RICHARD Duke of Yorke overthrowne by his owne rashnesse , and the happie conduct of Queene Margaret , at the battaile of Wakefield : left the justice of his Title , with a more prosperous fortune to his Sonne Edward . His head during life , busied with expectations of Soveraigntie , after death , was mockt with a paper Crowne , and fixt on a pole was set on the walls of Yorke . For the Queene , to make his pretentions to the Kingdome the common scorne , forgot that compassion she owed humaine calamitie ; and in a phantasticke cruelty exposed it thus to the barbarous mirth of the be holders . With him dyed his younger sonne Edmond Earle of Rutland , then but twelve yeares old , comming too soone with his tutor to the school● of Warre ; and learning at first the sharpest lesson from the Lord Clifford , who most inhumanely ●tab'd him prostrate at his feete , intreating but for life .

In the very Haven , after a long and tempestuous voyage , thus perisht the Duke of Yorke ; as if it had beene in the fate of al the Richards , who were either in fact o● title Kings of England , to end by violent deathes . Richard the first and second preceding him : His sonne Richard the Tyrant , and Richard Duke of Yorke his Nephew , following him in the like disaster , though severall wayes , and upon different quarrels .

This great overthrow was suddenly rumor'd through the whole Kingdome ; and stretched up to the highest , to advance the reputation of the Queenes felicitie . And soone it arrived at Glocester , where Edward Earle of March lay with some small forces , expecting directions from his Father : By whose death perceiving himselfe in so foule weather to sit alone at the helme , he began more warily to steere his course : and considering how dangerous leasure is to increase the apprehension of misfortune , removed to Shrewesbury . By the way his armie swel'd up to three and twenty thousand fighting men : which might appeare strange if we weigh the necessary unexperience of his youth , being then but eighteene yeares of age , and the slender retinue that usually weights on infelicitie . But now he was the head of the great body of that faction , which his Father at the expence of so long trouble , had purchased to his side ; and them , the Queenes nature implacable to mercy , made resolute onely to hope for safety by running into the common danger . Moreover all the men of power who inhabited betweene Glocester and Shrowsbury , had dependancie on him as heire to Mortimer ; or held in chiefe of his mighty confederate , the Earle of Warwicke .

With this sudden and unexpected accesse of forces he entertain'd a confidence to be able to revenge his fathers injurie ; and obtaine that greatnesse as yet had beene in vaine attempted . Hee therefore lookt about , where he might on the best advantage make experience of his fortune . Fortune appearing easie to be courted , as if enamord on his youth ; having beene seldome observed but froward to age , in any designe that depends chiefely upon courage .

And occasion was immediately offerd : certaine discovery being made of a great power raised by the adverse party , with purpose to surprise him in the amazement of the late misfortune . The Armie consisted of Welch and Irish , according to the severall Nations of the two Commanders , Jasper Earle of Pembrooke , and Jaems Earle of Ormond : Pembrooke halfe brother to Henry the sixt , as sonne to Queene Catherin , dowager to Henry the fif● , by Owen Teuther : and Ormond a most faithfull servant to the house of Lanchaster , by whose gift in England he enjoyed the Earledome of Wiltshire .

Against these two the Earle of March led backe his Forces , and in a large plaine neere Mortimers crosse on Candlemas day in the morning , gave them battell . Before the fight , the Sunne ( as by many Authors it is averd ) appeared to the Earle in the resemblance of three Sunnes , and suddenly united into one : the truth of which I will not dispute , But certainely the pretension of such apparitions strangely prevailes with the superstitious multitude , and hath beene both the practise and advantage of the most expert Commanders . Yet how this omen could bee expounded happie to his de signe , I understand not , unlesse we seeke the interpretation from the event : for that indeed gave him the victory , and brought the glory of the two adverse Generalls over to his side ; so that the three Sunnes which with equall brightnesse appeared in the morning , before evening shin'd alone in him , For the two Earles and the whole Armie were put to flight , with the slaughter of three thousand eight hundred on the place : many Welch , and some English of name were taken prisoners , and afterward at Hereford beheaded : among whom an extraordinary fortune hath made Owen Teuther most the discourse of Posterity . For the good luck of an amiable person , wrought him into the affection and soone after advanced him to the marriage of Catherin daughter of France , and Widdow to the most glorious Prince our Nation ever gain'd honour by . Yet all that this so envied splendor in a wife got him , was , to render his life obnoxious to imprisonment and faction , and his death more eminention a scaffold .

