A relation of the solemnetie wherewith the Catholike princes K. Phillip the III. and Quene Margaret were receyued in the Inglish Colledge of Valladolid the 22. of August. 1600. VVritten in Spanish by Don Ant. Ortiz and translated by Frauncis Riuers and dedicated to the right honorable the Lord Chamberlayne.

A RELATION OF THE SOLEMNETIE WHEREWITH THE CATHOLIKE PRINCES K. PHILLIP THE III. AND Quene Margaret were receyued in the Inglish Colledge of Valladolid the 22. of August . 1600.

Written in spanish by Don Ant. Ortiz and translated by Frauncis Riuers and dedicated to the right honorable the Lord Chamberlayne .

Printed at N. with Licence . Anno 1601.

TO THE RIGHT HONORABLE THE LORD OF HVNSDEN . L. CHAMBERLAYN , AND OF HER Mt. PRIVYE COVNCEL .

RIGHT honorable , I was drawen with no little curiosety and desire , to read this booke when it came to my hands in the Spanish tongue , therly to gather the trewe causes , why the Spaniards fauor so much our Inglish Catholique fugetiues , and what hartes they cary to their country , euen these which for Religion , leaue it , to lyue in Seminaries abrode . And for as much as the relacion of these solemnityes written by a straunger , and published in printe , to be read by so many gratie persons as had bene present , must nedes be written with all truthe and sinceritie , It could not choose ( giuing notice of many particular speches and actions ) but discouer vnto vs the secret affects , of both parts . And therfore hauing seene it with attention , I was drawen with no lesse desire to put it in Inglish , that it might be read by your honor and the rest of my good lords of her M. Councel . For yf the good will of the King of Spaine and his people to our countrymen , and their correspondence to him and his , be founded in these honorable respects of conformity in Religion on the one side , and of piety and gratitude on the other , as by this relation may be gathered ( far different from the surmises which by other wayes I haue heard ) me thinke the assurance of good meaninge , and knowen continuance of good will in them that were wont to be our best frends , though of late prouoked to be our enemyes , should encorage vs much to Peace , and to renew the old confederations which our forefathers with so great wisdome procured so many ages , with so great benefit of the land , especially with those in whom yet ( vnder the profession of hostility and exercise of war , wee fynde far better harts and more true affection to our Country and Countrymen , ( as in this occasion may besene ) then in others , whom with great care and cost we labor ( I feare in vayne ) to make of old enemyes , new frends . And this I beseeke your honor to consider , and to be a meane that it may come to her M. Knowlege . And so I take my leaue from Paris the 2. of December . 1600.

Your L. euer at commaunde Frauncis Riuers .

A RELATION OF THE SOLEMNITIE WHEREWITH THE POTENT AND CATHOLIKE PRINCES KINGE PHILIPPE the third and Queene Margaret weare receiued in the English Colledge of Valladolid the 22 of August . 1600. The Authors Epistle dedicatorie to the most gracious Lady Elisabeth Clara Eugenia , Infanta of Spayne .

HAVING vndertaken at the request of the English Colledge of this Citty and of diuers theire benefactors and frendes , to write this Relation , of the Intertaynment & good successe of theire Magesties coming to this Colledge wherat I was present : the same beeing to the great comfort of these banished Catholikes of the same nation , and of many other graue and noble personages of this kingdome , who for the great affection and good wil they beare to this Colledge , desire to haue particular notice of all that passed : I thought my labour herein should be the more approued and the Relation more gratefull to all sortes of people , both here and in England , if it passed first through your highnes handes , aswell for the naturall affection which this Kingdome beareth you , as also for the singular loue your highnes in many ocasions hath shewed in tymes past to the Catholikes of England , which no doubte by this late vicinetie and neighbourhood is much augmented , whereof this Relation shal be to them a newe recorde and testimonie , and so I truste of your highnes clemencie , that you will vouchsafe to make them partakers of this conforte , in confidence whereof I haue entered into many party cularities and taken ocasion to speake of diuers circumstances which wil not be tedious to your highnes , nor to the discreete reader with this respecte . And al though I could haue desired more tyme & comoditie for the writinge of any thinge that should be presented to your highnes , yet considering that the grace and ornament of this kinde of narration is the noueltie and freshnes it bringes , I haue rather chosen to packe it vp in haste , as my other businesses and obligations did permitte , then to delaye it any longer , hoping that amongste the fauours which your highnes hath shewed and doth dayly shewe to these Seminaries one shal be and not the least , to accepte the good will and intention of the writer and not looke vpon the errors of the stile or other faultes that may be comitted .

This whole Cittie is greatly comforted with the good newes that comes dayly of the discreet and Christian zeale & valour which your highnes sheweth in all occasions , & so doth ernestly beseech our Sauiour ( who giueth you them ) that he will defende and prosper your highnes for many happie yeares , & the Arch duke in like manner , for the good of Christendome , to whome I suppose this relation wil not be vngratefull . So wishing your highnesses all fortunate successe I humbly take my leaue from the English Colledge in Valladolid the 15. of Septemb. 1600.

A RELATION OF THE COMMING OF THE CATHOLIKE PRINCES KING PHILIPPE THE THIRD AND QVEENE Margaret to the English Colledge of Valladolid , and of there receiuing theire the 22. of August . 1600. To the Soueraigne Lady Elizabeth , Infante of Spayne .

KING Philippe the third , Brother to your highnes , and Queene Margaret his wyf entered this famous Citie of Valliadolid vpon S. Margarets euen , the 19. of Iulij a day of great ioy and solemnitie , and of no lesse conforte to all this Citie , as it is like your highnes hath bene informed , and for that the weather was then very hotte in the Canicular dayes , and his Magesties Palace in the farthest parte of the Citie , a greate way from the English Colledge , they deferred to desire theire Magesties to fauoure this theire Colledge with theire Royall presence , for having receiued the like honour of his Magestie and of your highnes eight yeares agoe with your presence , vpon the inuention of the holly Protomartyre S. Stephen , which day is yet fresh in memorie in this Colledge : it seamed they had the way open to expect and receiue this newe fauour of his Magestie .

At this very tyme there came a good number of schollers from the Colledge of S. Omers , of those your highnes Estates , erected by the King his Magestie that now is , eight yeares since ( not without the speciall prouidence of God ) wherein the Catholike children of Englad might be brought vp and instructed in vertue from theire tender yeares , and learne the Latine tongue , Poetrie and Rhetoricke , and from thence be sent to the Seminaries of Spayne to 〈◊〉 other more protounde sciences as your highnes doth knowe . Among these studientes there came some to yonge in yeares , that it semed they could scarse speake latine , but being examined they weare founde to be good Poetes and Rhetoricians , and two of the yongest were appointed to do obeysance and giue to theire Magesties humble thankes in the name of theire Colledge : & so with six others of theire company were conducted to the Pallace by their superior and presently admitted to audience , where hauing made the reuerence accustomed , one of them of fourteene yeares of age with good grace and modest countenance offered to speake : But for that he was so younge & so lately ariued , and that it might be feared least with the presence and Magestie of so great a kinge , he might be dismayed and driuen out of countenance , the father thought good to preuent his Magestie , and so told him the youth had a worde or two to speake in the behalfe of his Colledge , but he feared his bashfulnes & that his harte would not serue him to speake in presence of his Magestie . The Kinge smiled and willed him with such courtesie to speake , that the childe tooke courage , and deliuered his Oration with so good a grace , so chearefully with so modest and decent action and so good pronuntiation and voice that he was well vnderstoode , and his speache very gratefull to his Magestie , and to all that weare present who much commended the liuelines and good courage of the childe , and for that his Oration was liked and commended of diuers graue and learned personnages that heard it , I suppose it wil be gratefull to your highnes that I sette it downe in this place .

THE FIRST ORATION MADE TO THE KINGE , IN HIS PALLACE AT VALLADOLID , BY ONE OF THE STVDENTES OF THE ENglish Seminarie , of fourteen yeares of age , in which he giueth him thankes for the fauours done to the Colledge in S. Omers .

GRatis & generosis animis natura hoc dedit ( Rex Catholice & maxime ) vt cum à quo beneficijs affecti sunt , absentem videre vehementissime cupiant , & praesentem non sine summa voluptate & gaudio intueantur . Nos enim ex Audomarensi Seminario ( clarissimo regiae liberalitatis tuae monumento ) in Hispaniam acciti , hodiernam laetitiam in pectoribus nostris gestientem explicare satis non possumus , quam ex maiestatis vestrae iucundissimo conspectu haurimus , cum liceat pectus illud regium sedem & fontem beneficentiae intueri , & osculari illam inuictam dextram , cuius munificentiam liberalitatemque prius penè sumus experti , quam huius lucis vsuram . Quod si flumina subterraneis recessibus ( naturae impetu ) feruntur in mare , ex quo originem hauserunt ; nos quam alacres quam laetos recurrere oportebit ad Maiestatem vestram ( immensum beneficentiae Oceanum ) ex quo haec quam spiramus vitae manauit , hic sanguis quem aliquando pro Christo fundendum speramus , effluxit .

Cyrus Persarum Rex , cum Lysandrum Lacedemonium deduxisset in hortum , & ille copiam , pulchritudinem , ordinem consitarum arborum admiraretur ; tunc glorians Cyrus , has ( inquit ) omnes mea manuplantaui , cui Lysander ; o beatum Persarum Regem , cuius etiam in serendis arboribus peritiae fortuna coniuncta est . Nos autem quanto verius & quanto iustius , o te foelicem & beatum orbis Monarcham , qui cum summo fastigio & imperio summam pietatem & religionem miscuisti ; qui non terrenas & caducas , sed diuinas & aeternas arbores in illo tuo Andomarensi horto seminasti ; quae satis declarant quanta prouidentia consilioque , a sapientissima Maiestate vestra sint consitae , cum nouis quotidie in doctrina & pietate progressibus ad martyrium vegitētur . Specta oculis hos socios meos , & in illis animo intuere ( maxime & potentissime Cyre ) centum & amplius alios nobiles pueros qui Audomaropoli remanserunt : hi nouelli fidei flores , virentia haec germina religionis ex tuis hortis prodierunt ; hae tenerae pietatis plantae ex tuis Seminarijs profectae sunt ; tui sunt hi fructus , tuae arbores quas regiae manu & liberalitate plantasti , magnificis sumptibus aluisti , largis beneficiorum fontibus irrigasti .

Alexander Magnus cum in amicos omnia liberalissimè effunderet , interrogatus a quodam quid sibi reseruaret , spem ( inquit ) non prodigis the sauros tuos , quos in Catholicos Anglorum filios magnificentissimè spargis , sed his beneficijs acquiris certissimam spem consequendi maiora . Alis enim in his pueris spem Angliae , spem publicae pacis , spem religionis & fidei recuperandae . Erimus vbicunque locorum testes , & praecones tuarum laudum . Erimus liberalitatis tuae non muta & mortua , sed viua & loquentia monumenta . Erimus veluti canales , per quos traducti beneficiorum tuorum imbres obruent Angliam vniuersam . Illi tui hostes , hac tua liberalitate , nobilissima , christianissimaque & ab omnibus saeculis inandita vincentur . Venient ad te colendum , non inuiti , sed volentes ; non armis sed benesicijs superati .

Camillus clarissimus Romanorum Imperator cum Faliscos ( populos Italiae ) obsidione premeret , omnesque nobilium virorum filij in eius potestatem proditi fuissent , nihil in pueros atrox , aut hostile gessit , sed insigni iustitiae & clementiae exemplo illaesos integrosque remisit ad parentes . O te ( Philippe maximè ) fortissimum & clementissimum Camillum , cuius potestati , nos , si non hostium tuorum liberos certè ex hosiili regione proficiscentes , cum persecutio prodidisset , benignissime recipis , liberalissimè educas , & imbutos pietate , auctos , ornatosque doctrinis , remittis ad miseram patriam subleuandam : & erit illa tam ferrea , tam saxea , vt tam noua & inusitata clementia non moueatur ? Sane , si illa fuerit ( quod non speramus ) ingrata , tamen nomen tuum nulla obliterabit obliuio , cuius dulcissimam memoriam in teneris puerorum pectoribus beneficiorum immortalium litteris exarasti . Si Anglia in impietate scelereque ( quod absit ) perstiterit , hic noster sanguis , quem profide ( Deo volente ) fundemus , tantae illorum ingratitudini apud summum indicem debitum supplicium , & Regiae tuae munificentiae iustum & sempiternum praemium postulabit & obtinebit .

The same in English .

ALL Noble and gratefull mindes ( most Catholike and mightie King ) haue this inclination by nature , towards the person of whome they haue receiued great benefits , that they desier ernestly to see him if he be absent , and receiue singular ioy & gladnes with his presence : wherefore I and others my bretheren being come to Spayne from the English Seminarie of S. Omer , ( that famous monument of your Magesties liberalitie ) we cannot suffitiently expresse the ioy we haue conceiued with the sight of your magestie , nor the exceding comfort we feele being admitted to behould that princely and Royal brest , the seate and fountaiue of liberalitie , and to kisse that inuincible right hand of munificence which we haue tried almost before we could breathe . And if the waters , caried by theire owne naturall force and inclination , finde passage thorow the earth by secret conductes and vaynes to the sea , from whence they haue theire begining : how gladly and with what ioy & desire should we recurre to your Magestie the fountayne and Ocean sea of this great benefite , and bountie , out of which hath issued the spirituall life we liue , and whence we haue receued the bloude which we hope hereafter to shed for Christe .

