The ciuile wars betweene the howses of Lancaster and Yorke corrected and continued by Samuel Daniel one of the groomes of hir Maiesties most honorable Priuie Chamber

THE FOVRTH BOOKE.

THE ARGVMENT.

King Henrie, his excuses publishes For Richards death; and truce doth intertaine With France The Scots, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for wrongs, address Themselues to warre; and are appeas'd againe. The Welsh rebell. The Percies practises (To part the State) are stopt, in battell slaine. Continuall troubles still afflict this King; Till Death an end doth to his trauailes bring.

1

THe bounds once ouer-gone, that hold men in, They neuer stay; but on, from bad to worse. " Wrongs do not leaue off there, where they begin; " But, still beget new mischiefes in their course. Now, Henrie, thou 〈◊〉〈◊〉 added to thy 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Of vsurpation, and intruding force, A greater crime; which makes that gone before T'appeare more then it did, and noted more.

2

For, now thou artinforc't t' apologise With forraine States, for two enormious things, Wherein, thou dost appeare to scandalise The publike Right, and common Cause of Kings: Which, though (with all the skill thou canst deuise) Thou ouerlay'st with fayrest colourings; Yet th' vnder-worke, transparent, shewes too plaine. " Where open acts accuse, th' excuse is vaine.

3

And these defences, are but complements, To dallie with confining Potentates; Who, busied in their proper gouernments, Do seldome tend th' affaires of other States: Their wisedome, which to present powre consents, Liue-dogges before dead Lyons, estimates: " And no man more respects these publike wrongs, " Then so much as t'his priuate state belongs.

4

Yet, most it seem'd the French King to import; As sharer in his daughters iniurie: " Though bloud, in Princes, links not in such sort, " As that it is of any powre to tye, Where their estates may seeme t'aduenture hurt; Or where there is not a necessitie, That doth combine them with a stronger chaine, Then all these great Alliances containe.

5

For, though this King might haue resentiment, And will, t'auenge him of this iniurie: Yet, at that time, his State being turbulent, Factious, and full of partialitie, And of tentimes he him selfe impotent, By meanes of his Phreneticque maladie; It was not likely, any good could rise By vndertaking such an enterprise.

6

And therefore both sides, vpon entercourse (As fitted best their present termes) agreed, The former truce continue should in force, According as it had beene fore-decreed Vpon the match with Richard; and a course For Isabel (with all conuenient speed) Prouided, with an honorable Traine Suting her state, to be sent home againe.

7

Whome willingly they would haue still retain'd, And matcht vnto the Prince: but shee (though yong; Yet sensible of that which appertain'd To honor, and renowne) scornd any tongue That offred such a motion; and disdaynd To haue it thought, she would but heare that wrong Mov'd to her, of her Lord, and husband dead, To haue his murtherers race inioy his bed.

8

Besides; the French (doubting the Gouernment, Thus gotten, would be subiect still to strife) Not willing were to vrge her to consent T'accept a troublous, and vncertaine life: And, being returnd, she grew in th' end content To be (at home) a Duke of Orleance wife; Scap't from such stormes of powre, holding it best To be belowe her selfe, to be at rest.

9

And so hath Henrie assecur'd that side, And there with all his State of Gasconie: Which, on th'intelligence was notifi'd Of Richards death, were wrought to mutinie; And hardly came to be repacifi'd, And kept to hold in their fidelitie: So much, to him were they affectioned, For hauing beene amongst them borne and bred.

10

These toyles abrode, these tumults with his owne (As if the frame of all disioynted were, With this disordred shifting of the Crowne) Fell, in the reuolution of one yeare. Beside; the Scotte (in discontentment growne, For the detayning, and supporting here, The scourge of all that kingdome, George Dunbar) With fire and sword, proclaymes an open war;

11

Taking their time, in these disturbances And 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of a wauering Gouernment, T' auenge them of their former grieuances, And by our spoyles their fortunes to augment. Against whose forces, Henry furnishes A powrefull Army, and in person went; But warres with a retyring enemy, With much more trauaile then with victorie.

12

And, being (by sharp, deformed Winters force) Caus'd to retire, he findes new stormes at home, From other Coasts ary sing; that prov'd worse Then those, which now hee was returned from. In VVales, a Cause of Law, by violent course, Was (from a variance) now a warre become; And Owen Glendour, who with Gray of late Contests for priuate landes, now seekes a State.

13

Whom to represle, he early in the Spring, With all prouisions fit, doth forward set; When straight his enemies (not purposing To hazard battaile) to the mountaines get. Where, after long and weary trauayling, Without performing any great defeat, He onely their prouisions wastes, and burnes, And with some prey of Cattell home returnes.

