AMongst the many Crimes that hasten Heavens vengeance on wretched mis­creants, there is none so vile in the sight of the Worlds Creator ( who is a God of purer Eyes than to behold iniquity) than the [Page 2] loud Tongu'd Scarlet Crime of shedding inno­cent Blood; a sin so heinous, that it seldom e­scapes Exemplary punishment in this World, the better to deterr barbarous wretches from viola­ting the Persons, and bereeving of Life those on whom God has been pleased to impress his Sa­cred Stamp, by Inspiring them with immortal Souls, and setting before them a large prospect of Heaven and Eternal happiness; but more im­mediately when Hell-born Villains dare Murther those on whom his Sacred Image is doubly stam­ped, as Kings and Men, against whom they should not imagine evil, no not in their hearts. But since History abounds with the relation of such execra­ble Treasons, and villainous Assassinations, I shall make it the subsequent discourse of this Treatise to lay open the nature and manner of those a­mazing Tragedies, by what means and treason­able divices, the Regicides of almost all Ages have accomplished their most pernicious Enter­prizes; and how Heavens vengeance with a le­vel aim, at first or last has hit them sure, and brought them to destruction.

Passing over the Murthers of Agamemnon, Da­rius, Alexander the Great, Hannibal, Pompey, Caesar and divers other Emperours, Kings and Princes, who fell by treachery, and whose Blood was thorowly revenged on the Murtherers, even when they supposed themselves the most secure, I shall proceed to more modern times, and not [Page 3] exceeding 670. years past: And First, I shall begin with the Murther of good King Edmund, Sirnamed the Ironside, being the thirty third Mo­narch of the English-men.

This King of the Saxon Line, succeeding his Father King Ethelred, was Crowned at Kingstone upon Thames, by Livingus Arch-Bishop of Can­terbury, on the 16 of April, Anno 1016. At what time the Pagan Danes, with bloody cruelties in­sested this Island, destroying and burning all be­fore them, without regard to either Sex or Age. But such was the success of this valiant King, that he not only put a stop to their proceedings, but gave them many fatal overthrows, and had past all dispute forced them to have left the prey, the which so long with bloody hands so eagerly they grasped, had it not been for the prodigious Treasons of the Monster E­drick, a Person who by this Kings means, du­ring the Reign of his Father, though ill deserving such a Title, had been created a Duke, and was now General of King Edmund's Army, and by the power of such a trust, sought by all means the downfal of his Lord, which to his E­ternal Infamy he at last effected, as shall here­after be related.

Long time had this treacherous Duke sought opportunity to bring the good King to destru­ction, but success so waited on his Arms, that for a long time no advantage could be proposed; [Page 4] for had he done it whilst the Danes were weak, his hopes had been frustrated: Yet growing im­patient of delay, he resolved to make some at­tempt to bring about his wicked purpose. And therefore a fierce Battel being begun between the English and Danes at Sherostan in Worcester-shire, which continued bloody and doubtful for two days; but in end the Danes beginning to shrink, Edrick presently cut off the Head of one of his own Soldiers, named Osmearus; like the King in Hair, shape of his Beard and Counte­nance, held it upon his bloody Sword, still gasp­ing, and cried to the English Host, fly wretches, fly, get you away for your King is slain, behold his Head, therefore seek now to save your own Lives.

The fight so daunted the courage of the Eng­lish, who entirely loved their King, that the Battel began to swerve, and wanted but little of plain flight, which had certainly been, had not King Edmund understood the cause, and instant­ly from a high place shewed himself to his Sol­diers, with many words of incouragement stay­ed them in their Ranks, and by entering amongst the rest of the Squadrons, given them new vi­gour, so that plainly perceiving the treachery, they bent their Bows against the Traitour, and had dispatched him, had he not sunk into the Rear: Yet they turned their fury upon the Danes and made great slaughter, even till the Field [Page 5] was coloured with Blood, continuing the Fight till Night parted them. At what time the trea­cherous Duke came to the Kings Tent, and af­ter much seeming submission, excused his Trea­son, by alleadging he was mistaken in the Coun­tenance of the Man, and thirsting to save English Blood, advised them to shift for themselves: As for the former part of the excuse, 'tis not doubt­ed but he spoke true; for that day the King was disguised in the Battel, and this wretch who sought his destruction, might in the hurry take Osmearus for him, and for that cause slew him. But such was the goodness of the King, that his dissimulation gained belief, and he was again re­ceived into favour, though contrary to the mind of the Kings Council, who would have had him banished, and well had it been for King Edmund, had their advice been taken; for a treacherous friend is more dangerous than an open Ene­my.

This stratagem failing, the Danes raised their Camp in the dead of Night, and Marched with all speed towards London, which City continued Loy­al to King Edmund during his Life.

The King the next Morning having notice of the Danes departure followed with all his Host to prevent the spoil, and by his swift Marches, so terrified the Danes, that they altered the pur­pose they had to besiege the City, and the King entered it in Triumph. And two days after having [Page 6] refreshed his Army, resolved to follow his advantage, and thereupon Marching to Branford, where the Danes were Encamped, he gave them a great overthrow; which Edrick perceiving, and fearing the Danes would be forced to leave the Land, he advised King Edmund to make a truce with them, using so many Arguments that he prevailed with the King, even when he had them all at his Mercy, and therefore leaving London, he retired into the West.

The Danes no sooner perceived themselves free from danger, but they fell to plundering and burning as fearfully as ever, which caused the King again to advance, and entering Kent with his Army, near unto Oateford, he gave them Bat­tel, which continued doubtful and bloody for the space of four hours. When the Danes Vaunt­gard giving back, their Horse upon the Right advanced, yet fell soon into disorder, and reti­ring amongst the Foot put them to the rout, so that they were slain on all hands, leaving above four thousand dead on the place; when of the English there died not above six hundred, and here had not the Traitour Edrick stopped the English in pursuit of their Enemy, by laying be­fore them the danger of an Ambush, the Danes had never more been able to have made Head. But by this means they had leisure to pass into Essex, and send for recruits from beyond the Seas, and then began to tyrannize as much as [Page 7] ever, which caused King Edmund to enter Essex with his Army flushed with many Victories, and at Ashdon three Miles from Saffron-Walden, gave them Battel, which was fiercely maintained on either side for many hours, till in the end the Danes began to recoil, which Edrick perceiving, drew off his Party, and fell to the Enemy, by which means they became Victorious: So that there died of the English Nobility, Dukes, Alfred, Godwin, Athelword, Athelwin, and Earl Urchin, together with Cadnoth Bishop of London, and Wool­sey Abbot of Ramsey, with many other of the Clergy that were come thither to pray for the success of the Army against the Pagan Danes, the remembrance of which overthrow is retained unto this day.

King Edmund thus betrayed was forced to retire from the Field on foot, and with the re­mainder of his Army marched to Glocester, whereupon London submitted to the Conquerors, as likewise did all the places of strength adja­cent. Yet such was the love of the English to their King, that they from all parts resorted to him, and earnest to regain the late dishonour, though at the utmost hazard, soon recruited his Army, and came on to meet the Danes, who swell'd with success were advancing Northward and at Dearburs near unto the River Severn met, where both Armies were set in Battel Array; when just as the bloody blast was about to be [Page 8] sounded, A Captain stepped between the Hosts, and desired to be heard, which being granted, he thus began.

Many Battles (said he) have been fought, and many streams of Blood already shed for the Sovereignty of this Land between these two valiant Nations, and the courage of the Generals, Captains and Soldiers sufficiently tried, wherein Fortune her self seemeth to have been Con­quered; for if at any time a Battel was won, it was not long kept, neither the Conquered so weakned, but that he retained both Courage and power to turn the Scale. What is the mark then you aim at? Is it honour and fame? Titles indeed that attend on War; but seldom long enjoyed, or rarely fall to the lot of the common Soldiers, at the price of whose Blood they are for the most part purchased. Let him there­fore that would wear the Crown hazard him­self to avoid the slaughter of many men, and by single Combate try who is most worthy to Command, and who to Obey, or divide betwixt them the Kingdom, which is large enough to maintain two, having heretofore maintained se­ven Reigning Kings.

This Proposal was imbraced by King Edmund as the best expedient to put an end to a hazar­dous and doubtful War; as likewise by Canute King of the Danes, who by mutual consent went into an Island called Alney, standing in the Se­vern, [Page 9] adjoyning unto the City of Glocester, where both being strong of body they fought like Lions, one to secure his Kingdom, the other to gain it. But in the end, the Dane being wounded, he in­treated a parly, which Edmund granted, and then with a loud voice thus proceeded;

What necessity should thus move us, most Heroick King, that for the obtaining of a Title, we should thus indanger our Lives? Is it not better to lay malice aside, and condescend to an amicable agreement? Let us now therefore become sworn friends, and divide the Kingdom between us, and in such a League of friendship, that each may use the others part as his own, so shall this Land be peaceably Governed, and we mutually assist each others necessity.

This Speech ended, both the Kings cast down their Swords, and imbraced each other, upon which great shouts arose in either Army, who before stood doubtful of the success, and this ac­cord being ratified, the Kingdom was divided by Lot; and that part bordering on the Coast of France fell to King Edmund, who howsoever en­joyed it not long, for in this Treaty the offence of Duke Edrick was included, and upon his submis­sion he taken into favour by the good King, and so continued as it were glutted with the fa­vour and princely bounty of two Kings, till at last resolving to perfect his many Treasons be­gun, he watched his opportunity as King Ed­mund [Page 10] was alone in the Draught-house evacua­ting, and having placed himself beneath, with a sharp Spear he run it up into the Kings Belly, that he there died; then coming up, he traite­rously and inhumanely cut off his Head, and escaping with it undiscovered to Canute the Da­nish King, and presenting it to him with these fawning Salutations: All Hail thou now sole Mo­narch of England; for here behold the Head of thy Co-partner, which for thy sake I have adventured to cut off.

Canute though ambitious enough of the Sove­raignty, yet of Princely disposition, abashed, and sore grieved at so unworthy and disloyal an at­tempt, replied with an Oath, that in reward of that Service the bringers Head should be advan­ced above all the Peers of his Kingdom; which high honour whilst the traiterous wretch greedily expected (and indeed for a time found some fa­vour) his Head by the Kings command was smitten off, and fixed upon a Pole on the highest Gate of the City of London, as he most justly de­served: His Wife and Children were banished; and great was the rejoycing throughout England at the Death of this prodigious Regicide, and betrayer of his Country.

King Edmunds Body was buried at Glasten-bury near to his Father King Edgar; he was of per­son tall, for Courage hardy, strong of Limbs, and well could indure the inconveniencies of [Page 11] War; for which some think he had his additional name of Ironside; with him at that time fell the Glory of the English, he leaving but one Son, viz. Edward, who was Sir-named the Out-law, by rea­son all the Reign of Canute he lived in Hungary, and there Married the Queens Sister, not re­turning into England till the Reign of his Uncle King Edward the Confessor.

Thus fell this good King, and thus Heavens vengeance overtook the Traitour, whose mise­rable end in some sort made an atonement for the innocent Blood shed by wicked hands; as likewise for the Death of Sigefreth and Morcar, King Edmunds Queens former Husband and Bro­ther, who were murthered at Oxford by the con­trivance of Edrick.

CHAP. II.

EDward the Second of that Name since the Conquest, was Son to Edward the First, (the terror of Syria, and dread of Scotland) and his Wife Queen Elenor, Born on the 25 of April, 1284. at Carnarvan in North-Wales, and after the Death of Lewellin ap Griffith; in regard of the place of his Nativity, he was with the general consent of the Welch created Prince of Wales, which Title has ever since devolved upon the Heir apparent to the Crown of England: This Edward being the first who had that Dignity con­ferred on him, and his Father dying, he was Crowned with great applause in the 23. Year of his Age: Then having setled the Affairs of Scot­land, he passed over to Bulloin, and there in great state was Married to Isabel Daughter to Philip [Page 13] the fair, King of France, and returned with his Bride, not passing twelve years of Age in great Triumph, when as taking into his Favour one Pierre Gaviston (whom his Father had banished, but himself intirely loved;) many of the Nobili­ty were displeased, though the King made no great account of such their displeasure: This Gaviston was a stranger by Birth, Born in Gas­coigne; but a Gentleman in all respects, being in his younger years brought up with the King, during his being Prince of Wales, and now made Earl of Cornwel; yet so prevailed the Enviers of his rise, that they procured a Decree for his perpetual Banishment out of England: But the Kings love still following him, he was made Go­vernour of Ireland, and within a while revoaked; and in his return met by the King at Flint-Castle in North-Wales; and there had bestowed on him to Wife Joan of Acres Countess of Glocester, the Kings Sisters Daughter. Yet so far prevailed the discontented Lords, that a third time they pro­cured his banishment, but beyond the Seas his life being often put in hazard by the procure­ment of his Enemies; as some suppose by the Kings secret sending for he returned within six Months, to the great trouble of the Queen and her party, who by this time began to dis­affect her Husband, and joyn with the Lords a­gainst Gaviston. Whereupon first seeming to Pe­tition for a redress of grievances, they after took [Page 14] up Arms, of which the Earls, Lancaster, Warwick and Hereford were chief, and within a while the Earl of Warwick at a place called Blacklow (af­terwards Gavenshead) having surprized Ga­vinston cut off his Head, to the high displeasure of the King; who at that time was not capable of hindering it, yet excessive was the grief and displeasure he conceived; so that the Lords thought it not safe to lay down their Arms till they had reconciled themselves to the King, which was done by the mediation of Gilbert Earl of Glocester, and several Prelates who travel'd therein. Yet not so firm but the King continu­ed a secret displeasure against the chief Actors, but his melancholy was diverted by the Queens being delivered of her first Son at Windsor, who succeeded him by the name of Edward the third, as shall hereafter be related.

The Scots upon notice of this Intestine broil grew haughty, and under the Command of Ro­bert their King, not only put many affronts up­on the English, who so long before had Lorded it over that Nation, but made several Inroads into the Northern parts, which caused King Ed­ward to draw together a great Power, compo­sed as well of Foreign Nations as of English, and marched against them. But several of the dis­affected Lords, under pretence that the King had not ratified the promised Liberties and Pri­viledges, refused to assist him; so that for want [Page 15] of good conduct, though the English exceeded the Scots in number, yet coming to a Battel at Banocksbourn near Streveling, the English were overthrown more by stratagem than plain force, for the Scots having digged pits, and set up sharp stakes in them, cover'd them over with Earth and Hurdles; so that the English Horse charging furiously, their weight broke the Hurdles, and there goring on the stakes became useless, being in that manner killed on all sides by Scottish Archers, who let fly at them as thick as Hail.

Upon this discomfiture, the King was resolved to die in the Field, and much perswasions were used to induce him to save himself by retiring. In this Battel fell the Earl of Glocester, and the Lord Clifford, and about 700. Knights and E­squires, and as Modes Accountans relates, 6000. common Soldiers, though the Scotch Historian will have it 15000.

The King being retired to York, resolved to raise a new Army to revenge this dishonour, but such was the perverseness of his Nobility that it came to nothing; yet the Scots heightned with this success attempting to win Ireland were overthrown, and Edward Brother to King Ro­bert, who had caused himself to be Crowned King slain.

And now the King having lost his Privado or second self, to whom he might open the Cabinet of his thoughts, to supply the Room of Gavistone, [Page 16] began to settle his affections on Hugh D' Spencer Lord Chamberlain, and so doated on him, as likewise on his Son for his sake, that all things moved by their advice, which more inraged the discontented Lords than the actions of Gavistone had done; especially when they perceived two to spring up in the room of one. Yet so far the Lords prevailed, that they procured their ba­nishment; but not long, for the Earl of Lancaster and the Lords of his Faction taking up Arms, the King was resolved to maintain his Regal Au­thority, though with the loss of his Life: And therefore marched against them, who now up­on some distaste given, were deprived of the Queens mediation, and thereupon command­ment was given for the reversion of the Sen­tence against the Spencers, which was performed at London by the Arch-bishop of Canterbury and his Suffragan: And now the King having increa­sed his Power, followed hard upon the Lords, and caused Lancaster to draw off his Army from Burton upon Trent, and march towards Burrowbridges, when in the way several of the Lords of his Fa­ction left him, and threw themselves upon the Kings Mercy, amongst whom was the Traitour Mortimer.

Lancaster with his retinue being arrived at Burrow-Bridges, was there stopped by Andrew D' Hackerly Captain of Carlile, and Simon Ward Captain of York, who had gathered great forces [Page 17] in those parts, and there after some parly, he and the Lords of his Faction surrendred them­selves: When three days after the King came with all his Forces, and Erected a Court of Ju­stice, where the Earl of Lancaster, and most of the Lords and Barons that were taken being Sen­tenced as Traitours, were shortly after Execu­ted, besides a number of the meaner sort, though contrary to the Kings own inclination, as ma­ny suppose by his afterwards bewailing the Death of his near Kinsman the Earl of Lanca­ster.