Cyrus King of Persia hauing brought Lysander the Lacedemonian into his garden , and he marueling much at the multitude , varietie , and order of the trees there planted : Cyrus began to glorie , & said , all these I haue planted with myne owne handes , to whom Lysander answered , O happie king of the Persians whose wisdom fortune so much fauoreth , that in the very planting of trees he hath prosperous successe . But with how much more truthe and reason may we say this of your Magestie ( most happie Monarche of the world ) who hath ioyned pietie with power , and so great zeale of Religion with so large Dominion of so many kingdomes , & in fine ( that the comparison may in all be like ) hath set in this your garden of S. Omers , not earthly & fading , but celestiall and eternal trees , which of them selues sufficiently declare , with what wisdome and prouidence they were planted by your Magestie , seing they grow vp and florish dayly more and more in learning and vertu , and increase with incredible frute and desire of Martyrdome . Behould then ( most mightie and fortunate Cyrus ) these my companions , and in them a hundered and more Noble and vertuous youthes , which remaine yet at S. Omers : these younge and fresh flowers of faith , these greene buddes of vertue come out of your garden , these tender plantes of Religion haue sprung vp in your Seminaries : these are the frutes , these the trees which your Magestie hath planted with your Royall and bountifull hand , which you haue nourished with so great coste , and watered with so abundant streames of pietie .

Alexander the great , when he had freely bestowed amongste his frendes all he had , being asked what he had kept for himself , answered , hope : So your Magestie dothe not lose nor spend without purpose , that which so bountifully you bestowe vpon the catholike children of England , for you nourishe in them , the hope of England ; the hope of publike peace and quietnes ; the hope of Religion ; & to recouer to Christ that countrie almost lost . And in what place soeuer we shall come , we shal be witnesses and heraldes of your praises ; and not dumme and dead , but liuely and speaking monuments of your liberalitie & bountie ; we shal be , as it were the vaines and conductes , by which the sweete showers of your benefites being deriued , shall stoppe the mouthes of your enemies and vainquish , them , not with armes , but with this most rare and christian charitie , which you shewe to vs strangers .

Camillus a Noble Emperour of the Romans , beseiging the Phaliscos a certaine people in Italie , and hauing in his handes all the noblemens sonnes deliuered to him by treason , he suffered no rigor nor hostilitie to be vsed with them , but with notable demonstration of iustice and clemencie sent them back safe and without hurt , to their parentes .

Euen so ( O most mightie and courteous Prince ) we being deliuered to your Magesties power and mercie by the rigour of the heresie of England , your Magestie doth as another Camillus receius vs with the same courtesie , and bring vs vp with far greater benignetie & loue , and in fine , after we are indued with pietie , & sufficiently adorned with vertue and learning , you send vs backe-againe to healp our miserable countrie ; & is it then possible that it can be so hard and stonie harted , as not to be moued with this extraordinarie and vnaccustomed clemencie ? Surely if our countrie could be so ingratefull , as we thinke it cannot , yet notwithstanding no tyme nor forgetfullnes shal be able to extinguish this your Magesties glorie , whose memorie and immortall benefites are so deepe grauen and rooted in the tender hartes of these children . If England should still persiste and perseuer in heresie ( which God forbid ) yet in that case this bloud of ours which we haue dedicated in testimonie of the catholike faith , will obtaine without doubt at the handes of the Allmightie , iust recompence and euerlasting rewarde for this your Magesties most christian pietie and munificence .

The Kinge was very much pleased with this Oration , & willed the father to thanke the studentes in his behalfe , and tolde him he had done wel to bring them to him , that he was glad he had seene them , and that with the next oportunitie he would see the rest at home in theire Colledge , & willed him to conduct them to the Quene . But for that she was not then well at ease , the Oration which the second had prouided for her Magestie was deferred .

Not long after the weather waxing more temperate , so as the king without inconuenience might come to the Colledge , for as much as it was erected by King Philippe the second , father to your highnes , and therefore so peculiarly his owne and the kinges Magesties that nowe is , as no communitie in this Citie is theirs with more particular obligation , it was thought conuenient that the Rector should kisse his Magesties hand , & acquaint him with some particularities that might giue him occasion of more comfort at his coming : & so the 17. of August , after humble thankes for the speciall fauours which in all occasions he had shewed to this holy worke , he gaue him accompt of some thinges of no small edification , and glorie of God , which had passed in space of fower yeares and more that he had bene resident in the Colledge , and offering twice to break of his speach , least he might be tedious , both tymes the kinge willed him to goe forward , giuing signes of contentment with that which he tolde him , and in fine signified that shortly he would come to the Colledge , and cause warning to be giuen before his coming .

A fewe dayes following , the Duke of Lerma sent woord that theire Magesties would be at the Colledge vpon S. Bernards day the 20. of August : and at the self same tyme the Duchesse of Lerma chiefe Chamberlaine to the Queene , sent woord likewise that the other scholler , whose oration was deferred by reason of her Magesties indisposition , might now come and haue audieuce , and the next morning a coche was sent from the Pallace , where in the younge Orator ( with seuen others in his company ) was carried , who both in stature and in yeares was lesser then the former that spake to the kinge , although in his behauiour and deliuery of his speech he was nothing inferiour nor lesse greatefull to the hearers . He acknowledged humble duty to her Magestie in behalf of the Colledge from whence he came , desiring her protection and fauour : and for that this oration was to the same effect of the other aboue made to the king , though different in wordes and sentences , I haue thought best ( for breueties sake ) to omitt it .

The Queene shewed herself very well contented with the Child and with that he had said , and asked many particularities of the schollers there present , and of the Colledge , and of England , & hauing had full relation of all , answered that she was very glad to see these younge ones , and that before she had much desired to see them . And the father that conducted them replying that the king had insinuated , howe the next day following he would be at the Colledge , and intreating likewise her Magestie to vouchsafe to doe them the same fauour , she answered that in no case she would fayle to come .

The preparation made to receiue theire Magisties in the English Colledge .

THe Church and both the Chappells were dressed with faire and riche ornamentes . On the high Altar stood a newe tabernacle of carued worke , with three greate Images of the same , in the midest stoode S. Albane Patrone of this Colledge , and Protomarrir of England , on the right hand S. Thomas Archbyshop of Canterbury , and on the left ; the glorious Martyr S. Edmond King of England that was shotte with arrowes to death ; vnder these , stoode two faire and large caskettes full of pretious Reliques of Martyrs , vpon the Altar was placed a notable relique of S. Albans flesh sett in golde and christall , the foote wherof is a pretious stone of greate value , this Relique was giuen by King Philippe the second to father Persons for this Colledge .

The Church , was hanged about with hanginges wherin were drawne the imprisonmentes and ordinary Martyrdomes of the Catholikes in England , sett out in their coulors , and the pauement of the chauncel couered with turkie carpettes of curious worke , whereupon were placed twoe seates for theire Magesties , couered with cloth of golde . I durst not presume to weary your highnes with the relation of these circumstances , if your affection to this holy worke , and the comfort that your neighbours the English Catholikes will receiue to vnderstand these particularities , did not excuse me .

The first courte through which his Magestie was to enter into the Colledge was hanged all about with costly hanginges , and likewise all the rest of the way which he was to passe , till he came to the great hall wher your highnes was once receiued . Within the foresaid courte , at the entrance of a gate and broade passage newly made , that leades to the inner roomes , was written in faire text hand in spanish . El para bicn de la venida a sus Magestades ( that is . ) Theire Magesties wellcome . And both sides of the gate were coueted with verses in sundrye languages to the same effect . The Latine verses onely I wil put downe .

Ianua pande fores , vt solis , quem colit orbis . Augustum angusto limine lumen eat . Sit domus ista humilis , nec tanto digna Monarcha , Nil spernit Pietas ; ianua pande fores .

Here the Kinge stayed and turned him self to the Queene , and smiling , sayed , lo they bid thee wellcome , and so passed on to the great hall , where they were to be receiued which was more richly hung then the rest , and in the middest , on the right side was placed a cloth of estate sutable to the hanginges , with twoe embrodered chaires for theire Magesties . Ouer the kings chaire hung his picture drawen all armed from the girdle vpward , with his Helmet by him , & the Tuson , about his necke , which is a chayne & on it hanging the golden fleice : on his arme a sheilde , and within it a lion ; vpon his breast was written Signaculum super cor tuum , & vpon his sheilde , Signaculum super brachium tuum , and vnder his picture these Latine verses .

Mansuetum signat pectus mitissimus agnus , Inuictum bello cincta leone manus . Quondam fulgebant Agamemnonis arma leone , Iason aurato vellere diues erat . Vne Philippe geris vellus , fortcmque leonem , Qui mundo Iason quique Agamemnon eris . Clemens pace , potens armis , inuicte rebelli , Mitis victo , animis agne , manuque leo .

Ouer the Queenes chaire hung likewise her picture in a robe of crimsen ( which happened very well , & gaue contentement to many for that she came atyred in the very same colour ) she was pictured at the window of a Castell ( made after the manner and forme of the Armes of Castillia ) with a pomegranate in the one hand , & in the other the goulden fleece , with these verses vnder written .

Granatum signat foecundam , bellipotentem Turris , in aurato vellere forma micat . Praeses erat turri Pallas , granata gerebat Iuno tulit quondam vellera fulua Venus . Iuno granatum Venus aurum arcemque Minerua Deserat , inque vnam gloria trina cadat . Pallas , Iuno , Venus , fortis foecunda decora , Turrim Pomum aurum , Margaris vna tenes .

Betweene these two pictures were drawen the Kings armes , with a Metaphoricall application of theire properties and excellencies , according to euery seuerall coate , applied to theire Magesties in the Manner following .

Quadrupedum indomitos reges ( Philippe ) leones , Penningerumque duces Aquilas , Mauortia castra , Arborumque decus Granata , & Lilia florum , Et tanto auratum Vellus sudore petitum , Marte domas solus solus pietate reseruas ; Aeternumque eadem quid ni quoque solus habebis , Cùm tibi quae pellant vim vectes , quaeque tuetur Parta prius caeci famuletur numinis alea , Quae vult Aeoirepetens sua lumina Phoebus , Cuncta tuis radijs caelo moderaris ab alto . Ergo cum Granata tibi , cum Castra , Leones , Alea , prepes auis , cum Vellus , Lilia , Vectes , Dant sua colla iugo vestro , pacemque reposcant , Iure tibi flores , tibi fructus , bella , volucres , Quadrupedes , fortuna tibi , tibi parta per vndas Praeda satis , quaeque astra alto figuntur Olympo , Qui terris Mars alter , & alter in aethera Phoebus , Nata creas radijs , spolia acri Marte reseruas : Sic tibi terra , Polus , Sors , Mauors , militat aether , Et tua Neptunus pelago si cepta secundet , Spargetur totum tandem tua fama per orbem .

On the left side of the cloth of estate was a place for the maydes of honour , and at the vper end of the hall hung a very liuely picture of the Martyr father Henrie Walpole somety me Minister of this Colledge , who fiue yeares agoe was cruelly put to death in England , he was pourtraied his whole stature , with his left hand vpon the racke , wheron he had bene nine tymes tormented , with a rope about his necke , & his breast opened with the knife wherewith he was emboweled , and in his right hand he held his hart , which he offered vp to Christ , with so liuely and affectuous a countenance that it moued all to deuotion that beheld it . Vnder the picture were twoe scochens with these spanish verses .

Nueue vezes Valpolo atormentado En eculeo , sale victorioso , Por las publicas calles arrastrado , ●n vn palo le cuelgan afrentoso , Y el pecho abierto el coraçon ●●cado Viuo le desquartizan , y el gozoso Sufre carcel , cadenas , sogasy grillos , Eculeos , horcas , fuegos , y cuchillos . Seminario Anglicano al alto cielo Da gracias , por auer de ti salido Quien con su sangre illustra el patrio suelo . Y a ti dexa con ella ennoblecido , Y muriendo en el campo del duelo Al enemigo dexa en el vencido , Ganando en tan inclita victoria Fama en la tierra , y en el cielo gloria .

Vnder this picture was opened a great dore to the schooles of the Colledge , where the musike stoode . On both sides of the dore were seates couered with silke , and a sett of violes , which the Earle of Fuensaldan̄a bestowed some yeares a goe vpon the Colledge , with bookes of musike , and betweene the twoe seates a payre of Virginales of an excellent sound , that Don Francisco de Reynoso Bishop of Cordoua gaue to this Church to accompany the other instruments which the schollers vse with great dexteritie in the solemnities of Masse and Euensong vpon feastiuall dayes , which they sing with no lesse deuotion and proprietie of Ecclesiasticall ceremonies , as the Institution and statutes of these Seminaries ordayne .

The hanginges of the afore saide hall were sett rounde about with ingenious hietogliphickes & verses in Latine , Spanish & other languages , whereof the one half were composed in prayse of the king , & the other of the Queene . In the same manner was dressed all the waye that the king was to passe from the Church to the great hall with Emblemes , Epigrammes , Elegies and Lyricke verses , and amongst the test was one famous Poeme wherein Religion asked of God the armes wherewith the Archangell S. Michaell conquered the dragon , that with the same the king might also conquere him and banish him out of all his countries & dominions . This Poeme for the arte and inuention wherewith it was composed , was much maruelled at , & much desired , but because it was so long contayning aboue fowerhundred verses it could not well be printed here . The rest of the verses , were of the kings coming to the Colledge , to giue him thankes for the fauours which both he and his father had shewed to this worke , and to signifie the ioye and comforte which the studentes conceiued to see them selues in this theire banishment and solitude , visited and so much fauoured by so potent and Catholike Princes . Among these verses there were but fewe in Spanish , because the recollection wherewith the schollers liue doth not suffer them to haue so much vse of the language as is required for verses , and because this feast should be onely theirs , as was intended by theire Magesties , whose meaning was to be receiued and feasted only by them . The Latine verses were many in number and so full of varietie & good inuention , that diuers persons of the most learned of this vniuersitie , were importunate to haue them all printed , but because it is not meete to trouble your highnes with a volume , and on the other side , for as much as they were the principall parte of the feast , and therefore are not wholy to be omitted , I haue chosen out some fewe of the shortest that by them your highnes may make iudgement of the rest .

Some of the verses made in the English Colledge of Valladolid to congratulate theire Magesties comming .

