Annales the true and royall history of the famous empresse Elizabeth Queene of England France and Ireland &c. True faith's defendresse of diuine renowne and happy memory. Wherein all such memorable things as happened during hir blessed raigne ... are exactly described.

* 1.1 THE NINTH YEERE OF HER RAIGNE. Anno Domini, 1566.

IN the beginning of the yeere, Charles the 9. King of France, sent into England to the Queene, Rambouillet, with the Robes of the order of S. Mi∣chael, to bee giuen to two of the Peeres of England, whom shee pleased.* 1.2 She made choice of the Duke of Norfolke, as be∣ing much more noble then a∣ny other, and to the Earle of Leicester, louing him very well. Rambouillet hauing beene, for and in the Name of his King, placed honourably at Windsor, amongst the Knights of the Order of Saint George, inuested them solemnly

in the Royall House at Westminster. This shee tooke for a great honour, remembring her selfe, that no English was e∣uer honoured with this Order, saue HENRY the Eighth, EDVVARD the Sixth, and Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolke. But when she exactly obserued all things that be∣longed to the honour of it, she was at length much displea∣sed, to see it so vilified, that it was prostituted indifferently to euery man. And shee busied her selfe, not onely in things concerning honour, but chiefely what was for the good of her Subiects: For, the Ayre beeing so intempe∣rate that yeere, that experienced men feared a want of Corne and other victuals,* 1.3 she did not onely prohibit any Corne to be carried out of the Kingdome, but tooke care that great quantity was brought in.

While these things past, Henry, Earle of Arundell, be∣ing great and powerfull among the Lords of the Realme,* 1.4 after hauing consumed much wealth vpon a vaine hope to marry the Queene, and the Earle of Leicester, who then was in great credit with her, and his friends, which had failed in the trust which hee reposed in them, taking a∣way this hope quite from him, tooke leaue of her, and voluntarily went out of the Kingdome, vnder colour to recouer his health, but in effect, to strengthen himselfe a∣gainst sorrow. But the other English,* 1.5 who for their natu∣rall valour, thought themselues borne to liue in Armes, and not in idlenes, seeing the Nobility of all parts, did rise at the report of the warre against the Turke, and carried their Armes and Courages into Hungarie. Amongst whom, the most remarkeable were, Iohn Smith, cousin german to EDVVARD the Sixth, by the Sister of I. Seimor, the Kings Mother; H. Champernon, P. Butshid, R. Greuill, G. George, T. Cotton, &c.

In Iune following, the Queene of Scotland had a most au∣spicious and happy Deliuery,* 1.6 for the eternall prosperity of Great Brittaine, IAMES her Sonne, who is now Monarch

thereof: whereof she gaue present notice to Queene ELI∣ZABETH, by Iohn Meluin. Queene ELIZABETH, howsoeuer angry to see her out-strip her in honour, who enuied her, as speedily sent H. Killigrewe, to congratulate her lying in,* 1.7 and the birth of her Sonne: and to admonish her, not to fauour any longer Shan O-Neale, who rebelled in Ireland, nor to assist Roquerbay, an English Fugitiue, and to punish some theeues that rob'd vpon the Borders.

After, hauing vn-wearied her minde by a Progresse, to shew herselfe as fauourable to the Muses of Oxford, as well as of Cambridge,* 1.8 betweene which there was then a sincere emulation, goes toward the Vniuersitie of Oxford, where she was magnificently entertained, and staid there full se∣uen dayes, taking pleasure in the pleasant aspect of the place, at the beauty of the Colledges, in the spirits and learning of most exquisit Schollers, which passed the nights in Co∣medies, and the dayes in learned Disputations; for which she gaue them ample thankes, by a most sweet discourse in Latine, and a most louing farewell.

* 1.9 As soone as shee was returned to London, the States of the Kingdome assembled there the first day of Nouember, beeing the day assigned, and after hauing established a Sta∣tute or two, they begun to dispute among themselues, of the Succession of the Kingdome; seeing that the Queene hauing vowed Virginity, had already reigned eight yeeres, without thinking seriously of an Husband: that on the one side, the Papists made account of the Queene of Scots, who had lately had a Sonne: that on the other side, the Protestants being deuided, some of them made account of one, and some of another, and euery particular prouiding for their safety and Religion, presaged the stormes of a most fearefull time, if shee should dye, without assuring a Successor. And the keener sort of spirits proceeded so far, as to blame her, as if she abandoned both her Country and Posteritie: and to teare, by reprochfull & defaming Libels,

wicked Councellor therein: and to curse Huic, her Phi∣sicion, because he disswaded her to marry, for I know not what womanish infirmity. The Earles of Pembroke and Leicester were openly, and the Duke of Norfolke, couertly, of opinion, that a necessity of marriage should be imposed vpon her, or else publikely to appoint a Successor by au∣thority of the Parliament, whether she would or no: which caused them to bee forbidden to enter into the Priuie Chamber, or come neere the Queene, who neuerthelesse granted them pardon, as soone as they demanded it.

