Observations on the Life of Cardinal WOLSEY.

CArdinal Wolsey was not so great in his Fortune, as he was mean in his Original: his honest and industri­ous Parents helped him to a good Constitution, and a great Spirit, (two hopeful steps to Greatnesse;) and his Ambition gave the opportunity to encrease it: he was as pregnant at Ipswich-School, as he [Page 2] was promising in Canterbury-Colledge; where his Industry & parts advanced him to a command over Noble-men in the Earl of Dorset's Family, as a School-master; as his Policy had promoted him to an Imperiousnesse over Kings in the quality of States-man. The first step to Greatnesse in a Scholar, is Relation to a Nobleman: The best Education for the Court, is in the Palace: Nature made him capable, the School and University made him a Scholar; but his Noble Employment made him a Man: At Oxford he read Books, at my Lord's he read Men, and observed Things: His Patrons two Parsonages bestowed upon him, was not so great a Favour as the excellent Principles instilled into him; he being not more careful to instruct the young Men, then their Father was to tutor him: his Bounty makes him rich, and his Recommen­dation potent: His Interest went far, his Money farther. Bishop Fox was Secretary to K. Henry the seventh, and he to Bishop Fox; the One was not a greater Favourite of the King's, then the other was his; as one that brought him a Head ca­pacious of all Observations, and a Spirit above all Difficulties: Others managed the Affairs of Eng­land, Wolsey understood its Interest: His Corre­spondence was good abroad; his Observations close, deep, and continued at home: He impro­ved what he knew, and bought what he knew not He could make any thing he read or heard his own and could improve any thing that was his own to the uttermost.

No sooner was he in with the Bishop of Win­chester, but the Bishop was out with the Earl of Surrey, to whom he must have stooped, as he did [Page 3] unto Nature and Age, had not he raised his Ser­vant equal to himself in the Kings Favour, and above Howard: He was forbid by the Canon, Heirs of his Body; he was enjoyned by his Pru­dence to make an Heir of his Favour, equally to support and comfort his old Age, and maintain his Interest. Children in point of Policy, as in point of Nature, are a Blessing, and as Arrows in the hand of a mighty man; and happy is that old Courtier that hath his Quiver full of them, he shall not be ashamed when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. The old man commends Wolsey to Henry the Seventh for one fit to serve a King, and command Others: Forreign Employment is the Statesmans first School; to France therefore he is sent, to poise his English Gravity with French Debonairness: A well-poised Quickness is the ex­cellent temper. From Forreign Employment un­der an Old King, he is called home to some Dome­stick Services under the Young One: He as quick­ly found the length of His Foot, as he fitted him with an easie Shoo; the King followed his Plea­sures, and the Cardinal enjoyeth His Power: The One pursued his Sports while Youth, the other his Business while Time served him: (Give me to Day, and take thou to Morrow, is both the Courtier and the Christian's Language:) The Fa­vourite took in the Council-Table Debates and other State-affairs in the Mass and whole Bulk of them by Day, and the King had the Quintes­sence of them extracted, and the sum of them represented to him at Night: All State-Business was disposed of by him, and most Church-Pre­ferments bestowed upon him; the Bishopricks of [Page 5] Durham, Winchester and York were in his possess­on, and all other Promotions in his Gift: He was installed in the Kingdom (during King Henry's youthfulness) and had the Church in Commen­dam: His great Services indeed could not be ma­naged without a great Revenue, nor his greater Power supported, but by an able Purse, which may buy off Expedients as readily as his Great­ness may command them.

Two Corrivals he had, Edward Stafford Duke of Buckingham, Charles Brandon Duke of Suf­folk: Brandon he despised, as rather besides, saith my Author, then against him; he being the Kings Companion in Pleasure, and Wolsey his Counsel­lour in Policy; the Duke great with young Hen­ry, the Bishop with the King: Buckingham he feared, as popular; and undermined, as proud: (that Tower must fall, whose Foundation is hol­low) Buckingham was high in Birth, Honour and Estate; Wolsey higher in Prudence, whose Malice did the brave Duke much mischief, and his own Folly more: (Vain-glory (writes Tho. Ful. Holy State. p. 251. my Friend) ever lieth at an open guard, and gives much ad­vantage of play to her Enemies:) A deboyst King is jealous, and a weak Nobleman ambitious. In fine, he is attainted of High Treason, (though ra­ther Corrival to the King in his Cloaths then his Crown, in his Vanities then his Authority:) but a cunning Upstart quickly blows off a young No­blemans Cap and Feather, and his Head too, when it stands in his way.

His power against Buckingham was his Shield against all others: One Defence well managed, one Adversary throughly suppressed, is a Security [Page 5] at Court, where two men seldom fall the same way.

Many envied the Archbishop, the Cardinal, the Legate de latere, the Lord Chancellour; but all feared the Favourite: most were discontented, but none durst shake their Heads, lest they fell off with Buckingham's: the Bishops displeasure was more fatal then the Kings, whose wrath was violent, but not lasting; as the Others anger was of less fury, but more malice: his Power was great, and his Justice equal; for he was too proud to be bribed, and too powerful to be over-born. But England was too narrow a Theatre for this great Spirit, and he aspires to Rome; and having been these many years Pope of this other world, would have been of that beyond the waters: his leap was great from York to Rome, and his rise as good: Charles the Fifth was his Client, and his Masters Servant; the Cardinals were his Penfio­ners; and when they failed (as he is no Fox whose Den hath but one hole, and he no Statesman who when one way is stopped, cuts not out another) he falls off from the German Emperour to the French King; where, if he could not carry his own Design, he would hinder the Emperours; (and Revenge is an Advancement) (so great was he, that his Friendship balanced Europe, over­awed Emperours, threatned Kings, and was fatal to Queens) if he cannot be Pope of Rome, he will shew he is as good as King of England; for finding that the King wanted a meet Yoak-Fel­low for his Bed, and a lawful Heir-Male to his Crown, and observing Queen Katharines Age a­bove her Husbands, and her Gravity above her [Page 6] Age, being more Pious then Pleasant, a better Woman then Wife, and a better Wife for any Prince then King Henry; he promotes a Divorce (upon some Scruples intimated by the Spaniard some years before in a Treaty about the Princesse Mary's Marriage, which others had forgot, but the Cardinal laid up) between the King and Queen: but that was not all; but knowing that King Henry could not have a Wife to his minde, until he had a Pope of his own chusing, he would help him to a young Wife, but he must raise him to a new power; Wolsey must be Pope, or King Henry could not be divorced: and to make all sure, he was no sooner to be parted from a Daugh­ter of Spain, then he was to be joyned to a Prin­cess of France; whose Nuptial Ring should wed King Henry to Her, and King Francis to Himself.

Missing of Power, he meditates Honour; and instead of lavishing his infinite Treasure upon airy Expectations, he bestoweth it on real Monuments, which make his Memory as Renowned as his Life. That Statesman lives to small purpose, whose Actions are as short as his Life, and his Exploits of no longer duration then his Age.

At this time, though King Henry bore the Sword, yet Cardinal Wolsey (as I am told) bore the stroke all over the Land, being Legate à la­tere, by vertue whereof he visited all Churches and Religious Houses, even the Friers Observants themselves, notwithstanding their stoutnesse and stubbornness, that first opposed him. Papal and Royal Power met in him, being the Chancellour of the Land, and keeping so many Bishopricks in Commendam, that his yearly Income is said to [Page 7] equal, if not to exceed the Revenues of the Crown: He gave the first blow to Religious Houses, by making one great Colledge of forty small Monasteries; to make way, as some thought, upon the Popes consent, procured by him, to the overthrow of all.

He called all Captains and Officers to an ac­count, who bought off their own small corrupti­on with his great one, and paid him the Penalties of their Cheats with the Gains of it; the Richest of them escaping, and the Poorest onely made exemplary. Several Courts of pretended Equi­ty he erected; to redress the poor, that was the Colour; to inrich himself, that was the Reality: at whose constitution the Law-Courts were unfre­quented, so specious was their seeming Integrity; at the last they are deserted, so manifest were their real Grievances; the people not flocking so fast after the Novelty, as they ran away from the Cheat.

What he did to reform the Courtiers, as a Fa­vourite, he did to reform the Clergy as Legate; erecting a Court Legantine (not without danger of a Praemunire) wherein all Clergy were visited; the Rich in their Purses, that excused them, the Poor in their Reputation, that compounded for them. Neither did his profits arise from the Living onely, but the Dead; he engrossing the Probation of all Wills and Testaments within his own Court.

And not long after, he hath a Patent under the Great Seal of England, to do what he pleased in the French Court, in order to the Kings Pro­gresse thither; as he hath likewise after, with his [Page 8] Masters leave, under the great seal of France: After which honour, he was with the Kings order, by the English Subjects, the Lord Mayor and Alder­men, &c. honoured at no lesse rate then that of a Prince; and by the Clergy (who kept close to the publick temper) with Processions, &c. at the same rate with a Pope. Great he was in England; greater in Germany, where all the Nobility atten­ded him, the Great Seal of England was carried before him; and the Emperour observing his Commission and Honour, met him with his whole Train, and harangued it with him no less then two days. He that over-ruled Empires might well presume on Subjects; and no sooner there­fore doth he return, then by his own Authority he levieth four shillings in the pound of every man that was worth fifty pound per annum; and when that would not do (pretending to the Lord Mayor and Aldermen that he had been upon his Knees to revoke those Commissions) other Let­ters for a Benevolence, which lost him as much in the Countrey, as his Reformation of the Hous­hold did him at Court: But the King employ­eth him to France, as his Second, and takes his leave of him as his intimate Friend; 1200 Horse attended him: Calice, Bullein, Amiens honour him with the name of The Peaceable Cardinal; and the Statue of a Cardinal Rescuing a Church and a Pope from danger.

Cardinal Wolsey going over to France upon an extraordinary Embassy, had for his Attendance Tonstal Bishop of London, the Lord Sands, late Chamberlain, the Earl of Derby, Sir Tho. More, Sir H. Guilford, and 200 Horse; and was met [Page 9] two days journey from Paris by King Francis and his mother, carrying with him 140000 l. though silver was but 20 d. an ounce, to assist that King in the War against Charles the fifth; and furnished with such a Plenipotentiary Commission, that he gave Law to France and the Popedome: and he comported himself with such dexterity and high wisdome, that all the Princes of Christendom, who had their eyes fixed upon him, admired him.

The King gave him many places, and he be­stowed on him his magnificent Palaces; fitting his humour with pleasant habitations, and he suited his ambition with power and authority.

But the King broke with him at last about the divorce, being vexed with so many delays, de­fers, retardings, and prorogations between two Popes, Clement that was, and Wolsey that would be: yet rather eased him of his burdens, then deprived him of his preferments; continuing him Bishop of York and Durham, (when he turned him out of his Chancellourship of England) where he lived rather like a Prince then a Priest, providing as magnificently for his Installation, as a King should for his Coronation: which unsea­sonable ambition was improved by his enemies malice and the Kings jealousie to his ruine: for in the midst of his solemnities he is arrested by the Kings order, whose wrath was the Messenger of Death; and in his way to London, being di­stracted between hope and fear, died at Leicester, giving his servants large rewards, upon conditi­on they served none but the King; and breathing out his soul in words to this purpose, viz. If I had served the God of heaven as faithfully as I did [Page 10] my Master on earth, he had not forsaken me in my old age, as the other hath done, he died, swelling in his body as he had done in his mind. When good men die suddainly, it is said they are poy­soned; and when the bad fall unexpectedly, as he did, it is said they poyson themselves. He di­ed unpitied, because he had lived feared; being the great Bias of the Christian world.

Too suddain prosperity in the beginning, un­doeth us in the end: while we expect all things flowing upon us as at first, we remit our care, and perish by neglecting. Every head cannot bear wine, nor every spirit a fortune: Success eats up Circumspection. How many a man had ended better, if he had not begun so well? It's the Emphasis of misery, to be too soon happy: Pro­sperity growing up with experience, takes a man in a firm settlement, inured to all events. I will ever suspect the smooth waters for deepness: in my worst estate I will hope, in the best I will fear; in all, I will be circumspect and still. Rufiling Ambition reacheth great Honours, a Sedate Hu­mility supports it: the Lower the Basis, the higher and stronger the Pyramide. Love, the Issue of Humility, guardeth the weakest; Ha­tred, the Daughter of Pride, ruines the strong­est. Ego & Rex meus, was good Grammar for Wolsey a School-master, but not for the Cardina a States-man: to be humble to Superiours, is du­ty; to Equals, is courtesies to Inferiours, nobleness and to all, safety; it being a vertue that for a her lowliness commandeth those souls it stoop to. In a word, as I love Vertue, so I hate Vice for her inside and her end. Cardinal Wolsey [...] [Page 11] famous for two things; that he never spoke a word too much, and but one too little.

Observations on the Life of Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk.

SIr William Brandon dying in King Henry the seventh's service, no wonder if his son li­ved in his favour; it being as prudent to continue his Loyal spirit in his son, as it was just to reward it. He was as intimate with Henry the eighth in his pleasures when a childe, as in his coun­sels when a man. There was a sympathy between their active spirits, which improved the familia­rity of their tender years to a firm friendship in their age: at a Tilting in Paris, to which many young Noble-men were licensed to go, Brandon overcame others every day, and one day himself, (against a Gyant Almain) where the Lords look­ed not on him with more envious, then the Ladies with gracious eyes; who (saith my Author) dar­ted more glances in love, then the other did spears in anger against him. He is the compleat Courtier, in whom Beauty and Valour, Mars and Venus, are joyned in one happy constitution, which awes and allures Beholders.

Being employed to bring over Queen Mary, King Lewis the twelfth's Relict, to her Brother, he won her to himself: whether his affections were so ambitious as to climb up to her, or hers so humble as to condescend to him, may be the subject of a more amorous discourse: and con­sidering [Page 12] with himself that matters of this nature are never sure till finished, that so Royal an op­portunity happened but seldome, and that leave for such an enterprize was easier gained when it's done, then when doing; he humbly requested his Majesty to give way to that Match, which was indeed already concluded: who after some State­discontent, was quickly pleased; the Duke being no less esteemed by him for many years, then he was beloved by the people. His Genius was more Martial then Mercurial; and we hear of him oft­ner in the French Wars, then in the English Councils.

Being vexed with the delays at Rome, and the delusions at Bridewel, (where the Cardinals pro­ceeded according to their instructions at Rome) one day he knocks on the Table in the presence of the two Cardinals, and binds it with an Oath, That it was never well in England since Cardinals had any thing to do therein: and from that time forward, as an active Instrument, he endeavour­ed the abolishing of the Popes power in England; against whom he was not more active in the Par­liament 1534, then he was vigilant in the Com­mittee 1535: in the one, cutting off the head; in the other, weakening the members of that Church. He made provident, yet moderate use of his Masters favours; thereby obliging others, and securing himself; being above Mercenary incli­nations as much in his thoughts, as in his fortune: he was neither too near the King, lest he were weary of him; nor too far off, lest he forgot him, or thought himself neglected by him. His intermis­sions of attendance gave others no advantage, [Page 13] but rendred him more gracious: he neither en­grossed nor confined his Masters affection. It was easie for him to rise, being descended of Noble Blood, (which is never envied for its advance­ment) and as easie to keep high, being well stu­died in his Princes disposition, whose inclination when found is half fitted; ever pleasing his Ma­sters Natural humour, never his Vicious. Having attained a competent heighth, he chose rather to grow stronger by relation, then higher by ad­vancements. ‘Some Favourites whose heels have been tripped up by their adversaries, have with their hands held on their Allies till they could recover their feet again.’ His familiarity, and the easie access to him, made him popular: his pliant temper kept him a Favourite, until he died in the full favour of his Prince, though (as Cardinal Pool observed) They who were highest in this Kings favour, had their heads nearest danger. He had a becoming Bluntness not unlike his Ma­sters, which we call Free-heartedness in Courti­ers; Conscience and Christian simplicity in Cler­gie-men; Valour in Souldiers. He died anno 1544. much beloved and lamented of all, for his Bounty, Humility, Valour, and all Noble Vertues since the heat of his Youth was tamed by his re­duced Age: whose two sons Henry and Charles died within twelve hours one of the other, 155 [...].

1. A Calm Greatness is next the happiness of Heaven: Give me the man that by a fair and calm course is still rising to an higher state, yet content with his present fortune.

2. Integrity out-lasts Power, and Plainness [Page 14] survives Policy: An honest heart keeps the head on the shoulders; a Noble and clear Vertue is lasting.

3. It's likeness that makes the True-love-knot of friendship: When a Prince finds another of his own disposition, what is it but the same soul in a divided body? what findes he but himself inter­mutually transposed? And Nature that makes us love our selves, makes us with the same rea­son love those that are like us: for this is a Friend, a more sacred Name then a Brother.

4. He that hath a minde contentedly good, enjoyeth in it boundless possessions. He is great indeed, that is great in a brave soul.

Observations on Thomas Cranmer, Lord Archbishop of Canterbury.

CRanmer had a Noble Blood, quickning and raising his spirit, as he had an indefa­tigable industry to improve it. He was a Gentleman born in Arselecton in Nottinghamshire, and a Noble-man bred in Jesus-Colledge in Cam­bridge. His Ancestors were no less eminent at Cranmers-hall in Lincolnshire, then he was at Lambeth in Surrey. They came in with the Con­quest, (as one Cranmer a French Ambassadour in Henry the eighth's time, at the Archbishops Ta­ble, made it evident) and he with the Reforma­tion. His Education was as Gentile as his Birth, onely his mild spirit meeting with a severe Ma­ster, his memory was weakened, and his sprite­fulness allayed: but the austerity of the School was sweetned with the exercises of the Country, which his Father indulged him when young, and he indulged himself when aged; handling his great Horse as nimbly, his Bow and Net as dexte­rously as any man in his family. His Marriage withdrew him from the Colledge, and conse­quent Church-preferment, as the Kings did him from the Church it self. He whose marriage forbid him a Fellowship in Jesus-Colledge, had a Lecture in Buckingham-house for his Parts and Reputation, where at once he prepared others for publick Employments, and himself also. He lived as soberly at the Dolphine-tavern with his [Page 16] wife, (whatever the Papists have surmized) as he did studiously at Buckingham-house with his Scholars. His Name was so famous, that Wolsey was not more sollicitous to transplant him as an Ornament to Oxford, then Fisher was to retain him in Cambridge; where he was eminent for the Arts, more for Divinity, which (when as one of the three Cenfors he examined Candidates) he said he expected not in the difficult trifles of Lum­bard, but in the sacred sense of Scriptures, the ancient Doctrine of Fathers, the grave Canons of Councils, the solid Politeness of the Greek and Hebrew Learning; and which he lived as well as he taught, in his sober temperance, his mild meek­ness, (so placable, so courteous, that to offend him, was the way to ingratiate with him) his dis­creet moderation, his grave resolution equally a­bove the frowns and smiles of fortune. Thus qualified, he was by a Providence commended to his Majesty: for there being a Plague in Cam­bridge, as there was all over England, Dr. Cran­mer retired to Waltham with two of his Pupils, the sons of one Mr. Cressy: where upon the Kings Progress thither, he met with his Chaplain and Almoner Dr. Foxe, (afterwards Bishop of Here­ford) who lodging with him at Mr. Cressy's, dis­coursed the Kings Divorce. Cranmer conceived that the speediest course were to prove the un­lawfulness of the Match by Scripture; whence it would follow, that the Pope at first had no pow­er to dispense therewith; and that the Univer­sities of Christendome would sooner and truer de­cide the case then the Court of Rome. This passage Foxe reports to the King, who well­pleased [Page 17] thereat, professeth that this man had the Sow by the right Ear: Glad was the King to see him, (indeed he had a comely Person, and a plea­sing Countenance;) more to hear him inlarge himself on the former Subject, That it was above the Popes power to dispence with Gods Word in the Kings Case: What he said to the King, he was sent to make it good to the Pope; whither, invested with the Arch-Deaconry of Taunton, he went with Thomas Bullen Earl of Wil [...]shire; whose first Address to the Pope, was to present a Book of Cranmers, proving Gods Law indispensible with by the Pope: the Author is preferred to the great Title of Supreme Poenitentiary, and the Treatise is promised a Consideration and Debate: But the Pope delaying, and according to Cranmer's Ad­vice ten Universities declaring against him; the Embassador returns to England, and the Disputant goes to Vienna, where in Osianders House (whose Kinswoman he had married) he confirmed those that wavered, satisfied those that doubted, and won those that contradicted in King Henry's Cause. But he served not King Henry more faithfully in Germany, then he provided for him honourably in England; where the Kings Cause waited for his Assistance, and the See of Canter­bury for his Acceptance: He was willing to pro­mote Religion, he was unwilling (for some For­malities he scrupled) to advance himself: but af­ter seven Weeks delay, it being as fatal to refuse King Henry's Favours, as to offer him Injuries, he is Archbishop in his own Defence; in which capacity, to serve the King, and salve his own Conscience, he used the Expedient of a Prote­station [Page 18] to this purpose: In nomine, &c. Non est nec erit meae voluntatis aut intentionis per hujusmo­di Juramentum & juramenta, qualiter verba in ipsis posita sonare videbuntur, me obligare ad ali­quid; ratione eorundem post hac dicendum, facien­dum aut attestandum, quod erit aut esse videbitur contra legem Dei, vel contra Regem, aut Rempub­licam, legesve, aut Praerogativa ejus: & quod non intendo per hujusmodi juramentum quovis modo me obligare quò minùs liberò loqui, consulere, & consentire valeam in omnibus & singulis Reforma­tionem Ecclesiae, prerogativam Coronae, concernenti­bus, & ea exequi & reformare quae in Ecclesia An­glicana reformanda videbuntur. This Prote­station he made three times; once at the Char­ter-House, another time at the Altar, and a third time at the receiving of his Pall. In his place he was moderate, between the Superstition of Rome, and the Phrensies of Munster. As he was chief Instrument in beginning the Reformation, so he was in continuing it: He withstood the Six Articles, and (though the King sent five prime Ministers of State to comfort him) would not be satisfied, until he saw them mitigated in King Henry's time, and repealed in King Ed­ward's.

Gardiner would have questioned him for en­tertaining forreign Hereticks, and promoting Domestick Schisms; the Northern Rebells accu­sed him for subverting the Church: but the King upheld him against both; suppressing the One, and checking the Other; and advising the good Man, whom he called Fool, for his meek disposi­tion, to appeal to him: Whereupon Russel cried [Page 19] The King will never suffer him to be imprisoned, un­til you finde Him guilty of High Treason. He is to be pitied for his intermediate failings, but renown­ed for his final constancy.

The King having declared before all his Ser­vants, that Cranmer was his best Servant, he em­ployeth him in his best service, the Reformation of Religion, wherein all others failed; but the King, Cromwel and Brandon backed him so far, that he had the Bible and the necessary Offices of the Church translated into English: He had both Uni­versities at his command: He brought the Lords House and Convocation to his Lure; and was in­vested with a Power, 1. To grant Dispensations in all things not repugnant to Gods Law, nor the Kings safety: 2. To determine Ecclesiastical Causes, He as charitably as politickly advised the King to accept of Bishop Fisher's partial Subscription, consi­dering his Learning and Reputation. As he is King Henry's Instrument at Dunstable, to divorce him from Queen Katharine; so he is at Lambeth, to di­vorce him from Anna Bullen. He promoted in the Convocation all Primitive Doctrines, and con­demned all new-fangled Opinions. He was so charitable, that he interceded with the King for his Enemies; so munificent, that he made the Church and his own House a Refuge for Strangers; particularly for P. Fagius, P. Martyr, Martin Bu­cer, &c. The King loved him for his Integrity, the People for his Moderation: He was called the Kings Father, and was Queen Elizabeth's Godfa­ther: His Piety reduced the Church, and his Po­licy the State: He spake little to others, he confer­red much with himself: Three words of His could [Page 20] do more then three hours discourse of Others: He wousd say, as Victorinus, There is a time to say nothing, there is a time to say something, but there is never a time to say all things. That King who awed all Others, feared Him. A Second to the Eternal Power, is the Wise Man uncorrupt in his Life. He was the Executor of God's Will in King Henry's Life-time, and the first of His, after his Death.

As He spurred King Henry to a Reformation, so King Edward did Him; whose Prudence was not so forward as the Others Zeal, who looked at what was Lawful, as He did at what was Convenient. He maintained the Churches Power as resolutely against Bishop Hooper's Scruples, notwithstanding potent Intercession; as he reformed its Corrupti­ons against the Popes Interest, notwithstanding a general Opposition. He allowed not the least Er­rour in, not the least contempt of the Church: He restored its primitive Doctrine and Discipline, lest it should be an impure Church; he upheld them, lest it should be none: He was one of fourteen that compiled the Common-Prayer: He was One of Two that set out the Homilies; and the onely man that published the Institution of a Christian man, and other good Books. With his Advice King Edward did much, and designed more: He was the chief Author of King Edward's Injuncti­ons, and the first Commissioner in them: He was President of the Assembly at Windsor, (for Refor­mation) and of the Council at London: His Arti­cles were strict and severe; as much grounded on the Canon of Scripture, as on the Canons of the Church: He convinced more Papists with his [Page 21] Reason and Moderation, then others by their Power: His Heart never failed him in his Life, and it was not burned at his Death. He did so much for the Protestant Religion in King Henry's Days, that he foresaw he should suffer for it in Queen Mary's: He was unwilling to wrong Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth, therefore he refused at first to sign King Edward's Testament, but Duke Dud­ley's Will: He was willing to continue the Prote­stant Religion, therefore he signed it at last. It was a Bishop that was one of the first that abolish­ed Popery in England, and one of the last that died for Protestantisme: It was a Bishop that main­tained the Protestant Cause with Arguments while he lived, and with his Blood when he died.

Observations on Sir Thomas More, Lord Chancellour of England.

HE rise up high, because he stept out well: Sir Thomas More was half way Chancel­lour, when born to Sir John More Chief Justice: The Father's Prudence, Wit and Noble­nesse flowed with his Blood to the Sons Veins: Much Honour he received from his Family, more he gave to it: His Mother saw his Face shining in & Dream, on her Wedding Night; and his Father saw his Life so really: A quick City-Spirit made him capable of great State-Employments.

He was saved by a Miracle, and was One: ‘For his Nurse riding with him over a Water, and being in some danger, threw him over a Hedge, [Page 22] where she found him not hurt, but sweetly smi­ling St. An­thonies under New-Hall. upon her.’

A Free-school seasoned his forward Childhood; and the grave, wise and excellent Cardinal Mor­tons House his Youth: The One with Learning, to make him a Scholar; the Other with Pru­dence, to make him a Man: But the Distractions of that House were not so proper for his promi­sing Ingenuity, as the Retirements of the Uni­versity; where in two years time he shewed what Wonders Wit and Diligence could do in Rheto­rick, Logick and Philosophy: The Christ-Church. Colledge kept him strict, and his Father short, so that (as he blessed God afterward) He had neither the lei­sure nor the means to be vicious: The Cardinal said he would be Great, and his excellent Genius said he would be Humble: The Lord Chancellour would give place to, and ask blessing of the Lord Chief Justice: The Father being not more happy in his Son, then the Son in his Father. At 17 his wit was eminent for his Epigrams: His Antilucian Oration commended by all men but Brixius, for pure, genuine and flowing: At 18 his wisdom in o­vercoming his Antagonist Brixius with kindness, and Himself with Mortifications. His fastings were fre­quent, his watchings on the hard ground revere; his Hair-cloath even in his Chancellourship course, his exercises among the Cartbusians in the Charterhouse for four years austere; his design for the Francis­can Hood, and a Priesthood with his Friend Lilly, solemn; His prayers uninterrupted: When the King sent for him once at Mass, he answered, That when be bad done with God, he would wait on his Majesty: He imitated Picus Mirandula's Life, and writ it: He [Page 23] heard Dr. Collet his Confessours Sermons, and fol­lowed his life; whose experience was his counsel, whose conversation was his life. He could not a­way with the good Sermon of a bad man: Collet was his Father; Linacre, Lilly, Grocine, were his Friends. He learned more by prayer, then he did by study: his Poems were acute, his Speeches pure and copious, his Latine elegant; yet his head was knotty and Logical: his Diet was temperate, his Apparel plain, his Nature tractable and condenscen­ding (though very discerning) to the meanest mens counsel; his Vertues solid, not boasted. In a word, the foundation of his Life was as low as the building was to be high.

He married himself to He mar­ried Mr. Colts daughter of New-Hall. Vertue, and not to an E­state: he likes a younger sister, yet out of civility he embraceth the elder. Happy he was in his mo­dest Wives, happier in his hopeful Children. His Government of his Family was exact, enjoyning all his Children to take Vertue for their meat, and Play for their sawce. His proficiency in the whereby he was double Rea­der. Law was admirable, his Practice successful, his Judgement solid, his Integrity eminent; his Determinations in the Sheriffs Court, his Activity for the Stilyard, his Practice in the Courts of Justice, raised him to a place in Parliament: where he was so good a Pa­triot, that he displeased King Henry the seventh; and so wise a man, that he awed King Henry the eighth: the one by Foxe demands one Subsidie and three Fifteens, and the beardless Boy (as the Cour­tiers called Sir Thomas) disappointed him; the o­ther made a motion by Wolsey, which he overthrew, so that the Cardinal wished him at Rome.

He retires to his studies to avoid Henry the se­venth's [Page 24] displeasure, and improves them to gain his sons favour, who by his Cardinal invited him to Court, and employed him abroad to France to re­cover his debts; to Flanders, to confirm the peace. Employments he avoided a while, to keep his City­interest: and in case of controversie with the King, to prevent their jealousie: his business was so ur­gent, that you would think he had no leasure; and his writings so exact, that you would think he had no business. Not a minute of his time escaped employment. His History of Richard the third is faithful, his Ʋtopia is judicious and elegant, his On St. Aug. de Ci­vit. Dei. Lectures at St. Laurence were learned and pious.

His Popularity in Parliament commended him to his Majesty: his strong Arguments for the Pope­ship in Star-chamber, brought him to him against his modest inclination, as much as against Wolsey's interest. His ability set him on the Council-table, his integrity placed him in the Exchequer: His He was made Chan­cellour of that Duchy. Services promoted him to the Dutchy of Lanca­ster, his Dexterity and Prudence made him the Kings bosome-friend, and his familiar all his spare hours; whose Questions in every Art and Science were not more useful, then Sir Thomas his Answers were satisfactory. His advice was his Majesties and his Queens Oracles in Counsel; his discourse was their recreation at Table. He was not more delight­ful to the King at Court, then he was serviceable to him in appeasing tumults, &c. in the City. He was the Kings Favourite at White-hall, and the Peo­ples Darling at Westminster, where he was Speaker as well with the unanimous consent of the one, as with the approbation of the other: and between both, impartial, equally careful of Prerogative and [Page 25] Priviledges; neither awed from right by power, nor flattered with popularity. He declined For­reign services with as much Dexterity as he mana­ged Domestick ones. He served th [...] faithful­ly, but trusted him not, as one that enjoyed and suspected Fortune, saying, If his Head could win King Henry a Castle in Wales, it would off.

The King and Kingdome trusted him, who Queen Katherine said so. was that one sound Counsellour the King had. The Car­dinal told him he was the veriest Fool in the Coun­cil: he replied, God be thanked my Master hath but one fool there.

His Honour was set off by a grave condescention, and a grave humility. Did he argue? he was very moderate, civil and modest. Did he reprove? he was pitiful, grave and prudent. Was he with the King at the University? he was ready and eloquent. Was he abroad? he heard the Lectures attentively, and disputed A fellow at Bruges would un­dertake to answer any question: Sir Thomas put up this, Whether A­veria cap­ta in Wi­therna­mia sint irreplegia­bilia, to that Thra­soes great amazement. accurately. To his Friend, as Dr. Tun­stal, none more faithful: to learned men, as Eras­mus, none more civil: to devout men, such as Bi­shop Fisher, none more firm: to hopeful men, such as Powle, there was none more encouraging: to painful men, such as Grocinus, Linacer, Crocus, Lup­sel, Lilly, Cocklee, Budlera, Dorpin, Bewald, Luscar, Grannould, Vines, Groclenius, Bus [...]idian, Aegidius, Rhenanus, none more familiar, constant or liberal: in his conscience, none more satisfied and sedate: in his discourse, none more innocent and pleasant: in his heart, none more devout and sincere.

His meditations were frequent; his retirements to a Chappel built of purpose, dayly; his Prayers constant and zealous; his conversation with his Wives, loving and debonnair, taking them off their [Page 26] cares to reading and musick. His Servants were al­ways employed either in his, or Gods service, suf­fering them not by idleness to be at leisure for sinnor by wanton converse to be tempted to it. H [...] Table-talk after the Chapter was pleasing and use­ful, his counsels useful, his converse exemplary his family-instructions to bear afflictions patiently to withstand temptations resolvedly, to mind heavenly matters devoutly, to go plainly and soberly, to recreate themselves moderately and vertuously, were effectual. There went a blessing along with all his Servants, and happiness with his whole Family.

His Apophthegms were grounded on experience and judgement. He would say, 1. He was not al­ways merry that laughed. 2. The world is undone by looking on things at distance. 3. To aim at Ho­nour here, is to set up a Court of Arms over a Prison­gate. 4. If I would employ my Goods well, I may be contented to loose them; if ill, I should be glad. 5. He that is covetous when he is old, is as a Thief that steals when he is going to the Gallows. 6. Bags of Gold to us when Saints, will be but as a bag of pebble-stones when men. 7 The greatest punishment in the world were to have our wishes. 8. Pusillanimity is a great temptation. 9. Affliction undoes many; Pleasure most. 10. We go to Hell with more pain then we might go to Heaven with. Of Heresie he said, Like as before a great storm the Sea swelleth, and hath unwonted mo­tions without any wind stirring; so may we see here many of our English-men, which a few years ago could not endure to hear the name of an Heretick or Schisma­tick, now to be contented both to suffer them, and to praise them somewhat, yea, to learn by little and lit­tle, [Page 27] as much as they can be suffered, to finde fault, and to tax willingly the Church, the Clergy, and the Cere­monies. 11. The more of any thing else we have, but Riches, the more good we are. 12. Who would not send his Alms to heaven? who would not send his Estate whither he is to be banished? 13. Some men hate Hypocrisie, and love Impudence. 14. When any detracted others at his Table, he said, Let any man think as he pleaseth, I like this room well. 15. It's easier to to prevent, then redress.

Indeed throughout his Works he argueth sharp­ly, he reasoneth profoundly, he urgeth aptly, state­eth exactly, expresseth himself elegantly, and dis­courseth learnedly. He would rather convince, then punish; yet he would rather punish then in­dulge them: his Epitaph bespeaking him grievous to Hereticks, Thieves and Murtherers.

When King Henry scrupled his first marriage, Sir Thomas told him, That neither he nor my Lord of Durham were so fit to advise him in that case, as St. Augustine, St. Jerome, and the other Fathers. His advice was so unseasonable, that it opposed the King; yet so grave and honest, that it pleased him. His Experience and Prudence had a fore-sight next door to Prophecy; and from the unquiet times of King Henry, did he guess the ruine of King Charles. He converted many with his Arguments, more with his Prayers, which workt wonders of reformation on the erroneous, as they did of recovery on the weak. He wished three things to Christendome: 1. An U­niversal Peace: 2. An Uniform Religion: 3. A Reformation rather of Lives then Religion. He never asked any thing of his Majesty but Employ­ment, and never took any thing more acceptable [Page 28] then Service. His Alms were liberal to his Neigh­bours, and good works numerous He built a Chappel at Chelsey, and hired an Alms-house there. towards God. He would take no Fees from the Poor, and but mo­derate ones from the Rich. All London was obli­ged to him for his Counsel at home, and all England for his Peace at Cambray, where he out-did ex­pectation.

