A chronicle of the Kings of England, from the time of the Romans goverment [sic] unto the raigne of our soveraigne lord, King Charles containing all passages of state or church, with all other observations proper for a chronicle / faithfully collected out of authours ancient and moderne, & digested into a new method ; by Sr. R. Baker, Knight.

THE RAIGNE OF Queen Elizabeth.

QUeen Mary dying on Thursday the seventeenth of No∣vember, in the Yeer 1558, her sister, the Lady Elizabeth, of the age of five and twenty yeers, the onely surviving childe of King Henry the eighth, by undoubted Right, succeeded Her in the Crown; which happened in a time of Parliament: Nicholas Heath, Arch-bishop of York, and Lord Chancellor, sent to the Knights and Burgesses in the Lower House, to repair immediately to the Lords of the Upper House; to whom he signified, That Queen Mary was that morning dead, and therefore required their Assents to joyn with the Lords in pro∣clayming Queen Elizabeth; which accordingly was done, by the sound of Trumpet, first at Westminster, and after in the City of London. The Queen was then at Ha••field•• from whence, on Wednesday the three and twen∣tieth of November, she removed to the Lord North's house in the Charter-house, where she stayed till Monday the eight and twentieth of November, and then rode in her Chariot thorow London to the Tower; where she con∣tinued till the fifth of December; and then removed by water to Somerset-House in the Strand; from whence she went to her Pallace at Westminster; and from thence, on the twelfth of Ianuary, to the Tower; and on the fourteenth of Ianuary, to Westminster, to her Coronation•• where it is incre∣dible, what Pageants and Shews were made in the City, as she passed: On Sunday the five and twentieth of Ianuary, she was Crowned in the Abbey Church at Westminster, by Doctor Oglethorp, Bishop of Carlile, with all So∣lemnities and Ceremonies in such case accustomed. At this time, to ho∣nour her Coronation, she conferred more Honour, then in all her life after: William Parre, degraded by Queen Mary, she made Marquesse of Northamp∣ton; Edward Seymor, whose father had been Attaynted, she made Earl of Hertford; Thomas Howard, second son to Thomas Duke of Norfolk, she made Viscount Bindon; Sir Henry Carie, her Cousin German, she made Baron of Hunsdon; and Sir Oliver St. Iohn, she made Baron of Bletsho.

And now the Queen, though she were her self very wise, yet would not

trust (and it was a great point of wisedome that she would not trust) to her own wisedome; and therefore she chose Counsellors to assist her: In which number she took Nicholas Heath, Arch-bishop of York; William Pawlet, Mar∣quesse of Winchester, L. High Treasurer; Henry Fitz Alan, Earl of Arundell; Francis Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury; Edward Stanley, Earl of Derby; Wil. Herbert, E. of Pembroke; Edw. L. Clinton, L. Admirall; and William L. Howard of Effing∣ham; Sir Thomas Cheyney; Sir William Peter; Sir Richard Sackvyle; and Nicholas Wootton, Dean of Canterbury; all which had been Counsellors to Queen Ma∣ry, and were of her Religion: But then to make a counter-poyse of Coun∣sellors of her own Religion, she joyned with them William Parre, Marquesse of Northampton; Francis Russell, Earl of Bedford; Sir Thomas Parry; Sir Ed∣ward Rogers; Sir Ambrose Cave; Sir Francis Knolles; and Sir William Cecill, late Secretary to King Edw. the sixth; and a little after, Sir Nicholas Bacon, whom she made Keeper of the Great Seal. And having thus provided for her State at home, she seeks correspondence with Princes abroad: To the Emperour Ferdinand, she sent in Embassage Sir Tho. Chaloner; to the King of Spain in the Low-Countreyes the Lord Cobham; to the Princes of Germany Sir Henry Kil∣ligrew; Sir Aemygill W••ad, to the Duke of Holst; and another Ambassadour to the King of Denmark. There were also Ambassadours sent to the Pope, to the State of Venice, and to the French King; with whom at this time there was a Treaty of Peace holden at Cambray, between the Kingdoms of France, England and Spain; where for England was employed, the Earl of Arundell; Thursbey, Bishop of Ely; and Doctor Wootton, Dean of Canterbury; with whom, William, Lord Howard of Effingham was joyned by a new Commission.

As soon as King Philip heard of the death of his wife Queen Mary, pa••••∣ly out of considerations of State, and partly out of affection of love, he solicited Q. Elizabeth by his Ambassadour, the Earl of Feria, to joyni•• Mar∣riage with himself; which was no more for two sisters to have successively one husband, then was done before, for two brothers to have successively one wife; and for this he promised to procure a Dispensation from the Pope. To which motion the Queen, though she well knew, That to allow a Dis∣pensation in this case to be sufficient, were to make her own Birth Illegiti∣mate; yet to so great a Prince, and who in her sisters time had done her many favours, she would not return so blunt an Answer; but putting the Ambassadou•• off for the present in modest tearms: She conceived there would be no better way to take him off clean from further sute, then by bringing in an Alteration of Religion; which yet she would not do all at once, and upon the sudden (as knowing the great danger of sudden changes) but by little and little, and by degrees: as at first, she permitted onely Epi∣stles and Gospels, the Ten Commandments, the Lords Prayer, and the Creed to be read to the People in the English Tongue; in all other matters they were to follow the Romane Rite and Custome, untill order could be taken for establishing of Religion by Authority of Parliament; and a se∣vere Proclamation was set forth, prohibiting all Points of Controversie to be medled with: by which means, she both put the Protestants in hope, and put not Papists out of hope. Yet privately she committed the correct∣ing of the Book of Common Prayer, set forth in the English Tongue un∣der King Edward the sixth, to the care and diligence of Doctor Parker, Bill, May, Cox, Grindall, Whitehead, and Pilkington, Divines of great Learning; with whom she joyned Sir Thomas Smith, a learned Knight: but the matter carryed so closely, that it was not communicated to any, but ••o the Mar∣quesse of Northampton, the Earl of Bedford, and Sir William Cecile. The two and twentieth of March, the use of the Lords Supper in both kindes was by Parliament allowed: The four and twentieth of Iune, the Sacrifice of the Masse was abolished, and the Liturgy in the English Tongue

established, though, as some say, but with the difference of six voyces. In Iuly the Oath of Supremacy was propounded to the Bishops and others: And in August, Images were removed out of Churches, and broken or burnt. By these degrees the Religion was changed; and yet the change, to the wonder of the world, bred no disturbance: which if it had been done at once, and on the sudden, would hardly; at least not without dangerous opposition, have been admitted.

During this time, a Parliament had been summoned to begin at Westmin∣ster, upon the fifteenth of Ianuary; and now the Queen, for satisfaction of the people, appointed a Conference to be held, between the Prelates of the Realm; and Protestant Divines now newly returned, who had fled the Realm, in the time of Queen Mary: for the Prelates were chosen Iohn White, Bishop of Winchester; Ralph Bayne, Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield; Thomas Watson, Bishop of Lincolne; Doctor Cole, Dean of Pauls; Doctor Langdell, Arch-deacon of Lewis; Doctor Harpsefield, Arch-deacon f Can∣terbury; and Doctor Chadsey, Arch-deacon of Middlesex: For the Protestant side were appointed, Doctor Scory, Doctor Cox, Doctor Sands, Doctor Whitehead, Doctor Grindall, Master Horne, Master Guest, Master Elmer, and Master Iuell. The place was prepared in Westminster Church; where, be∣sides the Disputants, were present the Lords of the Queens Councell, with other of the Nobility; as also many of the Lower House of Parliament. The Articles propounded against the Prelates, and their adherents, were these: First, That it is against the Word of God, and the Custome of the ancient Church, to use a Tongue unknown to the people, in common Prayer, and in the Administration of the Sacraments. Secondly, That every Church hath authority to appoint and change Ceremonies, and Ec∣clesiasticall Rites, so they be to edification: Thirdly, That it cannot be proved by the Word of God, that there is in the Masse a Sacrifice Propi∣tiatory for the living and the dead. For the manner of their Conference, it was agreed it should be performed in writing; and that the Bishops should deliver their Reasons in writing first. The last of March was the first day of their meeting; where, contrary to the Order, the Bishops brought no∣thing in writing; but said, They would deliver their mindes onely by Speech: This breaking of Order much displeased the Lords, yet they had it granted. Then rose up Doctor Cole, and made a large Declaration con∣cerning the first Poynt: when he had ended, the Lords demanded if any of them had more to say; who answered, No: Then the Protestant Party exhibited a written Book; which was distinctly read by Master Horne. This done, some of the Bishops began to affirm, they had much more to say in the first Article: This again much displeased the Lords; yet this al∣so was granted them, to do at their next meeting on Munday next: but when Munday came, so many other differences arose between them, that the Con∣ference broke off, and nothing was determined. But in the Parliament there was better Agreement; for there it was enacted, That Queen Elizabeth was the lawfull and undoubted Queen of England; notwithstanding a Law made by her Father King Henry the eighth, that excluded both her and her sister Mary from the Crown, seeing, though the Law be not repealed, yet it is a Principle in Law, That the Crown once gained, ta∣keth away all defects. Also in this Parliament, First fruits and Tenths were restored to the Crown; and the Title of Supreme Head of the Church of England was confirmed to the Queen, with so universall consent, that in the Upper House none opposed these Laws, but onely the Earl of Shrewsbury, and Sir Anthony Brown, Viscount Mountague: and in the Lower House, only some few of Papall inclination, murmured, saying, That the Parliament was packt; and that the Duke of Norfolk, the Earl of Arundel, and Sir Wil∣liam Cecill, for their own ends, had cunningly begged voyces, to make up their Party.

The Supremacie thus confirmed to the Queen, the Oath was soon after tendred to the Bishops and others; of whom, as many as refused to take it, were presently deprived of their livings. And that we may see, how incli∣ning the Kingdom at this time was to receive the Protestant Religion; It is said, that in the whole Realm (wherein are reckoned above Nine thousand Spirituall Promotions) there were no more that refused to take the Oath, but onely fourscore Parsons, fifty Prebendaries, fifteen Masters of Col∣ledges, twelve Archdeacons, twelve Deans, six Abbots, and fourteen Bi∣shops, (indeed all that were at that time, except Anthony Bishop of Landaff•• as Nicholas Heath Archbishop of York, Edmund Boner Bishop of London, Cutbert Tunstall Bishop of Durham, Thomas Thursby Bishop of Ely, Gilbert Bourn Bishop of Bath and Wells, Iohn Christopherson Bishop of Chichester, Iohn White Bishop of Winchester, Thomas Watson Bishop of Lincoln, Ralph Bayne Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield, Owen Oglethorp Bishop of Car∣lile, Iames Turbervile Bishop of Exeter, and David Pool Bishop of Peter∣borough: And with these Doctor Fecknam Abbot of Westminster: All which were at first committed to prison, but soon after delivered to the cu∣stody of private friends, excepting those two sawcie Prelates, Lincoln and Winchester, who threatned to excommunicate the Queen. Three onely, namely, Cutbert Scot Bishop of Chester, Richard Pate Bishop of Worcester, and Thomas Goldwel Bishop of Saint Assaph, changed their Religion of their own accord; as also did certain Noble Personages, namely, Henry Lord Morley, Sir Francis Englefield, and Sir Robert Peckham, (who had been Privie-Councellours to Q. Mary) Sir Thomas Shelley, and Sir Iohn Gage.

In the seas of the Prelates removed, were placed Protestant Bishops, as Matthew Parker was made Archbishop of Canterbury, (who was consecrated by the Imposition of the hands of three that formerly had been Bishops; namely, William Barlow of Bath and Wells, Iohn Scory of Chichester, and Miles Coverdale of Exeter) and being consecrated himself, he afterward con∣secrated Edmund Grindall Bishop of London, Richard Cox Bishop of Ely, Edwyn Sands Bishop of Worcester, Rowland Merick Bishop of Bangor, Tho∣mas Young Bishop of Saint Davyes, Nicholas Bullingham Bishop of Lincoln, Iohn Iewell Bishop of Salisbury, Richard Davis Bishop of Saint Assaph, Edward Guest Bishop of Rochester, Gilbert Barkeley Bishop of Bath and Wells, Thomas Bentham Bishop of Coventry and Litchfield, William Alley Bishop of Exceter, Iohn Parkhurst Bishop of Norwich, Robert Horn Bishop of Win∣chester, Richard Cheyney Bishop of Gloucester, Edmund Scambler Bishop of Peterbo••ough, William Barlow Bishop of Chichester, Iohn Scory Bishop of Hereford, Young Archbishop of York, Iames Pilkington Bishop of Dur∣ham, Iohn Best Bishop of Carlile, and William Downham Bishop of Chester.

Whilest these things were done in England, the Treaty of peace at Cam∣bray continued still; Wherein King Phillip stood for the restitution of Calice to the English, as firmly as if it had been his own interest; and with∣out it would agree to no peace with France: But when by Messages he un∣derstood, that his suit for marriage with Queen Elizabeth was rejected; and that the Protestant Religion was established in the Kingdom, he then left Queen Elizabeth, seeing she would not be his, to her self; and though he be∣came not presently a Foe, yet he became presently lesse then a Friend, and forbore to do any more good offices in that businesse. Queen Elizabeth thus left to her self, agreed with the French King, to conclude her own peace apart; and thereupon, Delegates on both sides were appointed to meet at Cambray: For the Queen of England were, Thursby Bishop of Ely, the Lord Williams, the Lord Howard of Effingham, Chamberlain to the Queen, and Doctor Wootton Dean of Canterbury and York: For the King of France were, Charls Cardinall of Lorrain, the first Peer of France, Annas

Duke of Memorancy, Iames Albon Lord of Saint Andrews, Iohn Morvilliers Bishop of Orleance, and Claude Aubespine Secretary of the Privie Councel. The Commissioners meeting, the chief point in difference, was the restitu∣tion of Calice; for which, the English Commissioners•• by the Q••eens ap∣pointment, offered to remit two Millions of Crowns, that by just accompt were due from France to England; but the Queen was not more desirous to recover Calice, then the French King was to hold it: And thereupon at last, it was concluded, that Calice should remain in possession of the French fo•• the term of eight yeers; and those expired, it should be delivered to the English, upon forfeiture of five hundred thousand Crowns•• for which, ho∣stages were given: But all this notwithstanding, though the Conditions were sealed and sworn to, and though hostages were assigned to remain in England, till one or other were performed; yet all was frustate, and came to nothing.

About this time, Henry King of France married his daughter Isabell to Phillip King of Spain, and his sister Margaret to Emmanuel Phylibert Duke of Savoy; at the solemnity of which Marriages, he would needs be a Tiltor himself; and thereupon commended the Earl of Montgomery to run against him, who unfortunately breaking his Launce upon the Kings Cuyrasse, a splinter thereof (his Beaver being somewhat open) struck him so deep in the eye, that within few dayes he ended his life: After whose death, Francis his son at the age of sixteen yeers, succeeded him in the Crown, having by the marriage of Queen Mary the Title of Scotland, and upon ground thereof laying claim to the Crown of England also, and giving the Arms of Eng∣land, as properly belonging to him.

And now begins the game of Faction to be play'd, wherein the whole estate of Queen Elizabeth lyes at stake, a game that will hold playing the most part of her Reign, and if not play'd well, will put her in jeoparey of losing all, seeing all about her are against her, Phillip King of Spain hath a quarrell to her, for being rejected in his suit; the King of France hath a quar∣rell to her in right of his wife, which is now his right. The Que••n of Scots hath a quarrell to her for detaining her Inheritance: The Pope hath a quar∣rell to her, for excluding his Authority: The King of Sweden hath a quar∣rell to her, for slighting his son in the way of marriage: And all these be∣ing against her, whom hath she of her side, but onely her own Subjects, Papists yesterday, and to day Protestants, who being scarce setled in their Religion, how should they be setled in their Loyalty? And not being Loyall, where can she finde to cast Anchor for her safety? But it is a true saying, Nullum numen abest si sit prudentia; Wisdom is a s••pply for all de∣fects: And indeed, the Queen being very wise her self, and having a wise Councell about her, she passed all these difficulties, though not without danger, yet with little or no hazard.

It happened (if at least it happened, and were not rather plotted of pur∣pose) that a Reformation of Religion was pretended in Scotland; but was indeed an incroachment upon the Princes Authority; for at the preaching of Iohn Knox, and other headstrong Ministers, not onely Images and Altars were cast down and burnt, the Monasteries of Saint Andrews, of Stone, of Stryveling, and of Lynlithew were overthrown; but it was further put into the heads of the Nobility, that it pertained to them, of their own Autho∣rity, to take away Idolatry, and by force reduce th•• Prince to the prescript of Laws: Whereupon there was presently a bandying of the Lords of Scotland, against the Queen Dowager, Regent of the Country; and in this case each of them ••ought for aid; The Queen Dowager had aid out of France, the Lords of Scotland sent for aid to the Queen of England: But this was matter for consultation; It seemed a bad Example, for a Prince to give aid to the rebellious Subjects of another Prince. On the other side, it

seemed no lesse then impiety, not to give Ayd to the Protestants of the same Religion; but most of all it seemed plain madnesse, to suffer adversa∣ries to be so neer neighbours, and to let the French nestle in Scotland, who pretend Title to England: upon such like considerations, it was resolved to send them Ayd; and thereupon an Army of six thousand Foot, and twelve hundred Horse, was sent under the Command of the Duke of Norfolk, the Lord Grey of Wilton his Lievtenant Generall; Sir Iames a Crofts, Assistant to him; the Lord Scroop, L. Marshall; Sir George Howard, Generall of the men at Arms; Sir Henry Percy, Generall of the Light-horse; Thomas Huggens, Provost Marshall; Thomas Gower, Master of the Ordnance; Master William Pelham, Captain of the Pyoners; and Master Edward Randoll, Serjeant Ma∣jor, and divers others. These coming into Scotland, joyned with the Scot∣ish Lords, and set down before Leith, where passed many small skirmishes, many Batteries, and sometimes Assaults: to whom, after some time, a new supply came of above two thousand Foot; whereof were Captains, Sir Andrew Corbet, Sir Rowland Stanley, Sir Thomas Hesbith, Sir Arthur Manwa∣ring, Sir Lawrence Smith, and others: yet with this new supply there was little more done then before; many light skirmishes, many Batteries, and sometimes Assaults; so long, till at last the young French King, finding these broyls of Scotland to be too furious for him to appease, he sent to the Queen of England, desiring that Commissioners might be sent, to reconcile these differences: whereupon were dispatched into Scotland, Sir William Cecill, her principall Secretary, with Doctor Wotton, Dean of Canterbury; who concluded a Peace between England and France, upon these Conditi∣ons, That neither the King of France, nor the Queen of Scotland, should thenceforth use the Arms or Titles of England or Ireland; And that both the English and the French should depart out of Scotland; And a generall pardon should be enacted by Parliament, for all such as had been actors in those stirs. This Peace was scarce concluded, when Francis the young King of France died, leaving the Crown to his younger brother Charles, who was guided altogether by the Queen-Mother, and molested with the Civill dis∣sentions between the Princes of Guise and Conde; for whose reconcilement, the Queen sent Sir Henry Sidney, Lord President of VVales; and shortly after an Army, under the leading of the Lord Ambrose Dudley, Earl of VVarwick; who arriving at Newhaven, was received into the Town; which having kept eleven months, he was then constrayned, by reason of a Pestilence, to surrender again upon Composition, and so returned.

About this time when the Parliament was upon dissolving; it was agreed upon by the House of Commons, to move the Queen to marry, that she might have Issue to succeed her; to which purpose, Thomas Gargrave, Speak∣er of the House, with some few other chosen men, had accesse to the Queen who humbly made the motion to her, as a thing which the Kingdom in∣finitely desired; seeing they could never hope to have a better Prince, then out of her loyns: Whereunto the Queen answered in effect thus; That she was already marryed; namely, To the Kingdom of England: and behold (saith she) the Pledge of the Covenant with my husband; and therewith she held out her finger, and shewed the Ring, wherewith, at the time of her Coronation, she gave her self in Wedlock to the Kingdom: and if (saith she) I keep my self to this husband, and take no other; yet I doubt not but God will send you as good Kings, as if they were born of me; forasmuch as we see by dayly experience, That the Issue of the best Princes do often de∣generate: And for my self, it shall be sufficient that a Marble stone declare, That a Queen having Raigned such a time, lived and dyed a Virgin. In∣deed before this time, many Matches had been offered her: First, King Philip: and when he was out of hope of matching with her himself, he then dealt with the Emperor Ferdinand his Unkle, to commend his younger

Son Charles, Duke of Austria, to her for a husband. And when this suc∣ceeded not, then Iohn, Duke of Finland, second Son to Gustavus King of Sweden, was sent by his father, to solicite for his eldest Brother Erricus•• who was honourably received, but the Match rejected. Then Adolphus Duke of Holst, Unkle to Frederick King of Denmark, came into England, upon a great hope of speeding; but the Queen bestowed upon him the Honour of the Garter, and a yeerly Pension, but not her self. Then Iames Earl of Arran, was commended to her by the Protestants of Scotland; but neither the man nor the motion was accepted. Of meaner Fortunes there were some at home that pleased themselves with hope of her Marriage: First, Sir William Pickering, a Gentleman of a good House, and a good Estate; but that which most commended him, was his studiousnesse of good letters, and sweet demeanour. Then Henry, Earl of Arundel, exceeding rich, but now in his declining age. Then Robert Dudley, youngest son of the Duke of Northumberland, of an excellent feature of face, and now in the flower of his age: but these might please themselves with their own con∣ceit; but were not considerable in her apprehension: they might receive from her good Testimonies of her Princely favour; but never Pledges of Nuptiall love.

About this time the Earl of Feria (who had married the daughter of Sir William Dormer) being denyed leave of the Queen for some of his wives friends to live out of England, grew so incensed, that he made means to Pius the fourth, then Pope, to have her excommunicate, as an Heretick and Usurper: but the Pope inclining rather to save then to destroy; and know∣ing that gentle courses prevail more with generous mindes, then roughnesse and violence; in most loving manner wrote unto her, exhorting her to re∣turn to the Unity of the Catholike Church; and as it is said, made her great offers, if she would hearken to his counsell; Particularly, That he would recall the Sentence pronounced against her mothers Marriage; con∣firm the Book of Common Prayer in English; and permit to her people the use of the Sacrament in both Kindes. But Queen Elizabeth neither ter∣rified with the Earl of Feria's practises, nor allured with the Popes great offers, according to her Motto, Semper Eadem, persisted constant in her resolution, To maintain that Religion, which in her conscience she was perswaded, to be most agreeable to the Word of God, and most consonant to the Primitive Church.

Whilst these grounds of Troubles are sowing in England, France, and Scotland, it is not likely that Ireland will lie fallow; though indeed it be a Countrey that will bring forth Troubles of it self, without sowing: but howsoever, to make the more plentifull Harvest of troubles at this time, Iohn Oneal (whose father King Henry the eighth made Earl of Tyrone) to prevent the punishment of a private Out-rage upon a Brother, broke into open Rebellion against the Prince: and though his attempts were maturely made frustrate by timely opposition; yet this was he that in the beginning of the Queens Raign, sowed the seeds of that trouble in Ireland; which af∣terward took so deep root, that till the ending of her Raign it could never thorowly be rooted out: though this man a yeer or two after came into England, and casting himself at the Queens feet, acknowledged his fault, and obtained pardon.

The Treaty of Edinburgh should by promise have been confirmed by Francis the French King while he lived: he not having done it, Queen Elizabeth requires his Dowager the Queen of Scots to confirm it: but she solicited often to it by Throgmorton the Queens Ligier in France; made al∣wayes answer, She could not do it without the counsell of her Nobility in Scotland: whereupon Queen Elizabeth suspecting that this answer was but to hold her in amuzement, while some mischief was practising against

her, sent Sir Thomas Randoll into Scotland, to perswade the Lords there to enter into a League of mutuall amity with her, and other Protestant Princes•• and further, by no means to permit their Queen, now a widow, to marry again to any forraign Prince; for which she alleadged many great reasons. In the mean while, the Queen of Scots, purposing to return into Scotland, sent before-hand D'Oysette a French Lord, to intreat Queen Elizabeth, that with her leave, she her self might passe by Sea into Sco••land, and D'Oysette might passe by Land. But Queen Elizabeth openly denyed both the one and the other, unlesse she would confirm the Treaty of Edinburgh; saying, It was no reason she should do the Queen of Scots courtesie, if the Queen of Scots would not do her right. The Queen of Scots much troubled with this answer, expostulates the matter with her Ligier Throgmorton, and much complains of the unkindenesse: but in the mean time providing Shipping, she loosed from Calice; and under covert of a mist, notwithstand∣ing that Ships were laid to intercept her, she arrived safe in Scotland; where she intreated her subjects in so loving a manner, that she gave great con∣tentment to the whole Kingdom; as well to the Protestant Party, as the other: and then sent Letters to Queen Elizabeth, proferring all observance and readinesse to enter League with her; so she might by Authority of Parliament be declared her Successor; which was but her Right. To this Queen Elizabeth answered, That though she would no way derogate from her Right: yet she should be loth to endanger her own security, and as it were to cover her own eyes with a Grave-cloth while she was alive; but fell again to her old Admonition, requiring her to confirm the Treaty of Edinburgh: And now to shew the respect she bore her, when her Unkles the Dukes D'A••male, D' Albeufe, and other Lords of France that had brought her home, returned thorow England, she gave them most bountifull and loving entertainment.

These two Queens indeed were both of great Spirits, and both very wise; but these grew such Jealousies of State between them; (the Queen of Scots doubting lest Queen Elizabeth meant to frustrate her Suc∣cession; Queen Elizabeth doubting lest the Queen of Scots meant to pre∣vent her succession) that it kept them more asunder in love, then they were neer in blood, and was cause of many unkinde passages between them: in all which, though the Queen of Scots were a very neer Match to the Queen of England in the abilities of her minde; yet in the favours of Fortune she was much her inferiour.

But now for all the courtesie which Q. Elizabeth shewed to the Queen of Scots Unkles at their returning thorow England, yet new practises were again set on foot against her at Rome; the Duke of Guise especially labour∣ing to have her be Excommunicate; but Pope Pius still averse from such roughnesse, meant now to try the Queen another way; and thereupon sent the Abbot Martinengi•• and when he might not be admitted to enter Eng∣land, then caused the Bishop of Viterbo his Nuntio in France, to deal earnest∣ly with the Queens Ligier Throgmorton, that she (as other Princes had done) would send her Orators to the Councell of Trent, which he before had cal∣led. But the Queen nothing tender in this point, made peremptory an∣swer, That a Popish Assembly she did not acknowledge to be a Generall Councell; nor did think the Pope to have any more Right or Power to call it, then any other Bishop. This Answer not only exasperated the Pope, but so alienated also the King of Spain's minde from her, that he was never after so kinde a friend to her as he had been; and none of her Embassadours ever after had any great liking to be employed to him. And now at this time, as the Abbot Martinengi was the last Nuntio that ever was sent from the Pope into England, so Sir Edward Carne, now dying at Rome, was the last Ligie•• that was ever sent to the Pope from the Kings of England.

And now Queen Elizabeth knowing well that she had drawn many ill willers against her State, she endeavoured to strengthen it by all the means she could devise: She caused many great Ordnance of Brasse and Iron to be cast; She repaired Fortifications in the Borders of Scotland; She encrea∣sed the number of her Ships, so as England never had such a Navy before; She provided great store of Armour and Weapons out of Germany; she caused Musters to be held, and youth to be trayned in exercises of Artillery; and to please the people (whose love is the greatest strength of all) she gave leave to have Corn and Grayn transported; and called in all base Coyns and Brasse Money.

It was now the Fifth yeer of Queen Elizabeths Raine: when diverse great persons were called in question: Margaret Countesse of Lenox, Neece to to King Henry the eight, by his eldest sister, and her husband the Earle of Lenox, for having had secret conference, by letters with the Queen of Scots, were delivered prisoners to Sir Richard Sackvile, Master of the Rolles, and with him kept a while in custody. Also Arthur Poole and his brother, whose great grand-father, was George Duke of Clarnce, brother to King Edward the fourth: Antony Fortescue, who had married their sister, and other, were arraigned, for conspiring to withdraw themselves to the Duke of Guise in France; and from thence to return with an Army into Wales; to Declare the Queen of Scots, Queen of England; and Arthur Poole Duke of Clearnce; which particulars they confessed at the Barre, and were thereupon condemned to die; but had their lives spared, in regard they were of the Blood Royall. Also the Ladie Katherine Grey, daughter to Henry Grey Duke of Suffolke, by the eldest daughter of Charles Brandon•• having formerly been married to the Earle Pembrookes eldest sonne; and from him soone after lawfull divorced, was some yeers after found to be with childe by Edward Seymoure Earl of Hertford: who being at that time in France, was presently sent for; and being examined be∣fore the Archbishp of Canterbury: and affirming they were lawfully married; but not being able within a limited time to produce witnesses of their marriage; they were both committed to the Tower: where she was brought to Bed: and after by the Connivence or Corruption of their Keepers, being suffered sometimes to come together: Shee was with childe by him again, which made the Queen more angry then before; so as Sir Edward Warner Lieutenent of the Tower was put out of his place, and the Earle was fined in the star-chamber, five thousand pounds, and kept in prison nine yeers after. Though in pleading of his Case; One Iohn H••les argued; They were lawfull man and wife, by virtue of their owne bare Consent, without any Ecclesicsticall Ceremonie. The Lady a few yeers after, falling through grief into a mortall Sicknesse, humbly desired the Queens Pardon, for having married without her know∣ledge, and commending her children to her clemency, dyed in the Tower.

At this time (the King being under Age) dissentions amongst the Peeres grew hot in Erance; of which there were two Factions; Both pretending the cause of Religion: of the One the Duke Guise, a Paipst, was Head; of the other the Prince of Conde a Protestant: but while Delirant Reges Plectun∣ter Achiui: while these Princes are at variance, the people suffer for it: and chiefly, as being under the weaker protection, the Protestant Party: where upon Queene Elizabeth, having well learned the Lesson: Tum tua res agitur, partis cum proximus ardet•• and fearing least the flaim of their dissention, might kindle a fire within her owne Kingdome; sent over Sir Henry Sidney Lord Presiden of Wales into France, to endeavour by all possible means their reconcilement, which when hee could not effect,

(and perhaps it was never meant he should effect it, but onely to see what invitations would be made to the Queen for her assistance) she thereupon, at the moan of the afflicted Protestants, sent over an Army of six thousand Souldiers, under the Conduct of the Earl of Warwick, in assistance of the Prince of Conde, and other Protestant Lords, who delivered to him the Town of Newhaven, to hold in the King of France his name, untill such time as Calice were restored: But the Prince of Conde marching to joyn with the English Forces, was by the Duke of Guise interrupted and ta∣ken prisoner•• which had been a great disappointment to the English, but that the Duke of Colin joyned with him, besieged Caen in Normandy, and took it; toge••her with Bayeux, Faleise, and Saint Lo. The French Hostages that were pledges for the payment of five hundred thousand Cowns, if Calice were not restored, were remaining still in England; who perceiving there was like to be War with France, prepared secretly to get away; but being ready to take Shipping, were discovered, and brought back again.

In the mean while, the Prince of Conde drawn on with a hope, to marry the Queen of Scots, and to have the chief Government in France, during the Kings Minority, concluded a Peace with the King, and with the Gui∣ses; so as now, all French, as well Protestants as Papists, required to have Newhaven delivered up: But the Earl of Warwick perceiving the ••icklenesse of the French Protestants, First to make su••e to draw him into France, and now upon so slight occasion to require him to be gone, he shutteth all ••rench, both Protestants and Papists, o••t of the Town, and layes hold of their Ships; the French on the other side make ready to set upon the Town, saying, They fought not now for Religion, but for their Countrey; wherefore it was meet that both Protestants and Papists should joyn their Forces, seeing they had already concluded a Peace betwixt themselves. And hereupon the Duke of Memorancy sent a Trumpetter to the Earl of Warwick, commanding him yeeld the Town; who making an∣swer by Sir Hugh Pawlet, That he would never yeeld it without the Queens leave: he thereupon besieged the Town, and with great violence of Bat∣tery, sought to get it by force: Which Queen Elizabeth hearing, she sent a Commission to the Earl of Warwick to yeeld it up, if upon honourable Conditions; which soon after was accordingly done, after the English had held it eleven months; and then the Earl, without any dishonour for yeelding up a Town, which the Pestilence made him no lesse unwilling then unable to hold, he returned into England: but that which was more dolefull then the losse of Newhaven, he brought the Pestilence with him in∣to England. The recovery of this Town not onely made the French to triumph, but hereupon the Chancellor of France pronounced openly, That by this Warre, the English had lost all their Right to Calice, and were not to require it any more, seeing it was one of the Condi∣tions, That neither of the Nations should make Warre upon the other; which was the Point stood upon by the King of France and his mother, when Queen Elizabeth sent Sir Thomas Smith to demand Calice to be re∣stored.

At this time there were such crosse designes amongst the Princes of Christendome, that a very good Polititian could hardly under∣stand their Ayms. The Duke of Guise being slain in the Civill Warre, the Queen of Scots Dowry was not paid her in France, and the Scots were put off from being the Kings Guard: This exceedingly displeased the Queen of Scots: but then to please her again•• and for fear lest hereupon she should apply her self to the friendship of the English, her Unkle the Cardinall of Lorrain solicites her afresh, to marry Charls Duke of

Austria, offering her for her Dowry the County of Tyroll. The Queen of Scots, to make use of her Unkles fear, and perhaps to bring Queen Eliza∣beth into an opinion of depending upon her, acquaints her with this moti∣on, and therein requires her advice. Queen Elizabeth not willing she should marry with any forraign Prince, perswades her to take a husband out of England, and particularly commended to her the Lord Robert Dudley (whose wife a little before had with a fall broke her neck) promising withall, that if she would marry him, she should then by Authority of Parliament, be declared her successour, in case she dyed without issue. But when her Unkles and the Queen-Mother were informed of this motion, they so much disdained the Marriage with Dudley, that so she would refuse that Match, and perseverein the friendship of the French, they offered to pay her the Dowry money that was behinde, and to restore the Scots to all their former liberties in France. And as for the King of Spain, he had indeed a Ligier Embassadour here in England; but rather by way of complement, and to watch advantages, then for any sincere love; which he began now to withdraw from the English, as suspecting them to intend a Trade to the West Indies.

And now the French Protestants may see what they brought upon them∣selves, by leaving the English at Newhaven, and by trusting to their Coun∣try-men the French Papists; for their peace was but a snare, and the Mar∣riage of Henry of Bourbon, Prince of Navarre, with Margaret of Valois, the French Kings sister, was but a bait to entrap them; for upon the confidence of this Marriage, being drawn together into Paris, they were the readier for the slaughter; and a few dayes after the Marriage, which were all spent in Feasts and Masks, to make them the more secure, upon a Watch-word gi∣ven, the bloody faction fell upon the Protestants, and neither spared age, nor sex, nor condition, but without mercy, and sense of humani∣ty, slaughtered as many as they could meet with, to the number of many thousands.

It was now the sixth yeer of Queen Elizabeths Raign, a yeer fatall for the death of many great Personages: First died William, Lord Grey of We••lon, Governour of Berwick, a man famous for his great Services in War: then William, Lord Paget, a man of as great Services in Peace; who by his great deservings, had wrought his advancement to sundry dignities, and honour∣able places: and though zealous in the Roman Religion, yet held by Queen Elizabeth in great estimation to his dying day: Then Henry Mannors, Earl of Rutland, descended by his mother from King Edward the fourth: And lastly, Francis the Dutchesse of Suffolk, daughter to Charles Brandon Duke of Suffolk, and mother to Queen Iane.

And now Queen Elizabeth finding how fickle the French Protestants had carryed themselves towards her, intended to make a Peace; and to that end sent Sir Thomas Smith into France, joyning Throgmorton in Commission with him; and in conclusion a Peace was agreed on; whereof, amongst o∣ther Articles, this was one, That the Hostages in England should be freed, upon the payment of six hundred thousand Crowns: and this Peace was ratified by the Oath both of the Queen of England, and the King of France.

About this time the English Merchants were hardly used both in Spain•• and in the Netherlands, upon pretence of Civill differences, but indeed out of hatred to the Protestant Religion: whereupon the English removed the seat of their Trading to Embden in Freezland•• but Gusman the Spa∣nish Liegier, newly come into England, finding the great dammages that the Netherlands sustained by these differences, endeavoured by all means to compose them; and thereupon Viscount Mounta∣gue, Nicholas Wootton, and Walter Haddon, Master of the Requests,

were sent to Bruges in Flanders; who, after many interruptions, brought the matter at last to some indifferent agreement.

It was now the seventh yeer of Queen Elizabeth; when making a Pro∣gresse, she went to see Cambridge; where after she had viewed the Colledges, and been entertained with Comedies, and Scholasticall Disputations, she made her self a Latine Oration, to the great encouragement of the Schol∣lars, and then returned. Presently after her return•• she made the Lord Ro∣bert Dudley Master of her Horse, first Baron of Denbigh (giving him Denbigh and all the Lands belonging to it) and then Earl of Leicester, to him, and the heirs males of his body lawfully begotten: which Honour was con∣ferred upon him with the greatest State and Solemnity that was ever known. And now Leicester, to endear himself to the Queen of Scots, ac∣cused Sir Nicholas Bacon, Lord Keeper, for being privy to the libell of Hales, who affirmed the Right of the Crown to belong to the Family of Suffolk, in case the Queen should die without Issue; and thereupon was Bacon cast into prison; till afterward, upon his purgation, and the mediation of Sir William Cecill, he was set at liberty, and restored to his place.

And now for a while we must cast our eyes upon Scotland, for that was now the Stage where all the great businesses of State were acted: Matthew Steward, Earl of Lenox, who had marryed Margaret Dowglas, King Henry the eighth's Neece by his eldest sister, had been kept as an Exile in Eng∣land now twenty yeers; him the Queen of Scots invites to come into Scot∣land•• under pretence of restoring to him his ancient Patrimony; but indeed to conferre with him about a Marriage with his son the Lord Darlie, for being reputed heir to the Crown of England, next after her self; she thought by matching with his son, to strengthen her own title, and to prevent the hope of any other. Queen Elizabeth, upon sute made by his wife, gave the Earl leave to go; but soon after, suspecting what the Queen of Scots intent was in sending for him, she, to hinder the proceeding, sent Sir Thomas Rand••ll to her, to let her know, That if she proceeded in this Ma••ch, she would exceedingly wrong her self; for that it was a Match so much disli∣ked by all the English, that she was fain to prorogue the Parliament, lest upon dislike thereof, there should something be enacted against her Right of Succession: But if she would marry the Earl of Leicester, she should then by Parliament be declared her next Heir. Hereupon, in the month of November, the Earl of Bedford, and Sir Thomas Randoll for Queen Eliza∣beth•• the Earl of Murray and Lidington for the Queen of Scots at Barwick, entred into a Treaty concerning the Marriage with the Earl of Leicester. The English Commissioners urged the great benefits that by this Match would accrew both to the Queen of Scots her self, and to the whole King∣dom of Scotland: The Scotish on the other side, urged the great disparage∣ment it would be to the Queen of Scots, if refusing the offers made her of divers great Princes, she should match her self with so mean a person as the Earl of Leicester. This matter held long debate, partly for that the Eng∣lish Commissioners were so appointed by Queen Elizabeth; and partly for that the Scotish Commissioners had a good minde to hinder her from mar∣rying at all; and perhaps not the least; for that the Earl of Leicester, being verily perswaded he should at last obtain Queen Elizabeth her self, by secret Letters warned the Earl of Bedford not to urge the Marriage with the Queen of Scots too far; and was thought for this cause to favour Darly under hand. The matter being in this manner protracted for two whole yeers together, the Queen of Scots impatient of longer delay, and being resolved in her minde what she would do•• used means that the Lord Darly got leave of Queen Elizabeth to go into Scotland for three months onely, under colour to be put in possession of his fathers Lands (though it be strange, the Queen upon any te••••ms would let him go, if she really intended to hinder the

Marriage: but such was the destiny, if there were not a plot in it) and ••o in Febr••ary he came to Edinburgh; who being a young man, of not above nineteen yeers of age, of a comely countenance, and most Princely Pre∣sence, the Queen of Scots as soon as she saw him, fell in love with him, yet in modesty dissembling it for the present; she sought to get a Dispens••∣on from Rome, because of their neernesse in Consanguinity. And now, her inclination being grown so apparent, that there was no concealing it, she sent Lydington to Queen Elizabeth, desiring her consent. But she, through the suggestions of the Earl of Murray, being induced to believe that the Queen of Scots intention was, by this Marriage, to get the Crown of Eng∣land, and to bring in Popery, entred into consultation with her Privy Coun∣cell, what was fit to be done to hinder the Marriage; who all concluded, that these were the best wayes: First, To have a Company of Souldi••rs levyed for terrour ••ake, about the Borders towards Scotland; then to com∣mit to prison the Countesse of Lenox, the Lord Darlies Mother; and to re∣call from Scotland the Earl of Lenox and his ••on Darly, upon pain of the losse of all their goods in England: then that the Scots, who were known to be averse from the Marriage, should be relieved and assisted: and lastly, That Katherine Grey, with the Earl of Hertford, should be received into some grace; about whom onely (it was thought) the Queen of Scots was most solicitous, as being her Rivall to the English Crown. Hereupon Sir Ni∣cholas Throgmorton was sent to the Queen of Scots, to counsell her in the Queens name, not to proceed in this Marriage; and to shew her the many inconveniences that would accrew unto her by it. But she returned answer, That the matter was too far passed to be recalled; and that Queen Elizabeth had no cause to be displeased with i••; seeing herein she followed her advice, Not to match with •• stranger, but with an English man born. Queen Eli∣zabeth being informed of her answer, calleth home the Earl of Lenox, and the Lord D••rly his son, commanding them upon their Allegiance to return: The Father modestly by Letters excu••eth himself; the son humbly intrea••∣eth her not to be a hinderance to his preferment; which he vows to employ in her Majesties Service to the uttermost of his power. And now, to make him the fitter match for her, the Queen of Scots honoured him first with Knighthood; then with the Dignities of the Lord Armanack, Earl of Rosse, and Duke of Rothsay; which Dukedom by Bir••h, pertaineth to the eldest sons of the Kings of Scotland. After this, when he had not been above five months in Scotland, she marryed him, and with the consent of most of the Peers, declared him King. At this, the Earl of M••rray, and other whom he drew to his pa••ty extremely fretted, and fell to moving of tur∣bulent questions, Whether it were lawfull to admit a Papist King? Whether the Queen of Scots might choose a husband at her own pleasure? and whe∣ther the Peers of the Kingdom might not out of their Authority, impose one upon her? But howsoever, they raised Arms, and had disturbed the Nuptialls, but that the Queen levyed an Army to encounter them; with which she pursued them so closely, that they were fain to fly into Engl••••d for protection; where Queen Elizabeth made no ••cruple to receive them, seeing the Queen of Scots had received Yareby, Sta••don, and Walsh, that were fled out of England; but the Ea••l of Murray especially, who had alwayes been found addicted to the English. Queen Elizabeth perhaps was not much troubled at this Marriage; partly as knowing the milde disposition of the Lord Darly, and how little accesse of strength it brought ••o ••he Queen of Scots; but most of all, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 plain••y ••eeing ••here wo••ld ••••ouble•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in Scotland upon it; and the troubles of Scotland would be the q••i••tnes••e of England; which, as a good Mother of her Co••••••rey, was the ••ark she aym∣ed at: yet she made •• shew of being offended with it; but rather to co••ceal her aym, then that ••he was offended with it indeed.

At this time the Emperour Maximlian sent to Queen Elizabeth his Embas∣sadour, Adam Smiricote, renewing the former sute for his brother Charles of Austria; for which Marriage the Earl of Sussex was very earnest; the Earl of Leicester as much against it; so as it grew to a quarrell between them, and the Court was divided into factions about it: but the Queen, who ne∣ver liked the dissentions of her Peers (though it be a Rule with some, Divide, and Raign) made them friends, at least in countenance.

We may now leave Scotland a while, and see the Honour done at this time to Queen Elizabeth, not much inferiour to the Honour done to Solo∣mon by the Queen of Saba; for now Cecile, the sister of Errick King of Sweden, and wife of Christopher Marquesse of Baden, being great with childe, came from the farthest part of the North (a long Journey) thorow Germa∣ny, of purpose to see her, for the great fame she had heard of her Wisedom: At her being here, she was delivered of a childe, to whom, in requitall of her kindenesse, Queen Elizabeth was God-mother, and named him Edwar∣d••s Fortunatus; giving to her and her husband, besides Royall Entertain∣ment, a yeerly Pension. At this time also, for the great Fame of her wisedome, Donald mac Carty More, a great Potentate of Ireland, came and delivered up into her hands all his most ample Territories; and then recei∣ving them again from her, to hold them to him and his Heirs males law∣fully begotten; and for want of such Issue, to remain to the Crown of England. The Queen in requitall, invested him with the honour of Earl of Glenkarne, and Baron of Valence; and besides many Presents given him, paid the charges of his Journey.

It was now the eighth yeer of Queen Elizabeths Raign; when Sir Nicho∣las Arnold, a Knight of Gloucestershire, Governing Ireland under the title of a Justice, was called home, and Sir Henry Sidney placed in ••his room. And here by the way it is to be noted, That the Governours of Ireland, after it came under the English, were at first called Justices of Ireland; afterwards, Lievtenants; and their Vice-gerents were called Deputies. Afterwards at the Princes pleasure, sometimes Deputies, sometimes Justices, and some∣times Lievtenants; which last Title, though it be of greatest honour, yet in power is in a manner but the same. Si•• Henry Sidney at his coming into Ireland, found the Province of Munster in much disorder•• by reason of strife between Gyrald Earl of Desmond, and Thomas Earl of Ormond: whereupon the Queen sending for the Earl of Desmond into England, ordained a new Government in that Province, appointing a President to administer Justice, together with an Assistant on the Bench; two Lawyers and a Notary: and the first President she made in this place, was Sir William Sent-leger.

And now Queen Elizabeth in a Progresse went to Oxford; where she took pleasure in viewing the Colledges, in hearing Orations, in seeing of Come∣dies, till the Comedy of Palemon and Arcett turned to a Tragedy, for by the fall of a wall, through the multitude of people that pressed in to see it; three men were slain. At her coming away, she made an Oration in Latine to the Schollars, a sufficient recompence for all the Orations they had made to her. And this yeer, was a call of seven new Serjeants at Law, who kept their Feast at Grayes Inne in Holborn.

Upon the Queens return from Oxford, the Parliament began, where they presently fell upon the m••tter of succession; and moving the Queen to mar∣ry•• in which points some went so far, that they spared not to accuse the Queen, as one carelesse of Posterity•• to defame Cecill with libells and re∣proaches, as if he were her Counsello•••• in this matter; but above all, to curse Doctor Huic her Physitian, who was thought to disswade her from Marriage, by reason of I know not what womanish insufficiency. At last in the Upper House it was agreed, That Sir Nich••la•• Bacon, Lord Keeper, their Orator, should in all their names beseech the Queen to marry; and

withall, to declare a Successor in the Crown, if she should happen to die without Issue; for which he gave many reasons, declaring what mischiefs were likely to befall the Kingdom, if she should die before a Successor were designed. But in the Lower House there were some, amongst whom, were Bell and Mou••son (two Lawyers of great account) Dutton, Sir Paul Went∣wort••, and other, who grew to far higher tearms, disparaging the Queens Authority, and saying, That Princes were bound to designe a Successor; and that in not doing it, the Queen should shew her self no better then a parricide of her Countrey. The Queen was contented to bear with words spoken in Parliament; which spoken out of Parliament, she would never have endured: but not willing to expostulate the matter with the whole number, she commanded that thirty of the Higher House, and as many of the Lower, should appear before her, to whom she delivered her minde to this effect; That she knew what danger hangeth over a Prin∣ces head, when a Successor is once declared; she knew that even children themselves, out of a hastie desire of bearing Rule, had taken up Armes against their own fathers; and how could better conditions be expected from kindred? She had by reading observed, That Successors in a collate∣rall Line, have seldom been declared; and that Lewis of Orleance, and Fran∣cis of Angoulesme were never declared Successors, and yet obtained the Crown without any noyse. Lastly, she said, Though I have been content to let you debate the matter of Succession, yet I advise you to beware, that you be not injurious to your Princes patience. With these and the like reasons she gave so good satisfaction, that they never after troubled her with making any more such motion. And though she consented not in plain tearms to declare a Successor, yet soon after she gave some intimation of it; for one Thornton, a Reader of the Civill Law in London, who in his Le∣ctures, called the Queen of Scots Right in question, was clapped up in pri∣son for his labour.

In the beginning of her ninth yeer, Charles the ninth, King of Fr••nc••, sent his Ambassadour Ramboulet into England to the Queen, with the Robes and Ornaments of the Order of S. Michael, to bestow upon which two of her Nobility she pleased; and she making choice of the Duke of Norfolk, and the Earl of Leicester, they were by Ramboulet invested with them; an Ho∣nour that had never been conferred upon any English, but only K. Henry the eighth, King Edward the sixth, and Charls Brandon Duke of Suffolk, though afterward prostituted almost to any, without difference.

And now to return to the Affairs of Scotland: The nineteenth of Iune last past, the Queen of Scots, in a happy hour, was at Edinborough Castle dilive••ed of a Son, that was afterward Iames the sixth of Scotland, and the first Monarch of Great Britain; whereof she presently sent word to Queen Elizabeth by Iames Melvyne; who thereupon sent Sir Henry Killigrew to congratulate her safe deliverance, and her young son, with all demon∣stration of love and amity. But now the love of the Queen of Scots to her husband the Lord Darly, was not so hot at first, but it was now grown to be as cold; and she had not heaped honour on him so fast before, but now as fast she taketh them off: for where before in all publike Acts, she had used to place her husbands name first, now she caused it to be placed last, and in the coyning of money began to leave it quite out.

