The English historical library, or, A short view and character of most of the writers now extant, either in print or manuscript which may be serviceable to the undertakers of a general history of this kingdom / by William Nicholson ...

CHAP. VI. (Book 6)

Of the Writers of Particular Lives of our Kings since the Conquest. (Book 6)

THE Historians that have been al∣ready mention'd, in the fore∣going Chapter, have usually treated most Copiously of the Reigns of those Princes that rul'd in their own Times; and are to be most especially consulted in such Transactions as may be sup∣pos'd to have happen'd within the Com∣pass of their own View and Observation. Others have confin'd their Pens to the History of this or the other particular Monarch; and from them (if not ma∣nifestly under some Prejudices and Temptations either to Invective or Panegyrick) we may expect the best and most comprehensive Account, as far as their Subject carries them. Of these I shall give the Reader as full a List as I can; following the Succes∣sion

down to the Union of the two Kingdoms.

William the First's Conquest (ora 1.1 Acquest)* 1.2 of this Kingdom was a Revo∣lution that appear'd so Great and Glo∣rious, that 'tis a Wonder how we come to have so few Writers of his Story, whose Labours have continu'd to this day: For, 'tis plain, our English-men have been as backward in paying this Complement to this Memory, as they were in acknowledging his Title. Among those that have done it, William of Poi∣ctiers (Pictaviensis) is the largest; and, tho' a Foreigner, and under some seem∣ing Obligations to the King's Interests, has so fairly acquitted himself, as to find good Credit with the most of our Hi∣storians. Archbishop Lanfrancb 1.3 is said to have written his Life also; and he is observ'd to have been so well af∣fected towards the English Nation (tho' a Lombard himself) and to have car∣ry'd so even betwixt their New Go∣vernour and them, that 'tis very pro∣bable he would likewise approve him∣self an unbyass'd Author. There's a

short Anonymous History of this Reign publish'd by Silas Taylor, in the end of hisc 1.4 Treatise of Gavel-kind. He guesses the Author was a Monk of Battle-Abbey: But I see no cogent Reason, in the Tract it self, to press such a Perswasion. 'Tis plain the Writer liv'd in the days of Henry the First, and so might be suffi∣ciently inform'd of the Truth of all he relates. There was some time in the Library of Sir Kenelm Digby, a Manu∣script History of the Life and Death of the Conqueror, said to have been writ∣ten by Sir Walter Raleigh; but my d 1.5 Informer reckons it amongst some other Pieces, which he thinks unduly fa∣ther'd upon that great Man. But, above all, Sir William Temple has lately given us the most excellent and Judicious Ac∣count of thise 1.6 King's Reign and Po∣licy; the old Laws he preserv'd, and the new ones he enacted; his good Con∣duct and Success in his many Wars, both in England and France; several Instances of his Clemency and Wisdom, &c. Upon all which he makes such Reflections as become a Statesman, and a Person so

conversant in the Management of pub∣lick Affairs, as that Author is known to have been.

William the Second was more Unfor∣tunate (both in his Life and Death)* 1.7 than his Father; and has also been so Un∣happy, as to have none to attempt the preserving his Memory, in any special History, that I have yet heard of.

Henry the First (tho' he reign'd much longer than his Brother,* 1.8 and Founded several Religious Houses in this Realm) met with the like Treatment: Unless we reckon Walter de Mopez's Book De N••gis Curi••llu••, to be something of that ••ind; seeing a great many witty things, relating to the History of this King, are quote•• out of it byf 1.9 Mr. Camden. That Author was Arch-deacon of Ox∣ford, and a Merry Good Fellow, in the Reign of Henry the Second.

King Stephen's Memoirs were colle∣cted by Richard,* 1.10 Prior of Hexbam; whose Book is like to be preserv'd as long as the most durable of our English Records, having had the Honour to make a part of the noble Edition of ourg 1.11 Decem

Scriptores. Mr. Seldenh 1.12 quotes ano∣ther Anonymous Writer of his Life, who seems to be a voluminous Author.

Henry the Second's long Contests,* 1.13 with the haughty Archbishop Becket, gave occasion to vast Numbers of Wri∣ters to engage on both sides: So that we have several Pictures drawn of this King, who is represented sometimes as a God, and elsewhere as a Devil, ac∣cording as the Author favour'd the Court of England or Rome. Gilbert Fo∣lioth i 1.14, Bishop of London (who died before the end of this Reign, A. D. 1187.) was the earliest Stickler for the King against the Archbishop, and wrote smart∣ly in Defence of the Prerogative Royal, and against the Papal and Prelatical Usurpations of those Times. Will. Ste∣phens (or Fitz-Stephens, the London An∣tiquary) isk 1.15 said to be another Wri∣ter of this King's Life; but I suspect the Truth of the Story. Stow and others quote him sometimes as writing in the Reign of Henry the Second; and that's enough for Pits to conclude that he wrote his Life. Prior Richard of Hexham