The King raised him to the Chancellourship, but not to his own opinion: he professed he would serve his Majesty, but he must obey his God: he would keep the Kings conscience and his own. His Wisdome and Parts advanced him, his Innocence and Integrity ruined him: his Wit pleased the King, but his Resolution crossed him. Wolsey was not so proud and reserved, as Sir Thomas was open and free to the meanest: his minde was not so daz­led with honour, but he could foresee his fall. When his sons complained how little they gained under him, I will do justice (said he) for your sakes to any man, and I will leave you a blessing; decree­ing one day against his own son that would not hear reason. First, he offered the Judges the Refor­mation of Grievances; and when they refused, he did it himself.—No Subpoena was granted but what he With the cause atte­sted by the Attorney, in token whereof when one Tubbe brought him a Subpoena to subscribe, finding it frivolous, he writ un­der it a tale of a tub. saw, no Order but what he perused; nothing passed from him towards the subject, but what became a good Magistrate; nothing towards his Master, but what became a faithful servant. Nei­ther King nor Queen could corrupt, neither could the whole Church in Convocation fasten any thing upon him. To one who told him of his Detractors, he said, Would you have me punish those by whom I reap more benefit then by all you my friends? Per­fect Patience is the Companion of true Perfection.

[Page 29] But he managed not his trust with more in­tegrity and dexterity, then he left it with honour; leaving not one cause undecided in the Chancery: foreseeing that he could not at once content his Majesty and his own heart. His Servants upon his fall he disposed of as well as his children; and his Children he taught to live soberly in a great Estate, and nobly in a mean one. He never put an Here­tick to death when Chancellour, neither would he suffer Heresies to live when a private man. When my Lord Cromwel came to him in his retirement, he advised him to tell the King what he ought, not what he can do; so shall you shew your self a true and faithful servant, and a right worthy Councellour: for if a Lyon knew his own strength, hard were it for any man to rule him. The King feared him when he could not gain him, and therefore he was sifted in his former carriage and present temper, which conti­nued constant to his duty, and even under his chan­ges. He was open-hearted to all that came, yet so wary in his discourse with the Maid of Kent, that his enemies confessed he deserved rather honour then a check for that matter. When the Duke of Norfolk told him, that the wrath of a Prince is death; he said, Nay, if that be all, you must die to morrow, and I today. He behaved himself at all Examinations at once wisely and honestly. When Archbishop Cranmer told him, he must obey the King which was certain, rather then follow his conscience which was un­certain; he replyed, It's as certain that I must not obey the King in evil, as that I must follow my consci­ence in good. When the Abbot of Westminster told him, his conscience should yeild to the wisdome of the Kingdome, he said, He would not conform his consci­ence [Page 30] to one Kingdome, but to the whole Church. He underwent his sufferings with as much cheerfulness as his preferment; pleasing himself with his misfor­tunes, and enjoying his misery; resolving to obey God rather then man, to leave others to their own consciences; to close with the Catholick Church rather then the Church of England, and to submit to general Councils rather then to Parliaments.

Mr. Rich put to him this Question, Whether if the Parliament made a Law that he were Pope, would he not submit to it? and he replyed, If the Parlia­ment made another that God should not be God, would you obey it? Though he could not own the Kings Supremacy, yet he would not meddle with it ei­ther in his Writings or discourse; shewing himself at once a civil man, a good Christian, and a noble Confessour. His soul was well setled; his stature was mean, but well proportioned; his complexion phlegmatiqne; his countenance amiable and cheer­ful; his voice plain and distinct; and his temper sound and healthful.

Observations on the Life of Thoma [...] Cromwel Earl of Essex.

PƲtney saw his Cradle in a Cottage, and Eng­land saw his Coffin in a Ditch: His Origi­nal was mean, his End meaner: A suddai [...] height in an unsettled time ruined him: A mode rate and leasurely Greatness is safe. His Bloo [...] ran low, but pure, ennobling the veins it flowed i [...] with a Spirit that was to raise a Family, and Deserve that Honour that others Inherit. His hone [...] Parents conveyed him a strong Constitution tha [...] could support stronger Parts: The poor man good Temper is an Inheritance, and the Rich hi [...] Effeminacie his Disease.

A private School civilized his Parts; Trave [...] and Employment improved them: His Necessity when at home, made him a Soldier abroad; and hi [...] Observations abroad made him a Man at Home The Experience of Travel enlarged his Soul, an [...] the Hardship of War knitted and consolidated it [...] His hard Fortune at Cambray was the occasion o [...] his good One in England; and had he not been un [...] done, he had been undone: For his promising look [...] commended him to Frescobald the Merchant fo [...] Relief, and to Cardinal Wolsey for Service; in whos [...] private Service of Secretary for his Embassie i [...] France, he prepared himself for that more public of Secretary of State in England. Great Scholar h [...] was none, (the Latine Testament gotten by hea [...] being his Master-piece) nor studied Lawyer: neve [...] [Page 33] admitted to the Innes of Court; nor experienced Souldier, though Necessity cast Him upon it, when the Duke of Burbon befieged Rome; nor Courtier (till bred up in Cardinal Wolsey' [...] Court:) yet that of the Lawyer in him so helped the Scho­lar, that of the Souldier the Lawyer, that of the Courtier the Souldier, and that of the Traveller all the rest; being no Stranger to Germany, well acquainted with France, most familiar with Italy; so that the result of all together made him for En­dowments eminent, not to say admirable. His Apprehension was quick and clear; his Judgement methodical and solid; his Memory strong and ratio­nal; his Tongue fluent and pertinent; his Presence stately and obliging; his Heart large and noble; his Temper patient and cautious; his Way indu­strious and indefatigable; his Correspondence well laid, and constant; his Converse insinuating and close: None more dexterous to finde out, none more reserved to keep a Secret. He was equal (saith my Author) to the French Politicians, when under his Master; he over-reached them when alone; doing more in one month with his subtle Head, then the other in twelve months with his stately Train: The King of France would have pensioned up his parts, but the Vice-Roy of England advanced them. His Master brought him first to serve his Country in Parliament (that great School of Experience) and then his King at Court; where defending his Masters great actions, he made it evi­dent he could perform greater: such was his Wit, such his Eloquence, that they who hated the Client, admired the Advocate: And thoug [...] he could not keep his Patron from falling, yet he raised himself; [Page 34] that being the first time his Eminent Parts were ob­served: An advantagious starting is more then half way in the Race of Preferment: For hereup­on he is first Master of the Kings Jewels, and then of what was more precious, his Secrets. His con­science inclined him to the Churches Reformation, his Interest complied with the Kings; he unlocked the secrets of Monasteries by his Spies, and put the King upon destroying them by his Power: The University of Cambridge made him Chancellour, to save it self; where though he did no great good, yet his Greatness kept others from doing harm, in an Age wherein Covetousness could quarrel a Col­ledge, as well as an Abbey, into superstition. He was trusted by the King with the Rolls and Records of England; and by the Scholars, with the Char­ters and Statutes of their Universities: He re­forms the University, in order to the Reformation of the Church; enjoyning the study of the Scri­pture and the Tongues, instead of School-Divinity and Barbarism; recommending Aristotle, Agricola, Melancthon, to their reading; and the Doctrine which is in Spirit and in Truth to their Faith: and razing the Popes Bulls, to make way for the Kings Favour.

He was an eminent Minister of State, and chief Governour of the Church; proceeding in Con­vocation very discreetly, modelling the Church-Laws very prudently and moderately: looking in­to Monastical Abuses very narrowly and industri­ously; mawling Religious Houses, violently pul­ling down those Nests, that the Rooks might not re­turn: His Master had disobliged the Pope, and he weakeneth him: It was not safe to disown his Su­premacy, [Page 35] and entertain thousands of his Creatures. If a Kingdom be divided against it self, it cannot stand; and if one part of the English pay their de­votion to a supream Head at Rome, and another to a supream Governour in England, they must both fall. If the persons might disturb the Govern­ment, it is fit their Estates should secure it; and if the Papists should foment a War, their Lands should maintain it: But Cromwel contrives that the Pope should confirm Alienations in Wolsey, before he should practise it for the King. As the King knew whom he employed, when he trusted him: so he knew whom he trusted, when he em­ployed Doctor Lee (an able servant to an abler Ma­ster) He first decoyed Religious Men out of their Covents by the allurement of Liberty, and then for­ced them out by Power and Authority. As the Abbeys improved his Estate, so his Master advanced his Honour: he had one Privy Seal always to act by, and was Keeper of another: He had no sooner at­tained an Earldom for himself, but foreseeing the alteration of Affairs, he secured a Barony for his Son, not forfeitable by the Attainder of the Fa­ther: Within five years he was Master of the Jewel­house, Secretary of State, Baron, Vicar-General, Master of the Rolls, Knight of the Garter, Keeper of the Privy-Seal, Lord High Chamberlain, and Earl of Essex: within five months he quitted place, and in five minutes lost all. He must needs be envied, whose Birth was so much beneath all others, and his Preferment above them: especially when the King in preferring him injured others; as, the Citizens, in managing the Jewels; the Courtiers, in undertaking State-affairs; the Lawyers, in the [Page 36] Rolls When Ma­ster thereof.; the Nobly Descended, at When Knight of the Garter. Windsor; the Clergy, in the When Vi­ [...]. General Convocation; the Earl of Oxford, and the Family of the Bourchiers, in the great Cham­berlainship and Earldom of Essex. But he cares not whom he displeaseth, if he can oblige his Ma­ster; whose power he advanceth in the Parliament and Synod, as he improveth his Revenue in the Of­fice of first-Fruits, and the Court of Augmentation. His Greatness was allayed with his Goodness; and the Envy of the One, mitigated by the Liberality of the Other: He had not more Suiters at his door then Alms, (two hundred at a time:) Sir Thomas was a Name of Awe and Reverence to the Rich, and blessed by the Poor: That Name Stow Sur. London. levelled the proudest Citizens House for his conveniency, and bowed the poorest mans Knee to his Honour. He could at pleasure work upon the Lords by the Commons, and on the Commons by the Lords; as Cardinal Wolsey perswaded the Commons to four shillings in the pound upon the Lords president; and the Lords to as much upon the Commons: and he kept up the Cardinals way of Anticipation, that the people should be always one Subsidy before­hand: He set up the old Taxation of Knighthood at Queen Anne's Coronation, and levied it.

He confirms the Kings Supremacy by a Law, and establisheth his Daughter Elizabeth's Succession by an Oath, first taken by the Parliament, and then by the Kingdom; for whose support he contrives the lesser Monasteries should be first escheated, and then the greater. He was so honest, that he acquits Queen Anne in his Letter to the Queen; yet so much a Statesman, that he condemn'd her upon the Bench.

[Page 37] But to secure the Interest of England, he im­proved its Religion; that as some few late Acts had disobliged the Pope, a new frame of Christianity might exclude him: The differences between Us and Rome, were to be widened, lest they should close; and he judged it prudence to engage the con­science and the estate in one bottom, that he might hold the One out of the tenderness of the Other. The Kings Supremacy cut off the Papists, and the Six Articles the Protestants: Reformation must be managed leasurely, and alteration of Religion by just degrees; Instruction preceding execution, and the peoples capacity growing up with their Gover­nours Regulation.

The times are troublesome, but Cromwel calm and quiet, and watchful over Occurrences; Insur­rection giving him an advantage of a new Settle­ment. He takes down the Occasions and Orna­ments of Idolatry, Images, Shrines, Pilgrimages, &c. and then the Thing it self: Take off the paint of Rome, and you undo her: As the Laws and In­junctions, so the Alliance of England must secure its Interest: A Protestant Queen must be married to the Reformed King; the Duke of Cleve's Sister must woo the King, that Essex might have that whispered in the Kings Bosom abed, where he was best disposed, which he insinuated into his Ear at the Council-Table where he was worst: But the King was not so well pleased with her Beauty, as Cromwel was with her Religion; which Stephen Gardiner (who hated her for her Religion, and Cromwel for his Greatness) observing, shewed the Kings loose Affections, at once how to be rid of his Match, and, which he was as weary of, his Match-Maker. [Page 38] The Queen is divorced (being never known by Henry, who disliked her at first view, and kept her rather in Policy, to oblige the German Princes, then of pleasure to fill his own Bed.) Cromwel is ar­rested for presuming to act in some matters of State, without the Kings privity or Commission, and at­tainted by a procedure he had invented; dying as cunningly as he had lived, for some As when one said he was accu­sed for dis­loyalty to the King, he said, He would stab him with his dagger if he were. ambiguous words which Power interpreted to his Ruine.

His last words were so wary, that they might be­come Bellarmine and Luther at once; that the Pro­testants call them his Confession of Faith, and the Papists his old Religion: for confessing his Offences against God and the King, in his many Employ­ments, he said he died in the Catholique Faith: Some will say the Protestants think no great gain to have him, and the Papists no loss to part with him; yet we must needs confess that he was a Wise Man, because he always consulted the Learned in the Laws a out all his proceedings: He was a Good man, witness Frescobald, whose mean Person he took notice of, whose small Kindeness he acknow­ledged, whose Services he condescended to, whose Wants he relieved, and whose Debts he recovered: He was a Noble man, because he refused another mans Coat of Arms who was of his Name, saying, What shall I do with it? for he may pull it off my back at pleasure. In a word, He was so Mean be­fore he rise, so Worthy afterwards, that no Times had Raised but those more troublesome, none Ruined him but those most loose of Henry the VIII.

Observations on the Life of Sir Tho­mas Audley.

SIr Thomas Audley's Birth was Generous, his Education more: Essex bred him to that Honour which his Ancestors lost: His Soul ennobled his Body, and his Body graced his Soul: The one quick, solid, apprehensive and judicious; the other tall and majestick: King Henry loved a Man; and here was one whose Austerity was al­layed with Debonairness, whose Gravity was sweet­ened with Pleasantness; whose Knowledge was as large as his Authority, whose Wit was equal with his Wisdom; whose Memory was strong, and Judg­ment solid. His fair Estate brought him to the Temple; his proficiency in the Law, to the Court: His reading upon the Statute of Priviledges com­mended him to the Kings Service, his speaking for the Prerogative in Parliament brought him to the Kings Favour. Although the Liberties of the Peo­ple can never be secured without the Prerogative of the Soveraign (who cannot do the good they would, if he wants a power to do the evil they fear;) yet his first Preferment was to withdraw him from Popularity, and the second onely to confirm him to Soveraignty. Noble Service is the way to a Royal One: His Stewardship to the Dutchy of Suf­folk, raised him to the Attorneyship of that of Lan­caster. But in troublesome and designing times a po­pular Orator is a good Courtier; and leading Parts in Parliament or Convocation are great Me­rits: [Page 40] In the black Parliament he was a Member by his own Interest, and a Speaker by his Majesties Choice: Sir Tho. More was to serve the Crown in the Lords House, and Sir Tho. Audley was to succeed him in the House of Commons. When Abbey-Lands were bestowed on the King in grofs, and returned by him to the leading Lords and Commons in the Retayl, most of that Parliament looked for shares; Sir Thomas for the first cut, to secure himself with the King: He was always in favour with the Queens, who had no less Interest in the Kings Heart, then the Kingdom had in his Head. The. Age was un­certain, Interest nor so; Sir Thomas was fixed on the One, above the alterations of the Other: un­derstanding what was most convenient at a time when there was nothing lawful. He was well seen in the flexures and windings of Affairs, at the depth whereof other Heads not so steady turned giddy: He had the Arts of a Statesman, and the closeness of a Politicion: Reserved he was, but no Dissem­bler: ‘For if a man have that penetration of judg­ment, as he can discern what things are to be laid open, and what to be kept secret, and what to be shewed with half sights, and to whom and when, (which indeed are Arts of States and Arts of Life) to him an Habit of Dissimulation is a hin­derance and a poorness.’ He (as an able man) was always frank and open, but wary; knowing how to stop and turn within the compass of Equity and Honesty. He understood business well, and men better; and knew King Henry's Temper bet­ter then Himself, whom he surprized always to his own bent, never moving any of his suits to him, but when in haste, and most commonly amusing him [Page 41] with other matter until he passed his Request. His Actions were managed for applause as well as ser­vice: for when made Sergeant, he was the first of eleven; his Entertaining-Day was the last of six: The King, who paid for his Dinner, was invited to it. He watched the Circumstances of his Actions, that they might be Taking, as well as their Issue, that they might be Useful; and contrived that the least of his publick Actions should come off with Re­putation. He followed the most passable rather then the most able men living, in a time when active men were more useful then the vertuous. Sir Thomas at once gratified the present Humour of the King, and the constant Temper of the People, in six Bills against the Clergy: 1. Against the Extortions of their Courts. 2. The Exaction of their Corps and Mor­turies. 3. Their worldly Occupations, as Gra­zing, Tanning, &c. 4 Merchandize. 5. Their Non-Residencies. 6. The Pluralities of the Igno­rant, and the mean Salaries of the Learned. When in some Debates between the Lords and Commons, Custome was urged; Sir Thomas replied, The usage hath ever been for Thieves to rob at Shooters Hill, is it therefore lawful? He brought the Clergy within a Praemunire, to awe them; and afterwards in their pardon, he and other Members included their own; which the knowing King would not pass, when it was demanded as of Right; yet afterwards granted it of his own accord, when it was received as of Grace. When Sir Thomas More could not act with the times, Sir Thomas Audley could; the One being weary of the Seal, the other takes it; being made Lord Keeper in Sir Thomas his life-time, and Lord Chancellour after his death: owning no Opinion [Page 42] against the Government of England, nor any De­sign against its Interest. The King might well trust him with his Conscience, when he trusted the King with his, owning no Doctrine but what was established, ever judging the Church and State wi­ser then himself. He was forced to take Q. Anne, but he would not condemn her; rather escaping then refusing unwelcome Employments, wherein he must either displease his Master or himself. He was ten­der, but not wilful; waving such services dexterous­ly, wherein he must oppose his Master dangerously. Those Insurrections which others Rigor had raised, his Moderation allayed; breaking the Factions with Indulgence, which might be strengthened with Opposition: Cromwel pulled down Popery with his Power, Audley kept it down with his Policy, enjoyning the Preachers to detect the follies of that way, which is reckoned the wisdom of this World, He had a moderate way to secure the Priviledges of Parliament, by freedom from Arrests; and the good will of the Citizens, by an Order about debts.

By these courses he died as much in the Kings Fa­vour as he lived: Patience can weather out the most turbulent Age, and a solid Judgement the most in­tricate times: The reserved and quiet man is the most secure. Activity may raise a man, Wariness keep him up. If he had done nothing, he had no [...] been seen; if he had done much, he had not been suf­fered. Between two extreams Audley could do well.

Observations on the Life of Sir Tho­mas Wiat.

SIr Thomas Wiat was born at Allington-castle in the County of Kent, which afterwards he repaired with beautiful Buildings. He fell out of his Master King Henry the eighth his favour, about the business of Queen Anna Bullen, till his industry, care, discretion and innocence freed him. Very ingenious he was; or, as his Anagram tells us, he was [A Wiat. Wit] in the abstract. Cambden saith he was,

[Page 44] Holy he was and heavenly minded, and that ap­pears by his translation of David's Psalms into Eng­lish Metre; and Leland gives him this great Com­mendation:

This Knight being sent Ambassador by King Henry the eighth, to Charles the fifth Emperour, then re­siding in Spain, before he took Shipping, died of the Pestilence in the West-Country, Anno 1541.

Queen Anne's favour towards him, raised this man; and his faithfulness to her, ruined him: So fickle is that mans station that depends onely on hu­mour, or holds of love and hatred! Let my friend (saith Malvezzi) bring me in, but let my merit and ser­vice keep me there.

Four things a man went to Dine with Sir Thoms Wiat for: 1. For his Generous Entertainment 2. For his free and knowing discourse of Spain and Germany; an insight in whose interest was his Ma­ster-piece, studied by him as well for the exigen [...] of that present juncture, as for his own satisfacti­on. 3. For his quickness in observing, his civility in entertaining, his dexterity in employing, and his readiness in encouraging every mans peculiar party [Page 45] and inclinations. 4. For the notice and favour the King had for him. So ready was he to befriend worthy men, and so ready was the King to enter­tain his friend, that when a man was newly prefer­red, they said, He had been in Sir Thomas Wiat' s Closet. Happy is the Prince that hath a faithful Favourite, to look him out serviceable men! and happy those useful persons, that have a familiar and hhonest Favourite, by whom they may have access to the Prince! a Favourite that serves not his Country so much by employing and pleasing its a­ctive members, as he secures his King, who hath [...]o less need of Counsel in reference to men, then things.

His Wit pleased the King, and his Wisdome ser­ved him: He could not be without his Advice at the Council-table, nor without his Jests in his Pre­sence-chamber: where yet he observed his decorum to exactly, that his Majesty could by no means win him one night to dancing; this being his grave re­solution, That he who thought himself a wise man in the day-time, would not be a fool at night: otherwise one carryed himself more handsomely, none con­versed more ingeniously and freely, none discour­sed more facetiously or solidly; in a word, it was his peculiar happiness, that his deportment was nei­ther too severe for King Henry the eighth's time, nor too loose for Henry the seventh's, neither all ho­ney nor all gall, but a sweet mixture and tempera­ment of affability and gravity, carrying an equal measure of Sir Thomas More's ingenuity in his head, and Sir Thomas Cromwel's wisdome in his heart; e­qually fashioned for discourse and business: in the [...]st whereof, he was active, but not troublesome; [...] the first, merry, but innocent.

[Page 46] A Jest if it hit right, may do more good then so ber Counsels. Archee made King James sensible of the danger the Prince was in, in Spain, by telling him that he came to change Caps with him: Why said the King. Because thou hast sent the Prince in: Spain, from whence he is never like to return. B [...] (said the King) what wilt thou say when thou see him come back again? Marry (saith he) I will ta [...] off the Fools Cap which I now put upon thy head f [...] sending him thither, and put it on the King of Spain for letting him return.

A Jest of Sir Thomas Wiat's began that Reforma­tion, which the seriousness of all Christendome cou [...] not commence. King Henry was at a loss concen­ing the Divorce, which he no less passionately de­red, then the Pope warily delayed: Lord, saith he that a man cannot repent him of his sin but by [...] Popes leave! Sir Thomus hinted, Doctor Gran [...] opened, and the Universities of Europe made to way to Reformation.

His Majesty was another time displeased with Wolsey, and Sir Thomas ups with a story of the C [...] ­baiting of the Butchers Dog, which contained [...] whole method of that great mans ruine.

The Pope was incensed, Christian Princes we [...] enraged, and the numerous Clergy discontented and King Henry afraid of a Revolution: Better [...] Rooks Nests, (that is, sell and bestow the Pa [...] Clergies Habitations and Lands among the Nobils and Gentry) said Sir Thomas, and they will ne [...] trouble you. One day he told his Master he his found out a Living of an hundred pounds the year more then enough, and prayed him bestow it on him: Why? said the King, we [...] [Page 47] no such in England. Yes, Sir, said Sir Thomas, the Provostship of Eaton, where a man hath his Diet, his Lodging, his Horse-meat, his Servants wages, his Riding-charge, and an 100 l. per annum besides. What Lewis the eleventh said of one Kingdome, i. e. France, may be true of all, That they want one thing, i. e. Truth. Few Kings have such dis­creet Courtiers as Cardinal Wolsey, to look into things deeply; fewer so faithful Servants as Sir Thomas Wiat, to report things as they see them, honestly.

His Jests were always confined to these Rules:

1. He never played upon a mans unhappiness or deformity; it being inhumane.

2. Not on Superiours: for that is sawcie and undutiful.

3. Nor on serious or holy matters: for that's irreligious.

4. He had much Salt, but no Gall; often jesting, but never jearing.

5. He observed times, persons and circumstan­ces; knowing when to speak, and knowing too when to hold his peace.

6. His apt and handsome Reparties were rather natural then affected; subtle and acute, prompt and easie, yet not careless; never rendring himself contemptible to please others.

7. Not an insipid changing of words was his gift, but a smart retort of matters, which every body was better pleased with than himself.

8. He always told a story well; and was as good at a neat continued discourse, as at a quick sentence; contriving it in an handsome method, cloathing [Page 48] it with suitable expressions, without any Parenthe­sis or impertinencies, and representing persons and actions so to the life, that you would think you saw what you buchear: A notable way, that argued the man of a ready apprehension, an ingenious sins fancy, a tenacious memory, a graceful Elocution, a [...] exact judgment and discretion, and perfect acquain­tance with things and circumstances. His phrasi was clean and clear, the picture of his thoughts and language, (even in an argument) not harsh or se­vere, but gentle and obliging; never contradicting but with an Ʋnder favour Sir; always subjoyning to his adversaries discourse, what the Dutch do the all Ambassadors Proposals, It may be so.

Observations on the Life of Sir John Fineux.

SIr John Fineux born at Swink field in the County of Kent, a place bestowed on h [...] Ancestors by a great Lord in Kent, called [...] Criol, about the reign of King Edward the second He followed the Law twenty eight years before he was made a Judge; in which Office he continued twenty eight years, and was twenty eight years of Age before he betook himself to this study: when [...] it necessarily follows, that he was four-score and four when he died. He was a great Benefactor t [...] St. Augustines in Canterbury; the Prior whereof William Mallaham thus highly commendeth him [...] (good deeds deserve good words.)

He died in 1526. and lies buried in Christ-church in Canterbury, having had a fair habitation in this City, and another in Herne in this County, where his Motto still remaineth in each Window:

Nile's original is hidden, but his stream is fa­mous. This Judge's Ancestors were not so ob­scure, as he was illustrious. His Device upon his Sergeants Ring was, Suae quis (que) fortuna faber; and his was always to this purpose, That no man thrived but he that lived as if he were the first man in the world, and his father were not born before him.

Forty years he said he lived by his industry; Twenty by his reputation; and Ten by favour. King Henry the seventh knew not how well this Gentleman could serve him, until he saw how effe­ctually he did oppose him about the Tenth Peny raised for the War in Britain, which raised another in York, where though the Rabble (that murthe­red Henry Earl of Northumberland, who was to levy the Tax) had not his Countenance for their Pra­ctice, yet had they his Principle for their Rule, which was this, Before we pay any thing, let us see whether we have any thing we can call our own to pay. So able, though reserved a Patriot, thought the wise King, would be an useful Courtier, and he that could do so well at the Bar, might do more at the [Page 50] Bench. Cardinal Morton was against his advance­ment, as an encouragement to the Factious: (whose Hydra-heads grow the faster by being taken off by Preferment, and not by an Ax) the King was for it, as the most probable way of weakening of them, as who when the most sober and wise part of them draweth off, are but a rude multitude, and a rope of sand: when a Commoner, none so stiff for the subjects priviledge; when a Judge, none so firm to the Princes Prerogative: two things however, (they fatally clashed of late) that are solid felicities together, and but empty notions asunder: for what is Prerogative but a great Name, when not exerci­sed over a free people? and what is Priviledge but a fond imagination, when not secured under a pow­erful King, that may keep us from being slaves one to another by Anarchy, while we strive to be free from his Tyranny? That People is beyond presi­dent free, and beyond comparison happy, who re­strain not their Soveraigns power to do them harm so far, as that he hath none left him to do them good. Careful he was of the Law; for he was a Judge: and as careful of his Soveraigns Right; for he was a Subject. No ominous clashing between Courts in his time; nor setting the Kings Conscience in Chancery against his Will in the Kings Bench. A man tells Aristides, to make him party in his cause, that his Adversary had abused him: I sit not here (saith that Impartial Judge) to right you, but my self. When a notorious enemy of Judge Fineux had a cause depending before him, It might have gone against you, my friend, (said he) had you been my Enemy.

Ten things, which are indeed ten of the most re­markable [Page 63] particulars of his life, raised him.

1. An indefatigable industry, 1. In his reading, leaving behinde him 23 Folio's of Notes. 2. In his practice, bequeathing 3502 Cases he managed himself to his Executor.

2. A freedome of converse, as about his busi­ness, none more close; so in company, none more open; having so compleat a command of himself, that he knew to a minute when to indulge, and to a minute too when to restrain himself. A gay and cheerful humour, a sprightful conversation, and cleanly manners, are an exceeding useful accom­plishment for every one that intends not to wind himself into a solitary retirement, or be mewed in a Cloyster.

3. A rich and a well-contrived marriage, that at once brought him a large Estate, and a larger Inte­rest: the same tie that allied him to his Wives Fa­mily, engaged him to many.

4. A great acquaintance with Noble Families, with whose dependants he got in first, devoting an hour a day for their company; and at last with themselves, laying aside his vacation-leisure for their service. He was Steward of 129 Mannors at once, and of Counsel to 16 Noble-men.

5. His Hospitality and Entertainments: None more close then he abroad, none more noble at home; where many were tied to his Table, more obliged by his company and discourse.

6. His care and integrity in managing, his Repute in promoting, his Reason and Eloquence in plead­ing, and his Success in carrying his causes.

7. His eminence and activity in the two profita­ble Parliaments of Henry the seventh, where he had [Page 52] the hearts and purses of the people at his command, and the eye of his Soveraign upon his person. It was thought a reward adequate to the greatest me­rit and adventure in the Grecian Wars, to have leave to play the Prizes at Olympus before Kings. It was judged the most ambition could be aimed at in King Henry the seventh's time, to shew a mans parts before his judicious and discerning Majesty; then whom none understood Worth better, none valued it higher.

8. His Opposition to Empson and Dudley's too severe Prosecution of Poenal Laws, while Henry the seventh was living; and his laying of it before him so faithfully, that he repented of it when he was a dying. He is high a while, that serves a Princes pri­vate interest; he is always so, that is careful of his publick good.

9. His entire Devotion to that sacred thing cal­led Friendship, that Bliss on this side Heaven, made up of Peace and Love. None a worse Enemy, none a better Friend. Choice he was in commencing, but constant in continuing Friends: Many Ac­quaintance, but few Friends, was his Observation; saying, He had been undone by his Acquaintance, had he not been raised by his Friends.

10. His care of time. To day I have not reigned, said the Emperour when he had done no good: To day I have not lived, said the Judge when he had done nothing. So much he prayed Morning, Even­ing, and at Noon, according to the way of those times, as if he never studied; so much he studied, as if he never practised; so great his practice, as if he never conversed; and so free his converse with others, as if he lived not at all to himself: Time [Page 53] (of which others are so prodigally expensive) was the onely thing he could be honestly covetous of: full whereof he died, leaving this instruction to posterity, That we should not complain we have little time, but that we spend much either in doing no­thing, or in doing evil, or in doing nothing to the pur­pose.

Observations on the Life of Edward Fox, Bishop of Hereford.

EDward Fox born in Dursley in Gloucestershire, was first brought up in Eaton, then in Kings Colledge in Cambridge, and died Provost thereof. He was Almoner to King Henry the eighth, and was the first that brought Doctor Cranmer to the knowledge of the King, as he brought the King to the knowledge of himself. Being after wards Bi­shop of Hereford, was a great Instigator of the Po­litick and Prudential part of the Reformation, and was not less able, but more active then Cranmer himself: yea, so famous was he, that Martin Bucer dedicated unto him his Comment upon the Go­spel: so painful, that he wrote many Books, where­of that, de Differentia utrius (que) potestatis, was the chief: so worthy he was, that the King employed him on several Embassies into France and Germany. He died May 8. 1538.

In his first years, none more wild; in his his last, none more stayed. The untoward Youth makes the able Man. He that hath mettle to be extravagant when he cannot govern himself, hath a spirit to be [Page 54] eminent when he can. His friends devotion to the Church, and relation to the Bishop of Winchester, made him a Scholar; his own Inclination, a Politi­cian: an Inclination that brake through all the ig­noble restraints of pedantique studies and coerti­ons, (wherewith many a great Soul in England, (enjoying not the freedome of forreign parts, but tied to such employments, though never so unsui­table, as their friends put them to) are debased and lost) to an eminencie (more by observation and travel, then by reading and study) that made him the Wonder of the University, and the Darling of the Court. When he was called to the Pulpit, or Chair, he came off not ill; so prudential were his parts for Divinity! when advanced to any Of­fice of Trust in the University, he came off very well; so incomparable were his parts for Govern­ment!

His Policy was observed equally in the subject, and in the contrivance of his Sermons and discourse; where though all knew he read but little, yet all saw that (by a Scheme and method his strong head had drawn up of all Books and Discourses) he com­manded all Learning: his Explications of the Text were so genuine, so exact, as if he had spent his time in nothing else but Criticks and Commentators. His Divisions so Analytical, as if he had been nothing but Logick: His Enlargements so copious and ge­nuine, as if he had seen nothing but Fathers and Schoolmen. The curious and pertinent mixture of Moral Sentences, so various, as if he had been but a Humanist: the drift and designe of all, so close, that it argued him but (what indeed he was) a pure Pate-Politician. His Parts commended him to [Page 55] Cardinal Wolsey as his support: the Cardinal brings him to his Master as his second, and he thrusts out Wolsey as his Rival; but yet pretended to advance that ambitious Man more highly, that he might fall more irrecoverably. He sets him upon his designes of being Pope in Rome, and those make him none in England. He caught the Cardinal by his sub­mission, as he would have done Sir Thomas More by his Interrogations; at which he was so good, that he would run up any man either to a Confession or a Praemunire. Fox was his name, and Cunning his nature. He said, His Fathers money helped him to his Parsonage, meaning his small Preferments; and his Mothers wit to his Bishoprick, meaning his grea­ter.

Discoursing one day when Ambassador, of terms of Peace, he said, Honourable ones last long, but the dishonourable no longer then till Kings have power to break them: the surest way therefore, said he, to Peace, is a constant preparedness for War. Two things he would say must support a Government; Gold and Iron: Gold, to reward its Friends; and Iron, to keep under its Enemies. Themistocles after a Bat­tel fought with the Persians, espying a Prize lying on the ground, Take up these things, (saith he to his Companion) for thou art not Themistocles. Take the Emperours Money, said Fox to his Followers, (that were afraid to accept what he had refused) for you are not all the King of England' s Ambassa­dors.

Often was this saying in our Bishops mouth, be­fore ever it was in Philip the second's, Time and I will challenge any two in the world.

Portugal being revolted, the Conde d' Olivares [Page 56] came smiling to King Philip the fourth, say­ing, Sir, I pray give me las Albricius to hansel the good news: for now you are more absolute King of Portugal then ever: for the people have forfeited all their priviledges by the Rebellion, and the Nobility their Estates; and now you may confirm your old Friends with their money, and make you new ones with their estates. When the Clergy began to ruffle with the King, I tell you News, said this Bishop, we are all run into a Praemunire: you shall have Money enough to make your own Courtiers, and Places enough to ad­vance your own Clergie.

Observations on the Life of Sir An­thony St. Lieger.

