The history of the worthies of England who for parts and learning have been eminent in the several counties : together with an historical narrative of the native commodities and rarities in each county / endeavoured by Thomas Fuller.

Proverbs.

Cheshire Chief of Men.]

Say not that this Proverb carries a challenge in it, and our * 1.1 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Kent will under∣take these Chief of Men, for ingrossing Manhood to themselves. And some will opposeto this narrow County-Proverb, an English one of greater latitude, viz. No man so good, but another may be as good as he. For, rather then any difference sh•…•…ll arise, by wise and peaceable men, many Chief's will be allowed.

Indeed the Cestrians have always demeaned themselves right valiantly in their un∣dertakings. This was well known to K. Richard the second, who in dangerous times sent for * 1.2 two thousand Cheshire men, all Archers, to attend him. Which number, in time of a suspicious Parliament was * 1.3 doubled by him, all having Bouch of Court, (bread and beer) and six pence a day, large wages in that age.

Pity it was that the valour of these Cheshire men, was once wasted against themselves, in a terrible battle betwixt King Henry the fourth, and Henry Percy surnamed Hotspurr, not ill described by our Author,

There * 1.4 Dutton, Dutton kills▪ a Done doth kill a Done; A Booth, a Booth; and Leigh by Leigh is overthrown; A Venables, against a Venables doth stand; And Troutbeck fighteth with a Troutbeck hand to hand; There Molineux doth make a Molineux to die; And Egerton, the strength of Egerton doth try; O Cheshire wert thou mad, of thine own native gore, So much untill this day thou never shedst befor•…•…!

Nor doth this abate our former commendation of their loyalty, the cause they maintained, being so intricate and perplexed; one side fighting for Mortimer, who should be King by right; the other for Henry the four•…•…h, who actually was so; and politick men, who know the one were loyall, will be loth to say, that the other were Traitors.

Let no Ill-natured wit, urge in opposition to the Manhood of Cheshire men, their late miscarriage under a Worthy Knight, whom I forbear to name, partly, because he name∣eth himself, (though I say nothing of him,) partly, because before my pains pass the Press, he will probably be honorably Additioned. For had other Counties seasona∣bly contributed their promised Assistance, what now proved an abortive birth would

have been a Vital Infant. Besides, better things were provided for our Gracious Sove∣raign, that he the Copy, as God the Original might not come in the tempestuous Wind of War, Fire of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or Earthquake of open Enmity, but in the still * 1.5 voice of a Peacea∣ble Composition. And to shew that this should not be Mans work, God suffered both the Men of Kent, and Cheshire Chi•…•…f of Men to fail in their Loyal Endeavours, that it might onely be GODS WORK, and justly marvailous in our Eyes.

Better Wed over the Mixon then over the Moor.

Over the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, that is hard by or at home, Mixon being that heap of Compost which lyeth in the yards of good husbands.

Then over the Moor, that is fun off or from London. The road from Chester leading to London, over some part of the Moor-lands in Staffondshire. The meaning is, the Gen∣•…•…ry in Cheshire find it more profitable to match within their County, then to bring a Bride out of other 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

• 1. Because better acquainted with her birth and breeding.
• 2. Because (though her Portion perchance may be less) the expence will be less to maintain her.

Such 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 County have been observed, both a prolonger of worship∣full families, and the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 them, seeing what * 1.6 Mr. Camden re∣ported of the Citizens of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, is verified of the Cheshire Gentry, they are all or an Alli∣ance.

Notes

• * 1.1

  See our Pro verbs in Kent.
• * 1.2

  Holinshead Chron. pag. 489.
• * 1.3

  Stows Survey of London pag. 522.
• * 1.4

  Draytons Po▪ lyalbion, Song 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.5

  •…•… Kings 19. 12.
• * 1.6

  In his Brit. in Ireland.