The thre bokes of cronicles, whyche Iohn Carion (a man syngularly well sene in the mathematycall sciences) gathered wyth great diligence of the beste authours that haue written in Hebrue, Greke or Latine Whervnto is added an appendix, conteynyng all such notable thynges as be mentyoned in cronicles to haue chaunced in sundry partes of the worlde from the yeare of Christ. 1532. to thys present yeare of. 1550. Gathered by Iohn Funcke of Nurenborough. Whyche was neuer afore prynted in Englysh. Cum priuilegio ad imprimendum solum.

¶ The thyrde boke of the Cronicles, whych conteyneth the tyme sence Christes byrth. (Book 3)

BEfore, in the begynnynge of thys worke, haue we diuided thys whole Cronicle and tymes of the worlde in thre partes, and that ac∣cordinge to the sayenge of Elias, that both the moost alterations of thynges in the world, and order of the tymes my∣ght be knowen more surely. Besydes thys, that we shoulde also knowe, that the worldes end is nowe not farre of. Howbeit we haue nowe dispatched all∣moost foure thousand yeares, and about that time nearehande was Christ borne, the whyche Elias had prophecyed. Now in this thyrd boke, shall we lyke wyse treate of the thyrde parte of Elias mea∣nynge, and begynne thys boke wyth the same. And how lytle Elias had fayled in the order of the yea∣res, truely it maye be perceaued verye easely: for CHRISTE our LORD, very God and man,* 1.1 was borne into thys lyfe of the virgin Mary euen the two and fortyeth yeare of Augustus raygne: and thys was thre thousande, nyne hundreth and foure and fortyeth yeare sence the creation of the worlde. But to counte the yeares exactely and na∣rowly, there is somewhat requisite in the nombre of the yeares. For the foure thousande yeares are not fulfilled.

But the prophete sayde moreouer: that God wold preuent and come spedely before the tyme of hys comminge, because the ende of all thinges my∣ght be more neare. Howbeit the thynges that are concernyng the knowledge of Christes natiuyte, Passion and Resurrection for euerye Godly man, the same maye all be searched in the Euangelistes. But as concerning the tyme whan Christ suffred, and rose agayne from death: also how the Gospell is spred abroade in the worlde, and by what mea∣nes also the holy Gospell began in the worlde vny∣uersall, we shall intreate afterwarde.

Of the Germanes.

IN the tyme of Augustus were the* 1.2 Germanes first attempted of the Ro¦manes. Tiberius and hys brother Drusius were wyth an hoost in high germany, and inuaded those coastes, that are ioyninge to Rhetia and Vin¦delicia. But they dyd not wholy subdue those con∣tryes vnder theyr empyre. The Rheti are those* 1.3 that dwell in the valley of the floude Enus or Ihn, they of Tyrol vntyll Bregetium or Rab, Kempte and dounwarde vntyll Nordlingen, where yet re∣mayneth* 1.4 the name Ryes. They of Vindelicia are Augspurg and vpper Beyerlande. Drusus went doune vntyll Mentz, and there gettynge a disease he lost hys lyfe.

Aboute that tyme made the garnyson of the Romanes, that was appoynted at Colen an

assaulte vpon Westphalen and Saxony. But one called Hermannus was captayne of Saxony, whō the historyeus do call Arminius lord of Cherusia.* 1.5 As for the Cherusci are euen the Saxons & Thu∣rynges, dwellynge by the wood called Schwartz∣walde, of that syde, that stretched beneth by the floude Wesurgus vntyll the citye Breme, And by my iudgement is that called Cherusci, whych now is communely called Hertzishe. This Arminius oppressed the Romanes vnwarres, and slew about one and twenty thousand of them. Besydes also a great army of the ayders and confederates of the Romanes, whych warred wyth them, as French∣men do wyth the Scottes.

Quintilius Varus the captayne of the Ro∣mane* 1.6 hoost slew him self wyth hys swearde. Taci∣tus the historyographes sheweth at larg of the bat¦tayl that was had, namelye betwene the floudes Lyppia and Amisia, that is, beneth the toune Cas∣sel, not farre from the toune Padeborne in West∣phalen. For thus sayeth Tacitus: They ployled so much as lyeth betwene the floudes Amisia & Lyp∣pya, not farre from the woode of Teutoburgum, where the residue of Varus hooste and legions is sayde to lye vnburyed. As for this slaughter made the Romanes no lesse afrayde, that in tymes paste whan the Cimbriwaysted Italy. For the Roma∣nes were afrayde lest Arminius wyth force of ar∣mes had inuaded the Romane empyre, and come vntyll Rome. Augustus was in suche distresse by reason of the feare of the greate daunger, that he caused euery man to be euery where in armes. It

is also sayed, that he sayed of wepyng & with great crye: Quintily restore the legions. But when the Romanes were dryuen out of Saxony, they brou∣ght to passe, that Arminius was inuaded with war of his neighbors, there was at that tyme the Swe∣des and Belhems, dwelling by the ryuer Albis: but Arminius ouercame them also, and takyng in their contreis, he had Westphalen, Shwartwald, Saxo¦ny, Marck, Misen, and Bohemy. He reigned about twelue yeare, and finally was he slayne by the op∣pression of his. But this is ynough sayed of Augu∣stus tyme.

Tiberius the third Emperoure.

• The yeare of the worlde. iii M. ix. C. lx.
• The yeare of Rome .vii. C. lxix.
• The yeare of Christe .xvi.

THough many excellent Emperours haue bensence the time of Augustus, (for when God kepeth the common welthes, he geueth also suche men, that are mete to do great thynges.) yet haue the in the meane seasō now and than princes dissolute and wicked: so that a me∣ry conceated man semeth to haue sayed very true: that the ymages of al good princes may be grauē in one rynge. It is very profitable to beholde in histo∣ries the thynges that are declared and the exam∣ples of wycked princes, that we may drede y^• wrath of God, by the feare of the punishment, wherewith they are punyshed.

Tiberius was not the sonne of Augustus, but for* 1.7

somuche as the true heyres of Augustus were deade, he toke in steade and chose for heyre Tibe∣rius the sonne of Liuia, whiche was already ma∣ried to Augustus: and because Tiberius was a va∣liaunt man of armes, Augustus vsed hym alway for a captain. This Tiberius was the first Emperour, to whome the senate of Rome did yelde it selfe. He reigned thre and twenty yeares.

The fyuetenth yeare of Tiberius was Christe* 1.8 our Lorde thirty yeare olde, and that yeare was he baptised of Ihon Baptiste, and beganne the preachyng of hys Gospell, of penaunce, of remis∣sion of synnes, and lyfe euerlasting. This was sence the creation of the worlde the .iiii. M. ix. C. and lxxv. yeares. But after the beginning of Alex∣anders Monarchie the .CCC. and .xl. yeare. Ad∣de an hundreth and fyue and fourty yeares vn∣tyll the second yeare of Longimanus. Thus haue ye the foure hundreth and foure score and fyue yea∣res: and these are the thre score and nyne wekes of the whiche is spoken by Daniel: whiche thynge we haue treated at length before.

In the eyghtenth yeare of Tiberius was Christ* 1.9 oure Sauioure crucified, dyed, and rose agayn the thyrde daye. But after his resurrection he com∣maunded his disciples, that they should preache the Gospell thorowe all the worlde, the whiche they began strayght way, when they had receaued the holy ghost from heauen vpon Wytsonday, and af∣ter the visible ascension of Christ into heauen.

Therfore is now the worde of God and spiritual* 1.10 kyngdom, and also the churche or congregacion of

the faithful or christen people not only in the Iewish kyngdom: but in the whole worlde, where the Go∣spell is preached by the Apostles, and where theyr writinges are brought For God promised to worke by preaching of his worde. Moreouer where Gods worde is taught, ther is it necessary to be some that pertaine to Gods kingdom, where Christ is ruling and workyng, accordynge to that sayenge: I shalbe with you vntyll the worldes ende. To this oure Lorde Christ our sauiour and true God, be prayse, glory and thankesgeuyng for euer. Amen.

But now it remayneth that we do shew further how greate and heuy assaultes the churche of chri∣stenmen hath suffered, both by outwarde persecu∣tions of enemies, and also chefely by heretikes, whiche haue nowe and than toren wretchedly the vnitie of the churche with wicked doctrines: which thynge hath brought a farre more dammage and despysynge to the Churche or congregacion, than any outwarde persecutions.

The nyntenth yeare of Tiberius after Christes resurrection was Steuen the fyrst martyr stoned* 1.11 and the same yeare was Paule conuerted to the fayth. And this befell.

• The yeare of the worlde .iii. M. ix. C. lxxviij.
• The yeare of Rome .vii. C. xcii.
• The yeare of Christe .xxcix.

CAius Caligula the fourth Emperoure reig∣ned* 1.12 thre yeare and ten monethes: he was of a veri dissolute and vmbrideled lyfe, he defyled

all his systers with an vnnamed or an vnnaturall medling: Fynally was he slayn by the chefe of hys hoost through a preuy conspiracy. This Caligula caused his ymage to be set in the temple at Ierusa∣lem, to be worshipped, whiche thyng was also pro∣phecied by Daniel, namely: When Israell shall se an* 1.13 Idoll set in the temple, then shal the ende be at hād. This happened.

• The yeare of the worlde. iii. M. ix. C. lxxxvii.
• The yeare of Rome. vii. C. lxix.
• The yeare of Christe .xliij.

CLaudius the fyft Emperour reigned* 1.14 thyrtene yeare and nyne monethes: he was poysoned. The secōd yeare of Clau¦dius came Peter the Apostle to Rome, who had preached before certayn yeares at Antio∣chia: and here begynneth the Romyshe churche.

• The yeare .xliiij. After Christes natiuite.
• The yeare .iii. M. ix. C. lxxxviij. after the worl∣des creation.
• The yeare .vii. C. xcvii. after the buyldynge of Rome.
• The yeare of the worlde. iiii M.
• The yeare of Rome .viii. C. ix.
• The yeare of Christe.lvi.

NEro the syxt. Emperour reigned fourten* 1.15 yeare. At the begynnyng lyued he honest¦ly fyue yeares, afterwarde was he moste vngratious by reason of hys intemperan∣cy of maners and tyranny. He put to death his own mother & his wyfe, and also many noble men, amōg whom was also Seneca. Finally whan his officers

was gone from hym, whan he was sought to be put to deaht by the Senate of Rome, he fleing slew him¦selfe, before he was founde out by the souldiours: and this was done the two and thirtyeth yeare of his age. But the kyngdom of the Romanes is now wholy remoued from the posteritie and kynsmen of Augustus and Leuia.* 1.16

In the tyme of Nero was saint Peter crucifyed at Rome. After hym was Linus made byshop, and afterwarde was Paule the Apostle beheaded also. And yf ye counte the yeares of Paule, hee preached the Gospell about foure and thyrty yea∣res.

In the tyme of Nero appeared a comete syxe* 1.17 monethes contrary too all cometes, whiche are not wont to be sene so longe. There was also a comete sene before in the tyme of Claudius, and three sonnes, whiche sygnyfyeth doutlesse, that three princes shoulde shortely striue for the empire. In lyke maner do I suppose, that their great Co∣mete dyd sygnifye not onely the sedicion and vp∣roure, but also the mutacion and chaunge in the Ro¦mane empire, and specially the lamentable decaye of the Iewysh kyngdom.

Sergius Galba, Otho, and Vitellius.

AMong these thre was a stryfe for the em∣pyre,* 1.18 after Neroes death. As for Galba was slayn in y^e marketplace of Rome by y^• layenge wayte of Otho. Afterward was Vitellius chosen Emperoure in Germany of the* 1.19 hoost, and sent some men of armes into Italy. The

whiche metyng Otho, he fought foure feldes with them: thre tymes dyd he ouercome them, but in the fourth was his hoost ouerthrowen. And though the souyldiours drue frely to hym, yet would hee warre no more. For it is reported that he shoulde haue said: that he set more by the comon peace, then by his owne lyfe or priuate glory: and the fourth moneth after Galbas death, slew he hymselfe with a daggar.

In the meane season was Vespasianus chosen* 1.20 Emperoure in the Easte, by the souldiours: thesa∣me sent an hoost into Italy, the whiche ouerthrewe Vitellius men of armes. Of that rose vproures at Rome, and Vitellius was taken his handes bound vpō his backe, and with a halter cast about his neck, he was drawen through the myer in the stretes, and fynally was he slayne as he had deserued. For he was suche one, that deserued rather to bee called a cruell beaste, than a man. This was the fyrst vproure that was in the Empyre for the elec∣tion or chosyng, after Augustus.

• The yeare of the worlde .iiii. M. xvi.
• The yeare of Rome .viii. C. xxv.
• The yeare of Christ .lxxij.

VEspasianus the Seuenth Emperoure reig∣ned nyne yeares. It was a man renowmed in wysedome and honesty, and a prince moste worthy of the Empyre. For where Caligula, Clau∣dius and Nero dyd nott onely suffre all intempe∣rancy out of measure in other, but dyd it themsel∣ues also: this man contrarywyse restored at Rome

the nourture of modestie and honest lawes. He au∣gmented also the Empyre with all maner of vic∣tuals, and in the prouinces ordeined he necessary aydes. Besides this ordeined he also at Rome com∣mon pensions for professers of phisyck and other sciences.

Of the last destruction of Ierusalem.

IN the seconde yeare of Vespasianus be∣gan* 1.21 Titus the sonne of Vespasian to be∣syege the cytie Ierusalem, whan Easter began to be kept in the moneth of Apryll, and afterwarde in the moneth September dyd he spoyle and burne it. But in the meane tyme was so great mysery in the cytie for hunger, vproure and inwarde manslaughter, as neuer was red to haue bene in any cytie. The mothers dyghted their owne chyldren to satisfye their hunger, but in∣uayne: For the souldyours tooke them awaye from them par force, and deuoured them, and the mothers dyed with hunger the whyles. Many slew themselues. Iosephus wryteth that in the cy∣ty* 1.22 were about ten hundreth thousand persons. For because it was Easter, a very great multitude came together into the cytie: Besydes this, they that dwelt here and there in villages, in all Iewry, drue all together to Hierusalem, for none other cause, but that they trusted to bee in saue garde by the defence of so well afortified citie. In so great nō∣ber of people, the moste parte nere hande dyed with

hunger, pestilence and sworde. Titus sent syxtene thousand to Alexandria, to do seruice, none other wyse then slaues. He brought twoo thousand with hym, whiche hee shewed in a triumphe, and caste them to wylde beastes in common games to be to∣ren in peces. But what shall I saie muche? nomans oraciō can be sufficient to expresse so great a mysery. For God woulde propose to men a new and syngu∣lar* 1.23 example, wherein myght be sene the greatnesse of Gods wrath against despisers of Godlynesse. For it must be a very stony and harde harte, whiche shoulde not be sore afrayed at so dredefull an exam∣ple. And it is aboue all thynges to be ouerloked in this hystorye, that yf God vsed no mercy towarde thys people in punyshynge them for their wycked∣nesse, whome he called hys peculiar people, whyche also was come of so holy fathers: He shall muche lesse spare the Heythen. And God in threatenynge thys, declareth also in the same example the shewe of mercy and Godly beneuolence: namely, that we do not doubt that after that the Iewysh kyngdom is ouerthrowen, we that are Gentyls, are truely the chosen people and Gods chyldren, yf we do tru∣ly beleue in Christe.

This destruction of Ierusalem befell in the secōd yeare of Vespastanus: and it was the threscore and fortene yeare after Christes natiuite, the fortieth yere after that Christ had suffered his passion. But from the creation of the worlde the foure thousand and eightenth yere. And this temple dyd stande af∣ter the second yere of Longunanus fyue hundreth and syx and twenty yeares.

Many dredefull tokens signifyed this destruc∣tiō* 1.24 afore, which for shortnesse we can not here reher¦se. A burnyng sworde was sene aboue the temple nearehande a whole yeare. I haue added thys ther¦fore, lest no man do rashly despyse the tokens, which pretende the euidēces of Gods indignacion, by the which we are called to repentaunce, that the wrath of God maye be ether auoyded, or mitigated: which thynge of mercy happened to the Niniuites.

The yeare of the worlde

iiii. M. xxv.

The yeare of Rome.

viij. C. xxxii.

The yeare of Christe.

lxxxi.

TItus the eyght Emperoure reigned two* 1.25 yeare. He was the sonne of Vespasianus, endued wyth all kynde of princely ver∣tues, wherefore he was praysed of euery man, and called: The loue and delite of man kynde. But when he perceaued, that some went about to optayne the Emperyall dignitie agaynst hym, he* 1.26 commaunded to admonyshe them frendly, to ab∣stayne from suche enterpryses: For all theyr labour was inuayne in suche thinges, and that the gouer∣naunce is a gyft of God, whiche befalleth to hym, whome it pleaseth hym to geue: He dyd nothynge more rygorously to them. Titus (as some suppose) dyed of poyson.

After that Linus was deade, was Anacletus made the third byshop of Rome.

• The yeare of the worlde .iiij. M. xxvij.
• The yeare of Rome viii. C. xxxvj.
• The yeare of Christe .lxxxiij.

DOmitianus the nynth Emperoure, the bro∣ther* 1.27 of Titus reigned fyftene yeares. He had warres in Germany, and ce••sely agaynst the Catti, that now a daies are called the Hesses. He* 1.28 vsed incredible intemperancy and great tyranny at Rome, wherfore he was fynally slayne. He droue* 1.29 out of Rome the Mathematicos, that is, teachers by demonstracion and Philosophers. He persecu∣ted the Christen, and put them to death, lyke as Nero dyd.

Whan Anacletus was deade, Clemens the fyrst of that name was made Byshop of Rome.

• The yeare of the worlde .iiij. M. xliij.
• The yeare of Rome .viij. C. lij.
• The yeare of Christe .xcix.

NErua the tenth Emperoure reigned one* 1.30 yeare and foure monethes. He adopted and made heyre apparant Traianus, who was as then capitaine in Germany about Collen. Ner∣ua dyed being olde .lxviij. yeare.

• The yeare of the worlde .iiij. M. xliiij.
• The yeare of Rome .viij. C. liij.
• The yeare of Christe .C.

TRaianus the Emperoure reigned nynetene yeares and syxe monethes. This same was* 1.31 the fyrste of the straunge Emperours: For he was no Italian, but a Spanyarde by kynred. He was of suche notable honestie, that euer afterward, as oft as an Emperoure was electe, he dyd wyshe* 1.32 with open requeste, that: he might be lyke to Traia∣nus in honestie, & Augustus in happenesse. When he

had made the principall officers of his court, he ga∣ue* 1.33 hym a sworde in hys hande, sayeng these wor∣des: Vse this sworde agaynst myne enemies in iu∣ste causes. If I do not iustly, then drawe it vpon myselfe. The Romane empyre was neuer so large, as in the tyme of Traianus: and aboue the exam∣ples of other Emperours, possessed he the realmes of the East most largely. He had very great warres in Hungary and Germany.

Ihon the euangelist that was driuen out by Do¦mitian,* 1.34 returned agayne to Ephesus out of the yle Pathmos. If ye wyll reken the nōbre of the yeres, it shalbe founde that Sainct Ihon hath preached aboue thre score yeares. Good Lorde howe many* 1.35 myseries hath Sainct Ihon sene in so longe space, among the whiche was euen the greatest, the de∣struction of Hierusalem hys countrey: I wyll passe ouer how greueously hee hath stryuen wyth many and euen peruerset heretikes. For we reade that vpon a tyme Sainct Ihon came into a bath, and founde Cherinthus the Heretike sittyng with hys company, and disputynge earnestly amonge them, and the vnshamefast blasphemer denyed Christe to be man. But Sainct Ihon rysynge, bad hys frendes that were set wyth hym, to de∣parte with hym from thence: For God woulde not suffre any lenger so vnshamefast blasphemies. But strayghtwaye as he was gone out, the house* 1.36 fallyng downe, slewe Cherinthus wyth hys com∣pany. It is a dredefull example of Gods wrath a∣gaynst them whiche blaspheme the name of GOD, wyth open and manifest vngodlynesse, howe

litle he wyl suffre them to be vnpunished at length.

Euaristus the fift. B. of Rome succeded Clemēs

After Euaristus death succeded the .vi. B. of Rome Alexander the first of that name.

Vnder Traianus were many Christen men tor∣mented.* 1.37 But afterwarde was a sentence ordeined, that they shoulde not be brought into iudgement, without they were fyrst openly accused, and then shuld they be punyshed: and this was gotten by the benefite of Plinius. Traianus died of a flyxe in the* 1.38 belly.

• The yeare of the worlde .iiij. M. lxiiij.
• The yeare of Rome .viii. C. lxxiij.
• The yeare of Christe .C. xx.

ADrianus the .xii. Emperoure, reigned twenty yeares: He was adopted of Traia∣nus. He was a prince of greate wysdome, he was not geuen too warre after the example of Traianus, but was geuen to common peace by al maner of meanes: and of this wise restored he the Empyre in moste best fashion, wherfore he also deserued moste hygh prayse with euery man. Ther was neuer a more profytable Emperour to the Ro¦mysh kyngdome, sence Augustus, then this Adria∣nus. He was excellently learned in astronomy, and* 1.39 composed euery yeare a pronostication for hymself. Vnlearned readers of sciences put he out of wages, howbeit he prouided of hys own coste for thē, that they had no nede in the meane season: and set other learned and profitable mē to teache in their steade. He furnished also excellent libraries: for he was rea¦kened to be very well learned in Greke and Latin.

In the tyme of Adrianus began the Iewes to re∣store* 1.40 their kyngdom, fyndyng also out one Messias among thē: But Adrianus ouercame them, though it was not without great busynesse. Afterwarde commaunded he to repayre Ierusalem, and called her Elia, after his name Elius.

At the fyrst was he sore against the Christians,* 1.41 and commaunded to torment them: but afterward, when some learned Christen men wrote bokes to the Emperoure, the whiche are yet now adayes a brode, he chaunged his mynde, and commaunded that from thence foreward no man should be atta∣ched for his religion.

Xystus the fyrst of that name, and seuenth B. of Rome succeded Alexander.

After Xystus succeded Thelesphorus the eyght* 1.42 B. of Rome. He is reported to haue ben the institu∣ter of Lent.

The yeare of Christe .i. C. xl.* 1.43

ANtonius the Godly the .xiii. Emperour, was adopted by Adrianus: He reigned xxiij. yeres, & that with so great modesty and endeuoure of peace, that he shoulde oft haue sayed, that it were more honest to saue one citesyn by an Emperoure, than to slaye a thousand enemies.

Hyginius the nyneth B. of Rome succeded Thelesphorus.

Pius the .x. succeded Hyginius. Anicetus the xi. B. of Rome succeded Pius.

The yeare of Christe .c. lxiij.

MAr••••s Anthonius the philosopher the .xilij.* 1.44 Emperoure reigned .xix. yeares. The same gouerned the Empyre by good ryght with hys brother Lucius Verus: and these two were* 1.45 the first that ruled the Empyre together. But Ve∣rus liued not lōg in the gouernaūce. Marcus was lyke excellent, both in vertue and learnynge. He had also warre in Germany, agaynste them that dwelt in Morauia and Slesia, and also against the Vandali. He wrote many excellent lawes, the whi∣che are yet to be red in the Pandectes of the ciuyll lawe. He wrote also whole bookes wherof we haue sene some.

Moreouer in his tyme lyued Ptolomeus the* 1.46 astronomian, of whom we do worthely make men∣cion. For it hath pleased God, that so excellent doc∣trines should be kept and reserued vntyll these our tymes, through this man. Nether truely was this Ptolomeus a kyng, (for at that tyme had Egypte cea••sed of hauyng kynges,) but was a philosopher* 1.47 at Alexandria in Egypte. For God had garnyshed Egypte with mathematicall sciences, sence the ty∣me of Ioseph the sonne of Iacob the patriarke, by whome Egypte had fyrst receaued them, and kept them vntyll this Ptolomeus: and that is about twoo thousande yeares. For first Alexander, after∣warde the Romanes also had Egypte in greate esti∣macion for thys cause, and lest so noble sciences should perishe, they bestowed muche cost to enter∣tayne the Schole, whiche then finally wente too* 1.48 nought also, whan the kyngdome of Egypte was translated from the Romanes, and was myserably

spoyled by Mahomet. But that at the least some remnaunt of so necessary sciences should remayne, no doubt but God would them to be set in an order by this man, that they maye be kept of them that come after▪ for the whiche thyng God is greatly to* 1.49 be thanked. But how litle they of Mahomets secte are worthy to be called men, ye that they may be ra∣ther called beastes than men, doth it appeare there∣by, that they willed so auncient a scole to peryshe & be lost, whiche had nowstande and floryshed aboue two thousand yeres, being kept by so noble princes, in the whiche were taught all maner of wysdome and learnynge, not wythout the hygh benefite of God.

Soter the xij. byshop of Rome succeded Anyce∣tus, who ordeined, that they that were spoused, shoulde be wedded openly before the Churche or congregacion.

The yeare of Christe .C. lxxxiij.

COmmodus the .xv. Emperoure gouerned* 1.50 xij. yeare, and was equall euen to Nero in cruelnesse.

Eleuterius succeded Soter in the byshopricke.

The yeare of Christe .C. xcv.

Aelius Pertinax the .xvi. Emperoure reigned* 1.51 syxe monethes. He was slayne of Iulianus, who had bought the name of an Emperoure of the soul∣diours.

The yeare of Christe .C. xcvi.

Didius Iulianus the .xvii. Emperour reigned* 1.52 vii. monethes. He was very wel learned in y^• lawe.

He was slayne by Seuerus.

The yeare of Christ .C. xcvi.

SEuerus the .xviij. Emperoure reigne eightene yeres. The same restored agai〈…〉〈…〉* 1.53 the empire that was decaied wyth sund¦ry perels.

Victor the .xiiij. byshop of Rome succeded Ele••¦therius in the byshopryke.

Zepherinus the .xv. succeded victor. In his ty∣me was Origene, who taught the holy scripture at* 1.54 Alexandria. This mans bokes were afterwarde re¦fused, because he brought in vnprofitable disputa∣tions and allegoryes. Afterwarde was it the com∣mon fashion to mengle the phylosophy of Plato with holy scripture, whereof the churche had great dammage and inconuenience: For the phylosophy of Plato is farre from the common trade of lyuing:* 1.55 and contrary wyse the philosophy of Aristotel hath a beawtiful and ryght order, and yf she be wel vsed, exercised and vnderstande, she may verely brynge muche profite to Christen men that be learned.

The yeare of Christe .cc. xiiij.

ANtonius Bassianus Caracalla the .xix.* 1.56 Emperoure reygned syxe yeares. He commaunded hys brother Germane Ge∣ta to be slayne. He was wedded to his ste∣pmother. He required of Papinianus the great la∣wier to excuse the manslaughter that he had done with hys brother, to the whiche Papinian aunswe∣red:* 1.57 It were not so easy to defende a manslaughter, as to committe or do it. Wherfore dyd Antonius

cause to slaye Papinianus also, which was worthy to be reputed & taken for a lawier: namely because for righteousnesse and honesties sake he woulde ra¦ther yeoparde his lyfe, than to alowe a dishoneste* 1.58 dede. Not longe after the Emperoure Bassianus was duely rewarded for his tyranny, whan he ly∣kewyse was slayne.

Calistus the .xvi. byshop of Rome succeded Ze∣pherinus.* 1.59

Macrinus the .xx. Emperoure wyth hys sonne Diad••••menus raygned but one yeare and two mo∣nethes. They were both slayne.

The yeare of Christ .CC. xx••

VArus Heliogabalus the .xxi. Emperour raig¦ned* 1.60 foure yeares. He left no remembraunce of him, saue of a moost fylthye beaste: at the last was he slayne by the souldyours.

The yeare of Christ, CC. xxv.

ALexander Seuerus the .xxij. Emperoure:* 1.61 his mother was called Mammea. He raigned xi••••. yeares. He was made Emperoure beyng no more than twelue yeare old, ordeined by the soul¦diours, and that dyd the Senate alowe. He is greately praysed for hys diligence and God∣lynesse.* 1.62 In all thinges vsed he the counsell of Vl∣pianus the lawier only, nether spake he wyth anye man alone, saue wyth the same. But the souldi∣ours toke that in euyll worth, and specially because that by thys mans counsel, they were kepte more straytely in their duety by the Emperoure.

And whan for thys cause vpon a tyme the souldy∣ours rushynge vpon hym threatened to slaye hym, the Emperoure stept forth, and set his bodye in the daungers of Vlpianus, and couered hym wyth his cloake: that the souldiours myghte vnderstande, that the Emperour cared for Vlpianus health.

Thys was a notable example of Emperyall ver∣tue,* 1.63 whereby is euidentlye declared, that greate men ought not to regarde theyr lyfe and body for the mayntenaunce of iustice and ryhteousnesse.

Vrbanus the fyrst of that name, the .xvij. bishop of Rome succeded Calistus.

Pontianus the .xviij. succeded Vrbanus.

The yeare of Christ .CC. xxxviij.

MAximinus the .xxiij. Emperoure raygned thre yeares. The same whan he was yonge,* 1.64 was a shepeherde in Thracia: afterwarde folowed he the warre: and for the vnacustomed greatnesse of hys bodye, wyth the whyche he had a syngular boldnesse ioyned, he mounted by processe of tyme so hygh, that he was chosen Emperoure of the army, wythout anye consent or authoritie of the Senate.

He subdued Germany vntyll the wood Her∣cinia, and the vpper parte of it, vntyll the Fran∣kes. He vsed greate tyrannye, wherefore or∣deyned the Senate other Emperoures agaynste hym: and for that cause were somtyme feldes fou∣ghten amongest the Romanes, in the which the* 1.65 yonger Gordianus was slayne, and the elder Gordianus hanged hym selfe. But fynally was

Maximinus slayne of the souldiours wyth hys sonne by Aquileia.

Autherus the xviij. byshop of Rome succe∣ded Pontianus.

The yeare of Christe, CC. xli.

GOrdianus the .xxiiij. Emperoure raygned* 1.66 syxe yeares. He was ordeyned Emperoure by the Senate wyth Pupienus and Bal••••∣nus against Maximinus.

Whan Pupienus and Bal••••nus refused to graunt y^e souldiours all their requestes, they were slayne of them at Rome: and by thys meanes op∣tayned the yonger Gordianus the empyre alone. He brought home the victory of the Perses in the East, and restored some cityes agayne to the em∣pyre. But whan the hoost suffred hunger, Philip∣pus was made vpper captaine, by whose commaun¦dement Gordianus was slayne.

Whan Gordianus was made Emperoure,* 1.67 there happened an Eclypse of the Sunne so great, that durynge the same, men were fayne to vse can∣del lyghte. There were also earthquakes, where∣wyth some cities were euen destroyed.

The yeare of Christ .CC. xlvij.

PHilippus the .xxv. Emperoure raigned fyue yeares. He was an Arabian, and had bene longe tyme captayne of the hoost. This same* 1.68 toke vp his sonn Philippe also to the gouernaunce of the Empyre. But they were both slayne by the procurement of Decius, for takynge vpon them baptyme and knowledgyng of the name of Christ.

For thus raged the Emperours amongest them∣selues wyth manslaughter, by the sufferaunce of God, whyche thyng ought duely cause vs to drede and feare God.

The yeare of the worlde▪ foure thousande, one hundreth and two and nynety.

The yeare of Christe, two hundreth and eighte and fourty.

In the tyme of theyr gouernaunce was it a thousanth yeare sence Rome was buylded, whych was feasted and celebrate wyth a moost renoumed pompe of playes that wer had once man hundreth yeares, called Ludiseculares.

Fabianus the ninetenth byshop of Rome suc∣ceded* 1.69 Antherus. It is sayde that he baptysed Phi¦lippus the Emperoure, and that Philippus was the fyrst Emperoure, that acknowledged the Chri∣sten fayth.

The yeare of Christ .CC. L. iij.

DEcius the .xxvi. Emperoure raygned two* 1.70 yeares. He was no lesse a wyse prince, than a doughty warriour. He sett vp hys sonne also in the empyre wyth him. They were both slayne of the Gotthies, after that they had inuaded Thra∣cia,* 1.71 and after that wended them towarde Hunga∣ry. And though the Romanes had to do wyth the Gotthies before also, yet wyll I begynne the Got∣thian history here. For at that tyme they had an ar∣my of thre hundreth thousande: and they dyd a re∣noumed

acte in vanquy shynge Decius, so valiaunt a prince. But God woulde at the laste be reuenged* 1.72 of that tyrannye, wherein he commaunded by an open commaundemente to putt all them to death, that worshipped Christ. He putt to death Fabia∣nus* 1.73 the byshop of Rome, and Cyprian in Aphrica, and many other holy men. As for the Gotthies and other straunge nacions, breakynge into the Romishe dominion pulled awaye by violence the∣same, because of sheddynge of Christen mennes bloude. And this same had Sybilla prophecyed for to come. Besyde that is it clerely expressed in the Apocalypse.

Cornelius the .xx. byshop of Rome succeded* 1.74 Fabianus, who condempned the heresye of No∣uatius, concernynge the peruerse doctryne of pe∣naunce. For he taughte, that they whyche had receaued baptysme, and fell agayne into synne▪ coulde not come agayne to saluacyon: and wyth thys erroure broughte he manye to desperacy∣on, and spoyled the concorde of the churche or con∣gregatyon.

The yeare of Christ .CC. lv.

VIbius Gallus the .xxvij. Emperoure rayg∣ned* 1.75 two yeare wyth hys sonne Volusia∣nus. For whan Decius was slayne, Gal∣lus was saluted Emperoure of the hooste. Afterwarde were they both slayne of the souldy∣ours.

Lucius the .xxi. byshop of Rome succeded after Cornelius.

The yeare of Christ .CC. lv••••.

VAlerianus the .xxviii. Emperoure raygned* 1.76 syxe yeares. He was chosen Emperoure of the hoost in hygh Germany, and the Senate confirmed the same. For he was borne of a moste noble kynred at Rome, and had behaued hymselfe valiauntly in Germany.

At the laste was he taken of kynge Sapores* 1.77 by the Perses, and lyued in moost vyle seruyce For the barbarus king was so haut and presumptuous, that whan he had taken the Emperoure, he vsed hym for a chayre: and whan he wolde ride, he trode vpon the backe of Valerianus lyenge on hande and fete, and so stept on hys horse backe. But Sapores was lykewyse punyshed by Odena••us the Ro∣mane captayne.

GAlienus sonne to Valerianus the xxix. Em∣perour,* 1.78 gouerned y^e Empyre with his father▪ & after that the father was taken, he raigned nyne yeares. He was learned in good sciences, but lyuynge in greate excesse and dronkennesse, he gouerned but slowly the empyre, wherefore it mynyshed in many contryes. In the meane season was Posthumus made captayne of the hooste in* 1.79 Germany, whofor the singular endeuour to accom¦plysh his duety▪ was made Emperour of the hoost. But whan Galyenus had sent hys army agaynst Posthumus, he appoynted amonge the rest the Frankes to be in the hooste. And by thys occasyon were the Frankes fyrst steared to warre, the which afterwarde also, whan Posthumus was slayne

by sayenge of wayte and treason, remayned stylle in harnesse: the whyche we wyll also treate of here after, whan we shall treate of Carolus magnus. But we wolde lyghtely shew thys, lest the reader* 1.80 shulde be ignorant what was the occasyon why the Frankes dyd fyrst set them selues agaynst the Ro∣manes: and by the same meanes became they mygh¦ty in Germany and Fraunce. Of thys maner than beganne the Gotthyes fyrste to destroye the Ro∣mane domynyon, afterwarde the Frankes, and so forth other nacyons, so that I passe ouer in the me∣ane season that great slaughter, that the Perses in the East haue done.

The yeare of Christe .CC. lxxij.

Flauius Claudius the xxx. Emperoure raig∣ned* 1.81 two yeares. Thyssame deserued mooste greatest prayses. For hys notable and very princely vertues. Wherfore was the empire offred vnto hym both by Galyenus before hys death▪ af∣ter that of the hooste and senate wyth one consente of them all. Agaynst the Gotthyes foughte he in Hungary and Macedonya aboue mans thynkyng, and euer had the victorye. He ouercame also the Germanes that were fallen into Italy. He resto∣red Egypt to the Empyre. But Claudius deste∣ny suffred hym to lyue no longer, happely because the Romanes were not whorthy of suche a prin∣ce. For it behoued the empyre of Rome now to be∣gynn to decay, the which was somwhat repared &

restored by Claudius, and thre or foure of hys suc∣cessors. Constantinus the great was of thys Clau∣dius* 1.82 kynred, which we shall shewe hereafter.

Valerianus a debite put Lucius the byshop of Rome to death by martyrdome, whome succeded in the byshoprycke Stephanus the fyrste of that name the xxij. byshop.

Xystus the seconde of that name the .xxiij. by∣shop of Rome, succeded Stephanus.

Dyonysyus the xxiiij. byshope of Ro. succeded Xystus.

The yeare of Christ .CC. lx••iiij.

AVr••lianus the xxxi. Emperoure raygned fy∣ue* 1.83 yeare and ••yxemone thes. He was taken vp to the gouernaunce of the empyre by Claudi∣us for hys excellent prowises and feates of chyual∣ry. He ouercame the Frankes in a sore battayll, not farre from Mentz, afterwarde the Gotthyes also* 1.84 in Illyrycus. Besyde thys ouercame he in the East the quenezenobya, the which did great actes abo∣ue womanly nature, and had great warre with the Romanes.

He is worthy no small prayse also, because that in* 1.85 the hoost and amonge the souldyours he wolde al∣waye haue strayhgtly kepte and maynteyned mo∣desty and discipline of warre. For it befel vpon a ty∣me, that a souldiour forced hys hostesse and had to do with her: of which thing whan Aurelianus had knowledge, he wolde haue hym punyshed wyth a moost greueous kind of punyshment: He commaun¦ded two trees to be bowed do••••e to the earth, and

to binde the my••doer to the boughes of ether of the trees, and than lettynge the trees louse, dressynge themselues agayne, shulde wyth a greate violence teare the yonge man in peces. Thys Aurelianus was also a greate persecutor of the Christians.

Of the Manicheis the heretykes.

STrayghte waye after the Gospell was preached, rose sectes and dissensyous a∣mong Christen men. But I am not min¦ded to rehearse y^• erronious opinions of euery one in this treatise: I wyll only recyte the moost greatest, which haue infect and troubled ma∣ny and greate cityes and contryes wyth theyr ve∣n••m: that the reader maye knowe, nothynge to be* 1.86 more venimous in this commune lyfe of man, than false doctrine: and that all heretikes are desyrous of vproure, nether couet ought els, but that they maye defende and spreade abrode theyr erroure by vprour and commune ryot. For Sathan their che∣fe doer, is both a lyar and manslayer. Ether of thē truely is euident in all scismatickes, which both te∣ache false, and are wonte to rayse manslaughter through sedysyon and per••urbatyon of commune welthes.* 1.87

In the tyme of Aurelyanus beganne fyrst the Manycheis, and one Manes borne in Persya was begynner of them. Thyssame spred hys venim a∣brod largely, fyrst by y^• Arabians, afterward in Afri¦ca: the which went so spedely on, that it coulde not* 1.88 be swaged the space of two hundreth yeares af∣terwarde▪ The chefe of theyr doctryne was: that

ther were two goddes▪ the one good the other euel, and both lyke euerlastynge. This doctrine semed vnto mans reason alowable. For seynge God is good by nature, and that in the meane season the euell hath such power: it is necessary there be also a peculiar God▪ which is author and doer of euels, equall to the other God wyth power and euerla∣styngnesse. Besyde these had they other opinions that they taught, namely, that Christe was no true God: nether receaued they the bokes of the Apost∣les, but fayned there seuerall doctrines, the which they called Christes Gospel also: they boasted also of seuerall illuminations of heauen, and sayde they gaue the holy ghost. They ordeyned sundrye cere∣monies: they vsed also choyse of meates: they for∣badde wedlocke▪ sayenge that thereby is optayned the holy ghost. They taught also to reiect ciuil po∣wer. For matrimony and gouernaunce of commun¦welth they sayde to haue theyr ofspringe from the euell God, and not to be ordeined of the good God. Thomas Monetarius or mynter at Thuringen* 1.89 was playnly fallē into the same heresy in our daies.

The yeare of Christ .CC. lxxx.

TAcitus y^• .xxxij. Emperour raigned vi. mone∣thes.* 1.90 Probus y^• .xxxiii. Emperour ruled syxe* 1.91 yeares and foure monethes. Thissame is rekened among the most worthiest princes: he was chosen by the souldiours and confirmed by the Senate. He was the cause that peace was made both in the lower and hygher Germany. He ouercame y^• Fran¦kes & them of Thuringen▪ & in the histories of thys Emperour is the fyrst mencion made of the nacio•• of Thuringen.

Felix the .xxv. bysh. of Rome succeded Dionis••us. Eutichianus the .xxvi. succeded Felix.

Caius the .xxvij. succeded Eutichianus in the by∣shopryke.

The yeare of Christ .CC. lxxxvii

LArus the .xxxiiij. Emperoure raygned two* 1.92 yeare. He made hys sonnes Carinus and Nu¦merianus emperours wyth hym. Numeria∣nus was excellent in honestye and learninge. But Carinus was equall wyth Nero for his wicked∣nesse.

The yeare of Christ .CC. lxxxviij.

DIocletianus the .xxxv. Emperoure raygned* 1.93 twenty yeare, He was a prince of rype wyse∣dome, and garnished wyth manye noble de∣des. He restored Egypt to the Empyre. But he was a very fearce enemy to Christes religion. For be endeuoured to restore the olde state of the em∣pyre and olde fashyon of the commune welth: And for as muche as he dyd all thynges by the iudge∣ment of reason, he woulde not suffre the opinions of religion that were disagreynge. And whan he perceaued that in so greate trouble of warres he coulde not entertayne alone the largenesse of so great an empyre: besydes that, that it had oft fortu¦ned, other to couet the empyre by vproure, and to ben made Emperours, he willingly willed Maxi∣mianus* 1.94 to raygne wyth hym, and to be of lyke po∣wer, and the same warred in Gallia.

As for these two were a lyke called Augusti in the empire. These two Augusti chose other two▪ which

were not egall of power, but were as successors: nether were they called Augusti, but Cesares. Diocletianus chose Galerius, Maximianus chose Constantius. But ether of them both Diocletia∣nus and Maximianus were called Augustus. Afterwarde layenge aparte the gouernaunce of the empyre, they returned both to the quietnesse of a pryuate lyfe. But Maximianus woulde fayne haue returned to the gouernaunce, that by the∣same occasion, he myght haue promoted hys sonne Maxentius to the gouernaunce: and for that cause* 1.95 dyd Constancius hys brother in lawe cause hym to be slayn. Communely doth it so befal, that whan great empyres shall decaye, all shalbe fyrste fylled wyth vproures and inwarde debates, the whyche thys example doth wytnesse. Diocletianus lyued manye yeares priuate or withoute rule: at the last dyd he slaye hym selfe, whan he was afearde for Li¦cinius and Constantinus, whyche suspected hym that he woulde take Maxentius theyr enemyes parte.

The yeare of Christ .CCC. viij.

COnstantius the .xxxvi. Emperoure wyth Ga∣lerius Maximinus, and was ether of them* 1.96 Emperoure wyth greate prayse. After Dio∣cletianus death, raygned Constantius foure yea∣res. The contryes of Fraunce and Germany were subiect to hym, and he set them at quiet. He ouer∣came* 1.97 the Frankes and Almaynes. For of thys wise is Germany diuided: The Frankes toke that part of Germany to them, which is about y^e Rene: They that be called Alemanni are y^e hygher Germanes.

Constantius dyed in England, in whose stead was ordeined for to rule the empyre Constantinus hys sonne.

The yeare of Christ .iij. C. xij.

COnstantinus the .xxxvij. Emperoure raigned thyrty yeares. He restored the empyre to his* 1.98 former rest and tranquillitye. For whan Ma∣xentius had cruelly vsed tyranny at Rome, beynge ouercome by Constantinus, he was in a flyghte drouned in the ryuer Tybur, and receaued wor∣thy punishment for hys tyranny, the whyche he v∣sed both agaynst other men, and speciallye agaynst* 1.99 Christen men. And so dyd Constantinus and Lici∣nius gouerne the empyre together certayne yeres wyth greate concorde, and Constantinus wedded hys syster to Licinius. But we see somtyme to be∣fall in a great empyre such causes, wherin two doo* 1.100 seldom agree. It is saide, that the cause of the disa∣gremente betwene Constantinus and Licinius shoulde thence haue spronge that Licinius shoulde haue ben enemy to the Christians, and to haue oft required Constantinus to enterprise such thynges nomore.

Finallye Constantinus beynge compelled wyth great necessitye ouercame Licinius: howbeit left him alyue, vpon this condicion, that he layenge awaye the rule of the empyre, should lyue pryuate∣ly. Wherfore Constantinus gouerned the empyre afterwarde alone, and broughte all thynges into peace and honeste lawes. The emperour was the fyrst that openly knowledged the name of Christe.

Nether is it to be doubted, but that he was a true* 1.101 godly prynce: for he had the holy Gospell in such re¦uerence, that to the open wytnesse of hys fayeth, he caused the boke of y^e Gospel to be boren alway open∣ly before hym. He commaunded also bokes of the Bible to be written at his owne coste, and caused them to be sent into all contryes here and ther. He brought to passe, that the holy and profytable coun¦cell of Nicene was gathered, that so in hys tyme, he might set the state of the churche in a quietnesse. These finally are actes worthye for a good prince, which deserue a farre greater prayse, than that it is sayde he haue geuen to the bishop of Rome ma∣ny gyftes. Although the good Emperoure is wor∣thy to be praysed for that, that he gaue almesses & benefyces to mainteyn Euangelycall doctryne and ministers of the churche. But that Constantinus should haue be so liberall toward the byshop of Ro∣me, that he shoulde haue geuen hym for his vse the citye of Rome, and the halfe part of the empyre, as some do fable: no historyes that be alowed do wyt∣nesse the same.

The city Constantinopolis was builded by this* 1.102 Emperour and hath the name of him, whan before the citye of marchaundise that was in that place, was called B••zantium. The see of the empyre was* 1.103 afterward brought to Constantinople, as the histo¦ries folowinge do testifye.

Moreouer seing it is▪ no doubt that this prince is one, and that of the chefest of those princes, which God hath garnished wyth great vertues, we shall worthely recyte the ofspringe of hys kynrede, that

it maye be knowen, those most great and noble ver¦tues to be syngularly geuen of God to greate and noble families or houses.

Claudius the Emperour of most commenda∣ble name, had two brethren, Quintilius and Cris∣pus. Claudia the doughter of Crispus was wed∣ded to the noble prince Eutropius. And these are* 1.104 the ofspringe of Constantinus kynred.

• Eutropius a chefe go∣uernour at Rome.
• Claudia the brothers doughter of Claudius

Constantius the Emperour had

• Helena: her sonne was Constantinus y^e greate, hys wyfe was Fausta the doughter of Maxi∣mianus, whose chylde∣ren were Constantius, Constantinus and Con¦stans.
• Theodora the stepe∣doughter of Maximi¦anus: her sonne was Constantinus, & the∣same had sonnes, Gal∣lus and Iulianus.

Of Arrius the heretyke.

ARrius lyued in the tyme of Constanti∣nus.* 1.105 He was an open reader in the scole of Alexandria in Egypte. The churches concorde was miserably spoiled wyth hys error and heresy: For he taught y^t Christ was not truely and naturallye God. But what prac∣tyse and vicious pleasauntnesse of persuasyons he dyd vse to confyrme this error, it were to longe to rehearse. Howb••it it pleased the world so wel, that great learned bishops, and neare hande the whole churche of the Easte, wyth manye also in the Weste

dyd embrace hym. Neuerthelesse in the meane sea∣son wythstode heauely this heresy two bishops of notable godlynesse. The fyrst was Alexander, who* 1.106 optayned of Constantinus to gather the councell of Nicene, wherein was condemned the heresye of Arrius. Wherfore was Arrius forsaken and ban∣nished out of the dominion. But whan Constanti∣nus was deade, a certayne preste was in fauoure wyth Constantius, whom also he committed al his counsels: the same broughte to passe wyth his per∣suasyon by the Emperoure, that Arrius beyng cal∣led agayne, was sett in hys former office. The fyre that was metely well quenched afore, began nowe agayne to burne more fearcely, insomuche that the Emperoure Constancius beganne also to embrace* 1.107 thys erroure of Arrius. Whan at the last a daye was appointed by Constantius, wherein Alexan∣der and Arrius shoulde openly reason of the scryp∣ture, concerninge this learninge, Alexander spent the whole nyghte in prayenge in the temple, pray∣enge God, that the secte of Arrius should crepe no farther. Wherfore in the morninge before the ap∣poynted houre of the disputation, whan Arrius went to the place, he beganne (as he went) to haue payne in the bellye, and went to a preuye to do hys* 1.108 easement, where he aboue all mens estimacion, dy∣ed incontinent. Howbeit whan Arrius was of this wyse deade, yet ceased not the sede of his poysoned doctrine to be sowed larger abroade, because that they that were conspyred together of this secte, be∣ganne to sprede it more vehemently. At the laste whan Alexander was deade also, Athanasius hys

successor disputed hymselfe agaynste the Arryans: but the same beynge banyshede by Constantius, he* 1.109 fled from Egypt, vntyl the citye Tryere in Germa¦ny. And though thys was a very farre flyghte, yet was the bannyshed man fayne to hyde hymselfe se∣cretly at Tryere vntyll the eyght yeare. In the meane season was that heresy fearcely growen tho¦rough out in the East churche, euen so muche, that for a season a greate part of Christen men did leane to the Arrian secte, and out of thys secte sprange by lytle and lytle, other sectes many. Fynally whan the name of Arryans was by the decrees of many councels quenched, yet was it now and than rene∣wed againe in the churche vnder other names. In one citye were sundery opinions, and diuerse sec∣tes persecuted eche other, insomuche that the one running vpon the other in theyr temples, made ry∣ots and committed man slaughter. At that tyme was the state of the church very wretched and py∣teous, the which worthely gaue an occasiō of slaun¦der, not only to the Gentyls, why they dyd not em¦brace the word of God: but dyd offende other also, that they went from the Christianity to the Idola∣try of the Heythen, among the which was also Iu∣lianus the Emperoure. In the tyme of this so mys∣cheuous* 1.110 heresy, came vp finally Mahomet, to whō by Arrius was as it were a window handsomly o∣pened: & was the forerunner of this most cruel An∣tichrist. For whan the myndes of men went astray in so great dissension of opinions, came Mahomet, & inuented very wysely the thirde way, wherwith he should heale the variete & diuersyty of errours.

For he toke awaye all disputacions, whiche thinge men dyd alowe. But hereof shall we speake after∣warde. And let thys suffise to be rehearsed of the Arryans erroure and other lyke heresyes: of the whiche we haue here made mencyon therfore, that it may be sene how greate dammages, manslaugh∣ters, seditions & ryotous heresyes do brynge both to the commune welth, and to the churche.

Marcellynus the .xxviij. byshop of Rome succe∣ded Cains.

Marcellus the xxix succeded Marcellinus. Eusebius the xxx. bysh. succeded Marcellus. Melciades the .xxxi. succeded Eusebius. Syluester the xxxij. succeded Melciades. Marcus the xxxii••. was bysh. after Syluester.

Not long before Constantinus death, was a ve∣ry* 1.111 greate comete sene certayne monethes, whiche signifyed the greate warre and commotion, that folowed after Constantinus death.

The yeare of Christe .CCC. xli••.

COnstantynus the .xxxviij. Emperoure rayg∣ned.* 1.112 xxiiij. yeares. But the father had so or∣deyned the empyre, that the thre bretheren shulde raigne together, Constantinus in Fraunce, Spayne and Germany: Constantius in the Easte, Constans in Italy and Illyrieus, But the yonger brother Constantinus, was not content wyth the dominion of his empyre, but woulde raygne alone, and wente into Italy agaynste his brother Con∣stans, trustynge to his puyssaunce, because he had valyaunt souldyours. But God suffred not thys rashnesse longe vnpunished: for thys Constanti∣nus

was slayne not longe after.* 1.113

And by this occasion optained Constans y^• whole empyre of the West, the which he gouerned lucke∣ly. Moreouer had he a captayne called Magnenti¦us* 1.114 at Ausburch, whose life he had once saued. The same slewe his most gentle mayster, and made hym selfe Emperoure, and made a settyng forth of war vpon Constantius. Constantius made hys nepheu Gallus Emperoure of the Easte, and went wyth an army agaynst the seditious captayne, and ouer∣came hym. The manslaughter in thys stryfe was so great, that as it is redde, y^• power of the empyre was so abated, that many yeares after they coulde not come to theyr former strength: because the best and chosen part of the people was so slayne, that the empire could not a great while resist and with∣stand the Barbarians. After that this manslaugh∣ter* 1.115 was done the mooste myscheuous man Mag∣nentius slew himselfe, and so punished God the de∣ath of Constans the good prince.

Iulius the fyrst of that name the .xxxiiii. bysh. of Rome came after Marcus.

But whan this Iulius was deade, was Ly∣beryus* 1.116 the .xxxv. made byshop who (because he wythstode the heresye of Arryus) was dryuen a∣waye by Constantius, and Felix was ordeyned in hys steade, who for feare of the Emperoure dys∣sembled the erroure of the Arryans. At that tyme was Conuocatyons hadde at Mylane and Ari∣mium playn contrary to the decrees of the councel of Nicene: but theyr mindes were nothing set by.

These examples wytnesse y^• the state of the church was piteous and miserable at that tyme.

The yeare of Christ .CCC. lxv.

IVlianus the Apostata or forsaker of his pro∣fession* 1.117 the .xxxix. Emperoure raygned two yeares. He was the nephew of Constantius & brother to Gallus, the which we haue spoken of be∣fore. He was of so greate learnyng, that beynge yong, he taught holy scripture openly in the church of Nicomedia: afterwarde goynge to Athenes, he learned philosophy. But whan hys brother Gal¦lus was slayn, Constantius sent hym into Fraunce and Germany, and not farre from Strasburch he vanquyshed thyrty thousande Almanes, for whych cause he was sodenly by the fauoure of the souldy∣ours* 1.118 made Emperoure at Strasburch. More∣ouer whan greate dyssensyons were amonge the Christyans, by reason of the varyetye of opinyons, for the whyche some dispayred, some dyd wholy de¦cyuer from the Christen fayth to the worshyppinge of Idols, Iulianus became an apostata also: for he was yet yonge, and vsed the company of Rhetori∣cyans and Phylosophers, whiche disputed of God after the vnderstandynge or meanynge of mans reason. Yet dyd he not persecute Christen men by open force, but he thought rather to destroye them by suttelltye. For openly he forbadde them to haue scoles, that they myght not be taughte: thynkynge (as it is in dede) that whan teachyuge were auoy∣ded, the doctrine of relygyon shulde easely go to nought. He forbadde also, that Christen men shulde

haue no authoritye to vse warrefaringe wyth the* 1.119 Romanes: that by no occasyon they might come to the gouernaunce of the commune welth. He toke the goodes of the churches with laughter, sayenge he dyd Christen men a pleasure, namely that they beynge become poore, might thesooner come to he∣uen, seynge the Gospell promyseth heauen to the poore. He dyd assault the Christian fayeth fearcely, euen with wrytinges also. Agaynst those hath Cy∣rillus the bishop of Alexandria written, whose boke* 1.120 is yet founde among the remembraunces or moni∣mentes of Ihon Reuchlin in the toune Pforsa in Germanye: not vnprofytable veryly to be redde. Gregorius Nazanzenus hath answered him also, but very easely: for he was not effectual ynough to put of those reproches, which Iulianus vsed in con¦futinge the Gospell. For he intreated moost chefest vpon that: seyng the Gospel teacheth that man ou∣ght not to reuenge, that thereby is taken awaye and forbodden ciuill vengeaunce in iudgementes, and gouernaunce of commune welthes: wythoute the which mans estates can by no meanes endure. And this same false accusation doth he treate wyth many wordes, where as yet euerye Godlye study∣ant of true godlynesse doeth knowe that the same* 1.121 vengeaunce, whiche euery office vseth, is not for∣bydden in the Gospell: but only the for••yng of pry∣uate vengeaunce, which is done withoute officers authoritye. These suttyll forged and slaunde∣rous reproches of Iulianus were very greueous to Christen men, insomuche that they prayed o∣penly against so pernisius hostilitie of the Gospell.

And therfore whan he was gone into Persya, he was slayne in a wyldernesse. It is wrytten that* 1.122 whan he was wounded, and laye vpon the ground dyenge, he shulde haue taken hys hande fulle of bloude, and castynge towarde heauen, to haue sayde: Thou Galylean hast vanquyshed at the laste▪ Meanynge Christe, whome he called a Ga∣lylean. Therfore it is come by Iulyanus vngodly∣nesse, that the Empyre is remoued and transla∣ted from the mooste noble stocke of Constanty∣nus.

The yeare of Christe .CCC. lxvii

IOuinyanus the ▪xl. Emperoure raygned se∣uen monethes. It was a noble prince of god∣lynesse.* 1.123 He called agayne the bishops that were bannyshed by Constanty••us and Iulyanus: he commaunded also the tythes to be payed to the churches. He was taken wythan ague gotten by ouermuche weerynesse of trauaylle, whereof he dyed.

The yeare of Christe .CCC. lxviii

VAlentynianus the .xli. Emperoure raygned twelue yeares. He ordeyned hys brother Valens a companion in the empyre. Valens ruled in the Easte, Valentinyanus went into the Weste, Ether of them was a Christian. Valentiny∣anus had ben a captayne of the louldyours vnder Iulianus: but he forsoke him, because he wolde not* 1.124 forsake y^e integrity or soundnesse of Christen religi¦on: beside also because he had geuen a Heithen prest a blowe, by whom he was biddē to do sacrificy with

reachynge hym water of Idolatrye, whan he ta∣ryed for the commynge of Iulyanus. But God recompensed hym afterwarde wyth the honoure where he came to, for the iniurye that Iulyanus dyd hym. He had greate warres in Germany he subdued the Saxons and Burgunnyons: For* 1.125 they also are counted amonge the Saxons, whiche aboute that tyme went by the floude Rhe••e. And though they were vanquyshed by Valentinian yet afterwarde recouerynge strenghte, they passed the Rhene, and toke in these contryes, whych yet he∣therto are called Burgundy. But of these shall we speake hereafter.

VAlens raygned after his brothers death two* 1.126 yeare. He was a defender of Arria••s heresy. But for thys vngodlynesse was he punished, whan he was ••layne by the Gotthyes by Constan∣tinople. For whan Valens beinge put to flyghte* 1.127 gat hym into a lytle towne, the Gotthyes set it on fyre, and burnt hym. Whan Valens was deade, the Gotthyes dyd muche harme to them of Con∣stantynople: but the quene Valens wedowe, ge∣uynge them large mony refrayned them from the destructyon of it.

Whan Liberius was dead, Damasus was made the xxxix. byshoppe of Rome. By this man was S. Hierome in his youth lyke a notarye.* 1.128

After Damasus was Siricius bysh. the xl.

The yeare of Christe .CCC. lxxxiii.

GRatyanus the xlii. Emperoure raygned* 1.129 after the deathe of Valens syxe yeares. This same was the eldest sonne of Valenty∣nianus,

and taken in the felowshype of the empyre, by hys fathers lyfe. But whan the father was deade, he toke for hys companyon into the empyre hys yonger brother Valentinianus. But seynge the empyre was here and there troubled by reason of many vproures, nether couldbe gouerned with∣out some sage and fortunable prince, he chose The∣odosyus for a companion in the empyre, and sente* 1.130 hym into the Easte, where he ouercame the Got∣thyes by Constantynople, and droue them out of Thracya. Gratyanus was slayne by intrappe in Fraunce of hys gouernoure Maximus, who made hymselfe Emperour by tyranny. Gratyanus was a prince excellente both in honestye and learnynge, and a true maynteyner of Christen relygyon: he sent the knowledge of his fayth in wrytyng to. S. Ambrose. Valentinianus hys brother was also slayne by a trayne of hys gouernoure Arbogastes: but Theodosyus gatheryng a greate army, ouer∣threw* 1.131 both Maximus and Arbogastes. Maxi∣mus beynge taken, was put to execucyon. Arbo∣gastes slew hymselfe. Wherfore Theodosius had the Empyre alone.

The yeare of Christe .CCC. lxxxviij.

THeodosyus the xliij. Emperour raygned af∣ter* 1.132 that Gratianus was slayn by Maximus xi. yeares. He was a spanyarde, and set all the Empyre in quyet, from Germany vntil Egipt. He was fyrst in Germany, but beynge called into Thracya by Gracyanus, afterwarde was Styl∣lico* 1.133 sent in to Germany by Theodosyus, who com¦pelled the Frankes and Saxons to kepe peace.

Besides this restored he peace also to the church:* 1.134 He gathered commune conuencyous, and willed the doctrine of relygyon to be publyshed in all con∣tryes. S. Ambrose bewayled his death, & amonge other wordes he sayeth: I loued the man whan he* 1.135 dyed: for he was more combred for the state of the churches, than for hys owne daungers. To be combred so greatly wyth cares for the relygyon, that be verily true vertues worthy for goode prin∣ces.

Anastasius the fyrst of that name the .xli. bysh. of Rome succeded Syric••us. Innocentius the fyrst of that name the xlii bysh. of Rome succeded Anastasius.

Of Pelagius the heretike.

IN the tyme of thys byshop of Rome, one* 1.136 Pelagius liued in Britanne. The same taughte, that we are not iustyfyed and saued by the mercy of God for Christes sake, wythout our deseruynge: but by oure owne workes and naturall vertues, is true and sounde ryghteousnesse purchased by God, and remyssy∣on ofsynnes optayned not by the fayth of Christe, but by oure workes and procuracyons. Agaynste* 1.137 thys man hath. S. Augustine wrytten moost sub∣stancially, and hath bickered fearcely wyth this sentence, and hath defended it agaynst hym, that we are saued by fayth wythout oure deseruynge, and that we optayne remyssyon ofsynnes by the mercy of God only, yf we do truste to it. For yf remyssyon or forgeuenesse of synnes came by

oure workes, the conscience should neuer be in qu••∣er and assured, but should alwaye be in doubte: For mans endeuoure is to weake, than that God be∣ynge displeased, can be apeased therewyth, and the drede of death taken awaye. Neuerthelesse God requyreth of vs obedience and good worckes and that the conscyences be sure, we doo please God, that he wyll heare them that call vpon hym, and saue vs. Howbeit that thys doth not stande in the worthynesse of oure worckes: but in the promyse and mercy of God. Thys mynde of S. Augustyne whan it is knowen, doth brynge greate comfort to the consciences of the godlye, and teacheth what the true fayth is, and that God in the meane sea∣son requireth good workes of vs. The same veryly doth he requyre of vs: but by fayeth onely wyll he haue vs to receaue the forgeuenesse ofsynne, with∣out regarde of oure deseruynges. The doctryne of Pelagius is condempned in some councels of our tyme.

The spoylyng of the fourth Monarchy.

The yeare of Christ, CCC. x••viij.

ARcadius the sonne of Theodosius raigned* 1.138 thyrtene yeare in the East at Constantinople. Honorius hys brother raygned in the Weste wyth lyke authoritie nyne and twenty yeares▪* 1.139 both whyle hys brother was alyue and whan he was deade: for whan Arcadius was deade, Hono∣rius was yet alyue.

Of the Gotthies.

• The yeare of Christe CCCC. v.
• The yeare of Rome M. C. lvii.
• The yeare of the worlde MMMM. CCC. xlix.

ABout thys tyme came the Gotthy fyrste into* 1.140 Italy, wyth a greate and dredeful army. But for asmuche as euerye where is made muche mencyon of the Gotthyes▪ we shall here summare¦ly draw the histories of theyr of spryng and actes.

The Gotthi, Vandali, Rugiani and Hunni be not estimed to be one people: but the Gotthi are Dutchmen out of the Ile Godtlande, which dwelt in a parte of Lislande and Littowe: For ether of these contryes lyeth ouer against Godtland by the seasyde. And therefore doth Procopius call them aryght Cimme••ij and Gethe. These than in the time of the Romanes were gone into Thracia and Hungary, and the Romysh Emperours assayed to dryue them out agayne, but all was in vayne. In the rehearsall of Decius, haue we touched the be∣gynnyng of their history: For the fyrst great battail of the Romanes agaynst them was vnder Decius, wherein also Decius was slayne. But afterwarde though the Romane Emperours made the Got∣thies haue much ado: yet remayned they in Thra∣cia and Hungary, and in, Asia about Constantyno∣ple they toke in certayn contryes. It is sayde, that* 1.141 yet now adayes dwell Gotthy in the half Ile Tau¦rica, which speake Dutche, and call themselus Got¦thi. Howbeit they lefte Hungarye and also Thracia so at the laste, that of theyr free wyll they

went fyrst into Italy, and afterward into Spayn: Afterwarde were the rest of the Gotthies destro∣yed by the Vandalyes and Hunmes commyng out of Scythya. The Hunny made theyr dwellinge place in Hungary. But the contryes that lye part∣ly vnder, partly aboute Hungary, haue the Van∣daly taken in.

But in the tyme of Arcadius and Honorius are the Gotthy come into Italy. The mooste noble Emperoure Theodosius ordeined to his sonnes* 1.142 two capitaines Rufinus and Stillico, and wylled them to care for the Emperours yong sonnes: but the one was disloyal to hys lorde. Rufinus was of Gallia: the same enticed the Gotthies against Arca¦dius, and hoped to optayne the kyngdome by that meane: but he was frustrated of his purpose, for he was slaine by Stillico. As for Stillico was a Van¦dale:* 1.143 and whan some of the Gotthi were come a∣gaynst Arcadius, Stillico broughte to passe, that the Gotthi which Theodosius hadde taken in wa∣ges, were letten go. Beside that did Stillico sett the Vandalies against the Gotthies: and so whan the Gotthies were fyrste angered thorough Rufinus, and than chafed by Stillico, their kinge Radagasus brought two hundreth thousand Got∣thies* 1.144 into Italy the same yeare that we haue speci∣fied a fore. And as histories do make mencion here, that at Rome wer great cōplaintes against Christ. because that so lamentable decaye of the empyre they supposed to come of the despisynge of the god∣des, and small regarde of the worshyppe and ho∣nour of the former religion. As for Stillico van∣quished

and ouercame Radagasus and hys hoost in the straytes comminge from the citye Florence, goynge to Apenninum. This is the fyrst history of the Gotthies in Italy.* 1.145

After Radagasus came another hooste of Got∣thies into Italy, whose captayne was Alaricus. With the same dyd Honorius agree, that he should depart out of Italy, & go into Gallia, the whyche at that tyme was awaystynge of y^• Frankes, Burgun¦dions & Vandales: insomuche that Honorius mis∣trusted he could kepe Gallia no lenger: & therefore thought he to bringe to passe, that the Barbarians shuld stryue among thēselues for it. But what hap¦pened? Whan Alaricus taketh his yourney vpon him, Stillico doth fall vpon him vnwarres, vpon Easter daye, whyle the truce did yet last. The next day after, doth he lykewise wyth an appointed ar∣my ouerthrowe and vanquyshe Stillico, and being angry vpō him, he besyeged Rome. Honorius was at Rauenna, & caused Stillico to be putt to death, as one y^• had not done faithfully, & willed y^e empyre to be taken frō Honorius & to be geuen ouer to him. Wherfore there was now no captayne mete to de∣lyuer the citye of Rome from the syege. Therfore* 1.146 dyd Alaricus take in Rome after two yeres syege: and that was about the xv. yeare of Honorius, the foure hundreth and twelft yeare of Christ, and the thousand, hundreth and thre score and fourth yere after the building of Rome.* 1.147

That Var ro writeth of the xij. rauens, whiche Romulus sawe, to signify, that Rome should last a thousand and two hundreth yeares, though thys

nombre of the yeares be not farre from this reke∣ning: yet I suppose their interpretation rather to* 1.148 pertayne to Totilas, who afterwarde in the tyme of Iustinianus dyd set Rome in fyre, & wholy spoy∣led it, and that was an hundreth and syxe and thyr∣ty yeares after Alaricus. For Alaricus dyd not spoyle the citie, but rather gaue a commaundement that they should be spared, whyche fled to the tem∣ples of the Christians, Alaricus drue back agayne out of the citie and not longe after dyed. Whan he* 1.149 was deade, Ataulphus was made kyng of the Got¦thies: the same came agayne to Rome, and takynge to wyfe Placidia Honorius syster, beynge pacified by her, he spared Rome, and wente into Fraunce, and afterwarde into Spayne: and of this wyse did finally the Gotthies leaue Italye, and went into Spayne. For Alaricus had before inuaded y^• Spa¦niardes, & the Gotthies remaining in Spayne af∣terward, had y^e dominion ther. The Vandali came into Spayne, & after that the Suein: but the Got∣thies remaining ther, the Vandali came into Aphri¦ca. Of these Gotthies are borne the Christē kinges* 1.150 in Spayne, of whom hath his of springe the most fa¦mous Emperoure that now is, Charles the fyft of y^• name. For though y^• Sarraceni inuaded Spaine afterward, & became mighty in it, yet could thei not destroy the residue of the other kinges of y^• linage.

The yeare of Christe .CCCC. lvi.

The yeare of Rome. M. CC. vij. came out of Aphrica to Rome Genserichus the Vandall, and spoiled the citye haynously. But what was y^• cause* 1.151 of Genserichus comminge, shall we shew, whan we

shall haue occasyon to treate of the Vandalies.

Dietrichus of Berna.* 1.152

THe Gotthies came nomore into Italy af∣terward, saue in the tyme of Zeno the Em¦peroure, whan Othacarus was become mighty at Rome. The same was a Barba¦rian, borne in Rugia, & was a souldiour vnder Au∣gustulus, & being become puissaunt by that meanes he vsed great tyranny at Rome: insomuch y^e the Ro¦manes required ayde against him: Than was sent* 1.153 by Leno into Italy Dietrichus surnamed of Ber∣na. The same slayenge Othacarus, raigned two & thyrty yeares in Italy: he loued peace out of mea∣sure, and had most deserued to haue the fauoure of Italy, insomuch, that as histories do make menciō, Italy neuer had a foren prince more frendelier and gentlyer. He gaue also much goodes to the chur∣ches vse, to entertayne the ministers of the word, & to mainteyne the doctrine of religion. But he was infect with the heresy of Arrius, as also the reste of* 1.154 y^• Gotthies. For whan y^• Gotthies required of Va∣lens y^e Emperours prestes, of whom they might be instructed in y^t Christen religion, he sent them Arri∣an doctors. Howbeit y^• most noble vertues of this Dietrichus deserued those praises, which cōmonly are songe in those dityes as are vsed now adayes. In thē is made mencion of giauntes, which signifi∣eth the Barbarous, whō Dietrichus hath vanqui∣shed & slayne. He is surnamed of Berna, because he was wonte to be muche at Verone wyth the court. Besydes this man was also another Dietri∣chus

a Gotthian lykewyse, by whose valiauntnesse Attila was slayne, but he dyed in the same felde. He* 1.155 was so great a man, that besyde him, noman coulde lyghtely haue enterprysed oughte against Attila. The same Dietrichus was not surnamed of Ber∣na, but he was his cosyn. He was fyue and forty yeare before the tyme of Dietrichus of Berna.

Kynges of the Gotthies in the West in Spayne.

• Alaricus* 1.156
• Ataulphus
• Mallia

Kynges of the Got¦thies in the East in Hungary.

• Dietrichus* 1.157
• Hermerichus
• Ditmarus
• Dietrichus of Berna* 1.158

HImelsuitha the doughter of Dietrichus of Berna had a sonne called Adelrichus: the∣same raygned eight yeres at Rome in Italy after the death of Dietrichus of Berna, and the mo¦ther ruled with great praise. Whan her sonne was deade, she delyuered the gouernaunce to her ne∣phew Theodatus: but the same not remembrynge the benefyte that he had optayned, caused by a trayne her to be slayn, in the tyme of Iustinian the Emperoure. Dietrichus of Berna had mo dough∣ters* 1.159 besydes this: he had also geuen hys systers doughter in mariage to the kynge of Thuringen: whyche thynge I would not passeouer here, with∣out the syngular prayse and commendacyon of the princes of Thuringen.