WE may say of him, he was born in Kent, and bred in Christendome: for when twelve years of Age, he was sent for his Grammar-Learning with his Tutor into France, for his Carriage into Italy, for his Philosophy to Cam­bridge, for his Law to Grays-Inne; and for that which compleated all, the government of himself, to Court; where his Debonnairness and Freedome took with the King, as his Solidity and Wisdome with the Cardinal. His Master-piece was his A­gency between King Henry the eighth and Queen Anne, during the agitation of that great business of the Divorce between the said King and his Queen Katherine. His Policy was seen in catching the Cardinal in that fatal word, The King may ruine me if be please! but that ruined him. His service was [Page 57] to be Cromwel's Instrument in demolishing Abbeys, as he was the Kings. Caesar was the first that came to undo the Commonwealth, sober; Sir Anthony St. Lieger was the first that saved this Kingdome drunk: for in being abroad one night very late, and much distempered, he must needs fancy an extra­ordinary light in the Cardinal's Closet; with which Fancy he ran to the King, and although much in drink, prevailed with him so far, that he sends to the Cardinal, and there findes that Juncto that threatned his Kingdome.

He was the first Vice-Roy, because Henry the eighth was the first King of Ireland. King Henry's affection would promote him any where, but his own resolution and spirit commended him to Ire­land.

He was a man whom all Ireland could not rule; therefore (as the Jest goes) he should rule all Eng­land. Three times had the Irish Rebels made their so­remn submission to other Deputies: the fourth time now they make it to him, throwing down their Girdles, Skins and Caps. So great a man was the Lieutenant, so great his Master! No sooner was be possessed of the Government, but he thought of Laws, those Ligaments of it: The most rational and equitable Laws were those of England, but too rational to be imposed on the Brutish Irish: there­fore our Knight considering (as he saith in the Preface of his Constitution) that they (poor souls) could not relish those exact Laws, to live or be ruled by them, immediately enacted such as agreed with their capacity, rather then such were dictated by his ability; his Wisdome (as all mens must) doing what was most fit and convenient, rather then [Page 58] what was most exact; what they could bear, more then what he could do: as remembring he had to do with Faeces Romuli, rather then Respublica Platonis; a rude, rather then a reduced people. What he could, he ordained according to the incomparable Rule of the English Laws; what he could not, he established according to his present judgement of the Irish ca­pacity. He saw the Kingdome could never be sub­ject to his Masters power, while the Church was obedient to the Popes: therefore as he perswaded the Nobility to surrender their Estates to his Maje­sty at London, so he compelled the Clergy to make over theirs at Dublin: There remains but little of the first in his Majesties hands, so honourable was he in restoring it; and as little in his Successors, so religious and just were they in resigning it to the same use for substance to which it was at first design­ed. But in vain it is to reform Laws, unless we re­form persons too: therefore as he sent Orders to re­duce the Irish Nobility in their several Countries, so he sent for themselves (to the respective Houses built for them by his Majesty near Dublin) to be civilized in the Court. Caesar came, saw, and o­vercame; Sir Anthony came, saw, and setled: A man had thought there had not been so much corrupti­on in the Romish Church, as to admit Children to Church-Livings, (for which Men are hardly suffi­cient!) but that Sir Anthony St. Leiger was forced to make this Law, That no Children should be admitted to Benefices. We had not known this sin, had not the Law said, You shall not invest any under sixteen years of age in Benefices. The Clergy he found there too many, and the Nobility too few; he les­sened the number of the one to weaken the Pope, [Page 59] and improved the other to strengthen his Master, of whom they held not onely their Estates, but their Baronies too, as obliged to duty in point of Honour as well as in point of Interest. But in vain doth he civilize the present Generation, and neglect the fu­ture: as therefore he provided Cities for the Pa­rents, so he erected Schools for the Children, that the one might forget their Barbarism, and the other never know it. Three things he said would settle a State: 1. Good God-fathers and God-mothers performing their Vows: 2. Good Housholders o­verlooking their Families: 3. And good School-masters educating Youth; this last, the most useful, though the most contemptible profession.

An Athenian being asked what God was, said, He was neither Bow-man, nor Horse-man, nor Pike-man, nor Foot-man, but one that knew how to command [all these.] Sir Anthony St. Leiger was neither Souldier, nor Scholar, nor Statesman, yet he understood the way how to dispose of all these to his Countries ser­vice, and his Masters honour; being all of them e­minently, though none of them pedantickly and formally in himself.

The Athenians (as Anaximander said) had good Laws, but used them ill; our Deputy had bad Laws, but governed by good.

It was thought by many wise men, that the pre­posterous rigour and unreasonable severity which some men carried there before him, was not the least incentive that kindled and blew up into horrid flames the sparks of discontent, which wanted not pre-disposed fuel in that place; where despair being added to their former discontents, and the fears of utter extirpation to their wonted oppressions. It is [Page 60] too easie to provoke a people too prone to break out to all exorbitant violence, both by some principles of their Religion, and their natural de­sires of Liberty; both to exempt themselves from their present restraints, and prevent after-rigours: wherefore he was inclined to that charitable conni­vence and Christian indulgence which often dissipates their strength whom rougher opposition fortifieth, and puts the oppressed Parties into such Combina­tions as may most enable them to get a full revenge on those they count their Persecutors; who are commonly assisted by that vulgar commiseration which attends all that are said to suffer for Religion or Liberty.

To conclude this: Four things Sir Anthony St. Leiger was eminent for:

1. That there was none more grave in Counse then he, in the morning: none more free at Table, at noon: none more active in the after-noon: none more merry at night.

2. That his Orders were made but slowly, so wary he was; but executed quickly, so resolute he was too.

3. That he contrived all his Designs so well be­forehand, that in the course of affairs they were done to his hand; and he was the Deputy that made no noise.

4. That as the Souldier (finding his first admis­sion to Alexander to be difficult) danced about the Court in an Antique fashion, until the strangeness of the shew made the King himself Spectator, and then throwing off his disguise, he said, Sir, thus I first arrive at the notice of your Majesty in the fa­shion of a fool, but can do you service in the place of [Page 61] a wise man, if you please to employ me: So this Gentleman came to Court a Swaggerer, but went off a Statesman. All Prudence is not lodged un­der a demure look and an austere carriage: There are those that can be merry and wise; whose Spirit is as lively, as their Judgement solid.

Observations on the Life of Sir Ralph Sadler.

Sir Ralph Sadler was born at Hackney in Mid­dlesex, where he was Heir to a fair Inheritance, and servant to the Lord Cromwel, and by him advanced into the service of King Henry the VIII, who made him chief Secretary of State. He was one that had much knowledge, therefore much im­ployed in all, but especially in the Intrigues of the Scots affairs: In the Battel of Muscleborow he or­dered & brought up our scattered Troops, inviting them to fight by his own Example; and for his Va­lour was made There were two sorts of these Knights, the first made by way of en­courage­ment, the se­cond by way of Reward: Sir Ralph was of the second sort, and the last that survi­ved of that sort. Knight-Banneret. Queen Eliza­beth made him Chancellour of the Dutchy. Du­ring his last Embassie in Scotland, his house at Stan­don in Hertfordshire was built by his Steward in his absence, far greater then himself desired, so that he never joyed therein; and died soon after, Anno 1587, in the 80 year of his Age.

King Henry understood two things: 1. A Man: 2. A Dish of Meat; and was seldom deceived in ei­ther: For a Man, none more compleat then Sir Ralph, who was at once a most exquisite Writer, and a most valiant and experienced Souldier; qua­lifications [Page 62] that seldom meet, (so great is the di­stance between the Sword and the Pen, the Coat of Mail and the Gown) yet divided this man and his time; his nights being devoted to contempla­tion, and his days to action. Little was his Body, but great his Soul; the more vigorous, the more contracted. Quick and clear were his thoughts, speedy and resolute his performances. It was he that could not endure the spending of that time in designing one action, which might perform two or that delay in performing two, that might have designed twenty. A great Estate he got honestly and spent nobly; knowing that Princes honour them most, that have most; and the People them onely that employ most: A Prince hath more reason to fear mony that is spent, than that which is hoorded because it is easier for Subjects to oppose a Prince by Applause then by Armies. Reward (said Sin Ralph when he was offered a sum of money) should not empty the Kings Coffers; neither should Riches he the Pay of Worth, which are meerly the Wages of Labour: He that gives it, embaseth a Man; he that takes it, vilifieth himself: who is so most Rewar­ded, is least. Since Honour hath lost the Value of a Reward, Men have lost the Merit of Vertue, and both become mercenary; Men lusting rather after the Wealth that buyeth, then after the Qualities that deserve it.

Two things he observed broke Treaties; Jea­lousie, when Princes are successful; and Fear, when they are unfortunate. Power that hath need of none, makes all confederacies, either when it is felt, or when it is feared, or when it is envied.

Three things Cato repented of: 1. That he went [Page 63] by water when he might go by land. 2. That he trust­ed a Woman with a secret. 3. That he lost Time. Two things Sir Ralph relented for: 1. That he had communicated a secret to two. 2. That he had lost any hour of the morning, between four a clock and ten.

He learned in King Henry the Eighth's time, as Cromwel's Instrument, what he must advise (in point of Religion) in Queen Elizabeth's time, as an emi­ment Counsellour: His Maxime being this, That Zeal was the Duty of a private Brest, and Modera­tion the Interest of a publick State. The Protestants Sir Ralph's Conscience would have in the com­mencement of Queen Elizabeth, kept in hope; the Papists his Prudence would not have cast into De­spair. It was a Maxime at that time in That of the Queens Marriage. another case, That France should not presume, nor Spain be desperate.

He saw the Interest of this State altered six times, and died an honest Man: The Crown put upon four Heads, yet he continued a Faithful Subject: Religion changed, as to the publick constitution of it, five times, yet he kept the Faith.

A Spartan one day boasted that his Countrey-men had been often buried in Athens; The Athe­nian replied, But we are most of us buried at home. So great was Sir Ralph's success in the Northern Wars, that many a Scotch man found his Grave in England; so exact his conduct and wariness, that few English men had theirs in Scotland; the same ground giving them their Coffin, that did their Cradle; and their Birth that did their Death. Our Knights two in­comparable Qualities were Discipline and Intelli­gence; the last discovered him all the Enemies ad­vantages, and the first gave them none.

[Page 64] His two main designs were, 1. An Interest in hi [...] Prince, by service. 2. An Alliance with the Nobili­ty by Marriage: upon which two Bottoms he rai­sed himself to that pitch of Honour and Estate, that time could not wear out, nor any alterations em­bezle; he bequeathing to his Worshipful Posterity the blessing of Heaven upon his Integrity; the lov [...] of Mankinde for his Worth; and (as Mr. Full [...] saith) a Pardon granted him when he attended my Lord Cromwel at Rome, for the sins of his Family for three immediate Generations, (expiring [...] R. Sadler Esquire, lately dead.) His last Negoti­ation was that in Scotland, during the trouble there about Queen Mary: so searching and pier [...] ­cing he was, that no Letter or Adviso passed whereof he had not a Copy; so civil and obliging that there was no Party that had not a Kindness for him. So grave and solid, that he was present at all counsels; so close and industrious, that his hand though unseen was in every motion of that State [...] and so successful, that he left the Nobility so divided that they could not design any thing upon the King [...] and the King so weak, that he could not cast off the Queen; and all so tottering, that they must depend on Queen Elizabeth.

Three things he bequeathed such as may have the honour to succed him, 1. All Letters that concern­ed him since of years, filed: 2. All Occurrences, since he was capable of Observation, registered [...] 3. All Expences, since he lived of himself, booked [...] Epaminondas was the last Grecian, and Sir Ralph Sadler was one of the last English men.

Observations on the Life of Sir Willi­am Paget.

SIr William Paget was born in the City of Lon­don, of honest Parents. He was so able and trusty a Minister of State, that he was privy Counsellour to four successive Princes: He was Se­cretary to King Henry the Eighth; who employed him Embassador to Charles the Emperour and Fran­cis King of France. King Edward the Sixth made him Chancellour of the Dutchy, Comptroller of his Houshold, and created him Baron of Beaude­fert. Queen Mary made him Keeper of the Privy-Seal. Queen Elizabeth highly respected him, dis­pencing with his Attendance at Court, in favour to his great Age. Duke Dudley in the days of King Edward, ignominiously took from him the Garter of the Order, saying, He was not Originally qualified for the same: But this was restored unto him by Queen Mary. He died very old, Anno 1563. and was buried in Lichfield. His Education was better then his Birth, his Knowledge higher then his Edu­cation: His Parts above his Knowledge, and his Experience beyond his Parts: A general Learning furnished him for Travel, and Travel seasoned that Learning for Employment. His Master-piece was an inward Observation of other Men, and an exact knowledge of Himself. His Address was with state, yet insinuating: His Discourse free, but weighed; his apprehension quick, but staid: His ready and present mind keeping its pauses of thoughts and ex­pressions [Page 66] even with the occasion and the emergency: neither was his carriage more stiff and uncompli­ant, then his soul. Gundamore could not fit King James so well as Sir William did Charles the Fifth, who in a rapture once cried, He deserved to B E a King, as well as to REPRESENT One: and one day as he came to Court, Yonder is the Man I can deny nothing to.

Apollonius coming to Vespatian's Gate betimes in the morning, and finding him up, said, Surely this man will be Emperour, he is up so early. This Statesman must needs be eminent, who was up [...] the earliest of all the English Agents in discove­ring Affairs, and latest in following those Disco­veries. Three sorts of Embassadors the Empe­rour Charles observed were sent him from England [...] the first was Wolsey, whose great Train promised much, as his great Design did nothing: The second was Morisin, who promised and did much: The third Paget, who promised nothing, and did all [...] What Scholars observed then of Luther, Melanct­hon, Caro­lostadius. three Divines [...] that a Statesman hath set down of our three A­gents: the first was words without matter; the se­cond was matter without words; the third was words and matter. Quick and regular were hi [...] Dispatches when Secretary, pleasing all with his pro­ceedings, even when he could not but displease ma­ny with his Decision. It was much none went away ever sad from Augustus an Emperour, it was more none was dismissed ever in discontent from Sir Wil­liam Paget a Secretary of State. The King was not happier in his abilities to serve him, then he was i [...] their dexterity who waited upon him: These are my eyes, (saith the discreet man) these are my right [Page 67] hands. For his service he would chuse a Man before a Scholar, a Traveller before a Home-bred: Parts he preserred in his Office, a Presence in his Cham­ber; Parts and Presence in his Closet.

Beecber was King Henry the Eighth his Map of England, (so well skilled he was in our English Cu­stoms, Trade, Improvements, Situation, Interest and Inclination) Paget was his Table of Germany, France, and Rome, so exact an account could he give of their Situation, Havens, Forts, Passages, Provision, Poli­cies, Revenue and Strength: secured he was, in King Henry's changeable times, by his forraign Travels and Employments. Escape he did King Edward's Reformation, by his Moderation and peaceableness: He complied with Queen Mary's Zeal, out of conscience; and submitted to Queen Elizabeth's Authority, out of Duty and Allegiance: being one of those moderate men that looked upon the Protestants primitive Foundations of The Creed, The Lords Prayer, and the Com­mandments. Faith, Duty and Devotion, as safe; and on the Papists su­perstructures, as not damnable: Whose Life was Grotius and [...]ssander's Wish, An Accommodation to the Christian World. Privacy is the Favourites Interest, and concealment his care: Sir William wished for success for his Masters sake, but dissem­bled it for his own: He is the man, that loseth nei­ther his Privacy nor his Reputation. Quiet was his temper, though noble his resolution: Trouble­some is a witty man on a stage, as a Monkey in a cup­board of glass. Placed, sweet and composed is the prudent Man, like an Intelligence in the Heavens, or a god in the World. Up he went, but by just de­grees; that if down he must, he might do so with the same leasure and safety.

[Page 68] When he had managed the Secrets and Negotia­tions of Henry the Eighth, with Dexterity and Faithfulness; the Lands of King Edward the Sixth, with Skill and Improvement; the Purses of Queen Mary & Queen Elizabeth, with good Husbandry and Care: When he had lived enough to his Countries, to his Soveraigns, to his Friends, and the Publique Good; he retired to live to Himself first, and then to his GOD.

Observations on the Life of Sir Ri­chard Morisin.

SIr Richard Morisin born in Essex (or in Oxford-shire Saith Sir Richard Baker.) was brought up Per cele­briora An­glorum Gymnasia artes exco­luit. at Eaton, Cam­bridge, and Inns of Court. He was so skil­ful in Latine and Greek, and in the Common and Civil Law, that he was often employed Embassador by King Henry the VIII, and Edward the VI, unto Charles the Fifth Emperour, and other Princes of Germany; which he discharged with all honesty and ability. After the death of King Edward the VI, he was forced to fly beyond the seas; and re­turning out of Italy, died at Strasburgh, on the 17 of March 1556.

Three things made a compleat man in those days▪ 1. A publick School, where their School-fellows Ge­nius's instruct much more then their School-masters pains; where a man attains at once to Learning, Prudence, and a Spirit: 2. A comprehensive insight into Tongues and Sciences; by the first whereof they unlocked Men, and by the second, Things:

[Page 69] 3. Travel, where they saw what they read, and made that a solid apprehension and observation, which was before but a fluid notion and a floating imagination: Our Knight was happy in all Three, but so compleat in the last, that he had the Vertues and Port of a German, as if he had been a Native of that place; and loathed the Vices, as if he had ne­ver seen it: Thereby he could get so far within that people, that he saw all their Intrigues; and be yet so reserved, that they could see nothing: The ablest German Divines guided his conscience, and the greatest Statesmen his Negotiation. He kept un­der the Emperour by the Princes, the French by the Emperour, and the Pope by them all. So much service did the good Knight to King Henry the Eighth, in his Wife Katharine's Case; and so much the whole Kingdom, in that of Religion; that he equally fled Queen Mary's wrath, and her Reli­gions Persecutions. His strong parts set off his comprehensive knowledge; his resolute spirit, his parts; and his presence and meen, all: King Henry always chusing an Embassador that might represent his Person as well as his Power: And Sir Richard had his Hogh in Germany, as well as Henry in Eng­land.

His knack was his foresight, which made that an Adviso in England, which was hardly a known de­sign there: saying usually, His Master maintained not Embassadors so much to write Histories as Pro­phecies. The Trojans sent to condole with Caesar for his Son that was dead two year ago; he thank­ed them, and condoled with them for Hector, that was slain as many hundred years. Our Embassador in France adviseth Sir Richard of a Battel fought a [Page 70] Week before, and he in answer makes a large dis­course of the Battel of Spurs fought many years before; and adds, I and You are not here to tell old stories.

Two things, he said, he was troubled with, Envy and Malice; and two Remedies he had against them, Patience and Resolution. Always he wheeled with the first Mover, yet he had private motions of his own: Singular, but modest: So faithful he was, that he would declare his Opinion; yet so wary, that he would not stand in it against his Prince; knowing, that if he did it out of prudence, he ren­dered the Princes Ability suspected; if out of his own sagacity, it blemished his Integrity: Both equal inconveniencies, to intimate the Master Una­ble, or the Servant Corrupt.

When others pressed for an over-strict Reforma­tion, this Gentleman urged, That Distempers in the Body and State are reduced by Physicians and Politici­ans not to what they should be, but to what they can be: Freedom, Moderation and Impartiality are the best tempers of Reforming Counsels and Endeavours: What is acted singularly, must offend more then it pleaseth; a study to gratifie some men, being a likely way to injure all: The novelty of excessive and immoderate undertakings giving not so much con­tent to the vulgar of a present Age, as the mis­chiefs of them give offence to the Generations of [...]utu [...]e times.

And Melancthon's discourse to him was to this purpose: That the Reformation of hearts should go before that of Churches; and men should try that on their own hearts which they design upon the Church: For Deformities within, will soon betray the Preten­ders [Page 71] of publique Reformation to such private designs as must needs hinder the publique Good. It would be an easie matter for Favourites to reform Kings Pala­ces (saith Malvezzi) if it were not a hard thing to reform their own houses.

One asked him, Why his Embassie tended so much more to preserve his Masters Dominions, then to aug­ment them? And he replied what is fathered on Henry the Fourth, That Getting is a Chance, but Keeping is a Wit.

After a long residence abroad, he thought of an Habitation at home; which he no sooner began at Cashobery in Hertfordshire, but King Edward going out of the World, the good Knight was forced out of his house and the Kingdom.

He was the first that said, Policy is not the learning of some Rules, but the Observation of Circumstances, with a present minde in all junctures of affairs; which (he would say) was their happiness onely, that had good memories: For when one said he had seen much, heard more, and read most: You were (said he) a more compleat man, could you say, I remembered as much. Secretary Walsingham would say, My Lord, stay a little, and we shall have done the sooner: Secretary Cecil said, It shall never be said of me, That I will defer till to morrow what I can do to day: And Sir Richard Morisin, Give me this day, and take the next your self. Noble was his Resolution, when he said, He scorned to take pensions from an Emperour of Germany, since an Emperour of Germany took pay of the King of England.

His statute was something tall, and procured him reverence; his temper reserved, and commanding security to his person and his business. He that [Page 72] knoweth to speak well, knoweth also where he must hold his peace, said the old Graecian: Think an hour before you speak, and a day before you promise, said this English-Roman. With Ferdinand the Emper­our he prevailed for the Popes assistance, and with Maximilian for his Masters against the French.

Never was his Master Henry so high, as to set him above treating; nor his Soveraign Edward so low, as to make him afraid of War; although he looked upon the way of Treaties, as a retiring from fight­ing like Beasts, to arguing like men; whose strength should be more in their Understandings, then in their Limbs. I have (said a great Prince) greater confidence in my Reason then in my Sword; and am so resolved to yeild to the first, that I thought neither my self nor others should use the second, if once we rightly understood one another. It's humane to use Reason rather than Force, and Christian to seek peace and ensue it.

Christian was his Temper, and Religious his car­riage; so charitable, that he relieved the Confes­sors, as though he had been none himself; and so constant, that he continued his sufferings, as if there were no other. Much good did his Countenance do the Exiles in the Courts of Forreign Princes; and more his Authority at the Troubles of Frank­ford, where his Motive to love, was the hatred of the Enemy.

Observations on the Life of Doctor Nicholas Wotton.

NIcholas Wotton, son to Sir Robert, born at Bockton-malherb in the County of Kent, (a place so named, from some noxious and malignant herbs growing therein) was bred in Oxon, Doctor of the Civil Laws; and was the first Dean [...]f the two Metropolitan Churches of Ganterbury and York. He was Privy-Counsellour to four suc­cessive Soveraigns, viz.

• [...]ing
  • Henry the VIII.
  • Edward the VI.
    • Queen
      • Mary.
      • Elizabeth.

He was employed thirteen several times in Em­assies to Forreign Princes.

Five times to Charles the Fifth Emperour.

Once to Philip his son, King of Spain.

Once to Francis the First, King of France.

Once to Mary Queen of Hungary, Governess of he Netherlands.

Twice to William Duke of Cleve.

Once to renew the peace between England, France and Scotland, Anno 1540.

Again to the same purpose at Cambray, Anno 1549.

Once sent Commissioner with others to Eden­burgh in Scotland, 1560.

He refused the Archbishoprick of Canterbury, proferred him in the first of Queen Elizabeth. He [Page 74] died January 26. in 1566. being about seventy years of Age, and was buried in Canterbury.

Justinian reduced the Law of Nations to one Bo­dy, and Doctor Wotton comprehended them in one Soul: Publick was his spirit, and such his thoughts: That profession that was designed for the settle­ment of the worlds commerce, was now confined to a Bishops Court, a Churchwardens Oath, or a rich mans Will; when this excellent Person first enlarged it as far as the sea, in the Cases of the Ad­miralty; and as wide as the world, in the Negotia­tions of Embassie. Others were trusted with the Interest of Princes, He with that of Nations. He that saw him, would think he could deny nothing so modest Scholar-like his looks! He that heard him would judge he would grant nothing, so unde­niable his Reason! so irrefragable his Arguments▪ His speech was as ready as his resolution was present▪ His apprehension quick and clear: his method ex­act: his reading vast and indefatigable: his memo­ry (strong as to things, though not to words) tena­cious: his elocution copious and flowing. What [...] Henry Wotton said of sir Philip Sidney, I may say [...] Nicholas Wotton, That he was the very measure of con­gruity. What that Counsellour writ to the Frence King in a great sheet (when he required his Advice) that our Doctor advised our Princes in several Dis­courses, viz. Madus, A Mean. Sir, (said King Henry to him, now not forty years old) I have sent a Head by Cromwel, a Purse by Wolsey, a Sword by Brandon, and I must now send the Law by You, to treat with my Enemies.

Augustus lamented for Varrus his death, because, he said, Now I have none in my Countrey to tell me the [Page 75] truth: With Wotton went off that faithfulness that Peasants have, and Princes want: None more reso­lute abroad, none more bold and downright at home. His plain dealing saved King Henry some Treasure, King Edward the North, Queen Mary Calice for a while, and Queen Elizabeth her Faith and Crown: A Vertue that made him the Over­seer of most Forreign Ministers Actions abroad, and one of the sixteen Executors of King Henry's Will and Testament at home. Gardiner was sly and close, but Wotton prudent and wise. In the Trea­ty at Calice there are two things remarkable of our Doctor, 1. That he first insisted on the peace with France, before that of Scotland: 2. He would say, Rather give away Calice, then reserve a Right in it fifteen years hence: for never was the Interest of any Nation so constant, as to keep a promise half so many years.

Indeed Sir William Cecil's reach went no further for a Layman, then Doctor Wotton for a Church­man: Therefore they two were pitched upon for the management of the Intrigues and Affairs of Scotland.

Many envied this happy man, but none could be without him, who was the Oracle of both Laws at Councels; who could sum up the merit of any Cause, recollect the circumstances of any Affair; and shew Tables of Trade, Commerce, Situations, Counsels, Revenue, Interest, &c. the readiest and exactest any in England.

But all these Qualifications must die, and he with them: leaving it as his Advice,

First, To Church-men: To understand well the Common and Canon-Law, as well as the Divine; by [Page 76] the first whereof, they might understand their right as by the second, they informed themselves and others [...] their duty.

Secondly, To Statesmen: Travel and History.

Thirdly, To Embassadors: 1. A good Purse: 2. A noble and sober Train: 3. Constant correspondent and observation: 4. A happy medley of Debonai [...] ness and Complacency, Reservedness and Gravity with the first he had taken Princes, and with the l [...] Statesmen; the one discovers others, while the other conceals you. 5. Resolution: I made often (said he as if I would fight, when they knew my calling allowe me onely to speak: 6. Civility: That man (said the Prince of Orange) is a great bargain, who is bought with a bare salutation.

Fourthly, To Privy-Counsellours: That excellent caution, Always to speak last, and be Masters [...] others strength before they displayed their own.

This was that rare man that was made for all but siness, so dexterous! This was he that was made for all times, so complying! This was he who live Doctor of both Laws, and died Doctor of both Go­spels; the Protestant, which had the Statesmans parts of this man; and the Popish, who had the Christiat Noah Being cal­led Bifrons Janus, had two faces, because he was a son of the old world before the flood, and a father of the ne [...] one after: Wotton sure had four faiths, who was Favourite in King Henry's days, of the Counsel is King Edward's, of the Juncto in Queen Mary's, and the Cecil was the first. second Statesman in Queen Elizabeth's.

With these two things of this person, I shall con­clude:

1. His refusal of the Archbishoprick of Canter­bury, which argued his extraordinary humility of wariness.

[Page 77] 2. His admission of Doctor Parker, as Dean of Canterbury, to that See; which argueth the legality of his calling, there being no circumstance with any likelihood omitted, by so exquisite a Civilian as Doctor Wotton; or forgotten, by so great an Anti­quary as Doctor Parker.

Observations on the Life of Thomas Wriothesly, the first Earl of South­ampton.

THomas Wriothesly Knight of the Garter, was born in Barbican, Son to William Wriothesly (descended from an Heir general of the an­tient Family of the Dunsterviles) King of Arms. He was bred in the University of Cambridge, as it appears by Mr. Ascam's Letter unto him, writing in the behalf of the University, when he was Lord Chancellour.

Quamobrem Academia cum omni literarum ratio­ne, ad te unum conversa (cui uni quam universis aliis [...]se chariorem intelligit) partim tibi ut alumno suo, cum authoritate imperat: partim, ut patrono summo, demisse & bumiliter supplicat, &c.

His University-Learning prepared him for the Law, and his indefatigable study of the Law pro­moted him to the Court; where, for his Honour, he was created Baron of Tichbourn, Jan. 1. 1543. and for his Profit, the next year, May 3. Lord [Page 78] Chancellour; a place he discharged with more Ap­plause then any before him, and with as much Inte­grity as any since him: Force (he said) awed, b [...] Justice governed the world.

It is given to that Family to be Generous are Resolute: This incomparable Person was under cloud in King Edward's time, for being a rigidly conscientious Papist; and his great Granchild suf­fered in King Charles his time, for being a sincere honest Protestant: Yet so reverenced was the first of this Family by his Adversaries, that he was made Earl of Southampton; and so honoured was the other by his Enemies, that they courted him to the party. Integrity hath a Majesty in its full, and Glory in its lowest Estate; that is, always feared though not always loved.

No Nobleman understood the Roman Religion better then the first Earl of Southampton; and non the Protestant better then the last, the Right Ho­nourable and truly Excellent Thomas Earl of Sou­thampton, and Treasurer of England.

His Court, he said, gave Law to the Kingdom His constant and exact Rules, to the Court; and h [...] Conscience guided by the Law of the Kingdom, [...] his Rules. Affable and acceptable he was, as More quick and ready, as Wolsey; incorrupt, as Egerton apprehensive and knowing, as Bacon. Twice were all Cases depending in Chancery dispatched; in Sir Thomas Wriothesley's time, 1538. and in Sir Thomas More's, 1532. Truly did he judge intra Cancellos, deciding Cases with that Uprightness, that he wish­ed a Window to his Actions, yea and his Heart too. King Philip was not at leasure to hear a poor Wo­mans Cause; Then, said she, cease to be King. My [Page 79] Lord over-hearing a servant putting off a Petitioner, because his Master was not at leasure, takes him up roundly, and replies, You had as good say, I am not at leasure to be Lord Chancellour. Two things he would not have his servants gain by, his Livings and his Decrees; The first, he said, were Gods, the se­cond the Kings, (whom every man, he said, sold, that sold Justice:) To honest men, your places, said he, are enough; to Knaves, too much. Every Week he had a Schedule of his own Accounts, and every Month of his Servants. Cato's greatest Treasure was his Account-Book of Sicily; and my Lord of Southampton's was his Table of the Chancellours place. A great Estate was conferred upon him, which he took not in his own name, to avoid the odium of Sacriledge; as great an Inheritance he bought, but in others names, to escape the malice of Envy.

He loved a Bishop, he said, to satisfie his con­science; a Lawyer, to guide his Judgement; a good Family, to keep up his Interest; and an Uni­versity, to preserve his name.

Full of Years and Worth, he died 1550. at Lincoln-place, and was buried at St. Andrews Church in Holborn, where his Posterity have a Diocess for their Parish, and a Court for their Habitation.

Observations on the Life of Sir John Fitz-James.

JOhn Fitz-James Knight, was born at Redlinch [...] Somersetshire, of Right Antient and Wort [...] Parentage, bred in the study of our Municip [...] Laws; wherein he proved so great a Proficie [...] that by King Henry the Eighth he was advanced [...] be Chief Justice of the Kings Bench. There needs [...] more to be said of his Merit, save that King He [...] the Eighth preferred him; who never used eith [...] Dunce or Drone in Church or State, but Men [...] Ability and Activity. He sat thirteen years in [...] place, demeaning himself so, that he lived and di [...] in the Kings Favour. He sat one of the Assista [...] when Sir Thomas More was arraigned for refu [...] the Oath of Supremacy, and was shrewdly put [...] it, to save his own Conscience, and not incur [...] Kings Displeasure: For Chancellour Audley, [...] preme Judge in that place, (being loth that [...] whole burthen of More's condemnation sho [...] lie on his shoulders alone) openly in the Court a [...] ed the Advice of the Lord Chief Justice Fi [...] James, Whether the Indictment were sufficient [...] no? To whom our Judge warily returned, [...] Lords all, by St. Gillian, (which was ever his Oat [...] I must Mr. More in the print­ted Life of his Grand-father Sir Tho. More, page 334. needs confess, That if the Act of Parliam [...] be not unlawful, then the Indictment is not in my co [...] science insufficient.

He died in the Thirtieth Year of King Henry the Eighth; and although now there be none left [...] [Page 81] Redlinch of his Name and Family, they flourish still at Lewson in Dorsetshire, descended from Allu­red Fitz-James brother to this Judge, and to Ri­chard Bishop of London.

The two main Principles that guide humane Na­ture (saith Judge Dodderidge) are Conscience and Law: By the former we are obliged in reference to a­nother world, by the latter in relation to this. Priests and Judges are the Dispensers of these Principles: No Prince more unhappy in his Priests then King Henry (whose unhappiness it was, that all the jug­gle, prevarication and imposture of his time was in the Pulpit,) none more happy in his Judges, (to whose Reason his People were more willing to sub­mit, then they were to hearken to his Clergy's In­struction) among whom none more renowned then Sir John Fiz-James, who was so fearful of the very shadow & appearance of corruption, that it cost his chief Clerk his place but for taking a Tankard, after a signal Cause of 1500 l. a year, wherein he had been serviceable, though not as a Bribe, but as a Civility. Caesar would have his Wife without suspicion of lewdness, and Fitz-James his servants without the appearance of corruption. What was Law alwayes, was then a Resolution, Neither to deny, nor defer, nor sell Justice. When our Judge came upon the Bench, he knew no more then Melchisedech or Levi, Father or Mother, neither Friend nor Interest: for when his Cousin urged for a kindeness, Come to my House (saith the Judge) I will deny you nothing; come to the Kings Court and I must do you justice? And when the Attorney-General bespake his favour in a publick Cause; Trouble not your self, (said he) I'll do the King right: The King is cast, the Attor­ney [Page 82] expostulates; the Judge satisfieth him, That he could not do his Majesty Right, if he had not done ju­stice.

His Prudence so tempered his zeal for his Sove­raign, that he over-strained not the Prerogative to bring in fears and jealousies of Tyranny on the one hand; and his Integrity so balanced his Popularity, that he never depressed it to broach bold opinions and attempts of Liberty, on the other: complying with none of those humours that an imaginary dread of oppression, or a dangerous presumption of free­dom may transport to irregular excesses either for the one, or against the other.

As his Majesty was secured by his Loyalty, so his Subjects were by his Patience, a Vertue he carried with him to the Bench, to attend each circumstance of an Evidence, each allegation of a Plea, each plea in a Cause; hearing what was impertinent, and obser­ving what was proper. His usual saying (as Sergeant Mandevil reports it) being, We must have two souls, as two sieves, one for the Bran, the other for the flour; the one for the Gross of a Discourse, the other for the Quintessence.

The same day that there was no Cause to be tried in the Chancery in Sir Tho. More's time, there were but three in the Kings Bench, in Sir John Fitz-James his time: the reason whereof some imagine was Cardinal Wolsey's extraordinary power (that en­grossed all Causes to his Legantine Court;) others know it was the Judges Integrity, who was too ho­nest to allow, as that Age was too plain to contrive delays and obstructions.

Lewis the Eleventh of France would say, when he was advised to take Revenge of those that had [Page 83] affronted him before he came to the Crown, That it became not the King of France to revenge the Inju­ries done to the Duke of Orleans. A Person that had notoriously wronged Sir John when a Templer, in the case of his Chamber, was to be tried before him for his whole Estate when a Judge; the Adversaries among other shifts made use of this old Quarrel; whereupon Sir John said, It doth not become a Judge upon the Bench to revenge a wrong done in his chamber.