This unkindenesse between them was fomented by one David Rizie an Italian, whom the Queen had taken into her service, first, as a Musician, and then taking a liking to him, made him here Secretary for the French Tongue; by means whereof, he had oftentimes secret conference with her, when the King her Husband might not be admit∣ted. This indignity the King himself, being given to his pleasures of

Hunting and Hawking, resented not so much, as some Lords that were his fri••nds; who told him plainly, That it stood not with his Ho∣nour to suffer this fellow to live. By whose instigation the King drawn to plot his death; One day, taking with him the Earl of Reuven, and other, he rushed into the Queens Chamber at her Supper time, where finding David Rizie at a Cupboord, tasting some meat that had been taken from the Table, he seized upon him, dragged him forth into an outer Chamber, and there murthered him; the Queen at that time being great with childe, and like by that affright to have mis∣carryed: But the Fact being done, the King came in to her again, as∣suring her there was no hurt at all intended to her Person. The man that had animated the King to do this fact, was especially the Earl Murray, of whom it is necessary to say something, because his part will be the greatest of all the Scottish Actions of this time. He was the base sonne of King Iames the fifth, and so the base brother of the Queen; made at first, Prior of Saint Andrewes: But not liking that Religious Title, he affected rather some Temporall Honour; which when the Queen, being then in France, denyed him, then in an angry mood returned into Scotland, where, by the advice of Knox, whom he held for a great Patriark, brought the matter so to passe, that in an Assembly of the States, the Religion was altered, and the French were banished out of Scotland. Yet afterward, as soon as the Queen was a Widow, he posted into France, and so insinuated with her, that she created him Earl of Murray, and promoted him to an Honourable Marriage. Being thus exalted, he returned into Scotland; where, for the further growth of his ambitious designes, he sowed seeds of Se∣dition, affirming often, what a misery it was to be under the Com∣mand of a woman; and that Royalty was not to be tyed to any Stock or Kindred, but to Vertue onely, whether the parties were legitimaie or no; by this course making way to the Kingdom for himself. To this end, he used all the mea••s he could to keep the Queen from marrying again; which when he could not effect, he then sought wayes how to make discord between her and her Husband; for which cause he had caused the King to murther Rizie. Of the foulnesse of which Fact, when the King had a while grew sensible, he meant to be revenged of Murray, who had counselled him to do it: which Murray understanding, prevented it with causing the like to be done to him, as will presently be seen. For the Queen having been delivered of a Son, and the day ap∣pointed for the Christning being come; where the God-fathers were Charles King of France, and Philibert Duke of Savoy; Queen Elizabeth be∣ing requested to be God-mother, sent thither the Earl of Bedford as her Deputy, and a Font of Massie Gold for a Present, in value 1043 l. but gave him expresse Command, That he should not honour Darly with the Title of King. But before a month or two, after the Christning were passed, The King in a stormy and tempestuous night, was strang∣led in his Bed, and then cast forth into the Garden, and the house imme∣diately blown up with Gun-powder.

The rumour of this murther being spread abroad, the common Fame laid it upon Murray and Morton, and their Confederates; Mur∣ray and Morton upon the Queen: But we must not here give ear to that which BUCHANAN writes; who to curry favour with the Earl MURRAY, layes most impudent scandalls upon the Queene; whereof, before his death, he repented himself ex∣tremely. The King thus murthered, and the QUEENE left alone to her self, she is counselled to marry with some, that might be able to assist her against all her opposites: IAMES

Hepburn Earl of Bothwell being then greatly in her favour, and of great eminencie for his valour: And though he were the man that had acted the murther, yet is he by Murray and his confederates, commended to the Queen; to which motion, as being destitute of friends, and not know∣ing whom to trust; she at last consents, but upon these conditions, That above all things, respect might be had to her yong Sonne; and that Bothwell might be legally quitted, both from the bond of his former marriage, and also of the Kings murther. Hereupon a course is plot∣ted, by which, Bothwell is called to the Barre; and Morton being his Advocate, by the Sentence of Judges he is cleerly acquitted. Upon this, he is created Duke of Orken••y, and by consent of many of the Nobility, is marryed to the Queen; which bred a suspition in many, that the Queen was conscious of the murther, which was the thing that by the marriage they intended: And the suspition once raised, they seek by all means to increase, that they may have the better colour against her; and so, the very same man who had absolved Bothwell, and consented to the marriage, now takes Arms against her, as a Delin∣quent in both; force him to flee, and then seize upon the Queen, whom, cl••d in a very homely garment, they thrust into prison in Loch-levyn, under the custody of Murray's mother, who had been the Harlot of King Iames the fifth; but boasting her self to have been his lawfull wife, and her son, his lawfull Issue. Queen Elisabeth having at length notice hereof, sent Sir Nicholas Throgmorton into Scotland, to expostulate with the Confederates, touching this insolent usage of the Queen; and to consult, by what means shee might be restored to her liberty. But Throgmorton coming into Scotland, found the Confede∣rates in more insolent terms then had been reported; being divided in opinion, what to do with the Queen, some would have her banished perpetually, into England or France; some would have her questioned before the Judges, committed to perpetuall custody, and her son pro∣claimed King: others, more inhumane, would have her at once depri∣ved of Princely Authority, of life and all; and this, Knox and some other Ministers thundred out of the Pulpits. Throgmorton on the other side, alleaged many passages out of the holy Scriptures, touching Obedience to the higher Powers; maintaining, That the Queen was subject to no Tri∣bunall, but that in Heaven; That no Judge upon Earth might call her in question; That there was no Office nor Jurisdiction in Scotland, which was not derived from her Authority, and revokeable at her pleasure. They again opposed the peculiar Right of the Kingdom of Scotland; and that in extraordinary cases, they were to proceed besides order, taking up Buchanans Arguments; who in those dayes, by instigation of Murray, wrote that damn∣ed Dialogue, De Iure Regni apud Scotos; wherein, against the verity of the Scottish History, he indeavours to prove, That the People have power, both to create, and to depose their King. After all their debating, all that Throg∣morton could get of them, was a Writing without any Subscription, wherein they protested, They had shut up the Queen for no other in∣tent, but to keep her apart from Bothwell, whom she loved so desperately, that to injoy him, she regarded not all their ruines; willing him to rest satisfied with this Answer, till such time as the rest of the Peers met together. And notwithstanding all he could say, they shut up the Queen daily, in more straight custody, though with tears she besought them to deal more mildly with her, and to let her but once have a sight of her son, which would not be granted her. At last when fair perswasions would not serve to make her freely give over the Kingdom, they threatned to question her o∣penly for incontinent living, for the Kings murder, and for Tyranny, so as through feare of death, they compelled Her, unheard, to set her

hand to three Instruments; In the first whereof, she gave over the King∣dom to her young son, at that time scarce thirteen Months old: In the se∣cond, she constituted Murray Vice-Roy during the minority of her son: In the third, in case he refused the charge, these Governours were nomina∣ted; Iames Duke of Chasteau, Herald, Giles Spike Earl of Argile, Matthew Earl of Lenox, Iohn Earl of Atholl, Iames Earl of Mo••ton, Alexander Earl of Glencarn, and Iohn Earl of Mar. And presently she signified to Queen Elizabeth by Throgmorton, that she had made these grants by com∣pulsion through the counsell of Throgmorton, telling her that a grant extor∣ted from one in prison (which is a just fear) is actually void and of no effect.

Five dayes after the Queen had made this Resignation, Iames the sixth, the Queens Son, was Anointed and Crown'd King, Iohn Knox preaching at the same time; but a Protestation was then put in by the Hamiltons, that all this ought to be no prejudice to the Duke of Chasteau Herald in his Right of succession against the Family of Lenox; but Queen Elisabeth had forbidden Throgmorton to be at the Action, that she might not seem by the presence of her Embassador, to approve their proceeding in displacing of the Queen.

Fifteen dayes after this transaction, Murray himself returned ou•• of France into Scotland, and within three dayes went to the Queen with some other of the confederates, who charged her with many crimes, and wished her if she tendered her Life and Honor, to observe these prescrip∣tions: Not to disturb the peace of the Kingdom, nor desire to be at Li∣berty, not to stir up the Queen of England, or the King of France to m••∣le••t Scotland with any War, not to think any more of Bothwells love, or meditate revenge upon Bothwells adversaries.

Murray being now proclaimed Regent of Scotland, he bindeth himself under his Hand and Seal to do nothing which shall concerne War or Peace, the Kings Person or his marriage, or the Liberty of the Queen, without the consent of the confedera••es; and then gives Throgmorton warning by Lyding••on, not to make any further intercession for the Queens Liberty, for that he and the rest had rather run any hazard then to suffer it. Soon af∣ter he puts to death Iohn H••pburn, Daglish, and others that were Bothwells servants, for having a hand in the murther of the King: But they (which he little expected) when they were at the Gallows, ready to dye, protested before God and his holy Angells, that Bothwell had told them, that Morton and M••rray were the first authors of the murther. They freed the Queen from all suspition, like as Bo••hwell himself being prisoner in Denmark, both living and dying, often protested with deep asse••erations, that the Queen was innocent. And fourteen yeers after, Morton going to execu∣tion, confessed that Bo••hwell dealt with him to consent to the murther of the King, which, when he refused utterly unlesse the Queen under her hand writing would allow of it; Bothwell made answer, that could not be, but the fact must be done without her knowledge.

A little before this time, upon one and the same day, dyed two of the Privy Councell, Sir Iohn Mason Treasurer of the Queen•• Chamber, a grave and learned man, but a great Usurper and Encroacher upon Ecclesiasticall Livings; and Sir Richard ••ac••vile Vice-Treasurer of the Exchequer, a man both prudent and provident, and allyed to the Queen by her mother An••e Bol••••. In his room succeeded Walter Mildmay, a man of wisdom and inte∣grity; In Masons Office came Sir Francis Knowles, who married Katherine Car••e, the daughter of Mary Bolen, the Queens Mothers Sister.

It was now the yeer 1567. And the tenth yeer of Queen Elizabeths Raign, when the Earl of Stolberg came into England from the Emperour Max••millian, to treat of the mariage of the Queen with the Archduke Charls upon which very occasion the Queen a little before had sent the E. of Sussex

to the Emperor, with the Order of the Garter: But in the Treaty of mar∣riage, there fell out so many difficulties, about Religion, maintenance of the Duke, about the Royall Title, and concerning succession, that after it had been treated of seven whole yeers together, it came at last to nothing, and the Duke not long after marryed Mary daughter to Albert the fifth Duke of Bavaria; yet both he and the Emperour continued ever after a good corre∣spondence with the Queen.

About this time, there came from Iohn Basil Emperour of Russia and Muscovia, Stephen Twerdic••, and Theodore P••gorella, with a Present of rich Furs of Otter, Miniver, and the like, tendering all service and obsequious∣nesse to the Queen and the English. The Merchants by vertue of a Grant from Queen Mary, had combined themselves into a Society, which they called the Muscovie Company; and having large Priviledges granted them from the Emperour, went thither with a Navie yeerly, making a very gain∣full Voyage; but then it proved most gainfull, when for the Queens sake they obtained at the Emperours hands, in the yeer 1569. That none but the English of that Company, should Traffique in the North-parts of Russia. With these Russian Embassadours there returned into England, Anthony Ienkinson, who in his Travels had made curious Observation of Russia, set forth a Geographicall Description of it, and was the first of the English that sailed through the Caspian Sea. And this yeer, the 8. of June, Sir Thomas Sackvile was created Baron of Buckhurst, at Whitehall.

We have seen before, the first Act of the Queen of Scots Tragedy: Now comes in the second, having been 11 Moneths kept a prisoner; at last, by the help of George Dowglas, to whose Brother she was committed, she made escape from Loch-levyn, to Hamiltons castle; where upon the testi∣monies of Robert Melvyn, and others, in a meeting of a great part of the Nobility, there was drawn a sentence declaratory, That the Grant extorted from the Queen in prison, (which is Iustus metus) was actually void from the beginning. Upon which Declaration, great multitudes ••locked to her, so as within a day or two she had gotten an Army of at least six thousand; but when they joyned battell with Murray, being but raw and unexpert Souldiers, they were soon defeated. In this case, the Queen sought to save her self by flight, journeying in one day threescore miles, and coming at night to the house of Maxwell Lord Heris, from thence she sent Iohn Beton to Queen Elisabeth with a Diamond Ring, which she had fo••merly received from her, as a Pledge of mutuall Amity; intimating, that she would come into England, and implore her aid, if her Subjects offer∣ed to prosecute her any further. Queen Elisabeth returned answer, that she should expect from her, in abundant manner, all loving and friendly offices. But before the Messenger was returned, she, contrary to the advice of her friends, entred into a small Bark, & with the Lords, Heris, and Flemming, and a few others, landed at Wickinton in Cumberland, neer the mouth of the River of Decwent, the seventeenth day of May; and the same day wrote Letters to the Queen in French with her own hand, the effect whereof was, That having made an escape from the the hands of her insolent and rebellious Subjects, she was now come into England, upon certain hope of her approved clemencie; and therefore humbly desiring, she might forthwith be conducted to her presence. Queen Elisabeth sending Letters by Sir Francis Knolles, comforted her, and promised her aid and de∣fence, according to the equity of her cause; but denyed her accesse, for that she was held guilty of many crimes, giving command to have her brought to Carlile, as a place of better safety. The Queen of Scots receiving this an∣swer, and finding accesse to the Queen denyed her, maketh request again by Letter, that she might have leave, both to unfold the injuries she had received, and to answer the crimes objected, in her own presence;

humbly intreating her, that either she might be admitted to have conference and assistance, or else have free leave to depart out of England, to gain supply elswhere, and not be held a prisoner in the Castle at Carlile•• for ••s much as she came voluntarily into England, relying upon her love so often professed. Upon thes•• Letters, Queen Elisabeth exceedingly commisera••ed her case, and could have fo••nd in her heart to admit her to her presence, but that her Councellours conceived it to be matter for consultation, what to do in this case. To detain her in England, had many mischiefs attend∣ing on it; to send her into France; as many; to send her back into Scotland, many more; so as in conclusion, the most were of opinion, to have her de∣tained, as one taken by right of War, and not to be dismissed, till she had made satisfaction for assuming the Title of England, and for the death of Darly her husband, who was born one of the Queens Subjects. In this diversity of opinions, Queen Elisabeth out of her own judgement, sent word by Middemore, to the Regent of Scotland, that he should come him∣self in person, or else depute some fit persons to answer the complaints of the Queen of Scots against him and his confederates, and render sufficient reasons wherefore they had deprived her; otherwise•• she would forthwith dismisse her, and with all the forces she could, settle her in her Kingdom. To this Summons, Murray obeys, and comes to York, the place appointed for this Treaty, accompanied with seven more of his intimate friends, who stood Delegates for the Infant King, namely, Iames Earl of Morton, Ad••m Bishop of the Ork••neys, Robert of Dunferm, Patrick Lord of Lyndsey, Iames Mac-gylly, and Henry ••adinary; and with these, Lydington the Secretary, and Ge••rge Buchanan. And the very same day came thither Thomas Howard Duke of Norfolk, Thomas Ratcliff Earl of Sussex, and Sir Ralph Saedler a Privie-Councellour, appointed Commissioners for Queen Elisabeth. For the Queen of Scots, (who took it hainously, that Queen Elisabeth would not hear the caus•• h••r self, but refer h••r to Subjects, being an absolute Prince, and not ty••d to their proc••edings) there appeared Iohn Lesley Bishop of Ross, Wil∣liam Lord Levyng••••on, Robert Lord Boyde, Ga•••••• of Kilwynnin, Iohn G••urd••n, and Iames Cock••urn. Being met, Lydingto•• turning himself to the Scots, in a wondrous liberty of Speech, gave them this advice, Maturely to consider, what prejudice they should draw upon themselves, by accusing th•• Queen of Scots, and calling her Reputation in question publikely before the English, professed enemies of the Scottish Nation. Likewise, wha•• ac∣count they shall be able to give hereof to the King, when he shall grow to ••iper y••••rs, and shall see what an injury this was to the Kingdom, his Mo∣ther, and his own per••on. Wherefor•• (said he) it seemeth requisite to for∣bear this businesse al••ogether, unlesse the Queen of England will enter into a ••u••uall league of Offence and Defence, against all those, which under this pretenc••, shall go about ••o molest us. Upon this Speech of his, the D••l••gates of the Que••n of Scots made Protestation, That although it pleased the Qu••••n of Scots, to have the cause between her and her disloyall Subjects, d••••••ted befo•••• the English, yet she being a free Prince, and ob∣noxious to no earthly Prince whatsoever, did not thereby yeeld her self subject to th•• Jurisdiction and command of any person. On the contrary, the English pro••est••d, That they did in no wise admi•• that Protestation, in pr••judice to the right which the Kings of England have anciently challen∣ged as superiou•• Lords of the Kingdom of Sco••land. The day after, the Queen of Sco••s Delegates s••t forth at large the injurious dealing of Morton, Murray, Marre, Gle••car••, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and others, against the Queen; and how they had compelled h••r, for fear of death, to resign her Crown; which there∣fore (they said) was of no ••or••••. Murray and his confederates make an∣sw••r, That they had done nothing, but by consent of the Peers in Parlia∣ment; and tha•• in pros••cu••ing o•• Bothwell, the author of the Kings mur∣ther,

whom the Queen protected; and as for her resignation, ••hat it was voluntarily and freely done. All this the Queen of Scots Delega••es an∣swered and confuted, affirming in particular, That where there are 100 Earls, Bishops and Barons, (more or lesse) that have voices in the Parlia∣ment of Scotland, there were not in that tum••ltous assembly they speak of, above four Earls, one Bishop, an Abbot or two, and six Barons; where∣fore their earnest request was, that the Q••een of England would be ••••n∣sible of these indignities offered her; and take some course for a speedy re∣dnesse. After this, some new Commissioners from Queen Elizabeth were added to the former, to some of whom, the Queen of Scots took excepti∣on; unlesse the French and Spanish Embassadors might be taken in, and her self admitted into the presence of the Queen and them, publickly to de∣fend her own innocency; and that Murray might be detained and ••ited, whom she affirmed, she was able to prove to have been the chief Plotter of the murther of her husband Darley. This was held to be a just demand by the Duke of Norfolk, the Earls of Arundell, Sussex, Leicester, and the Lord Clinton: But Queen Elizabeth waxing somewhat angry, openly said, that the Queen of Scots should never want an Advocate as long as Norfolk lived: It was seen here, which is said, that the heart of the King is inscrutable; for how Queen Elizabeth stood affected in this case of the Queen of Scots, no man could well discern•• she detested the insolen∣cy of her Subjects in deposing her, and yet gave no assistance to restore her. After long agitation of this businesse, and nothing concluded, Mur∣ray a little before his return into Scotland, slyly propounded the mariage of the Queen of Scots to the Duke of Norfolk; which he with a modest answer rejected as a thing full of danger. But withall, Murray the more to alienate Queen Elizabeths mind from the Queen of Scots, gave ou••, that she had passed away to the Duke of Andyn her Right to the Crown of Eng∣land, and that the transaction was confirm'd at Rome; he shewd Letters also which the Queen of Scots had written to some friends whom she trust∣ed; wherein she accused the Queen for not dealing with her according to promise, and boasted of succours she expected from some others. This last clause something troubled Queen Elizabeth, neither could she conje∣cture from whence any such succour should come; seeing both France with the Civill Wars, and the King of Spain in the Low-countries had eno••gh to do at home. But at last it brake out, that one Robert Ridolph a Florentine under the habit of a Merchant in London, was suborned by Pope ••ius the fifth, to make a secret commotion of the Papists in England against the Queen, which he performed indeed with a great deal of secrecy and much cunning; whereupon the Queen of Scots was removed from Bolton (a Castle of the Lord Scroops) where all the neighbouring people were Papists•• to Tutbury more toward the heart of the Country, under the custody of George Earl of Shrewsbury.

About this time the Guises in France, and the Duke D'Alva in the Low-countries, began to endeavour the utter extirpation of the Protestant Reli∣gion. In France the Ministers of the Gospell are commanded within a limitted time to depart the Kingdom; when Queen Elizabeth forgetting the ••icklenesse of the Protestants at New-haven, once again takes upon her their protection; supplyes them with two hundred thousand Crowns in money, besides Munition in abundance, and with all humanity receives the French that fled into England; the rather, for that they made solemn pro∣testation they took not up Arms against their Prince; but only stood upon their own defence. In the Low-countries likewise, the Duke D'Alva, breathing nothing but slaughter and blood; made the Dutch come flock∣ing into England as into a Sanctuary, where with all courtesie they were received.

And here it will be fit to shew how the War in the Low-countries be∣gan first, which was thus: At which time the King of Spain brought in the Spanish Inquisition•• a small number of the meaner sort of people, in tumultuous manner•• cast the Images out of Churches and brake ••hem in pieces, and although that tumult was soon quieted, yet the King of Spain taking advantage at the rashnesse of a few, to charge the whole Nation with Rebellion: sent amongst them Ferdinando Alvarez, Duke D' Alva, a bloody and fierce man, (who contrary to the Ordinances and customes of the Country) took away all authority from the ordinary Courts of Ju∣stice; Erected new consistories; condemned and put to death the Peers, without tryall by their lawfull Judges; Placed Garrisons of Spaniards throughout all their Cities and Villages, and by force exacted the twenti∣eth part of the fruits of the Earth, and the tenth of moveables upon every Alienation. At that time, a mighty masse of money borrowed from the Genowayes, and other Italian Merchants was sent out of Spain into the Low-countries, there to be imployed to interest, which being brought by ship∣ping, was pursued by the French; and forced to fly for succour into the Havens of England, whom the Queen commanded to be succour'd; as conceiving the money to be the King of Spains as it was given out: But at the same time, Cardinall Odette coming out of France into England, and giving notice to the Queen that the money was not the King of Spains, but belonged to certain merchants of Geneva; from whence the Duke D' Alva had taken it against their will, with a purpose to imploy it to the ruine of the Protestants; and information also being given her by one that had a property in the money that it was so•• she determined to put in security, and to borrow the money of the merchants her self, which is an usuall thing with Princes when goods are taken in their Ports; and the King of Spain himself had lately done the like. The Duke D' Alva be∣ing informed of this dealing of thee Queens; by Gerard de Spese the King of Spains Embassador in England; seizeth presently upon all the goods of the English in the Low-co••ntries, and kept the men prisoners; The Queen did the like with the Dutch merchants in England, Letters of Mart were granted on both sides, and this grew to such a quarrell between the Nations, that being nourished with other differences afterward, it brought forth in Eighty Eight, that Spanish Invasion, which is, and will be memo∣rable in all future Ages.

Upon occasion of this Money detained, certain Peers of England, a∣mongst whom, were the Duke of Norfolk, the Marquesse of Winchester, the Earls of Arundell, Northumberland, Pembroke, Leicester, and others, Accused Sir William Cecill, for sending away money into France, making this their colour, but done indeed out of envying his great favour with the Queen, and suspecting him to incline to the house of Suffolk in the matter of succession. Hereupon they consult sec••etly how to get him be impri∣son'd; and Throgmorton (who envyed him as much as they) suggesting that if he were once clapp'd up, they might soon find out a way to crush him; But the Queen (by what means it is uncertain) coming to have no∣tice hereof, gave a check to their purpose, and protected Cecill against their combined practises.

The Earl Murray being returned into Scotland, makes the Lords believe that he desires a meeting at Edinbourgh, to consult about restoring the Queen to her Liberty; but as Hamilton Duke of Chasteau Herald (appointed Vicegerent of the Kingdome by the Queen) and the Lord Heris were coming thither, he circumvented them, and before any of the rest came cast them into prison; and forthwith in an open War, oppresseth all her Favourers. It may be thought, the Earl Murray could have been content, the Queen should have been set at liberty; but that he knew,

her liberty could not be without his servitude; and Queen Elisabeth perhaps would willingly have had her resto••e•• to her Kingdom, but that she doubted, her restoring would indanger her own security: And thus, while they regarded their own ends in the first place, and hers but in the second, she had the fortune to be pitied, but not the happi∣nesse to be relieved; and all she could do her self, was but to tye the knot of her bonds the faster; if she could have sate still, they would perhaps have loosened of themselves; but now, the more she stirred, the more she was intangled.

And now the Destiny of the Duke of Norfolk began to work: It was in every ones mouth, that the Duke should marry the Queen of Scots; and it is true, there had been motions made; but the matter not so forward, as the Voice of the People, which commonly pre∣sageth what will follow. It had been motioned to the Duke at York, by the Bishop of Ros••e; and afterward (in pretence at least.) by Mur∣ray himself at Hampton-Court; but the Duke, before he would re∣solve in the matter, deliberated with the Earls of Aru••dell, Nor∣thumberland, Westmerland, Sussex, Pembroke, Southampton, and Leicester himself, who all judged it fit, he should acquaint the Queen with it first, and then leave the matter to her liking. Within a few dayes, Sir Nicholas Throgmorton meeting the Duke in the Pallace at Westminster, advised him, to move the Earl of Leicester himself to embrace the match, seeing he had formerly sued for it; but if he re∣fused it, then at least to take him along with him, for that himself a∣lone would hereby be able to procure the Queens consent. A day or two after, the Earl of Leicester propounded the matter to the Duke, and then communicateth it to the Earls of Arundell and Pembroke; who thereupon, together with Throgmorton, wrote Letters to the Queen of Scots, commending the Duke of Norfolk to her for a Husband; the Duke himself likewise writeth to her, tendering his singular Love and respect unto her. Upon this, Articles are drawn, written with Leicesters own hand, and sent to the Queen of Scots; to which if she consented, they then promised to procure, that Queen Elisabeth should give her assent, and that forthwith she should be reinvested in her Kingdom, and the Succession of England should be confirmed upon her. Wee may easily believe, the Queen of Scots was not hardly drawn to give consent to her own desire; but in the mean time, the Duke had imparted to the Lord Lumley the whole proceeding, and had much ado to get the Earl of Leicesters consent, that he might advise of it with some other of his Friends; yet a little after, he opened the matter to Cecill also. The rumour of this Marriage was soon come to the Queens ears; which the Duke understanding, hee dealt earnestly with the Earl of Leicester, to have the matter propounded to the Queen out of hand. Leicester makes delayes, and pretends causes to put it off•• which Cecill seeing, he adviseth the Duke, to go and acquaint the Queen with it himself. This councell Leicester opposed, promising to open it to the Queen as she went in Progresse. At length, at Farn∣ham, the Duke standing by as the Queen sate at Table, she gave him a tart Admonition, That he were best take heed, upon what pillow he rested his head. After this, at Tichfield, Leicester fell sick, or at least counterfeited; to whom the Queen coming, and bidding him be of good cheer; hee with sighs and tears craved pardon for his fault, and unfolded to her the whole story from the very beginning. Where∣upon, the Queen called the Duke into the Gallery, reproving him sharply, for going about the Marriage, without acquainting her; and commanding him, upon his Allegiance, to desist. The Duke made

her a free and hearty promise of obedience, and spared not to say (as if he lit∣tle regarded the Qu. of Scots) that his Revenues in England were not much lesse then hers in Scotland; and that when he was at his house in Norwich, he thought himself in a sort not inferior to some kings: but notwithstanding, finding the Queens anger by her countenance, and perceiving Leicester to be in a manner quite alienated, & most of the Nobility also, as scarcely saluting him when they met him, he grew extremely dejected, and prepared presently to leave the Court, meaning to stay at Norfolk, till by his friends intercessi∣on, and his own submissive Letters, the Queens heart might be mollified to∣wards him: Mean while, the Court was suspitously fearfull, lest he should raise Rebellion, and (they say) it was concluded, that if he did so, the Qu. of Scots should presently be made away. And now the Duke, who held secret commerce by Letters with the Bishop of Ross, Throgmorton and Leicester (for they were sent to and fro in bottles) being examined touching the marriage of the Qu. of Scots, and certain secret conferences with the Bishop of Rosse, confessed most of the Objections, and was thereupon committed to the Tower, under the custody of Sir Henry Nevill; within two dayes after the Bishop of Rosse likewise is examined, and together with the Florentine Robert Ridolph, is delivered to the custody of Sir Francis Walsingham, the Earl of Pembroke is confined to his house, and examined privately; but his confession was not committed to writing; It being his request because he could not write himself. At this time, the rumor of Insurrection in the North, begun in Autumne before, grew very strong, by reason of some frequent meetings of the Earls of Northumberland, Westmerland, and others, who thereupon being upon their Allegiance sent for to repaire pre∣sently to the Queen, they make delayes (for they stayed waiting for supplies, both from the Scots, and from the Duke D'Alva) when the Earl of Nor∣thumberland, doubtfull what to do, was frighted of purpose by his ser∣vants, telling him, that men in Arms were neer at hand to apprehend him; Who thereupon in a tempestuous night, riseth out of his bed, and in great fear gets into his Park at Topcliffe, and the night following to Branspith to the Earl of Westmerlands house, where a great many were met that were acquainted with the Enterprise: Here they brake forth into an open Rebellion, being pressed forward, by one Nicholas Morton a Romish Priest, sent by the Pope to pronounce Queen Elizabeth an Heretick; and therefore to have utterly lost all Right of Soveraignty: By and by they send forth a writting, wherein they declare that they had taken Arms for no other end, b••t that the Religion of their fore-fathers might be restored, wicked Coun∣sellors removed from the Queen, the Duke of Norfolk, and others of the loyall Nobility relieved, who were now in disgrace; but towards the Queen, professing themselves most dutifull Subjects; withall they send Letters to the Papists all the Kingdom over, requiring them to come to their assistance•• but they were so far from joyning with them, that many sent both the Let∣ters and the bearers of them to the Queen, and afforded their aides and pur∣poses against them; no lesse then the best Protestants, even the Duke of Nor∣folk himself was not backward in it. These Rebells go first to Durham, where th••y tear in pieces all the Bibles and Books of Common Prayer they could finde in Churches of the English tongue: when they had been twelve dayes in Rebellion, they numbered their Army, and could not reckon above 600 horse, and 4000 foot; wherupon being certainly informed, that the E: of Sussex with 7000, and the E: of Warwick with 12, were setting out against them, they betook themselves to Rabie, the chief house of the E: of West∣merl••••d; going from thence they besieged Bernards castle, which for lack o•• provision, was yeelded to them. At which time, being proclaimed Traitors and he••ring afresh of the great forces that were coming against them, th•• two Earls with a small company, get presently into Scotland hard by,

where the Earl of Northumberland hid himself at Harclow; in a poor Cottage, amongst the Grayhams (famous Robbers) who afterwards betrayed him to the Earl Murray: Westmerland made a shift to get into the Low-Countryes, where he had a slender Pension from the King of Spain, and there lived even to old age. Of the rest, for terrour and examples sake, there were hanged at Durham, threescore and six of the chief; amongst whom, Plomtree, a noted Priest. At York were executed, Simon Digby, Iohn Fulthrop, Thomas Bishop, Robert Penyman; and at London a few months after, Christopher and Thomas; and some other in other places. After this, the heads of the Rebels being convict of High Treason, were proscribed; namely, Charles, Earl of Westmerland; Thomas, Earl of Northumberland; Anne, Countesse of Nor∣thumberland; Edward Dacres of Morton; Iohn Nevill of Leversege; Iohn Swinborn, Thomas Markenfield, Egremond Ratcliffe, brother to the Earl of Sus∣sex; Christopher Nevill, Richard Norton, Christopher Marmaduke, Robert and Michael Tempest, George Stafford, and forty others of good account. Out of the ashes of this Rebellion, a new fire was kindled at Naworth in Cumber∣land, by Leonard Dacres, second son to the Lord Dacres of Gyllisland; He was a Party with the Earls in their Rebellion; but they breaking forth sooner then he expected, and he at that time being at the Court, and there admitted to kisse the Queens hand, tendered his service to go against them; and to that purpose, was sent home: but in his Journey (branding himself with a double disloyalty) he consulted with the Rebels, and encouraged them to go on; and by vertue of Letters of Credence from the Queen, he surprised the Ca∣stle of Greystock, and other houses of the Dacres, and gathered together an Army of three thousand men: But being encountred by the Baron of Huns∣don, after a great fight, wherein, though he were crook-backt, he behaved himself valiantly, he was put to flight, and fled into Scotland, from whence soon after, he passed over into the Low-Countryes, and in great misery and poverty died at Louvayn.

But though the Queen were thus entangled with Rebellions at home, yet she was not carelesse of the afflicted Protestants in France; for she stirred up the Protestant Princes to defend the common Cause; supplyed them with money, taking in pawn the Queen of Navar's Jewells; and gave leave to Henry Champernoon to lead into France a Troop of a hundred Horse, Gentle∣men all, and Voluntaries; amongst whom were Philip Butshed, Francis Bark∣ley, and Walter Raleigh, a very young man, who now began to look into the world. But as the Queen of England assisted the French, so in revenge there∣of, the King of France meant to assist the Scots, but that he was taken away by death; being slain by a shot, at the Siege of S. Iohn D'Angelo.

There was at this time a Rebellion in Ireland also, raised by Edmund and Peter, brothers to Boteler Earl of Ormond; but after many out-rages by them committed: the Earl of Ormond first by perswasions, obtained of them to submit themselves; and when notwithstanding they were committed to pri∣son, he then obtained of the Queen they should not be called to the Barre, being exceedingly grieved that any of his Blood should be attaynted of Re∣bellion. The rest of the Rebells were pursued by Sir Humphrey Gilbert, and soon dispersed.

And now the Earl of Murray, Regent of Scotland, when he had wrought all things to his hearts desire, and thought himself secure, at Lithquo, riding along the streets, was shot into the belly with a Bullet, beneath the Navill, and there fell down dead. The actor was a Hamilton, who did it upon a private revenge, for that Murray had forced him to part with a piece of Land which he had by his wife; who thereupon falling Lunatick, he in a great rage committed this slaughter.

After Murrayes death, the Countrey being without a Regent, was cause of many disorders. Tho. Carre, and Walter Scot, two principall men amongst

the Scottish Borders, and devoted to the Queen of Scots, made In••odes into England; wasting all places with fire and sword, till by Forces sent out of England; under the command of the Earle of Sussex, and the Lord H••nsdon, they were defeated. In whose pu••suit, three hundred villages were ••ired, and above fifty Holds were over-turned. For which service the Earl made many Knights, as Sir William Drury, Sir Thomas Manners, Sir George Carie, Sir Robert Constable and others, and then returned. And now to prevent further disorders, the Lords of Scotland being ready to assemble about the election of a new Regent, they asked counsell of Queen Elizabeth in the matter; but she making answer she would not meddle in it, because she would not be thought to work any thing prejudiciall to the Queen of Scots, whose cause was not yet tried•• they created Matthew Earl of Lenox Regent; which Queen Elizabeth did the better like, as conceiving he could not chuse out of naturall affection, but have a speciall care of the young King being his Grand-childe.

But while Queen Elizabeth favoured the Kings Party in Scotland, the Earl of Hun••ley, the Duke of Castle-H••rald, and the Earle of Argyl••, (the Queen of Scots Li••u••enants) imploy the Lord Seton to the Duke D'Alva, Re∣quiting him for many great reasons, to vindicate the Queen of Scots liberty alleadging how acceptable a work it would be to all Christian Princes and to the whole Catholike Church: whereunto the Duke made answer; They should finde him ready to the uttermost of his power to satisfie their Re∣quest. At which time also the French King dealt earnestly with Queen Elizabeth to the same purpose; and the Spanish Embassadour in his masters name urged it no lesse extremely; but Queen Elizabeth assaulted with all these Importunities, made answer, That as she would omit nothing that might serve for the Reconciling of the Queen of Scots and her subjects, so sh•• must have leave to provide for her own and her subjects safety; a thing which Nature, Reason, and her own Honor requires at her hands. And now when these Princes prevailed not with Queen Elizabeth to set the Queen of Scots at liberty, ou•• comes Pope Pius Quintus with his Bull Declaratory, which he caused to be fastened in the night time upon the gate of the Bi∣shop of Londons Palace, wherein all her subjects are absolved from their Oa••h of Allegiance, or any other dutie; and all that obey her, accursed with Anathem••. He that fastned up the Bull was one Iohn F••lton; who never fled for the matter, but as affecting Martyrdome, suffered himself to be ap∣prehended, confessed and justified the Fact, and thereupon arraigned, was condemned and hanged neer the place where he had fastened the writing.

The same day that Felton was Arraigned, the Duke of Norfolk seeming now extremely pontitent for his fault, and utterly to abhorre the marriage, was delivered out of the Tower, and suffered to goe to his owne house, but yet to be in the custodie of Sir Henry Neuill still. Indeed Cecill being a good friend of the Dukes, had told the Queen, That the Law of 25 of Edward the third could not take hold upon him: And now being in a kinde of liberty, Cecill deales earnestly with him to marry speedily some other; thereby to take away all suspition in that behalf: yet some again thought that this li∣berty of the Dukes was granted him of purpose to bring him into greate•• danger.

At this time died William Herbert Earl of P••mb••ook the grand-child of an Earl of P••mbrook, yet the son but of an Esquire, and grand-father to Phillip Earl of Pembrook and Mountgomery now living, who lieth buried in Pauls, un∣der a faire Monument of Marble, with an Inscription ••estifying his great de∣servings while he lived.

Many conspiracies were at this time to set the Queen of Scots at liberty; amongst others, there conspired Thomas and Edward Stanley younger sonnes

of the Earl of Derby, with others; but the matter discovered, they were soon suppressed, and some of them executed. And now the Lords of the Queen of Scots Party continuing to protect the English Rebells, the Earl of Sussex once again, accompanied with the Lord Scroop, entereth Scotland, burneth the Villages all along the Valley of Anandale, and compasseth the Duke of Castle-Herald, and the Earls of Huntley and Argyle, under a Writing signed with their own Hands and Seals, to forsake the English Rebells. Whereupon the Earl of Sussex returned home, he made these Knights; Edward Hastings, Francis Russell, Valentine Browne, William Hilton, Ro∣bert Stapleton, Henry Carwen, and Simon Musgrave.

Queen Elizabeths minde being now in great suspension, by reason of that Bull from Rome, and the late conspiracy in Norfolk, sent Sir William Cecill, and Sir Walter Mildmay to the Q••een of Scots, who was then at Chattesworth in Derby-shire, to consult with her by what means the breach in Scotland might best be made up, She re-invested in her former Dignity, and her son and Queen Elizabeth might be secured•• The Queen of Scots did little deplore her own afflicted condition, putting her self wholly upon the Queens clemency; when the Commissioners made unto her certain Propositions of Agreement: First, That the Treaty of Edinborough should be confirmed: then, That she should re∣nounce her Right and Title to England, during Queen Elizabeths life, or any children of her body lawfully begotten: then, That she should send her sonne for a Hostage into England, with other six Hostages; such as the Queen should nominate: then, That the Castles of Humes and Fast-castle should be held by the English for three yeers; with some other. To which Propositions the Queen of Scots for the present gave a provident answer; but referred the fuller Answer to the Bi∣ship of Rosse her Ambassadour in ENGLAND, and some other Dele∣gates; who afterwards allowing some of the Propositions, and not al∣lowing others; the Treaty came to nothing, but the matter rested in the state it was before.

A•• this time Philip King of Spain had contracted Marriage with Anne of Austria, Daughter to the Emperour Maximilian, his own Neece by his Sister; who was now setting Sayl from Zealand towards Spain; when Queen Elizabeth, to testifie her love and respect to the House of Au∣stria, sent Sir Charls Howard with the Navy Royall, to conduct her thorow the Bri••ish Sea.

And now was the twelfth yeer of Queen Elizabeths Raign finished; which certain Wizards had made Papists believe should be her last: but contrary, as if it were but her first, a new Custome began, of celebrating the seventeenth day of November (the Anniversary day of her Raign) with ringing of Bells, Tiltings, and Bon-fires: which Custome, as it now began, so it was never given over as long as she lived, and is not yet forborn so long after her death.

At this time in Ireland, Connagher ô Brien Earl of Towmond, no•• brook∣ing the severe Government of Edward Fitton, President of Connaght, entred into Consultation with some few to raise a new Rebellion; which, being at the point ready to break forth, was strangely discovered: for the day before they meant to ••ake up Arms, Fitton knowing not at all of the matter, sent ••h•• Earl word in friendly manner, That the next day he and a few friends with him, would be his Guests. The Earl con∣vinced by his own conscience, imagined that his Intendments were revealed; that Fitton would come as an enemy, rather then a Guest. Out of which feare•• he presently set Sayle into FRANCE; where repenting himselfe seriously of his fault, he confessed the whole busi∣nesse

to Norris, the Queenes Embassadour in France; and by his intercession, was afterward pardoned and restored.

In Ianuary, the thirteenth yeer of her Raigne, Queen Elizabeth in royall pompe, entring the City of London, went to see the Burse which Sir Thomas Gresham had lately built, for the use of the Marchants; and with sound of trumpets, and the voice of a Herald, solemnly named it the Royall Exchange. A few dayes after, for his many great services, she made Sir William Cecill Baron Burgley.

There were now about the Scottish affaires, in the name of the King of of Scots, the Earle Morton; Peruare Abbot of Dumformelin; and Iames Mac-Gray; whom when Queen Elizabeth required to shew more clearely, for what causes they had deposed the Queen; they exhibited a long and tedious Commentary; wherein with a certain insolent liberty, they en∣deavoured to prove, by the ancient Right of the Kingdom of Scotland, that the people of Scotland were above the King: and urged Calvins Authority also, That Popular Magistrates are constituted for the moderation of the Licentiousnes of Princes: and that it is lawfull for them, both to imprison Kings; and upon just causes, to depose them. This writing the Queen could not reade without indignation; but to the Delegates she gave this Answer; She saw no just cause yet, why they should handle the Queen in such manner; and therefore willed them to think upon some course out of hand, how to allay the dissentions in Scotland. Hereupon in Sir Nich. Bacons house, Keeper of the Great Seal, a Proposition was made to the Bishop of Rosse, the Bishop of Galloway; and Baron Levingston, delegates for the Queen of Scots, that for the security of the Kingdom, and the Qu. of England; it were requisite, that before the Queen of Scots should be let at libertie: The Duke of Castle-Herald the Earle of Huntley and Argyle, the Lord Humes, Heris, and another of the Barons should be delivered for Hostages, and the castle of Dumbriton and H••••e•• yeelded up into the hands of the English, for three yeers. But they made Answer, that to yeeld up great personages, and such fortifications as were demanded; were nothing else; but to leave the miserable Queen utterly destitute of faithfull friends, and naked of all places, fit for guard and defence: yet they offered, to give two Earls and two Barons for Hostages, till two yeers were expired: which not being accepted, they straightway gathered, and spoke it openly; That now they plainly per∣ceived the English meant to keepe the Queen of Scots perpetually prisoner, and likewise to break off the Trea••y; seeing they rigorously demanded such securitie as Scotland was not able to make good. And now Queen Elizabeth seeing that nothing could be done, for her owne, the King and Queen of Scots safety, unlesse Both Factions in Scotland consented; she held it fit that the Lords of Scotland should themselves appoint some chosen persons to compound the matter.

While matters in England, proceeded in this sort; the Queenes partie in Scotland was hardly used: Dumb••tion Fryth•• the strongest castle in Scotland was taken: and I. Hamilton Archbishop of Saint Andrewes; the Duke of Castle-Heralds brother, as an accessary to the murder of D••••lye, was hanged without being arraigned according to Law. In England, the Queen of Scots had all her servants taken from her, except Tenne only, and a Priest to say masse: with which indignities the Queen of Scots provoked, causeth a large Commentary of her Counsels, with certain love-letters to the Duke of Norfolk, to be carried to the Pope, and the King of Spain, by Ridolphu••; which being brought first to the Duke, Higford (one that waited on the Duke in his bed chamber) had copyed out: but being commanded to burne them, he hid them under a Matt in the Duke Bed-chamber; and that (it should seeme) purposely. Ridolphus to daw on the Duke to be Head of the discon∣tented Partie in England, aggravated to him the wrongs he had suffered••

how against all law he had been kept a long time in prison: and now, to his great disgrace, was not Summoned to the Parliament: he exhibited to him a Catalogue of such of the Nobilitie, who had vowed to Assist him: he shewed how the Pope, (so the Catholick Religion might be promoted) would himself undergo all the charge of the Warre, and had already layd down an hundred thousand Crownes; whereof himself had distributed twelve thousand amongst the English that were fled: he promised, that the King of Spain would send four thousand horse, and six thousand foot to his Assistance; to these reasons the Bishop of Rosse added, That it was an easie matter for him to surprize the Queen; whom, when he had in his hands, he might then set the Queen of Scots at liberty, and might easily obtain of Queen Elizabeth, a toleration of Religion. The former Reasons tooke somewhat with the Duke, but this point of surprizing the Queen, he abhor∣red, as an impious fact, and therefore rejected as pernitious and Dangerous.

In France a little before this, was the mariage solemnized between Charles the ninth King of France, and Elizabeth of Austria daughter to the Emperor Maximilian; in gratulation whereof, Queen Elizabeth sent into France, Thomas Lord Buckhurst, who with great magnificence was received, and perhaps the more, in regard of a motion now intended to be made: for the Lord Buck∣hurst, having in his retinue, one Guydo Cavalcantius a noble man of Florence, the Queen Mother of France, as being a Florentine her self, had often conference with him, when she would many times say, what a happines it would be to both the Kingdoms, if a Match were made between the Queen of England and her sonne Henry Duke of Angiou; and at last desired him to commend the motion to the Queen of England, both from her, and from her son the King of France, as a thing they both exceedingly desired. The Lord Buckhurst returned, having for a present from the King of France a chayn weighing a thousand French crowns; and Cavalcantius at his return made the motion to the Queen, who seemed not unwilling to hearken to it; for by this Match, there should be added to the Kingdome of England, the wealthy Dukedoms of Angiou, Bourbon, Auverne, and in possibility, the Kingdome of France it self. Hereupon a Treaty was held, in which the French propounded three Articles, one concerning the Coronation of the Duke; another, concerning the Joynt Administration of the Kingdom; a third, concerning a Toleration of his Religion: to which it was answered, that the two first Articles might in some sort be composed; but the third, scarce possibly: for though a contrary Religion might be tolerated, between Subjects of the same King∣dome; yet between a wife and her husband, it seemed very Incongruous and inconvenient; yet the matter at last came to this conclusion, That if the Duke would afford his presence with the Queen at divine Service, and not refuse to hear and learn the doctrine of the Church of England; he should not be compelled to use the English Rites, but at his pleasure use the Romane; not being expresly against the word of God. But upon these Punctili••s they could not accord: and so the Treaty, after it had continued almost a yeer, brake utterly off. It was indeed generally thought, that the Ma••ch was never really intended of either side, but that they both pretended it, for onely their owne ends: for the Earle of Leicester (who knew more of the Queenes minde then any man) wrote at this time to Sir Francis Walsingham, the Queens Embassador in France, That he found the Queens inclination so cold in the matter, that though the Point of Religion were ••ully accorded; yet she would finde one point or other to breake it off.

At this time the continuance of the Duke of Norfolkes affection towards the Queen of Scots, came to be discovered by a packet of Letters, sent by Ridolphus to the Bishop of Ros••e, and by Bayliffs confession (who brought the letters) being set upon the Rack; so as the Bishop of Rosse was confined to the Isle of Ely: Thomas Stanlie, Sir Thomas Gerard, and R••l••ton were cast into the

Tower: and H••nry Howard, who had an aspiring minde to be Arch-bishop, was committed to the Arch-bishop of Canterbury's keeping. At the same time the Queen of Scots sent money to her confederates in Scotland; which being by Higford delivered to one Browne to carry, and told it was Silver, when he found by the weight that it was Gold, he began to suspect some∣thing; and thereupon went and delivered both the money and Letters to the Lords of the Councell. Upon this, Higford being examined, confessed the whole matter; and withall gave notice of that Commentary also of the Queen of Scots which is mentioned before. Two dayes after, the Duke himself being examined, and knowing nothing what his servau••s had con∣fessed, de••yed every particular; and thereupon, was brought again to the Tower, by Ralph Sadler, Thomas Smith, Henry Nevill, and Doctor Wilson: And after him Bannester, who was the Dukes Counsell at Law: The Earls of Arun••el and Southampton; the Lord Lumley, the Lord Cobham; Henry Percy, Lowder, Powell, Goodyer, and others, are committed to prison; who upon hope of pardon, confessed all they knew concerning the matter. When these things, and especially the Commentary, which the Duke thought had been burnt, were shewed him, he then cryed out, I am betray∣ed by my own servants; not having learned to be distrustfull, which is the very sinew of Wisedom. And then with all submission, he besought the Lords to mediate for him to the Queen; towards whom, he protested he never had the least thought of doing any hurt.

And now seeing it appeared that the Bishop of Rosse had been the whole-contriver of the businesse, it was deliberated what to do with him, be∣cause he was an Ambassadour. Hereupon divers Civilians are called; as David Lewis, Valentine Dale, William Drury, William Aub••y, and Henry Iones; of whom these questions were asked:

• ...

  First, Whether an Ambassadour who raiseth Rebellion against that Prince ••o whom he is an Ambassadour, may enjoy the Priviledges of an Ambassa∣dour, and is not lya••le to pun••shment?

  They answered, That such an Ambassadour hath forfeited the Privi∣ledges of an Ambassadour, and is liable to punishment.

• ...

  Secondly, Whether the Minister or Procter of a Prince, who is deposed by publike Authority, and in whose room another is Ina••gurated, may enjoy the Priviledges of an Ambassadour?

  They answered, That if such Prince be lawfully deposed, his Proct••r cannot challenge the Priviledges of an Ambassadour, forasmuch as none but absolute Princes, and such as have-Right of Majesty, can ap∣point Ambassadours.

• ...

  Thirdly, Whether a Prince who is come into another Princ••s Countrey, and held in Custody, may have his Proctor; and if he shall be held an Am∣bassadour.

  They answered, If such a Prince have not lost his Soveraignty, he may have his Proctor; but whether that Proctor shall be reputed as an Ambas∣sadour or no, this dependeth upon the Authority of his Delegation.

• ...

  Fourthly, Whether if a Prince give warning to such a Proctor, and to hi•••• Prince who is under custody, that this Proctor shall not from hencef••rth be accounted for an Ambassadour; Whether that Proctor may by Law challenge the Priviledge of an Ambassadour?

  They answered, A Prince may forbid an Ambassadour to enter into hi•• Kingdome, and may command him to depart the Kingdome, if he ••ontain n••t himself within his due limits; yet in the mean while he is to enjoy the Priviledges of an Ambassadour.

Upon these Answers, the Bishop of Rosse is warned by the Lords of the Councell, that he shall no longer be esteemed an Ambassadour, but be punished as his fault shall deserve. The Bishop alle••dged for himself, That he had not violated the Right of ••n Ambassadour Via Iuris, but V•••• Fact••, (to use his own words) and therefore adviseth them, not to use hard∣er measure to him, then was used to the English Ambassadours, 〈…〉〈…〉 in France, R••ndoll and T••mwo••th in Scotland; who had raised Rebellions there, and were open Abettors of the same; and yet had no greater pu∣nishment, then to be gone at a time limitted. When they began to urge him what the English had testified against him, he lovingly requested them to give no credit to it•• forasmuch as by a received Custome, which hath the force of a Law, The Testimony of an English man against a Scot, or of a Scot against an English man, is not to be admitted: but after some other altercations, the Bishop is led away to the Tower, and kept close prisoner.

At this very season, Matthew Earl of Lenox, Regent of Sco••••and, the Kings Grand-father was by the adverse party set upon at unawares; who having yeelded himself to David Spense of Wormester, (that was then very carefull to defend him) together with him, was slain by Bell and C••ulder; when with great industry he had governed the Kingdom for his Grand-childe about fourteen months. In whose room, Iohn Areskin, Earl of Mar••e, by common consent of the Kings Faction, was chosen Regent of Scotland; who being a man of a quiet disposition, through extreme grief of the m••ny troubles he sustained in the place, departed this life when he had governed thirteen months.

