The five years of King Iames, or, The condition of the state of England, and the relation it had to other provinces. Written by Sr Foulk Grevill, late Lord Brook.

The Earle of Somerset his conscience accuseth him; Northamptons speech to him: He becometh a newter in Religion. The Earle of Northamptons course.

A Nullitie being thus purchased, he dignified (as is said) and the ma••ch concluded about Candlemas, 1614. they Marry with much joy and solemnitie; a Maske being performed at Somerset's charge, and many rumors passe without any respect; all these things nothwithstanding, a guiltie conscience can never goe with∣out accusation; pensivenesse and fulnesse doe possesse the Earle, his wonted mirth forsakes him, his countenance is cast downe, he takes not that felicitie in company as he was wont to do, but still something troubles him: Verily it is a dangerous thing to fall within the compasse of a guilty conscience, it eateth and consu∣meth the soule of a man as rust doth Iron, or as beating waves hal∣lowes the Rocks; and though these things are not made publique, yet neverthelesse Northampton observed it in him, having so admi∣rable capacity, he could make use of all things; wherefore know∣ing his disease, viz. his mind feared with murther, and knowing the Earle tractable (as he desired) enters into more familiar discourse with him: For when the mind of a yong man is corrupted with e∣vill, he runs headlong into sinne without stay or feare; wherefore amongst many other discourses, this falls betweene them. That in case the death of Sir Thomas Overbury should come to light, they were then in a most dangerous state. And the next thing they must expect is losse of life, goods, lands, honours, their names to be made scandalous to the world, and to conclude, to be branded with an ignominious death. Neither that there was any way left for to escape this, but either by making their owne fortunes so great, that he might oppose all accusations, or else being Catholiques, to en∣deavour

that in defending them, they again might assist their cause in case that any matter came against them; this carrying some shew and likelihood of truth. And that indeed his case was despe∣rate, if ever it should come to light, concludes to combine with No••h••••pton in wh••tsoever he should undertake, and in the conclu∣sion became a ••e••ter in Religion; whereupon, to the intent he might set further evills on foot, besides those before remembred, he begins to rip up the ancient quarrell betweene the Welch and the English, who now murmur at some discontents; and to the intent to hearten on the Irish, sends Letters thither by the hands of one Ha••mon a poore man, unto such whom ••e knowes to be faithfull in the Romish Religion, and thereby confirmes them in their opi∣nion, assuring them that God will still provide one or more to pro∣tect his Church, and that now the greatest Favourite in England would stand for them: upon which Letter the Irish grew obsti∣nate, as I have said, and altogether neglect the service of God, and utterly deny the Oath of Supremacy, protesting losse of life and goods, rather then to be inforced to so damnable a thing.

Now wee see there the Church utterly forsaken, none to heare divine Service. The discipline of their owne Church established, and the Irish in generall expecting a day to have their libertie and freedome in Religion. The same man returning this newes, is after sent into Yorkeshire with a black staffe and a knob upon the end, within which knob, Letters are conveyed from place to place aswell for pointing Assemblies as meetings for Masse, and enter∣taining of Priests; now might a man goe to Masse in divers pla∣ces of the City, and who were so publiquely favoured as Priests? Their number increase, their Priests are entertained, Confession in many places publiquely practised, and although it was contrary to the Law, yet greatnesse overcountenancing them, it was little re∣garded. In the meane time quarrells went forward betweene the Scottish and English, continuall complaints, and the suit of the Cloth-workers, with hope of obtaining their request, not so much

because of the profit, as to raise up a discontent betweene the Du∣chie and them. These courses caused divers men to passe divers o∣pinions, and many men to passe their opinion as they affected ei∣ther parties.