The countrie gentleman moderator Collections of such intermarriages, as haue beene betweene the two royall lines of England and Spaine, since the Conquest: with a short view of the stories of the liues of those princes. And also some obseruations of the passages: with diuers reasons to moderate the country peoples passions, feares, and expostulations, concerning the Prince his royall match and state affaires. Composed and collected by Edm. Garrard.

ENGLAND AND SPAINES INTERMARRIAGES, with a briefe tract of the storie of those Princes concerning those affaires.

PRescription and precedents, swaying with the positiue lawes of the Kingdome, they may then farre better ouer-rule, or at least giue Reall satisfaction, in point of meere conceit, and late conceiued disaffection: rea∣ding our owne Annalles and Chronicles, we shall there finde many mutuall inter∣marriages, to haue beene betweene the two Royall Crownes, of England and Spaine, began in the very in∣fancie of our Monarchy, running in a long discent, chayned and linked together one with another, ma∣king as it were a golden Orbe and circle of sincere Princely loue and amity: so that many mighty Kings of Spaine and Portingale, haue had Royall mothers of the English Nation, and likewise many Royall Prin∣cesses of Spaine, haue beene the blessed mothers of some puisant, and victorious Kings of England. King William surnamed the conquerour, by whom England receiued his last subuersion, and generall alteration,

his courses of gouernment, institutions and lawes (by which wee are now gouerned) being exactly execu∣ted, were as linkes intermutually fastned, made so strong a Chaine, that it hath euer since held toge∣ther, the whole frame of the state in peace and order, as all the politique Regiments vpon earth, all the in∣ter-leagued societies of men, cannot shew a straigh∣ter forme of combination. This King first began, contracted Margaret his youngest daughter, to Al∣phonsus King of Galicia: Henry the second lineally dis∣cended from him, a famous and worthy King of Eng∣land, married Elenor his second daughter, to another Alphonsus the ninth, surnamed the good King of Castile.

Richard the first, surnamed Cuer de Lyon, sonne of Henry the second, he tooke to wife Berengaria, daugh∣ter of Sanctius King of Nauarr.

The next intermarriage wee finde, to haue be∣tweene those two Nations being England, had there∣by a Queene (therein) And so for other in like sort; I will be more particular; it was in the time of King Henry the third, who of all the Kings of England since the conquest, raigned longest, and his troubles there∣in the greatest: not any wayes occasioned by the marriage, but for that he would rule and gouerne, ac∣cording to his will, and lusts, and not by his lawes: those that desire to be more particularly informed thereof, the story of his life written by many, will giue them further, and full satisfaction: for so much as shall concerne marriages, and other passages be∣tweene England and Spaine, I will onely contract my selfe.

This King when he had raigned 39. yeares, with infinite and daily troubles, of ciuill warres, with his Barons, hee was suddainly called to another seruice from home. Alphonso King of Spaine, claymed title to Gascoyne, by vertue of a Charter from Henry the se∣cond, confirmed by Richard and Iohn, Kings of Eng∣land. Henry the third, fearing the Gascoyners would draw in the Spaniards, peaceably as it were in the manner of a Progresse, repayred into Gascoyne, and from thence sent Ambassadors to the King of Spayne, to desire that the Lady Elenor his sister, might bee giuen in marriage to his sonne Prince Edward, which was after Edward the first: this motion was well ap∣proued, besides that they brought Letters Patents with them, from the King of Spaine, in which amongst all other clauses, it was contained, that the King of Spaine did quit his claime, and whole right, which by vertue of any graunts, from Henry, Richard, and Iohn, Kings of England, he had or ought to haue: here∣vpon the King of England sendeth both for his Queene, and his sonne, (whom the King of Spaine de∣sired, might be conuayed vnto him) onely with a no∣ble intent, to see and doe him honour. Among other acts of sincerity, and loue, Alphonso sent to the King of England good aduice, that after the example of good Kings and Princes, he should be a Lamb to his Subiects, and Seruitors, and a Lyon vnto Aliens and Rebels.

Soone after, the Queene and her sonne arriuing in Gascoyne, when all things were rightly prepared, Prince Edward was thence presently sent into Spaine, where, at the Citie of Burges, he married the Lady Ele∣nor,

sister to the King with great honour, hauing first receiued Knighthood at his hands, which done returnes to Burdeux, from whence they altogether came safe, through Fraunce into England; the King of Fraunce being not long before returned from the Ho∣ly land, gaue them both safe conduct in their pas∣sage, and did to him and all his whole company, all the honour, with triumphes, and feasts, which the wit of man, or the goodly Kingdome of Fraunce could afford: afterwards landed safely at Douer; what treasure this noble young Princesse brought in portion to her husband, our Writers haue not de∣liuered vnto vs, but the king forthwith gaue to his sonne Gascoyne, Ireland, Bristowe, Stamford, and Gran∣tham: King Henry liued after the marriage of his sonne seauenteene yeares; during which time, this Spanish Lady carried her selfe, as a most noble and worthy Princesse, and afterwards being Queene, a more renowned, loyall, and vertuous wife, no age euer afforded. This King Edward the first, a∣mongst many his enterprises, of a Royall and King∣ly resolution, went in person to Warre against the Sarazenes: where that renowned and vertuous La∣dy Elenor his wife, did endure with him an vnsepe∣rable companion of all his fortunes, and was at Acon deliuered of a daughter, there baptized by the name of Ione, shee is denoated by our owne. Writers, to be a matchlesse precedent, of coniugall affection; the King her husband being trayterously wounded by a Sarazen, with a poysoned knife, that when no me∣dicine could extract the poyson, this Lady Elenor (whilest the King her husband slept.) With her

tongue daily licked his ranckling wounds, draw∣ing forth the impoysoned matter, that soone af∣ter hee was fully cured, and shee fortunately pre∣serued.

The King and Queene not long after taking their iourney together towards Scotland, the Queene in her way thither-wards, sickned and dyed in the yeare 1284. The king almost struck dead with sorrpw, al∣ters his resolution, returnes backe towards London, with a long and sorrowfull iourney in a slowe and stately manner, shee being conuayed out of Lin∣colnshire towards London, in her honour, the king her husband, (who loued her aboue all worldly creatures) caused those many famous Crosses to bee erected, wheresoeuer her Royall corpes did rest. The King with his whole Nobility and Clergie, in a pompeous and Royall manner meetes the body at Saint Albones, and with a Noble and generall con∣course of his Subiects, brings it to the Royall Se∣pulture of his Auncestors at Westminster; and there in Saint Peters Church, it was with all possible Roy∣alty, and magnificence honourably interred. The King gaue vnto the Abbot there, twelue large and rich Lordships, charitably to giue Almes, and de∣uoutly to pray for the blessed Queene, vntill the worlds end.

Our owne Writers affirme of this Queene, to our Nation she was a louing mother: and saith one, the Columne and pillar (as it were of the whole Realme) shee added the vertues of a wife to her sex; to them both, her immortall fame is a glory, and an honour to her Nation.

King Edward the third, married his daughter Io∣hanna to Henry the second King of Castile, sonne of Al∣phonsus the 11.

Iohn of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster, fourth sonne of King Edward the third, did take to wife Constancia, eldest daughter of Peter King of Castile.

To whom in right of his said wife Constancia, the Kingdome of Castile and Leon, did discend, and they both stiled themselues King and Queene of Castile, and Leon, which illustrious title is yet to be seene, vp∣on his noble monument in Saint Pauls Church in London.

Katherine the sole daughter of the said Duke of Lancaster, by his aforesaid wife Constancia, was marri∣ed to Henry, the third sonne of king Iohn of Castile and Leon.

Edmund Duke of Yorke, youngest sonne of king Edward the third, married Isabella youngest daughter of Peter king of Castile.

King Henry the fourth married Iohanna the daugh∣ter of Charles king of Nauarr.

The next intermarriage wee finde, betweene Eng∣land and Spaine, was in the time of king Henry the sea∣uenth, his owne marriage, his sonnes with Spaine, and marriages of his daughters, are the greatest acts of State, our English Annalles doe afford vs, first his owne marriage made a Vnion, whereupon after the effusion of much bloud, to the consumption of the greatest part of the English Nobility, there fol∣lowed, and euer since continued, a happy peace, and then by the marriage of his daughter, settled an vn∣doubted and permanent succession, for the Crowne

of England, the blessed happinesse at this instant wee enioy. All which with the patience of the Reader, contrary to my intended resolution, which was one∣ly for the story of the Spanish matches, I will a little digresse, and briefly touch, hauing one with another dependancy and coherence.

This king Henry the seauenth, for his wisedome was said to be a second Salomon, and lay somewhat heauie on his people, and was Auncestor to our now Soueraigne, who will peraduenture some way, both for the mannaging of the State, and marriage of his children, make him a patterne, and precedent: But the difference is (the more is our happinesse) Henry the seauenth his gathering of treasure together, was to heape vp in store, as appeared being found at Rich∣mond, after his decease vnder his owne key, and kee∣ping eighteene hundred thousand pounds sterling. A huge masse of money for those times. Our king hath expressed his Royall and Princely bounty, and exposed his treasure vpō important occasions, where∣vnto his Maiestie hath beene necessitated, gathered vp from his Subiects, but as showers of raine, that falls backe vpon the earth againe. But it hath beene of late, and it is very like hence-forth it will be im∣ployed to repay, support, and supply.

About the ninth yeare of king Henry the seauenth his raigne, there was one Peter Hyalus an Ambassador, sent from Ferdinando and Isabella king and Queene of Spaine, to treate of a marriage betweene Katherine their daughter, and Prince Arthur, sonne and heire of Henry the seauenth: it was obserued this Hyalus was a man of great wisedome, that through the present

could see farre into the future: which king Henry soone perceiued; Hyalus instantly became in great fauour and estimation with him, brought it so about, and yet not seene therein, that Hyalus was imployed for him into Scotland, both about a treaty of peace, as also a marriage for Margaret his eldest daughter with Iames the fourth, then king of Scotland: it was not king Henry his course, to seeke peace at any Prince his hands: But it was conceiued hee did it then, as not louing the barren warres, which hee thought would not bee worth his charge: Hyalus so caried himselfe in those Ambassies, that it was his master-peece, which euer after gaue him the e∣steeme of an excellent workman, which shall bee hereafter more particularly related. The warres be∣tweene the king of England and the king of Scots, were then at the height, when Hyalus was sent, but com∣ming as it were from the king and Queene of Spaine, as from friends, equally well affected to both parties, to mediate a peace betweene the two kings, of Eng∣land and Scotland, as also about a treaty, or ouerture, at least of a marriage, which perhaps in their owne persons would not haue beene so easily brought a∣bout, the point of honour might therevnto giue impeachment. Hyalus so handled the point of his imployment, that immediately after, Bishop Foxe was sent as an Ambassadour into Scotland, where∣vpon followed an honourable truce, and shortly af∣terwards a marriage concluded, betweene the king of Scots, and Margaret the eldest daughter of Henry the seauenth king of England: so that Doctor Morton afterwards Cardinall, and this Peter Hyalus the Spa∣nish

Ambassadour, were two of the happiest instru∣ments that euer were, the one for composing and contriuing the marriage betweene king Henry the seauenth, and Elizabeth the eldest daughter of Edward the fourth, whereby the two houses of Yorke and Lan∣caster were vnited, and Hyalus a fore-runner of good hap, was therefore by some called an Elias, being the first motiue and speciall meanes of the intermarriage betweene England and Scotland, whereby we enioy our now Soueraigne, whom God graunt long to raigne ouer vs.

The Spaniards are obserued generally to be acute and ingenious, and many of them of great wisdome, and deepe iudgements, some reason thereof concei∣ued, for that they are freer from the dull discease of drinke, then other Nations are.