isl 1.16 brought in for another; as is also John Oxfordiusm 1.17 Bishop of Norwich, This last was sometime Dean of Salis∣bury; and was certainly sent by King Henry to Rome, to give the Pope a true Account of Becket's Behaviour. But whether he did really draw up a Jour∣nal of his Embassy, with an Apology for his Master, I cannot assuredly in∣form the Reader; tho' Hector Boethius pretends to have seen it, and recom∣mends it as a Treatise highly worth the Perusal. Three of Gyraldus Cambrensis's many Historical Books are likewisen 1.18 reported to be written on this Subject: And Mr. Whartono 1.19 mentions a Ma∣nuscript History of the same Reign by Benedictus. Somep 1.20 say that the Life of this King, as we now have it in Speed's Chronicle, was composed by Dr. Barcham, Archbishop Bancroft's Chaplain; and penn'd chiefly in Con∣futation of one Bolton (a Papist) who had newly enlarg'd too far in the Justi∣fication of Becket's Insolent Carriage to his Prince. These are mostly the King's Friends; and such as engaged on the

behalf of our English Monarchy. What was to be said, on the other hand, for good Saint Thomas, must be learn'd from those that have recorded the Actions, Sufferings and Miracles, of that worthy Roman Saint and Martyr. An Account whereof shall be given in their proper q 1.21 place.

Richard the First's Meritorious Ex∣pedition into the Holy Land,* 1.22 gain'd him so much Repute, that he's as highly ex∣toll'd by the Monki••h Writers of that and the following Ages, as his Father is reproach'd for his Persecution of their St. Thomas. The chief Remarkables in his Life (that part of it especially which was spent in the Levant) are largely treated on by Rich.r 1.23 Divisiensis, [i. e. of the Devises in Wiltshire] a Monk of Winchester; Walters 1.24 Constantiensis, Bishop of Lincoln, who accompany'd him in some of his Travels; Will.t 1.25 Peregrinus, so call'd from the Peregri∣nation he also made in Attendance on this King; and Rich.u 1.26 Canonicus (Au∣gustine Canon of St. Trinity in London) another of his Retinue. Jos. Iscanus (or,

of Exeter) had the like Curiosity; fol∣low'd the Fortunes of his Prince in the Holy War; and, at his Return, cele∣brated his Acts in a Book which he thought fit to call A••tiocheidos: 'Tis in Heroick Verse; and in aw 1.27 Style and Strain of Poetry, much beyond what one would expect to meet with in the Writings of that Age. John Leland (who thought himself as great a Master and Iudge in Poetry as History) says of this Author, that he wasx 1.28 Poeta Britannus omnibus Numeris Elegantissi∣••us; and calls his Book Op••s Immor∣tale. His Life is also said to have been written byy 1.29 Stephen Laugton (Arch∣bishop of Canterbury) andz 1.30 Alex∣ander de Hales the Famous School-man. But we have not so particular Directi∣ons where to look for these as for ••n a 1.31 Anonymous Manuscript to the same purpose, in the Library of Magdalene College in Oxford. The Learnedb 1.32 Dr. Gale has obliged us with one of the largest of this King's Journals, taken by one Je••ffrey Vinesauf (or, de Vino Sal••••) whom he takes to be the same

Man with the foremention'd Walter Constantiensis, who sometimes (he says) is also call'd Walter Oxoniensis. He like∣wise believes that Richard of the Devises and Richard the Canon were the same Person: So that instead of having our Store enlarged by what he has done for us, we have lost some of our former Stock.

King John's Unhappy Reign was not a Subject so taking as that of his Bro∣ther;* 1.33 and therefore has not been en∣quired into by so many Curious Au∣thors. John de Forda or Fordeham (who is ignorantly confounded with John For∣don the Scottish Historian, byc 1.34 John Pits) was the first that attempted it; and, being this King's Chaplain, had Opportunities enough of knowing the Truth, if he was a Person of such un∣byass'd Honesty as to reveal it. Gyraldus Cambrensis, living also at the same time, isd 1.35 said to have likewise penn'd his Story; and we may believe it will dis∣cover that warmness of Temper which runs through all that Author's Wri∣tings. Some of the Learned Men of

the present Age, have thought the Ex∣traordinary Freaks of this Prince worth their Considering; and have therefore bestow'd good Pains in Collecting and Methodizing the most Notable Trans∣actions of his Reign. Of these, Dr. Bar∣cham's History is (as we have already observ'd) publish'd in Speed's Chronicle; and is so well done, that an Industrious e 1.36 Antiquary gives this Character of it, That it shews more Reading and Judg∣ment than any Life besides in that Hi∣story. And anotherf 1.37 witty Author says, 'Tis the King of all the Reigns of that Book, for profound Penning. The Voluminousg 1.38 Will. Prynne has also carefully and largely inform'd us of the publick Occurrences of this Reign, as well as the two next following, in or∣der to the Asserting and Vindicating of the ancient Sovereignty of our English Monarchs, against all Foreign In∣croachments and Innovations what∣ever.

