henry) that he would with all diligente celeritie resort to hir, then lodging in hir husbandes place, within the Citie of London, and to declare on the Queenes [ 20] behalfe to the Countesse, that all the friends and fautors of King Edwarde hir husband, shoulde assist and take parte with the Earle of Riche∣mond hir sonne, so that he would take a corpo∣rall othe after the Kingdome obteined, to espouse and take to wife the Lady Elizabeth hir daugh∣ter, or else Lady Cecyle, if the eldest daughter were not then liuing.

Maister Lewes with all dexteritie so sped his businesse, that he made and concluded a final end [ 30] and determination of this enterprise, betweene the two mothers, and bycause he was a Phisiti∣on, and out of all suspicion, and misdeeming, hee was the common curter and dayly messenger betweene them, ayding and setting forth the in∣uented conspiracie against King Richarde. So the Lady Margaret Countesse of Richmonde, broughte into a good hope of the preferment of hir sonne, made Reignold Bray hir most faith∣full seruaunt, chiefe soliciter and priuie procurer [ 40] of this conspiracie, giuing him in charge secrete∣ly to enuegle and attract such persons of nobili∣tie to ioyne with hir & take hir part, as he knewe to be ingenious, faithfull, diligent, and of actiui∣tie. This Reignold Bray within few dayes, brought vnto his lure, (firste of all taking of e∣uery person a solemne othe, to be true and secret) sir Giles Daubeney, sir Iohn Cheyney Knight, Richard Guylford and Thomas Rame Esqui∣ers, and diuers other. The Countesse of Riche∣mond [ 50] was not so diligente for hir parte, but Q. Elizabeth was as vigilant on the other side, and made friends, and appoynted Counsellors to set forward and aduaunce hir businesse.

In the meane season, the Countesse of Rich∣monde tooke into hir seruice Christopher Vrs∣wike, an honest and a wise Prieste, and after an othe of him for to bee secrete taken and sworne, the vttered to him all hir minde and counsayle, adhibiting to hym the more confidence and trueth that hee all his life had fauoured and ta∣ken partee with King Henrye the sixte, and as a speciall iewell put to hir seruice by Sir Le∣wes hee hir Phisition. So the mother studious for the prosperitie of hir sonne, appoynted this Chri∣stopher Vrswike to sayle into Britaine to the Earle of Richmonde, and to declare and to re∣ueale to him all pactes and agreementes be∣tweene hir and the Queene agreed and conclu∣ded: but suddaynely, shee remembring that the Duke of Burkingham was one of the firste in∣uentors, and a secret founder of thys enterprise, determined to send some personage of more esti∣mation than hir Chaplayne, and so elected for a messenger Hugh Conwey Esquier, and sente him into Britaine with a greate summe of money to hir sonne, gyuing him in charge, to declare to the Earle the greate loue and especiall fauoure that the most part of the nobilitie of the Realme bare towarde him, the louing heartes and beneuolent mindes whiche the whole com∣munaltie of theyr owne free will frankely offe∣•…•…and liberally exhibited to him, willing and aduising him not to neglect so good an occasion apparantly offered, but with all speede and dili∣gence to addict and settle his mind and ful intē∣tion how to returne home againe into Englād, where hee was both wished and looked for, gy∣uing him farther monicion and councell to take land and arriuall in the principalitie of Wales, where he should not doubt to finde both and, cō∣fort, & friēds. Richard Guilford least Hugh Cō∣wey mighte fortune to bee taken or stopped at Plimmouth, where he intēded to take his naui∣gatiō, sent out of Kēt Tho. Rame with y^e same instructions: & both made such diligence, and had such wind & weather, y^e one by land frō Calais, & the other by water from Plimmouth, y^t within lesse than an houre, both arriued in y^e D. of Bri∣taines court, & spake with the Erle of Richmōd, which frō the death of K. Edward, went at hys pleasure and libertie, & to him counted & manife∣sted y^e cause & effect of their message and ambas∣sade. When y^e Erle had receiued this ioyful mes∣sage, whiche was the more pleasaunt, bycause it was vnloked for, he rendred to Iesu his sauioure his most humble & harty thākes, being in firme credence & beliefe y^t such things as he with busie mind & laborious intent had wished and desired, coulde neuer haue taken any effect, without the help & preferment of almightie God. And nowe being put in comfort of his long longing, he did communicate and breake to the D. of Britaine all his secretes, and priuie messages, which were to him declared, aduertising him that he was en∣tered into a sure and stedfast hope, to obteyne,

and get the •…•…ne a •…•…ingdome of the realme of England, desiring him both of his good wyll and friendly helpe toward the atchieuing of hys officed enterprise, promising 〈◊〉〈◊〉 when he came to his intented purpose; to render to him againe e∣quall kindnesse and condigne recompence.

Although the Duke of Brytaine before that day by Thomas Hutton Ambassador from king Richard, had both by money and prayers beene solicited and moued to put again into safe custo∣die [ 10] the Erle of Richmonde, he neuerthelesse pro∣mised faythfully to ayde him, and his promise he truely performed.

Wherevpon the Earle with all diligence sent into England again Hugh Conway, and Tho∣mas Rame, whiche should declare his comming shortly into England, to the intent that al things which by counsaile might be for his purpose pro∣uided, should be speedily and diligently done, and that all things doubtfull should of his friends bee [ 20] prudently foreseene, in auoyding all engines and snares which king Richarde had or might set in disturbance of his purpose: and hee in the meane season woulde make his abode still in Brytaine, till all things necessarie for his iourney were pre∣pared and brought in a readinesse.

In the meane season, the chiefraines of the coniuration in Englande, began togither many enterprises: Some in conuenient fortresses put [ 30] strong garnisons: some kept armed men priui∣ly, to the intente that when they shoulde haue knowledge of the Earles landing, they woulde beginne to styrre vppe the warre: Other did secretly moue and solicite the people to rise and make an insurrection: Other (amongst whome Iohn Morton Bishop of Elie then being in Flā∣ders was chiefe) by priuie letters and cloked mes∣sengers, did stirre and moue to this new coniura∣tion, al such which they certainly knew to haue a rooted hatred, or to beare a cākred malice toward [ 40] king Richard and his proceedings.

Although this great enterprise were neuer so priuily handled, and so secretly amongst so cir∣cumspect persons treated, compassed and con∣ueyed, yet knowledge thereof came to the eares of king Richard, who with the sodaine chaunce was not a little moued and astonied. First by∣cause he had no host readie prepared, secondly, if he shoulde raise an army so sodainlye, hee knewe [ 50] not were to meete his enimies, or whither to go, or where to tary. Wherfore he determined to dis∣semble the matter, as though hee knew nothing, till hee had assembled his hoste, and in the meane season eyther by y^e rumor of the cōmon people, or by the diligence of his espials to search out all the counsailes, determinations, entents and compas∣ses of his close aduersaries, or else by policie to in∣tercept and take some person of the same coniu∣ration, considering that there is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…e nor hid es•…•…ll, than that which lurketh in dissi∣mulation of knowledge and intelligence, or is hidden in name and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hu∣manitie and feyned kindnesse. And bycause hee knewe the Duke of Buckingham to be the chiefe heade and ayde of the coniu•…•…tion, he thought it moste necessarie to plucke him from that parte, eyther by fayre promises, or open water.

Wherevpon he addressed his louing letters to the Duke, full of gentle wordes, and •…•…ost friend∣ly speech, giuing further in charge to the messen∣ger that caried the letter, to promise the duke on his behalfe, golden hilles, and siluer riuers, and with all gentle and pleasaunt meanes to per∣swade and exhorte the Duke to come to the Court.

But the Duke as wily as the King mis•…•…∣sting the fayre flattering wordes, and the ga•…•…e promises to him so sodainly without any cause offred, knowing the craftie castes of K. Richards bow, which in diuerse affayres before time he had seene practised, required the king to pardon hym, excusing himselfe that hee was so diseased in hys stomacke, that skant he could eyther take refecti∣on or rest.

King Richarde not being content with thys excuse, would in no wise admit the same, but in∣continent directed to the duke other letters, of a more rogher and hawtier sort, not without tan∣ting and byting tearmes, and checking wordes, commaunding him (all excuses set apart) to re∣payre wythoute any delaye to hys royall pre∣sence.

The duke made to the messenger a determi∣nate answere, that hee woulde not come to hys mortall enimie, whom hee neither loued, nor fa∣uoured: and immediately prepared open warre against him, and perswaded al his complices and partakers, that euerie man should in his quarter with all diligence rayse vp the people and make a commotion. And by this meanes almost in one moment Thomas Marques Dorset came oute of Sanctuarie, where hee sithe the beginning of King Richarde dayes had continued, whose life by the onely helpe of sir Thomas Louell, was preserued from all danger and perill in this trou∣blous worlde, gathered togither a great bande of men in Yorkeshire.

Sir Edward Courtney, and Peter his brother Bishop of Exeter, raysed an other army in De∣uonshire & Cornwall. In Kent Richard Guil∣ford and other gentlemen collected a great com∣panie of souldiers, and openly began warre. But king Richard which in the meane time had gottē togither a great strength and puissance, thinking it not most for his part beneficiall to disperse and deuide his greate armye into small braunches,

and particularly to persecute any one of the con∣iutation by himselfe, determined all other things being set aside, with his whole puissaunce to sette on the chiefe head, which was the Duke of Buc∣kingham. And so remouing from London, hee tooke his iourney toward Salisburie, to the entent that in his iourney hee myght set on the Dukes armie, if he might knowe him in any place en∣camped or in order of battaile arrayed. The king was scarce two dayes iourney from Salisburie, [ 10] when the Duke of Buckingham accompanied wyth a great power of wilde Welchmen, whom hee beeing a man of greate courage and sharpe speeche, in maner against theyr wilies had rather there to inforced and compelled by Lordly and strayte commaundement, than by liberall wa∣ges and gentle reteynour, whiche thing was the verie occasion why they left him desolate, and co∣wardly forsooke him.

The Duke wyth all his power marched tho∣row [ 20] the Forest of Deane, intending to haue pas∣sed the riuer Seuerne at Gloucester, and there to haue ioined his armie with the Courtneis, and o∣ther Westerne men of his confederacie and affi∣nitie, which if he had done, no doubt but king Ri∣chard had beene in great ieopardie, eyther of pri∣uation of his Realme, or losse of his life, or both. But see the chaunce, before hee coulde attaine to Seuerne side, by force of continuall rayne and moysture, the riuer rose so high that it ouerflowed [ 30] all the Countrey adioyning, insomuch that men were drowned in their beds, and houses with the extreme violence were ouerturned, children were caryed about the fieldes swimming in Cradels, beastes were drowned on hilles, whiche rage of water lasted continually tenne dayes, insomuch that in the Coūtrey adioyning they call it to this day the great water, or the Duke of Buckinghās great water. By this floud the passages were so closed, that neither the duke could come ouer Se∣uerne [ 40] to his complices, nor they to him: during the which time, the Welchmen lingring ydlely, and without money, vytaile, or wages, sodainly scattered and departed: and for all the Dukes fayre promises, threatnings, and enforcements, they woulde in no wise neither go further nor a∣byde. The Duke being thus left almost post a∣lone, was of necessitie compelled to flie, and in his flight was with this sodaine fortune maruei∣lously dismayde: and beeing vnpurueyed what [ 50] counsaile he should take, and what way he shuld follow, like a man in dispayre, not knowing what to doe, of verie truste and confidence con∣ueyed himselfe into the house of Humfrey Bana∣ster his seruant beside Shrewsbury, whom he had tenderly brought vp, and whom he aboue al men loued, fauored, and trusted, now not doubting but that in his extreme necessitie he should find him faythfull, secrete, and trustie, intendi•…•…g 〈◊〉〈◊〉 co∣uertly to lurke, till either he might rayse aga•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 new army, or else shortly to sayle into Brytaine to the Erle of Richmond.

But when it was knowne to his adher•…•…, which were readie to giue battaile, that his h•…•… was scattered, and had left him almost alone, and was fled, and could not be founde, they were so∣dainly amased and stryken with a sodaine 〈◊〉〈◊〉, that euery man like persons desperate shined for himselfe and fled, some went to Sanctuarie, and to solitarie places, some fled by Sea, whereof the most part within a few dayes after arriued s•…•…∣ly in the Duchie of Brytaine. Among which nū∣ber were these persons, Peter Courtney Bishop of Exceter, & sir Edmond Courtney his brother, by king Henrie the seuenth after created Earle of Deuonth. Thomas Marques Dorset, Iohn lord Wells, sir Iohn Bourchier, sir Edward Wood∣uile, a valiant man in armes, brother to Queene Elizabeth, sir Robert Willoughbie, sir Gyles Daubeney, sir Thomas Arūdel, sir Iohn Chey∣ney and his two brethren, sir William Barke∣ley, sir William Brandon, and Thomas hys brother, sir Richarde Edgecombe: all these for the moste parte beeing Knightes, Iohn Hal∣well, and Edwarde Ponings, a politike cap∣taine.

At this verie season, Iohn Morton Bishop of Ely, and Christofer Vrswike priest, and an o∣ther companie of noble men soiourned in Flaun∣ders, and by letters and messengers procured ma∣ny enimies agaynst king Richarde, which vsing a vigilant eye, and a quicke remembrance, being newly come to Salisburie, hauing perfite notice and knowledge how the duke was fled, and how his complices intended to passe out of the realme. First he sent men of warre to all the next portes and passages, to keepe straytly the Sea coast, so that no person should passe outwarde, nor take lande within the realme without their assent and knowledge. Secondarily he made proclamation, that what person could shewe and reueale where the Duke of Buckingham was, shoulde he high∣ly rewarded, if he were a bondman, he shoulde be enfranchised and set at libertie, if he wereof 〈◊〉〈◊〉 bloud, he should haue a generall pardon, and be rewarded with a thousand poundes.

Furthermore, bycause he vnderstood by Tho∣mas Hurtō, which (as you haue herd) was new∣ly returned out of Brytaine, that Frances Duke of Britain, not onely refused to keepe the Erle of Richmond as a prisoner, at his contemplation, and for his sake, but also that he was readie to aid and succour the sayde Earle, with men, money, and all things necessarie for his transporting in∣to England: he therefore rigged & sent out shape of warre, well furnished and decked wyth men

and artyll•…•…rie, to skoure and keepe that parte of the sea that lyeth ouer agaynst Brytayne, to the entent•…•… that if the Earle of Richmonde woulde adventure to sayle towarde Englande, either he should be taken captiue, or be beaten and driuen from the coast of England.

And moreouer, to the entent that euery coast, way, passage, and corner, shoulde bee diligently watched and kept, he set at euery doubtfull and suspected place men of warre, to seeke, search, and [ 10] inquire, if anye creature coulde tell tydings of the Duke of Buckingham, or of any of his con∣federation, adherentes, fantours or partakers.

