The estate of the Church with the discourse of times, from the apostles vntill this present: also of the liues of all the emperours, popes of Rome, and Turkes: as also of the Kings of Fraunce, England, Scotland, Spaine, Portugall, Denmarke, &c. With all the memorable accidents of their times. Translated out of French into English by Simon Patrike, Gentleman.

The beginning of the Waldois.

Peter Waldo a Citizen of Lions, beganne by litle and litle in this time to cleare the thicke darknesse therof: and this was as a first and litle beginning of the Instauration of the Christi∣an doctrine and religion.

The Historie is this. In the Towne of Lions, as many of the chief of the Towne in Sommer time to recreate themselues and talke together, one amongst them suddenly fell downe dead in the presence of others; amongst which was this Waldo, a rich man, who more then all other men was mooued and sur∣prised with feare,* 1.1 and an apprehension of the humane frailtie, and began to think (the spirit of God drawing him) more near∣ly to repencance, and to meditate true pietie more then euer hee had done before. He began then to giue much more almes, to open his house to all, and to speake of penance and true pie∣tie to such as for any cause came vnto him.

This feare was of God,* 1.2 the fruite and the ende sheweth it in this person. But the feare that moued Bruno to seeke reme∣die and comfort to his fancie without the word of the Lord, was of the diuel, and proceeded of his illusions.

This liberalitie drew many poore and needfull people vn∣to him, that they came by troupes, and he alwaies expounded some place of holy scripture in the vulgar tongue: for hee was a man learned (as the writings of that time witnesse, and the Ca∣talogue of the witnesses of the truth) the Bishop of the place, and the Prelates which carried the keyes as they say, and would neither enter, nor let others enter, beganne to murmure that a Laie man, or secular man (as they call them) should handle or declare in the vulgar tongue the scripture, and make assemblies in his house: admonishing to cease to do so vnder the paine of excommunication. But for all this, the zeale that Waldo had to aduance the glory of God, and the desire the little ones had to learne, was nothing diminished: but contrary, the resistance and tyrannie of the Prelates gaue occasion to discouer the er∣rours and superstitions of the Romane seate, which then were as it were hid in darknesse.

The like happened in our time: for whē the Pope & his Priests could not endure that Martin Luther should reprehend their Indulgences, they were the cause that a further search was made into their errours, and so discouered their abhominable blasphemies.

Waldo now gathered in the vulgar tongue many places out of the auncient Fathers,* 1.3 to cōfirme and strengthen such as were of his side, not only by the authoritie of holy scriptures, but also by witnesse of Doctors, against the aduersaries. It is likely to be true, by Historiographers, yea euen by the writings of the ad∣uersaries, that this assembly endured certaine time (it may be foure or fiue yeares) that Waldo taught in the Towne of Lyons, before he was driuen to exile & banishment. For because he was mightie and had friends, he was not so soone exposed to daun∣gers which afterward were laide for him. And thus came the

appellation of the Pope of Lions. Some called them Waldois, some Lyonists, and some Insabbatati: that is, such as obserued neither Sabboth nor Feast, and many other like names to make them odious and detestable, as shall be shewed in the discourse of this Historie.

[ 1178] Alexander vnderstanding the Emperor marched to come to Rome, perceiuing himselfe culpable of the treason he had done him, the 7. yeare of his Popedome, fled from Rome in the habit of his Coole, & came vnto Venice, & remained in a Monasterie: where finally being knowne, he was led by the Duke & the Se∣nate with great solemnitie into S. Markes Church. The Empe∣ror vnderstanding y^t Alexander was at Venice, sent Embassadors to demaund Alexander. The Venetians maintained the Pope, which the Emperor seeing, sent thither his son Otho with an Ar∣my, yet commanding him not to fight against the Venetians be∣fore his comming. But Otho led with youth gaue battell, lost the victory & was prisoner. Which the Pope seeing, wold not agree with the Emperor, vnlesse fist he came to Venice & receiued the meanes that he wold offer. Frederic to help his son came to Ve∣nice: the Pope would not absolue him of y^e bond of excommu∣nicatiō, vntill he presented himselfe at the doore of S. Mark his Church. Whē he was come thither, the Pope cōmanded him in the presence of all the people, to cast himself vpon the ground, and to demand pardon of him. The Emperor prostrating him∣selfe vpon the earth at the Popes feete: hee set his foote vpon the Emperors neck, & pressing it downe said; It is written, Su∣per aspidem & basiliscum ambulabis & conculcabis Leonem & dra∣conem: that is to say; Thou shalt goe vpon the Aspe & Basilike, and tread vnder thy feet the Lyon & the Dragō. The Emperor taking in ill part the contumely, answered; This was not said vn∣to thee, but vnto Peter. But the Pope stepping againe vpon his neck, answered; Both to me, & to Peter. The Emperour fearing the peril or an hid danger, held his peace, & so was absolued: and an accord was made betwixt them, vpō condition that the Em∣perour should hold Alexander for the true & legitimate Pope, [ 1180] & that he should restore to the Romane church all that he had vsurped & takē during the war. These things ended, the Empe∣ror & his son departed frō Venice, & so ceased y^e schisme.