Hierogliphicks vpon the kings armes .

THere was drawen in colours a castell , and in it were lodged certaine Inglish students in their collegial habite , one had in his hand a Pomegranat with this posie Pastus , an other the goulden fleece with this posie Vestis . A lyon ( which is also parte of the armes ) kept the castel gate , with this title ; Custos , ouer the castel an eagle ( which is an other coate ) soringe in the ayre , caried one of the schollers , with this title , Dux in Caelum , and the whole picture was compassed about with this posie , Philippus nobis omnia in omnibus .

Arx praebet tutam miseris fugientibus aedem , Dant granata cibos , aurea lana tegit . Custodit vigilatque leo , vehit ales ad astra Quae phrygium puerum vexerat ante Ioui . Diues hic est clipaeus , rerum the saurus abundans Nilque deest miseros quod reuelare queat . Arx recipit , vellus vestit , granataque pascunt , Nos Leo custodit , ducit ad astra Aquila . Viue diu Princeps fortunatissimè nobis , Arx , Vellus , granata , Leo , Iouis armiger ales , Hospitium , vestis , pastus , vigil , author ad astra .

An other vpon the same armes .

There was drawen an eagle in the aire , and the birdes doing her homage as to there Queene , next was a Lion on the earth whome the other beasts acknowledged for there kinge , then after a shippe sayling in the sea which had in the sterne , in the flagges , and sayles , painted the golden fleece , and fishes gathered a bout it with thes verses .

Ecce tibi Leo magnanimus , Regina volucrum , Quaeque tulit Colcha vellus ab vrbe ratis . Magnammum metuunt animalia cuncta Leonem , Et volucres Aquilam , caecula turba ratem . Ergo tibi parent volucres , animalia , pisces , Omnia quae caelum , terra , salumque tenent . Erige te Princeps , & regna immensa tuere , Imperijs desunt sydera sola tuis .

An other vpon the whole armes of Spaine which these verses . Haeres magnanimi patris , qui gentis Iberae Sceptra per innumeros missa tueris Auos . Quot titulos clipeo , tot iunge in pectore laudes , Et noli a proauis degenerare tuis . Religio turrim te sentiat , atra Leonem Haeresis , & niueae Lilia pacis amae . Lilia granatis coniunge salubribus , vt sic Aspicias patriae crescere gentis opes . Imbuat vltrices infidus Persa sagittas , Et cadat ante tuos Turcia victa pedes . More Aquilae terras contemne , & in aethera surge : Sola decent pennas sydera celsa tuas . Arx iustis , Leo sacrilegis , Flos candido Iberis , Terror Turcarum , numinis ales aue . Harum virtutum accessu tua gloria crescet , Vt silicum attritu feruida flamma micat . Hae tibi sydeream texent super astra coronam , Hae tibi & in teris vellera fulua dabunt .

The self same armes were in an other place in their colours , with this explication . Lilia , quidue Aquilae , Granatum , Castra , Leones , Ostendunt ? quis sit ( clare Philippe ) not ant. Lilia spem , ( speras dum spiras ) candida signant Quis decor internus exteriorque tibi . Regia quid vastum scandens per inane volucris ? Quonam animus tend at ( magne Philippe ) not at . Imperij regimen Granatuui iuraque monstrat , Inclusos castrum nos tua dextra tegit . Quid vigilans fortisque Leo ? tua robora sentit Hostis , & excubias sedula cura not at .

Vpon the armes of the Kingdome of Castile .

There were painted the armes of Castile alone , with some English schollers in the castels , and ouer them this posie hic hospitamur , and ouer the lions , hic defendimur .

Hospitium nobis tua sunt castella Philippe , His valet Angliaco viuere pulsus agro . Tutus erit quem castra tegent : ni sufficit vnus , Arcebit cunctas rex leo ab arceferas . Ergo veni , Britanne veni , tibi tecta Philippus Castellae tribuet castra , tegetque leo .

An other vpon the same armes .

There was painted a castel of the armes of Castile , and vpon one of the pinacles a lion watching ; and vpon an other was the golden fleece : and in the middest an eagle flying vp to the clouds out of which came thunder and lightning , with this posie . Turris inexpugnabilis , munita vigilantia , audacia , opibus .

Nec timor aut error turtim nec perdet egestas , Aurea quam seruat lana , leo , ac aquila . Nam quid deesse potest turri cui pendeat aurum ? Cuique leo vigilat , prodier arte nequit . Et quis terrebit pansis quem protegit alis , Quae ventos , imbres , flumina temnit auis ? O foelix turris vigili munit a leone , Audacique aquila , vellere diues aue ,

An other of the same .

There was painted a pomegranat tree , and vnder it , one dying his clothes wich the flowers : and an other eating the fruite : an other sleeping vnder the shade : an other chasing away serpentes with the bowes as with weapons : an other curing the inflammation of his eyes with the leaues : and about the tree this posie Salus : quies .

Flos 1. , fructus 2. , radix 3. , ramus 4. , foliumque 5. Philippus Granati , ornatus 1. , pastus 2. , sopar 3. , arma 4. , medela 5. , Nudis 1. , ieiunis 2. , fessis 3. , pugnantihus 4. , aegris 5. , Flore 1. ornat , fructu 2. pascit , radice 3. soporat , Ramo 4. armat , folia 5. sanat , cuncta omnibus vnus .

In another place was painted a great laurel tree , & a crowne of the same laurel with this posie semper virens . On the one side were certaine cloudes with description of thunder and lightning , and some Inglish scholers which shrowded them selues vnder the tree , & about them was written , secura . On the other side were swarmes of waspes , which stung others , and they gathered the bowes to heale the stinging with this subscription salubris . Vnderneath the tree were many bookes which with the laurel leaues weare preserued from mothes , with this inscription tinea non comedet eos .

Ite sub Hispana iuuenes requiescite lauro , Anglia quos diro fulmine saeua premit . Ite , salutifera sanentur vulner a fronde , Vulnera quae miseris impia vespa facit . Diuinósque libros haec laurus sacra coronet , Et tactum nullo verme volumen erit . Ergo Phoebaea lauro te cinge Philippe , Iustius in titulos conuenit illa tuos .

There was painted the Sunne , and the Moone loosing her light with the Sunne shine : & a bordet of roses , which with the same Sunne beames did grow & florish .

Haereticus luna est formas variandus in omnes , Martyr purpureo tincta cruore rosa . Lumine sic perit haereticus lunaticus isto , Hoc vitam roseus lumine martyr habet . Viue diu fulgens , vt condas lumine lunas , Et vegetes multas ( maxime Phoebe ) rosas . Alia eiusdem interpretatio . Luna regit Turcas , rosáque est insigne Britannis : Illos lucendo , hos non radiando premis . Pande sacros radios , non fulget Turcica luna : Subtrahe , et Angliacae iam periêre rosae .

There was drawen a piller and vpon it a globe of the earth , with these verses .

Dum pater humanas moriendo linqueret oras , Qui terrae ferres pondera , solus eras . Herculea Athlantis suppleuit munera ceruix , Qui caeli ferret pondera , solus erat . Si perit Alcides , rursus gestabit olympum Atlas , vel nullus grande leuabit onus . Si moreris , terram valido qui robore portet , Ni genitor redeat , non erit vllus Atlas . Pondera fer validis princeps librata lacertis , Astra tuis humeris non graue pondus erunt .

There was painted a lion roring and other beasts falling vpon the earth for feare of his voice , with this posie . Leo rugit , quis non timebit ?

Quid facies leo bellipotens ? elapsa minaces Fauces , in campis libera praeda fugit . Vox tua rugitu diuinas personet aures Emissásque pio pectore funde preces . Rugitu hoc , hostes , vires animosque relinquent , Et cadat ante tuos territa praeda pedes : Sic Sampson , Dauidque olim vicêre , quod armis Nunquam fecissent , hoc potuere prece .

There was painted a rock , and vpon it pomegranats , which being pressed gaue out there iuice , with this posie . Dabo tibi mustum malorum granatorum meorum . Martyribus sanctum quem possint inde eruorem , Fundere , granatis ( magne Philippe ) foues . Nam quae torcular torquet granata Britannum , Sunt tua quae poenis gens inimic a premit . Granatis expressa fluunt suauissima musta , Sic magno praebes dulcia vina Deo .

There was painted two dragons flieng from a lion , which pursued them with these verses vnder written . Maius si Herculeis onus lacertis , Hostes vincere praelio gemellos , Maior Thebigina es Philippe maior , Rex vincis , aquila vt duos dracones , Bis binos poteras domare solus . Alia eiusdem explicatio . Pestiferi fugiunt aquila veniente dracones , Hostivus intent at praelia dira suis . Sic fugat haereticos generoso corde Philippus , Seruat mundum aquila haec , haeresis hydranecat .

There was described a mountaine with a fresh and plaisant medow , wherin was feeding a flock of lambes , the mountaine was compassed about with the chaine of the golden fleece of Spaine this chayne resembleth flintstones which striking vpon the steele cast out flames of fire , wich this posie tua custodia :

Ne fera per medias crudelis funera caulas Edat , & innocuas vulnere perdat oues , Pinguia flammiuomis singuntur pascua saxis , Namque fer as abigit quae micat ignis silex . Quasque canum vigilans neque at depellere cura , Raucaque pastorum murmura , flamma fugat . Flamma fugat , lapidésque fugant , his cingere ceptis Si rabidos morsus sallere preda cupis .

To the Catholike Princes protectors of the English Seminaries .

There was painted a ship tossed with a furisus tempest , and kept fast with two anchers .

Anchora spes nautis , fragilis spes anchora cymbae : Haec fultus , tumidas nauita temnit aquas . Quos metues fluctus Anglorum cymba minaces ? Anchora dat firmam spem , geminata tibi .

A Hierogliphicke of the Inglish Seminaries in Spaine .

There was painted the Arke of Noe , & in it the Inglish students with these verses .

Noëmo arca fuit salus , suisque Natis , dum valido Deus feracem Terram mergeret imbre mergit atrox Fluctus haereseon solum Britannum , Arcam quaerimus ; est & arca nobis Littus Hesperium , salus Britanno , Foelix quod soueat , itaiste foelix Taline pereat protectus arca ,

An other of the citie of Valladolid .

There were painted certaine stagges carying fire vpon their hornes taken from the armes of this citie of Valladolid , and with the same they set on fire heapes of cinamon , vnderwhich were gathered todes , serpentes , battes , and owles , all which with the light and fire fled a way , with these verses .

Cynnama diuinae pietatis rapta Britannis Nicticolae volucres , hydráque saeua premit . Ite domum celeres , quorum ardua cornua , cerui , Armat odorifera Pincia sancta face . Diffugite ô angues , stygij properate colubri , Ecce ferunt sacros cornua odora focos . Vos quoque lucifuge procul hinc proculite volucres , Lux vbi discussa fulgida nocte micat . Sed tu laeta veni depulsis Anglia monstris . Et fidei antiquae Cynnama sancta cape .

An other of the same .

There was painted the same armes of valladolid , and ouer against them the armes of Ingland , which are three lions , flying from the fire : with this posie , fugient a facie ignis .

Perdomat idomitos effraenatosque leones Flamma ferus vincit , vincitur igne leo . Angliaci saeuo lanient ne dente leones Innocuas pecudes , innocuosque greges . Ferte citi Hesperias Britanna ad littora flammas , Indomitasque feras Pincia flamma domet . Sic fugient timidi posita feritate leones , Sic poterit tutum viuere mite pecus .

And other of the Inglish Seminaries .

There were painted three youthes clothed with the barcke of trees , and certaine birds called , stimphalides , hauing there bils fastened in the same barcke , wherin benig caught they dyed , with this posie : triumphus pacientia .

Gignit auem tellus Arabum , Stymphalida dicunt , Aenea quae penetrat morsibus arma feris . Sed tamen arboreo munitum cortice corpus Perdere cum tentat , cortice fixa perit . Cernite quam saeuas stymphalidas Anglia gignit , Vt Christi lacerat soeda volucris oues . O vos quos validis patientia viribus armat , Cortice quos fidei Pincia silua tegit . Porgite opem , si saeua petat vos haerefis vngue , Si latus innocuum foeda cruentat auis : Vulnera dum infigit se sacro in cortice figet , Et capta haerebit morsibus ipsa suis .

There was painted a nightingal singing in a tree and a serpent deceitfully creeping op to catch her . Quam fouit sacris Philomelam Pincia siluis Et docuit dulces ore ciêre sonos Dum canit Angligenis tectis illabitur anguis , Et rapit innocuam , dum pia verba mouet . Non perit , aut canere omittet , sed scandet Olympum , Et canet aeternos suauiùs illa modos .

There was painted a tree caled Lothos which groweth in Libra , whose leaues close vp towards night , and in the morning when the Sunne beginneth to shine they open a gaine , shewing them selues very fresh and faire : these leaues were painted open looking towardes the Sunne rising , with this posie : O si perpetuo .

Lothos in Libicis virens Arbos humida partibus , Solis tacta coloribus Pandit fulgida Ramos . Grates reddit Apollini , Cuius lumine splendido , Frondes crescere flexiles , Fructus sentit amenos : Donec Hesperus vmbrifer Noctem somniferam ferens , Ramos contrahere arborem Cogit , sydere dempto : Lothi nos quoque pandimus Palmas inclyte Rex tibi , Dignas iureque debitas Grates , reddimus Angli . Per te viuimus ( inclyte ) Per te crescimus in fide , Virtutisque laboribus Florent germina vestris : Non noctis tenebrae graues Nobis eripiant diem , Nec te viuificum iubar Rex lux maxima mundi .

There was painted an eagle feeding certaine doues in her nest , with this posie . Pietas supra naturam .