Two things upheld him in those boysterous times: 1. Silence, 2. Patience: both wary Vertues that sel­dom endanger their Owner, or displease their Su­periours. The People of those times would live and die with the Pope and Councel; and this Judge, with the King and Parliament: The grand Article of his Faith was, I believe as the Church be­lieves: and the great Rule of his Practice was, I will live as the Law directs.

He was a tried Man, whose Faith and Honour was above his Life and Fortune; whose Generosity was above that first temptation of Money, as his Spirit was above the second of Danger: No fear here of delivering up Priviledges to day, for fear of the King; or Prerogative to morrow, for fear of the Subject: No, an unbiass'd Temper between both, make up this honest man; who came on to prefer­ment with great Expectations, and went off with great Applause: being one of the three men of whom it is said, That because they never pleased their Master in doing any thing unworthy, they never dis­pleased him in doing any thing that is just. When base compliance goeth off with the contempt of those it hath humoured, a Noble Resolution comes off with the Reverence of those it hath discontented.

Observations on the Life of Sir Wil­liam Molineux,

SIr William Molineux Junior, Descendent from from the former That is, from Will. Molineux Knight, of Sefton in Lancashire, flourished under King Henry the Eighth, being a man of great command in Lancashire; bringing the conside able strength thereof to the seasonable succour of the Duke of Norfolk, with whom he performed signal service in Flodden Field.

It is confessed on all sides that the Scots lost the day, by not keeping their Ranks, but not agreed on the cause thereof. Buchanan (who commonly makes the too much Courage of his Countrymen, the cause of their being conquered) imputes it to their indiscreet pursuing of the English routed at the first: Others say, They did not break their Ranks, but were broken, unable to endure the Lan­cashire Archers, and so forced to sunder themselves. In this Bittel the Scotch King and chiefest Gentry were slain, the English losing scarce any; of the Scots scarce any but of prime note. The King af­ward wrote his Gratulatory Letter to Sir William Molineux, in form following.

It appears by our Author, that the like Letters, mutatis mutandis, were sent unto Sir Edward Stanley, and some other men of principal note in Lancashire and Cheshire.

There is more in the Education then the Birth (though that be Noble too) of this Gentleman: much Generous Blood sparkled in his Veins, more Arts and Sciences thronged in his Soul: A learned Prince brought up a learned Gentry, the most hope­ful of whom think themselves as much obliged to imitate his Vertues, as the most degenerate were inclined to practise his Vices. Four excellent Ar­tists were at once entertained in his Fathers House: 1. A compleat Grammarian and Linguist, Parker: 2. An exact Mathematician and Historian, Calvius: 3. A skilful Musitian, Pallevicino; and 4. An active Dancing-master and Souldier.

The Latine Tongue then wearing out its Barba­rism, he spake and writ elegantly: Cicero's Works he kenned particularly: Plutarch's Lives and Mor­rals [Page 86] (that Book which, as Gaza said, would furnish the World, if Learning were lost) he epitomized punctually: The active and practical part of Geo­metry, he studied intently. And, as the complai­sance of his Nature, and sweetness of his Temper, he added to these severer studies, those more airy of Musick, Poetry and Heraldry.

Si ad naturam eximium cruditio accesserit tum de­mum Cic. pro Ar­chiâ Poetâ singulare quoddam existere solet. This Noble Nature advanced by this Heroick Education, must needs do Wonders, as it did: first, In the Univer­sity: where his Company was choice, his Carriage even and staid, his time exactly observed and pru­dently spent: secondly, abroad: where his Con­verse was wary, his Conduct Noble and Plausible, his observations and exercises manlike and know­ing: thirdly, at Court: where his presence was graceful, his discourse solid, digested, distinct and clear; much improved by reading, more by tra­velling, most by conference with those that speak well: fourthly, in the Country: where his Hospi­tality was renowned, his Equity and Prudence be­loved, and his Interest large and commanding. None pleased the King at Court more, such his Learning to satisfie him, such his Debonairness to delight him; (for, as Cardinal Wolsey, so Sir William Molineux got in with King Henry the Eighth by a Discourse out of Aquinas in the morning, and a Dance at night:) None served him better in the Country; such his obligations upon Tenants and Neighbours, that he had six thousand men at com­mand: such his prudence and justice, that there were more differences ended in his Parlour, then in Westminster-Hall: such his care and watchfulness, [Page 87] that no Treason stirred, but his Agents discovered, and his Militia was at an hours warning to suppress it: The Idea of an English Gentleman! In Favour at Court! In Repute in the Country! At once Loved and Feared!

Four things he took special care of: 1. That the Poor might have their stated Alms. 2. That the Priests might enjoy their known Dues. And 3. That his Tenant might be so well used, that he might thrive; and but so well, that he should not be idle. 4. That every Body should be employed: saying, He had rather they should be busie, though doing no­thing to the purpose, at the charge of his Purse; then that they should be idle, doing nothing at all, at the charge of their own pretious time. In a world, he li­ved in all Capacities a publick Good, and died a common Loss: Leaving in his Family that best Le­gacie, A good Example; and his Country that last­ing Monument, A good Name, for two things that he hated; 1. Depopulating Inclosures: 2. Unwor­thy Inhancements of Rents: For he died with this Advice to his Son, Let the Ʋnderwoods grow. The Tenants are the supports of a Family, and the Commonalty are the strength of the Kingdom. Im­prove thriftily, but force not violently either your Bounds or Rents above your fore-Fathers. His Po­pularity never failed of being called to the Parlia­ment, nor his Activity of being useful there: None understood better how to move, to press, to quit, to divert, to escape, to watch and mould a business: None knew better the confederacie of Contrivers, Speakers, Sticklers, Dividers, Moderators, and the I and No-Men, their Method and Correspon­dence: None more patient and industrious, when [Page 88] a lower Faction was firmer in conjunction, and a few that were stiff, tired out many more moderate: He had no easiness to be imposed upon, no weakness to be deluded no low Interest to be corrupted by fond hopes or fair promises of Preferment, to wave the very pinch of a dispute; no pleasure or vanity to be debauched, while the vigilant Faction steals a Vote worth a Kingdom; no sloath nor neglect, to be surprized; no vanity of discourse, to lose his Master, no partiality to be biassed, no discontent to satisfie, no passion to misguide: As one that hated nothing, but what was Dishonest; feared nothing, but what was Ignoble; and loved nothing, but was Just and Honourable.

Observations on the Life of William Fitz-Williams.

HIs Judgement in Parliament brought him to the notice, and his Activity in the Wars re­commended him to the service of King Henry. The Bishops pleaded for the Catholique Religion, the People for a Reformation; Sir Wil­liam offered his Opinion for a mean between both; ‘That since it was unreasonable to tie up Mankind in blind obedience one toward another, and im­possible to run through all Difficulties and Con­troversies our own selves, (so much Time and Money must be spent in such an Undertaking, so many Languages learned, so many Authors read, so many Ages looked into, so many Faiths exami­ned, so many Expositors conferred, so many Con­tradictions [Page 89] reconciled, so many Countries travel­led, for any considerable satisfaction) to believe all, is inconsistent; to neglect all, is impious: There remains no other way for the Laicks, but to recollect and stick to the most Common, Au­thentick and Universal Truths, tending to Vertue and Godliness; apart from what is doubtful and controverted, and tending onely to strife and per­plexity; and by these to live our selves, and exa­mine all other pretensions whatever; there being no part of Religion but what hath Vertue and Grace as its Foundation and Design: A way that would keep men from Atheism, under a sence of Religion; from endless controversies, in the solid practice of Vertue; from fatal Divisi­ons, in peace and concord. Let us (said he) esta­blish and fix these Catholique and Universal No­tions, and they will settle our Souls, and not hin­der us to believe whatsoever is faithfully taught by the Church, or submit to what is authorita­tively enjoyned by the State. So that whether the Eastern, Western, Northern or Southern Tea­chers, &c. and particularly whether my Lord of Rochester, or Luther, &c. be in the Right, we Laicks may so build upon those Catholick and in­fa [...]lible Grounds of Religion, as whatsoever su­perstructures of Faith be raised, these Foundati­ons may support them.’

This Discourse opened a Door to the Refor­ [...]ation intended, and shut out all those prejudi­ [...]es it might lie under from the State, and Religion [...]f Fore-fathers, &c.

Hereupon Sir William is invited to Court; and then the air and softness of that place suited not his [Page 90] more severe and stirring Temper, he is promoted to [...] Authority first by Land, and then by Sea; where [...] none was more watchful in the Wars between Us and France, none so active in those between Us and Scotland: With thirty six Ships he gave Law to the narrow Seas, as Poynz with forty more did to the Main: There was not a serviceable man belonging to him, but he knew by name; not a Week but he paid his Navy; not a Prize but his Souldiers share [...] in as well as himself: It being his Rule, That now fought well, but those that did it for a fortune.

While he watched the Coast of France, he disco­vered twelve French Ships, in which the Archbishop of Glasco, and divers others of Quality were, (who [...] the Duke of Albany had sent before him into Scot­land;) these he chased to a shipwrack: and lea­ving a Squadron to shut up the French Heaven [...] went along the French Coasts, landing in dive [...] places, wasting the Countrey, till at last he came [...] Treport, a Town strongly situated, and garison [...] with three thousand men, which yet he took; an [...] finding it not his Interest to dwell there, pill [...] ­ged and burned it, going off with Success an [...] Glory: Insomuch that King Henry joyned hi [...] with the Bishop of Bath in the Commission for th [...] Treaty at Paris, where such Articles were agree [...] on touching a Marriage with the Princess Mary, an [...] the joynt Embassie to the Emperour, as spake S [...] William as well seen in the state of Europe, as any particular Person in the seven Kingdoms of it whereof one was, That they should unite by all [...] Ties of Alliance, Friendship and Interest, against the growing Power of Austria, so far as that there should be no League, Correspondence, War or Peace, wherein they both should not be concerned.

[Page 91] From his forreign Negotiations he returns to his home-Services: and the next view we have of him [...]s in the Parliament, bringing up with Sir Anthony Fitz-Herbert, a Bill against the Cardinal:

1. For encroaching upon his Soveraigns power by his Legantine Authority.

2. For treating between the Pope and the King of France, without his Masters privity and consent; as likewise between Himself and the Duke of Fer­ [...]ara.

3. For joyning Himself with his Majesty; saying, The King and I.

4. For swearing his Houshold-servants onely to himself.

5. For speaking with the King, when infected with the pox, pretending it was onely an Impost [...]ume.

6. For giving by prevention divers Benefices away, [...]s Legate.

7. For receiving Embassadors before they came to the King: As also for opening all the Kings Letters, and taking an account of all Espials, concealing what he pleased.

8. For carrying things with an high hand in the Privy Council.

9. For transporting Grain, and sending advertise­ments of the Kings Affairs abroad.

10. For taxing or alienating Religious mens lands, to the great decay of hospitality and charity.

11. For controuling the Nobility, and engrossing all Causes in his Jurisdiction.

12. For taking all Ordinarie Jurisdiction from them by prevention, and seizing their Estates, as he did all other Ecclesiastical persons upon their death.

[Page 92] 13. For perswading the Pope by indirect practices to suppress Monasteries.

14. For passing judgements without hearing, and reversing such judgements as had duely passed.

15. For suspending the Popes pardons until he was fee'd.

16. For turning out his old Tenants.

17. For his general encroachments upon the Rights of Religious Houses, and the encroachments of Courts of Justice.

18. For saying to the Pope, in order to the obtain­ing of a Legantine power, to the indelible shame of the Church of England, That the Clergy of England were given in reprobum sensum.

19. For embezling the Goods of the most wealthy Prelates that died in his time.

20. For bringing off his servants from the Law against extortion, at York.

21. For dividing the Nobility.

22. For keeping as great state at Court, and exer­cising as great authority in the Country for purveyance, &c. as the King.

23. For forbidding petitions and purveyances within his Jurisdictions.

24. For engrossing all Copy-holds within his power, to his Lemans, Procurers, &c.

25. For altering the Market-prices set under His Majesties Hand and Seal.

26. For impressing his Hat under the Kings Crown, in the Coyn at York.

27. For Hindering the due course intended by vi­siting the Ʋniversities to suppress heresies.

28. For disposing of mens Estates and Proprieties at his pleasure.

[Page 93] This Bill was aggravated most effectually, by three most pinching considerations: Viz. That the Kings Honour was by him diminished: That the state of the Realm was by him decayed and dis­contented: That the course of Justice was by him obstructed. A great Undertaking, this! To bring down this lofty Prelate! (whom his Master created the When Car­dinal. Kings Fellow, and his own pride made his Superiour) But as Wise as Great, if we regard the five Politick circumstances:

1. The Queen was engaged.

2. The People were oppressed.

3. The King was needy and covetous.

4. The Nobility were kept under.

5. The Clergy were harrassed: And all by this proud man: And at that juncture is he convened before the Parliament, and charged home by this excellent Knight, who never left him till he was humbled, as Justice Fitz-Herbert did not his ser­vants, until they were reformed.

Neither did the Pope escape him abroad, better then the Cardinal at home: For his next action we finde is a Declaration drawn by him, Jo. Fitz-War­ren, Tho. Audley and Others, to Pope Clement the Seventh, expostulating his Delays, and conjuring his Dispatch in the Business of the Kings Marri­age.

Very serviceable he was to his Master in time of Peace, more in time of War; and particularly at the Insurrection 1536. where he cut off the Rebels Passes, distressed their Arms, and when they refused [...] Treaty but upon condition that Ashe their Leader was pledged, advised an engagement with them out of hand; saying, No English man should be under­valued [Page 94] so far as to be an Hostage for a Villain: and adding further (so good was his Intelligence) That if they were not defeated speedily, the Scots and Ger­mans would discover that they had but too much hand [...] in this plot.

For which his services, his Master raised him to the Admiralship of England, and the Earldom of Southampton; in which Quality he was one of the three Noblemen that managed the Business of Di­vorce between the King and Anne of Cleve, with that applanse that made him Lord Privy-Seal, Nov. 14. Anno 1541. and the grand Examinant of the particulars in the Lady Katharin Howard's Case, matter of great trust and secrecy; which he per­formed with a searching and deep Judgement, be­yond that Ladies fear, and the Kings expectation; as appears from the exact Account given under Sir Tho. Audley and his own hands, touching that mat­ter.

Having provided for the Kings Safety at Home he is One of Four that treat for his Interest Abroad I mean upon the Borders of Scotland; where our excellent Persons dexterity was observed, in gain­ing that time by various Proposals for Peace, tha [...] served his Master to provide against the War; in the beginning whereof, the brave Lord died [...] York: so much esteemed, that for the Honour of his Memory his Standard was born in the Fore-ward all this Expedition. A Person in whom Prudence was even with Activity, Resolution with Prudence [...] Success with Resolution, Moderation with Success Honour and Favour with All.

Observations on the Life of Sir Tho­mas Darcy.

SIr Thomas Darcy was one of King Henry the Eighth's first Counsellours, so advanced (as most of his Fellows) not for Affection, but Interest; owing his Promotion to his own suffici­ency, rather then his Masters favour. His Counsel was weighty at Home, his Assistance necessary A­broad; where in behalf of Pope Julius the second and the Emperour, he did more with 1500 Ar­chers in a year for the ballancing of Europe, then had been done before in an Age.

No Employment so dangerous at that time as that of the Warden of the West Marches of Scot­land, none so able for that Employment as my Lord, who was equally knowing and stout, and at once most feared, and most loved.

The Earl of Shrewsbury made some Inroads into Scotland, the Lord Darcy seconds him: But being surprized by the Duke of Albany's preparations, he had as much Wit to make Peace, as he had Resolu­tion to carry on the War. None knew better when to yeild, none better when to conquer; so great a command had he over himself! so great over the Enemy, that he brought them to request his Wish, and offer what was his Interest! With the Duke of Surrey's assistance by Land, and Fitz-Williams his by Sea, he reduced that Nation to a good Intel­igence with Us that year, and a Peace the next; a Peace (as he observed) that would be no longer [Page 96] kept, then we had a Sword in our Hands, and an Army on their Borders: For Conscience guided other parts of the World, (he said) and Fear Scot­land: Whence he invaded them duely once a year.

Observations on the Life of Sir Tho­mas Howard.

SIr Edward's Brother in Worth, as well as Blood: His Fathers Interest set him up, and his own Industry kept him so: All the Chil­dren were brought up for Sea-Services, this Gen­tleman for Sea-Commands. He immediately suc­ceeds his younger Brother in the Admiralty; and wisely considering the advantage of the French Gallies in a calm, the number of their ships, the danger of their windes for us, if they blew South­west, desired of the King so many Souldiers a [...] might man the ships, and make good the landing, wherewith he scoured the seas, and secured the Kings passage, with so much Honour, that he was able to assist his Father at Court, as much as Wel [...] did Fox: his Gallantry being no less pleasing to his Master, then the other young Favourites Compli­ance; and both these young men had no less Art to govern this Prince, then he had to govern his King­dom: These Arts, which all other Favourites use, being Hopes and Fears, which as Doors and Pas­sages to the heart, are so guarded by their vigilancy, that they can both let themselves in, and keep all others out: the two Ends upon which the Thread [Page 97] of Government depends: His Father is made Duke of Norfolk, and he Earl of Surrey; both are an eye-sore to the Cardinal, whose Fortune had no Superior in the Kings Favour, whose Ambition would endure no Equal. The Old Mans years and cares are fitted with a Retirement in the Country; the Young Mans ambition and activity, with a Go­vernment in Ireland, which he reduced as speedily to obedience (notwithstanding Desmond's Rebelli­on) as he had to civility, had it not been for Wol­sey's Underminings, who endured no publick service but what he did himself; and would chuse rather that the Kingdom should perish by a Traytor, then be saved by a Nobleman. Beloved he was by that Countrey (where he left a Peace and a Parliament, Anno 1521.) so that they were loth to part with him: Wanted he was by the King, to scour the nar­row seas for the French War; so that he must have him. The King had made him formerly His Ad­miral, the Emperour upon his return from England makes him his; and with both their Commissions he lands in Normandy, wastes the adjacent Countries, (sparing onely Religious Houses) takes and sacks Morlais in Bretaign (which he entered under the smoak) burns their ships, commands the sea, and sets the Emperour safe in Spain; advising his Maje­sty from thence to make a general Muster of his Subjects for his own satisfaction and others terrour, March 27, 1522. The troubles in Scotland requi­red an able Head and a stout Heart, two Endow­ments that no man was more Master of then the Earl of Surrey, now Duke of Norfolk (upon his belo­ved Fathers decease) whose Prudence toyled the Scots to deliver up their King, as his Prowess [Page 98] frighted them to yeild up themselves, as they did in that most exquisite Treaty, where the Earl of Wor­cester beat the Bush, saith my noble Author, and our Duke catched the Hare.

A while after he is Earl Marshal, and Embassador to King Francis about those two grand points:

• 1. That the French King should set up a Patriarch:
• 2. That he should stop up all the payments made to Rome, with fair promises of that supply of men and money he then most wanted.

When the Pope stuck to Queen Katharine, three things he advised the King to:

1. To teach the people that a general Council was above the Pope, and proclaim that he did ap­peal to it.

2. To fix upon every Church-Door the Dowa­gers Appeal to Rome, and the late Statute against it.

3. To consederate with the Kings of Hungary and Poland, the Estates of the Empire and the Hanse Towns. Three things that would settle his People at home, and strengthen his Interest abroad: To which he added the Statute of Succession, the Oath of Supremacy, sir William Howard's Embassy to the Scotch King, the suppression of Religious Hou­ses, the War in Ireland under sir William Sheffington, and a thorow search into the bottom of the Rebel­lion in the North, by a connivance and delay.

But all his services could not quit him from su­spicion, nor his popularity from envy: The Lord Darcy accuseth him to excuse himself, and Cromwel seconds him to secure himself: and (as unhappinesses follow one another in the same order as one wave floweth after another) his Nieces miscarriages [Page 99] threatned his fall; but that the honest man (as ap­pears from a Letter the whole Council sent to sir William Paget then resident in France) was the first that declared against her, and put the King up­on the most safe and honourable ways of trying her; which satisfied his Majesty so far, that he employed him as chief in the Treaty upon the Borders, and General in the War when that Treaty failed; Sir Anthony Brown, upon his Recommendation, being added to the Commissioners in Scotland, and to the Privy-Council in England, as Master of the Kings Horse, as Sir John Gages was Comptroller of his House.

Several Persons came to London for a Reward of their Scotch services; this Duke gave the King a wary and grave counsel, to bestow upon them as much Land as they could win in Scotland.

But Greatness is fatal: The King is old and testy, the Government disordered and irregular, the Duke too stifly honest to comply, the Council envy him; and in this Juncture his Wives passion discovereth his Minions, and they, to save themselves, his pri­vacies and secrets: His son, a man of a deep under­standing, of a sharp wit and great valour, bred up with Henry-Fitzroy at Windsor, and afterwards at Paris, was beheaded before his face. His Favourite Mrs. Holland deposed, That he said many looked for the Protectorship (when the King, who lived and moved by Engines and Art, rather then by Nature, should die) but he would carry it: That the King did not love him because he was loved by his Coun­try; but he would follow his Fathers Lesson, which was, That the less others set by him, the more he would set by himself: That he had a Daughter for the King [Page 100] as well as others, &c. His Estate was great, his pow­er greater; the Kings occasions had swallowed up the one, and his Enemies ambition the other, not­withstanding his humble submission before the Council, and his many services to the King; had not his Majesties death saved his Life.

As the deepest Hate is that which springs from violent Love, so the greatest Discourtesies oft arise from the largest Favours. It is indiscreet to op­press any, dangerous a Prince with Kindenesses; which being Fetters, are Treason on that Person: But Suspicion! Ah sad Suspicion! The Companion of the Weak or Guilty! The Cloud of the Minde! The Forfeiture of Friends! The check of Business! Thou that disposest Kings to Tyranny! Husbands to Jealousie! Wise men to Irresolution and Melan­choly! Trust, and you need never suspect: But Policy and Friendship are incompatible, I see; where Norfolk begs that Life from the Block at last, which he had ventured two and thirty times for his Sove­raign. Who knows the Cares that go to Bed with Statesmen! Enemies Abroad, Treacheries at Home, Emulations of Neighbours, Dissatisfaction of Friends; Jealousies of most, Fear of all: unwel­come Inventions to palliate unjust Courses: fears of Miscarriage and Disgrace; with Projects of Honour and Plausibility, with restless thoughts how to dis­cover, prevent, conceal, accommodate the Adver­saries, or his own Affairs. Let us live, and love, and say, God help poor Kings!

Observations on the Life of Sir Ed­ward Stanley.

THe Stanley's service to Henry the seventh, was a sufficient pledge of their faithfulness to Henry the eighth. Honour floated in Sir Edward's blood, and Valour danced in his spi­rits: His stirring childhood brought him to Henry the eighth's company, and his active manhood to his service. The Camp was his School, and his Learning was a Pike and Sword; therefore his Ma­sters Greeting to him was when they met, Hob, my Souldier! In many places did he shew himself, but no where more then at Flodden, where his Ar­chers fetched down the Scots from their fastness, and relieved the English from their distress; the Earl of Surrey beginning the Conquest, and Sir Edward crowning it: for which the King immedi­ately set him high in his favour, and not long after, as high in the world, being made Baron Stanley, and Lord Mounteagle. Twice did he and Sir John Wallop land with onely 800 men in the heart of France, and four times did he and Sir Tho. Lovell save Callis; the first time, by intelligence; the se­cond, by a stratagem; the third, by valour and re­solution; and the fourth, by hardship, patience and industry.

In the dangerous insurrection by Ashe and Cap­tain Cobler, his Zeal for the States welfare was a­bove scruples, and his Army was with him before his Commission: for which dangerous piece of [Page 102] Loyalty, he asked pardon, and received thanks. Two things he did towards the discomfiture of the Rebels, (whose skill in Arms exceeded his Follow­ers, as much as his policy did their Leaders) first, he cut off their provisions, and then secondly, sow­ed sedition among them, whilst his Majesty gained time by pretended Treaties to be even with them, drawing off the most eminent of the factions every day, and confounding the rest.

Observations on the Life of Sir Tho­mas Bolen.

THe City enriched this Family, their Parts raised them: His Activity was as taking with King Henry, as his Daughters Beau­ty. He was the Picklock of Princes: upon his word onely would the King model his Designes, and upon his alter them. He discovered Ferdi­nand's underhand-treaty with Lewis, and his De­signe upon Navarre; and writ to his Master to press the ambiguous man to a conclusion, and to send o­ver some treasure: for, said he, the whole World is now to be sold; adding, the necessity of a peace, or at least a truce with Scotland. Sir Tho. Bolen was against the Kings going to France in person before he had some more issue, or One of the house of York. Edmund de la Pool were dispatched out of the way. Sir Tho. Howard was for it, it being dangerous to entrust so Noble an Army, or so renowned an Action with any subject, especially when Maximilian the Emperour offe­red to serve under his Majesty as Lieutenant, and [Page 103] the Pope to attend him as Chaplain. There is no­thing more remarkable of Sir Thomas Bolen, then, 1. The Education of his Children; his eldest son being bred at the Emperours Court, his youngest with the Pope at Rome, and his Daughter with Q. Mary in France. 2. His Negotiation with the Lord St. Johns in Germany, where he over-reached the Emperour no less then the Earl of Worcester did the French King: so cunningly binding him, that he understood nothing of our Affairs; and yet so narrowly sifting him, that we knew all his Intrigues. Visible was all the world to our State then, and in­visible our State to all the world.

From Germany he is sent with Richard Sampson, D. H. to Spain, to set Charles as forward against the French, as he had done Maximilian. His ser­vice advanced him to the honour of a Barony and a He is made Vis­count Roch­ford. Viscountship, and the profit of the Treasure­ship of the Houshold; and his success upon the Malecontent Duke of Bourbon by Sir Jo. Russel, who treated with him in Disguise, set him as high in the Kings favour, as his Wife was; a vertuous Lady, that was the Kings Friend, but not his Mistress; his de­light, and not his sin.

In Spain so earnestly did our Sir Thomas mediate for the delivering up of the French Hostages, that (as Sandoval saith) Charles protested to him, that for his sake onely he would relinquish his Demand for the restitution of Burgundy, in which the difficulty of the peace consisted: adding further, That for the same reason he would accept as well for Francis his two sons ransome, as his charge, what was freely offe­red, viz. 2000000 Crowns: and he with Sir Ro­bert Poyntz make up that treaty, the great Arbitra­tors [Page 104] of Europe! at whose disposal Kings set their Crowns, and Kingdomes their Peace; in whose breast fate the fate of Christendome, by their voices to stand or fall.

As faithful is he to the King at home, though to his own prejudice, as he is serviceable abroad, to his honour: for when the people talked oddly out of envy to his Daughter, (now visibly in favour) and pity to Queen Katharine, Sir Thomas adviseth his Majesty to forbid his Daughter the Court, and declare that those proceedings were more to satis­fie his Conscience, and secure Succession, then to gratifie any other more private respect: so far to his Daughters discontent, that she would not come near the King until her Father was commanded (not without threats) to bring her thither; who by representing the common danger to them both, obtained at length (saith my Lord Herbert) though not without much difficulty, the consent of his un­willing Daughter to return: where yet she kept that distance, that the King might easily perceive how sensible she was of her late dismission. Sir Tho­mas would have married her to the Lord Percy, but the King and Cardinal forbad it; deterring old Northumberland from it, and he his son. Many Love-Letters between King Henry and Anne Bolen are sent to Rome: one Letter between the Cardi­nal and his Confederates is fetched thence by Sir Thomas his Dexterity; who advised Sir Francis Bry­an, then Resident, to get in with the Popes Closet­keepers Courtezan, and shew her the Cardinals hand, by which she might finde out and copy his Expresses; as she did to his ruine, and our Kings great satisfaction. To which Letter is annexed a [Page 105] Declaration under his hand, and the Lords Darcy, Mountjoy, Dorset and Norfolk, of 44 Articles a­gainst the great Cardinal. His hand being now in, he must through: He adviseth the King to consult the Universities of Christendome: He goeth in person when made Earl of Wiltshire to the Pope, and con­trives that a Declaration of the whole Kingdome in Parliament should follow him: which so amused his Holiness with our Earls stratagems, that he was a­sleep as it were until the state of England was quite altered. To this he addes, the peace with France, and the interview with King Francis, where his Daughter is married privately, and her Brother made Viscount Rochford. Convening a Parliament to his mind at Black-fryers, and advancing an Arch-bishop to his purpose in Canterbury, he is secure of the Church and of the Kingdom; whereof the first hallowed the action, and the second confirmed it.

Observations on the Life of Sir Ed­ward Howard.

HE set out with his Fathers Reputation, and came home with his own: Britain feels his Arm to this day, and the French his suc­cess. Desperate were his Undertakings, yet hap­py; rash his Engagements, yet honourable: it be­ing his Maxime, That never did Sea-man good, that was not resolute to a degree of madness. The French Fleet he pursueth to the Haven under their own Forts closely. Sir Edward considering the order wherein the French lay, thought fit to advertise [Page 106] his King and Master thereof; advising him withal, (saith my Author) to come in person, and have the glory of this Action: but the Kings Council taking this Message into consideration, and conceiving that it was not altogether fear, (as was thought) but stratagem and cunning that made the French thus attend their advantage, thought the King was not invited so much to the honour, as to the danger of this Action; therefore they write sharply to him again, commanding him to do his duty: whereof that brave person was so sensible, that he landed 1500 men in the sight of 10000, and wasted the Country, until being too confident, he fell a while after into his enemies hands; the Lord Ferrers, Sir Thomas Cheyney, Sir Richard Cornwal, and Sir John Wallop looking on, but not able to relieve him. Four Reasons he would usually give against a War with the Low-Countries: 1. The decay of Trade, 2. The diminution of Customes: 3. The streng­thening of France: 4. The loss of their industry and inventions, and so of the improvement of our Commodities and Manufactures. In the youth of this State, as of all others, Arms did flourish [...] in the Middle-age of it, Learning; and in the De­clining, (as Covetousness and Thrift attend Old Age) Mechanick Arts and Merchandize: and this Gentleman was made for each part, being not so much a Souldier as a Scholar, not so much a Scho­lar as a Merchant But a private spirit is most un­fortunate; and (as my Oracle assures me) whereof men of that temper all their time sacrifice to them­selves, they become in the end themselves sacrifices un­fortune, whose wings they thought by their wisdome to have pinioned.

Observations on the Life of Sir Tho­mas Howard Earl of Surrey.

SIr Thomas Howard was this Kings prime Coun­sellour; a brave and an understanding man: who was obliged to be faithful to his Master, because an Enemy to Winchester: (emulation among Favourites is the security of Princes.)

Four motives he offered for a Marriage with the Princess Katharine:

1. A League with Spain, against the growing power of our dangerous Neighbour France.

2. The saving of much time and expence in Mar­riage, by her being here.

3. The consideration of that vast sum of Money that must be exported if she goeth away. And

4. The great Obligation laid on the Pope by that Dispensation, which would secure to him the King and his Posterity, not otherwise Legitimate but by his Authority.

His Estate was much wasted in the service of Hen­ry the seventh, and as much improved by the trea­sures of Henry the eighth, which amounted in the beginning of his Reign to 11800000 l. i. e. at the rate of money now adays, six millions and an half; which he dispensed so thriftily, that old Winche­ster could not trapan him; and yet so nobly, that young Henry was pleased with him. Sir William Compton set up the Kings They were 50, with an Archer, a Demilance and a Con­stillier a­piece: They and their horses being vested in Cloth of Gold. Rich Life-guards, (un­der Bourchier Earl of Essex as Captain, and the va­liant Sir Jo. Peachy who kept Calais in so good or­der [Page 108] with 300 men, as Lieutenant) but this wary Earl put them down again. When News was brought that Empson and Dudley were slain, it was this Earls opinion that his Majesty had done more like a good King then a good Master. When the narrow Seas (whereof the Kings of England have been very tender) were infested, this old Treasurer and Earl-Marshal cleared it by his two sons Edward and Thomas, saying, The King of England should not be imprisoned in his Kingdome, while either he had an Estate to set up a Ship, or a son to command it. In three weeks did he settle the North against the Invasions of James the fourth, now inclining to the French; and in a fortnight did he raise 40000 l. to pay the Army, now ready to mutiny: insomuch, that when King James denounced War against King Henry, he said, He had an Earl in the North that would secure his Kingdome; as he did with much resolution, prudence and success at Flodden-Field, where he saw a King at his feet, and a whole King­dome at his mercy; where he was forced to fight, so barren the Country! where yet he pitched up­on the most advantagious place and time; so great his Command of himself, and so noble his Con­duct!

He sends Rouge Croix to the Scotch King, to tell him, That though he saw no Enemy at Sea, he hoped to finde some upon the Land: That he came to justifie Bretons death, which it was as much below a King to revenge, as it was below a Privy Counsellour to have deserved: That he expected as little mercy as he in­tended; his sword being commissioned to spare none but the King, whom no hand must touch. To this Defiance, he added a Caution to the Herauld, That [Page 109] he should bring no messenger from the Enemy nearer then two miles of the Camp. So well were the Scots incamped, that when neither Arguments nor Stra­tagems would draw them out, the Earl cuts off their provision there; and under the covert of a smoak got the Earl under the hill, and under another of mist got they atop: The Scots played the men, until Stanley and Darcy did more then men: and the old mans Reserve concluded the doubtful day in so compleat a Conquest, as brought 12000 Arms, 16 Cannons, 4000 Prisoners, and a Peace to the Eng­lish Borders. Upon which, the General retires to those more necessary exercises of Justice and Go­vernment, until his Masters return: When all his Services advanced him (at that time, when it was a Maxime of State, That Honours are the Lustre and Security of Crowns) to his Fathers Dukedom of Norfolk, as his Sons Merits promoted him to his of the Earldom of Surrey.

The Kings Coffers decay, and his Occasions grow: The old man retires to his Country-house, having enjoyed his Honour Thirty years, to enjoy Himself Three: One of his last Undertakings being the appeasing of the London-Tumult, May 1. 1517. when he left this behind him, A potent and wanton City, is a shrewd Enemy.

Observations on the Life of Sir Wil­liam Compton.

HE was chief Gentleman of the Bedchamber to Henry the Eighth, and next to the chief in the affections of the same Prince: If his spirit had been as even with his favour, as his favour was with his Merits, he had been the most useful as well as the most eminent man in England: but he was too narrow for his Fortune, and more attentive to his private advantage, then to the publick affairs: This Saying is at once his History and Monument; Kings must hear all, but believe onely one: for none can give a solid advice but he that knoweth all, and he must not be every body. As to the affairs of Europe, Sir William was cleerly for the League against France, as an opportunity to regain our Right in France, and strengthen our Interest in the Church and the Empire. My Lord Darcy was against it; because France was too hard for us before it swallowed up our a Confederates, and much more since: advi­sing * Of Breta­ny and Normandy some more noble attempts for our just Empire upon the Indies. The young King is for a War with France, as an Engagement upon the Pope to advance England above all other Kingdoms; and declares himself as much Sir William's in opinion as he was his in affection.