This victory raysed Edwards imaginations high ; so that now he resolved to spend his fortune no longer on small enterprises , And least the spirit of his Armie should begin to languish , having no enemie neere to finde him in imployment ; he resolved to search for one about London : whether he had intelligence the Queene with her triumphant forces directed her march : moreover it concerned the pollicie of his affaires , to retaine the possession of the capitall Cittie of the Kingdome , which continued firme to his devotion ; and in which the Lords of his faction had custodie of King Henries person , left to their faith , when the Duke of Yorke went his last fatall expedition .

But in the way at Chipping Norton he met the Earle of Warwicke , having lately fought and lost the field to the Queene at St. Albans . In which , beside the honour of the day and slaughter of two thousand of her enemies , she recovered the person of her husband . So that Warwicke brought with him onely a relation of his late overthrow ; but with such a courage as disdain'd misfortune , and coveted nothing more than by the tryall of a new day to perswade , or else to force backe victory to his side .

And oftentimes a small losse to an Armie like opening a veine to a body , doth rather correct than any way impaire the health : whereas too much prosperity , like the worst surfet , suddenly becomes incureable . And so the two late obtain'd conquests wrought in the enemie , onely insolencie and disorder . For the Queene , wanton with successe , vainely imagined a securitie from future competition : and either wanted power to restraine her souldiers , or licenced them to a free spoyle : by which unruly violence she untyed the affection of the Commons , who by their quiet and profit , measure the vertues of Princes And indeede they had title to their often complaints against the Northerne troopes ; who soone as they had past Trent , as if there they had parted with all obedience to discipline , made use of all kindes of licence , that might serve their avarice or pleasure . And having by the way left no Townes , and in them no place , how Sacred soever unspoyled : after the flight of Warwicke they designed for London , hoping to finde it abundantly stored for prey , and utterly unable for defence .

But the Citizens perceiving hostility in their approach , shut their gates and arm'd for resistance : And with such valour and good order behaved themselves , that the rude assailants were with losse repulst , and the Queene perswaded to retire North-ward , knowing the disorder of her men had begot her in the place where she then lay incamped , nothing but ill aspects and worse wishes : she therefore dislodged from St. Albans ; and every day as she marcht toward the North , new relations came of the greatnesse and resolution of the Earle of Marches power ; who with the Earle of Warwicke was on his journey to London .

And doubtlesse the report of his approach confirmed the Cittie in her courage to resist the late assault : which otherwise would without question have complied with the fortune of the more powerfull . For presently after the departure of the Queene , the Earle of March made his triumphant entry , and was received with such acclamations ; as an over-joyed people could expresse , who onely hoped for safety by the fortune of his side . To encrease the glory of this entrie concurd , beside his title to the Crowne , his late victory at Mortimers Crosse , the memory of a most glorious Father , and great authority of his Confederate Warwicke ; the beauty of Marches person , than which that age beheld not any more excellent . Neither is the outward forme a small circumstance to induce the multitude or reverence ; since as deformitie in a Prince , hath oftentimes occasioned contempt even to deprivation : so on the contrary hath an amiable shape strengthend very weake pretentions , and in Antoninus Heliogabalus was sufficient title to an Empire , even in a military election .

But the Earle of Warwicke , ( whose minde was still in labour , and felt continually most violent throwes ; till it had brought forth a setled soveraignety to the house of Yorke ) contented not himselfe with this generall applause ; knowing how the least change of Fortune would create new affections . He therefore resolved so to fasten the Citty to his designes , that any alteration in Edward should be ruine to them : and thereupon caused a generall muster of all his forces in St. Johns fields : where when hee found an universall confluence of all men , answerable to his expectation ; he cast his Armie into a Ring ; and with a loude voyce , made to be reade , the agreement which the last Parliament had accorded betweene Henry the sixt , and Richard Duke of Yorke . By which Henry ( out of compassion to a long possession ) was permitted to enjoy the Crowne during his naturall life , the remainder to Richard and his heires , in whom it was then apparently proved that the title to the Kingdome did remaine . In which agreement was likewise manifested that Henry should make immediate forfeiture , when soever either hee or any of his party should attempt to disa●all this Act. This reade , and commented on with the best efficacie of Language , to expresse the foule breach on King Henries side , in the destruction of Richard Duke of Yorke : Question was proposed to them , whether they would longer continue in obedience to Henries usurpation , who so impiously had violated his Faith ? To which with an universall loude consent of voyces they cryed out , No , No. Then were they demanded , whether they would admit Edward ; whose title to the Crowne was so apparent , and whose sufferance had beene so great in a perfidious violent entry , and a long injurious possession of the Kingdome by the family of Lancaster ? To which with acclamations of assent was answered Yea , Yea.