Things being at this pass, the Queen began to conceive high displeasure at the proceedings of the Spencers, who had prevailed with the King to abridge her allowance; whereupon she com­plained that she was rather kept as a waiting Woman, than a Queen or Heir of France; and at that time Charles the Fifth King of France seek­ing occasion of quarrel against the English, took this advantage, and secretly dealt with the Queen to obtain leave to come to his Court, and to bring with her Prince Edward her Son, which she effected, and at the same time the Lord Mortimer having corrupted his Keepers, or as some will have it, by giving them a sleepy Potion, got out of the Tower and fled into France: Where upon the Queens arrival, he be­came of her Cabinet Council, and otherwise more familiar than either became her ho­nour, [Page 18] or his duty, as in place convenient will appear.

These things happening, and great differences arising between the two Nations, Queen Isabel taking the advantage, solicited her Husband that she might go over to mediate and reconcile the business, which request of hers was seconded by the Lord Spencer, who perswaded the King from going over to secure his possessions in Normandy in person, upon no other account then that he was afraid to stay behind him.

Upon this intercession of the Spencers, the King consents to the Queens desire, and all things were prepared to transport her; where indeed upon her arrival, she so sar prevailed with her Brother, that matters of debate ceased, upon condition that King Edward should give to his Son the Dutchy of Aquitaine, and Earldom of Pontine, which was accorded to, and the Prince sent over to do Homage to his Uncle for them, though to the utter undoing of the King his Father; for now the Plot began, which in the end dispossessed him of his Crown and Life, though coloured under a pretence of ruining the Spencers; which specious pretext drew many who would otherwise have been unwilling to have [...]ngaged.

The Prince having payed his Homage to Charles D' Volois King of France, was together with Queen Isabel, his Mother, sent for back, but [Page 19] the conspiracy not yet having taken root, she made many trivial excuses to delay time, which Walter Stapleton Bishop of Exeter, who attended on the Prince perceiving, and having had some knowledge of the frequent Councils that were held, and seeing the Kings Enemies in such fa­vour with the Queen, amongst whom Mortimer was chief, he as in duty bound, secretly return­ed and advertised the King of the imminent dan­ger; who thereupon solicited (though to no purpose) the King of France to send over his Wife and Son. Whereupon he unadvisedly cau­sed them to be proclaimed Enemies to the King­dom, and banished them with all their adhe­rents: Which discovery and Sentence of Banish­ment so nettled the Queen and her Accom­plices, that after some feigned submission, she resolved by open force to enter the Land, and thereupon without the consent of her Husband, or the Peers of England, she affianced her Son Prince Edward to the Lady Philippa Daughter to the Earl of Hanault, and with the Money of her Portion, levied Soldiers in Germany and other places.

Upon notice of these proceedings, the King thought it time to strengthen himself, and there­fore set forth his Navy, which scouring the nar­row Seas, brought in a Hundred and twenty French Prizes; as likewise he fortified the Sea-Ports, and put Garisons into the places that [Page 20] stood most advantagious to hinder the landing of a foreign Army. Yet the Queen and her Confederates put to Sea, her whole Power not exceeding 3000 of all Nations, and two days be­fore St. Michaels day, landed at Orwel in Suffolk, the force being commanded by the Lord John, Brother to the Earl of Hanault.

The news of their arrival coming to the Kings Ear, he seemed like one amazed, and at first would not credit the report; but upon his being further certified, he sent to the Citizens of Lon­don for Aid, who answered that they would ho­nour with all submission the King, Queen and Prince, but resolved to shut their Gates against strangers, and to withstand them to their power; this answer bearing no favourable Construction to the King, he committed the charge of the Tower, and in it his other Son commonly called John of Eltham, in the Custody of Sir John D' We­ston, and retired with his favorites the Spencers, Baldock, and others into the West, to gather for­ces against the Queen and her Accomplices, ha­ving first Proclaimed them Traitours, and offer­ed the reward of 1000 pounds to any that could take the young Lord Mortimer dead or alive: And by this his unadvised abandoning his chief strengths, he gave the Queens party opportuni­ty to strengthen themselves, several Lords and others daily coming to their assistance, and the better to terrify the Kings partakers, and to [Page 21] colour the Treason, it was rumour'd that the French King had sent with his Sister so many Dukes, Earls and Lords, that England would not suffice to feed them, and that the Pope had sent to Excommunicate all the Kings partakers; for which purpose two Cardinals had been sent o­ver, and credibly reported to have been seen in the Queens Camp, though all was but fictitious; and further to ingratiate with the People, she caused it to be Proclaimed, that her coming was only to remove evil Councillors from the King (the same pretences that were used by our late forty one Parliament) though Roger Lord Mor­timer was the man that chiefly Councilled all the mischief; then were the Kings favorites branded with the names of Traitors and Enemies to the Nation, and 1000 pounds bid to any that could bring the younger Spencers Head. And thereup­on the Londoners rise in a tumultuous manner, and commit many outrages, cutting off the Bishop of Exceters Head, as likewise the Head of John Le Marchel, whom the King had appointed to Govern, the City. They likewise broke open the Prisons, and set all Prisoners at liberty, got into their possession the Tower, and taking thence the Lord John of Eltham, proclaimed him Custos or chief Governour of the City; and the Queen likewise to strengthen her Faction, caused most of the Prisons in England to be set open, and re­pealed such as had been banished; so that there­by [Page 22] her power greatly increasing, She, or rather the Lord Mortimer, followed the King, who de­stitute of friends still fled before his pursuers, who besieged Bristol, and therein took the Elder Spencer, whom without any form of Trial they cut up alive, having first exposed him to the fury of the People, upon notice of which the King entered on Ship-board, and intended to fly for Ireland, but upon further consideration came ashore in Wales, and there for the love the Welsh­men bore him, was concealed for many days in the Abby of Neath; but the Queen and her Ac­complices coming to Hereford, after Prince Ed­ward was Proclaimed High Keeper of England, Henry Earl of Lancaster, Brother to the late Earl of Lancaster, Sir William Delazouch, and others who had Lands in those parts where the King absconded, were sent in quest of him, with sums of Money to facilitate the discovery; who in the end surprised him, together with the young Lord Spencer, Robert Baldock Lord Chancellor, and Si­mon de Reading, whom without any respect to the Person of the King, they conveyed to Mon­mouth, and from thence was the King carried to Kenelworth Castle, and there committed to the keeping of the Earl of Leicester, but the rest to Hereford; where without any form of Trial was put to death the Lord Spencer, being hanged on a Gallows fifty foot high, and Robert Baldock committed to the keeping of the Bishop of Here­ford, [Page 23] who sent him up to London, and exposed him to the fury of the Rabble, who though a Bishop, was used by them in such a barbarous manner, only for being true to his Soveraign, that within a short time after he died; the Earl of Arundel and two other Gentlemen of note were put to death to pleasure Mortimer, and now the mournful King divested of all his friends, being at Kenelworth, there repaired to him the Bishops of Winchester, Hereford and Lin­coln, two Earls, two Abbots, four Barons and three Knights from every County, with two of the Judges as from the Parliament, which the Queen had called at London to perswade him to a Resignation of his Crown to his Son Edward, and so many devices they had heaped together, that in the end having first given private notice to the King of their approach, and the cause, they came to Kenelworth, and presented them­selves before the King, who clad in black sutable to his mournful condition, came out of an inward Chamber, when in the head of the com­pany set in order according to their qualities, the Earl of Leicester and Bishop of Hereford be­gan to declare the Message with which they were charged by the Body of the Kingdom, as they termed the then sitting Parliament, alledg­ing that the Common-wealth of England was weary of his Government, and conceived such irreconcileable dislike of his management of [Page 24] Kingly affairs, that they would by no means permit him longer to Reign over them, but were contented that his Eldest Son Prince Ed­ward should succeed him in his Throne, if he would make a voluntary Resignation; if not they would proceed to Elect another not of his Blood, &c.

The sound of this mournful Message struck so to the Kings Heart, that e're any could prevent it he fell to the ground, and lay stretched in a swoon a considerable time e're life could be per­ceived, or he recovered to his Senses: But in the end recovering, he with many heavy Sighs bewailed his Infortunate condition, and began to parly with his Vassals, but found them inflexi­ble, persisting in threatning sort, to tell him, that unless he would freely resign his Diadem to his Son, and disclaim all Right-to the Crown, they would return his Answer, and that imme­diately thereupon the Parliament would pro­ceed to the Election of another, not of his Race.

These Menaces made the distressed King (who now was fallen low in the Opinion of his Sub­jects through the false insinuation of the factious Lords) to consent to their hard proposals, con­fessing that for his many sins God had permitted these Calamities to fall upon him, but seeing they had not rejected his Race, he was content to submit. Whereupon they proceeded to the new invented and never before practised Cere­mony [Page 25] of dekinging their Sovereign, which in this manner was performed by Sir William Trussel, one of the Judges, who found out a Law Quirk to colour the detestable Treason as followeth.

I William Trussel, In the name of all Men of the Land of England, and of all the Parliament, Pro­curator, resign to thee Edward, the Homage that was made to thee some time, and from this time forward, I defie thee, and deprive thee of all Royal Dignity, and I shall never be Tendant to thee as for King here­after. This Ceremony or rather compact of Treason being utter'd, Sir Thomas Blunt Steward of the Houshold broke his Staff, and Proclaim­ed the Kings Houshold discharged from any fur­ther Service; and then leaving the King di­vested of Regal Authority, and under strong confinement, they posted to London to tell the news, which was joyfully received, especially by Roger Lord Mortimer of Wigmore; though the Queen the better to colour the Treason, seemed much disturbed at the relation of the Kings de­posing.

Now the next business was to set the Crown upon young Edwards Head, whom by reason of his Minority they thought to Rule as them­selves thought fit; who notwithstanding his be­ing but fifteen years of Age, utterly refused to admit of the Ceremony, till he was assured it was with his Fathers free consent: But at last submitting to the perswasions of the Queen and [Page 26] Mortimer, he was Crowned, and Proclamation put out in his name, to satisfie the minds of people, touching the free Concession of his Fa­ther.

Things being at this pass, the Queen began to think of securing her self a Dowry, which she did so large, that it amounted to two parts of the Revenues of the Crown, which she deli­vered to the disposal of Mortimer, at whose com­mand she solely was, even as Fame reported, both at Bed and Board; but their security being in­terrupted by the pitty many seemed to have for the miseries of the Deposed King, they well knowing if he were again restored to his Digni­ty, it would prove their confusion; therefore laying aside all remorse, they entered into a conspiracy to make sure of him for ever by Murther. Whereupon removing him from Ke­nelworth, and out of the Custody of the Earl of Lancaster, who they thought too much favored him; he was delivered into the Custody of Sir Thomas De Gournay, and Sir John Mattravers, two bloody Sycophants, who conveyed him to Corfe Castle, from thence to Bristol, and then to Berkly Castle, where after many barbarous and vile u­sages, they Murthered him; the manner accor­ding to Holinshead thus:

The Kings Death being resolved on, Mortimer procured Adam De Forleton to write this doubt­ful [Page 27] but most wicked Sophism, and to be Sealed with the Queens Seal.

Where the Comma being put after Nolite, bids them not to make him away, but placed after Timere expresly commands it; in performing which execrable Villany these Monsters were not slow, and the better to colour the Regicide, lest any outward appearance of violence should be observed they by force bind the good King, and (O barbarous inhumanity) putting a Horn in­to his Fundament to keep the outward part from seering, they thrust a hot Iron through it, and therewith twisted his Bowels to pieces, not once only, but often repeated the cruel torture, the which how painful may be guessed by the pitti­ful out-cries the King made whilst they were putting him to death, which cries were heard by many, but none durst venture to relieve him.

After this foul and barbarous Murther com­mitted, it was blazed abroad that he died of grief, and thereupon they publickly exposed his Body to the Prelates, and others for several days; but in a short time the Murther, which is seldom [Page 28] hid came to light, and the Actors known, though the Queen and Mortimer deeply dissembled the matter, and to outward appearance seemed greatly afflicted.

Upon the discovery Gorney and Mattravers fled, the former of which was taken at Massels in France, where he produced the Queen and Mortimers Seals for what he had done; where­upon secret Orders were sent for Beheading him on Ship-board in his way for England, lest had he come to a Trial, he should have made a full discovery of the chief Conspirator; as for the latter he wandered about miserably in forreign Countries, and at last died miserably in Italy, being eat up with Ulcers: And Gods vengeance found out these Monsters of men, nor was it slow in punishing most deservedly Roger Lord Mortimer, the chief Contriver of the wicked Par­ricide, who having attained to the height of his ambition; for he together with the Queen be­ing at his Castle of Nottingham one Evening (upon a bruite that his Mother was with Child by Mortimer) the King with a well affected Company having entered a Vault that went in­to the Castle, passed on till he came into the Chamber where the Queen was in Bed, and Mortimer undressing himself to go to her, and so secure they were, that they had left open the Chamber door, whereupon the King caused him to be seized, which was not so easily done, but [Page 29] two or three were killed in the attempt; for Mor­timer had at that time a Retinue of fourscore Knights and Gentlemen attending him; but in spite of resistance he was carried off: And with­in a while after condemned (in Parliament) for being accessary to the Murther of the late King, betraying the Nation, and wasting the Coin; as also for committing adultery with the Queen: Whereupon he was soon after drawn to Tiburn then called the Elms, and there hanged, where by the commandment of the King, he continu­ed hanging for two days, being pittied of none; nor did he fall alone, for with him were Execu­ted Sir Simon De Bedford, and John Deverel Esq both concerned in King Edwards Murther, and thus Heavens vengeance aim'd sure and over­whelmed in the height of their pride and secu­rity, these Monsters of men that durst by cruel tortures, shed the Blood of their Anointed Sove­raign.

CHAP. III.

RIchard the Second was Son to the black Prince, and Grandson to King Edward the Third, being Crowned in the Eleventh year of his Age, at the first entry upon his Kingdom all things promised him a peaceable and prospe­rous Reign; but it continued not long so, for by reason of the ill conduct of affairs in his Mi­nority, John Duke of Lancaster ruling all, who was in hatred with the Commons, great num­bers of the Rabble rose in many Counties un­der the Conduct of their factious Leaders, upon pretence of Redressing grievances, the common Cloak of Rebellion; the principal Commanders being Wat Tyler and Jack Straw, two Mecha­nicks, who committed many outrages, as burn­ing, plundering and murthering in most places where they came, and were so far sided with [Page 31] by the City of London, that they entered it with­out opposition, and took the Tower wherein the King was, and were designed to murther him, had not providence prevented it, by his conde­scending to what they demanded, though never so unreasonable, and granting a pardon to all for what offences soever had been committed, upon which a great part acknowledged the Kings Concessions satisfactory, and so returned home; yet their grand Captains keep their Ar­mies on foot, and still drew up unreasonable Pe­titions, such as they knew the King could not with honour grant; and hereupon they took a pretence of doing more mischief, intending to have divided the Kingdom amongst Mechanicks, every County to have had a King of the Com­mons, as they termed it: But e're they could bring their rebellious purpose to perfection it it was prevented, for Sir William Walworth then Lord Mayor of London being with the King at a Treaty with Wat Tyler, and hearing the Traitor speak irreverently of his Soveraign, and offering to murther one of the Kings Knights, for not shewing him such respect as he required, he with his drawn Sword Arrested him as a Traitor in West-Smithfield, and he refusing to yield, some Lords coming in he was killed, and had his head cut off and carried on a Spear out of the mouth of which he had before impiously prote­sted that all the Laws of England should pro­ceed.

