Reliquiae Wottonianae, or, A collection of lives, letters, poems with characters of sundry personages : and other incomparable pieces of language and art : also additional letters to several persons, not before printed / by the curious pencil of the ever memorable Sir Henry Wottan ...

THE LIFE OF Sir HENRY WOTTON.

SIR Henry Wotton (whose Life I novv intend to vvrite) vvas born in the Year of our Re∣demption 1568. in Bocton-hall, (commonly called Bocton, or Bougton - place, or Palace) in the Parish of Bocton Mal∣herb, in the fruitful Country of Kent: Bocton-hall being an ancient and goodly Structure, beautifying, and being beautified by the Parish Church of Bocton Malherb adjoyning unto it; and both seated vvithin a fair Park of the Wottons, on the Brovv of such a Hill, as gives the advantage of a large Prospect, and of equal pleasure to all Beholders.

But this House and Church are not remarkable for any thing so much, as for that the memorable Family of the Wottons have so long inhabited the one, and novv lie buried in the other, as appears by their many Monuments in that Church: the Wottons being a Family that hath brought forth divers Per∣sons eminent for Wisdom and Valour; vvhose Heroick Acts, and Noble Employments, both in

England and in Foreign parts, have adorned them∣selves and this Nation; which they have served abroad faithfully, in the discharge of their great trust, and prudently in their Negotiations with se∣veral Princes; and also served at home with much Honour and Justice, in their wise managing a great part of the Publick Affairs thereof, in the various times both of War and Peace.

But, lest I should be thought by any that may in∣cline either to deny or doubt this Truth, not to have observed moderation in the commendation of this Family: and also, for that I believe the merits and memory of such Persons ought to be thankfully recorded, I shall offer to the consideration of eve∣ry Reader, out of the testimony of their Pedegree, and our Chronicles, a part (and but a part) of that just Commendation which might be from thence enlarged, and shall then leave the indifferent Rea∣der to judge, whether my error be an excess or de∣fect of Commendations.

Sir Robert Wotton of Bocton Malherb Knight, vvas born about the Year of Christ 1460: he living in the Reign of King Edward the Fourth, vvas by him trusted to be Lieutenant of Guisnes, to be Knight Porter, and Comptroller of Callais, where he died, and lies honourably buried.

Sir Edward Wotton of Bocton Malherb Knight, (Son and Heir of the said Sir Robert) was born in the Year of Christ 1489, in the Reign of King Henry the Seventh: he was made Treasurer of Callais, and of the Privy Councel to King Henry the Eight, who offered him to be Lord Chan∣cellor of England; but (saith * 1.1 Hol∣linshed) out of a virtuous modesty he refused it.

Thomas Wotton of Bocton Malherb Esquire, Son and Heir of the said Sir Edward, (and the Father of our Sir Henry, that occasions this Relation) was born in the Year of Christ 1521: he was a Gentle∣man excellently educated, and studious in all the Liberal Arts, in the knowledge whereof, he attain∣ed unto a great perfection; who, though he had (besides those abilities, a very Noble and plentiful Estate, and the ancient Interest of his Predecessors) many invitations from Queen Elizabeth to change his Country Recreations and Retirement for a Court∣offering him a Knight-hood, (she vvas then vvith him at his Boctonhall) and that to be but as an earnest of some more honourable and more profitable em∣ployment under Her; yet he humbly refused both, being a man of great modesty, of a most plain and single heart, of an ancient freedom, and integrity of mind. A commendation which Sir Henry Wotton took occa∣sion often to remember with great gladness, and thankfully to boast himself the Son of such a Father: From whom indeed he derived that noble ingenuity that was always practised by himself, and which he ever both commended and cherished in others. This Thomas was also remarkable for Hospitality, a great Lover, and much beloved of his Country; to which may justly be added, that he was a Che∣risher of Learning, as appears by that excellent An∣tiquary Mr. William Lambert, in his Perambulation of Kent.

This Thomas had four Sons, Sir Edward, Sir James, Sir John, and Sir Henry.

Sir Edward was Knighted by Queen Elizabeth, and made Comptroller of Her Majesties Houshold. He was (saith Cambden) a man remarkable for many and great Employments in the State, during Her

Reign, and sent several times Ambassador into Fo∣reign Nations. After Her death, he was by King James made Comptroller of his Houshold, and called to be of His Privy Councel, and by him ad∣vanced to be Lord Wotton, Baron of Merley in Kent, and made Lord Lieutenant of that County.

Sir James (the second Son) may be numbred among the Martial Men of his Age, who was in the 38 of Queen Elizabeths Reign (with Robert Earl of Sussex, Count Lodowick of Nassaw, Don Christophoro, Son of Antonio King of Portugal, and divers other Gentlemen of Nobleness and Valour) Knighted in the Field near Cadiz in Spain, after they had gotten great Honour and Riches, besides a notable retaliation of Injuries by taking that Town.

Sir John, being a Gentleman excellently accom∣plished, both by Learning and Travel, was Knight∣ed by Queen Elizabeth, and by Her look'd upon with more then ordinary favour, and with inten∣tions of preferment; but Death in his younger years put a period to his growing hopes.

Of Sir Henry, my following discourse shall give an account.

The descent of these fore-named Wottons were all in a direct Line; and most of them and their acti∣ons, in the memory of those with whom we have conversed: But if I had looked so far back as to Sir Nicholas Wotton, (who lived in the Reign of King Richard the Second) or before him, upon di∣vers others of great note in their several Ages, I might by some be thought tedious; and yet others may more justly think me negligent, if I omit to mention Nicholas Wotton, the fourth Son of Sir Ro∣bert, whom I first named.

This Nicholas Wotton was Doctor of Law, and some∣time

Dean both of York and Canterbury: a man vvhom God did not only bless vvith a long life, but vvith great abilities of mind, and an inclinati∣on to imploy them in the service of his Countrey, as is testified by his severall Imployments; * 1.2 having been sent nine times Ambassador unto forraign Princes; and by his being a Privy-Councellor to King Henry the eighth, to Edward the sixth, to Queen Mary and Queen Eli∣zabeth; vvho also, after he had been during the Wars between England, Scotland and France, three several times (and not unsuccessfully) imployed in Committies for setling of peace betwixt this and those Kingdomes, died (saith learned Cambden) full of Commendations for Wisdome and Piety.—He vvas also by the Will of King Henry the eighth, made one of his Executors, and chief Secretary of State to his Son, that plous Prince Edward the sixth.—Concerning which Nicholas Wotton, I shall say but this little more; That he re∣fused (being offered it by Queen Elizabeth) to be * 1.3 Arch bishop of Can∣terbury, and that he died not rich, though he lived in that time of the dissolution of Abbeys.

More might be added: but by this it may ap∣pear, that Sir Henry Wotton, vvas a Branch of such a kindred as left a Stock of Reputation to their Po∣sterity; such Reputation, as might kindle a gene∣rous emulation in strangers, and preserve a noble ambition in those of his Name and Family, to per∣form Actions vvorthy of their Ancestors.

And, that Sir Henry Wotton did so, might appear more perfectly then my Pen can express it, if of his many surviving friends, some one of higher parts and imploy∣ment,

had been pleased to have commended his to Posteri∣ty; But, since some years are now past, and they have all (I know not why) forborn to do it; my gratitude to the memory of my dead friend, and the renewed request of some * 1.4 that still live solicitous to see this duty performed; these, have had a power to perswade me to un∣dertake it; which, truly, I have not done, but with some di∣strust of mine own Abilities, and yet so far from despair, that I am modestly confident my humble language shall be accepted, because I shall present all Readers with a Commixture of truth, and Sir Henry Wotton's merits.

This being premised, I proceed to tell the Rea∣der, that the Father of Sir Henry Wotton vvas twice married, first to Elizabeth, the Daughter of Sir John Rudstone Knight; after vvhose death, though his inclination vvas averse to all Contentions; yet, necessitated he vvas to several Suits in Law: in the prosecution vvhereof, (vvhich took up much of his time, and vvere the occasion of many Discontents) he vvas by divers of his friends ear∣nestly perswaded to a re-marriage; to vvhom he as often answered, That if ever he did put on a reso∣lution to marry, he was seriously resolved to avoid three sorts of persons:

namely, those

• that had Children.
• that had Law-suits.
• that vvere of his Kindred.

And yet, following his own Law-suits, he met in Westminster-hall vvith Mrs. Elionora Morton, Widow to Robert Morton of Kent Esq vvho vvas

also engaged in several Suits in Law: and, he ob∣serving her Comportment at the time of hearing one of her Causes before the Judges, could not but at the same time, both compassionate her Con∣dition, and affect her Person: (for, the tears of Lovers, or Beauty drest in sadness, are observ'd to have in them a Charming Eloquence; and, to be∣come very often too strong to be resisted) vvhich I mention, because it prov'd so vvith this Thomas Wotton, for although there vvere in her a concur∣rence of all those accidents, against vvhich he had so seriously resolved; yet, his affection to her grew then so strong, that he resolved to solicite her for a Wife; and did, and obtained her.

By her (vvho vvas the Daughter of Sir William Finch of Eastwell in Kent) he had only Henry his youngest Son.—His Mother undertook to be Tu∣toress unto him during much of his Childhood; for vvhose care and pains, he paid her each day vvith such visible signs of future perfection in Learning, as turned her imployment into a pleas∣ing-trouble: vvhich she vvas content to continue, till his Father took him into his own particular care, and disposed of him to a Tutor in his own House at Bocton.

And, vvhen time and diligent instruction, had made him fit for a removal to an higher Form, (vvhich vvas very early) he vvas sent to Winche∣ster-School: a place of strict Discipline and Order: that so, he might in his youth be moulded into a Method of living by Rule, vvhich his vvise Father knew to be the most necessary vvay, to make the fu∣ture part of his life, both happy to himself, and usefull for the discharge of all business, vvhether publick or private.

And, that he might be confirmed in this regulari∣ty, he was at a fit age removed from that School, to be a Commoner of New-Colledge in Oxford; both being founded by William Wickham Bishop of Win∣chester.

There he continued, till about the eighteenth year of his Age: and was then transplanted into Queens-Colledge; where within that year, he was by the chief of that Colledge, perswasively injoyn∣ed to write a Play for their private use: (it was the Tragedy of Tancredo) which was so interwoven with Sentences, and for the Method and exact per∣sonating those humours, passions, and dispositi∣ons, which he proposed to represent, so perform∣ed, that the gravest of that society declared, he had in a sleight imployment, given an early, and a solid testimony of his future abilities. And, though there may be some sowr dispositions, which may think this not worth a memorial; yet, that wise Knight Baptista G•…•…arini (whom learned Italy accounts one of her ornaments) thought it neither an uncomely, nor an unprofitable imployment for his Age.

But I pass to what will be thought more serious.