This Pope gaue many priuiledges to the order of Char∣treux, and Canonized S. Barnard.

The bodies of three Kings (as they call them) were trans∣ported from Millaine to Colongne, by the Bishop of the said place. Sabell. Eun. 9. lib. 5.

The order of the Carmalites began in this time,* 1.4 and the order of Willelmins Hermirs. Fasc. Temp.

About this time Henry the second, King of England, see∣ing the power of Bishops & Cleargie too great in England, and that they by oathes made to the Pope, did alienate themselues, and the Forces of the Realme by such means weakned, renew∣ed the auncient rights, called the Dignities of the Kingdome. And aboue all that, which saith, That Bishops and Prelates shal sweare to be loyall and faithful vnto the king and the pub∣like vtilitie of the kingdome. Thomas Becket Archbishop of Cā∣terburie gaue that oath to the King; but after repented him∣selfe thereof, as of an vnlawfull oath, and demanded therfore the Popes absolution. The King grieued at such periurie, ba∣nished him; and about fiue yeares he was in France. The que∣stiō was long debated at Rome, & cost much mony vpō Embas∣sadors going betweene the one partie & the other. Gratian cō∣piler of the Decrees, was sent on the Popes side, & Petrus Lom∣bardus on Becket his side. The king fearing apparent daungers on the side of France, was glad to be quiet: but Becket being re∣stored, and stil remaining contrary to the king, and vnwilling to absolue such as before he had excommunicated, he was slain by certaine Nobles of the Realme. The 48. yeare after his death, there was a disputation in Paris amongst the Doctors, whether he were damned or saued. There was one Roger a Normane, who maintained that he deserued death, being a Rebell against the King, who is the Minister of God. Others contrary, main∣tained that by good right he ought to be held in the number of Martirs, because he died for the Clergie, and so the Pope Alex∣ander canonized him.

This Historie sheweth vs what difference there is betwixt the Popes Martyrs and them of Iesus Christ.

The punishment makes not the Martyr, but the cause.

Many haue written against this Archbishop Becket, and

condemning him, haue maintained the Kings cause. Baleus re∣hearseth it. So doth Iohn Eliot, and Iohn Bishop of Poitiers.

* 1.5Our Ladies Church of Paris is now builded by the Bishop there called Maurice, who also founded besides three Mona∣steries, that is Negranx, Hermeries and Yeres. The Sea of Histo∣ries.

About this time were there seene in the West Countries three Sunnes in September, & the yeare after three Moones. Chro. Euseb.

[ 1182] Baudwin fourth of that name, the seuenth King of Ierusa∣lem, raigned sixe yeares. Chron. Euseb.

[ 1184] Berthold, Duke Zeringen, sonne of Conrade the Emperour, founded two Freburgs, that is to say, free Bourgages or Franc∣borgs: the one in Brisgoy, and the other in little Bourgogne, com∣monly called Ʋchland, against Sauoye. And 12. yeares after he founded the Towne of Berne,* 1.6 which he surnamed because of a Beare which he encountred in the place where the said Towne was builded. For that word in their tongue signifieth Beare. Naucl.

The scituation thereof is almost an Iland which the Riuer of Arre maketh.

[ 1185] Phillip dieu done, 2. of that name, 41. king of France, sonne of Lewis le ienne, constituted the Escheuins of Paris, and enuiro∣ned with walles a great part of the towne, and walled the wood of Ʋincennes nigh Paris. Naucler.

At this time was a great multitude of Iewes in France, of which there went a report that euerie yeare they stole a Chri∣stian childe, and ledde him vnto a place vnder the earth, and af∣ter they had tormented him, crucified him, and that day they call great or good Friday. King Phillip hearing this, caused the Iewes to be taken and tormented in diuers sorts.* 1.7 Hee burned 80. in one fire, and after the yeare 1186. he draue them all out of his kingdome, except such as were conuerted to the Faith. After the King being scarce of mony through warres, deman∣ded of the Iewes a great summe thereof, and hauing it graun∣ted, he was content they should again come into his kingdome: As also his successour Lewis opened them all the kingdome of France.