14

Wherewith, the Rebell rather was the more Incourag'd, then addaunted: and begun T'aduenture farther then he did before; Seeing such a Monarch had so little done, Being comn in person, with so great a powre, And sodainely againe retyr'd and gone. " For, in this case, they helpe, who hurt so small; " And he hath nothing done, that doth not all.

15

But now (behold) other new heads appeare, New Hidra's of rebellion, that procure More worke to doo, and giue more cause of 〈◊〉〈◊〉; And shew'd, that nothing in his State stood sure. And these, euen of his chiefest followers were, Of whome he might presume him most secure; Who had th' especiall ingins beene, to reare His fortunes vp, vnto the State they were.

16

The Percies were the men; men of great might, Strong in alliance, and in courage strong: Who now conspire; vnder pretence to right Such wrongs, as to the Common wealth belong: Vrg'd, either through their conscience, or despight, Or finding now the part they tooke was wrong: Or else Ambition hereto did them call, Or others enuy'd grace; or, rather, all.

17

And such they were, who might presume t'haue done Much for the king, and honour of the State; Hauing the chiefest actions vnder-gone, Both forraine and domesticall of late: Beside that famous day of Homeldon; Where Hotspur gaue that wonderfull defeat Vnto the Scottes, as shooke that kingdome more Then many Monarchs armies had before.

18

Which might perhaps aduance their mindes, so farre Aboue the leuell of subiection, as T'assume to them the glory of that war; Where all things, by their powre, were brought to passe: They, being so mightie, and so popular, And their command so spacious as it was, Might (in their State) forget, how all these things That subiects doo effect, must be their Kings.

19

And so fell after into discontent, For-that the king requir'd to haue, as his, Those Lords were taken prisoners; whome they ment To hold still as their proper purchases: Then, that he would not, at their sute, consent To worke their Cosin Mortimers release, Out of the Rebell Owen Glendour's hands; Who held him prisoner, in disgracefull bands.

20

But be, what will, the cause; strong was their plot, Their parties great, meanes good, the season fit, Their practise close, their faith suspected not, Their states far off, and they of wary wit: Who, with large promises, so wooe the Scot To aide their Cause, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 he consents to it; And glad was to disturne that furious streame Of warre, on vs, that else had swallowed them.

21

Then ioyne they with the Welsh; who, now wel train'd, In Armes and action dayly grew more great. Their Leader, by his wiles, had much attaynd, And done much mischiefe on the English State: Beside, his prisoner 〈◊〉〈◊〉 he gain'd, From being a foe, to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his confederate; A man the King much fear'd: and well he might; Least he should looke whether his Crowne stood right.

22

For, Richard (for the quiet of the State) Before he tooke those Irish warres in 〈◊〉〈◊〉, About Succession doth deliberate: And, finding how the certaine Right did stand, With full consent this man did ordinate The heyre apparent to the Crowne and Land; Whose competencie was of tender touch: Although his might was small, his right was much.

23

With these, the Percies them confederat, And (as three heads) conioyne in one intent: And instituting a Triumuirate) Do part the Land, in triple gouernment; Diuiding thus, among themselues, the State: The Percies should rule all the North, from Trent; And Glendour, VVales; the Earle of March should be Lord of the South, from Trent: and so they'gree.

24

Then, those faire bayts these Trouble-States still vse (Pretence of common good, the Kings ill Course) Must be cast forth, the people to abuse, And giue their Cause, and them, the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 force. The king, for tyranny, they doo accuse, By whom the State was growne from bad to worse; A periur'd man, who held all faith in scorne: Whose trusted Oathes had others 〈◊〉〈◊〉 forsworne.

25

And, there withal, the execrable act, On their late murthered King, they aggrauate: How he imploy'd the dooers of the fact, Whom afterwards hee did remunerate: And dayly such taxations did exact, As were against the Order of the State; Presuming, those great summes hee did impose, About his priuate vses to dispose:

26

And how he was inuironed with such As had possest him; and in slanderous sort Accus'd them so, as they durst not approche To cleare themselues of such vniust report: And, thereupon, they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 disauouch To yeld him more obedience, or support: And, as t'a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Duke of Lancaster, Their Cartell of Defiance they preferre;

27

Protesting, these obiections to make good, With sword in hand, and to confirme and seale Their vndertaking, with their dearest bloud, As Procurators for the Common-weale: And that vpon their Consciences it stood, And did import their dutie and their zeale Vnto the State, as Peeres to seeredrest Those miseries wherewith it was opprest.

28

Great seem'd their Cause: and greatly, too, did adde The peoples loue thereto, these crymes impos'd; That many gathered to the troupes they had, And many sent them aide though vndisclos'd: So that, the King, with all maine speed, was glad Both by his remonstrances well compos'd, And with his sword (his best defence) prouide To right himselfe, and to correct their pride:

29

Divulging, first, a fayre Apologie Of his cleere heart, touching the foule report Of that assassinate: which vtterly He doth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 protesting, in no sort Tagree thereto, in will or priuitie: And, how he had beene vsed to extort, The State could witnesse best; by whose consent Was granted what he had, in Parlement.

