England's monarchs, or, A compendious relation of the most remarkable transactions, and observable passages, ecclesiastical, civil, and military, which have hapned [sic] during the reigns of the kings and queens of England, from the invasion of the Romans to this present adorned with poems, and the pictures of every monarch, from William the Conquerour, to His present Majesty, our gracious sovereign, King Charles the Second : together with the names of His Majesty's most Honourable Privy Council, the nobility, bishops, deans, and principal officers, civil and military, in England, in the year 1684 by R.B., author of the Admirable curiosities in England, The historical remarks in London and Westminster, The late wars in England, Scotland, and Ireland, &c.

ENGLANDS MONARCHS : Or , An Account of the KINGS of ENGLAND , From the Invasion of the ROMANS to this Time .

HIstorians conjecture , That Britain was inhabited before Noah's Flood ; and Jeffry of Monmouth relates . That it was Peopled by Brute with his Trojans , about twelve hundred years after : But others think the whole of these Relations to be meerly Fabulous , affirming , That the first Inhabitants thereof were derived from the Gauls , or French , by reason of their Agreement in Laws , Customs , Speech , Buildings , and other Usages ; though we may judge , that being meerly Barbarous , they took no care to transmit their Original to Posterity ; or , if they had writ any thing , it would probably have been lost in so long a time , and such great Alterations of Affairs . Therefore the small Light we have concerning them , is borrowed from Foreign Writers ; of which I shall give this brief Account .

The Ancient Britans painted their naked Bodies with divers Pictures of Living Creatures , Flowers , Sun , Moon , and Stars , thereby , as they imagined , to appear more dreadful to their Adversaries : yet some of the Civiler sort were clothed ; and , as a great Ornament , they wore Chains of Iron about their Wastes and Necks , and Rings on their middle Fingers . The Hair of their Head they wore long , which was naturally curled in many ; all other Parts they shaved , onely the upper Lip . They had ten or twelve Wives apiece , who lived in common among their Parents and Brethren ; yet the Children were onely accounted his who first married the Mother while she was a Maid : They were brought up in common amongst them . They were moderate in their Diet , as Milk , Roots , and Barks of Trees , and a little thing no bigger than a Bean , which for a great while took away both Hunger and Thirst : Neither would they eat Hens , Hares , Geese , nor Fish ; yet would often dine upon Venison and Fruits . Their usual Drink was made of Barley . They are reported by Plutarch to have lived very long , many to an hundred and twenty years .

They were Idolatrous Heathens as to their Religion , using Mans Flesh in their Sacrifices , and adoring a multitude of Idols . Their Priests were called Druids , who managed their Sacrifices , and likewise acted as Temporal Judges in all Civil Matters ; and it was highly criminal not to abide by their Judgment . They were excused from the Wars , and all Contributions . They had a Primate , who commanded over them in Chief . Their Divinity was , That the Soul is Immortal , and passeth from one Body to another : Which Doctrine they taught not out of Books , but by Word of Mouth . Their Buildings were low , mean Cottages , like those of the Gauls , or Boors of France ; yet they fortified several thick Woods with Rampiers and Ditches , which they called Towns . Brass and Iron Rings were the Coin they used , which were of a certain weight ; but afterward they grew more Civil by Traffick , and had both Gold and Silver Money . Their chief Trade was in Chains , Wreaths , Ivory Boxes , Bits and Bridles , with some Toys of Amber and Glass . Neither was their Shipping more considerable , their chief Vessels being made of light Wood , covered over with Leather . Their usual way of Fighting was in Military Chariots ; neither did they engage in great Bodies , but had still fresh Men to succeed those who retired , or were weary . Their Weapons were Shields , and short Spears , at the lower end whereof was fastned a round Bell of Brass , with which they terrified their Enemies . Many times they fought under the Conduct of Valiant Women , who were extraordinary Courageous . They managed their Chariots so dexterously , that running down a steep Hill with all speed , they could stop them in the middle of their Course .

When the Romans first arrived here , the Island was divided into Britannia Prima , which contained the South part of England ; Britannia Secunda was the Western part , now called Wales ; and Maxima Caesariensis , which comprehended all the Northern parts beyond the River Trent . The first of which in the Britains time belonged to the Archbishoprick of London ; the second , to that of Caerleon , or Glamorgan ; the third , to that of York . Julius Caesar , the first Discoverer thereof , really imagined that he had found a New World , it being one of the greatest Islands in the Universe . It was formerly called Samothea from Samothes ( as some report ) the sixth Son of Japhet , who first inhabited here , two hundred fifty two years after the Flood . It was also named Albion , ( as is said ) from Albion a Giant , the Son of Neptune ; who after he had conquered the Samotheans , setled here , three hundred thirty five years after the Deluge . Some say it was called Albion ab albis Rupibus , from the white Rocks toward France , which is most probable . The Grecians called it Britain , for what Reason we know not ; it may be from Prittannia , which signifies Metals , they finding the Island full of Brass , Tin , Iron , Gold , Silver , and Lead . Lastly , It was named England from Engloen a Place in Denmark , which was neither changed by the Danes nor Normans , and retained that Title eight hundred seventy three years , till King James came to the Crown , and united England and Scotland , which is since called Great Britain . It was accounted the Fortunate Island ; and Pope Innocent , in the Reign of Henry the Third , was so in love with it , that he would fain have come over to see it , if the King would have permitted it .

England is thought to have embraced Christianity about sixty three years after Christ , in Nero's time ; and that Joseph of Arimathea was sent by the Apostle St. Philip to preach the Gospel here ; yea , some affirm , That both St. Paul and Simon Zelotes were here likewise : though these are onely Conjectures .

Julius Caesar tells us , That when he entred this Island , they were not under one sole King or Monarch , but divided into no less than twenty eight petty Kingdoms or Provinces . The most memorable of their Princes who opposed the Conquest of the Romans , are these following . 1. Cassibelan , King of the Trinobantes , who inhabited Middlesex , Essex , and Hartfordshire : For about the Year of the Worlds Creation 3913. and fifty four years before the Birth of Christ , the Fortunate Romans , under the Conduct of Julius Caesar , first landed about Deal in Kent ; the News whereof was so exceeding welcome to the Roman Senate , that they decreed a Thanksgiving for twenty days ; an Honour never granted to any before , the greatest Victors having had but five , or at most but ten days assigned them : At which time Cassibelan was chosen by general Consent to withstand the Roman Invasion ; which he did with very great Courage , beating them twice off from the British Shore . His chief City was Verulam , near where St. Albans now standeth . 2. Cingitorix , Carvil , Taximagul , and Segonax . These four reigned Kings of Kent together , and opposed the Romans at the same time ; but were vanquished by them , their Men being slain , Cingitorix taken , and the other three forced to fly and shift for themselves . 3. Cunobeline . 4. Togodumus . 5. Cataractus , a most renowned Prince of the Icenians , who inhabited Norfolk , Suffolk , and Cambridgshire : He resisted the Romans gallantly for nine years together ; but was then betrayed , and carried to Rome in Triumph : yet for the gallantry of his Spirit he was released from his Bonds , and taken into Caesar's Favour . 6. Voadicea , or Boadicea , Wife to Prasagutus King of the Icenians , who made the Emperour Nero his Heir , leaving his Noble Queen and her two Daughters to the Emperour's Protection ; but he abusing his Trust , she slew in one Battel eighty thousand Romans , taking and plundering the Cities of Verolamium , and Carnalodunum , now Malden in Essex ; whereby she brought Terrour upon all : but being at length vanquished in Fight , she poysoned her self , rather than to submit to her Enemies .

These , with divers other Princes , were very stout Defenders of their Country and Liberties against the Roman Power , for above an hundred years ; neither had they been then subdu'd , but by the unhappy Quarrels and Divisions among themselves , whereby their Enemies took the advantage to ruin them altogether , and become their Masters . The several Roman Emperours who commanded in Britain , were , Julius Caesar , Augustus , Tiberius , Caligula , Claudius , Nero , Galba , Otho , Vitellius , Vespasian , Titus , Domitian , and several others , even fifty two in number ; among whom Constantius Chlorus , the Father of Constantine the Great , was very remarkable . He was a Wise , Noble , and Publick-spirited Prince : he usually said , That it was more profitable for the State , that the Wealth of the Land should be dispersed into the Commons Hands , than to lie locked up in the Princes Coffers . He was so averse to Superfluity , that he had scarce Necessaries ; but herein he chiefly excelled , that he protected the poor Christians , who were under a bloody Persecution from Dioclesian the Roman Tyrant ; he made his Court their Sanctuary : And to try the sincerity of their Profession , he used Jehu's Policy , commanding all his Officers and Servants to offer Sacrifice to the Heathen Gods , and threatning to discard the Refusers ; but , on the contrary , he rejected all that complied , with this Reflection , That he who is disloyal to his God , can never be faithful to his Prince , Whilst he was Governour here under the Emperour Aurelian , he married Helena the Daughter of Coelius a British Prince , who converted him to Christianity , on whom he begot Constantine the Great , in Britain . After he was Emperour he came hither , and fought against the Picts ; but returning from that Expedition , he fell sick at York , which was his Imperial Seat : At which time his Son Constantine came thither to him , at the sight of whom being much comforted , he sate up in his Bed , and spake to this effect : It now sufficeth , and Death is not terrible to me , since I shall leave my Actions not yet accomplished unto thee , my Son , to be performed ; in whose Person I doubt not but that my Memory shall be preserved , as in a Monument of succeeding Fame . What I did design , though now by this my fatal Period I leave undone , be thou sure to do it ; that is , Govern thy Empire with Justice , protect the Innocent , and wipe away all Tears from the Eyes of the Christians ; for therein , above all other things , I have accounted my self happy . To thee therefore I leave my Diadem , and their Defence , taking my Faults with me to the Grave , there to be buried in everlasting Oblivion ; and leaving my Vertues ( if I had ever any ) to live and survive in thee . And here he ended his Speech and his Life together .

The afore-mentioned Persecution under Dioclesian and Maximinian was very grievous : It was called the Tenth Persecution , and continued for ten years , with so great rage , that within one Months time seventeen thousand Christians were put to death , and multitudes of others cruelly used , though escaping with their Lives . And as in other Places , so in Britain , the Churches of the Christians were demolished , their Bibles burnt , and their Bodies massacred ; divers being killed at St. Albars , and other Places : yea , so many suffered at Lichfield , that the Place became like another Golgotha ; upon which account that City hath for its Arms a Field of Blood , whereon are many Martyrs . But the chief Cause of these Miseries proceeded from the Christians themselves : For ( saith the famous Eusebius ) after our Conversation was through too much Liberty and Licentiousness degenerated , and Holiness of Life neglected , whilst we did envy , bite , and backbite each other , raising intestine War , and wounding one another with opprobrious Words ; whilst nothing but Hypocrisie was in the Face , Deceit in the Heart , and Guile on the Tongue , whereby Vengeance and Wrath was come to the height ; even then it was that the heavy Hand of God began to visit us . Nevertheless , when God had done using these his Rods of Correction , he cast them into the Fire ; for these two Emperours having renounced the Empire , and being again become Private Men. Dioclesian poysoned himself , and Maximinian hanged himself .

Marcus Antoninus was another of the Roman Emperours who commanded here ; in whose Reign the Christian Religion was first professed by Publick Authority , under Lucius the first Christian King in the World : At which time Elutherius , then Bishop of Rome , sent Faganus and Damianus to him , upon whose Preaching the Heathenish Flamens and Arch-Flamens , being twenty eight in number , were converted to so many Bishops Sees , whereof London , York , and Caerleon upon Vsk , in Wales , were made the Metropolitans . The first Archbishop of London was Theanus . This Marcus Aurelius raised a horrid Persecution against the Christians , wherein those famous Worthies Polycarpus and Justin Martyr suffered , with many other zealous Christians : But in the Wars with the Germans , what with the Pestilence , and want of Water , his Army was very sorely distressed ; but by the Prayers of the Christian Soldiers in his Host , such plenty of Rain fell , that after five days parching Drowth and Thirst , the whole Army was refreshed and strengthened ; and at the same time his Enemies , on the contrary , were utterly discomfited and overthrown by Thunder and Lightning from Heaven : Whereupon the Emperour abated his Persecution , and named that Legion of the Christians the Thundring Legion .

Theodosius was the last of the Roman Emperours that had Power in Britain , which was in the Year of Christ 423. For about this time the Goths , who had faithfully served the Romans above twenty years , being disobliged and slighted , to revenge their Wrongs they chose for their Leader a violent Goth called Alaricus , who shortly after proved the Scourge of Rome : For the Vandals , Alans , and Suecians joyning with him , they began a fierce War in Austria and Hungary , increasing their Forces into such vast Multitudes , that the World stood amazed and trembled at them . For soon after two hundred thousand Goths more resorted to them , who with these united Forces over-run Thracia , Hungary , Austria , Sclavonia , and Dalmatia , ruining and destroying all things in so dreadful a manner , that it seemed rather the Ravage of Devils than Men. The Roman Empire thus declining , they drew their Forces out of Britain : But a while after the Britans were extremely distressed by the continual Disturbers of their Peace , the Scots and Picts ; therefore they sent their Ambassadors to Rome , with their Garments rent , and Dust upon their Heads , bewailing their most miserable Condition , and begging Assistance ; whereupon the Emperour sent a Regiment of Soldiers into Britain , under Gallio , who for a while secured them , but was soon called back with his Legion into France , to secure the Country about Paris . At his departure he advised the Britans to stand upon their Guard , and for the future to provide for their own Safety , and not to depend upon any Succours from the Romans , who had their Hands full of Troubles nearer home .

Thus the Romans , after they had commanded in Britain about five hundred years , took their last Farewel thereof . During their continuance here , they had levied so many Companies of stout Britans for their Wars in Armenia , Egypt , and other Frontier Countries , that they had much dispeopled the Nation . Some of these British Soldiers , after they were worn out in the Wars , had Armorica in France assigned them by Constantine the Great for their good Service in the Wars , from whom it was called Little-Britain . Unto this Country , in the time of Gratian the Emperour , was Vrsula the Daughter of Dinoth Regent of Cornwal sent with eleven thousand Virgins , who were to have been married to their Countrymen the Britans ; but they all perished e're they arrived ; some being drowned in the Sea by Tempest , and the Remainder put to the Sword by the barbarous Huns and Picts , because they would not yield to their filthy Lusts .

THE GOVERNMENT of the SAXONS .

THe Southern or more Civiliz'd Britans being extremely weakned by the Romans exporting so many of their valiant Soldiers , and then forsaking them , and likewise by Scarcity and Famine ; their inveterate Foes , the Scots and Picts , take this unhappy Opportunity to infest them with all manner of Cruelties and Barbarities : So that being no longer able to defend and secure themselves , they supplicate for Aid from Germany , inviting the Jutes , Angles , and Saxons , who then inhabited Jutland , Holstein , and the Coasts along the River Rhene , to come to their Assistance . Their Proposal was readily embraced , and nine thousand of them , under the Command of two Brethren , Hengist and Horsa , entred the Land at Ebsfleet in the Isle of Thanet in Kent , where they were received with great Joy , and entertained with Songs , according to the Custom of the Britans , who allotted them that Island to inhabit ; and a while after Vortigern , then King of the Britans , allowed Hengist so much Land as he could encompass within a Bull-hide cut out into Thongs , wherein he built a Castle , which from thence had the Name of Thong-Castle . When it was finished , Hengist invited the King to see it , who there fell in love with Rowena , the Daughter or Niece of Hengist ; upon which Match Hengist grew more bold , contriving to make the Island his Inheritance ; and thereupon sent for fresh Forces , who at their arrival caused several Quarrels among the Natives , dispossessing the People of their Estates , every Commander reckoning that part of the Country his own where he could over-match the Britans , where they commanded as absolutely as Princes ; whereby the Country was burdened with seven Kings at once , each of them having Sovereign Command within his own Limits , though still one seemed to be Supreme over all the rest .

This was usually called the Saxon Heptarchy , or Seven Kingdoms . The first , and chiefest , was that of Kent onely , governed by Hengist and his Successors for three hundred seventy two years . The next was the Kingdom of the South Saxons , containing the Counties of Sussex and Surrey , continuing a hundred and thirteen years . 3. That of the West Saxons , comprehending the Counties of Cornwal , Devon , Dorset , Somerset , Wilts , Berks , and Hampshire ; it lasted three hundred years . 4. The East Saxons Kingdom , which was Essex , Middlesex , and part of Hartfordshire . 5. The Kingdom of Northumberland , containing the Counties of Northumberland , Westmorland , Cumberland , Durham , York , and Lancaster , continuing three hundred seventy nine years . 6. The Kingdom of Mercia , which was compos'd of the Counties of Oxford , Glocester , Worcester , Salop , Cheshire , Stafford , Warwick , Buckingham , Bedford , Huntington , part of Hartfordshire , Northampton , Rutland , Lincoln , Leicester , Derby , and Nottingham , continuing two hundred and two years . 7. The last Kingdom was that of the East Angles , containing the Counties of Norfolk and Suffolk , which lasted three hundred fifty three years .

Yet during the time of this Heptarchy , many of the British Princes valiantly defended their lawful Inheritances , and with great Courage endeavoured to prevent the Saxon Yoke from being imposed upon their Necks : Among whom was Vortimer , the Son of Vortigern afore-mentioned ; for Vortigern being after sixteen years Reign deposed from the Government , for his Kindness to the Saxons , his Son Vortimer was chosen King of the Britans , and presently engaged against the Saxons , gaining so much in four famous Victories over them , that they were almost extirpated . He erected a Monument in the Isle of Thanet , in the Place where the Saxons were overthrown , which to this day is called the Stowers , wherein he commanded his Body to be buried , that the Saxons might be terrified with the sight thereof . He restored the Christian Religion , then much decayed , and rebuilt the Churches destroyed by the Pagan Saxons . Rowena procured his Death by Poyson , after which his Father Vortigern was re-established in the Government : But being oppressed by the Saxons , and pursued by Aurelius , he fled into Wales , where , in a Castle which he built by Merlin's Directions , in the Mountains , he , with his Daughter , whom he had taken to Wife , were burnt to Ashes .

Aurelius Ambrosius was likewise very successful against the Saxons . He is said to have built Stonehenge near Salisbury , in remembrance of the Massacre of three hundred of the British Nobility who were there slain by the Treachery of the Saxons . Vter Pendragon , who succeeded him , was no less fortunate . He was named Pendragon , either because at his Birth there appeared a fiery Comet like a Dragons Head , or from his Royal Banner , wherein was the Picture of a Dragon with a Golden Head . He died of Poyson put into a Well wherein he used to drink . Arthur his Son and Successor won twelve Battels against the Saxons , and chased Colgern their Captain from his Camp in Northumberland to York , from whence he escaped into Germany . The Relicks of Arthur's Round Table are to this time shewn at Winchester , with the Twenty four Seats . After him reigned Constantine , Aurelius , Conanus , Vortiporus , Malgo , Canonus , and Careticus . This last King raised a Civil War among his own Subjects the Britans , which made them forsake him , and leave him to the Mercy of the Saxons , who pursuing him , he fled to Cirencester in Berkshire for safety ; but his Enemies taking several Sparrows , fastned Fire to their Feet , and let them fly into the City , who lighting upon Straw , and thatcht Houses , burnt the City to the Ground ; but Careticus escaped , and fled for security to the Mountains of Wales , where he died .

After twenty four years Civil Dissention Cadwan was made King . During these Troubles , Austin the Monk , who was sent hither by Pope Gregory to convert the Britans , carrying himself very insolently at a Meeting with the British Bishops , at a Place thence named Austins Oak in Worcestershire , they could come to no Agreement ; whereupon , it is thought , Austin contrived this cruel Revenge : There was a Monastery at Bangor in North Wales , situated in a fruitful Valley , now called The English Mailor , containing in compass about a Mile and an half of Ground : This Monastery , saith my Author , was the Mother of all others in the World ; the Monks whereof divided themselves into several Companies , every one consisting in about three hundred Souls , and all maintaining themselves by the Labour of their Hands . Many of these Monks met at Caer Legion , now Chester , to assist their Brethren the Britans with their Prayers against Ethelfrid the wicked King of Northumberland , who with his Pagan Soldiers , by the Procurement of Austin , as was judged , slew two thousand of these Christian Monks , and discomfited the British Host .

Cadwallo his Son reigned after him , and was victorious over the Saxons , slaying Edwin King of Northumberland , and his Son Osfride , in a bloody Battel . He died in peace , say the British Writers , and was buried at St. Martins Church in London ; his Statue on Horseback in Brass being set upon Ludgate , for a Terrour to the Saxons .

Cadwalloder the Son of Cadwallo fought manfully against the Saxons ; but the Distractions amongst his Nobility much hindred his Proceedings . There was likewise a dreadful Famine in his Reign , so that the Common People reckoned Roots and Herbs to be dainty Food : This was followed by a woful Mortality , which was so raging and sudden , that great numbers of People were surpriz'd by Death while they were eating , drinking , walking , and speaking . These Calamities lasted near eleven years , so that the Country was almost depopulated , the King and his British Peers being forced to leave the Land , who went to his Cousin Allan King of Little Britain in France . The Saxons taking advantage of these severe Miseries , lamentably oppressed the wretched Britans , to whose Aid Cadwallader , with the Assistance of his Cousin Allan , did once design to return ; but being diverted by a Dream which he had , he went on Pilgrimage to Rome , and , according to the Superstition of that Age , he there turned Monk , where he soon after died , and was buried ; with whom died all the Hopes of the Britans , he being the last King of the British Blood , whereby the Saxons became Sovereign Lords and Masters of this Island . And thus was this unhappy Country a second time conquered by Strangers , which hapned about the Year of our Lord 689.

Yet the Saxons , according to the common Fate of Conquerours , after they had subdued their Enemies , disagreed among themselves , and several of their Princes incroached upon the Territories of each other , and so became petty Monarchs of some part of Britain : These were reckoned to be fourteen in number , till at last Egbert , the eighteenth King of the West Saxons , got command over all the seven Kingdoms of the Saxons , and so became sole Monarch of England , which none of his Predecessors before ever obtained . He had War fourteen Years with the Cornish and Welch , and took Westchester , their chief Hold , from them , making a strict Law against any Welchman that should pass over Offa's Dike , or set one Foot within his English Dominions . He slew Bernulf King of Mercia in Battel , and drove the King of Kent out of his Kingdom . The East Angles and East Saxons submitted to him , and likewise the South Saxons ; whereupon he caused himself to be crowned absolute Monarch at Winchester : And this Monarchy continued in the Saxons , till the Danes first got , and then lost it again ; and the Saxons Issue failing upon their next entrance , it then fell to the Normans , as by the Sequel will appear . In the fourteenth year of Egbert the Danes with thirty three Ships landed in England , to whom he gave Battel , but had the worst of the Day , losing two of his chief Captains , and two Bishops ; but the Danes returning two years after into Wales , and joyning with the Welch , Egbert overcame both Danes and Welch together .

Ethelwolph his Son succeeded ; after whom reign'd Ethelbald , Ethelbert , Ethelred , and then Alfred , in whose time the Danes , under Rollo a Nobleman , came over with a great Army , but by the Valour of Alfred were beaten . This virtuous Prince divided the twenty four Hours of the Day and Night into three equal Parts , which he observed by the burning of a Taper set in his Chappel , Clocks and Watches being not then in use : Eight Hours he spent in Contemplation , Reading , and Prayer ; other eight , for his Repose , and the Necessaries of Life ; and the other eight , in Affairs of State . He divided the Kingdom into Shires , Hundreds , and Tythings , for the better Administration of Justice , and suppressing of Robbers and Felons ; which had so good effect , that the People might travel with all manner of security : yea , saith my Author , if Bracelets of Gold had been hung in the High-ways , none durst have presumed to have taken them away . He commanded all his Subjects who possessed two Hides of Land , to bring up their Sons in Learning till they were at least fifteen years old , asserting , That he accounted a Man Free-born , and yet Illiterate , to be no better than a Beast , a Sot , and a Brainless Creature : Neither would he admit any into Office that were not so . He translated the Holy Gospel into the Saxon Tongue , was devout in the Service of God , and a great Protector of Widows and Orphans .

Edward his eldest Son succeeded him , against whom his Nephew Ethelwald rebelled . His Sister Elfleda had very hard Travel of her first Child , whereupon she ever after forbore the Nuptial Embraces , alledging it to be an over-foolish Pleasure which occasioned such bitter Pains ; and listing her self a Soldier under her Brother , she performed many valiant Exploits against the Danes ; against whom Edward obtained a great Victory near Wolverhampton , wherein two of their Kings were slain , with many of the Nobility , and a Multitude of Common Soldiers , which procured him both Fear and Love from the People .

After his Death Ethelstane reigned , who is said to be the first Anointed King of this Island : He enlarged his Dominions farther than he received them . He overthrew Godfrey the Danish King of Northumberland , Howell King of Wales , and Constantine King of Scotland , forcing them to submit to his Pleasure ; after which he again restored them to their Dignities , glorying , That it was more Honour to make a King , than to be a King . These Actions procured him much Renown from his Neighbour-Princes , who courted his Friendship , and sent him curious Presents . Otho the Emperour , who married his Sister , sent him a Curiosity richly set with Precious Stones , very artificially contrived , wherein were Landskips with Vines , Corn , and Men seeming so naturally to move , as if they had been real . The King of Norway sent him a sumptuous Ship , richly gilt , with Purple Sails . The King of France sent him a Sword , which was said to have been Constantine's the Great , the Hilt whereof was all of Gold , and therein , as they said , was one of the Nails which fastned Christ to the Cross : He likewise sent the Spear of Charles the Great , reported to be the same wherewith our Saviours Side was pierced ; also a part of the Cross ▪ a piece of the Crown of Thorns , and the Banner of St. Maurice . It is related , That this King Ethelstane , or Athelstane , in the third Year of his Reign , was so harassed by the Danes , that he was forced to shut himself up in Winchester City ; who propounded to him , either to submit , and hold the Realm of them , or to determine the Quarrel between two Champions of each side . The King was much perplexed at these Propositions , because his three valiant Knights , Guy Earl of Warwick , ( who lived in his Reign , or not at all ) one Herand another courageous Knight , and Earl Rohand , Guy's Father-in-Law , were gone to the Holy Land . In this Strait , after he had prayed for Deliverance , it is said , he had a Vision , wherein he was directed to rise early the next Morning , and taking two Bishops with him , to get up to the top of the North Gate of that City , where he should see a likely Man , clothed as a Pilgrim , bare-foot , and on his bare Head a Chaplet of White Roses , and that this should be the Man that should conquer Colebrand the Danish Giant , ( for so was his Name ) and free the English from the Danish Bondage . The next Day the King thus attended at the Gate , sees Earl Guy so habited , being newly arrived from Jerusalem ; whereupon Athelstane addressing himself to him , desires him to accept the Combate , as being ordained by Heaven to acquit this Realm from Tyranny . Guy replied , My Lord , you may easily perceive that I am not in a Condition to take upon me this Fight , being harassed and weakned by daily Travel ; lay this Task therefore upon your stout and hardy Soldiers , whom you were wont very much to esteem . Ah , said the King , such indeed I had ; but they are gone , some to the Holy Land , as one valiant Knight , called Guy , who was Earl of Warwick : I had also a courageous Servant , named Sir Herand de Ardene ; Would to God they were now here , for then would this Duel be soon undertaken , and the War quickly finished . In speaking which Words the Tears trickled down his Cheeks , which made such impression upon the Pilgrim , that he engaged to undertake the Combate . Upon the Day appointed , Guy putting on the King's best Armour , the Sword of Constantine the Great , St. Maurice his Lance , and one of the Kings best Coursers , he rode through Winchester , appearing like a most accomplish'd Knight , and went to the Place appointed , which was in a Valley called Chiltecumb , where Colebrand soon after came , so loaded with Armour , that his Horse could scarce bear him , and a Cart driven before him , filled with Danish Axes , great Clubs with Knobs of Iron , squared Bars of Steel , and Iron Hooks to pluck his Adversary to him . Thus marching disdainfully along , and seeing Sir Guy , in the height of Pride , he commanded him to come off his Horse , and throw himself with submission at his Feet : But the gallant Pilgrim , disregarding his Words , commending himself to Heaven , put Spurs to his Horse ▪ and at the first Encounter pierced the Giants Shield with such Force , that his Lance broke into Shivers ; which so enraged the Giant , that coming up furiously , he killed Guy's Horse , who being dismounted , dangerously wounded Colebrand . The Combate having lasted for some time , the Giant fainted and fell with loss of Blood , and Guy immediately cut off his Head , thereby freeing England at present from the insulting Dane . After all which , he offered his Sword in the Cathedral of Winchester , which was long after kept in the Vestry , and called Colebrand's Ax. The other Reliques of Guy , Mr. Drayton thus describes .

Thy Statue , Guy , Cliff keeps , the Gazers Eyes to please ; Warwick thy mighty Arms , ( thou mighty Hercules ) Thy strong and massy Sword , that never was controll'd , Which , as her ancient Right , her Castle still doth hold .

Thus much for Earl Guy , who lived in the Year of Christ 929. This King Ethelstane , by the insinuation of his Cup-bearer , became incensed against his Brother , as if he had contrived Treason against him , who therefore ordered him to be put into a small Vessel without Tackle or Oars , and so be exposed to the mercy of the Sea ; wherewith the young Prince was so overwhelm'd with Sorrow , that he threw himself headlong into the Sea ; whose Ghost the King endeavoured to appease , by a voluntary Penance of seven years , and building two Monasteries . Neither did the treacherous Cup-bearer escape Vengeance ; for on a Festival-day , as he was busie in waiting , one of his Feet slipping , he recovered himself by the help of the other , and thereupon pleasantly said , You may see now how one Brother can help another : This Speech suddenly recalled to the Kings Mind the Death of his Innocent Brother ; whereupon he caused the Cup-bearer , who was the Procurer thereof , to be immediately executed .

Edmund , the fifth Son of King Edward , succeeded ; and after him , Edred , his sixth Son : Then Edwy , or Edwin , the eldest Son of Edmund was Crowned at Kingston upon Thames , who was of a lascivious temper ; for it is related , That on the very Day of his Coronation , he suddenly left his Nobility , and went into a private Room , to debauch a great Lady , his near Kinswoman , whose Husband he soon after slew . St. Dunstan , who was present , and then Abbot of Glastenbury , followed the King into his Chamber , and leading him out by the Hand , accused him before Odo Archbishop of Canterbury , by whom he was severely reproved , and forbid the Company of that woman . The King was hereat enraged against Dunstan , and banished him out of the Land , and became so great an Enemy to the Order of Monks , that he expelled many of them out of their Monasteries , and put married Priests in their Places . The People having a great Opinion of the Holiness of Dunstan , and being offended at the Kings severity toward him , and other Irregularities , they turned their Affections to Edgar his Brother , and removing Edwin from his Princely Dignity , Edgar was made King in his stead ; for very grief whereof he soon wasted away , and died in 959.

Edgar was called the Peaceable : He maintained the Kingdom in great Glory and Prosperity . His Navy Royal is said to consist of three thousand six hundred Ships , with which he every Summer sailed round his Land , to secure the Sea from Pyrats . He caused Ludwall Prince of Wales to pay him three hundred Wolves yearly , in stead of a former Tribute in Money , whereby England and Wales , which were formerly very much over-run , were now so freed , that there was scarce a Wolf to be found alive . He was very severe upon his Judges , if he found them guilty of Bribery and Partiality , riding the Circuit himself every Year for that purpose : Yet among all these Vertues , he is said to be very Voluptuous , especially toward Women , not sparing the very Nuns ; which sounded so ill , that Dunstan took the boldness to reprove him for it ; and coming into his Presence , the King in Courtesie rose from his Royal Throne , to take him by the Hand , and seat him by him : But Dunstan refusing the King his Hand , with a stern Countenance and contracted Brow spake thus to him . You that have not been afraid to corrupt a Virgin dedicated to Christ , how can you presume to touch the Consecrated Hands of a Bishop ? You have defiled the Spouse of your Maker , and do you now think by your flattering Service to pacifie the Friend of the Bridegroom ; No , Sir , do not mistake your self ; for I will be no Friend to him who hath Christ for his Enemy . The King thunder-struck with these dreadful Words , and touched with remorse of Conscience , fell down at the Feet of Dunstan ; who raising him up , began to aggravate his Crime , and finding the K. pliable to his Instruction , he enjoyned him the following Penance for satisfaction ; That he should wear no Crown for the space of seven years ; That he should fast twice a Week ; That he should distribute his Treasure lest him by his Ancestors liberally to the Poor , That he should build a Monast. for Nuns at Shaftsbury , that since he had robbed God of one Virgin by his Transgression , so he should restore to him many again for the time to come : Likewise , That he should expel Clerks or Priests of evil Life ( meaning those who were married ) out of the Churches , and place Monks in their room . All this Edgar performed , and the seven years being past , Dunstan ( saith the Historian ) calling the Nobility , with the Bishops , Abbots , and Clergy together , he before all the People set the Crown upon the Kings Head at Bath , in the thirteenth year of his Reign ; Dunstan , who it seems rul'd all , having hither to hindred it . The Nun here mentioned was Wilfrid , a D's . Daughter , by whom he had a Daughter called Editha : He had a Son likewise by Elfrida the Earl of Devonshire's Daughter , which Dunstan , being now grown good natured , Christned : The words of the Historian are these : The Child also which was gotten of the Harlot , he Baptized in the Holy Fountain of Regeneration , and giving him the Name of Edward , adopted him to be the Kings Son . There are abundance of ridiculous Miracles related of this Dunstan : One , among many others , was , That a Vision appearing to him , required him to take up the Body , of Editha the Bastard and Canonize her fol a Saint a her Tomb being accordingly opened in the Church of Wilton , where she was buried , her whole Body ( saith the Monkish Historian ) was consumed to Dust , save onley her Thumb , her Belly , &c. whereof she her self shewed the meaning , declaring That her Thumb remained intire , because she so often used to cross her self therewith , and the other Parts did signifie the extraordinary Abstinence and Chastity . With such stuff were the People then abused , and persuaded to worship for Saints the dead Carcases of those that were many times of very profligate Lives while on Earth . In King Edgar's Reign there was a great Famine , wherein Ethelwald Bishop of Winchester sold away all the Church-Plate , and Vessels of Gold and Silver , to relieve the Poor , saying , There was no reason that the senseless Temples of God should abound in Riches , and the lively Temples of the Holy-Ghost to be in want of them .

After the Death of Edgar there was great Division , many of the Nobility being for Etheldred , the true and only legitimate Heir of Edgar ; but the other Nobles , and the Clergy , especially Dunstan , fearing the Married Clergy should again prevail , he , with several other Bishops , meeting together , and carrying the Cross before Edward , brought him to the Lords , and by many Perswasions prevailed with them to accept him for their King . He was accounted a just , meek Prince , and very charitable to the Poor : Yet enjoyed he the Crown but a short space ; for in the fourth Year of his Reign , as he was Hunting near Corf Castle , where his Brother Etheldred and Queen Elfrida his Mother resided , while he was discoursing and drinking on Horseback , as the Cup was at his Mouth , a Servant of the Queens , by her Contrivance , struck him into the Back with a Knife or Dagger ; at which setting Spurs to his Horse to get away , and fainting with loss of Blood , he fell from his Horse with one Foot in the Stirrup , and was dragged up and down the Woods , till at last his Body was left dead at the Gate of Corf Castle . When this Fact was committed , the Queen was so struck with remorse , that to expiate her Guilt , she built two Monasteries Almsbury and Wormwell : For , as Mr. Fox observes , most of these Religious Houses were founded either upon the account of some Publick or Private Murther .

Edward the Martyr , as he was called , being thus slain , Etheldred his younger Brother , the Son of Edgar and Queen Elfrida , succeeded . He reigned thirty eight Years , but was very unfortunate , and full of Troubles all his time . It is related , That when Archbishop Dunstan Christned Etheldred , as he held him over the Font , the Child was not very cleanly ; whereupon the Bishop swore , By the Mother of God , this Boy will prove an unhappy and slothful Prince ; which hapned accordingly . At his Coronation a Cloud appeared , half like Blood , and the other half like Fire . In his third Year the Danes invaded the Kingdom in several Places , and the King paid them Forty thousand Pound yearly for his Quiet , which much disobliged his Subjects ; yea , the English were so low , that the Danes commanded their Houses , Wives , Daughters , and all they had : Whereupon Etheldred contrived , that all the Danes were massacred in one Day : But this did more enrage them , so that first Swain , and then Canutus , came with two hundred Sail of Ships , and landed in Cornwal , burning and destroying all before him , and killing Nine hundred Monks and Nuns at one time , the Kings Counsels being all betrayed by the Traytor Edrick : Whereupon he fled , with his Queen , Emma , and her two Sons , into Normandy , to Richard , Duke thereof , who was her Brother . But Swain being soon after killed by his own Men , they made his Son Canutus King : After which Etheldred returns again to England , and perceiving the several Treasons against him , and being unable to withstand their Fury , he soon after died .

Edmund , the eldest Son alive of Etheldred , succeeded , sirnamed Ironside , from his great Strength and Courage . He was Crowned at Kingston : But the Danes were then so powerful in England , that Canutus was accepted King at Southampton , many of the Clergy and Laity swearing Allegiance to him ; but the City of London stood firm for Edmund , who fought several Battels against the Danes , and routed Canutus four times in the plain Field and would in likelihood have freed the Nation from the Danes , had not the ever-false Edrick , and other perfidious Persons of the Clergy and Laity , prevented it . At length , to avoid further Bloodshed , they made an Agreement to divide the Kingdom betwixt them ; but Edmund enjoyed the Benefit of this Accord a very short time , being soon after murdered as he was easing Nature , by Edrick , and his Head presented to Canutus , who , though he loved the Treason , yet commanded the Traytor to be beheaded .

THE GOVERNMENT of the DANES .

BY the Death of Edmund , the Saxon Monarchy came to a Period ; for Canutus , after his Death , seised upon the other half of England , none being able to withstand ; whereby the Danes made themselves sole Masters of this Island , after it had been in possession of the Saxons about 566 Years : The English Nobles owning Canutus for their Lawful King , and swearing Fealty to him at his Coronation at London , in the Year of Christ 1017. Though Canutus had never the better Opinion of them , considering , that most of them had sworn Allegiance to Edmund their Natural Sovereign , and likewise that they were English Natives : He therefore judged them treacherous Persons , and used them accordingly ; for some he banished , others he beheaded , and many by the just Judgment of Heaven died sudden Deaths . Canutus , to establish his Government , called a Parliament of Bishops , Lords , and Barons , in London , wherein many Laws were ordained , and , among others , this following : We admonish diligently all Christian Men , that they do always love God with an inward heart , and be diligently obedient to Divine Teachers , and do subtilly search Gods Learning and Laws often and daily , to the profit of themselves : And we warn , that all Christian Men do learn to know at leastwise the right Belief , and aright to understand the Lords Prayer and the Creed , for that with the one every Christian Man should pray unto God , and with the other shew forth right Belief . He also ordained in another Parliament at Oxford , That both English and Danes should observe the Laws made by King Edgar , as judging them to be above all others most just and reasonable . He married Emma the Widow of King Etheldred , and Sister to Richard Duke of Normandy , with this Condition , That the Issue of her Body by him should inherit the Kingdom of England . He went to Rome to complain of the excessive Extortions of the Pope from the English Archbishops , upon receiving their Palls : And having reigned twenty Years over England , he died .

Notwithstanding the former Agreement , yet Harold the Son of Canutus by Elgina his first Wife , ( in the absence of Hardiknute the Son of Queen Emma ) succeeded his Father ; and the better to secure himself , he , by the assistance of the treacherous Earl Godwin , who had married Canutus's D●ughter , endeavours to get into his Power Edward and Alfred the two Sons of Queen Emma by King Etheldred , whom he knew had more Right than himself ; and to that purpose they counterfeit a Letter in Emma's Name , whom Harold had abused , and robbed of her Jewels , the Contents whereof were to this purpose .

EMma , in Name onely Queen , to Edward and Alfred her Sons sends Motherly Gree ings , Whilst we severally bewail the Death of our Sovereign , my Lord , and your Father ; and your selves ( Dear Sons ) are still more and more disposs ssed from the Kingdoms of your Lawful Inheritance ; I much wonder what you intend to do , since you know that Delays in Attempts give the Usurper more leisure to lay his Foundation and more safely to fix thereon his intended Building , never ceasing to post from Town to City , to make the Lords and Rulers thereof his Friends , by Threats , Prayers , or Rewards : But notwithstanding his Policy , yet they privately signifie , that they had rather have one of you , their Native Country-men , to reign over them , than this Danish Usurper . Therefore my Advice is , That either of you do with all speed repair to me , that we may advise together what is to be done in this so great an Enterprise . Fail not therefore , but send me word by this Messenger what you intend to do herein . And so fare ye well .

Your Affectionate Mother , Emma .

Messengers being sent to Normandy with this Letter , they met onely with Alfred , ( Edward being gone into Hungaria ) to whom delivering their Message , he was very joyful , and made all possible haste to England , accompanied with divers Norman Gentlemen , and arriving at Southampton , was received by the villainous Earl Godwin with much pretended Kindness and Friendship , who made as if he would bring him to London ; but being come to Gilford in Surrey , Godwin commanded his Men to kill all Alfred's Company , and then carrying him to the Isle of Ely , ordered his Eyes to be put out : Then opening his Body , they took out his Bowels , and fastning one end of his Guts to a Stake , they drove him round it with Iron Darts and Needles , till all his Bowels came clear away . Thus died innocent Alured , or Alfred , the true Heir to the Crown , by the Treachery of Godwin , to the great disgust of the English Nobility , who vowed Revenge . This Harold , called Harefoot for his great swiftness , did not long enjoy his usurped Dominion ; for after four years he died .

After which Hardiknute , the Son of Canutus and Queen Emma , who was by his Father made King of Denmark , is now by the States of the Land , both Danes and English , invited over hither to take upon him the Government . He was a great Oppressor of the English , by heavy Taxes , which so enraged them , that two of his Collectors were slain at Worcester , for which their City was burnt , and their Bishop Alfred expelled his Office , till with Mo●● 〈◊〉 had purchased his Peace . Though this King 〈◊〉 , it cry vicious , yet it is said , he was more kind to Edward his Half-brother , and made Earl Godwin purge himself for the Death of Prince Alfred ; though it is thought his bountiful Gifts to the King , prevailed much more for clearing him , than his Innocence . One Present especially is very remarkable , that is , A Ship whose Stern was of Gold , and fourscore Soldiers , all richly habited , within her ; on their Heads they all wore gilt Burgonets , and on their Bodies a triple-gilt Habergeon , about their Wastes Swords girt richly gilt , a Danish Battel-ax on their left Shoulders , a Target with gilt Bosses on their left Hand , a Dart in their right , and upon their Arms Bracelets of Gold of great Value . After two years Reign , Hardiknute died in the midst of his drunken Debaucheries , and in him ended the Danish Race in England , three Kings onely of that Nation reigning here . This third Conquest was but of a short continuance , yet were the Danes very insolent toward the English during that time ; for if an Englishman and a Dane met at a Bridge , or at a Door , the Englishman must stand still till the Dane past by , and if he did not then bow down very low to the Dane , he was certainly beaten and abused : Yea , it is related , That while the English were drinking , the Danes would stab them , or cut their Throats ; to prevent which , when the Englishman drank , he desired his next Companion to be his Surety or Pledge , from whence it is said the Custom of Pledging one another did first arise . For these , and abundant greater Insolencies , after the Death of Hardiknute , the Danes were utterly driven out of Engand , and never again returned .