About the twentieth year of his Age, he pro∣ceeded Master of Arts; and at that time read in Latine three Lectures de Oculo: wherein, he having described the Form, the Motion, the curious compo∣sure of the Eye: and, demonstrated, how of those very many, every humour and nerve performs its di∣stinct Office, so as the God of Order hath appoint∣ed, without mixture or confusion; and all this, to the advantage of man, to whom the Eye is gi∣ven, not only as the Bodies guide, but, whereas all other of his senses require time to inform the

Soul, this, in an instant apprehends and warns him of danger: teaching him in the very eyes of others to discover wit, folly, love, and hatred: After he had made these Observations he fell to dispute this Op∣tique Question, Whether we see by the Emission of the Beams from within, or Reception of the Species from without? and, after that, and many other like learned disquisitions, he in the Conclusion of his Lectures, took a fair occasion to beautifie his Dis∣course with a Commendation of the blessing and benefit of Seeing: By which, we do not only discover Natures Secrets: but, with a continued content (for the eye is never weary of seeing) behold the great Light of the World, and by it, discover the Fabrick of the Heavens, and both the Order and Motion of the Cele∣stial Orbs; nay, that if the eye look but downward, it may rejoyce to behold the bosome of the Earth, our com∣mon Mother, embroidered and adorned with number∣less and various Flowers, which man sees daily grow up to perfection, and then, silently moralize his own conditi∣on, who in a short time (like those very Flowers) de∣cayes, withers, and quickly returns again to that Earth, from which both had their first being.

These were so exactly debated, and so Rhetori∣cally heightned, as, among other admirers, caused that learned Italian, Albericus Gentilis (then Pro∣fessor of the Civil Law in Oxford) to call him Henrice mi•…•…celle; which dear expression of his, was also used by divers of Sir Henry's dearest Friends, and by many other persons of Note, during his stay in the University.

But his stay there was not long; at least, not so long as his Friends once intended: for, the year after Sir Henry proceeded Master of Arts, his Fa∣ther (whom Sir Henry did never mention without

this, or some like reverential expression; as, That good man my Father; or, My Father the best of men:) about that time, this good man changed this for a better life; leaving to Sir Henry, as to his other younger Sons, a Rent charge of an hun∣dred Mark a year, to be paid for ever, out of some one of his Mannors of a much greater value.

And here, though this good man be dead, yet I wish a Circumstance or two that concern him, may not be buried without a Relation; which I shall undertake to do, for that I suppose, they may so much concern the Reader to know, that I may promise my self a pardon for a short Digression.

IN the year of our Redemption, 1553. Nicholas Wotton Dean of Canterbury (whom I formerly mentioned) being then Ambassador in France, dream'd, that his Nephew, this Thomas Wotton, was inclined to be a party in such a project, as, if he were not suddenly prevented, would turn both to the loss of his life, and ruine of his Family.

Doubtless, the good Dean did well know, that common Dreams are but a senseless paraphrase on our waking thoughts; or, of the business of the day past; or, are the result of our over engaged affections, when we betake our selves to rest; and knew that the observation of them, may turn to sil∣ly Superstitions; as they too often do: But, though he might know all this, and, might also believe that Prophesies are ceased; yet, doubtless he could not but consider, that all Dreams are not to be neglected or cast away without all considera∣tion: and did therefore rather lay this Dream aside, then intend totally to lose it; and dreaming the same again the Night following, when it became a

double Dream, like that of Pharaoh (of which double dreams, the learned have made many obser∣vations) and considering that it had no depen∣dance on his vvaking thoughts, much less on the desires of his heart, then, he did more seriously consider it; and, remembred that Almighty God vvas pleased in a Dream to reveal and to assure * 1.5 Mo∣nica the Mother of St. Austin, that he, her Son for whom she wept so bitterly, and prayed so much should at last become a Christian: This I be∣lieve, the good Dean considered; and, consider∣ing also, that Almighty God (though the causes of Dreams be often unknown) hath even in these latter times also, by a certain illumination of the Soul in sleep, discovered many things that humane vvisdome could not foresee: Upon these conside∣rations, he resolved to use so prudent a remedy by vvay of prevention, as might introduce no great inconvenience either to himself or to his Nephew. And to that end, he vvrote to the Queen ('twas Queen Mary) and besought her, That she would cause his Nephew Thomas Wotton, to be sent for out of Kent: and, that the Lords of her Council might interro∣gate him in some such feigned Questions, as might give a colour for his Commitment into a favourable Prison; declaring, that he would acquaint her Majesty with th•…•… true reason of his request, when he should •…•…xt become s•…•… happy as to see, and speak to her Majesty.

'Twas done as the Dean desired: and in Prison I must leave Mr. Wotton, till I have told the Reader vvhat followed.

At this time a Marriage vvas concluded betwixt our Queen Mary, and Philip King of Spain: And though this vvas concluded vvith the advice, if not

by the perswasion of her Privy Council, as having many probabilities of advantage to this Nation: yet, divers persons of a contrary perswasion, did not only declare against it, but also raised Forces to oppose it; believing (as they said) it would be a means to bring England to be under a subjection to Spain, and make those of this Nation slaves to Strangers.

And of this number Sir Thomas Wyat of Boxley-Abbey in Kent▪ (betwixt whose Family, and the Family of the Wottons, there had been an ancient and entire friendship) was the principal Actor; who having perswaded many of the Nobility and Gentry (especially of Kent) to side with him, and he being defeated, and taken Prisoner, was legally arraigned and condemned, and lost his life: So did the Duke of Suffolk, and divers others, especially many of the Gentry of Kent, who were there in several places executed as Wyat's assistants.

And of this number, in all probability, had Mr. Wotton been if he had not been confin'd: for, though he could not be ignorant that another mans Treason, makes it mine by concealing it; yet, he durst confess to his Uncle, when he returned into Eng∣land, and then came to visit him in Prison, that he •…•…ad more then an intimation of Wyat's intentions; and, thought he had not continued actually innocent, if his Uncle had not so happily dream'd him into a Prison; out of which place, when he was delivered by the same hand that caused his Commitment, they both considered the Dream more seriously; and then, both joyned in praising God for it; That God, who tyes himself to no Rules, either in pre∣venting of evil, or in shewing of mercy to those, whom of good pleasure he hath chosen to love.

And this Dream was the more considerable, be∣cause that God who in the dayes of old did use to speak to his people in visions, did seem to speak to many of this Family in dreams: of which I will al∣so give the Reader one short particular of this Thomas Wotton, whose dreams did usually prove true, both in foretelling things to come, and dis∣covering things past: And, the particular is this; This Thomas, a little before his death, dream'd that the University Treasury was robbed by Towns∣men, and poor Scholars; and, that the number was five: And being that day to write to his Son Henry at Oxford, he thought it worth so much pains, as by a Postscript in his Letter, to make a slight enquiry of it; the Letter (which was writ out of Kent, and dated three dayes before) came to his Sons hands the very morning after the night in which the Robbery was committed; and when the City and University were both in a perplext Enquest of the Thieves, then did Sir Henry Wotton shew his Fathers Letter, and by it such light was given of this work of darkness, that the five guilty persons were presently discovered, and appre∣hended, without putting the University to so much trouble, as the casting of a Figure.

And it may yet be more considerable, that this Nicholas and Thomas Wotton should both (being men of holy lives, of even tempers, and much given to fasting and prayer) foresee and foretell the very dayes of their own death: Nicholas did so, being then Seventy years of age, and in perfect health. Thomas did the like in the sixty fifth year of his age; who being then in London (where he dyed.) and foreseeing his death there, gave direction in what manner his Body should be carried to Bocton; and,

though he thought his Uncle Nicholas worthy of that noble Monument which he built for him in the Cathedral Church of Canterbury; yet this humble man gave direction concerning himself, to be bu∣ried privately, and especially without any pomp at his Funeral. This is some account of this Fa∣mily, which seemed to be beloved of God.

BUt it may now seem more then time that I re∣turn to Sir Henry Wotton at Oxford; vvhere, after his optick Lecture, he vvas taken into such a bosome friendship vvith the Learned Albericus Gentilis (vvhom I formerly named) that if it had been possible, Gentilis vvould have breathed all his excellent knowledge, both of the Mathematicks and Law, into the breast of his dear Harry (for so Gen∣tilis used to call him:) and though he vvas not able to do that, yet there vvas in Sir Henry such a pro∣pensity and connaturalness to the Italian Language, and those Studies vvhereof Gentilis vvas a great Master, that this friendship between them did dayly increase, and proved dayly advantagious to Sir Henry, for the improvement of him in several Sci∣ences, during his stay in the University.

From vvhich place, before I shall invite the Reader to follovv him into a foreign Nation, though I must omit to mention divers Persons that vvere then in Oxford, of memorable note for Learn∣ing, and Friends to Sir Henry Wotton; yet I must not omit the mention of a love that vvas there be∣gun betwixt him and Dr. Donne (sometimes Dean of St. Pauls) a man of vvhose abilities I shall for∣bear to say any thing, because he vvho is of this Nation, and pretends to Learning or Ingenuity, and is ignorant of Dr. Donne, deserves not to knovv

him. The friendship of these two I must not omit to mention, being such a friendship as vvas gene∣rously elemented: And as it vvas begun in their Youth, and in an University, and there maintained by correspondent Inclinations and Studies, so it lasted till Age and Death forced a Separation.

In Oxford he stayed till about two years after his Fathers death; at vvhich time, he vvas about the two and twentieth year of his Age: and having to his great Wit added the ballast of Learning, and knowledge of the Arts, he then laid aside his Books, and betook himself to the useful Library of Travel, and a more general Conversation vvith Mankind; employing the remaining part of his Youth, his industry and fortune to adorn his mind, and to purchase the rich Treasure of Foreign knowledge; of vvhich, both for the secrets of Nature, the dis∣positions of many Nations, their several Laws and Languages, he vvas the possessor in a very large measure; as I shall faithfully make to appear, be∣fore I take my Pen from the following Narration of his Life.

In his Travels, vvhich vvas almost nine years be∣fore his return into England, he stayed but one year in France, and most of that in Geneva; vvhere he became acquainted vvith Theodor Beza (then very aged) and vvith Isaac Causabon, in vvhose house (if I be rightly informed) Sir Henry Wotton vvas lodged, and there contracted a most worthy friend∣ship vvith that man of rare Learning and Inge∣nuity.

Three of the remaining eight years vvere spent in Germany, the other five in Italy, (the Stage on vvhich God appointed he should act a great part of his life) where both in Rome, Venice and Florence, he

became acquainted vvith the most eminent men for Learning, and all manner of Arts; as Picture, Scul∣pture, Chymistry, Architecture, and other manual Arts, even Arts of inferiour nature; of all which, he was a most dear Lover, and a most excellent Judge.

He returned out of Italy into England about the thirtieth year of his age, being then noted by ma∣ny, both for his person and comportment; for in∣deed he vvas of a choice shape, tall of stature, and of a most perswasive behaviour; vvhich vvas so mixed vvith sweet Discourse, and Civilities, as gained him much love from all Persons vvith whom he entred into an acquaintance.

And vvhereas he vvas noted in his Youth to have a sharp Wit, and apt to jest; that, by Time, Travel, and Conversation, vvas so polish'd, and made so useful, that his company seemed to be one of the delights of mankind; insomuch as Robert Earl of Essex (then one of the Darlings of Fortune, and in greatest favour vvith Queen Elizabeth) invited him first into a friendship, and after a knowledge of his great abilities, to be one of his Secretaries; the other being Mr. Henry Cuffe, sometimes of Merton Colledge in Oxford (and there also the Ac∣quaintance of Sir Henry Wotton in his Youth) Mr. Cuffe being then a man of no common note in the University for his Learning; nor after his remo∣val from that place, for the great abilities of his mind; nor indeed, for the fatalness of his end.