30

Which neuer was, but onely one supply, Infoure yeares troublous and expensiue Raigne: And 〈◊〉〈◊〉, vpon extreame necessitie, The safetie of the publicke to maintaine: And that the Percies best could testifie, How most that mony issued was, againe; To whom the same was rendred, to the end To warre the Scot, and Borders to defend:

31

And that the rest was, to the same effect For which it was obtaynd, in like 〈◊〉〈◊〉. And where-as they did slanderously obiect, How that they durst not hazard to present In person their defences, in respect He was incenst by some maleuolent; It was most false: for, he knew no defence They were to make, till now they made offence.

32

And how far, he had been, from cruelty, Both VVales, and Scotland could him witnes beare; Where, those effects of his great clemencie, Insparing bloud, do to his cost appeare: Much more, his subiects finde his lenitie; Whose loue he seekes to haue, and not their feare. " But thus, said he, they euer do pretend " To haue receiv'd a wrong, who wrong intend.

33

Not to giue time vnto th'increasing rage, And gathering furie, foorth hee marcht with speed; Least more delay, or giuing longer age To th' euill growne, it might the cure exceed. All his bestmen at Armes, and Leaders sage, All he prepar'd hee could; and all did need. For, to a mighty worke thou goest, ô King, That equall spirits, and equall powres shal bring.

34

There shall young Hotspur, with a fury led, Ingrapple with thy sonne, as fierce as hee: There Martiall VVorster, long experienced In forraine armes, shall come t'incounter thee. There Dowglas, to thy Stafford, shall make head: There Vernon, for thy valiant Blunt, shall be. There, shalt thou finde a doubtfull bloudy day; Though sickenesse keep Northumberland away.

35

Who yet reserv'd (though, after, quit for this) Another tempest on thy head to rayse; As if, still, wrong-reuenging Nemesis Meant to afflict all thy continuing 〈◊〉〈◊〉 And here this field hee happely doth misse, For thy great good; and therefore well hee stayes. What might his force haue done, being brought thereto, When that already, gaue so much to doo?

36

The swift approche, and vnexpected speed, The King had made vpon this new-rays'd force, In th' vnconfirmed troupes, much feare did breed, Vntimely hind'ring their intended course: Theioyning with the Welsh (they had decreed) Was hereby dasht; which made their Cause the worse: Northumberland, with forces from the North, Expected to be there, was not set forth.

37

And yet, vndaunted Hotspur, seeing the King So neere arriv'd; leauing the worke in hand, With forward speed his forces marshalling, Sets forth, his farther comming to withstand: And, with a cheerefull voyce incouraging His well experienc't and aduentrous Band, Brings on his Army, eger vnto fight; And plac't the same, before the King in sight.

38

" This day (saith he) my valiant trusty friendes, " What-euer it doth giue, shal glory giue; " This day, with honor, frees our State, or endes " Our misery with fame, that still shal liue: " And doo but thinke, how well the same he spends, " Who spends his blood, his Country to relieue. " What? haue we hands, and shall we seruile bee? " Why were swordes made? but, to preserue men free.

39

Besides, th'assured hope of victorie, Which we may even fore-promise on our side, Against this weake constrayned company; Whom force and feare, not will and loue doth guide: Against a Prince, whose foulimpiety The heauens doo hate, the earth cannot abide: Our number being no lesse, our courage more, No doubt we haue it, if wee worke therefore.

40

This sayd, and thus resolv'd, euen bent to charge Vpon the King; who well their order view'd, And wary noted all the course at large Of their proceeding, and their multitude: And deeming better, if he could discharge The day with safetie, and some peace conclude, Great proffers sendes of pardon and of grace If they would yeeld, and quietnesse imbrace.

41

Which though his feares might driue him to propose, To time his businesle, for some other ende; Yet, sure, hee could not meane t'haue peace with those, Who did in that supreame degree offend: Nor were they such, as would bee wonne with showes; Or breath of oathes, or vowes could apprehend: So that in honor, th'offers, he doth make, Were not for him to 〈◊〉〈◊〉, nor them to take.

42

And yet this much his courses doo approue, He was not bloudy, in his Naturall; And yeeld he did to more, then might behoue His dignitie, to haue dispenst withall: And, vnto VVorster, hee himselfe did moue A reconcilement to be made of all: But VVorster, know'ing it could not be secur'd, His Nephews on-set (yet for all) procur'd.

