Verses by the University of Oxford on the death of the most noble and right valiant Sir Bevill Grenvill, alias Granvill, Kt. who was slain by the rebells at the battle on Lansdown-Hill near Bathe, July the 5, 1643.
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- Verses by the University of Oxford on the death of the most noble and right valiant Sir Bevill Grenvill, alias Granvill, Kt. who was slain by the rebells at the battle on Lansdown-Hill near Bathe, July the 5, 1643.
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- University of Oxford.
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- [London] :: Printed at Oxford 1643, and now reprinted at London,
- 1684.
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- Subject terms
- Grenvile, Bevill, -- Sir, 1596-1643 -- Poetry.
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http://name.umdl.umich.edu/A53879.0001.001
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"Verses by the University of Oxford on the death of the most noble and right valiant Sir Bevill Grenvill, alias Granvill, Kt. who was slain by the rebells at the battle on Lansdown-Hill near Bathe, July the 5, 1643." In the digital collection Early English Books Online. https://name.umdl.umich.edu/A53879.0001.001. University of Michigan Library Digital Collections. Accessed May 6, 2025.
Pages
Page 2
GRANVILL against an Army. He being one;
Cannon, Horse, Foot Himself. So Fixt, and grown
Unto the Hill H'had Gain'd, and now made good,
That like another Hill, or Rock, He stood;
Fort to Himself and Us; Stronger then all
Cow'rds Love & Loose, Steep Mountain, Wood, & Wall,
Whence His Sword Chas'd them once; his Blood do's still,
Sprinkling the Ground, and Hollowing the Hill;
Where, since Drops shed from such a Loyall Vein,
Rebellion ne're shall dare set Foot again.
Thomas Masters.
IS GRANVILL dead, or Valour? is it He
Hath left this World, or is it Loyalty?
Alas! both Dye with Him, both leave us; how?
Shall none survive but Traitorous Cowards now?
Good Heav'ns forbid, by them the knot's unty'd:
Both by his Patern Live, both in his Person Dy'd.
Robert Grave.
COuld I report, Great GRANVILL, or repeat
Thy famous Actions in thine own stout Heat,
Could I write as Thou fought'st, the World might see
Perhaps some Picture of thy Deeds, and Thee,
And, thus inspir'd from thy bold flame, my Verse
At once would come forth rapture, and reherse.
But as those ravish't Prophets, who of old
Sick of their God, and much too frail to hold
Their strong Inspirer, first felt trance, then spoke,
And utter'd Answers, which from Labours broke;
So meeting Things too high to be exprest.
I find my self▪ whilest I describe, opprest.
Page 3
Thou dost at once possess, and hinder; still
Risest, and multipliest between my Quill.
Still bring'st new, various, Matter to my Dress,
Which still begins▪ and still shows Endlesness.
So Homer strove with his Achilles, who
Should bravelier write, or who should bravelier do.
So what at first He meant an Ode, and Song,
Swell'd to a Work, and Story ten years long.
And what at first was destin'd to one Shade,
Spread in the Writing, and prov'd Iliade.
Had'st Thou, like Others, fought by Rule, and Line,
Who call it Valour Wisely to decline
Assaults, and Dangers, and maintain that there
Can be no Fortitude, where is no Fear;
Hadst thou beleev'd that They, who do ingage
Themselves beyond relief, fight not, but rage;
Or that, when men beyond a mean do stray,
Their Fury's only Valiant, not They;
We on thy Temples now had planted Bays,
And Thou had'st liv'd to hear and feel thy Prayse.
But Thou did'st scorn such Rules, and call'dst such Laws,
Arts how to blemish, and desert a Cause.
Countedst those false, whom Others do count wise,
And their discreet Fear, order'd Cowardice.
Far above all cold precepts, which do preach
Escapes, retreats, and fallings back, and teach
Advantages of Time, and place, and thus
Learnedly make Men Pusillanimous;
Or at most, valiant to a Point, and all
Their Courage meerly Philosophicall,
Thou thought'st it still Ignobler to retire
With flegme, and coldness, then to fall with fire.
Still call'dst retreating, loosing of the Day,
Still thoughtst that to be safe was to betray.
Page 4
And where the Cause requir'd it, not to dye,
That 'twas as great a baseness, as to fly.
Thus meeting Dangers in their sternest shape,
Thy Arts were still t'encounter, not to scape.
Still reckoned'st it a Souldiers Stain, and blot,
To be secure, not by his Sword, but Plot.
Methinks I see Thee shaking thy bold spear
Against a numerous Host, without their fear
Who did beset Thee, and the spacious plain
Before Thee strow'd with Slain fal'n on thy slain.
Whilst all our other Troops, discharg'd from fight,
Wonder'd to see the War turn'd to a Sight,
Where one encounter'd many, and descried
A Siege on theirs, a Duel on our Side.
Great Soul! who didst contract the Battel to
Thy Solatary self; and there didst do
Things, which made all our other Forces be
Idle spectators of their Victory;
While'st safer by thy Side, then at their home,
Their business was to see, and overcome.
O what a Terrour issued from thy Look,
Which fought as well as Thou, and Prisoners took
By th'eye, as by the Hand; which but beheld
Made the first Skirmish, and at distance quell'd;
Thy unarm'd face shew'd dreadful as our Lances,
The foe felt new Artilleries from thy Glances;
Which still, like Native Engines, from Thee flew,
And at once routed, chas'd, and overthrew.
Thus, then, secur'd by thy Great self, at once
To us a Bulwark, to thy self a Sconce,
As in a Circle 'bout Thee drawn by the charms
Of thine own Courage, which did arm thy Arms,
How didst thou dare the numerous Foe? still mock
Their furious Onsets with a shook for shook?
Page 5
Still 'gainst their Iron Men, and men of Steel,
Like One inchanted all parts but the Heel,
(If We may credit what some do report)
Did'st hold fight from thy self, as from a Fort;
Impregnable, untoucht? still did it repair
The Faintings of those who about thee were?
Still did'st recrute our Losses? We did see
New Squadrons, as some fell, still rais'd from Thee;
Whose Valour ran supplys; and We from thence
Saw Thee new Troops, new Regiments dispence,
Still unexhausted. We can now unfold
Th' ambiguous rumour, and report, which told,
And spoke of our Increase i'th West, that there,
Two Camps, two Armies for us did appear.
The Cornishmen made One, the Other Fame,
Which reckon'd Thee Stout Granville, and thy Name,
Still as our other Camp; from whence We drew
Fresh Legions still, and thus from handfulls grew.
Here, some would chide thy Valour, whose bold Heat
Joyn'd thine own to the Enemies defeat;
And say 'twas rashness in Thee to expose
Thy self a Pikeman against Horsemen Foes;
As if to fall had been thy Plot, and aym,
And Thou had'st some Ambition to be slain.
'Tis true, indeed, our Conquest had been more,
Had'st Thou liv'd to behold it, with the Store
Of Worthies who escap'd; Since, losing Thee,
We did not Win, but change a Victory.
Yet if to Dye with Honour be a Grace;
If to fall, and to consecrate the place
On which Thou fell'st, and make it shcred Ground
To all those who surviv'd Thee, and stood round,
Be Nobler then to live; Those Books, which tell
Of ancient Herp's, who devoted fell,
Page 6
And yielding up their stout, and Warlike Ghosts,
With their brave ruine did preserve their Hosts,
Will always, be thy Chronicle; whom Death
Snatcht like a Decius hence; whose hallowed Breath
Flew from Thee like an Offering; who dyed'st twice,
Our Souldier once, and once our Sacrifice.
Jasper Main.
NOt to be wrought by Malice, Gain, or Pride,
To a Compliance with the Thriving Side;
Not to take Arms for love of Change, or Spight,
But only to maintain Afflicted Right;
Not to dye vainly in pursuit of Fame,
Perversely seeking after Voice and Name;
Is to Resolve, Fight, Dye, as Martyrs do:
And thus did He, Souldier, and Martyr too.
He might (like some Reserved Men of State,
Who look not to the Cause; but to its Fate)
Have stood aloof, engag'd on Neither Side,
Prepar'd at last to strike in with the Tyde.
But well-weigh'd Reason told him, that when Law
Either is Renounc'd, or Misapply'd by th'awe
Of false-nam'd Common-wealths men; when the Right
Of King, and Subject, is suppres'd by Might;
When all Religion either is Refus'd
As meer Pretence, or meerly, as That us'd;
When thus the Fury of Ambition Swells,
Who is not Active, Modestly Rebells.
Whence, in a just esteem, to Church and Crown
He offred All, and nothing thought His own.
This thrust Him into Action, Whole, and Free;
Knowing no Interest but Loyalty;
Not loving Arms as Arms, or Strife for Strife;
Nor Wastfull, nor yet Sparing of his Life;
Page 7
A great Exactor of Himself, and then
By fair Commands, no less of Other men;
Courage, and Judgment had their equall part,
Councell was added to a Generous Heart;
Affairs were justly tim'd; nor did he catch
At an Affected Fame of Quick Dispatch;
Things were Prepar'd; Debated, and then Done,
Nor rashly Brook, nor vainly Over-spun;
False Periods no where by Design were made,
As are by those, who make the Warr their Trade;
The Building still was suited to the Ground,
Whence every Action issu'd Full and Round.
