The second part of the marrow of ecclesiastical history: containing the lives of many eminent Christians, which have lived since the primitive times to this present age, divided into two books: wherof the first contains the lives of Christian emperors, kings, and soveraign princes: the second contains the lives of Christians of an inferiour rank. Book. I. / By Samuel Clark, pastor of Bennet Fink, London.

[illustration] portrait of Constantine

CONSTANTIN

The Life of Constantine the Great, who died Anno Christi. 342.

COnstantius the Father of Constantine, was for his palenesse, sirnamed Chlorus, a Ro∣man by birth, whose Father was a Sena∣tor: He was made Caesar by Maximia∣nus, who, together with Dioclesian resign∣ing the Empire, chose Constantius to succeed him, to whom the Government of the West fell by lot:

He was a man of singular clemency towards men, and piety towards God, not stayning his reigne with the * 1.1 blood of the Saints, as his predecessors had done; he little regarded his private profit, but sought the in∣riching of his subjects rather, saying, that it was more behoofefull for the Common-wealth, that the wealth of the Land should be dispersed in the hands of the Com∣mons, then locked up in the Princes coffers: he was so averse from all superfluities, that upon Festival dayes, * 1.2 and when he entertained strangers, he was faigne to borrow plate of his friends to furnish his Cupbords: this comming to Dioclesians eare, he sent Ambassa∣dours to him, reproaching him with poverty, because his treasury was empty: But Constantius intreating them to stay awhile, summoned a Parliament of his wealthiest Subjects, to whom he declared his need of money, telling them that now was the time for them to expresse their love to their Lord and King; where∣upon without delay, they strove to fill his Exchequer with gold and silver, which being done, Constantius shewed it to the Ambassadors, bidding them tell their Master, that this treasure which he had now collected, was before in the hands of his Subjects, who as so ma∣ny treasurers kept it for his use: The Ambassadours wondred at it; but after their departure, the good Em∣perour restored it againe to the former owners, with many expressions of his royall favour towards them. Also to try his Courtiers, he cōmanded all to sacrifice to Idolls, pretending to discard all that refused so to do; but contrarywise those that obeyed, he put from the Court, saying, that they which are disloyall to God, * 1.3 will never be true and trusty to their Prince. His first

wife was Hellena, by birth a Brittaine, the daughter of Caelus, a Brittish Prince; on whom he begat Con∣stantine the Great in Britaine: Constantine in his youth was brought up, first with Dioclesian, whom he accompanied in his travells through Palestine: and af∣terwards was left an Hostage with Gallerius at Rome: He was of a comly stature, excelled others in strength, very affable, and of a Royall disposition, his in ward vertues being equall to his outward shape: for which he was envied by some, and feared and hated by the Tyrants, who thereupon sought opportunity to worke his overthrow, which Constantine observing (after God had twice or thrice discovered the conspi∣racies * 1.4 that were plotted against him) he fled from Rome, having laid all the way with Post-horses for the purpose, which he left houghed, for feare of pur∣suit, and so he came with all speed to Yorke, where his Father lay sicke, being lately returned from an expedition which he had made against the Caledo∣nians, and Picts: Constantius much rejoyced when hee saw him, and sitting upright in his bed in the presence of his Councellors, he said, It now sufficeth, and death is not unwelcom, seeing I * 1.5 leaue my unaccomplished actions to be performed by thee my son, &c. Governe the Empire with upright Iustice: protect the innocent from the Tyranny of oppressors, and wipe away all teares from the Christians eies, for there∣in aboue all other things, I have accounted my selfe most happy: To thee therefore I leaue my Diadem, and their defence, taking my faults with me to my graue, there to be buried in everlasting oblivion: but leaving my vertues (if ever I had any) to revine, and live in thee,

and so taking his last farewell of his son, and friends, he ended his daies Anno Christi Three hundred and six, & of his age fiftie six: having been Caesar sixteen yeares, and Augustus two yeares: Immediately Con∣stantine, by acclamation of the people, assistance of the souldiers, and advice of Erocus King of the Al∣maines (who by the way had accompanied him hi∣ther in his flight from Rome) was proclaimed Empe∣rour, and successor to that part of the world which his Father held: which election was joyfully rati∣fyed by the Senate at Rome, and gladly accepted by all other provinces, who accounted this Iland of all other most happy, which first saw him Caesar: His first worke was to prosecute the warre begun by his father against the Caledonians, and Picts, whom he subdued, together with the Inhabitants of the we∣sterne Ilands: But the unruly Pretorian Souldiers at Rome, hearing of the death of Constantius, proclai∣med Maxentius, the son of Maximianus Herculius, Emperour, who by his Necromancies, Adulteries, persecutions, and murthers, grew so odious, and in∣tollerable to all, that the Senate sent to Constantine, * 1.6 craving his aide to redresse these things: But in the meane time Maxentius was growne to that height of impiety, and impurity, that he violently tooke away mens wiues from them, and having violated their chastity, sent them back to their husbands againe: a∣mongst the rest, a Christian matrone, wife to a Sena∣tour, understanding that the Tyrants messengers were * 1.7 at the doore to fetch her to him, she desired some time to dresse her selfe, and so going into her chamber, she ran a sword into her side, and fell downe dead,

leaving her body to the buriall, rather then to satisfie the Tyrants lust: He also massacred, and put his Sub∣jects to death upon every light occasion: many of the Senators he slew for their wealth: He gave himselfe over to Magicall arts, ripping open the wombs of wo∣men great with child, searching the bowells of tender Infants, & other creatures; he by conjurations raised Devills, to consult with them about the issue of his wars. Maximianus his father pretending a dislike of these outragious courses of his son, repaired to his son in Law Constantine, who had maried his daughter Fausta, to complaine to him of them: but whilst he was with him, he secretly tampered with his daugh∣ter to make away her husband; but the good Lady, knowing that her bond to her husband was greater * 1.8 then that to her father, she revealed it to Constantine, who thereupon caused him to be put to death: and then commiserating the Lamentable condition of the Romans, he raised an Army, and marched towards Rome against that Tyrant Maxentius, and drawing Licinius governour of Sclavonia (who was made Cae∣sar) to his side, by giving him his sister Constantia to wife, he hasted towards Rome with an Army of 90000 foot, and eight thousand horse, levied out of Brit∣taine, France, and Germany: but knowing well that successe in warr dependeth more on Divine assistance then humane strength: he considered unto what God he should addresse his prayers for successe, (for as yet he was not fully setled in the Christian faith) & consi∣dering that his predecessors, who had worshipped ma∣ny Gods, & put their trust in them, had so often mis∣carried, and that on the contrary, his Father, that had

only worshipped one, and the true God, had a hap∣py raigne, and was still preserved from many dangers, he therefore resolved to worship, and adore that God only, which his father had served: wherefore he earnestly prayed unto God, to reveale himselfe to him, and to prosper him in his journey, * 1.9 and whilst he was thus praying, lifting up his eyes to heaven about noone day, he beheld the signe of a Crosse lively figured in the aire, with this inscription, In hoc vince, By this overcome; himselfe and all his Army wondring at so strange a prodigie, and being much troubled in his minde to know the meaning of it, the night following Christ appeared to him in his sleep, commanding him to make the like Figure, and Banner against his enemies: whereupon the next day, imparting the vision to his friends, he sent for the best goldsmiths, and Lapidaries, to make the like Crosse with gold and pretious stones, and withall re¦solving to worship that God only, who had thus ap∣peared to him, he sent for godly ministers to instruct him therein, who shewed him that Christ was the on∣ly begotten son of God, of his coming into the world, his holy life, death, &c. Afterwards with great cour∣rage he went forwards bearing before him, and his victorious Army, instead of the Imperiall Eagle, the forme of this vision imbroydered upon his stan∣dard: Maxentius, as much depending upon his force∣rers, was no lesse confident of victory, for the furthe∣rance whereof he framed a deceitfull bridg over Ty∣ber, to intrap Constantine: and also sent out diverse Armyes to oppose him, before he should come neere the City; But Constantine trusting only in God, over∣threw

at the first incounter, his first, second, and third * 1.10 Armies, and so marching thorow all Italy, he brought his victorious ensignes neere the walls of Rome. Heer∣upon Maxentius led forth his Army above a mile from Rome, and joyned battaile with Constantine, but be∣ing overcharged by the vantgard of Constantine, * 1.11 he with the rest of his army fled, and either through hast, or forgetfullnesse, tooke over the deceitfull bridg, which he had made to entrap Constantine, but no sooner were they entred upon it, but it fell in sun∣der, wherby they were all drowned; Constantine & his Army remaining victorious, sang praises unto God for the same. The Senators, nobles, and all the people * 1.12 of Rome, being freed from servitude, received him with rejoycing hearts, and loud acclamations; men, women, children and servants called him their pa∣trone, and preserver. But his humble minde was not * 1.13 puffed up with their praises, and applause, but ascri∣bing all to God, he gaue thankes to him as the giver of victory: He erected for a Trophy his owne Image, holding a Banner with a crosse quartered in it. All the Westerne Nations also having obtained liberty here∣by, kept festivalls in honor of Constantine. He publish∣ed his royall edicts, whereby he restored to his subiects * 1.14 all those lands which had beene iniuriously taken from them; calling some from banishment, and free∣ing others from Captivity, whom the Tyrants had imprisoned: he gat godly ministers about him, and * 1.15 although they went in poore and meane habits, not considering their outside, but honoring the Image of God in them, he set them at his owne table, tooke them with him whither soever he went, that he might

enjoy the benefit of their prayers. He repaired some * 1.16 Churches, Built others, and releeved many poore men with bountifull donations and gifts: To those that begged in the streets, and at his gate, he gave monie, meate, and clothing: and to such as by wrongs, and oppressions were falne into want, he gave pensions: He was a father to the fatherlesse, an hus∣band to the widdowes: he married young maides, that were Orphans, to honest wealthy men, and gave them portions, & was very gratious to all petitioners & di∣dressed Sutors: And perceiving that there was much stiscord, * 1.17 & various opinions in matters of religion, he called a Synod of the Clergie, where he was present himself: dismissing his guard, as superfluous, whilst he was environed with godly & learned men: he declared to them the controverted points, whereof they were to consult, being very desirous to settle the Church in peace and unity; those which were of a quiet and peaceable temper, he made much of, and much disliked those which were otherwise: And God to re∣quite his care of his house, made all the barbarous * 1.18 nations to prostrate themselves at his feet: He made him a conqueror, and terrible to his enemies, who of his owne nature was of a most gentle and gratious disposition: Yet some of the kindred of Maximianus conspired treason against him, but thorow the mercy of God (who in a wonderfull manner revealed all their conspiracies to Constantine by visions & revelati∣ons) they were prevented. God also gave him much peace & safety, whereby he delighted himselfe in the love of his subjects, but chiefely to see the Church of God in a flourishing Condition, and so continuing

to the tenth yeare of his raigne, he celebrated publick and solemne Festivalls, wherein he offered up prayers and praises unto God. But as his fame increased in the minds of most, so was it much maligned by Lici∣nius his fellow Emperour, who sought an occasion against Constantine, by raising a cruell persecution in the East against Christians, whom he never favoured * 1.19 in his heart, though for a time he had suffered them in the exercise of their religion: and besides he plotted many treasons against Constantine, to whom God re∣vealed them, whereby they were prevented: then by fained and crafty accusations he raised a persecution against the godly ministers, prohibiting them from meeting together in Synods to consult about matters concerning their owne, and the Churches good, and thereby seeking to breake off and interrupt the har∣monious agreement of the Church, which could not * 1.20 belong preserved without such meetings, wherin great and weighty matters of controversie were fairely de∣bated and determined. Then he banished all god∣ly men out of his Court, others hee degraded from their dignity, and employed them in Servile offices: he sought to inrich himselfe by the spoiles of others: he threatened with death those that pro∣fessed the name of Christ; he committed many adul∣teries, and held that noe man could live chastly, mea∣suring others dispositions, by his owne vicious incli∣nation.

Then he made a Law, that men and women should * 1.21 not be present together at divine service: that Bi∣shops should not expound the scripture to women, but that women should chuse women to be their in∣structers

and preachers: then he commanded the congregatiōs to meet together without the City gates in the open fields: such souldiers as would not sacri∣fice to Devills he put out of their places and offices: He forbad any to relieve those that lay in prison and were almost famished, yea he made a Law that such as did relieve them, should be imprisoned themselues. His avarice was insatiable, taxing the lands of his * 1.22 subjects, thereby filling his treasury with silver and gold, and yet complayning of his poverty. He un∣justly banished many and confiscated their goods: he made his servants to abuse the wives of Noble men, and then to accuse them. Himselfe defloured virgins, and fell to open persecution of the Church, especially of the ministers, the chiefest of whom he caused secretly to be murthered. Some Churches he wholly demolished, and caused others to be shut up, that the congregations might not meet in them: he invented new kinds of tortures for the Christians; * 1.23 some he caused to be cut into small peeces, & so to be throwen into the Sea to feed fishes. But the afflictions of the Church coming to the eares of Constantine, who saw that he could not otherwise prevent them, this Champion of God presently raised military forces, so that many Troops of horse & foot resorted to him to follow his Christian Standard against the Tyrant, and by way of preparation, he betooke himselfe to prayer, and chose some godly ministers to attend him; esteeming them as his souls guard. On the contrary, * 1.24 the Tyrant hearing that Constantine had undertook (by Gods assistance) to free the Christians from his Tyranny, & had got religious men about him, he de∣rided

him, and sent for the Egyptian conjurers and magicians, and their Priests to sacrifice to his false Gods, and to enquire the successe of his warr, who all with one consent promised, that he should prosper and be victorious; and thus trusting to their promises, he marched forward, and prepared to joyne battel: the two Armies met in Hungary, and a little before the Battell, Licinius calling his friends and favo∣rites into a grove where were many Idolls, ha∣ving lighted up waxen Tapers, and made his usu∣all sacrifices to them, he said, My friends, these are our country Gods, which wee from our successors doe religi∣ously worship, our enemie, violating the ancient customs and blinded with errour, worships a strange God, which wickedly he conceiveth to be the true God: un∣der whose Colours he intend's to fight, and beareth his Standard before his Army. In confidence of whose assist∣ance he warreth against us and our Gods, whom he hath traiterously forsaken, and relinquished the worship of them. Now it will appeare whether of us is in an error: for if wee have the victory, wee shall know that our Gods preserve and assist us: if Constantines strange God shall give him the victory over us, who are many more then they, we shall thereby know which God ought to be reverenced, &c. And having ended his Oration, he commanded his Souldiers strait to give batttaile to the enemy. About this very time, in some of those Cities which were subject to Licinius, the Citizens * 1.25 thought that they saw Troops and bands of men, of Constantines Army marching at noon-day thorow the City, as if they had gotten the victory. Constan∣tine having made his prayers to God, joyned Battel, * 1.26

with Licinius, and gave him a great overthrow: ma∣ny of his enemies cast away their weapons, and fall∣ing downe at his feet, craved mercy, which he will∣ingly granted them: Licinius forsaken of his forces, and finding by experience, that the confidence which he reposed in his false Gods was fruitlesse, fled away, and Constantine forbad his Souldiers to pursue him, hoping that the sence of his present calamity would make him leave off his wicked courses, and convert him to a milder temper: but he escaping into Asia the lesse, consults againe with conjurers, is confident of successe promised by them, raiseth an other Army, which Constantine being informed of, devoted himself for a time to prayer, and having erected a Tabernacle * 1.27 distant from his Tents, he gave himselfe to godly meditation & prayer, some other faithfull & religious men accompanying him in these religious exercises: and so marching against his enemies, they came to a second battell, where he slue many, got the victory, and carried away many Trophies: yet he comman∣ded his souldiers to shew mercy to the Captives, and to expresse humanity towards them, yea him∣selfe payed their ransom, whereby they were delive∣red. * 1.28 Licinius being taken prisoner, by the mediation of his wife Constantia, had his life spared, and was confined to the City of Nicomedia: but he after a while practising new treasons, was at last by command of Constantine put to death: whereupon the peace of Gods Saints manifestly appeared, and the Gospell of Christ had a free progresse: for no sooner was * 1.29 the blasting tempest of persecution blowne over, but the faithfull Christians, who before had hidden them∣selves

in woods, & deserts, & secret caves, came forth, reedified the Churches, celebrated Festivall dayes to God with pure hearts, and faith unfained: and now the whole Roman Empire enjoying peace, reli∣gion spred abroad her bright beames to illuminate those which sate in darkenesse, and the shadow of death: former miseries were forgotten, and God was praysed as the author of this happinesse: Then were Constantines proclamations sent abroad to call home those that were banished out of their Countries: those which had beene condemned to slavery were freed; their goods which had been confiscated were restored: such as for their constancy in religion had * 1.30 been discarded out of their military offices, were put into their places againe, and such as were condemned to the servility of feminine imploy∣ments, he enfranchised from such base subjection: He made Lawes to redresse the grievances of his Sub∣jects: enacted that the goods of those which had suf∣fered Martyrdome should be restored to their kin∣dred, or if they had none, to the Church: By his edicts sent abroad into all Nations in Greeke and La∣tine, he acknowledged that God was the owner, and * 1.31 donour of all things, and that by his owne strength he had not obtained the victory, but by Gods assistance to whom hee ascribed the glory: He also enacted that the Church lands and goods that had beene injuriously taken away, though * 1.32 now belonging to his owne Crowne, should bee restored: that such as had purchased Church lands, or goods, though they had grievously of∣fended, yet out of his accustomed clemency he free∣ly

forgave them, provided that they made present * 1.33 restitution of the same: Then he proceeded to con∣fer great dignities on the Christians, making them governours of provinces, & prohibited the Heathens to sacrifice to Idols, or to erect their Images: he com∣manded that Churches should be built, and enlarged, and that the charge thereof should be defrayed out of his owne Treasury: Having made himselfe fa∣mous by his pious actions, a report was brought to him of a great faction which was growing up in the Church, which beginning in the Church of Alexan∣dria, spred it selfe through Egypt, Libya, and Thebes, * 1.34 and many other Provinces, and Cities, the Bishops writing, and inveighing one against another: this fire was first kindled by Arrius, which grieved Con∣stantine as much as if himselfe had falne into some great calamity, whereupon presently he chose one about him, who had been a zealous and faithfull con∣fessor * 1.35 of the truth in times of persecution, whom he sent to Alexandria to draw them to peace and con∣cord, writing his Letters to the Authors of sedition to this purpose, that, Whereas all his designes and en∣deavours had tended to bring all nations to agree in one opinion in matters of Religion, the rather that the Heathen by such an example might the sooner be converted: and whereas some rash, and seditious spirits, had by their errors made a schisme in the Church of Affrick, he had sent sober and religious Ministers to reconcile their factious spirits, and settle peace in the Church: but hearing that new factious seditions were sprung up amongst them, he was much grieved at it, and now wrote to them, profering him∣selfe

to arbitrate, and moderate their mutuall dissen∣tions, not doubting, through the helpe of God, and assistance of godly and learned men, to reconcile their differences, and settle peace amongst them againe: And saith he, Whereas I was at Nicomedia purposing a journey into the East, the receipt of your letters di∣verted my intentions, being unwilling to behold that, which I was grieved to heare of, viz. your contentions, therfore by your concord, & agreement open me a passage into the East, where your dissentions have shut me out, and let me see a joyfull agreement amongst you, that all of us being reconciled together may praise and glorifie God. The messenger did not only deliver the letter, but dealt very earnestly with them for the setling of peace, yet he could not bring it to passe, the faction being growne so strong, that it was spred all over the Easterne Provinces, the Devill envying the happinesse of the Church, caused this discord & contention still to continue: The first originall of it was this, Arrius a * 1.36 Presbyter in the City of Alexandria, a man which outwardly made a great shew of holinesse, denied the eternity of the Sonne of God with the father, alledg∣ing that he was not of the same substance with him: at the same time Alexander a man of great holinesse and learning, was Bishop in that City, who being of a gentle and mild condition, endeavoured to have cured Arrius of that heresie, praying and ad∣monishing him to leave his errors: but he being of a proud and insolent nature, persisted therein, and drew many followers after him, hereupon Alexan∣der proceeded to excommunicate him, which pre∣vailing nothing, Alexander acquainted the Emperour

with it, saying that the mischiefe was growne so great that it required a great and speedy remedy: Constantine understanding that these divisions in∣creased in Egypt, and amongst the Thebans, in so much as the people grew tumultuous, killing and murthering one another, and commiting many other outrages: and an other division sprang up also at the same time concerning the Celebration of Easter. Hereupon he called a generall Councell in the City of Nicea in the province of Bithinia in Asia, and ha∣ving * 1.37 sent abroad his Writs into everie province, the Bishops and ministers repaired cheerefully to that place, some hoping that a universall peace would be established, others desiring to see this godly Empe∣rour. Here were congregated out of Asia, Africa, and Europe three hundred and eighteene Bishops, besides Presbyters, and Deacons, whereof some were famous for their doctrine: some for their gravity and con∣stancy: some for their experience, and age: some for their acutenesse and ingenuity: and all had their Diet allowed them by the Emperour: who himselfe in person was present amongst them: Upon the day appointed to begin the Councell, they all assembled in the hall of the Emperours pallace, were seats be∣ing set on both sides, they tooke their places according to their degrees and dignity: then came the Empe∣rour with an humble countenance, and modest as∣pect, whereupon they all rose up; at the upper end of the hall he stood a while, and would not sit downe, till he had given a signe to the Bishops to sit downe also: then one of the chiefest of them made a briefe speech to the Emperour, and recited an hymne of

thanksgiving unto God: whereupon the Emperour spake to this purpose. It was my desire (deare friends) to convocate you in a generall Councell, and seeing you now assembled, I give God thanks for it; Let not therfore any private envie deprive us of that good which we ex∣pect by this meeting: and God having made us victo∣rious over the Tyrants, let not the Divells tares of dissention spring up to the disturbance of the peace of the Church: for tbese are of worse consequence then warr; for that kills the body, the other destroyes the soule: I rejoice to see you here together, but shall much more rejoyce to see unitie in affection, and concord amongst you, which being men devoted to Gods service, you ought to desire, and to encourage others by your ex∣amples to embrace peace, and concord: I intreat you therefore, beloued ministers of God and servants of Christ, take away the causes of dissention, cut off this Hydra's head of heresie, and establish peace, so shall you please god, and me your fellow servant in the Lord. But amongst so many Bishops, though many were good, and holy men, yet others there were full of envie and contention, whereupon they accused one another to the Emperour: exhibiting their complaints to him in writing: but he calling them before him, burnt their informations, that none should see them, and said unto them; Fathers, and ministers, God hath called you to the ministry, and thereby hath given you power in an orderly way to iudg me, but you cannot be judged by me, wherefore I referr your controversies to the iudg∣ment of God and the Councell; Wherefore setting apart all malice & discord, for Gods sake applie your selves to peace, & to the forgetting of all these private injuries. In

the Councell also he perswaded some, pacified others, praised others, and endeavoured to bring them all to concord, and agreement, and so at length by Gods blessing he brought most of them to unity in opinion in all points of controversie, that they did not only agree in matters of faith, but also of one certaine time for the celebration of Easter: to which decrees they all set their hands, and they were ingrossed as the determinate Acts of the Councell: Arrius and his wicked sect were condemned by all the Bishops, ex∣cept seventeene, which held with him, whereof elea∣ven afterwards recanted, and Arrius with the other six were excommunicate, and banished by the Empe∣rour: * 1.38 and so was the holy and Christian Councell dissolved: After which the good Emperour affirm∣ing that he had obtained a second victory against the enemie of the Church, having now raigned twentie yeares, made a great feast to the honor, and glory of God, and invited the Bishops thereunto, and some * 1.39 of them he placed at his owne table, the rest at tables on either hand him: the feast being ended, he gave gifts, and presents to all the Bishops, and by his let∣ters divulged, and confirmed the Councells Acts, and and by his decrees enjoined submission to the same: when he dismissed the Bishops, he made a speech to them, admonishing them to preserve peace, to avoid contention, not to envie one another for gifts, or wisdome, but to esteeme their abilities as a common good. His next care was to demolish, and pull downe Idolatrous Temples and Images: as the Groue and Temple of Venus in Phaenicia, which was a schoole of wickednesse, to those which were addicted to lust, * 1.40

where men and women frequently committed a∣dulteries, fornications, &c. Constantine thinking it unfit that the Sun should behold such villany, sent a Band of souldiers to suppresse it: as also the Tem∣ple of Aesculapius, and the Image of Venus at Heliopo∣lis, and many such like in other places. But the Divell envying the prosperity of the Church, raised a new Sedition in Antioch, were the whole City was divided into two factions about the choice of a Bi∣shop, and were so madd against each other, that had not Constantine interposed, they had destroied one * 1.41 another: to them therefore he sent Ambassadours to pacifie their Fury, advising them by letters to pre∣serve peace, and approve themselves dutiful subjects, perswading them to referr their cause to him, and that they should not seek the Bishop of an other Church, but should choose him for their Bishop, whom God of his providence had appointed them: the Bishop, whom they desired, was Eusebius, Bishop, of Caesarea, but the Emperour wrote one letter to them to disswade them from that choice, and an other to Eusebius to commend him for refusing of it: to end this controversie a Synod was called, and Constan∣tine wrote to them to doe all things according to the * 1.42 prescript of Gods word, commending some to them, whom he judged fit for the place. He endeavou∣red to extirpate and root out all Heresies, writing to the Valentinians, Marcionists, Cataphrigians, &c that their doctrine was false, and seditious, that they were enemies to truth, and eternall life: and there∣fore * 1.43 that he would not suffer that Contagion to spread further, seeing the whole and sound were

daily infected with their pestilent errours, but would severely punish the offenders and delinquents: then he enacted that none of them should meet toge∣ther in Conventicles: that the Churches, where they used to meet, should be demolished and confiscated to the Catholick Church, and other places of their meeting converted to the use of the commonwealth, commanding that from that day, they should have noe places of meeting, neither publick nor private: hereby many being brought to a sight of their er∣rours, publickly manifested their repentance, and so were againe received into the Church. He was emi∣nent for Iustice, neither denying, nor delaying any * 1.44 iust and reasonable petitioners. He remitted to the owners of Land the fourth part of such rents as were formerly paid him: he mitigated the heavy * 1.45 tributes, and being unwilling that such as were cast in suits of Law, should be utterly undone, he freely bestowed on them both lands and money. He thought it unfit, that any one admitted into the presence of his Imperiall majesty should goe heavily out of his presence. And as his care was to advance Gods glory, God also highly advanced him, by making him victo∣rious * 1.46 over the Scythians, & Sauromatians: Ambassadors came to him from all nations, presenting him with pretious gifts, and offering him from their Kings, if he pleased, to serve him in all his warrs: he returned gifts to the Ambassadours, and dignifyed the deser∣ving with Roman honours, so that some of them em∣braced Romane civility, and never returned into their owne countreys againe: the King of Persia sen∣ding Ambassadours with rich presents to him, desi∣ring

to renew their League: he returned them with farr richer gifts; and understanding, that many Christi∣ans suffered persecution under him, he wrote effectu∣ally to him in their behalfe, desiring him to re∣ceive them into his protection; for (saith he) by dealing graciously with them, you shall doe me and your selfe a great benefit. He knowing how effectuall the prayer of faith was, did not only frequently pro∣strate himselfe before God in private, but commanded * 1.47 and desired the publick prayers of the Church also in his behalfe. He made his Court a church where pray∣ers were made, and the Scriptures were read, and ex¦pounded daily. He made Lawes for the strict observa∣tion of the Lord day, commanding, that through * 1.48 all the Romane Empire all worke and Labour should be forborne. He prescribed a forme of prayer to the Legions of souldiers to be used both on the Sab∣baths, and other daies: He prohibited the adoration of Images; as also the single combats of Sword play∣ers, who slew one another to make the people pa∣stime: and whereas the Egyptians worshipped the ri∣ver * 1.49 Nilus with many superstitious Ceremonies, think∣ing that otherwise the river would not overflow, he forbad it upon paine death, and that wicked custome being put downe, the river overflowed the country, and made it more fruitfull then formerly: And whereas certaine uniust Laws were made against those that were childlesse, he abolished them, and enacted that their inheritances should descend to those that were next of Kin to them. He ordained that the determination of Synods should be a binding * 1.50 rule for deciding of Ecclesiasticall controversies.

He endowed, and much enriched the churches of of God: Meeting with a covetous man, he said, O good man, when will thy thirst of covetousnesse be sa∣tisfied, and having drawne forth with his speare the measure of a mans stature upon the ground, he said If thou hadst at home all the wealth, and treasure of * 1.51 the world, yet must thou leave it, and possesse noe more then this figure on the earth, if thou obtainest that. But whilst he tooke pleasure in meeknesse, and mercy, sparing offendors, he made his governement to be derided, and contemned by some wicked persons. He sent to Eusebius to get him fiftie Bibles fairly written out on parchment for the City of Constan∣tinople, appointing the Governour of the province * 1.52 to provide him with all things necessary for the charge thereof: Gaza, formerly a Mart towne in Pa∣lestine, receiving the faith, he much rejoyced at it, and made it a City, which he named Constantia: in many other Cityes he caused Idols to be taken away, * 1.53 and Churches to be erected. But whilst he was thus busie for the Churches good, the Devill stirred up new factions, and divisions in Egypt, whereupon he assembled a Synod, commanding them speedily to * 1.54 to determine, and end those controversies: he sent his Delegate to it with authority, that if any con∣temned his command in not coming to it, he should banish him. On a time a flattering Presbyter telling * 1.55 him, that he was a blessed man, and worthy to be Em∣perour over the whole world, and to raigne with the Sonne of God in eternall glory: he manifested his dis∣like, commanded him that he should not dare here∣after to use any such speeches: but rather pray ear∣nestly * 1.56

for him that he might live and die Gods faith∣full servant: About this time came Ambassadours * 1.57 to him from the East Indies, bringing him all kind of pretious stones, and pearles, and strange living creatures, declaring that their Princes did acknow∣ledg him to be the King and Emperour of the world: He had three sons, Constantine, Constantius, and Con∣stance: these he made Caesars whilst he lived, and instructed them in those Arts which doe adorne Im∣periall Majesty: he appointed them a Councell for * 1.58 the dispatch of publick affaires: he advised them to preferr the knowledg and worship of God before wealth, and Kingdoms: he placed religious Officers about them, and amongst these three sonns he divi∣ded his Empire when he dyed: Hearing that the Easterne Barbarians rose against him in his old age; he raised an Army, and tooke some Bishops along with him to pray for successe, and so marched against them, but they hearing of it, sent Ambassadors to craue pardon, and promise obedience, and he being alwaies desirous of peace, entertained them courteously, and granted their requests. Falling into some distemper, he resolved to goe to the warme Baths, but fell sick at Hellenopolis, and finding his end to approach, he humbly confessed his sinns to God: and (as Eusebius saith) was there Baptized, but most probably he was long before Baptized at Rome, and so quietly resi∣gned up his spirit unto God, in the three and thirtieth yeare of his raigne, of his age sixtie six: Anno Christi 342: Till his last sicknesse his body continued strong and lusty, not troubled with any disease, paine, or infir∣mity: * 1.59 He was of a comely presence and aspect, and

was stout, and hardy to endure exercise, riding, tra∣vell, and warrs.

He made, and penned holy prayers to his dying day: He removed the Imperiall seat from Rome to Byzantium in Thracia, which he adorned with stately * 1.60 edifices, and priviledges above other Cities: he in∣riched, & adorned it with the spoiles of Rome, as Sta∣tues, pillars, Colosses, and all other things that were singular, and excellent, either of stone or mettall; the like he did from other Cities also: he built in it a stately Pallace, a most magnificent Church where∣in he erected his owne Tomb: A famous Library, wherein he put an hundred and twentie thousand of the chiefest written books, and in the middest thereof were the guts of a Dragon of one hundred and twentie foot long, whereupon was admirably written in letters of gold Homers Iliads: His death was much bewailed amongst all sorts of persons: his Guard, amd officers tore their garments, cast them∣selves on the ground, beat their heads against the pavement, crying out that they had lost a gracious L. &c. the Centurions, and Captaines bewailed the losse of their Generall: the Souldiers of their shepherd: the people ran about the City with weeping and la∣mentation: when the Senate, and Citizens of Rome heard of it, they shut up their Baths, prohibited all publick plaies, and recreations, lamenting and mour∣ning excessiuely.

He vsed to shew much reverence, and atten∣tion to the word of God preached, so that many * 1.61 times he would stand up all the Sermon while, and when some of his Courtiers told him, that it would

tend to his disparagement, he answered, that it was in the service of the great God, who is noe respecter of persons: He used to kiss the hollow of old Paphnu∣tius his eie which he had lost for the cause of Christ in the former persecutions: the daies of this Godly Emperours reigne, were the breathing daies of the persecuted Church: and in his time the Gospell was propagated into East India by Frumentius, and Ede∣sius. As also into Iberia in the uttermost part of the * 1.62 Euxine Sea, by the meanes of a Captiue Christian woman, by whose prayers a child that was mortally sick, recovered health: and the Lady of Iberia her selfe was delivered from a mortall disease: where∣upon the King her husband sent Ambassadours to Constantine, intreating him to send him some prea∣chers into Iberia, to instruct them in the true faith of Christ: which Constantino performed with a glad heart.

He vsed to say, that an Emperour should refuse noe labour for the benefit of the common wealth: as also, That * 1.63 an Empire is given by the determinate purpose of God, that he to whom it is given should so imploy his dili∣gence that he may be thought worthy of the same by him that gave it. He made and published a decree, that all Ministers, and such whose vocation was to serve in the Church, should be free, and exempted from all publick duties, taxes, and burthens what∣soever, that being so priviledged, they might with more cheerfullnesse attend upon Divine ad∣ministrations: * 1.64 yea so carefull was he to nourish and cherish learning and learned men, that he enacted a Law which ran in this forme: Medicos, grammaticos,

et alios professores literarum, et doctores legum cum vx∣oribus, & liberis: We will and decree that Physitians, Grammarians, & other professors of the liberall Arts, and doctors of the Law, with their wives and chil∣dren, shall be free together with their lands, and pos∣sessions, from all civill charges, and offices, &c. as also that their stipends, and salaries shall be well, and truly paid them, whereby they may the more freely attend upon their offices, &c.

So studious he was of peace, that when any Bishops or Ministers brought complaints one against another, he would take their bills of complaint, and burne them before their faces, and withall so tender he was of their honour, that he used to say, that if he saw a Bishop committing wickedness, he would rather cast the skirt of his gowne over him to cover it, then by speaking of it to dishonour his holy calling.

Collected out of Eusebius, the Booke of Martyrs, Speeds Chronicle, and Sympsons Eccles. Hist.

[illustration] portrait of Jovianus

JOVIANVS

The Life of Jovianus the Emperour, who dyed Anno Christi. 363.

JƲlian the Apostate having led the Ro∣man Army into Persia in the winter time, in a battell against the Persians, was wounded with an arrow from an un∣knowne hand, with which wound, lo∣sing his senses, he fell upon his Horse necke, and by his Souldiers was carried into his Tent, where (after

meanes used) coming to himselfe againe, and re∣covering strength, he called for his Horse, and Armes, that he might returne againe into the battaile: but afterwards feeling his force to faile, in extreame pride he tooke his blood in his hands, and holding it up to heaven, he used these words against our Saviour Christ, It sufficeth that thou Christ the Galilean hast * 1.65 overcome me, for so he was accustomed to call Christ in scorne. By his death there was so great a con∣fusion in the Campe, that they were in danger to be overthrowne by the Persians, and besides they were in much distresse for want of victualls; the Per∣sians also understanding these things, never ceased to molest them with sudden assaults and Alarums; whereupon the chiefe commanders of the Army as∣sembled together to chuse an Emperour to governe them, and after much contention, and diversity of opinions, they all consented to chuse Jovianus, Em∣perour: He was the sonne of Ʋarronianus, a Noble Hungarian, who leaving the warres to avoid tumults, and troubles, retired himselfe to his possessions in Hungary, there to live in rest and quiet; But Jovia∣nus his sonne, went to the Emperour Constantius's his Court, followed the warres, was valiant, and of a goodly personage, and therefore much esteemed by Julian, who made him the chiefe commander of his ordinary Troops.

Iovianus was of an excellent wit, sound judgment, given to study, well learned, and withall a faith∣full Christian, insomuch, as when Iulian commanded that noe Christian should be a Captaine, neither * 1.66 should have any Charge, or office in the warrs, Iovi∣anus

pleasantly said, that he made greater account of the faith, whereof he made profession, then of any dignity, or honour that he enjoyed, and so he gave up his charge, chusing rather to throw away his mi∣litary Belt, the ensigne of his honour, then to doe sacrifice, or satifie the wicked edict of the Emperour. Yet afterwards Iulian (when the necessitie of the Persian warrs constrained him) reassumed him into the number of his Captaines: This Iovianus being chosen Emperour, considering that Iulian had drawne the men of warr of his Army to commit Idolatry, and to sacrifice to Devills, he in a publick Oration which he made to them said, That although he might, * 1.67 yet he would not, being a Christian, be an Emperour of Infidels, and so he resisted, and absolutely refused the Empire. But all the Army was so well pleased with the election, that they cryed out aloud, saying, wee are all Christians, and for his sake, they that were not so, resolved to become Christians, upon condition that he would accept the Empire, which he then consented to; They all with incredible joy, and gladnesse sware obedience unto him, and gave him the Imperiall ensignes: whereupon he present∣ly ordered, and reinforced the Army: but Sapor King of Persia gathering together the greatest Forces that he could make, did so molest, and inviron them that they were glad to come to an agreement with him, though somewhat to the dishonor of the Ro∣mans, but it was the best end that he could make in those straits whereinto Iulian by his pride had brought the Army. Then he marched into Soria; the Christians everie where wonderfully rejoicing

at his election, and his first worke was by proclama∣tion * 1.68 to call home all those Bishops which were ex∣iled for opposing the Arrian Heresie, or on any other unlawfull occasion, whom he restored to their for∣mer places, and principally the great Athanasius. He also revoked, and made voide all the prohibiti∣ons, and decrees made by Iulian against the Christi∣ans, and ordained that they should be admitted to offices, dignities, magistracy, and studie as in the daies of Constantine the great: He caused to be paid to the Churches those rents of corne, and other things that Constantine had given them, and which, by the command of Iulian had beene sequestred. Then he caused the Idol-groves, and Temples to be shut up, and the Pagans wandred about hiding * 1.69 themselves here and there: the bloodie and detesta∣ble sacrifices used in Julians time, he wholly tooke a∣way. The Bishops of all sects, and opinions posted unto him, hoping everie one of them to finde him according to their owne minds, but he adhering to the Nicaene creed, made them flat answer what * 1.70 his judgement, and faith was, and whom he would countenance: Then the Macedonians exhibited to him a supplication, requesting that they which held a dissimilitude, and unlikenesse betweene the father, and the Sonne should be banished the Church, and themselves substituted in their roomes; but he sent them away with these words: I tell you truly, I cannot away with contention, but such as embrace vnity and * 1.71 concord, I both honour and embrace them: when the Em∣perour had thus appeased the contentions of sediti∣ous persons, he went from Antioch to Tarsus, where

he buried the corpse of his predecessor: and imme∣diately after he was proclaimed Consul, and so from thence he went to Constantinople: He laid a Godly * 1.72 foundation to his Empire by establishing the Christi∣an faith, giving in all things good signes of a just and vertuous prince, every man conceiving much hope of him: but this and all his Noble resolutions, and other Christian like purposes were interrupted by his immature death, the iniquity of the people not deserving so good a Prince, which happened thus: He coming to a place called Dudastana in the confines of Bithynia, the weather being very cold, they set in his Chamber where he lay, a great pan with kindled char-coales, which coales were wet, and as his attendants were gon to take their rest, his chamber dore being lockt, and he asleepe, the va∣pour of the fire waxing grosse, and thick, and filling the chamber with smoake, which had no place to eva∣porate, stopped the Emperours Breath, so that in the morning he was found dead in his bed; In the eighth moneth of his raigne, and of his age about fortie. An∣no Christi 363. His losse was much bewailed of all good men. He used to wish that he might governe wise men, and that wise men might governe him. He resto∣red the Christian faith in everie part of his Empire: streightly commanding all the Idoll Temples to be shut up, which his predecessor Iulian had opened, and upon great penalties forbad all manner of Gentilitious sacrifices: he called home from banish∣ment that worthy Captaine Ʋalentinian, whom Iu∣lian had banished: He resolved to follow the advice

and counsell of Athanasius in matters of faith, and Church government.

For his personage, he was of a goodly presence, both * 1.73 tall and bigg; his gesture grave: his eies gray, and countenance pleasant: an affectionate Lover, and professour he was of the Christian religion: of In∣different learning himselfe, but a most honorable imbracer thereof in others: very precise and Consi∣derate in choosing of Iudges and Magistrates, and very facile and familiar to his servitours about him.

Collected out of Socrates Scholasticus, Speeds Chro∣nicle, the Imperiall History, and the Booke of Martyrs.

[illustration] portrait of Theodosius I

THEODOSIVS. 1.

The Life of Theodosius Senior, who dyed Anno Christi. 397.

GRatian Governing the Empire with Ʋalentinian the younger, find∣ing that the Romane Empire daily decreased, and that the Barbarians waxed strong, and encreased daily, he found that the Common wealth stood in great need of a valiant, and worthy man to

governe it: and knew that there lived at that time in Spaine, one Theodosius, the sonne of a noble Cap∣taine, whose name was Theodosius also, whom Ʋalens had caused to be slaine, because his name began with Th. and the Devill had revealed to him, that after him should reigne one whose name began with those letters: this Theodosius perceiving that he also was in great danger upon the same reason, he retired himselfe into his owne Countrey, being as well for the Nobility of his ancestors, as for his owne valour and exploits in Armes, the most renowned, and of greatest account of any man in his time. Hereupon Gratian sent for him, made him Captaine generall of all the Empire; and shortly after, his fellow Empe∣rour: Theodosius having received the Emperours let∣ters, and accepting of the charge, with the greatest speed that could be, he went into those countreys where the Goths were, who knowing of his coming, gathered themselves together to fight with him: Theodosius being very desirous thereof, levied a suffici∣ent Army, and having tryed his souldiers in some skirmishes, he gave them battaile, which was one of the cruellest and most bloody that ever was. But ho∣ly Theodosius carried himselfe so discreetly, and va∣liantly in directing, incouraging, and fighting, that through Gods mercy he obtained the victory, and * 1.74 made an incredible slaughter of the enemies: and ceased not till he had wholly driven them out of * 1.75 the Province: and then marching with his Army in good order to Gratian, he made him Emperour of Constantinople & the East. Presently he went thither∣ward and coming to Thessalonica, he fell sick of a dan∣gerous disease, and much desiring to be baptized,

he sent for the old Bishop of that place: and when he was come, he demanded of the Bishop of what faih he was: the Bishop answered, that the opinion of Arri∣us prevailed not in those parts, & that the new-found invention of his pestilent braine, had not crept in amongst them, but that all Christians in those coasts retained the authentick, and ancient faith delive∣red by the Apostles, and confirmed by the Councell of Nice: and thereupon the Emperour was willingly baptized of him; not long after he recovered his health, & so went towards Constantinople. A little be∣fore whose coming, Gregory Nazianzen was transla∣ted by the consent of all the Catholick Bishops to governe the Sea at Constantinople: but perceiving that some murmured, and objected, that he was a stranger and forreiner, though he was glad of the Emperours coming, yet he refused to continue any longer at Constantinople. Theodosius finding the Church there out of order, endeavoured by all meanes to reduce it to peace, and unity: wherefore immediately he gave Demophilus, the Arrian Bishop, to understand his pleasure, demanding whether he would embrace the Nicene Creed, set the people at unity, and embrace concord himselfe; which he re∣fusing, the Emperour said to him, If thou refuse to embrace peace, and unity, I command thee to avoid the * 1.76 Church, and accordingly he, with many more of his adherents, departed, leaving their Churches to the Orthodox: Presently after the Emperour summon∣ed a Councell of one hundred and fiftie Orthodox Bishops; he cited also the Bishops of the Macedo∣nian * 1.77 Sect, hoping thereby to reclaime them; of which

there appeared thirtie six, most of them out of Hel∣lespont: there the Emperour and the other Godly Bishops used all meanes possible to reconcile them to the Catholick Church: but neither admonition nor reprehension would prevaile with them, and so they departed, professing that they would rather joine with the Arrians then with them: then the Councell proceeded to the election of a Bishop for Constan∣tinople, and chose one Nectarius, a man of an holy life, and Godly conversation: they Decreed, that a pro∣vinciall Synod should determine provinciall affairs: the Emperour confirmed their Canons, and so the Councell was dissolved. But though the Arrians were banished the Churches, yet the schisme and tumults ceased not, whereupon the Godly Empe∣rour aiming at peace, summoned another Councell, charging that men of all Sects and opinions should * 1.78 meet there together, hoping that by conference and communication amongst themselves, they would at length be brought to establish one faith and opi∣nion: and when they were all come together, the Emperour sent for Nectarius, Bishop of Constantinople, reasoning with him how he might rid the Christian religion of that discord and dissention, and reduce the Church of Christ to unity and concord; he said also, that the controversies & quarrells that molested the quiet state of the Church, and rent asunder the members of Christ, were to be sifted out, and the punishment to light upon them that were found to be the authors of Schisme, and disturbers of peace: Nectarius leaving him for the present, went to Ageli∣us the Novatian Bishop, who embraced the faith

of one substance, and opened to him the mind of the Emperour. He (although he was otherwise a man of rare and singular parts) yet was no body in controversies, but appointed Sisinius, a minister of his Church, to reason with them in his stead: Sisinius be∣ing a well experienced man, knew that disputations would not only not reconcile schismes, but rather exasperate mens spirits and inflame contentions, therefore he advised Nectarius after this sort: that instead of disputation, the Emperour should de∣mand of the ringleaders of the Hereticks, whether they esteemed the ancient Fathers that lived before this Schisme sprang up, or whether they condemne them? If they owne them, saith he, out of their wri∣tings wee can confirme the truth, and confute these men: If they reject them, all men will crie out upon them: Nectarius liking this advice, reported it pre∣sently to the Emperour, who approving of it also, he presently demanded of all the Hereticks, whether they esteemed and allowed the fathers, which go∣verned the Church before them, and would be tried by their testimonies touching the true and right faith? They hearing this, knew not what answer to make, and so were divided amongst themselves: whilst some would assent to the Emperour, others dissented: yea they that were of one opinion, were divided amongst themselves; the Emperour percei∣ving that they relied not upon the ancient Fathers exposition of the faith, but upon their owne witt, and quirks of Logick, he bad everie sect to lay downe their faith and opinion in writing: which accordingly they did, and brought them to the Em∣perour;

the Emperour received them curteously, and then retired into his closet, fell downe upon his * 1.79 knees before God, humbly beseeching him to re∣veale the truth unto him, and to assist him in finding of it out; then perusing everie ones opinion, and se∣riously weighing of it in the ballance of the Sanctu∣ary, he condemned and tore in peeces all those Creeds that derogated from the unity that is in the blessed Trinity, allowing & highly commending the other: the Sectarian Bishops, becuse there raigned a∣mongst them mutuall discords & dissention, were set at nought even of their owne people and party. Thus as Theodosius was carefull to build Gods house, the Lord built him an house, and prospered him in all his enterprizes: for about this time, the Alanes and Hunns [people of Scythia] entred againe into Hun∣gary, * 1.80 against whom the Emperour went with his Ar∣my; he fought many cruell battailes with them, and in them all had the upper hand, slaying an infinite number of them, and driving the rest out of the Con∣fines of the Empire: insomuch as Athanaricus, King of the Goths, offered himselfe and his people to doe him service, & Theodosius not being willing to over∣tire his men of war, granted him peace, and so taking Athanaricus with him, he returned victoriously to his City of Constantinople, where Athanaricus behold∣ing the power of the Emperour, the solemnity and greatnesse of his Court; the riches, furniture, and order of his house, and service, he said, that truly the Roman Emperour was God on the earth, and represented the God of heaven, against whom none ought to be so hardy, as to lift up his hand, or heart,

except he would presently be condemned to death: not long after Athanaricus fell sick, and dyed, but the Goths that served in his house and Army, having had experience of the goodnesse and bounty of Theodo∣sius, desired to continue in his service, and after∣wards carried themselves faithfully and valiantly in all his warrs: But Gratian, and his sonne Valenti∣nian ruling in the West very remisly and negligently, gave occasion to the Brittish Legions to rebell and chuse an excellent Captaine, one Maximus, for their Emperour, who thereupon presently marched into France, where Gratian was, who being ill beloved of his Souldiers, many of them forsook him, and went to Maximus; hereupon Gratian resolved to retire into Italy, but being circumvented by the policy of Maximus, he was slaine in the way, Anno Christi 387. Maximus marching forward with a great Army into Italy, Ʋalentinian the Emperour knowing his owne weaknesse, deserted it, and went to Constan∣tinople to Theodosius, to intreat aide: who compassio∣nating his condition, of his naturall and accustomed valour, resolved to go into Italy, to revenge the death of Gratian, and to restore Valentinian to his Empire, and thereupon, leaving his sonne Arcadius in Con∣stantinople, and taking Valentinian along with him, he raised the greatest and best forces he could, and so marched through Lombardy, where Maximus al∣ready was, having left Androgathius generall of his Army to resist Thedosius, who expecting that he would come by Sea into Italy, he embarked all his Army aboord a great number of Ships and barks, purposing to overthrow Theodosius upon the water:

the valiant Theodosius, being advertised hereof, March∣ed by long journeies, finding the passages open, into * 1.81 the plaines of Lombardy, & besieged the City of Aqui∣leia were Maximus was, and compassing the City round about, they within it, having guilty consci∣ences, and being full of feare, delivered Maximus into Theodosius hands, without staying for any as∣sault, or fight, who caused him as a Traitor to his Prince, to be put to death: when Androgathius, his Generall, being vpon the Sea with a very mighty navie, heard of it, he was so overcome with sorrow and despaire, that he cast himselfe overboord, and drowned himselfe, and thereupon his Army yielded themselves to Theodosius, and so without either slaughter or bloodshed, God gave unto his holy ser∣vant Theodosius, a very great victory: and from France, Spaine, Germany, and Brittaine there came Ambassa∣dours to him, yielding him their obedience with great humility and devotion. Thence he marched with Ʋalentinian to Rome, where they received him with a solemne Triumph; He continued there cer∣taine daies, reformed many abuses, & disorders, inflict∣ed punishments, and did Iustice upon sundry wicked * 1.82 and dissolute persons, and as an holy and faithfull Christian, he reformed the abuses of the Church also: and setting all things in good order, he returned to Constantinople, leaving with Ʋalentinian an Army and power sufficient to defend his Empire. Theodosius, through Gods mercy, and goodnesse, was so feared, and honoured by all nations, that the King of Persia, notwithstanding his former victories, in great humili∣ty sent his Ambassadours to Constantinople, intrea∣ing

a perpetuall League, and peace with him, and he seeing with how great submission that potent King sued for peace, granted it.

