An history of the civill vvares of England betweene the two Houses of Lancaster and Yorke the originall whereof is set downe in the life of Richard the Second, their proceedings, in the lives of Henry the Fourth, the Fifth, and Sixth, Edward the Fourth and Fifth, Richard the Third, and Henry the Seventh, in whose dayes they had a happy period : written in Italian in three volumes / by Sir Francis Biondi, Knight ... ; Englished by the Right Honourable Henry, Earle of Mounmouth, in two volumes.

THE EIGHTH BOOK OF THE CIVILL WARRES OF ENGLAND In the Life of Richard the Third.

KIngdomes which belong to others are not usurped without violent meanes; of all which Warre is the least blame∣able, though the most harmfull. A valiant usurper is like your High∣way robber who bids the traveller stand, and if he take away his purse does it with his Sword in hand. Ri∣chard tooke not this way in his usur∣ping the Crown: not that he wanted courage (for of the good qualities he was endued withall, Valour was the onely one which was not counterfeit) but because hee found none that did withstand him. Deceipt, fraud, cruelty, and trea∣chery were the meanes he used: one or two of which being suffi∣cient to other men, they did not all serve his turne; for he inven∣ted one beyond imitation or example; the defaming of his mo∣ther.

Had he who wrote the booke De Principe met with this sub∣ject, he would have quit Duke Ualentine, and taken this man for the patterne of his tyrant. Not that the difference between them was great, but for that that was, was in the most essentiall points. Valentines vices, if they were not more execrable, yet were they more dishonest. Richards were more execrable, but more secure. And though both were bad beyond belief, yet Richard by the death of a few infused terrour into the rest, and made himselfe a King; where Valentine by the death of very many could keepe his owne Principality. And if it be said, that Richard weakned the King∣dome and its forces by taking off the heads of such as might have made themselves heads of the people, and so have withstood him; that being of the Blood-royall, he had many that sided with him: whereas Valentine on the contrary, had Provinces, Princes, and Republiques for his enemies: the wary wickednesse of the one will be the more remarkable, who knew his advantage; and the unwary rashnesse of the other, who assisted onely by Ecclesiasti∣call forces, terminable with the Popes death, undertooke what was not to be effected, or at least not long to be made good.

The ambition of getting the Kingdome began in Richard during his brothers life: and having formerly plotted the whole affaire, he laid the first ground-worke thereof by the death of Henry the sixth, and the Duke of Clarence; and in processe of time, he fini∣shed the Fabrick by putting those to death who were likely to op∣pose him: and by terrifying the rest, he made his election, which was made by the baser sort of people, be as available as if it had been legally resolved upon by the whole Kingdome: and which is further observable, he pretended not to accept of it, till intreated and enforced. Arguments of a head-piece, which had it been im∣ployed in good enterprises, instead of proving the most lewd might have been the wisest then to be found. For all things else, there was no evill which he committed not: He betrayed his Nephews, and then slue them: he cheated his brothers wife; and together with her, those whom he made use of as instruments to remove the little Duke of Yorke from the Sanctuary: in the height of cruelty and irreligion, he counterfeited the perfection of piety, and tendernesse of blood: All his actions were larded with fraud and lyes: the Queen and her brother were by him perswaded to lay downe their armes; the later whereof he imprisoned and be∣headed: in like manner he incensed and slue the Chamberlaine: He sacrilegiously divulged his mother to be an Adultresse in a place appropriated for preaching the Word of God; declared his ne∣phews to be Bastards, counterfeited the good he had not, conceal'd the evill he had; was like to none but to himselfe. Encomiums worthy of such qualities; (and qualities unworthy of that Crowne, which consisting of Honour, was whilst he wore it dishonoured by his wickednesse. He omitted not any shew of sorrow at his brothers death: he solemnised his Funerals at Yorke, with the rites of mourning. But whilst aiming at usurpation, he seemed to

be fond of his nephews, whom he intended to betray, he minded not divine admonitions, which manifesting themselves by sundry waies, are wont by way of observation to advertise us of dangers, to the end that reforming our selves we may change our lives and thoughts from bad to good: for Christian vertues are able to frustrate that which the Ancients called Fate, by withdrawing us from vice and procuring the divine Providence to protect us. The observations here meant are, that all the (Kings) Richards, and all the Dukes of Gloucester came to violent ends: an observation redoubled in him, being by name, Richard; and by title, Duke of Gloucester. Such like observations, though they be not superstiti∣ously to be believed, yet are they not slightly to be despised. But the proud man considers no other interest, no not the concernment of his life, so his ambition may be satisfied: upon which his spirits were wholy bent; and upon the arriving whereunto he out did himselfe. He made his vices vertues. He became courteous libe∣rall, and affable, especially to Lawyers: he studied nothing but justice, observance of the Lawes, and the peoples indempnity: by which arts he prevailed so farre, as the Crown, which was tu∣multuously conferred upon him, was legally offered him by the Parliament; which with base flattery intreated him to accept of it, out of these reasons.

That the Kingdome of England had been very happy under the government of wise Kings, assisted by understanding Counsellors: but when their successors began to governe themselves according to their owne fancies, she fell into all manner of misery: The chiefest of which, and from which all the mischiefes of the present time did derive, was Ed∣ward the fourths unfortunate praetended marriage with Eliza∣beth widow to Sir Iohn Gray (who did still assume to her selfe the title of Queen) which had perverted all the orders not onely of God and the Church, but of nature and the Kingdome: there being now no more propriety, nor any condition which was not subject to feares; since the Lawes either abandoned or abused were rendered uselesse and of no protection. Hence proceeded faults of all sorts; murthers, extortions, and such oppressions as men had no security neither of their lives nor fortunes; much lesse of their wives or daughters: all women were subject to violence; nor was any one though she should refuse, safe in her Honour. To this might be added the blood of so many of the Nobility, of hundred thousands of the Communalty, shed in the late warres, to the universall prejudice of all men, and to the greatest sufferance of the most innocent. That the forenamed pretended marriage was Clandestine, made without the know∣ledge or consent of the Nobility: the Devill was the authour thereof, witchcraft the meanes, Elizabeth the chiefe agent, and her mother, the Dutchesse of Bedford, her coadjutrix: that so it was believed; and when time and place should serve it would be proved. But that which chiefly aggravated this businesse, was, That King Edward was long before married to another Lady,

when he tooke her to his wife; so as in living with her, contrary to the Lawes of God, and of the Church, in continuall adultery, his sonnes by her were bastards, and, as such, incapable of succes∣sion. That by this so heinous sinne, and to the prejudice of the true heire, hee had provoked Gods anger, who had therefore forsaken him, and brought the Kingdome into all those miseries. For these and other reasons they were inforced to elect a King, who by nature, and by the Law was undoubted heire unto the Crown. And because the Duke of Clarence convict of high trea∣son in the seventeenth yeere of the reigne of his brother Edward, had by his Attainder rendred his issue incapable of succession▪ therefore the Protector, being the onely undoubted sonne and heire of Richard Duke of Yorke, He and no other was undoubted successour; not reckoning in his vertues which were such as of themselves made him worthy of the Crowne: he being so rich∣ly indowed, especially with justice, wisedome, and valour, wit∣nessed in so many actions and battels, wherein he had personally beene, shewing his naturall inclination to the common good. Whereupon having no other respect but the peace and tran∣quillity of the Kingdome, his prosperity and ancient reputation, they had chosen him their King and Soveraigne Lord. Intrea∣ting him to accept the charge; as well by Title of Inheritance, as of Election: they promising for their parts that they would be his good and faithfull Subjects▪ ready upon this and any good occasion to live and die with him: for the oppressions and ex∣tortions they had suffered, contrary to the Lawes of God and the Kingdome, had made them resolve to runne what ever dan∣ger, rather then to live in the miseries they hitherto had done. They cal'd upon Alinighty God the King of Kings, to inspire him with his light, and to continue unto him in his Regall dignity, those praise-worthy parts, by meanes whereof he deserved to be King, though he were not. And that though his right needed not any publique Acts of Parliament (he being King and heire unto the Crowne without them) yet in regard the people might be ignorant of the cause of the deposing the one, and assuming the other; for this cause, and to remove all doubts that might arise, the Lords Spirituall and Temporall, and Commons assem∣bled in Parliament, had in full Parliament pronounced, decreed, and declared, that Richard the third their Soveraigne Lord, was whilest hee should live the undoubted King of England, and of all that within or without belonged thereunto; and after him his heires: That the high and mighty Prince Edward his sonne was his heire apparant; and after him those who should discend from him.

This decree being registred among the Acts of Par∣liament and approved of by King Richard, with order to be held authenticall in all the parts thereof, made it be understood, that the Kings of England have power to doe what they will; when they are either loved for their vertues, or feared for their force. For what concernes love, there is no proof in this present case; but

of feare, sufficient, feare being the prinium mobile of this businesse. Richard having by the assistance of the Duke of Buckingham and their adherent raised a powerfull faction; the lawfull King being a Child, and prisoner; the Tyrant a man of braines, wel∣spoken, and of reputation in armes, not likely to undertake such a businesse unlesse certaine to effect it: all men doubting themselves: since their forces being cut off, and those put to death which might have re-united them, they were exposed to the violence of so cruell a man as Richard; who had given proofe of his cruelty by his detaining the King, by his taking the Duke of York from the Sanctuary, by his impudence in declaring them to be Bustards, and by his shamelesnesse in publishing his mother to be a whore, to boote with the death of so many Peeres. This feare was that which gave a maske to the flatteries of Parliament, and which furnisht it with some colour of pretence drawne from Doctor Shaw's Sermon, and the speeches made by the Duke of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the City-Hall. Richard being thus confirmed and believing to settle his tyranny by resting it upon un-accustomed circumstances, hee went into Westminster-hall, sate him downe in the Kings Bench where in doubtfull cases the Kings of England had wont antiently to sit, and where hee avowed his accepting of the Crowne: the which hee exprest in a formall Oration, and in a manner so well composed as those who had not knowne him, would have thought England had never beene blest with so good a King: and to colour with the shew of clemency his innate cruelty, hee caused one Fogge who had taken Sancturary, and whom he had alwayes mortally hated, to be brought before him; hee tooke him by the hand in fight of all the people, and made professions of loving him now as much as he had formerly hated Him: by which act he made a great impression in the simpler sort; but those who were better advised knew that this was but a Bait wherewith to catch better fish. In his returne to his Palace, Hee courteously saluted such as Hee knew loved Him not, thinking by this servile flattery to infatuate their mindes, and to establish his government. Yet for all this he durst not rely upon his present fortune; He ascertained His Coronation by unaccustomed forces; causing five thousand men to come from the Northerne parts of the Kingdome, in whom hee trusted, aswell for that they tooke part with the House of Yorke, as likewise that living in re∣mote parts, they were not acquainted with his actions, as were the Londoners; who having him alwayes in their eye, abhor∣red Him. These Northern men appeared ill clad, and worse arm'd, which made them be but laught at: for twas thought that if He should have occasion to make use of them, they would not serve His turne; and that twas neither these forces not yet greater but a meere Fatality which had precipitated England into so dire and miserable a subjection. The last act of His possessing the Crowne was His Coronation, all things thereunto belonging being ready, as prepared for His Nephews Coronation. Hee

went with his Wife and His Sonne to the Tower; where the next day Hee created the Lord Thomas Howard, Duke of Norfolke; Thomas Howard, Sonne to the same man Hee created Earle of Surrey: Hee made William Barckley Earle of Nottingham; and the Lord Francis Lovell Viscount and Lord Chamberlaine: and Hee made seventeene Knights of the Bath. The Archbishop of Yorke, the Lord Stanley, and the Bishop of Ely had beene pri∣soners in the Tower ever since the Chamberlaine lost his Head; Hee set the first at liberty, finding himselfe peaceably possest of the Kingdome, otherwise Hee would not have done it; for be∣ing an honest man hee would never have given his consent to the deposing of the true King: Hee freed the second out of feare; for His Sonne, the Lord Strange was raysing great forces in Lancashire (a place wherein Hee had great Power and was mightily followed) it behooved him to appease Him: but Hee did not set the Bishop of Ely at liberty, who was a faithfull ser∣vant to King Edward; for Hee was certaine Hee would never con∣descend to his Childrens deprivation, nor to the unjust wayes whereby Hee usurped the Kingdome: whereof Hee had made tryall in the Councells held in the Tower, whilest by oblique meanes He set the businesse on foot. The Bishop was of no great birth; but having lived a long time in good repute in Oxford, hee was taken from thence, being but bare Doctor, by Henry the sixt, and made a Privy-Counsellour: Edward, knowing his in∣tegrity, kept him still in that condition, and chose Him at His death to be one of his Executors. Richard therefore, fearing Him, would have kept Him still in Prison, though Hee set the others at liberty; had not the Vniversity of Oxford (which Hee did al∣wayes very much favour) interceded for Him: so that desirous in part to satisfy the Vniversity, Hee was content to take him from the Tower, as being too publick a place: but that Hee might not have His free liberty, Hee committed him to the custody of the Duke of Buckingham, who sent Him to a Castle of His in Brecknockshire; where they joyntly laid the first ground-worke of Richards ruine.

Hee together with his Wife was Crowned in great pompe the sixteenth of Iuly: his Wife was daughter to the great Earle of War∣wicke, who had made and unmade the two preceding Kings, and Widow to Edward, Sonne to Henry the Sixt Prince of Wales: to whom she was give in marriage, when Edward the Fourths ruine was agreed upon in France. So as being destin'd to be a Queene, it was her ill fortune to be one by his meanes who had slaine her former husband, and married her only for that shee, together with her Sister, Wife to the Duke of Clarence, were great Heires.

