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THe Queen, who was now Thirty seven years old, and [ 1554] hitherto thought averse from Marriage, either in regard of her own Natural inclination, or conscious to her self of the want* 1.1 of such Beauty as might endear a Husband to her; her Affairs
so requiring, began at length to bethink her of an Husband. She [ 1554] feared, lest the consideration of her Sexes imbecility might bring her into contempt with her People, she being yet scarce setled in her Throne, and the Kingdom still distracted in their Affections to several Competitors. Fame had destined three for her Bed, Philip Infant of Spain the Emperour's Son, Cardinal Pool, and the Marquis of Exceter. The two last were proposed for their Royal Descent, and the opinion of the Love of their Coun∣trey, there being hope, that under them the Freedom, and the Priviledges of the Kingdom might be preserved inviolate. But besides proximity of Blood in each of the three, Cardinal Pool was much affected by the Queen, for his gravity, sanctimony, meekness, and wisdom, Courtney for his flourishing youth, his courteous and pleasant disposition. But he I know not how, was somewhat suspected, not to think sincerely of the late esta∣blished Religion, but to have favoured the Reformed. And the Cardinal being now in his fiftieth and third year, was deemed a little too old to be a Father of Children. But their opinion prevailed, as more necessary, who thought this unsetled King∣dom would require a puissant King, who should be able to curb the factious Subject, and by Sea and Land oppose the French by the accrue of Scotland become too near Neighbours and Enemies to us. Upon these motives the ambitious Lady was easily in∣duced to consent to a match with Philip. For the Treaty whereof the Emperour had about the end of the last year, sent on a grand Embassage Lamoralle Count Egmond, with whom Charles Count Lalaine, and John Montmorency were joyned in Commis∣sion. In January the Ambassadors arrived at London, and in a few days conclude the Marriage, the Conditions whereof were these:
That Matrimony being contracted between Philip and Mary, it* 1.2 should be lawful for Philip to usurp the Titles of all the Kingdoms and Provinces belonging to his Wife, and should be joynt-Governour with her over those Kingdoms, the Priviledges and Customs thereof always preserved inviolate, and the full and free distribution of Bishopricks, Benesices, Favours, Offices always remaining entire to the Queen. That the Queen likewise should be assumed into the society of all the Realms, wherein Philip either then was, or should be afterward in∣vested. That if She survived Philip, sixty thousand Pounds per an∣num, should be assigned for her Joynture, as had been formerly as∣signed to Lady Margaret Sister to Edward the Fourth and Widow to Charles Duke of Burgoigne, whereof forty thousand should be raised out of Spain and Arragon, twenty thousand out of the Netherlands and the Provinces thereto belonging. And to prevent all future Jars and Contentions about the Division of the Inheritance of the Kingdoms and Provinces which either then were or afterward should be belonging to either, it is agreed, That the Issue begotten by this Marriage
should succeed in all the Queens Kingdoms and Dominions, and in all [ 1554] the Principalities of the Netherlands and Burgoigne, whereof the Emperour did stand possessed: That Charles the eldest Son to Philip by a former Marriage should likewise succeed in all the Kingdoms as well of his Father, as of his Grandmother, and his Grandfather the Emperour, both in Italy and Spain, and by reason thereof should stand obliged for the Payment of the 'fore-mentioned forty thousand Pounds. If by this Matrimony no other Issue shall be begotten than Female, the Eldest shall succeed in all the Provinces of the Netherlands, but with this Caution, that by the counsel and consent of her Brother Charles, she shall make choice of an Husband either out of England or the Ne∣therlands; if she marry from elsewhere without his consent, she shall be deprived of her right of Succession, and Charles be invested therein. But to her and her Sisters a convenient Dowry shall be assigned according to the Laws and Customs of the places. If it happen that Charles, or his Successours shall die without Issue; in that case the First-born by this Marriage, although it be a Female, shall succeed in all the King∣doms belonging to both these Princes, as well of the Netherlands, as of Spain, and in all the Principalities of Italy; and shall be bound to preserve inviolate all the Laws, Priviledges, Immunities 'and Customs of each Kingdom. Between the Emperour, Philip, and his Heirs, between the Queen, and her Children and Heirs, and between both their Realms and Dominions, constant Amity, Concord, a perpetual and inviolable League shall be continued. This League, Agreement, and Articles shall be renewed and confirmed at Westminster the two and fortieth year of this* 1.3 Seculum, and four years after on the six∣teenth of January at Utrecht.