THE GOVERN●●NT of the SAXONS RESTOR'D .

EDward called the Confessor succeeded next , in 1042. who was an absolute Englishman , and the youngest Son of Etheldred and Queen Emma ; being invited from Normandy by all the English Nobility , who disdained the Danish Subjection , and was entertained with great Joy . He first remitted that heavy Danish Tax of Forty thousand pound a year , called Dane-gilt , imposed by his Father , and paid forty years by all but the Clergy , who were exempted , Because the Kings reposed more confidence in the Prayers of the Holy Church , than in the Power of Armies . It is reported , Edward forgave that Tax upon this occasion : A great Sum of that Treasure being brought into his Chamber , and laid in a heap , he being called to see it , was at first sight much affrighted , protesting he saw the Devil dancing with great Joy upon the same ; and therefore commanded it should be again restored to his Subjects , and released them from it for ever after . He married Editha , Earl Godwin's Daughter , but never had any Conjugal Society with her , though she was a Lady accomplished with all excellent Endowments both of Mind and Body , so that this old Verse was written on her ; Sicut Spina Rosam , Genuit Goduinus Editham . From prickled Stalk as sweetest Rose , So Edith fair from Godwin grows .

Edward himself confessed upon his Death bed , That openly she was his Wife , but in secret Embracings as his own Sister : But whether it were Infirmity or Chastity , it seems he was willing to have her accused of Incontinency , whereof if she were guilty , he could not be innocent , it being a great Injury to put his Wives Virtue to so Tyrannical a trial . After this , some Differences arose between him and Earl Godwin , and Forces were raised on both sides , but by the Intercession of the Nobility , an Agreement was made : Yet Godwin escaped not Divine Vengeance ; for being charged by the King for the Murder of Alfred , he wished if he were guilty he might never swallow down a bit of Bread again ; which hapned accordingly : for the first bit of Bread he put into his Mouth choaked him , as he sate with the King at Table : A dreadful Instance of Gods Severity against Perjury . This King is blamed for his Cruelty to his Mother , in forcing her to pass over nine burning Plow-shares , bare-foot and blind fold , for a Trial of her Continency ; which yet she performed without the least damage . He is said to be the first King that cured the Disease called the Kings-Evil .

It is related , That this King lying on his Bed one Afternoon , with the Curtains drawn , a pilfering Courtier coming into his Chamber , and finding the Kings Casket open , which Hugoline his Chamberlain had forgot to shut , he took out as much Money as he could well carry , and went away : But finding such Success , he came a second , and a third time , still carrying off more . At which the King who had observed all , called to him to be gone with all speed , since he had enough , if he could be contented ; For , said he , if Hugoline should come and catch thee , thou wilt go nigh to lose all thou hast got , and mayst get a Halter into the Bargain . The Fellow was no sooner gone , but Hugoline came in ; and finding the Casket open , and a great deal of Money taken out , he was much incensed : But the King bid him not be moved ; For , said he , he that hath it , hath more need of it than we .

When this King Edward was hastning out of Normandy with a great Army , to recover England from the Danes , being ready to give Battel , his Captains assured him of Victory , and that they would not leave one Dane alive : God forbid , said Edward , that the Kingdom should be recovered for me , who am but one Man , by the death of so many thousands ; better it is that I should live a private and unbloody Life , than to be a King by such a Slaughter and Butchery . This King having no Issue of his own , sent for Edward the Son of Edmund Ironside out of Hungary , who for his long absence was called the Outlaw ; but he dying soon after , he declared Edgar , the Outlaw's Son , to be Heir , and sirnamed him Atheling , or Adeling , a Term appropriated to the Presumptive Heirs of the Crown . He had also a Daughter , named Matilda , who was married to the King of Scots , and was Mother to David King of Scotland , and Maud Queen of England .

When King Edward was on his Death-bed , he observed all present weeping and lamenting for him , to whom he said , If you loved me , you would forbear weeping , and rejoyce ; because I go to my Father , with whom I shall receive the Joys promised to the Faithful , not through my Merits but by the free Mercy of my Saviour , who sheweth Mercy on whom he pleaseth .

After the Death of Earl Godwin , Harold his Son grew into great Favour with King Edward , and was by him made Lieutenant of his Army against the Welch ; who , with his Brother Tosto , or Toston , utterly subdued that Rebellion : After which Harold still increasing more in favour with the King , there grew such Hatred between the two Brethren , that Tosto coming to Hereford , slew all his Brothers Servants , and cutting them in pieces , salted them , and put them into Powdering-tubs . It hapned afterward , that Harold going beyond Sea , was by Tempest driven into Normandy , and being seised , and carried before Duke William , he made him promise , That after the Death of King Edward he would secure the Kingdom for him , according to King Edward's Will : Which Oath having taken , Harold came back , and told King Edward what he had done , who seemed well content therewith , saith the Historian ; which , if it were true , he had surely forgot his former Declaration concerning Edgar Ath●ling .

However , after the Death of King Edward , Harold neither regarding his Oath to Duke William , nor Edgar's Right , whom he despised for his tender Age , caused himself to be Proclaimed King , without any great Ceremony or Celebration , none much approving or disapproving thereof : And to ingratiate himself with the People , he eased them of several severe Taxes laid upon them by his Predecessor , and was affable and kind to all : But this was a short Calm before a great Storm ; for soon after Duke William sent his Ambassadors to him , to mind him of his Oath ; but he returned answer , That it was extorted from him in his Imprisonment , and therefore was no way obliging . At this Answer the Duke was much inraged , and prepared Forces for gaining the Kingdom by Force : Neither was Harold idle , but made Provision to withstand him : At which time a dreadful Comet appeared in the Heavens , which was then judged , and after proved to be a fatal Omen .

During these Preparations , Tosto Brother to Harold , and Harfager King of Denmark , with three hundred Ships , invaded the Country , landing in Yorkshire , Harfager claiming the Crown as Son of Canutus ; but the Nobility of those Parts opposing them , were routed : which Harold hearing , marched against them , and at Stamford-Bridge he encountred them , where his whole Army was withstood by one single Dane , who slew forty of his Men , and made good the Bridge , till a Soldier in a Boat rowing under the Bridge , thrust his Spear through a Crevice , and so slew this valiant Champion : After which , the King fell upon the D nes , and got an intire Victory over them , killing King Harfager , and Tosto his own Brother : Olave the Son of Harfager , and Paul Earl of Orkney , were taken Prisoners , with abundance more , who begging their Lives , the King ordered Twenty of their Three hundred Ships to carry them to Denmark , with sad News of the loss of their King and his whole Army .

No sooner was this Storm over , but a worse began ; for Duke William having prepared a great Army and Navy , resolved for England , having the free Consent of his Nobility for his Voyage , many of them assisting him therein . But first he sent to Pope Alexander to confirm his Title to the Crown , who did it readily , and withal sent him a Consecrated Banner , an Agnus Dei , and a Hair of St. Peter , with a Curse to all Opposers , to carry in the Ship wherein he himself sailed . Being thorowly furnished , he and his Men embarqued at St. Vallery , where they staid a long time for a Wind ; at length setting Sail , Sept. 28. 1066. he arrived with his Fleet at Pevensey in Sussex , where as soon as he landed , it hapned one of his Feet stuck so fast in the Sand , that he fell to the Ground ; whereupon one of his Attendants catching him by the Arm , and helping him up , said , Stand up , my Lord , and be of good Courage , for now you have taken fast Footing in England ; and observing that he had taken up Sand and Earth in his Hand , he added , You have now taken Livery and Seisin of the Country ; it being the Custom , that when Possession is taken of Land , a piece of Earth is given to the Possessor . A Wizard or Necromancer had told Duke William , That he should safely arrive in England with his whole Army , without any hindrance from Harold ; which , after it came to pass , King William sent for this Conjurer , to confer further with him ; but it was told him , That he was drowned in that Ship which alone of the whole Navy miscarried ; whereupon the Conquerour said , He would never put confidence in that Science which was of more benefit to the Ignorant than the Skilful therein ; for it seems he could foresee my good Fortune , but not his own Misfortune .

After his Landing , the Duke set all his Ships on fire , to assure his Men that they must either conquer or die . He then marched toward Hastings , declaring the Cause of his coming to be to inherit the Kingdom , which was given him by King Edward , and strictly charging his Soldiers not to wrong any of the People in the least since they were so soon to become his Natural Subjects . He then sent Messengers to Harold , either to deliver him up the Country , and be subject to him , or to fight it out in the sight of both Armies in single Combate ; or lastly , to stand to the Pope's Determination : But he returned answer , That unless he did suddenly depart , he would give him cause to repent this his rash Invasion ; and that the next day it should be tried by more Swords than One. Accordingly Harold marcheth couragiously against Duke William , who put himself into a posture to receive him . It hapned , that the Morning before the Battel , William's Armourer , by mistake , put on his Back-piece before , and his Breast-plate behind ; which being observed by some of his Attendants , was judged an ill Omen , and therefore they advised him not to fight that Day : To whom the Duke replied , I value not such Fooleries ; but if I have any skill in Soothsaying , ( as in truth I have none ) I am of the opinion it doth fore ell , that I shall change my Condition , and of a Duke shall this day become a King .

The Armies being Marshalled , Harold placing the Kentish-men with their heavy Axes or Halberts in the Van , the Battel began , both Parties fighting bravely , one for the Liberty of their Country , and the other for a Kingdom . The Normans perceiving they could not break the united Strength of the English , pretended to fly , which the English believing , pursued them in disorder ; whereupon the Normans taking the advantage , rallied , and charging them furiously in that disjoynted Posture , made a very great Slaughter among the English ; and , among the rest , King Harold , his Brother , and most of the English Nobility , fell that day ; and of the Common Soldiers , Sixty seven thousand nine hundred seventy four : Others report , an hundred thousand were slain . Duke William had three Horses killed under him , yet received not the least Wound , his Loss being onely , as is said , Six thousand Men. Thus died King Harold , after onely nine Months Reign , and was buried at Waltham Abby in Essex . And it is very remarkable , That whereas Harold , with his Father Godwin , had cruelly murdered Alfred the true Heir to the Crown , and his Normans , he was now by a Norman wounded in the left Eye with an Arrow , whereof he immediately died . This great Battel was fought at Hastings in Sussex , on Saturday , October 14. 1066. The English after this vast Loss had designed to make Edgar Atheling King , but it was prevented by their private Animosities . And thus ended the Saxon Monarchy in England , which from Hengist in 475. to this Year , had continued ( save onely some short Interruptions by the Danes ) Five hundred ninety one Years . And here we shall begin to give a more particular Account of all the Monarchs who have Reigned in England , till His present Majesty , King CHARLES the Second , whom God preserve .

WILLIAM the FIRST , SIRNAMED THE CONQVEROVR , King of England , and Duke of Normandy .

portrait of King William the 1st BY bloody Battels , Conquest , and by Fate , Rich Englands Crown and Kingdom I surpris'd ; I topsie-turvie turn'd the English State , And Laws and Customs strange and new devis'd : And where I Conquer'd , there I Tyranniz'd , In stead of Love , making the People fear ; In raising Taxes I was exercis'd , And Tributes greater than the Land could bear . Yea , and the Normans Fame the more to rear , The English I forbid the English Tongue ; French Grammar Schools I instituted here , And 'gainst this Nation added Wrong to Wrong . At last my Crown , Sword , Scepter , Conquests brave , I left , I lost , and scarce could find a Grave .

DUke William after the Fight ( which from that time was called Battel-Field , and an Abby of that name built there ) hastned toward London , wasting the Counties of Kent , Sussex , Surrey , Hantshire and Berkshire ; and crossing the Thames at Wallingford , marched through Oxfordshire , Bucks , and Hartford hire , and on Christmas day following was Crowned King at Westminster , by the inforced Consent of the English Nobility , who with outward Applause , though with inward Grief and Discontent , acknowledged themselves to be his Subjects , the Kentish-men onely excepted , by whom , as he went to possess himself of the strong Castle of Dover , he was intercepted in his March , being encompassed by many valiant Soldiers , who carrying green Boughs in their Hands , seemed to be a moving Wood , suddenly environed him and his Followers , protesting , That rather than they would basely lose their Privileges , and be deprived of their ancient Laws and Customs , they were resolved every Man to die in the Place . The King considering his own Danger , and their Resolution consented to their Demands , and for their bold and generous Resolution , he ever after honoured them with this Preheminence , That the Men of Kent should lead the Van in the Field : And thereupon the Earldom and Castle of Dover was delivered to King William Now what the Kentish-men obtained by Arms , the Citizens of London procured by Art ; for one William a Norman being their Bishop , they so prevailed with him , and he with the King , that he confirmed their former Charter , written in the Saxon Tongue , and sealed with Green Wax , to this Effect .

William King greeteth William Bishop , and Godfrey Portreeve , and all the Burgesses that in London be , French and English , Friendly : And I do you to wit , That I will that you enjoy all the Law which you did in the Days of Edward King . And I will , That each Child be his Fathers Inheritor after his Fathers Days . And I will not suffer , that any Man any Wrong you offer . God keep you .

King William having thus conquered the Kingdom , used several Policies for securing it to himself : For , presuming that he was obeyed by the Natives more out of Fear than Love , 1. He took Hostages of those that were dearest to the English , either Sons or Nephews , whom he sent into Normandy , for securing their Fidelity . 2. He deprived the English of all Offices both of Honour and Profit , conferring them on his Normans . 3 Because the Clergy were much reverenced by the People , and concerned themselves in Temporal Affairs , he ordained , That they should concern themselves onely in Spiritual Matters . 4. To take away all Hopes of regaining their Liberty , he disarmed all the Natives , and left them utterly disabled to make any Resistance . 5. To prevent all Concourse or Meetings where they might have opportunity to condole their Miseries , especially in the Night , he commanded a Bell to be hung up in every Town , Village , and City , to be rung at Eight a Clock every Night , at which every Englishman was to put out his Fire , and to keep himself within his House . 6. To diminish the English Nobility , he sent them to fight his Battels in Normandy ; and if any of them returned Victorious , they were much discountenanced , in stead of being rewarded : The Common People were likewise used in the same manner , being still ordered to endure the hottest Service in Fight , both in France and Normandy . 7. He erected strong Forts and Castles in several places of the Realm , commanded by his Countrymen , who made the least Crime committed by the English to be Capital to them . 8. He deprived the Gentry and Clergy of their Plate and Money , yea even that used in Churches , alledging , That Thieves , Traytors , and Rebels had hid them there , to deceive him of his Forfeitures , and support themselves against his Authority . 9. He published divers severe Laws in the French Tongue , whereby many English of great Estates did ignorantly transgress , and the smallest Offences were made sufficient to seise their Estates , which were violently taken from them , without any Commiseration . 10. He declared the Patents , Grants , and Charters of former Kings to be void , and having seised them into his own Hands , he sold them again to the true Owners for great Sums of Money ; which if they could not procure , he gave them to his French and Normans . 11. He took a general Survey of the Natives Lands and Cattel , and then laid unreasonable Taxes upon them , not regarding their Cries or Poverty . 12. He erected new Courts of Justice for administring his new Laws , and caused his Judges constantly to follow his Court , that they might never act any thing which should displease him , or gratifie the English . 13. To give the freer Access to the French and Normans , if the English should rebell , he plucked down and ruined Thirty six Churches , with many Towns and Villages , for many Miles , even from Salisbury to the Sea , making his New Forest there : But this Offence did not escape unpunished ; for in this very Forest , Richard the Kings second Son was goared by a Deer , and died ; William Rufus , his third Son , was slain by an Arrow shot at an Hart ; and his Grandchild , Robert Curtoyse , being in pursuit of the Game , was struck by a Bough into the Jaws , and died there . 14. His chief Pleasure being in Hunting , he seised all Chases and Forests of the Kingdom into his Hands , making very cruel Laws against such as presumed to hunt in them without License , as the loss of Eyes , Limbs , and the like . 15. He gave large Territories and Farms to his Favourites , who leased them out to their Slaves and Servants , creating them into Mannors , and calling themselves Lords thereof . He reserved some Tenures to himself , whereby his Tenants were obliged to serve him in the Wars , or attend his Person , to which they were sworn in Publick Courts ; by which Tenure he disposed of their Heirs in Marriage , having Possession of their Estates till they were Twenty one years of age : By which Example , other Great Lords did the like .

This was the Model of King William's sharp and severe Government , wherein he rather used the Power of an insolent and lawless Conquerour , than the Legal Administration of a gracious King ; whereby he was feared by many , but loved by few ; and such as were most in favour with him , were discountenanced upon every slight occasion . These violent Proceedings , especially in raising such intolerable Taxes , occasioned a Rebellion in Devonshire , and another in Northumberland , the second Year of his Reign ; but his good Fortune soon suppressed them , as it also did the next Year the Invasion of Swanus King of Denmark , who was incited thereto by the English that fled thither for Succour from the Cruelty of King William ; but he no sooner saw them almost , e're he made them fly back to their Ships ; and to revenge the Infidelity of the English , he utterly destroyed their fruitful Lands about York and Durham , so that the Ground lay waste nine years after , and abundance of People died with Want and Famine . The next year he summoned a general Convocation of the Clergy , wherein he bitterly accused several grave and learned Bishops , Abbots Priors , and others , of many pretended Crimes and Offences , for which he absolutely deprived them of their Dignities and Estates , which he bestowed on others , either for Love or Money .

These insufferable Acts provoked Marcarus and Edwin , the Earls of Northumberland and Mercia , with Egilwyn Bishop of Durham , to raise an Insurrection : But the King quickly drove Edwyn into Scotland : Marcarus was taken and imprisoned in the Tower of London , where he long continued ; and the Bishop was inhumanely famish'd to death in Abington Abby . At this time great difference arose about the Primacy of the Archbishops of Canterbury and York ; but at last it was adjudged in favour of the first , and York submitted accordingly . In his fifteenth year , his eldest Son Robert , by the instigation of Philip the French King , rebelled against him in Normandy , which occasioned his Father to go thither with an Army , where he was so stoutly encountred , that he was unhorsed , and in great danger of his Life , by his Son , unknown ; but he hearing his Fathers Voice , rescued him again , and was after reconciled , and received Pardon of his Father ; and the King with great loss returned again to England . Soon after William , to revenge divers Injuries and Affronts offered him by King Phi ip in Normandy , went with a gallant Army into France ; where finding Odo Earl of Kent , and Bishop of Bayeux , his Brother by the Mother , to hold secret Correspondence with the French King , he complained thereof to the Lords ; whereupon Lanfrank Archbishop of Canterbury advised the King to commit him to Prison : What , says the King , are you for committing a Clergy-man ? You need not , said Lanfrank ▪ commit the Bishop of Bayeux , but you may very justly imprison the Earl of Kent : Which was done accordingly . Sometime before this , Pope Hildebrand dying , a Magician told Odo , That he foresaw he should succeed him ; upon which Odo , having already swallowed the Papacy in thought , sent Money ( the most prevailing Messenger ) to Rome before-hand , and purchased himself a Palace there , providing likewise for his Journey thither ; but King William , for his Presumption , and other Misdemeanours , staid and committed him , saying , Offensive foolhardiness must be restrained in time .

While the King was in Normandy he fell sick , and the French King hearing his Distemper was in his Belly , scoffingly said , Our Cousin William is now in Childbed ; Ah , what a number of Candles must I offer at his going to Church ? Sure an hundred thousand will hardly be enough . King William hearing of this Jest , said , Well , I hope our Cousin of France shall be at no such Cost ; for after this my Childbirth , at my going to Church , I will ( saith he , swearing by the Resurrection and Brightness of God ) find him a thousand Candles , and light them all my self : Alluding to the Candles that Women used to carry in that Age , when they went to be Churched . And soon after he performed his Word , destroying the People , Towns , and Cities on the Frontiers of France , with Sword and Fire ; but in burning the City of Mantz he came so near the flames , that with the heat of his Harness he got a Sickness , which being increased by the Leaping of his Horse , burst the inner Rim of his Belly , he being very Corpulent ; of which he soon after died at Roan . Upon his Death-bed he said , I appoint no Successor to the Kingdom of England , but I commend it to the Eternal God , whose I am , and in whose Hands all things are . He much lamented his Severity and Cruelty to the English Nation . He was buried in the Abby of St. Stephen at Caen in Normandy , though his Funerals were interrupted by a Norman Gentleman , who would not permit him to be buried , till he had received Satisfaction for that Ground , which the Conquerour had unjustly taken from him . Thus this victorious Conquerour , whose Mind could not be confin'd to one Kingdom while he lived , being dead , could hardly get a place to be buried in . The Charters and Conveyances in his Reign were not so tedious as now adays , but very short and plain , as appears by this following , transcribed out of an Authentick Record .

I William King , the third of my Reign , give to Norman Hunter , to me that art both leif and dear , the Hop , and the Hopton , and all the Bounds up and down , under the Earth to Hell , above the Earth to Heaven , from me and mine , to thee and thine , as good and as fair , as ever they mine were . To witness that this is sooth , I bite the white Wax with my Tooth : Before Jug , Maud , and Margery , and my youngest Son Henry ; For a Bow and a broad Arrow , when I come to hunt upon Yarrow . He caused a Seal to be made for himself , whereon was engraven , By this acknowledge William of Normandy to be your Patron : But on the other side thus , By this Seal you must know , that the same is King of England . In this Kings Reign lived Bevois , or Bevis , Earl of Southampton , who not being able to endure the Oppression of the Normans , gathered all the scattered Fragments of Englishmen whom desire of Liberty , and hatred of the Conquerour , had made willing to joyn with him ; associating to him likewise the Strength of the Danes and Welch , who met at Cardiff in Wales : But Success not depending upon Valour , being unable to encounter such expert Soldiers as the Normans , their Forces were routed , and Bevis fled to Carlisle , after which no credible Author relates what became of him : Tho' the Monkish Writers have been very injurious to his Memory , as well as of others , who by repeating incredible things concerning them , have made Posterity think there was no Truth in any of their Actions . His Place of Residence is said to be Dunton in Wiltshire ; and his Sword was till of late kept as a Relique in Arundel-Castle , not equalling in length that of King Edward the Third at Westminster .

King William left behind him three Sons ; Robert , to whom he gave his Dutchy of Normandy ; William Rufus , and Henry , who both successively were Kings of England ; and one Daughter , named Adela . He was of an indifferent Stature , strong Make , and comly Behaviour ; of a stern Countenance , undaunted Courage , resolute in Action , and quick in Execution . He was discreet and Politick in managing his Affairs and Business ; yet it seems he perceived his own defect in some Cases , for want of Learning ; and did therefore often excite his Sons to learn , with this Saying , That an Vnlearned Prince is but a crowned Ass : Which Speech made such a strong Impression upon his Son Henry , that by his Knowledge and Learning he obtained the Name of Beauclark , or Fine Scholar . King William feasted and hunted much , coveted all , oppressed the Conquered , and still kept his dearest Friends in an awful regard of him . He reigned Twenty years and ten months , and died in the Sixty fourth year of his Age , 1087.

WILLIAM the SECOND , SIRNAMED RVFVS .

portrait of King William the 2nd WHat my Triumphant Father won , I held , I tax'd and poll'd this Kingdom more than he , Great Tributes from my People I compell'd , No Place in Church or Commonwealth was free : But always those who most would give to me Their Suit obtained , whether wrong or right ; The Clergy I compelled to agree To sell Church-Plate and Chalices out-right . Vntil at last , by the Almighty's Power , My Kingly Force and Strength was Weakness made , And all my Glory perish'd in an Hour , My Pomp and Greatness vanish'd like a Shade : For hunting in New-Forest , void of Fear , A Subject slew me , shooting at a Deer .

AT the Death of William the Conquerour , Robert his eldest Son , Duke of Normandy , being in Germany , William the younger Brother hastned to London , in the Company of Morcar and Wilnoth , Sons to King Harold , both released from Imprisonment in Normandy ; where soon after , by the procurement of Lanfrank Archbishop of Canterbury , and Bishop Wolstane , who were reverenced by the People , and by bestowing many costly Gifts , he was soon after made King , though most of the Prelates and States were for Robert . Soon after Robert , by the incitement of Bishop Odo , came into England , landing at Southampton , to regain his Right , with a gallant Army of Normans , and many French , whom King Philip of France had sent to his Aid ; with whom joyned several of the English : But William , by his fair Pretences and Promises to repeal the severe Laws and Taxes in his Fathers Reign , prevailed with the People to appear for him ; with whose assistance he regained divers strong Forts and Castles which were seised by the Nobility for the Service of Robert ; and , among others , he besieged Rochester-Castle , wherein was Odo ; to the gaining whereof , he sent out Orders , That all should repair to his Assistance , under the Penalty of being accounted a Niding , or Coward ; whereby the People came in such Numbers , that the Castle was soon surrendred , Odo banished , and his Estate forfeited . And afterwards Robert , out of his peaceable Inclination , and to prevent the effusion of Blood , accepts of William's Proposals , whereby he was to hold the Crown during his Life , paying to Robert Three thousand Marks a year ; and that if he survived , he should succeed William in England : and so peaceably returns back to Normandy .

King William having now more surely fixed himself in his Possession of the Kingdom , began presently to follow his Fathers Example , endeavouring to humble the innate Courage of the English by heavy Oppressions and Impositions , and taking it for a Maxim , That Riches heightned , but Poverty debased the Spirits of Men ; he laid severe Taxes upon the People , which were levied with all kind of despite and cruelty by his ravenous Officers . This caused much discontent , of which Malcolm King of Scots taking the advantage , and being affronted at the English Court , he invaded the North Parts with a great Army , killing , burning , and destroying all before him , till at last he sate down before a strong Castle in Northumberland , valiantly defended by Robert Mowbray the Earl thereof , who at last pretending to surrender it , and coming out of his Castle-gate well mounted , with the Keys thereof fastned to his Lance , in stead of delivering them , in making low Obeisance to the King in token of Submission , clapping Spurs to his Horse , he suddenly ran upon the King , and with his Lance pierced him into the Eye , whereof he immediately died : After which , by the swiftness of his Horse he made his Escape , leaving the amazed Scots to lament their irreparable Loss , who returned back to Scotland with their breath'ess King .

Now Robert Duke of Normandy complaining of the Kings breach of Promise , designed to transport an Army to England , having again Assistance from the French . But William resolving to make an Offensive War abroad , raised Forces here , with intent to invade● Normandy , to the number of Twenty thousand , who being ready to imbarque , he proposed , That whoever would give him 10 s. should be excused from going to Normandy ; which many willingly did , whereby he raised a considerable Sum , part of which being privately sent to the French King , made him forsake his Ally ; so that Robert standing alone , was soon perswaded to come to an Agreement .

After which , they both joyn their Forces against their youngest Brother Henry ; who having notice thereof , fortified himself in the strong Castle of Mount St. Michael in Normandy , which they besieged , wherein William was in great danger ; for some of the Besieged sallying out , the King rode against them , and was encountred by a Knight , who killed his Horse under him , and would have killed him too had he not known him by his Voice : Whereupon , the Soldiers with great respect mounted him on another Horse , and he asking furiously who it was overthrew him , the Knight stoutly replied , It was he . By St. Luke 's Face , saith the King , thou art a brave Fellow , and shalt be inrolled my Knight , with a Maintenance suitable to thy great Valour . The Siege continuing long , Henry was much distressed for Water , desiring the Favour of Robert not to deny him what Heaven had made common to all : Upon which Robert ordered him to be supplied ; whereat William being inraged , What , says Robert , dost thou more value a little Water , which is to be found every where , than the Life of a Brother , having onely my self and him ? In a short time Peace was made , and all the Brethren were reconciled : After which , Duke Robert resolving to go to Jerusalem , accompanied with several other Christian Princes , he mortgaged his Dukedom to the King for Six thousand six hundred sixty six Pound ; to raise which Sum , King William laid heavy Taxes upon his Subjects ; neither were Churches and Monasteries Privileges , he forcing the Clergy to bring in vast Sums .

Upon the Kings return to England the Welch rebell , and secure themselves so strongly in their Marshes and thick Woods , that the Army wherewith ●he marched against them could not prevail to suppress them . At the same time Robert Mowbray E. of Northumberland , judging himself not sufficiently rewarded for his Service against Malcolm King of Scots , raised a Rebellion ; against whom William marched with great fury , and as soon as he met with his revolted Subjects , he quickly put them to flight ; and for terrour to others , he cut off the Ears , Hands , Noses , Feet , of several of the Prisoners , putting out the Eyes of others ; and Mowbray being taken was sent Prisoner to Windsor-Castle .

King William still continued his Exactions upon the People , selling all Offices in Church and State for ready Money , and keeping many Bishopricks and Abbies vacant a long time , that he might receive the Revenues thereof , saying , That Christ's Bread ( meaning Church-Lands ) is sweet , dainty , and most delicate Food for Kings . These things were sharply reprehended by Anselm Archbishop of Canterbury ; but finding no Redress , he appealed to Pope Vrban the Third , which the King prohibited him to do : The Custom , saith he , from my Fathers time hath been , That no Person in England should appeal to the Pope , without the King's License : He that violateth the Customs of the Realm , violateth the Crown and Power of the Kingdom ; and he that violateth and taketh away the Crown , is a Traytor and an Enemy against me . Yet the Bishop , upon pretence of Conscience , and Obedience to St. Peter's Successors in Spiritual Matters , was resolved to go , and went accordingly , though the King would not suffer him to carry any thing with him , ordering all his Goods to be seised as he was travelling to embarque himself .

King William , while he was at Dinner in New-Forest , had Advice sent him , That the French King had besieged the City of Constantia in Normandy , and that it was in great danger to be lost : Whereupon he swore ( his usual Oath ) by St. Luke's Face , That he would not turn his Back till he had relieved them ; and thereupon commanded the Wall of the House wherein he was to be pulled down , and leaving his Sports , bidding his Nobles follow him , he posted with great expedition to the Sea , without any Preparations for such a Voyage ; and finding a Ship , it hapned to be a very great Tempest ; yet he commanded the Mariners to set Sail immediately , which they dissuaded him from , as a thing extremely desperate ; but the King replied , Hoise up your Sails in God's Name , for I never yet heard of a King that was drowned in a Tempest ; you shall see , both the Winds and Waves will be favourable to us : Which hapned accordingly ; and arriving unexpectedly , the French were so extremely surprised , that they presently raised the Siege , and departed . Such was the Courage and Resolution of this fortunate Prince ; which further appears by this Instance : Being suddenly set upon by three armed Soldiers , who had just before unhorsed him , he defended himself with his Saddle , in stead of a Buckler , in one Hand , and his Sword in the other , till his own Men came to his Relief , who blamed him for taking too much care to save his Saddle : By St. Luke , said he , I had rather have lost my Life , than left my Saddle to the scorn of the Enemy . Another Instance is , That in the late Surprise of the French before Constans , he took Helias Earl of Flescia their Commander in Chief Prisoner , who when he saw himself captivated , imputed this his Misfortune to the unlooked-for Arrival of the King , threatning great matters if he were again at liberty : Whereupon the King commanded him to be immediately set at liberty , and bid him do the utmost he was able .

In the second year of his Reign a great Earthquake hapned ; and in his fourth year , a very terrible Lightning , which left an intolerable Stink behind , and burnt the Steeple of the Abby of Winchester , rending the Rafters on the Roof , and throwing down the Image of the Virgin Mary and a Crucifix , breaking one of the Legs thereof . In his thirteenth year several other Prodigies hapned , which were judged Forerunners of his Death . In the Morning before he was slain , he told his Attendants , That he dreamed the last Night , an extreme cold Wind passed thorow his Sides . Whereupon some perswaded him not to hunt that day ; but he resolving on the contrary , answered , They are no good Christians that regard Dreams . That very day , while he was hunting in New-Forest afore-mentioned , he was slain with an Arrow , which being shot at a Deer , unfortunately glanced upon him , and struck him dead .

Thus ended the Troublesom though Victorious Reign of William Rufus , so called from his ruddy Complexion . He was the third Son of William the Conquerour . He was of a wanton disposition , very much delighting himself among his Concubines , and died without any Legitimate Issue . He was comely , strong , active , and healthy of Body , of an high Courage and Constancy , not shaken with any Frowns of Fortune ; and withal very covetous : so that what with the Pestilence , and his great Exactions , the Ground lay untilled , from whence proceeded great Famine and Scarcity thorow England . Thus he lived ; and after he had reigned Thirteen years and ten months , thus he died , in 1100. getting much , and suddenly leaving all .

HENRY the FIRST , SIRNAMED BEAVCLARKE .

portrait of King Henry the 1st MY Father and my Brother , Kings both , gone , With joyful Acclamations I was Crown'd ; And having gain'd the Scepter and the Throne , I with the Name of Beauclark was renown'd . The English Laws , long lost , I did restore ; I made false Weights and Measures to hold true ; The Power and Strength of Wales I triumph'd o're , And Normandy my Valour did subdue . Yet I , unmindful whence these Glories grew , My eldest Brother Robert did surprise , Detain'd him , and usurp'd his Royal Due , And most unnaturally pluck'd out his Eyes . Kings live like Gods , but yet like Men they die , All must pay Natures Debt ; and so did I.

AT the Death of William Rufus , Robert Duke of Normandy , the elder Brother , was fighting victoriously ( with several other Christian Princes ) against the Infidels , in the Holy Land , being fortunate in all his Proceedings , save onely in his Succession to the Crown ; for his Success was so great there , that he was freely , offered to be made King of Jerusalem , which he as generously refused . By reason of his Absence , his youngest Brother Henry , without the least trouble or difficulty , ascended the English Throne , with the universal Approbation of the Nobility and Commons , whose Inclinations were the stronger toward him , because he was born in England after his Father was Crowned King , and from the great Opinion they had of his singular Vertues , Learning , and good Temper . Yet before his Coronation , the Nobles obliged him to swear , That he would ease the People of the great Taxes , and many other Pressures under which they suffered ; which he accordingly performed .

After he was Crowned , for the better ensuring his Estate and Title against the Claim of his Brother Robert , he freely distributed the great Treasures left by King William , among those who upon all Occasions he judged would stand by his Interest . He dignified the Wealthy with high Offices and Titles of Honour : He abated the Rigour of the New Laws , and promised restitution of their old Privileges : He regulated Weights and Measures , bringing them all to one Standard : He freed the People from the heavy Tribute of Danegilt , and from all other unjust Taxes and Payments imposed by the former Kings : He gave liberty to the Nobility and Gentry to enclose Parks and Chases , with Game , for their Recreation : He banished from his Court all Flatterers , as Traytors to his State and Government ; and all Luxury , Sumptuousness in Apparel , and Superfluity in Diet , he utterly discountenanced : He ordained , That Thieves and High-way Robbers should be punished with Death : With all manner of diligence and Application he endeavoured to reform the monstrous Pride , intolerable Covetousness , and extreme Sloth and Negligence of the Clergy : He recalled Anselm Archbishop of Canterbury from Banishment , and restored him to his Bishoprick , giving him full Power to call Convocations and Synods at his Pleasure , for regulating the intolerable Abuses of the Church ; yet leaving to the Pope his Authority to invest Bishops , by giving them the Ring , the Pall , and the Pastoral Staff . All such Ecclesiastical Dignities and Revenues which his Brother , by the lewd Advice of Reynulph Bishop of Durham , had seised into his Hands , he freely conferred upon Grave and Learned Persons , and committed Reynulph Prisoner to the Tower of London , from whence he afterward escaped , and earnestly invited Duke Robert , who was now returned with great Honour from the Holy Land , to recover the Kingdom with his Sword ; who thereupon raised a great Army , with a Design to transport them to England .

In the mean time Henry having by his Proceedings endeared himself to his People , confirmed them now further , by marrying Maud Sister of Edgar King of Scots , and Daughter of Malcolm by Margaret his Wife , Sister to Edgar Atheling , and Daughter to King Edward , the Son of Edmund Ironside , the victorious and valiant King of the Saxons . Soon after Duke Robert arrived with his Army at Portsmouth , many English joyning with him , and great Expectations and Fears arose of a bloody War ; but by the discreet Mediation of Friends to both Sides , a loving Agreement was concluded , upon almost the same Conditions as with William Rufus , namely , That Henry should enjoy the Crown during Life , paying to Robert Three thousand Marks a year : Whereupon Robert returned back , to the great discontent of his own Nobility . Afterward Robert returned again to England , to congratulate his Brothers good Fortune , where he was Royally entertained , and at the Request of his Sister Queen Maud , he forgave the Payment of the Three thousand Marks a year . Yet after a while the Ambition of Dominion caused Henry , upon some slight occasion , to quarrel with his Brother ; which proceeded so far , that he went over to Normandy with an Army ; where being assisted by many of the Duke's discontented Nobility and Gentry , he so prevailed against Robert , that he took the Cities of Roan , Ca●n , and Valois from him ; who being forsaken of all , fled from one Place to another to secure himself .

King Henry returning victoriously into England , and Robert perceiving that his Lords and People had utterly forsaken him , and refused their Assistance , and Henry's Strength and Riches increasing , he came privately into England , and presented himself to his Brother , referring himself and all his Concerns to his own Determination : But the King , either knowing the Inconstancy of the Duke , or being prepossessed by some Whisperers that he did not intend uprightly , turned from his distressed Brother with a scornful and disdainful Countenance , refusing to accept of this his humble Submission . The Duke being struck to the Heart , returns back to his own Country , resolving to die like a Man in the Field ; but Henry soon routed his weak Forces , and brought him Prisoner into England , committing him to Cardiff Castle in Wales , where endeavouring his Liberty , his Eyes by Henry's Command were put out ; after which , he lived miserably Twenty years , and was buried at Glocester .

About this time Robert Belasme Earl of Shrewsbury raised a Rebellion ; but being soon vanquished , he fled into Normandy , where finding William of Mortaigne and Cornwal , who was offended with the King for keeping from him the Earldom of Kent , he soon perswaded him to raise another Insurrection ; and joyning their Forces , they designed great matters , but were presently routed by the King's Forces , and kept Prisoners during their Lives .

The King being now freed from fear of Enemies , resolved to take the same Advantages his Predecessors had done , as to the Investiture of Bishops , and taking vacant Bishopricks into his Hands ; whereat Anselm Archbishop of Canterbury was so displeased , that he refused to Consecrate such new Bishops as had received their Investitures from the King : But Girald Archbishop of York freely performed it upon the King's Command . Hereupon Anselm went to complain at Rome , and prevailed at last against the King by a Synod of the Clergy held at London . Three years after Anselm died , and King Henry seised the Revenues of his Bishoprick into his Hands , which he kept five years ; and if at any time he were intreated by the Bishops to bestow it , he still answered , That he onely kept it for an able and sufficient Man .

Having enjoyed a few years of Peace , he was again rowsed out of it by Lewis the French King , who joyning with Fulk Earl of Anjou , and Baldwyn Earl of Flanders , they all made great Preparations for Invading the Dutchy of Normandy : But Henry raising an Army of valiant Commanders and Soldiers , landed there , and soon engaged with them in Battel , which continued nine hours , with so great fury on each side , that though King Henry won the Field , and chased his flying Enemies a long way , yet he would often say , That he then fought not for Victory , but Life . Quickly after a Reconciliation was made between these four Princes , and William , King Henry's eldest Son , was married to the Earl of Anjou's Daughter : But in their Voyage hither , the two young Princes , two more of the King's Children , and his Niece Lucy , with her Husband the Earl of Chester , with near one hundred and fourscore others , were unfortunately drowned by the carelesness of the drunken Mariners ; at which the King was wonderfully dismay'd . The Welch soon after rebelled , raising all the Power they could make ; which yet the King in a little time , and with small Loss , overthrew , suffering his Soldiers to glut their Swords in the Blood of those Rebels , whom neither gentle Usage , nor former Severity , could oblige to Loyalty .

The King returning from Wales with Honour , soon after sent his Daughter Maud to be married to Henry the Fifth , Emperour of Germany , her contracted Husband , with a Princely Portion of Silver and Gold . At the same time he erected the High Court of Parliament , appointing it to consist of Three Estates , of which himself was the Head ; so that the Laws being made by the Consent of all , should not be disliked of any . In his Twenty seventh year Henry the Emperor died without any Issue by Maud , who being at that time Twenty four years old , was courted by the greatest Princes in the Christian World : But the King , to strengthen his Kingdom against the French , married her to Jeffry Plantaginet , Son and Heir to Fulk Earl of Anjou , by whom she had three Sons , Henry , ( who was King after Stephen ) Jeffry , and William , which gave much content to the King , to think that his Race should succeed in the Crown ; and the more to secure it , he obliged his Nobility , and the Great Officers of the Kingdom , to take no less than three solemn Oaths in five years time , That with their best Advice , and the hazard of their Lives and Estates , they would support and defend the Succession of his Daughter , and her Heirs .

It was a Custom in his time , that all Bills and Orders which concerned the Servitors of the Court should be signed without a Fee : Now it hapned that Thurstan the Steward complained to the King against Adam of Yarmouth Clerk of the Signet , for refusing to sign a Bill without a Fee . The King heard Thurstan first , commending that old Custom , and reproving the Clerk for Exaction . The Clerk answered , I received the Bill , and desired your Steward onely to bestow on me two Spiced Cakes , made for your own Mouth ; which he refusing , I denied to sign his Bill . The King then reprehending the Steward , commanded Adam to sit down on the Bench , and then ordered the Steward to put off his Cloke , and to fetch in a clean Napkin two of the best Spiced Cakes for the King's Mouth , and humbly to present them to Adam ; which being done , Adam signed the Bill , and the King made them Friends , adding , That Officers of the Court ought to be kind to Strangers , if they wanted their Assistance ; and much more to gratifie one another .

Queen Maud his Wife was so devout , that she would go to Church bare-foot , and was still employed in Works of Charity ; insomuch that David King of Scotland her Brother coming to visit her , found her in her Privy Chamber , with a Towel about her Middle , washing , wiping , and kissing Poor Mens Feet : which he disliking , said , Sure if your Husband knew this , you should never kiss his Lips . She replied , That the Feet of the King of Heaven were to be preferred before the Lips of any King on Earth .

King Henry had a Pottle of Wine every Night set in his Chamber ; but because he seldom used to drink ▪ his Chamberlain and Pages were wont to carowse it among them . One time about Midnight the King called for Wine , whereat the Chamberlain and Pages were much troubled , because they had left none : At length Pain being called in , humbly confessed the matter , begging pardon . What , says the King , have you but one Pottle a Night ? That is too little for me and you ; For the future I will allow two ; one for my self , and another for you and your Fellows . For this Act the King was commended for Bounty and Clemency .