43

Which seeing, the King (with greater wrathin censt) Rage, against furie, doth with speede prepare. And though, sayd he, I could haue wel dispenst With this dayes bloud, which I haue sought to spare; That greater glory might haue recompenst The forward worth of these, that so much dare; That we might good haue had by th'ouerthrowne, And th'wounds we make, might not haue beene our owne:

44

Yet, since that other mens iniquitie Calles-on the sword of wrath, against my will; And that themselues exact this crueltie, And I constrayned am this bloud to spill; Then on, braue followers, on courageously, True-harted subiects, against traytors ill: And spare not them, who seeke to spoyle vs all; Whose foul confused end, soone see you shal.

45

Forth-with, began these fury-mouing sounds, The notes of wrath, the musicke brought from Hell, The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Drums (which trumpets voyce confounds) The cryes, th'incouragements, the shouting shrill; That, all about, the beaten ayre rebounds Confused thundring-murmurs horrible; To robbe all sense, except the sense to fight. Well hands may worke: the minde hath lost his sight,

46

O warre! begot in pride and luxurie, The child of malice, and reuengeful hate; Thou impious good, and good impietie, That art the foul refiner of a State; Vniust-iust scourge of mens iniquitie, Sharpe-easer of corruptions desperate; Is there no meanes, but that a sin-sicke Land Must be let bloud with such a boy sterous hand?

47

How well mightst thou haue, here, beene spar'd this day, Had not wrong-counsaild Percy beene peruerse? Whose forward hand, inur'd to woundes, makes way Vpon the sharpest fronts of the most fierce: Where now an equall furie thrusts, to stay And backe-repell that force, and his disperse: Then these aslaile, then those re-chase againe, Till stayd with new-made hils of bodies slaine.

48

There, lo that new-appearing glorious starre, Wonder of Armes, the terror of the field, Young Henrie, laboring where the stoutest are, And euen the stoutest 〈◊〉〈◊〉 backe to yeeld; There is that hand boldned to bloud and warre, That must the sword, in wondtous actions, wield: Though better, he had learnd with others bloud; A lesle expence to vs, to him more good.

49

Yet here had he not speedy succour lent To his indangered father, neere opprest, That day had seene the full accomplishment Of all his trauailes, and his finall rest: For, Mars-like Dowglas all his forces bent T'incounter, and to grapple with the best; As if disdayning any other thing To doo, that day, but to subdue a King.

50

And three, with fierie courage, he assailes; Three, all as kings adornd in royall wise: And each successiue after other quailes; Still wondring, whence so many Kings should rise. And, doubting lest his hand or eye-sight fayles, In these confounded, on a fourth hee flyes, And him vnhorses too: whom had hee sped, He then all Kings, in him, had vanquished.

51

For Henrie had diuided, as it were, The person of himselfe, into foure parts; To be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 knowne, & yet known euery where, The more to animate his peoples harts: Who, cheered by his presence, would not spare To execute their best and worthyest parts. By which, two special things effected are; His safetie, and his subiects better care.

52

And neuer worthy Prince a day did quit With greater hazard, and with more renowne, Then thou didst, mightie Henry, in this fight; Which onely made thee owner of thine owne: Thou neuer proov'dst the Tenure of thy right (How thou didst hold thy easie-gotten Crown) Till now: and, now, thou shew'st thy selfe Chiefe Lord, By that especial right of kings; the Sword.

53

And deare it cost, and much good bloud is shed To 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thee, a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 victorie: Great Stafford thy high Constable lyes dead, With Shorly, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Gawsell, Caluerly, And many more; whose braue deathes witnessed Their noble valour and fidelitie: And many more had left their dearest bloud Behind, that day, had Hot spur longer stood.

54

But he, as Dowglas, with his furie ledde, Rushing into the thickest woods of speares, And brakes of swordes, still laying at the Head (The life of th' Army) whiles he nothing 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Or spares his owne, comes all inuironed With multitude of powre, that ouer-beares His manly worth: who yeeldes not, in his fall; But fighting dyes, and dying kils withall.

55

What Arke, what trophey, what magnifence Of glory, Hot-spurre, hadst thou purchas't here; Could but thy Cause, as fayre as thy pretence, Be made vnto thy Country to appeare! Had it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 her protection and defence (Not thy 〈◊〉〈◊〉) made thee sell so deare Thy selfe this day; shee must haue here made good An euerlasting Statue for thy bloud.

56

Which thus misspent, thy Army presently, (As if they could not stand, when thou wert downe) Disperst in rout, betooke them all to flie: And Dowglas, faint with wounds, & ouer-throwne, Was taken; who yet wonne the enemie Which tooke him (by his noble valour showne, In that dayes mighty worke) and was preserv'd With all the grace, and honor he deserv'd.

57

VVorc'ster (who had escap't vnhappily His death in battel) on a Scaffold dyes, The next day after, in the company Of other chiefest of that enterprise. And, so, the tempest of this mutinie Became allay'd; and those greatieoperdies Blowne-ouer in this sort, the Coasts well cleer'd, But for one threatning cloud, that yet appear'd.

