Memoires of the lives, actions, sufferings & deaths of those noble, reverend and excellent personages that suffered by death, sequestration, decimation, or otherwise, for the Protestant religion and the great principle thereof, allegiance to their soveraigne, in our late intestine wars, from the year 1637 to the year 1660, and from thence continued to 1666 with the life and martyrdom of King Charles I / by Da. Lloyd ...

THE Life and Death OF The Right Honourable, ROBERT Earl of LINDSEY.

I Find in the Observations upon the States-men and Fa∣vorites of England, this honorable person thus con∣secrated to Immortality.

He and his whole Family (I know not whether more pious, or more valiant; whether more renowned abroad as Con∣fessors for their Religion, or at home as Champions for their Country) have been in this last Age an Ornament or Defence to the Crown, equally reverenced by the Subjects of it, and honored by the Soveraigns.

This honorable Lords Ancestors were Richard ••ir••ue, and Kathe∣rine Ducthess of Suffolk, so eminently known for their patience and constancy in suffering for Religion in Q. Maries days in the Palatinate: His Father was Peregrine Bertu•• in his Mothers right Lord Willough∣••y of Fres••y, so famous for his valour, success, and conduct in acting for Religion in Queen Elizabeths time, when Commander in Chief, 1. Of the second Army of five, that the Queen sent to aid the French King. 2. Of the third, fourth and fifth Brigade, she bestow∣ed on the assistance of the Dutch; and of the Garrison she intrust∣ed with the keeping of Berwick, and the Borders. The stout Soul∣dier, that brooking not the assiduity and obs••quiousness of the Court, was wont to say, That he was none of the Reptilia, which could creep on the ground; and that a Court became a Souldier of good skill, and a great spirit, as a Bed of Doun would one of the Tower ••yons. That undaunted man, who when an insulting challenge surprized him, a Bed of the Gout, returned this answer, That although he was lame of his Hands and Feet, yet he would meet him with a piece of a Rapier in his Teeth: That Hero, who taking a choice Gennet mana∣ged for the war, and intended a Present to the King of Spain, and being importuned by the Spanish General to return it, with an overture of his own choice, whether a 1000l. down, or 100l. a year during his life for it? made this magnanimous answer, That if it had been a Commander, he would have freely sent it back; but being an Horse, he loved him as well as the King of Spain, and would keep him.

That useful man, to whom the Queen her self writ this Letter with her own hand.

Good Peregrine,

VVE are not a little glad that by your Journey, you have received such good fruit of amendment; especially, when we consider how great a vexation it is to a mind devoted to Actions and Honor, to be restrained by any indisposition of body, from following those courses which to your own reputation, and our great satisfaction, you have formerly performed.

And therefore, as we must now (out of our desire of your well∣doing) chiefly injoyn you to an especial care, to increase and continue your health, which must give life to all your best endea∣vors; so we must next as seriously recommend to you this consi∣deration, That in these times, when there is such appearance, that we shall have the trial of our best and noble Subjects, you seem not to affect the satisfaction of your own private Contentation, beyond the attending on that which nature and duty challengeth from all persons of your quality and profession. For if necessa∣rily (your health of body being recovered) you should Elloigne your self by residence there from those imployments, whereof we shall have too good store; you shall not so much amend the state of your body, as happily you shall call in question the repu∣tation of your mind and judgment; even in the opinion of those that love you, and are best acquainted with your disposition and discretion.

Interpret this our plainness, we pray you, to our extraordina∣ry Estimation of you; for it is not common with us to deal so freely with many; and believe that you shall ever finde us both ready and willing in all occasions to yeild you the fruits of that interest, which your indeavors have purchased for you in our opi∣nion and estimation; not doubting, but when you have with mo∣deration made trial of the success of these your sundry Peregri∣nations, you will finde as great comfort to spend your days at home, as heretofore you have done. Of which we do wish you full measure, howsoever you shall have cause of abode or re∣turn.

Given under our Signet, at our Manor of Nonsuch the 7. of October 1594. in the 37th year of our Reign.

