Divers historicall discourses of the late popular insurrections in Great Britain and Ireland tending all, to the asserting of the truth, in vindication of Their Majesties / by James Howell ... ; som[e] of which discourses were strangled in the presse by the power which then swayed, but now are newly retreev'd, collected, and publish'd by Richard Royston.

CASUALL DISCOURSES, AND Interlocutions BETWIXT Patricius and Peregrin, Touching the Distractions of the Times, VVith the Causes of them.

Patricius.

SUrely I shold know full well that face and phisnomy: O Hea∣vens! 'tis Peregrin. Gentle Sir, you are well met, and welcom to England, I am heartily glad of your safe arrivall, hoping now to apprehend some happie opportunity whereby I may requite part of those worthy favours I re∣ceived from you in divers places t'other side side of the Sea.

Peregrin.

Sir, I am as joyfull to see you, as any friend

I have upon earth; but touching favours, they deserve not such an acknowledgment, I must confesse my self to be farr in the arrear, therfore you teach me what I shold speak to you in that point: But amongst other offices of Friendship you have bin pleased to do me from time to time, I give you many thanks for the faithfull correspondence you have held withme, since the time of our separation, by intercours of Letters, the best sort of fuell to warm affection, and to keep life in that no∣ble vertue Friendship, which they say abroad, is in danger to perish under this cold Insulary clime for want of practise.

Patricius.

Truely, Sir, you shold have had an ac∣count of matters hence more amply and fre∣quently, but that of late it hath bin usuall, and allowed by authority, to intercept and break open any Letters; but private men need not complain so much, since the di∣spatches of Ambassadors, whose P•…•…ckets shold be held as sacred as their Persons, h•…•…ve bin commonly open'd, besides some outra∣ges offered their houses and servants; nay, since their Maj•…•…sties Letters under the Cabinet Signet have bin broke up, and other coun∣terfeit ones printed and published in their names.

Peregrin.

Indeed I must confesse the report hereof hath kept a great noise abroad, and England hath suffered much in point of national re∣pute in this particular; for even among Bar∣barians, it is held a kind of sacriledge to o∣pen Letters; nay, it is held a baser kind of burglary, then to break into a House, Chamber, or Closet: for that is a plunde∣ring of outward things onely, but he who breaks open ones Letters which are the Idea's of the mind, may be said to rip up his brest, to plunder and rifle his very brain, and rob him of his most pretious and secretest thoughts.

Patricius.

Well, let us leave this distastfull subject, when these fatall commotions cease, this custom, I hope, will be abhorred in Eng∣land: But now, that you are newly arrived, and so happily met, I pray be pleased t•…•… make me partaker of some forraign news, and how the squares go betwixt France and Spain, those two great wheels, that draw af∣ter their motion (some more, some lesse) all the rest of the Western world: and when you have done, I will give you account of the state of things in England.

Peregrin.

I thought you had so abounded with do∣mestick news, that you had had no list or leisure to hear any forrain; but to obey your commands, you know that I have been any time these six years a Land-loper up and down the world, and truly I could not set foot on any Chr•…•…stian shore that was in a perfect condition of peace, but it was en∣gag•…•…d either in a direct, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or collate∣rall war, or standing upon it's guard in conti∣nuall apprensions and alarmes of fear: For, since that last flaming Usher of Gods venge∣ance, that direful Comet of the yeer 1618. ap∣pear'd in the heavens, some malevolent and ang•…•…y ill-aspected star hath had the predomi∣nance ever since, and by it's maligne influxes, made strange unusuall impressions upon the humors of subjects, by inci•…•…ing them to such insurrections, revolts, and tumults; which caused a Jewish Rabbi to say lately, that it seems the grand Turk thrives extra∣ordinarily in his devotions, it being one of his prime prayers to Mahomet, that he shold prevaile with God Almighty to continue dis∣entions still among Christian Princes. And truly, as the case stands, one may say, that the Europaean world is all in pieces;

you know well with what fearfull fits of a high burning fever poor Germany hath been long shaken, which hath wrought a Lethar∣gie in some of her members, by wasting of the vital spirits which shold diffuse them∣selves equally through that great body; and how she st•…•…ll •…•…ostereth a cold Northern Guest (the Swed) within her bosom, and is in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 fear of a worse from the Le∣vant: In the Netherlands one shall hear the half-starv'd souldier murmur in every cor∣ner, and railing against his King, and ready to mutiny for want of pay. In France you shall see the poor Asinin Peasan half weary of his life, his face being so 〈◊〉〈◊〉 grownd, ever and anon with new tallies. You know ther are som Soverain Princes, who have a long time wandred up and down in exile, being outed of their own anti•…•…nt Patrimoni∣all Territories, and little hopes yet, God wot, of restoring them. The world knows how Savoy is become of late a kind of Pro∣vince to France; Nay, Spain, who hath been so dexterous to put her neighbours o∣gether by the eares, and to foment war a far off, to keep her own home secure, is now her self in the midst of two fearfull fires, kindled on both sides of her by quite∣revolted

subjects, viz. the Portugues and Cat a∣lan, which so puzzles her, that shee cannot tell what Saint to pray unto. The Venetian also, with the pope, and all the Princes of Italy, are arming apace; the Hollander onely, Sala∣mander like, thrives in these flames: and as I have heard of some that by a long habitu•…•…l custom could feed on poyson, and turn it to nourishment, so Hans alone can turn War to a Trade and grow fat by it.

Now, Sir, being weary of eating my bread in such a distracted world abroad, and hoping to take some sweet repose in Eng∣land, I find that shee is in as bad a case, if not worse, then any other. So much news I give you in a lump, I will be more particu∣lar with you som other time, if you please to spare me now.

Patricius.

I hear, not without much resentment, these pithy expressions you have been plea∣sed to make of the torn estate of Europe a∣broad; and since you mention that blazing Star, I remember what a Noble Knight told me some yeers ago, That the Astronomers, who lay sentinel to watch the motion and a∣spect of that Comet, observ'd that the tail of it having pointed at divers Climats, at last it

seem'd to look directly on these North-west I lands, in which posture it spent it selfe, and so extinguish'd; as if thereby it meant to tell the world, that these Islands should be the Stage whereupon the last act of the Tragedie should be play'd. And how many Scenes have passed already, both here and in Ireland, we know, God wot, by too too wofull and fresh experience.

Peregrin.

There is a saying When your neighbours house is on fire, by it's light you may see in what danger your own stands: And was England so blind and blockish, as not to take warning by so many fearfull combustions abroad? When I took my leave last of her, I left her in such a compleat condition of happines, both in Court, Country, City and Sea, that shee was the envie of all Europ, in so much, that that Gol∣den Verse might be fi•…•…ly applied to her then Golden times,

Mollia securae perage•…•…ant otia Gentes.

The Court was never so glorious, being han∣selld every yeer almost with a new Roya•…•… off∣spring; the Gentry no where more gallan•…•… and sportfull; the Citizen never more gorge∣ous and rich, and so abounding with treasure,

bullion and buildings, that no age can paral∣lel; Commerce, inward and outward was ne∣ver at that height; the customes increasing every yeer to admiration; the narrow Seas were never guarded with braver Ships, nor the navie Royall for number of vessels and magazines of all sorts of materials was ever so well replenished; the Universities had ne∣ver such springing dayes: and lastly, the Church did so flourish, that amongst the rest of the reformed Churches of Christen∣dome, I have heard her call'd the Church tri∣umphant.

Besides, Ireland was arriv'd almost to the same degree of prosperity, for all the arrera∣ges of the Crowne were paid, and not a peny sent hence for many yeeres to maintain the standing army there, or for any other publick charge, as formerly; Trafique came to that mighty height of encrease, that in few years the Crown customes and imposts came to be five times higher. In fine, Ireland was brought not only to subsist of her selfe, but inabled to contribut towards the filling of the English Exchequer, and to make some retri∣bution of those vast expences the Crown of England hath been at any time these 400 yeeres to reduce her to civility; her boggs

were almost all dry'd up, and made good land▪ her mudde-walls turn'd apace to Brick in di∣vers places, so that in one Sommer that I fortun'd to be there, above 50. new Brick∣houses were built in one Towne. But it hath been the fate of that Island, to be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 neer a condition of a setled, happiness, and yet to have some odd accident still intervene to crosse it.

In conclusion, there wanted nothing to make England and her united Crowns so ex∣actly blessed, that she might have assumed the title of one of the Fortunat Islands. Good Lord, how comes it to passe, that she is now fallen into such horrid distempers, and like a distracted body, laying han•…•…s upon her self, would thrust the sword of civil war into her own bowels? I beseech you, Sir, impart unto me the true cause of this change; for I know none so capable to do it as your self.

Patriciu•…•….

Infandum, Peregrine, jubes renovare dolorem:

First, Sir, in the generall you know, that it is with the Regions upon Earth, as it is with those of the Ayre, sometimes we have a clear azur'd skie with soft gentle ventilations, and a sweet serenitie the whole Hemesphere over; at other times we know the face of

the heavens is over-cast with frowns, with Frog vapors, and thick clouds of various shapes, which look like Monsters, hove∣ring up and down, break at last into thunder and fulgurations, and so disquiet and raise a kind of war in the Aereall Com∣mon-wealth. Just so in the Regions that are dispers'd up and down this earthly Glo•…•…e, peepled with men (which are but a compo∣sition of the Elements) you have sometimes a gentle calm of peace and quietude, with a general tranquillitie all the Countrey over; at other times you have ugly mishapen clouds of jealousies, fears, and discontent∣ments rise up, which break out at last in∣to acts of disobedience, rebellion, and fury. And as those Aereall Meteors and Monsters above, are ingendered of those watery fogs and mists which are drawn up out of fennie and rotten low grounds here upon earth; so in the Region of the mind, the ill vapors which ascend to the brain from rotten and impostumated hearts, from desperate and mal•…•…-contented humorists are the causes of all civil commotions and distempers in State. But they have much to answer for in the world to come (though they escape it in this) who for any private interest or re∣spect

whatsoever, either of Promotion, Vain∣glory, Revenge, Malice, or Envie, will em∣broyl and plunge their own native Country in any publick ingagement or civil war, by putting a partition-wall betwixt their sove∣rain Prince and their fellow-subjects. True∣ly, in my opinion, these may be called the worst kind of Betrayers of their Countreys. But I am too far transported from satisfying your request in relating the true causes of these calamities, I will now fall to work, and bring you to the very source of them.