Thus by the Souldier and the people was Edwards title approved , and he admitted King . And happily did this ceremony then appeare needfull ; in regard the same voyces had vowed obedience to another . Otherwise whosoever shall alleage that the suffrage of the multitude is necessary to confirme a Prince , destroyes the right of succession , and in that the Monarchie , which so long and triumphantly hath ruled this Nation . And to understand the incertainety and injustice of all popular election , History instructs us that no Tyrant yet in England by what indirect practise soever he attaind , or cruelty maintaind the government ; but entred in by a seeming approbation of the Common-wealth , and setled his state by confirmation of the People . For I know not by what universall distemper of humors it happens , that generally when the head of this Kingdome hath beene sicke , the whole body was diseased : so farre , that usurpation hath beene ligitimated , and tyrannie applauded . Which misfortune must have necessarily beene occasioned through Potencie of the prevailing faction ; and feare which possest all honest mindes : who though they neither wanted knowledge to see the injury , nor desire to redresse it ; yet private interest made them too cowardly to undertake the remedy .

But in Edwards first in trance on the Kingdome the popular suffrage ( which in the inauguration of Christian Princes is of ancient custome esteemed a convenient ceremonie ) met with a just title . For he by his Grandmother , daughter and heire of Mortuner sonne and heire to Philippa , onely childe of Lionell Duke of Clarence ; third sonne to Edward the third King of England : of necessity must have ( where women are admitted to inherit ) better claime to the Crowne than Henry the sixt : though in the fourth descent from Edward the third by John of Gaunt , being but his fourth sonne . For however Casuists may dispute , or civill Lawyers argue . The being removed one degree further , can no way prejudice succession : Whereby the younger brother may come to bee prefer'd before the elder brothers sonne , if by chance the elder dye during his Fathers life . An injustice so against reason and custome , that whosoever yet attempted it , was reputed to violate the lawes of Nature .

From St. Johns fields , the principall of the armie , and Common Councell of the Cittie , brought newes of this Election to Edward Earle of March remaining at Baynards Castle . Who soone as he understood the intention of their addresse ( with such modestie as some Clergie man may have used at his consecration ; who by simonaicall practise hath obtaind a Bishoprick ) refused that a while , which most ambitiously he covered . But soone the animation of the Arch-bishop of Canterbury , the Earle of Warwicke , the Bishops of London and Exeter , and divers others of eminence prevail'd , and he at their request tooke on him the Royaltie .

That night he rested , the next morning with as much ceremonie and state , as the shortnesse and unquietnesse of the time could licence , in solemne procession he went to Paules ; whence after Te Deum sung , and oblation made , hee rod to Westminster : there seated in the most perspicuous place of the great Hall , with the Scepter of St. Edward the Confessor in his hand , himselfe made declaration of his double title to the Crowne First , by descent , as heire to the third sonne of Edward the third ; the Line of whose eldest sonne Edward the blacke Prince extinguisht in the deposition and par●icide of Richard the second procured by Henry of Bullingbrooke , first King of the house of Lancaster , Edward the thirds second sonne dying without issue . Secondly , by authority of Parlament , which upon examination of the Duke of Yorkes title , confer'd the possession of the Kingdome immediately on him or his heires , when Henry the sixth should make forfeiture of it , by death , resignation , or breach of that Accord sworne there so solemnely by them . And that this accord was broken , the slaughter of the Duke opprest with unequall numbers on King Henries partie at the battell of Wakefield , did sadly manifest . Neverthelesse he protested himselfe ready to forgoe the justice of his claime , ratherthan to enter upon it without their free vote .

At which unanimously the Assembly cryed King Edward , King Edward : Ioyfull that their voyces might confirme him King , who had daign'd them so humble a complement , as to professe that he would not receive the title without their suffrage . The formalitie of this second Election thus past , he went in Procession to the Abbie : whence after much solemnitie and homage of all the Nobility there present ; he returned by water to the Bishop of Londons Pallace , and was immediately proclaimed King , throughout the City by the name of Edward the Fourth .