We know who blind their Men with specious Lyes,
With Revelations, and with Prophecies.
Who promise Two things to obtain a Third,
And are themselves by the like Motives stirr'd:
By no such Engines He His Souldiers draws;
He knew no Arts, but Courage and the Cause;
With these he brought them on, as well-train'd men,
And with these too he brought them off agen.
I should, I know, track Him through all the Course
Of his great Actions, shew their Worth and Force:
But, although all are Handsom, yet we cast
A more intentive Eye still on the last.
When now th'incensed Rebell proudly came
Down, like a Torrent without Bank, or Damm,
When Undeserv'd Success urg'd on their force,
That Thunder must come down to stop their Course,
Or Granville must step in: Then Granville stood,
And with Himself oppos'd, and checkt the Flood.
Conquest, or Death, was all His Thought. So fire
Either Orecomes, or doth it self expire.
His Courage work't like Flames, cast heat about,
Here, there, on this, on that side; None gave out;
Page 8
Not any Pike in that Renowned Stand,
But took new Force from His Inspired Hand;
Souldier encourag'd Souldier, Man urg'd Man,
And He urg'd All: so much Example can.
Hurt upon Hurt, Wound upon Wound did call,
He was the But, the Mark, the Aim of All:
His Soul this while retir'd from Cell to Cell,
At last flew up from all, and then He fell:
But the Devoted Stand, enraged more
From that his Fate, ply'd hotter then before,
And Proud to fall with Him, sworn not to yield,
Each sought an Honour'd Grave, and gain'd the Field.
Thus, He being fall'n, his Action fought a new:
And the Dead conquer'd, whiles the Living slew.
This was not Natures Courage▪ nor that thing
We Valour call, which Time and Reason bring;
But a Diviner Fury, Fierce, and High,
Valour transported into Extasie,
Which Angells, looking on Us from above,
Use to conveigh into the Souls they love.
You now that boast the Spirit, and its sway,
Shew Us his Second, and we'l give the Day.
We know your Politique Axiom—Lurk, or Fly.
Ye cannot Conquer, 'cause ye dare not Dye.
And though you thank God, that you lost none there,
Because Th'were such, who Liv'd not when they were;
Yet your great Generall (who doth Rise and Fall,
As this Successes do; whom you dare call,
As fame unto you doth Reports dispense,
Either a Traytor, or His Excellence)
How e'ere he reigns now by unheard of Laws,
Could wish His Fate together with his Cause.
And Thou (Blest Soul) whose Clear Compacted Fame,
As Amber Bodies Keeps, preserves thy Name,
Page 9
Whose Life affords what doth content Both Eyes,
Glory for People, Substance for the Wise;
Go laden up with Spoyles, possess That Seat
To which the Valiant, when th'have done retreat:
And when Thou seest an happy Period sent
To these Distructions, and the Storm quite spent;
Look down, and say; I have my share in All,
Much Good grew from my Life, Much from my Fall.
William Cartwright.
WHat We have Lost in Thee, We need not write,
Thine Enemies will do't; and in meer Spite
Commend Thy Valour, that the World may know,
In Granvill's Fall, the Greatness of Our Blow;
Let them alone to give Thee thy whole Due;
We only need Believe They can speak True.
Nor is it fit we should with Tears lament
That Bloud thy Self thought'st honourably spent;
And scorned'st at their Alms to draw a Breath,
From whose Gift nothing's Noble but a Death;
Lets rather Weep for them, by whom 'twas Spilt,
Whose Best of Courage was but worst of Guilt;
Who had been Cowards had they Got the Day,
And shew'd Best Spirits when they Ran away;
Those pittied things yield matter for a Tear:
But Thy great Worth moves in a higher Sphear.
He only Mourns That right, that Fights like Thee,
And a fierce Charge is a good Elegie.
Brave Soul! me thinks I see how thou did'st stand
Directing Victory to the Right Hand,
How Thou did'st set Her in again, that Day,
Who, but for Thee, had almost lost her Way.
That little spark (dropt from Eternity)
Dilated by its self, and Loyalty.
Page 10
How it Forgat its Bound, the narrow Span
Of Flesh and Blood that measures out a man;
And stoutly durst adventure to oppose
Thy Equall Self against whole Troops of Foes!
May Honour Dwell upon thy Tomb, and keep
Thy Glories waking, while thy Dust doth sleep:
And may that fart'ned Turf, whence Pregnant Fame▪
Yet Brooding Hovers to keep warm the same,
Grow fruitfull from thy Blood, untill it bring,
A Flower, from whence a second Mars may Spring.
William Barker.
THou Name of Valour! Heir of all that Worth,
Which Fates with constant Bounty have powr'd forth
On Granvills honour'd Race? In whom did dye
More then their Army, more then Victory
Could recompense, which to that gallant Stand
We owe, from ruine snatcht by thy brave Hand.
Oh I could curse the villains odds! For when
We hazzard Gold, They, but the dross of men.
Bate me the price of sin, the City-pay,
And what they steal, in order to obey
The Houses Vote, more then one Regiment
Ile name, wherein not ten are worth what's spent
Barely in feeding muskets; we've oft lost
Powder; to kill such Rogues doth not quit cost.
And yet 'tis nobly fought, since conscience
Alone begets those flames, not any sense
Of Triumph; for what honour is't to tell
That here a Sergeant-Major-Cobler fell,
There a Mechanick-Colonell dropt down,
Not fit to serve in any honest Town.
Our Conquest is unpleasant; we must grieve;
And wish the punisht Rebells did still live,
Page 11
Reserv'd for more ignoble fall; since here
Justice (though sacred name) was bought too dear.
Sad Victory! the Frontless faction now
Thank, yet not mock God for their overthrow.
Since gladly they would sacrifice a floud
Out of the Commons veins, for this one bloud.
A thousand lives, and thousand Souls to boot
They'l give; it costs them naught, let th'fools look to't.
Guilty and wretched Commons! tell me, why
Only in order to your misery
You will be Perjur'd Rebells? whence doth flow
This frantick pleasure, from your sin, or woe?
Did you improve your safety, did your ground,
Like your deceivers malice, being drown'd
In bloud, more fruitfull grow, you then did sell
Your Souls for something; but to purchase Hell
With Poverty, and dangers, that you may
Be sooner dead, yet whil'st you live, a prey,
Is so rare Phrensy, that you only can
Be thought to differ in the shape of man
From wildest beasts. But you are forc't to fight,
You love your King, and wish He had His Right;
Yet aw'd take arms against him, money still
Contribute, Traytors are against your will.
Unworthy, vain excuse! why should you fear
Those few seducers? Terrible they were
By your abused Strength; if you withdraw
Your Aids they fall, to the long injur'd Law
Just Sacrifices; should they carry hence
Your wealth, they'd leave behind your innocence;
Leave you return'd to Duty, and to Peace;
Hating these certain Pledges of increase.
Dudley Diggs.
Page 12
THe Villains now are ripe, let's pay our Vow,
See Granvills blood stands texted on their brow!
If their course Veyns an Ocean should disburse
'Twould not appease, because the more the worse;
Behold great Bartue, Stuart, Compton, now,
Sage Pierpont,, and fresh bleeding Cav'endish too!
Names that e're long shall strike this perjur'd Crowd,
And shoot down Vengeance from that Bow ith'Clowd,
Which shall consume these weeds that Truth may grow,
Granvill hath pawn'd his blood it shall be so.
Great valliant Saint! Loving and lov'd agen,
(For he that conquers Fear may conquer Men)
Thy choice was just and early, not adjourn'd
'Till the great scale at Keinton field was turn'd:
See, GRANVILL's up (the mighty Cornish crys)
Which (like a Beacon fir'd) made them All rise,
Thus rouz'd, thou arm'd their inside day by day,
Dealt flame and Spirit to them as their pay,
Clear'd and advanc'd their blood, cast them a new,
'Till in an instant they stout Gyants grew;
Then led by Thee, they made vast Devon quake,
So as loose Stamford frighted left the stake,
Whose Fort, Ditch, Bulwark, did but raise thy heart,
Valour no more is borke then made by Art;
Nay when (thy Powder gone, compell'd to cease)
That thou must bleed, or veeld to what should please
The two new families of Parliament;
Though Ammunition, Courage was not spent,
Then, then thy steel made them out-run their wheels,
Leave All, and take nought with them but their heels;
Thus Bodmin, Stratton felt thy influence,
Great BEVILL's Sword return'd not empty thence.