While this busie searche was diligently ap∣plyed and put in execution, Humfrey Banaster (were it more for feare of lyfe and losse of goodes, or attracted and prouoked by the auaricious de∣sire of the thousande poundes) hee bewrayed hys guest and maister to Iohn Mitton then Sherife of Shropshire, which sodainly with a strong po∣wer [ 20] of men in harnesse apprehended the Duke in a little groue adioyning to the mansion of Hum∣frey Banaster, and in greate haste and euyll speede, conueyed hym apparayled in a pylled blacke Cloake to the towne of Shrewsburie, where King Rycharde then kepte hys house∣holde.

Whether this Banaster bewrayed the duke more for feare than couetous, many menne doe doubt: but sure it is, that shortly after he had be∣trayed [ 30] the Duke his maister, his sonne and heyre waxed mad, and so died in a B•…•… •…•…lie, his eldest daughter of excellent beautie, was sodainly stry∣ken with a foule leaprie, his second sonne marue∣lously deformed of his limmes, and made lame, his yonger sonne in a small puddle was strangled and drowned, and he being of extreeme age, ar∣raigned, and found guiltie of a murther, and by his cleargie saued. And as for his thousand pound king Richard gaue him not one farthing, saying that he which would be vntrue to so good a mai∣ster, would be false to all other: howbeit some say that hee had a small office or a farme to stop hys mouth withall. The duke being by certaine of the kings counsaile diligently vpon interrogatories examined what things hee knewe preiudiciall to the Kings person, opened and declared frankly, & freely all the coniuration wythout dissembling or glosing, trusting bycause hee had trulye and plainely reuealed and confessed all things that were of him requyred, that he should haue licence to speake to the king, whiche (whether it were to sue for pardon and grace, or whether hee beeing brought to hys presence, woulde haue stycked him with a dagger as men then iudged) hee sore desired and required. But when he had confessed the whole fact and conspiracie, vpon Alsoulne day without arraignment or iudgement, hee was at Salisburie in the open market place, on a newe scaffold behedded and put to death.

[illustration]

This death (as a reward) the Duke of Buc∣kingham [ 50] receyued at the hands of king Richard, whom he before in his affayres, purposes and en∣terprises, had holpen, susteyned and set forwarde, aboue all Gods forbode.

By this all men may easily perceyue, that hee not onely loseth both his labor, trauaile, and in∣dustrie, and further steyneth and spotteth his line with a perpetuall ignominie & reproche, which in euill and mischiefe assysteth and aydeth an euill disposed person, considering for the moste part, that hee for his friendly fauour shoulde receyue some great displeasure or importunate chaunce. Beside that, God of his iustice in conclusion ap∣poynteth to him a condigne paine and affliction for his merits and deserts.

Whyle these things were thus handled and ordred in England, Henrie Earle of Richmonde

prepared an army of fiue thousand manly Bry∣tonnes, and fortie well furnished ships.

When all things were prepared in a readi∣nesse, and the day of departing & setting forwarde was appoynted, whiche was the .xij. day of the Moneth of October, the whole armie went on shipbourd, and halsed vp their sayles, and wyth a prosperous wind tooke the sea: but toward night the wind chaunged, and the weather turned, and so huge and terrible a tempest so sodainly arose, [ 10] that with the verie power and strength of the storme, the ships were disparcled, seuered and se∣parate a sunder: some by force were driuen into Normandie, some were compelled to returne a∣gaine into Brytaine. The ship wherein the erle of Richmond was, associate onely with one other Barke, was all night tossed and turmoyled.

In the morning after, when the rage of the furious tempest was asswaged, and the yre of the blustring winde was some deale appeased, about [ 20] the houre of noone the same day, the Erle appro∣ched to the South part of the realm of England, euen at the mouth of the Hauen of Pole, in the Countie of Dorcet, where he might plainly per∣ceyue all the Sea bankes and shores, garnished and furnished with men of warre and souldiers, appoynted and deputed there to defende hys arri∣ual and landing (as before is mentioned.) Wher∣fore he gaue straight charge, and sore commaun∣demēt, that no person shuld once presume to take [ 30] lande, and goe to the Shore, vntill suche tyme as the whole Nauie were assembled and come togither.

And while hee taryed and lyngered, hee sent out a Shipbote towarde the lande side, to knowe whether they which stood there in such a number, and so well furnished in apparell defensiue, were his foes and enimies, or else his friends and com∣forters. They that were sent to enquire, were in∣stantly desired of the men of warre keeping the [ 40] coast (which therof were before instructed and ad∣monished) to discend & take lande, affirming that they were appointed by the duke of Buckingham there to awayt and tarie for the arriuall and lan∣ding of the Erle of Richmonde, and to conduct him safely into the campe, where the Duke not farre of laye incamped with a mightie armie, and an host of great strength and power, to the intent that the Duke and the Earle ioyning in [ 50] puissaunces and forces togither, might prosecute and chase King Richarde being destitute of men. and in maner desperate, and so by that meanes, and their owne labors, to obteyne the end of their enterprice which they had before begon.

The Earle of Richmonde suspecting theyr flattering request to be but a fraude (as it was in deede) after hee perceyued none of his shippes to appeare in sight, hee w•…•…yed vp his Ancors, hal∣sed vp his Say•…•…s, and hauing a pr•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 streynable winde, and a f•…•…he 〈…〉〈…〉 God to delyuer him from that pa•…•… and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…∣die, arriued safe and in all •…•…c•…•… the D•…•…∣chie of Normandy, where he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and s•…•…ace hys souldiers and people, tooke his recration by the space of three dayes, and clearely determined with part of his companie to passe all by la•…•… a∣gaine into Brytaine. And in the meane season he sent Ambassadors to the Frenche king, called Charles the eight which newly succeeded his fa∣ther king Lewes the eleuenth, not long before de∣parted to God, requ•…•…ng of him a safeconduct & licence to passe through his country of Norman∣die into Brytaine.

The yong King hauing compassion of the misfortune of the Earle of Richmond, not duely gently graunted and assigned to him a pasport, but also liberally disbursed to him a great summe of money for his conduct and expences necessarie in his long iourney and passage. But the Earle trusting in the French kings humanitie, aduen∣tured to sende his shippes home into Brytaine, and to set forward himself by land on his iorney, making no great hast til his messengers were re∣turned, which being with that benefit so comfor∣ted, and with hope of prosperous successe so enco∣raged, marched towarde Brytayne, wyth all dyligence entending there to consult further with his louers and friendes of his affayres and enterprices.

When hee was returned againe into Bry∣tayne, hee was certifyed by credible informa∣tion that the Duke of Buckingham had loste hys heade, and that the Marques Dorcet, and a greate number of Noble men of Englande, had a lyttle before enquyred and searched for hym there, and were nowe returned to Van∣nes.

When he had heard these newes thus repor∣ted, he first sorrowed and lamented his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 at∣tempt and setting forwarde of his friendes, and in especial of the Nobilitie, not to haue more for∣tunately succeeded. Secondarily, he re•…•…ed on the other part, that God had sent him 〈◊〉〈◊〉 manye valiant and prudent Captaynes to bee 〈◊〉〈◊〉 com∣paniōs in his martiall enterprises, trusting sure∣lye and nothing doubting in his owne opini∣on, but that all his businesse shoulde hee wisely compassed, and brought to a good conclusion. Wherefore he determining with all diligence to set forwarde his new begon businesse, departed to Renes, and sent certain of his priuie seruitors to conduct and bring the Marques and other noble men to his presence.

When they knew that hee was safe returned into Brytayne, Lorde howe they reioyced, for before that tyme they myssed him, and knewe

not in what part of the world to make inquirie or search for him.

For they doubted and no lesse feared least he had taken lande in Englande, and fallen in the handes of King Richarde, in whose person they knew well was neyther mercie nor compassion. Wherefore in all speedie maner they galoped to∣ward him, & him reuerendly saluted, which mee∣ting after great ioy and solace, and no smal than∣kes giuen and rendred on both partes, they adui∣sedly [ 10] debated and commoned of their great busi∣nesse and weightie enterprise, in the which season the feast of the Natiuitie of our Sauiour Christ happened, on which day all the English Lordes went with their solemnitie to the chiefe Churche of the Citie, and there eche gaue fayth and pro∣mise to other.

The Erle himselfe first tooke a corporall othe on his honour, promising that incontinent after he shoulde be possessed of the Crowne and digni∣tie [ 20] of the Realme of Englande, be would be con∣ioyned in matrimonie with the Ladie Elizabeth daughter to king Edwarde the fourth. Then all the companie sware to him fealtie, and did to him homage as though he had beene that tyme the crowned king, and annoynted Prince, promising faythfully, and firmly assuring, that they would not onely lease theyr worldly substaunce, but al∣so be deprited of their lyues and worldly felicitie, rather than to suffer king Richarde that tyraunt [ 30] longer to rule and raigne ouer them. Which so∣lemne othes made and taken, the Earle of Rich∣monde declared and communicated all these do∣ings to Fraunces Duke of Brytayne, desyring and most heartily requiring him to ayd him with a greater armie to conduct him into his Coun∣trey, whiche so sore longed and looked for his re∣turne, and to the which he was by the more part of the nobilitie and comunaltie called and desired, (which with Gods ayde, and the Dukes com∣fort) [ 40] he doubted not in short time to obtaine, re∣quiring him farther to prest to him a conuenient sum of mony, affyrming that all such summes of money whiche hee had receyued of his especiall friends, were spent and consumed in preparation of his laste iourney made towarde Englande, which summes of money after his enterprise once atchieued, he in the worde of a Prince, faythful∣ly promised to repay and restore againe. The Duke promised hym ayde and helpe, vpon con∣fidence [ 50] whereof hee rigged his shippes, and sette foorth hys Nauye well decked with ordinance, and warlikely furnished wyth all things neces∣sarie, to the intent to saile forward shortly, and to lose no time.

In the meane season, king Richard apprehen∣ded in diuerse partes of the realme certain gentle∣men of the Erle of Richmonds faction, and con∣federation, whiche eyther intended to sayle into Brytayne towarde him, or else at his landing to assyst and ayde him. Amongst whom sir George Browne, sir Roger Clifforde, and foure other were put to execution at London, and sir Tho∣mas Senetliger which had maried the Duches of Exceter the kings owne sister, & Thomas Ram, and dyuerse other were executed at Exeter. Be∣side these persons, diuerse of his houshold seruants whō either he suspected, or doubted, were by great crueltie put to shamefull death.

After this, he called a Parliament, in the which he attaynted the Erle of Richmond and all other persons which were fled out of the realme for feare, or any other cause, as enimies to him, and to their naturall Countrey, and all their landes, goods, and possessions, were confiscate and seased to the kings vse. And yet not content with thys pray, whiche no doubt was of no small valour and moment, hee layde on the peoples neckes a great tax and tallage, and surely necessitie to that acte in maner him compelled. For what wyth purging and declaring his innocencie concerning the murther of his Nephewes toward the world, and what with cost to obteyne the loue and fa∣uour of the comunaltie (which outwardly glosed, and openly dissembled with him) he gaue prodi∣gally so many & so great rewards, that now both he lacked, & scarce wist honestly how to borow.

In this troublous season, nothing was more maruelled at, thā that the Lord Stanley had not bene taken, and reputed as an enimie to the King, considering the working of the La∣die Margaret his wife, mother to the Earle of Richmond: but forasmuch as the enterprise of a woman was of him reputed of no regard or esti∣mation, and that the Lord Thomas hir husband had purged himself sufficiently to be innocent of all doings and attempts by hir perpetrated & cō∣mitted, it was giuen him in charge to kepe hir in some secrete place at home, without hauing any seruant or companie, so that from thenceforth she shuld neuer send letter or messenger vnto hir son, nor any of his friends or cōfederates, by the which the king might be molested or troubled, or anye hurt or preiudice might bee attempted agaynste his realme and comunaltie. Which commaun∣demēt was a while put in execution and accom∣plished according to his dreadfull commaunde∣ment. Yet the wilde worme of vengeance wa∣uering in his heade, coulde not bee content wyth the death of dyuerse gentlemen suspected of trea∣son, but also he must extende his blondy furie a∣gaynst a poore gentlemā called Collingborne, for making a small rime of three of his vnfortunate counsaylers, which were the Lord Louell, sir Ri∣chard Ratcliffe his mischieuous Minion, and sir Williā Catesby his secrete seducer, which meetre

or ryme was thus.

The Cat, the Rat, and Louell our Dogge, Rule all England vnder an Hogge.

Meaning by the hog, the dreadful wild Bore, which was the kings cognisance, but bycause the first line ended in dogge, the Metrician could not obseruing the regiments of metre, end the seconde verse in Bore, but called the Bore an hog. This Poetical scholemaister corrector of Breeues and Longs, caused Collingborne to bee abbreuiate [ 10] shorter by the head, and to be deuided into foure quarters.

Here is to be noted, that beside the rime which is reported by some to be the only cause for which this gentleman suffred, I finde in a regyster booke of Inditements concerning felonyes and treasons by sundrie persons committed, that the sayde Collingborne by the name of Wil∣lyam Collyngborne late of Lidyarde in the Countie of Wilkshire esquier and other his asso∣ciates [ 20] were indited in London for that that they about the tenth day of Iulie, in this second yeare of King Richardes raigne in the Parishe of Saint Botulphes in Portsoken warde had soli∣cited and requested one Thomas Yate, offring to him for his paynes eyght pounde, to goe ouer into Brytayne vnto Henrie Erle of Richmond, Thomas Marques Dorset, Iohn Cheyney Es∣quier, and others (whiche in the last Parliament holden at Westminster had beene attainted of [ 30] sundrie high treasons by them practised wythin the kings dominion) to declare vnto them that they shoulde doe verie well to returne into Eng∣lande with all such power as they might get be∣fore the feast of Saint Luke the Euangelist next ensuing, for so they might receyue all the whole reuenues of the realme due at the feast of Saint Michaell nexte before the sayde feast of Saint Luke, and that if that sayde Earle of Richmonde and his partakers, following the counsaile of the [ 40] sayde Collingborne, would arriue at the hauen of Pole in Dorcetshire, he the sayd Collingborne and other his associates, woulde cause the people to rise in armes, and to leuie warre agaynst king Richarde, taking part wyth the sayde Earle and his friendes, so that all things shoulde be at theyr commaundements.

Moreouer, to moue the sayde Earle to sende the sayde Iohn Cheyney vnto the French King, to aduertise him that his Ambassadours sent in∣to [ 50] England should be dallyed with, only to driue of the time till the winter season were past, and that then in the beginning of Sommer king Ri∣charde ment to make warre into Fraunce inua∣ding that realme with all his puissance, and so by this meanes to perswade the French king to ayd the Erle of Richmonde & his partakers in their quarell against king Richard. Further that the sayd William Collingborne beeing confederate with the sayd Erle & other his adherents, aswell within the Realme as without, the .xviij. day of Iu•…•…, in the said second yeare, within the Parishe of S. Gregories in Faringdon ward within, had deuised certaine bylles and wrytings in tyme, is the ende that the same beeing published, myghte stirre the people to a commotion against the king and those billes and writings in rime so deuises & written, the same Collingborne the day and yere last mentioned, had fastened and set vppon dy∣uerse dooers of the Cathedrall Church of Saint Paule, for the more speedie furthering of hys intended purpose. Thus farre the Inditement. But whether he was guiltie in part or in all, I haue not to say.