Ther is a pack of perverse people (com∣posed for the most part of the scummie and basest sort) multiplied in England, who by a kind of natural inclination, are opposit so point blank to Monarchy in State, and Hie∣rarchy in Church, that I doubt if they were in Heven (whither 'tis to be fear'd they run a great hazard ever to enter, it being a rule, that he who is rotten-hearted to his King, can never be right-hearted to his Crea•…•…or) I say if these men were in Heven, they w•…•…uld go near to repine at the Monarchical power of God Almighty himself, as also at the de∣grees of Angels, and the postures of holiness in the Church triumphant. They call every Crotchet of the brain, tenderness of conscience

forsooth: which being well examined, is nothing else but a meer spirit of contradicti∣on, of malice and disobedience to all higher powers which possesseth them. Ther are no constitutions either Ecclesiastical or Ci∣vil can please them, but they wold cast both into such and such a mould, which their crack'd brains wold fain devise, yet are ne∣ver able to bring to any perfection; They are ever labouring to bring Religion to the dock, and to be new trimm'd, but they wold take down her fore-Castle, and scarce allow her the Kings Armes to adorn her: They are great listners after any Court-news, and prick up their ears when any thing is spoken of King, Queen, or Privie Councellour, and are always ready, though upon loose trust, to take up any report whereby they may whisper in conventicles and corners, and so traduce the Government. These great Z•…•…lots use to look upon themselves most commonly through multiplying glasses, which make them appear to be such huge Santons, that it renders them not one∣ly uncharitable in their opinions of others, but Luciferian-like proud in their own con∣ceit, insomuch that they seem to scorn all the world besides, beleeving that they are

•…•…he only Elect whose souls work according •…•…o the motion of the Spirit: that they are •…•…he true Children of promise, whose faces alone look towards Heven; They are more pleased with some new reach or fancy, (that may puzzle the pericranium) than a French∣man is in some new faction in cloathing: They are nearest to the nature of the Jew of any people upon earth, and will converse with him sooner than with some sort of Christians; And as in their pharisaicall Di∣spositions they symbolize with the Iew, so in some of their positions they jump pat with the Iesuit: for though they are both in the extremes, and as contrary one to the other, as the points of a diameter, yet their opinions and practises are concentrique, viz. to de∣presse regall power; Both of them wold bind their Kings in Chaines, and the Nobles in links of Iron; They both deny all passive obe∣dience, and as the one wold have the morter of the Temple tempred with blood, so the other wold beat Religion into the brain with the poleaxe. Their greatest master-piece of policy is to forge counter•…•…eit news, and to divulge and disperse it as far as they can to amuse the world, for the advancement of their designs, and strengthing their party:

But the Iesuit doth it more cunningly and modestly, for he fetcheth his news from far, so that before the falshood of it can be contrould, his work is commonly done, and the news forgotten; But these later politi∣tians use to raise lies hard by home, so that the grosseness and palpablenesse of them is presently discovered. Besides, to avoid the extremes of the other, these later seem to fall into flat prophanness, for they may be called a kind of enemies to the very Name, Crosse, and Church of Christ. Touching the first, They repine at any reverence to be done unto the name of Jesus, though spon∣taneous, not coercive. For the second, which was held from the beginning to be the badg and Banner of a Christian, they cry up the Crosse to be the mark of the b•…•…ast; And for the last, viz. the Church, they wold have it to be neither beautifull, holy, nor amiable, which are the three main pro∣perties that God requires in his house. To conclude, when any comes to be season'd with this sower leaven, he seems to dege∣nerat presently from the nature and garb of a Gentleman, and fals to be of a sordid and low disposition, narrow hearted and close handed; to be timerous, cunning and jea∣lous,

and far from the common freedom, and sweetness of morall society, and from all generous and loyal thoughts towards his King and Country.

These, these have bin the chiefest ma∣chinators, and engeneers Englands unhappy divisions, who Viper-like have torn the en∣trailes of their own mother their dear Country: But ther were other extern con∣current causes, and to find them out, I must look Northward, for there the cloud began to condense first;

You know Sir, the Scot's nation were ever used to have their King personally resident amongst them, and though King Iames by reason of his age, bounty, and long breeding there, with other advantages, drew such ex∣traordinary respect from them, that they continued in good conformity: yet since his death, they have been over-heard to mutter at the remotenesse and absence of their King, and that they shold become now a kind of province by reason of such a distance: some of their Nobles and Gentry found not at the English Court, nor at his Majesties Co∣ronation in Edenburgh that Countenance, Fa∣miliarity, Benefit and Honours which haply they expected, and 'tis well known who he

was, that having been denied to be lorded (David Lesley) took a pet, and went discon∣tented to his country, hoping that some title added to the wealth he had got abroad, should have purchased him more respect. These discontented parties tamperd with the mer∣cenary preachers up and down Scotland, to obtrude to the p•…•…ple what doctrines they put into their mouthes, so that the pulpits every where rung of nothing but of invectives against certain obliquities and Solaecismes (and I cannot tell what) in government, and many glances they had upon the English Church: yet all this while there was not matter enough for an insurrection, nor to dispose the peoples hearts to a mutiny▪ until by the policy (as some affi•…•…med) of the said discontented party the English Lyturgie was sent thither: this by the in•…•…itement of those fiery pulpiteers, was cryed up to be the great∣est I doll that possibly could be brought into their Kerke, insomuch that when it was first offer'd to be read, the woman and ba•…•…er sort of mechaniks threw stooles and stones at the Bishops heads, and were ready to tear them in peeces▪ And here began the storm. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Majesty having notice hereof, sent a most gracious proclamation, signifying, that where∣as

he had recommended that Book to be practis'd amongst them, wherein he himself served God Almighty twice a day, he did it out of a pious endeavour to breed an uni∣formity of publick Divine service in all his dominions, specially in that his native King∣dom. But since it had produced such dange∣rous effects, he was contented to revoke it absolutely; for it was never his purpose to press the practise of the said book upon the consciences of any, he did onely commend, not absolutely command, the use of it; Therefore he exhorted and required that every one unto whom it had given any scan∣dal, shold return to his pristine obedience, and serve God as formerly, offering here∣with a gracious pardon, and to passe an Act of Amnestia for an abolition of all faults passed.

Peregrin.

And would not this suffice? In naturall motions we find that the cause being taken away, the effect ceaseth, and will not this hold in civil Actions?

Patricius.

No, this wold not serve the turn, but 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was a further reach in it, and for an inch to take an ell: you know the Scots since 〈◊〉〈◊〉

single Lion came to quarter with our three, are much elevated in their spirits, more re∣spected, emploied and trusted abroad, they are heightned in their resolutions and aims, and will questionless be daily more and more. You have heard of a Mine that reach'd from our exchequer to Edenburgh. And I beleeve you have not forgot Bocco∣linies balance, that was shewed us in Italie, wherein Lorenzo de Medici weighed all the states of Christendom, and throwing in Eng∣land amongst the rest, you know how much he made her to weigh less by this addition. The former Proclamation I say, and Pardon would not suffice, but they took opportuni∣ty to fish in those troubled waters, and vent their spleen further, by an utter extirpation of Episcopacy, and by trampling the mitre under their feet, hoping to have som of the birds plumes, being pluck•…•…, to feather their own nests; And they brought their work about; Good Lord, what a deal of dirt was present∣ly thrown into the Bishops faces by every Rurall pettie Clerk! what infamous bal∣lads were sung, what a thick clowd of Epi∣demical hatred hung suddenly over them, so far, that a dog with black and white spots was called a Bishop amongst them up and down the streets.

The chiefest contrivers of this up-roare, •…•…inding their design to go on so well, and perceiving the whole Country so eagerly bent against Bishops, (and what artifices and suggestions were us'd to render them so o∣dious is incredible) but finding withall his Majestie unwilling to alter the government his father (of so fresh and famous memory) had left him, and to which he had bin sworn at his Coronation, they put themselves in arms, and rais'd forces to beat down the mitre with the sword, if the scepter would not do it. To the frontiers they came with a great Army, (not half so great as was bru∣ted) pretending they came as Petitioners (though they brought their Petition upon the pikes▪ point,) Some of the great ones▪ a∣bout the King grew cold in the action: And what a pacification was then shuffled up, and how a Parliament was called thereupon in Scotland, with other passages, is a fitter subject for a story then a discourse.

Peregrin.

I could have wished two things, that ei∣ther His Majesty had given them battail then, having the flower of his Nobility and Gentry with him, who I understood came with all cheerfulnesse and pomptitude to at∣tend

him, or else that after the said pacifi∣cation, His Majestie had shaken off all jea∣lousies, and with a royall freedom and a commanding confidence gone amongst them to hancell their new Parliament House at Edenburgh; for it is probable, it had a∣verted those showers and cataracts of •…•…mise∣ries which have fallen •…•…pon us since; but I pray Sir, proceed.

Patricius.

As they say, there is no wind but blows some-body good, so it was thought, this Nor∣thern clowd did England some advantage, for a Parliament was summond hereupon: a Parliament do I call it? it was rather an Embryo of a Parliament, an Ephemeran of 20▪ days. In this sitting His Majesty decla∣red unto both Houses the indignities he had received by His Scotch Subjects, and therefore propos'd a supply to be made of twelve subsidies to suppress that Rebellion; and in lieu thereof he was willing to forbear and utterly to abolish the Ship-money, which he had reason to think legall at first, being advised thereunto by Noy his Attor∣ney Generall, who had such a mighty re∣pute in the Law; yet he would not rest ther, but he advised further with his learned

Councell, who concurred in opinion with Noy; Nor wold he rest ther also, but he had the approbation of all the Iudges singly, and afterwards of nine of the twelve jointly upon a demur. This was enough to induce his conscience to hold it legall all this while; It was clearly proved that the moneys levi∣ed this way, were employed to no other but the intended service, the garding of the narrow Seas; and not onely for that, but to preserve his right of Dominion in them, being the fairest flower of his Crown, which was not onely discoursed of abroad, but be∣gan to be questioned by the French Cardi∣nall: And touching danger, how could England be but in apparant dangers? con∣sideri•…•…g how all her next neighbours were in actuall hostility, which made huge fleets of men of war, both French, Dunkerkers, Hamburgers and Hollanders to sail and flaunt ever and anon in her Channells, and hard be∣fore her royall Chambers: nor came ther one penny of that publick contribution to his privat coffers, but he added much of his own demeans for the maintenance of a royal fleet every sommer: yet he was ready to passe any Bill for the utter abolishing of the said Ship-money, and for redressing of a•…•…y

other grievances, provided they wold en∣able him to suppress this Scots Rebellion: some say the House was inclinable to com∣ply with his Majesties demands, but (as the ill spirit wold have it) that Parliament was suddenly brok up, and I wold they who gave that Counsel had bin then in Arabia, or beyond the Line, in their way to Madagas∣car, who neverthelesse have got to be in high request with this present Parliament.

