The history of the life and death of His Most Serene Highness, Oliver, late Lord Protector wherein, from his cradle to his tomb, are impartially transmitted to posterity, the most weighty transactions forreign or domestique that have happened in his time, either in matters of law, proceedings in Parliaments, or other affairs in church or state / by S. Carrington.

THE CHARACTER of his late Serene Highness, OLIVER, Late Lord Protector: With several Reflections on the fore∣going History.

SEeing Philosophers are of opinion, that the Resemblance of Children to their Parents, as well in their bodily shapes and features, as in the Inclinations of their Souls, is produced by one and the self-same Cause; chiefly grounded upon this reason, That the one is the Representative of the other. And seeing moreover; that we may not attribute un∣to a material Cause an immaterial Effect, such as are all the operations of a Rational Soul; they reject the power of a forming vertue, the the Imaginary one, the Constellation of the Planets, and the qualities of the Seed. To fix

upon a more sublime mystery, whereby God would have the Legitimateness of Children and Nephews to be manifested, rather by the bet∣ter part of man, which is the Soul, then by his Complexion, his Behaviour, his Speech, and the shape of his Body. And that such glo∣rious souls as are wrapt up as it were in the body, should like unto a transparent sun penetrate through those thick clouds, and by that resplendency which they infuse through the whole body, should attract the esteem and veneration which they beget in men; either in the vulgar sort, who are onely taken with the out-side, or in the malicious and envious, who endeavour to smoother those Talents in others which they do not possess themselves.

Which truth, that we may the better make good, it will not be amiss, having first repre∣sented unto you some of his late Highness the Lord Protectors memorable Acts, to demon∣strate unto you the greatness of his soul, and how well it was placed, whereby all its Heroical vertues may, as through a Chri∣stal glass, appear unto the eyes of the whole world.

In this wise all Hystoriographers have pro∣ceeded, not onely in their describing of the lives of Illustrious Personages, but also in subduing of Cities and Towns, Foretresses, and places of Consequence, which no sooner had received the Conquerours yoke, but the Origine and Foun∣dations were narrowly pried into, the manner of their being fortified was described, the form of

their being besieged, the assaults which they su∣steined, and the glory which they acquired even by their surrendry upon honorable terms; where∣as on the contrary, inconsiderate ones are quite neglected, their appellations and reductions be∣ing scarce deemed worthy to be specified in a History.

In like manner, since death after several vain attempts and successess assaults hath at length bereaved us of our Illustrious late Lord Prote∣ctor, we shall give you the Character of his person, to let you see how much he resembled his glorious predecessors. And howbeit we may thereby somewhat diminish and detract from his glory, however so beautiful a soul as his was, accompanied by a body participating of all those Organs which were succeptible of such high and admirable operations, could not choose but produce the ensuing glorious effects?

In his person he somewhat exceeded the usu∣al middle stature, but was well proportioned ac∣cordingly, being of a becoming fatness, well sha∣ped, having a masculine face, a sparkling eye, both courteous and harsh at once, according as there was occasion; hardy and fierce in com∣bats and reprehensions, tempered in councels and meek, promising to the afflicted and suitors. He was of a strong constitution, and of an active bo∣dy well disposed, an enemy both to ease and excess; and although in his youth he was capa∣ble of, yet he used not those fair and bewitching pleasures which a countrey (where idleness and wantonness did reign) doth afford to vigorous

constitutions with a great deal of mediocrity in the War, he was active, vigilant, and circum∣spect; and although he was doubtless one of the best head-pieces in the world, yet he disdained not to conferre and take counsel with others, even in Affairs of the least concernment.

His greatest delight was to read men rather then books, and his Eloquence which was both Masculine and Martial, was rather a natural gift then an effect of art, wherein he alwayes min∣gled some passages of the holy Writ, in which his piety had amply instructed him; to which most charming part as well as to his Sword, he owed most of his Conquests and Victories; being al∣wayes accustomed to exhort and animate his Souldiers at the undertaking of any great enter∣prize, and before the giving of a battle, so like∣wise after he had gained the victory, he himself did express unto God his thankfulness and ac∣knowledgements with so profound an humility, as that he attributed unto God alone all his good success; and did constantly refuse all those triumphs which were prepared for, and profered to his valour. He had an especial care to have Piety and Godliness reign in his Armies, and pu∣nished as a most enormious crime, those who took Gods name in vain. Moreover, he loved his Souldiers as his Children, and his greatest care was to see them provided for with all necessa∣ries requisite; by which foresight and provi∣vidence, he was the better able to execute that severe punishment which he usually caused to be inflicted on those who plundred and spoiled

the Peasants, for which crime he would not have pardoned his ownbrother; and on the other side he was alwayes most bountiful and liberal to his Souldiers, and those Pensions which are yet payed daily unto the old Souldiers, unto their Widows, and to the maimed and hurt men, may save those charges which some Princes have been at to hire persons to weep and lament at their Funerals, and over their Tombs.