Your most loving Soveraign, E. R.

Heir our Noble-man was to his Fathers spirit, as well as honor, being none of those degenerate Noble-men, that are like their Fa∣thers Tombs, rather than their Off-spring, carved over outward∣ly with honorable Titles, and empty within of any thing but dirt and corruption; but the happiest of all the four Actors on the Stage of Honor, viz. the Beginners, the Advancers, the Continue••••, and the Ruinors; raising his House, illustrious already, to an higher

sphere among the Stars of the first magnitude, and keeping the no∣ble stream of his bloud as far from its fall, as he found it from its fountain.

He was born December 16. 1572. at London, the great Father, like Paulus Aemilius, being amazed with three glad tidings at a time; the Taking of Bellesont by his Regiment, the Routing of the Duke of Guise his Guards by his Brigades, and the Birth of his sprightly Son by his Wife.

Queen Elizabeth would needs be God-mother to the Young Gene∣ral, as she called him, and the Earls of Essex, and Leicester God-fa∣thers, Christening him Robert, (a name she observed happy in Souldiers and States-men, asa 2.1 Henry was in Kings; Iohn in Di∣vines, Edward in Lawyers, Elizabeth in Queens, William in Physici∣ans, Edward and Francis in Scholars and Politicians) andb 2.2 injoyn∣ing a tryal of his temper, as Pharaoh did that of Moses, before dis∣cretion might be dissembled, when he discovered more inclination to the Armor than to the Gown, being manly in his very Gugaws and Rattles; and almost with Scanderbeg, calling the very first word he spake for a Sword; and being once by Sir W. Raleigh offered the same choice that Achilles was by Vlysses, that is, the softer Fair∣ings of Pictures, little Books, &c. and those more severe, of little Swords, Pistols, he betrayed an Earls manhood by his choice of the latter, laying hold the first thing when Gentlemen came to the House, upon their Sword and Dagger.

But since (as he would say) he was followed by a Set of Masters that disposed of all his hours at home,* 2.3 and an excellent Tutor that managed his time in the University; and since the humor of the three Soveraigns he lived under (and the temper of the Prince is a great rule for the accomplishments of the Nobility) was know∣ing and learned, Queen Elizabeth for soft and smooth Poetry, Ora∣tory, and History; King Iames for Various, Judicious, and indeed general Skill; and King Charles for all Useful, Weighty, and Ac∣curate Knowledge, he was forced to look into his Books. He chose the more manly part of Learning, as History, to furnish his experience with the wisdom of age, without its wrinkles or infir∣mities; Mathematicks, to regulate his conduct; Heraldry, to un∣derstand his own and others interests; and Geography, to guide his Marches, Assaults, Battalias, &c. Physick, to understand his own body; Law, to keep his Neighbors quiet; Religion, to accommo∣date his Meditations; Divinity, said Richlieu, is the only stay of re∣tired thoughts, and more pleasant and various studies for discourse; blessing God usually for these benefits of his Education, viz. 1. That he understood the worth of his nature.* 2.4 2. That he was taught the design of the world, and time of Gods continuing and governing both. 3. That he had considered the best and the worst examples, with the successes of both. 4. That he had learned the consequence, both of a peaceable and a disturbed con∣science. 5. That he had looked beyond the frailty of life, and fixed to solid rules, made up of integrity and honor. 6. That he had been inured to govern his desires within the limits of his capa∣city

and modesty, and so to be Master of an equal, and an even spirit. 7. That he had attained an habit of Jealousie (which put him upon the examination of the end, bottom, ground, and cir∣cumstamces of all affairs that came before him) that is, indeed of prudence. 8. That he had freed himself from the observances, opinions, and customs, that prevailed with mankind, in order to the more vigorous prosecution of the noble design, and scope, which, 10. he had proposed to himself. 11. That he resolved to dispose of time past, to reflection and observation; time present, to duty; and time to come, to providence. 12. That he could rest in no pleasure or injoyment that was superficial. 13. That ac∣cording to the Arabick Proverb in Drusius, he could be so wise as to give every thing its due estimation.