Henry the Third's long Reign might seem to afford Matter enough to em∣ploy one Man's Pen;* 1.39 and yet (till the

Disturbances given him, in the latter end of his time, by S. Monfort and the other Barons) so few memorable things happen'd in so many years, that it has not hitherto been very nic••ly enquir'd into. In a late Edition of the learned h 1.40 Sir Robert Cotton's Remains, the Ta∣ble of the several Discourses reckons the last of the Sixteen The Life and Reign of Henry the Third, compil'd in a Critical way: But the Reader, to his great Dis∣appointment, will meet with no such thing in the Book: Perhaps it is to be had in a former Edition of that Treatise, as published by James Howel.

Edward the First was a brave and Vi∣ctorious Prince,* 1.41 and his Atchievements in Scotland deserv'd to be Recorded by some Person of Abilities suitable to so Noble an Undertaking. To this pur∣pose he carry'd Robert Baston,i 1.42 Prior of Scarborough, with him into that King∣dom, to describe his Battels, and (par∣ticularly) the Famous Siege of Sterling. This was done in pretty Elegant He∣roicks: But the Author, being the next year unfortunately taken Prisoner by

the Scots, was (by the over-powering Commands and Severities of R. Bruce) oblig'd to rec••nt all; and to extol the Scotch Nation as highly as he had lately magnify'd the English. Will. Rishanger (who was Historiographer-Royal during this King's whole Reign) compos'd a special Treatise of the Annals of Edward the First; whereof, I presume, three other Tracts of the same Man's Writing (en∣titul'd byk 1.43 J. Pits and others, De Joanne Baileolo Rege; Super Electione Regis Scotorum; and De Jure Regis An∣glorum ad Scotiam) are only so many se∣veral Parts.

Edward the Second's Misfortunes are very honestly,* 1.44 without either Flattery or Contempt, written by Stephen Eiton or Eden, al 1.45 Canon Regular of Warter in Yorkshire, sometime about the Year 1320. His Life was more accurately penn'd in French by Sir Thomas de la More, who was Knighted bym 1.46 Ed∣ward the First, was Counsellor to Ed∣ward the Second, and liv'd to the be∣ginning of Edward the Third's more prosperous Reign. It was first Tran∣slated

into Latin byn 1.47 Walter Baker, or Swinburn, Canon of Osney near Ox∣ford; and has been frequently publish'd in English by our general Chroniclers. In our Age, Sir Henry Carey (Lord Vis∣count Faulkland) wrote theo 1.48 History of this unfortunate Prince; with choice Political Observations on him and his unhappy Favourites, Gaveston and Spen∣cer. There was also an Historical Poem written about the same time (tho' it appear'd abroad muchp 1.49 sooner) on the same subject, whose Author was Rich. Hobert, a younger Brother to Sir Henry, who himself made some addi∣tional Observations that areq 1.50 of good Vse and Ornament to it.

Edward the Third reign'd long and prosperously;* 1.51 and yet I cannot assured∣ly inform the Reader of one Writer who has singly treated on those Glories and Successes that attended him. I doubt whether Walter Hemmingford's Chro∣nicle of this King be as certainly Extant as that larger History of his which has (in part) been publish'd by Dr. Gale: For, tho'r 1.52 Bale and Pits assert it,

s 1.53 Leland mentions no such thing. If it be, 'tis not likely that it can escape the diligent and curious Enquiry of the foremention'd worthy Person; who has encourag'd us to hope for his sending abroad a great many more of our old Manuscript Historians. The like Scru∣ples I have upon me as to some other Res Gestae of this King, which are said to have been written by Robert Bale, sometime Recorder of London. And yet, John Pitst 1.54 avers, that, in his time, such a Treatise was kept (as a choice Rarity) by the Citizens of London, in their publick Library; together with some Historical Pieces of the same Au∣thor's Penning, which more immedi∣ately related to that City. The victo∣rious Atchievements of the Black Prince, falling all within the Compass of his Father's Reign, make up a good Share of its Story: And these were collected, andu 1.55 separately treated on in French, by Will. Packington, who was Secretary and Treasurer to that Hero, and con∣stantly attended him in the Wars. The English Historian will observe, that in

this and many of the following Reigns, this Kingdom was so constantly engaged against the United Policies and Forces both of France and Scotland, that 'twill be convenient for him to consult the Accounts given by the Writers of those Nations, as well as our own; especi∣ally, since the Testimony of an Enemy (if to the Advantage and Honour of our Country) is of double value with that of a Friend.