* 1.1 He took great delight to discourse of the Af∣fairs of the World, and his own judgement did furnish him with such exact resolutions con∣cerning the Government of his Estates, and touching the interests of other Princes, as with∣out the entring into their Cabinets, or parta∣king of their Counsels, he discoursed very per∣tinently of their Affairs, and foretold their se∣veral issues and events. He likewise was an ex∣cellent Phisionomer, and having once seriously considered any one, he was seldome deceived in the opinion he conceived of him.

He married into the ancient and noble fami∣ly of the Bourchers, whence the Earls of Essex were descended; his marriage bed was blessed with many Children, none of which did ever degenerate from the eminent vertues of their most Illustrious Father. His eldest son named Ricard hath succeeded him in the Protector∣ship; his younger son named Henry, being at this time Lord Lieutenant of Ireland; both of them capable to follow their Fathers glori∣ous footsteps, and to perfect and crown such hopeful, promising, though difficult, beginnings; their Father having as it were divided, shared,

and left by inheritance unto their youth (swel∣ling with marvellous hopes) that most exquisite Quintessence of two great Talents, which he had acquired by his age and by his experience; so that the one of his sons may be stiled the Jupiter, and the other the Mars of England.

He had four Daughters, all of them Ladies of a most eminent and vertuous disposition: The Lady Bridget first married unto the Lord Ireton, in his life time Lord Deputy of Ireland, a Per∣sonage of sublime worth; and afterwards e∣spoused unto the Lord Fleetwood, sometimes Lord Deputy of Ireland, and at present Lieutenant Ge∣neral of all his Highness Forces. The Lady Eliza∣beth his second Daughter, married unto the Lord Cleypoll, and dyed a little before her Father; of whom we shall speak hereafter. The third, the Lady Mary, espoused unto the Lord Viscount Faulconbridge. And the youngest, the Lady Frances, at present widow of the Lord Robert Rich, Grandchilde to the late Earl of Warwick.

Nor did the change of his late Highness For∣tunes in the least decline or diminish the ten∣derness and affection which he ever bare to∣wards the worthy Mother of so numerous and hopeful an issue; and that absolute power which he had over all his Dominions, never gave him the least desire to captivate any heart, save that which God had given him in marriage. And that which is the most to be admired at, and seems to be the summe of all bliss, is, that the Almighty lent his late Highness so much life as to see all his Children disposed to the most gal∣lant

personages, and allied to the most Illustri∣ous Families of England; which are as so many props of his Fortune, and Fences against the en∣viers of his Vertue.

He was an enemy to vain gloriousness & osten∣tation, and although he was all as it were fire, that is, of a passionate constitution; yet he had so overcome his passions, that he was seldome or never moved but when there was a great cause given: so likewise was he more subject to re∣press and keep in, then to give way to his pas∣sion. The actions of his body denoted those of his minde, his actions were in a manner without motion, and without any forcings of the body; in like manner his minde was not at all agitated, nor his expressions precipitated; sweetness and tranquillity accompanied his thoughts and his words; but when there was occasion to carry a business, he expressed himself with so much vi∣gour, as gave to understand, that he was not ea∣sily to be disswaded from the thing he had once resolved.

In like manner during the whole course of the War, he never harboured the least thought of changing of parties. And as for Ambition, which is the onely passion whereof envy it self seems to accuse him, the effects thereof were so inconfide∣rable and unnecessary unto him, nay, so unplea∣sing and unwelcome; and which is more, he so often refused the pomps, delights, and gran∣dours which were profered him, that all the world must needs confess, that where Nature could claim so small an interest, the master and

directer of Nature must needs have had a great share. Wherefore we may aver with a great deal of reason, That in case he hath hoorded and laid up Treasures, it hath been in the In∣trals of the Poor of all Sexes, and of all Nations, of all Professions and Religions, both at home and abroad; insomuch, that it hath been com∣puted, that out of his own private instinct par∣ticular Motions and pious Compassion, he di∣stributed at least forty thousand pounds a year in Charitable Uses, out of his own purse, out of such Moneys as the Commonwealth did allow him for his Domestique Expences, and for the maintenance of his State, and the Dignity of his Person, Family, and the keeping up the splendour of his Court.

And the better to illustrate this matter, we shall insert an Essay of two examples of Gene∣rosity and Gratitude, which are not to be paral∣lel'd, save in the persons of Thomas Lord Crom∣well, his late Highness's predecessor, in Henry the Eighth's Reign, and in the person of his late Highness, Oliver Lord Protector.