And now a Parliament was held at Westminster; wherein, besides a Law for preventing of the treacherous endeavours of seditious subjects, ano∣ther Law was made, That if any one, during the Queens life, by Books written or printed, shall expressely affirm, That any i••, or ought to be the Heir or Successor of the Queen (besides the naturall Off-sp••ing of her Body) or shall to that purpose publish, print, or dispers•• any Book or Schedules; he, and his favour••rs, shall for the first offence suffer a yeers imprisonment, and the losse of one half of his goods: and if they offend again, they shall be in a Pr••munir••. A Law also was made, by which to be reconciled to the Sea of Rome, was made Treason: and it was pro∣nounced against the Queen of Scots, That if she offended again against the Laws of England, it might be lawfull to question her, as the wife of a Peer of the Kingdom of England. But here the Queen interposed her Authority, and would not suffer it to be enacted. About this time, in May, a solemn Tilting was performed at Westminster; where th•• Challengers were Edward Earl of Oxford, Charles Howard, Sir Henry Lee, and Chri••••••∣pher Hatt••n Esquire; who all did valiantly, but the Earl of Oxford best.

Assoon as the Parliament was dissolved, a Consultation was held, Whe••her Iohn Story, Doctor of the Laws, the Duke D'Alva's Searcher (who somtime before, was by a wile brought into England) being an Englishman born; and having in Bra••ant consulted with a for••aign Prince, about the invading of England, were to be held guilty of high Treason? It was resolved a••∣firmatively: whereupon he is called to the Bar, and indicted of Treason•• That he had consulted with one Pres••all a Conjurer, to make away the Queen; That he cursed her dayly, when he said Grace at Table; That he shewed a way to the Secretary of Duke D'Alva how to invade England, &c. where he affirming, That the Judges had no power to meddle with him, for that he b••longed not to the Queen of England, but was the King of Spain's sworn subject•• is neverthelesse condemned by the Fo••m of Nihil dicit (forasmuch as no man can renounce the Country wherin he was born, nor abjure his Prince at his own pleasure) and finally executed after the manner of Tray••ors.

Ireland at this time was indifferent quie••; for Sir Iohn Perot, President of Munster had brought Iames Fitz Morris to submit himself, and crave par∣don. Sidney the Lord Deputy returned into England, and Sir William Fitz Williams, who had marryed his sister, succeeded in his room.

It was now the fifteenth yeer of Queen Elizabeths Raign; when Thomas Howard, Duke of Norfolk, on the sixteenth day of Ianuary, was brought to his Tryall at Westminster-Hall; where sate as Commissioners, George Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury (made High Steward of England for that day) Reynold Grey, Earl of Kent; Thomas Ratcliff, Earl of Sussex; Henry Hastings, Earl of Huntington; Francis Russell, Earl of Bedford; Henry Herbert, Earl of Pembr••••k; Edward Seymor, Earl of Hertford; Ambrose Dudley, Earl of Warwick; Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester; Walter Devereux, Viscount of Hereford; Edward, Lord Clinton, Admirall; William, Lord Howard of Effingham, Chamberlain; William Cecill, Lord Burley, Secretary; Arthur, Lord Grey of Wilton; Iames Blunt, Lord Mountjoy; William, Lord Sands; Thomas, Lord Wentworth; Willi∣am, Lord Borough; Lewis, Lord Mordant; Iohn Pawlet, Lord St. Iohn of B••sing; Robert, Lord Rich; Roger Lord North; Edmund Bruges, Lord Ch••n∣dois; Oliver, Lord St. Iohn of Bl••tsho; Thomas Sackvile, Lord Buckhurst; and William West, Lord de la Ware. After silence bidden, Sir Owen Hopton, Liev∣tenant o•• the Tower, is commanded to bring the Duke to the Bar; and then the Clerk of the Crown said, Thomas, Duke of Norfolk, late of Keningale, in the County of Norfolk, Hold up thy hand; which done, the Clerk with a loud voyce readeth the crimes laid to his charge: That in the eleventh yeer of the Queens Raign, he had trayterously consulted to make her away, and to bring in forraign Forces for invading the Kingdom: Also, That he dealt with the Queen of Scots concerning Marriage, contrary to his promise made to the Queen under his hand writing: Also, That he relieved with money the Earls of Northumberland and Westmerland, that had stirred up Rebel∣lion against the Queen: Also, That in the thirteenth yeer of the Queens Raign, he implored Auxiliary Forces of Pope Pius the fifth, the Queens professed enemy, of the King of Spain, and the Duke D'Alva, for the free∣ing of the Queen of Scots; and restoring of the Popish Religion: And last∣ly, That he sent supply to the Lord Heris, and other the Queens enemies in Scotland. These Indictments being read, the Clerk demanded of the Duke, if he were guilty of these crimes, or not? Here the Duke requested he might be allowed to have Counsell. But Catiline, chief Justice, made answer, That it was not lawfull. Yet (saith the Duke) I have heard that Humphrey Stafford, in the Raign of K. Henry the seventh, in a Cause of Treason, had one assigned to plead for him. To which Dyer chief Justice of the Common-Pleas, made answer, That Stafford had Counsell assigned him concerning the Right of Sanctuary, from whence he was taken by force•• but in the Inditement of Treason he pleaded his own cause. After this, the Duke yeelding to be try∣ed by the Peers; first Barham, Serjeant at Law; then Gerard the Queens At∣turney; and lastly, Bromley, the Queens Solicitor, enforced the crimes ob∣jected against him: to all which the Duke made colourable answers; but most of them being proved by sufficient testimony, he asked upon occasion, Whether the subjects of another Prince, who is confederate, and in league with the Queen, are to be accounted the Queens enemies•• to which Catiline answered, They were; and that the Q. of England might wage War with any Duke of France, & yet hold firm Peace with the French King. When it grew towards night, the L. high Steward demanded of the Duke if he had any more to say for himself? who answered, I rely upon the equity of the Laws. After this, the Lords withdrawing a while, and then returning, the Lord Steward beginning at the lowermost, asked them, My Lord de la Ware, Is Thomas Duke of Norfolk guilty of these crimes of High Treason, for which he is called in question? He rising up, and laying his hand upon his

breast, answered guilty, in like manner they answered all. After this, the Lord Steward with teares in his eyes, pronounced sentence in forme as is used. A few dayes after were Barnes and Mather executed, who conspired with one Herle, to make away certaine of the Coun∣cellors, and to free the Duke; but Herle revealed the businesse pre∣sently, to whom Barnes (when hee saw his Accuser brought forth) smilingly said, Herle thou wert but one houre before mee; else I had beene in thy place for the accuser, and thou in my roome to be han∣ged: at the same time with them was hanged also Henry Rolfe, for counterfeiting the Queens hand. But though the Duke were now con∣demned, yet the Queen was so tender of his case, that it was foure Moneths after before he was executed, at last on the second of June at eight of the clock in the morning, he was brought to the Scaffold upon the Tower-Hill, and there beheaded.

At this time and upon this occasion, a Parliament was Assembled, wherein amongst other Lawes, it were Enacted, that if any man shall go about to free any person imprisoned by the Queens expresse Com∣mandement•• for Treason or suspition of Treason, and not yet Arraign∣ed, he shall lose all his goods for his life time, and be imprisoned during the Queens pleasure, if the said person have beene Arraigned, the Rescuer shall forfeit his life; if condemned, he shall be guilty of Rebellion.

In the time of this Parliament, the Queen created Walter Devereux Earl of Essex, being before but Viscount Hereford; because he was de∣scended by his Great-grand-mothers from the Bourchiers, and made the Lord Clinton (who had large Revenues in Lincolnshire) Earl of Lincoln; Also she called forth Iohn Paulet of Basing, the Marquesse of Winche∣ster's son, Henry Compton, Henry Cheyney, and Henry Morris for Barons by Summons.

Within ten dayes after the Dukes death, William Lord De-la-ware, Sir Ralph Sadler, Thomas Wilson Doctor of the Laws, and Thomas Brumley the Queens Solicitour, were sent to the Queen of Scots, to expostulate with her; That shee had usurped the Title and Arms of the Kingdom of England, and had not renounced the same, according to the agree∣ment of the Treaty at Edinburgh, That shee had endeavoured the marriage of the Duke of Norfolke, without acquainting the Queene, and had used all forcible meanes to free him out of prison; had raised the Rebellion in the North, had relieved the Rebels both in Scotland and in the Low-Countries; had implored Aids from the Pope, the King of Spaine and others; had conspired with certaine of the English, to free her out of Prison, and Declare her Queen of England; Lastly, that she had procured the Popes Bull against the Queen, and suffered herself to be publikely named the Queen of England in Forreigne Countries: All which accusations she either absolutely denyed, or else fairly extenuated, and though (as she said) she were a free Queen, and not subject to any creature; yet she was content, and requested, that she might make her personall answer at the next Parliament.

About this time, the King of Spain by his Embassadour here, com∣plained to the Queen, that the Rebels of the Netherlands were har∣boured and entertained in England, contrary to the Articles of the League; whereupon the Queen set forth a severe Proclamation, That all the Dutch, who could any wayes be suspected of Rebellion, should presently depart the Realm; which yet turned little to D'Alva's, or the King of Spains benefit: For hereupon, Count Vander-Mark, and other Dutch going out of England surprized the Brill first, then Flushing, and afterwards drew other Towns to Revolt, and in a short time excluded

the Duke D'Alva in a manner from the Sea. And this errour, to suf∣fer the Protestant party to get possession of the Sea-towns, hath been the cause they have been able to hold out, even all this long time, against the King of Spain. And now many military men having little to do at home, got them into the Netherlands, some to Duke D'Alva; but the far greater number to the Prince of Orenge: The first of whom, was Tho∣mas Morgan, who carryed three hundred English to Flushing; then follow∣ed by his procurement nine Companies more under the conduct of Humphry Gilbert; and afterward it became the Nursery of all our English Souldiers.

At this time, Charls the French King setting his mind wholly (at least see∣ming so) upon the Low-Country War, concluded a peace and entred in∣to a league with Queen Elizabeth; which was to remain firm, not only du∣ring their two lives, but between their successors also, if the s••ccessor sig∣nifie to the surviver within a yeer that he accepteth it, otherwise to be at li∣berty. It was likewise agreed, what aid by Sea or Land, they should each of them afford to other upon occasion; and for ratification of this League, Edward Clinton Earl of Lincoln and Admirall of England was sent into France, with whom went the Lord Dacres, Rich, Talbot, Sands, and others. The French King likewise sent the Duke of Memorancy, and Paul Foix i••∣to England with a great train; that the Queen in the presence of them, and the Embassador in Ordinary might sweare to the league, which she did at Westminster, the seaventeenth of May, in the yeer 1572. The day after she made Memorancye Knight of the Garter.

Memorancye whilst he tarryed in England, made intercession in his Kings name, that what favour could be without danger, might be shewed to the Queen of Scots; and then made much a do again about the marriage with the Duke of Angiou; but being hopelesse to make conclusion thereof, by reason of the diversity of Religion he returned into France; for now was great provision making ready for the mariage, between Henry King of Na∣varre; and the Lady Margeret the French Kings Sister; to which solemnity with notable dissimulation, the Queen of Navarre and the chief of all the Protestants were allured, being born in hand that there should be a renova∣tion of love, and a perpetuall peace established: The Earl of Leicester likewise and the Lord Burleigh were invited out of England, and out of Germany, the sons of the Prince Elector Palatine under colour of honour: but indeed, that they might be intrapped, and they, and together with them the Protestant Religion at one blow, if not clean cutt off, yet receive•• deadly wound: For the marriage being celebrated, there presently followed that cruell Massacre at Paris, and the terrible slaughter of the Protestants throughout all the Cities of France; but to set a shew of equity upon the fact, Edicts and Proclamations were presently set forth, that the Prote∣stants had plotted a wicked conspiracy against the King, the Queen Mo∣ther, the Brethren, the King of Navarre, and the Princes of the blood Royall; and to keep the thing in memory, Coyne was presently stamped, upon the one side whereof was the Kings picture with this Inscription, Vir∣tus in Rebelles, on the other side; Pietas excitavit justitiam; But the King of France, notwithstanding all the shew hee made of Piety, escaped not the Divine revenge, for before the yeer came about, hee fell sick of a bloody Flixe, and afterwards with long and grievous torments ended his life.

A little before this, Mota Fenell Embassador to the King of France, being in England, by vertue of an order from the Queen Mother of France, propoundeth to Queen Elizabeth at Kenelworth (two dayes before the Massacre in that Kingdome) the marriage of her youngest sonne Francis Duke of Alenson (for the Queen Mother had been told by some cunning men, that all her sons should be Kings, and she knew

no way for it but this) B••t Queen Elizabeth, by rea••on of the disparity of age, modestly excused her self, (For he was scarce ••eventeen yeers old, and she was now past eight and thirty) yet she promised to consider of it, and Alenson did not leave to prosecute the ••••it.

At t••is time, Thomas Percy Earl of North••mberland, who first Re∣belled, and afterwards fled into Scotland, was for a sum of money deli∣vered by the Earl of Morton, to the Lord Hunsdon Governour of Bar∣wick; and a while af••er was beheaded ••t York. And now as these two great Personages, the Duke of Norfolk•• and the Earl of Northumberland were taken away by a violent death; so three other great Personages were at this time t••ken away by a naturall death: First W••ll••am Paulet, who from a private man came by degree; to be Marquesse of Winche∣ster: lived to the age of within three yeers of a hundred, and could reckon a hundred and three of his children, and his childrens issue, af∣ter he had held the p••ace of Lord Treasurer of England above twenty yeers; in whose roome succeeded Sir W••lliam Cecill, Lord Burleigh, then dyed Edmund Earle of Darby, famous as well for his hospitality and good house-keeping, as for his skill in Surgery and Bone-setting; then dyed Sir William Peter, who being descended from an honest stock at Exceter in Devonshire, was Privy Counsellor and Secretary to King Henry the Eight, Ki••g Edward the Sixth, Queen Mary, Queen Eliza∣beth; who plant••d himself in Essex, where he purchased grea•• possessi∣ons; whose son Iohn was by King Iames made Baron of Writle in that Country.

And now Q••een Elizabeth having formerly borrowed money o•• her Subjects, she thankfully repayd it, which wonne her no lesse love, then if she had given it, and more love she gained also at this time by two Proclamations; by one of which, she commanded Noble men to observe the Law of keeping Ret••iners; by the other, she restrained Informers, who, under colour of spying out Crown Land concealed by private perso••s, sacralegio••sly seized upon the Lands of Parish-Churches, and Alms-Houses piously endowed by the Queens Ancestors. And more Love and Honour also she gained at this time by two acts of Justice; the one, that she satisfied the English Merchants out of the goods which were det••ined belonging to the Dutch, and restored the rest to the Duke D' Alva, and make a full transaction with the Merchants of Geneva for the mon••y intercepted; the other, that she freed England at this time of the debts which her Father and her Brother had run into in for∣raign part••, and were increased by yeerly interest, and caused the obligati∣ons of the City of London, which had so often been renued to be given in, to the great rejoycing of the Citizens.

The Spanish affairs growing now very turbulent in the Netherlands, Flu∣shing lost, the towns of Holland revolted, and the Spanish Navy vanquished by the Zelanders, Duke D'Alva against his will, began to shew more kind∣nesse towards the English, so as in the month of Ianuary, the trade which in Anno 1568. had been forbidden, was now allowed again between the Dutch and the English for two yeer••; but those two yeers expired, the English remo∣ved their trading to the confederates State••.

The last yeer in the month of November, a daughter was born to the French King, to whom he requested Queen Elizabeth to be God-mo∣ther, who the••eupon sent William Somerset Earl of Worcester into France with a Font of massy Gold to stand as her Deputy at the Christning. Hereupon, and for that the Queen promised to observe the League strict∣ly, the French King and the Queen mother began to affect her more and more, and the Duke D'Alenson wrote sundry love-letters to her, the French King and His Mother interceding for the mariage with all earnestnesse.

It is true, the Queen conceived divers reasons, why it was fit for her to marry; but the Courtiers for their own ends disswaded her as much from it: at last the Queen Mother of France was wonderfull importu∣nate, that her sonne Alenson might have leave to come and see her•• whereunto, being wearyed with continuall Letters and Messages, she gave her consent; but upon condition, that hee should not take it for any disgrace to him, if hee returned without obtaining his suit: But as soon as Queen Elizabeth had notice, that his brother Henry was elected King of Poland, and that the King of France was very sick, shee gave inti∣mation to Alenson, by Edward Horsey Governour of the Isle of Wight, that hee should not make too much haste into England; but should first procure a peace by some meanes or other in France, and declare by some notable Argument, his good will towards the Protestants, thereby to be the more welcome Ghest into England. Hereupon a peace was con∣cluded in France, and in certain places the Protestants were allowed to exercise their Religion: and then again the French King and the Queen Mother, used all their endeavour to have the marriage go for∣ward (for they were very desirous th••t Alenson, who was of a crooked and perverse disposition, and prone to raise tumults) might bee removed out of France; and withall, they requested of Queen Elizabeth, that if the Duke of Angiou took his voyage into Poland by Sea; hee might have publike caution to sail through the British Ocean. To this last re∣quest, she not only consented with all alacrity, but also made offer of a Fleet to conduct him thither. In the mean while, Alenson fell sick of the Meazles, which his mother signified to Queen Elizabeth by Count Rhets, excusing him thereupon for not coming into England as he had determined: The Count found the Queen at Canterbury, where she gave him Royall inter∣tainment: and Matthew Parker Archbishop of Canterbury, Royall intertain∣ment to them both.

All this while since the death of the Earl of Marre, there had been no Regent in Scotland, but now by the procurement of Queen Eliza∣beth chiefly; Iames Dowglas Earl of Morton, is made Regent; who, when his Authority in a Parliamentary Assembly was established, En∣acted many profitable Laws for the defence of Religion against Papists and Hereticks, in the name of the King: But the pro••ection and keeping of the Kings Person, hee confirmed to Alexander Areskin Earl of Marre (to whom the custody of the Kings in their tender yeers, by spe∣ciall priviledge belongeth) though hee were himself in his Minority: Upon these conditions, That no Papists, nor factious persons should be admitted to his presence: An Earl should come with onely two ser∣vants attending him: A Baron, with onely one: All other, single: and every one unarmed. The French King in the mean time, sent his Embassadour Mounsier Vyriar, to corrupt the Earls of Atholl and H••nt∣ley with large promises, to oppose the Regent: Queen ELISABETH as much laboured to defend him: but though by the ministery of Kil∣ligrew, shee had drawn Iames Hamilton Duke of Castle-Herald, and George Gourdon Earl of Huntley, and the most eminent of that Faction, upon indifferent conditions, to acknowledge the Regent, yet VVilli∣am K••r••••ld, Lord Gra••nge, (whom Murray when hee was Rege••t, had made Gove••nour of Edingborough Castle) The Lord Hum••s, Ly∣dington, the Bishop of Dunkeld and others, would by no meanes ad∣mit of the Regents Government, but held that Castle, and fortified it in the Queen of Scots name, having Lydington for their Counsellor here∣in, and trusting to the naturall strength of the place, and to the Duke D' Alva's and the F••e••ch Kings promises, to send them supplies both of men and money. Now when these persons, could by no meanes

drawne to accept of conditions of peace, and to deliver up the Castle to the Regent, Queen Elizabeth (who could in no case endure the French in Scotland) suffered her self at length to be intreated by the Regent, to send Forces, Gunnes and Ammunition, for assaulting of the Castle upon certain conditions, whereof one was, that ten Hostages should be sent into England, to be security fo•• returning the men and Munition, un∣lesse by the common hazard of War they should chance to miscarry. The conditions being argued on; William Drury Marshall of the Gar∣rison at Barwick, with some ••reat Ordnance and Fifteen hundred Soul∣diers, (amongst whom were some noble Voluntiers, George Carie, Hen∣ry Carie, Thomas Cecill, He••ry Lee, William Knolles, Sutton, Cotton, Kelway, VVilliam Killigrew, and others, entred into Scotland, and be∣sieged the Castle, which after three and thirty dayes siege, was delive∣red up to the Regent for the Kings use, with all the persons that were in it; amongst whom Kircald Lord Grange, and Iames his brother Mus∣man, and Cook gold-smiths (who had counterfeited Coyne in the Castle) were hanged; although to redeem Granges life, a hundred of the Fami∣ly of the Kircalds, offered themselves to be in perpetuall servitude to the Regent, besides an annuall Pension of three thousand Marks; and twen∣ty thousand pounds of Scottish money in present; and to put in caution, that from thence forth he should continue in duty & homage to the King; but it would not bee accepted. Humes and the rest were spared, through Queen Elizabeths mercifull intercession; Lydington was sent to Leith, where hee dyed, and was suspected to bee poysoned: A man of the greatest understanding in the Scottish Nation, and of an excellent wit, but very variable; for which, George Buchanan called him the Ca∣melion.

And now from this time Scotland began to take breath, after long Civill Warres, and as well the Captaines of both parties, as the Soul∣diers, betook themselves into Swedeland, France and the Low-Coun∣tries, where they valorously behaved themselves, and wonne great com∣mendation. As for Iohn Lesle Bishop of Rosse he was now set at liberty, but commanded to depart presently out of England, and being beyond the Sea, he continued still to sollicite his Mistresse the Queen of Scots cause, with the Emperour, the Pope, the French King, and the German Princes of the Popish Religion; who all led him on with faire promi∣ses, but performed nothing: For indeed he in whom he had greatest confidence, which was the Duke D' Alva, was at that time called a∣way, partly out of Jealousie of State, as being thought to grow too great, and partly out of opinion, that by his cruelty he made the people to revolt; and therefore in his place was sent Ludovicus Zuinga, a man of great Nobility in Spain, ••ut of a more Peaceable disposition then D' Alva; & ••ow this man did all good Offices to win Queen Elizabeth to him, and minding his owne Affairs only, would not intermeddle with the Scottish or English matters.

About this a frentick Opinion was held by one Peter Bourche•• a Gen∣t••eman of the Middle-Temple, that it was lawfull to kill them that op∣posed the truth of the Gospell; and so far was he possest with this o∣pinion; that he assaulted the famous Seaman Captain Hawkins, and woun∣ded him with a dagger, taking him for Hutton, who at that time was in great favour with the Queen, and of her privy Counsell, whom he had been informed to be a great Adversary to Innovations. The Queen grew so angry hereat, that she commanded Marshiall Law should be executed upon him presently, till her Counsell advised her that Marshiall Law was not to be used, but in the Field, and in turbulent times, but at home and in time of Peace, there must be Legall proceedings: Here∣upon

Bourchet was sent to the Tower, where taking a brand out of the fire, he strook it into the brains of one of his keepers named Hugh Long∣wroth and killed him, for which fact, he was condemned of murther, had his right hand cutt off, and nayled to the Gallows, and then himselfe hanged.

After the violent death of this Varlet, we may speake of the natu∣rall death of two great persons; First, William Lord Howard of Ef∣fingham, Son of that warlike Thomas Howard Duke of Norfolk, by his second wife Agnes Tilney. This William was made a Baron by Queen Mary, and Lord High Admirall of England, and by Queen E∣lizabeth Lord Chamberlain, till such time that being taken with age, he yeelded up that place to the Earl of Sussex, and was then made Keeper of the Privy Seal, which is the fourth degree of honour in England. His Son Charles succeeded him in the Dignity of his Ba∣rony, who was after made Lord Chamberlain to the Queen, and then Lord High Admirall of England. A while after him, dyed Reginold Grey Earl of Kent, whom the Queen a yeer before of a private man had made Earl of Kent, when as that Title, from the death of Rich∣ard Grey Earl of Kent, who had wasted his Patrimony, and was el∣der brother to this mans Grand-father; had lyen asleep for fifty yeers together.

At this time many particular Rebellions were in Ireland; The O C••∣nors, and O Moors took Arms, and committed many outrages: In Mun∣ster, Iames Fitzmorris, and Fitz Edmund did the like; but by the in∣dustry of Sir Iohn Perrot, President of Munster, were suppressed. In Ulster, Bryan Mac Phelym burnt Knockfergus, and many other joyned in Rebellion with him. Against these, Walter Devereux, (whom the Queen had lately created Earl of Essex) desired leave to go; which Sir William Fitz-Williams Deputy of Ireland opposed, as fearing, that the glory of so great an Earl vvould ecclipse his light. But for this, the Queen findes a remedy, by appointing Essex, to take a Parent of the Deputy, whereby to be made Governour of Ulster. But this re∣medy for Fitz-Williams, might have made a sore in the minde o•• E••∣sex; (to receive his Authority from his inferiour) but that the noble∣nesse of his minde, made him more to regard the vertue, then the glory. And so, in the end of August, hee landed at Knockfergus, having with him the Lords, Darcy and Rich, and Sir Henry Knowles and his four Brothers, Michael and Iohn Carves, Henry, William, and Iohn Norreses: At his landing, Bryan Mac Pheli•• welcomed him, ten∣dring unto him all manner of dutifulnesse and service; but presently a••∣ter, falls from him, and joyns with Turlogh Leynigh. After this re∣volt, the Ea••l of Essex, finding many difficulties in the businesse, and himself not well provided of skilfull Souldiers, makes suit to the Queen for leave to come home; which the Earl of Leicester, (who liked his room better then his company) opposed; till after expence of a yeer•• time, and much treasure, hee at last obtained leave, and returned home.

The next yeer, being 1574. and the seventeenth yeer of Queen Eli∣sabeths Raign, the Duke of Alenson grew more importunate in his suit, then at any time before; so as hee obtained of the Queen, to come into England, any time before the twentieth of May; and this she the rather did, because shee perceived him now to bee really bent against the Guyses her sworn Enemies. But before this Answer was brought him, Valentine Dale Doctor of the Civil Law, the Queens Embass••∣dour in France, gave intimation to the Q••een, That Alenson and Na∣varre were in restraint, and committed to Keepers: For the Guyses had

suggested, that Alenson held intimate friendship with Admirall Colin, the chief Leader of the Protestants in France; and indeed, Alenson being examined, freely confessed, that hee had now for a good while desired the marriage of the Queen of England•• and conceiving, that good correspondence with Colin might be usefull to him to that end, hee had thereupon had conference with him thereabout, and concern∣ing the Low-Country Warre. In the mean time, Thomas W••lks, Dales Secretary, got cunningly to Alenson, and in the Queens name, made promise both to him, and to Navarre, that she would omit no oppor∣tunity of procuring their inlargement. For which, the subtle Queen-Mother so complained of him to Queen Elisabeth, that hee was fain to go into France, and there to crave pardon for his fault. But Navarre, not unmindfull of this kindnesse in Wilks, when about five and twenty yeers after, being King of France, hee saw him in Normandy, hee Knighted him. Hereupon the Queen sent Thomas Randoll into France, to the Queen-Mother, that if it were possible, hee might gain Recon∣ciliation for Alenson her sonne, and for the King of Navarre. But be∣fore hee was landed in France, Charles the then French King dyed, whose Funerall Rites were solemnly performed in Saint Pauls Church in London.

Assoon as Henry the third, King of France, was come from Po∣land, Roger Lord North was sent into France, to congratulate his re∣turn, and his happy Inauguration into the Kingdom; who thereupon, together with the Queen-Mother, did forthwith send their joynt Let∣ters into England, strongly soliciting the businesse of marriage, be∣tween Alenson and the Queen. In the mean time notwithstanding, they used all possible devices, (and left no means unsought) to get the yong King of Scotland to bee sent into France, and to deprive Mor∣ton who was the Regent, of his Authority, whereof the Queen of Scots also was very desirous; shee being perswaded, that if her sonne were once gotten safely into France, shee and the Catholicks in Eng∣land should bee more mildly used. At which time, an aspersion was cast upon the Queen of Scots, as if she had made the match between Charles Unckle to the Queen of Scots (who had lately the Earldom of Lenox confirmed to him by Parliament) and Elizabeth Cavendish the Countesse of Shrewsburie's daughter by a former husband; upon which ground, both their mothers and some others also were kept in Prison for a time; and being doubted whereunto this marriage should tend: Henry Earle of Huntington, President of the Councell in the North, is authorized with secret Instructions to examine it. It will be fit here to say something of this place of Government in the North; which from small beginnings, is now become so eminent as it is at this day, whereof this was the Originall. When as in the Raigne of Henry the Eight, after that the Rebellion in the Northerne parts, about the subversion of Abbyes was quieted, the Duke of Norfolke tarryed in those quarters, and many complaints of injuries done were tendered unto him, whereof some he composed himself, and others hee commended under his Seale to men of wisdome to determine: Hereof when King Henry heard, he sent down a peculiar Seal to be used in these cases, and calling home the Duke, committed the same to Tunstall Bishop of Durham, and Constituted Assistants with Au∣thority to heare and determine the complaints of the poor, and he was the first that was called President; and from that time, the authority of his successours grew in credit.

It was now the yeer One thousand five hundred seventy five, and the Eighteenth yeer of Queen Elisabeths Raign, vvhen Henry the third

King of France being returned from Poland, and Crowned at Rheims, was carefull to have the League of Blois confirmed; which, in the Yeer 1572. had been concluded betweene his Brother Charles and that most Illustrious Queen ELIZABETH; Now therefore hee con∣firmed it with His owne Subscription, and delivered it to Dale the Queen's Legier, as the Queen like wise ratified it at Saint-James neere Westminster: But a little after he demanded by Letters, whether the mutuall defence against all persons mentioned in the League, was in∣tended to comprehend the case of Religion also? Whereunto she an∣swering, that it did comprehend it; hee thereupon hearing this from the Queen, began presently to prepare Warre against the Protestants, and Alenson being drawne to the Adverse party, there was no speech of the marriage for a long time.

In the Netherlands at this time, Lodovicke Zuinga who was suc∣cessor unto Duke D'Alva, was wholly bent to recover the Com∣mand of the Seas, which D'Alva had neglected; but not being suf∣ficiently provided of a Navy, he sent Boischott into England, that with the Queens leave, he might take up Ships and Marriners to goe against the Hollanders and Zelanders, but this she would not grant: Then hee made suite, that the Queen would please not to take it in evill part, if the banished persons of the English in the Low-Coun∣tries served the King of Spaine in a Sea-Fight against the Hollanders; and that they might have free accesse to the Ports of England, to buy provision for ready money; But this shee would not grant neither: Then he made request, that the Dutch, who were Rebels against the King of Spaine, might be put out of England; but neither would shee grant this, as being an Action voide of Humanity; and against the Lawes of Hospitality; yet because shee would not be thought to violate the old Burgundian Law, shee Commanded by Proclamation, that the Shipps of the Dutch which were made ready, should not go forth of the Haven; nor yet the Dutch, who had taken up Armes a∣gainst the King of Spaine, enter into the Ports of England, and by name, the Prince of Orenge, and Fifty other the prime of that Fa∣ction; and this shee did the more willingly, because Zuinga at the intercession of Wilson the English Embassador, had removed the Earle of Westmerland, and other English Fugitives out of the Dominions of the King of Spaine, and had also dissolved the English Seminary at Doway; though in stead thereof, the Guises through the procure∣ment of Pope Gregory the thirteenth, set up another Seminary at Rhemes.

And at this time the Prince of Orenge, perceiving his Forces but small, and thinking himself too weake for the King of SPAINE, and little hope of ayde from England, he entered into Consultation with the Confederate States, to whose protection, they were best and in the most security to betake themselves: The Princes of Ger∣many they knew were not all of one minde, parted from money ve∣ry hardly, and did not every way, nor would not by no meanes pos∣sible accord and concurre with them in their Religion; and therefore they were not so fit. Then, the French they saw, were intangled in a Civill War, and so had enough of their owne to do; besides the old grudges and heart-burnings that vvere between the French and Dutch; and therefore neither were they so fit. There remained then the English, as the fittest of any (if it might be obtained) seeing they were Neighbouss, of the same Religion, and of a Language not much different, strong in shipping, and rich in Merchandize. Hereupon (con∣sidering the commodiousnesse of the English Nation) they send into

England, Philip Marnizie of S. Aldegond; Ianus Dowsa, William Ny∣vell, and Doctor Melsen; who in an honourable Ambassage, offer the Countries of Holland and Zealand to be possessed or protected by the Queen, forasmuch as she was descended from the Princes of Holland, by Philip wife of Edward the third, daughter of William of Bavaria, Count of Hanonia and Holland; by whose other sister, the hereditary Right of ••hose Provinces came to the King of Spain. To this offer, the Queen takes time to answer; and at last, having maturely advised of the matter, her Answer was this, That as yet she conceived not how with safety of her honour, and an upright conscience, she could receive those Pro∣vinces into her protection, much lesse assume them into her possession; but promised, She would deal earnestly with the King of Spain, that a well conditioned Peace might be concluded. Presently upon this, Zuinga, Governour of the Low-Countries died; after whose death, the States of Brabant, Flanders, and the other Provinces, took upon them the ancient Administration, and Authority in the Common∣wealth; which the King of Spain was fain to confirm to them, till such time as Iohn of Austria were come, whom he determined to make Governour there. In the mean time, Queen Elizabeth in behalf of the King of Spain, sent William Davyson in Ambassage to those Provinces, to ex∣hort them to be peaceable and quiet, which yet, by reason the Spanish Souldiers, were so outragious, little prevailed.

In England all was calm and quiet for all this yeer, onely a differ∣ence fell out between Sir Iohn Forster, Governour of Berwick, and Iohn Cormichill, Keeper of Liddesdale in Scotland: In composing whereof, the Regent of Scotland, having given Queen Elizab••th some discontentment, was fain to come unarmed before the Earl of Hun∣tington, appointed the Legate for England, at Bonderod, and so the matter was taken up, and the Regent ever after continued constant in observing the Queen, and to his great commendation, restrayn∣ed the Freebooters of the Borders, to the great good of both King∣domes.

This yeer there died in Scotland, Iames Hamilton, Duke of Castle-Herald, and Earl of Arran, who was great Grand-childe to Iames the second, King of Scots, by his daughter, appointed Tutor to Mary, Queen of Scots, and designed Heir and Governour of the Kingdom, du∣ring her minority.

At this time the Earl of Essex is come into Ireland again, wh••re ha∣ving done good services, and being in the midst of Victory, he was on a sudden commanded to resigne his Authority in Ulster; and as though he were an ordinary Commander, is set over three hundred Souldiers; which disgrace was wrought by his adversaries in Court, to the continuall pe••∣plexing of his milde spirit. And now is Sir Henry Sidney the third time sent Deputy into Ireland; who going into Ulster, there came to him and sub∣mitted themselves Mac Mahon, Mac Guyre, Turlogh Leynigh, the O Conors and O Moors, the Earl of Desmond, and the rebellious sons of the Earl of Clan∣ricard, all whom he received into favour, and with great commendation administred the Province.

At this time the Spaniard in the Low-Countries began to deal roughly with the people, and haryed the Inhabitants with all manner of spoyl and injury; Antwerp, the most famous Town of Traffick in all Europe, was miserably pillaged, the English Merchants houses rifled, insomuch that the States were enforced to take up Arms, and Messengers were sent to all neighbour∣ing Princes; and to Q. Elizabeth was sent Monsieur Aubig••y, both to shew her upon how necessary and just causes they had taken up Arms, and also to borrow of her a great sum of money, the better to enable them to resist

the Spaniard. But she being certainly informed, That they first sued to the French King for help, denieth the request, yet promiseth to intercede earnestly with the King of Spain•• for peace. And in that imployment, she addressed into Spaine, Iohn Smith, cosen German to King Edward the sixth, a man of Spainsh behaviour: and well knowne to the King of Spaine, who was liberally received by the King; and with such wisdome retorted the contumelious speech, of Gasper Quiroga Archbishop of Toledo, and the Spanish Inquisitors, who would not admit in the Queenes Title, the Attribute of De∣fendor of the Faith; that he had gained great thankes from the King of Spaine himself, who requested him, not to speake of it to the Queen, and gave severe command, That the Title should be admitted.

And now by this time was Iohn of Austria come into the Low-countries, with a large Commission: for he was the Naturall sonne of the Emperour Charles the fifth; to whom the Queen sent Edward Horsey, Governour of the Isle of Wight, to Congratulate his coming thither, and to offer help, if the States called the French into the Netherlands; yet at the same time, Sweving∣ham being exceeding importunate on the States behalfe, she sent them twenty thousand pounds of English mony; (so well she could play her game of both hands) upon condition, they should neither change their Prince nor there Religion, nor take the French into the Low-countries, nor refuse a Peace, if Iohn of Austria should condiscend to indifferent Conditions, but if he em∣braced a Peace, then the money should be paid back to the Spanish souldiers, who were ready to mutiny for lack of pay. So carefull she was to retaine these declining Provinces in obedience to the King of Spaine.

At this time a Voyage was undertaken, to trie if there could be found any sea upon the North part of America, leading to the wealthy coast of Cathaia, whereby in one Comerce, might be joyned the riches of both the East and West parts of the worlde, in which voyage was imployed Martyn Frobysher, who set saile from Harwich the eighteenth of Iune, and the ninth of August, en∣tred into that Bay, or sea, but could passe no further for Snow and Ice. The like expedition was taken in hand, two yeers after, with no better successe.

About this time died the Emperour Maximilian, a Prince that Deserved well of Queen Elizabeth and the English, who thereupon sent Sir Philip Sidney to his sonne Ridolphus King of the Romanes, to condole his Fathers death, and congratulate his succession: as likewise to doe the like, for the decease of the Count Electour Palatine, named Frederick the third, with her surviving sonne.

And now Walter Deveruex Earl of Essex, who out of Leicesters envie, had bin recalled out of Ireland, was out of Leicesters feare, (as being threatned by him) sent back again into Ireland, but with the empty title of Earl Marshall of Ireland; with the grief whereof, he fell into a bloody Flux, and in most grievous torments ended his life. When he had first de∣sired the standers by to admonish his sonne (scarce tenne yeers old at that time) to have alwayes before his eyes, the six and thirtieth yeer of his age, as the utmost terme of his life, which neither himself, nor his father before him could out-go, and the sonne indeed attained not to it, as shall hereafter he declared. He was suspected to be poisoned, but Sir Henry Sidney, Deputie of Ireland, after di∣ligent search made, wrote to the Lords of the Counsell, That the Earl often said, It was familiar to him upon any great discontentment to fall into a Flux, and for his part, he had no suspition of his being poisoned, yet was this suspition encreased; for that presently after his death, the Earl of Leicester, with a great sum of money and large promises, put∣ting away Dowglasse Sheffield, by whom he had a son openly marryed Essex his widdow. For although it was given out, That he was privately marryed

to her, ye•• Sir Francis Knolles his father, who was well acquainted with Leicester's roving loves, would not believe it, unlesse he himself were present at the Marriage, and had it testified by a publike Notary. At this time also, died Sir Anthony Cook of Gyddy-Hall in Essex, who had been School-master to King Edward the sixth, and was no lesse School-master to his own daughters, whom he made skilfull in the Greek and Latine Tongues; marryed all to men of great Honour; one to Sir William Cecill, Lord Treasurer of England; a second, to Sir Nicholas Bacon, Lord Keeper of the Great Seal; a third, to Sir Thomas Hobby, who died Ambassador in France; a fourth, to Sir Ralph Lowlet; and the fifth to Sir Henry Killigrew.

At this time, the sons of the Earl of Cla••ricard, who scarce two months before had obtained pardon for their Rebellion, fell into Rebellion again; but were by the Deputy soon supprest; and William Drury newly made Pre∣sident of Munster, reduced the whole Provice to good Order, except on∣ly the County of Kerry, whither a number of Vagabonds were gotten, trusting to the Immunities of the place. For King Edward the third made Kerry a County Palatine, and granted to the Earls of Desmond all the Roy∣all Liberties which the King of England had in that County, excepting Wreckby Fyre, Forestall, and Treasure Trou••e. The Governour notwithstan∣ding, who wisely judged that these Liberties were granted for the better preservation of Justice, and not for maintenance of outragious malefactors, entred into it, and violently put to flight and vanquished the mischievous crew, which the Earl of Desmond had placed there in ambush. The Earl in the mean while made great complaints of Drury to the Deputy; and particularly, of the Tax which they call Ceasse, which is an exaction of pro∣vision of Victualls at a certain rate, for the Deputies Family, and the Soul∣diers in Garrison. This Tax, not he onely, but in Leinster also many Lords refused to pay, alleadging that it was not to be exacted but by Parlia∣ment; but the matter being examined in England, it appeared by the Records of the Kingdome, That this Tax was anciently imposed; and that, as a certain Right of Majestie, a Prerogative Royall, which is not subjected to Laws, yet not contrary to them neither, as the wise Ci∣vilians have observed. Yet the Queen commanded to use a moderation in exactions of this nature, saying, She would have her subjects shorn, but not devoured.

It was now the yeer 1577, and the twentieth of Queen Elizabeths Raign, when Iohn of Austria, pretending to Queen Elizabeth no∣thing but Peace, yet is found to deal secretly with the Pope, to peprive her of her Kingdome, and himself to marry the Queen of Scots, and invade England: of which his practices the Prince of Orange gives Queen Elizabeth the first intelligence. Whereupon (finding his deep dissem∣bling) she enters into a League with the States, for mutuall defence both at Sea and Land, upon certain Conditions; but having conclu∣ded it (because she would not have it wrongfully interpreted, as though she meant to foster a Rebellion in the Netherlands) she sent Thomas Wilkes to the King of Spain with these Informations; That she had alwayes endeavoured ••o keep the Low-Countryes in obedience to the King of Spain; had perswaded (even with threatnings) the Prince of Orange to accept of Peace; but withall, if the King of Spain would have his Subjects obedient to him, she then requests him to restore their Priviledges, and to remove I••hn of Austria from the Government, who not onely was her deadly enemy, but laboured by all means to bring the Netherlands into utter servitude. If this be granted by the King of SPAIN, she then faithfully promiseth, That if the States perform not their Allegiance to him, as by their Promise to her they are engaged to doe, she will

utterly forsake them, and bend her self with all her Forces to compell them. While Wilkes in Spain unfoldeth the••e matters, Iohn of Austria sendeth to Queen Elizabeth, in most grievous manner accusing the States for diso∣bedience, and making a large declaration of the causes for which he had taken up Armes again. Thus Queen Elizabeth (like a fortunate Princesse) sate as an Honourable Arbitresse between the Spanish, the French, and the States; insomuch that it was not untrue which one wrote, That France and Spaine were Ballances in the Scale of Europe; and England the Beame to turne them either way; for they still got the better, to whome she ad∣hered.

About this time, when the Judges sate at the Assizes in Oxford, and one ••owland I••nkes a Book-seller was questioned for speaking approbrious words against the Queen, suddenly they were surprised with a pestilent favour; whether rising from the noysome smell of the prisoners, or from the dampe of the ground, is uncertaine, but all that were there present, almost every one, within forty hours died, except Women and children; and the Contagion went no further. There died Robert Bell Lord chief Baron, Robert D'Oylie; Sir William Babington: D'Olye Sheriffe of Oxford-shire, Harcourt, Weynman, Phetiplace, the most noted men in this Tract; Barham the famous Lawyer; almost all the Jurours, and three hundred other, more or lesse.

This yeer the title of the Lord Latimer, (which had flourished in the Familie of the Nevills, ever since the dayes of King Henry the sixth) was extinct in Iohn Nevill, who died without issue male, and left a faire estate to four daughters, whereof the eldest marryed Henry Earl of Northumber∣land, the second, Thomas Cecill, who was afterward Earl of Exceter; the third, Sir William Cornwallis; and the fourth Sir Iohn Daverse.

In Ireland the O-Moores and O-Conors, and others, whose Ancestours the Earl of Sussex in Queen Maries dayes, had for their rebellion, deprived of their Patrimonie in Loyse and Oph••li••, did now break forth into a new Re∣bellion, under the conduct of Rori•• Oge, that is, Roderick the younger: set on fire the village of Naasse, assault L••chlin, from whence being driven back by the valour of George Care•• the Governour, he was afterward slain.

Out of England at this time there went into the Low-countries, Iohn North, the Lord Norths eldest sonne•• Iohn Norris, second son to the Lord Norris, Henry Cavendish, and Thomas Morgan Colonells, with many voluntaries, to learn Militarie experience. Thither also came Caesamire the Elector Palatines sonne, with an Army of German Horse and foot, at the Queenes charges: upon the••e Don Iohn, assisted by the Prince of Parma, Mondragon, and other the best Commanders of Spain, confident of victorie, flyeth furiously, before they expected him, yet after a long fight, was forced to retreat; but then turning again, and thinking to breake through the Hedges, and Brakes where the English and Scottish voluntaryes had placed them∣selves, was again repulsed; for the English and Scottish were so hot upon the matter, that casting away their garments, by reason of the hot weather, they fought in their shirts, which they made fast about them. In this battell N•••••••••• fought most valiantly, and had three horses s••ain under him, as also 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Scot, Bingham, and William M••r••ham.

Now for comfort ••o the afflicted Provinces, there came at that ••••me in∣to the Netherlands, the Count Sw••••zenberg from the Emperour, M••nsie•••• Be••••••••••re from the French King, and from the Queen of England, the Lord Cobham and Wal••ingham, with Commission to procure conditions of Peace, but returned without doing any thing, for that Don Iohn refused to admit the Pro••estan•• Religion, and the Prince of Orange refused to return into Hol∣land.

About this time Egr••m••••d R••••cliffe, son to Henry Earl of Susse••, by his second wife, who had been a prime man in the rebellion of the North, and

served now under Don Iohn, was accused by the English fugitives, that he was sent under hand to kill Don Iohn; which (whether true or false) he was thereupon taken and put to death. The Spaniards have affirmed, That Ratcliffe at his last end, confessed voluntarily, That he was freed out of the Tower of London, and moved by Walsinghams large promises, to do this Fact; but the English that were present at his death, deny that he confessed any such thing, though the English Rebells did all they could to wrest this confession from him.

At this very time, Don Iohn, in the flower of his age, died of the Pesti∣lence, or (as some say) of grief, as being neglected by the King of Spain his brother; a man of an insatiable Ambition, who aymed first at the Kingdom of Tunis, and after, of England; and who, without the privity of the French King, or King of Spain, had made a league with the Guises, for the defence of both Crowns.

Alanson, although very busie about the Belgick War, yet now began again to pursue the Marriage with Queen Elizabeth; for renewing of which suit, first was Bachervyle sent to the Queen; and soon after Ramboulet, from the French King; and within a month after that, Simier, a neat Courtier, and exquisitely learned in the Art of Love, accompanied with a great number of the French Nobility; whom the Queen at Richmond entertained in such loving manner, that Leicester began to rage, as if his hopes were now quite blasted. Certainly a little before, when Ashley, a Lady of the Queens Bed-chamber, mentioned the Earl of Leicester to her for husband, she, with an a••gry countenance, replyed, Dost thou think me so unlike my self, and so forgetfull of Majestie, as to prefer my servant, whom I my self have advanced, before the greatest Princes of the Christian world?

But it is now time to return to the Scottish Affairs. The Earl of Mor∣ton, Regent of Scotland, though a man of great wisedome and valour, yet was now so overcome of covetousnesse, that he grew universally hated; and thereupon, with the joynt consent of the Nobility, the Administration of the Common-wealth was translated to the King, though he was yet but twelve yeers old, and twelve of the chief Lords were appointed to at∣tend him in Councell, three of them by course for three months; amongst whom, the Earl of Morton for one, that they might not seem to cast him quite off. The King having taken upon him the Administration, sent pre∣sently the Earl of Dumformelin to Queen Elizabeth, acknowledging her great deserts towards him, and requesting to have the Treaty of Edinburgh, agreed on in the yeer 1559, to be confirmed, for the more happy restrain∣ing the robbers about the borders; and withall, That his ancient Patrimo∣ny in England; namely, the Lands granted to his Grand-father Ma••••hew, Earl of Lenox, and the Countesse his Grand-mother, might be delivered into his hands•• who was the next Heir. The Queen readily promised the former demands, but stuck a little at the last, concerning the Patrimony; For she would not grant, That Arbella, the daughter of Charles the King of Scots Unkle, Born in England, was the next Heir to the Lands in Eng∣land; neither would she grant the Ambassadours proof out of History, That the Kings of Scots, born in Scotland, did anciently (without question) hold the Earldome of H••ntington by Right of Inheritance. Yet she com∣manded a Sequestration to be made of the Revenues of those Lands, by B••rleigh Master of the Wards; and willeth the King, That out of the goods of the Earl of Lenox in Scotland, satisfaction might be made to his Grand-mothers Creditors here. For she too•• it in ill part, that the King had recalled the In••••o••••ment of the Earldom of Lenox (made to his Unkle Charl•• and his Heirs) after the death of Charles, to the prejudice (as was suggested to her) of Arbella; although indeed, it be a Priviledge of the Kings of Scotland, That they may recall Donations made in their minor••ty.

The Earl of Morton in the mean while, not enduring the disgrace to be outed of his Regency, regarded not the prescript Form of Government lately set down, but drew the Administration of all matters to himself, and kept the King in his own power, at the Castle of Sterling, admitting none to his presence, but whom he pleased. At this presumption, the Lords growing angry, made the Earl of Atholl their Captain, and in the Kings Name levyed a great Army, and were ready to encounter Morton; but by the intercession of Robert Bowes, the English Ambassadour, they were stayed from fighting; and Morton presently betook himself home, and the Earl of Atholl soon after died, not without suspition of being poy∣soned.

At this time the King of Spain, and Pope Gregory the thirteenth, held se∣cret Consultation, to invade at once both England and Ireland, and to work the absolute ruine of Queen Elizabeth; The Pope to gain the Kingdom of Ireland for his son Iames Buen of Compagno, whom he had made Marquesse of Vincola. The King of Spain secretly to relieve the Irish Rebells, as Queen Elizabeth did the Dutch, while friendship in words was upheld on both sides: and being known, That the greatest strength of England consisted in the Navy Royall, and Merchants Ships, it was advised, that the Italian and Dutch••Merchants should hire these Ships for long Voyages; to the end that while they were absent, the Queens Navy might be surprized with a greater Fleet: and at that time Thomas Stukeley, an English fugitive, should joyn himself to the Irish Rebells with new Forces. For he making great boast, and promising the Kingdom of Ireland to the Popes bastard son, had so insmuated himself into grace with the ambitious old man, that he adorned him with the Titles of Marquesse of Leinster, Earl of Wexford and Caterlogh, Viscount M••rogh, and Baron of Rosse (the principall dignities of Ireland) and made him Commander over eight hundred Italian Souldi∣ers, to be employed in the Irish War. With which Forces Stuckeley setting Sayl from 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Vecchia, arrived at length in Portingall, where he and his Forces•• were by the divine providence, diverted another way. For S••••a∣••••ia•• King of Porti••gall (to whom the chief Command, in this Expedition against England was assigned) being first to dispatch a War in Africa, in Ayd of Mahomet Abdall, son to the King of Fesse, perswaded Stukeley to go along with him into Maure••ania, together with his Italian Souldiers; and then afterward they would go together against Ireland: To this motion Stukeley soon agreed, and therein agreed with his destiny; for in that memorable Battell where three Kings were slain, both he and Sebastian lost their lives.