I will not treate of this Coronation; it tends not to our purpose. The solemnity being ended, hee dismist all the Lords that they might returne to their own homes: recommending to such as were in Office, the due Administration of Justice without extortion or injury, the execution of the Laws, and Libertie of the Sub∣jects

as not willing to have any thing ill done but by himselfe He dismist not the Lord Stanley, till such time as his Sonne Strange had disbanded the forces hee had raised. Hee also dismis•…•… the five thousand which he had caused to come for his Guard from the North having spoken them faire and rewarded them: where∣upon they went away so well pleas'd, as becomming thereupon insolent, they forced him to go in person into those parts, to ap∣pease the tumults they had there raised, the which could not be done but by the death of many of them. He forthwith sent to Lewis the Eleventh, King of France, touching the continuance of the League made with his brother Edward: but his Embassadour arriving after his Nephews death, Lewis would not afford him audience, esteeming his friendship unworthy of any humane cor∣respondency.

In what concerned their death, he demeaned himselfe in this sort. He first withdrew himselfe to Gloucester, the place of his Patrimony and Title, his conscience not permitting him to be in the place where his cruelty was to surpasse the cruelty of all other tyrants. He might have kept them prisoners without any man∣ner of danger, since they had no friends: and so he might not have arrived to the height of hatred he did after their death. But he, not esteeming himselfe King, whilst they were alive, sent his trusty servant Iohn Greene with Letter to Sir Robert Braken∣bury, Constable of the Tower, wherein he commanded the to put them to death; who, abhorring the act returned answer: He would rather die himselfe then obey him therein. Richard here∣by perceived he was not arrived at that power he thought he had beene; since any one durst disobey him in any how unjust soever a Command: so as not able to quiet himselfe, nor to take any rest in his bed, his page who usually lay in his Chamber, desired His Majesty he would be pleased to acquaint him with the rea∣son of his disquiet. To whom he replyed, he was miserable, not having any one on whom to trust: that he was repay'd with in∣gratitude, and his service denied by those, who having beene be∣friended by him, should thinke themselves happy when blest with an occasion of doing him service. The page not knowing the cause of his complaint, but well acquainted with his nature, thought the command must be horrid which any one durst dis∣obey: and calling a Gentleman to minde who lay on a pallet bed in the Ante-chamber, hee named him to Richard; and told him, there was not that thing of danger nor difficulty which he would not undertake. His name was Iames Tirrell: He might have past for a well-conditioned man, had hee not beene corrupted by dishonest ambition; he had left nor did leave no stone unturn'd whereby to get preferment in Court, which was his element: but was discontented being held back by Richard Ratcliffe and William Catesby, who govern'd the King, and werenot desirous of a third companion, that surpassing them in audacity, might surpasse them in fortune and put them from the favour they possessed.

This Page was a friend of his, and knew his discontents; so as thinking to do him a good turne (whilest he could not have done a worse) he propounded him to King Richard: who knowing his quality, rose out of his bed to make tryall of him; and throwing a night-Gowne about him, hee went where Tirrell lay, and Thomas Tirrell, his brother by Bloud, but not in conditions. Hee awaked him; and acquainted him with what hee desired craving his aide therein. Iames was not at all amazed, but under∣tooke the businesse; and was the next day dispatcht with Let∣ters to Brakenbury, wherein hee was commanded to deliver up the Keyes of the Tower for one night to this Tirrell, to the end he might do what he had in command. The Constable obeyed and delivered the Keyes. The two innocent children had beene more strictly kept after their unckle had quitted the title of Pro∣tector, and assumed that of the King: they were not only de∣barred visits, but had their servants taken from them; and had each of them two assigned to waite on them whom they knew not: and that rather in place of Guardians then servants. The Prince knew what was done to his prejudice: hee knew hee was no lon∣ger King: that his Unckle was crowned. Nature pointed forth unto him his danger; the apprehension and feare whereof was augmented by his tender age, subject to weakenesse: hee thought no longer of the losse of his Kingdome, neither did hee much value it; he though only on his Life: which being by the instinct of nature desired, and to be hoped for, (though as a pri∣soner) it might, in all reason, have beene granted him. He sigh∣ing said to him that brought him the first tidings that his Unkle had bereft him of his Crowne, He did not greatly care; so as to∣gether with it he would not take his Life away. After this time hee never put off his cloathes, nor ever went out of his Cham∣ber; but being together with his brother full of sad thoughts he kept his Chamber till the comming of this miserable night. Of the foure that waited upon them, Tirrell chose Miles Forest, a man from his youth brought up in bloud; to whom hee gave for his companion Iohn Dighton, the groome of his stable, a lusty strong rascall. He made them goe at mid-night into the Chamber where they slept, and where wrapt up in their Bed-clothes, they stopt their mouthes with the Bolster and Pillowes, and so stifled them. The businesse was soone dispatcht. Tirrell forthwith buried them under a great heape of Rubbish at the staire-foot in a deepe hole: which being done he hasted to horse, to acquaint the King with what had past; who together with other favours did at the instant Knight him (as some relate) being well pleased with all that had beene done, save their Bu∣riall. He had no scruple of minde to usurpe their Crowne, they being the true Heires; nor to murther them, being innocent: but He was troubled that being the Sonnes of a King and of His bloud, they should be buried in so contemptible a place: where∣upon the Chaplaine of the Tower tooke them from thence, and

buried them elsewhere; but hee dying soone after himselfe, 'twas never knowne where he layd them. Some will have it that hee put their bodies in a Coffin of Lead, and sunke it in the Thames mouth. 'Tis certaine that Tirrell being imprisoned in the Tower for treason in Henry the Sevenths time, confest what had beene sayd, after the same manner 'tis here, not knowing what became of their bodies after they were taken from the place were hee had buried them. He suffered for other faults the punishment he deserved for this: as did likewise the rest. God doth not al∣wayes punish all faults in an instant; but seldome suffers evill actions to have good ends: for being approved of neither by men nor by the Lawes, if they escape one punishment, they fall up∣on another; and for their second fault receive the punishment due for the former. As long as Richard lived after this, He was both outwardly and inwardly troubled with feares and agonies; and according to the relations of some that were most inward with him, He after this so execrable act, injoy'd not one houre of quiet: his countenance was changed, his eyes were troubled and ghastly, Hee wore coates of Male underneath his clothes; and had almost continually, His hand upon His Daggers-hilt ready to strike, as if Hee had then beene strucken: He spent whole nights in watching; and if at any time He chanced to take a little rest, He would be wakened with fearfull Dreames, which would force him to quit His bed, and so walke up and downe His cham∣ber full of prodigious feares. The other two though they escap∣ed humane Justice, yet were they met with all by Justice from above: for Miles Forest dyed having almost all his members first rotted, and then cut off: if Deighton fared not altogether so ill, yet was hee in daily expectation to be made an exemplary spectacle by some ignominious death; for it is affirm'd by one who writes of him, that in his time he was alive in Callis, but so universally hated and detested by all men, that hee was pointed at as he went along the streetes: Others affirme that he lived and dyed there in great misery. The first intestine troubles which Richard was afflicted withall, were occasioned by the bad intel∣ligence which was held betweene Him and the Duke of Buck∣ingham. What the occasion thereof might be is onely knowne by conjecture; yet such as is not likely to erre: They were both naturally proud; therefore prone to breake; and though Buck∣ingham first endevoured Glocesters friendship before Glocester His, he did it not in respect of his alike Genius, but fearing least hee might fall from the greatesse he was in, under the authority of the Queene and her kinred; to shun this Rock, he gave against the Other: which though it were the more dangerous, yet did he rather chuse to submit himselfe to a Superior who was borne great, then to his Inferiors who had acquir'd greatnesse. It is said that Edward being dead, he sent his servant Persall presently to Yorke where Richard then was; who being privately admitted by night, made offer unto him of his Masters service in this

change of King; and that if neede should be, his master would come unto him in Person waited on by a Thousand fighting men: that he made the same be said over to him againe when he came to Nottingham: and that when he returned to Yorke he went to visit him attended by three hundred horse; where a close friend∣ship being contracted betweene them, things followed as hath been said, even to the Usurpation of the Crowne: after which they cooled in their affections, to the amazement of those who observed their friendship: for they came to the point of not Trusting one another; and 'twas thought moreover, that in the last journey to Glocester, Buckingham ran hazard of his life. The cause of their distast was supposed to arise from some claime Buckingham had to the Duke of Hertfords Lands, for that reput∣ing himselfe to be his Heire, he thought that Richard would not have denied them unto him, neither in Justice nor yet in Recom∣pence of his service. But these Lands were so linkt to the Crown as that being falne from the house of Lancaster upon the late de∣pos'd Henry, and from Him upon the Crowne, they were to be free from any privat propriety or pretension; which still con∣tinuing in the Duke, Richard feared least his thoughts might ex∣ceed the condition of a Subject: insomuch as when Buckingham demanded them, he received so sharpe, so threatning, and so scornefull a deniall as not able to endure it, he fained himselfe sick, that so he might not be at the Coronation; and Richard sent him word that if he would not come, he would make him be brought thither: whereupon he was forced to go in all the rich and stately Equipage which at an Extraordinary charge he had prepared before their distasts. Others notwithstanding will have that the distasts between them rose after this, not having as Then any being: that the King standing in need of him, would not have hazarded the losing of him in that manner; and that the Duke, very well acquainted with his Nature, would not have hazarded his Life, being assured that upon any whatsoever occa∣sion, he could not expect better dealings then his Nephews had met withall. Notwithstanding the first opinion was thought true, in respect of his proud behaviour; as likewise for that in the very act of Richards Coronation, he turned his Eyes another way as Repenting he had bin the occasioner of it: and that Rich∣ard though he knew him to be distracted, treated him civilly, and presented him at his departure to Glocester; but his Alienation grew after he was come to his house at Brecknock, and had had discourse with Dr. Morton Bishop of Ely.

This Bishop was a learned man, and of a good life; a con∣stant part-taker with Henry the sixt, neither did he ever forsake him even till his imprisonment. He fled with the Queen and Prince into France, and returned with them into England. But their affaires succeeding ill, and Edward being established in the Kingdome, He was by him received into favour for knowing him to have bin Loyall to his First master, he thought he would be

the like to Him; so as leaving him Executor of his last Will and Testament, he continued his wonted loyalty to his Children: which Richard knowing to be such as was unalterable, he put him in the Tower, and afterwards assigned him to the custody of the Duke of Buckingham, with whom discoursing of Richards iniqui∣ties, he gave the rise to his Ruine: for they found the true way to put a period to the Civill warres by marrying Henry Earle of Richmond to Edwards eldest daughter. But having retired him∣selfe to Rome with intention not to meddle any more in Worldly affaires, he returned not till sent for by the said Earle when he was King: by whom hee was made Archbishop of Canterbury, and Chancellour of England; and who likewise procured him to be made Cardinall: in which Honours he died as vertuously as he had lived.

This man at the Dukes returne found a great alteration in him towards Richard. He hoped to worke some good effect thereout; not by propounding any thing, but by seconding his opinions: in which he govern'd himselfe so well, as the more averse he shewed himselfe to what indeed he did desire, the more provoked he an eagernesse in the Duke to discover what he sought to hide:

so as exagerating Englands happinesse falne into the government of so wise a Prince, whilst under the government of a Child, gui∣ded by persons interessed, and hated, it must have been ruina∣ted; The Bishop answered, He must confesse the truth; (being sure that by doing otherwise he should not be believed) that if things lately passed had been to be decided by Votes, he should have voted that after Henry the sixths death, the Crowne should have gone to his sonne Prince Edward, and not to King Edward: but that both of them being dead, it had been great folly in him not to comply with the new King, since the dead doe not re∣vive: That hee had behaved himselfe to Edward in all things as a faithfull Subject and Servant ought to doe to his King and Master: That he would have done the like to his Children, had they succeeded Him in His Kingdome: but God having other∣wise dispos'd of them, his pretences were not to raise up that which God would keepe downe: And for what concern'd the now King, formerly Protector—

;Here he held his peace, as if he had unadvisedly falne upon that discourse; but after a whiles silence he pursued to say,

That hee had already too much trou∣bled himselfe with Worldly affaires; 'twas now time to retire himselfe, and consider nothing but his Bookes, and his owne quiet.

The silence that unexpectedly interrupted the discourse which the Duke desired to have heard finished, made his desire thereof the greater; so as thinking he had held his peace, as not being confident of him, he desired him to speake his minde Bold∣ly, assuring him he should be so farre from receiving Dammage thereby, as that it might redound more to his Advantage then hee imagined: That he had begg'd his Guardianship of the King for no other end, but that he might better himselfe by his wise Coun∣sels;

and that if He had been in any other mans custody, He could not have met with one that would have set such a value upon his worth, as did he. The Bishop thanked him, replying, That it

was not his desire to speake of Princes since they made the world to be not what it was, but what it seem'd best to them. Then when the Lyon banisht all Horn'd-beasts out of the Woods, one that had a little Wen in his forehead fled away with the rest; and being demanded by the Foxe, why he fled? he answered, because of the proclamed banishment. Yea but thou hast no Hornes (said the Fox.) Tis true, I have none, (said the other animal;) but if the Lyon should say this Wenne were a Horne, who durst say the contrary? In what case should I be? The Duke was well pleased with a Fable, yet could hee not perswade him there was no Lyon should doe him any harme. The Bishop said: It was not his intention to dispute the Pro∣tectours title, who was now King: but since their treaty con∣cerned the Common-wealth, whereof he was a member, he wisht it an addition of perfections to the many it already was endow'd withall; and amongst these, some of those with which God had adorned Him (the Duke.)