* 1.2 In those glorious dayes, when the English young Gentry endeavored to out-vie their elder Brothers, by undertaking far and dange∣rous journies into Forreign parts, to acquire glory by feats of Arms, and experiencing them∣selves in the Military Discipline; Thomas Cromwel a younger Brother, to better his know∣ledge in Warlike Affairs passed into France, and there trailed a Pike, accompanying the

French Forces into Italy, where they were de∣feated at Gattellion; whereupon our English Volantier betook himself to Florence, designing to pass thence home again into England; but having loft all his equipage, and being in a ne∣cessitated condition, he was enforced to ad∣dress himself to one Signior Francisco Fresco∣bald an Italian Merchant, who corresponded at London; and making his case known unto him, Frescobald observing something remarkable, and a certain promising greatness in the Fea∣tures, Actions, and Deportment of Thomas Cromwel, who gave an account of himself with so candid an ingenuity, and in such terms as be∣seemed his Birth, and the Profession he then was of: whereby he gained so much upon Fresco∣bald, as inviting him home to his house, he caused him to be accommodated with new Linnen and Clothes, and other sutable necessa∣ries; kindly entertaining him, till such time as he testified a desire to return for England; when as to compleat his Generosity and Kinde∣ness, he gave Mr. Thomas Cromwell a Horse, and sixteen Duccats in gold, to prosecute his jour∣ney homewards.

In process of time, several disasters and Bank∣rupts befalling Signior Frescobald, his Trading and Credit was not a little thereby impaired; and reflecting on the Moneys which were due unto him by his Correspondents in England, to the value of 15000. Duccats, he resolved to pass thither, and try whether he could happily procure payment.

During which interval of time, Mr. Thomas Cromwell being a person endowed with a great deal of Courage, of a transcendent Wit, hardy in his undertakings, and a great Politician, had by these his good qualities gotten himself en∣trance and credit at Court, and highly ingratia∣ted himself with King Henry the Eighth; ha∣ving advanced himself to almost as high a pitch of Honour, in as short a time, in a manner, as his late Highness did.

The Lord Thomas Cromwell therefore riding one day with a great train of Noble Men to∣wards the Kings Palace, chanced to espy on foot in the streets Signior Frescobald, the Italian Mer∣chant, in an ill plight: however, he immediate∣ly alighting from his Horse, embraced him be∣fore all the world, to the great astonishment of the beholders; and chid him, that at his very arrival he came not to visit him. Frescobald being astonished at so unexpected an encounter, and receiving so signal a favor from a personage he could not call to minde he had ever known, was quite surprized; and my Lord Cromwells pressing affairs at Court not permitting him the while to acquaint him further who he was, one∣ly engaged him to come and dine with him that day. Frescobald full of amazement, enquired of the attendants who that great personage might be? And hearing his name, he began to call the Feature of his Face, and the Idea of his Person to mind; and so by degrees conceiving with himself it might happily be the same Mr. Thomas Cromwell whom he had harboured at

Florence; he enquired out his Lordships habi∣tation, and attended his coming at Noon-tide, walking in his Court-yard. No sooner was the Lord Thomas Cromwel entred the same, (attend∣ed by several persons of quality, and officers of the Crown) but speedily alighting from his Horse, he embraced his friend Frescobald in the same manner he had done in the morning; and perceiving that the Lords which accompanied him were amazed at such a disproportioned fa∣miliarity, he told them that he was more obli∣ged to Frescobald then to all the men in the world, owing unto him the making of his For∣tune; and so proceeded to relate unto them the whole story which had befallen him at Florence. So great a delight do generous mindes take to recount their foregoing Misfortunes, when their Grandor hath elevated them to such a pitch, as that they triumph over Shame, and are incapa∣ble of Ingratitude.

Frescobald was treated at Dinner with all the tenderness he could expect from so great a per∣sonage, and so good a friend; after which being carried up by the Lord T. Cromwel into his Clo∣set, he was there presented with four bags of Gold, each containing four hundred Duccats, in return of his former civilities: which Fresco∣bald (being of a gallant spirit) at first refused, but after several contestations was constrained to accept as an acknowledgement from the Lord Cromwell; who, moreover enquiring of him concerning his coming over, and affairs in Eng∣land; and understanding his Losses, and that

there were Moneys due to him, caused him to write down his Debters names; and by his Se∣cretary summoned the several Merchants which were indebted to Frescobald (upon pain of his displeasure) to clear their Accounts with him, and to pay him within the space of fifteen days; which was accordingly performed: onely Fres∣cobald freely forgave them the Use.

Over and above all which, the Lord Thomas Cromwell endeavoured to perswade his friend Frescobald to have remained in England the rest of his Dayes, profering to lend him a stock of 60000. Duccats to trade withall: But Fresco∣bald being over-charged with all those grand obligations which the Lord Cromwell had con∣ferred on him; having by his Lordships Ge∣nerosity acquired enough to keep him from be∣ing necessitated all his life time; and deeming that the trading in good Works was incompa∣rably more sure and gainful then in the richest Wares and Merchandizes, being resolved to quit Trading, and to end the rest of his dayes peace∣ably and quietly, he obtained leave of the Lord Thomas Cromwell to depart towards his own Countrey, freighted with so great obligations as caused in him a generous shame.

But the Almighty doth not alwayes recom∣pense the fruits of good Works here on Earth, often repaying the greatest with the least re∣wards; and Heaven delights in the exercising of its great Vertues, by the Vices which are thereunto opposite: and as the most noblest Creatures are the slowest in the attaining to

their perfections, so the Almighty doth not immediately cause those Fruits to ripen, which are sowed here below by Christian Charity.