The first fortnight of his Raigne was died , I will not say stain'd , with the blood of Walter Walker a Grocer , who keeping shop at the signe of the Crowne in Cheapeside , sayd he would make his sonne heire to the Crowne : a bold jest broke in an evill time : yet doe I not side with them in opinion , who taxe the King of severity in this execution ; unlesse I could cleere this man from being particularly factious for the house of Lancaster ; or know that these words were uttered in innocent mirth , without any scorne to King Edwards Title . And however perhaps the extraordinary punishment of such saucie language , was not then unnecessary to beget authority , and make men cautious to dispute the descent of Princes , when the question was so nice , and arguments not improbable on either side .

But here in her very first curtesie , Fortune raisd King Edward higher than the endeavours of a long ambition had done his Father . For now was he consecrated King , in the Imperiall City of this Realme , adornd with every circumstance of Soveraigntie : and all his enterpises hitherto so flattered with successe , that he could promise nothing but prosperity to his hopes . Yet was the ground whereon he built uncertaine ; and his state , brought into comparison with his Competitor , fraile and obnoxious to ruine .

For Henry had equall dignity with the advantage of a long Raigne : an uninterrupted descent in Majestie for threescore yeares ; a soveraigntie acknowledg'd abroad by all Christian Princes , and obeyd at home by all Engilshmen without dispute : a title according to the Law Salique indubitable ; and which had beene confirmed at the first entry of his Grandfather Henry the fourth into the Kingdome , not onely by resignation of Richard the second ; by generall acknowledgement of all the Nobilitie , and by authority of Parliament : but even by approbation , nay particular negotiation of Edmond Duke of Yorke , Edward Duke of Aumerle ; Richard Earle of Cambridge , Grandfather , Great Vncle , and Great Grandfather to the late anointed King , Edward the Fourth . Onely a feeble judgement , and a long evill fortune rendred Henry the sixt inferiour : to counterpoise which Queene Margaret and the Lords of her side were daring and vigilant , omitting on stratagem or endeavor that might adde to the honour , or safety of their designes .

Whereupon slie continued still in the North , and oblieging that people every day more to her devotion , labourd to prepare such an armie , as might upon the worst of fortune , be able enough for defence . And soone she found how much her owne and the authoritie of the great Lords of her side prevail'd : having rais'd threescore thousand fighting men , and they all resolv'd with expence of their blood to buy backe that Majestie , which the house of Lancaster by evill fate had lost . An armie if arm'd and order'd well , able to oppose the mightiest enemie , or undertake the boldest enterprise . On sight of which the Queene entertain'd a confidence easily to scatter the Forces of the new Mushrome King , who in a night seem'd to have sprung up to Majestie . Especially when she understood how with unequall power hee marcht Northward , A clime not unlikely to prove as distastrous to him , as to his Father .

For King Edward , soone as the voyce of the people had saluted him Prince , resolv'd with hazard of his new gain'd Soveraigntie , to extirpate his great opposer . For while the side of Lancaster was supported with the devotion of so large a portion of the Kingdome , as yet adhear'd to Henry ; he could be King , but at the curtesie of his Faction : and the body of the Land must of necessitie grow monstrous , being charg'd with two heads , each of which look'd divers wayes . He therefore while his men had yet the memorie of their late good fortune ; fresh in their courage , marcht toward the Queene , and chose rather , as worthier his spirit , to provoke than expect an enemie .

Of his arrivall at Pomfret Castle when it was understood , and that part of his armie led by the Lord Fitzwalter had possest it selfe of Ferribrig , a passage over the River Aire of great import : All they of Lancaster began carefully to looke to their affaires . King Henry , the Queene , and Prince ( who were by their severall weakenesses unfit for action ) retired to Yorke , there to attend the event of businesses . The Armie being committed to the charge of the Duke of Sommerset , the Earle of Northumberland , and the Lord Clifford .

Among these it was resolv'd that Ferribrig , in regard of the consequence of the place , was at any hazard to be recovered ; and the enterprise left to the undertaking of Clifford : who early the next morning , least delay might betray his designe to the enemie , with a competent number made thither : and with such diligence and ●ecrecie hee Marcht , that before there was the least suspition of an assault , the uncircumspect guard was entred upon and defeated . With which tum●lt the Lord Fitzwalter , and the Bastard of Salisbury ; suspecting a mutanie among their owne Souldiers , role hastily from their beds , and comming downe encounterd a remorselesse enemie , who denyed all quarter , and on the place slew them .