At this time Sir Henry Sidney (who had been Deputy of Ireland at severall times eleven yeers) delivered up his Deputy-ship to Sir William Drury, President of Munster: Such a Deputy, for good Government, that if any have equalled him, none have exceed him.

It was now the yeer 1579, and the two and twentieth yeer of Queen Eli∣zabeths Raign; when Iohn Casimire, son of Frederick the third, Count Pa∣la••ine of the Rhyne, came into England; where, after he had been entertain∣ed with Tiltings and Justs, made Knight of the Garter (the Queen tying the Garter about his leg) and rewarded with a yeerly Pension, he returned. And now was Alexander ••••rnise, Prince of Parma, made Governour of the Netherlands by the King of Spain: and Queen Elizabeth supplied the States with a great Sum of money; for which William Davyson brought into E••g∣land the ancient precious Habilliments of the Family of Burgundy, and their costly Vessells, laid to pawn by Matthew of Austria and the States.

Si••ier in the mean time herein England, cea••eth not by all amorous de∣vices to perswade the Queen to marry Alanson; wherein he drew her so far, that the Earl of Leicester gave ou••, He crept into the Queens affection by

love Potions and unlawfull Arts: and Simier on the other side endeavour∣ed by all means to cast down Leicester, discovering his mariage with the Earl of Essex widdow, whereat the Queen grew so angry, that she consined him to the Castle at Greenwich, and had meant to have him Committed to the Tower, but that the Earl of Sussex (though his greatest Adversarie) disswad∣ed her: telling her that none ought to be molested for contracting lawfull Matrimonie. But Leicester notwithstanding was so provoked for his con∣fining, that he was bent to revenge it, and if it be true, as some said•• he had suborned on Teud••r a Yeoman of the Guard to murder Simier, sure it is the Queen by Proclamation commanded that no person should offer injury to the Embassadour or any of his servants. At which time it fell out that as the Queen, together with Simier, the Earle of Lincolne, and Hatton Vice-Chamberlaine were rowed in a barge to Greenwich, a young man shooting off a Harquebus out of a boate, shot one of the rowers in the Queenes Barge thorough the arme with a bullet, who was presently taken and ledde to the Gallowes, but upon solemne Protestation, that he did it unwillingly, and out of no malicious Intent, he was let go and Pardoned. Some would have perswaded the Queen that was purposely suborned to shoote either her or the French Embassadour: but she was so far from suspecting her Subjects; that she would often say, She would not believe any thing against them which a mother would not believe against her children.

After a few dayes Alanson himself came privately into England with only on or two attendants, and came to the Queen at Greenwich, at a time when she thought not of it; they had secret conference together, all parties being sent away, after which, being seen of very few, he returned home; but within a moneth or two after the Queen enjoyned the Lord Burleigh treasurer, the Earle of Sussex, Leicester, Hatton and Walsingham, seriously to weigh both the dangers, and the Commodities likely to arise from the marriage with him, and to consult with Simier concerning the marriage Covenants.

As in England there was some feare of this Frenchman: So in Scotland at this time of another Frenchman, called Esme Steward, Lord of Aubigny, who came now into Scotland to visit the King his cosen. He was the sonne of Iohn Steward brother to Matthew Steward Earle of Lenox the Kings grand∣father, and had denomination from Aubigny in France, which title Charles the seaventh King of France had antiently conferred upon Iohn Steward of the Familie of Lenox, who being constable of the Scottish Army in France, vanquished the English in one battile, and was slain by them in another: and from that time the title belonged to the younger descent of that house. This Esme Steward, the King embraced with exceeding great love, made him Lord Chamberlaine of Scotland, and Captain of the Castle of Dumbriton, and created him first Earle and then Duke of Lenox. The feare from this man was; because he was deuoted to the Guises and the Popish religion, and that which encreased the feare from this man; because he applied himselfe to Mortons adversaries, and mediated to have Thomas Carre Lord of Fer∣nishurst called home, who of all men was most addicted to the Queen of Scots.

About this time Queen Elizabeth, at the request of William Harbou••ne an Englishman, procured a grant from the Turkish Emperour for the English merchants to exercise free traffick in all places of his dominions, as well as Venetians, Polanders, and other neighbouring Nations; whereupon they set up first the Companie of Turkie Merchants, managing a most gainfull Trade at Constantinople, Alexandoria; Egypt, Aleppo, Cyprus, and other parts of Asia, bringing home Spices, Perfumes, unwrought Silks, Tapistry, Indico, Corrants, and the like.

This yeer died Sir Nicholas Bacon, Lord Keeper of the Great Seal; but who, by vertue of an Act of Parliament, alwayes exercised the Jurisdiction of

Lord Chancellor; a very fat man, but singularly wise, and a chief prop of the Queens Privy Councell: In whose place succeeded Sir Thomas Brom∣ley, the Queens Solicitor, with the Title of Lord Chancellor of Eng∣land.

In Ireland at this time, in the Province of Munster, Iames Fitz Morris kind∣led a new fire of Rebellion; for after his former submission upon his knees, vowing all Obedience to the Queen, he stole away into France, and promi∣sed the French King, if he would lend him assistance, to make him King of Ireland. But being by him slighted, he went into Spain, and made the like offer to the King there. The King of Spain sent him to the Pope, from whom (by means of Nicholas Sanders, an English Priest, and Alan an Irish∣man, both Doctors of Divinity) he obtained a little money, a Legats Authority for Sanders, a consecrated Banner, and Letters of Commenda∣tion to the Catholike King. And returning from Spain with those Di∣vines, three Ships, and a few men, he landed at Smerwick Kerry, a Demy Island in the West part of Ireland, about the first day of Iuly, where (the place being first of all consecrated by the Priests) he built a Fort, and brought the Ships close under it; but these were presently set upon and carryed away, by Thomas Courtney, and thereby the Spaniards deprived of their opportunity of coming thither by Sea. But now Iohn and Iames, brothers to the Earl of Desmond, gathering together a small number of Irish, joyn themselves presently with their kinsman Fitz Morris. Yet the Spaniards seeing that but a very few Irish, and those unarmed, came unto them, they began to distrust the estate they were in, and to cry out, That they were undone; whom Fitz Morris heartened the best he could, telling them that Supplyes were presently to come. And going himself to get more company, he passed thorow the Land of his Cosin William a Burgh, who though he had been a Rebell before, yet was now grown loyall, so as there fell out a Skirmish between them; in which Fitz Morris being strucken thorow with a Pike, and shot into the head with a Leaden Bullet, died in the place, and most of his Company with him; but withall, two of William Burghs sons were in that Skirmish slain also; when the Queen, to comfort him for the losse of his sons, adorned him with the Dignity of Baron of Castle Conell, and rewarded him with a yeerly Pension besides: which favours so overwhelmed him with joy, that he lived but a short while after. And now Sir William Drury the Deputy growing very sick, appointed Sir Nicholas Malby then Governour of Connaght, to be President of Munster, and Generall of the Army; at which time, the Earl of Des∣mond, who had all this while made a shew of Loyalty, breaks openly ou•• into Rebellion; when now Drury the Deputy dying at Waterford, and by his death Malbyes Authority ceasing, Sir William Pelham is by the Counsell chosen Justice of Ireland, with Authority of Vice-Roy, untill such time as a Deputy were appointed, and the Earl of Ormond is made President of Munster. Pelham goeth into Munster, and sendeth for the Earl of Desmond, who refusing to come, is thereupon proclaymed Traytor, and an enemy to the State; and this being published, the Justice committed the following the War to the Earl of Ormond, who slaying most of the Spaniards, and ad∣herents to Desmond, compelleth him to send his wife to the Justice, to beg his pardon.

The Lord Justice Pelham now certified, that Arthur Lord Grey was landed with authority to be Deputy of Ireland, at Munster delivereth the Army to George Bour••hier, the son of Iohn, second Earl of Bathe, of that name, and himself returneth to Dublin, to deliver up the Province to his Successor. The Lord Grey at his landing, before he received the Sword, hearing where the Rebells had their Randevouz, marcheth towards them, who presently betake themselves to Glandilough, a grassie Valley, and beset thick with

Trees, where they who dwell neer, scarce know the winding out; yet the Deputy (taking one C••sbie an old man, well acquainted with the place, to be is leader) entred into it, where he lost divers of his men; namely, Peter Carew the younger, George Moore, Audeley, and Cosbie himself th••t was his Leader.

A short time after, there landed at Smerwick in Kerry, under the com∣mand of San Ioseph an Italian, about seven hundred Italian souldiers, who fortifie the place, and name it Fort del Or. Whereupon the De∣puty sent a Trumpetter to the Fort to demand who they were, what they had to do in Ireland, and who sent them; withall commanding them to depart immediately. But they replyed, That some of them were sent from his Holinesse, other from the Catholike King, upon whom the Pope had bestowed the Kingdome of Ireland, for that Queen Eliza∣beth (by reason of heresie) hath forfeited the Right unto her; and there∣fore what they had gotten, they would maintain. Upon this the Depu∣ty prepares for Battery, lets flie his Ordnance four dayes together; in which time the Spaniards once or twice make sallyes out, to their own losse much, but not an English-man slain, but onely Iohn Cheek, a couragious young Gentleman, son to Sir Iohn Cheek, a learned Knight. And now San Ioseph, who commanded the Fort, a white-liver'd souldier, terrified with the continuall Battery, and having no hope of relief, either from the King of Spain, or Desmond (contrary to the will of all his souldiers) he set up a White Flagge, and desired Parlee, but Parlee was denyed, because he had combined with Rebells, with whom it is not lawfull to hold Parlee. Then he demanded that his Company might passe away with their Baggage, but neither would this be granted. Then he required ••hat some of the chiefer sort might have leave to depart; but neither could this be obtained. At last, when they could prevail in nothing, they hanged out the white Flagge again, and submitted themselves absolutely, without any con∣dition, to the Deputies mercy, who presently consulteth how to deal with them, and this was the Case; Their number was well neer as great as the English; there was present fear of danger from the Rebells; and the English were so destitute of meat and apparell, that they were ready to mutiny, unlesse they might have the spoyl granted them; and besides, there were no ships neither to send them away if they were spared: For these Reasons it was concluded (the Deputy gain-saying, and letting tears fall) That onely the Leaders should be saved, the rest all slain, and all the Irish hanged up; which was presently put in execution; to the great disli∣king of the Queen, who detested the slaughter of such as yeelded themselves, and would accept of any excuses or allegations.

And yet more cruelty then this was at that time committed in the Ne∣therlands; for Iohn Norris, and Oliver Temple, English Commanders, to∣gether with some Companies of Dutch, setting out early one morning, took Mechlyn a wealthy Town of Brabant, at an assault with ladders, where they promiscuously murthered both Citizens and Religious Persons, of∣fering violence even upon the dead, taking away Grave-stones, which were sent into England to be sold.

About this time certain English Priests, who were fled into the Ne∣therlands, in the yeer 1568, by the procurement of William Allen, an Oxford Schollar, joyned themselves to study at Doway, where they en∣tred into a Collegiate Form of Government; to whom the Pope al∣lowed a yeerly Pension. But tumults arising in the Low-Countries, and the English Fugitives being commanded by the King of Spains Deputy to depart from thence, other the like Colledges, for the trayning up of the English youth, were erected, one at Rheims by the Guises, and another

at Rome by Pope Gregory the thirteenth, which alwayes afforded new ••upplyes of Priests for England, when the old fayled, who should spread abroad the seeds of the Romish Religion here amongst us; from whence, those Colledges had the name of Seminaries, and they called Seminary-Priests who were trayned up in them. In these Seminaries, amongst other Disputations, it was concluded, That the Pope hath such fulnesse of Power, by Divine Right, over the whole Christian world, both in Ecclesiasticall and Secular matters, that by vertue thereof, it is law∣full for him to excommunicate Kings, absolve their subjects from their Oath of Allegiance, and deprive them of their Kingdoms. From these Seminaries at this time, there came two into England, Robert Parsons, and Ed∣mund Campian, both of them English-men, and Jesuites. Parsons was born in Somerset-shire, a fierce and rough conditioned fellow; Campian was a Lon∣doner, of a milder disposition. They had been both brought up in Oxford; Campian a Fellow of St. Iohn's Colledge, and had been Proctor in the yeer 1569; and when he was made Deacon, counterfeited himself to be a Pro∣testant, till such time as he slipped out of England. Parsons was of Baylioll Colledge, where he made open profession of the Protestant Religion, till for dishonest carriage, he was expelled the House, and then fled to the Po∣pish Party. Both these came privily into England, in the disguise one while of Souldiers, another while of Noble-men; sometimes like English Ministers, and sometimes in the habit of Apparitors. Parsons, who was made the Superiour, brake forth into such open words amongst the Papists, about deposing the Queen, that some of themselves had a purpose to com∣plain of him to the Magistrates. Campian, though something more mode∣rate, yet in a Writing provoked the English Ministers to a dispu••e; and pub∣lished in Latine an Elegant Book of his ten Reasons, in maintenance of the Doctrine of the Romish Church; as Parsons in like manner, set forth another violent Pamphlet against Clark, who had written modestly against Campians Provoca••ion. But Doctor Whitaker soundly confuted Campian, who being after a yeer apprehended, and put upon the Rack, was afterward brought out to a Disputation; where he scarcely made good the great fame that went of him.

In this yeer was the return of Captain Drake from his incredible Voyage round about the World (which Magellan had before attempted, but died in the Voyage) whereof to rela••e all particular accidents, would require a large Volume: It may suffice in this place, to deliver some speciall Passages. He was born of mean Parentage in Devon-shire, yet had a great man (Francis Russell, after Earl of Bedford) to be his God-father. His father, in K. Henry the eighth's time, being persecuted for a Protestant, changed his Soyl, and lived close in Kent. K. Henry being dead, he got a place amongst the Mar∣riners of the Queens Navy, to reade Prayers, and afterward bound his son Fran••is to a Ship-Master, who in a Ship which went to and fro upon the Coast with Commodities, one while to Zealand, another while to France, trayning him up to pains and skill at Sea; who afterward dying, took such a liking to him, that he bequeathed his Barque to him by his Will: This Barque Drake sold, and then in the yeer 1567, went with Sir Iohn Hawkins into America; in which Voyage, he unfortunately lost all he had. Five yeers after, having gotten again a good sum of Money by Trading and Pyracy, (which the Preacher of his Ship told him was lawfull) he bought a Ship of Warre, and two small Vessells, with which he set Sayl again for America, where his first Prize was great store of Gold and Silver, carryed over the Mountains upon Mules; whereof the Gold he brought to his Ships, but left the Silver, hiding it under ground: After this, he fired a great place of Traffique, called, The Crosse, at the River Chiruge, when roaming to and fro upon the Mountains, he espyed the South Sea;

where falling upon his knees, he craved assistance of Almighty God, to finde out that passage, which he reserveth for another Voyage; and for the present, having gotten much riches, he returned home. Afterwards, in the yee•• 1577, the thirte••••th day of November, with five Ships, and Sea-men, to the number of 163, he set Sayl from Plimmo••th, for the Southern Sea, and within five and twenty dayes, came to Cantyne, a Cap•• in Ba••b••ry, and then sayled along by the Isl•• of F••g••, which sends forth ••••emes of Sul∣phur; and being now un••e•• the Line, he let every one in his Ships blood. The sixteenth of Ap••••l, entring into the mouth of the Plate•• they espy∣ed a world of Sea-Calves; in which place Iohn-••oughty, the next to Drake in Authority, was called in question for raising Sedition in the Navy, w••o being found guilty, was beheaded. Some report, That Drake had charge given him from the Earl of Leicester; to make away Doughty upon some pre••ence or other, for that he had said, that the Earl of Essex was craftily made away by Leicester•• The twentyeth of August, two of his Ships he turneth off, and with the other three came to the Sea, which they call•• The Straight of Magell••n. The sixth of September, en∣tring into the wide Southern Ocean, which they call•• The Pacifique Sea, he found it out of measure troublous, so that his Ships were here by Tempests dispersed; in one of which, Iohn Winter was Master, who returned back into England; Drake himself, with onely one Ship, coasted along the Sho••e, till he came to the Isle Mo••cha, from whence loosing, he lighted upon a fellow fishing in a little Boat, who shewed him where a Spanish Ship laden with Treasure ••ay; Drake making towards it; the Spaniards thought him to be their owne Country man, and thereupon invited him to come on; but he getting aboord presently shut the Spaniards (being not above eight persons) under ••atches, and took the Ship, in which was four hundred pound weight of gold. At Taurapasa, going again on shoar, he found a Spaniard ••leeping by the Sea∣side•• who had lying by him twenty bars of mass••e Silver, to the value of four thousand Duckats, which he bid his follower•• take amongst them, the Spani∣ard still sleeping. After this, going into the Port of Africa, he found there three Vessels without any Marriners in them; wherein, besides other wares, were seven and fifty silver bricks, each of which weighed twenty pound; From hence, Tyding it to Lime, he found twelve Ships in one Road, and in them great store of Silks, and a Chest full of money coined, but not so much as a Ship-boy aboord; (such security there was in that Coast:) Then put∣ting to Sea with those Ships, he followed the rich Ship called Cacofoga•• and by the way met with a small Ship, without Ordnance or other Arms, out of which he took fourscore pound weight of gold, a golden Crucifix, and some Em••aulds of a fingers length. The first day of March, he overtook the Ca∣cofoga, set upon her, and took her•• and in her, besides jewels, fourescore pound weigh•• of gold, thirteen Chests of silver ready coyned, and as much silver as would ballast a Ship. And now thinking he had gained wealth e∣nough, he resolved to return home•• and so on the third of November 1580. he landed at Plimmouth, having sayled round about the World, in the space of three years; to the great admiration of all that know what compasse the World is of.

The Queen welcomed him home, but made a sequestration of the goods, that they might be ready if the King of Spain required them; and comman∣ded the ship to be drawn on shoar neer Detford for a monument (where the carkasse of it is ye•• to be seen) and her selfe feasted in it, at which time She Knighted Captaine Dr••ke. But Bernardine M••ndoz••, the KING of Spaines Embassadour in ENGLAND began to rage; and earnestly demanded Restitution of the Goods, and complained, that the ENGLISH sayled upon the INDIAN Sea. To whom it was

answered, That the goods were sequestred, and ready to make the King of Spain satisfaction, although the Queen had expended against the Re∣bells, whom the Spaniard had excited in England and Ireland, more money then that which Dr••ke brought home. And as for sayling on the Indian Sea•• that it was as lawfull for the Queens subjects as his, seeing the Sea and the Ayr are common for all to use. Notwithstanding, to Pedro S••••••••a, the K••ng of Spain's Agent in this businesse, a great sum of money was re-paid•• which was not ••estored to them ••o whom it belonged, but employed to the Spaniards Wars in the Low-Co••••••ries, as was known af∣ter•• when it was too late.

But at this time, when Iackman and Pett, two skilfull Pilots, were sent forth with two Ships by the Londoners, to finde out •• shorter cut to the East Indies, by the North-West Passage; they had not the like successe; for a few Leagues beyond the Isles of ••aygat••, they met with such uncertain Tydes, so many Shallows, and such Mountains of Ice, that ••hey could go no further, and had much ••do to return home.

About this time, Henry Fitz Allen, Earl of Arundel died, in whom the Sirname of a most Noble Family ended, which had flourished in this Honour for above three hundred yeers, from Richard Fitz Alan; who be∣ing descended from the Al••anets (ancient Earls of Arundel and Sussex, in the Raign of King Edward the first) obtained the Title of Earl, by re••so•• of the possession of Arundel Castle, without Creation. He had ••hree daughters by his wife Katherine, daughter to Thomas Grey, Marquesse of Dorset, all whom he out-lived; H••nry, a young man of great hope, who died at Brussells; Ioan, wife to the Lord Lumley; and Mary, who being mar∣ryed to Thomas Howard, Duke of N••••folke, brought forth Philip, in her Right, Earl of Arundel.

In Ireland, Arthur Lord Grey the Deputy, going against the O Conors, who ••aised stirs in Ophalie, putteth to death Hugh O Moley, quieteth all that Quarter, even the Families of the Mog••hig••ns, and O Charles, and in the very beginning suppresseth a conspiracy which was breaking forth, by putting to death the Lord N••g••n•••• who being confident in his own inno∣cency, when the Deputy promised to save his ilfe, if he would but confesse himself guilty, chose rather to die and be held guiltlesse, then to live in in∣famy, by betraying his own Innocency. With whose death the Queen was extremely displeased, as by which she was made a Patronesse of cruel∣ty, to her great dishonour. But the Deputy knew with what kinde of peo∣ple he dealt, and by this example of severity, brought Turl••gh Leymigh to accept conditions of Peace; and the O B••i••s, and Cavenaghs (rebellious Fa∣milies in Leinster) humbly to crave Peac•• also, and to offer Hostages.

In Scotland at this time, great jealousie was ••ad of Lenox, Lord of Obig∣••y, lest, being in so great favour with the King, he should allure him to marry into France, and bring into Scotland the Popish Religion. Where∣upon (although he purged himself by Letters to Queen Elizabeth, and proferred himself to be a Protestant) yet many courses were taken to se∣quester him from the King•• but so far from taking effect, That on the con∣trary, the Earl of Morton (who among all other was most addicted to the English) was soon after accused of Treason by the Earl of Arran, and cast into prison•• and not long after (notwithstanding all the means the Queen could use to save him) was beheaded, as convicted to be accessary to the murder of the Kings Father. Whereupon the Earl of Angus, and other, who laboured for M••rt••••, fled straightwayes into England.

In the Low-Countries about this time, the Count Rheinberg proceeded victoriously for the King of Spain, and beleaguer'd St••nwick in Freezland; against whom the States sent Norris Generall of the Field, who put the ••••einburghs Company to the worst•• and raised the Siege: but afterward

〈…〉〈…〉 with Verdugo the Spaniard at N••rthone, even when the Vi∣〈…〉〈…〉 gotten (Roger Williams having put the enemies to flight) 〈…〉〈…〉 of the War turned, Norris is vanquished, wounded, and a great 〈…〉〈…〉 his men slain; amongst whom were Cotton, Fitz•• Williams, and 〈…〉〈…〉 Commanders. Here it must not be omitted•• That the English 〈…〉〈…〉 the dwellers in the Northern parts of the World, were hither∣〈…〉〈…〉 Drinkers, and deserved praise for their sob••iety) in these Dutch 〈…〉〈…〉 to be Drunkards; and brought the vice so far to over-spread 〈…〉〈…〉 ••ome, that Laws were fain to be enacted for repressing it.

〈…〉〈…〉 whilst the States and the King of Spain con••end about a few 〈…〉〈…〉 the Low-Countries, he seizeth upon the whole Kingdom of Por∣•••••• 〈…〉〈…〉 For the last yeer, Henry, King of P••••tingall dying, many Compe∣〈…〉〈…〉allenge the Kingdom; as the Duke of Savoy; the Prince of Par∣〈…〉〈…〉 Natharine Bracant, and the Queen of France. But Philip King of 〈…〉〈…〉 son of Henries eldest sister, putting the case to his Divines and 〈…〉〈…〉 and adjuring them to pronounce to whom of Right it belonged, 〈…〉〈…〉, For him: whereupon he sent Duke D'Alva, who put to 〈…〉〈…〉 ••••tonio, whom the people had elected King, and within seventy dayes 〈…〉〈…〉 all Portingall. The Queen of France angry hereat, and enviously be∣〈…〉〈…〉 the King of Spain's Dominions thus enlarged (being now Master 〈…〉〈…〉gall, the East Indies, and many Islands besides) adviseth, amongst 〈…〉〈…〉 P••••••ces, Queen Elizabeth, to bethink themselves in time, of restrayn∣〈…〉〈…〉 ••o excessive Dominions. Whereupon the Queen received Don 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and l••vingly relieved him, which she thought might be done without 〈…〉〈…〉 breath of the League with Spain, seeing Don Antonio was descended of 〈…〉〈…〉 Blood, and of the House of Lancaster; and that no Cau••ion was 〈…〉〈…〉 ••eague; That the Portuger should 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be admitted into England.

And now the Queen-Mother of Frano••, and the King her son, mo••e 〈◊〉〈◊〉 then ever, pursue the Ma••ch with Alanson, now Duke of A••gio••; 〈…〉〈…〉 transacting whereof, they sent in Ambassage into England•• Francis 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Prince of Daulphine; Arthur C••sse•• Marshall of France, and many 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Hono••rable Personages, who were entertained with great respect (a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 being purposely built at Westminster for that use, Royally furnished; ••••tings and Justs proclaimed, by Philip Earl of Arundel, Frederick Baron 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Windsor, Sir Philip Sidney, and Sir Fulk Grevill, against all come••s•• The ••••••••gates that were to confer with the French concerning the Marriage, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Sir William Cecill Lord Treasurer; Edward, Earl of Lincoln, Lord Ad∣••••••••ll; Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester; Sir Christopher Hatton, and Sir 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Walsingham, Secretary•• by whom, Covenants of Marriage were at ••••th agreed on; First, That the Duke of Angio••, and the Queen of Eng∣••••••••, within six weeks after the ratification of the Articles, should contract ••••trimony•• and the rest, most of them such as were before agreed on, in the ••arriage between Queen Mary and King Philip, chiefly consisting in confer∣••••ng Honour upon the Duke, but Power upon the Queen. It was also ar∣••••ed, That all pa••ticulars should be ratified within two Months•• by the ••••••thfull Promise and Oath of the French King, for him and his Heirs, and ••eservation also was added apart, with the Hands and Seals of every 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈…〉〈…〉 Delegates, That Queen Elizabeth is not bound to finish the Marriage, ••••till she and the Duke have given each other satisfaction in some 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and have certified the French King of the same within six we••ks•• Be∣••ore those six weeks were expired, Simier, Secretary to the Cou••••••ll, is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 into France, to require the King of France his Confirmation•• The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 will not hear him, but presseth to have the Marriage accomplished, 〈…〉〈…〉 was contracted, and that nothing else was to be done. ••i••••ier on the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 side, sheweth by the Articles, That a League offen••••••e and defensive 〈◊〉〈◊〉 first be concluded: This the French King disclayme••h: Whereupon

W••lsinghams is presently sent ••o compose this differan••e, who joyntly with Henry C••bham, the Embass••••our in ordina•••••••• and Simier, alleadgeth to the French King these Partic••l••••s, That Queen Elizabeth for no other reason was willing to marry, but for the ••atisfaction of he•• people; and seeing many Impediments were come in the way since the first Treaty, namely the Civill Warre in Franc•• and the Dukes engagement in a war with Spain, w•••• makes the wi••est of her subjects to be now against the Ma••ch. This hath made her to deferre the accomplishment of it, although her affection be still constant toward the Duke•• For this cause the Queen would have no further Treaty to be held•• till the French Duke be freed from the Spanish warre, and a Leauge of mutuall offe•••••• and defence be agreed on. The French King willingly accepted of ••••e L••agu•• defensive; but of the offensive he would heare no speech, till th•• marriage were finished.

No•• long aft••r•• the French D••k•• himself came into England, having with good successe raised the Si••ge of C••••bray; he was here received with as great humanity as he cou•••• w••sh, and nothing omitted•• where by he might judge himsel•• to be truly welcome. Insomuch th•••• in November, when the Anniver∣sari•• of the Qu••••••s Inauguration came to be solemnized, the Q. (while they were in Love conference) drew a Ring off from her finger, and put it upon his, upon some private conditions. The standers by imagined, that by this Ceremonie the Marriag•• was confirmed between them; and Alde∣g••nd Governour of Antwerp being there, presently dispatched messen∣gers into the Low-Countries•• to give notice of it; and thereupon Bonfires were made, and all shewes of Rejoycing•• But the Earl of Leicester (who priv••ly plotted to crosse the Ma••ch) H••••ton the Vice-Chamberlain, and Secretary Walsingham, fr•••• and are enraged, as if the Kingdom, the Queen and Religon, were now utterly ov••••throwne. The Maids of Honour, and Ladi••s that were familiar wi•••• th•• Queen, made grievous lamentation, and so 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and daunted her, that she could take no rest that night. The nex•• day•• she calleth to her the French Duke, and causing all companie to go aside, they privately ••n••er••ain a long discourse. At length the Duke re∣turning to his lodging, cast the Ring away from him, and after a while takes it up again, terribly exclayming against the Levity and inconstancie of Women.

The Queen at this time was much troubled at a Book lately put forth, with this Title, The Gulph wherein England will be swallowed, by the French Marriage: whereof, conceiving that some Puritan was the Author, it made her highly displeased with the Puritans: whereupon within a few dayes, Iohn Stubbes of Lincolnes-Inne, a Zealous Professour, and the Author of this booke, (w••ose sister, Thomas Cartwright, the father of the Puritants, had married) William Page that dispersed the copies, and Singleto•• the Printer, were ap∣prehended•• against whom Sentence was pronounced, That their Right hand should be cut off•• by vertue of a Law made in the Raigne of Phillip and Ma••ie, against the A••thors and dispersers of Seditious Writings; (though the cheife Lawyers and Judges of the Kingdom could not agree concerning the f••••ce of that S••a••ue:) Hereupon Stub••••s and Page were brought to the Scaff••ld, made of purpose, in the Market place at Westminster, and their right hands, with a Butchers knife and a malle••, cut off by the wrest; the Printer was p••••doned•• At that time, Stubbs when his right hand was cut off, un∣covered his head with the left, and cried out, God save the Queen, to the great amazement of all the beholders.

At this time the Queene, upon importunate suite of her Counsell, gave way, ••hat Edmund Campian, Ralph Sherwin, and Alexa••der Bryant, Priests, should be called to the ••arre, who being accused by vertue of a Law made in the five and twentieth yeare of King Edward the Third, to have plotted the ruine of the Queene and Kingdome; to be adhering to the Pope, the

Queens enemy, and coming into England, to raise Forces against the State, were then condemned of High-treason, and accordingly executed. Campian after he was convicted, being demanded; First, whether Queen Elizabeth w••re a lawfull Queen? would make no answer; afterward, Whether he ••ould stand for the Queen, or for the Pope, if he should send an Army a∣gainst the Queen; he plainly professed, That he would be of the Popes side, ••nd witnessed so much under his hand. After this, some other Papists up∣on the like occasion were also put to death, which the Queen rather necessa∣••ily, than willingly assented to, as being unwilling to force the conscience of any. These, and the like exorbitancies of Papists, were cause, that new ••••d strict Laws were enacted against them the Parliament following, which began the next Ianuary.

The French Duke after three moneths abode in England, took his jour∣ney in February, into the Low-Countries, whom the Queen her self brought on his way as far as Canterbury•• and then commanded the Earl of Leicester, the Lord Charles Howard, Hunsdon, Willoughby, Windsor, Sheffield, Sir Philip Sidney, Sir Francis Russell, Sir George Bourchier, and some other prime knights, to accompany him to Antwerpe, where he is made Duke of Brabant, Lim∣b••••rg, and Lorraine; for the Dutch had long before removed the King of Spains Government, and quitted the people from their oath of Allegiance, that it might be in their power to choose any other Prince. He••e the Duke of Anjou gave free leave to exercise the Roman Religion, to as many as would swear Fealty to him, and abjure the King of Spains authority: but ••fter all, having spent a great masse of money, with which he was supplied from England; and observi••g, that only vain and empty titles were confer∣red upon him, while the States held all the Dominion in their own hands, he rashly enterprized an assault upon Antwerpe, and some other Towns, and shortly departed without any great matter performed.

At this time Queen Elizabeth, as well to get her some friends, as she had procured her selfe many enemies; received into the Order of t••e Garter, Fredericke the Second King of Denmarke; to whom she employed Sir Pere∣grine Bertye (whom she had lately made Lord Willoughby of Eresby) to In∣vest him.

But now to prevent the Duke of Guyses designe in Scotland, which was to make use of the Duke of Lenox favour with the King, to withdraw his affe∣ction from the English: William Reuthen, whom the King had lately made Earle of Gowry, endeavoured with others, by all means to remove Lenox, and the Earl of Arran from the King; and so, while Lenox was gone from Ferth (where the King at that time was) to Edinburgh, and Arran was also absent on a journey: The Earls Gowry, Marre, Lindsey, and other, taking the opportunity, invited the King to the Castle of Reuthen, and there detai∣ned him, not permitting him to walk abroad: All his trusty servants they removed from about him, Arran they cast in prison, enforced the King to call home the Earl of Angus, and to send away Lenox into France, who be∣ing a man of a soft and gentle disposition, for the Kings safety readily con∣sented; and not content with all this, they compelled the King by his Let∣ters to Queen Elizabeth, to approve and allow of this his thraldome. The Queen of Scots in the mean while, bewailing her own hard fortune, and the distresse of the King her Son, layeth open the same in a large letter, written to the Queen in French: With which letter, Queen Elizabeth being some∣what affected, sent unto her Robert Beale Clerk of the Councell, to expostu∣late with her concerning the querulous writing, and joyntly with the Earle of Shrewsbury, to treat of the setting her at liberty. And indeed, serious consultation was held at the Councell Table about it, and the most were of opinion•• that upon certain conditions she should have her liberty; but the Scottish of the English faction opposing it, nothing was effected.

Soone after this, the King sent Colonell William Steward, and Iohn Colvill to Queen Eliz••beth, profering all manner of respect and observance, and requesting her advice for quieting the tumults in Scotland, and also for his contracting of marriage. At which time, news was brough••, that the Duke of L••nox was dead in France, who departing this life ••t Paris, even at the very point of death, as oftentimes before, made open profession of the Pro∣••••stant Religion; thereby confuting those who had maliciously traduced him for a Papist. After whose death, when the surprizers of the King were lift up in their own conceits, as thinking they had him safe enough. He on a sudden (though scarce eighteen yeers of age) with some few others, conveyed himselfe to the Castle of St. Andrews, to whom the Nobility presently repaired, bringing Armed Bands with them, as fearing some dan∣ger might befall him. Afterwards, in fair words, he advised some of his surprizers to go from the Court, for avoyding of tumults, and promised them pardon, if they wo••ld crave it. But Gowry only asked pardon, and sub∣mitted himselfe, using this distinction, That he had not offended in matter, bu•• in forme onely; and then the King sent for the Earle of Arran to the Court, and respected him as his intimate friend, imploying him to com∣pose the differen••es amongst the Nobility, and to purge the kingdome and his own Court from civill dissensions.

Whiles he is sedulous in these cares, comes Sir Francis Walsingham from Queen Elizabeth, to advise him not to be led away by evill Councellours, to the destruction of both kingdoms. He findeth the King accompanied with the flowr of the nobility, and beholdeth another maner of Majesty than he looked for in Scotland: Pla••ing Audience given him, he put the King in minde, of what the Queen out of Isocrates, in private Letters had formerly admonished him: That a Prince must be such a lover of Truth; that more credit may be given to his bare word, than to anothers oath; and in many words advised him, to beware now in his youth of evill Councellours, and alwayes to be like himselfe. The King answered, That he was an absolute Prince, and would not that others should appoint him Councellors whom he liked not; but that he had long since devoted the first-fruits of his amitie to the Queen of England, his deer Sister, and doth now willingly make profer of the same. Walsingham now dealt with him farther; not to lay to the Queens charge what broyls had lately fallen out in Scotland; sheweth, how benefi∣ciall to him, and to both kingdoms Amity had been hitherto, and would be in time to come also, so it were not neglected; and that the same might the better be confirmed, if the variance between the Nobility were layd asleep, by a Law of oblivion Enacted in Parliament, The Peers which now were removed from the Court called back again, Religion looked into, and a firm League concluded between both kingdoms. The King made answer, that he gladly embraced Amity with England, and that he would constantly defend the Religion already established: Afterward he lovingly dismissed Walsingham, though he held him no good friend to him and his Mother; and carefully looking to matters, with undestanding, even above his yeers, proposed and profered reconciliation to those that had surprized him, if within a limited time they asked Pardon; which they were so far from do∣ing, that the entred into new consultations to surprize him again; where∣upon they are commanded within a set time to leave the kingdom, of which number, Marre, Glames, Paslet and some other, betook themselves into Ire∣land; Boyde, Zester, Weeme, Lochlevin, into the Low-Countries; Dumfermilin into France, the Earle of Angus is confined to his Earldome, Gowry onely to his owne ruine stayeth behinde after the limited time, hatching new devises.

About this time happened a difference, and thereupon a Warre, between the Emperors of Muscovia, and the King of Sweden; when Iohn King of

Sweden, doubting himself to be no fit Match for the Emperour, sent a Roy∣••••l Ambassage to Queen Elizabeth, requesting her to intercede for him to ••••e Emperour; which she did without delay, and by her Ambassadour drew the Muscovian to a Peace upon reasonable Conditions. B••t the Muscovian ••••ortly after dying, and Theodorus his Successor, granting free Traffique to ••••rchants of all Nations that would come thither; the Queen importuned him to admit of none but English Merchants, requiring him to confirm the Priviledges which his Father had granted them: Whereto, by way of Answer, he demanded Free Trading for all the English, saying, It was not fit that a small Company should exercise a Monopoly, and all other be ••estrayned: But as for Customes, he promised to take lesse by one half of that Company, then of any other, because they first opened the way thither.

The next Summer, Albertus Alasco, a Palatine of Poland, of a comely personage, and great learning, came into England to see the Queen, who was nobly entertained, both by her, and the Nobility, as also by the Schol∣l••rs of Oxford, with learned Orations, and other Recreations: but having ••••rryed here four Months, and run i••to much debt, he secretly withdrew himself and departed. This man I saw my self afterward in Crakow, very bare, though it was reported of him, That he had in a Dowry with a wife, fif••y Castles of great value: but what Myne can bear the charges of pro∣digality?

This yeer proved fatall to divers great men; for there died this yeer, ••••••st, Thomas Ratcliffe, the third E••rl of Sussex of this Family; a man of grea•• spirit, and great faithfulnesse to his Countrey. There died also Hen∣ry Wriothsley Earl of Southampton; one exceedingly devoted to the Romish Religion, and a great favourer of the Queen of Scots, which cost him Queen Elizabeths displeasure, and imprisonment besides. There died also Sir Humphrey Gilbert, who was cast away at Sea, in his return from the North p••rt of America, whither he lately sayled with five Ships, having sold his Patrimony, in hope to plant a Colony t••ere. There died also Edmund Grin∣dall, Arch-••ishop of Canterbury, being blinde through age, a gra••e and pious P••elate, who stood highly in the Queens favour for a long time, till he lost 〈◊〉〈◊〉 last, by favouring (as was said) the Puritans Conventicles; but the ••••ue cause indeed was, for disallowing the Marriage of Iuli•• an Italian Phy∣sitian, with another mans wife, against the Earl of Leicester's pleasure. Grin∣d••ll dying, Iohn Whiteguyft succeeded in the See of Canterbury, being transla∣••ed thither from the See of Worcester.

At this time, certain popish Books written against the Queen, and Princes Excommunicate, withdrew divers from their Allegiance, and particularly, so intoxicated one Somervile, an English Gentleman, that he went privately ••o the Court, and breathing out nothing but blood and death against all Protestants, set upon one or two by the way, with his drawn Sword. Be∣ing apprehended, he stuck not to say, That he would murder the Queen with his own hands. Hereupon he, and upon his intimation, Edw••rd Arden ••is father in Law (a man of an ancient House in Warwick-shire) Ardens wife, their daughter; Somerviles wife, and Hall a Priest, were brought to the Bar, and all condemned; Somervile as principall, the rest as accessaries. Th••ee dayes after, Somervile was found strangled in the prison; Arden was ••••••cuted and quartered; the women and the Priest were spared. Many pi••ied the old Gentleman Arden, as misled by the Priest, and (as it was ge∣n••rally believed) brought to his end through the envy of Leicester, whom he used to call Whore-master, Upstart, and many such opprobrious ••••mes.

In the Netherlands, the English Garrison at Alost in Flanders being negle∣cted, the Governour Pigot, and the other Captains, for want of pay, upon

Composition, yeelded up the Town to the Spaniard, and then fearing dis∣grace at home, joyned themselves to the Prince of Parma; at whose hands finding themselves slighted, by degrees they stole all away, and came all to unlucky ends.

In Ireland the famous Rebell, Gyrald-Fitz Gyrald, the eleventh Earl of Desmond of this Family, having a long time in lurking places escaped the English, was now by a common Souldier found out in a poor Cottage, and slain. His head was sent into England, and set upon London-Bridge. This end had this great Lord, descended from Ma••rice, the son of Gyrald of W••nd∣sore, an English-man, famous amongst those who first set upon Ireland, in the yeer 1170. He possessed whole Countries, together with the Coun∣ty Palatine of Kerry, and had of his own Name and Race, at least five hundred Gentlemen at his command. All whom, and his own life also, he lost within the space of three yeers, very few of his House being left alive. And this disaster he fell into, by proving Trayterous to his Prince, at the instigation of certain Popish Priests. Of whom, the chief was one Nicholas Sanders an English-man, who at the same time died mi∣serably of Famine, being starved to death, when as being forsaken, and running mad upon his ill successe, he roamed up and down the Moun∣tains and Groves, finding nothing to sustain him. In his Scrip were found certain Orations and Letters, written to hearten the Rebells, and promising large rewards from the Pope and King of Spain. Up∣on the Rebells ill successe, Iames Fitz Eustace, Viscount Baltinglas, fled into Spain, where he pined away with grief. He out of zeal to the Romane Religion, a little before he had taken up Arms with the Re∣bells, and exhorting the Earl of Ormond his neighbour to do the like, (who drew his Linage from St. Thomas of Canterbury) he used these w••rds to perswade him, That if Saint Thomas of Canterbury had not dyed for the Church of ROME, thou hadst never been Earl of Ormond, for King HENRY the second, to expiate the murther of THOMAS B••CKET, gave large Lands in Ormond to his Prede∣cessors.

The beginning of the next Spring, certain Scots, together with Gow∣ry, plotted again to surprize the King, pretending onely a care of Reli∣gion, and to remove ill Councellors from him: but the King having in∣telligence of their practise, used means by Colonell Steward, to have G••••ry taken and cast into prison: whereupon Marre, Glames, Angus, and other of the confederates, flie into England, and beseech the Queen to commiserate their estate, who had incurred the Kings displeasure, to do her and the Kingdom of England service. The King on the other side, ac∣cuseth them to the Queen of haynous crimes, and requires to have them delivered up into his hands. But Secretary Walsingham, who bore great good will to these men, sent Letters with a Command, That they should be safely admitted into Linds Ferme, otherwise called, The holy Island; where Hu••sdon being Governou•• there, and great addicted to the King of Scots, resisted Walsinghams Command, alleadging he could not satisfie the Secretary in this point, unlesse the Queen gave expresse Command. Here∣upon grew a Dispute, Whether a Secretary of State might not transact a businesse of State, without speciall Commission from the Prince. How this Case was determined, is uncertain; but sure it is, the Scots came not thither, though some favour they had shewed them here in Eng∣land. In the mean time, Gowry was tryed by his Peers, at S••eclyn; where, being accused of many Treasons, though he gave colour∣able answers to them all, yet was found guilty, condemed, and be∣headed; whose head his servants sewing to his body, committed to the Grave.

About this time were practises plotted against Queen Elizabeth, in behalf 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Queen of Scots, chiefly by Francis Throgmorton, eldest son of Iohn ••••••••gmorton, Justice of Chester, who came to be suspected, by reason of ••etters sent to the Queen of Scots which were intercepted. Upon his ap∣••••••hension, Thomas Lord Paget, and Charles Arundel, privately stole away 〈◊〉〈◊〉 France, grievously complaining against Leicester and Walsingham, for ••••ienating the Queen from them, and using such wiles, that scarce any m••n was able to live in safety. Henry Earl of Northumberland, and Philip Earl of Arundel, were confined to their houses, his wife committed to the ••••stody of Sir Thomas Shirley; William Howard, the Earls brother, and He••••y Howard their Unkle, brother to the Duke of Norfolk, were exami∣ned about Letters from the Queen of Scots; and many Statagems were set on foot, dangerous to some particular persons, but necessary (as should 〈◊〉〈◊〉) for the Queens security. Certain it is, That now the malice of the Papists against the Queen, brake forth more violently than ever be∣fore; for in printed Books they stirred up the Queens own servants to ••ttempt the like upon her, that Iudith did on Olephernes. The Author of these Books could not be found, but the suspition lay upon one G••egory Martin, sometime of Oxford; and Carter a Statio••er, who print∣ed the Books, suffered for it. And whereas the Papists every where ••••aduced the Queen for cruelty, she desirous alwayes to leave a blessed ••••membrance behinde her, grew extremely offended with the Com∣missioners for Popish causes, taxing them of too much cruelty, inso∣much that they were fain, in a printed Declaration, to cleer them∣selves, protesting; That they questioned no man for his Religion, but onely for dangerous attempts against the Queen and State•• and that C••••pian himself was never so Racked, but that he could presently walk up and down. But all this gave not the Queen satisfaction, but she commanded the Commissioners to forbear tortures, and the Judges other ••u••ishments; and not long after, when seventy Priests were taken, and some of them condemned, and the rest in danger of the Law, she cau∣sed them all to be Shipped away, and sent out of England: The chief of whom: were Gaspar Heywood, the great Epigrammatist's son, the first ••esuite that ever set foot in England; Iames B••sgrave, Iohn Hart, and Ed∣••••••d Rishton.

At this time Mendoza the Spanish Ambassadour, was thrust out of England, for joyning with Throgmorton, in his Treason against the Queen; whereupon Sir William Waad was sent to the King of Spain, to satisfie him how ill Mendoza had discharged the Office of an Ambassadour here in England; who, when the King admitted him not to his Presence, but in a slighting manner, putting him off to his Councellors; Waad taking it in great disdain, boldly said, That it was a declared Custome among Princes (though in heat of War) to give Ambassadours audience, and thereupon stou••ly refused to ••••clare his Ambassage, and so returned into England unheard. The greatest matters laid to Mendoza's charge, were got∣t••n out of Throgmorton's Confession; for when he was in danger to be ap∣prehended, he sent to Mendoza a box of Writings; and when his Ch••sts were searched, there were found two Scrowls, one with the names of the Ports of England, and in the other the names of the Nobility and Gentry in England that favoured the Romish Religion. These, when Th••ogmorton saw brought forth, he said they were counterfeited, and ••tood to it upon the very Rack; but being brought to the Rack the second time•• he then con∣fessed all, That Morgan by Letters out of France, had given him information, that the Catholike Princes had decreed to invade England, and with the help of the Duke of Guise, to free the Q. of Scots; and that nothing was now want∣ing, but mony & ayd in England: and that for procuring of this, Charls Pa••e••,

under the counterfeit name of Mope, was sent into Sussex, where the Duke of Guise intended to land; and that he had imported all this matter to Men∣doza, and intimated the names of the Ports, and of the Noble-men that should assist. But being arraigned at the Guild-hall, he denyed all this again, saying, He had spoken so, because he would not be Racked again. Yet be∣ing condemned to die, he flying to the Queens mercy, confessed in a manner all he had before related•• and then at the Gallows went about to deny it again. So false to it self is the minde of man when it is divided between hope and fear, and lies under the burden of a guilty conscience.

Sir William Wade being returned from Spain, was employed to the Queen of Scots, about a Treaty begun two years before: To whom, the distres∣sed Queen sincerely professed, That she devoted her service and her selfe to the Queen of England; and made solemne promise, That if the former Trea∣ty might go on, she would mediate with the King her Son, to receive into favour the Earl of Angus, and the other Scottish Lords, and would charge the Bishops of Rosse and Glasco, her Agents in France, to have no further to do with the English Fugitives. These things Q••een Elizabeth heard glad∣ly, and thereupon sent Beale to the Queen of Scots, who joyntly with the Earl of Shrewsbery should signifie unto her, That if she continued still in the same minde, as she had delivered to Waad; Sir Walter Mildmay should come out of hand ••o her, and Treat concerning her liberty: but withall she commanded Mildmay and Beale to dive into her as well as they could, to know what practises the Duke of Guyse had on foot. To that which she had spoken to sir William Waad, the Queen of Scots made a wary answer; but to that concerning the Duke of Guyse, she plainly confesseth; That being sickly he•• selfe, and weak of body, she had committed her selfe and her Son, to the Protection of the Duke of Guyse, her dear Cosen, of whose intendments she knoweth nothing; nor if she did, would she disclose them, unlesse she might be sure of her own liberty. Lastly, she requesteth, That being a free and an absolute Prince, she may not be worse handled, than Queen Elizabeth her selfe was, when she was a subject, and kept in prison by her Sister. These things had a hearing, but no feeling, and the rather by a strange accident; for Creighton a Scottish Jesuit, sayling from the L••w-Countries, and taken by Dutch Pirats, had certain papers which he tore and thre•• away, which thrown over-boord, and by the winde blown back into the ship, miraculously (as Creighton himselfe sayd) they were brought to sir William Waad, who patching them together with much la∣bour and cunning, discovered by them some new intendments of the Pope, the King of Spain•• and the Guyse, about the Invading of England: Where∣upon, and upo•• divers other rumors, the better to provide for the safety of the Queen, a number of her Subjects (the Earl of Leicester being the fore∣most) men of all ranks and conditions, bound themselves mutually to each other, by their oaths and subscriptions, to persecute all those to the very death, that should attempt any thing against the Queen; which league of theirs, they called the Association.

The Queen of Sco••s who presently apprehended, that this Association was entred into for her destruction; maketh this proposition by Nave her Secretary, to the Queen and the Councell•• That if she might have her liber∣ty granted, and be assured of the Q••een•• ••ove, she would enter a strict league and ••mity with her, and passing by all matters of offence, esteem and honor ••er, above all the Princes of the Christian World; yea, and (saving the an∣cient League betwixt Fra••ce, and Sc••••la••d) she would her selfe be compre∣hended in t••e Association, and a League defensiv••, against all that should go about to injure the Queen. Herewith Queen Eli••abeth was wonderfully pleased, and at that time cer••••••nly had an inclination to grant her freedom. B••t see what malice can do; for many in England•• but specially the Sco••s of

〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••dverse party, endeavoured by all means to hinder it; exclaiming, That 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Queen could be no longer in safety, if the Queen of Scots were set at li∣berty, That both Kingdoms were utterly undone, if she were admitted into 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••oynt Government of the Kingdom of Scotland, and that the reformed ••••••••gion lay a bleeding, if Papists were admitted within the Court walls; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was this all, but the Scottish Ministers in their Pulpits, loaded the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Scots with all manner of contumelies, slandred the King himselfe, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Councell in most bitter manner; and being cited to appear before him, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, saying, That the Pulpits were exempted from all Regall Authority, and that Ecclesiasticall persons, were not to be censured by the Prince, but 〈◊〉〈◊〉 their own Consistory (directly against the Laws made the year before in Pa••liament) whereby the Kings Authority over all persons, whether Eccle∣••••••s••icall, or Secular, was confirmed; and namely, That the King and his Councell, were Supream Judges in all Causes; and that whosoever refused 〈◊〉〈◊〉 b•• tryed by them, should be holden guilty of High-treason; all Presby∣••••••••••s and Lay-conventicles forbidden, Parity of the Clergy taken away, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the authority of Bishops restored, whose Calling the Presbyteries had condemned as wicked and Antichristian: And lastly, all scurrilous Libels ••••••inst the King and his mother, prohibited, namely, the Scottish History of George Buchanan, and his Dialogue, De Iure Regni apud Scotos.