THeodatus raigned ii. yeres, & was worthely punished. For whan the moost honeste quene* 1.160

Himelsuith a had commended herselfe and her sōne to. Iustinian the Emperoure, Iustinian toke an oc∣casion to reuenge the murther, and sent Bellisarius into Italy against the Gotthies. Now was Theo∣datus suspected, because he withstode not Bellisa∣rius, as though he would betray the Gotthies: the* 1.161 whiche Gotthies made Wittichus kyng, by whose commaundement was Theodatus slayne.

VVitichus reigned thre yeares. Against hym warred Bellisarius with greate policy: For Wittichus had an appoynted army of more then twoo hundreth thousand men. Bellisarius kept hymselfe within the walles of Rome, whome Wittichus besyeged a whole yeare, and there was a great derth, not onely at Rome, but also in al Ita∣ly. But as the Gotthies fled and strayed here and there without order, by reason of the great derth. Bellisarius folowed vpon them and ouerthrue thē and enclosyng in Wittichus by an intrap, toke him. But in y^• meane seasō could not the Gotthies be vt∣terly weded out, but Iustinianus making peace w^t them, graunted them to dwell in the contreis from the Alpes, vntyll the ryuer Padus, nether shoulde passe these bondes. He called Bellisarius back agayne: for he feared, lest he being made Emperour, he should take to hym the empyre of Italy: though Bellisarius trustyd in his affayres, went not about suche thynges. Wherfore beyng returned to Con∣stantinople, he brought Wittichus and other of the greatest nobilitie prysoners with hym in a greate triumphe.

Totilas was made king of the Gotthies after the depar∣〈2 pages missing〉〈2 pages missing〉

THus was Rome foure tymes taken of the Gotthies and Vandalies within an hundreth and nyne and thyrty ye∣res. First by Alaricus, vnder the Em∣perour Honorius.

The yere of Christ .CCCC. xij.

After that by Genserichus the Vandal in the ty∣me of Martianus.

The yeare of Christe .CCCC. lvi.

THyrdly by Totilas kyng of the Gotthies: and this oppression of the citie was the moste he∣uiest of all. For she was both taken and burnt the .xxi. yeare of Iustinianus: the yeare after the buyldyng of her a thousand, and thre hundreth.

The yeare of Christ .CCCCC. xlviij.

Fourthly, the third yeare after this destruction.

The yeare of Christe .CCCCC. li.

After this spoylyng beganne Totilas to restore agayne the citie of Rome, and suffered the cytesens to returne agayne into her. But what fauoure he shewed, and how gently he behaued hymselfe, wyt∣nesse the wordes that are written concernyng hys frendlynesse, that he bare suche an affection toward his subiects, and specially the Romanes, as becom∣meth a father to haue toward his chyldren: and it is sayde that Totilas learned by saynt Benets doc∣trine* 1.162 and admonition to beare rule of that sorte.

Afterwarde sent Iustinianus a prince of syngu∣lare wysdom, called Narses, into Italy against To∣tilas. The same called the Lombardes to ayde him.* 1.163 The same were Saxons, whiche with appoynted armies had brought themselues to the coastes of

Austria: the same brought Narses into Italy, and by their ayde ouercame he Totilas, and after ward Teia, whiche was the last kyng of the Gotthies in* 1.164 Italy. And this is the ende of the Gotthies kyng∣dome by the Italians, whiche had last sence Dietri∣chus of Berna vntyll Teia thre score yeares. That Dietrichus, Totila and Teia were both very wyse and doughty princes, testifye their dedes and noble actes, insomuche that if ye wyl esteme them by their vertues, they ought not to be called Barbarians. When the Gotthies were ouercome the power and rychesse of the Lombardes beganne to growe, and gatte one of the kyngdomes of Italy: howbeit they possessed not whole Italy, but onely that part of I∣taly that yet is called Lombardy. The kyngdome* 1.165 of Lombardy lasted vntyll the tyme of Carolus ma¦gnus. Though the Gotthies were dryuen out of Italy, yet were they myghty in Spayne, and ruled there vntyll this oure tyme. And of this wyse was* 1.166 at the last Spayne and part of Fraunce translated from the empyre of Rome vnder Homorius. As for Italy was restored to his tranquilitie while Hono∣rius lyued yet. For the Gotthies drue partly into Lombardy, partly into Spayne: besyde this were the Frankes myghty in Fraunce.

After Innocentius was Sosimus made the xliiij. byshop of Rome.

Bonifacius the first of that name and xlv. byshop of Rome succeded Sosimus.

After Bonifacius death was Celestinus the first of the name made byshop of Rome.

The yere of Christe .CCCC. xxvij.

THeodosius the yonger the sonne of Arcadius* 1.167 the .xlv. Emperoure reigned at Constantino∣ple seuen and twenty yeares after the death of Honorius. He made Valentinian the sonne of Con∣stantius and Placidia, whiche was the daughter of Theodosius, fellow in the Easte empyre.

Of the Vandalies.

IN the tyme of this Theodosius the yere* 1.168 of Christ, CCCC. xxxiij. came the Vādali into Aphrica by this occasion. Thos two capitaines of the Romanes hated eche o∣ther, and fought other whiles with playn fielddes. Wherfore the one, called bonifati••s, entyced busely the Vandalies that were in Spayne at that tyme to come into Aphrica, which thyng they did gladly. For the Gotthi beyng myghty in Spayne, coulde not suffre the Vādalies. For (as we shewed before) the Vandalies moued by Stillico against the Got∣thies, toke in the contreis that be about Hungary, namely Walachia & Illyricus, where the Gotthies dwelt afore. Besyde that were they also in Germa¦ny, from whence as they went into Fraūce, they did much hurte: howbeit they were driuen out of Fraū∣ce by the Frankes and Gotthies. Afterward beyng come into Spayne, they vere constrayned to fyght agayne with the Gotthies: but in Aphrica beganne the power of the Vandalies to growe and encrease S. Augustine also died about that time, when Gen¦serichus* 1.169 kyng of the Vandalies besieged the towne Hippo, wherein. S. Augustine was byshop.* 1.170

When Valentintanus was dead, one Maximus

made hymselfe Emperoure at Rome of his owne mynde. But the quene E••doxia, because she would haue the heires that were left to succede in the em∣pyre, sought ayde by Genserichus againste Maxi∣mus, by whose helpe the citie of Rome was taken & spoyled. But the Vandall vsed a Vandalians faith∣fulnesse* 1.171 and stedfastnesse with the quene: for he lede her, with her two daughters away with hym into* 1.172 Aphrica prysoner. For so doth it somtyme befall, when we call foren ayde to defende oure goodes. Howbeit afterwarde vnder Iustinianus, though the Vandalies were not vtterly roted out in Aphri¦ca: yet were they brought to suche strayghtnesse, that they could neuer floryshe any more. For Geli∣merus the kyng was taken by Bellisarius, & Aphri¦ca beyng subdued, obeyed the Empyre agayne. But not lōg after began the Saracens to haue dominiō in Aphrica. Let this suffise to speke of the Vādalies

Of the Boemes.

IT is also to be noted, that about this time* 1.173 came fyrst of all in Germany the Vandali, wherein they haue yet a great part nowe a dayes, namely the kyngdom of Boeme, whiche was in tymes past part of Germany: which* 1.174 the word Boeme, which is a Germane worde doth testifie sufficiently, whiche was before the Vandali came into these countreis. The worde hath his syg¦nificacion of the Bauaries or Beyers, to whō it was wont to be subiect, wherfore it is properly called Bo¦ienheim. Nether wyll the Vandali of Boeme be cal¦led Boemes, but zeski, after their capitayne, by

whose guyde they were fyrst brought into Boeme. But these auncient Boemes, the Germanes, were in greate admiracion and confederacion with the Romanes, and by Cornelius Tacitus the history writer they are highly praised. By this occasiō also is Germany translated from the Roman empyres* 1.175 monarchy. For in low Germany were the Frankes puyssaunt, in hygh Germany Alemanni, and in Boe¦me the Vandali. But what is happened to Boeme afterward, and whan it was subdued again by the Germane Emperoures, that shall we shewe in the histories of the Emperours: for there shall we shew some other thynges of the chaunge of the thynges of Germany.

The yere of Christ .CCCC. liiij.

VVhen Theodosius the younger was deade,* 1.176 reigned Valentimanus the .xlvi. Emperour in the Weste, fyue yeares, and whyle Theodo¦sius liued, reigned he fyue and twenty yeres. But after Theodosius death was the .xlvii. Emperour in the Easte Martianus. In his tyme was the hor∣rible settyng forth of Attila.

Of Attila.

FIrst of all came into Hungarye the Got∣thies afterward the Vandali, last of al the Hūni, and these last kept the lande, of whō it is called Hungary. This cruell people* 1.177 dyd moste mischefe nerehand to all Europa. Attila brought an army of three hundreth thousande into Germany, and toke in many myghty cities, among the whiche was Basil, Ausborowe, Strasborowe,

Wormes, Coelen, and many other cities. Goynge forth from thence into Fraūce, toke the kyng of the Bourgunyons, he besieged the citie Aureola, and entended to vsurpe the dominion of whole Europa

At that tyme was in the hether part of Fraunce whiche the Romane Emperours kept, a Romane captaine, called Aetius: the same made a confedera∣cion* 1.178 with the Frankes and Gotthies, that with ly∣ke hande they should resiste the moste cruell tyraūt. But Attila, because he was afrayed for the power of the Gotthies he procured by Dietrichus theyr kyng, that they should not ayde the Romanes: but after their singular constance refused the Gotthies al maner of frendshyp or allegeaunce with the Bar¦barous tyraunt. Wherefore both hostes met at To∣louse* 1.179 in Fraunce: on the Romane syde Aetius, the Gotthi and Frankes, and of the other syde Attila. And histories make mencion, that in the West came neuer so great an hoost and multitude together, as at that tyme. The battaill lasted from the Sunne rysyng, vntyll nyght. At the last Attila beyng driuē to the flyght, lost a hundreth and foure score thou∣sand men: he himselfe also was driuen to such strait∣nesse, that he had nearehande slayne hymselfe. And though Aetius, the Frankes and the Gotthies had the victory, yet dyed Dietrichus kyng of the Got∣thies in that battayll. The sonne would haue reuē∣ged the fathers death, and entended to gather an army, and persue Attila, and to destroie the resydue of his hoost: and would vndoubtedly haue done it had he not chaunged his mynde through the coun∣saill of Aetius. But that counsaill of Aetius was

nought, for Attila myght at that tyme haue bene o∣uer come with a small army. But afterward beyng returned into Hungary, restoring his host, & recoue¦ryng strength, he inuaded Italy, taking in the cities from the first entry of Italy, vntyl the moūtayn Ap¦penninus. Then Leo the byshop of Rome metyng hym, knelyng besought hym, that he would go back again. It is reported y^• Attila shuld haue said, he saw the image of a man standing by the byshop, threate∣ning him with a drawen sworde, & he being afraied, promised to go backe again. Whē he was come again* 1.180 into Hungary, he made a great wedding, and being the fyrst nyght sore dronken, dyed a certaine death. Of this wyse died this tyraunt, that was not asha¦med to call hymselfe thescourge of God.

Venice.

AT this tyme was Venice the citie builded in the sea, where the best of Italy fled for feare of Attila.

After Celestinus was Xystus made the xlvij. byshop of Rome, the third of that name.

After Xystus succeded Leo the .xlviij. byshop the fyrst of that name.

When Leo was deade, Hilarius was made the xlix. byshop of Rome.

Valentinianus the Emperoure caused Aetius to* 1.181 be put to death, because he suspected hym to couet y^• empyre. But this is the worldes reward forsoth, for the great valiauntnesses. Stillico Aetius & af∣terward Bellisarius were most excellēt captaines. Nether were in the empyre any els, which resēbled the vertues and strength of the auncient Romanes

so well, as they: but they were not worthely rewar∣ded for suche desertes. Valentinianus demaunded of a Romane prince, whether Aetius were not wor¦thely punyshed? who said, he could not tell: but this was he sure, that the Emperour had with his left hande cut of hys ryght hande.

After Valētinianus was the empire of Rome nere hand toren in peaces, & many called thē Emperours in Italy. Yet in y^e meane season remained y^• maistie of an Emperours name by them of Cōstantinople, & afterwarde restored Iustinianus the West empyre by Bellisarius & Narses. But after that Valētinia∣nus was deade, many were called Emperours at once, & within .xx. yeres had Italy .ix. Emperours, whiche reigned by a succession, & the one was slayn of the other by occasion. The last was called Augu∣stulus* 1.182 (that is, litle noble or litle ful of maiesty.) The diminution of the name, was an euidence that the gouernaūce of the Augustus▪ should fayle in Italy: for with this Augustulus failed finally the empyre. Othacarus droue out the same Augustulus, agaīst whom was Dietrichus of Bernasent into Italy, in the tyme of zeno the Emperoure. Wherefore was the empire of Italy translated to the Gotthi, which afterward were suppressed vnder Iustinianus, as we haue sayde before.

The yeare of Christe .CCCC. lx.

LEo the fyrst of that name, the .xlviij. Emperour* 1.183 reigned syxten yeares. The same made hys sonne of lyke name Emperour, who because he was to yonge, fet the emperial crowne on zeno his stepfathers heade.

The yeare of Christe .CCCC. lxxvi.

ZEno the .xlix. Emperoure reigned .xvii. yeares.* 1.184 The same sent Dietrichus of Berna into Italy, and made hym a Consul. For Dietrichus for his noble feates was he more renowmed, then for his own vertues. For he ruled not as an Augustus, but lyke a tyraunt.

The yere of Christe .CCCC. xcii.

Anastasius the .L. Emperoure reigned .xxvi.* 1.185 yeares. He died stricken with alyghtenyng.

The yeare of Christ .CCCCC. xix.

IVstinus the .li. Emperoure reigned nyne ye∣res.* 1.186 In his young age was he a swyneheerde, afterwarde became he a souldiour. But when Anastasius was dead, a gelded man that was ry∣che, gaue Iustinus muche mony, that with the con∣sent of the souldiours, the same gelded man myght be chosen Emperour. Howbeit Iustinus remem∣bryng hymselfe, brought to passe, that he hymselfe myght be made Emperour.

The yeare of Christ .CCCCC. xxv.

IVustinianus the .lii. Emperour reigned eight* 1.187 and thirty yeares. The same set his mynde to repaire the Empire. He was the syster sonne of the former Iustine, & by a syngular gift of God had* 1.188 he two captains or marshals, Bellisarius & Narses by whose aide he hath brought to passe most renow¦med thinges. Bellisarius ouercame y^• Perses, & sa∣ued Syria, & restored Aphrica to y^e empire: beside y^• had he also great victories in Italy against the Got¦thies, whose power was afterwarde vtterly brou∣ght to nought by Narses. Iustinianus made peace

and amitie with the Frankes that were in Fraunce and graunted them frely to haue parte of Fraunce, as writeth Procopius the historyographer.* 1.189

When euery where was peace made, Iustinia∣nus caused also the auncient lawes of the Romans to be gathered in bookes called Digesta, that is, bo∣kes appoynted in order: but the same bookes were darkened not long after Iustinianus, through la∣wes of the Lombardes and Frankes: neuerthelesse after a good season, were they brought too lyght agayne by. Lotharius a Saxon Emperour, of whō we shall speake hereafter. Howbeit, it were to long to reherse here how greatly this wysdome is to bee praysed in the Emperoure, who wylled that iustice and these lawes to be commonly executed, as by the iudgement of all sage and good men can nothynge be more honest, holy and more profitable.

Of Bellisarius.

I can not worthely ouerpasse that of Belil∣sarius, which he hath handled most faith∣fully in all thynges: he was a peace and concorde maker in all the worlde. He dyd wholy restore the empire of Rome, that was neare∣hand decaied and altogether weakened: to be short, he shewed hys lorde and all the worlde suche plea∣sure,* 1.190 that none coulde be greater nor more prayse worthy: and if they were estymed aryght, they are hygh and incredible gyftes of God. But what thā∣kes the worlde geueth agayn for so great vertues, and suche g••stes of God, that doth the example of* 1.191 Bellisarius declare sufficiently: whom Iustinianus

of a very lyght suspicion without cause, caused to put out his eye••••, and droue him away, that he shuld be fayne to seke his meate with beggyng: at the last dyed he lyke a moste wretched begger. Of this wy∣se* 1.192 doth the deuel at the last set hym against the grea¦test men, whiche vndoubtedly hateth all Gods wor¦kes, and moste hygh vertues in men.

Besyde thys dyd Narses also fall in the Empe∣rours indignacion, but he woulde not returne to Constantinople: For that he myght be more safe for daungers, he remayned all hys lyfe longe at Na∣ples in Italy.

Simplicius the .l. bysh. of Ro. succeded Hilarius.

Felix the secōd of that name succeded Simplicius.

After Felix was Gelasius the .lij. bysh. of Rome.

Anastasius the seconde of that name was after Gelasius.

After Anastasius was Symmachus the .liiij. by∣shop of Rome.

In hys tyme was the fyrst trouble raysed for the* 1.193 chosyng of the byshop of Rome. For some woulde haue had one Laurentu••s, agaynst Symmachus▪ and thys stryfe was the cause of a greate slaughter at Rome. At the last did Dietrichus of Bernaswag this vproure.

After Symmachus succeded Hormisda y^e lv. bysh.

Ioannes the first succeded Hormisda.

Felix the thyrd the .lvii. bysh. was after Ioannes.

Bonifacius the secōd the .lviii. bysh. succeded Felix

Ioannes the second succeded Bonifacius.

Agapetus the. l••. byshop succeded Ioannes. This same optained of the Emperoure Iustinianus that

heretikes shuld not be brought to Constantinople.

Syluerius the .lxi. bysh. succeded Agapetus.

Vigilius was bysh. after Syluerius. Thissame was taken of Iustinianus, and vncourteously en∣treated, because he would not consent to the restitu¦cion of the bannyshed heretikes.

Pelagius the first succeded after Vigelius in the tyme of Totilas.

Ioānes the third was y^e .lxiiij. bysh. after Pelagi{us}* 1.194

In these tymes were sene very dredeful wōders in the skye, by the Italians. There were sene bur∣nyng battayls, Cometes. Besyde this also was Ro¦me nearehand drowned wyth the surroundyng of the Tyber. These tokens signified the decay of the Romane empyre and the Churche, the whiche en∣sued afterward. For not long after rose the Maho∣meticall pestilence.

The yeare of Christ .CCCCC. lxvi.* 1.195

IUstinus the second of that name, the .liij. Em∣peroure reygned ten yeares. He was Iustinia¦nus systers sonne. In his tyme toke in the Lō∣bardes parte of Italy to dwell in, whyche was the yeare of Christe .CCCCC. lxxij.

The yeare of Christe .CCCCC. lxxvi.* 1.196

TIberius the second of this name, the .liiij. Em¦peroure reigned seuen yeares. He was Iusti∣nus marshall, and was taken of hym for hys sonne and heyre of the empyre. He vanquyshed the Perses: but had no good fortune in Italy agaynst the Lombardes.

Benedictus the .lxv. bysh. of Ro. succeded Pelagi{us} Pelagius the second was bysh. after Benedictus.〈2 pages missing〉〈2 pages missing〉

Of Mahomet and of the kyngdome of the Sarracens.

• The yeare of Christe vi. C. xxx.
• The yeare of Heraclius xv.
• The yeare of the worlde iiij. M. v. C. lxxiiii
• The yeare of Rome M. iii. C. lxxxii

MAhomet auaunted hymselfe a prophet & also a king in Arabia, by the Agarenies* 1.197 and Saraceus, & that by this occasion: The Agareny dwellinge in the entryng of Arabia, were alwaye geuen to robbery and exer¦cyse of warre.

Whan they were now enticed with the Persian* 1.198 warres, they receyued wages vnder Heraclius. And whan it was shewed them by y^e Emperoures captaynes, they lokynge for no more wages, ray∣sed an vproure agaynst the Romane captayns. By reason of thys commune vproure beganne Maho∣mets power to encrease. For seynge the commune people coulde want no captayne, they dyd lyghte∣ly stycke to Mahomett, who passed all other for his greate ryches, and other syngular vertues. But that he myghte the more easely bryng the peoples maners into some certayne order, he purposed to make lawes, not only in ciuill matters, but also to bind the mindes of the cōmune people to a certaine and new forme of religion, that he might the better kepe them all in their duety, nother might ryse any occasion of disscucion. For he sawe that euery wher were sondry & disagreing mindes of the doctryn of religion. For y^e concord of the Churches was spoy∣led

by sundery heresyes, and chefely wyth the wic∣ked learning of Arrius. But whan the consciences are tangled wyth errour, and the myndes wauer, than do they lightely suspect the doctrine of Christ, and be in shorte space dryuen hether and thether. Wherfore as mens myndes were thus relyng and* 1.199 vncertayn, Mahomet hauyng gotten oportunitie, prescribed suche a forme of religion, wherein those heade chapters of the fayeth, that spake of Christe were past ouer, and that therefore, lest the doctrine of the fayth should more be broughte into doutfull disputatyons: but restynge only in the vnderstan∣dyng or capacyte of reason, myghte commaunde of courtesye of maners, and maner to lyue honestlye. Thys truely is acceptable to mens nature. Ther∣fore embraced thys doctryne the Gentyls, Iewes, Arrians and such as were deciuered from the Chri¦sten religion. For thys fayth semed to be alowable to euery man: Wherfore men of vnlyke kynred, vn∣lyke language▪ the one liuynge otherwyse than the other, it is vnpossyble to saye how easely they grew and increased in myght to resyst the Romanes va∣liauntly. For first began they to subdue Arabia and* 1.200 part of Syria. For Damascus was Mahomets courte. Afterwarde became they myghty in Egipt also. Let thys suffyse brefely spoken of the begyn∣nyng of y^e dredefull kyngdome of Mahomet, wher∣in raygned fyrst the Arabians & Egypcians, which called them Sultan or Souldan, that is, prince:* 1.201 afterward was the empyre brought to y^e Turkes. As for y^e kingdome is y^e greatest part of Antichrist, & in the Prophetes are y^e most certayne prophecies

of it, wherein voe are earnestlye warned of God* 1.202 to eschue thys pestylence. In Danyell is he payn∣ted of thys wyse: In that terryble beaste, whyche is the figure of the Romyshe empyre, doth growe a horne, throughe whose power are thre hornes pulled out, and hath eyes, and speaketh dredefull blasphemyes agaynst God. Thys horne is Ma∣homet: the eyes and dredeful blasphemies against God is the Alco••an and doctryne of Mahomette, whiche spred farther, than the dominio•• was. For neare hand all the East quarter is infect wyth that de••elyshe doctryne. The thre hornes ••ignifye the ••hre kyngdomes Arabia, Sirya and Egy••t which Mahome••e had taken in. All those thinges she∣wed God before, that we beyng aduertised should not be offended at thys tyme. Also that we shulde not be ignorant, that it is ••he laste kyngdome, and that the daye of the laste ••••dgement is to be loked for. The posteritye of Mahomet, not beynge con∣tent wyth the boundes of hys kyngdomes, st••oue also wyth the Emperours of Constantinople, for the kingdome of A••••a.

Thys kyngdome of Mahomet was fyrste cal∣led the kyngdome of the Sa••acens. For thoughe* 1.203 he was an Agarene borne, yet chaunged he that name not wythoute a greate cause, for the promise made ••o Abraham in s••ript••re was made to the▪ so••* 1.204 of Sara, and not of Agar. Now were the Agare∣••y of Agar. But forasmuche as Mahomet vnder∣ne•••• a color pretended that hys people were accep∣table to God, ye & to whom perteyned the promesse of the blessing, that they shuld haue dominion of the

world, (for he expounded all the promises of y^• scrip¦ture carnally) chaungyng the name of set purpose, he called his people Sa••••acens, as children of Sa¦ra, and not Agarens. These Saracens became* 1.205 myghty, not only in Asia, but also in Aphrica. And from thence went they into Spayne also, and kep•• a greate parte of it a longe season. Into Italy haue they made many inuasyons also.

Of the ••urkes begynnyng.

THE cause of the comming of the Tur∣kes* 1.206 out of Tartary into Asia was, that whan the Saracens warred against y^• Perses, the Perses required ayde of the Turkes. As for these Turkes wer Tartares by the ••yll Caucasus. Thys happened not longe before Caro••us Caluus, about the yeare of Christ eyght hundreth thre score and ten. After thys assistaunce beganne the Turkes by lytle and ••y••le to remayne in Asia, euen as it happeneth most commonly whan we call for foren helpe. But foras∣much as the Turkes were chefely geuen to warre∣faring, it came to passe, that the rule of the royalme came to their handes. And fyrst began Othoman∣nus* 1.207 the Turke to excelle in power and myghte, in the tyme of Albert of Eastenriche the fyrst, whyche was sonne to Rodu••phus the Emperoure. Thys was about the thousand and thre hundreth yeare after Thristes incarnation. Now sence thys Otho∣mannus* 1.208 tyme, was Mahomets kyngdome cha••n∣ged into the name of y^• Turkish empyre. It is wor∣thy to be noted here, that this present nacion of the Turkes began to subdue contryes, & to beare rule

in the ••yme of the fyrst Emperour of the ••astry••h•• house: and it is to be hoped that it shalbe lyk••wyse repressed at the ••aste by an Emperoure of the same stocke of Eastryche.

The figure of this Turkysh kyngdome is d••••••ri¦bed full of dredefulnesse in holy scripture, that we shuld not be ignoraunt that this were the de••els kyngdom, and by whose power and prosperity we might not be with drawen, to de••••••er from Christe to Mahomets vngodlynesse. Ezech••e•• and▪ S.* 1.209 Ihon call the Turkes Gog and Magog.

Gog, is called a ••ent: Magog▪ is the people with ou•• the tentes: for the Tartaryes ••wel in ••entes. And Ezechiel wr••••eth plainly, that God fuffred the power of Gog ••o be augmented, because of peoples synnes

Mahomet signifieth rage or indignation.* 1.210

••ur••a signi••yeth sou••d your or wayster. Me∣thodius called thys people Redde Iewes beca••se ••h••y haue borowed some ceremonyes of y^• Iewes▪ Nether were they the very Iewes, but were cal∣••••d the Re••d Iewes, ether because they were coue ••ous of man s••aughter and bloude, or els because* 1.211 Mahomet was born of Edom in Arab••a: for Edom signifieth reed. Methodius sayeth that Gog and Magog were closed in beyond the hylles Caspii: that is Caucasus, and that a ••oxe shal make them a passage. This ••ox•• is Mah••met: for beyng prouo∣k••d by mahomets law, they became mighty and be¦gan to beare r••le.

We haued ••••••ared before how the Romane Mo¦narchy came to y^• East▪ But now are y^• 〈◊〉〈◊〉

〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Egypte, Syria Asia and Aphrica ••y ••he Mahometystes▪ vntyll finally the Turkes at ••hys ••yme haue taken and waysted Grece, and what more was restynge.

Deus dedit the, ••xxi. ••ish. of Rome succeded Bo¦••ifacius▪ in the tyme of Heraclius.

After him was bonifacius the fyft the lxxii. bysh In hys tyme was. S. Gallus. The same taughte* 1.212 Christes doctrine in hygh Germany.

After hym was byshop Honorius the fyrste, and in hys tyme was Mahomet.

After him was Seuerinus y^• lxxiiii. ••ish. of Rom.

After him. succe. Ioannes the▪ iiii. the lxxv. bysh.

After Ioannes was Theodorus a Greke y^• lxxvi

The yeare of Christe .vi. C. xli

COnstantinus the sonne of Heraclius the▪ lviij.* 1.213 Emperour▪ raygned four monethes. His step mother Martyna poysonned hym, that she might make hyr sonne Emperoure.

The yeare of Christe .vi. C. xli••.

HEracleonas the son of Heraclius the lix. Em¦perour* 1.214 raygned two yeares after that Con¦stantinus was poysoned. But▪ whan y^• senate and communalty of Cōstantinople had knowledge of the mysche••o••s dede, risyng vp agaynst the mo∣ther* 1.215 and son ••eracleonas, cuttynge of his nose, and hyr and the ••atryarkes tunges, who dyd ayde them to do the dede, bannyshed them all thre.

The yeare of Christ .vi. C. xliii

COnsans the sonne of Constantinus the lx.* 1.216 Emperoure raygned xxvii. yeares. He was ouercome in the East of y^• Sara••ens in Italy

of the Lombardes. He was a mooste couetous manne, and at the laste was he slayne of hys owne men in a bath at Syracuse.

Martinus the first succeded Theodorus in Con¦stans tyme.

Eugenius the fyrst the lxxviii. byshopp succeded Martinus.

Vitalianus the lxxix. bishop. succeded Eugenius.

The yeare of Christe .vi. C. lxx.

COnstantinus y^• sonne of Constans the lxi. Em¦peroure* 1.217 raygned xvii. yeares. He was called Pogonatus, that is, bearded. He had warre with the Saracens seuen yeres, of the which were slayn in one feld thyrty thousande, insomuche that theyr power beyng weakened, they were constray¦ned to demaund peace with Constantyn: the which he graunted them, but vpon this condycyon, that they shuld geue to the Emperoure yearly tribute.

After Vitalianus was Adrodatus made y^• lxxx bys. of Ro. in y^• time of Constantinus Pogonatus.

Donus was the lxxxi. byshop after Adrodatus.

Agatho succeded Donus.

Leo the ij. succeded Agatho.

Benedictus y^• secōd was y^• lxxxiiij bish. after Leo

Ioannes the v. was the lxxxv. byshop after Be∣nedictus.

Conon the lxxxvi. byshop succeded Ioannes. The yeare of Christ. vi C. lxxxvii.

IVstinianus the son of Constantinus the lxii.* 1.218 Emperour raygned xvi. yeres, but not conty∣nually. For whan he had ruled ten yeare, he was put downe and driuen out by Leontius, who

raigned thre yeare after that Iustinianus was cha¦ced oute. Leontius was taken prisoner of Tiberi∣us* 1.219 Apsimarus, who raigned after him seuen yere. But thenceforth was Iustinianus restored agayn, and dyd tread both vpon Leontius and Tiberius that were prisoners, beyng cast downe before hym, and caused openly to be cried out: Thou shalt tread* 1.220 vpon the serpent aspis and the coccatryce. After∣ward were they beheaded.

Sergius the lxxxvii. bishop of Rome was after Conon, and than was great dissencion for the elec∣tion.* 1.221 In his tyme lyued Beda in England.

Ioannes y^• vi. was after Sergius y^• lxxxviij. bish

Ioannes the vii. was after Ioannes the vi.

Zosimus the xc. bysh. succeded Ioannes the vii.

Constantinus was byshop after Zosimus.

The yeare of Christe vij. C. xiii.

PHilippus Bardesanes y^• lxv. Emperour raig¦ned* 1.222 one yeare and sixe monethes: Beyng ta¦ken of his marshall, was depriued of the Em∣pyre, and hys eyen put out.

The yeare of Christe vii C. xv.

ANastasius the lxvi. Emperoure raygned one yeare & thre monethes. The same was also ta∣ken of his captayn Theodosius, and depriued* 1.223 of the empyre: and that he mighte lyue solitarely, was he putt into a monastery.

The yeare of Christe vii. C. xvii.

THeodosius the lxvii Emperour raigned only* 1.224 one yeare. He forsoke the empyre, whan he perceaued that he was inuaded of Leo, and mystrusted he coulde not kepe the Empyre.

He became a monke, and dyed in a priuate lyfe.

The yeare of Christ .vij. C. xviij.

LEo the .iij. the .lxviij. Emperour raigned twen¦ty* 1.225 yeares. He was surnamed Iconomachus, that is, assaulter of ymages, because he had cō∣maunded to take oute of the tempels the ymages of saynctes, and to burne them. The citye Constan tinopole was besyeged viij. yeare longe of the Sa∣racens in his time, y^t which suffered great misery in that fyege, by reason of the greate hunger and pe∣stilence. Yee and were also slayn of the Bulgaries, whych ayded the emperoure. Besydes that also were the Saracens shippes burnt, wyth fyre that was craftely made vnder the water.

After Constantinus was Gregorius the second made the .xcij. byshop of Rome in the tyme of Leo Iconomachus.

Gregorius the .vij. succeded Gregorius the .ij.

The yeare of Christ .vii. C. xlii.

COnstantinus the sonne of Leo, the .lxix. Em∣peroure* 1.226 raygned thyrty yeare: he was surna∣med Copronymus, because that at his bapty∣synge, he dyd hys casement in the founte. He also was a destroyer of ymages.

The yeare of Christ .vii. C. lxxvii.

LEo the .iiij. the sonne of Copronymus the lxx.* 1.227 Emperour raygned fyue yeare.

The yeare of Christ .vii. C. lxxxiii.

* 1.228

LOnstantinus Leo the fourth sonne the lxxi. Emperoure raygned wyth hys mother I∣rene ten yeares.

She was of Athens, and ruled moost sagely, aboue

the vnderstandyng of woman kynne, and wyth the alowance of euery man. After her, raygned her son fyue yeares, she beynge put from the gouernaunce. But they of Constantinople not sufferyng hys wi∣ckednesse, called the mother agayne from the aexile, whych raygned after warde thre yeare. Of thys wyse were Irene and Constantinus gouernynge the empyre together xviij. yeares, vntyll the yeare of Christ .viij. C. and i.

But though the Christen Emperours were all∣waye at Constantinople, whiche called themselues Emperours of Rome also, vntyll at the last, the ci∣tie was taken in of the Turkes: yet in y^e meane sea∣son whan the power of the empyre began so to faid, that the Emperours were notable to defende no∣ther theyr tytle, nor Italy, the Romanes were con¦strayned to seke ayde at the Frankes, whose pow∣er was than the greatest. Wherefore came the ma∣iestie of the Emperours name to Carolus. And be∣cause oure Emperours haue alwaye maynteyned and defended Italy wyth stronge hande, we wyll aduysedly passe ouer here the Greke Emperours, (for some were tangled with want on pleasure, effe∣minate, and wholy vnapt to haue gouernaunce,) & recite orderly our Emperours, which are worthy to be cōmēded for their notable vertues & prowesses. Zacharias was the .xciiij. bish. after Gregori{us}. y^e iij.

This same wynkyng at the matter, was the olde Hilderichus kyng of Fraunce pryued of the empire* 1.229 and put into a monastery, and Pipinus was made kyng in his stead. For all the power was come to y^e princes, by reason the kynges were enpoueryshed.

In the tyme also of thys zachary dyd. S. Bonifa¦cius* 1.230 preache in Germany.

Stephanus the ii. succeded zachary. The same prouoked Pipynus into Italy agaynste the Lom∣bardes, whose kynge he besyeged, and compelled him to require peace.

Paulus the fyrste was after Stephanus the xcvi. byshop.

Stephanus the thyrde was after Paulus. In* 1.231 hys tyme happened greate stryfes and rumors at Rome for the chosynge of theyr byshop. One Con∣stantynus was chosen byshop by force, and agayne putte downe, and all they that he had consecrated, were destitute and forsaken.

Adrianus the fyrste succeded Stephanus. The same enticed Carolus the great to come into Italy agaynste Desiderius kynge of the Lombardes Leo the thyrde the .xcix. byshop folowed after Adrianus. Whan a seditious vproure was raysed against him at Rome, he fled to Carolus the great or Charlemayne, by whom he was restored. And the same ordeyned Charle∣mayne Emperoure, and crowned hym. ∵

¶ Of the Germanes

Emperours.

• Charles the greate.
• The yeare of Christ viij. C. i.
• The yere of the worlde .iiij. M. vii. C. xlv
• The yeare of Rome .M. v. C. li.

CArolus magnus was crowned Empe∣rour* 1.232 of Leo the iij. the very Christmasse daye. Thys was the begynnynge of translatinge the empyre to the Germa∣nes, and by this translatynge happened vnto Ita∣ly and the Best kyngdome a moost mightye heade, and a moost sure fortresse. For though the Empe∣rours of Germany were not alway of lyke power, as in no kyngdome the kynges were alwaye of lyke power or lyke fortunate: yet in prowesse were they such somtyme, that they dyd rydde Italy out of daungers, and preserued not onely in the Weste quietnesse in the commune welth: but also kept the Christen religion sound in the churche. And if ye wyll ponder the feates dedes, and maners of oure Emperours, ye shall iudge them to haue ben excel∣lent wyse princes, and not barbarous, and in no∣thing to be estimed lesse, than those excellentand al∣lowable Emperours Augustus, Traianus, Adria∣nus and Constantinus: yee yf ye do aduisedly pon∣der all thynges, ye shall saye, that ther hath bene more honestye and modestye in oure Emperours, than in them. Thys shall ye fynde also, that ours haue enterprysed no warre of any ambicion or pri∣uate

profyte: but only of necessitie, to mayntayne re¦ligion, to defende the liberty of the empyre and the sauegarde of the subiectes.

As for me, beynge certayne of myne owne vna∣blenesse, though I can not iudge nor speake of the vertues of greate men acrording to theyr worthy∣nesse: yt is my mynde to praise some princes aboue the other. For I iudge it to be pertaynynge to the duety of euery history wryter, that he do nowe and than turne asyde into the rehearsall of the most best vertues, and shewe them to the reader for a shewe as an example to folow. Now in mens assaires can nothinge ••e more honeste nor more pleasaunt, than the consyderacion and knowledge of princely ver∣tues in great men. Wherfore I woulde oure Ger∣mane Emperours were so set before the eyes of our Germanes, that they myght know theyr vertues, and wonder at them: wonder it is how greatly the same wolde helpe and further to the amendement, and also rayse a flame in the hartes of good men to folowe. In my iudgement are these princes doute∣lesse suche, whyche be worthy farre to be preferred before the auncient Romanes, whether ye wyll re∣garde wysedome, or strength, or finally the ende∣uour of honesty and modestye.

The rehearsall of the Germane Emperours.

• Carolus magnus.
• Ludouicus pius the sonne of Carolus mag∣nus▪

• ...
  After the syxe Saxons.
  • Henricus the fyrste.
  • Otho the greate.
  • Otho the second.
  • Otho the thyrd.
  • Henricus y^• .ij. which is buried at Bamberch.
  • Lotharius the Saxon.
  Item these Frankes.
  • Cunradus.
  • Henricus the sonne of Cunradus.
  Item these Schwaben.
  • Fridericus Barbarossa.
  • Fridericus the second.
  • Afterward Rodolphus.
  • Sigismundus.
  • Maximilianus.

Of Germany, and occasyon of the kyng∣dome of the Frankes.

ALl Germany was not subiecte to the em¦pyre, but had onely those contryes, that are betwene the Rene and the Danow. And much worke had the Emperoures, before oure nacion could be subdued and kept.

For in the tyme of Augustus had Drusus war∣res* 1.233 and Germanicus, afterwarde Caius, and after him Vitellius, Domitianus. Traianus had subdu∣ed the lower Germany vntyll Moganus. Maxi∣minus was come vntyll Schwartzwald. Valeria∣nus was wyth an hoost in hygh Germany.

After hym vnder Galienus the Frankes beynge sett in a commotion, began to ryse: but by the Em∣peroures folowynge, were theyr violences some∣tyme assuaged. For Aurelianus vanquyshed them by Mayntz. Probus had many and noble victory∣es in lowe Germany. Constantinus buylded the citye Spyre. Iulianus, Valentinianus and Theo∣dosius dyd lykewyse subdue the Alemans & Fran∣kes, and the contries that lye by the Rhene, and toke in Schwaben land also.

But after that the power of the Frankes and Alemans begonne to encrease, the Emperours re∣turned* 1.234 not into Germany. Some fable diuersly of the fyrst begynnynge of the Frankes: but it is cer∣tayne, that they were hyghe Germanes in Augu∣stus tyme. For we haue no certaynty of the Ger∣manes estate out of histories before Augustus. But that the Frankes were in suche estimacion by the hygh Germanes, that it can easely be proued out of Strabo, who wrote an history in the tyme of Au∣guste, and warrefared wyth the Romanes. As for Strabo sayeth that the Frankes were ioynyng to the Vindelici, that is, Bayerlanders, vpon the which they border partly at thys tyme also. The* 1.235 commotion of the Frankes beganne by thys occa∣syon: In the tyme of Galianus the Emperoure, was Posthumus captayne in Germany: the same was made Emperoure by the people for hys syngu¦lar honestye, and vertues in gouernynge the em∣pyre, Galienus in the meane season lyued in ydel∣nesse and pleasure at Rome. But whan Galienus hearde that Posthumus was made Emperoure,

he sent against hym an apointed army. Posthumus likewyse commaunded his men to be in a readinesse among the whiche were euen the Frankes the prin¦cipall. And though Posthumus was afterwarde slayne priuely by an intrap, yet the Frankes once prouoked to weapons, remayned alway in the set∣tyng forth to warre, and came downe from Moga∣nus to the Rene, and ouer the Rene toke they first the citie Trier from the Romanes, and afterwards went into fraunce. But after that they had foughtē against Attila with the Romanes, they were alway in great fauour wyth the Emperours, in so muche▪ that Iustinianus the Emperoure through a conue∣naunt made with the Frankes, suffred them to haue and inhabite that parte of Gallia, whiche at this ty∣me* 1.236 is yet called Francia or Fraunce. Wherefore the Frankes toke in both the contreis of the Ryne, and parte of Fraunce and both the contreis were mayn∣teined by one common kyngly gouernaunce. The histories make euery where mencion of great pray∣ses of the Frankes, partely for their goodly polycy and prosperitie in gouernyng their kyngdome, but specially because they embraced the Christen religiō in the begynnyg of the kyngdome, and wylled it to be publyshed and spred abrode. In the meane tyme* 1.237 dyd the Alemans decyuer from the Romyshe em∣pyre also. The Alemans were the hygh Germanes, whiche now are called Schwaben, Schweitzer & Baier. Therefore when the Romane Monarchy was sundered, then was Germany first deuyded in* 1.238 Alemanes and Frankes. But in the time of Pipine, father to Charles the greate, became the Frankes

lordes of the Almaines: and therfore as the empyre was thus deuided, they called hygh Germany the Easte kyngdome, and lowe Germany wyth Fraun∣ce the West kyngdome: And by thys partynge of the kyngdomes remayne the names yett in Ger∣many.

The elders of Charles the greate were princes of Germany and Lordes of the courte, and that more is, the chefe gouernours by the kynges of the* 1.239 Frankes, and by the commission of their office, were called Grande maysters. It is also sayed, that the∣same was theyr duchy & dominion by enheritaunce, where now is the countyshyp of Palatine about the Rene syde. For certayne it is, that the fyrst sprynge* 1.240 of the stocke of the Palatine, commeth of Charles the greates yssue. But at the last, when the kyngly progeny decreassed and fayled by processe of tyme more and more, and that these princes became more myghtyer, it came topasse (by the consent of the by∣shop of Rome) that the gouernaunce of the kyng∣dome* 1.241 was brought ouer to the princes: and Pipi∣nus beyng made kyng of thys wyse gouerned both Germany and Fraunce. When Pipinus was deade, Charles surnamed the greate was kynge of the Frankes two and thyrty yeares before he was Em∣peroure, and after that he was made Emperoure he reygned fourtene yeares. Of this wyse reygned he both in the kingdome and empyre together .xlvi.* 1.242 yeares, when they be counted together. He was boren in Ingelheim in the county of Palatine, not farre from the cytie Mentz. In the begynnynge of his reigne warred he agaynst the Saracens in

Gascon: afterward warred he about thirty yeares with the Saxons, the whiche he subdued at the last and made them to obeye the empyre, & embrace the Christē faith, besyde other many and great battails, whiche he had in the meane season also.* 1.243

Desiderius kyng of the Lombardes coueted the dominion of whole Italy, & goyng to Rome, caused some of the chefe cytesens to be put to death. Wher∣fore Adrianus the byshop of Rome sendyng ambas∣sadours to Charles, desyred he woulde come and rydde Italy and Rome out of daunger. (For Pipi∣nus the father of Charles had also before delyuered Rome from the tyranny of the Lombardes.) Char∣les goyng into Italy, besyeged Desiderius at Pa∣uye, and constrayned hym to yelde hymselfe. But when Charles perceaued in dede that the vprou∣ryshnacion of the Lombardes coulde not rest, (for he had assayed the matter with them afore also, that they beyng content with their borders, shoulde re∣mayne within their owne realme.) and that there myght be a sure peace thoroweout Italy. Charles* 1.244 toke in whole Lombardy, and in the same as in hys owne kyngdome set he gouernoures and capitay∣nes. As for Desidexius with his wyfe the quene & chyldren led he with hym prysoners, and commaun∣ded them to be kept at Ludick or Liege. Thys was the end of the kyngdome of the Lombardes in Italy, whiche had lasted two hundreth and thre ye∣res, from the yere of Christ .CCCCC. lxxij. when Iastinus reigned, vntyll the yeare of Christ .vij. C. lxxv. thys was the syxte yeare before Charles opteined the empyre. For though Charles was

gone to Rome in this settynge forth, and had set at quiet not onely Lombardy, but also that parte of I∣taly that is beiond Rome: yet would he not vsurpe* 1.245 for hym the title of Imperiall maiestie, lest he should robbe the Grekes of their honoure and this digni∣tie. He graunteth the Emperours cities in Italy to enioye their former lybertie wythout any hynde∣raunce: but he kept the kyngdome of the Lombar∣des as his owne: for long ago was it not subiect to the Emperours.

Tassilo duke of Baierland raysed warre against* 1.246 Charles, but he was ouercome of Charles the twē∣tieth yeare of his reigne, and takyng in the duchy. Tassilo wyth his sonne was put into a monastery. Nether did Charles vse so great rigour against his cosyn rashly: for Tassilo raysyng an vprour against hym afore, and taken to mercy, kept no promyse.

Charles goyng to Rome the two and thirtieth yeare of his reigne, restored Leo the byshop of Ro∣me, against whome the Romanes had raysed vp∣••ours, insomuche that the byshop was compelled to flye. But when now Charles ••erceyued certeynly, that no peace could be satteled in Italy, vntyll suche cyties in Italy as had fraunchyses graunted them, dyd ceasse to do all thynges accordyng to their ap∣petite, he was constrayned by necessitie to take to him the dominion of whole Italy. But he betoke to the byshop of Rome some cities and contreis, for the mayntenaunce of ministers in the churche. In the Christmasse nyght cryed the byshop of Rome: Char¦les to be Emperoure of Romanes, and alwaye full of maiestie. And it is sayde, that Charles shuld haue

aunswered to this: yf I had knowen that any suche thyng should haue happened to me, I would not ha∣ue entered into the temple. Nether would he accept the title of Emperoure, wythout the consent and a∣lowaunce of them of Constantinople. Wherefore I∣rēne the mother of Constantinus and Nicephorus consented that Charles should be Emperoure in the* 1.247 West, to that dyd they consent frely: for these coun∣treis dyd not obey to the Emperours of Constanti∣nople, any more.

But as sone as Charles was made Emperoure,* 1.248 and that the state of Italy was nowe satled with great trauaile, he determined to warre vpon the Hungarians. And this warre lasted eight yeares, wherein the Hungarians were in a maner rooted out. He set also garnysons of Germanes in Hunga∣ry, to kepe the realme: by the whiche occasion do vn∣tyll this tyme Germanes dwel in the coastes of Hū∣gary, whiche is called Seuenburge. It is mencio∣ned* 1.249 in histories, that Charles brought great ryches out of Hungary, and that is lyke ynough: for the Hū¦garians had bene occupied in warrefarre and robbe¦ry aboue two hundreth yeares, they ledde prayes of al nacions nerehande, in the meane season was their realme inuaded of no foren naciōs: wherby no doubt were great and precious treasures founde by them. In the meane tyme dyd Charles, the sonne of Char¦les the great, subdue Bohemy, vanquyshyng Lecho* 1.250 their kyng: and thus was charles at the last a moost myghty prince of all Italy, Fraunce, Germany, Bo∣hemy and Hungary, and brought the whole West empyre in a quiet estate, & kept it in the same. Wher∣fore

for these vertues, and thys strength of courage, whiche he vsed in all his enterpryses, is Charles worthy to be counted amonge these princes, which God hath now and than geuen to the worlde to re∣payre common welthes, iustice, equitie, shamefast∣nesse, ••••ally to restore amonge men the bandes of modestie and common peace, as were in tymes past Dauid, Hercules, Cyrus, Alexander, Iulius, Augu∣stus, Constantinus, The odosi••s. In Charles affai∣res is chefely worthy to be noted, how kynges and great men make ••umors among them. For God* 1.251 sendeth sometyme the chefe monarches to represse them. Euen as in oure tyme Charles the fyfte hath brydeled the excesse and want o••nesse of the Roma∣nes, and the Venetian power.

But it is expedient for moste hygh princes to be excellent, not onely in feates of warre and handlyng of weapon: but also to enforme common welthes with honest lawes and dectrine of religion. And this was Charles chefe care. He caused some coun∣sails* 1.252 to be kept at Rome and Franckforde and some tyme in Fraunce. He founded also thre vniuersities to spreade abrode and maintayne the doctrine of Christenreligion, namely at Bonony in Italy, Pa∣ris in Fraunce and at Paduam Italy. In Germa∣ny dyd he lyke wyse founde many monasteries, for to teache youth in steade of scoles. Besyde thys dyd he set the lawe of the Frankes morder, and caused the bokes of the lawe to be written. For that olde lawe of the Romans was long before put out of ••re throug the Lombardes and Frankes.

He caused also to gather together the olde histo∣ries

of the Germanes and songes, wherein it is said he had suche pleasure, that he learned them by rote.

He was excellently well sene in the Germane* 1.253 toungue and Latine: he coulde also speake Greke, for he herde the Greke messangers, and aunswered them in Greke: but in along and durable relaciō did he speake Latine. There are yet verses that be not greatly vnsemely, whiche is sayde he dyd make at the death of his cousin Roulande. In his olde age he gaue hymselfe to Astronomy. At diner and sup∣per at home delyted he in hearyng reade the bokes of saincte Augustine.

In the temple dyd he syng the canonicall hou∣res and also lessons with the pristes, and he woulde other princes to do likewyse after his example, whō he prescribed lessons, which semeth to pertain to his and their amendemēt. For he was an exciding louer of christen doctrine. In all maners of liuyng dyd be haue hym so, as nomā might passe him in godlinesse. Beside this sent he succours of mony to the christiās in straunge contreis, and obteined by the Saracen kynges that the christians should be more easely en∣treated.

He gaue the wyndes and monethes those names, whiche remayne yet now a dayes: so that by these thynges may easely be gathered, that thys prince was garnyshed of God with greate vertues and hygh happenesse by hys studyes, so that he may wor¦thely be surnamed great. When he was nowrenow¦med throughout all the worlde of all these vertues, peace stablyshed, y^• lawes restored, the state of religiō set in order, because he might auoyde the occasion of

great euels, he appoynted hys sonne Lewis before hys death to be an heyre and successour in the em∣pyre, afterward dyed he at Aken the two and seuen∣tyeth yeare of his age. Before his death the brydge that was layde ouer the Rene by Mentz, burnt, whiche was made in the space of ten yeres, at Char∣les* 1.254 greate costes. Thys burnynge sygnyfyed, that Germany shoulde not long after be separated from Fraunce.

Lewis the gentle, the second Empe∣roure of the Germanes.

THe yeare of Christ .viij. C. xv. began Le∣wis the gentle to gouerne the empyre, he* 1.255 reigned syx and twenty yeares. Charles had many chyldren, whiche dyed before the fathers deceasse. Lewis renewed the peace that his father had made with them of Constantinople in the begynnyng of hys reigne, and wylled it to be stablyshed. After ••hose he hys sonne Lotharius for* 1.256 a party ruler in the empyre, that he shoulde rule in Italy. Beyng sent to Rome, he was crowned Em∣peroure of Paschalis byshop of Rome, and was cal∣led Augustus or full of maiestie. Sence that tyme kept Lewis a parliament at Aken, for the reforma∣tion of the state of the Churche: and he brought to pas••e wyth greate diligence, that to the ministers of the Churche shoulde bee geuen necessary relefe to maynteyne their lyues. An agrement was also ma∣de betwene hym and the byshop of Rome, that suche as came after them myght be sure, what part is per∣taynyng

to the byshop, and what to the empyre.

Thys Godly or gentle Emperoure was taken* 1.257 prisoner of his sonne Lotharius, through the coun∣sayll of the Byshops and some princes, because he was afrayed lest by hys stepmothers inspiracion, hys father would remoue the empyre from hym to hys younger brother. But Lewis beyng delyue∣red returned to thempyres gouernaunce, and cau∣sed Lotharius hys sonne by force to go into Italy: but at the last was he reconciled wyth hys father agayne.

After Leo was Stephanus the fourth made* 1.258 the hundreth byshop of Rome. The same demaun∣ded the confirmacion of his byshopryke of Lewis the Emperoure.

Paschalis the hundreth and one byshop of Ro. succeded Stephanus. Thyssame sent also for hys confirmacion to Lewis.

Eugenius the .C. i••. byshop. succeded Pascalis.

Valentinus the .C. iij. byshop succeded Euge∣nius.

Gregorius the .iiij. the .C. iiij. byshop succeded Valentinus. He refused to take the byshoprycke before he were confirmed of the Emperour Lewis.

Lotharius the fyrst of thys name, the thyrde Germane Emperoure.

THe yere of Christ .viij. C. xli. after y^e death of Lewis the Godly or gentle reygned Lotharius hys sonne fyften yeares. But now hath the golden worlde of this pro∣geny* 1.259 an end. Lotharius had many brethren, Lewis Germanicu•• and Charles the balde: amonge the

whiche was debate for the departynge, whereof* 1.260 grewe no lesse greate then a dolefull warre. For in Fraunce dyd the brethren mete with suche a fygh∣tyng, that, (as histories recorde) the power of the Frākes was so febled, that afterward they could ne¦uer wholy recouer it. Lewis, Germanicus & Char∣les the balde had the ouerhand. After so great man∣slaughter, when truce was made amōg the princes, they fell to an atonement. Lewis had for his parte Germany, Schwaben, Bayerlande, Boheme, Eastē¦ryche, East Fraunce, Thuring, Saxen, and all that was vntil y^• ryuer Rene. This Lewis is called the Germane kynge, and greate prayses are spoken of* 1.261 hym. The residue of the dukes of the Frankes folo∣wyng are his successours in bloude. He brought Bo¦hemy also to receaue the Christen faith.

Charles the balde optained by conuenant heredi¦tare the greatest part of Fraūce or Gallia, & the Frē∣che kynges folowyng haue their ofspringe of hym.

Lotharius kept Italy, and Prouentz, & that part that hetherto is called Lothring or Lorain: and by* 1.262 this man remained the hyghnesse of the Emperiall maiestie. By this occasion thefore was Gallia or* 1.263 Fraunce separated from Germany Lotharius toke afterwarde the gouernaunce of the empyre to his se¦cond sonne Lewis, and he beyng aged, went into a religion and became a monke.

Not few Cometes were sene this yeare before this dissencion and warre of the brethren.

After Gregory the .iiij. was Sergius the second made the .cv. byshop of Rome. The same was the first that chaunged his name: for it is sayde he was

called before Swines mouth. Of hym was Lewis* 1.264 the second the sonne of Lotharius crowned at Ro.

Leo the .iiij. the .cvi. byshop succeded Sergius. The same buyldded Castel Angel at Rome. He was accused by Lotharius that he went about to optain the hyghnesse of the Emperiall maiestie from the Frankes, to the Grekes. Wherfore whē Lotharius was come to Rome, the byshop did declare hymselfe vngylty.

After Leo was Iohannes the .viij. The same is* 1.265 said to be borne at Mentz, & that she was a woman.

Benedictus the .iij. was made the .cvij. byshop of Rome after Iohannes the .viij. In his tyme were raysed greate stryfes and rumours for the election of the byshop of Rome, but Lotharius swaged them.

Lewis the seconde, the fourth Ger∣mane Emperoure.

THe yeare of Christe .viij. C. lvi. toke Le∣wis the .ij. the sonne of Lotharius the em¦pyre: he reigned twenty yeares. He re∣strayned the Saracens cōmyng into Ita¦ly* 1.266 with a greate violence, and ouercame them. When he had restored peace again in Italy, he died, and is buried at Milane.

Nicolaus the fyrste the .cviij. byshop of Rome succeded Benedictus the .iij.

Adrianus the .ij. chosen of the priestes and com∣mon people, succeded Nicolaus.

Iohannes the .ix. was made the .cx. byshop after

Idrianus. The same by a conspiracy made wyth the* 1.267 kynges of Gallia or Fraunce, endeuoured to trans∣ferre the maiesty of the empyre from the Germanes vpon Charles the balde, afterward vpō Lewis the stammerer his sonne: but the Germanes kept the empyre par force, whiche thynge we shall saye after∣warde. In the meane season that the byshop goeth aboute this, was he taken, but beyng escaped, he fled into Fraunce to Lewis the stammerer.

Charles the bald of Fraunce.

THe yeare of Christe, viij. C. lxxvj. came* 1.268 Charles the balde at Rome, and by the ayde of the byshop of Rome Iohannes the .ix. was made Emperoure. Char∣les the balde was Lotharius brother, sonne to Lewis the gentle, whose part in deuydyng became Fraunce or Gallia. Now went the byshop of Rome about, to transferre the maiesty of the Empyre from the Germanes, vnto the Fren∣chemen, but that the sonnes of Lewis woulde not suff••e the Germanes. Which thyng when Charles the balde had herde, he threatened to bryng so ma∣ny hoostes of enemies ouer the Rene, that the hor∣ses drynkyng vp the Rene, the hoost should go tho∣row it drye shodde. O the ouerfolysh maners of the* 1.269 Frenchemen. But they met hym at Colen with fyf∣ty thousand, where he was ouerthrowen of the two sonnes of Lewis the Germane, not farre from A••∣b••••••ach.

The next yeare after went Charles the balde in to Italy, where the two cosins the sonnes of Lewis

folowed hym. As he herde this, he was taken with a disease of a soden feare, and died. Yet in the meane* 1.270 season persysted byshop Iohannes in transferryng of the empyre, and willed the sonne of Charles the balde to succede in his fathers place. Wherfore he was taken at Rome of the Germane legates, and such as were of their partes: but escapyng their han¦des, he fled to the Frenche kyng, where he made Le¦wis the stammerer the sonne of Charles the balde Emperoure. This Lewis lyued nomore but twoo yeares after hys fathers deceasse. And of this wyse was this earnest couetyng come to an euell ende at the last for the Frenchemen, and also was the byshop frustrate of his false engines.

Charles the grosse, the fyft Germane Emperoure.

THe yeare of Christe .viij. C. lxxxi. came the* 1.271 empyre agayne to the Germanes. For the Saracens commyng agayne into Italy, and spoylyng all thynges, dyd the Roma∣nes call their byshop agayne out of Fraunce: for the Italians had nede of succourse agaynste the Sara∣cens. And when the kyng of Fraunce was deade, seyng the kynges heyre was not yet of ful age, there were raysed euery where great dissencions and de∣bates in Fraunce, for the gouernaunce of the realme vntyll the kynges sonne were come to age. Where∣fore the byshop of Rome constrayned by this necessi∣tie required ayde of the Germanes to rescue Italy out the brunt of daungers. Then came Charles the grosse sonne to Lewis the Germane into Italy, &

driuing out the Saracens, toke the emperial crown the yeare of Christe .viii. C. lxxxij. Charles reigned after that he was crowned, ix. yeares. About this* 1.272 tyme the Normandes fallyng into Fraunce, dyd so much harme euery where, that the Frenchmen wer compelled to require ayde of the Germanes: and by consent of euery man, was Charles made kyng of Fraunce, and by thys occasion gott Charles the Grosse the realme both of Germany and Gallia or Fraunce agayne. But these kyngdomes were separated againe not long after. Charles beynge wery of the warre in Morauia or Meerhen by rea∣son of the greate combraunce and trauail, forsakyng the empire, he made Arnolfus his brothers sonne Emperour, who pointed Charles out of the empire so muche reuenues, so long as he lyued, as was suffi∣cient for a kynges state.

Arnolfus the .vi. Germane Emperoure.

ARnolfus the sonne of Carolomanus, duke* 1.273 of Baierlande, Schwaben and of the Frā∣kes y^• cosin of Charles the third, was sub∣stitute by hym in the empyre the year•• of Christe .viij. C. xci. he reigned .xij. yeares. Fyrst ouercame he the Morauians or Meerhlanders, af∣ter that the Normandes, whiche beyng now retur∣ned out of Fraunce, came vntyll the Rene, and com∣myng to Worms, put the byshop of Mentz to execu∣tion. As the Normandes, were vanquyshed by the* 1.274 Emperours, at the last became they Christen. After¦warde when V••ido duke of Spoleta by a rumor was made Emperoure, Arnolfus goyng into Ita∣ly, toke in Rome by greate force, and was crowned

of Formosus the byshop of Rome. Wherfore whē he had taken in Italy agayne, V••ido was bannyshed. He restored againe also the duchy of Bourgondie to the Germane dominion.

Marinus the .C. xi. bysh. of Ro. succeded Ioānes Adrianus the .iij. was byshop after Marinus.

Stephanus the fift C. xiij. bysh. succeded Adrian{us} Formosus succeded Stephanus.

At that tyme was again a great debate at Rome for the election: For Sergius was also created by∣shop: but the fauoures of Formosus driuynge out Sergius, Formosus sent for the Emperoure into Italy, that he myght kepe styll the byshopryke by that meanes. For Sergius was fled into Fraunce, and went about to obteine the byshopryke by the ai∣de of Frenchemen. Howbeit after certaine yeares, when Formosus was deade, he was made byshop, & vsed more tyranny and presumpcion, then he ought to haue done, accordyng to byshoply mekenesse. He* 1.275 caused to digge vp the deade carcas of Formosus, to degrate it, and beheadyng it cast it into the floude Tyber with moste shame. It is written that this Sergius was very vnlearned & vnmanered, which thinge his cruell dedes declare plaine ynough.

Bonifacius the .vi. the .C. xv. byshop succeded Formosus.

Stephan{us} the .vi. folowed Bonifacius. Thissame disanulled & condempned al Formosus ordinaūces.

Romanus the .C. xvi. byshop of Rome succeded Stephanus.

Theodorus the .ij. succeded Romanus.

Ioānes y^• .x. the C.xix. bysh. of Ro. succeded The••

dorus thissame alowed agayne the ordinaunces of Formosus, whiche Stephanus the syxte had disa∣nulled.

Benedictus the .iiij. was the .C. xx. byshop after Iohannes.

Leo the .v. was after Benedictus the .C. xxi. byshop of Rome. The same was taken prysoner by Christophorus.

Christophorus was byshop after Leo. Thissame was taken by Sergius.

After Christophorus was Sergius the .iij. ma∣de the .C. xxiij. byshop of Rome. The same caused the deade coarse of Formosus be dygged vp agayne* 1.276 and beheaded. It is a thynge full of drede ether to reade or to reherse byshops of Rome to haue vsed so great tyranny among themselues. And it could not be that any regarde could be had of Christen godly∣nesse: let no man then marueill in the meane season, yf any abuses and wycked opinions be broken into the churche in the meane whyle.

Lewis the .iii. the .vii. Germane Emperoure.

THe yeare of Christe .ix. C. iij. Lewis the* 1.277 sonne of Arnolphus, being substitute in the empyre of hys father, reygned ten yeares. It is no where redde that he was crow∣ned.* 1.278 For when Arnolphus was deade, the Hunga∣rians inuaded Germany wyth greate violence. Agaynst them dyd the good prince Lewis the Em∣peroure set hymselfe, and dyd greuously disconfite them by the ryuer Lyeus, but he was afterwarde ouercome of them lykewyse. Then the Hungarians

beynge vanquishers, dyd euery where muche mys∣chefe and harme to the Schwoben, Frankes, Ba∣ierlanders and them of Ostenryche. Slayeng eue¦ry one wythoute regarde or mercy, burnynge tem∣ples, cityes, tounes, villages, yee euery thynge.

Afterwarde entrynge into Italy, vsed lyke cru∣eltye.* 1.279 At that tyme was Berengarius prince of Fo¦roiulium, which gatherynge a great army aganyst the Hungaryans, although somtyme he fought vn luckelye: yet gat he hym such a good name by thys settynge forth, that afterwarde he wylled to be cal¦led Emperoure.

Cunradus the .i. the viij Germane Emperoure.

THe yeare of Christ .ix. C. xii. was Conra¦dus* 1.280 made Emperoure, he raigned seuen yeares. But he was not crowned of the Romysh byshop. He was Lewis the .iii. brothers sonne: he was duke of the Frankes, and the laste of the mooste noble posteritye of Charles the great, whiche ye maye gesse by the order of the genealogye wrytten hereafter: the whych I haue added therfore, y^t it maye be knowen, to how great chaunces, and how many alteracions the kingdom of the Germanes hath ben putt, the which thynge can not be red wythoute greate wonderynge at. For that maye be sene euerye where that greate kyngdomes floryshe a certayne space in the world, but at the laste they be weakened, and tossed wyth troublous commocions: howbeit in the meane sea∣son be they so kept by Godes prouidence, that they

do not wholy perysh. Lewis the thyrd left no so•••• after hym: and therefore stroue the Frankes and Sacons together, to make Otho duke of Saxony* 1.281 Emperour: but the good prince withstode the same not wylling that to the moost noble stocke of Char∣les, shulde happen suche a reproch. Therefore coun¦selled he to make Conradus duke of the Frankes Emperoure. Of thys wyse succeded Conradus in the empyre, but Otho was in more greater autho∣rity, & whyle Conradus lyued, he dispatched more busynesses also: yet in the meane time shewed he great loyalty and honestye toward Conradus the Emperoure.

But in the meane tyme vsurped Berengarius* 1.282 duke of Foroiulium the name of the Emperoure in Italy, and enticed the Hungarians, that they shuld spoyle Germany agayn: but Conradus ouer came those, by the ayde of Otho.

But whan Otho was deade; Conradus the Em¦perour fearyng happely, lest the son of Otho Hen∣ry* 1.283 the Fouler shoulde growe ouermuche in power: therefore wythdrue he parte of those thynges, whyche before he had graunted hys father Otho. And whan Henry toke it greueouslye, the Empe∣toure endeuoured to slaye him by an intrap, and to bryng thys to passe, was y^e byshop of Mentz made out: But the intrap was disclosed. Than was Hen¦ry very greuously moued▪ & went home, and toke from the byshop of Mentz all that was hys domi∣nion in the land of Turyngen and Hesse. But hereof rose a greate warre betwene the Frankes and Saxons.

But whan Conradus was a dyenge, callyng to him his brother Eberardus, he commaunded hym to brynge the Emperyall croune to Henry duke of Saxony: for him he iudged best worthy to gouern the Empyre. He admonyshed prince Eberarde also with al diligence, to make an ende of the warr that he had taken in hande wyth Henry duke of Saxo∣nye,* 1.284 lest the Frankes that were yet alyue, shuld vt∣terly he roated out and perysh. For he marked wel that God prospered Henryes affayres. To thys counsell dyd duke Eberardus agre willyngly, and bringyng the crowne to Henry, and makyng peace on both sydes, he was afterward loyall to Henry. And by thys occasyon came it to passe, that the em∣pyre was remoued from the successors of Charles the greate to the Saxons.

The genealogye of Charles the greate.

• Charles the great Emperoure.
• Lewis te Gentle, whose sonnes were these thre.
  • Lewis the Ger∣man he had Alma∣ny, & subdued y^• Bo¦hemes, his sonnes wer: Lewis, char¦les y^• grosse, which toke y^• empyre frō Charles the bald and Caroloma∣nus the sonne of Caroloman{us} was Arnolphus, who raygned after Char∣les the Grosse.
  • Lotharius y^• Em∣peroure. He had Loraine & Italy, his sonn was Le∣wis the seconde the .iiij. Germane Emperoure. He droue y^• Saracens out of Italy. After him woulde the bishop of Rome transferre the empyre to the Frenchmen vpon Charles y^• balde, but the sonnes of Lewis y^• Germane restored the em∣pyre agayn to y^e Germanes▪
  • Charles the balde kynge of Gallia or Fraunce: his sonne was Lewis the stammerer kynge of Fraunce.

The sonnes of Arnolfus were

• Lewis the .iij. Empe¦roure.
• Conradus, and hys sonnes were
  • Eberardus, whose successors are the princes of y^e Fran∣kes.
  • Conradus the last em¦peroure of this linage

Not longe after was the kyngdome of Fraunce also translated from the posteritye of Charles the greate. So lytle doeth anye thynge remayne euer sted fast in his estate among men, so that the genera¦cions of great prynces, do now florish in the height, now agayne layde in the duste to be weakened and discouraged.

Anastasius the .iij. the .cxxiiij. byshop of Rome, succeded Sergius.

Lando was made the .xxv. byshop after Anasta∣sius.

Ioannes the .xi. succeded Lando.

Henry the .i. surnamed the Fouler, the ix. Emperoure of Germany.

THe yeare of Christ .ix. C. xx. was Hen¦ry the fyrste, surnamed the Fouler,* 1.285 duke of Saxon made Emperoure, he raygned seuenten yeares. He was not crouned of the bishop of Rome, nether went into Italy, though twayne toke vpon them the name of the Emperoure, and by vproure ray∣synge battayll fought now and than a great felde.

For Henry had busynesse more than ynough in Ger¦many, which the good prince apeaced wyth greate diligence, accordinge to hys syngular policye, and endeuored to make it more excellent.

Surely the kyngdome of Germany dyd neuer* 1.286 in a maner want vprourish commotions, ther was almost neuer an Emperour chosen, wythout the se∣dition of some princes, which went aboute to take vpon them the name of the Emperoure. Yet was God alway wyth those Emperours, that were du∣••lly called, detended the authoritye of the lawfull empyre, and the sedicious were punished. Arnolde duke of Bayerlande set him selfe wyth hurtfull en∣terpryse agaynst Henry, who recountred y^e Baiers wyth appointed armyes: but behauynge himselfe not as an enemy, he requyred to speake wyth duke Arnolde familiarly. He reasoned wyth hym, & ear∣nestly* 1.287 admonyshed hym, that the maiesty of the em¦pyre, is geuen of God: yf it were so, that he wer cho¦sen Emperoure by the consente of other prynces, than wolde he frely geue place, and be ready y^• fyrst that shuld submitte themselues. Duke Arnold she∣wed these thynges to his counsel, which answered: That it were euident that Salomons sayenge of wysedome were most true, which is: By me do kyn¦ges rule. And for asmuch as it appeareth euidently ynough that Henry is endued with wisedome and gentlenesse, it is no dout, but God doth assiste him: he shuld therfore thenceforth leaue of from his en∣terpryse, nether to go about any thing against Hen¦ry. Wherefore duke Arnolde ceased, & obeied frely without y^e slaughter of any of his men. Who I pray

you wold not saye, y^• these Germane princes were no Barbaryans, and that they excelled in pryncely wisedome & high gentlenesse? This is also wryttē: that. S. Vdalryck had a visty on of the duke of Ba∣ierland,* 1.288 which he obserued: For it was shewed him by God, that the duke had a swearde wythout hyl¦tes or handel: wherby was signified, that the duke shulde not vse the sweard, that is, that he shuld not retayn the empyre. Wherefore he admonyshed the duke to do nothyng vnaduisedly.

After that dyd Henry take Brandenburge: and* 1.289 the Vandales beyng subdued, they receaued the Christen fayth vntyl the see.

He besieged the city Praga, and brought the Bo¦hemes to the Empyre.

After that vanquyshed he fourty thousand Hun¦garyans by Mersburge, whereby he gatte hym a great renowme and drede by the straunge nacions and gat tranquillitye to al Germanye: He restored the contry of Lothring or Lorayn to the kingdom of Germany, and gatt the speare that Christe was pearsed through of Rudolphe kyng of Burgundy: the same was Constantinus wont to haue.

Henry the Fowler beynge now neare to his de∣ath, made his sonn Othe succeder in y^e empyre after him, lest any stryfe shuld happen in the empyre after hys death, concernyng the possession of it.

Leo the .vi. succeded the .C. xxvii. byshop after Ioannes the .xi.

Stephanus succeded Leo.

After Stephanus was Ioannes the .xii. the. C xxix. byshop.

Leo the .vii. succeded Ioannes the. xii

Stephanus the▪ viij. a Germane the .C. xxxi▪ byshop succeded Leo.

Otho the .i. the .x. Germane. Emperoure.

OTho the fyrst the sonne of Henry the Fow¦ler* 1.290 beganne hys domynyon the yeare of Christ .ix. C. xxxviii. and raigned .xxxvi. yeares. He toke the emperyall crowne at Aken of the byshop of Mentz. In the begynnynge* 1.291 of Othes gouernaunce rose thre greate and daun∣gerous vproures at one tyme.