King Richard being thus disquieted in 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and doubtfull for the suretie of his owne estate, called to remembraunce that confederations, ho∣nest bandes, and pactes of amitie concluded and had betwixt Princes and gouernours, are the ef∣ficient cause that Realmes and common weal∣thes are strengthned with double power, that is with ayde of friendes abroade, and their owne forces at home. Wherevpon he deuised howe to conclude a league and amitie with his neigh∣bour the King of Scottes, who not long before had made diuerse incursions and roades into the Realme of Englande. And although he had not much gotten, yet verily hee lost not much, and nowe euen as King Richard could haue wished he of himselfe made suyte for peace or truce to be bad betwixt him and king Richarde, who wyl∣lingly giuing eare to that suyte, Commissioners were appoynted to meet aboute the treatie there∣of, as in the Historie of Scotlande it maye ap∣peare, at length agreed vpon a truce for three yeares, and withall for a further encrease of fyrme frindshippe and sure amitie (betwixt hym and the King of Scottes) King Richarde en∣tered into a treatie also of alliaunce for the con∣cluding of a maryage betwyxt the Duke of Rothesay, eldest sonne to the King of Scottes, and the Ladie Anne de la Poole daughter to Iohn Duke of Suffolke and the Duches Anne, Sister to King Richarde, whiche Sister hee so muche fauoured, that studying by all wayes and meanes possible howe to aduaunce hir lynage, hee did not onely thus seeke to preferre hir daughter in maryage, but also after the death of hys sonne, hee proclaymed Iohn Earle of Lyncolne hir sonne and hys Ne∣phewe, heyre apparant to the Crowne of Eng∣lande, disinheriting King Edwards daughters, whose brethren (as yee haue heard) hee moste wickedly had caused to be murthered and made away.

The King of Scottes standing in neede of

friendes, althoughe not so greatlye as King Richarde did willyngly consent to that motion of maryage, fyrst droched by King Richarde, in somuche that it tooke effect, and by Commissi∣oners was passed and concluded, in maner as in the Hystorie of Scotlande it likewyse appea∣reth.

But albeit that by this league and amitie thus couenanted and concluded, it mighte bee thought, that all conspiracies, coniurations, and [ 10] confederacies agaynst King Richarde had beene extinct, especially considering the Duke of Buc∣kingham and his allyes were dispatched oute of the way, some by death, and some by flight and banishment into farre Countreys, yet King Ri∣charde more doubting than trusting to his owne people and friendes, was continually vexed and troubled in mynde for feare of the Earle of Richmondes returne, which dayly dreade and hourely agonie, caused him to liue in dolefull [ 20] miserie, euer vnquiet, and in maner in conti∣nuall calamitie.

Wherefore he intending to be relieued and to haue an ende of all his doubtfull daungers, de∣termined clearely to extyrpate and plucke vp by the rootes all the matter and grounde of his feare and doubtes.

Wherefore after long and deliberate con∣sultation had, nothing was for his purpose and intent thought eyther more necessarie or ex∣pedient [ 30] than once againe with price, prayer, and rewardes, to attempt the Duke of Brytayne, in whose territorie the Earle of Richmonde then abode, to delyuer the sayde Earle into his hands, by which onely meanes he shoulde be discharged of all feare of perill, and brought to rest and qui∣etnesse both of bodie and mynde. Wherefore in∣continent he sent certayne Ambassadours to the Duke of Brytayne, whiche tooke vpon them, (besyde the greate and ample rewardes that they [ 40] brought wyth them into Brytaynt) that king Richarde shoulde yearely pay and aunswere the Duke of all the reuenues rentes, and profites of the seigniories, landes, and possessions, as well belonging and apperteyning to the Earle of Richmonde, as to any other Noble or Gentle∣man, which then were in the Earles companie, if hee after that tyme woulde keepe them in con∣tinuall Pryson, and restrayne them from ly∣bertie. [ 50]

The Ambassadors furnished with these and other instructions, arryued in Brytain, and came to the Dukes house, where with him they coulde haue no matter of communication concernyng their weightie affayres, by reason that hee beeyng faint and weakned by a long and dayly infirmi∣tie, began a little so war ydle and weake in hys wit and remembrance. For whiche cause Peter Lan•…•…yle his chiefe Treasorer, a man •…•…oth of pregnant wit and great authority, ruled and ad∣iudged all things at his pleasure and commaun∣dement, for which cause (as men set into autho∣rity bee not best beloued) he excited & prouoked a∣gaynst him the malice and euill will of the nobi∣litie of Brytaine, which afterward for diuers great offences by him duryng his authoritie perpetrate committed, by their meanes was brought to death and confusion.

The English Ambassadors moued their mes∣sage and request to Peter Landoyse, and to him declared their maisters commaūdement, instant∣ly requiring, and humbly desiring him (in whose power it lay to do all things in Brytayn) that he woulde friendly assent to the request of King Richarde, offring to hym the same rewardes and landes, that they shoulde haue offred to the Duke.

This Peter whiche was no lesse disdeyned than hated almost of all the people of Brytayne, thought that if he did ass•…•… and sa•…•…sfie king Ri∣chardes petition and desire, he should be of power and abilitie sufficiently to withstande and re•…•…e•…•… the malicious attempts and disdainfull inuenti∣ons of his enuious aduersaries. Wherefore hee faithfully promised to accomplish king Richards request and desire, so that he kept promise wyth him, that he might be able to withstand the can∣kerd malier of his secrete enimies.

This act that he promised to doe, was not for any grudge or malice that he bare to the Erle of Richmond: for (as you haue heard before) he deli∣uered him from the perill of death at S. Malos, when he was in great doubt of life, and ieopardy•…•… but as cause riseth we euer offende, and that cur∣sed hunger of golde, and execrable thyrst of lucre, and inwarde feare of losse of authoritie, driueth the blinde mindes of couetous men, and ambiti∣ous persons to euilles and myschiefes innume∣rable, not remembring losse of name, obloquie of the people, nor in conclusion the punishment of God for their merites and deserts.

But fortune was so fauourable to the pub∣lique wealth of the Realme of Englande, that this deadly and dolorous compact tooke none ef∣fect or place) For while Postes ranne, and let∣ters were sent to and fro for the finishing of this greate enterpryce betweene King Richarde and Peter Landoyse, Iohn Morton Bishop of Ely soiourning then in Flaunders, was of all this craftie conueyaunce certifyed by hys secrete and sure friendes: Wherefore hee sent Christopher Vrswike (whiche at that verie sea∣son was come out of Brytayne into Flaunders) to declare to the Earle of Richmonde howe all the deceyte and craftie working was conueyed and compassed, giuing him in charge to coun∣sayle

and aduise the Earle in all haste possible with all his companie to retire out of Brytayne into Fraunce.

When these newes were brought to the erle, he then kept house in Vannes, and incontinent dispatched again Christofer Vrswike, to Charles the French king, requiring him that hee and his, might safely passe into Fraunce, which desyre be∣ing obteyned, the messenger shortly returned to his Lorde and Prince. The Erle well percey∣uing [ 10] that it was expedient and necessarie, wyth all speede and diligence, to looke to this weighty matter, calling verie fewe to counsaile, hee made inquirie and searche of all secrete and bywayes, and sent before all his noble men, as though for a certaine familiaritie and kindnesse they shoulde visite and comfort the Duke, which then for re∣creation and chaunge of ayre, lay on the borders and confines of Fraunce. And secretely hee gaue charge to the Earle of Pembroke whiche was [ 20] the leader and conductor of his companie, that when they approched the Marches and limittes of Brytayne, they shoulde diuert and take the next way into Fraunce.

The noble menne somewhat suspitions of things newly imagined, withoute any tarying, skouring the wayes as fast as theyr horses could runne, came out of the Duchie of Brytayne, in∣to y^e Duchy of Aniou in the dominion of France, where they taryed the Earles comming, which [ 30] two dayes after departed out of Vannes, onely accompanied with fiue seruitours, as though hee had gone secretly to visite a familiar friend of his, in a small village adioyning. No man suspec∣ted that he would depart, considering that a great multitude of Englishe men were left and conti∣nued in the Citie, but after that he had passed di∣rectly fiue miles forwarde, he sodainly turned in∣to a solitarie woodde next adioyning, where clo∣thing himselfe in the simple coate of his poore ser∣uant, [ 40] made and appoynted his sayd minister, lea∣der and maister of his small companie, and he as humble page diligently followeth and serueth his counterfeyte gouernour, neyther resting nor themselues refreshing, except the bayting of their horses, tyll they by wayes vnknowne, now thys way, now turning that way, came to their com∣panie, abiding them in Angiers.

The fourth day after the Erle of Richmonde was thus departed, that craftie marchant Peter [ 50] Landoyse, thrusting still after his pray, promised by king Richarde, was readie to set forward hys crew of souldiors, which he priuily had consigned with certaine trustie captaines for that only pur∣pose appoynted and elected, to performe and at∣chieue his pretensed enterprise, dissembling and feyning them to be conducted and hyred by hym to serue the Earle of Richmonde, and hym to conduct in hys returne towarde his natiue coun∣trey, meaning none other thing but to ap∣prehende him, and the other noble men in hys con∣tinue, which no suche fraude suspected, nor 〈◊〉〈◊〉 any treason ymagined, vnware and vnproui∣ded, and destitute of al ayde, and them to cast and commit sodainly into continuall captiuitie and bondage, to the intent that by this his wretched & naughtie acte, he myght satisfie the charitable re∣quest, and louing desire of good king Richarde, more for his owne profite than king Richardes gaine.

But when this craftie dissembler Peter Lan∣doyse, which was no wilier than an olde Foxe, perceyued that the Earle was departed, (thin∣king that to bee true that he ymagined) Lorde howe currours ranne into euery coast, how light horsemen galloped in euery streete, to follow and deteyne him, if by any possibilitie he could be met with and ouertaken, and him to apprehende and bring captiue into the Citie of Vannes. The horsemen made suche diligence, and with suche celeritie set forwarde theyr iourney, that nothing was more likely than they to haue obteyned, yea and seased theyr pray. For the Earle of Rich∣monde was not entered into the Realme of Fraunce, scarce one houre, but the folowers came to the limits and confines of Brytaine, and durst aduenture no further, but vainly without their desire sorrowfully returned.

At which season were left at Vannes aboute the number of three C. English men, which not being called to counsaile, & vnware of this enter∣prise, but knowing of the Earles sodaine depar∣ture, were so incontinently astonied, that in ma∣ner they were al in dispayre both of him and their owne suretie and sauegarde. But fortune tur∣ned hir saile, and otherwise it happened than their feare them encombred. For the Duke of Bry∣tayne nowe being somewhat recouered, was sore displeased, and nothing contented that the Earle of Richmond was in his dominion so vncourte∣ously tracted and entreated, that he shoulde be by fraud and vntruth compelled to leaue and flie out of his Duchie and Countrey, contrary to his ho∣nour. Wherefore he tooke great displeasure with Peter Landoyse his Treasorer, to whome (al∣though he knew not and was ignoraunt that all the drift was driuen and deuised by him) he layde the fault and imputed the crime. Wherefore he sent for Edward Wooduile, and Edwarde Po∣nings valiaunt Esquiers of Englande, and dely∣uered vnto them money sufficient for theyr con∣duct, willing them to cōuey the rest of the Eng∣lish men being in Brytaine, to the Erle of Rich∣monds presence.

When the Erle was thus furnished, and ap∣poynted with his trustie companie, & was escaped

all the daungers, Lob•…•…inthes, and snares that were set for him, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…taruayle though hee were •…•…d and glad of the prosperous successe that happened in his affaynes. Wherefore least hee should seeme to be blotted with the note of ingra∣titude, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sent diuerse of his Gentlemen to the Duke of Britayne, the which should publish and declare to him on the behalfe of the Earle, that he and his were onelye by his benefite and honour conserued and deliuered from the 〈…〉〈…〉 •…•…∣•…•…er [ 10] that they were lyke to be trapped in. Whe•…•…∣fore at that time he rendred to him his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…r•…•…∣t•…•…e thankes in wordes trusting 〈…〉〈…〉 •…•…ng but in time to come li•…•… to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him with actes and deede•…•…

After this the Earle tooke his iourney to Charles the French king, lying them at L•…•…nges vpon the e•…•… of A•…•…yra to where after greate thankes giuen for manifolde pleasures by him to the Earle shewed, he disclosed and manifested the [ 20] cause and occasion of his accesse and repay•…•…e in his person.

After that, he required of him helpe and succes, to the intent that by his immortall benefit to him at that time shewed, hee might safely returne in the nobilitie of his realm, of whō he was general∣ly called to take vpon him the crowne and s•…•…p∣ter of the Realme, they much hated and abho•…•… the tyrannie of king Richarde. King Charles promised him ayde and comfort and haue him 〈◊〉〈◊〉 [ 30] of good courage, and make good cheere, for he as∣sured him that he would gladly shew to •…•…are hys beneuolent minde & bountifull liberalitie. Which king from thence remoued to Mounta•…•…gis, lea∣ding with him the Erle of Richmond, and all the noble personages of his retinne and faction.

While the Earle was thus attendant in the French court, Iohn Vere Erle of Oxforde which as you haue heard before was by king Edward kept in prison within the Castell of Hammes) so [ 40] perswaded Iames Blunte Captaine of the same Fortresse, and sir Iohn Fortescew Porter of the towne of Calays, that he himselfe was not one∣ly dismissed and set at libertie, but they also aban∣doning and leauing theyr fruitful offices, condis∣cended to go with him into Fraunce to the Earle of Richmonde, and to take his part. But Iames Blunt, like a wise captain bicause he left his wife remayning in the Castell before his departure, he fortified the same both with new munitions and [ 50] newe Souldiours.

When the Erle of Richmonde saw the Earle of Oxforde, hee was rauished with an incredible gladnesse, that he being a man of so high nobility, at such knowledge & practises in feates of warre, and so constant, trustie and assured (which alway had studied for the maintenance and preferment of the house of Lancaster) was nowe by Gods prouision deliuered out of captiuitie and impri∣sonment, and in time so necessarie and conueni∣ent •…•…ome to his ayde, succour and aduancement, in whom more since than any other he might put his trust and confidence, and take lesse paine and trauaile in his owne person. For it was not hyd from him, that suche as euer had taken parte with King Edwarde before thys tyme, came to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 seruice, eyther for malice that they bare to King Richarde, or else for feare to liue vn∣der hys •…•…ell rull and •…•…rannous gouernance.

Not long after the French King returned a∣gaine to Paris, whom the Earle of Richmond followed, •…•…ding there to solicite his matter to the conclusion. Wherevpon hee besought King Charles to take vpon him the whole tuition and de•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him and his cause, so that hee and hys comp•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by his meanes ayded and com∣forted, shoulde confesse and saye, theyr wealth, victorie and aduancement to haue flowed & bud∣ded forth of his bountifulnesse & liberalitie, which they would God willing shortly re•…•…ite.