Among others, old Sir Harry Vane was one, who, when the House seem'd willing to give six subsidies, and the King inclinable to take them; The said Vane being the Se∣cretary of State stood up, and said, His Ma∣jesty expected no less then twelve, which words did so incense and discompose the House, that they drew after them that un∣happy dissolution.

His Majesty being reduced to these straits, and resenting still the insolence of the Scot, proposed the busines to His Pri∣vy Councell, who suddenly made up a con∣siderable and most noble summe for his pre∣sent supply, whereunto divers of his dome∣stick servants and Officers did contribut. Amongst others who were active herein, the Earl of Strafford bestir'd himself nota∣bly,

and having got a Parliament to be call'd in Ireland he went over, and with in∣credible celeritie raised 8000. men, who procured money of that Parliament to maintain them, and got over those angry Seas again in the compasse of lesse then six weeks. You may infer hence to what an exact uncontrollable obedience he had reduced that Kingdom, as to bring about so great a work with such a suddennes and fa∣cilitie.

An armie was also raised▪ here, which marched to the North, and there fed upon the Kings pay a whole Summer. The Scot was not idle all this while; but having pun∣ctuall intelligence of every thing that passed at Court, as farre as what was debated in the Cabinet Councel, and spoken in the bed∣chamber, (and herein amongst many others, the Scot had infinite advantage of us) He armed also, and preferring to make England the stage of the warre, rather then his own countrey, and to invade rather then to be in∣vaded, He got over the Tweed, and found the passage open, and as it were made for him all the way till hee came to the Tine, and though there was a considerable army of horse and foot at Newcastle, yet they never

offered so much as to face him all the while, At Newburgh indeed there was a small skir∣mish, but the English foot would not fight, so Newcastle gates flew open to the Scot without any resistance at all, where it is thought he had more friends then foes, and who were their friends besides for this invasion, I hope Time, and the Tribunall of Justice will one day discover.

His Majesty being then at York, summo∣ned all his Nobles to appear, to advise with them in this exigence: Commissioners were appointed on both sides, who met at Rippon, and how the hearts and courage of some of the English Barons did boil within them, to be brought to so disadvantageous a Treatie with the Scot, you may well imagin. So the Treatie began, which the Scot wold not conform himself to do, unless he were first unrebell▪d and made Rectus in Curia, and the Proclamation, wherein he was declared Traitour, revoked, alledging it wold be dishonorable for His Majesty to treat with rebels. This treaty was adjourned to Lon∣don, where this present Parliament was summoned (which was one of the chiefest errands of the Sco•…•…, as some think.) And thus far by these sad and short degrees, have

I faithfully led you along to know the tru Originals of our calamities.

Peregrin.

Truly Sir, I must tell you, that to my knowledg these unhappy traverses with Scotland, have made the English suffer abroad very much in point of National ho∣nour; Therefore I wonder much that all this while ther is none set a work to make a solid Apologie for England in some com∣municable language, (either in French or Latin) to rectifie the world in the truth of the thing, and to vindicat her, how she was bought and sold in this expedition, conside∣ring what a party the Scot had here, and how his comming in, was rather an Invita∣tion, then an Invasion, and I beleeve if it had bin in many parts of the world besides, some of the Commanders had gone to the pot.

Patricius.

It is the practise of some States I know, to make sacrifice of some eminent Minister, for publick mistakes: but to follow the thred of my Discourse. The Parliament being sate, His Majesty told them, that he was resolved to cast himself wholly upon the affection and fidelity of his people, where∣of

they were the Representative body: Therfore he wished them to go roundly on to close up the ruptures that were made by this infortunat war, and that the two armies, one domestick, the other forrain, which were gnawing the very bowels of the King∣dom, might be dismissed. Touching grie∣vances of any kind (and what State was ther ever so pure, but some corruption might creep into it?) He was very ready to redresse them: concerning the Ship-money, he was willing to pass a B•…•…ll for the utter abolition of it, and to establish the proper∣ty of the subject; therefore he wished them not to spend too much time about that. And for Monopolies, he desired to have a list of them, and he wold damn them all in one Proclamation: Touching ill Counsellours, either in Westminster-Hall, or White-Hall, either in Church or State, he was resolved to protect none, Therefore he wished that all jealousies and misunderstandings might vanish: This, with sundry other strains of Princely grace he delivered unto them, but withall he told them, that they shold be very cautious how they shook the fram of an ancient Government too far, in regard it was like a Watch, which being put asunder,

can never be made up again, if the least pin be left out.

So ther were great hopes of a calm, after that cold Northern storm had so blustered, and that we shold be suddenly rid of the Scot, but that was least intended, untill som designs were brought about. The Earl of Strafford, the Archbishop of Canterbu∣ry, the Iudges, and divers Monopolists are clapt up, and you know who took a timely flight (Lord Finch) to the other side of the Sea. And in lieu of these, the Bishop of Lincoln is enlarged, Bastwick, Burton, and Prynn are brought into London with a kind of Hosanna. His Majesty gave way to all this, and to comply further with them, he took as it were into his bosom, I mean, he ad∣mitted to his Privy Councell those Parlia∣ment Lords, who were held the greatest Zelots amongst them, that they might be witnesses of his secret'st actions, and to one of them (the Lord Say) he gave one of the considerablest Offices of the Kingdom, by the resignation of another most deserving Lord, upon whom they could never fasten the least misdemeanour; yet this great new Officer wold come neither to the same Ora∣tory, Chappell, or Church, to joyn in pray∣er

with his Royall Master, nor communicat with him in any publick exercise of devoti∣on: and may not this be called a tru Recu∣sancie? To another he gave one of the prime and most reposefull Offices about his own Person at Court (The Earl of Essex) and thereby he might be said to have given a Staff to beat himself. Moreover, partly to give his Subjects an Evidence how firmly he was rooted in his Religion, and how much he desired the strenthning of it abroad, The treaty of marriage went on 'twixt his eldest daughter, and the young Prince of Orenge. Hereunto may be added as a speciall argu∣ment of compliance and grace, the passing of the Bill for a Trienniall Parliament, and lastly (which is the greatest Evidence that possibly can be imagined, of that reall trust and confidence he reposed in them) he pas∣sed that prodigious Act of Continuance.

Peregrin.

Touching the Trienniall Parliament, there may come some whole some fruit out of it, will keep all Officers in awe, and excite the Nobilitie, and young Gentrie of the King∣dome to studie, and understand the Govern∣ment of the land, and be able to sit and serve their countrey in this great Senate: But for

this Act of Continuance I understand it not; Parliaments are good Physick, but ill meat; They say abroad that England is turned hereby from a Monarchy to a Democracy, to a perpe∣tual kind of Quingentumvirat; and whereas in former times ther was a Heptarchy of seven▪ Kings in her, they say now she hath seventy times seven. But in lieu of these unparallell'd Acts of grace and trust to the Parl. what did the Parliament for the King all this while?

Patricius.

They promised, specially upon the passing of the last Act, That they would make him the most glorious, the best beloved, and richest King that ever reigned in England: and this they did with deep protestings and assevera∣tions. But there intervened an ill-favoured accident which did much hurt, viz. A Dis∣course (for truely I think it was no more) but a discourse) which some green heads held to bring up the Northern armie, to check the Puritan partie, and the rabble of the citie: This kept a mightie noyse, and you know who fled upon it, and much use was made of it to make that cloud of jealousie which was but of the breadth of a hand before, to ap∣pear as big as a mountaine. Yet his Maje∣stie continued still in passing Acts of grace,

and complying with them in every thing▪ Hee put over unto them the Earle of Straf∣ford, who after a long costly triall (wherein he carried himself with as much acutenesse, dexteritie and eloquence, as humane braine could be capable of for his defence) hee was condemned to the Scaffold, and so made a sacrifice to the Scot, who stayed chiefly for his head, which besides those vast summes of money, was given him to boot.

Peregrin.

Touching the Earle of Strafford, 'tis tru, he was full of ability, elocution and confi∣dence, and understood the lawes of England as well as any, yet there were two things, I heard, wherein his wisdom was questioned; first that having a charge ready against his chiefest accusers, yet he suffered them to have the priority of sute, which if he had got he had thereby made them parties, and so incapable to be produced a∣gainst him: Secondly, that during the time of his tryall, he applyed not himself with that compliance to his Iury as well as to his Iudges, for he was observed to comply on∣ly with the Lords, and not with the House of Commons.

Patricius.

Howsoever, as some say, his death was •…•…esolved upon, (si non per viam justitiae, sal∣tem per viam expedientiae) which appears in regard the proceedings against him are by a clause in the Act not to be produced for a lead∣ing case or example to future ages and inferi∣our Courts: I blush to tell you how much the rabble of the City thirsted after his blood, how they were suffered to strut up and down the streets before the royal Court, and the Parliament it self, with im∣punity; They cried out, that if the Common Law fail'd, club law should knock him down, and their insolency came to that height, that the names of those Lords that would not doome him to death, should be given them to fix upon posts up and downe; And this was the first tumult that happened this Parliament, whereof so many followed after their example, being not onely con∣niv'd at, but backed by authoritie, for there were prohibitions sent from the Parliament, to hinder all processe against some of them.

These Myrmidons, as they termed them∣selves, were ready at a watchword, so that one might say there was a kind of discipline in disorder.

Peregrin.

Were ther any troubled for delivering their votes in the Houses? I thought that freedom of opinion and speech, were one of the prime priviledges of that great Nationall Senat.

Patricius.