This being said, hee held his peace, much to the others displeasure; who was grieved, that whilst the Bishops discourse promised Much, hee had said just Nothing: whilst the comparison betweene the King and Him re∣quired not so darke but more intelligible explication. He told him, these many clouds of Diffidence injured their friendly com∣munication, assuring him, that whatsoever he should say, since it proceeded from a personage he so much honour'd, it should be as if it had not been said at all. Upon these words the Bishop re∣solved freely to unbosome himselfe; encouraged by the Dukes vanity, who loved to heare himselfe praised, and by the Hatred he had now discovered he bore unto the King. Whereupon he said,

He had read, that man was not borne for Himselfe alone, for his Friends or Parents, but Chiefly for his Countrey; that this consideration had moved him to take into his thoughts the present condition of this Kingdome, his native soyle; the which, (in comparison of former times) 'twas a wonder if it were not utterly ruin'd. That there had been Kings under whose go∣vernment it had happily flourished, the love betweene them and their Subjects being reciprocall; their interests being the same: At home Peace, Justice and Security; Abroad Victory, Honour, and Trophees: But now the world was much altered; there was but onely one hope left, which was in Him (the Duke) for considering his Publique Zeale, his Learning, his Wisdome, Wit, and so many other endowments, the Kingdome in the midst of so great misery could have recourse to none but Him: and that it had no Haven wherein to save it selfe during this tempest in which it was agitated, but the safe Rode of His government, out of which it was certaine to suffer Shipwrack: That it could not be denied but that the Protector (who now

stiled himselfe King) was endowed with Vertues, which made him worthy of the Kingdome, did he not reigne: but that these his vertues were corrupted by so many Old and New vices, that they had lost both their Quality and Name; a wicked Prince converting Vertue into Vice, as Vipers and Toads doe Nourish∣ment into Poyson: That there was no example in the usurping a Crown comparable with his for Wickednesse: He had procured it without any pretence of Law: contrary to the lawes of Hu∣manity, making his way thereunto by the Death of so many Worthy and Innocent persons: contrary to the law of Nature, by calumniating his Mother; whom hee would have to be ho∣nest onely when shee conceived him: contrary to the Laws of the Church; by declaring his Nephews to be borne in Unlawfull Matrimony: contrary to them All together, by being their Exe∣cutioner; so as their Blood, crying to Heaven for Revenge, warn'd every man to beware of his life; for if to possesse Him∣selfe of a Kingdome, hee had not spared Their lives who were Neerest in Blood unto Him, he would muchlesse spare the lives of Others that were Nothing at all unto Him, so to usurpe what belonged to them. To shunne therefore the Rockes they were likely to runne upon, he humbly desired him, That as he loved God, his owne House, and his native Countrey, he would accept the Crowne; free it from the captivity whereinto it was falne; and if he would not doe this, he conjured him by the obligations he ought to God, that hee would doe his uttermost to change the Government; since upon whomsoever it should fall, it must needs redownd to the publique service: but if He would as∣sume it, God would be therewithall well pleased, He and his House secured, the Kingdome obliged; and all the World would thanke him.

When he had ceased speaking, the Duke stood a good while pensive with his eyes fixt: whereat the bishop was much astonished; insomuch as his colour changed. In such like matters men are not satisfied with silence, nor mentall replies, which argue perill and prejudice. But supper time broke off their discourse, which the Duke adjourned till the morrow morning: and percei∣ving the bishop to be much troubled, he intreated him not to be disquieted at this delay, assuring him hee would keepe promise with him: which did not notwithstanding satisfie the Bishop, who was as desirous to know the Dukes intention now, as the Duke was earnest to know his the day before. But he failed him not in what he had promised him: for having handsomely and metho∣dically gone over all that the other had said, he laid his Hat upon the Table, and calling devoutly upon God, he thanked him for

that they being amidst so many tempests and dangers, in a good, but ill-governed ship, he had been pleased to enlighten them, by affording them a meanes how to provide themselves of a Steers∣man, who being one that would give satisfaction, would bring safety and welfare to the Kingdome. Then taking up his Hat, and putting it on his head, he thanked the Bishop for the affe∣ction

he had ever found in him, especially at this time, in this their weighty and trusty communication: his fidelity and zeale unto his Country, together with so many other unfained cir∣cumstances, and voyd of selfe-interest, rendering him worthy to be esteemed the honest man that all men thought him: He was sorry his deserts had not met with a fortune worthy of him; but he assured him that if God should at any time blesse him with meanes to shew his gratitude, he would not faile there∣in, but give it the precedency of all other duties. That now he came to his answer, wherein he would conceale nothing, being so taught and obliged to doe by his example. He wish him then to know that the reason of his alienation from King Edwards children, was their fathers discountenancing of him upon all occasions, without any cause given; whilst they two having married two sisters, he might have expected to have been more friendly treated: he therefore thought himselfe free from all bands of humanity, since the King used none to him, having not onely excluded him from all Offices and Honours, but treated him after a manner not worthy of his quality. The first thing then that after his death came into his thoughts was the miserable condition of the Kingdome, under the government of a woman and of a child; not so much in respect of the ones sex and the others age, as that her brother the Earle Rivers, and the Marquesse Dorset her sonne were to exclude from all authority and preemi∣nence, not onely the Dukes and great men of the Kingdome, but even the brother to the deceased King. He thought it therefore requisite for him, as well for the publique, as his owne private good, to joyne with the Duke of Gloucester; whom hee then thought as free from all dissembling, injury, and cruelty, as hee now knew him to be most dissembling, injurious, and cruell man that ever was borne. Upon this false opinion, at the first Coun∣cell held in London hee was by his meanes created Protector of the King and Kingdome: and after having by fraudulent preten∣ces gotten the Duke of Yorke out of the Sanctuary, he had the boldnesse (not without sprinkling some threats) to demand the Crown of him and the other Lords that were then in Councell, till such time as the King being full foure and twenty yeeres old should be of age to governe it: but that meeting with some diffi∣culties, (the like thing not having been formerly heard of, and that it was unlikely any man would be found so moderate, as to lay downe the Crowne, become a Subject, and submit himselfe to Anothers government, after He had governed of Himselfe so long) hee presented them with certaine Writings authenticated by Doctors, Notaries and Witnesses, by which it appeared Edwards sonnes were Bastards: which was then believed to be as True, as it is Now knowne to be notoriously False; the false witnesses being by recompences and promises, drawne to so great a treachery. This writing being read, he said unto the Counsellors: My Lords! I am assured that being Wise and

Faithfull, you will not suffer my Nephew to receive any injury: but I am likewise confident that being Just, you wil see no wrong done to Me. That which you have heard is either true, or false; if you believe it not, cleare your selves in the point; and if you be∣lieve it, which of you will deny Mee to be the undoubted Heire to Richard Plantagenet Duke of Yorke, declared by the Authority of Parliament to be heire unto the Crowne? since the Duke of Clarence's Sonne is by his Fathers Delinquency made incapable thereof; and his Father more then He, being reputed a Bastard, and upon good presumptions held for such a one in the house of Yorke. Not any one answering him, much lesse opposing him, he was (chiefly by the assistance of Him, the Duke of Buc∣kingham) of Protector, made King; hee having first received his plighted faith there, which afterwards was confirmed to him by giving of him his hand in Baynards-castle, that he would provide for the Lives of the two Princes in so good a manner, that He and All the world should be therewith satisfied. Now where is that Prince that after such a Service, would not of his owne free will have sought out some meanes how to have gra∣tified him, unlesse it were Richard, who being demanded a thing which was not His, and which was not in Justice to be de∣nied, denied it him out of meere ingratitude? The things hee required of him were; the Office of High-Constable of Eng∣land, which having been enjoyed by his Fore-fathers, it was a shame for Him to goe without it; and the Lands belonging to the Earle of Hereford, which had beene wrongfully detained from him by his brother, King Edward: the which hee did not sodainely deny unto him, but held him a while in Hope; till being constantly solicited therein, hee absolutely denied him, objecting that such a demand pretended to set on foote againe the pretences of the house of Lancaster, since Henry the fourth, who was heire thereunto, having wrongfully usurped the Crowne, and by his usurpation united them to the same, they were not againe to be taken from the Crowne, unlesse that to∣gether with them pretence were had unto the Kingdome: the which it should seem was by him intended: since that, being falne by the death of Henry the sixth upon him, (Buckingham) according to the Common-law (in what concernes private men, but not the State) he did againe revive the tacit pretence there∣unto. Of the which, in good faith, Hee never had the least thought. Whereupon suppressing within himselfe the base in∣justice of so ungratefull a man, hee had much a doe to keepe himselfe within the bounds of Patience; till he heard of the Death of the two dispossessed and innocent Princes: of the which he tooke God to witnesse He was so innocent, as it never entered into his imagination; and that when he heard of it, he was so heartily grieved, as it was impossible for him any more to looke upon the King, abhorring his sight, and being resolved never to returne to Court, till he had wrought Publique Re∣venge:

but that finding it hard to get from him, (for Tyrants have no more faithfull nor vigilant guardians then their owne Suspitions) he at last so farre prevailed, as dissembling the True cause, and finding excuses to make his journey seeme necessary, hee had got leave, Richard believing that hee went away very well satisfied, whilst in truth he was much discontented. That, wherewith he entertained his thoughts in this voyage, was to finde out a meanes how to depose Richard; but a Successour being to be found out, he could not light upon any one more lawfull then Himselfe: for having made a mentall scrutiny, and finding that his Grandfather Edmund Duke of Sommerset was Twice removed from Iohn Duke of Lancaster, the Founder of that house; and Henry the sixth, Thrice; it followed that His mother, daughter to Edmund, being removed as Henry the sixth, He (her heire) should, after Henry the sixth, be the undoubted Suc∣cessour; the line of Sommerset descending from the said Iohn Duke of Lancaster in like sort, the other having onely prece∣dency by Birth-right in Henry the fourth, the fifth, and sixth: so as feeding himselfe with this imagination, assisted by Vanity and Ambition, he though he might have grounded Richards ruin upon the foundation of his Owne pretence not finding any opposition therein. But meeting with the Countesse of Rich∣mond (wife to the now Lord Stanley) betweene Worcester and Bridgnorth, his ill-grounded Fabrick was soon overthrowne. For calling to mind that shee was the onely daughter and Heire to Iohn Duke of Sommerset, elder brother to his Grandfather Ed∣mund, it followed that Her sonne the Earle of Richmond, was the true heire and pretender, which he had formerly thought Him∣selfe to be. And that believing himselfe to be so, he had pro∣ceeded even to the point of weighing the Dangers, and amu∣sing himselfe about what meanes he were best to make use of: whether of his naturall Right, or of Election: and though the Lawes both of the Kingdome and of Nature appeared sufficient to him, for what concerned his Naturall Right; yet the Succes∣sion having been Interrupted, and the house of Yorke in pos∣session, he had thought it requisite for him to have the Votes of the Lords and Commons, for that the generall lawfull Election would corroborate his particular Right, and exclude the Ty∣rant. Touching Dangers; he found they would be great in a litigious Kingdome, in which let the title be never so apparent, some will not be wanting who will oppose it; particularly upon the present occasion; the house of Yorke reigning, Edwards daughters being well Beloved, and by reason of their Unkles evill intreatment, Pittied by all men: so as though they might have a great desire to free themselves of a perverse King, yet was it not such as to make them favour Another to their pre∣judice who were held the true Heires. But the seeing of the Countesse having made him aware of the Injustice of his pre∣tences, and that if he should continue Obstinate therein, dan∣gers

were likely to increase, if Edwards daughters joyning with the Earle of Richmond, He were by their partakers to be set upon on both sides, hee had changed his mind. Not that the Countesse had spoken to him of it, who had no such Thought, but that he had observed Here a Neerer Propinquity. The dis∣course she held with him was; To conjure him by the Neere∣nesse of his Blood, and by the memory of Humphrey Duke of Buckingham, his Grandfather, and sworne brother to Iohn Duke of Sommerset her father, that he would entreat the King to re∣assume her sonne the Earle of Richmond into his favour, and suffer him to returne to England: and that for her part, shee would oblige her selfe to make him marry which of Edwards daughters the King would please, without Portion or any o∣ther thing, save onely his re-patriation. The which hee pro∣mised to doe; whereupon they parted: she with New Hopes, and he with New Thoughts. For, calling to mind the Earles claime, with the same apprehensions which were by Him (the Bishop) propounded the night before; he fell upon a resolu∣tion to assist him with all Might and Meanes, as true Heire of the house of Lancaster, in the defence whereof his Father and Grandfather had beene slaine; upon this condition notwith∣standing, that hee should marry Elizabeth eldest daughter to King Edward: for that this marriage joyning together the two houses of Lancaster and Yorke, in the two persons who could onely pretend unto the Crowne, the Kingdome would be established, and all occasion of Warre or Civill Dissension would be taken away for the time to come. The which mar∣riage, if the Mother and the Sonne of the House of Lancaster would accept of, on the one side; and the Mother and Daugh∣ter of the House of Yorke on the other; none would be to be feared but the Boare that wounded all men with his Tuskes, and who would doubtlesly be soone destroyed; since all men were to joyne in a worke, from whence were to issue both Pub∣lique and Private ease and quiet.