But when the Rowt (as th'hill it self) came down
He grasp'd a spear and underpropt the Crown,
Page 13
Plac'd like the flaming Cherubim, laid about,
Stood Guardian there to keep th'Apostates out,
Rear'd up like Sampson, took firm hold o'th' Beam,
Then pull'd all down, Himself, the House and Them,
His bleeding corps then on the Mount he hurl'd,
And fought it out with them in th'other World,
Till they gave off, letting their Matches burn.
To light his conquering Ashes to his Urn.
Had thy Godolphin staid to help us here,
His Pen had now took measure of thy spear,
'T had made thee Emperor of the West and All,
We blind with tears, see nothing but thy fall,
Which now doth bleed again, and doubly pierce,
To loose both Granvills sword, and Sidneys verse.
Cornwall (that glorious Dukedom) hence shall be
Ador'd, Eternall by Prince CHARLES and Thee,
Let their cheap Legions live (unfit to dye)
Who like their weapons strike they know not why,
Give our just Swords more satisfying dust,
Thread all the bold Committee at one thrust,
Scatter the Plot, till all the ill-built frame
Fall down as tribute to Great BEVILL's Name,
That Name (which shames Their malice and our wit)
Shall last as long as They conspir'd to sit.
John Birkinhead.
THey, that give Thanks for Overthrows, had ne're
Fairer Pretence to God, then they had here.
Mark't you not'midst our latter Triumphs one
Intruding Sigh? Heard you not one sad Groan?
'Twas for the valliant Granvill: which one Cross
Allay'd our Victory, and made it Loss.
Granvill, whose very Name the Rebells found
Dealing Revenge, and Death in every wound.
Page 14
While in the fierce Assault, they did not know,
Whether they should wish Thee alive, or no▪
How many trembling Ghosts did we enlarge
To cry Thee mercy in the Second Charge:
When the inraged Cornish, fierce upon
Revenge of Thee, cry'd Granvill, and kill'd on.
Treasure of Valour! in thy bold Designs
That Country glories more, then in her Mines.
Thus fell the mighty Scaeva, while the Foe
Trembled, and fear'd the very Overthrow.
Thus in the North our brave New-castle stood,
With more Success, with Honour no man cou'd,
Henceforch the Pike we doubly honour'd call,
From that One Triumph Fam'd, from this one Fall.
Robert Masters.
HAllow my temples, let my thoughts be drest
In such attire as fits a Poet-Priest.
That no rude accent may Profane thy name,
But all things be as spotless as thy Fame;
That Fame so great, that none but Granvills can
In the next age believe it of a Man.
Granvill! The Cornish Paean it shall be,
And only heard in Songs of Victory!
Th'Eternall Theam of Poets! which shall give
Strength to their Lines, and make their Verses live.
Thou that in those black times dard'st to be good,
When Treason was best Virtue, when none cou'd
Be safe and honest; that almost alone
Dard'st love the King, when a whole Nation
Was growing one great Rebell; hast firm stood,
And gave the first great stop to th' growing flood;
Thou Destiny of our new moulded State,
That first did'st make it's greatness shrink; whom Fate
Page 15
Prepar'd to save a Kingdom; and did give
Thee Virtue great enough to make it live;
How will the Ghosts of those slain Rebells shake
To see thy Shade? How Brooke and Hampden quake
To find themselves not safe, and that to dye
Ha's only chang'd the Scene of Victory?
How will their Guilt grow double, when they see
Thy Shine; twice frighted by themselves and Thee?
That glorious Shine, that shews the difference
Of Dying truly in the KINGS defence;
That though both fall together, and the bloud
Of Traytors and a Patriots, make one floud;
They in the Shambles, He at the Altar dies,
They fall as Beasts, and He a Sacrifice.
Now may those Rebells one Thanksgiving make
And not Blaspheme, nor fair Truth Scandal take.
Thy death makes honest all their thick-skin'd Lyes,
From which alone all their feigned Victories
Grow truths. How had We lost in that one stroke
A Kingdom, had not such brave Vertue broke
From thy Example, as did strike a flame
Into thy Followers, great as was thy Name.
Yet, let them boast their Conquest if they can,
Wee'have gained an Army, and have lost a Man.
And let them preach Thee slain, since from thy Death
A Thousand allmost Granvilles gather breath.
So when the Sun's forc'd hence by Sable Night,
Myrtads of Stars spring from his falling light.
William Creed.
YEt boast not Senate, know Hee could not Dy;
Untill he had obtain'd the Victory:
Death waited for that minute, that her state
Might rise more glorious through his nobler Fate.
Page 16
Methinks I now behold Him as Hee stood,
(Undaunted Spirit!) when that stately wood
Of Pikes march'd up; when like a Captain Oake
He led that underwood, and took that stroake
Which should have fell'd the Grove: I see him stand
Dispensing Valour by his brave Command,
And braver Actions, the Souldiers swords
Being whetted by's Example, and his Words.
Would this were reall; but our fancies move
Not guided by our knowledge, but our Love.
I could lament His Death, but that I know
All accents of our grief are far below
His vaster merit: rather let my Steel
Revenge his Death, and make their Conqueror feel
The anger of his Ghost; who slyly fled
From Granville but a Ghost from Granville dead.
Go weep for Cowards; he who bravely Dyes
Ought to have Musique at his Obsequies.
You happy souls who have the sacred trust
Of his dead ashes; see no Coward dust
Come near his Urne; 'tis fit his ashes lye
Where there is none but Valiant Company.
Near Lindsey's, Denby's, or Northampton's side,
(Who Conquer'd dying) raise his Pyramide:
Which may restore him to the World agen,
A Conquerer of Time, as well as Men.
Peter Mew.
WIsdom directs, when Justice dictates right,
And Courage (if provok't) then bids men fight:
Wisdom to Granville said, thy Cornish friends
Are mates enough to work thy noble ends;
Tis fit (spake Justice) to defend a Crown:
Then fight (said Courage) gain thee brave renown,
Page 17
And Fame said to him, if thou dy'st, then I
Will keep thy Everlasting memory;
Fate only frown'd; Granville obeys; commands
While Fate contriv'd his Death by Rebells hands;
Yet Friends, and Country do conserve his Name,
With Wisdom, Justice, Fortitude, and Fame.
Henry Love.
HEroic Martyr, whose Immortal death
Inliven'd here, giving our Realm new breath,
(For when the Sun setts bloody in the West,
The day still rises brighter in the East)
How Loyal wert Thou, when the general ring
Was heard No Bishops, while they meant No King;
And only to wrong Charles was to be true,
As robbing of the Church pay'd Heav'n it's due:
When too much Liberty did us enthrall,
And all Religions turn'd to none at all;
Whilst Rebel Members 'gainst their Head aim'd darts,
Voting Him none, by Whom they all are parts;
And their Militia fought Him, for his ayd,
To make Him Great, when Public Faith is paid!
'Mong these Self-contradictours You prov'd stil
Faithfull; and free to die, as they to Kill:
Like Decius, a Devoted Sacrifice,
Most sure to fall, yet by thy fall to rise:
Whose Brittish acts did Pompey's words retrive,
Wee needs must Stand, wee must not needs Survive.
When on the Mount Himself a Mount withstood
For th'Iron age too suitable a Brood,
(Who were Achilles like, as far as Steel
And Styx could doe't, all proof, but in the Heel)
Courage was all his Shield, his Gorgon's head,
Striking with blowes, and with amazement dead;
While from his wounds what valiant blood did post,
Most animated Him, when bravely lost;
Page 18
Seeming some Martial Deity to his Foe,
'Cause they had fear enough to make Him so:
They that fled stronger, than Hee took the field,
Worse Cowards when they fight, than when they yield:
Like timorous Hare-Knights at each shot they start;
Or Rome's fam'd Ox, of metal void, and heart.
But this stout Champion triumph't in his fall,
And when Hee was most conquer'd, conquer'd all;
As lofty Castles, when they sink, dilate
The ruine round about, and scatter fate.
Nay his loss routed, whilst his Army thriv'd,
Heirs to fresh Spirit through his death deriv'd;
Which by a Transmigration, as it ran
In one before, dwell't then in every man.
His Ancestours t'our Norman King ally'd,
Who fought belowe Covictors by his side,
Him from above their glory saw, and shame;
They living won, his Careass overcame:
Which, that it self a plain reward might have,
Obtein'd a posthume Earldom in the grave.
Thus Codrus fell, yet all his Dignitys
Sunk with Himself: but whilst our Offering dies,
His Of spring here growe Peers, Hee in the Skys.
Henry Birkhead.
THE CLOSE.
THus slain thy Valiant Ancestor did lye, When His One Bark a Navy did defie; When now encompass'd round, He Victor stood, And bath'd His Pinnace in his Conquering Bloud; 'Till all His Purple Current dry'd, and spent, He fell, and made the Waves his Monument. Where shall th'next famous Granvills Ashes stand? Thy Grandfiere fills the Seas, and Thou the Land.Martin L Lewellin.
Page 19
His Majesties Letter to Sr Bevill Granvill, after the great Victory Obtained over the Rebels, at the Battel of Strarton.