The great Historians writes in this manner of them. The Spaniards are more able, then either the French, or Germanes, to endure the actions of the body, and to suffer the passions of the minde. Their first founder was a Souldier, therefore are they held naturally the more for warre: and no Nation hath euer beene therein more exercised. They haue a Spanish Prouerbe, To haue peace with England doth vs betide, warres with all the world beside.

These our auncient Writers affirme, that the Spa∣niard is most patient in want, hardnesse, hunger, thirst, heat, colde, and all other toyle and trouble, both of body and minde, and most ready and reso∣lute, for loue of Country, or honour, to encounter all dangers whatsoeuer. For the last particular, where∣in the Spaniard hath that height of commendation

giuen him, it neither can be any detraction or dimi∣nution to the English; they haue deserued as much: whereof the Spaniards themselues haue had experi∣ence.

The marriage with Spaine was almost seauen yeares in treaty, which was in part caused, by the tender yeares of the marriage couple, especially of the Prince: But the true reason was, that those two Prin∣ces, being Princes of great policie, and profound iudgement, stoode a great time, looking one vpon anothers fortunes how they would goe, knowing well that in the meane time the very treaty it selfe, gaue abroad in the world, a reputation of a straite coniunction and amity betweene them, which ser∣ued on both sides to many purposes, that their seue∣rall affaires required, and yet they continued still free: But in the end, when the fortunes of both Princes did grow euery day more and more prosperous, and as∣sured, and that looking about them, they saw no bet∣ter conditions, they shist it vp.

The second day of October, in the 17. yeare of the kings raigne, the Lady Katherine, daughter to Ferdi∣nand, and Izabella king and Queene of Spaine, arriued in England at Plymouth, and she was married to Prince Arthur in Pauls, the 14. day of Nouember following; the Prince being about 15. yeares of age, and the La∣dy 18. The manner of her receiuing, the manner of her entry into London, and the celebration of their marriage were performed, with great and true mag∣nificence, in regard of cost and order. The chiefe man that tooke the care, was Bishop Fox, who was not onely a great Councellour for warre, or peace,

but also a good Suruayor of works, and a good Ma∣ster of ceremonies, and any thing that was fit, for the actiue part belonging to the seruice of a Court, or State of a great king.

Amongst the deuices, and conceits of the try∣umphes at the marriage, there was a great deale of Astronomy: the Lady being resembled to Hesperus, and the Prince to Arcturus: and the olde king Alphon∣sus, that was the great Astronomer of kings (and An∣cestor to the Lady) was brought in to be Fortune∣teller of the match: And whosoeuer had those toyes in compyling, they were not altogether pedanticall. But we may be sure, that king Arthur the Brittaine (in whose acts were worth enough to make him famous, besides that which is fabulous written of him:) the Prince his discent from him, and the Lady Katherine from the house of Lancaster, was not forgotten; those two particulars had a great part in the play: But it seemes, it is not good to fetch fortune from the Starres. This young prince Arthur, drow vpon him not onely the hopes and affections of his Country, but the eyes and expectations of Forraigners, all frustrated, enioying him so little a time, as they did, the great alterations, and strange euents afterwards ensuing.

The marriage portion the Princesse brought, which was turned ouer to the King, by renunciation, was two hundred thousand Duckets, whereof one hundred thousand were payd ten dayes after the so∣lemnization of the marriage, and the other hundred thousand, at two payments annuall; but part of it in Iewels, and Plate, and a due course set downe to

haue them iustly, and indifferently prised.

The Ioyncture, or the aduancement of the Lady, was the third part of the principalitie of Wales, and of the Dukedome of Cornwall, and the Earledome of Chester, to be after set forth in seueraltie; and in case she came to be Queene of England; her aduance∣ment was left indiffinite, but that it should be as great, as any former Queene of England had: Prince Arthur, imediately after the Solemnization of the Mariage, was sent to keepe his rescyance and Court, as Prince of Wales, at the Castle of Ludlowe: after a few moneths, in the beginuing of Aprill, he there deceased; So that in respect he dyed so young, and by reason of his Fathers manner of education, that did cast no great Lustre vpon his children, there is little particular mention of him, onely thus much remaineth, that he was very studious and learned be∣yond his yeares, and beyond the custome of great Princes.

The February next following, Henry Duke of Yorke, afterward Henry the Eight, was created Prince of Wales, and Earle of Chester; For the Dukedome of Cornewall, deuolued vnto him by Statute, which was halfe a yeares distance taken for his creation, and his Prince Arthurs death, which was construed to be, to exprect a full time, whereby it might appeare, whether the Lady Katherine were with childe by Prince Arthur or not; when this doubt was cleered, Henry the Prince of Wales, was presently Contracted to the Lady Katherine his brother Prince Arthurs Widow, the reason of the Kings so doing, some Writers affirme, was because he was close handed,

and would not part with a second Dowrie; some o∣thers affirme (and it is like they are neerest the truth) out of his affection to Ferdinando King of Spaine, with whom he had euer a consent, euen in nature and customes, and out of a politicke consideration, to continue his alyance with Spaine, being assured, that the Lady was of a most worthy, vertuous, and Princely disposition, and in his profound iudge∣ment, knew that wiues were casuall commodities, both for the loue he bore to his Sonne, and the king∣dome; for that neither of them should runne ano∣ther hazzard, reteyned the Lady to be Queene of England.

The next instantly taken in hand, was the worke begun by Hyalus the Spanish Embassador, the Solem∣nization of the Spowsals of Iames the Fourth, King of Scotland, with the Lady Margarel the Kings eldest Daughter, which was done by Proxie, and published at Pauls Crosse, the 25. day of Ianuary, and Te Deum solemnly sung; But certaine it is, that the ioy of the Citie thereupon shewed by ringing the Bells, and Bonfiers, and such other incense of the people, was more then could be expected, in case of so great and fresh enmitie betweene the Nations, especially in London, which were far enough from the feeling any the former calamities of the Warre, and therefore might be truly attributed to a secret instinct, and in∣spiring, (which many times runneth not onely in the hearts of Princes) but in the pulses and veines of people) touching the happinesse there to ensue in time to come.

The Mariage was in August following consuma∣ted

at Edenborough, King Henry bringing his Daugh∣ter as farre as Colliweston on the way, and then con∣signing her to the attendance of the Earle of Nor∣thumberland, who with a great troope of Lords and Ladies of Honour, brought her into Scotland to the King her Husband.

This Mariage had beene in treatie by the space al∣most of three yeares, from the time that Hyalus made the first ouerture, and that the King of Scotland short∣ly after, opened his minde to Bishop Foxe.

The summe giuen in mariage portion by the King, was ten thousand pounds. The ioyncture and ad∣uancement assured by the King of Scotland, was two thousand pounds a yeare, after King Iames his death, one thousand pounds a yeare in present, for the La∣dies maintenance. This to be set forth in lands of the best, and most certaine Reuenue.

The King as it is reported, before this Match was concluded, proposed it to his Councell, and a∣mongst them it was debated, some of the Table, in the Freedome of Councellours (the King being pre∣sent) did put the case, that if God should take away the Kings two Sonnes without issue, that then the kingdome of England would fall vnto the King of Scotland, which might preiudise the Monarchie of England: whereunto the King himselfe replyed, that if that should be, Scotland would be but an accession to England, and not England to Scotland, for that the greater would draw the lesse; and that it was a safer Vnion for England then that of France; This passed as an Oracle, and silenced those that moued the question; This was a kinde of diuine and propheti∣call

proposition, made by the Lords of the Coun∣cell, and so accordingly answered by the King; so that the said Iames the fourth King of Scotland, had issue by the Lady Margaret, Iames the Fift, and he had issue Queene Mary, she had issue our now Soueraigne; so that he is great Grandchilde of Margaret, eldest Daughter to Henry the Seauenth.

Now seeing I haue gone thus farre in matters of Mariage, contrary to my intent, as not to haue med∣led with any but those of Spaine, I will now goe through by way of touch, rather then by ample dis∣course, of the mariage of the last, and indeed of all the Daughters and children of King Henry the Sea∣uenth; and the rather, for that it was the last act, that concluded his temporall felicitie, which was the conclusion of a glorious match, betweene his Daughter Mary and Charles, Princes of Castyle; after∣wards the great Emperour, both being of tender yeares (which treatie was perfected by Bishop Foxe, and others his Commissioners at Calice.) But by rea∣son the King about some yeare after died, that mari∣age did not take effect; she was afterwards maried to the King of France, who being aged, shortly after died, had no issue by her: King Henry the Eight her brother sent ouer into France, Charles Brandon Duke of Suffolke, to fetch her from thence, who maried her, and by him she had issue: the farther particulars in those affaires, I leaue the readers, to the perusall of the workes of many Writers, that haue written the same at large.

For Henry the Seauenth I will conclude, being he himselfe by the generall concluder of all, was con∣cluded.

(Only this) he had the fotune of a true Chri∣stian, aswell as of a great King, in liuing exercised, and dying repentant, his happinesse was much the more; as when he left the world, was in great felici∣tie (being as it were at the top of all worldly blisse) in regard of the high mariages of his Children, his great renowne (throughout Europe) his great Riches, and the perpetuall constancie of his prospe∣rous successes, all which were some way a shadow and vaile; that it did not so euidently appeare, as o∣therwise it would, in what obloquie of the people, (he notwithstanding liued.) So that death to him was wonderfull opportune, to withdrawe, and pre∣serue him from any future blow of Fortune, which in all likelyhood would haue fallen vpon him, in re∣gard of the great hatred of his people; and the Title of his Sonne, being then come to eighteene yeares of age, and being a bold Prince, and liberall, gai∣ned vpon the people, by his very aspect and presence.

The King according to the contract made by his Father, married his Brother Prince Arthurs Widow. The secret prouidence of God ordaining that Mari∣age to be the cause of great euents and changes: our Writers doe not lay it to the Ladies charge, that she in her particuler ministered any occasion thereof.

The storie of the Kings life, more or otherwise then it shall concerne the diuorce; the Ladies life and conuersation, I will not here meddle; many haue written of him at large, but the lesse is the more, for his commendation: When this Lady had liued a∣boue twenty yeares with the King, as a vertuous and loyall Wife, Cardinall Wolsey we finde had a

great part in this play, whose discent Pollidor Vigill relateth, Parentem habuit virum probum at lanium, had an honest man to his Father, but a Butcher: then for the particular story of his life, more then shall con∣cerne this affaire, I leaue the Readers to many other Authors that haue written the same at large; but in briefe, he was intollerable wicked, pompous, and magnificent, and according to the fate (commonly of such men) his end was infamous and infortunate; vpon some priuate grudge he bore to Queene Kathe∣rine, partly to be reuenged thereby vpon her Ne∣phew the Emperour, because he would not make him Pope (as secretly he had requested him) and partly because often-times in a most secret, louing, and gen∣tle fashion, she had admonished and warned him of his couetousnesse, tyranny; of his extortions, op∣pressions; of his pride and licentious course of life; such men, when they are told of those things, being eminent and powerfull, vsually will extend it to the highest, to execute their malice; which Wolsey so did towards the Queene, as it afterwards fell out to bee apparant, that to the King in priuate hee had cast some scruples, with some subtle disputations, con∣cerning the lawfulnesse, and nullitie of the Kings mariage, who hauing (as it seemed) a desire to change, as by his hauing so many Wiues, after∣wards it was somewhat probable, made a great shew and expressure to the world, that he began to be ten∣der ouer his conscience, and prouident to establish the true succession of the kingdome, in a lawfull heire; strucke so great an impression into him, and so busied his cogitations and thoughts, that a religious

sorrow began to seaze vpon him (and to auoide the continuance in that incestuous sinne) vntill by a iu∣diciall sentence, the doubts were cleered, he refrained from the Queenes bed; and the Cardinall to make himselfe more great then he was, procured a Com∣mission from the Pope, to be directed to him, and to his ancient brother Cardinall Campeius, that before them as supreme Iudges, that question (by legall processe and proceedings) might be heard, debated on, and censured, according to the lawes of God.