[Page 32]At the fall of their grand Captain the Rebels were much grieved, and being near twenty thousand strong, resolved upon revenge; but the young King spurring forward, told them, that he was, and would be their Captain, and that whatsoever they desired, if it were lawful, they should have, which appeased and caused ma­ny of them to throw down their Arms; and in the mean space the Lord Mayor having raised 1000 Citizens, and brought them to confront the Rebels under his own Conduct, that of Sir Robert Knowles and others, whereupon the Re­bels totally submitted to the King upon promise of pardon. Whereupon the King sent to all his loving Subjects throughout England, who were able to provide Horse and Arms to attend him on Black-Heath, where they were mustered to the number of 40000 all on Horseback, and well appointed, and now the Rebels in Kent, Essex, and other Counties beginning again to raise tumults, were dispersed by force, and ma­ny of the principal Incendiaries put to death, so that the Nation was reduced to its former obe­dience and quiet; so that the King began to think of Marriage, which Anno 1382. In the Month of January, he effected with the Lady Anne, Daughter to the Emperour Charles the Fourth, and Sister to Winceslaus King of Bohemia, and she Crown'd by William Courtney Son to the Earl of Devonshire, and Bishop of Canterbury: [Page 33] Upon which through the Negotiation of the Duke of Lancaster, a Truce was concluded be­tween the French and English from Christmas till Midsummer; and the said Duke upon his return dispatched with an Army to revenge the injuries the Scots had put upon the English during the in­testine broils, but returned without effecting any thing memorable, and upon his return he was accused by a Carmelite Friar, and by Birth an Irish-man to have conspired the Kings Death; to the truth of which, the Friar Swore upon the Sacrament, but the Dukes Interest in the King and his Council, so overpowered the testimony of the Friar, that it was not believed; but on the con­trary the Evidencer delivered over to the Lord John Holland, who caused him cruelly to be put to death without Trial or Form of Law, and afterwards dragged through the streets; when at the same time the Lord Thomas of Wood­stock afterwards made Duke of Glocester, rushed into the presence Chamber, swearing that he would kill any man alive, the King not ex­cepted, that durst lay Treason to his Brothers charge; which rash words were afterwards ex­cused upon pretence of his Zeal to his Brothers honour, though at the same time his duty to his Soveraign ought to have overballanced the other; but the Duke of Lancaster's credit grow­ing great with the Court Lords, the King was forced to oblige him, not knowing how to help [...] [Page 32] [...] [Page 33] [Page 34] it; and therefore seeing him grow obstinate, he the rather wished to be rid of him, which he thought he could no better do than by furnish­ing him a Navy, and an Army to Invade Castile, which Kingdom he claimed in the Right of his Wife Constance, Daughter to the late King: where arriving, he obtained several places of strength, worsting the Spaniards every where: When in the mean while the French under their young King, resolving to revenge old injuries, prepared an Army of 100000. Men to Invade England, supposing it weakned by the remoteness of the Duke of Lancaster's Army; but such was Gods providence, that although they were im­barqued, and several times attempted to put to Sea, yet were they still driven back, and detain­ed by contrary winds, even at such a time when the discontents amongst the Nobility made way for their Conquest; for the King supposing him­self rid at least for a time of his Uncle, the tur­bulent Duke of Lancaster, found his second Uncle Thomas Duke of Glocester no less troublesome, who with the Lords of his Faction continually opposed the Kings proceedings, even to the weakning the Kingdom, denying in Parliament to grant him either Men or Money, even when the French Army was daily expected to Land, upon pretence that he had undeservedly crea­ted Michael Del [...] Pole, Lord Chancellour, Duke of Suffolk, and Robert D' Vere Duke of Dublin in Ire­land, [Page 35] not being willing any should be advanced, but of his own Faction, which caused a Poet, both learnedly and fellingly to Sing, or ra­ther Weep his Countries misery in the doleful strains.

The Nation which had been formerly troubled with the Insurrection of the Plebeans, was again troubled by the Faction of the Peers, who stuck not to demand the removal and banishment of all such as were near and dear unto the King, under pretence of evil Councillours: When in­deed their distast for the most part was found­ed upon private Animosities, which when they perceived they could not effect by fair means, they retired into the several Counties where their Lands were, and where they were most popular, and there raised such forces as they [Page 36] could get; which in a short time in conjuncti­on, made an Army of Forty thousand men, though in time of eminent danger, they pre­tended no Forces considerable could be levy­ed.

With these forces they march towards Lon­don, with an intent to force the King to accord to what they should propose, although at that time Dela Pole, the Duke of Ireland, and Arch­bishop of York, the Persons against whom they chiefly objected, were banished the Kings pre­sence: The Lords that raised these stirs were Thomas Duke of Glocester, the Earls of Warwick, Derby, Nottingham and Arundel; yet upon the mediation of some Prelates the matter was so ordered, that the Lords were content to pre­sent themselves to the King sitting in State at Westminster, but so far from trusting his Royal word, that they came strongly guarded, and coming into his presence fell on their Knees; yet after the former strain, repeated their for­mer demands, throwing down their Gloves, protesting to prove them Traitours by Combate, whom they had so named; yet the King in a sharp reply made them sensible how little he feared their Braves, but in the end referred the further determination of matters to the next Parliament, which shortly after held at Westmin­ster: And in the mean while bid them be con­tent and mindful of their Allegiance, yet they [Page 37] refused to separate themselves, but withdrawing into the West near Burford, set upon a party of Cheshire and Welshmen, Commanded by Sir Tho­mas Molenaux and others, and by the Kings spe­cial Order raised to conduct safe to Court the Duke of Ireland, whom the King had secretly recalled from Banishment, and after a hot dis­pute slew Sir Thomas and most of his Men, the Duke hardly escaping; then increasing their number they marched towards London, whose approach caused the King to betake himself to the Tower, and the Citizens through fear to open their Gates, so that the Lords and the greatest part of their Host entered as it were in triumph, and after some Messengers had pas­sed between the King and them, they found means to come to his presence, and there bold­ly taxed him of secretly practising to fly with the Duke of Ireland into France, and to deliver up Calais and other places in Normandy to the French King, with many other unbeseeming ex­pressions, which, either through real grief, or a Noble disdain to be so used by his Sub­jects, caused the King to shed Tears even in their sight, and at last it was agreed, that the King should the next day come to Westminster; but the next day the King deferring his repair longer than the time appointed, the Lords con­trary to their Allegiance sent him word, that if he came not speedily according to appointment, [Page 38] they would chuse them another King, who both would and should obey the Council of his Peers, they having him present whom they in­tended to have Invested with the Diadem, viz. Henry Earl of Derby, Son to the Duke of Lan­caster, who afterward Dethroned him, as shall be related.

The King having received this threatning mes­sage, though much against his Inclination, went to Westminster where the Lords were Assembled, where they forced him not only to disclaim the Duke of Ireland, divest the Lord Chancellour, but likewise turn out of favour Alexander Nevil Arch-bishop of York, the Bishops of Durham and Chichester, the Lord Souches and Beaumont, with many more of smaller account; so that having stripped him of his friends, they thought the easier to rule him, and afterward committed as many of them as they could lay hands on Pri­soners to the Tower, to answer such Accusations as should be objected against them in the next Parliament, which beginning the Candlemas fol­lowing: The first day of the Sessions, most of the Judges were Arrested as they were sitting upon the Bench, and committed to the Tower; the Crime alleadged against them was, that at Nottingham they having given Council to the Lords, which they assured them was according to Law, had afterwards assured the King that it was not according to Law, but only they [Page 39] had been obliged to give such Opinions for their own security: But Trisillian escaped for a while by flight, being taken in the Morning was brought before the Parliament, and having no longer respite than till the afternoon, was car­ried to Tyburn, and there according to Sentence had his Throat cut; an unmanly death to be in­flicted on a Lord Chief Justice: There were likewise Executed almost all the Judges, and a­bout five Knights and Esquires, most of the Kings especial favorites, nor could the King stay this Execution; but e're this mischief spread further, 'twas allayed by the arrival of the Duke of Lancaster, who had obtained a great Sum of Money, and a yearly Revenue of the King of Spain, to quit his claim to the Crown of Castile and Leon, and that the Lord Henry his Son Mar­rying the Lady Catharine that Kings Daughter, should have the Title of Prince of Austria with several other advantageous matters, and upon his arrival King Richard, whether again to buy his absence is uncertain, bestowed upon him the Dutchy of Aquitain confirming it in Parliament, and putting into his Possession the Cap of Main­tenance and Ducal Rod, at which time his Son Henry Earl of Derby, went for Prussia, and there in­gaged himself in the War against the Lithuanian, where he Atchieved many noble deeds in Chi­valry; but soon after died the Dutchess of Lan­caster, Dutchess of York, Dutchess of Derby, and [Page 40] what was more grievous to the King, his Queen whom he intirely loved, all dying almost in a years space; whereupon the Duke of Lancaster went over to take possession of his Dutchy, and then upon complaint of the Out-cries commit­ted by the Wild Irish, passed into Ireland with an Army to suppress them, and upon his return into France, he was Married to the Lady Isa­bel that Kings Daughter, and thereupon a peace concluded between the two Nations for the space of thirty years: And now the Duke of Ireland being dead, the discontents of the Lords seemed somewhat abated, yet not long, for the restless Duke of Glocester still contriving to secure his steerage at Helme by over­awing the King, put so many affronts upon him, that he often complained thereof to his Uncles the Dukes of Lancaster and York, who perswaded the King of his good intent, though his words might seem harsh, but within a while after a Combination of the said Duke, with the Earls of Arundel and Warwick, the Lords Cobham and Chevy, being discovered by Thomas Mobray Earl of Nottingham, wherein they had conspired to Imprison the King and his Uncles Lancaster and York; as likewise to put to death many of his Councellours; upon which they were Arrested, and the Duke sent Prisoner to Calais, where af­terward he was smothered with a Pillow, and here only the Earl of Arundel Beheaded.

[Page 41]These Executions wrought some alteration in the minds of the People, whose Darling the Duke of Glocester was, so that they greatly ma­ligned his Prosecutors, and some vowed secret­ly to revenge; but to salve up these discontents, especially amongst the great ones, the King in the next Parliament took upon himself the Title of Prince of Chester, created his Cousin Henry Earl of Derby Duke of Hereford, the Earl of Not­tingham Duke of Norfolk, the Earl of Rutland Duke of Amaurle, the Earl of Kent Duke of Sur­ry, the Earl of Huntington Duke of Exceter, the Earl of Sommerset Marquess of Dorset, the Lord Spencer Duke of Glocester, &c. and added to his Escutcheons the Armories of St. Edward the Confessor, sometime King of England.

These proceedings for a time made fair wea­ther, but not long; for a Feud arising between Henry Duke of Hereford and Thomas Duke of Glocester, the latter accused the former of speak­ing several words to the dishonour of the King, that King Richard held the Peers of England in no esteem, but as much as in him lay, sought to destroy them by banishing some, and putting others to death: That he never troubled his mind with considering how his Do­minions were diminished through his carelesness, and lastly, that all things went to wrack as well in Peace as War.

[Page 42]Upon this it was ordered that the Accuser and the Accused should try the matter by Combate, the latter stoutly denying he ever said any such words as were objected against him, so that gages being delivered on both sides, they entered the Lists, but e're they encountered, the King threw down his Warder, and upon fur­ther consideration banished Norfolk for his Life, and Hereford at first for ten years, which after he reduced to six, which some alleadged was a just Judgment on the former, for being instru­mental in putting the Duke of Glocester to death, he being then Captain of Calais.

But now ruin and desolation being at hand, Portents forerun it, all the Bay-trees in England suddenly withered, and within a while sprung out again fresh, near Bedford, the River between the Villages of Harleswood and Swelston where it is deepest, drove back on either hand, and for three Miles left its Channel dry, with sundry other remarkable presages of what after hap­pened.

To give way to which the King upon notice of his Cousin the Lord Mortimer's being slain by the Irish of Leinster, who were up in Arms un­der their Leader Obrian, he resolved to pass o­ver in person to revenge his death; and there­fore to furnish his expedition, he raised many of all hands, and at the same time his Uncle the Duke of Lancaster dying, he seized on his [Page 43] Inheritance without regard to his Son the Duke of Hereford who remained in Exile, which the said Duke hearing, was so throughly netled, that not resolving to wait the expiration of his Banishment, he taking the advantage of King Richard's absence resolves for England, having upon notice of his Fathers decease taken upon him the Title of Duke of Lancaster, and only ac­companied with the banished Bishop of Canter­bury and about twenty others, when having ta­ken Ship, he for some time lay hovering on the Coast, to understand how the People stood af­fected to him, and the better to give his agents on shore time to work them to his purpose; but upon notice that his Faction was strong, he Landed only under pretence of recovering his Rightful Inheritance, when as there repaired to him the Earl of Northumberland, and his Son the Lord Henry, his Son the Lord Nevil Earl of Westmorland and others, as likewise a great num­ber of the Country People offering him their Service, so that within a short time he had form­ed a Puissant Army, the news of which soon a­larumed Edmund Duke of York the Kings Uncle, who calling to his assistance Edmund Stafford Bi­shop of Chichester, Lord Chancellour, Lord Trea­surer, Earl of Wiltshire, Bushy, Bagot, Green, Rus­sel, and other Knights of the Kings Council to consult about raising forces to impeach the Dukes passage; but their consultation came to [Page 44] nothing, the Dukes Faction having so dealt with the common people, that they every where refused to take up Arms against him: Where­upon Sir John Bushy Lord Treasurer, and Sir Henry Green betake themselves to Bristol Castle, but it being stormed by the Lancastrians, their Heads became a Sacrifice to popular fury, but Bagot taking ship, Sailed over to Ireland to ac­quaint the King with what had happened, who thereupon making such peace as he could with the Irish he hastens over; but before his arrival, the Dukes Faction was swelled to such a torrent, that there was no opposing it. Whereupon the King having Cashiered his Army, or they for the most part deserting him, he retired to the Castle of Conway in North-Wales, whither upon notice of his being there resorted to him, the Arch-bishop of Canterbury and Earl of Northum­berland, where after a long Parly the King per­ceiving no other conditions could be gained, re­quired that he and eight more whom he would name might have honourable allowance with the assurance of a quiet private Life; that he in con­sideration thereof would make a resignation of his Crown; which demand Northumberland swore should be observed, and thereupon the King accompanied them to the Castle of Flint, whi­ther the Duke was come with a part of his Army, and from thence after a short conference they removed to Chester, where the King in [Page 45] consideration of many fair promises never per­formed, put himself into the Dukes hands, who conveyed him to London, and there made sure of him in the Tower, whither several of the Lancastrian Faction daily resorted to him to parly about the surrender of his Crown, which at last he consented to do (seeing no other Re­medy) to his Cousin the Duke of Lancaster, and at the same time taking off his Signet, he put it on the Dukes Finger; and at the same time there being a Parliament called in King Richard's name, the Arch-bishop of York, and Bishop of Hereford were appointed his Procura­tors to declare what he had done, nor was this sufficient for to make him odious to the People, they exhibited thirty two Articles against him very scandalous and reproachful: Whereupon Commissioners were nominated by the consent of the Houses to pronounce the Sentence of De­position, who were the Bishop of Asaph, the Abbot of Glastenbury, the Duke of Glocester, the Lord Berkly, and William Thyrring Chief Justice of the Common-Pleas, the Form thus.

In the Name of God, We John Bishop of St. Asaph, John Abbot of Glastenbury, &c. Commissioners spe­cially chosen by the Lords Spiritual of the Realm of England, and Commons of the said Realm representing all the states of the said Realm, sitting in place of Judg­ment, do renounce all fealty to Richard of Burdeaux, and him Depose from all Kingly Dignity, &c.

[Page 46]Upon which the Duke of Lancaster rising from his Seat, Crossed himself, and then layed claim to the Crown, in these words:

In the Name of God Amen, I Henry of Lanca­ster, claim the Realm of England and Crown, with all the appurtenances, as coming by the Blood Royal from King Henry, and by that Justice, which God of his Grace hath sent me by the help of my Kinsfolks and Friends for the Recovery of the said Realm, which was in point of perdition, through default of Govern­ment and breach of Laws.

This said, he was conducted by the Arch-bishops of Canterbury and York to the Royal Throne, and there Seated, and from thenceforth all Writs and Process Issued out in his Name, Richard In the mean space remaining a Prisoner in the Tow­er, and every day in danger of his Life, which was often aimed at, the more firmly, to establish his Successour in his Throne, who sat uneasie whilst deposed Majesty was breathing, who though in an abject condition, yet wanted not those who were contriving to readvance him to his Throne; yet he to render a better Constru­ction of his actions than indeed they would bear, not only published several Proclamations, excu­sing what was done, but sent his Ambassadours to the Courts of neighbouring Princes to give his reasons for taking upon him the Crown of England, during the Life of the Rightful Heir, and in Parliament the better to ingratiate him­self, [Page 47] passed an Act for restoring the Blood and Estates of such as had either suffered, or were disinherited as Traytors during the Reign of King Richard, yet gained he not so much love, but that a conspiracy, if so it may be termed, in so rightful a cause, was formed for restoring Richard to his Regal Dignity: The chief contri­vers of which were the Dukes of Exceter, Surry and Amaurle, the Earls of Huntington, Kent, Rut­land, Salisbury, and the Lord Spencer late Earl of Glo­cester, the Bishop of Carlile, Sir Bernard Broukas, Sir John Shevele, the Abbot of Westminster, and John Maudlin, the counterfeit King Richard, a person who had been his Chaplain, and much resembled him both in Features and Lineaments with several others, so that undertaking grew strong, but how to seize upon Henry and his Son they knew not, unless with a multitude, and that not to be raised without suspicion; so that it was concluded that it should be perform­ed in Christmas Holydays then at hand, under pretence of shows and pastime, but the Morn­ing before the Evening it should have been put in practice, it was discovered to the King by the Duke of Amaurle as some report, yet so nar­rowly the King escaped, that he had scarce reached London before the Earls of Kent and Sa­lisbury not knowing their design was discovered entered the Kings Lodging at Windsor with four hundred Armed Men, supposing to have surpri­zed him there: But when they found the Bird [Page 48] was flown, they were much grieved; yet having dared thus far, they resolved to proceed yet fur­ther; and thereupon to increase their number, gave out that King Richard was at liberty, and in the midst of an Army of 100000 Men at Pom­fret, and that Henry and his Son were fled; and then the better to confirm the belief of the Peo­ple, Maudlin the Chaplain personated Richard, but the device answered not their expectation▪ for in the end most of the Lords were taken and put to death, as likewise Maudlin the counterfeit Richard, the whole number that at that time fell a Sacrifice to Richard's cause, were 19.