Much of his accomplishments he owed to his Fathers well-dis∣ciplined House, more to the strict University, more than that, to a sober and manly Court; more yet, to his four years Travels; and most of all, to his undertakings in the Low Countries; wherea 2.5 his entertainments were free and noble, his carriage towards Officers and Souldiers obliging, especially those of his own Country; his Engagements in every Action and Council remarkable, his Designs on the Enemy restless, and his Assaults forward, being with the first generally at a Breach or Pass; thrice Unhorsed, but never daunted beforeb 2.6 Newport. His courage growing from his dan∣gers, seldom using a Bed abroad, and having little use of it (as sleeping but four hours a night usually) at home; hardening thereby his body, and knitting his soul.

The first Expedition wherein he appeared, was in the Company of the Earls of Essex and Nottingham to Cales, where his great spirit was so impatient of delay, that when it was Voted they should set upon the Town and Ships, he and the Earl of Essex threw up their Caps, and were so forward, that he was Knighted in the Market∣place; where he said, An old Woman with a Stone knocked down the Esquire, and the General commanded him to rise a Knight.

His next adventure was with Sir Thomas Vere to Brill, where he bestowed his time in observing the exact way of modern and regular Fortification.

His third Expedition was (with Gilbert Talbot Earl of Shrewsbu∣ry, then Ambassador) to make observation upon the Renowned French King, H. 4. and his Court (the safest and most useful travel∣ling, is in an Ambassadors Company, and the best places to travel in is Holland, to see all the world, and France to see any part of it.) Whence he stepped to see the siege of Amiens so honorably mana∣ged by Sir Iohn Baskervile, and Sir Arthur Savage.

His fourth sally was (after a Voyage with the Earl of Cumberland, to take the Spanish C••rickes at Porto Rico) with the Northern Am∣bassadors, the Lord Zouch and Dr. Perkins, to view the strength, Interest, and Alliance of the Danes, Swedes, Muscovians, &c. and upon his return, a short journey after the Earl of Essex, to see the obstructions to, and the benefits of the Conquest of Ire∣land.

And the last Voyage under Queen Elizabeth, was with his Coun∣try-men Sir Richard Leveson, and Sir William Mounson, to take the great Caricke worth 1000000 Crowns, in the very ••ight of the Spa∣nish ••leet, and under their Castle, to the great loss of the Spaniard, but the infinite advantage of the English, who were looked upon now as a people to be feared, not to be invaded; thus diverting the power of Spain, that ever and anon threatned us, to defend its self.

Upon King Iames his arrival, he took a private journey to view the Interests, Rarities, Politicks, Magnificences, and the Designs of Italy, to prepare himself with the more advantage to wait on the Earl of Nottingham, in the splendid Ambassie to the slow and re∣served Court of Spain, whence after a view of the famous siege of Ost••nd•• he returned to be one of the Knights of the Bath at the In∣stallation of Charles Duke of York, afterwards King of England.

And so during the peaceable Reign of King Iames, the accom∣plished Lord setled in Lincoln-shire, attended as was occasion, 1. The Parliament with very useful suggestions in the three points he spake most to, viz. Plantations, Trade, the Draining of the Fens•• with other Improvements of our Country and Commodities. 2. The Court upon Solemn times with a grave and exemplary aspect and presence. 3. The Courts of Justice, reckoning the meanest service of Justice (not too low for his Lordship, which was high enough for a King) in his Country with tried Arts of Government, severe proceedings against Idleness and dissolute∣ness; several ways to employ and enrich his Neighbors, and whol∣som orders for the execution of Laws. And 4. appearing at home, sometime at half-light, sometimes like himself, as Affairs required; improving his Estate as formerly, by saving expences, and gaining experience in travel. So now by Rich Matches, equal∣ly advancing his Revenue and Honor. 2. By thrifty manage∣ment. 3. Noble Traffick, he having learned at Florence and Ve∣nice, that Merchandise is consistent with Nobility, and that the Stamel dy is no stain to the Scarlet Robe: and a due improvement of his Estate, with due incouragement to his Tenants, whose thri∣ving was his security as well as honor, and tender regard of his Neighbors; disdaining as much to offer an injury to those beneath him, as he did to receive one from those above him.