As soon as the Decree concerning these Nuptial Compacts was divulged, many out of a restless disposition misliking the present times, but especially traducing the intent of this Accord, as if by it the Spaniard were to become absolute Lord of all, who should have the free managing of all Affairs, and abolishing our ancient Laws and Customs, would impose an intolerable yoak, as on a conquered Nation. This was the general conceit of this Action. But in private, every one according to their divers humours did mutter diversly: Some censuring the Queens actions, others complaining of the change of Religion contrary to her promise made to the Suffolk men: Some lamented the case of Lady Jane, who had been forcibly deposed, and cruelly con∣demned to an ill-deserved Death. Some were swayed by pity, some by the regard of Religion, but most by the fear of a Spanish Servitude: And others were by their own hopes and the desire of change animated to a Rebellion. A Chieftain only was wanting, which defect was quickly supplied by Sir Thomas Wyat a Knight* 1.4 of Kent. Who having communicated the matter with the Duke of Suffolk, Sir Peter Carow of Devonshire, and some others, con∣cluded that it would not be expedient to attempt any thing until
the arrival of Philip, that so they might not seem to have taken [ 1554] Arms to any other end, than to secure their Countrey from the Usurpation of a Forein Prince. So reserving themselves for op∣portunity, they disperse themselves into several places: Wyat into Kent a Countrey adjoyning to London, and disjoyned from Calais by a little fret of Sea; Sir Peter Carow into Devonshire, a part of England in the West opposite to the main of France; and the Duke of Suffolk withdrew himself to his Place in Warwickshire, situated in the very heart of the Realm. In these several places, they secretly furnish themselves with Arms, Money, and all sorts of Munition, and seek to draw others to partake in the Conspiracy. Sir Peter Carow, whether thrust on by his Fate, or thinking delay would prove dangerous, began secretly to levy some Forces in Cornwall, but the matter being sooner detected than was hoped, and he quickly oppressed, he presently took Ship, and fled into France, where he lurked some time, until at length being seem∣ingly reconciled to the King, he was taken at Brussels, and brought Captive into England. By what means he afterward made an escape I know not. But he flourished many years under Queen Elizabeth, and died at Rosse in Leinster a Province of Ireland in the year 1577, as appeareth by his Monument in the Cathedral Church at Exceter erected at the costs of his Nephew Peter, who was Brother to George, whom King James for his many Virtues not long since created a Baron.
With Sir Peter at the same time Sir John Cheeke, who had been* 1.5 King Edward's Tutour, was also taken, who came from Strasburg towards Brussels, and that not without Publick Licence, upon no other business, but to visit (as saith Fox) the Queens Agents there, or rather according to 〈◊〉〈◊〉, to marry a Wife. Whatsoever were the cause of his Journey, certain it is that he was intercepted, on the way from Antwerp to Erussels unhorsed by some of the Queens Servants, and tied with Cords to a Cart, at last muffled, carried on shipboard, and conveyed to the Tower at London, not knowing all the way for what part of the World he was bound. There, having always in Conscience abhorred the Errours of Popery, he was forced to Abjure his Religion, for which he afterward became so repentant, that out of extremity of Grief he languished, and shortly died. These passages I do the more exactly describe, because there want not some, who relate, that both Sir Peter Carow and Sir John Cheeke for their Religion suffered at a Stake on on the thirteenth of June this present year.
But to return to Wiat; he perceiving that his intents were divulged, and that he had nothing to trust to, no refuge but Valour; incited the People in Kent to a Rebellion, and (as Rebels never want common pretexts to colour their actions) that,
Because the Queen relying too much upon the Advice of bad Counsel∣lors, bad lately done, and did daily endeavour many things prejudicial
to the Estate of the Realm: That therefore to prevent farther incon∣veniences, [ 1554] those Counsellors must be removed, and others substituted, who should so manage the Estate, as should answer the Trust reposed in such men, whose Loyalty should render them more careful of the Publick, than their Private Profit. But above all they must endeavour, that some means must be used to impeach this determined Match, by which he plainly foresaw 〈◊〉〈◊〉 free Realm would be oppressed with the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of a most 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Servitude; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a floud-gate would be opened to let in a perpetual 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Superstition. That the effects of their Arms would prove very profitable to the Queen 〈◊〉〈◊〉 whose hap∣piness he should ever 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to the general good of the Kingdom.
But howsoever he fed the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with specious words, the Duke of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 at that time running the same course in Warwick∣shire, it was 〈◊〉〈◊〉, that their drift was to Depose Mary, and once more to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Captive Jane. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 By the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 twentieth of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Fame had 〈◊〉〈◊〉. London with the news of this Kentish Rebellion. For the repression whereof, the Duke of Norfolk was the same day 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with some small Forces, consisting for the most part of the Queens Guard, which were a little increased by the accession of five hundred Londoners, who were the next day sent down by Water to Gravesend, where the Duke expected them. With these he resolves to encounter Wiat, whom his madness had not yet car∣ried beyond Rochester, which (notwithstanding its weakness, being no way fortified) he intended to make good against the Duke, and had encamped within the ruines of the Castle.
Rochester is a City seated upon the River Medway, where falling into the Thames it is most violent, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and flowing like a Streight, and is made passable by an arched stone Bridge of ex∣cellent artifice. This Bridge had the Rebels seized, and planted on it some brass double Cannons, that they might debar the Duke (whom they understood by their Scouts to be upon march) of passage. But he nothing daunted with their proceedings sent a He∣rald to proclaim Pardon to such as forsaking Wiat, should return to their Obedience, resolving withal to force the Bridge and gain entrance into the City. The Herald executed his office, but with so submiss a voice, that he was heard by few (for indeed a Pistol held at his Breast so terrified him, that he was content for his own safety to yield to the Rebels so commanding) and was re∣turned with this answer, that they knew not themselves to be so far Delinquent, as that they should need any such Pardon. Only Sir George Harper faining a Revolt, made over toward the Duke of Norfolk, but indeed with intent to perswade Alexander Bret Captain of those five hundred Londoners, to partake in this* 1.6 Action of common Disloyalty. Which he performed so effe∣ctually, that Bret, whose Company made the Vauntguard, before he came so near the Bridge as to give an assault, suddenly
drawing his Sword turned about to his Souldiers, and thus be∣spake [ 1554] them:
Valiant Countrey-men, we now engage our selves in a Cause, which before we farther proceed, would require mature Deliberation. We march, but against whom? Are they not our Friends, our fellow∣natives, with whom we seek to make a deeper mixture of our Bloods? Have they not taken Arms for the preservation of the ancient glory of the English name, and to vindicate our common Liberties against the Insolencies of the cruel Spaniard? You whose degenerate Spirits can brook the indignities of Servitude, continue in God's name with your brave General, who without doubt will deserve the service of such Worthies: As for me (who had rather undergo many the most tortu∣ring Deaths, than betray my liberty to the Spaniard) I here (happy and prosperous may it prove) enrol my self under Wyat's Colours, and am confident that some of you out of Affection to your Countrey will follow my example.