Thus his friends being put to death, his turn came next, for jealous Henry could not imagine himself safe whilst Richard remained still in the Hearts of his Subjects; therefore many Councils were held how to be rid of him, so that at last it was concluded that he should be conveyed from the Tower to Pomfret Castle, and commit­ted to the hands of Bloody Ruffians, who that he might die a death the least discernable, as our Historians of most credit relate, was there star­ved to death with cold and hunger, being kept with insufferable torments fifteen days e're he died; and as some say, the more to aggravate his torments, he had Victuals daily set before him, but was not suffered to touch it, or at most but so small a quantity, as rathe [...] lingered out his misery than was any ways advantageous, [Page 49] a death so cruel, that even the barbarous Nati­ons detest to inflict upon the worst of Malefa­ctors, and much more on a King Anointed, and Viceroy of Heaven, for no other fault than what he was prompted to by others, who work­ed upon his tender nature, being a King in him­self disposed to mercy.

After he was dead, his Body was brought up to London, and in St. Pauls exposed to the view of the people, and the better to colour so great an iniquity, it was caused to be rumoured, that upon notice of the execution of his friends he had pined away with grief, but that he was starved to death, agree Stow, Walsingham, Har­ding and other Historians of account, though some there be that affirm he was slain by Sir Piers Exton after he had in resisting slain several of his Knights, but if he had been brained, or mor­tally wounded, certain it is that he would never have been exposed to the view of the people, nor could he have been put to death without Henries consent, but inquiry would have been made into the cause of his death. Therefore O Henry, if thou wert Author, or at least but privy to so Execrable a Murther, though for thine own pretended safety, and for that errors cause, which is erroneously miscalled a reason of state thou art altogether inexcusable, and surely he is not a man that hears of the Infamishment of this King, and feels not a chilling horrour, [Page 50] and conceives not detestation of such a bloody barbarity; but Heaven was not slow in reven­ging the fall of this King, for what was the Reign of his Successour but a continual trouble what Insurrections, Rebellions, Losses at Sea, Plagues, Tempests, fearful Prodigies, and all that can make a Nation miserable Famine excepted did not happen? how many Plots and Conspiracies were layed against his Life by those that had advanced him to the Regal Dignity? What fears and jealousies stuck as Thorns in his Crown, and made ever uneasie, what executions of the Nobility happened during his Reign, even of those especially who had been instrumental in deposing Richard, and no doubt counselling his death? so that the English Earth never drank more noble Blood in so short a time, he Reign­ing but 13. y. 6. m. 3. d. and left Issue Prince Henry afterwards King, Thomas Duke of Clarence slain at Beaufort without Issue, John Duke of Bedford who died without Issue, and Humfry Duke of Glocester who was murthered in his Bed at Bury, and two Daughters Blaunch and Philip: Now as for his Eldest Son Henry the Fifth, after his glorious Atchievements in France, he died in the Flower of his Age, not without suspicion of Poy­son, and Henry the Sixth, Son to King Henry the Fifth, and Grandson to Henry the Fourth, and Prince Edward his Son, and great Grand-child to the Fourth Henry, were Murthered by that [Page 51] Monster of Mankind the Duke of Glocester, af­terwards Reigning by the name of Richard the Third: And thus we may see how Sacred Kings Lives ought to be held, when such Tragedies re­venge their fall.

King Richard after he had been exposed to view for several days, (and the rueful spectacle moved many to compassionate his death) was conveyed to Langly in Hartfordshire, and there obscurely buried, though King Henry the Fifth caused those Royal remains to be removed to Westminster, and there Interred amongst his An­cestors.

Thus fell this unhappy King without Issue, and thus his fall was revenged, and now leaving him to slumber in his Grave; we shall proceed to the next Tragedy, which as it falls next in course, is that of pious King Henry the Sixth.

CHAP. IV.

HEnry the Sixth was Son to Henry the Fifth, and Grand-child to Henry the Fourth, his Mother was Katharine Daughter to King Charles the Sixth of France, upon him the Crown de­volved in his Infancy, his Father dying when he was about Seven Months old, and he Crowned at Eight; yet his Warlike Father having time in his sickness, made his last Will and Testament, constituting his Brother the Duke of Glocester Protector of England during his Sons Minority, and his other Brother the Earl of Bedford Regent, and to the Duke of Exceter committed he the care of young Henry, though to be nurtured and brought up by the Queen.

[Page 53]Matters being thus settled, the King dies of a burning Feaver at Bois D' Vincenois in France, and for a time all things were calm, especially in England, though they continued not long so, for although no diligence was wanting in the Dukes Regents, yet the Kings Minority gave way to many Exorbitancies as well amongst the Vulgar as the Nobility, and France desirous of gaining her former liberty, continually struggled with the Conquerour, the active Dauphin still assailing the strengths of the English, as he found advantage offer, so that many places were lost by being taken, or by revolt, yet the couragi­ous Duke of Bedford the Kings Uncle, having received a supply of fresh forces out of England, recovered many of them, but he in the heat of those troubles dying at Roan, the English but weakly maintained their footing in France, and within a while after, the Faction amongst the Nobles increasing, the Duke of Glocester Prote­ctor of England, and the Kings other Uncle, through the procurement of Queen Margaret Wife to King Henry, was Arrested in Parliament by John Lord Beaumont High Constable of Eng­land, and committed to the custody of the Dukes of Buckingham, Somerset and others, when within a while after he was found dead, as they pretended of an Apoplexy, though those who enquired more diligently into the matter, found by apparent Symptoms that he was made [...] [Page 52] [...] [Page 53] [Page 54] away, yet the death of so great a Prince was hushed, though it proved fatal to the King and Kingdom: For in the death of these two Bro­thers, the two strongest twisted Cords in the Cable of Government were snapped in sunder; whereupon it proved too weak to Anchor the Ship riding in so fierce a torrent; for now the ambitious Duke of York Cousin to the King, having made strong his Faction, began to shew himself openly, laying claim to the Crown whilst the King was yet alive, drawing to his part a number of the discontented Nobility, who envied the Duke of Somerset, a man true and just to his Country, and one whom the King highly favoured, but that not being like to bring his designs to perfection, taking example by King Henry the Fourth, he resolves to make himself popular, and within a while so dealt by his Agents with the Mobile that they rose in many Counties in great numbers, threatning like a Deluge all before them with ruin and desola­tion, and from the Counties adjacent under the Leading of Jack Cade that audacious Re­bel, they Mustered about London; and Quarte­red in the Suburbs, ruining and plundering ma­ny stately Houses, nor did Churches scape their Sacrilegious hands.

The chief of these Rebels were drawn out of Kent, and their Petition, or rather Perem­ptory [Page 55] demand after they had made incredible spoil was,

1. That Richard Duke of York then in Ireland, as likewise several others of his Faction, whom they named should be called home, and be ad­mitted chief Councillours, and have power to manage the principal Affairs of the Kingdom.

2. That the Duke of Glocester was falsly Pro­claimed a Traitour, and therefore they demand­ed that the Authors might be punished.

By this we may see who incouraged them to those unnatural Insurrections; they had likewise a third Article, but it only contained scandalous re­flections on the Duke of Suffolk, but these Traite­rous demands being denied, and their Articles re­jected, they raged worse than before: Whereupon Sir Humfry Stafford drawing together such forces as he could get, Incountered them at Seven-Oaks, whither they were retired, but was un­fortunately slain, and his party routed by Cade the principal Rebel who disarmed him, and put on his Armour, which ill became such a Villain.

After this they again advanced towards Lon­don, and some of the factious Citizens, though contrary to the Will of the Magistrates favoring them, they enter the City and make great spoil on the Houses of such as they imagined to fa­vour the Duke of Suffolk, or indeed the King, which caused the Lord Mayor to Assemble the [Page 56] Loyal Citizens, and consult what was best to be done, who agreed that when Cade was with­drawn, as soon after happened, they should shut the Gates against him, and defend the City for the King, which they effected, and kept him out, though not without the effusion of Blood on either side, but he being put to the foil, his Companions grew faint hearted, so that upon the coming forth of the Kings Proclamation to assure them of pardon, upon condition they would deposite their Arms, they deserted him, and then a thousand Marks being offered to any that could take Cade dead or alive; he within a short time was killed at Hothfield by one Ale­xander Eden a Kentish Gentleman, and his Head being brought up to London, was set upon Lon­don Bridge; as likewise twenty six more of his Accomplices who had been excluded the Char­ter of pardon, being taken, received the reward of their Treason.

The news of these intestine tumults flying in­to Ireland, and coming to the Dukes Ear, who meant nothing less than the deposing of innocent Henry, lest his Faction should be weakned by his absence, he posts over, leaving the Affairs of the Kingdom with which he had been in­trusted in a tottering condition, and upon his arrival without the Kings leave or liking com­mitted Prisoners to the Castle of Ludlow, John Sutton, Lord Dudly, Reynold Abbot of St. Peters at [Page 57] Glastenbury, all of them the Kings friends, and afterwards (having resolved upon deposing the King) he takes up Arms under pretence of removing evil Councillors from about the Kings person almost the original pretence of every Rebellion, though the undertakers aim at nothing less then the King himself, and the chief person he objects against the only man that kept him from his wicked purposes was Edmund Duke of Somerset, and many grievous Accusations the better to colour the business, are made against him, but the chief insisted on was the loss of Normandy during his Regency, though it evidently appeared that the Duke of York himself by fomenting a division amongst the great ones, had given the French opportu­nity to recover it.

The King seeing himself in danger, resolves to oppose the torrent, and therefore Arms, and with a strong power marcheth towards Wales, in whose Marches the Duke resided with his forces, of which the Duke having notice, and understanding the Kings power was such, that he was no ways able to oppose them, upon his feigned submission he so wrought upon the good nature of this pious and peaceful King that a peace was concluded; and after some heats and accusations had passed between the Dukes of York and Somerset; the former was swore to be true to the King, and never [Page 58] more take up Arms, but regarded his Oath no longer than it served for his purpose, for joyn­ing with the Earls of Warwick, Salisbury, and o­thers of the Faction, he again takes Arms, and marches towards London, and to oppose him the King does the like, both Armies meeting at St. Albans a dreadful fight began, which for a long time lasted doubtful, but at last the Earl of Warwick with his Battalian breaking through a Garden, fell in so furiously, that the Kings party were put to the rout, six hundred slain, and amongst them the Duke of Somerset, Earl of Northumberland, Stafford, Lord Clifford, and others of Note. Here the King received a slight wound in the Neck with an Arrow, and was taken Prisoner, though at the same time the Lords of the Faction pretended abundance of respect, leading him to London, and there pro­cured a Parliament to be called in his name, where they caused an Act of Indemnity to be passed, and all things to be so ordered, that they render their Faction pleasing to the mul­titude, and now nothing remained but to de­pose the King, and deprive him of Life, but this they feared to do till their insinuations had spread wider, and that they had got Prince Edward his Son into their hands, for the King notwithstanding this adversity, was extreamly beloved for his singular Piety and meekness; nor did this suffice, for in this Parliament the [Page 59] Duke of York got himself made Protector of England, and its appurtenances, (a thing never heard of before, unless in the Nonage of a King) but his insolencies were such, by Imprisoning and deposing the Kings best friends, that he was soon divested of that power at the instance of the Queen, and several Noble Lords well-wishers to the King.

These Intestine broils Incited the French and Scots to molest the Sea-port Towns and ways, the remote parts of England, upon news of which the King the better to revenge those in­juries, called an Assembly of the Peers at Lon­don, whither the Duke of York, Earls of War­wick and Salisbury, were Summoned under the Kings Privy Seal, and accordingly came, but finding things not for their purpose, they feign­ed a Plot against their Lives, and so retired to their several Castles, and places of strength without leave taken, and there gathering for­ces upon a second Summons came in Hostile manner; yet the good natured King so labo­red that a reconciliation, or at least a seeming one on the part of the Yorkists, was the result of that meeting; but it continued not so long, for upon a Quarrel between one of the Kings Servants, and one of the Earl of Warwicks, all was again in a combustion; for the Earl of Warwick upon that occasion being Assaulted, [Page 60] flies to Calais, and there maintains himself by Piracy, utterly disowning the King Supream Lord of that Place, but being not long satisfied there, he Sails over to the Assistance of the Duke of York, and Earl of Salisbury, who again had taken up Arms, and Encamped near Ludlow, bringing with him one Captain Andrew Trolop, and a stout Band of Calesians, whom all along he had perswaded that they were to fight in the Kings Quarrel, but they finding it other­wise upon the Kings approach, expressed their Loyalty by forsaking the Yorkists, and coming over to the King, who good natured Prince, received them with all convenient expressions of kindness and Royal favour; and Trolop their Captain being privy to all the Plots and De­signs of the Yorkists Faction; the Kings Enemies disperse, the Duke of York, with the Earl of Rutland his youngest Son into Ireland, the Earl of March his Eldest Son and Heir, together with the Earls of Warwick and Salisbury, with much difficulty escape to Calais, which place had King Henry timely fortified, he had driven them all to great extremity; yet the Parlia­ment proceeded to Proclaim them and their Abetters, Traitours, and to attaint them of high Treason, disabling them or their Heirs of ever inheriting their Titles or Possessions, which made them again prepare to Invade England [Page 61] by stealth in their wonted Hypocrisy (the bet­ter to win the multitude to side with them) with deepest Oaths, protesting they only sought the good and welfare of King Henry, and the removal of evil Councillors sending many Wri­tings abroad fraight with dissimulations to that purpose, which wrought them much fa­vour, so that Landing in Kent, and swearing to be true to King Henry, especially the Earl of Warwick who swore it upon the Cross of the Cathedral of Canterbury, they came for­ward to London still increasing in number, which caused the King and Queen being no ways confident of the Citizens, to remove to Northampton, whither the Earls of March and Warwick hasted, and notwithstanding their ma­ny fair pretences gave the King Battel, over­threw his Army, and taking him Prisoner, brought him as it were in Triumph to London, and although they held him Prisoner, yet con­tinued their dissembled kindness towards him, with many feigned expressions of Obedience and Loyalty.

Upon news of this success, the Duke of York hasts from Dublin in Ireland, and pulling off the Mask he had so long vailed his design with, layed claim in the Parliament then sitting to the Crown, breaking open the Kings Lodg­ings, and possessing himself thereof; but the [Page 62] Parliament not approving his rashness, he drew up his Pedigree, in which he proposed himself to be the rightful Heir, which was likewise opposed with many forcible Arguments, yet so power­ful was his Faction, that he prevailed to be Proclaimed Heir apparent, and again to en­joy the Title of Protector of England, with a grant that Henry the Sixth should Reign only during his natural Life, and that then the Crown should devolve on him and his Heirs, as descended of the Masculine Line from Edward the Third; but at this time the Queen being in the North, gathering forces to release her Husband, would by no means consent to this agreement, which caused York to advance in order to oppose her, but her forces consisting of near 18000, and his a far less number, he contrary to the advice of his Council, re­solving to give Battel before his Son the Earl of March could joyn him, the Battel was fought at Wakefield, and therein himself, the Lord Ha­rington, Sir Thomas Nevil Son to the Earl of Sa­lisbury, and almost all his Soldiers were slain; so severe is the Almighty in punishing perjury, and disloyalty to him and his Vice-gerents, Kings Anointed; the Earl of Salisbury was taken Prisoner and Beheaded, and his head with the Dukes fixed upon York Gates; upon this the Queen and her Army came to London, and re­leased [Page 63] the King by the overthrow of Warwick at St. Albans, restoring him to his Power and Majesty, but rested not long e're the Earl of March, Eldest Son to the Duke of York advan­ced with a Puissant Army, and the Earl of Warwick having escaped the fight joyned with him, which news made the King and Queen retire into the North, to provide against the threatning storm, whereupon Edward Earl of M [...]rch, without any controul advanced and entered London, fearful of a Sack, and there by threats and perswasions prevailed with the un­stable multitude to give their Assents for his being Crowned King, which Ceremony end­ed, though against all Law and Right he drew forth his Army, and advanced against the King, who had gathered great forces which were in chief by the Duke of Somerset, Earl of Northumberland, and Lord Clifford, both Ar­mies consisting of 112000. the greatest Army of English that ever England saw, who upon the charge being sounded, began the Fight with great fury near Ferry-Bridge, which con­tinued ten hours, and was lost on the Kings side by the overhastiness of the Northern Arch­ers, who spent all their Arrows at a distance, as not being able to discern the Enemy; by reason the Snow that then fell was driven full in their Eyes: The Nobility that died on [Page 64] the Kings side, were the Lords Scales, Willow­by, Beaumont, Wells, Grey, Dacres, Fitz Hugh Buckingham and Clifford, the two Bastards of Exceter, of Knights and Esquires a great num­ber, and in all on both parts the slain were computed 35091. a slaughter▪ the like not known in England since the Conquest.