These two Legates (hauing receiued their Com∣mission) informeth the Queene of their authoritie and power, and she in some passion accused Wolsey, as the principall brocher of that doubt, and a main∣tainer of that contention, which he denied, and ex∣cused himselfe. The King pretending nothing in this businesse but truth, sinceritie, and Iustice, accor∣ding to the Lawes of God and man, was well con∣tented, that the Queene should make choyse of the greatest Clerkes, and the best learned men in the kingdome, to defend, and maintaine her cause, which she accordingly did, as namely, William War∣ham then Archbishop of Canterbury, and Nicholas West Bishop of Ely, Iohn Fisher Bishop of Rochester, and Henry Standish Bishop of Assoph. For the prosecu∣ting of this businesse, a stately Court was crected in the great Hall at the Black-Friers, where the two Le∣gates sate as Iudges, the King and Queene scited in their owne persons, or by their Procters to appeare. The King by his Procter submitted himselfe to the Apostulation authority and power, which by the Pope to the two Legates was giuen: But the Queene

her selfe (accompanied with many Lords, Knights, Ladies, Gentlemen and Gentlewomen) and hauing first done great reuerence to the two Legates) ap∣pealed from them (as from Iudges, which were not compotent, and indifferent, to determine betwixt the Queene and King) to the Court at Rome; This appeale they allowed not, but in the same Court they sate weekely, and before them many learned and subtill Disputations, touching the lawfulnesse; and al∣so concerning the insufficiencie of that Mariage, were daily made before them.

The King perceiuing, that no quicke dispatch was vsed, though oftentimes they deliberately consulted, came with the Queene into the said Court, where his Maiestie solemnly protested his infinite loue to∣wards her, acknowledging her to be the most amia∣ble, louing, kinde, dutious, modest, and sweetest Wife, that he thought was in the world; and that therefore he should not take so much ioy and com∣fort in any thing else whatsoeuer, as he should doe in her; if by the lawes of God and man, she might re∣maine his Wife, and therefore for the determining of that question, and for the quieting of his troubled conscience, he instantly importuned a quicke di∣spatch, and a finall end.

Then was the Queene demanded, whether shee would sticke to her appeale or no, who answered yea, yet for all that, the Court proceeded weekely, though softly, as before.

The Queene presently rose vp, and going about the Court to the King, fell downe on her knees be∣fore his feete, and in the hearing of the people spake

thus in effect; Sir, I desire you to take some pitty vp∣on me; and doe me iustice and right: I am a poore Woman, a stranger borne out of your Dominions, hauing here no indifferent counsell, and lesse assu∣rance of friendship! alas, wherein haue I offended, or what cause of displeasure haue I giuen, that you intend to put me away? I take God to my iudge, I haue beene to you a true and humble wife, euer con∣formable to your will and pleasure, neuer gainsaying any thing wherein you tooke delight: without all grudge, or discontented countenance, I haue loued all them that haue loued you, howsoeuer their af∣fections haue beene to me-ward: I haue borne you children and beene your wife, now this twenty years. Of my virginity and mariage bed, I make God and your owne conscience the iudge, and if it be other∣wise proued, I am content to be put from you with shame: The King your father in his time for his wife∣dome, was knowne to be a second Solomon, and Fer∣dinando of Spaine my Father the wisest amongst their kings; could they in this match be so farre ouerseene, or are there now wiser, and more learned men then at any time were? surely it seemeth wonderfull to me, that my mariage after twenty yeares should be thus called in question, with new inuention against me, who neuer intended but honestie; Alas Sir, I see I am wronged, hauing no Councell to speake for me, but such as are your subiects, and cannot be indiffe∣rent on my part; therfore I most humbly beseech you in charity stay this course, vntill I may haue aduise and counsell from Spaine; if not, your Graces plea∣sure be done, and therewithall rising, and making

lowly obeisance to the Court, departed thence, lea∣ning vpon the arme of her seruant, deceiued each man, expecting she had returned to her seate, when as she tooke directly out of the place; which being perceiued, the Cryer againe called her by the name of Queene Katherine, to come into the Court; Ma∣dam quoth her guide, you are againe called; on said she, it maketh no matter, this is no indifferent Court for me, therefore goe forward.

The King perceiuing that she was departed, pre∣sently spake thus vnto the assembly; I will (quoth he) in her absence declare before you all, that she hath beene to me a most true, obedient, and comfortable wise, endued with all vertuous qualities, conditions, according to her birth, and lowlinesse, equalls any of the meanest estate.

The Court sate many times after, where many subtle and vebement allegations were vrged for the lawfulnesse and nullity of the Mariage, the King ea∣gerly bent to haue an end, foresaw he should neuer there haue any: whilest the businesse was in debate and handling, he priuately imployed diuers Lords, and the greatest Diuines within his kingdome, to trauaile into all the Vniuersities in the Christian world, and there to be resolued of their opinions, touching the validitie or nullity of the mariage. And when they all returned, they brought with them twelue Instruments, sealed with the publike Seales of so many of the Vniuersities, and also the opini∣ons of sundry great and famous learned men: by all which it appeared, that they agreed and consented in one, that the Kings mariage with his Brothers

wife was vtterly voyde, and contrary to the lawes of God and man, notwithstanding the dispensation of the Pope.

The King sent those Instruments vnto the Queene, desiring to be satisfied from her, whether she would yeeld her consent to the Diuorce or no, for the qui∣eting of the Kings conscience, to referre it to foure Prelates, and foure temporall Lords.

The Queene thereunto made a long, graue, noble, and patient answer, positiuely concluding, she would not submit her selfe to any course therein: vntill the Court of Rome which was priuie to the beginning, had made there a determination and finall end: the King hauing seuerall times formerly sent vnto the Pope, had beene long delayed, seeing no likelihood of an end, resolued no longer to wait in his atten∣dance on the Court of Rome, went roundly and re∣solutely on in another course, summons a Parliament, there shewing the twelue Instruments from the seue∣rall Vniuersities, an Act passed, and his mariage with the Lady Katherine was dissolued and made voide, a sentence of Diuorce pronounced by the Archbi∣shop of Canterbury, and she was euer after to be cal∣led the Queene Dowager: few or none but are either so farre read in our English Chronicles, or may ob∣serue what afterwards became of the Popes vsurped Heptarchie in England, and what further fol∣lowed.

So here you haue heard the relation of the Story of this great Queene Katherine, though infortunate, was indeed, a mirrour and example of wisedome, integritie, sincerity, and all Royall and Princely

vertues. Yet it is vnlike, but that before her comming ouet into this kingdome, she might be detractiuely expostulated of, and had not she beene as she is here discribed, (as the times afterwards were) she would assuredly haue had her part of detraction from our Writers, as they haue beene some way sparing of her due commendation.

After her separation and diuorce from the King, there is little newes of her, but that within some three yeares after at Kimbleton in the County of Hun∣tington, she there religiously liued and dyed, and lyeth interred in the Cathedrall Church of Peterborough.

The next mariage betwixt England and Spaine, King Philip the second came ouer into England and married Queene Mary, Daughter to Henry the Eight, which he had by Queene Katherine of Spaine.

That Mariage is yet so fresh in memory, and a∣mongst the countrie people is indeed a great occasi∣on of producing those feares and doubts, they seeme to apprehend, these things I must acknowledge, are too great a consequence of State for me to meddle withall, yet vnder fauour as a Moderator, I would willingly the country people should truly know and take it into their considerations, that for those per∣secutions in Queene Maryes time (it was thought) she was much the more thereunto drawne by her two Bishops, that were such bloud-hounds (Gardener and Bonner) King Phillip was both a mediator, and Moderator, what he could, to stay them, the which with the story of the mariage, and other passages concerning the same, I will here as our owne Wri∣ters haue affirmed, briefly and truely relate.

Queene Mary her intent to marry with King Phillip, she caused to be published: Stephen Gardener then Lord Chancellour, made a speech to the No∣bilitie in the Chamber of presence, setting forth the honour, the riches, and augmentation of Titles to the Crowne of England; yet was it distastefull to many, great feares and doubts instantly conceaued would follow, as well the Church reformed, as for the pollitique, and State affaires of the king∣dome.

The first beginners of commotion were, Henry Duke of Suffolke, and Sir Thomas Wyat, making Pro∣claimations for the abandoning of strangers, and to withstand the Queenes mariage with King Philip, the reasons they further alleaged and published, their proceedings and infortunate ends, I leaue the reader to the perusall of their Stories by diuers Written at large.

The Queene remoued to the Tower, summons a Parliament, wherein by Statute the mariage was confirmed, to the great contentment, comfort and ioy, of the then time obseruers. But some of the Nobilitie, and the Commons for the most part were much grieued and discontented thereat. These distastiue stomacks, Queene Mary well perceauing, therefore to giue them the more content, she sent Letters signed with her owne hand into Wales, charg∣ing the Lord President, the Bishop of Oxford and Salisburie, to intimate the benefit therof to the whole land, as much as might be, and especially London, whose Lord Maior and Commons were sent for; to whom the Lord Chancellour made a Speech,

told them how by the match, all the Realme would be much intiched, but especially London by their Trade and Traffique with Spaine, that was enough, not only to alter and reduce, but to set them an edge beyond, or at least equiuolent with all other respects, or considerations whatsoeuer.

The Earle of Bedford and the Lord Fitzwaters, were sent into Spaine to conduct King Phillip into England, the Lord Admirall with twenty eight ships securing the seas, the space of three moneths before. All things thus ordered, and Phillip in rea∣dinesse, tooke shipping at Carone in Gallezia, and with a Nauie of an hundred and fiftie sailed directed his course for the Queene; vpon Friday the twenty day of Iuly he arriued at Southampton, and was the first man of the Fleete that set soote on the shore, which no sooner done, but he drew his Sword, and bare it naked in his hand as he went. The Earle of Arundle Steward of the Queenes house, presented to his Highnesse the George and Garter, and the Maior of the Towne of Southaempton the keyes of the Towne, thither was sent the Lord Chancellour from the Queene, and he againe of his Nobles sent to her (who was on the way to Winchester to welcome him∣selfe.) Towards which City vpon Munday following he set forth, being accompanied with the Marquesse of Winchester, the Earles of Arundle, Darby, Worcester, Bedford, Rutland, Penbroke, and Surry; the Lords Clynton, Cobham, Willoughbie, Darcy, Matreuers, Talbot, Strange, Fitz-warren, and North.

The Spanish traine were the Dukes of Aluer and Medina Cellina the Admirall of Castilla, the Marquesse

of Bergnes Piscara Sarra Valli Anguilar, the Earles of Egmonde, Horne, Peria, Chinchon, Oliuares, Saldana, Me∣dela, Euente, Sallida, Landriano, Castellar, the Bishop of Cuenca, and others, so that more honourable Atten∣dants had sildome beene seene.

Then there were Articles agreed on, which were branched out into tenne propositions, whereunto King Philip subscribed, they were very honourable for England: the perticulars of them I leaue the Rea∣der to Mr. Speede his excellent compendious worke, where the whole passages of this affaire, and these Articles are at large related.

Then with the consent of all parties, the marriage with great state was solemnized at Winchester vpon Wednesday, being the 25. of Iuly on Saint Iames day, where the Emperours Ambassadours presently pronounced, that in consideration of this marriage, their Maister had giuen vnto his sonne Philip, the Kingdomes of Naples and Ierusalem: whereupon their titles by Garter King at Armes, was solemnly proclai∣med with these stiles as followeth.

Philip and Mary by the grace of God King and Queene of England, Fraunce, Naples, Ierusalem and Ireland, defender of the Faith, Princes of Spaine and Cicill, Archdukes of Austritch, Dukes of Mil∣lane, Burgundy, and Brabant, Counties of Ha∣spurge, Flaunders, and Tyroll.