* 1.3 Wherefore to return to the Lord Thomas Cromwell, who had made the Match between Anne of Cleve and King Henry the Eighth, you shall see how he was rewarded for his Genero∣sity and good Services; for this Princess Anne of Cleve, conceiving a certain womanish Jea∣lousie, she knew not why nor wherefore, against the Lord Thomas Cromwell, save onely that she apprehended he had too great a power and sway with the King; never left off solliciting and importuning of him, till he caused the Lord Thomas Cromwell to be beheaded; by which sad compliance, the King lost the best Suppor∣ter of his Crown, and the faithfullest of his Ser∣vants and Subjects. The Lord Thomas Crom∣well dyed without Heir Males, leavingone onely Daughter, espoused to one Mr. Williams a Gen∣tleman of Glamorganshire, of a good Family; who, as we have before said, inherited little of his Father, save his Vertues, besides what his own Deserts had procured him, and what he might promise himself by the Match with this Heiress the Lord Thomas Cromwels Daughter: (from whence our Lord Protectors are lineally descended) and who was the lively representa∣tive of her Father, and the very pourtraiture of his great soul, as the Lady Cleypool was of his late Highness the Lord Protector.

Now that you may know on what occasion

* 1.4 the Name of Williams came to be changed into that of Cromwell; it happened when as King Henry the Eighth was in the midst of his Splen∣dor, Pomp, and Magnificence, wallowing in the pleasures of a sumptuous Entertainment at Court, Mr. Williams (who had been a retainer to the late Lord Thomas Cromwell) made his ap∣pearance before the King in deep Mourning, like a dark Cloud eclipsing the Sun at Noon-tide. The King casting his eye upon so unex∣pected and dismal an Object, (which seemed to reproach his rash fault) was surprized and of∣fended, at the interrupting of his Pleasures, by Williams so unseasonable apparition; wherefore the King asked him how he durst appear at Court in that garb? whereunto Williams replied with a sad but assured countenance, That not onely himself, but the King and all the Court had reason to mourn for the loss of the greatest and faithfullest of his Subjects and Servants, whose Death himself might one day chance to regret, when he should stand in need of his Councels and Fidelity. But the King whose thoughts were at that time taken up with his Pastimes, wished Williams to be gone, and to get himself cured of his Frenetick Mallady.

Some while after troubles arising, and the King finding himself in a strait for want of so faithful a Minister of State as the late Lord Tho∣mas Cromwel was, whose life he had so inconsi∣derately taken away; began to reflect on the loss he had sustained; and how requisite it

was, for Princes, and great Potentates, to re∣tain near their Persons, Men of Knowledge, Worth and Fidelity; and calling to minde the action and discourse of Williams, conceiving that it could not proceed but from a great soul endowed with extraordinary vertues, and such a one as might be useful and serviceable to him; he sent for him up to Court, and commanding him to take the name of Cromwel upon himself, (unto whom he had testified so much Fidelity and Gratitude) he invested him with all the Of∣fices and Charges the late Lord Thomas Cromwel enjoyed near his person; and re-instated him again in all his Goods and Lands which had been confiscated; so that the Lord Williams assisted in the Kings Councel, as his Father in Law the Lord Thomas Cromwel before had done.

* 1.5 From this Noble Lord Williams, alias Crom∣wel, and the Illustrious Daughter of the renown∣ed Lord Thomas Cromwel, his late Highness and our present Lord Protector are lineally descend∣ed; in whom the Almighty hath raised up and ripened those generous vertues of their prede∣cessors, and hath elevated and spread their branches as high, as their deep roots had taken profound and vigorous Foundations.

So that to compleat our parallel, we may ob∣serve by the fruits of this Illustrious Stock from whence his late Highness is descended, whether they retained their accustomed Generosity and Clemency; which we will not go about to prove by the Military Acts, in which they have out∣vied their Predecessors; nor by their Politick

and prudent Government of the State, in which they have at least equalized them; but by their private and domestick actions, since the resem∣blance of Children to their Parents may be more observed by the Features of the Face, then by the course of their lives, which are subject to vary, either by the inconstancy of Fortune, or the Communication of other men.