58

Northumber land (recouered) still out-stands, The principall of this great family And faction; hauing Berwike in his hands, With other holdes; strong by confed'racie With Scotland; mighty by his owne command: And, likely now, his vtmost powre to trie, T'auenge him on the ruine of his Bloud, And ioyne with Wales; which yet vndanted stood.

59

Which mov'd the king (who had too much indur'd In this dayes worke, to hazard new againe) By all the aptest meanes could be procur'd To lay to draw him in, by any traine. And write he did, and vow'd, and him assur'd (Vpon his princely word) to intertaine With former grace, if hee would but submit, And come to yeeld th'obedience that was fit.

60

The Earle, be'ing now by this defeat dismay'd (And fearing his confederates would fayle With Fortune, and betray, rather then ayde, Those who are downe; being for their owne auayle) Relying on his Sov'raignes oath obay'd; Which, with his tender griefs, did much 〈◊〉〈◊〉: And in hee came, and had no detryment, But (for a shew) some short imprisonment.

61

The Parlement, that afterward insu'd, Restor'd him t'all his dignities and landes. And now none, but the Welsh, seem'd to seclude The king, from hauing wholly in his hands All peace within: and them he had pursu'd Whiles this braue army, with these ready bands, Were yet on foot; could he but haue got pay To hold them, and his charge of war defray.

62

But, that hee could not gaine, though all the wayes That might be wrought, he labours to procure Meanes to effect the same. But, those delayes, And long protraction, which he must indure By way of Parlement, so much betrayes The opportunitie, that might secure His vndertaking; as, the occasion, lost, Draue both the State, and him, to greater cost.

63

For, now the Rebell, thus forborne, growes strong Both in his reputation and successe: For, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with his powre held out so long, Many aduenture (with more 〈◊〉〈◊〉) To yeeld him ayd, and to support his wrong: And forraine Princes (in his businesse Whom hee sollicites) now wil lend their hand To hould him vp; seeing, himselfe can stand.

64

And thus he prospers; whiles, the King here spent Much time to leuie treasure, to maintaine His charge abrode: which, with that discontent, That murmure, those denyals, hee doth gaine, As that hee findes it euen as turbulent To warre for it, as with it, all his Raigne; Though hee had those inforcements of expence, Both for 〈◊〉〈◊〉, retaynements, and defence.

65

For, here beside these troubles in the Land, His large Dominions, held abrode, require A plentiful and a prepared hand To guard them; where so mightie men aspire T'assaile, distract 〈◊〉〈◊〉 trouble his Command, With hopes, with promises, with sword and fire: And 〈◊〉〈◊〉 as deepe importes, his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to cleere; Which, by his neighbors, much infested were

66

The Flomings, Britaines, with the French and all, Attemptincursions, and worke much despight: Orleance, for Guien: and here the Conte, Saint Paul, For Calais labours, and the Ile of Wight. Wherein, though neither had successe at all; Yet 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ouercame, and wonne by fight Important Holdes, in Gasconie the-while, And did the English much distresse and spoyle,

67

All which require prouisions to withstand: And all are succord with great prouidence: A Nauie, to secure the Seas, is mann'd, And forces sent to Calais; for defence. And wherein other parts defectiue stand, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 are supply'd, with carefull diligence: So that his subiects could not, but well knowe, That what they 〈◊〉〈◊〉, he did sure bestowe.

68

Nor did hee spare himselfe, nor his; but (bent All-wholly 〈◊〉〈◊〉 actiue Worthynesse) The Prince of VVales vnto his Prouince sent; Where, hee was sure hee should not take his ease: His second soune is, with the Earle of Kent, Imployd (as 〈◊〉〈◊〉) to keepe the Seas. A third (though very yong) likewise sent forth With VVestmerland, attends vnto the North.

69

Thus were they bred, who after were to bee Men amongst men: here, with these graue Adioynts (These learned Maisters) they were taught to see Themselues, to read the world, and keep their points. Thus were they entred in the first degree (And Accedence) of action; which acquaints Them, with the Rules of Worth and Nobleness: Which, in true Concord, they learn'd well t'expresse.

70

And, whiles h'attends the State thus carefully, The Earle of Marches children are conuay'd Out of the Towre of VVindsor, secretly; Being prisoners there, not for their merit, lay'd; But, for their Bloud; and to the ende whereby This Chayne of Nature might be interlay'd Betweene the Father and his high intents, To hold him backe, to saue these innocents.

71

For which attempt (though it were frustrated By their recouerie, who were got againe) Aumarle (now Duke of Yorke) is chalenged, By his owne sister, to haue layd that trayne; Who (late) her Lord, with others ruined, In secretly betraying them, t'obtaine His grace and peace: which yet contents him not. For, Who hath grace and peace by treason got?