In Nouember following the marriage, the Queene was reported to haue bene conceiued with Childe:

for ioy whereof, Te Deum was commaunded solemn∣ly to be sung, and Processions and Prayers made for her safe deliuerance. The Queene tooke her Cham∣ber, the Court was full of Midwiues and Gentlewo∣men Attendants, Rockers were prouided, the Cradle prepared, and all made so certaine, that some were punished for publishing doubts thereof to the con∣trary, in so much as it passed in Parliament, that if God should take away Queene Mary, their supposed young Master comming into the world, should finde himselfe prouided for. It was by Act of Parliament ordayned, that King Philip should be Protector of her issue, and Gouernour of the Realmes, vntill their Prince or Princesses should come of able yeares.

King Philip apprehended continuall feares, and doubts of the English, in regard of the maligners of his marriage: for at his first entrance the dore of his great Hall of his Court, for the most part kept shut, or straightly guarded, not any suffered to enter, vn∣lesse his businesse was first made knowne.

The Lords some of them hauing formerly shewed themselues to haue been much against the marriage, hauing leaue to depart London, had straight com∣maundement to send all their Harnesse and Artillary to the Tower, which was done. The King was as well doubtfull of those that beare a faire shew, con∣ceiuing it vpon this ground: For that a Noble man in consultation had giuen his counsell to cut off La∣dy Elizabeths head; whereby he assured himselfe, that those so bad minded towards their owne naturall Princesse, could not be better to him a stranger: hee was graciously courteous to the English, and ende∣uoured

all wayes and meanes to gaine their loues and affections: For which he layd a good foundati∣on, became an earnest mediator, and solicited the Queene for the liberty of that innocent Princesse her sister the Lady Elizabeth, who still remained a solitary prisoner in Woodstock about Wyats conspiracy, though no proofes could be brought against her for any of∣fence.

King Philip at length obtained his suite, that the Lady Elizabeth was brought to Hampton Court, and for 14. dayes there locked vp, and laid at by Gardiner to submit her selfe, hauing not seene her sister in two yeares before: shee was sent for into the Queenes Chamber about tenne of the clocke in the night, which she no sooner had entered, but falling vpon her knees, shee prayed to God to preserue her Soue∣raigne Maiestie, protesting her loyalty, and truth to her person whatsoeuer had beene spoken, or instiga∣ted to the contrary.

At which time there was betweene them long and much debate, the Lady Elizabeth made good her in∣nocency: Queene Mary replied in Spanish (God knowes,) and so went away, King Philip standing be∣hinde the Arras all the time.

About some weeke after, the Princesse Elizabeth was discharged of Bening field, whom she termed her laylor, and leaue of liberty, yet so that Sir Thomas Pope a priuie Councellour, and Master Gage the Queenes Gentleman Vsher, were still her Atten∣dants, all Queene Maries time.

But the death of Gardiner immediatly followed, those stormes grew more calmer, and the Lady Eli∣zabeth

euery day more affectionately respected. King Philip by this his honourable and worthy act, gayned him the loue of many the Nobility and Gentry of the Kingdome, and did thereby so indeare and in∣gratiate himselfe into the affections of the Com∣mons, that they turned their hate and distaste vpon those that had beene the chiefe opponents and ma∣ligners of the marriage: So that they are indeede like a streame of water, though turned out of the current, yet will runne.

Hee euery day gayned more and more vpon the loues of the English, in his affection gracing and countenancing them, and his owne Country men: he carried himselfe wonderous euenly, which kept good correspondencie betweene the two Nations, though his marriage with Queene Mary made him Master of all here in England, yet in his honest and iust disposition, those Articles which he had formerly a∣greed vnto, alwayes maistered his affections obse∣quiously, and exactly performing them, which is not alwayes seene in Princes; he had the two chiefe orna∣ments belonging to a King, that is to say, mercy and Iustice, for the one he was both a moderator and me∣diator, what hee could to restraine those seuere and cruell persecutions, committed in Queene Maries time: then for Iustice he had a Princely inclination to haue it duly administered. Amongst many there is one peece of Iustice noted in him: an Englishman at London in single fight being killed by a Spaniard, he was executed, though by the Strangers two hun∣dred Duckets were offered for the Spaniard his re∣priue, which could not stay the hand of Iustice: For

that there will be further occasion hereafter in my in∣tended course, for the pursuing of this my relation, I will write here no more of him in his particular (as being not to be doubted) he was no lesse worthy and graciously disposed a Prince, then hee is here briefly discribed, or at least howsoeuer if his vertues had not exceeded his imperfections, (which is a great happi∣nesse to a State where such a King is) by some of our Writers that haue written of those times, we should haue heard of him at large.

King Philip frustrate of his hope for his heire, vpon the fourth of September 1555. tooke shipping, and went to visite his Father the Emperour, and to take possession of the Low Countries, where he stayed a yeare and a halfe, to the great griefe of Queene Mary his wife. But returning, came to Douer, hee was by the Queene met on the way, and brought through London, accompanied with many Peeres of the Realme, as in triumph against a Coronation.

In the Kings absence many conspiracies had beene attempted, but they were like vapours that are drawne vp by the Sunne, and falls againe: so those actors (as commonly incident to such men) were drawne vp with hemp by the hand of Iustice, before they did any hurt, the persons and perticular passa∣ges, I also leaue to those Authors before mentio∣ned.

The Emperour ouer-worne with the affaires of the world, and wearied with the troubles of turmoy∣ling warres, or rather touched with remorse of con∣science, for the infinite miseries brought by him vp∣on Florence, Naples, Scicilie, Tuscane, Elbe, and Calabria,

perswaded that those mournefull iarres of Christian Princes, had giuen to the Turke aduantage vpon di∣uers parts of Europe, he called his sonne King Philip of England vnto Bruxels (as is said) where by authentick Letters, resigned all his Realmes vnto him, comman∣ding all his Estates, and Subiects to acknowledge and hold him their lawfull King, and among many other instructions, and most wise exhortations, gaue him charge chiefly to hold amity with the French, least otherwise the warres of those puisant Nations might oppresse all Christendome.

Charles the Emperour, as he hath beene discribed, by those that haue written his life, hee was an excel∣lent wise Prince, which is shewed both in that his sage and graue obseruation, as also for his like Coun∣cell giuen to his sonne Philip.

The consideration of both are fitting, and sutable for these our now times; as first the infinite miserable calamities that those Countries of Germany haue en∣dured, and may be brought vnto by the late Warres there, and may giue much aduantage for the Turke against Christendome.

The other in likelihood, it may be a great happi∣nesse for a State to be in league, and amity with a neighbour Nation, that is opulent and powerfull, and to haue it confirmed and fastened by marriage, which commonly is then inuiolable: There might be much written vpon this Subiect, but I will leaue it to those of better ability to doe it, onely as I passed by I haue called.

King Philip was much enclined to peace, and Queene Mary his wife at that time much more, both

to hold him with her at home, and to support the Religion which shee had againe raised by restoring the Clergie to their wonted possessions, whereof much was then held in the Noble mens hands, from whose hard hold hardly could any thing be wrested: But those in her owne, shee freely resigned by Parlia∣ment, with this most Christian resolution & Prince∣ly saying, that shee set more by the saluation of her owne soule, then she did by the reuenewes of all the Kingdomes of the world, and so committed the re∣storation, and dispose thereof vnto the Pope, and Cardinall poole his Legate, to the great enritching of the Church, and impouerishing of the Crowne.

King Philip following his Fathers aduice, made peace with Fraunce, which was to continue for fiue yeares, which no sooner was made, then againe was broken: one principall occasion was ministred, by Pope Paul the fourth, then an Enemy to the Spani∣ard, whom Duke Alua had besieged, and confined him within the walls of Rome, hee sent to Henry the French king for ayde, and withall sent him a tryum∣phant Hat, with a stately Sword, and thereupon had succour by the Guise, who remoued the siege, and set the Pope at liberty. But the French decreasing for want of pay, and the Spaniard still raising their Tro∣phees of victory, the Pope thought it the surest to hold with the strongest, fell off from the amity of the French King, and was reconciled to the Spaniard: so that by this occasion there grew a strong party a∣gainst the King of Fraunce: For by King Philip and Queene Mary his wife, he had both England and Spain against him, and the Pope, no lesse powerfull there,

then he was, within the walls of Rome.

The occasion that Queene Mary tooke for the breach of the peace, was more vpon pretences, sur∣mises, and pickt quarrels, then any iust cause mini∣stred by the French King. Queene Mary sent him a defiance, and instantly proclaymed warres against Fraunce. And King Philip her husband went in per∣son for the prosecuting thereof. The Queene imme∣diatly sent after the King her husband, the Earle of Pembroke Generall, Viscount Mountacute, with diuers Earles and Barons, with a great Army, who came to King Philip, and ioyned with him, whilst the Duke of Sau••y, Brunswike; the Earles of Egmonde, Horne, and Mansfield, inuaded the French confines, and planted a strong siege against Saint Quintens, which shortly after by the English, was nobly and victoriously wonne to the great losse, and discomfort of the French, Monsieur Mountomorancie Constable of Frunce, and Generall, was taken prisoner.

Queene Mary contrary to her promise and agree∣ment, made vpon her marriage with King Philip, en∣tangled her Subiects, with the quarrels of the Spani∣ards: The greatioy conceiued for the victory, was shortly after dashed, with as much sorrow for the losse of Galice.

The English after they had so gotten Saint Quin∣tens, they afforded to themselues either little list, or leasure more, or otherwise; but betooke themselues to their delights, disorders, and pleasures, and onely to keepe, and make good what they had newly got∣ten, grew negligent, and carelesse of the Towne of Calice, that the Forts thereabouts for defence being

vnrespectiuely regarded (wonne by that victorious Prince Edward the third) and that by no lesse then eleuen moneths siege (were in the compasse of eight dayes besieged, surprized, and wonne) in the depth of Winter, to the worldes wonder, and not with∣out great suspition of treachery, which happened the the 12. day of lanuary: and in the second moneth, were surrendred the strong Fort of Guies, and Hames, whereby all the English sooting was lost in the conti∣nent of Fraunce.

So here you may see, that our owne Writers af∣firme, that the breach of the peace with the French King, was not any wayes by the occasion of King Phi∣lip, nor the losse of Calice by his default: After his great victory at Saint Quintens, he would admit no peace at all with the French, but with restoring Calice, vn∣till the English themselues, without him made their peace, and renownced Calice to the French for euer.

These Iosses were greeuous, to the English Nobi∣lity, and most of all, to Queene Mary her selfe: After she had abolished the Gospell, restored the Popes Supremacie, whatsoeuer she tooke in hand, was no wayes prosperous, but in all things infortunate: her conceptions failing, extreame dearthes rayning, hurt done by thunders from heauen, and Fire in the Royall Nauy, Forraigne losses, Calice surrendred, which could neuer be recouered, vpon any compo∣sition; and King Philip alwayes in troubles, and tur∣moyling warres, occasioned his keeping from court, so that Queene Mary her life (during her raignet) was little pleasurable, or that she scance ••••ioyed any de∣lights, or at lease little contentment as all: which so

much augmented hor melancholly, which grew to a burning Feauer, when she had raigned fiue yeares; she ended her life at her Mannour of S^t. Iames, and ly∣eth interred amongst her Auncestors in the Abby of Westminster.