This Gentleman had a deep insight in any thing he undertook, because he had a great patience to consider, an advantageous slowness to recollect, a strong memory to grasp, and an indifferent temper [Page 111] to judge: but when a matter exceeded his capaci­ty, or out-reached his sphere and orb, he had either a peremptory and great word to urge it, or a sleight to wave it, or a subtlety to perplex it, (that his a­mazed fellow-Commissioners should as little un­stand it) or a countenance and gesture to overbear it. However, in general he was close and reserved, (he had need go softly that cannot well see) leaving himself without observation or hold to be taken what he was. He studied the Kings nature, rather then his business; and humoured rather then ad­vised him. The referring of all to a man, becomes a Prince, whose self is not himself, but the commu­nity, (their good and evil being (as my Lord Bacon writes) at the peril of a publick fortune) but not a subject, whose private advantage may be a publick ruine; not a Favourite; whose benefit by that sel­fishness may be narrow as his own Fortune, but the hurt done by it is as large as his Master, who must needs be undone, when his servants study to please Him, and to profit Themselves.

Observations on the Life of Sir Hen­ry Marney.

SIr Henry Marney was one of young Henry's first Council, who loved his Person well, and his Prosperity better; and impartially advi­sed him for his good, and modestly contested with him against his harm; that Council that was hand as well as head, and could perform as well as advise: This was the searching Judgement that discovered [Page 112] Buonviso the Lucchess his Letters to the French King, betraying our designs as soon as thought on, and instructing him for prevention, before our King was ready for the attempt. Industry and Thrift over-rules Princes: This Personage had no time to transcribe Intelligence, but what he borrowed from his sleep; nor money to buy it, but what he saved out of his allowance: yet he understood more then any one Prince in Europe, and was more consulted then any one Statesman. His Judgement was much valued, his Integrity more; ever offering what was solidly safe, rather then what was superficially plausible: as one who was a stranger to the wisdom of the latter Age, (as Sir Francis Bacon describes it, which is rather fine Deliveries and shifts from Incon­veniences, then solid and grounded courses for ad­vantage. His foresight was large, and his spirit lar­ger: he considered all Circumstances that occurre [...] to him; judged what he considered, and spo [...] what he judged with that resolution as to his opini­on, that argued he understood the matter in questi­on; with that modesty as to his Superiours, th [...] shewed he understood himself.

Observations on the Life of Sir Ed­ward Poynings.

SIr Edward Poynings was the third of eighteen Counsellours bequeathed by Henry the V [...] to his Son, with his Kingdom; a Pri [...] Council wherein there was not one Lawyer! an [...] a Cabal that never condescended for advice to an [...] [Page 113] below themselves, or for performance of any of their Decrees to any besides themselves; being a compleat Body of active and knowing men in their own Orb. Who more prudent then Surrey? who more resolved then Poynings? whose Vigilancy made him Master of the Cincue Ports, as his Valour advanced him General of the Low-Countrey Forces, whom he led on to several services with success, and brought off (with the loss of not above an hundred men) with Honour from the Lady Margaret, and Applause from the whole Countrey.

No less happy was he in his Government of Tour­nay, until the Council at home (now grown thin by the secession of Warbam, Fox and Norfolk) had more need of him then Garisons abroad: Vainly is that spirit penned within a City, that was equal to a Kingdom. It is the unhappiness of other Monar­chies, that they have not Men answerable to their Employments; it was the unhappiness of this, that it had not Employment suitable to its Men.

He liv'd and di'd in Arms: Bulioign saw him first a Souldier, and Bulloign saw him last the best Camp-Master in all Christendom: always observing three things:

1. The Situation of his Camp, to secure his Army.

2. The Accommodation of it, to supply it.

3. His Retreat, to draw off: the Avenues, to be guarded with Souldiers, and strengthened with Re­doubts; which he made Triangular, that more men might engage the Enemy at once; during ere­ction whereof, the Army was pallisado'd in the Front with stakes headed with iron on both Ends five foot long, and stuck slope-wise into the ground, [Page 114] to keep off both Horse and Foot: the Foot-Senti­nels were without the Redoubts, the Horse-Guards beyond them, at distance enough to descry the Enemy, and not too much, to retire to their works. A serious and plodding brow bespoke this Noble Knights deep Prudence, and a smart look his resol­ved Valour.

Observations on the Life of Sir Charles Somerset.

SIr Charles Somerset, afterward Lord Herbert of Gower, &c. endeared himself to King Henry as much for his Maxime, That Reason of State was Reason of Law; as for his Advice, That the King should never stick at Law, in case of Publique God; and yet that all his Acts for publique Good should come as near as possible to the Law. So Popu­lar was this Gentleman, that he received all the Pe­titions against Empson and Dudley; yet so loyal, that he advised his Master neither to spare those Leeches, lest any should presume to alienat [...] his Peoples affections from him by Extortions for the future; nor yet too severely to punish them, left any should be discouraged to serve the Crow [...] for the present: (for indeed Empson and Dud [...] suffered for that which others were advanced for [...] the Parliament punished them for putting their Laws in execution, and the King deserted them for improving his Exchequer to a Treasury.)

Two things this Lord advised his Master to, be­fore he put the Crown upon his head.

[Page 115] 1. To redress the Peoples Grievances under his Father.

2. To marry not in France, where he had a Ti­tle: A Kingdom so near us, that by reason of mu­tual jealousies we may have peace with it sometimes, but Friendship never.

In the Houshold he was Lord Chamberlain, so discreet his Carriage! In the French Expedition, Anno 1513. he was General, so noble his Conduct! His Assistants were the Earls of Northumberland, Shrewsbury, Kent and Wiltshire; his Followers, the Lord Audley, De la Ware, Master of the Ord­nance, who was killed the first night be­fore The­rouene. Carew and Curson, &c.

Therouene he besiegeth in good Order, and with Welsey's advice, who had lived long in that Town; understands all the Avenues of it; and with Sir

Oughtred, Sir Henry Guilford, Sir Edward Poynings, Sir Charles Branden and Sir Alexander Baynam's assistance, sprung several Mines, repulsed the French Relief and the City-Assailants, so that the Town was yeilded August 22. 1513. and upon Maximilian's Intreaty razed, as he did Tournay, September 22. Herbert was for razing this place, as farther from us than Therouene; but Wolsey for the Bishopricks sake, is for the garisoning of it, as a Tro­phy. The King recollecting his former occasions, Febr. 3. 1514. thought he could not do a more just or a more prudent Act, then recompence his No­ble Servants (but the cheapest way, I mean that of Honour) as he did old Somerset with the Earldom of Worcester.

With this Honour at home, is joyned another a­broad, viz. That of Embassie to Maximilian, where he reached that Germans depths, and clearly de­monstrated that those fond and impossible Offers of [Page 116] the Empire, were but Artifices rather then Kind­nesses; to drain the Kings Treasure, rather than enlarge his Dominions: Advising him to raise a Ci­tadel at Tournay, and an Army in Normandy: He fi­nished the Espousals between the Princess Mary and the Dolphin; and delivered Tournay, by the same token that he would not let the Mareschal de Cha­stilion to enter with Banner displayed, but rolled up, it being (as he said, who when Lord Herbert was at the taking of it) voluntarily yeilded up, and not gotten by Conquest: and then bestowed him­self with Sir Richard Wingfield for the great enter­view between King Francis and King Henry; an in­terview I know not whether more solemn or more dangerous: Kings cannot meet without great state, and they seldom part without much envy; who ne­ver are further asunder, then when they meet. His most eminent Action here, was the Device of that Motto, Cui adhaereo praeest; a Motto that speaks the Honour of England, and the Interest of Europe.

Observations on the Life of Thomas Grey Marquess of Dorset.

THe Kings Wars called for Souldiers, and his Peace for Statesmen; and here is a Person ex utroque magnus: When the whole de­sign for the Invasion of France was ripened, this Marquess is made General, and attended by the Lord Thomas Howard, the Lords Brook, Willoughby and Ferrers, with divers Knights, Gentlemen, and others, to the number of ten thousand men, armed [Page 117] not onely with Bows but Halberts: He distresseth Navar to a submission to his Master; forceth his way to Bayon, and with Sir John Styles assistance, kept up the English Honour above that of France and the Empire, keeping close to his Commission, and not stirring a foot without express Orders from Ireland: although his presence countenanced some actions his hands could not perform.

Three things he was very careful of:

• 1. Of Good pay, lest his Souldiers mutined.
• 2. Of Good Diet and Quarters, lest they failed.
• 3. Of Order, Discipline and Temperance, espe­cially in strange Climates, lest they should be di­stempered.

Two things he was unsuccessful for:

• 1. The narrowness of his Commission.
• 2. The reach of Ferdinand, who designed the conquest of Navar, rather than of France.

Yet what reputation he lost by Land, Sir Edward Howard gained by Sea, commanding the French ships to their Harbours: over-running Britaign, and with Sir Tho. Knevet the Master of the Horse, Sir Jo. Carew and Sir Henry Guilford's assistance, gave Law in the Mediterranean, until he awed the Neighbour-Princes to terms as honourable for his Master, as dishonourable for themselves: now we finde him valiant in earnest at Sea, anon so in jest at Court (at the solemn Justs proclaimed by Francis de Valois, Duke of Angoulesm in France) his Nature being not stinted, but equally free to debonair and serious Enterprizes of Pleasure or of Honour; where six Germans were at his mercy, and four Frenchmen at his feet. His spirit equalled those active times, and his temper his spirit.

[Page 118] Three things set him up:

• 1. His large expences for shew at Court.
• 2. His strength and manhood at Justs.
• 3. His skill and experience in the Field.

He was the best for embatteling an Army in those times: observing,

1. The number, strength and experience of his Camp.

2. The nature and extent of the place, whether champaign or inclosed, hilly or plain, wooddy or moorish, straight or large; that he might accor­dingly dispose of distances and stands.

3. Inclosures he aimed at for his Foot, and Champaign for his Horse, together with the advan­tages of winde and sun.

4. He impales the Flank and Reer with Muskets, Pikes and Carriages.

5. His Divisions were sundry, but well ordered to relieve one another: His main Battels three: the largest in the front, the next in the middle, with some spaces between for the first to rally it self, or embody with the second; the third and strongest in the Rear, so divided that the two first Battels may retreat into it, and draw up in its Rear, to watch the Enemies disorder in pursuit.

It's observed of the Turks, that they never put their Janizaries (their best Souldiers) in the Front, but make use of them for Reserves, by which they have been very successful: This Noble Marquess went not by rote or fore-conceived Rules, but by present Prudence, observing time, place and per­sons; neither would he lie open to an Enemies design by a constant Method, but alter his Strata­gems, and contradict all the Rules of Discipline, to [Page 119] disorder the Enemy, and disappoint his expecta­tion.

He hath sometimes compounded the wings of his Battel of the ablest men, and the Battel it self of the meanest; ordering them, if over-powered, to make their retreat to the Rear of the other Divisi­ons, through the spaces appointed for that end; which the Enemy perceiving, followeth (not smel­ling the drift) not without disorder, (as in all pur­suits) between the two strong wings, who crush them in pieces: his field-Pieces after once or twice dis­charging, were drawn within the Divisions of the main Battel, to fire the Enemy at his next approach­es, if the front were disordered: and to avoid the execution of his Enemies, his files were thin, and his Dragoons ready to seize theirs, whereby at least they were hindered from shooting; his Forlorn re­tired to the main Battel, and out of the Flanks thereof issued with Fire-pots and Granadoes upon the engaged Enemy.

His Horse were in four Battalia's, whereof the first was the greatest, lined with shot, placed on each wing of the main Army; always opening upon the opening of the Enemy.

The greatest trust between man and man, is the trust of giving Counsel: For in other confidences (saith my Lord Bacon) men commit the parts of life, their Lands, their Goods, their Children, their Credit, some particular affair; but to such as they make their Counsellours, they commit the whole, by how much the more they are obliged to faithfulness and integrity. None was more trusted then the Marquess, none more trusty: none understood clearer what was fit, nonespoke plainer what he understood. What wants [Page 120] a Soveraign? (said a flattering Courtier:) Truth; (said a serious King.) Never had King more need of it then Henry, never less of it then he; whom it was less fatal to Ruine, then to Displease. But this Souldier was as much above Fear as Flattery, that told him when pensive, That never was that man merry, that had more then one Woman in his Bed, more then one Friend in his Bosom, more then one Faith in his Heart.

So wary was this Gentleman, that he was not rash, and so lost his advantage: so valiant, that he was not contemptible, and so lost his command: He led others by the strongest authority of his own for­wardness, his own Example; he was led himself by the best Guide, his own Observation, his own Ex­perience: His Book limited not his Design, nor his Paper-plot his Undertakings.

Land-service was his Exercise, but the Sea his Delight: the Compass his Study, the Stars his Care, Trade his Thoughts, our own and forreign Havens his Discourse, a Sea-man his Familiar, and three Sea­fights his Triumph: His converse and speech was Souldier-like, plain, short, smart and material: there was a time when he would say nothing, and a time when he would say something; but never a time when he would say all.

He was, in a word, the happy man, who notwith­standing that the times could not endure his Ver­tues, nor he their Vices, died at once full of honour at Court, and applause in the Country, with this Monument from the King, That Honest and Good Man.

Observations on the Life of Sir Ro­bert Wingfield.

HIs Parts and Person endeared him to the English Court, his Travel and Experience recommended him to Forreign Negotia­tions; particularly in the Emperour Maximilians Court, whom his arguments and his own Interest drew off from France; Sir Robert helping him to some Observation touching the breach of the Ar­ticles of Cambray, as his pretence to this alteration, and offering him what men and money he pleased, as his encouragement to this undertaking: sending in the mean time one Nicholas West, D. L. and Dean of Windsor, to feel the Pulse of all the Princes in Christendom; and advising, upon an intire reflection on their several Interests, the repair of our frontier Towns and Forts, an Army ready in the North, and a constant Parliament. He is Deputy of Calice, and Viceroy of France: What the French lost in the Field, they got by Treaty, until Sir Richard's time, whose Policy went as far as his Masters Power, in that Accord, Which tied up (they said) the French Kings bands behinde his back, and the Scotch between his legs. Yea, he almost perswaded Maximilian out of his Empire, 1516. though he wished the King not to accept of it until the French were out of Italy. Some do better by Friends or Letters, Sir Robert best by himself; observing that he never failed, but when he intrusted others with what he could do himself; his person breeding regard, and [Page 122] his eye seeing more then any he could employ; and his present minde being more ready in his own af­fairs upon any alteration to come on, draw back, o [...] otherwise accommodate matters, then any Substi­tute, who seeth not the bottom of things, nor turn to occasions. He had about him his Blades and Gallants, to expostulate; his Orators and fair spo­ken men, to perswade; his close and subtle ones, to enquire and observe; his froward men, to per­plex; and his plain Agents, to report: Attendants for all services, whose experience made them know­ing and confident. Doctor West, Pace, Lee and Gar­dener's way was the Circuit afar off; Sir Robert's was the Surprize, quick and nicked: no man ob­serving time more closely; no man watching Na­tures tempers, interest, advantages and ends, more indefatigably. It was the observation of those days, That Sir Robert Wingfield was the best to prepare and ripen Designes, and Sir Thomas Bolen to exe­cute them: But that Age was too boysterous, and he too wary to advance beyond the reputation of [...] knowing Agent, in which capacity he lived; or [...] a resolved Patriot, with which honour he dieth.

Observations on the Life of Edward Stafford, Duke of Buckingham.

HIs Blood was high, his Revenue large; and he was born to adorn the Court, rather then to serve it. He vied with the King in Gallantry, and with the Cardinal in Pride: of the one he speaks irreverently, That women govern­ed [Page 123] him more then he did the Kingdome; of the other [...]nd screetly, That Francis governed France, and Harry England, and Wolsey both; adding, That the Commonalty might well complain, when we had two Kings to maintain. That which ruineth the world, ruineth him, his Tongue. Fate never undid a man without. his own indiscretion; and her first stroke is at the Head. Abroad, none more Gorgeous; at Home, none more Noble: at Court, splendid; among his Tenants, Prince-like; to his Relations, impartial. A Servant always pulled down the house of the Staffords; and now one Knevet his Steward, whom he had discharged for oppressing his Tenants, undoeth him: for his Father-in-law the Earl of Northumberland is set under a Cloud, and his Son-in-law the Earl of Surrey is removed, on pretence of honourable employment, out of the way; and Wolsey's malice at the Duke hath its full scope, who now deals with Knevets discontent to discover his Masters life, and suggest that the Duke by way of discourse was wont to say how he meant to use the matter, that if King Henry died without issue, he would attain the Crown, and punish the Cardinal. George Nevil Lord Abergavenny his Son-in-law, impeached him, to save himself. His Title to the Crown was, his Descent from Anne Pla­tagenet, Daughter of Thomas of Woodstock, Son to Edward the third. His Accusation was,

1. That he had conferred with a Cunning-Man, (Hopkins, Monk of Henton) concerning the future state of this Realm; who advised him to Popula­rity: for he should have all, if he had but the love of the People: the Wizard confirming this by Re­volutions, [Page 124] and the Duke rewarding it with great encouragements.

2. That he disparaged the present Government and used Arts to secure the succession.

3. That he had threatned King Henry with the same Dagger that should have murthered Richa [...] the third.

He denied the Charge very eloquently, and dis­claimed his Life very rashly; his foolish words, ra­ther then any designed malice, deserving rather pi­ty then judgement. Much lamented was he by the People, and as much was the Cardinal maliced, be­ing now called by the whole multitude, The Butch­ers Son. When Buckingham fell, three things f [...] with him:

• 1. The Splendour of the Court.
• 2. Hospitality, and good Landlords in the Coun­try. And,
• 3. The High-Constableship of England.

All Greatness is subject to Envy; but none more then that which is infolent and affected, being never its self without its pomp and shew. Plain and mo­dest Greatness is onely safe: A Witch then blasts a man when most prosperous, and the Envious (the onely Wizard in the world) when most glorious Wise-men therefore have eclipsed themselves, than they might not be gazed on; and great Ones have shrunk, and suffered themselves to be over-born to be secure. Vain-glorious men are the scorn of the Wise, the admiration of Fools, the Idols of Pa­rasites, and the envy of the Unworthy, the Busie, the Unfortunate, the Ambitious, and the Rivals. He lives well, that lives in peace; and he is safely [Page 125] great, that is great in his Conscience. Anger [...]ure is but a weakness in any man, (it belongeth so much to the Aged and the Childish) and an inde­cency in a Noble-man: yet it might have been a Gallantry in this Duke, had it not, 1. Revealed se­crets, and so betrayed him; 2. Broke off his De­signes, and so confounded him; And, 3. Spoke bitterly and dangerously, and so abused him. So far will Discontent carry Nature, that it easily be­lieves what it wisheth: So much doth a Prophetick Vanity sway English-men, (that have the most of men of any in the world in Divinations, and an itch to know things to come) that the wittiest Sir Tho­mas More, the most devout Bishop Fisher, the wi­sest Cardinal Wolsey, and the most Noble the Duke of Buckingham, have been undone by hearkning after Predictions; the two first, of Elizabeth Bar­ton; the third, of John Sacheverel; and the fourth, Monk Hopkins. Always are these Divinations (like the Astrologers in Rome) by severe Laws forbid­den; yet always are they by vain persons obtruded. Many Wives, wo England, hardned many a Male-content to his ruine in King Henry the eighth's time: When HEMPE is spun, England is done, en­couraged many a Papist to his undoing in Queen Elizabeths time: Leo, Nulius, confirmed many a deluded soul to his downfal in our days.

It was as fatal to this great man to trust his Ste­ward, as his Wizard; the one deluded, the other betrayed him. It undoeth a man to be too close; therefore we have friends to ease our selves: it rui­neth a man to be too open; therefore there is a se­cret not to be communicated to a friend. When the Duke of Buckingham made Knevet his Confes­sour, [Page 126] he made him his Master. He that is Master of my Heart, is Master of my Life: If my Shi [...] said Metellus, knew my minde, I would burn it. [...] my Servant or Friend knows my intentions, I mu [...] either undo him, or be undone by him, unless [...] be so much above a man, as not out of weakness [...] discover me; or so much above a sinner, as not o [...] of corruption to betray me. Wild Beasts dwell [...] Dens, Fishes bed in Mud, and Birds in Nests, and [...] Wise Man is wrapped up in secrecy. Gyges his Ring was his wisdome, whereby he understood others and was reserved himself. It's pity he ever learned to speak, that knoweth not how to be silent. [...] would first be so wise, (faith a Wit and Wisdome [...] our Age) as to be my own counsellour, and next so se­cret as to be my own counsel-keeper. Some of my ser­vants may be of my Bed-chamber, but none shall be of my closet. Before I told you of this, (saith Charles the Fifth of a Designe discovered up­on the seventeen Provinces to his Favourite Lu­nembergh) I was Emperour, but now you an [...] so.

But the heighth of the Dukes spirit was equally unfortunate with the openness of it; and he fell no [...] less because he despised Knevet, then because he trusted him.

Contemned Dangers ruine surely, while they surprize us at once naked, and careless; as ill pre­pared to offend the slighted Adversary, as to de­fend our misunderstood Selves. The least Beings have their spleen, and command our caution: No creature too mean to be mischievous; none too in­considerate to be feared. As long as Weakness can cling to Power, and Power to Malice, what Kn [...] ­vet [Page 127] would, but could not, that Wolsey could and would. If my Enemy be strong, he shall awe; if weak, he shall guard my Life. Two things are necessary in this Life, Faithful Friends, or Severe Enemies: The fewer of the former men of the Dukes fortune have, the more use they should make of the latter. The greatest Enemy when observed, may do me a great kindness; the least neglected, can do no little mischief: Security is the onely misfortune, and Carelessness the onely fate that distresseth the World.

But the Duke threw away his life in a fatal word that could not be recalled, (I'll not ask the King for my Life.) Great need have we to guard that Tongue, whence flow the issues of Life and Death; and weigh those words that go abroad for the mea­sure of our Weal or Wo; our words being given us to treat with the World about either, discreet­ly to our happiness, or weakly to our ruine. It hath repented men that they have spoken at all times; it repented none to have been silent in King Henry's, when there was no security but to the Reserved, and the Pliable.

Observations on the Life of Sir An­thony Brown.

HE was always one of the Council to King Henry at home, and of his Commissioners abroad: no Treaty passing without his pre­sence no Negotiation without his advice; the first carrying as much Majesty with it, as the second did Authority: the Court having bred the one to a no­ble Mein, as Experience had done the other to an Oracle; Experience, I say, whereby he saw more, as Alexander boasted, with his eye, then others comprehended in their thoughts; that being know­ledge in him, that was but conjecture in others.

He was the best Compound in the World; a lear­ned, an honest, and a travelled man; a good Nature, a large Soul, and a settled Minde, made up of Notes and Observations upon the most material points of State he could learn at Courts; of Religion, among the Clergy; of Discipline, among Souldiers; of Trade, among Merchants; or of the situation, inte­rest, avenues and strong holds, by his own eyes. It's a pleasure to stand upon the shore, and to see ships tost upon the sea; it's pleasure to stand in the window of a Castle, and to see a Battel, with the adventures thereof below: but no pleasure is comparable to the standing upon the Vantground of Truth: (An Hi [...] (saith my Noble Author) not to be commanded, and where the air is always clear and serene;) and to see the Errors and Wandrings, the Mists and Tempests in the Vale below: That content is better felt then [Page 129] expressed that this Noble Person took in his own clear thoughts, when it was Mist all round about him; and King Henry cried, What say Cromwel and Brown?

Vespasian asked Apollonius, What was Nero's over­throw? and he answered him, Nero could tune the H [...]rp well; but in Government sometimes he wound the pins too high, and sometimes he let them down too low. Sir Anthony told Henry the Eighth, That his Government had been more easie, if he had either set it not so loose at first, or not so strict at last: (as there was indeed no King so various as his Master, no State so changeable as his Government.) An even temper begets aw and reverence; whilst the wide extreams create either on the one hand contempt and insolence, or on the other discontent and mur­muring. Haughty and violent Courts never bless the Owners with a settled Peace.

This deep man was Leiger in Rome six years, and Agent in France ten: A Person of great dispatch, because of an orderly method and procedure; which he observed to a superstition, saying, Time and Method are my Masters. There are (saith my Ora­cle) three parts of business; Preparation, Debate and Perfection: The middle King Henry communicated to the whole Council, the first and last to few, viz. to my Lord Cromwel and Sir Anthony Brown.

The highest matters were his care; as the Inter­view in France, 1533. the most eminent Statesmen his fellows, as the Duke of Norfolke, the Lord Rochfort and the Lord Paulet; those Noble Persons bearing the state, and he managing the business of the Embassies.

The wise man of Florence took care that Ferdi­nando [Page 130] of Naples, Medices of Florence, Sforza of Millain should gain nothing of one another, to the great security of Italy: Sir Anthony watched our Neighbours Conquests, Trade, Approaches, &c. so closely, that none of those Potentates, Charles the Fifth or King Francis, could win a spot of Ground, but his Master would balance it, and so secure Eu­rope.

The Interviews between Princes he disallowed; yet to satisfie his Master, he provided for that in France so sumptuously, as one that understood the formality of a Pageant was a real advantage to a Government whose Interest is as much to gain a re­putation by pomp and shew, as support a welfare by prudence and strength: others apprehension of our greatness, contributing as much to our welfare, as our welfare it self: Opinion governs the World: Princes with their Majesty, may be oft envied and hated; without it, they are always scorned and con­temned: Circumstances are often more then the main, and shadows are not always shadows: Out­ward Esteem to a great Person, is as skin to Fruit, which though a thin cover, preserveth it: King Henry's Person and State did England more Right in a Year, then his Predecessors Arms in an Age; while they onely impressed a resolution in the Neigh­bours, he a reverence.

As Princes govern the People, so Reason of State the Princes: Spain at that time would command the Sea, to keep us from the Indies; and our Reli­gion, to keep us from a Settlement: France suspe­cted our Neighbourhood, and engaged Scotland; the Pope undermined our Designs, and obliged the French. Sir Anthony at Rome, in respectful [Page 131] terms, and under Protestation that his Majesty in­tended no contempt of the See Apostolick, or Holy Church, intimated his Masters Appeal to the next General Council lawfully assembled; exhibiting also the Authentick Instruments of the same, and the Archbishop of Canterbury's at the Consistory, where, though the Pope made forty French Cardi­nals, yet our Agent and his money made twelve English, and taught Francis to assume the power of disposing Monasteries and Benefices, as King Henry had done; advising him to inform his Subjects clearly of his proceedings, and unite with the Prin­ces of the Reformation, taking his Parliament and People along with him, and by their advice cutting off the Appeals to and Revenues of Rome, by visita­tions, &c. with a Praemunire, together with the Oath of Supremacy, and the publication of the prohibited Degrees of Marriage: He added in his Expresses, That his Majesty should by disguised En­voys divide between the Princes and the Empire.

The next sight we have of him is in Scotland; the French Kings passage to England, (as he calls it:) Where in joynt Commission with the Earl of South­ampton, and the Bishop of Durham, he with his va­riety of Instructions gained time until the French King was embroyled at home, the season of Acti­on was over there, and the Duke of Norfolk ready to force that with a War, which could not be gained by Treaty. Fortune is like the Market, where ma­ny times if you can stay a little, the Price will fall: The ripeness and unripeness of the Occasion must be well weighed: Watch the beginning of an Action, and then speed! Two things make a compleat Po­lititian, Secresie in Counsel, and Celerity in Execu­tion.

[Page 132] But our Knights Prudence was not a heavy Wari­ness, or a dull caution, as appears by his preferment at Court, where he is Master of the Horse; and his service in the North, where he and the Comptroller Sir Anthony Gage, are in the head of 10000 men: In both these places his excellence was more in chusing his Officers and Followers, then in acting himself: His servants were modest and sober, troubling him with nothing but his business, and expecting no high­er conditions, then countenance, protection and re­commendation; and his Retayners peaceable, reser­ved, close, plain and hopeful: the deserving Souldi­er and the promising were seen often at his gate, not in throngs, to avoid popularity: equal was his favour, that none might be insolent, and none discontented; yet so discreetly dispenced, as made the Preferred faithful, and the Expectants officious. To be ruled by one, is soft and obnoxious; by many, troublesome: to be advised by few, as he was, is safe: because (as he said in some things out of his element) the Vale best discovereth the Hill.

Although he understood not the main matter of War, yet he knew many of its falls and incidents; his prudence being as able to lay a stratagem, as others experience was to embattail an Army. Sir Thomas W [...]arton Warden of the Marches he commands with 300 men behind an Ambush, whither he draws the rash Scots, and overthroweth them more with the surprize then his power, taking the Lord Admiral Maxwel, &c. who was committed to his custody; and putting that King to so deep a melancholy, that he died upon it. His death suggests new counsels, and Sir Anthony watcheth in Scotland to gain his Daughter for our Prince, or at least to prevent the [Page 133] French, whom Sir William Paget watcheth there, as Sir Ralph Sadler did in Rome, and Sir John Wal­lop at Calais: and when that Kings designe was dis­covered, we finde our Knight with Charles Duke of Suffolk, Lieutenant-General; Henry Fitz-Alan, Earl of Arundel, Lord General; Will. Pawlet, Lord St. John, Stephen Bishop of Winchester, with a rich and strong Army, expecting the King before Montrevil, (which they took with Bo [...]logn) and forcing the French to a Peace and Submission that secured England, and setled Europe.

Three things facilitate all things: 1. Knowledge, 2. Temper, 3. Time. Knowledge our Knight had either of his own or others, whom he com­manded in what ever he went about, laying the ground of matters always down in writing, and debating them with his friends, before he declared himself in Council. A temperance he had, that kept him out of the reach of others, and brought others within his. Time he took, always driving, never being driven by his business; which is rather a huddle, then a performance, when in haste: there was something that all admired, and which was more, something that all were pleased with, in this mans actions. The times were dark, his car­riage so too: the Waves were boysterous, but he the solid Rock, or the well-guided Ship that could go with the Tide. He mastered his own passion, and others too, and both by Time and Opportunity; therefore he died with that peace the State wanted, and with that universal repute the States-men of those troublesome times enjoyed not.

By King Henry's Will he got a Legacy of 300 l. [Page 134] for his former Service; and the Honour to be of Prince EDWARD's special Council for the future.

By his Order he had, as his share of Abbey-Lands, Battle-Abbey in Sussex, enjoyed by his Heirs Males in a direct Line to this day: And by his Authority he had the Honourable Gar­ter.

He was the first man that durst bring his Ma­ster the sad news, That He must die: And no wonder he durst it, for the next news is, That he is dead himself. How darest thou to be so plain? said Heliogabalus to the Courtier: Be­cause I dare die, said he: I can but die, if I am Faithful; and I must die, though I Flat­ter.

The Lord Herbert's Character of Car­dinal Wolsey, in his Life of Henry the Eighth, pag. 314.

ANd thus concluded that great Cardinal: A man in whom ability of parts and In­dustry were equally eminent; though, for being employed wholly in ambitious ways, they became dangerous Instruments of power, in active and mutable times. By these arts yet he found means to govern not onely the chief affairs of this Kingdom, but of Europe; there being no Po­tentate, which, in his turn did not seek to him: and as this procured him divers Pensions, so, when he acquainted the King therewith, his manner was, so cunningly to disoblige that Prince who did fee him last, as he made way thereby oftentimes to receive as much on the other side. But not of se­cular Princes alone, but even of the Pope and Clergy of Rome he was no little courted; of which therefore he made especial use, while he drew them to second him on most occasions. His birth being otherwise so obscure and mean, as no man had ever stood so single: for which reason al­so his chief indeavour was not to displease any great Person; which yet could not secure him against the divers Pretenders of that time. For [Page 136] as all things passed through his hands, so they who failed in their suits, generally hated him: All which, though it did but exasperate his ill na­ture, yet this good resultance followed, that it made him take the more care to be Just; where­of also he obtained the reputation in his publick hearing of Causes: For as he loved no body, so his Reason carried him. And thus he was an useful Minister of his King, in all points, where there was no question of deserving the Roman Church; of which (at what price soever) I finde he was a zealous Servant; as hoping thereby to aspire to the Papacy, whereof (as the factious times then were) he seemed more capable then any, had he not so immoderately affected it. Whereby also it was not hard to judge of his Incli­nation; that Prince, who was ablest to help him to this Dignity, being ever preferred by him; which therefore was the ordinary Bait by which the Emperour and the French King, one after the other did catch him. And, upon these terms, he doubted not to convey vast treasures out of this Kingdom, especially unto Rome, where he had not a few Cardinals at his devotion; by whose help, though he could not attain that Supreme Dignity he so passionately desired, yet he prevailed him­self so much of their favour, as he got a kinde of absolute power in Spiritual Matters at Home: Wherewith again be so served the Kings turn, as it made him think the less of using his own Au­thority. [Page 137] One error seemed common to both, which was, That such a multiplicity of Offices and Pla­ces were invested in him. For as it drew much envy upon the Cardinal in particular, so it dero­gated no little from the Regal Authority, while one man alone seemed to exhaust all: Since it be­cometh Princes to do like good Husband-men, when they sow their Grounds, which is, to scatter, and not to throw all in one place. He was no great Dissembler, for so qualified a Person; as or­dering his businesses (for the most part) so cau­tiously, as he got more by keeping his word then by breaking it. As for his Learning, (which was far from exact) it consisted chiefly in the sub­tilties of the Thomists, wherewith the King and himself did more often weary then satisfie each other. His stile, in Missives, was rather copious then eloquent, yet ever tending to the point. Briefly, if it be true (as Polydore observes) that no man ever did rise with fewer vertues, it is true that few that ever fell from so high a place had les­ser crimes objected against him: Though yet Po­lydore (for being at his first coming into Eng­land committed to Prison by him, as we have said) may be suspected as a partial Author. So that in all probability he might have subsisted lon­ger, when either his pride and immense wealth had not made him obnoxious, and suspected to the King, or that other than Women had opposed him: Who, as they are vigilant and close Enemies, so [Page 138] for the most part they carry their businesses in that manner as they leave fewer advantages against themselves then men do. In conclusion, As [...] cannot assent to those who thought him happy for enjoying the untimely compassion of the People [...] little before his end, so I cannot but account it [...] principal Felicity, that during his favour with the King, all things succeeded better then after­wards; though yet it may be doubted whether the Impressions he gave, did not occasion dives Irregularities which were observed to follow.

The Lord Herbert's Character of Cromwel, in his Life of Henry the Eighth, pag. 462.

AND to this end came Cromwel, wh [...] from being but a Blacksmiths Son, found means to travel into forraign Countries, to learn their Languages, and to see the Wars (be­ing a Souldier of Bourbon at the sacking of Rome;) whence returning, he was received into Cardinal Wolsey' s service: To whom he so approued himself by his fidelity and diligence, that the King after his fall, voluntarily took him for his servant; in which place he became a spe­cial Instrument for dissolving the Abbeys and other Religious Houses, and keeping down the [Page 139] Clergy; whom, in regard of their Oath to the Pope, he usually termed the Kings half Subjects: And for expelling the Monks, he said it was no more then a restoring them to the first Institution, of being lay and labouring persons: Neither did [...]t move him that so much strictness and austerity of Life was enjoyned them in their several Or­ders, since, he said, they might keep it in any condition: But as these Reasons again were not admitted by divers learned and able Persons, so he got him many Enemies, who at last procured his fall; but not before he had obtained successively the Dignities of Master of the Rolls, Baron, Lord Privy Seal, Vicegerent to the King in Spirituali­ [...]ies, Knight of the Garter, Earl of Essex, Great Chamberlane of England, &c. He was much noted in the exercises of his Places of Judicature, [...]o have used much Moderation; and in his great­est pomp to have taken notice and been thankful to mean persons of his old acquaintance; and wherein had a Vertue which his Master the Cardi­nal wanted.