72

So much did loue, t'her executed Lord, Predominate in this faire Ladies hart, As in that region, it would not afford Nature a place, to rest in any part Of her affections; but that she abhord Her proper blood, and left to doo the part Of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, to doo that of a wife; T'auenge a Husbands death, by Brothers life.

73

Vpon which accusation, presently The Duke committed is, without much stirre Or vulgar noyse; for that it tenderly Did touch the secretst wounds of Lancaster: When streight, another new conspiracie (As if it were a certaine 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Ally'd to this) ingendred in the North, Is by th'Archbishop Scroope with power brought forth:

74

And with faire zeale, and pietie, approv'd To be forth vniuersall benefit And succour of the people, who (soone mov'd By such perswaders, as are held vpright; And for their zeale, and charitie belov'd) Vse not t'examine if the Cause be right, But leap into the toyle, and are vndon By following them that they rely'd vpon.

75

Here, new aspersions, with new obloquies, Are layde on old deserts; and future ill On present suffrings, bruted to aryse, That farther grieuancesing ender wil. And then concussion, rapine, pilleries, Their Catalogue of accusations fill. Which to redresse, they doo presume to make Religion to auow the part they take.

76

And euen as Canterburie did produce A Pardon to aduance him to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉; The like now Yorke 〈◊〉〈◊〉, to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 His faction for the pulling of him down: Whilst th'ignorant, deceiv'd by this abuse, Makes others ends to be as if their owne. But, what wold these haue don against the crimes, Oppressions, ryots, wastes of other times?

77

Since now they had a Monarch, and a man, Rays'd by his worth, and by their owne consent, To gouerne them, and workes the best he can T'aduance the Crowne, and giue the State cōtent; Commits not all to others care, nor ran Anidle course, or on his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 spent. " But, thus the Horse at first bites at the Bit; " That after is content to play with it.

78

Growne to a mighty powre (attending now Northumberland, with his prepared ayde) The Bishop (by a parle) is, with a showe Of combination, cunningly be trayde By Westmerland: whose wit did ouerthrowe, Without a sword, all these great feates, and stayd The mightiest danger, that did euer yet Thy Crowne and State, disturbed Henrie, threat.

79

For which, this reuerent Priest with Mowbray dyes: Who both, drawne on, with passion of despight, To vndertake this fatall enterpise (The one his brothers bloud-shed to requite; The other for his fathers iniuries) Did wrong themselues, and did not others right. For, who through th'eyes of their affections looke, And not of iudgement, thus are ouer-tooke.

80

Where of when newes came to Northumberland (Who seldome other then of miserie Seemes borne to hear•••• being ever behind hand With Fortune, and his opportunitie) To Scotland flyes: where, giuen to vnderstand Of some intrapment by conspiracie, Gets into VVales: whence, hee aduentured T'attempt another day; and lost his head.

81

Whereby, once more those Parts are quieted, When-as the King (who neuer had his brow Seene free from sweat nor hart from trouble rid) Was, with suspicion that his sonne grew now Too popular, and forward, so much fed By wicked instruments (who well knew how To gaine by Princes feares) as he thereby Fell, in his griefe, to great extreamitie.

82

Which when that vertuous Prince (who borne to bee The module of a glorious Monarch) heard, With humble protestations did so free His fathers feares, and his owne honor cleer'd, As that he plainely made the world to see How base, Detraction, and Deceipt appeard; And that a hart, so nobly built, could not Containe (within) a thought, that wore a blot.

83

Wherewith, the king betakes him to some peace; Yet to a peace, much like a sicke-mans sleep (Whose vnrelenting paines do neuer cease; But alwayes watch vpon his weakenes keepe) That neuer any Sabaoth of release Could free his trauailes, and afflictions deepe: But still his cares held working, all his life, Till Death concludes a finall end with strife.

84

Whose Herald, Sickenes, being imployd, before, With full commission to denounce his end; And paine and griefe, inforcing more and more, Besieg'd the Hold, that could not long defend; Consuming, so, al that resisting store Of those prouisions Nature daign'd to lend, As that the walles, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thin, permit the Minde To looke out thorow, and his frailty finde.

85

For, now (as if those vapors vanisht were, Which heat of boyling bloud, and health, did breed, To clowd the iudgement) things do plaine appeare In their owne colours, as they are indeede; When-as th'illightned soule discouers cleere Th'abusing shewes of Sense, and notes with heed How poore a thing is pride; when all, as slaues, " Differ but in their fetters, not their Graues.

86

And, lying on his last afflicted bed, Pale Death and Conscience both before him stand; Th'one holding out a Booke, wherein he read In bloudy lines the deedes of his owne hand: The other shewes a glasse, which figured Anougly forme of foule corrupted Sand; Both bringing horror in the hiest degree, With what he was, and what he soone should be.