Sir Henry Wotton being now taken into a service∣able friendship with the Earl of Essex, did perso∣nally attend his Counsels and Employments in two Voyages at Sea against the Spaniard, and also in that (which was the Earls last) into Ireland; that Voy∣age wherein he then did so much provoke the Queen

to anger, and worse at his return into England; upon whose immovable favour the Earl had built such sandy hopes, as incouraged him to those under∣takings, which with the help of a contrary Faction suddenly caused his Commitment to the Tower.

Sir Henry Wotton observing this, though he was not of that Faction (for the Earls Followers were also divided into their several interests) which in∣couraged the Earl to those undertakings vvhich proved so fatal to him, and divers of his Confe∣deration: yet, knowing Treason to be so compre∣hensive, as to take in even Circumstances, and out of them to make such positive Conclusions as sub∣tle States-men shall project, either for their re∣venge or safety; considering this, he thought prevention by absence out of England, a better security then to stay in it, and there plead his innocency in a Prison. Therefore did he, so soon as the Earl was apprehended, very quickly, and as privately glide through Kent to Dover, without so much as looking toward his native and beloved Bocton; and was by the help of favourable winds, and liberal payment of the Mariners, within six∣teen hours after his departure from London, set upon the French shore; where he heard shortly after, that the Earl was Arraign'd, Condemned, and Beheaded; and that his Friend Mr. Cuffe was hang'd, and divers other Persons of Eminent Qua∣lity executed.

The Times did not look so favourably upon Sir Henry Wotton, as to invite his return into England; having therefore procured of Sir Edward Wotton, his elder Brother, an assurance that his Annuity should be paid him in Italy, thither he went, hap∣pily renewing his intermitted friendship and in∣terest,

and indeed, his great content in a new conversation with his old Acquaintance in that Nation; and more particularly in Florence, (which City is not more eminent for the Great Dukes Court, then for the great recourse of men of choicest note for Learning and Arts;) in which number he there met with his old Friend Signior Vietta, a Gentleman of Venice, and then taken to be Secretary to the Great Duke of Tuscany.

After some stay in Florence, he went the fourth time to visit Rome, where in the English Colledge he had very many Friends (their humanity made them really so, though they knew him to be a dissenter from many of their Principles of Religion;) and having enjoyed their company, and satisfied him∣self concerning some Curiosities that did partly occasion his Journey thither, he returned back to Florence, where a most notable accident befel him; an accident that did not only find new employ∣ment for his choice Abilities, but introduce him a knowledg and an interest with our King Iames, then King of Scotland; which I shall proceed to relate.

But first, I am to tell the Reader, That though Queen Elizabeth (or she and her Council) were never willing to declare her Successor; yet Iames then King of the Scots, was confidently believed by most to be the man upon whom the sweet trou∣ble of Kingly Government would be imposed; and the Queen declining very fast, both by age and visible infirmities, those that were of the Romish perswasion in point of Religion (even Rome it self, and those of this Nation) knowing that the death of the Queen, and the establishing of her Successor, were taken to be critical days for destroying or establishing the Protestant Religion in this Nation,

did therefore improve all opportunities for pre∣veting a Protestant Prince to succeed Her. And as the Pope's Excommunication of Queen Elizabeth, had both by the judgement and practice of the Je∣suited Papist, exposed her to be warrantably de∣stroyed; so (if we may believe an angry Adversary, a * 1.6 secular Priest against a Iesuit) you may believe, that about that time there were ma∣ny indeavours, first to excommunicate, and then to shorten the life of King Iames.

Immediately after Sir Henry Wotton's return from Rome to Florence, (which was about a year before the death of Queen Elizabeth) Ferdinand the Great Duke of Florence had intercepted certain Letters that discovered a design to take away the life of Iames the then King of Scots. The Duke abhorring the Fact, and resolving to indeavor a prevention of it, advised with his Secretary Vietta, by what means a caution might be best given to that King; and after consideration, it was resolved to be done by Sir Henry Wotton, whom Vietta first commended to the Duke; and the Duke had noted and approved of above all the English that frequented his Court.

Sir Henry was gladly called by his Friend Vietta to the Duke, who after much profession of trust and friendship, acquainted him with the secret; and being well instructed, dispatched him into Scotland with Letters to the King, and with those Letters, such Italian Antidotes against poyson, as the Scots till then had been strangers to.

Having parted from the Duke, he took up the Name and Language of an Italian; and thinking it best to avoid the line of English intelligence and danger, he posted into Norway, and through that

Country towards Scotland, where he found the King at Sterling; being there, he used means by Be•…•…ard Lindsey, one of the Kings Bed Chamber, to procure him a speedy and private conference with his Maje∣sty, assuring him, That the business which he was to ne∣gotiate, was of such consequence, as had caused the Great Duke of Tuscany to enjoyn him suddenly to leave his Na∣tive Country of Italy, to impart it to his King.

This being by Bernard Lindsey made known to the King, the King after a little wonder, (mixt with jealousie) to hear of an Italian Ambassador, or Messenger, required his Name, (which was said to be Octavio Baldi) and appointed him to be heard privately at a fixed hour that Evening.

When Octavio Baldi came to the Presence-Cham∣ber-door, he was requested to lay aside his long Rapier (which Italian-like he then wore) and being entred the Chamber, he found there with the King three or four Scotch Lords standing distant in se∣veral corners of the Chamber: at the sight of whom he made a stand; which the King observing, bade him be bold, and deliver his Message; for he would un∣dertake for the secresie of all that were present. Then did Octavio Baldi deliver his Letters and his Message to the King in Italian; which, when the King had graciously received, after a little pause, Octavio Baldi steps to the Table, and whispers to the King in his own Language, that he was an English man, beseeching Hini for a more private conference with His Majesty, and that he might be concealed du∣ring his stay in that Nation; which was promised, and really performed by the King during all his abode there, (which was about three Months) all which time was spent with much pleasantness to the King, and with as much to Octavio Baldi himself, as

that Countrey could afford; from which he de∣parted as true an Italian as he came thither.

To the Duke at Florence he return'd vvith a fair and gratefull account of his imployment, and vvithin some few Moneths after his return, there came certain News to Florence, that Queen Eliza∣beth vvas dead; and, Iames King of the Scots pro∣claimed King of England. The Duke knowing tra∣vel and business to be the best Schools of vvisdom, and that Sir Henry Wotton had been tutor'd in both, advis'd him to return presently to England, and there joy the King vvith his new and better Title, and vvait there upon Fortune for a better imploy∣ment.

When King Iames came into England, he found, amongst other of the late Queens Officers, Sir Ed∣ward, vvho vvas after Lord Wotton, Comptroller of the House, of vvhom he demanded, If he knew one Henry Wotton, that had spent much time in for∣reign Travel? The Lord replied, he knew him vvell, and that he vvas his Brother; then the King asking vvhere he then vvas, vvas answered, at Venice, or Florence; but by late Letters from thence, he understood, he vvould suddenly be at Paris. Send for him, said the King, and when he shall come into England, bid him repair privately to me. The Lord Wotton after a little vvonder, asked the King, If he knew him? to vvhich the King answer∣ed, You must rest unsatisfied of that, till you bring the Gentleman to me.

Not many Moneths after this Discourse, the Lord Wotton brought his Brother to attend the King, vvho took him in His Arms, and bade him welcome by the Name of Octavio Baldi, saying, he was the most honest, and therefore the best Dissembler that

ever he met with: And said, Seeing I know you neither want Learning, Travel, nor Experience, and that I have had so real a Testimony of your faithfulness and abili∣ties to manage an Ambassage, I have sent for you to de∣clare my purpose; which is, to make use of you in that kind hereafter: And indeed the King did so most of those two and twenty years of his Raign; but be∣fore he dismist Octavio Baldi from his present atten∣dance upon him, he restored him to his old Name of Henry Wotton, by vvhich he then Knighted him.

Not long after this, the King having resolved, according to his Motto (Beati pacifici) to have a friendship vvith his Neighbour-Kingdoms of France and Spain, and also for divers vveighty reasons, to enter into an Alliance vvith the State of Venice, and to that end to send Ambassadors to those several places, did propose the choice of these Imploy∣ments to Sir Henry Wotton; vvho considering the smallness of his own Estate (vvhich he never took care to augment) and knowing the Courts of great Princes to be sumptuous, and necessarily ex∣pensive, inclined most to that of Venice, as being a place of more retirement, and best suiting vvith his Genius, who did ever love to joyn with Busi∣ness, Study, and a tryal of natural Experiments; for both which fruitfull Italy, that Darling of Na∣ture, and Cherisher of all Arts, is so justly fam'd in all parts of the Christian World.

Sir Henry having after some short time and con∣sideration, resolved upon Venice, and a large al∣lowance being appointed by the King for his voy∣age thither, and a setled maintenance during his stay there, he left England, nobly accompanied through France to Venice, by Gentlemen of the best Families and breeding that this Nation afforded;

they were too many to name, but these two, for following reasons may not be omitted; Sir Albertus Morton his Nephew, who went his Secretary; and William Bedel, a man of choice Learning, and san∣ctified Wisdom, who went his Chaplain. And, though his dear friend Dr. Donne (then a private Gentleman) was not one of that number that did personally accompany him in this Voyage, yet the reading of this following Letter sent by him to Sir Henry Wotton, the morning before he left England, may testifie he wanted not his friends best wishes to attend him.

SIR,

AFter those reverend Papers, whose soul is (name: Our good, and great Kings lov'd hand, and fear'd By which to you he derives much of his, And, how he may, makes you almost the same;

A Taper of his Torch: a Copy writ From his Original, and a fair Beam Of the same warm and dazling Sun, though it Must in another Sphear his vertue stream;

After those Learned Papers which your hand Hath stor'd with notes of use and pleasure too: From which rich treasury you may command Fit matter whether you will write or do:

After those loving Papers which Friends send With glad grief to your Sea-ward-steps faerewel, And thicken on you now as prayers ascend To Heaven on troops at a good mans passing-Bell:

Admit this honest Paper; and, allow It such an audience as your self would ask; What you would say at Venice, this sayes now, And has for nature what you have for task.

To swear much love; nor to be chang'd before Honour alone will to your fortune fit; Nor, shall I then honour your fortune more, Then I have done your honour-wanting-wit.

But 'tis an easier load (though both oppress) To want, then govern greatness; for we are In that, our own, and only business; In this, we must for others vices care.

'Tis therefore well, your spirits now are plac'd In their last furnace, in activity; (ore-p•…•… Which fits them: Schools, and Courts, and Wars To touch and taste in any best degree.

For me! (if there be such a thing as I) Fortune (if there be such a thing as she) Finds that I bear so well her tyranny, That she thinks nothing else so fit for me.

But, though she part us, to hear my oft prayers For your encrease, God is as near me here: And, to send you what I shall beg, his stairs In length, and ease, are alike every where.