The losse of this so commodious passage & slaughter of such eminent persons came first to the eare of the Earle of Warwicke : who somewhat too much transported with the evill fate of their first attempt posted in all haste to King Edward : in whose presence he kil'd his horse , and sayd . Sir God have mercy on their soules , who for love of you in the beginning of your enterprise , have lost their lives ; yet let him flye who will flye : by this crosse ( kissing the hilts of his sword ) I will stand by him , who will stand by me , fall backe , fall edge .

Wordt certainely , though mingled with a high resolution , strangely distemperd : and representing so much of danger , as might have troubled the courage of the Armie . And howsoever partiall history in mentioning the actions of great men , will not allow them to participate with the vulgar in the weakenesses incident to humane nature , yet every greatest Spirit hath his allay of imbecillitie . The most knowing Scholler hath found a period , beyond which his curious search could not move : the wisest Politician hath discovered where he err'd , and blusht at the mistake : and the boldest souldier at some time hath soon● the Coward tremble in him . We may b●i●ht end●v●rs raise nature somewhat above her ●r●ilti● : but never triumph : over her till death .

And certainely Warwicke was too much ●●●●● at this accident : but soone he setled ●●●●selfe , and by his stout compo●ment 〈…〉 fied th●s ●ainting armie . But King Edward , whose youth was beau●ified with valour and wisdome , eve● to wonder , ●o b●●tly entertaind this sad reporti● and to oppose against any feare , which might shake the Souldier ; caus'd immediate Proclamati do● to be made ; That it was lawfull for any man whom the present losse , or feare of ●in●●e danger discouragd , safely to depart : that whosoever should performe the dutie of a Souldier and fight manfully , should have a certaine and a most large reward : On the contrary to any man● who should continue in the Armie , and hereafter flye away ; the severest punishment , and liberty for any one to kill such a coward , with promise of double pay .

No man accepted the offer of so contem'd a safety : and indeede the body of his Armie consisted of Southerne men , whose ●light had perhaps beene as unsafe as the present danger . Moreover the example of the valiant perswaded the rest , who blusht●o appeare single ●● their feares : whereby not being knowne they grew afterward to have equall title , with the most daring to a glorious victory .

The King seeing the Spirit of his Armie ; so bold , and so devoted to his service ; thought the losse of time might endanger the losse of his designe : and thereupon resolv'd with that first convenience to bring his Fortune to the tryall of a battell . The Lord Fauconbrige and Sir Walter ●●●●● , in regard the Duke of Norfolke was then disabled by sicknesse , had the leading of the va●●tguard ▪ who finding the passage of Forribrig●mpossible ●mpossible on the su●●●n ●o ●●taine , three miles by hand , at ●●stl● f●●d pa●●●●● P●●●●●●●●d sonne af●●● about ●●●ding●●●● d●●cove●●● the Lord Cliff●●d , whom . they suddenly ●ye●●●●●● and ●●compast ; in vaine ●●boring to retir● to the maine battell . But hee perceiving no way to lead from his Enemies but through death ●● with ●i● small Forces even to the envie of them who overc●me , till shot with an a●●ow through the ●●●o●te he perisht . The Lord John N●●●●● So●●●● in the Earle of West●●●land with al●●●● shall th●se ●●●● forth h●●● troopes fell there with thei● la●●d●● the Lord Cliff●rd , Who in too milde ● manner payd the● the great debt hee owed , the murder ●●● the young Earle of R●t●a●d .

Next day being ●alme Sunday , early in the mor●●●● both Armies came in sight : A fatall meeting , which like the union of the soule with the body , ●●ver pa●●●●●●● by death . The field was betweene Caxton and T●●t●n , from the latter of : which thi● battell afterward tooke name . On full Survey of King H●nc●●s host so dreadfull in advantage of ●●●●be● : Reclamation was ▪ made in King Edward●●●pe ●●●pe ●●●●●● quarter should be given nor prisoner taken ▪ A ●●cessary cruelty not to be avoy●●● but with danger of his owne ruine : In regard otherwise the common Souldier might in hope of ●●●yle of the ransome of an enemie , bee wanting to his duty .