The doers of the fyrste vproure were Eberar∣dus the Palatine, and Giselbert prince of Lorain. These (because they were of the posteritie and li∣nage of Charles the greate,) affirmed, that the em¦pyre came from the Saxons to the Frankes by ri∣ght of succession: and that such enterpryses myght seme to be more ryghtfull, they drew on their syde Henry the elder brother of Otho, vnder the pre∣tence,* 1.292 that by reason of the age, he oughte to go∣uerne the empyre, and not Otho.

Thys warre wyth the counte Palatine Ebe∣rardus and duke Giselbert lasted syxe yeares, and many feldes were foughtē in the mean season. Her¦man duke of Scwaben, and Conradus duke of the* 1.293 Frankes toke the Emperours parte. This Conra¦dus of Worms, called the wyse, was cosyn to Ebe∣rardus. These fought the last against y^e enemies by Andernak, with a great camp, wherin Eberardus countye Palatine was slayne, and duke Giselbert

in the flighte, was drowned in the Rene. It is a dreadfull example, wherein we may be aduertised,* 1.294 that the endeuoure of sedition remayneth not vn∣reuenged, euen in greate princes also. But whe∣ther thys Eberardus be he, y^t we haue sayde of be∣fore to haue broughte the Emperyall crowne to Henry the Fowler, it is not specifyed for a trueth. For the hystorye wryters of the Germanes, were grosse and vnlearned men, ignoraunt of these thin¦ges, whyche are necessary to be obserued in wry∣tynge of hystoryes.

But after thys victory, was not the stryfe yet* 1.295 alayed which Otho the emperoure had wyth Hen¦ry his brother, and besyde that wyth the byshop of Mentz: Henry was besyeged at Mersburg: but he seynge that hys interpryses were inuayne, and that hys defence beganne to be feble, he hymselfe came knelynge to y^e Emperoure, desyryng pardon for his offence, was receaued to mercy by Otho: and not long after, the duke of Baier deceassynge wythout heyre male, Otho the Emperoure gaue hys brother Henry the duchy of Baierland. As for that Henry the Emperoure whyche is buryed at Bamberg, was thys Henryes sonnes sonne, as we shall shewe hereafter.

Afterwarde was Mentz besyeged and taken in by the Emperoure, and the byshop taken also: but shortly after was he letten louse agayn.

The thyrde rysynge agaynste Otho was many* 1.296 yeares after, by his owne son Ludolfe, by this occa¦sion: Otho had fyrste a quene out of Englande cal∣led Edyth or Ide, which is buryed at magdeburg.

Of the same had he hys sonne Ludolphe. After the same was deade toke he another quene of the Burgundyon bloud, which thynge Ludolphe dyd not alow. But what happened farther, that is vn∣knowen. For the Germane hystory wryters dyd in maner expresse no thynge wholye by theyr occasy∣ons and circumstaunces: nether ruely could they do it, seyng they were monkes, lyuynge in priuate idelnesse▪ beynge somtyme farre from all thynges, that be done in gouernynge the commune welthe: I passe ouer that they were to s••outhfull also to search & enquyre the causes and occasions of great matters of other men, as y^e duety of a true hystory wryter is to do. Yet do they make mencion of this* 1.297 that Ludolfus kept an assemble at Salfelde, & to haue conspyred agaynst hys father: and that place Salfeld, is called a deadly place for counsels. Lu∣dolfus had neuerthelesse in the meane season most great princes y^• were partakers wyth hym in thys conspiracy and counsel, among the which also was Conradus the wise duke of the Frankes. But in y^• meane tyme that thys was in bruynge, was the fa¦ther in Italy, who besieged hys sonne at Mentz so* 1.298 sone as he cameinto Germany: Ludolfe escapyng, fled vntyl Regenspurge: but the father folowyng, besyeged Regenspurg also straytly two moneths. In that syege dyed not a few men, among y^e which was the chefe, Arnolde the yonger duke of Bay∣er. After hys deathe Ludolfe requyrynge pea∣ce frelye, came barefooted knelynge befoore hys father, and lyenge vpon the grounde, he desyred pardon for hys trespasse very humblye. Wherfore

the father toke hym to mercy, and a verye stronge peace was made.

No Emperoure in a maner dyd dispatche euer anye more greater and daungerous busynesses than the Emperour Otho, so farr as I can marke. But in all them was he in the meane season luckye, not wythout the incredible fauoure of God. For whyle he had these warres he ouercame the Bohe¦mes, the Hungarians, and Frankes, besyde that made he quyet the troublous state of Italy, which thynge we shall brefely shewe.

He vanquyshed the Hungarians by Augsburge* 1.299 neare the floude Lycus, and weakened he the strenght of them so, that they durste neuer after come into Germany. In thys battayll dyed Con∣rade* 1.300 the Wyse, and. S. Udalricke byshop of Augu¦spurg was wyth the Emperoure in the hooste.

Moreouer whan Otho enuironned euery wher¦with greate peryls, the Frenchmen trusted easely to bryng the empyre to them agayn: but here was* 1.301 it founde in Otho, that it is inuayne for men to sett themselues agaynste him, whome God fauoureth. Innumerable enemyes had compassed Otho a∣bout, the Bohemes, the Frankes, the Hungarians Italyans, the Frenchemen: but the power of all these, coulde not breake and oppresse the vertue of thys good prince. The Frenchemen threatened to brynge into Germanye so greate an hooste, as neuer had ben sene afore. Whereto it is reported* 1.302 Otho shuld haue aunswered: That such vayn my∣naces became not wyse princes, seyng it is euident, that y^e victory & fortun of warr is in Goddes hand.

He aunswered thys also: that he wolde brynge so* 1.303 many couered with strawe hattes into Fraunce, as they neuer had sene before: and therefore had all they that were in the hooste strawe hattes, whych hooste he broughte vntyll parys. For Hugo prince* 1.304 of Fraunce had taken the kynge his lorde prisoner, and entended to take to him Fraunce and the dig∣nyty of the empyre. Thyssame Hugo was taken of* 1.305 Otho in the citye of Paris, and delyuerynge Le∣wis his brother in Lawe, restored him to y^• realme of Fraunce agayne. For Gerberga the syster of O∣tho was maryed to Lewys. Otho restored than to to the Germane empyre lowe Germanye, Lorain and Burgundye.

The Hungaryans had many skyrmyshes also in Italy, but some Emperoures before Othoes tyme were so occupied in Germany, that they could'not ayde Italy. Whan now the princes of Italy were dryuen to extreme necessity for to resist the Hunga¦rians, it happened that Berengarius prince of Fo∣roiulium, gat hym a great wonderyng at his pro∣wesse, and afterwarde coueted the gouernaunce of whole Italy. And though other prynces dyd also stryue for the souerayntye of Italye, yet dyd Be∣rengaryus, excellynge in power, kepe Italye tyll the thyrde heyre. The same toke vpon hym the tytle of Emperoure, and vsed greate crueltye in Italye. The Italyans requyred ayde and suc∣coure* 1.306 of Otho agaynste hys tyrannye. Wherefore Otho goynge into Italye, he inuaded Lombar∣dye, and gat it. Berengarius wyth yeldynge himselfe frely, optained of Otho that grace, that he

shuld not wholy be dryuen out of Italy, but should retayne a duchy to possesse. After twelue yeares was Otho called into Italy agayne, to defende or clayme the Italians wyth the clergye and byshop of Rome, from the tyranny of Berengarius, which thynge he also dyd valyauntly. For whan he came* 1.307 agayne into Italy, he toke Berengarius and hys sonne Alberte, and bannished them for theyr dislo∣yaltye: the father wyth hys wyfe to Bamberge in Germany, wher they spent theyr liues also as out∣lawes: but the sonne sent he to Constantinople.

Otho entrynge into Rome in thys settynge forth,* 1.308 was crow••ed of Ioannes the .xii. This Otho was the fyrste Emperour that made an othe to y^e bishop of Rome, wherof the maner and tenor is in y^e canon lawes, begynnynge: Tibidomino Ioanni .iii. & ce. After that is Otho come the second tyme to Rome to rebuke Ioannes bish. of Rome, because he was accused of many fautes. Wherfore the bishop kno∣wynge himselfe gyltye, fled for feare of Otho. And therfore was Leo the .viij. made bishop in his stead* 1.309 But before that Otho went from Rome, Ioannes commynge to Rome, thrust Leo out agayne: Leo fled to the Emperoure. But the moost wyse Empe¦roure vsed greate policy, lest he shoulde geue an oc∣casion of debate: He suffred Ioannes to vse the bi∣shopryck, so longe as he lyued. But so sone as he was deade, to take Leo as lawfully chosen bishop: but the Romanes wolde not alowe it, whych refu∣syage Leo, chose another called Benedictus in spete of the Emperoure. Otho than retur∣nynge, inuaded the possessyons of the Romyshe

byshops, and dyd much hurte. He besyeged also the citye of Rome, vntyl the cithesins constrayned by famine & necessity, opened the gates frely to Otho. He than puttynge to death manye Romanes, and banny shinge the Consuls, restored Leo: & whan he had apeased al thynges, returned into Germany, leadynge wyth hym Benedictus, who was kept at Hamborowe.

Otho goynge the thyrde tyme to Rome, droue the Saracens and Grekes out of the farther coa∣stes of Italy. Than chosynge Otho hys sonne to be partener in the Empyre, bringyng hym wyth hym, commaunded to crowne hym, and caused the Em∣perour of Constantinoples doughter to be geuen hym in mariage. By all these thynges maye it ease∣ly be gathered, that this Otho was one also of the∣se princes, which God hath now and than geuen to repayre the decayed state of the worlde. For he set vp agayne the decayed empyre of Rome, and set all Europa in quiet: by hys succour hath he defended whole Italy and Germany. He subdued the Hun∣garians and Frenchmen. To be shorte, he hath re∣stored the maiestye of the empyre to hys former bryghtnesse, and set it in order: afterward dyed he at Quedelnburg in great quyetnesse. It is written* 1.310 also, that he found fyrst the syluer mines in Misen. He gaue also muche good to the churche, to mayn∣teine religion, and to promote the doctryne of god∣lynesse, to which intent he made also not a fewe by∣shops, as at Magdeburg, Misen, Brandenburg, Mersburg, and Ceitz.

Martinus the .iij. was the .cxxxij. byshop after Stephanus.

Agapetus the .ii. succeded Martinus.

Ioannes the .xiii. the C. xxxiiij. bishopp was af∣ter Agapetus. The same crowned Otho the fyrst: afterwarde fled he from Rome, fearynge leste for hys vnclennesse of lyfe, he shulde be caste from the offyce by Otho.

Leo the .viii. was chosen in Ioannes steade.

But whan Ioannes was returned to Rome. Leo fled to the Emperour, but whan Ioānes was deade, was Leo restored agayne.

Ioannes the .xiiii. and .C. xxxvi. bishop succeded. Leo. Of hym was Otho the seconde crowned.

Otho the seconde, the .xi. Germane Emperoure.

THe yeare of Christ .ix. C. lxxiiii. raygned* 1.311 Otho y^• .ii. after hys fathers deceasse ten yeares: against him was an vprour ray∣sed* 1.312 also. For Henry duke of Baier hys co∣syn coueted y^e empyre. This Henry is not the bro∣ther of Otho the firste, of whome is spoken before, which conspiringe rose agaynst his brother Otho, and afterward reconciled again to his brother, gat the duchy of Baier. Thys fyrst duke of Baier, that was of the Saxons bloude, dyed .xv. yeare before Otho. But thys fyrste Henryes sonne is the same whyche set hymselfe agaynste Otho the seconde: but Otho had soone tamed this newe enterpryser.

Afterwarde dyd the Frenchemen fall sodenlye vpon the Emperoure at Aken, and he dyd searcely escape theyr intrap. But Otho repayring an army, went into Fraunce, and spoyled euery where vntyl

Paris, & constrained the Frenchmen to demaunde peace: whyche dyd than bynd them wyth an othe,* 1.313 that they wold neuer claime Lorain any more.

Whan he had set Germany at quyet, he went in∣to Italy. There did he fight wyth the Grekes and Saracens in Apulia: but hys hoost beyng vanquy∣shed, he was taken by mariners, as he fled. But be∣cause* 1.314 he was vnknowen to the mariners, by reason he could the greke language, nether was he taken for a Germane prince, he redemed himselfe with an easy price, and comming to Rome, he gouerned the empyre as he dyd before. It is sayd that the Ita∣lians poisonned hym, for his rigoure that he vsed in the gouernaunce.

Benedictus the .v. the .C. xxxvii. bysh of Rome was after Ioannes the .xiiii.

Donus the .ii. succeded after Benedictus

Bonifacius the .vii. the .C. xxxix. bysh. succeded Donus.

Benedictus the vi. succeded Bonifacius. In his tyme became Otho the thyrde Emperour.

Otho the .iii. the .xii. Germane Emperoure.

THe yeare of Christ .ix. C. lxxxiiij. rayg¦ned Otho the thyrd after hys fathers deceasse .xix. yeares. He was yonge, scarcely passed xii. yeres whan hys fa¦ther dyed: wherefore Henry duke of Bayer, cosyn to thys Otho, caused him to be kept at Rome, and beganne agayne to vsurpe the Em∣pyre. Some Italians counseled to make Cres∣centyus Emperoure, that the emperyall maie∣stye myghte be broughte agayne to the Italyans.

But the Germane princes beynge loyall to theyr* 1.315 lorde, called the yonge Otho agayne from Henry, and made hym Emperoure wyth commune assent, whereto Benedictus the byshop of Rome gaue his consent also.

The fyrste warre that he hadde, was wyth the Frenchmen, whyche forgettynge theyr othe that they had made, inuaded Lorayne agayn, takynge in many cityes: but Otho dryuyng out the French men, kept Lotharyng or Lorayn.

In the meane tyme a Romane prince, called Crescentius, takyng vpon hym the name of an Em¦peroure, vsed great crueltye in Italy. Wherefore Otho commynge to Rome, enuyrouned wyth a greate army, and takyng Crescentius, cutt of hys nose and eares, set hym arswarde vpon an asse, cau¦sed* 1.316 hym to be caryed about the city Rome to won¦der at, and at the last to be hanged.

Of the begynnynge and institution of the Electors in Germany.

WHan Otho was nowe eyghte and twentye yeares olde he was endued wyth so ready wytt, that for hys syn∣gular* 1.317 wysedome, he was called the Worldes wonders. Besyde that knewe the Saxons readye wytted and valyaunt men, the deceatfull traynes of the Frenchmen. Wherfore whan they perceaued that great and dangerous commotions were raysed by the. Ro. byshoppes, bothe agaynste Emperoures, and also in the commune welth, Otho chose Bruno

a Saxon his cosin to be byshop of Rome, who was* 1.318 called Gregorius the fyft after that he had the by∣shopryke. Of hym was Otho the thirde crowned. Besyde this when the wyse prince consydered that the Frenchemen and Italians raged euer to trans∣fer the emperiall maiestie from the Germanes, and that among the aunceters of him was now and thā strife also for the election: and that in the meane ty∣me is so greatly requisite a myghty monarche to the Christiantie, for to defende the bishop of Rome, and libertie of Italy: yea to maynteyne concorde of religion in whole Europa. But that the same mo∣narchy could not last long and be stable euermore, without the ayde and succourse of some peculiar & moste mighty nacion. Therfore with the assistence and ayde of Gregorius the byshop of Rome (who, because he was a Germane, did lyghtely consent to so necessary a thyng,) dyd make the ordinaunce of the princes Electors for to choyse an Emperoure. And that concorde might be had in the election be∣cause of religion, among the prelates spirituall and princes temporall the aucthoritie to chose an Em∣peroure is committed to seuen Germane princes,* 1.319 the Archebyshops of Mentz, Colen and Trier. To these are ioyned the prince of Boheme: (for at that tyme had Bohemy yet no kynge,) the County Pa∣latine of the Rene, the duke of Saxony, & the Mar∣ques of Brandenborowe. I maruayll verely why so hygh a dignitie is not bequyethed to other prin∣ces, which at that tyme were farre more puyssaunt, as namely to the dukes of Baier, of Schwaben & of the Frankes, and specially the duke of Baier, who

was nearer of kynred to Otho, than the other, and more greater of domynyon. For he had subiect to hym Bayerland and Eastenryche, vntyll Aglar or Aquitanya, the whyche Henry brother to Otho the fyrste had wonne. The duke also of Schwaben was neare kynsman to Otho the Emperoure. For whan Herman duke of Schwaben vnder Otho the fyrste had no heyre male, He gaue his doughter in maryage to Ludolfe sonne to Otho the fyrste, agaynste whome hys father Otho dyd warre for hys rebellyon. Of this Ludolfe come the dukes of Schwaben. Therefore maye it be maruayll, what was the occasion to orden that institutyon of pryn∣ces Electors. The Germane history wryters seme to be so voyde of all iudgment, that it may of good* 1.320 ryght lothe any man to reade them. Ihon Stabi∣us the astronomer of Maximylyan shewed me oft, that Maximilian was went to complayn vpon the rudenesse of the Germane hystorye wryters, that* 1.321 they dyd not only wryte the dedes of so noble and wyse princes, that God had sent wythoute order: but dyd also corrupte them wyth euell wrytynge. And he had commaunded to compile in a short Cro¦nycle orderly the mooste notableste thynges out of all hystorye wryters: whych thynge doutlesse had ben done, yf the mooste wyse Emperour had ether lyued longer, or had not left it by reason of the care of more weyghty matters.

As for me, (though I might seme to be rash, yf I allege or shewe what me thynketh,) yet wyll I de∣clare what gessynge I haue, wherewyth I maye shewe some certayntye of so great a thynge. Bohe∣my

no doute is come in the election for his cōmody∣ous* 1.322 sytuatyon, & because yt is fensed round about.

To the Saxons hath Otho that was a prince of the Saxons bloud worthely geuen that honour: for at that time was the same duchy most puissaunt.

The princes of Saxony kept Brandenburg at* 1.323 that time also, the Emperours kinsmen: and it may easely be gathered, that Otho dyd fauer those con∣tryes more, than other duchyes.

I suppose that to y^• countyshyp of Palatyn was* 1.324 geuen thys prerogatiue, more than other princes dominions, for none other cause, than that to Char¦les the greatest posterity myght rebound thys ho∣nor, so that it shuld be not only by the Saxons, but part thereof shuld also be sent ouer to the Frankes: for the countyes of Palatine were at that tyme of the kynred of Charles the greate.

What prayses thys ordinaunce of the princes E¦lectors* 1.325 is worthye, that can I not now sufficiently declare according to the worthynesse of it: the dede proueth yt selfe what profite it hath broughte. For by thys ordinaunce hath the Empyre remained in Germany aboue fyue hundreth yeares. Besydes that is nothyng so good nor wholsome in mens e∣states, than those counsels and ordinaunces, whe∣reby is auoided the occasion to alter of tymes the gouernaunce of Empyres: whyche thynge by the goodnesse of God is done by thys instytutyon of the Electors. By thys meanes is yt come to passe, that the Empyre is prouyded, that the tray∣nefull and secrete conspiracyons of the byshoppe of Rome and Frenche kynge dyd not prospere,

whiche endeuoured oft to transferre the hyghnesse of the Empyre from the Germanes to the Frenche¦men. The Emperoure also hath more sauegarde or defence of the princes, when he is chosen by their cō¦sent: and lesse stryfe can ryse for the election, when the desyres of the chefe princes consent to one. Be∣sydes this also, forsomuche as the maiestie of the empyre is remitted to many princes together, it is to be trusted that the state of the empire shalbe both stronger and more durable, then if it dyd stycke by the succession of one bloude. All these thynges ma∣ke for that purpose, that no great stryfe come by re∣son of the election or choysyng: and also that the heade of the West empyre be in some certayn place, and that because the concorde and tranquillitie of the religion in all this West kyngdome, be mayntei¦ned vnder one certayne heade. The Athenians in tymes past auaunced their ordinaunce of the Areo∣pagites with great prayses: lykewyse dyd the La∣cedemonians their statutes of the Ephories: and that worthely, for by them remained their common welthes stedfaste a great while. But forsoth this in stituciō of Otho made of the Electors, as it is farre more profitable, so it is worthy muche more prayse and auauncement: as by the whiche stablenesse of the empyre and constant religion are mainteyned many yeares, not onely in one or other citie or con∣trey, but in the whole Weste. And the princes Elec∣tors ought worthely make muche of this their pre∣rogatiue. First because of the whole Christiantie, that by them is this hyghnesse set aparte. For they are as a stedfast heade, wherewith foreuer all this

Weste kyngdome is kept and bounde together: for they maye be called the very route, out of the which emperoures must euermore growe. Moreouer also can no hygher dignitie happen them in this ly∣fe then that worthynesse is geuen them lawfully, whiche passeth farre the hyghnesse of kynges and princes. Then must this ordinaunce be estemed a hygh gyft and an ordinaunce of God: Wherefore also it must greatly be made of and kept without blemysh, least any occasion bee geuen to dissolue so Godly and wholsome, yee and moste fayre harmo∣ny in this lyfe. For by them standeth the summe of the Romane Empyre. And therfore whan the Elec¦tours are seuered, it is necessary that the kyng∣dome or empyre fayle, and that the last iudgement is at hande. For the worlde shall ende vnder thys empyre. It is written that the institucion of the Electours was.

• The yeare of Christe .M. ij.
• The yeare of the worlde .iiij. M. ix. C. xlvi.
• The yeare of Rome .M. vii. C. lij.
• The yeare after Charles the greate his coronacion .ij. C. i.

When this ordinaunce was made, the Italians made diuers vproures against Otho the .iij. inso∣muche that he could not be safe at Rome: and when he went towarde Germany, Crescentius wyfe sen∣ding* 1.326 hym poyson by an intrap, was kylled the thir∣tyeth yeare of his age.

Iohannes the .xv. the cxli. byshop of Rome succe¦ded Bonifacius the .vi. He was taken by Bonifaci{us} father, because he wold not consent to Bonifacius election.

Iohannes the .xvi. succeded Iohannes the .xv.

Iohannes the .xvii. succeded Iohannes .xvi. Beynge taken and dryuen out by Crescentius, he ••ought ayde of Otho.

After Iohannes the .xvii. was Gregorius the fyft made the .C. xliiij. byshop of Rome a prince of the Saxons bloude, and that for the same cause, as we haue declared a lytle before. For the Italians deuised now and then newe thynges agaynste the Emperours, nether dyd they euer want matters of vproures. Therefore semed it a necessary thyng to maynteyne common quietnesse that a Germane shoulde be made byshop of Rome. But yet in the meane season was Gregorius driuen out by the Italians, ordeinyng in hys steade one Iohannes: but Otho returning to Rome with a great power, restored Gregorius kynsman againe.* 1.327

Siluester the .ij. succeded Gregorius the .v. It is sayde he was an Inchaunter.

After this sorcerer was Iohannes the .xviii. made the .C. xlvi. byshop of Rome. In hys tyme appeared towarde the South a comete of a drede∣full syght, the whiche folowed no lesse hunger then pestilence.

Hrnry the .ij. surnamed the Haultynge, the. ••iij. Germane Emperoure.

THe yeare of Christ .M. iij. was Henry* 1.328 the secōd of that name duke of Bayer chosen Emperoure. We haue sayd be∣fore that Otho the fyrst gaue his bro∣ther Henry the duchy of Baier. But I reken this Emperoure Henry was

the brothers sonne of that Henry. For Hēry Otho the first brother died .xv. yeares before Otho decea¦sed. The Germane history writers were so negli∣gent, that out of their writynges I can not saye for a certayne, whether he were that Henries sonne, or his brothers sonne. Truely that is wonder that the chanons of Bamberg knewe not certaynly the genealogy of their founder.

This Henry was the first that was chosen Em∣peroure by the Electors, and raygned .xxii. yeres. He was famous by wysdome and noble victories, he made many and greate warres with maruay∣lous luckinesse. Fyrst making werry y^• Bohemes &* 1.329 Vandalies wyth warre, he subdued and made thē tributaries to hym. He besyeged Metz and Gaunt: he wanne also Lorain and Flaunders. He ••ought in Italy agaynst the Saracens, and droue them out of Italy. Then was he crouned victori∣ously at Rome by Benedictus the seuēth. He brou∣ght the Hungaryans to the Christen fayth, and ga∣ue* 1.330 to Steuen the Hungarian kyng his syster in ma¦riage. Before his death optayned he of the Elec∣tors lawfully, that Cunradus the .ij. of that name a Franke, should succede hym in the empyre. He foū∣ded the byshopryck of Bamberge, and is buryed there.

Iohannes the .xix. the .C.xlvii. byshop succeded Iohannes the .xviii.

Sergius the .C.xlviii. bish. of Ro. succeded Ioh.

Benedictus the .vii. folowed Sergius. Of hym was Henry the Emperoure crowned.

Iohannes the .xx. the .cl. byshop of Rome succe∣ded

Bedictus. Of hym was Cunradus crowned▪

Cunradus the .ij. the .xiiij. Germane Emperoure.

THe yere of Christe .M. xxv. was Cunra∣dus* 1.331 a Franck chosen Emperoure, who dwelt in the Limburg castell by the citie Spire, and gouerned the empyre fyftene yeares. But in the begynnyng of hys reigne when he perceaued all thynges in a rumour euery where, he brought to passe that hys sonne should be chosen a party ruler with hym, lest when he were gone in to Italy, the subiectes in Germany shoulde make a rumour without a certayn heade.

Ernestus duke of Schwaben and the Catuli: for* 1.332 the Catuly were also lordes in Schwaben. These (I saye) were rebelles to the Emperoure: but he dyd so assuage them, that they dyd strayghtwaye obeye frely. From thence went he into Hungary, and redressed that also. He toke Bourgundy and Liege or Ludich, he toke the realme of Orleaunce agayne, and gouerned it vnder his dominion. Af∣terwarde going into Italy, he besieged Milan, and commyng to Rome, he was crowned of Iohannes the .xx. The Romanes about that tyme rysynge agaynst Cunradus, were fearcely slayen of the Em¦perours men: But the Romane affaires were apea¦ced. In the meane tyme whyles this was done in Italy, Ernestus duke of Schwaben, raysed a newe commotion wherfore Cunradus in hys returne droue hym awaye, and pearsed hym through. Cun∣radus gaue the duchy to Herman hys brother.

This Cunradus made many lawes, which are yet now a daies. Vnder this Emperoure, was a couu∣saill kept at Tribur by Ment••. He builded wyth great costes the Churche of Spire, wherein he is buried with his quene Gisela.

Greate prayses are of this Gisela. She was a* 1.333 quene of Bourgundy, of Charles the greates poste ritie. Her first husbande was Ernestus duke of Schwaben, of whom she had two chyldren: Erne∣stus that was driuen out, and Herman: afterward was she wedded to Cunradus the Emperoure.

Here do the writers make the first menciō of the* 1.334 marqueshyp in Eastenriche, whiche at that tyme possessed Albert duke of Schwaben, brother to Er¦nestus the elder. Nether was Eastenryche yet at that time a duchy, but the Schwaben kept it, which had taken it from the Hungarians by strong hand.* 1.335

The Erldome also of Thuryngen beganne in the tyme of thys Cunradus: For Lewis the Bear∣ded of the lynage of Charles the greate was cosin to Gisela. The same because he had longe bene con∣uersaunt in the courte of the Emperoure, and had bene diligent in many thynges, was made Earle of Thuringen. And by this meanes haue the Lordes of Thuringen their ofsprynge of Charles the grea¦tes bloude.

Benedictus the .vij. was made the .C.li. byshop of Rome after Iohannes the .xx. who beynge dri∣uen out, one Syluester bought the byshoprycke with money. Therefore Benedictus beyng retur∣ned, to the intent he myght rayse factions or com∣mocions agaynst Syluester, he solde hys ryght of

the byshoprycke to one that was the thirde, called Gregorius the .vi. And so did Benedictus geue place to hym: but Syluester woulde contrarywyse* 1.336 defende hys ryght against Gregorius. This con∣trouersye dyd compell the Emperoure Henry the black to come to Rome, who dyd worthely depose those thre monsters from the byshoprycke, and or∣deined in steade of them one Syndeger byshop of Bamberg, who was called Clemens the .ii. the .clii byshop, of whom Henry the blacke was crowned.

About this time began the name of Cardinals to* 1.337 be vsed: whereby it may be supposed, that this same dignitie in the church, was not elder.

But for somuche as oftymes happened moste he¦uy contencions and stryfes, of the diuersitie of wyl∣les in makynge of the byshop of Rome, Henry the Blacke made an ordinaunce, that thenceforth no by¦shop of Rome should be chosen, without the consent of the Emperour & also his confirmacion. This or∣dinaunce was afterwarde sore foughten against of the byshops of Rome, insomuche also, that most hay¦nous warres are rysen thereof in the tymes of Hē∣ry the fourth and fyfth Emperours.

Henry the thyrd surnamed the Black, the .xv. Germane Emperoure.

THe yeare of Christe .M.xl. beganne to* 1.338 raygne Henry the third, called the Black, and raygned seuentene yeres. Fyrst inua¦ded he the Bohemes with warr, but they beyng ayded of the Hungarians, ouercame hym. The yere after were the Bohemes so weried with

warres of Henry, that their prince constrayned by necessitie came to Regenspurg, and made hymselfe tributary frely to the Emperour. After that going into Hungaty, warred thre yeares, and takynge in certayne cities, he compelled the Hungarians to de¦maunde peace. He subdued also the duke of Lorain, that he obeied the empire.

At Rome put he down thre byshops at once, stri¦uing for the see, and made a Germane byshop to be byshop there, whō they called Clement the .ii. Thē∣ceforth ouercame he the Saracēs by Capua. After¦ward came he again into Germany & kept a cōgre∣gatiō at Mentz, wherein was Leo the bysh. of Ro.

Cuno duke of Bayer, whiche was after. S. Hē∣ry,* 1.339 trustyng to the ayde and conspiracion of the Hū¦garians, set hym agaist the Emperoure: for by that meanes entended he to drawe the possession of the kyngdome to hym. But the Hungarians were o∣uercome, the duke Cuno was driuen out, and liued all his lyfe a bannyshed man in Hungary. The land of Bayer was in the meane tyme wythout a duke and gouernoure.

Before Henry the Black dyed, he caused hys sonne Henry, fyue yeare of age to be chosen Empe∣rour, and was crowned at Aken, to the intēt there shoulde be a certayne heade of the empyre, nether should any rumour be for the election. Wherefore the sonne raygned a certayn space vnder the mo∣thers protection. The mother of Honry the .iiij. was called Agnes, borne in the county of Pisto in Fraunce.

After Clemens was Damasus the .ij. made the

cliij. byshop of Rome, whiche optayned the byshop∣ricke by force.

Leo the .ix. succeded Damasus. The same was in the counsaill kept at Mentz and was conuersaunt wyth Henry the black a whyle afterwarde.

In his tyme Berengarius a deacon of Angewe* 1.340 in Fraunce taught, that the true body and bloud of Christ were not in the breade and wyne, according to Christes institucion. Leo the byshop of Rome condempned this in the counsaill of Vercelli: but the sedes of this doctrine that were left hath caused great persecucion to them that came after.

Victor the .ij. the .clv. byshop of Rome succeded Leo. The same was before byshop of Eichstet.

Stephanus the .ix. succeded Victor.

Benedictus the .ix. the .clvij. byshop of Rome succeded Stephanus.

Nicolaus the .ij. folowed after Benedictus. The same deposed Benedictus, and is sayde to haue or∣deined fyrst, that Cardinals shall haue aucthoritie to chose the byshop of Rome. Berengarius was al∣so condempned againe by hym, and was compelled to reuoke that he had taught of the sacrament.

Alexander the .ij. the .clix. byshop of Rome suc∣ceded Nicolaus, then also was greate strife for the delection.

Gregorius the .vij. before called Hiltebrande was the .clx. byshop of Rome after Alexander. The same dyd excommunicate and persued Henry the iiij. raisyng also fearce warres, that he myght get & obteyne, that a byshop of Rome myght be chosen and confirmed wythout the Emperoures consent

and confirmacion, lest the Emperours shoulde cla∣me any aucthoritie vpon the byshops of Rome to rule them, whereof we shall speake more in Henry the fourth.

Henry the .iiij. the .xvi. Germane Emperour.* 1.341

THe yeare of Christ .M. lvij. began Henry the .iiij. to reigne after that his father was deade, beynge yet a chylde, and raygned fyfty yeares. In this man dyd not onely the vertue of suche kynde of Emperours fayle, but the empyre of whole Germany began so to decaye, that afterwarde it neuer coulde nether be brought to his olde state, nor recouer his former strength. Hiltebrand byshop of Rome was causer of this la∣mentable* 1.342 game, who turned neare hād al Germany vp & down with warres among the princes therof.

In Henry the Emperours chyldhode, dyd Ag∣nes his mother gouerne the empyre, not without prayse: she set Germany and Italy at peace and trā¦quilitie. But the byshop of Colen dyd priuely leade away the chylde beyng now twelue yeares of age, and ready to be gyn to beare rule, and in the meane season he hymselfe ruled afterwarde the empyre. It is saide also that he caused the Imperiall childe to be brought vp vnsemely.

It were longe to reherse here all the causes and circumstaunces: I wyll onely reherse here brefely the most worthy of remēbraunce. Henry the Black* 1.343 father to this Henry, had made a constitucion of ma¦king a byshop of Rome by a most wyse aduise, that y^• same should not be done without the knowledge and consent of the Emperoure. But now that Hilte∣brand

was come into the see, he made a decre cōtra∣ry* 1.344 wyse, that the confirmacion of a byshop shoulde not be demaunded of the Emperoure. But the Em¦peroure woulde, that this his fathers constitucion should beare effect. Besydes that also had the Em∣peroure aucthoritie to geue the byshoprycks of the empyre: but Hiltebrand would not suffre that also. For it happened oft, that when one byshop was dead, another was made in his stead of the Empe∣roure, and agayne another of the byshop of Rome, whiche dyd then excommunicate the other. Finally came the game to this ende, that the Emperoure was not onely excommunicated, but it was also cō∣maunded, that other greate Lordes of Germany, should make another Emperoure. And the maister of this game was the byshop of Halberstat in Saxo¦ny, to do the byshop of Rome a pleasure. Wherfore fell from the Emperoure Henry the fourth Otho* 1.345 duke of Saxony, Rudolfus duke of Schwaben, to whom was maried the Emperoures syster germa∣ne, and certayne byshops, specially Saxons. On the Emperours syde were the Bohemies, and the lordes Catuly, whom the Emperoure gaue Baier∣lande, driuyng out Otho the duke of Saxony, and some byshops also, whiche disalowed the byshop of Romes tyranny, in derogatyng and takyng away the aucthoritie of Emperours at his pleasure. Wherfore they made congregacions also, and reiec¦tyng the byshop of Rome excommunicacion, excom¦municated hym lykewyse. Now went the Empe∣roure into Italy to treate and finish this controuer¦sy. In the meane season was Rudolfus duke of

Schwaben chosen Emperour of y^• contrary party* 1.346 in the town Phorcen, whych was about the yere of oure lorde .M. lxxvii. The byshop of Rome sente Rudolfus a crowne, wherein was wrytten thys verse. Petra dedit Petro, Petrus dyadema Ru∣dolfo. That is: Chryst the Stone gaue the crowne to Peter, Peter geueth to Rudolfe both crowne and septer.

Whereby he wolde sygnyfye, that Christe gaue the Empyre to the byshoppe of Rome, and that he lykewyse geueth it to princes. Therfore came Hen¦ry haystely agayn into Germany. & droue Rudol∣fus out of Schwaben into Saxonye, and foughte some battayls wyth hym by the ryuer Vnstrote, in the which were slayne the byshops of Worms and Magdeburg.

The yeare .M. lxxx. was foughten the laste felde agaynste Rudolfe by Mersburge, and in the same battayll was Rudolphus ryghte hande stryken of. Whan euerye man nowe fled into the cytye Marsburge, the hande was brought to the new Emperoure, lyenge in hys bedde, where the by∣shops* 1.347 stoode aboute. The whyche as he sawe, he sayde: Lomy Lordes ye byshops, thys ys the hande, wherewyth I haue promysed my lord Hen¦rye sayeth and loyaltye: iudge ye your selues now howe godly ye haue counseled me to decyner from him. Thys is a very myserable complaynte, whyche declareth the troubled mind of the prince to haue iudged it self gilty of vprour. Of this wise dyed Rudolfus about the .iiij. year of his election.

Whome I praye you would it not moue (wythout he be of yron) this so dredefull example to obey hys magistrate, & to beware of vproure? Yet were not the byshops in the meane tyme in reste, and set the sonne also against the father. Hiltebrand the byshop boasted to haue sene a vision in his slepe, that an vnlawfull Emperoure should dye that same yeare. But thys was Caiphas prophecye: for the punish∣ment* 1.348 fell not vpon Henry, but on the byshop of Ro∣mes adherentes.

After this victory came Henry to Rome, and ta∣kyng in the citie by force, he toke Hiltebrand the by∣shop and put hym from his office: and in his steade was chosen the byshop of Rauenna, called Clemēs, and of hym was Henry the fourth crowned. As for Hiltebrand died not longe after in exile.

Sigebertus the history writer doth not greatly* 1.349 prayse Hiltebrande, and doth reprehende the man•• dedes, that he did disquiet the peaceable state of the churche and empyre without greate cause: and writeth also, that Hiltebrande when he was dyeng should hymselfe haue complayned it, and should ha∣ue required of Henry by embassage forgeuenesse of hys trespasse. Hiltebrande forbade the priestes of* 1.350 Germany to mary, and many that were maryed, caused he to be diuorced.

The yeare of Christe .M. ciij. when Henry had vāquished the Saxons, & the erle of Misen Erbert was slayne, whome the byshops made to truste to be Emperoure after Rudolfus. Besides that when al maters of Germany and Italy were set at a stay, was Henry the fyft chosen Emperoure by Henry

the fourth hys father. Wherefore dyd the byshop∣pes procure by this Henry, that he shoulde ryse a∣gainst his father, and driue hym out of the empyre. But this greued the good prince greatly. Where∣fore* 1.351 Henry the sonne makyng a leage the yeare. M C. v. dyd fyrst besyege his father at Mentz: but the princes refusyng to assault it, Henry the sonne was fayne to departe, and leauyng Mentz went with the hoost to Norinberg, and gat and spoyled it in* 1.352 the space of two monethes. The father persued the sonne, and on both sydes were they a while in their campes by Regensburg: but they came neuer to playne felde by reason the princes went alwaye be∣twene. But the sonne warned the father to beware of hys owne seruauntes, wherefore he fled priuely to Ludich, and dyed there that same yeare. But when he had lyen vnburied fyue yeares, by reason of the excommunicacion or course of the Romyshe byshop he optayned absolucion, and was buried at Spire. There are yet wrytynges at thys houre, that were sent to the kynge of Fraunce by Henry the father, treatyng of the iniury of the sonne, and their malice, which set the sonne against the father. Reade more of this tragedy in the life of Hiltebrād, prynted seuerally in Englyshe.

Of the takyng in and possessyng the citie Hierusalem.

IN the tyme of this Henry the fourth be∣gan the settyng forth to warre into Ie∣wry against the Saracens and Turkes. The fyrst capitayne was Godfre of Bi∣lion,

prince of Lothringe or Lorain. Hym accom∣panied* 1.353 the best princes and lordes of Gallia.

The yere .M. xcix. Godfre wan the citie Ierusalē, and was straight waye made kyng. But he refused to be crowned with a golden crowne there, whe∣re Christes was crowned with a crown brayded of thornes. This happened foure hundreth thre score and eight yeres before that Hierusalem was taken out of the Perses power by Heraclius. But not muche aboue thirtene yeres after became the Sa∣racens lordes of Hierusalem. Many yeares after were the Saracens dryuen out of Hierusalem by the Turkes. About this tyme gat the Christiās Ie¦rusalem again, and subdued many cities & contreis there about. They had the realme of Ierusalem. lx¦xxviij. yeares, vntyll the yere of Christ a thousand, one hundreth & foure score & seuen. The Souldane wanne Ierusalem againe in the tyme of Frederick Barbarossa.

The chaunge of many duchyes in Germany.

HOw many miseries the inwarde warre* 1.354 of Germany, whiche was sturred by the byshop of Rome wylenesse, hath brought with it, may easely be gathered thereby, that when the princes and great men were slayne, the lord shyppes and dominions were chaunged. Henry the fourth gaue to the Catuly Lordes of Schwaben the lande of Baier. After Rudolphus death gaue Henry the fourth the duchy of Schwa∣ben to Frederick of Stauffen hys sonne in lawe that had maried hys daughter. The auncetry or

kynred of the Frankes dyed in a very shorte space. Ecbertus erle of Misnia was slayne. Gebhardus the father of that Lotharius, whiche became after∣ward Emperoure, was slayne also in a battaill: and to conclude, the power of Germane is wholy made feble and turned vpsyde downe by this debate of the princes.

Whan Hiltebrande was deade, a byshop called Victor the third of that name was chosen out of the citie of Rome by his companions, in spete of Cle∣ment. But when Victor was deade a litle after, by them was Vrbanus the, ij. chosen byshop of Rome The same returned to Ro. by their ayde that were▪ now appointed to go to Ierusalem. Being restored in the see, he droue out Clemens.

Paschalis the, ij. succeded Vrbanus the .ij. This∣same was first taken by Henry the fyft. Afterward did he constrayne hym to crowne hym Emperoure.

Henry the fyft, the xvij. Germane Emperoure.

THe yeare of Christe .M. C. vii. beganne* 1.355 Henry the fyft to reigne after his fathers decesse, and reigned .xx. yeres. Verely he was well rewarded of the byshops, that folowyng their counsails, he warred vpon his fa∣ther the good Emperoure. Comminge to Rome, he coulde not obtayne the crowne of the byshop of Rome, without he dyd fyrst ordeyne that thence∣forth it shoulde be alowed that both the byshop of Rome and other byshops should be made without the Emperours approbating and consent. Besides

that also was at that tyme so great an vproure ma∣de in the citie of Rome by the byshop of it, that ex∣cept the Emperoure had defended his lyfe with his owne hande, he had bene lost. When the Emperour had the ouerhande, many Romanes were put to* 1.356 death and taken prysoners. The byshop was taken also, and led out of the citie: And when communica∣tion was had wyth hym of the coronation & right of makyng the byshop of Rome and other byshops, Paschalis dyd frely graunt, that Emperours shuld take to them that prerogatiue, that no byshop of Ro¦me nor other should be chosen, without their graūt. From thence are they returned to Rome, and Hen∣ry was crowned Emperoure of Paschalis.

But after that the Emperoure was departed out of Italy, the byshop turned hys mynde, and ma¦kyng an assemble or counsayll dyd not onely reuoke the graunted priuilege, but dyd also excōmunicate and accurse the Emperoure. Whiche thyng when it was shewed Henry the fyfte, retourning straight waye to Rome with a greate power, he droue out the byshop, and ordemed another in his place. In the meane season dyd not the byshops of Germany syt styll, whiche dyd againe set the Saxons against the Emperoure, so ••ore also, that Germany beynge eftsones styrred with mutuall debates, dyd mete eche other with displayde banners, and in the yere M. C. xv. the .xi. daye of February was the battail* 1.357 by Māsfelde, neare by the wood Catula••ia, wherin was slayne Hoterus Erle of Mansfelde.

Wherfore the Emperoure p••rceauynge, that this playe coulde not be assuaged without cōtinuall

battail, nether would the Romish byshops leaue of, tyll they had oppressed hym as they had done hys father before: the good prince had aduice to the com¦mon peace of the empyre, and renounced frely the* 1.358 right of his priuilege. Therfore as the peace was made betwene the byshop of Rome and Emperour by this occasion, and also betwene the other lordes, and was proclaymed not farre from Wormes by the Rhene, where greate armies were together on both parties: greate ioye was made in all Germa∣ny for this accorde of common peace.

This Henry warred also in Hollande and Lo∣rayne. As for Lotharius duke of Saxony, who was made Emperour after Henry, came to Mentz in along and vile garment humbly requyryng par∣don of the Emperoure. The same dyd Henry graūt hym frely of hys syngular mercy. This Henry had no manchylde, and therefore came the duchy of the Frankes to Conrade sonne to Frederick of Stauf∣fen and Henries the fyftes syster.

Gelasius the .ij. succeded Paschalis the .ij. This∣same was dryuen out of Rome by Henry the fyft, and in hys steade was Gregorius made byshop. Gelasius died in Fraunce in exile.

When Gelasius the .ij. was deade, was chosen in Fraunce byshop of Rome Calistus the .ij. who commyng to Rome, fought some battayls wyth Gregorius the false byshop, whome Henry the fyft had made. At the last was Gregorius taken, and set arswarde vpon an asse, was caried about the citie. Vnder Calistus was the peace made with the Em∣peroure Henry the fyft.

Honorius the .ij. succeded Calist{us} the bysh. of Ro.

Innocentius the .ij. was made byshop after Ho∣norius. In spite of this man was Petrus Leonis chosen, who called himself Anacletus. Of hym was Innocentius driuen out with force. Lotharius as∣swaged this rumour, who was crowned Empe∣roure of Innocentius.

Lotharius the Saxon, the xviij. Germane Emperoure.

THe yeare of Christe .M. cxxvii. was Lo∣tharius* 1.359 duke of Saxony chosen Empe∣roure by the Electors. whose father Geb∣hardus was slayne by Henry the fourth. Lotharius reigned thyrtene yeares.

This Germane empire hath oft ben shaken with moste heuy assaultes. For now agayne is raysed a great and durable vproure against Lotharius al∣so. For the Schwaben and Frankes, which had lōg warred with the Saxons toke in euell worth, that the highnesse of the empire came to the Saxons. Besydes that also were the sonnes of the dukes of Schwaben borne of Henry the fyftes syster: & ther¦fore did they pretend, that the empire of right shuld be belongyng to them. Henry the .v. (as is sayd be∣fore) gaue to Conradus of Schwaben his systers husbande the duchy of Franken. Godfry counte of Palatine was with him, who chofe Conradus Em¦peroure, & to him did leane the cities of the Schwa¦ben and Franckes.

But Catulus Henry duke of Baierland toke Lo¦tharius parte, for he was Lotharius daughters husband, wherby also the possessiō of Saxony came

to the Baiers by succession hereditare. And those* 1.360 also that now a daies are called princes of Brun∣swig, are of the Baiers bloud, of Catulus Henry du¦ke of Baier.

That Conradus might prenent Lotharius he went into Italy, and toke in Lombardy, where he was also crowned with an yron crown. In the mea¦ne tyme besyeged & wan Lotharius the cities Spr¦re, Vlme and Nurenberg, and after that persued he Conradus into Italy. For the Saxon Lotharius beyng more sage and wyly, thought well, that with¦out Germany were well assured, Conradus coulde not kepe Italy. Wherfore when Conradus knew that both the cities of Germany were lost, and that no hope of succoure was to be loked for out of Ger¦many, to retayne Italy: leauyng Italy, he dyd ma∣ke a conuencion of peace with Lotharius through* 1.361 the entreatement of sainct Bernarde, and left the empyre that he had taken vpon hym. Lotharius went twyse into Italy. First to assuage the commo¦tions that were raysed at Rome against Innocen∣tius the byshop, for choisyng another byshop. After that against Roger, which had inuaded Campania and Apulia. He droue hym out of Italy: but when Lotharius was deade, Roger returned.

Of the Roman lawes repared and restored.

LOtharius is not onely praysed for his no∣table valiaūtnesse in warres, where with he hath set both Germany and Italy at a staye & rest: but also for his endeuoure in y^e

religion and good lawes. In his tyme was in Ita∣ly by the quene Mectildis a man of great learnyng* 1.362 called Wernherus, whome Accursius the lawer cal¦leth oft Irnemerius. The same founde the bokes of the Romane lawes in the liberaries dusted & vn∣regarded, and brought them to lyght agayne: Lo∣tharius commaunded to vse them openly in scoles, and to geue sentence agayne after them in iudgemē¦tes* 1.363 of the empyre. And so by this meanes was that treasure brought to lyght agayn, whiche none can be more profitable, nor more costly, namely whereof innumerable profites are flowen. For first it is a cer¦taine lawe and conformable to mans reason resto∣red to whole Europa: by reason all nacions, and all other lawes vse this Romane lawe in searchynge right as a certayne line or carpenters rule: for it is moste nearest applyed to common honestie. Secōd¦ly do thees restored Romane lawes not a lytle pro∣fyte thereto, that they gyue commaundementes of the common behaue ours of this lyfe and best ma∣ners, whiche are no where founde better: I passe o∣uer that the purenesse of the Latine tungue began to florysh agayn, by restoryng of this lawe as borne again. But when this study of the lawe was in∣stitute, straightwaye were become great and many excellent lawers, whiche busied both to interprete the lawes, and to set them againe in vre. Truely, I can not maruaile ynough, that men became so well learned at that tyme, wherein the vse of the Latine tunge, the histories, finally al the auncient Romane disciplines were left of for the whyle: so that it may easely be supposed, that those fyrst lawers were not

onely men of greate diligence in studies, but also greate and wyse men exercysed with muche expe∣rience of common matters: For wythout exercyse, had it bene impossible to knowe the Roman lawes. Wherefore are the same doctors of the lawe to bee iudged no lesse, than those auncient lawiers Vlpia∣nus, Seruius and other.

Azo, whiche is euen the chefe of the expounders* 1.364 of the lawe, lyued in the tyme of this Lotharius. After the same lyued Accursius, the same also lyued* 1.365 vntil the time of Frederick the second. In the tyme of Henry of Lucelborowe were many and notable doctors, as Bartholus and other. Gratianus, who* 1.366 gathered the Decrees of the common lawe, was also in the tyme of Lotharius. But before were su∣che bookes also. For of this sorte was a lytle booke written by a byshop of Wormes, whiche at that ty∣me was vsed: we also haue sene it in our daies. But when the studies of the lawe floryshed now euery where, and that the best learned embraced them,* 1.367 (as it happeneth moste commonly in a new thing,) the monkes perceauyng that the knowledge of ho∣ly scripture beganne to coule and be despysed, for studieng the lawe: they also beganne a studye of Theology or diuinitie, and ordeyned scole disputa∣tions in diuine matters, as the lawers dyd in ciuyll matters. Thus beganne the diuinitie scole, wherof we shall saye more hereafter.

Cunradus a Schwabe, the .xix. Germane Emperoure.

THe yeare of Christ .M. cxl. succeded Con¦radus* 1.368 borne duke of Schwaben Lotha∣rius the Saxon in the empyre, who was made prince of the Frankes by Henry the fyft. He reigned fourten yeres. It is no where red that he was crowned of the Romysh byshop. This Cunradus (as we said before) rose against Lotha∣rius, but he was constrained to yelde himself vnder the Emperours power. But when Lotharius was deade, the succession of the empire fell vpon Conra∣dus: though Henry duke of Baier & Saxony that had marted Lotharius daughter coueted the empi¦re, and besyeged Conradus at Auspurg. But Con∣radus the Emperoure minished Henries power, & gaue the duchy of Baier to the Erle of Eastenrich. Howbeit this warre was not very long: for not lōg after died Henry in Saxony, and was laide in Lo∣tharius his wiues fathers graue. After that dyd a prince of Catuli warre with the duke & Emperour Cōradus for the duchy of Baier, but inuain. Wher∣fore he was afterwarde reconciled againe with the Emperoure, through Frederick that became Em∣peroure afterward. Conradus with many princes* 1.369 and a great hoost went to Hierusalem, againste the Saracens Christes enemyes, through the counsail of sainct Bernarde, against the whiche also toke wa¦pen Lewis kyng of Fraunce: but many souldiours* 1.370 dyed thorough the disloyaltie of Emanuel Em∣peroure of Constantinople. Yet had our men ma∣ny and great battails in Asia and at Hierusalem in the meane season. Cunradus returned the fourth yere after into Germany & died, and was buried in

the towne Lorch by Gemund.

In the warre that Conradus had with the Ca∣tulies, he toke the castel and town Weinsburg, that lyeth not farre from the riuer Necehar. Then com¦maunded* 1.371 the Emperour to take al the gentlemen: but the gentle women shoulde be letten go with so great packe of goodes as they could cary. Thē the gentlewomen forsakyng the goodes would rather cary away their chyldren. Whiche thing when som did blame, whiche would haue the yong children be prisoned, sayeng: the graunt was to cary goodes, & not men. The Emperour delited so in the vertue of the noble women, that he gaue them leaue not only to cary away their childrē, but also al their goodes.

Celestinus the .ij. was byshop of Rome after In∣nocencius the .ij.

Lucius the .ij. was byshop after Celestinus.

Eugenius the third was made byshop after Lu∣cius. Against the same was another byshop chosen by the Romanes, of whom Eugenius was driuen out: but gatheryng a Frenche ayde, he returned, o∣uer came his aduersary, and was restored againe.

Anastasius the .iiij. succeded Eugenius.

Adrianus the .iiij. was byshop after Anastasius. Of hym was Frederick Barbarossa or with the* 1.372 reade bearde crowned Emperoure: but afterward sticked he to William of Sicily, which kept Naples and made the Lombardes obedient to hym, by a moost haynous coniuracion against the empyre. He* 1.373 did excōmunicate Frederick, & raysed most haynous warres in Italy. It is written y^t he shuld haue saied not long before he died: there is no more wretched

state in earth then the byshoprick of Rome: and to* 1.374 get that byshopryck by bloude, is not to succede Pe¦ter, but Romulus rather, who flew his owne bro∣ther, that he myght haue the monarchy and reigne alone. These wordes wytnesse sufficiently, that it repented hym of the debate that he had begonne against the Emperoure.

After Adrianus began a greate diuision. Some Cardinals chose Octauianus, who was called Vic∣tor. Some chose Alexander the .iij. Frederick Bar¦barossa helde Octauianus for the true byshop of Rome. But yet in the meane season commaunded he by a counsayll to enquire who shoulde abyde by∣shop. But Alexander refusyng the aucthoritie of the counsayll, kepeth hymselfe in Fraunce, and ac∣curseth Frederick. At the last gat Alexander the by shopryck by the ayde of the Italians, and returned to Rome, where Frederick came then also. But A∣lexander beyng afrayed, fled to Venice, where at the last, peace was made. But hereof shall we spea∣ke more in the history of Frederick.

Frederick the .i. called Barbarossa, or wyth the red bearde the .xx. Ger∣mane Emperoure.

THe yeare of Christe .M. C. lij. was Fre∣derick* 1.375 chosen Emperour, the fyrst of that name, surnamed Barbarossa. He gouer∣ned the Empyre .xxxvij. yeares. He was a borne duke of the noble house of Schwaben, Con¦radus y^e Emperours brothers sonne, a most renov∣med prince of hardinesse, valiauntnesse and iustice.

So farre as I can perceaue by his dedes, it semeth that Frederick, as a gentle Schwabe, could not pa∣ciently beare these iniuries, that the byshops of Ro∣me dyd hym: and I thynke it came by this, that he was more harde againste them.

In the begynnyng of his empyre, set he Baier∣lande and Eastenriche at one, and restored to Catu∣lus Henry duke of Saxony, and Henry sonne too* 1.376 Lotarius doughters husbande, Baierlande. He made his Cosin Henry Erle of Eastenryche duke, and set boundyng borders to ether duchy. Then began first the duchy of Eastenriche. But Ca¦tulus Henry kept Baierlande not longe: for he for∣soke Fredericke in Italy, and raised new rebellions* 1.377 in Germany against hym. Wherfore Frederick dri∣uyng away Henry afterwarde, the duchy of Baier∣lande was geuen to Otho of Witelsbach. And of this Othoes bloude are those princes borne, which now a dayes haue Baierlande, and the counties Palatine by the Rene. The right of election on the Saxonies behalfe, gaue he to Bernarde prince of Anhalt. Henry flyenge, went into Englande wyth his wyfe and chyldren: but at the last when he re∣turned, composition was made, that Catulus Hen∣ry* 1.378 should possesse the duchy of Brunswich. But thē dyd Phillippe byshop of Colen take the countrey Westphalen from the duchy of Saxony withforce.

Frederick besyeged Lubeck, and subdued it to* 1.379 the empyre. He compelled also the kyng of Denne∣marck to require peace.

They of Milane rebelled, and went about to brynge the other cities of Italy vnder their subiec∣tion.

For that maner and wylfulnesse to haued omi¦nion, doth last yet by the Italians: wherfore Frede¦rick goyng into Italy, apeased all rumors. But af∣terwarde did the byshop of Rome entice the Mila∣ners, and the other cities to a coniuracion againste Frederick, and dyd excommunicate hym. For whi∣che* 1.380 cause he went nowe the fourth tyme into Ita∣ly, he subdued and spoyled Milane, and assayed all the meanes he coulde to alaye the debate betwene the byshop of Rome and hym: but it was inuayne. For Alexander the third byshop of Rome could not be brought to that poynte, that he shoulde not vexe the moste gentle prince: wherefore Frederick went to Rome, but Alexander fled to the Venecians. Then was Otho Fredericks sonne sent agaynste the Venecians: who beyng taken in a battayll vpon the water, condicions of peace were accepted. For Frederick the Emperoure sawe that the byshops of Rome coulde reste by no meanes. Moreouer consydered he also, that besyde that hys sonne was taken, what was chaunged to the Emperours that were afore hym. Wherefore Frederick vsed sub∣mission and moste lowly humblenesse. For he came* 1.381 to Venice, and layed hymselfe downe before the Churche dore afore the Romyshe byshop, and suf∣fred hymselfe to be troden with his fete: who com∣maunded also to be cried out: Thou shalt treade vpō the adder and coceatrice, and then dyd he absolue hym at the last. Frederick sayde contrariwyse, that he dyd not shewe that lowlynesse to Alexander, but to Peter. Whereto aunswered Alexander: both to me and to Peter. But what is to be thought of this

dede of the byshop of Rome, that do I committee the reader to iudge. The byshops of Rome rayse war∣res without any lawfull cause. For Alexander stri∣ueth for his priuate election, nether woulde he euer admitte any counsaill, nor any other condicions. And besyde this iniury, dyd he vse also extreme* 1.382 wylfulnesse and pryde againste the hyghest power of Christianitie, when he dyd treade vpon the Em∣peroure with his fete, whome God commaundeth euen to honoure.

But when this agremēt was made, he chose Hē∣ry his sonne to be party ruler with hym, the yere of Christ .M. C. lxxxvj. lest the empyre shuld be with out a gouernoure, when he toke his yourney into Asia. He maried his sonne to Cōstantia the daugh∣ter to Rogerius, by whiche meanes the kyngdome Sicily and Naples came to the empyre & Germa∣nes, and made the young kyng gouernoure of Ita∣ly. Not long after went he into Asia with a greate preparacion of warre & company of many princes, to recouer again the citie Ierusalem, that was lost* 1.383 not long before. He toke in many & mighty cities in Cilicia, & vanquyshed the Saracens & Turkes. He made the Souldane so afraide for hym, that he cau¦sed many of his greate cities to cast down their wal¦les in Syria, when he did mistrust to kepe them, & he himself fled into Egypt. For the kynges of Eng∣land & Fraūce were already arriued into Asia with a great army. But what fortuned when they had gathered a greate hoost? Fortune whiche is not alwaye good, beganne to turne. Frederick when he had now takē the cōtrey Armenia, by reason of y^e

heate, went into a swyft water with his horse, and the doughty prince was drowned the yeare .M.C lxxxix. Nether ought it to be maruayll, that Frede∣rick peryshed of this wyse in a ryuer: for histories* 1.384 do make mencion, that he otherwhyles also went into waters. In the second setting forth vpon Mi∣lane, the Italians pitched their tentes on the other syde of the ryuer Abdua, whiche is no lesse then is the Tems about Sion, and mocked Frederick the Emperoure, who was of this syde the ryuer with his hoost: thynkyng, that by reason the ryuer was betwene them both, they myght mocke the Empe∣roure wythout daunger. Then did the Emperour steppe into the ryuer without feare, and commaun∣ded the horsemen to folowe hym. Whiche thynge seyng the, Italians thought shoulde neuer come to passe, (for ether they laye here and there, or vnadui∣sedly went vp and downe without order,) they to∣ke the flyght, and were ouercome of a small compa∣ny of horsemen. This feate witnesseth that Frede∣rick was a prince of excellent hardinesse▪ and also one that doubted not to put hymselfe lyghtely into waters.

The prince of Boheme was made a kyng by Fre¦derick,* 1.385 for his sundry and excellent faithfulnesse, that he vsed toward Frederick at Milane.

Lucius the .iij. was made byshop of Rome after Alexander.

Vrbanus the .iij. succeded Lucius. Gregorius the .viij. succeded Vrbanus. Clemens the .iij. folowed after Gregorius. Celestinus the .iij. was after Clemens.

Henry

the .vi. was crowned of hym.

Henry the .vi. the xxi. Germane Emperoure.

THe yeare of Christ .M.C.xC. began Hen¦ry* 1.386 the vi. of that name to raigne after his fathers deceasse, and raygned seuen yea∣res. He had great warres in Apulia, and finally subdued the whole realme. In Germany had he enemyes the byshop of Colen and Lutich or Liege, besyd them also the Burgundions. In this vproure was the byshop of Lutich slayne, and the other beynge abashed by thys myshappe, left of frō theyr enterpryse, and obeyed frelye. He made hys sonne Frederick yet a chylde Emperour wyth the consent of y^• electors. The election was confirmed with sealed letters of the princes electors. the same was afterward called Frederick the .ii. But whan* 1.387 Henry was now dyenge▪ he committed the warde∣shyppe of the chylde, and empyres gouernaunce to his brother Philippe, who had the gouernaunce of the empyre, whan Henry was yet alyue.

Innocentius the .iii. was byshop of Rome after Celestinus.

The same persued Philippe the Emperour, and it is reported he shulde haue sayde: He wolde take* 1.388 awaye from Philippe the Emperours crowne, or hys thre crowned miter shulde be taken from hym. He made Emperoure Otho the Saxon. But thys frendeshyp was not stedfast nether: for Otho was excommunicated of the Romyshe byshop not longe after.

Philippe sonne to Barbarossa, the .xxii. Germane Emperour.

THe yeare of Christ .M.C.xcviii. was cho¦sen* 1.389 Emperour Philippe the sonne of Bar¦barossa, duke of Schwaben, and gouer∣nour of Italy on y^• Emperours behalfe, he raygned ten yeares. In hys tyme rose greate vproures in Germanye. For whan Henrye was deade, haystynge out of Italy, Philippe dyd admo¦nysh the princes electors of the election had of hys yonge cosyn made Emperoure. And that the em∣pyre shulde haue no alteracyon, ether they shulde cōmitte to hym the admynistracyon, or make hym Emperoure, and none other prince. But whan In¦nocentius the Bysh. of Rome smelled that, he dyd earnestly procure by the princes electors that ano∣ther Emperour shulde be chosen, shewyng openly: he coulde not brouke Philippe: for he was displea∣sed wyth hym, because that whan he was gouer∣noure in Italye, he had done I wote not what a∣gaynst the Byshop of Rome wherefore also he was excommunicated of Innocentius. But nowe had alegat absolued Philippe of the excommunication, wo also was punyshed therefore of the Byshopp of Rome. But what nede many wordes? The byshop of Ro. hated all Fredericks kinred, & intended▪ to rout it out. Wherefore was chosen by the electors Emperour Bertholdus duke of zaryngē, who be∣syde y^t he was riche, was worthy noprayse in a ma∣ner.* 1.390 Philipp was in the toune Mulhausen, where were come also many princes, as of Bohemy, Sax∣ony, Baier & Schwaben, of whome he was made

Emperour. But whan the duke of zeryngē knewe that he was weaker than Phlippe of pussaunce and power, he came frely to him, and yelded himselfe as to his lyege lord, refusing to take vpon him the na∣ming of the Emperiall maiesty. But the byshopp of Ro. ceassed nothyng the more of his forepryse: but broughte to passe that the prince of Brunswich O∣tho,* 1.391 the fourth of that name, sonne to Henrye that fled, was made Emperoure of the bysh. of Colen, and county af Palatine. The same dyd Innocenti∣us confirme and crowne, cursynge and excommu∣nicating Philippe. Wherefore went from hym to Otho not a fewe princes, the prince of Bohemye, the erle of Thuringen Herman and the byshop of Argentine or Strasburg. But yet dyd God in the* 1.392 meane season prosper Philips affaires, insomuche that he gouerned the empyre all the tyme of hys lyfe. Fyrst goynge in Alsace, he toke in Strasburg and compelled the byshop of Strasburge to yelde hymselfe. In the meane tyme was Otho come tyll Spyre: but he also was dryuen backe by Philippe into Saxony, and as Philippe folowed now vpon hym into Thuryngen, thether came the kynge of Bohemy, and y^e erle of Thuryngen. But they refu∣syng to geue battayl, yelded thēselues to Philppe. Afterwarde besyegynge the citye Colen also, he compelled the bysh. to yelde himselfe: who though he had crowned Otho before, yet crowned he Phi∣lyppe also at Achen wyth the Emperyall crowne. Not longe after Otho strengthened wyth the suc∣course of some byshops, he forsoke the byshoppe of Colen, because he was fallen to Philippe: but than

returned Philippe to Colen, and fought some fel∣des wyth Otho, and gat the victory: but Otho fled into Englande.

At the laste whan the princes sawe that Othoes parte was weakened, and that Phylippe kept the empyre, who also made hym selfe familiar with the princes. He had to wyfe Irene, doughter to the* 1.393 Emperour of Constantinople: of the which he had foure doughters, whereof he maryed the one to the kynge of Bohemes sonne, another gaue he to the prince of Brabant. Than I saye, whan the prin¦ces sawe all these thinges, they deuised to make an accorde. To the bishop of Rome wer Legates sent to make an atonement betwene him and Philippe, and also that Otho shuld be taken in fauoure. Whe¦refore the Bysh. of Rome sendyng embassiadours into Germany, Phylippe the Emperoure was ab∣solued of the excommunicatyon. The agrement was made also, that Otho shulde marye one of the dougdters, to the intent the bande of the concorde and familiaritye made, myght the better be kepte betwene both partees. All thys was done.

But whan this agrement and leage was made, Philip dwelt afterward at Bamberg. And vpon a day whan he was lettē bloud, and the good prince suspected now no harme, and had in hys chamber no more wyth hym, than the Chaunceler and hys karuer of Walpurch, ther came in to him Otho of Witelspache, whose kynred Friderick the first had made honorable & famous, by geuynge him the du∣chy of Baier. The same whan he sawe that the Em¦perour was alone without any company or ayde,

he fell sodenly vpon hym not thinkyng any thing,* 1.394 and stroke a greate wounde in the Emperoures necke. The Karuer came runnynge, to helpe hys prince, but the murtherer by reason of hys swyft∣nesse escaped. Thys woūd was deadly to Philipp: and as he was deade, he was buryed, at Bamberg. But afterwarde was the bodye dygged vppe, and brought to Spyre by Fridericke the .ii. Vpon the stone that lyeth on the graue, is written Philipp of Bamberg. Nether wanted Otho of Wytelspache* 1.395 the murtherer finally his worthy punyshment: for he hym selfe was slayne also not longe after.

Of the institution of the freres beg∣gynge ordres.

IN the tyme of Philippe founded Domi∣nicus* 1.396 and Franciscus the Orders of beg¦gynge Freres. For the monkes or cha∣nons that were ryche the same beynge now become mighty lordes, despising the seruice of teachynge in the Churche or congregacyon, went to warre wyth y^e Emperoures and princes. Ther∣fore beganne these two men than to preache, and toke to their companions sobre and peaceable men, as men geuen to learnynge and thus beganne that thinge. After that began more orders after the ex∣ample of these, as it commeth moost communely to passe, as oft as new thynges begynne to be wonde∣red at. But as nothyng remayneth stedfast alway, and durable in his degre, in mens affayres: euen so do we se the orders of Freres and monkes to lose theyr state and doctrines.

Otho the fourth, the .xxiii. Germane Emperoure.

THE yeare of Christ, M.CC.ix. after* 1.397 that Philippe was deade, fell the ma∣iestye of the empyre to Otho prince of Brunswich, who was chosen Empe∣roure afore also agaynste Philipp. He raygned after Philips decease foure yeares. But wythin these foure yeares went he fyrst to Rome, and receaued the Imperiall crowne of Innocen∣tius. In Italy vsed he a very kynglye and mooste costly apparelynge, and shewed a notable grauitye toward all princes and cityes, insomuch, that they all dyd humbly worshyp hym. After hys coronaci∣on toke he some imperyall cityes, whyche the Ro∣mysh bysh. dyd possede: but thys was an occasyon of the breche of frendeshyp with the bysh. of Rome. Wherefore Innocentius dyd accurse Otho, euen whan he was yet present in Italy: and before O∣tho came agayne into Germany, he sent ambassa∣dours to the princes, that they should choyse ano∣ther Emperoure, namely Frederick the seconde, sonne to Henry the vi.

It was very proudly and cruellye done of the* 1.398 Bysh. of Rome, so to excommunicate and accurse the Emperoures, nether to excommunicate them only, but also to put them from the empyre, so that one can thynke no honestye in these dedes of the Romysh byshoppes, specially yf ye ponder and way all the causes and reasons. All these were excom∣municated in a rowe, and yet were they myghtye and wyse Emperoures, that haue brought to passe great and notable thinges.

Henry the fourth a Franke.* 1.399 Henry the fyfth a Franke. Friderick the fyrst a Schwabe. Philippe sonne to Frederick the fyrste. Otho the iiii. duke of Brunswig. Friderick the .ii. Henry the .vi. sonne. Conradus Fridericks sonne.

The yeare of Christe .M.CC.xii. Otho beyng come agayne into Germany, though he knew that the princes myndes were set agaynst him, yet poyn¦ted he a day of parlament at Norinberg, and admo¦nyshed the princes, that they shulde not graunt the bishops of Ro. that authoritye, that they shulde put downe Emperoures at theyr pleasure: for the em∣pyre pertayneth not to Romysh byshops, but to the Germane princes. He brought some princes to his mynd with this admonition, and fell vpon Herman* 1.400 erle of Thuryngen the father of erle Lewys, to whome. S. Elysabeth was spoused. For erle Herman, to do the Byshoppe of Rome pleasure, set hymselfe agaynst the Emperour, as a man condem¦ned wyth byshoppe of Romes excommunicatyons and curses. But afterwarde was Otho forsaken of all the princes, except one erle of March in Mi∣sen. For Fryderycke the yonger, enemy to Otho, was alreadye come into Germany: besyde that by the byshoppe of Romes procurynge, was the Fren¦che kynge in armes agaynste Otho. But whan tydynges came to Otho of Frideryckes com∣myng he prepared hym to go agaynste hym into Alsasse, and was wyth hys hooste at Brysacke: howe beyte beynge destytute of all the ayde of

hys, he was constrayned to flye into Saxony. But than repayring an hooste, and beyng holpen of the kynge of Englande, he went into low Germany, a∣gaynst the Frenche kynge, of whome he was ouer∣come, and dyed afterwarde, the yeare .M. CC. xviij. He lyued wythout the tytles of thempyre .v. yeares.

Friderick the .ij. the .xxiiij. Germane Emperoure.

THe yeare of Christ .M. CC. xiij. was cho¦sen* 1.401 Emperoure Friderick the .ii. of that name, the sonne of Barbarossa, kinge of Naples and Cicily, and duke of Schwa∣ben, whan Otho was put downe, and was crow∣ned Emperoure at Achen. He raygned seuen and twenty yeares. Yet before he dyed, was he depry∣ued fyue yeares of the Empire, by Innocentius the Bysh. of Rome. Noman can pitye ynough the case of thys laudable Emperoure, that he was endued wyth many and noble vertues: and yet in the mean season suffred he moost extreme and heuy persuin∣ges of Romane byshops. He was verye well lear∣ned in many languages. For he knew perfectly the Latine, Greke, Germane and Saracens langua∣ges. Besydes thys set he forth also the disciplines of good sciences. He brought to passe that the boke* 1.402 of Ptolome, called Almagestū was translated out of the Saracens language into Latyn, and by that meanes the doctryne of Astronomye, whyche no∣man had taughte many yeares before in Europa, was brought to lighte.

Hys fyrste warre had he in Germanye agaynste Otho the .iiii. by the bishop of Romes counsel: but he had the same rewarde for it, that other Empe∣rours afore him haue had.

The seconde warre had he in Brabant, agaynste the duke of Brabant and Othoes adherentes, and restored Lorain againe to the Germane empyre.