J. Donne.

SIR Henry Wotton was received by the State o•…•… Venice, with much honour and gladness, bot•…•…

for that he delivered his Ambassage most elegantly in the Italian Language, and came also in such a Juncture of time, as his Masters friendship seem'd usefull for that Republick: the time of his coming thither was about the year 1604. Leonardo Donato being then Duke; a wise and resolv'd man, and to all purposes such (Sir Henry Wotton would often say it) as the State of Venice could not then have want∣ed; there having been formerly in the time of Pope Clement the eighth, some contests about the privi∣ledges of Church-men, and the power of the Civil Magistrate; of which, for the information of com∣mon Readers, I shall say a little, because it may give light to some passages that follow.

About the year 1603. the Republick of Venice made several Injunctions against Lay-persons gi∣ving Lands or Goods to the Church, without Li∣cence from the Civil Magistrate; and in that in∣hibition, they exprest their reasons to be, For that when any Goods or Land once came into the hands of the Ecclesiasticks, it was not subject to alienation; by reason whereof, (the Lay-people being at their death charitable even to excess) the Clergy grew every day more nume∣rous, and, pretended an exemption from all publick ser∣vice, and Taxes, and from all secular Judgement: so that the burden grew thereby too heavy to be born by the Laity.

Another occasion of difference was, That about this time complaints were justly made by the Vene∣tians against two Clergy-men, the Abbot of Nerve∣sa, and a Canon of Vicenza, for committing such sins, as I think not fit to name; nor are these men∣tioned with an intent to fix a Scandal upon any Calling; (for holiness is not tyed to Ecclesiasti∣cal Orders, and Italy is observed to breed the most

vertuous, and most vicious men of any Nation) these two having been long complained of at Rome in the Name of the State of Venice, and no satisfa∣ction being given to the Venetians, they seized the persons of this Abbot and Canon, and committed them to prison.

The justice, or injustice of such or the like pow∣er, then used by the Venetians, had formerly had some calm debates betwixt the former Pope Clement the Eighth, and that Republick: I say, calm, for he did not excommunicate them; considering (as I conceive) that in the late Council of Trent it was at last (after many Politique disturbances, and de∣layes, and endeavours to preserve the Popes pre∣sent power) in order to a general reformation of those many Errors, which were in time crept into the Church, declar'd by that Counsel, That though Discipline, and especial Excommunication be one of the chief sinews of Church Government, and intended to keep men in obedience to it: for which end, it was de∣clar'd to be very profitable; yet, it was also declar'd, and advised to be used with great sobriety and care: be∣cause experience had informed them, that when it was pro∣nounced unadvisedly, or rashly, it became more contemn'd then fear'd. And, though this was the advice of that Council at the Conclusion of it, which was not many years before this quarrel with the Venetians: yet this prudent, patient Pope Clement dying, Pope Paul the fifth, who succeeded him, (though not immediately, yet in the same year) being a man of a much hotter temper, brought this difference with the Venetians to a much higher Contention: objecting those late acts of that State, to be a di∣minution of his just power, and limited a time of twenty four dayes for their revocation; threat∣ning,

if he were not obeyed, to proceed to Ex∣communication of the Republick; who still offered to shew both reason and ancient custom to warrant their Actions. But this Pope, contrary to his Pre∣decessors moderation, required absolute obedience without disputes.

Thus it continued for about a year; the Pope still threatning Excommunication, and the Veneti∣ans still answering him with fair speeches, and no complyance, till at last, the Popes zeal to the Apo∣stolick Sea, did make him to excommunicate the Duke, the whole Senate, and all their Dominions; and that done to shut up all their Churches; charg∣ing the whole Clergy to forbear all sacred Offices to the Venetians, till their Obedience should render them capable of Absolution.

But this act of the Popes did but the more confirm the Venetians in their resolution not to obey him; And to that end, upon the hearing of the Popes Interdict, they presently published by sound of Trumpet, a Pro∣clamation to this effect:

That whosoever hath received from Rome any Copy of a Papal Interdict, publish'd there, as well against the Law of God, as against the Honour of this Nation, shall presently render it to the Councel of Ten, upon pain of death.

Then was Duado their Ambassador call'd home from Rome, and the Inquisition presently suspended by Order of the State; and, the Flood-gates be∣ing thus set open, any man that had a pleasant or scoffing wit might safely vent it against the Pope, either by free speaking, or by Libels in Print; and, both became very pleasant to the people.

Matters thus heightned, the State advised vvith Father▪ Paul, a Holy and Learned Frier (the Au∣thor of the History of the Council of Trent) vvhose advice vvas, Neither to provoke the Pope, nor lose their own Right: he declaring publickly in Print, in the name of the State, That the Pope was trusted to keep two Keys; one of Prudence, and the other of Power: And that if they were not both used together, Power alone is not effectual in an Excommunication.

And thus these discontents and oppositions con∣tinued, till a report was blown abroad, that the Venetians were all turned Protestants: which was be∣lieved by many, for that it was observ'd, the En∣glish Ambassadour was so often in conference with the Senate, and his Chaplain Mr. Bedel more often with Father Paul, whom the People did not take to be his Friend: And also, for that the Republick of Venice was known to give Commission to Gre∣gory Justiniano, then their Ambassadour in England, to make all these Proceedings known to the King of England, and to crave a Promise of his assistance, if need should require,: and in the mean time they required the King's advice and judgement; which was the same that he gave to Pope Clement, at his first coming to the Crown of England; (that Pope then moving him to an Union with the Roman Church) namely, To endeavour the calling of a free Council, for the settlement of Peace in Christendom: and, that he doubted not, but that the French King, and divers other Princes would joyn to assist in so good a work; and, in the mean time, the sin of this Breach, both with His, and the Venetians Dominions, must of necessity lie at the Pope's door.

In this contention (vvhich lasted almost two years) the Pope grew still higher, and the Venetians

more and more resolv'd and careless: still acquaint∣ing King James with their proceedings, which was done by the help of Sir Henry Wotton, Mr. Bedel, and Padre Paulo, whom the Venetians did then call to be one of their Consulters of State, and with his Pen to defend their just Cause: which was by him so performed, that the Pope saw plainly, he had weakned his Power by exceeding it, and offered the Venetians Absolution upon very easie terms; which the Venetians still slighting, did at last obtain, by that which was scarce so much as a shew of ac∣knowledging it: For, they made an order, that in that day in which they were Absolv'd, there should be no Publick Rejoycing, nor any Bonfires that night; lest the Common People might judge, that they desired an Absolution, or were Absolved for committing a Fault.

These Contests were the occasion of Padre Paulo's knowledge and interest with King James, for whose sake principally Padre Paulo compiled that emi∣nent History of the remarkable Council of Trent; which History was, as fast as it was written, sent in several sheets in Letters by Sir Henry Wotton, Mr. Bedel, and others, unto King James, and the then Bishop of Canterbury, into England, and there first made publick, both in English and in the uni∣versal Language.

For eight years after Sir Henry Wotton's going into Italy, he stood fair and highly valued in the Kings opinion, but at last became much clouded by an accident, which I shall proceed to relate.

At his first going Ambassadour into Italy, as he passed through Germany, he stayed some days at Augusta; where having been in his former Travels, well known by many of the best note for Learning

and Ingeniousness, (those that are esteemed the Virtuosi of that Nation) with whom he passing an evening in merriments, was requested by Christo∣pher Flecamore to write some Sentence in his Albo; (a Book of white Paper, which for that purpose many of the German Gentry usually carry about them) and Sir Henry Wotton consenting to the mo∣tion, took an occasion from some accidental dis∣course of the present Company, to write a plea∣sant definition of an Ambassadour, in these very words:

Legatus est vir bonus peregrè missus ad mentiendum Reipublicae causâ.

Which Sir Henry Wotton could have been con∣tent should have been thus Englished:

An Embassadour is an honest man, sent to lie abroad for the good of his Country.

But the word for lye (being the hinge upon which the Conceit was to turn) was not so exprest in Latine, as would admit (in the hands of an E∣nemy especially) so fair a construction as Sir Henry thought in English. Yet as it was, it slept quietly among other Sentences in this Albo, almost eight years, till by accident it fell into the hands of Iasper Scioppius, a Romanist, a man of a restless spirit, and a malicious Pen: who with Books against King Iames, Prints this as a Principle of that Religion professed by the King, and his Ambassadour Sir Henry Wotton, then at Venice: and in Venice it was presently after written in several Glass-windows, and spitefully declared to be Sir Henry Wottons.

This coming to the knowledge of King Iames, he apprehended it to be such an oversight, such a vveakness, or vvorse, in Sir Henry Wotton, as caused the King to express much vvrath against him: and this caused Sir Henry Wotton to write two Apolo∣gies, one to Velserus (one of the Chiefs of Augusta) in the universal Language, vvhich he caused to be Printed, and given, and scattered in the most re∣markable places both of Germany and Italy, as an Antidote against the venomous Books of Scioppius; and another Apology to King Iames: vvhich vvere both so ingenious, so clear, and so choicely Elo∣quent, that his Majesty (vvho vvas a pure Judge of it) could not forbear, at the receit thereof, to declare publickly, That Sir Henry Wotton had commuted sufficiently for a greater offence.

And now, as broken bones vvell set become stronger; so Sir Henry Wotton did not only recover, but vvas much more confirmed in his Majesties esti∣mation and favour then formerly he had been.

And as that Man of great Wit and useful Fancy (his Friend Dr. Donne) gave in a Will of his (a Will of Conceits) his Reputation to his Friends, and his Industry to his Foes, because from thence he received both: so those Friends, that in this time of trial laboured to excuse this facetious freedom of Sir Henry Wottons, vvere to him more dear, and by him more highly valued; and those Acquaintance that urged this as an advantage against him, caused him by this error to grovv both more vvise, and (which is the best fruit error can bring forth) for the fu∣ture to become more industriously vvatchful over his Tongue and Pen.

I have told you a part of his Employment in Italy, vvhere notwithstanding the death of his Fa∣vorer,

the Duke Leonardo Donato, vvho had an un∣dissembled affection for him, and the malicious Accusation of Scioppius; yet his interest (as though it had been an intail'd love) was still found to live and increase in all the succeeding Dukes, during his Employment to that State, vvhich vvas almost twenty years; all vvhich time he studied the dis∣positions of those Dukes, and the other Consulters of State; vvell knowing, that he vvho negotiates a continued business, and neglects the study of dis∣positions, usually fails in his proposed ends: But in this Sir Henry Wotton did not fail; for by a fine sorting of fit Presents, curious and not costly En∣tertainments, always sweetned by various and plea∣sant Discourse; vvith vvhich, and his choice ap∣plication of Stories, and his elegant Delivery of all these, even in their Italian Language, he first got, and still preserv'd such interest in the State of Venice, that it vvas observ'd (such vvas either his (merit, or his modesty) they never denied him any request.

But, all this shews but his abilities, and his fit∣ness for that Employment: 'Twill therefore be needful to tell the Reader, vvhat use he made of the Interest vvhich these procured him; and that in∣deed vvas, rather to oblige others then to enrich himself; he still endeavoring that the Reputation of the English might be maintained, both in the Ger∣man Empire, and in Italy; vvhere many Gentlemen vvhom Travel had invited into that Nation, re∣ceived from him chearful Entertainments, advice for their behaviour, and by his interest shelter, or deliverance from those accidental storms of adver∣sity vvhich usually attend upon Travel.