* 1.6To come therefore to his late Highness the Lord Protector, and signalize his gratitude; we shall instance in the person of one Duret a French attendant of his Highness during his General-ship; who served him with so much Fi∣delity and Zeal, as that he intrusted him with the managing and conduct of the greatest part of his domestick Affairs; alwayes retaining him nigh his person, bearing so great an affection towards him, and reposing so entire a confi∣dence in him, as during his late Highness's great sickness which he had in Scotland, (and where∣of it was thought he would have dyed) he would not be served by any one, nor receive any nourishment, or any thing else that was admi∣nistred unto him, save from the hands of Du∣ret, who both day and night continued to watch by his Master; tending him with a speci∣al care and assiduity, not giving himself a Mo∣ments rest untill his late Highness had recover∣ed his perfect health; which long and continu∣al watches of Duret, and the pains he had ta∣ken in the administring unto his Master, plun∣ged him into a sad fit of sickness; during which, this faithful servant received all the acknow∣ledgements

which his good and zealous services had demerited, his late Highness applying all the possible cures he could, not onely by his commands, but by his personal visits, (so oft as his urgent Affairs would permit him) to comfort Duret, and to see all things applyed, that might conduce to his recovery: but Durets hour being come, he was content to lay down his life in his Masters service; and the Physicians having quite given him over, his late Highness would needs render him his last good offices, by com∣forting him at his death, by his sensibleness of his good services, and the extream zeal and affe∣ction he had born to his person; which al∣though he could not requite unto him, yet his Highness assured him he would manifest his ac∣knowledgements thereof unto his Parents and Kindred: Whereunto Duret replyed, That the honour he had received in having served so good and great a Master, and the glory he reaped in having laid down his life for the preservation of his Highness, and of so good and glorious a Cause, was extream, satisfactory unto him in his death. That he had a Mother and a Sister, with some Kindred in France, who were unworthy his Highness thoughts, or reflecting on them; however that he remitted them to his Highness gracious consideration. And so Duret, his good and faithful servant, breathed his last.

In which contract of grief, and resolution of acknowledgement, his late Highness may be said to have harboured the same thoughts as Henry the Eighth did; perswading himself that

he had been the Author of Durets death, though in a far innocenter way; However his late Highness retained all the resentments and sensi∣bleness of the acknowledgements and gratitude, expressed by his generous predecessor the Lord Thomas Cromwel, towards his dear Friend Fres∣cobald.

For his late Highness immediately sent over For Durets Mother, Sister, and two Nephews out of France, and would have the whole Fa∣mily of the Durets to come and establish them∣selves here in England; that he might the better manifest his Love and Gratitude in their per∣sons, towards his deceased faithful servant. And whereas by reason of the continuance of the Scotch Wars, his late Highness was at that time, as it were confined to the North, he wrote unto her Highness, the now Lady Protectoress Dowa∣ger, his wife, that she should receive and use Du∣rets Mother, Sister, and Allies, accordingly as she praised the good offices of his deceased faithful servant, to whose cares, pains, and watchings he owed the preservation of his own life; and that she should proportion that kindnes which during his absence she should show unto them, unto the love which she bore unto him; insomuch, that Durets Mother was by her Highness admitted into her own Family, and seated at her own Ta∣ble; his Sister was placed in the rank and qua∣lity of a Maid of Honour to her Highness; and his two Nephews were admitted to be her High∣nesses Pages; whereby the Almighty Crowned Durets good and faithful services towards his

Master, and his piety and observance towards his Mother and Sister, whose onely support he was in his life time, with the rich Flowers of Pro∣sperity, and with the Fruits of Fortune; advan∣cing them as fast as the sad destiny did his pre∣cipitated death.

And no sooner was his late Highness returned into England after the conquest of Scotland, and the glorious Victory he had obtained at Worce∣ster, full freighted with the resplendency of his noble atchievements; but he desired to see Durets Mother, Sister, and Nephews, enquiring how they had been received, and treated; and whe∣ther they were well pleased to be in England; and as soon as they appeared in his presence, he could not retain his generous tears for the loss of Duret; nor could he cease to testifie his in∣ward grief for him, comforting the good old Gentlewoman Mrs. Duret, by the mouth of his Children who spake French, telling her, She had not lost her son, although dead; for that himself would be her son, since the preservation of his life had its being from her entralls; that both her and his Duret was with a better Master; a Master, who was his Master also; and whose recompences and rewards were for greater and more assured then these worldly ones. And that the great thoughts of his heart might not lose their force and energy, by his imploying of anothers tongue to express them; this great Personage who ne∣ver made use of the French language to enter∣tain the Ambassador of Kings and Princes with∣all, did put himself to the trouble of learning

some French words, with which he alwayes was used to chear up and comfort the good old Wo∣man whensoever he met her: and he that was wont to swim in the blood of his enemies, and could look with an undiscomposed brow on thousands of men, and of his friends, lying dead on the Field after a battle, had so much tender∣ness for the loss of one of his domestique Ser∣vants, as that he could not refrain from tears when he beheld any of Durets relations. Nor need we to wonder hereat, since his late High∣nesses general spirit contained as well private as publique Vertues. And his Reason which was alwayes mistress of his Passions, knew full well how to imploy them on such occasions, and at such times as they were most requisite and com∣mendable: to let us see, That the Dignity of a General and a Protector, had not made him re∣linquish the quality of a Man; and that Ma∣ximes and Reasons of State had forced several things from him, which were absolutely repug∣nant to his natural inclinations. Besides, this great Politician knew, that the greatest part of Famous Men, which Fortune had elevated to the top of her Wheel, were for the most part come to untimely ends by the corruption of their domestique Servants, or the treachery of their intimatest Friends and bosom Favourites: in regard whereof, his late Highness lamented the more the loss of this his Faithful Servant.