Mutauit natura vices , miracula cerno : Et recipit leges terra beata nouas . Regia pallantes volucris generosa columbas Proteget , in nido datque alimenta suo . Tutior in proprijs nec erat dum viueret agris , Accipitres fugiens mitior illa feros . Si requiem quaeris volucrumque euadere morsus , Ad quae confugias tecta columba vides . Non capit exiguas volucrum regina columbas , Praeda illi cerui , praeda futura draco .

In praise of the soueraigne and potent Princesse Queene Margaret of Spaine .

There was painted the new moone , and a number of Elephants , acknowledging her for there benefactor : with this posie : Vis beneficentiae & virtutis .

Cùm noua luna micat , magnorum turba Eleplantum Fert teneros natos , lunam humilesque colunt . Tu noua luna micas tenebroso Margaris orbi , Iam sentit radios Anglia nostratuos . Ergo Britannigenae linquentes tecta paterna , Ecce tuum lumen Cynthia sancta colunt . O salue rutilum sydus Regina , Britannis In caeca miseris fulgida nocte mica .

There was painted a bird bred in Germany , which shineth by night , flying ouer the sea to Spaine , with this posie . Nox sicut dies illuminabitur .

Quaenam haec quae toto spargens sua lumina ponto , Littus ad Hesperium per mare currit auis ? Illáne quam ignitis profert Germania pennis , Quae tenebras noctis luce micante fugat ? Illa est : auratis collucens Margaris alis , Huc noctis victrix , Austria fertur auis . I propera Hesperio pulcherrima iungere soli , Cumque illo rutilae diuide lucis opus . Sole , & auc hac ornata , dies noctesque micabis Hesperia , haec noctes ignit , & ille dies .

There was painted a high ash tree with the leaues greene and pleasant , and many serpentes flying from the shadow , with this posie . Non hac latet anguis in herba .

Sacra Ioui quercus , laurus pulcherrima Phoebo , Consecrat Austriacos Fraxinus alta duces . Fraxineas metuit serpens perterritus vmbras , Nec minus Austriacos haeresis hydra fugit . Nae tu serpentum morsus Hispania temnas , Austriacum dum te fraxinea vmbra tegit .

An Epigram to the Queens name . M argaris aequoreas gemmas praeit inclita gemm A A ustriaco prognata solo , quam vincere cult V R arus & ipse adamas nescit , rutulansue pyropu S , G ratiùs ista micat , radianteque lumine vinci T , A mouet illius noctem & nigra nubila fulgo R R esplendens sacra haec virtutis luce , profund I I mpiaque hereseon facit orbem linquere monstr A T erris restituens pietatis lumina , & illi C A ustriaci noua gemma , freti nitet aurea stell A. Virgils aenigma . Dic quibus in terris inscripti nomina regum Nascantur flores , & eris mihi magnus Apollo . The aunswer . Ecce Maro Hesperijs flores nascuntur in hortis , Qui regum in folijs nomina scripta gerunt . Margaris in●isos nomen nomenque Philippi , Anglorum flores Pincia vallis habet . Martyribus reges hi nutriuere cruorem , Et se purpureis inseruere rosis . Qui cruor effusus pro religione tuenda , Scribet in aeternis nomina tanta libris .

In the Spanish Copy are diuers other Epigrams which for breuities sake I omit .

The coming of the Catholike Princes King Philippe the third , and Quene Margaret to the Inglish Colledge of Valladolid .

THeire Magesties some fewe dayes before their coming to the Inglish Colledge , had visited the cheife Religious houses of this Citie , and in all places were receiued with so great preparation , specially in the vniuersitie ; fower dayes before ; that after so Royal entertainmentes this Colledge did feare & not without reason , to appeare in theire Magesties presence , but that the litle gift of the widow so much esteemed and commended for the good will and affection wherewith she gaue it , did encorage the studentes to doe the best they could : and so all thinges were put in order as aboue hath bene said wher vpon S. Bernards day ( which fell vpon a sunday ) at two a clock in the afternoone came to the Colledge 24. of the Kings Garde , with theire sargeant , who presently deuided the soldiars at the gates , with expresse order that none should enter , because their Magesties would that day , enioy the Colledge alone , and a litle after came the lieutenant of the Garde , who placed likewise other soldiars in all the roomes which were hung with verses , with charge to keepe them , as they did , that none were wanting .

The Steward of the kings howse , and some other officiers , and gentlemen of the Pallace ; vnderstanding , that his M. would see the schollers chambers , and the manner of theire habitation , came before as the custome is , and were much delited with the order and commoditie , to see that neither there was want of any thing necessarie , nor any thing superfluous , but as the widow had prouided for the Prophet Elizeus a bed , a table , a chaire , & a light , so they had ( euery one ) all that was commodious for his studies and rest , without want or excesse .

About fiue a clocke , or a litle after , came theire Magesties to the Colledge , & in signe of more confidence and good will , without theire accustomed garde , notwithstanding they had diuers companyes both on foote and horse lodged in the Citie which comonly wayte vpon them when they goe abroade . The studentes expected them in the Church in two rankes , from the doore to the high altar , and the Prouinciall of the Societie being at the same tyme ( by chaunce ) in the Citie accompanyed with two Priestes of the Colledge , and reuested ( as the manner is in such solemne receiuinges ) attended theire Magesties at the Church doore , who at theire enterance ( hauing receiued holy water and kneeling downe vpon two cushens of cloth of gold which theire chaplens had there prouided ) adoted the Crucifix which the father offered them , with so great reuerence and deuotion , as the English students there present were much moued to see it , who ( as diuers of them afterwardes did confesse ) reioyced exceedingly to see those two Monarkes of the world prostate themselues and adore with so great pietie the Image of our Sauiour , for whose cause and Religion they see them selues in banishment , theire parentes robbed and imprisoned , and many of their frendes persecuted and afflicted .

In the meane tyme others of the students aboue in the quire sang Te Deum laudamus , in theire accustomed Ecclesiastical Musike which contented so much , as the Duke of Lerma and other noble men that came with the king ; thought the singers had bene procured from abroad , but vnderstanding that it was the ordenarie musike of the Colledge , and onely the studentes , receiued double contentment to heare it , & much more when at the entrance it was told them , that nothing was borrowed that day to receiue theire Magesties but onely the hanginges . The King and the Queene coming to the high altar remained there kneeling while the priest ended the versicles and prayer accustomed to be sung in the like receiuing of Princes ; and after , they rose on foot , and viewed the images of the three Inglish martyrs vpon the high altar which I mencioned before , and the Queene maruailing at the pictures which were in the hanginges of the church , the king told her they were the tormentes where-with the heretikes put to death the martyrs in England .

Before they departed , vnderstanding that the Relique which stood vpon the Altar was flesh of the glorious Martyr S. Alban that had endured without corruption aboue 12. hundred yeates , they both kneeled downe againe with great reuerence , and the Queene besides her cushen vpon the ground to adore it , as they did both with so particular affect and deuotion , as I must needes confesse to your highnes I was moued aboue measure to see it , and diuers others there present ( as after-wardes I vnderstood ) no lesse then I , with the same consideration how king Hentie the 8. of England distroyed the holy Reliques of the glorious Martyr S. Thomas of Canterburie the honor of his kingdome and nation , seing the pietie and reuerence wherewithal our Catholike kinges did kysse and adore the Relique and flesh of this holy Martyr of a forrayne countre and kingdome .

As they passed out of the church , the schollers ( who were all in order placed rounde about the first court ) made altogether a low reuerence , and afterward by two and two went forward into the hall prepared ( as I haue said aboue ) for theire Magesties ; who passing a long , veiwed with attention the Hietogliphicks and pictures , and seamed to receiue contentment with the varietie and inuention : and passing on further , when the king saw them continue all the way as he went , in such diuersitie & number ( for they were aboue 270. ) he commaunded they should all be kept and brought him to the Palace , for that he would see them at leysure , as he did .

When he entered the hall , the Musicians in the other roome adioyning , deuided onely with a curtayn , began to play vpon theire vials and virginals a very graue and pleasant song of eight partes , till theire Magesties and those that came in theire company were set , the schollers stood betweene the cloth of estate and the musike in there rankes or companies , on the one side stood the Poetes and Rhetoricians : on the other , the Philosophers , and in the middest the Priests & diuines . And that they might be the better discerned , the first ranke was of the least , in the second were those of middle stature , and in the third the tallest ; and the modestie and composition of all was such as theire Magesties did particularly note it , and were not a litle edified , to see together so many young youthes banished for theire fidelitie to God and theire Religion , who altedy had offered vp theire labors , studies and liues for the conuersion of theire Countrie , liuing in collegial discipline with that example which theire very presence did declare , and with so great puritie and innocencie of life , as strangers of different nations ( continuall witnesses of all theire actions doe testifie ) & of so rare talents as the verses and ingenious inuentions a bout the walls of the Colledge did shewe , and in fiue , of so good education and parentage , as might be seen in theire persons , countenance and behauiour in so much as diuers Noblemen there present moued with this spectacle , did wish they could bring vp theire children in the same manner , & therefore diuers principall persons of this real me haue procured very ernestly and with great offers to haue theire sonnes brought vp in this Seminaric , to learne the yertues which they see in the Inglish schollers , and truly in my iudgment there was nothing in all the solemnitie comparable to this sight : and so would that famous Matron Cornelia Mother to the Graccos haue said , if she had bene present , who , when other Noble women of Rome gloried & bosted in theire riches , vsed to bring forth her children modest and well nurtured , as the most pretious iewelles and greatest riches that she bad .

When theire Magesties were sett , and the Musicians had ended , there came forth from amongst the diuines , one of the students , who for the manifold giftes and graces which God hath bestowed vpon him might well appeare in theire presence , and kneeling downe vpon the one knee before the King in the middest of the hall , after his Magestie had giuen him signe to arise , standing on foot said as followeth in Latine .

The first Oration made to the Catholike King Philippe the third in the Inglish Colledge of Valladolid .

IN hoc hodierno conspectu vestro ornatissimo iucundissimoque ( Rex Maxime , Regina Serenissima ) iure nobis foret optandum , quod Philosophus quidam optasse dicitur , ut Deus fenestram aliquam in pectoribus nostris aperiret , vt haec quae concepimus gaudia , non per angustas sensuum rimas emanarent , sed patentibus pectorum portis prorumperent : & ipsi , gestientem latitiam sociorum meorum , non ex hilari eorum fronte conijceretis , sed in intimo amoris fonte spectaretis . Nec enim nobis solum praebuistis nouum singularis laetitiae argumentum , verum etiam antiqui beneficij memoriam renouastis , meminimus enim ( Philippe Rex potentissime ) nec vnquam obliuiscemur illius diei qui huic nostro Seminarto omnium ornatissimus illuxit , non solis radijs , sed tuis , & Philippi parentis tui , & clarissimae sororts , splendoribus illusiratus : cuius diei adeo riuam imaginem hodierna presentia vestra animis nostris obijcit , vt iterum intueri videmur Regem illum omnium saeculorum memoria maximum , in hoc ipso loco , balbutientes puerulos tres integr as horas libentissime audientem . Iterum cernimus quasi oculis , sanctissimum illum ac sapientissimum Monarcham aetate longuidum , sed diuino amore feruidum alnmnos huius Collegij suauissimis amplexibus & vitali sanctissimi pectoris spiritu , ad martyrium animantem . Verum non fuit satis hnmanitati tuae ( ô magne Haeres non solum paternorum Regnornm , sed etiam virtutum & laudum ) non fuit satis , quod Princeps Hispaniarum sub Parentis tui vmbra hoc Seminarium ornaueris , nisi etiam hodierno die , in haec angusta tecta & inornatos parietes , regium nomen et totum Maiestatis tuae lumen inferres : nisi Illustrissimum Austriacae Familiae decus , sanctissimam coniugem Serenissimam Reginam adduceres , vt in vna exulum domuncula geminum orbis Sydus arderet .

Moysem puerulum èmatris gremie raptum & inclusum scirpea fiscella , A Egyptij praecipitarunt in flumen , ex quo ( diuino consilio ) a Pharaonis filia ereptus , Reginam habuit matrem , patrem Regem . Nos vero non A Egyptia , sed maior haere sum tyrannis è patrum sinu & matrum gremijs abstractos , praecipitauit in Oceanum insanis fluctibus hauriendos . Nil proficis A Egypte saeua , nil proficis ; fluctuabit in freto haec scirpta cimba vsque ad Hispanum littus , & ereptus inde puer , meliores inueniet parentes , meliorem patrem . Intuemini igitur Parentes amantissimi ( permittite Maximi Principes ita vos ab orbis & exulibus vocari ) intuemimi natos vestros , quos vobis non fortuna , sed voluntas , non natura , sed pietas peperit . Cerne ( Rex Maxime ) hos tuos filios , qui non ex materno vtero nati fuimus , sed ex aquis miseriarum natauimus in hunc tuum paternum sinum .

Conijce serenissimos oculos ( Potentissima Pharaonis filia ) in hos tuos Moyses , quos ad ciues suos ex Egyptiacae seruitute liberandos , non inscia & inuita , sed sciens & volens materna beneuolentia foues . Et quanquam quae accepimus benefitia adeo sunt excellentia , vt ea vix opta re potuissemus ; tamen vt à vobis longè praestantiora sperenius , eximia vestra pietas & virtus postulat .

Crescit enim quotidie ( Inuicte Philippe ) crescit ex nostra calamitate , materia tuae beneficentiae seges tuae gloriae . Quid enim illustrius , quid dignius Catholico nomine , magnitudine animi & fortunae tuae , quam collegisse dispersas reliquias fidei ; donasse patria , ciuitate , domicilio , quos haereses fecit extorres ? Multorum est profecto Regum ac Caesarum , hostes prostrasse armis , bello superasse . Haec tua , & sanctissimi parentis tui singularis , & omnium gloriosissima victoria , vicisse beneficijs . Hic hodiernus clementiae vestrae nouus & inauditus triumphus ( clarissimi Reges ) in quo ( caelo terráque applaudentibus ) fulget gloria crucis , dum Religioms & amoris vinculis tracti hi omnes socij mei ex remotissimis terris ad vestrum patrocimum confugerunt , vt quorum alij potentiam metuunt , agnoscant & praedicent benignitatem . Haec vos hominibus charos , haec Deoque simillimos redit , haec ampliora vobis Regna , haec nobiliora sceptra dabit , in omnem aeternitatem possidenda .