He had scarce spoken thus much, when they all crying out a Wyat, a Wyat, turned the Cannon against their fellows, who followed in the Rere. Which unexpected Revolt so terrified the Duke of Norfolk, the Earl of Arundell, and Sir Henry Jernegam Captain of the Guard, who followed the Duke in this Expe∣dition, that they instantly betook themselves to flight. The remainder of that small Army prepared themselves according to the example of their Commanders, when Wyat with some Horse intercepted their flight, and seised on eight Brass Peeces with all the Duke's Munition: Then used he some perswasions to pervert their Loyalty, professing withal, that If any one would be an Instrument of his own Misery by assisting the Queen, he should have free licence to depart, desiring all such, that they would certifie all men, but especially her Majesty, that Wyat calling God and men to witness did protest, that he took not Arms any way to prejudice Her, but to maintain the Liberties of his Countrey inviolate against Forein Machinations. The five hundred Londoners, many of the Guard, and the greatest part of the headless Army forthwith joyn with Wyat, who now upon confidence of his Forces resolves to make speedily for London.
Whiles Wyat thus acts his part in Kent, the Duke of Suffolk,* 1.7 who with his Brothers Lord John and Lord Leonard Gray departed from London on the five and twentieth of January, did every where incite the People to take Arms against the Spaniard. But finding, that this Alarm took not, and knowing he had waded too far to hope for a second Pardon, he determined to endeavour an Escape by flight. But the Earl of Huntingdon sent by the Queen with three hundred Horse to take him, made him alter his reso∣lution. The Duke's Company consisted not of above fifty, with which small number in a Countrey that no way favoured his proceedings, to oppose the Earl were desperate madness, Therefore
distributing his Money amongst them, feigns a flight, adviseth [ 1554] his Brothers and the rest to disperse themselves, and having thus freed himself from the danger of obsequious Eyes, committed himself to the trust of one Underwood, whom he had formerly made his Ranger at Astley. But Benefits oblige not Ignoble minds, which either mercenary or timid, treacherously fail in their reposed Trust. Such did this man prove, who having promised for a while to shelter his Lord, until he should bethink himself of some other expedient course, either out of fear or hope of reward, betrayed him to the Earl of Huntingdon, by whom guarded with three hundred Horse he was brought to London, and on the ele∣venth of February committed to the Tower.
In the mean time the Queen jealous of the Londoners, especially since Bret's Revolt, on the first of February attended by most of the Nobility, came to Guildhall, where the Commons of the City were assembled in their Liveries, to whom she spake after this manner:
Although We doubt not of your Loyalty, and so need not give an* 1.8 account of Our actions; yet having intelligence that many seduced by this Arch-traytor's gay Pretexts, do secretly favour his Designs; We have, to give satisfaction to all, condescended to this days meeting with the Infant of Spain is that forsooth, that must colour all his Vil∣lanies. But his Actions discover his deeper Practices. For having now some∣what increased his members, his madness hath so transported him beyond the distast of Our Match, that he now resolves on the custody of Our Person, and absolute power of removing, retaining, punishing of Our Council whom he list. In this great affair of Our Marriage, We have done nothing but by the advice of Our Peers. We have lived the greatest part of Our age, single. Neither do We now so long for a Husband, but that, if the Estates of Our Realm judge it convenient, We will continue Our Virgin estate. For, that I should seek to endan∣ger England, and to confound all things by an unfortunate Match, the love of Our Native soil, the long knowledge of Our Peaceable disposition, Our endeavours for your Good, will perswade you to the contrary. Persist therefore in your Loyal Resolutions, and assist Us in executing Our due Revenge on these Monsters of men, who conspire to take away the Head which was ordained to guide them, and to suffer with them: Neither are Our demands other than We may in reason expect from you, who so maturely, so unanimously admitted of Our Government, as deeming Us the Undoubted Successour to Our Royal Father and Brother.
Having thus confirmed the minds of the Citizens, she arms five hundred men (the greater part Strangers) to the choisest whereof she commits the defence of London-Bridge, and disposes of the rest throughout the City. Two days after to London comes Wyat with an Army of three (or four) thousand, full of hope, that having present admittance into the City, Success should crown his Actions, and that without either peril or pains. But
things answered not his expectation. For coming to the Bridge, [ 1554] he found it cut down, the Gates shut and made good against him by armed Troops, who disdainfully bid the Traytor avaunt. Nevertheless he continued two days in Southwark, hoping, that time and industry of secret Practisers might work some al∣teration.