Yes, Those that were the Minions of the House before, became now the subjects of popular malice and detraction, (as the Lord Digby now Earl of Bristol for one) because a∣gainst the dictamen of their consciences they would not vote the Earl of Strafford to death, and renounce their own judgments, and captivate it to the sense of others, yet they stood firm to their first grounds, that he was a delinquent in a high nature, and incapable ever to beare office in any of His Majesties dominions.

Peregrin.

I perceive Sir by your speeches, that one of the chiefest causes of these combustions may be imputed to the Citie of London, which may be called the Metropolis of all these evils, and I little wonder at it, for it hath been alwaies incident to all great Townes, when they grow rich and popu∣lous, to fall into acts of insolence, and to spurne at government; where so many pots,

(so many braines I meane) are a boyling, ther must needs be a great deal of froth, but let her look to her self, for Majesty hath long arms, and may reach her at last. But the truth is, that London bears no proportion with the size of this Island, for either the one shold be larger, or the other lesser: London may be well compared to the liver of a cramm'd Italian goose, whose fatning ema∣cerates the rest of the whole body, and makes it grow lean and languish, and she may be well term'd a goose now more then ever, for her feathers are pluck'd apace; but now that you have done with the Earl of Strafford, what is become of all the rest who were committed?

Patricius.

They are still in durance, and have conti∣nued so these two years and upward, yet are not proceeded against, nor brought to their answer to this very day, though all the Courts of Justice have bin open ever since. Many hundreds more of the best sort of Subjects have bin suddenly clapt up, and no cause at all mentioned in many of their commitments, and new Prisons made of purpose for them, where they may be said to be buried alive, and so forgotten as if

ther were no such men in the world (wher∣of the Author was one:) And how this can stand with Magna Charta, with the Petition of Right (to vindicat which, ther was so much pains taken the last Parliament) let any man of a sane judgment determin. Yet one of the Judges, who hath an Impeach∣ment o•…•… High Treason still lying Dormant against him, though he be not Rectus in Cu∣ria himself, is suffered to sit as Judge upon the highest tribunall of England, whereas another for a pretended misdemeanour only is barr'd from sitting ther. Others who were at first cryed up and branded to be the most infamous Projectors and Monopolizers of the land, (as Hamilton, Holland, &c.) are not only at liberty, but crept into favour, and made use of.

Peregrin▪

Hath the house of Commons power to commit any but their own Members with∣out conference with the Lords? Or hath any Order or Ordinance of one of the Hou∣ses singly, or of both conjunctly, power to enjoin a virtual, binding, generall obedience without the Royal consent?

Patricius.

The power of Parliament, when King,

Peers, and Commons, which is the whole Kingdom digested as it were into one vo∣lum, is indefinit, but what either of both Houses can do of themselves singly or joynt∣ly without the King who is the life of the Law, especially when a visible faction reigns amongst them, I will not deter∣min.

—tantas componere lites non opis est nostrae—

But for my own opinion, I think it is as im∣possible for them to make a Law without the King, as it was for Paracelsus to make a human creture without coition of both sexes. The results of Parliament without the Roy∣all consent, are as matches without fire; And it is an incontroulable principle, that the old Law must be our guide, till new be made, nor is any Act of the Subject justi∣fiable, but what is warranted by the old. But to proceed in the tru discovery of these Do∣mestick scissures, my Lord of Stafford being gone, we hop'd fair weather wold follow. (He who was the cause of the tempest (as they pretended) being thrown over-board) but unluckie mists of jealousie grew thicker and thicker; Yet the Scots were dismist, ha∣ving

had Fidlers fare, meat, drink, and money, for eleven long moneths together. So His Majesty went to Scotland, where the Parlia∣ment ther, did but ask and have any thing, though it be the unquestionable Preroga∣tive of Majesty to grant or deny Petitions, and to satisfie his conscience before any Councell whatsoever.

But during his sojourn ther, this formida∣ble hideous Rebellion brok out in Ireland, which though it may be said to be but an old play newly reviv'd▪ yet the Scene was never so Tragicall and bloody as now: for the Barbarismes that have bin committed ther have bin so sanguinary, and mon∣strously savage, that I think posterity will hold them hyperbolicall •…•…when History re∣lates them. The Irish themselves affirm ther concurr'd divers causes to kindle this fire: One, was the taking off of Straffor•…•…s head, (who awd them more then any Deputy ever did) and that one of his Accusations shold be to have used the Papists ther too favou∣rably: Secondly, the rigorous proceedings and intended courses against the Roman Ca∣tholiques here in England. Lastly, the stop∣ping of that Regiment of Irish, who was pro∣mised by His Majesties Royall Word and

Letter to the King of Spain, who relying upon that employment, rather then to beg, steal, or starve, turned Rebels: And that, which hath agravated the Rebellion all this while, and heightned much the spirit of the Irish, was the introduction of the Scot, whom they hate in perfection above all people els; And intended lastly the design spoken of in our Parliament, to make an absolute Con∣quest, and Nationall Eradication of them, which hath made them to make vertue of necessity, and to be valiant against their wills.

Peregrin.

Indeed I heard that Act of staying the Irish Regiment, considering how the Mar∣quesses de Velada, and Malvezzi, and Don Alonso de Cardenas, who were all three Am∣bassadours here for the King of Spain at that time, having by reliance upon the sacred Word and Letter of a King, imprested mo∣ney, and provided shipping for their tran∣sport, and bin at above 10000. Crowns charges, I say this Act was very much cen∣sured abroad, to the dishonour of His Maje∣sty and our reproach.

Patricius.

I am very sorry to hear it. Well Sir. His

Majesty by His presence having setled Scot∣land, was at his return to London received with much joy and exultation, but though he was brought in with a Hosanna at one end of the Town, he found a Crucifige at the o∣ther: For at Westminster ther was a Remon∣strance fram'd, a work of many weeks, and voted in the dead of night, when most of the moderat and well-thoughted Mem∣bers were retired to their rest, wherein with as much aggravation and artifice as could be, the least moat in Government was ex∣posed to publick view, from the first day of His Majesties Inaugurat•…•…on to that very hour: Which Remonstrance as it did no good to the Publick but fill peoples heads with doubts, their hearts with gall, and re∣tard the procedure of all businesse besides, so you may well think it could expect but cold entertainment with His Majesty, who hoped his great Councel, according to their often deep protestations, had done some∣thing for his welcom home, that might have made him the best beloved King that ever 〈◊〉〈◊〉 amongst his people.

Peregrin.

〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉, ther is no Government upon 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 up of m•…•…n, but is subject to

corruption; there is no Court of judicature so cleane, but some cobwebs may gather in it, unlesse an Act of Parliament could be made to free and exempt men from all in∣firmities and errour; It cannot be denied, but Scotland might have something to com∣plaine of (though I think least of any) and so leapt first into the pooll to be cur'd, and what she fish'd besides in those troubled wa∣ters 'tis too well known: England also no doubt might have some grievances, which his Majestie freely offered not onely to re∣dresse for the present, but to free her of all feares for the future, from falling into re∣lapses of that kinde; but to redresse grie∣vances by Armes, by plunging the whole countrey into an intestine warre, this makes the remedy worse then the malady, it is as if one would go about to cure a sick body by breaking his head, or let him blood by giving him a dash on the nose, it is as mad a tricke as his was who set the whole House a fire to roast his egs. But truly Sir, in my opinion, his Majesty at his return from Scot∣land, might have justly expected some acts of compliance and gratitude from his Parlia∣ment, considering what unparallel'd acts of grace he had pass'd before.

Patricius.

His Majesty did not rest there, but com∣plied further with them by condescending to an act for putting down the star-chamber Court the high Commission, the Court of honour, nay, he was contented his own Privy Coun∣cell should be regulated, and his forests bounded not according to ancient Prerogative but late custome; nay further, he pass'd a Bill for the unvoting, and utter exclusion of the Spirituall Lords from the Parliament for ever, whereby it cannot be denied, but by the casheering of 25 votes at a clap, and by excluding the Recusant Lords besides (who subsist most by his grace) he did not a little enervat his own prerogative. Adde hereunto that having placed two worthy Gentlemen Biron and Lunsford Lieutenants of the Tower, he remov'd them both one after the other, and was content to put in one of their Election: And lastly, he trusted them with his greatest strength of all, with his Navie Royall, and call'd home Pen∣nington who had the guard of the narrow Seas so many yeares.

Peregrin.

Truly Sir, I never remember to have heard or read of such notable acts of grace

and confidence from any King: but would not all this suffice?

Patricius.

No, But they demanded all the Land Souldiery and military strength of the King∣dome to be disposed of by them, and to be put into what posture, and in what Equipage, and under what Comman∣ders they pleas'd; And this was the first thing his Majesty ever denyed them, yet he would have granted them this also for a li∣mited time, but that would not serve the turn; Hereupon his Majesty grew a little sensible how they inch'd every day more and more upon his Royall Prerogatives; And intending to go to his Town of Hull to see his Magazin (which he had bought with his own money) with his ordinary train, he was in a hostile manner kept out, Canons mounted, Pistols cockt, and leveld at him. But whether that unlucky Knight (Hotham) did this out of his fidelity to the Parl. or out of an apprehension of feare that some about the King, being mov'd with the barbarous∣nesse of the action would have pistold him, I will not determine.

Peregrin.

I have read of divers affronts of this kinde

that were offerd to the French Kings, Ro∣chell shut her gates more than once against Henry the Great, and for the King now regnant, they did not only shut him out of many of his Towns, but upon the gates of some of them they writ in legible Cha∣racters, Roy san Foy, ville sans peur, a faith∣lesse King, a fearlesse Towne. Yet in the greatest heat of those warres, there was ne∣ver any Towne refus'd to let in her King, provided he came attended onely with his own traine; and besides other people abroad, I heard the Scot's nation did abhor that Act at Hull. But I pray Sir go on.

Patricius.