Upon this fatal overthrow King Henry hs Son the Prince, and several great Lords escaped into Scotland, where they were kindly recei­ved, and a Marriage proposed between the young Prince, and the Lady Margaret the Scotch King's Daughter, upon which Queen Margaret passed into France, to negotiate her Husbands affairs with the French King for new supplies.

In the mean while Edward is Crowned at Westminster, and a Parliament called, wherein King Henry, and Prince Edward his Son are disinherited of the Crown and all Regal Au­thority, upon news of which Queen Margaret returns to Scotland, having obtained a conside­rable supply of men from her Father Duke Reynold, Duke of Anjoy, King of Naples, Jerusa­lem and Sicily; having suffered much by storm from Scotland, she passed into England, toge­ther with her Husband and such Scotch forces, [Page 65] as that King assisted her with, and took se­veral Castles in Northumberland, several Loy­al English daily resorting to the Royal Stan­dard, which proceeding greatly alarumed Edward, so that constituting the Lord Mon­tacute his Lieutenant General, he furnished him with an Army, with which he gave Battel to King Henry's forces near unto Hex­ham where the Yorkists prevailed, and King Henry is obliged again to fly into Scotland, from whence some time after coming into England in disguise, he was taken Priso­ner by Thomas Talbot in Cletherworth in Lan­cashire, and from thence brought to▪ London, with his Legs bound under the Horses Bel­ly, (so little respect had those Varlets, in­to whose hands he fell to afflicted Majesty) and upon his arrival committed Prisoner to the Tower.

Edward having King Henry in safe custo­dy, began to give himself over to sports and Daliances, and above all to bethink himself of a Wife, upon which several were proposed, as the Lady Margaret, Sister to King James of Scotland, the Lady Elizabeth Sister and Heir Apparent to Henry King of Castile, the Lady Bona Daughter to the Duke of Savoy, and Sister to the French Queen, [Page 66] of which the latter being thought the fit­test Match; the Earl of Warwick was sent over to negotiate the affair, and proceeded so well, that he procured a free consent of the French King, Queen, and the Lady her self; when in the mean while Edward had cast his Eyes upon Elizabeth Grey Wid­dow to Sir John Grey slain in the Quarrel of King Henry at St. Albans, and notwith­standing all the perswasions of the Dutchess of York his Mother, Married her, and made her Queen, which Warwick taking as a grie­vous affront put upon him, from that mo­ment Alienated his Affections from Edward, and consulted how to restore King Henry to his Crown and Dignity, in order to which, he first consults his two Brothers, George Nevil Arch-bishop of York, and John Nevil Marquess of Montacute, the former of which soon consented, but the latter pro­posed many delays, whereupon the politick Earl the better to bring his designs about, resolves to bring to his Lurd George Duke of Clarence, Edwards Second Brother (whom he knew to be discontented with his Bro­thers Rule) and so effectually wrought with Soliciting, that he soon found him pliable, and ready to espouse his Interest; whereupon the more to secure him, he proposed to him [Page 67] his Eldest Daughter in Marriage, with the one half of his Wives Inheritance, which was afterwards consummated at Calais, and in the mean while by the countenance of the Earl, many Commotions were raised in England to countenance which, and to dis­possess Edward of his Usurped Crown, (to say no worse) the Duke and Earl prepa­red for England, having first espoused his second Daughter to Prince Edward, Son to King Henry, and then arriving a great con­flux of People, hasted to his Banner, so well known and dreaded in England, being the White Bear and Ragged Staff, to oppose which torrent e're it grew greater Edward hasten­ed, and at Woolvy four Miles from War­wick, where the Duke and the Earls Host lay, pitched his Tents, and bid the Earl Battel, who undaunted Spirit brooked no such Bravado advance and both Armies stood Imbattled expecting the dreadful blast, but it so happened, that the Fight was delay­ed, and both Armies retire, as if a Peace would undoubtedly insue, but crafty War­wick had other designs on foot; for within a while after he surprized Edward in the midst of his Army, and took him Prisoner, committing him to the custody of the Arch­bishop of York, from whom he soon after [Page 68] escaped, which greatly perplexed the Earl; yet he so ordered the matter, as not to seem in the least to regard it.

Edward upon his escape fled to London, and the Duke and Earl continuing in their station, levied great forces, but upon the Mediation of the Nobility, it was so orde­red that the Duke and Earl came to Ed­ward upon his Letters of safe conduct, but Edward taxing them with Disloyalty, and they him with ingratitude, nothing was done but both departed, Edward to Canterbury, and the other returned to Warwick, and from thence sent their Agents into Lincolnshire, where they dealt with the Commons to take up Arms under the Leading of Sir Robert Wells, Son to the Lord Wells; but he in revenge of his Fathers Death (whom Edward had basely Beheaded contrary to his promise) rashly ingaged Edwards power before War­wick could come to his Aid, and by that means lost the day and his own Life; up­on notice of which overthrow, the Duke and Earl betook themselves again to Calais, of which place the latter was Captain, but were denied entrance by Vawclere his Lieu­tenant, and thereupon went to the French Court, where they were kindly received, and [Page 69] within a while returning into England, ga­thered so huge an Army, that Edward was forced to fly the Land, and his Queen to take Sanctuary; whereupon King Henry was again restored to his Regal Dignity, and Edward with all his adherents Proclaimed Traitors, and in Parliament disinabled from Inheriting the Crown, and it again Intailed on King Henry, upon which Heart-breaking news, Edward procures forces from the Duke of Burgundia, who had Married his Sister, and under pretence of Friendship enters Eng­land, pretending to no more than his Dutchy of York, framing Letters for his safe conduct under the Seal of the Earl of Northumber­land; but he no sooner entered but sur­prized that City; whereupon Warwick and Clarence prepare to drive him thence, but the latter was so wrought with under hand, that he revolted to Edward, and endeavo­red to perswade Warwick to do the like, who generously answered to the Messenger, go tell your Duke that I had rather be an Earl, and always like my self, than a false and perjured Duke, and that e're my Oath shall be falsified (as his apparently is) I will lay down my Life at my Enemies Foot, which I doubt not but shall be bought very dear, and thereupon Marched towards [Page 70] London, when at St. Albans he considered what was best to be done, and finding that the Sword must decide it, he advanced, and at Barnet both Armies approached each other, where in the spacious Field, the Battle joyn'd on Easter day with such fury, that the like had not been known, and conti­nued doubtful for a long time, when as the day being overcast with mist hindering the Soldiers sight, Warwicks Battalian took the Stars Imbroidered upon the Earl of Ox­ford's Mens Coats for his Son Edwards Bo­dy, whereupon they let fly upon their friends, which mistake caused the Earl to leave the fight, his Men crying Treason, Treason, we are all betrayed, which War­wick perceiving, charged with fury upon the Enemy, but entering too far was beat­en down and slain, though not without performing wonders sutable to his great Soul, who had been Englands Make-King for many years before, with him perished his Brother the Marquess of Montacute, and a great number of smaller note, as like­wise the loss of the Battle on the side of the Lancastrians.

Son after this overthrow, Queen Marga­ret and Prince Edward arrive at Weymouth, [Page 71] and understanding the loss of the Battle of Barnet Field, she went to Ceerue Abby, whi­ther the Lancastrian Nobility that escaped the slaughter came to her, and with comfort­able words, put her in hopes of better suc­cess, and immediately raised such forces as they could, and joyned them to those they Queen had brought over from France, but loth she was that the Prince her Son should hazard himself in the Battle, and urged sundry persons, but was over perswaded by the Lords, whose preparations alarumed Ed­ward, so that gathering an Army, he ad­vanced towards them, resolving to hinder the increase of the Queens power, having first committed King Henry, and the Arch­bishop of York to the Tower, and at Teux­bury both Armies met, where after a hot Encounter, by the Treachery of the Lord Wenlock the Battle went with Ed­ward, which Treachery was rewarded with death, the Duke of Somerset the Queens General beating his Brains out with his Bat­tle-Ax.

In this Battle of the Lancastrian Nobili­ty, were slain John Lord Summert, John Co­ventry Earl of Devonshire, the Lord Wenlock in manner aforesaid, several Knights, and [Page 72] three thousand common Soldiers, and on the other side not fewer.

Upon this defeat Proclamation was made for the Apprehending Prince Edward, who was soon taken by that unworthy Knight Sir Robert Crofts, and delivered to his most Capital Enemy, the Duke of Somerset, and others of Quality having taken Sanctuary, were haled thence and beheaded.

Prince Edward not passing fourteen years of Age, being brought before Edward had assumed the Soveraignty, he beheld him with a stern Countenance, and de­manded how he durst with Banners dis­played enter his Realm? to which the young Prince with an undaunted Courage replied, to recover my Fathers Kingdoms, and most Rightful Inheritance possessed by his Father and Grandfather, and immediate­ly from him descending to me; how da­rest thou then that art but his Subject, take up Arms against thy King?

This Brave and Generous Answer, so touched King Edward to the quick, that he unmanly with his Gauntlet, smote him on the Mouth, when at the same instant [Page 73] the more villanous Duke of Glocester, after­wards Usurper of the Crown by the name of Richard the Third, together with his wicked Accomplices, stabbed the Prince to death in Edwards presence, Monsters un­worthy of the name of Men, but Heavens vengeance for this and other black crimes overtook the Actors.

The Prince after his being murthered, was Buried in the Grey-Fryars at Tewksbury without any Ceremony, and now Queen Mar­garet having taken Sanctuary, was discove­red and brought Prisoner to the Tower, where she continued till her Father with a great Ransome (to raise which he was forced to sell most of his Signeouries to the French King) he redeemed her, and now King Henry being Prisoner, likewise, and the Thorne that made Edwards Crown sit uneasie, he resolves to be rid of him, and therefore sent his Brother, that Crook-backed Monster in the shape of a Man, to dispatch him, who pretending to discourse about his releasment, stabbed the pious King to the Heart, and eased him of this troublesome Life, though perpetual horrour haunted the Actor of this black deed to his Grave.

[Page 74]After this cruel murther committed on the pious King, his Body was for many days exposed to the view of the People ever bleeding afresh, which raised at once pitty and detestation in the Spectators, and then carried by Water to Chersie in Surry.

And thus fell this good King, though not unrevenged, for he lived to see the mise­rable ends of all such as had first broach­ed the mutual War against him, viz. Ri­chard Duke of York, the Earls of Salisbury and Warwick, and afterward God was not slow to revenge his Royal Blood, for with­in a while the Duke of Clarence King Ed­wards Brother was attainted of Treason, and privately put to death in the Tower, as some say drowned in a Butt of Malm­sey, King Edward himself continually infe­sted with troubles, through his unquiet Reign, and People every where suffering through storms, pestilence, and Losses by Sea and Land, after his Decease his two Sons murthered by their unnatural Uncle the Duke of Glocester, and that Monster himself after a short Usurpation slain in Bos­worth Field, as in the sequel shall more at [Page 75] large be shown, and thus I shall end with the death of this pious, though unfortunate King, who left no Issue, his only Son being murthered as is before recited.

CHAP. V.

[Page 77] Edward the Fourth having (though for the most part) reigned twenty two years, one Moneth and five days, deceased, leaving his Nobility at vari­ance, though at his death they were seemingly reconciled, and his two Sons both young, and Glocester Protector of the Realm, during Edward the El­ders Minority; but he having before Plotted the Acquirement of the Sove­raignty, resolved to work the destru­ction of his Nephews to his way to the Throne, and therefore confedera­ting with the Duke of Buckingham, and other Lords of his Faction, which with gifts and large promises he won to his Lure: Whereupon his first attempt was to accuse the Lords of the Queens Blood, with many things thereby to render them odious in the Eyes of the People, and therewith a strong Guard went to meet the young King, who at his Fathers death was at Ludlow, under pretence of bringing him up to [Page 78] London to his Coronation, when in­deed he never intended he should wear the Diadem, they having politickly per­swaded the Queen from setting any guard about her Son, that so they might the easier work their purposes, and coming to Northampton where the Lord Rivers, the Queens Brother, and the Lord Ri­chard her Son by Sir John Grey, lay, they with all seeming kindness received and imbraced them, and seemed to stu­dy nothing more than the advance­ment of the King, but Glocester, Buck­ingham and others of the Faction ha­ving held a close Consult most part of the Night, the next Morning they locked up the Inn, setting a guard of their Servants, whom they had pri­vately sent for to secure it, and others to secure the way from Northampton to Stony Stratford where the King lay, that none should pass to bear the news of what had happened, under a pre­tence only that they designed to be the first that would wait upon the [Page 79] King from that Town, but Earl Rivers perceiving himself as it were a Priso­ner, and mistrusting some design against his Person, went boldly to the Dukes, who were in the same Inn, and de­manded the reason of such their pro­ceedings, upon which they began to pick a quarrel with him, saying that he endeavoured to sow discord between the King and them to their utter con­fusion, should it take effect, but as he was about to excuse the false Accusati­on they committed him to Ward, and tak­ing Horse Rode to Stony Stratford, where in the presence of the young King, they after a feigned salutation and submission, picked a quarrel with the Lord Grey, the Kings other Brother by the Mothers side, saying that he the Lord Rivers and Lord Marquess had Con­spired their ruin, and that the Marquess had taken the Kings Treasure out of the Tower, and fitted out Ships to Sea (which though they alledged as a crime against him, yet themselves knew it was done [Page 80] for the good of the Nation, and with the consent of the Council.

These Accusations the King excused, saying, as for his Uncle and his Bro­ther present, he durst ingage they had done nor meant no ill, though the Marquess being absent, he could not as yet tell what he might have done, but this availed not, for in the Kings presence they Arrested the Lord Ri­chard, Sir Thomas Vaughan, and Sir Ri­chard Hawit, and brought the King and all his Train back to Northampton, which unexpected news coming to the Queens Ear, she immediately with her second Son the Duke of York took Sanctuary in Westminster, and there in great heaviness attended the sequel, and there had the great Seal delivered to her by the Arch-bishop of York, which he afterward repenting, sent pri­vately for it again.

[Page 81]In the mean while Gloucester used many Ar­guments to perswade the King and those about him, that all should be well, and sent a dish of meat from his own Table to Earl Rivers with comfortable, though dissembling words, but in the end, the Lord Rivers, the Lord Ri­chard, Sir Thomas Vaughan were sent to divers Prisons, and in conclusion all Beheaded at Pom­fret by the command of Gloucester, without Process of Law.

The next thing was to scandalize the Queen, and to insinuate with the people, that the Lord aforesaid intended to kill all of the Blood Royal, to which purpose they shewed several pieces of Armour found in their Carriages, saying it was designed for their destruction, which many of the more easie sort believed, though wise men knew, that if they had so intended, they would have had it on their backs, but at last the King was brought to London, and joyfully received by the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, She­riffs, and chief Citizens, and thereupon a Coun­cil was called to consult of his Coronation, in which Gloucester so cunningly dissembled his Intentions, th [...]t he was made Protector of the Kings Person and Realm, and so the Lamb was committed to the keeping of the Woolf, and thus having got the King safe in the Tower, nothing remained but possessing himself of the young Duke of York who was with the Queen [Page 82] in Sanctuary, the which (though much contra­ry to the will of the Queen) he at last obtained, and upon first sight took him in his Armes, and gave him a Judas kiss.