It cannot be conceived how overjoy'd the Bishop was to heare this his Conclusion, being the same he desired: so as praising the Dukes Goodnesse and Wisdome, and now longing to see the businesse on foot, he asked him with which of the two he inten∣ded to treat first? who answered, with the Countesse of Rich∣mond; for that it was necessary first to know the Earle her Sonnes mind. Which the Bishop approving of, he offered to bring unto him Reynold Bray, a Houshold-servant to the Countesse, a wise discreet man, and who being verst in the negotiation of great businesses, would be fittest to be imployed in this. The which the Duke approving of, hee wrote unto him, and sent the Letter by an Expresse, wherein he desired him to come to Brecknock, for a businesse which concerned the Countesse his Mistresse. He forthwith obeyed who 'twas sent for him. The instructions he received were, that considering the Kingdome could not be

brought to quiet but by advancing the Earle of Richmond to the Crown, by meanes of uniting the two houses of Lancaster and York by marriage; that the Countesse of Richmond should treat thereof with Queen Elizabeth, and having obtained Her good will, and Her eldest Daughters, shee should send into Brittany to treat thereof with her Sonne: who if He woud promise to marry Her after He should have obtained the Crowne, they engaged them∣selves, by joyning the Forces of the Factions, to make him King. Bray being dispatched away with this Embassie, the Bishop took leave likewise of the Duke: the Duke was loth to part with him, needing his Advice; but he resolved howsoever to be gone: and whilst the Duke fed him with hopes, under pretence of raising men who might secure him in his journey, he stole away disgui∣sed; and getting luckily to Ely, he provided himselfe of moneys and past over into Flanders: where being Absent, but in a safe place, he furthered the businesse more then he could have done, had he, not without danger, stay'd in England. Yet did his depar∣ture prove unfortunate to the Duke: for, wanting His advice, and some too early notice being gotten of the Designe, it proved his finall ruine.

Bray acquainted his Lady with the businesse, who approved of it, encouraged thereunto by the great quality and condition they were of who were the promoters of it: but the Queen be∣ing in Sanctuary, and it not befitting the Countesse to goe to her in person, she sent to her her Physitian Lewis, who being a lear∣ned man, by birth a Welchman, and one of the greatest esteeme of as many as were of his profession, was fitter to be imploy'd in this businesse then any one of another condition; for the Queen stood in need of such men, being continually troubled with new indispositions of health, caused either for want of bodily exer∣cise, or by the superaboundant exercise of her mind; so as wil∣ling him to visit her as of Himselfe, she wished him to acquaint her with the businesse; not as it was Digested and Concluded, but as a conceit of his Owne, not hard to be effected if She would approve of it. The Physician consented; and going to London upon some Other pretence, he went to visit her, being well known unto her: and having occasion to speake of her Afflictions, he

desired leave to acquaint her with a Thought which since it pro∣ceeded from a good Heart, he hoped that though it might appeare to Her to be Vaine, and not Feasible, yet she would not be the worse for knowing it. The Queene permitting him to say his pleasure, he told her; That since the Death of King Edward of glorious memory, and of the two innocent Children her Sonnes, and since the Usurpation made of the Kingdome by Richard, the most detestable of as many Tyrants as ever had been heard of, he could never be at quiet within himselfe till he had found out a meanes whereby to put the Kingdome in Quiet, the just Heires in their Possession, and to bring the unjust Usurper to ruine. But that having considered many, he

bethought himselfe, that so much blood having been spent be∣tweene the two Houses of Lancaster and Yorke, the best way was to unite them both by Marriage; giving the Lady Eliza∣beth heire to the house of Yorke, for wife to the Earle of Rich∣mond heire to the house of Lancaster. A match wherewith all the Kingdome was to be satisfied, for that Peace being thereby likely to ensue, the two Houses were to be accorded, to the Destruction of the Tyrant, and the restoring of Her selfe, Fa∣mily, and Children, to their former greatnesse.

If things natu∣rally good of themselves are apt to content such as are endued with Reason, and especially those who are thereby to receive Ease and Comfort, great reason had the Queene to be herewith∣all pleased; who being laden with so many miseries, saw in this her desperate condition, an evident meanes of restoring her Selfe and Family. She thanked God, acknowledging that if there re∣mained any hopes of consolation to her, there was none in hu∣mane appearance, more likely then this. After she had thank∣fully acknowledged her Obligation to the Physitian for his so wise and discreet advise, she prayed him that since he had beene the first inventor, he would likewise put it in execution: that she knew of what esteeme he was with the Countesse of Richmond; to whom she bad him say in Her behalfe, That if the Earle her Sonne would binde himselfe by Oath to marry Elizabeth her El∣dest Daughter; and in case she should Die, her Second daughter; she promised to assist him, by all friends and adhaerents, in get∣ting the Crowne. The Physician having told the Countesse thus much, she presently went to worke. Reynald Bray dealt with such as he knew faithfull, and fit for a businesse of such impor∣tance; whilst the Queen negotiated with all those who hated the King, and wisht for nothing more then an opportunity of doing her service. Those imployed by the Countesse, besides Bray and the Physitian, were Sir Giles Aubeny, Sir Iohn Cheinie, Sir Richard Gilford, Thomas Ramney, and Hugh Conway. The Physi∣tian had preferred one Christopher Urswick to be her Chaplaine; a wise man, and who having served on the behalfe of Henry the sixth as long as he lived, might safely be relied upon, as well for his Fidelity as for his Wisdome. She had purposed to have sent him into Brittanny to her sonne; but being the Duke of Bucking∣ham was the promoter of the businesse, she thought it was fitter to imploy some one of a better quality: she therefore sent unto him Hugh Conway, who with a good summe of Money tooke his way by Plymouth through Cornwall; whilst Sir Richard Gilford sent Thomas Ramney for the same end through Kent; to the effect that if the one should miscarry, the other might doe the worke: but Fortune was so favourable to them, as they differed not many houres in their meeting in Britanny. Their Embassie was:

That he was sent for as King, Named thereunto by the Great ones, and desired by All: The marriage agreed upon by the Queene and the Duke of Buckingham: That he should come away with

all possible haste, and land in Wales; where he should finde Ayd and Friends sufficient to render himselfe powerfull in an In∣stant; both factions being for him.

The Earle, fashioned out by nature to be King, communicated the businesse to the Duke of Britanny (who after King Edwards death had given him his li∣berty) desiring his assistance in so necessary an expedition: he being called in by a free-borne people, profest enemies to the Tyrant, whose cruelty was so detestable to all the world; pro∣mising him that if God should so farre favour his cause, (as he well hoped he would) he would be answerable unto him with such Services as befitted an obligation never to be forgotten. Richard had by meanes of his Embassadour Thomas Hutton, yea by the proffer of certaine summes of Money, dealt with the Duke not long before, to keepe him in safe custody: but the Duke de∣testing Richards wickednesse, did not onely doe nothing therein, but made good all his promises of Favour to the Earle upon this occasion. So as confident of good successe, he sent Conway and Ramney backe to his mother, with answer that he did accept of the invitation; that as soon as he should have provided things necessary, he would come for England; that in the meane time order might be taken for the affaires there, to the end that he might finde the lesse impediments. Upon the hearing of this, they who sided with him tooke courage, and began to prepare for the businesse. They sent into requisite places people fit to make them good; and disposed of other Commanders in other places, that they might be ready upon occasion: Others under-hand sollicited the people, to the end they might be ready to rise when time should serve. The Bishop of Ely wrote from Flanders to such as he knew hated Richard, promoting the businesse by the sole authority of his Letters. So as though amongst as many as were therein imployed, there was not found one Unfaithfull person, yet the affaire being to passe through so many mouthes, and to come to so many Eares, it was impossible but that some Whispering or confused Notion thereof should reach Richards eares; who judged things the Greater by his not knowing them: for ignorance cannot Obviate, since it doth not foresee. He was not ignorant of his being generally hated; and was not sure that no man out of his owne inclination would discover any thing to Him; so as all his intelligence must proceed from his owne Di∣ligence and quicke Foresight. So as placing Spies everywhere, he tooke Armes: and though he knew not which way to bend his course, yet was he in readinesse to march whether necessity should compell him. But such commotions never wanting a prime Ring-leader, he thought the Duke of Buckingham must nee•…•…s be the Primum mobile of this: he therefore was of opinion, that the chiefest provisions were to be made against Him; but resolved first, to try him with offers, which if they should not take effect, then to make him an Example to all such as had or should hereafter conspire against him. He sent an expresse messenger to him with

Letters full of Courtesie, wherein he desired him to come unto him▪ giving order to the Gentleman that carried them, to promise him he should have what ever he could demand. But these prof∣fers, the Larger they were, the more Suspicious were they, and out of time: the Duke would not heare on That eare; he knew Richards nature, and that he had proceeded on like manner with all those he desired to abuse. He therefore desired to be excused, alleaging the indisposition of his Stomacke, which having taken his Appetite quite away, did likewise rob him of his wonted Repose. Richard not herewithall satisfied, wrote to him in termes cleane contrary to the former: he commanded him in a re∣proachfull manner, that all delayes and excuses laid side, he would come to him. The which the Duke not being able to digest, and being resolved upon the Rebelion, he forgot all manner of Artifice, and in down-right terme told the Gentle∣man that brought the Letter, he would not come: that he estee∣med him as an Enemy, and that he had never been befrinded by him. Thus all dissimulation layd aside, they prepar'd for Warre; and advertised their friends, to the end they might raise the People, and make them take Armes. The noise hereof made the Marquesse Dorset sonne to the Queene Dowager, quit the Sanctuary where together with his Mother he was, and goe to Yorkeshire to raise forces. In Devonshire and Cornwall Sir Edward Courtney, and his brother Peter, Bishop of Exceter, did the same: and Sir Richard Gilford, assisted by many other Gentlemen, began the warre in Kent. Richard was not taken at unawares, having formerly provided for himselfe; but this Bore not making any account of these little Beagles (for such he reputed Gilford, Court∣ney, and Dorset) he did not disunite his forces, that so he might lead them All against the Duke, who was the chiefe Mastiffe of this Bore-baiting, whom if he should beate, he assured himselfe, he should easily teare the other in pieces. Thus resolved, he tooke his way toward Salisbury, whilst the Duke (who had gotten to∣gether an Army of Welshmen, more by Threats and Haughty Demeanour, then by money or faire entertainment) marcht to∣wards Gloucester, that he might passe the Severne there, and so joyne himselfe with the two Courtneys, and the rest of their adhe∣rents: which could he have done, Richard had been undone. But whilst he marched along with this designe, the Severne, through the extraordinary Raine, had so overflowed its bankes, as that it became not onely impassable, but men had therewithall been surprised by night in their beds, children carried away in their Cradles, and the tops of Hils were covered with waters, so as flockes of sheepe were not there safe. This deluge of raine con∣tinued for the space of Ten daies, leaving an unlucky name be∣hind, of the great waters of the Duke of Buckingham. He then finding the passage shut up on all sides was enforced to stay a while; whilst his Souldiers almost drowned with Raine, famisht for want of Victuals, and having no Pay, tooke a resolution to

disband of themselves: the Duke had no authority to keepe them together, his Intreaties were not heard, his Perswasions were of no efficacy, his promises vaine and unprofitable; insomuch as he was left almost all Alone, not knowing what way to take, or where to save himselfe. He dismissed all his attendance and resol∣ved to go neer Shrewsbury to the house of one Humphrey Banister, a servant of his, who having beene beloved by him and well re∣warded, he thought he might expect from him such service as by obligation and gratitude he was bound unto; till such time as he might either gather new forces, or passe over into Britanny to the Earle of Richmond. But he failed in his designe; for in this so great necessity, Banister who ought him all the Obligation that one man may owe another, was faulty to him.