But his hopes being here also frustrated, he turns his March for Kingston, there to gain passage over the Thames. But the woodden Bridge there was also broken, and the opposite Bank defended by two hundred men, whom the sight of two Peeces of Ordnance ready to be planted against them so terrified, that they left their station, and gave Wyat liberty to find out means to waft his Army. Having surmounted this difficulty, he once more resolves for that Queen of Cities, and reposing all the suc∣cess of this Adventure in celerity, without suffering his Souldiers to repose themselves, makes with a round march for London, where he hoped to arrive before day, and to surprise the secure Queen. But God is the Protector of Princes, who more especially are his Images and Lieutenants; so that the practices of Rebels and Tray∣tors against their lawful Sovereigns seldom prove successful. Wyat had (not improbably) been Master of his desires, had not God by an unexpected accident retarded him, or rather so blinded him, that by unnecessary delays he overslipped his opportunity. He was now within six miles of London, when the Carriages of one of his Brass Peeces being broken, the Peece became for the present unserviceable, because immovable. In remounting this Peece some hours were lost, notwithstanding their perswasions who advised him not to neglect more real Advantages, as indeed he did: for by this means he came short of the time prefixed by those Citizens who were fautors of his Cause. The consideration whereof made many despair of Success and relinquish him, so that his Army was quickly contracted to a smaller gross. Among the rest Sir George Harper partaker of all Wyat's Stratagems, that he might wipe away the stains of Rebellion and his dissembled Revolt by a loyal Treachery, posted away to the Queen, and revealed the whole series of Wyat's Projects. The Queen amazed at the ap∣prehension of this imminent danger, gives Commission to the Earl of Pembroke for the speedy raising of some Forces, and makes him General of the Field. Wyat hearing that the Earl of Pem∣broke was in Arms, betook himself to a slower march, lest he should be forced against these fresh Souldiers to oppose his pant∣ing weary ones. So by Noon he approached the Suburbs, and planting his Ordnance upon a Hill beyond St. James, left there the greatest part of his small Army to guard them. He himself with five Ensigns made towards Ludgate, and Cutbert Vaughan with two other Ensigns toward Westminster, leaving St. James on the left hand: wherein I believe his chief end was, that by
terrifying that part of the City, and consequently distracting the [ 1554] Queens Forces, Wyat might gain passage with less difficulty. At Charing-Cross Sir John Gage Lord Chamberlain, with part of the Guard and some other Souldiers made head against Wyat. But at length, either the Queen for fear of Vaughan so commanding, or not able to withstand the shock, with more than an orderly march he made toward the Court, and filled it with terrour and amazement. The Earl of Pembroke followed Wyat, still cutting him off behind: by which kind of fight Wyat, not turning head, lost many of his Soldiers. The rest of the Rebels couragiously marching up Fleetstreet, with joyful Acclamations cryed out, Queen Mary, Queen Mary, God save Queen Mary, who hath granted us our Pe∣titions, and Pardon. At length they came to Ludgate, and desired entrance; but by their feigned Acclamations they gained no∣thing but reproachful language. Whereupon they intend to return the same way, but are circumvented by the Earl of Pem∣broke's Horse. Then Clarencieux perswaded him to yield, and not beyond all his former madness, to surcharge himself with the Blood of so many valiant men. Wyat's Souldiers seemed de∣sperately bent to make their way, but his Courage was quailed. So he yielded to Sir Maurice Barkley, who mounting him behind* 1.9 him, carried him presently to the Court. Their Captain taken, the Souldiers make no resistance; some few of them escape by flight, but the greater part fill the Prisons of the City. These were the accidents of the sixth of February.
Having thus supprest the Faction, the punishment of the* 1.10 Conspirators is next in execution. The first that was reflected on (as for whose sake this Rebellion had been set on foot) was Lady Jane; who having been Condemned on the thirteenth of November, had her Execution hitherto deserred, not without hope of Pardon. But to take away all farther cause of Sedition, her Death is now absolutely determined. Whereupon Fecknam Dean of Pauls, afterward Abbot of Westminster, was sent unto her to admonish her to prepare for Death, and withal to perswade her to entertain the Romish Religion. This sad message so little moved her, that She professed her self bound in this to acknowledge God's infinite goodness: As for discussing matters of Controversie in Religion, her time was so short, that she could not dispense with the least loss of it; that little that was allotted her, she knew she might better spend in her Devotions to Heaven. Fecknam conceiving this answer to proceed from a desire of longer date of Life, prevails with the Queen for three days more; and returning to Lady Jane, certifies her what he had done; beseeching her to hearken unto him, and to reform her Opinion in point of Religion. To whom she answered with a smiling countenance; Alas Sir, it was not my desire that her Majesty should be troubled with the report of my words: For think not that I am touched with any desire of prolonging
my days: No, I am so far from it, that ever since your departure [ 1554] Life hath afflicted me with its tediousness; and as for Death, being wholly intent to the attaining of Life Eternal, I utterly despise it, and her Majesties pleasure being such, I willingly undergo it. Fecknam again reiterated his perswasions, that she would embrace the Religion of the Church of Rome: To whom her replies were such, that whosoever shall read the Conference between them, (for it was after published) cannot without amazement wonder, how so tender an age, especially the Sex considered, should be capable of such Constancy, Learning, Wisdom, Wit. Her Hus∣band Lord Guilford being first to suffer, desired leave to see her, converse with her, and take his last farewel: Whereto she would by no means consent, desiring him To omit this foment of Grief, rather than Comfort, in Death; for they should shortly behold each other more really united in a better place and more happy estate. Yet she unappalled saw him conducted to Tower-hill, and with the same setled spirit beheld his headless Trunk when it was returned to be interred in the Chappel of the Tower. The Death of this in∣nocent Lady, it was conceived, would not be without almost a general distaste. But to decline it as much as might be, it was thought good that she should not be publickly Beheaded; where∣fore there was a Scaffold erected within the Tower, whereon about an hour or two after her Husband, on the twelfth of Fe∣bruary she submitted her neck to the Ax. When she was con∣ducted from the place of her imprisonment to the place of her suffering, the Lieutenant of the Tower desired her to vouchsafe him something or other which might serve as a Monument to him, whereby to remember her; whereupon she demanded Writing∣Tables, and therein wrote three short Sentences in Greek, Latin, (in which Languages she was admirably skilled) and English, wherein she signified her Innocence; and although she confessed she had committed an Errour, which deserved Death, yet Igno∣rance might among men without prejudice to the Laws suffi∣ciently excuse it. At last saluting the People as she went, with a countenance setled and void of fear, and commending her self to their Prayers, she came to the place of Execution, leading 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by the Hand, whom she kindly embraced, saying, God I beseech him abundantly reward you for your Kindness toward me, al∣though I must needs say it was more unwelcome to me, than my instant Death is terrible. Then having to the Assembly in very modest language discoursed of her Action, she said,
I am condemned, not for having aspired to the Crown, but because I refused it not being offered; and shall serve for a memorable Exam∣ple to Posterity, that Innocence excuseth not great Misdeeds, if they any way tend to the destruction of the Weal publick; for he hath abun∣dantly plunged himself in Ill, whosoever even perforce hath become the Instrument of another's Ambition.