Not long after, Valentinian the Emperour went into France, and there living in prosperity, and void of care, one Argobastes, a Captaine of his, conspired with Eugenius to kill him, and for that end suborned some of his Eunuches to strangle him in his bed, which they did, publishing abroad, that he had hanged him∣selfe: whereupon Argobastes nominated and made Eugenius Emperour: Theodosius being advertised of this fact, was very sorry, and much troubled, con∣sidering how dangerous a warre lay before him, yet thinking it a great dishonour to suffer such an action to goe unpunished, he mustered up his Army, and lea∣ving his son Arcadius in Constantinople, with all possi∣ble speed he marched against them; but as a good * 1.83 and holy Christian, he first betooke himselfe to fast∣ing and prayer, seeking unto God, the giuer of Victo∣ry, for successe in his interprise, requesting the pray∣ers of other holy men also, whereof one of them sent him word, that he should have the victory, but should die in Italy, and never returne againe to Con∣stantinople. When Theodosius with his Army came to the confines of Italy, the Tyrants had such great for∣ces, and had taken such good order for all matters, that all the passages of the Alps were stopped, and at the foot thereof they attended his coming with all their forces: yet Theodosius having overcome those passages, and being entred into Lombardy, found himselfe much distressed, the enemies being more in number, and having as valiant and experi∣enced

souldiers as he; who compassed him about, & kept all victualls from being brought to his Camp: but the valiant Emperour using the best meanes he could, as a faithfull Christian, expected and hoped for his best reliefe from God, to whom with teares he made continuall supplications: and truly his dan∣ger * 1.84 was so great, that had not God miraculously fought for him, he had there beene lost: the night before the battaile he spent wholly in prayer, nei∣ther eating nor sleeping, & the next day, seeing him∣selfe charged on everie side, he set his men in very good order to fight, with great courage and resolu∣tion attending the coming of his enemies, and iust as the battaile was ready to begin, behold the good∣nesse of God: Arbicius a Captaine of the enemies cam over to his side with all under his Charge. The Battaile beginning, where Romans were against Ro∣mans, they fought at even hand, most cruelly woun∣ding, and killing one another. But Theodosius his Auxiliaries were worsted, and at the first charge ten thousand Goths, which were in his pay, were slaine, which when he saw, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and with a true faith and stedfast hope, shedding many teares, prayed unto the Lord, that he might not be overthrowne in so just a cause. At that instant a Captaine of his, with a great troope of Souldiers came to the rescue of certaine Squadrons, which in all shew were overthrowne, and they charged the enemy with such courage and resolution, that they which were in a manner vanquished, recovered strength and heart againe: But the enemies were so many, that it seemed impossible for them to defend themselves, at which * 1.85

instant it pleased God to send them succour from heaven, for suddenly there arose so violent a wind and tempest, as the like had never been seene by any man then living, which without annoyance to the Emperours Army, did beate into the enemies fa∣ces with such force, that it bereaved them of their sight, so that they were not able to march forwards, yea the wind was so strong, that all the Arrowes, stones, darts, and lances, which they threw and shot, were borne back againe, wounding those that threw them: the most Christian Emperour taking notice of this miraculous providence of God, rendered thankes * 1.86 unto him for the same, encouraging, and animating his souldiers, so as in a short space they obtained a compleate victory: Eugenius himselfe was taken fighting, and brought to Theodosius, who comman∣ded him to be slaine for his treason, and Argobastes flying, and finding no certaine place of refuge, with his owne sword cut his owne throat: Theodosius had the spoyle of his enemies Campe: presently after, all the Princes of the Empire sent their Embassadours to Theodosius, to congratulate his victory, and many barbarous nations did the like, so that he remained the absolute Lord both of the East, and West: and being freed from warres, he came to Millaine, where Saint Ambrose was the Bishop, in which place he re∣mained the rest of his time, applying himselfe to ci∣vill Governement, whereof in the time of warre he neglected not to take great care. Being thus in Mil∣laine, meditating upon his mortality by reason of his diseases, he resolved to settle his estate, and sending to Constantinople for his sonne Honorius, by the generall

approbation of all, he made him Emperour of the West: and his elder sonne Arcadius of the East, af∣ter which he lived in great prosperity three yeares in Millaine, in the company of that holy man Am∣brose, during which time this fell out. In Thessalo∣nica [a richand populous City of Macedonia] there happened a great tumult amongst the people against the magistrates and governours under the Emperour, and their fury grew so great, that they slew them, which when Theodosius understood, he was so incensed against them, that he made his souldiers put to death seven thousand of the common people, making noe difference betweene the guilty and innocent: Ambrose hearing of it, when the Emperour came to Church, as his manner was, Ambrose (that his repentance * 1.87 might be as publick as his offence) set himselfe in the Church doore, and told the Emperour, that he should not enter there, making a learned Oration to him, wherein he opened his fault, and then excommu∣nicated him: all which the Emperour heard with great patience, and returning to his palace he con∣tinued there eight months before he was absolved, at the end whereof he said to one about him, truly I will goe and see what penance my Pastor will lay upon me for my offence, and so he went to the Church doore where Ambrose was, intreating him to absolue him. But what repentance hast thou shewed (said the Bishop) for so hainous an offence? and with what salue hast thou healed so mortall a wound? Thou (said the Emperour) art to instruct, and shew me * 1.88 what I am to doe, and thou shalt see that I will accom∣plish what thou shalt prescribe: the Bishop seeing the

Emperours mildnesse, thinking it penance suffici∣ent that he had bin so long excommunicated, with mild and curteous speeches, said unto him: Thy pe∣nance, Theodosius, shall be this, that seeing in thy hasty fu∣ry thou commitedst such an horrid murther, thou shalt presently establish a Law, that no man whom thou shalt adjudge to die shall be executed within thirtie dayes af∣ter thou hast pronounced the sentence, at the end of which time thou shalt either ratifie or disanull thy sentence, as thou seest cause: the Emperour immediately caused this Law to be written, and proclaimed, which he ever after observed, and whereof much good ensued: and so being absolved, he came into the Church, prayed, and received the Sacrament, and ever after loved Ambrose very deerly, and used his counsell in many matters, and for his companies sake, he con∣tinued in Millaine the remainder of his life.

In the good Emperours absence, the Arians at Con∣stantinople * 1.89 began to waxe bold, raised tumults, & pro∣ceeded to that insolency, that they set the house of Nectarius [Bishop of Constantinople] on fire: in other Cities also, where they were thrust out of their Chur∣ches by the authority of the Emperour, they kept conventicles in the suburbs, and thereby much pro∣pagated their damnable opinions: About this time the Emperour commanded that all the Idoll groues and Temples in Alexandria should be demolished, and that Theophilus the Bishop thereof should see it done, which he with much zeale prosecuted, which * 1.90 so inraged the heathen, that they made head to∣gether, ran upon the Christians, and sought to de∣stroy them everie kinde of way: the Christians with∣stood

them, and so they fought till both sides were weary, many were slaine, and more wounded: But the heathens, when that the heate was over, were won∣derfully affraid of the Emperours displeasure, and therefore forsooke the City, and hid themselves in severall places: Afterwards the Governour and Cap∣taine of the Host assisted Theophilus in the overthrow of those Temples: all the Images by the Emperours order were given to the reliefe of the poore.

Whilst Theodosius was at Rome, after he had over∣come * 1.91 Maximus, he reformed two most abominable wickednesses: the first was this; In Rome was an huge house of ancient building, where all the bread that served the City was baked, and most of the roomes were under grownd: round about it were Taverns and Victualing houses full of Harlots, so that many that resorted thither, either to satisfie their hunger, or lust, were by these whores spoyled of all they had, and usually so made away that their friends could never heare of them more: for by privie conveiances, they were throwne into these back-houses, and there kept to grinding, and drudgery all their life after. It fell out that one of the Emperours Souldiers was thus throwne into this hole, who when, they would not suffer him to depart, drew his Dagger, and slew some that stopped his passage, so that the rest being afraid, let the Souldier goe: and the Emperour be∣ing informed by him, sent for the Millers and Bakers, punished the Masters with extreame torments, over∣threw those blind houses, and so rid the princely City of that shamefull doing. The other abuse which he reformed was this: If a woman were taken in Adul∣tery,

they shut her up in a narrow Stewes, and com∣pelled her beastly, and without all shame to play the harlot, ringing a bell whilst the deed was doing, that all the neighbours might be made privie to it, which was so farre from removing the sin, that it encreased it rather: The good Emperour being informed here∣of, caused the Stewes to bee pulled downe, and * 1.92 wholely suppressed: and made other Lawes for the punishment of Adultery.

Theodosius being aged, & infirme, at last fell extreme sick, and therefore he disposed of the Empire to his two sonnes; and because they were young, and not of fit yeares for such a burthen, he left, as tutors and go∣vernours to them, two very sufficient men both for war & peace: after he had set all things in order, his disease so increased, that being overcome by it, he re∣commended his soule to God, and so departed out of this present life Anno Christi 397. of his age fifty, or as others sixty, and of his Empire seventeene. In all his * 1.93 warres he was very valiant and politick▪ of an excel∣lent wit and judgement in civill governement, a lover of Justice and equity, very mercifull, and of a most noble inclination, yet somewhat hasty & cholericke, but presently pacified, and easily intreated: To mo∣derate his passion, besides Ambrose his Law in matters of death, he used (knowing his owne hasty dispositi∣on) not to determine of any thing till he had repea∣ted over the letters of the Greeke Alphabet, for in that space his wrath would be tempered: he was ex∣ceeding liberall, temperate, and chast: he greatly ho∣nored learned, and wise men: hee was well spoken, and cheerefull in his deportment. His wife Flacilla

was an excellent, and most religious woman: He u∣sed to say, That he accounted it a greater honour, that he * 1.94 was a member of the Church, then that he was the head of the Empire.

He wrote out the whole New Testament with his owne hand, accounting it a great Jewell, and reading a part of it every day. Hee commanded that they which reviled, and spake evill of him should not bee punished: Quoniam si ex levitate processerit, contem∣nendum * 1.95 est: si ex insania, miseratione dignum: si ab injuria, remittendum est: Because if it proceeded of levity, it is not to be regarded: if of madnesse, it is to be pittied: if of an injury received, it is to be pardo∣ned in them.

In this Emperors reigne there was much hurt done by earthquakes in sundry places: In the Imperiall City of Constantinople there were thrown downe at one time fifty seven Towers of the City wall, which were newly built a little before: It endu∣red by fitts sixe moneths together, so that many faire and goodly Churches and Fortresses were demolished, and the Inhabitants were faigne to forsake their houses, and lie in the fields: It raged by Sea also, so that many ships, and whole I∣slands were swallowed up by it. After which, insued Famine and pestiferous aers, by which many thou∣sands of people, and beasts perished: and in Cherso∣nesus, whole Parishes sunk into the ground: Also in the last yeare of his raigne in Epyrus there was a Dra∣gon seene of that vast bignesse, that when he was dead eight yoaks of Oxen could hardly draw him. The Inhabitants of Antiochia overthrowing the brasen

portraiture of his beloved wife Placilla, Theodosius was so incensed against them for it, that he deprived their Towne of the dignity of a Metropolitan City, conferring it upon their neighbour towne of Lao∣dicea: he threatned also to burne it downe, but by the perswasions of Flavianus Bishop of Antiochia, the good Emperour moved with pitty, pardoned their fault.

At one time he was very favourable to the Arri∣ans, whom he permitted to keepe Conventicles in his principall Cities, which Amphilochius Bishop of Iconium taking notice of, he came before the Em∣perour, and did his reverence unto him, but not to his sonne Arcadius, though he was already made Augustus, whereat Theodosius being offended, Amphi∣lochius presently answered, that the God of heaven would also be offended with them, who tolerated the blasphemers of his only begotten sonne Iesus Christ: the Godly Emperour being hereby brought to a sight of his great sinne, presently made a Law prohibiting the Conventicles of the Arrians in all his Cities.

Concerning that miraculous tempest that God sent for the destruction of his enemies, Claudian the poet writes these verses.

O nimium dilecte Deo! cui fundit ab Antris Aeolus armatas hyemes, cui militat Aether, Et conjurati veniunt ad classica venti.

Collected out of Socrates Scholasticus: the Imperiall Hi∣story: Speeds Chronicle, and the Booke of Martyrs.

[illustration] portrait of Theodosius II

THEODOSIVS. 2.

The Life of Theodosius the Second, who dyed Anno Christi. 453.

ARcadius, the Elder Sonne of Theodosius, in the thirteenth yeare of his raigne falling sick at Constantinople, left his Son Theodo∣sius to succeed in the Empire, who being but eight yeares old, Arcadius by his last will and Testament made Hisdigerdus, King of Persia and Parthia, his tutor, who understanding what Ar∣cadius

had done, accepted of the charge, and speedi∣ly sent one Antiochus an excellent man, and a great souldier to Constantinople: who with the good will and consent of Honorius, Emperour of the West, and uncle to young Theodosius, governed the Easterne Empire with great fidelity and discretion, and so maintained the same in peace and justice, till Theodo∣sius came to age. About which time the Westerne Empire was much infested by the barbarians: but Theodosius being now of sufficient age, was freed from his tutours, and as he was a Godly man, and the inheritour of his grandfathers vertues, his chief∣est care was for the service of God and the defence and advancement of his Church; whereupon he fell * 1.96 out with Barrabanus King of Persia (who succeded Isdigerdus) because he persecuted the Christians that were in his dominions, and when perswasions would not prevaile, he sent Ardaburus an excellent Captaine against him, who fought a battaile with Nasius, Generall of the Persians, overthrew him, and made a great slaughter of his men, and afterwards entred his country, and made great spoile therein. By an other way Theodosius sent Gratianus, another Captaine, against Alamander King of the Saracens, who came to aide the King of Persia, who overthrew him in battaile, and slew a great multitude of his Saracens: And in an other place, another of Theodo∣sius his Captaines overthrew the Persians, so that at last Barrabanus ceased from persecuting of the Chri∣stians, and a peace was concluded betweene Theodo∣sius and him: About this time Honorius having raig∣ned in all thirtie yeares, died at Rome without issue:

and thereby the whole Romane Empire was devol∣ved upon Theodosius: and some held for him, as rea∣son and duty required; but the greatest potentates in the West began to make themselves Lords of the Empire in severall parts of it. But they falling out amongst themselves, Theodosius, not thinking it safe to leave the East, made his Cosen german Ʋalenti∣nian, Caesar, who was the sonne of Placidia, sister to Arcadius and Honorius, and wife to the Emperour Constantius: and so with sufficient troopes he sent him into Italy with his mother Placidia, whose ver∣tue and wisdome was sufficient to governe all, till her sonne came to yeares fit for governement: in the meane time, one John who had vsurped the Empire at Rome, sent his Ambassadours to Theodosius, request∣ing him to accept him as his partner in the Empire; but Theodosius caused them to be apprehended as traitours and rebells, and withall he sent command to Ardaburius, an excellent Captaine of his, that with the greatest power he could make, he should passe by sea into Italy before Placidia, and should seeke to defeat the Tyrant Iohn. But in his passage there befell him such a storme at Sea, that his owne ship being severed from the rest, was driven to an haven where hee was taken, and carried priso∣ner to Ravenna: His sonne Asper (who was in the same fleete) being informed hereof, landed his men after the storme was over, and passing the Lakes and boggs neere to Ravenna (which were alwaies judg∣ed * 1.97 impassible, and never knowne to be dry before) entred the City, freed his father, tooke the Tyrant Iohn and cut off his head. This miraculous deliverance

of Ardaburius was judged to bee the fruit of the ef∣fectuall prayers of the Godly Emp: Theodosius. Pre∣sently after came Placidia with her sonne into Italy, & passed to Ravenna, where hearing of another usurper, that was coming with all his forces from Spaine to seise upon Rome, she sent Ardaburius against him, who fought a great battell with him, & overthrew him, af∣ter which his owne souldiers, mutining against him, delivered him to Ardaburius: and whereas an other vsurper was risen up in Rome, the souldiers and Ci∣tizens apprehended him, and sent him prisoner to Ravenna. Ʋalentinian being thus peaceably possessed of Italy, was by the consent of Theodosius, and with the good will of all men, made Emperour: & not long after, leaving all things in the best order that he could in Italy, he tooke his passage for Greece, and went to Constantinople to see Theodosius, where he married Eudoxa daughter to Theodosius: and so returned into Italy: at which time Gensericus King of the Ʋandalls exercising great cruelties upon the Christians in Africk, Godly Theodosius was so grieved, that he sent two of his Captaines with great forces against him. But whilst they prolonged time in Sicily, Attila a mighty King of the Hunns, with many other bar∣barous nations, which like swarmes of Bees came to him, intended to invade the Easterne Empire, know∣ing that the best and greatest part of the men of warr were gone with the two Captaines into Sicilie; and at his first entry, he tooke many Cities in Thrace, and Slavonia, whereupon Theodosius in great hast called back his Army out of Sicily, raised more forces, and fought with Attila many battells, much

repressing his furie: but in the middest of his prepa∣rations against these Barbarians, it pleased God that he fell sick of the plague, whereof he died: or (as some hold) by a fall from his horse: in the fiftieth yeare of his age, and of his raigne fortie two, Anno Christi 453: Socrates Scholasticus gives this chara∣cter of him. Theodosius, though borne, and brought * 1.98 up in the Imperiall Palace, yet was he free from all light and vaine behaviour: He was so wise and di∣screet, that he seemed in his youth to all that confer∣red him a man of great experience: He was of such hardinesse and sufferance both inwardly in minde, & outwardly in body, that he could endure the pinching cold of winter, and the parching heare of summer: He used to Fast twice every weeke: His palace and * 1.99 Court seemed noe other then a religious family: at the dawning of the day, he used with his sisters to sing Psalmes and Hymnes of praise to God. He lear∣ned much of the holy Scriptures without booke: He * 1.100 so reasoned of them with the Bishops, as if himselfe had beene an experienced minister: he gathered to∣gether a very great Library of the ancient Fathers works, but especially many books of the sacred scrip∣tures: * 1.101 He excelled all men in patience, curtesie, and clemency: He learned to bridle his anger: to beare afflictions patiently: to revenge him of none that did him injury: & whē one of his familiars asked him, why he would not put to death some that had wronged * 1.102 him; He answered, I would to God it lay in my power to reviue them that are dead: indeed it is noe hard mat∣ter to bereaue a man of his life, but when that is done, be a man never so sorry, he cannot revine him againe: when

any traitour was condemned, he would not suffer him to goe so farr as the gates of the City towards the place of execution, before he sent him a reprieve. One day, as he set forth some publick shewes to the people at Constantinople, wherein beasts fought to∣gether, the people shouting, desired that one of the strongest men, should be set to encounter with one * 1.103 of those beasts: His answer was: Doe not you know that wee cannot abide cruell spectacles. He highly ho∣nourd Gods ministers, especially such as excelled in * 1.104 in Godlinesse: Once as he was at the publick shewes to please the people, there fell out an exceeding great tempest: whereupon he commanded his Bead∣les to speake to the people, telling them, that it was farr better to lay aside those shewes and pastimes, and with one heart and voice to pray unto God to * 1.105 cease that violent storme; the words where noe soo∣ner spoken, but all jointly fell downe to the ground, and powred out zealous and earnest prayers unto God: so that the whole City was become as one Church: and it pleased God that the weather pre∣sently Cleered up and became faire: and whereas * 1.106 there was a great dearth, and scarsity before, through Gods mercy, they had afterwards great store and plenty: At an other time as this most Godly Em∣perour was celebrating those showes in the same place, he had newes brought him of Aspers successe, and of the death of the Tyrant Iohn, whereupon he thus spake to the people: Let us give over this vaine pastime, and let us repaire unto Church and serue God devoutly, powring out our zealous prayers to him, and praise him for his wonderfull mercy, who by his

owne hand and outstretched arme, hath deprived the Tyrant of his life; noe sooner had he made an end of speaking, but all the people gave over their spectacles, and passing through the Theater, sang praises toge∣ther with the Emperour unto God: and so going directly to Church, spent the whole day in those holy exercises: When warrs were at any time pro∣claimed, after the examples of David and Iehosaphat, he made God his refuge, and by prayer, he alwaies obtained prosperous successe.

Nestorius denying Christ to be God, Theodosius * 1.107 summoned a Councell at Ephesus to suppresse that Heresie, by which Nestorius was deposed from his Bishoprick. He greatly detested all Hereticks: His wife was Eudoxia a very Godly and discreet woman. His vsuall saying was, that Emperours of all other men were most miserable, because commonly the truth of businesses is concealed from them. In his time there was such a * 1.108 famine in Rome, that the poore sort were faigne to make bread of the bark of trees, and the richer sort of Chesnuts: a Pound of flesh was worth fiftie pence, and dead mens flesh was sold and eaten. In one bat∣tell that his Generall fought against Attila, there * 1.109 were slaine 162000 men, whose blood made a neigh∣bour brooke to overflow its banke. This Attila was called the terrour of the world, and the whip where∣with God scourged many nations: Theodosius in god∣linesse was like unto his Grandfather: In collecting a great library of good books nothing inferiour to Ptolemaeus Philadelphus. In gathering into one short sum the Lawes of his predecessors, he trode a path wherein Iustinian followed him to the great bene∣fit

of learned men. His house was like unto a San∣ctuary for exercises of reading the holy Scriptures, and devout prayers: His facility in subscribing un∣read letters was corrected by the prudent advice of his sister Pulcheria: In his time Attila, entred into Italy, took, sacked and ruined Aquileia, Ticinum, and Millaine, and intended the same cruelty against Rome: but Leo Bishop hereof went forth to him, and with gentle words so mitigated his minde that he forbore to doe it.

He had a man whose name was Palladius, one that had rare gifts both outwardly in body, and inward∣ly in minde, and of that strength, and agilitie of body, that he was able in three daies to ride Post into the furthest bounds of the Romane & Persian domi∣nions, and back againe in the same space to Constan∣tinople: So that by his celerity he made the Romane Empire which was vast and wide, to be but narrow and straight.

When Theodosius sent his Army under Ardaburius against the Persians, and for the reliefe of the per∣secuted Christians there: the Citizens of Constan∣tinople were very sad and heavy, fearing the vari∣able event of the warrs: but a company of Angells appeared to certaine in Bithynia, that were travell∣ing to Constantinople, and willed them to bid the Citizens to be of good cheere, and to pray and put their trust in God: and that they should be confident of Ardaburius victory, for God had sent them as go∣vernours, and Soveraigne Captaines of the warrs.

The Heresie of Nestorius was so hatefull to him, that he made this Law concerning the followers of

it: Wee decree, that whosoever doth imbrace the wicked opinion of Nestorius, and shall give eare to his lewd doctrine, if he be a Bishop, that he shall be banished, if a Lay person, that he shall be accursed. [In the time of Theodosius his raigne, the Brittaines sent for the Saxons out of Germany, to assist them against the Scots and Picts: and when they came; Ʋortiger the Brittish King entertained them, con∣ferred with them of their faith, and found them Pa∣gans that worshipped Mercury, whom they called Woden, and in honour of him Wodensday [wednes∣day] they worshipped also Ʋenus, whom they called Frea, whence came Friday: these Saxons, when to∣gether with the Brittaines, they had foiled the Scots and Picts, traiterously fell upon their owne masters the Brittaines, slew many, and draue the rest into the mountaines, whom they called after their coun∣try language, Welshmen, i: e: strangers.

Collected out of Socrates Scholasticus; Evagrius: the booke of Martyrs, Speeds Chronicle, and the Imperiall History.

[illustration] portrait of Justinian

JVSTINIAN

The Life of Justinian, who dyed, Anno Christi 568.

JVSTINE, Emperour of the East being growne old, and having no sonnes of his owne, adopted his sisters son, called Ju∣stinian, appointing him to succeed in the Empire: He was a very godly man, zea∣lous for the truth against Heresies, and would suffer no faith to be openly professed, but that which was

allowed in the foure Generall Councells: and ac∣cordingly God blessed him exceedingly in his warrs: For coming to the Empire in a very troublous time, the first warr that he made, was against the Persians, who for fiftie yeares together had often invaded the Romane Empire, and commonly had the better of it: against them therefore Iustinian sent a great Ar∣my under the conduct of Belisarius, a noble and va∣liant * 1.110 captaine, who fought a bloody battell with the Persians, which continued almost a whole day, but in the conclusion (through Gods mercy) Belisarius prevailed, and made a great slaughter of the ene∣myes: After which notable victory, he recovered sundry places in Mesopotamia, which the Persians had vsurped from the Empire. Another Army also of Iustinians entring into Armenia, by the same good hand of providence obtained victory, and recovered most part of that which was formerly lost: Here∣upon Cavadas, King of Persia, raised a mighty Army under the command of a valiant old Captaine of his, called Alamander, who had formerly gotten many victories against the Romans, with whom Be∣lisarius * 1.111 after some encounters, came to a battell, which was the greatest, and cruellest that ever hap∣pened those warrs: this battell was fought neere to the river Euphrates, and much against the opinion of Belisarius, who, knowing that the enemy had the advantage, would not have fought, but his men, a∣gainst his will preparing themselves: he ordered and incouraged them all that he could: the fight was maintained with such obstinacy, and fury of both sides, that for the greatest part of the day it appeared

not to which side victory would incline: but at last the Imperialists waxing faint (having fasted all day, because it was Easter eve) they began to retreat: which the Persians seeing, they charged the horse-troops of Belisarius with such fury, that they brake them also: Belisarius did what he could to in∣courage * 1.112 and reinforce them, but when he could not prevaile, he alighted from his horse, and placed himselfe in a squadron of footmen that kept their ground, and encouraging them with his presence, they all resolved to conquer or die, insomuch as when the Persian Generall saw them remaine whole, he came upon them with great fury, thinking easily to have had the execution of them, but they kept themselves so close together, that they could not be broken, and fought so valiantly, that they slue many of the Persians, till night coming on, the Persians left them: then did Belisarius with his men retire into an Iland which was in the river Euphrates hard by, whither the rest of his Army came to him, & the next morning set his men in order to fight againe: but the Persians having lost more men then the Ro∣mans, removed into an other quarter, and the King of Persia understanding his great losse, sickned, and shortly after dyed, whereupon his sonne made peace with Iustinian: & Belisarius returned to Constantino∣ple, where he was received with much triumph. A few daies after, two potent men in the City, which were sisters sons of Anastasius the Emperour, with a * 1.113 great party that adhered to them, rebelled against Iu∣stinian, one of them taking the ensignes, and name of Emperour: and the warr was so cruell within the

City, that thirty thousand persons were slain together with the usurpers, whereby God did wonderfully de∣liver Iustinian from an imminent danger, after which time he lived in peace and better estimation then before: in this scuffle Belisarius did him better ser∣vice then all others: After the Ʋandalls had seised upon Africk, they raised a cruell persecution a∣gainst the Christians, some of them being heathens, others Arrians: but after the death of Gensericus, * 1.114 Gilimer his nephew succeeding in the Kingdome, Iustinian sent Belisarius with a purpose to regaine the Kingdome of Africk, who imbarked himselfe ac∣companied with many excellent Captaines in fiue hundred saile of ships, and ninetie two Gallies, and so began his voiage towards Africk, where (through Gods mercy) he safely arrived: Epiphanius Bishop of Constantinople going in the fleet, prayed for their * 1.115 prosperous successe; when they were landed, they found some that tooke part with them, and so they they marched along the Sea-Coast towards Carthage, and the Navie did the like by Sea: when Gilimer un∣derstood this, he left his brother Amata in the City for the guard of it, commanding him to kill all the prisoners, and at such an houre the next day to issue out of the City with all his forces against Belisarius, promising that himself with his Army would charge him at the same time in the reare, and so he depar∣ted out of Carthage with his Army: and sent a Cap∣taine with some Troops to Alarum & trouble Belisa∣rius in his march: the next day Amata came forth ac∣cording * 1.116 to appointment, but was quickly beaten and slaine by the Vauntguard: & Gilimer with his forces

charged so resolutely upon the reere, that the Impe∣rialists began to retire; but Gilimer hearing of the defeat, and death of his brother, made an Alt, where∣upon Belisarius his souldiers charged with such fu∣ry, that Gilimer was wholly overthrown, many of his men slaine, and he by flight saved his life: the next day Belisarius marched to the City, where ar∣riving in the evening, he found noe resistance, and the gates open, yet would he not enter into an e∣nemies City by night, but the next day he marched in with great quietnesse, neither suffering his soul∣diers to plunder or murther any, who were very o∣bedient to him: Possessing the City, he commanded * 1.117 presently the walls to be repaired, which were very ruinous: and in the meane time Gilimer unbroken in spirit, rallied his Army, raised more forces, sent for his brother Zazon with a great army out of Sar∣dinia, and having thus gotten a sufficient number, he went towards Carthage, either to fight, or besiege Belisarius. But Belisarius for certaine daies would not take the field, till he had sufficiently repaired the walls, and then he marched forth with his Army to give Gilimer battell, and when the commanders saw each other, they set their men in order, one re∣lying upon the Arme of flesh, the other putting his confidence in God. The fight began with great fury, * 1.118 but in the first charge Zazon was slaine, and some other principall men of the Ʋandalls, whereupon the rest fled into their Campe which they had strong∣ly fortified: Belisarius gathering his forces together presently pursued them, which when Gilimer saw, suspecting that he could not defend the Campe,

with a few servants, he fled away, and Belisarius en∣tred it, putting all in Armes to the sword, taking the women and children captives. In the Camp they found an infinite quantity of gold, silver, money, and Iewells, for the Ʋandals, having noe place of * 1.119 refuge which they counted safe, carried all their treasure with them, and so in one houre they lost all that they had stolne, and gotten in Africa in nintie fiue yeares before: thus God blessed his servant Iusti∣nian, and justly plagued those wicked Ʋandalls, who * 1.120 had cruelly persecuted the Orthodox, cutting out their tongues, imprisoning the Godly ministers, and making them their drudges, making stables of their Churches &c. The next day Belisarius sent an ex∣cellent Captaine with a good Troop of horse to pur∣sue Gilimer, and shortly after himselfe followed with some choise men of his Army, but finding that Gi∣limer was fled into some inaccessible mountaines in Numidia, he left a Captaine with sufficient forces to besiege him, and so returned to Carthage, in his passage taking in many townes, and much people resorted to him with joy, being glad that they were freed from the miserable servitude of the Ʋandalls, and restored to the liberty of the Empire: Shortly after he sent some to take in Sardinia, and others into Mauritania, and in all places God gaue him wonderfull successe, so that in little more then foure moneths he tooke in all Africk, that had beene po∣ssessed by those wicked Ʋandalls for the space of nintie six yeares, wherein they had been great oppres∣sors of the true Church of Christ, and had allmost extirpated it: Gilimer being straitly besieged as be∣fore

is said, at last yielded himselfe upon quarter for his life, and so was brought prisoner to Belisarius, who sent the Emperour Iustini••n newes of his suc∣cesse, requesting that he might re••urne to Constanti∣nople and bring Gilimer with him. Iustinian referred it to himselfe, whether to stay and governe that pro∣vince or to returne; he made one Salomon governour, left with him a good part of his Army, and so tooke Gilimer, and his kindred, and infinite Iewells, trea∣sures and riches, which the Vandalls had plundred from Rome, Spain, Africk, & other provinces, and so re∣turned to Constantinople, where he was received in tri¦umph: In the mean time the Churches of the East be¦ing * 1.121 much infected with the Arrian heresie, were ful of dissentions & troubles, but the good Emperour published an edict, wherein he accursed the princi∣pall ringleaders, and inflicted great penalties on * 1.122 them that held and maintained such damnable opi∣nions, endeavouring thereby that noe dissention might take roote in any of the Churches through the world: About this time the nation that dwelled * 1.123 by the river Tanais sent to Iustinian, requesting him to send a Bishop to them, who willingly assented to their requests, by which meanes they were con∣verted to the Christian faith.

Belisarius did not long continue at Constantinople before Iustinian gaue him the charge of his warrs in Sicily and Italy against the Goths, and Theodatus, who at that time was Lord thereof, an enterprise of no lesse importance, and of greater danger then the for∣mer of Africk: But Theodatus dying about that time, he left his Kingdome to his nephew Athalaricus be∣being

but eight yeares old, wherefore his mother Amalasunta had the education of him, and the Go∣vernement of the Kingdom: but Athalaricus shortly after dying, Theodatus his cosen-german vsurped the Kingdom, and treacherously put Amalasunta to death. Instinian detesting so vile a fact, sent Belisarius with his victorious Army against him, who by the way landing in Sicilie, tooke in Catania, Syracuse, and many other townes, and Cities, and after a while the whole Iland submitted to him. Theodatus being informed hereof, was much affraid, and presently dispatched Ambassadours to Iustinian, profering to renounce his title to Sicily: and that in Italy in all decrees and proclamations, Iustinians name should be first used, and that once everie year he would send him a golden crowne in token of subjecti∣on: Withall giving them in charge, that if Iustinian refused that proffer, that then they should offer the whole Kingdome of Italy to him, upon condition that he should give him some lands, and possessions in Greece, or else where, Iustinian refused the first, but imbraced the second, and sent back his Ambassa∣dours with them to consummate the agreement; but in the Interim, Theodatus having by his Captaines gotten a victory against some of Iustinians Captaines in Slavonia, he was so puft up with pride, that he re∣fused to stand to his former offer, yea his insolency was such, that he apprehended, and imprisoned Iusti∣nians Ambassadours: and he was the more encoura∣ged, hearing that Belisarius was gone from Sicily in∣into * 1.124 Africk, where a Captaine with a great part of the Army had mutined against Salomon, put the

Iudges, and governours to death, and possessed themselves of a great part of the country, but Beli∣sarius arriving there, overthrew them in battell, and so leaving all in peace, he sailed into Italy. About this time there was seene so prodigous a sight about the * 1.125 Sun, that the like hath never bin heard of: For the Sun, for the greatest part of a yeare, gave so little light, that it was but equall to the light of the moone, the sky being cleere, without clouds, or any thing to shadow it, after which there followed a great fa∣mine, and much warr, and bloodshed.

Iustinian seeing the inconstancy of Theodatus, and being greatly displeased with the death of his Cap∣taines in Dalmatia, and the imprisonment of his Am∣bassadours, with the wisdome, courage and resolu∣tion of a worthy Prince, he sent Constantius a noble Captaine into Dalmatia, and Slavonia, who quickly recovered most of that which was lost: and sending to Belisarius speedily to enter Italy with the greatest power he could: Belisarius with his accustomed ex∣pedition and courage, leaving sufficient Garrisons in Sicily, transported his Army into Italy, landing at Messina, and finding noe opposition, he seised on ma∣ny townes thereabouts, conquering all to the City of Naples, into which Theodatus had put a great gar∣rison of his Goths: them Belisarius besieged, and after many skirmishes, he took the City by force, where his souldiers found great spoiles, and slew many of the Goths: but the next day he set all the inhabitants * 1.126 at libertie, and restored to them the greatest part of their goods againe: This action stroke a great feare into the Goths, who held Naples to be impregnable.

Theodatus in the meane time making but slender provision for his defence, all his chiefe Captaines met together, and chose for their King, one Ʋitiges a a wise and valiant Captaine, which Theodatus hea∣ring of fled towards Ravenna, but being pursued, he was overtaken, and slaine: Vitiges presently call∣ed a councell of war, where it was resolved, that they for the present could neither defend Rome, nor fight Belisarius, and that therefore he should retire to Ravenna, til having raised sufficient forces, he might returne and give him battell: Belisarius, leaving a strong garison in Naples, marched to Rome, to whom the inhabitants opened their gates, and let him in. In the Senate he made an excellent speech, exhorting them to imbrace, and defend their liberty: then hee repaired the City walls, and brought in store of provision from all the adjacent parts: In the meane time Ʋitiges left no meanes untried to increase his power, concluding a peace with the King of France, and drew all his forces thence, and from Ger∣many, and other parts he procured all the aide that possibly he could; so that he raised 150000. men horse, and foot, good Souldiers, and most of them well armed, and so he marched towards Rome, where Belisarius was, but with an inconsiderable army, and therefore not able to take the field: whereupon Ʋi∣tiges, nothing doubting of the victory, grew so proud, * 1.127 that hee asked every one he met, whether Belisarius was not fled away, and rejoyced infinitely when hee * 1.128 heard that he was fortifying of Rome. But the valiant Belisarius trusting in God, was far from flying, resol∣ving rather to die then to abandon what he had got∣ten:

Vitiges coming neere Rome, Belisarius had caused two very strong Towers to be built by the Bridge to stop his approach, and had placed in them very good guards; but when Vitiges Army approach∣ed, they which guarded the bridge were in such feare, that they presently surrendred the place, and the same night Vitiges passed over a great part of his Ar∣my: the next morning Belisarius suspecting no-such matter, sallied out of Rome with a thousand choyce horse, with which he marched towards the Bridge, and comming neere to it, hee suddenly met with Ʋitiges men at Armes, which so vexed Belisa∣rius, imagining that his men that guarded the bridge were lost, that with lesse prudence then was requisite, * 1.129 he charged them with so much fury, that there fel out a cruell fight, so that these men at Armes were driven back to the battalion where Vitiges was, who cha∣rged with so great a troope of his Goths, that Belisa∣rius and his company were held for lost, yet he in his owne person did wonders, wounding, and slaying many of his enemies, and charged so far in amongst them, that though he did the part of an excellent sol∣dier, yet not of a discreet Generall: For he put his person in such danger, that he was held for dead, and so some of his men that fled, reported of him in Rome: Being in this distresse, and unable any longer to main∣taine the fight, his people began to retire on the spur, and he also did the like, after they had slain a thou∣sand of the Goths. Many of Vitiges horsemen pursued him to the gates of Rome, which were shut, and the guard would not open them, lest the enemy should have entred with them; besides, the noyse was such,

that they knew not Belisarius his voyce, whom they accounted for dead: he having fought the greatest part of the day, was driven to leane to the wall, and ranging his souldiers into a squadron, made head a∣gainst the enemy, and so continued fighting without meate or drinke till it was night; in which he did a valiant, though a dangerous exploit: charging the Goths with such fury, that they all beleeved (through the darkenesse of the night) that great Troops were sallied forth against them, whereupon they retired to their Campe: Thus God almost miraculously pre∣served this brave Captaine, who afterwards coming to the gates, and calling to the watch, they knew him, and joyfully let him in: hee had abundance of ar∣rowes sticking in his horse, and armour, and some blowes, and cuts with the sword, (but through Gods mercy) none of them came to his skin, which was held for a wonder by those which saw what great danger he had beene in.

The next day Vitiges came with all his Army to the Citie; but being unable, by reason of the great circuit, to compasse it all about, he made six strong Camps in severall parts of it: many dangerous con∣flicts there were during this siege, which lasted a yeare and nine dayes: For the first seven moneths the E∣nemy never ceased to assault and batter the Citie on all parts, where they did, and received much hurt: And Belisarius never ceased from defending, sallying forth, and fighting with them, so that they slue a∣bove fourty thousand of the Gothes, in which his va∣lour and wisdome did wonderfully appeare; for it was the most terrible, and bloody siege that ever was

The good Emperour Justinian neglected them not, but sent them succour of Companies of Horse, and * 1.130 Foot, valiant Captaines, Corn, and other necessaries, though with much difficulty: Notwithstanding which, the Citie endured extream famine. Belisarius managed all things with such prudence, and valour, that Vitiges seeing his men tired, and weakened, he sent and concluded a truce with him for six moneths: yet it continued not so long, for Vitiges understan∣ding the wants of the Citie, renewed the Warres, whereupon Belisarius sent the Marshall of his Army with two thousand Horse, and other Souldiers, to be∣gin warre in the Marches of Ravenna, and God so prospered them, that they took in Ariminum and o∣ther places; Which Vitiges hearing of, and fearing the losse of Ravenna, raised the siege, and returned to defend the rest.

In his retreat, Belisarius charged his rereguard so * 1.131 furiously, that he slue a number of his men: And so with shame, dishonour, and losse, Vitiges went back to Ravenna, and presently after laid a strong siege to Ariminum, where the aforesaid forces were: Belisa∣rius presently raised such forces as he could; went to Naples, fortifyed that City, and so marched straite towards the City of Ravenna, and by the way he met with Narses, a braue and religious Captaine, that Iustinian had sent with new supplies to his aide▪ being thus strengthened, he marched to Ariminum, forced Ʋitiges to raise his siege, and so relieved his men. Hereupon Lombardy, Millan, and other places declared for the Emperour: and Belisarius sent them aide of Captaines, and men, and there fell out many

conflicts, and battells both with the Gothes, and with Theodoricus King of France, who came with a * 1.132 great Army, thinking to possesse himselfe of that countrey: Belisarius after many great adven∣tures fought another terrible battel with Ʋitiges, who had gathered all his forces together for that end, and (through Gods goodnesse) got the victory: Ʋiti∣ges fled into Ravenna: Belisarius pursued, besieged him in the City, and in the end tooke it, and had Ʋitiges delivered into his hands, with whom almost all Italy came under his obedience

Cosroes, King of Persia hearing that Belisarius whom he chiefly feared, was busied in the warrs of Italy, took the opportunity to make warr upon the territories of the Empire, and tooke some Cities, whereupon Iustinian, who was very circumspect for all parts, sent an Army into the East, under a valiant Generall, who being slaine in a battell against the Persians, he sent a second, yet could not the Imperi∣alists make sufficient resistance against them, but that they still prevailed; wherefore Iustinian sent for Belisarius, as the only man that could match the Per∣sian: Belisarius going to Constantinople tooke with him Ʋitiges with his Queene, many of his kindred and other principal men of the Goths his prisoners, and was received into Constantinople with exceeding honour, and much joy, and was looked upon as the wonder of the world, everie one extolling his vertues and noble acts: he was a man of a pleasant countenance, tall of stature, of an excellent consti¦tution, * 1.133 Noble of condition, pious, mild, courteous; and endued with many other rare and heroicall

vertues: within few daies after, he was sent into the East against Cosroes, and with his coming, the Im∣perialists tooke heart, and he revived the warr with such discretion and courage, that there was a present alteration in all things: and having obtained some victories, he soone recovered most of that which was lost: But whilst thus he was farr from Italy, the Goths which kept some Garrisons there, assembled toge∣ther, and chose one Ydibaldus King; but not long af∣ter, his guard slew him: In whose place they chose Araricus King, who was also slaine within five moneths, & then they chose Totila for their King, who presently marched through all Italy without any great resistance, and besieged the City of Naples, which, af∣ter many exployts both by Sea and Land, he tooke: and prospered so much in his enterprises, that he was like in a short space to make himself Lord of all Italy: which Iustinian hearing of, sent to Belisarius, comman¦ding him to leaue the affaires of the East in as good a posture as he could, and speedily returne to Con∣stantinople, whence without any stay he was present∣ly sent by the Emperour into Italy, whither he led with him but fiftie thousand men, expecting that he should have found sufficient forces there: for the Emperour was made to believe that his affaires were not in so low a state as they proved; his coming was much expected by his friends, and feared by his ene∣mies; but when they saw that he brought so small an Army with him, his friends grieved, and his ene∣mies contemned him. Putting himselfe into Raven∣na, he fortified and kept the same, and within few daies tooke such order, that though he could not match his numerous enemes in the field, yet by po∣licy * 1.134

he won upon them: whereupon Totila being an∣gry, assembled his whole power, sent one part of his Army to Ravenna against Belisarius, and with the rest he went to Rome, which was so slenderly provided with men and amunition, that it was not like to hold out long: Belisarius understanding this, remembring with what trouble and care hee had formerly de∣fended that City, and having not sufficient forces to relieve it by land, he was very sorrowfull, and there∣upon wrote earnestly to the Emperour to send him men and money, and in the meane time he resolved to put himselfe into Rome by Sea: and so passing over into Dalmatia, he went to Durasso, where he met with Captaine Iohn, whom the Emperour had sent with an Army to assist him: but holding that the re∣liefe of Rome was presently necessary, he tooke the Sea to enter Rome by the river Tyber, appointing Captaine Iohn to hast his march by land to relieve him: Coming to the mouth of Tyber, he speedily rig∣ged a great number of Barks and Frigots, with which he passed up the river, in the narrowest part where∣of, Totila had drawn a chaine a crosse, made a bridg, and two Castles at either side, guarded with a great number of souldiers: yet Belisarius with his men charged the guard so lustily that they scattered them, and Rome had been presently relieved, if by a strange mishap it had not bin prevented: Indeed God (who * 1.135 had raised up these Gothes to scourge the Romane Empire, and to punish the sins of Rome, and the de∣cay of zeale, and increase of superstition in the Church) had otherwise determined of it: For Beli∣sarius having left his wife, whom he deerely loved,

with his family in a Port at the mouth of the river, under the care of a good Captaine, and strong gari∣son, had newes brought him, that the towne was ta∣ken, and his wife in the enemies hande, which so grieved and enraged him, that he presently returned downe the river, determining to recover his wife, or lose his life, presuming that if he sped well, he might presently returne to the reliefe of Rome: Be∣ing come to the port, he found the towne safe, and his wife well, and at liberty, whereupon he was more grieved to see himselfe so deluded: and the same night it pleased God (who makes all things to concurr for the effecting of his owne will) that he fell sick of a fever, and his disease daily encrea∣sing, he was often at the Point of death: In the mean time Totila so straitly besieged the City of Rome, that they within, did eat catts, rats, dogs &c. And yet * 1.136 many dyed of hunger: so that in the end he became master of it, burnt the Capitoll, and best part of all the City, threw downe the third part of the walls, * 1.137 commanded the inhabitants upon the paine of death to depart, and live in other places: and so he left it burnt, desolate, and wast, which had beene the mistris of the world. And then he marched against Captain Iohn and his army, that was coming towards Rome, who shewed himselfe so very a coward, that he durst not stay his coming, but put himselfe into Otranto, whereby Totila tooke all Calabria, Abruzzo, and Lucania.