The same in English .

AT this most glorious and most gratefull sight of your Royal Magesties ( Mightie Monarcke , and most gratious Queene ) iustly should we wish that which a certayn phylosopher is said to haue wished , that God had opened windowes in our brestes , to the end your Magesties might see the aboundant ioy we haue this day receaued , and not only gather it by our conntenance and wordes through the narrow chinckes of our exterior senses , but rather behold it in our very hartes , as in the fountaine where it springeth , for your maiesties haue not onely geeuen vs this newe occasion of present gladnes , but also haue renewed the ioyfull memory of an other former fauour . We doe remember full well ( most potent king ) neyther shall we euer be able to forget , that most glorious & shining day , the brightest that euer was seene in this our Colledge , not with the presence of the Sunne & his beames , but of your royall Magesty , and of the king your father of famous memory , to-gether with the renowned Lady the Infanta your sister ; which day , this your presence so reneweth , and in so liuely manner calleth it to memory , that it seemeth we see agayne that most glorious & pious king memorable to all ages , in this very place , giuing eare againe to the stammering speeches of children , as then he did , with singular curtesy & attention , for three houres together . We see agayne in your Magestie , that most wise and potent monarch of the world , though then languishing in yeares , yet yonge and florishing in the loue of god & zeale of his glory , how most louingly he embraced the schollers of this colledge , & with the liuely spirit of his pious and religious hart , incouraged them to martirdome . But all this semed nothing to your Royall benignitie ( most worthy inheritour not so much of your fathers kingdomes , as of his vertues and praises ) you thought it not sufficient to haue honoured this colledge with your presence being then prince of Spaine , vnlesse you should this day agayne in your greatest glory , straiten your selfe within these narrow walles , bringing in your company her M. presenc the honor and ornament of the house of Austria , that within this little colledge of banished men , might be seene shining the Sunne & Moone that giue light to the world .

The childe Moyses , whome the tyrany of Egipt had violently drawen from his mothers breastes almost the same howre he was borne , and cast him into the riuer shut vp in a wicker basket to seeke his aduentures , was by Gods especiall prouidence found and taken vp by the daughter of Pharao , & so came to haue a Queene for his mother and his father a kinge . we in like manner , are violently drawne & driuen from our parentes , not by the Egiptian tyrany , but by another farre greater & more cruell , by the heresy of our country , which hath cast vs headlong into the Ocean sea to be drowned & deuowred by the waues . But all in vayne ( cruell Egipt ) all in vayne , thy labour is lost : for this our wicker boat , though tossed for a whyle with the waues and billowes of the sea , yet at last by the same prouidence , is cast on shore and aryued safe on the coast of Spayne , where the childe is taken vp , and hath found a new father and mother farre more noble and better then those he lost . Behold then pious and louing parents ( giue this leaue most mighty princes to vs Orphanes banished for Christe to call your Magesties by this title ) Behold I say , these your children , not geuen you by fortune , but adopted by your owne choyce ; not yours by nature , but by your piety and religion behold mighty kinge these your sonnes , not borne to your Magesty out of our mothers wombes , but caried with the waters and waues of tribulation out of which we haue as if it were swomme into this your fatherly bosome . Cast your gracious eyes ( potent daughter of Pharo ) vppon these your Moyses , whome with motherly affection you bringe vp , not as the other Queene did at vnawares , but witting and willingly , to deliuer their country from the Egiptian seruitude of heresy and sinne , and although the benifytes we haue already receiued , be so many & so great , that we durst scarse so metymes haue wished them ; yet such is your Magesties piety & bounty , that now it obligeth vs to hope for farr greater at your handes , for dayly there increaseth ( inuincible Philippe ) there increaseth dayly by our calametie more & more matter for your bounty : & the haruest groweth euery hower whereby you are to reape immortal glory ( for what can be more glorious , or more agreable , to the name and title of a Catholike kinge , & to the greatnesse of your minde and fortune , then to haue prouided country Citty and habitation , for those whom heresy hath cast out in banishment . Many other kinges and Emperours , haue ouercome their enemyes with armes , & vanquished them in warre : but this is your peculiar , and most glorious victory , & of the king your father of holy memory to haue ouercom with curtesy and good deedes .

This present day place & assembly is a triumph of your clemency ( most renowmed Princes ) in which the glory of Christ crucefied , is sene , with ioy of heauen and earth , in these my bretheren who drawen with cheines of loue & Religion , are come from farre countries to liue vnder your protection , that they may acknowledge and testefy your bounty , whose greatnesse others do feare . This mekenesse and clemency in so great power and Magestie , maketh you amiable to men & like to God almighty , & the same wil bring you greater dominons and far richer & more noble sceptors in heauen , then these which here you hold vpon earth , to be yours for al eternety .

The student that made this Oration deliuered it with so good grace and action , and with such modestie mixt with the affectes and feelinge of that he spake , as it was much lyked of all that were present and holden for a good beginning of the rest that was to follow . At the end of this oration while the orator went to kisse the king his hand , the curtaine was drawne that couered the musicke , & for that the voices in the quire , which I spoke of before & the musicke of instrumentes , at there Maiesties entrance into the hall had caused curiosity in them and the rest , and desire to see who they were that had songe and played , they were not a litle contented when the curtayne was drawne , seeing as before had bene told them that they were only the studentes , without any other help from a broad , who now in sight with there modesty and good presence , gaue double grace to that they did , & so with instrumentes and voices together , begone an other songe of those which they vse in there high masses of excellent musique which begone Domine Deus virtutum , and ended Beatus homo qui sperat in te , and towardes the end of this musike came forth from amongst the yongest company a litle youth that in semblance seemed a very angell , who with great grace and making a low courtesie to there Maiesties , went vp to the pulpet which ( as I sayd before ) was prepared ouer against the cloth of estate . This childes father seeing him ingenious & disposed to vertue , notwithstanding he was his eldest sonne desired ( as him selfe told me ) that rather he should lose his inheritance then his faith and Religion ; and moreouer seeing him of so tender and delicate complexion , as it would be dangerous to send him a long iourney alone or not very well accompanied , he determined although it were with daunger of his liuing and life to bringe him out of England him selfe to this Seminary , as he did , and here in the Church vpon his ariuall ( like another Abraham that had come to this hill to sacrifice his dearely beloued Isaac ) offered him vp to our sauiour before the blessed sacrament , with so great zeal and deuotion that he edified all the Colledge ; to see the great force of the grace of God , and how it ouercometh and subiecteth nature , and all humane difficulties , as in this & many other heroicall workes of these faithfull Catholikes of Ingland is euident . A few dayes after the father departid with great comfort to leaue his sonne in such securitie , and the child remained so mery and contented and with so good lyking of the Colledge , as if he had bene in his fathers house , and without going abroad in one yeare he learned the Spanish tonge . And truely if to S. Ierome it seemed a thing worthy of admiration , that a philosopher of whom he wryteth , vndertooke a longe and daungerous iourney to heare Socrates : much more would he maruaile if he liued in these our dayes , to see not onely philosophers & men of ripe age , but children of so tender yeares as this & many others , to passe the seas , & in so great and manifest labours and daungers as they doe , to come to this and the other Seminaries , onely to learne and conserue the Catholike faith , and with so difficult a purpose to retorne to teach it in there country where it must cost them so deare , as the world knoweth , and all this without any temporall hope or commodity to them selues : and therefore with a far more excellent and glorious end , then was that of the Philosopher . This youth being in the pulpet , and haueing made low reuerence to there Maiesties , begonne in Spanish this breefe speech or Preface that followeth .

The Preface to the ten tonges .

THe holy ghoste hauing ( with singular prouidence ) determined to bring the whole world to the kingdome of Christe , and that his name & glory should he published through-out the earth by the holy Colledge of the Apostles ; gaue them for this end diuers tonges and languages , that with them his greatnes and excellencie might more easily be made knowne to all nations , accordinge to this , we fyndinge our selues most highly bound and obliged to your Maiesties , and desiring to declare our gratitude to the whole world , haue endeuoured to imitate this paterne and example of the holy ghost , with desire ( if your Maiesties giue vs leaue ) to signifie in diuers tonges and in the best manner we can that which we shal neuer be able sufficiently to expresse of our owne obligation , nor of your Maiesties greatnes ; both which the Prophet Dauid hath combined in one , and most liuely described in the twenteth Psalme : which Psalme made by a king and meant of the king of kinges , dooth in such manner lay before vs the benedictions which your Maiesties haue receaued of God , & to Heroical and Royal vertues wherewith you procure to imitare the soueraine kinge , the Prophet and true paterne of kinges , of whome the Psalme speaketh that all that in it is sayed may very fitly be applied to you , as shal appeare in the discourse which we wil prosecute in ten different languages , obseruing the breuitie due to your Maiesties presence , and begin which the Spanish as the most familiar and best knowne , that it may open the way and after serue to enterpret the rest . The Queene and some other ladies of the court , by a certaine occasion had some dayes before heard of this litle youth , and so were desirous to see him , and heard him with extraordinary contentment and applause , and the Psalme chosen in the opinion of all that were present , fitted maruailously well the intent and obligation of the tyme and place , and so presently , there went vp to the pulpet another student , brought vp in the Seminaryes since he was six yeares old , who with all the rest that followed obserued the selfe same manner of curtesy , makeing first a low reuerence downe to the bottome of the pulpet , and the like as often as they spake to there Maiesties , and so accompaning his speach ( as the rest also did ) with graue and modest action , begonne the first vearse of the Psalme and the explication in Spanish that followeth .

Domine in virtute tua laetabitur Rex & super salutare tuum exultabit vehementer . Psal. 20.

The Inglish of the Spanish tongue .

The proper Dauid in the beginning of this Psalme discouereth two fountaines , from whence floweth the trew ioy & comfort of all kinges : the first is , in virtute tua laetabitur Rex . The king which putteth his trust and confidence not in his owne wisdome , nor in his treasures not in his forces & strength , but in the power and protection of almighty God , findeth him self so potent that no contrarie successe can dismay him ; so rich that he fealeth no want of gold or siluer : so armed that he feareth not enimyes , though neuer so many : and so strong that he liueth alwaies in prosperity , and comfort without feare . for though the world , and all they that trust therein be subiect to changes , and that dayly experience doth shew , yet he that trusteth in God is sure to stand , and to enioy endlesse and vnspeakable comfort .

A second & greater consolation which this our king may expect ( & Dauid saith issueth from the same fountaine ) is , that he procuring the saluation of soules , and to propagate not so much his owne dominions as the kingdome of Christ our sauiour , he giueth him parte of his owne felicity and ioy as to a companion & partaker of his enterprise in the world ; and so saieth the prophet that this ioy and consolation shal be most aboundant , Es super salutare tuum exaltabit vehementor . O how great thinges may your maiesties hope for at gods handes sith your trust in him and your holy zeale ; to inlarge the Catholike Religion is so great , that you haue not put non plus vltra in Spaine , but extend it beyond the fardest seas , to the east and west and to the north from whence we come to see and reuerence this new Salomon , & finde his wisdome and vertues to be more then same did tel vs . Enlarge then o happy and fortunat Spaine the foldes of thy hart , for thy ioyes shal increase like the sea , & drowne thearin the enimies of the Catholike church . These two proprieties of the good king the prophet Dauid followeth in this Psalme , which shal be declared brefly to your maiesties in ten tounges ; where of som are profesled in this Seminary & to the end that those which ar not vnderstode , may notwithstanding be gratfull to the hearers , I shall declare them with the breuitie I can , and so I ende the Spainsh , with these wordes of the holie ghost , Beata terra cuius Rex nobilis est . Blessed is that country , and happy art thou o Spaine which hast a king of so noble a minde and of so high and holy cogitations .

This explication of the first verse being ended , the student went downe and placed him selfe below neare the pulpit , ouer against ther maiesties , to declare the tounges that should neede interpretation .

Here I could certifie your highnes of some circumstances of particular contentment , and edification concerning the other nine studentes that followed ; but not to be tedious to your highnes I will heere passe in silence diuers thinges worthy to be knowen , and come to the second that spoke in the Hebrew tonge , who obseruing the natural guttural pronuntiation of that language expounded the second verse of the Psalm which followeth .

The Hebrew . Desiderium cordis eius tribuisti ei , & voluntate labiorum eius non fraudasti eum .

Although the tounge in it selfe was so harde to be vnderstood , neuerthelesse with the conuenient actions he gaue it , and the reuerences he made to there Maiesties when he spake vnto them , lifting vp his eyes to heauen when he mentioned God , and other actions which in parte signified what he spake , but specially with hope of the interpretation promised : notwithstanding it might be thought that these vnknowne tonges would be lesse gratefull , yet the euent shewed the contrary : at the end of euery speache , the orator made low curtesy to there Maiesties , and in the meane time the other that followed , was readie to goe vp to the pulpit , and prepared him self to speake , whilest the interpreter below declared that which had allreddy bin said as he did the Hebrew in the sence following .

The Interpreter .

The Hebrew tonge hath declared breifly the happy successe which Dauid prophecieth to the good king : to wit , that he can aske nothing of God which he shall not obtaine , binding almighty God in obligation of promise to fulfill his desires , as he in all thinges procureth to doe Gods holy wil.

The Greke tongue .

The Greke tongue begun taking the third verse for his theame .

Quoniam praeuenisti cum in benedictionibus dulcedinis , posuisti in capite eius coronam de lapide pretioso .