And because these things may appear to the

Reader to be but Generals, I shall acquaint him vvith two particular Examples; one of his Merci∣full Disposition, and one of the Nobleness of his Mind; vvhich shall follow.

There had been many English Souldiers brought by Commanders of their own Country, to serve the Venetians for pay against the Turk: and those English, having by Irregularities, or Improvidence, brought themselves into several Gallies and Pri∣sons, Sir Henry Wotton became a Petitioner to that State for their Lives and Enlargement; and his Request vvas granted: so that those (vvhich vvere many hundreds, and there made the sad Examples of Humane Misery, by hard Imprisonment, and unpitied Poverty in a strange Nation) vvere by his means released, relieved, and in a comfortable Condition sent to thank God and him for their Lives and Liberty in their own Country.

And this I have observed as one testimony of the compassionate Nature of him, vvho vvas (during his stay in those parts) as a City of Refuge for the Distressed of this and other Nations.

And for that vvhich I offer as a Testimony of the Nobleness of his Mind; I shall make vvay to the Readers clearer understanding of it, by telling him, that beside several other Foreign Employ∣ments, Sir Henry Wotton vvas sent thrice Ambassa∣dour to the Republick of Venice; and at his last going thither, he vvas employed Ambassadour to several of the German Princes, and more particu∣larly to the Emperor Ferdinando the second; and that his Employment to him, and those Princes, vvas to incline them to equitable Conditions, for the Restauration of the Queen of Bohemia, and her Descendents, to their Patrimonial Inheritance of the Palatinate.

This vvas by his eight Months constant endea∣vors and attendance upon the Emperor, his Court and Councel, brought to a probability of a suc∣cessful Conclusion vvithout blood-shed: but there vvas at that time two opposite Armies in the Field; and as they vvere Treating, there vvas a Battle fought; in the managery vvhereof, there vvas so many miserable Errors on the one side, (so Sir Henry Wotton expresses it in a Dispatch to the King) and so advantagious Events to the Emperour, as put an end to all present Hopes of a successful Treaty: so that Sir Henry seeing the face of Peace altered by that Victory, prepared for a Removal from that Court; and at his departure from the Emperor, vvas so bold as to remember him, That the Events of every Battle move on the unseen Wheels of Fortune, which are this moment up, and down the next: and therefore humbly advised him to use his Victory so soberly, as still to put on thoughts of Peace. Which Ad∣vice, though it seemed to be spoke vvith some Pas∣sion, (his dear Mistress the Queen of Bohemia being concerned in it) vvas yet taken in good part by the Emperor; vvho replied, That he would consider his Advice: And though he looked on the King his Master as an Abettor of his Enemy the Paulsgrave; yet for Sir Henry himself, his behaviour had been such during the manage of the Treaty, that he took him to be a Person of much Honour and Merit, and did therefore desire him to accept of that Jewel, as a testimony of his good opinion of him; vvhich vvas a Jewel of Diamonds of more value then a Thousand Pounds.

This Jewel vvas received vvith all outward Cir∣cumstances and Terms of Honour by Sir Henry Wotton: but the next morning, at his departing from Vienna, he at his taking leave of the Countess

of Sabrina (an Italian Lady, in whose House the Emperor had appointed him to be lodg'd, and ho∣nourably entertained:) he acknowledged her Merits, and besought her to accept of that Jewel, as a testimony of his gratitude for her Civilities: presenting her with the same that was given him by the Emperor: which being suddenly discovered, and told to the Emperor, was by him taken for a high affront, and Sir Henry Wotton told so by a Messenger. To which he re∣plied, That though he received it with thankefulness, yet he found in himself an indisposition to be the better for any gift that came from an Enemy to his Royal Mistress the Queen of Bohemia; for so she was pleased he should always call her.

Many other of his Services to his Prince, and this Nation, might be insisted upon: as namely, his procurations of Priviledges and Courtesies with the German Princes, and the Republick of Venice, for the English Merchants; and vvhat he did by direction of King James vvith the Venetian State, concerning the Bishop of Spalato's return to the Church of Rome. But for the particulars of these, and many more that I meant to make known, I vvant a vievv of some Papers that might inform me, (his late Majesties Letter Office having now suffered a strange alienation) and indeed I want time too; for the Printers Press stays for what is written: so that I must haste to bring Sir Henry Wotton in an instant from Venice to London, leaving the Reader to make up what is defective in this place, by the small supple∣ment of the Inscription under his Arms, which he left at all those Houses where he rested, or lodged, when he return'd from his last Embassy into England.

Henricus Wottonius Anglo-Cantianus, Thomae

optimi viri 〈◊〉〈◊〉 minimus, à serenissimo Jacobo I•…•… Mag. Brit•…•… R•…•…ge; in equestrem titulum adscitus, ejusdemq•…•… 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 •…•…ublicam Venetam Legatus Or∣dinarius, •…•…mel ad confoeder at 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Provinciarum Ordi∣nes in Juliacensi •…•…tio. Bis ad Carolum Emanuel, Sab•…•…diae D•…•…; semel ad unitos superioris. Germaniae Principes in Co•…•…ventu. Heilbrunensi, postremo ad Ar∣chiducem Leopoldum, Ducem Wittembergensem, Civitates imperial•…•…s, Argentinam, Ulmamque•…•…, & ip∣sum Romanorum Imperatorem Ferdinandum secundum, Legatus Extraordinarius, tandem hoc didicit,

Animas fieri sapientiores quiescendo.

To London he came the year before King James died; who having for the reward of his forreign service, promised him the reversion of an Office which was fit to be turned into present money, which he wanted, for a supply of his present ne∣cessities, and also granted him the reversion of the Master of the Rolls place, if he out-lived charitable Sir Julius Caesar, who then possessed it: and then, grown so old, that he was said to be kept alive be∣yond Natures Course, by the prayers of those ma∣ny poor which he daily relieved.

But, these were but in hope; and his condition required a present support: For in the beginning of these imployments he sold to his elder Brother the Lord Wotton, the Rent-charge left by his good Father, and (which is worse) was now at his re∣turn indebted to several persons, whom he was not able to satisfie, but by the Kings payment of his Arrears due for his forreign Imployments: He had brought into England many servants, of which some were German and Italian Artists; this was

part of his condition, who had many times hardly sufficient to supply the occasions of the day: (For it may by no means be said of his providence, as himself said of Sir Philip Sidney's wit, That it was the very measure of congruity) He being alwayes so careless of money, as though our Saviours words, Care not for to morrow, were to be literally under∣stood.

But it pleased the God of providence, that in this jucture of time, the Provosthip of His Maye∣sties Colledge of Eaton became void by the death of Mr. Thomas Murray, for which there were (as the place deserv'd) many earnest and powerfull Suit∣ers to the King. And Sir Henry who had for many years (like Siciphas) rolled the restless stone of a State-imployment; knowing experimentally, that the great blessing of sweet content was not to be found in multitudes of men or business: and, that a Colledge was the fittest place to nourish holy thoughts, and to afford rest both to his body and mind, which his age (being now almost threescore years) seemed to require, did therefore use his own, and the interest of all his friends to procure that place. By which means, and quitting the King of his promised reversionary Offices, and a piece of honest policy (which I have not time to relate) he got a Grant of it from His Majesty.

And this was a fair satisfaction to his mind: but money was wanting to furnish him with those neces∣saries which attend removes, and a settlement in such a place; and, to procure that, he wrote to his old friend Mr. Nicholas Pey, for his assistance; of which Nicholas Pey, I shall here say a little, for the clearing of some passages that I shall mention hereafter.

He was in his youth a Clerk, or in some such way, a Servant to the Lord Wotton, Sir Henry's Brother, and by him, when he was Comptroller of the Kings Houshold, was made a great Officer in His Majesties House. This, and other favours being conferred upon Mr. Pey (in whom there was a radieal honesty) were alwayes thankfully acknow∣ledged by him, and his gratitude exprest by a wil∣ling and unwearied serviceableness to that Family even till his death. To him Sir Henry Wott•…•… wrote, to use all his interest at Court, to procure Five hundred pounds of his Arrears (for le•…•… would not settle him in the Colledge) and the want of such a summe, wrinckled his face with care; ('twas his own expression) and, that money be∣ing procured, he should the next day after find him in his Colledge, and Invidiae remedium writ over his Study door.

This money, being part of his Arrears, was by his own, and the help of honest Nicholas Pey's inte∣rest in Court, quickly procured him; and he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 quickly in the Colledge; the place where indeed his happiness then seemed to have its beginning: the Colledge being to his mind, as a quiet Harbor to a Sea-faring man after a tempestuous voyage; where, by the bounty of the pious Founder, his very Food and Rayment were plentifully provided for him in kind, and more money then enough, where he was freed from all corroding cares, and seated on such a Rock, as the waves of want could not probably shake; where he might sit in a Caelm, and looking down, behold the busie multitude tur∣moyl'd and tossed in a tempestuous Sea of trouble and dangers! And (as Sir William Davenant has happily exprest the like of another person)

Laugh at the graver business of the State, Which speaks wen rather wise then fortunate.

Being thus setled according to the desires of his heart, his first study was the Statutes of the Colledge: by which, he conceiv'd himself bound to enter into Holy Orders, which he did; being made Deacon with all convenient speed; shortly after which time, as he came in his Surplice from the Church ser∣vice, an old Friend, a person of Quality, met him so attired, and joyed him of his new habit; to whom Sir Henry Wotton replied, I thank God and the King, by whose goodness I now am in this condition; a condition, which that Emperor Charles the Fifth, seem'd to approve: who, after so many remarkable Victo∣ries, when his glory was great in the eyes of all men, freely gave up his Crown, and the many cares that at∣tended it, to Philip his Son, making a holy retreat to a Cloysteral life, where he might by devout meditations consult with God, (which the rich or busie men sel∣dome do) and have leisure both to examine the errors of his life past, and prepare for that great day, wherein all flesh must make an account of their actions: And after a kind of tempestuous life, I now have the like advantage from him, that makes the out goings of the morning to praise him; even from my God, whom I daily mag∣nifie for this particular mercy, of an exemption from busi∣ness, a quiet mind, and a liberal maintenance, even in this part of my life, when my age and infirmities seem to found me a ret•…•…eat from the pleasures of this world, and invite me to contemplation, in which I have ever taken the greatest felicity.

And now to speak a little of the imployment of his time in the Colledge. After his customary pub∣lick

Devotions, his use was to retire into his Study, and there to spend some hours in reading the Bible, and Authors in Divinity, closing up his meditati∣ons with private prayer; this was, for the most part his imployment in the Forenoon: But, when he was once sate to Dinner, then nothing but chearfull thoughts possess'd his mind; and, those still increased by constant company at his Table, of such persons as brought thither additions both of Learning and Pleasure; but some part of most dayes was usually spent in Philosophical Conclusions, Nor did he forget his innate pleasure of Angling, which he would usually call, his idle time, not idly spent; saying often, he would rather live five May moneths, then forty Decembers.