His Majesty being thus shut out of one Towne, he might justly suspect that an at∣tempt might be made to shut him in, in some other; Therefore he made a motion to the Yorke-shire Gentlemen, to have a gard for the preservation of his Person, which was done accordingly. But I am come to for∣ward, I must go backe and tell you how the King was driven from Westminster. When His Majesty was return'd from Scotland he retir'd to Hampton Court, whence upon the Lord Majors and the Cities humble solli∣ci•…•…ation, he came back to White-hal to keep

his Christmas. But when the Bill against Bishops was in agitation, which businesse •…•…asted neer upon ten weekes, a crue of bold •…•…turdie mechanicks, and mariners, came •…•…rom the Citie and ruffled before White-hall and Westminster-hall, and would have violated the Abby of Westminster, so that for many •…•…ights a Court of gard was forced to be kept •…•…n the body of that Church, (the chiefest Sanctuary of the Kingdom.) Moreover, His Majesty having impeached some of the Members of both Houses, of High Treason, and being denied to have them delivered up, he went himself to the Lower House to demand them, assuring the House they should have as faire and legall a triall as ever men had. But as it pleas'd God, they were not there, but retir'd to London for refuge; The Londoners grew starke wilde thereupon, and notice be∣ing sent to all the adjacent Counties, this act of the Kings (though it wanted no pre∣cedents of former times) was aggravated in the highest degree that possibly could be. Hence you may easily inferre, what small securitie his Majesty had at White-hall, and what indignities he might have exposed himself unto, by that which had pass'd al∣ready from the Rabble, who had vilified and

cried tush at his proclamations, and disgorg'd other rebellious speeches with impunity: therefore he retird to Hampton Court (as we read, our Saviour withdrew himselfe once from the multitude) thence to Windsor Castle, whence accompanying her Majesty, with his eldest daughter to the sea side for Holland, and having commanded the Prince to attend him against his return at Greenwich, the Prince had been surpriz'd, and brought to London, had not the King come a little before. Thence he removed to Yorke, where he kept his Court all the Sommer.

But to returne to London, the very next day after their Majesties departure, the Countrey about, especially Buckinghamshire being incited by the C•…•…tie and Parliament, came in great swarmes, and joyning with the London mechanicks, they ruffled up and down the streets, and kept such a racket, making the fearfull'st riot that ever I be∣leeve was heard of in Parliament time: so those Members which formerly were fled into the Citie, were brought to the House in a kind of triumph, being garded by land and water in warlike manner by these Cham∣pions: After this, sundry troops of horse came from all the shires near adjoyning to

•…•…he Parliament, and Buckingham men were •…•…he first, who while they express'd their •…•…ve to (Hamden) their Knight, forgot their •…•…worn oath to their King, and in stead of fea∣thers they carried a printed Protestation in •…•…heir hats, as the Londoners had done a lit∣•…•…le before upon the Pikes point.

Peregrin.

This kept a foul noise beyond Sea I re∣•…•…ember, so that upon the Rialto in Venice, •…•…t was sung up and down, that a Midsummer Moon (though it was then midst of Winter) did raign amongst the English, and you must •…•…hink that it hath made the Venetian to •…•…hrink in his shoulders, and to look but ill∣favouredly upon us, since wee'l have none of his currans. But Sir, I heard much of that Protestation, I pray what was the substance of it?

Patricius.

It was penn'd, and enjoyn'd by the Par∣•…•…iament for every one to take, and it con∣sisted of many parts; the first was, to main∣tain the tru Potestant Religion against all Popish innovations, which word Popish (as som think) was scrued in of purpose for a loop hole to let in any other innovation: the second was to maintain the Prerogative an•…•…

Honour of the King; then the power and pri∣viledge of Parliament; and lastly, the Pro∣priety and Liberty of the subject; for thre•…•… parts of this Protestation, the people up an•…•… down seem'd to have utterly forgotte•…•… them, and continue so still, as if their con∣sciences had bin tied only to the third, viz the priviledge of Parliament, and never was ther a poor people so besotted, never wa•…•… reason and common sence so baffled in an•…•… part of the world.

And now will I go to attend His Majesty at York, where, as I told you before, being loth to part with his Sword, (though he had half parted with his Scepter before) by de∣nying the Parliament an indefinite time to dispose of the Militia, (alleadging that as the Word, so the thing was new.) He sends forth his Commissions of Array, according to the old Law of England, which declares i•…•… to be the undoubted Right, and Royall Sig∣norie of the King, to arm or disarm any sub∣ject: The Parliament sends out clean coun∣termands for executing the said Militia, so by this clashing 'twixt the Commission of Array and the Militia, the first flash of this odious unnaturall war may be said to break out. The pulse of the Parliament beats

yet higher, they send an Admirall to the Sea (the Earl of Warwick) not only without, but expresly against the Kings special com∣mand. They had taken unto them a Mili∣tary gard from the City for their protection, without His Majesties consent, who by the advice of the Lord Keeper and others, had offered them a very strong gard of Constables and other Officers to attend them, which the Law usually allows; yet the raising of that gard in York-shire for the safegard of His Majesties person, was interpreted to be leavying of war against the Parliament, and so made a sufficient ground for them to raise an Army, to appoint a Generall (the Earl of Essex) with whom they made publick De∣clarations to live and die. And they assu∣med power to confer a new Appellation of honour upon him, (Excellency) as if any could confer Honour but the King! And this Army was to be maintain'd out of the mixt con•…•…ribution of all sorts of people; so a great masse of money and plate was brought into the Guild hall, the Semstresse brought in her silver Thimble, the Chamber∣maid her Bodkin, the Cook his Spoons, and the Vintner his Bowles, and every one som∣thing, to the advancement of so good a

work, as to wage war directly against the Sacred person of their Soverain, and put the whole Countrey into a combustion.

Peregrin.

Surely it is impossible that a rationall Christian people shold grow so simple and sottish, as to be so far transported, without some colourable cause, therfore I pray tell me what that might be?

Patricius.

The cause is made specious enough, and varnished over wonderfull cunningly; The people are made to believe they are in danger, and a prevention of that danger is promised, and by these plausible ways the understanding is wrought upon, and an affection to the cause is usher'd in, by aggravation of this danger, as one wold draw a thred through a needles eye: This huge Bugbear Danger, was like a mon∣ster of many heads, the two chiefest were these▪ That ther was a plot to let in the Pope; And to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the civil Government into a French frame; It is incredible to think how the Pulpits up and down London did ring of this by brainsick Lecturers, of whom som were come from New-England, others were pick'd out of purpose, and sent for from their own flock in the Countrey, to possesse, or

rather to poison the hearts of the Londoners, to puzzle their intellectualls, and to intoxi∣cat their brains by their powerfull gifts; It was punishable to preach of Peace, or of Caesars Right, but the common subject of the pul∣pit was either blasphemy against God, diso∣bedience against the King, or incitements to sedition; Good Lord, what windy frothy stuff came from these fanatick brains; These Phrenetici Nebulones (for King Iames gives them no better Character in his (〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉,) who may be said to be mad out of too much ignorance, not knowledg; who neverthelesse are come to that height of prophaness and pride, that they presume to father all their doctrines, all their non∣sense, raptures and ravings upon the holy Spirit. Nor did the Pulpit only help to kin∣dle this fire, but the Presse also did contri∣bute much stubble; What base scurrilous Pamphlets were cryed up and down the streets, and dispersed in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉? What palpable and horrid lies were daily printed? How they multiplied in every corner in such plenty, that one might say t•…•…er was a superfaetation of lies, which con∣tinue unto this day? One while the King of Denmark was comming over from the

Sound: Another while the King of France had a huge Army about Calais design'd for England: Another while ther was an Ar∣my of Irish Rebels comming over with the privity of the King: Another while a plot was cryed up and down to burn London: Another while ther were subterranean invi∣sible troups (at Ragland Castle) mustered under ground in Wales, and thousands of Pa∣pists armed in Lancashire, and divers reports of this nature were daily blown up, and though the Authors of them were worth∣lesse and mean futilous persons, yet the re∣ports themselves had that credit as to be en∣tertain'd and canvas'd in the High Court of Parliament. But these false rumors pro∣duc'd one politick effect (and it was the end indeed for which they were dispers'd) they did intimidat and fill the peoples hearts with fears, and dispose of them to up roars and so to part with money.

Peregrin.

I know ther be sundry sorts of Fears; ther are Conscientious Fears, and ther are •…•…annick Fears, ther are Pusillanimous Fears, and ther are Politick Fears. The first sort of Fear proceeds from guilt of Conscience, which turns often to Phre•…•…cy. The second

sort of Fear may be call'd a kind of Chyme∣ra, 'tis som sudden surprizall or Consternati∣on arising from an unknown cause. Pusilla∣nimous Fear makes a mountain of a mole∣hill, and proceeds from poverty of spirit, and want of courage, and is a passion of ab∣ject and degenerous minds, and may be call'd Cowardise, and this Fear is always ac∣companied with jealousie. Politick fear, is a created forg'd Fear wrought in another, to bring som design about; And as we find the Astronomers (the comparison is too good) do imagin such and such shapes and circles in the Heavens, as the Zodiak, Equi∣noctiall, Colures, Zones and Topiques with o∣thers, though ther be no such things really in nature, to make their conclusions good. So the Polititian doth often devise and in∣vent false imaginary Fears, to make his proceedings more plausible amongst the silly vulgar, and therby to compasse his ends: And as the Sun useth to appear far bigger to us in the morning then at noon, when he is exalted to his Meridian, and the reason the Philosophers use to give, is the in∣terposition of the vapours which are com∣monly in the lower Region, through which we look upon him (as we find a piece of sil∣ver

look bigger in a bucket of water then elsewhere) so the Polititian uses to cast strange mists of Fear, and fogs of jealousie before the simple peoples eyes, to make the dan∣ger seem bigger: But truly Sir, this is one of the basest kinds of policy, nor can I be∣lieve ther be any such Polititians amongst the Cabalists of your Parliament, who pre∣tend to be so busie about Gods work, a Glo∣rious Reformation, for you know ther is a good Text for it, that God needeth not the wicked man▪ he abominats to be beholding to liers to bring about his purposes: But I pray Sir deal freely with me, do you ima∣magin ther was a design to bring in the Mass•…•… again?

Patricius.