They neuerthelesse being much troubled,* 1.10 and all the rest of the vpper House of Parliament, touching the Succes∣sion; all with one mind, by the mouth of Bacon, Keeper of the great Scale, according to the dutie which they ought vnto God, the fidelity to their Prince, and the charity to their Countrie, so to doe; that as by her meanes they then sweetly enioyed all the benefits of Peace, Iustice, and Cle∣mency, they and their posterity might by her meanes like∣wise enioy the same assuredly and continually. But with∣all they shewed her, that it could not bee done, except she married, or designed a certaine Successor. For which cause, they desired, and, aboue all things, besought her to be ioy∣ned by the sacred bond of Marriage, with whom she would, in what place she liked, & as soone as she pleased, to the end to haue Children, for helps to the Kingdome: withall, to ordaine with the States of the Realme, a Successor certaine, in case that shee, or the Children which she might haue, should dye without Children, which God forbid.* 1.11 And for the obtaining of these things so much the more easily, being so necessary, they represented vnto her many reasons for the same: the feare, which of fresh memory had sei∣zed vpon them with such a sicknesse, of which they had beene but newly recouered; the opportunity of the time, the States of the Kingdome beeing then assembled, which might maturely deliberate of so great matters; the terrour

which she should giue to her enemies by this meanes, and the incredible ioy which she should fill the hearts of her Subiects withall. They praise the examples of her Ances∣tors, who in like cases prouided for the suretie of their Po∣sterity, condemning this saying of Pyrrhus, who would leaue his Kingdome to him that had the sharpest sword. And moreouer shewing her, with what a storme England were threatned, if she should dye without designing a cer∣taine Successor: there would follow impetuously vpon it, seditions, and intestine Warres, of which the Victory it selfe is most miserable: and that Religion should bee dri∣uen out, Iustice ouerwhelmed, the Lawes trodden vnder∣foot, there beeing no Prince (who is the soule of the Law) and the Kingdome a prey to strangers. They numbered and exaggerated many other like calamities, which would inuolue all sorts of Families, if she should dye without Is∣sue. And modestly they added counsels, Precepts, and ex∣amples, drawne from the holy Scriptures.

* 1.12 But those of the Lower House debated of these things more tumultuously; Bell, and Monson, Lawiers of great renowne, Dutton, P. Wentworth, and others, refuted Roy∣all Maiestie too much; and among other things maintai∣ned, that Kings were bound to designe a Successor; that the loue of Subiects was the most strong and inexpugnable Rampart of Princes, their onely stay and Support. That Princes could not obtaine this loue, if they did not pro∣uide for the good of their Subiects, not onely while they liued, but after their death. That that could not be done, if a Successor did not plainely appeare. That the Queene, for lacke of designing one, prouoked Gods wrath, and a∣lienated the hearts of her Subiects. That then, to gaine the fauour of God, and haue Subiects most affectionate and obliged, and to raise her vp Statues in the hearts of men, which would neuer perish, shee should declare a Successor. Others, that shee should knowe, that they did

hold her, not for a Mother and a Nurse, but for a Step∣dame and a murderesse of her Countrie, seeing shee loued her selfe better than England (which then breathed by her spirit) would expire with her, rather then subsist aliue. That there were neuer, but cowardly Princes, haters of their Subiects, and fearefull weake women, who concei∣ued feare because of their Successors; and that such as be enuironed with the loue of their Subiects, ought not to apprehend the danger which might bee stirred vp against them, by a declared Successor.