Having spoken thus much, and implored God's mercy, by the [ 1554] help of her Gentlewoman she first disrobed her self of her Gown, then her Attire, and vailing her Eyes with her Handkerchief, laid her Head on the Block, and exhorted the lingring Executio∣ner to the performance of his office, which he at length did, his action drawing tears from the Eyes of the Spectators, yea even of those, who from the very beginning were affected to Queen Maries Cause. This was the end of Jane, a Lady renowned for the greatness of her Birth, but far more for her Virtues and ex∣cellency of Wit, who swayed by the Ambition of her Father-in∣Law and imperious Mother, took on her that Fatal Title of a Queen; and being presently hurried from a Kingdom to a Scaf∣fold, suffered for the faults of others, having overcome all the frowns of adverse Fortune by Constancy and Innocence.
Much more just was that Execution which within three days after ensued. Twenty Gibbets as well for terrour of others as for present punishment, being erected in divers parts of the City, on the fourteenth and fifteenth of February fifty of the Kentish Rebels were hanged on them. On the eighteenth of the same month, Alexander Bret who drew those five hundred Londoners into a Revolt from the Duke of Norfolk, was with a multitude of others (whereof many were of the Gentry) sent into Kent, there to undergo exemplary punishment. On the twentieth of February, four hundred of the same Crew with Halters about their Necks, were presented before the Queen, all humble sup∣pliants on their Knees, whom the Queen pardoned, and com∣manded their present liberty.
On the three and twentieth of February, Henry Gray Duke of* 1.11 Suffolk Father to Lady Jane, having been Condemned on the seventeenth of the same month, was publickly Beheaded: A man whose facility to by-practices had occasioned all the Troubles wherewith this Reign had hitherto been distracted; whose 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Ingratitude (the Queen having once Pardoned him beyond ex∣pectation) diverted the current of the Queens clemency toward his Daughter, and brought him to a deserved end.
The next turn was Wyat's, and that on the eleventh of April.* 1.12 Who upon a kind of promise of Pardon, if he would detect the rest of the Conspirators, suborned (as is conceived) by some malevolent persons, among the rest traduced young Courtney, as that having been refused by Queen Mary, he aspired to marry the Lady Elizabeth, to depose the Queen, and so to reign as it were in the right of his Wife. This Accusation had procured their Commitment, the Lady Elizabeth's on the eighteenth of March, Courtney's on the twelfth of February. But Wyat finding himself deluded, and being toucht with the horridness of so treacherous an Accusation, going to the place of his Execution, desired the favour of a few words with the Marquess of Exceter, which
which was granted him. Of the Marquess he on his knees [ 1554] craved pardon for that irreparable Injury which he had done him, not out of Malice, but desire of Life. The Sheriffs of the City, with many others were then present, and after testified the cer∣tainty of this acknowledgement. But the Bishop of Winchester Lord Chancellour (who out of fear of change of Religion if Queen Mary dying, Elizabeth should come to the Crown, was content to lay hold on any occasion to cut her off) affirmed in the Star-Chamber, and thereto cited the testimony of the Lord Chandois, that Wyat a little before his Death exhorted the Marquess to acknowledge his Crime, and to submit himself to the Queens mercy. But what apparance of truth can there be in this, it being certain, that Wyat having ascended the fatal Scaffold, see∣ing the Instruments of Death before his Eyes, and having com∣posed himself for another World, did with sincere protestations and religious asseverations acquit the Lady Elizabeth and the Lord Courtney from being any the least way conscious to his pra∣ctices?
On the seven and twentieth of April, Lord Thomas Gray was* 1.13 Beheaded for having by perswasions as it were thrust on his irre∣solute Brother the Duke of Suffolk to partake with Wyat in his Seditious attempts.
On the sixteenth of May the Lady Elizabeth was removed from the Tower to Woodstock, and the Marquess of Exceter to Foderingay, the place only being altered, and nothing remitted of the strict∣ness of their Imprisonment.