The Masse? You may say ther was a plot to bring in Mahomet as soon, to bring in the Alchoran, or Talmud as soon; For I dare pawn my soul, the King is as Cordiall a Protestant as any that breathes under his three Crowns, which besides his publick deep Protestations, and his constant quotidian ex∣emplary open practise, many other con∣vincing private reasons induce me to be∣lieve, and it is in vain to think the Pope can take footing here to any purpose without

the Kings leave. You know as well as I Sir, that of all the Reformed Churches in Christendom, the Lutheran retains most of the Roman, both in his positions and pra∣ctise, and comes much nearer to him then we do, yet I have observed, that from the first day of his Reformation, to this, He is as averse, and as far off from Rome, as the rigidest Calvinist that is; And shall I think, because ther are som humble and hansom postures, and decent vestures revived in our Church (for they were never abolished;) be∣cause the Communion table stands in the East end where it ever stood since Christia∣nity came in all our Cathedralls, which shold be a rule to all inferiour Churches, though the Seperatist cries it up most falsly to be an Innovation: because the Queen hath a few simple Capuchins (fewer then was allowed by the Matrimoniall Capitulations) whither to retire sometimes: Because Schismaticks were proceeded against with more care, and the Government of the Church born up •…•…ately with more countenance, shall I be∣•…•…ieve out of all this that the Pope must pre∣•…•…ently come in? shall I believe the weakness •…•…f our Religion to be such, as to be so easily •…•…aken and overturn'd? Yet I believe ther

was a pernicious plot to introduce a new Re∣ligion, but what I pray? not Popery, but Presbitry, and with it to bring in the doctrine of Buchanan and Knox for civill government, and so to cast our Church and State into a Scots mould.

Peregrin.

Indeed I heard the English much derided abroad for resigning their intellectualls in point of Religion to the Scots, whom from Infidels they made Christians, and Reformed Christians first, and now for the English to run to them for a Religion, and that the Unifor∣mity & reformation shold proceed from them, having disdain'd us formerly, what a dis∣paragement is it thinke you to the Anglican Church? This with other odd traverses, as the eclipsing the glory of the King, and bringing him back to a kind of minoritie, the tampering with his conscience, I will not say the straining it so farre, the depri∣ving him of all kind of propertie, the de∣pressing of his Regall power, wherein the honour of a nation consists, and which the English were us'd to uphold more then any other, for no King hath more awful attributs from his subjects, as Sacred Sovereigne, gra∣cious and most Excellent Majestie, nor any

King so often prayed for, for in your mor∣ning Liturgie he is five times prayed for, whereas other Princes are mentioned but once or twice at most in their's: I say that this, with interception of letters, some in∣civilities offered Ambassadors, and the bold lavish speeches that were spoken of the greatest Queenes in Christendome, and his Majesties late withdrawing his Royall pro∣tection from some of his Merchant-Sub∣jects in other countreys, hath made the Eng∣lish lose much ground in point of esteeme abroad, and to be the discourse, I will not say the scorne of other people. They stick not to say, that there is now a worse maladie fallen upon their minds, then fell upon their bodies about an age since by the Sweating sicknesse, which was peculiar onely unto them and found them out under all Climes. O∣thers say, there is a pure 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 amongst them, that they are turn'd to Wolves (as you know it is a common thing in L•…•…pland) & that the old Adage is verified in them, Homo homini lupus; Nay our next neighbours give out, that the saying was never truer then now, Rex Anglorum, Rex Diabolorum. Nor is it a small disrepute to the English, that the word Cavalier, which is an attribute

that no Prince in Christendome will disdain, and is the common Appellation of the No∣bilitie and Gentrie in most parts of the world, is now us'd, not onely in Libels and frivolous Pamphlets, but in publicke Par∣liamentarie Declarations, for a terme of re∣proach. But truely Sir, what you have re∣lated touching the Pulpit and the Presse, transformes me into wonder, and I should want faith to beleeve it, did you not speak it upon your knowledge; but the English when they fall to worke upon a new humour, use to overdoe all people.

Patricius.

You have not yet the tithe of what I could give you, you would little think that Coach∣men, and Feltmakers, and Weavers were permitted to preach up and down without controulment, and to vent their froth and venome against Church and State, to cry downe our Hierarchy and Liturgie, by most base and reviling speeches.

Peregrin.

Touching your Lyturgie, I have heard it censur'd abroad by the regidest Calvinists of Generva and Dort, yet I never heard any o∣ther Character given of it, but that it is a most Pious, Pathetick, and perfect peece of

devotion, both for the matter and forme of it, which I have been a little curious to observe. It begins with some choise pas∣sages of holy Scripture, and a previous Declaration or Monitory to excite us to the worke in hand; The first addresse wee make to God is by an humble and joynt Confession which is appliable to any con∣science, and comprehends in it all kind of sins. Then followeth a pronuntiation of Gods promises and pronesse to pardon and absolve us; We goe on to the Lords Pray∣er, which having bin dictated by our Saviour himself we often use, and is as Amber throwne in amongst our Frankincense, to make the Sacrifice more precious and plea∣sing unto God; Then we proceed to som choice Psalms, and other portions of holy scripture taken out of the old and new testa∣ment; Then we fall to the Symbole of faith, whereof we make a solemn joynt confessi∣on in such a posture as shews a readinesse and resolution in us to defend it: and so to the Letany, wherein the poor penitent pec∣cant soul may be said to breath out herself into the bosome of her Saviour by tender ejaculations, by panting groans, & eviscerated ingeminations, and there is no sin, no tem∣ptation

whatsoever that humane frailty is subject unto, but you shall find a deliverance from it there, it is so full of Christian charity, that there is no condition of people, but are remembred and prayed for there. Then wee proceed by holy alternatif interlocuti∣ons (whereby wee heare our selves speak as well as the Minister) to some effectuall short prayers; because in long prayers the minde is subject to wander, as some Zelots now a dayes use to bring their Hearers into a Wildernesse by their Prayers, and into a Labyrinth by their Sermons. Then goe we on to the Decalogue, and if it be in a Cathe∣drall, there is time enough for the Hearer to examine himselfe, while the Musick playes, where and when he broke any of Gods holy Commandements, and ask particular for∣givenesse accordingly in the intervall; Then after other choice portions of Scripture, and passages relating to our Redemption, and endearing, unto us the merits of it, with a more particular Confession of our Faith, we are dismissed with a Benediction: So that this Liturgy may be call'd an Instrument of many strings, whereon the sighing soul sends up varions notes unto heaven: It is a posie made up of divers flowers, to make

it the more fragrant in the nostrills of God. Now touching your Bishops, I never knew yet any Protestant Church but could be content to have them, had they meanes to maintaine the Dignitie, which the Churches of France with others have not, in regerd the Reformation beg an first among the peo∣ple, not at Court, as here it did in Engl. For un∣lesse ther be som Supervisers of Gods house, endowed with eminent authority to check the fond fancies, and quench the false fatuous fires of every private spirit, and unlesse it be such an authority that may draw unto it a holy kind of awe and obedience what can be expected but confusion and Atheisme? You know what became of the Israelites when the wonted reverence to the Ark, and the Ephod, and the Priest, began to languish a∣mongst them: For the braine of man is like a garden, which unlesse it be fenced about with a wall or hedge, is subject you know to be annoyed by all kinde of beasts which will be ready to runne into it; so the braine unlesse it be restrain'd and bounded in holy things by rules of Canonicall authoritie, a thousand wild opinions, and extravagant fancies will hourely rush into it: nor was there ever any field so subject to produce

Cockle and Darnell, as the human brain is rank and ready to bring forth tares of Schism and Heresie of a thousand sorts, un∣lesse after the first culture the sickle of Au∣thority be applyed to grub up all such noi∣som weeds.

Patricius.

Yet this most antient dignity of Bishops is traduced and vilified by every shallow-pa∣ted petty Clerk, and not so much out of a tru zeal, as out of envy that they are not the like. And touching our Liturgy, wher∣of you have bin pleas'd to give so exact a Character, people are come to that height of impiety, that in som places it hath bin drown'd, in other places burnt, in som places torn in pieces to serve for the basest uses, nay it hath bin preached publickly in Pulpits, That it is a piece forg'd in the devils shop, and yet the impious foul mouth'd Babbler never was so much as questioned for it. Nor did the Church only eccho with these blasphe∣mies; but the Presse was as pregnant to pro∣duce every day som Monster either against Ecclesiasticall, or Secular Government. I am asham'd to tell you how som bold Pam∣phleters in a discourse of a sheet or two, wold presume to question, to dispute of, and de∣termin

the extent of Monarchik jurisdi∣ction, what sturdy doubts, what sawcy Quae∣ries they put, what odd frivolous distincti∣ons they f•…•…am'd, That the King though he was Gods Anointed, yet he was mans ap∣pointed: That he had the commanding, not the disposing power: That he was set to rule over, not to over-rule the people; That he was King by human choice, not by divine Charter; That he was not King by the Grace of God, so much as by the suffrage of the people; That he was a Creatur•…•… and produ∣ction of the Parliament: That he had no im∣plicit trust, nor peculiar property in any thing; That populus est potior Rege; That Grex lege, lex est Rege potentior; That the King was singulis major, universis minor, (wheras a successive Monarch—Uno mi∣nor est Iove.—Sometimes they wold bring instances from the States of Holland, sometimes from the Republick of Venice, and apply them so impertinently to abso∣lute and independant Royalty; But I find that the discourse and inferences of these grand Statists were bottom'd upon four false foundations, viz. That the King of whom they speak must be either a Minor, and Idiot, an insufferable Tyrant, or that the

Kingdom they mean, is Elective; None of all which is appliable, either to our most gracious and excellently qualified King, or to his renowned Kingdom, which hath bin always reputed an ancient successive Monar∣chy, govern'd by one Suprem undeposeable and independent head, having the Dignity, the Royall State, and power of an Imperiall Crown, and being responsible to none •…•…ut to God Almighty and his own 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…or his actions, and unto whom a Body •…•…oli∣tick compacted of Prelates, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and all degrees of people is naturally subject; but this is a theam of that transcenden•…•…y, that it requires a serious and solid Tractat, rather then such a slender Discourse as this is to handle.