He was a great lover of his Neighbours, and a bountifull entertainer of them very often at his Table, where his meat was choice, and his dis∣course better.

He was a constant Cherisher of all those youths in that School, in whom he found either a constant diligence, or a Genius that prompted them to Learning; for whose encouragement, he was (beside many other things of necessity and beauty) at the charge of setting up in it two rowes of Pil∣lars, on which he caused to be choicely drawn, the pictures of divers of the most famous Greek and Latin Historians, Poets, and Orators; perswading them not to neglect Rhetorick, because Almighty God has left Mankind affections to be wrought upon: And he would often say. That none despised Elo∣quence, but such dull souls as were not capable of it. He would also often make choice of some Observations out of those Historians and Poets: and would never leave the School, without dropping some choice

Greek or Latin Apothegm or sentence, that might be worthy of a room in the memory of a growing Scholar.

He was pleased constantly to breed up one or more hopefull Youths, which he picked out of the School, and took into his own Domestick care, and to attend him at his Meals; out of whose Discourse and Behaviour, he gathered observations for the better compleating of his intended work of Educa∣tion: of which, by his still striving to make the whole better, he lived to leave but part to Po∣sterity.

He was a great Enemy to wrangling Disputes of Religion, concerning which, I shall say a little, both to testifie that, and to shew the readiness of his Wit.

Having at his being in Rome made acquaintance with a pleasant Priest, who invited him one Even∣ing to hear their Vesper Musick at Church; the Priest seeing Sir Henry stand obscurely in a corner, sends to him by a Boy of the Quire this Question, writ in a small piece of Paper, Where was your Reli∣gion to be found before Luther? To which Question Sir Henry presently under-writ, My Religion was to be found then, where yours is not to be found now, in the written Word of God.

The next Vesper, Sir Henry went purposely to the same Church, and sent one of the Quire-boyes with this Question, to his honest, pleasant friend, the Priest; Do you believe all those many Thousands of poor Christians were damn'd, that were Excommunica∣ted, because the Pope, and the Duke of Venice, could not agree about their temporal power? Speak your Con∣science. To which he under-writ in French, Mon∣sieur, excusay moy.

To one that asked him, Whether a Papist may 〈◊〉〈◊〉 saved? he replyed, You may be saved without knowing that. Look to your self.

To another, whose earnestness exceeded his knowledge, and was still railing against the Papists, he gave this advice, Pray Sir forbear, till you ha•…•… studied the Points better; for the wise Italians have th•…•… Proverb; He that understands amiss, concludes worse▪ And take heed of thinking, The farther you go from the Church of Rome, the nearer you are to God.

And to another that spake indiscreet, and bitter words against Arminius, I heard him reply to this purpose:

In my travel towards Venice, as I past through Ger∣many, I rested almost a year at Leyden, where I en∣tred into an acquaintance with Arminius (then the Pro∣fessor of Divinity in that University) a man much talk'd of in this Age, which is made up of opposition and Controversie: Andindeed, if I mistake not Arminius in his expressions (as so weak a brain as mine is may ea∣sily do) then I know I differ from him in some points; yet, I profess my judgement of him to be, that he was a •…•…an of most rare Learning, and I knew him to be of a most strict •…•…fe, and of a most meek spirit. And that he was so mild, appears by his Proposals to our Master Perkins of Cam∣bridge, from whose Book, of the Order and Causes of Salvation (which was first writ in Latin) Armi∣nius took the occasion of writing some Queries to him con∣cerning the consequents of his Doctrine; intending them ('tis said) to come privately to Mr. Perkins own hands, and to receive from him, a like private, and a like loving Answer: But, Mr. Perkins died before those Queries came to him; and 'tis thought Arminius meant them to die with him; for though he lived long af∣ter, I have heard he forbore to publish them, (but •…•…nce

his death, his Sons did not:) And 〈◊〉〈◊〉 pity, if God had been so pleased, that Mr. Perkins did not live to see, consider, and answer those proposals himself; for he was also of a most meek spirit, and of great and sanctified Learning: And though since their deaths, many of •…•…igh parts and pi•…•…ty have undertaken to clear the Controversie, yet, for the most part, they have rather satisfied them∣selves, then convinced the dissenting party. And doubtless, many middle-witted men (which yet may mean well) many Scholars that are not in the bigbest Form for Learning (which yet may preach we•…•…) men that are but Preachers, and shall never know, till they come to Heaven, where the Que•…•…tions stick betwixt Ar∣minius and the Church of England, (if there be any) will yet in this world be tampering with, and thereby per∣plexing the Controversie, and do therefore justly fall under the reproof of St. Jude, for being Busie∣bodies, and for medling with things they understand not.

And here it offers it self (I think not unfitly) to tell the Reader, that a friend of Sir Henry Wot∣tons, being designed for the imployment of an Am∣bassador, came to Eaton, and requested from him some experimental Rules for his prudent and safe carriage in his Negotiations; to whom he smiling∣ly gave this for an infallible Aphoris•…•…; That, to be in safety himself, and serviceable to his Countrey, he should alwayes, and upon all occasions speak the truth (it seems a State-Paradox) for, sayes Sir Henry Wot∣ton, you shall never be believed; and by this means, your truth will secure your self, if you shall ever •…•…e called to any account; and 'twill also put your Adversaries (who will still hunt counter) to a loss in all their disqui∣sitions, and undertakings.

Many more of this nature might be observed, but they must be laid aside; for I shall here make a

little •…•…op, and invite the Reader to look back 〈7 words〉〈7 words〉 shall say 〈◊〉〈◊〉 little of Sir Alber•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and Mr. William Bedel, whom I formerly mentioned.

I have t•…•…ld you that are •…•…y Reader; that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Sir H•…•…y Wo•…•…s 〈◊〉〈◊〉 going Ambassador into Italy, his Cousin, Sir Albert Morto•…•…, went his Secretary: and am next to tell you, that Sir Albertus died, Secretary of State to our late King; but, cannot, am not able to express the sorrow that possest Sir Henry W•…•…tton at his first hearing the news that Sir Albertus was by death lost to him and this world; and yet, the Reader may partly guess by these fol∣lowing expressions: The first in a Letter to his Nicholas Pey, of which this that followeth is a part.—And My dear Nick, When I had been here almost a fortnight, in the midst of my great content•…•…nt, I re∣ceived notice of Sir Albertus Morton 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 out of this World, who was dearer to me, then mine own be∣ing in it▪ what a wound it is to my heart▪ you that know him, and know me, will easily believe•…•… but, •…•…our Crea∣tors Will must be done, and unrepini•…•…gly r•…•…ived by his own Creatures, who is the Lord of all Nature, and of all Fortune, when he taketh to himself now one, and then •…•…ther, till that expected day, wherein it shall please him to dissolve the whole, and wrap up even the Heaven it self 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Scr•…•…le of Parchment: This is the last Philosophy that we must study upon Earth; let us therefore that yet re∣main here, as our dayes and friends waste, reinforce our love to each other; which of all vertues, both spiritual and mo∣ral, hath the highest priviledge, because death it self can∣not end it. And my good Nick, &c.

This is a part of his sorrow thus exprest to his Nick P•…•…y, the other part is in this following Elogy, of which the Reader may safely conclude, 'twas to•…•… hearty to be dissembled.

Tears wept at the Grave of Sir Albertus Mor∣ton,

by Henry Wotton.

SIlence in truth would speak my sorrow best, For deepest wounds can least their feelings tell; Yet let me borrow from mine own unrest, A time to bid him whom I lov'd, farewell.

Oh, my unhappy lines! you that before Have serv'd my youth to vent some wanton cries, And now congeal'd with grief, can scarce implore Strength to accent, Here my Albetus lies.

This is that Sable Stone, this is the Cave And womb of Earth, that doth his Corps embrace; While others sing his praise, let me ingrave Th•…•…se bl•…•…ding numbers to adorn the place.

Here will I paint the Characters of Woe; Here will I pay my Tribute to the Dead; And here my faithful Tears in showres shall flow To humanize the Flints on which I tread.

Wh•…•…re though I mourn my matchless loss alone, And none between my weakness judge and me; Yet even these pensive Walls allow my moan, Whose d•…•…leful Ecchoes to my plaints agree.

But is he gone? and live I rhyming here, As if some Muse would listen to my lay? When all dis-tun'd sit waiting for their dear, And bathe the Banks where he was wont to play.

〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 l•…•…ss Bliss with happy Souls. Discharg'd from Natures and from Fortunes Trust; Whil'st on th•…•… fluid Globe my Hour glass rowls, And runs the •…•…est of my remaining dust.

H. W.

This concerning his Sir Albertus Morton.

And for what I shall say concerning Mr. William Bedel, I must prepare the Reader, by telling him, That when King Iames sent Sir Henry Wotton Am∣bassador to the State of Veni•…•…, he sent also an Am∣bassador to the King of France, and another to the King of Spain: with the Ambassador of France went Ioseph Hall, (late Bishop of Norwich) whose many and useful Works speak his great Merit: with the Ambassador of Spain went Ia. Wadsworth; and with Sir Henry Wotton went William Bod•…•…l.

These three Chaplains to these three Ambassa∣dours, were all bred in one Uni∣versity, all of one * 3.1 Colledge, all Benefic'd in one Diocess, and all most dear and intire Friends: But in Spain Mr. Wadsworth met vvith temptations, or reasons, such as were so powerful, as to perswade him (who of the three, was formerly observ'd to be the most averse to that Religion that calls it self Catholick) to disclaim himself a Mem∣ber of the Church of England, and declare himself for the Church of Rome; discharging himself of his attendance on the Ambassador, and betaking himself to a Monasterial life; in which he lived very regularly, and so died.

When Dr. Hall (the late Bishop of Norwich) came into England, he wrote to Mr. Wadsworth, ('tis the first Epistle in his Printed Decads) to perswade his

return, or to shew the reason of his Apostasie: the Letter seemed to have in it many sweet expres∣sions of love; and yet there was in it some expres∣sion that was so unpleasant to Mr. Wadsworth, that he chose rather to acquaint his old Friend Mr. Be∣del with his motives; by which means there past betwixt Mr. Bedil and Mr. Wadsworth divers Let∣ters, which be extant in Print, and did well deserve it; for in them there seems to be a controversie, not of Religion only, but who should answer each other with most love and meekness: which I men∣tion the rather, because it too seldom falls out to be so in a Book-War.

There is yet a little more to be said of Mr. Bedel, for the greatest part of which, the Reader is re∣ferred to this following Letter of Sir Henry Wot∣tons, writ to our late King Charles the first.

May it please Your most Gracious Majesty,

HAving been informed that certain persons have, by the good wishes of the Archbishop of Armagh, been directed hither, with a most humble Petition unto Your Majesty, that You will be pleased to make Mr. William Bedel (now resident upon a small Benefice in Suffolk) Governor of Your Colledge at Dublin, for the good of that Society; and my self being required to render unto Your Majesty some testimony of the said William Bedel, who was long my Chaplain at Venice, in the time of my first employment there; I am bound in all Conscience and Truth (so far as Your Majesty will vouchsafe to accept my poor judgement) to affirm of him, That I think hardly a fitter man for that Charge, could have been propounded unto Your Majesty in Your whole Kingdom, for singular Eru∣dition and Piety, Conformity to the Rites of the Church, and Zeal to advance the Cause of God; wherein his Tra∣vels

abroad were not obscure, in the time of the Excom∣munication of the Venetians.