The yeare of oure lorde .M. CC. xx. was Fri∣dericke crowned of Honorius the .iii. Emperoure. Two erles in Tuscia had taken in some cityes that belonged to the empire, the which whan Friderick had taken agayne, the erles that were driuen out, fled to Honorius bysh. of Ro. who toke them in hys defence and commaunded Friderick, to restore thē into the possession of the cityes, that he had taken from them. But whan Friderick refused that, Ho∣norius excommunicated hym, settyng asyde all the former loue.

The yeare .M. CC. xxii. came Friderick again into Germany, and holding a parlamēt at Wyrtz∣purg, he made Henry his yonger son felowgouer∣noure of the empyre, and was crowned at Achen.* 1.403 But afterwarde was the same Henry taken by his father, because he had made a leage with certayn ci¦tyes of Lombardy agaynst the father: & while the father liued yet, died he of y^e filthinesse of the prison.

Though the city Hierusalem, was now loste, yet possessed the Christians other great and mighty cy¦tyes in Siria. But whan the power of the Tur∣kes grewe dayly more & more, and the fortune of y^e* 1.404 Christiās went back: Ioannes came to Rome, who had yet the title of y^e king of Hierusalē, and desyred

ayde of Honorius the byshop of Rome, and optay∣ned by Honorius, that Friderick who was accur∣sed, was absolued. Wherefore Fridericke and the Germane princes consented frelye to make an ar∣mye for the delyueraunce of the cytye Hierusalem: and the kyng of Hierusalem gaue Iole hys dough¦ter in maryage to Friderick the Emperoure. Whe¦reby* 1.405 it commeth, that yet at this houre the kynges of Sicily ascrybe to them the title of the realme of Hierusalem. Fridericke the Emperour than went wyth a great army, well furnyshed to Hierusalem and wyth hym many princes of Germany, among the which was also Lewis y^• landtgraue, to whom* 1.406 S. Elisabeth was maried, & the same dyed in that settynge forth at Brundusium.

The yeare .M. CC. xxviij. went Fridericke to Hierusalem, and dyd hys busynesse so, that the Souldane gaue hym frely agayne not only Hieru∣salem, but many other cytyes there about. Fride∣rick was crowned at Hierusalem the yeare .M. C C. xxix. He caused the citye Hierusalem to be made sure agaynste the power of the enemyes. He made treuce with the Souldane for ten yeres. All thys shewed he by a letter to the byshop of Ro. and requyred absolucion of the curse: for by thys Gre∣gorye was he accursed also. I wote not for what title in the kingdome of Sicily. But it was a small matter for the byshop of Rome to deny to the Em∣peroure the absolution: for this gyle also or rather iniury had he done to Frederick being absent. For he set y^• Italian cities against him, & toke in by force some cityes in his patrimonial realme Naples. By

thys constraynt was Friderick driuē to come back agayn into Sicilye, and to rescue his realme come by inheritaunce, from feare of daunger. Although the bysh. of Ro. had ben sore dissoial against the Em¦perour in his absence, yet required he absolution so lowly, that he promysed he wolde holde the kyng dome of Sicily of him by fealtye. Besydes this also caused he the princes of Germanye to come into I∣taly, that at the least by them myght the debate be∣twen hym and the Emperour be alayed. Therfore dyd Gregorius absolue the Emperour agayne the yeare of Christe .M. CC. xxx.

After y^c came the Emperour Friderick the thyrd time into Italy, and warred in Eastenrich agaynst the Hungarians, & toke the eyty Vienne the which that she shuld be & remain an emperial city, he wold haue it confirmed with letters geuen there vpon.

The yeare .M. CC. xxxviij. Whan Fridericke went agayn into Italy, they of Milan rose agaynst him, and many other strong cityes. To Milan dyd Friderick great harme: for the which cause the city es makynge an aliance wyth the byshop. of Ro. con* 1.407 spired against Friderick the Emperour whome for this cause Gregorius the Romysh byshop doth ex∣communicate the third time, and condemneth him for an heretike, stearing also the Venecians to war vpon him. Friderick with opē writynges dyd com∣plain of the iniury done to hym, and in the meane tyme dyd he also humbly require absolution of the byshop of Ro. Ther were many of the Cardynals, whiche alowed not the bysh. of Romes counsels. But whan Frederick could by no meanes optayne

pardon of Gregorius, necessitye compelled Frede∣ryck to defende hymselfe: he had also his faction or diuision. For at that tyme was Italy diuyded in Guelphies and Gibelines, the Gibelini were for the Emperoure, and the Guelphi were wyth the Byshop of Ro. Ether name beynge brought vp in Germany, was translated and brought ouer into* 1.408 Italy. For the kynred of the Guelphi, had conti∣nuall hatred agaynst Fredericks bloude. Whereof also they were called Guelphi, as alwaye hatefull* 1.409 enemyes of Fredericke. As for the spring of Frede¦ricks kynred was of the Weiblings, whereof they are called Guiblings, which the Italians (chaun∣ginge the name) do call Gibelini.

The bysh. of Ro. constrayned by great necessitie dyd proclayme the crosse and pardon agaynst Fri∣derick the Emperoure, as though he were many∣festly vngodly, and destroyer of the religion. Fri∣derick toke that very euell: he besyeged Rome, but drue back agayne wythout takyng it, and toke the citye Rauennas.

The yeare of Christ M. CC. xlv. Innocentius the iiij. holding a councel at Lyons in Fraunce, de∣posed* 1.410 Friderick of the empyre, vsynge therto the Frenchmens ayde: and by letters he shewed the princes Electors, to choyse another Emperoure. But they made Emperoure Henry the Landt∣graue of Thuringen. The same was slayne before the citye Vlme wyth an instrument of warre.

Friderick buylded a new citye in Italy, whiche was called Victoria. Whan he wanted syluer, he* 1.411 caused to make a coyne of lether, y^• he mighte haue

where wyth to pay his men of warre: but so soone* 1.412 as he had gotten syluer, he shulde geue them good and lawful mony for the lether coyne, which thing he dyd liberally. But now whā he could loke for no more ayde out of Germany: and that besydes thys hys sonne Encius was taken, who also dyed in the preson, he was sore distressed, and went into Apulia were he also dyed the yeare .M. CC. l. Some wryt that he was poisonned. Yee surely, the moost holy fathers coulde not rest, without they sawe the good prince clene rydde out of the waye. The king¦dome of Naples left he to hys sonne & heyre Cun∣radus. As for Italy remayned alwaye after diuy∣ded. For one part helde wyth the empyre, another wyth the byshop of Rome, vntyl the powers of the Venecians and of them of Mylane beganne after to growe and increase.

Honorius the .iij. succeded Innocentius the .iij. of whome Friderick the .ii. was crouned, and after warde excommunicated.

Gregorius y^• .ix. was after Honorius, of whome was Friderick lykewyse accursed.

After Gregorius was Celestinus the .iiij. bysh. of Rome.

After Celestinus was Innocentius the .iiij. The∣same deposed Friderick from the empyre, and ac∣cursed hys sonne Cunradus.

Cunradus the .iiij. the xxv Ger∣mane Emperour.

THe yeare of Christ .M. CC. l. raigned* 1.413 Conradus the sonne of Fridericke af∣ter hys fathers deceasse, but he was ex¦communicated by Inocentius the .iiij. Henry the Landtgraue of Thuryn∣gen ouercame hym by Francoforde, whyle hys fa∣ther Frederick was yet alyue. Some wryte that thys warre was after hys fathers death, by Wyl∣lyam the Landtgraue. But whan Conradus per∣ceaued that he was destitute of the Germane prin∣ces ayde he gat him into his hereditary kyngdome Naples, and there he dyed the yeare .M. CC. liij.

The ende of the dukes of Schwaben.

CVnradus, of whome we haue now spo∣ken, had a wyfe of the Baiers bloude, of the whiche he had a sonne Conradinus who was nouryshed and brought vp in hys hereditary duchy of Schwaben, and after hys fathers deceasse wolde go to Naples hys heredy∣tary kyngdome. But Clemens the bishop of Rome called Charles the Frenche kynges brother into the realme of Naples agaynst hym. Conra∣dynus for so muche as he was duke of Schwaben, had a greate bende and hooste of Germanes about hym, and at the begynnynge had he greate vycto∣ryes. But at the laste were Conradinus the sonne of Conradus, and Fryderyck duke of Eastenriche taken by a trayne. Besydes thys were they en∣treated more vnsemelye than was pertaynynge and put to shame. At the laste were they behea∣ded throughe the counsell of the Romyshe byshop.

O notable crueltye. He must be euen as harde as a* 1.414 stone verely, whome the examples of so great cru∣elty dyd not moue, namelye so noble a kynge, borne ofso many Emperoures, to be so shamefullye put to death by Clemens the Romysh byshop, without any ryghte or reason. Ther are yet euen at thys houre writinges, which were written at that time, in the which the good prince complayneth of the in¦iury, and rehearseth at length the whole matter or¦derly: so that it is no doute, the bishoppes of Rome haue vsed playne tiranny against Conradinus.

Wiliam, the, xxvi. Germane Emperour.

THe yeare of Christ M. C. C. liiij. was* 1.415 chosen Emperoure Wylyam counte of Holland. It is sayde he was an ho¦nest manered prince, and of notable innocency of life: but he was slayn by the Friselanders the yerre. 1256.

Vacation of the Empyre.

WHan thys Wiliam was dead, the empire stode with out a certayne emperoure se¦uentene yeares, and that not wythout great destruction of the Germane naci∣on. Thys mischaunge grewe by the cyuyl warres, that were raysed in the empyre by the bysh. of Ro. Now whan the debate was rysen amonge the E∣lectors* 1.416 for the choyse, some chose Alfonsus kyng of Spayne Emperoure, because he was a very wyse man, and endued with notable vertues. As for thys Alfonsus is he, who not only had hys plea∣sure in the science of Astronomye, but also aug∣mented

and amēded the study thereof with many bokes wrytten. Thoughe Alfonsus was admony∣shed by the byshop of Rome to take vpon hym the Emperyall maiestye: yet refused he it earnestly, be∣cause of the vncertayn faythfulnesse and vnstable concord of the Romysh Byshops wyth the Empe∣rours. The other parte of the Electors chose Ri∣chard, the king of Englandes brother, and brought hym vntyll Basyll: but he was not accepted of the Empyre.

Alexander the .iiij. succeded after Innocentius. At thys time lyued Albertus the greate. and Tho¦mas Aquinas.

Vrbanus the .iiij. was after Alexander.

Clemens the .iiij. succeded Vrbanus. Thyssame caused Conradynus Conradus sonne to be be∣headed.

Whan Clemens was deade, was the see voyde two yeares through the dissension of choysynge a Byshop at the last was Gregorius the .x. chosen. The same admonyshed the Electors in the begyn∣nynge of hys byshopryck, to choyse agayne an Em∣peroure wyth egall consent, leste the state of the em¦pyre dyd wholy decaye.

Rudolfe the .xxvij. Germane* 1.417 Emperoure.

THe yere of Christ .M. CC. lxxiij. was Rudolfe chosen Emperour the erle of Habisburge, and counte prouincial of Alsace. He raygned .xix. yeares. He was confirmed of the Byshopp of Ro.

For the Emperoure and byshop of Rome came to∣gether at Lausana euen accordyng to the saieng of these two verses of auncient men.

Twelue hundreth thre score and thertene yere, dyd stande.

Lausana, tyll the pope and the kyng came the∣ther into that lande.

Howbeit Rudolfe went not into Italy, nether receaued he the Imperiall crowne. He was wont to reherse Esops fable of the Foxe, which said to the Lion sicke in his denne: she were afrayd to come in therefore, because she sawe the footsteppes of bea∣stes that were gone in, but not of beastes that were come out. That lykewyse he dyd consyder, how his aunceters went oft into Italy with greate hoo∣stes: but mooste commonly returned home euell in∣treated. Yet in the meane season sent he a Lieute∣naunt into Italy, who was receiued of the bestpart of the Italian cities.

The Bohemies and Baier withstode Rudolfe at the fyrst, but he subdued Baierlande forth with. Othacarus kyng of the Bohemies wold not obey, and besydes that helde Eastenriche, (that was now without heire, & belongyng to the empyre) against ryght and reason. Wherfore Rudolphe sent the Burggraue of Norenberg into Bohemy, to shewe the kyng on the Emperours behalfe, to obeye, and* 1.418 to voyde out of Eastenryche: but Othacarus refu∣sed both. Wherfore after muche reasonynge vpon the matter, brought Rudolphe armed hostes into Eastenryche, and toke it in. He besieged the citie Vienne, & fought a great battaill by Nidersbrug▪

in the yeare .M. cclxxviij. In that battayll was O∣thacarus slayne. Of this wyse was Eastenriche at the last brought vnder Rudolphes dominion, and after that made he Albert his sonne duke there: so that henceforth Eastenriche by this meanes is hol∣den* 1.419 of the empyre by fealtie or benefite. Moreouer the princes of Eastenriche haue their offpringe of this Alberte, vntyll the moste prayse worthy Char¦les the Emperoure that now is, & his brother kyng Ferdinande.

Rudolphe the Emperoure shewed high fauour and gentlenesse towarde Wenceslaus Othacarus sonne: for he left hym the kyngdome of Bohemy, and gaue hym his daughter in mariage. This* 1.420 Wenceslaus is canonisated for a saynt, and is wor∣shypped. Rudolphe subdued the Bourgundians also. In Alsace dyd he take by violence those cities that rebelled and conspyred agaynst hym, and pu∣nyshed them worthely: amonge those were Hage∣no••, Colmar, Tzurig and Berne.

The yeare .M. cclxxxvi. dyd he inuade the Erle of Wirtenberg, and besyeged the citie Studtgard: at the laste was an accorde made by the byshop of Mentz.

The yeare .M. ccxc. had Rudolphe a great par∣liament at Erfurde▪ and by the aide of the citie Er∣furde* 1.421 did he spoyle & cast downe about .iij. score hol∣des in Thuringe. O•• this wyse fynally dyd Ru∣dolfe bryng the troubled & full of sedicion estate of Germany, whyle it had no certayn Emperours to a peaceablenesse, and dyd in a maner set vp the de∣cayed empyre. He dyed the yere of Christ M. ccxcii.

Innocencius the .v. succeded Gregorius the .x.

Adrianus the .v. succeded Innocencius.

Iohannes the .xxi. a phisicion succeded Adrian{us}

When Iohannes was deade, Nicolaus the .iij. was made byshop of Rome. He went about to geue his two cosins the two kyngdomes of Italy, that the one should be kyng of Hetruria, the other kyng of Lombardy: For the Romysh byshop sawe that Rudolphe had more then ynough to do in Germa∣ny, and thought he coulde not therefore come into Italy. But the imperiall cities wythstode the by∣shop of Romes enterpryses, that they could not pro¦sper, and Rudolphe sent a Lieutenaunt into Italy also.

Honorius the .iiij. was byshop after Nicolaus. Nicolaus the .iiij. was byshop after Honorius.

Adolfe the .xxviii. Germane Emperoure.

THe yeare of Christ .M. ccxcij. was Adolfe* 1.422 counte of Nassau chosen Emperour. The same was before in greate estimacion by Rudolphe. Besydes that was his bro∣ther byshop of Mentz, and by his voyce in the elec∣tion was he holpen to be made Emperoure. He raygned syxe yeares, and was deposed from the empyre by the Electours: For hys substaunce was not sufficient to sustayne the costes of the Empe∣ryall hyghnesse: Besydes that was he very in for∣tunable in dispatchynge greate thynges. The warre, worthy of remembraunce that he hath had, was that he brought an army into Thuryngen. For Albert Landtgraue of Thuringen had a

stryfe wyth his sonne Dieterus, and Frederick sur¦named Gnawed cheke. And the same solde to Adol¦fe the Emperoure the prouinciall Erldome of Thu¦ringen. He also endeuoured to make his kynreds nobilitie more renowmed, and went into Thurin∣van, and dyd much harme to it. He besyeged Crutz¦berg, Frankenstein and Friburg: But Frederick droue him back agayn. Howbeit to apeace sundry & many perturbacions that were at that tyme in the empyre, it was requisite to haue a more puyssaun∣ter heade in Germane. And therefore the princes Electors makyng an assembly at Mentz, they chose Albert duke of Eastenrich, sonne to the Emperour* 1.423 Rudolphe. But for asmuche as Adolfe would kepe the empyre by force, duke Albert went against hym with an army, and they fought fearcely together by Worms. In that battayll was Adolfe slayne the yeare .M. ccxcviij. as these verses folowynge do witnesse.

The yeare thousand, thre hundreth two lesse. Was through the swearde kynge Adolfes de∣ceasse.

After Nicolans the .iiij. was Celestinus the .v. made byshop of Rome. The same leauynge the by∣shoprycke became an heremite.

After Celestinus became Bonifacius the .viij. Byshop of Rome. It is sayde that Celestinus was begyled by thys man with a voyce spoken to hym through a rede or pype, as though it wer come out of heauen, that he should forsake the byshopricke, & ordeyne Bonifacius. He raysed greate warres in Italy. He dyd excommunicate the Frenche kyng,

and gaue the tytle of the Frenche kyngdome to Al∣berte the Emperoure, that by this meanes at the last the Garmanes and frenchemen might come to strokes. At the last was Bonifacius taken, and dy∣ed in the pryson. And hereby commeth that it is* 1.424 sayde of hym: He entred as a Foxe, he reygned as a Wolfe or Lion, he died as a Dogge.

Albert the .i. xxix. Germane Emperoure.

the .M .cc. xcviij. yere of Christ began Al∣berte* 1.425 duke of Eastenriche, sonne to Rudol¦phe the Emperoure to raygne. He ruled the empire ten yeres: he ouercame in bat¦taill Adolfe the Emperoure. At the first would not bonifacius confirme Albertus empyre: afterwarde did he frely cōfirme it, to do the Frenche kyng a spi∣te, and geuyng Albert the title of the kyngdome of Fraunce, he set hym agaynst the Frenche kynge. But the kyng of Fraunce geuyng hys daughter to Alberts sonne, he appeased hym, that he should en∣terpryse no enimitie agaynst hym. He made a set∣tynge forth agaynst Bohemy, and made his sonne kyng of Bohemy. He dyd so tame Bohemy and Mentz, whiche made fyndely confederacions toge∣ther that they obeyed the empyre.

At the last was he slayne of his brothers sonne & some erles of Eastenryche. It was happely Gods pleasure so, lest the manslaughter that he had done against Adolfe the Emperoure should be vnpuny∣shed. For though he was not of lyke power: yet in the meane season ought he to haue worshipped him as his lorde, ordeyned of God. The kyllers of hym

were punyshed also. For God letteth not manquel∣lers* 1.426 vnpunyshed.

Benedictus the .x. was byshop of Rome after Bonifacius the .viij.

The remouing of the Romysh byshops se from Rome into Fraunce.

WHen Benedictus the .x. was deade, Cle∣mens the .v. was made byshop of Rome. The same dwelt at Lions in Fraunce, & absolued the Frenche kyng of the excom¦munication. Wherfore sence that tyme, which was the yeare .M. cccv. was the byshop of Romes see translated from the citie Rome, to Auinion in Pro¦uence a contry of Fraunce .xvii. yeres.

At this tyme were the Fratri••elli, whiche were* 1.427 euen of lyke opinion with the Anabaptistes, that in oure dayes go astraye: their opinion was, that no∣man should haue ought propre or of hys owne, that Christen men should not gouerne cōmon welthes, and suche lyke madde opinions had they.

Of the Turkes.

IN the tyme of Albert of Eastenriche, be∣gan the kynred of Othomanus to grow* 1.428 among the Turkes in power and estima¦cion: of whose bloude are spronge those kynges of the Turkes that raygne at this tyme.

Henry the .vij. called of Lucelburg, the .xxx. Germane Emperoure.

THhe yere of Christ .M. cccix was chosen* 1.429 Emperoure Henry the prince of Lucel∣burg. He reigned .vi. yeares. For in the meane tyme that the Romish bishop was in Fraunce, the Frenche kyng desyred inordinatly the dignitie of the empire, and trusted to obteayne his request. througe the consent of the Romish by∣shop. But the cōcorde was not long durable betwe∣ne the byshop & the Frenche kyng. Wherfore the by¦shop aduertised the princes Electours, whiche had now long disagreed for the electiō, to hayste to choy¦se an Emperoure with one consent the prince of Lu¦celburg, who at that time was demed a most renow¦med prince, for his wysdome ioyned with hygh gra¦uitie. As he was chosen, strayght waye dyd the by∣shop of Rome cōfirme hym. And thus was the Frē∣che kyng disapointed of his request & endeuoure▪ to remooue the dignitie of the Romish empire to him.

First toke he from the duke of Wirtenberg al his goodes, because he was a rebel to the empyre. To his sonne Iohn gaue he the kyng of Bohemies dau¦ghter in mariage: & by this meanes became Iohn prince of Lucelburg, the father of Charles the iiij. kyng of Bohemy.

Afterward went he into Italy with a great ar∣my, and made Italy so afrayde of hym, as no Em∣peroure had done a greate whyle before hym. Some cities woulde not yelde them to hym, with∣out they were compelled by force, namely Cremo∣na and Brixia: the residue obeyed frely. At Rome* 1.430 was he crowned Emperoure. He besyeged Floren¦ce with a heuy and strayght syege, at the whiche

tyme (as it is reported) a frere of y^• preachers order or Black freres, that was made out of the Florenti¦nes, destroied Henry with venim, whiche he strake vpon the syngynge breade, yea and the byshop of Rome hymselfe also, beynge now armed with hys weapons, threatened Henry wyth the dart of ex∣communicacion, as he perceaued that he began to be sett by in Italy.

Ludouicus or Lewis the Baier, the .xxxi. Germane emperoure. And agaynst hym was chosen Emperour Frederick Duke of Eastenriche.

THe yere of Christ M. cccxiiij. were as∣sembled together at Franckforde the princes Electors the bysh. of Mentz▪ Trier and Colen, Ihon kyng of Bohe my, Rudolphe counte Palatine of the Rene, Rudolphe duke of Saxony & Volcmarus marques of Brandenburg. On saynct Lucies daie was chosen Emperoure Lewis the* 1.431 Baier by the byshops of Mentz & Trier, the kyng of Bohemy and Marques of Brandenborowe. And agaynst hym was chosen Friderick duke of* 1.432 Eastenriche be the byshop of Colen, the cunte Pa∣latine and duke of Saxony. Lewis was crowned Emperoure at Aken, & Frederick at Bonne. This controuersye in chosynge, brought an occasion of greate inwarde or ciuyll warre in Germany. The duke of Eastenriche had fauourers the byshop of Rome the kynges of Fraunce and Bohemy, the Schwabes, the counte of Palatine, them of Stras∣borow

and other cities many. But God prospered Lewis, who was lesse of power, & destitute of mans ayde. He raygned .xxxiij. yeares.

The yeare .M. cccxxiij. dyd they stryke a felde by the floude Nechare, whereof both sydes many were slayne.

The yeare .M. cccxxv. on saynt Michaels euen gaue Lewis a greate battaill to Frederick. Frede∣rick did ayde Lupoldus hys brother, ioyned wyth* 1.433 hym the Schwaben and Switcers, and a greate parte of the Hungarians. As for Lewis dyd folow the kyng of Bohemy, and the erle of Norenberg, and some other princes. Now when Lupoldes ta∣ried so long, that he could not passe the water, y^• host of Eastenriche was slayne, and Friderick was ta∣ken* 1.434 by a Franke, whose name was Ebrarde Mo∣sbach: the same led hym to the erle of Norenberg, who sent hym to Lewis. But when Lupoldus sa∣we he coulde not helpe hys brother, he was so an∣gry and ragious, that he had in a maner vndone hymselfe, had not hys men refrayned hym: whiche also consayled hym to withdrawe, nether dyd rash∣ly cast hymselfe into the daunger. Afterwarde assa∣yed Lupoldus many thynges inuayne both by the byshop of Rome, and also the Frenche kyng, that he myght take his brother awaye by force: for the Frē¦che kyng made no greate force of a strange matter Friderick was a prysoner the space of thre yeares in a castel in Baierlande: at the last when the con∣trouersy was brought to a poynt, he was let louse vpon this condicion, that he shoulde renounce the empyre: whiche thing when he had frely promised

he was restored into Eastenriche by Lewis. Of this wyse behaued Lewis hymselfe very gently to¦ward his enemy: Lupoldus yet in the meane tyme not ceassynge of raysynge commocions, euen after that Frederick was deliuered.

Afterwarde dyd Iohannes the .xxij. cast hys* 1.435 thonder boltes of coursyng agaynst Lewis the Em¦peroure, because he vsed the Imperyall aucthori∣tie and empyres gouernaunce in Italy, before hys coronacion. Thereof rose an occasion of a greate diuision in Germany, and that lasted about .xxiiij.* 1.436 yeares. In the meane tyme rose here and there greate sedicions in the empyre and cyties, and one parte busyed to dryue out and oppresse the other by conspiracion. And though Lewis desyred absolution not once, but often of the byshop of Ro∣me, yet could he not obtayne it wyth any prayers, so that both Benedictus that was after Iohan∣nes, and other many and honest men dyd refuse the processe. There are yet now a dayes wrytynges of the controuersie, wherein the Romyshe byshop. Iohannes the .xxii. is not ashamed to boaste, that* 1.437 he hath the full power and aucthoritie to make and depose, not onely kynges, but also all Emperoures at hys pleasure. By thys it maye be gathered ease∣ly, that the Romyshe byshop vsed so greate hatred agaynste the Emperoure, for no very weyghty cause. There were also about that tyme some lear∣ned men, whiche openly blamed the Romyshe by∣shops writynges, amonges these was Occam one▪* 1.438 the princes of Germany euery one, as wel ecclesia∣sticall, as of the nobilitie helde with the Emperour:

at the last were some compelled by the byshop of Ro¦me to fall back, and also to choyse another Empe∣roure.

Lewis had very greate vproures in Italy. Ga∣leacius* 1.439 of Milan, and the counsayll of Rome lon∣ged for Lewis commyng into Italy. Wherfore he went thether with the Emperesse, which also was delyuered of a chylde at Rome, that was called Lewis the Romane, and was afterwarde by the Emperoure made marques of Brandenborowe. At Milan was Lewis crowned of the bysh. there, and at Rome of the Cardinall de Columna. He made also Peter of Corbaria byshop of Rome, who was not longe after caried bounde to Auinion in Fraunce, to Iohannes the .xxii. who cast hym into pryson, wherein he dyed.

But whyle allthys was adoynge, Lewis by no* 1.440 requestes coulde optayne to be released of the excō∣municacion by the byshop of Rome. But forsoeth the Romysh byshop brought that to passe wyth his busy laboure at length, that in an assembly or daye holden at Lucelburg, the byshops of Mentz, Trier and Colen, the kyng of Bohemy and duke of Sax∣on, dyd choyse another Emperour. There was cho¦sen Charles the fourth erle prouincial of Morauia, the sonne of the kyng of Bohemy. The same was then confirmed by Clemens the .vi. byshop of Ro. But for as muche as the cities of Aken and Colen would not knowe hym for an Emperoure, he was crowned at Bon.

Of Nicolaus Augustus, that is, Nicolas the noble, that was at Rome.

ABout this tyme happened at Rome an* 1.441 example of a notable folye: There was at Rome one Nicolas, a towne clarke or recorder of Rome, of suche power and aucthoritie, that one would haue sayde he had the rule of the whole citie: for at that tyme were the Ro¦mysh Byshoppes yet in Fraunce. This Nicolas cal¦led hymself Tribunus Augustus, that is, the noble hygh officer: and with open scriptures wytnessed, that Rome is yet the true heade of the empyre: and therfore by y^e citie of Romes aucthoritie, had he the hyghest power to handle maters of the empyre. And by reason of this aucthoritie called he Lewis and Charles to appeare before hym, and to cōmitte their matter to his arbitremēt or iudgement. Ly∣ke folyshnesse vsed he oft agaynst other cities and kynges y^e space of two yeares. At the last this pore Augustus being driuē out by the byshop of Romes partie, fled to Charles the fourth. But Charles sent the rash man to the byshop of Rome at Auiniō, of whom he was kept in pryson.

The yeare of Christ .M. cccxlv. died Lewis the Bayer. And then came Charles with a great hoost out of Bohemy to Regenspurg, where he was knowen for an Emperoure. From thence was he also receaued at Norenberg: for Charles made thē beleue, he had gotten a fauourable absolution of the bishop of Rome to put out the great offences, wher¦with they had offended, in that they were adherent to Lewis. When they of Basyl sent out their Bur∣gemaisters to Charles, that he in the name of the ci¦tie should aske absolution, he answered: he thought

they had not done amisse, in that they had Lewis for an Emperoure, nether thought he that Lewis was an heritike: yet in the meane tyme if they could be absolued of their trespasses, he wold be content. And thus were they absolued.

The yeare of Christ .M. cccxlviij. when Lewis was now deade, there rose yet a greater discorde: the byshop of Mentz, the counte Palatine, the mar∣ques of Brādenburg, and the duke of Saxony, his sonne that hath chosen Charles Emperoure, assem¦bled and refusyng the election of Charles, they cho¦se* 1.442 Edward the third, kyng Englande to take vpon hym the maiestie Emperiall: but he refused it, as a thyng ful of cumbraunce. After that chose they Fre¦derick Erle prouinciall of Misen. But he also forso∣ke that title of the empyre: for he would not fyght and warre with his neyghbours the Bohemies to vndoe his countrey.

Guntherus Erle of Swartzburg is chosen Emperoure.

THe yeare of Christe .M. cccl. was cho∣sen Emperoure at Franckforde Gun∣terus Erle of Schwatzburg, yet not with consent of all the Electors. The∣same accepted the gouernaunce of the empyre, and garnyshed with all defen∣ce to retayne the empyre, he was armed ynough a∣gainste the force of Charles, who then abode at Mentz. But shortly after died Gunterus at Frāck¦forde sodenly poysoned. Wherefore Charles was Emperoure alone. He came to Franckforde, and

was receiued for an Emperoure.

After Clemens the .v. became Iohannes the xxii. byshop of Rome who without a iuste cause dyd excommunicate the good Emperoure Lewis.

Benedictus the .xi. was made byshop of Rome* 1.443 after Iohannes. The same neuer alowed the ac∣tion of Iohannes against the Emperoure Lewis, and when he was made byshop of Rome he had frely absolued hym, had not the kynges of Fraunce and Naples with their threatenynges withstande hym. When in the relacion the orators or embassa∣dors of the kinges alledged, that Lewis had enter¦prysed many haynous thynges against the byshop of Rome. Benedictus answered: yea, we haue done against hym. He liued not long in the byshopricke, & therefore dyd al the causes hang vndispatched.

Clemens the .vi. was made byshop after Bene∣dictus. The same renewined the thonder boltes cast against Lewis, and persued hym moste fearce∣ly: though in the counsayll of Vienne in Fraunce were treated in the meane tyme of the condicions of peace, and that Lewis declared hymselfe hum∣ble. This Clemens bought the citie Auenion of Io∣anna* 1.444 quene of Sicily, and so hath the byshop of Ro. aucthoritie vpon this citie.

Moreouer at this tyme went about here & ther¦in* 1.445 in Germany and Fraunce, a great nomber of men, whiche did beate themselues with roddes. Many of them came to Spire, when the day or parliamēt was holden there pretending great holynesse. For their holinesse sake were they bidden to the meales of the citesens. And as the deceate of the erroure

dyd not differ from the Anabaptistes supersticious opinion: euen so was that secte no lesse daūgerous in those daies. But at the last it was condemned.

Innocentius the .vi. succeded Clemens. In his tyme was Charles the .iiij. crowned at Rome.

Charles the .iiij. the .xxxij. Germane Emperoure.

THe yere of Christ .M. cccl. began Charles y^•* 1.446 iiij. to raigne, after y^e death of Guntherus of Schwartzburg. He was a prince of y^e bloud of Lucelburg, the sonne of Ihon kyng of Bohemy: for Iohn was y^e sonne of Henry of Lucelburg. Frō this yere of .M. cccl. reigned Charles. xxvii••. yeres

The yeare .M. ccclv. went Charles downe into Italy, & was gently receaued of the cities. At Ro. the senate & all the best metyng Charles, did recea∣ue hym with all reuerence. He likewyse, to declare to the Romanes his gentlenesse, lyghted from his horse, & receaued on fote the yelding of the citie. Af∣terward was he crowned of the cardinal of Hostia. The cities of the bysh. of Rome in Italy, that were rebels, subdued he to do the Romysh byshop a plea∣sure, so that they repyned nomore. I fynde none o∣ther thynges that he dyd in this iourney.

They yeare .M. ccclx. he ouercame and sp••yled Ebrardus erle of Wirtenberg with a great army. But at the last was the debate layde downe, by the byshop of Ausburg, Strasburg and Spire.

The yeare .M. ccclxvi. went Charles agayne in to Italy, in the whiche iourney he assuaged and sub¦dued some cities, desyrous of vproure.

Charles besyeged also y^• citie Vlme, but I reade no where for what cause. For oure Germanes not knowyng the propertie of histories, haue not taken hede to the circumstaunces and causes of thynges.* 1.447

Charles hath deserued greate thankes for the golden bulle that he made, wherein he hath hand∣somly comprised many thynges, that make to enter¦tayne common peace. He did chefely endeuoure & procure the affayres of Bohemy. He ordeined the:* 1.448 vniuersitie of Praga. Some there are that disa∣lowe, that he gaue the French kyng ryghtes in the kyngdome of Orleaunce.

The yeare .M. ccclxx. caused Charles his sonne Wenceslaus to be made Emperoure. To his other sonne Sigismundus gaue he the Erldome of the marques of Brādenburg, the which he had bought of Lewis the Romane.

The yere .M. ccclxxvii. fought Vdalricus Erle of Wirtenberg mishappely, before the citie Rut∣lingen.* 1.449 In that battaill dyed many and noble men.

Switzer league.

ABout this tyme began the Switzer lea∣gue,* 1.450 and first the citie Lucerna, then Ber¦na, at the last Tzurich dyd ioyne themsel∣ues to the Switzers: and the noble prin¦ce Lupoldus duke of Eastenriche, was ouercome* 1.451 and slayne by the Switzers the yere .M. ccclxxxv.

But for as muche as there are in mans handes euery where histories of the Switzers dedes. I re¦ken it neoelesse to make longe rehersall of their ac∣tes in this lytle boke.

Vrbanus the v. succeded Innocentius the v••.

Gregorius the x••. was byshop of Rome after Vrbanus. The same remoued y^• see out of Fraunce to Rome agayne, the yeare MCCCLXXVI.

A diuision

AFter Gregorius the xi. rose a greate di∣uisiō* 1.452 in the spiritualtye. The Italians made an Italian Byshoyp of Rome cal∣led Vrbanus the vi. and the same remay¦ned at Rome. The Frenchmen also chose a Byshop of Rom. in Italy, whome they called Clemens the vii. The same gat hym to Auinion. Thus was Rome diuided, and ther were two byshoppes of Rome: the one dyd accurse the other. Truely Ita∣ly, Germany and Hungary dyd hange to Vrbanus the byshops of the Romanes. Thys diuision lasted vntyll the councel of Constance .xxxix. yeares.

Wenceslaus the .xxxiii. Ger∣mane Emperoure.

THe yeare of Christe .M. ccc. lxxviij. after* 1.453 Charles deceasse, began Wenceslaus his sonne to raygne, and raygned after hys fathers death .xxii. yeares.

At thys tyme began Ihon Husse opēly to teache* 1.454 at Praga agaynst the byshop of Romes pardones: and by thys occasion rose hurteful insurrections in Bohemy agaynst prestes and religious men.

Wenceslaus was at the laste taken by hys bro∣ther Sigismundus, and kept at Vienne in preson. Other thinges do I not fynde of this Wenceslaus that I iudge worthy to be put in writynges.

Rupertus the xxxiiij. Germane Emperoure.

THe yeare of Christ .M. CCCC. was Rupertus the counte Palatine made* 1.455 Emperour. He raigned tenne yeares. But seynge the Emperours had now ben long from Italy, the power of the kynred of Galeacyus was waxen greate at Milan and the Florentins were become ryche also, and warred agaynst them of Milane. The Florentins asked ayde of Rupertus the Emperoure, to repre∣sse the power of the Galacians. Wherefore Ruper∣tus went vppe into Italy to helpe the Florentius. and toke Galeacins. Howbeit Rupertus beyng destitute of the assistaunce of the duke of Easten∣riche, and bishop of Colen, was to weake, than that he coulde haue brought so greate thynges to passe: and though he had assayed many thinges, yet was he constrayned to returne agayne into Germanye hys bussinesse beyng not dis••p••rched.

Bonifacius the .ix. was made bishop at Rome af¦ter Vrbanus.

And against him was made bish. after Clemens y^e .vii. Petrus de Luna called Benedictus the .xii.

After Bonifacius was Innocentius y^•. vii made byshop at Rome.

After Innocētius was Gregorius the xii. made byshop at Rome. The same promysed y^• he woulde renounce the byshoprycke, yf Benedictus lykewise dyd not refuse to renounce also. But whā Benedic¦tus fled into Spayne, leauyng Auinion, Gregori∣us reuoked hys promise concernyng to resigne the

byshoprycke. Wherefore was a councell gathered at Pysis, whereyn bothe Gregorius and Benedic∣tus were deposed of the byshoprycke, and in theyr steade was the thyrde Romysh byshop chosen Alex¦ander the .v. Gregorius fled to Ariminum, where he remayned vntill the counsel of Constance was. Alexander the .v. dwelt at Bonony, for the Hunga¦rians hauing than taken in Rome, vsed incredible tirāny, & warred with the Frenchmen for Naples.

After Alexander the .v. was Ioannes the .xxiii.* 1.456 made byshop of Rome at Bonony. And of this wise were a lyue, vntil the general councel of Constance thys Ioannes the .xxiii. at Bonony, Gregorius at Ariminum and Benedictus in Spayne. But they were all thre set besyde y^• Romyshe byshopryck in that councel.

Of Tamerlanes the ty∣raunt of Tartaria.

IN the time of Rupertus the Emperour* 1.457 lyued the passynge cruell tyraunte Ta∣merlanes the Tartarian, who by greate spoylynge, wente aboute nearehande al y^• East and Asia, with an armye of tenne hundreth thousande men. He spoyled the Perseans, Arme∣nians and Syrians. He inuaded also the lesse Asia and toke Paiasetus the Turkysh Emperoure, and caryed hym in a cage as a byrde aboute wyth hym for a wonder and mockage.

Sigismundus the .xxxv. Ger∣mane Emperoure.

THe yeare of Christe .M.CCCC. after* 1.458 Rupertus the Emperours deceasse was Sigysmundus made Emperoure. He was the sonne of Charles the fourthe, marques of Brandenburg, kynge of Hungary and Bohemye. He was Emperour seuen and twentye yeares. He was a moost famous prince in wisedome, learnyng and honestye: suche one of stature, as was semynge a lyke prince. His countrefaytoure very connyng∣ly made, is to be sene yet this daye, by the erle Hoi∣er of Mansfelde. He had greate warres in Hunga∣ry agaynst the Hungaryans of the whyche he was taken. He fought oft agaynst the Turkes. But whan he was made Emperoure, he made a greate settyng forth agaynst the Turkes with the ayde of all nacions, whereof we shall speake hereafter

Of the councell of Constance.

IN the beginnynge of Sigismundus raygne he went vp into Italye, and toke counsell with Ioannes the bysh of Ro. of callinge a generall councel for to auoyde the diuision. He went also to the Frenche kynge, and com∣pelled hym to agre to the callynge a general coun∣cell. Wherefore by the consent of the byshop of Ro. Ioannes, the Emperoure, and also the kynges of Fraunce, Spayne and England, was the councell of Constance begonne the yeare .M. C C C C. xiiii. to the whiche came Ioannes the Byshop of Rome hymselfe.

The Emperoure Sigismundus came to Con∣stance

before Christmasse, and at masse songe he the gospell as Deacon: Ther went oute a commaun∣demente from Augustus the Emperoure &c.

Afterwarde was ther treated of Ihon Husse,* 1.459 and hys doctryne beyng condemneth, he was bur¦neth wyth Hieronimus of Praga. After that treated they to a peace the diuisyon, and deposyng the byshoppes of Rome. Ioannes the .xxiij. Gre∣gorius and Benedictus, was chosen in the see O∣thode Columna, who was called Martynus the fyfte.

But whan it repented Ioannes the .xxiii. that he had consented frelye to the renouncynge of the Byshoprycke of Rome, he wente aboute to flye pry¦uelye, wyth the ayde of Frederyck duke of Easten∣ryche. But in the flyghte Ioannes was had backe agayne, by the Emperoures men. And the duke of Eastenryche was bannyshed by the Emperoure, and some of hys townes taken in hys duchye. At the last was the debate layed downe of thys wyse: It was coūselled Frederyck, that he frely yeldyng to the Emperoure all hys landes, shulde humblye requyre forgeuenesse of hys offence. Wherefore by the Emperoures gentlenesse and fauoure he was restored in the duchy of Eastenryche.

But Ioannes the byshoppe of Rome, was dely∣uered to the counte Palatyne to be kepte. The∣same caried him int y^e castel Māheym, not farre frō the citye Heidelberg: there was he kepte the space of thre yeare. After y^t was he receaued to grace by

Martinus the Romish bish. and made a Cardinal. Whan of this wise that hurteful diuision that was betwene the bishops of Rome was anoyded, peace and reste was restored to the churche, and that by the endeuoure and procurement of Sigismundus the Emperoure, who therefore deserued greate prayses.

The residue that were done in that assemble or councel, is no nede to rehearse: for whole bokes are wrytten thereof.

Of the prouincial erles of the mar∣queship of Brandenburg.

THe yeare of Christ .M. C C C C. xvii. the fyrste sondaye after Easter, dyd Sigys∣mundus the Emperour in the councell geue to the mooste prayse worthy prince Fridericke Burgraue of Norinberg, the ryghte of Imperyall election, and the prouincyall marque∣shyp of Branbenburge: and that for hys excellent vertues, and greate truste, that he had shewed in dispatchinge great causes of the empyre. But true¦ly it were long to rechearse here how noble princes haue ben both before thys dignitye was gotten, & also afterward in this progeny of Burgraues: yee and before hath oft ben made mēcion of them. But after that they were made Electors, they were di∣ligente euer in treatynge the greateste and mooste weightyest matters of the empyre, for the whyche thynges sake shalbe oft made mēcion of thē hereaf∣ter. Wherfore in the histories of our time, is Alber¦tus the Marques praised before al other, who for

his vertues sake is surnamed y^• germane Achilles.

It is also not vnknowen in oure dayes, y^• Mar∣ques Ioachim of Brandenburg Elector, my moost gentle lorde, and his brother Albert Cardinal and Elector, Archebyshoppe of Mentz and Magden∣burge &c. are garnyshed with hygh wysedome, and all princely vertues: and that therfore theyr coun∣sel & ayde is requyred before other in hyghe and harde matters, not only concernynge the empyre, but also to y^• whole Christiantie. Nother cā it other wyse be in gouernaunces and dominions, y^• whych so longe as they haue theyr beynge, must be deser∣ued and maynteyned by the wysedome of men of greate authoritye, whiche thynge the Wysedome her selfe wytnesseth in holye scriptures, sayenge: By me kynges do raygne.

Whan the councell was broke vp, many settyng forth were appoynted agaynst the seditions and e∣uell disposed men, whiche spoyled and robbed both churches & monasteryes after Ihon Husses death* 1.460 Theyr captayn was called zyscha. Greate man∣slaughter was of both sydes, of the Bohemes and Germanes, which went against them: yet was not* 1.461 that brunt of vproure so quenched. Sigismundus (as we sayd before) had prepared & brought vntill Adrianopolis a verye greate army of Germanes, Frenchmē, Italians & Hungarians against y^• Tur∣kes. In this setting forth were most greatest prin∣ces y^• Emperour Sigismundus & Philippe duke of Burgundion. But by reason the Frenchemen stroue, sayenge they must haue the foreward in the army, y^• orders were broken, not without an incre∣dible

losse of Christen men: for theyr enemyes van∣quyshed them, and the duke of Burgundy was ta∣ken. Sigismundus the Emperour fled to Constan tinople. After longe season after, was the duke of Burgundy delyuered.

A mery story is recited of Sigismundus. He* 1.462 had a seruaunt y^• was many yeares familiar wyth him, whom he had not greatly rewarded, (though in the meane season he was a liberal & free prince,) which thing Leonardus Aretinus also doth write who sawe Sigisinūdus the Emperour, & had done many messages to him, on the bysh. of Ro. behalfe. It fortuned that whā he was ridden into a water, hys horse dyd stalle. Whyche thinge whan the ser∣uaunt, that went strayght before the Emperoure did see, he sayd in sporte: The horse was of lyke na∣ture that hys lorde was. The Emperour hearyng it by chaunce, maruayled, & commaunded to shewe him what he saide. The seruaunt aunswered. The horse pourech out water into the ryuer, where as is water ynough alredy. Euen so is the Emperour lyberall to those, whych haue ryches plenty, & nede them not greatly. Sigismundus the Emperoure perceaued that he was aduisedly touched or taun∣ted, that he had not rewarded hys olde seruaunt with some peculyar or greate rewarde, and sayd: He neuer wanted the wyll to recompense, but that princes gyftes are not properlye theyrs, that de∣serue them: but theyrs that they are appoynted by Goddes prouydence and dysposycyon. The same sayde he that he woulde proue wyth the dede, so soone as he shulde be at leasure and reste. After∣warde

whan the Emperour had gotten leasure he caused to make two boxes of one bygnesse and fa∣shion. In the one he put golde, in the other leade of lyke weyght, and callyng the seruaunt, he bad hym take one of the boxes. The seruaunt being abashed weyed now the one boxe, than the other douting y^• whiche he myghte rather take: at the laste he toke y^• boxe, wherein the leade was. Which whan he had opened, the Emperour sayde: It may be sene open¦ly, that hys wyli was not in the faute, why he was not rewarded hetherto, but hys misfortune. This dede wythnesseth verely, that the Emperoure dyd wysely consyder, that the fortunable prosperity of* 1.463 thynges commeth of God.

Sigismūdus the Emperour had no heyre man∣kynne, he gaue hys only doughter to Albert duke of Eastenryche, who became kyng of Hungary and Bohemy by that meanes.

The yere .M. CCCC. xxxiiii. whyle Sigismun∣dus was yet alyue, began the councel of Basil. For* 1.464 it was ordeyned in y^• councel of Constance, that of a newe coūcel shulde be gathered after twelue yea∣res. But after that Sigismundus was deade, the bysh. of Ro. holdinge a councell fyrste at Ferraria, and from thence at Florence, letted y^• furtheraūce of the councel of Basill: and that had he so muche the more easy a do, because ther was no monarche or noble prince that defended the decree: of y^• coun∣cel of Basill.

After that Martinus was deade, Eugenius the iiii. was made bysh. of Ro. The same crowned Si∣gismundus Emperour at Rome.

Albert the .ii. of that name, the .xxxvi. Germane Emperour.

THe yeare of Christe .M. cccc. xxxviii. af∣ter* 1.465 the death of Sigismundus, was Al¦berte, a prince of the bloude of Easten∣ryche, kyng of Hungarye & Bohemye, made Emperoure. He dyed in the seconde yeare of hys raygne.

Parte of Bohemy dyd cleue to the kyng of Po∣len, & endeuoured to drawe y^• kyngdome of Bohe∣my to Polony. The Poles brought a great army into Bohemy, & drew into their faction the vprou∣rysh kynde of men called Thaborites. Agaynst thē sent Albert y^• Emperour Albert marques of Bran denburg. The same brought to passe wyth manye battayls, that the matter was agreed betwene the Emperoure and the Poles.

Albert the Emperoure came wyth a greate ar∣my into Hungary, agaynst Amurates the Turke, who at that tyme was fallen into Hungary. Whan Albert the Emperoure came he fled backe, and be∣sye gynge the cytye Sinderouien, he returned in∣to Grece, and wann the city Thessalonica. In this settynge forth fell Albert into a sycknesse, and be∣ynge broughte agayne to Uyenna, dyed wythyn few dayes.

Friderick the .iii. the .xxxviij. Ger∣mane Emperoure.

THe yere of Christ .M. CCCC. xl. af∣ter* 1.466 Albertus deathe, was Fridericke the thyrd duke of Estenrich, made Em¦peroure. He raygned .liii. yeares.

The doughter of Sigismundus, wyfe to Albert the Emperoure was now bygge wyth chylde: but some of the Hungaryans despayrynge of an heyre* 1.467 of the realme, chose Vladislaus the yonger kynge of Polen for a kyng. The kings gouernour in Hun¦gary was Ioānes Huniades, father to Mathias. The same had weakened the power of the Turkes wyth a great battail, and compelled Amurates to* 1.468 demande peace. But so soone as Vladislaus was come into the realme, the Hungariās trusted, that yf they & the Poles powers were ioyned together, they shuld easely gett great prayse yf they inuaded the Turke. And happely had the yonge kyng Vla∣dislaus pleasure in thys prayse. Wherfore Iulia∣nus* 1.469 the Cardinall brake the treuce made wyth the Turke, vnder thys pretence and coloure: that it were not lawfull to make peace wyth the Turkes, wythout the Bish. of Romes consente, seyng y^• case is belonging to whole Christendome. Thus Vla∣dislaus gathering an hoost went against Amura∣tes vntill Varnam, which is not farr from Cōstan∣tinople: though Ioannes Humades in y^• mean sea∣son dissuaded to take warre, because that he knew well the weakenesse of his men, & the power of the Turkes, & also had he made peace with the Turke, not without necessitie. It is also sayd that Vladis∣laus desyred ayde of Dracoles y^• Malache, but he* 1.470 also dyd counsell to leaue y^• setting forth to warre. Yet dyd he send his sonn with him to aide king V∣ladislaus with two thousand horsemen, to whom he shuld haue said: He gaue hym a couragious and* 1.471 swyft horse, suche one as he wold geue to his sonn

also for his mynd gaue that they shuld lose the feld, and therefore shuld they haue these horses at hand that as nede shulde requyre, the myghte troughe theyr swyftnesse escape the daunger. As for the Turkes dyd forse themselues wyth nolesse car¦fulnesse, than wysedome, and were euery where ap¦poynted in a readynesse, before the Hungaryans were set in an order. Wherefore thoughe the Hun∣gariās* 1.472 fought fearcely for y^e glory of Christes name and ouerthrwe verye great hoostes of the enemy∣es: yet dyd the Turkes at the last ouercome wyth the multitude, stayeng Vladislaus the yong kinge, and afterward was Iulianus the Cardinal slayen also in the flyght. Humades as he was a ware soul dioure, toke hede to hymselfe by tymes, and esca∣ped. This felde was the yeare .M. CCCC. xliiii.* 1.473 the tenth daye of Nouember. Amurates became a Mahometyshe monke after thys vyctorye, suppo∣synge to haue accomplyshed hys duetye in the em∣pyre, after so greate prosperitye in vanquyshynge hys enemyes, leste he rashely trustynge smylynge fortune farther, dyd stayne hys glorye wyth some euell. But Hunyades dyd inuade and fell vpon* 1.474 the Turkes agayn, and dyd hurt them so sore, that they called Amurates agayn to the realme, to resist Hunyades their enemy, and shuld driue him out of Hūgary. Afterward whā Cōstantinople was lost, Huniades ouercame Mahomet y^e Turkishe Empe¦rour bringing into Hūgari an hurtful army with a great discōfitur, & deliuered whole Europa from y^e fear of daūger. For yf that setting forth had lucked Mahomet y^e Turkish Emperour, he had now takē

in not only Italy, but other contryes also.

Whan Vladislaus was deade, the Hungarians receaued the chylde Ladislaus, the heyre of the re∣alme, borne of Sigismundus doughter, for theyr kyng. Thys Ladislaus whan he was ful growen, dyed at Praga the haed citye of Bohemy.

The yeare .M. CCCC. xliiij. broughte the Dol¦phin* 1.475 with the Armeniakes an army into Elsace, vn¦tyll Basil, not wythout a greate and horible man∣slaughter of the Germanes. Some thynke that Eugenius the bysh. of Ro. sent hym into Germany to trouble the councel of Basil. The Dolphyn had aboute fyue and twenty thousand men. The Swi∣tzers* 1.476 sent foure thousand men against them, to res¦cue the citye Basel out of theyr handes. They sett vpon the enemyes wyth so greate strengthe and corage, that none of them gaue backe: and thoughe they coulde not ouercome them, by reason of the multitude of thē, yet left they theyr enemies a blou¦dy & dolefull victorye. For the Dolphin lost in that battayl about ten thousand men, and was fayne to flye out of Germany, with the residue y^• remayned

The yeare .M. CCCC. xlix. dyd Albert mar∣ques af Brandenburg warre agaynst imperial city¦es Norinberg and some other. Thys was called* 1.477 the warre of the cityes. Many princes dyd ioyne themselues to ether syde, and thys warre lasted. ii. yeares. Albert the marques ouerthrue them of Norinberg wyth .viii. battayls.

The yeare .M. cccc. lii. went Friderick into Ita¦ly, and was receaued of euery man wyth seastly ho¦noure. In the citye Sena dyd he acomplyshe hys

weddynge wyth Leonora hys spouse, doughter to the kynge of Portingale. Commynge to Rome he was crowned of Nicolaus the fyfte wyth hys quene the .xviij. daye of Marche. Returnyng from Rome at Ferraria made he Borsius of Esta duke. From thence shipped he ouer to Venice, and abode there ten dayes. I haue herde of a man of greate renowme, that it was tolde him of the prince of Ve¦nice, who beynge Senator, serued the Emperour Fridericke and the prince of Venice at the table, that Frederick shulde haue sayd at the meale: that he truely wold be a frende to the Venecians conti∣nually, but they shulde haue muche trouble and dā∣mage of hys successours.

Of Constantinople Wonne by the Turkes.

THe yeare of Christe .M. CCCC. liiii y^e xxix daye of Maye after longe syeg¦gat Mahometes the Turkysh Em∣peroure the citye Constātinople at y^e laste with a very strong assaulte: and vsed thereyn so muche cruelnesse, that it can not be expressed wyth no wordes. Con∣stantinus* 1.478 the Emperoure was slayne by the gate of the cytye, in the flyghte, whose heade caused the Turke to be smytten of, & stycked vpon a pole to be caryed thorow out the citye. He commaunded also* 1.479 to set vp an image of the crucyfyed Christe in the ci∣tye, and towrytte vpon it: The same is the God of the Christians. But he commaunded to moke it, and caste fylthe vpon it, and all to defyle it. The

Emperours wyfe and doughters wyth other ho∣nest matrones were drawen to a banket, and there were they fyrst misused, after that hewed to peces These examples, and other mooste cruel dedes of y^e Turkes, ought duely to rayse and styrre our min¦des, that we shulde earnestly fight agaynst those e∣nemyes,* 1.480 whyche one nede not to call tyrauntes, but rather cruel beastes.

The yeare .M. CCCC. lxi. dyd the bysh. of Ro. depose Dietericke of Isenburge from hys byshop∣rycke, and in hys steade was made Adolphe of Na∣ssau. This chaunce gaue an occasion of greate war∣res in the Empyre. Friderick the counte Palatyne toke vpon hym to defende & retayn byshop Diete∣rych. Agaynste the same dyd the Emperour sturre the erles of Wyrtenberg and Baden, and the bysh. of Mentz. Whan these spoyled y^e contry of y^e count Palatine, they were taken by Frideryck count Pa¦latine about the yeare .M. CCCC. lxii.

The same yeare dyd contrarye wyse Adolfe the byshop take in the citye Mentz.

The yeare .M. CCCC. lxiij. was Friderick the Emperoure strongly besieged in the castel at Vien∣na, by hys cityesins, and the doer of thys was Al∣bert, the Emperours brother: but George kyng of the Bohemes delyuered the Emperoure, driuing awaye the cityesins.

The yere .M. CCCC. lxxiiii. dyd Charles prince of the Burgundyons besyege the towne Nuce a whole yeare, and that because the chapiter chanōs of Colen had dryeuen out Rupert byshoppe of Co¦len, whome Charles wold haue restored agayne.

But whan he went about to, turne the byshopryck of Colen from the empyre &, haue gotten it to him, the Emperour appoynteth an army agaynst hym.

The captayne of the hoost was Albert marques of Brandenburg, and the empyres standardebea∣rer Albert duke of Saxony. At the last whan di∣uersly was treated of alayenge the debate, Char∣les gaue place: and it is sayde, that at y^• tyme was fyrst treated of geuyng Maximilian the doughter of Charles of Burgundy.

The yeare .M. CCCC. lxxvii. was the duke of Burgundy vanquished by Nansen, by them of Lo∣tayn and the Switzers, and slayne. For Charles had taken from them of Lorain Nansen: & in Swi¦tzerland* 1.481 had he taken in Gransen, and other small townes: besides that also, caused he in the towne of Gransen, to be hanged .v. C. and .xii. Germanes.

Whan Charles was deade, the Frenchemen en∣terprised to ioyne Flaunders and Brabant to theyr kingdom, & this desyre of the Frenchmen brought the cause of great warres. But whan the Burgun¦dions wold not that theyr duchies shuld be straun∣ged or alienated from Charles doughter, they deli¦vered to wedde Charles doughter to Maximilian* 1.482 son to Friderick the Emperour. Wherfore Maxi∣miliane went wel appointed into Brabāt, the yeare M. cccc. lxxvii. and wedded Mary Charles dough¦ter: whereby it came to passe, that he augmēted not a litle the glory of the Eastenrychs name, and that Maximiliā did many renowmed prowesses, to de∣fende those countryes agaynste the assaulte of the Frenchemen.

The yeare .M. cccclxxxvi. was Maximilian ma¦de Emperoure: at Aken he was crowned the tenth daie of Apryll. When he was chosen Emperoure at Franckforde, Albert marques of Brandenburg dyed there, whome the Italian history writers also do geue the prayse of a sage and wyse prince, and al∣so a doughty man of armes.

The yeare .M. cccclxxxvii. was Maximiliane* 1.483 taken of his subiectes at Brudgis in Flaūders, by a preuy trayne of the Frenchemen. But when Frede rick came downe into lowe Germany, furnyshed wyth the ayde of the whole empyre, Maximilian was letten fre of them of Brudgis.

The yeare .M. ccccxc. he asked agayne and toke* 1.484 possession of his hereditary landes of the duchy of Eastenriche, the whiche Mathy kyng of Hungary had taken in.

The yere M. ccccxciii. dyed Frederick the third Emperonre in the towne Lyntz, and was buried at Vienne. The same yeare dyd the Turkes fall in to Croacia: but they were dryuen backe agayne by Maximiliane, that then was in Eastenriche, surny∣shed wyth an army of fyftenth ou saude men.

When Eugenius the .iiij. was deade, Nicolaus* 1.485 the .v. was made by shop of Rome. Friderick the Emperoure was crowned of hym, and he entertay¦ned with moste hygh liberalitie not onely learned men of Italy: but also suche as were fled from Con stantinople to Rome, namely Gaza, Trapezontius, Argyropylos, by whose procurement al good scien∣ces are renewed and amended.

Calistus the .iij. was bysh. of Ro. after Nicolaus.

Pius the .ij. before called Eneas Syluius succe∣ded* 1.486 Calistus. He was Frederick the Emperoures Chaunceller. He had gathered a greate army of all nacions against the Turkes: but while the army is demissed without doynge any thyng.

Paulus the .ij. was after Pius.

Xystus the .iiii. was by shop of Rome after Pau∣lus. In his tyme the yeare .M. cccclxxx. dyd Ma∣hometes* 1.487 the Turkysh Emperour besyege Hydrun¦tum in Italy, and wanne it, vsyng therein incredi∣ble tyranny. Italy was so asrayed, that Xystus the Romysh byshop made hrm reade to flye into Fraun¦ce. But Mahometes died the same time when Hy∣druntum was a takynge, and that by some destiny, lest he should straie farther into Italy. Moreouer* 1.488 whyle this was dayng, Alfonsus kyng of Naples, warred with them of Sena: but when he harde the tydyngs of Hydruntum, he haisted to returne into his kyngdome, and getteth the besyeged citye Hy∣druntū out of the Turkes handes. For whyle Ma∣hometes was deade, and that the Turkes haysted now to returne home, lest any variaunce myght ry∣se in their kyngdome, Alfonsus obteined the citie ea¦sely, driuyng the Turkes out of Italy.

After Xystus was Innocētius the .viii. by. of Ro.

Alexander the the .vi. was made byshop of Ro.* 1.489 after Innocentius. The same had a sonne duke of Valencia, whom he made prince of Vrbinas. Hys sayeng it was: O Cesar, o nullo. that is: Ether Em∣peroure, or nothyng. At the last was he nothyng. For he was slayne for his sundry craftes, that were mengled with gite and deceate.

The beginning of the science of printyng, is sayd* 1.490 to haue bene vnder Frederick the thyrd: and thys science of boke printing they saye to haue ben found fyrst at Mentz, the yeare .M. cccc. xl.

The craft of the gonnes is much elder, & it is sup¦posed* 1.491 that the same was also founde in Germany, by a frear the yeare .M. ccc. lxxx.

Maxi milianus the .xxxviii. Germane Emperoure.

THe yeare of Christe .M. ccccxciiii. began* 1.492 Maximilianus hys raygne, when his fa∣ther was deade, with whome he gouer∣ned the empyre his lyfe tyme .viii. yeres. But after hys fathers deceasse raygned he .xxv. yeares. Though the begynnynges of the empyre were lowe and weake: yet at the last turned they to hygh auauncement and encrease of the Germane kyngdome.

In the begynnynge of Maximilanus raygne,* 1.493 brought Charles wyth the crooked backe an army into Italy, and toke Naples. But a yeare after, when he was returned into Fraunce, gat Ferdinā∣dus the yonger Naples agayne with ayde of Ma∣ximilian dryuynge the Frenchemen out of Italy, whiche the Frenche kynge had left at Naples, for a garryson.

Maximilian had many and great battails. First in low Germany. Flaunders and Brabant, in the whiche it is sayd he dyd many noble actes with his owne hande, where of I haue herde some, but I know not the very truth thereof. And would God

there would once come one that is sure of such thyn¦ges, who would writh all those histories in a cōplet boke to the prayse of so greate a prince, and myght auaunce worthely, before the worlde the puyssaun∣ce and vertues of so doughty an Emperoure. I my¦selfe* 1.494 haue herde of Pyrcamer of Norenberg, that Maximiliane hymselfe had written some of his de∣des for certayne yeares. For he sayde: He sayled from Lynda to Constance with Maximilian the Emperoure: and when Maximilian was nowe at leasure in saylyng, he called his Scribe to hym, and rehersed to hym in Latine hys dedes of one yeare, in a moste feate order, with the declaracion of all the circunstaunces and occasions. But when Pyrca∣mer thought the Scribe should note some secrete thynge, and therefore would auoyde, the Empe∣roure cōmaunded hym to remayne and lysten. Yea and at euening he toke it to Pyrcamer that he had rehersed to rede, and asked: whether that souldi∣ours Latine dyd lyke hym? and should haue sayde moreouer: He were mynded to comprehende those thynges so brefely and clerely, that afterwarde lear¦ned men might declare them so muche the more di∣ligently by their causes and circumstaunces. And Pyrcamer sayde: that no Germane history writer had vsed so pure a stile, as was that of Maximilian: And that after maximilianus death he had asked af¦ter this writynge, but he coulde not obteine it. But let this suffyse to be spoken of low Germany.

The yeare .M. ccccxcv. was in the parliament* 1.495 holden at Worms of the earldome of Wirtenberg made a duchy, and erle Ebrarde was made the

fyrst duke.

The yeare .Mccccxcix. toke the Switzers warr* 1.496 against their neyghbours them of Eastenrich, the whiche to rescue, Maximiliane came haystely out of Gelderlande, where at that tyme he had to do al so. Wherefore hauing many skyrmyshes of both sy∣des, it is certayn that .xx. thousand mē were slayn: at the last was an agrement made.

The yeare .MDi. were euery where figures of* 1.497 crosses sene vpon mens garmentes. But suche lyke was oft happened before also.

The yeare .MDiiij. was the warre of Baier∣lande,* 1.498 wherein the Emperoure Maximilianus de∣fended the princes of Baier, agaynst Philip count Palatine of the Rene, and duke Ruperte sonne to Philippe the Palatine. For the same maryeng the daughter of George duke of Baier, woulde haue Landshut and thatsame parte of Baier to be geuē ouer to hym by a tytle of inheritaunce. But Ruper∣tus dyed with his spouse, whyle this warre was in hand, & the count Palatine was put besyde a great parte of his lordeshyppe by the Emperoures men and them of Wirtenberg. Yea and a great army of the Bohemyes that came to helpe the count Pala∣tine, were ouerthrowen of the Emperoure. At the last neuerthelesse Maximilian vsyng no lesse wysdō than fauoure, toke the count Palatine to mercy, lest any perturbacion myght be raysed in the ryght of the election in the empyre, that long sence was alo∣wed and approued.

The yeare .MDv. besyeged the army of the Em¦peroure the duke of Gelders in the citie Arnheym,

and constrayned hym to yelde hymselfe.

The yeare .MDvi. died Philippe sonne to Ma∣ximilian,* 1.499 kyng of Spayne and duke of bourgundy, beyng of age .xxviii. yeares.

The yeare .MDvii. beganne Maximiliane the warre againste the Venecians, no lesse greate then durable: in the whiche befell both many bloudy bat∣tails, and wonderfull mutacions. Lewis kynge of Fraunce was first with the Venecians, afterwarde fell he from them to the Emperour. Contrary wy∣se the byshop of Rome Iulius, was first of the Em∣peroures syde, afterwarde toke he parte with the Venecians. The Venecians lost in this warretheir best cities. Verona, Pauy, Teruas & other many. Howbeit when the Romysh byshop deciuered and fell to the Venecians, the Frenche kyng began to warre vpon hym also, seyng he had yet the Empe∣rours souldiours in Italy. Now feared the Empe∣roure, lest if he had the victory, he shuld fall into Na¦ples also, and do also some euell at Rome, to the em∣pyres destruction. Wherfore he sent the Cardinall Matheus Langius bishop of Saltzburg one of his counsaill to Iulius the byshop of Ro. to demaunde peace, before the Ro. byshop and the Frenche kyng* 1.500 had foughten a felde. Iulius, for asmuch as he was very well appoynted with the ayde of Spaniardes and Italians, he thought to be sure of the victory, & therfore refused he the peace. The battail was vpō Easter daie the yeare .MDxii. by Rauennas. The byshop of Romes host lay vnder, & there were slain in that battaill syxtene thousand. Nether is there red of a more greuous felde to haue ben about this

tyme, wherein men haue fought so fearcely. But af∣ter this victory lost, dyd Iulius frely demaūde pea∣ce. Howbeit lest the French kyng enterprisedought farther in Italy, dyd Maximilian and the bysh. of Rome set the kyng of Englande, Germany and the Switzers against hym: and of this wyse was the Frenche kyng at the last constrained to leaue Ita∣ly. The Venecians were afterwarde reconciled to to the Emperoure also.

The yere .MDxix. dyed Maximilian the Em∣peroure, and thatsame yere the princes Electors* 1.501 Albert Cardinall byshop of Mentz. Herman by∣shop of Colen erle of Wida. Richarde byshop of Trierlorde of Grieffenklau, the deputie of Le∣wis kyng of Bohemy. Lewis coūt Palatine of the Rene. Frederick duke of Saxony. Ioachim mar∣ques of Brandenburg, did chose lawfull and with great wisdom at Frāckford Charles duke of Eastē ryche and Bourgundy, and kyng of Spayne, the xxviii. daye of Iune.

Pius the iij. was bysh. of Ro. after alexander the vi. The same died shortely after.

Iulius the .ij. succeded Pius. Against him wrote Bernardin{us} the Cardinal in the tyme of the Vene¦cian warre of kepyng a counsail. The matter shuld haue geuen an occasion of a diuision, had not Maxi∣milian preuented it by his syngulare wisedome.

Leo the .x. sonne to Laurence Medices was ma¦de byshop of Rome. after Iulius.

In the tyme of this Leo y^• yere .MDxvii. wrote* 1.502 Martin Luther fyrst against the Romysh byshops pardons, & from thence rose many disputaciōs after ward, whiche thynge caused no small alteracionin

the churche by the Germanes.

Charles the .v. the .xxxix. Germane Emperoure.

••He yeare .MD. xix. was Charles the .v.* 1.503 chosen Emperoure the nepheu to Maxi∣milians, kynge of Spayne, prince of Ea∣stenryche and Burgundy. The Electors sent into Spayne to shewe Charles of this election Fride∣rick count Palatine. Wherfore the next yeare after he came into Germany, and was crowned Empe∣roure at Aken.

The yeare .MDxxv. was Frances the Frenche* 1.504 kyng taken by Pauy in Lombardy, by the Empe∣roures souldiours in a felde, and afterwarde brou∣ght into Spayne. Charles vsed a very incredible gentlenesse & moderacion of mynde in so great pro∣speritie of victory. For he dyd not onely let fre the Frenche kyng, restoryng hym to his kyngdom: but also bounde hym with affinitie to hym, geuing hym his syster Leonora to wyfe. The capitaines of the battail, whereof we saied euen now, were Nicolas coūt of Salma, George of Frūsberg knight, Mark Sittich, duke Burbon, & the marques Piskerame.

The same yeare were raysed in Germany horri∣ble* 1.505 and neuer afore herde comotions, by vplandishe men in Elsace, Schwaben, Frankenlād, Thuringē, and in those contreis that lye by the Rhene. This commotion was alayed by the great force & armes of the princes, so that within the space of thre mone¦thes nere hande, were slame in battaill aboue hun∣dreth thousand vplādysh men, none other wyse thē

as beastes. Moreouer one called Schapler, wrote* 1.506 xii. artickes of the Christē libertie, among the whi∣che this was euen the chefest: Tribute ought not to be geuen to the magistrate or superioritie. By thys doctrine, vpon hope to get libertie, the gretest part of the rustikes beyng enflamed, it is saide to haue ta¦ken weapons agaynst their lawfull magistrate. In the towne of Thuringen, called Mulhausen, was a* 1.507 preacher, called Thomas Mynter. The same prea∣ched openly, that he shoulde restore the decayed sta∣te of the churche: and dyd boiste, that reuelacions were priuely shewed him: and that Gedeons sword was geuen hym, to roote out the tyranny of the vn¦godly. He led forth by heapes the vplandish men, and commaunded the houses of gentlemen to bee spoyled, and the goodes of monasteries to be polled and waisted. But when the rustical armies spoiled euery where without order, the prince of Saxony and Landgraue of Hesse destroied them. Thomas Mynter and some of his felowes were takē and be∣headed, and were punyshed for their enterpryse. This Mynter was the first begynner of the madde erroure of the Anabaptistes, which yet causeth muche ado in Germany.

The yere .MDxxv. dyd Iohn Oecolampadius* 1.508 at Basel, and Huldrich zwinglius in zwizerlande fyrst of all with there writing renewed the doctrine of Berengarius that in the bread and wyne was not really present the body and bloude of Christe, though the yeare before the learned man Andrew Carolostadius had proposed the same argument.

The yeare .MDxxvi. was Lewis kyng of Hū∣gary

〈…〉〈…〉ayne by Solyman the Turkysh Emperour.

The yere .MDxxvij. dyd duke Burbon brynge* 1.509 the Emperoures hoost to Rome, the citie was besie¦ged and taken, and also spoyled. The byshop of Ro. constrayned by necessitie into the Castell angel, yel∣ded hymselfe to the Emperoures men: but the Em¦peroure of his gentlenesse let hym fre agayne, and restored hym to hys former dignitie, that the com∣mon peace of Christendome were nothyndered.

The yere .MDxxix. went Charles into Italy, & was receaued of all princes and cities, with moste hygh honoures.

The same yeare in the moneth of October the* 1.510 Turkysh Emperoure Solyman brought about a hundreth and fourty thousand men into Germany whiche nomber they shoulde afterward haue boa∣sted themselues in the citie Cracowe in Polen: and besieged the citie Vienne certayn wekes and assaul∣ted it greueously. But Friderick count Palatine, apointed by the empire captaine of the souldiours, gatheryng an army with all spede, sent it to Viēne, thre dayes before the Turke besieged it. Philippe counte Palatine was with them in the citie Viēne. Wherfore by the gracious fauoure of God was the citie Vienne so strongly defended, that the Turkish tyraūt was fayne to turne backe agayn with great shame, and losse of hys host. The messaunger of the Poles is reported to haue sayde: that in the assault of Vienne, were slayne about foure score Turkes, and partely to haue dyed by the waye, for lacke of ••itayls, and fearcenesse of the colde.