Nor need we to wonder hereat, since For∣tune had heaped all the perfections of Vertues in his great Soul, which he evidently manifested,

by his so orderly, and peaceably re-uniting, and as it were, matching together the Vertues both of War and Peace; the ruffness and harshness of War, with the tenderness of Nature; their Licentiousness with Piety; Confusion with good Order; and so resplendent an eminent Great∣ness, to such inconsiderate, abject, and humble domestique considerations.

Wherefore this Nation may account it self thrice happy, in enjoying such sublime rising Powers to govern it, who are able to distinguish between Good and Evil; and who suffer not themselves to be puffed up so high, as that they scorn and disdain to look downwards, and so stand not in need (as the waters poured far from the Ocean) of a borrowed and corrosive salt, to preserve things from corruption.

Thus as I have already given you rather a Glimpse then a Character of his late Highness his Person, I shall now render you some other considerable Remarks of his Affairs.

After the discoveries of an hundred Plots and Designs laid open and frustrated, the defeating of many jealous parties all of them convinced; and finally, sundry Forreign Negotiations and Treaties, which hath given you occasion as well to admire his Judgement as his Valour, whence you have found as bold undertakings to have proceeded from his late Highness, as ever were commented; and as admirable Conquests on the Continent, as may well answer the ancient (though long time dormatick) Valour of the English Nation.

To consider how he joyned the Piety and good Order of Numa with the Vigour and Force of Romulus, in those foundations which he laid of this new and Warlike Empire; which although they scarce budded forth of the earth, are never the less substantial enough to bear up a solid building; and do sufficiently discover all the several beautiful Repartitions of the same in a most exquisite manner, and in a goodly ground plot.

First, his late Highness settled such a Military Discipline, as partaking of the Vertues of the three first Roman Founders, did strike a terrour into the most ambitious Monarchs of the earth; and doth give Instructions, or rather read Le∣ctures on both the Christian and Moral Vertues unto that Nation which pretends to be the wi∣sest and most Religious of all the world. * 1.7 I be∣lieve that if a Croysade had armed all the Priests and Religious Men, there would not be so strict an order observed in their Christian Military Discipline, as that which we now see is establish∣ed in England, where Sobriety flourisheth amidst abundance, in a Countrey where formerly De∣bauchery was accounted as a Gallantry, and converted into a custom; where Modesty is wedded to Cruelty, Justice with the extremity of Power, Meekness with the stubborness of Arms, War with Piety, Valour with Fear and Obedience. And since we speak of the Piety of this English Pompilius, may we not say that the Goddess Ageria did nightly in his solitudes ap∣pear unto him.

Nor need we to say that he made use of fire and flames by a barbarous and unchristian-like Zeal to establish the truth of the Gospel. Nor did he send millions of Pagans to Hell, thereby to be strong enough to force five hundred against their wills into Heaven: The Piety of this our Common Father was void of Envy and Cruelty. He hath defied the Tyrants over mens Conscien∣ces by Clemency and Charity, and hath caused those who profess those two Vertues before all others (which are more sublime though less profitable to our neighbours, and consequently of less concernment) to doubt, whether or no the Quality of the most Christian King is not far better then that of the Catholique. All which being maturely considered, we may say when a State erreth both in the Ecclesiastique and Po∣litique Government, he that is invested with the Sovereign Power, far from being reputed a Ty∣rant, is accountable before God if he doth re∣fuse the same, and if he lets that Talent remain useless which may otherwise be advantageous to the whole world.

To say more of his Generosity, this Vertue he highly recommended above all others unto his Ministers of State, and unto his Ambassadors, and unto his Children; and whereof that noble Lady Cleypoll, his Daughter of worthy memory, did give so many evidences during her life, and even at the Article of her Death, as that she thereby did beget tears in the most obstinate and hardiest enemies of this State. A worthy Daugh∣ter of so famous a Father, whom Heaven too

soon snatched away both from the Vertuous and from the Miserable; and whose soul did ad∣mirably correspond with her Fortune, and the Majesty of her Comportment. How many of the Royalist prisoners got she not freed? How many did she not save from Death whom the Laws had condemned? How many persecuted Christians hath she not snatcht out of the hands of the tormenters; quite contrary unto that Herodias who could do any thing with her fa∣ther. She imployed her Prayers even with Tears to spare such men whose ill fortune had designed them to suffer: when as this grand Heroe being transported as it were, and even ravished to see his own Image so lively described in those love∣ly and charming Features of that winning Sex, could refuse her nothing; insomuch, that when his Clemency and Justice did balance the pardon of a poor Criminal, this most charming Advo∣cate knew so skilfully to disarm him, that his Sword falling out of his hands, his arms onely served to lift her up from those knees on which she had cast her self, to wipe off her tears, and to imbrace her. So likewise it is believed, that this illustrious Princess precipitated death, did not a little contribute to his late Highnesses sick∣ning; all whose noble parts were found to be ve∣ry sound and whole, onely his Heart, which sor∣row had seized and dryed up. Nor did he long out-live her, since it was impossible he should survive the love of so generous a dispencer of his Clemency and Generosity.