Richard the Second's good Success in Ireland,* 1.56 was so far out-balanc'd by the other (more unlucky) Adventures of his Reign, that I have not heard of any who have thought it worth their while to write his Life; except only a poor Knight of John Pits's Creation. That Authorw 1.57 says, That one Sir John Gower (a Yorkshire Knight, and Cotem∣porary with the Famous Chaucer) died in the Year 1402. leaving behind him a deal of Monuments of his Learning, and (amongst the rest) a Latin Chro∣nicle of King Richard the Second. There was indeed one Mr. John Gower, a noted Poet, who liv'd about the time he men∣tions. This witty Person took the Li∣berty,

that has always been allow'd to Men of his Profession, to make Free with his Prince; and Mr.x 1.58 Stow (or, his Continuer, Howes) has done him the Honour to Translate the Elegy he made on this King's untimely Death, which (it may be) contains the whole Chronicle. There's an Ingenious Trea∣tise lately written and published by y 1.59 Sir Robert Howard, which (in the Title-page) is said to be the History of the Reigns of Edward and Richard the Second: But the Author himself seems to have more rightly named it Refle∣ctions upon some select Passages in them. His Design is to give a Prospect of the Hazard and Madness of a Prince's fol∣lowing the Misguiding Meteor of Arbi∣trary Power: And, by comparing the Misadventures of these two unhappy Kings, with the Triumphs of their Prosperous Predecessors, to shew what z 1.60 Glory and Safety Wise and Vertuous Princes have obtain'd, and what Ruin the Cruelty and Folly of others have brought upon Themselves and Subjects. This he has done in a Well-penn'd Po∣litical

Essay, which will very much advantage our English Historian, in giving him a Right Notion of many (otherwise) dark Occurrences in those Reigns.

Henry the Fourth's surprizing and pompous Accession to the Throne,* 1.61 was a more proper Subject for a Poet to Descant upon, than the Melancholick Reign of his Predecessor: And there∣fore we may the more readily believe (what the same Author tells us) that the foremention'd Northern Bard wrote his Panegyrick. Pits alsoa 1.62 says, that Rob. Mascall, Bishop of Hereford, was employ'd in several Embassies du∣ring the Reigns of this King and his Successor; and that (dying at Ludlow, in the Year 1417.) he left, among other things, a Treatise De suis Lega∣tionibus. Sir John Hayward, King James the First's Historiographer at Chelsey, wrote Henry the Fourth's Life among others; and had the Repute (in those days) of a good clean Pen and smooth Style, tho' some have since blamed him for being a little toob 1.63 Dramatical.

Henry the Fifth was a most Heroick Prince;* 1.64 and his single Victory at Agen∣court might have afforded Matter for more Volumes than (as far as I can yet learn) have been written on his whole Reign. 'Tis said that his Exploits were carefully Recorded by Peterc 1.65 Basset, who was of his Bed-chamber, and an Attendant on him in all his Triumphs: But what the samed 1.66 Person writes of another (Anonymous) Author who translated Livy's History into English; and also wrote the Life of Henry the Fifth, is such Stuff as is common with him. The Truth is, His Life was writ∣ten at large by one who call'd himself Titus Livius; who, by that name, de∣dicated it to King Henry the Sixth, and is still quoted by Stow and others. We have, to this day, two good Copies of his Work; one in Sir John Cotton's Li∣brary, the other in that of Bennet Col∣lege. Out of these, carefully collated, a third was prepared for the Press by thee 1.67 worthy Publishers of the Decem Scriptores; which (with several other Historical Treatises, some whereof have

been printed) was afterwards purchas'd by that Indefatigable Promoter of all sorts of Learning, the late Pious Bishop Fell. This Treatise is abundantly quoted by our General Chroniclers: But no piece of History relishes so well at the second hand, as it does when we have it from its first Author. It were there∣fore to be wish'd, that the good Pre∣late's Executors would do Him and Themselves (as well as the Publick) so much Right as to Print it; together with the like valuable Manuscripts which have thus fallen into their hands. What was done by Sir George Carew (Earl of Totness) has been already observ'd to be remitted into J. Speed's Chronicle; where the Reader will meet with some Remarks becoming a Statesman, a Ge∣neral and a Scholar.

Henry the Sixth was as Good as his Father was Great;* 1.68 being as Conversant in the Holy Scriptures, and Books of Devotion, as the other was in Arms and Feats of Chivalry: And yet I do not find that all his strict Piety gain'd so far upon the Monks of his Time, as that there was any great struggling among them, who should most effectu∣ally recommend him to Posterity. Arch∣bishop

f 1.69 Vsher tells us of one Iohn Blackman, a Carthusian, who was par∣ticularly intimate with him, and has left a Collection of the many good things he had taken notice of, in the most Secret Passages of his Life. Tho. Walsingham (who also liv'd in his Time) took a Journal of his Reign; out of which is composed that which some have entitul'd hisg 1.70 Acta Regis Henrici Sexti. Had the Pope favour'd the At∣tempt which was afterwards made at the Enshrining or Sainting of this King, 'tis very likely that his Legend would have out-grown his History, and have been penn'd by more Writers than his Life: Since the Roman Saints are com∣monly most Active after their Decease, and the Wonders of their Relicks are usually much greater than those of their Persons.