When King Henry had reigned Thirty five years and four Months , he surfeited by eating of Lampreys , and died in the Sixty fifth year of his Age , 1135. and was buried at Reading in Berkshire . He was Wise , Learned , and Valiant ; yet more inclined to Peace than War . He never levied but two Taxes on his People , one for his Wars in France , and another for marrying his Daughter Maud the Empress . He grew rich of his own , and was liberal . He made good Laws , which were profitable to the Virtuous , but sharp against Malefactors , using more Severity than Mercy ; from whence he was accounted cruel by the Common People , but styled the Lion of Justice by the Learned . He was gentle and grateful to his Friends , rough to his Enemies , but easily reconciled : Yet was he too lascivious in his Life , having many Concubines , by whom he had twelve Bastards , whom he owned . He left no Legitimate Sons behind ; and therefore in this King ended the Issue-Male of William the Conquerour , and the Crown was devolved to his general Heirs .

KING STEPHEN .

portrait of King Stephen BY wrested Titles , and usurping Claim , Through Storms and Tempests of tumultuous Wars , The Crown and Scepter , which were still my Aim , I won , and wore , encompass'd round with Jars . The English , Normans , Scots , did all prepare Their utmost Forces to oppose my Power ; Whilst England was oppress'd with Woe and Fear : And War , the Sword , and Want , do all devour . But as Years , Months , Weeks , Days , do hourly waste , And vanish all away , ●as things of nought ; My troublous Royalty decay'd at last , And unto nought was my Ambition brought . This is the State of Transitory things , Befalling meanest Men , and greatest Kings .

THe Experience of all Ages doth inform us , That for the eager desire of Honour and Riches , Men have broken all Bonds of Honesty and Friendship ; but if a Kingdom may be obtained , though with the breach of the most solemn Oaths and Obligations , there is no scruple made of it , and Men will venture upon Perjury and Damnation for gaining thereof ; which was too truly verified at this time : For though Stephen Earl of Bulloign , Son and Heir of Stephen Earl of Blois by Adela the Conquerour's Daughter , was a Person whom King Henry had chiefly obliged by many Solemn and Publick Oaths , to further the Succession of his Daughter Maud and her Children , yet after his Death , finding that all the Nobility , who were equally sworn as himself , applied themselves to him , and awaited his Commands , he either forgot or disregarded all his former Vows , and caused himself to be Crowned King , partly by the procurement of his Brother Henry Bishop of Winchester , but chiefly by means of Hugh Bigot , who took his Oath that King Henry upon his Death-bed appointed Stephen to be his Successor , having disinherited his Daughter Maud upon some disgust taken against her ; the Prelates swearing to obey him as their King , so long as he did preserve the Privileges of the Church ; and the Nobles swearing Allegiance to him , so long as he kept his Covenants with them , and preserved their Rights ; whereby he acknowledged his Right to the Crown to proceed from their Election .

To confirm himself in his Dignity , he proceeded by the same Method as Henry , bestowing his Uncles Treasure freely upon such as either by Arms or Counsel might be useful to him . He created several Noblemen : He released the People of all extravagant Payments , causing a large Charter to be drawn up for mitigating the Severity of divers Laws , and bound himself by a solemn Oath to observe the same . He granted to the Church and Clergy as great Immunities as they could demand , and fully exempted them from the Power of the Temporal Magistrate for all Offences whatsoever , without the Bishops Licence . And to prevent Rebellions , he erected many Castles , Forts , and Bulwarks in divers Parts of the Land , and gave leave to the Nobility , Gentry , and Clergy to do the like , He gave David King of Scots , and Uncle to Maud the Empress , because he should not assist her , the whole County of Cumberland , and created his Son Henry Earl of Huntington : Notwithstanding which , David soon after ravaged the Northern Parts with Fire and Sword in her Quarrel ; but being encountred by Thurstan Archbishop of York , he was overthrown , and hardly made his Escape into Scotland , leaving above Ten thousand of his Army dead behind him ; which Victory was judged to be chiefly occasioned by the Courage and Policy of Thurstan , who before the Battel openly proclaimed , That whoever fell therein , should have full Pardon of all his Sins , and certainly enter into Heaven ; which much spirited the English .

In his sixth year Maud the Empress landed at Arundel in Sussex , with onely an hundred and forty Men , and was quickly inforced with the English who joyned with her , and her base Brother Robert Earl of Glocester , and Reynulph Earl of Chester , with a stout Party of Welchmen . Stephen made all expedition to meet her , and a bloody Fight began , with equal Success , till at length King Stephen's Soldiers left their King almost alone , who with his Battel-ax drove back whole Troops of his Enemies , and afterward renewed his Assaults , till his Sword flew in pieces ; when being now disarmed , he was taken and carried to Bristow-Castle , where he continued about three Months , and was at last set at liberty in exchange for the Earl of Glocester , who was taken Prisoner by King Stephen's Queen . This Earl Robert was one of the most valiant Men of that Age ; he had one Stephen Beauchamp to his Servant , whom he made his onely Favourite , to the great dislike of all the rest of his Followers : And being one time very much endangered in a Battel , he called to some of his Company for help ; but one bitterly replied , Call to your Stephen now to help you . Pardon me , pardon me , said the Earl : In matters of Love and Wenching I make use of my Stephen ; but in Martial Affairs I wholly depend upon your Courage and Valour ,

After this Victory Maud the Empress was triumphantly received into Circeter , Oxford , Winchester , and London ; but refusing to ratifie King Edward's Laws , and remit some severe ones , which she harshly denied , the Londoners contrived to seise her ; which she having notice of , fled suddenly to Oxford , where Stephen presently close besieged her ; who despairing of holding it , she and her Followers escaped by clothing themselves in white Linen in a great Snow , and so passed unknown to the Sea , and got away . The Empress being once in the Castle of the Devizes , was there in great hazard likewise ; whereupon she caused her self to be put into a Coffin , as though dead , and bound fast with Cords , and so , like a dead Corps , she was carried in a Horse-litter to Glocester ; and soon after being weary of these continual Troubles , she went into Normandy . King Stephen presently seised all the Castles which were kept by the Barons against him ; to gain which the sooner , it is related he used this Course : Having taken the Bishop of Salisbury , he put a Rope about his Neck , and so led him to the Castle of the Devizes , held by his Followers , threatning to hang their Bishop and Master , if they did not immediately surrender . The like he did by Alexander Bishop of Lincoln , who held another Castle upon Trent , which was thereupon delivered , and the King seised all the Treasure and Goods to his own use .

These Troubles being over , the Kingdom for some years enjoyed Peace ; but Henry called Shortman●le , eldest Son to Maud by Jeffry Plantagenet , married Eleanor the Daughter and Heir of the Earl of Poictou , who had lately been divorced from Lewis the Seventh , King of France , after she had brought him two Daughters : So that Henry was now Duke of Normandy in the Right of his Mother , Earl of Anjou by Descent from his Father , and Earl of Poictou in Right of his Wife , by whom a while after he had likewise the Earldom of Tholouse . Prince Henry , by the invitation of several of the English Nobility , and others , was much encouraged to come into England and recover his Right , especially since Stephen , and Eustace his onely Son , did now endeavour to take in the Castles of several Nobles whom they judged to be for Henry's Interest ; who accordingly landed with a considerable Army . King Stephen likewise gathered a very equal Strength to encounter him . Both Armies lay near each other , and some went between them every day . In the mean time Eustace the King's Son by mischance was drowned , though others write , That being in a rage , he set fire to some Corn-fields belonging to the Abby of Bury , because the Monks denied him Money ; and afterwards sitting down to Dinner , at the first Morsel of Bread he put into his Mouth , he fell into a Fit of Madness , of which he died .

The King , though extremely grieved for the Death of his Son , yet began to hearken to Terms of Peace ; and at length he adopted Prince Henry to his Son , proclaimed him Heir Apparent to the Crown , the Nobles doing Homage to him at Oxford , and gave him many Gifts , assuring him of his Friendship . By this Agreement Arms were laid aside , and Peace succeeded , the Prince with his Followers returning into Normandy , where they were joyfully received . But King Stephen being afflicted with the Iliack Passion , and with his old Distemper the Hemorrhoids , died the next year at Dover , 1154. and was buried at Feversham in Kent , though his Body was afterward thrown into the River , for covetousness of the Lead wherein it was wrapped , having reigned Eighteen years and ten months : And by the Succession of Henry , the Saxon Blood was again restored to the Imperial Crown of this Realm .

HENRY the SECOND , King of England , Duke of Normandy , Guyen , and Aquitain , Lord of Ireland .

portrait of King Henry the 2nd TO th' Empress Maud I was undoubted Heir , And in her Right , my Title being just , By Justice I obtain'd the Regal Chair . Fair Rosamond I did debauch with Lust , For which , Heavens Justice , hating Deeds unjust , Stirr'd up my Wife and Sons to be my Foes , Who strove to lay my Glory in the Dust , And compass'd me with cruel Wars , and Woes ; They poyson'd my sweet , beauteous , tainted Rose , By the Contrivance of my furious Queen ; My Children their own Father did oppose : Such Fruit hath Lust ; such Malice , jealous Spleen . Crosses and Troubles made me curse my Birth ; In them I liv'd , reign'd , and was turn'd to Earth .

PRince Henry was in Normandy , besieging a Castle injuriously seised by the French King , when the News of the Death of King Stephen arrived ; whereupon his Friends and Followers earnestly persuaded him to raise the Siege , and expedite his Voyage into England , to prevent any Usurpation which might be designed : To which Henry discreetly and courageously replied , The Kingdom of England shall henceforth be at my command , in despite of all that dare oppose me ; and so I will make these intruding Frenchmen understand before I go from hence . This Resolution gained him Honour among his Friends , and Terrour to his Enemies , who understanding his Determination , and fearing the worst , quietly surrendred the Castle , and submitted to Mercy , which he graciously granted , and then setling his Affairs there , attended with many Lords and Gentlemen of Quality , he arrived in England , where he was soon after Crowned King , and then employed himself in setling the Kingdom , by making good Laws , banishing Strangers , who in Multitudes resorted hither , and by their sparing Diet , and extraordinary Industry , enriched themselves , and beggar'd the Natives . He likewise exiled many of the Nobility , who contrary to their Oaths adhered strongly to King Stephen , judging them faithless , and unuseful to him . He caused all the Forts and Castles built by the order or permission of his Predecessor , to be demolished , as giving occasion of Insurrections upon the least Discontent . He resumed into his Hands all Lands belonging to the Crown , as also the Counties of Cumberland , Northumberland , and Huntington , which had been given to David King of Scots by Stephen , to hinder them from disturbing him in his Usurpation . He chose himself a Council out of the gravest and wisest Nobility , and restrained the Insolencies of some Grandees , which raised Discontents among them , and Hugh Lord Mortimer raised Forces at Bridgenorth in Wales , against whom the King went in Person , where he had been shot with an Arrow , had not Hubert de Clare interposed , and received it into his own Body .

In his thirteenth year he married Jeffry his younger Son to Constance the Daughter and Heir Apparent of the Duke of Britain ; his Son Richard , to Adela Daughter of Lewis King of France ; and his Daughter Maud , to Henry Duke of Saxony : about which time his Mother Maud the Empress died . Having quieted the Rebels at home , he went into Normandy , where he did Homage to Lewis for his French Provinces , Normandy , Anjou , Aquitain , Main , and Lorrain , some of them his own by Inheritance , and others by his Wife Queen Eleanor , and then made an Agreement between himself and his Brother Jeffry . In his nineteenth year he sailed into Ireland with a mighty Army , and fought victoriously against five Kings , who at that time reigned there , and at last conquered them all , and became sole Lord of that Country , which he annexed to the Crown of England . After his return , both out of fondness , and for securing the Succession , he caused his eldest Son Henry , and his Wife Margaret , Daughter of the French King , to be solemnly Crowned in his presence , at two several times , in the last of which , he for that day degraded himself from being King , by waiting as a Servant upon his Son , while he sate at Table : which young Henry did little regard , boasting , That his Father did not hereby dishonour himself , since he was onely the Son of an Empress , whereas himself was Son both of a King and Queen : Which proud Speech the unfortunate Father hearing , said privately to the Archbishop then present , I repent , I repent me of nothing more than untimely Advancements .

In his latter days many Quarrels hapned between him and Lewis of France , in all which , Henry , Jeffry , and John , his own Sons , Robert Earl of Leicester , Hugh Earl of Chester , most unnaturally joyned with the French against him , and likewise William King of Scots ; notwithstanding which , the Courage of King Henry prevailed against them all , and upon submission he pardoned his Sons and all the rest : Yet were they justly punished by Heaven , Henry dying before his Father , in the flower of his Age ; and John , after King , was poysoned by a Monk . The History of this Kings Reign declares him to be Learned , Wise , Just , and Valiant ; and though he were concerned in many great Affairs , and Wars both in France , Normandy , Anjou , Ireland , and other Places , and never received any extraordinary Tax or Subsidy from his Subjects , yet he left to his Successor above Nine hundred thousand Pound in Money , besides Jewels , rich Housholdstuff , and all manner of Warlike Provisions . And though in most Transactions he was prosperous and successful , yet in three things he was very unhappy . First , In the unnatural Disobedience and Rebellions of his own Sons . Secondly , In his inordinate Love to Rosamond , his endeared Concubine , who was admirably fair , but exceeding wanton , and thereby wholly alienated his Affections from Eleanor his renowned Queen , and enslaved himself to her Will and Pleasure ; so that while she lived , she was seldom from his Right-hand ; and after her Death ( which Eleanor procured by Poyson ) he caused her with great Pomp to be solemnly buried at Godstow near Oxford , fixing this Epitaph on her Tomb : Hic jacet in Tumba , Rosa Mundi , non Rosa Munda ; Non redolet sed olet , quae redolere solet . Within this Tomb lies the Worlds fairest Rose ; Though once most sweet , she 'll now offend your Nose .

The third Infelicity of his Reign , was the great Dissention between him and Thomas Becket , the proud and insolent Archbishop of Canterbury , which continued full seven years , with all manner of asperity and fierceness : For Theobald Archbishop of Canterbury had so great a favour for Thomas Becket , a Londoner , of mean Parentage , that he made him Archdeacon of his own Church , and still advancing him , at last , by the Power he had with the King , made him Lord Chancellor of England ; which so pufft up Becket , that he grew extreme haughty , yet still shewed great Respect to the King , who thereupon constantly encreased his Lands and Revenues , which daily heightned him more . Theobald dying , the King preferred Becket to be Archbishop ; after which he began to discover his ungrateful Humour : For going privately to Rome , he was there invested in his Bishoprick by the Pope , of whom he received the Pall , and was made Legate ; and then returning into England , he was much discountenanced by the King : but Becket slighting it , on a sudden surrendred his Chancellorship and Great Seal ; of which the King desiring a Reason , he obstinately refused to give any . These Quarrels encouraged the debauched part of the Clergy to commit many Insolencies and Villanies , for which they received small Punishment , though their Crimes were Murder , Theft , and Robbery ; for not being under the Jurisdiction of the Civil Magistrate , but tried by those of their own Profession , their greatest Offences were connived at , or very slightly examined , whereby many grievous Enormities hapned in the Kingdom .

Whereupon the King summoned a Parliament wherein that Law of King Stephen , exempting the Clergy from the Authority of the Temporal Judge , for any Crime whatsoever , was repealed , and the ancient Laws again revived and enforced . This was very much opposed by Becket , and some few Bishops more of his Faction ; but after several Conferences , these Laws were confirmed , and subscribed by all the Bishops but Becket , who would by no means assent thereto , without inserting this Clause , Salvo Ordine suo , Saving the Order of the Clergy , which would have utterly invalidated all those Laws . At which the King being enraged , by the persuasion of the other Bishops , who dreaded the Consequence , Becket took a solemn Oath to allow of those Laws ; whereat the King turned his Fury into Kindness toward Becket , and immediately caused an Indenture to be drawn betwixt himself and the two Archbishops , testifying their Submission to this Oath , which was subscribed by the King , and the Archbishop of York ; but Becket again relapsing into his former Obstinacy , not onely refused it , but expressed much sorrow for his former Oath , and desired to be absolved there from by the Pope , which was done accordingly , some private Penance onely being enjoyned him , who required him not to yield , but to persist constantly in his opinion . Upon which the King being again incensed against Becket , seises all his Estate and Promotions into his Hands , and required an Account of 30000 Marks which he had received when Chancellor ; but Becket boldly affirmed . That the King had given it him freely , and therefore he would give no Account thereof .

Then Becket went again privately to Rome , without License ; and the King being sensible that his Des gn was to incense the Pope against him sent his Ambassadors with Letters to Rome , declaring how reasona●le his Demands were , and the extraordinary Perverseness of Becket , desiring the Pope he might be deprived of his Dignities , and promising to provide for him some other way : But the Pope not onely denied his Request , but in thundring Terms threatned to send two Legats into England , who should curse the King and Kingdom , unless Becket were presently restored to his Honours and Estate ; and in the mean time the Pope recommended Becket to be entertained as a Monk in the Abby of Po●tiniack in France . The King observing how Matters went , grew more exasperated , and sent to the Abbot to turn Becket out of his House , and threatned upon refusal not to leave one Monk of his Order in France . He also published certain Injunctions against the Pope , and all Cardinals or Legats who should presume to enter into his Kingdom without his License . He then deprived all Becket's Friends and Favourers of their Dignities and Estates , banishing them out of the Kingdom , as Abettors and Encouragers of Becket in his Obstinacy against the King .

These Proceedings , and especially his being turned out of the Abby for fear of the Kings Anger , much troubled Becket ; yet then Lewis of France , though young King Henry had married his Daughter , cherisht and entertained him : But the King being tired with these Turmoils , goes privately into France , and in the presence of the French King confers with Becket , offering him , That if he would now take the Oath , and subscribe the Instrument , he should return into England , and be restored to his Favour and Dignities , with all his Friends . But he proudly answered , That if the King would let him swear and subscribe with this Exception , Salvo Honore Dei , Saving the Honour of God , he would then consent . This angred the King more than ever , as intimating , That those Laws were dishonourable to Almighty God , and therefore he would obey no farther than he pleased ; but Becket undauntedly persisted , alledging , That he feared none but God ; and since those Laws did derogate from ancient Customs and Privileges of the Church , and robbed God of his Honour , the King should never establish them by his Consent as long as he lived .

The King thus disappointed , soon after two Legats came from Rome to curse him and the Realm : Whereupon he again goes to Becket into Normandy , but finds him the very same Man ; and therefore he being willing to be quiet , consented that Becket should return into England , which he did accordingly ; but the King being much discontented , was heard repiningly to say , That among all those whom he had advanced , there was none would free him from such an insolent and dangerous Enemy . He likewise received mean Welcome from the young King Henry , because Becket had suspended three or four Bishops who assisted at Henry's Coronation , for doing it without a License from him ; upon which , young Henry now banished him his Court , and confined him to his own House in Canterbury . But a few days after , Becket being in the Cathedral of Canterbury , standing before the High Altar , four Knights and Courtiers fell upon him , and slew him there ; of which Fact King Henry was accused by the Pope , but stoutly denied it : yet because of his former Murmurings , he was forced to submit to the Popes Censure , which was , To war three years in Person in the Holy Land , which he redeemed by building three Monasteries ; and to go to Becket's Tomb bare-footed , which he did , and suffered himself to be scourged with Rods by every Monk there . And thus the King made a bad end of these Troubles .

But others soon succeeded ; for about this time the young King Henry died , and his Sons , Richard and Jeffry , again rebelled against him ; but the younger was soon after trod to death under the Horses Feet , at a Turnament at Paris : But Richard yet lived , to the further Grief of his Father ; for joyning himself with Philip King of France , he forced his Father out of the City of Mantz , the Place where he was born , and loved above all others ; which caused the old King to say , That since his Son Richard had taken from him that day the thing which he most loved in the World , he was resolved to requite him ; for after that day he would deprive him of that which ought best to please a Child , and that was his Fathers Heart . And afterward finding his Son John the very first in the Conspiracy against him in that Action , he bitterly curst the Hour of his Birth , wishing Gods Curse and his own upon his Sons ; which he would never recal , by any Persuasions : But coming to Chiron , he fell mortally sick , and causing himself to be carried to the Church , before the High Altar , after humble Confession of his Sins , he gave up the Ghost , 1189. having reigned Thirty four years and eight months .

RICHARD the FIRST , King of England , &c. called Coeurdelion .

portrait of King Richard the 1st THrough the Almighty's Mercy and his Aid , Jerusalem I conquer'd , and set free ; The Turks and Saracens , who waste it laid , I 〈◊〉 from Judea soon to flee . The Isle of Cyprus was subdu'd by me , Sicily trembled at my Courage bold , King Tancred bought his Peace , and did agree To pay me Threescore ounces of pure Gold , Whilst I abroad won Honour many ways , Ambitious John , my Brother , vext my Realm . In Austria I was Pris'ner many days . Thus Floods of Troubles did me overwhelm . At length I home return'd , my Ransom paid , But soon my Glory in the Grave was laid .

RIchard , the eldest Son living of King Henry , was in Normandy at the time of his Fathers Death ; and because there were many things amiss , he was resolved to continue there some time ; but yet gave immediate Order for the Release of his Mother , Queen Eleanor , who was closely imprisoned by her Husband , for the Death of Rosamond , and her continual reproving him for his lascivious Course of Life . And because she was very discreet , virtuous , and wise , King Richard committed the whole Government of the Kingdom , in his absence , to her management ; who having experimentally known the Troubles and Sorrows of Prisoners and Captives , she released such as were committed for small Offences , and paid the Debts of divers others , that they might be freed , and in all things used great Moderation and Justice , till the return of her Son , who was received and Crowned King with much Joy and Solemnity . And he imitating the mild Disposition of his Mother , commiserating the Afflicted , provided in the whole Course of his Government that Justice should be extended with Mercy toward all . He conferred many Honours upon his Brother John , whom he created Earl of Lancaster , and gave him the Counties of Nottingham , Devon , and Cornwal , marrying him to the Daughter and Heir of the Earl of Glocester , from whom he had the Lordship of that County also ; but in stead of obliging him , these Favours made him Ambitious , and ingratefully to affect the Crown , and to boast that his Parts and Endowments were sufficient to make him a King .

This King for his invincible Courage was the greatest Heroe at that time in the Christian World , so that he was called Coeurdelion , or the Lions Heart , who would attempt any thing , though never so difficult , if it were honourable . His Fathers great Treasure , which he left behind him , furnished him sufficiently with Gold and Silver ; but such was his contempt of Riches , that he freely bestowed Gifts upon all deserving Persons , and in a little time , by his extreme Bounty , had disposed of most of it , not considering , that future Occasions might cause great Expences , as it soon appeared : For in the beginning of his Reign , the Pope , by many strong Sollicitations , and Promises of his Blessings , persuaded him to go in his own Person and fight against the Saracens in the Holy Land , and to recover Jerusalem from the Infidels ; which he at length undertook , being assisted therein by Frederick Emperour of Germany , Philip Augustus King of France , Leopold Archduke of Austria , and many other Christian Princes , who had raised Men and Money , and made all other Provisions to that purpose : All entring into Covenants , That their Rendezvouz should be in Sicily , and that all the Wealth and Booty they should meet with , should be equally divided among them .

These things being concluded , though the Kings Liberality and Expences had made him necessitous , yet he was resolved not to burden his People with any Tax to supply himself , but raised great Sums of Money out of his own Estate ; and among others , he sold the Castles of Berwick and Roxborough to the King of Scots , for 10000 l. and the Lordship of Durham to Hugh Pudsey , the Bishop thereof , creating him likewise Earl of it , laughing heartily while he was investing him , and sa●ing , I think I am very cunning , and a Crafts master in my Business , that can make a young Earl of an old Bishop . He likewise sold divers Honours , Mannors , Offices , Privileges , and Royalties , and many other things , protesting , That for performing that great and honourable Service , ●● would be willing to sell his City of London , if he could find any able to buy it , rather than he would be chargeable to others .

Having thus provided himself with all Necessaries for his Journey , and raised a gallant Army , wherein were many Lords , Knights , and Gentlemen , and gathered a Sum of no less than 1100000 l. he left the Principal Command of the Kingdom to William Longchampe Bishop of Ely , the Popes Legat , and Lord Chancellor of England , concluding a firm Friendship with William King of Scots , he then set sail for the Holy Land with a Royal Navy , to the Island of Cyprus , where Isacius the discourteous King , in stead of relieving them with Necessaries , pillaged and abused them ; whereat King Richard being enraged , landed his Men , and soon conquered the whole Kingdom , carrying away the King and his Daughters Prisoners , and selling the Country to the Knights Templars for 30000 Marks . From thence , according to Agreement , he sailed to Sicily , where he met Philip the French King . Upon their first Enterview there was great Familiarity and Endearment betwixt them ; but Philip being denied any part of the Spoil of Cyprus , both because he was absent , and likewise King Richard affirming , That the Agreement extended onely to such things as they should gain in the Holy Land , Philip thereupon grew angry and discontented , which Richard disregarded , declaring publickly , That let the French King do what he durst , he should never be a Partner in that Booty .

Yet Philip knowing the Eyes of all Christendom were upon him , would make no open Breach ; and so they again embarqued , Tancred the Usurping King of Sicily having either out of love or fear given King Richard above 6000 Ounces of Gold before his departure . Sailing from thence with a Navy of above 300 Ships , they met with a rich Argosey or Ship with French Flags , but Manned with no less than 1500 Turks and Saracens , and all manner of Warlike Provisions , as Fire-works , Barrels and Cages of venomous Serpents , all designed for the Relief of the City of Acon , formerly called Ptolemais ; this Vessel he took , drowning 1300 Saracens : and then landing at Acon , in company with King Philip , they sate down before it , there being already Christians of divers Nations , as Genoways , Florentines , Flemings , Almains , Danes , Dutch , Pisans , Friezelanders , Lumbards , and some English , under Hubert Bishop of Sarum , wich the Knights Templars , and several Asians . During the Siege Sultan Saladine beheaded 1500 Christian Slaves ; in revenge whereof King Richard killed 2500 Tarks , in sight of their Army . After a long and sharp Siege the City of Acon was taken , upon the entring whereof , a forward Knight advanced the Banner and Ensign of Leopold Archduke of Austria ; but King Richard seeing it , he himself ran up to the Wall , pluck'd them down , and trampled them under his Feet ; whereat the French King was still more incensed , speaking high Words ; but Richard slighting his Anger , affirmed , That if any were offended thereat , they might do what they pleased , since he had onely righted himself in those Injuries done against him ; and that he was ready to maintain what he had acted with his Sword in the Field .

King Philip growing still more angry , and pretending to fear some secret League between King Richard and the Turks , to the prejudice of himself and his Followers , he withdrew all the Troops belonging to the Emperour , the Archduke , and himself , and leaving the King of England , returned home : Yet did not this discourage the gallant King Richard , but with his own Forces , and those of some other Christian Princes who submitted to his Conduct , he prosecuted his Designs victoriously in all Places where he came . It is related , That there being a fair Opportunity for the taking of Jerusalem , King Richard and the Duke of Burgundy marched in two Bodies from Acon to surprise it ; but when they approached near it , Burgundy envying Richard's Glory , signified to him , That he would retire with his Soldiers , because it should not be said the English had taken Jerusalem . While this Message was delivering , and King Richard grieving that such a glorious Enterprise should miscarry by Emulation , an English Soldier came suddenly , and cried out , Sir , Sir , come hither , and I will shew you Jerusalem : But Richard throwing his Coat of Arms over his Face , and weeping , spake thus aloud ; Ah , my Lord God , I beseech thee that I may not see thy Holy City Jerusalem , since I am not able to deliver it out of the Hands of thine Enemies . The same Author writes , That this Prince was so renowned for Valour , that he was more dreaded among the Saracens than any Christian King ever was ; insomuch that when their Infants cried , the Mothers to still them would say , King Richard will come and take you ; which would affright them into stilness : Yea , when their Horses started at any time , the Turks would spur them , and cry , What , you Jades , you think King Richard is here .

But while Richard was triumphant over his Enemies abroad , his Affairs in England were very badly managed by the Bishop of Ely , who being the Grandson of a Plowman , and the Son of a Cow-keeper in the North , after such high Advancement as Lord Chancellor , and Protector of the Kingdom , he grew insolent , and exercised unusual Oppressions and Tyrannies over all sorts of Persons both in Church and State ; yea , so ambitious and vain-glorious was he , that when he rid abroad for his Recreation , he would be attended by above a thousand Horse , and would be waited on by the Sons of the Principal Nobility , to whom he would marry his beggarly Kindred with little or no Fortunes : But perceiving himself at length generally hated and abhorred , he resolved to forsake the Kingdom ; and disguising himself in the Habit of a Country-man , with a Piece of Cloth under his Arm , he travelled toward Dover ; but being there discovered , he was furiously assaulted by the People , and dragged along upon the Sands ; after which , being sent to London , he was by the Nobility committed to the Tower , where he cont nued till the King's Return , but was then restored to his Liberty and Offices , though he enjoyed them not long ; for he died soon after , travelling to Rome , to the great Joy of the wronged English Subject .

King Richard heard of these Transactions , and of the great Discontent of his Brother John , who out of hatred to the Bishop of Ely had seised divers Towns , Forts , and Castles into his Hands , and onely wanted the Peoples Favour to make himself King . He had advice likewise of the Inroads and Invasions of Philip the French King into Normandy , in his absence . These Tidings enforced him , for preserving his Royalty , to make a Peace with the Turks for three years , even when he was in the height of Success , and to return home . In the way he again won the Isle of Cyprus from the Knights Templars , to whom he had formerly sold it , and then exchanged it with Guy of Lusignan for the City of Jerusalem , he being the last Christian King thereof ; upon which Richard was called King of Jerusalem , and so were many of his Successors long after . Proceeding in his Voyage homeward , he was by a violent Storm Shipwreck'd upon the Coast of Istria , near Venice ; and travelling into the Territories of Leopold in Austria , he was taken Prisoner , and by him sold to the Emperour Henry the Sixth , for 6000 Marks , who taking good Security of Richard for paying him 100000 l. he gave him his Liberty . In short time he arrived in Normandy , and raising a stout Army , he quickly revenged himself on the French for their Injuries against him , and recovered all that had been unjustly taken from him .

While the King was thus employed , his Brother Jo●n came to him , and humbly desired his Pardon , alledging , That what he had done , was onely occasioned by the unsufferable Pride and Insolence of the Bishop , and therefore he now freely surrendred all again into his Hands . The King being mollified by this ingenuous Confession , said , God grant that I may as easily forget your Offences , as you may remember wherein you have offended ; and then not onely gave him his Pardon , but received him into his special Grace and Favour . He then returned into England , and summoning a Parliament , he caused himself to be crowned the second time , imposing very heavy Taxes upon the People for his Ransom , and seising the Treasures of several Monasteries : And to increase his own Revenue , he resumed into his Hands all those Honours , Mannors , Castles , Privileges , and Offices , which he had formerly sold to his Subjects , forcing them to be contented with the Profits they had received . By which ways he got together 80000 l. toward his Ransom ; the rest Leopold forgave him , being curst by the Pope for making Richard a Prisoner coming from the Holy War .

After this , the King transported another Army into France , where he fought very successfully against the French , and in one Battel took 100 Knights on Horseback , 200 great Horse , 140 of them being barbed and armed with Iron . In these Wars Philip Bishop of Beavoirs , and Peer of the Blood-Royal , fighting valiantly in a Skirmish , was taken Prisoner , and order'd to be committed and Irons put on his Legs , as being an inveterate Enemy to King Richard . This hard Usage being complained of to the Pope , he writ earnestly to Richard not to detain his dear Son , an Ecclesiastical Person , and a Shepherd of the Lords , but to send him back to his Flock . The King in a pleasant Bravery sent the Head-piece , Back , and Breast of Iron in which he was taken , to the Pope , with the Question of Jacob's Sons to their Father , Behold , this we found him in : Is this thy Sons Coat ? Nay , says the Pope , it is the Coat neither of my Son , nor a Son of the Church , but of some Son of Mars : therefore let him procure his Liberty as well as he can , for I will not concern my self therein .

Soon after King Richard was cut off in the midst of all his Glory ; for the Lord Limoges having found a vast Treasure of Gold and Silver , he sent the greatest part thereof to him , as Lord thereof : but the King resolving to have all , came to besiege the Castle of Chalms , where he judged the Riches were . The Garrison offered to yield themselves , and all therein , if they might save their Lives and Limbs : But the King would accept of no Terms , bidding them defend themselves , and that he was resolved to win it by his Sword , and hang them all . Whereupon an Archer standing on the Wall , observing his opportunity , charging his Steel Bow with a square Arrow , and praying that by that Shot he might deliver the Innocent from Oppression and the King just then taking view of the Castle , he wounded him in the Shoulder , which was made extreme painful by an unskilful Chirurgeon . However , the Assault was renewed , the Castle taken , and all put to the Sword , by the Kings Command , but this too skilful Archer , who boldly owned the Action ; for being demanded , How he durst shoot at the Person of a King ? he replied , That the King had slain his Father and his two Brothers with his own Hand , and that he was exceeding glad he was now so happily revenged . Notwithstanding this Answer , the King gave him 100 s. and his Liberty ; but yet after the King was dead , one of his Captains took him , flea'd him alive , and then hanged him . He died of his Wound , 1199. having reigned victoriously Ten years , and in the Forty second year of his Age , leaving no Legitimate Son behind him .

KING JOHN .

portrait of King John ROme's mighty Metred Metropolitan I did oppose , and was by him depos'd : In stead of Blessing , he did Curse and Ban , And round with Wars and Troubles me inclos'd . English and Normans both resisted me , Lewis of France my Kingdom did molest , Whereby from Turmoils I was seldom free , But spent my Kingly Days in little Rest . At last the Pope was pleas'd me to restore , Peace was proclaim'd , and I was re-inthron'd ; Thus was my State oft turned o're and o're , Blest , Curst , Friends , Foes , Divided , and Aton'd : And after Sevent●●n y●ars were past , I fell At Swinstead , poyson'd by a Monk of Hell .

JOhn Plantagenet , Earl of Lancaster in his own Right , and of Glocester by his Wife , being the youngest Son of King Henry the Second , succeeded , and was Crowned King , though Arthur Plantagenet his Nephew , and Son of Jeffry his elder Brother , was living . The whole Course of his Government was attended with continual Troubles , his two great Persecutors being Pope innocent the Third , and Philip the Second of France . King Philip being envious at Englands Grandeur took all Occasions to disturb John ; as by entertaining Prince Arthur , animating him to regain the Crown of England , and supplying him with Men and Money ; and the Normans joyning with them , Arthur won many strong Places in Normandy : But King John's Lieutenants made a stout Defence , till he himself went over with a strong Army , and fought many Battels with his Nephew ; but at last both Sides being wearied with equal Losses , they made a Truce , which was again broken by the incitement of the French King , who promising Arthur double the Forces he had before , they both entred Normandy , plundring and burning many Towns and Villages . But John , who wanted nothing but Money , was voluntarily supplied by his Lords , Gentlemen , and Commons , with a large Tax , they being grieved to see the English Territories thus destroyed , and all the stout Youth voluntarily listed themselves for the Service ; whereby John soon landed in Normandy , where thousands more resorted to him , so that soon after the two Armies met , and fought desperately ; but at length the French gave way , and Arthur was taken Prisoner , and sent to Roan , where leaping from the Walls , with design to escape , he was drowned in the Ditch ; though others write , That he came to a violent Death by King John's Order .

However , the French King improved the Report to the best advantage , peremptorily citing King John to come and do him Homage for the Dukedom of Normandy , and likewise to appear at a set Day , to be tried by his Peers for Treason and Murder . But John not obeying his Summons , was by the King and Peers of France disinherited and condemned , and according to the Sentence they proceeded against him : For several of the English Nobility joyning with Philip , and John being careless , the French with a powerful Army took in most of the Towns in Normandy , which hapned by the fault of the English Lords and Bishops ; for when the King was ready to embarque for Normandy , Archbishop Hubert forbid him , and the Peers refused to attend him ; upon which the King laid great Fines upon them , and seised upon the Estate of Hubert , who died soon after .

But now Pope Innocent , his other Enemy , begins to play his Part , and vex him more dangerously than Philip of France had done : For Hubert Archbishop of Canterbury being dead , the Monks of St. Austins in that City , without the Kings Knowledge or License , elected one Reynold a Monk to succeed him , and made him take an Oath to go immediately to Rome , and to procure his Investiture , and receive his Pall of the Pope . The King hereat was much displeased ; so that to appease his Wrath , they made a new Election , and with his Approbation chose John Gray Bishop of Norwich ; and the King presently sent Letters and Ambassadors to the Pope , entreating him to confirm his Choice . But Innocent , after the Example of his insolent Predecessors , confirmed the first Election ; whereat John was enraged : yea , divers of those Monks who chose him , now joyned with the King against him , alledging the Election was made in the Night , and not in open Day , and was therefore null and void .

At length the Pope , to end the Controversie , nominated Stephen Langton , a Man in the Popes Interests , and ordered the Monks to elect him ; which King John forbid : But the Papal Command was obeyed , and Stephen was elected Archbishop of Canterbury . This so exasperated the King , that in his Letters to the Pope he solemnly protested , That thenceforward he would take strict Account of those Subjects , who , for any Matters of Right and Justice , should run gadding to Rome ; alledging , That he had Bishops , Nobles , and Magistrates of his own , who according to the Customs of the Kingdom could and should determine all Controversies in Church and State ; and , That he would rather expose himself to a thousand Deaths , than basely and servilely subject himself and his Kingdom to the insolent and unreasonable Commands of the Pope . But Innocent haughtily answered , That the Election of Langton should stand ; requiring the King to give him quiet Possession , to recal such Monks as were banish'd on his Account , and restore their Estates , or otherwise he did authorize four Bishops to interdict and curse the King and the Realm .

King John observing that the four Bishops appointed grew very Arrogant with their new Authority , and thought long e're he signified his Resolution , he thereupon seised upon their Estates , and declared , That he resolved to take the same Course with all those that received any Promotions or Investitures from Stephen Langton , or went or appealed to Rome upon any Occasion , without License ; or that should execute any Command of the Pope within this Kingdom . Upon this the Pope sent two proud Legats into England , Pandulphus and Durandus , who persuaded the King to agree with Langton , and restore the Prior and Monks of St. Austins to their Lands and Offices : To which John , for fear of the Popes Curse , and to prevent any further Quarrels , yielded ; onely desiring to be excused as to the Election of the Archbishop : yet protesting , That if another might be chosen , he would prefer Langton to some other Bishoprick . But the Legats , in stead of gratifying the King in his Request , proceeded immediately to excommunicate him , pronouncing the Popes Curse against him , and absolving all his Subjects from their Oaths of Allegiance toward him : Yea , he required all Christian Princes to make War upon him , as the Arch and Grand Enemy of the Church of God : Nay , he published the Sentence of Deprivation against him , and gave his Crown and Kingdom to Philip the French King , of which he was to take Possession as soon as he could expel or murder John , either by some secret Plot , or by open Violence and Hostility .

Thus did this Unholy Father , out of his Usurping Arrogance and Hellish Pride , presume to dispose of Kings and Kingdoms at his pleasure , and all on the cursed Pretence of the Honour of God and Holy Church . But the King not fearing these Thunderbolts , was resolved to stand his Ground ; and to that end , took a solemn Oath of his Subjects for his Defence , and their Fidelity : And then raising a strong Army , he entred Scotland against King Alexander , for supporting divers Rebellious Clergymen , and others , who adhered to the Popes Authority against him ; but the King of Scots finding he should gain nothing but Ruine and Destruction by Opposition , humbly submitted himself to King John , and an entire Friendship and Amity was concluded betwixt them .

The French King resolving to take Possession of the Popes Gift , provided great Forces to invade the Kingdom ; but by the diligence of King John , 300 of his Ships , loaden with Corn , Victuals , and other Warlike Provisions , were seised , and thereby Philip's vain Hopes at that time prevented . However , the Pope accursed the King again and again ; so that despairing of ever b●ing quiet , without the Advice of his Council or Nobility , he all on a sudden submitted himself upon his Knees to Pandulphus the Popes Legat , confessing his Disobedience , and begging Pardon ; and by a Publick Instrument in Writing , under his Hand and Seal , he resigned his Crown ( and Scepter ) to the Pope , which Pandulphus kept four days for the Popes Use , and then gave them both back to John and his Heirs , upon Condition to hold his Kingdom from the Pope , and pay 1000 Marks a year to him as a Tribute . This base Submission so alienated the Affections of his Nobility , and Men of War , that they revolted from him , and fled to his Enemy the French King , who resolved to make his Son Lewis Monarch of this Realm , and sent him hither with a numerous Army , where he did much mischief , though often encountred . But the Pope being now for King John , forbid Philip to proceed any further against him , since he and his Kingdom were now reconciled to him and the Church , and that the Crown was held from the See of Rome . But the French King refused to obey , affirming , That no King could give away his Kingdom , nor the Protection of his Subjects , which were committed to him by God , without the Consent of the Nobility , Gentry , and Commons ; and that therefore this Kingdom could not be holden of the Church of Rome , nor protected by her . This Answer so vexed the Pope , that he presently sent Cardinal Guallo into England , who cursed King Philip , and Lewis his Son , with all the English Nobility who took part with them .

Though the wiser sort little regarded what the Cardinal did , yet the Common People and Soldiers , who were ignorantly devout , were so amazed , that they fled to their Houses and Ships , and others entred into the Houses and Grounds of the Excommunicate Lords and Gentry , robbing and spoiling all before them , supposing that their Robberies were pleasing and meritorious before God , by which means the Lords were much distressed , and even ready to starve for want of Sustenance , none daring to relieve them ; so that they were at last necessitated to throw themselves at the Kings Feet , and crave his Mercy : who , though by their means he had been reduced to the utmost Extremities , yet being of a merciful Disposition , he easily pardoned them , and restored them to their Honours and Lands : By which means the French finding themselves forsaken , were forced to return back to France , and all their vast Designs perished in a moment .

But the Pope intending to make his Proceedings against King John a President to other Princes , assembled a General Council at Lateran , wherein he gave a full Account of all Transactions , with the Kings Grant of his Kingdom , and the Tenure whereby it was held from the Church of Rome : And in the same Council , Otho the Emperour , Peter King of Arragon , Raymond Earl of Tholouse , and divers other Sovereign Princes , were Excommunicated , and others Interdicted , with their Kingdoms and Provinces , for Heresie , as was pretended , though the real Design was to make Princes Slaves and Vassals to the Will and Pleasure of the Pope , and to enrich himself with their Ruine : For in this Council , wherein they say were 1215 Catholick Doctors , it was positively concluded , That the Pope might depose Kings , absolve their Subjects from their Allegiance , and give away their Kingdoms . Likewise , That such as spoke evil of the Pope , should be damned in Hell ; and that none should be Emperour , till he had sworn Homage to the Pope , and had received his Crown from him . Also Auricular Confession and Transubstantiation were then decreed and established .