At this time, upon her adversaries suggestion, the Queen of Scots is taken from the Earl of Shrewsbery, and committed to the custody of sir Amis Pawlet ••nd sir Drue Drury, and that on set purpose (as some were perswaded) to drive her into abrupt and desperate attempts; and indeed upon this, she grew more importunate with the Pope and King of Spain, to hasten their in∣••••ndment, whatsoever became of her, as ill indeed was like to become of her, if it be true (as some sayd) that Leicester sent out assasinats to make her ••way, but that Drury detested the villany, and would grant them no ••••cesse.

And how to alienate Queen Elizabeth utterly from her; it is suggested to 〈◊〉〈◊〉, That Allen for the Catholicks of the Clergy, Inglefield for the Layity, ••nd the Bishop of R••sse for the Queen of Scots, with consent of the Pope and the King of Spain, had joyntly combined to depose her, and to bar the King of Scotland from his hereditary Right to the Crown of England, and to marry the Queen of Scots to an English Noble-man of the Romish Re∣ligion, and him the English Catholikes should chuse King of England, and the Pope confirm the Election; and all this upon the credit of Hart the Priest: but who this English Noble-man should be that should marry the Queen of Scots, could not be found, though Walsingham were very busie to seacrh i•• out: the fame went upon Henry Howard, the Duke of Norfolks brother, ••ho was a single man, a great Papist, and of high estimation amongst the Catholikes.

This yeer died in Exile and misery, Charles N••vill, who was in the Rebel∣lion of the North, the last Earl of Westmerland of this Family; a House from whence descended many Noble Personages, six Earls of Westmerland, ••wo Earls of Sali••••••••y and War••i••k, an Earl of Kent, a Ma••quesse Mount••cut••, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Duke of Bedford, Baron Ferrers of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, the Lord Latymer, the Lord of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, one Queen, and five Dutchesses (to let passe Counte••••es and Baronne••ses) an Arch-bishop of York, and a numerous company of other Lords. In E••gl••nd died none of ••eckoning this yeer, but onely Pl••••den the famous Lawyer; but in France, ••he Duke of Angi•••• died of grief•• a••d in Holland, William Prince of Orange, shot into the body with ••hree Bullets, by one B••lth••s••r Gerard, a Burgundian.

It was now the yeer 1585, and the eight and twentieth of Queen Eliza∣•••••••••• Raign, when, to ti•• the French King more neerly to her, whom the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••••fore she had received into the number of the Knights of the ••arter,

she sent the Earl of Derby into France, to invest him with the Robes and Or∣naments, according to the due Solemnity; which he kindely accepted, and at Evening Prayer was invested with them.

At this time a Parliament was assembled at Westminster, wherein William Parrie a Welsh-man, a Doctor of the Laws, when in the Lower House a Bill was read against the Jesuites, he alone stood up, and exclaimed that it was a cruell and bloody Law: and being asked his reason, he stoutly refused, unlesse he were required by the Lords of the Councell. Hereupon he was sent to the Gate-house, but upon submission, was received into the House again. Soon after, he was accused by Edward Nevill, for holding secret consultations about making the Queen away; Who thereupon apprehend∣ed, upon his examination, confessed in effect thus much, That out of dis∣content he went beyond the Sea, where, by the encouragement of Campe∣gio the Popes Nuntio at Venice, and grant of a plenary Indulgence from the Pope, he undertook to kill the Queen; but coming into England to that intent, he altered his minde, and disclosed to the Queen the whole matter. After this, he received a Letter from the Cardinall of Com••, perswading him to go forward with the Enterprise; and this Letter also he shewed the Queen. After this, he chanced to see a Book of Doctor Allens, written contra Iustitiam Britannicam, wherein was declared, That Princes who were for heresie excommunicate, might lawfully be deprived of their life and Kingdom. This book wonderfully confirmed him, and he read it to Nevill; who, though he took an oath of secrecy, yet now upon a hope of the Earldom of Westmerland•• betrayed him. This was his confession, before Baron Hunsdon, Sir Christopher Hatt••n, and Sir Francis Walsingham: as like∣wise in his Letters to the Queen, to the Lord Burleigh, and the Earl of Lei∣cester, acknowledging his fault, and craving mercy. A few dayes after, he was called to the Bar in Westminster-Hall, where he confessed himself guilty, and thereupon was condemned. After the Sentence of death pro∣nounced, he furiously cited the Queen to Gods Tribunall: five dayes af∣ter he was laid upon a Hurdle, and dragged thorow the City to Westminster, where at the Gibbet he made a vain-glorious boasting of his faithfulnesse to the Queen, but not so much as in a word commended himself to God; and in the great Palace at Westminster was executed as a Traytor, the Nobi∣lity and Commons sitting then in Parliament.

In this Parliament, the Association before spoken of, was universally ap∣proved, and enacted in this Form; That four and twenty, or more, of the Queens Privy Councell, and Peers of the Realm, should be selected and authorized, under the Great Seal of England, To make enquiry of all such per∣sons as shall attempt to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Kingdom, or raise Rebellion, or shall attempt any evill against the Queens Person; f••r whomsoeve••, and by whomsoever, that layeth any claim to the Crown of England; and that person for whom, or by whom they shall ••ttempt ••ny such thing, shall be altogether uncapable of the Crown; and more to this purpose. Laws also for the Queens safety, were enacted against Jesuites and Popis•• Priests, and against all that shall receive or relieve them. These Laws ter••ified many, and particularly out of fear of them, Philip Ea••l of Arundel; the Duke of Norf••lks eldest son, purposed with himself to travell beyond Seas•• for having been once or twice cited before the Lords of the Councell, and confined to his house, and after six months set at liberty, he ••hereupon wrot•• a Letter to the Queen, That for the Service of God, and hi•• souls health, he purposed to leave his Countrey, but not his loyall ••ffection towards her•• but as he was taking Shipping, by his own servants treachery he was discovered, apprehended, and laid in the Tow••r.

At the same time lay in the Tower, Henry Percy Earl of Northumberland•• a man of a lofty spirit, being suspected by rea••on of secret consultation

〈◊〉〈◊〉 Throgmorton, the Lord Paget, and the Guises, about the invading of Eng∣•••••••••• and freeing of the Queen of Scots (whose cause he ever highly favou∣••••d) but in the m••neth of Iune, he was found dead in his bed, shot into the body with three bullets, under his right pappe, and the door bolted on the ••••de: The Corroners Inquest examining the matter, found and pronoun∣••••d, that he had killed himselfe. Three dayes after, the Lords meeting in ••he Star-chamber, Bromeley Lord Chancellor, declared this fact of the Earls, ••nd then commanded the Atturney Generall to shew the causes of his im∣••••••sonment, and the manner of his death; whereupon, Popham first, and then Egerton the Queens Solicitor, in long Orations, lay open all his Trea∣sons, and how for feare of the Law, he had layd violent hands upon him∣selfe.

And now the Queen knowing that the seeds of these Treasons proceeded from the Duke of Guise, and his adherents, she sought for the strengthning of her selfe, to enter into League with the Princes of Germany; and to this end, she sent Sir Thomas B••dley to the King of Denmarke, to the Count Ele∣ctor Palatine of the Rhine, to the Duke of Saxony, Wittenberg, Brunswicke, L••••ceburg; the Marquesse of Brandenburg, and the Lant grave of Hessia; and into Scotland, she sent Sir Edward Wootton, to let the King understand how sincerely she was affected towards him, and withall to draw the King (if he could) into a League of mutuall defence and offence, and to commend to him the Match of the King of Denmarks Daughter. The King was very inclinable to the matter of the League, but for the present the businesse was interrupted, by the death of Francis Russell, Son to the Earl of Bedford, slain at a meeting to compound a difference between the Borderers, by a sudden tumult of the Scots, but who it was that slew him, was not known. The English layd it upon the Earl of Arran, and the Lord Fernihurst Governour of the middle Borders; whereupon, at the Queenes complaint, the Earl of Arran was confined, and Fernihurst committed to prison at Dundee, where he dyed; a man of great valour and resolution, and one that was alwayes f••rm for the Queen of Scots. But Queen Elizabeth not thus satisfied, gave leave by way of connivance to the Scottish Lords that were fled into England, namely, the Earl of Angus, the Hamiltons, Iohn and Cladius, the Earl of M••rre, Glames, and other, that they should steal away into Scotland (she sup∣••lying them with money) there to master and subdue the Earl of Arran. For Maxwell, who was lately made Earl of Bothwell, Baron Humes, Colding∣kn••lls and other in Scotland, had already promised them their assistance, even ••n the very Court. Sir Patrick Grey (Arrans great Rivall for the Kings fa∣vour) Belenden, and Secretary Maitland (by Woottons craft) were made a∣gainst Arran. These men, upon their first entry into Scotland, command all persons in the Kings name, to ayd them for conserving the truth of the Gospell, for freeing the King from corrupt Councellors, and for main∣taining of Amity with the English, so as there presently joyned with them ••bout eight thousand men. The Earle of Arran hearing hereof, makes haste to the King, and accuseth Patricke Grey as author of this commotion: but whiles Arran was making provision for defence of the Town, the ene∣mies were ready to scale the Walls: whereupon, Arran being advised, that only his life was sought, gets secretly away with only one servant, the rest betook themselves to the King in the Castle. Then the Rebels get into the Market-place, and display their Banners against the Castle: the King sends Grey to know the reason of their comming; they answer, to submit themselves, and in humble manner to kisse the Kings hands: the King of∣fereth restitution of all their goods, if they would depart; They desire to be admitted to his Pre••ence, which upon these conditions the King granted. That they should not attempt any thing against his li••e, or those whom he should nominate, nor make any innovation in the Government. They

protest, They are ready to sacrifice their lives for the Kings safety, and of any Innovation they had not so much as a thought; onely they request to have their adversaries, and the Fortifications of Scotland delivered up in∣to their hands. Hereupon after a dayes Consultation, they are admitted in∣to the Kings Presence and forthwith the Earls of Mount Rosse, Crawford, and Rothsay; Colonell Steward, Downs, Arran's brothers, and others, were delivered to them: The Earl of Arran, who was fled into the Western Islands, is called home; the assaulters were pardoned, and pronounced good subjects. Hamilton is set over Dumbriton Castle; Goldingknolls over Edin∣burgh; the Earl of Angus over Tantallon; the Earl of Marre over Stelyn; and Glames is made Captain of the Guard. Upon this, all Proscriptions and Outlaries whatsoever against all persons, since the Kings Inauguration) sa••ing some few proscribed for the murder of the Kings Father) are called in, and with an unanimous consent of all parties, the Treaty of a League with the Queen of England is agreed upon, and Delegates nominated to that purpose.

In Ireland likewise was a Combustion this yeer; first the Burkes (descend∣ed of the ancient Family of the Burroughs in England) provoked by the severe Government of Richard Bingham, Governour of Conn••ght, raise Rebellion; but this was soon suppressed, for Thomas Burk dyed fighting; M••yler, and Theobald Burke, were taken and hanged. After this, the Clan-Gibbons, Clan-Donells, and Ioyes, combined together in great numbers, and say plainly, They will have a Mac-William of their own, one of the Burks to rule over them, or some other Lord out of Spain; they will admit of no Sheriff into their Countrey, nor appear before the English Courts of Ju∣stice; and thereupon harryed all the Countrey with Fire and Sword, and neither by the perswasions of the Arch-bishop Tuan, nor by the intreaties of the Earl of Clan-ricard (the chief of the House of the Burks) would be quieted, till Iohn Bingham the Presidents brother, following them into the Woods, drave away five thousand Head of their Cattell, so as after forty dayes, half starved, they came forth and submitted themselves. But this was not yet an end; for now the President understood, That two thousand Scottish Islanders were landed, and ready to break into Connaght; where∣upon he Musters his men to give them Battell; but they flying to Bogs and Woods, he retires back as though in fear, thereby to draw them from the Bogs to firm ground, and then with his whole Forces set upon them, slew three thousand of them (indeed all but fourscore) amongst whom were Donell Garmy, and Alexander Garmy, the sons of Iames Mac-Conell, who had long disquieted this part, and those Burkes who were the first authors of this Rebellion. This was a famous Victory, for the good of the present and future times; for hereby the name of the Mac-Williams in Connaght was utterly extinct, and the insolent attempts of the Scottish Islanders abso∣lutely crushed.

In the Low-Countries at this time the States were very hard beset, so as they held a Consultation, Whether to flie for protection, either to the French King, or to the Queen of England. Monsieur Prunie the French Ambassa∣dour shewed many advantages, and gave many reasons why they should flie rather to the French King; the English on the other side, alleadged ma∣ny reasons why they should flie rather to the Queen of England: but in conclusion, they have first recourse to the King of France, and afterward being by him neglected, to the Queen of England. But then in England it was consulted, Whether it were meet to protect them; wherein the Coun∣cell was divided; some were of opinion, That it were good to receive and aid them, lest the Spaniard first conquering them, might have the better way to annoy England; other again thought, They were to be held no better then Rebells to their lawfull Soveraign, and therefore unworthy of assistance. After long deb••••ing the matter, the Queen refuseth to take into

protection, much lesse to exercise Soveraignty over them. Neverthe∣••esse, to raise the Siege of Antwerp, which was then beleaguer'd by the Prince of Parma, she was content to supply them with four thousand Soul∣diers, so as the Town of Sluce, and the Ordnance belonging to it, were gi∣ven up into their hands: but while this matter was discussing•• the Town of Antwerp was fain to yeeld it self.

But the Queen better bethinking herself, partly, as fearing the growth of the King of Spain's power, and partly, as commiserating the afflicted of her own Religion, at last resolves to undertake their protection, upon conditi∣on of her part, to supply them with five thousand Foot, and a thousand Horse, under a sufficient Generall, paying them during the War; And after∣ward the expences to be payed back, upon condition on their part, by way of Pledge, to deliver Flushing, and the Fort of Ramekyn, the Town of Brill, with the two neighbouring Forts: and for the justifying of this her action, ••he set forth a large Declaration. And knowing that herein she incensed the King of Spain, she thought best to turn his anger further from home, and thereupon sent out Sir Francis Drake, and Christopher Carlile, with a Na∣vy of one and twenty Ships (wherein were two thousand Voluntaries and Marriners) toward the West Indies; who first surprized the Town of St. ••ago, afterwards St. Dominick (where five and twenty thousand Crowns were given them, to spare the Town from burning) afterward Cartagena, which they held seven weeks, till the Spaniards redeemed it for a hundred and ten thousand Crowns. After this, the Calenture waxing hot, and di∣minishing their Forces, they returned homewards, passing by Virginia, a Colony which Sir Walter Raleigh had there planted; from whence Drake brings hom•• with him Ralph Lane, who was the first that brought Tobacco into England, which the Indians take against crudities of the Stomack. At this Expedition were lost about seven hundred men, who for the most part died of Calentures: their Booty amounted to the value of threescore thou∣s••nd pounds Sterling, besides two hundred and forty Brasse and Iron Pieces. These things were done under the Torrid Zone in America; when in the mean while, Captain Iohn Davis, with two Ships (at the charges of William Sanderson, and other Citizens of London) found out away to the East-Indies, ••y the higher part of America, under the Frigid Zone.

At the end of this yeere, the Earle of Leicester is sent Generall of the Queenes Forces into Holland, accompanied with the Earle of Essex, the Lords Audley, and North, Sir William Russell, Sir Thomas Shirley, Sir Arthur Basset, Sir Walter Waller, Sir Gervase Clifton, and divers other Knights, besides five hundred Gentlemen. Landing at Flushing, he was first by Sir Philip Sidney the Governour his Nephew and after by the Townes of Zeland and Holland, entertained in most magnificent manner, ••nd comming to the Hague in Ianuary; the States by Patent committed to him the command and absolute authority over the united Provinces, with the Titles of Governour and Captain Generall of Holland, Zeland; and the Confederate Provinces: So as being now saluted with the Ti∣tle of his Excellency, he began to assume unto him Princely spirits. But the Queene tooke him soone off from further aspiring, Writing to him in most peremptory manner; That she wondred how a man whom ••he had raised out of the dust, could so contemptuously violate her commands, and therefore charged him upon his Allegiance, to put in ••xecution the Injunctions she sent him by HENNAGE her VICE-CHAMBERLAINE; Withall, in Letters apart, She expostulateth with the States, that to her great disparagement, they had cast upon the ••arle of Leicester her Subject, the absolute command over the united PROVINCES without her privity, which she her selfe had utterly refu∣sed; and therfore willeth them to Devest him of that absolute authority, to

whom she had set bounds, which he should not passe. The States returne Answer, That they are heartily sorry they should incurre her displeasure by conferring upon the Earle that absolute Authority, not having first made her acquainted, but they beseeched her to consider the necessity of it; seeing, that for avoyding of confusion, that Authority must needs be cast upon some one or other; Neither, was there any great matter in the word Absolute, seeing the Rule and Dominion resided still in the peo∣ple. By these Letters, and Leicesters own submissive writing, the Queen was soon satisfied; Leicester all this while receiveth Contributions and Re∣wards from all Provinces, maketh Martiall Laws, and endeavouring like∣wise to raise new Customs upon Merchandizes, incurred great dislike a∣mongst the common people. His first service was to relieve Grave, a Town in Brabant, which the Prince of Parma, by Count Mansfield had besieged: Hither he sent the Count Hohenlo a German, and Norris Generall of the English Foot; but notwithstanding all the great service they did there, the Town in the end was taken; but Hemart the Governor, for his cowardly yeelding it up, lost his head. From hence the Prince of Parma marched into Gelderland, and pitched his Tents before Venlow, where Skenkic a Friez∣lander, and Roger Williams a Welshman performed great service, yet that Town in a short time was taken also. But in the mean while, the Lord Willoughby Governor of Bergen ap Zome, cut off the enemies Convoyes, and took away their victualls; and Sir Philip Sidney, and Maurice the Prince of Oranges Son, upon a sudden on-set, took Axale a Town in Flanders. From Venl•• the Prince of Parma goes to Berke, where there were twelve thousand English, under the command of Colonell Morgan; he notwithstanding layd Siege to the Town, which the Earl of Leicester came to raise, but finding his Forces to weak to raise it, he seeks to divert it, by Beleaguering Duis∣bourgh; which before the Prince of Parma could come to relieve, he tooke. And now the Prince of Parma, fearing least Zutphin should come in danger, commandeth victualls to be carried thither, which the Spaniards carrying along in a fogge, the English by chance lighted on them, vanquished a Troop of their Horse, slew Hannibal Gonzaga, and divers other, bat then on the English side was one slain, more worth than all the English and Spaniards put together; Sir Philip Sidney, who having his horse slain under him, and getting upon another, was shot into the thigh, and 25 dayes after, in the ••loure of his age, dyed: A man of so many excellent parts of Art and Na∣ture, of Valour and Learning, of Wit and Magnanimity; that as he had equal∣led all those of former Ages, so future Ages wil hardly be able to equal him. His Funeralls were in sumptuous manner solemnized at St. Pauls Church in London. Iames King of Scotland made his Epitaph, and both Universities celebrated his death with Funerall Verses.

After this, Leicester assaulteth Zutphen, where setting upon a Fort, he takes it in this manner; Edward Stanley (of the Stanlies of Elford) catching hold of a Spaniards Launce, which was brandished at him, held it so fast, that by it he was drawn into the very Fort; whereupon, the Spaniards being af∣frighted (as thinking all the enemies were comming up) forsook the place; Leicester knighted Stanly for this act, gave him forty pounds in present mo∣ney, and yeerly Pension of an hundred Marks during his life. And now though in this forwardnesse to winne the Town, yet winter being already come on, he thought it unseasonable to besiege it any longer (especially so many English Garrisons lying round about it, which were in nature of a siege) but returned to the H••g••e, where the States entertained him with com∣plaints, that their money was not carefully husbanded, that the number of the English supplies was not full, that forreign souldiers were levyed with∣out their consent, that the priviledges of the united Provinces were set at nought, and new devises for contribution invented; for all which evills,

they entreat him to provide some present remedy. To which complaints (having a purpose to go for England) he gave a friendly answer; but upon the very day in which he was to depart, he committeth the government of the Province, to the deliberation of the States; and the same day, made an∣other private instrument of writing, where he reserved to himself the whole authority over the Governours of the severall Provinces, Cities, and Forts; and more than this, taketh away the wonted jurisdiction ••rom the States Councell, and Presidents of the Provinces; and came into England the third day of December. And thus passed the affairs of the Nether-lands for this yeare.

But in England, Philip Earle of Arundel, who had lyen in Prison a whole year, was at last brought to the Starchamber; and being charged with fostering of Priests, and having correspondence with Allen and Parsons the Jesuit, and offering to depart the Kingdom without licence, was fined ten thousand pounds, and imprisonment during the Queens p••easure.

At this time, the Queen, by Sir Horatio Palavicino, supplied with a large summe of money the King of Navarr••; thorow whose side, the Guyses op∣posed the reformed Religion in Scotland, but her most intentive care was how to unite England and Scotland in a solid friendship: To which end, she sent Thomas Randoll into Scotland, who making Propositions to the King, touching a League offensive and defensive, though the King at first required some additions, and though the French Ambassador infinitely opposed it, yet at last he consented to it; and in Iuly following, there met at Barwick, Edward Earle of Rutland, William Lord Euer, and Thomas Randoll for the Queen of England; Francis Earl of Bothwell, Robert Lord Boyde, and Humes for the King of Scots, and there the League (which was called the League of strict Amity; for that the word offensive liked not the Scots) was upon certain points concluded: First, for the maintenance of the reformed Re∣ligion, and then other such Articles, as commonly in Leagues are usuall.

The very same moneth that this League was agreed on, a most dangerous conspiracy against the Queen was discovered. For first, one Iohn Savage, was by the perswasions of Gifford, Doctor in Divinity, induced to believe, that it was a meritorious work, to take away the lives of Princes Excom∣municate, who thereupon vowed to kill Queen Elizabeth: but to make the Queen and her Councell secure, at the very same time they wrote a book•• exhorting the Papists in England, to attempt nothing against their Prince, and to use only the Christian weapons of Tears, Prayers, Watching, and Fasting. About Whitsuntide, one Ballard a Seminary Priest of Rheims, ac∣quainted with the vow of Savage (having dealt in France with Mendoza and Charles Paget, about invading of England) arrived here in a souldiers habit, and by a counterfeit name, called Captain Fos••••; with these matters he ac∣puaints one Anthony Babington, a gentleman of Darbyshire, who by the Bi∣shop of Glasco, the Queen of Scots Ambassador in France, had been com∣mended to her, as one worthy of her love; so, as between them, there pas∣sed often letters in unknown characters. In short time, Babington had drawn into the Plot, other gentlemen as zealous of the Romish Religion as himselfe; namely, Edward Windsor, brother to the Lord Windsor, Thomas Salisbery of a good Family in Devonshire, Charles Tilney one of the Queens Pensioners, Chydiock Tichburne of Hamshire, Edward Abington (whose fa∣ther was Coferer to the Queen) Robert Gage of Surrey, Iohn Travers••, and Iohn Charnock of Lancashire, Iohn Iones•• Savage formerly spoken of, Barn∣well of a noble Family in Ireland, and Henry Dunne a Clerk in the Office of First-fruits and Tenths, one Pollie also serued himselfe into their company, a fellow throughly acquainted with the affairs of the Queen of Scots, who was thought to have revealed all their consultations to Walsingham day by day. To these Gentlemen, Babington communicateth his affairs, but not

every particular to every one, but to Ballard, Tichburne, and Dunn••, he sheweth the Letters which passed between him and the Queen of Scots; with Tilney and the rest, he dealeth to be the Assassinates; of whom, some at first loth, at last consented, and in a foolish vaingloriousnesse, a picture of the Assas∣sinates was made to the life, and Babington in the midst, with these words; Quorsum haec alio properentibus? This Picture (they say) was gotten and privately shewed to the Queen, who knew none of them by face, but only Bernwell (who had oftentimes come to her in the causes of the Earl of Kil∣dare, whose servant he was) Certain it is, that the Queen one day walking abroad, spyed this Bernwell, and turning to Hatton sayd, Am not I well Guarded, that have not so much as one man in the company with a sword by his side? Thus much Bernwell himselfe told the rest of his confederacy, and how easie a matter it had bin to have dispatched her at that time, if the rest had been present. The chief discoverer of the Plot, was the afore∣sayd Gifford: This man was a gentleman of a good Hou••e at Chellington in Staffordshire, not far from Chartley, where the Queen of Scots was kept pri∣soner, and was now sent by the English fugitives in France, under the coun∣terfeit name of Luson, to put Savage in minde of the vow he had made, and to convey letters between them and the Queen of Scots. But he, whether pricked in conscience, or dismayed in minde, came to Walsingham privately, revealing who he was, and for what end, and by whom sent into England. Walsingham courteously entertained him, and sent him down into Stafford∣shire, to do the work he had undertaken. Here Gifford bribing the Brewer of the House, where the Queen of Scots lay, contrived the matter in such sort with him, that by a hole in the wall, in which a loose stone was put, he should give in, and receive forth Letters, the which by messengers purposely layd by the way, came evermore to Walsinghams hands, who broke them o∣pen, copied them out, and by the rare cunning of one Thomas Philips, found out the meaning of the private Characters, and by the singular Art of Ar∣thur Gregory, sealed them again so curiously, that no man would imagine them to have been opened, and ever sent them to the parties, to whom the superscription directed them. In like manner were the former letters from the Queen of Scots to Babington intercepted; as also, other letters written at the same time to Mendoza the Spanish Ambassador, Charles Paget, the Lord Paget, the Archbishop of Glasco, and Francis Englefield. The Queen as soon as she understood by these letters of the storm hanging over her head, both at home and abroad, commanded Ballard to be apprehended, who on a so∣dain is taken in Babingtons house. Babington hereupon goeth to Walsingham, with whom he had long been a suiter, for licence to go into France, promi∣sing to do great matters in discovering the practises of the Fugitives; Wal∣singham with fair promises drives him off from day to day; and now per∣swades him, that for a small space till he could get his license sealed, he would lodge at his house in London, where they might have secret conference with∣out suspition. This Web Walsingham himselfe had spun hitherto, and no other of the Queens Councell were made acquainted; and longer yet he would have drawn the thread out, but that the Queen was unwilling; least (as she sayd) by not avoyding danger when she might, she should seem ra∣ther to tempt God, than to trust in him. Whereupon, Walsingham sent a Note to his man Scudamore from the Court, to looke carefully to Babington: This Note was delivered in such manner, that Babington sitting by at Table when Scudamore read it, overlooked him, and read it likewise; Hereupon, suspecting that all was discovered, the next night he and Scudamore, and one or two more of Walsinghams servants supping at a Tavern, and being very merry, he made an excuse that he must needs step aside, and rose up, leaving his Cloak and his sword, and so made haste through the dark to Westminster, where Gage and he changed apparel, and then together withdrew themselves

〈◊〉〈◊〉 S. Iohns wood neer the City, whether Barnwell also and Dun betook them∣••••••ves. In the mean space they were proclaimed Traytors all England over•• Hereupon they lay lurking in Woods and by-places; they shave Babingtons 〈◊〉〈◊〉, disfigure the beauty of his countenance (for he was of an extraor∣d••••ary beauty) with the husks of green Wall-nuts; and when they were hal•• starved, went to the houses of the Bellamies, neer Harrow on the hill, who were great Papists; There they were hid in Barns, and put into a Coun∣••••ey habit: but notwithstanding all their shifting, within ten dayes after they were discovered and brought to London. The other Complices were soon after taken, most of them in the Suburbs of the Citie, Salisbury and Tra∣v••••se in Cheshire, and Iones in Wales, who harboured them in his house, after he knew they were Proclaimed Traitors, Windsor only was never heard of. Many dayes were spent in the examination of them, who cut one the others throats with their own confessions. All this while, the Queen of Soits and her servants are so narrowly looked to by Pawlet, that she knew nothing of all these passages: Assoon as they were apprehended, Thomas Gorge was sent to acquaint her with the whole matter, which yet he did not do, till she was got on horse-back to Ride a hunting, and was not then suffered to return, bu•• in shew of curtesie was carried up and down, to see the Houses of the Gentry thereabouts. In which mean while, Iohn Manners, Edward Acton, Richard Bagot, and Sir William Waad, took Nave and Curle the Queen of Sc••••s Secretaries, and the rest of her servants, and delivered them to Keepers apart, that they might have no speech between themselves, nor with their Lady the Queen of Scots. Then they break open all doors, and such Desks and Boxes as they found with any papers in them, they set their seals upon, and sent them to the Court: In which, being broken open before the Queen, were found a number of Letters from Forreign parts, the copies likewise of Letters sent to severall persons, and threescore Alphabets at least of private Characters; as also, Letters to her from some of the English Nobility, containing great proffers of love and service, which the Queen notwith∣standing took no notice of, but passed over in silence, according to her Mot∣to, Video, & Taceo, I see, and say nothing, Gifford now, who had all this while served their turn, is sent into France; but ere he went hence, left an Indenture with the French Ambassador here in England, with instructions, that he should deliver no Letters to the Queen of Scots, or the Fugitives in France; but to him that exhibited an Indenture matching with that, the which he sent underhand to Sir Francis Walsingham.

The twentieth o•• September, seven of the forenamed Conspirators were Arraigned, and pleading guilty, were condemned of High-treason. Two dayes after, seven other were called to the Bar, who pleaded not guilty, but notwithstanding were found guilty by their own confessions, and con∣demned; Pollie only, though he were privie to all passages, yet because he had disclosed many things to Walsingham, was not called in question. The twentieth day of the moneth, the first seven in St. Giles Fields, where they were wont to meet, were hanged, cut down instantly, their privy members cut off, and themselves yet living and beholding it, were in cruell manner bowelled and quartered; namely, Ballard, Babington, Savage (who, the roap breaking, fell dowd from the Gibbet, and was presently taken by the hang∣man, his privie members cut off, and bowelled, while he was perfectly living) Barnwell, Tichburne, Tilney, And Abbington. The next day, the other seven were drawn to the same place, and executed in the same fashion, but in a more gentle manner, by the Q••eens speciall charge, who detested the former cruelty, for they were to hand till they were quite dead. Salisbery first, then Dun, then Iones, Cherno••k, Traverse, Gage, and with them Hierome Bellam••, who had concealed Babington after he was Proclaimed Traytor (whose bro∣ther being guilty of the same fact, had strangled himselfe in Prison.

When these men were executed, Nave a Frenchman, and Curle a Scots∣man, Secretaries to the Queen of Scots, were examined concerning the Let∣ters, the copies of Letters, and priviate Characters found in the Queen of Scots Closet; who under their own voluntary subscriptions acknowledged, that they were their own hand writings, dictated in French by the Queen her self, taken by Nave; turned into English by Curle, and copied out in se∣cret Characters. Hereupon, Sir Edward Wootton was sent out of hand into France, to make known to the King, the order of the Treason, and to shew him the copies of the Queen of Scots Letters, confirmed by the testimony of sundry of the English Nobility, that the French King might see what dan∣gerous plots were by Charls Paget, and the English Fugitives contrived a∣gainst the Queen of England.

And now, what should be done with the Queen of Scots, was a great con∣sultation, wherein the Councellours were not all of one minde; some con∣ceived, That it were not good to take any rigorous course against her, but only to hold her in fast custody; both for that she was not Authour of the Treason, but only conscious to it, and because she was crazie, and not likely to live long. Others, out of a care of Religion, were of opinion, To have her forthwith Arraigned and put to death according to the Law; Leicester thought it better to have her poisoned, and sent a Divine to Walsingham to prove it lawfull, but Walsingham protested against that course. A difference then arose amongst them, by what Law to proceed against her; Whether by the Law of the 25. of Edward the Third? (In which they are Pronoun∣ced guilty of Treason, who plot the destruction of the King or Queen, raise War in his Dominions, or adhere to his Adversaries.) Or else by the 27. of the Queen, Enacted a year since: Their opinion at last prevailed, who thought best to proceed against her by this latter Law, as being indeed in this case provided. Whereupon, divers of the Lords of the Privie Coun∣cell, and other of the Nobility, are Authorized by the Queens Letters, to enquire by vertue of that Law, and passe sentence against all such as raised Rebellion, Invaded the Kingdome, or attempted any violence against the Queen. These Commissioners therefore upon the 11. day of October, re∣paired to Fotheringay Castle in Northamptonshire, where the Queen of Scots was then held prisoner; and the next day, sent unto her VValter Mildmay, Pawlet and Edward Barker, publick Notary, who delivered her the Queens Letters; which, having with a setled countenance read, She sayd, It seems to me strange•• that the Queen should lay her Command upon me, to hold up my hand at the Bar; as though I were a Subject, seeing I am an absolute Queen, no lesse than her selfe; but howsoever, I will never do any thing prejudiciall to Princes of my degree, nor to my Son the King of Scotland. After many meetings, she standing still upon her innocency, and upon her exemption from answering, as being an absolute Prince, and specially for yeelding to be tryed by the English Laws; of which, One (she sayd) had lately been made of purpose for her destruction. It was at last told her plainly, by the Chancellour and Treasurer, That if she refused to answer to such crimes as should be objected, they would then proceed against her, though she were absent. Being brought at last, with much ado to consent, the Commissioners came together in the Presence Chamber; a Chaire of Estate was set for the Queen of England, in the upper end of the Chamber, under a Canopy; beneath over against it, was placed a Chair for the Queen of Scots; on both sides of the Cloth of Estate, stools were set, upon which on the one side sate the Lord Chancellor, the Lord Treasurer, the Earls of Oxford, Kent, Derby, Worcester, Rutland, Cumberland, Warwicke, Pembrooke, Lincolne, and Viscount Mountacute•• On the other side sate the Lords Abur∣gavany, Zouch, Morley, St. Iohn of Bletsho, Compton, and Cheyney; Next to these, sate the Knights that were Privie Councellors, Sir Iames Crofts, Sir

Christopher Hatton, Sir Francis Walsingham, Sir Ralph Sadler, Sir Walter Mild∣••••, and Sir Amis Pawlet; Foreward, before the Earls, sate the two Chiefe Justices, and the Lord chiefe Baron; on the other side, the two Barons, and the other Justices; Dale, and Foord, Doctors of the Civill Law, at a Table in the midst, Popham the Queens Atturney Generall, Egerton her Solicitor, ••••••die her Serjeant at Law, the Clerk of the Crown, and two Notaries. When the Queen of Scots was come, and had placed her selfe, silence be∣ing made, Bromely Lord Chancellor turning towards her, sayd; That the Queen had appointed these Commissioners, to hear what she could Answer to crimes layd to her charge, assuring her, that nothing would be cause of more joy to the Queen, then to hear, that she had proved her selfe innocent. Upon this, she rising up, sayd; That although, being an absolute Prince, she could not be compelled to appear before the De••egates, yet to manifest her innocency, she was now content to appear. Then Gawdie, opened every speciality of the Law lately made (against which she had taken excception) shewing, By Babingtons confession, by Letters passed between them, by the confessions of Ballard, and Savage, by the confessions of her Secretaries, Nave, and Curle, that she was privy to their Treasons, and consented to the Invasion of England, and destruction of the Queen. To which she answe∣red, That Letters might be counterfeited, her Secretaries might be corrup∣ted, and rest, in hope of life, might be drawn to confesse that which was not true: In this she stood peremptorily, That she never consented to any At∣tempt against the Queens Person; though for her own delivery, she con∣fessed she did. After many other charges by the Commissioners, and re∣plies by the Queen of Scots; At last, she requested, that she might be heard in a full Parliament, or before the Queen her selfe, and her Councell. But this request prevailed not; for on the 25. day of October following, at the Star-Chamber in Westminster, the Commissioners met again, and there pro∣nounced sentence against her; Ratifying by their Seals and subscriptions, that after the 1. day of Iune, in the seven and twentieth year of our Soveraign Lady Queen Elizabeth, divers matters were compassed and imagined in this Kingdom, by Anthony Babington, and others, with the privity of Mary Queen of Scots, pretending Title to the Crown of England, tending to the hurt, death, and destruction of the Royall Person, of our sayd Soveraigne Lady the Queen.

After a few dayes, a Parliament was holden at Westminster, the which was begun by Authority from the Queen, derived to the Archbishop of Can∣terbury, the Lord Treasurer, and the Earl of Derby; and the same, not with∣out some Presidents. At this Parliament, the Proscriptions of the Lord Paget, Charls Paget, Francis Inglefield, Francis Throgmorton, Anthony Babington, Thomas Salisbury, Edward Iones, Chyd••ock Tichburne, Charles Tilney, and the other complices, was confirmed, and their goods and possessions adjudged confiscate. Also the Peers of the Kingdom, with an unanimous consent, exhibit a Petition to the Queen by the Lord Chancellor, that for the pre∣servation of the true Religion, and safety of the Queen, of themselves, and their Posterity, the Sentence passed against Mary Queen of Scots, might ac∣cording to Law be presently Promulged: They put the Queen in minde of the fearfull examples of Gods Judgements extant in Scripture, upon King Saul, for sparing of Agag, and upon Ahab, for not putting Benhadad to death. But the Queen answereth them to this effect: First, acknowledg∣ing Gods miraculous preservation of her, and then their constant affections towards her, for whose sakes onely she desires to live: Otherwise, when she calls to minde things past, beholds the present, and expects what may happen in time to come, that she accounts them most happy, who go soonest hence. That the Law lately made, by which the Queen of Scots is con∣demned, was not made (as some maliciously have imagined) to ensnare her;

but cont••ariwise, to forewarn and deterre her from attempting any thing against it, which though it had not been made, yet were there other ancient Laws enough to condemne her. Nothing could have been more grievous to me, than that a Prince, and one so neer Allied unto me, should deserve the Sentence pronounced against her; and seeing the matter is of rare example, and of a very weighty consequence, I hope you will not ex∣pect, that I should at this present determine any thing; Yet that there may be no danger in delay•• I will in due time signifie my minde unto you; and in the meane time, would have you to expect from me, whatsoever good Subjects may looke for, from a Gracious Prince.

Twelve dayes after, having deeply weighed the matter in her minde, she sent the Lord Chancellor to the Peers, and Puckering to the Lower House, entreating them to advise more diligently concerning so weighty a matter, and to bethinke themselves of some wholesome remedy, by which the life of the Queen of Scots might be spared, and their security also provided for. They, when they had a long time in most serious manner deliberated hereof, Return at last this Verdict; That the Queenes life could not be in safety, while the Queen of Scots lived, unlesse she either repented and acknowled∣ged her crimes, or were kept in straight custody, or bound by her oath and obligations, or gave Hostages, or lastly, departed the Kingdome. And seeing none of these were likely to be remedies; It remained, that only her death would be a remedy. Repentance in her they could little hope for, who would not so much as acknowledge her self faulty: Close Imprison∣ment, Obligations, Oath, and Hostages they accounted as nothing, which all vanished, if the Queens life were once taken away; and if she departed the Kingdom, they feared she would straightway go about to Invade it again. These things the Lord Chancellor, and Puckering the Speaker of the Lower-House, declared to the Queen at large, and urged her in their names, to have the Sentence put in execution. Hereupon, the Queen af∣ter a short pawse, spake at last to this effect: I protest, my chief desire hath been, that for your security, and my own safety, some other way might be devised, than that which is now propounded; but seeing it is now evident and certain, that my safety without her destruction, is in a more deplorate estate, I am most grievously affected with inward sorrow; That I, who have pardoned so many Rebells, have neglected so many Treasons (either by connivance, or silence) should now at last exercise cruelty, upon a Prince so neerly Allied to me. As for your Petition, I beseech you to rest in an Answer, without an Answer: If I say I will not grant your Pe∣tition, I shall happily say what I mean not; I•• I should say, I will grant it, then cast I my selfe into destruction headlong, whose safety you so ear∣nestly desire, And that I know, you in your wisedoms would not I should doe.

After this, the Parliament was Prorogued, and then were the Lords Buck∣hurst and Beale sent to the Queen of Scots, to let her understand that Sen∣tence was pronounced against her, and confirmed by Parliament, and that the execution of it was earnestly desired, by the Nobility and the Com∣mons; and therefore perswaded her, that before her death, she would make acknowledgement of her offences, against God and the Queen; Inti∣mating, That if she lived, the Religion received in England, could not sub∣sist. Hereupon, she was taken with an unwonted alacrity, and seemed to triumph for joy, giving God thanks, and gratulating her own felicity, That she should be accounted an Instrument, for establishing Religion in this Island; and therewith requested, She might have some Catholike Priest to administer the Sacrament to her; but was denied, which some deemed, not inhumane onely, but tyranicall and heathenish. The Bishop and the Dean, whom for this cause they commended to her, she utterly

rejected, and jeered at the English Nation, saying; The English were ever ••nd anon wont to murther their own Kings, and therefore, no mar∣〈◊〉〈◊〉 they should now thirst after her destruction. In Dcember following the Sentence against her was Proclaimed, in London first, and after, over all the Kingdom, wherein Queen Elizabeth seriously protested, that this Promulgation of the Sentence was extorted from her, to her great grief, by the importunity of the whole Body of the Kingdome. The Queen of Scots being told hereof, seemed not a whit dejected with it; but writing to the Queen, never maketh intercession for her self, nor ex∣postulateth her death, but onely makes three small requests, one, That she might be buried in France, by her Mother; another, That shee might not be put to death privately, but her servants to be present; the third That her servants might freely depart, and enjoy such Le∣gacies as she had given them. Of which Requests, she desireth the Queen to vouchsafe her an answer; but whether this Letter ever came to Queen Elizabeth, is uncertain.

This condemnation of the Queene of Scots, as a thing strange, and scarce credible, was soone spread farre and neare; so as inter∣cessions came thicke in her behalfe to Queene ELIZABETH, but specially from the King of Scots, and the King of FRANCE, who sent their severall Ambassadors, using all the reasons that naturall af∣fection in the one, and likenesse of condition in the other, could urge, for sparing of her life; but when the necessity of the State, seemed to obstruct all wayes of clemency, the French Ambassador L' Aubespine, falls from reasons to action, and thinketh no way so effectuall for sa∣ving the Queen of Scots life, as to take away Queen ELIZABETHS life; and thereupon, First, he dealeth covertly with William Stafford, a young Gentleman, and prone to embrace hopes (whose Mother was of the Bed-chamber to Queen ELIZABETH, and his brother at that time, Ambassador Lieger in France) and afterward, more openly by Trappe his Secretary, to murther the Queen. Stafford, though not daring to act such a villany himselfe, yet commended one Moody to him, a resolute fellow, and one that for money would be sure to do it. Upon this, Stafford brings Trappe to Moody, being then in the common Gaole, who upon Trappes offers, undertakes it: But then the consul∣tation was, by what way it should be done? Moody propounded poi∣son, or else to lay a bagge of Gunpowder under the Queens Bed, and suddenly fire it. But Trappe liked of neither of these wayes, but would rather have it done, as was done to the Prince of Orange. But while they are thus consulting about the way of doing it; Stafford discovers all to the Lords of the Councell. Whereupon Trappe, who was now bound for France, was apprehended, and being examined, confessed the whole matter. Upon this, the Ambassador himself was sent for to Cecills house, the twelveth of Ianuary; where met him by the Queens appointment, Cecill Lord Treasurer, the Earl of Leicester, Sir Christopher Hatton Vice-Chamberlain, and Davyson one of her Se∣cretaries; who declare to the Ambassador every particular which Stafford, Moody, and Trappe his Secretary had confessed. Assoone as Staf∣ford was brought forth, and began to speake, the AMBASSADOR interrupted him, and revyling him, made asseveration, that St••fford first propounded it; when Stafford falling on his knees, made fearful imprecations, that the AMBASSADOR first propounded it himself. But whosoever propounded it (sayth BVRLEIGH) It appeares, that you were made acquainted with the matter. To which hee presently Replyed; That if hee had knowne of any such thing, yet, being he was an AMBASSADOVR, he o••ght not

to give notice of it, but to his own King. After much reasoning in this manner; The Lord Burleigh admonished him, to beware how he offen∣ded hereafter in this kinde; and let him know, That he is not quitted from the offence, though for this time the Queen be pleased to for∣bear him.

But upon this Treason, the Queen of Scots Adversaries put many ter∣rors into Queen Elizabeths minde, giving out, That the Spanish Navy was come to Milford Haven, That the Scots were broken into England, That the Duke of Guyse with a great Army was landed in Sussex, That the Queen of Scots was escaped out of Prison, and had gotten a Company up in Arms, and many other such feigned suggestions; Through which, at length they drew the Queen to this: That she sealed Letters, for executing the Sentence against the Queen of Scots; and one of her greatest perswa∣ders to it (as the Scots reported) was one whom the King of Scots had sent to disswade her from it; namely, Patricke Grey, who sounded often in her ears, Mortua non mordet; when she is dead, she cannot bite.

The Queen notwithstanding, began to weigh with her self, whether it were better to rid her out of the way, or else to spare her; and many great reasons offered themselves on both sides, but where only speculative reasons presented themselves for sparing her; many practicall reasons, and those pressed both by Courtiers and Preachers, were presented to her; so as long holden in suspence, she would oftentimes sit speechlesse, and her countenance cast down: At last, her fear prevayling, she delivered to Secretary Davyson, Letters under her hand and Seal, to get the Commission made under the Great Seal of England, for the Execution of the Queen of Scots, which might be in a readinesse upon any fear of danger; charging him not to disclose the matter, to any whomsoever. But the next day her minde was altered, and sent Sir William Killegrew to Davyson, to counter∣mand the making of the Commission. Whereupon Davyson goes to her, and lets her know, That the Commission was already made, and the Seal put to it; Whereat, the Queen extreamly angry, rebuketh him sharp∣ly for his hastinesse; yet Davyson imparteth the matter to Privy Coun∣cellors; and perswades them, That the Queen Commanded, the Com∣mission should be put in execution. Hereupon, Beale Clerk of the Coun∣cell, is sent down with Letters, wherein authority is deputed to the Earls of Shrewsbury, Kent, Derby, Cumberland, and others, that she should be put to death according to the Law; with which proceeding, the Queen was not once made acquainted; and more than this, Although she had intima∣ted to Davyson, That she would take some other order concerning the Queen of Scots, yet did not he stay Beale from going.

And now comes in the last Act of the Queen of Scots Tragedy•• for assoon as the Earls were come to Fotheringay; They, together with Sir Amis Pawlet, and Sir Drue Drurie, with whom she was then in custody; go unto her, and reading the Commission, signifie the cause of their com∣ming; and in a few words, admonish her to prepare her selfe for death, for that she must dye the next day. Whereto, without any change of countenance or passion of minde, she made Answer; I had not thought that my Sister the Queen, would have consented to my death, who am not subject to your Laws; but since it is her pleasure, death shall then be to me most welcome. Then she requesteth that she might conferre with her Confessor, and Melvyn her Steward, which would not be granted: The Bishop or Deane of Peterborough they offered her, but them she refused. The Earles being departed, she gave or∣der that Supper should bee hastened, where shee eat (as she used to doe) soberly, and sparingly; and perceiving her men and women servants to lament and weepe, she comforteth them, and bid them rejoyce rather,

that she was now to depart out of a world of misery. After supper, she looketh over her Will, read the Inventory of her Goods and Jewells, and writ their names severally by them, to whom she gave any of them; at her wonted hour she went to bed, and after a few hours sleep, awaking; spent the rest of the night in her devotion. And now the fatall day being come, wich was the 8 of February, she getteth up, and makes her ready in her best Apparell, and then betook her self in her Closet to Almighty God, imploring his assistance with deep sighes and groans; untill Thomas Andrews Sheriffe of the County gave notice, that it was time to come forth, and then with a Princely Majesty, and chearfull conntenance, she came out, her head covered with a linnen Vayl, and carrying an Ivory Crucifix in her hand; In the Gallery the Earls met her, and the other Gentlemen, where Melvyn her servant upon his bended knees, deplored his own fortune, that he should be the messenger to carry this sad newes into Scotland; whom she comforted saying, Do not lament Melvyn, Thou shalt by and by see Mary Steward freed from all cares. Then turning her self to the Earls, She requested that her servants might stand by her at her death, which the Earl of Kent was very loath to grant, for fear of superstition; To whom she sayd, Fear nothing, these poor wretches desire only to give me my last farewell. I know the Queen my Sister, would not deny me so small a re∣quest. After this, the two Earls, and the Sheriff of the County leading the way, she came to the Scaffold, which was set up at the upper end of the Hall, where was a Chayre, a Cushion, and a Block, all covered with Mourning. Then the Dean of Peterborough going to Prayers, she falling upon her knees, and holding up the Crucifix in both her hands, prayed with her Servants in Latine, out of the Office of the blessed Vir∣gin. Prayers being ended, she kissed the Crucifix, and signing her self with the Sign of the Crosse, said, As thy arms, O Christ, were spread forth upon the Crosse, so embrace me with the open arms of thy mercy, and forgive me my sins. Then the Executioner asking her pardon, she forgave him. And now her women helping off her outer Garments, and break∣ing forth into shrikes and cryes, she kissed them, signed them with the Crosse, and willed them to leave lamenting, for now an end of her sor∣rows was at hand; and then shadowing her face with a Linnen Cloth, and lying down on the Block, she repeated the Psalm, In te Domine speravi, ne confundar in aeternum; at which words she stretching forth her Body, her head at two blows was taken off. Her Body was afterward Royally buried in the Cathedrall Church at Peterborough; but since that, her No∣ble Son Iames, King of Great Britain, erected a Royall Monument for her, in King Henry the seventh's Chappell at Westminster. This end had Mary Queen of Scots, in the six and fortieth yeer of her age, and of her Imprisonment in England the eighteenth; a Lady so compleat in all excellent parts of body and minde, that must needs have made her a hap∣py woman, if she had not been a Queen; and perhaps a happy Queen too, if she had not been Heir to the Crown of England: For why did all her endeavours want successe, but onely from the fear of that Succes∣sion; and no Innocency of heas could be a Defence, where the fury of Jea∣lousie made the Assault.