It was about the houre of nine , when the Armies drew neere : threescore thousand for Lancaster , for Yorke scarce forty thousand : onely the presence and courage of King Edward made an equality . The Lord Eauconbrige to whom the Van was committed , and who was most able for the place , when the fight was ready to begin , charg'd his Archers , soone as they had shot , to fall three strides backe and make a stand ▪ whereby they might avoyd the arrowes of the Enemie : which stratagem happen'd as was expected ; for the Northerne men with a sudden fury answered the on set , and having emptied their quivers hasted to hand blowes : But the Arrowes which they had discharged , having never reacht them against whom they were shot , turnd now to their annoiance and trouble , so far that the splinters of them sticking in the ground p●irst and gauld their feet , and forc'd them to a confus'd stop . In this trouble the Southerne men shot another flight , and the wind conspiring with their cunning blew a tempest of haile and snow into their faces : by which the Vantguard of King Henry led by the Earle of Northumberland and Andrew Trollop gave backe .

Yet did not the maine battell tremble with this motion : but as if the enemie had gain'd no advantage , continued with , the first constancie . Ten houres victory hung in suspence : equall courage on both sides ; equall hopes in the good , equall despai●es in the bad successe ▪ which occasion'd so much cruelty in the fight . But at length ( the field staind with blood , and the earth groaning with the burden of so many heapes of dead and dying bodies ) the Northerne men began to hope for safety onely in flight ▪ Neither did they ●eeld to the prevailing Fortune of the Enemie , untill their courages were dismayd with sight of so many eminent persons slaine before their eyes . For the Earles of Northumberland and Westmerland , the Lords Beaumont D'acres , Gray and Wells with divers others of greatest reputation for Nobility and courage had already falne ; and in their slaughter taught the survivers what to expect . The Dukes of Sommerset and Exeter , seeing all things desperate ; the greater part of the Armie slaine , the rest broken and flying : poasted to Yorke , to carry the fatall newes of this overthrow to the unfortunate King : whose vertue yet had a patience greater than his ruine .

In no battle was ever powred forth so much English Blood : for in this and the two precedent dayes were slaine , sixe and thirty thousand , seven hundred seventy sixe persons : all of one nation , many neere in alliance , some in Blood ; fatally divided by faction : yet all animated with the same zeale to maintaine their Princes right ▪ which being so difficult to resolve , doubtlesse made the quarrell on either side , how ruinous soever to their famelies ; not unsafe to their Consciences . And it is worthy observation , that in this so long and cruell conflict betweene the two houses ; never any stranger of name was present at our battels : as if we had disdaind to conquer or perish by other weapons than our owne .

Kind Henry perceiving how desperate his hopes were in England , with the poore remaines of his partie , secured himselfe by flight into Scotland : And with such hast , that before King Edward got to Yorke ( where he hoped to have surpris'd him dismaid with the late discomsiture ) nothing was there left but the Citie humbly devoted to the dispose of the Conqueror . But on the walls yet remaind the heads of Richard Duke of Yorke and his friends ; an ignominious spectacle , unluckily there standing to in●ence him to cruelty . For on sight of so barbarous an injurie ▪ he gave present command that Thomas Earle of De●●a●●i●● should be beheaded with three others taken in the former battle : that these new heads might r●leeve them who had stood centinell so long ; and that his father and friends might not want that busie part of the body to be inclosed with them in the grave . An action too much savouring of the ancient Heathen : the soules of Christians no way requiring their murders to be revengd , or their injuries appear'd with such an offering .

After this dire oblation , he sent part of his Forces to cleere the coast toward Scotland , from the dregges of warre : where to terrifie that people prone to innovation in King Henries quarrell , some examples of severitie were made . In the interime he with as glorious triumph and large joy as victory could beget , which begot no lesse to him than absolute Soveraignety , marcht toward London . By the inhabitants whereof , who were deepely interessed in his Fortune , he was with all the solemnity of a secure gladnesse entertaind . To the triumph of his entrance , soone succeeded that of his Coronation , perform'd with usuall ceremonies , but most unusuall congratulations .