And thus all these Troubles , which had continued ten years , came now to an end : But the Clergy would by no means be reconciled to King John ; for such was their inveterate Hatred toward him , that under pretence of Kindness , he was poysoned by a Monk at Swinstead Abby near Lincoln , who to make all sure , poysoned himself , that he might not fail to do the same to the King . And thus died King John , when he had reigned Seventeen years , in 1216. and lies buried at Winchester .

He was Politick , and exceeding Valiant , Bountiful and Liberal to Strangers , not given to Revenge ; for when he was shewed how Honourably one of his Rebellious Barons was Intombed , and advised to deface the Monument , No , by no means , says he , I wish all 〈◊〉 Enemies were as honourably buried . When several Greeks came hither , and offered to prove that there were several Errours in the Church of Rome at that time , he rejected them , saying , I will not suffer our Faith which is established , to be called in question with doubtful Disputations . He left behind him four Sons ; Henry , who succeeded him ; Richard , created King of the Romans ; William of Valentia , and Guido Disnay : with three Daughters ; one married to the Emperour Frederick , a second to William Marshal Earl of Worcester , and the third to the Earl of Leicester .

HENRY the THIRD , King of England .

portrait of King Henry the 3rd AMidst great Troubles and Confusions , I In Youth ascended to the English Throne ; England was then opprest with Misery By Frenchmen , who by me were overthrown : For the brave English , under my Command , Did soon expell those their insulting Foes ; My Barons did my Sovereignty withstand , And brought upon themselves and me great Wo●● : For in each Battel none but I did lose ; I lost my Subjects Lives on every Side ; ( From Civil Wars no better Profit grows ) Friends , Foes , my People all , that beat or died . My Gain was Loss , my Pleasure was my Pain ; These were the Triumphs of my troublous Reign .

AFter the Death of King John , Henry his eldest Son , of nine years old , was Crowned King ; the Earl of Glocester , who had married one of his A●●●s , and was Learned , Wise , and Valiant , being made Protector of him and the Kingdom ; who administred Justice faithfully among the People . The Youth of the King , and the Treachery of many of the English Nobility , encouraged Philip of France , and Lewis his Son , to land fresh Forces in the Realm ; to whom the Welch likewise joyned all the Forces they could raise : But the new Protector raised an Army against them , and in many Encounters defeated them : And Pope Honorius , finding the French slighted his Thunderbolts , sent out new Curses , more sharp and severe than any of his Predecessors ; whereupon Prince Lewis seemed at present to be affrighted , and to prepare for his Departure , though his Father Philip still sent new Forces over : But Hugh de Burgh , Governour of the Ci●●u●-Ports , preparing a gallant Fleet , valiantly encountred them at Sea , and took all their Ships , This great Victory brought Lewis to treat of Peace ; and being absolved by Guallo the Popes Legat , and receiving a considerable Sum of Money , he surrendred all the Forts , Towns , and Castles he had taken , and with all his Forces sailed back to France , leaving his English Friends , who had assisted him all these Wars , to the rigour of the Law , whereby they were cut off by miserable and cruel Deaths .

The Kingdom having now time to breathe , a Parliament was called , wherein the Laws of King Edward were revived , and the Grand Charter , called then Magna Charta , containing several Laws for the Liberty , Ease , and Security of the Subject , was confirmed ; and a Tax granted for sending an Army into France , to recover Poictiers and Gascoigne , under Richard the Kings Brother , which had been injuriously seised by the French for some years : Those Provinces were soon regained wholly back to the English , which in a short time produced a Peace between both Nations . But then worse Troubles succeed it at home ; for the King confiding onely in some leud Officers about him , disregarded his Nobility , and most Loyal Subjects , invading their Liberties and Estates , and vexing them with many grievous and unnecessary Taxes , which were levied upon them by his Officers with all manner of severity . At length a Parliament was called at Oxford , wherein his Designs were altogether crossed , and the Proceedings therein of such ill Consequence , that it was stiled Insa●um Parliamentum , or the Mad Parliament . For when Multitudes came to complain of their Wrongs and Oppressions , the Lords and Commons for redress thereof established many things which they judged necessary , but highly intrenching upon the Kings Prerogative ; for they chose Twelve of the most Considerable Persons in the Kingdom , whereof the Earl of Glocester , and Simon Montfort Earl of Leicester were Chief , who were called Les Douze Pieres , or The Twelve Peers , to whom full and absolute Power was granted by a Patent sealed by the King ( though unwillingly ) to support and maintain the Laws they had made .

The Parliament being ended , the Commissioners began strictly to put those Statutes into Execution , whereby they dismissed most of the Kings Menial Servants from their Attendance on him , placing others of their Mind in their State . This above all other things did most disturb the King , and thereupon he grew extreme melancholy : But hoping for better Success , he summoned another Parliament , wherein he , with extreme Passion and Grief , complain'd of his hard Usage by the Twelve Peers ; but the Lords and Commons were so far from remitting any thing , that they further ratified all that had been done ; and the Archbishop , with nine other Bishops , publickly denounced a solemn Curse against all that by Advice or Assistance should oppose those Laws , or the Authority of the Twelve Peers . This still encreased the Kings Discontent , who could take no delight in any thing he enjoyed , and therefore went over to divert himself with Lewis King of France , who treated him with all manner of Kindness and Magnificence .

About this time Hugh de Burgh Earl of Kent was accused by the Bishop of Winchester , and others , That he had scandalised and abused the King ; That he had enticed and trayterously defiled the King of Scots Daughter , whom he married , in hope to succeed her Brother in her Right ; That he stole out of the Jewel-house a Jewel of such excellent Vertue , as to make those who had it Invincible , which he had bestowed upon Llewellin Prince of Wales , the King's Enemy . These and many other Articles was he charged with ; who doubting the Power of his Enemies , retired into Essex , where he was seised by Soldiers , who sent for a Smith to make Shackles for him , to prevent his escape ; but the Smith understanding who they were for , fetching a deep Sigh , said , Do with me what you pl ase , and God have mercy on my Soul ; but as sure as the Lord lives , I will never make Iron Shackles for him , but will rather die for most cruel Death imaginable : For , is not this the most Loyal and Courageous Hubert , who hath so often preserved England from being destroyed by Strangers , and restored England to England ? Let God be Judge between him and you , for using him so unjustly and inhumanely , requiting his most excellent Deserts with the worst of Recompences . However , the Commander bound him , and carried him Prisoner to the Tower of London , from whence , by the means of the Bishop of London , he was a while after released .

The King being continually tormented with the diminishing of his Regal Authority , endeavoured to procure some Remedy from abroad ; and to that end with great expence of Money , he secretly obtained tw● Bulls from Pope Alexander the Third , whereby the King , and all those who had sworn to maintain the new Laws and Ordinances , and to support the Authority of the Twelve Peers , were freely absolved , and discharged from keeping those Oaths . But this being kept private , the Twelve Peers ruled all , and were so diligent in their Business , that they left the King nothing to do ; so that he was King in Name onely , not in Power . Soon after , Hugh Spencer , being Lord Chief Justice , and a great Favourite with the King , was removed by the Twelve Peers , being charged with Corruption , and Arbitrary Proceedings : They likewise dismissed such Sheriffs and Justices as the King had made , chusing others in their Places ; which so deeply wounded the Kings Mind , that he resolved immediately to make use of the Popes Bulls , and thereupon caused them to be solemnly proclaimed in England , Wales , and Ireland , adding , That all who did any way support those Laws , or the Twelve Peers , should be committed to Prison . He likewise took an Oath of all above twelve years old , in and about London , to be true to him and his Heirs . But the Lords were not to be frighted , declaring , That they were resolved rather to die , than recede from the Acts of that Honourable Assembly : And judging that the King was designing something against them , they went into the Marches of Wales , where they raised a strong Army , and then humbly addressed themselves to the King by Letters , protesting their Fidelity to him , and beseeching his Majesty , That for the Honour of God , the Good of his Soul , and the Welfare of his People , he would renounce and forsake those Counsels which were given him to suppress the Ordinances of Oxford and the Twelve Peers .

The King was much displeased with these Letters , but returned no Answer : Whereupon the Barons marched with a strong Army toward London , carrying a Banner wherein the Kings Arms were curiously wrought . As they passed , they destroyed and burnt the Houses and Estates of those that favoured the Popes Bulls , as undoubted Enemies to the King and Kingdom ; and then approaching to London , they were joyfully received by the Citizens . The King des●●ing to divide the Lords , caused it to be published , That himself and the greatest part of the Barons were agreed ; and therefore required , that all Arms might be laid aside , and Peace restored : But the Barons marched to Windsor , where finding many Strangers in the Kings Palace , they rifled and removed them ; but at length , upon the Kings Motion , all Differences were referred to Lewis , the French King , who upon hearing of both Parties , declared , That all the new Laws and Ordinances should be made void , and the Power of the Twelve-Peers dissolved . This Sentence the Lords judged Partiality , and therefore fly again to Arms on th Marches , destroying all that belonged to Sir Roger Mortimer who counselled the King to withstand them . Prince Edward likewise raises an Army , and marches against them , but is overthrown . After this they marched to London in Triumph ; hut King Henry hearing that Peter and Simon Montfort had raised Forces at Northampton he levied a strong Army , and took the Town by Assault , making the two Commanders and many others Prisoners .

The Barons being powerful , were herewith nothing discouraged ; yet still sent Letters to the King , with humble Protestations of their Fidelity , if the new Laws were observed : But Henry , his Brother Richard King of the Romans , and Prince Edward , sent the Barons an absolute Defiance and with their Armies they met at Lewes in Sussex , where , after a bloody Fight , the two Kings , Prince Edward , and several other Persons of Quality , were taken Prisoners , above 20000 being slain : After which , both Sides inclined to hea●●en to Peace , and at length it was agreed , That the King by new Articles and Oaths should confirm the Power of the Twelve Peers , and the other new Laws ; yet that two Spiritual and two Temporal Lords should review them , and alter what they thought fit ; and if they could not agree , the Duke of Britain was to be U●pire This being concluded , the two Kings eldest Sons were delivered as Hostages to the Barons , where they continued above nine Months . The King then called another Parliament , wherein the Oxford Ordinances were again confirmed , and the King again swore to maintain the Authority of the Twelve Peers , and those Laws , till any thing were found amiss in them ; and all who had defended them in the late Wars , were pardoned by the King : whereupon the two Princes were enlarg'd .

Yet soon after , the two great Earls of Glocester and Leicester differed about these Laws ; and Prince Edward joyning with Glocester , a cruel Battel was sought at Evesham in Worcestershire , wherein Simon Montford Earl of Leicester , and his Son Sir Hugh Spencer , were slain , and the Power of the Barons was utterly defeated : And a Parliament being called , no Man durst then contradict the Kings Will ; so that all the Laws made at Oxford , the Authority of the Twelve Peers , all Patents , Commissions , and Instruments whatsoever , relating to what was Enacted in that called The Mad Parliament , were brought forth , and publickly damned , cancelled , and made void . And thus King Henry regained his former Power and Authority , to do as he pleased . After which , he humbled the City of London ; but upon their Submission , received them again into Favour .

When Pope Innocent the Fourth offered the Kingdoms of Sicily and Naples to Richard King of the Romans aforementioned , with many impossible Conditions , You might as well ( said the Kings Agent at Rome ) say to my Lord and Master , I sell or give you the Moon , climb up , catch , and take it . Pope Alexander , his Successor , desired to borrow a great Sum of Money of Richard , to whom he replied , I will lend no Money to my Superiors , whom I cannot oblige to repay me again . This Richard is said to be so very rich , that he was able to spend 100 Marks a day for ten years together ; which was a great Sum in that Age. Wicked , rather than witty , was that of a Dean , and High Treasurer of England about this time , who it seems had carried himself so well in his Office , that when he died , he made this wicked Will : I bequeath all my Goods and Possessions to my Sovereign Lord the King , my Body to the Earth , and my Soul to the Devil .

Prince Edward full of Heat and Courage , now resolves to make himself famous , and transporting an Army into the Holy Land , he there wrought Wonders , the Turks not daring to engage in that Quarter wherein he was ; and raising the Siege of Acon , which they had long lain before with above 100000 Men : But since Force would not , they resolved to dispatch him by Treachery , a villainous Saracen wounding him unawares with a venomous Knife , though after much Pain and Danger , and the extreme Love of his Queen Eleanor , who suckt out the Poyson with her Mouth , he recovered thereof . But in his absence King Henry died , when he had reigned above Fifty six years , in the Year 1272.

EDWARD the FIRST , King of England , &c.

portrait of King Edward the 1st MY Glorious Victories , and Valour try'd , My Mighty Actions , And ne'er dying Fame , Were all proclaim'd throughout the World so wide ; By gallant Deeds I won Immortal Fame . Rebelliouis Wales I utterly subdu'd , And made them Vassals to my Princely Son ; I Scotland entered with Fire and Blood , And almost all that Kingdom over-run . Still where I fought , triumphantly I won ; Through Wounds and Death my Glory I obtain'd ; Yet when I these renowned Deeds bad done , A costly Sepulchre was all I gain'd ; For though Grandees contend for Earthly Sway , Death binds them to the Peace , and parts the Fray .

EDward sirnamed Longshanks , from the Properness . of his Person , being informed of his Father's Death , by great Journeys arrived in a short time from the Holy Land to England , where he was joyfully received both by the Peers and People , and soon after Crowned King , in the One and thirtieth year of his Age ; at which 500 Great Horses were let loose , for any to take that would , in honour of so Martial a Prince . After the Battel aforementioned , wherein Simon Montford Earl of Leicester , his Son Henry , and many other Lords were stain , and the Lady Eleanor his Daughter was banished , but kindly received by Philip the Hardy of France , thereby to gain the Good-will of many English Lords , who being discontented with the last Kings Government , were not well pleased with his Son , who constantly assisted his Father against them . Philip being likewise sensible of the Courage of King Edward , to prevent his own danger , he secretly incited Lluellin Prince of Wales to rebell , promising him likewise the Lady Eleanor in Marriage . But Edward having private notice of this Contract , and that the Lady was coming over to Wales , he intercepted her at Sea , and kept her Prisoner ; upon which Lluellin took the Field , with many thousand Men , but mean and thievish Fellows : On the other side , King Edward resolving to make himself terrible to the Welch , raised a very formidable Army , but Lluellin being sensible or his inability to resist , and out of his extreme Love to the Lady , submitted himself to the King , and made many solemn Oaths of his Fidelity to the King against France , and all others ; whereupon Edward , who was inclinable to Mercy , freely granted him his Pardon , his Favour , and his beloved Lady ; so that all was ended without a drop of Blood : But a few years after , David his Brother , of a mutinous Temper , and yet one much in favour with the King , persuaded Lluellin to put himself again into Arms , and many sharp Conflicts passed between him and Sir Roger Mortimer ; but at length they were both taken , and their Heads sent to the King , who caused them to be set upon the Tower of London . Yet were the Welchmen so perversely bent to ruine themselves , that within a few Months after they twice rebelled , but were soon subdued by many terrible Slaughters , and severe Executions : And because they maintained their Wars more by hiding and shifting among vast Woods and Forests , the King caused all the Woods to be cut and burnt down ; by which means they were reduced to more Civility , and applied themselves to Arts and Trades , like other Men.

In his eighteenth year Alexander King of Scots fell from his Horse , and broke his Neck , leaving no Issue behind him . He had three Sisters , the eldest married to John Baliol , Lord of Galloway ; the second , to Robert Bruce , Lord of Valley Andrew ; and the third , to John Hastings Lord Abergaveny in England . These three contended for the Crown , losing many Men on all sides , and the Country much ruined ; whereupon King Edward , as their Sovereign Lord , went into Scotland to compose those Differences ; and in the end they were all contented to refer themselves to his Judgment , by an Instrument under their Hands and Seals : Whereupon King Edward chose Twenty Englishmen , and as many Scots , of good Understanding and Discretion , who consulted thereof , and upon their Determination he declared John Baliol , who had married the eldest Sister , to be King ; who thereupon received the Crown from King Edward , and did him Homage for the same .

And now the French King wrongfully invading the English Territories in Gascoign and Guyen , the King , to supply his Necessities , seised upon all the Plate , Jewels , and Treasure of the Churches and Religious Houses within the Kingdom , being advised thereto by William March Lord Treasurer , who alledged , That it were better this money should be stirring , and according to the Name , Currant , and go abroad to the Use of the People , than to lie rusting in Chests , without any Use or Advantage whatsoever . The King likewise compelled the Clergy to give one half years Revenue of all their Ecclesiastical Dignities , which when they scrupled at , affirming , That by a Canon lately made at the Council of Lions , they were excused from all Temporal , Supplies , he told them plainly , Since you refuse to help me I will also refuse to help you : If you deny to pay Tribute to me as your Prince , I will deny to protect you as my Subjects : And therefore if you be spoiled , robbed , or murdered , expect no Succour nor Defence from me nor mine . But to get some Amends , they humbly petitioned the King to repeal the Statute of Mortmain , ( or the Will of a Dead Mans Hand ) which forbad all Persons to give any Houses or Lands to the Church , either at their Deaths , or before , without leave from the King : But he resolving never to gratifie them in any thing , replied , That it was not in his Power , without the Consent of a Parliament , to make void any Law whatsoever , So that they were forced to be contented , though with much inward Vexation .

Having thus fleec'd the Clergy , he laid a new Tax upon Wooll and Hides exported out of the Kingdom , and required the tenth part of every Mans Estate to be paid him , to maintain his Wars . He caused the Clergy to bring into his Treasury all such Sums of Money as they had promised to pay the Pope for the War against the Turks , and took up 100000 Quarters of Wheat , which he sent to his Armies in Normandy , where they fought with doubtful Success , sometimes winning , and then again losing .

In his Twenty fifth year , 1296. John Baliol King of Scots , by the secret incitement of the French King , and some others about him , sent a proud Defiance to King Edward , and a Renunciation of his Fealty and Homage , and with a tumultuous Army entred the Northern Borders , cruelly destroying all with Fire and Sword . Whereupon Edward upbraiding him with his many Favours and Honours received from him , resolved to revenge his Ingratitude , and with strong Forces marched thither , taking the Castle of Berwick , with the Slaughter of 25000 Scots . He likewise won Dunbar , Edinburgh , and all other Places of Strength : The King of Scots observing no Safety in Resistance , humbly submitted himself to the King , and surrendred the Kingdom into his Hands , who with a strong Guard sent him Prisoner to the Tower of London , but with large allowance of Liberty and Attendance ; and then committed the Government of Scotland to John Warren Earl of Sussex , Sir Hugh Cressingham High Treasurer , and Wistiam Earnly Lord Chief Justice of that Kingdom .

Having so happily performed this , he then turned his Arms to France , who , to divert him , animated the Scots again to rebell ; but King Edward resolving not to leave the French , if possible , without fighting , continued still in Normandy sending Orders to the Earl of Northumberland , and others , to suppress that Rebellion , which they did with a very bloody slaughter ; Upon which the French King perceiving himself disappointed , would not venture to engage the English Army , but sent honourable Propositions of Peace which were accepted by the King , and a general Peace was proclaimed . After his return into England , he restored the Citizens of London their Charter , which for some misdemeanors had remained forfeited in his Hands twelve years . And then presently marches with a stout Army into Scotland , the Rebels being again in Arms under the Conduct of a Valiant Commander called William Wallace , who had routed Earl Warren's Forces , taking an advantage against them as they passed over a Bridge near Sterling Castle , Hugh Cressingham and many English being slain , the Scots fleaing off his Skin , and cutting it in pieces , divided it among them . The King proceeding toward Scotland , called a Parliament at York , and there summoned the Scots to appear at a Day appointed , which they not regarding , he marched forward with vast Forces , and coming near the Enemy , as he was putting his Foot in the Stirrup , his Horse starting at the sudden shout of the Scots Army , threw him down , and striking with his Heels , broke two of the Kings Ribbs , however he proceeded to Battel , and the Scots by the encouragement of Captain Wallace fought valiantly , but were at length defeated with the loss of seventy thousand Scots , at a place called Fawkirk ; after which he took several strong places , and then returned into England , where in a Parliament holden at London and Stamford , he confirmed Magna Charta , and Charta de Foresta , and it was enacted , That no Tax nor Subsidy should be laid upon the Kingdom , without consent of the King , Peers , and People , and for the better satisfaction of the Parliament , he lest these words out of his Grants , Salvo Jure Coron e nostrae , saving the right of our Crown .

Upon the earnest request of the Pope K. Edward now inlarged John Baliol , who travelled into France , and there remained ; and soon after the Scots were again in Arms , so that he entred the third time into Scotland with strong Forces , where none durst abide him in the Field , the Lords and Gentry of the Castle having fortified themselves so strongly in Sterling Castle that they thought it impregnable ; while he was employ'd in the Siege he was advised not to endanger his Person so much , whom he answered in the words of David , A thousand shall fall on my side , and ten thousand at my Right hand , but it shall not come near me ; yet doubting the Siege would be long , he used this Policy , he ordered two Galleries to be set up in view of the Castle , and then by sound of Trumpet proclaimed his free pardon to the Besieged , if they surrendred within the space of three days , but othewise he denounced hanging too them all without respect of Persons , or Quality ; the Besieged trusting more to the Kings mercy than their own defence , delivered up the Castle and themselves : King Edward then taking fresh Oaths of the Justices , Mayors , and Governours of Castles and Towns , and having setled the Kingdom , returned into England , bringing with him as the Trophies of his Victory the Crown , Scepter , and Cloth of State : He burnt their Records , abrogated their Laws , altered their form of Divine Service , and transplanted their most learned men to Oxford ; he brought their Marble Chair wherein their Kings were Crowned to Westminster , whereon this Prophetical Verse was graven .

Ni fallat fatum Scoti quocunque locatum Invenient Lapidem , regnare tenentur ibidem . Unless Old Prophets fail , and Wizards Wits be blind . The Scots shall surely Reign , where they this Stone shall find .

Which was judg'd to be verified by the coming in of K. James . After his return from Scotland , the King made a general inquiry into the Misdemeanors and Oppressions of his Officers of all sorts , whose number and offences were so many , that the Fines laid on them filled his Exchequer , and inabled him to pay off all his old debts . At this time the Bishop of Chester complained grievously against Prince Edward , that by the lewd advice of Pierce Gaveston , he broke into his Park and destroyed his Game , for which the Prince was committed to Prison , and Gaveston banished , not to return upon pain of death .

In his thirty third year a General Peace was proclaimed between England and Scotland , and Robert Bruce with other Noblemen voluntarily swore Allegiance to K. Edward ; yet within less than a year after , Bruce and his Confederates privately procured a Dispensation from Pope Boniface , with an Injunction , That he should not meddle with the Scots , they being a Free Nation , and immediately appertaining to the Roman Chappel , and that therefore the City of Jerusalem could not but defend her Citizens , and help those that did trust in the Lord like Mount Sion ; and therefore enjoined Edward not to lay any claim to the Soveraignty thereof ; the King having read it , with a great Oath , said , I will not hold my peace for Sion , nor Jerusalem 's sake , so long as I have breath in my Body , but will prosecute my Right , which is known to all the World to be just , and defend it to the Death : But the Scots threatned him , that if he would not desist , the Pope would proceed further ; to which the King with a disdainful smile answered , Have you done Homage to me as to the Chief Lord of the Kingdom of Scotland , and do you now think to frighten me with Threats and Lyes , as if I were not able to maintain my Right : Let me hear no more of this , for if I do , I swear by the Lord , I will destroy all Scotland from Sea to Sea ; To which the Scots answered , that in defence of Justice and their Countreys Rights they would spend their last Blood .

Yet Edward to keep fair with the Pope , sent the Earl of Lincoln to Rome to justify his proceedings , but the Pope continued resolute , whereupon in a Parliament holden at Lincoln a full defence was made for the King , though with this Protestation , that the thing did not exhibit the Tryal of Cause , but only gave the Pope an Account thereof , to satisfy his Conscience , the Barons unanimously declaring , That their Kings Rights were not to be try'd before any Tribunal under Heaven , they resolving to defend the Independency of the Crown of England with all their might , against all Persons whatsoever ; to which Declaration an hundred of the Peers Subscribed their Names : These high Resolutions made the Pope decline his pretensions , leaving the Scots to themselves , over whom Edward constituted the valiant Lord Segrave to be Custos , whom yet the Scots soon after in a Skirmish discomfited , and took Prisoner ; but he was rescued with all his Company by Sir Robert Neville , without the loss of one Man on his Part. After which the King marched thither with a great Army , but the Scots fled to the Woods and Mountains , and the King returned to London , whither not long after Captain Wallace , a Knights Son , being betrayed , was sent Prisoner , and executed for High Treason , and his Quarters set up in divers parts of Scotland . Then Robert Bruce appeared with Forces , but was routed , and forced into the utmost Isles of Scotland ; yet afterwards recruiting , he did much mischief ; against whom King Edward marching , fell sick at Carlisle , commanding his Son Edward to prosecute the Scots , and to carry his dead Body along with him through Scotland : For as long , said he , as thou hast my Bones with thee , thou shalt certainly be victorious : And that he should send his Heart to the Holy Land , with 140 Knights and their Retinue , for which Expence he had provided 32000 l. in Silver , ; and charging him upon pain of eternal Damnation , not to divert the Money to any other use . Lastly , Commanding him upon pain of his Curse , not to recal Gaveston , that wicked Debaucher of h s Youth , without common Consent . And soon after he died , in the Five and thirtieth year of his Reign , and Sixty ninth of his Age , 1307. and was buried at Westminster .

EDWARD the SECOND , King of England , &c.

portrait of King Edward the 2nd AS soon as e're my Father was Interr'd , Greatness and Glory seem'd to wait on me : When to the Regal Throne I was preferr'd , All did rejoyce , to me all bow'd the Knee . But all these fickle Joys soon had an end , My Love to thee , Pierce Gaveston , was so great , My Dotage scarcely left me one true Friend , My Queens , Peers , Peoples Hopes I did defeat . Tormented both in Body and in Mind . I by the Scots was beat at Bannocks Bourn , And forc'd by Flight Security to find , Yet seis'd on by my Queen . At my return A red-hot Iron did my Bowels goar . My woful Misery all Men did deplore .

THe comely Personage and Majesty of Edward the Second , who succeeded his Father , seemed to promise many Blessings from his Government ; but his Mind being grosly corrupted with vicious Company in his Youth , made him burdensom to his Nobility , and a scorn to his inferiour Subjects , which brought woful Calamities upon himself and his Kingdom . For no sooner was his Head adorned with the Imperial Crown , but his Heart longed for the debauched Gaveston , who though banished by his Father , and Edward having taken an Oath that he should never return , yet hearing how things went , he soon came back , and was received with extraordinary Joy and Content by the King . The Nobles being extremely concerned , as fearing the ruine of Church and State by his Insolence , presumed to put the King in mind of his Oath ; but as his Conscience did not trouble him for the breach thereof , so their Dislike increased his Love ; so that Gaveston , and none but Gaveston , managed all , being created Baron of Wallingford , Earl of Cornwal , and Treasurer of all his Jewels and Treasure ; who fearing a Storm , privately sent beyond Sea a massy Table and Tressels of beaten Gold , with many other rich Ornaments and Jewels . He likewise enticed the King to banquet and drink without measure , and to leave the Society of Isabel his Queen , Daughter to King Philip the Fair of France . The Nobles murmured ; the Common People talked boldly ; his own Servants privately told him of the Villanies of Gaveston : yet he disregarded the first , and frowned on the last . But yet perceiving he should not be able to protect him against the Importunity of the Lords , he was sent into Ireland , where he was no sooner arrived , but Messengers with Letters of Comfort , Plate , Jewels , Gold , and Silver in abundance , and Promises of Reward and Advancement , were sent him by the King ; so that it seemed rather an Honourable Ambassy , than Banishment .

During Gaveston's absence , the King was so melancholy and discontented , that his Nobility , in hopes of his Reformation , moved the King for his return . When he came back , his Pride and Insolence increased so much , that he publickly gloried in his misleading the King , and abused the Lords to their Faces ; so that being no longer able to suffer his Impudence , they besieged him in a strong Castle , whither he fled , which having won , they took Gaveston , and cut off his Head ; at which the King was so highly incensed , that he sought all ways to revenge his Death : And to vex the Nobility , he took into his nearest Familiarity and Counsels the two Spencers , Father and Son , Men as wicked , and odious to the Lords and People , as the former , who perswaded him to frequent the Company of Harlots and Concubines , and utterly to neglect his Queen . But this evil Government of himself and his Kingdom kindled new Heats between him and his Subjects , of which Robert Bruce taking the advantage , came from Norway ( whither he had fled ) into Scotland , and was joyfully received , and crowned King of that Kingdom ; and raising a puissant Army , he entred England , burning and destroying all before him , till he was encountred by the King ; but Edward fighting a Battel within Scotland , received an Overthrow , with the loss of many thousand Soldiers , besides Gilbert de Clare Earl of Glocester , forty two Lords , and above fourscore Knights and Barons who were taken Prisoners , and he shamefully forced to fly into England for Safety ; where one John Powdras , a Tanners Son of Exeter , confronted him , affirming , That he was the Legitimate Son of King Edward the First , and that he was changed in his Cradle by his Nurse for a Carters Child , offering several Proofs for the same , and , among others , alledging the unkingly and base Qualities of Edward ; upon which many of the Vulgar flock'd to him : But being taken , and confessing his Treason , he was condemned and executed .

At the same time the almost impregnable Castle of Berwick was betray'd to Robert Bruce , and such a great Famine and Murrain of Cattel happened as was hardly ever known ; Likewise about two hundred Highwaymen and Thieves , Clothed like Gray Friers , Robbed and Murdered the Inhabitants of the North part without respect to Age or Sex ; the Scots also raised an Army , and made such Devastation , that the Famine increased wofully , so that the living could scarce bury the dead , and the rest were forc't to eat Rats , Mice , Cats , Dogs , Horses and the like . Edward marching to suppress the Scots , received a second overthrow , more lamentable than the former , returning back with much disgrace , leaving his Northern Subjects a merciless prey to their Barbarous Enemys . The Nobility observing the miseries of the Kingdom daily to increase , complain of the Misgovernment of the Spencers , telling him plainly , They had so much interest in his Person and the Government , that they were bound to inform him of his misdemeanors , and the mis-managment of his two Corrupt Counsellors .

The King knowing their complaints to be true , yet resolving not to part with his Favourites , contrived to surprise those Noble-men who most hated the Spencers , and giving them a pleasing answer , presently after summoned a Parliament , pretending to reform what was amiss , to the great joy both of Lords and Commons ; but the Barons suspecting trechery repaired to London with a strong Army of their followers , all clothed in the same Livery , which highly offended the King , because he was afraid they would deprive him of his dear Minions , which happened accordingly ; for it was enacted by Parliament , That the two Spencers should be banished for ever , and not to return upon pain of death , after which they were soon sent away ; at which most Men were pleased , but the King continually discovered his anger against the Lords , who had forced his consent to their Banishment , which he made appear upon this occasion : The younger Spencer having got a few Ships together , robbed and pillaged the Merchants of England , and all other Nations in the Narrow Seas , upon which they Petitioned that a Fleet might be set out to seize and Execute him as a Pyrate and notorious Thief , the King smiled , seeming to rejoyce thereat , and instead of punishing him , pardoned them both , recalled them from Banishment , to despight the Barons , and raised them to higher Honour and Offices than before .

The Lords inraged hereat , especially since the Spencers affronted them openly upon all occasions , they resolved on revenge , and to that purpose immediately raise a strong Army , and take the Field ; and the King with the two Spencers , and some other of the Nobles did the like , and many sharp encounters passed between them , the Lords forgetting they undutifully fought against their Soveraign , and the King , that his Cruelty had compelled them to take Arms : In the end when many of the Barons , and thousands of their adherents were slain they fled , and were pursued by the King who took the Earls of Lancaster , Hereford , and many other Lords , two and twenty of whom were beheaded in diverse parts of the Realm , to the great terror of the People . This success made the Spencers yet more insolent , so that now they made their Will a Law in all things , and presuming that all would be done they desired , they persuaded the King to call a Parliament at York , in which he created his eldest Son Edward Prince of Wales , and Duke of Aquitan ; Old Hugh Spencer was made Earl of Winchester , and Sir Andrew Harkly who was very active against the Lords , Earl of Carlisle ; he likewise exacted the sixth penny of all Mens Estates in England , Wales , and Ireland , whereat the People grievously complained , alledging , that they were quite impoverished by Famine , and Dearth , but especially by reason of the disorders in the Government .

The Scots having notice that K. Edward resolved to revenge the wrongs committed against his Subjects , under Robert Bruce their usurping King , to divert him , invaded Ireland with strong Force , but the King being forewarned , had sufficiently provided against their landing , so that most of them were slain , and the rest forced to fly to their Ships , and return shamefully home : The King now thinking himself invincible , marches with a brave Army into Scotland , where the Scots being well-armed , and many thousands in number , pretended to give him Battel , when they intended nothing less , for as Edward approached , they withdrew into the Woods , Forrests , and Mountains , whereby the English Army were soon extreamly distressed by Storms , Rain , Frost , Snow , and Hail ; and likewise with want of Provisions , which caused great Mortality , so that without performing any thing Honourable , he began to retire , which the Scots perceiving , they pursued him with all cruelty and violence , and falling upon his Army , forced the King to save himself by flight , and leave behind him his Treasure , Ordinance , and Provisions : This disaster happened by the treachery of Sir Andrew Harkley , who having privately received Money of the Scots , designed to betray the King , for which Treason he after lost his Head .

The Queen being sensible of the malice of the Spencers against her , who estranged the King from her Company and Bed , and lamenting the late slaughter of many of the Nobility , and the continued misery of the Nation , she with her Son Prince Edward fled into France to her Brother King Charles , where she was at first received with great joy and Promises of assistance ; the Barons likewise by Letters assuring her of their Service to her self and Son . But the Spencers by unvaluable Presents to K. Charles and his Courtiers , soon took him off , that instead of assistance he reproved his Sister for leaving her Husband ; the Pope being likewise obliged by the same means , required the French King upon pain of his Curse to send the Queen and Prince to Edward , and she hardly escaped being betray'd by her own Brother , but privately getting into the Empire by means of Sir Robert Artois , her kinsman , she was joyfully entertained by the Lord Beaumont and his Brother , who accompanied her and her Son with three hundred Knights and Gentlemen , and landed in England , at which the Barons rejoycing , soon joyned with her , increasing hourly , so that the King hastened to Wales to raise Forces leaving the Government of London to Walter Stapleton L. Treasurer , and Bishop of Exeter , a great Favourite of the Spencers , and an Enemy to the Queen , and therefore generally hated by the Citizens , who abhorring his proud and insolent Government , caused his head to be struck off at the Standard in Cheapside without any Legal Tryal , and then violently rushing into the Tower slew all they found there , keeping that and the City for the Queen and Prince .

K. Edward upon this revolt , chang'd his purpose , and posting to Bristow fortified the Town and Castle , Sir Hugh Spencer , the Father and Son being with him , and the Earl of Arundel was made Governour , resolving to defend it with all their might ; but soon after the City was besieged and taken by the Queen and Lords , and the Earl of Arundel and Spencer the Father taken Prisoners , but the King and Young Spencer being besieged in the Castle , not trusting to the strength thereof , got out privately in the Night , and put themselves in a small Fisherboat , but every day for a whole week , when the Boat went to Sea it was driven back again near the Castle , which the L. Beaumont observing , he with a small Vessel chased the Boat and took her , wherein he found the King and young Spencer , whom they so much desired , and brought them to the Queen , who presenting them before the besieged in the Castle , they presently surrendred : Old Spencer , the Earl of Winchester , and the Earl of Arundel whose Daughter was married to the younger Spencer , were beheaded , and the King being in an honourable restraint , the Queen , Prince , and Barons with a strong Army marched toward London , carrying young Spencer in Triumph , before whom several Fidlers , and Pipers sung , danced , and play'd scornfully upon Reeds , through every Town and Village as they past ; where being come he was bound to the top of an high Ladder , and his Heart and Privy-members being burnt , his Head was set on London Bridge .

After which the Queen nobly treated and rewarded Sir John of Heynault , the Lord Beaumont and their followers , who departed home , and were there received with great honour . The Queen and young Prince to redress all disorders , assembled a Parliament , in which the King by general consent was deposed , and committed to Killingworth Castle with honourable atttendance , and Prince Edward his Son Crowned King ; not long after Edward was removed to Cors-Castle , where he was barbarously murdered by his Keepers , who through a Horn thrust a burning Spit into his Fundament ; after he had reigned almost nineteen years , and in the forty first of his Age , 1307.

EDWARD the THIRD , King of England , &c.

portrait of King Edward the 3rd IN Peace and War I still Triumphant stood , Fortune for me seemed to fix her Wheel ; I did revenge my Fathers Death and Blood , And forced France my valiant Arm to feel . I warr'd on Scotland with victorious Steel ; The slaughtring Sword and Fire did all devour : A Kingdom so divided needs must reel , Betwixt the Bruces and the Baliols Power . Thus every day my Grandeur mounted higher ; With Black Prince Edward , my victorious Son , Vnto the top of Honour we aspire , By glorious Victories , and great Actions done . But all my Triumphs , Fortunes , Force , and Strength , Old Age , and Death , to Nothing brought at length .

AT the Age of Fifteen years Edward the Third was Crowned King , his deposed Father being then alive . He was chiefly counselled in his younger years by Queen Isabel his Mother , Edmond Earl of Kent , and Sir Roger Mortimer ; which Knight , to ingratiate himself with the Queen , was a chief Instrument in the Murder of the late King . In his second year the Scots proclaimed War against England ; whereupon King Edward with an Army of fifty four thousand Men , and attended with Sir John Heynault , the L. Beamont , and five hundred Lords and Gentlemen , marched into Scotland , where he pursued his lurking Enemies who fled into Woods , Mountains , and Hills , and thereby tired the English Army , so that he returned without any memorable Action , and then married Philip the Daughter of William Earl of Heynault , and calling a Parliament at Northampton , the two Spencers , and Walter Stapleton were attainted of High Treason ; at which time by the advice of the Queen and Mortimer , a dishonourable Peace was made with the Scots , whereby that King was discharged from doing homage to Edward , and the great Charter called Ragman , whereby the late King of Scotland , and all his Nobility under their Hands and Scals did acknowledge their Subjection to the Kings of England , was delivered up , and the Kings Sister Jane was married to David Son and Heir to K. R. Bruce .

Roger Mortimer was now made Earl of March , which did much discontent the Nobility , especially after they saw , that by his power with the King , and Familiarity with the Queen , he had trecherously procured the Earl of Kent the Kings Uncle to be beheaded ; but by Divine Vengeance , Mortimer himself was charged by the State with these Trayterous Articles . 1 , That he had wickedly procured the murther of the late King . 2. That by false and malicious accusations he had caused the King to cut off the Head of his Vncle , who was Noble , Religious , Valiant , and a main Pillar of the Commonwealth . 3. That he had too familiarly conversed with the Queen Mother , to her just reproach , and the Kings dishonour . 4. That for a Bribe of twenty thousand pound , he had procured the release of the Scots Homage . Lastly , That he had cheated the King of his Jewels and Treasure , converting them to his own use . For these horrid Treasons he was condemned and Executed in the same manner as young Spencer ; and Q. Isabel was committed to a strong Castle , where she continued above thirty years after , and then died .

In his fifth year Philip the French King sent to require King Edward to do Homage for the Dutchy of Guyen , which he unwillingly performed , his Lords being therewith offended , alledging , That in the Right of Queen Isabel his Mother , the Crown of France belonged to him , and that he therefore ought not to have acknowledged any Fealty at all . The King then sent to David King of Scotland to restore the Castle of Berwick , and do him Homage for the Kingdom ; but David stoutly answered , That his Father won that Castle by Conquest , and he would hold it by the Sword ; and , That his Father never acknowledged any Subjection ; and if any had been due , yet King Edward had released him from it . The King being of a great Spirit , was resolved to revenge these Affronts , by conquering both Scotland and France ; and to that end , he presently sent an Army against the Scots , and over-run the better part of that Country without resistance , taking Berwick , and Crowning Edward Baliol King of Scotland , to whom he committed the Government of Berwick Castle ; and two years after he again marched into Scotland , and setled this new King on his Throne , receiving his Homage , and restored several English Lords to their Estates , which by the Peace with King Bruce they were deprived of . David the deposed King fled into France , and after two years , by the assistance of the French King , landed some Forces in Scotland ; but King Edward soon encountred and routed them , and then returned victoriously into England .

In his tenth year Philip the French King gave the Earldom of Artois away by Sentence from Robert Artois , to Maud Countess of Burgundy , and Aunt to this Robert ; which so incensed him , that he said , By me Philip was made King , and by me he shall be again deposed . For these Words he was proclaimed a Traytor to the Crown throughout all France , so that to save his Life he fled into England , where , for his former Service to Queen Isabel and her Son when in France , he was honourably received and entertained by King Edward , who knew him to be a wise and valiant Man , and therefore made him Earl of Richmond , and loved him so entirely , that he never undertook any Matter of Consequence without his Advice . This Noble Knight continually informed the King of his Right to the Crown of France , by his Mother Queen Isabel , and that with such convincing Reasons and Persuasions , that Edward began now in earnest to contrive the attaining thereof , negotiating privately with the Earl of Heynault his Wives Father , and Brother-in-Law to the French King , and with Sir John of Heynault Lord Beaumont his Brother , and several other Princes and States of Germany , who encouraged and assisted him therein , creating him Vicar-General of the Empire , by which he had Power to command the Nobility and Commons of those Countries to aid him in his Enterprise .

Whilst these things were secretly consulting in England , Philip of France little suspected he was to fight for his Crown with the English , and therefore at the Importunity of Pope Benedict the Eleventh , he had prepared a greater Army for the Holy Land , than ever any Christian Prince did before him , which were provided with all Necessaries for three years ; and the Government of his Kingdom he committed to his eldest Son John Duke of Normandy . Being just ready to depart , he had News of the Pretensions and Preparations of the English , and therefore thought it more necessary to defend his Kingdom at home , than to go upon such a frivolous Errand abroad . In the mean time King Edward having by many Politick Devices drained his Subjects Purses , insomuch that for want of Money a fat Ox was sold for a Noble , a fat Sheep for Six pence , six Pigeons for a Penny , and a Quarter of Wheat for Two shillings , he with his Queen sailed to Antwerp , where he concluded the Methods of the War with the Princes of Germany , and then returning into England , raised a strong Army of 27000 fighting Men , which he landed in France about Autumn .

The French King having an Army of 60000 Soldiers , and accompanied with the Kings of Bohemia , Navar , and Scotland , with Five Dukes , Twenty six Earls , and above 4000 Lords and Knights , entred the Field , where he found Edward prepared for Battel ; but by the Mediation of the Countess of Heynault , King Philip's Sister , and Mother to King Edward's Wife , a Cessation was concluded , and King Edward with his Nobles and Soldiers returned to England . Yet four years after , Edward again met with the Princes of Germany at Brussels , who desired the Flemings to joyn with them ; but they refused , unless Edward would entitle himself King of France , and Quarter the Arms of France with those of England ; and lastly , would , as King of France release them from a Bond of Two Millions of Florens , whereby they were obliged not to make War with the King of France . King Edward soon yielded to all their Desires ; whereupon they obliged themselves by a solemn Contract in Writing , under their Hands and Seals to assist him to the utmost . In the mean time the French Kings Navy landed some thousands of Men at Southampton , burning the Town , and Villages thereabouts . Upon his return the King called a Parliament , who raised so great a Tax , that the People turned their Prayers into Curses : He likewise borrowed great Sums of his richest Subjects , and of London 20000 Marks . He coined abundance of Gold and Silver Money , wherein he quartered the Arms of France , and intitled himself King of England and France .