Now next in course doth follow, the relation of the passages, betweene England and Spaine: after King Philip his returne thither, which was immediatly af∣ter Queene Maries death, and during the time of the raigne, of the late Queene Elizabeth, where then I come to the Spring head, from whence the auerse∣nesse, and vnwillingnesse of the Commons doe rise, for our Princes Royall match with Spaine, the remem∣brance of the late Hostile warrs, with other the passa∣ges, which plebian like, they haue by tradition, as the Brittaines had the story of their times deliuered them by their Druides. These things, being they concerne the breach of the league betweene England and Spaine, may be thought too deepe, and of too great a conse∣quence of State, to be medled withall: I hope I shall minister no cause of offence, nor innouation, but ra∣ther giue satisfaction, and occasion moderation: For here I obserue in the Country, the Papists in their discourses, magnifying the Royall proceedings of King Philip, and the Spaniards in generall, lay some taxe, and aspersion vpon the late Queene Elizabeth, which is very harsh, and much displeasing to the Pro∣testants: And then on the other side, they vrge and agrauate against the Spaniards, with much bitter∣nesse, and thereupon they fall into expostulation, Pro & Gon, of the Princes match, neither vnderstanding nor taking into their considerations, more or farther,

then to make good their owne part, & conceit, which breedeth difference amongst our selues, maketh and maintaineth a partition wall, betwixt the English and the Spaniards, in such loue as should be betwixt Subiects, whose Soueraignes are in league & amity. That the Commons might not so disobediently, in their affections, muteny against that which the King hath so laboured, and doth so much desire to bring to passe, as also for their so much expostulation there∣of, the scope of my endeuours, onely end, and ayme of my ambition is, that these my labours might oc∣casion some moderation therein: For the better ac∣complishing thereof, and giuing the better satisfa∣ction in those particulars, I will here relate some ob∣seruations, which the Papists haue formerly colle∣cted, and vsually in their discourses will vrge them: the vsage and carriage of the Spaniards towards the English, and other Nations, and the English to∣wards them, with some other former passages be∣tweene the two Nations. I could wish the Com∣mons would beleeue these things, so farre forth as their owne knowledge, or true informations doe not extend the contrary, and the Papists to doe the like; for that which is here alleaged either concer∣ning the late Queene Elizabeth, or the King of Spaine, neither part to be transported with passion; but of those things, to make a fauourable, and the best con∣struction, and mutually to take them into a charita∣ble and reconciliable consideration: The particulars are as followeth.

The Papists alleage, that King Phillip had a great desire to continue in league, and amity with England,

and that after he returned into Spaine, constantly maintained the same for thirty yeares together, would neuer hearken to giue assistance to any the discontented English Nobility, that would haue re∣belled; and in the yeare 1568. absolutely denyed aide to the Earles of Northumberland and Westmerland, and the Lord Dacres, when they rose vp in rebellion, in the North parts of England, how the King after∣wards, to wit, in the yeare 1575, for contenting her Maiesty at the Perswasion of some of his own Offi∣cers, but namely the Cōmendador Maior, that forthe present gouerned Flaunders, was content to yeeld to the banishment of all English Papists, out of his estate in Flaunders for the space of two years, though he paid them alwaies their pensions to liue on, as be∣fore. And for the same consideration of friend∣ship with the Queene, and for keeping his league, he denied diuers yeares help to the Irish, that desired the same, as namely in the yeare 1578. to Sir Iames Fitz-Morris, and Sir Thomas Stukely, and to the later of them, when afterwards he with some 5. or. 600. men that he brought from Italy, the King would not grant so much as a port in Spain, to enter into; wherby he was forced to passe to Lisborne, where finding the King of Poxtugall ready to goe with his Army to Barbarie, he could not refuse to goe with him, was there slaine.

Sir Iames Fitz-Morris returning againe the next yeare, to aske succours for the Irish, to haue from Spaine some forces, to carie for Ireland, denied the same againe, vntill at the last, at the carnest suite of the Pope, for that Doctor Saunders vpon his ex∣treame zeale, had aduentured to goe thither before

in person, to comfort the Irish, not hauing with him aboue 50. men, the King was contented to winke at, and say nothing, whiles Sega the Bishop of Placentia, the Popes Nuncio, vnder certaine of the Italian Cap∣taines, did send thither some fiue hundred Souldiers, taken vpon the Sea coasts of Italy, which were those that were slaine by the Lord Gray in Ireland.

Then doe the Papists farther vrge, the Queenes ta∣king of Flushing, Brill, and Oste-end, and other Townes in Flaunders, and likewise the assisting, and counte∣nancing of Duke Mathias, at his first comming, and after Monsicur Duke of Alenson; and likewise the set∣ting vp the title of Don Antonio King of Portugale: and sending him into his Country, with an Army: The intercepting the King of Spaine his money, first in the Duke of Alua his time, and many times afterwards, the sending of Hawkins, Frobrisher, Drake, and Candish, and others to the Indies, and some of them euen to Spaine it selfe: For which there were speciall Com∣missions graunted, that whatsoeuer could be taken from the Spaniards, to be held as lawfull reprisalls, and those Commissions to be specified, in Stowe his Chronicles.

Then they alleadge, that the King of Spaine did thereupon make arrests of the English ships, then in∣stantly grew enmity, and oepn warres: and after∣wards, viz. in the yeare 1588. the King of Spaine, with his great Fleete, attempted the inuasion of England, which yet with many the English, is too fresh in me∣mory.

The Papists farther vrge, and haue collected, that in Nouember 1591. Queene Elizabeth published a

strict Proclamation for searching out, apprehending and punishing of Seminaries and Iesuites, and such as receiued and fauoured them in England, sharpe & se∣uere lawes, made and executed vpon them, and fur∣ther both to put feares and doubts into the heads of the Commons, as also to exasperate them against the Spaniards; Farther vrging, that the King of Spaine, his great power, forces, and wealth, were dan∣gerous to England, possessing more Crownes, King∣domes, and countries, then euer any Christian Prince had before, and yet ambitiously seeketh more, endeauouring to make himselfe absolute Mo∣narch of the world, and that his cariage towards o∣ther Princes and their subiects was tyrannous, and those nations which he subdued, were cruelly dealt withall, and kept in great slauery.

The Papists for all these particulars, hane collected appologicall defences, which in their arguments and discourses, they will much insist vpon, to the high commendations of the Kings of Spaine, their royall and gratious proceedings with other Princes, and to∣wards their subiects, as also with their owne, which are as followeth.

First, they propose and recommend it to conside∣ration; For the conceaued opinion amongst the English, that the Kings of Spaine, their gouernment is strict, or rather indeed somewhat cruell, the maine occasion thereof is. The countries, dominions, and territories, are very large and spacious, many of them atchieued by conquest, formerly gouerned by Roitelets as petty Kings, and now inhabited by se∣uerall nations, of seuerall natures; So that the na∣ture,

necessitie, and disposition of the Kings of Spaine their affaires requireth; that they must carry some∣what a harder hand in their gouernment, then ordi∣narie, otherwise they cannot secure, nor make good their plantations, nor retaine their subiects in obe∣dience. And the very name of conquest, imports vi∣olence and misery, and is of so harsh a sound, and odious in nature, that from a Nation subdued, de∣tractions will suppresse all commendations a Con∣querour shall any waies deserue; Though their go∣uerning of such like subiects may be particuler, yet the aspersion in that kinde will runne in the generall, and a long time (as it were) in discent, especially a∣mongst malignant dispositions.

In remote parts of Kings Dominions where the gouernment by them is committed to subordinate Officers, & Commanders, sometimes barbarous and in humane acts, may be done by them, & the cōmon people, which Kings in their nature may much ab∣horre and detest, yet for the same in their honour and reputation they often suffer.

Then they further alleage, that the Kings of Spaine to the Turkes, Moores, and such like Infidels, haue beene many times a scourge. But then in parti∣cular, with the Italians, Portugals, French, English, Scottish, and Flemmish, their dealings with them, to haue beene most honourable, quiet, iust, and without iniurie offered to any, which is said to ap∣peare, by their owne testimonies and witnesses, also of many Writers.

For the warre, and other affaires, that haue passed in Portugall, they were so carried and no otherwise,

for the iustification thereof, out of Hieromme Francht a Genoes that was present, and wrot the storie, and in other points sheweth himself no great friend to Spaniards; yet doth he so iustifie all the Kings acti∣ons, in these affaires, euen by the testimonie of the Portugals themselues, as they seeme rather ouer∣scrupulous then onely iustifiable.

Then there is further cyted Genebrard a French Writer, that setteth out the King of Spaine, his no∣ble proceedings with France, in all the times of the minorities of King Henry the second his children, to wit, Francis, Charles and Henry the third, and how he neuer sought, either to profit himselfe, or to impaire the kingdome of France during those troubles, and thereupon giueth a touch by way of taxe, for the ta∣king of Newhauen by the English; further alleaging, that the King of Spaine at his owne charges, sent aides of men, horse, victuals, and money often times to the succours of those young Princes, notwithstan∣ding the old enmities and emulation, betweene those two Crownes of France and Spaine, and the cruell warres that had passed betweene them many yeares. And maketh further relation of the king his clement proceeding with his owne subiects, that rebelled in the low Countries, as appeared by his many par∣dons, peaces, and tollerations made with them: his liberall and noble dealings with the English, Irish, and Scottish, especially such as were subiect to trou∣bles, for their conscience at home, those he sustained liberally, without requiring any seruice at their hands.

And lastly for the great wealth, forces, strength,

and power of the King of Spaine, being a friend, and temperately vsed, cannot be fearefull to any good man but rather comfortable; nor to be dangerous to Christendome, but rather a great and singuler stay, and prouidence of Almighty God (who foreseeing the tumults and reuolts) that heresies might bring in and the dangers Christendome might be subiect vn∣to, by the great power and strength of Infidels, the Turkes and Moores hath prouided so potent, and opulent a Prince as the king of Spaine, for the defence of the Catholike Church.

For the manifestation thereof, two speciall obser∣uations worthy of note haue beene collected, and cited, the first after that interleaged and indissolua∣ble knot of amity and alyance which was betweene Henry the seauenth, Ferdinando and Isabella, King and Queene of Spaine, there mutually passed betweene them, many Letters congratulatory, amongst which, there came Letters from Ferdinande and Isa∣bella, signifying the finall conquest of Granada from the Moores, which action it selfe so worthy, King Ferdinando (whose manner was) as indeed the nature is, neuer to lose any vertue for the shewing) expres∣sed and displayed in his Leters at large, all the parti∣cularities, and religious punctures and ceremonies, that were obserued in the reception of the Citie and king dome; shewing amongst other things, that the King would not by any meanes in person enter the City, vntill he had first aloose seene the Crosse set vp vpon the greater Tower of Granada, whereby it be∣came Christian ground: That likewise, before lie would enter, he did homage to God alone, pronoun∣cing

by an Herauld from the height of that Tower, that he did acknowledge to haue recouered that kingdome by the helpe of God Almighty, and the glorious Virgin, and the vertuous Apostle S. Iames, and the holy Father Pope Inocent the eight, together with the aides and seruice of his Prelates, Nobles, and Commons; that he stirred not from the campe, till he had seene a little armie of Martyrs, to the number of seauen hundred and more Christians (that had liued in bonds and seruitude as slaues to the Moores) passe before his eies, singing a psalme for their re∣demption, and that he had giuen tribute to God by almes and reliefe, extended to them all, for his ad∣mission into the City: these things were in the Let∣ters, with many more ceremonies of a kinde of holy ostentation.