In the meane time Belisarius having recovered his health, performed one of the most desperate attempts that ever was: which was, with those troops which he

had, to go & put himself into the desolations of Rome, where hee presently caused trenches to bee digged, rampires to be made, and all the victualls that could possibly be gotten to be brought thither. The fame wherof brought many citizens for love of their coun∣trey to come and put themselves therein to with him. As soone as Totila heard hereof, by long Iourneies, he returned to Rome, assuring himselfe presently to enter it, and therein to take Belisarius: But Belisarius so valiantly defended the same, that to his great losse Totila was forced to raise his siege: afterwards Beli∣sarius, having better fortified it, and left a good gar∣rison in it, went to joine with Iohn, and his Army, and to pursue Totila: But the King of Persia againe making warrs in the East, Iustinian sent for Belisarius to Constantinople, which when the King of Persia heard of, he concluded a peace with Iustinian, & so Be∣lisarius remained in Constantinople all the rest of his life; during which time the Huns came downe into Thrace, robbing and spoiling all the countrey, against whom old Belisarius was sent, who overthrew them in a great battell, and so returned to the Emperour.

After Belisarius departed from Italy, Totila returned againe & besieged Rome, and after a long siege, wher∣in the inhabitants & souldiers endured great extremi∣ties & famine, he againe tooke it, but did it no harme, seeking rather to repaire and repeople it, giving great gifts, priviledges, and exemptions to the inhabitants: Afterwards he tooke many other places, & then pas∣sed over into Sicily, but finding that the conquest thereof would be difficult, he left foure Captaines with many men of warr, and so returned into Italy,

where, in a short space, he had made himself absolute Lord of the Countrey, had not the Emperour sent Narses, an holy, famous and valiant Captaine with a great Army into Italy; and in his march towards Rome, Totila mett him, and presented battell to him. * 1.138 They fought, and in the fight Totila was slaine, and his Army routed, whereupon Narses easily recon∣quered all Italy: After Totilas death, the Goths chose Teyas, a potent man amongst them, King, who raised with Totila's treasure, a great Army, & so marched out of Lombardy to encounter with Narses: they both lodged their Armies upō a river side, where after some notable skirmishes, they came to a battaile, which was one of the most cruell that had beene fought in all that warr: having fought six hours, wherein Teyas in his own person had done wonders, he was at last slain; yet the battaile continued till darke night: the next morning they returned to the fight againe without ceasing, and the Goths taking the advantage of an hill, defended themselves till towards night, at which time they sent Ambassadours to Narses, profering to resigne all they held in Italy to him, provided that he would let them liue in it, without Armour or weapons. Narses granted their request, for that he would not fight with a desperate people, himselfe also having lost many of his men in the fight: and so they delivered what they possessed, & in a short time after they were so mixed with the natives, that the name of the Goths was wholly extinct, and forgotten. Narses applyed himselfe to the re-edifying of Rome: and because it was extreame ruinous, and the inhabi∣tants few, he contracted the compasse of it, and set∣led * 1.139

the Government of it, and of Italy in the best manner he could: He was a man of great judgment, * 1.140 a good Christian, zealous in religion, and an excel∣lent Captaine, and held the governement of Italy under Iustinian all his life after.

In Iustinians time besides these and many other * 1.141 warrs, there happened great earthquakes, famine, and many other calamities: He was a Godly and ex∣cellent * 1.142 Prince, who provided for all his great warrs without taxing or oppressing his subjects: and in his civill governement he was so carefull, as if he never had applyed himselfe to any thing else: for whereas the lawes made by former Emperours were many, tedious, obscure, and somtimes contradictory each to other, he contracted, cleered, and made them vni∣forme, adding new, where there was a defect. And whereas they contained two thousand books before, he reduced them to fiftie, called the Digest, and com∣piled foure books of Institutes: and other decrees, which were dispersed into divers books, he reduced to twelue, called Iustinians Codex. He was very curious in Architecture, and built many great and sumptuous edifices. Being growne old, and having noe son to succeed him, he adopted his daughters sonne, called Iustin, for his fellow Emperour. And after so many noble acts, he left this for a better life in the eightieth yeare of his age, and of his raigne thirtie-nine, Anno Christi 568. His death was greatly lamented and deplored through the whole Empire.

As some write, Iustinians wife was Theodora, a wo∣mane infected with the heresie of Eutyches, who after the death of her husband, out of malice, and envie * 1.143

to that brave and noble Captaine Belisarius, caused his eies to be put out, and brought him to that extre∣mity of want, that he was forced to sit by the high∣wayes begging, Date obolum Belisario, For Gods sake * 1.144 giue an halfpenny to poore Belisarius Evag. Ʋanity of Ʋanities, all is Ʋanity,

One thing is very remarkable in this Godly Em∣perour Iustinian, Gensericus when he spoiled and plundred Rome, tooke the vessells of gold, and silver, which Titus had brought from the Temple in Ieru∣salem, and carried them with him to Carthage: these vessells, amongst other spoiles, Belisarius met with when he tooke Carthage, and carried them to Con∣stantinople: but Iustinian would not receive them in∣to his treasury, but sent them againe to Ierusalem, to be disposed of for the good of the church, according to the discretion of the Christian Bishops which lived there.

Collected out of Evagrius, the Imperiall History, and booke of Martyrs.

[illustration] portrait of Huniades

HVNIADES

The Life of Huniades, Prince of Transilvania, who dyed Anno Christi. 1450.

Huniades was borne in Ʋalachia, of noble Parentage, and endowed with all those vertues which adorne a Prince, and ther∣fore was Anno Christi 1443 made Prince of Transilvania, which at that time was much infested with the incursions of the Turks: He was a politick, pious, valiant, and famous Captaine: his victories

so great, that the like were never obtained by any Christian Prince against the Turks, and his name be∣came so dreadfull to them, that they used to stil their crying children with it: At his first coming to his so∣veraignty, he began to keep the Turks short by cuting them off, whensoever they presumed to enter into his country: He shut up also the passages where∣by they used to enter, and so having made Transilva∣nia safe, he went into Moldovia, and never rested till he had quite won it out of the Turks hands: Then he passed over Danubius into their dominions, making havock of all, and carrying back a great booty, and many Captives: At this time Isa Bassa, a great favou∣rite of Amuraths, was governour of Temeswar, and an excellent souldier, he to please the Sultan his uncle, * 1.145 continually forraged the Countrey about Belgrade, burning the villages, driving away the cattel, & taking the people captives: sometimes also he brake into Huniades countrey, laying in everie place as he went strong Ambushes, hoping to entrap that wary Cap∣taine; But Huniades purposing revenge, raised a strong army both of horse and foot; and passed over Danu∣bius, encamping neere to Belgrade: which Isa hearing of, presently set forward with a great army to meet him: And coming on in good order, he found Hu∣niades * 1.146 as ready for the battell as himselfe. The sig∣nall of battell being given, there began a great & cruell fight: At the first encounter the wings of Huniades Army were forced to retire, but his men at armes charged with such fury, that many fell on both sides, but most of the Turkes, who were not able long to endure the shock, but were overthrowne by heapes, * 1.147

and at last betook themselves to flight, and Isa Beg: with them; Huniades & his Hungarians fiercely pur∣sued to the very suburbs of Sinderovia, so that most of the Turks were slaine, and a rich prey and many prisoners fell to the Christians, which they carried into Belgrade: the fame of this victory coming to Bu∣da to Vladislaus King of Hungary: he caused publick * 1.148 thanksgivings in every church, and sent rich presents to Huniades, for his encouragement: Amurath much grieved with this loss, repaired his forces, sending Mesites Bassa (a man of great experience, and va∣lour) with a puissant Army to invade Transilvania, * 1.149 where he burned all that came in his way, killing man, woman, and child, without respect of age, or sex: Huniades having noe Army to oppose so po∣tent an enemie, was much greived for the spoile of his countrey, and therefore went to Alba Iulia, to the Bishop therof: the Turks came on within sight of the City, laying all wast before them, which so grieved Huniades and the Bishop: that with a tu∣multuary Army raised in hast, they marched out, either to represse the rage of the Turks, or die ho∣nourably: but they quickly fell into ambushments laid by the crafty Bassa to entrap them, and were for∣ced to fly back into the City with some losse: and the Bishop taking a river with his horse was there * 1.150 slaine by the Turks: Huniades with wonderfull cele∣rity went into the borders of his countrey, perswa∣ding all to take Armes, and so having raised some forces, he marched back after the Bassa, who was re∣turning back, loaden with the spoiles of the countrey: Mesites hearing of Huniades approach, proudly answe∣red, * 1.151

Let him come, and with the spoile of himselfe en∣rich our victory: yet withall he appointed certaine companies of his best souldiers in the fight to set up∣on Huniades, knowing that if he were slaine, the rest would easily be put to flight, withall giving them tokens whereby they might know him and his horse: This, Huniades being informed of by a Spie, he chan∣ged horse and armour with a valiant gentleman that was like him, appointing him a strong troope of horsmen to attend him, & watching his opportunity, like a violent tempest he fell on the Turkes, and finding them out of order, he slew many of them; but the Troops before appointed, spying the coun∣terfeit Huniades, made towards him as they were or∣dered, * 1.152 where began a cruell fight, but at last the Turkes prevailing, slew him and his guard, though with great losse to themselves: But Huniades him∣selfe rode up and down in the Army, encouraging his men, and relieving them where was most need; the Transilvanian prisoners in the Turks Camp, choosing rather to die, then to goe into Captivity, in the heat of the fight brake their bonds, and tooke such weapons as came next to hand, with which they kill∣ed their keepers, and so issued forth to help their * 1.153 friends, laying about them like desperate men, so that the Turks began to waver, and afterwards to fly, whom the Hungarians pursued with a most terrible execution: Mesites and his son were both slaine in their flight, with twentie thousand Turks, and of the Christians were lost about three thousand. All the prey was hereby recovered, the tents and baggage of the Turks taken: and the poore prisoners released,

who falling downe at Huniades feete, gaue God thanks for their deliverance by him: and hee with teares in his eies curteously embraced them, rejoicing at the publick good; himselfe giving most hearty thanks to God, and enjoining the like to be done in all the Churches of his Province: part of the spoiles * 1.154 he gaue to pious uses, the rest he divided amongst his souldiers, and sent the Turks ensignes, and the heads of the principall of them to King Ʋladislaus. Amurath was so enraged at this newes, that he com∣manded a great Army to be raised against the next spring, which he commited to Abedin Bassa, comman∣ding him to enter into Ʋalachia, and having laid it wast by fire and sword, to goe thence into Moldovia, and having done the like there, to goe into Tran∣silvania &c. The Bassa according to his order mar∣ched into Ʋalachia with eightie thousand fighting men: Huniades willed the people to retire into the strong holds, till he came to help them. The Bassa dividing his army into two parts, laid all wast before him, spared none that fell into his hands of any age, sex, or condition, but most of the people were in * 1.155 the fortresses, or mountaines out of his reach: Having thus raged there, he marched into Transilvania, to have done the like in that place, but Huniades atten∣ded his coming with fifteene thousand braue men, which the Bassa hearing of by his scouts, presently encamped himselfe, as being somewhat afraid of Hu∣niades: yet hearing that he had not a fourth part of his number, he advanced forwards towards him: The Armies being within halfe a mile one of the o∣ther, they made an Alt, resolving to use their best

policy as well as valour: yet the next morning they drew forth both their Armies, warily ordering of them for the best advantage: Huniades sought by pro∣vident foresight, and policy to match the huge mul∣titude of his enemies, which when he had done, call∣ing his captaines together, he with a cheerefull coun∣tenance said unto them. Noe courage (companions, and fellows in Armes) could have induced me to encounter so great a multitude, did not necessity enforce, your ap∣proved * 1.156 valour perswade, and the assured hope I have in Christ Iesus aboue all things confirme me; Christ hath chosen us to fight this sacred battell, and with our right hands to revenge the dishonour of his holy name &c. And so with a most holy and Christian speech he inflamed their hearts with a resolution of adventu∣ring their lives in so good a cause: the Bassa also in the best manner he could, encouraged his souldiers, telling them of their victories, their valour, their number, and the contemptible forces of the Christi∣ans: but aboue all things he willed them in the battell to seek out Huniades to kill him, and thereby they might secure the victory, and of him should receive honourable rewards: and so marching forward, the signall of Battell was on both sides given, and they * 1.157 encountered together with such fury and out cries, as never was any thing more terrible: the Turkish horsmen being more, and more expert, forced the Christians to retire to their men at Armes, but they charging the Turks home, slew most of them: In the maine battell of foot, was a most cruell fight be∣tweene the Christians and Janizaries, and such a slaughter was made on both sides that the blood ran

like rivers, and so the fight continued foure hours: at which time the Bassa brought on his rereward, comanding them to compasse the Christians, and slay their weary enemies, wherby they might ob∣taine an easie victory; Huniades prepared for this storme, and encountred afresh with them: though the slaughter of the Turks was great, yet because of their number they felt it not, and so fought it out desperatly, yet at last they began to faint, and by * 1.158 degrees to shrink back, whereby the Hungarians, cheered up with hope of victory, eagerly pressed on, til they put them to open flight: The Bassa seeing that all things were desperate, fled also with some of his Janizaries, but the Christians fiercely following, slew so many of them, that of that great Army not one halfe returned over Danubius: Huniades wonder∣fully enriched himselfe and his souldiers with the spoile of the Turks Campe: he tooke fiue thousand prisoners, and one hundred ensignes, besides their tents and rich pavilions: Then he caused generall prayer and thanksgiving to God for three daies in all the Churches of his provinces: and carried the * 1.159 ensignes and part of the spoile to King Vladislaus at Buda. Against the next spring Amurath raised a great Army to be revenged on the Christians; Vladislaus, by Huniades perswasion expecting no lesse, did the like, with which he marched towards Bulgary, and and coming neere the Turks; Huniades with ten thou∣sand choice horsemen in the dead of the night, went to fall upon the Turks in their Camp: and the moone shining at that time, he discerned them to be buried in sleepe and security, and having viewed the fittest

place to assault them in, with a most hideous out∣crie he entred their Camp, encouraging his men va∣liantly * 1.160 to assail their sleepy, naked, & fearfull enemies: the Turks astonished with the noise, at first rather made a stirr, then fought, but hearing that Huniades was there, as men dismaied with his name, they tur∣ned their backs, and fled. In that night by Huniades with ten-thousand men, there were thirtie thousand of the Turks slaine: all the spoile of a rich Camp taken, their ensignes and foure thousand prisoners, and all with the losse of fivehundred men, and so he returned loaden with booty to the King, who re∣ceived him with much joy, and honoured him ex∣ceedingly: and then through all the Camp they joyned in prayers, and thanksgivings unto God for so great a victory: After wards the Christians march∣ing forward, tooke all such townes in Bulgary as stood in their way: but being come to the great * 1.161 mountaine Hemus, through which they should passe into Thracia, the depth of winter was come upon them, the passages of the mountaine were strongly shut up, and guarded with a great Army commanded by Carambey Bassa, and the Army began to suffer greate extremitie for want of provision, so that at length they were forced to march backwards: which Carambey hearing of, presuming of a glorious & easie victory (contrary to the speciall cōmand of his master) pursued them with his Army: Ʋladislaus was gone before, and Huniades was with the rereward a daies journey behind. When newes was brought of the approach of the Turks, his souldiers much rejoyced at it, as deeming it much more honor to die in fight,

then to starue with hunger and cold: Eight times did Huniades encounter with the Turkish Troops, and as often put them to flight: But when Carambey * 1.162 came on with his whole Army, Huniades was sorry that the King was so farr before him; but making a vertue of necessity, he put his men in the best order that he could, and perswaded them not rashly, and furiously to run upon their enemies, as men prodi∣gall of their lives, but to keep their ranks, and to fight like valiant men, intending to carry away the victory, or to leave unto their enemies a bloody re∣membrance thereof: Immediately the battell began, and the Armies met together with great fury, many were slaine on both sides: Huniades his horsmen fought so, as if they fought for nothing but an ho∣nourable death. The Turks stood to it a long time, but finding that they fought against desperate men, at last they began to give ground: but Carambey coming on with fresh supplies, restored the battell almost before quite lost: Huniades seeing the fainting of the Turks, cryed out Victory, Victory, encoura∣ging his men as fighting under the protection of the Almighty: Carambey performed all the offices of a prudent commander, and valiant souldier, so that he stayed the battell for a while, but at last seeing the case desperate, he fled amongst the rest, and his horse falling into a bog, he was taken by a private souldier: Huniades seeing so brave a man in the hands of a common souldier, asked him if he would sell * 1.163 his prisoner: and he asking ten Ducats for him, Hu∣niades presently gave him foure hundred Ducats: the Despot of Servia coming afterwards into Huni∣ades

tent, asked him how he would ransom his pri∣soner, who answered that he valewed him at fortie thousand Ducats, which the Despot gave him. O the * 1.164 mutability of all wordly things! Carambey allyed to the great Turke, and immediately before so great a commander, was now twice in one day prized, and valewed by his enemies. Shortly after Huniades con∣sulting with Ʋladislaus after so great a victory, at∣tempted the opening of the streites, but finding the difficulties, and dangers great, the winter cold, and raging, and the wants in the Army daily en∣creasing, they resolved to returne the same way they came: which the Turks beholding from the moun∣taines, and having fresh supplies come to them, they followed them at the heeles, and often skirmished with them, but at last the King came to Belgrade, where he was joyfully entertained by his subjects; and after some few daies stay there, he went to Buda, and in the Cathedrall Church returned humble, * 1.165 and hearty thanks for his good successe, hanging up in the same Church many of the enemies en∣signes in remembrance of so notable a victory.

Amurath being at this time engaged in his Warres against Scanderbeg, by the perswasion of his Bassa's, sent Ambassadors to Ʋladislaus, who concluded an ho∣norable * 1.166 peace with him for ten yeares, and the same was confirmed by the solemne oath of both parties: But many great Kings and Princes were much discon∣tented at it, and endeavoured to perswade the young King to break it: and the King calling a Councell of all the Nobility of Hungary to consult about that * 1.167 businesse, Julian the Popes Legat, made a large speech

against the peace; & having at last prevailed with the K. he absolved him from his Oath given to the great Turk. Amurath ignorant of these proceedings, ac∣cording to his agreement withdrew his Garrisons out of Servia restoring it to the Despot, together with his two blind sonnes, and set at liberty a great num∣ber of captive Christians, faithfully performing whatsoever he had promised upon his Religion.

But Ʋladislaus in the mean time prepared his For∣ces, sent to Scanderbeg to come, and to joyne his strength with his (though God prevented it, as is mentioned in the life of Scanderbeg) and being dai∣ly pricked forward by the earnest solicitations of the Popes Legat, having assembled a great Army of brave Souldiers, Hungarians and Polonians, he marched into Bulgary, came to Nicopolis the chiefe Citie there∣of, * 1.168 where he burnt the Suburbs, and refreshed his Army three or foure dayes, and then marched to∣wards Thracia, taking in many Townes and Forts by the way. Amurath awakened with the noise hereof, raised a great Army of an hundred thousand men, and so marched with them towards Varna, where the Christian Army lay. Huniades, the Christians Gene∣rall, hearing of the approach of so numerous an E∣nemy, with great prudence and policy disposed of his Forces, guarding one side with a Fen or Marish, and the other side with his Carriages. The Turks approa∣ching, began to skirmish with the Christians, which was maintained with great courage till the ground was covered with the blood of the slain. At length * 1.169 the battell being joyned, the victory began to incline to the Christians; Huniades with his Horse having

valiantly put to flight both the wings of the Turkish Army, making great slaughter wheresoever he came.

Amurath seeing the great slaughter of his men, and all brought into extream danger, pluckt the Writing out of his bosome, wherein the late League was comprised, and holding it up in his hand, with his eyes cast up to heaven, he said, Behold thou crucified * 1.170 Christ, this is the League that thy Christians in thy Name made with me; which they have without any cause violated. Now if thou be a God, as they say thou art, and as we dreame, revenge the wrong now done unto thy Name, and me, and shew thy power upon thy perjured people, who by their deeds deny thee their God. Imme∣diatly after the Janizaries, which were the greatest strength of the Turkes, began a most cruell fight a∣gainst the Christians; yet where the King and Hu∣niades fought, the Turks shrunk back: but they pre∣vailed on the other side of the Army, which Hunia∣des (having a vigilant eye to every place) percei∣ving, presently rode thither, and with his presence re∣stored the battell before almost lost: in the meane time the young King, with greater courage then care of himselfe, brake into the battell of the Ianizaries, where a French Knight of the Roades, wounded A∣murath with a pike, and had certainly slaine him with his sword, had he not speedily bin rescued by his guard: Vladislaus having performed all the parts * 1.171 of a valiant souldier, had first his horse slaine under him, and then oppressed with multitude, was him∣selfe slaine: whose head Amurath caused to be held up upon a launce, and proclamation to be made, that it was the head of the Christian King: which so dis∣couraged

the Christians that they betook themselves to flight, and Huniades seeing no hope to restore the battell, with some Ʋalachian horsmen, fled through the woods and got into Ʋalachia: where, by Dracula, the Prince of that countrey, he was taken prisoner: and thus as God punished good Iehosophat for joy∣ning with Ahab: so Huniades escaped narrowly with his life, and afterwards became a prisoner for joy∣ning with the perjured popish King. Of the Chri∣stian army scarse a third part escaped, yet was there a greater slaughter of the Turks, who hearing so much silence in the Christian Camp, feared some de∣ceit, staid two daies before they durst adventure to take the spoile. Amurath was very melancholy af∣ter * 1.172 the victory, having lost thirtie thousand men, whereupon he said, that he wished not at so great a price to gaine many victories. This bloody battell was fought at Ʋarna Nov. 10 Anno Christi 1444. Huniades being released out of prison, the Hunga∣rians called a generall assembly of the states, where they chose Ladislaus, the son of Albertus Arch Duke of Austria, for their King: but he being a child of five years old, they unanimously chose Huniades Regent, during the Kings minority, as of all others the most fit for so great and heavie a charge: In which office * 1.173 he spent four yeares in peace, deciding civill contro∣versies, composing quarrells amongst the Nobility: equally administring Iustice to all men: ending controversies, and that without any suspition of * 1.174 corruption, using therein such expedition, and ne∣ver wearied patience, in hearing every mans cause, that sitting, walking, standing, riding, he dispatched

many great and weighty matters, alwaies shewing himselfe affable, and courteous as well to the poorer sort, as to others of greater calling that had any suits unto him, so that noe man was to his friends more friendly, and to his enemies more terrible: In times of peace he was alwaies provident for warr, heaping up great treasures without which the warr could not be maintained, and in all things so carrying himselfe, that he was of his subjects both beloved and feared. Ladislaus the young King of Hungary lived as yet at Ʋienna, about whom was Ʋlricus Earle of Cilicia a very potent man, who much envied, and maligned Huniades, and prevailed with the King to send for him in a friendly manner to Ʋienna, and then to make him away privily: But it pleased God that Hu∣niades came to the knowledg of this wicked con∣spiracy, and thereupon returned answer to the * 1.175 King: that he was ready to serve his Majesty within Hungary in all his affaires, But that it was neither best for the King, nor safest for himself to goe out of that Kingdome: the wicked Earle being thus disap∣pointed of his hopes, went to the borders of Hungary with diverse other in his traine, intending either cunningly to apprehend, and carrie away Huniades unto Ʋienna, or else to dispatch him upon the place: But Huniades, though he profered in the open field to commune with him, yet by no meanes would he be got into the towne: whereby the treacherous Earles expectation was disappointed. Afterwards an other traine was laid for him, that under pretence of the Kings safe conduct, he should meet the King in the broad fields of Ʋienna: Huniades though he

suspected deceit, yet came to the place, but when he neither met there the King: nor had the Earle any safe conduct for him, he told the Earle that it was now in his power to slay him, who thus sought his blood, but for reverence to the King he would spare him, and so let him goe.

In the mean while he was advertized by his Spies, that Amurath was raising great Forces against him; and therefore he, desiring nothing more than to be revenged for their great losses at Varna, accompanied with the greatest part of the Nobility of Hungary, and with the Vayvod of Valachia, he set forward against the Turk, with two and twenty thousand choyce Souldiers; and going into Servia, he sent to the De∣spot, * 1.176 desiring him to joyn his forces with them: But the false Despot did not onely refuse it, but gave in∣telligence to Amurath of their number, and every dayes march: and withall advised him to let them come so far into his Countrey, that he might get be∣hind them with his Army, and so stop their returne. Which advice the Turk followed, and so both the Armies came into a great plain in Bulgary: Huniades daily expecting the coming of Scanderbeg with his Forces, declined the fight, though Amurath daily pro∣voked him: but he still standing upon his guard, A∣murath endeavoured to cut him off from water, and forage: so that Huniades was at last forced to fight, and therefore commanded his Souldiers to prepare themselves: and the more to encourage them, he made an excellent and most Christian speech to them, desiring them not to be discouraged for the remem∣brance of the losse of the battell at Varna, for therein

God had justly revenged the Christians breach of faith, and all the authors of that perfidious dealing, were justly cut off: Whereas (said he) we against our * 1.177 wils drawn into that wofull warre, through the mercy of God yet live, preserved for the defence of the Christian Common-wealth: Hitherto we have rather fought by the power of God then of Man, and in the Name of Jesus Christ our Saviour have easily overthrown these wicked Infidels. We have fought under the leading and Con∣duct of the Highest, whose help we have alwayes felt at hand, and therefore we need not feare their great multi∣tude, &c. Neither did Amurath neglect to order his battell, and encourage his men, whose Army filled all the plain from one side to another, to the great asto∣nishment of the Christians. About nine a Clock the signall of battell being given, the fierce and couragi∣ous Souldiers began to skirmish; but afterwards * 1.178 they fought Foot to Foot, and Hand to Hand for three houres; at which time the Christians put the right wing of the Turkes to the worst, and also in the left wing they did the like with great slaughter of the Turks. Amurath presently sent in strong supplies, whereupon the Christians light Horsemen, wea∣ried before, retired to their men at Armes, who ser∣ring together, easily repulsed the Turkes, and made a great slaughter of them.

Huniades in the mean time with his Artillery from the Hill, did the Turks great harm; which Amurath perceiving, drew up his men close under the Hill, whereby that was prevented: Huniades encouraged his men, sometimes with cheerfull speech, sometimes with his own most valiant hand: to the weary he sent

reliefe, the fearfull he animated, those that were flying he staid, and where the enemies came fastest on, there was he present himselfe to meet them, per∣forming all the offices of a good Generall, and wor∣thy souldier, whereby the battell grew so fierce and terrible, that every place was soiled with the blood of the slaine: but the Turks came on so fast with fresh suppiles, that one battalion of the Christians was oft times enforced to weary foure or fiue of the Turks before they could be relieved. The cruell fight maintained all the day, was by the comming of the night ended, both Armies retiring to their tren∣ches, and with little rest was that night spent: It was scarse faire day, when both the Armies orderly ran∣ged, began the battell againe: but the Christians had * 1.179 almost spent their strength the day before, whereas there were fortie thousand Turks that had not fought at all: yet Huniades wonderfully encouraged his men by many arguments beseeching them for the love of God and man, with their wonted valour that day for ever to set at liberty themselves, their countrey, their wives, and children, and whatso∣ever else they held deare unto them.

So that both the Armies being fully joyned, the battell was fought with no lesse force and fury then the day before: yea many of the wounded Christians came again into the battell, there either by speedy death, or speedy victory, to cure their wounds, and did excellent service. Thus the battell continued all day long, yet the Turkes had the better, and so both Armies, throughly wearied, returned to their tents: The next morning by the dawning of the day, the

battell was again begun, where for certaine houres, it * 1.180 was fought with like hope on both sides, and a great slaughter made: many of the Hungarian nobility there lost their lives, valiantly fighting against their enemies, whereupon Amurath commanded forth all his reserues at once with their number to over∣whelme the wearied Christians, which accordingly succeeded, for the Christians weake and wounded, * 1.181 were hereby wholly overthrowne, which Huniades seeing, saved himselfe by flight, the like did many of the Christians, whom the Turks eagerly pursued * 1.182 till they might stop them; then the Turks Army compassing in the Hungarian Camp to rifle it, were by the wounded souldiers, wagoners and other drudges of the Army, kept out so long as they had any shot left, who at length were all slaine, yet not altogether unrevenged. In this battell the Turks lost foure and thirtie thousand men for eight-thousand of the Christians. Huniades all alone by uncouth wayes travelled three daies and nights without meat, or drink, and the fourth day tyred his horse, and cast him off: and afterwards being himselfe on foot disarmed, he fell into the hands of two notable thieves, who dispoiled him of his apparell, but falling * 1.183 at strife in parting the prey, he tooke occasion to lay hand on one of their swords, with which he slew one of them, and put the other to flight, so travelling on almost spent with hunger and thirst, the next day * 1.184 he light upon a shephard, a sturdy knaue, who hearing of the Hungarians overthrow, was roaming abroad in hope of prey: at his first sight of Huniades he stood at gaze, stricken with his majesty: Huniades also

being so extreame weake desired not to have to doe with him: at last the shepheard bluntly asked him of his fortune, and he for Gods sake craved something to eat, the shepherd moved with the promise of re∣ward, brought him to a poore coate hard by, and * 1.185 caused bread and water with a few onions to be set before him, who after wards at his bankets would pleasantly say, that he never in his life fared better, nor more daintily, then when he supped with this shep∣herd. * 1.186 Thus refreshed, he went to Synderovia, which the Despot having intelligence of, caused him * 1.187 to be apprehended and imprisoned, yet at last re∣leased him upon certaine conditions: but shortly af∣ter the Despots countrey being invaded by the Turks, he sent to Huniades craving pardon for his offence, and humbly intreating aid of him, which Huniades readily granted, going himselfe with his forces, and joining with the despot, he marched * 1.188 speedily against the Turks, who spying Huniades Ensigne in the Christians Army, as men wholly dis∣couraged, betook themselves to speedy flight, after whom followed the Christians with most bloody execution, pursuing them all that day, and had not the night come on, few of them had escaped: the Generall and most of the Turks chiefe commanders were taken prisoners: then Huniades entred far into * 1.189 Bulgary, burnt the chiefe City, and having well re∣venged himselfe of the Turks, he returned with triumph to Buda: Amurath being dead, and Mahomet succeeding him, having taken the great City of Con∣stantinople, * 1.190 his next designe was against Belgrade, which stands upon the great river of Danubius, and

was the key of Hungary, which being taken would let him into the heart of the countrey, and for that end, he raised an army of an hundred & fifty thousand of his best souldiers, and sent before him two hun∣dred ships and gallies up the river, to prevent the victualling of the City by water, and presently after came himselfe with all his Army, and sate downe before it, and with the fury of his Artillery over∣threw a great part of the wall, which the defendants with great industry speedily repaired. Huniades * 1.191 also sent a fleet of ships, which encountring with the Turks fleet, tooke twentie saile of them, and so terrified the rest, that they were glad to run them∣selves a ground neere to the Turkes Camp: all which were presently set on fire that they should not come * 1.192 into the hands of the Christians: Huniades being thus master of the river, himselfe with fiue thousand valiant souldiers entred into the City: Mahomet re∣solved to gaine the City, and having made a great breach, appointed the next day to give a generall assault, but whilst he was preparing for it, Carazias Bassa his lieutenant Generall was slaine with a great shot from the towne, with which the proud. Tyrant was exceedingly troubled, yet went on with his purpose, and the Ianizaries his best souldiers, without any great resistance entred the breach, the like did others in many parts of the City, whereupon they * 1.193 reckoned that it was their own: but the valiant Hunia∣des issuing out on every side with his most resolute souldiers, so oppressed the Turks, that few of them that were entred the City escaped, but either were slaine or taken prisoners, and the rest with exceeding

slaughter were beaten from the walls: Presently also in this confusion, Huniades sallied out of the towne, set upon the Turks that guarded their great Ord∣nance, * 1.194 whom with great slaughter he draue from their charge, and enforced them to leave them to their enemies: Mahomet seeing this, couragiously charged the Hungarians afresh to have recovered his Ordnance, but was so valiantly repulsed by Hunia∣des, and beaten with murthering shot from the town, that he was glad when he was got into his trenches: Huniades also turned their owne Ordnance against their Camp, with which he did them noe small harme: and being strengthened with a new supply of Christians, he assailed the Turks trenches, at which the proud Tyrant never before so braved, issued out, valiantly encountering him, beat him back againe to the great Ordnance, from whence he he was againe by the Christians Beaten to his tren∣ches; In these hot skirmishes the Captaine of the Ianizaries, with many other valiant men, were slaine, and Mahomet also himselfe was so sore wounded * 1.195 under the left pap, that he was carried into his pa∣villion for dead: but coming againe to himselfe, con∣sidering that he had lost his whole fleet, his great Ordnance, and fortie thousand of his best Officers, and souldiers, secretly in the night he arose with his Army, and in great silence shamefully departed, * 1.196 still looking behind when the Hungarians should have pursued him, which for want of horse they could not doe.

Shortly after, this most valiant and renowned Captaine Huniades, worthy of immortall praise, grew

mortally sick of a wound received in those fights, who feeling himselfe in danger of death, desired to receive the Sacrament, and would in any case (sick as he was) be carried to the church to receive it, saying, It is not fit that the Lord should come to the * 1.197 house of his servant, but that the servant should rather goe to the house of his Lord and master, and shortly af∣ter he resigned up his spirit to God, Anno Christi * 1.198 1456.

He was much lamented, and honoruably buried at Alba Iulia in Saint Stevens Church.

He was prudent of witt, discreet in counsel, expert * 1.199 and politick in warr, prompt of hand, very circum∣spect and wary before he attempted any thing, but very quick and expeditious when once resolved. He maintained war against two mighty and puissant Emperours of the Turks, Amurath and Mahomet the great: and through the Lords might, he defended all Panonia against them, and was as a mighty wall, or bulwark to all Europe against the cruell Turks, the enemies of Christ and his Christians, and there∣fore he was called the thunderbolt and terror of the Turks: Neither was there ever any Christian King or Prince, that gat so many victories, and so profitable for Christendom, as he did.

Collected out of the Turkish History and the booke of Martyrs.

[illustration] portrait of Scanderbeg

SCANDERBEG

The life of George Castriot, alias Scanderbeg, King of Epyrus, who died Anno Christi 1466.

JOhn, the Father of this George, was descen∣ded of an ancient Family, which had long reigned in Epyrus, or Albania, a part of Macedonia; yet he surmounted his predecessors, in prudence, gravity, and magnanimity; in corporall beauty, and comelinesse of person, and in many vertuous endowments: His

Mother was Voisava, daughter of the King of the Tri∣bullians, a woman for beauty, wisdome, and excel∣lency of spirit, surpassing most of her sex. God blessed these persons with nine Children; foure sons, and five daughters, whereof this George was the youngest, upon whose right arm, when he was born, appeared the form of a sword, as naturally imprinted, as if it had been engraven by the hands of a cunning Workman. About this time the Ottoman Empire had extended it selfe into Europe, and Amurath the great Turke having long afflicted Macedonia with a ter∣rible and tedious warre: John Castriot, amongst o∣ther Princes, was fain to sue to him for peace; which he obtained upon condition, that he should deliver to him all his sonnes in hostage: which though it was very grievous, yet necessity forced assent. Thus was George, with his other brethren, delivered to the great Turk; who faithfully promised well and ho∣norably to intreat them: But this miscreant having them in his power, falsified his oath, and caused them to be circumcised; giving to George (in whom some∣thing more then ordinary appeared) at his circumci∣sion, the name of Scanderbeg; i. e. Lord Alexander: He was about nine yeares old, and Amurath taking a liking to him, appointed him good Masters and In∣structers, under whom he quickly learned the Tur∣kish, Arabian, Greeke, Italian, and Sclavonian Lan∣guages: * 1.200 And as his strength increased, he acquainted himselfe with all those vertuous exercises which might fit him for the warre. And sometimes with his Sword, sometimes with his Bow, on Horse back and Foot, he gave forth incredible proofes of agility and

readinesse of body, and of a forward and couragious spirit: Hereupon the Sultan made him a Sanziak, and Colonell of five thousand Horse: His brethren also proving very good Souldiers, he imploied them in severall parts of his Empire Scanderbeg being eighteen years old, was sent by Amurath into Natolia; where, in his first enterprise, his vertue, and good suc∣cesse * 1.201 in warre appeared, and he returned victorious. And afterwards he, with his Regiment, alwayes made one in all enterprises; and the good successe was, by the common consent of all the Souldiery, still cast up∣on * 1.202 him, without the mention of other Commanders. And new troubles arising in Asia; he, at those yeares, was chosen Generall of the whole Army: And here∣by he did easily surmount the glory of his former acts, by the quick and speedy defeat of his Enemies. A∣murath wondred not so much at his happy successe, as at his wisdome and prudence. About this time came a Giant-like Scythian to the Court, demanding if there were any that durst encounter him in Armes and prove himselfe in fight against him. Amurath proclaimed and promised to the Conquerour a great reward, to encourage his men to undertake the com∣bat. But when every one abhorred the purchase of honour upon such desperate conditions (for they * 1.203 were to fight in their shirts in a narrow place with their swords onely) Scanderbeg stepping to him, said, Either shalt thou not, O Scythian, beare away this prize, and glory, or else being made more glorious by my death, thou shalt be enriched with these spoyles, and or∣naments, &c. In the Duell, Scanderbeg slue the Scy∣thian, without receiving the least wound from him;

and presenting his head to Amurath, received the re∣ward of his victory.

Afterwards two Persians of a faire and goodly sta∣ture came, and made the like challenge to fight on Horse back; and when all refused, he took up the Gantlet against them: and whereas (contrary to a∣greement) * 1.204 after his first course, they both assaulted him together; he so acquitted himselfe, that he slue them both, and presented their heads to Amurath; and both by the Emperour and his Bassa's, was admired and rewarded with great and bountifull presents. If at any time he was imployed against the Christians, and he could not evade it without suspition, he used to pray to God that it might be farre from him, to purchase honour by shedding the blood of Christi¦ans: and therefore he ever sought as little as might be, to endammage them, and gave them opportunity to save themselves. Whatsoever money came to his * 1.205 hands, he distributed it bountifully amongst his Soul∣diers.

About this time died John Castriot in Epyre, which Amurath hearing of, seised upon his Kingdome, put Garisons into all the Cities and strong Holds, and poysoned all the brethren of Scanderbeg, which was * 1.206 an extream griefe to him, yet durst he not disco∣ver the least signes of it, but carried himselfe, as if he had preferred Amurath before them all.

Yet the Tyrant grew jealous of him, and put him up∣on * 1.207 all desperate services, hoping that by his forward∣nesse he would perish in some of them; yet know∣ing how much interest he had in the affections of the men of Warre, he carried faire weather towards him.

But rather the admirable providence of God in pre∣serving of him is to be taken notice of: for the Ty∣rant * 1.208 wanted not will, nor power, nor opportunities, nor provocations from his Court-Parasites to have taken away his life, but the Lord preserved him to be the delverer of his people, a bulwark to the Christians, and a scourge to that proud Ottoman Em∣pire in her greatest height and glory.

Not long after, Amurath fell out with Ʋladislaus King of Hungary, for assisting the Despot of Misia, and thereupon raising an Army of eighty thousand men, he sent Canambey the Bassa of Romania with Scanderbeg, and twentie thousand men to invade the Hungarians, himselfe following with the body of his Army: Ʋladislaus, with great Huniades that famous * 1.209 Captaine, prepared an Army of fiue and thirtie thousand men to encounter him: the Bassa encamped by the river of Monavia, Huniades not enduring this bravado, with ten thousand men leaving the King in his Camp, passed the river to encounter with the barbarians, who contemning his small number, began the fight: Castriot (seeing an opportunity to accom∣plish what he had before determined) in the be∣ginning of the battel, with his bands began to retreat, and afterwards fled, thereby striking a fear into the other Turks, who soone fled also: Scanderbeg having before imparted his purpose to his friends, especial∣ly * 1.210 to his nephew Amase, as they fled through a wood, he laid hands upon the Turks Secretary, and caused him with threatenings to write letters in the name of Amurath to the Governour of Croia (the regall City of Epyrus) to deliver up his command into

the hands of Scanderbeg, as deputed by him to have the command thereof, and then killing the Secretary, he posted by very long journies into the upper Dibriae, where sending for some of the principall men of the towne, he discovered himselfe and purposes to them, who vnanimously assented to what he desi∣red, presenting to him their estates & lives, for the set∣ling of him in his Kingdom, and so taking good order for all his affaires, he hastened towards Croia, sen∣ding Amase before to carry news to the Governour, and to certifie him that Scanderbeg with his traine was not farr behind: he tooke with him his friends, and a select number of Dibrians, and so entring into Croia, he delivered the packet, which being opened * 1.211 and read was easily believed, and the Governour prepared to depart: the night after his men at Armes, which he had left secretly neere the towne, were let in, with whom many of the Citizens joined, who setting first upon the watch, and then on the Garison, put most of them to the sword, and so having made himselfe master of Croia, he presently sent to Dibria to giue his friends notice of his successe, & to stir up that countrey, and their allies to lay hold upon the oppor∣tunity for the recoverie of their liberty: he also gaue notice to all the countrey about Croia, stirring them up to take armes to free themselves from the Tur∣kish yoake, who readily and with much joy recei∣ved him, and came so flocking in, that he quickly had a good troop of resolute and couragious souldiers, with whom he presently marched to Dibria, where Amase also had raised an other company: Then he appointed two thousand men to guard the frontiers,

and with the rest he went into base Dibria, where a noble and braue Captaine [Moses Galome] came to * 1.212 him, that afterwards did him excellent service. In the meane while many of the Turks in those parts * 1.213 assembled together to fight with him, but were easily vanquished, and most of them put to the sword. Then Scanderbeg imploying his Captaines to raise all the forces they could; and many Noble men of his kindred, with their followers coming to him, he quickly had an Army of twelue thousand souldiers well appointed, with these he marched to Petrella a strong Garison of the Turks, scituate upon the top of a steep rockie mountaine: and partly with faire words, partly with terrible threats, he so farr wrought upon the Governour, that he surrendred * 1.214 the place to him, and with his garison departed out of it: From thence having Garisoned the place, he marched (though in the frost and snow) to * 1.215 Petra▪alba, scituated upon the top of a mountaine also, as were all the Cities of Epyrus, there the Go∣vernour was content upon the same termes to quitt the place; and from thence Scanderbeg went to Stellusa, to which he profered the same termes as he * 1.216 gave to the other; the souldiers were willing to ac∣cept of them, but the Governour opposed, but at last they laid hold on him, and delivered him bound to Scanderbeg, and so departed: upon this newes all the weaker Garisons easily yielded to him: then he went to Sfetigrade, where he attempted to have en∣tred * 1.217 by a treaty, but the Garison standing out stout∣ly against him, and the depth of winter being come, he left Moses with three thousand horse to block it

up, and to have an eie to the frontiers, and so he re∣tired to Croia, where he disbanded his Army, till there was further occasion. Then he betook himselfe to the service of God, and setling of his civill affairs; but presently came newes from Moses, that many of the Turkes were gathered together neere unto him. Whereupon Scanderbeg taking his followers, and an hundred horse, went straight thither, which the Turks hearing of, presently scattered; Scanderbeg then took a thousand Horse, that were with Moses, and made * 1.218 an in-rode into Macedonia, spoiling all the Countrey, and returned loaden with the prey.

By this time Amurath heard of his escape, and of all that he had done in Epyrus, which exceedingly grieved and vexed him: Whereupon, calling a Councell, he made peace with the Hungarians, and bent all his thoughts against Scanderbeg. In the mean while Scanderbeg assembles a Parliament of all the E∣states of Epyrus at Lissa, where he was chosen General of their Forces. The Spring coming on, Scanderbeg levied his Forces, and took the Field with six thou∣sand men, and so marched to Sfetigrade: but the Garrison continuing obstinate, he spoyled the Coun∣trey, that they might have no provision; and then with his Army he marched into Mocrea, a pleasant and fruitfull Countrey, which he quickly subdued, * 1.219 and added it unto his Dominions. This further incensing Amurath, he commanded a puissant Army to be levied, which Scanderbeg hearing of by his friends at Court, he strengthened himselfe by confe∣derating with his neighbours: And in the mean time Sfetigrade was surrendred to Moses. Amurath having * 1.220

raised an army of forty thousand choyce Horse, com∣mitted them to the leading of Hali-bassa, one of his most valiant & experienced Captains: with the report whereof, the common people of Epyrus were extream∣ly affrighted, betaking themselves to prayer for deli∣verance from so imminent a danger: many also flock∣ed to Scanderbeg, to serve under him, out of whom he chose eight thousand Horse, and seven thousand foot, and dismissed the rest. With this Army, after prayers made to God, he went into the lower Di∣bria, where he heard daily of the approach of his Enemies: Hereupon he caused Gree Musach and A∣mase, with three thousand Horse, to lie in Ambuscado; which was no sooner done, but the Turks began to approach, pitching their Camp neer to Scanderbeg, yet knew not that he was so nigh them. Scanderbeg having appointed good watch, bade the rest of his men to betake themselves to their rest. The Turkes having discovered him, grew very insolent, and com∣ming neer the Christians Camp, began to revile them, and challenge them to the battel: Scanderbeg made his men to be quiet till the rising of the Moone, then he caused them to refresh themselves with food, and so some of them to issue forth to skirmish with the Turkes, in the mean time he ordered his battel: Hali-Bassa, contemning the small number of his enemies, gave the first charge with a small Troop of Horse, who after they had charged, retired, hoping that the Christians with eager pursuit, would disorder their battell: But Scanderbeg finding their policy, kept his men in good order. So both Armies coming on, the Wings began the battell afresh; Scanderbeg bringing

on the main battell in the face of the Bassa, valiantly charged him. No sooner were the battels throughly joyned, but the Ambuscado brake out, and charged the Rereward of the Turkes, making such a slaugh∣ter, that some of them began to flye. Thus was the Bassa's great Army distressed by a few. But he having placed his best Souldiers neerest to himselfe, with them renewed the fight, so that Scanderbegs fortune was at a stand, till Ʋranacontes coming on with some fresh Troopes from the Rere, brake through the * 1.221 Bassa's Army, with incredible slaughter of them; so that the Turkes seeing their fellowes lying by heaps wallowing in their own blood, betook themselves to flight, whom the Christians fiercely pursuing, slue two and twenty thousand of them, took two thou∣sand prisoners, and foure and twenty Ensignes of the Turkes: And so horsing all his Foot-souldiers with the horses of the slain Turkes, he made a road into * 1.222 Macedonia, laying all waste before him, and returned with a rich booty, besides all the spoiles gotten in the Turks Camp; and with it went back to Croia, where he was received with wonderfull joy. Hali-Bassa, with the remainder of his men, returned to Adrianople, where he had much adoe to make his peace with the Sultan, who was almost ready to make away himselfe for his great losses before in Hungary, and now in E∣pyrus.