To Our Right Trusty and Well-beloved Sir Bevill Granvill,
at Our Army in Cornwall.
CHARLES R.
RIght Trusty and Well-beloved, Wee greet you Well.
Wee have seen your Letter to Endymion Porter Our Servant: But your whole Conduct of Our Affairs in the West, doth speak your Zeal to Our Service and the Pub∣lick Good in so full a Measure, as Wee Rest abundantly satisfy'd with the Testimony thereof. Your Labours and your Expences Wee are graciously Sensible of: And Our Royall Care hath been to ease you in all that Wee could. What hath fallen short of Our Princely Purposes, and your Expectations, Wee know you will attribute to the great malignity of the Rebellion Wee had, and have here to wrestle withall: And Wee know well, how effectuall a diversion of that mischievous strength you have made from us at your own great hazzards. Wee assure you Wee have all tender sence of the hardness you have endured, and the State wherein you stand: Wee shall not fail to procure you what speedy relief may be: In the mean space Wee send you Our most hearty Thanks for some encouragement, and assurances in the Word of a Gracious Prince, that (God enabling Us) Wee shall so re∣flect upon your faithfull Services, as you and yours shall have cause to acknowledge Our Bounty and Favour: And so Wee bid you heartily farewell. Given at Our Court at Oxford the 24th of March, 1642-43.
Page 20
His Majesties Gracious Letter to the County of Cornwall, after the Death of Sir Bevill Granvill, and those other Eminent persons Slain in his Majesties Service, Namely, Arundall, Mohun, Slaning, Trevanion, Godolphin, &c.
CHARLES R.
WE are so highly sensible of the extraordinary Merit of Our County of Cornwal, of their Zeal for the De∣fence of Our Person, and the Just Rights of Our Crown, (in a time, when We could contribute so little to Our Own Defence, or to their Assistance; in a time, when not, only no Reward appeared, but great and probable Dangers were threatned to Obedience and Loyalty;) of their great and eminent Courage and Patience in their in∣defatigable Prosecution of their great Work against so potent an Enemy, backed with so Strong, Rich, and Po∣pulous Cities, and so plentifully furnished and supplied with Men, Arms, Money, Ammunition, and Provision of all kinds; and of the wonderfull success, with which it hath pleased Almighty God (though with the loss of some most eminent Persons, who shall never be forgotten by Us) to reward their Loyalty and Patience by many strange Victories over their and Our Enemies, in despight of all humane probability, and all imaginable disadvan∣tages; That as We cannot be forgetfull of so great De∣serts, so We cannot▪ but desire to publish to all the World, and perpetuate to all Time, the Memory of these their Merits, and of Our Acceptance of the same. And to that end, We do hereby render Our Royal Thanks to that Our County, in the most Publick and most Lasting manner We can devise, Commanding Copies hereof to be Printed and Published; and one of them to be read in every Church and Chappel therein, and to be kept for ever as a Record in the same, That as long as the
Page 21
History of these Times, and of this Nation shall con∣tinue, the memory of how much that County hath merited from Us and Our Crown, may be derived with it to Posterity. Given at Our Camp at SUDELEY Castle the Tenth of September. 1643.
The Gracious Patent of his Majesty King Charles the First to the County of Cornwall.
CHARLES By the Grace of God King of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, &c. To all to whom these Presents shall come, Greeting▪ know Yee, that Wee out of Our Princely Contemplation of of the many and extraordinary faithfull Services to Us of late performed, by Our County of Cornwall, And for their better Incouragement to proceed in their Duty and Alle∣geance to Our Person, and Crown of England, and for di∣vers other Good Causes and Considerations Us thereunto especially moving, Have out of Our Special Grace, certain Knowledge, and meer Motion, Given and Granted, and by these Presents, for Us Our Heirs and Successors, do Give and Grant unto all and every the Men and Inhabi∣tants, Our Leige-Subjects of Our Kingdom of England, within the said County of Cornwall, now being, or here∣after to be; That they and every of them by themselves, or any of them, their or any of their Factors, Agents, or Servants, shall and may have Liberty and Freedom from time to time, and at all times for ever hereafter, to Trade, Traffick, and Commerce with their Ships and other Ves∣sels, and their Goods and Merchandize unto and from the Havens, Towns, and all Ports and places within the Do∣minion of the King of Denmarke, and Great Duke of Mus∣covye. And all Ports and Places within the Levant Seas. And unto all and from all and every of them whilst respe∣ctively
Page 22
they, or any of them, are or shall be in Amity with Us, Our Heirs or Successors, whether he Merchants of Our East Land Russia, & Turkey Companie of London, & the Merchants of the Company of Merchant-Adventurers of London, or of any, or either of them, do, or may Trade, and into and from all other Ports and places whatsoever beyond the Seas, for the time being in Amity, with Us, Our Heirs and Successors; whether any of the Subjects for the time being of Us, Our Heirs and Successors, for such time or times, do or may Trade, Traffick, or Com∣merce; in as full, ample and beneficial manner, as Wee Can grant the same; Saving allways to Us, Our Heirs and Successors from the said Men and Inhabitants of Our said County of Cornwall, their Factors and Agents to be duly paid unto Us, Our Heirs, and Successors, to Our and their Use, All such Customs and other Duties and Pay∣ments upon, and for their Merchandizes and Goods to be Exported and Imported, as shall from time to time become due and payable to Us, Our Heirs and Successors in that respect. Likewise saving all Rights, Duties, or Payments any way belonging too or in respect of the Dutchy of Cornwall; Yielding and Paying thereof unto Us, Our Heirs and Successors the Sum of Four Shillings of Law∣full English Money, to be paid unto the hands of the Sheriff of the County of Cornwall, at the Feast of All Saints Yearly: And hereby for Us, Our Heirs and Successors, Willing and Commanding; that all the Officers and every the Ministers of what Nature, Condition, or Degree so∣ever, and all other the Subjects of Us, Our Heirs and Successors whom these shall or may any ways concern, to take Special notice to all intents and purposes as they and every of them shall respectively answer the contrary at their perills. And Wee do hereby for Us, Our Heirs and Successors, further Promise and Grant, unto the
Page 23
aforesaid Men and Inhabitants of our said County of Cornwall as well present as to come; that if, and as often as any doubts or questions shall happen to arise for, touching, or concerning, the Validity of these Our Letters-Patents; That then, and so often upon the Humble Petition of the foresaid Men & Inhabitants of Our said County of Cornwall to Us, Our Heirs, & Successors, exhibited, orupon Notice or Certificate to Us, Our Heirs, and Successors, by the Learned of Councel, of the aforesaid Men and Inhabitants of Our said County of Cornwall, touching any Defeet re∣quisite to be Amended; We, Our Heirs, and Successors, will Graciously Grant Other Letters-Patents unto the said Men and Inhabitants of Our said County of Cornwall, with such and so many Amendments, Explications, Amplifica∣tions, and Additions, as by the said Council of the afore∣said Men and Inhabitants of Our said County of Cornwall shall be advised, and thought fit; And which any way may tend to the Confirmation of These Our Letters-Pa∣tents, or to the Perfection of Our Intention before, in these Presents, any way appearing. And Wee further Will, And by these Presents for Us, Our Heirs, and Successors, do Grant unto the a foresaid Men and Inhabitants of Our said County of Cornwall, as well Present as to Come, that these Our Letters Patents, or the Inrolement thereof shall be in all things Firm, Valid, Good, and Sufficient, and Effectual, in the Law, against Us, Our Heirs, and Succes∣sors, as well in all Courts as elsewhere, within Our Kingdom of England, without any Confirmation, Licenese, or Toleration, from Us, Our Heirs, or Successors, any way hereafter to be procured or obtained; Notwith∣standing the not finding of Office, or Offices, Inquisition or Inquisitions, by which Our Title, in the Placit ought to be found, before the making of these Our Let∣ters-Patents. And Notwithstanding that the aforesaid Men
Page 24
& Inhabitants of Our County of Cornwall, in Constitution of Law be not reputed a Corporation or Body-Politick, nor Capable in Law to hold the Priviledge of these Pre∣sents Granted; any Statute, Act, Ordinance, Proclam' or Provision heretofore Had, Made, Enacted, Ordained, or Provided, or any other Thing, C••e or Matter soever to the Contrary hereof, in any wise Notwithstanding. In Witness whereof Wee have caused these our Letters to be made Patents, Witness Our self at Oxford the Twenty Sixth day of January in the Nineteenth Year of Our Reign.
Per bre' de Privato Sigillo.
A True Account of His Majesties Particular Grace and Favour to the Loyal Towns & Burroughs within the Dutchy of Cornwall, by the Mediation of the Right Honourable John Earl of Bathe, Lord Lieutenant & High Steward of the said Dutchy, and Lord-Warden of the Stanneries, &c.
Whitchall, December 12. 1684.