Lucius Pope, third of that name, of Luke,* 1.8 ruled at Rome foure yeares, two moneths, and 18. dayes.

He was before called Hinebaldus, or Vbaldus, Cardinall of Ostia. This Pope would needs banish the Consuls & Patricij at Rome: wherefore he was cast out of Rome, and withdrew him∣selfe to Verona. Such as tooke his part, some had their eyes put out, others were set vpon Asses, their faces towards the hinder part, and were ignominiously handled. After some.

In this time was the fourth expedition made beyond the Sea, and there were crossed vnto it the King of France Phi∣lip Augustus, and Henry King of England.* 1.9 And there was a tenth laide vpon all Benefices and reuenews of Church goods, to help the charges of the warre. And this Subsidie was called Saladins tenth. Iohn le Maire.

Ʋrbane Pope, third of that name, borne at Millane,* 1.10 of the people of Cribelles, ruled a yeare and sixe moneths, or as it were [ 1187] eleuen. Suppl. Chron. Before he was called Imbert. Suppl. Chron. Sigeb.

Baudwin King of Ierusalem, left the kingdome Guyon of Lusignan, his sisters husband, and the saide Guyon was the last King of Ierusalem.

Saladin, by auarice, ambition, and discord of Christians, occupied Ierusalem, which the Christians had held from God∣frey de Bouillion, 88. yeares. He tooke also Aca, Beritus, Biblon, and all the rest euen to Ascalon, inclusiuely. Naucler.

Gregorie Pope, 8. of that name, borne in Beneuent,* 1.11 ruled at Rome 57. dayes. [ 1188]

Hee sent messages vnto the Christian Princes and their people, to goe against the enemies of the Faith, promising In∣dulgences and pardons vnto all; but he dyed vpon that enter∣prise, as he went vnto Pise to sollicite, that they of that Towne with the Geneuois together, might send into Asia for the de∣fence of Religion. Cor. Abb.

Lynonia, or Lyfland, a Northerne Land, was conuerted to the Faith.

Clement Pope, third of that name,* 1.12 the sonne of a Romane Citizen, ruled at Rome 3. yeares and 6. moneths, and made a

Decretall against such Priests as celebrated Masse in wodden vessels,* 1.13 and with common bread.

The Emperour Frederic, Philip King of France, Richard King of England, and the Pope Clement, agreed together to send mony vnto the Christians: they sent also many ships, and after went themselues in person, with many Princes and Pre∣lates of Ierusalem, but they could not accord: therefore soone after they returned. Supp. Chron.

[ 1190] The yeare of Christ 1190. Frederic being at Nice, a Citie of Bithinia, it being also very hotte, he descended into a floud to wash: but the force of the water carried him away, so that he was drowned, in the presence of his people, the 37. yeare of his Empire, leauing fiue children which hee had of his wife Bea∣trix, daughter of Regnand, Count of Besanson.

The King of England was taken by a Duke of Austriche, called Leopold, as he returned passing through Almaigne, and was deliuered vnto the Emperour Henry the sixt. For his raun∣some, were solde the treasures of the Church, the Chalices of Gold and Siluer, &c. and so returned into England. During this time, the King of France but a litle before also returned in∣to France, and occupied certaine Townes appertaining vnto the King of England.

The treasures of England solde for the Kings raunsome, came 200000 markes of siluer.

* 1.14Celestine 3. of that name, a Romane, before called Iacin∣thus, very aged, (his Father was called Bubonis) was chosen Pope by the Cardinalls vpon Easter day.

* 1.15The next morning he Crowned Henry Emperour, 6. of that name, sonne of Fredericke, and at the exhortation of this Pope, he made an expedition to goe vnto Ierusalem.

William king of Sicile dying without heires, it was thought that therefore the kingdome should devolue vnto the Romane seate: but the greatest of the kingdome elected Tancredus, the bastard sonne of the said William.* 1.16 The Pope stirred heereat, drew Constance the daughter of Roger, and sister of William king of Sicilie, out of an Abbey of Nunnes in the Towne of Palerme, and dispensed with her marriage. Wherefore Henry sonne of

the Emperour Fredericke, espoused her,* 1.17* 1.18 and so came vnto the kingdome of Sicilie and occupied it. And Tancredus was slaine in battaile, so Henry abode in place. The said Constance of the age of 55. yeares, conceaued and brought forth a sonne called Fredericke the second, who after was Emperour. Supp. Chron.

The order of the Friars of the Hospitall of the Almaines, beganne at this time.