The yeare .MDxxx. the .xxij. daye of February,

was Charles crowned Emperoure at Bonony by* 1.511 Clemens the byshop of Rome with a great solem∣nitie and coste.

After that went he agayne into Germany, and came on Corpus Chist euen at Ausborow, wherthe parliament was adiourned. The chefe princes of Germany came thether, of whom Charles the Em¦peroure was receaued with high honour. Though* 1.512 the Emperour assaied many waies to appeace y^• de¦bates in the religion, & to restore them into a quiet∣nesse, yet could no certayne thynge be brought to passe or ordeined, in so great diuersitie of myndes. At the last commaunded he by an open commaunde¦ment to retaine and kepe the accostumed maners of ceremonies, and the doctrine afore vsed.

The same yeare. the eight daye of October, was* 1.513 an ouerflowynge at Rome so greate, as no man coulde remembre to haue bene sene, and the same lasted about foure and twenty houres: and when thys ouerflowynge stode styll in the place called Campo Flore, the hyght of a longe moryshpycke, many buildynges, walles, houses and goodes were destroyed.

When Leo was deade, Adrianus alowe Germa¦ne, borne at Vtrecht was made byshop of Rome.

After Adrianus was Clemens the .vij. chosen* 1.514 by. of Ro. The same was taken by the Emperours hoost at Rome, for makyng a confederacy with the Frenche kynge, whome also he sent ayde agaynste the Emperor. But the same iniury dyd y^• very good Emperoure dissemble with hygh softnesse: and lest any occasion myght ryse of a greueous debate

in Christendom, he set the byshop of Rome Clemēs the .vij. at libertie, of whome he was afterwarde crowned at Bonony.

Ferdinande the .xl. Germane Emperoure.

THe yeare .MDxxx. was Ferdināde king* 1.515 of Hungary and Bohemy, Archeduke of Eastenriche &c. brother to Charles the Emperoure, made kyng of the Romanes: and that after the example of the aūcient Emperours, which were wont to take to them other, that the empyre myght haue a successor, and that when the other were deade, no debate or occasion of warre myght ryse amonge the princes of the empyre. This elec∣tion was at Colen the yeare .MDxxx.

The yeare .MDxxxi. was Ferdinande after the election crowned at Aken in Ianuary.

The same yeare was a Comete sene in Germa∣ny,* 1.516 Italy Fraunce and Englande, about the syxte daye of Auguste, and fyrst appeared it certayne da∣yes in the morning before Sunne rising, after that folowed it the Sunne, and was sene the space of. iij wekes about the euenyng, after Sunne sett, vntyll the thyrd daye of September. Hys course was through the celestiall or heauenly sygnes Cancer. Leo, Virgo and Libra, where it was sene nomore nether appeared any more after that.

Not long after in October rose a warre in Swi¦tzer* 1.517 lande. For to they of Tzurich stopped the passa¦ges, that to their neghburs of zugia, Vria. Suicia.

Siluia and Lucerne, noman coulde bryng corne, salte and other victuals. Wherfore they armed thē against those of Tzurich. They met eche other w^t displaied banners, & they of Tzurich beyng vanqui¦shed with thre fieldes, had the worst. In the fyrst battayll was slayne the preacher of Tzurich, Hul∣drich zwinglius. In the meane tyme endeuoured they of Stralborow and Constance their neigh∣bours, to make an accorde among the cōfederated. And thus after .viij. monethes and .vi. wekes was the vproure alayed. Of thē of Tzurich died about fyue thousande, of the other syde a fewe.

The yeare M D. xxxii. came Charles the Em∣peroure againe out of Brabant into Germany, and came in Marche with his brother kyng Ferdinand to Regenspurg to kepe a parliament. Thithercame* 1.518 the deputies sent frō the Imperial cities. There ca¦me also many princes, or at the leaste, their Ambas∣sadours.

Not very long before that Constantinople was taken by the Turkes, I reade there was a solitary man, not farre from the citie Constantinople, and he shuld haue prophecied: that the Turkes in dede* 1.519 should winne Constantinople, and should roote out the kyngdom of the Grekes: but anone after foure score yeres, should they lose Constantinople agayn, and that the Turkes should be rooted out of Euro∣pa. But that tyme sence Cōstantinople was wonne, is expired the last yeare.

A most connyng Astronomer also at Naples, cal∣led* 1.520 Laurētius Miniatensis, scholemaister to Pon∣tanus, wrote these verses in his boke .lx. yeres ago,

concernyng the coniunction of Iupiter and Satur¦nus in the sygne Cancer, the whiche he sayeth shall be, and was in the yeare thousande, fyue hundreth and foure last past.

That age succedyng oures vpon the heles. Shalbe better, and more prayse worthy, Lytle of oure lawe shall it disanull scarcely: But the greueous and harde to suffer thynges. In holy matters, shall it auoyde doubtlesse. All kynd of wickednesse, and also holy pryde. A kyng also shall it geue vs harmelesse, Who shall the worlde ende, and peoples represse: Rebellyng naciōs shall he subdue to the empyre. And the whole worldes dominiō shall he possesse.

These verses are moste worthy to be marked: and I woulde not passe them ouer, because of the re¦nowme of the moste famous Emperour. For what hygher prayse can be in the Emperour, then that he calleth hym a Harmelesse kyng, euen as Iohn Lich¦teberg sayde of hym: The shamefast of visage shall raygne euery where.

At Magdeburg is founde .C. yere ago a Latine cronicle, wherin are these wordes: Of the bloude of Charles the Emperour, and the kynges of Fraūce, shalbe borne an Emperoure, called Charles: thesa∣me shal haue dominion in all Europa, by whom also the decayed estate of the church, shalbe repared, and the auncient glory of the empyre shalbe restored. For there shall come a people, that shalbe called: peo¦ple without heade, and than we to the priestes: Pe∣ters lytle shyppe shall suffre greate force, but the wa¦ues shall crasse at the last, and it shall haue victory.

Greate and dredefull mutacions of al kyngdomes, are at hande, and the settyng store by monkes, shall peryshe. The Beaste of the West, and the Lion of the Easte shall haue dominion of the whole worlde, and the Christians shallwander through Asia in sa∣uegarde fyftene yeares: but after that shal dredeful thynges be herde of Antichriste.

Abbas Ioachim saieth in the ende of Ieremye: A great Egle shall come, whiche shall ouercome eue¦ry man saue one, who at the last beynge despysed, shalbe for saken of the people.

I fynde also another prophecie, whiche is renow¦med: The Emperoure shalbe awaked, as a man fal∣len into a swete slepe. The same shalbe counted of men as deade, and shall go vp vpon the greate sea, and inuade the Turkes, and shall ouercome them: he shall leade their wyues and Chyldren captiues. Greate feare and drede shall ouerwhelme the Tur¦kes, their wyues and chyldren shall wepe and la∣mente: all the Turkes landes shalbe geuen ouer in to the Emperours handes of Rome.

I haue herde a Portingale saye, that an Astrono¦mer should haue sayde to Ferdinandus oure Em∣peroures greate graundefather: that the Turkysh empyre shoulde be subdued and ouerthrowen by a kyng of Spayne, and that the same should haue in∣terpretated the kyng to be Ferdinande. But Ferdi¦nande should haue answered: That he shoulde not do it, but hys heyres that should succede hym.

Other emdences more that are yet restyng, wyl I at this tyme passe ouer. God the father of mercy, geue and graunte Christendom victory and grace,

for the glories sake of his godly name. Amen.

Moreouer the thinges that shal yet happen, shal doutlesse marke greate and wyse men, whiche are now in this settyng forth of warre. As for me, I haue onely rehersed suche thynges of this prepara¦cion of the settynge forth to warre, as I was sure of, and therefore do I now make an ende of wry∣tynge.

In the moneth of September this yeare, was* 1.521 a Comete sene agayne certayn wekes, two houres before Sunne rysyng, and toward the Easte. Whē I sawe it, it was in Virgo to my iudgemen, & stret∣ched his brandyshynge tayll betwene the South & West. But by reason of the gloumynge and cloudy ayer in these contreis, coulde it not be sene here. Howbeit, who wil not iudge it to be a fearfullthing, that two Cometes haue bene sene in the space ne∣rehande of twelue monethes? and seyng the Co∣mete of the last yere, namely of the yere M D. xxxi. dyd not appeare without the hurte of Easte and North: for it semed to threaten those partes. For the tyrannyshe Turke fell into Hungary and Ea∣stenryche kyng Christiernus goyng into Denne∣marck with a greate nauy, to demaunde againe his kyngdome, yelded hymselfe into Frederick hys fa∣thers brothers the kyng of Denmarck handes. Christiernus also his sonne, that was brought vp in the Emperours court, dyed. Veryly it is to be feared also, that the Comete of this yeare of. M D. xxxij. do signifye greate euell to the partes of Italy and the Rene.

The ende of the Cronicle.

The cōclusion of this Cronicle of Iohn Carion.

A boke of Chronicles ought to cōprehende moste greatest thynges in a feate order, so that the reke∣nyng of the yeares, and the chefe alteracions, that befall into the religion and other greate thynges may be ryght obserued and knowen. For it can not be that all thynges that are done in one realme, can be written in one boke, though it were great, by rea¦son of the sundry circumstaunces and occasions of y^• businesses, the whiche must chefely be consydered. Of this wyse truely wrote Herodotus, Theucydi des, Xenophon & Tit{us} Liuius histories. The other* 1.522 are onely to be called Cronicle writers, whiche also ought not to take vpon them the name of History wryters: For they do brefely shewe thynges done, and settyng the order of the tyme before, seme onely to aduertyse the wyse reader, to marke some of the notablest thynges. Whiche thinge we haue done al¦so in this Cronicle: we haue only drawen those thin¦ges as it were in a pathwaye, whiche semed moste best, and haue other whyles shewed their occasions, to the intent we maye learne to marke and forse so much thenarower suche lyke thynges, in like chaū∣ces, Howbeit what profites otherwise besides this do Cronicles bryng, that same haue we declared be¦fore in the preface.

Truely I muste before the ende of this wryting put the reader agayne in remembraunce of the sa∣yeng of Elias, the whiche we haue set in the begyn¦nyng of this treatyse, that he may so much the mo∣re easyer marke both the order of the tyme, and also the dedes of the histories. Item that he thinke that

also, that the ende of mens affaires is at hande, ac∣cordynge to the sayeng of Elias, that the worldes age conteyneth .vi. M. yeares, and that the same space shall not he fully expyred: for God shall preuēt it because of the worldes corrupte maners. Now seyeng there are expyred .v. M. and .v. C. yeares sence the worlde beganne, as may clerely be gathe∣red out of the table folowing: it is no doute but that the worldes age is nerehand come to the ende, that Christe our lorde do rayse vp the death by his com∣myng, and iudge the whole worlde, and that more is also appoynt the deuels and wicked men euerla∣stynge fyre, but take the very godly out of al sorow, and set them into the euerlasting fruition of God & blesse. Besydes this do the wonderfull mutacions and chaunges of all kyngdomes nearehande wyt∣nesse that the worlds ende is not farre of. For with* 1.523 in fewe yeares euen by our remembraunce we ha∣ue perceaued the hyghnesse of the Romish byshop, Fraunce, Hungary and Dennemarckes kingdoms to haue greucously fallen, and lyke chaūce are short¦ly to be loked for in other kyngdomes also. Daniel witnesseth that shortely after that the Turkes po∣wers be minyshed, shall the ende of all thynges of the worlde be at hande. But the Turkysh kyngdōs decaye shall doutlesse be sene wythin few yeares (if Goddes wyll be so,) and after that our Emperoure Charles shalbe deceassed, it can not be, but that the empire also shalbe miserably toren of the Germans themselues. For I feare me two wyll then greatly stryue for the monarchye. Almighty God of his in∣finitie mercy, swage so horrible commotions & tur∣ne the

princes hartes, to concorde and peace.

The toren tranquillitie and spoiled peace in the churche, maye also be a signe and token, and it is to be feared, lest the same do also growe and sprede far∣ther by warres and negligence of Romish by shops.

But seyeng Christe hymselfe aduertiseth vs in the Gospel of the perils, that shalbe at hande in the latter dayes, not only in those thinges that pertayn to the body, but also those that belong to the sprete, yea the heauen itselfe also threateneth with horry∣ble darkeninges and coniunctions: I wil passe ouer to speake of those tokēs, that be rehersed in the scri∣pture cōcernyng the latter dayes, so that at the last we maye learne to beware & take hede to our selues and doute not to demaunde and loke for ayde and comfort of God onely in so greate misere of al thin∣ges. Wherefore I willed the reader to be admony∣shed in this place, to call to remembraunce, that tho∣se tymes full of peryls & wretchednesse, are at hand, and that the same peryls ought not to be despised with a rechelesse mynde. For it is no lyght thynge, and suche one as all maner of men do proue wyth their harme and damage, that realmes are chaun∣ged, empires pulled out of their frames, and con∣corde of religion is spoyled. The buyldynge or fa∣brike of the worlde semeth to represente a greate and moste olde buyldynge, whyche oftentymes is more and more ready to fall, when nowe doth one wall fall downe, then the other. Likewise doth the world seme to be ready to fal at this time, & doth by litle and litle bryng a more greuous fal with it, one and other kyngdomes falling down and decayeng.

Nether let any man thynke that so greate a buyl∣dyng shall fall without a moste excedynge commo∣tion. God lyghten oure myndes, that we beyng ad∣monyshed with the earnest threatenynges of the Gospell, maye seke at onely Christe consolation and refreshynge: and that greate princes maye vse no lesse wysedome in the feare of God, then mekenesse, to assuage the occasions of all euels. For thereto are they ordeined of God, that with their care and wisedom, they maye gouerne and de∣fende mankynd that is weake & wret∣ched. And yf they do their duetye in the feare of God. God shall lyke∣wyse be with them, and pro∣sper their enterpry∣ses.

Amen.

A Table of the worl∣des yeares, out of the Bible and Philo.

• M. vi. C. lvi. vntyll the floude.
• CC. xcij. vntyll Abraham was borne.
• CCCC. xxv. vntyll Moses was borne.
• Lxxx. vntyll the goyng out of Egipt
• CCCC. lxxx. vntyll Salomons tempel.
• C. xxxviij. vntyll Ioas the kyng.
• CC. xci. vntyll Ieconias was remoued into Babylon.
• xi. vntyll Ierusalē was waysted by Nabuchodonosor.
• Lxx lasted the captiuitie of Babilō.
• C. xci. lasted y^• monarchie of the Per¦ses after that the captiuitie of Babylon was finyshed.
• vij. was Alexander after Darius death.
• C. xlvi. lasted the kyngdō of the Gre∣kes vntil Iudas Machabeus
• C. xxxvij. dured the kyngdō of the Ma∣chabeis. vntyll Herodes the fyrste tyme after Iosephus.
• xxx. raigned Herodes: for Christe was borne the thirtieth yeare of Herodes.
• MD. xxxij. sence Christ our saueour was borne.
• The yeare of the was Christ borne. worlde. iii M. ix. C. lxxiiij.

This present yeare .MDxxxii. are accomplished sence the worlde was made .v. M. CCCC. lxxvi. yeares.

The citie Rome (as witnesseth Eutropius) stode before Christe was borne .vij. C. liij. yeares: and yf the yeares shoulde be counted a ryght, it can in a maner be no better rekened by true histories.

This present yere of oure lorde .MDxxxij. are past sence the citie Rome was builded. ii M. CClxx xv. yeres. Babylon was not so olde before Alexan∣der. For from Abraham vntyll Alexanders tyme are .M. vi. C. lxxxvi. yeares. But now seyeng Ro∣me is elder then Babylon, it is no doubte but that her ende shalbe shortely also, after the twoo Mo∣narchies.

Nether doth the nomber of the yeares that is in the Bible greately disagre from the order of the Monarchies that is in the chefe aucthors of the Greke histories. Herodotus wryteth that the Assyrians kept the Monarchie .Dxx. yeares, and sence that tyme to haue bene no certayne Monar∣chye, vntyll the tyme of the Medes. He rekeneth the Medes to haue ruled vntyll Cyrus tyme C. xxx. yeares. And the same, as it can not seme false, euen so do I greatly alowe it: for yf any man do waye it aryght, the same shall easely perceaue that it doth not disagre wyth the Bible. That he sayeth the monarchy of the Assyrians to haue stand .Dxx. yeares, that wyll he doubtlesse haue referred to that tyme, when the kyngdome of Babilon and Ni∣niue the citie were not yet diuided, euen when the Assyrians reygned only at Babylon.

Agathias wryteth in the seconde booke of the* 1.524 Gothian warre, that Ctesias set the nomber of the yeares, and the order of the Monarchies of thys wyse. As for Ctesias was a Grecian, who when* 1.525 Artaxerxes Mnemon and Cyrus the yonger war¦red with eche other, he was also in the army, and was a Phisician. Beynge taken in warre, he was at the last caried to Babylon, where he was honest∣ly entreated, and then readynge the hystoryes of Babylon, he set the nomber of that kyngdome in an order of this wyse.

From Ninus vntyll the begynnyng of the Me∣des kyngdome, wiche did deciuer from the Assy∣ryans the fyrste, are .M. CCC. lx. yeares, and this order do all those obserue, that wrote afterwarde, Diodorus Siculus and Iustinus. Diodorus Si∣culus wrote of this wyse in his thyrde booke: Lyke wyse also the resydue of the kynges thyrty in nom∣ber, helde the kyngdome, vntyll Sardanapulus, by whose tyme, the kyngdome of the Assyrians, which had lasted .M. CCC. lx. yeares, (as wryteth Cte∣sias in the seconde booke,) fell to the Medes. Iusti∣nus sayeth of this wyse: The assyrians, who after∣warde were called Syria, had the gouernaunce M. CCC. yeres. Herodotus doth passe ouer som∣thynge, in the meane tyme that the decayeng kyng dome of the Assyrians came to the Medes. I thyn∣ke this also, that these yeares of Ctesias concer∣nyng the begynnyng of Babylon, to be vnderstand from the tyme of Nembroth, not Ninus.

The Medes reigned after the fallyng from the Assyrians vntil Cyrus, about thre hundreth yeres,

as Agathias gathereth out of Ctesias.

The kyngdome of the Perses vntill Alexander, dyd last .CCxxviij. yeres, as witnesseth Agathias and some Grecian wryters.

Alexander and his posteritie kept Babylon vn∣tyll the tyme, that the power of the Parthians be∣ganne to grow: and Agathias setteth CCC. yeres seuen lesse, and that is from Alexander vntyll Au∣gustus tyme.

Afterward raigned the Parthians in the Easte hundreth yeares, vntil the tyme of Alexander Se∣uerus the Emperoures, and then dyd Artaxerxes the Persian stick through and slaye Artabanus the last kyng of the Parthians. And of this wyse came the East kyngdom agayne to the Perses, which we¦re myghty vntyll Mahomets tyme. For the succes∣sors of Mahomet inuaded the Perses, and teke in the empire of whole Arabia. But the Turkes toke from them afterwarde Syria and Asia the lesse. And thus were the kyngdomes of the Easte tossed finally with diuerse mutaciōs, the one people was oftymes remoued to the other. It is greatly necessary to ouerlaye all these thynges, and often to consyder them, that the order of all tymes and histories may be knowen aryght.

An addition vnto the Cronicle of Iohn Carion contaygnyng the actes and histories come to passe in dyuers and sun¦dry partes of the worlde from the yere of our lorde .MDxxxij. vnto the yeare of our lorde .MD. L. excerpted and gathe∣red out of the best historiographers by Iohn Funke of Nourenbo∣rough. And caused to be tran∣slated by Gwalter Lynne.

AT the entraunce or beginning of the con∣uocation* 1.526 holden at Ratisbone or Rayne∣sborough in the yere of our lorde .MD. xxxij. in lent, ther lay at Nurrenborough certayn princes electours, with many other nobles of the empire, among whom were as principall Al∣bert Archebyshop of Mogunce or Mence, Lodo∣wike Palatine of the Rhyne, Iohn Frederike duke of Saxon and electour imperiall, whiche princes & nobles did there treate and consulte vpon matters* 1.527 of religion, and about the establishing of kyng Fer∣dinandus (to whose election as to be king of the Ro¦mains, the said Iohn duke of Saxō & electour impe¦riall would not accorde nor consent) and after much intreataunce they obtayned of themperours maie∣stie a graunt and promes of a sure and stedfast peace vntil the next general coūsail that was to come, yea and is to come yet, euen at this day. Other notable actes cōcerning matters of religiō was there none

concluded in that conuocation. For Soliman Em∣peroure* 1.528 of the Turkes was vp with all his power and inuaded the lande of Hungary, wherefore the Christian princes were constrained with all spede and strenght possible to prepare themselues to re∣sist the said aduersary. Insomuche that there was prepared suche an armie and hoost of men of diuers nacions as neuer was sene before in all Germany, y^• beginnyng wherof was about the feast of S. Iohn the baptist, the warriours of the towne of Nuren∣burgh beinge the firste that arryued at Weene in Austriche, for there was all the whole hoost ap∣pointed to assemble and come together: & the same assembling continued vntil the feast of saint Bartho¦lome we next ensuyng. The nombere of Duche pie∣tons or footemen was about foure score thousande stoute and valiaunt fyghting men. And of the horse men there was about .xxiiij. thousand. The Bohe∣mes were in the nomber aboue twenty thousande. All these lay about Wyene by the ryuer called the Danube a lycle myle frō the towne, Their chefe ca∣pitaine was the right noble and mighty prince, lord Frederick Palatine of the Rene &c. nowe being e∣lectour imperiall. About the said towne laye also vpon a fifty thousand Spanyardes, whiche in the∣se affayres vsed but small kyndnesse towardes the germaynes. For in their passage from the Countie of Tyroll ouer the Eye and the Danube into Au∣strich they burned certayn strong holdes and tow∣nes well inhabited, and some they pylled, and with women and maydens they wrought suche vylanye and enormitie (whiche is horrible to be spoken) that

many of them dyed thorough their said outtragi∣ousnes. The goodly and plesaūt Citie of Krembes was vtterly by thē subuerted and brent vp except fourtenne houses wyth certayne walles. After this when they lacked vitualles in their campe for the space of one daye, they russhed with violence be∣fore the Cytie of Wyene, wherein the Emperoure and the kyng had theyr beyng, wyth a great nom∣bre of other greate men of armes and warriours whiche were come thether wyth them, and would haue assaulted and ouerrunne the same towne if the Germaynes had not the sooner resysted them, and letted their enterpryse.

In the meane season the Turke layde syege to a* 1.529 certayne lytle Towne called Guns, whiche lyeth about twelue or thirtene myles from Wyene, in the coastes of Hungary, and assaulted the same most fier¦cely by the space of twelue dayes, during the which tyme he sought all meanes possyble to subuerte and ouerthrowe the same. But the right noble and wor¦shypfull Syr Nicolas Iuristhi knight and Ruler of the sayed towne dyd so manfully and valiauntly behaue hymselfe in those affayres wyth hys cyte∣sens or bourgeouses beyng in nombre about eight hundreth men, and one hundred souldiours whiche were layde there in garnison for the sauegarde of the same towne that the Turke maruayled not a lyttell of it. Wherefore he promised vnto the sayed Ruler fre passage and saulf conduct, and hauing per¦sonally himself talked w^t him, did highly prayse him for his constauncy & faithfulnes which he had vsed towards his prince, in y^• he had so cōstantly resisted

and repelled his aduersary: and after that he had endued hym with great giftes, he sent hym againe to his owne.

Assone nowe as the Turke with his armie was departed from the saied towne, and had geuen ouer the sayed syege, the wall of the sayed Towne fell* 1.530 downe to the grounde by it selfe. whereby it may appeare that the same was afore preserued and de∣fended from that violent power of the Turke by the myghty hande and assistence of God.

Nowe when the Turke perceiued suche a great power of the germayne nation commynge agaynst hym▪ he retyred backwarde againe with his power whiche all ready entred into Stewermarke as farre forth as Graytes, and made his arryr to mar¦che and passe alonge by the sayed Towne of Gray∣tes euen from the dawnyng in the mornyng vntyll the next morowe folowyng, whereof it maye easely be gathered with what power he was come the∣ther. But yet to thyntent he myght not seme to ha∣ue bestowed all his laboure in vayne, and to haue ••led without any harme done to the Germayne na∣tion he left behynde hym not farre from the newe towne in Austriche, about. xi••. thousande▪ some say xvi. thousand men, to destroie the borders of Ste∣yerm•••••••••• and Austrych as sone as the Germayne warriours shoulde haue remoued. Howbeit af∣ter muche searchyng thesaied nomber of men was espyed and theyr▪ enterpryse brought to lyght. For thys cause Duke Frederike chief Capitayne

toke vnto hym a certain nomber of launce knightes or Pietons, and a certayn nomber of heauy horse∣men with whome he vndertoke and attempted to smite the said multitude of Turkes, and compassed them on euery syde, besydes the montaynes by a great cawssy and caused certain dubble souldiours well armed to folowe them at their hyles & to barre them in, for turnyng backwarde agayne of the whi∣che dubble souldiours was Capitayne one Seba∣stiane Skartell of Ausborongh, insomuch that the saied Turkes were first assayled with two heapes, against whom they defended them selues stoutely, but yet they lost ther about a thousand of their own men, whereupon eftsones they toke their flyght, but as they would haue fled out of the mountaines the other heapes of our men were in their neckes, by whom also they were all discomfited and slaine, so that no Turke might escape. Some of them they founde afterwarde on the mountaynes and in wo∣des, and some vpon trees, where they were fled to saue their lyues, amonge whome some were shot¦down with gonnes lyke byrdes or wyldefoule, and some were taken and deliuered to the Trosse to cut and mangle them at their pleasures, whiche were very pyteously chopped and carued of the younger sorte of people.

After that this alarme was ceassed and quali∣fied the Emperoure and the kyng roade forth into the campe of the Germaines, and the Emperoures maiestie beholdyng the people as they stode in aray maruayled excidyngly cōcernyng the nombre and multitude of them, insomuche it was reported that

he should aske of duke Frederick the vpper capitain whether suche an other multititude of men might be founde and assembled thoroughout all Duche∣lande, whereunto thesaide Duke made aunswere, that it was scant perceyued in the townes of Du∣cheland that any man there was missing or lackyng after this (as some do affyrme) there should be takē a certayne truce and agrement with the Turke for a certayne tyme, but how, after what sorte and ma∣ner, or on what condition, this hangeth yet within the penne▪ and is lyke also there to remayne yet a whyle. Some are of this opiniō, that the cause why the Emperoures maiestie made no haste to pursue after the Turke was this, that winter was at hād, and that therefore the warriours were dismissed and sent away, so that with the saied innumerable multitude of warriours littel good was donesauig that muche money was vnprofytably wasted and expended. Wherfore I suppose after myne owne iudgement that in case the Emperours and the kin¦ges maiestie had proceded and gone forward with that armye or multytude whiche was there at that tyme assembled and gathered together and had ma¦de sure certayne townes in Hungary which would gladly haue rendred and yelded themselues again, while the Turkes fled, and had at the going out of winter be gonne agayne to seke the Turke at home in his owne lande, the Turkysh tyraunt woulde no more so spitefully plage vs in our cōtreis. But thus wold God punysh vs yet lōger for our wickednes, for the whiche cause also God did suffre the best coū sail to be hindred by one man only: for it is thought, that the Emperours maiestie was by the only coun

sayll of Anthony de Leua turned from thesaid pur* 1.531 sewte, so that the Turke had a free and sure passage home agayne into his owne dominions, and remai∣ned vnharmed in Hungary for somuche as he was not there put to any losse or hynderaunce by our men, or on our behalf.

While these thynges were a doing in Austriche* 1.532 and Steirmarke, Andrew de Aurea chief capitain of themperours maiesties nauy vpon the seas, wēt at themperours cōmaundement, with an exceding great Armade or navy, vnto the citie of Corona,* 1.533 whiche lieth in the Ilonde of the Grekes somtyme called Poloponesus, and nowe Morea, whiche citie he did ouercome, and expelled from thence all the Turkes. But the Christians did not longe enioye the same, for within two yeres after the Turkes ob¦tayned the possession of the saied towne agayn, smal to our reioysing.

When the matter was nowe in Austriche quali∣fied* 1.534 and all thinges quiet, the Emperour Charles the fift returned thorough the mountaines of Sti∣ermarke namely thorough kerint and Frioulesont∣tyme called Forum Iuly, and so through Mantua* 1.535 into Italy agayne to the Pope, Clement by name, who came to mete hym at Bononia with greate pompe and solempnitie, in so muche that he conti∣nued in Italy all the winter of this yere, stablishing the same in order peace and tranquilitie.

In Englād was also in this yere moued a battel.* 1.536 For kyng Henry the eight sent men into Scotland against Iames the fift, kyng of the Scottes where in cōclusion they slew a great nomber & toke many prisoners, and so returned.

Also in the same yere dyed the ryght hygh and* 1.537 myghty prince▪ Iohn duke of Saxon, and electour imperiall &c. and was honorably buried at Witten∣borough in the Castel churche: whose sonne and heire is the ryght noble and christen Prince Iohn Fredericke, whiche after the deceasse of his saied fa∣ther* 1.538 succeded in the gouernaunce of the saied duke∣dome of Saxon as electour imperiall, rulynge the same moste honorably in the feare of God muche to his prayse and commendacion.

There was also a Comete or blasyng starre sene* 1.539 this yere in the moneth of September, whiche ap∣peared early in the morning two houres before the risyng of the Sunne, by the space of certayn wekes, in the sygne of Virgo, Libra, and Scorpius, at the oriental corner stretchyng her blasyng tayle towar¦des the southwest.* 1.540

The second day of Nouember was there a great inundacion of water brokē in, into Freeseland, Hol∣land. Seeland, and Flaunders, which was very da¦mageable to the said countreis and to thinhabiters therof.

Also Christerne kyng of Norway being retour∣ned* 1.541 into his said kyngdome the yeare before, from the parties of lowe Ducheland, where he had kept hym selfe by the space of ten yeres, was required, by the counsayll of Denmarke to come to Copmanha∣uen, otherwyse called Coppenhagen, against kyng Fredericke, whiche was put in there by the helpe of the towne of Lubeke, when the said Christerne fled out of the Realme, that he myght there receyue and take in possession the kyngdome of Denmarke,

but when he suspected no guyle, relented and put away hys souldiours, and came into Denmarke, the Counsayll of the Lande toke hym prisoner, not regardinge the promises and saulf conduit by them made vnto hym: And so they kept hym in the castel of Sunderborough, oute of the whiche he came neuer as yet. So that after this kinge Frederick did peaceably enioye his kingdome vn∣tyll he dyed.

At Lindowe by the sea coaste was in* 1.542 thys yeare borne a dubble calfe, wyth two hea∣des, foure eares, and eighte feete, hanginge allto∣gether.

In the yere of our Lord .M. ccccc. xxxiij. when y^e Emperour, namely Charles the fift had sta∣blyshed vnity and concord among the Prin∣ces and Cities of Italy and Lumbardy, he depar∣ted wyth a competent and wel appointed Armada or Nauye from Genua, and hauynge a prospe∣rous passage, arryued within fewe dayes after in Spayne where he was receyued of hys subiectes wyth great ioye.

After this by the counsayll and instigation of* 1.543 themperours Maiestye, the Shypmaiesters and maryners of Spayne founde oute certayne In∣des or Ilandes in the sea, beynge vnknowen be∣fore, whyche do so excedynglye abounde in ryches of golde and syluer, that it is vnspeakeable. These toke they in by force of armes and subdued them vnder the subiection of the emperours Maiestye.

In thys yeare the Pope and Frauncys* 1.544 the Frenche kynge helde a solempne communy∣catyon together at Massylya whyche lyeth in the Prouynce of Fraunce, where after manye and dyuers consultacyons it was concluded that Henry Duke of Orleans, sonne to the sayde Frenche kynge shuolde marye Pope Clementes* 1.545 cosyne, the doughter of Laurence Medyce Duke of Vrbyne, wyth whome the Pope hadde promy∣sed a ryche dowrye.

Thus hath thys Pope Clemente alway∣es endeuoured hym selfe to allure and drawe vn¦to hym the hyghe Potentates and Rulers of the worlde, by the helpe of whome he myghte ex∣tyrpate and roote oute the pore Chrystyans, who∣me they call Lutheryans and Heretykes: But God woulde not suffer it longe: as it is wryt∣ten, There is no deuice nor counsayll agaynste the Lorde but it shall come to naughte.

In the same yeare the myghtye bond and* 1.546 confederatyon of the Germayne Natyon, which was called the Euangelycall confederacyon, or the bonde of the Gospell, beynge kepte secrete of manye was at the prouocatyon of the Fren∣che kynge opened and disclosed.

There apeared also another Comete or* 1.547 blasynge starre from the ende of the moneth of Iune, vnto the begynnynge of Auguste, in the Northe, and in the sygnes of Gemyny, Tau∣rus and Aryes, thoroughe the whyche sygnes she made her course in her goynge backewarde,

hauyng her tayle extended towardes the South. And thys was the thyrde Comete or blasynge starre that hadde appered wethyn those two ye∣res. What they portended or sygnyfyed, or what alteracyon of Estates and other thynges they broughte wyth them, maye a dyscreete rea∣der gather and perceyue by the Storyes herafter folowing. For suche wonderfull workes of God (althoughe they come by the course of nature) yet are they not wythoute theyr specyall wor∣kynge.

It is sayde also that in this yeare of .M.* 1.548 CCCCC. xxxiii. the Deuyl burned a lyttell Tou∣ne in Germanye called Shyltagh downe to the grounde, by the meanes of a certayne wythche, on maundy thursdaie.

The fyfte daye of October in the nyghte burned at Andwarpe the Churche called our la∣dye Churche beynge sodaynly sette on fyre.

At Nurrenboroughe and in manye other* 1.549 places of thempyre lyenge there aboute reygned thys yeare a greate Pestylence, in so muche that at Nurrenboroughe onelye from. S. Mar∣gretes daye, vntyll. S. Martins day folowinge dyed ten thousande persons.

The sixtene day of Nouember was a great earthquake, and an horryble tempeste of wynde,* 1.550 whyche plaged and troubled the Townes in hygh Germany verye sore, namely, Cu•• Felde∣churche. S. Gall, wyth other townes and vylla∣ges lyenge nyghe vnto them, by the Ryuer cal∣led the Rhene.

Thys yeare Henrye the eighte, kynge of* 1.551 Englande. &c. for certayne consyderacyons hym therevnto mouynge was dyuorced from hys wyfe whiche had bene fyrste maryed to hys brother prynce Arthur, and maryed another, on wyt∣sonday.

In the yeare of our Lorde .M. CCCCC.* 1.552 xxxiii. in the moneth of Ianuary, The Anabapti∣stes, whyche had gathered them selues together out of Hollande and Freselande, by preuy subtel∣tyes and conspyracyes whych they had made with certayne burgeouses of the Cytye of Mynster in Westphale, inuaded the same Cytye. toke possessy∣on of it, and expelled from thence al the Burgeou∣les and inhabytauntes therof, that woulde not take parte wyth them and folowe theyr facultye.* 1.553 They chose them also a kynge, that was a Tayl∣loure, named Ihon of Leyden, whyche ordeyned for hym selfe two specyall Counsayllours, the one called Knypperdullynge, and the other kregh¦tynge* 1.554 and in conclusyon they made suche a dys∣order and confusyon whytin the sayde Cytye, that not wythoute a cause all the people of Weste∣phale dyd ryse agaynste them.

But when the ryghte noble Prynce Phi∣lyppe Land¦graue of Hessen toke in hande to ac∣corde* 1.555 the matter betwene the sayde Anabapty∣stes and the Byshoppe, whome they had expel∣led, he coulde nothynge preuayle, so sore hadde the Deuyll blynded that Anabaptystycall gene∣ratyon. Wherefore the sayde Byshoppe compassed

the sayde Cytye wyth a greate power on eue¦rye syede to thyntent he myghte ouercome and* 1.556 subdue them ether wyth the sworde or elles by famyne.

And althoughe there was greate scar∣cyte and lacke of vyctualles wythyn the saide Cyrye in so muche that at the laste they were sayne to eate lether and couerynges of bookes yet dyd they sustayne, bearcoute, prolonge and holde oute the sayde syege vntyll the next yeare folowynge, wherof we shall speake more in place conuement.

In the meane season dyd Philip Land∣graue* 1.557 of Hessen prepare hymselfe after the best maner, to restore hys Vncle Duke Hulderyke of Wyrtenbergh agayne to hys Dukedome, from whence he was expelled fyftene yeares before durynge the whyche tyme kynge Ferdynando had the gouernaunce and vse therof.

But fyrste because the sayde prince of Hessen woulde do nothynge presumptuously nor temeraryouslye, he sente worde to themperou∣res Mayestye in Spayne, and to the kynge in Austryche, desyrynge them to restore hys said Vncle Duke Hulderyke to hys Landes agayn for so muche as he had nowe suffered sufficient punyshemente for hys offence, and presumpty∣on by hym commytted agaynste the Empyre (for he hadde taken a certayne towne pertaynynge to thempyre called Rutlynge, whyche was the cause of hys expulsyon) in that he hadde lac∣ked and forborne the vse and profytes of his

Landes all that space and season.

Whyche thynge yf they were not wil∣lynge to do he was in a readynes hym selfe to set hym in agayne parforce, Althoughe he woulde be loth to vse anye carneste and rigou∣rous fashions.

But whyle he was not answered ac∣cordynge to hys expectatyon and requeste, he wente furthe wyth hys power into the lande of Wyrtenbergh that where bothe Prynces met together sloutelye, but Philippe the Palatyne* 1.558 wyth hys men was put to flyghte, and he him selfe wounded in hys hele wyth a shot, wher∣fore the said Landgraue was verye sorye.

After thys battel the townes yelded them selues one after another, so that wythin fewe dayes the sayd Duke Hulderyk brought all his Landes agayn vnder hys power and subiection.

But whyle the sayde Landgraue by rea∣son of thys acte hadde nede to feare thempe∣roures and the kynges Maiestye, leaste they myghte worke oughte agaynste hym, he went wyth hys armye towardes Vlmes besydes the Ryuer of Danube, where he taryed eyther for an agremente and a peaceable retourne, or elles for another answere.

In so muche that a sure peace on the Emperoures and kynges Mayestyes behalfe,* 1.559 wyth sure appendycles and circumstances, was there promysed hym by Albert Archebyshoppe of Mence, Ihon Frederyke Duke of Saxon, bothe Electours imperiall, and George, Duke

of Saxon After the obtaynyng wherof he dis∣persed hys armye wythoute delaye, and retour∣ned home agayne into hys owne lande. Here* 1.560 myghte I take occasyon to extoll and hyghly to prayse not onelye the bolde and reasonable deade or acte of the Landgraue, in that he dyd so true∣lye and faythefullye helpe hys Vncle into hys owne domynyon agayne, wythoute any respect hadde to the power of them that hadde the same landes of hys Vncle, in possessyon more by suffe∣raunce, then by any ryghte tytell.

But also the pacience and mekenes both of the Emperoures and the kynges Maiestye, in that* 1.561 they dyd so gentlye and wyllyngly renounce the sayd Dukedome, Whych they myght very easely, accordynge to theyr power amonge men, haue sub∣dued and brought agayne vnder their subiection and dominatiion.

But forasmuch as I am not minded here to descri∣be hole stories with al their circūstances, but one¦ly to touch brefely the principal actes and doinges, I wil commet the same to another, or peraduēture intreate of it my selfe herafter to my power.* 1.562

The same yere of. 1534. died Frederick kinge of Denmarke, about whose corse happened a won∣derful and straung thing, which doubteles did sig∣nifie the sheding of bloud that folowed afterwarde in the same kingdome. For when the dead corps of y^e said kyng (accordyng to the custome and maner) was enbawmed or anoynted wyth bawme & other spyces and wrapped in clene seryng clothes, & was inclosed in a shrine piched & prepared accordinglye

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the same dead corps (contrarye to nature) be∣ganne* 1.563 to blede in suche sorte, that the bloude was receyued and taken vppe in vessels, and immedyatelye after the people of the land we∣re vysyted wyth warres and battayles. For Chrystophore Counte of Oldenboroughe, ac∣companyed wyth them of Lubeke, whose Ca∣pytaynes were George weuer, and Markes Mayer (whyche afterwarde accordynge to their deseruynges were condemned and put to death) inuaded the lande of Christyans Duke of hol∣stone, and toke certayne townes and Castels, whyche not longeafter the sayde Duke recoue∣red agayne, puttynge them of Lubeke to great losse bothe by water and by lande, vntyll suche tyme as the other Sea Townes wyth Hen∣rye Duke of Mekelboroughe toke the matter in hande, and concluded a peace and vnyty be∣twene* 1.564 the Towne of Lubeke, and the Duke∣dome of holstone whyche peace was registred and proclamed the eyghtene daye of Nouem∣ber.

After thys were the Capytaynes of Lu∣beke moued towardes Denmarcke, and consul∣ted wyth the sayde Counte of Oldenborough howe they myghte conuenyently inuade and entre the sayde kyngdome of Denmarke and Nor¦waye, wherof dyd ensue a newe warre, as* 1.565 shalbe declared in the next yeare.

Thys yeare was also sene a wonderfull apparition in Denmarke besides the towne of

Sleswyghe lyenge not farre from Lubeke, whych (as a certayne Secretarye of the saide pla∣ce* 1.566 by an othe affyrmeth in hys wrytynges to the Quene dyaected) apeared in the ayer the thyrd daye of Iune at after noone, and was sene of a thousande persons or more, as hereafter folo∣weth.

Fyrste there apeared a greate multy∣tude of Lyons fyghtynge one wyth another.

Secondlye there apeared a man armed on horsebacke wyth a iustynge speare vnder his arme as thoughe he woulde haue iusted with an other, hauynge a longe bearde, and many busshes of fethers.

Thyrdelye, there appeared a man with a crowne imperyall, as lyke vnto themperours Mayestie, that the sayd Secretary and manye of hys seruauntes, thoughte none other but that it hadde ben themperoures owne lyuyng personne, wherefore some of them toke of their cappes and were readye to do reuerence vnto hym.

Fourthelye there apeared the symyly∣tude or Lykenes of a greate Regyon or Coun∣tree, replenyshed wyth Cytyes, Castels and Vyllages, well distinct and set in order, which were all consumed thoroughe a swyft fyre which went vp in the same.

Fyftly, there apeared an other Regy∣on not vnlyke to the fyrste garnyshed wyth Cyty∣es Castels and vyllages and specially wyth one

greate and myghtye Cytye, wych Cytye was myghtelye assaulted by a greate multytude of warryours wyth gonnes and all manner of ar¦tyllerye bothe by lande and by water wyth migh tye shyppes vnder sayle. There appeared al∣so amonge the sayde warryours certayne Ca∣pytaynes, whyche in swyftnes or agylyty and in length of body exceded the other.

Syxtelye, there apeared halfe a blacke Egle, whyche lepte out of the sayde horse, out of whose clawes or talentes fell small Snakes, among the which was one great Dragon.

Seuentlye, there apeared afterward in the place where the greate Cyty hadde ben, a Camell, whyche dranke oute of a tempestuous water, as thoughe it hadde ben the ragynge sea, by the waues wherof the sayd beast was couered.

Eyghtlye, there appeared after thys a cer∣tayne horse, wheron noman dyd ryde, but a li∣on whyche laye vpon hys backe, hauing a crowne hangynge on hys heade, and vpon the sayde ly∣on sate a Cocke, whych by continuall pickynge and bytynge consumed the hole head of the Ly¦on, but the skull remayned a greate while hanging vpon the horse.

Nyntly, there appeared also a great Crosse of a bloudy colour, which immediately diuyded it selse into many small and black Crosses.

Tentlye and last of all there apeared a fye∣ry man wyth a crowne imperiall, all armed, whych helde on eyther syde of him a horse, and vnder this was the for sayd Crosse.

But vnder al these were manye sortes of Dragons & vnknowen beastes, As Lyons, bea∣res, and of other kyndes whych were neuer sene before for some of them hadde heades of wylde swyne wyth greate tethe, and yet resembled not the swynes in any other parte. But the moost part of them were Lyons.

The Crosse, the Camell, and the Ly¦on whose head the Cocke dyd eate were sene last of all.

Henrye the eyghte oft hat name kynge of* 1.567 Englande, whan he was by the Pope excōmuny¦cated for makyng dyuorse wyth hys wyfe (which was hys brothers wyfe before) called the noby∣lytye and beste learned of hys Realme together, and consulted wyth them, In the whych consul∣tatyon or parlyamente it was concluded, that* 1.568 the Pope hadde none authorytye nor power ouer hym, nor yet ouer the Churche of hys Realme: but that the kynge hym selfe was both kynge of his Royalme, and also supre me heade and de∣fender* 1.569 of the same Churche. Werefore he dyd vttterlye forsake the Pope and fell from hym. He dyd also set furthe a booke of the authori¦ty and power of Christen Princes ouer their Churches agaynste the vsurped authorytye of the Pope and hys detestable abhomynatyon, and procured afterward to be ioyned in confe∣deratyon wyth the Euangelycall Prynces and townes, agaynste the Pope and specyally wyth the towne of Lubeke.

Whithin a littel whyle after this, his deputye in

Irelande fell from hym, and caused the whole I∣lande* 1.570 to rebell agaynst theyr Prince.

In thesayed yeare the fyue and twentiest daye of September dyed Pope Clement the se∣uenth of that name, beyng old syxe and fyftye yea∣res and foure monethes.

After hym was elected and chosen, the twelft daye of October, Paule the thyrde, a verye* 1.571 olde man, whyche before was called Alexander Farnesius, a Romayne borne, and had ben byshop of Ostia. What Romysh touches the same hath wrought and vsed, shalbe mentioned hereafter in place conuenient.

Whyle thys was a doynge in the Weste, the bloudthurstye Mars was busy in the Easte: For the moost myghty Sophy kynge of the Per∣syans, inuaded the Lande of Armenia agaynst* 1.572 the Turke wyth a myghty army. Where∣fore the Turke sent hys chyefe Capytayne (cal∣led Imbrai Bassa) wyth a stronge hoost, to defend Armenia from and agaynst the Persyans.

But whan they met by the Ryuer of Eu∣frates, Imbrai Bassa wyth the moost parte of his* 1.573 hoost was slayne. Then Soliman the Turky she Emperoure intendyng to reuenge the sayde losse receyued at the handes of the Persyans, went out of the cytye of Epiphania (whyche lyeth in the ende of the lande of Cilicia, and abutteth vpon* 1.574 Syria) wyth a great nombre of men well appoin∣ted, and had a prosperons iorney and a lucky pas∣passage vntill he approched nygh vnto the costes of Armenia.

But as soone as he hadde attayned vnto it he* 1.575 was vnwarres enuyronned, compassed and be∣syeged rounde aboute of the Persyans in the mountaynes on euerye syde, in suche wyfe, that thesayd Soliman had muche to do to saue hys lyfe, and to escape wyth a fewe of hys men into Syria.

Whylest Solyman was thus pestered and busyed wyth the Persyans, a certayne Pyrate or Sea roauer, whome the Lombardes and the* 1.576 people of Mauritania do call Barbarossa, rose vp in Grece, and gate vnto hym a Turkyshe Ar∣mad a well appoynted, intendynge to inuade and ouertunne the kyngedome of Tunise, lyenge in Affrica, where sometyme Carthago was buyl∣ded, and at hys arryuynge he pilfered and spoy∣led syrste the Cytye of Ostia, lyenge not farre from Roome.

After that he kept the sea aboute Genua a* 1.577 good whyle, and whan they of Affrica suspected least of all, they were of hym inuaded. In so muche that he subdued vnto hym selfe all the lesser Af∣frica, and expelled kynge Altzachenus from Tu∣nise.* 1.578

Thus hath thys Tyraunt ouercome Af∣frica, wherein he reygned and tryumpheth yet at thys daye wyth greate pryde and arrogancy.

The fyfte daye of Iulye in the sayd yeare* 1.579 of .M. CCCCC. xxxiiii. were burned at Breda in the lande of Brabant, nyne hundreth and thre score houses by a sodayne fyre.

In the begynnyng of the Winter arose ma∣nye* 1.580 horryble and tempestuous Westerly and also Southerly wyndes, wherby certayne quarters in lowe Duchelande and thinhabitauntes of Sea∣lande dwellynge nygh the sea syde sustayned no∣table losses and dammages.

In the lande of Pole were all waters and* 1.581 ryuers so excedingly increassed, that they brooke downe at Crakowe and at Casymyre myghtye stonebridges and walles, wyth many other strong buyldynges, notwythstandynge that in a maner thoroughoute all Europa besydes all waters were verye small, and partely dryed vp thorough the greate heate of the same Sommer.

Thys yeare the Duke of Millan maryed* 1.582 the doughter of Cristerne captyue kyng of Den∣marke, whych was borne vnto hym of Izabell sy∣ster to the Emperour Charles.

IN the yeare of our Lorde, 1535.* 1.583 the Emperoure Charles prepared hym selfe wyth greate power, and made out a myghty Armada or na∣uy, furnyshed wyth all maner of ne∣cessaries, and thoroughlye manned wyth Duche, French and Spanyshe warriours,* 1.584 wherewyth he sayled fyrste oute of Spayne into the Ile of Sardinia. From thence into Sicilia, and from thence he sayled into Affrica in the mo∣neth of Iune, and recouered the cytye and kynge∣dome of Thunise agayne, whyche Barbarossa had taken before, whome the Emperoure expel∣led

agayne from those quarters, and restored* 1.585 the olde kynge Altzachenus agayne to hys kingedome on thys condytyon that he shoulde yearelye paye a certayne trybute to the Empe∣roure. But the Castell of Golleta dyd thempe∣roures Mayeste reserue to hys owne vse, whyche he furnyshed also wyth men, retaynynge the same onelye from the kyngdome of Tunyse, All the residue of the sayde kyngdome dyd he delyuerer to the sayde king.

Thys battayll and affayres beynge ended* 1.586 themperoures Maiestye returned agayne wyth hys Nauy into Sicylya, and arryued wyth a pros¦perous course at Palerrno, (whyche sometyme was called Panormus.

Whyle the Emperoure was busy to sett* 1.587 all thynges in ordre in the kyngdome of Tu∣nise, Barbarossa inuaded the Ile called My∣norca, whyche is the leaste amonge the Iles of balearis, destroyenge the same by spoylynge and burning very piteously.

Also the Affrycanes in the kyngdome* 1.588 of Thunyse dyd not behaue themselues verye faithefullye towardes themperoures Mayesty. For when they woulde saue them selues from hys power and some of them wente aboute to make an insurrectyon.

The Emperoures Maiestye sente hys* 1.589 chiefe Capytayne Andrewe de Aurea vpon the sea towardes Affryca to punyshe and correcte the rebelles, for the better establyshemente of all thynges in the kyngdome of Tunyse.

In the lowest partes of Ducheland dyd the* 1.590 Secte of the Anabaptistes myghtelye increase, Wherefore the townes by the sea syde feared a great destruction on there behalfe. Among the whych Secte some were so deuelysh and shame∣les, that they dyd not onelye wythoute anye con∣scyence and shame take manye wyues, but also went altogether naked euen as they were borne in thys worlde. Suche is the ordre where the Deuell is Capytayne, that neyther nur∣tour, honestye nor yet the feare of God is regar∣ded.

But they that were wythin the Towne* 1.591 of Mynster, and had ben nowe more then a yeare therein besyeged, were not very well at ease, all∣though by the reason of theyr foolyshe Phanta∣syes and hardened hartes they coulde not nor yet woulde not perceyue it, vntyll they were vtterlye destroyed.

For notwythstandyng that the sayed syege pressed them, and an horrible and importunate famine (as was mencioned before in the last yeare) reygned among them, Yet were they by the com∣fortable persuasyons of theyr false Prophetes so hardened, that they mynded nothynge lesse then to yelde by the Towne and saue theyr ly∣ues, notwythstandynge that thereunto they were often tymes requyred wyth lyberall and gracy∣ous promyses.

But contrary wyse they defended themselues the longer the fearcer, and shot out of the Towne

with ordinaunce as though the deuell had bene a∣mong them, to the great auoyaunce of their aduer∣saries, in so muche that not a fewe valiaunt war∣riours in the Campe were slayne with their ordi∣naunce. And to declare the madnes of the said Ana¦baptistes* 1.592 I haue thought it mete not to omitte a fo∣lysh acte done by a certayne woman among them. Forasmuche therfore as they within the towne had this opinion of the saied towne of Mynster, that it* 1.593 was that new Ierusalem mencioned in the Apoca∣lipse, thorough the whiche all the heathen should be destroied, so that the christians should reigne in pea¦ce a thousand yeres (whiche sayeng although they must be vnderstande spiritually were they expoun∣ded by them carnally) the said folysh woman would* 1.594 counterfette the acte of Iudith which slewe holo∣fernes, and deliuered her Citie. Wherefore she made her boaste that if she myght be costely arayed and decked, she woulde go furth (if she were per∣mitted) into the hooste of her aduersaries, and ea∣sely ouercome the byshop. Whyle nowe the kyng & the other in the town were so foolysh and made not only to beleue her, but also to further her in the said affayres, trustyng that their deliueraunce was at hand, she went out, and behaued her selfe in all poin¦tes as though she had bene escaped and fled out of the citie. But her dissimulacion beyng espied & per∣ceyued, she was taken and brought before the By∣shop, and after her confession, rewarded wit death, accordyng to her deseruyng.

For asmuche nowe as the saied craft and practise bad no good successe the Anabaptistes within the

citie ought to haue consydered that there was no fortune in their doyng, seyng they were yet oppres∣sed to the vttermost. But they dyd herein resemble the Iewes in their last destructiōat Ierusalem, for the more God plaged them with famine and dissen∣tion among them selues, the more hard harted and stifnecked they were, vntill at the last one escaped priuely out of the saied citie, and brought in certaine of the byshops souldiours at the gate called the ho∣ly crosse gate, which souldiours after they had slain the watchemen opened the gate and so made away into the citie for the other. Thus was the citie of Mynster taken in again and deliuered from the po∣were of the Anabaptistes at the feast of S. Iohn the baptiste in the night. And the next day folowing whatsoeuer would make any resistaūce being slayn with the sworde, the kyng with his chief counsayl∣lours craftyng and knipperdulling were taken pri¦soners.* 1.595 These three were aftewarders for the spa∣ce of certayne monethes caryed about in the coun∣trey from place to place for a spectacle and example to all men. And at the last on S. Vincentes day in the yere of our lorde .MDxxxvi. they were put to death with fyry tonges, and their dead bodies han∣ged vp in yron baskettes or grates, out of the steple of S. Lamberts Churche, within the saied citie of Mynster, the kyng in the middes somewhat hyer then his said two coūsailers, for a perpetual memo∣riall and warning to all commocioner raysers of tu¦multe & rebelles against y^e lauful magistrates ordei¦ned of God. Thus toke this kyngdom of the Anaba pristes a shameful ende, according to their desertes.

In Denmarke raged the duke of Oldenborough

with the capitaines of Lubeke (as he had begonne the yere before) but the moste part of the germayne counsayll chose Christiane Duke of Holston to be* 1.596 kyng in Denmarke, desyring hym to assiste them a∣gainst the saied duke of Oldenborough and them of Lubeke. While nowe the said request was easy to be graunted, and the said duke of Holston had taken Iudland in possession all ready (whiche is no small porcion of the kyngdome of Denmarke, abutting v∣pon the lande of Holstone) he passed with his army into the Ile of Funa▪ otherwyse called Fion, and o∣uercame the citie of Asnites. But when the duke of Oldēborough with them of Lubeke assaulted him with an hoost of men well appointed both on horse∣backe and on foote, the said Christian obtayned the victory, so that the duke of Oldēborough lost much people where among other was slayne Iohn count* 1.597 of Hoya, and an Erle of Teckelburgh in Westphale, and euen the same daye (whiche was the .xi. daye of Iune) they of Holstone toke from them of Lubeke an Armada of shippes, and put the men of Lubeke whiche they founde in the same, in captiuitie. In so∣muche that the said Christiane had the ouerhande on euery syde, whiche was vnto him a witnes from God that he should be kyng in Denmarke.

In Hungary and Austrich were diuers loueda∣yes* 1.598 kept betwene Ferdinando and Iohn Weyda kinges of Hungary, and the Turkes imbassadour, to wete if Hūgary might be brought to apeaceable estate neuer theles there was nothing concluded that was notable and profitable.

Also in this yere. 1535. there was a mariage cōclu∣ded* 1.599 betwen y^e king of Poles & the king of Boheme.

For Sigismonde kyng of Poles maried Sigismū∣de his sonne to Elisabeth the daughter of Ferdi∣nando kyng of Bohemy, whiche in the yere of oure Lorde .MDxliij. folowyng was celebrated with great solempnitie, as shalbe mentioned hereafter in place conuenient.

In the moneth of Nouember the second day the* 1.600 duke of Mylan departed out of this world. And im¦mediatly, after Frauncis the Frenche kyng prepa∣red hym selfe with all his power to recouer the du∣kedome of Mylan, and entred into the land of Sa∣uoy, whereof ensued great warres the yere next fo¦lowyng, in those quarters.

Frederike Duke of Baier, Palatine by the Rene* 1.601 (now electour imperiall) toke to wyfe the right ex∣cellent princesses Dorothee, daughter to Christier∣ne late kyng of Denmarke, whiche he had begotten of Izabel syster to Charles themperour, the solem∣pnitie whereof was kept at Bruxelles in Brabant.* 1.602

In England, in the moneth of Iune the byshop of Rochester, and Sir Thomas More (which had bene lorde chauncellour of Englande, and in great aucthoritie vnder the kyng) was beheaded for de∣nieng the kyng to be supreme heade of the churche of Englande.

And in this yeare were there thre monkes of the* 1.603 Charter house executed in Englande for the same offence.

In the partes of Shlesy about and within the* 1.604 the towne of Olse arose the same yeare on Sainct Gyles day an horrible tempest, in suche sorte, that the bookes whiche were newely prynted, were ta∣ken

out of the Iewes houses and founde in a great corne felde harde packed in belles as though they had bene stamped and beaten into them with pestel¦les, whiche belles were conueyed thether out of the churche steples by the violence and outragiousnes ••o the saied tempest. Besides this there were men and women taken vp in the stretes, & caried a great way of into y^• feldes. In the houses were in dyuers* 1.605 places the dores and wyndowes lifted of from the hynges, the tables subuerted, and great holes ma∣de and beaten in the walles: So that there was ne¦uer suche a tempest sene before.

Besides this there was the same yere in the par¦ties of Duchelād in Sommer very many sodaine & fearfull tempestes, with hayle, lightenyng and thō∣der, more then euer was hard of before, with great colde and muche rayne, which also was an occasion that the wines in many places had no good successe

This yere the .viij. day of Ianuary. died in Eng¦lande the lady Katherine Dowager which had ben* 1.606 diuorsed from the kyng, by due proces of the lawe two yeres before.

This yere in England was Anne bulleyne que∣ne of Englande, the lorde Rochiford, Nores, We∣ston,* 1.607 Brutō, and Markes beheaded. And the kyng maried lady Iane Seimour.

This yere also in October began in Englande a foolysh commotion in Lincolinshyre and in yorke shyre, whiche by the kynges wysedome and his pru¦dent coūsaill were appesed without bloud sheding.

I In the yeare of oure lorde. 1536. The byshop* 1.608 of Geneue & the duke of Sauoy besieged the

citie of Geneffe, because thinhabiters of the same had receiued the Gospell. And when they of Gen∣neffe admonished thinhabitantes of the towne of Berne of their cōfederaciō, they of Berne sent their imbassadours to the Duke, exhorting and admony shyng hym to remembre al loues, faithfulnesses and confederations that had ben betwene them of a lōg tyme, and requiring hym to departe from the citie of Genneffe. But in as muche as their request dyd not onely take no place, but also the saied duke main tayned and defended their open enemy and aduer∣sary called Mussy Castellanus, and in al this nogē∣tyll exhortacion could serue nor preuayle, they of Berne aduertised hym that they would visitie him with warres, and renounced the bonde of cōfedera∣tion whiche had bene made betwene them before, in so muche that they sent their capitaine called Iohn Frauncis Clauicula with an host of men wel apoin¦ted into the lande of Sauoy, whiche ouercame all the lande within fewe dayes, whiche the said Duke* 1.609 had inpossession, euen from the moūtaines of Swi∣tzerland, vnto the fortresse of Rodani, with the two bis••oprikes of Genneffe and Lausan••a: Wherein they cōstituted and established ministers to preache the gospell, and ordeined rulers and magistrates ac¦cording••y. So that now the Switzers reposed a∣gaine their olde coastes which they had in their po¦wer many yeres before. But there were within the space of a moneth very many Castelles and strong∣holdes destroied by the Switzers, among the wi••h* 1.610 also the olde & strong clausa Rodani, builded by the Emperour Iulius, otherwise called Iulius Cesar▪

to stoppe vp & barre the way of the Switzers for commyng into Fraunce, and had bene hetherto in∣uincible, was quite ouerthrowen and destroied. Of this battaill of y^• citesens of Berren apeared a good sygne a litle before, where about .iiij. hundreth men of Berne Newebourgh & other quarters of Swi∣tzerlande preuely beyng called together were sent thorough by pathes to ayde and strengthen the citie of Geneue, which helde a notable battaill & con¦flict with the men of Sauoy. For when they were for lacke of victuals cōstrained to come forth out of the moūtaines, they were assaulted by their aduer∣saries being strong about .xv. hundreth men, which moued the said .iiij. hundreth men to battaill & con∣strained them to fyght. Insomuche that they, as hū¦gry & faint as they were layde so about them & de∣fended themselues in such sorte, as they slew about iiij. hūdreth of their enemies, & put the rest to flight, with the hoste which was not farre of being in nom¦bre about .v. hundreth men: so that they obtained a fre and a sure passage to accomplishe their iourney: hauing lost on their side, ten mē, & one womā which was slayne with her sonne as she was fighting be sydes her husbande. Here must I make mencion al so of the constancie that was in the people of Berne▪ in that they coulde neither by power be feared, nor yet by prayers and great giftes be prouoked to lea∣ue the defence of their confederates. For when the Emperour very earnestly offred them peace, and attempted dyuers and sundry wayes to brynge them to an vnitie, and by threatenynges and mi∣naces to mollyfie them, they proceded neuerthe∣les

to assiste their frendes and to set them at liber∣tie. But when Fraunces the Frenche kyng studied by many giftes to allure them and by great promy∣ses to prouoke them, to assiste him in his warres be gonne against themperoure and the Dukedome of Mylan, they caused his imbassadours and messen∣gers to auoyde out of their citie, declaring vnto thē that the kyng ought to content hymselfe with the couenaunt and confederation whiche he had with them already, that is, that they should not endama∣ge hym. These thynges passed in Swicherlande & Sauoy in the beginning of the sayd yere.

But the Frenche kyng proceded with his army,* 1.611 to recouer the lande of Sauoy, and to take possessiō of all that he came nygh, for he pretended to clayme the heritage of the same Dukedom by his mothers syde. Then fled the duke to the Emperour, who at that season intended to kepe his Easter at Roome with the Pope, as he did. For vpon maundy thurs∣day he wasshed the fete of twelue pore mē, (as their costume is yet at this day) fed them, and serued thē* 1.612 at the boorde in his owne person, and in fine gaue them the vessels and disshes, (being of syluer) wher∣with they were serued. Thus do suche Lordes and potentates counterfaith the outwarde actes & dedes of our sauiour Christe, after thexample of A∣pes: But in their hartes where Goddes worde ought to be earnestly embraced, learned and folo∣wrd (and not the preceptes and tradicions of men) they are vtterly against Christ, and clene contrary* 1.613 to his doctrine: God graunt them ones to be illumi¦ned with the lyght of his Gospell, that the poore

flocke and congregation of Christe may be brought to a perfect vnitie. Amen.

Now when the feaste of Easter was past the Em¦perours* 1.614 maiestie made his complaint before the Po¦pe and his Cardinalles, concernyng the greate in∣iuries whiche the Frenche kyng had inferred and committed againste hym all ready and yet preten∣ded to do, by the reason whereof he was vtterly cō∣strayned against his will to defende his quarel and to warre against hym: And to moue the Popes moste holy fatherhoode (God forgeue me that I do hym wronge) to holde on his syde, and to take his parte he rehearsed vnto hym all the euilles and wic¦ked feates whiche Fraunce had perpetrated and wrought against hym, namely howe that alwayes when the Emperours maiestie was about to mete and resiste the infideles, the sayd Frenche kyng had stirred vp one mischiefe or other whereby hys god∣ly enterprises and purposes were either letted and hyndered altogether, or els begonne with smal pro¦fite, and ended or brought to passe to small effecte. Itē howe that he had made cōfederatiō now with the turke, and then with Barbarossa, and had also hym selfe stirred vp all the vngracious warres, which had so many yeres continued in the borders of his maiesties dominions. In consideracion wher* 1.615 of themperours maiestie besought the Popes holy¦nes, that he would take his parte, and helpe hym to resyst the vngodly enterpryse of the Frenche kyng, that a generall peace myght be establyshed, where∣by the Turke myght be repelled and ouercome. When the Popes holynes had hearde the Eempe∣rours

oration, accordyng to his kynde (which they* 1.616 haue alwayes vsed sence the tyme of Adriane the thirde towardes themperour) he made aunswere openly to themperours request, that he would ney∣ther take parte with themperours, nor yet with them of Fraunce, but that he woulde sytte styll as neuther, and se to whome fortune would leane most and hym that should ouercome his aduersary and get the ouerhande woulde he mete with all his po∣wer, and succour hym that shoulde haue the worst. Here myght Emperours learne, what goodnes is to be loked for at the handes of suche beastes, if they were not altogether blynde. Vpon this aunswer of* 1.617 the Pope, themperour toke his iourney the .xviij. day of Aprill (for Easter daye was the .xvi. daye of Aprill) from Rome towardes Mylan. In the mea∣ne season did the Emperours Capitaines assemble a great multitude of warriours both on horsebacke and on foote, of the Germayne, Welche, and Spa∣nysh nations, whome they brought with great fea∣re thorough Piemont, and many small battayles, whiche consumed no small nomber of men, before Marsilia, whiche is an olde citie lyeng in Fraunce by the sea syde, and is enuironned with the sea in thre partes or endes, whiche Citie themperoures company besyeged with al their power both by wa¦ter, and by lande, but there happened suche a conta∣gious disease and mortallitie in the Emperoures hoost, that within fewe dayes there dyed aboue twelue thousande persones. So that the Empe∣roure by the meanes of this necessite was constrai∣ned to dysperse hys armye.

But the Frenche kyng was at that season migh¦tyer a great deall, bothe of Money, and of People, and laye with a greate power of hys owne men, with a great company of Swytzers and with syxe thousande duche launceknyghtes, whose Capitain was William Counte of Furstenborough besydes auinion, about a fyftene duche myles from Marsi∣lia, from thence to occurre and mete themperoure, and to rescue Marsilia, if the Emperoure had not bene caused to retire by the meanes of the sayde greate death and mortalitie. Neither remayned he in this case harmeles, for there dyed in hys hoost a∣boue two thousande Swytzers. And hys eldest Sonne Fraunces the Dolphyne was poysoned, whiche thynge also shoulde haue lyghted vpon the king himself if god had not specially preserued him.* 1.618

The traytour whiche was an Erle of Montecu¦culo (as Anselmus Rid doth call hym) was at Li∣ons by the kynges commaundement miserably put to death, being drawen and plucked in sunder with foure horses tyed seuerally to his handes and leg∣ges: His head was set vpon the Brydge whiche goeth ouer the water of Rodani, and hys foure quarters were hanged before the foure principall gathes of the Cictie. Whyle these thynges were in* 1.619 doing. The Counte of Nassowe marched through Pycardy into Fraunce, and toke certayne small townes lyeng on this syde, and also on the farther syde of the water of Some, by force of armes, And* 1.620 besieged the citie of Perone, whiche he pressed very sore by spoilyng and burnyng rounde about it, by the meanes whereof he made many poore folkes in that countrey, neuertheles he coulde not wynne

the citie, but was fayne to leaue it as he founde it, & so retyred from thence the .xi. daye of September, after that he had besyeged it by the space of a mo∣neth. Thus muche of themperour and the Fren∣che kyng concernyng their actes and the thynges done betwene them for this present yere.

In Germany assembled the princes and nobles of the Empyre, whiche as then had receyued the Gospell, at Smalkalde, whiche lyeth besydes the woode of Duringe, and thither came also thambas∣sadours of the kynges of Denmarke Fraunche and Englande: Where the nobles and princes of the* 1.621 Gospell made a bonde and confederacion together, wherein also Christiane kynge of Denmarke was bounde, that they shoulde truely and faythfully holde together and take one an others part, yf they should at any time be assaulted by an enemy of God∣des worde. And thys bonde or confederation is called the bonde of Smalkalde, whiche yerely in∣creaseth more and more: And many Potentates are dayly added to the congregacion of Christe, in so muche that greate Monarchies may stande in awe of them, and feare them. And yf they do truely cleaue to Goddes worde, and be thankefull vnto hym that gaue them that greate benefyte, no doub∣te there shalbe no power so myghty that shalbe a∣ble to preuayle agaynste thys bonde, and to sup∣presse it. For yf GOD be on theyr syde and they put theyr truste and confidence in hym vn∣faynedly, they shalbe stronger and myghtyer then all worldely power whyche they haue

nowe in a maner throughout all Germany, God graunt them to consydre it, and to be thankeful vn¦to God for it, and for all other benefites which they haue receaued at his hande hitherto.

There was also a Synode and cōuocation kept* 1.622 at Wittenbourgh in Germanye in the moneth of May betwene them that cleaued vnto the doctrine of Huldrike zwynglius, concernyng the Sacra∣ment of Christes body and bloud, on the one partie, and them that folowed the mynde of Martine Lu¦ter on the other partie, where after long disputa∣cion had betwene thesayed parties, there was a cer¦teyne determinacion and agrement taken betwene them as touchyng the controuersy of the Sacra∣ment, albeit that the moste parte of the Preachers* 1.623 on zwinglius syde would not consent thereunto. But what controuersy there was betwene the said parties as touchyng the Sacrament, may be ga∣thered ease out of the bokes of both parties, for the rehearsall thereof here in order would be to long.

Betwene the sea Townes, Homborough, Lu∣beke,* 1.624 Suno, and Christiane chosen kyng of Den∣marke, was this yere a newe peace cōcluded, wher∣vnto they of Rostocke and of Wismare woulde not agree. For their Duke Albert of Mekelborough, at Coppenhaghe (whiche is the chief citie of al Den¦marke, and of the Iland called Seeland. Then the townes whiche were accorded and agreed vpō the sayed peace sent their imbassadours to Coppenha∣ghe, aduertysyng the sayd Duke Albert, and count Christopher of their agreement, requiring them to yelde vp the cytye to the chosen kyng Christiane.

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But when the said two lordes and thinhabitances of thesayd contry of Coppenhagen denyed them* 1.625 their requsst: kyng Christiane beseged the sayd ci∣tye wyth such power, and troubled them so sore on euery syde, that no victualles might come at them by no maner of meanes. In so muche that wythin short space victualles waxed so scant and famme so increa••led wythin the cyty, that they were glad to vse dogges fleshe for theyr meate, and also cattes.* 1.626 And when thys prouisyon dyd also fayle them, and no deliueraunce eppeared of no part (for they ho∣ped that Frederike the Palatine, who had taken to wyfe the doughter of kyng Christierne, as be∣fore is mentioned, should haue moued battayll a∣gaynst the Duke of Holstone, whyche came not to passe) they yelded vp the cyty to the chosen kynge* 1.627 Christian aboue mencyoned. Durynge thesayed siege the kynges souldiours ouercame Warbo∣rough, and toke that false Capytayne of the Lu∣bekes, called Markes Mayer prysoner who wyth hys brother Gerard Mayer and a Danysh pryeste was quartered shortly after.