THe Right Honourable the Earl of Bathe being lately at His Government of Plymouth, to Settle by His Ma∣jesties Command the Affairs of that Garison, and the Militia of Cornwal under His Lieutenancy, the several Towns and Burroughs within the Dutchy of Cornwal, who had Uuanimously and with great Chearfulness re∣solved to Surrender their Charters and Franchises to His Majesty, made their Applications to His Lordship as their Lieutenant, to Intercede with His Majesty, that they might, by reason of the great distance, be excused from their Personal Attendance with their Surrenders and Charters: To which His Majesty being pleased to Con∣descend, the said Corporations delivered their Surrenders
Page 25
to His Lordship for His Majesties Use; humbly praying Him to lay them at His Majesties Feet: Which His Lord∣ship at His return hither having done accordingly, with a Petition on their behalf, His Majesty was pleased Gra∣ciously to accept of them, and to Command His Lordship to assure the said Corporations, That He very well re∣membred the Duty and Loyalty of that County in the worst Times of Rebellion; and was well pleased with this fresh Demonstration of it by them.
Which above-mentioned Signification of His Majesties Pleasure, was by His Majesties Command Ordered to be Printed in the Gazette, and which was done accordingly.
To the King's Most Excellent Majesty.
The Humble Petition of John Earl of Bathe, Your Maje∣sties Lieutenant of Cornwal, and Lord Warden of Your Majesties Stanneries, &c.
Sheweth,
THat the Mayors and Burgesses of the several Towns and Burroughs within Your Majesties Dutchy of Cornwal, against whom Writs of Quo Warranto were lately Issued, have Unanimously with great Chearfulness, and some Emulation who should be most forward, (excepting only one small incon∣siderable Burrough) expressed an entire Submission and De∣ference to Your Royal Pleasure; and have Desired and En∣trusted Your Petitioner to lay the respective surrenders of their Franchises and Privileges, and the Charters by which they claim the same, with their customs and Prescriptions, at Your Majesties Royal Feet; Humbly beseeching Your Majesty to Grant and Confirm their Ancient Franchises and Privileges, with such Additions, Alterations and Reservations as Your Majesty in Your Great and Royal Wisdom shall think fit.
Page 26
The small Revenues of the greatest part of the said Bur∣roughs, and the signal Loyalty and Sufferings of them all, and of all Cornwal in general, with the great distance of their Habita∣tions from Your Royal Palace, gives Your said Petitioner Con∣fidence most humbly to pray in their Behalfs, That Your Majesty will be Graciously pleased to excuse their Personal Attendance with their said Surrenders and Charters, and to receive them from the Hands of Your said Petitioner; and that their seve∣ral and respective new Charters may pass the Great Seal, and other Offices without Fees, or other Charges. Which Royal Bounty will greatly Encourage Them, and all Your Majesties other Loyal Subjects within Your said Dutchy, in that Duty and Loyalty which they on this Occasion, as their Ancestors with most of their Countrymen in the worst Times of Re∣bellion, to the ruine of their Estates, and loss of their nearest and dearest Relations, have according to their Duty most readily and faithfully expressed.
And Your Petitioner shall ever Pray, &c.
BATHE.
Unto which said Petition, His Majesty was Pleased to return this Gracious Answer following, by the Right Honourable the Earl of Sunderland, His Majesties Prin∣cipal Secretary of State.
WHereas the several Towns and Burroughs within the Counties of Cornwal and Devon, mentioned in the List hereunto annexed, have voluntarily surren∣dred unto His Majesty by the Hands of the Right Honou∣rable the Earl of Bathe, their Lord Lieutenant, all their Charters, with their Franchises and Priviledges, which
Page 27
they hold either by Antient Custom, Prescription or o∣therwise, humbly beseeching His Majesty to Regrant them new Charters, with such Alterations, Additions and Reservations as His Majesty shall think fit; His Ma∣jesty having taken the same into His Consideration, and also the humble Petition of the said Earl of Bathe, repre∣senting the many Eminent and Signal Services, Loyalty and great Sufferings of the said Towns and Country, in general, during the worst Times of Rebellion, which His Majesty himself well remembers, and being therefore Graciously pleased to accept of the said Surrenders from the Hands of the said Earl, excusing their Personal At∣tendance, His Majesty is pleased to Command Me to sig∣nifie His Pleasure, That the several New Charters which shall be Granted to the said Towns and Burroughs, pass the respective Offices and Seals without Paying Fees; Whereof all Persons whom it may concern are to take Notice.
Given at the Court at Whitehall, the 10th Day of De∣cember, 1684.
Sunderland.
Page 28
A List of tbe several Surrenders of the Towns and Burroughs within the Dutchy of Cornwal, Presented to His Maje∣sty by the Right Honourable the Earl of Bathe.
CORNWAL.
- LAnceston.
- Truro.
- Lostwithial.
- Bodman.
- Liscard.
- Penryn by the Mayor and Magistrates.
- Penryn by the Portreave and Burgesses.
- Metchell alias Midsholl, by Sir John Arundell, Lord of the Mannor.
- Metchell alias Midsholl, by the Mayor, Portreave and Burgesses.
- St. Ives by the Mayor, Por∣treave and Burgesses.
- St. Mawes by Sir Joseph Tredinham, Lord of the Mannor.
- St. Mawes by the Mayor and Burgesses.
- Callington by Samuel Rolle Esq; Lord of the Mannor.
- Callington by the Mayor, Portreave and Burgesses.
- Foy by the Mayor, Por∣treave and Burgesses.
- Grampond.
- Tregony.
- East Loe.
- West Loe.
- Camelford.
- Bossing alias Tintagell.
- St. Germans by Mr. Elliot Lord of the Mannor.
- St. Germans by the Por∣treave and Burgesses.
- Helston
- Saltash
- Surrendred before, and New Charters accor∣ding to His Majesties present Regulation.
DEVONSHIRE.
- PLympton.
- Ashburton.
- Bideford.
- Bradnitch.
- Plymouth
- Tavestocke
- Surrendred before, & New Charters accor∣ding to his Majesties present Regulation.
Bathe.
Page 29
A REPORT of the Truth of the Fight about the Isles of Azores, the Last of August 1591. Betwixt the Revenge, One of her Majesties Ships Commanded by Sir Richard Granvill, commonly called Grenvill, Vice-Admiral, and an Armada of the King of Spain; Penned by the Honourable Sir Water Ralegh, Knight.
BEcause the Rumours are diversly spred, as well in England, as in the Low Countrys, and elsewhere, of this late encounter between her Majesties Ships and the Armada of Spain; and that the Spaniards accord∣ing to their usuall manner, fill the world with their vain∣glorious vanity, making great appearance of victories, when on the contrary, themselves are most commonly and shamefully beaten and dishonoured; thereby hoping to possess the ignorant multitude by anticipating & fore∣running false reports: It is agreeable with all good rea∣son, for manifestation of the truth, to overcome falshood and untruth; that the beginning, continuance and Suc∣cess of this late Honourable Encounter of Sr Richard Gran∣vil, and other her Majesties Captains, with the Armada of Spain; should be truly set down and published with∣out partiality or false imaginations. And it is no marvel, than the Spainard should seek by false and Slanderous Pamphlets, advisoes and Letters, to cover their own loss, and to derogate from others their due Honour, especial∣ly in this Fight, being performed far off: Seeing they were not ashamed in the year 1588. when they purposed the Invasion of this Land, to publish in Sundry Langua∣ges in Print, great victories in words, which they plead∣ed to have obtained against this Realm; and spread the
Page 30
same in a most false sort over all parts of France, Italy, and elsewhere. When shortly after it was happily manifest∣ed in very deed to all Nations, how their Navy which they termed invincible, consisting of 140 Sail of Ships, not only of their own Kingdom, but strengthened with the greatest Argosies, Portugal Caracks, Florentines, & huge hulks of other Countrys, were by 30. of her Majesties Ships of War, and a few of our own Merchants, by the Wife, Valiant, and advantagious Conduct of the Lord Charles Howard, High-Admirall of England, beaten and shuffled together; even from the Lizard in Cornwall, first to Portland, where they shamefully le••t Don, Pedro de Valdes, with his mighty Ship; from Portland to Cales where they lost Hugo de Moncado, with the Gallias, of which he was Captain, & from Cales driven with Squibs from their Anchors, were chased out of the sight of Eng∣land, round about Scotland and Ireland. Where for the Sympathy of their barbarous Religion, hoping to find Succour and assistance, a great part of them were crusht against the Rocks, and those other that landed, being ve∣ry many in number, were notwithstanding broken, slain, and taken, and so sent from Village to Village coupled in halters, to be shipped into England: Where her Majesty of her Princely and Invincible disposition, disdaining to put them to death, and scorning either to retain or en∣tertain them; they were all sent back again to their Countrys, to witness and recount the worthy Achieve∣ments of their Invincible and Dreadfull Navy: Of which the number of Souldiers, the fearfull burthen of their Ships, the Commanders names of every Squadron, with all other their Magazines of provisions, were put in Print, as an Army and Navy unresistable, and disdain∣ing prevention. With all which so great and terrible an ostentation, they did not in all their Sailing round a∣bout
Page 31
England, so much as Sink or take one Ship, Bark, Pinnesse or Cock-boat of ours; Or ever burnt so much as one Sheepcote of this Land; Whereas on the contra∣ry, Sir Francis Drake with only 800. Souldiers not long before, landed in their Indies, and forced Sant Iago, Santo Domingo, Cartagena, and the fort of Florida.