Also the order of the Trinitie.

The yeare 1191. the Towne of Aca was taken by the [ 1191] Christians. Naucler. saith here, that Saladine seeing the force of the Christians, determined to haue yeelded them the towne of Ierusalem: but the discord happening betwixt the King of Fraunce and the King of England, was cause of verie great troubles.

In matter of diuorce, Celestine permitted the Catholike partie to remarry, if the other partie fell into heresie. But con∣trary, the Pope Innocent forbad it. Poll. Ʋer. de diuor. cap. 5.

Arthois was erected into an Earledome, the yeare 1195. and [ 1195] the first Count or Earle therof was Lewis, sonne of king Philip.

The kingdome of Cyprus came into the hands of the Chri∣stians, and remained there 275. yeares.

The Archbishop of Magunce with a multitude of Almains, [ 1197] the King of Hungarie & the Queene, went into Palestine against the Sarasins. Sigeb. They tooke Berinthus and Ioppe. Naucl.

Innocent Pope, third of that name, borne in Campania,* 1.19 his father was Trasimondus, of Anagnia, a man of base estate, [ 1198] Suppl. Chron. ruled at Rome 18. yeares.

This Pope, a very daungerous pestilence,* 1.20 added vnto the Articles of the Faith Transubstantiation, as a 13. Article. See the Decretalls, Tit. 1. De summa Trin. & side Catholica, ca. Fir∣miter credimus.

This Decretall was made the yeare of Christ, 1215. & pro∣mulged in the Councell of Lateran. Where were the Patriarkes of Constantinople & Ierusalem, 70. Archbishops, 400. Bishops, 12. Abbots, 800. conuentuall Priors, and many Embassadors of kings & princes to stop the Sarasins.* 1.21 For there was a Croisado published, therfore was there demanded the 4. peny of all rents.

* 1.22* 1.23He commaunded that the Canon of the Masse should be receiued as if it came from and were ordeined of the Apostles. See the Decretals, Dit. 46. De celebratione Missarū, ca. 6. cū.

He commanded confession in the Priests eare, that is, that he which came to be capable of deceit, should confesse himselfe at the least once in the yeare to his owne Pastor. See the Decretals Tit. 38. chap. Omnis vtrius{que} sexus.

* 1.24In the said Councell of Lateran, it was ordeined, that the Canonization of Saints might not be done but by the Pope.

There also was condemned the booke of Ioachim Abbat, against Peter Lombard.

Now was the error of Almaric Bishop of Chartres, (of whom we shall hereafter speake) and of the Albigeois: against which Innocent made preach the Croisado.

There was also ordeined, that if Princes had offended one an other, the correctiō therof shuld appertain vnto y^e Pope. Nauc.

The yeare of Christ 1199. the Emperour Henry dyed at Pa∣lerme. Being sore heated in the pursuit of an Hart, he drunke so much of a Fountaine that he rankeled his bodie.

Philip brother of the said Emperour Henry, Duke of Souabe, obtained the Empire, and raigned 8. yeares. He was crowned at Magunce.

Innocent hated Philip, and was against his election: The Bishop of Colongne and other Princes, as well seculars, as of the Cleargie, seeing themselues despised that they had not bene called to the electiō of the said Philip, vpon an assembly at Aix, they chose for Emperour Otho, the sonne of Henry, surnamed Lyon, Duke of Saxonie and Bauiere, and was crowned by the Archbishop of Boulongne:* 1.25 so was there a diuision in the Empire whereof great mischiefes came in Almaine, by Rapines, pillings, fires, warres, Robberies. Benefices Ecclesiasticall became liti∣gious, and much siluer did runne to Rome. Naucler. and Vr∣sperg.

* 1.26Otho then 4. of that name, Duke of Bauiere and Saxonie, a man proud and hardie, raigned three yeares, being a fauourite of Pope Innocent: who had said that he would either take away Phillips Crowne, or he should take away his. Ʋrsperg.

There happened then great discord in Almaine by the Popes treason, who procured Phillips death.* 1.27

Otho of Wittilispach, Count Pallatin, entered into the Em∣peror [ 1208] Phillips chamber at Bamberge,* 1.28 and slew him traiterously with a dagger, the ninth yeare of his raigne. His Esquire see∣ing this, being greatly troubled, began to crie, and being woun∣ded in the cheeke, fell downe. The traytor fled to the Bishop of Bamberge, a companion of the conspiration in the Popes fauour: who notwithstanding was afterward slaine by the Em∣perours Marshall nigh Ratisbone, being hid in a poore cottage. See Naucler.