King Henry euer willing to put himselfe into the consort, or quier of religious actions, and natural∣ly affecting much the King of Spaine, (as much as one King could affect another, partly for his vertues, and partly for a counterpoise to France vpon the re∣ceipt of these Letters, sent all his Nobles and Pre∣lats, that were about the court, together with the Maior and Aldermen of London in great solemnity to the Church of Pauls, there to heare a declaration from Bishop Morton, then Lord Chancellour and Cardinall, standing vpon the vppermost step, or halfe pace before the Quier; and all the Nobles, Prelats, and Gouernours of the Citie at the foot of the stayres, made a speech vnto them, letting them know that they were assembled in that consecrated place, to sing vnto God a new song; for that (said he) these

many yeares the Christians haue not gained new ground, or territorie vpon the infidels, nor enlarged and set further the bounds of the christian world: But this is now done by the pronenesse & deuotion of Feredinando and Isabella, King and Queene of Spaine, who haue (to their immortall honour) reco∣uered the great and rich kingdome of Granada, and the populous and mighty citie of the same name, from the Moores, hauing beene in possession thereof by the space of seauen hundred yeares and more: For which, this assembly and all Christians are to render laud and thankes to God, and to celebrate this noble act of the King of Spaine, who in this is not onely victorious, but Apostolicall in the gaining of new Prouinces to the Christian Faith; and the rather, for that this victory and conquest is obtai∣ned, without much effusion of bloud, whereby it is to bohoped, that there shall be gained, not onely new territories, but infinite soules to the Church of Christ, whom the Almighty (as it seemes) would haue to be conuerted. Herewithall, he did relate some of the most memorable particulers of the warre and victorie; and after his speech ended, the whole assembly went solemnly in procession, and Te Deum was sung.

Then for the other particuler obseruation I colle∣cted and cited, was in the raigne of Philip the second King of Spaine, here formerly treated of. And about the 14. yeare of the late Queene Elizabeth, the Turke hauing conquered many Ilands, and Cities, borde∣ring vpon the Seas, and in the yeare 1571. knowing deuision among diuers Christian Princes, as well for

matters of Religion, as affaires of State, vpon hope of which aduantage, he assembled a great Army of Gallies, presuming thereby to make himselfe Master of the Sea, and Lord of the Land; they were encoun∣tred by the Christians: For the which Don Iohn de Austria, a braue Commaunder, was sent by the King of Spaine, with a great Fleete of Ships, Gallies, and Galliasses; so that at one instant there were sunke and taken 230. of the Turkish Gallies, and 30000. Mahamotists slaine, besides many taken prisoners. There were 12000. Christians redeemed from Turk∣ish slauery, and 8000. slaine; with the losse of leauen or eight Gallies: Our Writers affirme, that the Spa∣nish Fleete, was a mayne occasion of that memora∣ble victory, and that the Galliasses did admirable seruice in that expedition.

Loe here you see the King of Spaine, his commen∣dation by the Papists, extended to the height; with some taxe of the late Queene Elizabeth: wherein I haue beene sparing in my relation, to that they will speake in some bitternesse, they doe therein but as men that throwe dust against the winde. Her Royall worth is left behinde recorded, farre more durable, then in Letters of Br4asse, a Princesse of blessed fame, and euerlasting memory: to write of her com∣mendation, any thing neere in proportion to her de∣seruing, it is a worke for excellent Writers. They may in that faculty excell, but vpon that subiect ne∣uer exceede; therefore for my particuler, I will be∣gin, and conclude both together, she had euery way as many vertues as could liue, and more then could dye. I doe not here reuine, nor make repetition of

these things, to giue farther occasion of faction; but rather for the present moderate, and in the end some way reconcile, and reclaime the disaffections of the common people, presuming they will produce no o∣ther effects, as when the Country people, especially those affected to Papistry, shall vnderstand, and take into their considerations, former passages, and then being not so peremptory, and confident, as now they are to crosse, greeue, and agrauate against those (that in respect of religion) in their affections, haue beene somewhat vnwilling for our Princes Royall match: I presume it cannot but rather farther moderation and community, then otherwise.

The Papists did not obserue, or at least doe not desire it should, that though the King of Spame did often denie to afford succours to the Irish Rebels: yet at the last (as by their owne collections appeare) did winke and say nothing, when Doctor Saunders and Sega, the one going ouer into Ireland in person, the other sending forces thither: so that Queene Eli∣zabeth, her succouring those in Flaunders, which the King of Spaine held Rebels, she did no more then he did, but onely the difference was, she wont roundly and resolutely on, and the King of Spaine somewhat reserued, and priuately: And the monies taken from Duke Alua, and other rich prizes brought in, by Haw∣kins, Frobisher, Drake, and Cauendish, they were onely to pay the Souldiers. Queene Elizabeth was of such a gracious & Royall disposition, she could not endure but to haue her Souldiers payde the money should haue payde Duke Alua his Souldiers: but it payde them that fought against him, so that it was but mis∣imployed.

The king of Spaine doubtlesse was desirous to haue continued his league with England, whereof he made many good demonstrations: therefore I could wish hee should not loose his due commendation in that particular: But it seemed hee presumed on Queene Elizabeths patience, that for suffering, as it were, but a handfull of Souldiers of his Subiects, to goe for Ireland, to assist the Rebels there, thought so small an occasion, would not haue broken the league: But it seemes peace long before, was laide vp, that it be∣came a dry commodity, so that it soone tooke fire.

Then for the Proclamation, vrged against Queene Elizabeth, published in Nouember 1591. with the se∣uere lawes then made, and executed against the Pa∣pists: they were alwayes plotting, conspiring, and attempting, the taking away her life; those lawes were but like a good and skilfull Phisician, that drew some bloud, to preserue much more, the life of our Soueraigne, and indeede the life and light of the Go∣spell. Tyrants shed bloud for pleasure, Princes for necessity. Let the proceedings of her predecessor, be put into the other balance, there will bee found great difference: Wherefore it is best for all parties, either wayes affected, to let these things alone vnre∣uiued, neither weighed, nor farther discoursed of.

I will here (vnder sauour) presume to adde some obseruations, which may some way moderate the disaffections of the common people towards the Spaniards, concerning those particular passages be∣fore mentioned.

The Pope you see was Author, though hee made the King of Spaine Actor, for the breach of the peace,

as being too much led by the Pope, which was no ex∣traordinary thing. Let vs but reade our English Chronicles, wee shall there finde, that many of our most puissant and victorious Kings here in England, their powers and prerogatiues haue beene captiua∣ted by the Pope, and some by them brought to vn∣timely ends, alwayes working vpon them, and the indisposition of the times, where they saw, either a weake Prince, a factious Nobility, or a mutinous Commons; by their directions, their Legates and Clergie would be alwayes working, to make the Pope and themselues maisters both of the King and Kingdome. If they would teach Kings truly the wayes of righteousnesse, let God alone with his pro∣uidence, & Princes with their inheritances: not to de∣uise and direct stratagems, nor be so violent whereso∣euer they get dominion to suppresse the Protestant Religion, and aduance the Romane Catholique, it would bhee a most blessed happinesse to all Christen∣dome.

Then lastly, the King of Spaine his attempt in 88. was by the Popes instigation, & had no doubt his be∣nediction, for assurance of good successe therein: but it had a contrary effect, brought a malediction, and an infausting vpon him, and his King dome, as an ill Prognostick, which in the euent proued true. The Spaniards haue no cause to ioy at the remem∣brance thereof; the English onely to thanke God for their deliuerance. If the Spaniards will forget and passe it ouer (as being farre the greater loosers) it is both charity and religion, for the English to doe the like. And the rather for that, and such like hostile

actions, passing betweene the two Nations in the time of warre: and now in peace, in all Christian and religious considerations, enuie, and hatred, should haue an end, and not be continued. States are sub∣iect to the wheele; times haue their turnings, and great Princes themselues not free from calumny and detraction, and many times with much agra∣uation therein.

For these particulars I will conclude, with that graue and sage obseruation, of Cornelius Tacitus, that free tongued Romane, that wrote, they made it a cu∣stome, to make Kings the instruments of oppression; they may many times seeme so, and yet they them∣seues of a most gracious and Royall disposition. Queene Elizabeth therein not second to any, and yet according to the fate, and fashion of great princes, by some great and graue Councellours neere about her, and by some that could thriue onely by warre; she was much swayed and ruled, which she thought was no diminution to her commendation, though it made not so much for her absolutenes, yet it seemed she held it the more for her safety.

Let vs not be transported with passion and doubts, beyond reason, good ground, or probability; the Kings and Monarchies of England, in their whole choise of wiues made from all parts of Europe, were neuer more fortunate, and happy in any, then in those Royall Queenes, which they had from Spaine.

The first in this Scene of honour, shall be the Roy∣all Queene Elenor, wife to Edward the first formerly mentioned: what was shee but the wonder and my∣racle of her Sex?

The next, Queene Katherine, wife first to Prince Arthur, afterwards to Henry the eight; shee was the cleare mirrour, and example of wisedome, integrity, sanctity, and all Royall and Princely vertues; in all which she was farre more precious and excellent, be∣ing so tryed as she was, with the touchstone of for∣tune.

Constancia, Izabella, Beringaria, and Ioanna, Spanish Princes, all these were proper, and peculiar to our English Monarchy: our owne Chronicles telleth vs no otherwise of them, but that they were, as so many glorious and conspicuous lights of matrimoniall faith, loue, piety, and chastity.

And lastly, King Philip the second, that married Queene Mary, our own Writers leaues him to poste∣rity, highly commended. So that for those Princes; that we haue formerly had from Spaine; England hath had ioy, and comfort of them; we haue loued them, and they vs.

Wherefore should we now so much doubt, and feare, for the future, the like successe? vnlesse we will conclude, our dispositions are growne worse, and that the then times deserued a great part of their commendations: So that here you may see, that no Nations in former times, did euer more faithfully and entirely loue each another, or were in more straighter leagues, and bonds of friendship vnited to∣gether, then the English and Spaniards, vntill by the late warre they were ••••••oynted.

Seuere iudgement threatens high places. The greatest happinesse of great Kings and Princes, is to make happy their Subiects; and that happinesse on

eath, is esteemed greatest, which commeth neerest to that in heanen, consisting onely in the eternity of blessed peace: then consequently those Princes must be deemed most blessed, who doe chiefly direct their Royall cares, and endeuours to bring glory to God on high, peace and good will to those on earth. Our now gracious King hath so gouerned vs this 21. yeares, that we haue enioyed that happinesse, as God hath beene truly honoured, he obayed, and we haue liued in quiet vnder our own Figge trees, and Vines, eating the fruites of our owne labour4s free, from those calamities and miseries of warre, some of our neighbour Nations are subiect vnto; and by Gods grace he will so continue vs, whereby he will be wor∣thily held in the esteeme, and deemed one of the most blessed Princes, according to the position be∣fore mentioned.

How willing, desirous, and obseruant the Spani∣ards haue beene, to bee in peace and amity with vs, let the Reader but duly consider, that which hath beene formerly related, and for farther satisfaction, to an ocular experience we late had thereof. No soo∣ner then our now gracious Soueraigne, came to the Crowne, but the King of Spaine, Philip the third, in∣stantly sent ouer his Ambassadours, sought peace at his hands, and had it, which euer since hath beene re∣ligiously, nobly & muioable kept, and so continued his sonne now King of Spaine, Philip the fourth.

An ouerture of marriage long time in treaty for our now Royall Prince Charles, with the Lady Maria, daughter of the said Philip the third, by him much desired, and now as much as her brother Philip the

fourth, (as it is generally conceiued) that those two Royall Scepters, should be now conioyned in the sa∣cred knot, and bond of marriage, thereby to streng∣then their auncient Alliances, and make a perpetuall league, and indissoluble confederation of blessed peace and friendship betwixt them.