About the same time that Reverend Cranmer yet Archbishop* 1.14 of Canterbury, Nicholas Ridley lately deprived of the Bishoprick of London, and Hugh Latimer who so long ago resigned his Bishoprick of Worcester, were removed from the Tower to Windsor, and thence to Oxford, there solemnly to Dispute with the Divines of both Universities concerning the Eucharist. Their usage was extreme almost beyond belief. Two days only were allotted them for their preparation; and those two days were they in straight cu∣stody in several either Dungeons or places little differing, debar∣red both the conference of any but their Gaoler, and the use of their own Papers and Books. In the Schools the behaviour to∣ward them was as barbarous as their usage had been tyrannical: Shouts and outcries were the chiefest Arguments, many opposing one, without Order, without Manners, without Modesty. On the fourteenth of April from the Prison they were brought to St. Maries, and commanded to Abjure; upon their refusal, a day is prefixed for publick Dispute: Cranmer's day was the sixteenth, Ridley's the seventeenth, Latimer's the eighteenth of April, each in their course to answer all Opponents; which each of them performed, and that so, that notwithstanding they were amazed with rude clamours, and distracted with variety of Opponents,
all urging and craving answer at the same time, although they [ 1554] were scoffed at, reviled, and over-born with multitude, yet did they force their Adversaries to admire them. Cranmer did learnedly, and according to the dignity wherein he so many years flourished, gravely; Ridley acutely and readily; Latimer with a pleasant tartness, and more solidly than could be expected of a man so near the age of fourscore. The Disputation ended, they are again on the twentieth of April brought to St. Maries, and demanded whether they would persist in their Opinions; upon their reply, that they would, they were declared Hereticks, and condemned to the Fire. Their Constancy was the more manifest by their* 1.15 contempt of Death. Latimer was scarce capable of the joy he conceived, that God was pleased he should end his long life (whereto Nature would shortly set a period) with so happy a clause. As for their Martyrdom, it falls in with the next Year, and thither we remit it.
Presently after those forepassed Tumults, the Queen sends forth Summons for a Parliament to begin the second of April. In this Parliament she proposeth two things, her Marriage and Subjection to Rome in matters Ecclesiastical; this last she could not for a while obtain, the other was assented unto upon conditions, That
Philip should not advance any to any publick Office or Dignity in* 1.16 England, but such as were Natives of England, and the Queens Subjects: He should admit of a set number of English in his Houshold, whom he should use respectively, and not suffer them to be injured by Foreiners: He should not transport the Queen out of England but at her intreaty, nor any of the Issue begotten by her, who should have their Education in the Realm, and should not be suffered but upon necessity or some good reasons, to go out of the Realm, nor then neither but with the consent of the English: The Queen deceasing without Children, Philip should not make any claim to the Kingdom, but should leave it freely to him, to whom of right it should belong: He should not change any thing in the Laws either publick or private, the Immunities and Customs of the Realm, but should be bound to confirm and keep them: He should not transport any Jewels, or any part of the Wardrobe, nor alienate any of the Revenues of the Crown: He should preserve our Shipping, Ordnance, and Munition, and keep the Castles, Forts, and Block-houses in good repair, and well manned: Lastly, that this Match should not any way derogate from the League lately concluded between the Queen and the King of France, but that the Peace between the English and the French should remain firm and inviolate: Only it should be lawful for Philip out of other Kingdoms and Dominions be∣longing to his Father the Emperour, to send Aids unto him, either for propelling Injuries, or taking revenge for any already received.
All things being thus transacted, and no further impediment* 1.17 interposing between these Princes; Philip setting sail from the
Groin on the sixteenth of July, with a good Southern gale within [ 1554] three days arrived at Southampton with a Fleet of one hundred and sixty Sail, whereof twenty were English, and other twenty Flemings. Having rested himself there the space of three days attended by a great company of the English and Spanish Nobility, on the four and twentieth of July being a very wet day he came to the Queen at Winchester. The Feast-day of St. James (the Tute∣lary Saint of Spain) was destined for the Nuptials, which were* 1.18 Celebrated at Winchester with great pomp. There Don Juan Fi∣gueroa for the Emperour resigned the Kingdoms of Naples and and Sicily, and conferred all his right thereto on Philip; and the Heralds proclaimed their Titles in Latin, French, and English. About the beginning of August these two Princes came to Basing, and thence to Windsor, where the King was installed Knight of the Garter. On the eleventh of August they came to London, where the Citizens received them with most magnificent So∣lemnity.
On the eleventh of November another Parliament began at* 1.19 Westminster; about the beginning whereof Cardinal Pool (who by King Henry had been proclaimed Enemy to the Estate, was created Cardinal by Paul the Third, had himself been Pope if he had but consented in time, and in the opinion of many was thought a fit Husband for the Queen) arrived in England. Having been put beside the Papacy by others default more than his own, craving leave of the new Pope Julius, he withdrew himself to a Monastery in the Territory of Verona called Maguzano, the Religious whereof were Benedictine Monks, of which Order he himself while he continued at Rome had been Patron. Having decreed there to hide himself and spend the remainder of his days, the fame of King Edward's Death and Queen Maries advance∣ment to the Crown, drew him again out of the Cloister to Rome. He was not ignorant how Mary stood affected to the See of Rome, and therefore hoped (not without good cause) that Julius, who much favoured him, having by his delays attained the Papacy, would send him into his Countrey with the ho∣norable Title and Authority of a Legate. And now he feigned to himself a double hope of a Kingdom, if not Secular, at least Ecclesiastical, by virtue of his authority Legatine and the dignity of Archbishop of Canterbury. Queen Mary had her Education for some years under Margaret Countess of Salisbury the Mother of Pool (who was then a Child) and that by Queen Catharine's means, who intended (as it was thought) to marry her Daugh∣ter the Lady Mary to one of the Countesses Sons, thereby to strengthen her Daughters claim to the Crown, if it should hap∣pen that Henry should decease without other lawful Issue, the Countess being Daughter to George Duke of Clarence, who was Brother to Edward the Fourth. The Cardinal, whether for this