Such his tenderness of the poor that thronged about his doors, as if his house had been then, what it was formerly, an Hospital, the Neighbor Gentry complaining of him merrily, as Queen Elizabeth did of F. Russel, the second Earl of Bedford, That he made all the beggars: Such the exactness of his pay and word to all he dealt with, On mine Honor, was the best assurance from him in the world. Such the good Government and civility of his Family, a Colledge rather than a Palace, where the Neighborhood were bred, rather than hired; and taught to command themselves, by serving him.

So great his care against Inclosures: Whereas no grass groweth where the Grand Seigniors horse sets his foot, so nothing but grass grows, where some, rather great than good men set their evil, but

powerful eyes: His House-keeping so noble, having his fish (espe∣cially Pikes, of which he would say (it being the Water-Tyrant that destroyed more fish than it was worth) that it was the costliest dish at his Table, a dish of more State than Profit) hisa 2.7 Fowl, his Beef, Mutton, Venison, and Corn of his own.

So happy his way of ending Controversies among his Neigh∣bors, and consequently so many ways did he serve, support, and sweeten the Government, that he was created Earl ofb 2.8 Lindsey 1626. and after the ill success of the Lord Wimbledon, and the Earl of Essex, and the Duke of Buckingham, as a man reserved for haz∣zards and extremities, he (when all men stood amazed, expecting upon what great Person the Dukes Command at Sea should be conferred) was pitched upon, as Commander in Chief of the Fleet: (making up in Gallantry, Courage and Experience, what he wanted in Presence; his contracted worth was the more vigorous, little Load-stones do in proportion draw a greater quantity of Steel, than those that be far greater, because their Poles are nearer to∣gether, and their virtue more united) towards which place Sept. 8. 1628. from Portsmouth, arriving at the Bar of the Haven, with rea∣sonable speed of Wind and Weather, which though fortified by Cardinal Richlieu's monstrous Boomes, Chains, and Barracado's, exceeding all Narration and History, he bravely attempted pas∣sing the Out-works and Bulwarks, to the very mouth of the Ha∣ven, untill a cross-winde returned them foul one upon another, from which great dangers and greater service, he brought off the Fleet with a retreat as honorable as Conquest, that the effect of Conduct and Prudence, and this of Fortune.

1630. He was admitted of the most Noble Order of the Garter, and one of his Majesties most Honorable Privy-Council, and in right of his Ancient Family, Lord High Chamberlain of Eng∣land.

1631. Upon the Trial of a Combate between Donald Rey, and David Ramsey, he was constituted Lord High-Constable of England for the day.

1635. He is Commander in Chief of forty sail, assisted by the Vice Admiral, the Earl of Essex, to secure the Kingdoms Interest, Trade, and Honor in the narrow Seas, against all Pyrates and Pre∣tenders that either Invaded our Rights by thec 2.9 Pen, or might in∣croach upon them with the Sword.

And in the years 1637, 1638, 1639, 1640, 1641. when he had looked through the whole Plot of the Conspirators on the one hand, and comprehended the gracious Overtures and design of his Majesty on the other; when the Expedients he offered were neg∣lected, the warnings he gave of the consequence of such proceed∣ings slighted, the earnest Arguments he urged publickly and pri∣vately were not regarded, and all the Interest and Obligation he had in the Conspirators forgotten; withdrew after his Majesty, that he might not seem to countenance those courses by his presence, which he could not hinder, being not able to stop the Current of the ••umults, he was resolved not to seem to approve it: but fol∣lowed