Seeing many excellent learned men, meerely out of zeale, and some others wise and polliticke in the affaires of State, that are true louers of their coun∣trie, haue written and spoken freely, proposing doubts, feares, and dangers that may come and en∣sue to England with the mariage with Spaine, and also others of both those sorts of like ranke and quality (only in religion contrarily affected) haue written, and will speake as much, for the approbation and commendation thereof, proposing the infinite & vn∣speakable good, the match may be to the Kingdome of England. Without farther intermedling, I will leaue those things to their learnings, and iudiciall ex∣periences: that which I relate, may be as materials for them to worke on, and is intended but as home made stuffe for the Country people, who in State affaires sees no farther then the Rhine, and many of them wade not so deepe, as into the point of Religi∣on, yet in their affections haue beene very auerse, and expressed vnwillingnesse, for our Princes Royall match: I would herewithall cloathe, or at least some∣way couer their bare opinions, that there is no such great cause of feares, doubts, and dangers, as they seeme to apprehend, though the Spaniards were lately our enemies, yet aunciently they were our friends, and seeme to desire to be so againe, to liue in

league and amity with vs: I would gladly so mode∣rate and reclaime the disaffections of the common people, that they might forget and remit, all former occasions conceaued of distaste, and not in their af∣fections and discourses, so disobe diently mutinie, and dispute against our Soueraignes high com∣mands, and Royall intentions. It is incident for men so to doe, of some one of the dispositions fol∣lowing.

A kingdome composed of men of diuers hu∣mours and dispositions, whereof some doe burne in hatred, some busied in seditious practises, some di∣stracted with factions, some transported with dis∣sentions, some carried headlong with furie, others to saue themselues from some punishment they haue formerly deserued, or else hauing intangled, or rather prodigally consumed then inheritance (No∣vandis quam gerendis rebus aptiores) rather desiring factions and disorders, then to haue affaires of State settled, as knowing they can receiue no benefit, by the well settling and composure thereof, as the sicke disrelisheth all meates whatsoeuer: so distempered dispositions doe all passages of State, be they neuer so good, and are indeed a kinde of wilde beasts, that sometimes brings themselues into the toyle, occasio∣ning the vertues and loyalties of some good men to be suspected; his Maiestie highly discontented, and the subiect thereby infinitely preiudiced.

Both of the Protestants and Papists in England to many of them, doe perticipate of those imperfecti∣ons, such indeed as are drawne from the Lees of each Religion.

First for the Papists; some of them are growne so impetuous, vnbounden, and vnlimmited, both in their carriage and discourses, proposing and main∣taining dangerous and fearefull positions, insolently intimating, what a golden time they now shall haue: these things doe much grieue, and produce great feares to many, that are truly religious, and zea∣losly affected: let vs not doubt, but that by Gods grace, the Kings wisedome and integrity, they shall freely enioy that happinesse to haue quietnesse, and contentment in their courses of life and conscien∣ces, vntill their liues end, when many of those Pa∣pists (who in respect of their former exploits and practises haue beene found very dangerous) shall haue a straighter hand carried ouer them then o∣therwise.

Then there are of those, which only in seeming, are somewhat more then Protestants, their farther discription would aske a long discourse, which I will omit: More then this, they thinke they haue much knowledge, when indeed it is meere igno∣rance, and that engenders vehemency, and vehe∣mency produceth passion: then with true, sincere, and regular discipline, there is no co-operation. His Maiesty hath beene pleased to denote them long since, in a speech he made, in his higher house of Parliament, as saying they were a people, that were euer discontented with the present gouernment, and impatient to suffer any superioritie; which maketh their sectvnable to be suffered, in any well gouerned Common-wealth: many of them thinke they can∣not misse the way to heauen, if they be opposite to

the Pope, and yet in another way will meet the Pa∣pist in superstition; they haue so much talked, expo∣stulated of our Princes Royall match, and in their dispositions and discourses, mutening so much against it, occasioning many to doe the like, fore∣casting and seeming to foreknow future euents, pre∣iudicating dangers, both for religion, and state pol∣liticke of the kingdome, so that they thereby, and that sort of Papists before mentioned, with their in∣solencie and boldnesse, haue much preiudiced the Common-wealth, amuzeth the countrie people; ma∣king them stand as it were at a gaze, so spending their time; buying & selling, & all dealings in the countrie, more then for victuals and clothes, are much out of vse; great scarcitie of money euery where complai∣ned of: they finde by wofull experience, that royall Trading and commerce are much decayed, and our money which was wont to be imployed therein, is now conuerted into the basterd and barren imploy∣ment of Vsury: Lands and Rents fallen, and cloa∣thing failed: so that the poore in that course, nei∣ther scarce in any haue beene set a worke: whereby they haue endured the extremity of hunger, of all extremities the extreamest. The affaires and passages amongst men, doe not runne so smooth as they were wont to doe; all cry out want of money: some that haue it, sits as it were abrood thereon; they will not vent nor aduenture it, as saying they will first see, what will become of the world, which is now a com∣mon phrase: some now and then, speaking as they would haue it, as saying the world will mend: the reply that follows is; Nay it will be worse: Yet it

hath pleased God, out of his infinite goodnesse and mercy so to deale with vs, (God giue vs grace to be thankfull) that for our enioying the fruits of the earth; the times haue beene very seasonable, and we haue, and are like to enioy them in great plenty. Yet the state and condition we doe, and are like to liue in onely preiudicated, and chiefly by our selues oc∣casioned, will rather be miserable then happy: We are falling into the latter dayes, ignorance and here∣sie striues to get the vpper hand.

It is said that God aboue all men, doth inspire Kings; and then it is like, he doth and will inspire great Councellours of State aboue ordinary men; therefore let vs pray vnto God, they may consult, and debate of the reasons, worke, and effect the re∣medies.

I am now come neere the end of my stage, though some man of better ability (which had beene farre more fitter) to haue vndertaken this work, I am consi∣dent against all those good Wiues formerly menti∣oned, to haue come from Spaine, and all the reasons that either hath or can be alleaged, that in all likely∣hood and probability, the match may be happy and successefull for England; the obiection will be, Exem∣pla illustrant, sed non probant; in those former times, there was a vniformity of Religion, so that now the difference therein, is the onely stone of offence, and the maine occasion conceaued of the feares and doubts of dangers may ensue, as well to the Church reformed, as to the polliticke, and state affaires of the kingdome.

I must ingenuously confesse, my home-bred ima∣ginations

did fly with the flocke: I am no Courtier, (of whom there be too many) that vpon the shift of euery King or Princes mariage, doe please them∣selues with some probable proiect of preferment, before all other respects or considerations whatso∣euer. I doe not yet much ioy at the match, nor should sorrow if it should not be: onely in point of religion, I will pray vnto God, and hope, we may haue cause to ioy thereat hereafter; in the meane time I will not further trouble my selfe, as being not the dutie of subiects, to intermeddle, or busie them∣selues with the actions of their King; neither in their dispositions and discourses, to mutiny against the match, if his Maiestie and our hopefull Prince shall be pleased to proceed therein: all that we haue to do is only to obey, and pray to God to direct all things for the best, relying on his prouidence, the Kings wisdome and integrity, and without our fur∣ther expostulations, to let his Maiestie and his Councell alone in the businesse. Certainly God will be glorified, and whatsoeuer man doth or shall determine, he will dispose; It is said by him Kings raigne, and Princes decree Iustice.

I haue to my selfe both grounded and collected some particular considerations, which giues me con∣fidence and reall satisfaction, that there is no such cause of doubts and dangers, for the Protestant re∣ligion, or state polliticke of the kingdome, as is ge∣nerally feared; Which collections, I will here in my conclusion relate, onely inuiting vnto them my countrie neighbours and friends: and doe therein

according to the fashion of Feasters, wish their cheere better for their satisfaction.

Though the eyes of humane prouidence, cannot see beyond that Horizon, as directly to discerne fu∣ture contingents; yet can they onely iudge, what seemes fit to be done by probabilitie grounded vpon mature consideration and profound iudgement: therefore let vs not feare nor doubt, but that by Gods infinite goodnesse and mercy, the Kings great pro∣uidence, iudgement, and integrity for religion, there will be a gracious, royall prouision, and pre∣seruation made.

Amongst the countrie people there is much feare and doubt conceiued, the Pope in his power and prerogatiue, being so predominant bth in Spaine, and with other forraine Princes, by them as Stales we may be drawne into that net.

The King, that doth so much insist vpon his pre∣rogatiue here in his owne kingdome, that will not admit any dyminution therein; that he should now giue way to haue it subiected to such a dangerous sorraine power; there is no manner of likely∣hood.

There haue beene many of our Kings of England, that were Roman Catholiques, and other Forraine Princes, yea, and Spaine it selfe (which I will here make bold to tell them) wearied and tyred out with the insupportable pressures of the Pope, haue beene at great difference with him, at mortall enmity and open warre: as namely Henry the fift, the Emperour (haning by the Popes instigation) banded against

his father Henry the fourth, who associated him in the Empire, and held him prisoner in that distresse, that he died; touched after with remorse of this act, and reproach of the State, for abandoning the rightes of the Empire, leuies sixtie thousand foote, and thirty thousand horse for Italy, constrained the Pope and his Colledge to acknowledge the rights of the Empire, in that forme as Leo the fourth had done to Otho the second; and before that, Adrian to Charlamaine, according to the decree of the Coun∣cell of Rome; and made him take his oath of fidelity betweene his hands, as to the true and lawfull Em∣perour. The Pope, so soone as Henry was departed home, assembles a Councell, nullifies his acknow∣ledgement as done by force, and shortly after died. The Emperour to make himselfe the stronger a∣gainst his successors, enters into aliance with the King of England, takes to wise Maude the daughter to Henry the first, being but fiue yeares of age.

Calixti the next succeeding Pope, at a Councell held at Remes by ecclesiasticall sentence, caused Henry the Emperour to be declared an enemy to the Church, and degraded him of his Imperiall dignity. The King of England, seeing this Councell was held in France, composed chiefly of the Gallicane Church, desirous to ouer-master Louis the King of France, in∣censes his sonne in Law the Emperour, to set vpon him (as the Popes chiefe piller) on one side, and he would assaile him on the other; The Emperour easi∣ly wrought to such a businesse, prepares all his best forces: the King of England doth the like.

The King of France, seeing this storme comming so impetuously vpon him, wrought so with the prin∣ces of Germante, as they taking into their considera∣tion, the future mischiefe of a warre rashly, and vn∣aduisedly taken, with the importance of a kinde neighbourhood, aduised the Emperour not to enter thereinto, till he had signified to the King of France the causes of his discontent; Whereupon Embas∣sadours were dispatched to the King of France, who answers, that he grieued much to see the two grea∣test pillers of the Church thus shaken with those dissentions, which might hazzard the ruine of the whole Frame; that he was a friend to them both, and would labour and endeauour all he could to mediate an attonement, rather then adde fewell to a fire too fierce already, which he desired to extin∣guish for the good and quiet of Christendome.

This Ambassage and answer so tooke, that the Emperour was diuerted from his former resolution, and was glad to haue Louis a mediator of the ac∣cord betweene the Pope and him, which shortly af∣ter was concluded at Wormes, for the Popes aduan∣tage, to whom the Emperour yeelds vp the right of the inuestitures of Bishops and other benefices.

The King of England expecting great matters to haue risen by this businesse, was highly displeased, being so disappointed of the Emperours assistance; proceedes notwithstanding in his intentions against Louis. Betweene them there were many great con∣flicts, with the expence of much bloud, and charges, (which is the onely fruit warre affordeth) but in the

end both wearied and tyred out, a peace was con∣cluded.

Then of late yeares (as it hath beene here formerly related) in the raigne of King Philip the second, there was enmity and open warres betweene Pope Paul and the Spaniard. The Pope besieged and confined with∣in the walls of Rome by Duke Alua; relieued by the French King, yet fell from him, and reconciled him∣selfe to the Spaniard, as to the stronger side.

That the Pope cannot erre in matter of faith; his power to depose Kings, and dispose of Kingdomes; are two mayne positions the Papists holde: both which, I humbly leaue, to our Diuines to deale with them therein. But for those two particulars here now mentioned, and many other former passa∣ges of the Pope, the vulgar may iudge. In the time of Queene Elizabeth; did familiarly and freely giue Bi∣shopricks in Ireland: but those that had them so gi∣uen, could neuer gaine possession.