About this time the Popes Legat perswaded the King of Hungary to break his League lately made with Amurath, saying, That Faith was not to be kept with In∣fidels and Miscreants, and he absolved the King and * 1.223 his Nobles from their Oath to the great Turk: and

thereupon great preparations were made, and a great Army raised, whereof Huniades was made the Lieu∣tenant Generall. The King of Hungary also wrote to Scanderbeg, to come and joyne his Forces with them: which Scanderbeg, after a Councel held with his Prin∣ces, assented unto, and raising a potent Army, and seeking to God by prayer, for a prosperous journey, he marched towards Hungary: But God intending to chastise the perjury of the Hungarians, and to pre∣serve Scanderbeg from having any hand in so horrid a sinne, stirred up the Despot of Misia (a very A∣thiest) to deny him passage through his Countrey: Whereupon Scanderbeg resolved to force it, though it was like to prove a difficult work; and indeed be∣fore he could doe it, the Turkes and Hungarians had fought a dreadfull battell, wherein many were slain, and amongst others, Ʋladislaus with his perju∣red Nobles, and the Christian Army, was wholly * 1.224 overthrowne. The newes whereof coming to Scan∣derbeg, he was so grieved, and enraged also at the Despot, that he spoiled his Countrey with Fire and Sword, and so returned home again.

Amurath hearing of the spoile that Scanderbeg had made in Macedonia, resolved in the next place to take him to task; but first he sought to undermine him by treachery, and offers of peace and amity, writing to him for that purpose. But Scanderbeg being well ac∣quainted with his wiles, wrote back to him, rejecting his proffered peace. Amurath was much incensed at this, and hearing that Scanderbeg had dismissed his Army, and kept the Field onely with his Horse, who also ranged up and down carelesly after prey, he

sent for Feresey Bassa, a Captain of a fierce and ready spirit, and loading him with promises, if he returned Victor, he gave him nine thousand Horse, all chosen and pickt men, commanding him speedily and se∣cretly to enter into Epyrus, before the enemy were a∣ware: who accordingly proceeded, and promised to himselfe victory before he came thither. But all this was not concealed from Scanderbeg, who sudden∣ly went and seized on a narrow valley called Mocrea, which the Turkes of necessity must passe through; where, hiding his men in Woods and Rockes, till the Turkes were intangled on all sides, they then vio∣lently brake out upon them, killing and slaying of * 1.225 them at their pleasure. The Turkes made stout resi∣stance; but their Horses in that place rather hindred then holp them, so that the greatest number of them were slaine, and the rest throwing away their Armes, upon their knees craved mercy, and had it, and so were made prisoners.

Feresey almost in the beginning of the fight, seeing his men enclosed and slaughtered, and not knowing his enemies number, turned back with those troopes that were about him, and so escaped, yet was pur∣sued by the Christians, and lost many in his flight. A∣murath, when he heard of it, was marvellously trou∣bled and perplexed, bending all his thoughts against Scanderbeg: and therefore presently sent Mustapha, a Politick and hardy Captain, with a new supply of six thousand souldiers to take Feresey's charge com∣manding him in no case to enter farr into Epyrus, but to burne and spoile the frontiers of it: who ac∣cordingly coming into the Valley of Mocrea, pitched

his Camp upon the side of an hill, placed his scouts upon the tops of the mountaines, kept foure thou∣sand horse with himselfe in his Camp, and sent nine thousand abroad to spoile the countrey: Scan∣derbeg drawing neere to the valley with foure thou∣sand horse, and one thousand foot, was informed of all these passages, and seeing that Policy was not to be used against so wary an enemy, he resolved to assault him suddenly in his trenches, before his dispersed Troops could retire to him: and so entring the valley, he was presently discovered, and warning given to Mustapha, who endeavoured to call back his men, and some that were neere, hasted to him: * 1.226 Scanderbegs souldiers followed them at the heels, and assaulted them in their trenches, beat them from them, and fell pell mell upon them, filling all their Camp with feare, and slaughter: Mustapha seeing that all was like to be lost, escaped at the port which was furthest from the enemy, some of his men also following of him: fiue thousand Turks were slaine, three hundred taken, and Scanderbeg lost but twentie horsemen, and fiftie footmen.

Mustapha afterwards obtained an other great Ar∣my of Amurath, with which he went against Scan∣derberg, who lying at the siege of Dayna against the Ʋenetians, had present information sent him from his garisons upon the frontiers of Epyrus, whom he commanded by a speedy messenger in no wise to encounter with the enemy, but to keep themselves in their strong holds till his coming, and so leaving Amase to continue the siege, he tooke fiue hundred horse, and a thousand fiue hundred footmen, with

which he hasted to the reliefe of his garisons: Musta∣pha had sought by all meanes to draw forth Scan∣derbegs men out of their holds, but seeing that they would not stirr, he began to burne and spoile all the countrey, till hearing of Scanderbegs approach, he called all his Army together and incamped within two miles of him: Scanderbeg drawing some forces out of his garison, had in all foure thousand horse, & two thousand foot, with which having strengthen∣ed his trenches, he left three hundred for the guard of them, and issuing forth with the rest, he placed them in order of Battell. Mustapha did the like; but before the battell began, there came from the Turks a man at Arms in rich and gallant furniture, challenging any one of the Christians to fight hand to hand with him: Paul Manessi thereupon stepped to Scanderbeg, desiring leave that he might accept the challenge, and chastise the proud Turk, which Scanderbeg assenting to, and praying for his successe, he presently mounted on horsback, rode forth to the Turke, bidding him to prepare himselfe to the battell: both Generalls agreed upon the Lawes for the combat, and so the champions taking their course, ran each at other with their speares, and Menassi ran the Turk through the head, and so slew him, and then alighting, he stroke off his head, tooke his Armour, and returned to the Camp loaden with * 1.227 his spoiles. Scanderbegs men were much encouraged with this good Omen, and the Turks as much af∣frighted, whereupon Scanderbeg presently marched forward against them, and charged the Turks with such fury, that they presently began to retire: Mu∣stapha

seeing that, put spurs to his horse, resolving to win the field or die; most of his chiefe captaines did the like, which a little renued the battell; but pre∣sently Mustapha and twelue of his chiefe men were taken prisoners, the rest slaine and scattered: there were killed of the Turks ten thousand men, and fif∣teene ensignes taken: the Christians lost but three hundred; they found a rich prey in the Turks Camp: yet did Scanderbeg make an inrode into Macedonia, spoiled and tooke a great booty, then left two thou∣sand horse, and one thousand foot for the guard of his frontiers, and so returned to the siege of Dayna.

Shortly after the Venetians made peace with * 1.228 Scanderbeg: and Amurath sent him rich presents, with fiue and twentie thousand Duckats to redeeme his Captaines, whom Scanderbeg had used honou∣rably, and sent them away with a safe convoy, the money he divided amongst his souldiers: and then he made an other inrode into Macedonia, and divi∣ding his Army into three parts, he laid all wast, and brought away a rich prey, that he might leaue no∣thing for the reliefe of his enemies, when they retur∣ned againe: Amurath was so incensed herewith, that he resolved to send no more of his Captaines, but to goe in his owne person with such an host, that should fill every corner of Epyrus, and make an easy conquest of it: Scanderbeg either having intelli∣gence, or suspecting the worst, when he heard of such great preparations, advertised his Christian neigh∣bours to stand upon their guard, and mustered up all his men, took up all the provisions through Epy∣rus, where with he stored his Garisons, and thrust

most of the common people with their provisions, in∣to his strong holds, leaving nothing to relieve his e∣nemies.

Then bending his chiefest care for his Regall Ci∣tie of Croia, he placed in it a Garrison of one thou∣sand three hundred old Souldiers, sent away all the Citizens that could not beare Armes, into the Vene∣tian Territories, who after earnest prayers and sup∣plications made unto God, departed with heavy hearts. Out of all his Bands he chose ten thousand ex∣pert Souldiers for a Field-army: he made Ʋranocon∣tes, a famous Captain, Governour of Croia; and so with his Army he marched into Dibria: and by the way he met with Moses, who had taken the like care for Sfetigrade as he had done for Croia. But Scander∣beg fearing that that Citie would be first assaulted, went thither, made a speech to the Souldiers and Citizens, exhorting them to be valiant and faith∣full, &c.

In the mean time Amurath had assembled his Ar∣my, * 1.229 consisting of an hundred and fifty thousand well furnished with all things needfull, with which he set forward towards Epyrus, sending fourty thousand Horse before, to begin the siege before Sfetigrade. The newes whereof comming to Scanderbeg, he mar∣ched thitherward also with foure thousand Horse, and one thousand foot: And having from the moun∣tains viewed the encamping of the enemy, the night following, with much secresie, he brought his men in the coverts of the Woods and Vallies neer unto them: The next morning he sent out Moses and thir∣ty others well mounted, driving some horses laden

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with Corn before them; which the Turkes espying, * 1.230 they sent out the like number to surprize them. But Moses and his men set upon them, seeing no more, and slue five of them, and chased the rest to the Camp. Hereupon the Turks Generall sent out foure thousand horse after them: these Moses drew along til they were within the compasse of Scanderbegs am∣bush, who presently rising out of the coverts, set up∣on them, slue two thousand of them, took a thousand * 1.231 horse: and of the Christians were lost but two and twenty men. Eight dayes after came Amurath with all his Army in the beginning of May, Anno Christi 1449. and encamped before the City. His first work was to summon the City, and to seeke to corrupt the Governour; but that not prevailing, he planted his Ordnance, and having made a breach in the Walls, gave a terrible assault to it: but the Garrison gave * 1.232 them as valiant a repulse. And though the assault was renewed again and again, yet still they were re∣pulsed; so that Amurath at last caused the retreat to be sounded. There were many other assaults given, during which time Scanderbeg was still in action, set∣ting upon the Turkes Camp, sometimes in one Quar∣ter, sometimes in another; and then presently depar∣ted, so that Amurath wondred what was become of him.

The siege continuing to the end of June, Scander∣beg brought all his Army towards the Turkes Camp, and understanding by his Espials, that they lay in great security there, the night following he set upon one of their Quarters, and slue two thou∣sand * 1.233 of them, and so retired, having taken two

hundred and thirty horse, and seven of their En∣signes, with the losse of two and fourty men.

Amurath resolving to shew his wrath upon the Ci∣ty by a generall assault, appointed twelve thousand horse, and six thousand foot under Feri Bassa, to at∣tend Scanderbeg: In the mean time promising great rewards to those that should first ascend the Walls, and enter the Citie. There was also a great Tower of wood made equall with the walls of the City, so that they fought as upon even ground; and the Turkes pressing hard upon the Christians, advan∣ced their Ensignes upon the walls: But Perlat the Governour coming with a Company of fresh Soul∣diers, beat them back, took their Ensignes, fired their Tower of wood, and so delivered the Citie.

Scanderbeg in the mean time came with nine thou∣sand Souldiers to assault their Camp: But Feri Bassa contemning his small number, encountred with him, and withall sent foure thousand Horse to compasse him in behinde. But this Master of his Art having Moses in the Front, took two thousand Horse to meet them, and so fought with them, that they had no great cause to boast of their coming. He slue also Feri Bassa, fighting with him hand to hand, and * 1.234 drove the rest back to the Camp, making a great slaughter of them; yet Amurath continued his as∣sault against the Citie till night came on, in which * 1.235 he lost seven thousand men, besides the wounded: Of the Garrison were slain onely seventy, and ninety more hurt.

Amurath not prevailing by force, sought by large promises to corrupt the Garison, and at last so farr

prevailed with one base minded traytour, that for a great summe of money he concluded to betray the City, and for that end he cast a great dead Dog in∣to * 1.236 the only well which served the whole City, which being in the morning found by the souldiers, they upon a superstitious conceit refused to drink any more of the water, notwithstanding all the perswa∣sions and arguments that the Governour could use, insomuch as he was forced to make a composition with Amurath, and then delivered up the City to him, and so marched away through the Turks Camp in safety, only Mahomet a Prince of a fierce disposi∣tion, would have perswaded his father Amurath to have put them all to the sword, which yet he refu∣sed. The traytour remaining in the City was richly rewarded by Amurath according to his promise, but within a few daies, was secretly, at his command, made away, as a just recompence for his trayterous wickednesse: Amurath placed in Sfetigrade a thou∣sand * 1.237 two hundred Ianizaries in garison, and so rai∣sing his Camp in the beginning of September returned home, having lost thirtie thousand of his souldiers in that expedition: Scanderbeg followed him at the heeles, and in many streites & passes assaulted him whereby he slue many more of his men, and then he besieged Sfetigrade, and gaue two great assaults to it, but hearing that Amurath was reassembling his Army, and winter growing on, he left it, spen∣ding the winter in setting all things in order, and pre∣paring for the next summers warr, having intel∣ligence that Amurath made extraordinary prepa∣rations against the next Spring: which being come,

he had gotten together an Army of an hundred and sixtie thousand men strong: and so dispatching away * 1.238 fortie thousand horsemen under the conduct of Se∣balias, a politick Captaine, to encamp before Groia, and not to venture any thing against Scanderbeg, himselfe followed with the rest of his great Army: & when he was come, he sent to summon the City, and made mightie proffers to Ʋranocontes, the gover∣nour of it, if he would surrender it to him: but the messenger was sent back with scorne and contempt, whereupon Amurath ordered ten great battering * 1.239 pieces to be cast, and with them battered the City for foure daies space in two places without inter∣mission, so that he beat downe much of the wall, which exceedingly encouraged the Turks to make an assault: and Mahomet, besides the large proffers made by his father, promised ten thousand Aspers to him that should first advance his ensign upon the wall: the Christians within were nothing discouraged, but, trusting in God, resolved to defend it to the ut∣most. Iust as the Turks began the assault, Scanderbeg with fiue thousand men brake into one of their quar∣ters, * 1.240 and at the first encounter slue six hundred of them, and was spoiling their tents: but Mahomet with his guard, and foure thousand more sent by Amurath, hastening thither, Moses also (having done them much harme) retreated with his men to the mountaines, whilst Scanderbeg in the heat of the * 1.241 fight, had so farr engaged himselfe amongst the Turks, that he was in much danger to be slaine, or taken prisoner, but at length resolutely breaking through them, he escaped, and came to his Campe

to their great joy and comfort: then Amurath caused the assault to be renewed with more fury, and con∣tinued it till almost night, in which he lost eight thousand men, without any considerable damage to the garison, Mahomet, hearing where Scanderbeg was encamped, tooke all the best souldiers in the Camp, and lodged in that quarter which was next him, ho∣ping at his next assault thereby to entrap him: which Scanderbeg being by fugitiues informed of, appointed Moses the night following with fiue hun∣dred horse to alarum that quarter, and then to retire to his campe, whilst himselfe with the rest of his men, going through by-waies, brake in on the other side of the Turks Army, where he made such havock amongst them, that their losse in the storme was forgotten in comparison of this: and then fearing to be oppressed with multitude, he retired to his Camp. The next morning Amurath encouraged his men againe to make a new assault, which they did * 1.242 performe with much fury, and continued it long by fresh supplies, but they were so brauely repulsed by the Christians, that at last he sounded the retreat, grieving much to see so many of his men slaine: His next designe was to undermine the City, and as he was doing of it, a great convoy of victualls coming towards his Camp, Scanderbeg, having intelligence of it, met the convoy, slew them, and divided the provi∣sion amongst his owne souldiers; And having en∣creased his Army with two thousand recruits, he divided it into three parts, giving one to Moses, an∣other to Tanusie, and tooke the third himselfe, ap∣pointing in the dead of the night to assault the

Turks Camp in three parts; but himselfe being dis∣covered by the Scouts, whilst all men ran to that side, Moses and Tanusie brake into two other parts, where they slue a number of the Turkes, and made great spoile. In the mean time Scanderbeg retreated, and sate down on the side of a Hill, in the sight of the Turkes Army; which they taking as a bravado, re∣quested leave of Amurath to goe against him, and accordingly they issued out seven thousand Horse, and five thousand foot of their best Souldiers.

Scanderbeg seeing their approach, retreated soft∣ly, waiting for Moses and Tanusi's coming to him: The Turkes followed with much difficulty, till per∣ceiving the other Forces coming, they began to re∣treat; * 1.243 whereupon Scanderbeg charged them with much fury, and slue many of them. Moses also came upon them, killing some, and taking many priso∣ners in sight of the Turkes Camp, and so retreated a∣gain into the mountaines. All Amuraths hopes fai∣ling, he sent a Bassa to the Governour of Croia, to try, if by large and glorious promises he could win him to surrender the Citie. But Ʋranocontes scor∣ning the presents which he brought, and the promi∣ses * 1.244 that he made, charged him, that neither he nor any other should presume to come to him any more; but if they did, he would cut off their hands, no∣ses, and eares, and so return them to their master.

Hereupon Amurath, in a great rage, commanded all things to be prepared for a new storm, which the next day he put in execution, but to his owne great losse, the Christians valiantly defending themselves against the Turkes fury: This put him almost out * 1.245

of his wits, that he pulled off his haire; and though his Bassa's endeavoured to comfort him, yet hee be∣came * 1.246 sick of griefe, that a small town should eclypse all his former glory; and finding that his end ap∣proached, he called his Sonne, and great Captaines, * 1.247 charging them not to leave his death unrevenged: and so shortly after he gave up the ghost.

After whose death Mahomet presently raised the siege, and returned to Hadrianople; yet shortly after sent Embassadors to Scanderbeg, proffering peace, if he would pay him a certain tribute: Which motion Scanderbeg scornfuly rejected, and so dismissed the Embassadours, and presently after hee made an in∣rode into the Turkish Dominions, which he grie∣vously wasted, and returned home loaden with spoil. But Mahomet to requite him, sent Amesa, one of his best Captaines, with twelve thousand Horsemen, to doe the like in Epyrus: which Scanderbeg understan∣ding by his Espials, he lay close in ambush with six thousand Souldiers upon the great mountain Modris∣sa, over which the Turkes were to passe; who, with much difficulty, having almost got to the top thereof in the night, were suddenly charged by Scanderbegs Footmen, who made a great slaughter of them, their * 1.248 Horses being rather an hindrance than an help to them, so that they were driven down the mountain a∣main; & when they came to the foot of it, they were again charged by Scanderbeg, and Amesa, who with their Horsemen were set in places of advantage: here∣by they were totally routed, seven thousand slain, and Amesa, with most of the best Captains, taken priso∣ners, with whom he returned with great joy to Croia, * 1.249

using his prisoners very courteously. Amesa desired of him, that he might send to Mahomet, to informe him of their state, which he assented unto, and set their ransom at thirteen thousand Duckets. Mahomet stormed extreamly at this disaster, and refused to ran∣some the prisoners; yet afterwards, by the perswasion of his Bassa's, he sent it, with other rich presents, to Scanderbeg. Whereupon he sent them back with a safe Convoy, and divided the money amongst his * 1.250 Souldiers.

The proud Tyrant resolved revenge, and therefore sent Debreas, one of his best Captaines, loaden with promises of great preferment, if he prevailed against Scanderbeg, and under him fourteen thousand choyce Horsemen, which were as many as Debreas desired, and with which he promised to chastise Scanderbeg. Scanderbeg having intelligence hereof, resolved not to stay his coming into Epyrus, but to meet him by the way: And so taking six thousand horsemen, he went into the enemies countrey, and came by night into a great plain, where the Turkes lay, hoping not to have been discovered; but the Moon shining bright, the Scouts had discovered him, and gave the Alarm to their Camp, and Debreas mindfull of his promise to his Lord, sent out some Troops to skirmish with him, whiles he set the rest of his Army in order: Scanderbeg sent out some to encounter them; and ere long both Armies charged each other with much re∣solution: And Debreas did so encourage his men, and * 1.251 fought so valiantly, that Scanderbegs Fortune seemed to be at a stand▪ Thus both sides did their uttermost to conquer, one while one party prevailing, and then

the other, till at last Scanderbeg encountred hand to hand with Debreas, and slew him, with whose fall * 1.252 the whole Army was discouraged and fled, whom the Christians eagerly pursuing, slue more in the chase then in the battell; for of the Turkes were slain four thousand one hundred and twenty; but of the Chri∣stians very few. Scanderbeg returned thanks to God * 1.253 for that great and doubtfull victory, dividing the spoyle and prisoners amongst his Souldiers, and so returned with great joy to Croia.

At the report of this defeat Mahomet grew very melancholy; whereupon his great Bassa's offered to spend their lives in that service: But the crafty Ty∣rant intended to go another way to work, viz. to cor∣rupt some of Scanderbegs chief Commanders, which would easiliest turn to his ruine. And amongst others singling out Moses Galome, which was counted the best Captain next to Scanderbeg himselfe, hee found * 1.254 means secretly to send to him, proffering him store of gold, and promising golden Mountaines, honours a∣bout himself, yea the Kingdom of Epyrus, if he desired it. Moses was at last prevailed with, yet presently left not Epyrus, but perswaded Scanderbeg to besiege Bel∣grade in the confines of Epyrus, which was held by the Turkes, giving him hopes of an easie conquest. Scan∣derbeg deceived by him, made all things ready for * 1.255 the siege, and sent to Alphonsus, King of Naples, his speciall friend, for some men that were versed in managing of Sieges; which he obtained from him, and so sate downe before Belgrade, with an Army of fourteen thousand brave men, and in a short time so distressed the Citie, that the Turkes desired truce for

sixteen dayes, promising that if reliefe came not in that space, they would surrender the Citie to him. This Scanderbeg consented to, & so himself encamped on an high Hill with three thousand Horse, and one thousand Foot, and sent Musachius and Tanusius with the rest of his Army, into a great plain, where they might lie freelier in that hot season, and withall ap∣pointed five and twenty Scouts to keep continuall watch towards the enemies Countrey.

Mahomet hearing of this siege, presently dispatch∣ed * 1.256 away Sebalias, a great Captaine, with fortie thousand horse to relieve Belgrade, promising him great rewards if he could bring him Scanderbeg a∣liue, or dead. This Bassa by long journeies prevented the fame of his coming, and drawing neere to Scan∣derbegs Campe, he intrapped, or corrupted his scouts, so that they gaue noe warning of the Turks approach: yea he came so suddenly on that part of the army which lay in the plaine, that they had not leysure to bridle their horses, or put on their ar∣mour: Musachius arming himselfe, endeavoured to order his men, seeing equall danger in fight, and flight, and therefore resolved to sell his life as deare as he could, but seeing his men slaine by heapes about him, he endeavoured to have broken through, and escaped to the mountaines to Scanderbeg, but being oppressed with multitude, he continued fight∣ing to the astonishment of his enemies, till he and * 1.257 all about him were slaine. Tanusius made diverse brave attempts to haue rescued him, but finding it impossible, he exhorted his men to flie, yet most of them were slaine by the Turks in their flight:

Scanderbeg from the mountaine saw this miserable slaughter of his men, and would with his handfull of souldiers have gone downe to their rescue, or di∣ed with them, but was with-held by his Captaines, who told him, that he would thereby expose him∣selfe and them to certaine destruction: Sebalias be∣ing in the pursuit of Tanusius and his party, with most of his Army, Scanderbeg came downe * 1.258 suddenly upon the rest, and slew them in an instant, and then followed at the taile of the Turks, did them much mischief, till Sebalias gathering all his forces together, made head against him, yet Scander∣beg againe charged them, and slew with his owne hand two braue Champions which had before sworne to Mahomet, to kill him if they met with him. The fight continued till the night parted them, and then both Armies retreated, Sebalias to Belgrade∣ward, and Scanderbeg towards Epyrus, whither he marched the next day, leaving good guards upon all the streight passes, lest the Turks should break into Epyrus: of Scandrebegs men were slaine fiue thousand, but most of them the Italians that Al∣phonsus had sent him, and the Turks lost three thou∣sand: Sebalias repaired the battered walls of Bel∣grade, reinforced the Garison, and then returned * 1.259 with great triumph to Constantinople: being the first Captaine that ever gaue a defeat to Scanderbeg: and he was received there with such applause, as if he had conquered a great Kingdome, everie man talk∣ing of the praises of Sebalias: and noe preferment was thought too great, or reward sufficient for him: The poore Christian captiues taken by him, were

some sold for slaues, others impailed aliue upon sharpe stakes, others hanged on iron hooks, and o∣thers * 1.260 cruelly tortured to death at the proud victors pleasure.

Moses hearing of this losse, thought it a fit time for him to revolt in, and so went to Constantinople, where, by Mahomet, he was joyfully received, and honorably entertained; Scanderbeg hearing of his re∣volt, was at first much astonished, but after a while * 1.261 he said no more, but that he wished that all treason was together with Moses gon out of Epyrus: Moses much solicited Mahomet to continue his warrs with Scanderbeg, promising to doe great matters therein: yet the crafty Tyrant durst not at first trust him too farr, till in time he had discovered that his affections were wholly alienated from Scanderbeg: * 1.262 then the spring following, he gaue him fifteene thousand horse, which were as many as he desired, and furnished him with all other warlike provi∣sion, with which he marched into Dibria: Scander∣beg hearing of the coming of Moses, and what strength he had, stood not upon policy against him that had beene privy to all his stratagems, but marched with true valour to encounter him: when the two battells were ready to joine, a messenger came from the Turks, to see if any durst proue his valour against a Champion of the Turks hand to hand: the challenge was accepted, and the Turk ap∣pearing, * 1.263 Zacharie Groppa, having obtained leave of Scanderbeg, went out against him, and after a short parley, they ran with their lances each against other with such fury, that both horse and man were o∣verturned:

then nimbly recovering themselves, they drew their scimitars, and encountred each other with such sturdy stroaks, that at last both their swords fell out of their hands, then grapling toge∣ther, they wrestled so long till Groppa overthrew his adversarie, and with his dagger thrust him into his throat, then taking a sword, he cut off his head, and returned loaden with his spoiles to Scanderbeg, who most honnorably rewarded him; the Christians shouted for joy, and the Turkes were as much discouraged: then came Moses with a loud voice challenging Scanderbeg. But when he saw him pre∣paring to meet him, he went back with shame to his Army: Then the signall of battell being given, both Armies met, and fought furiously, and Moses with his choise men attended Scanderbeg hoping * 1.264 to have killed him, and a couragious Turk with his horsmans staffe, bare him quite backward upon his horse, so that the Turks shouted for joy, hoping that he had beene slaine: but Scanderbeg chafed with such an unwonted disgrace, furiously assailed the Turk, and slew him: Moses did what was possi∣ble to encourage his men, but seeing at last he must * 1.265 yield or die, he fled through by-waies to him well knowne; eleven thousand of the Turks were slaine, and not aboue one hundred of the Christians, and eighty wounded: Moses before admired, was now scorned by the Turks, and Mahomet would have * 1.266 put him to a cruell death, had not the Bassa's interce∣ded for him: besides he was tormented in the con∣science of his owne guilt, and so at last resolved to escape, and cast himselfe upon the mercy of Scan∣derbeg,

and accordingly taking his opportunity, he fled, and coming to Scanderbeg with his girdle a∣bout his neck, he fell at his feet, and craved pardon: * 1.267 Scanderbeg tooke him up, kissed him, restored his estate, honour and offices, forbidding any man to speake to his disgrace of what had formerly passed: this vexed Mahomet exceedingly, yet returning to his former artifices, he inveigled Amase with the pro∣mise of the Kingdome to revolt to him, who to giue * 1.268 him the better assurance of his fidelity, carried his wife and children with him to Constantinople; there he was kindly intertained by Mahomet, and the Spring following he sent Isaac, the great Bassa of Constantinople with fifteene thousand into Epyrus, and with him Amase with fiue thousand more, who was to be proclaimed King at their coming into Epy∣rus, * 1.269 to draw the people to them: Scanderbeg hearing of it, sent for all his great Captaines into Dibria, where the storme must first fall, and causing all the store, and cattell to be removed into strong holds, he left all naked. By this time Isaac was entred Epy∣rus, and Scanderbeg with six thousand horse, see∣ming to be affrighted with the great Army of the Turks, fled towards Lyssa in the Ʋenetian territories, that thereby they might suspect noe subtilty. Isaac * 1.270 glad hereof, sent out some Troops after him to marke which way he went, and so rested his Army after their long journey: the horsemen at their re∣turne certified him that Scanderbeg was fled out of Epyrus, and not an enemie to be seene in all the countrie

Hereupon the Bassa created Amase in the name of

Mahomet, King of Epyrus, and so marched forward, * 1.271 yet commanding his men upon paine of death, not to breake their Rankes: at last he came to the fa∣mous Pharsalian plaines. In the mean time Scander∣beg in the night had sent some excellently well moun∣ted, to the tops of the mountaines, to give notice of the motions of the Army of the Turkes, and with his own Army he conveyed himselfe secretly by night as neer as he could unto them. The enemy finding some stragling Cattell in those plaines, fell to seek∣ing after booty, as men without feare; and at night encamped without any great watch, but onely to∣wards Lyssa, whither Scanderbeg went. The next morning the Bassa came to the same mountain, on the other side whereof Scanderbeg lay, and there en∣camped with halfe his Army, sending Amase with the other halfe to burn and spoile the countrey.

Scanderbeg, like a politick Captain, divided his Forces into three parts, one under Moses, another un∣der Tanusius, the third he takes to himself, appointing every one his part, and what he should doe, and so marched to the top of the mountain, from whence he beheld how the Turkes lay in the plaines, espe∣cially they which were lately returned from spoyling the countrey with Amase, how their horses were un∣bridled, and unsadled, themselves some resting on the ground, others victualling of themselves, others at severall kinds of sports, and many fast asleep on the grasse. The like negligence was in the Bassa's Camp, all being without feare of Scanderbeg, of whom they had heard nothing for many dayes.

Scanderbeg delighted with this sight, placing

more Drums and Trumpets in every part of his Ar∣my, then ordinary; himselfe, with some of his best Horsemen, descended from the Mountain to oppresse the Turkes Scouts, and slue them all but one, who escaped, and gave the Alarm to the Camp. The Turks could not believe that Scanderbeg was so nigh them on that side: but Scanderbeg following at his heeles with his Horse, and his foot hasting after, be∣gan to break in upon them; and the other parts of his Army descending from the Mountaine with such horrible shouts and noise of instruments of warre, as * 1.272 if Heaven and Earth should presently goe together; the Hills and Vallies with their hollow eccho en∣creasing the terror of the Alarm. Amase first made head, and encouraged the Turkes; with whom Scan∣derbeg encountred, and whilst the Bassa was coming to his rescue, Moses on the one side, and Tanusius on * 1.273 the other, charged him so hotly, that he was glad to retire to his Trenches.

Amase still with great courage withstood his Uncle, and encouraged his Turkes: yet Scanderbeg still pre∣vailing on them, they at last turned their backes and fled: Scanderbegs Horse pursuing the chase, slue ve∣ry many, and took Amase prisoner. Moses also had dispersed the Bassa's Army, and pursued them till they were out of Epyrus: many were slain, and many ta∣ken prisoners, and twenty of the Turkes fairest En∣signs, of whom were slain about twenty thousand, & of the Christians about sixty. Scanderbeg possessed the rich pavillion of the Bassa; and his Captains had Tents with much rich furniture, never prepared for their use.

And so with his victorious Army he marched to Croia, all the countrey coming forth to meet him with acclamations of joy. Amase was condemned to perpetuall imprisonment, and sent to Alphonsus, King of Naples, with part of the spoyle, by him to be kept in durance.

Mahomet was much grieved for this losse, and an∣gry with the Bassa; yet afterwards was pacified a∣gain. After which he concluded a peace with Scan∣derbeg * 1.274 for a year: and when that was expired, he sent an Army under Synan-beg of twenty thousand into Epyrus, with which Scanderbeg forthwith encoun∣tered * 1.275 and overthrew, so that few escaped by flight.

Then Asam-beg with thirty thousand, whom Scan∣derbeg * 1.276 in plain battell vanquished at O••rida, and took Asam prisoner, and used him honourably, and after∣wards dismissed him.

Jussum-beg came after with eighteen thousand, was * 1.277 set upon by Scanderbeg, had many slain, and himself hardly escaped by flight.

Then Carasa-beg, an old and expert Captain, desi∣red Mahomet to let him try his fortune, who sent him with an Army of almost fourty thousand. Scander∣beg more feared him then any of the former, and therefore raised more forces then ordinary: And to welcome him the better, he sent two thousand of his best Horsemen to lie in ambush in the enemies coun∣try, who set upon the Vauntguard of four thousand Turks, who expected no danger amongst their friends, and slue most of them. With which unfortunate be∣ginning Carasa was so vexed, that had it not been for shame, he would have returned back againe; yet

coming into Epyrus, whilst he was resolving what course to take, Scanderbeg suddenly assailed him be∣fore * 1.278 he could order his men. But at the same time there fell such a violent storme, that the Armies were sundered: The storme continued three dayes, yet Scanderbeg was alwayes vexing the Turkes on one side or other: Whereupon the old Generall returned back to Constantinople with the remainder of his Ar∣my, and was well derided by his Master for having promised so much, and performed so little.

Mahomet finding that he could not prevail by force, betook himselfe to craft, writing kinde Letters to Scanderbeg, by his Embassadors, concluded a peace * 1.279 with him, which was proclaimed with great joy, and faithfully kept for a season, whilst Mahomet made warre with the Venetians; but there being provo∣cations of both sides by the Borderers, Scanderbeg en∣tred with an Army into Macedonia, made much spoil, and returned with a great Booty. Hereupon Maho∣met sent Seremet Bassa with fourteen thousand Soul∣diers, to lie upon the confines of Epyrus for a Guard, but to attempt nothing against it.

Scanderbeg having intelligence hereof, marched thither with twelve thousand, lying in ambush neere the Citie where the Turkes were; and in the mor∣ning he sent five hundred towards the Enemy, to draw him out, if they could, into the Field: But if he came forth, to retreat to the place where the Army * 1.280 lay, which fell out according to his desire; so that rising up, he assaulted the Turkes on every side, slue ten thousand of them, and tooke twelve principall men prisoners, for whom hee had fourty thousand

Duckats in ransom. Then Mahomet sent Balabanus with fifteene thousand horse, and three thousand foot to invade Epyrus, who knowing that Scander∣beg lay not farr from him with a small power, he intended in the night to set upon him at unawars, but Scanderbeg having intelligence by his scouts, set forward in good order to meet him. Balabanus per∣ceiving that he was discovered, made an Alt: Scan∣derbeg when he drew nigh him, considering the ground where the enemie lay, encouraged his soul∣diers, which were but foure thousand horse, and a thousand fiue hundred foot, charged them on their lives, that if the enemie in the fight retired, they should not pursue them beyond the streites of the hill, suspecting an Ambush behind it: and so retired a little, which Balabanus, seeing his small number, judged to be a flight, and therefore hastily marched * 1.281 after, till Scanderbeg watching his opportunity stayed, and set couragiously upon them, yet the battell a great while stood doubtfull, but such was the fury of Scanderbeg and his souldiers, that at last the Turks fled, and they pursued to the streits of the moun∣taines, where Scanderbeg had commanded them to stay. But his best Captaines in the heate of fight, * 1.282 forgetting his command, entred the streits, and were set upon by many that lay there in ambush, where fighting like Lyons, at last they were oppressed with multitude, taken prisoners, and sent to Mahomet: they were Moses, Musachius, Perlot &c. The least of them able to have conducted a braue Army.

Scanderbeg presently sent to have ransomed, or exchanged them for others, but the Tyrant know∣ing

that they were his best Captaines, refused, and flayed them by degrees, so that they were fifteen * 1.283 daies in dying. Epyrus mourned for the great losse, but Scanderbeg resolving to revenge their blood, with fire and sword, entred into the Turks domini∣ons, sparing nothing that he could burne or destroy: Mahomet sent Balabanus rich presents for his good service, commanding him to recruit his Army, * 1.284 and prosecute the warrs, which he performed with all diligence, yet using policy, he corrupted Scan∣derbegs scouts, and had like to have oppressed him ere he was aware; but Scanderbeg himselfe, who spent most of the night in carefull watch, dis∣cerned the approach of the enemie by the noise of their horses, and so speedily ordering all things, encountred with them, and after a great fight put them to flight, slew most of them in pursuite, Bala∣banus * 1.285 with a small remnant hardly escaping. Yet Mahomet sent him again with 14000 horse, and and three thousand foot, knowing his deadly hatred to Scanderbeg, who first tryed by subtilty to circum∣vent him, and when that prevailed not, he resolved by plaine force to subdue him, and so marching for∣ward, Scanderbeg met him with eight thousand horse and a thousand fiue hundred foot neere to Sfeti∣grade.

The fight beginning (though the Turks were two to one) yet Scanderbegs men fought like en∣raged Lions, without regard of danger: Scanderbeg carefully ordered all things, himselfe fighting at the head of his Army, performing all the parts of a wor∣thy Chieftaine, and valiant souldier; but whilst

he thus fought in the middest of his enemies, his horse was slaine under him, and in the fall sorely * 1.286 bruised one of his armes: the Turks pressed on ve∣hemently to have slaine him; but God delivered him, his souldiers rescuing, and remounting of him; he forthwith encountring with one of the Turks great commanders, slew him hand to hand, which so terrified the Turks, that they, first retired, then fled, whom Scanderbeg pursued with such ex∣ecution, that few returned home with Balabanus. * 1.287 Mahomet was extreame angry with him, but when his fury was over, Balabanus told him, that the way to conquer Scanderbeg, was to enter Epyrus with two puissant Armies, to spoile the countrey, and enclose Scanderbeg betwixt them, and neither to fight, but when the other was neere at hand, by which meanes he might certainly be destroyed: the Tyrant liked this advise so well, that he gave him commissi∣on to take what forces he would, and to choose his associate out of all his men of warr &c. Balabanus chose out fortie thousand good souldiers, and one Iacup, a valiant Captaine, for his companion, whom he sent with sixteene thousand one way, and him∣selfe with twentie thousand horse and foure thou∣sand foote went an other way: Scanderbeg, having secret intelligence of all these projects, gat in readi∣nesse eight thousand horse, and foure thousand foot, choise souldiers, and sent out his Espialls: who hoping for great rewards, proved false tray∣tors, and went to Balabanus, acquainting him with * 1.288 so much of Scanderbegs designs as they knew: Scan∣derbeg marvelling that they returned not, went out

himselfe with fiue more to see how the enemies lay: but he had like to have fallen into an ambush, had * 1.289 he not seasonably discovered it, and speedily reti∣red, yet he lost foure of his men: and so coming to his Army, he suddenly prepared to fight with Balabanus before the other Army came, and so pre∣sently marched into the valley where Balabanus lay: and divided his army into foure parts, one under himselfe, the other three under three of his best Cap∣taines, and so advanced towards the Turks. But Balabanus waiting for the coming of his partner, would not stirr out of his trenches: Scanderbegs men derided and provoked them all they could, till the Turks, enraged with the affront, would have issued forth without the Generall, had he not led them. When therefore he saw no remedy, he advanced in good order, and Scanderbeg furiously assaulted him, so that there was a dangerous and doubtfull battell, * 1.290 yet Scanderbeg and his men so pressed upon them on all sides, that at last they were broken in pieces, most of them slaine, only Balabaenus with some few escaped: Scanderbeg had scarce divided the spoile, and breathed himselfe, when a post brought him newes, that Iacup, was burning and destroying all in an other part of his countrey: whereupon he pre∣sently marched thitherward, and his men went as to an assured victory: Iacup hearing of his coming, re∣tired into a corner of the plaine: Scanderbeg coming * 1.291 neere him, rested one whole day, then brought forth some of his prisoners before the enemies campe, which before knew nothing of Balabanus his overthrow: yet Iacup ordered his Army, and fiercely

charged Scanderbegs men, where the fight lasted not long, but the Turks fled, and most of them were slain, In all there were slaine in the two battells foure and twenty thousand men, and six thousand taken prisoners: Iacup escaped with a few; after which Scanderbeg entred into the Turks territories, made havock of all, and so returned with his victorious Ar∣my to Croia, where he dismissed them everie man * 1.292 to his owne home. Then Mahomet with great re∣wards hired two villaines to goe, and kill Scander∣beg, who went into Epyrus, declaimed against Ma∣homet and his superstition, desired to be instructed in the principles of the Christian religion, and to be Baptized, and thereby found much favour with Scanderbeg, yet watching their opportunity to mur∣ther * 1.293 him: But treason against Princes, whom God hath in his most mighty protection, cannot be long concealed: these assassinates falling out betweene themselves, let some words fall which gaue occasion of suspition, and so being examined, they confessed * 1.294 the treason, and were justly executed according to their demerits: Mahomet then resolved to goe him∣selfe into Epyrus with such an army as should speedi∣ly end the warr, and for that end he raised an ar∣my of two hundred thousand men: Scanderbeg ha∣ving intelligence of it, fortified all his Cities and strong holds, especially Croia, which he furnished with all things necessarie for a long siege, put into it a choise Garison, and made Balthasar Perduce, a wor∣thy * 1.295 Captaine Governour thereof. He left nothing abroad in the Countrey, removed all the inhabitants into Garisons, or other places of refuge: no sooner

was this done, but Balabanus came with fourscore thousand Horsemen, and sate down before Croia. In few dayes after came Mahomet with his huge Army, and incamped there also: Hee summoned the Citie; to which the brave Governour made no other answer then by continuall thundring shot into his Camp. Mahomet caused great Ordnance to be cast, and planted his Batteries. In the meane time Scanderbeg with a small Army of choyce Soul∣diers, * 1.296 lay in the woods, cut off his Forragers, and such as brought victuals to the Camp; and oft in the night suddenly brake into one or other of the Quarters of Turkes Camp, with great slaughter of them, and kept them in such continuall Alarms, that hee never gave them rest.

Mahomet seeing his men to decrease, and that the Citie was not to be taken but by Famine, and a long siege, and fearing some disaster, as had there hap∣pened to his Father, left Balabanus with the greatest * 1.297 part of his Army, and returned himselfe to Constan∣tinople. As he went back, he corrupted the Gover∣nour of a Fort called Chidna, in which were eight thousand of Scanderbegs Souldiers, promising them liberty, and safety to depart. But having them in his power, the Tyrant caused them cruelly to be * 1.298 cut in pieces, sparing neither Souldier nor Inhabitant, Man, Woman, nor Childe.

Scanderbeg scorning to have his chiefe Citie besie∣ged by Balabanus, and yet wanting Forces of his own to raise the siege, sent to his friends the Veneti∣ans, and other confederate Princes; so that by their help in few dayes, he got an Army of above fourteen

thousand choyce Souldiers, with which he marched to Croia: But by the way understanding that Jonima was coming with a new supply to Balabanus, with some choyce Horsemen he posted over the Countrey, fell upon them, slue and put them to flight, tooke Jonima and his sonne prisoners, whom the next day * 1.299 he shewed to Balabanus. And so with plain force he drave the Turkes from a mountain neere to the Citie of Croia. Balabanus seeing this, with some others, he rode up to the City gate, and with infinite promises would have perswaded them to deliver up the City to him; but they sallying out, drave them away, and one of them shot him through the throat, whereof he * 1.300 presently died.

The Turkes discouraged with these things, rose in the silence of the night, and retreated eight miles * 1.301 from the City. Scanderbeg the next morning found in their Tents great store of Corne, and other pro∣vision, which he conveyed into Croia in great tri∣umph.

The same day hee sent select Souldiers to take the streights through which the Turkes must needs passe, when they went out of Epyrus: Which the Turkes hearing of, they sent two Messengers to Scan∣derbeg, promising him to deliver up their Horse and Armes, if he would permit them safely to passe out of the Countrey. From whom they received this short answer, That as they came into his Countrey * 1.302 without his leave, so they must depart without his leave also. Whereupon in the dead of the night they desperately brake through those passes, yet not with∣out great losse.

Shortly after Scanderbeg recovering what he had lost, and putting all the Turkes to the Sword, brake up his Army, retaining onely two thousand Horse, and one thousand foot for the guard of his Frontiers. Mahomet was so vexed at this evill successe, that he could neither drink nor sleep for a season; yet at last he resolved the next Spring to goe thither againe in person, to make a full conquest of it. And Scander∣beg provided for him as he had done formerly.

Mahomet with a mighty Army, when the Spring * 1.303 was come, entred into Epyrus, and with much labour and charge built a Citie, which he made a Garrison. From thence he marched to Dirrachium, a City belon∣ging to the Venetians, which he had thought to have found unprovided: But it proved otherwise, inso∣much as having spent some time there, to his great losse, he suddenly arose, and returned into Epyrus, and * 1.304 sate down before Croia, proffering large priviledges and great gifts, if they would surrender the Citie, or else threatned them with all the calamities of war. To which they made no answer but with the mouth of the Cannon: Scanderbeg also continually molested his Camp, and brake into their Quarters every night. Whereupon Mahomet rose with his Army, and hea∣ring of many Epyrots, retired into the mountaines; * 1.305 he went to seek them out, but was by them repulsed with great losse. Scanderbeg also following him at the heeles, daily cut off part of his Army: So that at last the Tyrant despairing to doe any good, went back with vexation and shame to Constantinople.

After all this, Scanderbeg viewed the state of his kingdome, ordered his affaires, and then went to

Lyssa, to conferre with the Venetian Embassadour and the other confederate Princes: But within few dayes he fell sick of a Feaver, and perceiving his end to draw nigh, he sent for his Wife, and Sonne, and the confederate Princes, discoursed to them of his troublesome life, fore-warned them of the dangers that were like to ensue, perswaded them to persevere in unity, made the Venetians protectors of his Son and Kingdome: And so after he had with most fervent prayer commended his soule into the hands of Al∣mighty God, hee quietly left this life, January 17. Anno Christi, 1466. and of his age sixty three, of his * 1.306 reigne twenty foure.

His death was much lamented by all Christian Princes, especially his neighbours, who had lost their most carefull Watchman, and invincible Champion. The sorrow of his subjects is not to be expressed: He was royally buried in the Cathedrall in Lyssa. Yet nine yeares after the Turkes having taken the City, with great devotion digged up his bones, reckoning it some part of their happinesse, if they might see or touch the same: such as could get any part thereof, set it in silver or gold, and hung it about their necks, * 1.307 perswading themselves, that it would make them va∣liant and prosperous.

He was a man of rare parts, and of an indefatiga∣ble * 1.308 spirit: During all the time of his warres he ne∣ver slept above two houres in a night: He ever fought against the Turkes with his Arm bare, and that with such fiercenesse, that the blood did oft-times burst out of his lips. He with his owne hands in those wars slue at least three thousand of the Turks. What his

strength was, may appeare by these examples. There was in a part of Epyrus a mighty wilde Bull, that had murthered many, & committed a thousand outrages: him Scanderbeg encountred with on Horseback, and with one onely blow of his Cimitar, he cut his neck clean from his shoulders.

Also a monstrous Boare in Apulia, that had woun∣ded many of King Ferdinands Courtiers, Scan∣derbeg being hunting with the King, encountred with this Beast, and soon parted his head from his body.

His Cimitar was made at Damasco in Syria, and was of an excellent temper: he oft carried two of them in one Scabbard, and sometimes would break them both in one battell.