In the meane season diuerse English men which eith•…•… fled out of Englād for feare, or were at Paris to learne and studie good literature and betweene doctrine, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 voluntarily and submit∣ted themselues to the erle of Richmonde, & vowed and sware to take his 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Amongst whom was Richard For a priest 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of great wit and no lesse learning, whom the Earle 〈◊〉〈◊〉 recei∣ued into secret familiaritie, and in bri•…•… time e∣rected and aduaunced him to high dignities and promotions, and in conclusion he made hide Bi∣shop of Winchester.

In the meane season, king Richarde was cre∣dibly aduertised, what promises and othes the Erle and his confederates had made and sworne togither at Reunes, & how by the Erles meanes all the English men were passed out of Brytain into France. Wherefore being sore dismayd, and in a maner disperate, bicause his craftie chieuance tooke none effect in Brytayne, ymagined and de∣uised how to infringe and disturbe the Erles pur∣pose by another meane, so that by the mariage of Ladie Elizabeth his Neece, he should pretend no clayme nor tytle to the crowne. For he thought if that mariage fayled, the Erles chiefe combe had bene clearly cut. And bycause that he being blin∣ded with the ambitious desire of rule before thys tyme in obteyning the kingdome, had commyt∣ted and done manye cu•…•…fed actes, and detestable ty•…•…ies, yet according to the o•…•…. Prouerbe, let him take the Bull that stale a way the Calfe, he thought all factes by him committed in times passed to be but of small moment and not to bee regarded in comparison of that mischieuous ima∣gination, which he now newly began & attēpted.

There came into his vngracious mind a thing

not onely betestable to be spoken of in the remem∣brance of man but much more cruell and abho∣minable to be put in execution. For when he re∣uolued in his wauering mind, how greate foun∣taine of mischiefe towarde him shoulde spring, if the Earle of Richmonde shoulde bee aduaunced to the mariage of his nere, which thing he heard say by the rumour of the people, that no small number of wise and wit•…•… personages 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…ry∣sed to compasse and bringed to conclusi•…•…, he there∣ly [ 10] determined to reconcile to his fauour his bro∣thers wife Queene Elizabeth, eyther by fayre wordes, or liberall promises, firmely beleeuing hir fauour once obteynes, that shee woulde not sticke so commit (and louingly credite) to hym the rule and gouernance both of hir & hir daugh∣ter, and so by that mennes the Erle of Richmōd of the affinitie of his Nece, shoulde be vtterly de∣frauded and beguiled.

And if no ingenerous remedie could bee other∣wise [ 20] inuented, to saue the innumerable mischiefs which were euen at hande, and like to fall, if it shoulde happen Queene Anne his wife to depart out of this present life, then hee himselfe woulde rather take to wife his cousin and Nece the La∣die Elizabeth, than for lacke of that aff•…•…e the whole Realme shoulde runne to ruine, a•…•… who sayde, that if he once fell from his estate and dig∣nitie, the ruine of the Realme must needes short∣ly ensue and follow. Wherefore hee sent to the [ 30] Queene being in Sanctuarie, dyuerse and often messengers, which first shoulde excuse and purge him of all things before agaynst hir attempted or procured, and after shoulde so largely promise promotions innumerable, and benefites, not onelye to hir, but also to hir sonne Lorde Tho∣mas Marques Dorcet, that they shoulde bring hir, if it were possible into some wanhope, or as men say, into a fooles Paradise.

The Messengers being men both of wit and [ 40] grauitie, so perswaded the Queene with greate and pregnant reasons, what with fayre & large promises, that she began somewhat to relent, and to giue to them no deafe eare, insomuch that shee faythfully promised to submitte and yeelde hir∣selfe fullye and frankely to the Kings will and pleasure.

And so she putting in obliuion the murther of hir innocent children, the infamie and dishonor spoken by the king hir husband, the lyuing in ad∣nontrie [ 50] layde to hir charge, the bastarding of hir daughters, forgetting also the faythfull promise and open othe made to the Countesse of Rich∣monde mother to the Earle Henrie, blynded by auaricious affection, and seduced by flattering words, first deliuered into King Richards hands hir fiue daughters, as Lambes once againe com∣mitted to the custodie of the rauenous Woolfe.

After the sent letters to the Ma•…•… 〈…〉〈…〉 being then at Paris with the Erle 〈…〉〈…〉 willing him in anynoyse to leaue the 〈…〉〈…〉 without delay to repayre 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Englande, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 pro•…•… great honour, 〈…〉〈…〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 promotions, a s•…•…ning him and he•…•… all offences on doth parties was 〈…〉〈…〉 forgyuen and both 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and shee highly 〈◊〉〈◊〉 rated in the Kings heart. Suche the 〈…〉〈…〉 of this woman were much to •…•…che•…•… 〈…〉〈…〉 a•…•…, if all woman hadde d•…•…th •…•…e 〈…〉〈…〉 〈…〉〈…〉 sp•…•…, yee women of the 〈…〉〈…〉 follow th•…•… 〈…〉〈…〉.

After that king Richarde had 〈…〉〈…〉 •…•…∣rious promises and flattering w•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and appeased the m•…•… and mynde of Queene E∣lizabeth, which •…•…ue nothing it 〈…〉〈…〉 mo•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉, he 〈…〉〈…〉 •…•…¦•…•…ers to be conueyed and hys Palayes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 l•…•… •…•…yuing, 〈…〉〈…〉 with his a•…•… makes and louing intence y^e a•…•… they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 forget, and in theyr myndes blotte on•…•… 〈…〉〈…〉 committed in•…•…, and sette 〈…〉〈…〉 Nowe nothing was 〈…〉〈…〉 and 〈…〉〈…〉 his deuelish purpose, but that his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was not •…•…uyde of his wi•…•…, whiche thing hee 〈…〉〈…〉 wi•…•… a•…•…ged neces•…•… to be done, But there was •…•…le thing that so muche feare and stay to h•…•… from committing thys abhominable •…•…∣ther, bycause (as you haue hearde before) hee be∣ganne to counterfeyte the Image of a good and well disposed person, and therefore hee was a∣fearde least the sodaine death of his wyfe once o∣penly knowne, he shoulde lease the good and cre∣dible opinion which the people had of him, with∣out desert, conceyued and reported.

But in conclusion, euill Counsayle preuay∣led in a wytte lately mynded to myschiefe, and turned from all goodnesse. So that hys bu•…•…ea∣cious desire ouercame hys honest feare, And fyrst to enter into the gates of hys imagined en∣terprice, he absteyned doth from the be•…•… and com∣panie of his wife.

After he complayned to diuerse noblemen of the realme, of the infortunate sterilitie and harmo∣nesse of his wife, bycause shee brought forth no fruite and generation of hir bodie. And in especi∣all he recounted to Thomas Rotheram Archbi∣shop of Yorke (whome lately hee had delyuered out of warde and captiuitie) these impe•…•…mentes of his Queene and diuerse other, thinking that he woulde reueale to hir all these things, trushing the sequele hereof to take hys effect, that shee hearing this grudge of hir husband, and taking therefore an inward thought, would not long liue in this world.

Of this the Bishop gathered (whiche well knewe the complexion and vsage of the King)

that the Queenes dayes where short, and that he declared to certaine of his secret friendes.

After this be procured a common rumor, but he would not haue the authour knowne, to bee published and spred abroade a•…•…ng the common people, that the Queene was deade, to the •…•…ent that shee taking some conceyte of this straunge fame, shoulde fall into some sodaine sicknesse or grieuous maladie, and to proue if afterward shee shoulde fortune by that or anye other wayes to [ 10] lease hir life, whether the people would impute hir death to the thought or sicknesse, or thereof would lay the blame to him.

When the Queene heard tell that so horrible a rumor of hir death was sprung amongest the comunaltie, she sore suspected & iudged the wor•…•… to be almost at an ende with hir, and in that so∣rowful agonie, she with lamentable countenance and sorrowfull cheare, repayred to the presence of the king hir husband, demaunding of him, what [ 20] it shoulde meane that hee had iudged hir worthes to die. The king answered hir with fayre words, and with smiling and flattering leasings com∣forted hir, and bidde hir bee of good cheare, for to his knowledge she should haue none other cause: But howsoeuer that it fortuned, either by inward though and pensiuenesse of heart, or by infection of poyson (which is affyrmed to bee most likely) within few dayes after the Queene departed and of this transitorie life, and was with due solem∣nitie [ 30] buried in the Church of S. Peter at West∣minster.

This is the same Anne, one of the daughters of the Earle of Warwicke, which (as you ha•…•… heard before) at the request of Lewes the French king, was maried to Prince Edwarde, sonne to king Henrie the sixth.

The king thus (according to his long desire) losed out of the bandes of matrimonie, began to cast a foolish fantasie to Ladie Elizabeth his nece, [ 40] making much suyte to to haue hir ioyned wyth him in lawfull matrimonie. But bycause al men and the mayden hirselfe most of all, detested and abhorred, this vnlawfull, and in maner vnnatu∣rall copulation, hee determined to prolong and deferre y^e matter, till he were in a more quietnes. For all that verie season he was oppressed wyth great, we•…•…ightie, and vbrgene causes, and busines∣ses on euerie side, considering that dayly par•…•… of [ 50] the Nobilitie myled into Fraunce to the Earle of Richmond: Other priuily fauoured and arden certaine of the coniuration, so that of hys shorte ende, fewe or none were in doubt. And the com∣mon people for the moste part were brought to such desperation, that many of them had rather be reputed and taken of him in the number of hys enimies, than to abyde the chaunce and hazarde to haue theyr goodes taken as a spoyle of victo∣rie by his enimies.

Amongst the noble men whom he most mis∣trusted those were the principall, Thomas lord Stanley, sir William Stanley his brother, Gil∣bert Talbot, was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hundred other, of whose pur∣poses although king Richard wer not ignorant, yet he gaue neyther conference nor credence to a∣nye one of them, and least of all to the Lorde Stanley, bycause hee was ioyned in matrimonie with the Ladie Margaret, mother to the Earle of Richmonde, as afterwarde apparantly yee may perceyue. For when the sayde Lord Stan∣ley woulde haue departed into his Countrey to visite his familie, and to recreate and refresh his spirites (as he openly sayde) but the truth was, to the intent to be in a perfite readinesse to receyue the Earle of Richmond at his first arriuall in Englande: the king in no wise woulde suffer him to depart, before he had left as an hostage in the Court, George Stanley Lorde Straunge, his first begotten sonne and heyre.

While king Richard was thus troubled and vexed with imaginations of the troublous tyme that was like to come: Lo euen sodenly he heard newes that site was spring oute, of the smoke, and the warre freshly begonne, and that the Ca∣stell of Hermines was deliuered into the handes of the Earle of Richmonde, by the meanes of the Earle of Oxford, and that not onely he, but also Iames Blunt Captaine of the Castell, were 〈◊〉〈◊〉 into Fraunce to ayde the Earle Henrie. Where∣fore he thinking it great policie to withstande the fleshbrunt, sent the most part of the garnison of Calais, to recouer againe by force the Castell of Hammes. They which were in the Castel per∣ceyuing theyr aduersaries to approche, prepares munitions and Engines for theyr defence, and sent also to the Earle of Richmonde, to aduertise him of their sodaine inuasion, requiring him of hastie ayde and speedie factor.

The East sleeping not this first begonne as∣sault, sent the Earle of Oxforde, wyth an elec∣ted companie of Souldiours to rayse the siege, and resh•…•… the Castell: whiche at theyr fyrsts arriuing, •…•…hed their campe not farre from there enimies.

And while king Rychardes men gaue •…•…g•…•…∣lant eye, wayting least the Earle of Oxford shoulde take any aduauntage of them that laye on that syde of the Castell, Thomas Brandon with thirtie approued men of warre by a marish whiche laye on the other side, entered into the Castell.

The Souldiours within greatly encoura∣ged, and muche comforted by thys newe suc∣cour and ayde, grieued the enimyes, by shooting from the walles more than they were accusto∣med to doe.

And they of the Castell vexed theyr enimies on the fore part: the Earle of Oxforde no lesse molested and vnquieted them on the other part, whiche was the occasion that King Richardes men offered of theyr owne mere motion, licence to all being within the Castel to depart in safety, with bagge and baggage, nothing excepted: whiche condition the Earle of Oxforde com∣ming onelye for that purpose to delyuer his lo∣uing friendes out of all perill and daunger, and [ 10] chiefely of all, his olde Hostesse Iane Blunte, wife to Iames Blunte the Captaine, woulde in no wise forsake or refuse: and so leauing the ca∣stell bare and vngarnished, both of vitaile and Artelerie, came safely to the Earle of Richmond soiourning in Paris.

During this time, King Richarde was cre∣dibly infourmed of his inquisitours and espialles, that the Earle of Richmond was with long sute in the Court of Fraunce sore wearied, and desy∣ring [ 20] great ayde, coulde obteyne small reliefe: In somuch that all things went so farre backwards, that suche things as were with great diligence, and no lesse deliberation purposed, and determi∣ned to be set forwarde, were nowe dashed and o∣uerthrowne to the grounde.

King Richarde either being to light of cree∣dence, or seduced and deluded by his craftie tale∣tellers, greatly reioyced as though he had obtey∣ned the ouer hande of his enimies with trium∣phant [ 30] victorie, and thought himselfe neuer so fearely deliuered of all feare and dreadfull imagi∣nations, so that hee needed nowe no more once for that cause eyther to wake, or to breake his golden sleepe. Wherefore hee called home againe his Shippes of warre, whiche hee had appoynted to keepe the narrowe Seas, and dis∣patched all suche souldiours as he had deputed to keepe certaine garnisons, and to stoppe certaine passages (as you haue hearde before.) Yet leaste [ 40] he might for lacke of prouision be sodainly trap∣ped, he straightly charged and gaue in commaū∣dement to all noblemen, and especially suche as inhabited neare to the sea coast, and on the fron∣tiers of Wales, that according to the vsage of the Countrey, they shoulde keepe diligent watche and strong warde, to the intent that his aduer∣saries in no wise should haue any place oportune, easily to take lande, without defence or rebutting backe. For the custome of y^e Countrey adioining [ 50] neare to the Sea is, (especiallye in the tyme of warre) on euery hill or high place to erect a Bea∣ken with a great Lanterne in the toppe, whiche may bee seene and discerned a great space of. And when the noyse is once bruyted that the enimies approche neare the lande, they sodainelye putte fyre in the Lanternes, and make shoutes and outcryes from Towne to Towne, and from Village to Village. Some 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in 〈…〉〈…〉 place to place, admonishing the people to be rea∣die to resist the •…•…eop•…•…rdie, and defend•…•… the perill. And by this policie the same is some 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to merie Citie and Towne, insomuch that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Citizens as the rurall people bee in more 〈◊〉〈◊〉 assembled and armed to repulse and put backe the newe arriued enimies.