The disbanding of his Army being known, and it not known whether he were Alive or Dead, such feare was thereby appre∣hended by those of Kent, Devonshire and Cornwall, as laying down their Armes, they thought only how to save themselves, some in∣to Sanctuaries, some beyond the Seas. The Bishop of Exeter, his brother Sir Edward Courtney, who was by Henry the 7^th afterwards made Earle of Devonshire, Thomas Gray Marquis of Dorset, the L. Wells, Sir Iohn Bourchier, Sir Edward Woodvile a gallant Souldier, and brother to the Queen Dowager, Sir Robert Willougby, Sir Giles d'Aubeny, Thomas Arundell, Iohn Cheyny, with two of his bro∣thers, and Richard Edgcombe, (all of them for the most part Knights) fled into Britanny; and were follow'd by Captaine Iohn Hollow∣well and Captaine Edward Poynings. Richard hearing of the Welch∣mens retreat, the Dukes flight (it not being known whether, and the rest of the Conspirators designe to save themselves) he sent to all the ports to the end they might not be suffer'd either to come in or go out at any of them; making Proclamation, that whosoever should discover or deliver up into his Hands the Duke of Buck∣ingham, if he were under the condition of Villenage he should be enfranchis'd; and if otherwise, together with a generall par∣don he should have a Thousand pounds ready money given him. Together with this he made strong preparations at Sea, being as∣sured by Thomas Hutton, who had been Embassadour in Britan∣ny, that, without all doubt the Earle of Richmond was to be assist∣ed by the Duke thereof both with men and monie: hee sent many Ships well furnished with men and Guns to the Coast of Britanny, with intention either to fight with him, or hinder his landing on the English shoare. In other parts he left no place un∣provided for; people were not suffer'd to land without diligent search, that so some news might be had of the Duke of Bucking∣ham. Banister (into whose hands the Duke had trusted his safety) hearing of the Proclamations, and the Rewards therein promi∣sed (were it either for Feare or Avarice) discover'd where he was to the Sheriffe of Shropshire: who going to Banisters house, found the Duke in a Day-labourers apparrell digging in a Garden; in which habit he sent him well guarded to Shrewsbery, where Rich∣ard

then was. He denyed not the Conspiracy, he hoped by his free confession to have gotten admittance into •…•…he Kings Presence; some think with an intention to beg his Pardon; others, to kill the King with a Dagger which he wore underneath his Cloths. But Richard not suffering him to be brought unto him, he was behead∣ed on All-soules▪ day without any other manner of Processe, in the Market place. To Banister (the chiefest of all ungratefull Traytors) nothing that was promised was made good: Richard who was unjust in all things else was just in This; denying him the reward of his Disloyalty: which amongst his many Faylings wor∣thy of Blame, was the only one worthy of Commendation. Pu∣nished thus slightly by man, he received much more greivous punishments from God: his Eldest son died mad; his second of Convulsion fits; his Third son was Drown'd in a Standing poole; and his Daughter a very Beautifull young Woman was crusted over with Leprosy: he himselfe in his later Yeares was convict of Man-slaughter, and condemned to be Hanged, but was saved by his Booke. The Duke was in his death accompained by many others; amongst which, by Sir George Browne, Sir Roger Clifford, and Sir Thomas Saintlieger, who was the last husband to the Dutch∣esse of Exeter the Kings sister.

The Earle of Richmond assisted by the Duke of Britanny, had got together five Thousand Britons, and forty Ships furnished for all purposes, wherein he imbarked himselfe and made for Eng∣land. But the next night he met with a terrible Tempest which disperst all his Vessells, carrying them into severall places, inso∣much as there remained onely One with him, with the which he found himselfe neer the Haven of Poole in Dorsetshire: where he discoverd the shore all over pester'd with men, whereat he was much afraid; for they were placed there to hinder his landing, in like manner as others were sent for the same purpose to other places. He cast Anchor, expecting the arrivall of his Other Ships: he commanded that none should go on shore without His leave, and sent forth a boate to see who those men were: when the boat was come within Hearing, those on shore said they were sent to conduct them to the Duke of Buckingham, that was not far from thence with a great Army, expecting the Earle of Richmond so to give chase to Richard who had but small forces with him, being abandoned almost by All men. But the Earle finding out the co∣senage (for had it beene so, they wanted not Boates to have sent some known man abord him) no newes being heard of the rest of his Fleet, and the wind being reasonable faire for him to re turne, he hoisted Saile, and with a fore-winde landed in Norman∣dy. Charles the Eight Reigned then in France, his Father Lewis being not long before dead: the Earle was desirous to returne by Land to Britanny, and being to go through France he durst not adventure without a safe conduct: he therefore dispatcht away a Gentleman to the King for one: he was graciously heard by the King; who commiserated the Earles misfortunes, and together

with a safe conduct, sent him a good sum of money; by meanes whereof he past safely into Britanny, whether likewise he sent his Ships. But understanding there what ill successe his affaires had in England, how the Duke of Buckingham was dead, and that the Marquis of Dorset with the rest of his companions (who having many dayes expected some news of him in that Court, grew now to dispaire thereof, believing some mischiefe had befalne him, and therefore had withdrawne themselves to Vennes) was come, he was much grieved and tooke this frowne of Fortune at his first be∣ginning for an ill Omen: yet was he comforted at the arrivall of his Friends, promising some good to himselfe through their safe∣ties. When he was come to Renes, he sent for them and welcomed them with termes of Curtesy and Thankefulnesse. The condition of affaires being well weigh'd, they resolv'd to effect what former∣ly had beene but spoken of: to wit, The war against Richard, and his deposing: and the making of Richmond King; upon Condition that he should promise to Marry the Lady Elizabeth Daughter to Edward the Fourth. These Articles were agreed upon and sworne unto by all parties on Christmasse day in the Cathedrall Church of that City; where likewise the Marquis, with all the rest did Homage unto him, as to their actuall King, swearing to serve him Faithfully, and to employ their Lives and Estates in endevouring Richards destruction. The Earle failed not to acquaint the Duke with all these proceedings; and to make knowne unto him the cause why he undertook this businesse, and what he stood in need of to effect it: the cause was; his being sent for, Called in, and Expected; Richards government being growne intolerable: that he stood in Need of was Another Fleet, and supplies of money; he having in setting forth the Former▪ spent all that his Mother had sent him, and what he had gathered amongst his Friends: he therefore desired the Duke to lend him some monies promising (to boote with the never to be forgotten Obligation) sodainly to repay him, when God should have given a blessing to his just en∣devours. The Duke was not backward either in Promises or Per∣formance: so as the Earle had conveniency of furnishing himselfe with Men and ships; •…•…hilst Richard did what he could in England to hinder his designe: though to no purpose, for if God keepe not the City, the Watchman watcheth but in vaine. He in sundry pla∣ces, put many who were guilty or suspected to death: and having returned to London, Hee called a Parliament wherein the Earle of Richmond and all that for his cause had forsaken the Land were declared enemies to the King and Kingdome, and had their goods confiscated. They being many and the richest men of the King∣dome their confiscations would have beene able to have discharg∣ed the Warre against them, had not Richard beene formerly too liberall in his Donatives, thereby endevouring to reconcile mens mindes unto him, and to cancell the uncancellable memory of his cruelty to his Nephews: so as though the Summes were great which hereby accrew'd, yet were they not sufficient; nor did

they free him from laying insufferable Taxes upon his people. 'Twas a wonder the Lord Stanley was not in the number of the Proscribed, his Wife Mother to the Earle of Richmond being chief of the Conspiracy: but he freed himselfe from any the least signe of guilt; and Richard seemed not to valve his Wife, least if He should embrue his Hands in the blood of a Lady of so great quali∣ty, He might yet more incite the Peoples hatred. He was content∣ed shee should be committed to the custody of her Husband, with order that she should be kept in some private place of her House, and that none should be suffered to come to her, who might con∣veigh Letters to her Son, or Messages to any Other. He also cau∣sed William Collingborne, who had beene High Sheriffe of Wilt∣shire and Dorsetshire, to be executed, for having written by way of jeare That a Cot, a Rat, and Lovell the Dog, did Governe England under a Hog: alluding by Cat, to Catesby; by Rat, to Ratcliffe, and by the Dog to the Lord Lovell, who gave the Dog for his Armes, as did Richard the Boare for His: and these three were His chiefest Favourites: Some were of opinion, Hee was put to death for having had Intelligence with the Earle of Rich∣mond, and with Marquis Dorset; for hee was convict to have prof∣fered Money to a certaine man, to carry Letters into Britanny; wherein Hee perswaded them to come Instantly, and Land at Poole in Dorsetshire, whilst Hee assisted by others would raise the People.

To keepe himselfe from troubles out of Forraine parts, and that He might the bette•…•… minde his Home-broyles, Richard thought necessary to hold good intelligence with the King of Scotland, who often troubling Him with Inroades, diverted him from his Home-affaires wherein consisted the preservation of his Life and King∣dome. This businesse was treated by Commissioners, who agreed upon a Truce for Three yeares, each of them being to keepe what they were possest of; except the Castle of Dunbarre which was given to King Edward by the Duke of Albany, the last time that Hee fled from Scotland: which the Scots would have restored. And that he might have a double tie upon them, he concluded a Marriage betweene the Duke of Rothsay Prince and He•…•…e of Scot∣land, and his Neece Anne of Poole Daughter to Iohn Duke of Suffolke, and his Owne Sister Anne, a Lady so affectionately be∣loved by him, as his Onely Sonne the Prince of Wales being dead, he made Her Sonne Iohn Earle of Lincolne be proclam∣ed heire to the Crowne, disinheriting, of meere hatred; his bro∣thers Daughters, and for that having declared them to be Bast∣ards, his Owne title was preserved by the continua•…•…ce of their such repute. All these precautions did no•…•… notwithstanding free his perturbed minde from those furies which leaving their natu∣rall habitation, had brought Hell into his Conscience; so as though Buckingham were dead, and so many others Dead and Banisht, yet could not he have any Security: his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 commit∣ed, his deserved Hatred, and the Earle of Richmond, would not

suffer him to enjoy any one houres rest. And albeit in his contri∣ving how to usurpe the Crowne; hee made no account of Him, whilst his brother liv•…•…d, his minde being then fixt upon Henry that had beene King, and was then in Being, yet Times and Persons being changed▪ He likewise changed Opinion: the one being Dead, the other Alive and at Liberty, and who was the onely man that with Right and Justice could do that to Him which he unjustly and against all Right had cruelly done to others. Hee therefore indevour'd againe to have the Earle in his possession, or at least that the Duke of Britanny by bereaving him of his Liber∣ty (as he had done in his brother King Edwards time) would secure him from the Mischiefe that might ensue by his comming into England: and not believing he was likely to obtaine a fa∣vour of this nature by way of Friendship, much lesse for any Rights sake, he grounded his demands upon the basis of Profit and Interest; the onely meanes to obtaine ones desire from such as have no feeling of Justice. He loaded his Embassadours with Monies and Presents to present unto the Duke: together with Them he offered him Richmondshire, and all the Revenues of the Earle, as likewise all that belonged in England, to all those that were fled over to him into Britanny: the which being very much, would have sufficed to have corrupted any other save Duke Francis the second one of the Noblest and most vertuous Princes that lived in those times, as he was held by all men. This is Arge•…•…es his relation, who affirmes hee hath found among the Records of Britanny the grant of this County, together with the Names of the Churches, Monasteries, and Priories there∣in: but if the Duke should die without heires of his body, the Reversion should fall▪ to the King. The Embassadours or De∣puties (as Hee 〈◊〉〈◊〉 them) could not have accesse unto the Duke, being come to a season that He was beside Himselfe an infirmity He was often subject unto)▪ whereupon they made their adresses to Peter Landais, who had power to dispose of the Prince and State as He pleased. The large sums of English money made him listen to what they propounded: his base minde (not va∣luing Honour) made him accept of the Offer, but not in such manner as it was propounded. For He being the man that was to deliver up the Earle (the Duke not being in condition either to yeild him, or to detaine Him) He would have Richmondshire to himselfe; whereupon many Messengers were sundry times dis∣patcht for England, which was the Earles safety: for these practises being discovered in England, and the Bishop of Ely being adve•…•…tised in 〈◊〉〈◊〉, He speedily gave the Earle notice there∣of advising him immediately to depart from thence, for that He was bought and sold betweene Richard and those who were of chiefe authority in that State; so as if He did not sodainely save himselfe▪ He would fall into his enemies hands. The Earle re∣ceived this advertisement when▪ He was at Vennes, from whence hee sent 〈◊〉〈◊〉 France 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a safe-conduct, which was by the King

thereof without delay sent him: and it being impossible to save Himselfe and all his Partakers, at the same time, he feigned to send the Lords that were with him to visit the Duke at Rennes; gi∣ving order to the Earle of Pembroke, who conducted them, that when they should be upon the Confines, He should immediate∣ly quit the Countrey; as he did: whilst He himselfe, feigning two dayes after to visit a friend of his not farre from Vannes, got on horse-back, waited on onely by Five servants; and when He was entred the Wood, He put on one of His servants Coates and got by By-wayes out of the State, and arrived at Aniou whether the Earle of Pembroke with the rest were, but long before, come. His escape was the easier in that it was not suspected; having left above three Hundred English, all of His Retinue behinde him in Vennes; otherwise it would have gone ill with Him: For Pe∣ter had already raised people, and appointed Commanders over them, who were within three dayes to have beene at Vennes to have detained Him; hearing (by what meanes I cannot tell) of his Departure, he dispatched so speedily after Him, as those who had the Commission to stay Him, got to the uttermost bounds of Britanny not above an Houre after He was gone out of them. The Duke, being this time returned to His perfect sence, was displeased hereat, thinking this might redound to his Dishonour: He chid Landais; and commanded that all the English that were left in Vennes should be suffered to depart, making them to be defrayed not onely whilst they were in His State, but till they came to their Master; to whom He likewise sent the Money He had promised, by Edward Woodvile and Edward Poinings two English Gentlemen: for the which the Earle returned Him ma∣ny Thankes; saying, He should not be at quiet till Fortune had befriended Him with some meanes whereby in some sort to re∣quite His infinite Obligation to the Duke▪ by whose favour on∣ly He lived. King Charles was then at Langres; whither the Earle went to Him and acquainted Him with the reason of His flight from Britanny, and how the Nobility and People of England had sent for Him to free them from Richards tyranny. Hee in∣treated his assistance; which was not hard to obtaine from so ge∣nerous a Prince as Hee was, against one who for his notorious wickednesse was abhorred by all men. The King bad him be of good comfort, promised to assist him, and brought him on his way to Montargis, treating the Lords that were with him with hospitality becomming a King; whilst thus he was ordering his affaires, Fortune, the better to encourage him, sent unto him a man, not onely forgotten but who was little better then thought dead; Iohn Vere, Earle of Oxford, who after the Battell at Bar∣net, had gotten into Scotland, from thence to France, and from thence had made himselfe Master of Saint Michales Mount in Co•…•…wall: where being besieged, and yeilding up the place, King Edward had sent him prisoner. This Noble-man had so farre prevailed with Sir Iames Blunt Captaine of that Fort, and Sir Iohn

Fortescue Porrer of Callis, that he did not onely obtaine his liber∣ty, but got them to forsake their commands, and go along with him to put themselves under the conduct of the Earle of Rich∣mond. But Blunt having left his Wife and all his goods in Hammes, he fortified it compleately, and added to the usuall garison an extraordinary number of Souldiers, to the end that if they should be besieged they might defend themselves till Fortune had tur∣ned her back upon Richard. The Earle tooke this unexpected Liberty of the Earle of Oxford as a good augury: for being of Noble Blood, of esteemed valour, of praise-worthy constancy, (having beene alwayes a sider with the House of Lancaster) one in whom vertues disputed for precedency, in whom wisdome and valour were rivalls; he thought God had given him his Li∣berty at this so necessary time, that hee might assist him. The King being returned to Paris, the Earles retinue increased; all that were fled from England, as well as all the English that were in those parts, either as Schollers in the Universities, or retur∣ning from their Travells, flockt unto him: amongst which one Richard Fox a Secular Priest, a man of very good parts, who was shortly after advanced to great places and dignities.