For brevity, I shall make choice of one of the

Ambassadours of this Commonwealth, to denote the splendor of the glorious Ministers of this generous Prince; he being in such a place where he hath more occasion then any of the rest, to give far ampler marks of the most Heroical Ver∣tue, which acquires more glory to the victorious then the victory it self, and which is the most as∣sured Character of a true Christian, his Excellen∣cy the Lord Lockhart, Ambassador in the Court of France, General of his Highness Forces in Flanders, and Governour of the Town of Dun∣kirk, who is espoused to that most renowned Lady one of his late Highness's Neeces. In both which noble Personages we may behold at once shining forth those two happy and glorious Ta∣lents, which most of all render persons of their Birth and Quality recommendable and famous. His person seems onely to have been sent into France to charm the whole Nation, and to at∣tract and accumulate graces; and did he not ex∣pose himself to so many dangers and hazards in the Wars, men might easily believe that after he had long born Arms in Holland, in France, and ten years space for the late King of Eng∣land, that he onely ranged himself on the victo∣rious sides to save the Kings Party, and to re∣instate them in their Lands and Goods.

Wherefore the Generosity, Courtesie, and Affability of his late Highness did so super∣abound, as that no one person ever departed from his presence unsatisfied; for he received the Petitions of all men, he heard their Grievances, and his charitable memory was so retentive, as

that he never forgot their requests, but made it his chief object to bear them in minde, and most tenderly to provide for them. He esteem∣ed those he had overcome, and took a delight to pardon them, and to make them sharers of his good Fortune; provided that they would give over to make themselves unfortunate, by their obstinacy. He was used to say, that Hearts were as well to be overcome as Fortresses, and that the one were no more to be demolished then the other, because they had belonged to other Masters; insomuch, that he esteemed it a great Conquest to have gained a gallant Man to his party. And as for those who have been put to death in his time, they may be said to have been their own Judges, and their own exe∣cutioners. And however Politicians hold, that in the changing of a Government, all things ought likewise to be changed if possible, even the very Religion it self, (were men prophane enough to meddle therewith) and that Cruelty ought wholly to banish Clemency, yet all men know, that as to the point of Religion, he did leave things as he found them; and that he saved more lives by thousands, then obstinacy and de∣spair did cause to perish. Nay, he did even wish when he came to have a more absolute power towards the latter end of his dayes, that those which had been put to death were yet alive; pro∣testing solemnly, that if he could not change their hearts he would have changed their Dooms, and convert their deaths into a banish∣ment; which is easily to be believed, by the

goodness which he hath exercised towards the children of such as were put to death, even those who were his most implacable enemies; lea∣ving them in possession both of their Goods and Titles; and whose losses he hath recompen∣sed by such civillities as doth evidence, he learn∣ed not his Politicks in Machiavils School; * 1.8 who teacheth, that the children and all the Generati∣on were to be exterminated together with their Fathers: so that many men wished that his Highnesses power had been as absolute ten years since as it was some years before his death.

So likewise those Alliances which he made, and those Wars which he undertook, had all of them motives of Generosity, and were founded on Equity and Reason; if so be we consider the very first whereinto he onely stept by the degree of a Captain, and which may be termed a ne∣cessary evil and an inevitable one, begotten by the remissness of the Political Body, and by the corruption of the Clergy; I do finde that two high injustices were the primitive causes thereof, the first was the usurpations of the Saxons, Danes, and Normanns; the second was the peace∣ful humor and dispositions of King James, and the idleness and sloathfulness of the Nobility, who constrained their younger brethren to serve them, or to learn Trades, by taking away from them the means to subsist by the way of Arms; which is a priviledge more then legitimate, due by the elder brother to the younger, and by Princes to such Martial Spirits as live in their Dominions; if the Saxons and other Usurpers or

Conquerors of England did by force of Arms become Masters of the Countrey, and did cast out the right Possessours thereof, and by success of time falling from a Forreign Injustice into a Domestick Injustice, they reduced their younger Brothers to Mecannick professions.

At present they demand that they may be permitted to expose their bloods and their lives for the preservation of their Brethrens: That the exercise of Arms may be abolished in so Populous and Warlike a State: that the banish∣ed glory which formerly with so much Pomp reigned in England may be restored again.