Nowe to returne to our purpose, King Ry∣chard thus somewhat eased of hys accust•…•… pensiuenesse, beganne to be somewhat more me∣ryer, and tooke lesse thought and care for outward enimies than he was woont to doe, as who say, that hee with politique prouision shoulde with∣stande the destinie whiche b•…•…ng ouer his heade, and was ordeyned in briefe tyme sodainly to fall. Such is the force and puissance ordaine iustice, that euery man shall lesse regarde, lesse prouide, lesse be in doubt of all things, when he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 nearest punishment, and next to his in•…•…nce for his offences and crymes.

About this season, while the Earle of Rich∣monde was desiring ayde of the Frenche kinge, certeyne noble men were there appoynted to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the realme of Fraunce during the minoritie of King Charles, which amongst themselues were not of one opinion. Of which diss•…•…, Le∣wis Duke of Orleans was the chiefe •…•…er, which bycause hee had maryed Ladie Ioane •…•…∣ster to the French king, tooke vpon him aboue o∣ther the rule and administration of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Realme. By reason of which controuersie, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 one man was suffered to rule all 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Earle of Richmonde was compelled to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 suyte to euery one of the Counsaile seuerally one after another, requyring and desiring them of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and reliefe in his weightie businesse, and so by∣cause was prolonged and deferred.

During which time, Thomas Marques Dor∣cet, which was (as you haue heard) 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by his mother to returne againe into Englande partly dispayring in the good successe of the Earle of Richmond, and partly ouercome and vanquished with the fayre glosing promises of king Richarde secretely in the night season st•…•…le co•…•… of Paris, and with all diligent expedition, tooke his iour∣ney towarde Flaunders.

When relation of his departure was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to the erle of Richmond, and the other noble 〈◊〉〈◊〉 no marualle though they were affo•…•… & great∣ly amased. Yet that notwithstanding, they re∣quired of the French king, that it myght bee •…•…∣full to them in his name, and by his commaun∣dement, to take and stay their companion, confe∣derate, and partaker of all their counsaile, in what place within his realm and territorie so euer they coulde finde him. Which petition once obtey∣ned, they sent out Currours into euerye parte,

amongst whom Humfrey Eh•…•…ary playing the part of a good Bloudhound, followed the tra•…•… of the flier so euen by the sent, that he ouertooke and apprehended him not farre from Co•…•…pligue, and so what with reason, and what with fayre promises, being perswaded, he returned againe to his companions.

The Earle of Richmonde vnburdened of this misaduenture least by lyngering of dayes, and prolonging of tyme, he might lease the great [ 10] oportunitie of things to him offered and mini∣stred: also least hee shoulde further wounde and molest the myndes of hys faythfull and assured friendes, whiche dayly dyd 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and •…•…ie for his comming, determyned no longer to pro•…•…ra•…•… and deferre the tyme, but wyth all diligence and celeritie to attempt hys begonne enterprice: and so obteyning of King Charles a small 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of men, and borrowing certaine summes of mo∣ney of him, and of dyuerse other hys pryuate [ 20] friendes, (for the whiche hee left as debter, or more likelyer as a pledge or hostage) Lord Tho∣mas Marques Dorset (whome he halfe •…•…a•…•… ru∣sted) and sir Iohn Bourchier, hee departed from the Frenche Courte, and came to the Citie of Roan.

While he taried there making prouision at Harflete in the mouth of the riuer of Seyne for all thinges necessary for his nauye, tidinges were brought to him that king Richarde being with∣out [ 30] children, and now Widower, entended short∣ly to marye the Ladie Elizabeth his brothers daughter, and to preferre the Ladie Cicile hir sister to a manne founde in a Clowde, and of an vnknowne lynage and familie. Hee tooke these newes as a matter of no small moment (and so all things considered) it was of no lesse impor∣taunce than he tooke it for. For this thing one∣ly tooke away from him and al his Companions theyr hope and courage, that they had to ob∣teyne [ 40] an happie enterprise. And therefore no marueyle though it nipped him at the verie sto∣macke: when he thought that by no possibilie hee might attaine the maryage of any of King Ed∣wardes daughters, whiche was the strongest foundation of his buylding, by reason whereof he iudged that al his friendes in England would abandon and shrinke from hym. Wherefore ma∣king not many of his counsaile, after diuerse con∣sultations he determined not yet to set forwarde, [ 50] but to tary and attempt howe to get more ayde, more friends, and more stronger succors.

And amongst all other, it was thought most expedient to allure by affinitie in his ayde as a companion in armes, sir Walter Herbert, a man of an auncient stocke, and great power amongst the Welchmen, whiche had with hym a fayre Lady to hys syster, of age ripe to be coupled with him •…•…m•…•…imonie.

And for the atchieuing of this purpose, mes∣sengers were secretly sent to Henrie erle of Nor∣thumberlande (which had before maried another sister of sir Walter Herbertes) to the intent that he should set forward all this deuice and purpose, but the wayes were so narowly watched and so many spyes •…•…ayed, that the Messenger procee∣ded not in his iourney and businesse. But in the meane season, there came to the Earle a more ioyfull message from Morgan Kidwelly, lear∣ned in the temporall law, whiche declared that Rice an Thomas, a man of no lesse valiaunt∣nesse than affinitie, and Iohn Sauage an ap∣proued Captaine, woulde with all theyr power be partaker of his quarell. And that Reigno•…•…de Bre•…•… collected and gotten togither no small summe of money for the payment of the wages to the Souldiours and men of warre admoni∣shing him also to make quicke expedition, and to take his course directly into Wales.

The Earle of Richmonde bycause he would no longer lynger and wearie his friendes, liuing continually betweene hope and feare, determined in all conuenient hast to set forwarde, and caused to his ships armor, weapons, vitaile, and al other ordinances expedient for warre.

After that all, thing was in a readinesse, the Earle being accompanied onely with two thou∣sande men, and a small number of shippes, weyed vp his Ancors, and halfed vppe his sayles in the Moneth of August, and sayled from Harfleete with so prosperous a winde, that the seuenth day after his departure, hee arriued in Wales in the Euening, at a place called Mylforde Hauen, and incontinent tooke lande, and came to a place called Dalle, where he heard say that a cer∣taine companie of his aduersaries were layde in garrison to defend his arriuall all the last winter. And the Earle at the Sunne rising remoued to Herford west, being distant from Dalle not fully ten myles, where he was ioyfully receyued of the people, & he arriued there so sodainly, that he was come and entred the Towne at the same time when the Citizens had but knowledge of hys comming.

Here he herd newes which were as vntrue as they truely were reported to him in Normandy, that Rice ap Thomas, and Iohn Sauage with bodie and goodes, were determined to ayde king Richard.

While he and his companie were somewhat astonied of these newe tydyngs, there came such message from the Inhabitauntes of the towne of Pembrooke, that refreshed and reuiued theyr frozen heartes and daunted courages. For Ar∣nolde Butler a valiaunt Captaine, whiche fyrst asking pardon for hys offences before tyme

committed agaynst the Earle of Richmonde, and that obteyned, declared to hym that the Pembrochians were readie to serue and gyue theyr attendaunce on theyr naturall and imme∣diate Lorde, Iasper Earle of Pembrooke. The Earle of Richmonde hauing his armie thus en∣creased, departed from Herford well to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Cardigan beeing fiue miles distance from thence.

While the souldiours were refreshing and trim∣ming themselues in their campe, straunge things sprong among them without any certain autho∣ur,

[illustration]

that sir Walter Herbert whiche lay wyth a great crewe of men at Carmarden, was nowe with a greate armie readie to approche and byd them battaile. With whiche newes the armie was sore troubled, and euerie man assayed hys [ 30] armure and prooued his weapon, and were prest to defende theyr enimies. And as they were in this fearefull doubt, certaine horsemen which the Earle had sent to make inquirie and searche, re∣turned and reported all the Countrey to be quiet, and no let nor impediment to be layde or cast in their iourney.

And euen at the same time, the whole armie was greatlye recomforted, by reason that the comming of Richarde Griffyth, a man of great [ 40] nobilitie, the which notwithstāding that he was confederate with sir Walter Herbert, and Ri∣charde ap Thomas, yet at that verie instant he came to the Erle of Richmond with all his com∣panie whiche were of no great number. After him the same day came Iohn Morgan with hys men.

Then the Earle aduaunced forward in good hast, making no repose or abode in any one place. And to the entent to passe forward with sure and [ 50] shorte expedition, he assaulted euerie place where his enimies had set any men of warre, whiche with smal force, and lesse difficultie he briefly did ouercome and vanquishe. And sodainly he was by his espials ascertayned, that sir Walter Her∣bert, and Rice ap Thomas were in harnesse be∣fore him, readie to encounter with his armie, and to stoppe theyr passage. Wherfore like a va∣liant Captain, he first determined to set on them, and eyther to destroy or to take them into his fa∣uour, and after with all his power and paissance to giue battaile to his mortal enimie K. Richard. But to the intent his friendes shoulde knowe in what readinesse he was, & how he proceeded for∣ward, he sent of his most secret & faithfull seruāts with letters and instructions to the Ladie Mar∣garet his mother, to the lord Stanley & his bro∣ther, to sir Gilbert Talbot, and to other his trusty friends, declaring to them that he being succored and bolpen with the ayd and reliefe of his friends, intended to passe ouer the Riuer of Seuerne at Shrewesburie, and so to passe directly to the Ci∣tie of London, requiring them, as his special trust and confidence was fixed in the hope of their fi∣delitie, that they woulde meete him by the way with all diligent preparation, to the entent that he and they at time and place conuenient, myght communicate togither the deepenesse of all hys doubtfull and weyghtie businesse.

When the Messengers were dispatched with these commaundements and admonitions, hee marched forward towarde Shrewsburie, and in his passing, there met and saluted him Rice ap Thomas with a goodly bande of Welchmen, which making an oth and promise to the Earle, submitted himselfe wholy to his order and com∣maundement. For the Earle of Richmond two days before made to him promise, that if he wold sweare to take his part and be obedient to him, he wold make him chief gouernor of Wales, which part as hee faythfully promised and graunted,

so after that hee had obteyned and posses•…•…d the realme and Diademe, hee liberally perfourmed and accomplished the same.

In the meane time, the Messengers that were sent diligently executed theyr charge, and hiden with rewardes of them so whom they were sent, returned to him the same day that hee entred into Shrewsburie, and made relatiōs to him that his friends were readie in all poynts to do all things for him, which eyther they ought or might 〈◊〉〈◊〉. [ 10]

The Erle Henrie brought in good hope with his pleasant message, continued forth his inten∣ded iourney, and came to a little Towne cal∣led Newporte, and pytching hys Campe on a little hyll adioyning, reposed himselfe there that night.

In the Euening the same day, came to him sir Gylbert Talbot, with the whole power of the yong Earle of Shrewsbury than being in ward, whiche were accounted to the number of two [ 20] thousande men. And thus his power encrea∣sing, he arryued at the Towne of Stafforde, and there pawsed. To whome came sir William Stanley, accompanied with a fewe persons: and after that the Earle and hee had communed no long time togither, he reuerted to his Souldiers which he had assembled togither to serue the erle, which frō thēce departed to Lichfield, & lay with∣out the walles in his campe all the night. The next morning he entred into the towne, and was [ 30] with all honor like a prince receyued.

A day or two before, the Lorde Stanley ha∣uing in his hande almost fiue thousand men, lod∣ged in the same towne, but hearing that the erle of Richmonde was marching thitherward, gaue to him place, dislodging him and his, and repay∣red to a towne called Aderstone, there abiding the comming of the Earle, and this wilye Foxe did this acte to auoyde all suspition, being afrayde least if he should be seene openly to bee a fa•…•…our [ 40] or ayder to the Earle his sonne in lawe before the day of the battayle, that king Richard, which yet did not vtterly putte in him diffidence and nustrust, woulde put to some cruell death hys son and heyre apparant George Lord Strange, whome King Richarde (as you haue hearde before) kept wyth him as a pledge or hostage, to the intent that the Lorde Stanley hys fa∣ther, shoulde attempt nothing preiudiciall to him. [ 50]

King Richarde at this season keeping hys house in the Castell of Notingham, was infor∣med that the Earle of Richmonde, with such ba∣nished men as fled out of Englande to him, were nowe arryued in Wales, and that all things ne∣cessary to his enterprice were vnprouided, vnpur∣ueyed, and verie weake, nothing meete to with∣stande the power of suche as the King had ap∣poynted 〈…〉〈…〉.

〈…〉〈…〉 when he came to that poynte that he shoulde 〈◊〉〈◊〉 compelled to sight agaynst his wyth, 〈…〉〈…〉 should be apprehended aliue, or else by a •…•…ely∣h•…•…d•…•… he shoulde of •…•…ecessitie come to 〈…〉〈…〉 confusion and that he cruelled to bee shortly 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by sir Wa•…•… Herbe•…•…t, and Rice ap Thomas, which then •…•…uled Wales with •…•…gall power and like authoritie. B•…•… yet he reuoluing and •…•…g in his minde, that 〈…〉〈…〉 warre begonne and winked at had not regarded, may earn to a great broyle and 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and that it was prudent poli∣cie not to co•…•… and disdaine the little small power and weakenesse of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, •…•…e it neuer so small, thought it necessarie to prou•…•… for af∣terclaps that myght 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and chaunce. Wher∣fore hee sent to Iohn Duke of Norffolke, Henry Garl•…•… of Northamberlande, Thomas Earle of Surrey, and to other of his especiall and trustie friendes of the Nobilitie, which he iudged more to preferre and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his wilth and honor than theyr owne ryches and pryuate commoditie, wyllyng them to master and view all theyr ser∣uantes and tenants, and •…•…o elect and choose the most couragious and actiue persons of the whole number, and with them to repayre to his presence with all speede and diligence. Also hee wrote to Robert Brukenburie Lieutenant of the Tower, commaunding him with his power to come to his armie, and to bring with him as fellowes in armes, Sir Thomas Bourchier, and sir Walter Hungerford, and diuerse other knights & esquiers in whom be cast no small suspi•…•…ion.

While he was thus ordering his affayres, •…•…y∣dings came that the Earle of Richmonde was passed Seuerne, and come to Shrewsburie with∣out any de•…•…nt or encom•…•…. At which message he was sore mooued and broyled wyth Melancholie and •…•…olour, and cryed out, asking vengeance of them, that contrarie to theyr othe and promise had so deceyued him. For whiche cause he began to haue diffidence in other, inso∣much that he determined himselfe oute of hande the same day to meete with and resist hys ad∣uersaries. And in all haste sente out espialles to view and espie what waye his enimies kept and passed. They diligentlye doing theyr duetie, shortly after returned, declaring to the king that the Earle was encamped at the towne of Lich∣fielde.

When hee had perfite knowledge where the Earle with his armie was so •…•…oiourning, be hauing continuall repayre of his subiectes to him, began incontinently without delay to marshal and put in order his battayles (like a valiaunt Captayne and politike leader) and first he made his battails to set forward, fiue and fiue in a ranke, marching towarde that way where his enimies (as was to him reported) entended to passe. In the middle part, of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…ee appoynted the •…•…ea•…•…e and [ 10] cariage apperteyning to the enimie.