After that thesayd Christian had ouercome and subdued the hole kyngdome of Denmarke (accor∣dyng* 1.628 to the duety of all godlye kynges and pryn∣ces) he directed all hys doynges and procedyn∣ges to thys ende, that the worde of God myghte be purely and syncerely preached and taughte to hys pore subiectes in all partes of hys dominions.* 1.629 But when he perceyued the preuy practises, which the Bishoppes of that lande (for they were in a maner the mightyest of both the kyngdomes of

Denmarke and Norway) imagined and purposed to worke against hym, to hyndre his godly enterpri¦se, and to mayntayne their Idolary, he toke them* 1.630 all seuen (for so many were they in nombre) and de∣posed them from their power and dignitie, so that they were not able any more to make diuision, sedi∣cion or commotion within his kyngdome, as they were wonte to do.

When this was done, he sent messengers to Wit* 1.631 tenbourgh, and called for the right honorable and well learned doctor Iohn Bugenhaghe, borne in the dominion of Pomerlande, who is yet at thys daye preacher of Goddes worde and minister or cu¦rate at the parysh Churche at Wittenbourgh, as he was then. This godly man came at the kyn∣ges* 1.632 request and by the helpe of God establyshed in bothe the kyngdomes the preaching of the Gospell and the true ministracion of the Sacramentes ve∣ry frutefully, so that within the space of thre yeres (for so long was he by & about the kyng) all the pa∣ryshes of the lande (which were aboue .xxiiii. thon∣sande in nombre) were prouided and furnyshed with preachers and ministers, hauing Super attenden∣res ordeyned and appointed ouer them to haue the ouersyght of them and to haue an earnest respecte and a watchefull eye to their doctrine and conuersa¦tion* 1.633 of lyuing. He crowned also kyng Christian at Coppenhaghe in the presence of all his nobles with the kyngly crowne of the land, & of both the kyng∣domes. And after this at the kinges request he pro¦uided and furnyshed the high Scole or vniuersitie of Coppenhaghe with Lecures and Reders of holy scripture, and of all other laudable sciences.

For the better increase and furnyshyng whereof he called for certayne learned men frō Wittenbourgh although the lande was not all voyde of suche men before. To the mayntenaunce of whiche Godly or∣der and institucion of doctrine, as wel in the Chur∣che* 1.634 as in the vniuersytie, the kyng gaue large gyf∣tes, and appoynted great liuynges. And he set such an order in both the kyngdomes, that his subiectes may be glad, and geue God hygh thankes, that of his goodnes he woulde sende them suche a kyng, God sende hym longe to reigne among them, and styrre vp the like in many other regions, to the prai¦se and sanctifycacion of hys moste holy name. Amen.

Henry the eyght kyng of Englande had his im∣bassadours* 1.635 certayne monethes at Wittenbourgh, whiche accordynge to the kynges request, caryed wyth them in Englande certayne wel learned doc¦tours, to preache the Gospell of Christ within hys Realme and dominions, whereof the hole congre∣gacion of Christ thoroughout all Germany concei∣ued* 1.636 a speciall reioysynge, and comforte: But alas their ioye was not longe permanent, for the saied kyng within two yeares after repelled them and caused some of them to be put to death, as here tikes: And Englyshe men haue had a certayne pro∣phecy* 1.637 of great antiquitie, that when saynt Geor∣ges daye should fall on good frydaye (whiche is in the yeare of oure lorde .MD. xlvi.) the worde of God shoulde myghtely increasse and taken place among them, which I praye God graunt vnto thē, to his prayse and glory.

This yere in England also the lorde Darcy, syr* 1.638 Fraunces Bygot, Syr Robert Constable & other began a newe conspyracy, whiche were attaynted and put to death in Iune.

This yere in October in England also on saynt* 1.639 Edowardes euen was Prince Edowarde borne at Hampton Court, whiche was proclaimed & anoyn¦ted kyng of Englande the .ix. yere of his age as shal be declared hereafter in due place.

This yere the .xiiij. daye of October also dyed* 1.640 Quene Iane mother to the saied Prince Edward, and was buried at Winsor.

This yere did Iames the kyng of Scotlande* 1.641 puyssaunt kyng Iohn of Portingale, Sonne to the excellent kyng Emanuell had a great conflicte and victory agaynst the infideles in the Realme of Cam¦baia or Guzuratum, lyeng in the Indes. For after that he had by his capitaines, & specially by Nonne a Cugria, who was ruler and gouernour of the kin¦ges army, in the Indes, destroyed the coastes lieng towardes the Indysh sea, subiecte to the kyng of Cambaia, and when the same kyng was not able to resyste hym, although he was of power to brynge foure hundred thousand men in Campe, he made a gentle agrement with the Portyngalles, and dely∣uered them two mighty cities with all their abily∣ties, priuiledges, liberties and dominions, whereof the one is called Bazaim, and the other Dium, this

the stronger and the other the rycher. Whiche ha∣ue both vnder them about a syx hundreth Villages with certayn smal townes and srutesul landes con∣tayning in length about a .lxxx. myles or leaques. wherof the king hath yerely an .C. thousand crew∣nes at the least in bare tribute, besydes the woode whence for the mooste part all the prouision is takē that is occupied for the shyppes in the Indes, with other aduauntages. In those partes caused the kyng of Portingall the Christian fayth to be plan∣ted,* 1.642 and at the last kyng Badur of Cambaia (for so was he called) when he was inuaded by kyng Dey (who was kynge of the Scythians and of the Tar¦tares) fled with all his treasure, mother, wyfe and chyldren into the Cytie of Dyum, whiche he had geuen vp before, desyrynge succour and defence a∣gainst his enemy. So that by this meanes the king of Portyngall had obtayned the moste parte of all the lande of the Indes vnder his tuition and defen¦ce without any notable shedyng of bloude. These actes are described at large by the sayed kyng in a certayne letter by hym to Pope Paule directed.

Also this yeare in the Moneth of Iuly dyed at* 1.643 Basill that excellent Clarke Erasmus of Roterda∣me beyng about the age of .lxx. yeares who was a special instrument of God, to restore the Greke and Latine tonges agayne to their puritie: Whiche al∣so hath done no small seruice with his writinges to¦wardes the settyng furth of the Gospell, the true lyght of our soules, as euery wyse man may right well perceyue and gather by his wrytynges, wher∣of he hath left behynde hym a greate sorte, and in a

maner innumerable bookes.

IN the yeare of our lorde .MDxxxvij. euen in* 1.644 the begynning of the yere began certayne pre∣uy practyses and conspiracies to be wrought agaynst the Euangelicall Princes and their confe∣derates. For the Pope sought all the meanes possi∣ble to stirre vp some commotion and dissention in Germany, and had procured all ready, by the mea∣nes of the Duke of Brounswike called Henry the younger, and brought to passe by certayne byshops, namely the byshippe of Mence with other that the Duke George of Saxon shoulde assiste the Duke of Brunswyke with money, to inuade Iohn Frede∣rike* 1.645 Duke of Saxon and electour imperiall, and Philippe Land graue of Hessene: whiche Practise and conspiracy was begonne so preuely, and kept so close, that if God had not specially preserued the fauoures of hys worde, it myght haue turned them to muche wo and trouble. For the Duke of Brun∣swyke had all ready assembled a competent nombre of men within his lande, and that so preuely, that many dyd afterwarde wonder at it. But when he thought with hys adherentes that the matter had bene sure, almyghty God red their treasurer Duke* 1.646 George out of the way by death, sodaynely or euer any man suspected hys infirmitie. And so succeded Duke Henry into his brothers heritage, whiche had kept hys Court poorely many yeares at Fry∣burgh in the lande of Myssene, beyng a good lau∣dable and Euangelicall Prince. And albeit

that Duke George brother to the sayed Duke Hen¦ry, was also in his actes and gouernaunce a very wyse and circumspecte Prince, and experte in cy∣uyle policies, as his buyldynges and townes which he hath left behynde hym beare wytnes, yet had he this faulte, that he (as it happeneth commonly to suche as are worldly wyse) had his prudence and hipocriticall conuayaunce so blynded▪ that he would not cleaue vnto the Gospel, where of neuer∣theles he was not ignoraunt, for none other cause then that some Pope or some Cardinall had not set it furth and brought it to lyght, but apore frere (as was doctor Luther) yea he was suche an enemy to the Gospell that he dyd not onely persecute and ba∣nyshe hys subiectes that embraced and fauoured the same, but also woulde depriue his saied brother Henry of his heritage, whyle he cleaued sted fastly to Goddes worde. But God tourneth all thynges to the prophite of his b••leuers. For when Duke George was in this minde, & had sought al meanes possible to disherite and dispossesse his brother, all was sodaynely turned vpsyde downe. For after that Iohn his sonne was departed out of this worl¦de leauyng no bodely heyre behynde hym (in as mu¦che as it was not well possyble for hym to procreate chyldren, beyng continually geuen to superfluitie and dronkennes) he had yet an other sonne (not be∣ing endued with to muche witte) called Henry, vn∣to whome, not withstanding that by the reason of his ••oolysh behaueour he was vnmete to haue the rule & gouernaūce of the lande, he gaue hym a wyfe of a basse stocke and lowe degree, to thende that by

this meanes he myght (if it were possible) obtayne an heire for the lande, and defraude his brother of his heritage, commaundyng his Phisicians to ge∣ue his sayd Sonne good prouisions whereby hys lust myght be the better stirred and prouoked to∣wardes his wyfe. But what was the ende? Thys hope and expectation continued but a small tyme, for within the space of two monethes thesaed yong maried man died. Many wyll say and affirme that the Phisicians kylled hym with their confortati∣ues: But it was the worke of God, who would ha∣ue the Gospell to reigne in the sayed Duchye by the administracion of the sayed Duke Henry: For the saied Duke George dyed also shortely after the de∣ceasse of his saied sonne as before is mencioned. When nowe the Papistes were thus destitute of their comforte, hauyng lost all their hope and expec∣taciō, in that the land and the treasures wherwith they intended and trusted to haue resysted the Gos¦pell, was nowe fallen into the handes of hym that would therewith auaunce and promote the same, their capitayne Duke Henry of Brunswycke was faine to geue ouer and disperse his army for the mo¦ney wherwith the souldiours should haue bene pai¦ed was now withdrawen. Wherfore (as it was reported) the saied Duke should say, that he had ra∣ther lost God in heauen, then this man: Wherby euery Christen man may easely perceyue, wheron the hope of the Papistes is grounded. But let vs learne here that a Christian may not truste in any man, nor feare any mans threatenyng nor yet dys∣payre in pouertie and tribulation, but must onely

put al his trust and confidence in God, who is able to breake and ouerthrowe the imaginacions of the proude, and to exalte the pore, according to the song of Mary, he trusteth downe the proude from their seates, and lifteth vp the lowely.

When God had on this wyse deliuered his littel flocke in the lande of Saxon and of Hessen, from the craftes and enterpryses of their enemy, the said duke Henry succeding in the rowme of his brother deceassed, abolyshed the abhominacion of Popysh* 1.647 Idolatry thoroughout all his iurisdiction and do∣minion, and cōmaunded Goddes worde to be prea∣ched in all places sincerely and purely, for the main∣tenaunce whereof he sought all about for learned men to geue dilygent attendaunce to the settynge furth of the same. After this he dyd also erecte and* 1.648 restore the Scoole of Lipsigh whiche was sore de∣cayed before, to the mayntenaunce whereof he dyd institute and appointe speciall priuileges and newe stipendes, and ordeined the excellently learned man Ioachim Camerary of Bambery, reder in liberall sciences, and prouided for other faculties also sage men & well learned, so that both gods worde & also learnyng dyd myghtely increase and florysh agayn in thys lande, God graunt it may long continue to the prayse of his mooste holy name.

In Fraunce was not the warres yet ceased whi¦che was begonne the yere before. For the king was yet mightely armed, and came furth in the moneth of Marche towardes the west into the Duchye of Artois, whiche is called Picardy, where he dyd great harm••, and about the .xviij. daye of the same

moneth he beseged y^• towne of Hedin, which was* 1.649 yelded vp vnto hym the .xiij. day of Aprill next fo∣lowing. When he had ouercome the sayde towne, he furnyshed it, and other places lyeng there about with mē and so retourned home again. In the mea¦ne* 1.650 season Mary quene of Hungary, syster vnto the Emperours maiestie, and lady Regēt of the lower partes of his dominiōs prepared her selfe, and whē she had assembled a mighty company of pietons or footemen, as well of the partes of hygh Germany, as of the lower partes of Duchelande, with an ar∣my of horsemen well appointed, she marched with power into Picardy, and hauyng destroyed that whiche was left in the lande, she went and beseged the towne called S. Paule, whiche lyeth in the* 1.651 borders, and was also furnyshed by the kyng at his departyng from thence, with foure thousand soul∣diours, and certayne hundredes of horsemen. And when they that were within y^e towne made resistaū¦ce against her, she ouercame it with a strong assault, and caused to be destroied whatsoeuer was a lyue within the towne, except two of the chefe Capitai∣nes, which were caried away captiues. But as tou∣chyng the towne after it was spoyled by the souldi¦ours it was set on fyre, and burned downe to the grounde. The seuen and twenty daye of Iune they* 1.652 went to the citie of Turwyne, & beseged the same. But when the Frenche men dyd pryuely brynge into the Towne certayne Souldiours for the sa∣negarde of the same Towne, and the Capitayne of the same retourned agayn (by lyke to fetche more helpe) they were takē by y^• lady Maries warrious. Anone〈2 pages missing〉〈2 pages missing〉

violently destroyenge all that made resistaunce againste them, murtheryng the men, and vicia∣tyng the women and the virgines, whom also they caried away captiues with them. After that, they* 1.653 came also to the Ilande called Naxus, wherein dwelled a Prince called Iohn Crispus, who also wrote the sayde affaires to oure Potentates in Europa, wyth a certayne exhortacion and warning there unto annexed, whenche I also haue taken thys story. But when the Turke offered peace vn∣to the sayde Prince, promisyng not to hurte nor trouble hys subiectes, in case he woulde gentely and wyllyngly yelde hym selfe vnder the obedien∣ce of the Turke, the sayde Prince consideryng that he was to weake and notable to resyste suche great power, not knowyng any helpe or assistaunce to bee loked for, yelded hymselfe and hys subiectes to the* 1.654 Turke the eleuenth daye of Nouember, on thys condition that he shoulde yearely paye vnto the Turke a tribute of fyue thousand guldens of gold. When this was done, the Turkyshe Armada re∣tourned homewarde with a greate spoyle and ab∣reption of Golde, Syluer, and many poore impry∣soned Christians.* 1.655

There was also the sayde yere of our lord God a thousand fyue hundreth thyrty and seuen an hor∣rible and fearefull tempest, at Heydelbery on the Necker lyeng in the Lower partes of the Palati∣nes iurisdiction, where the Electour by the Rhene kept his Courte. For on Sainct Markes daye when euensonge was done, rose a sodayne darke∣nyng

of cloudes with an horrible noyse of wynde, and immediately folowed a wether of Thonder and Lyghtenyng, whiche lyghted within a Tower lyeng by the olde Castell of Heydelbergh, wherein was muche gon poulder kept, insomuche that the sayde poulder beyng set on fyre by the power of the sayde Thonder and Lyghtening, the sayd Tower and Castell brast in sunder in y^e twinkling of an eye, and made suche an earthquake, that within the Towne the dores and wyndowes were moued and flewe from the hinges, so that the people thou∣ght none other, but that the daye of dome had bene come. And the stones of the walles were throwen here and there in the Towne by the rea∣son whereof dyuerse persones runnynge out into the stretes and forsakynge theyr houses for feare, least they shoulde fall downe on theyr heades, were sore hurte and harmed. There dwelled also in the olde Castell a couple of folkes, wyth seven chyl∣dren,* 1.656 whereof fyue were hurte and two slayne out of hande. And not farre from the newe Castell came a stone of the wall flyeng and slewe a man, and cut awaye a foote of another man that was by hym.

In Englande was thys yeare begonne a collec∣tion* 1.657 for the poore, and a greate nombre cured of many greuous diseases thorough the charitie thereof.

There was also in Englande a certayne frere* 1.658 called frere forest hanged and burned for treason and heresy.

IN the yeare of ourelorde .MDxxxviij. The* 1.659 eight day of February, assembled at Rome Po¦pe Paule, with certayne Cardinalles, Syr Iohn Mantry Marquys of Angilaria Oratour of themperous maiestie, and atturnay for the same, & the kynges maiestie of the Romaines, Syr Mar∣kes Anthomus Contarenus knight, the imbassa∣dours and attournays of the Duke and rulers of Venice, in the name and power of their superiours, whiche there cōsulted together, howe and by what meanes the Turke who did mightely enlarge hys empyre by his power myght be resisted. Whereit was agreed and concluded, that they would alto∣gether prepare a great power both by lande and by water out of Italy, whereof the Pope should main tayne and laye the syxt part, the Emperours maie¦stie the ene half, the Venetians the other third part and that there should by water be armed foure hun¦dreth shyppes and gallees. And to thintent that the Turke myght be so muche the easier ouercome, kyng Ferdinando should with a strong army inua∣de hym in Hungary. Besydes this should the Po∣pe moue and exhorte Sigismonde kyng of the Po∣les, to do his parte likewyse. But as thesayde con∣tracte and agreement was made with great pretē∣ce ••o proceded it to small effect, for it went forwarde very slenderly & slowely as ye shall heare herafter.

The same yere when the Counsails betwene the Emperours maiestie & the French kyng departed* 1.660 and could not agree of any durable & stedfast peace, the Pope himself toke y^e matter in hand, & apointed both parties to mete in y^e coastes of Italy orlōbardy

at the Citie of Nice. Into the which themperours maiestie made his entraunce with great triumphe the .xv. day o•• May. The next day entred the Po∣pe into the saied citie also, whose entraunce I do he∣re* 1.661 gladly descrybe, that al men may see and knowe, howe that holy father folowed the steppes of hys predecessour Peter, and of his maister Christ. Fyrst there rode before hym two hundred men vpon the goodliest mules that migt be founde, very gorgiou¦sly apparelled. Then folowed .lx. Trompetters in yackettes of veluette costly sylkes and scarlette. Af¦ter them folowed hys garde and footemen with pertisanes, apparailled in yelowe, hauyng on their heades black veluer cappes with goodly Eastryche fethers. After this folowed the Lorde great Mai∣ster of the Popes moste holy housholde, very coste∣ly apparelled. Then came the ryght swarme and* 1.662 rable in a long procession, that is to say, a great nom¦bre of Monkes, Freres and priestes, with many re∣lyques of dead sainctes. And the last of them bare a lx. burnyng candels of white waxe, to lyghte before the blynde Idoll of Rome, the Pope, whiche was borne of many men, in a Chayre garnyshed with fi∣ne golde, and the Sacrament (as they cal it in their abuse) was borne before hym. On both sydes of the borne Pope were seuen Cardinalles with .xlij. Pre¦lates. Then folowed an hundred valiaunt launce∣knyghtes for his defence. With this army entred the shepehearde of Christes shepe (if I do hym no wrong) at that tyme into Nice, after thexample of Christe on Palmesondaye, and according to hys cō∣maundement in the twenty Chapiter of Mathew.

After this ••ode the Pope in the same ordre to the chiefe Minister of the citie, to make his prayer whi∣che beyng ended, he caused hymselfe to be borne in to his Palice: where themperoures maiestie came vnto hym, and kissed hys fete: whome the Pope lif∣ted* 1.663 vp, embraced hym, and kyssyng hym on the top∣pe of his heade (by lyke for a witnes that he is lorde ouer the Emperours head) And after they had ben a good whyle together, themperoure retourned a∣gayne to his lodgyng. Not long after this arryued the Frenche kyng at Villa Noua, whiche is a place of his owne dominion lyeng not farre from Nice, and shortely after repayred towarde the Pope,* 1.664 where in fine a sted fast peace was concluded betwe¦ne both the parties, that is to saye betwene thempe¦rours maiestie and the Frenche kyng, to continue for the space of tenne yeres, accordyng to the pro∣myse made betwene them, (although it lasted scant two yeres as shalbe sayde hereafter) whiche peace was restored the .xviij. day of the moneth of Iune, and afterwarde at the commaundement of bothe thesaide heades, all the pointes and articles of the same were described and published, as yet apeareth by the copies thereof remainyng in printe.

In the meane season Leonora the Frenche que∣ne▪* 1.665 Syster to themperours maiestie prepared her selfe very sumpteously to come towardes Nice▪ where she commoned many wordes with her bro∣ther themperours maiestie, abidyng there certayne dayes. But when the peace was made and conclu∣ded, she came the ther agayn, and was receyued be∣ry

honourable of the Emperours maiestie: And af∣terwarde on Corpus Christ day she retourned a∣gayne, with great solace. The same daye at nyght the Pope and the Emperoures maiestie toke ship∣pynge towardes Genua: Where the Emperou∣res Counsayls remained with the kynge, and the kynges with the Emperour, intreating of matters concernyng the sayde peace. But when the Empe∣roure coulde not tary long in Italy by the meanes of his ha••t whiche he made to retourne into Spay∣ne, it came to passe, that both the high Potentates, the Emperoure and the Frenche kyng dyd lonyng¦ly agree and come together. For when the Empe∣roure arryued at the Porte and Citie called, the dead waters, lyeng not farre from Marsilia, which was the fourtenne daye of Iuly, the Frenche kyng came thyther also with hys wyfe and with his son∣nes. And when the Emperonr abode in his Gallee, the king went vnto him in his owne person, & after they had embraced and kissed eche other (according to the maner and custome of noble men) they talked louyngly together. The next daye folowynge the Emperoure went a lande, and rode into the sayde Citie, where he was receyued of the kyng, the Que¦ne and the kyngs Sonnes very ioyfully. And whē muche honoure and greate triumphe was declared and shewed towardes hym, he abode there vntyll the tewesdaye at nyght, and then takynghys leaue of the kynge and his affinitie, he commended them to God and returned to hys shyppe, wherewith he sayled luckely towarde Spayne, trusting assuredly

that thesaied peace should be firme and stable, and also durable to the profite and furtheraunce of the Christen common welth.

After this also the lady Mary regent of the lo∣wer partes of themperoures maiesties dominions accompanied with the kynge came into Camerike the viij. day of October. And the next day folowing they went to the Citie of S. Quintine, where the sayed Quene Mary was receiued with great pom¦pe, and intreated very honorably. But when she had remayned there .vi. dayes she retourned again to her owne dominiō. So that this yere there was thre honorable assembles of the mightiest in Euro∣pa: But what folowed thereof shalbe mēcioned her after, in place conuement.

While these thynges were in doinge the aboue named Estates of confederation prepared their na¦ures against the Turke, and first inuaded Castell* 1.666 Nouo, (whiche is a Castell lyeng in the Duchye of Sabe▪ sometyme pertaynyng to the crowne of Hū∣gary) and ouercame it by violent assaulte, destro∣yeng aboue .iiij. hundred, and about .viij. hundred on horsebacke, whiche were come to rescue them. But when Barbarossa hearde of this, he sayled out* 1.667 of the sea Ambra••ike, where he had kept hymself a longe tyme, intendyng to preserue the Cities and Townes of the Turke lyeng in the Coastes of Sla uony and Macedony from the assaultes and inua∣sions of the Christianes. For he feared least they should be serued as Castell Noua was serued. In the meane season was also the Citie of Bisana o∣uercome* 1.668 of our men in lyke maner. But when they lacked

aud prouander, they were constreined of necessitey to separate them selues, In suche sort, as y^e Prince of Aurea wyth the shippes pertayning to thempe∣roures Maiestye was constrayned to runne into Brundysh, which is a port and City in Apulia, Ly∣eng ouer agaynste Grece, and the Popes Legate into Ancona (which is a port and Citie lyeng ouer agaynste the coastes of Slauony) So that onelye the Venetianes remained and kept y^e Seas. And as touchynge Castello Nouo they dyd fortifye it with. foure thusande. spanyardes &. sixe hundreth light horsemen, whiche dailye put the Turke to muche losse in the Lande of Bosen. When Barba∣rossa had knoweledge of his seperatyon and diuisi∣on of our shippes, he toke his waye towardes Du∣racho (somtime called Durachium, and lyeng in Al¦bany which was somtime called Epyrus) to encou∣rage thinhabitaūtes of the same Citie, and to make them harty, that he might the better ouercome the Venetianes in the sea of Risana. But when he say∣led towardes Duracho with a Southeast wynde* 1.669 (which bloweth from the rysynge of the Sunne in winter) the same winde (accordinge to his nature and property) chaunged sodaynely into a ful easter¦ly winde, & blewe so outragiously, y^e Barbarossa lost aboue fyftye shippes and about a two .c. thou∣sand men, with his best mariners. After the which naufrage and shipwracke when he sayled back a∣gayne eastwarde with the remnaunt of his shippes wich for the moost parte were lecke and wether••ea ten, there came suche a mortalitye and pestilence amonge them that were remayning and left in the

shippes that euen in the greateste shippes, were scant left, tenne men able to rule the helme, and as many apt for the voarres: So y^e God dyd specially declare his helpe to our men.

Whyle these thinges passed betwene them∣perour, the Pope, Fraunce, Venice, and Barbaro∣ssa (as is before mencyoned) they of Nurrembo∣rough* 1.670 began theyr strong holde or Castell wyche lyeth in the vpper parte of the Toune vpō a migh∣ty rocke, and is a lodging for themperour and the king of the Romaynes defenced with a strong Bul warke, and amyghty wyde dyche: which buylding as concerning the walles was finished in the yeare of our Lord .M. D. xlv. nexte folowynge. When George Marquys of Brandenburghe perceyned* 1.671 theyr sayde enterpryse and intent, he thought that they dyd hym great iniury, for he asscribed vnto hymselfe certayne ground▪ and laude wythout the towne of Nurremborough (which is neuer theles pertayning to the Empyre) and claymed it as hys owne heritage, wherfore he marched somtime by▪ day as farre as the Landmark, and by night vnto the towne, euen hard by the forsayd buylding. But when they of the towne feared some great malice and mischief, they fenced theyr building with much ordenaunce and artillery, & kept great watch vpon the walles and in theyr turrettes.

When thys hyndered the people of the Marquys of theyr purpose, some of them went & toke certayne inhabytauntes of Nurremborough as they went a fowlynge or byrdyng in the woode and stopped certayne of theyr wagens or cartes

commyng from Lipswyke and other places, laden with goodes and marchaundyses, and broughte them to the Castell of Bayerthorp: Wherfore they of Nurremburgh, being occasyoned and moued to displeasure▪ and indignatyon by the reason of the sayde cruelues, assembled a certaine nombre of ••oul dyours, and layde them in the countree rounde a∣bout the town, and furnished the smal townes and vyllages about them after the best mauer, purpo∣syng, in case the sayd Marquys or hys men would persiste in theyrfrowardenes (as they had begon) to be in a readynes to defend themselues from such iniuris, But yet thorough intreataunce of certaine Potentates and Princes of the Empyre the mat∣ter was qualified, & put in arbitrement, so y^e in con∣clusion the sayde Marquys suffered them of Nur∣renburgh, wythout contradiction and molestation accordynge to the tenoureof theyr lybertyes and priuyledges (to buylde on the grounde of the Em∣pyree.

This yeare dyed Charles Duke of Geldres* 1.672 & in his place succeded William Duke of Cleue, al∣though he did not long enioye it, as shalbe declared in place conuenient.

Thys yeare dyd Godde so punyshe the a∣uaryce* 1.673 of marchauntes whyche occupye by the sca¦syede, whyle they do so enhaunce the goode crea∣tures of God in pryces that the poore are not a∣ble to bye them, that thoroughe oute all the coa∣stes of Denmarcke, in harueste (whyche is the best time of the yeare, no hering could be taken. In the kingdom of Naples y^e .xxviii. day of Septemb.

The Sea decreassed and fell away about the space of eight Italyan myles, so that al the grounde was drye, which afterwarde dyd cast certayn holes, out of the which for the space of many dayes continual∣ly ascended fyre wyth ashes, which dyd great hurt in many places there about at the falling do wne therof. For the sayde ashes fell downe lyke snowe rounde about Naples for the space of thenne Itali an myles, vntyll they lay on the grounde the thic∣kenes of thre fingers. Which is a fearful argument of Goddes wrath towardes vs, wherby we ought al to be warned, and specyally Italy, to forsake our sinfull liuynge, yf any warning would helpe. But it is not regarded, vntill Gods wrath lighteth v∣pon vs by heapes, and then men would fayne re∣pente, but it is to late: Wherfore let vs repente in time, and lyue according to our professyon.

In Inglande, thys yeare in December was* 1.674 the Lorde Marques of exceter, the Lorde Mon∣tacute, and Syr Edwarde Neuell beheaded for high treason duely proued.

IN y^e yeare of our lord. 1539. Thecōfede rat of y^e Romane league prepared thēsel ues wyth all theyr power to warre a∣gaynst the Turcke by water, but they profyted not muche. For ther was greate lacke of vyctual, & a great dearth in Italy and at Venice▪* 1.675 For Barbarossa came wyth a great army and rob∣bed vpon the sca and toke all that he might laye hand on, so that ther myght no coarne be shypped vnto Venyce, nether out of Cypers nor out of Can dye, And there was also nomore prouisyon in Ita∣ly. That done, he shipped with a great power vnto

the strong newe Castell (which oure Christen men* 1.676 had wonne in the yeare before, fortified it after the best facyon (there vnto he layed seage in thre pla¦ces, and shot daye and night ther at wythoute cea∣ssynge and yet wanne nothyng, tyl certen of the dal* 1.677 macyans fell to fliyng awaye and ranne oute vnto the Turkes, and tolde them where they myghte best and ••onest hurt our Christen men. Then the e∣nemye dyd accordyng to theyr councell, and shotte both for tresses and walles doune, so that the could assaulte them on euen grounde. And although the spanyardes and the Italyans that were in the Ca¦stell defended themselues manfullye and couragy ously, and slewe at the least syxtene thousand of the enemyes, yet at the last, because they werewery, &* 1.678 the enemyes gat euer fresch men, they forsoke the Castell, and loste bothe the Castell and the assault: and althoughe they were ouer manned, yet they fought and defended them selues so longe tyll they were all mooste all slayene. Thys was done in August.

In the meane whyle Isabel the Emperou∣res* 1.679 Mayestyes wyfe, the kynge of Portugalles doughter, dyed of chylde, the fyrste daye of maye, the chylde was a sonne whyche lyued not longe. She leaft behynde her lyuynge a sonne called Phi¦lyppe, and two doughters, whyche she hadde by the Emperour.

A none after ther was an insurreccyon ray* 1.680 sed at Gent amonge the commens of the Cytye, so that it apeared that the cytye shulde haue bene destroyed. By occasion wherof the Emperoures

Mayestye was compelled to come oute of Spayn into Flaunders, to appease that dissencion. And as he was mynded to take his iorney toward Italy,* 1.681 the Frenche kyng Fraunches sent an embassage to hym, desyrynge hym amyably to come thoroughe Fraunce, promysing that all that was in his kyng∣dome shulde be at his pleasure. But the cause was for that they had concluded a peace to gethers, as is aboue remembred, the one shulde haue suspected the other, if they hadde not kept frendshippe to ge∣ther. And for as moche as the Frenche kyng had often broken the leaghe, hys myssedoyng myghte thesoner be for gotten, if the Emperoures mayesty woulde seke frendshyp at hys hande. Thys thinge could by nomeanes be better or easelier done, than that his maiesty for this once shuld iorney through hys lande. By thys mocyon was the Emperours maiestye wyllyng to iorney thoroue Fraunce, and sent hys chefe Counseller Granduel in Nouembre oute of Spayne into Fraunce to signyfye hys com¦myng, and folowed shortlye after.

And when he came to. S. Sebastians, ther* 1.682 the Duke of Orliens the kynges youngest Sonne reaceaued hym. And not farre from the city of. S. Iohn was also the dolphyn wyth the chefe of y^• no∣bles of Fraunce, whyche receaued the Emperou∣res maiesty wyth al due reuerence, and dyd leadde him thorowe the lande, till he came to Lochias the tenneth day of December. There was the kynge in hys awne personne, and Helenour hys wyfe, tarynge for the Emperoure, and receaued hym (as it appeared, for it was not all golde that

glyttered cleare, as here after wyll appeare) wyth all ioye and reuerence, and were to gether tyll the ende of the xxxix yeare.

The inhabytoures of the nether parte of* 1.683 Austeryche of the erldome of Goertz, hadde sente forth theyr ambassadours the laste daye of Decem¦ber from Vyenne wyth a pityfull and humble re∣queste and petycyon to the states and degrees of the kingdome of Behame which were at that time assembled at Preslowe, that they woulde vouche∣safe* 1.684 to helpe them agaynste the turcke, whych had two yere before taken in the marqueship of Woen¦don. and that present yeare manned it, and caried* 1.685 from thence foureskore thousande chrysten men in to his lande, and laie at that tyme hard vpon their neckes, the chefe ambassadours of thys ambassage were .M. Vlryche of boskawyts and. M Tscher nafor, whyche were of the kynge of the Romaynes councell. But what they obtayned wyth theyr pe∣ticion, I can not tell (at thys tyme) but I suppose that they obtayned an honeste promesse and helpe. For so pytyfullye as they made theyr petycyon it woulde haue made a stonye herte to meltte: speci¦ally if men consider that yf they be suffred to be de∣stroyed wythoute helpe, that then theyr aduersity will be at the next time our awne.

In the somer, in Iuly, ther was a blasing* 1.686 ster in the eauening in y^• Northwest in the signe of the virgin. It was elles a metely good yere as tou¦ching wether & other thinges y^• happened therin: but in the winter euery full mone ther was muche raine speciallye about the elue and other waters that ronne therinto.

Here I must sett to, new tidynges that are counted true of many, whych I take to be a speey∣all myracle (if it be so). It is sayde, and it is openly putt oute in prynte, That the Emperour of Turc∣kye in Iune caused all hys chefe and best learned priestes to come before hym, and commaunded them vpon a great payne, to tell hym, whyche is the ryght true and best belefe vpon earth. And when they had for feare excused themselues, they had a tyme appoynted to remembre them, and af∣ter were called before hymagayne. Now when they were agayne monished to saye the trueth, of* 1.687 theyr conscyence, and heard the commaundement of the Tyrant, they answered one after another wyth one assent that the Christen beliefe is the best, and that it is a ryght and a true belefe, albeit it is very much misused of the Christen. For it tea∣cheth the beste poyntes that can be, as to wytte, loue toward God and man, whych is not so well taught in any other belefe. And forther that they haue wytnesse in their lawe and alkorane, that Mahomet must go to Christ for grace, &c. And that Christe is therefore better than Mahomet. Whē they now had thus answered wythout feare,* 1.688 the Tyrant waxed angrye, and caused them all (which were aboue fyfiye) to beheaded. And in the same place was there a syght sene, as though all the headed priestes had bene together, and lighted clearer than manye candellyghtes in the* 1.689 nyght: through which miracle manye of the other priestes of Mahomet folowed theyr confessyon & belefe, & also many of y^• Lay people, which acknow∣ledged

openly and wythout feare, that those prie∣stes were vniustly kylled for the truethes sake. All thynges are possible to God, so that it may well be. For God cā raise vp a Daniel or an Ezechiel amōg the Babilonians. Howbeit no man shall be compel∣led to beleue this, but at his pleasure.

IN the yeare of our lord .M. D. XL. in the beginning of the yeare dyd the Em∣peroures Maiestye ryde to Paris, and* 1.690 as he rode in, was excedyng royally con¦ducted and receaued, and afterwarde great and pryncely Banckettes made, wyth great momery∣es and daunces. And the second daye after, there were great Iustynges and fyghtynges made `to do hym pleasure and honour, wyth all. There his Maiesty abode tyll the second day after the twel∣ueth daye. Then he departeth into Flaunders wyth al his company and was conducted vnto Ca¦merick of bothe the kynges sonnes: and there with great royalty receaued of the Bishop of Camerick From thens they iorneyed to Valencyne, there taryed the ladye Marye Quene of hungarye for them. There also toke the kynges sonnes theyr leaue of the Emperoures mayestye and tourned home agayn.

But as the Emperoures Mayestye was* 1.691 in all places royallye receaued, so was ther wayte layde falslye pryuelye and craftelye to kyll hym. For as the Emperoure shulde sayell from corbe to Paryse, and hadde wyth hym a Cardynall the Duke of Albuge and the kynges Marschalle to

beare hym companye the water men rowed * 1.692 the shyppe vpon a pyele, so that the shyp turned round aboute, and he * 1.693 that hylde the rother fell oute of the * 1.694 boot (what that meant it is easy to gesse) whe¦rof the Emperour complayneth in a letter written to Paule the thyrde byshoppe of Rome (whereyn he sheweth the cause why he could not come to the councell appointed to be holden at Trente) that he had perfect knowledge that the kynge of Fraunce was mynded at that tyme to take hym presoner and kepe hym in holde, as it also afterwarde suffi∣cyently appeared by the affaires of the sayde king.

But after the Emperours mayestye was comen* 1.695 in to hys awne lande he wente streyghtwayes vn∣to Gent, and after he was suffred to come in to the cytye, he fyrste earnestlye punyshed the insurrecty on raysers, and caused a great parte of the citye to be broken downe, and a stronge Castell to be buyl∣ded* 1.696 in the same place.

A none after cam Ferdinādus in to Flaūders to y^• Emperours maiesty to consult with him after whatt maner they myghte wythstande the turcke and howe hys greate tyrannye agaynste vs poor Chrystyans myghte be resysted and auoyded.

Euen whyle these thynges were done in* 1.697 Flaunders, ther was a communycacyon holden at Wormes at the Emperours commaundement, concernynge Relygyon, and the speakers of both sydes were, master Philip Melanthon myne ente∣relye* 1.698 beloued master of the Gospellers syde, and Doctor Iohn Ecke of Ingolstadt whyche wolde* 1.699 haue defended the Byshoppe of Romes parte,

Thys communycacion beganne the fourtenne day of Ianuarye, there the Artycle of orygynall synne* 1.700 was specyallye intreated of, whether the same syn abyde and remayne in Chrysten and holy men af∣ter baptyme. And was concluded that ther yet abyede remnauntes of synne in the saynctes, al∣thoughe they raygne nott or haue the ouerhande (As. S. Paule sayth, let not synne raygne in your* 1.701 mortall bodyes) But suche synnes are not im∣puted to the saynctes for Christes merytes sake, as the Apostle forther saythe, ther is nowe no condemnacyon to them that are in Chryste Ie∣su. &c.

After thys treatye was that communyca∣cyon so ended, and dyffered tyl the Emperoures and the kynges mayestyes of the Romaynes were personallye presente. But what sutteltye and craft Eccyus vsed in dysputacyon, to adourne and gar∣nysh hys cause, maye euerye wyttye manse by the treaty it selfe, whych is whollye wrytten and put out in prynte

Nowe when that communicacion was ended, ther was another appoynted by the Emperoures and the kinges maiesty at Spiers. But in as much as ther was at that tyme a great pestylence there, that day was appointed to be holdē at Haganouw* 1.702 to entreate of matters of relligyon, whether those myghte be ended and vtterlye finyshedde and con∣cluded or nott▪ And thoughe manye greate lordes oute of all the coostes of dutchelande we∣re come in wyth the kynge Ferdynandus, partely in theyr awne personnes, partelye throughe their

embassadours, yet ther was no specyall thynge con¦cluded, but that ther shulde a nother assembly be¦holden the next yeare at Regensburg, at which the Emperoures maiestye hym selfe shulde be, where all matters, concernynge Rellygyon and also con∣cernynge warre agaynst the Turcke shulde be a∣greed of.

Afterward vpon the .xx. daye of Septem¦bre* 1.703 the Emperoure caused a commaundemence to be putt oute wher in besyde other statutes concer∣nynge hys inheretable landes in the netherlande, he forbodde all his subiectes vpon payn of great punyshemente, that they shulde not reade theyr bokes that haue nowe in these laste dayes brought vnto lyghte the truethe of the Gospell.* 1.704

But what he wanne wyth hys commaunde¦mente, dayely experience teacheth, as to wytte, that ther be many goode Christen men found, that rather lese their lyues than to forsake the woord of God, that the persecutoures of Chryste, pryestes and monckes, myght still betray and shedde Chri∣sten bloude, whyche thyng God wyll fynde a time horrybly to puysh.

But in asmoche as Gods woorde was so* 1.705 ouerpressed in netherland God raised it vp so moch the moar in another place. For Ioachim the Mar¦quesse of Brandenburge elector after hys father was ded, which cared not much for any relligion, and he knewe that it was neadefull to leade hys subiectes the ryghte waye to saluacyon, and al∣so to kepe them thereyne, receaued the doctryne of the Gospell: had ordeyned in all Cytyes and

parishes good preachers, to preache the woord of God with diligence vnto the sympel people. He al∣so redressed the vniuersity of Franckford vpon the Odder, and sent for learned Men in all Sciences which when they came he augmented and amen∣ded theyr wages. He also ordeyned Newe stipen∣des for poare Scolers of the lyuings of the vnpro∣fytable Massynge priestes to thintent that suche lyuinges might from hence forth be bestowed to y^• true seruyce of God.

But in what an horrible blindnesse that Lande was before, and how euel it was prouided for with the word and doctryn of God, wytnesseth an histo∣ry, which I (although it appeare but simple) wyll therfore tell, that it may be so knowen what maner of teachers the popedome coulde suffre, and what they yet haue.

As I at that tyme came by chaunce with the vi∣siters to Stēdel in y^• old marquiship, to enquere af¦ter a seruice for me, it chaunsed that the admission into al the offices of the Church was differred the space of syxe wekes. In the meane whyle were the parsons and the paryshenars enquired after what facyon they hadde taughte and had bene taught.

Then came ther forthe a Parson wyth his Congregation, whyche beynge demaunded of my goode Frynde Thomas Mathyas the Maye∣res sonne of Brandenburge, to whome that office was committed by the Vysytours, what he had preached to his Parishners, He answered, y^• belefe And being asked again, what y^• belefe is, begā to re¦hearce

〈2 pages missing〉〈2 pages missing〉Thys I could not chose but tel, to the counfort of the Christen, that they shulde learne, that God de∣fendeth* 1.706 & preserueth his, thorough his holy aun∣gels, and that although the deuell and his soart be neuer so woode, that they yet be able to do nothing if we but abyde in the confessyon and acknowled∣ging of Christ, and in the obedience of his woorde.

These burning mortherers that were taken in* 1.707 the Electours dukedome of Saxon and in other places suffred an horrible death. For ther was a thing made muche lyke a crosse, therupon was the gyltye fastned aboute the necke wyth an yron coller or rynge, and aboute the body with yron Chaynes, and then a fyer made wyth strawe and other glowing matter, a farre of, and so the Gylty roasted tyll he dyed.

In thys fourtyest yeare also vpon the vii. daye of Aprill ther was an horryble Eclipse of* 1.708 the sonne, in the mornynge at the sonne rysynge, whyche endured two goode houres longe. After thys Eclypse, and the blasynge sterre that appea∣red in the yeare before, folowed ther an excydyng drye and a hoate somer, wherin corne was yet meately well taken, but hey and fother for beastes was cleane burnt vp. Wyne was so well taken y^•* 1.709 yeare and so good in all places, y^• many dronck them selues to deeth therwith, and was therto verye good cheape. Thys yeare in Iune the Turcke* 1.710 sygnyfyed vnto the kynge of Hungarye, that he shuld pay him tribute for y^• kingdō, or elles loke for warr. The Emperouer therfor sent Cornelius sce∣perus & consailed thē to pay no tribut, promesing

that he would shortely bring an armye against the Turke wherewith he would defende the Hungars and the other princes their neighbours.

But the kyng of Hungary being vnpaciēt, could not tary so long, but required a tribute of his subiec¦tes, by the meanes whereof many of the chief of the nobilitie fell from hym, whome he persequited with warre. At the last when he had geuen the tribute to a tertayne Moncke to beare it to the Turke, he sodenly dyed. But the Moncke retourned quickly* 1.711 agayne as whiche beyng a loyterer was not farre proceaded in his iourney, sending the Chaunselour and a certain byshop on the forwarde Embassage a foresayde to the Turke, where they dyed.

The Monck dissemblyng the deeth of the kyng made a leaghe with those princes that had rysen a∣gaynst the kyng, and when they had al sworne to be true to the Quene and her Sonne went and toke * 1.712 Offen, and laye there.

When Ferdinandus the kyng of the Romaines* 1.713 hearde, that he set all other thynges asyde and got hym into Ostenrike to take in the kyngdome of Hū¦gary. He toke in Weissenburg, Pest, and other cities of Hungary, and afterwarde beseaged Offen. At the last when helpe came out of dutcheland agaynst the Turck to helpe the kyng of Hungaries sonne, he was compelled to returne home agayne into Ostenrick, not without the great losse and damma∣ge of his subiectes.

IN the yeare .MDxli. came the Emperoures* 1.714 maiestie first to Norenberg, and was receiued with great honoure, and leadde into the citie

and into the Castell rydyng vnder a hyghe canna∣pe of Veluet, whiche foure of the Alder men bare. In all the streates where through he roade, were hys cognisaunces and badges sett vp and other goodly triumphant thynges, and on both sydes of the streates the Cytesens standyng one by ano∣ther, all Iolyly arayed in their harnesse from the Spitell Gate vnto the Castell: betwene them rode the Emperoure. And aboue by the Castell there was a Gate of triumphe sett full of goodly sayen∣ges and Latyne verses, made for the Emperoures pleasure, and to his honoure. And aboue vppon the toppe of the Gatether was asplayed Eegell made, whiche a man gouerned, and when the Emperou∣res maiestie came to the Gate, the Egell plucked in his Whynges, and bowed hymselfe to the Empe∣roure reuerently with his body. And dyd lykewise on the other syde, when the Emperoure was rid∣den through the Gate. The day folowyng did the Emperour ride to the counsail house. There was a royal seate & cloth of estate set vp in the streate ouer against the shewing place, whereūto the Emperour was leadde by certen of the Aldermen. Thether ca¦me the comens of the citie before the councell house, whiche after the priueledges & liberties of the citie were cōfirmed & made better, did there sweare vn∣to y^e Emperour. After that y^• Emperours maiestie. toke his iourney to Regensburg, where the parlia∣ment was appointed. Thither came many dukes &* 1.715 lordes both spirituall & temporall, & the kyng Ferdi¦nandus. And when the most part was come toge∣ther, the Emperours maiestie deliuered vnto the

states & degrees of thempire a boke, wherein y^e arti∣cles of our christen beleue were contained, willing thē to shewe it to their learned mē, that they might agree in all these Articles, but with this condicion, that all that was said & done on both sydes should a¦gaine be deliuered vnto the Emperour in writing. And after the states & degrees of the Empire had willingli agreed thereūto, werther learned mē cho¦sen to cōmen together & to agree therein. On oure syde were chosen Phillipe Melanthon, Marten, Bucer, Iohan Baker superintendent of Nidda.

And on the other syde Doctor Eckius. Doctor Iulius p••••ng, and Iohan Groepper.

These after muche and long disputacion agreed concernyng the most part and chefe of the Articles of the Boke, as of these folowing.

The first, of the power of the fre wil of man, both before and after the regeneration & newe birth.

The second, of the byrth synne or Original sinne.

The thrid, of Iustificacion and righteous making before God, which is the summe and the chefe and principall pointe.

The fourth, of the new birth and of the working of the holy ghost, in them that be newe borne.

The fyfth, of belefe, of the grace of God, and of the merytes of Christ.

The syxth, of good woorkes, and their merites.

The seuenth, of the churche of Christ, and of the tookens thereof, and also of the falsse membres of the churche.

The eigth, of the Cannonical scripture, and their aucthoritie.

The nyneth, of the aucthoritie of the churche, and of the counsayls, that is to saye, that they must alwayes agree with the holy scripture.

The tenth, of the power and vse of the Sacra∣mentes.

The leuenth, of Repentaunce.

The twelueth of the ministers of the churche & their aucthoritie.

The thirtēneth, of the Ceremonies of y^• church.

The fourtenneth, of the commemoraciō and re∣membraunce of the Sainctes.

The fyftenneth, of Images.

The syxtenneth, of the Masse.

The seuētenneth, that the Sacramēt of the sup¦per ought to be deliuered vnder both the kindes to the laye people.

The eightēneth, of the discipline and Nourtour of the churche, both of the spirituail and temporall.

the .xix. Of the visitacion of the Christen.

The twētyeth, that euery nacion should holde a counsayll among them selues euery yeare to the cō∣seruacton of relligion, and condempnacion of Er∣rowers.

Of all these Articles they agreed on both par∣ties, as appeareth by the ••reatie thereof, whiche is put out in prynte. And when the treatie and consul tacion of both partes was desiuered to the Empe∣tours maiestie, he she wed it to Gaspar Contarenus Cardinall S. Apolinaris the byshop of Romes Ambassadour, and desyred hym to cōsent therunto.* 1.716

But forasmuche as it is not the byshop of Ro∣mes incanyng, to haue any agrement made accor∣dyng

to the scripture, the Cardinal wold no nother* 1.717 wyse consent▪ but so that the Articles should be sent vnto the Byshop of Rome, that he myght conclude therein what should please him at the next general Counsaill that should be holden.

And in as muche as many of the States and de grees of the Empyre were discontent there wyth (for they knewe that the Pope woulde neuer be contented wyth that Agreement, seyng it woulde do no small barme and dammage too hys kyng∣dome) they desyred the Emperoures Maiestie to geue them leaue that they myght haue those Ar¦ticles that were agreed of, to bee openly taught in their Churches, whiche thynge also was gracious∣ly graunted them, to do, as the dissolycyon of thesa∣me Parliament declared.

Whereupon also the Princes hereafter named* 1.718 caused the sayd Articles to be preached in their lan∣des and dominions.

Fyrst Duke Otho Henrick of Bayer, Countie Palatine on the Rene.

Phillip his brother.

The Citie of Regensburg.

The Citie of Swyneforth.

Whom the Cytie of Rottenburg on the Taw∣ber folowed in the yeare of oure lorde a thousande fyue hundreth fourty and foure. And there woulde* 1.719 vndoubtedly moa haue folowed, if the deuell had not hyndered them thorou hys membre Doctour Eckius. For he, after he had, all the whyle the dis¦putacion

lasted) done all hys diligence to disanulle the whole booke that the Emperoure gaue theim to agree of as Erroneouse, but coulde not brynge his purpose aboute: and yet muste bee affraied of the Emperoures Maiestie, whiche had caused the Booke to be diligently wrytten thorowe the coun∣sall of hys learned men, or muste elles hane bene proued a lyer wyth the playne truthe thoroughe the wytnesse of the disputers of oure syde, and of his awne felowes: wrote vnto those states and de∣grees that leyned to the Byshoppe of Rome after this soarte.

That vnmeete Booke neuer lyked me, ner yet dothe, nor euer shall, wherein I haue founde so ma∣ny* 1.720 errours and fawtes. Wherefore I wyll geue this sentence, that it shall not bee receaued of the Catholikes, as whiche dispyseth the veyne of the old fathers, and smelleth vtterly of Melancthon. And I Eccius haue not agreed thereunto, nor ha∣ue also seene the Booke that was delyuered to the Emperours maiestie, but that certer: of the Luthe∣rians Articles were read vnto me, much lesse haue I agreed vnto the wrytyng that was (as I heare saye) delyuered to the Emperoures Maiestie with the Booke, whiche I neuer sawe.

This wrote Eccius, as is mencioned, but howe* 1.721 vntruely, his awne companions in a supplication wrytten vnto the Vmpeeres and presidentes of the disputacion, wyt nesse: wherein they complayne of Eccius, and of hy sfalsheede, excusyng them sel∣ues: besydes that the presydentes also, as the

Lorde Frederick Countie Palatyne Electour on the Rhene, and the Lord Granuell one of the Em∣peroures Maiesties counsayll, and the Empe∣roures Maiestie hym selfe, excused Eccius compa∣nyons and praysed them: that they had done true∣ly and honestly, and confessed that Eccius had a∣greed and consented to that that they dyd, as then all these thynges maye suffyciently be sene in the treatye it selfe.

Nowe the whyle the matter stoode thus as touchyng Rellygion, and by the hynderaunce of the Popes Ambassadoure and Eccius coulde pro∣ceade no forther, was the Turkes matter taken in hande to sende an Armye against him, and to with∣stande hym, and to bee shorte all the States and degrees of the Empyre agreed and consented to helpe agaynste the Turke with men and money, and there was a taxe leuyed the wholle Empyre thorowe, in all the Lordeshyppes thereof, bothe spyrituall and temporall, that euery man shoulde geue accordynge to hys substaunce of an hun∣dreth* 1.722 guldens one gulden. And he that was but a poore man and not worth and hundreth guldens, should paye syxtene pence for his Body.

This taxe was counted to be of suche valu∣re, that it was able to kepe an hundreth thousande men, bothe footemen▪ and horssemen three yeares longe. And the Marques of Brādeburg Electour was chosen to be the hyghe and chefe Capitayne ouer all that wholl multytude in the fyelde: And thys Armye shoulde goo forwarde in the Somer

folowyng in the twoo and fourty yeare. These thinges beyng ended and cōcluded, the states & de∣grees of the Empyre departed and went home, and beganne to make preparacion for the money and Armye aboue mencioned.

As the Emperoures Maiestie and the states and degrees of the Empyre were assembled and consulted together at Regensburg, the Turke also in the meane while consydered what was meetest for hym to do. For when kynge Iohn Weyda of Hungary was deed, and left a Sonne after hym,* 1.723 a Monke, called Brother George Ordinis pau∣linor at Offen, behaued hymselfe so that he was chosen of the Hungars to be the tutor of the Iunge kynge and admitted to be Regent. He beynge promoted to suche an hygth, and beyng affeared of the Turke, whiche came wyth a greate power to∣warde Offen, sought all the wayes that he coulde, to kepe Offen and to abyde in the gouernaunce whereunto he was chosen, and that on thys wyse, He made as thoughe he woulde haue holpen the* 1.724 Turcke, And when the Turkes Bassa, called Ma∣hometwerck, Lieutenaunt of * 1.725 Grekeweissen∣bourg, came before Pest with a greate Armye of the Turkes to wynne it, the Moncke sent hym a greate soorte of Sowdiars oute of Offen to hel∣pe hym to take in Pest, whiche full shrewdly heard the confessyon of those sely Sowdiars that were layde in Pest by Ferdinandus. For it was done in the Lente, betwene the twenty daye of Martche and the fourth of Aprill.

But after the Turkes Bassa was compelled to departe from thence, the Moncke so fenced and fortifyed hys Gouernaunce and the Cytye, that he trusted to 〈…〉〈…〉 the same againste all the power of the Turke.

Shortely after, at the Emperoures and the kynges Maiesties request, there was a meetely good Armye sent into Hungary by the Empyre, to thyntent to haue brought Offen out of the Monc∣kes power agayne vnder Ferdinandus. But as sone as those Sowdiars were come together, there beganne an horrible Sycknesse among them, so that there died many of them euery daye, and all that were sent thether to strengthen them and to fulfyll their nombre was in vayne. For they dyed more dayly than coulde be sent vnto them. And thereto the Turke hymselfe came downe wyth a greate and a myghtie power to take in Offen, and to dryue oure Company back agayne: Whiche seyng that they were to weake to fyght agaynste so greate a multytude, and were also plaged wyth the pestylence, went vp a lyttell aboue Offen and pytched their tentes and made them a Trenche by Sainct Gertrudes hyll. But for as muche as there dyed euery daye many of them, and the Tur∣kes encreased dayly more and more: They fel vpon oure men the twenty daye of August in the mor∣nyng wyth an horrible shoute and oute crye, but oure men defended them selues manfully, and com∣pelled the Turckes to flye back agayne into their their Tentes. The daye after our men seyng them¦selues

to weake, beganne to consult that it was best to flye, and in the nyght after the horsemen went o∣uer the Tonaw. And thereuppon the Capitaynes that kept the watche the same nyght▪ toke with thē the other watchemen before the tyme that they should haue left the watche, and gat ouer the water in Shyppes. When the Commen soarte of the sow¦diars perceaued that they were forsaken of the hor∣semen, they fledde in all the hast, and as many as could obtaine the Shyppes eskaped, many were drouned that woulde haue Swymmed ouer the water, all the reaste, whiche were well eight thou∣sande* 1.726 were pitifully kylled of the Turkes. And the Turkes obtayned suche a notable soorte of Gonnes and Instrumentes of warre, as had not bene before sene in Hungary. And it was the Com∣men sayeng of all the Soudiars, that that misera∣ble worke was begonne by the treason of Willyam* 1.727 of Rogendorpe, whiche at that tyme was chefe ca∣pitaine of the Armie. Whereuppon they also haue made a Ballett, whiche they openly synge, where∣in they exhorte all other Capitaynes to be warre that they do no suche shamefull deade. And let no Sowdiar whether he be of hyghe or lowe de∣gree, that hath a mynde to honestye, set so muche ether by money or rewardes, that he woulde ther∣fore be a shamed to all the worlde, so that shame should be spoken and songen of hym for euer of all them that shall lyue after hym all christendom ouer.

But we wyll come agayne to the Turkes mat∣ters. That Tyrrant caused foure score prysoners

of the Christen to be brought starck naked before* 1.728 his Sonne, and for hys pleasure and pastyme he∣wed them into small peeces. Certenne of the no∣bilitye that were taken prysoners, were caried in∣to Turkye and there compelled with greate and paynefull mysery to be slaues.

After this victory, he Imagyned howe he my∣ght take Offen in. And therefore called vnto hym the chefe Lordes of Hungary, as Valentyne Te∣reck, Peter Petroreyck, Vrban Vath••niani, and other that folowed hys ordinaunce and stuffe, tho∣roughe whose counsayll he brought his Armye in to Hungarye: and sayde vnto them, that if they coulde fynde the meanes to delyuer Offen into his handes, he woulde make them the Rulers ouer Hungarye. Vppon this promesse they allured the Monck, and the Quene and her Sonne and the other lordes that were within Offen to agree to their request sayeng the best that they coulde of the Turke, that he woulde be good and graciouse vnto them, if they woulde yelde vp the Cytye into his handes, and ••••••re vnto hym in to hys tentes, shewynge them on the other syde that they were not able to resyste and wythstande hys power.

Nowe when they vppon this coumfort came out•• of the Cytye, to receaue and take the Turke for the* 1.729 ruler & father of their Coūtrey, was that promesse not kept vnto them, but they were streight wayes taken prysoners, and Offen was taken inne by for∣ce. And there was suche a surie and woodnesse ex∣cercised out of hād against y^• indwellers both citizēs & soudiars, & against wiues & maidens, that a stony

hart woulde haue pytyed it. For after they had moste shamefully misused them, they were ether kylled, or caried awaye into a straūge countrey into extreame mysery and wretchednesse.

After this the Turke caused the Quene and her Sonne, and the Moncke, and many other of the Courtyers to bee sent vnto Lyppa, whyche is a stronge Castell. And then sent oute three Com∣panies into thre coastes of Hungerlande to robbe and steale, in euery companye twelue thousande men of whiche the fyrste coulde do no great harme, for they coulde not come into Mehrer lande by the meanes of the Water, where their purpose was to haue made hauock. The second Company came all moste as farre as Vienne. The third made hauock in the landes of the lordes of Balassa, and kylled ma¦ny poore men, and caried many awaye for pryso∣ners.

In the meane whyle sent kyng Ferdinādus his Ambassadours the Lorde Nicolas the Earle of Salme, and the lorde Sigismundt of Harmonsto∣ne to Offen to the Turke, to Take a Truce. And* 1.730 when they had obtayned the same for an half yeare▪ and made it sure on both the sydes, the Ambassa∣dours toke their way home againe to the kyng.

And the Turke when he had furnyshed Offen* 1.731 wyth twenty thousand men, tooke his Iourney to Constantinople. But the Turkes that were left in the Cytye of Offen kept not the Truce longe, but fell often oute, and toke the Christen prysoners at Vnwares, whyche thynge caused oure men also

to do the same with them, whereupon there folo∣wed a cōtinuall Robbing and Roauing on both the sydes, the whole wynter ouer, so that some tyme the Turkes somtyme our men had the victory.* 1.732

The Turke, as he departed, toke valētyne Te∣reck, thorou whose helpe he gatt Offen, and caused an yeron chayne to be put about his necke, and cast him in to the Tonaw by Grekes weissenburg, and so rewarded hym for his true seruice.* 1.733

He also sodenly fell vpon these Castels and toke them in, zeckzaart, zeckehen, Baranianara, and o∣ther that laye by them. He also toke his pleasure vpon the citie of Fyuechurches, and assaulted it, but founde lytel pleasure there. For the Indwellers de fended themselues well.

But they that were left within Offen fell twyse out at vnwares vpon Grane, and the towne Kakat that lieth ouer against Grane, on this syde the To∣naw they pitifully cleane robbed and pulled doune: so that there was an excidyng myserable worke in Hungary this yere.

Besyde this Armie in Hungary had the Turck* 1.734 an other myghtie armie at this time both by water and by lande in the Ile Peloponesus, nowe called Morea, wherewith he droue the Venecians from all the Cities that they had there, and tooke them in. The whyle the Turck was thus woode dyd the Emperoure Charles prepare hym selfe in Ita∣ly, Spayne, Sycyll and other of hys landes and I∣les with a notable great Nauye, wherein he had a good armye, well foure and twenty thousand men, of whiche syxe thousande were dutchemen, whose

chefe Capitaine was Master George of Regens∣burg, and sayled into Affrica vnto the Citie of Al∣gier, whiche Barbarossa had in. And although the Poape disswaded the Emperoure that he shoulde not take suche an vntymely shyppyng, as to wytt, in Wynter, at Luke, where they were both toge∣ther▪* 1.735 yet must the Emperoures purpose forward. For he hoped to haue dryuen Barbarossa oute of that hauen, and so to haue had none Enemy whom he should haue neaded to feare the somer folowing, by the meanes whereof he coulde the better haue withstandeth the Turke by Sea. Nowe when he hauyng a prosperouse wynde, was come with the aforesayde Armie to Algier, and brought his Sow¦diars* 1.736 oute of the Shyppes, and gotten them on lande, than beganne sodenly suche an horryble tem∣pest to aryse vppon Sea, with wynde and rainne, and lasted three dayes longe wythout ceassyng: that not onely the Sowdiars wacksed doussye in the heed and syck, but also through the violence of the Storme there were more than an hundreth and thyrtye Spyppes beaten shaken to geather, and peryshed, wherein many men, and specially all their packes and baggage, and all their vyttalles, and the ordinaunce to beseaghe the Cytie wythall was lost, of whiche thynges our men had no great Ioye.

Nowe when they of Algier sawe that oure men were in suche greate necessitie, they fell oute of the Cytie, and kylled them that kept the watche, and

fell vppon them that were in the Tentes with sha••∣tes and hagbushes, but were yet dryuen back a∣gayne into the Cytie of the Spanyardes. After∣warde they laye in the waye to hynder certayne knightes of the Rodes in a strayte waye (of whome and hundreth folowed the Emperoure agaynsie the vnfaythfull) tyll the Emperoure came and helped them with the doutch Sowdiars. But when the Enemies had shott seuen thousand of the Ita∣talians thorou wyth hagbushes, and the reast we∣re dryuen to flye, than the Emperoure exhorted the dutchemen to withstande, and saide, ye beloued dutchemen helpe your Emperoure thys daye, or elles neuer, And euen as he spake those woordes, were they that stoode next by hym in order kylled with a gonne whiche thynge yet nether feared nor Amased hym any thynge at all. When the dut∣che sowdiars perceaued that, they gat a Courage, and althoughe they coulde not shote for the great∣nes of the raynue, yet they droue the Enemies backe agayne into the Cytie wyth Speare and sworde.

But for as muche as all their victualles were spente, and (as is before sayde) destroyed wyth the violence of the Storme, the Emperoures Ma∣iestie made prouision to departe, and to the entent that the sowdiars myght haue some what to eate, the whyle they shoulde sayle, they toke the horsses oute of the Shyppes, kylled them and ate them, and afterward brought the sowdiars into the shyppes

that were left, and sayled from thence. And in the saylyng homewarde they were also in greate. Ieo∣pardy and perel vpon the sea, and many of the ship∣pes and men were drowned. Let this muche bee ynough of this viage. He that wyll knowe further thereof, may reade the whole history, whiche Nico∣las Villagagnome a knyght of the Rhodes hath diligently written, which also was present thereby hymselfe.

In the meane whyle dyed the Godly Christen* 1.737 prince Duke Henry of Saxon, Duke Georges bro∣ther, and his sonne Maurice, whiche after maryed the Landgraue of Hesses daughter, succeded in the gouernaunce.

The pestilence reigned greuously in many pla∣ces this .xli. yeare, and specially at Vien in Osten∣rick. there dyed well .xviij. thousande the whole so∣mer all moste was weete and rayne. by the meanes whereof also the wyne could not come at his due sea son, and was very sower. And yet was this yeare* 1.738 more wyne wacksen, then in the three yeares folo∣wyng: Wherein the grapes were all dryed vp and wythered, vndoubtedly for oure vnthanckfulnesse sake, and for the mysuse thereof.

THe yeare .MDxlij. in the beginning of the yeare there came certayn souldiours, Ita∣lians borne into a towne in Histria called Maran, not farre from Tryest, belonging* 1.739 to Ferdinandus. There were about thre hundreth of them, and the second mornyng after they came into the towne, they cried Frantza, Frantza and kept them together with their wordes and other weapons.

Nowe in the towne was very fewe people, and vnape to warr, by the meanes wherof they yelded them selues. This towne (as men suppose) dyd the Frenche kynge therfore cause to be taken in, to let the turck in ther in to styrmarcke, kernton and the other landes nyghe: ther vnto, for it was a goode hauen, and meate for that purpose: whyche thyng yet God hath thus longe graciously preserued vs from.

In the meane whyle ther was preparacion made* 1.740 the whole Empyre thorow, and a myghtye greate armye gathered to send in to vngary (as was con∣cluded at Regensburge) agaynste the turcke: and ther were men sent out of all the coastes of Dutche lande, whyche came to geather harde by Vyenne. Nowe euen when they shulde goforwarde wyth the wholl multytude togeather, whyche were a∣boue an hundreth thousande, yet was therby the meanes of hyndraunce, no greate thynge brought to passe for it was in the later ende of harueste, so that it wolde be shortely tyme to prepare for theyr wynter Campe. Yet the chefe and hyghe captayn for that he woulde nott be counted to haue gone forth in vayne, went forwarde and beseged Peste,* 1.741 whyche the turcke hadde wonne the yeare before in wynter, and assaulted it wyth the greatlosse of our men.

And as they in the citye fell often oute to feyght* 1.742 wyth oure men, duke Mauryce of Saxon play∣ed the man, and folowed after the enemyes so farre from hys awne company that he was com∣passed rounde aboute of the turckes and taken,

But because they coulde get nothyng of hym in his complete harnesse, they woulde leuer haue taken* 1.743 hym therout alyue, the whyle the Turckes were aboute hym to haue shyfted hym oute of his harne∣sse, one of hys Ientellmen soughte so manfully to delyuer hys master, tyll the reaste of the horse men myssed theyr master and came to help hym, and vt¦terlie delyuered hym from the Enemyes. But the Ientylman that fought so manfullye for him was kylled of the turckes.

In the meane ceason ther came a great horrible* 1.744 sycknesse amonge the soudyars, whyche wacksed greater and greater, by the meanes wherof they were compelled to brekeup the Campe and gyue the soudyars leaue to departe. So that haply tho¦rou the handyworck of God, whyche wyll moare punyshe vs wyth the Turcke, as we then daly wel deserue with vnthanckfulnesse and with the perse∣quntynge of his woorde, ther was no moare done, but that we loste bothe our men and monye and all oure labour, and made our selues mockyng stoc¦kes to the Turcke.

At the departynge from thence they so dyed of* 1.745 the afforsayde sycknesse, that skant the tenth man came home agayne. Thys sycknesse was so conta∣gyouse, that yf one butt blewe vpon a nother he muste dye, and the whyle they laye, they were full of fantesyes as though they had bene madde, and as ••on•• as that madnesse was gonne from them, they dyed by and by. Very fewe recouered that had this syckenesse, but they that dyed not of it, lay wounderouse long syck.

Whyle the Marquesse of Brandenburge, as is ••for sayde, laye wych thys multitude in Vngary,* 1.746 in the meane whyle the famouse prynce Ihon Fry¦derycke Duke of Saxon. Electour. &c. and Phi∣lyppe Landgraue of Hesse and they that were in leaghe wyth them toke in to waghes a reasonable goode sorte of horsse men and fote men, agaynste Duke Henrye of Brunswycke. The occasyon of thys warre was, that the Duke of Brunswycke, after he hadde of shamefully and hyghly slaundred bothe the Electoure and the Landgraue wyth o∣penlye prynted bokes, dyd them of Goslar and Brunswycke whyche bothe weare in leaghe wyth the afforsayd prynces, manye and greate iniuryes, as that he belayed the wayes to these twoo cyty∣es, toke theyr cytezens presoners, toke raunsome for them, & yet killed them. And although he were often commaunded to leaue those proude poyn∣tes, by the Emperoure and the kynge of the Ro∣maynes, yet woulde he not leaue hys euell pur∣pose: & sayd, that it shoulde coste hym hys wholle Dukedome, yet he woulde leue it.

Nouwe in as muche as ther coulde no meane, be founde to helpe the matter, the aboue mencyoned Noble Prynces and they that were in leaghe wyth them, were dryuen to defende ther felowes, membres of the same leaghe.

Therefore wente they forwarde in Iu∣ly with their soudyars (whiche were aboute two and twenty thousand) in to the land of Brunswick. There the cities and castelles were yelde vppe one

after a nother, and were wyth frenshyppe gracy∣ouslye receaued and defended, and euery man suf∣fred to kepe hys awne goodes wyth out any losse or hynderaunce. But suche as wolde wyth stande, were compelled to be obedyente.

When he of Brunswyke sawe that, he manned* 1.747 hys beste and strongeste house, called Woluenbu∣tell, whych lyeth in a flatte euenfelde wyth strong walles and water ditches, wyth hys awne subiec∣tes, and wente hys waye, as thoughe he woulde fetchemo men and shortely come agayne and helpe them, commaund ynge them to playe the men, and kepe the house tyll he came agayne. They hadde al¦so all thynges ynoughe in the Castel that was nea¦defull ther to, yf they shoulde haue bene long be∣seaged.* 1.748

Nowe when the princes came before the Castel, they sent word thyther that they shuld haue peace and a safe conduyte to come oute wyth all that they hadde, yf they woulde yelde vppe the Castell. Ther vnto answered the captaines that were with in the Castell, that they shulde come agayne thre* 1.749 yeare after, and then woulde they geue them an Answer to that question. For they trusted to kepe that Castell so longe, they thoughte that it was nott possyble to wynne it, if it were nott hun∣gred oute, and they hadde made prouision for thre yeares, wherefore they woulde not yelde it vp.

Vpon thys prowde Answere, the prynces and the cytye of Brunswyke treuched in thre

places, and pytched theyr tentes. And the Land graue came so nyghe wyth hys ordynaunce, that a man myghte caste a stoane in to the Castell dyt∣che oute of hys trenche.

And when they hadde begonne to shote the ordynaunce, the trompettoure of the Castell syt∣tynge aboue in the tower, beganne to playe thys ballatte to anger the Prynces wyth all.

If thy pastime repent y^e, than get y^e home again. &c.* 1.750 Therwyth all was the Land graue so angrye, that he leuelled al his ordinaunce against the tower, and so shott ther at, that the tower, and the trompet∣ter wyth all hys pypynge fell downe.

Thys fallynge downe of the tower made them that were in the Castell so affearde, that they that dwellte in the countreye harde by the Castell beganne streyght wayes to come oute one* 1.751 after a nother swymmynge ouer the dytche by a duffhouse. And when y^e other mercked that many of theyr men were gonne, and were to weeke to wythstande the greate power that was there a∣gaynst: them, they yelded vppe both them selues and the Castell vnto the Prynces.

Afterward was the Castel and the wholle* 1.752 lande sett in an order, and the Gospell (whyche be∣fore was kepte from it throughe that tyranne the Duke of Brunswycke) ordeyned to be preached therinne. And when they hadde ordeyned all thyn¦ges after the beste facyon, and the Duke of Brun¦swycke appeared no where wyth any sowdyars

and the Empyre requyred. But the Emperoure coulde smell what the Pope meante. Wherefore he vtterlye refused that councell, and exhorted hym by wrytyng, that he woulde rather see thatt the Frentch kyng kepte peace, to thynthent that the Turcke myghte be wythstanded: than to call a councel at suche an Vnmeete time, which might be an hynderaunce to the other purpoose to make peace.

Afterwarde the Emperoures Mayestye prepared hymselfe after the beste facyon to wyth stand the Frentche kynge and hys partetakers.