Richard this meane while was not wanting to Himselfe; his spirits were bent upon his Owne Preservation, and the preserva∣tion of the Crowne which hee unworthily wore: and though he saw both Heaven and Earth conspired against him, yet hee thought by his own Wil nesse to make his party good in despight of them both. But when he understood the Earle was fled out of Britanny, he was much amazed; his safety consisted in his hopes of having Him in his power, vvhich now fayling him he began to feare: his enemies forces consisted novv of both the factions; for by the Match vvith the Princesse Elizabeth, he had united the faction of Yorke to his owne of Lancaster; so as the claime of Yorke falling upon him by his Marrying the right Heire, he vvas sure to meet vvith great Opposition: His onely remedy vvas to breake the Match; but barely to breake it vvas not enough: he must do more, and by fore-casting the vvorst, do vvhat vvas best for Him. He thought how to strengthen himselfe by the same pretences, notwithstanding his being therein opposed, by the Laws, Blood and Enmity; he vvould marry his Neece: Incest vvould serve but as a Laurell to crowne all other his abominati∣ons: He could easily vvithout any scruple rid himselfe of his pre∣sent Wife: His conscience vvas so stecled over as it could not suf∣fer compunction: As for the opinion of the World, vvho re∣gards not Honour, values not shame: His subjects hatred vvas not to be respected; so long as with a Rod of Iron he could keepe them in obedience. That vvhich he pitcht upon vvas, Deceit, Slaughter, and Incest: for Deceit; vvith Allurements and faire Promises to sweeten the Queene Mothers distastes; and thereby to make vvay for the other two; his Wives Death, and his Marriage vvith his Neece.

He chose people fit for this of∣fice.

They excused what was past; they made her believe the King was much troubled for his much beloved Neeces: that he was sorry they should make themselves voluntary prisoners, that they mistrusted the naturrall inclination and love of an Unkle, who, as if he were their Father thought of nothing but their Good: That his chiefest desire was to treate them accord∣ing to their Birth and his Affection: to have them in Court; to finde out good Husbands for them, and see them well be∣stowed: and that if it should be his fortune to lose his Wife (whose indispositions were such as there was no great hope of her Life) his resolution was to make the Princesse Elizabeth his Queene: that the Neerenesse of Bloud would prove no impediment; Lawes were not without some Exceptions, and were to be dispenced withall, when the Necessity of the State, the Quiet of the Kingdome, and the Peoples safety did require it: They forgate not the Marquis Dorset promising him Moun∣taines of Gold if he would returne to England: they shewed how the way he was in was dangerous; that he should rather hope upon a fortune already made, then to be made; that old wayes were plaine, and sure; New ones, slippery and Preci∣pitious.

These men with these and the like conceptions knew so advantageously to behave themselves, that the Queene at the very first Onset gave them Hearing, and began to Melt; and at the second, gave consent to All that the King desired: forget∣ing her sonnes deaths, her Husbands Infamy, who was divulged to be a Bastard; her own shame, her marriage being in the Pul∣pit said to be Adulterous, she a Concubine, and her Daughters illegitimate; and (which most imported) the Promise she had made to the Countesse of Richmond concerning the Marriage of her eldest daughter sealed with an Oath: All these things were to her as if they never had beene: Ambition so farre prevailed with her, as to make her faulty to her owne Honour, to the safe∣ty of her Daughters, to the Generosity of her past actions, and to her conscience; not regarding Oathes when put in balance with the Perswasions of him, vvho had alwayes done her mischiefe. Being thus abused shee dispatcht away a Messenger to her Son Dorset, vvho vvas in France, commanding him that he should leave the Earle and come for England; telling him that all past injuries vvere forgotten, and forgiven, and were to be repair•…•…d with Honours and Preferments; for that the King desired nothing more then how to give him satisfaction. Richard having obtained the First of his three designes (having reconciled his Sister in Law, and his Neeces being come to the Court, where they were by him with great Solemnity received) the other Two remained: the Second would bee imperfect without the Third; and the Third vvas impossible without the Second: Hee could not marry his Neece, except his VVife were dead; upon this therefore hee wholly bent his thoughts, Hee considered that by putting her to a Violent death hee might

alienate his peoples hearts, which hee somewhat gained upon by his hypocriticall proceedings, which made them believe he was changed in life and disposition: so as a Relapse would prove dangerous to him, and make him not to be believed in what for the future he was to counterfeit. He lighed upon a meanes ne∣ver dreamt of any Divell in Hell: that Griefe, Melancholy, and Feare, might joyntly worke that effect in her without Scandall, which Sword nor Poyson could not doe but with Scandall. He forbare her bed, nor would he Speake with her; not onely deny∣ing her his Company, but his Sight: He began to bewaile his mis∣fortune, in that he had a wife that was Barren, who would beare him no Children; a curse which did so wound his Soule, as it would in short time cost him his Life: he made knowne this his great sorrow to the Archbishop of Yorke, whom he had newly set at liberty, being sure he would acquaint his wife with it, and hoping it might worke the Effect he desired. The Arch∣bishop, who was a wise man, and very well knew Richards dis∣position, spake hereof with some of his most intimate friends, judging the unfortunate Ladies life to be of no long durance. The King shortly after made it to be noised abroad that she was Dead, to the end her death when it should happen, might be the lesse strange, mens eares being accustomed thereunto; and he made the bruite of her death arrive at her owne eares: all this was done, in hope that the violence of Griefe would kill her; or if not, that he might with the lesse Noise make her away, who had been so Often thought Dead. The Queen, who was a Tender Lady, and not able to resist so many machinations, was hereat much dismayde, knowing that Tempests use to follow Thunder, especially in so perverse a Climate as that of her Husbands: she ran much afflicted to him, to know wherein she had so Highly offended him, as that he thought her not onely wor∣thy of his Hatred, which was apparently seene, but of the Pu∣nishment which being to befall her, the world thought her dead Already? His answer was pleasant in words, but of sad Sense, mingled with Smiles, which gave her more cause of Suspition then of Comfort. She went backe to her owne lodgings, where not many daies after she departed this life: whether of Griefe or Poyson, it is not certaine; those who judge by likelihood, thinke the last. This Princesse was borne under an unhappy Constellation, as well in respect of her Selfe, as of those who did any waies appertaine unto her. She was daughter to Richard Nevill Earle of Warwicke and Salisbury, a Peere of greatest Power and Repute that ever England had; her Grand-father was be∣headed, her Father and her Unkle were slaine in the battell at Barnet; her Nephevv, Son to her Sister the Dutchesse of Cla∣rence vvas beheaded by Henry the Seventh; and her Neece his Sister, by Henry the Eighth, both her Husbands came to vio∣lent ends; the First, Sonne to Henrys the sixt, slaine by this her second Husband; and He by others (as wee shall shortly see).

She was in her Life time bereft of the onely sonne she had by him. Lastly, as for her owne death what ever it was, it could not but be happy for Her, she being thereby freed from the hands of so cruell a Monster.

Two of Richards designes being obtained, the Third yet re∣mained, his marriage with his Neece. He began to make love unto her, but it was not love that troubled him (though he would have it so believed) hee was troubled with thoughts of another nature: To see so many of the prime Nobility fled into France to the Earle of Richmond, to see himselfe so nauseous to his People, as they were ready to vomit him out, and that the Conspiracy Discovered, but not Extinct, had made the Con∣spirators the more wary; these were the businesses which exclu∣ded his feyned love; love being fed by Idlenesse, Delights, and want of other affaires whereon to imploy ones thoughts. He was jealous of none more then the Lord Stanley, father in law to the Earle: his brother Sir William Stanley, Gilbert Talbot, and hundreds of others did not so much trouble him as did He alone: insomuch as this Lord Stanley being desirous to returne to his Countrey-house, under pretence of some domesticall affaires, (but in effect, that hee might be ready at the arrivall of his sonne in Law whom he daily expected) he would not suffer himto goe, unlesse hee would leave his Eldest sonne George Stanley in Court, reputing him a sufficient hostage for his Fathers loyalty.

When he understood of Blunts rebellion, how that the Earle of Oxford had escaped out of prison; and how that Both of them having betaken themselves to the Earle of Richmond, they had delivered up unto him the Castle of Hammes; hee gave order to have it besieged by the garrison of Calais; and Rich∣mond sent the Earle of Oxford with a great many Souldiers to raise the siege; who having encamped himselfe not farre from the Besiegers, passed Thomas Brandon with Thirty commanded men into the Town, which so encouraged the Besieged, as that the Enemy being shot at, at the same time, from the Town, from the Castle, and from Oxfords campe, offered a Blanke paper, into which they might enter what Conditions they pleased, so as they would surrender up the place. The Earle of Oxford who consi∣dered that the possession of Hammes was not of any consequence to the getting of the Kingdome, which they were in pursuit of; and that it was succoured onely out of a desire to save the Garrison, and Iames Blunts wife, together with their Goods, willingly surrendred up the place; taking from thence the Men, Munition, Victuals, Cannon, and all that was there of any value, which he brought all safe to Ba•…•…is.

Richard was so puft up with this appearance of victory, as he believed that to be true, which was falsely informed him: That he Earle of Richmond, weary of the large promises made him by Charles to assist him with Powerfull succours, was faine

to content himselfe with very small ones, in which he likewise found himselfe to be abused. Whereupon thinking his men of warre upon the Narrow Seas, and the troops of men he had dispo∣sed upon the Sea-coasts, to be superfluous, he recalled his ships, and disbanded his men: judging that the Nobility which inhabi∣ted the maritine parts (particularly those of Wales) were sufficient to take order that the enemy should not land unfought withalland unbeaten.

The information which was given to Richard, though in effect it was false, yet it bare with it so many likelyhoods of Truth, as were sufficient to make him believe that the Earle of Richmond, abandoned by Charles, was not likely to trouble him with any forces he should receive from Him; and this was the occasion: Charles being in his Fourteenth yeere of age under the govern∣ment of his Sister Anne, wife to Peter of Bourbon, Lord of Beau-ieu; and according to the Ordinance of Charles the fifth his predecessour, free from Guardian-ship; the Princes of the Blood did notwithstanding aspire to the Regency, under pre∣tence of the weaknesse of his Constitution, and of his being ill brought up, he having till then been onely brought up in Childish sports, not being taught so much as to Read. The pretenders hereunto were, the Duke of Orleans first Prince of the Blood, and Peter of Bourbon in his wifes right, she being thereunto na∣med by the late Lewis: and great troubles were likely here∣upon to have ensued, had not the State, by committing the Kings person (according to his fathers will) to his sisters custo∣dy, determined that the Kingdome should have no Regent, but should be governed by the Counsell of State, composed of Twelve personages, to be chosen for their worth and Qua∣lity. So as France being in this condition, the Earle could not obtaine what was promised him, since it was not the King Alone that could effect it; and the Twelve, though willing to assist him found many Difficulties therein, but were especially hindred, through feare of a Civill warre within them∣selves.

At the same time the Marquesse Dorset attempted to escape away; his Mothers advertisements, which filled him with high hopes, and the rubbes he saw the Earle met withall made him tacke about, and side with Richard. He went out of Paris se∣cretly by night, taking his way for Flanders, that from thence hee might passe into England: but the Earle being informed thereof, and having gotten leave from the King to stop him wheresoever he should be found, sent into all parts after him, and Humphrey Chenie had the fortune to light upon him, who with Perswasions and faire Promises brought him backe: other∣wise he might have proved very prejudiciall to them, for hee knew the very bottome of all their designes. But this chance made the Earle very much apprehend, that through delay he might either Lose or Ruine his friends; he therefore judged it neces∣sary

to attempt that with a Few which he could not with Many. He borrowed money of the King, and many others, to whom he left as in pawne Sir Iohn Bourchier and the Marquesse Dorset, whom hee did not assie in, to have him neere him. Thus ha∣ving assembled together certaine Souldiers, hee went to Roan, expecting there till the ships came to Harfleur which were to carry him over. Here he understood of the death of King Ri∣chards wife, how he had resolved to marry his neece, who by her mother was promised unto Him; and that Cecilie the Second daughter was married (which was false) to one of so base con∣dition as his pedegree was not knowne: hereat hee was much troubled, as were likewise all the Lords that were with him; since the hopes which they had built unto themselves upon the Yorkish faction were vanished by vertue of the aforesaid mar∣riage. Consultation was held what was to be done; it was judged a rash resolution to undertake so dangerous a businesse with such a Handfull of people: The resolutions which they pitcht upon were; not to stirre till they should have new advertisements from beyond the Seas; and to entice over to their party Sir Walter Herbert, a Gentleman of a great fa∣mily, and of a great power in Wales, promising that the Earle should marry His sister; and to send a Gentleman to the Earle of Northumberland, who had married the Other sister; to the end that he might negotiate the businesse. But nothing ensued hereon; for finding the passage shut up, the messenger returned not doing any thing.