Edward the Fourth can hardly be said to have enjoy'd so much Quiet,* 1.71 during the Twenty Years of his suppos'd Reign, as to have setled the House of York in the Throne: So that even the Favourers of Justice, and his Cause,

have not known what Account to give of the Times; or how to Form a Re∣gular History out of such a vast Heap of Rubbish and Confusion. Mr. Hab∣bington has given us as fair a Draught as the thing would bear: At least, he has Copy'd this King's Picture as agree∣ably as could be expected from one standing at so great a distance from the Original.

Edward the Fifth had the Name of a King for some few Weeks;* 1.72 and pur∣chas'd the Complement at far too high a Rate. His Accession to the Throne, the Tower and the Grave (all within the Compass of little more than two Months) are largely and elegantly de∣scribed by the Famous Sir Thomas Moor, Lord Chancellor of England; who has sufficiently shewn how a short and dole∣ful Tale may be improv'd into a com∣plete History, by a Person of good Skill and Judgment. This Treatise has met with such a general Acceptance, as that it not only finds Admission (by whole∣sale) into all our late Chronicles; but has also beenh 1.73 separately printed, without any other Alteration than a

small change of the English Orthography, according to the Usage and Mode of the present Age. The short Epitome of this and the three following Reigns, that was writteni 1.74 and publish'd by Will. Fleetwood, Serjeant at Law, is so thin a piece (and refers so peculiarly to the Transactions in the Courts at West∣minster) that it has been rather look'd on as a Table or Index to the Year-books of those Times, than any Historical Treatise.

Richard the Third's short and unfor∣tunate Reign,* 1.75 had itsk 1.76 Tragical Hi∣story begun by Sir Thomas Moor, who did not bring it to such a final Conclu∣sion, as he had done that of his Nephew and Predecessor. Neither Bale nor Pits take notice of any such thing: But Vossius seems to have seen and perus'd it.l 1.77 Vt fusè (says he) persequitur quibus Sceleribus ille ad Regnum perve∣nerit; ita quomodo id gesserit non expo∣nit: Ac nec eâ parte quam habemus ulti∣mam manum accepit. Praeterea Elegan∣tiâ Latini Sermonis ab aliis ejusce viri operibus longè vincitur. Which last

words must refer to Sir Thomas's Life of this King; and not to that of Ed∣ward, which indeed might seem to be an Introduction to this, and would an∣swer all the former part of Vossius's Story: But King Edward's was only written in English; whereas Richard's was in both Languages, and (as appears fromm 1.78 Stow's account) was more co∣piously treated on in Latin. Great Ad∣ditions have been since made by a more Candidn 1.79 Composer of his An∣nals; who endeavours to represent him as a Prince of much better Shapes (both of Body and Mind) than he had been generally esteem'd. Various are the Censures which have pass'd upon this Work. I shall only trouble the Rea∣der with that of Dr. Fuller:o 1.80 His Memory (says he, speaking of King Ri∣chard) has met with a Modern Pen, who has not only purg'd but prais'd it to the heighth; and pity it is that so able an Ad∣vocate had not a more meriting Person to his Client.

Henry the Seventh, having most for∣tunately and wisely united the Houses of York and Lancaster,* 1.81 continu'd his Reign as prosperously as it began; and is justly esteem'd one of the most Poli∣tick Princes that ever sat on the English Throne. It appears Sir Thomas Moor had once somep 1.82 faint Thoughts of writing this King's Life, whilst he was in hand with those of his immediate Predecessors: But I know not whether he ever liv'd, or not, to digest them. Sir James Ware has Industriously Col∣lected andq 1.83 Published such Occur∣rences of this Reign, as relate to the Affairs of Ireland: And a Poetical Hi∣story of the whole has beenr 1.84 printed by Ch. Aleyn. But this good Work was the most effectually undertaken and compleated by the Incomparables 1.85 Sir Francis Bacon, who has bravely sur∣mounted all those Difficulties, and pass'd over those Rocks and Shallows, against which he took such Pains tot 1.86 cau∣tion other less experienc'd Historians.