Mahomet hearing that he would cut Helmets, Head∣pieces and Pouldrons clean asunder with it, he sent to him for one of his Swords, thinking that there had been some extraordinary vertue in them: And when Scanderbeg had sent it, he put it into their hands, who had the strongest Arms about him; but perceiving no such wonders as was reported of it, he sent it back with scorn, saying, That he would not be beholding to him for that which he could get for his money: and that he credited not what was related to him of that sword.

But Scanderbeg, in the sight of the Messenger, ha∣ving made strange and admirable proofes of it, bade him tell his Master, that it was not the vertue of the Sword, but the strength of his Arme, which hee reserved against his enemies.

God raised up this worthy Christian Prince, and endowed him with such excellent parts, as another

David, gainst those proud Goliahs, Amurath and Ma∣homet, who were cruell and bloody persecutors of the Church of God: God made him successfull and victorious in above twenty battels that he fought a∣gainst the Turkes.

Collected out of the History of Scanderbeg, and out of the Turkish History.

[illustration] portrait of Matthias Corvinus

M. CORVINVS etc.

The Life of Matthias Corvinus King of Hun∣gary, who dyed Anno Christi. 1490.

HƲniades being dead, the young King Ladi∣slaus and Ʋlricus Earle of Cicilia thought they might the more boldly come into Hungary, and thereupon they presently began their journey: Ladislaus the eldest sonne of Huniades, who was now at the City of Alba, hearing of the Kings approach, obediently opened to him

the gates, but foure thousand of his Armed souldiers he debarred from entring into the City: whilst the King was there, hee with the Earle Ʋlricus sat often in Councell with some other nobles also: at * 1.309 last, they required Ladislaus to resort unto them, he at first was in suspense what to doe, but afterwards, putting on a privie coate of male, he came to them; Whilst they were in debate, Ʋlricus picked a quar∣rell with him, and called him traitour for shutting the gates against the Kings souldiers, and withall, taking his sword from his page, let fly at his head. To breake the blow, some putting up their hands, had their fingers cut off: the Hungarians without, hearing the tumult, brake into the chamber, where they presently slew this false Earle Vlrick, and cut him almost all to piees: the King was much discon∣tented hereat in his minde, yet seeing there was no other remedy, he dissembled his griefe for the pre∣sent, and making faire weather to Ladislaus, he tooke him along with him towards Buda: By the way, passing by the Towne where Huniades wife was, * 1.310 mourning for the death of her husband, the King went to her and seemed with many faire words to comfort her, there he rested, and refreshed him∣selfe: and so departed with much dissembled loue, and fained favour, and tooke along with him the two sonnes of Huniades, Ladislaus and Matthias, who where now without suspition, and therefore the more ready to waite upon him: But when he came to Buda, he caused them both to be suddenly appre∣hended; and immediately after the elder [Ladislaus] was brought forth to the place of execution: at

which time, a cryer proclaimed, Thus are they to be chastened that are rebels against their Lord. After the * 1.311 hangman had three blowes at his neck, Ladislaus having his hands bound behind him, rose up right upon his feet after the third stroake, and looking up to heaven, called upon the Lord, and protesting his innocency, meekly laid downe his head againe, and so at the fourth blow had it stricken off: then did this bloody Tyrant take Matthias, and carried him captive with him into Austria. Shortly after this young King was to marrie the French Kings daugh∣ter: * 1.312 great preparation was made against the wedding, which was to be celebrated at Prague in Bohemia: many Princes and Potentates were invited to the solemni∣ty, at which time this wicked King had intended to make an end of all the Hussites in Bohemia: thither therefore he went, taking his prisoner Matthias a∣long with him to Prague: where he also imprisoned him, but in the middest of all his great preparations, anno 1461, this great adversary of Gods people, La∣dislaus King of Bohemia and Hungary, and Archduke * 1.313 of Austria, was by the revenging hand of God smitten with a pestilent sore in his groine, whereof he dyed within the space of six and thirty houres: After whose death, the Kingdome of Bohemia fell to Geo. Pogiebracius, a friend & favorer of the Hussites, whom afterwards Pope Innocent the eighth did ex∣communicate, * 1.314 and depose for his religion. But the Nobles of Hungary, hearing of the death of La∣dislaus, met together, and for the loue they bare to the remembrance of Huniades, they chose Matthias, surnamed Corvinus, now a prisoner at Prague, to be

their King, and withall dispatched away Ambassa∣dors to Pogiebracius, to desire him to send this their King elect to them: Pogiebracius having heard their message at supper time, he immediatly sent for Matthias out of Prison, and placed him at the upper end of the Table; young Matthias being but about eighteene yeares old, was much abashed at it, and be∣gan to craue pardon: But the King would needs have it so, and when he was set, to quiet his minde, he wil∣led him to be of good cheere, for that he had good * 1.315 newes to tell him: Good newes (said Matthias) if it would please your Majesty to grant me my liberty. Yea that (said the King) & more too, and then saluting him by the name of the K. of Hungary he brake unto him the whole matter: and within few daies after, he mar∣ried to him his daughter, furnished him with all things fit for his state, and roially accompanied him into Hungary, where he was with great joy and triumph received by his people, and over whom he gloriously raigned for the space of eight and thirty yeares, in which time he notably enlarged the Kingdome of Hungary, & proving the thundring sonne of a lighte∣ning father, he became a farr greater terrour to the Turks, then ever was his father Huniades. Presently * 1.316 after the Emperour Frederick, having the Crowne of Hungary remaining in his hands, which Elizabeth the mother of Ladislaus had carried to him, laid claime to the Kingdom, whereupon warrs ensued betweene Matthias and him; but at last by the medi∣ation of the Princes of Germany, a peace was con∣cluded betwixt them, and Matthias ransomed the * 1.317 Crown from Frederick for eight thousand Florences.

At this time there were great warrs betewene the Venetians and the great Turk; but the Venetians go∣ing by the worse, sent Ambassadours to King Mat∣thias, soliciting him to joyne in league with them, and to take up Armes against the common Enemy, offering presently to furnish him with a great summe * 1.318 of money, besides a large yearly pension, towards the maintenance of those warres. For the which he should to his power by land, defend all those Territories of theirs, which lay between the Rhetian Alps, and the Adriatick Sea, against the invasion of the Turk.

Matthias having well considered of this their re∣quest, answered, That they had many times before in the like case, refused to give aid to the Hungarian Kings his predecessors; yea, and judged it a thing unreasonable, that any such thing should be reque∣sted at their hands: So that the Hungarian Kings had many times received great losse for want of their assistance: Yet he was willing to forget all such un∣kindnesse, and to take their Territories into his pro∣tection, according to their request; promising with∣all, the next Spring to invade the Turkes Domini∣ons. And according to his promise hee honorably performed it: For in the beginning of the Spring he passed over the Danubius at Belgrade, with a puissant * 1.319 Army, and razed the Forts which the Turkes had built thereabouts, and so entring into Servia, laid all the Countrey wast before him; and afterwards la∣den with spoyle, returned home again, carrying a∣way with him twenty thousand captives. And with the like prosperous successe he maintained warres a∣gainst Mahomet the Great, and against his sonne Ba∣jazet,

almost alwayes going away with the victory; so that there was no Christian King or Chieftaine, that did ever more often with successe fight against the Turkes, or had of them greater victories.

Then did he (according to his promise made to the Venetians) enter into the Kingdome of Bosna; where, by force, he overthrew the strong Forts which the Turk had built for the defence of the Frontiers, and valiantly drave them all out before him, till he came to Jaitze, the chiefe Citie of Bosna, unto which he * 1.320 laid siege and took it: and so Garrisoning it, he fol∣lowed the course of his victories, scarcely suffering the Turkes to breath, untill he had by force wrested all that Kingdome out of their hands.

This so vexed the proud Mahomet, that in great fu∣ry he came with a mighty Army into Bosna, and laid hard siege unto Jaitze, which was by the Christians worthily defended, till Matthias came to the reliefe thereof, who so troubled the Turks Camp with con∣tinuall skirmishes on the one side; and they within * 1.321 the Town, with desperate sallies on the other, that at length the proud Turk was driven to such extremity, that he was forced secretly to steale away in the night with all his Army, into Servia; and for hast, left behinde him all his Tents, and his great Ordnance.

Matthias having thus valiantly relieved the City, followed the Turkes Army into Servia, and tooke part of that Countrey also; which, together with * 1.322 Bosna, he annexed to the Kingdome of Hungary: So that now the name of Matthias was unto the Turks, no lesse dreadfull, then was sometimes the name of his valiant Father Huniades.

Anno 1475. Mahomet the Great, having ended his warres with the Persians, resolves to convert all his power against the Venetians; and for that end sent Solyman Bassa with an Army of fourscore thousand brave men, to besiege Scodra, or Scutari, within the confines of Albania: many were the desperate assaults which the Turkes gave to the Citie, and yet they were still as valiantly repulsed by the Christians within.

In the mean time Matthias raised an Army, and with it marched into the Turkes Dominions, where * 1.323 he made such havock and spoil of all before him, that Mahomet was glad to call back the great Bassa from the siege of Scodra (after he had lien there three mo∣neths with his great Army, and lost fourteen thou∣sand of his men) to defend his own Countrey.

With this dishonour Mahomet was so discontented, that he gave one a yearly pension daily to put him in * 1.324 minde of the siege of Scodra.

Anno 1480. the Turk sent a mighty Army, consist∣ing of an hundred thousand men, under some of his chiefest and most expert Commanders, into Transyl∣vania, which brought such a generall feare upon the Countrey, that Steven Batore, the Vayvod, was glad with all speed to flye unto Matthias, King of Hunga∣ry, * 1.325 declaring to him the danger of his Countrey, and craving his aid. Matthias at this time lay sick of the gout, yet he sent an Army under his expert Captains, which not farre from Alba Julia, met with the Turks, and there in a great and bloody battell defeated them, slue Isa, one of their chief Captains, and thirty thou∣sand * 1.326 Turkes besides. By which great victory Tran∣sylvania

was delivered from that present danger.

The Noble acts of Matthias against these enemies to the name of Christ, were so many, and so great, that through Gods goodnesse, he was a great shelter not onely to Hungary, but almost to all Christian Kingdomes, in repelling and beating back the proud swelling waves of the Turkish Empire, which were like to have over-flown all: yea, he so defen∣ded the confines of Illyria from the power of the Turks, that both Mahomet, and Bajazet his son, were enforced to seek to him for peace. But the Devill in the mean time, envying his prosperous success in de∣fence * 1.327 of the Christians, stirred up the Pope to cast in the ball of contention between Pogiebracius and him; whereby not onely his course of victory against the Turkes was stopped, but also great warre and blood∣shed followed amongst Christians: In which warres Matthias tooke from Pogiebracius, Moravia, and a great part of Silesia, and joyned them to his King∣dome of Hungary. Also by the Popes meanes, a new quarrell sprang up between the Emperour Frederick * 1.328 and him: In which warres Frederick had utterly gone to ruine, had not Albert, Duke of Saxony, res∣cued the Emperour, and repressed the vehemency of Matthias. Also, after the death of Pogiebracius, the Emperour conferred the Kingdome of Bohemia upon Ʋladislaus, the King of Polands sonne: Whereupon Matthias made warre upon him, and also proclaimed open wars against Frederick: But it pleased God in the midst of these great undertakings & preparations to take him away by sicknesse, Anno Christi 1490. and * 1.329 of his age 56 after he had reigned with renown 38. yeares

Besides his noble acts of Chivalry, he was religious according to those times, learned, and a great lover * 1.330 of Learning and learned men, whom he with great stipends procured to come to him out of other Coun∣tries; by which means he much civilized and reduced into good order, the barbarous rudenesse of those Kingdomes which he governed, and made thereof a most flourishing Common-wealth.

Moreover, he erected a great and stately Library, which he furnished with all sorts of Bookes, both for * 1.331 Languages, Arts, and History; many of which hee caused to be translated out of Greek into Latine: So that the like Library was not to be found in all Eu∣rope besides, except the Vatican at Rome. Out of which Library we have received divers parts of Dio∣dorus Siculus, and Polybius, which were not extant before.

Collected out of the Book of Martyrs, and the Tur∣kish History.

[illustration] portrait of Edward VI

K. EDWARD. 6.

The life of Edward the sixth, King of England, who dyed anno Christi 1553.

EDward the sixth borne Anno Christi 1537, was the sonne of King Henry the eigth by his third wife, Iane, daughter to Sir Iohn Seymer: whose mothers body was * 1.332 opened for his birth, whereby she dyed of the inci∣sion the fourth day after; when he was six years old, he was committed to the tuition of Doctor Coxe, and

Mr. Iohn Cheeke, the first instructed him in the know∣ledg of the Arts, and Divinity: the second in the lan∣guages of Latine, and Greek: others were appointed for other Languages, who all endevoured to infuse into him knowledge, and vertue by some mixture of honest delight. Vnder these he profited so much that in short time he spake French and Latine per∣fectly: also Greek, Spanish, and Italian. He was well skilled in Logick, Philosophy, Musick, and Astronomy, and other liberall sciences, in so much as the great Italian Philosopher, Cardane, having made some triall of him, was astonished with admiration and delight, reporting abroad, that he was a Miracle of na∣ture: when he was about nine yeares old, his father dyed, and he was proclaimed King and brought to * 1.333 the Tower, where he remained about three weeks; in which time his uncle, the Earle of Hartford, was elected Protector of the Realme, and Governour of the Kings person during his minority: and a few daies after, he Knighted the King, who taking the sword from him, Knighted the L. Maior, & advanced diverse other of the nobility: the Lord Protector was made Duke of Sommerset, his other uncle, Sir Thomas Seymer was made Lord of Sudely, and high admirall of England &c. February 19 Anno Christi 1547. he rode in great state from the Tower to Westminster, and the next day was crowned by the Archbishop of Canterbury. The same day a generall * 1.334 pardon was granted to all persons, six only excepted: Never was King more loving to others, or bet••er be∣loved generally of all: He was of an excellent beau∣ty and modestie, verie curteous, and naturally so * 1.335

disposed to learning, that he seemed rather borne so, then instructed in it; he was full of Clemency, courage, care and knowledg in state affaires. He was very tender of shedding blood, so that none were ex∣ecuted in his time for religion, but only two blas∣phemous Hereticks, Ioan Butcher, and Georg, a Dutch∣man: * 1.336 for the execution of the first, all the councell could not get him to set his hand to the warrant, till Cranmer perswaded him to it, to whom he said, that he would lay all the charge of it upon him before God. He took much delight in representations of Battails, skirmishes, and Assaults, and such like military ex∣ercises: He took much pleasure in the exercises of activity, and caused his servants to use wrestling, leap∣ing, running, riding, and shooting at rovers &c. He was exceeding skilfull in fortifications: He knew all the principall ports of England, Scotland, Ireland * 1.337 and France, how they lay, when the tide served, what vessells of burthen they could receive, and what winds served for entrance. He was exceeding carefull about State affairs, was much with his Coun∣cell, and would well understand what matters passed them, and upon what grounds: and would often encounter their reasons, and give lively reasons of his owne, insomuch that they made an order, that no matters of weight should be debated, but when he was present: He had a Chest, where of himselfe car∣ried the Key, wherein he kept record, of such matters as were concluded by his Councell: He set time apart to dispatch poore mens causes without tedious attendance, & delay. Of all the Magistrates, Iustices & Gentlemen of quality in his realme, he knew their

names, houskeeping, religion, and manner of life: He was skilfull in the matter and manner of Ex∣change abroad, and provident for the Mint at home. To Ambassadours he would giue answer upon the sudden, and touch both orderly, and fully upon everie part of their speech, to the admiration of his hearers: He much frequented Sermons, and penned * 1.338 them with his owne hands: His sports were inge∣nuous, and manlike, whereby he alwaies learned something: He in the middest of all his businesses reserved daily some houres for his private studies and exercises with his teachers.

About this time preparations were made for warr with Scotland, which was thus occasioned: Mary * 1.339 Stuart sole daughter and heir to Iames the fifth, being very young, was desired by Henry the eighth to to be assured to his sonne Prince Edward, which was assented to by the Nobility, and Parliament of Scotland: and all conditions, and covenants were concluded, sealed, and sworne to of both parties, and a peace established for ten yeares, at the end whereof both Prince and Queene should be of age to consent. But the King of France hearing of it, laboured by all meanes to break this agreement, en∣deavouring to get this match for Francis, after∣wards King of France, and so farr prevailed, that he made a strong party for him in Scotland: yet the Protector wrote friendly to the nobility, remembred them of their promises, seales, and oaths: he shewed them the benefits that would redound to both King∣doms by this union &c but notwithstanding all this, when they would not be brought to reason, he

raised a great Army, with which he marched into * 1.340 Scotland, and sent a great Fleet by Sea to meet him there. In the Army were twelve thousand Foot, & two thousand eight hundred light Horse: The Earle of Warwick was Lieutenant Generall, the Lord Gray of Wilton was Marshall of the Field, &c. The Protector of Scotland also made great preparation to resist them, Making his Rendevouz at Musklebrough Field, whither the English marched; and so between the two nations, a great and cruell battell was fought, * 1.341 wherein the English were victors, and pursued the Scots for five hours space, doing great execution upon * 1.342 them, so that the river of Esk ran red with blood.

Divers of the Scottish Nobility and Gentry were slain, and of the inferior sort about ten thousand. Of the English were slain fifty two, but very many hurt. And thus the Lord revenged upon them their perfidiousnesse in breaking their Oathes and Cove∣nants. In the which victory this also is to bee noted, that the same day and houre wherein the Images were * 1.343 burned openly in London, the Scots received this great overthrow.

Also fifteen hundred of the Scots were taken priso∣ners, amongst whom was the Earle of Huntley, & some other Noble-men: Huntley being afterwards asked, how he stood affected to the intended marriage, an∣swered, That he liked the marriage well, but he liked * 1.344 not the manner of wooing. Afterwards the English fired many places, took in divers Castles, placed gar∣risons in them, and so returned back into England.

A great alteration also was made in Religion, In∣junctions were set forth for removing Images out

of Churches, Godly Preachers were sent abroad to instruct and teach the people and, for want of Prea¦chers, * 1.345 Homilies were appointed to be read in Chur∣ches. Edmond Bonner was committed to the Fleet, for refusing to receive these Injunctions, and Steven Gardiner to the Tower, with Bishop Tonstall and Heath.

In the first yeare of the King, a Parliament was held, wherein was enacted, That none should speak against receiving the Sacrament in both kindes, That all Processes Ecclesiasticall should be made in the Kings name: The Statute of the six Articles was re∣pealed, and that which prohibited the use of the Scriptures in English: A Liturgy was set forth; Com∣missioners being sent abroad to pull down Images in Cornwall, one of them was stabbed by a Priest, as he * 1.346 was pulling down an Image: and afterwards the whole County rose in a commotion, which spred al∣so into Wiltshire and Summersetshire; they beat down * 1.347 Enclosures, and Parks: but Sir William Herbert, with some Souldiers, set upon them, slue some, and scatte∣red the rest.

The like commotions were raised in other Coun∣ties, which by the prudence of Gentlemen, and other honest persons, were appeased: Yet afterwards there was another rising in the West Countries, to whom the King wrote, First reproving them for their dis∣ordered assemblies; then hee pitied their ignorance, and errors thence arising, perswading them to return to their homes, and due obedience. In which Letter he thus wrote to them, Assure your selves most surely, that we of no earthly thing under the Heaven, make such

account, as we doe of this one thing, To have our Lawes * 1.348 obeyed, and this cause of God which we have taken in hand, to be throughly maintained, from the which we wil never remove a haires breadth, nor give place to any creature living, much lesse to any subject, but therein will spend our own Royall Person, our Crowne, Treasure, Realme, and all our estate, whereof we assure you of our high Honour. But they growing more unruly, went to Exeter, demanded entrance, which being refused, * 1.349 they attempted to take the Citie by storme, by firing the Gates, by Mines, but all in vain, being easily re∣pulsed, and slain like Dogges. In the meane time the L. Privie Seale, with a small Company, attempted the reliefe of the City, which the Mutiniers hindred, by felling many trees crosse his way; and in his re∣treat set upon him; but he beat them back, with the losse of six hundred of them.

In the mean time the Citizens suffered great want, made bread of the coursest bran: their finest flesh was * 1.350 their Horses. An aged Citizen in this their want, brought out all his store, saying, That as he communica∣ted * 1.351 to them his store, so he would participate with them in their wants; and that he would feed upon one arme, and fight with the other, before he would consent to put the City into the hands of the seditious.

But the Lord Gray coming with more Forces, set upon them, slue above 900. of them, and dispersed the rest: notwithstanding which, about two thou∣sand of them r'allying the next day, affronted the Kings Forces, yet after a while, they ran away. Af∣ter this also, a greater number met together, and brought with them a Crucifix upon a Cart, beset with

Crosses, tapers, holy bread &c. The Lord Gray set up∣on them and slew the greatest part of them, diverse-were taken, and some of the principall presently ex¦ecuted. * 1.352 The seditious in Norfolk were more dange∣rous, as having greater strength, and the City of Norwich to favour them. To these the King wrote * 1.353 also, and sent an Herald with a Generall pardon, if they would quietly depart, which they refusing, the Lord William Parre was sent against them, who en∣tring into the City of Norwich, was the next day set upon by the seditious, but he repulsed them with the losse of three hundred of their company. * 1.354

Afterwards the Earle of Warwick came with some more forces, and after some bickerings, wherein many of the rebells were slaine, he pardoned the rest, only executing some of the ringleaders, and so that commotion was quieted: Religion begininng now to flourish in the land, as well all such Godly subjects as were in the realme had free liberty publickly to professe the gospell: as also many learned, and zea∣lous * 1.355 preachers before banished, were now licensed freely to returne home, and were encouraged bold∣ly, and faithfully to travell in their function, and calling, so that God was much glorified, and the people much edified: About the same time a dan∣gerous rebellion began in Yorkshire, but through * 1.356 Gods mercy, one of the rebells revealing of it in his drunkennesse in an alehouse, it was in some measure prevented, and the mischiefe intended against o∣thers returned upon the contrivers pates: The * 1.357 French King also thinking to make his advantage of such stirrs in England, denounced warr against King

Edward, and sent a great fleet suddenly to have taken Iersey, and Gernsey, together with many of the Kings ships there, but they were so hotly intertai∣ned, that they lost one thousand of their men, and their ships, and Gallies were so spoiled, that they were forced to returne home with shame and dis∣honour: the French King also came in person with * 1.358 a mighty Army against Bulloigne, where also he was repulsed with shame and great losse: so that it was apparent, that the mighty arme of God fought for King Edward his servant, to defend and deliver him from so many dangerous commotions at home, * 1.359 and attempts abroad: But the Devill envying the progresse of the Gospell, sought to hinder it, by stirring up contentions amongst our Nobility: first between the Lord Protector, and his brother the Lord Admirall, which was not appeased but by the blood of the latter: then between the Lord Prote∣ctor, and the Earle of Warwick, and other nobles * 1.360 that he had drawne into his party, which (notwith∣standing all endeavours used by the Godly King to make peace betwixt them) ended in the death and destruction of the Protector: Hereupon many of the vulgar sort (thinking that the alterations of the Latin service into English &c. had beene the only act of the Protector) began to bruit it abroad, that now they should have their Latine service againe with holy bread, and holy water &c. Whereupon the * 1.361 King with his privie Councell sent to all the Bishops, to take away all Popish books in everie parish, and that if any were refractory, and would not deliver them up, that they should be commited to ward:

Anno Christi 1550 letters were sent abroad for the taking downe of Altars in Churches and setting up of Tables instead of the same: and during all the time that the Nobles lived in peace amongst them∣selves, religion flourished, the Gospell had a free passage, Popery was confounded, and scarce a Pa∣pist found that durst shew his head: The popish Doctors, Smith, Chadsey, Standish, Young, Oglethorp, * 1.362 with many more, recanted their former ignorance and errors. Yea Bonner with his owne hand subscri∣bed to the Kings supremacy, and promoted his in∣junctions: the same also did Steven Gardiner. Yea during all the time of peace and concord, what Papist was found in all the realme, which out of de∣votion to the Pope, would put his neck into the hal∣ter, and die a Martyr for his sake? In those peaceable times it was that the King sent for P. Martyr, Martin * 1.363 Bucer, Paul Fagius, with many other learned men, whereof some he placed at Cambridge, others at Ox∣ford, who with their diligent industry, did much good.

And whereas the Emperours Embassador deman∣ded boldly, that the Lady Mary might be suffered to * 1.364 have the Masse freely exercised in her house: The good King resolutely and constantly denied to con∣descend thereunto: Hee increased Sermons at the Court, and ordered that no man should have a Bene∣fice from the King, but first he should preach before him: He sent five thousand pounds beyond sea, to * 1.365 relieve the poore Protestants; and hearing that the Emperour made many strait lawes against them, he charged his Merchants to forbeare their Trade into

Flanders, as much as they could. This prudent and godly King, seeing the wofull breaches at home, in∣tended by alliance to strengthen himselfe abroad; for which end he sent to treat of a marriage between his sister the Lady Elizabeth, and the King of Denmarks eldest son. But this Lady, though she was furnished with many excellent endowments both of Nature and Education, yet could she never be induced to mar∣ry with any.

The Lord Protector having been brought to his end by the malice and subtilty of the Earle of Warwick, (now made Duke of Northumberland) the king at first gave no token of any ill tempered passion, as taking it not to be agreeable to Majesty openly to discover it: The Lords also laboured to dispell such melan∣choly thoughts, by plying of him with variety of ex∣ercises, and disports: yet upon speech of him after∣wards, * 1.366 he would often sigh, and let fall teares: Some∣times he thought that he had done nothing that de∣served death; or if he had, that it was very small, and proceeded rather from his wife then from him∣selfe. And where then (said he) was the good nature of a Nephew? Where was the clemency of a Prince? Ah! how unfortunate have I been to those of my blood? My Mother I slue at my very birth, and since have made away two of her brothers; and haply to make way for the purposes of others against my selfe. Alas, how falsly have I been abused? How weakly carried? How little was I master over my own judgement? &c. But the Lords laboured to divert his thoughts otherwayes all that they could. The King had six Chaplaines in or∣dinary, concerning whom an order was made, that

two should remaine with the King by turnes, and foure should travell in preaching abroad: the first yeare, two in Wales, and two in Lincolnshire: the next yeare, two in the marches of Scotland, and two in Yorkeshire, and so through all the Shires in England. * 1.367 Hereby Religion was much propagated, and the peo∣ple taught obedience.

The King being fallen into want of money, Com∣missions were sent forth for selling of Chantry lands, * 1.368 and Church-jewels, Chalices, &c. by purchasing whereof many mean persons were advanced to great estates, whereby they left their posterity ranged a∣mongst the Nobility of the land. But within a few yeares, most of them by the secret curse of God, mel∣ted to nothing; and by improvidence, or riot, consu∣med all.

In the sixth year of the Kings reigne, in Aprill he fell * 1.369 sick of the meazles; yet, through Gods mercy, in a short time, he recovered of the same. Not long after, he fell sick of the small pox; which coming kindly forth, was judged a means, which would much con∣duce to his future health: & hereof also he recovered perfectly. And the Summer following he rode his * 1.370 Progresse with a great train; but when he found that it was burdensome to the Countrey, he discharged the greatest part of it. Soon after, the King complai∣ned of a continuall infirmity of body. About which time sundry prodigies were seen; In Oxfordshire a childe was born that had two bodies from the Navell * 1.371 upward, which lived eighteen dayes, and then died both together. At Quinborough three great Dol∣phins were taken: presently after six more at Black∣wall.

At Grovesend three great Fishes cal••ed Whirle∣pooles, were taken. In Ianuary, and the beginning of the seventh yeare of the Kings reigne, his sicknesse * 1.372 increased upon him, attended with a strong cough; and notwithstanding all meanes and remedies used, yet it daily increased by dangerous degrees. He had also a great faintnesse, which shewed that his vitall parts were most strongly and strangely assaulted. And the common report was, that his sicknesse proceeded from a slow working poyson. His sicknesse was much lamented, not onely by his own people, but by strangers, his courtesie and wisdome having procu∣red him much love every where. He was famous for his fore sight and judgement in affaires; and he so well tempered the greatnesse of his estate with mo∣desty and gravity, that he avoyded envy by the one, and contempt by the other.

In the time of his sicknesse, Dr. Ridley preaching before him, in his Sermon much commended works of Charity, which as they were a duty for all men to performe, so more especially for those which were in great place, as well in regard of their great abilities, as for that they were obliged to give example thereby unto others.

The same day after dinner the King sent for him into his Gallery, caused him to sit in a Chaire by him, would not suffer him to be uncovered: and then * 1.373 after courteous thankes for his Sermon, he repeated all the principall points of it, and then added, I took my selfe to be chiefly touched by your speech: For as in the Kingdome I am next under God, so must I most neerly approach to him in goodnesse and mercy. For as

our miseries stand most in need of help from him, so are we the greatest debtors▪ and therefore as you have given me this generall exhortation, so direct me I intreat you by what particular act I may best discharg my duty: The Bishop partly astonished, and partly overjoyed with these speeches, was silent for a time: At last, teares & words breaking forth together, he declared to the King, that as he little expected such a question, so was he not furnished with a present answer: but said withall, that he conceived the Citizens of Lon∣don had best experience, as overburthened with multitudes of poore of their owne, and from all parts of the Kingdome, and therefore if his Majesty pleased to afford his letter to that effect, he would conferr with them, and in short time returne their answer: the King immediately caused, the letter to be written, which, before the Bishop, he signed, and sealed, and enjoyned him to be the messenger, who going to the Lord Major with it, he called certaine Aldermen, and foure and twentie Commissioners, who ranked the poore into three sorts: such as were poore by impotency of nature, as Orphanes, decrepit persons, idiots and criples: others by faculty, as wounded souldiers, diseased, &c. Thirdly, such as were poore by idlenesse, unthriftinesse, &c. The first, to be educated and maintained: the second to be cured and relieved: the third, to be corrected and reduced to good order: which being presented to the King, he gave to the City, for education and maintenance of the first, the Gray-Friers Church by Newgate market, with all the revenewes be∣longing to it: to the second, Saint Bartholomews neere Smithfield: for the third, his house at Bridewell:

and for increase of maintenance to these, besides the Hospitall of Saint Thomas in Southwark, he gave seven hundred & fifty marks yearly out of the rents of the Hospitall of St. Iohn Baptist, or the Savoy, with all the bedding and furniture belonging to that place: and the charter of this gift being presented to him with a blank for lands in Mortmaine, he pre∣sently filled it up with these words, Foure thousand marks by the yeare: which being done, with reverend gesture, and Speech, he thanked God for prolonging his life to finish that businesse. The Kings sicknesse daily increased, and so did the Duke of Northumber∣lands * 1.374 diligence about him: poison was strongly sus∣pected, for his physitians discerned an invincible malignity in his disease, which though in the lungs, a part of no quick sence, yet his sicknes grew very ex∣treame. The people did hereupon breake forth im∣moderately into passion, complaining that for this * 1.375 cause his two uncles had beene taken away: for this cause the most faithfull of his Nobility and Coun∣cell had beene disgraced and discarded, and that for this cause such were placed about him as were ready to commit, or permit any mischiefe.

Yet at this time the Lord Guilford, fourth son to the Duke of Northumberland, was married to the Lady Iane, eldest daughter to the Duke of Summerset, by Frances daughter to Mary, second sister to Henry the eight: And albeit this Lady Iane had noe right to the Crowne, for she was excluded by the Ladies Mary, and Elizabeth, by the issue of Lady Margaret, eldest sister to Henry the eighth, married into Scot∣land, and by Frances, this Lady Ianes mother, now

living: yet Northumberland blinded with pride, pro∣cured * 1.376 the King by his letters patents under the broad seale, to appoint the Lady Iane to succeed him in the Kingdome: and this the King did the more ea∣sily assent to, partly in regard of his great desire to have the reformed religion continued, which he suspected would be altered by the Lady Mary, if she succeeded, and he could not leaue the Crowne to the Lady Elizabeth, excluding Mary: and partly, By reason of that intire love which he bare to his cosen Iane, a woman of most rare and incompara∣ble perfections, not only for her religion, but for her knowledge of the liberall Arts, skill in Languages, wherein shee exceeded all of her sexe: These letters were signed by the King when he was very weake, and then by all the Privie Councellers: by most of the Nobility, Bishops, Iudges (except Sir Iames Holles) and by the Kings learned Councell. Thus the Duke, having (as he thought) secured all, nothing re∣mained but to dispatch the King: His disease was violent, yet the Physitians had some hope of his re∣coverie, if he might be removed into an healthfull∣er aire: but this the Duke over-auing the Councell, would not suffer: then a Gentlewoman was brought, * 1.377 who would undertake to cure him, the Kings Phy∣sitians talking with her, and finding her extreame ignorant, would not consent that she should med∣dle with him: yet the Duke caused them to be dis∣charged, and the cure to be committed to her alone: hereupon she administring something to him, the King fell into desperate extreamities, his vitall parts were mortally stuffed, he breathed with difficulty,

his legs swelled, his pulse failed, his skin changed colour, and many other horrid Symptoms appea∣red: then were the Physitians called againe, who seeing how he was, departed with a sad silence: tell∣ing their friends, that they were called for fashion sake, but neither their advise, nor remedies used. And that the King had beene ill dealt with more then once: So the King having long wrestled with a lin∣gering tormenting sicknesse, about three houres be∣fore his death, his eies being closed, thinking that none heard him, made this Godly prayer; Lord God, deliver me out of this miserable and wretched life, and * 1.378 take me amongst thy chosen: howbeit, not my will but thy will be done; Lord, I commit my spirit to thee. Oh Lord, thou knowest how happy it were for me to be with thee: yet for thy chosens sake, send me life and health, that I may truly serve thee; O my Lord God, blesse thy people, and save thine inheritance, O Lord God save thy chosen people of England. O my Lord God, defend this Realme from Papistry, and maintaine thy true re∣ligion, that I and my people may praise thy holy name, for thy Son Iesus Christs sake: Then turning his face, and seeing some by, he said unto them, are ye so nigh? I thought ye had beene further off: with great pati∣ence he endured his paines. Many fervent prayers he made, both for himselfe and this realme: the last words he spake were these; I am faint, Lord have mer∣cy upon me, and take my spirit; and so he spent his * 1.379 last breath in committing his sweet soule into his fathers hands. And thus this blessed King, our young Iosias dyed, anno Christi 1553, of his age the seven∣teenth, and of his raigne the seventh.

His zeale for religion doth Eminently appeare in * 1.380 this example, The Emperour Charles the fifth sent a request to the King and Councell, to permit the Lady Mary to have Masse in her house: the Councell thinking it fitt to gratifie the Emperour, sent Arch-Bishop Cranmer, and Bishop Ridley to the King, to request his consent thereto; who coming to the King, alleadged their reasons, why they desired it of him: which the King having heard, replyed againe from Scripture grounds so gravely and fully, that they were forced to give way to what he had said, granting it to be true: yet upon Politick grounds, they perswaded him to it, because else it might cause a breach with the Emperour, &c. Vnto which the King replyed, willing them to content them∣selves, for he would, he said, spend his life, & all he had, rather then to grant that which he knew certainly to be against the truth: yet still the Bishops pressed him, and would have no nay: then the good King, seeing their importunity, burst out into bitter weeping, and sobbing, and desired them to be content: where∣at the Bishops themselves, seeing the Kings Zeale and constancy, wept as fast as he, and so tooke their leave of him, and coming from him, the Arch-Bi∣shop tooke his Schoolmaster Mr Cheek by the hand, and said, Ah Master Cheek, you have such a scholler, that hath more divinity in his little finger, then all wee have in our bodies. He read over Melancthons common places; All Tullies works: the greatest part of Livies * 1.381 History: the choicest Orations of Socrates in Greek, of which he translated two into Latine: Sophocle's Tragaedies, and the New Testament in Greeke also.

The learned Cardane made this Epitaph of him.

Flete nefas magnum, sed toto flebitis orbe Mortales: vester corruit omnis honor. Nam regum decus, juvenum flos, spes{que} bonorum, Diliciae secli, et gloria gentis erat. Dignus Apolloniis lachrymis, Doctae{que} Minervae: Flosculus heu misero concidit ante diem. Te tumulo dabimus, Musae supremaque flentes Munera Melpomene tristia fata canunt.

Collected out of the Book of Martyrs, Sir Io. Haywards Life of Edward the sixth, and Speeds Chronicle.

[illustration] portrait of Queen Elizabeth

Q: ELIZABETH

The life of Queen Elizabeth, who died Anno Christi, 1602.

KIng HENRY the eighth being divorced from Katherine of Spain, who was his bro∣ther Arthurs Widow, married the Lady Anne Bullen, a godly, vertuous, and charitable woman, who was delivered of this Lady, Sep∣tember 7. * 1.382 Anno Christi 1533. whose Godfather was Archbishop Cranmer, and her Godmothers were,

the old Dutchess of Norfolke, & the old Marchioness * 1.383 of Dorset. She was brought up in the Protestant Religion from her childhood, and had for her School∣master, Mr. Ascham, who instructed her in the know∣ledge of the Tongues, and Arts; and under whom she profited very much in learning. During all the reigne of her Father King Henry, and of her bro∣ther King Edward, she lived in a Princely fashion: But under the reign of her sister Queen Mary, she met with so many afflictions, that she well deserved the title of Elizabeth the Confessor. Yet those very affli∣ctions, through Gods goodnesse, did her so much * 1.384 good, that it's hard to say, whether she were more happy in having a Crown so soon, or in having it no sooner, till affliction had first laid in her a low and therfore sure foundation of humility, for Highness to be afterwards built upon. By which means she was so ripened for her future Rule and Soveraignty, that Pope Sixtus the fifth professed, that amongst all the Princes in Christendome, he found but two which were worthy to beare command, if they had not been stained with Heresie, viz. Henry the fourth, King of France; and Elizabeth, Queen of England. But as in order of time her Sufferings preceded her Soveraign∣ty; so we will first set them down to the view of the Reader.

When Queen Mary came first to the Crowne, she * 1.385 pretended much love to her sister, the Lady Eliza∣beth: for before she was crowned, she would goe no whither, but she would have her by the hand, and send for her to dinner and Supper: But after she was crowned, she kept her aloofe from her: and shortly

after, upon the rising of Sir Thomas Wyat, she with the Lord Courtney, were falsly charged to have a hand in it: whereupon the Lady Marie sent three of her councellers, with two hundred and fifty horsemen of their retinue to her, then lying at her house at Ash∣bridge, who found her very sick in bed, and very feeble and weak of body: yet they going up to her cham∣ber, willed one of her Ladies to tell her, that they were sent to her with a message from the Queene: Her grace being told of it, said, she was glad of their coming, howbeit being very weak and it now ten a * 1.386 clock at night, she requested them to come againe to her the next morning: to which they replyed, that they must needes see her, and would doe it in what case soever she were, and with all hastily rushed into her chamber, whereupon she being not a little ama∣zed, said unto them, Is the hast such that it might not have pleased you to have staid till the morning, they answered, that they were sorry to see her in that case: and I (said she) am not glad to see you here at this time a night: they said that they came from the Queene, whose pleasure it was, that she should be at London the seventh of that moneth: whereunto she said, Truly there is no creature more glad then I to come to her Majesty, and am sorry that at this time I am not in case to wait on her, as you see, and may testifie: They said, they were sorry to see it: yet their com∣mission was to bring her either quick, or dead: she being troubled at this, asked, if their commission was * 1.387 so strict: they said yea, and withall called two Phy∣sitians asking them if she might be removed with life, or noe? which they affirmed that she might in

their judgement; thereupon they willed her to pre∣pare against next morning at nine a clock to goe with them: And accordingly at that time they took her forth, faint and feeble as she was, being ready to * 1.388 swoune three or foure times betweene them. That night they brought her to Redborn, where shee was guarded all night: The next day to St. Albanes, where she was both feeble in body, and comfortlesse ••n minde. From thence to Mimmes, and Highgate, where she being very sick, they tarried that night, and the next day.

From thence she was carried to the Court, many people by the way flocking about her, and being ve∣ry sorry to see her in that case. At Court she was pre∣sently * 1.389 shut up, and kept a close prisoner for a fort∣night, seeing no friend all that time. Then came Steven Gardiner, with nineteen more of the Privie Councell, charging her with Wyats conspiracy, which she utterly denied, protesting her innocency. But af∣ter long debating of the businesse, they told her, it was the Queens pleasure, she should go to the Tower. At which she being agast, said, she trusted the Queen would be more gracious to her; still protesting her innocency, and intreating them to mediate for her to the Queen; that seeing she was a true woman to her Majesty, both in thought, word, and deed, she might not be committed to so notorious and dolefull a place: protesting that she desired no favour, if she were found guilty of these things. But the Lords told her, there was no remedy, for that the Queen was ful∣ly resolved that she should goe to the Tower, and so they departed. And about an houre after, came Ste∣ven

Gardiner again with three other of the Lords, and * 1.390 the Guard, secluding all her Gentlemen, Ladies and Gentlewomen from her; and in stead of them, ap∣pointed three of the Queenes men, and three other waiting women to attend her, that none should have accesse to her grace. They set also an hundred Nor∣thern Souldiers to watch in the Gardens all night, and two Lords with their Companies in the House. The Saturday following came two Lords to her, telling her, that she must presently goe to the Tower, the Barge being ready, and the Tide serving, which would tarry for no body.

Hereupon she with sorrow intreated them, that she might stay but till the next Tide: But one of them answered, that neither time nor tide must be delayed. Then she requested, that she might be suffered to write to the Queen before she went; but that also was denied her by one of them: but the other (the Earle of Sussex) kneeling down, said, she should have liberty to write, and as he was a true man, he would deliver it to the Queen, and bring her an answer, what ever came of it. And so the time and tide pas∣sed away; but they privily prepared all things for her going the next tide, which fell out at midnight: yet fearing lest she should be taken away, they stayed till next day, and then these two Lords came and told her, it was time for her to depart: She bade them goe before, and since there was no remedy, she would follow, adding, that she wondred what the Nobility meant, to suffer her to be led into captivity, the Lord knew whither, for she did not. She shot the bridge with some danger, the Boat striking upon the * 1.391

ground. When she came to the Tower, she refused to land at the Traytors staires; neither could she land, but she must be over her shooes. But one of the Lords said, she should land there. Whereupon shee coming out of the Barge, said, Here lands as true a * 1.392 Subject, being a prisoner, as ever landed at these staires, and before thee, O God, I speak it, having no friends but thee alone.

At her landing stood many Warders, and others in order; What needs all this, said shee? Going a little further, she sate down on a cold stone to rest her selfe: Then the Lieutenant said, Madame, you sit unwholsomly, you had best come out of the rain. To whom she answered, I had better sit here then in a worse place; for God knoweth, I know not whither you will bring me. Hereupon her Gentleman Usher wept: To whom she said, What mean you to use me so? I took you for my comfort, not thus to dismay me, seeing I know my truth to be such, that none shall have cause to weep for me. And so she went in to prison; The doors were locked and bolted upon her, which much troubled her. Then she called to her Gentlewoman for her Book, desiring God not to suffer her to build her * 1.393 foundation upon the sands, but upon the Rock, that so no blustring stormes might prevaile against her.

Two dayes after, command came that shee should have Masse said in her Chamber. In the meane time there was much examining and racking of poor men, to force them to accuse her, that they might put her to death. And five dayes after came Steven Gardiner▪ with others of the Councell, and examined her very strictly about divers things: to whom she at last re∣plyed,

My Lords you doe sift me very narrowly, but well I am assured you shall not doe more to me then * 1.394 God hath appointed, and so God forgive you all. About that time diverse of her servants, having provided her Diet, brought it to the Tower gate, where the rascally souldiers received it, which so grieved them, that they desired to speake with the Lieuetenant of the Tower, whom they beseeched, that they might not deliver her Graces food to such desperate ruffi∣ans, * 1.395 but that they might carry it to her themselves: but he very churlishly refused, saying, a prisoner she is, and she shall be served as other prisoners are: they replyed, that they expected more favour from him, and perswaded themselves, that the Queene and her Councell would be better to her Grace then so: whereupon he sware by God, that if they either frowned, or shrugged at him, he would set the where they should neither see Sun nor Moone.

Thus taking their leave, they prayed God to make him of a better mind to their Mistris: Having thus continued in prison for a moneth, shee began to bee sickly, whereupon she requested the Lieuetenant that * 1.396 she might have liberty to walke out a little, but he de∣nying her that favour, she requested, that at least shee might walke into the Queenes Lodgings, but still he pretended that he durst not permit it: Well then said she, if they be so strict, God comfort me: The next day the Lord Shandois came to her, and told her, that he had sued to the Councell for some liberty for her, and had at last obtained, that she might walke into those Lodgings, provided, that the windowes were kept shut, and that the L. Chamberlaine, and three of

the Qs. women did attend her, for which she thanked him, and made use of that little liberty: Afterwards she had leave to walke into a little Garden, the doores being locked upon her, and the prisoners on that side * 1.397 the house being straightly commanded not to speake, nor looke out at windowes, whilst she was there: for this she praysed God, and was well contented with it. During her imprisonment, a little boy foure yeares old, a mans child in the Tower, used sometimes to bring her some flowers, as he did to other prisoners: hereupon the boy, was sent for, and they promised him Figgs and Apples, and then asked him when hee was with the Lady Elizabeth; hee answered, every day: then they asked him, when hee was with the Lord of Devonshire, and what he sent by him to her Grace: the boy said, I will goe presently to him and know what he will send her: but upon this the Lieue∣tenant told him, he should be whipt, if hee came any more at them: But, said the boy, I will carry my La∣dy and mistris some more flowers: whereupon the childs father was commanded, that he should suffer him to goe noe more to their chambers: the next day her Grace walking in the garden, the boy peeped in at a hole, and said, Mistris I must bringe you noe more flowers: whereat she smiled, apprehending what the reason was: this so angred the Lieuete∣nant, that he commanded his father to put him out of the Tower: Shortly after, the Constable of the Tower was discharged, and Sir Henry Benefield put into his place, who brought with him one hundred souldiers, with which she was much troubled, and and asked, whether the Lady Ianes Scaffold was * 1.398

yet taken away, fearing that she should have acted the same Tragedy. Then she enquired, what this Sir Henry Benefield was, and whether if her secret mur∣thering was required, he was a man of that consci∣ence to see it done. They answered, they knew not what he was; but they were perswaded, God would not suffer such wickednesse. Well, said she, God grant it: For thou, O God, canst mollifie such tyrannous hearts, and disappoint all such cruell purposes: And I * 1.399 beseech thee, to heare me thy creature, which am thy ser∣vant, and at thy command, trusting by thy grace ever so to remain.

Shortly after, she was told by the Lord Shandois, that she must be removed by the new Guard, but he knew not whither, except to Woodstock. This much * 1.400 troubled her, desiring rather to stay there still, then to be led thence with such a sort of Rascals. But he told her, there was no remedy: Accordingly the Sabbath following, Sir Henry Benefield (being made her Jaylor) received her to his charge, with a com∣pany of Rake-hels for her Guard. The Lord of Tame also was joyned in commission with him: The first night they carried her to Richmond, where her owne attendance were removed into outward Cham∣bers, and these rude Souldiers appointed to attend on her person.

Whereat she suspecting some mischiefe, called her * 1.401 Ʋsher, desiring him with the rest, to pray for her: For this night (quoth she) I think to die. But he with many teares endeavoured to comfort her; and going down into the Court, hee met the Lord of Tame, and Sir Henry Benefield, walking there, and desiring to speak

with the Lord apart, hee said to him, My Lord, you have alwayes been my good Lord, and so I beseech you to remain; I now desire your Honour unfainedly to tell me, whether any mischiefe be intended to her Grace this night, that I and my poore fellowes may * 1.402 take such part as it shall please God to appoint: For certainly we will rather die then that she being inno∣cent, should secretly miscarry. Mary (said the Lord) God forbid that any such wickednesse should bee wrought; and rather then it should be so, I and my men are ready to die at her feet also. And so through Gods mercy she passed that dolefull night with an heavie heart.