And after that, Sr John Norris marched from Peniche in Portugall, with a handfull of Souldiers, to the gate of Lisbone, being about 40 English miles. Where the Earl of Essex himself, and other valiant Gentlemen braved the City of Lisbone, encamped at the very gate; from whence, after many days abode, finding neither pro∣mised party, nor provision to batter; they made retrait by Land, in despight of all their Garrisons, both of Horse and Foot. In this sort I have a little digressed from my first purpose; only by the necessary comparison of theirs and our actions: The one covetous of honour with∣out vaunt of ostentation; the other so greedy to purchase the opinion of their own affairs, and by false Rumors to resist the blust of their own dishonours, as they will not only not blush to spread all manner of Untruths: But even for the least advantage, be it but for the talring of one poor Adventurer of the English, will celebrate the Victory with Bonfires in every Town, always spending more in Faggors, then the purchase was worth they obtained. When as we never thought it worth the consumption of two Billets, when we have ta∣ken Eight or Ten of their Indian Ships at one time, and Twenty of the Brasill Fleet: Such is the difference between true Valour, and Ostentation: and between Honourable Actions and frivolous Vain glorious vaunts. But now to return to my purpose.
The Lord Thomas Howard with Six of her Majesties Ships, Six Victualers of London, the Bark Ralegh, and
Page 32
two or three other Pinnaces riding at Anchor near unto Flores, one of the Westerly Islands of the Azores, the Last of August in the afternoon, had intelligence by one Captain Middleton of the approach of the Spa∣nish Armada Which Middleton being in a very good Sailer, had kept them Company three days before, of good purpose, both to discover their Forces the more, as also to give advice to my Lord Thomas of their approach. He had no sooner delivered the news but the Fleet was in sight many of our Ships Com∣panys were on Shore in the Island; some providing ba∣last for their Ships; others filling of Water, and refresh∣ing themselves from the Land, with such things as they could either for Money, or by Force recover. By reason whereof our Ships being all pestered and ro∣maging every thing out of order, very light for want of balast, and that which was most to our disadvan∣tage the one half part of the men of every Ship sick, and utterly unserviceable: For in the Revenge there were Ninety diseases: in the Bonaventure, not so many in health as could handle her Main-Sail. For had not Twenty men been taken out of a Bark of Sr George Ca∣reys, his being commanded to be sunk, and those ap∣pointed to her, she had hardly ever recovered England. The rest, for the most part, were in little better State. The Names of her Majesties Ships were these as fol∣loweth, the Defiance, which was Admiral, the Revenge Vice-Admiral, the Bonaventure commanded by Captain Crosse, the Lion by George Fenner, the Foresight by Mr Thomas Vavasour, and the Crane by Duffild, the Foresight and the Crane being but small Ships▪ only the other were of the middle size; the rest besides the Bark Ra∣legh, commanded by Captain Thin, were Victuallers, and of small force or none. The Spanish Fleet having
Page 33
shrouded their approach by reason of the Island; were now so soon at hand, as our Ships had scarce time to weigh their Anchors, but some of them were driven to let slip their Cables and set sail. Sr Richard Gran∣vill was the last that weighed, to recover the men that were upon the Island, which otherwise had been lost. The Lord Thomas, with the rest very hardly reco∣vered the Wind, which Sr Richard Granvill not being able to do, was persuaded by the Master, and others, to cut his Main Sail, and cast about, and to trust to the Sailing of the Ship; for the Squadron of Sivil were on his Weather-Bow. But Sr Richard utterly refused to trun from the Enemies, alledging that he would ra∣ther choose to dye, then to dishonour himself, his Coun∣try, and her Majesties Ship, persuading his Company that he would pass through the two Squadrons, in de∣spight of them, and enforce those of Sivil to give him way. Which he performed upon divers of the formost, who, as the Mariners term it, sprang their Luff, and fell under the Lee of the Revenge. But the other course had been the better, and might right well have been answered, in so great an impossibility of Prevailing. Notwithstanding, out of the greatness of his mind, he could not be persuaded. In the mean while as he at∣tended those which were nearest him, the great San Philip being in the Wind of him, and coming towards him, becalmed his Sails in such sort, as the Ship could neither make way, nor feel the Helm: so huge and high-carged was the Spanish Ship, being of a Thousand and Five Hundred Tuns, who after laid the Revenge abord. When he was thus bereft of his Sails, the Ships that were under his lee luffing up, also laid him abord: of which the next was the Admiral of the Biscaines, a very mighty and puissant Ship commanded by Brittan∣dona,
Page 34
the said Philip carried three tire of Ordinance on a side, and eleven Pieces in every tire. She shot Eight forth-right out of her Chase, besides those of her Stern-Ports.
After the Revenge was entangled with this Philip. four other boorded her; two on her Larboord, and two on her Starboord. The Fight thus beginning at three of the Clock in the Afternoon, continued very terrible all that Evening. But the great San Philip having re∣ceived the Lower Tire of the Revenge, Discharged with Cross-bar shot, Shirted her self with all diligence from her sides, utterly misliking her first entertainment. Some say that the Ship Foundred but we cannot report it for truth, unless we were assured. The Spanish Ships were filled with Companys of Souldiers, in some Two Hundred, besides the Mariners, in some Five, in others Eight Hundred. In ours there were none at all besides the Mariners but the Servants of the Commanders, and some few Voluntary Gentlemen only. After many en∣terchanged Vollies of Great Ordinance and Small Shot, the Spaniards deliberated to enter the Revenge, and made divers attempts, hoping to force her by the Mul∣titudes of their Armed Souldiers and Musketters, but were still repulsed again and again, and at all times beaten back into their own Ships, or into the Seas. In the beginning of the Fight, the George Noble of London, having received some Shot thorow her by the Armadas, fell under the Lee of the Revenge, and asked Sr Richard what he would Command him, being but one of the Victualers and of small force: Sr Richard bid him save himself, and leave him to his fortune. After the Fight had thus, without intermission conti∣nued while the Day lasted, and some hours of the Night, many of our Men were slain and hurt, and one of
Page 35
the great Gallions of the Armada, and the Admiral of the Hulks both Sunk, and in many other of the Spanish Ships great Slaughter was made. Some write that Sir Richard was very dangerously hurt almost in the beginning of the Fight, and lay Speechless for a time e're he Recovered; But two of the Revenges own company, brought home in a Ship of Lime from the Islands, Examined by some of the Lords, and Others, affirmed that he was never so Wounded as that he forsook the Upper Deck, 'till an hour before Midnight; and then being shot into the Body with a Musket, as he was a dressing, was again shot into the Head, and withall, his Chirurgion wounded to death. This agreeth also with an Examination taken by Sr Francis Godolphin, of four other Mariners of the same Ship being returned, which Examination, the said Sr Francis sent unto Master William Killegrue, of her Majesties Privy Chamber.
But to return to the Fight, The Spanish Ships which attempted to boord the Revenge, as they were wounded and beaten off, so allways others came in their places, she having never less then two mighty Gallions by by her sides, and aboard her: So that e'ere the Morn∣ing, from Three of the Clock the day before, there had Fifteen severall Armadas assailed her, and all so ill approved their entertainment, as they were by the break of day, far more willing to hearken to a Com∣position, then hastily to make any more Assaults or Entries. But as the day encreased, so our men decreased: and as the light grew more and more, by so much more grew our discomforts. For none appeared in fight but enemies, saving one small Ship called the Pilgrim, commanded by Jacob Whiddon, who hovered all night to see the Success: but in the morning bearing with the Revenge, was hunted like a Hare a∣mongst
Page 36
many ravenous Hounds, but escaped.