But I pray excuse me Sir, that I have stept aside thus from the road of my main narration; I told you before, how the clash∣ing 'twixt the Commission of Array, and the Militia, put all things in disarray through∣out the whole Kingdom; The Parliament as they had taken the first Military gard, so they began to arm first, and was it not high time then for His Majesty to do some thing think you? yet he essayed by all ways imagi∣nable to prevent a war, and to conquer by a

passive fortitude, by cunctation, and longa∣nimity. How many overtures for an accom∣modation did he make? How many Pro∣clamations of pardon? How many elaborat Declarations breathing nothing but clemen∣cy, sweetness and truth did drop from his own imperious invincible pen, which will remain upon Record to all ages, as so many Monuments to his eternall glory? Yet som ill spirit stept still in, between his Grace, and the abused Subject, for by the peremptory Order of Parliament (O monstrous thing) the said Proclamations of Grace, and other His Majesties Declarations were prohibited to be read; fearing that the strength and truth of them wold have had a vertue to unblind, or rather unbewitcht (for Rebellion is as the sin of Witchcraft) the poor besotted people: What deep Protestations and holy Vowes did he reiterate that the main of his designs, was to preserve the tru Protestant Religion, the known Lawes of the Land, and the just priviledges of Parliament? How often did he dehort and woo the City of London (his imperiall Chamber) from such violent cour∣ses, so that she may be justly upbraided with the same words, as the Prince of peace up∣braided Ierusalem withall: London, London,

How often wold I have gathered thee, as a •…•…en doth her chickens under her wings, yet thou wouldst not?

How often did he descend to acknow∣ledg the manner of demanding the one and five Members in his publick Remonstran∣ces? and if ther was an errour in the pro∣ceedings, how oft did he desire his Great Councell to direct him in a course how to go on in the Empeachment? which they ne∣ver did, but wold reserve the priviledge to themselves to be judge and party.

Peregrin.

Can your Parliament protect high Trea∣son? I am sure the character of an Ambas∣sadour cannot, which the late French Am∣bassadour (who for his time play'd his Cards more cunning than ever Count Gondomar did) knew well; and therefore, as I heard som French men say, he got Letters of Re∣vocation before his designed time: but it seems strange to me, that the King who is the Protectour of the Law, and Fountain of Justice, cannot have the benefit of the Law himself, which the meanest of his vassals can claim by right of inheritance: 'Tis strange, I say, that the Law shold be a dead letter to him who is the Life of the

Law, but that for omission of some pun∣ctillio in the form of the Processe, the charge of high Treason shold be so slightly wav'd, specially Treason of so universall a concern∣ment, that it may be call'd a complication of many Treasons; for if in every petty State it be High Treason to treat only with any Forrein Power without the privity of the Prince, it must needs be Treason of a higher nature actually to bring them in; And hereof I could alleadge you many pregnant instances, ancient and modern, but that I do not desire to interrupt you in your rela∣tion.

Patricius.

The Parliament, as I told you before, armed apace, it was not fitting then His Ma∣jesty shold sit idle; therfore he summons those Nobles and others, who had an im∣mediate relation unto him by Office or Ser∣vice, to attend him at York, according to their particular obligation and oath: But it seems the Parliament assumed power to di∣spence with those oaths, and excuse their attendance, which dispensation prevail'd with som (tender) consciences; yet the Great Seal posted to Court, and after it most of the Nobles of the Land, with the flower

of the Gentry, and many of the prime Mem∣bers of the Commons House; so that were it not for the locall priviledge, the Parlia∣ment for number of Members, might be said to be ever since about the King: These Nobles and Gentlemen resenting His Ma∣jesties case, and what practices ther were on foot to alter the Government both of Church and State, not only advised His Majesty to a royall war for defence of his Crown and Dignity, but contributed very chearfully, and have stood constant to the work ever since.

Peregrin.

They have good reason for it, for the security of the Nobility and Gentry de∣pends upon the strength of the Crown, o∣therwise popular Government wold rush in like a torrent upon them. But surely those Nobles, and those Parliament Gentlemen and others, som of whom I understand, were reputed the wisest and best weigh'd men for experience and parts thorowout the whole Kingdom, and were cryed up in other Parliaments to be the most zealous Patriots for the propriety and freedom of the Subject, wold never have stuck so firm∣ly to His Majesty, had they not known the

bottom of his designs, that it was far from his thoughts to bring in the Pope or French Government; for therby they shold have betrayed their own posterity, and made their children slaves.

Patricius.

To my knowledge, these Nobles and Gentlemen are still the very same as they were in former Parliaments, wherin they were so cryed up for the truest lovers of their Country, and best Common-wealths∣men; yet now they are branded, and voted to be Seducers, and Traytors, because ac∣cording to their oaths and consciences, they adhere to the King their Master and Liege-Lord, for maintenance of that Religion they were baptized and bred in. Those most Or∣thodox and painfull Divines, which till this Parliament began were accounted the preci∣sest sort of Protestants, are now cryed down for Papists, though they continue still the very same men, both for opinions and preaching, and are no more Papists than I am a Pythagorean. In fine, a tru English Pro∣testant is put now in the same scale with a Papist, and made Synonyma's. And truly these unhappy Schismaticks could not de∣vise how to cast a greater infamy upon the

English Protestant than they have done of late by these monstrous imputations; they wold fasten upon him such opinions which never entred into his thoughts, they wold know ones heart better than himself, and so would be greater Kardiognosticks than God Almighty.

But to draw to a conclusion; The Par∣liaments Army multiplyed apace in London, the Kings but slowly in the North, so that when he displayed his Royal Standard at Nottingham, his Forces were not any thing considerable, so that if the Parliaments Ge∣nerall (Essex) had then advanced towards him from Northampton, he had put him to a very great strait; they encreased somthing at Derby, and Stafford, but when he was come to Shrewsbury, the Welch-men came running down the mountains in such multi∣tudes, that their example did much animate the English; so that his army in lesse than a month that the Court continued in Shrews∣bury, came to near upon twenty thousand Horse and Foot; not long before, the Ne∣phew Princes came over, and the first en∣counter Prince Rupert had with the Parlia∣ments Forces was at Worcester, where he de∣feated the flower of their Cavalry, and gave

them a smart blow. At Shrewsbury His Ma∣jesty took a resolution to march with His whole Army towards London, but after se∣ven days march he understood the Parlia∣ments Forces were within six miles side-long of him, and so many miles he went out of His road to find them out, and face them: Up∣on Sunday morning he was himself be∣times upon Edge-Hill, wher the Enemies Colours plainly appear'd in vale before Kein∣ton; it was past two in the after-noon be∣fore all his Infantery could get to the bot∣tom, who upon sight of the Enemies Co∣lours ran as merrily down the Hill, as if they had gone to a Morris dance. So His Majesty himself being Generalissimo, gave command the great Ordnance shold flye for a defiance, so the battell began, which lasted above three hours, and as some French and Dutch Commanders (who were engag'd in the Fight) told me, they never remembred to have seen a more furious battail for the time in all the German wars. Prince Rupert pur∣sued the Enemies Horse like a whirl-wind near upon three miles, and had ther bin day enough, when he came back to the Infan∣terie, in all probability a totall defeat had bin given them: So that the same accident

may be said to fall out here, as happened in that famous battell at Lewis, in Henry the thirds time, where the Prince of Wales (af∣terwards Edward the first) was so eager, and went so far (by excesse of courage) from the body of the Army in pursuance of the Londoners, that it was the fatall cause of the losse of that mighty battail. His Maje∣sty (to his deserved and never-dying glory) comported himself like another Caesar all the while, by riding about and encouraging the Souldiers, by exposing his person often to the reach of a Musket-bullet, and lying in the field all that bleak night in his Coach. Notwithstanding that many lying Pam∣phlets were purposely printed here, to make the world believe that he had retir'd him∣self all the time of the fight; what partiall reports were made in the Guild-Hall to the Londoners, and by what persons, (W. and Strode) I am ashamed to tell you: But that His Majesty was victorious that day (a day which I never thought to have seen in Eng∣land) ther be many convincing arguments to prove it; for besides the great odds of men which fell on their side, and Cannons they lost, som of their Ordnance were nayl'd by the Kings Troops the next morning after

in the very face of their Army. Moreover, the King advanc'd forward the next day to his former road, and took Banbury presently after; but the Parliamenteers went backwards, and so from that day to this, His Majesty continueth Master of the field. 'Tis tru, that in som places, as at Farnham, Win∣chester, and Chichester, they have prevail'd since, but no considerable part of the Roy∣all Army was ther to make opposition; and I blush to tell you, how unworthily the Law of Armes was violated in all those pla∣ces.

Peregrin.

Good Lord, how can the souls of those men that were in the Parliaments Army at Keinton Battell, dispense with the Oaths of Supremacy and Allegeance, besides the Protestation you speak of, they had taken to preserve the Person, Honour, and Prero∣gative of the King, when they thus actually bandy against his Person, and appear in battel with all the engines of hostility against him?

Patricius.

I wold be loth to exchange consciences with them, and prevaricate so palpably with God Almighty; Touching the Cavaliers,

they may be said to comply with their du∣ties both towards God and their King accor∣ding to the Oaths you mention; More∣over, ther was a strong Act of Parliament (for their security) which was never as much as questioned or controverted, much lesse suspended or repeal'd: But always stood, and yet stands in as full validity and force, as it was the first day it was Enacted, and as much binding to an universall obedience, which Act runs thus:

13. Octobris Anno undecimo Hen∣rici Septimi, Anno Dom. 1496

IT is Ordained, Enacted, and Esta∣blished by the King Our Soverain Lord, by the Advice and Assent of the Lords Spirituall and Temporall, and the Commons in this present Parliament Assembled, and by Autho∣rity of the same, That from hence∣forth no manner of person or persons whatsoever he or they be, that attend upon the King and Soverain Lord of this Land for the time being in his person, and do him tru and faithfull service of Allegiance in the same, or be he in other places by his Com∣mandment,

in his wars within this Land or without: That for the said Deed, and tru duty of Allegiance, he or they be in no wise Convict or attaint of High Treason, nor of other offences for that cause, by Act of Par∣liament or otherwise by any processe of Law, whereby he or any of them, shall lose or forfeit Life, Lands, Te∣nements, Rents, Possessions, Heredi∣taments, Goods, Chattels, or any o∣ther things: But to be for that Deed and Service utterly discharged of any Vexation, Trouble or loss. And if a∣ny Act or Acts, or other processe of the Law hereafter, therupon for the same happen to be made contrary to this Ordinance, That then that Act or Acts, or other processe of the Law, whatsoever they shall be, stand and utterly void. Provided alwayes that no person or persons shall take any be∣nefit

or advantage by this Act, which shall hereafter decline their said Allegi∣ance.

Peregrin.

This is as plain and fair as can be for secu∣ring both the Person and Conscience of the Cavalier, but was ther ever any Act or Oath, or any thing like an Oath that ob∣lig'd Englishmen to be tru unto, or fight for the Parliament?