The next day, as she passed to Windsor, she spied some of her men standing in the way to see her: Wherupon she bade one about her to go to them, and to tell them, tanquam ovis, that she was led as a Sheep to the slaughter.

From Windsor she was carried to Mr. Dormers; and by the way some poore people presenting her * 1.403 with some small trifles, Sir Henry Benefield was excee∣ding angry, calling them Rebels and Traytors, &c.

As she passed through some Townes, they rang the Bells, which so angred Benefield, that he sent his Soul∣diers for the Ringers, and set them in the stockes.

The next night she went to the Lord of Tames, where she was entertained in a very Princely manner. * 1.404 At which Benefield grunted and grumbled, saying, That they could not answer it, &c. But the Lord of Tame told him, that he knew what he did, and that her grace should be merry at his house.

The next day she went to Woodstocke, where she

was imprisoned closely, the souldiers guarding both within, and with out the walls of the house day, and night: at last she was allowed to walk into the gar∣den, which much refreshed her, yet all the doores were stricktly locked, Sir Henry himselfe keeping the Keies, whereupon she called him her jailor, but he desired her not to call him so, but one of her offi∣cers, to whom she answered; From such officers good Lord deliver me. After a time she made suit to the Councell, that she might have leave to write to the Queene, which at last was permitted, and Sir Henry Benefield brought her pen, ink, and paper, standing by whilst she wrote, and then requested that he might be the messenger to carry it: but she told him, she would send one of her owne servants with it: whereupon he replyed, that he thought none of them durst be so bold as to carry it, she being in that case: Yea (said she) I have none sodishonest as not to goe at my request.

Well (said he) my commission is to the contrary, and I may not suffer it. Her Grace replyed; you tell me oft of your commission, I pray God you may justly answer the cruell dealing that you use to∣wards me. Yet he stopt her letters foure or five daies but at length sent for one of her Gentlemen, and asked him, if he durst be so bold as to carry her letter. Yea said he, that I dare, and will with all my heart: so with an ill will he gave him her letter: She being sickly the Queene sent two of her Physitians, to her▪ * 1.405 who staid foure, or fiue daies, till she began to amend, and then returned, reporting well of her mild beha∣viour, and humblenesse towards the Queene. About

which time she was requested to submit her selfe to the Queenes Majesty: but she answered, that she would never submit to them, whom she had never offended, for said she, if I have offended, I craue no * 1.406 mercy, but the Law, which had I beene guilty of the breach of, I am sure I should have had it before this: About this time a Consultation being held * 1.407 what should be done with her: One of the Lords said, that it would never be quiet with England, ex∣cept her head were stricken off: whereunto the Spa∣niards * 1.408 answered: God forbid, that their King, and master should have a mind to consent to that mis∣chiefe: and accordingly they perswaded their King, that he should never get so much honour, as by de∣livering the Lady Elizabeth out of prison, which at length he effected: Whilst she was at Woodstock, her life was oft in danger, first by fire kindling under her Chamber boards, which was verily supposed to be done on purpose, yet through Gods mercy, it was quenched: Also a ruffian, that was one of the keepers, was suborned to murther her, which the L. also discovered, and prevented: Also a darling of Steven Gardiners was sent to murther her, which was prevented by Sir Henry Benefields absence, who had commanded his brother to let no man whatsoever to come to her till his returned: Also whiles she was in the Tower, by Steven Gardiners procurement, a writ was sent for her execution, but the Lieuetenant presently going to the Queene with it, the Lord was pleased in mercy thereby to prevent the execution of it. At her departure out of Wood∣stock she wrote with a Diamond in the window.

Much suspected of me, Nothing proved can be, Quoth Elizabeth prisoner.

Whilst she was there, hearing a milke maide in the Park singing merrily, she wished her self a milkmaid, saying that her case was better, and life more merry then hers in that state as she was. When she was sent for from Woodstock, she was by Sir Henry Benefield carried in a tempestuous day to Ricot, by the way her hood was thrice blowne off, and she desiring to * 1.409 goe to a gentlemans house hard by, Benefield would not suffer her, so that she was constrained under an hedge to trimme her head as well as she could: from thence shewas carried to Colebrook, and by the way * 1.410 some of her servants meeting of her, which had not seene her of a long time, they were not suffered to speake with her, but were charged in the Queens name presently to depart, to their mutuall sorrow; she was still surrounded and guarded with souldiers, and close shut up in her chamber, as in a prison: From thence she went to Hampton Court, where for a fortnight she was shut up, and guarded with souldi∣ers as before: Then came to her the Lord William Howard, who used her very honourably: whereup-she requested him to be a means that she might speake with some of the privy Councell; and short∣ly after, Steven Gardiner with some others of them came to her, to whom she said My Lords I am glad to see you, me thinks I have beene desolatly alone a great while: wherefore I desire you to mediate to the King, and Queene, that I may be delivered from prison &c. Then Steven Gardiner requested her to submit her∣selfe

to the Queene, and then he doubted not but she would be good to her: to whom she answered, that * 1.411 rather then she would doe so, she would lie in prison all the daies of her life; for she craved no mercy, but rather the Law, in case she had offended: for (said she) if I should yield to this, I should confesse my selfe to be an offendor, and might give the King and Queene occasion to judge evill of me ever hereafter: and so the Lords departed. The next day came Gardiner a∣gaine, and told her, that the Queene marvelled that she carried her selfe so stoutly, not confessing that she had offended; and therefore the Queene had imprisoned her wrongfully: Nay (said she) it may please her to punish me as she sees good: Well (said Gardiner) you must tell an other tale before you be set at liberty: the good Lady answered, that she had as leive be in prison with truth, and honesty, as a∣broad, and suspected of her Majesty.

A week after the Queene sent for her at ten a * 1.412 clock at night, whom she had not seene of two years before, and so she was conducted to the Queens bedchamber; when she came in, she kneeled downe, and prayed God to preserve her Majesty, not doubting but she should proue as true a subject to her as ever any did, desiring her Majesty so to esteem of her, for she should not find her otherwise, what∣soever report she heard to the contrary: the Queene answered, you will not confesse your offence, but stand stoutly to your truth: I pray God it may so fall out: If it doe not (said the L. Eliz.) I neither de∣sire favour, nor pardon, &c. and so after such like discourse, she was sent away with little comfort from

the Queene: yet a week after she was freed from Sir Henry Benefield her keeper, and his souldiers: where∣upon she went to refresh her selfe in the Countrey: but the Queene sent with her Sir Thomas Pope, one of her Councellors, who watched her narrowly all Queene Maries daies: Shortly after came someof the * 1.413 Queenes servants, and carried one of her Gentlewo∣men to the Fleet, and three others to the Tower, which much troubled her Grace: But it pleased God * 1.414 about this time to take away by a remarkable judg∣ment that cruel persecutor Steven Gardiner, where∣by the life of this excellent Princesse was preserved: * 1.415 and shortly after dropped away by degrees diverse other of her enemies, wherby her danger decreased, and safety, and comfort began to appeare, as light out of a darke cloud: At last also Queene Marie dy∣ed, at which time the Parliament was sitting at West∣minster: and the Lords being informed of it, they communicated it to the Commons, and so both joy∣ned together presently in proclaiming Elizabeth Queene of England &c. She was now about fiue and twenty yeares old, and by experience, and adversitie had gotten wisdome aboue her age: the next day * 1.416 after she was proclaimed Queene, she came from Hatfield to London, and lodged at the Charter house: the next day she went to the Tower: and in her pas∣sage had diverse speeches made to her, and other ex∣pressions of her Subiects joy, and if ever person had the gift, or skill to win the hearts of the people, it was this Queene, she coupled mildnesse with Majesty; & stooped, yet in a stately manner, to the meanest sort. * 1.417 All her faculties were in motion, and every moti∣on

seemed a well-guided action: Her eye was set up∣on one, her eare listned to another, her judgement ran upon a third, to a fourth she addressed her speech: Her spirit seemed to be every where, and yet so intire in herselfe, that it seemed to be no where else. Some she commended, some she pitied, some she thanked; contemning none, neglecting none: and generally casting forth such courteous countenances, gestures, and speeches, that thereupon the people redoubled the testimonies of their joy, promising themselves much happinesse under the government of such a Queen.

She was of stature tall, slender, straight, and of an amiable countenance: her haire inclined to a pale yellow, her fore-head large and faire, a seemly seat for Princely grace; her eyes lively, her nose some∣what rising in the middest, the whole compasse of her countenance somewhat long, but yet of admi∣rable beauty.

In life she was most innocent, in desires moderate, in purpose just, of spirit above credit, and almost a∣bove the capacity of her Sex: of a Divine wit, as well for depth of judgement, as for quick conceit, and speedy expedition; very eloquent, of wonderfull knowledge both in learning and affaires: skilfull in Greek, Latine, and divers other forraigne languages.

She was very religious, magnanimous, mercifull, and just: She maintained justice at home, and Armes abroad, with great wisdome and authority; She de∣sired those that repaired to her, if they would not be deceived in her, that they would not be the first to deceive themselves; that they would not prejudice

her by immoderate expectations and hopes, promi∣sing to themselves out of a sudden liking, more then was fit, or peradventure possible to be performed: And lastly, that they would not rashly judge of her actions, as being privy neither to the occasions nor ends of them.

After some stay at the Tower, she removed to Som∣merset house: She continued all the Councellors left by the deceased Queen; and to ballance them equal∣ly, * 1.418 being Papists, she chose divers Protestants to joyn with them; and knowing that sudden alterations are dangerous, she did by degrees abolish Popery, * 1.419 and established the reformed Religion: then she summoned a Parliament. When she took Coach in the Tower, shee made a solemne thankesgi∣ving to God, who had delivered her no lesse merci∣fully, and mightily, from her imprisonment in that place, then Daniel from the Lions Den: that had * 1.420 delivered her from those dangers wherewith she was environed, and overwhelmed, to bring her to the joy and honour of that day.

As she passed through the City, the Recorder pre∣sented her with a curious purse, wherein were a thousand Markes in gold, desiring that she would be a gracious Mistresse to the Citie: She answered, that she was bound so to be, not for their gold, but for their good wills: And that as they had expended treasure to honour her, so she would be ready not onely to spend her treasure, but the dearest drops of her blood to maintaine and increase their flourishing estate.

A Child from a Pageant let down in a silken lace, an

English Bible richly covered to her: She kissed her * 1.421 hands, took it, kist it, laid it to her breast, then held it up, thanking the Citie, especially for that gift, and promising to be a diligent reader of it. She cheerful∣ly received Nosegayes, Flowers, Rosemary from mean persons.

The Sabbath following, she was crowned at West∣minster: then she appointed a publick disputation there, about matters of religion; but the Popish Di∣sputants * 1.422 shewed themselves so crosse, and froward in it, that it came to nothing.

King Philip hearing of the death of his wife Queen Mary, he sent an Embassadour to propose his marri∣age * 1.423 with her, promising to get a dispensation from the Pope. This much troubled her, considering his quality, and how much he had deserved of her, and yet now she must reject his suit: Wherefore she re∣solved publickly to make profession of her Religion, and to hasten the Reformation, as the onely meanes to take him off. In the Parliament was enacted, That * 1.424 the Lady Elizabeth was, and ought both by the Law of God, the common Law of England, and the Sta∣tute Law, to be the lawfull and undoubted Queen of England, &c. The Sacrament was appointed to bee used in both kindes, and divers such like Lawes for establishing the Protestant Religion. Then she con∣cluded a peace with the French King.

The Commons by their Speaker, endeavoured to perswade her to marriage from many politick grounds. To whom she answered, That at at her Co∣ronation * 1.425 she had solemnly with a Ring espoused her selfe to the Kingdome, And (said she) every one of

you, and every true Englishman, are my children, and kinsmen: But if God shall please, that I shall enter into another course of life, I promise you, that I will doe no∣thing that shall be prejudiciall to the Common wealth, &c. And to me it shall be full satisfaction, if when I have left my last breath, it be engraven on my Tomb, Here lies ELIZABETH, which reigned a Virgin, * 1.426 and died a Virgin.

By means of the alteration of Religion, this King∣dome became the most free of all the Kingdomes in Christendome, the Scepter being freed from servi∣tude to the Pope: and more wealthy then formerly, an infinite Masse of money being staid at home, which was wont to be exported to Rome. She oft used to say, That the Common-wealth might be in safety, shee was never without care. Her Motto was, Semper ea¦dem, Alwayes the same. Her study was, as to reform, so to establish the reformed Religion. When for∣raigne Princes interceded to her in the behalfe of the Papists, she answered, That they must not ex∣pect from her such things, as she could not grant with * 1.427 the safety of her Kingdome, and without wrong to her own honour and, conscience.

The King of France, notwithstanding his late made peace with her, yet levied great Forces of Horse and Foot, to be transported into Scotland: But whilst he breathed out nothing but blood, and slaughter a∣gainst * 1.428 the Protestants, by Gods just hand his owne blood was spilt at the Nuptiall solemnities of his daughter, and sister.

About this time Religion was reformed in Scot∣land, * 1.429 which the Queen Regent much impugned;

and for that end made use of French Souldiers to sup∣presse the Protestant Nobility, and others. Where∣upon they sued to Queen Elizabeth for aid, and she enquired into their ends, which they proposed, which they professed were to advance the glory of Christ, the sincere preaching of Gods Word, the rooting out of Superstition, and Idolatry, and to preserve their ancient liberty against the oppression of strangers.

After the Queen had seriously considered all things, it was resolved, That the professors of the * 1.430 same Religion were to be relieved, and the French to be driven out of Scotland. Hereupon the Queen sent Mr. Winter with a Fleet into Edinburgh Frith, who set upon the French Ships of Warre, and upon one of their Garrisons. And the Duke of Norfolke was sent to Batwick, unto whom resorted many of the Scottish Nobility, where many Articles were a∣greed upon betwixt them. After which the Queen sent an Army into Scotland, consisting of one thou∣sand two hundred Horse, and six thousand Foot, un∣der the Lord Grey, a brave Souldier: They first besieged Leith; the French issued forth and skirmish∣ed * 1.431 with them, but were beaten in againe. The siege continuing, the King of France sent to Queen Eli∣zabeth, to treat of a peace; which at last was con∣cluded, and proclaimed in the Camp, and Towne. * 1.432 Hereby the ancient liberty of Scotland was retained, the dignity of England preserved, and the Scottish Protestants acknowledged our Queen Defendresse of their happinesse.

Shortly after, the Queen set forth a Proclamation, whereby she commanded the Anabaptists, and such

like Heretickes, which had flocked to the Coast * 1.433 Townes of England from the parts beyond the Sea, (under colour of shunning persecution, and thereby had spread their poisonous opinions in England) to depart the Realm within twenty dayes, upon pain of imprisonment, and losse of goods.

The Abby of Westminster she converted to a Col∣legiat * 1.434 Church; instituting to Gods glory, and the increase of good learning, a Dean, twelve Prebends, a Schoolmaster, Usher, and fourty Scholars, six whereof at least are preferred to the Universities year∣ly, twelve Almesmen, &c. Money, which King Henry the eighth had embased, she restored to its just va∣lue.

Anno 1561. the Scottish Queen deferred the con∣firmation of the aforementioned Treaty: Where∣upon the Queen sent into Scotland, to exhort the No∣bility to mutuall amity, which is firmly founded in the unity of Religion.

Shortly after, the Scottish Queen, being now a Wi∣dow, and in France, sent to Queen Elizabeth for leave to passe into Scotland upon a safe conduct: Which she refused to grant, because she had not, according to her faith given, confirmed the aforenamed Treaty. But yet in a great fogge, shee passed by the English Ships, and so got into Scotland.

About this time the Pope endeavoured to perswade her, to send some to the Councell of Trent, for the ta∣king away of dissentions in Religion, &c. Where∣unto she answered, That she heartily wished for an * 1.435 Oecumenicall Councell, but to a Popish Councell she would not send, with the Bishop of Rome she had

nothing to doe, whose authority was expelled out of England by consent of her Estates: Neither belong∣ed it to him, but to the Emperour, to call Councels, nor would she acknowledge any greater authority in him, then in any other Bishop.

About this time the Spire of Pauls Steeple, which * 1.436 was five hundred and twenty foot from the ground, and two hundred and sixty from the square Steeple, being framed of Timber, and covered with lead, was set on fire by lightning; and in five houres space, it was quite consumed, together with the roof of the Church: But by the Queenes bounty, and other large contributions, the roofe was soon repaired a∣gain.

Anno 1562. the Protestants in France being per∣secuted, * 1.437 and oppressed by the Popish party, sent to the Queen of England, desiring aid from her: And af∣ter mature deliberation, she took into her protection the French Kings subjects in Normandy, contracting with the Prince of Conde, and other Noble men, to pay them an hundred thousand Angels, and to send them over into France, six thousand men. And the same day she published a Declaration, that she sent not her Army into Normandy to recover that Countrey, which anciently belonged to the Kings of England, but to preserve it for the French King, be∣ing not yet at age, and to defend it against the Guises, who had exercised barbarous cruelties against the Protestants, whom she could not neglect, without betraying her own Religion, security, and safety.

And shortly after, she sent over Forces under the Earle of Warwicke, to New-Haven: And the Queens

Ships scouring the Seas, brought in many rich prizes.

Anno 1563. another parliament was holden at * 1.438 Westminster; where, amongst other good Lawes, it was ordained, that the Bible, and Service should be translated into the Welsh tongue. The yeare * 1.439 after, the Queen in her progresse, went to Cambridge, where she was entertained with all kinds of honour, and with Comedies, Tragedies, and Scholasticall Disputations: She surveyed every Colledge, and in a Latine Oration she acknowledged their love, and kindnesse, commending their multiplicity of lear∣ning, exhorting them to bend their whole mindes, and studies to the improvement thereof; promising to be a Patronesse to them therein.

Anno 1566. she went to Oxford also, where she * 1.440 was magnificently entertained: There she stayed seven dayes, being much delighted with the plea∣santnesse of the place, and beautifulnesse of the Col∣ledges; and the wits, and excellent learning of the Students: She gave them large thankes in a Latine Oration, with singular sweetnesse of speech, and so bade them heartily fare-well.

Anno 1568. some godly Ministers sought earnest∣ly * 1.441 for a reformation of our Church, for abolishing of Episcopacy, & for the setling of the Presbyteriall go∣vernment in this Kingdome. But by the power of the Bishops with the Queen, they were imprisoned; yet had they many that concurred with them in judgement; which by the Prelaticall party were branded with the odious name of Puritanes.

About this time the Queen of Scots fled into Eng∣land,

and by the advice of the Privy Councel, was here detained. * 1.442

Also Pope Pius Quintus suborned one Robert Ri∣dolph, a Florentine, who had lived a Factor in London a long time, to stirr up the Papists in England against * 1.443 Q. Elizabeth, which he most zealously, and closly pro∣secuted: yet the Lord prevented him: Also there was much underhand dealing, that the Duke of Norfolk might marry the Queene of Scots, & set her at liberty, whereupon she was removed out of the North (being a Popish countrey) to Tidbury Castle, under the custody of George Earle of Shremesbury: * 1.444 Queene Elisabeth used great care for the safety of re∣ligion both at home, and abroad; and whereas in France edicts were published (contrary to the for∣mer * 1.445 agreement) whereby the exercise of the refor∣med religion was utterly forbidden, the professors of it removed from all publick offices, and the Mini∣sters of the word commanded to depart the Realme by a day prefixed, our Queene by her Embassador Norris earnestly solicited the King of France, that a sound and sincere peace might be made, advising the King, that he would not by unseasonable remedies incense his subjects minds, & that aboue all things * 1.446 he would beware of those, which by rooting out his faithfull subjects, sought to weaken his Kingdom, that it might become a prey to others: but when he would not hearken to her Counsell, lest she should faile those that were joined with her in one common cause, shee sent one hundred thousand Angells, and munition for warr to the Protestants: she also en∣tertained curteously such French Protestants, as fled

into England, as also the Netherlanders, many of whom came hither also to withdraw themselves from the cruelty of the Duke de Alva, who brea∣thed forth nothing but blood and death against them: and shortly after picking a quarrel with our Queene, he prohibited all commerce with the Eng∣lish, and commanded that nothing should be brought in, or carried forth of the Netherlands by the English: He also appointed searchers, amongst whom there was none so active, as one Iohn Story an English fu∣gitive, who had before consulted with a Magician against the Queens life, and had provoked the Duke * 1.447 de Alva to invade England but being allured with a wile into a ship, they presently hoised saile, and brought him hither, where he was afterwards ex∣ecuted for his treason.

About this time many rumors brake forth, that the Earles of Northumberland and Westmerland (zea∣lous Papists) were raising a rebellion in the North, whereupon the Queene sent to them, to come up to London, and Northumberland was partly minded so to doe, but his friends and followers beseeched him, * 1.448 that he would not faile them, nor the religion of his fathers: telling him, that the Catholicks were pre∣pared all over England to assist him: that some were coming out of Scotland, others out of the Nether∣lands from the Duke de Alva to joine with him, whereupon he going to the Earle of Westmerland: they brake out into open rebellion, publishing these pretences: That they took Arms with no other in∣tent, but that the religion of their forefathers might be restored, corrupt councellors removed from the

Queene the Duke of Norfolk and other Knights that were put from their ranks, might be restored to liberty and grace: and that they attempted nothing against the Queen, to whom they vowed themselves now▪ and ever dutifull and obedient subjects. * 1.449

Their first march was to Durham, where they rent and trampled under feet English Bibles in as great a contempt as Iehoiakim did Ierem'ys rowle. At Da∣rington they besprinkled the Army with holy wa∣ter, and at Rippon they heard Masse to forward their treason: their Ensigne was the Crosse and fiue wounds of Christ: At Brampton Moore they muste∣red a thousand six hundred horse, and foure thou∣sand foot, with which they fell upon Barnards Castell, which after eleven daies siege was yeelded to them: hereupon they were proclaimed Traitors, the Pope promised a hundred thousand Crownes to advance this designe, but before they received the money, the Earle of Sussex, Lieutenant Generall of the North, gathered some forces, and pursued them, whereupon the chiefe of them fled into Scotland to the popish party there, not bidding their deluded * 1.450 followers farewell, who were presently surprized without resistance, and the ringleaders of them were executed by Marshall Law: Yet presently after Leo∣nard Dacres began a new rebellion, and raised many * 1.451 to revenge their friends death, but the Lord Hunsdon hasting against them, after a long and desperate fight, put them to flight, Dacres escaping into Scot∣land, and leaving his followers to the Law: Northum∣berland in Scotland was taken by the Regent, impri∣soned, and afterwards sent into England, where (being

attainted by the Parliament) he was beheaded at * 1.452 Yorke. The Earle of Westmerland, by Gods revenging hand, in the very time of his rebellion, was deprived of his Children; and afterwards wandring him∣selfe * 1.453 in strange Countries, had his body consumed with venemous ulcers, whereof he died.

About that time, Pope Pius Quintus, at the instance of Nicolas Morton, an English Priest, sent forth his Bull against the Queen, whereby he deprived her of * 1.454 all Princely authority, as one uncapable of the Crown, or Government. Then were his Emissaries sent forth, some plotters of invasions, to lay our land wast; others, conspirators against her sacred person: And the Popes Bull was brought to London, and in the night time hung upon the Gates of the Bishops Palace by Pauls. Yet in the middest of these broiles at home, she failed not to relieve the Protestants of * 1.455 France, who were in a most distressed state: And she exhorted all the Princes of the same profession, to take upon them the defence of the common Cause. The Queen of Navarre she supplied with monies, ta∣king Jewels in pawne for it. She permitted Henry Champnour to lead into France and hundred volunta∣ry Gentlemen upon Horsebacke, who were very ser∣viceable to the Protestant party. Not long after were executed Sherwin, Campion, Kirby, for disper∣sing * 1.456 & promoting the Popes Bull against the Queen. And Sanders, the Popes Legate in Ireland to raise re∣bellion, fell mad, and wandred succourlesse in the wast mountaines, where he miserably died.

Then John Summervile of Ederston in Warwicke∣shire, * 1.457 came to the Court, (provoked thereto by one

Hall, a Seminary Priest) with a purpose to murder the Queen; but God discovering his treason, hee was committed to Newgate, where he desperatly hanged him selfe.

Many Priests and Jesuits repaired into England in the attire of Gallants, dispersing themselves, and en∣deavouring to withdraw the subjects from their alle∣gaince: some of which were taken and executed, as Campion, &c.

Then Francis Throgmorton, solicited thereto by * 1.458 Mendoza the Spanish Embassadour, undertooke to sound the Havens for the enemies entrance; to get a Catalogue of all the Popish Gentlemen in every County, that would assist: But God discovering his treason, he was apprehended, & in his study the cata∣logue was found, and the Havens for landing, &c. for which he was worthily executed.

Then one William Parry (whose life the Queen had * 1.459 formerly spared, when he was justly condemned for burglary) vowed her death: and for this end, he went to the Queen, desiring to speak with her, and oft-times after having weapon, place, presence, and opportunity, intending resolutely to kill her, was ever daunted when he beheld the glory of her pre∣sence, and majesty in her face. Yet afterwards, rea∣ding Allens book, he was so fired with zeale, that he posted to a Gentleman, whom he thought as discon∣tented as himselfe, opening his treason for the bring∣ing in of forraigne invaders, and threatning with Dagge or Dagger, to kill the Queen: but the Gen∣tleman revealing it to two privy Councellors, he was apprehended, and confessing his treason, was wor∣thily

executed. Hereupon her Majesty in a Parlia∣ment openly professed, that she knew no Creature breathing, whose life stood hourly in more perill then her owne: And that even at her first entrance into her estate, she entred into infinite dangers of life, as one that had to wrestle with many and mighty ene∣mies; * 1.460 yet was she confident of her heavenly Fathers protection, &c.

Shortly after, as she was upon the Thames in her Barge with the French Embassador, and some others, a Serving-man with his Caleiver shot a bullet, which pierced both the armes of one of the Water-men; within six foot of the Queen: With which all in the * 1.461 Barge were astonished; but she being undaunted, and seeing the man bleed, threw him her scarfe, and with words of comfort, bade him be of good cheere, he should never want: for the bullet was aimed at her, though it hit him: yet afterwards knowing that it was done casually, she both pardoned the party, and commanded his master to keep him still in his service. She was of such singular clemency, that she never * 1.462 heard of the capital punishment of offenders, even of such as had sought her own death, but it bred horror, and sorrow in her; so that had not her Councellors earnestly inculcated the necessity of such exemplary Justice, many dangerous attempts had escaped their due punishment, which moved her to say, that her reading of Seneca de clementia, had done her much good; but some would perswade her, it had done her State as much harm.

Her love to her people in generall, and tender care over the poorer sort, and oppressed, was incompa∣rable:

Her eares were alwayes open to their com∣plaints, * 1.463 and her hands open to receive their petiti∣ons; and her manner was, alwayes to commend their causes to her-Councell, and Judges, to whom she used to say: Have care of my people, you have my place, doe * 1.464 you to them that which I ought to doe: they are my peo∣ple, yet every one oppresseth and spoileth them without mercy: they can neither help themselves, nor revenge their quarrell: See to them, I pray you, see to them, for they are my charge; them therefore I charge you with as God hath committed them to me: I care not for my selfe, my life is not deare unto me; my care is for my peo∣ple. If you knew my care for my people, you might dis∣cerne, that I take no great joy in wearing the Crowne, &c.

Anno 1585. Henry Percy, Earle of Northumber∣land, was gone so farre in disloyall practices against her, that he was committed to the Tower; whereby * 1.465 discharging a Dagge with three bullets under his left pap, he pierced his heart, and presently died.

Also Philip, Earle of Arundel, and Sir John Perat, late Deputy of Ireland, for plotting with Spain against the Queen, were imprisoned in the Tower; where, by course of nature, they ended their lives.

Then Anthony Babington, Esquire, and thirteene * 1.466 more, whereof one was a Seminary Priest, conspired against her, whereof seven of them undertooke to murther her: They held intelligence also with for∣raign Powers to invade the Realm; and with many Papists, in most parts of the Kingdome. But the Priest going to the Spanish Embassador Mendoza, to signifie that all things were now ready, was suddenly

apprehended, and imprisoned: whereupon Babing∣ton and two others of them resolved immediately to kill the Queene: bu•• (God protecting her) he was intercepted, and imprisoned, from whence he esca∣ped, and intending to fly the land disguised him∣selfe by colouring his face and hands with walnuttree leaves, yet (through Gods mercy) he was discove∣red, apprehended, and brought to the Tower: the other conspirators hereupon dispersed themselves: yet were met with, and examined, who confessed their treasons, and were deservedly condemned, and executed: Then Stanly an English Fugitiue, subor∣ned * 1.467 Patrick Cullen for thirtie pound to kill the Queene: yet God discovering his treason, he was apprehended and executed: Then Roderick Lopez a Physitian about her Majesty, was corrupted to give her poison in her Physick, and for that end had a Iewell of gold garnished with a great Diamond, and * 1.468 large Ruby given him, and fifty thousand Crownes promised when he should effect it: But Gods mer∣cy brought to light the conspiracy: So that Lopez coming with his poisonous Physick to the Queene, she told him, he must goe to the Lord Treasurer Cecill, who had more need of Physick then she, whereupon he went to him with all diligence, to whom the old man said, what is your Physick Ma∣ster Doctor: a Purge said Lopez: I think, said the Lord Cecill, I must be a Physitian to purge you, and so ap∣prehended him for a Traitor, then other Doctors examining the ingredients, easily found that the po∣tion was poison, for which he suffered death at Tyburne as he deserved.

Then two other English fugitives, York & Williams souldiers by profession, and desperate Papists, * 1.469 were suborned to kill her, oaths of secresie admini∣stred to them by a Priest, who sent them away with his blessing: they came into England with a purpose to get entertainment with some great Courtier to further their designe, but their Treason being found out, they were condemned, and dyed like Traitors: * 1.470 Then one Squire, who belonged to the Queens stable, was hired to poison the pummell of her saddle: and by a Iesuit he was thus encouraged: God blesse thee, and give thee strength, my sonne, be of good cou∣rage, I pawne my soul for thine, and thou shalt have my prayers dead and alive: and thereupon he delive∣red him the poison, directed him how to apply it; and afterwards the Queene being to ride abroad, he pressed out the poison upon the Pummell of her saddle a little before she gat up, yet Gods wonted and wonderfull protection appeared; for though the season was hot, and her veines & pores open to receive any malignant tainture, yet her bodie felt no distemper, nor her hand more hurt then Pauls did when he shaked off the venemous viper: then with the same poison he anointed the pummels of a wod∣den chaire, wherein the Earle of Essex sate, purpo∣sing to destroy him also, but the Lord prevented the operation, as he did to the Queene: Hereupon the Iesuit suspecting Squires falshood: because the act was not done, sent information against him into England, whereupon he was committed to prison, and examined, who confessing all, was Worthily ex∣ecuted.

The Duke of Norfolk, who was prisoner in the Tower about the Queene of Scots, was after triall * 1.471 condemned, and executed: Anno 1572. the Regent of Scotland sent to her to crave aide, for the defence of the young King and countrey, endangered by Ci∣vill * 1.472 broiles, whereupon the Queene sent him a thou∣sand fiue hundred men, under Sir Wilam Drury, who * 1.473 besieged the Castle of Edenborough held by some rebells, took it in, and so returned into England. The same yeare Sir Thomas Gresham built the royall * 1.474 exchange for the commerce of Merchants. Anno 1577. Sir Francis Drake sailed about the world, returning anno 1580, to the great honour of the Queene * 1.475 and the English nation, being the first that ever at∣tempted and performed such an enterprize.

Anno 1583 the Pope and King of Spaine joined together to send men and money, under Thomas Stukely into Ireland to stirr up rebellions there: but the Lord Grey, Deputy of Ireland quickly slew and took them prisoners: & Stukley, haunted with the * 1.476 furies of his owne conscience, died miserably. Also the Earle of Desmond, that had joined in the rebellion, wandring in the woods, was at last slaine by a com∣mon souldier: About this time the States of the Low∣countries joyning together to free themselves from the Spanish tyranny, sought to our Queene to be their protectresse: she permitted them to carry over many English volunteeres, and promised to mediate peace betwixt them and the King of Spaine, & so dismissed them well satisfied: but presently after Don John of Austria oppressing of them, they sued againe to the Queene, that by her meanes, they might enjoy the

ancient priviledges of their provinces, and freedome of conscience from the Spanish inquisition, and by their lamentable complaints, they so prevailed with the pittifull Queene, that she sent into Spaine, to in∣treate the King to redresse their grievances; but hee * 1.477 being deafe to that request, and planting his Garisons very suspitiously, she agreed with the States, and lent them an hundred thousand pound for their reliefe, Anno 1581. Francis Valois the K. of France his brother, came into England to woe our Queene; but she de∣siring to doe nothing that might grieve her subjects, after Princely entertainement dismissed him: short∣ly after the Prince of Orange being murthered, the * 1.478 States sued to her againe for reliefe and pro∣tection, and her Councell upon debate, resolved that for defence of the Gospell, and the professors of it, her Majesty ought to accept of the offer, and thereupon she undertooke to be their defender, but would not take the title of Soveraigne Lady thereof, which they would have setled upon her and her heires: then was Sir John Norris sent over with five thousand foot, and one thousand horse at her Maje∣sties pay, for security whereof Flushing, Brill, and the Ramekins were delivered to her Majesties use, Anno 1585. This Philip of Spaine tooke very ill, and pub∣lished * 1.479 two false Libells against her, whereunto shee returned a printed answer: Then Mendoza the Spa∣nish Lieger Embassadour practized to bring in for∣raigne forces for the invasion of this Land, but the Lord prevented him. * 1.480

Then the Queene sent Robert Dudley Earle of Lei∣cester with a braue traine into the Low Countries,

where he was joyfully, and honourably entertained, and the States tooke their oath to the Queene: Lei∣cester presently attempted the taking in of Zutphen, where happened a fierce encounter betweene the En∣glish * 1.481 and Spaniards, in which the brave Sir Philip Sidney, as he changed his horse, was shot with a musket bullet aboue the knee, which so shattered the bone of his thigh, that he died thereof twenty fiue daies after; yet the English tooke in a Sconse * 1.482 neere Zutphen; whereof Leicester made Rowland Yorke Governour, as also Sir William Stantley Governour of Deventer, contrary to the minde of the States; and these two men traiterously sold the places to the Spaniards presently after, which made the States very jealous of the English. Then was the Earle of Lei∣cester * 1.483 sent for back into England; and about that time, the Queene of Scots was beheaded at Fotheringhay Castle. In Leicesters absence, his officers, and souldi∣ers grew very unruly, whereupon the States chose Maurice of Nassaw their Governour, yet Leicester re∣turned into Holland, but the differences Betwixt him, and the states growing higher, the Queene cau∣sed him to resigne his Government, and returne * 1.484 for England. Anno 1588 the Spaniard prepared for to invade England, yet held a treaty for peace, the bet∣ter to make the Queene secure. His preparations were extraordinary, as may appeare by this list of his Navie. * 1.485

The Admirall Galleon of St. Martins of 1000 Tunn, 177 marriners, 300 souldisrs, 50 Cannon &c.

Galleon of St. Iohns of 1070 Tunn, 160 Marriners, 231 Souldiers, 50 Cannon &c.

Galleon of St. Mark, of 792 Tunn, 117 Mariners, 292 Souldiers &c.

Galleon of St. Phillip, of 800 Tunn, 117 Marriners, 415 Souldiers, 40 pieces of Artillery.

Galleon of St. Lewis, of 830 Tunn, 116 Mariners, 376 Souldiers, 40 Gunns.

Galleon of St. Matthew, of 750 Tunn, 50 Marri∣ners, 177 Souldiers, 40 Gunns.

Galleon of St. Iames, of 520 Tunn, 100 Marri∣ners, 300 Souldiers, 30 Gunns.

Galleon of Florence, of 961 Tunn, 100 Marriners, 300 Souldiers, 52 Gunns.

Galleon of St. Christopher, of 352 Tunn, 90 Mar∣riners, 300 Souldiers, 30 Gunns.

Galleon of St. Bernard, of 352 Tunn, 100 Marri∣ners, 280 Souldiers, 30 Gunns.

1 Zabra of 166 Tunn, 55 marriners, 55 Souldiers, 13 Gunns.

2 Zabra of 166 Tunn, 50 Marriners, 60 Souldiers &c

Ship of St. Angell, of 768 Tunn, 114 Marriners, 323 Souldiers, 30 Cannon.

The Gangrin of 1160 Tunn, 100 Marriners, 300 Souldiers 36 Cannon.

St. Iames of 660 Tunn, 102 Marriners, 250 Souldiers, 30 Gunns.

Conception of 468 Tunn, 70 Marriners, 100 Souldiers, 20 Cannon.

2 Conception of 418 Tunn, 70 Marriners, 164 Souldiers, 24 Gunns.

Magdalen of 330 Tunn, 70 Marriners, 200 Souldi∣ers, 22 Gunns.

St. Iohn of 350 Tunn, 80 Marriners, 130 Souldi∣ers,

24 Gunns.

Mary of 165 Tunn, 100 Marriners, 180 Souldi∣ers, 24 Gunns.

Manuell of 520 Tunn, 54 Marriners, 130 Soul∣diers, 16 Gunns.

Mary of 707 Tunn, 50 Mariners, 220 Souldiers, 30 Gunns; besides diverse others.

They had in all 130 ships of 57808 Tunn, 8450 Mariners, 19295 Souldiers, 2088 Slaves: 2630 Can∣non, 7000 Muskets: 10000 Halberds, and Partizans: 100000 quintals of Biscuits: 147000 Pipes of wine: 6500 quintalls of Bacon, 3000 quintalls of Cheese. Besides fish, rise, banes, Pease, Oile, Vineger, &c. 12000 Pipes of fresh water. The Army cost every day 30000 Ducats: the Generall was the Duke of Medina Sido∣nia: there were in it 100 Friers: Physicians, Chirur∣geons, Apothecaries, and foure and twentie noble∣men volunteers: this navy was by them stiled the Invincible Armado: and had the blessing of the Pope along with it: To encounter with it, the Queene first appointed Generall Fasting and prayer publick∣ly * 1.486 through the land: then she sent forth under Charles Howard Lord Admirall▪ and under Sir Fran∣cis Drake vice Admirall a hundred ships, as also forty little ships under Henry Lord Seimer lay about Dover: as the former lay at Plimmouth: in all our fleet were but three and twenty of the Queenes great ships: the rest were little ones.

The Prince of Parma in the Netherlands was to joyne with the Spanish Navie, and had prepared for that end two hundred and ten bands of old Soul∣diers, a hundred in each band, and foure thousand

nine hundred horse for land service. In the English Fleet were but twelve thousand Marriners and Soul∣diers: July the 20. Anno 1588 the Spanish Navie came within the sight of England: and they were so confident of success, that they spared for no cost, in∣tending that England should pay the reckoning. Be∣sides what was mentioned before, they had 220000 great shot. Of Powder foure thousand two hun∣dred quintals, every quintall containing an hun∣dred weight. Of lead for bullets, a thousand quintals, of Match, a thousand two hundred quintalls; with murthering peeces, double Canons for battery: Field peeces for the Campe, with store of furniture for carriages, Mules and Horses: they had stoore of Tor∣ches, Hides, and Lead, to stop leakes, Whippes and butchering knives: The Army in all was thirty two thousand strong. The Prince of Parma provided 70 flat bottom'd boats, every one able to beare 30 horses for transportation, with bridges ready made to ship and unship them: Store of Piles sharpened at the ende with iron pikes to pile up the mouthes of Rivers; twenty thousand empty casks with cords, & other furniture fit to make floating bridges to stop up havens, &c. Towards this expedition the Pope sent out his Crusado, and contributed a million of gold: Our Queene besides her Navy, prepared a land Army under the Earle of Leicester Lievetenant Generall, which met at Tilbury in Essex, consisting of twenty two thousand foot, and one thousand five hundred * 1.487 Horse: her selfe like another Deborah, was Generall of the Army: the first of the Spanish Shipps, which fell into our hands was a great Galleon, which having

lost her foremast, lagged behind the rest, whereupon * 1.488 Drake sent to command them to yeeld, otherwise his bullets should force them to it; but Valdez answered, that they were 450. strong, and himselfe Don Pedro, and therefore expected honorable condi∣tions; Drake replyed, that he had no leasure to parly, if they would yeeld presently, do it; otherwise they should prove that Drake was no dastard: as soone as they heard that terrible name of Drake, they presently yeelded: in the ship they found fifty five thousand Ducats, which they shared merrily amongst them, whilst the Armado lay at anchor neere Callis, the En∣glish * 1.489 emptied eight ships, filled them with Gun-pow∣der, pitch, brimstone, &c. which in the night they let drive with the winde towards the Spanish Fleet, which so frighted them with horrible feare, lest their ships should be fired, that they cut their Cables, and fled in such hast and confusion, that their greatest Galliasse fell foule on another ship, whereby shee was * 1.490 taken by the English, and in her a rich booty; in briefe, God fighting from heaven by the winds against them, and prospering the English in their little nim∣ble shippes, this Invincible Armado was so shattered, torne, dispersed, &c. that they came short home eighty one of their ships, and thirteene thousand, five hundred, and odd of their men. So that there was no famous and great Family in all Spaine, which in this expedition lost not a son, brother, or kinseman: * 1.491 Hereupon this Religious Queene caused publick thanksgiving to bee celebrated to the Lord of Hosts Concerning this wonderfull deliverance, Mr. Samu∣ell Ward made these verses.

Octogesimus Octavus, mirabilis annus, Clade Papistarum, faustus vbique pijs.

In Eighty eight Spaine arm'd with potent might Against our peacefull land came on to fight. The Windes, and Waves, and Fire in one conspir To helpe the English, frustrate Spaines desire.

Queene Elizabeths fame was so advanced hereby, that Don Antonio, the expulsed King of Portugall came to her for reliefe, who granted it to him: shortly af∣ter the King of France, Henry the third, being murthe∣red * 1.492 by a Jacobin Frier, the Guisian faction leagued together to keepe out Henry of Burbon, King of Navar, and next heire to the Crowne of France, from succe∣ding in that Kingdome, because he was a protestant: hereupon he craved aid of our Queene to settle him in his throne, which she granted in respect of the common cause of Religion, and first sent him over two thousand pound in mony, Armes, ammunition, &c. then she sent him some ships: then a brave Army * 1.493 under the Lord Willoughby, then three thousand foot under Sir Iohn Norris: then an other Army under the Earle of Essex: all which stood him in great stead, and much forwarded his advancement to the Crowne: Afterwards she prepared, and sent forth a gallant Feet under the command of the Lord Admi∣rall Howard for the Sea, and the Earle of Essex for the Land service: shee also published a Declaration of * 1.494 the occasion, viz. because she heard of the great pre∣paration which the King of Spaine made for a second invasion of her Land, and when it was ready to set

saile, she made this prayer: Most omnipotent maker and guider of the worlds Maisse, that only searchest and fathomest the bottom of our hearts, & in them seest * 1.495 the true Originalls of all our actions intended: thou that by thy foresight dost truly discerne, how no ma∣lice of revenge, nor requitall of injury, nor desire of bloodshed, nor greedinesse of gaine hath bred that reso¦lution of our setting forth this Army, but a heedfull care, and wary watch, that no neglect of foes, nor over-surety of Haven, might breed either danger to us, or glory to them: these being our true grounds, wee humbly beseech thee with bended knees, prosper the worke, and with best fore-winds guide the journey, speed the victory, and make the returne the advancement of thy glory, the tri∣umph of their fame, and surety to the Realme with the least losse of the English blood: To these devont Petitions Lord give thou thy blessed grant &c.

The Fleet, according to her prayer, saised with a prosperous wind to Cadiz, in whose haven lay ninty saile of Ships, and twenty Gallies: fiue of them of those which they called the Kings twelve * 1.496 Apostles: these were richly laden with ammunition, money, oile, waxe, silk, cloth of gold, quicksilver &c. with these our navy fought, beate them, then landed, assaulted the City, and tooke it: then the Generall made a proclamation, that none on paine of death should offer violence to any religious person, woman, or child: the Ladies and gentlewomen were sent away with their richest Iewells, and apparell: the spoile was given to the souldiers, and the Citi∣zens paid 120. thousand Ducats for their ran∣som: The navy of the Spaniards valewed by them∣selves

at twelve Millions of Ducats, was sunk, bur∣ned, or taken: our English souldiers were much in∣riched by this enterprise: then they marched up into the countrey without resistance, tooke many booties, and then returned to their ships, and so through Gods mercy, in safety to Plimmouth. Anno 1597 the Earle Essex was againe sent forth with a brave Fleet, with which he went to the Spanish Ilands, where he did great spoile, tooke rich prizes, and returned la∣den with honour, and treasure. After this, the King of * 1.497 Denmark sent Ambassadors to mediate peace be∣tweene England and Spaine, whom she answered, and, concluded thus; I would have the King of Den∣mark and all Princes Christian, and Heathen know, * 1.498 that England hath noe need to crave peace: nor my selfe endured one houres feare, since I attained the Crowne thereof, being (through Gods mercy) guarded with so valiant and faithfull Subjects.

Anno 1600 Tir-Owen, and others rebelling in Ire∣land, were much encouraged by the Pope: and the King of Spaine sent Don Iohn De Aquila into Ireland with two thousand old trained souldiers to joine with them, who landed at Kinsal in Munster, and after came a new supply under Don Alphonso, who was himselfe taken prisoner, and many of his Spani∣ards * 1.499 slaine at his first landing, and Don Iohn so closely besieged, that he was glad to sue for peace, and upon articles to surrender all he had, and so to returne home againe. Finally God intending to advance this nation under her Government, as she had beene * 1.500 carefull to advance his glory, and the Gospell of Ie∣sus Christ she, prospered in every thing at home and

abroad; the great affaires of Europe chiefly depended upon her directions, who sitting at the Helme arbi∣trated and guided their estates, both in peace and * 1.501 warr: Spaine seeking to overflow all, was by her bea∣ten back, and scarsly able to maintaine his owne banks: In France the house of Valois was underprop∣ped * 1.502 by her councell; and that of Burbon advanced by her countenance, forces, and treasure: Scotland re∣leived by her love: Netherlands by her power: Portu∣galls King by her bounty: Poland by her commise∣ration: and Germany, Denmark, Swedeland often took up, and laid downe Armes at her beck: she extended her trade and fame into Russia, Asia, Africk, Ameri∣ca: was highly honoured by the great Turke, Per∣sians, Barbarians, Indians: She had warriers like to the worthies of David: renowned Captaines for Sea and land: by a powerfull Navie she attained the Sove∣raignty of the Sea: her Temperance was such, that * 1.503 her brother King Edward usually called her, his sister Temperance: She was famous for piety, Iustice, and clemency: Her Court was an Academy of honorable Councellers, Illustrious Peers, Gallant Courtiers, Learned Professors, Intelligent statists, and a Sanctu∣ary where the meanest might find refuge: As she was learned, so she tooke much paines to improve her learning, by reading over authors in their Originalls, whereby she was able to answer the Embassadors of most Nations in their owne languages: She (with Titus) thought that day lost, wherein she either did not, or received not some good: So that laying aside her great affaires, she spent some houres everie day in reading, or hearing learned Readers.