87

Which seeing; all trembling, and confus'd with feare, He lay a while, amaz'd, with this affright: Atlast, commands some, that attending were, To fetch the Crowne, and set it in his sight. On which, with fixed eye, and heauy cheere, Casting a looke; O God, sayth he, what right I had to thee, I now in griefe conceiue: Thee, which with blood I held, with horror leaue.

88

And, herewithall, the soule (rapt with the thought Of mischiefes past) did so attentiue wey These present terrors, whil'st (as if forgot) The dull oppressed body senselesse lay; That he, as breathlesse quite, quite dead is thought; When, lo, the sonne comes in, and takes-away This fatall Crowne from thence, and out he goes; As if impatient, longer time to lose.

89

To whom (call'd backe for this presumptuous deed) The King (return'd from out his extasie) " Began: O sonne, what needst thou make such speed " To be before-hand with thy miserie? " Thou shalt haue time ynough, if thou succeed, " To feele the stormes that beat on Dignitie. " And, if thou 〈◊〉〈◊〉 but bee (be any thing) " In 〈◊〉〈◊〉, then neuer be a King.

90

" Nay, Father; since your Fortune did attaine " So high a Stand, I meane not to descend, " Replyes the Prince: as if what you did gaine, " I were of spirit vnable to defend. " Time will appease 〈◊〉〈◊〉 well, who now complaine, " And ratifie our int'rest in the end. " What wrong hath not continuance quite out-worne? " Yeares make that right, which neuer was so borne.

91

" If so; God worke his pleasure, sayd the King: " Yet thou must needs contend, with all thy might, " Such euidence of vertuous deeds to bring, " That well may proue our wrong to be our right: " And let the goodnesse of the managing " Raze out the blot of foul attaining, quite; " That Discontent may all aduantage misse, " To wish it otherwise, then now it is.

92

" And since my death my purpose doth preuent, " Touching this Holy warre I tooke in hand " (An action wherewithall my soule had ment " T'appease my God, and reconcile my Land) " To thee is left to finish my intent; " Who, to be safe, must neueridly stand: " But some great actions entertaine thou still, " To holde their mindes, who else wil practise ill.

93

" Thou hast not that aduantage by my Raigne, " To ryotit, as they whom long descent " Hath purchas'tloue, by custome; but, with paine " Thou must contend to buy the worlds content. " What their birth gaue them, thou hast yet to gaine, " By thine owne vertues, and good gouernment: " So that vnlesse thy worth confirme the thing, " Thou neuer shalt be father to a King.

94

" Nor art thou borne in those calme dayes, where Rest " Hath brought asleepe sluggish Securitie: " But, in tumultuous times; where mindes, addrest " To factions, are invr'd to mutinie; " A mischiefe, not by force, to be supprest, " Where rigor still begets more enmitie: " Hatred must be beguil'd with some new course, " Where States are stiffe, and Princes doubt their force.

95

This, and much more, Affliction would haue say'd, Out of th'experience of a troublous Raigne (For which, his high desires had dearely pay'd The int'rest of an euer-toyling paine) But that this all-subduing Power here stai'd His fault'ring tongue, and paine (r'inforc't againe) Barr'd vp th'oppressed passages of breath, To bring him quite vnder the state of Death.

96

In whose possession I must leaue him now; And now, into the Ocean of new toyles, Into the stormie Maine (where tempestes growe Of greater ruines, and of greater spoyles) Setfoorth my course (to hasten-on my vow) Ov'rall the troublous Deepe of these turmoyles. And, if I may but liue t'attaine the shore Of my desired end, I wish no more.

The ende of the fourth Booke.