Aboute thys tyme dyd the a boue mency∣oned Prynces, Duke Otho Henrycke, and Phy∣lyppe* 1.753 hys brother bothe countye palatynes on the rhyne, and the cytyes Regensburgh and Swyne∣forthe, receaue the Gospell: for whyche thynge they were compelled to take muche harme, and specyallye they of Regensburge, to whome Duke Wyllyam of Bayer did al the hurte that the could:* 1.754 and forbadde all hys suby••ctes, that none of them shulde carye anye thynge to Regensburge or by or sell wyth them, or yf anye man dyd, he muste nott come agayne in to hys lande, and must leese all hys goodes.

Thys was a greate hyndraunce to the cy¦tye, of Regensburge. For it lyeth in the myd∣des of the lande of Bayer, Yeth hath God gracy¦ously preserued it.

In the begynnynge of the herueste ther* 1.755 came oute of Ly••towe, thorou the land of pole and

through schlesye and vnto the land of myssen great multytudes of Grassehoppers flyinge, and layed them downe in the aboue mencyoned landes by greate multytudes, an hundreth dutch myle long and a••e vppe all that was grene in the felde and lo we medowes. They were as greate as a mannes fynger, and some of them greater, they hadde sca∣les as it hadde bene harnesse vpon them, and as it were an hatte vpon theyr heades lyke an olde row¦stye year on sallet, and were harde lyke an horne, so that a man coulde skante treade them in sonder. They had four winges as it wer, which wereread speckelde, some of them were yellowe and gray and of other speckelde coloures.

And where so euer they layed them downe in the felde, there they laye well a foate thycke from the grounde. And specyallye in the lande of Pole they saye that they laye an halfe elne thick from the grounde.

When the sunne beganne to schyne then they flewe vppe by greate heapes, in battell order so thycke to gether, that they shadowed the sonne lyke a clowde. They flewe also as swystlye as o∣ther birdes, a wholl dutche myl befor they reasted. In the lande of myssen they came as farre as to the water Mylda, for ther they came nott. Euerye man thoughte that then shoulde a greate deathe haue folowed in the same landes, where as yet hy∣ther to ther hath none bene hearde of.

Haplye it was a warnynge (as certen learned men wryte) that we should take hiede that

we myght be able to withstande, if the Turck came in wyth suche a multitude of people, from whyche thynge God gracyously defende vs.

In Italye vpon the .xiii. daye of Iune ther* 1.756 was a fearfull and an horryble Earthquake by Flo¦rence, whyche threwe downe manye Chymney∣es in Florence, and almooste a wholle lytell towne lyinge not farre from it called Scharbarya, and destroyed many men.

They wryte also that in Turckye a lytell* 1.757 towne lyinge not farre from Solonychyo, from whence the Saffren cometh, was destroyed wyth men and women and all that was ther in wyth an Earthquake.

They saye also that ther stode ouer Con∣stantynople* 1.758 an horryble blasynge sterre .xl. dayes longe, and that in the same dayes, in Iune and Iu∣lye, there was there an horryble weether, and an Earthquake. They saye also that a Dragon burnt the Turckes Castell and treasure, and that ther came a greate multitude of wolues rennynge into the cyty, whyche dyd men muche harme. And ma∣ny suche wounders done at that tyme were wryt∣ten oute of Constantynople, wherof, as me semeth some be but lyes. Howe beit I lett euerye man thynck ther in as shal please hym, and beleue what he wyll. Let thys be ynoughe of thys yeare.

The Brabanters beyng prouoked of Marten van Rosheyme rusch et in to the lande of Gulyck▪* 1.759 and burne certen Castels & lytel townes, or robbe and make hauocke of them. They manne Duren, Gulycke, ••yttard, Sustern and Hynsberg, which

were yelded vp vnto them. On the other syde the Duke of Cleue, after he hath gathered an armye round aboute oure all places wythstandeth the po∣wer of the Brabanders: Whyche after they had made Hensburg stronge & entended also to Fence Duren, entred into fyght wyth hys Enemyes, Wherein when there were many kylled on both partyes the fyght was ended.

Syttard and Gulyck, because the walles were ouerthrowen of the Brabanders, the Duke of Cleue causeth to be strongly walled agayne, and beseaged Duren and compelleth them to yelde vp the towne in the ende of December.

Thys yeare Iames the fyft kynge of Scott∣land,* 1.760 beyng .xxxiij. yeare of age dyed in Decem∣ber, leauyng but one onely doughter alyue of two yeare of age, borne of hys second wyfe, ouer whom he ordeyned tutors and gouerners of the Realme the Cardynall of S. Andrewes, and the lorde Ha∣melton.

IN the yeare of our Lord, 1543. euen* 1.761 in the begynnynge of the yeare was a conuocation or Counsell kept at Nu∣remburgh, at the whyche conuocation was present kyng Ferdinandus wyth hys two el∣dest sonnes, and besydes them the moost parte of the Ambassadours and deputies of the other prin∣ces* 1.762 of the Empyre. And when all theyr actes and doynges were prolonged vntyll after Easter, ther was another day appoynted to be kept at Spyer, where the Emperours Mayestye shoulde perso∣nally appeare hym selfe.

In the moneth of Ianuary the Emperours ma∣iesty* 1.763 sent out of spain a mighty army bothe on hors∣back & on foot wherof the erle of Aultete was capi∣taine, into y^e land of the Mores called Mauritania, ••••enge in the coastes and borders of Afryca, ouer a¦gaynste Spayne, to inuade the kynge of the cytye of tremetz, wherof also the kyngdome hath hys name: because that by the helpe of the Moores he hadde proflygated and expelled hys brother, vnto whome the gouernaunce of the kingdome by right dyd appertayne whyche soughte redresse and suc∣cour at the handes of themperours maiesty. This armye arryued the .xxvii. daye of Ianuary at the cytye of Tybyda lyenge by the sea syde, where* 1.764 they founde a greate multytude of Mores, which soone auoyded, and lefte y^e cyty vnto the Spanyar¦des. After thys they marched from Tybyda to∣wardes tremetz, and endamaged the Mores by the waye whyche were departed from Tybyda: vntyll at the laste they tourned them selues again and made a conflycte and skyrmyssynge wyth the Spanyardes, whyche dyd soone beate them of and putt them to flyght agayne.

In the meane season departed the kynge* 1.765 oute of the cytye of tremetz wyth hys fyghtynge men, and the beste treasures that was wyth in the cyty, and camped on a hyll next vnto the cyty.

And when he perceyued the Mores to be smytten and putt to flyghte, he hasted inconti∣nently to succour thē: but he wā••e euen as much as they whome he came to succour had wanne before.

Nowe when the kynge was departed out of the ci¦tye,* 1.766 the Spanyardes went and toke it wyth all theyr armye, whervpon the chyef Ruler that was yet left in the cytye caused themperoure to be ac∣ceptet and proclamed for theyr souereygne. Which cytye was wonne on tewesdaye the .vi. daye of Fe¦bruary.

The Frenche kynge proceded in the lande of Lu¦xeeburghe* 1.767 as he hadde begonne the yeare before, to waste to destroye to ouerthrowe, and to take in possessyon al that euer he might ouercome, neither was their any to resist hym, sauing that y^e townes which were able to abide a blowe, were furnyshed with souldiours. In like maner did also william duke of Cleue in the land lieng by the Maze, again¦ste* 1.768 whom the Lady Mary sister vnto themperou∣res maiesty, and regent of the Lower partes of Du¦cheland, prepared and assembled an host of Launce knightes being in nombre about ten thousand, and aboue a thousand horses, by the which she caused y^e towne of Sytterd pertaining to the duke of Cleue and lieng about thre miles from Masetright, to be beseged. But when the said army had martched in haste vntyll the thyrde daye, and came to the sayd towne on easter euen whyche was the .xxiiii. daye of Marche, pytchynge there theyr Campe, and intendynge to refreshe them selues with foode and* 1.769 reste after theyr hungre, and paynfull iourneye sustayned: The Duke of Cleue approched wyth hys armye, whyche by estymacyon exceded nott the nombre of them that were sente by the sayde ladye Marye (as I am infourmed of waryours

that hadde ben in and amonge the sayde company) whyche nombre beynge espyed a farre of, caused the Brabanders to make an alarme, thynkynge none other but that the Prynce of Orenge, Rena∣tus counte of Nassowe, who hadde the yere be∣fore for the mooste parte hyndered the enterpryse of Martyne van Rossem agaynste Brabante, was come to ayde them. Wherefore manye of them ran oute before the Campe nott halfe beynge armed. Neuertheles they brought them selues in battayl aray at all aduentures, to prouyde in case the said companye were theyr frendes, that they myghte honorablye and tryumphauntly receyue them: yf nott, that they myghte take the lesse hurte. But when the hoost of Cleue approched near in hys bat¦tell raye, the Brabanders espyed the whyte Cro∣sses in theyr banners, whereby they knewe assured¦lye that they were enemyes. Wherefore they dyd also marche forwarde in theyr ordre and araye a∣gaynste theyr enemyes. And when they hadde wel vewed and beholden one another on bothe syedes, the horsemen of bothe partyes caused theyr trom∣pettes* 1.770 to blowe, and theyr companye to stande by valyauntly.

Vpon thys dyd also the pyetons inuade one another, wyth these woordes. Whatt coun∣tre man, do we fynde one another here? and furth wyth rushed to gether lyke valyaunte souldyours: I•• so muche thatt the horsemen of the Cleueners. after harde byckerynge were soone put to flyghte by the Brabanders.

Butt theyr pyetons defended them selues

so muche the more manfullye, and pressed vpon the Brabanders after suche sorte as they were con¦strayened to flee backwarde. And whan they that were formoost beganne to drawe backwardes, the hole hoste, fled to gether in suche wyse as they* 1.771 coulde nott be stopped: Whereupon the Cleueners hasted after them, and smote downe all that euer they myghte ouertake. And yf the horsemen of the Brabanders hadde nott smytten the horsemen of the Cleueners, and turned them from the sayde pursuete, of all the pyetons of the Brabanders shoulde nott one haue escaped on lyue: Butt by the meanes of the sayde horsemen there were not myssed manye more then two thousande and thre hundreth at the nexte musterynge after.

In thys conflycte gate the Duke of Cleue besydes the boutye of them that were slayene a∣boute syxe tenne or seuen tenne peaces of ordy∣naunce, wyth theyr munycyons and appurtenaun∣ces.

Wherefore he became so hyghemynded that he assured hym selfe to be able to resyste all the power of themperoure, but howe thys matter suc¦ceded wyth hym shalbe sayde hereafter in the next yeare.

Durynge these affayres, there was no* 1.772 cettayntye knowen, concernyng the Emperours Mayestye thoroughout all Dutchlande, where or in what condytyon he was. Manye sayed he was dead▪ wherevpon there was muche money & great waghers laid betwen marchaunt and marchaunt.

Some sayde he warred before Argyeres, and in summe, all mens sayenges were vncertayne, in so muche that the practyses of certayn Astronomers were partelye veryfyed vpon hym. For they hadde prophecyed, that themperoure shoulde slepe thys yere, in suche sorte as thoroughout al Ducheland but fewe men shoulde knowe howe or where he was, or whatt he toke in hande. But the nexte yeare folowing it was perceiued that he had prepa¦red himself in spayn against Fraunce and the duke of Cleue, with a great power. And leaste Spayne should be left without a head and Gouernour, he had made and establyshed his sonne Philip kynge therof.

After that the conuocacion or Councell of No∣••••nburgh* 1.773 was dispersed king Ferdinandus prepa¦red hymselfe wyth hys affynytye, towardes the solemnysatyon of the maryage of hys doughter whyche was betroughted to Sygysmunde the younge kynge of Poles. Whyche feaste was kept and celebrated wyth great pompe and solem∣nytye in the cytye of Cracowe, whyche is the chyefe cytye of the Lande of Poles, called Polo∣nya▪ begynnyng the .iiii. daye of maye, and con∣tynuyng manye dayes after.

But when the tyme was come wherein they hadde appoynted to shewe pastymes and to vse iustynges, there chaunced suche a coulde and raynye whether contynuynge manye dayes that manye became vnlustye, and had no delyte in pastymys and myrth.

While there was suche myrth and pastime vsed* 1.774 in the Lande of Poles, the Turke prepared hym selfe in Hungary, to bryng a present vnto kyng Fer¦dinando at that feaste, in so muche that the .xxiiij. day of Iuly next folowyng he beseged the stronge Castell of Grane, with a great power, and brought with hym about a fyfty great peces of ordinaunce, all wall breakers, wherewith he shott both nyght & day very ••uttragiously, and cast downe the walles in many places so that they of oure syde within the Castell could not occupie their great ordinaunce by the space of two dayes. And when this shutyng of the Turke had continued vntill the eight daye of August he caused thesayd Castell the next morowe after to bee assaulted with an excedyng greate po∣wer: And when the same assault had cōtinued about fyue houres, the Turkes were fayne to drawe back¦wardes againe with greate losse. But whatsoeuer God by the administracion of the Germaynes had preserued in Ferdinandus kyngdom, the same was by his owne Capitaynes and seruauntes betrayed and deliuered. For many Launceknyghtes of the Germayne nation sawe with their eyes, that the chief Capitaine of the Castell called Salamancko deliuered letters to the Turke with his owne han∣des ouer the walles, at the tyme of the said assault. Whereupon the Turkes came by heapes the .xix. day of August next folowyng, to take the Castell in possession, accordyng to the promise whiche the vp∣per Capitayne had made them: whiche notwithstā∣dyng were put of agayn by the violence and power of the Germaines that knewe not of the sayde con∣spiracy

commaunded the same sincerely and purely to bee preached thoroughout all his diocese and iurisdic∣tion. But this greued the Chapiter and the Citie of Collyn very sore, wherfore they haue also hither to endeuoured them selues to worke vnto hym mu¦che wo, sorowe and persecution, here and there by the hier powers. God vouchsafe to preuente their bloudy counsailes and deuices, and graunte them to be taken in their owne snares, that his name in them may be sanctified. Amen.

This yere also dyed at Ingolstade doctor Iohn* 1.775 Eckius a faithfull seruaunt and chāpion of the Po∣pe, and a defender of the abhominable Papacy. But as his lyfe was full of all vngodlynes, vnclennes & blasphemy, so was his ende myserable harde and pi¦tifull: insomuche that his laste worde (as it is noted of many credible persones) was this, in case the fou∣re thousand guldens were ready the matter were dispatched. Some say that the Pope had graūted hym a certaine Deanerych, whiche he shoulde haue redemed from the courte of Rome with the saied summe. And although some of his adherentes would fayne haue extolled hym into heauen, wher∣fore also the sayde rumour was myghtely resisted with vayne excuses, yet haue they not preuayled, but opened his shame so muche the more.

the .xxvi. day of Nouember a certayn woman* 1.776 besydes Basell in a village called Renach, brought furth a wonderfull burthen namely twoo chyldren fast together and double from the nauell vpwarde, so that both their bellyes and brestes were growen together vnto their neckes, their heades beyng par¦ted

lokinge one vpon an other, and embrasing eche other with their armes. Frō the nauel downeward it was but one childe wyth one arse, membres of a manchilde▪ two legges and two fete, & the one was alyue when it came into the worlde, but it lyued not past an houre.

Also the fourth day of Iune were sene at Whitē* 1.777 dall not far frō S. Ioachinis valley many & sundry visions. As .ii. cities, against whō 〈…〉〈…〉 many Lyōs with gonnes, & the reapeared many visages & figu¦res of men w^t wonderful beardes, one prayeng after the shape of Christ, an other striking of a mās head, & an other sitting vpon a Camell was destroied of a lyon. There apeared also .ij. maidens, the one of thē playeng on a lute, with other like wonderfull fanta¦sies: whiche altogether (after my iudgement) may represent vnto vs the pore flock of Christ scattered* 1.778 through out Germany & Duchlād, which is assaul∣ted & persecuted of many lyons, that shede much in nocēt bloud, & yet is alwaies preserued & enlarged through the earnest prayer of faithfull Christians, according to the significacion of the lesser citie of thē both, which increassed & became larger & larger the more she was assaulted of the lyons.

IN the yere of our lord. 1544. the Emperoure* 1.779 Charles came againe into Germany, & helo•• a councell at Spier, as it was apointed at Nur¦renburg the yere before: but what was there done & concluded, may all men perceiue by the breakyng vp of the same councell. In the meane season dyed y^• right & peaceable prince Lodowike Palatine by y^• Rene, electour imperial &c. who as touchīg his pea¦ceable behaueours, might be called the father of the

Empire: For the celebration of whose buriall them∣perour & the kyng went to Heidelbergh. And after this was the election by the Rene graunted by the* 1.780 Emperours mai. to duke Frederike palati••e, which had the daughter of Christierne king of Dēmark, & had hitherto kept his court at Newemarke. This ••andable prince after y^• he had aspired to this digni∣••••••, endeuoured himselfe to y^• vtermost of his power to solowe the steppes of his brother of laudable me¦mory. Almighty God vouchsaue of his grace to pre¦serue & increase hym & all lyke peaceable princes to the welfare of the christen common welth.

While this passed about the Rene, themperoure* 1.781 caused his capitaines to take vp a great multitude of mē in the cōtreis of Germany, Burgūdy, & Spai¦ne, a sent first. 7600. Germayns. 4800. Span∣yardes. 12800. Italians, with. 1500. horses of whō was chief capitain markes de quass•• to inuaded the Frenche kyng through Piemont. And where the said army came within a duche myle of Carniol (for so it is called of the warriours) they were assaulted of the kynges hoste, whiche was but litell stronger then themperours hoste. Wherfore they brought themselues bothe at once in battellraye, & stode on two hilles, whence the one might well beholde the other, & betwene them beneth was a depe muddy valley, with dyches full of foul water. Nowe when neither part would geue ouer his holde, & auēture through the mudde, & the dyches, there was many a shot made betwene them, vntyll at the last the said Markes put furward the Spanyardes, promising them comfortably to assiste them, with the Italians and with the horsemen, insomuch that they attem∣pted

with their armures and artillery to wade tho¦rough the mudde and myre against their enemies, whereupon the sayde enemies stoode styll vntyll they sawe the Emperours hooste troubled and pe∣stered in the myre, in suche sorte as they could kepe none ordre, for euery man had ynough to do to sa∣ue hymselfe out of the mudde. Then went they* 1.782 downe easely with their ordinaunce & fell vpon thē that were entangled, & toke certaine horsemē whi∣che had brokē the aray that was made agayn. And vpon this they russhed among them without vio∣lence. Nowe when the Duchemen and the Span∣yardes trusted that theyr superiours woulde suc∣cour them wyth the Italians and the horsmen, the sayde bolde and stoute champion turned hys backe with them and fled, sufferyng thesayde poore men to perysh without any succour. So that in this bat¦tayll were slayne about .viij. M. Dutchemen and Spanyardes, among whom were many olde & ex∣pert warriours, and .ij. M. of them were taken pry¦soners,* 1.783 whiche were well intreated of the Swy∣chers, as prysoners, & by them cōducted out of the kynges dominions, vntill they came within a littell dayes yourney of Geneue. And if the Swychers had not shewed them suche kyndnes they had bene all kylled of the Frenchemen, besides that they were so taken & spoyled of all thinges euen to their shertes. Wherfore they be herein muche bounde to thanke the Swytchers. After this, when the conuocatiō or counsaill was cōcluded at Spyers, &* 1.784 euery prince departed homeward to his owne, syr Ierome Bomegardener, a learned mā y^• feared god being sent to the said coūsail frō the towne of Nurrē

myght haue ouercome & subdued all Fraunce with out any notable losse of his men. For the warriours of the Frenche kyng were become so faintharted y^t they durst in no place resist their enemies. To the which act themperour might haue ben greatly ad∣uaunced, by the meanes that the kyng of Englande saye also in Fraunce with a great power. Howbeit through great intreataunce & mediation of y^e chiefe lordes of the parliamen at Paris, & the duke of Or¦leans, the kinges sonne, who did specially fauoure y^e Emperour, the matter was brought to a staye, but on what cōdicion I haue no certaintie of knowled∣ge as yet, for somuch as some say one thing & some another. Wherfore I wil rather write nothing, thē I shuld therof affirme any thing vncertaine.

In this yere chaunced foure horrible Eclpses or* 1.785 darkenings. The first of the Moone. the .x. daye of Ianuary about .vi. of the clock in y^e morning, which lasted .iii. houres & .xxviii. minutes, & the Moone was hidden .xii. pointes, & .xlvi. minutes. The se¦cond of the Sūne the .xxiiii. day of Ianuary, about ix. of the clock before noone, lasting .ii. houres, & .vi. minutes▪ & the Sūne was darkened about .xi. poin¦tes & .xvii. minutes, & when this darkenes was at the hiest, it was so darke euerywhere, as it is cōmon¦ly at night whē the Sunne is newely set, insomuch that all fowles & cattaile whiche were mery before, became still & sad, as though they had mourned & had compassion with the Sunne being darkened. The third Eclipse was of the Moone, the .xiiii. day of Iuly about half an houre after eight, whiche la∣sted .iii. houres & .xlii. minutes, & the Moone was darkened▪ xvii▪ pointes and .xxv. minutes.

The fourth was of the Moone the .xxix. day of december in the morning about half an houre befor seuen, & lasted .iii. houres & .xxxvi. minutes, the mo∣ne being depriued of her light by the shadowe of y^e earth about .xiiii. pointes and .xviii. minutes.

But what effecte and operation the sayde Eclip∣ses and darkenynges brought with them, maye e∣uery wyse man partely perceyue by the contentes of the Story of the yere next folowyng, and parte∣ly by the dayly discourse, and exercyse bothe of ma∣gistrates and of subiectes. For without special alte∣ration of earthely creatures, suche constellacions are not wont to passe, as experience doth sufficient∣ly teache and declare.

This yere henry the eight, king of England sent* 1.786 an armye into Scotlande in the moneth of May, whiche landed at Lyth in Scotlande, and so went burnyng and destroyeng the countrey about, spa∣ryng nether castel, towne, pyle nor vyllage, vntyll they had ouerthrowen and destroyed many of thē, as the borough and towne of Edenborough with the Abbey called Holy Rodehouse, and the kynges Palice adioyned to the same. The towne of Lyth also with the hauen and peyre. The castell and vyl∣lage of Cragmyller, the Abbay of Newbottell, and parte of Muskelborowe towne, the Chappel of our lady of Lawret. Preston towne, and the castell Ha∣rintowne wyth the Freres and Nunery, and ca∣stell of Oliuer Sancklers, the towne of Dunbar, Laurestone wyth the Graunge, with many other townes castels, vyllages and pyles.

Also this yere thesayd kynges maiestie prepared an army into Fraunce, & thither he went his owne per¦son* 1.787 & beseged the strōg towne of Bullen in Fraunce, and there wanne the watch toure otherwyse called the olde man the .xxviij. day of Iuly. And the .xxix. day of the same moneth Basse Bullyn was wonne.

the .xiij. day of September the towne of hygh* 1.788 Bullyn was victoriously cōquered by the said kyng of England, whiche after the entreaty & humble pe¦ticion made of the French men gaue them licence to take bag & bagage with them & so departe.

the .xiiij. day of Septēber at .iii. of the clocke at* 1.789 after none, y^e towne gate was opened, & the people began to come out, & they helde on vntill .vij. of the clocke at night. And there were in nombre of men, women & children. iii••. M. & of them .xv. C. able mē of warre, & they had with them as muche as they could cary, both men women & children, that was a¦ble to beare any thing: and their horses & kine were loded with as much stuffe as they could beare away And they had .lxxv. wagens laden with them.

IN the yere of our lord. 1545. was another coū¦cell* 1.790 kept at Wormes, where many thinges we∣re discussed & entreated, as the breakyng vp of the same publyshed maketh mencion. There was also cōcluded as touching matters of religion, that a cōmunication & disputacion shuld be kept at Rain¦sburgh the next yere, whereunto y^e estates of the Go¦spel, or Euangelical princes shoulde appointe. vii••. learned men on their partie, and likewise the Pa∣pistes eyght men on theyr syde, whose mutu∣all agreementes and conclusyons shoulde bee

propounded and declared vnto the Emperoure: That afterwarde he might cōsulte vpon suche thin¦ges as shuld seme to make for an vnitie & concorde.

Whyle these and suche other matters were de∣bated and determined at Wormes, in the presence of the Emperoure and the kyng of the Romaines, the ryght high and myghty Prince, and lorde Fre∣derike* 1.791 Palatine and Electour Imperiall by the Re¦ne, cōsideryng & pondring the necessitie of his prin∣cely graces poore subiectes, wherein they lay mise∣rably captiuated and clogged vnder the yoke of that wicked and detestable Papacy: and how many soules might be lost and brought to dampnacion or euer such vnitie as should be made at Raynsburgh could be brought to passe: And also howe many con¦sultacions and disputacions had bene kept before this tyme, wherein alwaies the papisticall secte had bene conuinced and ouercome▪ and yet neuertheles had alwayes persisted in their Idolatry, and defen¦ded it the longer the more violently, whereby it myght be easely perceiued and concluded, what ho∣pe of amendement or agreement there was to be lo¦ked for: He determined and cōcluded with hymselfe furth with to forsake all popysh abhomination, and not to tarye the yssue or ende of the sayde conuoca∣cion and disputacion, but in asmuche as thorough the grace and mercy of God he had obtained know¦ledge* 1.792 of the truthe and lyght of the Gospell, to can∣se the same without delay to be ministred and decla∣red to his poore subiectes. Wherefore he ordeyned and constituted in all his iurisdictions, that the Po¦pish abhominacion should be put downe, and that in

stede of the same the Gospell of Christ should be fre∣ly preached, that his pore cōmons might be taught and brought into the right and true way of salua∣cion. Our Lorde and sauiour Iesus Christe preser¦••e hym and all the fauourers of his worde to pro∣cede and go forwarde in the settyng furth of hys wyll to the glory of his blessed name. Amen.

This yere also died the doughter of kyng Ferdi∣nando,* 1.793 whiche was maried to Sigismunde the younge king of Pooles, whiche was no small grefe to the kyng her father. But of what death she dyed I could neuer heare no certayntie as yet, only this is manifest that she was not very well entertayned of the kyng her husbande, although it was a syngu∣ler grefe to the olde kyng his father.

When the Emperour (the conuocation at Wor∣mes* 1.794 beyng expired) came downe into the lower par¦tes of Duchlande, he proued the good byshop of Collyn diuers maner of wayes, yf he myght by any meanes haue caused hym to forsake and renoū∣ce the Gospell, and haue brought hym agayn to the obedience of the Pope. But the good christē father remained vnmouable hitherto as a rock surely cou¦ched vpon Christ the true fundacion. God preserue hym to the ende, & vouch saue also to illuminate the Emperours maiestie, that he may knowe the truth and be deliuered from the snares of Antichrist.

After this themperour toke in hand to make pea¦ce* 1.795 betwene the kyng of Englande and the Frenche kyng. For the king of Englande lay yet strongly in campe against the Frenche kyng, but to what effect the said matter was brought shall appeare in tyme conuenient.

In the meane season Henry of Brunswike which* 1.796 before thre yeres had bene expelled out of the land, gathered an hoste of men, as preuely as he coulde. And when he had assembled a competent nombre of men in the bishopriche of Werden, he marched with xv .C. horses or more, and .viij. M. Laūceknightes towardes Rottenburgh into the byshoprike of Bre¦me, trustyng there to obtaine the byshoppes greate ordinaunce. But when they of the citie of Breme had knowledge of his cōming they sent a certayne nōbre of souldiours for the defence of Rottēburgh, which hindred the duke of brūswike of his purpose. When he perceiued that his enterprise toke no bet∣ter successe, he went with all his power into the lād of Lunēbourgh, where he dyd sore endamage the poore people, and so proceded to recouer his lande from whence he was expelled. First he recouered Stonebridge, which yelded vnto him without any great nede. From thence he toke his way towards Woluesbutell, & in his going he wrought much wo to the citie of Brunswike roauing and burnyng in her suburbes, villages land markes & inrisdictions, wherupon he wrote to diuers townes, to make an agrement with him: he did also require money of one of Electours, & of certain byshops, attempting partely as it were by threatenings & minaces to cō∣pell thē to do hym this pleasure. And while the du∣ke* 1.797 raged thus about Brūswike, his ministers Otho counte of Rithberg, Alhard of Hoord with other brought at their Lordes commaundemēt, into the Countie of Deckelenburg about .viij. C. some saye M. horses, & about .iii. M. launceknightes which inuaded the said counte in his dominions, because he fauoured the Gospel,

troublyng and spoylyng the poore people with bur¦nyng and raunsaking to piteously. After this the sayd hoste marched towardes the water called the Weser, where they endamaged certayne gentelmē and fermers of the Lādgraue: And after that they had constrained a certayne officer belonging to the Byshop of Minster and of Minden, whiche dwel∣led in the place vpon the hyll, to disburse vnto them a certayn summe of money, they departed from thē∣ce to Duke Henry before Woluesbutell. In the mea¦ne season had the said Duke Henry caused the coun¦trey* 1.798 to receiue hym agayne as their Lorde, with due solempnities according to the custome and ma∣ner in that behalfe done accordingly, the towne of Shennigen whiche was garnysshed wyth soul∣diours by the confederates of Smalcalde onely ex¦cept. After this he beseged the towne of Woluesbu¦tell with both the sayde armyes, and caused the wa¦ter to be conuayed out of the diche that compasseth the Castell, whiche lytell preuayled hym. For they that kept the Castell defended them selues manful∣ly, and with skyrmysshing and shutyng they vexed and harmed their enemies very sore, stoppyng also and fyllyng the diches and sluses, whiche their ad∣uersary had digged to let out the water. Besydes this God sent a rayne whereby their for saide dyche was soone fylled with water againe.

Whyle nowe Duke Henry was troubled in his* 1.799 affaires, Philip Lādgraue of Hessen as a Capitain of the Euangelicall confederacion establyshed at Smalcalde, prepared hymselfe, hauyng also men sent hym from the Electour of Saxō, whose Capi∣tayne

was Duke Ernest of Brunswike, Duke Phi¦lippes Sonne, and also from all the Estates of the sayde confederacion. To hym came also duke Mau¦rice* 1.800 of Saxon with a 1000 horses, &. 4000. &. 500. laūceknightes, & a competent tyre of ordinaūce, at hys owne charges to helpe the sayde Electour and the Landgraue. When the sayde Landgraue ther∣fore had a competent nombre of warriours in a rea¦dynes, he went furth and pytched hys Campe by the towne of Northeim, where bothe the aboue na¦med princes came vnto hym. But when the sayde Duke of Brunswyke had knowledge of thys com∣myng of the Landgraue, he lefte Woluesbutell and went to mete the Landgraue, pitching hys Campe besydes Bierbergh, in a vyllage called Calfelde, a good duche myle from the Landgraues Campe. And on Saturdaye the .xvij. daye of October, cer¦tayne horsemen wyth certayne launceknyghtes of the Brunswykers shewed them selues vpon the hil of Northeim, and schirmysshed with the Landgra∣ues men, whiche were soone repelled with the smal ordinaunce, and turned backe agayne to their Cam¦pe.* 1.801 In the meane season Duke Maurice at the re∣quest of Marquis Iohn, who had a daughter of Brunswyke to wyfe, and of certayne other Prince∣cely persons sought meanes to make a peace and a∣greemēt betwene the Duke of Brunswyke and the Landgraue. But whyle the Landgraue durst con¦clude nothyng wythout the counsayll and consent of the other confederates, the matter was delayed. vpon this the sonday next folowyng whyche was the .xviij. daye of October, Duke Henry brake vp

with his army to take and recouer a certayne hyll, and a Cloyster, from whence he myght haue done notable hurt to the Landgraue with his ordinaun¦ce. But when the Landgraue perceyued this, he caused that hole to be stopped. For the thre princes with all their power (except a small quantitie of horsemen and a certaine nombre of launce knyghtes whiche were left in the Campe to kepe the ordinaū∣ce) toke in the sayde hyll before hym. In so muche that there was muche shutyng on both parties, in whiche conflycte many good men and horses were endamaged and hurted on both sydes. And whyle this skyrmyshing and shutyng endured duke Mau¦rice proceded (to auoyde muche sheding of bloude if it were possible) to set a stay in the matter, by the whiche his earnest labour he brought to passe, that* 1.802 a truce was taken frō that ho••re vntyl the monday at nyght. In the meane whyle dyd Maurice cōmen w^t the duke of Brunswike howbeit there coulde no certainte be gottē at his hand, but he went without any respect of the said truce, & caused his horsmen to* 1.803 spoyle and take. x••iij. wagens sent for prouand••r with horses and all their appurtenaunces belon∣gyng to the Landgraue, whiche also kylled certain husbandmen at the takyng of them. But the Land¦graue and his men were quiete and peaceable vn∣tyll the tewesday the .xx. daye of October within night. And then about midnight the watche worde was geuen that euery man shoulde be ready with his weapon, and so the hole hoste, which after the common sayeng of warriours contained an hū∣dreth thousand men (a great nōbre to be assembled

within the space of one moneth) marched ouer a cer¦tain water called the Rume, which the Landgraue had caused to be furnished ouer with brydges accor¦dingly. (For what Henry of Brunswike had caused to be concluded and determined in the meane sea∣son, was refused for diuers good causes) and early in the mornyng they came to an hill not farre from the Brunswykers Campe by a landmarke, whiche the Landgraue caused hastely to be dygged vp and cast downe in many places, that he myght brynge thorough his armye without stoppe or let. For the Brunswykers intended there to stoppe thē of their passage whome the Landgraue at the last was fay∣ne to beate away with his ordinaunce. Nowe whē the armis of y^e Landgraue & of the other were both brought through y^e Lādmarkes vpō the plaine of y^e hil, ther were also brought through into y^e felde thre great slynges, & certain Canons, whiche, as sone as the enemies were espied, were discharged & shot a∣mong the thickest of them. But as soone as the Brunswykers sawe this they dyd furthe withse∣ke meanes to flee and turned thē selues towardes an hyll lyeng by a wood, whome the horsemen folo∣wed without delay. When duke Henry sawe thys, that there was suche shuting towardes his hooste, and that they were put to flyght▪ all his bolde cou∣rage was done, and his proude harte fainted, wher¦fore he sent incontinently to Duke Maurice, desy∣ryng to impetrate some grace & fauour for hym at y^e handes of the Landgraue. And although the Lād graue shewed hymselfe gentyll & ready, yet would he not trust hym (for he suspected y^• Duke Henry &

hys Sonne sought wayes to escape) but marched strayghtwayes wyth his hooste and artyllery to∣wardes hys enemies, and shot among them fearce∣ly, vntyl suche tyme as Duke Henry and his sunne* 1.804 Charles victor thorough the Counsayll of Duke Maurice, yelded and submitted them selues into the handes of the Landgraue. At whiche tyme the Landgraue made vnto Duke Henry this shar∣pe oration. Yf thou myghtest haue somuche power* 1.805 ouer me, as I haue nowe ouer the, surely thou woul¦dest not saue my lyfe. But I wyll vse my selfe better towardes the then thou hast deserued at my hande. Why hast thou presumed to disobey∣the Emperoures maiestie, and to refuse seques••ra∣cion? For if thou haddest obeyed, thou shouldest not haue brought thy selfe into thys trouble, neyther should so many poore men haue bene endamaged, vndone and destroyed. And furth with he com∣mitted hym and hys Sonne to the kepynge of cer∣tayne of hys chyef gētylmen, which toke them both into their custody. Whyle these thynges were a doyng betwene these two prynces, the Landgra∣ues company both on horseback and on fote pressed in among the company of Duke Henry in suche sort that but fewe of them should haue bene left on lyue, yf Duke Maurice had not the sooner aduertysed the Landgraue thereof, who as then rode hastely among them, and with much a do stylled and paci∣fyed hys men, and turned them backe from fygh∣tyng* 1.806 and shutyng.

Nowe when the people was qualifyed and pa∣cified the Landgraue called Duke Henryes com∣pany

before hym, and required thē to sweare, that within the space of thre moneths next ensuing they should worke nor pretende nothyng agaynst the E∣uangelicall confederation. Whiche some of them promysed without delay, but the horsemen depar∣ted by heapes with opē banners without any othe or promyse made: whom the Landgraue pursued in haste, and ouertoke the next day, wherefore they attempted to make resistaunce, but when they sa∣we that they were ouermached, they layed downe their banners, and made an othe not to enterpryse ought agaynst the sayde confederacion within the space of syxe monethes. When this was done both the father and the sonne of Brunswyke was with a strong garde caried to Cassell, and the father from thence into the Castell of Zigenheim. After thys dyd the Landgraue take in agayne the lande of the sayde Duke Henry, and caused thinhabitauntes of* 1.807 the same to sweare agayne of newe to the confede∣ration of the Gospell, and consequētly turned hym selfe agaynst the Erles, Ihon of Shauenburgh, & Otto of Rithbergh whiche are both lonemen to the Landgraue, and yet had succoured them of Brun∣swyke with men, artillery, and other necessaryes, insomuche that Iohn Erle of Shauenburgh was* 1.808 deposed from his stronghold Buckēbourgh, which was geuen to his brother and other of the stocke, to enioye, on this conditiō that they should not suffre hym to come in agayne oneles he were before suffi∣ciently agreed with the sayde confederation for all hys offences committed against them. But Rit∣bergh* 1.809 was geuen vp to the Landgraue by the pos∣sessours

thereof. When all this was done, and by Goddes grace finysshed without greate bloudshe∣dyng, the warriours being honestly contented and payde, were licensed to departe euery man home to his owne. All these actes haue I drawen and ex∣tracted out of the Copie of the Land graue, & ther∣fore described them so muche the more at large whi¦le suche writynges, whiche are called newes are cō∣monly soone dilated. Neuertheles consideryng that thereby the common sorte of people and our po¦steritie may haue a shorte and sure information and declaration of these marciall affayres, I truste that no wyse man will mislyke this my labour and dili∣gence.

About Migh••lmas dyed Albert Archebyshop* 1.810 of Mentz, whiche was Marquis of the Marke, brother to the olde Marquis Ioachim. In whose rowme was elected by the chapiter sir Sebastiane of Housenstone, a Doctor of a notable stock, whose dwelling and mansion was betwene Aschaburgh and Franckeforde.

Also not long after this Albert the sonne of Casi¦mire* 1.811 lorde Marquis of Brandenburgh assaulted Onoldesback which is cōmonly called Onesback w^t 600. horses in the name of one of knobelsthorp who was the chefe amōg the rulers of the land, which y^e lord Marquis George (deaceassed a littell before) had left to his young sonne, whome he had by the daughter of Duke Henry, sister to Duke Maurice of Saron, and requyred the same to be deliuered vnto hym. But the Ruler of Knobelsthorpe beyng warned of thys, gate hym out of the way. So that

thesayd Lord Marquis was fayne to departe not hauing his purpose.

In Hungary raged the Turke with roauyng &* 1.812 spoylyng of the pore subiectes of Ferdinando, whō he put to muche losse and hynderaunce.

This yere also dyed the younge Duke of Orle∣ans* 1.813 the Frenche kynges Sonne.

Of wondres and sygnes happened this yere, o∣ne in especial to be noted is come to my knowledge, whiche chaunced in the lande of Poles, and myght be sene of all thinhabitauntes of the same on sonday the .xxix. day of Marche which was on Palmeson∣day* 1.814 about .viii. of the clocke in the mornyng. At what tyme there was heard suche a fearefull thon∣derclappe, that the hole lande trembled. After that, there apeared in the east thre red crosses, twoo of them aboue, and the third vnder them both. In the middes whereof apeared a man armed, with a fyry sworde. agaynst whom came a great multitude of warriours on horseback and on fote, which fought with hym vntyll one of the clocke at after none, and were in fine ouercome of hym that they al peryshed and vanyshed awaye, he remaynynge alone in the fielde betwene the crosses. Immediately after this came a terrible Dragon behynde the man, and de∣uoured hymwith the sworde. When this visiōwas past, the skye waxed all red and of a fyry coloure, whiche lasted about an houre, euen vntyll twoo of the clocke or there about, then arose there suche blacke cloudes vnder the skye, that it was as dar∣ke as though it had bene nyght, whiche conti∣nued so vntyll the next daye, the thyrty daye

of Marche in the mornyng about .ix. of the clocke. And then the skye wyth the day appeare dagayne. There appeared also thre goodly & well fauoured Raynebowes one aboue another whereon sate an holy Aungell, whiche appeared by the space of an houre and a half. And after this it was fayre we∣ther for the space of certayne dayes. These thyngs were written out of the Lande of Pooles, and af∣terward set furth in printe openly, but the interpre¦tacion thereof wyll I committe to the iudgement of other.

The rest of the Sommer of this yere was very propice and warme, the frutes of the earthe were competent, and the wynes had good successe and chaunced very good, so that they caused muche dis∣sentiō and debate, and also manslaughter betwene suche as abused them.

This yere in the lande of Bullenois there cam∣ped in Iannuary on the West syde of Bullyn beyōd the hauen an army of Frenchemen to the nombre of. 18000. & lay there the space of .x. dayes, & the .vi. day of Febru. they were all put to flight by the erle of Harforde & the lorde Admirall, with a small com∣pany of men and without any bloudshedyng on the Englyshe syde, but diuers of the other were slayne, they left al their ordinaunce with bagge and bagga¦ge behynde them.

This yere about the .xx. day of Iuly the Frenchmē with a greate nauy of shyppes muaded the Ile of wight in England, where as they were driuen back and a great nomber slayne.

In the yere of our Lorde. 1546. euen in the be∣ginning

of the yere was a conuocation of the Euan¦gelicall* 1.815 confederation kept at Francke sorde on the mayne, & the disputacion to be kept at Raynsburgh was also begonne. &c.

This yere was doctor Martyn Luter and doc∣tor* 1.816 Iustus Ionas called too Isleven of the Erle of Mansfelde, to caste of and accorde certayne deba∣tes and dissentions that were happened betwene them. Where doctor Martyn Luter was ouerco∣me with the olde impedimentes and diseases of his body, whiche renewed vpon hym whereby he felt and perceiued his ende to be at hande. Wherfore he called hartely vpon the name of our Lorde Ie∣sus Christe, and with open confession commended his soule into the handes of God oure heauenly fa∣ther. In so muche that the eighten daye of Februa∣ry he departed out of this miserable worlde into the handes of God with Christ whome he had bol∣dely confessed before the worlde all moste thyrty yeares aswell by his paynfull preachyng and tea∣chyng as by continuall wrytyng.

Hys body was at the commaundement of the Princely Electour caried from Isleven, by the Er∣le of Mansfelde accompanied with fyfty horses to Wittenburgh, and of all estates of the Princely E∣lectours Court bothe of high and lowe degrees, &* 1.817 of the vniuersitie of the citie he was sorowfully but yet honorably brought into the Castell, and reue∣rently buried besydes the burials of the Electours of Saxon the .xxii. day of February. the .lxij. yere of his age.

This man so highly endued with knowledge

from God, was apointed and ordeined of our hea∣uenly father to be a minister and teacher of his chur¦che and a preacher of his Gospell, euen as in al ages he hath raised and ordeined some to be Prophetes, some to be Apostles, and some to be teachers of hys congregacion. For he opened and declared vnto the worlde (by Gods grace) the necessary and holsome doctrine of the Gospell, and taught the true repen∣taunce and comfort of the harte, whiche is feared with the knowledge of Goddes wrath. He hath godly set furth the doctrine of Paule, whiche saith: That a man is iustified and made ryghteous by the faith in Christe. He hath also declared the differen∣ce betwene the Lawe and the Gospel, betwene the rightousnes of y^• spirite, & of the outward workes. He brought to light agayne the true worshypping of God, whiche had bene vnknowen to the moost parte of the worlde by the space of a thousand ye∣res. And brought the vniuersall Church from that fonde opinion, whiche imagineth, that God is wor∣shypped although y^• minde of man being suppressed with perpetual doubting, abhorreth to come to god

He taught also howe we ought to pray in faith & with a good concience, and ledevs to the only me∣diatour Christ the sonne of God▪ whiche sytteth at the right hand of the father euerlastyng, and ma∣keth intercession for vs: And not to the soules of dead men as the vngodly Papistes haue taught with fyre and fagot. He declared also what good workes were acceptable to God. He hath so garnis∣shed and establyshed the temporal lawes and gouer¦naūce, that sence the Apostles tyme it was neuer so confirmed by Scriptures. He dyd also abolysh the

chyldysh custome and ceremonies of mans tradi∣cion, whiche hyndered true prayer, and seperated them from the necessary workes. To thyntent also that the heauenly doctrine should extende to hys posteritie, and that the people whiche shall come af∣ter myght haue knowledge, he translated the Pro∣pheticall and Apostolicall Scriptures into Dutch with suche lyght and clarite, that the reder maye haue more knowledge thereby, then by some mens expositions.

He made also many expositions, whiche do far∣re excell many other, as Erasmus of Roterdame witnesseth in his writynges. And as it is writen of them whiche repayred Ierusalem, that they buyl∣ded wyth one hande and helde the swoorde in the other: Euen so warred Doctor Martine Luter with the enemies of the true doctrine and buylded neuertheles the heauenly doctrine. Besydes thys he dyd helpe many mens conciences, with good coū¦sayll. And whylest a greate parte of his doctrine is aboue mans reason, (as the doctrine of remission of synnes, and of faith) it must nedes be graunted that he was taught of God. In prayer for the vniuer∣sall Churche of Christe was he very earnest and di∣lygent. He dyd also eueryday chose a certaine hou∣re to recite certayne Psalmes, wherin also he mix∣ed his prayer with great deuotion. He taught also that it is not ynough to praye only with the minde and with sighing, but that the maner & fourme of prayeng is prescribed vnto vs by the Counsaill of God, that the hartes by the reding may be stirred, and moued, yea that the voyce also may knowledge

and confesse what God we worshyppe.

He was also in the assault and resistaūce of the e∣nemies of Gods truthe of a constant mynde and of a bolde courage, neyther was he abasshed for their threatenynges. He was also in difycult matters of a sharpe and hygh wytte, and well spoken, as his famous do sufficiently declare.

For asmuche therefore as this man was garny∣shed with suche a great witte and other godly ver∣tues, and was specially ordeyned of God to repay∣re his temple agayn, wherin he hath not bene negli∣gent, we ought not to suffre his vertues and bene∣fites to peryshe among vs, and whylest he was an instrument of God, we ought gladly to folowe hys Doctrine, and therein to learne the vertues necessa∣ry for vs, as the feare of God, fayth and feruentnes in prayer, diligence in the office of the worde, Cha∣stite, abstinence and abhorryng from sedition or tu∣multe, diligence and desyrous to study. &c. whiche God graunt vnto vs all. Amen.

In the moneth of Marche anone after that the conuocatiō at Raynesburgh was ended, there was an horrible act committed at Neweburgh besides the Danube, in the iurisdiction of the Palatine, be∣twene two brethren being Spanyardes, of whom the one was called Iohn Diasy, well learned in the Lar••e, Greke and Hebrue tonges, a man that fea∣red God, and loued the sincere doctrine of Christe and his holy Gospell, and was at that season sent from Raynesbourgh by the Dysputers of the Go∣spell, wyth whome he had greate acquayntaunce,

towards Newburgh, to correcte and fynyshe cer∣tayne bookes to be imprinted.

But when his brother Alphonse Diasy, a Doc∣tour* 1.818 of the lawe and at Rome in hygh office, a ser∣uaunt of the Pope, and an enemy to the Gospell of Christe, was come from Rome to Raynesburgh, & there had knowledge,

that hys brother Iohn was at Newburgh, he hasted hym selfe thyther with all spede, to see his brother, where he attempted in cer¦tayne dayes with many disputacions to drawe and turne hys brother from the pure doctrine of the Gospell to the wicked doctrine of the Pope wyth many checkes.

But Iohn remayned constaunt in the doctrine whiche he had learned and searched to the bottom, and instructed his brother wyth inuincible argumē¦tes and testymonyes of the doctrine out of the Pro¦phetes and Apostles, in all the Articles of the Chri∣sten fayth, endeuouryng hym selfe wyth all diligēce to conuerte hys brother to the sincere doctrine of Christe.

When Alphonse sawe the constauncy and per∣seueraunce of hys brother, and that he could not re¦sist nor confute his doctrine, nor yet bryng hym to the Popes way, he dissembled & behaued hym selfe as thoug he had gladly and earnestly embraced the Euangelicall doctrine, and gentely suffered hys brothers charitable and Godly instructions and ex¦hortacions, abiding wyth hym almoste thre dayes. In so muche that he sayd vnto hym: whyle he sawe and perceiued that hys doctrine of the Gospel was the very sounde and true doctrine of God, and

knewe that there were many honest men at Rome, and also in other cities and townes of those parties whiche were very dysyrous to be instructed in the true and sincere doctrine of Christ so that they lac∣ked nothyng but men of good learnyng, that were expert in settyng forth of the same doctrine accor∣dyngly: wherfore he besought hym of Brotherly lo¦ue, to goo with hym to Rome, where he myght by his godly doctrine do muche good, and a dede accep¦table to Christe.

But what happened? This good mā Iohn Dia∣sy, being symple and suspecting no gyle, suffered his brothers perswasion to take place, & graunted hym his request, howbeit he wrote back vnto the Dispu¦ters and Auditours of the Euangelicall doctrine, desyrynge to haue their counsayll in this matter: who perceyuyng the crafte and papisticall murde∣rysh harte of his brother, gaue hym counsayl not to go to Rome with his brother.

Nowe when Iohn Diasius folewed their coun∣sayll, and gaue hys brother an aunswere that he could not at that tyme go with hym to Rome, the sayde Alphonse behaued himselfe frendely towar∣des hym, and gaue hym certayne crownes and du∣cates for his farewell, takyng hys leaue and depar∣ture of his brother very louyngly and frendely, as though he would haue gone strayghtwaye towar∣des Rome.

But within fewe dayes after, he came to Newe burgh agayne from Ausburgh, where he had pre∣pared good post horses to be in a readynes to flee

when he should se cause. And when he came to the sayde towne of Newburgh early in the mornyng at the openyng of the gates,

he taryed hymselfe be∣fore the gate with the horses, and sent his seruaunt (beyng a murtherer, whome he had hyred at Ro∣me for suche affayres, and brought hym forth with hym) into the towne with a lettre, who whan he came to the sayde Iohn,

delyuered hym the sayde lettre, and whyle he red the same, the Murtherer* 1.819 smote hym with a greate sharpe halbarde and cleft his hed in twayne, that he fell downe dead, but the Murtherer ranne out of the towne, to hys Mai∣ster, so that both the Murtherers gate themselues awaye.

Whan thys horrible acte was knowen in the towne, souldiours were prepared and appoynted out of hande to pursue them, whyche at last caught and apprehended bothe the sayde Murtherers at Isebredge, where they were brought to pry∣son.

And although there was muche suet made to the Iudges ordeyned and appointed by kyng Fer∣dinando and the officers there, for due punishment, by the subiectes of the Palatine, whiche had spent about the same aboue foure hundreth guidens, yet coulde they obtayne no iustice agaynst the sayde Murtherers. But manye exceptions were made and propounded, namely that whyle the Brother was a Spanyarde, the matter ought not too bee pleated in Dutche language,

but in Spanysh, and before Spanyshe Iudges. Yea when the Emperoure came to Raynesburgh he was also moste humbly desyred and besought to se iustice ministred concernyng the sayde matter. But answere was made, that whyle the offenders were taken within the Iurisdiction of the kynges maiestie the Emperours maiestie had nothyng to do with the matter.

But in conclusion thys was the last sentence & Iudgement geuen, that for so muche as the sayde Iohn was an heretike, he had deserued death: And forsomuche as his brother Alphonsus was conse∣crated, and a spirituall persone, the temporall lawe had nothyng to do wyth hym, wherfore they were letten go free, and set at libertie.

This horryble murther of Cayn was doubte∣les a forgaine of the detestable warres whiche the Pope & hys Churche of Cayn hath moued against Abell and the fauorers & teachers of the holy Gos∣pell in Germany,

where so muche innocent & Chri∣sten bloude hath beneshed, all the whiche thynges the Lorde God wyll punysh in tyme conuenient, seyng there is no more iudgement in earth.* 1.820

In the moneth of Aprill came the Emperoures maiestie to Raynesburgh on Saturday after myd∣lent Sonday: where he founde but fewe princes of the Empyre, besydes a small nombre of certaine by∣shoppes.

Consequentely after Easter when certayn prin∣ces,* 1.821 and Ambassadours, or Legates of other were come thither, the conuocation was begonne, and the propositions were of the agreement of the Ar∣ticles

in controuersy in religion, of the ordre and e∣stablyshment of the chamber court and of the Coy∣ne, Item howe the Turke myght be resisted.

But in the meane season, when there was great prouision and preparation made to take vp men &* 1.822 warriours in the name of themperours Maiestie thoroughout all Duchelande, the Electours prin∣ces and estates of the confession of Ausbourgh desy¦red moste humbly at Whitsontyde to knowe of the Emperours Maiestie,

against whome suche prepa∣ration of warre was intended, whereupon they re∣ceiued this darke aunswere, that the Emperoures Maiestie woulde punishe certayne rebelles of the Empire.

After this darke aunswere when many thyngs were feared, and the sayde warriours were in a re∣dynes, the conuocacion toke an ende, and another was instituted and appointed against the next yere to begynne the fyrst day of February.

Forasmuche therfore as Duke Iohn Frederike Electour in Saxon, and Lorde Phylyppe Land∣graue of Hessen with the other Princes, Lordes, e∣states and townes of the confession and confedera∣tion of Ausburgh perceiued that the saide great pre¦paracion of warres was enterprised and intended against no man, but against them, they prepared al∣so an hoste of men for their necessary defence, for the mayntenaunce and preseruacion of the pure and sin¦cere doctrine of the Gospell, for the defence also of their Landes, dominions and subiectes, and for the continuacion of the liberties and priuiledges of the Germaine nacion, and went furth in the moneth of Iune

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〈3 pages missing〉〈3 pages missing〉ouerthrowen and destroyed.

Fyftely, the Postmaysters house,

where them∣perour was wont to haue hys posthorses, when he had nede of them, wyth the stables and the horses in the same at that tyme, was quyte stryken awaye by the thonder, and burned vp.

Syxtely, Saynt Barnardes place, wherin the Abbot of S. Barnarde had hys lodgyng when he came to Meghlyne, was vtterly destroyed by the thonder, and the cloyster of the Augustyne freers was a great parte ouerthrowen and destroyed.

Seuently, The Voogstrete, which was a fayre large strete was also in lyke maner ouerthrowen, that there remayned neuer a house standyng, nor yet, as they sayd, block nor stone.

Eightely, The Palace of Hyghstrete, whyche was an excedyng fayre and strong buyldynge, be∣longyng to a certayn great lorde, was quyte and clene ouerthrowen and destroyed: And as the in∣habitauntes of the sayd towne of Meghlyne do af∣fyrme, yf the sayd Palayce of Hyghstrete wyth o∣ther places and greate buyldynges had not bene there standynd, The hole towne of Meghlyn must nedes haue ben vtterly ouerthrowen and destroy∣ed, so that nether house, stycke nor stone shuld haue remayned in the same: For the sayd hygh and strong buyldynges were a greate defence to the towne: Besydes thys there were also other pla∣ces and great buyldinges, whose names (to auoyd prolyxite) are not here rehearsed, whych were in lyke maner ouerthrowen & destroyed of the thon∣der as the other together with seuen hundred hou¦ses.

Insumme, almoost all the houses of the towne were endamaged, fewe or none excepte that hadde not some hurte done by the thonder.

Nyntly, the nexte daye after, when the sayde pi∣teous calamite was done, whiche was the. 8. day of August, when they beganne to make rowme, there were founde about thre hundred persons men, wo¦men, and children which were slaine by the meanes of the thondre, whome they loded in wagens & car∣tes and buryed them in great holes that were dig∣ged for the same purpose. There were also founde aboue, 150. persons sore wounded and harmed.

And there happened one thing in the sayd toune specyally to be meruayled at, which is, that certayn gestes sate in theyr hostes hous drynkynge to ge∣ther and plaieng at the cardes, and while they cal∣led for drynke, and theyr hostesse went doune into the seller to drawe them a pot of byre, in the meane season was the house stryken awaye by the thon∣der, and the players found dead wyth the cardes in theyr handes, as though they had ben styll play∣eng, but the hostesse saued her lyfe by the meanes, y^• she was in the seller whan the sayd hurt was done.

Tenthly, There was also a man founde in a cor∣ner the thyrd daye after that the sayde hurte was done, hauyng no harme whych asked whether the world were yet standyng or not.

There was also a woman founde dead, beynge great wyth chylde, whych was afterwarde cut opē and the chylde taken out of her belly, was baptised

Muche harme was there done besydes, not one¦ly within the towne of Meghline, but also without

the towne, as in the townes, villages, castels, and boroughes lyeng there about, where thesaide we∣ther hath done much harme, and there were many, innumerable, fearfull and wonderful sygnes and to kens sene, so that bothe the Emperoure and the la∣dy Mary had nede to remembre them selues, for it is to be feared that God will beginne to reuenge the innocent bloude, whiche is very piteously shed in the lower partes of Duchelande, for the Gospels sake, for it crieth into heauen and so fylleth the boso me of Gods high matestie that he can suffre it no lō∣ger, yea he wyll laye on yet greater loades, oneles they repente and amende in tyme, for he hath suffe∣red them long ynough.

When this warre betwene themperour, & the e∣lectour of Saxon, & the Landgraue of Hessen had continued into the first moneth, & themperour had declared hymself an open enemy both to the forsaid princes

, onely of his owne mynde, without either right, reason, or warnyng, and without the know∣ledge & consent of the estates & membres of them∣pire:* 1.823 In the meane seasō did Maurice duke of Sax on with great feruentnes prepare a great nōbre of horsemen & pietons, wherefore al men stode in great feare, not knowing against whom he made the same preparation.

And forasmuche as the electour of Saxon was out of his lande, & duke Maurice was next of hys bloude, and his nere kisman bothe on the fathers & the mothers syde, & was also by bym brought vp, & had receiued many benefites at his hand, many we∣re of this hope & iudgemēt, that thesaid preparatiō

was made for the defence & succour of the landes & subiectes of the electour, so that fewe or none suspec¦ted any gyle in duke Maurice.

In the meane season did kyng Ferdinando also endenour hymselfe to stirre vp the Lusenitianes & Bohemianes against the lande of the Electour of Saxon, but with honest & vertuous men coulde he litle preuayle, notwithstāding by the meanes of his importunate labour and instaunt intreataūce he as∣sembled a sorte of Pietons in Boheme being in nō∣bre about eyght thousand men, & in Hungary abo∣ue a thousand husbandmen, a wicked & rauenish ge∣neration, to destory & waste the landes & dominiōs of thesaid Electour, which mē did first inuade Voyt land, & there toke the townes vilages and liberties pertaining tothe Electour, piteously spoyling, roa∣uingburning & destroieng many men young & olde.

* 1.824

And specially therwas an execrable madnes & mur¦ther cōmitted vpō an honest Curate & minister that feared God at Newechurche, whom when thesaid husbād mē had mostcruelly martyred & murthered and sawe that he was fatte, they cut him in peces af∣ter the maner of a fatte Swyne, casting the peces from one to another and sayeng, Lo brother, there hast thou a good roastyng pece of an hogge.

Of whiche innocent bloud are gilty all they that do helpe or consent to the sayde murtheryshe and intestine warres, whereof doutles God wyll take vengeaunce in tyme conuenient.

Nowe when the matter as it was fyrst begonne and purposed against the Electour & his dominiōs (for Duke Maurice had bene first with the kynge

in. Bohemy) toke effect, and apeared euidently as though the kyng woulde ouercome and take in, all the Landes and dominions of the Electour, Duke

* 1.825

Maurice exalted hymselfe with his army, and first toke the townes lyeng to warde the mountaynes, and then he went with thesayde Bohemians and husband men to besege the towne of Zwickowe.

But least I be demed to stande to muche in my∣ne owne conceite, and to take vpon me to Iudge o∣ther wise than it becometh me in this matter. I will set hereafter the true Copye of his lettres where∣by he required and admonyshed the towne of the Electour to yelde them selues vnto hym

, by the cō∣sentes whereof men of honestie and vnderstanding may easely perceyue what good grounde and sure foundacion he pretended in these affaires.* 1.826

By the grace of God we Maurice duke of Saxō Land graue of During, and Marquis of Myssene, aduertyse you our welbeloued and trusty counsayl and commons of Saron. &c. That forasmuche as the myghty Prince our Cosyn Duke Iohn Frede∣rike the Elder

, hath ben founde negligent in doing of hys dutie and it is manifest that men are about to bryng you from the house of Saxon, into the po∣wer of straungers, and we beyng a borne prince of Saxon hauing also parte in the lande wyth our for sayd Cosyn, and be charged by earnest commaundement of the Emperoures Maiestie our moste gra∣cious lorde, for the auoydyng of greuous penalties and corrections, and also by the losse of our Regal∣tie and preeminēce, our seiues to take the same land in possession, or elles to permitte and suffre other to

do the same, whereby oure owne Landes and do∣minions must nedes come in daunger and destruc∣tion.

Wherfore we require you to sutmitte your selues vnto vs as Prince of Saxon, and to recey∣ue vs accordingly with due solempuisation.

And we are prone & graciously inclined to desen de you in the Christen religion wherein ye bee, and lyke mayer your bodyes, goodes and possessions, and to leaue you by youre olde liberties and priui∣ledges. And when the matter or controuersy be∣twene the Emperoures Maiestie, the Romyshe kynges Maiestie, and our forsayde Cosyn shall co∣me to an agreement, we shalbe ready, as touchynge the landes whiche we shall haue taken in possession of hys, by the knowledge and wyll of their Maie∣sties, and as muche as maye be done without their preiudice, thorough our owne dominions to be in∣treated & ordered accordyng to ryght and reason.

But yf ye should refuse so to do, it should apeare vnto vs, as though ye would wylfully be put from the house of Saxon, whiche may not be suffered of vs. Wherefore we require herein your directe auns∣were by the bearer of the letter in hast, whyle oure enemy is at hande, that we may auoyde the daun∣ger. Geuen in our Towne of zwickowe the syxt daye of Nouēber. Anno a thousand fyue hundreth fourty and syxe. Duke Maurice, of Saxon. Manu propria.

When zwickowe had yelded vnto him, the syxt day of Nouember, he toke also the townes lyeng there about, and consequētly, Aldenbourgh, Ilen∣bourgh, Grymme, Torgawe. &c.

the .xvi. day of Nouember duke Maurice sent a Trompetter with two lettres, the one to the De∣putie, and the other to the Communaltie of Witten bourgh directed, betwene thre & foure of the clocke at after none, before the Elue gate, but before the lettres were receyued, the suburbes were set on fy∣re whereby was sygnifyed that they intended to stande to their defence.

The same daye dyd he also aduertise thinhabi∣tauntes of Torgawe whiche lay in gareson for the defence of Wittenburgh, that oneles they woulde come home by the next daye before Sunne set, he would sende their wyues and chyldren after them, and besydes that depriue them of all their goodes.

The ende of the Appendix or addition com∣pyled by Maister Iohn Funke.

Brefe Annotations added vnto the pre∣misses gathered out of dyuers historiographers.

IN the sayd yere of our lorde .MD. xlvi. apeace was concluded betwene Englād* 1.827 and Fraunce, whiche on Whitsondaye was proclaimed. For conclusion whereof the Viscount Lisse high Admiral of England with the Byshop of Duresine and a goodly company of Gentylmen went out of Englande into Fraunce, af¦ter whose retourne Monsure Denball high Admi∣rall of Fraunce, the Byshop of Eureux and two Er∣les came into Englande with the Sacre of Depe, and .xij. galleyes, and were honorably receiued.

The saide yere also in lent before, was the Ste∣wes* 1.828 at London put downe and abolysshed by the kynges commaundement.

the .ix. daye of Iuly was burned at London in smithfielde. Anne Askew a gentill woman, Iohn lassels, of the kynges preuy chambre, Iohn Adlam tayler of Suffolke, and Nicolas Belenyam priest, for opinions consonaunt to the trueth, and contra∣ry to the acte of the syx Articles: At whiche tyme al* 1.829 so Doctour Nicolas Schaxton somtime Byshop of Salisbury recanted and denied the trueth whi∣che before he had professed. Whiche thing also one Doctour Crome (whiche had bene a great and fa∣mous preacher) had done at Paules Crosse the xxvij. daye of Iune before, affirming openly that he had bene seduced by noughty bookes. &c.

In England, also in Nouember was the duke of* 1.830 Northfolke and his sonne the Erle of Surrey, at∣taincted of treason, for the which his sonne was put to execution in Ianuary after, and hym selfe cōmit∣ted to the Towre, where he doeth yet remayne.

IN the yere of our lord God .MD. xlvij. there were in Germany dyuers and wonderfull in∣nouacions of thinges chaūces of warres chaū¦ges of fortune, yeldynges of Princes, ouerthro∣winges and subuersions of townes and castelles, fallinges of great men, & conuocatiōs of Synodes, and counsayles, which I do here omitte partely to auoyde prolixite, and partely for that the certaintie of suche thinges taken by heare say onely is often∣times deceiuable. Trusting to haue occcasion and oportunitie hereafter to declare and set furth the sa∣me matter at large.

The inhabitauntes of the countie of Tiroll and Isebredge were this yere sore plaghed with won∣derfull* 1.831 locustes and grashoppers both creping and flyeng, whiche were there in suche aboundaunce that the creping sorte couered all their lande, & the flyeng sorte couered that lyght of the Sune, in so muche that thinhabiters of the lande were cōmaun¦ded to go furth and to take & gather thē that crept on the grounde which they did continually during the space of thre wekes, gatheringe euery daye a∣bout. 2400. quarters, in a quarter of a myle, for in euery quarter of a myle were appointed thre hun∣dreth persons, men and womē, and euery hundreth persons gathered euery day 800 quarters. during the space of. 3. wekes. And they came into Isebred∣ge ouer the brydge with such a power as though they had ben an hoste of warriours that woulde haue entred into the towne In so much that the Magestrates commanded the inhabitauntes of the same towne to make resistaunce agaynst them before the gate with besomes and bromes and to swype them into the water as they came whiche they ded in suche sorte as they couered all the wa∣ter with grasherppers that no water coulde be sene: Thus did they resiste them & kept them also from the brydge by the space of .iii. wekes after this the said locustes or grashoppers turned into. the fieldes and there destroyed and wasted the cor¦ne and the grasse, vndoynge in a maner all the people of the lande: so that after thys the pe∣opel resysted them no moore, butt onelye trusted to the mercy of god with instaunt & feruēt prayer.

The sayde Locustes or grashoppers were littell at the begynnyng and krepyng, but afterwarde they grewe and began to flye, doyng great hurte throu∣ghout the sayde lande.

In the meane season the Emperoures maiestie,* 1.832 and the kyng of the Romaynes set furth a commaū¦dement that noman shuld be founde in dronkenes, horedome, aduoutery, vsury, and blasphemy but he should be punyshed by death, and forfayte all hys goodes.

In a littell towne called Albers lyeng besydes Lyndawe in the Dukedome of Zweyburgh was* 1.833 this yere founde two clusters of grapes growynge vpon one braunce hauyng a long read bearde, whi∣che was a wonderfull syght.

The same yere in flaunders and the countrees* 1.834 there about was a great scacitie of corne, so that the¦re was a great dearth in the lande. And there dwel¦led besydes Beke aboue Gand a certayne farmer well prouided and stored with corne, vnto whome his neyghbours came lamentyng and intreatyng hym to sel them some of his corne, who refused so to do, neuertheles he sent none away comfortles that had nede: for he lent and delyuered vnto euery man accordyng to their necessite on this condicion that they should rendre and repaye hym agayne at the next haruest, on this condicion did he lende cor∣ne to dyuers nedy persons. After whiche tyme it chaunced that his corned fyelde beyng sowed was by Gods grace so multiplied and increassed that on euery stalke grewe an exceding nombre of eares la∣den with corne, so that thorough the blessyng of

God he was well rewarded. By this may we see that the sayeng of Salomon is an vndoubted veri¦te, namely, he that taketh pitie on the pore lendeth vnto the Lorde vpon vsury, and loke whatsoeuer he layeth out it shalbe payd hym agayne.

There was also this yere a wonderfull vision se¦ne* 1.835 and heard of many within the towne of Witten∣bourgh, in the Lande of Saron the .xviii. daye of September early in the mornyng betwene foure & fyue of y^• clocke. For there appeareth in the ayre a fi¦gure and lykenes of a dead corse or beere couered ouer with blacke cloth, and a read ribband auer the same, and there went before the coarse six men with trompettes, and a greate multitude of people folo∣wed with croked instrumentes and trompettes blowyng, whyche made a greate noyse in the ayre, insomuche that many in the towne whiche laye yet in their beddes were thereby awaked out of theyr slepe, thynkyng that the sayde trimblyng had bene in the towne. After this the black cloth vanyshed awaye from the boere, whiche then was couered ouer with awhyte cloth, then appeared besydes the beare a man armed in harnas shewyng hym selfe very angry, and pullyng the whyte clothe from the beere, he rent it in twaine, wynding the one half about hys arme and so pressyng it harde to hys bo∣dy: Wyth this the coarse vanyshed away. The man armed dyd also apeare a lyttell whyle after & so in lyke maner banished away. After this were al¦thynges quiet as before. God graunte euery Chri∣sten man to remembre thys wonderfull sygne with feare, for it is to be feared that it is a fearefull war∣nyng

sent vs of God.

In Englande the nyntene day of Ianuary was* 1.836 the Erle of Surrey beheaded, as was mencioned the yere before.

The seuen and twenty daye of the same moneth* 1.837 Henry the eyght kyng of Englande &c. ended hys lyfe, and was buried at Windsore.

Edwarde the syxt kyng of Englande &c. succe∣ded his father in the gouernaunce of his royalmes and dominions, and was crowned the nintene day of February, in the nyneth yere of hys age.

Vnder the sayde kyng in the tyme of his minori∣te his vncle Edwarde Duke of Somerset was ma¦de lorde Protectour of all hys Royaulmes domi∣nions and subiectes, and Gouernour of his maie∣sties persone, who with the residue of his maiesties Counsayll gouerned the realme with great mercy and gentilnesse, by whome to the surtheraunce of goddes worde and true religion, cōmissioners we∣re sent into al partes of the Realme, with commaū∣dement* 1.838 to cause all Images to be taken out of chur¦ches, for auoydyng of Idolatry, and to wyll men & women to leaue the vse of beades, hauyng with thē also godly and learned preachers assigned, whiche do exorted them to geue them self to true and vn∣fained worshippyng of God in the hart and minde, with due obedience to their prince.

Richard Smith a doctour of diuinite recāted opē¦ly* 1.839 at Paules crosse within y^e citie of Lōdon diuers articles cōtained in two bokes which he had made,

one for the defence of the sacrifice of the Masse: an other to proue vnwritten verities to be beleued vn¦der payne of damnacion.

This yere also in Enland commaundement was* 1.840 geuen that processions should be no more vsed.

This yere also in England the duke of Somer∣set then Lorde Protectour and the Erle of War∣wyke went into Scotlande with a strong army, re¦quiring the Scottes to fulfyll their promyse, made before to kyng Henry, concernyng the mariage of their younge Quene with the younge kynge of Englande, but the Scottes stubbournely came a∣gaynst them, with great puissaunce. And not longe after the two armyes encountred in the fieldes of Muscleborough, at a place called Pinker slough. The Englyshe part not thynkyng as than to haue battayle, at whiche tyme because the front of the Scottyshe armie was so terrybly set wyth pykes, the Englyshe horsemen (which gaue the fyrst onset) were fayne to recule backe, with losse of certayn gē∣tylmen: whiche reculing much abasshed the English footemen: but yet by the great wysedome and dily∣gence of the Lord Protectours grace, and the va∣liaunt hart and courage of the Earle of Warwike they gaue a newe onset, and without any notable fyght discomfited the Scottes, and obtayned the victory. At this tyme were slayne of the Scottes betwene thirtene and fourtene thousand, and not passyng an hundred Englyshemen.* 1.841

After Mich••lmas a Parliament was holden in England wherein chaunteries were geuen into the kynges handes, to be altered and disposed at

hys pleasure.

It was also ordeined that the sacrament or com∣munion* 1.842 should be receiued of all men vnder bothe kyndes of breade and wyne.

This yere also anone after the kynges coronatiō Maister Hughe Latimer a famous preacher, who had bene long detayned in miserable captiuite for y^e Gospels sake by the procurement of the Popishe by shoppes, was deliuered and set at lybertie.