He has perfectly put himself into King Henry's own Garb and Livery, giving as spritely a View of the Secrets of his Council, as if himself had been Presi∣dent in it. No trivial Passages, such as are below the Notice of a Statesman, are mix'd with his Sage Remarks: Nor is any thing of Weight or Moment slubber'd over with that careless Hast and Indifferency which is too common in other Writers. No Allowances are given to the Author's own Conjecture or Invention; where a little Pains and Consideration will serve to set the Mat∣ter in its proper and true Light. No Impertinent Digressions, nor fanciful Comments, distract his Readers: But the whole is written in such a Grave and Uniform Style, as becomes both the Sub∣ject and the Artificer.

Henry the Eighth was a Prince of great Vertues and Accomplishments,* 1.87 and as great Vices: So that the plea∣sing Varieties that were in his Life and Reign, might have temptest many more Writers, than we know of, to engage in the Composure of so entertaining an History. Edmund Campian wrote a Narrative of the most remarkable Passages relating to his Divorce of

Queen Katharine, which is printed at the end of Nich.u 1.88 Harpesfeild's Church-History, and is written with the true Spirit and Heart (as well as Eloquence) of a Jesuit. Fran. Godwin (Bishop of Landaff, who will be re∣member'd at large amongst our Eccle∣siastical Historians) compil'd also the w 1.89 Annals of this and the two follow∣ing Reigns: Whereofx 1.90 one of our Criticks gives this just Character, That his Book is penn'd, Non m••gis succinctâ quàm laudabili brevitate. The Author was a perfect Master of the Latin Tongue, and wrote in that Language: But his Annals were translated into English (and so have been frequently publish'd) by his Son Morgan Godwin LL. D. Sir Robert Cotton had drawn together some Notes and Collections as Materials for a future History of this King's Reign: But these fell unfi∣nish'd into the hands of John Speed▪ who has taken Care to preserve them, as orderly as he could, in his Chro∣nicle. I suppose that which was writ∣ten in Greek Verse by George Etheridge,

sometime Regius Professor of that Lan∣guage in Oxford (and by himy 1.91 pre∣sented to Queen Elizabeth) was in∣tended only for the Use of Her Majesty and its Author; and, for that reason, has ever continu'd in Manuscript, & sub Noctibus Atticis. Above all, Ed∣ward Lord Herbert of Cherbury may be truly said to have written the Life and Reign of King Henry the Eighth; ha∣ving acquitted himself with the like Reputation as the Lord Chancellor Ba∣con gain'd by that of Henry the Seventh. For, in the Politick and Martial Part this Honourable Author has been ad∣mirably Particular and Exact, from the best Records that were Extant: Tho', as to the Ecclesiastical, he seems to have look'd upon it as a Thing out of his Province, and an Undertaking more proper for Men of another Pro∣fession. The Oxford Antiquaryz 1.92 tells us, That he had seen four thick Volumes (in Folio) of Collections, which this Lord has furnish'd himself withal; as Materials necessary for the firm ere∣cting of so noble a Structure. Out

of these, and other Helps, he (at last) finish'd his excellent History; the Ori∣ginal Manuscript whereof he was pleas'd to bestow on the University of Oxford, in whose Archives it still remains. It has been frequently Printed, and the several Impressions as greedily bought up: But thea 1.93 last Edition is indeed (what is always Pretended) the Best and most Correct.

Edward the Sixth.* 1.94 The most Con∣siderable Transactions of this Reign, are (it may be) as well Register'd by the Young King himself, as any other Historian, in the Diary written with his own hand, and still preserv'd in Sir John Cotton's Famous Library; from whence our Learned Bishop Burnet transcrib'd andb 1.95 publish'd it. There was a Notable Discourse, touching the State of the Times in this King's Reign, written by (a Person admirably well Skill'd in the Antiquities and Laws of England) Dr. Gerard Langbaine, Pro∣vost of Queen's College in Oxford; which he publish'd, by way of Preface, to Sir Johnc 1.96 Cheek's True Subject to

the Rebel. As for Sir John Hayward, He is the same Man in hisd 1.97 Life of Edward the Sixth, that we have already observ'd him to be in that of Henry the Fourth: Only, his Style is here sometimes too Sharp and Pun∣gent; especially when he comes to give Characters of the Nobility, Mini∣sters of State, &c. where an Intelligent Historian ought no more to be Clownish, than he needs turn Courtier when he Converses with Plowmen.

Queen Mary's Reign had Blemishes in it,* 1.98 which have discourag'd some sort of Writers from attempting its Story; tho' I cannot but wonder that others have not thought themselves oblig'd to endeavour to Represent it as Ad∣vantageously to Posterity as Art can do it.