Assoon as it came to the Queens knowledge, that the Queen of Scots was put to death, her countenance grew dejected, and her speech fayled her; insomuch that all in mourning weeds, she gave her self over to sorrow, Commanded her Councellors from her Presence, and caused Davyson to be cited to the Starchamber. And assoon as grief would suffer her, She wrote a Letter with her own hand to the King of Scots, and sent it by Sir Robert Cary, to this effect; That her minde was infinitely disquie∣ted, in regard of this lamentable event, against her meaning and intent;

entreating him to believe, That if she had commanded it, she would never have denyed it, and withall, Protesting her true affection towards him, and her assiduous watchfulnesse for the prospering of his affairs.

While Carye was on his journey, Davyson is cited to the Star-Chamber before these Delegates, Sir Christopher Wray Chiefe Justice of the Kings-Bench, for that time made Lord Privy Seal, the Archbishop; of Canterbury and York, the Earls of Worcester, Cumberland, and Lincolne, the Lords Grey, and Lumley, Sir Iames Croft, Comptroller of the Queens House, Sir Walter Mildmay, Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sir Edmond Anderson, Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, and Sir Roger Manwood, Lord Chief Baron (where note, That Bromely Lord Chancellor, Burleigh Lord Trea∣surer, Leicester, and Hatton, who were indeed more guilty of the fact, than Davyson, were none of the number.) Before these Delegates, Popham the Queens Atturney layeth to Davysons charge, Contempt of the Queen; Ma∣jesty, violating of his trust, and neglect of his duty, laying open all parti∣culars of his fact; which after Egerton the Queens Solicitor, Gawdy, and Puckering her Serjeants at Law, urged also against him with great aggra••a∣tion: To which Davyson mildely answered, That he would not contest with the Queen; only protests, That if he had done any thing otherwise than he ought, it was out of ignorance and mistaking, and not out of any purpose to disobey her Majesty. It seems the Queen had carried her selfe, as one that would have it done, and yet was loth to do it, scarce knowing her one minde, and yet would have another know it; meaning to make it the work of mistaking, rather than of purpose, that so at least she might leave some place of satisfaction to her selfe, that it was not absolutely of her doing.

The Pleadings ended, the Commissioners went to censure; Manwood began, and gave his opinion, That Davyson, for the inconsideratnesse of his fact•• should be fined ten thousand pounds, and Imprisonment during the Queens pleasure; the rest went on in that Sentence, only the Lord Grey ex∣cused Davyson so far, That he tho••ght him worthy of reward, rather than of punishment: The conclusion was, the first Sentence for his Fine and Imprisonment, was by Wray keeper of the Privy Seal confirmed; and Da∣vyson never after recovered the Queens favour, though she relieved him sometimes in his necessity. A man ingenious indeed, but not throughly acquainted with the wayes of the Court; and thought to have been raised to this place, of purpose to Act this part, and for nothing else.

By this time Sir Robert Cary, Son to the Lord Hunsdon, who was sent to excuse the Queen, was come to the Borders; but being come thither, was not suffered to set foot in Scotland, The King would scarce hear him by another, and with much adoe received his Letters. He called home his Ambassa∣dor out of England, and thought of nothing but revenge.

But the Queen still laying the fault upon Davyson, and the unadvised cre∣dulity of her Councellros, by little and little allayeth his passion; and expe∣cting, till time had somewhat asswaged his griefe, that it would endure to be touched, at length, by her Agents in Scotland; And soon after by the Lord Hunsdon Governor of Berwicke, She admonished him, How dange∣rous it would be for him, to break out into War against England, and what little help he could justly expect from either Spain or France, but if he persi∣sted in the amity with England, he might be sure the Queen of England, would most lovingly account him for her Son. And to the end, that he should assure himself, that the Queen his Mother was put to death without her privity, she sent him the Sentence against Davyson, under the Seals of all the Delegates, and attested under the Great Seal of England; and ano∣ther Instrument likewise signed with the hands of the Judges of England; in which they averre, That the Sentence against the Queen of Scots, could in no wise be prejudice to his right in the Succession.

Having now by these and the like courses, somewhat asswaged the King of Scots indignation; to prevent the War which they foresaw was immi∣nent from the King of Spain, they send forth Drake with four of the Queens ships and others, unto the Coast of Spain, to set upon their ships in the Ha∣ve••s, and to intercept their Munition. Drake entring into the Port of Cales, sunck, took, and fired, about an hundred ships, wherein was great store of Munition and Victualls: Then returning to the Cape of St. Vincent, he set up three Forts, and compelled them to yeild. Thence setting sayl towards the Western Islands, called Azores, under the great Meridian; by great good fortune he happened upon an huge and wealthy Carack, called St. Philip, returning from the East-Indies, and easily vanquished it; Wherupon the Mariners on both sides, from the name of Philp, portended no good luck to Philip King of Spain.

At the same time, Thomas Cavendish of Suffolke, in the other part of the World, who two years before had set sayl from England with three ships, passing thorough the Straights of Magellan, in the Coast of Chily, Peru, and Nu••va Hispania, fired a great number of Spanish Towns, took and pillaged ninteen great ships, and amongst them a wealthy ship of the Kings, nigh unto Caliphornia, in North America; and so by the Philippine Isles, the Mo∣l••cce, the Cape de Bone Esperance, and the Island of St. Helene, returned home the next year, being the third after Magellan, that sayled about the World.

As Drake and Cavendish at this time gained great fame and renown•• so two other men in the Netherlands (Stanley and Yorke) purchased as great in∣famy and disgr••ce: This Yorke was a Londoner, a bold fellow, and of loose behaviour; famous for bringing first into England, the manner of turning the point upon the Adversary in single Combats, whereas the English till this time, were wont to be armed with Bucklers and swords, and to strike with edge, and it was held no manhood to turn the point, or strike below the girdle. He suffering some affront from the Earl of Leicester, fled away, and for a time, served under the Spaniards in the Netherlands, till at length being reconciled to Leicester, he was sent over the Fort near Zutphen; but be∣ing bribed, he not only yeilded up the place to the Enemy, but drew to the like villany one Stanley, who with great valour had served in an Irish expe∣dition; to yeild up Daventry to the Spaniards, a wealthy and well Fortified Town. But what got they by their treachery, The Spaniards set Yorke and Stanley at variance, they poison Yorke and seize upon his goods, his carkasse was three years after digged up by the States commandment, and hanged up∣on a Gibbet till it rotted away•• Stanley went into Spain, where there was no credit given to him; for the Spaniards have a saying, It is lawfull to give honor to a Traytor sometimes, but never to trust him.

These late treacheries, wrought the Earl of Leicester much envy with the Confederate Netherlands, because the Traytors were very intimate with him; whereupon the States in large letters to the Queen, accuse Le••cester for his ill managing of the Weal-Publick, in the matter of money, Mer∣chandize, and Military affairs; and to his credulity, They impute the harm which accrewed by Yorke and Stanley. The Queen, for the narrow sifting of the matter, and composing it; sent thither Thomas Sackvile Lord Bucke∣hurst (lately taken i••to her Privie Councell in Leicesters absence) Norris, and Bartholmew Clerke: B••t when as the officious diligence of Buckhurst, seemed to trench upon Leicesters re••utation; his grace with the Queen pro∣ved so forcible, that Buckhurst at his return, was for certain moneths confi∣ned to his house.

Afterward, Sluce being beleaguered by the Prince of Parma, Leicester was by the States sent for out of England, to succour it; the Town was furiously a••saulted, with seventeen thousand great shot, and a mighty breach was

made into it; which neverthelesse, Roger Williams, Franis Vere, Nicholas Baskervile, with the Garrison of the English and Wallons, were valiantly defended for a while, but at last were enforced to yeild it up•• Leicester, that came to relieve it, finding himself too weak for the Besiegers, being gone away. And indeed, the States would not commit any great Army to his Command; who (they knew had a determination to se••ze L••yden, and some other Towns into his own hands, and had a purpose to surprize the absolute Government. Whereupon, the States used means, that Leicester was called home; gave up the Government to the States, and in his roome succeeded Maurice of Nassaw Son to the Prince of Orange, b••ing now but twenty years of age.) Peregrine Lord Willonghby, was by the Queen made Gene••all of the English Forces in the Low-Countries, to whom she gave command to reduce the English Factions into the States obedience; the which, with the help of Prince Maurice, he easily effected.

Leicester being now come home, and perceiving that an accusation was preparing against him by Buckhurst and others, for his unfaithfull managing of affairs in Holland; privately with tears he cast himself down at the Queens feet, entreating her, that she would not receive him with disgrace, at his re∣turn, whom she had sent forth with honor; and so far prevailed with her, that the next day being called to examination before the Lords, he took his place amongst them, not kneeling down at the end of the Table, as the man∣ner of Delinquents is; and when the Secretary began to read the heads of his Accusation, he interrupted him, saying; That the publick instructions which he had received, were limited with private restriction; and making his appeal to the Queen, eluded the whole crimination, with the secret in∣dignation of his Adversaries.

This year was famous for the death of many great Personages: In the moneth of February, dyed Henry Nevill Lord of Aburgaveny, great Grand-childe to Edward Nevill, who in the Reign of King Henry the Sixth, got this Title in the right of his Wife, only Daughter and Heir to Richard Beauchamp Earl of Worcester, and Lord of Aburgaveny; In which right, when as the only Daughter of this Henry, Wife to Sir Thomas Fane, challenged the Ti∣tle of Baronesse of Aburgaveny; a memorable contention arose concerning the Title between her, and the next Heir Male, to whom by Will (and the same confirmed by Authority of Parliament) the Castle of Aburgaveny was bequeathed. This question being a long time debated; at last in a Parlia∣ment holden in the second year of King Iames, the matter was tryed by voyces; and the Heir Male carried the Lordship of Aburgaveny, and the Ba∣rony Le Dispencer, was ratified to the Female. This year also, in the moneth of Aprill, dyed Anne Stanhope Dutchesse of Somerset, ninety years old, who being the Wife of Edward Seymer Duke of Somerset, and Protector of England, contended for precedency, with Katherine Parre, Queen Dowager to King Henry the Eight. There dyed also, Sir Ralph Sadler, Chancellor of the Dutchy of Lancaster, the last Baneret of England, with which dignity he was adorned at the Battell of Musselborough in Scotland. After him dyed Thomas Bromley Lord Chancellor of England; and six dayes after, He, whom the Queen meant should have succeeded him, Edward Earl of Rut∣land; but he now fayling, Sir Christopher Hatton was made Lord Chancellor, who though he were a Courtier, yet the Queen knowing him to be an ho∣nest man, thought him not unfit for that place, where conscience hath, or should have more place than Law; although some were of opinion, That it was not so much the Queens own choice, as that she was perswaded to it by some that wisht him not well; both thereby to be a cause of absen∣ting him from the Court, and thinking that such a sedentary place, to a cor∣pulent man that had been used to exercise, would be a means to shorten his life, and indeed he lived not full out three years after.

This yeer Sir Iohn Perot was called home out of Ireland, and left all in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 quiet to Fits Williams his Successor. For hitherto the English 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it no hard matter to vanquish the Irish, by reason of their unskil∣••ulnesse in Arms; eight hundred Foot, and three hundred Horse, was ••••ld an invincible Army: but after that by Perots command, they were ••••••••cised in Feats of Arms, and taught to discharge Muskets at a Mark, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 had in the Low-Countries learned the Art of Fortification, they held the English better to it, and were not so easily overcome.

And now we are come to the one and twentieth yeer of Queen Eliza∣••••••••s Raign, being the yeer 1588, long before spoken of by Astrologers, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be a wonderfull yeer, and even the Climactericall yeer of the World. And yet the greatest Wonder that happened this yeer, was but the wonderfull Fleet that Spain provided for invading of ENGLAND, if the defeat of that wonderfull Fleet were not a greater Wonder.

It is true, there was at this time a Treaty of Peace between England and Spai••; and the Earl of Derby, the Lord Cobham, Sir Iames Crofts, Dale and Rogers, Doctors of Law, Commissioners for the Queen: for the Prince of Parma, the Count Aurenberg, Champignie, Richardot, Ma••s, and Garvyer, Doctors, had many meetings about it neer to Ostend; but it seemed on the p••rt of Spain, rather to make the English secure, that they should not make provision for War, than that they had any purpose of reall proceeding, seeing they accepted not of any reasonable Conditions that were of∣fered, but trifled out the time, till the Spanish Navy was come upon the Coast, and the Ordnance heard from Sea, and then dismissed the Eng∣lish Delegates.

The Spanish Navy consisted of one hundred and thirty Ships; where∣of Galeasses and Galleons, seventy two, goodly Ships, like to floating Towers; in which were Souldiers, 19290; Marriners, 8350; Gally∣slaves, 2080; Great Ordnance, 2630: For the greater holinesse of their Action, twelve of their Ships were ca••led, The twelve Apostles. Chief Commander of the Fleet, was Don Alphonso, Duke of Medina; and next to him, Iohn Martin Recalde, a great Sea-man. The twentieth of May they weighed Anchor from the River Tagus, but were by Tempest so mi∣serably disperst, that it was long ere they m••t again: but then they sent before to the Prince of Parma, That he with his Forces, consisting of fifty thousand old Souldiers, should be ready to joyn with them, and with his Shipping conduct them into England, and to land his Army at the Thames Mouth.

The Queens Preparation in the mean time, was this; The Lord Charles Howard, Lord Admirall, with all her Navy; and Sir Francis Drake, Vice-Admirall, to be ready at Plimouth; and the Lord Henry Seymor (second son to the Duke of Somerset, with forty English and Dutch Ships, to keep the Coasts of the Netherlands, to hinder the Prince of Parma's coming forth. Then for Land-Service, there were laid along the Southern Coast, twenty thousand souldiers, and two Armies besides of Trayned men were levyed; over one of which, consisting of a thousand Horse, and two and twenty thousand Foot, the Earl of Leicester commanded, and pitched his Tents at Tilbury, neer the Thames mouth: Over the other, ap∣pointed to Guard the Queens Person, and consisting of four and twen∣ty thousand Foot, and two thousand Horse, the Lord Hunsdon was Gene∣rall. Arthur Lord Grey, Sir Francis Knolles, Sir Iohn Norris, Sir Ri∣chard Bingham, Sir Roger Williams, and other Military men, were chosen to make a Councell of War, and consult how the Land-service should ••e ordered. These declared, amongst other things, That the places which lay fittest for the enemies landing, as Milford Haven, F••lmouth, Plimouth,

Portland, the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth, the Downs, the Thames mouth, Harwich, Yarmouth, Hull, and such other, should be fortified with Works and Garrisons; the Trayned Souldiers of those Shires which lay neer the Sea Coast, should defend those places, and be ready at the Alarm to hinder the Enemy from Landing; but if he did land, then to spoyl the Countrey round about, that he might finde no food; and by continuall crying, Arm, Arm, give the Enemy no rest, but yet should not give Battell, till good store of Commanders were come together.

At this time many fearing the Papists at home, no lesse than the Spa••iards abroad, perswaded the Queen to take off the heads of some of t••e greatest of them; but she detesting such cruelty, took order one∣ly, That some few of them should be committed to custody in Wisbych Castle.

And now all things on both sides prepared, the Spanish Navy set forth out of the Groyne in May, but was dispersed and driven back by weather. The English Navy set forth somewhat later out of Plimouth, bearing up towards the Coast of Spain; but partly by occasion of contrary windes, partly by advertisement that the Spaniards were gone back, and upon some doubt also that they might passe by towards the Coast of Eng∣land, whilest they were seeking them afar off, they returned to Plimouth; At which time, a confident (though false) advertisement came to the Admirall, That the Spaniards could not possible come forward that yeer: whereupon the E••glish Navy was upon the point of disb••nding, and many of the men were gone on shore; when suddenly the invincible Armada (for so it was called in a Spanish ostentation) was discovered upon the Western Coast: whereof the Lord Admirall being informed, had much ado to get the Queens Navy out of the Haven (the winde being contrary) yet at length he haled it forth. The next day, the English beheld the Spanish Ships, in height like to Castles, sayling slowly along, whom they suffered peaceably to passe by, that they might have the benefit of the winde to follow after. The one and twentieth day of Iuly, the Admirall of England sent a Pinnace before, called, The Defianc••, which by a great shot, challenged the Spaniards to fight, and by and by they fell to it. Then Drake, Hawkins, and Forbisher let fly against the outmost Squadron, which Recalde commanded, making him glad to fly to their main Navy for succour. The night following•• a mighty Biskayner of Oquenda's (in which the King of Spain's Treasure was) was by chance fired with Gun-powder, but was timely quench∣ed by other Ships sent to her succour; one of which Ships, was the Galleon of Don Pedro, whom Sir Francis Drake took prisoner, and sent him to Darthmouth. The Biskayner it self (the Treasure being taken out by the Spaniards) they left behinde them, which the English brought into the Haven at Weymouth.

The three and twentieth day of this Month, they had a seco••d Fight, in which most of the Spanish Shot flew over the English Ships, and never hurt them; Onely Cock an English-man, being with his little Vessell in the midst of the enemies, died valiantly. The four and twen∣tieth day, they rested on both sides; in which time the Lord Ad∣mirall ranked his whole Fleet i••to four Squadrons: The first he ruled himself, Drake the second, Hawkins the third, and Forbisher the fourth.

The five and twentieth day (which was the Saint Iames day) they fell to it the third time; in which Fight, the English had again the better, so as after this time, the Spaniards would no more turne upon the English, but holding on their course, dispatched a Messenger to the

Prince of Parma; Requiring him forthwith to joyne himself to the Kings Fleet, and withall to send them Bullets.

The day following, the Lord Admirall Knighted Thomas Howard, the Lord Shefield•• Roger Townsend, Iohn Hawkins, and Martin Frobisher; and holding a Councell of War, they decreed not to set again upon the Enemy, till they came to the streight of Calice, where the Lord Henry Seymor and Sir William Winter waited for their coming. And now so far were the Eng∣lish from being terrified with this invincible Navy, that many of the No∣bility and other of speciall note, hired Ships at their own charges and came to the Admirall; as the Earls of Oxford, Northumberland, Cum∣berland, Thomas and Robert Cecill, Henry Brook, Sir Charls Blunt, Sir Walter Raleigh, Sir William Hatton, Sir Robert Carie, Sir Ambrose Willoughby, Sir Thomas Gerard, Sir Arthur Gorge and others.

The seaven and twentieth of July towards the Evening, the Spaniards cast Anchour neer unto Calis, and not far from them rode the English Ad∣mirall, within shot of a great Ordnance, to whom Seymor and Winter joyned themselve••, so as by this time there were in the English Navy a hundred and forty Ships, nimble and serviceable for Fighting or Sayling, yet only Fifteen of them bore the stroke of the Battell. And now againe the Spa∣niards sent Post after Post to the Prince of Parma to send them forty Flye-boates, without which they were not able to skirmish with the English, by reason of the greatnesse and unweldinesse of their Ships, and impor∣tune him presently to put to Sea with his Army; But he was unprepa••ed, and his Flat-bottomed Boates were full of chinks and leaked, and besides, the Hollanders hovered before the Ports of Dunkerk and Newport, in such sort, that he durst not look forth.

The eight and twentieth day; the Lord Admirall made ready eight of his worst Ships, on the out-side dawbed with wild-fire, Rozin and Brim∣stone, within, full of combustible matter, and under the conduct of Young and Prowse, sent them down with the winde in the silent time of the night towards the Spanish Fleet; the which when the Spaniards saw approach them, and the Sea as it were all on a light fire; imagining withall, that those Fire-ships might carry in them some murthering Engines, they made •• hideous noise, took up Anchours, cutt Cables, spread Sayles, and betook themselves to their Oars, but more to flight: One of the Spanish Galleasses having lost her Rudder, and floating up and down, was held in fight by An∣nias Preston, Thomas Gerard, and Harvie, who ••lew Captain Hugh Moncada, cast the Souldiers over board, and carryed away a great deale of Gold, but the Vessell and Ordnance was wreck to the Governour of Calice.

Drake and Fencz in the mean while perceiving the Spanish Fleet to gather togethea again before Graveling, set upon them with great violence, to whom str••ightwayes, Fenton, Southwell, Beeston, Crosse, and Riman joyne themselves, and soon after the Admirall himself, Sir Thomas Howard, and the Lord Sheffield, the Galleon called Saint Matthew, was sorely battered by Seymor and Winter, driven toward Ostend, and set upon again by the Zelanders, and at last was taken by the Flushingers.

And now the Spanish Navy having want of many nec••ssaries, and no hope of the Prince of Parma's coming, they resolved to returne North∣ward for Spain; in which passage they lost both many Ships and men, the English Navy still following them close, till they were faine to give them over for want of Powder. Whilest these things passed at Sea, the Queen ••n Person came to Tilbury to view the Army and Campe there, where she shewed such undaunted Courage and Resolution, that it wonderfully ani∣mated the spirits of them all.

And thus this Navy, which was three whole Yeers in preparing, in the space of a month was often beaten, and at length put to flight, many of

their men being slain, more then halfe of their Ships taken and sunk (of the English not above a hundred at the most missing, nor so much as a Ship, but Cocks little Vessell) and Sayling about all Brittaine by Scotland, the Orkeneys and Ireland, they returned into Spain with as much disho∣nour as they came out with boasting, for indeed Mendoza in France by a Book in Print, Triumphed before the Victory.

For the happy successe of this Action, Queen Elizabeth appointed pray∣ers and thanksgiving over all the Churches of England, and she (as it were in triumph) came in Person, attended with a great Troop of the Nobility into the City, and went into the Cathedrall Church of Saint Paul (where the Banners taken from the Enemy was placed in view) and there in most humble manner gave thanks to Almighty God. And ••hat which increased the publike joy, was the newes which Sir Robert Sidney brought out of Scotland, That the King had over-past all injuries, was lovingly affected towards the English, and desired to imbrace sincere and perfect amitie with the Queen. For as for the King of Spain, he wittily told the Embassa∣dour, that he expected no other courtesie from him, but such as Polyphemus promised Ulisses, that he should be the last whom he would devoure.

And now dyed the great Earl of Leicester the fourth day of Septem∣ber, at his Mannor of Killingworth of a violent Feaver; I may well say the great Earl, considering the many great Honours he enjoyed, which are extant in the Story; yet one honour greater then any he had before, he effected even then when he was ready to go out of the world, and that was•• To be Vice-gerent in the high Government of England and Ireland, for which the Patent was already drawne, and had been sealed; but that Bur∣leigh and Hatton shewed the Queen how dangerous a thing it might prove, for so great Authority to reside in one Subject. He was while he lived in so great favour with the Queen, that some thought (and himselfe not the least) that she meant to marry him; yet when he dyed, his goods were sold at an Outcry to make payment of the debts he owed her.

About this time Philip Earl of Arundell, who three yeers before had been cast in prison, was now cited in Westminster Hall, to the judgement of his Peers, and Henry Earl of Derby was made High Steward of Eng∣land for the time. The matters layd to his charge were these: That he had contracted friendship with Cardinall Allen, Parsons the Jesuite, and other Traytours, exciting divers both abroad and at home to restore the Romish Religion, promising his assistance thereunto: and for that reason had a purpose to depart the Kingdom. That he was privy to the Bull, in which Pope Sixtus Quintus had deposed the Queen, and given England to the Spaniard; that being imprisoned in the Tower he caused Masse to be said for the prosperous successe of the Spanish Fleet, and for that purpose had framed peculiar prayers for his own private use. Being demanded whether he were guilty of these things; turning himself to the Judges, he asked them these questions: First, whether it were lawfull to heap up so many crimes together in one Bill of Indictment? They answered that it was: Then whether Arguments taken from presumptions were of force? They answe∣red, that it was lawfull for him to interpose exceptions if he saw cause. Then again, if he might be Arraigned for those things which were Capitall, by the Law made the thirteenth yeer of the Queen, after that the time expres∣sed in the Act was expired? They promised, they would proceed against him by no Law; but the old Statute of Treason, made in the Raigne of King Edward the Third. But now again asked if he were guilty or not•• He pleaded not guilty, whereupon Puckening the Queens Sergeant at Law, Pop∣ham Atturney Generall, Shuttleworth Sergeant at Law, and Egerton the Queens Sollicitour, in their turnes, urged and proved the crimes objected; some whereof he denyed, some he extenuated; but in conclusion was by

his Peers found guilty and condemned; yet the Queen spared his life, and was content with thus much done in terror to the Papists.

It was now the yeer 1589. And the two and thirtieth of Queen Eliza∣••eths Raign; when to be in some sort revenged of the Spaniards for their invasion, she gave leave to Sir Iohn Norris and Sir Francis Drake to under∣••ake an Expedition at their own private charges, requiring nothing of her but a few Ships of War, who took along with them Anthony the bastard, laying clayme to the Kingdom of Portingall, and of Souldidrs to the num∣ber of eleven thousand, of Sea-men about fifteen hundred: setting Sayle from Plimmouth the fifth day of Aprill, they arrived at the Groyne in Ga∣••acia; whereof, with great valour they took first the Lower town, and af∣terward the Higher, and from thence sayling toward Portingall, they met Robert Earl of Essex, who without the Queens leave had put to Sea: Af∣ter two dayes they arrive at Penycha a Town of Portingall, which they took; and left the Castle to Don-Antonio, and from thence they march by land to∣wards Lisbon threescore miles off: The Foot Companies led by Norris, whom Drake promised to follow with the Fleet. Being come to the West Suburbs of Lisbon, they found no body there but a few poor disarmed Por∣tugalls who cryed out, God save King Antonio. The day following the Spaniards made a sayle out, in which Skirmish Bret, Caresley, and Carre, (stout Commanders) were slain; yet did the Earl of Essex drive the Spani∣ards to the very gates of the Citie. And now having tarryed here two dayes, and seeing no signe of the Portingalls revolting; which Don-Antho∣nio had assured them would be, finding fresh supplies come into the Town, their own Army sickly, Victualls and Powder failing; and that which most of all Sir Francis Drake not bringing the great Ordnance as he promised, they departed from the Suburbs of Lisbon towards Cascais, a little Town at the mouth of the River Tagus, which Town Drake had taken this meane while, who excused his not coming to Lisbon, by reason of the Flat•• he must have passed, and the Castle of Saint Julian, Fortified with fifty pie∣ces of great Ordnance. Neer this place they found threescore Hulke•• of the Hause towns of Germany, laden with corne and all manner of Muni∣tion, which they took as good prize towards their charges, in regard the Queen had forbidden them to carry Victualls or Munition to the Spaniard. From hence they set sayle toward Virgo, a forlorne Town by the Sea-side, and pillaging all along that Quarter, returned for England, having lost in the Voyage of Souldiers and Marriners about six thousand; yet not so much by the Enemy, as by eating of strange fruites and distemper of the Climate.

It concerns the state of England, to look at this time into the state of France; for while those things were in doing between Spain and England, the Popish Princes of France, under pretext of defending the Catholike Re∣ligion, entred into a combination, which they called, The holy League: The purpose whereof was, to root out the Protestants, and to divert the Right of Succession to the Crown of France; For they bound themselves to each other by oath, to suffer no person but a Catholike to be King of France; which was directly to exclude the King of Navarre, and the Prince of Con∣de, if the present King, without issue male, should fail. The head of this League, was the Duke of Guise, who having given some overthrows to the German Forces, that came into France in aid of the Protestants, was immea∣surably extolled by the Clergie and others; and grew to such a height of re∣putation, that entring into Paris, he made the King glad to leave the City, and in an Assembly at Bloys, to make him great Master of the French Cava∣lery, and to consent by Edict, to the cutting off the Protestants. So as the King standing now in fear of him, used means at last, even in the very Court, to have him murthered; and soon after, the Cardinall his brother

to be strangled. Hereupon so great a confusion followed, that the people every where disobeyed the Magistrates, and spoiled the Kings very Pallace at Paris. Some Cities affected a Democr••cie, others an Aristocracie, but few liked of a Monarchy. The Confederates in the mean while, made a new Seal, usurped the Royall Authority, seized into their hands the best fortified places, intercept the Kings Revenues, call in Spanish Souldiers, and in all places denounce war and violence against the King. And the King in this case being forced to flye to the Protestant•• for succour, they then most wic∣kedly, by one Iames Clement a Monk, made him away. The King being rea∣dy to dye, Declareth the King of Navarre to be his lawfull successor, but the Confederates would exclude him as an open Heretick; and yet whom to make choice of they cannot well agree, some would have the Duke of Lorraine, as being descended from the ancient Kings of France, some th•• Duke of Savoy, as borne of the French Kings daughter, a Prince Po••e••t and Couragious; others would have the Duke of Guises brother that wa•• murthered•• others the King of Spain; but the greatest part gave thei•• voices for the C••rdinall of Bourbon, who was one degree neerer al••yed to the slain King, then the King of Navarre his Nephew. He therefore was presently proclaimed King of France, with the Title of Charls the Tenth; but he being a Priest, the King of Navarre also was at the same time proclaimed King of France, who abode at Diepe a Sea Town of Nor∣mandy, and doubted not to drive the Cardinall easily out of France.

The King of Navarre being thus raised in Dignity, but weake in means, implored Aid of the Queen of England, offering to make a League Offen∣sive and Defensive; the Queen out of a pious respect to a King of her own Religion, sent him presently two and twenty thousand pound sterling in Gold (such a summe of Gold, as he professed he had never seen at one time before) and withall supplyed him with four thousand Souldiers, under the command of Peregrine Lord Willoughby; for Colonells, she appointed Sir Thomas Wilford, who was made Marsh••ll of the Field, Iohn Boro••ghs, Si•• William Drury, and Sir Thomas Baskervyle, and gave them a months pay in hand. Hereupon the Confederates (whom the King had vanquished •• little before at Arques beyond all expectation) began to quaile, and the day before the Arrivall of the English they vanished away, with this addition of Forces the King marcheth to Paris, and being ready to enter the Citie, causeth a retreat to be ••ounded, as loath to have spoile made of a Citie, which he hoped shortly should be his own. Afterwards by the assistance of the English he wonne many Towns, and then having marched at least five hundred miles on foot, he gave them leave after a long winters service, to returne into England. In which Voyage of men of note, dyed Cap∣tain Hunnings, but of a naturall death, also Stubbs (he whose right hand was cutt off for writing the book against the Queens marriage) and Sir William Drury slain by Master Boro••ghs in a single Combat, where the quar∣rell was, that he being but a Knight, would take place of Boroughs that was the younger son of a Baron, contrary to the Lawes of the Eng∣lish Gentry.

About this time, Iames King of Scots (with Queen Elizabeths good li∣king) Espoused Anne the daughter of Frederick the second King of Den∣marke by his Deputy; but she afterward sayling for Scotland, was by tempest cast upon Norway, and there, through continuall stormes forced to stay, so as the King in the winter season set sayle thither, that the mar∣ri••ge according to his vow might be accomplished within the yeer: some were of opinion that those stormes were caused by witch-craft, and was confirmed indeed by some witches taken in Scotland; who confessed they had raised those stormes to keep the Queen from landing in Scotland, and that the Earl of Bothwell had asked Counsell of them concerning the

Kings end; who was thereupon cast into prison, but in a short time breaking loose, occasioned new stirs in Scotland.

This yeer, many Noble personages dyed; Frances Countesse of Sussex, sister to Sir Henry Sidney, Sir Walter Mildway, Chancellour and Vice-Trea∣surer of the Exchequer, William Somerset Earl of Worcester, so numerous in his off-spring, that he could reckon more children of both Sexes, then all the Earls of England. Also Iohn Lord Sturton, Henry Lord Compton, and at Bruxels the Lord Paget.

At this time, the Queen who was alwayes frugall, strained one point of Frugality more then ever she had done before; for upon the information of one Caermarden, (though Burleigh, Leicester, and Walsingham were offended, that credit should be given to such a one, and themselv••s negle∣cted) she raised Thomas Smith the customer from thirteen thous••nd pounds yeerly, to two and forty thousand pounds, and at last to fifty thousand.

It was now the yeer 1590. and the three and thirtieth of Queen Elizabeths Raigne, in which, the Earl of Cumberland made a Voyage to the Indies, where he laid levell to the ground the Fort of the Isle of ••iala, and brought away eight and fifty Pieces of great Ordnance.

This yeer was fatall to many Noble personages; first dyed Ambrose Dud∣ley Earl of Warwick, (son to Iohn Duke of Northumberland) without is∣sue. After him Sir Francis Walsingham, Secretary, a man more skilfull in the Politicks, then in the Oeconomicks; more cunning in managing matters of the publick State, then of his own private estate, which he left so mean, and dyed so much indebted, that he was fain to be buryed by night, without a••y Funerall pomp, in the Cathedrall Church of Saint Paul; leaving behinde him one onely daughter, famous for her three husbands, all of them the goodliest men of their time; the first, Sir Philip Sidney; the second, Robert Earl of Essex; the third, Richard Burgh Earl of Clanricard, by King Charls made Earl of Saint Albans. Within two Moneths after W••lsingham, dyed Sir Thomas Randol••, who had been fourteen times sent in Embassage to seve∣rall Princes, yet was never rewarded with any greater dignities, then the Chamberlainship of the Exchequer, and the Postmastership of England. Soon after him dyed Sir Iohn Crof••s, who had done good service in Scot∣land, in Edward the sixths time; in Queen Mary's time was condemned of high Treason; in Queen Elisabeths time set at liberty, and made Comptrol∣ler of her house. After him dyed George Talbot, the seventh E. of Shrewsbury of this house; he was made Earl Marshall of England, and left behinde him a memoriall of Wisdom and Integrity. Lastly dyed Thomas Lord Wentworth, the last of the English that had been Governour of Calice.

In Ireland at this time Hugh Gaveloc (so called, because he had been long kept in Fetters) the naturall son of Shan O Neale, accused Hugh Earl of Tir-Oen, for holding private consultations with certain Spaniard, who in 88 were by Shipwrack cast upon the coast of Ireland: Tir-Oen to prevent the Accusation, took the said Hugh, and when others refused to do it, took a cord and with his own hands strangled him. Hereupon he was sent for into England, and came, and upon pardon obtained, solemnly undertook in presence of the Queen at Greenwich, to maintain the peace with Turlogh Leynigh; Not to usurpe the Title of O-Neale, nor any authority over the Gentry about him; to reduce the Territory of Tir-Oen to the form of a County, and civil behaviour, and many such matters; giving hostages for his true performance; and indeed for a time he observed all things very duly. This trouble allayed, another arose; for soon after this, Hugh Roe Mac-Mahon, a Potentate in the Territory of Monaghan, compelled those under his juris∣diction to pay him tribute; whereupon the Deputy caused him to be taken, and tryed by a Jury of common Souldiers, and then to be hanged up, divi∣ding his lands amongst certain English; and some of the Mac-Mahons, reser∣ving

a certain yeerly Rent to the Crown of England, by this means thinking to extinguish the Power and Title of Mac-Mahon. But hereupon, O-Rork, fear∣ing hee should be served in like manner, took up Arms against the Queen, whom Bingham President of Connacht soon distressed, and drave into Scot∣land, and at the Queens request, was by the King delivered up into his hands.

It was now the yeer 1591. and the Four and thirtieth of Queen Elisabeths Raign, when she, carefull lest Britain should come into the Spaniards hands, sent Edmund York into France, to advertise the King to take care thereof; and promising to send him Forces to that end, if he would, some Towns, where they might be in safety. Hereupon he named Cherburg, Granvile, or Brest, as the fittest; and it was agreed, that Three thousand English should be sent into Brittainy and Picardy; but in the mean time, Henry Palmer was sent to Sea, with certain Ships, who seized upon Thirteen Spanish Ships, as they were returning from Nova Francia. And now Roger Williams, with a Company of Six hundred Souldiers, passeth over to Diepe in Normandy; and Sir Iohn Norris with the rest of the Forces, hasted into Britain soon after. Roger Williams, with his own Six hundred, and the help of Charter Governour of Diepe, put to rout the Confederates, that had blocked up the passages; whose valour, the French King in his Letters to the Queen, highly extolled. Whereupon growing more couragious, and not minding his charge, which was to stay at Diepe, he accompanyed the King to the very Suburbs of Paris, where in honour of his Nation, he sent a Challenge to the Spaniards, to encounter Two hundred Pikemen of the English, and a hundred Musque∣tiers, with as many Spaniards in open Field.

After this, the King of France acquainted the Queen, that he had a pur∣pose to set upon Roan, or New-haven, before the Prince of Parma should come into France, and thereupon requested her, to send Four thousand Eng∣lish into Normandy, which upon certain conditions she willingly did, and sent them under the Command of Robert Earl of E••sex, accompanyed with Sir Thomas Leighton, and Sir William Killegrew, as his Counsellours. When the Earl came into France, he found that the King was at Noyon, and in Normandy no preparation for the War at all, which seemed strange, and much troubled him; but by and by Sir Roger Williams comes to him from the King, requesting him to come to Noyon, that they might confer con∣cerning a course of War. Thither the Earl made a tedious journey, and be∣ing come thither; the King told him, he was now of necessity to go himself into Champaigne; but promiseth to send Marshall Biron, and the Duke of Montpensier forthwith to him, to lay siege to Roan. Hereupon the Earl re∣turned to his Tents, expecting their coming, but neither of th••m ••••me, which troubled the Earl more then before; so as being weary now 〈◊〉〈◊〉 doing nothing, he made himself one approach to Roan, where hi•• Brother W••lt•••• Devereux was unfortunately slain. Indeed the affairs of the ••ing of Fr••nce were at this time upon so uncertain terms, that before he could ••••t 〈◊〉〈◊〉 h•• had resolved, something still intervened, that diverted him; for which, by his Letters he excused himself to the Queen of England, and by the media∣tion of the Ea••l, and Mornay Lord du Plessie, whom to that end he sent into England, obtained new supplies, and then besieged Roan.

At this time was memorable the prodigious cariage of one Hacket, born at Oundale in Northamptonshire, a mean fellow of no learning, whose first prank was this; That when, in shew of Reconciliation to one with whom he had been at variance, he imbraced him, he bit off his Nose, and the man de∣siring to have his Nose again, that it might be sowed on, while the wound was green, he most villanously eat it up, and swallowed it down before his face. After this, all on a ••udden, he took upon him a shew of wonderfull holinesse, did nothing but hear Sermons, and getting Scriptures by heart,

••••d counterfeting Revelations from God, and an extraordinary calling, and ••rew to be so magnified by certain zealous Ministers, and specially of one ••••••ard Coppinger, (a Gentleman of a good house) and one Arthington, a great admirer of the Geneva Discipline; that they accounted him as sent ••rom Heaven, and a greater Prophet then Moses or Iohn Baptist, and finally, that he was Christ himself, come with his fanne in his hand, to judge the world. And this they proclaimed in Cheapside; giving out that Hacket par∣ticipated of Christs glorified body, by his especiall Spirit, and was now come to propagate the Gospel over Europe, and to settle a true Discipline in the Church of England; and that they themselves were two Prophets, the one of Mercie, and the other of Judgement; with many other such in∣credible blasphemies; whereupon Hacket was apprehended and arraigned; and at last, hanged, drawn and quartered, continuing all the time, and at his death, his blasphemous Assertions. Coppinger a while after starved himself to death in prison, Arthington repented, and made his Recantation in a publike writing.

Besides these, other also at this time opposed the established Government of the Church of England, crying down the calling of Bishops, with whom sided some Common-Lawyers also, affirming, that the Queen could not depute, nor these men exercise any such Ecclesiasticall Jurisdiction; and that the Oath Ex Officio was unchristian. But the Queen conceiving, that through the sides of the Prelates, she her self was shot at, suppressed them what she could, and maintained the Government formerly established.

About this time, the Lord Thomas Howard, with six of the Queens ships, having waited at the Azores six whole Moneths, for the coming of the Spanish Fleet from America, was at last set upon by Alphonso Bassano, with three and fifty ships, sent out for the Convoy of the American Fleet, where Richard Granvile Vice-Admirall, being in the Revenge, and separated from his company, was so hemmed in by the Spanish ships, and so battered with great shot; that most of his men being slain, his Main-mast cut off, himself sore wounded in the head, he commanded to sink the ship, that it might not come into the Spaniards hands; but this being countermanded by most voi∣ces, it was agreed, to yeeld it to the Spaniards, upon condition that the men should be set at liberty. Granvile himself was carryed into the Spanish Ad∣mirall, where within two dayes he dyed, not without praise of his very ene∣mies: Thus the great ship called the Revenge, was yeelded, but had so many leaks in the Ke••l, that soon after it was cast away in a storm; and the losse of this one ship the English soon made good upon the Spaniards, by taking many of theirs.

About this time also, Cavendish, who in the yeer 1578. had sailed round about the world, now with five ships bent his course toward the Magellan Straits, but by reason of foul weather, was not able to passe them, being dri∣ven to the coast of Brasile, was there cast away.

And now, enmity increasing daily between Spain and England, two Pro∣clamations were set forth; one, prohibiting upon pain of high-Treason, to carry Victuals or Munition into any of the King of Spains dominions: An∣other, forbidding all persons to entertain any in their houses, till inquiry made, what they were, lest they might entertain Popish Priests, who at this time came swarming into England, by reason the King of Spain had lately founded a Seminary at Valledolid for the English.

At this time dyed Sir Christopher Hatton, Lord Chancelour, whom of a mean Gentlemans house, the Queens favour had raised to this height of Dignity; a goodly personage of body, of Noble, but no aspiring spirits; the onely of all the Queens speciall Favourites, that dyed a Batchelour; and therefore left William Newport his sisters son his heir, who erected for him, in Pauls Church, a sumptuous Monument. After his death, the keeping

of the great Seal was for certain Moneths committed to the Lord Bur∣leigh Treasurer, Hunsdon, Cobham and Buckhurst: Afterward, Puckering the Queens Sergeant at Law was elected, not Chancelour, but Keeper of the great Seal.

At this time also, Brian O-Rork, the Irish Potentate, was arraigned at Westminster; his Indictments were, For raising Rebellion against the Queen, for dragging her Picture at a horse tail, for giving the Spa∣niards entertainment; which things being told him by an Interpreter, (for he understood no English) hee said, Hee would not be tryed, un∣lesse the Queen her self in person sate to judge him. Yet being told, that it was the Law; hee onely said, If it must be so, let it be so; and so condemned, was executed at Tyburn as a Traitour, whereof hee seemed to make as little reckoning, as if it had but been in jest. And now this yeer, the Queen made the Colledge of Dublin in Ireland, an University, which was formerly the Monastery of All-Saints, endow∣ing it with power to confer Scholasticall Dignities.

At this time, Sir Iohn P••rot, who had been Deputy of Ireland, and done good service there, was yet by the malice of Adversaries, of whom Hatton was one, called in question, before the Baron Hunsdon, the Lord Buckhurst, Sir Robert Cecill, (lately made a Councellour) Sir Iohn For∣tescue, Sir Iohn Wolley, and some of the Judges: His Accusations were; first, that he had spoken opprobrious words against the Queen, saying, Shee was illegitimate and cowardly; secondly, that hee had fostered notorious Traitours, and Popish Priests; thirdly, that hee held corre∣spondence with the Prince of Parma, and the Queens enemies. To the first of which he confessed, that in his passion he had spoken of the Queen unadvisedly, for which hee was infinitely grieved; the rest hee denyed: And all men knew, he was never Popishly affected. His Ac∣cusers were, one Philip Williams, sometime his Secretary; Denys O-Rog∣han an Irish marryed Priest, whose life hee had saved; and one Wal∣ton, a fellow of no worth or Reputation. Yet the crimes being urged against him, by Popham and other Lawyers, till eleven a clock at night; hee was at last condemned of high Treason, but Sentence wa•• not pronounced till twenty dayes after; and yet was not put to death, but dyed a naturall death in the Tower; hee vvas a man of a goodly personage, stout and chollerick, and one whom (many thought) the Queen had the more reason to respect, for her father King Henry the Eighths sake.

The Earl of Ess••x, after a tedious Winters siege in Normandy, chal∣lenged Monsieur Villerse Governour of Roan to a single combate, who refusing to meet him; hee then returned into England, being called home by the Queen, whose favour, by his long absence, might else have suffered prejudice.

And now the King of France, hearing that the Prince of Parma was coming i••to France, once again was fain to flye to the Queen for succour, to whom, upon certain conditions, she granted an Army of four thousand men, and some great Ordnance, with which Sir Iohn Norris was sent into France; whom yet the French King imployed not, as was agreed, to the great displeasure of the Queen. But as for the Prince of Parma's coming into France, hee was prevented by death, when hee had governed the Netherlands under the Spaniard fourteen yeers; a Prince of many excellent parts, and whom Queen Elisabeth never mentioned but with honour.

And now Queen Elizabeth considering that the King of Spaines chiefe strength was in his Gold of America, sends forth Sir Walter Ralegh with a Fleet of fifteene Ships to meete with the Spanish Fleet; who

passing by a Promontory of Spain, received certain intelligence, that the Spa∣••ish Fleet was not to come forth that yeare: Whereupon, dividing his Navy into two parts; whereof, the one he committed to Sir Iohn Bur∣••••••ghs, the other to Sir Martin Forbysher; he waited other opportunities, when soon after, a mighty Caraque came in view, called The Mother of God, which from the Beake to the Sterne, was a hundred threescore and five foot long, built with seven Decks, and carrying six hundred men, besides rich Merchandize. This great Vessell they took, and in it, to the ••••lue of a hundred and fifty thousand pounds sterling, over and above what the Commanders and Sea-men pilfered.

This yeare, the Queene going in Progresse, passed through Oxford, where she was entertained by the Schollers with Orations, Stage-Pl••yes, and Disputations; and by the Lord Buckhurst Chancellor of the Uni∣versity, with a sumptuous Feast. At her departure, She made a Latine Oration, wherein she vowed a vow, and gave them counsell; Her vow was, That as she desired nothing so much, as the prosperity and flourishing estate of her Kingdome, so she as much wished to see the Universities and Schools of learning to flourish likewise. Her Counsell was, That they would serve God above all, not following the curiosity of some wits, but the Lawes of God, and the Kingdome, That they would not prevent the Lawes, but follow them, nor dispute whether better Lawes might be made, but observe those which were already Enacted.

This year, dyed Anthony Browne Viscount Montacute, whom Queene Mary honored with this Title; because his Grandmother was Daughter, and one of the Heirs of Iohn Nevill Marquesse Montacute; who, though he were a great Roman Catholike, yet the Queen finding him faith∣full alwayes, loved him, and in his sicknesse went to visit him. There dyed at this time also, Henry Lord Scroope of Bolton, Knight of the Garter, and long time Governour of the Westerne Border toward Scotland.

At this time Henry Barrow, and his Sectaries, condemning the Church of England to be no Christian Church, and derogating from the Queens Au∣thority in matters Ecclesiasticall; he the sayd Barrow, as Ring-leader of the rest, was put to death, in terror to all such disturbers of the peace of the Church.

About this time, by reason of the Queens correspondence with the Turk, to the end, her Subjects might have free Trading in his Territories; It was maliciously given out by some, that she had excited the Turke to a War against the Christians; which caused the Queen to write to the Em∣perour, shewing him the falsenesse of this report, wherein she gave him full sa••••sfaction.

And now a constant report came into England, That the King of France had already embraced, or was ready to embrace the Romish Religion, which so much troubled the Queene, that she presently sent Thomas Wilkes into France; with reasons (if it were not too late) to divert him from it. But before Wilkes came, the King indeed had openly professed the Romish Religion, at the Church of Saint Denis in Paris; of which his Conversion, he declared the causes to Wilkes at large, shewing, the necessity of it, unlesse he would suffer himselfe to be utterly thrust out of the Kingdome. And the French AMBASSADOR signifying as much to the Queene, in great perplexity, She writ to him to this effect.

Alas, what grief? what anxiety of minde hath befallen me, since I heard this news? was it possible that worldly respects should make you lay aside Gods feare? ••••uld you thinke, That He, who had hitherto upheld and kept you, would now at the last, leave you? It is a dangerous thing to doe evill, that g••od

may come thereof. But I hope your minde may alter; In the meane while, I will pray for you, and beg of God, That the hands of Esau, may not hinder the blessing of Jacob.

To this the KING Answered, That though he had done this in his owne Person out of necessity; yet, He would never be wanting to those of the Reformed Religion, but would take them into his speciall care and Protection.

And now was Richard Hasket, condemned and executed for Treaso••, be∣ing sent from the English Fugitives beyond Sea, to perswade Ferdinand Earle of Derby, Sonne to Henry newly deceased, to assume the Title of the Kingdome; by right of Descent from Mary, Daughter to Henry the Seventh; and threatning him, that unlesse he undertooke this enterprize, and withall, concealed him the Abettor, he should shortly dye in most wretched manner. But the Earle fearing a trap was layd for him, re∣vealed the matter; yet the fellows threating proved not altogether vaine, for the Earle within foure Moneths, dyed a most horrible death. This yeare, Death had his tribute payd him from the Nobility; for there dyed Henry Ratcliffe Earle of Sussex, and three renowned Barons, Arthur Grey of Wilton, Henry Lord Cromwell, and Henry Lord Went∣worth; besides Sir Christopher Carlile, whose Warlike Prowesse at Sea and land, deserves to be remembred.

In IRELAND, at this time, divers great men in Connaght Rebel∣led; and Tu••logh Leynigh being dead, Tir-Oen assumed to himselfe, the title of O-Neale, (which in IRELAND is more esteemed, than to be called EMPEROVR) But upon a sudden, dissembling his dis∣conte••t, hee submitted himselfe to the DEPVTY, and promised all obedience.

I•• was now the yeare 1594, and the seven and thirtieth of Queen ELIZABETH•• Raigne; when the good correspondence betweene the King of Scots and Queen ELIZABETH, gave the Papists small hope that ever he would prove an Instrument to restore the Catholike Religion. Whereupon, they began to bethinke themselves of some English Papist, that might succeed the Queene; but finding none of their owne Sect, a fit person, they fixed their thoughts upon the Earl of Essex, who alwayes seemed a very moderate man; and him they devised to have some right to the Crowne, by Descent from Thomas of Woodstocke, King EDVVARD the Thirds Sonne. But the English Fugitives, were for the Infanta of Spaine, and desiring to set the King of Scots and the Earle of Essex at ods; they set forth a Book, which they Dedicated to Essex, under the name of Doleman, but was written indeed by Parsons (Dolemans bitter Adversary) Cardinall Allen, and Francis Englefield. The scope of which Booke was, to exclude from Succession, all persons whatsoever, and how near soever Allied to the Crowne, unlesse they were Roman Catholikes; Contending further, for the right of Isabella, Infanta of Spaine, as being descended from Constance, Daughter of WILLIAM the Conquerour; from Eleanor eldest Daughter to HENRY the Second, Married to Alphonso the ninth King of Castile; from Beatrix, Daughter to King HENRY the Third, Titles obsolete, and which exceed the bounds of Heraldry to discusse. This year, the nineteenth of February, was Henry Prince of Scotland born, to whom the Queen was Godmother, and sent Robert Earl of Sussex for her Deputy.