When he and the rest in seuerall tongues named this king they did it with so proper and magnificent titles , accompanyed with such reuerence , that it was graetfull to those that heard only the sound , though they vnderstood not the signification of the wordes .

The Interpreter .

He hath said in Greke that God almighty doeth prenent such a king with blessinges of sweetnes , giuing him from his tender yeares such prudence , valour , and disposition of nature , that his gouerment is gratefull & giueth contentment to all , and putteth vpon his head a crowne of pretious stones , which Salomon in an other place Prouerb . 12. declareth in these wordes : Mulier diligens , coronae est viro suo : so as the Margaret or iewel here present , doeth not suffer vs to doubt of what precious stone the Prophet meant .

The Latine tongue . Vitam petijt ate , & tribuisti longitudinem dierum in saeculum saeculi .

In the fourth place went vp a young man of honorable parents by blood , and much more for theire constant profession of the Catholyk faith , who came to this Seminarie through many daungers by sea ; and enemies . By his countenance and person he shewed well who he was , and with a grateful voice and action spake to the king as followeth .

ETiamsi videamus Maiestatem tuam ( Rex potentissime ) in ipso beatissimae vitae flore versari , tamen cum Regij pectoris tui humana omnia despicientis magnitudinem intuemur , adduci non possumus , vt credamus inuictum illum & caelestem animum vitam caducam & fluxam à Deo optimo maximo petijsse . Illud sanè certum & exploratum habemus , te cum vastum imperium à Philippo parente , velut à sanctissimo Dauide foelicissimus Salomon accepisses , impetrato à summo Po●tifice & misso per omnes Hispanias plenissimo inbilaeo publicis & priuat is tuis & aliorum precibus sapientiam qua populum tuum regeres postulasse : audi igitur ( Rex Catholice ) Deum , optimum , maximum ijsdem verbis , quibus olim Salomoni responsa dantem sanctissimis tuis postulatis . Quia , inquit , non petijsti dies multos , nec diuitias , sed sapientiam ad discernendum iudicium ; ecce dedi tibi cor sapiens & intelligens in tantum , vt nullus ante te similis tui fuerit , nec post surrecturus sit . Quantae enim pietatis sapientiaeque est in summa rerum omnium potestate in adolescentiae flore non abripi ventis licentiae , & aetatis , sed integras nationes locis disiunctissimas , moribus dissimillimas , numero propemodum infinitas , veluti vnius corporis membra in pace , & officio continere : sed pergit Deus ; etiam , inquit , quae non postulasti dedi tibi , diuitias scilicet & gloriam , vt nemo fuerit similis tui in regibus cunctis retro diebus : quod quàm rectè ●onueniat in maiestatem tuam ex eo sat is constat , quod ipsum Salomonem imperij magnitudine & opum affluentia s●peraueris . Si autem , inquit , ambulaueris in vijs meis sicut Dauid pater tuus , longos faciam dies tuos . Quid m●gitur gratulemur maiestati tuae dies longos , imperium faustum & diuturnum ( foelicissimè Salomon ) qui sanctissimi genitoris tui pietatem sic es aemulatus , vt senem iuuenis quodammodo superasse videaris : Nec est quod de perpetuo foelicitatis tuae cursu dubitemus , cum non possimus de pietatis tuae constantia dubitare . It aque de Maiestate tua ad Deum conuersi vere pronunciamus : vit am petijt àte , & tribuisti ei in hoc mundo vitam , sapientia , opibus , gloria abundantem , & dabis in caelo , vt speremus vitam sempiternam , longitudinem dierum in saeculum saeculi .

The same in Inglish .

ALthough ( most mighty and potent King ) we see your Maiesty in the very prime and flower of this your happy age , yet not-withstanding when we consider your magnanimity . and the greatnes of your Royal mynde which dispiseth all humane and earthly thinges , we cannot beleeue that you haue asked of God almighty this fraile and vnstable life , but that when you were to take the gouernement of your kingdomes from the renowmed king your father , as an other Salomon from king Dauid , and procured from his holynes a Iubiley and sent it through all your dominions , we are persuaded that both by publique and priuat prayers by your owne and by the prayers of others . you asked of God as Salomon did , wisdome , to gonerne this your people . Harken then most Catholike king the answere of almighty God to your petition in the very same wordes wherewith he answereth king Salomon : because ( saith hee ) thou hast not asked of me long lyfe or riches but wisedome to iudge aright : behold therefore I haue giuen the a hart full of wisedome & vnderstanding , so that none hath bin before like vnto thee nor shall arise after thee how great a signe of piety and wisedome is it in your Maiesty to stand vpon the hight of so great power & auctority in the weakest & most vnconstant part of mans age so stedfast & vnmooueable , as not to be ouerthrowne with the greatest blasts of libertie and youth , but to kepe your self irreprehensible and so many nations as you gouerne so far a sunder , and of so different disposition & manners so subiect to you as they be , and vnited amongest them selues in peace , and concorde , as members of one body . But God almighty passeth on farther with your Maiesty , and saieth ; riches and honour which thou hast not asked those also I doe giue thee , that none shal be like thee amongest al the kinges of the earth : which promise how it is fulfilled in your Maiestie may wel appeare , in that you do far excel and surpasse king Salomon in greatnes of dominion and aboundance of riches : But ( saieth God ) yf thou shalt walk in my commandements , as Dauid thy father did , I will multiply thy daies vpon the earth : why then may we not congratulate with your Maiesty a long and happy lyfe , and a florishing , prosperous , and permanent raigne ( most fortunate Salomon ) who so imitate your fathers vertues , as in these young yeares you striue to excel him , neither can we feare the continuance of your prosperity , which we so much desire and pray for , seing the constancy of your pietie and religion . Therefore tuurning vs to God we may very well say of your Maiesty , that which the Prophet hath said in this verse ; Vitam petijt àte , & tribuisti ei longitudinem dierum in seculum saeculi , he hath asked life and thow hast giuen it him abounding with wisdome riches and glory in this world , & we hope your Maiesty shal receiue in heauen euerlasting life and length of daies for euer and euer .

The Cornish tongue . Magna est gloria eius in salutare tuo , gloriam & magnum decorem impones super eum .

In this tongue spake a young man borne in that parte of England , which is toward Britanny , and the language is as far different from the English as here in Spaine the Biscay tongue from that of Castile , and hath a certaine grace and reddynes of speach not vnlike to that of the Biscaies , his speach was short , & he deliuered it very well .

The Interpreter .

He hath said in his language that many men pretende glorie and honor , but few do find it , because the most parte of men seeke it where it is not , in vaine ostentation , and in the deceitfull shew of the world and so at length , see them selues deceiued , for trew honour is to be found only in vertue and trew religion , where your Catholike Maiesties seeke it , and therefore it followeth you as the shadow followeth the body of him that goeth towards the Sunne .

The English .

One of the students spake in his natural language with great liuelynes , eloquence , and proprietie of action , and vsed so significant wordes , diuers of them correspondent to the latine , as the most parte of that he spake was vnderstood , and for his theame he took the verse following .

Quoniam dabis ei in benedictionem in seculum seculi , laetificabis cum in gaudio cum vultu tuo .

The Interpreter .

He hath said in Inglish that this eternal benediction which the Prophet Dauid foretelleth in this verse , & promiseth to a good king , is no other then to defend , propagate , and encrease the Christian religion , which is the greatest dignity and honor that God almighty hath bestowed vpon your Maiesties . For the other blessings you haue receiued as the foyson of the earth , the treasure of your kingdomes , and all other temporal commodities vanish a way as the dew strucken with the Sunne beames , but this other benediction is immoueable and permanent , like to the Sunne it selfe .

The welsche tongue .

In this tongue spake a Preist borne in that Prouince , who not long after was to go into England , and had for his theame these two verses following .

Quoniam Rex sperat in Domino , & in misericordia altissimi non commouebitur . Inueniatur manus tua omnibus inimicis tuis , dextera tua inueniet omnes qui te oderunt .

He deliuered his speach so deuoutly and confidently as if he had had commission from heauen to promise the good successe he fore-told to there Maiesties , and his presence countenance and action moued all to deuotion , & more those that knew him .

The Interpreter .

He hath said in welsh that this king hauing for his armes and sheild the mercie of God , shal infallibly subdue all his enemyes .

The Flemmish .

He that spake in flemmish in his pronunciation and manner of speaking , seemed a natural flemming and had for his theame this verse that followeth .

Pones cos vt clibanum ignis in tempore vultus tui , dominus in ira sua conturbabit eos & deuorabit eos ignis .

The Interpreter .

He hath said in flemmish that one great point of excellency and dignity of this king is , that he hath the same cause , the same enimies , and the self same punishment for them which God hath prepared for his enemies in hel .

The French tongue .

The French tongue was very wel liked , partly for that the youth spake it with the naturall pronunciation of the language , and partly because his Maiesty vnderstandeth it wel , and him selfe did interpret to the Queene the substance of that which was said , and so there was no neede of interpretter heere , not for the latin and Italian tonge .

The French had for this theame this verse following . Fructum eorum de terra perdes , & semen eorum à filijs hominum .

This verse of the twenteth Psalme of the prophet Dauid ( most puisant Monarch of the world ) which at this time I haue taken to discourse vpon , may seeme very fit for this purpose , to declare and set forth your inexplicable diligence in withstanding , subduing , and rooting out heresy , and this not only in your owne kingdomes and dominions , where no heretike dare appeare or lift vp his head : but also in the countries about you ; Fructum eorum de terra perdes & semen eorum à filijs hominum , you doe extirpat and root out there fruite , that is , the vices & discordes proceeding from there wicked doctrine , reducing there seede to the Catholik faith by your care and solicitude ; in testimony where-of may be aleaged the peace concluded in france , the continuall wars in Flanders , and most of all our miserable country of England , towards the which your loue and affection alwayes hath bin , & now is , so great that no tongue is able to declare it ; for besides your great vigilance & care taken to conclude amity and peace after so long war ( which only heresy hath caused and continued ) who can sufficiently admire your Maiesties fauour more then humaine , in erecting and maintayning not only two colledges here in Spaine , this & that of Siuil , but also two others in Flanders , the one at Doway , the other at S. Omers as it were fower spiritual bulwarkes & fortresses to represse and subdue the malice of the heretikes , and as a holsome hearbe calleth Brittanica , to chase a way & put to flight those venemous serpentes , the infernal spitites that haue infected and poisoned England with heresy ; wherefore very wel may this verse be applied to your maiestie Fructum eorum de terra perdes & semen eorum à filijs hominum .

The Italian tongue .

The Italian with the sweetnes of the tongue it self , & the good grace that the orator gaue it , seemed wel chosen for the last verse of the Psalme , & because it agreeth with the Latin and Spanish , it was vnderstood of all and needed no interpreter his theame was this , Exalt are domine in virtute tua cantabimus & psallemus virtutes tuas .

Although the rest of the Psalme fitteth so well the time and place as your Maiestie hath heard , yet may it seeme that this last verse maketh not so much for our purpose , seing the Catholike Church our mother so afflicted , our most deare country so ouerrun with heresies , that the wicked triumph and , the faithful suffer , our parents and freindes robbed , imprisoned , tormented and cruelly mattered . Who considering this , wil not iudge that we should rather cry out with the Prophet Ieremy . Vide domine quoniam tribulor subuersum est cor meum in memetipso , quoniam amaritudine plenus sum . And so might wee with all reason if it were not ( most noble and pious Prince ) that your Catholike and Royal hart is so reddy to helpe vs , as all the world knoweth . But now what maruel is it hauing here present your Maiestie our most gracious protector and refuge , that forgetting the teares and complaintes which our banishment requireth , we reioyce and be glad for your Maiesties felicity praysing God , and giuing him infinite thankes for the great fauours and benefites he hath bestowed vpon you and saying with the Prophet Dauid . Exaltare domine in virtute tùa . Extol the powerful hand of the almighty that hath placed your Royall dignity as a strong forte against all the enimies of his holy Church , and a refuge and comfort of all afflicted Catholikes , in so much that where your Maiesty reigneth , there Catholike religion , and the faith of Christ florisheth : for this ( most potent king ) we ar glad and reioice for your power and greatnes , and can do no lesse but praise and thanke the eternal Maiestie of our sauiour , that in so troublesome and daungerous a time hath prouided so sure a hauen for vs , and for his Church , ending the Psalme with the wordes of the Prophet , Cantabimus & psallemus virtutes tuas : At the end of this Psalme the Prophet seemeth to inuite and oblige those that enioy the fauour and protection of the good king , whom before he had described , to sing and shew forth his excellencie and felicity and so the English students began a sweet and artificial song made after their country manner of musicke and the ditty in Spanish to the purpose , which one of them standing betweene the two settes of instrumentes sung in sight of there Maiesties , and the Inglish musicke with the Spanish ditty gaue extraordinary contentment to all , and no lesse when on a soddaine they saw appeare in the pulpit the childe that in the beginning made the introduction to the tongues , and so all were silent , and attentiue to heare him , and he perceiuing him selfe to be heard with fauour took hart and spake with much more audacity and better grace then in the beginning .

The conclusion and thankes to ther Maiesties .