Then he (enuironed wyth hys Garde) with a frowning countenaunce and cruell vysage, mountes on a greate whyte Courser, and follo∣wed with his footesmenne, the wings of Horse∣men coasting and raunging on euerie syde, and keeping this array, hee with great pompe entred the Towne of Leycester after the Sunne set.

The Earle of Richmonde raysed his campe, and departed from Lichfielde to the Towne of [ 20] Tamworth thereto neare adioyning and in the midde way passing, there saluted him sir Wal∣ter Hungerforde, and sir Thomas •…•…ouerchier, knightes, and dyuerse other whiche yeelded and submitted them to his pleasure. For they beeing aduertised that king Richarde had thē in suspitiō and ieaolousie, & little beyonde stonie Stratforde left and forsooke priuily their Captaine Robert Brakenburie, and in wandring by night, and in maner by vnknowne pathes & vncertaine wayes [ 30] searching, at the last come to Erle Henrie.

Diuerse other noble personages, which in∣wardly hated king Richard worse than a Toad or a Serpent, did likewise resort to him with all their power and strength.

There happened in this progression to the erle of Richmond a strange •…•…ance worthie to be no∣ted: for albeit he was a man of valiant courage, and that his armie encreased, and dayly more and more be waxed mightier & stronger, yet hee was [ 40] not a little afeard, bicause he in no wise coulde be assured of his father in law Thomas Lord Stā∣ley, which for feare of the destruction of the Lord Straunge his sonne (as you haue heed) as yet in∣clined to neither partie. For if he had gone to the Earle, and that notified to king Richarde, hys sonne had beene shortly executed. Wherefore he accompanyed wyth twentie lyght horsemen lyngered in hys iourney, as a manne musing and ymagyning what was best to bee done. [ 50] And the more to aggrauate his pensiuenesse, it was shewed hym, that King Richarde was at hande, with a strong power and a greate armie.

While he thus heauily dragged behinde hys host, the whole armie came before the Towne of Tamworth, and when hee for the deepe darke∣nesse could not perceyue the steppes of them that passe 〈◊〉〈◊〉 before, and had wandred hither and thither, seaking after his companie, and yet not once hearing any noyse or whispe•…•…g of th•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 turned to a verie little Village, being about three myles from his armie, taking great 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and muche fearing least he shoulde be as•…•…ed, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 trapped by king Richardes ask oute watch. There hee taryed all nyght, not once aduauncing to aske or demaunde a question of any 〈◊〉〈◊〉, hee •…•…eing no more amazed with the ieopardie and perill that was passed, than with thys pre∣sent chaunce, sore feared that it shoulde be a pr•…•…∣gnostication or signe of some infortunate plagu•…•… afterwarde to succeede. As hee was not m•…•… being absent from his armie, likewise hys 〈◊〉〈◊〉 much marueyled, and no lesse mourned for hys sodaine absence.

The next morning early in the dawning if the day he returned and by the conduct of g•…•… fortune, espied and came to his armie, excusing himselfe, not to haue gone out of the way by ig∣norance, but y^e for a policie deuised for the •…•…oyce, he went from his campe to receyue some glad message from certaine of hys priuie friendes and secret alyes.

This excuse made, he priuily departed again from his host to the Towne of A•…•…erstone, where the Lorde Stanley and sir William his brother with their handes were abyding. There the Earle came first to his father in lawe, in a lyttle Close where he saluted him, and sir William his brother, and after dyuerse and many friendlye embracinges, eche reioyced of the state of other, and is dainly were surprised with great ioy, com∣fort, and hope of fortunate successe at all their af∣fayres and doings.

Afterwarde, they consulted togyther howe to giue battayle to king Richarde if he would a∣bide, whom they knew not to be farre off with an huge host.

In the Euening of the same day, Sir Iohn Sauage, sir Brian Sanforde, Sir Simon Dig∣by, and many other, leauing King Richard, tur∣ned and came to the part of the Earle of Riche∣monde, with an elect companie of men. Which refusall of King Richardes parte, by menne of suche experience, did augment and increase both the good hope, and the puissaunce of the Earle of Richmond.

In the meane season, King Richard (which was appoynted now to finish his last labour by the verie diuine iustice and prouidence of God, which called him to condigne punishment for his mischieuous desertes) marched to a place •…•…te for two battails to encounter, by a village called Bosworth, not farre from Leycester, and there he pitched his field on a hill called Anne Beame, re∣freshed hys Souldiours and tooke his rest.

The fame wente, that he had the same night a dreadfull and a terrible dreame, for it seemed to him beyng a sleepe, that he did see dyuers y∣mages lyke terrible deuyls, whyche pulled and haled hym, not suffering him to take any quiet or rest. The whiche straunge vision not so so∣daynly strake his hearte wyth a sodayne feare, but it stuffed his heade and troubled his mynde wyth many busy and dreadfull imaginations. For incontinent after, his heart beyng almoste [ 10] damped, he pronosticated before the doubtefull chaunce of the battayle to come, not vsing the a∣lacritie and mirth of mynde and of countenance as he was accustomed to doe before he came to∣ward the battayle. And least that it myghte bee suspected that he was abashed for fear of his eni∣mies, and for that cause looked so piteously, hee recited and declared to his familiar friends in the mornyng, his wounderfull visyon and fearefull dreame. But I thynke thys was no dreame, [ 20] but a punction and pricke of hys sinfull consci∣ence, for the conscience is so muche more char∣ged and aggrauate as the offence is greater and more heynous in degree, whyche pricke of con∣science, although it stryke not alway, yet at the laste daye of extreme lyfe, it is wonte to shewe and represente to vs oure faultes and offences, and the paynes and punishementes whych hang ouer our heads for the committing of the same, to the intente that at that instant, wee for oure [ 30] desertes beyng penitent and repentaunt, maye be compelled lamenting and bewayling our sins lyke forsakers of this worlde, iocunde to depart out of this miserable lyfe.

Nowe to returne agayne to our purpose, the nexte daye after, kyng Richard beyng furnished with men and all abiliments of warre, bringing all his men out of their campe into the playn, or∣dered his fore warde in a meruaylous lengthe, in whyche he appointed both horsemen and foot∣men, [ 40] to the intent to imprinte in the harts of thē that looked a farre off, a sodaine terror and dead∣ly feare, for the greate multitude of the armed souldiours: and in the fore fronte hee placed the Archers, lyke a strong fortifyed trenche or bul∣warke: Ouer this battayle was captaine, Iohn duke of Norffolke, with whome was Thomas Erle of Surrey his sonne. After this long vent∣garde, folowed king Richarde hymselfe, with a strong companie of chosen and approued men of [ 50] warre, hauing horsemen for wings on both the sides of his battayle.

After that the Earle of Richmonde was de∣parted from the communication of his friendes, as you haue heard before, he began to be of a bet∣ter stomacke, and of a more valiante courage, and with all diligence, pitched his field iust by the camp of his enimies, and there he lodged y^e night.

In the morning betime, he caused his men to put on theyr armoure, and apparrell themselues ready to fight and giue battayle, and sent to the Lord Stanley (which was now come with hys hand in a place indifferent betweene both the ar∣mies) re•…•…uiring him with his men to approche neere to his army, and to helpe to set the soldiers in array hee answered that the Earle shoulde set his owne men in a good order of battaile, whyle he would array his company, and come to hym in time conuenient. Whiche aunswere made o∣therwise than the Earle thought or would haue iudged, considering the oportunitie of the tyme, and the weight of the businesse, and although hee was therewithal a little vexed, began somewhat to hang the head, yet he without any time delay∣ing, compelled of necessitie, after this manner in∣structed and ordered his men. He made his for∣ward somewhat single and slender, according to [ 20] the small number of his people.

In the frount he placed the archers of whome he made Captayne Iohn Earle of Oxford. To the right wing of the battaile, he appoynted Sir Gilberte Talbot to be the leader. To the lefte wing, hee assigned Sir Iohn Sauage, who had broughte thither with him a crewe of righte able personages, cladde in white coates and hoodes, whiche mustered in the eyes of their aduersaries right brimly. The Earle of Richmond himselfe, with the ayde of the Lorde Stanley, gouerned the battaile, accompanyed with the Earle of Pembroke, hauing a good companie of horsemē, and a small number of footemenne: For all hys whole number exceeded not fiue thousand men beside the power of the Stanleys, whereof three thousand were in the fielde, vnder the Standert of Sir William Stanley: The Kings number was double so much and more. When bothe these armies were thus ordered, and all men rea∣dy to set forward, king Richard called his chief∣taines togither, and to them saide: Most faithful and assured fellowes, most trustie and wel belo∣ued friendes, and elected Captaynes, by whose wisedome and policye, I haue obteyned the Crowne, and type of this famous Realme, and noble region by whose puissance and valiantnes I haue enioyed and possessed the state royall and dignitie of the same, mangre the ill will, and •…•…∣dicions attemptes of all my cancred enimies, and insidious aduersaries, by whose prudent and politike coūsaile, I haue so gouerned my realme, people, & subiectes, that I haue omitted nothing apperteyning to the office of a iust Prince, nor you haue pretermitted nothing belonging to the duetie of wise and sage counsailers. So that I may say, and truely affirme, that your approued fidelitie and tried constancy, maketh mee to be∣leeue firmely, and thinke that I am an vndoub∣ted

King, and an indubitate Prince. And al∣though in the adeption and obteyning of y^e Gar∣land, I beeyng seduced, and prouoked by sinister counsaile, and diabolicall temptation, did com∣mit a wicked and detestable acte. Yet I haue with straite penaunce and salt teares (as I trust) expiated and cleerely purged the same offence, which abhominable crime I require you offrēd∣ship as cleerely to forget, as I dayly remember to deplore and lament the same. If ye will nowe [ 10] diligently call to remembraunce in what case & perplexitie we now stand, and in what doubt∣full perill we be nowe intricked? I doubt not, but you in heart will thinke, and with mouthe con∣fesse, that if euer amitie and faith preuailed be∣tweene Prince and subiects, or betweene subiect and subiect: or if euer bond of alegiāce obliged the vassall to loue and serue his naturall soueraigne Lord, or if any obligation of duetie bounde anye Prince to aide and defend his subiects? All these [ 20] loues, bondes, and dueties of necessitie are now thys daye to bee tryed, shewed and put in expe∣rience. For if wise men saye true, there is some policie in getting, but muche more in keeping, the one being but fortunes chaūce, and the other high witte and policie, for whiche cause, I with you, and you with me, must needs this day take labour and payne, to keepe & defend with force, that preheminence and possession, which by your prudente deuises I haue gotten and obteyned. I [ 30] doubt not but you know, how the Deuill conti∣nuall enimie to humane nature, disturber of cō∣cord, and sower of sedition, hath entred into the heart of an vnknowen Welchman whose fa∣ther I neuer knew, nor him personally saw) ex∣citing him to aspire and couet oure Realme, Crowne, and dignitie, and thereof cleerely to de∣priue and spoyle vs and our posteritie: ye see far∣ther, howe a companie of traytors, theefes, out∣lawes, and runnegates of our owne nation, bee [ 40] aiders and partakers of his feate and enterprise, ready at hand to ouercome and oppresse vs: You see also, what a number of beggerly Britaines and faint harted frenchmen be with him arriued to destroy vs, our wiues and children. Whyche imminent mischiefes and apparante inconueni∣ences, if we wil withstand and refell, wee muste liue togither like breethren, fighte togither lyke Lions, and feare not to die togither like menne. And obseruing and keeping this rule and pre∣cept, [ 50] beleeue mee, the fearefull hare neuer fled fa∣ster before the greedy greyhounde, nor the sillie larke before y^e sparowhanke, nor the simple sheepe before the rauenous wolf, than your proud brag∣ging aduersaries astonied and amased with the only sight of your manly visages, wil flee, runne, and skyr out of the field. For if you consider and wisely ponder all things in your minde, you shal perceyue, that we haue manifest causes, and ap∣parant tokens of triumph and victory.

And to begyn with the Earle of Richmonde capitayne of this rebellion, he is a Welsh mi•…•…∣soppe, a man of small courage and of lesse expe∣rience in martiall actes and feates of Warre, broughte vp by my brothers meanes and myne lyke a captiue in a close cage in the court of Frā∣cis duke of Britayn, and neuer sawe armie, nor was exercised in martiall affayres, by reason whereof he neyther can nor is able by his owne will or experience to guyde or rule an hoste. For in the witte and policie of the capitayn, consisteth the chiefe adeption of the victorie & ouerthrow of the enimies. Secondarily feare not, and put a∣waye all doubtes, for when the traytoures and runagates of our realme, shall see vs with ban∣ner displayed come against them, remembryng their othe▪ promyse and fidelitie made vnto vs, as to their soueraigne lorde and anoynted king, they shal be so pricked & stimulate in the bottome of their scrupulous consciences, that they for very remorse and dread of the diuine plague, wil either shamefully flee, or humbly submit themselues to our grace and mercie. And as for the Frenchmē and Britons, their valiantnesse is such, that our noble progenitors, and your valiant par•…•… •…•…s haue them oftner vanquished & ouercome in one mo∣neth, thā they in the beginnining imagined pos∣sible to cōpasse and finish in a whole yere. What wil you make of them, braggers without auda∣citie, drunkards without discretiō, ribalds with∣out reason, cowards without resisting, & in cō∣clusion, the most effeminate and lasciuious peo∣ple, y^t euer shewed themselues in front of batail, tentymes more couragious to flee & escape, than once to assault the breast of our strōg & populous armie. Wherfore considering all these auaunta∣ges, expell out of your thoughts all doubts, and auoyd out of your mynds all feare, and like vali∣ant champions anounce forth your standerdes, and assay whether your enimies can decide and try the title of battaile by dint of sword, auance (I say agayne) forward my captains, in whom lacketh neither policie, wisedome, nor puissance. Euery one giue but one sure stripe, and surely the iourney is ours What preuayleth a hādful to a whole realm? desiring you for the loue that you beare to me, and the affection that you haue to your natiue and naturall countrey, & to the safe∣gard of your Prince and your self, that you wyl this day take to you your accustomed corage & couragious spirites, for the defence and safegard of vs al. And as for me, I assure you, this day I wil triumph by glorious victorie, or suffer death for immortal fame. For they be maymed & oute of the palace of fame disgraded, dying withoute renoune, which do not asmuche preferre and ex∣alte the perpetuall honour of theyr natiue coun∣trey, as their owne mortall and transitorie lyfe.

Now sent George to borow, let vs set forwarde and remember well, that I am hee whiche shall with high aduancementes, rewarde and preferre the valiaunt and hardy champions, and punishe and torment the shamefull cowards and dread∣full dastardes. This exhortation encouraged all such as fauoured him, but suche as were presence more for dread than loue, kissed them openly, whome they inwardlye hated, other sware out∣wardly to take part with such, whose death they [ 10] secretely compassed, and inwardly imagined, o∣ther promised to inuade the Kinges enimies, whiche fledde and fought with fierce courage a∣gainst the King: other stande still and looked on, intēding to take part with the victors and ouer∣commers. So was his people to him vnsure and vnfaithful at his end, as he was to his nephewes vntrue and vnnaturall in his beginning.