But above all, her piety was most remarkable; for the sacred Scriptures were her greatest delight, * 1.504 wherein she read often, and heard them frequently preached, to which she attended with much reve∣rence, and the pious fruits thereof shined brightly in the whole course, as well of her privat life, as of her publ••ck actions: Prayer, sobriety, purity, chari∣ty, * 1.505 and chastity, were her inseparable companions, ne∣ver suffering any Lady to approach her presence, of whose stain she had but the least suspition. The di∣stressed she relieved, the oppressed she succoured, the over-born Princes she aided, the proud she amated, and alwayes over-mastred, through Gods assistance, to her lasting memory, and Englands glory.

Her zeale to God appeared in preserving his true Church and worship from the pollutions of Idolatry: her Kingdome and Court was a sanctuary to banished Protestants and persecuted Christians, so that by for∣raigne Churches her losse was much lamented, and she was stiled the Nursing-mother of the French, Dutch, & Italian Exiles for Christs name, and the unconquered Defendresse of the whole true Christian Religion.

Her last sicknesse was accompanied with a deep melancholy; wherein, as she gave signes of death to * 1.506 her Physitians, so great assurance of eternall life to those godly Divines that were about her, mani∣festing by her fervent prayers, and by lively signes at their prayers, and speeches, how she rejoyced with the Apostle, That she had fought a good fight, finished her course, and kept the Faith, hoping for the Crown of Righteousnesse, which the Lord the righteous Judge had laid up for her against that great day. And so she re∣signed

up her blessed Soule into the hands of her faithfull Creator, and mercifull Redeemer, March * 1.507 24. Anno Christi 1602. of her age threescore and nine, six moneths and seventeen dayes, and of her reigne foure and fourty. She was as well beloved, and her death as much lamented, as ever any Prince was.

King JAMES erected for her a Princely Monu∣ment, whereon he caused to be inscribed this Epitaph.

Sacred unto Memory.

REligion to its primitive sincerity restored, peace throwly setled: Coine to the true value refined: Re∣bellion at home extinguishe: France neere ruine by in∣testine mischiefes, relieved: Netherlands supported: Spaines Armado vanquished: Ireland with Spaniards expulsion, and Traitors coercion, quieted: Both vni∣versities revenewes by a Law of provision, exceedingly augmented: Finally all England enriched; and fiue and forty yeares most prudently governed: Elizabeth, a Queene, a Conqueresse: a Triumpher: The most devoted to Piety: The most happie after seventy yeares of her life, quietly by Death departed, hath left here (in this most famous Collegiat Church, which by her was established, and refounded) these remaines of her mor∣tality, untill at Christs call they shall againe arise im∣mortall &c.

By her abstinence from wine, and most temperate Diet, she had preserved her health till her very latter end. A little before her death, she caused that Ring wherewith at her inauguration she was, as it were, married to her Kingdome, and which she had never

after taken of, to be filed of her finger; she had a good vaine in Poetry. In the time of her sisters reigne, when a Popish Priest pressed her hard to declare her opinion of Christs presence in the Sacrament, she truly and warily answered him thus.

Twas God the word that spake it, He tooke the bread and brake it; And what the word did make it, That I believe, and take it.

And at an other time, a little before the Spanish Inva∣sion in eighty eight, the Spanish Embassador summing up his masters demands thus in verse;

Te veto ne pergas bello defendere Belgas: Quae Dracus eripuit nunc restituentur oportet: Quas Pater evertit jubeo te condere cellas, Religio Papae fac restituetur ad nugnem. These to you are our commands Send no help to the Netherlands. Of the treasure took by Drake Restitution you must make. And those Abbies build anew Which your Father overthrew, If for any peace you hope, In all points restore the Pope.

Our Queene ex tempore returned him this answere; Ad Graecas, bone Rex, fient mandata Calendas:

Know, O great King, that this your will At latter Lammas wee'l fulfill.

Concerning that wonderfull deliverance, that God gave to our Queene & Kingdome from the Spanish invasion in eightie eight, the learned and acute Beza made these verses.

Straverat innumeris Hispanus classibus aequor, Regnis iuncturus sceptra Britanna suis. Tanti hujus rogitas quae motus causa? superbos Impulit Ambitio, vexit Avaritia. Quam bene te Ambitio, mersit, vanissima, ventus, Et tumidae tumidos vos superastis aquae! Quam benè raptores Orbis totius Iberos Merfit inexhausti justa vorago maris! At tu, cui venti, cui totum militat aequor, Regina, O mundi totius una decus. Sic regnare deo perge, Ambitione remota, Prodiga sic opibus perge ju vare pios: Vt te Angli longum, longum Anglis ipsa fruaris Quam dilecta bonis, tam metuenda malis.

Spaine with his Fleet the Seas did cover o're Thinking to Spaine to joine the Brittish shore: If you ask, why? Ambition of rise Forc'd the proud fooles, vexed with Avarice: How well, Ambition, did the winds thee drowne And tumid waues, thy tumid mind bring downe? How well the al-devouring Seas did curb The Spaniards, Ravishers of the earths whole Orb? But thou, for whom the winds, and Seas doe fight, Great Queene: the worlds sole glory and delight. Still maist thou reigne from foule Ambition freed, Still with thy bounty to help them that need. Long maist thou England; she long thee possesse. Belou'd of good men, fear'd of wickednesse.

Collected out of Speeds Chronicle, the Booke of Martyrs, &c.

[illustration] portrait of Gustavus Adolphus

K: OF SWEDEN

The Life of Gustavus Adolphus King of Swe∣den, who dyed Anno Christi 1632

GVstavus Ericus, the first of that name, and blood, was ONE of THOSE six Hostages sent to that scarse to be paralelled Tyrant Christi∣erne King of Denmarke, Anno 1518, which hostages he having gotten into his power, most perfidiously retained as his prisoners, carrying them away with him into Denmark But Gustavus finding favour and

liberty one day to goe a hunting, disguised himselfe & escaped, and after many dangers arrived in his owne countrey Anno 1520. About which time the said King * 2.1 Christierne, contrary to his promise made to the Swedes remitting all offences upon their submission, beyond all examples of Christianity, within four daies after his Coronation, caused all the Nobility, Gentry, Bi∣shops, Councellers, and prime Citizens of the King∣dome of Sweden either to be hanged, or beheaded: so that the streets of Stockholme, where he was crowned, ran with blood: and their carkasses were kept unbu∣ried three daies, & then he caused them to be buried: amongst these thus massacred, the father of Gustavus was one; but when Gustavus heard this dolefull newes, having that winter gathered a small compa∣ny of souldiers together, he excited the Swedes to vindicate their countreys liberty: In the valiant pro∣secution whereof, he having beene a chiefe author * 2.2 by the consent of all the States of the Kingdom, was chosen King Anno 1527. but he refused to be Crowned, contenting himselfe with the title of Go∣vernour; by authority whereof Anno 1523. he sum∣moned a Parliament, where he propounded the re∣formation of Religion, but finding much opposi∣tion, he resignes the Kingdom unto the states againe: But shortly after the countrey being in danger, they humbly beseech Gustavus once againe to accept the Kingdome: and so he was Crowned the Pro∣testant King that ever was, Anno 1527. He raigned three and thirty yeares. He left his Kingdome to Ericus his eldest sonn Anno 1560, who reigned eight yeares, and dyed without issue: Iohn the second

of Gustavus succeeded Anno 1568: raigned foure and twenty yeares: his only issue was Sigismund, who was chosen King of Poland in his fathers life time: and succeeded his father in the Kingdome of Sweden Anno 1593. He took an oath to maintaine the priviledges of the Kingdome, to continue the re∣formed religion according to the Augustane con∣fession, to bring in no strangers &c. which oath he palpably violating, by attempting to alter religi∣on, to enslaue Sweden, by making it a Province of Poland &c. therevpon Anno 1599 in a full assembly of the States of Sweden he was deposed, and his son Ladislaus chosen in his roome, provided that his fa∣ther Sigismund within three months sent him into Sweden, which he refusing to doe, the States chose Charles, the youngest sonn of Gustavus, for their King, Anno 1600: who valiantly delivered his coun∣trey * 2.3 from the oppressions of the Polocks: His son was this Gustavus Adolphus, who was borne Anno 1594, and carefully brought up by his father in the knowledge both of Arts, and Armes, and in such other ekercises, as seasoned him both with vertue, and religion, and prepared him for great businesses: His spirit by his education was so elevated, as to esteeme noe good designe too hard for him: his cou∣rage so fortified, that he kew not how to stoop be∣neath a King. So soone as he was fit for it, he travelled into France, Italy, Netherlands and Germany: his fa∣ther dying whilst he was abroad, he continued his * 2.4 travells under the name of Master GARS, the fou•• initiall letters of his name, and title: In his travells he gained much experience, studying the Mathe∣maticks,

and learning the French, Dutch, and Italian languages: He was but seventeene yeares old at his Fathers death, after which, hastening home into his owne Countrey, he found himselfe environed with enemies: The Emperour of Russia, and the King of Denmark laying claime to some parts of his Kingdom, and the King of Poland claimed all: but he so brave∣ly, and valiantly behaved himselfe, that he beate them in severall battalles, and at last enforced them to make peace with him: About this time the Empe∣perour of Germany had greatly oppressed many Prin∣ces and free Cities of the Empire, especially the Pro∣testant party, some of whom he had cast out of their inheritances: Stralsund, and Stetin, Mecklenburg, and Pomerland were so heavily oppressed, so sorely overlaid with taxes, and free quarter, that they were no longer able to endure it, whereupon they pittiful∣ly complained, and petitioned the Emperour for re∣dresse: but he, slighting their requests, continues the oppressions; then they complaine to the King of Sweden, who pittying the complaints of his Allyes, confederates, and neighbours, sends an Embassadour to the Emperour in their behalfe, who was returned with scorne, and contempt: Hereupon the King, con∣sidering that his owne safety did much depend upon theirs, he resolves to undertake their protection, but * 2.5 withall that he might not be misinterpreted, he pub∣lishes a declaration, wherein he protests, that hee would not have stirred, if the Emperour had not put * 2.6 such insufferable affronts upon him, who in the late warrs of Prussia betweene Sweden, and Poland, had for∣bidden him to make any leavies of men, victualls, or

ammunition in Germany, yet granting liberty to his enemie the King of Poland to doe it: that the Empe∣rour himselfe had sent two Armies into Prussia to the aide of his enemy the Pole: that his currier riding post with letters to Bethlem Gabor, had been staid, his letters opened, and false Copies published of them: that his Embassadours had been sleighted, denied Audience, and forbidden to stay in Germany: that when he sought peace by the mediation of the King of Denmark, he obtained nothing but affronts and delaies: that the poore towne of Stralsund (though it had promise of protection from the Emperour, yet) was it blockt up by the Duke of Freidland, who also had taken the Ile of Rugen, lying neere to * 2.7 to it: that both those places had sought to him for protection, and that it much concerned him, not to suffer them to be possessed by his enemies: that the Emperour had hindred the Swedish trade upon the Baltick Sea: taken his Ships, layed embargoes upon them &c. that his coming with an Army into the Empire was, to relieve his cosin and confederate, the the Duke of Stetin and Pomeren, miserably oppressed, and to secure his owne dominions, not to offer hosti∣lity to the Emperour, or Empire; this his declaration he sent in a faire, and respectfull maner to the Em∣perour, who wholly sleighted it, but it much satisfied the world: it was rumored abroad, that divers Potent Princes, as England, France, Russia, Ʋenice, and Hol¦land, were interessed with him in this action: The Emperour made great preparation to withstand his comming, filling the townes of Pomerland, & Branden∣burg with Garisons. In Mecklenburg were Walsteines

forces, who was newly made Duke thereof: All the bridges and passes upon the river Oder were stopped up, manned, and fortified &c. the King of Sweden had no towne to be his friend, but the distressed Stral∣sund only, where he might land his forces: He there∣fore intending to land in the Ile of Rugen, within halfe a league of Stralsund, sends to Sir Alex. Lesly go∣vernour of Stralsund, who with eighteene Swedish ships fell upon the Iland, and in a short time cleered it of the Imperialists: presently after, his Majesty of Sweden in a hundred and thirty ships, embarks his * 2.8 Army of about twelve thousand foot, and three thousand horse, some say not so many, and lands in this Ile of Rugen: His enemies in all those parts assem∣bled together, to bid him battell at his first landing, but God struck them with such a terrour, that they durst not doe it: the King was the first that landed himselfe, who immediately kneeled downe and pray∣ed thus: O most great God, that commandest what ever * 2.9 thou pleasest both in heaven and earth, and in the sur∣ging Seas, what thank fullnesse am I bound to render unto thee for that thou hast preserved me thus safely in al this so perilous a voiage? Againe, & againe do I from the very bottome of my heart & soul give thanks unto thee: and here I humbly beseech thee, that seeing, as thou ve∣ry well knowest, I haue not undertaken this expediti∣on for any private ends of my owne, but only for thine honour sake, and to be some comfort and assistance to thine afflicted church: so (if so be the time which thy selfe hast appointed be already come) thou wouldest now be pleased to favour and blesse me hereafter also: and that especially thou wouldest send me a faire wind,

and a prosperous, that the Army yet left behind, which out of so many people and nations I have gathered together, I may with joyfull eyes shortly here behold, and with an happy beginning promote with them the glory of thy holy name, Amen: This devotion of the K. wrought so with his Councellors, and commanders, that it * 2.10 wrung teares out of their eyes; to whom he said, For∣beare to weepe, but heartily conjoine your prayers with me; for the greater the Army of prayers is, the greater and more assured shall be the victory: he that pray's diligently hath in part already overthrowne the enemy: then tooke he a shovell, and fell to digging of a trench, and all the rest of the Army fol∣lowed in their turnes, the one halfe digging, the o∣ther halfe standing to their Armes, so that before night they had strongly entrenched themselves. After two daies rest, he took a party of horse and foot, marching three miles into the countrey, where he saw diverse troops of the enemies, but they all ran away: then he assaulted and took in diverse Sconces, which were strongly built, but weakly defended, so that in twelve daies space he cleered the Iles of Vse∣dom * 2.11 and Wollin: and so marched to the City of Stetin, the seat of the Duke of Pomeren and Stetin; all the Ladies and gentlewomen gat upon the leades, and into windows to looke at the Kings Army: the King sent a Trumpet to demand entrance: the Duke returned answer, that he was resolved to stand Neu∣ter: the King not satified, tells him, that he came into Germany to relieve the oppressed Princes, and there∣fore expects to be admitted into the City, which if it was refused him, he would force it: hereupon the

Duke issues out of the Port, and goes to the King, de∣siring to stand Neuter, but the King would not heare of it, and looking up to the Ladies, Cosin, saith he, if you meane to keepe me out of the towne, you must set others to guard it, then these Ladies &c. then the Duke desiredl eave to goe into the towne, the K. con∣sented, * 2.12 & ordered the Lord Reay (a brave Scotchman) to guard him, who when the draw-bridge was let downe for the Duke, entred upon it with him, and pell, mell, entred the gate with the Towne Garison, whereupon the King with his whole Army marches into the City, and so became master of it without blood-shed. Not long after, the King commanded a * 2.13 Solemn fast to be kept through his Army, & Leaguer at Stetin; the same day the Imperialists fell upon their outguards, but the Leaguer taking the Alarum soone beat them off: then were two souldiers subor∣ned by Tilly to murther the King, but it pleased God * 2.14 to discover the treason, whereupon one of them ran away, the other was deservedly executed. Afterwards the King marching against Grippenhagen, desirous to satisfy himselfe in viewing of a passe with foure and twenty horse only in his company, fell into an Ambush of sixty horse, where he valiantly defended himselfe, till some of his troops, hearing the pistols goe off, fetched him of in safety: before he began his Battery, he ordered an other Fast to be kept in his * 2.15 Campe, and the Lord was pleased to giue him successe answerable to his desires: yea, which is ad∣mirable in eight daies space he tooke in many Citis, * 2.16 defeated many enemies, gat many prisoners, so that he wholly cleered Pomeren, and Markland: He was

very sparing of blood, putting few to the sword, even in those townes and Castles that he tooke in by storme.

Then came the French Embassador to his head * 2.17 quarters, where a league was concluded betwixt the King of France and him, upon these, conditions: First that for the defence of their friends, cleering of the Ocean, and Baltick Seas; restoring of the oppress∣ed States of the Empire: and demolishing of new built Forts upon the Ports and Coasts of either Sea; And secondly, seeing the Adverse party refused to repaire injuries, and rejected all intercessions, there∣fore the King of Sweden was to maintaine thirty thou∣sand foot, and sixe thousand horse in Germany, and the King of France was to pay his share towards the maintenance of the same; these with divers others were the conditions of the League, whereof the King of Sweden gave present notice to the Protestant Prin∣ces met in a Diet at Leipsich, assuring them that his in∣tentions were no other, but to defend, and restore the German Princes, and their Liberties, &c.

Whereas some of the Kings forces were left in Prussia since his late warrs there, order was given un∣to them within three daies to take shipping, & goe to the King in Pomeren; and for their transportation, nine ships were appointed, but a storme arising, the fleet was scattered, seven of them with much adoe made their Port, one other, wherein was Monroe, a brave Scotchman, with three companies, run a ground neere to Rugenwald, a strong place held by the Imperialists, Heere a double feare ceased on them, either of drow∣ning in the Sea, or having their throates cut on shore:

the latter they put unto the venture, and upon a float of boards, gat safe to the land; but, through Gods good providence, most of the Garison were gone * 2.18 abroad to fetch in their weekely contribution: the Burgomaster or major of the Towne seeing the Scots thus gotten ashore, went to them, and understanding that they were the King of Swedens men, invited them into the towne, and in the night time letting them in, and furnishing them with armes, Monroe sent Cap∣taine * 2.19 Bullion, with a chosen party of Musketteeres to fall upon the Imperialists that remained in the City, who quickly Cryed for quarter, & had it granted: the Towne being thus miraculously taken, God brought in the ninth ship that was driven away by the storme, to anchor before the Towne, whereby Monro was strengthened, and enabled to doe some feates of Armes abroad in the countrey: the King perceiving that God himselfe had herein fought for him, com∣mands Monro to continue there, and sends gallant Bauditzen with some more horse and foot to joine with him.

A while after came an Imperiall Currier to the King; His letter contained an admiration of the Empe∣rours, why the King should come armed into the Em∣pire, offering him a treaty of peace, if he would first lay downe armes: To this he answers, that his Impe∣riall * 2.20 Majesty would cease to wonder, if he pleased to remember the two Armies sent against him into Pru∣ssia: the wronging of his friends, and the endanger∣ing of his Kingdoms; and as for the profer of peace, he could not believe that it was sincerely meant, see∣ing that before it was scorned: but to lay downe

Armes, he utterly refused, unlesse Germany were re∣stored to liberty &c. A wonderfull thing it is that in eight moneths, space betwixt Iuly and February, he * 2.21 tooke in eighty Cities, Castles, and Sconces in Po∣merland and Mecklenburg.

Tilly the Imperiall Generall, having about this time gotten together a braue Army of one & twenty thou∣sand horse and foot, advances towards the King: * 2.22 who strongly entrenched himselfe, out of which he would not be drawne: Tilly passed and repass∣ed by, yet durst not he venture, upon him in his trenches: the King had noe reason to present him battell, his Army having beene so wearied out, and noe necessity forcing him to fight: therefore Tilly goes back, and laies siege to Magdeburg, which at last hee tooke, and like a bloody villaine, put to the sword twenty thousand persons at least, of all ranks, ages, and sexes; that great City also he bur∣ned * 2.23 downe, utterly turning it into Cinders, excep∣ing a hundred nine and thirty houses: His souldiers committed all manner of ravages all the countrey o∣ver: Ladies, Gentlewomen, and others, like beasts and dogs they yoaked & coupled together, leading them into the woods to ravish them, & such as resisted, they stript naked, whipt them, cropt their eares, and so sent them home againe.

In the meane time, the King taking with him eight thousand men, advanceth towards Frankfurt upon Oder: Count Scomberg was governour there, who suspecting the Kings purpose, tooke in seven thou∣sand more into the Garison, and burnt downe the suburbs: the same day came the King, then he entren∣ed

in the vineyards neere the City: in the approaches the valiant Baron Dyvell was wounded, which much troubled the King; in the evening the Imperi∣alists salied out, but were soone beaten back with losse; the next day being Sabbath, the King had prai∣ers, * 2.24 and sermons in his Camp: all things being qui∣et, the souldiers in the towne began to revile the Swedes, asking them, if they had eaten up their lea∣ther gunns; they hung out also a Goose upon a pike, jeering the Swedes with it; the great officers within the towne thought that the King had noe purpose to set upon them, his numbers were so small, and their owne strength so great: Both Sermons being ended, he commanded Sir Iohn Banier to give or∣der for the assault: and when he saw his comman∣ders and officers in a bravery ready to fight unarmed, he commanded them to put on their armour: Say∣ing, if my officers be killed, who shall command my soul∣diers: the Swedish souldiers wanting ladders, ran to the Boores houses, & fetched their racks, with which and some hatchets they got to a mighty strong palli∣sado neere the walls, which they fell to hewing downe, then the enemies and they fell to it, bullets and smoke darkening the very aire, the Imperialists being beaten, retire through a Salley-port into the towne: the King calling Sir Iohn Hephbron, and Co∣lonell Lumsdell, said, now my brane Scots, remember your countreymen slaine at new-Brandenburg: they * 2.25 thereupon with their English and Scots regiments, presse upon the Salley-port, bullets flying as thick as haile; Lumsdel with his drawne sword presses on, saying, Let's, enter my hearts, and so thrusting in a∣amongst

the thickest of his enemies, his men follow, knocking downe their enemies most pittiously: then breaking open the greater gate, they entred the City, making a pitifull slaughter, crying, New-branden∣burg, knock him downe: One Scotchman killed eigh∣teene men with his owne hands; and Lumsdell tooke eighteene Colours, yea he shewed such valour, that the King afterwards bid him ask what he would, and he would give it him: by this time the Swedes gat over the walls: Scomberg valiantly opposed him∣selfe, but was quickly forced to retire: the Swedes running into danger, like flies into the candle, as if they had not seene it: the Imperialists having brought all the riches which they had gotten by * 2.26 Plundring the whole countrey into this City, were now lading of it away upon mules, wagons &c. but the Swedes saved them that labour, and the fly∣ing souldiers were so stopped, and wedged in with these carts, that many of them were stifled, slain, or thrust into the Oder: divers of the Imperiall Collo∣nells were here slaine, with fifty Captaines and offi∣cers, and aboue seven thousand souldiers, three and twenty Ensignes, and eight Cornets were presented to the King: many prisoners taken, and sent to Ste∣tin; of the Swedes were slaine but one hundred, and as many more hurt: the next day the King by intreaties and threats restrained his men from plun∣der: Here he found much riches: a hundred thou∣sand pound of powder: eighteene pieces of great Ordnance, besides little ones, and a great quantity of Armes, and Ammunition; there was no woman ra∣vished * 2.27 in all this City, nor any Burger kild: the King

caused solemne thanks to be returned to almighty God for this great victory: Shortly after he restored * 2.28 the Duke of Mecklenburg to his ancient and pater∣nall inheritance, out of which he had beene unjustly cast by the Emperour who had given it to Walsteine: After which he cleares Branbenburg of the Imperia∣lists, and takes in Gripswald, and many other places.

Then he advanced towards Magdeburg, from which Tilly was departed, having fortified and ga∣risoned it; by the way he tooke in many townes and Castles, which Tilly hearing of, sent back foure Re∣giments under Pappenheime to resist him, who joy∣ning with the garisons that were expulsed by the King, fell upon a party of the Swedes, which the King hearing of, with all his horse and two thousand Muskettiers hee comes time enough to make one in the medley: Pappenheim's foot are almost all slaine on * 2.29 the place: his horse plaid the Pultrons, & ran away, himselfe escaped by the swiftnesse of his horse: here∣upon diverse garisons were quitted to the King: then the King proceeding further, formed a strong Camp at Werben upon the river Elbe, hearing that Tilly was coming back towards him, and called of * 2.30 his Garrisons that were not tenable.

Tilly sent, as his avantcurriers, four Regiments of horse, excellent old souldiers, and most of them Curiassiers, to see if they could tempt out the King to fight, these were confident that the King would not fight, and so marched to a towne within a league of him, not seeing one Swede all the way, and so there they took up their quarters; Bernsteyn that comman∣ded in chiefe with six hundred Curiassiers set the

watch, the other betooke themselves to their rest: the King of Sweden privily sends out a party of two * 2.31 thousand musketters, and fiue hundred Dragooners against them, which in the breake of day fell upon them, slew a thousand fiue hundred, & Bernestyne a∣mongst them, took nine and twenty Corners, and great store of plate and money: Tilly resolving re∣veng, marches towards the King with six & twenty thousand brave men, all like himselfe, full of anger and resolution: but before he assaulted his trenches, he endeavoured secretly to hire some traytors with large promises to naile up the Kings Ordnance, that it * 2.32 might be made unservicable against him: but by remorse of conscience in one of the undertakers, the plot was discovered: yet the King gave not Tilly one Cannon shot, though he came neere his Ordance, which made him very confident that his plot had ta∣ken, and his men pressed on in great multitudes, but on a sudden there was such a tempest of chaine shot, murthering shot, and what ever was cruellest to doe execution, shoured in amongst them, that there was made a miserable slaughter: immediately sallyed out Baudissen with three regiments of horse, * 2.33 and so cruelly charged his Curiassiers, that had the King seconded him, Tilly had had a great defeate: but a retreat was sounded for that night: then Tilly hired some Boores to fire the towne of Werben, about * 2.34 which the Kings Leaguer was: but through Gods mercy they were discovered, and executed: Tilly made some other attempts, but seeing he could make nothing of it, he retreated: after whom the King fol∣lowed, charging the Crabbats [light horsemen] so

furiously, that they were driven upon their owne foot, who were faigne to charge their pikes against them: Hereupon Tilly made an Alt, ordered his men, and a skirmish was begun, which by the nights ap∣proach was broken off, and so both sides retired to their quarters: Tilly had a great mind to be reven∣ged, sent out diverse Parties to watch their oppor∣tunity, but seeing that most of them came short home, and victualls grew very deere, he disloges with his Army, and marches quite away into the Duke of Saxonies country: he left behind him 500 starved horses, 800 Wagons forwant of draught hor∣ses, * 2.35 besides, about 7000 of his men lost in this expe∣dition: then the King divided his Army into severall quarters. At this time the Queene of Sweden arri¦ved at Wolgost with eight thousand men: and Mar∣quis Hamilton brought six thousand more out of * 2.36 England at the same time: with these men the King reenforced his severall Armies: Tilly was busily im∣ployed in taking in Townes in Saxony, and after∣wards besieges Lipswich: Hereupon the Duke of Sax∣ony sends importunatly to the King, to hasten to his relief, who accordingly uniting his forces again, mar∣ches thitherward: by the way they met with hard lodging, and worse commons, whereupon the Army being drawn up into Battalia, the King thus spake to them: Lords and gentlemen, I am much grived for * 2.37 this your hard lodging, & entertainement: But courage my hearts, we are now almost in the Dukedome of Sax∣ony, his country: there things will mend: there we shall have victuals, and provision enough, then shal you be paid your arreares, only I desire you to behave your selves

civilly amongst the inhabitants &c. It nothing, I know, daunts your valiant hearts, that you are going to fight with an Army that call themselves invincible: since you have found it not to be so: On therefore my hearts, on Gods name; we daily pray to the Lord of hosts for you, and we desire you to doe the same for us, that he would be gratiously pleased to goe along with us, to assist us, and to give us good successe in whatsoever, just and re∣ligious enter prize we undertake. The Army much en∣couraged with this speech, marches couragiously that night neere Wittenberg: and hither the Duke of Sax∣ony sent Embassadors to the King, to conclude upon what tearmes he should assist him: which were these.

First, that the King might freely passe, and repasse * 2.38 through Saxony. Secondly, that the Duke at his own charge should finde the Kings army with powder, shot, and provisions. Thirdly, that the Dukes Army should be under the command of the King. Fourthly, that the Duke should conclude no peace with the Emperour without the Kings consent: when the two Armies met, the Dukes horse and foot vailed their Cornets, and Ensignes as they passed by the Kings Army: the next day newes came that Tilly had gotten Lipsich: Then did Tilly out of a bravery send * 2.39 a Trumpet to the King with this message, that as hee was a brave Cavalier, hee should come, and give him * 2.40 battell: the King scorning the terme of Cavalier, re∣plyed thus: what! doth your Generall thinke mee worthy of no better a terme then of a Cavalier? I am a King, and tell him ere long I shall finde him out: hereupon Tilly prepares his Army, as for a victory as∣sured, rather then to fight much for it, and his men * 2.41

who counted themselves invincible were very glad of the newes of a pitch't battell: Pappenheim when hee * 2.42 saw the bloud prodigiously dropping from the house at Hall, where he was, said: what! must we bleede? will the King of Sweden beate us? that's impossible. September the seventh, Tilly with foure and forty thousand brave men advances into the field: the place was a Goodly plaine called Gods-acre, a mile from Leipsich: the same place, where Charles the fifth overthrew Prince Mauris formerly: there was in this plaine a little rising hill, and a wood, here Tilly, carefull of all advantages, placed his Army: the hill was fit to plant his cannon on, and easie for him to descend, but hard for the Swedes to climb up; the wood served him to hide his men at the first, and for a retreating place if need were: His word was, Saint Mary, the token to be known by, was white strings and ribbons: the King the day before the battell kept a fast with his Army, to seek unto God for successe: in the evening he marcheth forward within three or four miles of the enemy, where they rested that * 2.43 night; the King that night dreamed that he had Tilly fast by the haire of the head, and for all his strug∣ling, would not let him goe, till he bit him on the left side, which upon the successe, was thus interpreted, that the king should have the upper hand of his ene∣mie, * 2.44 and that Tilly should defeat the Duke of Saxony, who had the left side of the King in the battell: Before day light, he was upon his march, and coming with∣in view of the enemie, he saw them upon the high∣er ground: Tilly knowing that they were to meet with a troublesom passage through bushes and dirty

waies, sent out some to trouble them, who also by setting fire to traines of gunpowder, scattered for that purpose, sought by the smoke thereof, the wind blowing it just into the protestants faces, to blind and trouble their putting of themselves into order: but neither force, nor stratagem could serve turne; for in despite of both, the passe was gained, where the protestants immediately began to put themselves in∣to order of Battell: and seeing Tilly present his men in a mighty large front, which with his wings extended full two miles in length, and to prevent hemming in, they divided themselves into two Armies, the Duke of Saxony towards the left, the King towards the right hand: Tilly seeing their march, said, Now fellow souldi∣ers * 2.45 we must looke for blowes: his men, deeming them∣selves invincible, expressed much desire to beat it: The King of Sweden rode from regiment to regiment, saying with a loud voice, Come on, Comrades, will you fight to day for the name of Iesus Christ? they all cheer∣fully cried out; vivat Gustavus Adolphus vive, vive, vive thereupon the King presently sent a Trumpet to Tilly with a letter, that he desired to see him in the field, and to that purpose he now attended for him: to which Tilly returned answere, that he for his part had never refused to fight with him; that he would now meet him halfe way, and that the King knew well where to find him: the King had in his Army about twenty thousand, amongst whom were many English & Scots: the Duke of Saxonies Army consisted of fourteene thousand, led by the valiant L. Arnheim: the word for both the Protestants armies was, God with us; their tokens, Greene branches in

their hats and helmets: some few daies before, two flocks of birds had fought in this place, the one kill∣ing * 2.46 and beating away the other, the victorious birds remained on the place, which being sprung by the Kings vauntcurriers, took their flight to Tillies Ar∣my, and there fetching a circle about, returned to∣wards the Kings Army: as who would say, we went to fetch you victory: at least some thus thought of it.

Being now ready to come to the shock, some strugling there was for the wind, which was full * 2.47 in the protestants faces, the King by wheeling a∣bout sought to alter it, the other as much to keep their advantage: the fight began with great Ord∣nance, Tilly himselfe gave fire to the first three great gunns: & the King, as his manner was, to the two first: the hideous roaring of the cannons on both sides, made the very Earth to tremble, and continuing so two hours, made many a brave man breath his last: about two a clock the cannon gave over, and both horse and foote charged: Pappenheim with his horse charging the Kings right wing, which was lined with Muskietters, was so pelted, that traversing their ground, they thrust in betweene the Kings Right wing, and maine battell, where Bannier comman∣ded, after whom the King immediately sent some able troops, who hemming them in cut them utterly to pieces: Pappenheimes foot being thus left naked, were easil•• defeated, he himselfe was wounded, for∣sook the field, and left all his Ordnance behind him: the King in the beginning of the fight, seeing his * 2.48 men hardly charged, alighting from his horse, with

bended knees prayed to the God of heaven for victory; Tilly seeing it goe hard with his left wing, advanceth downe the hill with his battell, consisting of sixteene Regiments of brave old souldiers, the horsemen also proudly prancing upon their flanks: opposite to him was Gustavus Horne, with his left wing: Tilly twice or thrice charges him with great bravery, which charges Horne with as much resolu∣••ion endures and returned: Tilly finding himselfe much galled there with the Swedish horse lined with Drakes, and small field pieces, leaving part of his horse and foot to hold Horne play, suddenly with the rest converts all his fury upon the Duke of Saxony: two or three charges the Saxons endured well enough, but the wind carrying the smoake and dust full into their eyes, and Tillyes men falling too heavily upon them, they not able any longer to en∣dure the fury of the old Wallons, Germans, and Bur∣gundians, * 2.49 at first began to give ground, & to run quite away a little after: some were slaine and many were taken prisoners, the rest fled, leaving all their faire Ordnance to the enemie, who presently turned them upon the Swedish: But these cowardly Saxons, is soone as they were out of reach of the enemy, fell to pillage their owne wagons, that they might carry home the spoiles of the warrs, though not of their enemies: the Imperialists seeing the Saxons flying, cry Ʋictoria, Victoria, follow, follow, follow; but the old Lad their Generall said, Let them goe, we shall over∣take them time enough, let us beat the Swedes too, and then all Germany is our owne: some posts were pre∣sently dispeeded away to the Emperor at Vienna with

welcome tidings of victory: But valiant Arnheym, with the best of the Dukes horse, & his life guard, edg∣ing towards the Swedes, kept the field: An Imperiall Cavalier seeing a Saxon Captaine of horse, behave himselfe bravely in the head of his Troop, presently riding up to him, bent his Pistoll upon him, enga∣ging him in a single combat, which the Saxon refu∣sed * 2.50 not, and both their horses being shot, to it on foot they goe with sword and pistoll; both are slaine, and both fell downe dead together one upon another: yet death gaue the honour to the Saxon Champion, laying him uppermost: But that party which Tilly had left engaged with Horne, came not so victoriously of from the Swedes, as their Generall had done from the Saxons, but were dispersed, and put to flight: the Earle of Frustenberg which commanded the left wing of the Tillians, having peiced in with Tilies body that charged the Saxons, seeing them fly, he with his regiment flies amaine upon the Swedes a∣gaine, charging the reere of the left Wing, where Colonell Hall, a brave gentleman, commanded: af∣ter a while Frustenberg was himselfe dangerously wounded, and carried off: Hall also, whose brest plate was not full proofe, was slaine with a Musket bullet upon the place.

But noe sooner were Furstenbergs foot defeated, but eight thousand of those Imperialists, which had discomfited the Saxons came upon the place, where the Saxons were lately Marshalled: the dust and smoake were so great, that they were on Colenbach, ere he was aware, the Imperialists turning two pieces of Ordnance, which they had taken from the Sax∣ons,

let fly amongst the Swedes: Iust at that time came the King riding up to his men, crying to Collenbach, Charge man, on Gods name, and withall himselfe led them up against the enemie: Collenbach advancing (and the King going away to looke to other places) was presently charged with ten Cornets of horse, who at the first or second charge killed all his officers, that commanded foure of his Troopes, yea Collen∣bach himselfe was there slaine: his foure Troopes fly∣ing thereupon, which yet the Imperialists by reason of the smoake discerned not; then did a party of the Kings Muskettiers give fire upon them, which made them wheele about to the left; where they encoun∣tred with foure other Troops of Collenbachs regi∣ment, who charged so lustily upon them, that they draue them to the gates of Leipsich: the King when he went from Collenbach, rode to his three Brigades of reserues, under the command of valiant Hepbron, carrying with him many prisoners, which he had taken with his right wing, shewing them to his men, and crying, Lustily, Ʋaliantly: the souldiers answe∣ring Vive: the King seeing their alacrity, led them on * 2.51 against those eight thousand, which had defeated the Saxons, mentioned before, and with all he sent Baron Dyvell to Sir Iohn Hebpron, to bid him fall on: Scarfly had this brave Baron Dyvel done his message, but he was shot starke dead upon the place.

Hepbron moved forward, with whom was the valiant Scots Colonell Lumsdall, & Sir Iames Ramsey, with Muschamp a brave English man: our Muskettiers gave not fire till they came within Pistoll shot, and then the three first ranks discharged together, and

after them the other three; which done, they fell pell mell into their ranks, knocking them downe with the but ends of their Muskets: yet four gallant Troopes of the enemies curiassiers, came up to the Swedes, & with their pistols shot all the Scottish Anci∣ents dead upon the place: yet did the Scots bravely stand to it, maintaining the fight about an houre toge¦ther, in which time many of the Imperialist were slain & the rest fled: So that there was not a greater f••ll o•• men any where that day, then in this place: nor any piece of service better on both sides maintained; and here it was that Tilly himselfe received his wounds: * 2.52 the King having set on Hepbron upon Tilly, returned to his right wing, presently advancing forward with it towards the wood upon the hill, where some of Tillies regiments stood as reserues, and others that had beene routed, were resorted thither: the King in person set upon these with such courage, that at the first onset, he cut in pieces those which guarded the Ordnance, which he turned immediately upon the enemy; but there were foure Regiments of old souldi¦ers, that stood to their Armes brauely, such as feared noe enemie: these made good the wood for a long time against the King: killed many a brave fellow, nor would they budg a foot, though they saw noe * 2.53 hope of reliefe, but fought it out to the last man: on∣ly some few of them, when they had done as much as men could doe, retired u••der the benefit of the night which was now come on: by which time all the Imperiall Army was wholly beaten.

Thus after fiue houres hard fight, the victory through Gods mercy, fell to the King, whose hors∣men

continued the chase, till darknesse made it dan∣gerous to pursue the enemie any further: the Kings Army remaining masters of the field, lay all night upon the bare ground, yet none but the wounded, complained of the want of a featherbed: the next mor∣ning they pursued the flying enemies, killing many, and taking many prisoners: thus that formidable ar∣my * 2.54 of the Catholick leaguers, which had for eleven yeares together given Lawes to all Germany, and made the name of Tilly so renowned, was in one day, through the power and goodnesse of God, broken in pieces: about ten thousand of them slaine, many thousands wounded, and six thousand forsaking that side, tooke oath and pay for the Kings service, many more running away, and never returning to their colours: then did the King seise upon the ene∣mies standing Camp, where he found three thou∣sand Wagons with all their baggage, tents, and pa∣vilions, many Cattell, Oxen, Sheep, horses, Asles, Poultry, bread, wine, meat upon the spits &c. much costly stuffe, money and plate: He tooke one hun∣dred Ensignes, and Cornets: fourteene Demican∣nons; sixteene field pieces &c. the King of Sweden lost but seven hundred men, and the Duke of Saxony two thousand: the King lost but foure Colonells; but * 2.55 Tilly many more: all advantages were on the ene∣mies side: the wind, the wood, the higher ground: Tillies army was the greater, his souldiers the older, and their Army by themselves counted Invincible: besides the Kings Army was much discouraged by the flight of the Saxons, yet the Lord of Hosts gave him the victory, that he might give him the praise: Tillies

manly heart could not refraine from teares, when he thus saw his old souldiers goe to ruine: and this * 2.56 old Conqueror, that used still to see the backs of his enemies, is now glad to shew them his owne heeles, and wounded as as he was, fled twenty miles that night: Fustenberg and Pappenheim also sorely woun∣ded, came thither to him, and having their wounds dressed, they fled in an hackney coach, and Tilly in an horse-litter: the King of Sweden, as he began with prayer, so he ended with thanksgiving, appointing (together with the Duke of Saxony) a Publick day * 2.57 of thanksgiving to be celebrated, both in the Army, and through all Saxony, unto God for this so glo∣rious a victory. Tilly after this overthrow flies from place to place, partly to secure himselfe, and partly to gleane up as many of his dispersed souldiers as possibly he could, so that in ten daies space he had gone a hundred and fortie miles: he wrote also to Al∣tringer to joine his Army with him, and then begins to forme an army againe, and Altringer brings to * 2.58 him about ten thousand men, so that in all he had about eighteene thousand men, but ill clothed, and armed: afterwards he joynes with the Lorrain Army: and coming before the great City of Norimberg, he demanded supply of bread &c. promising that if they yielded to him, he would pay them honestly, otherwise he would force them to it: but the Count of Solmes, sent thither as Governour by the King of Sweden, made a resolute salley the next day before Tillies trenches, where with his Swedish horse, he tooke the young Prince of Anhalt with diverse more, prisoners: Tilly thereupon leaving behind him two

thousand dead, wounded and sick men, dislodged with his army: about this time he had twelve thousand fiue hundred weight of powder blowne up * 2.59 by an accident, whereupon he said, with a deep sigh: I doe evidently see all my good fortunes begin to faile me, and every thing goes awkardly with me: He should have said, Now doth the Lord revenge upon me all that innocent blood which I shed at Magdebrug, together with all other my wicked practises: After this he marches into the Palatinate, after whom the * 2.60 King of Sweden follows with about foure and twen∣ty thousand men, but first he went to Norimberg, and was there with wonderfull joy entertained, and pre∣sented with foure great pieces of brasse Ordnance: two globes of silver, filled with silver and gold: Oates fish, wine &c. and an Oration made to him, to which (being an excellent speaker) he presently returned answere, thanking them for their presents, but es∣pecially for their constancy in religion, and defence of it, promising for his part, that as he had under∣taken the defence of it, so through Gods grace and assistance he would protect them, and all the rest of his friends to the uttermost of his power: Also hearing that Tilly went further and further from him, to joine with Walsteines army, he resolved to march into Bavaria, a rich and fertile countrey, and so thereby to remove the seat of warr from the Pa∣latinate; and for that end he marched to Donawert, which was the Key to open his passage into Bavaria: this was a strong City, and had in it a Garison of one thousand seven hundred foot, and fiue hundred horse under the valiant Rodulph Maximilian, Duke of Sax∣en

Lawenburg: by the City ran the river of Danubius, over which the King must passe into Bavaria: the * 2.61 King raised a Battery, on which he mounted twenty pieces of Ordnance, wherewith he annoied the towne, and hindred the passage over the Bridge: He also sent Colonell Hepbron with his Brigade over a bridge fiue miles about, who about midnight si∣lently disposed his men in a covert all along in gar∣dens under the wall, so disposing the matter, that none could passe over the bridge, or out at the Westerne Port, but he fell within his reach, which they in the towne perceiving and despairing of re∣liefe, intended under the covert of the night to have marched over the Bridge into Bavaria: but Hepbron so galled them in their passage, that though Saxen-Lawenburg and some few with him, got safely over, yet the rest were so cut downe, that their dead bo∣dies covered the bridge, and thereby encombred the whole passage; the rest seeing that, sallied out at the Port upon Hepbron, but were soon repulsed: the King all this while thundering with his Cannon on the other Port, and they within, still fearing his en∣trance, boldly sallied out againe upon Hepbron, who so entertained them, that he slew about foure hun∣dred, and tooke as many prisoners, and in the height of his valor, entred the Port, with my Lord Craven, * 2.62 and some other English gentlemen, where they cut in pieces all that resisted, and the souldiers fell to plundering, where many a gold chaine, plate, and other treasure of the enemies were made prize: By this time the King was entred at his Port also, who immediately commanded, that none of the Burgers

houses should be plundred: the King gave Hepbron the honour of this action: then he restored the free exercise of the Protestant religion, garrisoned the place, and so advanced forwards: Tilly having notice of the Kings marching toward Bavaria, presently hasted thither by an other way, and the better to keep out the King, he breake downe the Bridges o∣ver Danubius, and the river Lech, and to keep him from passing over the Lech, he laies his Army all a∣long upon the Bavarian shore of it, sixteene miles in length; yet the King prepares to lay a bridg over the river, and in two small boates sends over the Swedes, and Fins, his pioneres and carpenters to the other side of the river, to cast up an halfe moone to secure the passage of the Bridge, which Tilly with all his art and power endeavoured to resist: yet they performed their task, making good the place till they were relieved: the small and great shot goe off incessantly on both sides with extreame hot executi∣on one upon another: in which time Generall Al∣tringer was neere slaine, and carried of in the Duke of Bavaria's owne coach: the Bavarian Captaines found this such hot service, that Tilly himselfe was faigne to come up to the point, and in the very face of danger to give directions, where he received a * 2.63 musket shot in the thigh, whereof he shortly after dy∣ed: this accident so astonished the Duke of Bavaria, that he presently posted away to Ingolstat, his chiefe * 2.64 City, and most of his Army retreated from their Charge, so that the King with his Army gat over the river, and sending out parties, cut off many of the Ba∣varian straglers: Afterwards the King took in diverse

strong places and Cities, and amongst them, the great City of Auspurg, into which when he was en∣tred, he went strait to Church, where Doctor Fabri∣cius, the Kings Caplaine, preached on Psalme 12: 5: For the oppression of the poore, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the Lord &c. after Ser∣mon, was a solemne thanksgiving for the victory; * 2.65 then he fortified the City, and restored the pro∣testant religion in it againe, and so marches to In∣golstat, * 2.66 in which siege the Kings horse was slain un∣der him, and the Marquesse of Baden, a gallant man, was slaine hard by, with whose death the King was * 2.67 exceedingly grieved, and in a speech before his com∣manders, he told them, that hereby he was put in mind of his owne mortality, knowing that the bul∣let made no distinction betweene a King and his meanest souldier: & that it was Gods decree, that noe priviledges could exempt him from death, therefore saith he: I wholly resigne up my selfe to the providence of the almighty, who, though he may take me away, yet I know, he will not abandon this so just cause, which I have undertaken for restoring the Germanes liber∣ties: He doubtlesse will raise up some other, more wise, couragious and valiant then my selfe, who shall put a pe∣riod to this warr &c.