his Royal Master to York to injoy the freedom of his Consci∣ence; where we finde him among other Noble Persons attesting under their hands his Majesties averseness to War, as long as there was any hope of Peace; and when neither He, nor any of his Loyal Subjects, when neither Law nor Religion, neither Church nor State could be secured from the highest violations and prophana∣tions men could offer, or Christians endure without a War, and the King not having his Sword in vain, but drawing it for a terror to evil doers, and an encouragement to them that did well: He, and his Son the Lord Willoughby of Eresby, afterwards Earl of Lindsey, first joyned with the rest of the Nobility in a Protestation of their resolution, according to their Duty and Allegiance, to stand by his Majesty in the maintenance of the Established Laws and Reli∣gion with their Lives and Fortunes, and accordingly raised the Countreys of Lincoln, Nottingham, &c. as his retainers in love and observance, to whom the holding up of his hand was the dis∣playing of a Banner, as other Honorable and Loyal Persons did o∣ther parts of England, untill his Majesty with an incredible dili∣gence and prudence up and down the Kingdom, discovered to the deluded people his own worth; deserving not only their reve∣rence, but also their Lives and Fortunes; incouraging the good with his discourses, exciting the fearful by his example, conceal∣ing the Imper••ections of his Friends, but always praysing their virtues, and prevailing upon all, not too guilty or too much de∣bauched, so far as to raise an Army that amazed his Enemies (who had represented him such a Prodigy of Folly and Vice, that they could not imagine any person of Prudence or Conscience would appear in his service, expecting every day when deserted by all as a Monster, he should in Chains deliver himself up to the Com∣mands of the Parliament) and surprized even his Friends, who despaired that ever he should be able to defend their Estates, Lives, or Liberties by a War, who to make his people happy (if they had not despised their own mercies) had (by passing Acts against his own Power to Impress Souldiers, his right in Tonnage and Poundage, the Stannary Courts, Clerk of the Market, the Presidial Court in the North, and Marches of Wales) deprived him∣self of means to manage, viz. of a Revenue, without which no Discipline in an Army, as without Discipline no Victory by it; and who esteemed it an equal misery to expose his people to a War, and himself to ruine.

Yet an Army, by the large Contributions and extraordinary endeavors of this Noble Lord, and other Honorable persons, to be be mentioned in due time, which being under several, who could abide no Equal, as none of them could endure a Superior; having no Chief, or indeed being all Chiefs, the Swarm wanted a Master-〈◊〉〈◊〉, a Supream Commander, who should awe them all into obedi∣ence. It was observed by Livy, that in the great Battel (the Cri∣••••cal day of the worlds Empire) betwixt Hannibal and Scipio, that the Shouts of Hannibals Army was weak, the voices disagreeing, as consisting of divers I ang••ages; and the shouting of the Romans far more terrible, as being all as one voice.

When they, who agreed in few other particulars, conspired in this, that the Earl of Lindsey pitched upon as Lord General of the Army by his Majesty, was an expedient worthy the choice, and prudence of a Prince, to command and train a fresh Army, to cre∣dit and satisfie a suspecting people, when they saw the Kings Cause managed by persons of such Integrity, Popularity, and Ho∣nor, as they could trust their own with.

In which Command, his first service was the drawing up of Ar∣ticles for Discipline to be observed by the Army, wherein he took care,

1. Of Piety, as the true ground of Prowess.

2. Of Chasti••y, remembring how Zisca intangled his enem is by commanding so many thousand Women, to cast their Ke••cheifs and Partlets on the ground, wherein the other Army were caught by the Spurs, and ens••ared: Little hopes that they will play the Men, who are overcome by Women.

3. Civility, that he might win the Country, in order to the re∣ducing of the Faction; it being sad to raise more enemies by boi∣sterousness in their Marches and Quarters, than they engaged by their Valour in the Field, so increasing daily the many•• headed Hydra.

4. Sobriety, without which, he said, the Engagement would prove a Revel, and not a War; and besides the scandal, render the best Army unfit, either for Council or Action, and uncapable of meeting with a sober enemies active designs, much less of carrying on any of their own; so loosing the great advantages of war, as G. Adolphus called them, Surprizes.