As for his other descriptions, I leave them to be taken out of Cranmers Letter formerly men­tioned, with some deduction; For it seems written to the King in more then Ordinary Favour of his entient Service.

Observations on the Lives of the Sey­mours.

‘ EDward Seymour and Thomas Seymour both sons of Sir John Seymour of Wolful in Wiltshire. I joyn them together, because whilst they were united in affection, they were invincible; but when divi­ded, easily overthrown by their enemies.’

‘Very great the Animosities betwixt their Wives; the Dutchess refusing to bear the Queens Train, and in effect justled with her for prece­dence: so that what betwixt the Train of the Queen, and long Gown of the Dutchess, they raised so much dust at the Court, as at last put out the eyes of both their Husbands, and occasi­oned their Executions.’

Their Sisters Beauty commended them to the Kings favours; (but a frail support that! which is as lasting onely as a Phancy, and onely as certain as Passion:) therefore their Parts recommended them to his service. Affection shall lead me to Court, but I'll take care that Interest keeps me there.

[Page 144] Sir Edward Seymours temper suited with the Kings Inclinations, and his spirit with his times; both high, both stirring. In the throng of Cour­tiers, there are but three steps to raise a man to observation: 1. Some peculiar sufficiency; 2. Some particular exploit; and, 3. An especial Friend: This Noble Person shewed the first with advantage, in that draught of Military Discipline presented to Henry the eighth, wherein the embattling is most remarkable, viz. ‘Twenty two compleat Com­panies make up four Squadrons; every Squadron of Pikes and Musquets being drawn up apart, the Pikes and Colours on the left hand, and the Mus­queteers on the right. These Squadrons make­up a Brigade, to be drawn up as followeth, viz. Ten Corporalships of Musqueteers being 34 Rots divided into five Plattons, every Platton being nine or so in front, led by a Major, and even division by a sufficient Commander. Next after these, 36 Rats of Pikes are to follow, (being twelve Corporalships) with their Colours fol­lowing them, till they are drawn up even in from with the 32 Rots of Musqueteers: This make the Right Wing of the Brigade. 2. The Batter of Pikes moveth forwards in division, doing in a [...] respects as the former, till they range even in front with the Pikes of the Right Wing: Then the other 32 Rots of Musqueteers belonging to the middle Squadron, (who are appointed to make the Battel of the Brigade) are led up as the first Musqueteers in all points, but at a reasona­ble distance behind the Pikes of their own Squa­drons. Then the last Squadron of Pikes march­eth up, in all respects observing the same order, [Page 145] until they have attained to range in front even with other Pikes.’

‘This being done, the Battel or middle Squa­dron of Pikes and Musquets advanceth in one bo­dy, until it's clear of the Wings. Lastly, the Surplus of the three Squadrons being 48 Rots of Musqueteers, are drawn up behind the Brigade, where they are to attend the Commands of their Officers, to guard the Baggage or Cannon, to be Convoys for Ammunition or Victuals to the rest, or continue a reserve to wait upon all occasi­ons.’

2. Eminent was his ability for this Draught, more eminent for his performance agreeable to it in Bretaign; where he sate before a Town six weeks to no purpose, while it expected relief from Ita­ly: but at last he insinuates a jealousie between the Pope and the French King touching that City, that obstructed all relief: He with as much speed as po­licy sets upon the two main Sconces for defence of the Town, and took them both; battering the Town and Castle with that violence and noise, that they say it was heard 100 miles off. A Train of Powder is laid to blow them up when they should enter; but this succeeded not: for the French in passing the Ditch had so wet their cloaths, that drop­ping upon the Train, the Powder would not take fire; and so all things conspiring to crown his Va­lour with success, he takes the Castle first; and then dividing the Town, and weakning it by several as­saults at once, brought it to his own terms. Here his Valour had been eminent, but that his Conduct was more; and his Conduct renowned, but that his nobleness towards the Conquerour, his civility [Page 146] and obligingness towards the Souldiery, and his in­tegrity towards all persons, had out-done that.

There are but two things that a subject can ho­nestly oblige his Prince in: 1. Keeping his subjects in peace at home, 2. Keeping his enemies under a­broad: 1. Those soft, but prudent Acts of Peace; 2. Those resolved, but well-managed ways of War: Sir Thomas wanted neither a resolution for the one, nor a temper for the other.

But sufficiency and merits are neglected things when not befriended: (Princes are too reserved to be taken with the first appearances of worth, unless recommended by tryed judgements: it's fit, as well as common, that they have their Counsellours for persons as well as things:) his Sister therefore was married on Whitsunday, and he is on the Tuesday following created Viscount Beauchamp. But ne [...] year his. Nephew is born; the hope and stay of his Majesty and his Realms, and he is made Earl [...] Hertford.

King Henry understanding that the Pope upon his own and Cardinal Pool's account stirred up all the Princes of Europe against him, as a provident Prince, rode himself to the Sea-coasts to see then fortified. Admiral Fitz-Williams is old, Sir Tho­mas Seymour assists him to rig the Navy to be in re­diness in six days time: Sir Edward is to muster the Land-forces, and particularly the City of Lon­don, where were 15000 Armed men ready, May 8. in St. Jameses, at which place the City seemed [...] Camp, and the Citizens men not of the Gown, but of the Armour. Great this Lords interest in, and respect with the people; as great his brothers with the Sea-men: the Multitude would leave all [Page 147] for their good Lord of Hertford, and the Sea-men would die with their noble Lord Seymour. When the King of Scots had deluded King Henry in his correspondencies with France beyond all patience, and had been forborn beyond all safety or pru­dence, Sir Edward Seymour is first sent to treat, and then to sight; which he did with that success, that 300 of his men, and a stratagem, (to possess the Scots with an apprehension that the whole Eng­lish Army was upon them) took and killed 30000 Scots, had more prisoners then they could keep, more booty then they could dispose of; and ad­ding this to their Victory, That they broke the Kings heart.

There was no end to be expected of a War with Seotland, but by marrying that Kings Daughter to our Soveraigns Son. This Match was my Lord Seymour's interest as well as the Kings: his prudence and experience is therefore employed first to per­swade it; and when that would not do, (so great and so cross the Papal power there by Cardinal Be­tons means) his Valour and Resolution is sent with 10000 to compel it: in order whereunto, May 4. landing at Granther Gray, he marcheth in order to­wards Leith, which (after a defeat given the Car­dinal, the Earls of Arran, Huntley, &c. by his Harquebusiers) they entred, and thence procee­ded to Edinburgh: (my Lord Dudley leading the Front, our Earl the Battle, and the Earl of Shrews­bury the Rereward:) there the Keys are offered them upon conditions; which they refusing, (and so making the Enemy desperate, who resolveth ra­ther to perish nobly, then be undone by submission) the Town holds out, and they are able to do no [Page 148] more, with some considerable loss, then burn the suburbs, waste the Country to an utter desolation for seven miles compass, demolish Leith, Dunbar, &c. take all their Ships and Ammunition, returning to Berwick with the loss onely of 14 men.

Two things he was eminent for:

1. His Advice, that not the least Punctilio of the Law should be neglected: whereupon the Earl of Surrey and other Nobility were imprisoned for eating Flesh in Lent. A secret and unobserved con­tempt of the Law, is a close undermining of Au­thority; which must be either its self in indulging nothing, or be nothing in allowing all. Liberty knows no restraint, no limit, when winked at.

2. For his Popularity, in advancing the Bene­volence 52000 l. beyond expectation.

The Scots must have War as long as there is Po­verty in their Country, and Interest in France: This Noble Earl cutteth off the Invaders, layeth waste the Country, and (that the source of those troubles might be damned up) entreth France with 80000 men; and after some skirmishes, brought the King thereof to a peace and submissi­on.

In pursuance whereof, while King Henry was in Bologn, he made his Will, wherein the Earl of Hertford Lord High Chamberlain is appointed Principal Counsellour to his Nephew: and not long after he dieth, and leaves the Kingdome to his son, and his son to his Uncle, whom the com­mon Vote made Protector, and Interest a Mode­rator of the Council, which the times required a­ble, but their humours made factious. The peace with King Francis and the Emperour was but un­certain, [Page 149] the Scots were irreconcileable, the Pope implacable, Religion unsetled, the Clergy out of frame, the People distracted, and the Nobility at variance. A great Counsellour King Henry leaves his son, and a greater his Uncle makes him: ‘In Bacons Ess. 116. counsel is stability: things will have their first or second agitation: if they be not tossed upon the Arguments of Counsel, they will be tossed upon the Waves of Fortune.’ But yet this Lord mis­carried, in that the Council understood him better then he did them: And he advised with them ra­ther in publick, where men speak warily, and in compliance with others humour; then in private, where they deliver themselves more freely, and a­greeably to their own humours. (The Rule is, Ask an inferiour mans advice in private, that he may be free; and a superiours in publick, that he may be respectful.) But he did well, 1. In that the same matter if weighed, was never propounded and re­solved the same day. 2. In that he had fixed days of petitions, for the peoples and his own ease. 3. In that he poyzed his Committees of contrary Incli­nations; that watched and balanced each other to a moderation most safe for the Kingdome and him­self. 4. That he had of all Professions such at his command as opened the state of a business before any Commissioners debated it. 5. That he sel­dome discovered his own inclination, left it byas­sed his Counsel. 6. That to prevent a Combina­tion in the Council, he weakned their power and priviledges, their credit, their dependencies, either by office or expectation, their opportunities and correspondencies, so that he could easily remove any when faulty, discover any when dangerous, [Page 150] disgrace any when bold, and not fit to be entrusted with the Counsels, Resolves, Deliberations and Ne­cessities of the State. In order to which, he had two useful Resolutions, 1. To suppress Calum­nies, 2. To encourage Accusations. His first Acts were Shew and Pomp, (necessary for Greatness) viz. The Knighting of the King, and making him­self Duke. His next are Realities: as, 1. His mo­delling the Country for a Parliament, considering the temper of the people, and the pulse of the last Parliament; redressing Grievances, setling Electi­ons by such Legal Rules, as that the people should not be corrupted with money, overborn by impor­tunity, transported by fear or favour to an unwor­thy or an unsuitable choice; and taking a just time to prepare the people for the designed settlement, by his grave and sober Injunctions, by godly and good Books of Instructions, by a wholsome form of Prayer, (composed at Windsor) by a more ex­act translation of the Bible, by several Proclamati­ons for moderation and order on all hands, by in­hibiting all Preachers but such learned, sober, grave and discreet men as were Licensed thereunto under the Lord Protector's and my Lord of Canterbury's hand.

2. His promoting the Match with Scotland first by Ambassadours, and then by an Army, whose or­der was this: viz. The avant-guard of 3 or 4000 The Duke of Somer­fet's march. foot-men at Arms, and 600 light-horse led by the Earl of Warwick; the main Battle of 6000 foot, and 600 men at Arms, and 1000 light-horse, led by the Protector; and the Rear of half so many, led by the Lord Dacres; the Artillery of 16 Pieces of Ordnance making one Wing, the men at Arms [Page 151] and Demilances the other. For the Avant-guard and half of the Battel riding about two flight-shot from their side, the other half of the Battel: and the whole Flank of the Rear was closed by the Car­riages, being 12000 Carts and Waggons; the rest of the men at Arms and Demilances marching be­hind. A few skirmishes and stratagems passed, when a Trumpeter is sent by Huntley to challenge the Protector; to whom the Protector replying like a wise man, That it was not for a person of his trust to duel it with a private man; The Earl of Warwick said, Trumpeter, bring me word that thy Master will perform the Combat with me, and I'll give thee 100 Crowns. Nay, rather, said our Duke, bring me word that he will give us Battle, and I will give thee 1000 l. But in 25 days he gains a greater The same day that 30 years ago they were beaten at Flodden. Battle, over-runs the Country with the loss of no more then 65 men, to that of 25000 Scots.

3. His third Exploit was, Dispensing He made the first and last Banne­rets. Honours so nobly, that they were due encouragements to Vertue; though yet so warily, that they should not be either a burden or a danger to the Crown.

4. He gave the Commonalty great content, in pulling down Enclosures by Proclamations; and the Nobility no less, by setting up Land-improve­ments by Rule.

5. He engaged both, by a good bargain of Church-lands, confirmed by this Parliament.

6. He weakneth the Papists, 1. By conniving at them until they broke out to such outrages as made them lyable. 2. By dividing them when en­gaged, with hope of mercy on the one hand, and fear of his Army on the other.

7. The French taking the advantage of our se­ditions [Page 152] to break off their Treaty, and proclaim a War, he confiscates their Estates, and secures the persons of as many of them as lived in England.

But Greatness is fatal; and his Brother that should have supported this great man, ruines him­self and him. He had married a Lady high in spirit; his Brother the Queen-Dowager, higher in place: The Lady Stanhope, the Ladies quarrel first, and then (as it must needs follow) the Lords. Thomas the Admiral is que­stioned for aiming at the Crown, 1. By marrying the Lady Elizabeth, and then by seizing the Kings person and the Government: so honest this Prote­ctor, (a plain man, and of no over-deep insight in­to Practices) that he gave way to his Tryal, say­ing, (though somewhat ominous as it happened) I'll do and suffer Justice: so Uxorious, that he sea­led his death. And now he stands alone, wanting his Brothers cunning to reach Warwick, or his re­solution to check Norfolk. The people are trou­bled at that one weak and unjustifiable Act of his, The pulling down of so many of Gods Churches in the City, to build one Someset-house in the Strand.

The Earl takes notice of their discontent, and assembleth eighteen discontented Counsellours, who arm themselves and their Whom they put in new Liveries. followers, calling the City and the Kingdome to their assistance by a Proclamation. The Protector fleeth with the King and a Guard to Hampton-Court: the City some­times resolved to assist the Lords, out of malice to the Protector; sometimes to forbear out of such consideration of its many misfortunes in opposing Kings, set forth not with more Integrity by George [Page 153] Stadlow, then Eloquence and Life by John Ayliffe. They delay: Sir Anthony Wingfield Captain of the Guard perswardes the King of the Lords modera­tion and and Loyalty; the Duke is to answer for himself: the Laywers charge him with removing Westminster-hall to Somerset-house, where he kept a Court of Requests, and determined Title of Lands; the Souldiers with the detaining of their pay, and betraying our-French Garisons; the States-men with the engrossing of all Authority. The Earl of Warwick vigilantly but closely manageth all discon­tents to his designe with this great advantage, that he was subtle, close, and implacable, while the o­ther was free-spirited, open-hearted, humble, hard to distrust, easie to forgive. His friend the Lord Russel is absent: he is first tryed and acquitted, but with the loss of his Protectorship, Treasurership, Marshalship, and 2000 l. of Land more.

But Warwick's designe for the Crown ripening, and Somerset being the most eminent obstruction in his way, having weakned, before he ruines him, now he chargeth him with Treason, to make a noise; and with Felony, to do execution: the Council is packed, he looseth his life (for a small crime, and that on a For con­triving the death of a Privy [...] ­Counsellour. nice point, subtilly devised and packed by his enemies) forgetting to ask the benefit of the Clergy, that had saved it. This Person, as Mr. Ful­ler charactereth him, was religious himself, a lover of all such as were so, and a great promoter of the Reformation: Valiant and successful, generally be­loved by Souldiers, envied by States-men, though the most conscientious of them all; doing nothing irregularly, but in complyance with the necessities of Government; open to dangers, as one that could [Page 154] not be jealous; better to act, then designe; to perform, then plot. When he was discharged of Treason, there was so loud a shout in Westminster­hall, as was heard to Long-acre; when condemned of Felony, there was a silence and amazement for three hours. Beheaded he was on Tower-hill, with no less praise for his piety and patience, then pity and grief of the spectators. His Death was atten­ded with many signes and wonders, and his Name with an indelible character, his house being called Somerset-house to this day, though solemnly pro­claimed by King James Denmark-house, because inhabited by the King of Denmark and his Sister. Surely (saith my Author) this Duke was well beloved since his Name made such indelible impression on [...] house, whereof he was not five years in possession Death hath this also, That it openeth the Gate [...] good Fame, and extinguisheth Envy. Philip asked Demetrius if he did not fear to lose his head; He an­swered, No: for if he did, the Athenians would give him one immortal; He should be statued in the Temple of Eternal Fame.

Brave men never die: Worth begets in weak and [...]ase minds, Envy: in the Magnanimous, Emulati­on; in Posterity, Renown: ‘A Renown, that is as the beams about the Sun, or the glory about an holy picture, that shews it to be a Saint, though it be no essential part: it riseth from the body of that Vertue, which cannot chuse but shine, and give a light through all the clouds of er­rour and destruction.’ And though sometimes the mists and vapours of the lower earth impede the light it gives, yet there will be apparent Rays, that shew there is Desert unseen, which yeilds those [...]leams of brightness to the whole Horizon, that it moves and shines in, which survive to a glorious kind of immortality, when the Good Man is dead and gone; a Good Name being the embalming of the Vertuous to an eternity of love and gratitude among posterity. For my own Honour (saith the Royal Martyr) I am well assured, that as mine In­nocence is clear before God in point of any calumnies they object; so my Reputation shall like the Sun (after Owls and Bats have had their freedome in the night) rise and recover its self to such a degree of splendour, as those feral birds shall be grieved to behold, nd un­able to bear.

Observations on the Lives of the Pars.

SIr William Par Uncle and Lord Chamberlain There was another of his name Sheriff, Ne­phew to this Knight, in 25 of H 8. to Queen Katharine Par, was by King Henry the Eighth created Baron Par of Horton: he left two Daughters onely, married into the Families of Tressam and Lane. His Relation called him to Court, but his Age forbid him the pleasures, and his own Reservedness the freedom of that place▪ before which he preferred the pious, peaceable, and hospitable way of the Countrey, where Popu­larity affected him, more then he affected it; No man being more beloved by the vulgar, no man less in love with them: It being his Observation [...] ­ther then his Countrey-man Sir Edward Mou [...] ­gue's saying, That if you do the common sort of peo­ple nineteen courtesies together, yet you may lose th [...] love, if you go but over the stile before them.

His Cousin Sir William was brought by his Sister to Court, and advanced by his Brother to Honour; being for his Majesties sake as well as his own, made Lord Far of Kendal, Earl of Essex, by King Henry the Eighth, and Marquess of Northampton by King Edward: Queen Mary deprived him of his Estate and Honour for siding with the Lady Jane, and Queen Elizabeth restored him to both, for fa­vouring the Protestant Religion.

His Delight was Musick and Poetry, and his Ex­ercise War; being a happy composure of the hard­est and softest Discipline, equally made for Court [Page 157] and Camp, for Delight or Horrour: But his skill in the Field answered not his industry, nor his suc­cess his skill: Yet King Edward called him, His Honest Uncle; and King Henry, His Integrity. The whole Family was made by a Marriage, but died Issueless.

The common Rule of Favourites is, to bring in all their Relations about them, to adorn and sup­port them: but this Marquess would say, A wall that hath a firm Bottom, had need of no Buttress; and that which wants it, is often rather thrust down then upheld by it. The Antiquaries crouch, as though they upheld the Church, when they are upheld by it: Clients are more a burden then a strength: and when the chief Favourite dares not displease his Soveraign because he is so near him, they dare, be­cause he is between them and Majesty. His Fol­lowers were not gaudy, to render him suspitious; nor discontented, to breed ill blood, and a misun­derstanding; nor too open, to discover him: but deserving, to honour him; and hopeful, to be advan­ced by him. Active men were recommended by him to King Henry's busie Occasions, and Vertuous to King Edward's pious Inclinations.

In his last years he found that there was little love in the World, and least of all among Equals; and that that which was, is between Superiour and Infe­riour, whose fortune may comprehend the one the other. To ease his minde therefore, to satisfie his Judgement, to observe his oversight, he adopt­ed Sir William Cholmley, bringing him first to his House, and then to his Heart, to shew him that im­partially, which he could not discern in himself. There is no such Flatterer as a mans self; and there is [Page 158] no such Remedy against Flattery of a mans self as the li­berty of a Friend: Counsel is of two sorts; (to go on in my Authors words) the one concerning manners, the other concerning business: for the first, the best preserva­tive to keep the minde in health, is the faithful admoni­tion of a Friend: The calling of a mans self to a stri [...] account, is a medicine sometime too piercing and corr [...] ­ding; reading good Books of Morality is a little flat and Lord Ba­con's Es­sayes. dead; observing our faults in others is sometimes im­proper for our case: but the best receipt (best I say; [...] work, and best to take) is the Admonition of a Friend.

So much solid Worth he had, that he had no use of Ambition; so much Modesty, that he made lit­tle use of his Worth: Mean thoughts he entertain­ed of himself, and as mean thoughts did he by his down-cast though grave look, his sparing though pertinent discourse, and his submissive though regardful carriage, suggest of himself. But [...] well-manag'd boldness is the Vertue of Monarchick Courts, and a discreet submission that of a Repub­lican; no advantagious admission into the one, with­out the first, nor safety in the other, without the se­cond: Here, if you are bold, you must look for an Ostracism: there, if you are modest, for Neglect: Yet a sober and moderate man may be in fashion once in an Age. The Souldier and the Gentleman are the Warlike Princes Darlings; Church-men, the Religious; Physicians, the Sickly and Old; Scholars, the Learned; Exchequerers, the Poor, Covetous, or Prodigal; Lawyers, the Just; and They of a Healing, Soft and Pliable Temper, (King James his character and commendation of my Lord Bacon) the Settling and the Peaceable, such as Ed­ward [Page 159] the VI, in whose Reign he was advanced, and Queen Elizabeth, in whose Reign he was resto­red.

It was in pursuance of King Henry's Statute, that he closed with King Edward's Will: For this Clause he produced for himself:

Provided, That if the Lady Mary do not keep nor perform such Conditions, which shall be li­mited and appointed, as aforesaid, that then and from thenceforth, for lack of Heirs of the Kings Body, and the said Lord Prince, lawful­ly begotten, the said Imperial Crown, and other the Premises, shall be, come and remain to such Person and Persons, and of such Estate and Estates as the Kings Highness by his Let­ters Patents sealed under His Great Seal, or by His last Will in Writing, signed with His Hand, shall limit and appoint.

Isocrates was a man of an excellent Wit, but finding himself destitute of countenance, gesture and confidence, he never durst speak in publick, contenting himself to teach, even to his decrepit days; and commonly saying, He taught Rhetorique for a thousand Ryals, but would give more then ten thousand to him that would teach him confidence: This Marquess brought up many a Courtier, yet had not the face to be One himself, until Queen Eliza­beth, who balanced her Council in point of Religi­on in the beginning of her Reign, as she did her Court in point of Interest throughout, threatned him to the Council-Board first, and then to her Cabinet; where none more secret, to keep counsel; [Page 160] none more faithful, to give it; and more modest, to submit. A sincere, plain, direct man; not cra [...] ­ty nor involved.

Observations on the Life of Sir John Cheek.

SIr John Cheeke, born over against the Market. Cross in Cambridge, became Tutor to King Edward the Sixth, and Secretary of State: Not so meanly descended as Sir John Heyward pre­tends, (who writes him, The Son of his own Deserts) being a Branch of the Cheeks of Moston in the I [...] of Wight, (where their Estate was three hundred pound a year, three hundred years ago, and no more within this thirty years:) happy in his Fa­ther, Mr. Peter Cheeke, whose first tuition seasoned him; happier in his good A Duf­feild. Mother, (that grave Matron) whose good Recom­mending to him the care of three thrings: 1. His God. 2. His Soul. 3. His Com­pany. counsel and Christian charge when he was going to Court, settled him; and hap­piest of all in the place of his birth, where he fell from his Mothers Womb to the Muses Lap, and lear­ned as soon as he lived, being a Scholar sooner then he was a man. A German had the care of his young­er studies, and a Frenchman of his carriage; his parts being too large to be confined to the narrow­ness of English Rules, and too sprightly to attend the tediousness, and creep by the compass of an English method. The same day was he and Mr. Ascham admitted to St. Johns, and the same week to Court, the one to the T [...]ition of Edward the Sixth, the other of Queen Elizabeth: there they [Page 161] Both happy in their Master Doctor Metcalf, who though he could not (as The [...]istocles said) fiddle, yet he could make a little Colledge a great one, and breed Scholars, though he was none: His advice deterred them from the rough Learning of the Modern Schoolmen, and their own Genius led them to the more polite studies of the antient Ora­tors and Historians; wherein they profited so well, that the one was the copious Orator, the other the Greek Professor of that University.

A contest began now, between the Introducers Full. Hist. Cambr. p. 119 of the New, and the Defenders of the Old Pronun­ciation of the Greek: the former endeavoured to give each Letter, Vowel and Dip [...]thong its full sound: whilst Doctor Caius and others of the Old stamp, cried out against this Project, and the Pro­moters of it; taxing It for novelty, and Them for want of experience, and affirming Greek it self to be barbarous, so clownishly uttered; and that nei­ther France, Germany nor Italy owned any such Pronunciation. John Cheeke and Thomas Smith maintained that this was no Innovation, but the an­tient utterance of Greek, most clear, and most full. Chancellour Gardiner then interposed against the Pronunciation, and the Authors of it: But custom hath since prevailed for the use of the one, and the due commendation of the other.

Sir John Cheeke's Authors were Isocrates and Thucydides; his Auditors the youngest that came thither, for Language; and the oldest that heard him, for his Discourse and Policy: The one pre­ferred him to the ample Provo [...]ship of Kings, the other to the great Trust of Secretary of State: Prince Edward studied not his Book more sedulous­lously, [Page 162] then he studied him, that his Rules might comply with his Inclination, and his Lectures with his temper: Lectures, that were rather Discourses instilled to him Majestically, as a Prince; then Les­sons beaten into him pedantiquely, as a School-boy. The wise man would not be debasing his Royal Pu­pils minde with the nauseated and low crumbs of a Pedant, but ennobling it with the free and high Maximes of a States-man; sugaring the more au­stere parts of Learning with the pleasures of Poetry, Discourse, Apologues; and so deceiving the Royal Youth to an improvement before his own years, and others comprehension. His very Recreations were useful, and his Series of lighter exercises (for he observed a method in them too) a constant stu­dy; his Table, his School; his Meat, his Discipline: the industrious Tutour filling up each space of his time with its suitable instruction; it being his Ma­xime, That time and Observation were the best Ma­sters, and Exercise the best Tutor. While others doated over their Rules, his Pupils practised them; no day passing without his Letters to the King, as that, Literae meae unum semper babet Argu­mentum Vid. Full. Eccl. Hist. Edw. 6. (Rex Nobilissime & Pater Illustrissime) hoc est, in omnibus Epistolis ago tibi gratias, &c. or to the Queen, as that, Quod non ad se jamdiu scriberem in causa fuit non negligentia, sed studium; non enim hoc feci ut nunquam omnino scriberem, sed accura­tius scriberem, &c. I have two Tutors, (said King Edward to Cardan) Diligence and Moderation, Sir Jo. Cheeke and Doctor Coxe. So exact an account he gave Prince Edward of his Fathers Kingdome, and its Interest, that King Henry designed him for Secretary, and King Edward made him one.

[Page 163] Three years he had that place; and in that three years did England more service, so great his Parts, Learning and Religion! more kindness, such his eminency in both! and gave the people more satis­faction, such his Integrity and Dexterity! then all that went before him, and most that came after him. He was the first that brought in the use of a Diary, and his Pupil the next that practised it: His Aphorism it was, That a dark and imperfect refle­xion upon Affairs floating in the memory, was like words dispersed and insignificant; whereas a com­pleat view of them in a Book, was like the same words pointed in a period, and made significant.

Much did the Kingdome value him, but more the King: for being once desperately sick, the King carefully enquired of him every day; at last his Physitian told him there was no hope for his life, be­ing given over by him for a dead man: No, said the King, he will not die at this time; for this morning I begged his life from God in my Prayers, and obtained it. Which accordingly came to pass; and he soon after, against all expectation, wonderfully recove­red. This (saith Doctor Fuller) was attested by the old Earl of Huntington, (bred up in his child-hood with King Edward) to Sir Tho. Cheeke, who anno 1654. was alive, and 80 years of Age.

But though his Prayers saved his Tutors life, none could save his; who died with the Protestant Religion in his heart and arms: and Sir John had died with him, but that being outed of all his pre­serments, he outed himself from the Kingdome: loving to all the English Exiles at Strasburgh, and well beloved all over Germany; until trusting to the Stars too much, (would he had either not gone [Page 164] so high, or gone a little higher for advice) and his friends too little, he went to meet his dear Wife in Brabant; where neither my Lord Paget's promise, nor Sir John Mason's pledges, nor Abbot Fecknam's intercession, could excuse him from being unhor­sed and carted, imprisoned and tortured, vexed with all the arts of power, and perplexed, until his hard usage meeting with some fair promises, brought him to a Recantation that broke his heart; and after much melancholick sighing and silence, brought him to his Grave; The great example of Parts and Ingenuity, of frailty and infirmity, of repentance and piety. Forced he was to sit with Bonner in his Courts, but forced he would not be to joyn with him in his Judgement: look on he did, but weep and groan too.

A good Christian he was, witness his pious Epi­stles; an excellent States-man, as appears by his True Subject to the Rebel; a Book as seasonably re­published (by Doctor Langbaine of Queens Col­ledge in Oxford) in the excellent King Charles his troubles, as it was at first written in the good King Edward's commotions.

Vespasian said of Apollonius, That his gate was o­pen to all Philosophers, but his Heart to Him: And Sir John Cheeke would say to Father Latimer, I ha [...]e an Ear for other Divines, but I have an Heart for You.

A Country-man in Spain coming to an Image enshrined, the extruction and first making whereof he could well remember, and not finding from the same that respectful usage which he expected, You need not (quoth he) be so proud; for we have kn [...]wn you from a Plum-tree. Sir John Cheeke one day [Page 165] discoursing of the Popes Threats, said, He need not be so high; for we have known him a Chaplain. He took much delight in that saying of Herod the Sophist, when he was pained with the Gout in his hands and feet: When I would eat, (said he) I have no hands; when I would go, I have no feet: but when I must be pained, I have both hands and feet. Applying it thus: When we would serve God, we have no soul; when we would serve our Neighbours, we have no body: but when we suffer for neglecting both, we shall finde we have both a body and a soul.

Gustavus Adolphus some three days before his death, said, Our affairs answer our desires: but I doubt God will punish me for the folly of my people, who attribute too much to me, and esteem me as it were their God; and therefore he will make them shortly know and see I am but a man: I submit to his will, and I know he will not leave this great Enter­prise of mine imperfect. Three things Sir John Cheeke observed of Edward the sixth: 1. That the peoples esteem of him would loose him. 2. That his Reformation should be overthrown. 3. That yet it should recover, and be finished.

As to Publick Counsels: 1. Sir John was against the War with Scotland, which he said was rather to be united to England, then separated from it. 2. He was against King Edwards Will, saying, He would ne­ver distrust God so far in the preservation of his true Religion, as to disinherit Orphans, to keep up Protestan­tism. 3. He laid a Platform of a War with Spain. 4. He kept Neuter in the Court-factions. 5. Bi­shop Ridley, Doctor Coxe, seconded; and Sir John Cheeke contrived all King Edward's Acts of Charity.

Observations on the Life of Sir Tho­mas Wentworth.

‘SIr Tho. Wentworth of Nettlested in Suffolk, so a younger Family, (confessed by the Cres­cent in his Coat) descended from the Went­worths of Wentworth-wood-house in York-shire, and was created Baron Wentworth by King Henry 8. He was a stout and valiant Gentleman, a cordial Protestant, and his Family a Sanctuary of such Professors; John Bale comparing him to the good Centurion in the Gospel, and gratefully ac­knowledging him the cause of his conversion from a Carmelite. The memory of this good Lord is much (but unjustly) blemished, because Calis was lost the last of Queen Mary under his Go­vernment: The manner was huddled up in our Chronicles, (least is best of bad business) where­of this is the effect: The English being secure by reason of the last Conquest at St. Quintin, and the Duke of Guise having notice thereof, he sate down before the Town at the time (not when Kings go forth to, but return from battle) of mid-winter, even upon New-years-day. Next day he took the two Forts of Risebank and New­man-bridge, (wherein the strength of the City consisted) but whether they were undermined or undermoneyed, it is not decided, and the last left most suspitious. Within three days the Castle of Calis, which commanded the City, and was under the command of Sir Ralph Chamberlain, [Page 167] was taken, the French wading through the Dit­ches, (made shallower by their artificial cut) and then entring the Town, were repulsed back by Sir Anthony Ager Marshal of Calis, the onely man, saith Stow, who was killed in the fight, (understand him, of note) others, for the credit of the business, accounting fourscore lost in that service. The French re-entring the City the next day, being Twelfth-day, the Lord Went­worth Deputy thereof made but vain resistance, which (alas) was like the wrigling of a Worms tayl after the head thereof is cut off; so that he was forced to take what terms he could get, viz. That the Towns-men should depart (though plundered to a Groat) with their lives, and himself with 49 more, such as the Duke of Guise should chuse, should remain prisoners to be put to ransome.’

‘This was the best news brought to Paris, and worst to London for many years before: It not onely abated the Queens chear the remnant of Christmas, but her mirth all the days of her life. Yet might she thank her self for loosing this Key of France, because she hung it by her side with so slender a string, there being but five hundred Souldiers effectually in the Garison; too few to manage such a piece of importance. The Lord Wentworth the second of June following, was so­lemnly condemned for Treason, though unheard, as absent in France: which was not onely against Christian charity, but Roman justice; Festus confessing it was not fashionable amongst them to deliver any man to die, before he which is accu­sed have the accusers face to face, and have li­cence [Page 168] to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him. It was well for this Lord that he was detained in France till his ransome was paid, and Queen Mary dead, who otherwise probably had lost his life, if he had had his liber­ty. But Queen Elizabeth coming to the Crown, he found the favour, or rather had the justice to be tryed again, and was acquitted by his Peers; finding it no treachery, cowardise or carelessness in him, but in Sir John Harlston and Sir Ralph Chamberlain, the one Governour of Risebank, the other of Calis-Castle: for which they were both condemned to die, though their judgement was remitted. This Lord was the onely person I have read of, who thus in a manner played Rubbers when his head lay at stake; and having lost the fore, recovered the after-game. He di­ed a very aged man, 1594. Thus far Mr. Fuller.’