Patricius.

Never any, but these men by a new kind of Metaphysicks have found out a way to ab∣stract the Person of the King from his Office, to make his Soveraigntie a kind of Platonick Idea hovering in the aire, while they visibly attempt to assaile and destroy his Person and Progeny, by small and great shot, and seek him out amongst his life-Gard with fire and sword; yet they give out, they fight not only not against him, but for him, and that their army is more loyall unto him than his owne; who, they say, fight only for the name King, though they have his per∣son really amongst them, commanding and

directing: Thus they make Him a strange kind of Amphibium, they make in one instant a King and no King of the same Individu∣um; a power which the Casuists affirme God Almighty never assumed to himself, to doe a∣ny thing that implies a contradiction.

Peregrin.

Noble Sir, you make my heart to pant within me, by the Pathetick relation you have been pleas'd to make mee of these •…•…uth∣full times; But one thing seems to me to be no lesse then a miracle, how his Majestie hath beene able to subsist all this while, conside∣ring the infinite advantages the averse partie hath had of him; for they have all the tena∣ble places and townes of strength, both by land and sea; They have the Navie royall, they have all the Amunition and Armes of the Crown, they have all the Imposts and Customs, Poundage and Tonnage (which they levie contrary to their former Protesta∣tion before the Bill be pass'd) They have the Exchequer at their devotion, and all the Revenue of the King, Queen, and Prince, and lastly, they have the citie of London, which may be eall'd a Magazin of money and men, where there is a ready supplie and superflu∣itie of all things, that may seed, clothe, or

make men gay to put them in heart and re∣solution: Truely considering all these ad∣vantages, with divers others on their side, and the disadvantages on the Kings, it turnes me into a lump of astonishment, how his Maje∣stie could beare up all this while, and keep together so many Armies, and be still master of the Field.

Patricius.

I confesse Sir, it is a just subject for won∣derment, and we must ascribe it principally to God Almightie, who is the Protectour of his Anointed, for his hand hath manifestly appear'd in the conduct of his affaires; Hee hath been the Pilot, who hath sate at the helme ever s•…•…nce this storme began, and will we hope continue to steer his course till he waft him to safe harbour againe; Adde here∣unto, that his Majesty for his own part, hath beene wonderfully stirring, and indefatigable both for his body and minde; And what no∣table things HER Majesty hath done, and what she hath suffered, is fitter for Chroni∣cle, then such a simple Discourse.

Hereunto may be added besides, that his Majestie hath three parts of foure of the Peeres, and Prime Gentrie of the Kingdom firme unto him, and they will venture hard

before they will come under a popular go∣vernment and mechanicall corporations, or let in Knox or Calvin to undermine this Church, and bring in their bawdy stool of Repentance.

Peregrin.

Truely Sir, amongst other Countreys, I extreamly long'd to see England, and I am no sooner come, but I am surfeited of her already, I doubt the old Prophecie touching this Island is come now to be verified, That the Churchman was, the Lawyer is, and the Souldier shall be. I am afraid the English have seene their best dayes; for I find a ge∣nerall kind of infatuation, a totall Eclipse of reason amongst most of them; and com∣monly a generall infatuation precedes the per∣dition of a people; like a fish, that putrifieth first in the head; Therefore I will trusse up my baggage and over again, after I have en∣joyed you some dayes, and received your commands.

Patricius.

Dear Sir, If you seriously resolve to crosse the Seas againe so soon, I may chance beare you company, for as you have since the short time of your sojourn here judiciously obser∣ved a national defection of reason in the peo∣ple

of this Island, which makes her so active in drawing on her own ruine; so by longer experience, and by infallible Symptomes I find a strange kind of Vertigo to have seized upon her, which I feare will turne to the fal∣ling sicknesse, or such a frenzie that will make her to dash out her own braines: Nor are her miseries, I feare, come yet to the full; It is the method of the Almightie, when he pleases to punish a people, to begin with roddes, to goe on with scourges, and if they will not do, he hath Scorpions for them: Therefore, I will breath any where sooner then here, for what securitie or contentment can one receive in that Countrey, where Religion and Iustice, the two grand Dorique Columnes which support every State, are fallen down? which makes all conditions of men, all professions and trades to go here daylie to utter ruine. The Churchman grows every day more despicable, as if he had no propertie in any thing, nor is there any way left him to recover his Tithe, but by costly troublesome sutes. The Civilian, a brave learned profession, hath already made his last Will; And the Common Lawyers case is little better; The Courtier cannot get his Pension; The Gentleman cannot recover his

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rents, but either they are sequestred by a high hand of unexampled power, or else the poor tenant is so heavily assess'd or plundred, that he is disabled to pay them in; All kind of Comerce both domestick and forrein visi∣bly decayes, and falls more and more, into the hands of strangers (to the no small dis∣honour of the wisedome of this Na∣tion) nor can the Tradesman recover his debts, Parliamentary Protections conti∣nue still in such numbers, so that it is a greater priviledge now to be a footman to the meanest of the Lower House, then to be of the Kings Bed chamber: Prenti•…•…es run away from their masters, and against their fathers intent turn souldiers, and for mo∣ney, which is the soul of trade, I beleeve since the beginning of this Parliament, a∣bove one half of the treasure of the King∣dome is either conveyed to'ther side of the Sea, or buried under ground, whence it must be new digg'd up againe. Moreover, all things are here grown Arbitrary (yet that word took off the Earle of Straffords head) Religion, Law, and Allegiance is growne Arbitrary; nor dares the Iudge upon the Tri∣bunall (according to his oath) do justice, but he is over-awed by Ordinance; or els the

least intimation of the sense of the lower House is sufficient to enjoyne him the contrary, so that now, more then ever, it may be said here,—Terras Astraea reliquit.—peace also hath rov'd up and downe this Island, and cannot get a place to lay her head on; she hoped to have had entertain∣ment in York-shire by the agreement of the best Gentlemen in the Countrey; but an Ordinance of Parliament beat her out of doores; Then she thought to rest in Cheshire, and by a solemne Covenant she was promis'd to be preserv'd ther, the principal Agents of that Covenant having protested every one upon the word of a Gentleman, and as they did desire to prosper, both them∣selves, their tenants and friends,, shold strict∣ly observe it; but the like Ordinance of Par∣liament battered down that Agreement.

Then she thought to take footing in the West, and first in Dorcetshire, then in Corn∣wall and Devonshire, and by the holy tie of the blessed Sacrament she was promised to be preserved ther; but another Ordinance of Parliament is pursuing her, to dispense with the Commissioners of the said Agree∣ment for their Oaths. Lastly, His Majesty is mainly endeavouring to bring her in again

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thorowout the whole Land; but the furi∣ous, phrentique Schismaticks will have none of her; for as one of them (besides a thou∣sand instances more) preach'd in one of the most populous Congregations about the City, It were better that London streets ran with bloud, and that dead carkasses were piled up as high as the battlements of Pauls, than peace should be now brought in. And now that Peace is shut out, Learning is upon point of despair, her Colledges are become Courts of Gard, and Mars lieth in Mercuries bed. Honour also, with her Court, lieth in the dust; the Cobler may confront the Knight, the Boor the Baron, and ther is no judicial way of satisfaction; which makes Monarchy fear she hath no long time of abode here. Publick Faith also, though she had but newly set up for her self, is suddenly become Bankrupt, and how could she choose? for more of the Kingdoms treasure hath bin spent within these thirty moneths, than was spent in four-score yeares before; but she hopes to piece up her self again, by the ruines of the Church; but let her take heed of that, for those goods have bin fatall to many thousand families in this Kingdom: yet, she thinks much, that those publick summs

which were given to suppresse one rebelli∣on (in Ireland) shold be employed to main∣tain another rebellion (in England.) And lastly, methinks, I see Religion in torn rag∣ged weeds, and with slubber'd eyes sitting upon Weeping-Crosse, and wringing her hands, to see her chiefest Temple (Pauls Church) where God Almighty was us'd to be serv'd constantly thrice a day, and was the Rendez∣vouz, and as it were the Mother Church, standing open to receive all commers and strangers, to be now shut up, and made only a thorow-fare for Porters; to see those scaf∣folds, the expence of so many thousand pounds, to lie rotting; to see her chiefest lights like to be extinguished; to see her fa∣mous learned Divines dragg'd to prison, and utterly depriv'd of the benefit of the Com∣mon Law, their inheritance: Methinks, I say, I see Religion packing up, and preparing to leave this Island quite, crying out, that this is Countrey fitter for Atheists than Christians to live in; for God Almighty is here made the greatest Malignant, in regard his House is plunder'd more than any: Ther is no Court left to reform heresie, no Court to punish any Church Officer, and to make him attend his Cure, not Court to punish

Fornication, Adultery, or Incest: Methinks I hear Her cry out against these her Grand Re∣formers (or Refiners rather) that they have put division 'twixt all degrees of persons. They have put division 'twixt husband and wife, 'twixt mother and child: The son seeks his fathers bloud in open field, one brother seeks to cut the others throat; they have put division 'twixt master and servant, 'twixt Land- Lord and Tenant; nay, they have a long time put a sea of separation 'twixt King and Queen; and they labour more and more to put division 'twixt the Head and the Members, 'twixt His Majesty and his politi∣call Spouse, his Kingdom: And lastly, they have plung'd one of the flourishingst King∣doms of Europe in a war without end; for though a Peace may be plaister'd over for the time, I fear it will be but like a fire co∣ver'd with ashes, which will break out again, as long as these fiery Schismaticks have any strength in this Island; so that all the pre∣misses considered, if Turk or Tartar, or all the infernal spirits and Cacodaemons of hel had broken in amongst us, they could not have done poor England more mischief. Sir, I pray you excuse this homely imperfect rela∣tion, I have a thousand things more to

impart unto you when we may breathe freer air; for here we are come to that slavery, that one is in danger to have his very thoughts plundered; Therfore if you please to accept of my company, I will over with you by Gods help, so soon as it may stand with your conveniency, but you must not discover me to be an Englishman, abroad: for so I may be jeer'd at and kickt in the streets; I will go under another name, and am fix'd in this re∣solution, never to breathe English aire again, untill the King recovers his Crown, and the People the right use of their Pericraniums▪