Thus having secured himself of the Male Line of the House of York, he began to pull off the Vizard that he so long had worn, and be­gan to place and displace the Kings attendants as he thought most advantagious for the car­rying on of his design, to all which Buckingham was privy, and it was resolved between them, that the Protector should be King, and Buck­ingham upon these following considerations, to assist him to grasp the Crown to his utmost power, viz. That Gloucesters only Son should Marry his Daughter, and that when he had attained his desire, he should have quiet pos­session of the Earldome of Hereford with other Immunities, and the better to carry on the de­signe, two Counsels were appointed, one in the Tower, and the other in Bishopsgate-street, the latter of which was composed of the Prote­ctors own Creatures, amongst whom was one Catesby a Lawyer, in whom the Lord Hastings Lord Chamberlaine put such c [...]nfidence, that he doubted not but from him to have frequent Intelligence of all that passed, but he deceiv­ed his expectation, and instead of standing by him, gave Council against his Life, by incensing the Protector, that whilst he lived he could not [Page 83] accomplish his design, which so netled the Pro­tector, that though he loved the Lord Cham­berlain, yet rather than to be baulked in his purpose, he resolved, and the next day in Coun­sel he found occasion to pick a Quarrel with him upon pretence that the Queen and Shores Wife (the late Kings Concubine) had bewitch­ed him, the latter of which the Lord Cham­berlaine for the great Love he bore her, seem­ing to excuse, as indeed she was no ways Guilty, the Protector with a Sign given, in a great Rage gave notice to his men in Harness that he had planted in the next Room, who rushing in in great number, one struck at the Lord Stanley with a Battle-Axe, that had he not swiftly stooped under the Table, had split his Scull, but as it was, it grievously wounded him, then was the Lord Hastings Arrested, and within an hour after Beheaded on a Logg in the Tower, and all the other Lords disposed of in safe Custody for a time, and to excuse the Fact, a Proclamation was put forth, intimating that the Lord Stanley and Lord Hastings inten­ded to have Murthered the Protector and Duke of Buckingham in Counsel, but few or none believed it, and the better to colour his pretence of being bewitched by Jane Shore, he caused her house to be rifled, and her to do open Pennance▪ and the same day the Lord Chamberlaine was beheaded, the Lords of the [Page 84] Queens Blood were Beheaded at Pomfret, not without his Counsel and advice, little suspect­ing his Life was of equal date with theirs.

The Protector having thus far proceeded, and resolving to go through stitch, procures Edmund Shore Knight Lord Mayor of London to be of the Counsel, that being privy to his design, he might work the City to his purpose; as likewise procured the said Shores Brother a Doctor in Divinity, and one Fryer Pinker to Preach his Title, and insinuate him in their Ser­mons into the hearts of the People, in which the former by such prodigious Flattery and Dissimulation proceeded, that being reviled and hated of all men, for very shame and an­guish he shortly after died, the latter in the midst of his Sermon so lost his Voice, that he was forc'd to break off in the middle; but this way not prevailing, (though Gloucester had or­dered them to Proclaim his Mother an Adul­teress, and that his Brother Edward was unlaw­fully begotten.) Buckingham, together with tho Mayor, Recorder, and some of the Aldermen, repaired to Guild-Hall, where the Duke made a long harangue in praise of the Protector, to all the Citizens assembled, laying open the Cruelties, Lusts, and Tyranny of King Edward, vilifying his off-spring, and alleadging them unlawful, by arguing him lawfully Married to the Lady Elizabeth Lucy, though upon Tryal [Page 85] no such thing appeared, the Lady denying and disowning any such Marriage. His tedi­ous Speech ended, he expected the loud ap­plause of the people, that they should have cryed, King Richard, King Richard, but they rather stood amazed in deep silence, not so much as the murmur of a voice being heard, at which the Duke was much perplexed, and signified as much to the Mayor, who told him, he believed the people did not understand him aright, whereupon he again began to repeat what he had before declared, with additions more plain than what he had before delivered, which ended, some of his own men and of Gloucesters retinue, as likewise several Appren­tices and loose Fellows, who had thrust in a­mongst the Citizens, cryed, King Richard, King Richard, and threw up their Caps, whilst the Citizens looked back as amazed at what they meant, but the Duke taking hold of this opportunity, said, It was a joyful Acclamation, and he rejoyced to see that all as one man had consented that the Protector should be King, and therefore desired them that the next day they would accompany him to wait upon the Protector to see if his Grace would accept of the Regal Dia­dem, and in the mean while he would acquaint him with their good will towards him.

In the Morning the Mayor, some of the Al­dermen, and several Citizens, but more Ap­prentices [Page 86] and Serving-men, accompanied the Duke to Baynards Castle, where the Protector resided, and being entred the outward Court, they sent in a Message to the Prote­ctor, to acquaint him that there were many Eminent persons, as well Nobility as Citizens, had an Important Suit to his Grace, and could impart it to no other, upon which he dissembles fear and unwillingness to speak with them, but after many earnest Intreaties, he came into a Gallery where they might behold him, and from whence he might speak to them, and then the Duke of Buckingham in the name of the rest, addressed himself in a speech, intima­ting, that it was the desire of all the Nobility and Commons of England, that he should take upon him the Soveraignty of the Kingdom of England and its Apurtenances, which he made strange at, as if he had never known of any such design, and vehemently (though with much dissimulation) argued against it, till the Duke of Buckingham told him, that the Nation was resolved to reject the Line of Edward, and therefore offered the Crown first to him as Right Heir, and should be sorry his Grace should refuse it, but if he did, they were reso­lutely bent to Elect some Nobleman King without his consent.

To this the Protector after some recollecting himself, as if he had been to study what to an­swer, [Page 87] said, He was sorry they should reject his Brothers Children, and not suffer them to Rule, but since it was their pleasure, it was not in his power to oppose it, and therefore as next Right­ful Heir he accepted of their kind offer, and would study to deserve their kindness, &c. After he had spoken what he thought convenient, the people shouted, King Richard, King Richard, (that is the Rabble) but the Graver Citizens stood Mute, and had various discourses amongst themselves what might be the sequel, yet we may well say here ended the young King Ed­wards Reign, which was rather an Inter Regnum which from his Fathers Death continued only two Months and 16 days, and in that space he not Crowned.

Richard by Tyranny and Usurpation having snatched the Diadem, was Crowned with all Splendor, and caused a Parliament to be cal­led in his name (such was the partial flattery of that Age) many Acts were made which confirm'd him rightful Heir, and to justifie his proceedings, but he siting uneasy in his Usurped Throne, whilst his Nephews were alive, soon plotted the destruction of the Royal Infants, which Heaven past doubt suffered, for the many un­just blood-sheads committed by their Father; nor was he long in finding a fit Instrument for his Hellish purpose, for having in vain tempted Sir Robert Brakenbury to Murther the [Page 88] Innocents, he in his Progress to Gloucester, complained to one of his Pages, saying, Ah▪ whom shall a Man Trust, those whom I have brought up my self? those that I had thought most surely to serve me, even those fail me at my commandment, and will do nothing, to which his Page (well understanding his meaning) re­plyed that there was one without that he durst Ingage his Life would perform his com­mands (meaning one Sir James Terril) which much rejoyced the Usurper, who going into the Pallace Chamber, found Sir James and Sir Thomas Terril (both Brothers, though unlike in conditions) in bed together, when calling up Sir James, (a Varlet unworthy of Knight­hood) he Imparted the matter to him, who never bogled at the horrid Villany, but in hopes of Favour and advancement, consented to the Impiety, and thereupon obtained the Usurpers Letter, to the Lieutenant of the Tower, to have all the Keys delivered to him for one Night, to perform his pleasure, which he accordingly received.

But before I proceed to the Tragedy, one thing is worthy of Note in the Young King, who hearing his Uncle had taken upon him the Regency, with a Feeling grief, said to him that gave him notice thereof, Alass, I would my Ʋncle would let me Enjoy my Life yet, though I loose my Kingdom and Crown.

[Page 89]But to return, this Monster having got the Power, displaced all the young Kings Ser­vants, and left none about them but one Black Will, a Bloody Villain, and when the Night of Murther came, he appointed one Miles Forrest and John Dighton, both fleshed in Murthers from their Youth, the latter of them his Horse­keeper, to dispatch the King and his Brother the Duke of York, who coming in at Midnight, smoothered them to Death with Pillows, lay­ing upon them, till they felt by their stillness they were dead, and then laying their Naked bodies upon the Bed, called their wicked Ma­ster to behold the dismal Spectacle, who cau­sed the Bodies to be buried under the Stairs, and a heap of Stones to be layed on them, and then posted to tell the Usurper what he had done, who rejoyced at the most Execrable Tragedy, yet ordered their Bodies to be re­moved thence, which as the Writers of most credit say, were wrapped up in Lead, and put in a Coffin full of holes, and thrown into the Tower Ditch; others affirm, that they were thrown into a black deep in the Mouth of the River of Thames, but certain it is, they were never afterwards found, but low the just Ven­geance of Heaven on their Murtherers, and those that contributed to it; First, the Duke of Buckingham taking up Armes against the Usurper whom he had raised, was discomfited, [Page 90] and flying to one Banister who was his Ten­nant, and had been his Servant, a man whom himself had raised from nothing to high esteem, continued with him for a while in the disguise of a Gardener, but Proclamation coming forth, promising the reward of 1000 Marks to any that could apprehend him, the false Wretch (though Gods Judgment was signal therein) delivered him up, and within a few days after he was beheaded: Forrest rotted piece-meal, and died in great Torment: Dighton lived mi­serably at Calais dying in the Streets; and Terril after he had confessed the Murther, was beheaded for Treason on Tower-hill, in the Reign of Henry the Seventh, the Usurper du­ring his short Reign, which lasted but three years, was continually terrified with frightful Visions of Devils, that seemed to tear and hale him in pieces, his evil Genius still haunting him, till at last he was slain in the Battle of Bosworth-field, and his Body carryed naked be­fore a Horseman, being made a sport and scof­fing to all that beheld it, and lay to publick view in Leicester, and then obscurely Buried; and to conclude, his name grew so odious, that the White Bore which was his device, was every where torn down, the Executions during his Reign were many; the Afflictions of the Land by Dearths and Inundations Excessive, so that few or none lamented his Fall, who [Page 91] had Murthered two Kings, and two Princes of the Blood Royal, their immediate Heirs and Successors.

Nor died King Edward the Sixth, that pious Prince and Phaenix of the World, without great suspition of being Poysoned, for the Earl of Northumberland by his Stratagems, and the assistance of the Lords of his Faction, having procured the Death of the Kings two Uncles, the Lord Admiral, and Lord Protector, for the Death of the last of which the King falling into a deep Melancholy, and then sickening, he so dealt with him, as to disinherit his Sisters, the Lady Mary and Lady Elizabeth, and to settle the Crown by Will upon his Couzen the Lady Jane Gray, Daughter to the Earl of Suffolk, whom he had caused to be Married to his 4 th Son the Lord Guilford Dudley, thereby to En­tail the Crown to his Posterity, and then (as he thought) to Seal what he had done, he removed the Kings Phisitians, and set a Woman who undertook to Cure him, who either through Ignorance, or rather as many imagine, to com­pleat the Hellish purpose, brought him to that pass, that his Phisitians being again called to him, durst not give their Advice, but went a­way shaking their heads, with Tears in their Eyes, and shortly after that Pattern of true Piety and Vertue left this Life, when after his Death his Body was found swelled at a Mon­strous [Page 92] rate, and so diversly coloured, that most whispered it, that he was Poysoned, as did ma­ny Learned Phisitians, but durst not speak their minds freely, yet Northumberlands project last­ed not, for himself, his Son, and the Pious and Innocent Lady Jane, as likewise the Duke of Suffolk her Father, all lost their Heads in the Reign of Queen Mary.

Nor did Heavens Justice seem slow upon the heads of those Scotch Monsters who slew their King, viz. James the Fifth, stiling themselves the Ministry of Scotland, for the chief Actor was Burnt, together with all or most part of his Family, by his House accidentally firing in the Night, and others his wicked accomplices, who durst stretch out their hands against Majesty, were forced to fly and die miserable Exiles, whilst the Land Groaned under civil Dissen­tions, Famine, Mortal Sickness, and the like.

But having proceeded thus far, I shall make a step over into France, and there take a view of the untimely Ends, and Barbarous Murther of two of their late Kings.

CHAP. VI.

KING Henry the Third of France, Third Son to Henry the Second, after the Death of his Father and two Brothers, Francis and Charles, (in the latter of whose Reign, by his special Command, happened the Bloody Massacree of the Protestants all over France) succeeded to the Crown of France, and was Crowned with great Solemnity, but sate not long in his Throne e're the Guises Fa­ction began to give him disturbance, and under combination of League against him, take up Armes, whereupon many Battles were Fought, and what they most alleadged, was his favour­ing the Protestants, and to such a height the Duke of Guise pushed the Discontent, for the hate he bore to the Hugonets, (as the Prote­stants were termed) himself having been the Perswader to the former Massacres, that the King was forced in secret wise to fly Paris, and for refuge, betake himself to his Army, where­upon [Page 94] he sent for the King of Navarre, (after­wards King of France, whose Tragedy we shall next relate) to his assistance, who joyning For­ces, fought many Battels with the Leaguers, but finding them the more obstinate, and that the Duke of Guise sought to deprive him of his Crown, it was so resented by some of the Kings Servants, that they set upon the Duke in the Castle of Chartres, and forcing their En­trance, killed him and his Brother the Cardi­nal, which was no doubt a signal Judgment for the many Thousand Innocents that by his advice were Massacred.

Upon this the Leaguers prevailed with Pope Sixtus the fifth (willing enough of himself) to excommunicate the King, and every where excite his Ruffians to Assassinate him, promi­sing for their encouragement great Rewards on Earth, and greater in Heaven, but the King was still Invironed with such Trusty Friends, that the Popes Hellish design was for a while Frustrated, though no way that carryed the Face of a Probabillity was lest unattempted.

The Leaguers growing still more Furious ha­ving made the Duke of Mayne, the Duke of Guise and others their head, therefore to nip them in the bud, the two Kings advanced with their Armys, and sate down before the great City of Paris, the chief Seat of the Leaguers, and made Sundry Assaults, in order to win it, [Page 95] but did not so soon prevail, but that one of the Popes Hellish Instruments, prevailed against the Kings Life, the manner thus. One James Clement a Jacob in Monk, having been tam­pered withall and moulded in private, to En­terprize so great a wickedness, he in the As­sembly of his Convent, declares his Resolution to kill the King, for which resolution he is car­ressed, called, Saviour of his Country, applau­ded and promised Mountains in this World, if he overlived the Act, and if he miscarry to be assured of Saintship to pass immediate­ly to Heaven, without calling at Purgatory, to have shrines and Altars erected in memo­rial of the (as they wickedly and falsly ter­med it) Pious, Religious and Holy undertaking, which so Transported the Novice, that he thought himself already capering above the Clouds, and thought every moment a day till he had put his wicked design in practice, wherefore, either to make him the more ven­terous, or that themselves did think it more expedient, they carryed him to the High-Al­tar, prayed over him, (O wickedness beyond Degree) that God would Strengthen his Arm to give a sure Blow, and thereupon delivered him a Dagger, wrapped up in the Relict of a Saint, as they called it, and the better to compleat the Impostor, added to all their wickedness, by dipping the point of it in con­secrated [Page 96] Wine of the Sacrament, and then dis­missed him with what they called Blessings, but indeed such monstrous Impiety, that to the everlasting Infamy of the Romish-church let it stand Recorded.

This deceived wretch full Fraught as he imagined with Honour in this World, and hap­piness in the other, Arrives at the Kings Camp at St. Clou, and pretended an Embassy from the Leaguers to the King, which he was char­ged to deliver to no Person but himself, and so by Feigned pretences, had admittance, when putting his hand into his Sleeve, as though he would draw out a Letter, with the be­fore mentioned Dagger smote him in the Belly; the King wrested the Dagger from him wounded him on the Head, which Strugling, made such a noise, that the Guards coming hastily in, and seeing the King wounded, stayed not to In­quire into the manner, but with their Swords cut the miserable wretch to pieces, and sent him by that means to his propper place, from whence not all the Papal Authority, nor Masses of a Thousand years can deliver him.

The next Morning the King Died of his Wounds, leaving the King of Navarr his King­dom and Army, who succeeded him by the name of Henry the fourth, and soon after a­venged the Death of his Predecessor, by Be­seiging Paris the chief residence of the Lea­guers, [Page 97] who greatly rejoyced for the Death of the King, reduced it to such extremity by Famine, no filthy thing was left uneaten, and yet 6 or 7000 Dyed with Hunger and Pesti­lence.