These things she heard with a great deale of displeasure,* 1.13 but shee contemned them for a time, and for a time kept them hidden. For, as vse had instructed her, she well knew what danger there is to designe a Successor; insomuch that Queene MARIE reigning, many of the Nobility, and of the people, had cast their eyes and hearts vpon her, as beeing to succeed her: that euen as any thing had bin said or done in her most holy Cabinet, or secret Councell, they reported it to her; and that Wyat and others, misliking their state, and desiring to innouate things, had conspired against her, to set her vpon the Royall Throne in her place. Shee knew that the hopes of Competitors were better restrai∣ned, and they kept in their duety, while she suspended the wayting of euery one, and made no declaration of any. That by a precipitate desire to reigne, euen Children haue tooke Armes against their Fathers, and that shee could not looke for lesse from her kindred. She had obserued in rea∣ding, and when she disputed of that, remembred inconti∣nently, that it was rarely found, that the Successors had bin declared in the collaterall line. That Lewis, Duke of Orle∣ans, had neuer been declared Successor in the Kingdome of France, to Charles the Eighth; nor Francis, Duke of Angoulesme, to Lewis, yet neuerthelesse they succeeded without any noise. That such designation had alwaies in England beene the ruine of the designed, and that Roger

Mortimer, Earle of March, designed Heire by King Rich∣ard, had not beene so soone extinct, and his sonne Edmond constituted and kept prisoner twentie yeeres together, but for this cause: That I. Polhem, Earle of Lincolne, declared Successor by Richard the 3. & after the death of his sonne, by Henry the Seuenty, was alwaies suspected, and finally killed in warre, as he was weauing of innouations, and his brother Edward beheaded vnder HENRIE the Eighth. But these things make vs goe from the purpose.

But as some ceased not with prouoked spirits, and sharpe contention, daily more and more to cry aloud, these things which I come to tell, and other things which had a grea∣ter sting, the Queene hauing commanded that choyce should be made of thirty of the Vpper-House of Parlia∣ment, and as many of the Lower, and that they should ap∣peare before her;* 1.14 Shee, with a light reproose, made them milder, and by force of her most worthy Maiesty, diuer∣ted them from their designe, promising them with many words, not onely the care of a Princesse, but also the affe∣ction of a Mother. And the States hauing offered her for Subsidies, more than they were accustomed to doe, vpon condition, that she would designe a Successour: Shee vt∣terly refused it, as being too much, receiued the ordinary, commending their affection,* 1.15 & remitted the whole fourth payment of the granted Subsidie, saying, That her Subiects money was as well in their owne coffers, as in hers.

The last day of these Sessions, she spoke thus in few words, which I will shut vp in fewer.

* 1.16 SEeing that the words of Princes doe often penetrate deepe into the hearts and eares of men, heare these from mee. As I haue simply cherished truth, so haue I alwayes thought that you would ingeniously haue cherished

her: but it hath beene in vaine. For I haue discoue∣red, that dissimulation thrusts her selfe into these as∣semblies, vnder the maske of libertie, and of succession. There are some of them among you, who are of opinion, that I ought presently to grant, or vtterly to refuse libertie to dispute of the Succession, and to establish it. If I should haue granted it, those would triumph ouer mee, hauing their wishes: If I refused, they had thought to haue excited the hatred of mine own, which my grea∣test enemies hitherto could neuer doe. But their wis∣dome was out of season, their designes too farre aduan∣ced, and they haue not regarded the euent. And I haue easily discouered by these things, who haue beene iust on my behalfe, and who haue not, and doe see well, that all your Assembly is composed of foure sorts of per∣sons. For some haue beene Architects and Authors, others Actors, who with sweet words haue perswaded: who being perswaded, haue accorded to that which was propounded: others, who haue maruelled at this audacitie, kept silence; and those in truth are the more excusable. Thinke you that I contemne your good and safetie, that you ground vpon a Successor? or that I will infringe your libertie? So farre am I from that, that I haue not so much as thought of it. For I haue considered, that it behooued you to retyre from the pit into which you runne head-long. Euery thing hath his season. Peraduenture you shall haue after me a wiser Prince, but not that loues you more than I doe. I know not if I shall liue to see such Assemblies once more: but take heede of offending the patience of your Prince: and notwithstanding, take it for a certaine truth, that I haue a good opinion of the most part of you, and that I loue you all with all my heart, as here∣tofore.

Thus, the wisdome of a Woman quieted these stirres, the time which became clearer, caused such a calme, that, beside the seditious and timorous, few were since found, to storme for a Successour. And certainely all men, what face soeuer they set vpon it, doe not penetrate more deepe∣ly into publique affaires, than they finde it necessary for their owne particular. Yet that the Successour should more plainely appeare,* 1.17 which shee thought could not be doub∣ted of, she imprisoned Thornton, Reader of the Law at Lincolnes Inne in London, because the Queene of Scotland had complained, that he called her right in question.

In these Assemblies of the States, besides other things, which were for the good of the Common-wealth, it was declared with the generall consent of all,

* 1.18 THat the election, consecration, and instalment of Arch-bishops and Bishops of England, (which many, by calumniating them, had cal∣led in question) was lawfull, and well and duely con∣secrated, according to the Acts and Statutes of the Realme: And ordained, that all these, and those which for the time to come, should be consecrated as they had beene, were and should be holden well and duely conse∣crated, notwithstanding any Law or Canon.