But having much about the same time received Letters from Morgan Ridwell, a Lawyer and a Confident of his, with newes that Sir Rice ap Thomas and Captaine Savage, two men of great retinue in Wales, would declare themselves for him; and that Reynald Bray had in his possession great summes of money to pay the Souldier; so as he should doe well to make haste, and land in Wales, since delay might be prejudiciall to him: hee tooke shipping on the fifteenth of August, having but a few ships and two thousand Souldiers with him. In seven daies space he lan∣ded at Milford-haven in Wales; from whence passing on to Dale, (a place wherein all Winter long troopes of Souldiers had beene kept to hinder his landing) he went to West-Hereford, where he was entertained with all sort of content by the inhabitants. Here he understood that Sir Rice ap Thomas and Captaine Savage had declared themselves for Richard, which if it had beene true, the businesse had beene ended. Upon such like occasions diversity of Newes useth to be spread abroad, good or bad according as people hope or suspect. Those who were with him were much amated at this, till they were comforted with a later advertise∣ment. Arnold Butler a very valiant Commander, and one that in former times had been no great well-wisher to the Earle, gave him to understand, that those of Pembrokeshire were ready to obey Iasper Earle of Pembroke, his unkle and their naturall Lord:

that therefore he might make use of this advantage: the Earle being herewithall encouraged, marched on to Cardigan, his camp increasing every houre, by people which flocked unto him. But here he heard newes againe that Sir Walter Herbert (he whose sister the Earle had thought to have married) was in Caermar∣then, with intention to oppose him; the which did much af∣fright him, for hee did thinke to finde him an enemy; so as whilst they betake themselves to their Armes, with an inten∣tion to fight with him, the Scouts who were sent before to discover the Countrey, returned with newes that there was no enemy to be seen, the Countrey being open, free, and voyd of Opposition. This contentment was augmented by the comming of Richard Griffith, and Iohn Morgan, with a great many figh∣ting men: and though Griffith was a confederate of Sir Walter Herberts, and of Rice ap Thomas (of whose inclinations he was doubtfull) yet the Earle forbare not to march on, fighting with, and beating as many as opposed him, that hee might leave no enemies behind him. But seeing himselfe reduced to such termes as he was not to hope for safety but by victory, it be∣ing impossible for him to Retreate; and that Sir Walter Herbert and Rice ap Thomas drawing neere him, to hinder his pas∣sage, hee could not without more helpe make any long resi∣stance; he wrote to his Mother, to his Father in Law, and his Father in Lawes brother, and to Sir Gilbert Talbot:

That being come upon Their Advice into England, it was Their Aydes that must sustaine him; for he having but a Few peo∣ple with him, if hee were Once defeated, hee was defeated for Ever: That the Countrey hee was to passe over, was of a great Length: That reason required hee should passe the Severne at Shrewsbury, to come to London: That they should thinke how to succour him in Time; otherwise their succours would be too Late for Him, and Ruinous for Themselves: That their communication being necessary for his Counsels, they should come Suddenly, least Delay might marre All: That Temporizing was the Ruine of Designes: That if Dis∣simulation had been requisite till Now, it was now no more So, but Harmefull: for that thereby those who yet had cou∣rage would be disheartned.

This dispatch being sent away by a faithfull servant, he resolved to fight with whoever should oppose him: it was the onely way to worke his ends; Regality was not to be had but by Regall valour. Hee tooke his way towards Shrewsbury, and in his march met with Rice ap Thomas, who with a considerable number of Welshmen swore Fealty to him, the Earle having two daies before promised to make him President of Wales, as soone as hee should be King, (which ac∣cordingly hee did.) Being come to Shrewsbury hee met with an answer from his Mother and the Others, according to his desire. From thence hee past on to Newport, where Sir Gilbert Talbot with two thousand men came to meet him; as likewise

did Sir William Stanley at Stafford, where hee made some stay to refresh his people. Sir William after he had a long time con∣sulted with the Earle, returned to his Troopes, which being defrayed by his brother, were not farre of. The next day hee came to Litchfield, where being come by Night, hee lay in the Field; and the next day was by the Townesmen received into the City as their Prince. The Lord Stanley had been there two daies before with his Souldiers, and was gone from thence to make way for the Earle, and that he might not be seene in his company: he was cautelous in what he did by reason of his Sonne who was left Hostage with Richard, and who otherwise would have lost his life.

Richard (who at this time was at Nottingham) knew of the Earles arrivall; but with such a relation of his inconsiderable forces, as he made no Account of him. He thought he was come onely with those who had fled to him from England, and that his Forces consisted meerly of Banisht men, who growne despe∣rate, betooke themselves to their last refuge: as for others, he perswaded himselfe there would not be any one that durst de∣clare himselfe for him: so as the rashnesse of a desperate man was not worthy his trouble: hee thought it would be beneath Him to take Notice of him; and that Sir Walter Herbert and Rice ap Thomas were sufficient of Themselves either to beate him, or to make him ignominiously surrender himselfe. But afterwards well weighing the Consequences, hee was of another minde: his affaires appeared to be in a condition not to be trusted to Other mens directions, by reason of his being so generally Ha∣ted; and the wicked meanes used in his usurping of the Crowne. He therefore thought it not safe for him to confide in Others; and having a Scrutiny of such as were most Interressed in the preservation of his Person and Dignity, from out the not many he chose Iohn Duke of Norfolke, the Earle of Northumberland, and the Earle of Survey; giving them Commission to gather to∣gether the best and most trusty of such as did depend upon them, and come unto him: and he gave order to Robert Brackenbury Lieutenant of the Tower, that he should raise all the force hee could, and bring along with him as his companions in Armes Sir Thomas Bourcher and Sir Walter Hungerford; not for that hee expected any service from them, but that being jealous of them, he feared lest they might conspire against him. All these his foresights did not satisfie him, when hee understood the Earle had past the Severne. He then began to mistrust his affaires, and to complaine of those who had promised to defend the pas∣sage: Now it was that he saw his businesse was not to be trusted to any Third party; and growing to distrust all men, he went himselfe in Person in the head of his Army to give him battell: executing Himselfe the duty of a Sergeant Major. He came by night to Leicester upon a white Steede, environed by his Guards and great number of Foot, with a staring and threatning Coun∣tenance

answerable to the speeches hee uttered against such as forsaking Him, had denied him to be their King; or who by abandoning him Hereafter, were to doe so. The Earle hea∣ring of his approach, encamped himselfe neere to Tamworth, where in the mid-way hee was met by Sir Thomas Bourcher and Sir Walter Hungerford, who fearing Richard, had privately stolne from Brackenburies forces. The like from Other parts did di∣vers personages of good condition; who it may be would have proved his Enemies, had not their Hatred to Richard moved them to take part with Him. Yet this Concourse of people wherewith hee ought to have been comforted, freed him not from the much melancholy caused by the Lord Stanley, who kept farre from him, and in a posture (as it appeared) rather to be Doubted of then Hoped in. As hee rode thus pensively in the Reare of his Troopes, hee was so transported with sad thoughts, that hee was not aware how hee was left behind, with not above twenty Horse with him: the Army being passed on, and having encamped it selfe, whilst hee through the Ob∣scurity of the Night had lost the Tract thereof. He wandred up and downe a good while, hoping to meet with some of them, or to heare their noise; but neither Finding nor Hea∣ring any thing of them, hee got into a little Village, fearing lest hee might be knowne, taken, and carried to the Enemy: and not daring to aske the Inhabitants any questions, hee con∣tinued in these feares till the Breake of Day; whilst his campe was more troubled then Hee, not dreaming that hee had Lost his Way, but fearing some strange Misfortune had befalne him. 'Twas his good lucke not to meet with any enemy: but when hee was come to his Army, hee did not tell them that hee had lost his way through Musing or Carelesnesse, but that he stayed purposely behinde to Speake with some hee had received ad∣vantageous advices. From hence he went to finde out the Stan∣leys, who with their Militia were quartered in Aderston; hee understood the falshood of his suspition; and how that the Lord Stanley could not openly declare himselfe for Him, till the very last Up-shot, for feare lest his Sonne might suffer for it: after divers consultations it was resolved to give Battell, if Richard would accept it. At his returne he found Sir Iohn Sa∣vage, Sir Brian Stamford, and Sir Simon Digby, who having left the King, were come with their forces to serve Him. Both sides were equally inclined to fight; moved thereunto out of their Severall feares; Richard, of being abandoned; the Earle, that his followers might grow weary, either by the Incommodities they might suffer, or by their Expences; since hee had no Au∣thority but what they of Free will gave him. But Richards condition was by much the worse of the two, for still Some or Other fled from him; so as seeking out a fit place to fight in, hee encamped himselfe neere a Village called Bosworth, not farre from Leicester, where having refreshed his people hee

prepared to fight. They say that the night preceding he in his sleepe had certaine strange fearefull Apparitions that he be∣lieved to be Divels, which troubling him, broke his sleepe, leaving him so affrighted, as every one wondred at it: where∣upon he who had alwaies wont to appeare Chearefull in fight, thought that if now any Sadnesse should be discovered in him, it would be accounted Cowardise; and that therefore it was ne∣cessary for him to tell his Dreame. Hollingshead layes this to his sting of Conscience, the which as it is credible, so is it incredible that when a man drawes neere his End, hee is by some internall motions admonished thereof.

Day being come, Richard drew forth his Troopes, putting them into such a figure as for terrour sake might make the grea∣test shew. Hee made the Rankes of the Vantguard very long, which was commanded by the Duke of Norfolke, and his Sonne the Earle of Surrey: hee Himselfe led on the Second, wherein were the choicest and best armed men; and which was guar∣ded on the Flankes by the Horse, and on the Front by Bow∣men. For all his Boasts their whole number was but very Small, not worthy to have decided the controversie for a private Castle, muchlesse a Kingdome. But it behoved him to ha∣sten; as well for that His Forces were by much greater then the Earles; as likewise, if hee should have Tarried expecting More, hee might have runne hazzard of Losing those he had: for Savage, Stamford, and Digby had carried along with them a great many fighting men. The Lord Stanley stood as stickler betweene them, who having taken his stand betweene the two Armies with three thousand Souldiers, afforded Hopes and Feares to them Both: for being desired by his Sonne in Law that hee would come to take the care of Ordering and Commanding his men, his answer was: Let him doe that of∣fice Himselfe; hee would come when he should see conveni∣ent time: and to Richard (who swore by the passion of Jesus Christ, that if hee came not over to him, hee would cut off his Sonnes head before Dinner) hee answered: Let him use his pleasure; howsoever I have More Sonnes. This ambi∣guity was notwithstanding his Sonne Stranges safety; for Ri∣chard having commanded that hee should be beheaded, hee suspended the Order; not so much in that hee was Advised thereunto (it being time to Fight, not to play the Execu∣tioner) as that hee feared lest Stanleys Cloud which threat∣ned a Tempest might shoure downe upon Him; as it did, in a season when hee could not with danger to the other avoyd it. The young Strange did for all this account himselfe as a Dead man, being assigned over a prisoner to those who kept the Tent Royall: and certainely hee had suffered death, had not God saved his Life by the Kings Death. The Earle was not troubled at his Father in Law's answer: Hee ordered his

Souldiers. Hee placed the Bow-men in the Front, under the Conduct of the Earle of Oxford: hee gave Sir Gilbert Talbot charge over the Right-wing; and Sir Iohn Savage command o∣ver the Left: Hee kept for Himselfe and His Unkle the Earle of Pembroke a good proportion of Horse, but few Foot: with intention to joyne with the Troopes which were kept as a Reserve, to come in and succour where need should require. All his Forces exceeded not the number of five thousand, and his Father in Law had not with him above three thou∣sand; Richard having Twice as many men as Both they put together. The One and the Other of them made long Spee∣ches to their Souldiers. Richard had much adoe to colour over his Cruelties, which not being to be Denied, hee slub∣ber'd them over, not naming them; hoping thereby to get Absolution. For what remained hee said,

That hee had governed the Kingdome by meanes of their Advice and Va∣lour: Hee had punished such as were Seditious and Rebels according to their Merits; hee hoped to doe the like upon the same occasion: Hee held the Crowne of Them, 'twas They that ought to make it good unto him: An unknowne Welshman contended with him for it, begotten by a Fa∣ther lesse knowne then Himselfe; whose Forces consisted of Banished Delinquents, and certaine Britons and begger∣ly French, come to plunder their Goods, ravish their Wives, and kill their Children: A better occasion then this could not be met withall, wherein to exercise their Valour, and to grow angry without Sinne or Offending God; since thereby they were made ministers of his Justice, and their Owne Revengers, for which they should be prai∣sed of all Nations: As concerning victory, it was not to be Doubted; since they were to fight against a Handfull of two sorts of people so often Overcome, of which these were the very Scumme, led on by Necessity, appearance, and Num∣ber; a number notwithstanding so Small as would make up the third part of Them: for Himselfe; hee promised all that could be expected from a generous Prince, and a Valiant Commander; which the Effects should Witnesse; for he resolved not to quit the field till either Conquerour or Dead.