All the Powder of the Revenge to the last Barrell was now spent, all her Pikes broken, Forty of her best men slain, and the most part of the rest hurt. In the be∣ginning of the Fight she had but one hundred free from Sickness, and fourscore and ten Sick, laid in Hold upon the Ballast. A small Troup to man such a Ship, and a weak Garrison to resist so mighty an Army. By those hundred all was sustained, the volleis, boordings, and entrings of fifteen Ships of War, besides those which beat her at large. On the contrary, the Spanish were always supplied with Souldiers brought from every Squadron: all-manner of Arms and Powder at will. Unto ours there remained no comfort at all, no hope, no supply either of Ships, Men, or Weapons; the Ma∣sters all beaten over-bord, all her tackle cut asunder, her upper work altogether rased, and in effect evened she was with the water, but the very foundation or bottom of a Ship, nothing being left over-head either for flight or defence. Sir Richard finding himself in this distress, and unable any longer to make resistance, having endured in this fifteen hours Fight, the Assault of fifteen severall Armadas, all by turns aboord him, and by estimation eight hundred Shot of great Ar∣tillery, besides many Assaults and Entries: and that Himself and the Ship must needs be possessed by the Enemy, who were now all cast in a ring round about him (the Revenge not able to move one way or other, but as she was moved with the waves and billow of the Sea) commanded the Master Gunner, whom he knew to be a most resolute man, to split and sink the Ship, that thereby nothing might remain of Glory or Victory to the Spaniards: Seeing in so many hours fight, and with so great a Navy they were
Page 37
not able to take her, having had Fifteen hours time, above ten Thousand Men, and Fifty and three Sail of Men of War to perform it withall:* 1.1 and perswaded the Company, or as many as hee could induce, to yeild them∣selves unto God, and to the mercy of none else: but as they had, like Valiant Resolute Men, repulsed so many Enemies, they should not now shorten the Honour of their Nation, by prolonging their own Lives for a few Hours, or a few Days. The Master Gunner readily con∣desended and divers others; but the Captain and the Master were of another opinion, and besought Sr Richard to have care of them; alledging that the Spaniards would be as ready to entertain a Composition, as they were willing to offer the same; and that there being divers sufficient and Valiant Men yet living, and whose Wounds were not Mortall, they might do their Coun∣try and Prince acceptable Service hereafter. And where∣as, Sir Richard had alledged that the Spaniards should never Glory to have taken one Ship of her Majesty, seeing they had so long and so notably defended them∣selves; they answered, that the Ship had Six-foot Water in hold, Three shot under Water, which were so weakly stopped, as with the first working of the Sea, she must needs Sink, and was besides so Crusht and Bruised, as she could never be removed out of the Place.
And as the matter was thus in dispute, and Sr Richard refusing to hearken to any of those reasons; the Master of the Revenge (while the Captain wan unto him the greater Party) was conveyed aboard the General Don Alfonso Bazan. Who (finding none over-hasty to enter the Revenge again, doubting least Sr Richard would have Blown them up and himself, and perceiving by the Report of the Master of the Revenge his dangerous
Page 38
disposition) yielded that all their Lives should be saved, the Company sent for England, and the better sort to pay such reasonable Ransom as their Estate would bear, and in the mean Season to be free from Gally, or Imprison∣ment. To this he so much the rather condescended as well, as I have said, for fear of further less and mischief to themselves, as also for the desire he had to recover Sir Richard Granvill, whom for his notable valour he seemed greatly to Honour and Admire.
When this answer was returned, and that safety of Life was promised, the Common sort being now at the end of their Perill, the most drew back from Sir Richard, and the Master Gunner; being no hard matter to disswade men from Death to Life. The Master Gunner finding himself and Sir Richard thus prevented and Mastered by the greater number, would have slain himself with a Sword, had he not been by force with∣held and locked into his Cabbin. Then the Generall sent many Boats aboard the Revenge, and divers of our men fearing Sir Richards disposition, Stole away aboard the General and other Ships; Sir Richard thus over-matched was sent unto by Alfonso Bazan to remove out of the Revenge, the Ship being Marvellous unsa∣vory, filled with Blood and Bodies of Dead, and Wound∣ed men like a Slaughter house. Sir Richard answered, that he might do with his Body what he list, for he esteemed it not, and as he was carried out of the Ship he Sounded, and Reviving again desired the Company to pray for him. The General used Sir Richard with all Humanity, and left nothing unattempted that tended to his Recovery, highly commending his Valour and worthiness, and greatly bewailing the danger wherein he was, being unto them a Rare Spectacle, and a Re∣solution seldom approved, to see one Ship turn towards
Page 39
so many Enemies, to endure the charge and boording of so many huge Armadas, and to resist and repell the assaults and entries of so many Souldiers. All which and more is confirmed by a Spanish Captain of the same Armada, and a present actor in the fight, who being severed from the Rest in a Storm, was by the Lion of London, a small Ship, taken, & is now Prisoner in London.
The General Commander of the Armada, was Don Alphonso Bazan, Brother to the Marquess of Santa Cruz. The Admiral of the Biscaine Squadron, was Britandona, of the Squadron of Sivil the Marquess of Arumburch. The Hulks and Flyboats were Commanded by Luis Coutinho. There were Slain and Drowned in this fight, well near One Thousand of the Enemies, and Two special Commanders Don Luis de Sant John, and Don George de Prunaria de Mallaga, as the Spanish Captain confesseth, besides divers others of special account, whereof as yet report is not made.
The Admiral of the Hulks and the Ascension of Sivil were both Sunk by the side of the Revenge; one other recovered the Rode of Saint Michael, and sunk also there; a fourth ran her self with the Shore to save her men. Sir Richard died, as it is said, the Second or Third day aboard the General, & was by them greatly bewailed. What became of his body, whether it were buried in the Sea or on the Land we know not: the comfort that remaineth to his Friends is, that he hath ended his Life honourably, in respect of the reputation won to his Nation and Country, and of the same to his Posterity, and that being dead, he hath not out-lived his own honour.
For the rest of her Majesties Ships that entred not so far into the Fight as the Revenge, the reasons and causes were these. There were of them but six in all
Page 40
whereof two but small Ships; the Revenge ingaged past recovery: The Island of Flores was on the one side, 53 Sail of the Spanish, divided into Squadrons on the other, all as full filled with Souldiers as they could contain: Almost the one half of our men sick and not able to serve: The Ships grown foul, unromaged, and scarcely able to bear any Sail for want of Balast, having been six months at the Sea before. If all the rest had entred, all had been lost: for the very hugeness of the Spanish Fleet, if no other Violence had been offered, would have crusht them between them into Shivers. Of which the dishonour and loss to the Queen had been far greater then the spoil or harm that the Ene∣my could any way have received. Notwithstanding it is very true, that the Lord Thomas would have entred between the Squadrons, but the rest would not con∣descend, and the Master of his own Ship offred to leap into the Sea, rather then to conduct that her Ma∣jesties Ship, and the rest, to be a prey to the Enemy, where there was no hope nor Possibility either of De∣fence or Victory. Which also in my opinion had ill sorted or answered the discretion and trust of a Ge∣nerall, to commit himself and his charge to an assured destruction, without hope, or any likelyhood of pre∣vailing: thereby to diminish the Strength of her Ma∣jesties Navy, and to enrich the pride and glory of the Enemy. The Foresight of the Queens commanded by Mr Thomas Vavisor performed a very great Fight, and staid two hours as near the Revenge as as the Weather would permit him, not forsaking the Fight, 'till he was like to be encompassed by the Squadrons, and with great difficulty cleared himself. The rest gave divers volleis of Shot, and entred as far as the place permitted, and their own necessities, to keep the weather∣gage
Page 41
of the Enemy, untill they were parted by night. A few days after the Fight was ended, and the English Prisoners dispersed into the Spanish and Indie Ships, there arose so great a Storm from the West and North-West, that all the Fleet was dispersed, as well the Indian Fleet which were then come unto them, as the rest of the Armada that attended their arrival, of which 14 Sail, together with the Revenge and in her 200 Spaniards, were cast away upon the Isle of St Michael So it pleased them to honour the burial of that renowned Ship the Revenge, not suffering her to perish alone, for the great honour she atchieved in her life time. On the rest of the Islands there were cast away in this Storm 15 or 16 more of the Ships of War: and of an hun∣dred and odd Sail of the Indie Fleet, expected this year in Spain: What in this Tempest, and what before in the Bay of Mexico, and about the Bermudas, there were 70 and odd consumed and lost, with those ta∣ken by our Ships of London, besides one very rich In∣dian Ship, which set her self on fire, being boarded by the Pilgrim, and five other taken by Master Wats his Ship of London, between the Havana and Cape S. Antonio. The fourth of this Month of November we received Letters from the Tercera, affirming that there are 3000 bodies of men remaining in that Island, saved out of the perished Ships, and that by the Spaniards own confession, there are 10000 cast away in this Storm, besides those that are perished between the Islands and the Main. Thus it hath pleased God to fight for us, and to defend the Justice of our Cause, against the ambitious and bloody pretences of the Spaniard, who seeking to devour all Nations, are Themselves devoured. A manifest testimony how injust and dis∣pleasing, their attempts are in the sight of God, who
Page 42
hath pleased to witness by the success of their affairs his mislike of their bloody and injurious designs pur∣posed and practised against all Christian Princes, over whom they seek unlawfull and ungodly Rule and Empery.