After the death of the said Phillip, the Pope sent vnto Otho, to come to Rome to be crowned, and so he was, the yeare 1209.

Adolphe Bishop of Colongne, who sometimes was on Phil∣lips side, was deposed by the Pope, and died in exile. Naucler. and likewise the Bishop of Sutry, before the said Phillip was Em∣peror, because he had absolued him frō an excommunication.

The yeare of Christ, 1210. Otho whom the Pope so much [ 1210] loued, in despite of Phillip the Emperour, is now become the Popes mortall enemie, yea euen to be excommunicated, and in full Councell declared to be deposed from his Empire: with commaundement from the said Innocent, that none should hold him for Emperor, nor obey him, acquitting his subiects of the oath they ought him. Naucler.

This done, he sent Letters to the Archbishop of Magunce, that he should declare the said Otho through all his Cities to be excommunicated and deposed frō his Empire, in full Coun∣cell held at Rome: which he did. Wherevpon the Princes of Almaine inuaded his Bishoppricke, and put all to fire. The cause wherefore the Pope published the said excommunicati∣on, was because Otho occupied Romandiole, the patrimonie of the Romane Church.

Otho then fearing a new chaunge, left Italie and returned into Almaine: which hee found all troubled for the said ex∣communication.

The Abbey of S. Antoigne by Paris, a religion of women was founded about this time. The Sea of Hist.

The king Phillip gaue to the Church of S. Denis diuers pre∣cious reliques which the Emperour Baudwin had sent him frō Constantinople: that is to say, the true Crosse of a foote long; al∣so the haires which Iesus Christ had in his Infancie; one of the thornes of the Crowne; one side and foure teeth of S. Phillip; the cloathes wherein Iesus Christ was wrapped in the maunger; and the purple garment which he had on at his passion. See the Sea of Hist.

Such as were great in this world, submitted their greatnesse vnto those toyes and trifles, more then childish.

The yeare of Christ, 1212. Otho hauing assembled the Princes at Noremberg, shewed the Popes subtil deu••••s against him, and that vniustly he persecuted him. From thence hee led his Armie into Turinge against his enemies which tooke the Popes part: After he came into Saxonie, where his marriage was celebrated with the daughter of king Phillip, who died foure daies after.

Iohn King of England, King Richard his brother, made his kingdome subiect to the Romane Pope. For a signe whereof, he promised to pay yearely fiue markes of gold. Suppl. Chron. or 1000. markes of sliuer. See the Annales of France.

* 1.29After Otho had bene Emperour 4. yeares, Frederic 2. of [ 1213] that name, sonne of Henry 6. king of both Sicilies and of Ieru∣salem succeeded: and after his election made in Almaine, hee was annointed and crowned at Aix: and Otho depriued of his Empire, died the yeare following of a fluxe of bloud. Naucler. and the said Frederic raigned 44. yeares, or 33. after Suppl. Chron.

Innocent edified the Hospitall of the holy Ghost, and gaue vnto it great reuenewes. He repaired the Church of S. Sixtus. He gaue vnto all the Churches of Rome, the waight of a pound of siluer to make their Challices on, vpon condition that none should sell or alien them.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Sudden death giueth occa∣sion to Waldo.
• * 1.2

  Note here the diuersitie of examples.
• * 1.3

  Waldo strengtheneth himselfe with places of the Doctors.
• * 1.4

  Carmalits. Willelmin.
• * 1.5

  Monasteries founded.
• * 1.6

  Berne.
• * 1.7

  The Iewes chased from France.
• * 1.8

  Lucius. 3.
• * 1.9

  Saladins tenth.
• * 1.10

  Vrbane. 3.
• * 1.11

  Gregorie. 8.
• * 1.12

  Clement. 3.
• * 1.13

  Frederic 1.
• * 1.14

  Celestine. 3.
• * 1.15

  Henry. 6.
• * 1.16

  A Nunne dis∣pensed with to marry.
• * 1.17

  Henry. 6.
• * 1.18

  For the di∣uersitie tou∣ching this hi∣storie, see Naucler.
• * 1.19

  Innocent. 3.
• * 1.20

  Transubstan∣tiatiō is made the 13. article of the Faith.
• * 1.21

  A Croisado.
• * 1.22

  Innocent. 3
• * 1.23

  Confession instituted.
• * 1.24

  Canonizing of Saints, re∣serued to the Pope.
• * 1.25

  Diuision of the Empire by the Pope.
• * 1.26

  Otho. 4.
• * 1.27

  Frederic. 2.
• * 1.28

  The death of the Emperour Phillip.
• * 1.29

  Frederic. 2.