Queen Elizabeth,* 1.99 in a long and Pro∣sperous Reign, gave the World very ample Proofs of her Sex's being Capa∣ble of Government, and the most gal∣lant A••chievements. Her blasting the longing Hopes of Spain after an Uni∣versal Monarchy in Temporals, and putting a final Period to that of Rome

in Spirituals, together with her Per∣sonal Endowments, were such Extra∣ordinary Glories as tempted a great many Artists to try how fairly they were able to take the Features of such an Original in all Points of Soveraignty. Her Establishment of the Reformation, and Executing the Laws upon some few Turbulent Persons of the Romish Communion, whetted the Style of that Party against her; and (particularly) provok'd Tho. Bourchier, a Franciscan Doctor of the Sorbon, to write a Hi∣story of thee 1.100 Martyrdom (as he terms it) of the Men of his Order. The Life andf 1.101 Martyrdom of Mary Queen of Scots, was also written by Rob. Turner, sometime Scholar to Ed. Campian, who was afterwards Doctor of Divinity at Rome, and Secretary to Ferdinand Arch-duke of Austria. Some of her better Subjects have furnish'd us with more agreeable Accounts of the chief Passages in her Reign. Sir Henry Vnton has drawn up a Journal of his Embassy in France, giving a full Register of his Commission, Instru∣ctions, Expences, &c. a Manuscript

Copy whereof is now in the Publick Library at Oxford. Heyward Towne∣shend, an Eminent Member of the House of Commons, preserv'd the De∣bates in Parliament of her last four∣teen Years; which, long after the Au∣thor's Death, were publish'd under the Title ofg 1.102 Historical Collections, &c. But this, as vast an Undertaking as it seems to be, is only a part of that more Comprehensive one of Sir Symonds d'Ewes; whose Journal of Both Houses, during her whole Reign, was soon after given us inh 1.103 Print. Her Wars with Spain, the several Engagements of her Fleets at Sea, with their many Successful Expeditions, &c. have been well described by Sir William Monson, who bore a high Command in most of them, and has shewn such a Judg∣ment in Maritime Affairs, as well qua∣lify'd him for such Posts of Honour. His Book bears the Title ofi 1.104 A Par∣ticular and Exact Account of the last Seventeen Years of Queen Elizabeth's Reign, both Military and Civil: The former kind being the Work of Sir

William, and the latter Mr. Towneshend's. Out of all these, and many other good Helps, Mr. Camden compos'd his most Exquisite History of this Queen; which, as Dr. Smith shews in hisk 1.105 Life, was undertaken by the special Dire∣ctions and Command of the great Lord Cecil. It has had many Editions, and in several Languages; tho' 'tis pity it should be read in any other than its Author's Polite Original Latin. Dr. Fullerl 1.106 observes, that one of its English Translations (for it had seve∣ral) was done out of French by Abra∣ham Darcy; who understood not the Latin, and has therefore committed many Mistakes. Hugh Holland (one of Camden'sm 1.107 Scholars at Westmin∣ster, and a Papist) is said to have writ∣ten this Queen's Life as well as his Ma∣ster's: But 'tis only (if it be at all) an English Manuscript, and very probably not worth the seeking. Sir Robert Naunton's Character of her Court and Favourites has been lately publish'd with Sir Francis Walsingham'sn 1.108 Arcana Au∣lica; and a short System of her Policies

hath been offer'd to our present Sove∣raign, and the late excellent Queen, by the Ingeniouso 1.109 Edmund Bohun Esq Author of many other Treatises of good Value.

The End of the First Part.