One day or two before this Wrack happened to the Spanish Fleet, when as some of our Prisoners desired to be set on shore upon the Islands, hoping to be from thence transported into England, which liberty was formerly by the General promised: One Morice Fitz. John, Son of Old John of Desmond, a notable Tray∣tor, Cousin German to the late Earl of Desmond, was sent to the English from Ship to Ship, to perswade them to serve the King of Spain, the arguments he used to induce them were these. The increase of Pay which he promised to be trebled: advancement to the better sort: and the exercise of the True Catholique Religion, and safety of their Souls to all. For the first, even the beggerly and unnatural behaviour of those English and Irish Rebells, that serv'd the King in that present action, was sufficient to answer that first ar∣gument of rich Pay. For so poor and beggerly they were, as for want of Apparell they stripped their poor Country-men Prisoners out of their ragged Garments worn to nothing by six Months service, and spared not to despoil them even of their bloody Shirts, from their wounded bodies, and the very Shooes from their feet; A notable testimony of their rich entertainment and great Wages. The second reason was hope of ad∣vancement if they served well, and would continue faithfull to the King. But what man can be so block∣ishly ignorant ever to expect place or honour from a forrain King, having no other argument or perswa∣sion
Page 43
then his own disloyalty; to be unnatural to his own Countrey that bred him; to his Parents that be∣gat him; and rebellious to his true Prince, to whose obedience he is bound by Oath, by Nature, and by Religion: No, they are only assured to be imployed in all desperate enterprises, to be held in scorn and disdain ever among those whom they serve. And that ever Traytor was either trusted or advanced I could never yet reade, neither can I at this time remember any example. And no man could have less becommed the place of an Orator for such a purpose, then this Morice of Desmond. For the Earl his Cousin being one of the greatest Subjects in that Kingdom of Ireland, having almost whole Countries in his possession; so ma∣ny goodly Mannors, Castles, and Lordships; the Count Palatine of Kerry five hundred Gentlemen of his own name and family to follow him, besides others (all which he possessed in peace for three or four hundred years) was in less then three years after his adhering to the Spaniards and Rebellion, beaten from all his holds, not so many as ten Gentlemen of his name left living, himself taken and beheaded by a Souldier of his own Nation, and his Land given by a Parliament to her Majesty, and possessed by the English: His o∣ther Cousin Sir John of Desmond taken by Master John Zouch, and his body hanged over the Gates of his na∣tive City to be devoured by Ravens: the third Bro∣ther Sr James hanged, drawn, and quartered in the same place. If he had withall vaunted of his success of his own house, no doubt the Argument would have moved much, and wrought great effect; which be∣cause he for that present forgot, I thought it good to remember in his behalf. For matter of Religion it would
Page 44
require a particular Volume, if I should set down how irreligiously they cover their greedy and ambitious pre∣tences, with that veil of Piety. But sure I am, that there is no Kingdom or Common-wealth in all Europe▪ but if they be reformed, they then Invade it for Religion sake, if it be, as they term Catholique, they pretend Title; as if the Kings of Castile were the naturall heirs of all the world: and so between both, no Kingdom is unsought. Where they dare not with their own forces to invade, they basely entertain the Traytors and Vagabonds of all Nations: seeking by those and by their runnagate Jesuits to win parts, and have by that means ruined many noble Houses & others in this Land, & have extinguished both their Lives and Families. What good, honour, or fortune ever Man yet by them atchieved, is yet unheard of, or un∣written. And if our English Papists do but look into Portu∣gall, against which they have no pretence of Religion, how the Nobility are put to death, imprisoned, their rich men made a Prey, & all sorts of People Captiv'd; they shall find that the Obedience even of the Turks is easy and a Li∣berty, in respect of the Slavery and Tyranny of Spain. What have they done in Sicill, in Naples, Millaine, and in the Low-Countries; who hath there been spared for Religion at all? And it cometh to my remembrance of a certain Burger of Antwerpe, whose House being entred by a Company of Spanish Souldiers, when they first Sacked the City, he besought them to spare him and his Goods, being a Good Catholique, and one of their own Party and Faction; The Spaniards answered, that they knew him to be of a good Conscience for himself; but his Money, Plate, Jewels, and Goods, were all Heretical, and therefore good prize. So they abused and tormented the Foolish Fleming, who hoped that an Agnus Dei had been a sufficient target against
Page 45
all force of that Holy and Charitable Nation. Neither have they at any time as they protest, invaded the King∣doms of the Indies and Peru, and elsewhere, but only led thereunto, rather to reduce the People to Christi∣anity, then for either Gold or Empery; whenas in one only Island called Hispaniola, they have Wasted Thirty Hundred Thousand of the Naturall People▪ be∣sides many Millions else in other places of the Indies: A poor and harmless people Created of God, and might have been wonn to his knowledge, as many of them were; and almost as many as ever were persuaded there unto: The Story whereof is at large, Written by a Bishop of their own Nation, called Bartholomew de las Casas, and Translated into English, and many other Languages, intituled, The Spanish Cruelties. Who would therefore repose trust in such a Nation of Ravenous Strangers, and especially in those Spaniards, which more greedily thirst after English Blood, then after the lives of any other people of Europe, for the many overthrows and Dishonours they have received at our hands, whose Weakness we have discovered to the World, and whose forces at home, abroad, in Europe, in India, by Sea and Land, we have even with hand∣fulls of men and Ships, Overthrown and Dishonoured. Let not therefore any Englishman, of what Religion soever, have other opinion of the Spaniards, but that those whom he seeketh to winn of our Nation, he esteemeth base and Traiterous, unworthy persons, or unconstant fools; and that he useth his pretence of Religion, for no other purpose but to bewitch us from the Obedience of our Naturall Prince; thereby hoping in time to bring us to Slavery and Subjection, and then none shall be unto them so odious and disdained as the Traytors themselves, who have sold their Coun∣trey
Page 46
to a Stranger, and forsaken their faith and Obe∣dience contrary to Nature and Religion; and con∣trary to that humane and generall honour, not only of Christians, but of Heathen and Irreligious Nations; who have always sustained what labour soever, and em∣braced even Death it self, for their Country, Prince, or Common wealth. To conclude, it hath ever to this day pleased God to prosper and defend her Majesty, to break the purposes of Malicious Enemies, of forsworn Tray∣tors, and of unjust Practices and Invasions. She hath ever been Honoured of the Worthiest Kings, Served by faithfull Subjects, and shall by the favour of God, Resist, Repell and Confound all whatsoever attempts against her Sacred Person or Kingdom. In the mean time, Let the Spaniard and Traytor vaunt of their Success, and we her true and obedient Vassals, guided by the shining light of of her Vertues, shall always love her, serve her, and obey her to the End of our Lives.
Page 47
His Majesties Royall Warrant to the Earl of Bathe, then Sr. John Granvill, at Brussels, immediately before his Restauration.
CHARLES R.
IN consideration of the many Services done us by our Right Trusty and Well-beloved Servant Sr. John Gran∣vill (one of the Gentlemen of our Bed-Chamber) and his Father, the most Valiant and Loyal Sir Bevill Granvill, who most Honourably lost his Life at the Battel of Lands∣down, in the Defence and Service of the Crown, against the Rebells, after he had performed many other great and signal Services.
But more especially in consideration of the late most ex∣traordinary Services (never to be forgotten by us or our Posterity) which the said Sr. John Granvill hath lately rendred us in his Person, in his secret, prudent and most faithfull Transactions and Negotiations, in concluding that most happy Treaty which he had lately, by our special Com∣mand and Commission, with our Famous and Renowned General Monk; and wherein he alone (and no other) was intrusted by Us, concerning the said Treaty, about those most important Affairs for our Restauration; which he has most faithfully performed with great prudence, care, secresy and advantage for our Service, without any conditions im∣posed upon us beyond our expectation, and the Commission we gave him; whereof we doubt not, but by Gods blessing, we shall speedily see the effects of our said happy Restauration. We are graciously pleased to promise, upon the Word of a King, that as soon as we are arrived in England, and it shall please God to restore us to our Crown of that King∣dom; We will confer upon our said right Trusty and well-beloved Servant Sir John Granvill the place and office of
Page 48
Groom of our Stole, and First Gentlemen of our Bed-Chamber (with all Fees, Pensions, and Perquisites thereunto belonging) together with the Title and Dignity of an Earl of our Kingdom of England: And the better to support the said Title of Honour, and to reward as we ought those many great services, and to recompence the losses and suf∣ferings of him and his Family; We are further graciously pleased to promise upon our said Royal Word, to pay all the Debts that he the said Sir John Granvill, or his Fa∣ther have contracted in the late Wars, in our service, or in our Royal Fathers of Blessed Memory; and also to bestow and settle, in good Land in England, an Estate of In∣heritance to the value of at least 3000 l. per annum, upon him the said Sir John Granvill, and his Heirs for ever; to remain as a perpetual acknowledgement for his said ser∣vices; and as a Testimony of our Grace and Favour towards, him, and that Ancient and Loyal Family of the Granvills, unto all Posterity. Given at our Court at Brussels, the 2d of April, in the 12th year of our Reign 1660.
By his Majesties Command
Edw. Nicholas.
FINIS.
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Notes
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* 1.1
The Spanish 53. Sail.