But now greater matters were in hand, Plots were layd against the Queenes life; some Spaniards thinking to make her away by Poison, and not daring to trust any Englishman in such a businesse; they treat to that purpose, with Rodericke Lopes a JEV••, and Phisitian to the Queen,

wi••h Stephen Ferreir••, Emmanuel Loyfie, and other Portugalls; for divers of that Nation came into England at this time, in relation to Don Anthonio•• who being discovered by letters of theirs, that were intercepted, were Ar∣raigned at Guildhall, and by their own confessions convinced, to have con∣spi••ed against the life of the Queen, they were all condemned, and Exe∣••••••ed at Tiburne; LOPES professing that he loved the Queen, as well as Jesus Christ, which was cause of laughter to them•• that knew him to be a JEVV. The next day after them, was condemned Patrick C••llen•• an Irish Fencer, sent hither by the English Fugitives, to kill the Queen, who was straightway executed, though he were at that very time sick and ready to dye.

About this time, Sir Iohn Norris having been in a hot conflict at sea a∣gainst the Spaniard, where Sir Martin Forbysher received his deaths wound, was now called home, with a purpose to send him into Ireland. In which mean while, Richard Hawkins, Sonne of Sir Iohn Hawkins the famous sea Captain, had been set forth a year since, with three of the Queens ships, and two hundred men in them; whereof, one of them at the Isle o•• St. Anne, was by chance fired, another of them seperated by tempest, returned into England; himself in the third, passed the Straights of Ma∣gellan, being the sixth man in the Spanish accompt, that had ever done it; and being now come into the wide Southern sea, he took five ships la∣den with Merchandize; one whereof he took away, the rest he suffered to redeeme themselves for two thousand Duckats: But at last, being set upon by Bertrandus a Castro, who was sent out by the Vice-Roy of those parts, with eight ships against him; after three dayes battery, he yeilded, and though upon composition, yet was neverthelesse sent into Spain, and there for divers years kept prisoner.

But Iames Lancaster in another part of America, had better suc∣cesse; for being set forth by some London Merchants (whose goods the Spaniards had seized) with three Ships and a long Boat, Hee tooke nine and thirty Spanish Ships, and at Fernanbucke in Brasile, where the wealth of an East-Indian Caraque was lately unloden; hee desperately venturing upon the Shoare, Loaded Fifteene Ships with the wealth of the Indian Caraque; Sugar, Reed, Redwood called Brasill, and other Merchandize, and then safely and victoriously returned home.

At ROME, about this time dyed Cardinall ALLEN, borne in Lancashire of an honest Family, brought up in Oxford, in Oriall Col∣ledge. In Queene Maries dayes he was Proctor of the University, and after Canon of the Cathedrall Church at YORKE. Upon the change of Religion in ENGLAND, he left the Kingdome, and was Divinity Professor at Doway in Flanders, and made Canon of the Church at Cambray. He procured a Seminary to be set up in Doway, for the Eng∣lish, another at Rheims, and a third at Rome; and through zeal of the Ro∣mish Religion, forgot whose subject he was born.

At home, at this time, dyed Iohn Peers Archbishop of Yorke, in whose place, succeeded Matthew Hutton, translated from the See of Durham. There dyed also Ferdinand Stanley Earl of Derby, being in the floure of his age, miserably tormented, and vomiting ••tuffe of a darke rusty co∣lour, being thought to have been poysoned or bewitched. There was found in his chamber a little image of wax, with hairs of the colour of his hairs, thrust into the belly; which some thought was done of pur∣pose, that men should not suspect him to be poisoned; his vomit so stained the silver Andirons, that it could never be gotten out, and his body though put in searcloathes and wrapped in lead, did so ••tinck and putrifie, that for a long time none could endure to come neer where he was buried.

The Master of his Horse was much suspected, who the same day the Earl tooke his bed, took one of his best Horses, and fled away. About this time also dyed Gregory Fines Lord Dacres, a man somewhat crazed, the Son of Thomas Lord Dacres, hanged in the Raign of King Henry the Eight.

And now Sir William Fitz Williams Lord Deputy of Ireland was called home, and William Russell youngest Son of Francis Earl of Bedford, was sent in his room; to whom presently came the Earl of Tir-Oen, and in hum∣ble manner craved pardon of his fault, that he had not presented himself at the call of the late Lord Deputy. Bagnall Marshall of the Irish Forces, exhibited many Articles against him, but he so pleaded for himself with promise of loyalty hereafter, that he was dismissed. But see the subdolous∣nesse of this man, for he would never after be gotten to come again, though the Deputy sent for him with many kinde messages.

It was now the year 1595, and the eight and thirtieth year of Queen Elizabeths Raign; when Ed••ond Yorke, and Richard Williams who were for∣merly apprehended, came to their tryall, and were executed at Tiburn, for being bribed to kill the Queen.

At this time a constant rumor was blown abroad from all parts of Europe, that the Spaniards were coming again against England, with a farre greater Fleet than that in Eighty Eight, and that it was already under sayl; where∣upon, Souldiers were levyed, and placed on the Sea-coast. Two Navies were made ready, one to expect them at home in the Channell; the other, to go for America, under Hawkins and Drake; but when all came to all, it was but certain Spaniards, who loosed from the sea-coast of France, with four Gallies, which betimes in the morning landing in Cornwall, fired a Church standing alone in the fields, and three Villages of Fishermen, Neu∣lyne, Moushole, and Pensaus, and then presently retyred, not taking or killing any one person; And these were the first and last Spaniards, that in hostile manner ••ver set foot upon English ground.

And now mischiefs growing daily in France, a great number perswaded the King, to conclude a Peace with Spain, and the Queen her self began to mistrust him; especially, having lately received intelligence out of the Popes Conclave; that he was received into the bosome of the Church of Rome, with the Popes Benediction, and that upon conditions prejudiciall to the Protestants.

And therefore at this time, were divers undertakings of the English against Spain; Sir Walter Rawleigh Captain of the Guard, having defloured a Mayd of Honor (whom afterward he married) had lost the Queens favour, and was held in Prison for certain moneths; but afterward being set at liberty, though banished the Court. He undertook a Voyage to Guyana, setting sayl from Plimmouth in February, he arrived at Trinidada, where he took St. Io∣sephs Town, but found not a jot of money there: From hence, with Boats, and a hundred souldiers, he entred the vast River Orenoque, ranging up in Guyana four hundred myles, but getting little, but his labour for his travell. In like manner, Amyas Preston and Sommers, Pillaged sundry Towns of the King of Spains in the Western parts; and three ships of the Earl of Cum∣berland, set upon a huge Caraque, which by casualty was fired when they were in fight, and these were the enterprises of private persons: but the Queen being informed, that great store of wealth for the King of Spains use, was conveyed to Port Rico, in St. Iohns Island; sent thither Hawkins, Dr••k••, and Baskervile with land Forces, furnishing them with six ships out of her own Navy, and twenty other men of War. They set sayl from Plimmo••th the last of August, and seven and twenty dayes after, came upon the Coast of the great Canarie, which being strongly Fortified, they for∣bore to assault. A moneth after, they came to the Isle of St. Dominicke, where five Spanish ships being sent forth to watch the English, lighted upon

one of the small English ships which was strayed from the Company, and ••••••ting the Master and Marriners upon the Rack, understood by them, That the English Navy was bent to Port Rico; whereupon they make all possible speed to give notice thereof, that being fore-warned, they might accord∣ingly be armed. And thereupon, as soon as the English had cast Anchors 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Road at Port Rico, the Spaniards thundered against them from the shore; si•• Nicholas Clifford, and Brute Browne were wounded as they sate at ••upper, and two dayes after died. Hawkins also, and Drake, partly of dis∣••••se, and partly of grief for their ill successe, died soon after. At the end of eight months, the Fleet came home, having done the enemy little hurt, fired onely some few Towns and ships, but received infinite damage them∣s••lves; lost two such Sea-men, as the Kingdom, I may say, all Europe had ••ot their like left. For the Spaniards having of late yeers received great ••••rms by the French and English, had now provided for themselves with Fortifications which were not easie to be won.

At this time the Queen made known to the States in the Low-Countries, the great charges she had been at in relieving them ten yeers together; for which she requiteth some considerable recompence: The States again al∣leadge the great charges they were at in Eighty Eight, in repelling the Spa∣niards in her cause; yet (not to fall out about the matter) they were content to allow some reasonable retribution; but yet for the present, nothing was concluded. Likewise at this time, the Hanse Towns in Germany make com∣plaint to the Emperour, and the Princes of the Empire, That the Immuni∣ties from customes antiently granted them by the Kings of England, began to be Antiquated, and that a Monopoly of English Merchants was set up in Germany; to which, the Queen by Sir Christopher Perkins, first shewing the cause of the first Grant, and then the Reason of Queen Maries prohibiting it afterward, makes them so satisfactory an answer, that those very Hanse-Towns which complained, brought into England at this time, such store of Corne, that it prevented a mutiny, which thorough dearth of Corn, was like to have hapned in London.

This yeer was famous for the death of many great Personages, Philip Earl of Arundel, condemned in the yeer 1589. The Queen had all this while spared, but now death would spare him no longer, having since that time been wholly given to contemplation, and macerated himself in a strict course of Religion, leaving one onely son, Thomas, by his wife Anne Dacres of Gillis••and. He had two brothers, Thomas Lord Howard, whom Queen Elizabeth made Baron of Walden, and King Iames afterward Earl of Suffolk; and William Lord Howard of the North, who yet liveth; and one sister, the Lady Margaret, marryed to Robert Sackvile, afterward Earl of D••rset, and father of Edward Earl of Dorset now living; a Lady so milde, so vertuous, and so devout in her Religion, that if her brother macerated himself being in prison, she certainly did no lesse, being at liberty; whom I the rather mention, because I had the happinesse to know her living, and the unhappinesse to be a Mourner at her Funerall. There died this yeer also, William Lord Vaulx, a zealous Papist, and Sir Thomas Hineage, Vice-Cham∣berlain, and Chancellor of the Dutchy of Lancaster, whose onely daughter marryed to Sir Moyle Finch of Kent, was no small advancer of that House. There died also William Whitaker, Master of S. Iohns Colledge in Cam∣bridge, and Divinity Professor: As likewise Sir Roger Williams, and Sir Tho∣mas Morgan; so as this yeer was honoured with the deaths of two great Lords, one exquisite Courtier, one great Schollar, and two famous Souldiers.

In Ireland at this time, Russell the Deputy doubting a storm of War from Tir-Oen, sent into England, requiring to have some experienced souldier sent to him with Forces, who though he desired Baskervyle to be the man, yet

Sir Iohn Norris was sent, with thirteen hundred old souldiers, besides a further supply; whom Tir-Oen hearing to be coming, set presently upon the Fort of Blackwater, and in the absence of Edward Cornwall the Governour, took it. But now being doubtfull of his case, in a subdolous manner (as he was a double dealing man) he both offereth his help to the Earl of Kil∣dare, against the Deputies servants; and at the same time, maketh promise to the Earl of Ormond, and Sir Henry Wallope, of loyalty and obedience; but notwithstanding he was forthwith proclaimed Traytor, under the name of H••gh O Neal, bastard son to Con O Neal. There was at this time with the Rebells in Ulster, a thousand Horse, and 6280 Foot: and in Connaght, two thousand three hundred, all at Tir Oens command; and the Forces of the English under Norris, not much fewer, with whom the Deputy himself joyned, and marched together to Armagh; which so terrified the Rebels, that Tir Oen forsaking the Fort of Blackwater, began to hide himself. Whereupon the Deputy returned, leaving Norris to follow the War, with the Title of Generall of the Army. But this satisfied not Norris, and there∣fore out of emulation betwixt himself & the Deputy, he performed nothing worth the speaking of, and seemed to favour Tir Oen, as much as the De∣puty hated him; insomuch, as he had private conference with him (a thing not lawfull with proclaymed Traytors) and upon his submission, and Ho∣stages given, a Truce was granted both to him and Odonell, till the first of Ian••ary. When the Truce was expired, Tir Oen exhibited certain Petiti∣ons, protesting, if they were granted, he would then perform all duties of a loyall subject. In consulting about which Petitions, another Truce was concluded, till the first of April: during which Truce, Tir Oen dealt secret∣ly with the King of Spain for Ayd to be sent him, making neverthelesse a fair shew of willingnesse to obedience, so far, that by the procurement of Norris and Fenton, a pardon was granted him; the which he pretended to receive more joyfully, than the Instrument whicd conferred the Earldome upon him; yet all this was but dissimulation, to win the time for his own ends.

In the midst of these Irish Affairs, Albertus Arch-Duke of Austria, and Cardinall, whom the King of Spain had newly set over the Netherlands, mustered together the Spanish Forces, upon pretence of raising the Siege of La Fere in Picardie; but upon a sudden turneth aside, and besiegeth Calice; and taking Newnham Fort, the very first day became Master of the Haven. The Queen informed hereof, forthwith, upon the very Sunday, in time of Divine Service, commandeth to leuy souldiers, whom she committeth to the Earl of Essex; but before they could be shipped, certain News came, That the Town and Fort were taken by the Spaniard: Whereupon, the Queens Army was dismissed, and onely some money lent to the French King.

But a few dayes after, a far greater, and more select Army is raised in England, wherein many of Noble Houses served as Voluntaries: For the Queen, to divert the King of Spain from invading her Borders, thought it the best way to invade his: Whereupon a Navy of a hundred and fifty Ships was made ready; where were souldiers under pay, 6360; Volunta∣ries of the Nobility and Gentry, 1000; Marriners, 6772, besides the Dutch-men, who brought two and twenty ships. Robert Earl of Essex, and Charls Howard Lord Admirall of England, were made Generalls with equall Authority; but the Admirall to hold Prerogative at Sea, Essex at Land. To these, for a Councell of War, were joyned, the Lord Thomas Howard, Walter Raleigh, Francis Vere, George Carew, and Conyers Clifford. The whole Fleet was divided into four Squadrons; the Admirall commanded the first, Essex the second, the Lord Thomas Howard the third, and Raleigh the fourth. The Officers of the Army were Francis Vere, Serjeant Major Generall, or

Marshall; Iohn Winkfield, Quarter-Master Generall; George Carew, Master of the Ordnance; Conyers Clifford Serjeant Major. Colonells were, Ro∣be••t Earl of Sussex, sir Christopher Blunt, sir Thomas Gerrard, sir Richard Winkefield; William Winkefild was Commander of the Vo••untaries, and Anthony Ashley, Secretary to the Councell of War, was to Register their Acts and Consultations. The Commission being drawn, the Queen gave them private Instructions, and withall, a Prayer of her own making, to be d••ily used in every Ship.

This F••eet set forth from Plimouth at the beginning of Iune. Nigh un∣••o Cabo S. Vincent they lighted upon an Irish Barque, which told them, That at Cales they were secure, and that in the Haven there were at Anchor Gallies, ships of War•• and a great many Merchants Vessells. The twentieth of Iune, they cast Anchor on the West side of the Island; within two dayes they were agreed to set upon the Spanish ships, where∣at the Earl of Essex cast up his Cap for joy. This businesse was alot∣••ed to the lesser ships, because the Road was too shallow for the great. The Gallyes quickly fled, and creeping along the shore, shifted away, but the Spanish ships that lay at Anchor at Puntall, turned their broad sides; so as the English Fight with them, lasted from break of day till noon; at which time, the Spaniards having their Gallons miserably tor••, and many of their men slain, resolved to fire the the ships, or run them ashore. The Spanish Admirall, being fifteen hundred Tun of Burthen, was fired by a Moor, and two other ships which lay next her took the fire, and were lost likewise. When this Sea-Fight was ended, Essex landed eight hundred souldiers at Puntall, a league from the Town of Cales, when half a mile from the Town, the Spanish Horse and Foot shewed them∣selves, and presently gave back again; but straightway cometh forth a greater number: Then Essex commanded his Forces to make a fair Re∣treat; and having enticed forth their enemies, they turned upon them with such violence, that they forced them back into the Town. Then the Earl got up to a Bulwark newly raised, neer the Gate, where he spyed a pas∣sage into the Town•• but so high from ground, that they must leap a Spears length to get down. Yet Evans the Earl of Sussex his Lievtenant, Arthur Sa∣vage, and other, leaped down; and the mean while Sir Francis Vere broke the Gate, and rushed in, and the rest with him. In the Market place Iohn Winkfield was shot in the head, and with stones from the tops of the houses divers were wounded; amongst whom, Samuel Bagnall received eight wounds, and Arthur Savage was bloody all over; which two were Knighted in the place. The next day the Castle was yeelded, upon condition, That the Inhabitants might depart with the clothes on their backs, the rest to be left for spoyl. For five hundred and fourscore thousand Duckets the Castle was to be re∣deemed; and for the payment, forty of the chief Citizens to be sent Hosta∣ges into England. Now Raleigh was commanded to fire the Merchants Ships lying at Port Reall, when they promised two Millions of Duckets to redeem them: but this the Admirall would not hear of, saying, He was sent to de∣stroy Ships, not to dismisse them upon Composition. A world of Munition was found in the City, and great store of money privately carried away, eve∣ry one shifting for himself. It was thought by the wiser sort, That the Spa∣niard could not be damnified lesse by this Expedition, than twenty Millions of Duckets. None of note was slain amongst the English, but onely Wink∣field, who also slew a Spanish Captain; and now at last, threescore Military men were honored with Knight-hood. After this, having spoyled the whole Island•• and demolished the Forts•• they returned into England, much against the will of Essex, who would fain have bin attempting some other enterprise.

The Queen received them home with much affability, giving many thanks to those of principall note, but extolling the Earl of Essex and the

Admirall, above the rest. And now bethinking her self of a fit man to be Governour of the Bryll, which was given by the States as a Caution Town for money due, she made choyce of Sir Francis Vere, although Essex com∣mended other to her for the place: but another thing he took with great in∣dignation, That in his absence she had made Sir Robert Cecill Secretary, whereas he had formerly with great instance commended Sir Thomas Bodley to her••

And now the King of Spain, to recover his honour lost at Cales, setteth forth a Navy for England and Ireland, with a great number of Irish Fugi∣tives•• but being at Sea, most of his ships were either run upon Rocks, or cast away in storms; so as this Expedition came to nothing.

But the Queen at this time, for her better security, entred a League of Defence and Offence with the French King, against the Spaniard, upon cer∣tain Conditions; which League, she confirmed by Oath, in the Chappell at Greenwich, the nine and twentieth of August, laying her hand upon the hand of Henry de la Tour, Duke of Bulloign, and Marshall of France; the Bishop of Chichester holding forth the Evangelists, and a great company of the No∣bility standing round about. In September following, Gilbert Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury, was sent on Ambassage into France, to take the French Kings Oath, and to present Sir Anthony Mildmay for the Queens Ambassadour in Ordinary, in the room of Sir Henry Unton lately there deceased, and to in∣vest the King with the Order of the Garter. Soon after, Baskervile wafted into Picardy with two thousand souldiers; for no more were by agreement to be sent this yeer.

It was now the yeer, 1596, and the nine and thirtieth of Queen Eliza∣beths Raign, when Thomas Arundel of Warder returned into England, from the Wars in Hungary against the Turk; whom, for his good service done there•• the Emperour by his Letters Patents, had created Earl of the sacred Empire, and all and singular his Heirs and their Posterity, Males or Females, lawfully descended from him, to be Earls and Countesses of the holy Empire for ever. Those who are graced with this Title, have a Place and Voice in the Imperiall Diets, May purchase Lands in the Emperours Dominions, May take up voluntary souldiers, And are not bound to an∣swer any matter before any Judge, but onely in the Chamber of the Empire. At his return, a great Question came in agitation, Whether Titles of Honour given to the Queens subjects without her privity, ought to be accepted by them, or admitted by her. For this new Earl stuck in the stomacks of the English Barons, who inwardly grudged to give him place. The matter was long disputed on both sides, but what issue it had, or whether he were permitted this Honour here at home, I finde not: Certain it is, That Sir Nicholas Clifford, and Sir Anthony Shirley, whom the French King two yeers since received into the Order of S. Mi∣chael, were laid in prison at their coming home, and charged to resigne their Robes of the Order.

This yeer many great persons died; Iohn Puckering, Lord Keeper of the Great Seal, whom Thomas Egerton succeeded; Richard Fletcher, Bishop of London; who for marrying the Lady Baker (as goodly a Lady as he was a Prelate) incurred the Queens displeasure; and to cure his cares, fell im∣moderately to drinking of Tobacco, and so expired. Henry Cary, Ba∣ron of Hunsdon, Lord Chamberlain of her Majesties House, and her Cousin German. Sir Francis Knolls, who marryed Hunsdons sister, in Queen Maries dayes an Exile in Germany for the Gospell, by Queen Elizabeth made first Vice-Chamberlain, then Captain of the Guard, afterward Trea∣surer of the Houshold, and Knight of the Garter. Henry Hastings Earl of Hu••tington, and President of the Counsell in the North, who spent his estate upon Puritan Ministers: Francis Lord Hastings, Nephew to him by his

brother George, who succeeded him in the Earledome, and Margaret Clifford Countesse of Derbie, (who descended of the blood Royall, from Charles Brandon) consulted with sorcerers and cunning men, and thereupon a little before her end, was in a manner excluded from the Queens favour.

The Queen at this time was told, that the King of Spain was preparing a new Fleet against Ireland; whereupon to encounter him, she also prepa∣red a Navy of a hundred and twenty Ships, seventeene of the Queens, Three aud forty lesser Ships of Warre, the rest for the carriage of provision: They were parted into three Squadrons: Essex Commanded the first, who was also chiefe Commander in the expedition; The Lord Thomas Howard the second, and Raliegh the third. In this Fleet were sundry of the Nobility and Gentry, Charls Blunt, Lord Mountjoy, Vere, Carew, Sir Christopher Blunt, the Earles of Rutland and Sou∣thampton; the Lords, Grey, Crumwell, Rich, and many other. The ninth of July they weighed Anchour from Plimmouth and were to direct their course to Ferall and the Groyne, to sieze upon the Spanish Fleet in the Harbour, and towards the Isles called Azores, to intercept the Indi••n Fleet at their returne into Spaine; but this expedition was crossed and over∣throwne by Tempests, for they had not sayled forty Leagues from Plimmouth, when they were shaken with such a terrible Tempest for foure dayes together, that the Marriners themselves were at their witts end, and the Fleet had much a do to recover Plimmo••th; the Na∣vy being mended, then hoise up sayle the second time, but the winde ••ell presently againe so crosse, that for a whole Moneths time they could not get out of the Haven, returning to Plimmouth the seven∣teenth of August they got out of the Haven; and now the third time, with a side wind hoyse up sayle, but before they came in view of Spaine, they were dispersed by another horrible Tempest•• wherein of the two great Ships which were taken at Calis, one was dashed in pieces, the o∣ther wandered no man knew whither. At the Island Flores the Fleet met againe, where Rawleigh being distressed for water, went on shore with∣out leave; and ere he had watered, had charge to follow Essex to Fay∣••ll: but not finding him there, hee observed the Port, and calling a Councell, the Commanders wished him to set upon the place, and not let slippe so faire a booty. Upon this, Rawleigh with some of the prime Voluntaries, got to shoare, and wonne the Towne, but found no boo∣ty in it. The next day Essex came thither, whom Merrick informeth what Rawleigh had done, affirming spitefully, that he had done it on∣ly to prevent his Lordshippe in the honour of the exploite: where∣upon, some perswaded the Earle to call a Councell of Warre and than d••••place him, others again? to take of his Head for going to Land, without the chiefe Commanders leave; saying, hee was never like for to have such another opportunity to bee rid of his Adversary; up∣on this, Sidney, Brett, Berry, and other of Rawleighs company were displaced, and layed by the heeles; Rawleigh himselfe was sent for, and entertained with a grimme looke by Essex and all his Party; Essex rebu∣keth him angerly, for landing his Forces, which none upon payne of death might do, without the Generalls command; Rawleigh made answer, that the Captaines indeed, Ship-masters & the rest were within the compasse of that Law; but not the Three prime Commanders, of whom himself was One: That he had a long time wayted his comming, and longer would have wayted, but that the Islanders provoked him to fight. And now the L. Thomas Howard mediated, that no severity might be used against Rawleigh, & perswa∣ded him to acknowledge his fault; which being done, all were friends, and the displaced Captaines were restored to their places, for the Earle was of a placable disposition; easily apt to take offence, and as easily ready to remit it.

From hence they saile to Gratiosa, where the Inhabitants crave mercy and obtained it; & here Essex would have tarried, in expectation of the Indian fleet; but that Graves the Pilot disswaded, because the harbour was not good: and now see the unluckinesse of ill counsell, for the English were not gone above an houre, or two, ••rom this place; when loe, the Ameri∣can fleete; (wherein were forty Ships, and seven of them loaden with treasure) cometh thither; which, hearing that the English were there abouts, directed their course to Tezcera, where they gained the ha∣ven, all but three ships, indifferent wealthy; which English tooke: and then were minded to set upon the rest, in the Port; but finding the attempt not forcible, they passed from hence, to Saint Michaells; where Southampton, Rutland, Evers, Bredon and Dockwray, were Knighted•• and then Essex landed within six miles of the Towne; nigh unto Villa Franca, a faire Towne, and well furnished with marchan∣dize; wine, wood, and corne; where they tarried six dayes: and the common souldiers found good booty. And now a Caraque was espied, coming out of the east Indies; which, by a warning peece shot off in a Dutch ship, perceiveing that the English were there; run herselfe a shoare, unloaded her merchandize, and then fiered herselfe. Thus the English had ill lucke every where in this expedition: And the ninth of October they hoysted sayle for England; but within two dayes, a ter∣rible tempest, from the northward dispersed them; and the Spanish Fleete also at the same time, so as they never came in view of one another: one Spanish shippe was cast upon Dertmouth, the Marriners and souldiers halfe starved in her; who intimated, that the Spanish fleete in∣tended to seize upon some haven in Cornwall, which being nigh the mouth of the channell; might be convenient to receive forces from Spaine: but the divine providence frustrated the designes both of the Spaniard and the English.

But now at his returne, the Earle of Essex found that done in Eng∣land, in his absence, which infinitly discontented him: Sir Robert Cicill made Chancelour of the Dutchy of Lancaster; & which was more, Charles Lord Howard, created Earle of Nottingham, with relation in his patent to the Victory in eighty eight; and his good service at Cales: This glory he envyed him, and besides stomacked it; that he must now take place of him. It being enacted in the Raigne of Henry the eighth, that the chiefe Officers of the Kingdome, should have Presidence of all men of their degree. Whereupon the Queen, to give him content, was faine to create him Earle Marshall of England; by which he recovered his place againe.

About this time, an Embassadour came into England, from the KING of Poland; who, when the Queen expected he should give her thanks for having procured a Peace between the King his Master, and the Turke, he cleane contrary expostulated unkindnesse, for breach of Priviledge in trading with Spaine, requiring a present remedy, or else the King would otherways right himselfe. The Queen not a little offended, suddenly replyed, ••ow was I deceived? I expected an Em∣bassadour, and behold a Herauld; such a speech I never heard in all my life time: And after some further checking of him for his boldnesse, she referred him to her Councell; and then retired into her Closett. The Embassadour afterward, in private conference with some of the Councell, excused himselfe, saying, that his speech was pen∣ned by others, and then given him in wrighting. To his Message, the Councell gave the like answer; as they had given before the Hanse-Townes, upon the like occasion: though now againe, the Hanse-Townes obtaine of the Emperour, to prohibite the English from trading

in Germany, which made the Queen to prohibit the Hause towns from tra∣ding in England, and put them out of the Stilyard till this difference was accorded.

This yeer the Chancellor of Denmarke came into England to restore the Garter, which she had bestowed upon the Kings Father, and withall offering the Kings helpe, to make a peace for the Queen with the Spaniard. The Queen thanked him; but meant not to use his helpe for that which shee did not desire, and especially not now, when he had newly molested the King of France her Allye, and had taken Amyens the strongest Town of Picardie: Though why should the Queen be so tender of the French King, when now to get an aid of four thousand Souldiers from her, he fell to Devises; intimating unto her, that he was now offered by the Popes Nuntio a very commodious peace, if he would but forsake her. But while these things were in Treaty, Amyens was recovered a∣gaine by the valour of Baskervile (who dyed at the seige) and of Sir Arthur Savage, as the King in His Letters to the Queene thankful∣ly acknowledged.

About this time a Parliament was holden at Westminster, where Subsidies were willingly granted; and to this Parliament was called the Lord La Ware and restored to his blood, which by Act of Parliament in the Raigne of King Edward the sixth was tainted; Also to this Parliament was called Thomas Lord HOVVARD, by the Title of Ba∣ron Howard of Walden.

In Ireland at this time, a great part of Ulster, and almost all Con∣nacht was in Rebellion; Whereupon Russell the Deputy was called home, and Thomas Lord Burrough sent in his place, a man very stout and couragious, but no souldier: This infinitely discontented Norris, who thought himselfe sure of the place himselfe, and now to see his Rivall preferred before him, and himselfe to be under him, Presi∣dent of Munster, drave him into such a melancholly, that in a very short time, (and as he thought to himselfe with much disgrace) he en∣ded his life.

And now the Farle of Tir-Oen craveth, and obtaineth a moneths Truce of the new Deputy, at the moneths end, the Deputy marcheth against the Rebels, and gaineth the Fort at Blackwater, when sudden∣ly the Rebells sl••w themselves upon a hill hard by, against whom the Earle of Kildare marcheth and puts them to flight; but yet with some losse of his owne side, as Francis Vaughan the Deputies brother in Law, Turner a Sergeant Major, and two Fosters, brothers of the Earle of Kildare, whole death hee tooke so heavily, that within a few dayes he dyed himself.

As soon as the people had fortified the Castle at Blackwater and withdrawne his Army, the Rebels began to besiege it againe; (for this was the main place of their strength) which caused the Deputy with all possible speed to make thither, but unhappily dyed by the way. Whereupon the Rebells set upon the Fort more fiercely then before; but being still reppelled; they comforted themselves with this, that there was not many dayes provision left in the Fort; yet the admirable fortitude of Thomas Williams the Captain, and the Garrison Souldiers saved the place, who, when their horse-flesh was all spent, fedde upon weeds growing within the Trenches, and endured all kinde of mise∣ry. And now the Lord Burrough the Deputy being dead, the Army by direction from England, was committed to the Earle of Ormond, and the Government to two Lords Justices, Adam Lofthouse Arch∣bishop of Dublin and Chancellour, and Robert Gardyner: To this new Lieutenant, Tir-Oen exhibiteth a Bill of his oppressions and greivances

with request of pardon, and at the same time stirreth up Mac-Hugh to a new Rebellion in Leinster.

In France at this time, the French King being importuned by the Pope, and by his own Subjects, began to incline to a Peace with Spain, which the Queen understanding, she sent into France, Sir Robert Cecill, Herbert and W••lks, (who dyed at his landing in France:) The States likewise sent thither, Iustine of Nassaw, and Barnevolt, and others likewise into England to dis∣swade the Peace: but notwithstanding all they could say, or do, the French King shortly after concluded a Peace, to the great discontentment of the Queen and the States, but to the great good, and establishment of the French Common-wealth.

And now the Queen providing for her own and her peoples safety, sent Sir Francis Vere to the States, to know if they were willing to joyn in a Trea∣ty of Peace with the Spaniard; if not, what they would afford toward a Warre; and to deal earnestly with them, about repayment of money due to her from them. At home in the mean time, a great Consultation was holden, whither a Peace with Spain were convenient for England, or no; and many Reasons were on both sides alleaged. Burleigh Lord Treasu∣rer was for Peace, Essex for Warre, and so vehement in it, that the Treasurer, after a long debating, in a strange manner of Presage, rea∣ched forth the Book of the Psalms to him, pointing him to that Verse, The bloody minded man shall not live out half his dayes. Which made Es∣sex afterward to set forth an Apology, with Reasons for justification of his opinion.

But now another Consultation was held, about a fit man to be Deputy of Ireland; The Queen intended to send Sir William Knolles, Essex his Uncle; but Essex was violent for Sir George Carew, whom hee had a minde to remove from the Court; and when hee could not by any means perswade the Queen to it, hee then, forgetting himself and his duty, uncivilly and contemptuously turned his back upon the Queen, mutter∣i••g certain words. Whereupon shee growing impatient, gave him a box on the ear, and bid him be gone with a vengeance; Essex laid his hand upon his sword hilt, and swore a great oath, That he could not, nor would not put up such an Indignity; and that hee would not have taken it at King Henry the Eighth his hands; and so in a rage flun•• avvay from the Court. But aftervvard, admonished by the Lord Keeper, hee became more milde, and in a short time, returned into the Queens favour.

About this time, William Cecill Lord Burleigh, and high Treasurer of Eng••and, finding himself to droop with age, (for hee was now three∣score and seventeen yeers old) sent Letters to the Queen, intreating her to release him of his publike charge; whereupon shee went to vi∣sit, and comfort him, but within a few dayes hee ended his life, af∣ter hee had been the principall stay of the English Commonwealth for many yeers together. One great good hee did to his country, a little before his death, that hee brought the States of the Low-Countries to a Composition, for the payment of Eight hundred thousand pounds, by Thirty thousand pounds yeerly; likewise, a new League to be con∣cluded with them.

The King of Denmarks Subjects having lately seized upon some goods of the English as Prize, to the value of a hundred thousand Dollers; the Queen sent the Lord Zouch, and Christopher Perkins Doctor of Law, in Em∣bassage to the Dane, both to congratulate his late marriage with the Electors daughter of Brandenburg; and also to crave restitution of the English goods; who obtained, that in lieu thereof, Threescore thousand Dollers were repaid. And now George Clifford Earl of Cumberland, having with

a Navie of eleven ships, waited for Portingall Cariques, and the American Fle••t, till the season of the yeer was past (they not daring to stirre forth) he at last set upon Port-Rico and took it; but seaven hundred of his men falling sick of Calentures, and dying within forty dayes, he was faine to returne home with some honour, but little profit.

About this time, one Edward Squire was Arraigned of high Treason, he had been at first an ordinary Scrivener, afterward a Groome in the Queen; stable, and going as a Souldier in Drakes last expedition, was taken pri∣soner and carryed into Spaine, there he came acquainted with one Wallpoole an English Jesuite, who caused him to be put into the Inquisi∣tion for an Heretick, and the fellow tasting of misery, was easily drawn to become a Papist, and afterward to attempt anything for the Catholique cause. His ghostly father perswaded him it were meritorious to make away the Queen and the Earl of Essex, and sent him into England with a cer∣tain poyson, wherewith to anoint the pommell of the Queens Saddle, and the chayre in which the Earl should sit, which he accordingly performed, but neither of them tooke effect, whereupon Wallpoole suspe∣cting Squires fidelity was bent to revenge it, and sent one into England, who in generall termes should lay this aspersion upon him; whereupon Squire is called in question, and never thinking that his Confessor would detect him, directly denyed all at first; but after seeing himself betrayed, confessed all the matter and was executed.

This whole yeer the Rebellion was hot in Ireland; For Tir-Oen not∣withstanding his pardon lately obt••ined, all on a suddain besieged the Fort at Blackwater, to the raising of which siege, the Lieutenant Generall (for there was as yet no Deputy) sent 13 Companies under the command of the Marshall, Tir-Oens sworre adversary, him Tir-Oen slew, and put his whole Army to rout, and atchieved such a Victory, with so great losse to the Eng∣lish, as they had never ••elt the like since they first set footing in Ireland•• for thirteen valiant Commanders; and fifteen Hundred Common Souldiers were slain at this Skirmish, and soon after the Fort of Blackwater was yeelded up. And now Tir-Oens fame began to resound, as the Assertor of the Liberty of the Nation, and upon a suddain all Munster brake forth in∣to rebellion. For the cherishing whereof Tir-Oen sent thither O••ny Mac-Rorye and Tyrell (who originally an Englishman, was growne a deadly enemie to the English Nation) with four hundred Kernes. Against these; Thomas Nor∣ris President of the Province, marcheth to Killmallock with a good force; but finding that the Irish Souldiers of his Company were ready to revolt, he was faine to disperse his Army and retire to Corke. Hereupon the Rebells grew insolent, spoyled the Countrey, and in cruell manner put all the English to the sword. Furthermore they declare Fitz Thomas to be Earl of Desmond•• but upon condition he should hold of O-Neal••, that is, of Tir-Oen, who now dispatched Letters to the Spaniard, relating his victories to the full, and vowing to accept no termes of peace with the English, and yet at the same instant (after his wonted treacherous manner) proffe∣red some kinde of submission to the Lieutenant; but withall made un∣reasonable demands.

The State of Ireland being thus in combustion, a serious consultation is holden whom to send to quench it, the Queen and most of the Counsell thought Sir Charls Blunt Lord Mountjoy the fittest man•• but Essex covertly in∣timated, that he had no military experience, and besides was too bookish to prove a good Commander, he seem'd to aym at the place for himself, though he made a shew modestly to refuse it, and yet still ready with his exceptions if any other were nominated•• many thought it dangerous to have an Army put into his hands, for his followers talked of great matters, that he (for∣sooth) was descended of the blood Royall of Scotland and England,

and had better Right to the Crown, then any other of the Competitors. In Conclusion, he is appointed Vice-Roy; with ample Authority, to make Warre or conclude Peace, and pardon all offenders, even Tir-Oen himselfe. An army is allotted him as great as he desired: Indeed greater then ever Ireland had seen before; Twenty Thousand Foot, and Thirteen Hun∣dred Horse: with these, and a great Retinue besides of the Nobility, he passeth into Ireland; where as soon as he had taken the Sword, contrary to his Commission (which was to go immediately against the arch-Rebell) he marcheth towards Munster, against the petty Rebels, taketh the Castle of Cahir, and driveth the Rebels into the Woods and Groves adjoyning. His Forces being now impaired, he tarrieth to make them up; but in the mean time sendeth directions to Sir Coniers Clifford, President of Connacht, to set upon the Rebels in one place, (thereby to sever their forces) while he as∣saulted them in another; Clifford marcheth toward Belike, with 1500. Souldiers, where the Rebels are upon them at unawares, under the conduct of O-Rorke, (his Sonne that was hanged here in England) The English re∣pell them at first with ease, and march along, but the Rebels finding they wanted Powder, set upon them againe, and put them to flight; in which Skirmish, Clifford and many of the old Souldiers were slain.

Essex having by this time received new supplies out of England, and a check for neglecting the Queens Command, setteth forth at length toward the Borders of Ulster, with Thirteen hundred Foot, and five hundred horse, being come thither, Tir-Oen by a Messenger requesteth Parley, Essex refuseth saying, he might speake with him the next morning, between the two Ar∣myes; the next day, word is brought to Essex, that Tir-Oen craved the Queens mercy, and that he might onely be heard speake, appointing the shallow of Balla Clinch for a most convenient place; thither came Essex alone, with whom Tir-Oen (riding his horse up to the girts) had private conference a full houre; A while after, Con Tir-Oens base Sonne came to Essex, requesting in his Fathers name a second Parley, and that some of the chiefe on both sides might be present: Essex consented, so there came not more then six. At the day appointed, many words had not passed, but it was argued, that their Delegates should Treat the next day concerning a Peace: between them it was concluded, that a Truce should be held from six weekes to six weeks, till May••day.

By this time, the Qu. understanding that no more was done, after so much time and money spent, in a great anger taxeth the Earls proceedings, and I know not how, it fell from her to some others that stood by, that he had o∣ther thoughts in his mind, then the good of his Prince and Country: And thereupon dispatched very sharp Letters to him, blaming his delay, and letting slip every faire opportunity: with which Letters Essex was so net∣led and chiefely troubled, that the Queen had now made Cecill Master of the Wards, which he expected himselfe: that he beganne to cast strange Projects within his minde, and held private consultations of returning into England with part of his Forces, to surprize his Adversaries; But from this course, the Earl of Southampton, and Sir Christopher Blunt disswaded him, as being dangerous and wicked. Yet within a moneth, over he went, and came to the Court at Nonesuch; to informe the Queen of the State of Ireland. By the way, the Lord Gray of Welton crossed him, but salu∣ted him not; whom one of his followers offered to kill for his contempt: but Essex would not suffer him: And made such hast, that early in the Morning he was upon his Knees, before the Queen in the Privy Chamber. She enteriained him courteously, but not with the countenance She was wont: and after a little talke, bid him keepe in his Chamber; And soon after, Committed him to Custody, in the Lord Privy Seales House; where entring into Consideration of his case, he giveth himselfe

wholly to Divine Contemplation, and writeth wonderfull Letters to his friends, of the vanity of the things of this life.

It was now the yeer one thousand six hundred, and the two and for∣tieth of Queen Elizabeths Kaign, when after the departure of the Earle of Essex, Tir-Oen began to carry himselfe as Monarch of Ireland, and sendeth Kernes to make spoyle in the possessions of such as continued in their loyalty to the Queene, under Mac-Guir their Captaine, who lighting casually upon Sir Warham Saint Leger, thrust him thorough with a speer, and was himself thrust thorough withall. Whereupon the Queen sent Sir Charls Blunt Lord Montjoy, to take upon him the Deputies place, who looseth no time, but first of all marcheth towards Ulster buildeth a fort, within eight miles of Armagh, which, in hononr of Sir Iohn Norris, under whom he had his first military schooling, he calleth by the name of Mount N••rris; there he placed Edward Blanye who kept the Rebels in awe in those pa••••s, from thence back he goeth into Leynster, wherein the Glynnes he reduceth into order, Donell-Spaniah, Phelim Mac-Pheoph, and the Re∣belling Nation of the O-Tooles, taking hostages of them, then back into Ulster again, being victor wheresoever he cometh, and at Tradagh, receiveth into protection Mac-Henry, Mac-Cowly, and other rebels who fell at his feet for mercy. All this and more he did in his first yeer, and no lesse successefull was Carew President of Munster, who drave out of the County the Titular Earle of Desmond, and having found Munster a turbulent Province in Aprill, he overcomed and made it so quiet by December following, that the Rebels maintained not one Fort in it against the Queen.

And now a new consultation was holden in England, touching a peace with the King of Spaine, the which he sought both by the French King, and by Alb••rtus the Archduke, who was now returned into the Netherlands out of Spain, where he was marryed to the Infanta. The Queen consenting to a Treaty, left it to the French King to nominate both the time and place for the meeting of the Delegates, who set down the Month of May, and Bulloigne in France; But now foreseeing that a question would arise a∣bout Precedency, some were appointed to search Ancient Records concerning that point. These men found in the Book of the Ceremo∣nies of the Court of Rome, which (according to the Canons) giveth Rule to the rest, as the Lady and Mistresse; that amongst Kings, the first place is due to the King of France, the second to the King of England and the 3. to the King of Castile; That the English quietly held this priviledge in the Generall Counsells of Basill Constance, and others, besides the Kingdome of Castile, which is the Spaniards first Title, is but an upstart in regard of England, which had Earles, but no Kings till the yeere one 1017. In like manner, that Pope Iulius the third, gave sentence for Henry the seaventh of England, against Ferdinand, who was then King of Castile.

At the day appointed, the Delegates met at Bulloign, Sir Henry Nevyll, Legier Embassadour, Sir Iohn Herbert, Robert Beale, and Tho∣mas Edmunds for the English, and other fot the King of Spaine and the Archduke. The English had Instructions, first concerning Preceden∣cy, in no case to give way to the King of SPAINE; yet if they contended, to put the matter to the devision of Lots, rather then the Treaty should be dissolved; and for the rest, to propose and mention the renewing of the ancient Burgundian League, freedome of com∣merce, &c.

At the meeting, when the had severally shewed their cōmissions; the Eng∣lish challenge the Precedency, the Spaniards do the like, and in soe peremptory a manner, that without it they would dissolve the Treaty:

hereupon the English made a proposition, to let passe the question of Precedency; and to transact the businesse by wrighting, and Messen∣gers between them: Or that the Treaty might be intermitted onely for threescore dayes, not quite brooken off; but all was to no purpose; And at three monthes end, they par∣ted.

The States the meane while, were so farr from regarding a Peace, that at this time, they thought upon reducing the Sea Coast of Flanders into their command•• and thereupon they landed an Ar∣my there, of Fourteen thousand Foote, and three thousand horse under the conduct of Maurice of Nasaw; and Fifteen hundered of the English under the command of Sir Francis Vere, and his Brother Horatio: At which true happened the famous Bataile of Newport, against the Arch-duke, wherein nine thousand of the Spaniards were slaine; and the Victory by the valour of the English, fell to the Dutch, for so forward were the English in this Battaile, that of their fif∣teen hundred, eight hundred were slaine and sore wounded, eight Captaines killed, and of the rest every man hurt.

All this year, and the year past, sundry quarells and complaints arose betweene the English and the French, touching reprisalls of goods taken from each other by Pirates of either Nation: Also touching Customes and Impositions, contrary to the Treaty of Bloys, and deceit in English Clothes, to the great infamy of our Nation. In Denmarke likewise arose controversies touching Commerce, and the Fishing of the English upon the coast of Island and Norway. The Queen also either time, for the in¦crease of Navigation and Commerce, Founded the Company of East-India Merchants, allowing them large Priviledges: but whether, thi•• hath proved beneficiall to the Common-wealth, (there having been by this meanes such a masse of mony and great store of other commodities c••rried out of the Kingdom, and so many Marriners lost every year) wise men make a question.

About this time also, Pope Clement the eight, perceiving the Queen to be in her declining age, sent two Breeves into England, the one to the Popish C••ergy. the other to the Layity, to suffer no person whatso∣ever, to take the Kingdome upon him after the Queenes death, but one that should promise by Oath to promote with all his might, the Ro∣man Catholick Religion, how neer soever otherwise, he were allyed to the Bloud Royall of the Kings of England.

This year by reason of intemporate weather, happened a great scar∣city of Corne in England, and thereby many grievous complaints was occasioned. The common people cast out reprochfull slaunders, a∣gainst the Lord Treasurer Buckhurst, as the granter of Lycences for transportation of Corne; but he appealing to the Queene, shee forth∣with defended his Innocency, and made it knowne by open Proclama∣tion, imputed the fault, upon the Broggers of Corne, and Forestal∣lers of Markets, and gave order that the slanderers should be reprehended and punished.

The Earle of Essex, who had now beene Prisoner six moneths in the House of the Lord Privie Seale•• he then began to repent in good earnest, resolving to put away his perverse Councellors, Cylly Merick and Henry Cuffe, and then he shewed so much patience and great submission, that the Queene then sent him to his owne house, and to bee there confined, alwayes protesting that shee would doe nothing that should bee for his ruine•• but onely that, which should bee for his amendment. Neverthelesse, when as the common people extolled his In∣nocency, she could not, for the removall of suspition of injustice, free her self

and her counsellors, but bring him to a tryall, not in the Star-Chamber, lest the Censure should fall too heavy on him; but in the house of the Lord Privie Seal, where the cause should have a plain hearing before the Lords of the Councell, four Earls, two Barons, and four Judges of the Realm. The objections were, That contrary to his Commission, he had made the Earl of Southampton, Generall of the Horse, had drawn his Forces into Munster, neglecting the Arch-Rebell Tir-Oen, entertained a Parlee with him, against the Dignity of the Queens Majesty, and the person of a Vice-Roy, which he represented; and that the sayd Parlee was suspitious, in regard it was private. Some aggravations the Lawyers added from ab∣rupt sentences, in his Letter to the Lord Privie Seal, written two years since, as these; No storme is more fierce than the indignation of an Impotent Prince. What? Cannot Princes erre? May they not injure their Subjects, and such like.

He falling upon his knee at the end of the Boord, professed he would not contest with the Queen, nor excuse the faults of his young years, ei∣ther in whole, or in part, Protesting that he alwayes meant well, howso∣ever it fell out otherwise, and that now he would bid the World farewell, withall, shedding many tears, so as the standers by wept also. Yet could he not contain himself, but began to plead excuses, till the Lord Privy Seal interrupted him, advising him to proceed as he had begun, to flie to the Queens Mercy, who would not have him questioned for disloyalty, but only for a contempt; and that he did not well to pretend obedience in words, which in deeds he had not performed. At length, in the name of the rest, he pronounceth this Sentence against him; That he should be de∣posed from the office of a Privy Councellor, suspended from the functions of the Earl Marshall, and Master of the Ordnance, and be Imprisoned du∣ring the Queens pleasure. She had given expresse charge, not to suspend him from the office of Master of the Horse (minding to take him shortly into favor) and that his Censure in no case should be Recorded. Af••er this, he made shew of wonderfull humility and mortification, which so affected the Queen, that shortly she removed Barkeley his keeper, and gave him leave to go at large; only admonishing him, To make his own dis∣cretion his keeper, and not to come at the Court, or in her Presence.

After this Sentence, Cuffe, who alwayes perswaded the Earle to stand stoutly in his own defence, began so plainly to tax him of cowardize and pusillanimity; that the Earl in anger, commanded his name to be put out of the Rowl of his servants, yet Merrick the Steward did it not, as being of Cuffes minde himself.

Essex, being now ready to go into the Countrey, remembred himself to the Queen, by the Lord Henry Howard, in these words; That he kissed the Rod, and the Queens hands, which had ••nely corrected, not overthrown him; yet he should never enjoy solid comfort, till he might see those blessed eyes, which had been his load-stars, whereby he had happily steered his course, whiles he held on his way at lawfull distance; But now he resolved to eat grasse with Nebuchad-nezzar, till it please the Queen to restore his senses. She being greatly joyed with these his speeches; Would to God (sayd she) his deeds might be answerable to his words; he hath long tried my patience, I must now make tryall of his humility.

And now the Earl grew so confident of thee Queens favor, That he be∣came a suitor to her for the Farme of sweet Wines; but she to try his tem∣per, and with what minde he would bear a repulse, made him Answer; That she must first know what it was worth, and not give away things hand over head; and had oftentimes in her mouth, the Aphorisme of Phisitians, That foul bodies, the more you nourish them, the more you corrupt them. And indeed, this was the right way to finde, whether the ulcer of his minde were throughly cured or no; for being not throughly cured, it would en∣dure

no touching; and no more did his, but as though every denyall of a curtesie, were an injury that required revenge; his melancholy was pre∣sently turned into choller, and now began to hearken to Cuffe again; telling him, That it was now plain, the Queen determined to make him as poore as Iob, that he should live of the basket, and gather crums under the Ta∣••••e. Hereupon he returned to London, Southampton is sent for out of the Low-Countries, his doors are set open for all commers, Merricke his Steward receiveth to his own table decayed souldiers, discontented and audacious persons; Sermons are made there every day by Puritan Mini∣sters, to which the Citizens flock, and all signes of popularity appeared; which matters coming to the Queens ears, Alienated her affection from him daily more and more; but especially she was exasperated, that her Person was despised by him; for (not to say the worst) he had muttered, That the Queen was now old and decrepit, and withered as well in minde as body.