And as for the War which his late Highness declared against Spain, that is so generous, that a man may averre, that glory was the onely mo∣tive thereof; and that thereby he espoused the Interest of all the people which were oppressed, and of all the Princes which the Ambition of Spain had despoyled of their States and Territo∣ries. And the two most unfortunate people of the earth were the first objects of his Generosi∣ty, and those which were the most of all aban∣doned, were the first that felt the effects of that Arm which stretched it self forth to their as∣sistance; * 1.9 To wit, the poor Indians, those wretch∣ed slaves, who behold no other faces save those of their tormentors; and who were made to be∣lieve that perishing in the Mines of Peru, they thereby did raise to themselves Thrones of Glo∣ry in Heaven, since thereby they furnished Spain wherewithal to adorne and inrich Altars throughout the whole world. In these torrid

Climates the gallant English went to revenge the death of several Merchants, and many brave Sea-men of all Nations, which the Spaniards did surprize in those Seas; and who they did decoy and attract by specious promises, that they would not mischief them: Notwithstand∣standing the Law of Nations, and the Faith which they had plighted, they seized their ships; and having tyed the men alive to trees, placed this Superscription on their Breasts, Who sent for you into this Countrey? And let them there starve to death, whilest the Birds of the Air did feed upon their flesh as they were yet alive.

And also Flanders, the Sea whereof like unto a sharp humour, did alwayes nourish the wounds and incurable evils, she never was in so fair a way to recover her perfect health by the neigh∣bourly refreshments which England at present doth profer unto her, and the fresh Air which France would also have her enjoy. Nor was the French letting her blood sufficient to cure her, for she needed an English Physician who was ac∣customed to cure and treat incurable bodies; so that in case this unfortunate fair one will in the least conform her self to those Remedies which are profered unto her, and the which will be no violenter then she her self pleaseth; she may be rendred plump and well liking, as the fresh Air and Blossoms of France can make her, and as the Sweets and Delicacies of England can procure unto her.

In like manner, it was a high point of Gene∣rosity

in the English, since they caused France to lose Graveling and Dunkirk, to help France a∣gain to re-take such places in those parts as might repay them with use, and elsewhere also, such as might stand them in as great stead; as Montmedy, which was the first considerable re∣duced place after this happy Alliance, and the which crowned the same.

And truly here we may consider the Genero∣sity of his late Highness, in its most perfect dye or luster; for without having regard to those Advantages which Spain might render him as to the Commerce, the places of Hostage which she profered to put into his hands for secure Re∣treats, as Graveling, Dunkirk, and others; he was swayed by those Resentments which the English Nation ought to have harboured for the several and innumerable injuries and wrongs sustained by that Nation; as the Spanish intend∣ed Invasion with their great Fleet in 88. Their Tyranny in the Indies, and the Cruelties and Barbarismes which they inflict upon all those who will not acquiess unto, and follow their Maximes and Opinions. His late Highness there∣fore preferred the Alliance and League with France because it was more Christian-like, per∣mitting all men to make use of that Liberty of Conscience and Freedom, which Jesus Christ hath acquired unto them by his Blood; and gaining them by meekness and courteousness to his Divine example, and not by Cruelties and Oppressions.

His late Highness sided with France the ra∣ther, because she hath undertaken the Defence of all oppressed people, as well Princes as Sub∣jects. And to alledge all in one word, and so to compleat the height of Generosity it self; be∣cause France at that time was the weakest, as being abandoned by some of her ancient Allies, and as it were quite disordered by an intestine War, which had most violently shaken her bow∣els; so likewise must France needs confess, that without the assistance of England, her Naviga∣tion was totally ruined; the Pyrats of Dunkirk having blocked up all her Sea Ports, in so much, that Merchandizes were brought in as it were by stealth; and France might have been forced to have kept but a lean Lent, all their Farms and Farmers being destroyed; their Butter, Cheese, and all kinde of Spices and other Wares of that nature, being set at such rates as the Common people were not able to pay for them: So that had not the English scoured their Seas, and driven away and chased those Pyrats which lay lurking in such neighbouring Ports, France had been in a sad condition; whereas now by the means of the English, all Forreign Nations come freely into the French Ports with their Ships and Goods. And for to increase the cour∣tesie of the English yet more to France, by sa∣ving the French the labour, charges, and haz∣zards of going to the Indies, they thence bring home unto their doors, in Exchange of their Linnen and Wines, all the good things and deli∣cacies,

which not onely the New World, but the rest of the World plentifully and abundant∣ly affords.

I shall enlarge my self no further in these Political Reflections, but referre the Reader to the incomparable Work lately Printed, intitu∣led, History and Policy reviewed.

FINIS.

Notes

• * 1.1

  See Histo∣ry and Policy re¦viewed.
• * 1.2

  An exam∣ple of gra∣titude and generosity in the Lord Tho. Crom∣well.
• * 1.3

  The Lord Tho. Crom∣wels Seed, Destiny, and end.
• * 1.4

  How the Name of Williams came to be changed into that of Cromwell.
• * 1.5

  His late Highness descent.
• * 1.6

  An ex∣ample of his late Highness gratitude.
• * 1.7

  See Histo∣ry and Po∣lice re∣viewed.
• * 1.8

  See Histo∣ry and Policy re¦viewed.
• * 1.9

  Which you may see in two Books, viz. Teats of the In∣dies, and the other, America Painted to the life.