When the Earle of Richmond knew by hys forriders that the King was so neere embattay∣led, [ 20] he rode about his army, from ranke to ranke, from wing to wing, giuing comfortable words to all men, and that finished (being armed at all peeces sauing his helmette) mounted on a little hill, so that all his people mighte see and beholde him perfectly, to their greate reioycing: For hee was a mā of no great stature, but so formed and decorated with all giftes and liniaments of na∣ture, that he seemed more an Angelicall creature, than a terrestriall personage, his countenaunce [ 30] and aspect was cheerefull and couragious, hys heare yellow like the burnished golde, hys eyes gray shining and quicke, prompte and ready in aunswering, but of suche sobrietie, that it coulde neuer be iudged whither he were more dull than quicke in speaking (such was his temperaunce.) And when he had ouerlooked his army ouer eue∣ry side, he pawsed awhile, and after with a lowde voyce and bolde spirit, spake to his companyons these or like words following. [ 40]

If euer God gaue victorie to men fighting in a iust quarrell, or if he euer aided suche as made warre for the wealth and tuition of theyr owne naturall and nutritiue Countrey, or if hee euer succoured them whiche aduentured their lyues for the reliefe of innocentes, suppressing of male∣factors and apparante offendors, no doubte my fellowes and friendes, but hee of his bountifull goodnesse, will this day send vs triumphant vic∣torie, and a luckie iourney ouer our proude ene∣mies, [ 50] and arrogant aduersaries: for if you remē∣ber and consider the very cause of our iust quar∣rell, you shall apparantly perceyue the same to be true, godly, and vertuous. In the whiche I doubt not, but God will rather ayde vs (yea and fight for vs) than see vs vanquished and ouer∣throwē by such as neither fear him nor his laws, nor yet regard iustice or honestie. Our cause is so iust, that no enterprise can be of more vertue, both by the lawes diuine and ciuill, for what can be a more honest, goodly, or godly quarrell, than to fight against a Captaine, being an homicyde and murtherer of his owne bloud or progenie, an extreame destroyer of his nobilitie, and to hys and our Countrey and the poore subiectes of the same, a deadly malle, a fyrie brand, and a burthen vntollerable the besyde him consider, who bee of hys band and company, such as by murther and vn∣trueth committed against their owne kinne and linage, yea against their Prince and soueraigne Lord, haue disherited mee and you, and wrong∣fully deteyne and vsurp our lawfull patrimonie and lyneall inheritance. For he that calleth hym selfe King, keepeth from me the Crowne and re∣gimente of this noble Realme and Countrey, contrarie to all iustice and equitie. Likewise, hys mates and friendes occupie youre landes, cutte downe your woods, and destroy your manours, letting your wiues and children raunge abroade for theyr liuing: which persons for their penance and punishmente I doubt not, but God of hys goodnesse will eyther deliuer into our hands, as a greate gaine and booty, or cause them beeyng greeued and compuncted with the pricke of theyr corrupt consciences cowardly to flie, and not a∣bide the battaile: beside this I assure you, that there be yonder in the great battaile, men brou∣ght thither for feare, and not for loue, souldyers by force compelled, and not with good will as∣sembled, persons which desire rather the destruc∣tion than saluation of theyr maister and Cap∣tayne: And finally a multitude, whereof y^e most part will be our friends, and the least part our e∣nimies. For truely I doubt which is greater, the malice of the Soldyers toward theyr Captaine, or the feare of him conceyued of his people: for surely this rule is infallible, that as ill men day∣lye couet to destroy the good, so God appoin∣teth the good men to confound the ill, and of all worldly goodes the greatest is, to suppresse Ty∣rants, and relieue innocents, whereof the one is as much hated, as the other is beloued. If thys be true (as Clearkes Preache) who will spare yonder Tyrant Richarde Duke of Gloucester, vntruely calling himselfe King, considering that hee hath violated, and broken both the lawe of God and man? what vertue is in him whyche was the confusion of his brother, and murtherer of his nephewes? what mercy is in him that •…•…e•…•…∣eth his trustie friends as well as his extreame e∣nimies? Who can haue confidence in hym wh•…•…∣che putteth diffidence in all menne? If you •…•…e not red, I haue heard of Clearkes say, y^t Tar∣quine the proude for the vice of the body lost the Kingdome of Rome, and the name of Tarquine banished the Citie for euer: yet was not hys

faulte so detestable as the facte of cruell Nero, whiche slewe his owne mother, and opened hyr entrayles, to beholde the place of his conception. Behold yōder Richard, which is both Tarquine and Nero: Yea a Tyrant more than Nero, for he hath not only murthered his nephewe beeyng his King and soueraigne Lorde, bastarded hys noble breethren, and defamed the wombe of hys vertuous and womanly mother, but also com∣passed all the meanes and wayes that he coulde [ 10] inuent, howe to defile and carnally knowe hys owne neece, vnder the pretence of a cloked ma∣trimonie, whiche Lady I haue sworne and pro∣mised to take to my make and wife, as you all knowe and beleeue. If this cause be not iust, and this quarrell godly, let God the giuer of victory, iudge and determine. We haue (thankes bee gy∣uen to Christ) escaped the secret treasons in Bri∣taine, and auoyded the subtill snares of our frau∣dulent enimies there, passed the troublous Seas [ 20] in good and quiet safegard, and without resistāce haue penetrate the ample region and large coū∣trey of Wales, and are now come to the place, whiche wee so muche desired, for long wee haue soughte the furious Bore, and nowe wee haue found him. Wherefore let vs not feare to enter into the toyle where we may surely sley him, for God knoweth that we haue liued in the vales of miserie, tossing oure Shippes in daungerous stormes: lette vs not nowe dread to set vp oure [ 30] sailes in faire weather, hauing with vs both him and good fortune. If wee hadde come to conquer Wales and had atchieued it, our prayse had bin great, and our gayne more: but if wee win thys battayle, the whole riche Realme of Englande, with the Lords and rulers of the same, shall bee ours, the profit shall be ours, and the honour shall be ours. Therefore laboure for youre gaine, and sweate for youre right: while wee were in Bry∣tayne, we had small liuings, and little plentie of [ 40] wealth or welfare, nowe is the time come to get abundance of riches, and copy of profit, whyche is the reward of your seruice, and merit of youre payne. And this remember with your selues, that before vs be our enimies, and on eyther syde of vs be suche, as I neyther surely truste, nor greatly beleeue, backwarde we cannot flie: So that heere wee stand lyke Sheepe in a folde, cir∣cumcepted and compassed betweene our enimies and our doubtfull friends. Therefore let all feare [ 50] bee set aside, and like sworne breethren, lette vs ioyne in one, for this day shall bee the end of oure trauayle, and the gaine of our laboure, eyther by honorable deathe or famous victorie: And as I trust, the battayle shall not bee so sowre, as the profit shall bee sweete. Remember that victorie is not gotten with the multitude of menne, but with the courages of heartes and valiantnesse of mindes. The smaller that our number 〈◊〉〈◊〉 y^e mo•…•… glory is to vs if we vanquish, if we be ouercome, yet no lande is to bee attributed, to the victors, considering that ten men foughte againste one: and if wee so die so glorious a death in so g•…•… a quarrell, neyther freting tinne, nor ran•…•…dyng obliuion, shall bee able to darken or thee o•…•…e of the booke of fame either oure names, or oure godly attempt. And this one thing I assure you, that in so iust and good a cause, and so notable a quarrell, you shall finde mee this daye, rather a dead carrion vpon the colde grounde, than a free prisoner on a carpet in a Ladyes chamber. Let vs therefore fight like inuincible Giants, and set on our enimies like vntimorous Tygers, and banishe all feare like ramping Lyons. And now aduance forwarde true men against •…•…ra•…•…ors, pitifull persons against murtherers, true inhe∣ritors againste vsurpers, the scourges of God a∣gainste tyraunts, display my baner with a good courage, march forth like strong and robustious champions, and begin the battaile like hardye conquerors: the battaile is at bande, and the vic∣torie approcheth, and if we shamefully recule, or cowardly flee, we and all our sequele be destroy∣ed, and dishonored for euer. This is the daye of gayne, and this is the time of losse, get this daye victorie, and bee conquerers, and lese this dayes battayle and bee villaynes, and therefore in the name of God and Saint George, let euery man couragiously aduance forth his standeth.

These cheerefull words he set forth with such gesture of his body, and smiling countenaunce, as though already he hadde vanquished his eni∣mies, and gotten the spoyle.

He hadde scantly finished his saying, but the one army espyed the other, lord howe hastely the soldiers buckled their healmes, howe quickly the archers bente their bowes and frushed their fea∣thers, how readily the bilmen shoke their billes, and proued their slaues, ready to approche and ioyne, when the terrible trumpet shoulde sounde the bloudy blast to victorie or death. Betweene both armies, ther was a great marresse then (but at this present, by reason of diches cast, it is gro∣wen to be firme ground) which y^e Earle of Rich∣mond left on his right hand, for this intent, that it should be on that side a defence for hys parte, and in so doing, he hadde the sunne at his backe, and in the faces of his enimies. When Kyng Richard sawe the Earles companie was passed the marresse, he commaunded with all hast to set vppon them: then the trumpettes blewe, and the soldiers showed, and the Kings archers coura∣giously let flie their arrowes, the Earles bownē stoode not still, but payed them home agayne. The terrible shot once passed, the armies ioyned, and came to handstrokes, where neyther sword

nor bill was spared: at whiche encounter, the L. Stanley ioyned with the Earle. The Earle of Oxford in the meane season, fearing least whyle his company was fighting, they should be com∣passed and circumuented with the multitude of the enimies, gaue commaundemente in euerye ranke, that no man should be so hardy, as g•…•… a∣bout tenne foote from the standard, which com∣maundemente once knowen, they knitte them∣selues togither, and ceassed a little from figh∣ting: [ 10] the aduersaries suddaynely abushed at the matter, and mistrusting some fraude or deceyte, began also to pause, and lefte striking, and not a∣gainst the willes of many, whiche had leuer haue had the King destroyed, than saued, and the •…•…re they foughte very fayntly, or stoode still. The Earle of Oxforde bringing all his band togy∣ther on the one parte, set on his enimies freshely againe: the aduersaries perceyuing that, placed their men slender and thinne before, and thycke [ 20] and broad behinde beginning againe hardely the battayle. While y^e two forwardes thus mortal∣ly fought, eache intending to vanquish and co•…•…∣•…•…ince the other, King Richard was admonished by his explorators and espials, that the Earle of Richmond accompanyed with a small mem∣ber of men of armes, was not farre off, and as he approched and marched toward him, he per∣fectly knewe his personage, by certayne demon∣strations and tokens, which hee had learned and [ 30] knowen of other. And beeing inflamed with•…•…re, and ve•…•…d with 〈…〉〈…〉 •…•…ice he putte hys spurres to his Horse, and too•…•… and of the syde of the range of his battayle, leauing the au•…•…∣garde fighting, and like a hungrye Lion, ranne with speare in rest toward him. The Earle of Richmond perceyued well the King furiouslye comming towarde him, and bycause the whole hope of his wealth and purpose was to be deter∣mined by battayle, he gladly profered to encoū∣ter with him body to body, and man to man. K. Richard set on so sharply at the firste br•…•…uie, that hee ouerthrowe the E•…•…iles Standerd, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Sir William Brandon this Standard bea•…•… (which was father to Sir Charles Brandon by King Henry the eyghte, created Duke of Suf∣folke) and •…•…ched haue to hand with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Iohn Cheyui•…•…, a man of greate force and strength•…•…, which would haue resisted him, and y^t said Iohn was by him •…•…lly •…•…rth own, and to hee making open passage by di•…•… of sworde as hee went forward, the Erle of Richmond withstood his violence, and kept him at the swords poynt, without aduantage, longer than his companiōs either thought or iudged which being almost 〈◊〉〈◊〉 despaire of victory, were sud•…•…ly recomfor∣ted by sir Williā Stanley, whyche came to his succou•…•…s with three thousand tall men, at which very instant, King Richards men wi•…•… •…•…en backe and •…•…de, and he himselfe manfully figh∣ting in the middle of his •…•…li•…•…s, who •…•…e and brog•…•… to his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 as he worthly had de•…•…

[illustration]

In the meane season, the Earle of Oxforde, with the ayde of the Lorde Stanley, •…•…e 〈◊〉〈◊〉 long fight, discomfited the forward at King Ri∣chard, whereof a get a to •…•…er were stayne in the chase and fight, by y^e greatest number which compelled by feare of the King and not of theyr meete voluntarie motion came to the field, gaue neuer a stroke, & hauing no harme nor damage, sa•…•…ly departed, whiche 〈…〉〈…〉 h•…•…her in hope to see the king prospect and pro•…•… 〈…〉〈…〉 that hee shoulde be shamefully con•…•…u•…•… and brought to •…•…yne.

In this battayle dyed 〈◊〉〈◊〉 about the num∣ber of a thousande persons: And of the nob•…•… were, slayne Iohn Duke of Norfolke, whyche was •…•…ed by diuers to refraine stou•…•… y^e fiel•…•…

in so muche that the night before he shoulde sette forwarde towarde the King, one wrote on hys gate.

Iacke of Norffolke be not to bolde For Dikon thy master is boughte and solde.

Yet al this notwithstāding, he regarded more his othe, his honor and promise made to Kyng Richard, lyke a Gentleman & as a faithfull sub∣iect [ 10] to his Prince, absented not himselfe from his maister, but as he faithfully liued vnder him, so he manfully dyed with him, to his greate fame and lande.

There were slayne besyde hym, Water Lord Ferrers of Chartley, Sir Richarde Rad∣cliffe, and Roberte Brakenburie, Lieutenante of the Tower, and not many Gentlemen moe. Sir William Catesbey, learned in the lawes of the Realme, and one of the chiefe counsaylers to the [ 20] late King, with diuers other, were two days af∣ter beheaded at Leycester. Amongst them that ran away, were Sir Francis Vicount Louell, and Humfrey Stafford, and Thomas Stafford his brother, whiche tooke Sanctuary in Saincte Iohns at Gloucester. Of captiues and prisoners there was a great number, for after the death of King Richard was knowen and published, eue∣ry man in manner vna•…•…ning himselfe, and ca∣sting away his abilimentes of warre, meekely [ 30] submitted themselues to the obeysance and rule of the Earle of Richmond of the which, y^e more part had gladly so done in the beginning, if they mighte haue conueniently escaped from Kyng Richards espials, which hauing as cleeres eyes as Linx, and open eares as Mydas, •…•…aunged and searched in euery quarter. Amongst these was Henrye the fourth Earle of Northumberlande, which whether it was by the commaundemente of King Richarde, putting diffidence in him, or [ 40] he did it for the loue and fauour that he bare vn∣to the Earle, stoode still with a great company, and intermitted not in the battaile, whyche was incontinently receiued into fauoure, and made of the counsayle. But Thomas Howard Earle of Sufrey which submitted himselfe there, was not taken to grace, bycause his father was chiefe counsayler, and hee greatly familiar with Kyng Richard, but committed to the Tower of Lon∣don, where he long remayned in conclusion [ 50] deliuered, and for his trueth and fidelitie after promoted to high honors, offices and dignities. On the Earle of Richmondes part, were slayne scarce one hundred persons, amongst whom the principal was Sir William Brādon his stan∣derd bearer.