The Pope hearing of the Kings Death, much Applauded the Murtherer, caused his Statute to be set up, and gave him a red Letter in the Callender, saying, he was worthy of praise, for he Stabbed not the Picture of a King, but the King of France, in the mid'st of his Army, and the best word he could afford the King was a Favourer of Hereticks, and an unfortu­nate Prince, but his joy lasted not long, for he soon after Died miserably, and thus much for the fall of this great King.

CHAP. VII.

HEnry the IV. Son to Anthony of Burb [...]on, by his Wife the only Daughter, and Heir of Henry D' Albert, King of Navarr, after his Grandfather, Father and Mothers Decease, Injoyed that Kingdom, and as you have heard, being next Prince of the blood, he was rightful King of France, after the Decease of Henry the III. and carryed on the War against the Leaguers, till he had obtained the absolute Soveraignty, joyning both Kingdoms.

Many were the Plots layed against his Life, as that Massacre in Paris, whither he resorted to Solemnize his Marriage with Margaret Sister to King Charles the IX. where amongst other Slaughters of his dearest Friends, it was debated whither he and the Young Prince of Conde should be Murthered, and carryed on the contrary, only by the perswasions of one Duke, yet the next Morning they were brought [Page 99] forth into an outward Court, where whole Piles of Dead lay, and put to their choice by the King, either to chuse Death or the Mass, (they being both Protestants) of which at that time they thought it convenient to chuse the latter, but soon found means to escape, and Renounce those Errors; another attempt was made against his Life after the reduction of Paris at Melun, by one Peter Barrier a Soul­dier, who was hired to have Stabbed him, at the advantage of his passing a Corner, but be­ing detected, had his hand first burnt, holding the Knife with which the Execution was in­tended in it, the mean while and afterwards had his Flesh pulled off with hot Pincers; A third open attempt was by one John Castle a Merchants Son in Paris, and a pupill of the Jesuits own bringing up, and past doubt In­structing, he not being above 18 years of Age, thrust himself into the Kings presence, and being about to strike him into the Belly was prevented by the Kings Stooping to return a Salute to one of his Nobles, yet it struck him through the Lip and struck one of his Teeth out, whereupon the party was apprehended, and confessed the Fact, glorying in what he had done, and maintained he ought to do it, and that he should offer up a Sacrifice accept­able to God, by taking out of the World a Prince Relapsed; and Excommunicated, not [Page 100] did he seem much to Regard his Torments, when his Hand was Burnt, his Flesh plucked off with hot pincers, and lastly as he justly de­served had his Limbs torn off with Wild Horses, which making it plainly appear that his Pa­trons the Jesuits had perswaded him to that wickedness, and promised him Salvation for his Reward, whereupon his Father was Banish­ed, his House demollished, and a Piramid set in his place; and secondly by a Decree of Par­liament the whole Society of Jesuits were ex­pelled out of France, but by their shews of Pie­ty and Sincerity, so Wrought with the Kings Favorites, and they with him on their behalf, that that Decree was repealed, and they again restored to the Destruction of the Kings Life, as most imagine.

The next that attempted his Life was one that was or at least pretended himself a Natu­ral, who finding opportunity run at him with a Knife, whereupon the Guard would have Killed him, but the King forbid it, and he (being asked the reason) said, He was King of all the World, and that Henry kept France from him, whereupon the King out of meer compas­sion ordered him to be released.

And now France Flourishing under this great and Glorious Prince, whose good Con­duct had Reduced it to so happy an Estate, that the like for some Ages past had not been, [Page 101] he thought to have rested, but such was the Implacable Mallice of his Adversaries, that they watched all opportunities to deprive him of Life, to whom next Heaven they owed their happyness, nor did they desist till they had brought about their wicked purposes, the manner and opportunity given thus.

The King having Married Mary D' Medicis Daughter to Frances, and Neice to Fardinand Dukes of Florence, upon the Divorce of Mar­garet, Sister to the three late Kings of France, She was Impatient till she was Installed, and although the King had other purposes of more urgency which required his leaving of Paris, yet was he prevailed with to stay, though many things Prognosticated ill events, as the Raining Blood in divers places, Monsters-Born, Earth­quakes, and Airy Fantoms happening and ap­pearing, and several Predictions that the King should not out-live that Year, that he should Dye in Paris, a suddain and violent Death, and in his Coach, the which he (though he was not over credulous on such occasions) began to hearken to it, and was heard to say that he must be gone from that City or his Enemies would Kill him; nay, so sure were they of his Destruction, that a Month before his being Assassinated Papers were found Prin­ted in Spain and Italy that he was Dead, and eight days before a Courrier passed through [Page 102] Leige, saying, He went to give the Princes of Germany notice of his Death.

The Villain Incited to be the Executioner, (with large promises of Earthly Treasure and Joys Everlasting) hardens himself to perpetrate the Execrable wickedness, having Lingered about Paris a long time for that purpose, he being an Ill down lookt Rascal who had for­merly quitted his Order, and became a Soli­citor of Ecclesiastical affairs, the day after the Instalment, the King Intending to leave Paris, the next day the King going in his Coach from the Louvre to the Arsenal, and to see all things provided for the Queens En­trance, having in the Coach with him the Dukes of Espernon and Monthason, the Mar­shals of Lavardine, Rocquelavar, La Force, Mirebeau, and Lian Cour chief Esquires, when Entering Iron-Mongers Street, through the narrow passage by St. Innocents Church, a Cart Laden with Wine was overthrown, as most imagine, for the purpose, which caused the Coach to stop, and whilst his Guard of Partizans passed through the Church-yard, this Villain (who had all the while followed the Coach) set one Foot against the Stall and the other upon the spoke of the Wheel, and with a long Knife struck the King into the Breast beneath the Heart, at which the King cryed I am Wounded, yet the Hellhound redoubled [Page 103] his force with a second Blow, which struck him to the Heart, of which he Dyed, with­out fetching so much as a Sigh, and again a third stroke which the Duke D' Monthazon received on his Sleeve, and although it was supposed the Murtherer might have esca­ped, yet so heightened was he in his wicked­ness, that he never Stirred from the place, neither hid his Bloody Knife, but rather Glo­ried in what he had done, and being taken; he was adjudged by the Chamber of the As­semblies to be drawn to the Grave with four Horses, and to have the Flesh pulled off from his Arms, Breasts, and Thighs with Burning Pincers, and then Torn to peices, which Sen­tence was put in Execution, without his Testi­fying the least Emotion of Grief or Fear, for such strange Torments, so that it was Evident that he had been made believe that Paricid was Merritorious, and that if he Dyed, he Dye a Martyr, being Inchanted with a false assurance of great things, though for his Hor­rid Treason and Barbarous Assassination he met with his just Reward.

All France at the Death of this King were amazed and in Tears, unless his Enemies who secretly rejoyced, thinking to gain their pur­poses, but were deceived most of them, being wasted and destroyed in the Wars that were in the Minority of his Children; and thus fell [Page 104] this great King, yet e're I conclude, one thing is Remarkable, when he was opened, the Je­suits got his Heart, which they so long had desired, and carryed it to their Church De La Fleck, under pretence of Burying it there, his Body was Buryed in St. Dennis, whither a lit­tle before the Body of his Prodecessor Henry the III. had been brought from the Church of St. Cornillie. And leaving France, I shall Re­turn to England, there to give the Reader a Sight of one of the blackest Trajedies that e­ver the World has known, a Murther without President or Parrallel, even the Murther of the Sacred Martyr Charles the First, of ever Blessed Memory, which take as followeth, to the Eternal Infamy of the Regicids.

CHAP. VIII.

KING CHARLES the First of ever Blessed Memory, Son to the Renowned King James, first sole Monarch of Great Brittains Empire, and his Vertuous Consort Anne, Sister to Christianus King of Denmark, was Born at Dunfermel in Scotland on the 19 of November 1600, and when Englands bright Star, the Glorious Queen Elizabeth Set, he with his Royal Father, the undoubted Heir of these Dominions, came to London, and con­tinued with great Applause, attracting in his Infancy the Eyes and Hearts of the Nation to gaze upon his comely person, and much ad­mire his Vertues, promising such a Blessing to England that indeed it was not worthy of, he being sole Heir to the Crown by the Death of Prince Henry, who died at St. James's, Anno 1625, succeeded to the Crown, having before [Page 106] his Fathers Death contracted Marriage with the Vertuous and most Renowned Princess Henrietta Maria, Daughter to Henry the IV. of France, and Sister to Lewis the then Reign­ing King, and at first such was the Universal Joy, that not a Cloud of Discontent appeared upon the Brow of any, but such is the Malice of the Powers of Darkness to hinder the pro­gress of the Gospel (which in his Pious Reign, whilst he absolutely weiled the Sword of Ju­stice, spread so wide, that the like no Age had parallel'd) was not wanting to raise such Pesti­lential Whirlwinds of Discontent, or rather Treasonable Intentions, as overturned all or­der and Government, bedewing Albions Sur­face with Blood; and lastly, with that more valuable then Ten thousand vulgar lives, and to accomplish it, the Monsters his Agents a while sought by underhand means, but at last finding the Rabble moulded for their purpose they appeared bare faced, and inveighed against his Favourites, and first of all the Duke of Buckingham, who at length was Murthered by one Felton basely and treacherously at Ports­mouth, for which the Murtherer was deser­vedly hanged in Chains: The next thing was to object against the Legality of Ship-Money, though Twelve of the Judges were of opinion that the Land being in danger of an Invasion, the King at any time (with the advice of his [Page 107] Counsel) might leavy Money to defend it with­out intrenching upon Priviledge of Parliament, for indeed if such a thing might not be, the Nation might be over-run with a Forreigne Enemy before money in a Parliamentary way could be raised to defend it, yet these were but slight Cavels for what happened afterward, for they openly encouraged the Scots to Rebel, and act such Insolencies, that the like happen­ed not in that Kingdom before in the age of Man, Sacriledge and Murther being counted Trifles, and although they in Parliament deny­ed the King any supply for his urgent occasions, yet for their dear Rebel Bretheren of Scotland in recompence for the mischief they had done in Church and State, they voated them 100000 pounds, and to shew themselves better than their words, soon after added 200000 more, and then fell to Impeach the noble Earl of Strafford of High-Treason, as many believed upon no other account then that he was the Kings Favourite, and so far proceeded in their pernicious Designs, by raising Tumults with Clubs and Stalves to assault the Kings Pallace, crying out, Justice against the Earl, and no Bi­shops, that the King (though not without the Earls consent) thinking to appease those Blood thirsty Wretches, after his Attaindure, Signed a Bill for his Execution, which on the 12 of May 1841, was Executed on Tower-Hill, his [Page 108] Majesty being greatly averse to that Fatal Trajedy, and at the same time (O the Indul­gence of this Blessed Prince) Signed another Bill for the Houses siting, till they should con­sent to be dissolved, which they turned to his destruction, for having got the Millitia into their Hands, they Armed against him, and to them joyned such Rake-Hells as they could scrape together, of all Religions, as Anabap­tists, Independants, Quakers, Presbyters, Brown­ists, Ranters, Advanities, Socinians, and what not, all fit Instruments of Hells, to hew down the Ceeder of Monarchy, and Imbrew the Earth with Blood of her Sons.

Upon this and many other affronts, the King sets up his Standard at Nottingham, after his having been denyed entrance into Hull by the disloyal Knight Sir John Hotham, who had a Reward for his Treason, the just Judgment of God soon overtook him, for both he and his Son were soon after Beheaded, by their Rebellious Masters Command, viz. The Par­liament, for to please whom, he had manifestly broken his Oath to his Prince.

And now all being in a Combustion, and no likelyhood of deciding matters, but by the Sword, (though nothing was wanting on his Majesties part that might conduce to a Peace and happy Reconcilliation) many dreadful Battels were Fought, wherein the success was [Page 109] various till most of the Flower of the English Nobillity were Lost, and the King left desti­tute of Mony, and other such necessaries, as are Rightfully termed the Sinns of War, For­tune, who rightfully is painted Blind, turned the Scale of Victory and success, till no consi­derable place of Strength but Oxford was left him, where finding no concessions, would mollifie the Flinty temper of his implacable Enemies; he after some consultation with his Council, resolved (rather than to hazard be­ing obliged to such hard conditions as a close Seige might extort) to Fly to the Scotch Army who were in the Parliaments pay, and from some of whose perfidious chief he had received several kind Invitations, which he effected in the disguise of a Serving-Man, and found it Incamped at South-well, where he was first kindly entertained with promise of Protection, but Treacherous Villains as they were (and be it a Brand to their Posterity for ever) rather then loose their Arrears due from the Parliament, they delivered up their lawful Soveraign the best of Kings to the dispose of his merciless Enemies, but Heavens vengeance delayed not to such perfidious dealing, for soon after all Scotland was put into a Bloody Sweat by the Usurper.

The King being in the Hands of his Enemies was Imprisoned at Holmby, where having stay­ed [Page 110] some time, he was taken thence by Collo­nel Joyce and carryed to Childersly, thence to Newark, and so by several Stages till he came to Hampton-Court, where a Treaty was pro­posed though nothing less intended, for at that very time the Tub-thumpers, fearing if the King should be restored, they should loose their canting Trade, bauled out nothing but Death and desolation, saying, Not words, but rhe Sword, shall end the Controversie; and plac­ing a hundred Bugbears before the Peoples Eyes to render them averse to any compli­ance, but there cant availed not, for such was the Gracious concessions of this good King, that they were highly approved of by many, and therefore Cromwell and his Faction fearing it should come to perfection, layed a Plot to fright the King from Hampton-Court, by possessing him under pretence of Friendship that there was a design against his Life, which was so Hypocritically demonstrated to him by Collonel Whaly, that the King leaving Let­ters behind him to signifie the cause of his de­parture, he in the Company and by the ad­vice of Mr. Ashburnham and others, departed about midnight, none endeavouring to Im­peach his passage, the Plot being before hand so layed, and in the end came into the Isle of Wight, of which Collonel Hammond was made Governour, who being Brother to his Majesties [Page 111] Chaplain, he thought he might the better confide in him, but as disloyal as he was he proved perfidious to his distressed Majesty, for upon the Parliaments publishing their Or­der, to make it Treason for any that conceal­ed his Person, he secured him, and sent them notice thereof.

Upon this the King Writes to the Parlia­ment, giving them more fully to understand the reasons of his departure, and that he was still desirous that the Treaty of Peace might be continued, and that he would consent to any thing that in Honour and conscience he might do, so that after many messages had passed, the Treaty was renewed, wherein the Kings extraordinary Wisdom appeared, and his Princely Goodness so far condescending for the sake of Peace, that his concessions were by the Rebels themselves Voted satis­factory, which the Arch-Traytor Cromwell, per­ceiving and finding that such a conclusion would hinder him from aspiring, he Plotted with the Factious Army Officers to marr the whole proceedings, by new modelling the Parliament, and turning out such as were Inclinable to accord with his Majesty, where­upon placing Guards about the Parliament-House, after some conference with the Spea­ker, Pride and Hewson sent in a Paper to the House of Commons, Requiring the Impeached [Page 112] Members and Major-General Brown (as Guil­ty of calling in Hammilton, a Forged pretence to pick a Quarrel) might be secured and brought to Justice, and that the ninety and odd Members that refused to Vote against the Scotch Ingagement, and all that Voted for re­calling the four Votes of non Addresses to his Majesty, and for a Personal Treaty, and acqui­escing Votes in his Majesties answer should be immediately suspended the House, and that those that had done no such things should draw up their Protestations in Writing, &c. a brave way of making and unmaking Parlia­ments, but the Paper being thrown out of the House with detestation, whereupon all the Guards advanced, and a strong Guard set at the House Door, where Sir Hardress Waller and the Collonels, Pride and Hewson, lying purdue violently seized upon several Knights and Bur­gesses as they came out; others they decoyed out under Sleeveless pretences, and in the end seized upon, debarred of Entrance, and cau­sed to decline coming no less then 200 forty one, all which number were secured and kept Prisoners, Hugh Peters being their Keeper, who protesting against this force and Insolen­cy, done upon and against the Houses and priviledges of Parliament were released (all except Major-General Brown, who was kept Prisoner at St. James's) Ireton bidding them at [Page 113] their departure look to it, and see they Acted nothing against the present Parliament or Ar­my.

Thus all things being brought and fitted to their purpose, the King is taken from the Isle of Wight and carried to Hurst Castle, a place very incommodious both for health and necessaries it standing in the Sea, and no fresh water be­ing to be had within three Miles, from whence Harrison conveyed him to Winchester, and so by several Journies to St. James's, that insolent Traytor riding in the Coach with him, and giv­ing order to his Souldiers to beat such as pres­sed near, either to see him, or compassionate his Sufferings.