The Duke of Bavaria lying with his Army on the other side of the river, and the King finding that the City was not easy to be taken, raises his siege, and * 2.68 taking in diverse townes, and restoring the pro∣testant religion in them, he at last came before Mun∣chen, where was the curious pallace of the Duke of Bavaria, whereupon the Deputies of the Towne came forth to him, presented him with the keyes, and

a promise of three hundred thousand Dollars: the King enters, suffers the garrison to march out safely, viewed the Magazin, where were great store of Armes and Ammunition, he found buried also one hundred and forty faire pieces of Brasse Ordnance, and in one of them thirty thousand pieces of gold: but the chamber of rarities afforded him most enter∣tainement, in which were incomparable varieties both of Art and nature: About this time, Commissa∣ry Ossa, with an Army of seven thousand men, came into those parts, against whom the King sent a par∣ty: and leaving Colonell Hepbron governour of Munchen, himselfe follows after: which newes comming to Ossa, he retreated so speedily, that he left his great Ordnance behind him: So that about this time the King had either conquered, or drawne to his party all the middle part of Germany, yea from the Baltick Sea to the Alps, neere to Italy, for fiue hundred miles together, he had gone on with victo∣rious * 2.69 successe; and shortly after the great City of Vlm accorded with the King, to whom he sent Sir Patrick Ruthuen a gallant Scots-man to be their Governour, and so a while after, he returnes, and encamps by Norimberg: and this he did the rather, because the Duke of Bavaria had now joined his Army with Wal∣steine, who by command of the Emperour had gotten together a great Army, wherewith they threatened the ruine of Norimberg: the K. therefore round about * 2.70 this towne entrenched himselfe: his Army being but about fifteene thousand fiue hundred men, & there∣fore he sends for his other Armies to come to him: Walstein had in his Army twenty thousand horse, & forty thousand foot, besides fiue thousand Crabats:

About foure miles distant from the Kings Leaguer, Walstein formes his, who as Imperiall Generalissimo * 2.71 commanded in chiefe over the Bavarian Army also, & having fortified his Camp, he gave order to his souldi∣ers to make more use of their trenches, then of their weapons, intending by delaies to force the King to dis∣lodge from before Norimberg, & to abandon it up to his mercy: the two Armies being quartered so nere to∣gether, there passed many skirmishes betwixt them, sometimes one going away with the losse, somtimes the other; having laine thus a while, Walstein sends home to the King, Colonell Dubattell, whom he had taken prisoner, without ransome, and with this mess∣age: That he had no other ambition then once to see his Majesty in good tearmes with the Emperour: his Master, and himselfe to have the honour to be the instru∣ment of it: After a while the D. of Bavaria moved Wal∣steine to beat up the Kings quarters, before his other Armies came up to him; to whom he answered, that he would not venture, for if his army were beaten, all Germany, and Italy were both endangered: yet if Bavaria would fall one first, he would second him with all his forces: During the Kings aboad here, the Norimbergers complained to him, that their lands and territories had beene as bad plundred by his Ar∣my, as by the enemies, where upon the King calling * 2.72 his officers together, spake thus unto them: Ye Prin∣ces, Earles, Lords, and gentlemen, you are some of those that are unfaithfull, and disloiall to your owne countrey, and doe help to ruine it: I confesse you are gallant men, and have done brave service in the warrs, but when I heare of your ravages, robberies and plun∣derings,

my haire stands an end at the very horror of it: Iudge your selves; is it not a dolefull case that one Christian, of the same profession in religion should pil∣age another. One friend ransack, spoile, and ruine an∣other. The very Divells in hell are more trusty one to an other then you are: my bowels yerne within me, when I heare complaints, that the Swedish souldiers are more insolent then the enemies: But they are not the Swedes, they are the Germans that commit these insolencies: had I knowne that you Germans had beene a people of this temper, to beare noe more affection to your naturall countrey &c. I would never haue sadled horse for your sakes, much lesse have hazarded my life, kingdome, and estate in your behalfe &c. But it may be you will say, you want money, but is not the fault in your selves, who hinder me from having meanes to pay you by your rob∣bings and pillages: For my owne part, I protest before God, that I have not by all this warre enriched my selfe so much as a paire of bootes comes to: yea I had rather ride without bootes, then in the least degree to enrich my selfe by the dammage of these poore people: Since my coming into Germany, I have received out of my owne countrey forty tunns of gold, which I have spent for the reestablishment of those oppressed princes, which are of the same true religion with me &c. that which I desire of you for the time to come is, that you spoile not others of their goods, but leave everie man to his owne possessi∣ons: the choller and manhood that you have, skore it (on Gods name) on the fronts of your enemies, but distaine not the honour of a souldier by insulting over unarmed innocents: Live upon your meanes like souldiers, & not upon pilfering and spoiling like thieves, and robbers:

this if you doe not, you shall ever be infamous, and I by such helpers shall never be victorious: This speech was delivered with that efficacy and life, that it ex∣tracted teares of compunction from these militarie hearers, who had rather bleed then weepe: He also se∣conded it with a proclamation, that he would hence∣forth pardon no man of what ranck soever, that should in this kind be againe complained of: adding, that if to avoid punishment, they should all conspire upon a mutiny, himselfe with his Swedes, and Fin∣landers would undertake so to rattle them, that the shivers of their staves should fly about their eares for it: About this time the severall Armies, that the King had sent for, to release him, began to drawe neere: which the King hearing of, appointed a so∣lemne * 2.73 day of Fasting and prayer in his Leaguer, to seek unto God for the happy joining and good suc¦cesse of his Armies, and then quitting his trenches, he went forth and joined with them, whereupon he drew up into Battalia before the enemies trenches, and stood there all day to make a brave upon them. The King was now six and forty: thousand strong, and therefore resolved, if he could, to joine Battell with the enemy, but because Walstein kept himselfe in his trenches, and would not stir, the King raised batteries, planted Ordnance, with which he plaid into his Camp: and when that prevailed not, he sought to force his trenches, whereupon ensued a very desperate fight, wherein many a brave man lost * 2.74 his life: a piece of the sole of the Kings boote was carried away with a shot, and Duke Bernard of Saxen Weymar had a horse slaine under him, and

yet it pleased God to preserve them both from any further hurt: then the King sent out parties to cut off Walsteins victualls, whereupon ensued divers bic∣kerings.

The Crabats fled out as farr as Altroffe, an university belonging to Norimberg, where they ligt upon the poore Schollers (they might as well have robbed the Spittle) Agricola, Nester, and Bruno, professors there, they carried away, and put poore Genus and Species * 2.75 to their ransom. But the King perceiving that the enemies would not be drawne out to fight, resolved upon a remove, marching by, and almost round a∣bout the Imperiall Leaguer with Colours flying, Drums beating &c. and so dividing his Army, he took in diverse places; Then did Walstein march into Ʋoitland to undoe the Duke of Saxony, which the King hearing of, presently turned his course thither∣ward, and not long after having reunited his forces, he intended to set upon Walstein, who perceiving the Kings purpose, called together his forces also; then did the King consult, whether he should fight the enemy or noe: Duke Bernard was for the valiant Affirmatiue: Major Kniphauson for the sober Nega∣tive, his reasons were.

1. Noe man is to fight, but when he is apparently stronger then the enemie, which the King is not.

2. None is to attack a stronger enemie but when compelled by a pressing & inavoydable necessi∣ty, viz to force his passage, when he is hemmed in, and when hunger and want of provision enforceth, which are not the Kings case: Hereupon the King resolved to goe and joine with the Duke of Saxony,

but by the way, hearing that the Imperialists lay scatetring in severall Dorps and villages about Lut∣zen, without any intelligence of the Kings motion, his Majesty then put on a resolution to fight, saying, that he now verily believed that God had given his enemies into his hands: then did he, and all his Ar∣my advance stoutly against the enemies, doubling their march, but their leggs found it a longer way then their eies, and besides there was a filthy passe by the way at a bridge over a river, which hindred the Army full two houres, so that it was night when he came within two miles of Lutzen, where he was forced by the darknesse to quarter in the open field with all his Army: then did the Imperialists take the alarum, and order was sent to all the quarters of their Army upon paine of death to repaire immedi∣ately to Lutzen, so that by ten a clock the next mor∣ning they were all come up together, and Walsteine had planted his ordnance advantagiously, entren∣ched about it, cast up breastworks for his men &c. The King having thus brought himselfe into a neces∣sity of fighting, very early in the morning, he caused the Drums to beat, then had Doctor Fabricius to pray with him, and other ministers in the head of other Regiments: it was a very misty morning, which wasa great advantage to the enemie to prepare his * 2.76 works, from which he was resolved not to stirr, and about ten a clock, November the sixt, the fogg cleered * 2.77 up, and the King going first to his owne subjects, spake to this purpose: My deere brethren carry your selves brauely this day; fight valiantly on Gods name, for your religion, and for your King: this if you doe,

Gods blessing, and the peoples praises shall be your Guer∣don, and you for ever shall be laden with an honoura∣ble memoriall, nor will I forget to reward you nobly: If you play the Poultrons, I here call God to witnesse, that not a bone of you shall ever returne againe to Swe∣den: To the Germans he said, O my bretheren, Officers and fellow souldiers, I most earnestly intreat and be∣seech you to make full tryall of your valour this one day: fight manfully against your enemies this day both with me, and for me: Be not faint hearted in the battell, nor for any thing discouraged: Set me before your eies, even me, who dreadlesly for your cause, am here ready to adventure both life and blood: If you doe this, God no doubt himselfe will from heaven reward you with a most glorious victory, of which your selves and posteri∣tie shall have the benefit: If you doe not, farewell for ever to your religion, and yourselves must for ever remaine enslaved: the souldiers of both nations with joyfull acclamations answering the King, he further said, and now my hearts, let us on brauely against our enemies, and the God of heaven prosper our endeavours: and so casting up his eies to heaven, with a loud voice he said, Iesus vouchsafe this day to be my strong hel∣per, and give me courage to fight for thy glory, and for * 2.78 the honour of thy name: then drawing his sword, he waved it over his head, and advanced the for∣most of all his Army: amongst the Kings owne guard were the English and Scotish gentlemen: he him∣selfe was attired in a plaine Buff-coat without Ar∣mour: and being requested to put on his Corslet, he said, the Lord God is my Armour, His watch word was, God with us: Walsteines was, Iesus Maria; the King

said, I thank God I have both wind and sunn to fa∣vour me; the field, where the battell was fought, was a plaine Champion countrey, yet had many ditches which served Walsteines men for breastworks, and the Kings horse in passing over them, were some of of them overthrowne: there were also two little hills, upon which Walstein had planted his great gunns: And so great was his Army, that the front of it extended two miles in length: the Armies coming within reach, the great gunns began to play on both sides: but the Imperiall cannon being planted upon steady and fixt Batteries (where as the Kings gave fire in motion) did the greater execution, so that the King not liking that sport, caused his Army to ad∣vance upon the very mouth of the cannon: the Im∣perialists kept their ground, expecting that the Swedes fury would be over, and themselves out of breath, ere they could get over the ditches, and beat out the Musketteires: yet they overcame those diffi∣culties, and so theleft wing engaged with the right of Walsteines: then the King advancing with his right wing, and observing where the Crabats stood, and where the Curiasseires, which were armed Cap. a pied, calling Colonell Stalhansh to him, he said: as for those fellows [the Crabbats] I care not for them: but charg me those black-fellows soundly, for they are the men that will undoe us: the King fought at the head of his Squadron, himselfe being formost with his pistoll in one hand, and his sword in the other: and thus charging upon the Curiassiers, he was there overlaid with numbers, insomuch as his men, in danger of being hemb'd in, were faigne to

give ground, and to retire towards their body; there did the King receive a shot into the left arme, which he not feeling at first, would haveled on still, but by and by, perceiving his blood to gush out a∣bundantly, and that part of his bone was broken, he called to Duke Albert of Saxen-Lawenburg, saying, Cosin, I am sore wounded, help me to make my retreat, this, whilst the Duke and those that were with the the King were about to doe, his squadron also being now upon the retreat, there comes up an officer of of the Curiassiers, that too well knew the King, and said, this is the right bird, and so discharging his Pi∣stoll, * 2.79 shot him through the body, & himselfe was pre∣sently shot dead upon the place: the King was held up in his saddle a while, but presently fell: his horse also was shot, and so ran away without his master: Iust now fell a great mist, the Sunn, which before shined very brightly, on a sudden Muffling up his face in a mourning cloud, as if not able to look upon the fall of the King of Sweden: the Imperialists be∣ing now masters of the Kings body, fell to stripping of it: one getting his spurs, another his sword, an∣other his ring, an other his buffecoat &c. every one being greedy to get some part of his spoiles: but be∣fore they could carry away his body, the Swedes re∣turning, so charged the enemies, that they were for∣ced to retreat, whereupon Stalhansh recovering the body, carried it away in an ammunition waggon pri∣vately, so that few in his owne Army knew of his death: All this while were the foure foot Brigades of the Swedes pell mell at it, and gat ground apace of the Imperialists, the horse also after an houres fight,

draue them back, and got possession of seven pieces of their Ordance: but by this time the mist was so extraordinarily thickned by the smoake, that the Swedes could not see to pursue their advantage: yet it pleased God to strike parte of the Imperiall Army with such a Pannick feare, that above one thousand * 2.80 Dutch horse ran all away together, one amongst them crying out, Oh I know the King of Sweden well enough, he is best at the latter end of the day: But the chiefest fright was amongst the Ladies and Captaines wiues, and other women behind the Army, many of them getting out of their coaches, cut asunder the harnesse, and mounted stradling upon the bare horse backs, & so scudded away amongst the souldiers: diverse wo∣men and children were there troden to death, nor did the horsmen stay till they had fled diverse miles: * 2.81 but in the heat of the battell, Count Pappenheime (who was before sent for) came in with his horse and dragooners, by whose coming the charge was a∣gaine renued: but just as he was ordering his horse, he was shot with a Falconet bullet, whereof he pre∣sently dyed: his officers flocking about him, cryed out, O our Generall is slaine, our Generall is slaine, and thereupon turning their horse heads, they ran out of the battell without stroke striking: but the Imperialists that were set on by his coming, main∣tained the fight with admirable resolution: yet the charge was sustained by the Swedes with much gal∣lantry: full two houres were they thus in hot battell: but the greatest losse fell upon two Bridgades of the old Swedish souldiers, whom the King had most rely∣ed on: these old blades stood to their armes stoutly,

till the ground was covered with their bodies, yet they dyed not unrevenged, for they slew many of the Imperialists, and amongst them diverse of great account: Duke Bernard had as hard a Chapter of it, as any man against the Imperiall right wing com∣manded by Count Coloredo: yet never did man be∣have himselfe more gallantly then Duke Bernard did that day, charging his enemies twelve severall times one after an other: A little before sunn set, the mist cleered up, and then did Duke Bernard over∣view the posture and countenance of the Army, which he could not doe since he heard of the Kings death, till now: He spake cheerefully to the officers, and souldiers, encouraging of them to a new onset: He found the whole Army (except Kniphausens part) in noe good order, yet he tooke much paines to really them, and draw them on to a new charge: Alas comrade, saith the poore souldier, must we fall on a∣gaine! come saith the other, if we must, let us doe it bravely, and make a day of it: The Imperialists hearts quaked within them, when they saw the Swedes thus advancing in good order against them againe; wher∣upon the horse began to retreat, which the Swedes perceiving, they with their great Ordnance gave them such a rowsing Salvee, and then charged them so home, that they put them into disorder: but then againe fell there such a mist, that the Swedes could not see to pursue theire enemies: and now was all the service turned to the wind Mills, where Coloredo was, who strugled hard at the last cast for life: a cruell fight was here maintained till about six a clocke at night, about which time the Imperialists quite gaue it

over: this cruell and bloody fight had lasted about nine houres; and now Walsteine marched away to∣wards * 2.82 Lipswich, leaving the field and victory to the Swedes, who lodged upon the ground all night, where was a pittifull groaning of the dying and wounded of both sides: it was a frosty cold night, in which many a brave man dyed of his wounds, that with help might have beene cured: the next mor∣ning the Swedes found all the Imperiall Cannons left behind them: there were slaine of the Swedes about three thousand, and of the Imperialists about foure thousand upon the place, besides whom, the Boores knocked downe neere three thousand that fled away stragling: the wounded were as many more as the slaine: on the Swedes side were slaine, the King himselfe, whose death is never sufficiently lamented: the enemies themselves giving him this testimony, that he was the bravest enemie, and the best Captaine that ever was in Christendome: and beside him, Graue Neeles: Nicholas Count of Wesen∣burg with some other Colonells and officers: on the Imperiall party were slaine, the Abbat of Fuldea, Count Pappenheim, young Count Walstein and di∣verse * 2.83 Collonells and Officers. Walsteine at first inten∣ded only to make a retreat to Lipsich, but his souldi∣ers, so soone as they heard the Drums beate a retreat, fell to running presently: and the fright was so great that most of them never came into order againe: his chiefe officers confest, that if the Swedes had but sent out one thousand horse after them, they might have cut off the whole Army. * 2.84

The King of Sweden bore a port and presence,

full of Majesty: was of a gallant stature, aboue six foot high: full fac't: had an hawkseie: of yellowish haire: he was cleane limb'd, strong, active, and hardy: of an undaunted courage: a strong judgment: an admi∣rable quicknesse of conceite; of a naturall vigilancy, and indefatigablenesse: had a marvellous forecast, to apprehend and dispose of his affaires to the best advantage: He had an excellent dexterity to extricate, & untangle the Gordian knottinesse of a businesse: he knew how to take advantage of mens humours: and had a native attraction in him to win hearts, as well as provinces: He was a great student upon any business of Importance: a diligent disputer, and canvasser of the answere which he was to give to Ambassadors. A sudden danger seldome astonished his judgment: but the more desperate the perill was, the nimbler was he in his deliveries: still shewing most vigour, where there was most need of it: He was exceeding temperate in his diet: his feeding was upon strong and souldierly dishes: But that which was most commendable in him, was his Religion both pub∣lick * 2.85 and Private: He was frequent in prayers and thanksgivings, upon every emergent occasion: He would pray a shipboard, a shoare, in the field, in the middest of a Battell, as if prayer alone were the surest piece of his whole Armour: He was a strict observer of Martiall discipline: and a strict punisher of misde∣meanors in his Camp: When he first came into Ger∣many, he saw that many women followed his Army, whereupon coming to a great river, his men and waggons being passed over, he caused the bridge to be broken downe, hoping thereby to be rid of this

lumber: but they on a sudden shriking out grie∣vously, the souldiers on the other side, vowed not to stir a foot till the women were fetched over: whereupon the King finding that this ill humour was so generally dispersed amongst his men, that it was dangerous to purge it all at once, smiled out his anger for the present, permitting what he could not amend: yet this abuse he afterwards reformed by de∣grees: His Army won the day, though they lost their King; which made one say,

Ʋpon this place, the great Gustavus di'd, Whil'st victory lay bleeding by his side.

A little before his death, being in discourse with * 2.86 Doctor Fabricius, his Chaplaine: he told him, that he thought God would ere long take him away, because the people did so overvalew, and Deifie him: He was slaine in the battell at Lutzen, November the 16 Anno Christi 1632. and of his age thirty eight: At his first coming into Germany, having a designe upon Stetin, and his Army now ready upon the shoare, and his boates ready upon the river to imbarke them; the wind was contray, and so had continued for * 2.87 diverse daies before: the King observing this, before his Army with bended knees, and hands lifted up to heaven, he said: O thou most just God, full well thou knowest, that I did not at first undertake this enter∣prise out of any rashnesse, or ambition, but for the Glo∣ry of thy most holy name, and the defence of the truth of thy word: here now therefore I call upon thee O God, and most humbly doe beseech thee, that with the

aire of thy favour, and with a prosperous wind, thon wouldest be pleased to breath upon this my underta∣king for Christ his sake, Amen: Noe sooner was his prayer ended, but through Gods mercy, the wind turned about with so full a gale, that the whole fleet passing up the river Oder, in two houres space ran up twenty miles, and unlooked for, came to an Anchor within a mile of Stetin, to the great defeat of the purposes of the Imperialists, who had an intent within two daies after to have laid siege to the City, had not God thus miraculously prevented them: Also when he came first to his Crowne, he would needs lay siege to Notteburg Castell, which the Mus∣covite had given to his father for some assistance that he had afforded him. The Castell stood in an Iland in the mouth of the most raging and swift ri∣ver of Nerva, his Colonells despairing of taking it, and loth that their young King should receiue a check in his first attempts, labour to disswade him from the Action: yet he continued resolute to pur∣sue it: and see how almighty God wrought for him: the besieged Muscovites were stricken with such thrushes, warts, and blisters in their throates and mouths, that they could neither chew their meate, nor swallow, whereupon they parlied, and yielded * 2.88 up that impregnable Castell to him, wherein he found a whole yeares victualls, besides abundance of ammunition.

Not long after this, he had a difference with the Dantzickers, who prepared twenty or thirty good ships of warr, with the first opening of the spring to have burnt up his Navie in the harbour: but

towards the end of winter, when this narrow Swe∣dish Sea was frozen a yard, or two deepe, this young King caused his boores to cut open this ice for ten or twelve miles together, which done, he came in a night with his fleet upon the Dantzickers, and burnt, sunk, and took most of them: Also in his warrs with the King of Poland, he conquered so many townes from him in Prussia, and Livonia, that he inforced him, by the mediation of our King Charles, to make peace with him.

Collected out of the Swedish Intelligencer, and some other books.

FINIS.

Notes

• * 1.1

  A good Prince.
• * 1.2

  Humility.
• * 1.3

  Hypocri∣esi detect∣ed.
• * 1.4

  God pro∣tects his.
• * 1.5

  Good Counsell.
• * 1.6

  A wicked Tyrant.
• * 1.7

  Chastity.
• * 1.8

  A good Wife.
• * 1.9

  Prayer powerfull.
• * 1.10

  Faith.
• * 1.11

  The wick∣ed caught in his own snare.
• * 1.12

  Thankes∣giving.
• * 1.13

  Humility.
• * 1.14

  Justice.
• * 1.15

  Ministers honoured, and loved.
• * 1.16

  Charity.
• * 1.17

  Vnity en∣deavored.
• * 1.18

  Gods goodnesse.
• * 1.19

  A Tyrant.
• * 1.20

  The bene∣fit of Sy∣nods.
• * 1.21

  Tyranny.
• * 1.22

  Avarice.
• * 1.23

  Persecuti∣on.
• * 1.24

  Prayer.
• * 1.25

  Prodigies.
• * 1.26

  Prayer powerfull.
• * 1.27

  Prayer.
• * 1.28

  Clemency
• * 1.29

  Peace of the Church.
• * 1.30

  A good Prince.
• * 1.31

  Humility.
• * 1.32

  Bounty to the Church.
• * 1.33

  Restitu∣tion.
• * 1.34

  Contenti∣on in the Church.
• * 1.35

  The dan∣ger of He∣resie.
• * 1.36

  Arian He∣resie.
• * 1.37

  Generall Councell.
• * 1.38

  Hereticks banished.
• * 1.39

  Ministers loved and honoured.
• * 1.40

  Zeale.
• * 1.41

  Conten∣tion.
• * 1.42

  A Synod.
• * 1.43

  Heresies not endu∣red.
• * 1.44

  Justice.
• * 1.45

  Mercy.
• * 1.46

  Gods goodnesse.
• * 1.47

  Prayer.
• * 1.48

  Lawes for Sabbath.
• * 1.49

  Superstiti∣on refor∣med.
• * 1.50

  Synods Acts bind∣ing.
• * 1.51

  Folly of Covetous∣nesse.
• * 1.52

  Piety.
• * 1.53

  Zeale.
• * 1.54

  A Synod.
• * 1.55

  Flattery.
• * 1.56

  Humility.
• * 1.57

  Religion. Rewarded.
• * 1.58

  Children instructed.
• * 1.59

  Constan∣tines character.
• * 1.60

  Constan∣tineople.
• * 1.61

  Reverence to the word of God.
• * 1.62

  Conver∣sions.
• * 1.63

  His say∣ings.
• * 1.64

  Note.
• * 1.65

  Vicisti Galilaee, vicisti.
• * 1.66

  Constancy
• * 1.67

  A Christi∣an resolu∣tion.
• * 1.68

  Piety.
• * 1.69

  Zeale.
• * 1.70

  Integriry.
• * 1.71

  Peaceable.
• * 1.72

  A good Prince.
• * 1.73

  Jovianus his Cha∣racter.
• * 1.74

  A great Battaile.
• * 1.75

  Zeale.
• * 1.76

  Hereticks banished.
• * 1.77

  A Councel
• * 1.78

  A Councel
• * 1.79

  Prayer.
• * 1.80

  Gods goodnesse.
• * 1.81

  Gods Good¦nesse.
• * 1.82

  Justice.
• * 1.83

  Fasting & Prayer.
• * 1.84

  Prayer Powerfull.
• * 1.85

  A miracle of Mercy.
• * 1.86

  Thankes∣giving.
• * 1.87

  Zeale.
• * 1.88

  Humility.
• * 1.89

  Hereticks insolency.
• * 1.90

  Zeale.
• * 1.91

  Justice.
• * 1.92

  Adultery punished.
• * 1.93

  His Cha∣recter.
• * 1.94

  Piety.
• * 1.95

  Meekenes.
• * 1.96

  Piety.
• * 1.97

  Being con∣ducted by an Angell of God, as Socrates saith.
• * 1.98

  Theodo∣sius his Character.
• * 1.99

  Piety.
• * 1.100

  Scriptures studied.
• * 1.101

  A great Library.
• * 1.102

  Meeke∣nesse.
• * 1.103

  Cruelty hated.
• * 1.104

  Ministers loved.
• * 1.105

  Piety.
• * 1.106

  Prayers prevalent.
• * 1.107

  A Coun∣cell. Zeale.
• * 1.108

  Famine.
• * 1.109

  A cruell Battell.
• * 1.110

  A great Battell.
• * 1.111

  A bloody battell.
• * 1.112

  A brave Captaine.
• * 1.113

  Civill broyles.
• * 1.114

  Persecu∣tion.
• * 1.115

  Prayer powerfull.
• * 1.116

  Gods goodnesse.
• * 1.117

  Clemency
• * 1.118

  Faith.
• * 1.119

  A great prize.
• * 1.120

  Gods just judgement on perse∣cutors-
• * 1.121

  Danger of Heresie.
• * 1.122

  Hereticks punished.
• * 1.123

  Conver∣on.
• * 1.124

  Pride.
• * 1.125

  A Prodigy
• * 1.126

  Clemency
• * 1.127

  Pride.
• * 1.128

  Faith.
• * 1.129

  GODS goodnesse in protect∣ing his own.
• * 1.130

  A Famine
• * 1.131

  Pride pu∣nished.
• * 1.132

  Victories.
• * 1.133

  Belisarius his Chara∣cter.
• * 1.134

  Policy.
• * 1.135

  Gods pro∣vidence remarke∣able.
• * 1.136

  A great Famine.
• * 1.137

  Gods iust judgement on Rome.
• * 1.138

  A Battell.
• * 1.139

  Rome contracted
• * 1.140

  Narses his Cha∣racter.
• * 1.141

  Earth∣quakes, &c
• * 1.142

  Justinians Character.
• * 1.143

  Ingrati∣tude.
• * 1.144

  Worlds vanity.
• * 1.145

  In Hun∣gary.
• * 1.146

  A great Battell.
• * 1.147

  Turkes beaten.
• * 1.148

  Thankes∣giving.
• * 1.149

  Turkish-crueltie.
• * 1.150

  Huniades in danger flies.
• * 1.151

  Pride.
• * 1.152

  A great battell.
• * 1.153

  Turkes beaten.
• * 1.154

  Thankes∣giving.
• * 1.155

  Turks cruelty.
• * 1.156

  Huniades Speech to his Cap∣taines.
• * 1.157

  A terrible bat••ell.
• * 1.158

  The Turks beaten.
• * 1.159

  Thankes∣giving.
• * 1.160

  Huniade•• bea••es he Turkes.
• * 1.161

  Thankes∣giving.
• * 1.162

  Turkes beaten.
• * 1.163

  A great victory.
• * 1.164

  Mutabi∣lity of earthly glory.
• * 1.165

  Thankes∣giving.
• * 1.166

  Peace con∣cluded.
• * 1.167

  Popish perfide∣ousnesse.
• * 1.168

  Anno 1444.
• * 1.169

  A great battell.
• * 1.170

  Amurath appeale to Christ.
• * 1.171

  Ʋladislaus slain, the Christjans beaten, and their per∣jury pu∣nished by God.
• * 1.172

  Turks last 30000. men.
• * 1.173

  Huniades chosen vice Roy of Hunga∣ry.
• * 1.174

  His Ju∣stice, and other vir∣tues.
• * 1.175

  Treachery preven••ed.
• * 1.176

  Techery.
• * 1.177

  Huniades speech to his Soul∣diers.
• * 1.178

  The first days fight.
• * 1.179

  The se∣cond bat∣tell.
• * 1.180

  The third days fight.
• * 1.181

  The Chri¦stians o∣verthrown
• * 1.182

  Huniades escaped.
• * 1.183

  Huniades in great danger.
• * 1.184

  Almost famished.
• * 1.185

  He is re∣lieved by a Shep¦heard.
• * 1.186

  Hunger the best sauce.
• * 1.187

  He is im∣prisoned by the Despot.
• * 1.188

  He for∣gives the wrong.
• * 1.189

  The Turks beaten.
• * 1.190

  Mahomet prepares no besiege Belgrade.
• * 1.191

  His Navy beaten.
• * 1.192

  Huniades goeth into Belgrade.
• * 1.193

  The Turkes beaten out of the Ci∣ty.
• * 1.194

  Huniades surprizeth the great Ordnance
• * 1.195

  Mahomet wounded.
• * 1.196

  Flieth shamefully
• * 1.197

  Humility.
• * 1.198

  Huniades death.
• * 1.199

  His Cha∣racter.
• * 1.200

  His lear∣ning and valour.
• * 1.201

  Victorious in his first enterprise.
• * 1.202

  His fame.
• * 1.203

  A Duell, wherein he slue a great Scy∣thian.
• * 1.204

  He slue two brave Persians
• * 1.205

  His boun∣ty.
• * 1.206

  Amuraths perfidious¦nesse.
• * 1.207

  As Saul did with David.
• * 1.208

  Gods spe∣ciall pro¦vidence.
• * 1.209

  Huniades.
• * 1.210

  Scander∣begs poli¦cy.
• * 1.211

  He be∣comes master of Croia.
• * 1.212

  Moses Ga∣lome.
• * 1.213

  His first vi∣ctory a∣gainst the Turkes.
• * 1.214

  Petrella taken.
• * 1.215

  Petra-alba taken.
• * 1.216

  Stellusa taken.
• * 1.217

  Sfetigrade besiged.
• * 1.218

  He plun∣ders Ma∣cedonia.
• * 1.219

  Mocrea won.
• * 1.220

  Sfetigrade taken.
• * 1.221

  Hall Bassa beaten by Scander∣beg.
• * 1.222

  Of the Christians were slaine but 120.
• * 1.223

  Popish perfidious∣nesse.
• * 1.224

  Perjury punished by God.
• * 1.225

  Feresey Bassa o¦verthrown
• * 1.226

  Mustapha Bassa o∣ver∣throwne.
• * 1.227

  A Duell fought, and the Turke slaine Mustapha beaten a¦gaine and taken pri∣soner.
• * 1.228

  Scander∣begs boun∣ty to his souldiers.
• * 1.229

  Amurath goes in person a∣gainst Scander∣beg.
• * 1.230

  A strata∣gem.
• * 1.231

  Two thou∣sand Turks slain.
• * 1.232

  The siege of Sfeti∣grade.
• * 1.233

  Two thou∣sand Turks slain.
• * 1.234

  Feri Bassa slain by Scander∣beg.
• * 1.235

  Seven thousand Turkes slain▪
• * 1.236

  Treason.
• * 1.237

  The re∣ward of treason.
• * 1.238

  Amuraths second ex∣pedition into Epy∣rus.
• * 1.239

  Croia bat∣tered.
• * 1.240

  Assaulted.
• * 1.241

  Scander∣beg in danger
• * 1.242

  The se∣cond assault.
• * 1.243

  The Turkes beaten.
• * 1.244

  Fidelity.
• * 1.245

  The third assault.
• * 1.246

  Pride.
• * 1.247

  Malice. Amurath dieth.
• * 1.248

  Amesa Bassa bea∣ten.
• * 1.249

  And taken prisoner.
• * 1.250

  Bounty.
• * 1.251

  A terrible fight.
• * 1.252

  Debreas Bassa slain and his at my routed.
• * 1.253

  Thankes∣giving.
• * 1.254

  Treachery
• * 1.255

  Belgrade besieged.
• * 1.256

  Sebalias Bassa sent. to the re∣liefe of Belgrade.
• * 1.257

  Musachi∣us slaine.
• * 1.258

  Scander∣beg slew many of the Turks.
• * 1.259

  Belgrade relieved.
• * 1.260

  Turkish cruelty.
• * 1.261

  Moses turnes traitour
• * 1.262

  Moses go∣eth a∣gainst Scander∣beg
• * 1.263

  A Duel.
• * 1.264

  Scander∣beg in danger.
• * 1.265

  Moses and the Turks beaten.
• * 1.266

  A guilty con∣science.
• * 1.267

  Moses re∣turn's to-Scander¦beg.
• * 1.268

  Amase turn's Traitour.
• * 1.269

  Isaac Bassa sent against Scander∣beg
• * 1.270

  Scander∣begs policy.
• * 1.271

  Amesa proclai∣med King.
• * 1.272

  A great battell.
• * 1.273

  The Turks beaten.
• * 1.274

  A peace concluded
• * 1.275

  Synan-beg over∣thrown.
• * 1.276

  Asam-beg.
• * 1.277

  And Jus∣sum beg.
• * 1.278

  Carasa∣beg bea∣ten.
• * 1.279

  A peace made.
• * 1.280

  Seremet-Bassa bea∣ten.
• * 1.281

  A great Battell.
• * 1.282

  Scander∣begs best Captaines taken.
• * 1.283

  Turkish cruelty.
• * 1.284

  Scander∣begs scouts corrupted.
• * 1.285

  Balabanus beaten.
• * 1.286

  Scander∣beg in great danger.
• * 1.287

  Balabanus beaten.
• * 1.288

  Scander∣begs scouts turne trai∣tours
• * 1.289

  Scander∣beg in danger.
• * 1.290

  Balabanus againe beaten.
• * 1.291

  Iacup beaten.
• * 1.292

  Two As∣sasinates sent to slay him.
• * 1.293

  Gods care of Kings.
• * 1.294

  the Trai∣tors exe∣cuted.
• * 1.295

  Mahomet invades Epyrus.
• * 1.296

  Scander∣beg trou∣bles him.
• * 1.297

  Mahomet returnes home.
• * 1.298

  Mahomets perfidious∣nesse and cruelty.
• * 1.299

  Jonima beaten.
• * 1.300

  Balabanus slain.
• * 1.301

  The siege raised.
• * 1.302

  Scander∣begs im∣prudence.
• * 1.303

  Mahomet again in∣vades Epy∣rus.
• * 1.304

  Mahomet besieges Croia.
• * 1.305

  The siege raised.
• * 1.306

  Scander∣begs death
• * 1.307

  His bones digged up by the Turkes.
• * 1.308

  His Cha∣racter.
• * 1.309

  Trechery.
• * 1.310

  Hypocri∣sie.
• * 1.311

  A miracle of mercy
• * 1.312

  Popish malice and cruel¦ty.
• * 1.313

  Gods judgment on a bloo¦dy perse∣cuter.
• * 1.314

  Gods goodnesse.
• * 1.315

  A strange provi∣dence.
• * 1.316

  Warrs betwixt Matthias and the Emperour.
• * 1.317

  He ran∣soms his Crowne
• * 1.318

  He enters into league with the Venetians.
• * 1.319

  His wars against the Turkes.
• * 1.320

  Bosna won from the Turks.
• * 1.321

  Mahomet shameful∣ly beaten.
• * 1.322

  Part of Servia taken.
• * 1.323

  He wast∣eth the Turks do∣minions.
• * 1.324

  Malice.
• * 1.325

  He relie∣ved Tran¦sylvania
• * 1.326

  The Turks beaten.
• * 1.327

  Satans malice. Popish malice.
• * 1.328

  His second wars with the Empe∣rour.
• * 1.329

  His death
• * 1.330

  His Cha∣racter.
• * 1.331

  A grea. Library.
• * 1.332

  His edu∣cation.
• * 1.333

  Proclai∣med King.
• * 1.334

  His Coro∣nation.
• * 1.335

  His Cha∣racter.
• * 1.336

  Two here∣ticks put to death.
• * 1.337

  His know∣ledg.
• * 1.338

  His Piety.
• * 1.339

  The quar∣rell with Scotland.
• * 1.340

  The Pro∣tector in vades Sco••land
• * 1.341

  A great battell.
• * 1.342

  The Scors beaten.
• * 1.343

  Perjury punished by God.
• * 1.344

  Huntlies peech.
• * 1.345

  Bonner, Gardiner, and other Bishops imp••iso∣ned.
• * 1.346

  A Com∣missioner stabbed.
• * 1.347

  A Rebel∣lion.
• * 1.348

  Zeale and courage.
• * 1.349

  A great rebellion
• * 1.350

  A famine in Exeter.
• * 1.351

  Fidelity.
• * 1.352

  Ignorance. Rebels o∣ver∣throwne.
• * 1.353

  A rebelli∣in Nor∣folk.
• * 1.354

  Rebelion supprest.
• * 1.355

  Exiled ministers restored.
• * 1.356

  A Rebel∣lion-
• * 1.357

  The French. beaten
• * 1.358

  Anno 1549
• * 1.359

  Gods goodnesse.
• * 1.360

  Contenti∣on among the Nobi∣lity.
• * 1.361

  Reforma∣tion carri∣ed on.
• * 1.362

  Recanta∣tions.
• * 1.363

  Forraigne Divines sent for.
• * 1.364

  Zeale and courage of the King.
• * 1.365

  His boun∣ty to di∣stressed Prote∣stants.
• * 1.366

  The King grieves for the death of his Uncle.
• * 1.367

  His zeale in propa∣gating the Gospel.
• * 1.368

  Punish∣ment of sacriledge.
• * 1.369

  The Kings sicknesse.
• * 1.370

  And reco∣very.
• * 1.371

  Prodigies.
• * 1.372

  The Kings last sick∣nesse.
• * 1.373

  His humi∣lity, piety, and cha∣rity.
• * 1.374

  The Duke of Nor∣thumber∣land sus∣pected to poison him.
• * 1.375

  The peo∣ples com∣plaints, & sorrow.
• * 1.376

  The Lady Jane made his heire.
• * 1.377

  Treachery
• * 1.378

  His Pray∣er.
• * 1.379

  His death.
• * 1.380

  His Zeale.
• * 1.381

  His studies
• * 1.382

  Elizabeth.
• * 1.383

  Her edu∣cation.
• * 1.384

  Benefit of her affli∣ction.
• * 1.385

  Hypocrisie
• * 1.386

  Incivility of the Lords.
• * 1.387

  Popish malice.
• * 1.388

  Her great weaknesse.
• * 1.389

  Shee is made a prisoner.
• * 1.390

  Popish malice.
• * 1.391

  Her dan∣ger.
• * 1.392

  Impriso∣ned in the Tower.
• * 1.393

  Her pray∣er.
• * 1.394

  Her faith.
• * 1.395

  A chur∣lish Na∣bal.
• * 1.396

  Popish cruelty.
• * 1.397

  Content∣ment.
• * 1.398

  Her feare.
• * 1.399

  Her pray∣er.
• * 1.400

  She is re∣moved to Wood stock.
• * 1.401

  Her fears.
• * 1.402

  A faithful servant.
• * 1.403

  A churlish Nabal.
• * 1.404

  The Lord of Tames kindnesse to her.
• * 1.405

  She is sickly.
• * 1.406

  Popish malice.
• * 1.407

  Kinge of Spaines kindness to her.
• * 1.408

  God pro∣tects her from ma∣ny dan¦gers
• * 1.409

  She wish∣eth her selfe a Milkmaid
• * 1.410

  Popish cruelty.
• * 1.411

  Her cou∣rage.
• * 1.412

  She goes to the Queene.
• * 1.413

  New trou∣bles.
• * 1.414

  Steven Grdiner dies.
• * 1.415

  Queene Mary dies.
• * 1.416

  She is proclai∣med Queene.
• * 1.417

  Her Cha∣racter.
• * 1.418

  Her Coun∣cellors.
• * 1.419

  Popery a∣bolished by degrees
• * 1.420

  Her thanksgi∣ving.
• * 1.421

  She re∣ceives a Bible.
• * 1.422

  A disputa∣tion ap∣pointed.
• * 1.423

  King of Spain wooes her.
• * 1.424

  Reforma∣tion of re∣ligion.
• * 1.425

  Her answer concerning marriage
• * 1.426

  Her Motto
• * 1.427

  Tolerati∣on denied.
• * 1.428

  King of France his death.
• * 1.429

  Religion reformed in Scot∣land.
• * 1.430

  She re∣lieves the Reformers
• * 1.431

  Leith be∣sieged.
• * 1.432

  Peace con¦cluded.
• * 1.433

  Heretickes banished.
• * 1.434

  Westmin∣ster refor∣med.
• * 1.435

  She dis∣claims the Councell of Trent.
• * 1.436

  Pauls stee∣ple burnt.
• * 1.437

  She assists the Prote∣stants in France.
• * 1.438

  A Parlia∣ment.
• * 1.439

  Her enter∣tainmēt at Cambridg,
• * 1.440

  And Ox∣ford.
• * 1.441

  A further reformati¦on desired.
• * 1.442

  Queene of Scots im∣prisoned.
• * 1.443

  Treason by the Popes meanes.
• * 1.444

  Persecuti∣on in France.
• * 1.445

  Our Queene mediates for them.
• * 1.446

  She re∣lieves the prote∣stants.
• * 1.447

  Story ex∣ecuted.
• * 1.448

  Treason in the Norh.
• * 1.449

  Popish profane∣nesse.
• * 1.450

  Trai∣tors over∣thrown.
• * 1.451

  New Treason
• * 1.452

  Northum∣berland beheaded.
• * 1.453

  Gods judgement on tray∣tors.
• * 1.454

  The Popes Bull.
• * 1.455

  She re∣lieves the French Pro••e∣stants.
• * 1.456

  Traytors executed. God plagues them.
• * 1.457

  Summer∣viles trea∣son.
• * 1.458

  Throgmor¦tons trea∣son.
• * 1.459

  Parry's treason.
• * 1.460

  God pro∣tects his own.
• * 1.461

  Courage.
• * 1.462

  Clemency.
• * 1.463

  Love to her peo∣ple.
• * 1.464

  Her charge to the Judges.
• * 1.465

  Northum∣berland kills him∣selfe.
• * 1.466

  Babington and his complices.
• * 1.467

  Stanly's treason-
• * 1.468

  Lopez his treason.
• * 1.469

  Yorke and Williams treason.
• * 1.470

  Squires treason.
• * 1.471

  Duke of Norfolk executed.
• * 1.472

  She re¦lieves Scotland.
• * 1.473

  Roiall exchange built.
• * 1.474

  Sir Fran∣cis Drake compasses the world.
• * 1.475

  Stukelies rebellion in Ireland
• * 1.476

  Gods judgment on Des∣mond
• * 1.477

  She lends mony to the Hol∣landers.
• * 1.478

  She under∣takes the defence of the Ne∣therlands.
• * 1.479

  Mendoza's Treason.
• * 1.480

  Eale of Leicester sent into the Ne∣therlands.
• * 1.481

  Sir P. Sidney slaine.
• * 1.482

  York and Stanley traitors.
• * 1.483

  Anno 1587. Q. of Scots be∣headed.
• * 1.484

  popish perfidi∣ousnesse.
• * 1.485

  the Span∣ish navie.
• * 1.486

  Fasting and Prayer.
• * 1.487

  Tibury Campe.
• * 1.488

  Drake takes a Galleon.
• * 1.489

  Eight Fire ships.
• * 1.490

  Spaniards beaten.
• * 1.491

  Thanks∣giving.
• * 1.492

  Don Anto∣nio seekes reliefe.
• * 1.493

  She helps the King of France
• * 1.494

  An. 1596.
• * 1.495

  Her pray∣er for her Fleet.
• * 1.496

  Caidz ta¦ken by the En∣glish.
• * 1.497

  Spanish Ilands in∣vaded.
• * 1.498

  Her an∣swere to the K. of Dunmark.
• * 1.499

  Tir-Owens rebellion
• * 1.500

  Piety re∣warded.
• * 1.501

  Her great acts.
• * 1.502

  Never did any Com∣mon∣wealth doe such things.
• * 1.503

  Her Cha∣racter.
• * 1.504

  Her Piety.
• * 1.505

  Chastity.
• * 1.506

  Her last s••cknesse.
• * 1.507

  Her death
• * 2.1

  Bruitish cruelty.
• * 2.2

  Zeale.
• * 2.3

  His birth and edu¦cation.
• * 2.4

  Gustavus Adolphus Rex Sue∣corum.
• * 2.5

  He inter¦cedes for the Prote¦stants.
• * 2.6

  His Decla∣ration.
• * 2.7

  Walsteine.
• * 2.8

  Some say not above 11000 in all.
• * 2.9

  His prayer at his lan∣ding.
• * 2.10

  Prayer powerfull.
• * 2.11

  He takes in two I∣lands.
• * 2.12

  Steten ta∣ken by Policy.
• * 2.13

  Fasting and pray∣er.
• * 2.14

  Treason discove∣red.
• * 2.15

  The King in danger. A Fast.
• * 2.16

  Pomeren and Markland cleere.
• * 2.17

  His cle∣mency. King of France confede∣rates with him.
• * 2.18

  Gods pro∣vidence.
• * 2.19

  Rugen∣wald ta∣ken.
• * 2.20

  His an∣swere to the Emp.
• * 2.21

  Eightie Cities &c. taken in eight moneths.
• * 2.22

  Tillies Army.
• * 2.23

  Popish cruelty.
• * 2.24

  Sabbarh sanctified.
• * 2.25

  Franck∣furt taken by storme.
• * 2.26

  Much riches ta¦ken.
• * 2.27

  Cood di∣siples.
• * 2.28

  Thanksgi∣ving.
• * 2.29

  Pappen∣heme beaten.
• * 2.30

  Anno 1932.
• * 2.31

  Bernsteine beaten and slaine.
• * 2.32

  Treason.
• * 2.33

  Tilly worsted.
• * 2.34

  Treason.
• * 2.35

  Tilly re∣treates in∣to Saxony.
• * 2.36

  English under D. Hamilton.
• * 2.37

  His speech to his Armies
• * 2.38

  Articles betweene the King and D of Saxony.
• * 2.39

  Tilly takes Lipsich.
• * 2.40

  His mess∣age to the King.
• * 2.41

  Pride.
• * 2.42

  A Prodi∣gie
• * 2.43

  Fasting and pray∣er before the Bat∣tell.
• * 2.44

  A Dreame of the Kings.
• * 2.45

  Tilly's speech to his souldi∣ers, The Ks. to his.
• * 2.46

  A prodi∣gie.
• * 2.47

  The Bat∣tell be∣gins.
• * 2.48

  Prayer the best refuge.
• * 2.49

  The Sax∣ons flie▪ and pil∣lage their owne wagons.
• * 2.50

  A Duell
• * 2.51

  Liue.
• * 2.52

  Tilly wounded
• * 2.53

  The Im∣perialists beaten.
• * 2.54

  Pride goes be∣fore de∣struction.
• * 2.55

  The great∣nesse of the victo∣ry.
• * 2.56

  Tilly weeps.
• * 2.57

  Thanksgi∣ving.
• * 2.58

  Tilly formes a new Ar∣my.
• * 2.59

  Gods just judgment upon Tilly.
• * 2.60

  The Kings entertaine∣ment at Norim¦berg.
• * 2.61

  The siege of Duna∣wert.
• * 2.62

  Dona∣wert ta∣ken.
• * 2.63

  Tilly slaine.
• * 2.64

  The King enters Ba∣varia.
• * 2.65

  Thanks∣giving.
• * 2.66

  The King in danger.
• * 2.67

  The Kings Christian speech.
• * 2.68

  Munchen delivered to the King.
• * 2.69

  The great and spee∣dy victo∣rys of the King.
• * 2.70

  The King encamps about Norin∣berg.
• * 2.71

  Walstaines great Ar∣my.
• * 2.72

  The Kings speech to his com∣manders.
• * 2.73

  Fasting and pray∣er.
• * 2.74

  The King in danger.
• * 2.75

  A univer∣sity plun∣dered.
• * 2.76

  The Bat∣tell of Lutzen
• * 2.77

  The Kings speech to his souldiers
• * 2.78

  His pray∣er.
• * 2.79

  The King slaine.
• * 2.80

  A Pan∣nick feare.
• * 2.81

  Papen∣heime slaine.
• * 2.82

  The Im∣perialists beaten.
• * 2.83

  A prince of the empire.
• * 2.84

  King of Swedens Character.
• * 2.85

  His Piety.
• * 2.86

  He presa∣geth his death.
• * 2.87

  Power of prayer.
• * 2.88

  A speciall provi∣dence.