Notes

• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sent to forraine Princes, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 & 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Kings proceedings.
• In this time of Charles 6. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 warres 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉, between the Dukes of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• The Truce made with R'c. 2. renewd for 30, yeares: but broken the next yeare after, vpon their part; sending 〈◊〉〈◊〉 de Burbon, with forces into 〈◊〉〈◊〉, to the ayde of 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 labors to haue 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to his sonne Henry, Prince of Wales.
• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Isabel was maried to Charles, sonne to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 D. of 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• Thom. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was sent into Gascony with 200. men at Armes and 400. Archers, to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Sir Robert 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Lieutenant there: where he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that Country, being 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vpon their 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for the death of King Ric. whom they especial∣ly 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 at Burdeux.
• George 〈◊〉〈◊〉, E. of March, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 out of Scotland, was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 England, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 against his Country.
• Owen Glendour, an 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in North∣Wales, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with the L. Gray of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by 〈◊〉〈◊〉; and being not 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 owne 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to recouer them, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 force and made 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the L. Gray; and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of that 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• Ann. Reg. 2.
• Ann Reg. 3.
• In this battell of Homeldon, the L: Hen. 〈◊〉〈◊〉, surna∣med Hot-spur, ac∣companied with George 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉. of March, ouerthrew the Scottish forces: where were slaine 23 Knights and 10000 of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉: the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Fife, Murry, Angus, with 500. other of meaner degree, to∣ken prisoners.
• In the 9. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of King Richard 2. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ordained 〈◊〉〈◊〉 E. of March 〈◊〉〈◊〉 apparent to the Crowne.
• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Roger was the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Edmond Mortimer, who married 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the only daughter of Leonel D. of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, the third son of King Ed. 3. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by her had 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Roger & Elizabeth: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 had 〈◊〉〈◊〉 4. children, all 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 only Anne, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 without 〈◊〉〈◊〉; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, second 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Edmo d D. of Yorke. This Rich. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 at 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 issue 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, surnamed 〈◊〉〈◊〉, after Duke of Yorke.
• The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 against 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Ann. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 4.
• The K. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 forward by George Dunbar, was in sight of his enemies lying in Campe 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉〈◊〉, sooner then 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was exspected: for the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 supposed he would haue stayde longer then 〈◊〉〈◊〉 did, at 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Trent, for the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 cell with other 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 werethere to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Towne of 〈◊〉〈◊〉; and Prepared to encoun∣ter the kings 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Ann. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 4.
• The Abbot of Shrew bury and one of the Cleark of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 seale were 〈◊〉〈◊〉 from the K to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to offer them parden if they wold come to any reasonable agreement.
• Wherupon the E. of Worcester 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to the K. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 many kind 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sing to moue 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Nephew 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 at 〈◊〉〈◊〉 re∣turne, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sayd, conceale them, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hastened on the bat∣tel; which was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉. An. Reg. 4.
• Prince 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 this Battel, was not 17 yeares of 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• 〈◊〉〈◊〉, E of Staf 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• Tho. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉. of Worcester, with Sir Richard Vernon and the Baron of Kinderton, were taken in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• The Fr. K. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to Owen 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with 140. 〈◊〉〈◊〉, which lan∣ded at 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉. An. Reg. 6.
• An. Reg. 6. with much adoo the Lai∣tie 〈◊〉〈◊〉 2 〈◊〉〈◊〉, vpon conditi∣on that the L. Fur∣niuall should receiue all the mony, and see it to bee spent in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• The D. of Orleans with an Army of 6000. men entred into 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and be∣sieged 〈◊〉〈◊〉, the space of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, moneths, & return'd without obtaining 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• An. Reg. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. The Conte Cleremont, Sonne to the D. of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Mon. de la Bret, wonne 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Casties in 〈◊〉〈◊〉. The same time the Conte Sa. Paul 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Wight, with 1600. men.
• 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Reg. 6. The Cont 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Paule 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Castle of Marke 〈◊〉〈◊〉 3. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉. The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vn∣der the conduct of the L. of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 spoyled and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Towne of 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 K. sends 4000 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and 3000 to the S 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his second sonne 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 after D. of 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• 〈◊〉〈◊〉, after D. of Bedford, sent with Ralph Neusle E. of Westmerland, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the North.
• The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to Edward D. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Yorke, late wife to 〈◊〉〈◊〉. L. Spencer (executed at 〈◊〉〈◊〉, An. Reg. 1.) 〈◊〉〈◊〉 her brother to be the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 author of conuaying away the E. of Marches 〈◊〉〈◊〉 out of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 E. of North. againe 〈◊〉〈◊〉 against the K with Rich. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of
• Yorke. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 E Marshal, Tho. L, Bardolph, and others. They 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Citi∣zens of Yorke with the Country adioy 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to take their part for the commo∣dity of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• They 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Articles 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the King.
• The 〈◊〉〈◊〉. of York offers pardon to all 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 their part 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the King.
• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 E. of 〈◊〉〈◊〉. land, with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 D. of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 against the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 pow∣er being too great for thē, the E. made somblance to toyne with the Archb. for redresse of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 greuances as he 〈◊〉〈◊〉; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 forces. An. Reg. 6.
• The Archb. was brother to scroope E. of Will∣shire, Treasurer of Eng and before be∣headed..
• Tho' Monbray ••. Marshall, sonne to the Duke of Nor∣folke, banished about the quarrell with H. Bullingbrooke.
• The E. of North. returning out of Wales Slaine in the Battail, An. Reg. 9
• The K. growes iealous of his sonne, Hen. Prince of Wales: who with a better minde then fashion, came to his Father and cleared himself. An. Reg. 13
• Ann. dom. 14. 12. the K. died in the 46. yeare of his age, when he had 〈◊〉〈◊〉 13 yeares 6 〈◊〉〈◊〉; and left 4 〈◊〉〈◊〉; 〈◊〉〈◊〉. after him K. The D. of Clarence, Iohn D. of Bedford, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 D. of 〈◊〉〈◊〉.