In testimonie of the singular loue and affection which we do acknowledge and most humbly reuerence in your Maiesties , this shall suffise to all the world , that a childe dare presume and be so bold as to speake in presence of the Monarch thereof neuerthelesse who would not take hart and be encoraged with so especial fauour & courtesie , seing so great a Maiestie and highnes humble and include him selfe with in the straite and lowly wales of this poore Colledge of banished Catholikes , only to honour and comfort them with his Royal presence . And if the Bishops and Prelats of the Nicene counsail who had suffered in the defence of the same faith and religion that we professe , receiued so great comfort with the loue and estimation which the most Christian and religious Emperor Constantine the great shewed them for the same respect , not only embraceing them , but most humbly kissing the markes and tookens of the tormentes which they had suffered , what ioy may your Maiestie thinke that my bretheren and companions doe receiue , seing them selues so highly fauoured and honoured with so many signes of your singular affection , and with the fauorable presence of the Queenes Maiestie , wherewith we finde our selues much more animated ; then dismaied with the cruel persecutions of our country , and if the like courtesy and loue shewed to these Seminaries by your fathers , & your Maiesties Royall clemencie in times past , did so confirme and encourage them which receiued those fauours that they feared not to shead most valerously theire blood in the flower of theire youth , for testimony and defence of the holy Catholike faith suffring cruel martirdome as well-nygh two hundred of our Priests haue done for the same cause , and some of this Seminary since your Maiesties last being here eight yeares agoe : to what victories then , to what triumphes do these newe aboundant fauoures cal and inuite vs ( most courteous and religious Princes ? ) me thinkes I feel the blood boyling in my companions hartes , offring it selfe to be shed for Iesu Christ , for whose sake we see our selues this day so honoured of your Maiesties : And if it shall please God to giue any of vs so good fortune , our blood shall cry to heauen , asking crownes of euerlasting rewarde for your Maiesties , and in the earth proclaiming and publishing the Christian zeale and piety of the Catholike Kinges of Spaine .

The Estrich is of so grosse & cruel condition that shee forsaketh her young ones before they come out of the shell , but ( not without especial prouidence of god ) they are hatched and brought vp with the heat of the Sunne , what els is our lamentable country but the same vnkinde Estrich ( which the prophet Ieremy lamenteth , saying the daughter of my people is cruel like the Estrich in the wildernes that forsaketh her young ones before they be hatched : so in this our desolation and banishment he nourisheth fauoureth and fostereth vs as a father who by office & title is the Sunne of Spaine . And if Moyses who after was to be the captaine of Gods people had good for tune ( as afore hath bin said ) when he was a childe that being cast into the water to perish , he was found by the kinges daughter of Egipt & by her adopted for her owne , our good fortune is no lesse but grater then his , to fall here into the handes of your Maiesties , and in Flanders into the handes of the Infant of Spaine . In times past England was beholding to Spaine for gold siluer , pearles , oyle , wine , and the like fruites of the earth , but now for other fruites and riches much more pretious then gold or siluer , the fruites of faith and Catholike religion and all kinde of vertues and ieuells of heauen . Oh that the glorious troope of martirs of these Seminaries wold come downe to giue your Maiesties thankes for the fauours , which in time of this so great necessity and persecution you shew to the Inglish Catholikes , and bring you from heauen the ensignes and ornamentes of triumph which there are prouided for your maiesties in recompence of the education of so many martirs , and the honor done to them vpon earth . Oh that they would come and giue vp to your Maiesties handes the Palmes of victory & glory now in your life time , which shal be brought you when you depart out of this world . I dare vndertake you would remaine contented , & we satisfied to see our duty and obligation in part discharged . but seing this my desire taketh not effect , I beseche most humbly the king of kinges , in behalf of all my companions present , & absent that he vouchsafe to receiue your maiesties , with as great loue and liberality in his kingdome , as you haue receiued and fauored vs in yours for his sake .

The childe pronounced this oration with so tender affectes , shewing himselfe to feel that which he spake in such manner , that theire Magesties & all that were present were exceedinghly mooued , and diuers could not forbeare teares . After the oration he came downe from the pulpit , & hauing made his reuerence went to kisse the Kinges hand , who with his accustomed clemence embraced him , shewing in his countenance how wel he had lyked his speach . After him followed the rest of the students to whome also his Maiesty shewed such fauour and courtesie as wel appeared that God almighty had brought them out of theire fathers houses & country in whose hand are the harts of Catholike kings , to encline them as he pleaseth to fauour his workes .

About the middest of the last oration entered the kinges pages with torches lighted which they had brought from the pallace , because it was night , and when theire Maiesties arose to depart the father of the Colledge went to the cloth of estate to giue them thankes , & besought the king that he would vouchsafe to continew alwayes his accoustumed fauour & protection to this holy worke , whereunto he answered , that he had care to doe it , & that he knew it was much to Gods honour and seruice of the Church , and therfore could doe no lesse .

The noble men and courtiers that went forth before theire Maiesties could not dissemble the contentment they had receiued , and in particular the Marquesse of Velada the kings great Steward affirmed that in all the progresses and iournies he had accompanied him and his father , they had neuer bin in any place more nobly receiued , and required copyes of all the orations , and of the interpretations that had bin made vpon the Psalme , and the Duke of Lerma desirous to see the student which he maintayneth in the Colledge , embraced him in the kinges presence with such tender affection , as if he had bin his owne father , and told there Maiesties that he adopted him for his Sonne , and that it was reason the Queene should also take some number to her charge , wherevnto she answered , that alredy shee had purposed to do it . Theire Maiesties when they came into the vtermost court , for that it was darke and the multitude of those that accompanied them shadowed the students , who were placed in the way in the same order , as when theire Maiesties entered into the Colledge , one of the noble men seeing them , as the pages lifted vp their torches sayed to the Duke of Lerma , look ( my lord ) what a goodly company of Ecclesiasticall men , and he said to the king , will your Maiestie see a quire of angells , whereat the kinge and the Queene turning to the schollers with signification of a courteous fare-well , they alltogether made reuerence to thire Maiesties , and the Duke much moued with the sight , wringing one of the fathers of the Colledge that went with him by the hand , sayed a lowd , it is impossible that England should miscary that bringeth forth such childeren .

All the nobilitie , maides of honor , and gentlemen of the court that had bin present departed , commending greatly that which they had seene , and as the king was to go out of the gate the Rector kissed his hand , crauing pardon that he had kept him so long , whereunto he auswered ; that the tyme had not seemed long , and that all had contented him exceedingly . There was gathered a great multitude of gentlemen , and others of the citie before the Colledge , maruailing much to see theire Maiesties stay so long within , and so late in the night without theire guard , and much more when they saw the demonstration of contentment in them , and all the rest at their comming forth , and so the same night diuers principal persons that could not that day come into the Colledge , desired that nothing might be taken downe , till the next day following , when many learned men of the Vniuersitie , Religious , and others , and gentlemen of the citie , came to read the verses , and see how their Maiesties had bin receiued , & seemed no lesse satisfied then the others the day before . Thankes be giuen to almighty God , that can finde meanes to comfort & honour those that bee persecuted , & dishonoured for his holy name .

An aduertisement to the Catholikes of England , of the present state of their children brought vp in this Colledge of Valladolid and of the comfort they may worthely expect of them heer-after .

BEcause I assure my self that your highines hath inhereted not the least part of your fathers loue and affection to the Catholikes of England , and that you desire to keep fresh his glorious memorie with them no lesse gratfull then the memorie of the good king Iosias was to the people of Israell , and because the rigorous persecution they suffer causeth in all good Catholikes great compassion and desyre , to comfort so valorous and faythfull people , and that nothing can bee more gratefull to good parents then to heare newes of their childeren , hoping that this relation may come to their handes , translated into Inglish by your highnesse comaundement , I haue thought good to adde some particular things of this Seminarie , for their aduertisment of the state thereof .

There is built a fayer house capable well-nigh of a 100 persons , for habitation of the students , and it proueth so commodious , pleasant , and healthful that none haue dyed since it was finished , and verie few falne sick , in so much as the last yeare when there dyed in this citie a boue 6000. persons of the plage , only one scholer of this Seminary well sicke of that desease , who yet recouered : so as it was atributed to Gods speciall prouidence and protection who as it seemed had marked the walles of this colledge with the bloud of the holy martyrs of Ingland , that the angell of reuenge should not touch the students . They liue so merily & contentedly as them selues affirme they neuer liued with such harty contentment in there owne fathers houses . The grace which God giueth them , together with the glorious vocation whereunto he calleth them to liue reddy to die for the conuersion of there countrie , and the dayly vse of prayer and other exercises of piety which they haue , kept them continually with feruour & deuotion , notwithstanding the distraction of theire studyes , as wel appeared ( to omitt other exampls ) in the extraordenarie preparation they made , and the recollection this last sommer in meditation & prayer for many dayes together , to dispose them selues to receiue worthely the lubely of the holy yeare , which was graunted by especiall priuilege to the Inglish Catholikes , and in other occasions of late , wherein they haue made notable demonstration of theire religion and pietie especially in the procuring and receiuing a deuout image of our blessed Lady defaced by the Inglish heretikes at Cadyz which no doubt , but God allmightie hath bestowed vpon them in reward of theire speciall loue and deuotion to his blessed mother , which is not a litle stirred vp and increased in this citie by theire example . They profit notably in all kynde of studyes , specially in philosophy , diuinitie , and controuerses against hereses , wherein they defend their conclusions and publique acts with so great satisfaction and approbation of the whole vniuersitie , as they are loued and esteemed not only in this citie , but of the graue and learned persons of al these kingdomes , eclesiasticall , and temporal , and diuers of them haue adopted some one , some moe of these students for their childeren , prouiding them of maintenance and apparrel , & comforting them with gifts and lettrrs , and visiting them in person as they were theire owne children , and the Bishops when they take holy orders , and whole cities in occasions making demonstration of theire good wil and affection towards them , in so much , as these two yeares past memorable for general famin , and plage , when many families and communities that enioy great liuings & rents , found them selues ouercharged , this Colledge mayntened 60. or 70. persons without want of any thing necessarie , through Gods holy prouidence , who hath care in such occasions to susteine at his owne expenses those that leaue theire parents and countrie for his holy name , as at other times he hath done with Daniel , Elias , S. Athanasius , and many other of his seruantes . Finally this good wil and estimation is so much the more to be accounted , of , as it is more vniuersal and procedeth from persons of more iudgment and authoritie , in which kinde , may be rekned the extraordinarie demonstration of fauour which the high counsayles of these kingdomes haue shewed of late to this Inglish Colledge moued thereunto by the Earle of Ponion rostro , don Francisco Arias de Bouadilla who hauing bin Coronel in Flandres many yeares , and seeing the rigorous persecution in Ingland and the constancie of the Catholikes , and after knowne the Inglish Colledge of Ciuil , the time hee was gouerner of that citie , hath taken such affection to this Colledge , that he dealeth in their businesse with no lesse care then if they were his owne childeren , and so vpon occasion of two & twentie students that came this yeare almost altogether , he presented petitions to the Counsayles in his owne name , & with al gaue them bookes of the historie newly published by the late kinges Confessor of the persecution of Ingland , and a paper contayning diuers reasons to moue affection towards these Seminaries , which he caused to bee printed for the purpose , and is worthy to be set , ( as it shal be ) downe at the end of his relation , as wel for testimonie of this good noblemans zeale & affection , as for your highnesse , who cannot chose to receiue contentment , seeing layd together , and wel declared the grounds and foundation of the fauours , which your self and the most renowmed kings , your father , & your brother , haue shewed in sucouring this people that so much deserueth to be sucoured , & the same is no smal testimonie of the passion and blindnesse which heresie hath bred in those of England , which persecute euen to death these innocent lambes of their owne countrey & bloud , who one the other side , strangers of a different nation are forced ( only for the example of their good life & vertue ) to loue so tenderly & with so general approbation as may bee seene in the fauours & benefits which dayly they receiue of theire Maiesties , and your highnesse , and so many other principal persons of these kingdoms , & now lately of these counsayles and communities which is the greatest testimonie that can be of the general affection that is borne them . For notwithstanding the fauour and affection which any Prince or Prelate sheweth to a worke of this qualitie doth much commend and authorise it , yet many times it may proceed of a particular deuotion , & therefore is not so great a testimony , nor so vniuersal as his other approbation , but that so many counsayls as haue concurred of late to fauour this worke & so many persons of authoritie as be in them , in whose wisdome and discretion resteth the gouerment of so many kingdomes & countries , & which do not easylie concurre in the qualification & approbation of any thing , wherein may be doubt , should so vnite and conioyne them selues in one mind and affection , not only to approue , but to fauour & succor an other nation and in a thing vnaccustomed & hetherto not seene in any other occasion , & where only one negatiue voyce had bin sufficient to hinder the graunt , this I cannot see how any man can doubt to be his disposition & handy worke , by whom Reges regnant & legum conditores iusta decernunt , Kings do reigne and lawgiuers make iust decrees , therby to giue euident testimonie to the world , that he wil make famous , and ennoble this his worke , to the greater confusion of the heretiks his enemyes who seek by al meanes possible to calumniat , ouerthrow , and destroy it .

Wherefore there is no reason that those whom God most merifully calleth to this holy worke , no lesse hard then glorious , should be dismayed , or lose hart with the troubles and new difficulties , which arise in it euery day , by the subtile meanes of the enemie of truth , seing his diuine Maiestie one the other syde hath such particular care to prouide diligent workmen and labors for this his beloued vineyard whose learning confoundeth the ignorance of their enemies , there valor and vertue , the others malice , and there magnanimitie and patience , the others cruelty , vpholding and mayntaining by these meanes , the Catholike faith agaynst al the power of the Prince of darknes . If then God hath effectuated the conuersion of other countries , and of England also , at other times by only one , or two , or by some smal number of good men , what may wee hope for now of so many faithful seruants and workemen of his , as be in that countrie ; and of the prouident care which ( as wee see ) he hath to cal so many chosen youth as euery day with singular & strange vocations come as a new supply to the Seminaries , where being brought vp trayned and exercised in vertue & learning ( the armes where with they must fight against heresie ) they become as valiant Capitaines in this spiritual warfare of the Church , as were Cyrus , Hannibal , Alexander , Augustus Caesar , and Dauid in theire temporal warres , for that they began to exercise themselues in them betimes ( as their histories reporte ) what may wee then hope for , but a short and happie end of this combate sithence they go to it , with the skil , courage , and fortitude that becometh the soldiours of Christ , as there imperisonment , theire disputations with the heretikes , theire torments , & deathes do testifie ; so as iustly wee may say , that these be of the number of the wise childeren , which ( as the holy ghost sayeth ) bring ioy and comfort to theire parents , & not only comfort , but honour to them , and libertie to there country , and as God chose the banished childeren of Babylon , for instrumentes to worke and shew forth his glory , who rather chose to enter into the hot burning fornace , in testimonie of there true religion , then to adore the idol ; where by the king came to know his error , and acknowledged the true God : so by the very same meanes God is glorified with the constancie of these Inglish youthes , who break through so many dangers and perils , because they wil not adore and follow the Idol of heresie erected in their country but rather labour to reduce it to the knowledge and obedience of the true Catholike Church .

