Anglorum speculum, or The worthies of England, in church and state Alphabetically digested into the several shires and counties therein contained; wherein are illustrated the lives and characters of the most eminent persons since the conquest to this present age. Also an account of the commodities and trade of each respective county, and the most flourishing cities and towns therein.

Proverbs.

I. He is the black Bear of Arden. By this is meant Guy Beauchamp Earl of Warwick, a grim person, and surly of Resolution, who in spite of all opposition, cau∣sed the death of Pierce Gaveston, that Minion of Ed∣ward 2. at a Hill within two Miles of Warwick. Ar∣den is a Forrest, anciently occupying all the Wood-land part of this County. 'Tis applyed to such who (with∣out any other Authority then that of their Countenance or Disposition) strike terrour into others. II. As bold as Beauchamp. Though there was a series of succes∣sive undauntedness in the Noble Family of the Earls of Warwick, yet I conceive that Thomas first of that name

gave the chief occasion to this Proverb; He being ar∣rived with King Edward 3. at Hogges in Normandy, 1346. was the first man who landed, and being follow∣ed by one Esquire, and six Archers, is reported to have fought against a 100 Armed men, and in hostile manner to have overthrown every one who withstood him: having at one shock slain 60 Normans, and re∣moved all resistance, so that the Kings whole Army landed in safety. The Heirs Male of this name, are long since extinct, though some deriving themselves from the Heirs general, are extant at this day. III. The Bear wants a Tail, and cannot be a Lion. This abated the jealousie the Dutch had of Robert Earl of Leicester (descended from the ancient Earls of War∣wick) Governour of the Low-Countries, being sus∣pected to hatch a design of making himself Sovereign Commander over the Low-Countries, whilst he diffu∣sed his own Coat of the green Lion, with two Tails, and sign'd all instruments with the Crest of the Bear and Ragged Staff. Then it was that this Proverb was written under his Crest, set up in publick places,

Ʋrsa caret caudâ, non queat esse Leo.

The Bear he never can prevail, To Lion it, for lack of Tail.

It is applyed to such who aspire to what is above their power to atchieve. IV. He is true Coventry-blew. It seems the best Blews are dyed in Coventry. It is ap∣plyed to such an one who is a faithful Friend.