Having raised an Army of 10000 stout Soldiers , he imbarqued them in 200 Ships , and sailing toward Sluce , he fortunately met with the French Fleet , whereon were 40000 Men of divers Nations , whom the King fell upon with his whole Navy , and after a fierce and bloody Fight , very few of the French escaped , being all either sunk or taken . This Loss was so very considerable , that they were afraid to discover it to the French King , lest it should too much discompose him , and therefore they contrived his Jester should do it , who often repeating in his hearing , Cowardly Englishmen , Faint-hearted Englishmen , Dastardly Englishmen ; The King observing him , asked him why ; Because , said he , they had not the courage to leap into the Sea , as our brave Frenchmen did ; whereby the King began to have some knowledge of this grand disaster . Edward received but small Loss , so that the next day he landed at Gaunt , and soon after besieged Tournay ; but by the importunity of the aforesaid Countess of Heynault a second Truce was concluded for one year .

In King Edward's absence , the Scots disliking their King Edward Baliol , because he would not engage against the English , and calling in David Bruce , they invade Northumberland , destroying all before them , and laying close Siege to Newcastle ; but at Midnight 200 resolute Men issued out , and secretly entred into the Earl of Murray's Tent , seising him , and killing many , to the great terrour of the Scots Camp : whereupon David finding stout Resistance , raised the Siege , and marched to Durham , which he took , plundred , and burnt , slaying all the Inhabitants , and then sate down before Roxborough Castle , defended by the beautiful Countess of Salisbury , and her Brother Sir William Mountague , who being continually assaulted , expected no Help but from the King : and to give him notice of their Extremity , the valiant Knight himself , mounted on a swift Horse , rid full speed through thousands of his Enemies , sending word to King David as he rid along , That in a short time he should again hear of him . Upon which the Scots pushed on the Siege with all vigour , yet could not carry it , and therefore suddenly raised it , and returned home . King Edward arriving there that very day , was much discomposed that he had missed them ; yet by the Mediation of several Honourable Personages , a Truce was concluded for two years . The King , after the Scots were gone , disarmed himself , and with ten or twelve Persons of Quality entred the Castle , where he was soon inflamed with the Love of the fair Countess ; but her Vertue resisted all Temptations , so that he departed from her in Discontent .

The King then made a Royal Feast for all his Nobility and Forreigners that came thereto , wherein were acted several Martial Sports in one of which the Lord Beaumont a Noble Knight was unfortunately slain . After this the King called a Paliament at Westminster , wherein he created his eldest Son Edward Prince of Wales , and a Tax was raised for the Wars in France , for which the King confirmed Magna Charta , Charta de Foresta , and several other Statutes . The next year the King for encouraging Virtue and Valour , instituted the Order of the Knights of the Garter at Windsor , and then sent an Army into France under the Command of the Earl of Darby , John the French Kings eldest Son having closely besieged the Castle of Aguil●on in Gascoin with near 100000 men . King Edward with his Son , eight Earls , fifteen Barons , and many Gentlemen of Quality , with an Army of 14000 men , by the advice of the Lord Harcourt a banished Nobleman of France , landed in Normandy , and took the strong Town of Harflew , plundering divers others , whereby every Common Soldier was made a Gentleman with the Spoil , and his Army increasing , he took the City of Caen , and abundance of other Towns and Castles , the English pursuing their good Fortune so far , that they were on a sudden encompassed with 100000 French on the one side , and a River on the other , yet passing on the Sand at low Water , he at last got clear , with the slaughter of a very great multitude of French , and marching toward Cressy , the French King was there resolved to try the fortune of a Field Battel , and the English after Prayers to God for sucess , with great Courage prepared for fight ; the King had given the Vanguard to his Son Edward , who for his Valour was called the Black Prince ; the Second Battalion was led by the Earl of Northampton , and the third by the King himself .

The Signal of Battel being given , both parties furiously ingaged , wherein the Black Prince was very hard put to it , and sent to his Father for succor , who stood on a Windmil hard by to observe the Fight , but the King refused him any aid , saying , Let them send no more to me whatever happens , while my Son is alive , but let him either conquer or dye , since if it please God he escape , I am resolved the honour of this day shall be only his ; when the Prince heard this , he was forced to put out his utmost Courage and Vigor whereby he obtained a glorious Victory , the greatest part of the French Army lying dead before them ; so that in two days wherein the Fight continued , there were slain of the French 11 Princes , 80 Barons , 1200 Knights , and above 30000 Common Soldiers ; the French King himself hardly escaping by flight . After the Battel , King Edward kissing and imbracing his Son , said , Fair Son , God send you perseverance , that you may always succeed as you have prosperously begun ; you have Nobly acquitted your self , and worthily deserve the Government of a Kingdom bestowed upon you for your Valour . King Edward perceiving , that after this Victory the French King made no Preparations to resist him , marched toward Callice , burning and destroying all before him , and begirt it with a close Siege , which after it had continued a whole year the French King with an Army of 200000 men came to the relief thereof , which not being able to effect , the Passages thereto being so well fortified by K. Ed● 〈…〉 went back again , leaving the poor Townsme● 〈◊〉 mercy of King Edward . During this Sieg● 〈◊〉 King of Scotland invaded England with an Army of 50000 men , by the procurement of the French King , but the Queen with 12000 stout Souldiers , fought with him , routed his Army , took King David Prisoner , and several other Persons of Honour , killing divers more , and above 15000 Scots .

After this Victory , the Queen attended with a Troop of handsom Ladies and Gentlewomen , whose Husbands or Kinsmen had long lain at the Siege of Callice , sailed thither , and were entertained by the King and his whole Army with great joy ; the Town being despairing of Relief , begged the Kings mercy , which he denied unless six of the chiefest Citizens came out to him in their Shirts , barefoot , and bareheaded with Halters about their Necks , to be disposed of at the Kings pleasure , which hard condition some of them undertook to perform , presenting the King with the Keys of the Town and Castle , which Edward receiving , commanded them to be all presently hanged , but his Commanders interposed strongly on their behalf , which yet could not prevail , the King threatning to make them examples for the wrongs done to the English Nation at Sea ; at length the Queen with Prayers and Tears on her Knees procured their Pardon . The King having got possession of this important Town , returned to England , and was received at London with great Triumph ; and by the Popes means a Truce was concluded with the French for two years ; which being expired , Edward sent a strong Army under the Conduct of his Son the Black Prince into Gascoyn , destroying all in their march .

But King John , who succeeded his Father Philip , resolved to stop this Current , ( and the Black Prince having only 10000 men with him ) John raised a vast Army , and accompanied with his young Son Philip and the Flower of the Nobility of France , made all speed toward Prince Edward , who was at Poicters ready to receive him . The Fight was very bloody , but the English Archers galling the French Horse with their Arrows , soon disordered their Army , and notwithstanding the utmost conduct of the valiant K. John , they were put to the rout , the King and his Son being taken Prisoners , who being brought before the Prince , he bowed to the King , and giving him comfortable words , feasted him and his Son Philip very nobly , and lodged him in his own Bed . With this Prize the Black Prince returned into England , and was joyfully received by all . In this Fight were taken seventeen Earls , above fifty Lords , and a multitude of Knights and Gentlemen of Quality , so that every Souldier who had least had two Prisoners , all which with the Spoil of the Field , the Prince freely gave the Souldiers , and every man had Gold and Silver in abundance , costly , Armour and other valuable things , being left on the ground as worth nothing .

King John lived some time at the Savoy , and after at Windsor , being as kindly treated by the King as he could desire ; and after four years Imprisonment a Peace was concluded , whereby it was agreed , That King John should pay 500000 l. Ransom , of Sterling Money ; and several Countries were freely resigned to the English by John ; and the French King never to assist any King of Scotland against England . About which time , David King of Scotland , who had been a Prisoner in England ten years , for a Ransom of 100000 l and giving his Oath never again to bear Arms against England , was released . About two years after , three Kings came at once to visit King Edward , John King of France , David King of Scots , and the King of Cyprus . The next year the Black Prince went into Normandy , and was made Governour of the English Conquests , who assisted Peter King of Castile , and restored him to his Crown , of which he was dispossessed by his Bastard brother Henry ; but soon after Henry with fresh Forces suddenly fell upon King Peter , seised him , and put him to death .

By reason of Peter's Death , the English Soldiers under the Black Prince despairing of receiving their Pay , and being in great necessity , daily petitioned the Prince for Relief ; who finding no other means to supply them , imposed several Taxes upon the Inhabitants of Aquitain , who finding their Privileges invaded , complained thereof to the French King , who summoned the Prince to appear before him at Paris , contrary to the express Articles of Peace lately concluded , and presently proclaimed War against England ; and the Prince not being in a Posture of Defence , all those Countries , Towns , and Forts daily revolted to the French : so that King Edward , who had been Victorious forty years , lost all those Provinces almost in one . The French provided a Navy likewise , wherewith they commanded the Narrow Seas . But John of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster going over to Callice with a brave Army , soon made the Frenchmen feel his Fury , and recovered many Towns ; but after John's departure , another Army , commanded by Sir Robert Knowls and the Lord Fitzwater , by reason of some Quarrel between the Commanders , was defeated by the French King , and 1000 English slain , whereby all the Garrisons were again delivered up to the French .

The King much disturbed at these Misfortunes , called a Parliament , wherein the Temporalty freely gave him a Subsidy of 15000 l. but the Clergy denied him any Supply ; whereupon he removed them from all Honours and Offices , and placed more grateful Subjects in their room . The French King had now besieged Rochel almost a year , for whose Relief a Fleet was sent under the Earl of Pembroke ; but he was fought with by Henry the Bastard of Castile , and the Earl , with 160 more , taken Prisoners ; the rest with much terrour and difficulty escaped to England . Upon the News of this Defeat several other Towns and Provinces revolted to the French King . After this John of Gaunt landed with strong Forces at Callice , and joyning with the Duke of Brittain , ravaged the Country till they came to Bourdeaux , where the Black Prince lay very sick , and John was made Governour of those Provinces . Prince Edward died soon after , and was buried at Canterbury , the King himself not living long after , dying in the Fifty first year of his Reign , and the Sixty fifth of his Age , 1377. and was buried at Westminster .

RICHARD the SECOND , King of England , &c.

portrait of King Richard the 2nd A Sun-shine Morn oft brings a Showry Day ; A Calm at Sea sometimes foretells a Storm ; All is not Gold that appears bright and gay ; A bad Mind doth a handsom Shape deform . So I , who was by Blood , Descent , and Form , The perfect Image of a Gallant Prince , Because my Vices I did not reform , No Faith 's in Face or Shape , I did evince . My Royal Name and Power a Mock was made , My Subjects madly in Rebellion rose , Mischief on Mischief still did me invade , Oppos'd , Depos'd , Expos'd , Inclos'd in Woes . With doubtful Fortune I in Trouble Reign'd ; At length by Murder , Death and Rest I gain'd .

KIng Edward the Third in his last Sickness created his Nephew Richard ( Son to the Black Prince deceased ) Prince of Wales , Earl of Chester , and Duke of Cornwal ; committing the Regency of the Kingdom to John of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster . After his Death , Richard , the Second of that Name , of Eleven years old , was Crowned King of England . In the whole Course of his evil Government he slighted his Nobility , and taxed his Subjects severely , to throw it away prodigally upon his ill-deserving Favourites ; despising the Advice of the Wise , and hearkning to the Follies of his young debauched Companions . In his first year , Charles King of France presuming on his Minority , being assisted by the King of Castile , landed in England , burning the Towns of Plymouth , Dartmouth , Portsmouth , Rye , and others on the Sea ; and would have proceeded further , had they not been encountred by the Earls of Cambridge , Buckingham , and others , who beat them back to their Ships .

At the same time a valiant Scot , named Alexander Ramsey , ( at the instigation of the French King ) with only forty men desperately scaled the Walls of Berwick Castle , and finding the Captain and Guards sleeping , they took it without blows , designing to have taken the Town too , but the Inhabitants from the great noise in the Castle , suspecting mischief , cut down the Stairs of the Drawbridge on the Townside , so that when the Scots let it fall , the Chains broke , and the Bridge fell into the Castle Ditch , whereby the Scots not being able to get out , were made Prisoners by their own Victory . They then endeavoured to fortify the Castle , but it was soon besieged and taken by K. Richard's Forces , who gave quarter to none but only Ramsey their Captain .

Soon after the French again landed in England , doing great mischief at Dover , Winchelsey , Hastings , and Gravesend , where they got much Booty . To prevent and revenge these injuries , a Parliament was called at Westminster , wherein four Pence was laid upon every person above fourteen years old , the levying whereof caused a dangerous Rebellion under Jack Straw , Wat Tyler , John Wall a Factious Priest and others , who stiled themselves The Kings Men , and the Servants of the Commonweal of England , declaring that all Men ought to be equal in Dignity and Estate , as being all the Sons of Adam ; they marched through several Countreys to London , the mean sort of People joyning with them , so that they became very formidable , committing all manner of Insolencies , and making bold demands of the King , and the Lord Mayor , which so incensed the Mayor , that he struck Tyler off his Horse with his Sword , where he was killed immediately , upon which the Rebels who were above 20000 soon disperst , no less than fifteen hundred being Executed for the same , with several cruel Deaths and Torments in divers parts of the Realm . And thus in an instant vanished this great cloud which threatned the destruction of King and Kingdom .

In his tenth year , the King forsaking the advice of his gravest and most experienced Nobility , was perswaded to commit many illegal and disorderly Actions by the Counsel of Michael de la Pool his Chancellor , Robert de Vere Earl of Oxford ▪ Alexander Archbishop of York , and Robert Tresillian Lord Chief Justice , who without cause exasperated him against the Duke of Glocester his Uncle , and the Earls of Warwick and Arundel whom they intended to surprise at Supper , if Nicholas Exton Lord Mayor of London would have assisted them : But failing herein , they resolved to impeach them in Parliament ; but they being jealous of the Kings intent , came thither strongly guarded ; while they were on their way , in a Wood near the Court , the King asked the Opinion of several about him , what he should do in the case , at length he merrily demanded of one Sir Hugh Liun , who had been a good Souldier in his days , but was now distracted , what he would advise him to do ; Issue out , quoth Sir Hugh , and let us set upon them and kill every Mothers Son , and when thou hast so done , by Gods Eyes thou hast killed all the faithful Friends thou hast in England . But K. Richard doubting the success of any violent course , that Design was defeated , and the King demanding a great Tax of four fifteens , is not only denied , but several misdemeanors of his Government are declared to him , and at length Michael de la Pool his favourite is by the Lords found guilty of many offences , Condemned , Fined , and Imprisoned , and Commissioners were appointed to examine the Crimes of all the Kings Officers , the King taking an Oath not to recal that Commission without consent of Parliament , and it was enacted , That all those who should perswade the King to infringe the same , should for the second offence suffer as Traytors to the King and Kingdom . Notwithstanding which this Parliament was no sooner ended , but Pool , Vere Tresillian and others , perswaded him , contrary to this Solemn Oath , to assemble the Judges at Nottingham , where they pronounced the Duke of Gloucester and the thirteen Commissioners and divers others to be guilty of High Treason , for compelling the King to ratify the Commission under his Great Seal ; which Judgment they confirmed under their Hands as agreeable to the Laws of the Kingdom .

The Truce with France being ended , that King sent 1000 Persons of Quality into Scotland , who joyning with their Army of 30000 they therewith invaded England , committing many violences ; but hearing King Richard was marching toward them , they turned into the craggy Mountains of Wales doing much mischief to the Inhabitants , and in the mean time K. Richard entred Scotland with 68000 men , burning and destroying Edinborough , St. Johnstons , Sterling , Dundee with many other places , and then returned home . The Scots and French returning , found little or no sustenance by reason of the late ruins , so that the Frenchmen were forced to return home without Horses , Arms or Money , but the Admiral and several Grandees were kept as Pledges by the Scots till the French King had satisfied the losses and damages which they had sustained meerly for his sake , upon whose account they entred into this War ; whereupon he was forced to send what Money they demanded , to redeem his Commanders .

The French King vowing Revenge against the English for these Disgraces , prepared a very great Army , which he designed to transport into England in a Navy of no less than 1200 Ships : Against whom King Richard soon raised vast Forces , consisting in above 100000 Men. But all these mighty Preparations soon came to nothing ; for the French Soldiers , in their March toward the Ships , committed such horrid Insolencies , that they were hated and cursed by the Inhabitants , who did them all the mischief possible , and hid their Provisions from them , so that they were forced first to sell their Arms , then their Horses , and last of all their Clothes , to keep themselves from starving ; after which , the French King finding how odious they were to the People , and not being able to give them fresh Supplies of Money and Victuals , he suddenly disbanded them , and lost his Honour , his great Hopes , and Money , all at once .

After this , the Barons humbly beseech the King to confirm his former Oath , and to expell those wicked Counsellors afore-mentioned , and banish those flattering Judges , who to please him had subscribed such Illegal Opinions ; but the King absolutely denied their Request : Whereupon , to prevent their own and the Kingdoms Ruine , as they declared , they raised a strong Army of their Friends and Abettors , wherewith they marched toward London , with full resolution to have those former Laws confirmed : Upon which those vile Favourites fled all to the French King for Aid against the Lords . The King having tried the Affections of his People , and finding they would not fight against the Barons , especially the Londoners , seemed to agree with the Lords , assuring them , he would call a Parliament , wherein those Favourites should answer to all charged against them ; and if convicted , should suffer such Punishment as they should judge fit . This unexpected Condescension so highly contented the Lords , that they returned the King hearty Thanks and presently disbanded all their Forces ; but the Kings Mind was soon altered , for he permitted Robert Vere Duke of Ireland to raise 5000 Men for the Guard of his own Person ; which the Lords observing , they in an instant got their Confederates together , and suddenly encompassed the Duke and his Army near the Thames , so that he was forced to swim cross on Horseback , from whence he presently fled into France , where about five years after , as he was hunting , he was slain by a Wild Boar.

Yet such was the Affection of the King toward him while he lived , that he caused his dead Carcase to be embalmed , and brought into England , and to be apparelled in Princely Robes and Ornaments , putting about his Neck a Chain of massy Gold , cove●ing his Fingers with Rings , and solemnizing his Funeral with all manner of Pomp and Magnificence . But to return : After the Duke had escaped as aforesaid , the Barons executed several of his chief Companions , for terrour to others , but commanded the Multitude to return home with all speed ; and then marching to London , were highly treated and enterta ned by the Citizens . The King , who kept his Court in the Tower of London , was now willing to admit of a Conference with the Lords , where it was concluded , That a Parliament should be called ; who being met , the Kings Counsellors and Judges were condemned for High Treason against the King and Kingdom ; John Earl of Salisbury and Sir Nicholas Brember were beheaded , and Tresillian the Lord Chief Justice was hanged at Tyburn , and the rest of the Judges had suffered the same Fate , had not the importunate Request of the Queen changed it into Banishment . And thus were all things in a great measure setled and composed .

The next year the Scots invaded the Land , and did much mischief ; but by the Discretion of the States a Truce was concluded for seven years : And soon after , John of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster raising a strong Army , transported them into Spain , where he demanded the Kingdom of Castile in the Right of his Wife Constance , eldest Daughter of Peter the deposed and slain King ; and , with the assistance of the King of Portugal , he performed many great services , forcing the King of Spain to sue for peace , who married Constance , the Dukes Eldest Daughter by his said wife , and gave him eight Waggons loaden with massy Gold , paying also ten thousand Marks yearly , to him and his Dutchess during their Lives . He likewise married his younger Daughter Ann , to the King of Portugal ▪ and then returned to England , with great riches and honour .

In his sixteenth year the usurped Jurisdiction of the Pope was abridged , for it was enacted in Parliament ; That the Popes pretended Authority within this Kingdom , shall thenceforth cease , and that no appeal upon any Account should be made to the Court of Rome , and the penalty of perpetual Imprisonment , and Forfeiture of Lands and Goods , In his seventeenth year his virtuous Queen Ann died , and two years after K. Richard married Isabel Daughter to Charles the Sixth of France , upon which a peace was concluded betwixt both Nations for Thirty years , and K. Richard rashly delivered up the strong Town and Castle of Brest to the Duke of Brittain , which much discontended the Nobility especially the Duke of Glocester , the Kings Uncle , who plainly told him , That it was not convenient to deliver up that without blows , which his Ancestors had gained with so much expence of blood ; whereas the King inraged , resolved upon revenge , and therefore hearkened to all manner of false informations against him , and among others he was told , That the Electors designed to have chosen him Emperor of Germany , had not his Vncle and others represented him as altogether unfit and unable to Govern an Empire , who could not rule his own Subjects at home .

This false suggestion still aggravated the Kings Anger against the Lords , so that under pretence of friendship , and with the breach of his Oath and honour , he caused the Duke of Glocester , and the Earls of Warwick and Arundel , to be suddenly apprehended , and then summoning a Parliament , Sir John Bushie Speaker of the House of Commons , a man of a proud and insolent Spirit , in a long speech magnified the King , profanely attributing to him the highest Titles of Divine Honour , and condemning to Hell all that as he said had traiterously conspired against his Majesty , and particularly impeaching the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury , who sate next the King , and was silent , because the King under pretence of favour , had enjoined him not to answer , and to absent himself for the future , protesting that no damage should arise to him ; yet for want of answering these false Accusations , he was with the Kings consent banished the Realm ; the Earl of Arundel was beheaded for High Treason , and the Earl of Warwick , escaped upon great submission , and confessing many Crimes whereof he was altogether Innocent , but the good Duke of Glocester without Tryal or sentence , was sent to Callice , and by the Kings order , Thomas Mowbray Earl of Nottingham , caused him to be there stiffled betwixt two Feather-beds , for which good service he was made Duke of Norfolk .

The King likewise procured both Houses of Parliament , to grant full and absolute power , to six or eight such Persons as he should nominate to enact and determine what they should think Convenient in all causes , whereby many mischievous things were decreed to the dammage of the Kingdom ; and to please his Guard , who were most Cheshire men of mean birth and fortunes , he stiled himself Prince of Cheshire , as if that were more honourable then to be King of the Realm ; and to sweetten these things , honours were bestowed upon divers Noble-men ; his Cousen Henry Bullingbroke , Earl of Darby , Son and Heir apparent to the Kings Fourth Uncle , John of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster was created Duke of Hereford ; his Cousen Edward Plantaginet Earl of Rutland , was created Duke of Albemarle , and several others were advanced ; He also granted free pardon to all but fifteen , whom he should name , whereby he kept the Nobility in fear and awe , so that if any offended him , he would declare him to be one of the fifteen , and put his life upon Tryal for pretended Treason . It happened about this time that the Duke of Hereford , hearing daily complaints of the Kings misgovernment , and his extream arbitrary and illegal proceedings , he privately disclosed his grief thereat to the Duke of Norfolk , intreating him to inform the King thereof , and to beseech him to be more favourable to the Lords , who were with too great severity condemned for High-Treason .

The Duke of Norfolk regarding more his own advancement , then the Common good , resolved to rise by the fall of his friend , and therefore told all to the King , with the most malicious and aggravating circumstances imaginable , whereat the King inraged summoned his Cousen to answer , who freely acknowledged what he had privately , and friendly desired might be reformed , but denied the false suggestions added thereto , and challenged the Duke of Norfolk , to a single combate to vindicate himself , which was accepted and consented to by the King , but when the day came , and they entred the Lists for fight , the King would not suffer them to proceed , but banished the Duke of Norfolk , for ever , who soon after died , at Venice , and the Duke of Hereford for six years , who went into France , and was honourably received by that King , and not long after his Father John Duke of Lancaster died , and the King unjustly seized all his honours and estate into his hands , which he divided among his Flatterers and Minions , which unworthy act so much displeased his Uncles , the Duke of York , and the Duke of Albemarl , that they left the Court , and retired to their own Houses .

In the mean time the King was wholly misled by the lewd conduct of William Scroop Earl of Wiltshire , Sir James Bagot Sir John Bushie , and Sir Henry Green , by whose advice , without consent of his Counsel , he raised a great Army , farming the whole Revenues of his Kingdom to these his favourites for several years , and sailing into Ireland , wholly subdued that rebelling Nation ; but in his absence , Henry now Duke of Lancaster ( with his old friend Thomas Arch-Bishop of Canterbury ) returned to England to claim his Dutchy of Lancaster , and landing in the North , great numbers of armed Troops admiring his Nobility and virtues , joined with him , so that within a few days he marched to London , and was there received and entertained with much joy . King Richard returning , soon raised great Forces , which he conducted against the Duke , but perceiving his Subjects daily revolt from him , and hearing that his three unworthy Favourites Scroop , Bushie , and Green , on whom he most relied , were taken , and beheaded , he voluntarily came to the Duke of Lancaster , and confessing his own insufficiency and weakness to govern well , praised the singular Qualities of the Duke , as worthy of a Kingdom , offering to resign it to him , if he would accept thereof .

Though the Duke was very willing to wear a Crown , yet hoping to have it by the free consent of all the Nobility and People , he caused the King to be guarded to the Tower of London , and then calling a Parliament , twenty four Articles of Misgovernment were publickly charged against the King , and sent him by both Houses of Parliament , who not only confessed them to be true , acknowledging his inability to Rule better , but by an Instrument in Writing under his Hand and Seal , resigned his Crown and Kingdom to Henry Duke of Lancaster , which being read , and generally approved of by the Lords Spiritual and Temporal , and Commons , they deposed King Richard , and made Henry King , and his old Friend Thomas Archbishop of Canterbury installed him in the Royal Throne , Richard was then sent to Pomfret Castle ; but Henry fearing his Government could not be safe while Richard lived , he was soon after assaulted by Sir Pierce of Exton and eight more with Bills and Poleaxes in his lodging , and after valiant resistance made , was overpowered and murdered by them in the twenty second year of his Reign , and the thirty third of his Age , 1399.

In this Age lived Sir John Mandevil of whom so many Fictitious Relations have been written , that it may be judged he was never in being . But very credible Historians assert , that there was such a person , born at St. Albans in Hartfordshire , who attaining to Learning , had an earnest desire to visit Asia and Africa , which he accordingly performed , travelling thirty four years , into Scythia , Armenia , Egypt , Lybia , Arabia , Media , Mesopotamia , Persia , Chald●●a ▪ Greece , Illyria , Tartary , and divers other Kingdoms of the World , and committed what he had observed to Writing at his return , wherein , though there may seem some things incredible , yet it may be supposed many of them were taken from fabulous Authors , and added to his Book , and others were written by report from others ; for that he did not design to relate lies may appear , because he kept his Religion after all his wandrings and and did oft complain of the corruptions of that Age , saying often , Virtus cessat , &c. In our time it may be certainly said , that Virtue is departed , the Clergy err , the Devil reigneth and Simony beareth sway . Some Authors write , he died at Leige in Germany , where they shew the Furniture of his Horse and Spurs worn in his Travels , yet the Town of St. Albans will not allow of it , but claim the honour of his Interment , and have a riming Epitaph for him upon a Pillar near where they judge his Body lies , which Mr. Weaver says in his Monuments , being set to some lofty tune , as the Burning of Antichrist , or the like , will be worth singing . It is as follows , All you that pass by , on this Pillar cast Eye , This Epitaph read if you can , 'T will tell you a Tomb stood once in this room Of a gallant Spirited Man . John Mandevil by name , a Knight of great fame , Born in this honoured Town , Before him was none that ever was known For Travel of so high renown . As the Knights in the Temple cross legg'd in Marble In Armor with Sword , and with Shield , So was this Knight grac't , which time hath defac't , That nothing but ruins doth yield , His Travels being done , he shines like the Sun In Heavenly Canaan , To which blessed place , O Lord of his Grace Bring us all , Man after Man .

HENRY the FOURTH King of England , &c.

portrait of King Henry the 4th From misled Richard I the Crown did wrest , Which wrongfully upon my Head was plac'd . Vncivil , Civil Wars the Realm molest , And Englishmen do England spoil and wast , Fathers their Sons , and Sons their Fathers slew , Vndutiful , unkind , unnatural This War . Now York , then Lancaster great grew As Conquest did on either side befal ; But I the Crown and Scepter still did hold , For , what by wrong I got , by force I wore , And Prince of Wales I made my Son so bold ; But as my greatness still increased more , By fatal Fate , my Vital Thred was cut , And all my Glory in a Grave was put .

THough by right the Crown of England , if K. Richard should dye without issue , ought to have descended to Edmond Mortimer Earl of March , Son and Heir to Edmond Mortimer by Philip his Wife , who was Daughter and Heir of Lionel Duke of Clarence the third Son of King Edward the third ; yet his Cousen Henry of Bullingbroke Duke of Hereford , and Son and Heir of John of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster , the younger Brother of Lionel was Elected and Crowned King . For after the Resignation of K. Richard was read openly in Parliament , Duke Henry rising from his Seat made his challenge to the Crown as followeth . In the name of God Amen , I Henry of Lancaster claim the Realm of England , and the Crown with all the Appurtenances as coming by the Blood Royal from King Edward the third , by that Justice which God of his Grace hath sent to me , and by the help of my Friends for the recovery of the said Realm , which was in point of Perdition to be lost through default of Government , and breach of Laws . After he had thus spoke , the States acknowledged him for King , and placed him on the Royal Throne , though the whole proceedings against Richard were publickly condemned by John Bishop of Carlisle as hateful to God , and Trayterous toward their Prince , he not having the favour of Thieves and murderers , who are try'd by indifferent Judges , and condemned after full proof against them : But the Bishop had no sooner ended his Speech , e're he was seized by the Earl Marshal , and committed close Prisoner in the Abby of St. Albans . In this Parliament the Crown of England was intailed upon King Henry and his Heirs for ever , and the King created his eldest Son Henry Prince of Wales , Duke of Cornwal , and Earl of Chester .

The Parliament was no sooner ended but several of the greatest Lords who pretended most Joy for Henry's advancement conspired to take away his life at a solemn Justs or Triumph at Oxford , contr ved for that purpose . In this Treason were engaged Edward Plantaginet Duke of Aumerle , Son and Heir apparent to Edmond of Langley Duke of York , Thomas Holland Duke of Surrey , and John his Brother Duke of Exeter , both half Brothers to King Richard , John Montague Earl of Salisbury , Hugh Spencer Earl of Glocester , Sir Thomas Blunt , and one Magdalen a Servant to King Richard , and in Stature and Countenance much like him . All the Conspirators except the Duke of Aumerle met at Oxford at the time appointed with strong Guards , who going to visit his Father , the old Duke snatch't a Writing out of his bosom wherein the whole Plot was display'd ; who thereupon made haste to discover it to the King at Windsor , but his Son outriding him another way , came first , just as K. Henry was providing to go , and disclosing all , received the Kings Pardon , who perceiving his danger went presently to the Tower of London , preparing to raise a great Army . The Conspirators upon this discovery being desperate , put Magdalen into Royal Robes affirming him to be K. Richard escaped out of Prison , and with great Forces they marched toward London to meet the King , who going courageously against them with 20000 Men , the common Souldiers were so discouraged that they generally run away , and left their Lords ▪ who were most of them taken , and put to death in several parts of the Kingdom .

Thus was King Henry delivered from this Danger ; and to prevent the like for the future , he caused King Richard to be murdered at Pomfret Castle , as aforementioned . When the French King , Charles the Sixth , Father-in-Law to King Richard , heard of his Deposing , he sent Letters of Defiance to King Henry , and raised an Army-Royal in Picardy , resolving to revenge his Wrongs ; but when he heard certainly of his Death , he desisted . After this , the Welch and Scots made Invasions ; but King Henry with Fire and Sword soon quelled them : Yet the next year the Scots again entred the Northern Borders with barbarous Cruelty , but were encountred by Henry Hotspur Son of the Earl of Northumberland , with 10000 stout Men , who gave them a bloody Overthrow , killing above 10000 Scots in the Field , and taking above 500 Prisoners , and among them , the Earls of Douglas , Fife , Murray , and Angus .

The next year the French King sent 1200 Lords and Commanders to Wales , to assist Owen Glendour in his Rebellion ; but meeting with a Storm , twelve of his greatest Ships were cast away , with all the Men and Arms , and the rest with great difficulty returned to France : Which Misfortune caused the English to scoff and scorn the French Kings unprosperous Expedition , which so exasperated him , that he immediately sent another Army of 12000 Men , who landed safely , and joyned with 10000 rebellious Welch then in Arms. King Henry being sensible of his own danger if he should make but one false Step , presen●ly provided a very brave Army , and marched with all expedition into Wales ; which when the Frenchmen had notice of , distrusting the fickle Nature of the Welch , and fearing they would forsake them in time of danger , and fly to their Woods and Mountains , like Men amazed , they run back to their Ships , and cowardly returned to France , without effecting any thing ; upon which the Welch likewise disbanded ; so that King Henry dissolved his great Army , and returned home without Blows .

In his third year King Henry demanded the Scotch Prisoners taken in the last Battel by Henry Hotspur , the Earl of Northumberland , Earl of Worcester , and others ; who refused to deliver them , alledging , That by the Law of Arms they belonged to them ; upon which great Discontents arose between them : For the Piercies resolved to restore their Cousin Edmund Mortimer , the true Heir to the Crown , and to depose King Henry : To which end , they first earnestly petitioned the King to ransom him , he being taken Prisoner by Own Glendour in fighting for King Henry ; but the King not granting their Request , as not desiring his Liberty , caused it to be published , That he had voluntarily made himself a Prisoner , to give some colour for the Treasons the Lords had contrived on his behalf . The Piercies being much disturbed at this Proclamation , paid his Ransom to Glendour , and redeemed him , entring likewise into a League with Glendour of mutual Defence , and for deposing King Henry ; and several Scottish Lords joyning with them , they raised considerable Forces , publishing Six Articles of High Misdemeanours and Misgovernment against King Henry , for which they defied him , as a Traytor and Usurper , and vowed his Destruction .

King Henry now finding his Crown lay at stake , levied a stout Army , and first fell upon the Scots at Shrewsbury , before they could joyn their Confederates , whom he routed , as he did likewise Hotspur and Worcester , killing thirty six with his own Hand : The Earl of Worcester was taken , and beheaded ; and several of the principal Confederates were hanged and quartered , and their Heads set upon London bridge . Prince Henry likewise went into Wales against Owen Glendour , who was suddenly forsaken by his Army , and hiding himself in the Woods , being encompassed by the Princes Forces , was miserably starved to death . Henry Hotspur was slain in the Field ; but his Father , the Earl of Northumberland , came voluntarily and submitted himself to the King , protesting himself innocent of these Treasons : which though the King did not in the least credit , yet he gave him good Words , and suffered him to depart at pleasure , because he had Berwick Castle , and other strong Places in his Possession .

These Troubles being ended , Lewis Duke of Orleance , Brother to the French King , sent a vain-glorious Challenge to King Henry , requiring him with an hundred stout English , to fight with him and the like number of French , for Honours sake , at a Place appointed : But the King discreetly answered , That his former warlike Actions sufficiently cleared him from the infamous Title of Coward ; That Kings ought not to be so careless of their Kingdoms , or prodigal of the Blood of their Subjects , whom God had committed to their Charge , as to fight for any Cause , unless for the Defence of the True Religion , their own Rights , or to secure their Realms from Foreign Enemies , and revenge their Peoples Wrongs ; That a Sovereign Prince , by the Laws of Arms and Honour , was not obliged to any Challenge in the Field , except against one equal to him in Dignity : Yet that he would be always ready to repress any Violence or Wrong which the Duke should rashly or unadvisedly attempt against him or his People .

The haughty Duke having received this mild Answer , grew inraged , and immediately sate down with a great Army before the Town of Vergie in Guyen , which he besieged three Months , giving many fierce Assaults , and receiving such stout Repulses , that despairing of Success , he was compelled to raise his Siege , and return disgracefully into France . The Duke of Burgundy likewise judging that King Henry durst not leave the Kingdom to make War abroad , desired leave of the French King to attempt the regaining of Callice , and to that end raised great Strength ; but the French Kings Council being informed of King Henry's vast Preparations to defeat them , commanded Burgundy to desist ; which he imputed to the Pride of the Duke of Orleance , lest he should gain more Honour than himself .

No sooner was Henry freed from this Danger , but another presently succeeded , contrived by Henry Piercy Earl of Northumberland , Richard Scroop Archbishop of York , Thomas Mowbray Earl-Marshal , the Lords Hastings , Faulconbridge , Bardolf , and others ; but the Conspiracy being privately revealed , he unexpectedly marched with an Army into the North , and surprised all the Lords except Northumberland and Bardolf , whom he immediately beheaded . Northumberland fled into France , and from thence came back a while after into Scotland , where he was promised Aid against the King ; but Prince Henry being sent thither , burnt and destroyed all before him , taking in the Castles of Berwick and Anwick , and forcing the Scots to beg for Truce , which was granted them for a few Months onely : But three years after , Northumberland and Bardolf animating the Scots to a new War , entred Northumberland , and did much mischief : Whereupon King Henry raised Forces to suppress them ; but before his coming they were routed by Sir Ralph Rooksby Sheriff of the County ; and the two Lords with divers others being taken , they cut off their Heads , and sent them for Presents to the King . After which , till his Death , which hapned in two years , he enjoyed Peace and Quietness , and then died at London of an Apoplexy , having reigned Thirteen years and five months , and lived Fifty six , 1412. and was buried at Canterbury . In his Admonition to his Son at his Death , he spake thus : As long as Englishmen have Wealth and Riches , so long shalt thou have Obedience from them ; but when they are Poor , they are still ready for Commotion and Rebellion .

HENRY the FIFTH , King of England , &c.

portrait of King Henry the 5th FRom the Lancastrian Line successively I Englands Glorious Golden Garland got ; I mixed Justice still with Clemency ; Much Blood I shed , yet Blood-shed loved not . Time may my Bones and Sepulchre destroy , But Time can never blast my endless Fame ; Oblivion my great Acts can ne'er annoy , Or make Forgetfulness forget my Name . In France a Game at Tennis I did play , With roaring Rackets , thundring Guns and Drums ; And what I play'd for , still I brought away , The Spoils triumphantly transporting home . Yet at the last grim Death my Life assail'd , And as I liv'd , I di'd , lov'd , and bewail'd .

WHilst Henry the Fifth was Prince , he accompanied with several rude debauched Persons , with whom he committed many extravagant Actions ; but after the Death of his Father , being Crowned King , he became a new Man , banishing all those his loose Companions from his Presence and Court , and electing grave , discreet Counsellors and Officers in all Places , for Administration of the Government , and Courts of Justice : He applied himself to reform all kind of Abuses , and especially the Pride , Covetousness , and other Enormities of the Clergy , enjoyning them to apply themselves to Prayer , Preaching , and Hospitality . He executed the Laws with moderation upon his People ; and to prevent any Irruptions of the Scots and Welch , he built divers Forts and Castles on the Frontiers , Garrison'd with some thousands of stout Soldiers .

In his first year he ordered the Body of King Richard the Second to be removed with great Pomp and Solemnity from Langley to Westminster , and buried it with Queen Ann his first Wife . In his second year he called a Parliament at Leicester , in which he was earnestly petitioned to suppress the Religious Houses throughout the Kingdom , as being now onely the Nurseries of Idleness , Gluttony , Letchery , and Pride , the Revenues whereof were reckoned to be worth 20000 l. a year , which would then maintain 15 Earls , 1500 Knights , and above 6000 Soldiers , besides an Allowance to a great number of Alms-houses . To divert this dangerous Motion , the fat Abbots and Priors , the idle Monks , wanton Fryars , and whining Nuns , joyntly beseeched the Archbishop of Canterbury to be their Friend who in a Learned Oration discovered the Kings Right to the Crown of France , proposing an easie Method for attaining thereto ; and lastly , as a more prevailing Argument , he offered the King , as a free Gift from the Clergy , an incredible Sum of Money , for furthering him therein .

This Proposal laid all those Petitions asleep , being approved of both by King , Nobles , and People , and nothing was discoursed of but Englands recovering of France : To which purpose , the Duke of Exeter the Kings Uncle , the Archbishop of Dublin , the Lord Gray High Admiral , and the Bishop of Norwich , attended with 500 Horse , were sent Ambassadors to the French King Charles the Sixth , who in the Kings Name required the peaceable Surrender of the Kingdom of France , with the entire Dutchies of Aquitain , Normandy , Anjou , Poictou , and Mayn ; proposing , That if without effusion of Blood the French King would yield to his Demands , he would then vouchsafe to take his Daughter Katherine in Marriage , and would endow her with all the afore-mentioned Provinces , and allow the French King all Honour and Respect : But if he refused to deliver his Patrimony without Blows , he would then endeavour to gain it by the Sword , wherein he must expect his People would suffer all the Calamities of a War .

The French King and Nobility were much surprised at this unexpected Message , and therefore desired time to deliberate on so weighty an Affair ; but the Dolphin , the Kings eldest Son , despising the Youth and unlikely Attempt of King Henry , sent him as a Present a Tun of Tennis-balls , as more agreeable to his Years ; which Henry receiving , said , That he would shortly send him such London - Balls , as should shake Paris Walls ; and thereupon soon levied a strong Army . Which the Dolphin being informed of , ( who by reason of the Sickness of the King managed all Affairs ) he sent Ambassadors to Henry , That if he would desist from all Hostility , and live in Peace , and take his Sister Katherine to Wife , he should have with her a considerable sum of money , and some small Territories in France ; but the King returned answer , that Unless Aquitain Normandy , Anjou , and all the other small Seigniories , were delivered to him , as justly appertaining to his Crown , he would neither disband his Army , nor wave his Title to the Crown of France , but would attempt to gain it by fire and Sword .

As soon as the French Ambassadors were gone , the King having left considerable forces upon the Borders of Scotland , and provided all things necessary , sent his Letters of defiance to the French King , and was just imbarking for his voyage , when at that very instant , a dangerous conspiracy was discovered , either to deliver him up to the French , or murder him in his Tent , contrived by Richard Earl of Cambridge , Brother to the Duke of York , Henry Lord Scroop , and Sir Thomas Gray , three of the most valiant Commanders in his whole Army ; who being apprehended , and brought into his presence freely confessed the whole contrivance , and that they were corrupted by rewards from the Dauphin ; upon which they were the next day executed as Traytors . The Wind serving the King transported his Army into Normandy , in an hundred and forty ships , and the Town of Harflew being delivered to him after a seige of thirty seven days , was ransomed from plunder by the Citizens , with great sums of Gold and Silver ; the King then resolved to march to Callice through the very Borders of France , though the Dauphin had an Army of thirty thousand , and the English were only two thousand Horse , and thirteen thousand Archers , many of them wanting health , victuals , and sleep , and having plenty of nothing but silver and Gold , which in that place would not give them the least supply of what was truly necessary for preserving their Lives .