Then farther, there can be no such feares & doubts for the alteration of Religion, as is apprehended, if we take into consideration these particulars follow∣ing:

First, we hauing a well ordered and well gouerned Kingdome, where Religion is established, Rites and Ceremonies ordained, and by a long vse and custome receiued and confirmed; the many apparent proba∣bilities of the Kings integrity, the many rare and worthy learned men that are in the Kingdome con∣sidered.

The King, though Prince-like for his recreations,

and that his affections haue beene caried with some delights and pleasures; yet hath he been so studious, that he is learned beyond expectation, and custome of great Princes: and for his integrity, it is of fifty seauen yeares growth, hath made thereof many religi∣ous & worthy expressions both by his learned works, and words, and indeede hath shot such arrowes, which will hang in the sides of the Romish Religion in after ages, as he is Defender of the Faith by title, he will so continue in truth.

The first that had the Title, was Henry the eight, giuen him by Pope Leo the tenth, for writing against Luther. After his conuersion and suppression of Pope∣ry, yet retayned he that stile, and afterwards during the raignes of Edward the sixth, the late famous Queene Elizabeth, and our now Soueraigne, it hath beene continued, and doubtlesse by him will be main∣tained.

Amongst many his worthy expressions of him∣selfe therein in one of his workes, he thus declareth: that it is one of the principall parts of the duty which appertaines to a Christian King, to protect his true Church within his owne Dominions: to extirpate heresies is a maxime without all controuersies. In which respect, those honourable titles of Custos, Vin∣dex vtrius{que} tabulae, keeper and reuenger of both tables of the law, and Nutricius Ecclesiae, nursing Father of the Church, doe rightly belong to euery Emperour, King, and Christian Monarch: so that there is no question or imagination, that he will suffer the Reli∣gion now professed, to come vnder the Egiptian ser∣uitude

of the Pope: But rather will be like a goodly Caedar tree, of full growth, irremoueable, not to be otherwise, or other where set or planted: vnder whom his Subiects shall sit safe and protected. Our hope∣full Prince, a branch thereof, will be of the like kinde, affording the same fruit, who doubtlesse will now be the more precious in that kinde, in respect of his late trauell and triall, longed for the sweet comfort, and preaching of the Gospell (according to the saying of the Psalmist) euen as the thirsty Hart did for the wa∣try Brook: Though he hath bin amongst the Sirens, his eares would admit no audience: a sound was al∣wayes in them, as if hee heard his religeous Father King Iames speaking vnto him, as sometimes holy Dauid spake vnto his sonne Salomon: And thou Charles my sonne, know thou the God of thy Father, & serue him with a perfect heart, and with a willing mind; for the Lord searcheth all the hearts, and vnderstandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts; if thou seeke him, he will be found of thee; if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for euer: all which serued onely but as addition. Our Prince his integrity is such, so firmely settled in the true Religion now professed, that there was no possibility of his alteration. For which, we are infinitely bound vnto God, and an in∣comprehensible happinesse it is to the Kingdome, that his disposition, all his courses and carriages af∣fording all Royall and Princely vertues (as indeede meerely composed thereof) his patience farre excee∣ding his passion, which bringeth peace to himselfe, and victory ouer others; free from all imperfections

that Princes many times are subiect vnto, the more hauing no strict nor disciplinated education, but ra∣ther soothed and flattered in all they say or doe.

What an exceeding great comfort and ioy may we take to see his willing heart, and ready hand to re∣ceiue the Petitions and complaints of the poore di∣stressed Subiects, and his gracious disposition to see them relieued? which doubtlesse will occasion the whole progression of his life, to bee much the more happy and prosperous, gaine him blessed fame, and euerlasting memory, and a Crowne of glory in a bet∣ter Kingdome.

Positiuely our King and Prince, the one for pater∣nall affection, the other for filial obedience, for after ages may be worthy patternes.

That by the Spanish Lady her comming ouer, the Protestant Religion should be any wayes endange∣red, or subiect to alteration, there is not so much likelihood, as probability she may come to be a Pro∣testant, for these reasons following: the effects of true loue are great, and the rather, she being a young ten∣der Princesse, and farre from her owne Country and friends, amongst whom she hath bin bred, and now come to haue others new, and liuing in their compa∣nies, she may of her owne accord by degrees haue her affections incorporated amongst them; borne and bred amidst the pleasures and delights of the Court, accustomed to Royall Courtship, may much farther it. Townes before they yeeld, doe vsually parle; That the Lady neither can nor will auoyde, and then ha∣uing so pleasing an obiect to the eye, and so Royall

an affailant in such a person as our hopefull Prince is. These things may goe neere the point to doe it: Then her Ladies and Maydes of Honour, which of like at the first, will be the Cabinets of her Councell, and other her followers, though Sermons they will not heare, yet when in daily discourses they shall haue such siege and battery laide to their Romish Religi∣on, by an Army of reuerend Bishops, Doctors, and many famous learned Preachers in that kinde, the whole forces of our Kingdomes; assuredly it will ra∣ther loose ground then gaine any: the proper nature of Religion, is farre sooner to be perswaded by rea∣son, then forced by constraint. Those are the two things that Religion stands on: the world cannot create a new creature, be it neuer so little: So no law of man, nor compulsion can make a good Christian in heart, without inward grace: wherein the Mini∣ster is to perswade, and leaue the successe to God. More famous, learned, and worthier men, no age euer afforded: who will be a glory to the age: The King, and they, as the Sunne and Moone, and some others of the Clergie, as lesser Starres will make perfection of light, though they contribute some∣what lesse, will make the light of the Gospell in the course and manner as it is now professed, shine so bright, that it shall dimme all Romish superstition and Idolatry, as the blessed Sunne doth a burning Taper: and there shall be no such Curtaine drawne to keepe out the light, but that it shall shine ouer the whole face of the earth, that wee shall see their good workes, and bee taught by them to glorifie

our heauenly Father.

The two famous Vniuersities, the Spheares from whence learning, and so consequently the true know∣ledge of Religion, hath his motion, they will not be ecclipsed. Let vs be confident, that our Iosuah and his Clergie being of his house, will professe (whatso∣euer other Nations doe) hee and they will serue the Lord. If any of the Clergie, when they shall come to the touch, proue not right (as peraduenture some of them may not;) it will be said of them, Yee chil∣dren of Ierusalem, weepe, and lament, that for want of courage you betray your Master.

So in conclusion, wishing the countrie people, from henceforth in their resolutions would be satis∣fied, and not to trouble themselues as now they doe, in their expostulations of our Princes royall match, nor take vpon them to foreknow and preiudicate, that dangers may ensue, either for matters of religi∣on or gouernment, but abandon all doubts, and dispaire of those things, and rather take it to their comforts, hopes, or rather indeed assurances, that all those things formerly related, will rather so come to passe then otherwise; and that there will be no more such rubbes in the passages of State af∣faires as late haue beene, but will runne smoothe, as formerly they haue done, and all dealings and pas∣sages betweene man and man, will come againe into their course and current, and the Iron age we haue lately liued in will haue an end, which may be the beginning of a golden world; so soone as it shall please God, our Princes royall match be once setled.

For his safe returne, and the assurance wee haue of his integritie, with vnanimous hearts, let vs giue God hearty thankes, and pray that his mariage may bring with it glory to him on high, peace and good will to those on earth, and all happinesse and ioy to his Highnesse, to the compleat comfort, content∣ment, and good of the King and kingdome, and to Reigne many yeares, honouring the age wee now liue in, with the merits of their wisedomes and inte∣grities; and finally, that their selicities in this world, may ouertake that in the next, and make them weare perpetuall Crownes of Gods glory and their owne, and that successiuely their Royall Progenies may sit vpon the thrones of their kingdomes, euen to the worlds end.

FJNJS.

Notes

• 1076.
• 1171.
• Henry the third raigned 56. yeares.
• Stowe. Hollinsh. Speede.
• The King of Spaine clai∣med Gascoyne.
• King of Eng∣land went in∣to Gascoyney.
• Ambassadors sent into Spaine to treat of a marriage.
• The King of Spaine relea∣sed his claime to Gasconey.
• The King of Spaine sends for the Prince of England.
• The Prince of England marrieth with the King of Spaines sister.
• The Prince of England had great en∣tertainment in Fraunce.
• The Spanish Lady a most vertuous Princesse.
• Charing Crosse, at Waltham, St. Albones, and Dunstable.
• Speede. Walsing. Camdens Britania.
• 1360.
• 1388.
• 1391.
• 1403.
• A Spanish Ambassadour sent into Eng∣land.
• Guichardine. Biterus.
• Jgnatius.
• Droder. Siculus lib. 6. Strabo lib. 3. Mila lib. 2.
• The Spanish match seauen yeares in treaty.
• Queene Ka∣therine arriued in England.
• The marriage portion.
• Queene Ka∣therines Ioin∣cture.
• Prince Ar∣thur deceased.
• The King of Scotlands mar∣riage with the Kings el∣dest Daugh∣ter, done by Proxie.
• The Mariage portion.
• A question proposed by the Lords of the Counsell.
• The. Kings Reply.
• The Kings Discent.
• Henry the Seauenth contracteth Mary his youngest Daughter to the Emperor.
• Henry the Seauenth dy∣ing, the Ma∣riage tooke not effect.
• Mary King Henryes youn∣gest Daugh∣ter married to the King of France. Afterwards to the Duke of Suffolke.
• Stowe. Holland. Speede.
• ••ote.
• King Henry the 8. marri∣ed the Lady Katherine, his brothers wid∣dow.
• Queene Ka∣therine liued twenty years with the King
• Commissio∣ners chosen by the Queene.
• The Kings protestation and loue to the Queene.
• The Queens speech to the King.
• Queene Ka∣therine depar∣ted the Court.
• The Kings report of the Queene.
• The Kings mariage iudged vn∣lawfull.
• The Kings Diuorce by act of Parlia∣ment.
• Queene Ka∣therine decea∣sed.
• The Queens mariage con∣firmed by Parliament Anno. 2. Ca. 2. Some of the Nobility and Commons much discon∣tented. The Queene sent Letters to giue them some content
• The Londo∣ners became instantly for the mariage.
• King Phillip sent for.
• King Phillip landed in England.
• The Spanish Nobles.
• The matriage of King Philip and Queene Mary. Anno 1554.
• So called by Sir Richard Southwell Knight of the house.
• Anno 2. and 2. Philip & Mary. Enacted that King Philip should bee Protector of his supposed issue.
• Acts and Me∣numents. pag. 1643. 6. King Philip fearefull of the English. Those Lords that were a∣gainst the mariage, com∣maunded to send their weapons to the Tower.
• King Philip a great friend to the Lady Elizabeth.
• Princesse Eli∣zabeth relea∣sed of her im∣prisonment.
• Nota.
• King Philip gayned the loue of the English.
• King Philip his good disposi∣tion and in∣clination to Iustice.
• Hollinsh. Grafton.
• Grimston in his French. History.
• Nota.
• Iarres of Christian Princes gi∣ueth aduan∣tage to the Turke.
• Nota.
• Nota.
• The Nobility would not part with the lands they had belong∣ing to the Clergie. The Queene by Parliament all such like lands she had.
• The Pope be∣sieged, confi∣ned within the walls of Rome. John Slcidon.
• The Pope tooke the su∣rest side, re∣conciled him∣selfe to the Spaniard.
• Iohn Stowes Annalls.
• St. Quintens wonne by the English.
• Queene Mary with griefe died.
• The Papists collections.
• Siukley slaine.
• The breach of the peace between Eng∣land & Spaine.
• Thillip the second.
• Note.
• The battell of Lepanto.
• Stowe.
• Sa. ca. 6.4.8.
• The Xing of Spaine his de∣sire to be in league and amity with England.
• Pro. 8.15.
• Roman Ca∣tholik Prin∣ces that haue beene at dif∣ference with the Pope.
• Note.
• Note.
• 1. Chro. 28.9.