or some other reasons, knowing himself to be in dear esteem [ 1554] with the Queen, was confident if not of the Crown by Marriage, yet at least of all advantages of her Favour. Neither was he therein deceived; for Mary having obtained the Crown, earnestly sued unto him to restore himself to his Countrey; and the Pope, not ignorant how much he would advantage the Aposto∣lick See, at the Queens request dispatched him with most ample Authority. But the Emperour having a Project on foot for his Son, was somewhat jealous of the Cardinal; and therefore be∣gan seriously to treat with Cardinal Dandino the Pope's Legate with him, for the conclusion of a Peace between him and the French, that so he might give a stop to Pool, whose coming into England, the Emperour's affairs being not yet setled, might per∣adventure make all fly asunder. Dandino to gratifie Charles, by Franciseo Commendono sends Letters to Pool, advising him not to set forth as yet, forasmuch as this Legacy undertaken without the Emperour's consent, was displeasing; and the English Nation for the most part, especially the Londoners, did so hate the name of the Pope of Rome, that his Legacy would be held in contempt among them: A Legate therefore was not to be employed unto them, until perswasions had brought them to a better temper. Pool having received these Letters in his Cloister, thought it fit∣ting to expect his Holiness pleasure. The Pope not brooking the increase of the Emperour's greatness by the addition of such Estates, and fretting that Dandino had presumed to stay the Car∣dinal, recalled Dandino, and conferred on Pool alone the Legacy both into England for the one affair, and to the Emperour and the French for the Treaty of a Peace. He willingly undertaking it, presently set forward from Trent, certifying the Emperour and the French of his large Commission. The Emperour per∣ceiving that these devices would be no longer availeable, sent Don Juan de Mendoza unto him with Letters, wherein he plainly discovered his fear, that the Cardinal's premature arrival in England might prove an obstacle to his proceedings there, which were great and hopeful: Wherefore it was his desire, that he should either there attend his pleasure, or if he would needs go further he might come to Liege, and there expect the event of his designs. The Cardinal upon receipt of these Letters returns to Dilling, (not far from Trent) certifies his Holiness of the whole carriage of the Business, and sends expostulatory Letters to the Emperour, shewing therein what an indignity it was to Apo∣stolick See, that his Holiness Legat sent upon a Treaty of Peace, and to reduce a Kingdom to the obedience of the Church, should so disgracefully, with contempt to his Holiness, and that by the Emperour's command, be detained in the midst of Germany in the sight of the Enemies of the Church. That great Divine Domingo Soto Ordinary Preacher to the Emperour was then at
Dilling. By him he perswades the Emperour not to hinder this [ 1554] Legation, being it would so much hazard the estate of the Church, but especially of the Kingdom of England. At length with much ado, and that not until the Emperour had intelli∣gence, that the Articles concerning his Son's Marriage were agreed on, he obtained leave to come to Brussels, but on this condition, that he should there reside until the Emperour were assured, that the Marriage between Philip and Mary were So∣lemnized. So to Brussels he came, where having saluted the Emperour, who received him very courteously, and that time might not pass unprofitably, with him he begins to put in exe∣cution one part of his Legation, which was, to draw the Emperor and the King of France to some indifferent terms of Peace. The Emperour professing, that he would not reject Peace upon any reasonable conditions, the Cardinal goes into France, to treat with Henry concerning the same thing: Who made as fair shews as did the Emperour; but their minds exulcerated with inveterate hate, made all his pains fruitless. Henry at his departure em∣bracing him, signified the sorrow he had conceived, that he had not sooner occasion to be acquainted with his worth: For had he truly know him, his endeavours should have been totally for his advancement to the Papacy.
A little after his return to Brussels, came the Lords Paget and Hastings Ambassadors to the Emperour from their Majesties of England, who signified their joint-longing to see the Cardinal, and therefore desired he might be forthwith dismissed, that by virtue of his Authority he might rectifie the Church of England; wonderfully out of tune by reason of the Schism wherewith it had been afflicted. So in September he had leave to go for Eng∣land, but was by contrary winds detained at Calais until Novem∣ber, in which month he at length arrived at Dover. His enter∣tainment was most honourable, the Kings and Nobles alike striving to manifest their joy. And because being in the year 1539 by Parliament declared Enemy to the Estate, and by the same Law condemned to die; the Estates then assembled in Par∣liament repealed that Act, and restored him to his Blood, the Kings themselves coming to the House extraordinarily for the confirmation of the Act before his arrival at London. A little after his coming, both Houses were sent for to the Court, where the Bishop of Winchester Lord Chancellour having in the presence of the Kings and the assembly spoken something con∣cerning the Cardinal's grateful arrival, the Cardinal himself began a long Oration in English, wherein He acknowledged how* 1.20 much he was bound to the Kings and the Estates of the Realm, by whose favour those Laws for his Exile and Proscription were repealed, and he once more made a Native of the Land: He was bound by the Laws of Gratitude to endeavour the requital of this Benefit, whereto an occasion
happily offered it self: The late Schism had separated them from the [ 1554] Union of the Church, and made them exiles from Heaven; by the Authority conferred on him by the Pope St. Peter's Successor, Christ's Vicar, he would bring them back into the Fold of the Church, the sole means of attaining their celestial Heritage. Wherefore he exhorted them ingenuously to acknowledge the Errours of these later years, and to detect them, with sincere alacrity of mind to accept of, and retain this Benefit, which God by his Vicar's Legate did proffer them. For now nothing else remained, but that he being present with those Keys which should open the Gates of the Church, they should also abrogate those Laws, which lately Enacted to the prejudice of the Church, had rended them from the rest of its Body.