It much disturbed the French King , who lay at Roan , that the English should march on thus without control , and therefore he sent K. Henry a defiance , and that he would be with him in a few days , and accordingly bringing an Army of threescore thousand Horse into the Field , incamped near a Town called Agen-Court , making great jollity the night before the battel , as assuring themselves of the victory , being so very numerous , and the English so inconsiderable and sickly ; on the contrary K. Henry and his little Army spent the night in Prayers and Devotions , as knowing that they must either conquer valiantly or dye basely ; upon Fryday , Oct. 20. 1414. The battel began , wherein both sides fought with great courage , but at length K. Henry obtained a glorious victory , there being slain , the High Constable and High Admiral of France , the Dukes of Alanson Brabant and Bane , thirty four Earls and Lords , eight thousand Knights , Esquires and Gentlemen , and about sixteen hundred Common Souldiers , besides ten principal Dukes and Lords taken Prisoners ; on King Henry's side were not slain above six hundred Souldiers , and two Commanders . After this K. Henry marched safely to Callice , where having refreshed themselves they took shipping for England , being inriched with Gold , Silver and costly armour in abundance , and the King was received with all manner of Joy and Triumph into London .

The French King was extreamly troubled at this great overthrow , but the Dauphin especially , insomuch that he died , as was thought for meer vexation soon after ; The Earl of Arminiach being made High Constable , the Duke of Exeter the Kings Uncle , Governour of Harflew , understanding he was going that way with some forces , suddenly issued out upon him , and defeated his whole party ; which so inraged the new Constable , that with all speed he besieged Harflew , on every side with five hundred ships at the mouth of the River Seyn , which K. Henry having notice of , he presently sent a stout Army imbarked in two hundred Ships , who falling upon the French Fleet in sight of the Town , utterly destroyed them with a vast slaughter of men , and thereby forced the Constable immediately to raise the siege , and King Henry then calling a Parliament , and declaring to them his right to France , they freely gave him great sums of money , wherewith sailing into Normandy , he won the strong Town of Caen ; in the mean time such private quarrels arose between the French Nobility , as much advantaged K. Henry , who daily won the chiefest Towns in Normandy , and then laid a formal siege to the great City of Roan , which was strongly fortified , and well provided , so that K. Henry gave many terrible assaults in vain ; upon which being informed that there were above two hundred Thousand Men , Women and Children within the Walls , he resolved to gain it by famine without blows , and to that end casting a deep ditch about the City , pitched full of sharp stakes and guarded with Archers , the Inhabitants could neither pass in nor out , so that in two months time , the Famine increased so grievously , that the Citizens drunk nothing but Vinegar and Water , and were forced to eat Rats , Mice , Cats , Dogs , and Horses ; and the poorer sort being turned out , perished miserably between the Gates and the English Trenches ; the Famine still growing more outragious , they sent four Knights , four Scholars , and four of their chief Burgesses clothed all in black , as Commissioners to the King , who spake to this purpose .

Great and renowned Prince , In all ages Kings and valiant Captains , have gained the greatest glory , and reputation by subduing their proud and haughty enemies with their Swords and valour , and it hath been always reckoned a note of baseness and Cowardice in a Prince , to overcome by Famine , and want of food , wherein there is neither wise conduct nor true courage ; That your highness may therefore equal the greatest Conquerors in generosity , we desire you to sufferour sick and wounded men , with our women and Children to pass safely through your Camp , and if afterward you dare assault our walls and forts , and by your courage should happen to become our Lord , you may then deal with us as you please ; and by this action may make your self famous among those Heroes , who scorn all mean attempts , and regard nothing so much as unspotted honour and reputation .

The King having with some trouble , heard this bold Oration , he presently returned this undaunted Answer . Proud & vain glorious Frenchmen , Do you imagin that I am so weak a Scholar in the Art of War , as not to have yet learned the principles thereof , are not the Sword , Fire and Famine , the three principal Instruments , wherewith the most renowned Kings and Gallant Captains have ever , and do still endeavour to subdue their enemies ; and being joined together , are they not able to conquer the stoutest nation in the World ; it was my goodness and Clemency , that I did not assault your walls with my Sword , because I would not willingly be the death of any , but those who wilfully seek their own destruction , neither do I intend to consume so fair a Jewel as this City is with Fire , but desire to preserve it , as being my own Right and Inheritance ; if I then use the mildest of the three , that is Famine to correct you , and bring you to reason , you may if you please quickly free your selves from it by delivering this City into my hands , which if you shall obstinately refuse ; I will make you sensible that every impudent , talking fellow , is not fit to instruct Princes in martial affairs , neither ought bookish , unexperienced Plebeians to read warlike Lectures to me who am their enemy ; you desire , nay you saucily require , that your sick and starved People , may pass into the Country through my Army , and then if I dare I may assault your Town ; the World will certainly wonder at your cruelty , who have barbarously and uncharitably thrust out of your Gates multitudes of innocent poor distressed People , of your own blood , kindred , and Country , on purpose that I should unmercifully kill and destroy them , yet such hath been my mercy , that I have often relieved and succored them , but since I find your obstinacy still continue , I henceforth resolve not to give them any comfort , and if they perish with Famine , as they needs must , God will require their blood at your Hands , who would most wickedly expose them to these calamities , and not at mine , who would willingly preserve them if I could have my right ; be you therefore assured , that since you remain so obdurate , they shall not pass through my Army , but die at your Gates , unless your hard Hearts yield them some pity . And when I see cause I will assault your Town to your cost , but will not be directed how , nor when , by you ; in the mean time I would have you know , that he who does thus invade , and march through the very bowels of your Countrey , he who hath already taken as strong though not so great Cities as this , and he who with the death and destruction of your chiefest Nobles , Captains , and most valiant men at Arms , hath forced his way thus to besiege your Town , dares also , if he please , assault it , and doubts not in the least to win it when he shall think fit .

The King having thus spoke ordered that the French Commissioners should Dine with his great Officers of State , and with a frowning Countenance turned from them ; after Dinner the Frenchmen consulting among themselves humbly begged of the King a Truce for eight days to consult what was to be done , which the King , naturally inclined to Clemency , freely granted , during which daily conferences passed between both partys , but nothing was concluded ; upon which the Townsmen desired only one day more , which was frankly assented to , in which the Common People hearing nothing was done , fell into a dreadful mutiny , and threatned to cut their Commanders Throats , for suffering them to starve like Dogs for their own pleasure , and therefore they forced them to deliver up this great and strong City . The French being much disheartned at these disasters , a Treaty of Peace was begun , in which K. Henry being denied all his demands , was very angry , and told the Duke of Burgundy the Regent of the Kingdom , That he would have the Princess Katherine to Wife , and all those Countreys and Provinces he required , or else he would drive both his Master and himself out of the Kingdom . The Duke reply'd , Such words were spoke with much ease , but it would cost him much trouble and pains to make them good . Which King Henry was resolved to do , and therefore suddenly too● the Town of Poictois in a dark night , with scaling La●● 〈◊〉 without blows , and thereby laid the way open to P● before which the Duke of Clarence the Kings Brother 〈◊〉 with his Troops two days , and much affrighted 〈◊〉 ●itizens , but being ●●able to assault it with so 〈◊〉 a number , he rose from thence , and within se●●●ays took all the Towns , Cities , Castles , and Forts in Normandy except Mount St. Michael .

The Duke of Burgundy finding that the want of an entire friendship between him and the Dauphin , was the chief cause of the destruction of France , resolved to agree with him , but the Dauphin being irreconcileable , upon their meeting caused the Duke to be trecherously murdered , which yet seemed to be a just revenge upon him , he himself having caused Lewis the Duke of Orleance to be murthered upon a like enterview in the tenth year of K. Henry the Fourth . Philip the Dukes Son was extreamly inraged with this horrible accident , and to be quit with the Dauphin , he with the Earl of Flanders used all means to conclude a Peace betwixt the Kings of England and France , and so turn all their Forces against the Dauphin , who acted upon his own account , and had lately deprived the the Queen of France of her Treasure , who therefore hated and abhorred him ; and to that end it was agreed , that K. Henry should meet with Charles the Sixth K. of France , Isabel his Queen and the Lady Katharine , where a firm Peace was soon agreed on , and K. Henry was married with great triumph to the Lady Katharine , and was proclaimed sole Regent , and Heir apparent of the Crown of France both in England and France . King Charles only to have Possession during life .

After this Peace which consisted of twenty Articles , very advantageous to Henry , and that the Nobility of both Kingdoms had sworn to them , the two Kings accompanied with James the young and valiant King of Scots , the Duke of Burgundy , Prince of Orange , with a great many Lords and Knights besieged and took all the strong Towns and Castles in the Dutchy of Burgundy which joyned with the Dauphin ; and then they all marched to Paris where K. Henry was again proclaimed Heir apparent of France , and soon after a great Assembly was called at Paris , where both Kings sat as Judges , and the Dutchess of Burgundy appealed against Charles the late Dauphin , and seven others as murderers of her Lord ; and no defence being made for them , they were all summoned to appear at the Marble Table in Paris by a certain day , which they refusing , were Banished out of all the Territories of France , and to forfeit all their Honours , Dignities , and Estates .

The Dauphin having notice thereof went to his old Friend the Earl of Arminiach late Constable of France , who espoused his cause , and assisted him with Men , Money , and Arms , and soon after the Duke of Clarence the Kings Brother meeting with a Body of his Forces , under the Command of the Duke of Alanson , and being falsly informed of their strength by a trecherous Lombard , he fell upon them , but was overpowered and slain , with several other English Noblemen , and near two thousand Common Souldiers .

K. Henry was much grieved with this unexpected overthrow , resolving to be revenged of the Dauphin and his adherents , and to that end called a Parliament , who gave him a plentiful supply , but because it would be long in gathering , he pawned his Crown to his Uncle the Bishop of Winchester for 20000 pounds , with which soon raising an Army of 30000 stout Men , he lands at Calice , with John Duke of Bedford , and with the assistance of Philip Duke of Burgundy , the Earl of Flanders , and James K. of Scots , he took several Towns from the Dauphin , who not daring to venture a Battel , fled from place to place , designing to tire out the Kings Army in pursuit of him ; about which time K. Henry had notice that his Q. Katharine was delivered of a Son at Windsor , upon which with a Prophetick Spirit , as was judged , he said , I Henry born at Monmouth shall continue but a short time , and gain much ; but Henry born at Windsor shall Reign long and lose all ; which happened accordingly . The King still won more Forts and Castles from the Dauphin , who finding the King was gone far from him , raised another Army , and streightly besieged the City of Cos●●y in Burgundy , who agreed to deliver it to him if not relieved within ten days , of which K. Henry having advice , marched with sufficient Force to succour it , but fell so sick by the way , that he could travel no further ; however , John Duke of Bedford proceeded on , of whose Courage and Conduct the Dauphin being afraid , raised the Siege and retired .

The Kings sickness encreasing , he was carried to Boys in Vincennes , where he in a few days died ; before his death he made his Brother John Duke of Bedford Lieutenant General of Normandy , and Regent of the Kingdom of France , and his other Brother Humfrey Duke of Glocester Protector of England , and of his Sons Person , and then exhorted them with the rest of the Nobles present to maintain true friendship with his faithful Confederate , Philip Duke of Burgundy , to be at Unity among themselves , to be True and Loyal to his Son King Henry , to assist by all means his sad and mournful Queen , and to maintain by Wisdom and Courage what he by Gods help and his own valour had gotten . He died in the thirty eighth year of his Age , and the ninth of his Reign , 1442. and his Body being conveyed into England , was buried with great Pomp and Solemnity in Westminster Abby , upon whose Tomb his Queen caused his Royal Statue to be lay'd covered over with Silver Plate gilt , the Head thereof being Massy Silver , but in the time of K. Henry the eighth , the head , and the other Silver was stolen away , yet the Headless Monument is to be seen at this day with the following Verses on the Tomb.

Dux Normanorum , verus Conquestor eorum Haeres Francorum , decessit & Hector eorum . Here Normans Duke , so stil'd by Conquest just , True heir of France , Great Hector lies in Dust .

HENRY the SIXTH , King of England , &c.

portrait of King Henry the 6th MY Father ( Englands Warlike Mars ) being dead , And I an Infant but of eight Months old , The Diadem was plac'd upon my head , In Royal Robes the Scepter I did hold : But wonderful are the Almighty's Ways , And past Mans Reason e're to comprehend ; For I had nought but sad and woful Days , Even from my Birth , unto my Tragick End . 'Gainst me the House of York their Force did bend , ( Both Peers and People weltred in their Gore ) That Crown and Scepter they from me did rend , My Sire and Grandsire both had worn before Twice was I Crown'd , uncrown'd , oft blest , oft croft ; At last my Life and Kingdom both I lost .

THough King Henry the Sixth was not above eight Months old at his Fathers Death , yet by the wise Conduct of his two Uncles afore-mentioned , the Government was managed with all manner of Prudence and Discretion . But soon after the Death of Henry the Fifth , Charles the Sixth of France died likewise , and the unconstant Frenchmen began to renounce their Oaths and Allegiance to the English Crown , and generally revolting to Charles the Dauphin , now King of France , endeavoured to extirpate the English Nation and Sovereignty from among them : To which purpose , their new King seised upon Pont Melance , a Town on the River S●yn , without any warning , and slew most of the Engli●h Garrison therein ; but Thomas Montacute Earl of Salisbury , a great Champion in that Age , by the Regents Order regained it , and caused the Inhabitants again to swear Allegiance to King Henry , which they soon after again forfeited ; and the Parisians invited Charles to come to their City , but the Regent having notice thereof , tho' he was then engaged in Mirth and Triumphs , as having at that time married the Duke of Burgundy's Daughter , yet made such speed with his Army , that he was at their Gates before they were aware ; and having seised on the principal Conspirators , and executed them publickly by divers cruel Deaths , he secured the City by divers new Forts , a strong Garrison , and a severe Governour . The Protector still furnishing the Regent with fresh Supplies of all things from England , he daily won divers strong Towns and Fortresses , the French King not daring to engage in fight with him , though he often shewed himself , and boasted of his Valour .

While all things succeeded well , there hapned an unfortunate Accident at Mons , where the French suddenly surprised the English within the City , and killed them all without the least pity or compassion ; but the Garrison-Soldiers got into the Castle , which the French resolving to besiege , and starve them out , gave themselves over at present to Ease and Jollity : Of this the Lord Talbot was advised , who the next Night marched thither with 700 Men , and got into the Castle , and then issuing out under their Governour the Earl of Suffolk , they rushed violently into the Town , crying out aloud , St. George , A Talbot , a Talbot ; wherewith the sleepy drunken Frenchmen were so amazed , that some leaped naked over the Walls in their Shirts , and broke their Necks ; about 400 Gentlemen were slain and taken Prisoners , the Common People being released : After which , 30 Citizens , 20 Priests , and 15 Fryars were put to death with divers Torments , as Conspirators , for delivering the Town to the French , which was thus gallantly regained to King Henry .

The Duke of Exeter , Tutor to the Kings Person , dying at this time , the Earl of Warwick was sent to England to take that Charge ; and the Renowned Earl of Salisbury , with an Army of 10000 Men , was sent into France , with which he besieged the strong City of Orleance upon the River Loyer , which had been lately strongly fortified ; where , after two Months Siege , the Earl was slain , and the Earl of Suffolk succeeded as General , who pressed the Siege so close , that the Besieged being hopeless of Succour , offered to surrender the Town to the Duke of Burgundy , who refused it without the Consent of the Duke of Bedford the Regent , who though persuaded thereto , would by no means consent , since he himself had undergone all the Trouble hitherto . This Answer pierced the Duke of Burgundy to the Heart , so that from thenceforward his Affections grew cold toward the English , and he became a secret Well-willer to the French .

During this Parley , a young Maid of about eighteen years old was presented to the French King at Chinon , who pretended she was sent from God to deliver France from the English Bondage , and thereupon she was called The Mother of God ; however she in this extremity was believed by the Common People , and being armed like a Man , she rides to Blois , and , in company with the Admiral and Marshal of France , enters Orleance with fresh Forces and Provisions ; which so encouraged the Besieged , that they issued out at midnight , and fell upon the English , staying 600 of them in an instant ; but assaulting the Bastile , where the Lord Talbot was , he issued out so courageously , that they were forced to fly on every side , and with very great Loss hardly escaped into the Town ; but however , the next day the Earl of Suffolk raised the Siege . This Deliverance was attributed by the Citizens of Orleance to the Conduct of the Martial Maid , who was called Joan of Arc ; and therefore they erected a Monument , wherein she and Charles the Seventh King of France were represented kneeling in Armour , with their Hands and Eyes toward Heaven .

After this , the English had very doubtful Success ; for the next day after raising the Siege , the Lord Talbot won the strong Town and Castle of Laval ; and a few days after the Duke of Alanson , with Joan of Arc , took the Town of Jargeux , and in it the Earl of Suffolk and one of his Brothers Prisoners , killing another . The Duke of Alanson's Army being newly reinforced to near 20000 Men , hapned to meet with the Lords Talbot , Scales , and Hungerford , who were marching with onely 5000 to fortifie another Town ; upon whom the French fell with great fury , insomuch that the three Lords were taken Prisoners , and 1200 of their Men slain , the rest flying into the Town . Upon this Defeat , several Cities , Towns , and Castles immediately surrendred to the French King , who soon after took Rhemes , and was there Crowned , which gained him a great Opinion , and caused many more Places to be delivered to him , and then attempted to take the City of Paris ; but by the Valour of the English were repulsed and defeated . The Duke of Bedford observing the Success which followed upon the Coronation of King Charles , caused King Henry likewise to be Crowned at Paris , in the Tenth year of his Age and Reign , having been Crowned two years before at Westminster .

About this time a Truce was concluded for Six years , which yet lasted not Three ? And now the Duke of Bedford's Lady , who was Sister to the Duke of Burgundy , dying soon after her Brother forsakes the English , and joyns with the French King , which was followed with the taking of St. Dennis ; and within two years after the Regent died , and was buried at Roan ; whereat the Citizens some years after complained to Lewis , who succeeded Charles , but the King publickly protested , That he deserved a more sumptuous Sepulchre , who in his Life-time scorned to stir a Foot back for all the Power of France ; and that there was no greater Sign of Baseness and Cowardice , than to insult over those when dead , whom they durst not withstand while alive .

The French King now proceeds victoriously ; and Joan of Arc afore-mentioned , accompanying the Duke of Alanson , takes in many Towns , and endeavouring to raise the Siege of Champaigne , they enter the City in despite of the English ; but afterward sallying forth , their Troops were beaten , and Joan her self taken Prisoner , by John of Luxemburgh , a Burgundian Knight , who for the value of 10000 l. and 300 Crowns a year , delivered her to the English , who sent her to the Bishop of Bevoirs , in whose Diocess she was taken , by whom , for Sorcery , Blood-shed , and unnatural use of Manly Apparel , she was burnt to death at Roan . Many Opinions were held of her : Some thought her miraculously raised for the Deliverance of France ; others , that she was a Cheat and Impostor ; and her Epitaph seems to infer the same .

Here lies Joan of Arc , the which Some count Saint , and some count Witch ; Some count Man , and something more ; Some count Maid , and some a Whore . Her Life 's in question , Wrong or Right ; Her Death 's in doubt , by Law or Might . Oh Innocence ! take heed of it , How thou too near to Guilt dost sit . ( Mean while France a Wonder saw , A Woman rule , 'gainst Salique Law . ) But , Reader , be content to stay Thy Censure till the Judgment-day , Then shalt thou know , and not before , Whether Saint , Witch , Man , Maid , or Whore .

After the death of the Noble Regent the valiant Duke of Bedford , Richard Duke of York succeeded in his room , to the great regret of Edmond Duke of Somerset the Kings Cousin , which occasioning private Hatred , made way for publick Mischief : For soon after the City of Paris revolted , and divers others followed that Example . At this time Queen Katherine the Kings Mother died , who after the King her Husbands death , married a handsom Gentleman named Owen Tudor , who though of mean Estate , yet was descended from Cadwallader the last King of t●e Brittains ▪ by whom she had two Sons , Edmund and Jasper , the eldest of whom was by King Henry the Sixth created Earl of Richmond , and married Margaret sole Heir to John Duke of Somerset , on whom he begot Henry the Seventh . In a little while the Duke of York is removed , and the Earl of Warwick is put in his Place by the Council of England ; and from henceforth the Affairs in France succeeded worse every day , which was occasioned by the Wisdom of the French Nobility , who grew sensible of their miserable Divisions , and now united against the English . Another Reason was , the unhappy Marriage of the King with Margaret the Daughter of Reyner King of Sicily a poor Prince , so that he had nothing with her ; and which was worse , King Henry was obliged by the Articles of this Marriage to give to her Father all his Right and Title to the Counties of Anjou and Mayn , which bordered upon Normandy , and much weakned the Kings Army , so that soon after all Aquitain was lost . Another Cause was , the horrid Murder of the innocent Duke of Glocester ; for the King being of a mild , patient , and virtuous Temper , and the Queen , on the contrary , of a proud , politick , revengeful Humour , despised the soft Disposition of her Husband , and could not endure that the King , being now of full Age , should be any longer under a Governour , and to that end , was resolved to dismiss the good Duke of Glocester from his Protectorship , being much encouraged therein by the Duke of Buckingham , the Duke of Suffolk , the rich Cardinal of Winchester , and the Archbishop of York ; and a Parliament being called , the Duke of Glocester , by their procurement was arrested and committed to Prison for High-Treason , and the next morning was found dead in his bed , and judged by all to be barbarously murdered .

And now the Duke of Tork , secretly conspired with his accomplices , to set up his Title to the Crown , and the Duke of Suffolk ruling all , used several oppressive methods against the People , whereby no man nor money was raised for France , and the Counsel not able to manage any thing to the honour of the King , either at home or abroad , so that in a short time , all Normandy was lost , for which the Duke of Suffolk was accused in Parliament , and committed to the Tower , but the Queen suddenly dissolving the Parliament , restored him again to favour , yet afterward upon the importunity of the Commons , he was banished for five years , but being taken by an English man of War , as he was sailing to France , they landed him at Dover , and cut off his head on the sands , whereby the innocent blood of the Duke of Glocester , was in some measure revenged . When the English had thus lost France , a French Captain scoffingly asked an Englishman , when they would return again to France ; who seriously replied , when your sins shall be greater and m re grievous in the sight of God than ours , then shall the English again Conquer France . It has been observed , that from the Reign of King Edward the first to this time , which was about two hundred years , there was an extraordinary concurrence of martial men , prudent Counsels , and excellent conduct , so that this Nation was renowned throughout the Christian World , but why they did all afterwards decay , must be left to the learned to discuss .

The Duke of York being sent into Ireland to suppress a Rebellion there , and hearing how matters went both in England and France , began to declare his right to the Crown , as being descended from Philip , Daughter and Heir of George Duke of Clarence , elder Brother to John of Gaunt , great Grand-Father to Henry the sixth ; these things being whispered by the Duke of York's friends and Allies in England , and likewise that the Kings understanding was weak , the Queen proud and ambitious , and the Council base and treacherous , and that all France was lost because of the usurpation of King Henry , it caused great dissatisfactions in the minds of the People , upon which Jack Cade , calling himself John Mortimer , made an insurrection in Kent , and with a rude multitude marched toward the King , then at Greenwich , sending a Message , that he intended no harm to his Royal Person , but would only displace some of his evill Councellors , who were great oppressors of the People ; the Queen soon raised an Army to suppress them , but they were defeated by Cade , who marched to London , and did much mischief ; but the Kings General Pardon being Proclaimed , his followers left him , and Jack Cade was slain , fighting for his Life . This cloud being past , a greater suceeded , for many of the Nobility and Commons hating the ill Government of the Queen and her adherents , sent for the Duke of York from Ireland , the chief of his friends being the Duke of Norfolk , the Earls of Devonshire , Salisbury , Warwick , and the L. Cobham , who concluded to raise an Army , to remove the Duke of Somerset , from the King and Queen , as a deceiver of the King , a friend to his enemies , and the chief occasion of the loss of France ; the King fearing the worst , likewise raised an Army , but to take away all pretence , he committed the D. of Somerset to the Tower , upon which the Duke of York dissolved his Army , and came privately to Court , where he found the Duke of Somerset with the King , by whose procurement the Duke of York was committed some few days Prisoner , but being again at Liberty he made fresh complaints of the disorders of the Government , and the Duke of Somerset , and strengthning himself with the power of the chief of the Nobility he caused Somerset to be arrested for High-Treason on the Queens great Chamber , from whence he was sent to the Tower , but was presently after released and made Captain of Callice .

Upon which the Duke of York again l●●ieth an Army , and was met by another on the Kings part at St. Albans , where a bloudy battle was fought , above eight thousand , and among them the Duke of Somerset being slain , and King Henry taken Prisoner , and brought to the Duke of York , who used him courteously , and having called a Parliament at London , the Duke of York was made Protector of the Kings Person , the Earl of Salisbury Lord Chancellor , and the Earl of Norwich his Son , Captain of Callice , who managed affairs to the general satisfaction of the Nobility and People , but the Duke of Buckingham , having lost his eldest Son , and the new Duke of Somerset his Father , resolved upon revenge , and joyning with the Queen , they called a great Councel at Greenwich , by whose Authority the Duke of York , and the Earl of Salisbury were removed from the Government , the Queen designing by all means to cut them off , of which the Duke of York being sensible , resolved now to maintain his claim to the Crown in the open Field , and to that purpose raised an Army , but his intention being discovered too early to the King , he fled with his youngest Son to Ireland , his eldest Son the Earl of March got to Callice , where he was joyfully received , from whence returning by the incouragement of several of the Nobility , and landing at Sandwich in Kent , he soon gathered an Army of Twenty five thousand men , with which he met the Kings forces at Northampton , where after a furious fight , the King was routed with the loss of ten thousand men , and himself taken Prisoner .

The Duke of York having notice of this Victory , returns suddenly to London from Ireland , where a Parliament being called in the Kings name , the Duke sitting down in the imperial Throne , in the House of Lords , in an eloquent speech , declared his right to the Crown ; whereupon after mature deliberation , it was enacted by both Houses , That King Henry should retain the name and honour of a King during life , that the Duke of York , should be proclaimed Heir Apparent of the Crown , and to be a present Lord Protector of the Realm , and that if King Henry , or any of his confederates should infringe this Agreement , that then the Duke of York , should have present possession of the Crown ; the Duke having thus got the Government of the Kings Person and Dominions , sent Letters to Scotland , in the Kings name to the Queen , and several of the Lords with her , to appear with all speed before the King ; but they not only refused his Command , but marched boldly toward London , with an Army of eighteen thousand English and Scots , but at Wakefeild , the Duke of York met the Queen , and perswaded her to submit , which not prevailing , another bloudy battel was fought , wherein the Duke was worsted , himself , his younger Son Edward , and three thousand of his men being slain , and the rest fled .

The Queen having taken the Earl of Salisbury , beheaded him and divers others , whose heads she caused to be set upon the walls of York , in despight of that party ; which was fully revenged in a short time upon the King , Queen and Prince , and a great number more of the Lancastrian faction . The Earl of March , now Duke of York , hearing of this overthrow , though his Army were only three thousand men , fell upon Jasper Earl of Pembroke , the Kings half brother , Owen Tudor his Father , and their Confederates ; which he soon routed , killing four thousand of them , and taking Owen Tudor , Father in Law to King Henry , and divers others Prisoners , who were immediately beheaded . But the Queens Army about the same time , having encountred the Duke of Norfolk and his forces , made them fly , and leave K. Henry behind ; whereat the Queen was extream joyful and insolent , but hearing of the success of the young Duke of York , she retired into the North , & raising an Army of 60000 Men she met the Dukes Army of forty nine thousand at a place called Towton , where after a cruel fight , wherein thirty six thousand Englishmen were slain , the Duke obtained an absolute Victory .

The King , Queen , and Prince Edward their only Son fled to Scotland , and were kindly received by that King , delivering to him the Town and Castle of Berwick , but the Duke rid Triumphantly to York , from whose walls he took the heads of his Father , and Friends , and set up those of the Earl of Devonshire , and others in their stead . King Henry hopeless of succour sufficient from Scotland , sent his Queen and Son to Reyner her Father , and the French King , for aid , he himself remaining in Scotland , patiently expecting the event of his future state . And here we may properly end his Reign , as being after this only the Tennis-ball of Fortune , for though he were sometimes put in hope of having his Kingdom established , yet he was inthron'd and dethroned in so short a time , that it seemed rather like the acting of a Tragedy than of matters really performed . He reigned 38 and lived 49 years .

EDWARD the FOURTH , King of England , &c.

portrait of King Edward the 4th I York's Great Heir , by the strange Chance of War , Was Crown'd , Vncrown'd , and then again Inthron'd . I wholly crush'd the House of Lancaster , Whilst woful England under Misery groan'd . Fathers and Mothers , Childless made , did grieve , These bloody Bickerings lasting threescore Years , E're they to Peace and Quiet did arrive ; Wherein were slain above an hundred Peers . But Age and Time all Earthly things destroys : Through Terrors , Horrors , Mischief , and Debate , By Truth , by Treason , by Hopes , Fears , and Joy , I got , I kept , I left , I lost the State . Thus as the Powers Divine do smile or frown , Glories or Troubles wait upon a Crown .

EDward Duke of York having thus overthrown King Henry and his Queen , and executed many of his chief Opposers , returned triumphantly to London , where he was joyfully received , and Crowned June 19. 1461. and a Parliament being called , Aubrey Vere Earl of Oxford , and his Son , with some other Counsellors of King Henry , being attainted of Treason , were beheaded . And to strengthen himself , King Edward created his eldest Brother George Duke of Clarence , and Richard he made Duke of Glocester , and several others were advanced to Honour ; and the Duke of Somerset , Sir Ralph Pierce , with other inveterate Enemies of King Edward , finding no hope of success , submitted , and received Pardon . In the mean time Q. Margaret coming from France with her Son , and going into Scotland , many Scots joyned with her , and marching with her Husband to Berwick Castle , raised considerable Forces in Northumberland and Durham , Somerset , and Piercie , treacherously going to her , but being encountred by John Nevil , Lord Montague , they were soon routed and fled , onely Sir Ralph Pierce died valiantly fighting ; and pursuing his Victory , he utterly overthrew King Henry's Army , the Duke of Somerset with seven other Lords being taken and Beheaded . Henry fled back to Scotland ; Edwards Army went forward , and recovered divers Castles and Forts in Northumberland , and among others Bamborough commanded by Sir Ralph Grey , who had formerly sworn Al●egiance to K. Edward , whom they Beheaded after he had been degraded of his Knighthood , by hewing off his Spurs tearing in pieces his Coat of Arms , and breaking his , Sword over his Head .

In his third year K. Henry travelling toward London in disguise , was taken in the North , and being brought to King Edward , was committed close Prisoner to the Tower . And now the King designing to marry sent his most intimate Favourite Richard Nevil the Valiant Earl of Warwick , and Brother to the L. Montacute , to propose a match with the Lady Bona the French Kings Daughter ; which was soon agreed to , and concluded . In which time K. Edward hunting in Wickwood Forrest , and coming to the Mannor of Grafton , set his Eyes on Elizabeth the Widdow of Sir John Gray , who was slain as he fought for King Henry at St. Albans , and counting her very warmly to satisfy his pleasures , was modestly and constantly denied , which inflamed him the more , as having seldom met with refusals upon such an account ; what therefore he could not obtain unlawfully , he resolved to gain by Marriage , and accordingly without any further delay or advice , made her his Wife , she having assured him , That as she accounted her self too mean to be his Wife , so she thought he self too good to be his Harlot . King Edwards Mother would fain have dissuaded him from it , alledging among many other reasons , that her Widdowhood was a sufficient cause why he should not dishonour himself with Bigamy in his first Marriage ; to which he merrily reply'd , She is indeed a Widdow , and hath Children , and by Gods blessed Lady , I am a Batchelor and have some too , and each have good proof that neither of us are like to be barren ; and therefore pray Madam be contented ; for I hope I shall get a young Prince that shall please you very well , and as for the Bigamy or Widdowhood let the Priest charge me with it when I come to take Orders , for I have heard it is forbidden to a Priest , but never yet thought in was so to a Prince .

But however pleasing this Marriage was to the King yet it proved very unsatisfactory to his Subjects , and unfortunate to himself ; for the Earl of Warwick having News thereof , was extreamly displeased at so great an affront , and secretly contrived mischief against him , to whom the Duke of Clarence , who had been disobliged by his Brother , joyned himself , and married Warwick's Daughter , and soon after with other great Lords and Confederates , they raised a Rebellion in York-shire , and were so strong that at Banbury King Edwards Forces were overthrown and 5000 of them slain , the Lord Rivers the Queens Father , and the Lord Strafford being beheaded . Yet King Edward preparing another great Army , marched toward the Rebels , but many of the Nobility endeavouring to procure a Peace , obtained a Parley ; during which King Edward being less watchful of himself , was seized in his Bed by the treacherous Earl of Warwick , and secretly sent Prisoner to Middleham Castle in York-shire , to be there kept Prisoner by his own Brother , the Archbishop of York , who likewise joined with Clarence and Warwick against him , from whom either accidentally or willingly he soon after made his escape , and at last came safe to London , where by the procurement of the Lords , the King , the Earl of Warwick , and the Duke of Clarence met ( upon security given ) in Westminster Hall , where Warwick used such high Language to the King , upbraiding him for his Ingratitude , that all parted in high discontent , and soon after at the Battel of Loosecoats , the Rebels were beaten by King Edward , throwing off their Coats for haste to make their escape ▪ in which fight were slain 10000 men .

The Earl of Warwick and Duke of Clarence hearing of this misfortune , fled in despair with their Ladies and other Gentlewomen to Callice , but were denied entrance by the Governour , though the Dutchess of Clarence was then in Labour , and delivered on Shipboard , whereupon they went to Deip in France , and were kindly entertained by that King , where divers others repairing to them ; they consulted to restore King Henry , and Prince Edward , Henry's Son married the Earl of Warwicks second Daughter , whereat the Duke of Clarence was much concerned , and resolved to submit to his Brother upon the first opportunity . All things being in readiness , Warwick and his Confederates imbark for London , and land at Dartmouth , where his Forces soon increased very much , and he then made Proclamation in all places for all men to come to his aid against the Duke of York , who falsely and traiterously called himself King . In the mean time Edward levied a strong Army wherewith he marched toward the Rebels , but being informed of the general love of the People to Warwick , and hearing me then loud shouts of King Henry , King Henry , a Warwick , a Warwick ; he suspected the fidelity of his own Forces , and with 800 of his best Friends , left his Army and fled in the Night to Lincolnshire , and from thence to Holland to the Duke of Burgundy .

As soon as it was known that Edward was gone , the Earl of Warwick c●me to London , and taking Henry out of the Tower , carried him triumphantly through the City to Pauls , and from thence to the Bishops Pallace where he kept his Court. Then a Parliament being called , Edward and his Adherents were attainted of High Treason , and their Estates confiscate to the King , the Duke of Clarence is declared Heir of the Dukedom of York , and the Crown is intailed upon Henry and his Heirs , and in default of his issue to the Duke of Clarence and his . In a short time Edward by the assistance of the Duke of Burgundy lands in England with small Forces , and few joyning with him , he declared he came not to challenge the Crown , but only his inheritance of the Dutchy of York , upon which the People flock't in to him , and at last the Lords told him , They durst not joyn with him unless he would stile himself King , which he did accordingly , and the Earl of Warwick with other Nobles coming against him with a strong Army got into Coventry , they suspecting the Duke of Clarence , who joining accordingly with King Edward , they defied the Earl of Warwick , who durst not venture without the Walls .

King Edwar'd hereupon leaves Coventry , and marches toward London , where he was again joyfully received , and King Henry was again committed to the Tower , and was soon after followed by the Earl of Warwick , who at Barnet was slain with his Brother the Marquess , and 10000 men slain . After this Queen Margaret landeth from France , and some Nobles joyning with her , the two Armys met at Teuksbury in Glocestershire , where King Edward again remained Victor , killing 3000 of his Adversaries ; and the Queen and her Son Edward were taken Prisoners , the Prince being then cruelly murdered by Richard Duke of Glocester ; and soon after King Henry was found dead in the Tower , being wickedly stabbed by the same bloody Richard . After this King Edward makes his claim to France , and to gain it craved aid of his Subjects by way of Benevolence ; and among others a covetous Widdow gave him twenty pounds , which the King who was there present unknown to her , observing , not only gave her Thanks , but came and kissed her , telling her , That she should have a kiss from a King for her Money ; whereat the old Woman was so transported , that she told him a Kings kiss was worth more Money , and thereupon gave him twenty pound more .

The King having got an Army together , sailed to France , but the French King fearing his power , chose rather to buy his Peace of the Kings Courtiers ; which he did accordingly with great Sums of Money paid yearly to the English Nobility . Among others he sent two thousand Crowns to the Lord Hastings , Lord Chamberlain , the Messenger desiring a Receipt for his own security , which the Lord Chamberlain scrupling at , said , Sir , What you desire is very reasonable , but the Gift comes from the good Will of your King , and not from my Request , If you please to give it , put into the Pocket of my Sleeve , and no other Acquittance shall you have of me , for it shall never be said , that the Lord Chamberlain of England was a Pensioner to the King of France , neither shall my Acquittances be ever found in the Chamber of Accounts in France . After this the Lord Chamberlain was more esteemed by the French , and had his Money paid without a Receipt . About this time the Duke of Clarence being sent to the Tower for High Treason , was drowned in a Butt of Malmsey , and soon after King Edward himself died after he hid lived 40 years , and reigned twenty two . 1483. He was a very compleat Person , exceeding Valiant , but too wanton ; he used to say he had three Mistresses of different Qualities , one of them the Fairest , another the Merriest , and a third the Holiest Harlot alive , whom he could never send for to his Bed but she was always at Prayers with her Beads .

EDWARD the FIFTH , King of England , &c.

portrait of King Edward the 5th IF Birth or Beauty , Innocence or Youth , Could Pity raise within a Ty●ants Heart , Then surely Richard would have found it Truth , And not have acted such a bloody Part. What Glory then to be of Royal Race ? What Joy is there in Beauty , Strength , or Wit ? What is Command , great Honour , and high Place , When Treason lurks where Majesty doth sit ? Vnhappy I , had too much Proof of this , Nipt in my Eud , and blasted in my Bloom , Depriv'd by Murder of all Kingly Bliss , And in Three Kingdoms could not find a Tomb. By Treason thus my Greatness did decay ; Ere the Fruit grew , the Tree was cut away .

KIng Edward left behind him two Sons ; Edward of the Age of thirteen years , who unfortunately succeeded him ; and Richard Duke of York , two year younger ; with five Daughters , and one onely Brother Richard Duke of Glocester , who being of an ambitiou● and bloody Nature , took the Opportunity of the youn● K●ngs Minority , to raise himself upon the Ruins of his Brothers Family . At the death of the King , Prince Edward kept his Court at Ludlow in Wales , to restrain the Welch from Mischief ; and Anthony Earl of Rivers the Queens Brother , and Uncle to the Prince , was by King Edward made Protector of his Person , all Places of Honour and Profit being disposed of by the Queen and him , which Richard did much disdain , and therefore often consulted with the Duke of Buckingham , and the Lord Hastings , about removing the young King from them , who contrived to take him into their Custody , thereby to have the Honour and Benefit thereo● The Queen , with her Brother , and the Lord Grey he Son , and her other Friends , were now marching 〈◊〉 London with strong Forces , in order to Crown the King and the Duke of Glocester , knowing the Business mu● be done before that was performed , persuaded t●● Queen by Letters to dismiss the Soldiers , lest such ● great Army should cause suspicion of some ill Desig● and suddenly seising the King at Stonystratford , the waited upon him toward London , committing the Ea●● Rivers , Lord Grey , Sir Thomas Vaughan , and some others , to Pomfret Castle in Yorkshire , where they were soon after beheaded without any Trial , upon the same day that the Lord Hastings , who had conspired with Richard against them , was beheaded by his Order in the Tower , as you read hereafter .

Then Richard and his Confederates removed all the other Officers and Servants from about him , declaring that those Noblemen who suffered , had resolved to destroy all the Lords of King Edward's Blood . The Queen hearing of the fatal Murder of her Brother , Son , and Friends , repented her disbanding the Soldiers by Richard's cunning Persuasions , and fearing the Event , she , with her five Daughters , and her youngest Son Richard Duke of York , took Sanctuary at Westminster . The young King also mourned extremely at the miserable Slaughter of his Friends ; but the two Dukes of Glocester and Buckingham endeavoured to comfort him , expressing their Loyalty by a thousand Protestations , and bringing the King toward London , he was met by the Lord Mayor and above 500 grave Citizens , before whom Richard behaved himself with so much reverence and submission to the King , that he persuaded them , as well as the Council of State , to declare him Protector of the King and Kingdom , which was the great thing he aimed at ; but not having the Duke of York in his Hands , he grievously complained against the Queen , for detaining him as a Prisoner , and hindring him from keeping company with his Brother ; which he enforced with so many plausible Reasons , that the Council sent and commanded her to deliver him up , which she unwillingly did , kissing , and weeping bitterly over him , praying God to deliver him from all danger , and telling the Archbishop of York , who was sent for him , That she would require that poor and innocent Child at his Hands . When the lovely Youth was put into the Protector 's Hands , he before the whole Assembly took him in his Arms , kissing , hugging , and embracing him , and often solemnly protesting upon his Soul , That nothing in the World except the King himself was so dear to him as that young Child , though he then designed to sacrifice them both to his cursed Ambition : And bringing the young Duke to the King , who was extremely pleased with his Company , he conveyed them through London with great Pomp and State to the Tower , upon pretence of Security in these troublous Times , whenas there were no Troubles but what were occasioned by himself , and his wicked Accomplices .

Having thus betrayed these poor innocent Lambs into his Slaughter house , Richard then contrives how he might most commodiously Butcher them . At first he doubted whether he should reveal his Design to the Duke of Buckingham ; but upon promising his Daughter to Buckingham's Son , and the Earldom of Hartford as a Dowry , he soon gained him , and bestowing on him a great Sum of the Kings Money , he soon persuaded him to assist him : But because the Lord Hastings , whom the Protector for former Friendship had newly made Lord Chamberlain , had been always true to Edward the Fourth , and was hearty for the Service of the young King , they despaired of gaining him , and therefore resolved to dispatch him . Hereupon he called a great Council of the Lords in the Tower , proposing to them the speedy Coronation of the King , though it was least intended by him ; and then grew very pleasant with the Lords , and told Dr. Morton Bishop of Ely , whom he loved not , That he heard he had fine Strawberries in his Garden in Holbourn , intreating him to send for some ; which he willingly did , being very glad the Protector was so kind to him .