Immediately , that no circumstance of Soveraintie might be wanting , a Parlament was Summond : By which his title might be reconfirm'd ▪ his partakers rewarded , his enemies punisht . And though private respects were his chiefe businesse , desiring to disa●●ll all acts made heretofore in prejudice to the house of Yorke and its adherents : yet the outward pretention was the safety and quiet of the Realme . For he publickly profest his onely care to bee , that such wholesome lawes might be enacted ; as might redresse disorders crept into the state , by free licence given to rapin in the former troubles . By which apparence of solicitude for quieting the republique , he gain'd authority among the wise , and created a beleefe in all , that his government in peace would be as fortunate , as his successe in warre . Having by his wisedome and providence thus won opinion upon the generality ▪ he bestowed his graces on particular persons , whom blood in merit rendred deare to him . His brothers George and Richard he created Dukes , the elder of Clarence , the younger of Glocester . Iohn Lord Nevill the Earle of Warwickes brother , he made Vicount Mountague , Henry Bourchier brother to the Archbishop of Canterbury , Earle of Essex : and William Lord Fauconbrige Earle of Kent . He erected divers others to the Title of Barons , and honour'd many with Knighthood . The conclusion of this great assembly was punishment : for John Earle of Oxford , Aubery Vere his sonne , Sir John Tiddenham Knight , William Tirrell and Walter Mountgomery Esquires , were without an●were convict of● reason and behended . A rough proceeding which favord something too much of the Conqueror .

B●sinesses thus happily setled at home , to check the ●udaciousnesse of our transmarin neighbours ( who had throwrie injuries on our Nation weakned by discord ) the Earles of Esse● and Kent with the Lord Audley were sent with ten thousand souldiers to scowre the narrow Seas : who first landing in Britaine tooke the Towne of Conquest : and afterward in the Isl● of R●● , pill●g'd that little Country , and with victory returned . By which en●erprise , though of n● signall consequence to his affaires , yet King Edward gave the French to understand ho●● unfa●●● it was to ●●●●tate the English govern'd by ●●● active Prince● who might perhaps 〈◊〉 in person app●●●e abroade , for the recovery of ●●●ose Provinces , nothing but ●●●● diss●●sion ●●ould have los●o As likewise to t●●rifie all 〈◊〉 states from adhering to King Henry , who both in c●●rage and fortune was ●o ●a●●e inferio●● .

And no●● was the prosperitie of Edward●n ●n so full splendor , and so darke a cloud hung over the house of Lancaster that Henry Duke of Somm●rset and Sir Ralph Percie for ●●●●e the ●●ine● of that family , they had ●● long endeavour'd to support . To King Edward the submission of two so eminent persons appear'd welcome as a victory and they by his favour were presently restored to full possession both of honour and ●●tar● : the same grace promist to any , who migh●●● example should perswade .

Yet did not the indefatigable Queene loose any thing from her sprit on endeavours : H●qlate so sad discomfiture , and revolt now of her chiefe adherents , able perhaps to 〈◊〉 for●●●● , not her . And having upon full reckoning , perceived that she must account of no powre at home , she made her addresses to all Princes abroad , whom allianee , reason of state , or compassion of so great a disaster , might move to her assistance . But , as it is in the fate of all women who usurpe on their husbands , she had beene ●o happie in mannage of his prosperitie and Tow● w●somuch mor●●●capable to ●●gole against christ for●●● and 〈◊〉 in felicity● G●●● undertakings being 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 succesfull in 〈◊〉 , whose government 〈◊〉 , as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 it is 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 selfe in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 beene disorderly and 〈◊〉 But certainely how erronious however 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 she ●●● now defective onely in th●● 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 is not ruled by ours , but by a high 〈◊〉 .

For wi●● the King of Scotland ( with 〈◊〉 is in the neerest place of safety , she l●●●●●er h●●●●●nd ) to confirme a secure friendship , she contracted a neere alliance : by promising the young . Prince her sonne in marriage to his lister . And that this marriage might not seeme a gift but a bargaine ; shee ●●●ght the ( Lady by 〈◊〉 of Barwicke into the Scot●●ands ; ●●● strongest Fort 〈◊〉 English 〈◊〉 in the North. But the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ever ●●●●●●er son their 〈◊〉 and for●● to ●op●●gha●e what otherwise they would with 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 perswaded to receive .