In this yere the last day of Marche Fraūcis the* 1.843 Frenche kyng ended his lyfe in the .xxxiii. yeare of his reigne, after that he had admonyshed his onely sonne Henry of the thynges pertaining to his king¦dome and commended hym to true officers and ser¦uauntes. After whome succeded the same Henry being the seconde of that name. His body was ca∣ried after .x. dayes to the brydge of S. Clodoalde, and from thence to the suburbes of Paris, into the Churche called the virgine of the fieldes: where by the commaundement of the kyng were brough the bodyes, of Frauncis the Dolphyne Duke of Brita∣igne, who dyed in the yere of. 1536. before, in the mo¦neth of August: And of Charles his brother, Duke of Orleans, whiche dyed in the yere of our lorde. 15 45. in the moneth of September, that they myght accompany the body of their father to his buriall: And so were the sayde thre bodyes brought with great pompe and solempnitie into the Churche of the blessed virgin at Parys, and from thence to S. Denis, where they were buried, the body of the fa∣ther being layde betwene his sonnes.

This Frauncis the Frenche kyng was hyghly

commended for diuers singular giftes bothe of the mynde and of the body wherewith he was endued, but chiefly for his humanite and clemencie whiche he vsed towardes all men. He was beneficiall to mē endued with vertue, and liberall to men of lernyng. For by his benefite were the Latine, Greke and He brue tonges restored agayn to their puritie in Fraū¦ce, whereof he entertained & norished publike pro∣fessours, ordeining for them most ample stipendes▪ his other actes are here omitted to auoide prolix••••e

In the moneth of December at Paris was S. Michaels bridge broken by the great power & vio¦lence of the waters so that the East part thereof fel downe quite, & the houses which were built theron were ouer throwen with a great parte of them that were annexed vnto them.

IN the yere of our Lorde. 1548. in the moneth* 1.844 of Iuly themperour sent an army of Spanyar¦des priuely to inuade the citie of Conitaunce▪ while the legates of Constaunce that were sent to August vnto themperour to intreate for peace we∣re not yet retourned homewarde. For he intended quite to extinguish the citie because they professed y^• Gospell. Wherfore the sixt day of August early in y^• mornyng the said army inuaded y^• citie, & ouercame the basse towne which ioyneth to y^• great bredge cō¦monly called Peter housen. When this was obtay∣ned, and ouercome at their first assaulte, some fell to spoiling and rouing, some to deflouring of virgin••s and honest matrones, & some gat thē to the bridge, and there made a bartaill with the citesens, whiche were constrained to re••ule back into the citie being

ouerpressed with the multitude of their enemies vnto whō they barred y^• gates of the bredge. The bridge was ful of Spanish warriours, against whō the citesens could nothing preuayle vntil many pe∣ces of artillery whiche kept the bridge being losed by chaunce, but yet not without the will of God per sed the gate & ouerthrewe the enemies, & put thē in such feare y^t they fled euerychone, setting the bridge on fyre & also Peterhousen, least the citesens should haue folowed & pursued after them. So that Con¦staunce sawe in one daye y^• iuste punishmēt of pride, & the singular benefite of God towardes his electe, would to God they had not vnthankefully forgot∣ten this great benefite.

Themperour after that he had in Germany set* 1.845 all thinges in ordre, & propounded a certain fourme in religion after the prescripte whereof they should liue while a counsaille were decreed, & hauing com∣mitted the Landgraue of Hessen in safe custody, re retourned into Flaunders bringing with hym the Duke of Saxon captiue.

Thither came Leonora Themperours sister & late Quene to the Frenche king departed.

This yere Maximiliane the first sonne of Ferdi∣nandus king of the Romaines toke to wife thempe¦rours daughter. This yere also y^• king of Spay¦ne leauing his brother Maximiliane as gouernour in his absence, departed out of Spayn into Italy, & went frō thence to Trident & into Germany, & so* 1.846 at y^• last came into Flaūders to his father thēperour

The same yere towardes the spring time the first begottē sonne of y^• Turke, which was gone ouer to y^• king of y^• Persiās, because he thought his brother

should be by his father promoted before hym to the Empyre, assembled an army of Persianes, and ma∣de insurrection against his father, and inuaded the borders of Turkie nere vnto the lande of Persia, and had ouercome many places, vntyll his father beyng armed with fyue hundred thousande souldi∣ours came thither and caused the Persianes, being striken with feare, to recule. But they hauyng set on fyre all the townes and villages by the whiche they fled the space of fyue dayes, brought their ene∣my whiche folowed and pursued after them, too greate pennury, in so muche that an hundred thou¦sande of his men being dead thorough pouertie fa∣mine and pestilence, he was constrained of necessitie to returne thither agayne from whence he came▪

A certayne king in Aphrica toke Argieres and* 1.847 the other places there about, with certayne ca∣stels and strong holdes whiche themperoure vsed for the defence of Spayne: and also certaine strong holdes in the coastes of Portingall towardes the sea occeane.

In Englande at Easter was there a great con∣iunction* 1.848 of rustikes in Cornuall, by p••pysh priestes.

There was also great disputation in the Parlia∣mēt that yere for putting downe of the masse. And Images were put downe in al churches thorough out Englande to auoyde Idolatry.

This yere the last daye of Iuly Stephen Gar∣diner* 1.849 byshop of Winchester in Englande, was com∣mitted to the Towre of London for papisme, and this sedicious opinion, that the kynges maiestie in his minoritie or none age coulde not make or ordei∣ne

any lawes in his Realme, as did Iosias & other godly & vertues princes, and gouernours in their dominions.

This yere the mariage of priestes was graunted* 1.850 lawfull in England by the Lawes of God, to the vt¦ter abolyshement of all Papisticall sodomitry.

This yere in august was a great insurrection of rustikes at Norwiche, one kite (a rustike) beyng their Capitayne▪ and the .xxvij. daye of August it was ended, foure thousand beyng slayne, the vic∣tory geuen (through goddes grace) by the handes of Iohn the noble Erle of Warwyke.

At the same tyme the Cornysh and Deuonshyre* 1.851 men were ouercome, and very many of them slayn, besydes many of their gentilmen taken.

This yere also Bonner byshop of London was put from his byshoprike for his stubborne Popysh∣nes the first day of October, and for certainte obsti∣nate articles cōmitted to the Marshalsee, the peo∣ple muche reioysyng at it.

In this moneth the Duke of Somerset was cō∣mitted to the toure, to the great lamentacion of ve∣ry many.

In this moneth also died the Pope of Rome cal∣led Paule the thyrde.

This yere the weke before Whitsontide, thre ho¦nest marchauntes and a younge lad, beinge honest mens sonnes of Brunswyke yourneyed from And∣warpe to Brunswyke, there to heare at that feast goddes word preached. And as they rode on Whit¦son euen after midnight halfway betwene Celle & Brunswyke on a heath ouer gainst a certayn farme, they〈2 pages missing〉〈2 pages missing〉

nor yet Christ hymselfe dyd knowe, namely, howe a man can serue twoo maisters at ones, God and the wicked worlde. Item howe we can be good Chri∣stianes & yet knowledge not Christ, nor helpe hym to beare his crosse, yea rather persecute hys poore membres, God geue vs grace to knowledge his son ne a ryght, suffre paciently all miuries and endure to the ende, that he may also at the great and feare∣full day of the lorde knowledge vs before hys hea∣uenly father, and hys vniuersal churche, and before all hys aungels. Amen.

IN the yere of oure Lorde. 1550. the xix. daye* 1.852 of Ianuary Capitayne Gambolde, who was Capitayne of the Spanyardes that serued the kyng of Englande in his warres, and an other Capitaine was slayne without Newe gate in an euenyng, by a Spanyarde, whiche was taken and hanged the. xxiii••. daye of Ianuary, and thre more with hym.* 1.853

the .xxviij. day of the same moneth was Hum∣frey arundell and Bury with two other mo draw∣ne hanged and quartered, for because they were the these capitaynes and mayntayners of the rebellion among the Cornyshe and Deuonshyre men.* 1.854

The sixt day of February came the Duke of So¦merset out of the Tower, with greate reioyiyng of muche people.

In the same moneth went out of Englande cer∣tayne lordes of the counsaill to Buileine, where cer¦tayne of the Frenche counsayll met with them and after long consultacion had and dyuers metynges betwene them, there was a generall peace conciu∣ded,

whiche peace was proclaimed the .xxix. daye of Marche folowyng.

Also about the .xxv. day of Apryll folowyng the* 1.855 towne of Bullayne with the fortresses thereto be¦longyng was delyuered by the Englyshemen, into the Frenchemens handes.

The second daye of May was brent at London* 1.856 in smythfielde a certayne woman called Ione Boo∣cher otherwyse called Ione of Barkyng for the hor¦rible heresy of the Apellites, Cerdonians, procliani∣tes, Valentinians, Manichees, Timotheans, A∣polinarianes, Nestorianes, & sedicious Anabapti∣stes of our tyme, whiche she helth commen with all them, of a set wilfulnesse, for all those hereticall pa∣triarkes was she sure to haue as maisters and doc∣tours of her pernicious errour, that Christ toke no fleshe of the virgine, as largely apeareth in the cro∣nicles.

About this tyme there were certayne lyght per∣sones pretendyng a newe commotion in Kent, but they were apprehēded and dyuers of them for that trespas hanged.

It is sayde that this yere the .xxi. daye of Mar∣che* 1.857 in the countie of Carinte besydes the Lande of Bauariam Austryche by and aboute a lyttel towne called Claghenforth, it rayned corne out of the ele∣ment by the space of two houres, which rayne stret¦ched in lenght .vi. Germayn myles, and in breedth halfe a Germayne myle in some places: so that the sayd corne beyng some white and some browne lay in some places the thickenes of an hand broade vpō the groūde. Whereupō the people of the lande came

and gathered of the sayde corne, and brought it to the mylles, and baked thereof good & sauery bread. the significacion of whiche mistery is reserued to God alone, to whome be honoure glory and prayse in all thynges for euer and euer. Amen.

This yere the kyng of Spayne went home a∣gayne out of Flaunders.

This yere also there was a cruel proclamatiō set* 1.858 furth by the vniuersitie of Louayne in the name of the Emperoures Maiestie, for the persecution of the faithfull Christianes, condempning al maner of scripture bookes as well Bibles as other in what tonge so euer they were written or translated that had bene printed within the space of .xxx. yeres be∣fore, with moste extreme death prosecutinge all the fauourours of the doctrine set furth by Martine Luther. Iohn Ecolampadius, Hulderike zwinglius, Iohn Caluine, or their ad herentes and condempning them for heretikes and their doctrine for moste pernicious and pe∣stilent heresy without any probable argumentes or good reasons.

After this themperoure went vp agayne into Germany.

The ende of this cronicle.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Whā Christ was borne.
• * 1.2

  The Germa¦nes were fyrst couque∣sted by warre. Tiberius Drusius.
• * 1.3

  Rhetia.
• * 1.4

  Vindelicia.
• * 1.5

  Cherusci. Armnius.
• * 1.6

  Quintilius Varus.
• * 1.7

  Tiberiu••.
• * 1.8

  Whā Christ was bapti••ed
• * 1.9

  Whā Christ was cruci∣fyed.
• * 1.10

  Where the Churche or spirituall kingdom is
• * 1.11

  Whan Ste∣uen was sto∣uen.
• * 1.12

  Caius Cali∣gula.
• * 1.13

  Daniel. ix.
• * 1.14

  Claudius.
• * 1.15

  Nero.
• * 1.16

  When Pe∣ter was cru∣cified. Linus by∣shoppe. Paul is be∣headed.
• * 1.17

  A comete se∣ne in Nerois tyme.
• * 1.18

  Sergius Gal¦ba, Otho.
• * 1.19

  Vitellius.
• * 1.20

  Vespasianus
• * 1.21

  When Tit{us} the sonne of Vespasiane besyeged Ie∣rusalem.
• * 1.22

  Ten hūdreth thousād men were in the ci¦tie whan Ie∣rusalem was besyeged.
• * 1.23

  An example of Gods wrath.
• * 1.24

  Straung thī∣ges were se∣ne before the destructiō of Ierusalem.
• * 1.25

  The gentle∣nesse of Tit{us} Vespasian{us}.
• * 1.26

  ☜
• * 1.27

  Domitianus
• * 1.28

  Catti.
• * 1.29

  The Mathe∣matici are 〈…〉〈…〉en out of Rome.
• * 1.30

  〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.31

  Traian{us} ••as 〈…〉〈…〉ho 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.32

  ☞
• * 1.33

  The noble sayenge of Traianus when he ga∣ue his heade officer the po¦wer of the sworde.
• * 1.34

  Ihon the A∣postle retur∣neth out of Pathmos.
• * 1.35

  ☜
• * 1.36

  Cherinthus the heretike was killed 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the fallyng of an house. An example of vengeaūce
• * 1.37

  ••••e persecu∣〈…〉〈…〉 of Chri∣st•••• m••n v••∣••••r Traian{us}
• * 1.38

  The yeares of his age 〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.39

  Adrianus a 〈…〉〈…〉 learned 〈…〉〈…〉per••••r 〈…〉〈…〉 cō••ing 〈…〉〈…〉tronomy
• * 1.40

  The Iewes▪ rayse an vp∣roure throu¦gh one Mes∣sias.
• * 1.41

  The clemen∣cy of Adria∣nus towarde Christen mē
• * 1.42

  Who ord••••∣ned ••ent.
• * 1.43

  Antonius Pius.
• * 1.44

  Mar••••s An¦thonius.
• * 1.45

  Lucius Ve∣rus.
• * 1.46

  Ptolomeus th•• astrono∣〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.47

  Egypt was garn••••hed •••• mathemati∣call sciences.
• * 1.48

  The Schole of Alexan∣dria.
• * 1.49

  The Maho∣metistes.
• * 1.50

  Commodus
• * 1.51

  Aelius Per∣tinax.
• * 1.52

  Didi{us} Iulia¦nus.
• * 1.53

  〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.54

  Origene•• a trache•• at A∣le••a••der.
• * 1.55

  The philoso¦phy of Plato The philoso¦phy of Ari∣stotel.
• * 1.56

  Antonius Bassianus.
• * 1.57

  〈…〉〈…〉pinianus the lawier.
• * 1.58

  An example of venge∣aunce.
• * 1.59

  Macrinus.
• * 1.60

  Varus He∣liogabalus.
• * 1.61

  Alexander Seuerus.
• * 1.62

  ••lpia〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.63

  A notable ex∣ample of maintenan̄ce of vertu••▪
• * 1.64

  〈…〉〈…〉us 〈…〉〈…〉d 〈…〉〈…〉y.
• * 1.65

  Gordianus.
• * 1.66

  Gordianus.
• * 1.67

  An Eclipse of the Sunne
• * 1.68

  Philippus was y^e fyrste Christ▪ Em∣peroure a〈…〉〈…〉 baptysed.
• * 1.69

  〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.70

  〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.71

  The begyn∣nyng of the G••••thian 〈…〉〈…〉y.
• * 1.72

  An example of venge∣aunce.
• * 1.73

  Fabian •••••• Cyprian martyrs.
• * 1.74

  The heresy of Nouatius is co••dē••e••
• * 1.75

  Vibius Gal¦lus, Volusianus.
• * 1.76

  〈…〉〈…〉an••••s.
• * 1.77

  Sapores kyng of the Perses. An example of great pre∣sumption.
• * 1.78

  〈…〉〈…〉e.
• * 1.79

  Posthumus.
• * 1.80

  The Fran∣kes settinge themselues against the Romanes.
• * 1.81

  Flauius Claudius.
• * 1.82

  Constanti∣nus y^• great.
• * 1.83

  ••••••••lianus▪
• * 1.84

  ••••e 〈…〉〈…〉 •••• b••••∣••ayll.
• * 1.85

  Au〈…〉〈…〉 •••• ••••de••o••∣•••••• o•• the di∣〈…〉〈…〉 of 〈…〉〈…〉e▪
• * 1.86

  Heretykes are b••gyn∣••ers of vp∣roure▪
• * 1.87

  Manichei the heretikes Manes born in Persia.
• * 1.88

  The doctrine of the Ma∣nicheis▪
• * 1.89

  Thomas Monetarius
• * 1.90

  Tacitus. ••••••bus▪
• * 1.91

  ☞
• * 1.92

  Larus.
• * 1.93

  Diocletia∣nus.
• * 1.94

  Maximia∣nus.
• * 1.95

  Maxentius Constantius
• * 1.96

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.97

  The 〈…〉〈…〉n of Germany
• * 1.98

  Cōstantinus
• * 1.99

  Maxentius drowned in the Tybur.
• * 1.100

  The cause of disagrement betwen Con¦stantinus & Licinius.
• * 1.101

  The e••de∣••our of Con¦stantinus to kepe the Go¦spell▪ The duety of a Christen prince. The coun∣cel of Nicea called 〈…〉〈…〉i 〈…〉〈…〉 Nice∣〈…〉〈…〉▪
• * 1.102

  Constanti∣〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.103

  〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.104

  The aunce∣ters of Con∣stantinus.
• * 1.105

  Arrius an o∣pen reader in the scole of Alexan∣dria. The doctrine of Arrius.
• * 1.106

  Alexander & byshop.
• * 1.107

  Constancius 〈…〉〈…〉 •••• Arrius.
• * 1.108

  The death of Arrius i•• an ••••ample of 〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.109

  Athanasius beynge ban∣nished, flyeth to Triere out of Egypt.
• * 1.110

  Arrius was y^c forerunner of Mahomet
• * 1.111

  •• comete was ••••ue.
• * 1.112

  Constanti∣nus. Thre brether̄ raigned toge¦ther.
• * 1.113

  An example of venge∣aunce.
• * 1.114

  Magnētius an example of an vnkind vnfaithfull and disloyal man.
• * 1.115

  Magnenti∣us slayeth himselfe.
• * 1.116

  Liberius byshop of Rome Felix bishop of Rome a dislembler.
• * 1.117

  Iulianus apostata.
• * 1.118

  Iulianus •••• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Empe∣〈…〉〈…〉 at S••ras¦〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.119

  Iulianus fo〈…〉〈…〉¦badde Chri∣sten men the authoritie of warrfare.
• * 1.120

  Cyrillus & Nazanzenu•• haue answe∣red Iulia∣nus.
• * 1.121

  How venge∣aunce is for∣bodden.
• * 1.122

  The death of Iulianus is an exam∣pl〈…〉〈…〉o•• venge∣••••nce.
• * 1.123

  Io〈…〉〈…〉nus a godly Em¦peroure.
• * 1.124

  Valentinia∣nus ••••••eth a ••••••then prest a blow.
• * 1.125

  Burgunni∣ons be S••x∣o••s.
• * 1.126

  Valens •••• Arria••••.
• * 1.127

  An example of venge∣aunce.
• * 1.128

  S. Ierome was notarye to Damasus
• * 1.129

  Gratianus.
• * 1.130

  Theodosius 〈…〉〈…〉ercō〈…〉〈…〉th 〈…〉〈…〉th••es.
• * 1.131

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 & 〈…〉〈…〉tes 〈…〉〈…〉es of 〈…〉〈…〉y
• * 1.132

  Theodosius
• * 1.133

  Stillico.
• * 1.134

  The godly∣nesse of The¦odosius to∣warde the churche.
• * 1.135

  ☜
• * 1.136

  Pelagius an heretyke in Britanne.
• * 1.137

  S. Augustin hath written against Pe∣lagius▪
• * 1.138

  Arcadius.
• * 1.139

  Honorius.
• * 1.140

  The Got∣thies▪ came fyrst into Italy.
• * 1.141

  Gotthies in the halfe Ile Taurica.
• * 1.142

  Theodosius
• * 1.143

  Stillico.
• * 1.144

  Radagasus.
• * 1.145

  Alaricus.
• * 1.146

  Alaricus wynneth Rome.
• * 1.147

  the .xij. ra∣uens or raue∣nous beastes whiche Ro∣mulus sawe.
• * 1.148

  Totilas.
• * 1.149

  Ataulphus.
• * 1.150

  The kynges of Spayne are sprong of y^• Gotthies.
• * 1.151

  Genserichus
• * 1.152

  Some call him Theo∣dericus, some Titri∣cus of ••e∣rona. Othacarus.
• * 1.153

  Dietrichus of Berna.
• * 1.154

  The Got∣thies were Arrians.
• * 1.155

  Attila.
• * 1.156

  The Weste Gotthies.
• * 1.157

  The East Gotth〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.158

  Himelsuita. Adelrichus.
• * 1.159

  An example of distoyalty.
• * 1.160

  Theodatus.
• * 1.161

  An example of vengeaūce Witichus.
• * 1.162

  Totilas was 〈…〉〈…〉h•• of S. 〈…〉〈…〉e••.
• * 1.163

  Narses.
• * 1.164

  Teia.
• * 1.165

  Lombardy.
• * 1.166

  Whē Spain and parte of Fraūce was trāslated frō the empyre.
• * 1.167

  Theodosius the younger.
• * 1.168

  Whan the Vandali ca∣•••• into A∣phrica.
• * 1.169

  ••. Augustin
• * 1.170

  Hippo.
• * 1.171

  A Vandaliā faythfulnesse
• * 1.172

  An example of dystopa••te
• * 1.173

  Whan y^• Vā¦dali came first into Germa∣ny.
• * 1.174

  The Boemes are Germa∣nes.
• * 1.175

  Germany is 〈…〉〈…〉frō 〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.176

  〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.177

  The callyng of Hungary. •• in dedes of Attila.
• * 1.178

  Aetius.
• * 1.179

  The battaill with Attila by Tolouse.
• * 1.180

  〈…〉〈…〉ath o•• 〈…〉〈…〉 The 〈…〉〈…〉 of Au〈…〉〈…〉 The ••••••urge of God.
• * 1.181

  ••h•• 〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.182

  Augustulus.
• * 1.183

  Leo.
• * 1.184

  ••en••▪
• * 1.185

  Anastasius.
• * 1.186

  Iustinus.
• * 1.187

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.188

  〈…〉〈…〉arius. 〈…〉〈…〉r••es.
• * 1.189

  The ciuill lawe is rest o¦red by iusti∣nianus. The dige∣stes.
• * 1.190

  ☜
• * 1.191

  Bellisarius was very
• * 1.192

  The ende∣〈…〉〈…〉f the 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.193

  〈…〉〈…〉 per 〈…〉〈…〉 〈…〉〈…〉of y^• 〈…〉〈…〉 of R〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.194

  Wonders sene in Italy before Ma∣homet.
• * 1.195

  Iustinus. ••••.
• * 1.196

  Tiberius. ••••.
• * 1.197

  Mahomet 〈…〉〈…〉 〈…〉〈…〉phet 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪
• * 1.198

  〈…〉〈…〉rō of Maho∣〈…〉〈…〉 by〈…〉〈…〉-〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.199

  The fourme of Maho∣mets religiō.
• * 1.200

  Mahomet subdueth fyrst Arabia.
• * 1.201

  Sultan or Souldan.
• * 1.202

  The place in Daniel of Maho••et.
• * 1.203

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••••ng∣•••••••• of ••he 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.204

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.205

  The pow•••• of the Sara∣cens.
• * 1.206

  The Tur∣kes were Tartares.
• * 1.207

  Othoman∣nus y^• Turk••
• * 1.208

  Whan the Turkes be∣gan to haue dominion.
• * 1.209

  〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉
• * 1.210

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.211

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••∣〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.212

  What ••••me S. Gallus preached in hygh Ger∣many.
• * 1.213

  Constanti∣nus the son•••• of Heraclius
• * 1.214

  Herac••eona••
• * 1.215

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 example of venge∣a••••ce.
• * 1.216

  Constans.
• * 1.217

  Constanti∣nus. Pogonatus.
• * 1.218

  Iustinianus
• * 1.219

  Leontius. Tiberius Apsimarus.
• * 1.220

  Psal. xi.
• * 1.221

  Beda in En∣glande.
• * 1.222

  Philippus Bardesanes.
• * 1.223

  Anastasius was thrust into a mona∣stery.
• * 1.224

  Theodosius
• * 1.225

  Leo y^• thyrde surnamed Iconoma∣chus.
• * 1.226

  〈…〉〈…〉 the 〈…〉〈…〉 was 〈…〉〈…〉 Coprony∣mus.
• * 1.227

  Leo y^• fourth
• * 1.228

  Constanti∣nus Leo the 〈…〉〈…〉hs sonn Irene.
• * 1.229

  Pipinus.
• * 1.230

  What tyme S. Bonifa∣cius prea∣ched in Ger∣many.
• * 1.231

  〈…〉〈…〉e for th•• eleccion of the bishop of Rome.
• * 1.232

  Carolus magnus. The begyn∣nyng of the translatyng the empyre to the Ger∣manes.
• * 1.233

  By whom Germany was vexed wyth war∣res, sence the tyme of Au∣gustus.
• * 1.234

  The of∣springe of y^• Frankes
• * 1.235

  The dedes of the Fran∣kes, and by what occasi∣on they de∣••••iuered frō the empyre.
• * 1.236

  Francia or Fraunce •••• part of Gal¦lia.
• * 1.237

  By what or∣casion the Al¦manes decy∣uered from the emppre.
• * 1.238

  Germani is deuided in Al¦manes and •• Frankes.
• * 1.239

  The elders of 〈…〉〈…〉 y^• greate were Grand may∣sters.
• * 1.240

  〈…〉〈…〉 ••t Palatine 〈…〉〈…〉 ••ha•• 〈…〉〈…〉he greate
• * 1.241

  Piping king of Germany and Fraūce.
• * 1.242

  Charles is borne in In∣gelheim. The dedes of Charles the greate.
• * 1.243

  Desiderius kyng of the Lombardes.
• * 1.244

  Charles op∣tayueth Lom∣bardy.
• * 1.245

  The mode∣s•••••• o•• Char∣••••.
• * 1.246

  Tassilo duke of Baierland was ouerco∣me of Char∣••••••.
• * 1.247

  Charles was made Empe¦peroure of the West.
• * 1.248

  The Hunga∣rians are as∣saulted with warre by Charles the greate.
• * 1.249

  Tra••s••lua∣nia or Sept•• castra called Seuenburg.
• * 1.250

  Bohemy was ouercome w^t Lecho theyr kynge.
• * 1.251

  Wh••rfore monarches & 〈…〉〈…〉 of God
• * 1.252

  •••••• ded〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.253

  Charles the greate was learned in Greke & La∣tin.
• * 1.254

  ••he 〈…〉〈…〉 by 〈…〉〈…〉▪
• * 1.255

  〈…〉〈…〉 ••he 〈…〉〈…〉▪
• * 1.256

  〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.257

  Lewis the gē¦tle is taken of hys sonne.
• * 1.258

  S••phanus was confir∣med of Le∣wis.
• * 1.259

  The brethren of Lotharius were th••e, ••••
• * 1.260

  wis, Germa¦nicus & Char¦l•••• the balde.
• * 1.261

  The dukes of the Fran∣kes 〈…〉〈…〉 of 〈…〉〈…〉▪
• * 1.262

  〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.263

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.264

  Swynes mouth was y^• first that chaū¦ged his name Castel Angel
• * 1.265

  Iohānes. vi•••• byshop of Ro¦me a woman
• * 1.266

  Lewis the. ••••. is buried at Milane.
• * 1.267

  The disloyal¦te of the by∣shop of Ro. in transfer∣ryng the em¦pyre to Fren¦chemen.
• * 1.268

  Charles the balde.
• * 1.269

  The French 〈…〉〈…〉nings
• * 1.270

  The death of Charles the balde.
• * 1.271

  Charles the grosse.
• * 1.272

  The Normā¦des fell into Fraunce.
• * 1.273

  Arnolphus Emperoure.
• * 1.274

  The Normā∣des are ouer∣come.
• * 1.275

  An example of moste nota¦ble cruelnesse of a Rompsh byshop. Sergius vn∣learned and a tyraunt.
• * 1.276

  The tyranny of y^• byshops of Rome.
• * 1.277

  Lewis the. iij
• * 1.278

  The Hunga∣rians way••t Germany & ••••••ly.
• * 1.279

  Berengari∣us prince of Foroiulium.
• * 1.280

  Conrade the fyrste▪
• * 1.281

  Otho duke of Saxony.
• * 1.282

  Berengarius
• * 1.283

  Henry the Fouler. The occasiō of the warre betwene the Frankes & Saxons.
• * 1.284

  The empyre is translated to the Saxōs
• * 1.285

  〈…〉〈…〉 the 〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.286

  The kyng∣dome of ger¦many neuer wanted vp∣roures.
• * 1.287

  The reaso∣nyng of Hen¦ry the Em∣perour wyth Arnold duke of Bayer∣land.
• * 1.288

  The vision of S. Vdal∣r••••ke.
• * 1.289

  The d••••es 〈…〉〈…〉 by Hen¦ry the fyrste.
• * 1.290

  Otho the fyrst.
• * 1.291

  The vpron∣res raysed a∣gainst Otho Eberardus the Palatine Giselbert prince of Lo¦tharing or Loraine▪
• * 1.292

  Henry bro∣ther to Otho
• * 1.293

  Herman prince of Schwaben▪ Lonradus duke of the Frankes.
• * 1.294

  An example of ••eage∣〈…〉〈…〉 also on greate 〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.295

  The seconde vp••ouce was wyth hys brother.
• * 1.296

  The thyrde 〈…〉〈…〉 was by his owne 〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.297

  Salfelde •• deadly place for counsels.
• * 1.298

  Regenspurg
• * 1.299

  The Hunga¦rians are vanquished.
• * 1.300

  ••. 〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.301

  An example that 〈…〉〈…〉 God 〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.302

  The aun∣swer of O∣tho to the Frenche••••s threaten ••y••∣ges.
• * 1.303

  Strawe hattes.
• * 1.304

  Hugo prince of Fraunce
• * 1.305

  Lewis is re∣stored agayn to the realme of Fraunce.
• * 1.306

  Berengari∣us peldeth hymselfe to Otho.
• * 1.307

  Berēgarius wyth hys sonne are ••a∣•••••• for their disloyaltye.
• * 1.308

  Otho y^• first made the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 othe to the bishop of Rome.
• * 1.309

  The ••••••••es of the 〈…〉〈…〉ppes of 〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.310

  Quedeln∣burg. Who fande fyrst the syl∣uer Mines in Misen.
• * 1.311

  Otho the 〈…〉〈…〉▪
• * 1.312

  Henry du••e of 〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.313

  The French men are sub∣dued of O∣tho the secōd
• * 1.314

  Otho the se∣cond was ta¦ken by mari∣ners.
• * 1.315

  The ende∣uoure and faythful∣nesse in ke∣yyng the em¦pyre▪
• * 1.316

  The punish∣ment of Cre∣scentius a Roman•• Prynce for ••••••••••yng y^• Emp••••••
• * 1.317

  Otho the iij. called the Worldes wonders▪
• * 1.318

  Bruno a Sax¦on was made bysh. of Ro.
• * 1.319

  To what pr••¦ces the elec∣tion is com∣mitted.
• * 1.320

  Ihon Stabi∣us an astro∣nomer.
• * 1.321

  The Ger∣mane history wryters vn∣learned.
• * 1.322

  Why Bohe∣my hath the authorytye of eleccion. Saxony.
• * 1.323

  Branden∣burg.
• * 1.324

  The county∣shyp of Pa∣latyne.
• * 1.325

  What pro∣fite is by the princes Ele∣ctors.
• * 1.326

  Otho the. i••▪ was poyso∣soned.
• * 1.327

  Syluester by¦shop of Ro a w••other with ••••••ll spectes.
• * 1.328

  Henry the .ij.
• * 1.329

  The dedes of Henry the .ij.
• * 1.330

  Steuen kyng of the Hunga¦rians.
• * 1.331

  Cunradus y^• second.
• * 1.332

  Ernestus du¦ke of Schwa¦ben
• * 1.333

  Gisela a que∣ne of Bour∣gundy.
• * 1.334

  The first mē∣cion of y^• mar¦queshyp in Easteuriche.
• * 1.335

  The begyn∣nyng of the erldome of Thuryngen and whence y^• lordes therof be. Lewis the Bearded.
• * 1.336

  Thre bishops of Rome stro¦nyng for the 〈…〉〈…〉 deposed
• * 1.337

  When •• Car∣dinals began 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.338

  Henry the .iij
• * 1.339

  Luno duke of Baier. An euel coun¦sayll. &c.
• * 1.340

  Berengarius 〈…〉〈…〉 of 〈…〉〈…〉trewe 〈…〉〈…〉ar ••i the 〈…〉〈…〉 of Christes bo∣dy and bloud
• * 1.341

  Henry y^• .iiij.
• * 1.342

  Of how great euell Hilte∣brand was oc¦casion.
• * 1.343

  The constitu¦tion of Hen∣ry the blacke of choysynge the byshop of Rome.
• * 1.344

  The tyranny of Hiltebrād in deroga∣ti•••• the au∣th••ritie of Emperoure.
• * 1.345

  ••ha•• the•• were that tell 〈…〉〈…〉 Henry the ••ourth 〈…〉〈…〉 〈…〉〈…〉 ••ishops pleasure.
• * 1.346

  Rudolfus is made Empe¦roure of the bishops at Phorcen.
• * 1.347

  The com∣plaint of Ru¦dolfus the Emperoure vpon the bi∣shops.
• * 1.348

  Hiltebrande the byshop of Rome was another Cay¦phas.
• * 1.349

  Sigebertus •••• history wryter.
• * 1.350

  Hiltebrande did first for∣byd the Ger∣mane priestes to mary.
• * 1.351

  Henry the .v. set to worke by y^e byshops besyeged hys father.
• * 1.352

  Norinbergh is taken by Henry the, v.
• * 1.353

  Godfre of Bi¦lion.
• * 1.354

  The 〈…〉〈…〉 raysed in Germany •••• the bishop •• Rome.
• * 1.355

  Henry the. ••.
• * 1.356

  〈…〉〈…〉mple 〈…〉〈…〉graūce
• * 1.357

  The ba〈…〉〈…〉 •••• Mansfeld
• * 1.358

  Henry the .v. renoūced hys ryght of the choysynge of byshops.
• * 1.359

  〈…〉〈…〉s •• Saxon.
• * 1.360

  The princes of bruns••ig came of the Ca•••• ••.
• * 1.361

  S. Bernarde made the pea¦ce betwene y^• Emperours Conradus & Lotharius.
• * 1.362

  Wernherus ••restorer of y^• lawes.
• * 1.363

  The p••••yse •• profitable••••s of the Rom. lawes.
• * 1.364

  Azo.
• * 1.365

  Accursius.
• * 1.366

  Bartholus. Gracianus.
• * 1.367

  By what oc∣casion the mō¦kes are brou∣ght to wryte.
• * 1.368

  Conradus a Schwabe.
• * 1.369

  Conradus went to Ieru¦salem against the Saracens
• * 1.370

  Emanuel Em¦perour of Cō¦stantinople••s disloyaltie.
• * 1.371

  The vertue of noble dames in the citie Weinsburg.
• * 1.372

  William of Sicily.
• * 1.373

  An example of the Romish bysh▪ disloyal¦tie & tyranny.
• * 1.374

  The cōplaint of Adrian by∣shop of Rom. whē he shuld dye.
• * 1.375

  Frederick y^• fyrst.
• * 1.376

  When the du¦chy of Easten riche began.
• * 1.377

  Who are the dukes of Ba∣ier and coun∣ties of Pala∣tine.
• * 1.378

  Lubeck.
• * 1.379

  Milan••.
• * 1.380

  Frederick was excom∣municate by the byshop of Rome.
• * 1.381

  The humilite or lowlynesse of Frederick
• * 1.382

  The extreme tyranny of A¦lexander the thyrde bysh. of Ro. against y^• Emperour Frederick.
• * 1.383

  Frederick the fyrst goynge into Asia what warres he had.
• * 1.384

  Frederick went oft into waters.
• * 1.385

  The prince of Bohem•• is made a kyng
• * 1.386

  Henrye the syxte.
• * 1.387

  Frederick the seconde.
• * 1.388

  The Romish byshops crake.
• * 1.389

  Philippe Emperour.
• * 1.390

  Bertholdus duke of Ze∣••ingen.
• * 1.391

  Otho the fourth.
• * 1.392

  God prospe¦red the busi∣nesses of thē that are law∣fully called.
• * 1.393

  Irene dough¦ter to the Em¦perour of Cō¦stantinople.
• * 1.394

  Philippe the Emperoure was slayne of Otho of Witelspach
• * 1.395

  An example of venge∣aunce.
• * 1.396

  Dominicus. Franciscus.
• * 1.397

  Otho the fourth.
• * 1.398

  The pryde and cruellye of the by∣shoppes of Rome.
• * 1.399

  The Empe∣rours that were excom∣municated by the by∣shops of Rome.
• * 1.400

  Herman county of Thuringen. S. Elizabeth
• * 1.401

  Friderick the second.
• * 1.402

  The science of Astrono∣mye was brought to lyght agayn by Friderik the .ij.
• * 1.403

  Henry the sonne was taken by Frideryke hys father.
• * 1.404

  Ioannes kyng of Hie-rusalem.
• * 1.405

  Why the kynges of Sicyly clayme the ••••tle of Hie∣rusalem.
• * 1.406

  Lewis the Landtgraue
• * 1.407

  Friderick y^• ij. is excom-municated y^• thyrd time.
• * 1.408

  Guelphi.
• * 1.409

  Guelphi.
• * 1.410

  Frideryk y^• Emperoure •••• deposed of y^• empyre by the byth. of 〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.411

  Victoria ••••yty••.
• * 1.412

  Fridericke coynet ••ether in tyme of nede.
• * 1.413

  C••nradus the fourth.
• * 1.414

  The notable cruelty of Clemens bi∣shop of Ro. agaynst Cū∣radinus.
• * 1.415

  William Emperoure.
• * 1.416

  Alfonsus kynge of Spayne and astronomiā.
• * 1.417

  Rudolf erle •••• Habys∣burge.
• * 1.418

  Othacarus hy••g of the Bohemes.
• * 1.419

  Albert duke •••• Eastērich
• * 1.420

  Wen••••slaus 〈…〉〈…〉g of Bo∣〈…〉〈…〉 ma∣〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.421

  Erfurde.
• * 1.422

  Adolfe coūte of Nassau Emperoure.
• * 1.423

  〈…〉〈…〉 du••e ••f ••••ste••rich
• * 1.424

  A feate saieng by Bonifaci•• the .viij.
• * 1.425

  Albert Empe¦roure duke of Estenriche.
• * 1.426

  ••n example of vengeaūce
• * 1.427

  〈…〉〈…〉ricelli.
• * 1.428

  Othomānus
• * 1.429

  Henry the vi••
• * 1.430

  Henry the vij was poisoned of a black fri¦er in the Sa∣crament.
• * 1.431

  Lewi•• the Ba¦••er
• * 1.432

  Frederick du¦ke of Easten∣••••che▪
• * 1.433

  Lupoldus.
• * 1.434

  Friderick du∣ke of Easten∣riche was ta∣ken by a Eb∣rarde Mo∣sbach.
• * 1.435

  Lewis is ex∣cōmunicated
• * 1.436

  A diuision in Germany.
• * 1.437

  The boastīg of Iohannes ••he .xxij. bysh.
• * 1.438

  Ocam a re∣••ouer of the ••om••••h bish.
• * 1.439

  Galeacius of Milan.
• * 1.440

  Lewis the Romane.
• * 1.441

  Nicolas the noble or ful of maiestie, an ex¦ample of nota¦ble folye.
• * 1.442

  Edward the iij. kynge of Englande, & Fredrick erle of Misen re∣fuse the digni¦tie Emperial••
• * 1.443

  Benedictus the. ••i.
• * 1.444

  Auenion a ci∣tie p••pall.
• * 1.445

  The ••••••de∣••••r•• in ••••••∣many & Fraū¦ce 〈…〉〈…〉g themsel••••s.
• * 1.446

  Charles y^• iiij
• * 1.447

  Charles the •••• maker of y^e gold•• buile
• * 1.448

  The viuersi∣tie of Praga in Bohempe.
• * 1.449

  The battayll by Rutlingē
• * 1.450

  The Swi∣tzers league.
• * 1.451

  Lupoldus du¦ke of Eastenri¦che was slam by the Swit∣zers.
• * 1.452

  A diuisiō af∣ter Gregory us the .xi.
• * 1.453

  Wēceslaus Emperour.
• * 1.454

  Ihon Husse teacheth opē¦lye agaynst pardons.
• * 1.455

  Rupertus Emperoure.
• * 1.456

  The diuision of thre Rom. vysh.
• * 1.457

  Tamerlanes a tyraunt.
• * 1.458

  Sigismun∣dus Empe∣roure.
• * 1.459

  He that wyll knowe the whole histo∣ry of Ihon Husse & Hie∣rō of Pragga y^t were burnt in y^e councel at Cōstāce, let him read Eneas silui∣us ī his boke of y^E begin∣ning & dedes of y^e Bohemi¦es y^e .xxxv. & xxxv. chapy.
• * 1.460

  Zischa cap¦tayn of the Hussites sect.
• * 1.461

  The settyn •• forth of Sy∣gismundus a¦gaynste th•• Turkes.
• * 1.462

  The history of Sigisinū∣dus with his seruaūt.
• * 1.463

  The prospe∣rity cōmeth of God. Albert duke of Eastērich.
• * 1.464

  The cosicel Basil.
• * 1.465

  Albert the .ii.
• * 1.466

  Frederick y^• third.
• * 1.467

  Ioannes Hu¦niades.
• * 1.468

  Vladislaus.
• * 1.469

  Iulianus the Cardinal.
• * 1.470

  Dracoles y^• Wlache
• * 1.471

  Dracoles gaue Vladi∣slaus a horse.
• * 1.472

  The battayl by Wardam.
• * 1.473

  Amurates be ••••me •• mōke 〈…〉〈…〉rp man.
• * 1.474

  Huniades hurteth the Turkes greueously.
• * 1.475

  The Dol∣phin and Ar¦meniakes go into Germa¦ny.
• * 1.476

  The power of the Swi∣tzers agayn¦ste the Dol∣phin.
• * 1.477

  Warre of y^e cityes.
• * 1.478

  Constātinus Emperoure of Constanti¦nople.
• * 1.479

  〈…〉〈…〉table 〈…〉〈…〉of y^e 〈…〉〈…〉whā 〈…〉〈…〉nn 〈…〉〈…〉ino pl••.
• * 1.480

  The Turkes are beastes & not tirauntes
• * 1.481

  Nansen▪ Gransen.
• * 1.482

  Maximili∣ane.
• * 1.483

  Maximilian istakē at Bru¦dgis.
• * 1.484

  Frederick dyeth.
• * 1.485

  Nicolaus the v. a fauourer of learnedinē
• * 1.486

  Eneas Sil∣uius.
• * 1.487

  Mahometes besyeged Hy∣druntum.
• * 1.488

  Alfons•• kyng of Naples.
• * 1.489

  The prince of ••rbinas sa∣yenge.
• * 1.490

  The science o•• printyng.
• * 1.491

  The craft of gonnes.
• * 1.492

  Maximilia∣nus the Em∣peroure.
• * 1.493

  Charles with the bunched back the Frē∣che kyng.
• * 1.494

  Pyrcamer.
• * 1.495

  When the du¦chy of Wirtē¦berg began.
• * 1.496

  The switzers warre against their neigh∣bours them of Eastenriche.
• * 1.497

  Figures of a crosse sene v∣pon garmēts.
• * 1.498

  The warre of Baier.
• * 1.499

  Philip sonne to Maximi∣lian d〈…〉〈…〉th Maximilian warreth a∣gainst the Ve¦necians. Lewis kyng of Fraunce.
• * 1.500

  Iulius the by shop of Rom. was discomfi¦ted in a bat∣taill by the ci∣tie Rauennas vpon Easter daye.
• * 1.501

  What Elec∣tors chose Charles that now is Em∣peroure.
• * 1.502

  Martine Lu∣ther▪
• * 1.503

  Charles y^•.
• * 1.504

  Frances the French king taken.
• * 1.505

  The commo¦tion of vplan¦••y••h m••n.
• * 1.506

  Schapler. Twelue arti∣cles of the se∣dicious rusti∣kes.
• * 1.507

  Thomas Mynter.
• * 1.508

  Iohn Ocal••∣padius & Hul¦drich Zwin∣glius renew the doctrine of Berengarius ••ndreas ••a∣rolestadius.
• * 1.509

  Rome taken by Burbon.
• * 1.510

  With what an ••••ost So∣l〈…〉〈…〉yd be¦〈…〉〈…〉ge ••iēn••.
• * 1.511

  Charles is crowned Em¦perour at Bo¦nony by the bysh. of Ro.
• * 1.512

  The parlia∣ment of ••us∣borow.
• * 1.513

  An ouerflo∣wyng at Ro.
• * 1.514

  Clemens the vij. is taken.
• * 1.515

  Ferdinande kyng of Hun∣gary.
• * 1.516

  A Comete sene.
• * 1.517

  The Switzer warre within themselues.
• * 1.518

  The parlia∣ment holden at Regēspurg
• * 1.519

  Prophecies of recouering Constantino∣ple, and of ro¦ting the Tur∣kes out of Eu¦ropa.
• * 1.520

  Laurentius Miniatensis an Astrono∣mer.
• * 1.521

  A Comete sene.
• * 1.522

  Writers of Histories. Cronicles.
• * 1.523

  What the mutacions of kyngdomes de signifye.
• * 1.524

  Agathias.
• * 1.525

  Ctesias.
• * 1.526

  The conuoca¦tion or coun∣saill holden at Ramsburgh.
• * 1.527

  The duke of Saxon agre∣eth not to the election of y^e kyng of the Romaines.
• * 1.528

  The seconde breakyng in of Soliman into Germa∣ny.
• * 1.529

  Guns assaul∣ted of the Tur¦ke by the spa∣ce of .xij. daies
• * 1.530

  The wall of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 falleth 〈…〉〈…〉e by it ••elfe.
• * 1.531

  Anthony de Leua.
• * 1.532

  Andrewe de Aurea.
• * 1.533

  The citie of Corona takē
• * 1.534

  The Empe∣rourre turned into Italy to the Pope.
• * 1.535

  The Pope meteth them∣perour at Bo¦nonia.
• * 1.536

  Battell mo∣ued in Eng∣land against the Scottes.
• * 1.537

  The death of Iohn duke of Saxon.
• * 1.538

  Iohn Frede∣rick duke of Saxon.
• * 1.539

  A Comete or blasing starre ••••••••.
• * 1.540

  A great in••∣••••cion of wa¦t•••• in Hollād Seeland &c.
• * 1.541

  Christerne k••n•• of D••••¦〈…〉〈…〉ke after h•••• retur••••ta 〈…〉〈…〉oure 〈…〉〈…〉e 〈…〉〈…〉l.
• * 1.542

  A mōstruous Calfe borne by y^e sea coste aboute Lin∣dowe. The Empe∣rour Charles retourneth from Genua into Spaine.
• * 1.543

  Newe Indes or Ilandes plentyfull of golde and sil∣uer founde out by the Spāyardes.
• * 1.544

  A solēpne cō∣munycacyon holdē at Mas¦silia betwene y^e Pope & the French kinge.
• * 1.545

  The duke of Orleans ma∣rieth the Po¦pes cosyn.
• * 1.546

  The Euange¦lycal bōd is opened by y^e french kyng.
• * 1.547

  Another Co∣mete or bla∣sing starre a∣peared.
• * 1.548

  Shiltagh bur¦ned downe to y^e ground.
• * 1.549

  A great Pesti¦lence in Ger∣many.
• * 1.550

  A great earth¦quake & tem∣pest of wind.
• * 1.551

  Kynge henry the .viii was d••uorsed frō hys fyrste wyfe maried to an other.
• * 1.552

  1534. The Anabap¦tystes t••ke the Cytye of Mynster in Westphale.
• * 1.553

  The Anabap¦tystes make them a kyng.
• * 1.554

  Knypperdul∣lynge &c. kregh tynge.
• * 1.555

  Philip Land¦graue of He∣ssen.
• * 1.556

  The Citie of Minster be∣sieged by y^• bi••hop. Scarcitye of victualles in Mynster. The Ana¦baptistes ea∣te lether & co¦uerynges of bookes.
• * 1.557

  Philip land¦graue of He∣ssen goeth a∣bout to set his vncle in∣to his owne land agayn.
• * 1.558

  Philip y^• pa¦latine put to flyght and wounded. Hulderike duke of wi••∣tēberg resto∣red to his o•• •••• d〈…〉〈…〉ō.
• * 1.559

  A peace graūted vn∣to y^• ••an••g••a ••e on them perours be∣half.
• * 1.560

  The lādgra∣ue retour¦neth into his owne lande. A cōmēdati∣ō of liberaly¦ty & boldenes in y^e land∣graue.
• * 1.561

  a cōmēdatiō of pacience & mekenes in thēperour & y^e kyng of Hungary.
• * 1.562

  The death of Frederike kyng of Dē¦marke.
• * 1.563

  A straunge thing or tokē happened a∣bout y^• dead corps of the kynge. The erle of Oldēborou∣ghe •• y^• Lu∣bekes inuade y^• dukedom of h••lsa••es. The death of George weuer & mar¦kes mayer.
• * 1.564

  A peace con¦cluded be¦twene the towne of Lu¦beke and the dukedom of ho sure. The captay∣nes of Lube∣ke desyrous to inuade dē∣marcke.
• * 1.565

  A newe war ••••.
• * 1.566

  A wōderfull apparitiō in Dēmarke.
• * 1.567

  Henry king of Ingland excōmunica¦ted by the po¦pe.
• * 1.568

  The Pope hath •••• au¦thority ouer Ingland.
• * 1.569

  king Hēnry forsaketh y^t Pope. A bokt sett furth vp kin¦ge henry a∣gainste the primacpe of y^e Pope. King Henry ioined in cōfederatin̄ with y^t Prin¦ces & mayn∣tainers of •• gospel.
• * 1.570

  Ireland re∣be••••eth agai∣nst their prin¦ce. Pope Cle∣ment dyeth.
• * 1.571

  Paule y^•▪ iii. chosen to be Pope.
• * 1.572

  Sophi p••in∣•••• of y^• Per∣sians ••••••••••∣beth y^• Turk. Imbrai ba¦ssa.
• * 1.573

  Imbray ba∣ssa with hys host slayne.
• * 1.574

  The Turke cometh agai∣nste y^• sayde Sophy.
• * 1.575

  The turke cō∣passed aboute of the Periy∣ans. The Turke escapeth ••a ro••e•••• with a lewe.
• * 1.576

  Barbarossa inuabeth the kyngdome of Tunyse.
• * 1.577

  Barbarossa suodueth A∣ffryca the lesse
• * 1.578

  Kynge Altza∣chenus expel¦led from Tu∣nyse.
• * 1.579

  The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Breda bur∣ned.
• * 1.580

  Great tempe¦stes of wind.
• * 1.581

  Waters & ry¦uers exceding¦ly increassed •••• y^• ••ande of Pole.
• * 1.582

  The duke of Millā mari∣eth y^• dough∣••••r 〈…〉〈…〉 y^• kyng Denmarke.
• * 1.583

  Themperour prepareth an armada to∣wardes Affri¦ca.
• * 1.584

  The kingdō of Tunise re∣c••••••red b•• the pe••our. Barbarossa ex••••lled frō Tunise.
• * 1.585

  Kyng Altza∣chenus resto∣red to hys kyngdome of Tunise. The castell of Golleta reserued for themperour.
• * 1.586

  Themperour returneth frō Affrica.
• * 1.587

  Barbarossa inuadeth the Ile of Mi∣norca.
• * 1.588

  The Affrica∣nes attempte rebellion.
• * 1.589

  Andrewe ••e Aurea apoin∣ted to kepe y^e Affricanes in awe.
• * 1.590

  The sect of the Anabap∣tistes in crea∣s••eth. The Anabap¦tistes ••••kem•• ••••w〈…〉〈…〉 •• go naked.
• * 1.591

  The Anabap¦tistes within 〈…〉〈…〉e ••pp••••lled.
• * 1.592

  The madnes of the Anaba∣ptistes.
• * 1.593

  The Anaba∣ptistes bele∣ued that Min¦ster was new Ierusalem.
• * 1.594

  A woman would con∣terfet Iudith.
• * 1.595

  The kynge 〈…〉〈…〉ing and knipperdulling taken. The kyng of the ••••bapti∣stes with his cōsellers put to death.
• * 1.596

  Christian du∣ke of Holston chosen to be kyng in Den¦marke.
• * 1.597

  The count of Hoya, and the Erle of Tec∣kelborough slayne.
• * 1.598

  Louedayes kept in Hun∣gary.
• * 1.599

  The kyng of Poles ma∣ried the daughter of ••erd••••anto kyng of Bo∣hemy.
• * 1.600

  The death of the Duke of Mylan.
• * 1.601

  The duke of ••a••er mari∣eth the daugh¦ter of Den∣marke.
• * 1.602

  ••ir Thomas more Chaun∣celour of En¦gland and y^• byshop of Ro¦chester behea¦ded.
• * 1.603

  The monkes of the charter house.
• * 1.604

  A wonderful tempest.
• * 1.605

  Neuer suche a tēpest sene.
• * 1.606

  Quene Ka∣therine dow••¦ger dieth.
• * 1.607

  Quene An∣ne Bullyn be headed. Que. Iane Semour ma¦ried to the kyng of En∣land.
• * 1.608

  The citie of Geneue besie¦ged.
• * 1.609

  Preachers of the Gospel or¦deyned •••• Sa¦••••••.
• * 1.610

  Iulius Lesar builded Clau¦sa Rodani.
• * 1.611

  The French kyng clay∣meth the suc∣cession of Mila••e.
• * 1.612

  It is the con∣dicion of an ap•• to coun∣tr••faite all y^• is done in his ••••ght.
• * 1.613

  Aprai•••• of the author.
• * 1.614

  The Empo∣roures com∣playnt to the Pope agaīst the Frenche kyng.
• * 1.615

  The Empe∣peroures re∣quest.
• * 1.616

  The Popes aunswere.
• * 1.617

  The Empe∣roures re∣tourne from Rome.
• * 1.618

  A trap••one put to death at ••po••s.
• * 1.619

  The Count of Nassowe.
• * 1.620

  Perone be∣syeged.
• * 1.621

  The Euan∣gelical bond
• * 1.622

  The Synode or conuocatiō of Wittenbo∣rough.
• * 1.623

  Swinglius cōsenteth not with Luter in the opinion of the Sacramēt
• * 1.624

  A new peace concluded be¦twene the sea townes of Eastlande & Denmarke.
• * 1.625

  The citie of Copenhage beseged by y^• kyng.
• * 1.626

  D••g••es and 〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.627

  Coppenhagh yelded vp to•• kyng. Warborough taken Markes ma∣yer taken and quartered.
• * 1.628

  Ag••••ly e••••∣ple for all kyn¦ges and con∣querours.
• * 1.629

  The practise of papistes.
• * 1.630

  All the by∣shoys of Dē∣marck depo∣sed.
• * 1.631

  Iohn Bugen hagh.
• * 1.632

  Thepreachig of the gospell instituted in Denmarke. xxiiij thousād parishes in Denmarch & Norway fur∣nyshed with preachers.
• * 1.633

  The corona∣tion of Lhri∣stiane siyng of Denmarck. The vntuersi¦tie of Luppen¦haghe furny∣shed with mē¦learned in y^• scripturs.
• * 1.634

  Liuinges ap∣pointed for preachers & ••••d••••s in Dē¦〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.635

  Thimbassa∣dours of En∣gland at Wit¦tenbourgh.
• * 1.636

  Doctour ••••n••••.
• * 1.637

  An olde pro∣phecy of En∣land.
• * 1.638

  The Lorde Darcy with other.
• * 1.639

  Edwarde the sy••t borne.
• * 1.640

  The death of Quene Iane
• * 1.641

  The kyng of Scottes, ma∣rieth the dau∣ghter of Fra¦unce. The cōquest of the kyng of Portingals Indes.
• * 1.642

  The Christē faith planted in the kyng∣dome of Cā¦baia.
• * 1.643

  The heath of Erasmus.
• * 1.644

  A preuy con¦spiracy in Germany a∣gainst the Gospell.
• * 1.645

  Henry the younger du∣ke of Brun∣swyke.
• * 1.646

  The death of George duke of Sax¦on.
• * 1.647

  Pop••r•• abo¦lyssed in the ••••nde of 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.648

  The ••••oole 〈…〉〈…〉gh re¦st••••••d.
• * 1.649

  Heding bese∣ged & taken.
• * 1.650

  The lady re∣gēt inuadeth Picardy.
• * 1.651

  S. Paule be¦seged and de¦stroyed.
• * 1.652

  Turwyne be¦seged.
• * 1.653

  〈…〉〈…〉 Iohn Crisp••
• * 1.654

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.655

  A•• ho••••••ble 〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.656

  Misfortunes happened & harmes done by the mea∣nes of the tē∣pest.
• * 1.657

  A collection for the pore.
• * 1.658

  Frere Forest
• * 1.659

  A cousi••lta∣••••on holden at Rome a∣gainst the Turke.
• * 1.660

  The Empe∣rours ••••••ra∣un•••• ••••to ••i¦c••.
• * 1.661

  The entraun¦ce of the Po∣pe into Nice described.
• * 1.662

  the religious rabl••.
• * 1.663

  The Empe∣roure kisseth the Popes 〈…〉〈…〉e.
• * 1.664

  A peace con∣cluded betwe¦ne the Empe¦rour & Fraū¦ce▪
• * 1.665

  Leonora.
• * 1.666

  〈…〉〈…〉 N•• 〈…〉〈…〉ded.
• * 1.667

  Barbarossa.
• * 1.668

  Bisana ta••en
• * 1.669

  The shipw∣rach of Bar¦barossa.
• * 1.670

  The Castell N〈…〉〈…〉urg ••••ylord.
• * 1.671

  Th•• Mar∣quea of Brā¦denburg.
• * 1.672

  The death of y^e duke of Gelders.
• * 1.673

  Auarice pu∣nyshed.
• * 1.674

  The lorde marquish of ex••ter •• the ••••rd mōtacu¦te beheaded.
• * 1.675

  Barbarossa robbeth y^e ••e ••e••••ās & Ita∣lians goodes vpō y^e see.
• * 1.676

  Barbarossa b〈…〉〈…〉th C••▪ stel••ou••.
• * 1.677

  The dalma∣cians flye to y^e Turckes, & betrai their felowe soudi¦ars & y^e Ca∣stel. Barbarossa wynneth Ca¦stel nouo.
• * 1.678

  The spaniat des & Italy∣ans feight māfully.
• * 1.679

  Theēperou∣res wi••dieth.
• * 1.680

  An insurrec¦ciōat Gent▪
• * 1.681

  Embassadou¦res out of Fraunce into Spayne.
• * 1.682

  The ••perour cōmeth into Flaūderstho ••ou Fraunce
• * 1.683

  An ābassage out of ostēric¦ke into beam.
• * 1.684

  Latine Wr••¦tislauya.
• * 1.685

  The Turcke carieth away lxxx thou∣sād christē mē into turckye.
• * 1.686

  A blasynge sterre.
• * 1.687

  The laerned in Turcky acknowledg our Christen relligiō to be y^• best.
• * 1.688

  The ••urch headeth▪ priestes.
• * 1.689

  A miracle.
• * 1.690

  The Empe∣rour at paris
• * 1.691

  The frēch kyng crafti¦ly seketh y^e e••¦perour d••••t * or be ro∣wed.
• * 1.692

  or boote
• * 1.693

  stp••••an.
• * 1.694

  or shippe. The ••p r••rs cōplaint to y^• ••i••h. of Ro.
• * 1.695

  The Empe¦roure cōmeth to Gent.
• * 1.696

  •• castel buil¦ded in Gent. Ferdinādus cometh to y^• Emperoure in to flaūders 〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.697

  A cōmunica∣cion at Wor
• * 1.698

  Phil. Melā.
• * 1.699

  Ioh. Ecke.
• * 1.700

  Wheter ther remain sines in y^t saintes & Christiās af∣ter baptisme.
• * 1.701

  Rom. viii.
• * 1.702

  A day at ha∣ganouwe.
• * 1.703

  The Empe¦rour•• 〈…〉〈…〉ly forbedeth good bokes to be readde.
• * 1.704

  But what is wōne •••• per¦secutyon.
• * 1.705

  The marque s〈…〉〈…〉 ••••ādā∣〈…〉〈…〉 recea∣〈…〉〈…〉 y^• word •••• God.
• * 1.706

  God befen¦heth his flock
• * 1.707

  The 〈…〉〈…〉: of y^• burning mor∣therers.
• * 1.708

  〈…〉〈…〉 clipse 〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.709

  Wyne both 〈…〉〈…〉 & good cheape.
• * 1.710

  Vnderstand The true king of Hun¦gary, kynge Iohn.
• * 1.711

  The kyng of Hungary dyed.
• * 1.712

  Latine. B••da.
• * 1.713

  Ferdinand{us} would take in the kyng∣dome of Hū¦gary.
• * 1.714

  The Empe∣rour comith to Noren∣berg.
• * 1.715

  The parlia∣ment holden at Regensburg.
• * 1.716

  〈…〉〈…〉 D••••••s i••••ter 〈…〉〈…〉 The Pope 〈…〉〈…〉hall
• * 1.717

  One of his croked pi••∣pes hynde∣reth all that thegodly had go••e about •• greate while before, and those me•• of greate no∣bilitie besy∣des the excel∣ent learned.
• * 1.718

  The prince•• that receaue the worde of God after y^e parliament holden at Re¦gensburg.
• * 1.719

  Doctor Ec∣kius vse▪ h••he ••cuel his ma∣sters conning that is, lying▪
• * 1.720

  The beu••ls 〈…〉〈…〉 •••• ••al 〈…〉〈…〉, ••owes 〈…〉〈…〉es 〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.721

  •••••••••• is pro¦••••d•• ••••r▪
• * 1.722

  Money is geuen to sēd an armye a∣gainst the Turke.
• * 1.723

  Iohn Wey∣da kynge of Hungary dy¦••••••.
• * 1.724

  The Turke•• Bassa ••ese∣geth Pest.
• * 1.725

  ••••••. Alb••▪ greca▪
• * 1.726

  A notable 〈…〉〈…〉 ordi¦〈…〉〈…〉 lost 〈…〉〈…〉 Hungary.
• * 1.727

  Willyam of Rogendorpe 〈…〉〈…〉▪
• * 1.728

  The Turke▪ ••eweth. lxxx Christians in peeces for a pastyme.
• * 1.729

  The Turke breaketh hys promesse, and excercyseth tyranny.
• * 1.730

  〈…〉〈…〉an 〈…〉〈…〉l yeare.
• * 1.731

  The turcke ••••••eth▪ ••xx. thousand mē¦〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.732

  The Turke geueth ••alē tyne Te••eck his reward.
• * 1.733

  The Turke taketh cer∣tayn Castels in▪ The Turke assaulteth the citie of fyue∣churches.
• * 1.734

  The Turck hatha••arm•• in Pelopo••e so.
• * 1.735

  The Empe∣rour and the Pope to ge∣ther at Luke.
• * 1.736

  The Empe∣roures passa∣ge to Algier.
• * 1.737

  Duke Hen∣ry of Saxon dieth.
• * 1.738

  〈…〉〈…〉s 〈…〉〈…〉r 〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.739

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 in Hi¦str•••• is taken in.
• * 1.740

  An armye a∣gainst the Turck.
• * 1.741

  Pest is be∣seaged of our men.
• * 1.742

  Duke Mau∣rice in Ieo∣perdy of ta∣kynge.
• * 1.743

  ••••e of Du∣ke Maurice Ie〈…〉〈…〉en 〈…〉〈…〉eth mā¦fully to dely¦uer his ma∣ster.
• * 1.744

  A sicknesse in the Camp
• * 1.745

  The grenous¦••ie•• of y^e sick¦nes in. Duga ••••.
• * 1.746

  Warre be∣twene y^e Du∣ke of Saxon & Brunswick
• * 1.747

  The duke of Brunswyke flyeth.
• * 1.748

  Woluenbu∣tel is beseged
• * 1.749

  Woluenbu∣tel is vntap∣led for .iii. peares.
• * 1.750

  The mening was, y^• they shuld at the length repēt them of their ioznep, and go hom, and winue no thing.
• * 1.751

  They fly out of the Castel ouer the wal¦les & ditches
• * 1.752

  The Gospel is preached in the land of Brunswick.
• * 1.753

  〈…〉〈…〉 pr••n¦ces and 〈…〉〈…〉 〈…〉〈…〉 the Go¦spell
• * 1.754

  Duke Willi¦am •••• Baier 〈…〉〈…〉th to v〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.755

  Grassehop∣pers.
• * 1.756

  A earth••••a∣••e in 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.757

  An earth∣qua••e in 〈…〉〈…〉ye
• * 1.758

  •••• 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 •••• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈…〉〈…〉ple
• * 1.759

  The Bra∣〈…〉〈…〉 〈…〉〈…〉ll ••••to the land of Gulick.
• * 1.760

  The kyng of Scotland dyeth.
• * 1.761

  A Councell kept at Nu∣re••burg.
• * 1.762

  Another counsel ap∣poynted at Spyer.
• * 1.763

  An army sent by them p〈…〉〈…〉 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 land.
• * 1.764

  〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.765

  〈…〉〈…〉of 〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.766

  The city of Tremetz ta∣ken.
• * 1.767

  The French king and the Duke of 〈…〉〈…〉le¦••e pro〈…〉〈…〉 their marshi¦al affaires.
• * 1.768

  The Ladye Mary sen∣deth an ar∣my againste the Duke of Cleue.
• * 1.769

  The Cleue∣uers appro¦che towar∣des▪ the Bra¦banders.
• * 1.770

  〈…〉〈…〉nflict 〈…〉〈…〉e the C••eue••ers & 〈…〉〈…〉ders
• * 1.771

  The victory of the Cleue∣ners.
• * 1.772

  The slepe of themperour.
• * 1.773

  The s〈…〉〈…〉 〈…〉〈…〉f the 〈…〉〈…〉e∣〈…〉〈…〉he 〈…〉〈…〉e 〈…〉〈…〉nd 〈…〉〈…〉th∣〈…〉〈…〉 〈…〉〈…〉d•• 〈…〉〈…〉de.
• * 1.774

  Hungary in∣uaded by the Turke.
• * 1.775

  The death of doctor 〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.776

  A wōderfull birth besides Basell▪
• * 1.777

  Wonderfull visions sen••.
• * 1.778

  The interpre¦tacion o•• the vision.
• * 1.779

  The councel of ••p••re.
• * 1.780

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.781

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.782

  With their ordinaunce.
• * 1.783

  The kynd∣nes of Swit¦chers.
• * 1.784

  A counse••∣lour o•• Nur∣renburgh ta∣ken.
• * 1.785

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.786

  Scotland ••••¦uaded by ••••¦g••••thmen.
• * 1.787

  Bullyn bese∣ged
• * 1.788

  〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.789

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.790

  〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.791

  The Palati∣ne a fauorer of Goddes worde.
• * 1.792

  Popery pa•••• downe & the Gospel prea¦ched in the palatines iu∣risdiction.
• * 1.793

  〈…〉〈…〉g 〈…〉〈…〉 Po¦les 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.794

  〈…〉〈…〉p 〈…〉〈…〉o 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.795

  〈…〉〈…〉pro∣〈…〉〈…〉 〈…〉〈…〉d and 〈…〉〈…〉e.
• * 1.796

  Henry duke of Brunswi∣ke goeth a∣bout to reco∣uer his land
• * 1.797

  The ••ount•• of Deckelen¦bourgh inu••¦ded for the Golpell.
• * 1.798

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••••ll beseged.
• * 1.799

  Philip Land¦graue of Hes¦sen Capitaine of the Euan∣gelicall con∣federation.
• * 1.800

  Duke Mau∣rice of Saxō.
• * 1.801

  Duke Mau∣rice seketh ••▪ meanes to ma¦ke a peace.
• * 1.802

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.803

  〈…〉〈…〉 〈…〉〈…〉 by 〈…〉〈…〉i 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.804

  〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.805

  〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.806

  The Land∣graue 〈…〉〈…〉qui∣••eth an othe of duke Hen∣〈…〉〈…〉 cōpany.
• * 1.807

  The lande of Brunswike ta¦ken in againe and sworne of newe to y^e confederatiō
• * 1.808

  The Erle of Shauēburgh deposed.
• * 1.809

  Rithbergh ge¦uen vp.
• * 1.810

  〈…〉〈…〉th of 〈…〉〈…〉che 〈…〉〈…〉of 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.811

  The Ruler of 〈…〉〈…〉har•• 〈…〉〈…〉ed by y^e Marquis of Branden∣burgh
• * 1.812

  The fury o the Turke.
• * 1.813

  The death of the Duke of Orleans.
• * 1.814

  Wonderfull apparitions and visions.
• * 1.815

  A conuocatiō at Franke forth.
• * 1.816

  The death of Ma••ten Lu∣ter.
• * 1.817

  The buriall of doctor Martine Lu¦ter.
• * 1.818

  Alphonse dia si a trayte∣rousmurther
• * 1.819

  The good doctor Iohn Diasy mur∣thered.
• * 1.820

  The Emp∣〈…〉〈…〉 com∣〈…〉〈…〉 Rai∣〈…〉〈…〉sburgh.
• * 1.821

  The 〈…〉〈…〉ion beg〈…〉〈…〉 at Rains∣burgh.
• * 1.822

  The begyn∣nyng of the emperours warres a∣gaynst the Germanes.
• * 1.823

  Duke Mau∣rice prepa∣reth 〈…〉〈…〉 to 〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.824

  A cruel mur∣ther.
• * 1.825

  Duke Mau∣rice ••••gm∣•••••••• to 〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.826

  〈…〉〈…〉 of 〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.827

  A peace betwene En∣glande and Fraunce.
• * 1.828

  The stewes put downe in London. ☝ ☝ Anne Askewe Iohn Lassels burned.
• * 1.829

  Shaxton re∣canted.
• * 1.830

  Thomas du∣ke of North∣folke & Hen∣ry his sodne attainted.
• * 1.831

  A plague of locustes and grashoppers
• * 1.832

  A godly com¦maundement
• * 1.833

  A prodigi∣ous grape.
• * 1.834

  A wonderful miracle.
• * 1.835

  A wonderful ••ision.
• * 1.836

  The Erle of Surrey behea¦ded.
• * 1.837

  The death of kyng Henry the eight of England▪ &c. Edward the syxt byng of England.
• * 1.838

  Images and beades put downe & abo¦lysshed in En¦gland.
• * 1.839

  A recantaciō of Doctor Smith.
• * 1.840

  Processions l••••t in Eng∣lande. An hoost of men sent out of Englande into Scotlād
• * 1.841

  Chaunteries geuen to the ••••ng of En∣gland.
• * 1.842

  The Cōmu∣mō ordeined to be receiued in both kin∣des. Latimer set at libertie.
• * 1.843

  The death of the ••renche King.
• * 1.844

  〈…〉〈…〉▪
• * 1.845

  The Empe∣rour retour∣neth out of Germany in∣to Flaūders The Duke of Saxon cap¦tiue. Leonora re∣tourned to themperoure The sonne of Ferdinando marieth them perours dau∣ghter.
• * 1.846

  The eldest sonne of the Turke 〈…〉〈…〉∣keth insurr••••¦tion ag••ynst his father.
• * 1.847

  Argiers takē 〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.848

  A ••••m••••ociō •••• cor••••••all. The masse & Images put downe in En¦glande.
• * 1.849

  The byshop of Winche∣ster commit∣ted to thei our of ••o〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.850

  The maria∣ge of priestes graunted law¦full. An insurrec∣tion at Nor∣wiche.
• * 1.851

  The rebelles in Cornwal 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Deuonshere subdued. The byshop of London de¦posed and cō¦mitted to pri∣son. The duke of Somerset cō∣mitted to the tour of Lōdō. The death of the Pope. A wonderful vision sene be¦sydes Brun∣swyke.
• * 1.852

  Capitayne Gambold slayne.
• * 1.853

  〈…〉〈…〉 in 〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.854

  The duke of Somerset de¦lyuered out of 〈…〉〈…〉 A generall p〈…〉〈…〉 ••etme∣ne Englande •• Frannce.
• * 1.855

  Bullayne de¦lyuered.
• * 1.856

  30 one Boo∣cher
• * 1.857

  A wonderful miracle oftor ue fallyng do¦wne from the element.
• * 1.858

  A moste ••••••nnicall persecution.