Notes

• a 1.1

  vid. H. Spelm. Gloss. in voce Conquaestus.
• * 1.2

  William the Con∣queror.
• b 1.3

  Bale (Edit. 1.) Cent. 2. cap. 28.
• c 1.4

  4to Lond. 1663.
• d 1.5

  Ath. Oxon. Vol. I. p. 373.
• e 1.6

  Introd. to Engl. Hist. 8vo Lond. 1695.
• * 1.7

  William II.
• * 1.8

  Henry I.
• f 1.9

  Remains, p. m. 260, 262, 264.
• * 1.10

  Stephen.
• g 1.11

  Fol. Lond. 1652.
• h 1.12

  Tit. of Hon. p. 537, 557, &c.
• * 1.13

  Henry II.
• i 1.14

  J. Pits, p. 251, 252.
• k 1.15

  Id. p. 257.
• l 1.16

  Id. p. 259.
• m 1.17

  Id. p. 265.
• n 1.18

  Id. p. 281.
• o 1.19

  Angl. Sacr. vol. I. p. 169.
• p 1.20

  Hist. & Antiq. Oxon. p••r. II. p. 241.
• q 1.21

  Infra, Cap. 13.
• * 1.22

  Richard I.
• r 1.23

  Bale, Cent. III. cap. 28.
• s 1.24

  J. Pits, p. 263.
• t 1.25

  Id. p. 266.
• u 1.26

  Id. p. 268.
• w 1.27

  Camd. Remains, p. m. 317.
• x 1.28

  Assert. Arth. fol. 7. b.
• y 1.29

  J. Pits, p. 304.
• z 1.30

  Id. p. 316.
• a 1.31

  Id. p. 824.
• b 1.32

  Hist. Angl. Scrip. 5. Fol. Oxon. 1687.
• * 1.33

  K. John.
• c 1.34

  J. Pits, p. 277. Vid. Stissingst. Orig. Brit. p. 249.
• d 1.35

  J. Pits, p. 281.
• e 1.36

  Anth. à Wood. Ath. Oxon. vol. I. p. 10.
• f 1.37

  Tho. Fuller's Worth. p. 276. in Dev••••sh.
• g 1.38

  Hist. of K. John, R. Hen. III. and K. Ed. I. Fol. L••nd. 1670.
• * 1.39

  Henry III.
• h 1.40

  8vo Lond. 1679.
• * 1.41

  Edward I.
• i 1.42

  Bale (Edit. 1.) Cent. 3. Fol. 127. Pits, p. 399. But, the Story is told otherwise by An. Wood. Hist. Oxon. par. I. p. 101.
• k 1.43

  J. Pits, p. 403.
• * 1.44

  Edward II.
• l 1.45

  Id. p. 410.
• m 1.46

  So says Pits: But Sir Thomas himself says otherwise, see Stow, p. 233.
• n 1.47

  Stow's Chron. p. 217.
• o 1.48

  8vo Lond. 1680.
• p 1.49

  8vo Lond. 1629.
• q 1.50

  Ath. Oxon. vol. I. p. 501.
• * 1.51

  Edw. III.
• r 1.52

  Bale, Cent. 5. Cap. 71. Pits, p. 456.
• s 1.53

  De Viris Illustr. MS.
• t 1.54

  Pag. 654.
• u 1.55

  J. Pits, p. 530.
• * 1.56

  Richard II.
• w 1.57

  Id. p. 576.
• x 1.58

  Stow's Chron. p. 325.
• y 1.59

  8vo Lond. 1690.
• z 1.60

  Vid. p. 17.
• * 1.61

  Henry IV.
• a 1.62

  J. Pits, p. 598.
• b 1.63

  Ath. Oxon. vol. I. p. 824.
• * 1.64

  Henry V.
• c 1.65

  J. Pits, p. 616.
• d 1.66

  Id. p. 824.
• e 1.67

  See Wh. Kennet's Life of Somn. p. 65, 66.
• * 1.68

  Henry VI.
• f 1.69

  De Script. & Sacr. Vernac. p. 171.
• g 1.70

  J. Pits, p. 630.
• * 1.71

  Edw. IV.
• * 1.72

  Edw. V.
• h 1.73

  8vo Lond. 1651.
• i 1.74

  Elenchus Annalium RR. Edw. IV. &c. 12^o Lond. 1597.
• * 1.75

  Rich. III.
• k 1.76

  8vo Lond. 1651.
• l 1.77

  De Hist. Lat. lib. III. cap. 13.
• m 1.78

  Stow's Chron. p. 458.
• n 1.79

  G. Buck's Hist. of Rich. III. Fol. Lond.
• o 1.80

  Worthies, p. 282. in Northamptonsh.
• * 1.81

  Hen. VII.
• p 1.82

  Stow's Chron. p. 459. col. 1.
• q 1.83

  In Append. ad Disquisit. de Hiberniâ, 8vo Lond. 1658.
• r 1.84

  8vo Lond. 1638.
• s 1.85

  Fol. Lond. 1676. & apud Joh. Speed in Chron.
• t 1.86

  De Augment. Scient. lib. 2. cap. 5.
• * 1.87

  Hen. VIII.
• u 1.88

  Fol. Duaci, 1622.
• w 1.89

  4to & Fol. Lond. 1616, 1628, &c.
• x 1.90

  Deg. Whear, Method. p. 144.
• y 1.91

  Vid. Hist. & Antiq. Oxon. Lib. I. p. 289. & Lib. II. p. 235.
• z 1.92

  Athen. Oxon. Vol. II. p. 19.
• a 1.93

  Fol. Lond. 1682.
• * 1.94

  Edw. VI.
• b 1.95

  In Append. ad Vol. II. Hist. Reform.
• c 1.96

  4to Oxon. 1641.
• d 1.97

  8vo Lond. 1622.
• * 1.98

  Q. Mary.
• * 1.99

  Q. Eli∣zabeth.
• e 1.100

  8vo Paris, 1586.
• f 1.101

  J. Pits, p. 799.
• g 1.102

  Fol. Lond. 1680.
• h 1.103

  Fol. Lond. 1682.
• i 1.104

  Fo••. Lo••d. 1682.
• k 1.105

  Vid. Camd. Vit. Epist. Praef. p. 57.
• l 1.106

  Wor∣thies▪ p. 94. in Margin.
• m 1.107

  Ath. Oxon. Vol. I. p. 498.
• n 1.108

  8vo Lond. 1694.
• o 1.109

  Character of Queen Elizabeth, 8vo Lond. 1693.