For the Papists had detracted them as false Bishops, peraduenture because the Vnction, the Ring, and the Cro∣zier were not vsed with the Benedictions: and, as if they had not beene solemnely instituted to this Order, by three Bishops, which could bring their ordination, rising from the Apostolique authority receiued from Christ, although they most truely could, as appeares by the Registers, ha∣uing beene consecrated with godly prayers, deuout inuo∣cation of the holy Ghost, the imposition of hands of such Bishops, the preaching of the Word, and celebration of the Lords Supper.

About that time (after they had restrained the insolen∣cy of some Ruffians, who violated these delators, which the vulgar call Promoters, pursued them through the streetes with cryes and clamours,* 1.19 and killed them) came the day appointed for the baptizing of the Prince of Scotland. The Queene hauing beene intreated to receiue him at the sa∣cred Font, sent the Earle of Bedford with the Lauor made of massie Gold, for a Present of State,* 1.20 and commanded him expresly, & all the English which accompany him, to take heed that they honour Darley with the Title of KING.

The ceremony being ended, the Earle, according as he had beene commanded, treated with the Queene of Scot∣land, to haue the Treaty of Edenborrough ratified, and to accord the domesticke discords which were betweene her and her Husband. For some ill-willers, both to the one and the other, had by craft ruined this agreeable societie of life and loue which was betweene them. Shee refu∣sed to make this ratification, alledging this reason, That there was in that Treaty, some Articles that did derogate the right which shee and her Children had to England: neuerthelesse, promised to send Commissioners into Eng∣land, which should treat about it, for the altering of some things; to wit, that she should leaue off the Title and armes of England, as long as Queene ELIZABETH, or any of hers should liue, (as if the Treaty had imported, that she should giue it ouer altogether,) and they they should let her see what iniuries shee had receiued by the wicked pra∣ctices of those which too much abused the ingenious cre∣dulitie of her Husband. And, finding her selfe vnhealth∣full, shee recommended her Sonne to the trust and Gar∣dianship of Queene ELIZABETH, by Letters bea∣ring,

That although shee knew well, (I vse her owne termes)

shee was by right the vndoubted Heire of England, af∣ter the Queene, and that many at their pleasure forged many things against this right;

She promised neuerthelesse, she would not presse her a∣ny more to a declaration of it, but that shee would assist and adhere to her alwaies, and against all, with all her af∣fection.

* 1.21 In the yeere 1566. there dyed two of the Lords of her Maiesties most honourable Priuy Councell, (both in one day) I. Mason, Treasurer of Queene ELIZABETHS houshold, a most learned, iudicious, and graue personage, most diligent and carefull to the preseruation of benefits. In his place and office, was preferred Sir Francis Knolles, who had married the Lady Katherine, Cousin-Germane to her Maiesty, by the Lady Mary of Bulleine, & Richard Sackuile also, Cousin to her Maiesty, by the Lady Anne Bulleine her Mother. Sir Walter Mildmay, an vncorrupt and considerate man, succeeded in his place.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Booke 1. 1566.
• * 1.2

  The Duke of Norfolke, and the Earle of Leicester, Knights of the Order of France.
• * 1.3

  Prouision of Corne.
• * 1.4

  The Earle of Arundel goes out of the King∣dome.
• * 1.5

  The English carry their Armes and their coura∣ges to the Hungarian Warre.
• * 1.6

  The birth of King Iames the sixth of Scotland.
• * 1.7

  The Queene of England reioyceth.
• * 1.8

  Visits the V∣niuersity of Oxford.
• * 1.9

  Holds a Parliament.
• * 1.10

  The States sollicite her to marry, and to de∣clare her Successor.
• * 1.11

  The mode∣stie of the great Ones.
• * 1.12

  The popular sort eagerly.
• * 1.13

  The Queene is angry.
• * 1.14

  She swee∣tens the mo∣ued spirits.
• * 1.15

  Giues backe part of the Subsidie.
• * 1.16

  Chides the States.
• * 1.17

  Maketh it plainely to appeare, that the Queene of Scotland had the right of Succession.
• * 1.18

  The ordina∣tion of Bi∣shops is con∣firmed.
• * 1.19

  Promoters supprest.
• * 1.20

  The Earle of Bedford sent Ambas∣srdour to the Queene of Scotland, for the bapti∣zing of her Sonne.
• * 1.21

  The death of I. Mason, and Sir R. Sackuile.