And now these Monsters resolving the Kings Death, to make way for their greatness, the offalls or fragments of a Parliament make an Ordinance, whereby they took away and dis­anulled the Oaths of Supremacy and Allegi­ance, and at the same time the Council of War forbid any State to be used towards his Ma­jesty, whose attendants were for the most part discharged, and to compleat their Villanies, and to appear in their proper colours, an Or­dinance was brought into the Commons House by Scot for the Tryal of the King, so monste­rous and wicked a proposal that no Age e're parallel'd, which after some debate was ap­proved of, and sent to the Lords House, who [Page 114] cast it out with detestation, which so metled them, that they presently passed a Vote, asser­ting the Supream power to lie in the Commons, and that whatsoever is Enacted or declared for Law by the House of Commons in Parlia­ment, hath the force of Law, which passed without a Negative Voice, so that it plainly appeared at whose beck they were.

And upon these Votes they made the Nest, wherein they hatched the Monster, called An Act for the Tryal the King, &c. which the 9 th of January 1648 was Proclaimed in West­minster-Hall by Serjeant Danby, by the Beat of Drum, and sound of Trumpet, and notice given that the Commissioners of the pretended High-Court of Justice, were to sit the next day, and that all those that had any thing to say against Charles Stuart King of England, might be heard; The like was done in Cheap­side and at the Royal-Exchange.

And thus they Proclaimed their Wickedness aloud, the which however Masqued with spe­cious pretences, and was then heard by most with Horror and amazement. The Bloody Villains that durst sit to Judge their Lawful King, were as followeth, whose Name and Memory are hateful to all Mankind.

Oliver Cromwell, that Monster in Nature, Henry Ireton, John Bradshaw President and scan­dal to the Long-Robe, who a little before had [Page 115] taken the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy, but such Monsters no Oaths can bind, Thomas Harrison a Butchers Son at New-Castle Un­derline in Stafford-shire, John Carew, John Cook Solicitor to the Court, Hugh Peters, that Scan­dal to the Clergy, and Factious Bell-weather, Thomas Scot a Brewers Clark, Gregory Clement a broken Merchant, Adrian Scroop, the Stain of his Family, John Jones a Serving-man, Frances Hacker, Daniel Axtil a mean Shop-Keeper in Bedford-shire, Collonel Okey once a Stoaker in a Brew-House, Miles Corbet; John Bark stoad, a sorry Goldsmith in the Strand, Thom [...]s Pride sometimes a Dray-man▪ Isaac Ewer, Thomas Lord Gray of Grooby (O Scandal and Shame of his Family) Sir John Danvers, Brother to the Loyal Earl of Danby, Sir Thomas Maleverrer, Sir John Bourcher a troublesome Independant, Collonel Purefoy Governour of Coventry, John Black stone a Shopkeeper in Newcastle, Sir William Constable Governour of Gloucester, Richard Dean General at Sea, Fran­cis Allen a Broken Goldsmith, Peregrine Pel­ham Governour of Hull, John Moor, John Al­lured, not long before a private Souldier, but to fit him for this Villany, made a Collonel, Humphry Edwards a Member of the long Par­liament, Sir Gregory Norton, a Pensioner to the King, but now bought off to make one in the Execrable Villany, John Ven a broaken Silk-man, [Page 116] Thomas Andrews a Linnen-Draper, An­thony Stapely Governour of Chichester, Thomas Horton of mean and obscure Birth, John Fry a Country Farmer, and an Arian Heretick, Thomas Hammond Prince Henry's Physitians Son, Isaac Pennington, twice Lord-Mayor of London, twice Broke, and a lasting Dishonour to the City, Simon Meyen a recruit to the Long Parliament, Sir Hardress Waller a poor Knight, though after Inriched by the Spoils of his Maiesty, William Heveningham, Henry Martin a Lude and vicious Person, and consequently the fitter for so wicked a purpose, Owen Rowe a Silkman, Augustine Garland a petty Fogger, Henry Smith one of the Six Clarks in Chancery, Robert Tichbourn a Linnen-Draper, also Lord-Mayor of London, George, Fleetwood, James Temple, Thomas Wait of obscure Birth, Peter Temple a Linnen-Draper, Robert Lilburn Bro­ther to John Lilburn the troubler of Israel, Gilbert Millington Chairman to the Committee for Plundering the Clergy, Vincent Potter of obscure Birth, John Downs, Thomas Wogan, John Lisby, William Say, Valentine Walton, Bro­ther in Law to Cromwell, Edward Whaly, a Woollen-Draper, Edmund Ludlow Son of a Traytor, Sir Michael Livesey, a poor Knight of Kent, John Hewson, first a Cobler, then a Shoomaker, William Goff a Salters Apprentice, who run away from his Master, and betook [Page 117] him to the Army, Cornelius Holland a Serving-man, Thomas Challenor by some Reputed a Je­suit, William Cawley a Brewer, Nicholas Love, Son to Doctor Love of Winchester, John Dixwel a Recruit to the Long Parliament, Daniel Blagrave, Daniel Broughton, Edward Denby John Hutchison, Francis Lossely, Lord Munson, James Challenor, Sir Henry Mildmay, Robert Wallop, James Harrington, and John Philips.

These were the pack of Hellhounds that were thought most fit to hunt after Royal-Blood, as Indeed they were, for such Monsters never Breathed before on Brittish-Soil.

Matters being brought to this pass, on the 20 of January 1648. Bradshaw the President with about 70 of the aforesaid pack, Guarded by Partizans, came into Westminster-Hall, and sate down in the Court, whither the King was brought by Collonel Thomlinson, and plac­ed at the Bar by the Serjeant at Arms, where a Crimson-Chair was set, in which he sate down without moving his Hat, or Regarding the Monsters, yet the President stood up and declared why he was brought thither, laying many Notorious Falsities to his charge, and was seconded by Solicitor Cook, but the King not to Impair his Kingly Character, absolutely denyed the Jurisdiction of the Court, and so Learnedly opposed the Illiterate Rout, with Stupendious Arguments, that they were beat­en [Page 118] from all Defences, and nothing to say but that they were well satisfied in their Power, and that it was not for him to dispute their Jurisdiction, (as indeed it availed not, for past doubt they Right or wrong had before-hand determined his Destruction) and yet they con­vened his Majesty before them the day fol­lowing, and the next day, as also on the 23 and still pressed him to answer the charge and own the Jurisdiction of the Court, without per­mitting him (though he earnestly desired it) to give his reasons why he refused it, nor to plead for the Liberty of his Subjects, which most of all he insisted on; but Adjourned the Court to the 27 when notwithstanding the Kings Learned Arguments and perswasions, which they impatiently heard, they passed Judgment upon him, which after a long repe­tition of what had passed, during the Tryal, concluded in the words.

For all which Treasons and Crimes this Court doth adjudge that he (meaning the King) as a Tyrant, Traytor, Murtherer and Publick-E­nemy, shall be put to Death by severing his Head from his Body, after which Bradshaw de­clared, It was the Act and Resolution of the whole Court.

And thus they layed to his charge things that he knew not, nor could be possible Guilty of, for Kings are accountable to none but God, [Page 119] nor can any man of Sence Imagine that Trea­son can be committed against a Subject, by his Prince, no Law allowing that it can de­scend, but it must ever ascend.

Yet to the amazement of all Nations, hav­ing carryed on their Villany to this height, they proceeded further, for on the 29 of Ja­nuary a Warrant was directed under the Hands of John Bradshaw, Thomas Lord Gray of Grooby and Oliver Cromwell, to Francis Hacker, Col­lonel Hunks, and Lieutenant Collonel Phray, for the Execution of their wicked Sentence, the place appointed for the Tragedy being before VVhitehall; and the next day between the hours of ten in the Morning and five in the Afternoon, to compleat the great wickedness, But to amuse the People that every where de­tested against their Diabollical proceedings, and to prevent any attempt that might be made, to rescue his Majesty, they caused it to be Rumoured that they would respite the Execution; yet on the Fatal 30 of January in the Year aforesaid, the Commissioners met, and ordered four or five of their Canting Tub-Preachers to attend upon his Majesty at St. James's, but he refused to have any conference with those Varlets.

In the Morning before his Majesty was brought thence, Dr. Juxon Bishop of London, officiated, and read Divine Service, when as the [Page 120] Second Lesson appointed to be Read for that day, by the Church Calender, happened to be the 27 Chap. of St. Matthew, being the Histo­ry of our Saviours passion, which caused his Majesty to Thank the Doctor, for chusing so fit a place of Scripture, but being given to un­derstand that it fell in course, he was highly Animated, then his Majesty received the Sacra­ment, after which and some other Devotions ended, he was conveyed to Whitehall through the Park, by a Regiment of Foot, but about his Person were a private Guard of Partizans, the Bishop on the one hand and Collonel Thomlinson on the other, when with a chearful voice, he bid the Guard march faster, saying, That now he went before them to strive for a Heavenly Crown, with less Solicitude then he had often Incouraged his Souldiers to Fight for an Earthly Diadem.

Being come to the Stairs of the long Gallery he passed through, and coming in to an appart­ment appointed for him, continued in fervent Prayer, wondering at the delay, but the reason was because the Scaffold was not Finished, here he received a Letter from the Prince, brought by Mr. Seymour, and Dinner time came, he refused to Dine, only Eat a bit of Bread and Drank a Glass of Clarret.

About one of the Clock Collonel Hacker came with his Guard of Officers and brought [Page 121] his Majesty, accompanyed with the Bishop and Collonel Thomlinson, through the Banqueting-House, and from thence upon the Scaffold, a Bridge being made from one of the Windows to it, round about which stood a Guard of 7 Regiments of Horse and Foot there placed to keep off his weeping Subjects from approach­ing to commiserate their dying Soveraign, the Scaffold was hung with mourning, and so Vil­lanously were they bent on their wicked pur­pose, that fearing his Majesty would not wil­lingly submit to the Axe, they had driven in Iron staples to force him to the Block with Cords, O monstrous Barbarity of these Inhu­mane monsters.

His Majesty looking upon the Blcok, and hav­ing asked Hacker whither there were none higher, turned to Thomlinson, and began his Speech, wherein he declared, His Innocence, the unjust Incroachments of the Parliament upon his Perogative Royal, and their begining the un­natural War against him, yet Prays to God to for­give them all, and all that had a hand in his Death, advises them to restore the Church and Liberties of the People and the Crown to his Successor, laying down the particular means and methods that would unavoidably conduce to the Nations happiness, declaring till they were ef­fectually observed, the Nation would be miserable; and Lastly, that his Blood was causelesly shed, [Page 122] and that he Dyed the Martyr of the People, and then at the motion of Dr. Juxon, declared his Religion, saying, That he Dyed a good Chri­stian according to the Profession of the Church of England, as he found it left to him by his Fa­ther, of which this good man can bear me witness, (meaning Dr. Juxon) then turning to the Offi­cers, said, Sirs, Excuse me for I have a good Cause, and I have a Gracious God, then turning to Hacker, he said, Take care they do not put me to pain, after which he said to the Execu­tioner, I shall say but very short Prayers, and when I thrust out my Hands — then he called to Dr. Juxon for his Night-Cap, which he having put on, said to the Doctor, I have a Gracious God and a Good cause on my Side, to which the Doctor answered, There is but one Stage more, this Stage is Turbulent and Trouble­some, it is a short one, but you may consider it will soon carry you a very great way, it will carry you from Earth to Heaven, and there you will find a great deal of Cordial Joy and Comfort, To which his Majesty replied, I go from a Cor­ruptible to an Incorruptible Crown, where no disturbance can be, no disturbance in the World, when as the Doctor again answered, You are to Ex [...]hange a Temporary for an Eternal Crown, a good Exchange.

After this, they asked if his Hair was well, then he taking off his Cloak and George, gave [Page 123] to the Doctor, saying, Remember— which as many suppose was to give his George to the Prince, then he put off his Doublet, and bid the Executioner set the Block, and bid him when he stretched out his Hands (shewing him the manner) to strike.

After that, having said several Prayers and bidding the Executioner (who was disguised with a Vizard-masque) stay for the signe, he meekly layed down his head, and after a short space giving the Sign, (O horror and Eternal Infamy to his Murtherers) had it struck off at one blow, which (bloody as it was) was taken up and shewed to the People, who in Groans and tears expressed their unfeigned Sorrow.

The Tragedy Finished, his Body and Head were put into a Coffin covered with mourn­ing Velvet, and carryed to his House at St. James's, where it was Embalmed and layed in a Leaden Coffin, to be seen of such as re­sorted thither, and after a Fortnights exposing, delivered to four of his Servants, who in a Hearse conveyed it to VVindsor themselves, in mourning accompanying the Corps, and placed it in the Danes-Hall, all hung with mourning, and Lights stuck round, whither resorted the Duke of Lenox, the Marquess of Hartford, the Earl of Lindsey, and the Mar­quess of Dorchester, to pay their last Duty, to their Royal-Master, having received orders of [Page 124] Parliament for his Interment, but were deny­ed by Whitchcot to Bury him in St. Georges Chappel by the form of the Common-Prayer-Book of the Church of England, though they pleaded the consent of the Parliament thereto, he alledging that the Parliament would not per­mit the use of what they had so solemnly aboli­shed, and so destroy their own Acts, the Lords reply'd, that there was a difference between destroying their own Act and dispencing with it, and that no power so binds its own hands as to disable it self in some cases, but the ri­gid Fanatick would not hearken to their reasons, so that they were obliged to seek a place, and at last found King Henry the Eight his Vault, where tis conjectured his Body and that of his Wife the Lady Jane Seymore lies in Leaden Coffins, there being Room for one more, they Interred the King, and upon his Coffin fixed in large Characters King Charles, 1648, be­dewing the Earth with Tears and Sighs, but especially the Bishop, for that he was not per­mitted to do his last Duty to his Royal Master.

Thus by Murthering hands fell this blessed Martyr, but Heavens Vengeance was not slow in making it manifest, how Sacred Kings lives ought to be held; First it is observed that the first raisers of the Rebellion most of them died miserable, some by Grievous Diseases, some Beheaded and Hanged by their own Rebel [Page 125] Party, and others lived miserably in Exile; Oliver that Monster, during his greatness, was nightly terrified with dreadful Visions, and in the day time continually in fear of his Life, seldom Lying twice in a Room, and ever haun­ted with an Evil Conscience, till he was cut off in the Strength of his days, and Transpor­ted to his proper place in a Whirl-wind, and after his Majesties Restauration had his odious Corps together with Bradshaws and his Son Iretons taken out of their Graves, and Hang­ed upon Tyburn, their Heads set up at West­minster-Hall. Pride, Ewer, Lord Gray of Groo­by, Danvers, Malleverer, Bourcher, Purefoy, Blackstone, Constable, Dean, (killed by a Shot) Allen, Peham, Moor, Allured, Edwards, Nor­ton, Venn, Andrews, Stapeley, Horton, Fry, Hammond, Pennington and Meyen, all of them the Kings Judges, Dyed miserably, before his present Majesties Restauration, Olivers Daugh­ter Dyed Madd, his Son Richard tumbled down as soon as set up, and beset with Bayliffs for Debt, these of the Kings Judges were con­demned and Executed as Traytors, since his Majestys Restauration, viz. Harrison, Carew, Cook, Peters, Scot, Clement, S [...]roop, Jones, Hacker, Axtel, Okey, Corbet, and Berkstead, being Excluded the Act of Indemnity, these following of the Kings Judges, were Sentenced to Death as Traytors, and kept in Prison to be [Page 126] Executed at the pleasure of the King, viz. Wallen, Heningham, Martin, Row, Garland, Smith, Tichburn, Fleetwood, James Temple, Peter Temple, Waite, Lilburn, Millington, Pot­ter and Downs, most of which since Dyed mi­serably in Prison, those that Fled and came to miserable ends for the most part in Exile were these, Wagan, Lisle, Say, VValton, VVhaly, Ludlow, Linsey, Hewson, Goffe, Holland, Chal­lenor, Cawlice, Love, Dixwell, Braughton and Danby, the following were such as upon hum­ble submission, and Recantation found mercy and only Fined. Hutchison, Lassels both Fi­ned, but VVilliam Lord Munson, James Challe­nor, Sir Henry Mildmay, Robert VVallop, Sir James Harrington, and John Philips, were de­prived of their Estates; and Sentenced to be drawn on Sledges to Tyburn, with Ropes about their Necks like Traytors, and then returned to the Tower, where they were to continue Pri­soners during their Natural Lives.

And thus Heavens Vengeance overtook the Regicides, and brought those monsters to their deserved Punnishents, who durst stretch out their Bloody and Trayterous hands to the shed­ing Innocent Blood of the Lords Anointed, and that such or worse may be the Portion of all that shall hereafter dare to imagine, the like is the hearty wish of the Authour.