Upon a sudden Richard rises from the Board , desiring the Lords to proceed in the Matters before them , and that he would go out , and return again presently ; which he did within an Hour after : And being set in his Chair , he bent his Brows , bit his Lips , wrung his Fists , and looked fiercely on the Ground . The Lord being much disturbed at this Alteration , sate all silen● for some time , expecting what he would say ; at length he demanded , What they deserved who had wickedly plotted to destroy him , being Vncle and Protector to the King ? The Lords being absolutely innocent , sate like Men amazed , not one of them uttering a Word ; at length , the Lord Hastings , who was most familiar with him , replied , Those that have transgressed the Law , deserve the severest punishment thereof : To which all the Lords assented . Then quoth the Protector , That Sorceress , ( meaning the Queen ) and that Strumpet Shore 's Wife , have conspired together to take away my Life by Witchcraft ; and to confirm it , do but see how my Left-arm is already wasted and consumed : and therewith plucked up his Sleeve , and confidently shewed his naked Arm , though all present knew certainly , that his Arm had been never otherwise from his Mothers Womb : Neither could they be so foolish to believe that the Queen and Shore's Wife should joyn together , above all Women , since she was King Edward's Concubine ; besides , the Queen was known to be Mild , Virtuous , and Religious .

The Lord Hastings , who since Edward's Death had taken Shore's Wife for his Concubine , and having left her that Morning in his own Bed , endeavoured to appease his Rage against her , and said , My Lord , If the Queen and she have so done — The Protector furiously interrupting him , Thou Traytor , said he , dost thou tell me of If 's and And ' s ? I tell thee they have done it : And therewith struck his Hand very hard upon the Table , upon which the Room was presently filled with Soldiers , one of whom at his entrance struck at the Lord Stanley's Head with an Halbert , who to save his Life fell under the Board , though not without much loss of Blood . The Protector himself seised upon the Lord Hastings , and accusing him of Treason in general , without any Trial or Answer , caused him to be beheaded upon a Log on the Green in the Tower : Which Execution hapned the same day and hour that the afore-mentioned Lords suffered without Trial at Pomfret , by the Advice and Consent of this very Lord Hastings . After this , the Protector committed the Archbishop of York , the Bishop of Ely , and the Lord Stanley , to Prison ; and presently putting himself and Buckingham into ragged Clothes , he sent for several eminent Citizens , to whom he declared with great passion , That the Lord Hastings and his Confederates had conspired to take away his Life this Morning at the Council , had he not timely prevented it by the sudden Execution of him , and seising the rest . Within two hours after the Lord Hastings's his death , a long Proclamation , written fairly in Parchment , under the Great Seal , was read in divers parts of the City by an Herald at Arms , with great Solemnity ; whereby it appeared to be contrived and written some days before .

Richard having thus dispatcht those that he thought stood in his way , he caused Dr. Shaw , a wicked Priest , in a Sermon at Paul's Cross the Sunday after , to display the Honourable Birth of the Protector , with his Virtues and Valour , and to defame King Edward for his Wantonness with Shore's Wife , and others , and stigmatized his Children for Bastards , as being before his Marriage contracted to Elizabeth Lucy . He likewise charged the Protectors own Mother with Incontinency , when King Edward and the Duke of Clarence were born , and that none of her Children were Legitimate but Richard , whom he extolled to the Skies for his Goodness and Virtues ; at which time Richard appeared among the People , the Doctor expecting they should have shouted , and cried , God save King Richard ; but every one stood silent , and astonished , to observe how unworthily and villainously things were managed to make the Protector King . The next day the Duke of Buckingham endeavoured by the same Arguments to persuade the Londoners at Guildhall to acknowledge Richard for the true and undoubted Heir of the Crown , which they then did not assent to ; yet the next day they were forced against their Wills , at Baynards Castle , to accept of him for their lawful King , praying him to undergo that Burden for their Security ; which he often hypocritically refused , yet at last , with a pretended unwillingness , accepted . And here ended the short Reign , and soon after the Life of this young innocent Prince , having enjoyed it onely two Months and 13 days , being murdered by his barbarous Uncle in the 13th . year of his Age , 1483.

RICHARD the THIRD King of England , &c.

portrait of King Richard the 3rd A Moition that never is content , Which Angels threw from Heaven unto Hell . That for a Plague upon mankind is sent ; Ambitiously made me Aspire , Rebel ; Ambition that damn'd Necromantick spell , Made me clime high with shame to tumble down . By Blood , and Murther I did all expel , Whose Right , or Might debar'd me from the Crown . My smiles , my Gifts , my favour or my frown . Were mischievous ; in blood I took delight , By cruel Tyranny I sought renown , Till Heaven's just Judge me justly did requite , By Blood I go , by Blood I lost the Throne ; Alive , detested ; Dead , bewailed of none .

RIchard being crowned King , used all means possible to ingratiate himself with the people , and t●ough he heard that the Lord Strang Son to the Lord Stanley , was raising forces in the North for the relief of his Father the Lord Stanley , who was wrongfully imprisoned by Richard , he took no notice thereof , but instead of punishing him set him at liberty , and made him Steward of his House ; he likewise inlarged the Arch Bishop of York , but committed Morton Bishop of Ely , as a Prisoner to the Duke of Buckingham , which was afterward the cause of Richards destruction , as well as his own ; he conferred great honours upon several , creating his only Son Edward , Prince of Wales , John Howard , was made Duke of Norfolk , his Son Thomas , Earl of Surrey , the Lord William Barkley , was made Earl of Nottingham , and Francis Lovel , viscount Lovel ; having firmly settled himself , as he imagined , he sent Ambassadors to the French King , to conclude a Peace with him , who so much abhorred his detestable cruelties , that he would neither see , nor give audience to their Message . This affront and several others so tormented him , that he thought he should never be acknowledged , nor honoured as King whilst the young Princes lived , as though such horrible murders could ever gain him love , or reputation among the People .

Having , with his confederate the Devil , contrived this execrable villany , he took his progress toward Glocester , as if he intended to honour the place of his Title and Dignity , vainly imagining , that if this heinous fact were committed in his absence , he should be thought innocent thereof ; and first he attempted to perswade Sir Robert Brachenbury , whom he made Lieutenant of the Tower , to perpetrate this cursed act ; which he generously refusing , Richard swore , and stormed like a fury , but remembring there was a needy , profligate fellow , belonging to the Tower , named James Tirrel , he by Letters earnestly perswades him to commit this hellish murder , with promises of great reward ; who quickly assenting thereto demands , by Richards Letters , the keys of the Tower to be delivered to him by the Lieutenant , and then next night he sends Miles Forrest , and John Dighton , two Imps of Hell into the innocent Childrens Chamber , who smothered them both in their beds , and buried them at the stairs foot , from whence they were removed , and privately buried in some unknown place . The news of the death of the two young Princes , raised a lamentable consternation in the minds of the Nobility and People , only the Tyrant and his favourites gloried in this admired peace of policy , whereby they thought Richard had now securely setled himself and his posterity in the Kingdom , but soon after Edward his only Child died to his great grief and trouble .

And now returning to London from his progress , he called a Parliament , and made divers good Laws , and by his executing them with mercy , his liberality to the poor , and his courtesy to all persons , he endeavoured to insinuate himself into the favour and affections of all , which it seems had effect upon some , for several Gentlemen of divers Counties in England , offering him a Benevolence of a good sum of money , he refused it , saying , I had rather have your hearts , than your money ; which , considering his savage nature , it may be doubted in what sense the words were spoken . The Bishop of Ely being a Prisoner to the Duke of Buckingham , he by often discoursing with him became so intimate , that the Duke opened his whole mind to him , complaining of the bloody villanies and Tyranny of the King , which the Bishop endeavoured by all means to aggravate , repeating all the murders and other crimes he was guilty of , and at length perswaded him to endeavour the deposing of Richard , and advancing the Earl of Richmond to the Throne , and thereby unite the two Houses of Lancaster and York , by Richmond's marrying the Lady Elizabeth K. Edward the Fourth's eldest Daughter , he being Son and Heir apparent to Margret , Countess of Richmond , Daughter and Heir of John Duke of Somerset , son to John of Gaunt , Fourth Son of Edward the Third , and therefore a lawful Heir to the Crown , and that hereby all occasion of Faction and Civil Wars , would be removed , and the World would be rid of a Master , who was loathed and hated by all good men .

The Bishop having by these and many other Arguments confirmed Buckingham , in his Resolution of attempting against Richard , he then prevailed with him , to let him go into the Isle of Ely , from whence he fled to the Earl of Richmond in Flanders ; King Richard having notice hereof , sent many rich gifts and presents to the Duke of Brittain to deliver up Richmond to him , but could not prevail , and tho the Plot of the Bishop was very secret , yet Richard had intelligence thereof , and resolved to take off Buckingham , either by fair or foul means , and therefore sent for him kindly to Court , but the Duke knowing that Richard never spared the Blood of any who stood in his way , sent submissive excuses , as not being able to travel ; the King soon perceived his sickness was more in mind than body , and therefore sent Letters full of threats , peremptorily commanding him to come ; the Duke rather desiring an open enemy , than a false friend , boldly returned answer ; That he would not venture his life in the hands of such a Monster , Murtherer , and usurping Tyrant as he was ; and thereupon presently fled to Arms , raising considerable forces in Wales , Sir Edward Courtrey and his Brother , the Bishop of Exeter did the like in Devonshire , Sir Richard Guilford and others in Kent , and the Marquess of Dorset in Yorkshire .

Richard preparing an Army , marched with all speed to meet Buckingham , before he joined with his confederates , who resolving to confront him designed to bring his Army over the Severn to Glocester , but the night before it rained extreamly , & continued so to do for ten days after , which caused a very great flood , and laid all the Country under water , drowning Towns , Villages , and abundance of People ; this delay caused scarcity in the Dukes Army , upon which the inconstant Welch , ran away and left him alone , so that he was forced to fly to one Humfry Banister near Shrewsbury for security , he having been his Servant , and raised by the Duke to a handsome estate ; the Lords hearing of the Dukes ill success , got to Sea and arrived safely in Brittain ; Richard offered a thousand pound to any who should discover the Duke of Buckingham , upon which that ungrateful Wretch delivered him up , and without any Legal Tryal , he was instantly beheaded .

In the mean time Richmond hearing nothing of these misfortunes , having got together about five thousand men , imbarqued them for England , but was beaten back by a storm , and much shattered ; yet being relieved by the French King , he soon after got into Brittain , where he met his noble friends , by whom it was concluded to attempt landing in England once more , Richmond swearing to marry Elizabeth , K. Edward the Fourths eldest Daughter ; But K. Richard to prevent the match , perswaded the old Queen with large promises , and great sums of money to deliver her five Daughters into his custody , and soon after he caused it to be reported , that his own Queen was dead , which she hearing of , was much troubled , and in a week after was found dead indeed ; which Richard so little regarded , that he presently made love to the Lady Elizabeth , who considering her own and Sisters danger , durst not deny him absolutely , but perswaded him to stay till he had defeated the Duke of Richmond , and setled himself in Peace .

At this time his Court flatterers perswaded him , that Richmond and his Party received such small incouragement , and assistance from the French King , that he was unable to make any attempt against him , which Richard readily believed , and therefore discharged the forces which were in Garrison , on the Sea Coasts , whereby it pleased God to infatuate the councel of this Bloody Politician ; & to bring him to his deserved fate : for soon after by the aid of the young French King , the Earl of Richmond , with a very inconsiderable force , landed at Milford in Wales , where he saw little appearance of assistance , but the Welchmen being put in mind that Richmond , being the Son of Owen Tudor , was of their own Countrey and Blood , and that he would have a special kindness for them ; that he would marry the Lady Elizabeth , and thereby perfectly settle the Kingdom , they soon flockt yea throng'd unto him with willing and resolved minds , under several Gallant Commanders ; the Earl of Shrewsbury likewise sent in two thousand men , and Sir Thomas Bouchier , Sir Walter Hungerford , and the Lord Stanley came with five thousand more ; all these were lieved by King Richards order , but revolted to Richmond , as judging it lawful to forsake a Tyrant , and submit to a more legal Power ; Richard was much disturbed at this disappointment , however he raised an Army of about twenty thousand , and with his true friend John Duke of Norfolk , marched toward Bosworth , in Leicestershire , where the Armies met , and fought two hours , K. Richard , acting the part of a valiant Commander , but at length was slain , as it is said by the Earl of Richmonds own hand , August 22. 1485. a thousand of his men being killed , and among them the Duke of Norfolk , and not above an hundred of Richmonds ; after the battle , Thomas Howard , Earl of Surrey , Son and Heir to the Duke of Norfolk , was taken Prisoner , fighting for King Richard , of whom the Earl of Richmond demanded , How he durst bear Arms , for that Tyrant Richard ; who answered , He was my Crowned King , and if the Parliamentary Authority of England set the Crown upon a stock , I will fight for that stock ; and as I fought then for him , so I will fight for you when you are established by the same Authority . And so he did for his Son Henry 8. at Flodden Field . Camdens Remains .

King Richard being killed , his Crown , which he that day wore , being found among the spoils , was brought to Henry Earl of Richmond , by his Father in Law , the Lord Stanley , and the Souldiers shouting loudly , and crying King Henry , King Henry , he crowned him therewith in the open Field ; King Richard had three wicked Councellers who incited him to cruelty , Sir Richard Ratcliff , Sir William Catesby and the Lord Lovel , and Richard gave the Hog for the supporter of his Arms , whereupon one Collingborn made the following Rime , and was executed for the same as a Traytor .

The Rat , the Cat , and Lovel the Dog , Rule all England under a Hog .

Thus lived , and thus died King Richard after he had reigned as a Tyrant two years , two months , and two days , and of his Age thirty nine , 1485.

HENRY the SEVENTH , King of England , &c.

portrait of King Henry the 7th I Was the Man by Providence assign'd To purchase to this restless Kingdom rest ; I York and Lancaster in one conjoyn'd , That by long Wars each other had opprest ; My Strength and Wisdom both by Heav'n were blest With good success , even from first to last , And the Almighty turned to the best A world of dangers which I over past . I did unite the White Rose and the Red , By a Conjugal , Sacred Marriage Band ; Traytors and Treason both , I quite struck dead , For I was guarded by a Mighty Hand In Honour and Magnificence I Reign'd , And after death a glorious Tomb I gain'd .

HEnry Earl of Richmond being Crowned by the name of King Henry the Seventh , he according to his Oath and Promise , married the Lady Elizabeth eldest Daughter to King Edward the Fourth , thereby uniting the two Houses of Lancaster and York , whose differences had been the death of many . Thousand gallant men . He then chose a select number of men for the security of his Person , whom he called the Yeomen of the Guard or Crown , and rewarded his Friends with Honours and Offices , and among others Edward Stafford Son of the Duke of Buckingham was restored to his Fathers Dignity and Estate , and calling a Parliament at Westminster , all Acts which made him and his adherents guilty of High Treason were repealed , and cancelled , and the Crown was intailed upon him and his Heirs . In his second year Francis Lord Lovel , Humphrey and Thomas Strafford who had taken sanctuary for their safety at Colchester , animated many People in the North to a Rebellion ; but King Henry soon raising an Army and pursuing them , their Commanders fled , and left the poor Rebels , who upon submission were pardoned by the King . Strafford again took Sanctuary in an Abby near Oxford , but was violently forced from thence , as not being sufficient enough to protect Traytors , who being condemned was executed , but his Brother was pardoned , as Acting by his instigation .

No sooner was this Fire quenched , but another broke out , for the next year Sir Richard Symond a knavish crafty Priest , knowing that Edward Plantaginet Son and Heir to George Duke of Clarence , Brother to King Edward the Fourth , who was now seventeen years old , had from his Infancy been kept Prisoner by the two last Kings in the Castle of Sherry Hutton in Yorkshire , and that he had been lately removed from thence to the Tower by King Henry , he got a young Boy named Lambert Simnel a Bakers Son whom he instructed in all Court accomplishments , and then told him that he was the onely Son of the Duke of Clarence , and first Heir Male of the House of York . The Youth being Ingenious was soon fired with this Discourse , so that he could talk thereof very subtilly , as if he had received his knowledge by Inspiration . This Priest having throughly instructed this apt Scholar , he conveyed him into Ireland , and was soon entertained , and believed by that barbarous and fickle Nation , who gave him all Honour and Reverence , yea divers of the Nobility after much conference with him , did really believe what he affirmed to be true , and among others , the Lord Chancellor , and Sir Thomas Gerandine , pitying his condition , were very liberal toward him . He then gave private notice thereof to the Lady Magaret Dutchess Dowager of Burgundy , and Sister to King Edward the Fourth , who though she certainly knew he was a Countefeit , yet bearing a mortal hatred to King Henry , and the House of Lancaster , and hoping if the Design succeeded , it might procure the inlargement and advancement of her true Nephew Edward to the Crown , she published the report thereof in England , and all other places , and that the Irish had received him for their Sovereign , neither would she be wanting to support him with Men , Money , and Arms to the utmost .

These vain reports caused her Sister Eiizabeth , the Lord Lovel , and several other of the discontented English Nobility , to transport themselves to her into Flanders , and she having raised about 2000 men , sent them to Ireland to joyn with 2000 more , all resolving for England . In the mean time King Henry to discover the Cheat , caused Edward the young Earl of Warwick to be brought publickly through the City , from the Tower to St. Pauls Church , where vast numbers of Nobility and Commons discoursed with him . And now Lamberts Forces landed near Lincoln , to whom Henry sent an Army , who soon routed the Irish for want of Arms , and dispersed the rest , most of their Commanders being slain , Symonds the Priest , and Lambert , were taken Prisoners , the first being committed to perpetual Imprisonment , and Lambert was first made Scullion Boy , and afterwards the Kings Falkoner . In his fourth year , a Tax being raised by Parliament for assisting the Duke of Brittain against the French , the Countrey People in Northumberland and Durham refused to pay it , and cruelly murdered the Earl of Northumberland , who was employed in raising thereof ; and increasing in number , they committed many Insolencies , but the King sending a compleat Army against them under the Earl of Surry , and following himself in person , the Rebels as Men amazed , soon fled , after which followed severe execution upon all whom the King suspected to dislike his Government .

In his seventh year King Henry sailed with an Army into France , and Besieged Bulloign assaulting it fiercely , but the French King by the Mediation of his Friends and Money , soon procured a Peace very honourable to Henry . About which time his ancient , and inveterate Enemy the Dutchess of Burgundy set up another Pageant against him , having instructed a Dutch Boy called Perkin Warbeck , to personate Richard Duke of York second Son to Edward the Fourth , and Brother to King Edward the Fifth , instructing him exactly in the Pedegrees of the Houses of Lancaster and York , and telling him she resolved to advance him to the Crown , whereby the youth in a short time became as expert in the Language and Linage as any Englishman whatsoever .

The French King expecting daily an English Army to be raised in Brittain , sent for Perkin , and promised to assist him in regaining his Kingdom , honouring him with all manner of magnificence , so that the youngster could not but strongly imagine that he was born to be a King . But in the midst of his flattering hopes , the Peace between France and England aforementioned was concluded ; upon which for fear he should be delivered up to King Henry , he fled secretly out of France to his Titular Aunt the Dutchess , who received him joyfully , entertaining him like a Prince , with plenty of Money and costly Apparel , and ordering thirty Gentlemen of Quality to wait on him as his Guard . She then caused it to be published in England , that her Nephew Richard was alive , and expected the assistance of all his loving Subjects to restore him to his Kingdom , as being the undoubted Heir Male of the House of York , these reports wrought much both upon the Gentry and Common People , so that many resolved to assist him , and sent Sir Robert Clifford secretly into Flanders to enquire whether he were really such as was pretended , who by the Subtilty of the Dutchess , and the Ingenuity of the Lad was really perswaded that he was King Edward the Fourth's youngest Son , of which sending an account into England , his Friends and Partakers daily increased .

This Design extreamly disturbed King Henry , who therefore strongly fortified all places upon the Sea , coast , and likewise sent divers Spies to the Dutchess of Burgundy , who under pretence of joyning with her , discovered what Persons in England intended to joyn with Perkin , upon whose information , and after Legal Tryals , the chiefest of them were executed as Traytors . In the mean time an Insurrection happened in Lond n against the Easterlings , the Apprentices of London breaking up their Warehouses at the Stillyard and doing much mischief , but they were soon disperst by the Lord Mayor , and afterward all pardoned by the King . And now Sir Robert Clifford upon his repentance , and the Intercession of his Friends was pardoned by King Henry , who coming over discovered all the Contrivances of the Lady Margaret and Perkin , with the rest of the Conspirators , but named onely Sir William Stanley , at which the King admired , because he was much beloved by him , and had received great rewards , who upon clear Conviction was beheaded .

In the mean time Perkin being furnished with Ships by the Lady Margaret , manned with abundance of Villains and Outlaws , who landing in Kent were beaten back with great loss , and 160 taken Prisoners , who where executed in divers places . Having such ill success he lands next in Ireland , and goes from thence to Scotland , where he was entertained by that King , though he knew he was a Counterfeit , who assisting him , they marched into Northumberland , and almost utterly destroy'd it . Upon this King Henry calls a Parliament , who laying a severe Tax on the People , the Cornishmen rebel , and march toward London , but at Blackheath King Henry got an absolute Victory , with the slaughter of 2000 Rebels . And then turning his Arms toward the Scots , they fled before him , so that he entred Scotland without resistance , destroying many considerable Towns and Forts , the Scotch King not daring to relieve them , though he with his Army were sometimes not a mile distant . Upon this followed a Truce for some years , upon condition that Perkin should be banished out of Scotland , who sailed from thence into Cornwal , where the Cornishmen though so lately defeated , yet being desperate , joyned with him , and Besieged Exeter very closely , but at length left it , and sat down before Taunton , but the King marching toward him with a Formidable Army , Perkin with his chief Captains fled and took Sanctuary at Beauly near Southampton , several of the rest were taken and executed , and the Rable pardoned , and Perkin being Besieged in his Monastry , yielded himself , and was brought to the King , who pardoned him , only he was set in the Stocks upon an high Scaffold in Cheapside a whole day with a Paper pinned at his back declaring his ignoble descent and Pedigree , and was then committed Prisoner to the Tower , where practicing with Edward the young Earl of Warwick , and others to raise disturbances , he was by Law condemned and executed for High Treason , together with young Warwick , who was extreamly pitied by all for his innocence .

King Henry soon after sending an Ambassage to Philip Duke of Burgundy , by Warham Arch-Bishop of Canterbury ; the Doctor in the end of his Speech , gave this severe remark on the Dutchess , That after she was threescore years old , she had brought forth two Monsters , Lambert and Perkin , and those not in the ninth and tenth Month , as Women usually do , but in the hundred and fourscore Month ( for they were both above fifteen years of age , when she brought them abroad as it were out of her Belly , neither were they Crisoms or Infants , but such lusty lads , that as soon as ever they were born , they were able to make War with a Mighty King . )

These troubles being over , his eldest Son Prince Arthur of fifteen years old , was married to the Lady Katharine daughter to Ferdinando King of Spain , and the next year James the Fourth King of Scots married the Lady Margaret eldest Daughter to King Henry ; but these joys were soon over , for Prince Arthur died within five Months after he was married . And now King Henry resolving to humble his People , took advantage of the breach of the Penal Laws , imploying Sir Richard Empson and Edmond Dudle● therein , who being attended with a Band of Cheats and Informers ruined abundance of People in many Countreys in England , so that no man thought himself secure of any thing he enjoyed .

In his twenty first year the King and Queen of Castile being driven by storm into England were entertained by the King with all kind of magnificence , and the next year King Henry grew sick and infirm , and perceiving his time was short , he deprived those Caterpillars of their power , who during his Sickness Plagued the People more than ever , he likewise pardoned all Offences , and restored great summs to those who had been robbed by those wretched Cormorants , being extream penitent for the wrongs and injuries he had committed upon his Subjects ; and having reigned twenty three years , and lived fifty two , he died , and was buried in a sumptuous Chappel built with great cost by himself at Westminster in the year 1508.

HENRY the EIGHTH , King of England , &c.

portrait of King Henry the 8th TO both the Royal Houses I was Heir ; Of Two , that long contended , I One made : This Nation rent , and almost in despair , I did revive , setling Commerce and Trade . I banish'd RomishVsurpations vain ; In France I Bulloign , Tyrwin , Tournay wa● ; The Stile of Faiths Defender I did gain ; Six Wives I had , three Anns , two Kates , one Jane . In my Expences Royal beyond measure , Striving in Noble Actions to exceed , Accounting Honour as my greatest Treasure : Yet various Fancies did my Frailty feed ; I made , I marr'd , I did , and I undid , Till all my Greatness in a Grave was hid .

HEnry , the onely surviving Son of Henry the Seventh , succeeded his Father at Eighteen years of Age , 1509. And having a Dispensation from the Pope , he married the Lady Katherine , his Brother Prince Arthur's Widow . To oblige his People , he made open Proclamation , That he would hear the Complaints against Empson and Dudley ; and finding they had committed notorious Rapines on his Subjects , he caused them to be beheaded at Tower-hill , and their Confederates were Pilloried in several Places of the Kingdom . At this time the French King Lewis the Twelfth made War with the Pope , whereupon Henry offered himself a Mediator , but was rejected by the French King , and therefore proclaimed War against France ; upon which occasion , and for writing against Martin Luther , the Pope stiled him Defender of the Faith . Henry sending a Fleet and an Army thither , took the Towns of Tyrwin and Tournay . At the same time James the Fourth King of Scots , though he had married Margaret King Henry's eldest Sister , contrary to his Oath and Articles , invaded England with an Army of 100000 Fighting Men ; but the Earl of Surrey with 26000 Men marching against them , utterly routed the whole Scotch Army at Flodden field , King James himself being slain valiantly fighting . After this succeeded a Peace , and the French King married King Henry's second Sister , Mary .

And now Cardinal Wolsey , of mean Parentage , grew extreme Great , by the Kings extraordinary Affection toward him ; and among other extravagant Actions , he procured a License from the Pope to pluck down several small Abbies and Priories , and to settle the Lands upon two Colleges which he had built , one in Ipswich , and another in Oxford ; which President occasioned King Henry , some years after , to pull down all the rest .

In his eighth year a Riot hapned in London against Merchant-Strangers , and Artificers , for which many were condemned of High Treason , but were all pardoned by the King . The Truce with France was soon broken by the French King , whereupon King Henry sent an Army thither , who won and burnt Morlaix , and several other Towns , returning home with great Booty .

In his twentieth year the Kings Marriage with Queen Katherine of Spain is questioned , which was thought to be cunningly contrived by Cardinal Wolsey ; whereupon the King refrained her Bed , and it was judged unlawful by six Foreign Universities : so that notwithstanding the Popes Opposition , who would have had it referred to him , it was made null and void by the next Parliament ; upon which the Pope caused his Curse to be set up at Dunkirk against the King , pronouncing the Marriage lawful : But Henry little regarded those Paper Pellets ; for hereby the Pope lost his Supremacy in England , and Bishop Fisher and Sir Thomas More were beheaded for defending it . The King soon after married Ann Bullein , Daughter to the Lord Rochford , who was judged a Favourer of Protestants , and therefore disliked by Cardinal Wolsey , who for abundance of Misdemeanours was found guilty of a Praemunire , and all his Estate and Honours were taken from him , for grief whereof he soon after died .

In his twenty sixth year the King was by Parliament declared Supreme Head of the Church , within all his own Dominions , in all Ecclesiastical Causes ; and all Popish Bulls and Indulgences were made void , and several Religious Houses of Nuns and Monks , whose Revenue exceeded not 200 l. a year , were suppressed . The next year Queen Ann , the Kings dearly-beloved Wife , was beheaded , though she protested her Innocency at her death , being accused for prostituting her Body to her own Brother the Lord Rochford , who with some others were put to death for the same .

This Tragedy being over , the King within twenty ▪ days married Jane the Daughter of Sir John Seymour , by whom he had the Virtuous Prince Edward , who succeeded him ; but within few days after the good Queen died . James King of Scotland being slain , as aforementioned , his Queen , Margaret , eldest Sister to King Henry , was afterward married to Archibald Dowglas Earl of Angus , who had a Daughter by her called Margaret ; this young Lady the Lord Howard married without the Kings leave , for which , she being of the Blood Royal , he was beheaded as a Traytor . The Kings Proceedings against the Pope caused a Rebellion in Lincolnshire ; but they were soon dispersed , and Captain Cobler their Leader , with others , executed . This was no sooner supprest , but an Insurrection begun in the North , of above 40000 , who called themselves The Holy Pilgrims ; but upon the Kings Pardon , they all quietly departed ●ome . A third Rebellion succeeded in Westmorland , upon the same account ; but was likewise defeated , and seventy of the principal Conspirators executed .

In his twenty eighth year several Persons were executed for denying the Kings Supremacy , and the Lord Cromwel is made Vicegerent in all Spiritual Matters , by whom all Images and Shrines in Churches were taken down and destroyed , and the Houses and Lands of Abbots , Priors , Monks , and Nuns , for their many Misdemeanours , were all taken away , and their yearly Revenues , amounting to above 200000 l. setled on the King , who freely exchanged them for other Lands with divers of his Nobles and Gentry , thereby preventing , as much as possible , the restoring them to their former Uses . After the Lord Cromwel had performed this great Business , he persuaded the King to marry Ann of Cleve , whom he never liked , so that though he was married to her four Months , he never conversed with her as a Wife , the Clergy soon after dissolving the Marriage , and the King married Katherine Howard , Daughter to the Lord Howard , Brother to the Duke of Norfolk . The King then began to frown upon Cromwel , which his Enemies , who were many , observing , procured his Downfal ; for he was attainted in Parliament , and without being suffered to defend himself , was condemned and executed for High Treason ; and about this time the Lord Hungerford and the Lord Leonard Gray were put to death .

King Henry was very unfortunate in his Wives ; for soon after his last Marriage , he was informed that his Queen Katherine had before Marriage lived very lasciviously with one Francis Derham , and Thomas Culpeper ; whereupon the Queen , and the Lady Rochfort who was privy thereto , were soon after attainted of Treason by Parliament , and beheaded ; and the other two hanged at Tyburn .

About this time an Act of Parliament was made , declaring it High Treason to deny the Oath of Supremacy , or to acknowledge the Authority of the Pope . Yet though the Discipline of the Church was altered , the Doctrine remained almost the same ; for there were six bloody Articles likewise enacted , and it was made Heresie , and thereupon burning , to deny any of them . They were these : 1. That after speaking the Words of Consecration by the Priest , the real and natural Body and Blood of Christ , as he was conceived and crucified , was in the Sacrament , and no other Substance . 2. That the Communion in both Kinds is not necessary to Salvation . 3. That Priests may not marry . 4. That Vows of Chastity ought to be observed by the Law of God . 5. That Private Masses ought to be continued . 6. That Auricular Confession is necessary and expedient to be retained in the Church of God . The refusal of these Articles caused the Death of very many Protestants , as the denying the Kings Supremacy cut off several Papists ; so that at the same time Protestants were burnt on one side of Smithfield , and Papists hanged on the other ; which made Foreigners admire , not understanding what Religion King Henry was of .

In his thirty third year the King married Katherine Parr , Sister to the Marquess of Northampton , and Widow to the Lord Latimer , who was likely to have lost her Head , if her Virtue , and the Kings sudden Death , had not reserved her for better Fortune ; for being studious in the English Bible , which was forbid to be read , she thereby began to hearken to those who declaimed against the Abuses of the Roman Church , and thought her self so well instructed in her Religion , that she would debate thereof with the King , who impatiently heard her , both by reason of the anguish of his sore Leg , and because he hated to be contradicted , especially in his old Age , and by his Wife , as he said . This was so much aggravated by Stephen Gardiner Bishop of Winchester , a bitter Enemy to the Reformation , as being against the Six Articles , and the Proclamation against Prohibited Books , that the King gave leave to him and Wriothsley the Chancellor to draw up Articles against her , which they presented to the King , and were subscribed by him , so that they onely expected a Warrant to carry her to the Tower ; which the Queen accidentally hearing of , fell into a great Passion , extremely bewailing her Misfortune ; of which the King having notice , came himself to her Chamber , where compassionating her Condition , he used such kind Words as did help to recover her ; so that the next Night coming into the Kings Chamber , he began to talk of Religion ; but she wittily excusing her self by reason of the weakness of her Sex & Judgment , said , She would refer her self in this , as in all other Causes , to his Majesties Wisdom . Not so , by St. Mary , quoth the K. you are become a Doctor , Kate , to instruct Vs , as We take it , and not to be instructed or directed by Vs . But the Queen replying , That what she said was rather to pass away the time , and make him forget his Pain , than to hold an Argument ; and that she hoped , by hearing his Majesties Learned Discourse , to receive some Profit thereby : The King answered , And is it even so , Sweet-heart ? Then are we perfect Friends again ; and therewith lovingly kissed her . But her Enemies knowing nothing of this Reconcilement , prepared to send her to the Tower the next day , according to the Kings Warrant ; when she being merrily talking with him in the Garden , the Lord Wriothsley with forty of his Guard came in whom the King sternly beholding , and after calling to him at some distance from the Queen , so expostulated the matter , that at last he reviled him , and commanded him out of his Presence : yet at the Kings return , she humbly begged his Pardon ; to whom the King answered , Alas , poor Soul ! thou little knowest how ill he has deserved this ; for I assure thee , he has been a very Knave to thee . And thus by her opportune Submission she escaped , though Winchester absolutely designed her Ruine .

Not long before King Henry sailed to Callice in a Ship with Sails of Cloth of Gold , and the Emperour of Germany served under him as a Soldier , at 100 Crowns a day . The King sate down before Bul●oigne , and in six weeks time it was delivered to him . This was succeeded by a War with Scotland , by the instigation of the French King ; whereupon Henry sent an Army of 20000 Men to invade Scotland , who burnt and plundred several Towns and Villages ; but James the Fifth of Scotland , an active and warlike Prince , having raised Forces , marched toward the Borders , with a resolution to fight the English , though dissuaded by his Nobility , who remembred the Miseries of the former War , and the loss of their last King . James having made Oliver Sinclair , a Favourite of mean Birth , General , the Lords were so much disgusted , that upon the appearance of onely 500 English Horse , apprehending them to be the whole English Army , the Scots threw down their Arms and fled . Many Prisoners were taken , as the Earls of Glencairn , Cassils , the Lords Maxwell , Sommervill , Oliphant , Gray , and Ol. Sinclair , with above 200 Gentlemen , and 800 Soldiers . The News of this Loss , with the murdering of an English Herald , being brought to King James , together with the Birth of a Daughter , when he earnestly desired a Son , so oppressed him with Grief and Despair , that he fell into a Fever , and died , the thirty third year of his Age , and the thirty second of his Reign , leaving onely his Infant Daughter Mary to succeed him .

This turn of Affairs put Henry upon new thoughts of uniting England and Scotland , by procuring a Marriage between his Son Prince Edward and the young Queen of Scotland ; whereupon the King having magnificently treated the Scotch Nobility , represented to them this fair Occasion of ending all Quarrels between the two Nations ; who approving thereof , the Match was confirmed both by the Parliament of England and Scotland . But Cardinal Beaton , Archbishop of St. Andrews , fearing that the Consequence of it would be a Change in Matters of Religion , opposed it , as likewise the French , which caused continual Wars , and great Devastations . And then the King fell again upon France , who were ●routed by him in divers kirmishes ; but in his thirty eighth year a Peace was concluded between England and France : And soon after , the Duke of Norfolk , and his Son the Earl of urrey , were convicted of High Treason , onely for Quartering the Arms which they said properly belonged to the King ; for which the Earl was beheaded , to the great grief of the People ; but the Duke , by reason of the Kings Sickness , and Death soon after , was preserved : For he was grown excessive Corpulent , and the Inflammation of his Leg cast him into a lingring Fever , whereby he finding his Spirits decay , made his Will , wherein he ordered that his onely Son Edward should succeed him , and he dying without Issue , his Daughter Mary ; and after her , if without Issue , his Daughter Elizabeth should succeed ; appointed the Principal Men of the Kingdom for his Executors : And finding his last Moment approaching , he sent for Archbishop Cranmer , then at Croyden , who coming , found him speechless . The Archbishop desired him to give some Sign of his dying in the Faith of Christ , upon which he squeezed his Hand , and presently departed , after he had reigned thirty seven years and nine months , and lived fifty six . Thus died King Henry , whose Reign had been fatal to his Queens , burdensom and cruel to his Subjects ; yet glorious in respect of his Victories over his Enemies , and that the Ax was then first laid to the Root of Superstition , and the Door first opened to Truth and Reformation .

EDWARD the SIXTH King of England , &c.

portrait of King Edward the 6th I seem'd in wisdom aged , in my youth , A Princely Pattern , I reformed the time . With Christian Courage , I maintained Gods Truth . And Christian Faith , 'gainst Antichristian crime ; My Father did begin it , in my prime , And Bial , and Belial from this Kingdom drove , And I did still endeavour all my time : By all means to advance Gods Truth and Love , To add Grace unto Grace , I always strove . I liv'd beloved both of God and Men , My Soul unto its maker soar'd above , My Mortal Part returned to Earth agen . Thus death my just proceedings did prevent ; And Peers and People did my loss lament .

EDward was born at Hampton-Court , Oct. 17. 1537. Being the only surviving Son of K. Henry the 8. by Q. Jane Seymour his third wife , who died soon after her delivery ; He was very carefully educated by his Father , and had such a happy Genius , that in a short time he attained to a perfect use & knowledge of the ancient and modern Languages , and was exceedingly skilled in all the liberal Arts ; He was of a beautiful body , a mild and gracious disposition , and an Heavenly wit , so that the renowned Cardan calls him a Miracle of Nature ; After K. Henrys Death , Edward by unquestionable right succeeded him , his Father having appointed twenty eight Councellours to assist him in the Government till he came of Age , who chose the Earl of Hartford , afterward Duke of Somerset , to be Protector of the King , and Kingdom . After his Fathers funerals were past , several Persons were advanced to honours , in order to his Coronation , which was performed February , 20 1547. At which three Swords were delivered to him , as King of England , France and Ireland , and having received them he said , There was yet another Sword to be delivered to him ; whereat when the Lords wondred , I mean , said he , the sacred Bible which is the Sword of the Spirit , without which we are nothing , neither can do any thing .

King Henry before his death , strictly charged the Lords of the Council , to use their utmost endeavour for perfecting the marriage of his Son Edward , with the young Queen of Scots , in prosecution whereof , the Protector entred Scotland with a considerable Army by Land , and a fleet of sixty Ships under the Lord Clinton scoured the Seas ; upon which the Governour of Scotland erected the Firecross , which was two firebrands set in the fashion of a Cross , and pitched upon the point of a spear , with a Proclamation that all above sixteen years of Age , and under sixty , should resort forthwith to Musselborough , and bring provision of victuals with them , upon which so many came in , that the most serviceable only were retained ; the English , approaching , a Fierce Battle ensued , but at last the English remained victors , wherein were slain fourteen thousand cots , with the L. Fleming , and other Persons of Quality , and of English , only Fifty one Horsemen , and one Footman , though many wounded , this sight was at Edmonstone Bridge , near Musselborough , there were fifteen hundred Prisoners taken , the chief whereof were , the Lords Yester , Hobley and Hamilton , the Master of anepool , the Lord Weems , and the Earl of Huntley , who being demanded how they were stood affected to the Marriage , answered , That they liked the match well enough , but did not approve of this kind of woing . After this the English plundred and fired ●eith , and took several other places , so that the Earl Bothwell and other Gentry of Tiviotdale , came and submitted to the Protector , entring into Terms of Peace with him .

The Protector returning to London , called a Parliament , wherein the six Articles were repealed , and those Colledges and Chappels that K. Henry had not seized , were given to the K. & the Churches were ordered to be purged of Images ; no Beads , Processions , Prayers to Saints , or for the Dead , or in an unknown Tongue to be used , Masses and Dirges were likewise abolished ; upon this , divers Bishops refusing to comply with the Injunctions in Religion , were removed and committed to Prison ; It was likewise ordained that the Eucharist should be received in both kinds , that Bishops should be made by the King , under his Letters Patents , without any other pretended Authority , and that all persons exercising Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction should have the Kings Arms in the eals of their Office , after which they confirmed the Kings Supremacy . In the mean time the young Queen of cots was conveyed into France , and married to Francis the Dauphin , at six years old .

These Alterations of Religion , caused divers Insurrections , for the Commissioners going into the Country , to execute the aforementioned orders , as Mr. Body one of the Commissioners , was performing his office in the West of England , by plucking down Images , he was stabbed to the heart by a Popish Priest , and the Common People joining with the Priest , upon the instigation of other Papists , they took Arms , to the number of ten thousand , refusing the pardon offered them , and besieging Exeter , which was Gallantly defended , but at length the King sending his Forces , soon dispersed them , several of the Ringleaders being taken and executed in London .

This was succeeded by another Insurrection in Norfolk under one Ket a Tanner , who issued out warrants in his Majesties name , acting the part of the Kings Deputy , without his Authority , and calling the Tree near Norwich , wherein he pretended to administer Justice , The Oak of Reformation , but the Earl of Warwick , marching against them , upon offer of a General Pardon , they laid down their Arms , sixty of them being before executed by Martial Law , and nine hanged upon the Oak of Reformation . A third Insurrection happened upon the neck of this in Yorkshire , raised by one Ombler a Gentleman , Dale a Parish Clerk , and Stephenson a Priest ; who gathered four or five thousand to assist them , upon conceit of a Prophecy , That the time should come , wherein there would be no King ; the Nobility and Gentry should be destroyed , and the Land ruled by four Governours , elected by the Commons , holding a Parliament in Commotion , which should begin at the North Seas of England . And this they thought to be the time , and that the Rebels in Devonshire , Yorkshire , and Norfolk , should join together to accomplish this Prophesy , but hearing of the bad success of their friends , and having a pardon sent them by the King , they forsook their Leaders , who were taken and executed at York .

At this time some heats arose at Court , between the Wives of the two Brothers the Lord Protector , and L. High Admiral about precedency , whereupon the Admiral was accused of attempting to get the Kings Person and Government into his hands , with divers other matters for which he was condemned by the contrivance of the Earl of Warwick , and by his Brothers Warrant beheaded upon Tower-hill ; And now Cardinal Pool was upon the Death of Paul the third elected Pope , which being told him , he desired them to consider well , whether they were swayed by no passion of mind , or did any thing for favour or affection , but only for the honour of God and the Church ; they taking this for a kind of denial , presently chose Cardinal Montanus , who took the name of Julius the third . During these domestick troubles , the French had divers times attempted Bulloign , and had now got seven thousand men , and all other provisions necessary to surprize it , but being come within a quarter of a Mile of the Fort , the Garrison had notice thereof , who put themselves into such a posture to receive them , that they were repulsed with a great slaughter , fifteen Waggons being laden with the dead bodies ; afterward they attempted Guernsey and Jersey , with no better success , being beaten off with the loss of a thousand men ; upon this succeeded a Peace , whereby it was agreed , that Bulloign should be surrendred to the French , with all the Forts , Artillery and baggage , upon the payment of Four hundred thousand Crowns , to the King of England .