And now again, he runneth upon desperate counsells, for the removall of his adversaries from the Court, seeketh to scrue himself into the King of Scots favour, to whom he traduceth his adversaries, by name Raleigh, Cobham, Carew, Cecill, and the Admirall, as inclined to the Spanish Faction, and at one and the same time, seeketh to win to him both Puritans and Pa∣pists. Many were of his party, but few of his counsell; and these were the Earl of Southampton, Sir Charls Davers, Sir Ferdinando Gorge, Captain of the Garrison of Plimmouth, Sir Christopher Blunt, and some other. With these he met privately in Drury House to avoyd suspition, where he first gi∣veth them a Catalogue of the Nobility and gentry that favoured him, to the number of a hundred and twenty. Then they consult, whether it were better to set upon the Tower of London, or the Queens Pallace; this latter they resolve upon, which should be done in this manner. Blunt should keep the great Gate, with a selected number of men, and Danvers seize upon the Pre∣sence Chamber: Then Essex with his company should come from the Mues, and present himselfe before the Queen. But now suspitions arising from divers circumstances, Secretary Herbert was sent to call him before the Councell, at the Treasurers House; but he doubting the matter, excu∣seth himselfe, that he was not very well. And now the Plot of seizing upon the Court, which had been four moneths in contriving, was by this means quite dashed, for they had ready at the present, neither Souldiers, nor muition, so as some speedier course must now be thought on; at which time very opportunely cometh one to them (set on no doubt by Essex his Adver∣saries) as if he had been sent on purpose from the Citizens, to promise him their Ayd, which made Essex to applaud his own great good fortune.

And now were four of the Lords, namely the Lord Keeper, the Earle of Worcester, Sir William Knolles, and the Lord Chiefe Justice of England, sent by the Queen to Essex house, who could hardly be suffered to come, in, all their Attendants were kept out, save he that carried the Seal before the Kee∣per. In the Court, they found a confused number of people, and the Earls of Essex, Rutland, and Southampton in the midst of them. The Keeper tur∣ning himselfe to Essex, telleth him, The Queen had sent him and the rest to understand the cause of this concourse, promising Justice, if any person had done them wrong. Essex with a loud voice cryeth out, They lye in waite for my life, we are met to defend our selves. The Keeper urging Essex a∣gain to unfold some part of his grievance; the unruly multitude crieth out, Away, let us be gone, they come to betray you, Kill them, cast away that Great Seal. Essex retireth into the house, the Lords follow him, he char∣geth them to make the doors fast, and turning him to the Lords, Have pa∣tience for a while (saith he) I must go into the City, to dispatch a little busi∣nesse with the Maior and Sheriffs, I will return presently.

There the Lords are kept prisoners; Essex maketh haste into the City, with a Troop of 200 men at his heels; the E. of Bedford, the L. Cromwell, and ••••her Lords meeting him by the way, joyn themselves: coming into London, ••e cryeth out aloud, For the Queen, for the Queen, they lay wait for my life. The Citizens came running to gaze, but not so much as one person took Arms to take his Part. Passing along the City, he came all in a sweat to the Sheriff Smith's house, who shifteth himself forth at a back door, and goeth to the Lord Maior. By this time, certain of the Nobility entred the City with a Herald, declaring Essex and his adherents Traytors. Hereupon, hearing also that the Lord Admirall made towards him with an Army, he began to be dishear••ned; Gorge taketh care for himself, requesteth he might be sent to re∣lease the Counsellors, and with them to crave the Queens mercy, whiles the issue was yet doubtfull. The Earl content, that Popham only should be freed; but he refused, unlesse the Keeper also might be dismissed. Then Gorge freeth them all, and goeth along with them to the Court by water.

Now when Essex thought to return, he found a Chain fastened crosse the street, at the West end of Pauls, and men in Arms on the other side: then he began to draw his sword; and having once given the word, Blunt letteth fly at them, slew one of them incontinent, himself being sorely wounded and ta∣ken. Essex himself had his Hat shot thorow; whereupon retiring, he took Boat at Queen Hythe, and went to Essex House; where finding the Counsellors all dismissed, he grew extreme angry and dismayed, and cast certain papers into the fire, saying, They should tell no tales. By and by the Admirall be∣siegeth the house, commanding them to yeeld. Southampton offereth, if the Admirall would give Hostages to secure them, they would present them∣selves to the Queen. The Admirall answereth him by Sidney, That Rebells are not to profer Conditions. Within an hour, Essex finding the case despe∣rate, resolved to rush forth; and the Lord Sands (the most aged in the com∣pany) greatly urged it, saying, It were better to die valiantly, than by the hands of a Hang-man. But Essex his minde, upon a little deliberation alter∣ing, they fell upon their knees, and deliver their weapons to the Admirall, when it was ten a clock at night. Owen Salisbury, and one or two more were slain with Musket Shot, and as many of the Besiegers. The next day, Thomas Lea, Commander of a Company of Souldiers in Ireland, who to one Crosse a Sea-Captain (that detected him) intimated, how noble an exploit it were, for six stout fellows to go to the Queen, and compell her forceably to release Es∣sex and Southampton, was presently apprehended, examined, found guilty and executed. Essex and Southampton were carryed first to Lambeth, to the Arch∣bishops house, because it was a dark night; but anon were sent to the Tower, by the Queens direction; and with them, Rutland, Sands, Cromwell, Mounteagle, Danverse, and Bromley, the rest were put in common prisons.

On the nineteenth of February, Essex and Southampton were called to their Arraignment, before their Peers in Westminster-Hall, where Buckhurst Lord Treasurer, was appointed Lord High Steward of England for that time. The Peers being severally called by their names, Essex demanded, If it were not lawfull for them to except against some of the Pee••s, as private persons might do against the Jurors. The Judges made answer, That the credit and fidelity of the Peers of England was presumed to be such, that in Tryalls they were not bound to take an Oath, nor are they lyable to any excepti∣on. Then were they joyntly indited of High Treason; namely, That they plotted to deprive the Queen of her life and Kingdom, To surprize her in her very Palace; And that they brake forth into open Rebellion, by imprisoning the Counsellors of the Kingdom, By exciting the Londoners to Re-bellion with vaine Fictions; By assaulting the Queens loyall Subjects in the City, and by defending of Essex House against the Queens Forces. Hereunto they pleaded, Not guilty.

Essex withall averring, That they had done nothing but of necessity, and the Law of Nature. Yelverton aggravateth the specialties; and Edward Cook Atturney, argueth, That the Earl could not excuse himself from the Law of Nature, seeing Majesty is not to be affronted for private revenge. The Earl of Essex with great confidence made answer, That to his Prince and Countrey, he alwayes had and would bear a loyall affection. The Francis Bacon (one that was little expected to speak against Essex, by whom he had been raised) in defence of Cobham, Cecill, and Raleigh, aggravateth his crying out, That the Crown of England was sold to the Spaniard: wherto Essex re∣plyed, that he heard indeed, that Cecill the Secretary should say to one of the Lords of the Councell, That the Right of the Infanta of Spain to the King∣dom of England, was as good as any of the Competitors. Upon this Cecill (who stood by as an Auditor) steppeth in, and falling upon his knees, be∣seecheth the Steward that with his good leave, he might quit himself from this foul aspersion: which leave being granted him, he provoked Essex, if he durst, to name the Counsellor; but he would not: therefore (saith Cecill) It is a Faction: still Essex averreth it. Then Cecill turning himself to South∣ampton, besought him, by all manner of Obtestations, to name the man. He referreth it to the Honorable Assembly, and to Cecill himself, if in Ho∣nour and good Reason he ought to do it: they affirming, He might, South∣ampton nameth Sir William Knolles, Essex his Unkle. He being sent for, at Cecills intreaty, said, That Cecill two yeers since told him, that one Dolman, in a Book, had asserted the Right of the Infanta, and had spoken no other∣wise than so.

Now after the Judges had delivered their opinion what was Law in the matters alleadge••, the Earls, by the Stewards direction, were taken aside: Then the Peers rose, and went apart, and having consulted about an hour, returned to their seats, and in their order, pronounced the Earls guilty of high Treason. Then the high Steward, advising Essex to implore the Queens mercy, giveth Sentence, and that done, brake his Staff and de∣parted.

The next day, Sir Robert Vernon, Sir William Constable, Sir Edmund Bayn∣ham, Littleton, Cluff, Captain Whitlock, Iohn and Christopher Wright and Orell an old Souldier, were called to their Tryall: but the Queen (informed by Sir Fulk Grevill, That most of them were drawn unwittingly into the dan∣ger) commanded that onely Littleton, Baynham, and Orell should have their Tryall, the rest to be sent back to prison. These were all condemned, but their lives spared; which favour, Raleigh (for a good sum of money recei∣ved of Baynham) procured.

Essex in the mean while, requested he might speak with some of the Counsellors, to whom he reconciled himself, and to Cecill especially; and then intimated, That the Queen could not be in safety while he lived; he requesteth he might be executed privately in the Tower: He grievously in∣veigheth against some of the Conspiracy, and wished to speak with some of them, but specially with Blunt and Cuffe; whom as soon as he saw, he brake forth into these words; O Cuffe, ask pardon of God and the Queen, for thou hast chiefly provoked me to this disloyalty. Also he intimated Sir Henry Nevill, ordinary Ambassadour in France, to have been acquainted with the Conspiracy; and that other in Scotland, France, the Netherlands, and the Lord Mountjoy, Deputy of Ireland, knew of his purpose, and other in Eng∣land; who being many in number, and the Lord Mountjoy ordering the Affairs of Ireland in good fashion, the Queen wisely would take no notice of it.

The five and twentieth day of February, which was to be the fatall day, there were sent to the Earl divers Ministers, to give him ghostly com∣fort. The Queen now wavering in her self, one while remembring the

••••ci••nt kindenesse she had shewed him, she commanded he should not be ••xecu••ed; then again, thinking of his stubbornnesse, That he would not once ask her mercy, and had said openly, That he could not live, but she must perish; countermanding her former word, she gave order that he should ••e executed.

Then was he brought forth into the Yard, where a Scaffold was erected, and sundry of the Nobility present, amongst whom Raleigh also; but being ••old, It was an inhumane thing to stand by and behold the death of his ad∣versary, he withdrew himself into the Armory, and from thence beheld the Tragedy. Essex being ascended the Scaffold, uncovered his head, cast up his eyes towards Heaven•• and cryed God mercy for the manifold sins of his youth, but this last specially, which he said was a bloody, crying, and contagious sin; craved pardon of the Queen and her Councellors, commended his Spirit into the hands of God, and had his head taken off at the third blow, though the first bereft him both of sense and motion.

The fifth of March, Sir Christopher Blunt, Sir Charles Davers, Sir Iohn Davis, Sir Gyllie Merrick, and Cuffe, were brought to their Tryall in West∣minster-Hall, before the Queens Delegates. The Heads of their Indite∣ments, were the same which were objected to Essex and Southampton. The others said little in their defence, onely Cuffe stood upon these two Answers; Whereas (saith he) I am challenged of Treason, because I was in Essex house the day of the Rebellion; by the same Argument the Lion in the Celler might be indited; all that day I lamented the Earls Fortune, and dealt with him to flie to the Queens mercy. And as for the Consultation in Drury House, it is no more to be called High Treason, than an Embryon may be accounted a perfect man. The Lawyers on the other side demon∣strated, That no necessity lay upon him to tarry in the House; and that the Consultation in Drury House was it self a Treason, though it had never broke forth into act. Merrick said onely this, The Earl of Essex raised me, and he hath overturned me.

The thirteenth of March, Merrick and Cuffe are drawn to Tyburn, where Cuffe entring into a long Speech, was by the Sheriff interrupted; and then, after prayers to God, and desiring God and the Queen to pardon him, he was cast from the Ladder: a man of great Wit and Learning, but of a boysterous and turbulent disposition. In the same manner died Merrick.

The fifteenth of March, Sir Charles Davers, and Sir Christopher Blunt were beheaded on the Tower-Hill; albeit Davers offered ten thousand pounds to redeem his life, though with perpetuall Imprisonment. The Earl of Southampton, and the Sheriff Smith, were kept prisoners; though Smith, after some time, was upon sureties suffered to go at large. The eighth of Iuly, Sir Henry Nevill was cited before the Lords of the Counsell, where it was laid to his Charge, That he was present at the Consultation in Drury House, yet had not revealed their sinister purpo••es; and had imparted to Essex the secrets of his French Ambassage. He confessed, That at the Earls intreaty, he shewed him the Commentaries of the French proceedings, was present at one of their Consultations onely, but contemned their counsells, yet durst not be an Informer against so great Personages. Hereupon he had a grievous check given him, and was committed to prison.

One Act of the By, is not here to be omitted. Essex at his Arraignment had complained, That his hand-writing was counterfeited. It happened, the Countesse of Essex being fearfull in her husbands behalf, gave a Letter which she had received from him, to the custody of one Ri••ove, a Dutch-woman that waited on her: this Dutch-womans husband, named Daniell•• lighted by chance upon the Letter, and perceiving some passages in it which might bring the Earl of Essex into danger, got a cunning fellow to draw a counterfeit Copy of the said Letter; with this he cometh to the fearfull

Lady, who was newly brought to bed, threatning to give the same to her husbands adversaries; unlesse she would presently give him three thousand pounds. She to shun the danger, paid him eleven hundred and seventy pounds at the very instant; yet did he deliver her the counterfeit Copy on∣ly meaning to make use of the true one, to get another sum of the Earls adversaries. This imposture being found out, he was censured to perpetu∣all Imprisonment, condemned in three thousand pounds (two of which were to go to the Countesse) and his ears nayled to the Pillory, with this Writing over his head; A notorious Cheater.

Soon after, a Parliament was assembled, wherein grievous complaints being tendred to the lower House touching Monopolies; the Queen, by way of prevention, sendeth out Proclamations, declaring the said Licenses and Patents to be voyd in part, leaving some part to the discussion of the Laws: which thing was so acceptable to the Lower House, that they presently sent 80 selected persons; together with the Speaker, to give the Queen thanks; and she on the other side, gave them thanks, for being such faithfull Moni∣tors to her, to recall her from an errour, whereinto through ignorance, not wilfulnesse, she was fallen.

In Ireland, the Deputy, at the entry of the Spring, draweth his Forces together and driveth Tir-Oen from where he had fortified himself; Carew, President of Munster, taketh the titular Earl lurking in a Cave, and receiveth intelligence, That the Spaniards, invited by Tir Oen, had a purpose to land in Munster, yet could not perswade the Deputy they had any designe for Ire∣land; but in the midst of September, certain news was brought, The Spa∣niards were in sight, who wanting winde to carry their Fleet to Cork, put in to Kinsale, the three and twentieth of September, and land their Souldiers without resistance. Richard Percy, having but few Souldiers to defend the Town, is commanded to come away, and leave Kinsale to the Spaniards, in∣to which they enter with Ensignes displayed, and by the Magistrates and Inhabitants, were bidden welcome.

D'Aquila, who commanded the Spaniards, publisheth a Declaration, wherein he sheweth, That Queen Elizabeth was deposed from her King∣dom by sentence of the Pope, her subjects absolved from their Allegi∣ance; And that the Spaniards were now come to deliver Ireland from the Jaws of the devill. Tir Oen joyneth his Forces with them, so as they were now six thousand Foot, and five hundred Horse, and promised themselves assured Victory, the English being not neer so many. The four and twen∣tieth of December, a Battell is joyned; where, after a long Fight, the Victo∣ry inclined to the English. Tir Oen, O donell, and the rest, cast away their Weapons, and save themselves by flight. Alphonso O Campo, chief Leader of the Spaniards, together with three other Captains, was taken prisoner, and six Ensigne-bearers, twelve hundred were slain, nine Colours taken, whereof four belonged to the Spaniards: of the English not many were slain, but a great number wounded.

After six dayes, D'Aquila sendeth Letters to the Deputy by a Drummer, requesting that some person of account might be sent to him, with whom to confer; Sir William Godolphine is sent, to whom he complained of cow∣ardise, and (he feared) treachery of the Irish; and therefore, although he wanted nothing to hold out the Siege, and did daily expect great Forces from Spain, yet was willing to make a Composition: whereupon, at last it was agreed, The Spaniards should yeeld up Kinsale to the Deputy, as al∣so the Castles and Forts at Baltimore, Bere-Haven, and Castle-haven, and should depart with life and goods, and Colours displayed. The English, at a reasonable price, should furnish them with Ships and provision into Spain; and that they should not carry Arms against the Queen of England, till they were arrived in Spain, &c.

And now the Spaniards being driven out of Ireland, the Queen, to pre∣vent their coming again, sendeth out Sir Richard Levison, and Sir William M••••son, with eight Ships of her own, and some smaller Ships of War, to attempt something upon the Coast of Spain. On the nineteenth of March, Levis••n hoyseth Sayl, and Monson afterward, having in vain tarryed behinde, for some Dutch Ships to joyn with them. Levison in the mean time light∣ed upon the Spanish Navy of eight and thirty Ships, which brought the Treasure from America, and set upon them, but to no purpose. When Monson was come with the rest of the Fleet, they had certain notice, That a mighty Indian Caraque of sixteen hundred Tun, and richly laden, was upon the Coast of Portugall. There indeed they found it, but it lay close under a Fort, attended with eleven Gallies; and the Caraque it self appear∣ed as big as a Castle; yet they resolved to fire it, if they could not take it. The next day, they thundered so violently against the Gallies, that within seven hours the Marquesse of St. Crosse, together with Portugall Gallies which he commanded, withdrew themselves; two of them were taken and fired; and in them was great store of Powder, which was going for the Low-Countries. And now Levison signified to the Captain of the Caraque, That the Gallies which they trusted to, were driven away, and therefore, if they now refused mercy, they must expect none hereafter. After much speech to and fro, it was at last agreed, That the Caraque, with the Ord∣nance and Merchandise, should be yeelded up. Thus the English, having a fair winde, returned homeward with a Booty, to the value of a Million of Duckets, by the Portugall account, and not past five of their men lost in the Voyage.

At this time there arose a Contestation amongst the Popish Clergy here in England; for the Jesuites and the Secular Priests, made bitter Invectives in their writings, one against the other. The originall of the Priests quar∣rell was, That Blackwell, one wholly at the beck of the Jusuites, was set over them as Arch-Presbyter, who first of all despoiled them of their Fa∣culties; and when they appealed to the Pope, caused them to be declared Schismaticks and Hereticks. They in sundry Books extolled the Queen very highly, as one that dealt mildly alwayes with the Catholikes, till such time as they set all in a combustion in England; and by their Treasons, cau∣sed most severe Laws to be enacted against the Catholikes. Parsons they traduced, as a Bastard, an Equivocator, and a Traytor. Whether they contended thus in good earnest, or in jest only, is hard to say; but the Bishop of London politickly nourished the contention; and all he gained, was this, That the Queen and her Councell, finding them dangerous to the Com∣mon-wealth, both the one and the other, upon Penalty of the Laws, were by Proclamation commanded to depart out of the Kingdom pre∣sently.

In France, the Marshall Biron, for entring into dangerous attempts against the publike Peace, was arraigned, and lost his head. His confession brought some other into danger; and amongst them, the Duke of Bulloign, of the Protestant Religion, that when he was cited, he durst not appear, but fled in∣to Germany. Hereupon the King of France sendeth to Queen Elizabeth, complaining that the Duke held his Marriage unlawfull, and the Popes Dis∣pensation nothing worth, pronouncing his son Illegitimate; had destined the Prince of Conde to the Succession of the Crown, and conspired the de∣struction of the prime of the Nobility. The Queen, by her Legier Ambas∣sadour, adviseth the King not too credulously to entertain those reports, as doubting these suggestions might proceed from some of the Spanish Facti∣on. Hereupon the King grew very angry, saying, The Queen held a better opinion of the Duke then he deserved, and that he was one of the chief Architects of Essex his Treason; and being questioned by the King about it,

was not able to deny it. About this time also, the Duke of Savoy, by cun∣ning slights, and open force, practised against the State of Geneva; and the Queen relieved them with a great sum of money, gathered amongst the Clergy and Laity all over England.

And now the Earl of Tyrone, perceiving himself in a desperate estate, re∣solved to sue for mercy, and promised at last to submit his life and For∣tunes to the Queens pleasure, absolutely without condition. Hereupon, being admitted to the presence of the Deputy, at the very entry of the room, he fell on his knees; and then passing on a few steps, prostrated him∣self again, saying, I confesse and crave pardon for my great fault, against God, and a most bountifull Prince, my dread Soveraign: I fly to the Queens mercy, as a sacred Anchor, permitting her to dispose of my life and Fortunes at her pleasure. Upon this his submission, the Deputy com∣manded him to go aside, and the next day took him along to Dublin with him, meaning to bring him into England, that the Queen might deal with him according to her Royall pleasure: But before he could come into Eng∣land, the Queen died.

Her TAXATIONS.

IN a Parliament holden the first yeer of her Raign, a Subsidy was granted, of two Shillings eight pence the pound of Goods, and four Shillings of Lands, to be paid at two severall Payments, of every person Spirituall and Temporall. In her sixth yeer, in a Parliament holden at Westminster, one Subsidy was granted by the Clergy, and another by the Laity, together with two Fifteenths and Tenths. In her eighth yeer, in a Parliament then holden, there were offered to her four Subsidies, upon condition she would declare a Successor; but she refused their offer, and directly remit∣ted the fourth Subsidy, which they had granted, saying, It was all one, whether the money were in her Subjects Coffers, or in her own. In her thirteenth yeer, in a Parliament then holden, towards her charges of re∣pressing the Northern Rebellion, there was granted her by the Clergy, a Subsidy of six Shillings in the pound: and by the Temporalty, two fif∣teens, with a Subsidy of two shillings and eight pence in the pound. In her six and thirtieth yeer, a Parliament was holden, wherein was granted by the Clergy, two whole Subsidies, and by the Laity, three, besides six Fifteens and Tenths; but it was put into the Act, That this great Contribu∣tion, the like whereof had not been known in former Ages, should not be drawn into Example. In her fortieth yeer, in a Parliament at Westminster, were granted her by the Clergy, three entire Subsidies; and by the Laity, as many, with six fifteenths and Tenths. In her two and fortieth yeer, to furnish her self with money towards the Irish War, she delegated certain Commissioners, to confirm the Crown Lands to the possessors, that held any of controverted Titles, and to take money for the Confirmation, there∣by to take away the troubles by concealers, who at this time were very busie.

Of her LAVVS and ORDINANCES.

IN a Parliament holden in her first yeer, an Act was made, That every person should go to Divine Service upon Sundayes and Holy-dayes, or else pay twelve pence to the poor. Also it was enacted, That Bishops should not let the Lands of the Church, longer then for one and twenty yeers, or three Lives, except to the Queen or her Successors. In her third yeer, Proclamation was made, That the Teston, coyned for twelve pence, and in the Raign of King Edward embased to six pence, should not be currant but for four pence; the Groat, but for two pence; and the piece of two pence, but for a penny: And not long after, all the said base Moneyes were called in, and fine Sterling money was allowed for them, after the Rate.

For Ireland also, she coyned Sterling money; where nine pence in England, went for twelve pence there. The Queen was the first that brought cer∣tain Counties to deliver Provision at a certain rate, that so they might be freed from the Purveyors: Also the first that granted allowance to Judges for their Circuit. In her sixth yeer, in a Parliament then holden, it was made Treason to refuse taking the Oath of Supremacy; yet with this li∣mitation, That by it the blood should not be dishonoured, nor goods con∣fiscate; nor the Oath to be required of any Baron of the Kingdom. Also this yeer, by a Common Councell in London, It was enacted, That all such Citizens as from thenceforth should be constrained to sell their hous∣hold-stuff, Leases of houses, or such like, should first cause the same to be cried thorow the City, by a man with a Bell, and then to be sold by the common Outcryer appointed for that purpose, and he to receive one far∣thing upon the shilling for his pains. In her three and twentieth yeer, she represseth by Proclamation excesse in apparell, Gold Chayns, and Clokes which men wore down to their heels. The length of Swords was limit∣ted to three Foot, and Daggers to twelve Inches, besides the Hilts. Buildings likewise in the Suburbs were restrained, In-mates forbidden, and expresse charge set forth, That no dwelling house should be new built within three miles of any of the City Gates, under pain of imprisonment, and losse of the materialls. In her time was set on foot by Sir Thomas Smith, the Law made for the serving of Colledges with provision, to the great benefit of those Scholasticall Societies. In her two and fortieth yeer, she setteth forth Proclamations against the Transportation of Gold or Sil∣ver, wrought or unwrought, according to the former Acts of Parliament in that case provided. This yeer also she founded the Company of the East India Merchants, and allowed them ample Priviledges. In her three and fourtieth yeer, all Monopolies are called in by Proclamation. In her four and twentieth yeer, severe Laws are made against Papists, some inflict∣ing death, some fine and imprisonment. In her eight and twentieth yeer, a Proclamation was set forth, prohibiting to sow Wo••d within eight miles of any of the Queens Houses, and four miles off any Cities or Towns Corporate.

AFFAIRS of the CHURCH in her time.

ON Sunday the first of Ianuary, next after the Queens coming to the Crown, by vertue of her Proclamation, the English Letany was read accordingly as was used in her Graces Chappell, in all Churches thorow the City of London, and likewise the Epistle and Gospel of the day, begun to be read at Masse-time in the English To••gue. Also in a Parliament holden in her first yeer, the first Fruits and Tenths were restored to the Crown, and the Supreme Government over the State Ecclesiasticall, and the book of Common-Prayer, and Administration of the Sacraments in the English Tongue was restored, and by degrees the Protestant Religion was esta∣blished. The Bishops that refused the Oath of Supremacy, were all remo∣ved, and Protestant Bishops placed in their room. It was enacted also, That all persons should go to Divine Service upon Sundayes and Holy-dayes, and a Fine of twelve pence imposed upon every one that should be absent, and the same to be given to the poor. In her fourth yeer, the Queen was solicited by Pope Pius, to send her Orators to the Councell of Trent, which she refused, as not acknowledging it a lawfull Councell. In a Parlia∣ment holden in her eighth yeer, it was enacted, and by a generall consent declared, That the Election of the Arch-bishops and Bishops in England, together with their Consecration, Confirmation, and Investiture (which some persons slanderously called in question) was lawfull and Canonicall, and that they were rightly, and according to the Acts and Statutes of the

Kingdom, chosen and consecrated. In her eleventh yeer, there arose in England two contrary factions in Religion: on the one side, Thomas Har∣ding, Nicholas Sanders, and other Divines that had fled out of England, began to exercise the Episcopall Jurisdiction upon the Queens Subjects, which they had derived from the Sea of Rome: On the other side, Col∣man, Burton, Hallingham, Benson, and other, making profession of the pure Religion, would allow of nothing but what was directly taken out of the Scriptures, openly condemning the received Discipline of the Church of England, together with the Church Liturgy, and the very Calling of Bishops, as savouri••g too much of the Romish Religion, protesting in the Pulpi••s, That it was an impious thing to hold any thing common with the Church of Rome; and used all diligence to have the Church of England reformed in every point, according to the Rule of the Church of Geneva. These, although the Queen com∣manded to be committed to prison, yet it is incredible how upon a sudden their followers encreased, known by the envious name of Pu∣ritans. This sect so mightily encreased, that in her sixteenth yeer, the Queen and Kingdom was extremely troubled with some of the Clergy, who breathing out nothing but Evangelicall parity, cryed down the Ecclesiasticall Form of Government (as a thing polluted with Romane dr••ggs) and setting forth Books likewise, Intituled, The Admonition to the Parliament, and the Defence of the Admonition: they refused to resort to the Divine Service publikely in use, and framed to themselves other Rites. Whereupon, the Queen, to suppresse them, whom by no means she liked, commanded every where the severity of the Law touching the Uniformity of Common-Prayer, to be put in execution, and those books, upon pain of Imprisonment, to be delivered into the hands of the Bishops, or some of the Queens Councell. And this yeer were taken at Masse in their severall houses, the Lord Mor∣ley's Lady and her children, the Lady Guildford, and the Lady Browne, who being thereof indited and convicted, suffered the penalty of the Law in that case provided. Untill the twentieth yeer of Queen Eliza∣beths Raign, the Papists in England were mercifully connived at, while they solemnized their own Rites within their private houses (though that also were against the Laws) but when as that Thunder-bolt of excommunicating the Queen came abroad, then was the Law enacted against those who brought into the Kindome any Agn••s Dei, or hal∣lowed Beads, or reconciled any of the Queens subjects to the See of Rome; yet for six whole yeers together after this Law was made, it was not executed upon any Papist, till Cuthbert Mayne, a Priest, and an obstinate maintainer of the Popes Authority against the Queen, was ex∣ecuted at Launston in Cornwall, and the Gentlemans goods that harboured him confiscate, and himself adjudged to perpetuall Imprisonment. In her three and twentieth yeer, divers Priests and Jesuites came into England; amongst whom, Robert P••••sons, and Edmund Campian, English-men and Jesu∣ites, being now bound for England, to promote the Catholike Cause; at which time a Proclamation was set forth, That whosoever had any children beyond the Sea, should by a certain day call them home; and that no per∣son should receive or harbour any Seminary Priest or Jesuite. At this time also, there arose up in Holland a certain Sect, naming themselves, The Family of L••ve, who perswaded their followers, That those only who were adopted into that Family, were elected, and no other could be saved, but were all re∣probates, and damned, and that it was lawfull for them to deny upon oath whatsoever they pleased, before any Magistrate or whomsoever, that were not of their Family. Many of their books were printed, under these titles, The Gospel of the Kingdom, The Lords Sentences, The Prophesie of the spirit of love,

The publication of Peace upon earth, by the Author H. N. but who this Au∣thor was, they would by no means reveal: at last) he was found to be Hen∣ry Nicholls of Leyden, who blasphemously preached, That he was partaker of the Divinity of God, and God of his humane Nature: all which books were by Proclamation commanded to be burnt. In a Parliament holden the eight and twentieth yeer of her Raign, some, out of a desire of a Re∣formation, began to pick quarrells at the Clergy, desiring to passe Laws for the restraint of Bishops in their granting of Faculties, conferring of holy Orders, Eccles••asticall Censure, and the Oath Ex officio. They com∣playned likewise of the non-residency of Ministers, and the like. But the Queen; who alwayes hated Innovation (which for the most part changeth for the worse) would give no ear unto them; conceiving besides, That these proceedings in Par••iament in Ecclesiasticall Affairs, derogated from her Prerogative. In her six and twentieth yeer, the Queen gave a speciall charge to Whitgift Arch-bishop of Canterbury, to settle an Uniformity in the Ecclesiasticall Discipline, according to the Laws, which through the connivence of Bishops, and perversenesse of the Puritans, lay now almost gasping, Wh••reupon, he provided three Articles, to which every Minister should subscribe:

• The first, That the Queen had Supreme Authority over all persons born within her Dominions, of what condition soever they were; and that no other Prince, or Prelate, or Potentate, hath, or ought to have any Iurisdiction, Civill or Ecclesiasticall, within her Realms and Dominions.
• The second, That the Book of Common-Prayer, and of the Ordination of Bishops, Priests and Deacons, containeth nothing contrary to the Word of God, but may lawfully be used; and that they will use that, and none other.
• The third, That the Articles agreed on in the Synod holden at London, in the yeer 1562, and published by the Queens Authority, they did allow of, and believe them to be consonant to the Word of God.

It is incredible, what reproaches the Arch-bishop incurred by setting forth these Articles, both from factious Ministers, and from some also of the Nobility; yet by his patience and constancy, he brought at last Peace to the Church, making this his Motto, Vincit qui patitur. Neither did these at home onely disturb the Peace of the Church, but others also from abroad, as Robert Brown, a young Student of Divinity in Cambridge; from whom came the Sectaries called Brownists; and Richard Harrison, a petty School-Master. These presuming to judge matters of Religion by their own pri∣vate spirit, by books set forth in Zealand, and dispersed at this time over England, condemned the Church of England for no Church, and ensnared many in the nets of their new Schism. Neither could they be restrayned, though their books were prohibited by the Queens Authority, and sound∣ly confuted by sundry learned men; and one or two of the Ring-leaders executed at S. Edmunds Berry. In her one and thirtieth yeer, these Puri∣tans flames brake forth again, Books are written by the names of Martin Mar-Prelate, and A Demonstration of the Discipline, by Penry a••d ••••dall, against the Government of Bishops; and nothing would please them, but the Di∣scipline of Geneva: Many Abettors they had, Knightly and Wigstone, Knights, besides Cartwright (the father of them) Snape, King, Pradlow, Payn, and others; who though called in question, fined and imprisoned, could ne∣ver be reclaimed. In her six and thirtieth yeer, the Queen caused the seve∣rity of the Laws to be executed upon Henry Barrow and his Sectaries, for di∣sturbing the Church, and the publike Peace, by scattering of their monstrous Opinions, condemning the Church of England as no Christian Church, and derogating from th•• Queens Authority in Causes Ecclesiasticall.

WORKS of Piety in her time.

THis Queen converted Westminster Abbey into a Collegiate Church, and there ordained a Dean, twelve Prebendaries, a Master, Usher, and forty Schollars, Vicars, Singing-men, and twelve Alms-men. In her third yeer, the Merchant-Taylors, founded a notable Grammar-School, in the Parish of S. Lawrence Pountney in London. Also this yeer, William Harper, Maior of of London, founded a Free-School in the Town of Bedford, where he was born. In her seventh yeer, on the seventh of Iune, Sir Thomas Gresham laid the first stone of the Royall Exchange in Cornhill, which in November the yeer after, at his own charges was finished, being the yeer 1567. In her tenth yeer, the Citizens of London builded a new Conduit at Walbrook cor∣ner, neer to Dowgate, the water whereof is conveyed out of the Thames. Also this yeer, Sir Thomas Roe Maior of London, caused to be enclosed with∣in a wall of Brick, one Acre of ground, neer unto B••dlam, without Bishops-Gat••, to be a place of Buryall for the dead of such Parishes in London as lacked convenient ground within their Parishes: He also builded a conveni∣ent room in Pauls Church-Yard, on the South side of the Crosse, to receive a certain number of Hearers at the Sermon time. Sir William Peter, having himself been born at Exceter in Devon-Shire, he gave to Exceter Colledge in Oxford, a hundred pounds Lands a yeer: He also builded at Ingerstone in Essex, Alms-houses for twenty poor people, and giving them some com∣petent maintenance. Sir Thomas Gresham had his dwelling house in Bread-str••et London, which he dedicated to the profession of the Liberall Sciences, erecting there Lectures of Divinity, Civill Law, Physick, Geomitry, Astro∣nomy, Musick, and Rhetorick, alotting to the Professors very competent allowance. In her seventeenth yeer, died Matthew Park••r, Arch-bishop of Canterbury, who founded a Grammar School in Rochdale in the County of Lancaster: He also procured to Corpus Christi Colledge in Cambridge, thir∣teen Schollarships, and built two Chambers for Schollars, and the inward Library of the same Colledge, and procured to it the Patronage of S. Mary Abchurch in London, with many other works of like kinde. Sir Nicholas Bacon, Lord Keeper gave for six Schollars to be found in Ben••t Colledge in Cambridge, three pounds, six shillings and eight pence a piece for ever. Edmund Grindall Arch-bishop of Canterbury, founded a Free-School in Cum∣berland, where he was born, and gave many Pensions to both Universities. Frances, Countesse of Sussex, sister to Sir Henry Sidney, founded Sussex-Sidney Colledge in Cambridge: As likewise Sir Walter Mildmay, Chancellor of the Exchequer, founded Emmanuell Colledge in the same University. Sir Tho∣mas Bodley erected and furnished the famous publike Library at Oxford. Alexander Nowell Dean of Pauls, endowed Brasen nose Colledge in Oxford, where he was brought up, with two hundred pound per annum, and died in the yeer 1602. Sir Roger Manhood, chief Baron of the Exchequer, built seven Alms-houses in Canterbury, giving to every Alms-man four pounds yeerly: and our worthy Countrey-man William Lambard built an Alms-house at Gr••enwich, which he called, The Colledge for the poor of Queen Elizabeth.

CASUALTIES in her time.

IN the first yeer of her Raign, died Sir Thomas Cheyney, Lord Warden of the Cinque-Ports, of whom it is reported for certain, That his Pulse did beat more then three quarters of an hour after he was dead, as strongly as if he had been still alive. In her third yeer, there was found neer Keswrick in Cumberland, a most rich Veyn of pure and native Brasse, which had lain neglected a long time: Also the Stone called Lapis Calaminaris, which is of great use in Brasse Works, was first brought into England at this time, and that in most plentifull manner. Likewise this Queen was the first that caused Gun-Powder to be made in England, which before was had from forraign parts, and at dear rates. In her third yeer, the Spi••e of the Cathedrall

Church of Pauls, being five hundred and twenty foot from the ground, and two hundred and sixty from the square Steeple where it was placed, and was made of wooden materialls, but covered with Lead, was with light∣ning burnt down, together with the Roofs of that large Church, and that within the space of five hours; the Roofs were after re-edified, but the Spire is yet wanting. The Queen gave towards it a thousand Marks in money, and a thousand load of Timber; and the City granted a Benevo∣••••••ce, and three Fifteens; and the Clergy also contributed towards it. Al∣so this yeer there were many monstrous Births: A Mare brought forth a Foal with two heads, and a long tayl growing out between the two Heads. A Sow farrowed a Pig with two Bodies, eight Feet, and but one Head. A man-childe was born at Chichester in Sussex, having arms and legs like to an Anatomy, the Brest and Belly monstrous big, about the neck a great coller of flesh and skin, growing like the ruff of a Shir••. In her sixth yeer•• upon the returning of the Army from Newhaven, the Pesti••ence war brought into England, but especially into London; where in o••e yeer there died one and twenty thousand and five hundred. This yeer also, in the Month of December, was driven on the shore at Grimseby in Lincoln-shire a monstrous Fish, in length nineteen yards, his tayl fifteen foot broad, and six yards be∣tween the eyes. Twelve men stood upright in his mouth to get the Oyl. In her seventh yeer; on the one and twentieth of De••ember began a Frost, so extreme, that on New-yeers Even people passed over the Thames on foot; some played at Foot-ball, some shot at pricks, as if it had been firm ground. Yet this great Frost, the third of Ianuary at night began to thaw, and by the fifth day, there was no Ice at all to be seen; which sudden thaw caused great Inundations. In her eighth yeer, within the space of ten Months, there died in London seven Aldermen, namely, Edward Banks, Richard Cham∣berlain, Sir Martin Bowes, Sir Richard Mallory, Sir William H••wet, Sir Tho∣mas White, and Richard Lambert, one of the Sheriffs for that yeer. The same yeer also, in the Town of Ossestry in Wales, two hundred houses, in the space of two hours, were consumed with fire. In her tenth yeer, were ta∣ken in Suffolk, at Downham Bridge neer to Ipswich, seventeen monstrous Fishes; some of them being seven and twenty foot in length: And in the same yeer, many Dutch flying into England, to avoid the persecution of the Duke D'Alva, were the first that brought into England the Art of making Bayes, Sayes, Serges, and such woven stuffs, both Woollen and Linnen. In her time a rich Veyn of Copper was found in the Earl of Nor••humberlands Grounds, which she by her Prerogative seized upon. In her thirteenth yeer, a prodigious Earthquake happened in the East parts of Hereford-shire, at a little Town called Kinnaston. On the seventeenth of February, at six of the clock in the evening, the earth began to open, and a hill with a Rock under it (making at first a great bellowing noyse, which was heard a great way off) lifted it self up a great heighth, and began to travell, bearing along with it the Trees that grew upon it, the Sheep-folds, and Flocks of Sheep abiding there at the same time. In the place from whence it was first mo∣ved, it left a gaping distance forty foot broad, and fourscore Ells long; the whole Field was about twenty Acres. Passing along, it overthrew a Chap∣pell standing in the way, removed an Ewe-Tree planted in the Church-yard, from the West into the East: with the like force it thrust before it High∣wayes, Sheep-folds, Hedges and Trees, made tilled ground Pasture, and again turned Pasture into Tillage. Having walked in this sort from Saturday in the evening, till Munday noon, it then stood still. In her fifteenth yeer, in the Month of November, a new Star, or rather a Meteor (but that it was found to be above the Moon) was seen in Cathedra Cassiopeae, exceeding Iu∣piter in brightnesse, and in that place was carryed with the Diurnall motion of the Heavens sixteen Months together, though after eight Months it was

perceived to grow lesse and lesse. In her sixteenth yeer, was a great Dearth, so as Wheat was sold at five and six shillings the Bushell, and other things in proportion. In her seventeenth yeer, a vast mighty Whale was cast up∣on the Isle of Thanet in Kent, twenty Ells long, and thirteen foot broad from the belly to the back bone, and eleven ••oot between the eyes. One of his eyes being taken out of his head, was more then a Cart with ••ix horses could draw; the Oyl being boyled out of the head, was Parmasittee. This yeer also, the River Thames ebbed and flowed twice within an hour: and in the Month of November, the Heaven seemed to be all on fire. Also on the four and twentieth of February, being a great Frost, after a Flood which was not great, there came down the River of Severn such a swarm of Flyes and Beetles, that they were judged to be above a hundred Quarters; the Mills thereabout were dammed up with them for the space of four dayes, and then were cleansed by digging them out with Shovells. In her thre•• and twentieth yeer, in the beginning of April, about six a clock after noon, happened an Earthquake not far from York, which in some places, strook the very stones out of Buildings, and made the Bells in Churches to jangle. The night following, the earth trembled once or twice in K••nt, and again the first day of May. In her six and twentieth yeer, being the yeer 1583, the like Prodigie happened in Dorset-shire, as in the yeer 1571 had happened in Hereford-shire; A field of three Acrees in Blackmore, with the Trees and Fences, moved from its place, and passed over ano••her Field, travelling in the High-way that goeth to Herne, and there stayed. In her eight and twentieth yeer, Tobacco was first brought out of the West Indies into England, by Ralph Lane. In her five and thirtieth yeer, there was so great a Drouth, that not onely the Fields, but the Springs themselves were dried up, and many Cattell every where died for want of water. The River of Thames likewise did so fail, that a horse-man might ride over at London Bridge. In her six and thirtieth yeer, was a great Plague in London, so as there died this yeer, in London and the Suburbs, seventeen thousand eight hundred and ninety, besides the Lord Maior, and three Aldermen; and Michaelmas Term was holden at S. Albons.

Of her PERSONA••E and CONDITONS.

SHe was of stature indifferent tall, slender and straight, fair of Comple∣xion, her hair inclining to pale yellow, her fore-head large and fair, her eyes lively and sweet, but short sighted; her nose somewhat rising in the midst; the whole compasse of her countenance somewhat long, yet of ad∣mirable beauty, but the beauty of her minde was far more admirable: She had been a subject, which taught her to rule; she had been in misery, which taught her to be mercifull; and indeed, never Prince ruled with more Ju∣stice, and with her Justice mingled more mercy. She had more Valour in her then was fit for a woman, but that she was a Ruler over men; and more Humility in her then was fit for a Prince, but that she meant to be a Presi∣dent to women. She delighted in nothing so much, as in the love of her Peopl••, which she procured by ordaining good Magistrates, and forbearing Impositions. Her way not to need them, was frugality; and her way to have them when she needed them, was liberality. She made Honour in her time the more honourable, by not making it common; and indeed, know∣ing it to be an influence from her self, she kept it, as her self, a Virgin, and would not prostitute it to unworthy persons. She declined being a mother of children, to the end she might be a mother of her Countrey; and indeed, no mother ever loved her children more, then she did her people; and therefore never children loved a mother more, then her people did her. She cove••ed not so much to be an owner of riches, as of rich Subjects; for she thought money did as well in their Coffers, as in her own: and indeed,

••he never wanted it, when they had it; and they alwayes had it, when she ••••eded it. Never Prince had a wiser Coun••ell then she, yet never Prince ••eeded it lesse; for she was her self a Counsellor to her Counsell. In sum, whatsoever may in flattery be said of a wise, just, mercifull, religious, and learned Prince, may truely be said of her; in all which, if ever she had an ••••uall, yet she never certainly had a superiour. In playing her game of ••ortune, she loved not an after-game; for she liked Preventions, better then Remedies. She was admirable in expressing her minde, both by speech and writing: and if collection could be made of her Apophthegms, and extemporall Orations, it would certainly excell any thing extant in that kinde: And for her writing, Sir Henry Savile affirms, That he had seen some Translations of hers, which far exceeded the Originalls. Never Prince kept greater State with lesse statelinesse: Her Pensioners and Guard were alwayes the tallest and goodliest Gentlemen and Yeomen of the Kingdom: her maids of Honour, and other women about her, the fairest and most beautifull Ladies of the Realm; and yet her self a Diana amongst her Nymphes; insomuch that a great Lord of France being entertained at Court, and the Queen asking him how he liked her Ladies, made answer, It was hard to judge of Stars, in presence of the Sun.

Of her DEATH and BURYALL.

IT was now the yeer 1602, when she feeling some Infirmities of Old-age and Sicknesse, retired her self at the end of Ianuary, to Ri••hmond; at which time, in a sad Omen, she commanded the Ring to be filed off her fin∣ger, wherewith she was solemnly at the first inaugurated into the Kingdom, and since that time had never taken it off, it being grown into the flesh in such manner, that it could not be drawn off without filing. At the be∣ginning of her sicknesse, the Almonds of her Jaws began to swell, and her appetite by little and little failed her; withall she gave her self wholly to sadnesse and heavinesse, which some imputed to her care for the losse of the Earl of Essex; others, because she heard, That divers of the Nobility sought the favour of the King of Scots, adoring him as the Sun rising, and neglecting her: but howsoever, in March a kinde of benummednesse seized upon her, with a deep melancholly, so as she would sit silently, refrain her meat, and not admit of any conference, but with the Archbishop of Canter∣bury, with whom she prayed ••ervently, till such time as her speech failed her, which failed her a day before she died. She being in this case, it was thought fit the Admirall and Secretary should go to her, to know her minde concerning a Successor; to whom she gave this answer; My Throne hath been the Throne of Kings, I would not a mean person should succeed me. The Secretary requesting her to speak more plainly, I will (said she) have a King succeed me; and what King, but the King of Scots, my neerest Kins∣man? After this, the Arch-bishop exhorting her to think of God, That do I (said she) nor do my thoughts ever wander from him. And when her tongue no longer served her, it was evident by the lifting up of her hands and eyes, that her thoughts were fixed upon him. And so on the four and twentieth day of March, being the last day of the yeer 160••, she yeelded up her soul to God, when she had lived threescore and nine yeers, six months, and se∣venteen dayes; Raigned four and forty yeers, four months, and seven dayes. Her Body was embalmed, wrapped in Lead, and brought to White-hall, from whence on the eight and twentieth of April following, in great solemnity, it was carried into the Collegiate Church of S. Peters at Westminster, and there interred in the Vault of her Grand-father, K. Henry the seventh, in his mag∣nificent Chappell, where our renowned Soveraign K. Iames hath built her a Princely Monument, inscribed with Epitaphs to her eternall glory. At her Funerall were said to be Mourners in black, to the number of on•• thousand and six hundred persons.

MEN of NOTE in her time.

THe Ocean is not more boundlesse, then the number of men of note in her time; but though all of them cannot be reckoned, yet some of them must not be omitted. And to begin with Sates-men: An exquisite States-man for his own ends, was Robert Earl of Lèicester; and for his Coun∣tries good, Sir William Cecill, Lord B••rleigh; as also Sir Francis Walsingham, that great underminer of Conspirators. Famous Sea-men, were the Earl of Cumberland, the Lord Thomas Howard, afterward Earl of Suffolk: and of meaner Rank, Sir Iohn Hawkins, Sir Martin Forbys••er, Sir Walter Raleigh, Cavendish, Preston, Ryman; and, to name the worthiest last, Sir Francis Drake, who though he were but a short square bodied man, yet his great Acts have made the Spaniards believe that he was some goodly Personage. Great Commanders by Land, were Robert Earl of Essex, the Lord Willoughby, the Lord Grey of Wilton, Sir Francis Vere, Sir Roger Williams, Baskervile, Savage; and the Honour of his Family, and our English Nation, Sir Iohn Norris. Learned Gentlemen and Writers, were Sir Thomas Chaloner, employed by Queen Elizabeth as her Ligier in Spain, who wrote five books of the resto∣ring of the English Common-wealth, in elegant Verses, while (as he said) he lived in a Stove in Winter, and in a Barn in Summer: Roger Askam, born in York-shire, notably skilfull in the Greek and Latin Tongues, who had sometime been School-master to Queen Elizabeth, and her Secretary for the Latin Tongue; but taking too great delight in Gaming and Cock-fighting, he both lived and died in mean estate, yet left behinde him sundry Monuments of Wit and Industry. Sir Thomas Smith, born at Saffron Walden in Essex, sometime Secretary to K. Edward the 6, who wrote an imperfect Work of the English Common-wealth, a singular Book of the Orthography of the English Tongue, and another of the Pronunciation of the Greek; the first man that set on foot the Law for serving the Colledges with Provisi∣on. Sir Henry Savill, Provost of Eaton, and Reader to Queen Elizabeth, who set forth all S. Chrysostomes works in Greek, and by translating of Cornelius Tacitus,, deserved as much of the English Tongue, as he of the Latin: But above all, the admirable sir Philip Sidney, who by writing in a light Argu∣ment, shewed how excellently, and beyond all comparison he could have done in a grave. Learned Divines were Iohn Iewell, born in Devon-shire, a Student in Corpus Christi Colledge in Oxford, in Queen Maries time an Exile, by Queen Elizabeth made Bishop of Salisbury, who wrote an Apolo∣gie for the Protestant Doctrine, and died at scarce fifty yeers of age, in the fourteenth yeer of Queen Elizabeth. Iohn Whitaker, Master of S. Iohns Colledge in Cambridge, who learnedly answered all the books of Bellarmine. Bilson, Bishop of Winchester, sometimes Fellow of New Colledge in Ox∣ford, who, amongst his other learned Works, hath written notably of Christs descent into hell. Richard Hooker, Preacher at the Temple, who with too much meeknesse smoothered his great Learning, yet hath something disco∣vered it in his five Books of Ecclesiasticall Discipline, and died in the yeer 1599. Alexander Nowel, Dean of Pauls, who forbearing deeper Works, set forth a Catechism, according to the Doctrine of the English Church, and died in the yeer 1602. After such men, it might be thought ridiculous to speak so Stage Players; but seeing excellency in the meanest things deserves remembring, and Boscius the Comedian is recorded in History with such commendation, it may be allowed us to do the like with some of our Nation. Richard Bourbidge, and Edward Allen, two such Actors, as no age must ever look to see the like: and, to make their Comedies compleat, Richard Tarle∣ton, who for the Part called the Clowns Part, never had his match, never will have. For Writers of Playes, and such as had been Players them∣selves, William Shakespeare, and Benjamin Iohnson, have specially left their Names recommended to posterity.