With Lewes the Eleventh the French King , she prevail'd little , though neere to him 〈◊〉 confanguinity : for the discontent of his Nobility , held him incontinuall suspition . Otherwise she had title to promise her selfe large supplies from so potent and politicke a Prince , whose interest it must no reas●● have beene , by fomenting discord at home , to hinder us from any attempt abroad . After ●uch 〈◊〉 , she obtain'd that he declared himselfe ●●● King Henry : By prohibiting all favorers of the house of Yorke accesse into the French dominions ; and opening them to all those of the party of Lancaster . A negative kinde of helpe , which rather showed there yet was Sanctuary left for Henries unhappie friends , than any considerable ayde to be expected .

Phillip Duke of Burgundie , though a mighty Prince , and neere allyed to Lancaster ( whose wives mother was Philippa , daughter to John of Gaunt ) by age , and a passionate love to quiet , was become altogether unactive . Neither had Charles Earle of Charolois , his sonne , though of a daring Spirit and an affecter of businesse , leisure to looke over into our Island : being engaged to domestick troubles , and suspitious of the designes of the French King .

With Charolois , the Duke of Britaine held a strong confederacie : and both of them intelligence with the discontented Lords of France . The warre which was afterward so knowne by the name of the Weale-Publique being at that time among them privately in contrivance : so that all these neighboring Princes , to whom the affaires of England might seeme considerable , were wholly taken up with attention to their owne .

The Emperor Frederick the third was more remote : and so cautious from entring into the quarrels of other men ; that by any Art & even with losse he would decline his owne . Moreover he justly stood in continuall feare of the growing Fortune of the Turke : who having lately subverted the Easterne , threatned now ruine to the Westerne Empire : and questionlesse had not the great God of Armies miraculously given a stop to his victories ; Christendome had now beene onely severall Provinces slaved to his tyrannie . For pride and emulation had then turn'd our Armes upon our selves , and left our bodies naked to the scourge of the common enemie .

Spaine was far off , divided betweene a Christian and Mahometan government , each labouring the extirpation of the other , so that they had liberty to be Actors in no Tragoedie but their owne . And indeede no conflict is so fierce and irreconciliable ; as when Religion animates to warre , and makes it pietie to be cruell .

To her Father therefore , who enjoyed the specious title of King of Sicily , Naples , and Hierusalem , but possession of none of them , the afflicted Queene was forc't to make a sad retreate . A poore contemptible Lord , living now to see his sonne in Law , once the greatest Monarch of the Christian world , a Prince as meerely titular as himselfe . As if it had beene the Fate of these two , that the one could say , he might have beene , the other that once he was a King .

Leaving therefore forraigne states intentive to their owne designes : with her sonne , whom to move compassion she had carried up and downe : the Queene return'd to Scotland : by her long but unsuccesfull labour , having gathered together five hundred French : a number so small and so unworthy the name of an Armie , that it was but a competent retinue for so great a Princesse . With these neverthelesse she sayld to Timmouth , whence she was repulst by the inhabitants soone as shee landed ; and forc't againe to put to Sea . But there ( for where may the unfortunate meete with friendship ? ) she found the winds her enemies , whose unruly force drave her at length disorderly to Barwicke .

Heere some thinne regiments of Scots resorted to her ; in company of whom she entred Northumberland : her husband 〈◊〉 in the Fro●● , that the name and presence of King 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 invite the people to their ancient service ; and 〈◊〉 Authority to the designe● B●● soone th●●e 〈◊〉 her error ; for hope , not compassion 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 danger ▪ and the Commonalty fate still , 〈◊〉 by rising they understood themselves onely 〈◊〉 to sha●● in the Kings misfortune . For having upon a just a●c●ou●● discoverd how war●● i● o●ely necessary to the most desperate , and that in the 〈◊〉 it leaves them to nothing but b●gg●ry and ●●●●●shment they were 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the love of 〈◊〉 and every man betook● himselfe to industry ▪ And for the Nobility ▪ the King had ●●on the●●●●th●t by the reputation of his fortune ▪ or te●r●● of his courage ; so that ●●m●ma●●o 〈◊〉 to change subjection . Onely H●●●●y Duke of Sommerset , and Sir Ralph Percie , who ●ot long before had forsooke King H●n●y in his tempest , no●● upon a false hope of fairer weather : st●●● 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . For it is a ridiculous ●●●●ing in Historians to ascribe the action of great men ●●r●etually to pollicie ; since i●resolution prevailes equally ●●●●● them as with the vulgar . And why might ●●●● desperation be g●t submission in these ●●●● bo●●ing Edward ; and a vaine apparence of a re●ur●e of fortune to King Henti●s 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to this lastrevolt .