The Duke of Brunswick now desired the Lady Mary , the Kings Eldest Sister in Marriage , but there being a treaty about marrying her to the Infanto of Portugal , it was retarded ; In the mean while the Emperor of Germany , demanded by his Ambassador , that the Lady Mary might have free exercise of the Mass , but neither promises nor threats could prevail with the King to allow it , being as he said against his Conscience ; a treaty was likewise set on foot for a Marriage , between the Lady Elizabeth the Kings youngest Sister , and the King of Denmarks Eldest Son , but when it was almost concluded , the princess could by no means be prevailed upon to consent thereto . And soon after several of the Nobility were sent in an Ambassy to the French King , to Treat of a Marriage between King Edward and his Daughter , which at length was agreed on , the French being to give her two hundred thousand Crowns as a Portion , but it was never consummated by reason of the Kings Death .

The Earl of Warwick was now created Duke of Northumberland , and having an irreconcileable hatred against the Duke of Somerset Lord Protector , resolved upon his ruin , which Somerset was not insensible of , and therefore used all imaginable caution to defeat him , but being of a mild disposition , though perswaded by his friends , to prevent his own ruin by Northumberlands destruction , he was unwilling to taste any violent course , only he was perswaded by some treacherous acquaintance to go privately armed to the Council Table , where being apprehended his bosom was opened , and he thereupon committed to the Tower , tryed and found guilty upon a new Law , which made it Fellony to design the Death of a Privy Councellor , and was soon after beheaded on Tower-hill , together with Sir Michael Stanhope , and Sir Thomas Arundel , Sir Ralph Vane , and Sir Miles Partridge , being hanged there at the same time .

Mean while the Duke of Suffolks three Daughters , which he had by Francis Daughter of Charles Brandon and Mary Queen of France , were married at Durham House , the Eldest Jane Grey to the Lord Guilford Dudley , Fourth Son to the Duke of Northumberland , the Second Katherine to the Earl of Pembroke , the youngest being somewhat deformed to Martin Keys , the Kings Gentleman Porter ; the Duke of Northumberland having so far advanced his designs , as to procure an Alliance with the Royal family , now hoped to arrive to the height of his ambition , though the people generally hated him for his practices against those two gallant men the Duke of Somerset , and the Lord Admiral the Kings Uncles ; For the King now grew very weak , and in a languishing state of body , which whether occasioned by grief for the Death of his Uncles , or whether caused by poison , which , as some reported , was infused into a Nosegay of Flowers , presented to him on new years day , as a great rarity , or whether by a defluxion of Rheum upon his Lungs is yet uncertain , however he fell into an Hectick Feaver , which the Physicians declared would suddenly cause his Death ; whereupon the Duke of Northumberland , used several stratagems to secure the Lady Mary , and perswaded the King to exclude his two Sisters , in regard if the Lady Mary succeeded , Popery and Idolatry would be again introduced , and she could not be put by unless her other Sister the Lady Elizabeth were likewise excluded , since their Rights depended upon one another ; but if he pleased to appoint the Lady Jane , his own next Kinswoman to succeed , he might be sure , the true Religion would be maintained , to Gods great Glory ; so that the sick Prince out of Love to Religion , was prevailed with to exclude his two Sisters , and to ordain by his will , the Lady Jane to be his Successor , which will was subscribed by all the Council , Bishops , and Judges , except Sir John Hales ; Bishop Cranmer likewise made some difficulty to sign it , but at length did as others ; and a few days after this pious Prince departed this Life at Greenwich , July 6. 1553. in the Seventeenth year of his Age , when he had reigned six years , and five months , being buried at Westminster near his Grandfather Henry the Seventh .

MARY Queen of England , &c.

portrait of Queen Mary AS soon as I ascended to the Throne The True Religion I banisht quite , Rome , Spain and I were all conjoin'd in one , To persecute , to burn , and put to flight All that the Gospel of our Lord profest , All who oppos'd blind Error , and the Pope , All such with grievous tortures were opprest With th' Ax , with Fire , with Faggot , and the Rope ; Scarce any Nation underne●th the Sky , Afflicted was as I caused this to be . But when my thoughts and hopes were grown most high , Then Death at five years end arrested me , No Bail would serve , I could comma●d no aid , But in the Prison of my Grave was laid .

MAry eldest Daughter of King Henry the Eighth by Queen Katharine of Spain was born at Greenwich , 1518. at whose birth , though great numbers of the Nobility were at Court , yet there was not observed to be the usual joy upon such occasions , which some thought proceeded from a secret impulse , that she was rather born for a Scourge than a Blessing to the Nation , as it after happened ; when she grew up , she was committed to the Tuition of the Countess of Salisbury , who above all things instructed her in the Romish Principles , which may be thought the reason of her furious Zeal therein , and especially since Stephen Gardiner a keen enemy to the Reformation was her Ghostly Father , of whom she once demanded , What he thought of those that were not of her Opinion . He told her , They would infallibly be damned , since there was no Salvation in any Church but that wherein the Pope , Christs Vicar was the Head , and that it was dangerous to converse with them , but a mortal sin to spare any of them if she had advantage against them , it being pleasing to God to destroy them as obstinate Hereticks ; which pernicious Counsel as soon as she had power she fully put in practice .

After the death of King Edward the Lady Jane was proclaimed Queen , which the Lady Mary who was at her Mannor at Hovesdon in Herefordshire having notice of , she sent a Letter to the Lords of the Council to deplore her Brothers death , and demand the Crown as her right ; but they writ her an answer , wherein they insisted on the lawfulness of her Mothers divorce , whereby she was made Illegitimate , and by several Acts of Parliament yet in force , uninheritable to the Crown Imperial of this Realm , together with the Will of King Edward , and the proclaiming of Queen Jane , and therefore desired her to be quiet and obedient to the present Government . This was Signed by above twenty of the Council , divers of them being Executors of the Testament of the last King . The Lady Mary perceiving their Resolution to stand by Queen Jane , went to Framingham Castle in Suffolk , resolving to get what Forces she could , and try her Right by Arms ; being there , divers of the Nobility and Gentry resorted to her , offering their aid to establish her in the Throne , provided she would make no alteration in Religion , which she faithfully promised with many solemn Asseverations , yet soon made it appear , That no Faith is to be kept with Hereticks .

The Lords hearing she raised Forces , they did the like , and sent them under the Duke of Northumberland against her , but his Commission being limited that he could do nothing without daily orders from the Council , he was forced to march slowly which was his utter ruine , for the Lady Mary sent to several of the Nobility to come in to her assistance , as the Earls of Sussex , Oxford , and Bath , and other Lords and Gentlemen , who came with their Tenants and other Commoners , relying upon her Promise not to alter Religion , but especially the Suffolk men , and yet Mr. Fox observes , that she burnt and put to death more of that County for Religion than of any other County in England ; so fatal was the belief of her promises to them . The Fleet which was sent to surprise her , joyning likewise with her , and the People in general being for her , the Council saw it in vain to withstand , and therefore sent to the Duke of Northumberland to dismiss his Army , whereupon the Lady Mary was proclaimed Queen , and the Lady Jane , who had only personated a Queen for ten days , was sent to the Tower .

Soon after the Duke of Northumberland was condemned and beheaded , with Sir John Gates , and Sir Tho. Palmer . And a Parliament being called , all the Laws concerning the Illegitimacy of the Queen , and those against the Pope and his Usurpations were repealed . In her second year , and the thirty seventh of her Age , the Queen began to think of marrying , and at last was Contracted to Philip King of Spain , and Son to the Emperour Charles the Fifth , which caused great dissatisfaction among her Subjects , fearing that the Spaniards having once got footing in England would enslave the Nation , and deprive them of their Ancient Laws and Customs . This alienated them from the Queen , so that several private Consults were held about deposing Queen Mary , and re-establishing the Lady Jane , who remained under Sentence of death in the Tower of London , but these contrivances , being discovered , the Fomentors had recourse to Arms for their own security , the first of them was Sir Thomas Wiat , who made an Insurrection in Kent , and by declaring himself for the defence of his Countrey and Religion raised 3000 of the Commons . The Duke of Suffolk , his Brother the Lord Gray , and Sir Peter Carew of Devonshire and others designed the like in Cornwal , Devonshire , and Suffolk , but resolving not to shew themselves till the Spaniards landed , they were detected and forced to fly ; However Wiat increased daily in power , and threatned the Herald who was sent with a Pardon , to Pistol him if he endeavoured to withdraw the Souldiers from him and one Colonel Bret made an incouraging Oration to them to this purpose .

Valiant Countreymen , we now ingage our selves in a cause to vindicate our Common Liberties against the Insolencies of the cruel Spaniard , you whose degenerate Spirits can endure slavery , continue in it in Gods name , but as for me I had rather undergo the most painful death than betray my Rights to the Spaniards , and I here enroll my self under Wiats Colours , and am confident that some of you for the Vindication of the Ancient Glory of the English Nation will follow my example . He had scarce ended this Speech but they threw up their Caps , and cried out , a Wiat , a Wiat , so that the Duke of Norfolk , the Earl of Arundel , and Sir Henry Iirningham who approached them at Rochester Bridge , turned Tail and fled . In the mean time the Queen mistrusting the Londoners , whom she knew hated Popery , came to Guildhall , and in a Speech declared to them , that though Wiats pretences were against the Match with Spain , yet his real design was to plunder , and therefore she left with them the Lord Howard and the Lord Treasurer to assist the Lord Mayor in defending the City against the Rebels .

At length Wiat arrived in Southwark , and with his great Guns beat down divers Houses , but being opposed by the Queens Forces , and about twenty of ●hem slain , he soon after submitted upon hope of Mercy , and was committed to the Tower , his fol●owers dispersing themselves , and twenty pair of Gallows were set up in divers places in the City whereon many were executed . This Rebellion being supprest , the Popish Faction reflected on the Lady Jane as the cause thereof , and soon after she and her Husband the Lord Guilford Dudley were beheaded . Wiat in hope of pardon accused the Lady Elizabeth and the Marquess of Exeter as Accomplices , but at his Death he again cleared her . Then the Duke of Suffolk and his Brother suffered , as likewise Sir Nicholas Throgmorton , and ●he Lady Elizabeth was in great danger of her life at this time , and indeed all the Reign of her Sister , yet still happily escaped .

The Queen having removed all obstacles , Philip of Spain arrived in England , and married her . Upon which succeeded the Reconciliation of the whole Kingdom by Cardinal Pool , which he did in these words , Our Lord Jesus Christ , whom the Father hath appointed head ●ver all the Church , absolve you , and we by the Apostolick Authority given us by the most Holy Lord Pope Julius the Third his Vicegerent on Earth , do absolve and deliver you , and every of you , with the whole Realm and the Dominions ●hereof from all Heresy and Schism , and from all and every ●udgment , censures , and pains , for that cause incurred , and also we do restore you again to the Vnity of our Mother the Holy Church , as in our Lettters of Commission more plainly shall appear . The Queen next endeavoured to prevail upon the Parliament to restore the Abby Lands , but they were so divided among the Nobility and Gentry , that it proved ineffectual . And being now thirty eight years old , it was reported she was with Child , and ●ll things were provided for her lying in ; yea , a Popish Priest ventured to describe the excellent Features of the Infant before it was born , and Bells and Guns ●roclaimed the joy , but at length it came all to no●hing , which caused much laughter .

The Reign of Queen Mary seemed hitherto only sprinkled with Blood , but now the blessed Martyrs come thick to Act their parts , for the Protestant Clergy were not only deprived of their Livings , but all sorts without respect of Sex , Age , or Quality began to feel the severity of her Laws , the pourtraicture whereof cannot be better expressed than in the words of the Reverend Bishop Jewel in his vindication of the Protestant Religion against the Romanists , wherein he thus deciphers their hard usage toward the Reformers .

You have , saith he , imprisoned your Brethren , you have stript them naked , you have scourged them with Rods , you have burnt their Hands and Arms with Flaming Torches , you have famished them , you have drowned them , you have summoned them being dead to appear before you , out of their Graves , you have ript up their buried Carcasses , burnt them , and thrown them out upon Dunghils , you took a poor Babe falling from his Mothers womb , and in a most cruel and inhumane manner threw it into the Fire .

By all which several ways and means , the Martyrs in all parts of the Kingdom in the five years reign of Queen Mary , amounted to the number of 277 Persons , for there perished by these Flames , five Bishops , twenty one Divines , eight Gentlemen , eighty four Artificers , an hundred Husbandmen , Servants and Labourers , twenty six Wives , twenty Widdows , nine Virgins , two Boys , and two Infants , one sprung out of his Mothers Womb as she was burning at the Stake , and most unmercifully flung into the Fire at the very birth , sixty four more in those furious times were persecuted in their Faith , whereof seven were whipt , sixteen perished in Prison , twelve buried in Dunghills , and many more lay in Captivity condemned , who were happily delivered by the glorious entrance of Queen Elizabeth .

Such havock did Queen Mary's flaming Popish Zeal make among her innocent Subjects . Mr. H●ywood the witty Epigrammist was a great Courtier , and the Queen telling him , that the Priests must now forsake their Wives , he merrily answered , Your Grace must allow them to have Lemmons then , for the Clergy cannot live without Sauce . Another time she asking him what wind blew him to Court , he reply'd , Two especially , one to see your Majesty : We thank you for that , said the Queen , but pray what was the other ? That your Grace , said he , might see me .

The Queen , against her Articles , did now assist King Philip her Husband against France , and sent an Army under the Earl of Pembroke to the Siege of St. Quintins ; the French attempting to relieve the place with Victualls , a Battel happened , wherein the Chief of the Nobility were taken , and divers killed , upon which the City surrendred ; this Victory was imputed to the English , but was soon after recompensed with a greater loss , for the strong Town of Callice having more Forces drawn out of it than could be spared , was assaulted by the Duke of Guise , who would not slip so fair an occasion , and though repulsed , yet he again came on so briskly , that the City was forc'd to surrender to the French , after it had been possessed by the English 211 years . This loss so grieved the Queen that she shortly after fell sick of a burning Feaver , which with the Dropsey , and the unkindness of her Husband , brought her to her end , she telling her Physicians , That if they opened her Body after her death they would find Callice written in her Heart . It was observed that after she began to destroy the Professors of the Gospel , who next under God advanced her to the Throne , her undertakings were altogether unsuccessful , Dearths , Mortal Sicknesses & losses by Sea & Land succeeding each other , & in fine , her Reign was the shortest of any since the Conquest except Richard the third , who was alike cruel , she only Reigning five years and four Months , and was cut off in the 40th year of her Age , when her Sister Elizabeth who succeeded her in a more mild Government ruled near nine times as long , and lived almost twice her Age.

ELIZABETH Queen of England , &c.

portrait of Queen Elizabeth WHat griefs , what fears , what sorrows and what toils ; What slights , tricks , snares still for my life were laid ? Popes , Prisons , Poysons , Pistols , bloody Broils , All these incompast me ( poor harmless Maid ) But I relying on th' Almighty's Aid Was still d fended by the Power Divine , My Glory and my greatness were displaid Almost as far as Sun and Moon do shine , Gods mingled Service I did re-refine From Romish Rubbish , and from Humane Dross I yearly made the Power of Spain decline , France and the Netherlands I sav'd from loss . Pattern of Arts , and unto Arms a Patron , I liv'd and dy'd a Queen , a Maid , a Matron .

AFter the death of Mary her Sister Elizabeth was joyfully received and Crowned Queen , who by Parliament revoked all the Laws in favour of Popery , and restored the Title of Supremacy , and being desired by her People to marry , she said , She intended to live a Virgin , and to have no Husband but her Kingdom , and therefore do not , said she , upbraid me with the miserable lack of Children , for every one of you , yea every Englishman is my Child and Kinsman , of whom if God deprive me not ( which God forbid ) I cannnot without injury be accounted barren . She then settled the Reformation according to the pattern of Edward the Sixth , settling the Protestant , and excluding the Popish Bishops . Yet Instructions were sent to Sir Edward Carne the English Agent at the Court of Rome , to acquaint the Pope with Queen Mary's death , and her succeeding , desiring that all good Offices might mutually pass between them , but the Pope according to his usual haughty Stile answered , That the Kingdom of England was held in fee of the Apostolick See , that she could not succeed , being Illegitimate , and that it was a great boldness to assume the name and Government of it without him , yet being desirous to shew Fatherly Affection to her , if she will renounce her pretensions and refer her self wholly to him , he would do whatsoever might be done with the honour of the Apostolick See .

The Queen having made her Complement , neither expected nor regarded his Answer . In the mean time King Philip who had been long absent from his Wife hearing of her death , proposed a match with her , which much perplexed her , considering his kindness to her during her troubles , but yet she thought it unlawful to marry her Sisters Husband ( though Philip promised to procure the Popes Dispensation ) and therefore she put him off though with all manner of Civility . And resolving to promote the Reformation , the Litany , the Lords Prayer , the Creed and Ten Commandments were required to be said in the English Tongue , the Sacrament of the Mass was abolished , and the Litany re-revived and confirmed . The like Reformation was designed in Scotland , where they broke down the Altars and Images , and demolished the Religious Houses , in divers places , being countenanced therein by the Nobility , whereupon the Queen Regent , provided Forces to suppress them , but Queen Elizabeth assisted them , because the French were sending such great succours into Scotland , as might endanger the invasion of England ; the English proceeding with much vigor in Scotland , obliged the French to treat of Peace , which was soon after agreed on .

About this time broke out a Rebellion in Ireland under John O Neal , a man of great repute among the Irish , but the Queen having sent some forces thither , soon forced him to submit himself to mercy ; After which the bloudy Massacre at Paris , happened by procurement of the Guises , whereby the poor Protestants were causesly deprived of their Lives and Estates , whom therefore the Qeen thought her self obliged in honour and Conscience , to assist in endeavouring to rescue the French King and his Mother , out of the hands of so dangerous a Faction , by aiding such of the French Subjects , as preferred the service of their Soveraign , and Country , above all other respects , and for preserving the reformed Religion from universal destruction and maintaining her own subjects in Peace and safety ; this she publisht in a Manifesto to the World , and accordingly assisted the Hugonots with Ships , Amunition , and six thousand men . The Papists apprehending the Queen would lay the Ax to the Root of their Religion , contrived several horrid and dangerous Conspiracies against her life , which were all happily prevented .

Differences growing great between the Queen of Scots , and her Nobility , they imprisoned her , from whence she escaped into England , and put her self under the Protection of the Queen , who after mature deliberation concluded to detain her as one taken by the Right of War , and not to dismiss her till she had made satisfaction for assuming the Title of England , and the Death of Darnley her husband , who was an English subject born , and Commissioners were appointed to examine the cause at Tork , and Murray the Regent of Scotland , was summoned to answer the complaints of the Queen of Scots , who entred a Protestation against these proceedings , as being a free Princess , and obnoxious to no earthly Princess ; on the contrary the English alledged , that they would in no wise admit of her Protest , as being in prejudice of the rights which the Kings of England have anciently challenged , as Superior Lords of Scotland ; At last after she had continued Prisoner in England eighteen years , she was brought to a Tryal , and being charged with having been privy to several conspiracies against the Queens Life , the Commissioners of the Star Chamber pronounced sentence against her , and she was soon after beheaded , though after her Death , Queen Elizabeth was very much troubled and grieved .

The Duke of Alva , a man of Tyrannical and Arbitrary Principles , being sent Governour into the Low Countries , by the Court of Spain , a War broke out with great fury , for he being an enemy to their nation , destroyed all their priviledges , brought in the Inquisition , and endeavoured by all manner of cruelties , to extirpate the Protestant Religion ; whereupon the Hollanders confederate together , in a League Offensive and Defensive , constituting the Prince of Orange , their Commander in chief , but finding their Forces too weak to oppose the King of Spain , they sent an honourable Ambassy to Queen Elizabeth , offering her the Soveraignty of Holland and Zealand , as she was descended from the Earls of Holland , by Philippa the Wife of K. Edward the third ; after consideration the Queen thanked them for their good Intentions toward her , but added , she could not receive those provinces into her protection , yet would endeavour to prevail with the King of Spain , for concluding a Peace .

Yet she afterward sent them twenty thousand pound , which , with several other provocations , both upon the account of Policy and Religion , so inraged the Pope and Spaniard , that they conspired her utter destruction , the King of Spain having prepared a Navy , which the Pope Christened The Invincible Armado , wherewith he designed to conquer and take possession of the Kingdom of England , bestowed on him by the Pope ; but Queen Elizabeth providing a Fleet under the Lord Howard , Sir Francis Drake , and other valiant Commanders fell upon them , and after several days fight , utterly defeated them , insomuch that the Spaniards lost in this expedition , above fourscore Ships thirteen thousand five hundred Souldiers , and above two thousand Prisoners taken in Ireland , Zealand , and the Low Countries , so that there was no considerable family in Spain , but either lost Son , Brother , or Kinsman in this great defeat .

The French King , Henry the Fourth , afrer long Wars with the House of Guise , and the confederate Papists of the Holy League , fearing that they would at last destroy him , now turned from the Protestant Religion , and having acquainted Queen Elizabeth , with the necessity thereof , she endeavoured to divert him , therefrom writing to him in these very terms ; Alas ! What grief , what anxiety of mind hath befallen me , since I heard this news ? Was it possi●le that worldly respects should make you lay aside the fear of God ? Could you think that he who hath hitherto upheld and kept you , would now at the last leave you ? It is a dangerous thing to do evil that good may come thereof , but I hope your mind may alter ; In the mean while I pray for you , and beg of God , that the hands of Esau may not hinder the blessing of Jacob ; To which K. Henry replied , That though he had done this in his own Person out of necessity , yet he would never be wanting to those of the reformed Religion , but would take them into his special care and Protection . However this his compliance did not save his life , for having raised a great Army , one Ravilliack a bloody Villain murdered him in his Coach in the Streets of Paris , declaring the chief motive thereof to be , because he suspected him still a Hugonot , and that those Forces were designed against the Pope .

The Queen now assisted the Hollanders , with considerable Forces under the Earl of Leicester and others , and sent the Earl of Essex with a gallant Navy who took Cales , the Castle being redeemed for 580000 Duckets and a vast quantity of Amunition and Money found in the Town . The Spaniards offered Sir Walter Rawleigh two Millions of Duckets to free their Ship from firing , but he said , He was sent to destroy Ships , not to dismiss them upon Composition ; the loss was judged 20000000 of Duckets by this Expedition .

In the mean time Tyrone breaking into Rebellion in Ireland got a great victory over the English , and after some debate the Earl of Essex was sent thither with ample Authority , but not meeting with expected success he returned to England without the Queens permission , whereupon he was committed to custody and brought to a private Tryal ; but upon his submission was again set at liberty , yet being reproached with want of Courage by some of the Cabal , he turned Malecontent and used all means to gain the Peoples love , resolving to seize on the Queen , but being disappointed , he retired into the City endeavouring to ingage the Citizens on his side , which not being able to effect , he at length surrendred himself to the Lord Admiral , and was sent to the Tower , with his great friend the Earl of Southampton , both whom being Try'd , were found guilty of Treason , and Essex was beheaded , but Southampton pardoned , several of their confederates being likewise executed . Soon after Queen Elizabeth died at Richmond in her Bed , after she had wonderfully escaped abundance of Popish Conspiracies against her life , there being above 100 Persons executed at several times during her Reign for designing to destroy her , whereof sixty seven were Jesuits ; she reigned forty four years , lived sixty nine , and died March 24. 1602. of whom this Epitaph was written .

None like Elizabeth was found , in learning so divine , She had the perfect skilful art of all the Muses Nine , In Latin , Greek and Hebrew , she most excellent was known , To Forreign Kings Ambassadors the same was daily shown . Th' Italian , French , and Spanish Tongue she well could speak and read , The Turkish and Arabian Speech grew perfect at her need .

JAMES King of England , &c.

portrait of King James EPITAPH . WE justly when a meaner Subject dies Begin his Epitaph with , here he lies , But wherin King , whose memory remains Triumphant over-death with , Here he Reigns . Now he is dead to whom the world imputes Deserved admirable Attributes . For shall we think his Glory can decease That 's honour'd with a stile , The King of Peace ; Whose happy Vnion of Great Britany Calls him , The blessed King of Unity , And in whose Royal Title it ensu'th , Defender of the Faith , and King of Truth , These girt thy Brows with an Immortal Crown , ( Great James ) and turn thy Tomb into a Throne ,

BY the death of Queen Elizabeth the Sovereignty of the Tudors expired , yielding place to the Stuarts to succeed , the first of whom was James the sixth King of Scotland , who united both the Kingdoms , was of the same Religion with his Predecessor , happy , because he obtained the Kingdom by lawful Succession no way imbroiled with Wars and Tumults , but settled in exceeding great Peace ; yet as a storm succeeds a calm , soon after his entrance a Conspiracy was discovered , and the Lord Cobbam , Sir Walter Rawleigh and others , were accused and condemned for designing the destruction of the King , to change Religion , to raise Tumults , and to introduce Forreigners , some of whom were put to death and others Imprisoned . He was Crowned at Westminster by Archbishop Whitgift , at which time there raged so great a Plague in London , that 305 , 78 died thereof in one year . He caused the Bible to be newly translated out of the Original Languages .

Now though the King had made Peace with Spain , yet the Popes Sons thought to have brought ruin upon the King and Kingdom all at once , during the sitting of the Parliament , to which purpose they had hired a Cellar under the Parliament House , wherein they placed thirty six barrels of Gunpowder , and upon them several Bars of Iron , Faggots and other things for doing Execution , but this Hellish Design was happily discovered by a Letter sent to the Lord Monteagle Son to the Lord Morley by some of the Conspirators , wherein they advised him not to appear in the House the first day of sitting ; this Letter being shewed to divers of the Nobility , they could not comprehend the meaning thereof ; but being seen by the King he presently conjectured that the design was to blow up the House with Gunpowder , and search being made , it was happily discovered , and the Conspirators fled , Piercy and Catesby being pursued , were shot to death before they could be taken , others were burnt to Death by drying Gunpowder by the Fire , Sir Ever . Digby , John and Christopher Wright , Guy Fawks , Grant , Winter , ●ates , and Keys were hanged and quartered as principal Plotters , some of them designed an Insurrection in Northampton and Warwickshire but it was soon blown over .

In his tenth year the Countess of Essex accus●ng her Husband of Insufficiency was divorced , from him , & married to the E. of Somerset , who was thought to have made love to her before in an unlawful way , and therefore Sir Thomas Overbury disswaded him from the Match as being a Vitious Woman , which she having notice of , they contrived his death , and having persuaded him to refuse an honourable imployment offered him by the King , he was sent to the Tower for his contempt , where with the help of Sir Gervas Elway the Lieutenant , Mrs. Turner , one Franklin an Apothecary and Weston , his death was effected by Poyson , which being after discovered they were executed for the same , and the Earl and Countess of Somerset condemned but reprieved .

Fredrick Count Elector Palatine came now to London to marry King James's Daughter , which was solemnized with all manner of Joy , but soon overclouded by the death of the Virtuous and Heroick Prince Henry , Nov. 6. 1612. about which time the gallant Sir Walter Rawleigh after fourteen years imprisonment , Petitioned the King that he might make a Voyage into America , which the King granted , giving him a Commission under the great Seal to set forth Ships and Men for his Service ; his reputation and merit caused many Gentlemen of Quality to venture their Estates and Persons with him , many considerable Adventures hapned ; as the burning of St. Thomas , and others ; of which Information being given to Count Gondamor the Spanish Ambassador , he continually importuned the King for satisfaction : Of which Rawleigh , as soon as ever landed at Plymouth , having notice , endeavoured to escape from thence in a Bark to Rochel ; but being taken , he was brought to London , and committed to the Tower . Gondamor looked on him as a Man of great Courage and Ability , but as having much Animosity against his Master , being one of those Scourges employed by Q. Elizabeth to vex him ; and was therefore resolved to use all manner of means to ruine him : In consequence whereof , in October , Rawleigh was brought to the Kings Bench Bar , before the L. Chief Justice , where the Record of his Arraignment at Winchester was produced , and he demanded why Judgment should not be put in execution against him ? Rawleigh replied , That the Judgment was made void by the Kings Commission for his late Expedition : The L. Chief Justice replied , The Opinion of the Court was to the contrary ; and thereupon he was sentenced : and requiring time to prepare for Death , it was answered , The time appointed was the next Morning : And accordingly he was the next day beheaded in the Old Palace-yard , Westminster .

About this time Queen Ann died ; and the Palsgrave , who had married the Lady Elizabeth , having at the Instance of several of the German Princes been chosen King of Bohemia , the Emperour was wonderfully inraged thereat , and proclaimed War against him , driving him first out of Bohemia , and afterward out of all Germany : yet at last he was received and found bountiful Entertainment in Holland . During this Kings Reign the English Plantations were setled in the West-Indies ; namely , Virginia , first discovered by Sir Water Rawleigh , who gave it that Name in Honour of his Virgin-Mistress Q. Elizabeth : Also Bermudas , and New-England , to which a multitude of Inhabitants quickly resorted , and made themselves very commodious Habitations .

James was K. of England , Scotland , France and Ireland , he was Son to Henry Stuart L. Darnly who was Grandson to the Lady Margaret eldest Daughter to King Henry the seventh of England by her second Husband . His Mother was Mary Queen of Scotland Grandchild to the Lady Margaret , by her first Husband James the Fourth K. of Scotland , so that the Lady Margret was great Grandmother to King James both by the Father and Mothers side . He Reigned twenty two years and three days , and was the forty fourth Sole Monarch of England . He died of the Spleen on Saturday March 27. 1625. in the fifty ninth year of his Age , and was buried at Westminster .

CHARLES the FIRST , King of England , &c.

portrait of King Charles the 1st THough clog'd with miseries and woes , Palm-like deprest I highher rose , And as th' unmoved Rock outbraves , The b isterous Winds and raging Waves ; So Triumpht I , and shone more bright In sad afflictions darksome Night : My splendid , but yet toilsom , Crown Regardlesly I trampled down , With joy I took a Crown of Thorn , Though Sharp yet easy to be born , The Heavenly Crown already mine , I view'd with Eyes of Faith divine , I vain things slighted to inchace Glory the just reward of Grace .

CHarles the third Son of James the sixth King of Scots , and Ann his wife daughter of Frederick the Second King of Denmark , was born at Dumfermling in Scotland Nov. 19. 1600. At the Age of two years he was created D. of Albany . In 1603. K. James had news by Sir Robert Cary , one of the younger Sons of the L. Hunsdon that Q. Elizabeth was dead , contrary to the opinion of many of his Scotch Courtiers , who being wearied with the tediousness of their expectation , did believe at last that it would never be acknowledged by the Lords of England , that the Q. was dead , as long as there was any old woman of that Nation left to wear good clothes , & take the name of Q. upon her ; for bringing which news the D. of Albany was committed to the Governance of Sir Robert Carys Lady , and he himself ever after much esteemed by him . This news being seconded by that of the proclaiming of K. J. for her lawful successor , the K. prepared to go for England ; at which time a certain Laird of the High-lands , though very old , came to Court to take his leave of him , and after his prayers for his Majesties long life and prosperity , he next applied himself to D. Charles , without taking any great notice of Prince Henry , and when the K. told him he mistook himself in his Addresses to the Infant , as not being his eldest Son , and Prince of Scotland , he answered , That he knew well enough what he did , and that it was this Child in whom his name and memory was to be perpetuated to future Ages ; with other speeches of the like nature ; which were then disregarded , but after the death of Prince Henry were thought to have somewhat prophetical in them .

In the sixth year of his age , he was taken from the charge of the Women , and committed to the Tutorage of Mr. Tho. Murray , under whom he advanced exceedingly in learning , the weakness in his legs , rendring him more bookish and studious , than he had otherwise been , which Prince Henry taking notice of he jestingly one time took Archbishop Abbots Square Cap , and put on his brothers head , telling him , That if he continued a good boy , and followed his book , he would make him one day Archbishop of Canterbury ; which the Child took in such disdain , that he threw his Cap on the ground , and trampled it under his feet , which afterward was taken as an ill presage to the Church ; but it was altogether groundless as to him , since there never was a more gracious Patron to the Church , nor a more resolute Champion for the Hierarchy than he .

When he was twelve years old his brother Prince Henry died , and Charles succeeded in the Principality of Wales , Dukedom of Cornwal , & all the Royalties thereof . In 1622. he took Ship at Dover , arrived at Bullen in France , and from thence rid Post to the Court of Spain , upon this occasion ; Frederick Prince Palatine , being disspossest of his ancient patrimony , by the Emperor of Germany , as aforementioned , the upper Palatinate , being conferred upon the D. of Bavaria , and the lower on the K. of Spain , it was held most expedient to negotiate a marriage between Prince Charles , and the Infanta of Spain , for the recovery of the whole ; which being managed by the L. Digby , he was fed with delays from one time to another , whereupon K. James resolved to send the Prince in Person , either to consummate , or break off the treaty , & accordingly he went , accompanied with the D. of Buckingham , Mr. Endimion Porter , and Mr. Francis Cottington ; when ●ews came of his arrival at Madrid , though the English Subjects were glad for his safety , yet they were afraid of his danger , because he had put himself into the power of the King of Spain , which no body durst acquaint the King withal , but Archee the Jester , who going boldly to the King as he found him in a good humour , told him , That he was come to change Caps with him ; Why , said the King ? Marry , says Archee , Because thou hast sent the Prince into Spain , from whence he is never like to return . But , says the King , What wilt thou say when thou ●est him come back again ? Marry , says Archee , I will then take off the Cap which I put upon thy head , for sending him ●hither , and put it on the King of Spain , for letting him return . At which words it is reported the King was much concern'd , not having before apprehended the danger of that Adventure . Dr. Heylins Life K. Charles , p. 25.

But the Spaniard had no such design , and therefore the Restitution of the Palatinate being denied , the Match broke off , and a Rupture was like to follow ; whereupon K. James proposed a Marriage with Henrietta Maria of France , whom the Prince had seen when he passed incognito into Spain , which afterward took effect . It is reported , that when she was told that the Prince of Wales had been at the Court , and was gone to Spain , she said , That if he had went to Spain for a Wife , he might have had one nearer hand , and saved himself a great part of the trouble . During these Preparations for a War and Marriage , King James departed this life at Theobalds , and Prince Charles was proclaimed K. of G. Brittain , France , and Ireland .

But having already published a little Book of the same price with this , called , The Wars in England , Scotland and Ireland ; or , An Account of the Reign of King Charles the First , his Illegal Tryal , and deplorable Martyrdom , with all Passages to His present Majesties happy Restauration ; I shall not here repeat any part thereof , but collect some few Remarkable Occurrences which have happened from the year 1660 to this time .

King CHARLES the Second NO Voice more soft than Thunder can express Our present Joy , or our past Heaviness . None can the largeness of this Joy set out , Vnless at once he makes three Kingdoms sho● To God on High , in Thankfulness and Prais●t Who without Blood did Crown our King wit● Bays ; Brought from three Conquered Nations , whichh he Holds in subjection , but to make them free . Without a War Great Charles his Kingdoms won ; Thus streight , when Heaven please the thing is done . Now let us thankful be , and sing his praise Who for our Cypress , has bestowed Bays . May we give God and Caesar all their due , And always Peace and Loyalty pursue .

AFter His Majesties most Wonderful and Joyful Restauration in the year 1660 , he was April 23. following Crowned with all manner of Magnificence at Westminster , and the next year His Majesty , and Donna Katherina Infanta of Portugal , were married by the Lord Bishop of London at Pertsmouth . June 14. 1662. Sir Henry Vane was beheaded on Tower-Hill for High Treason . In December three Ambassadors came from the Emperour of Russia with rich Presents to His Majesty . In July 1663. the Laird Warriston was Executed at Edenborough , according to the Sentence in Parliament on a Gibbet twenty two foot high . In January , Twenty one Persons were condemned for High Treason in Yorkshire . In March 1664. War was proclaimed against the Dutch , for which the Parliament gave His Majesty a supply of Five and twenty hundred thousand pounds . June 3. 1665. His Royal Highness obtained a G●●●t Vi●tory against the Hollanders , wherein above Thirty of their Capital Snips were taken and destroyed , and near Eight thousand Men killed and taken Prisoners . Of the English were slain the Earls of Falmouth , Portland , and Marlborough , and the Lord Muskerry . A great Sickness in London ; for in this year there died Ninety seven thousand three hundred and six ; whereof of the Plague Sixty eight thousand , five hundred ninety six . In June 1666. another Victory was obtained against the Dutch , by His Majesties Fleet under Prince Rupert , and the Duke of Albemarle , after a sharp Ingagement of three days , in two of which the Duke of Albema le maintained the Fight with Fifty Ships against above Eighty of the Enemy . In September this year a sudden and lamentable Fire broke out in London , which burnt down Thirteen thousand two hundred Houses in four days time .

June 11. 1667. Some of His Majesties Frigates took twelve Dutch Prizes , and sunk two upon the coast of Norway . In March . 1668. several Apprentices and other idle Persons about London , got tumultuously together , under the notion of pulling down Houses of ill fame , eight of whom were taken and indicted of High Treason , four whereof were Executed at Tyburn . Jan. 4. The Duke of Albemarl died at the Cock-Pit , and the 23d his Dutchess likewise died . May 25. 1670. His Majesty and His Royal Highness went to Dover , where the Dutchess of Orleance Landed the next day . May 9. Colonel Bloud and others attempted to carry away the Royal Crown out of the Tower of London .

March 14. 1672. Sir Rob. Holms with six of His Majesties Ships met with the Dutch , Smyrna and Streights Fleet , conveyed by eight of their Men of War , of Portsmouth , and upon refusing to strike and lower their Top-Sails , fought them , and took five of the richest of them , March 28. His Majesties Declaration of War aga nst the States General of the Vnited Provinces was Proclaimed . In May there happened a violent Fire at St. Catherines , near the Tower of London , which consumed above an hundred Houses . May 28. His Royal Highness engaged the whole Dutch Fleet in Southwold Bay , and after a sharp Encounter of about eight hours , the Dutch Fleet gave way and retreated . In this Engagement that gallant Commander the Earl of Sandwich was lost , as likewise Sir Fretchevill H●llis , Capt. Digby , and Sir John Cox .

May 17. 1673. The English and French Fleets joyned together in the Downs , and soon after they engage against the Dutch , and after a sharp Dispute , forced them to retreat , and shelter among the shallows . Aug. 11. A third Victory was obtained against the Hollanders under the Command of Prince R●pert , where that valiant Sea-man Sir Edw. Spragg was unhappily drowned .

Her Royal Highness , with the Dutchess of Modena her Mother , arrived at Dover Novemb. 21. where they were met by His Royal Highness the D. of York , in order to the Consummation of their Marriage . Feb. 9. The Treaty of Peace concluded between His Majesty and the Dutch , was signed by His Majesties Commissioners , and the Spanish Ambassador commissioned by the States thereunto .

Decemb. 18. 1674. His Majesty having been pleased at His Entertainment at Guildhall London , on the Lord Mayors day before , to accept of the Freedom of the City ; This day the Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen waited upon His Majesty at Whitehall , and humbly presented him with the Copy of the Freedom of the City , in a Box of massy Gold , the Seal thereof hanging in a Golden Box , set over with Diamonds , to a very great value . Aug. 20. 1675. A Hurricane happened at Barbadoes , which destroyed at Sea eight Ships and Ketches , and at Land 300 Houses , and about 200 Persons . Sept. 3. The whole Town of Northampton was near burnt to the ground by an accidental Fire . Novemb. 7. 1677. A Marriage was solemnized between the Prince of Orange , and the Lady Mary , at St. James's by the L. Bishop of London .

Sept. 29. 1678. Titus Oats , and Dr. Tongue were examined before the Privy Council , in order to the discovering a Plot against His Majesties Person and Government : Next day Mr. Edw. Coleman was committed to Newgate . Octob. 10. Sir Edmunbury Godfrey , having been missing three or four days , was found dead in a ditch , with his own Sword thrust through him , nigh Primrose Hill , and the Coroners Jury gave in their Verdict , that he was murdered by a Confederacy of Assassinates . On the 19th a Proclamation was issued out for discovery of the Murtherers . Octob. 21. The Parliament met , and the next day Oats was examined before the Commons , and the next day after before the House of Lords , Octob. 24. Mr. Will . Bedlow came in for a discoverer of the Plot , and Sir Edmundbury Godfreys Murther . Octob. 30. A Proclamation was published for a General Fast : Another commanding all Popish Recusants to depart ten miles out of London : Another , That no Officer nor Souldier in His Majesties Guards should be a Papist . Nov. 11. Wi●l . Staley , a Goldsmith , was Executed at Tyburn for Treason . Nov. 30. His Majesty gave His Royal Assent to an Act to disable Papists to Sit in either House of Parliament . Decemb. 3. Edw. Coleman was Executed . A false Alarum happened of the French Landing in the Isle of Purbeck . Jan. 24. Ireland and Grove were Executed , being convicted of High Treason , for carrying on the Pop●sh Plot Feb. 21. Green , Bury , and Hill , were hanged for the Murther of Sir Edmondbury Godfrey .

April 4. 1669. Articles of Impeachment were drawn up by the House of Commons against the E. of Powis , L. Stafford , L. Arundel of Warder , L. Petre , and L. Bellasis , upon which they were committed Prisoners to the Tower . April 21. The King dissolved His Privy Council , and constituted another consisting of thirty . May 3. Dr. Sharp , Archbishop of St. Andrews in Scotland , was there barbarously murdered in his Coach by twelve Assassinates . May 29. A Rebellion broke out in the West of Scotland , where they proclaimed the Covenant , and set up a Declaration , but were soon dispersed by His Majesties Forces . June 21. Whitehead , Harcourt , Gavan , Turner and Fenwick , all Priests and Jesuits , being condemned at the old Bayly for the Pop●sh Plot , were executed at Tyburn ; and soon after Mr. Langhorn upon the same account .

Decem. 29. 1680. The L. Stafford was beheaded on Tower-hill , June . 15. 1681. Oliver Plunket and Edward Fitz-Harris were hanged at Tyburn ; July 2. The E. of Shaftsbury , was committed to the Tower ; one Stephen Colledg , a Joyner , was likewise sent Prisoner thither , and a Bill being brought against him to the Grand-Jury at the Old Bayly , they returned it Ignoramus ; a while after he was sent to Oxford , and found guilty of High-Treason , committed there , for which he was there executed , Novem. 24. a Commission issued out for the Tryal of L. Shaftsbury at the Old Bayly , but the Grand-Jury brought in the Bill Ignoramus . July 12 , 13 , & 14. 1683 , Willam L. Russel , Thomas Walc●t , William Ho●e , and John Rous were endicted and condemned for High Treason ; the L. Russel was beheaded in Lincolns-Inn-Fields , and the others executed at Tyburn , Decem. 7. Algernon Sidney Esquire , was beheaded on Tower-hill , upon the same Account . June 20. 1684. Sir Thomas Armstrong was hanged and quartered upon an Outlawry for High-Treason ; James Holloway , likewise executed some time before at Tyburn , upon the like Outlawry for High Treason .