For it may please Your Majesty to know, that this is the man whom Padre Paulo took I may say, into his very soul, with whom he did communicate the inwardest thoughts of his heart, from whom he professed to have received more knowledge in all Divinity, both Schola∣stical and Positive, than from any that he had ever pra∣ctised in his dayes; of which, all the passages were well known to the King Your Father, of most blessed memory. And so with Your Majesties good favour, I will end this needless Office; for the general Fame of his Learning, his Life, and Christian temper, and those Religious La∣bours which himself hath dedicated to Your Majesty, do better describe him then I am able.

Your MAJESTIES Most humble and faithful Servant, H. WOTTON.

TO this Letter, I shall add this; That he was (to the great joy of Sir Henry Wotton) made Governor of the said Colledge; and that * 4.1 after a fair discharge of his duty and trust there, he was thence removed to be Bishop of Kilmore. * 4.2 In both which places, his life was so holy, as seemed to equal the pri∣mitive Christians; for as they, so he kept all the Ember-weeks, observed (besides his private devotions) the Canonical hours of Pray∣er very strictly, and so he did all the Feasts, and Fast dayes of his Mother, the Church of England;

to which I may add, that his Patience and Charity were both such, as shewed his affections were set upon things that are above; for indeed his whole life brought forth the fruits of the Spirit; there be∣ing in him such a remarkable meekness, that as St. Paul advised his Timothy in the Election of a Bishop, * 4.3 That he have a good report of those that be without; so had he, for those that were without, even those that in point of Religion, whereof the Ro∣man perswasion (of which there were very many in his Diocess) did yet (such is the power of visible Piety) ever look upon him with respect and reve∣rence; and, testified it, by a concealing, and safe protecting him from death in the late horrid Re∣bellion in Ireland, when the fury of the wild Irish knew no distinction of persons; and yet, there, and then, he was protected and cherished by those of a contrary perswasion; and there, and then he dyed, not by violence or misusage, but by grief in a quiet Prison•…•… (1629.) And, with him was lost many of his learned Writings, which were thought worthy of preservation; and amongst the rest 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was lost the Bible, which by many years labour, and conference, and study, he had translated into the Irish Tongue, with an intent to have printed it for publick use.

More might be said of Mr. Bedel, who (I told the Reader) was Sir Henry Wottons first Chaplain; and much of his second Chaplain, Isaac Bargrave, Doctor in Divinity, and the late learned and ho∣spitable Dean of Canterbury; as also of the Meri•…•… of many others▪ that had the happiness to attend Sir Henry in his forreign imployments: But, the Reader may think that in this digression, I have

already carried him too far from Eaton Colledge, and therefore I shall lead him back as gently, and as orderly as I may to that place, for a further con∣ference concerning Sir Henry Wotton.

Sir Henry Wotton had propos'd to himself; before he entred into his Collegiate life, to write the life of Martin Luther; and in it, the History of the Reformation, as it was carried on in Germany: For the doing of which, he had many advantages by his several Embassies into those pa•…•…ts, and his interest in the several Princes of the Empire; by whose means he had access to the Records of all the Ha•…•… To•…•…s, and the knowledge of many secret passages that •…•…ll not under common view•…•… and in these he had made a happy progress, as it well known to his worthy friend Dr. D•…•…a, the •…•…te Reverend Bishop of Sali•…•…bury, but in the midst of this design, His late Majesty King Charles the first; that knew the value of Sir Henry Wottons 〈◊〉〈◊〉 did by a perswasive loving violence (to which may be added a promise of 500 l. a year) force him to lay Luther aside, and betake himself to write the History of England; in which he proceeded to write some short Characters of a few Kings, as a foundation upon which he meant to build; but, for the present meant to be more large in the story of Henry the sixth, the Founder of that Colledge, in which he then enjoy'd all the worldly happiness of his present being; but Sir Henry dyed in the midst of this undertaking, and the footsteps of his labours are not recoverable by a more than com∣mon diligence.

This is some account both of his inclination, and the employment both of his time in the Col∣ledge, where he seemed to have his Youth renewed

by a continual conversation with that Learned So∣ciety, and a daily recourse of other Friend of choicest breeding and parts, by which, that great blessing of a chearfull heart vvas still maintained; he being alwayes free, even to the last of his day, from that peevishness which usually attends Age.

And yet his mirth was sometimes damp'd by the remembrance of divers old Debts, p•…•…ly contra∣cted in his forreign Imployments, for which his ju•…•… Arrears due from the King, would have made sa∣tisfaction; but, being still delayed with Co•…•…t-promises, and finding some decayes of health, he did about two years before his death, out of a Christian desire, that none should be a lose by it, make his last Will; concerning which, a doubt till remains, whether it discovered more h•…•…y wit, or conscionable policy: But there is no doubt, but that his chief design vvas a Christian endeavour that his Debts might be satisfied.

And that it may remain as such a Testimony, and a Legacy to those that lov'd him, I shall here im∣part it to the Reader, as it vvas found vvrit vvith his own hand.

IN the name of God Almighty and All-meroif•…•…l, I Henry Wotton, Provost of his Majesties Colledge by Eaton, being mindful of mine own mortality, which the sin of our first Parents did bring upon all flesh, Do by this last Will and Testament, thus dispose of my self, and the poor things I shall leave in this World. My Soul, I bequeath to the Immortal God my Maker, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, my blessed Redeemer, and Mediator, through his all-sole sufficient satisfaction for the sins of the whole World, and efficient for his Elect, in the number of whom, I am one by his meer grace, and thereof in oft

unremoveably aff•…•…d by his holy Spirit, the true 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Comforter. My body I bequeath to the Earth, if I shall end my transitory dayes at, or near Eaton, to be •…•…ed in the Chappel of the said Colledge, as the Fellows shall dispose thereof, with whom I have liv'd (my God knows) in all loving affection; or If I shall dye near Bocton Malherb, in the County of Kent, then I wish to be laid in that Parish Church, as near as may be to the Sepulchre of my good Father, expecting a joyful Resurrection with him in the day of Christ.

After this account of his Faith, and this Surren∣der of his Soul to that God that inspir'd it, and this direction for the disposal of his body, he pro∣ceeded to appoint that his Executors should lay o∣ver his grave a Marble stone, plain, and not costly•…•… And considering that time moulders even 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to dust; (for * 5.1 Monuments themselves must die.) Therefore did he (waving the common way) think fit rather to preserve his name (to which the Son of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 adviseth all men) by an useful Apothegm, then by a large enumeration of his descent or merits, (of boath which he might justly have boasted:) but, he was content to forget them, and did chuse only this prudent, pious, Sentence, to discover his Di∣sposition, and preserve his Memory.

'Twas directed by him, to be thus inscribed:

Hic jacet hujus Sententia primus Author. DISPUTANDI PRURITUS, ECCLE∣SIARUM SCABIES. Nomen aliàs quaere.

Which may be Englished thus,

Here lies the first Author of this Sentence.

THE ITCH OF DISPUTATION, WILL PROVE THE SCAB OF THE CHURCH. Inquire his name elsewhere.

And if any shall object, as I think some have, That Sir Henry Wotton was not the first Author of this Sentence; but, that this, or a Sentence like it, was long before his time; To him I answer, that Solomon sayes, Nothing can be spoken; that hath not been spoken; for there is no new thing under the Sun. But grant, that in his various reading, he had met with this, or a like Sentence; yet reason mixt with Charity should perswade all Readers to believe, That Sir Henry Wotton's mind was then so fix'd on that part of the Communion of Saints which is a∣bove, that an holy Lethorgy did surprize his Me∣mory. For doubtless, if he had not believed him∣self to be the first Author of what he said, he was too prudent first to own, and then expose it to the publick view, and censure of every Critick. And questionless, 'twill be charity in all Readers, to think his mind was then so fix'd on Heaven, that a holy zeal did transport him: and that in this Sacred Extasie, his thoughts were then only of the Church Triumphant, (into which he daily expected his ad∣mission). And that Almighty God was then pleased to make him a Prophet, to tell the Church Militant, and particularly that part of it in this Nation where the weeds of controversie grow to be daily both more numerous, and more destructive to humble Piety: and where men have Consciences that boggle at Ceremonies, and yet scruple not to speak and act such sins as the ancient humble Chri∣stians believed to be a sin to think: and whereas our

Reverend Hooker sayes, former Simplicity, and soft∣ness of Spirit, is not now to be found, because Zeal ha•…•… drowned Charity, and Skill Meekness: It will be good to think that these sad changes have proved this Epitaph to be a useful Caution unto us of thi•…•… Nation; and the sad effects thereof in Germa•…•… have prov'd it to be a mournful Truth.

This by way of Observation concerning h•…•… Epitaph: The rest of his Will followes in his ow•…•… words.

Further, I the said Henry Wotton, do constitut•…•… and ordain to be joynt Executors of this my last Will 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Testament, my two Grand-Nephews, Albert Morton second son to Sir Robert Morton Knight, late decea∣sed. and Thomas Bargrave, eldest son to Dr. Bar∣grave, Dean of Canterbury, Husband to my Rig•…•… Vertuous and only Neece. And I do pray the foresaid Dr. Bargrave, and Mr. Nicholas Pey, my most faith•…•… and chosen friends, together with Mr. John Harriso•…•… one of the Fellows of Eaton Colledge, best acquaint•…•… with my Books and Pictures, and other Utenfils, to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Supervisors of this my last Will and Testament. A•…•… I do pray the foresaid Dr. Bargrave, and Mr. Nichol•…•… Pey, to be Solicitors for such Arrearages as shall app•…•… due unto me from his Majesties Exchequer at the ti•…•… of mydeath; and to assist my fore-named Executors 〈◊〉〈◊〉 some reasonable and conscientious satisfaction of my Cr•…•… ditors, and discharge of my Legacies now specified; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that shall be hereafter added unto this my Testament, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 any Codicil or Schedule, or left in the hands, or in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Memorial with the aforesaid Mr. John Harrison. A•…•… first, To my most dear Soveraign and Master of inco•…•… parable Goodness, (in whose gracious opinion, I h•…•… ever had some portion, as far as the interest of a p•…•…

honest man) I leave four Pictures at large of those Dukes of Venice, in whose time I was there imployed, with their Names written on the back-side, which hang in my great ordinary Dining-room, done after the Life by Edo∣ardo Fialetto. Likewise a Table of the Venetian Colledge, where Ambassadors had their Audience, hanging over the Mantle of the Chimney in the said Room, done by the same hand, which containeth a draught in lit∣•…•…le, well resembling the famous D. Leonardo Donato, in a time which needed a wise and constant man. It' The Picture of a Duke of Venice hanging over against the door, done either by Titiano, or some other principal hand long before my time. Most humbly beseeching his Majesty, that the said Pieces may remain in some corner of any of his Houses, for a poor Memorial of his most humble vassal.