Two ways a Courtier advanceth himself: the first, that more leisurely, slow, though sure, of watching Offices, Preferments and Dignities that may by steps bring them to the Kings presence: The second, that more quick and short, but most practised, of following the Court for such extraor­dinary Commissions and particular services to the Empire, as may (without the danger of delays that must be fatal amidst so many Competitors) recom­mend him to his favour. It was below Sir Thomas his Estate to stoop to that first method; it suited more with his activity to embrace the second. Two usually-inconsistent qualities he had, The closeness of an Agent, and The Valour of a Souldier. To Rome he was sent in disguise, and to Treport with an [Page 169] Army: so graceful his carriage, so insinuating his affability, so clear and well-weighed his discourse, so searching and comprehensive his judgement; so gravely Aiery, so Majestically pleasant his counte­nance, so becoming his gate and apparel, so watch­ful his Negotiations, so winning his Addresses, so discreetly smart his Reparties, (darting a suddain lustre and vigour to the darkness and heaviness of his graver Discourses, neither common nor unsa­voury; neither affected nor far-fetched, neither a­busive of others, nor mis-becoming himself) so discreet and well-managed his complaisance, (with reference to circumstances, person, place, time, matter and cause) that he had Cardinal Senhault's Secretary, to bring him to the Popes Closet; the Emperours Agent Randolphus, to introduce him to Court; that he won Fryar paul, to shew him the mysteries of the Church; Engineer Palvino, to re­present the Popes Cities, Towns, Fortifications, Havens, Harbours, Antiquities, Seminaries, Exer­cises, Ships, Treasure, Armories, Arsenals, Maga­ [...]ines, (having always by him a Card of the Terri­tories) and the Popes Bedchamber-man, to shew him all the Papers and Transactions that concerned Henry the eighth. So well experienced his Con­duct, so well disciplined his Army, so watchful and industrious his Nature, so good his pay, (though he pawned, as once in Normandy, his own Estate to satisfie his Souldiers) so noble his rewards of valour and service, (it being his rule, That every man should enjoy as much as he could conquer) so prevalent his example, that he did more with 2000 men in three moneths, then the Duke of Suffolk had done with 8000 in three years. The Duncery and idle­ness [Page 170] of the Monks in his time, (as he writes himself) made Erasmus a Student: the sloth and carelesness of Commanders in Sir Thomas his time, made him a Souldier.

Edward the third of England having sent to France to demand the Crown by Maternal Right, the Council there sent him word, That the Crowe of France was not tied to a Distaff. To which he replyed, That then be would tie it to his Sword. Sir Thomas Wentworth demanding Normandy in right of the Dukes thereof, Kings of England, was told, That Dukedomes were never given away in France by the Wills of the Dead: Nay then, replyed he, we will have them against the Wills of the Living.

It's written of our Henry the fifth, that he had something of Caesar in him, which Alexander the Great had not, That he would not be Drunk; and something of Alexander the Great, which Caes [...] had not, That he would not be Flattered: Sir Th [...] was had both their Vertues, none of their Vices; Non tam extra Vitia, quam cum summis Virtutibu [...] Though he could not avoid misfortune, and p [...] sper; yet he could yeild to it, and retire: (that [...] perienced File that could not withstand the enemi [...] shot, could fall down and escape it.) Privacy at once secured and supported this unfortunate Gentleman. It is much to know how to lead and bring on suc­cessfully; it's more to retreat, and come off hand­somely, and give over a bad game.

Since he heard ill, I hear no more of him but this: One being designed an Agent, waited upon this knowing and experienced Lord for some Dire­ctions for his conduct and carriage; he delivereth himself (saith my Author) thus: To secure your self, T. F. p. 9. [Page 171] and serve your Country, you must at all times, and upon all occasions, speak truth: for (as he added) you will never be believed; and by this means your truth will secure your self if you be questioned, and put those you deal with (who will still hunt counter) to a loss in all their disquisitions and undertakings.

Observations on the Life of Sir Cle­ment Paston.

SIr Clement Paston was a Souldier, and a Souldi­ers Son; Valour running in the Blood for three Generations, and maturated by No­ble and Heroick Actions for Glory and Success. Designed he was by his Friends for the Gown, but by his own Nature for Armour: Born for Action rather then Contemplation. When his Father asked him what he would desire of him, he desired a Horse and a Sword. He was tried in the King of France his service in Henry the Seventh's time, for his overthrow in Henry the Eighths. He was the first that made the English Navy terrible, and the last that made our Army so: He took the Admiral of France, and saved him of England: 30000 Crowns he received by way of Ransome from the first, and 1000 l. by way of Gratitude from the other: A Cup he would shew that the first gave him every Holy-day, and a Ring of the seconds eve­ry Christmas.

Two Kings made use of his Person, and two Queens of his counsel, which he gave even on his death-Bed. His advice was short, but resolute; [Page 172] his words few, but pertinent; his discourse com­manding, and Souldier-like: his word, the Decr [...] of the Medes. King Henry the Eighth called him His Champion; the Protector, in Edward the Sixth time, His Souldier; Queen Mary, Her Seaman [...] and Queen Elizabeth, Her Father. When W [...] was overthrown, he would deliver himself up to Gentleman, and therefore onely to Sir Clement P [...] ston.

The two great Interests of Souldiers is Pay and Honour: He mortgaged his Estate twice, to satis­fie them for the one; and pawn'd his Credit [...] Court often, to encourage them for the other getting his Commanders always power and autho­rity enough to do their Masters business, but never enough to do their own.

There being always a contest between the Po [...] lacy and the Souldiers, ‘(whom nothing reco [...] ciles but downright force and necessity)’ it Wa [...] death to his Followers to be irregular, because one of their miscarriages exasperates a million, and d [...] stastes a Kingdom; so necessary is a strict Discip [...] in the Camp, and an impartial Justice in the Coun­trey.

Outward occasions help fortune, a mans own temper makes it, when there be, as my Lord Ba [...] writes, no stops or restiveness in a mans minde, but that the wheels of that keeps even with those of for­tune. Sir Clement and Cato Major were both of [...] make, both having tantum robur corporis & ani [...] ut quocunque loco nati esset fortunam sibi facturi vide­bantur.

Observations on the Life of the Lord Rich.

HE must needs be preferred, who was so rich­ly descended and nobly allied, as to shew at Court upon his first appearance sixty Noblemen and Knights of his Relation, and a hun­dred and fifty thousand pound a year revenue a­mong his Friends. He was more beholding to the Temple for his Law, then to the Universities for his Learning. His severe and active Nature aspi­ring above the pedantiqueness of a Scholar, to the usefulness of a Statesman: I could never endure (saith he) those studies that furnish me onely with unactive thoughts and useless discourse, that teach me onely to think and speak.

His staid and solid parts commended him to Cromwel, and Cromwel recommended him to King Henry the Eighth: He was Solicitor-General to His Majesty, and Steward to his Master: Cromwel was the Mawl and Rich the Hammer of Abbeys: He laid open to the Monks their faults, and his Master made use of it to force them to a surrendry: For as he said, when those religious Societies saw they had faults enough discovered to take away their Lands, they had wit enough to give them up. His Counsels overthrew Popery, and his Deposition cut off Sir Thomas More: for being sent to Sir Thomas, after much discourse with him, he ask­ed him this subtle Question, Whether be would ac­knowledge the King supreme Head if it were enjoyned [Page 174] by an Act of Parliament? Sir Thomas asked him [...] again, If the Parliament enacted that God should [...] be Lord, whether he should consent to it? And those words undid him. He saw that the Protestant Re­ligion was the interest of England, as well as the Doctrine of Scripture; and therefore he carried it on in point of policy, as Archbishop Cranmer di [...] in point of conscience. King Henry the eighth ad­mired his distinct reasoning, and stayed judgement and Queen Anne Bullen was taken with his grace [...] cloquence, and ingenious discourses: In the morn­ing his plyant soul, that could answer all the turn­ings and windings of business, was as reserved and solid as that of a demure States-man; in the even­ing, as cheerful and merry as that of a Debona [...] Courtier. He was the wisdome of the Court in the Presence, and its wit in the Closet; its Oracle there, and its pleasure here.

King Henry the eighth made him one of his L [...] ­gators, and King Edward the sixth one of his Council: Under him he carried on the Protestant Religion in point of conscience, which others ma­naged in point of interest. He designed the de­grees of the Reformation, and he set out its me­thod, then whom none more zealous in things ne­cessary, none more moderate in things indiffe­rent. Active he was, but wary; stirring, but cautious. To him the Reformers resorted in point of Law, as to Cranmer and Ridley in point of Reli­gion. Such his Prudence, that the Protector made him his Friend; such his Integrity, that the King made him Chancellour: where his Decrees were just, his Dispatches quick, his Judgements speedy, his Sums of Debates full and satisfactory, his Sen­tences [Page 175] irreversible; his Assistants in the Rolls, and other Courts, able and honest. None more com­plyant to Reason, none more stiff in things against Reason: He would do any thing for King Edward the sixth's interest, nothing for Duke Dudley's am­bition; therefore he observing the course of Af­fairs, would rather resigne his Place, then his Inte­grity: when he could not with a safe conscience keep it, he with a contented minde parted with it; being honoured with the Barony of Leez, and en­riched with the Western Abbies; it being the Pru­dence of that time to interest the Nobility in the Papal Revenues, that so they might be engaged a­gainst the Authority.

R. Rich Lord Chancellour, (saith my Author) then living in Great St. Bartholomews, though out­wardly concurring with the rest, began now secret­ly to favour the Duke of Somerset, and sent him a Letter, therein acquainting him with all passages at the Council-board, subscribing the same (either out of haste or familiarity) with no other Directi­on save To the Duke; enjoyning his servant, a new Attendant, as newly entred into his Family, safely to deliver it. The man made more haste then good speed; and his Lord wondring at his quick return, demanded of him where the Duke was when he de­livered him the Letter: In the Charter-house, (said the servant) on the same token that he read it at the Window, and smiled thereat. But the Lord Rich smiled not at the Relation, as sadly sensible of the mistake, and delivery of the Letter to the Duke of Norfolk, no great friend of his, and an utter ene­my to the Duke of Somerset.

Wonder not if this Lord rose early up the next [Page 176] morning, who may be presumed not to have slept all night: He hieth to the Court; and having gotten admittance into the Bedchamber before the This story is related from the mouth of his Grandchild the Earl of Warwick that last was. King was up, fell down on his knees, and desired that his Old Age might be eased of this burthen▪ some Office; pleading that there ought to be some preparatory intervals in States-men between their temporal business and their death: in order to which, he desired to retire to Essex, there to at­tend his own Devotions. Nor would he rise from the ground till the King had granted his Request. And thus he saved himself from being stripped by o­thers, by first pulling off his own cloaths, who o­therwise had lost his Chancellours place for reveal­ing the secrets of the Council-board.

There are few places so impregnable, but Nature hath left in them some place or other by which they may be taken: none being armed at all points so well, but there is some way left whereby he may be surprized. He is the strongest that hath fewest ac­cesses. He was a wise man that said, Delay hath undone many for the other world, Haste hath un­done more for this, Time well managed saves all in both.

But there is a Wheel in things, which undoeth all those that have not a Wheel that answereth it in their Souls; I mean a great capacity to comply and close with those grand Vicissitudes that with small and unobserved circumstances turn round the World, which this great Man was Master of, who had his eye upon the turns, flexures and poynts of things and business, and his state and interest ready to correspond: He knew when to proceed, when to make a stand, and when to retire. It's said of [Page 177] Grandees, That they are the first that finde their own Griefs, and the last that finde their faults: Our Lord was quick in both, and hath taught us this, That certainly men of great fortunes are strangers to themselves; and while they are in the puzzle of business have no time to tend the welfare either of Body or Soul; and that they must withdraw from this world, before they retire into another: For, Illi mors gravis incubat, qui notus nimis omnibus, ignotus moritur sibi.

There are no more Remarques of this Noble Per­sonage, than that he was the Father of this Apoph­thegme, Well done, if warily; and Great Grand-father to the present Earl of Warwick.

Observations on the Life of Sir John Mason.

HE had his Birth at Abingdon, and his Educa­tion at Oxford: His Birth commended him to All-Souls, and his Breeding to the Court: His Study was like his Inclination, rather active then contemplative, his present thoughts foreseeing and providing for his future Employ­ments. But Industry and Parts may prepare a man, it is opportunity and occasion that must advance him; and never had a man fairer opportunity, ne­ver made a man better use of it.

None but Mr. Mason would the University pitch upon, to complement Henry the Eighth; none but Mr. Mason could please him, although he was as great a Scholar as he was a King, and as much an Hu­morist as both: as he was inclined, so he studied; as [Page 178] he studied, so he writ; not with a Pedants imperti­nence, but a Statesmans prudence: so elegant was his Latine, that a Critick would have advanced him Professor; so various his Learning, that Cranmer would have preferred him Prebend; and yet so grave and wise the matter and composure of his speech, that the King designed him a Statesman.

When King Henry the Eighth came to Oxford, Sir John is deputed to congratulate his coming: who considering that a man cannot every day speak to Kings, contrived (saith my Author) the matter of his speech most manlike, politick and pertinent, the phrase of it polite and majestick; so that what with his comely presence, his becoming carriage, his flowing expression, his graceful elocution, he gained that applause from the Court and University, that the one was as eager to have him, as the other was loth to part with him: the University was proud of him, but King Henry commanded him, and dis­poseth of him in forreign parts, to adde practi [...] experience to his speculative studies: It was the ex­cellent way of that time, to pick out the choice youths of both Universities, and maintain then some years abroad, to make such Observations as might render them serviceable at home.

Dwelt with Books he had long enough, now he must converse with men, and open his recluse and retired soul, to a practicable and social temper, by debonairness and freedom, too long mewed up with study and melancholy: Think and speak he could very well already, now he must learn to act and live: Books furnished, Travel must enlarge and settle his soul.

Four things made a Statesman in those dayes:

• [Page 179]1. The University and good Letters.
• 2. The City and Converse.
• 3. The Court and Freedom of spirit.
• 4. Travel and Observation.

It was the politick Discipline of those days to select (saith mine Author) the pregnancies of either Ʋni­versity, and breed them in forreign parts for publick Employments. Agreeable whereunto, Mr. Mason is sent beyond sea with Instructions to guide him, and a Pension to support him: With Order,

1. To keep exact correspondence with the Secre­tary at home.

2. To entertain 1. the most eminent Scholar, who might represent the Church: 2. the ripest Under­secretary, who might decipher to him the [...]tate: 3. the ablest Souldier and Seaman, that might open to him the Interest of both Nations.

3. To take an exact account of the Havens, Forts, Cities, Avenues, Passages, Ways, Treasure and In­terest of the place he lives in.

4. To follow the respective Embassadors Dire­ctions in every Court.

5. To appear in each place upon any solemnity, Civil or Military, suitable to the occasion, all charges to be defrayed from the English Exchequer.

His Pension was two hundred and twenty pounds a year; his Circuit wa [...] France, the Netherlands and Italy; his Commission was to engage any knowing person of those respective Courts that could tran­scribe their Edicts or Orders, give exact Intelli­gence, make any Interest, or had any influence up­on their respective Governments: His Rules were,

1. To correspond with his Majesties Agents.

[Page 180] 2. To have few and choice Acquaintance.

3. To make Collections of, and Observations upon the Histories, the Laws, Customs, and the most considerable Statesmen, Governours, and Great men, with their Relations and Dependencies in those Courts.

4. To give a monthly account of such Re­marques as occurred, at large to the Secretary, and in brief to the King and Cardinal.

His first undertaking was in France, where his Gravity was too severe, beyond the dalliances of that place. His next was to Italy, where he shewed as great a reach in countermining, as the inhabi­tants of that place do in managing their plot: None designs (saith the Character) further off then the Ita­lian: None seeth (said Sir Tho. Audley) further off then Sir John Mason. His last voyage was to Spain, where he out -grav'd the Don Himself, and then re­turned with the Italians quickness, the Spaniards staidness, the Frenchmans Ayr, the Germans Reso­lution, and the Dutchmans Industry: Qualities that demonstrated he understood other Countreys, and could serve his own.

There this pregnant Gentleman being at some distance, could look more inwardly into the Con­stitution, Situation, Interest, State and Complexi­on of his own Countrey; and being near, could discern those of other parts with the mutual aspect of England upon them, and theirs upon it. They that lived in those times say that none understood the affairs of England and France, together with their mutual advantages or disadvantages, better than Sir John Mason.

He that had seen the mysteries of four Courts, [Page 181] might be trusted with those of one, as he was in King Henry the Eighth's time, in the capacity of a Privy Counsellour; and in Edward the Sixth's, in the Trust of chief Secretary. At the Board, none clearer in his Proposals; in his Office, none quicker for Dispatch: Let me hear Sir John Mason, said the King; Let us to Sir John Mason, said the Subjects: so much the reputation of his prudent integrity with the one, and of his familiar access with the other!

Four things he said kept him in, under all the Re­volutions, during the four Princes Reigns whom he served:

• 1. That he thought few Things would save a man.
• 2. That he was always intimate with the exact­est Lawyer, and ablest Favourite.
• 3. That he spake little, and writ less.
• 4. That he had attained to something which each party esteemed serviceable to them, and was so mo­derate, that all thought him their own.

When a compleat man, he was called home, to be first Clerk of the Council, a place of great Trust; secondly, Secretary of State, a place of great Em­ployment; thirdly, Master of the Requests, an Of­fice of great Dispatch and Business; and fourthly, Treasurer of the Houshold, an Employment of con­stant care.

No Age wanted an able man more, no Age had one more willing to secure the Universities, than that which chose him to be Chancellour of Oxford, at the same time that his Prince made him Treasu­rer of the Houshold. Sacriledge it self then gaping after the University-Lands, durst not tempt so ho­nest [Page 182] a Man, nor perswade so great a Scholar, nor fright so resolute a Statesman to betray or yeild up those ancient Encouragements of Learning and Ver­tue. Loth was Oxford to part with him when a Scholar, glad to entertain him a Statesman, with a power to protect her, well tempered with Obliga­tions to love her; he who is now the Father being lately the Son; maintained by a part of it, as he now maintained the whole. That was a scrambling time, when it was catch who catch can. I finde not any particular favour conferred, or benefaction be­stowed by him in person on the University; but this great good he did, That his Greatness kept others from doing any harm. Many hungry Cour­tiers had hopes to catch Fish, (and Fish it would be, whatever came into their Nets) on this turning of the tide, and alteration of Religion: How easie was it for covetousness in those times to quarrel the Colledge-Lands into superstition! Sacriledge stood ready to knock at their Gates; and alas! 'twas past their Porter's power to forbid it enterance, had not Sir John Mason vigorously opposed it, and assisted the University on all occasions.

He inciteth them to the study of the Tongues; because sensum alicujus rei non potest ille assequi qui rudis est Idiomatis quo traditur: and directed the reading of Aristotle, Agricola, Melanc [...]bon, &c. in­stead of Scotus, Burleus, Bricot: calling for all their Charters, Donations, Satutes, Popes Bulls, with an exact Rental of their Lands, and Inventory of their Goods, which were restored intire and safe.

The University, that could not enjoy his presence, craves his protection; and foreseeing in the fall of Abbeys, their danger, especially when Foundati­ons [Page 183] erected for superstition were given by statute to the King, chose Sir John Mason their Chancellour, who was at once a Favourite of Power and of Lear­ning; the greatest Lay-Statesman that was a Scho­lar, and the greatest Scholar that was a Lay-States-man: He was not contented to secure, but he must improve Oxford, gaining it New Priviledges, when it feared the loss of its old ones.

A grave and reserved man he was, who under­stood the Intrigues and Motions of those dark and uncertain times, and his nimble and present Pru­dence could accommodate them. His Maxime was, Do, and say nothing: Commending the active and close man, whose performances were as private, coherent, continued and suddain as his counsels; who would not spend that time in advising, that would serve for executing: Many were his pensions to Scholars at home, more to Agents abroad that assisted either his studies or employments, whom he designed an honour to his middle, and a support to his old age. He had a peculiar way of satisfying suiters by plain dealing and dispatch: he would di­vide all suits either into matter of Equity, or a suit of Controversie; or into matter of Desert, or a suit of Petition: In the first he had his Referrendaries, to see the matter compounded between both Par­ties, rather then carried by either: In the second, he preferred all suitably to their Abilities. No man understood better the nature of Court-places than he, and none saw further into Court-Persons.

Two things, he said, always promoted a mat­ter:

• 1. Secresie: (Boasting, which is the way of some Courtiers, though it discourageth some [Page 184] Competitors, yet it awakeneth Others.)
• 2. Timing of it, with an Eye to those about us.

He would advise a Man to begin with a little and mean suit: For though (as my Lord Bacon observes) iniquum petas & aquum feras, is a good Rule, where a man hath strength of favour; yet otherwise a man had better rise in his suit: For he that would have ventured at first to have lost his Suitor, will not in the conclusion lose both the Suitor and his own former Fa­vour.

It's from him, while he lived, that we learned Celerity is the best Secresie; Prudence and Re­solution is the onely Fortune; Converse is the great Education; Boldness a mans surest Suc­cess; Good Nature is the eminent Nobility; and a well-weighed Honesty the onely Favou­rite.

It's by him, when he died, we are taught that Moderation out-lasts Violence, Modesty Ambition, a Publique Spirit a Private One: That to act alone may be as Profitable as Honour­able, but to joyn with others, most safe: That to study the nature of a Prince, may for the pre­sent advance; but to understand the Interest of his Kingdom, is always secure: The one way being as uncertain as the frail Person it depends upon, the other as sure as the lasting State it serves.

Observations on the Life of Sir Wil­liam Stamford.

SIr William Stamford was of Straffordian ex­traction; Robert his Grandfather living at Rowley in that County: but William his Fa­ther was a Merchant in London, and purchased Lands at Hadley in Middlesex, where Sir William was born August 22. 1509. He was bred to the study of our Municipal Laws; attaining so much e­minence therein, that he was preferred one of the Judges of the Common Pleas. His most learned Book of The Pleas of the Crown, hath made him for ever famous amongst men of his own Profession. There is a spirit of retraction of one to his Native County, which made him purchase Lands, and his son settle himself in Straffordshire. This worthy Judge died Aug. 28. and was buried at Hadley in this Shire, in the last year of the reign of Queen Mary, 1558.

King Iames had a Judge that would give no mo­ney, and King Henry had one that would take none. ‘There have been those Lawyers that turned the point of Law upon the Law it self; that wounded the Eagle with a feather from his own Wing, and stabbed the person of Princes with their Autho­rity; that dethroned Kings with a moot-point, and overthrowed a Government at a Reading.’ This Judge understood, that as the Law is the se­curity of the people, so Prerogative is the strength of the Law; and that that is the best temper of [Page 186] Government where Kings have so much power to do evil, that they may be able to do good.

Miserable experience hath taught us, that since power hath been wrested from Princes, that neither they nor their people can be safe, if both be not in such a way as the Law hath intrusted the publick safety and welfare; which consists in a full power belonging to the King, to secure Liberties, pre­serve Property, and protect their People in the en­joyment of the fruits of their industry, and the be­nefit of those Laws to which themselves have con­sented. He sets himself good Rules, as well to create good presidents, as to follow them; reducing things to their first institution, and observing wherein and how they have degenerated: yet still taking coun­sel of both times; of the ancienter time, what is best; and of the latter, what is fittest. He made his course regular, that men might know what to expect; but not peremptory, that Knaves might not know how to impose upon him: always ex­pressing himself well, when he digressed from his Rule. Preserve the right of his place he would, but not stir Questions of Jurisdictions; rather as­suming his right in silence, and de facto, then voice it with claims and challenges. He directed in most Affairs, but was busie in none: none readier to give, none readier to take helps and advices. His speech was more discreet then eloquent; rather particu­larly suitable to the present things and persons, then generally orderly and artificial. He could speak quick and deep too, never using many circumstan­ces, lest he were tedious; ever some, lest he were blunt: so warily did he deliver what he knew, that he was sometimes thought to know what he did [Page 187] not. He knew what might be said, so good his fan­cy; and he knew what should be thought, so great his judgement: commanding the discourse where-ever he was, by that prudence that could bring it on and off; and that variety that happily in­termingled Arguments with Tales, Reasons with Opinions, and earnest with jest. His Decrees were the Hedges of Propriety, his Dispatches cool, his Cases rightly stated; his Reports savour of Inte­grity and Prudence, of Books and Men. How dis­creetly would he moderate the rigorous circum­stances of Petty and Poenal Laws! how exactly ob­serve the designe and drift of the more fundamental and reasonable! Here no Intrigues to perplex, no Attendance to tire, no Hazards to discourage, no Checks or Delays to vex, no surreptitious advan­tages to surprize; no defeats of hopes, or falseness of friends to disappoint; no negligence of Agents, or interest of Parties to betray; no Oratory or So­phism to varnish or hide a matter: all things clear as Justice, and smooth as Integrity.

By diligence and moderation, with their gentle degrees and augmentations, and his own watchful observance, he climbed to Excellency. A man is neither good, nor rich, nor wise at once; it being a double work to be great: 1. To remove Obstru­ction, and accommodate Adversaries: 2. To watch and assume the advantage. What is longest in pro­ving, is longest declining: the Rose that buds one day, withereth the next: The Oak that is an Age a growing, is five standing. He had those lower Vertues that drew praise from the Vulgar, which he neglected, (knowing that they were more taken with appearances then realities) he had middle [Page 188] that they admired, and good men observed; he had his highest Vertues, which they perceived, and great men honoured: In a word, a fragrant fume he had, that filled all round about, and would not easily away. Although he despised the Flatterer praise, as base; and avoided the Cunnings, as dan­gerous; yet he would say of a deserved Fame, That being nothing, or but ayr at best, it doth all: for it's sufficient to breed Opinion, and Opinion brings on substance.

He observed of himself, that he came very hardly to little Riches, and very easily to great Riches: For when a mans Stock is come to that, as my Lord Verulam observes, that he can expect the prime of the Markets, and overcome those Bargains which for their greatness are few mens money, and be Partners in the Industries of younger men, he can­not but mainly increase with those two Ad­vancers of Gain, 1. Diligence; and, 2. A good Name.

He hath left these two Principles behind him for See Ep. ad Lect. Lees Plees des Coron. those of his own profession:

1. That that they should reduce every Statute to the Common Law and Custome whereon it is grounded.

2. That they should as well look into the Histo­ry of former times for the Reasons and Circum­stances of our Laws, as into their Law-books for the matter of them.

Some Lawyers assert the Subjects Liberty, and retrench the Prerogative (as too much power to be trusted for a mortal man) within the known Li­mits of Law, that so Subjects may be at a certainty [Page 189] how to square their Loyalty and Obedience. He always upheld that Prerogative, saying, That the discretion of the Scepter as Guardian for the general good of the Commonwealth, must be trusted against all Emergencies, with the management of its own might: concluding always thus; Submission is our Duty, and Confidence our Prudence. Bishop Bancroft of Oxford said in King Charles the first his time, E [...] [...]empore occubui quo mallem Episcopatus rationem co­ram Deo dare, quam Episcopatum coram bominibus exercere. Judge Stamford said in Q. Mary's time, In quae reservamur tempora! det Deus ut Magistratus rationem coram eo reddam potius quam Magistratum coram hominibus exerceam.

His Book containeth two parts; One of The Pleas of the Crown, the other of The Kings Prero­gative. In him (saith Mr. Fulbeck) there is force and weight, and no common kinde of stile; in matter very few have gone beyond him, in method none have overtaken him: in the order of his wri­ting he is smooth, yet sharp; pleasant, yet grave: and surely his method may be a Law to the Wri­ters that succeed him.

Observations on the Life of Sir John Jeffrey.

SIr Iohn Ieffrey was born in Sussex, where he left behind him a fair Estate to his Daughter. He so profited in the Study of our Municipal Law, that he was preferred secondary Judge of [Page 190] the Common Pleas, and thence advanced by Queen Elizabeth, in Michaelmas-Term, the nineteenth of her Reign, to be Lord Chief Baron of the Ex­chequer: which place he discharged for the Term of two years, to his great commendation. He le [...] one Daughter and Heir, married to Sir Edward Montague, (since Baron of Boughton) by whom he had but one Daughter, Elizabeth, married to Ro­bert Barty Earl of Lindsey, Mother to the truly ho­nourable Montague Earl of Lindsey, and Lord great Chamberlain of England. This worthy Judge di­ed in the 21 of Queen Elizabeth.

This was he who was called the Plodding Stu­dent, whose industry perfected Nature, and was perfected by experience. He read not to argue onely; for that is vanity: nor to believe and trust for that is easiness: nor to discourse; for that is i­dle: but to weigh and consider; for that is pru­dence. He had his Studies for pleasure and pri­vacy, for ornament and converse, and for judge­ment and business. To spend too much time on his Book, was sloth; to talk by Book, was affected; and to act by it, was humoursome and Scholar-like

Four things he would say helped him.

1. His Inclination: (It's a great happiness to a Eth. l. 10. c. 7. man (saith Aristotle) when his Calling is one of the [...], of those things that agree with his na­ture)

2. Method.

3. Religion, with that just and composed mind that attends it.

4. A great happiness in all the four faculties that make a Lawyer: 1. A sharp invention, and clear [Page 191] apprehension to search all the circumstances of a case propounded. 2. Judgement to examine and weigh the particulars invented and apprehended: for truth lieth in things, as Gold in Mines. 3. Me­mory to retain what is judged and examined. 4. A prompt and ready delivery of what is conceived and retained, set out with ingenuity and gravity. Oratio praesta non audax. What he said, was close and pinching, and not confident and earnest; allowing passion not to disturb either the method or delivery of his discourse, but to quicken it. To speak well and much, he said, was not the work of one man: yet if a Philosopher be eloquent, said Cicero, we must not despise him; if he be not, he must not af­fect it, so that he can comprehend in words what he conceiveth, and speak them plainly, that he may be understood. His Latine and French were Gram­matical, his Rhetorick Natural, his Logick Rea­son: The first, opened the terms; the second, pressed the vigour; the last, collected and disposed of the Axiomes, Grounds and Rules of the Law, and all prepared him for that comprehensive Pro­fession; in the ashes whereof, the sparks of all o­ther Sciences were raked up.

His gesture and habit was grave, but not affected; speaking as much to the eye, as his tongue did to the ear: (the gesture being a great discoverer of the constitution, and a great direction to business: what a man misseth in the speech, he may sometimes find in the looks) His temper was moderate and sober; a Vertue, and a seasoning of all others, atten­ded with the Lawyers gift, and that is Patience. Modest he was, but not fondly bashful; his pru­dence, and not his softness. His humility begat [Page 192] affableness; his affableness, society; that, confe­rence; conference, parts, and they acquaintance; and that, practice; and practice, experience; ex­perience, renown; and that, preferment.

Sir John's inclination was studious; his minde, constant, solid, and setled, and able to dive into the whirl-pools of that intricate and perplexed Fa­culty; his thoughts being orderly, and his conce­ptions methodical: his search comprehensive, avoid­ing Epitomes, as the banes of Learning. Nullus illi per otiam dies exit, partem noctium studiis vindicat non vacat semno, sed succumbit, & oculos vigilia fa­tigatos cadente (que) in opere detinet.

Considerable were the Parts he had, but more so the making up of those he had not: his cove­ring of his defects being of no less importance then the valuing of good Parts, which he did three ways:

• 1. By caution, ingeniously and discreetly wa­ving and putting off things improper.
• 2. By colour, making his Defects his Vertues, and his Faults his Endowments. And
• 3. By that freedom of Spirit that daunts the weakest, and prevaileth with the wisest.

He proposed to himself five things to enquire in­to, Vid. Wa­terhouse in Fortesc. de laud. Leg. Angl. in order to that compleatness he arrived un­to:

1. The ancient Maximes and Principles, or the more ancient Customs that make up the Common Law of England.

2. The Acts and Constitutions that make up its Statute-Law.

3. The particular Priviledges, Liberties, Immu­nities and Usages of Counties, Burroughs, Cities, [Page 193] &c. that doe swerve from this Law.

4. The ancient Grounds and Reasons (as far as History can direct) of all these: our Law being an exact Reason.

5. The most satisfactory explanations of the Law: 1. From Commentaries, as Bractons: 2. Abridgements, as Stathams: 3. History, as the years and terms of the Common Law: And 4. From more particular Tracts, that handled their peculiar subjects, as Fortescue, Glanvil, Britton, Fleta, Lit­tleton, which he thought not unprofitable to read, though dangerous to rely upon: (with the Lord Cooke, not liking those that stuff their mindes with wandering and masterless reports: For, as he said, they shall find them too soon to lead them to error:) Beginning with the terms of Art; and then to the matter; perusing what is antiquated, and obser­ving what is suitable to the present constitution and complexion. It's my Lord Cook's Rule, ‘That for the most part the latter Judgements and Re­solutions are the surest, and therefore fittest to season a man withal in the beginning; both for settling of his Judgement, and retaining them in memory; yet as he goeth on, out of the old field [...] must spring and grow the new Corn.’

Our Lawyers course was slow and leisurely, his reading digested and deliberate: His considerations wary, and distrust his way to knowledge. He that begins with certainties, ends in doubts; and he that begins with doubts, ends in certainties, and looketh into the bottom of things.

Upon serious and solid Books he bestowed a dou­ble reading; the one cursorily, by way of prepara­tion; and the other exact, by way of digestion.

[Page 194] Three things made him a Pleader:

• 1. Reading.
• 2. Observation.
• 3. Exercise.

And indeed, in ancient times, the Sergeants and Vid. Cok. in Littl. Prefat. Apprentices of Law did draw their own pleadings, which made them good Pleaders.

He observed the affections, the intent, the analo­gy, the validity of the Law, putting all his reading to writing; having the places he was most to han­dle in all the variety that could be, with his Rules and Maximes, as far as reading, hearing, meditati­on, conference and memory could help him.

Thus his first thoughts were upon his Profession, until that advanced him to the highest Eminence; and his last upon his Interest, until that was impro­ved to as much fortune as lieth in a well-laid Estate and Alliance.

Observations on the Life of Sir Willi­am Cordel.

SIr William Cordel, where-ever he was born, had a fair Estate at Long-Melford in Suf­folk, and lieth buried in that fair Church, under a decent Monument: We will translate his Epitaph, which will perfectly acquaint us with the great Offices he had, and good Offices he did to Posterity.

He was made Master of the Rolls November the fifth, in the fifth of Queen Mary, continuing there­in till the day of his death, the 23 of Queen Eliza­beth. Eight weeks and upwards passed between the Proclaiming of Queen Mary, and the first Parlia­ment by her assembled; during which time, two Religions were together set on foot, Protestantism and Popery; the former hoping to be continued, the latter labouring to be restored: And as the Jews Children after the Captivity spake a middle Language, betwixt Hebrew and Ashdod; so during [Page 197] the foresaid Interim, the Churches and Chappels in England had a mixt celebration of their Divine Ser­vice between Reformation and Superstition: The same day there was a Mass sung for Edward the Sixth's soul in the Tower, and the English Service for his Burial in Westminster. No small justling was there between the zealous Promoters of these con­trary Perswasions: The Protestants had the Law on their side, and the Papists the Prerogative: These the Queens Opinion, the other her Promise. Be­sides, seeing by the Fidelity of the Suffolk and Nor­folk Protestant Gentry, the Queen was much ad­vantaged Fuller Ec­cles. Hist. B. 8. Cent. 15. for the Recovery of her Right; they con­ceived it but reason that as she by them regained the Crown, so they under her should enjoy their Consciences: Thus it is in the Evening Twilight, wherein Light and Darkness at first may seem very equally matched, but the later in a little time doth wholly prevail. The Catholick canvass for the next Parliament upon the Queens credit and authority, the Reformed upon the Nations Inclination.

The Body of the Kingdom meets, and chuseth our Knight for Speaker, whose temper was a Re­presentative of the Parliament, as that is of the Kingdom: A temper made up of an equal mixture of Loyalty and Piety, that could at once stand to their Religion, and submit to their Soveraign; Ren­der to Caesar what was Caesars, and to God, what was Gods: Long did he expect that the Queen would comply with the Parliament, and as long did she stay for their compliance with her: Unite they could not unanimously among themselves, dissolved they are therefore peaceably by her.