Having spoken a great deal to this purpose, and ransacked Antiquity for examples of our Forefathers devotion to the See of Rome; his grave delivery, excellent language, and methodical contexture of his speech wrought so effectually in the minds of those who were addicted to Popery, that they thought not them∣selves until this day capable of Salvation. But many of the lower House, who deemed it a rare felicity to have shaken off the yoak of Rome, eagerly withstood the readmittance of it. But by the endeavours of the King and Queen all things were at last composed to the Cardinal's liking. The Authority which the Popes heretofore usurped in this Realm is restored, the Title of* 1.21 Supreme Head of the Church is abrogated, and a Petition drawn by the whole Court of Parliament, for the Absolution of the People and Clergy of England from Schism and Heresie is by the Bishop of Winchester presented to the Legate, who (they all kneeling) by the Authority committed unto him absolved them. This being done, they went to the Chappel in Procession singing Te Deum, and the next Sunday the Bishop of Winchester in his Sermon at Pauls Cross made a large relation of what had passed.
These things being thus setled, the Queen intends an honorable Embassy to Rome, whereof she had at her first coming to the Crown made promise. For having resolved to replant the Re∣ligion of Rome, she had privily written to Pool, requiring his advice therein. The Pope was therefore pleased to send into England Giovanni Francisco Commendono his Chamberlain (after∣ward Cardinal) for the more perfect notice of the estate of the Realm. To him the Queen after much private conference did under her Hand promise Obedience to the See of Rome, desiring withal, that the Kingdom might be absolved from the Interdict, for the obtaining whereof she would by a solemn Embassy petition his Holiness as soon as the Estate was setled. So now about the end of this year the Bishop of Ely, Sir Anthony Brown, and Ed∣ward Carne Doctor of Law, are by the Kings sent to proffer their Obedience to the See of Rome. But these costs and pains were
fruitless. For before they came to Rome the Pope was dead. In [ 1554] the mean time the Queen considering all her actions hitherto to have passed with full applause, began to treat with the Nobi∣lity, to condescend, that if not the Royal, at least the Matrimo∣nial Crown of our Queens might be imposed on Philip. But it being a matter without precedent, and that might perchance to an ambitious Prince give some colour for claim to the King∣dom, they proved averse, and she content to surcease.
The next care was of restitution of Church-Lands. But Henry had so divided them, and that among the Nobility, that no∣thing could be done therein. Only it was decreed, that the First-Fruits and Tenths granted to the King by the Clergy Anno 1534, should be remitted; which Decree upon conside∣ration of the Treasuries poverty, and of the many Pensions granted by Henry to the ejected Religious Persons, was quickly revoked.
About the same time an absurd (I might say ridiculous) ac∣cident* 1.22 happened by the Queens own credulity and the flattery of fawning Courtiers. By reason of a Disease, which Physi∣cians term a Mole, her Belly began to swell; and some other reasons giving her cause to conjecture that she was with Child, she not entertaining the advice of any Physicians, but of Mid∣wives and old Women, believing what she desired should be, affirmed that she felt the stirring of the Embryo in her womb. To those that are affected with this malady, that fleshy and inform substance which is termed Mola, doth seem sometimes to move, but that slowly, and with the general motion of the whole Belly. By this and other symptoms Physicians would quickly have dis∣covered her Disease, which unless very maturely prevented, is commonly incurable: So that in process of time her Liver being over-cooled, she fell into a Dropsie, which as Fuchsius and other Physicians write, doth usually happen. But these flattering hopes betrayed her to the laughter of the World, and to her Grave. For on the seven and twentieth of November the Lords of the Council sent some Mandates to the Bishop of London, to disperse certain forms of Prayers, wherein after Thanks given to God for his Mercies to this Kingdom, by giving hopes of an Heir to the Crown, and infusing life into the Embryo, they should pray for the preservation of the Queen and the Infant, and her happy delivery, and cause Te Deum to be sung every where. Then by Parliament many things were Enacted concerning the Education of the Babe; and much clutter was otherwise kept about preparations for the Child's Swadling-clouts, Cradle, and other things requisite at the Delivery; until in June in the en∣suing year it was manifested, that all was little better than a Dream.
This year were many Barons created. On the eleventh of
March, William Howard was created Lord Howard of Effingham, he [ 1554] was Father to Charles Lord Admiral and late Earl of Nottingham; on the fifth of April, John Williams Lord Williams of Tame; on* 1.23 the seventh of April, Edward North Baron of Chartlege; on the eighth of April, John Bruges Lord Chandois; on the fourteenth of May, Gerard Fitz-Gerard (of whom before) Earl of Kildare; and on the second of September, Anthony Brown Viscount Mountague: And in September deceased Thomas Duke of Norfolk.
The Queen in∣clines to marry.
The Articles of the Queens Marriage with Philip of Spain.
Which, as I conceive, would have 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the year 1588.
Sir Thomas Wyat's Rebel∣lion.
Sir John Cheeke is ta∣ken, and dieth.
Bret with five hundred Lon∣doners revolts to Wiat.
The Duke of Suffolk per∣swades the Peo∣ple to Arms in vain.
The Queens Oration to the Londoners.
Wyat is taken.
The Lady Jane Beheaded.
The Duke of Suffolk Be∣headed.
Wyat Execu∣ted,
And Lord Thomas Gray.
A Disputation at Oxford.
Cranmer, Rid∣ley, and Lati∣mer Con∣demned.
Additions to the former Nuptial Com∣pacts.
Philip arri∣vith in Eng∣land.
And is mar∣ried to the Queen.
Cardinal Pool comes into England.
Cardinal Pool's Oration to the Parlia∣ment.
The Realm freed from 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
The Queen thought to be with Child.
Lords created.