The reasons and motiues which the Earle of Ponion Rostro , Don Francisco Arias de Bouadilla , of the Kinges Councel , general gaue to the counsail of the inquisition , to the counsail Real of Castilla , to the counsailes of Italy , the Indies , and the crowne of Aragon , and to the Iunta de Cortes de Castilla , which in Spaine is as the lower house of the parlament in Ingland , in behalfe of the English Seminary of Valladolid , in April 1600.

IT appeareth sufficiently how relgious and honorable a work the foundation of the Inglish seminaries in these kingdomes hath bin , & how worthy they ar to be fauored as wel by the great priuileges which his holynes hath giuen them , as by the special fauours which our soueraine the Catholike king that now is , & the glorious memory of his father haue done them , with more then heroical liberality & piety , at the very times when by piracy & often inuasions of other Inglishmen theire kingdomes , & subiects were most endamaged , declaring therewith the excellency of this work , and that they had prudently considered the important reasons , why it should be fauored .

The same likewise may be confirmed by the testimony of Cardinal Baronius one of the greatest & most learned writers of this age who , speaking of these seminaries , saith , that this age of ours is most fortunat in that it hath deserued to bring forth so many holy preists crowned ( as he saith ) with more noble crownes of martirdom , than that of S. Thomas of Canterbury seing they died not only with the same constancy for the defence of the ecclesiastical liberty , as that renowmed martir did , but also to conserue and restore the Catholique faith in theire country , & concludeth with these words , let my soule depart ( saith he ) in company of these iust and glorious champions .

Botius also a learned and graue author in his booke of the markes of the trew Church of God recounteth these Inglish Seminaries for a most euident testimony & proofe that our religion is founded in the truth , seing it indueth those that professe it with such courage , and inuincible fortitude .

Boterus an other author no lesse graue and learned , commendeth this work , as one of the most glorious that hath bin in the church of God since the Apostles time .

Lastly the Bishop of Tarazona that wrote the history of Ingland & other prelats & men of authority and great numbers of wise and learned men of these kingdomes , qualifie this worke for the most noble marke and blason in matter of faith & religion that our kingdom of Spaine this day enioyeth .

Although any one of these testimonies were sufficient to declare the qualitie of this holy worke yet for that many principal persons haue so great estimation and desire of the continuance and increase therof , as they perswade themselues the want of sufficent notice to be the only cause why it is not generaly fauored and furthered of all I haue thought good to lay downe , certain particular reasons & motiues wher in is discouered the quality of the worke reducing them to three heades , the first of piety and religion , the second of Christian nobility and honor , and the third of commodity .

Motiues of piety .

The first motiue and the most general is that to help these seminaries , is to sustaine with temporal almes the faith of Christ & the spiritual good of a kingdom which so dependeth of the labours and industry ) of these Priests brought vp in these Seminaries that if they failed the vtter ruine and decay of Religion in that nation would follow . And therefore if it be an act of piety to repare the ruines of material temples , and ransome any one Christian from the captiuitie of infidels : it must needes be a far greater to build the Church of Christ , and redeeme from the tyranny of heretiks these vertuous young-men of whose safety dependeth the saluation of so many soules in theire country , as after-ward by theire meanes shal come to know and imbrace the Catholike Religion .

The second is that this kingdome which we succour , was the first that in the whole world publiquely professed the faith of Christ , and for this respect is called the first childe of the Church , and the dowry of our blessed lady , and in it flowrished afterwards the same faith for more then a 1000. yeares togeither , in which time it brought forth many holy kinges , Queenes , Bishops , and other glorious saintes , and Martirs . And lost not the profession of this faith so longe kept by any fault of the people , or corruption of manners and euil life as in other countries hath hapned , but by the miserable fall and infortune of King Henry the 8. and some of his children as to the world is euident , by the continual resistance which the Inglish Catholikes haue made so many yeares to heresie neuer giuing it one houre of peaceable possession though it haue cost them theire bloud which they haue shed with so great constancy and courage , as highy edifieth and astonisheth the whole Church of God to see it .

The third and more particular is , that the Catholikes for whose succour and comfort these Priests are brought vp are on the one side the most afflicted with so long and rigorous a persecution , and on the other the most approued with patience and longanimity , and the people to whome the profession of theire religion costeth more deare them to any other nation in the world .

The fourth and not the least is , the purity and integrity of life of these lawdable youngmen and the many tallents and graces wherewith God almighty enricheth them , and the account and estimation which they haue of the holy dignitie of preisthood , for which many of them renounce their inheritance , & which is more to be admired , after they be Priests notwithstanding they know that many of theire companions sent from the Seminaries , & in particular from this of Valladolid , are at this present in prison , and that others haue bin cruelly tormented , and others vnmercifully put to death by the heretiks , and that the diligence which they vse in their pursute is incredible . Yet for all this they are not a whit dismaid nor seeke occasions to spend theire time in other countries more then is necessary to furnish them selues with learning , but procure to hasten theire mission to England as much as in them lyeth departing after with so great alacrity courage , and comfort that they leaue theire companions and those that send ; them ful of admiration and holy desirs to beare them company in theire glorious entreprise .

The first reason is , that the end and institution of these Seminaries is like vnto that which our Sauiour Christ Iesus purposed to him selfe , who ( as himself declareth ) principaly descended from heauen to recouer the lost sheepe of the house of Israel his country where he was accused by the princes and elders of his owne people as a traytor and tumultuous person , that sowed sedition & trobled the common wealth , and that according to their lawes was guilty of death . The same in proportion is the institution and end of these Seminaries , and of the same crimes are the students and Preists wrongfully accused by the Inglish heretikes , who likewise haue made vniust lawes against them vnder colour whereof , they condemne them to death ; & lastly , our Sauiour Iesus Christ was apprehended , imprisoned , disgraced , crucified & put to death in his owne country , and by his owne people , for hauing procurtd theire saluation , and for the like causes ar these Preists put in prison , slandred , tormented , condemned , and put to death in Ingland , imitating that eminent and supreme degree of charity to the which S. Iohn exhorteth vs , Quoniam ille animam suam posuit pro nobis & nos debemus pro fratribus animas ponere that as Christ offred his life for our saluation : so should wee according to his example spend freely our bloud to saue our bretheren .

The sixt is the great consolation which these Priests receiue at theire returne to Ingland , when they finde many of theire schoolefellowes and equales brought vp and infected with heresie only for want of the benefit of these Seminaries , which they haue enioyed , whereby of force must increase in them affects of gratitude to theire benefactors , and theire care dubbled , to recommend them to almighty God , of whose names to this end they carry particular memory when they departe in their missions , remaining their perpetual chaplaines during their liues , and if they dy in defence of the faith , theire bloud wil aske reward for them that brought them vp with so greath charity , as the bloud of Abel cried vengance at Gods hands against his Brother Caine that violently shed it .

Motiues of honor and Christian nobility .

The first motiue is that this worke discouereth and commendeth greatly to all the world the true & Christian nobilitie of Spaine , and of the Catholiques of Ingland whereof these Seminaries shal be perpetual witnesses to al ages following seeing the very walles of the Colledge testifie to our posterity , this new and straing example of piety & religion , that being actual exercise of war betweene these twoo nations , these of Ingland send their children with so great confidence and no lesse peril and dainger to be brought vp in Spaine , and that heere they are receiued so louingly and intreated so honorably as if they were our owne children a thing so vnsual amongst other nations in like cases that neither the memories of men nor histories record the like , and is an euident argument of the great opinion which Ingland hath conceiued of the Heroycal sincerity and Christianity of Spaine , seing the heretikes feare vs so much and the Catholikes so confidently rely vpon vs in theire necessities , which if no other respect were , doeth oblige vs in honor to maintaine , conserue , and increase this holy worke , and to commend to al eternity the glorious memory thereof .

The second is , that this fauour and succour is done to persons of good patentage ( for such they are that ordinarily come to these Seminaries ) who to conserue theire faith haue left theire country , freindes , and temporal commodities , & in the flower of theire age , when others carlesly neglect theire saluation , labor not only to saue their owne but also other mens soules taking vpon them in theire youth the same entreprise , which in riper yeares the holy Apostles vndertooke and others theire followers . which first planted the saith in these and other kingdomes of Christendome , and here in the Seminaries these bind them selues by solemne oth to reduce theire country to the Catholike Church or to loose theire liues in the action , which they accomplish so faithfully that in these few yeares almost 200. Priests haue bin put to death for defence of this glorious quarel , and so their aduersaries are more afraid of this spiritual war , then of any enimy how powerful so euer , and they haue reason , for here Christ is the Captaine , and the war is not against the bodyes , but against the vnderstandinges and corrupted wils of the deceiued , and so as we see they go for-ward conquering , distroying , and making hauock of hetesy , and putting to flight the enemyes of truth which no way are able to resist them , and the great solicitude and extraordinary diligence wherewith theire followers and instruments procure to aprehended these Priests , seruing rather for a signe then for a remidy of theire feare , discouereth the infinite wisdome of God , who with a few children wageth such irresistable war against the Princes and powers of darknes .

The third is , that if it were great reputation and honor for vs & our nation by force of armes to deliuer the realm of Ingland from heresy , it wil be more honorable to reduce it to the catholck church by these other meanes of spiritual souldiours whome we bring vp for this purpose .

The fourth is , that if heretikes for a vaine imagination of infernal honor , ioyn handes ; and succour one an other as hath bin seene in the Hugonots of Fraunce , the Protestantes of Almany , & the continual supply both of mony and men , which these of Ingland for many yeares together haue sent to the heretikes of Scotland , and Fraunce , & to the rebels of Flanders , sparing no cost nor labor by which the wicked estate of heresy might be vpholden , it is most iust that the kingdomes of Spain ( which God hath blessed and renowmed aboue all other naions with purity and integrity of faith ) should haue far greater respect of this most Christian honor , and esteeme it more in procuring to maintaine , healp , & conserue the Catholik faith where it is alreddy , or to restor it in those countries wher it hath perished , and specially in Ingland , which hath suffred with so great constancy , so long and grecuous a persecution for defence of theire faith .

Motiues of temporal commodity .

The infinit wisedom of god hath so disposed the affaires of Spain , and knit them so together , with the procedinges of Ingland that the tranquility , security , & weale publick of the one wholy dependeth of the others conuersion for as long as heresy shal beare sway in Ingland so long wil continew the insolent desperat & dangerous practises wherewith they molest vs & our countries , & this conuersion it semeth God wil haue brought to passe by the ordinary meanes of preaching his holy gospel , to the end , al the glory may be his , seing these Priests of the Seminaries haue so prosperous successe and reaped so aboundant fruit in their missions with the example of theire patience and constancy in their prisons , torments , and death it self , & with theire zeale , care and diligence in the administration of the holy Sacraments , and propagation of the truth , of which plentiful haruest , and continual increase of faith & religion , wee need no other testimony , then the great confiscations and summes of mony which the Catholike recusantes pay euery yeare to the Queene to be deliuered from going to the heretical seruice , & the many young gentlemen of not able talents which continualy come to the Seminaries , as sparkles of fire that fly out of that fornace of faith , which God hath miraculously kindled in that kingdome , where so great a number of Preists ar allredy imployed and others enter of fresh euery day , and yet the Catholikes are not content but continualy cry out for more , in so much that if wee could send as many as they desire and haue neede of , wee should see in few yeares the conuersion of that country , & withal enioy the security and prosperity of these kingdomes , & the rest of our dominous that wee enioyed before the breach of Ingland which ioyned againe with vs in peace & concord ( which wil neuer be durable without conformity of religion ) we may expect the auncient trafick again and good correspondence so profitable to both partes , as the want thereof these yeares past doeth declare , and to renew & establish againe this confederation and freindshippe , there cannot be found any other agents or solicitours so fit as these Preists brought vp in the Seminaries , who as they cannot lose the natural loue to theire country , so can they not but carry allwaies most tender and gratfull affection to that which nourished and brought them vp in theire tender yeares , so as the fruit of theire labors infallibly wil be in fine the conclusion of true and stable peace , so much desired of both parts , wherewith we shall possesse security in our coasts , and excuse the infinite charges spent euery yeare in the conuoy of our Indian fleetes . The rebels of Flandres wil be forced to yeild , seing that without the succour of England they haue neither courage nor force to maintaine theire rebellion . The necessity and charges of Armados wil be ended , and finally the spiritual good of that kingdom would redowne both to the spiritual and temporal commmodity of this .

These be the reasons and motiues which this good noble man set downe & gaue to the Counsailes aboue said in behalf of the Inglish Seminaries and those which are brought vp in them , with so laudable example as the world seeth , and partly may be gathered by these relations . And the memorie of these so good children must needes comfort and encorage ( in theire absence ) so Catholike parents which not only suffer for thesame faith with patient emprisonment and losse of theire goods , but also depriue them selues of the ioy and comfort , which parents receiue by the presence and sight of theire children for the glory of Christ , and good of theire country , the memory therefore , of so noble parents and children shal alwayes flowish in the Church , and giueth vs great hope that this longe and rigourous winter of theire persecution shal soone haue an end , and a peaceable and pleasant spring-time arise , and that after this dark night of heresie and sinne that hath couered the auncient bewty and glory of that country , the bright Sunne of Catholike Religion shal retourne againe : which our Lord Iesu of his infinit mercy bring to speedy effect . Amen .