This battaile was foughte at Bosworth in Leycestershire, the two and twentith daye of August, in the yeare of our redemption .1489. the whole conflicte endured litle aboue two houres.

King Richard as the fame went, mighte haue escaped and gotten safegard by fleeing. For whē they which were next about his person saw and perceyued at the firste ioyning of the battayle the souldiers fayntly and nothing 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to set on their enimies, and not only that, but al∣so that some withdrewe themselues priuily one of the prease and departed, they began to •…•…¦pect fraude and to smell treason, and not only ex∣horted, but determinately aduised him to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 himselfe by flight: and when the losse of the bat∣taile was imminent and apparāt, they brought to him a swift and a light horse, to conuey hym away.

He whiche was not ignorant of the grudge and ill will that the commō people bate toward him, casting away all hope of fortunate successe and happie chance to come, aunswered (as men say) that on that day he would make an ende of all battailes, or else there finishe his life. Suche a great audacitie and such a stout stomacke •…•…g∣ned in his body, for surely he knew that to be the day in the which it should be decided and deter∣mined whither he should peaceably obteyne and enioy his kingdome during his life, or else vtter∣ly forgoe and be depriued of the same, with whi∣che to much hardinesse, he being ouercome, hasti∣ly closed his helmet, and entred fiercely into the hard battaile, to the intent to obteyne that daye a quiet raigne and regimente, or else to finishe there his vnquiet life, and vnfortunate •…•…er∣naunce. And so this mise•…•… at y^e same very •…•…te, hadde like chaunce and fortune, as happeneth to such which in place of right iustice and •…•…ie, folowing their sēsual appetite, loue, & vse to •…•…m∣brace mischiefe, tyrannie, and vnthriftn•…•…sse. Surely these be examples of more 〈◊〉〈◊〉, tho•…•… mās tong can expresse, to feare an•…•…ne suche euill persons, as will not lyue one •…•…ce 〈◊〉〈◊〉 from doing and exercising 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…s∣chiefe for outragious liuing.

When the Earle had thus obteyned 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and slayne his mortall enimie, he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 downe and rendred to almightie God his harty •…•…s, with depute and godly orisons, be•…•… hys 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to sende him grace to aduarice and de∣fende the Catholike faith, and to mainteyne iu∣stice and concord amongst his subiects and peo∣ple, by God now to his gouernaunce committed and assigned.

Which prayer finished, her replenished with incomperable gladnesse, ascended vppe to the toppe of a little Mountaine, where hee not onely praysed and lawded his valiante soldiers, but also gaue vnto them his harty thankes, with

promise of •…•…ondigne recompence for the•…•… •…•…ch∣tie and valiante factes, willing and commaun∣ding all the hurt and wounded persons, who en∣red, and the dead 〈◊〉〈◊〉 bee •…•…red 〈…〉〈…〉 sep•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉: Then the people rel•…•…ed and •…•…apped theyr hands, crying vp with 〈◊〉〈◊〉, King Henry King Henry.

When the Lord St•…•…y faw•…•… the g•…•… will and gladnesse of the people 〈…〉〈…〉 King Richarde whiche was founds a•…•…g•…•… the [ 10] spoyle 〈◊〉〈◊〉 th•…•…, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Ear•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 head, as though he had b•…•… elected king by the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the people; as in auncient ty•…•… •…•…s•…•… 〈…〉〈…〉 •…•…ea•…•… •…•…t hath bene accustomed o•…•… 〈…〉〈…〉 the •…•…rs•…•…g•…•… and taken of this good 〈…〉〈…〉 •…•…i•…•…s.

I must put you h•…•…e in remembrance, howe that king Richard putting 〈…〉〈…〉 the Lord Stanley, whiche had with him as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 I stage the Lord Strange his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sonne, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 [ 20] lorde Stanley (as ye haue heard 〈◊〉〈◊〉 fore 〈…〉〈…〉 not at the fyrst with his sonne in lawes •…•…ye, for feare that king Richard wold haue s•…•… the Lord Straunge his heyre When king Richard was come to Bo•…•… sente a pursuance 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the lorde Stanley, commaundyng him •…•…o •…•…∣naunce forward with his comp•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…me to his presence, which thing if he refused to 〈…〉〈…〉 tware by Christes passions, that he woulde •…•…ryke off his sonnes head before hee dyne•…•… The Lorde [ 30] Stanley answered the pursuant that the king did so, he had more sonnes lyue, and as to come to hym, he was not then so determined. When king Richarde hearde this an swete, he commaun∣ded the lorde Straunge incontinent to be •…•…∣ded, which was at that very same season, when both the armies had sight eche of other. The coū∣saylors of king Richard poudering the time and cause, knowing also the Lorde Straunge to be innocēt of his fathers offence, persuading the K. [ 40] that it was now tyme to fyght, and not 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for execution, aduising him to kepe the lord Strange as a prisoner till the battayle were ended, & then at leysure his pleasure myght be accomplished. So (as God wold) king Richard brake his holy othe, and the Lorde was deliuered to the kepers of the kinges Tentes, to be kepte as a prisoner: which when the fielde was done, and theyr mai∣ster slaine, and proclamation made to knowe where the chyld was, they submitted themselues [ 50] as prisoners to the Lorde Strange, and he gent∣ly receiued them, and brought them to the newe proclaymed King, where of him and of his fa∣ther, hee was receued with great ioy and glad∣nesse.

After this the whole campe remoued wyth bagge and baggage, and the same night in the Euening King Henry with great pompe came to the Towne of Leycester, Where aswell for the re•…•… •…•…ying of hys people and souldiours, as for preparing all thyngs necessarie for his iour∣ney towarde Lond•…•…, hee reste and reposed hym 〈◊〉〈◊〉 woo day 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the meane 〈…〉〈…〉 deade, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of king Rycharde was as shame∣fully r•…•…yed to the Towne of Leycester, as he gorgiously the day before wyth •…•…pe pryde departed out of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Towne. For his body 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and dyspelled to the skin, and no∣thing left about him, not so muche as a clowe•…•… t•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by a •…•…uie members and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…ssed behinde P•…•…s y•…•… of •…•…he•…•… tall 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…he •…•…g•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 what B•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 kyng or a Ca•…•…, the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and ar•…•… 〈…〉〈…〉 •…•…n the 〈…〉〈…〉 of the ho•…•…e •…•…nd the leg•…•… yh•…•… her side, at •…•…all •…•…espr•…•…d 〈…〉〈…〉 was broughte to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Friers Church with in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, & th•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a •…•…en•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 spectacle 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…e∣ly •…•…dering hys 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and 〈…〉〈…〉 g•…•… •…•…yng •…•…e 〈…〉〈…〉 worthely 〈◊〉〈◊〉 at at suche •…•…e: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the sayde Churche he was wy•…•…ne lesse fu•…•…alle po•…•…pe and •…•…∣nitie entered, than he woulde to be done at the b•…•…y•…•… of his 〈…〉〈…〉 Nephew, 〈…〉〈…〉 he 〈…〉〈…〉 •…•…ly to •…•…ed, & •…•…lly to be q•…•…

When hys 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was knowne, fe•…•… la∣men•…•…, 〈…〉〈…〉 •…•…sed: the pro•…•… br•…•…gging while B•…•… whiche was his had ge•…•… was violently raised and plucked downe 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…ry signe and place where it might •…•…pied, •…•…oo•…•… was his life that men wished the •…•…∣rie of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to be 〈…〉〈…〉 th•…•… hys 〈…〉〈…〉 He •…•…ed twoo 〈…〉〈…〉, vnto monethes, and one day.)

As he was small 〈…〉〈…〉 of stature, so was he of bodie greatly de•…•…ed, the one shuld•…•… higher than the other, his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 small, but his countenānce was cruell, and suche, that at the firste aspect a ma•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 iudge it to sauour and smell of ma∣lice, fraude and deceit: when he stode musing, he woulde byte and chawe busily his nether lippe, as who sayde, that his fierce nature in his cruell bo∣die, alwais chafed, stirred, and was euer vnquiet: besyde that, the dagger whiche he ware, he wold when he studyed, with his hande plucke vp and downe in the sheath to the mids, neuer drawing it fully out: he was of a ready, pregnant & quicke witte, wyly to fayne, and apt to dissemble: he had a proude mynde and an arrogant stomacke, the whiche accompanied him euen to his death, ra∣ther chusing to suffer the same by dint of sword, than being forsaken and left helplesse of hys vn∣faithfull companyons, to preserue by cowardly flight, suche a frayle and vncertayn lyfe, whiche by malice, sicknes, or condigne punishment was lyke shortly to come to confusion.

Thus ended this Prince his mortall life, with infarny & dishonor, whiche neuer preferred fame or honestie before ambition, tyrannie and mis∣chiefe. And if hee had continued still Protector, and suffered his Nephewes to haue liued and raigned, no doubt but the Realm had prospered, and he much praysed and beloued, as he is nowe abhorred, and had in hatted but to God whyche knew his inwarde thoughtes at the houre of hys death, I remitte the punishment of his offences [ 10] committed in his life.

King Henry the seauenth caused a Tombe to bee made and set vp ouer the place where hee was buried in the Churche of the grey Frier•…•… at Leycester, with a picture of alablaster, represen∣ting his person, doing that honor to his enemie, vpon a princely regard and pitifull zeale whyche King Richard (moued of an ypocriticall shewe of counterfaite pitie) did to King Henry y^e sixte, whome he had first cruelly murthered, and after [ 20] in the second yeare of his vsurped raigne, cau∣sed his corpes to bee remoued from Chertsey vnto Windesore, and there solemnely enter∣red.

And nowe to conclude wyth this c•…•…ell Ty∣rant king Richarde, wee maye consider in what sorte the ambitious desire to rule and gouerne in the house of Yorke, was punished by Goc•…•…tu•…•… prouidence: for although that the right myghte seeme to remayne in the person of Richard duke [ 30] of Yorke, flayne at Wakefielde, yet may there bee a faulte worthyly reputed in hym so to seeke to preuent the tyme appoynted hym by autho∣ritie of Parliamente to attayne to the Crowne, entayled to hym and hys issue, in whome also, and not onely in hymselfe that offence (as may bee thoughte) was duely punished: for although his eldest fonne Edwarde the fourthe, beeyng a Prince right prouidente and circumspect for the suretie of hys owne estate and his children, in so [ 40] muche, that not contented to cut off all his ar∣med and app•…•…t •…•…es, he also of a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 feare, made away his •…•…rd •…•…the•…•… the Duke of Cl•…•…∣rence, and so thoughte to make all s•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 God•…•… veng•…•…ne•…•… myght not bee disa•…•… for as ye haue partely 〈…〉〈…〉 •…•…∣ther therby the de•…•… of his iss•…•… kyng awaye hym that onely myghte haue stay on 〈◊〉〈◊〉 T•…•…rkish 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of th•…•… 〈…〉〈…〉 Glou•…•…er, who enreg•…•… 〈…〉〈…〉 kingdome 〈…〉〈…〉 his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 neph•…•… 〈…〉〈…〉 And •…•…is thus with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Yorke shewed itselfe mo•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 inse•…•…ing to obt•…•…th kyngdome, than that of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vs•…•…ping it: So it co•…•… to passe, that the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 w•…•…ng 〈◊〉〈◊〉 appere honors heauie •…•…e•…•… the same than towardes the other, not ceassyng 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the whole issue male of the sayd Richarde •…•…he of Yor•…•… was extinguished. For suche in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 G•…•… Iustice, to le•…•… no were pentant wil•…•…ed o•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 pro•…•… was especially in thys cay•…•…e Richarde the thirde, n•…•…t deseruing so muche as •…•…e whereof a man muche lesse of a kyng, moste •…•…fully appeared.

But nowe of l•…•…ed menne that 〈…〉〈…〉, and wrote in the dayes of this vsurper and hys ne∣phew king Edward the fyfth, these we fynde re∣corded by Iohn Bale fieste Iohn Penketh an Augus•…•… Frier of Warlington in Lanco•…•…hire, a right s•…•…tle fellow in disputation, folowing the footesteppes of his Maister Iohn Dun•…•…, whom he chiefly studied. He wrote diuers treatifes, and made that infamous sermon at Poules m•…•…st, in fauour of the Duke of Gloucester then protector, to the disenheriting of Edward the fifth, his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 following and gouernour: Iohn Kent, or Cay∣le•…•… •…•…ne in Southwales: George Riplay first a Chan•…•…e of Bridlington, and after a Ca•…•…∣lite Frier in Boston, a greate Mathe•…•…atician, Rhetorician and Poet: Iohn Spyne a Carme∣lite Frier of Bristowe, that proceeded Doctour of diuinitie in Cambridge, and suche lyke.

Notes

• Rich. the .iij.

  1483

  An. reg. 1. This that is •…•…ere betweene his mark and his marke * was not writ∣en by maister Moore in this historie writ∣en by him in Englishe, but •…•…s translated •…•…ut of this hi∣•…•…tory which he wrote in latin.
• •…•…om thys •…•…ark to this* •…•… not founde •…•… Sir Thomas Moore, but in maister Hall •…•…nd Grafton.
• Sir Thomas More againe.
• Perkyn Wer∣becke.
• Close dealing is euer sus∣pected.
• Iohn Greeue. Robert Bra∣kenbery Con∣nestable of the Tower.
• Sir Iames Tyrell.
• Authoritie loueth to pa•…•….
• The yong 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and hys 〈◊〉〈◊〉 mur∣•…•…d.
• The out and inward trou∣bles of tiran•…•….
• 1484

  An. reg. 2.
• Here endeth Sir Thomas More, and this that followeth is taken out M. of Hall.
• 1485
• A•…•…. reg. 3.
• The duke of Buckingham conspireth a∣gaynst King Richard.
• The great water.
• •…•…ey Ba∣•…•…r seruant 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Duke 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Bucking∣ham betrayed 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…er.
• The Duke of Buckingham beheaded.
• The Erle of Richemond attaynted in Parlament.
• Collingburne executed.
• Collingborns inditement
• Pag. 404 405
• a truce betwixt England and Scotland.
• A marriage •…•…cluded be∣twixt the •…•…ce of Roth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and Duke •…•…ffolkes king 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• Peter Landol•…•…
• A subtil and lewde practise of king Ri∣chard.
• The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 con∣stauncie of Queene Eliza∣beth.
• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 spred •…•…e a the •…•…es death
• •…•…e Queene •…•…e 〈◊〉〈◊〉 King 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sodainely 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• Mylford Hauen
• A straunge chaunce that happened to the Earle of Richmonde.
• The dreame of King Ri∣chard the thirde.
• The Oration of K. Richard the third.
• The Oration 〈◊〉〈◊〉 King Hen∣•…•… the seuēth.
• The battayle betweene 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Richard, a•…•… King Hen∣rie the sen•…•….