Next the Discipline of the Army, he took care of their num∣bers (a great Army being not easily manageable, and the Com∣mands of the General cool and loose some virtue, in passing so long a journey through so many,) and next, that of their suitable∣ness and agreeableness one with another; and after that, of their order, that they might help one another as an Army, rather than hinder one another as a Croud; and then their Provision and Pay, that they might not range for Necessaries, when they should fight for Victory. Thirty thousand men, as brave Gonzaga said, thus disci∣plined, and thus accommodated, are the best Army, as being as good as a Feast, and far better than a Surfeit.

In the Head of this Army a foot, with a Pike in his Hand (having trained up his Souldiers by Skirmishes, before he brought them to Battle) he appeared at Edge-hill, Octob. 23. 1642. too prodigal of his Person, which was not only to fill one Place, but to inspire and guide the whole Army. But that it is a Maxime of the Duke of Roan, That never great person performed great undertaking, but by making war in person; nor failed, but by doing it by his Lieutenants: Here rather oppressed with number, than conquered by prowess, opposing his single Regiment to a whole Brigade, and his Person to a whole Company, after eighteen wounds, passages enough to let out any soul out of a body above sixty, but that great one of the Earl of Lindsey, he was forced to yield himself, first to the nume∣rous

Enemies about him, and next day, being hardly used, to the Enemy, Death; his Side winning the day, and loosing the Sun that made it.

Vpon Edgehill the Noble Lindsey did, Whilst Victory lay bleeding by his side.

At Edgehill that was true of him and his Country-men, the Loyal Gentry of Lincoln-shire, that was observed of Cataline and his followers. That they covered the same place with their Corps when dead; where they stood in the Fight, whilst living.

This was the Noble Lord, that pursued twelve French Vessels, in his own single one, to their Haven, heated at once with anger and shame. He of whom it is said, that when the Duke of Bucking∣ham returning from the Isle of ••hee, was told by his Majesty, That the neglect of his Releif, must lodge on his friend, and confident Hol∣land. He acknowledged, That indeed he had very affectionately in∣trusted him in ordinary affairs, but never had him in such an esteem, as to second him in armes, that place being more proper for my Lord of Lindsey; whose judgement of that expedition was, that it was Friend∣ship in Earnest, and War in Iest.

He, who when all men were amazed at the Dukes fall, was as∣signed his successor: And certainly, saith one there present, he was a man of no likely Presence, but of considerable experience by his former Expeditions; and one that to the last of his life made good his Faith with gallantry and courage, notwithstanding his ill success (the times fate rather than his.

Heros (O Stratiarcha) tuo qui funere vitam, Expiraturi renovas nefunere regni (Vt cum sanguinco sol declinavere axe; Clarior ego ful••or succedit olympo, Inter mavortis densut a tonitrua, quanti Cordis erat; majore ferens quam mente ferini Par Decio sacrum occumbens generale, Cadendi Certus, at occasu recidivi certior ortus: Confirmans Actis Pompeii Dicta Britannis. Nunc opus est ut stem, non est opus ipse superstem Solus erat clypeus virtus; Haec Aegide major, Enecuit totas etiam sine Gorgone turmas; Busta Polymniadis nostri sed Palma Coronat Dumque jacet victus victrici morte triumphat: Sic ubi succumbunt arces, saevitur in omnes Subjectos ubicuuque lares, spargantque ruinam. Exemplo tamen usque viget; Dux ante secundi Iam belli Genius, devoto in milite pugnax: Quippe animant manes sociorum Corda; viroque Mens uno vixit, vivit, nunc umbra viri itim.

Notes

• a 2.1

  D•••• H••y∣lin ob••••rveth that H•••••••• been a ••••al Letter 〈◊〉〈◊〉 England.
• b 2.2

  H•••• incli∣n••tion.
• * 2.3

  His Education.
• * 2.4

  Thirteen ben••∣fits of a good Education.
• a 2.5

  His ••••r∣riage 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉.
• b 2.6

  At that battel whereof 1500. English under Sir. Hor. and Sir F. Vere, eve∣ry man was hurt.
• a 2.7

  Lincoln••shire being the A••••••y of England.
• b 2.8

  The third part of Lin∣coln-shire.
• c 2.9

  At the Dutch did by Grotius his Ma••e Libe∣rum.