It' I leave his said Majesty all the Papers and Nego∣tiations of Sir Nich. Throgmorton Knight, during his famous imployment under Queen Elizabeth, in Scot∣land and in France, which contain divers secrets of State, that perchance his Majesty will think fit to be pre∣•…•…rved in his Paper-Office, after they have been perused •…•…d sorted by Mr. Secretary Windebanck, with whom I •…•…ive heretofore, as I remember, conferred about them. They were committed to my disposal by Sir Arthur •…•…hrogmorton his Son, to whose worthy memory I can∣•…•…t better discharge my faith, then by assigning them to •…•…e highest place of trust. It' I leave to our most Gracious 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Vertuous Queen Mary, Dioscorides, with the •…•…nts naturally coloured, and the Text translated by •…•…tthiolo, in the best Language of Tuscany, whence 〈◊〉〈◊〉 said Majesty is lineally desconded, for a poor token of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thankefull devotion, for the honour she was once pleas∣•…•… do my private study with her presence. I leave to the •…•…t hopefull Prince, the Picture of the elected and crown∣ed

Queen of Bohemia, his Aunt, of clear and resplen▪∣dent vertues through the clouds of her Fortune. To 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Lords Grace of Canterbury now being, I leave my Pi∣cture of Divine Love, rarely copied from one in the King•…•… Galleries, of my presentation to his Majesty: beseechi•…•… him to receive it as a pledge of my humble reverence to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 great Wisdome. And to the most worthy Lord Bishop of London, Lord High Treasurer of England, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 true admiration of his Christian simplicity, and conte•…•… of earthly pomp; I leave a Picture of Heraclitus bewai•…•…∣ing, and Democritus laughing at the world: M•…•… humbly beseeching the said Lord Archbishop his Grac•…•… and the Lord Bishop of London, of both whose favours have tasted in my life time, to intercede with our most gr•…•… cious Soveraign after my death, in the bowels of Jes•…•… Christ, That out of compassionate memory of my lo•…•… Services (wherein I more studied the publick Honou•…•… then mine own Utility) some Order may be taken out 〈◊〉〈◊〉 my Arrears due in the Exchequer, for such satisfaction 〈◊〉〈◊〉 my Creditors, as those whom I have Ordained Supervis•…•… of this my last Will and Testament shall present unto th•…•… Lordships, without their farther trouble: Hoping lik•…•… wise in his Majesties most indubitable Goodness, that will keep me from all prejudice, which I may other•…•… suffer by any defect of formality in the Demand of my s•…•… Arrears. To—for a poor addition to his Cabi•…•… I leave as Emblems of his attractive Vertues, and O•…•… ging Nobleness, my great Loadstone; and a piece Amber of both kinds naturally united, and only differi•…•… in degree of Concoction, which is thought somewhat ra•…•… Item, A piece of Christal Sexangular, (as they gr•…•… all) grasping divers several things within it, which bought among the Rhaetian Alps, in the very place where grew: recommending most humbly unto his Lordship, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 reputation of my poor Name in the point of my debts, 〈◊〉〈◊〉

have done to the forenamed Spiritual Lords; and am heartily sorry, that I have no better token of my humble thankefulness to his honoured Person. It' I leave to Sir Francis Windebank, one of his Majesties principal Se∣cretaries of State, (whom I found my great friend in •…•…oint of Necessity) the four Seasons of old Bassano, to •…•…ang near the Eye in his Parlour, (being in little form) which I bought at Venice, where I first entred into his most worthy Acquaintance.

To the abovenamed Dr. Bargrave Dean of Canter∣bury, I leave all my Italian Books not disposed in this Will. I leave to him likewise my Viol de Gamba, which hath been twice with me in Italy, in which Coun∣trey I first contracted with him an unremovable Affection. To my other Supervisor Mr. Nicholas Pey, I leave •…•…y Chest, or Cabinet of Instruments and Engines of all kinds of uses: in * 5.2 the lower-box whereof, are some sit to be be∣queathed to none but so entire an honest man as he is. I leave him •…•…ikewise forty pound for his pains in te solicitation of my Arrears, and am sorry that my ragged Estate can reach no further to one •…•…hat hath taken such care for me in •…•…he same kind, during all my for∣•…•…eign Imployments. To the Li∣•…•…rary at Eaton Colledge I leave all my Manuscripts not •…•…efore disposed, and to each of the Fellows a plain Ring of Gold, enamel'd black; all save the verge, with this Motto within, Amor unit omnia.

This is my last VVill and Testament, save what •…•…all be added by a Schedule thereunto annexed. Written 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the first of October, in the present year of our Re∣demption

1637. And subscribed by my self, with the Testimony of these Witnesses.

• HENRY VVOTTON.
• Nich. Oudert.
• Geo. Lash:

ANd now, because the mind of man is best satis∣fied by the knowledge of Events, I think 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to declare, that every one that was named in his VVill, did gladly receive their Legacies; by which, and his most just and passionate desires for the payment of his debts, they joyned in assisting the Overseers of his VVill; and by their joynt en∣deavours to the King (then whom none was more willing) conscionable satisfaction was given for his just debts.

The next thing wherewith I shall acquaint the Reader, is, That he went usually once a year, i•…•… not oftner, to the beloved Bocton-hall, where he would say, he found a cure for all cares, by the chear∣full company, which he called the living furniture 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that place: and, a restoration of his strength, by 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Connaturalness of that, which he called his genial air.

He yearly went also to Oxford. But the Sum∣mer before his death he changed that for a journey to Winchester-Colledge; to which School he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 first removed from Bocton. And as he return•…•… from Winchester, towards Eaton Colledge, said 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a friend, his Companion in that Journey; H•…•… usefull was that advice of a Holy Monk, who persw•…•… his friend to perform his Customary devotions in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 constant place; because in that place, we usually meet with those very thoughts which possessed •…•…s a•…•… our last being there; And I find it thus far experimen∣tally

true; that, at my now being in that School, and seeing that very place where I sate when I was a Boy, oc∣casioned me to remember those very thoughts of my youth which then possessed me; sweet thoughts indeed, that pro∣mised my growing years numerous pleasures, without mix∣tures of cares; and those to be enjoyed, when time (which I therefore thought slow pac'd) had changed my youth into manhood: But, age and experience have taught me, that those were but empty hopes: For I have alwayes found it true, as my Saviour did foretell, Suf∣ficient for the day is the evil thereof. Nevertheless, I saw there a succession of Boyes using the same recreati∣ons, and, questionless possessed with the same thoughts that then possessed me. Thus, one generation succeeds another, both in their lives, recreations, hopes, fears, and deaths.

After his return from Winchester to Eaton (vvhich vvas about five Moneths before his death) he be∣came much more retir'd, and contemplative; in vvhich time he vvas often visited by Mr. John Hales, (learned Mr. John Hales) then a Fellow of that Colledge, to vvhom upon an occasion he spake to this purpose—I have in my passage to my grave met with most of those Joys of which a discoursive soul is capable: and, being entertain'd with more inferior pleasures then the sons of men are usually made partakers of: neverthe∣less, in this voyage I have not alwayes floated on the calm Sea of Content; but, have often met with cross winds and storms, and, with many troubles of mind and temptations to evil. And yet, though I have been and am a man com∣pass'd about with humane frailties, Almighty God hath by his grace prevented me from making shipwrack of faith and a good Conscience; the thought of which is now the joy of my heart, and, I most humbly praise him for it; And, I humbly acknowledge that it was not my self but he that

hath kept me to this great age, and, let him take the glory of his great mercy.—And, my dear Friend, I now see that I draw near my harbour of death: that harbour, that will secure me from all the future storms and waves of this restless world; and, I praise God I am willing to leave it, and expect a better; that world, vvherein dwelleth Righteousness.—These, and the like ex∣pressions vvere then utter'd by him at the begin∣ning of a Feavourish distemper, at vvhich time he vvas also troubled vvith an Asthma, or short spit∣ting; but after less then twenty fits, by the help of familiar Physick and a spare Diet, this Feaver abated, yet so as to leave him much vveaker then it found him: and, his Asthma seem'd also to be overcome in a good degree by his forbearing To∣bacco, vvhich, as many thoughtfull men do, he al∣so had taken somewhat immoderately.—This vvas his then present condition; and, thus he continu∣ed till about the end of October 1639. vvhich vvas about a moneth before his death, at vvhich time, he again fell into a Feaver, vvhich, though he seem'd to recover, yet these still left him so vveak, that they and those other common infirmities that accompany age, and vvere vvont to visit him like civil friends, and, after some short time to leave him; came now, both oftner and vvith more vio∣lence, and at last took up their constant habitation vvith him, still vveakning his Body and abating his chearfulness: of both vvhich he grew more sensi∣ble, and did the oftner retire into his Study, and there made many Papers that had pass'd his Pen both in the dayes of his youth, and in the busie part of his life, useless, by a fire made there to that pur∣pose.—These and several unusuall expressions to his Servants and Friends, seem'd to foretell that

the day of his death drew near: for vvhich, he seem'd to those many friends that observ'd him, to be vvell prepar'd, and to be both patient, and free from all fear, as several of his Letters vvrit on this his last sick bed may testifie: and thus he continued till about the beginning of December following, at vvhich time he vvas seiz'd more violently vvith a Quotidian Feaver, in the tenth fit of vvhich Feaver, his better part, that part of Sir Henry Wotton vvhich could not die, put off mortality vvith as much con∣tent and chearfulness as humane frailty is capable of; being then in great tranquillity of mind, and in perfect peace vvith God and man.

And thus the Circle of Sir Henry Wotton's Life—(that Circle vvhich began at Bocton, and in the Circumference thereof, did first touch at Winchester-School, then at Oxford, and after upon so many re∣markable parts and passages in Christendom;) That Circle of his Life, vvas by Death thus closed up and compleated, in the seventy and second year of his Age, at Eaton Colledge, vvhere, according to his Will, he now lyes buried, vvith his Motto on a plain Grave-stone over him; dying, vvorthy of his Name and Family, vvorthy of the love and fa∣vour of so many Princes, and Persons of eminent Wisdome and Learning, vvorthy of the trust com∣mitted unto him, for the Service of his Prince and Countrey.

And all Readers are requested to believe, that he was worthy of a more worthy Pen, to have preserved his Memory, and commended his Merits to the imita∣tion of Posterity.

Iz. VVa.

Notes

• * 1.1

  In his Chro∣nicle.
• * 1.2

  Cambden in his Bri∣tannia.
• * 1.3

  Hollinshed.
• * 1.4

  Sir Edward Bish Clarentieux King of Arms, M. Charls Cotton, and, Mr. Nick Oudert sometime Sir Hen. Wotton's Servant.
• * 1.5

  St. Austin's Confession.
• * 1.6

  Watson in his Quodlibets.
• * 3.1

  Emanuel Col∣ledge in Cam∣bridge.
• * 4.1

  August, 1627.
• * 4.2

  Sept. 3. 1629.
• * 4.3

  1 Tim. 3. 7.
• * 5.1

  Juven.
• * 5.2

  In it were Italian locks, picklocks, screws to force open doors, and many things of worth and rarity, that he had ga∣thered in his for∣reign Travel.