The Earle on the Other side, being got to the highest part of his Campe

pleaded the Justice of his Cause; shewing how necessary the Extirpation of so cruell and monstrous a Tyrant was, for Publique and Private good: That there was not a more praise-worthy action, nor more conforma∣ble to whatsoever Law, then to punish Him who having destroyed his Owne house, by the Effusion of so Innocent Blood, and Defamed it with so False defamations, had Slaine, impoverished, and brought to an ill end so many

of the Nobility, onely out of a desire to Tyrannize: For what concerned Himselfe, hee would say nothing; from whom the lawfull inheritance was usurped, which had been so long possessed by the house of Lancaster; all whose Kings had been men of Reputation in the World, and of Glory to the Kingdome; and if there were any thing amisse in the Last, they were not his Faults, but superabundant Good∣nesse abused by wicked people: It was to be believed, that their adversary Outwardly assailed by Their forces, and In∣wardly by his Owne faults, must needs fall; since Gods judgements the Longer they are in comming they fall the Heavier, the weight of Heavens scourge being (according to the orders of Divine justice) inevitable: It was not to be endured, that to the excesse of so many enormities, In∣cest should be added; the Onely sinne remaining for him to have runne through the whole Catalogue of wickednesse: That he pretended to marry his Neece the Princesse Eliza∣beth, to honest by some colourable Title, his unlawfull pos∣session of the Crowne; the which being due to Him, as one∣ly true Heire, and therewithall the said Princesse (who was promised to him in marriage) 'twould be great errour in Them to permit either the One or the Other: That since God had freed him from so many Treacheries, beene gra∣cious to him, in suffering him quietly to passe the Seas, to be peacefully received in England, and brought to confront His and the Common Enemy, hee would not be now wan∣ting to worke the confusion of that Enemy, through Their valour; since hee makes use of Good men to punish the Wic∣ked: Their rewards were to be Great, all goods Confisca∣ble should speedily be distributed by Him, who was to be Judge of each mans valour and desert: They ought not to be terrified at their owne Small numbers, and the Many of the Enemy; for as divine Justice was the first argument of Victory, so those people which they saw were led on by the Lord Stanley, were all for Them; as likewise were many Others, who now appearing under the Enemies Colours would in the heate of the battell shew themselves Friends. For Himselfe; hee promised all that could be expected from a Souldier, and Commander; He desired them onely to Imi∣tate Him in what belonged to the Souldier; that whilst hee fought, They should fight; and when Hee should forbeare to fight, that then they should Forsake him: The summe of all his considerations and reasons were; That as the Victory con∣sisted in their Valour, so if they should be Failing to them∣selves, were to fall under the power of an Enemy, who not being to be parallel'd for Cruelty, 'twas better for them to Die Honourably with Sword in Hand, then Ignominiously to Lan∣guish under a Tyrant, that had not forborne his owne Nephews.

This being said, vvith a Confident heart, and vvith Cheerefull countenance he gave on upon the Enemy, and vvas as cheerefully follovved by his men.

Richard fared otherwise: no Jollity was observed in his march nor yet willingnesse, save in such whose fortunes depended up∣on His: all the rest were wavering and divided into Three seve∣rall opinions; some thought to side with the Earle, some with him of the two who should Overcome, and some, neither with the One nor the Other, but to be meere Lookers-on. Richard being now King found like loyality in his subjects, as whilest He was a subject, he used to the King his Nephew.

There stood between the two Armies a piece of marish ground with some causey waies that had beene made for the conveniency of Passengers; and though the season (it being the 22 of Au∣gust) had hardened it, yet the Earle, knowing the situation there∣of to be for his purpose, to secure his small number on that side, he hastened to be first Master thereof: and having it on his right hand hee wonne the Sunne, which was in face of the Enemy; who advancing, the fight beganne. The Earle of Oxford being himselfe so farre advanced that hee was in danger to be cut off, commanded his men not to stirre Ten foote from their Colours: whereupon They forbearing to fight, that they might close to∣gether; the Kings Vantguard did the like, being desirous ei∣ther Not to fight, or that the victory might be theirs against whom they were Enforced to fight. But Oxford being returned to his charge, returned to Handy blowes. At the joyning toge∣ther of the two Armies, their severall inclinations were quickly seene: those of the Kings side that Fought fought Faintly; and those who fought Not, withdrew themselves, and forsooke the Campe. The King had commanded those he most relied on, to have a care that businesses might be carried without Disorder, and that they should advertise him of any Danger that should ap∣peare; These seeing how some were Negligent, and how o∣ther some withdrew themselves, advised him to save himselfe, judging that hee was betrayed. But Divine Justice would not suffer him to listen to such advice; no not when Victory appear∣ing evidently on the Adversaries part, they presented him with a Fleet horse whereon to escape: the which hee would not do saying, That that day was to terminate either the Warre or his Life. Understanding afterwards that the Earle was not farre from him guarded but with a few Gens de Armes, hee spur'd on towards him and knowing him by some markes, hee ranne at him with his Lance in Rest; the Earle was not displeased with the encounter, judging it the true way to decide their controver∣sy: but he could not meet him hand to hand, being thwarted by some of his owne men. They gave against the Standard, slew Sir William Brandon the Standard bearer, and advancing for∣wards, Sir Iohn Cheiney stopt his passage, whom hee bare to the

ground, though hee were a Gentleman of much strength and va∣lour. The Earle with his Sword in hand stopped his fury, at the very instant when the Lord Stanley investing the Kings squa∣drons afforded occasion to such as had a minde thereunto to run∣away: the which when Richard perceived, hee left the Earle, and thrust himselfe into the thickest of the fight, either to re∣unite his owne men, or die the sooner: the later of which be∣fell him; for fighting valiantly, he fell with his Sword in hand all besmear'd with blood. All things made for victory on the Earles behalfe, to counterpoise the smalnesse of his numbers: in himselfe, Prudence, Diligence, and Valour; in those that sided with him, Despaire of safety if they should lose the day, and the Regaining of their Goods, Countrie, and Honours, if they should Overcome. But all this was not likely to have suffi∣ced; for the Kings desperate valour, who encouraging by his example, kept his men in their duties, had brought the enemy in the two houres space which the battell endured to such a passe, as being but few and out of breath, they began to give back: whereupon if the Lord Stanley (who kept himselfe to decide the day) had not come in to succour, they were likely, all of them, to be lost. We have hitherto spoken ill of Richard, though not so ill as he deserved: yet now wee must say, That though he lived ill, he dyed well, according to the esteeme of humane generosity. His end bore with it heroicall effects: Wis∣dome and Fortitude were two lights which if they did not illu∣minate the actions of his past Life, they did illustrate his pre∣sent Death. When he saw himselfe abandoned by all; that those who yet stayd by him, served against their wills; but very few willingly; hee thought it would be base in him and prejudiciall for him to runne away, since thereby he should lose his repu∣tation with the People, whereon his welfare did depend. He therefore resolved to do his uttermost; for should hee Over∣come, all things were likely to succeed well unto him; and should hee lose the day, Death would be advantageous; hee having no hope at all of safety: Enemies on all sides; Scotland (his onely refuge) was but a fading hope, notwithstanding the new Peace, and lately contracted Marriage; well might he trust thereto if his fortune should prove Good, but not if other∣wise: and say it should Favour Him, He had but little hopes of getting thither untaken by the way, being so generally ha∣ted; and 'twas impossible for him to passe unknowne, for his features and shape of body were such, by those that had never seene him. There is to be discerned a confused mingle-mangle of vertues in this; wisdome, in knowing his Danger to be such as was unavoidable; and Fortitude, in resolving to die since he could not eschew danger: so as Writers have great reason to affirme that he wan more Honour in these two houres by his Death, then he had done all the time of his Life. For what con∣cernes

his Soules health; God is able of Stones to raise up chil∣dren unto Abraham, but this is but when he pleaseth: and al∣though there be no differences to be made in Him of Easy or Un∣easy (since Hee framed the whole World by his bare Word; Hee spake and it was made; He commanded and it was Crea∣ted) yet let it be permitted according to humane conjecture to say, That it is, I will not say more Easy, but more usuall for him to save one who is naturally Good, then one who is naturally Bad: since naturall Goodnesse may be said to be the Materia Prima of Salvation, containing in her that Disposition, which, that wee might be saved, was of His meere mercy be∣stowed upon us gratis. So as though the rule of Christianity teacheth us not to Judge any one to the Damned, yet it for∣bids us not to Doubt of a mans Salvation; as wee do of Rich∣ards: for as in the good Tree that beareth good Fruit, some may be Wormy and Rotten; so in Man-kinde, man created to the fruition of Heavenly Glory, may notwithstanding be damned, if he be wormeaten with wickednesses and rotten with the obsti∣nacy of sin.

His Death afforded invitation to those who yet fought to save themselves; and the rest that, like Spectatours, had not moved from their station, came to give obedience to the Con∣querour; by whom they were gratiously received, as likewise were those who laying downe their Armes, submitted them∣selves unto him. Of the number of the Slaine it is diversly writ∣ten: some speake of a Thousand, some of foure Thousand. Sir Gilbert Talbot in an account which hee giveth to his friends in writing, sayes there died onely Tenne of the Earles side: Hall saies a Hundred. Of the Peeres on Richards side were slaine, the Duke of Norfolke and the Lord Ferrers of Chartley: of Knights Sir Richard Ratcliffe, and Sir Robert Brakenbury, Lieutenant of the Tower: but few Gentlemen. The Duke of Norfolke was perswaded by his friends to withdraw himselfe from the Bat∣tell; the which hee denying to doe, two Verses were fastned to his Chamber doore the night before the Fight, wherein he was advised not to ingage himselfe in the behalfe of a King that was Bought and Sold; but hee, having beene true to him in his Life would be so likewise in his Death: and was praised for it. The Prisoners were many amongst which was Sir William Catesby (hee who betrayed the Lord Hastings) a man of great esteeme among the Professors of the Lawyers, and the chiefe of the Kings Counsell. He was with some Others beheaded two dayes after at Leicester. Of those that fled away the most con∣siderable were Viscount Lovell and the two brothers Humphrey, and Thomas Stafford, who got into the Sanctuary of S^t Iohns in Gloucester. Of those who would not fight, was the Earle of Nor∣thumberland; who comming to acknowledge the Conquerour, was therefore by him received to grace, and afterwards made

Privy Counsellour. Thomas Howard Earle of Surrey, Sonne to the deceased Duke of Norfolke, was not received into favour, though hee layd down his Armes; but was put into the Tower, where he stay'd a good while; the inward friendship hee had had with Richard doing him no good; but being afterwards received to grace, he was created Treasurer of England. The Earle after the Victory made Te Deum be Sung. Hee praised his Souldiers valour, and thanked them, promising to reward them according to their Loyalties. He gave order to bury the Dead, and to cure such as were wounded. He Knighted such as he thought did most deserve that honour: the which being done out of his Owne meere motion, did so inanimate his Soul∣diers as they cryed him up King; whereupon Stanley tooke Richards Crowne which was found amongst the Booty, and put it on his Head: so as he was chosen King by the Souldier, ac∣cording to the ancient custome of diverse Kingdomes. The Lord Strange, who as wee have said, was delivered over to the custody of those who guarded the Tents Royall, that when the Battell should be ended he might be given in charge to the Hangman, at his guardians entreaties, interceded for them: the King granted him their Pardon, received him with much Honour, and his Father with much Joy. He went from thence to Leicester where he stayed two dayes to refresh his men and take order for his going to London. The day before, Richard went from that City in great Pride and Pompe, waited on by so many Lords, Knights, and Souldiers as made the World to wonder: he returned thither whether the next day like a slaine Buck layd acrosse upon the Croupe of a Horse, his Head and Armes hanging on One side, his Legges on the other, Scorned and all Naked (save his Privy Members which were covered with a course piece of Cloth) besmeared with Blood and dawb'd with Dirt, a Horrid sight to behold. The Heralds name that carried him was White-Bore, and the White-Bore was Richards Impresa, the which was torne and cut in pieces in as many places of the Kingdome as it was found. His Body lay na∣ked two whole dayes upon the bare Earth in a Church of the Minorites in Leicester, whither it was carried: nor could the People be satisfyed with that sight, which being Gastfull in any Other, was in Him Pleasing and Delightfull, so much had his actions exasperated them against him. Hee was buried in the said Church without any manner of Solemnity or Funerall rites. King Henry shortly after made a Monument bee made for him with his Statue of Alablaster which represented him to the Life: the which at the suppression of that Monastery was bro∣ken in Pieces: the place where Hee was buried is since over∣growne with Weedes and Nettles, so as it cannot bee novv said Here was Richard Buried. The onely Memoriall that remaines thereof, is the Stone Coffin his Body vvas buried in,

which now serves for a Trough for Horses to drinke in, in a Neighbouring Village. They say the Body being taken from thence, was with much derision buried againe at the foote of Bow-Bridge in Leicester: and many other things are said of it, which I rather believe to bee the Peoples Invention, then that there is any thing of Truth in them. In Richard the Line masculine of the House of Yorke ceased: some except Ed∣ward Plantagenet, Earle of Warwicke, Sonne to the Duke of Clarence, whom I do not account upon, since fifteene Yeares after Hee likewise died without any Heires Male: As vvee shall see.

The End of the Eighth Booke.

Notes

• 1485.