But Cordel was too Popular to be neglected, and [Page 198] too honest to be corrupted: Useful Parts will finde Preferment, even when the Dissenting Judgement findes not Favour. The Speaker of the unhappily healing Parliament was made Master of the Rolls in Queen Maries days, and of a more happily healing one was made so in Charles the Second's Reign: The one was of that Primitive Faith that was before the Modern names of Papists and Protestants; the other of a Moderation that was elder then the new Heat [...] of Disciplinarians and Anti-Disciplinarians.

The miscarriages of Authority are chiefly six:

• 1. Del [...]y.
• 2. Faction.
• 3. Roughness.
• 4. Corruption.
• 5. Ambition. And
• 6. Private Designs.

No delay hindered: where set times of hearing were observed, access was easie, the order and me­thod of business uninterrupted. No corruption, where there durst be no suspition of it; insomuch as that it was as [...]einous to offer a Bribe to him, as to [...] it in another. Here was severity that awed men to a discontent, but no austerity that sowred them to discontent; all was smooth and grave, pleasing and becoming, yet nothing easie or soft; it being worse to yeild to importunities that are day­ly, then to be bought with money, which comes but seldom.

Vertue in Ambition is violent, but in Authority, is here, it was calm and settled. He sided with no Faction in his rise, but balanced himself by all: He had no design when he lived, but to be spent in the [...]ublique Service; and none when he died, but to [Page 199] spend himself in publick charity, a charity that is at once the continued blessing and grace of that wor­shipful Family. Cato Major would say, That wise men learn more of f [...]ls, then fools do of wise men: And King Charles the first would say, That it was wisdome in fools to jest with wise men, but madness for wise men to jest with fools: [...]nd Sir William Cordel bequeathed us this Observation, There is no man that talks, but I may gain by him; and none that holds his tongue, but I may loose by him.

Observations on the Life of Sir An­thony Cooke.

SIr Anthony Cooke, great Grandchilde to Sir Thomas Cooke Lord Mayor of London, was born at Giddy-Hall in Essex, where he fini­shed a fair House begun by his great Grandfather, as appeareth by this Inscription on the Frontispice thereof:

He was one of the Governours to King Edward the sixth when Prince, and is charactered by Mr. Cambden, Vir antiqua serenitate. He observeth Cambd. Eliz. an▪ 1576. him also to be happy in his Daughters, learned a­bove their Sex in Greek and Latine: namely,

• [Page 200]1. Mildred
• 2. Anne
• 3. Kathering
  • married unto
    • William Cecill, Lord Trea­surer of England.
    • Nicholas Bacon, Lord Chan­cellour of England.
    • Henry Killigrew,
    • Thomas Hobby,
      • Knights.
    • Ralph Rowlet,
• 4. Elizabeth
• 5.

Sir Anthony Cooke died in the year of our Lord 1576. leaving a fair Estate unto his Son, in whose name it continued till our time. Gravity was the Ballast of his Soul, and General Learning its Lead­ing. In him met the three things that set up a Fa­mily:

• 1. An Estate honestly gotten in the City.
• 2. An Education well managed in the Univer­sity. And,
• 3. Honour well bestowed at Court.

Yet he was some-body in every Art, and emi­nent in all the whole circle of Arts lodging in his soul. His Latine, fluent and proper; his Greek, critical and exact; his Philology, and Observati­ons upon each of these Languages, deep, curious, various and pertinent: His Logick, rational; his History and Experience, general; his Rhetorick and Poetry, copious and genuine; his Mathema­tiques, practicable and useful. Knowing that souls were equal, and that Women are as capable of Learning as Men, he instilled that to his Daughters at night, which he had taught the Prince in the day; being resolved to have Sons by Education, [Page 201] [...]or fear he should have none by birth; and lest he wanted an Heir of his body, he made five of his minde, for whom he had at once a Gavel-kind of [...]ffection and of Estate.

His Childrens maintenance was always according [...]o their quality, and their employment according [...]o their disposition; neither allowing them to live [...]bove their fortunes, nor forcing them against their [...]atures. It is the happiness of Forreigners, that [...]heir Vocations are suited to their Natures, and [...]hat their Education seconds their Inclination; and [...]oth byass and ground do wonders. It's the un­ [...]appiness of English-men, that they are bred ra­ [...]her according to their Estates, then their temper; [...]nd Great Parts have been lost, while their Calling [...]rew one way, and their Genius another; and [...]hey sadly say, Multum incolae fuere animae nostrae, [...]e have dwelt from home. Force makes Nature [...]ore violent in the return; Doctrine and Discourse [...]ay make it less importune; Custome may hide [...]r suppress it, nothing can extinguish it: Nature [...]en in the softer Sex runs either to Weeds or [...]erbs: careful was this good Father therefore, sea­ [...]onably to water the one, and destroy the other. [...]ch was done by his grave Rules, more by his [...]raver life, that Map of Precepts. Precepts teach, [...]ut Examples draw. Maxima debetur pueris reve­ [...]ntia, was Cato's Maxime. Three things there [...]e before whom (was Sir Anthony's saying) I can­ [...]ot do amiss: 1. My Prince; 2. My Conscience; [...]. My Children. Seneca told his Sister, That [...]ough be could not leave her a great portion, be would [...]ve her a good pattern. Sir Anthony would write [...]o his Daughter Mildred, My example is your inbe­ritance, [Page 202] and my life is your portion. His first car [...] was to embue their tender souls with a knowing▪ serious, and sober Religion, which went with the [...] to their graves. His next business was to in [...] their younger years to submission; modesty and o­bedience; and to let their instructions grow wi [...] their years. Their Book and Pen was their Recre­ation; the Musick and Dancing School, the Cou [...] and City, their accomplishment; the Needle i [...] the Closet, and House-wifry in the Hall and Kitch­ing, their business. They were reproved, b [...] with reason that convinced and checked, th [...] wrought as well an ingenious shame, as an unfeign­ed sorrow, and a dutiful fear. Fondness never lo­ved his Children, and Passion never chastised the [...] but all was managed with that prudence and discr [...] ­tion, that my Lord Seymour standing by one da [...] when this Gentleman chid his Son, said, Some [...] govern Families with more skill then others do King­domes; and thereupon commended him to the Go­vernment, of his Nephew Edward the sixth. Su [...] the Majesty of his looks and gate, that Awe gover­ned; such the reason and sweetness, that love o­bliged all his Family: a Family equally afraid [...] displease so good a Head, and to offend so great. [...] their marriage they were guided by his Reas [...] more then his Will; and rather directed by [...] Counsel, then led by his Authority. They we [...] their own portion: Parts, Beauty and Breedi [...] bestow themselves. His care was, that his Daugh­ters might have compleat Men, and that their Hus­bands might be happy in compleat Women: nev [...] promising, yet always paying a great Dowry. Their spirit and business kept them from that weak pass [...] [Page 203] of love that embaseth Mankind; their Noble con­ [...]se improved that friendly love that perfecteth [...]; and their marriage compleated that Nuptial [...]ve that makes it. He said first, and his Grand-childe my Lord Bacon after him, That the Joys of Parents are Secrets, and so are their Griefs and Fears. Children sweeten Labours, but they embitter Mis­fortunes: they encrease the care of Life, and m [...]gate the remembrance of Death. Very provi­dently did he secure his Eternity, by leaving the [...]age of his nature in his Children, and of his [...]ind in his Pupil. The Recreations he indulged were moderate, lawful, sober, becoming, useful, [...]nd seasonable: the Expences he allowed, not so il­ [...]iberal as to acquaint them with shifts, make them [...]ort with mean company, nor surfeit when they came to plenty; nor yet so prodigal, but that they were taught how to live in the world. The Books he advised were not many, but choice: the business [...]e pressed was not reading, but digesting. The King of Sweden's men were but six deep; and Sir Anthony's exercises were not thick, but methodical and armed: the Diet he prescribed, moderate: in Apparel he allowed for necessity, for decency, and in some cases for magnificence, provided that it were neither too costly, nor too vain; neither a­bove the Purse, nor beyond the Calling, nor be­sides the Estate.

Sir Anthony took more pleasure to breed up States-men, then to be one. Contemplation was his Soul, Privacy his Life, and Discourse his Ele­ment. Business was his Purgatory, and Publick­ness his torment: yet so serviceable was he in Ed­ward the sixth's time, that he was an Exile in Queen [Page 204] Mary's: An Exile, whose exemplary resolution supported Religion, whose obliging Authority maintained Peace, and whose inexhaustible charity provided for the Poor at Zuricke and Frankford. A Sussex (and not a Kentish) Knight having spent a great Estate at Court, and brought himself to on [...] Park, and a fine House in it, was yet ambitious to entertain not the Queen, but her Brother at it▪ and to that purpose had new-painted his Gates with a Coat of Arms, and a Motto overwritten, thus, OIA VANITAS, in great Golden Letters▪ Sir Anthony Cooke (and not his Son Cecil) offering to read it, desired to know of the Gentleman what he meant by OIA? who told him, it stood for O [...] ­nia. Sir Anthony replyed, Sir, I wonder having made your Omnia so little as you have, you notwith­standing make your Vanitas so large. King Edw [...] would say of his Tutors, That Rodolph the Germ [...] spake honestly, Sir John Cheeke talked merrily, D [...] Coxe solidly, and Sir Anthony Cooke weighingly: A faculty that was derived with his blood to his Grandchilde Bacon, which informs the world of this great truth, That Education doth much to­wards Parts; Industry more; Converse, Encou­ragement and Exercise, more yet; but a sound temper and nature, an wholsome blood and spirit, derived from healthful and well-constitutioned Pa­rents, doth all.

Observations on the Life of Sir Da­vid Brooke.

DAvid Brooke Knight, born at Glassenbury, Son to John Brooke Esq who was Sergeant at Law to King Henry the Eighth. Our David was also bred in the Study of our Laws, and in the first of Queen Mary was made chief Baron of the Exchequer: but whether dying in, or quitting the place in the first of Queen Elizabeth, I am not informed. He married Katharine Daughter of John Lord Chandois, but died without issue.

A Lawyer, and a Lawyers son: yet one whose Zeal for the Religion of that time advanced, rather then his Law; to serve rather his Princes interest, then his Court: that being the happy, shall I say? or unhappy time when the Soveraign and the State did often consult with Judges, and the Judges more often consult with the Soveraign and State. Yet although a particular respect raised, a general fair carriage kept him up; He observed not onely things, but times; not onely times, but persons: therefore when old Poenal Laws came before him, he confined them in the execution, that that which was made for terrour, should not be for rigour; and the Instrument of Government should not be the snare of the People. When Informers of that Court were too busie, he checked them: when violent prosecution, cunning advantages, combina­tions, power, or great counsel balanced an honest cause, he set all things even. His invention was [Page 206] good to improve his Mistresses Revenue, his con­science was as tender to diminish it. Q. Mary w [...] ready of her own inclination, but readier upon S [...] David Brookes motion, to part with the Church Profits. Patient and grave he was in hearing, spa­ring and weighty in speaking: None would direct an Evidence more orderly, none moderated the length or impertinency of Pleaders more discreet­ly: None would recapitulate, select, collate the material points of what had been said, more exact­ly; none gave judgement more satisfactorily; al­ways commending a good Lawyer that miscarried; a good way to uphold in the Client the reputation of his counsel, and beat down in him the conceit of his cause. He died with some projects in his breast for the Revenue, and some for the Law; whereof one was a composition for the Purveyan­ces, and another a regulation of the Wards: both at that time thought, till regulated, as unprofitable for the Crown, as they seemed to be burthensome to the subject. He had a close way of discovering Concealments, as he had a severe one of punishing frauds. His word was, One Law executed, is worth twenty made. None more austere in case of others wrong, none more mild in that of his own; and he would say, What is done, is done. Weak men concern themselves in what is past, while the wise take care of what is present and to come. If a man wrongeth me once, God forgive him, (saith the Italian:) if he wrongeth me the second time, God forgive me. Others may be even with their ene­mies in revenge, he would be above them in for­giveness. An enemy, I say, though otherwise to a perfidious and an unworthy friend, he was much [Page 207] of Cosmus Duke of Florence his temper, who said, You shall read that we are commanded to forgive our [...]nemies, but you never read that we are commanded [...]o forgive our friends.

Many have inveighed against Usury, none have done more against it then this Knight; who if he [...]ad lived, was resolved to reduce it to these Rules.

1. That it should be declared unlawful.

2. Being declared so, if any practised it, (as men must do, or Traffick will fall) that there should be a penalty upon the Usurer, which might amount to an Excise or Custome that would arise from that money if employed in merchandize.

3. That yet if any exacted above five in the hun­dred, they should loose the Principal. A rate that on the one hand would keep up the necessary Com­merce of Lending and Borrowing among the Old [...]nd the Idle, and yet direct men to that more ne­ [...]ssary of buying and improving Land, and other Commodities that are more industrious and inge­ [...]ious.

4. That none yet presume this, but in some principal places of Merchandizing: for then (as my Lord Bacon hath projected it) they will hardly be able to colour other mens moneys in the Coun­try: for no man will lend his money far off, or put it into unknown hands.

Or, Lastly, That there be no money lent out upon terms but to the State, which may make its advantage of it.

Indeed, considering on the one hand that Usury [Page 208] decayeth the Kings Custome, bringeth money to few hands, damps Industry and Invention, beats down the price of the Land, and by eating up pri­vate Estates breeds a publick Poverty: It were to be wished it were forbidden. And on the other, That Borrowers trade most; that, No Usury, no young Merchants; that, Without Usury men must sell their Estates at under-Rates, more sad then Usu­ry; that, No borrowing, no living; no Usury, no borrowing: It were wished it were regulated, so that the inconveniences of it were avoided, and the advantages retained, and Extortion be checked, as Traffick is encouraged.

Thus he that hath no private care, advanceth the publick Good, and the childeless man is most thoughtful for Posterity: Certainly the best Works and of greatest Merit for the Publique, have pro­ceeded from the unmarried, or the childless man; who both in Affection and Means have married and endowed the Publique: He that hath Wife and Children hath given Hostages to Fortune: For they are Impediments either to Vertue or Mis­chief.

A fat man in Rome riding always upon a very lean Horse, being asked the Reason thereof, answered, That he fed himself, but he trusted others to feed his Horse. Our Judge being asked what was the best way to thrive; said, Never do any thing by another, that you can do by your self.

Observations on the Life of Doctor Thomas Wilson.

THomas Wilson born in Lincolnshire, was Do­ctor of Laws, bred Fellow of Kings Col­ledge in Cambridge, and afterwards was Tutor in the same University to Henry and Charles Brandon, successively Dukes of Suff [...]lk. Under Queen Elizabeth he was made Master of the Hospi­tal of St. Katharine's nigh the Tower of London. At last he became Secretary of State to the Queen for four years together. He died Anno 15

He had the breeding of Courtiers so long, until he was one himself: At once reading Machiavel for my Lord Burleigh's Instruction, and observing it for his own use. His Parents designed him for study, his Nature for business. His presence assisted his in­clination, and his complaisance his presence; and his good Nature, both: A good Nature that would have spoiled a Politician in any other but Doctor Wilson, whose Wisdom was the largeness of his Soul, not the narrowness of a shift. He had that compre­hensive and penetrating judgement, that he could at once shew the greatest prudence in laying his de­sign, and the greatest Integrity in managing it, as rather securely knowing than warily close. ‘But he that is onely real, had need have exceeding great Parts of Vertue; as the Stone had need be rich; that is set without foil: Therefore He was something a Courtier: There are small matters that win great commendation, because they are [Page 210] continually in use; whereas the occasion of any great action cometh but on festivals, and it is e­nough to attain so much ceremony and courtship not to despise it.’ He had a way of conveying effectual and imprinting passions among comple­ments, suitable to persons and business: He had his familiarity to Inferiours, that made him not cheap: his state among Equals, that made him not envied: and his observance to Superiours, that made him no Flatterer: His Behaviour like a well-made suit, not too streight, or point devise, but justly measu­red, and free for exercise or motion. He had a slow but a sure way to honour, which was nothing else in him but a discovery of his Vertues and Worth upon any occasion without any disadvantage.

It was his Interest as well as his Gift, to be more learned then witty, more reverend then plausible, more considerate then active. His thoughts were as his inclination, grave; his discourse as his reading, subtle; his action as his Education, well weighed, re­gular as his temper, even and smooth as custom, and resolved as a habit gotten in that advancement of Vertue, A well-disciplined Society; where Example teacheth, Company comforteth, Emulation quick­neth, Glory raiseth. None had a more skilful method to sway Nature in others, none more pru­dent minutes and seasonable degrees to check it in himself: His Rule being, Never to practise any thing until perfect: for so he might exercise his weakness as well as his abilities, and induce one habit of both.

Three things he aimed at:

• 1. The search of Truth by Industry.
• 2. The attainment of it by Apprehension.
• [Page 211] 3. The enjoyment of it by Assent.

He is a happy man that is above the troubled and confused Regions of Opinions, Fancies, Prepossessi­ons, in that clear and undisturbed one of Truth and Reality: Though yet my Lord Verulam observeth, That if there were taken out of mens mindes vain opi­nion, flattering hope, false valuations and imaginati­ons, as one would, and the like, &c. it would leave the mindes of a number of poor men poor shrunken things, full of melancholy and indisposition, and unpleasing to themselves.

Neither took he greater pleasure in knowing than in relating and doing what is true, sound and plain, without those crooked courses that shew a creeping rather then a raised nature; and, as Mr. Mount aigne observes, is a bravery and facing of God, and a shrinking from and being coward before man.

He said, what all great men know, That he was six times a Slave:

• 1. To Himself and his Inclination, till he had ad­vanced Reason.
• 2. To the World and its Insolence, till he had improved his Fortune.
• 3. To his Pupils and their Tempers, till he un­derstood their Genius.
• 4. To Fame and its Reports, till he was known in the World.
• 5. To his Soveraigns and their Humours, till he found their Interest. And
• 6. To his Business, till he had attained Experi­ence.

Thus it is with all Grandees, who exchange their power over themselves for that over others, and with great pains come to greater.

[Page 212] Two things he wished when called to the world, Power and Resolution. A naked Man is contem­ptible, (for it's Power that begets Fear, it's Fear that makes Gods, and rules the world) an easie Man is useless: a facile-natured man may be a good Companion for a private person, but no Servant to a Prince: Remissness and Connivance are the ru­ines of unsetled Governments. The Game of Au­thority will not admit of too open a play.

In a word, he was one that knew the resorts and falls of business, though he could not sink into the main of a matter; being one that packed the Cards better then he played them.

Three things compleated this Secretary:

• 1. Quick dispatch and industry.
• 2. Constant intelligence and correspondence.
• 3. A large and strong memory.

Queen Elizabeth would needs at first favour my Lord of Leicester against the Earl of Sussex, which this Doctor and my Lord Burleigh disswaded upon this account, Because if she who should be the common Mother of all, inclined to one party, and leaned to a side, the Ship of the Commonwealth would be as a Boat overturned by too much weight on the one side, and too little on the other. Take heed (said the Royal Martyr to his Son our Sove­raign) of abetting any Faction, or applying to any publick Discrimination: your partial adhering as head to any one side, gains you not so great advantages in some mens hearts, (who are prone to go on in the Kings way) as it looseth you in others, who think themselves first despised, and then persecuted by you. Take such a course as may either with calmness and charity quite remove the seeming differences and offences by impar­tiality; [Page 213] or so order affairs in point of power, that you shall not need to fear or flatter any faction: for if ever you stand in need of them, or stand to their courtesie, you are undone.

His Place called upon him to suppress with seve­verity such seditious reflexions upon the State, as came to his knowledge: but his inclination was to dissipate them with connivance and contempt. To be opposed, renders a Faction considerable; to he despised, (and watched) ridiculous: To go about to stop the first appearances of sedition, is (saith my Lord Bacon) but to make a wonder long-lived.

His knack was a politick and artificial nourishing and entertaining of hopes; and keeping men in sus­pense is one of the best Antidotes against the poy­son of discontent: it being observed by the foresaid States-man, to be a certain signe of a wise Govern­ment & Proceedings, to hold mens hearts by hopes, when it cannot by satisfaction; and when it can handle things in such manner, as no evil shall appear so peremptory, but that it hath some out-let of hope: which is the easier done, because both par­ticular persons and factions are apt enough to fiat­ter themselves, or at least to boast what they be­lieve not.

In a word, although he made not so much noyse as other men, yet he as effectually promoted the three main Supporters of this Nation, 1. Its Na­tive Commodities, 2. Its Artificial Manufactures, 3. Its Vecture and Carriage; and so died with that content and resolution, that they do who are over­taken by Fate in the pursuit of great Actions, and publick Designes.

Observations on the Life of Sir John Portman.

JOhn Portman Knight, was born of wealthy and worshipful Extraction at Portman's Orchard in Somersetshire, a fair Mannor, which descended to him by inheritance, the Heir of the Orchard being match'd into his Family. He was bred in the study of the Common Law; attaining to such eminency therein, that June 11. 2 of Queen Ma­ry, he was made Chief Justice of the Kings Bench, continuing two years in the place, and dying therein for ought I finde to the contrary; and a Baronet of his Name and Linage flourisheth at this day with a great and plentiful Estate. No doubt but he died in his place, there being none of those things that car­ry disgrace and downfal with them, incident to him.

For the first thing that ruines a Courtier, is a boasting of his own service; and then our Knight, The things that over­throw a Favourite. none more modest.

The second, is an undutiful observation of our Princes actions; and none more faithful and meek.

The third, is the revealing or abusing of secrets; and none more reserved and civil.

The fourth thing, is either provoking the Nobi­lity against himself, or dividing them among them­selves: he was too wise for the one, his designe be­ing rather alliance then quarrel, to adde interest to his Estate, and honour to his Riches; and too quiet for the other. Many have an Opinion not wise, (saith that Oracle) that for a Prince to govern his [Page 215] Estate, or for a great Person to guide his Proceedings, according to the respect of factions, is a principal part of policy: whereas contrarywise, the chiefest wisdome is either in ordering those things that are general, and wherein men of several factions do nevertheless agree; or in dealing with, or correspondence to particular per­sons one by one. Mean men in their rising must ad­here; but Great men that have strength in themselves, were better to maintain themselves indifferent and neutral.

The fifth particular that pulleth down a man, is a misunderstanding of his own interest, or the Prin­ces: Our Judge understood both, being equally made up of The first of these lo­ved Alex­anders in­terest, the other his person. Craterus and Haephestion, faithfulness and compliance.

The sixth, is the hatred of the many, (whom this persons integrity always obliged, there being no herd more feral then an enraged multitude) or the envy of the great, whom his wariness disobliged not; it being more fatal to incense a Favourite who would be above all affronts by his greatness, then a Prince who is so by Law.

The seventh misfortune, is to be too much con­cerned in the secrets of Princes; wherewith Sir William never meddled without assistants, never a­cted without a Warrant.

The eighth, is unsuccessful Counsel; and our Knight went the safe and middle way, neither to be feared nor envied, which he was always present to second, prosecute or correct, as he saw most cause.

His sharp and sound judgement to distinguish Persons, Affairs, and other Circumstances, and ac­cordingly how to order the manner of his Procee­dings, [Page 216] was much; his well-weighed and wary, though quick apprehension and experience from Men and Books, more; his particular memory, and its minute observation for his conduct and busi­ness, most of all. His care of vain and idle Prepos­sessions balanced his soul, his temper managed it: his love was choice and cautious; his hope moderate and knowing; his confidence slow, but certain; his desires and joys allayed and checked, or quickened by the edge of his anger, or the caution of his fear; and all sedate with his foresight.

Nature did this person some wrong in his Body, but made him amends in his Soul: the fails of the One, are foils to set off the Other: the first comes off with more Glory, by the pully and defect of the second: Besides that the unkindness of Nature puts men often upon being eminent in Art; that the happiness of this, may divert men from observing the unhappiness of that.

But of all the Vertues his constant and growing Soul raised him to, this was one, That he durst not entertain a Gift, which (as he said) conquers both the foolish and the wise: which in publick places it is a Vice to accept, and not a Vertue to offer: It being a snare rather then a favour.

His next was Diligence: Neglect wastes a man as insensibly as Industry improves him: We need no more but sit still, and Diseases will arise onely for want of exercise. Man's a Watch that must be look­ed to and wound up every day: the least incurious­ness steals to improficiency or offence, which de­greeingly weighs us down to extremity: Diligence alone is a fair Fortune, and Industry a good Estate.

[Page 217] There are five mens Activities that raise to E­states:

• 1. The Divine to a small, but an honest one.
• 2. The Physitian to a competency, but uncer­tain.
• 3. The Courtier to a great one, and an honou­rable.
• 4. The Citizen to a large one, but not last­ing. And
• 5. The Lawyer to one large, and firm too.

Seldome doth his Family fail, who is sure to tye his Estate to his Childe by an Entayl, and his Childe to his Estate by an Education and an Employment. When we observe the several alterations in Gen­try, we finde four principal Actors on the Theatres of great Families▪ the Beginner, the Advancer, the Continuer, and the Ruiner.

1. The Beginner, who by his Vertues refineth himself from the dross of the Vulgar, and layeth the foundation of his house.

2. The Advancer, who improveth it.

3. The Continuer, who conveyeth it to his Po­sterity as he received it from his Ancestors.

4. The Ruiner, that degenerates from his Fa­thers. Our Judge began not, but advanced that excellent Family, whose original I cannot finde, so ancient it is; and whose end I hope none will see, it is so noble.

Observations on the Life of William Howard.

WIlliam Howard, son to Thomas Howard, second of that Surname Duke of Nor­folk, was by Queen Mary created Ba­ron of Effingham in Surrey, and by her made Lord Admiral of England; which place he discharged with credit. He was one of the first Favourers and Furtherers with his Purse and Countenance of the strange and wonderful discovery of Russia. He di­ed anno Don [...]. 1554.

This Noble Person had his plainness from his Fa­ther, his ingenuity from his Mother, his experi­ence by Travel and Navigation: his Blood endear­ed him to his Soveraign, and his Abilities advanced him to her service: He promised no less to his Mi­stress, then his Father and Uncle had performed to her Father. The Ancestors merit is security for Posterities, who will hardly forfeit that favour with one act of their own unworthiness, that was gained by so many of their Predecessors service. Like a well-drawn picture this Lord had his eye on all round: on his Queen, to be faithful; on his Country, to be publick-spirited; on his Family, to be honourable; on the present Age, to be active; and on the future, to be renowned.

The old Lord Burleigh, sometime Treasurer of England, coming to Cambridge with Queen Eli­zabeth when he was led into the publick Schools, and had much commended their convenience, [Page 219] beauty and greatness, together with their Founder Humphrey the good Duke of Glocester; Yea, marry, (said he) but I finde one School wanting in our Ʋni­versities, and that is the School of Discretion When Private Tutors had initiated, Publick Schools had seasoned, and the University had improved this Gentlemans sprightly and noble Parts; yet did his Father observe one great defect in his Education, and that i [...] Discretion; Discretion in Carriage, for which he sent him to Court; Discretion in busi­ness, for which he sent him to travel and fight. Not long had he been abroad to furnish himself with experience, but he is called home to e [...]noble him­self with action. The Alvaes of Spain were for four Generations together Commanders by Land, and the Howards of England for as many, Admirals at Sea. None ever had more Power, none used less then he: The more Authority he had allowed him over others, the more Command he obtained over himself.

Twice did he mortgage his Estate for his follow­ers Pay; many times did he venture his Life for their encouragement. None directed more skil­fully and yet none acted more resolutely. Equally did he divide the profit, equally share the honour with his followers, who under him never dared, and never feared a danger. Manners make a man, saith the Courtier; Money makes a man, saith the Citizen; Learning makes a man, saith the Scholar: but Conduct makes a man, saith the Souldier. This Lords spirit never put him on so forwardly, but his wariness took care how to come off as safely. He that fights should despair, but he that commands should hope. The Souldier among the Persians [Page 220] is drawn with his eyes before him, and the General with his behinde him. Young men in the manage of Affairs embrace more then they can hold, stir more then they can quiet, flee to the end without consideration of the means and degrees; pursue some few principles, and extream remedies they have chanced upon rashly, which they will neither con­fess nor reform. Old men object too much, con­sult too long, adventure too little, repent too soon, and seldome pursue things home to their full peri­od. My Lord was an happy composition of both himself, and had of either about him, that the coldness and wariness of Age might correct the heat of Youth, and the Activity of Younger might be directed by the Experience of Riper Ones: The one gave Authority, and the other Life to his A­ctions. He himself was better to invent then to judge, fitter for Action then Counsel, and readier for new Projects then for setled business. The Lord Clinton's Prudence served him in old and usual mat­ters, but in new things abused him: My Lord How­ard's was quick for present Emergencies, but not comprehensive of ordinary transactions. Of the three Admirals of those times, we may say as they did of the France, Spain and England. three Kingdomes, Lisle was wise be­fore the Action, my Lord Howard in it, my Lord Clinton after it.

England without a freedome of commerce, was but a larger Prison: others opened the Trade to the Indies, to Asia, and other parts of the world; but we wanted the Hemp, the Flax, the Pitch, the Fur, and the other useful Commodities of Russia, serviceable to our selves, and more to our Ships. His Purse in this case did much, his Direction more, [Page 221] his servant Jenkinson most of all, who made curious observa [...]ions of Russia, set forth a Geographical de­scription of it, and was the first of the English, that sailed through the Caspian Sea. With his assistance the Muscovia Company was set up in Queen. Ma­ries days; and with his servants it obtained the Priviledge of sole Traffick into the Northern Parts of Russia in Elizabeth's.

Nihil habet fortuna magna majus, nec natura bona Cicero. melius quam ut [...]elit bene-facere quam plurimis.

Observations on the Life of Sir Ed­ward Mountague.

‘ EDward Mountague, Son of Thomas Moun­tague, born at Brigstock in Northampton-shire, was bred in the Inner Temple in the study of the Laws, until his ability and inte­grity advanced him Lord Chief Justice of the Kings Bench, in the Thirtieth of Henry the Eighth. He gave for his Motto, Aequitas Justitiae Norma: And although Equity seemeth rather to resent of the Chancery than the Kings Bench, yet the best Justice will be Wormwood without a mixture thereof.’

‘In his times though the golden showers of Ab­bey-Lands rained amongst greatmen, it was long before he would open his lap, (scrupling the ac­ception of such Gifts) and at last received but little, in proportion to Others of that Age.’

‘In the thirty seventh of King Henry the Eighth he was made Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, [Page 222] a descent in Honour, but ascent in Profit; it be­ing given to old Age, rather to be thrifty then ambitious: Whereupon he said, I am now an old man, and love the Kitchin before the Hall; the warmest place best suiting with my Age.’

‘In drawing up the Will of King Edward the Sixth, and settling the Crown on the Lady Jane, for a time he swam against the tide and torrent of Duke Dudley, till at last he was carried away with the stream.’

‘Outed of his Judges Office in the first of Queen Mary, he returned into Northampton-shire; and what contentment he could not finde in Westmin­ster-hall, his Hospital-hall at Bough [...] afforded him. He died Anno 1556. and lieth buried in the Parish Church of Weekely.’

His well-managed Argument in Dodderidge his Case, brought him to Cromwel's knowledge, who was vexed with his Reason, but well pleased with his Parts. Cromwel's recommendation and his own modest nature set him up with Henry the Eighth, who could not endure two things: 1. A Lawyer that would not be guided: 2. A Divine that would not be taught. Yet as modest as he was, he was ho­nest; and though he would submit to the Kings Power, yet would he act by his Law: For his Apo­phthegm was, Meum est Jus dicere, potius quam Jus dare: It's my duty to interpret rather then give Law.

He never denied or delayed Justice; always dis­couraging those cunning Laws that perplexed a Cause, those contentious Clients that delayed a suit, and those nice Cummin- [...]eed men that strained in­ferences, and wrested constructions.

[Page 223] Patient, stayed and equal he was in hearing, grave in speaking, pertinent in interrogating, wary in ob­serving, happy in remembring, seasonable and civil in interposing. The Counsel durst not chop with him, neither would he chop with the Counsel, unless he defended his cause over-boldly, urged indiscreet­ly, informed slightly, neglected gro [...]ly, renewed the debate unseasonably, or ensnared his Adversaries cunningly; in those and other the like cases, he would do the Publique Right by a check, and the Person by an admonition.

Six sorts of persons he discountenanced in his Courts:

1. The scandalous Exactors.

2. The slie shifters, that, as that Chancellour observed, pervert the plain and direst courses of Courts, and bring Justice into oblique Lines and Labyrinths.

3. Those that engaged Courts in quarrels of Ju­risdiction.

4. Those that made suits.

5. Those that hunted men upon Poenal Sta­tutes.

6. Those that appeared in most Testimonies and Juries.

His Darling was, The honest Clerk, who was ex­perienced in his place, obliging in his carriage, knowing in Presidents, cautious in Proceedings, and skilful in the affairs of the Court.

Two things he promoted in King Henry's days:

• 1. The Law against Gaming. And
• 2. The Order against Stews.

[Page 224] And two in King Edward's:

• 1. That Act against spreading of Prophecies.
• 2. That Statute against embasing of Coyn.

But King Edward's Testament and the Duke [...] Northumberland's Will is to be made: The piou [...] Intentions of that King wishing well to the Refor­mation, the Religion of Queen Mary obnoxious to exception, the ambition of Northumberland who would do what he lifted, the weakness of Suffol [...] who would be done with as the other pleased, the flattery of the Courtiers most willing to comply▪ designed the Crown for the Lady Jane Grey. Mr. Cecil is sent for to London, to furnish that Will with Reason of State; and Sir Edward to Sergeants In [...], to make it up with Law. He according to the Let­ter sent him, went with Sir Jo. Baker, Justice Brom­ley, the Attorney and Solicitor-General to Green­wich, where his Majesty before the Marquess of Northampton declaring himself for the settlement of Religion, and against the succession of Queen Mary, offered them a Bill of Articles to make a Book of; which they, notwithstanding the Kings Charge, and the reiteration of it by Sir William Pe­ter, declared upon mature consideration, they could not do, without involving themselves and the Lords of the Council in High I reason, because of the Sta­tutes of Succession.

The Duke of Northumberland hearing of their Declaration by the Lord Admiral, comes to the Council-Chamber all in a rage, trembling for anger; calling Sir Edward Traytor, and saying, He would fight in his shirt with any man in that Quarrel.

The old man is charged by the King upon his [Page 225] Allegiance, and the Council upon his Life, to make the Book; which he did, when they promised it should be ratified in Parliament. Here was his o­bedience, not his invention; not to devise, but draw things up according to the Articles tendred unto him. Since shame is that which ambitious Nature abhorreth, and danger is that which timorous Na­ture declineth; the honest man must be resolute. Sir Nathaniel Brent would say, A Coward cannot be an honest man; and it seems by this Action, that modesty and fear are great temptations. Give me those four great Vertues that make a man:

• 1. A clear Innocence.
• 2. A comprehensive Knowledge.
• 3. A well-weighed experience. And
• 4. The product of all these, A steady Resoluti­on.

What a Skein of Ruffled Silk (saith the ingenious Resolver) is the incomposed man!

Observations on the Life of Sir Ed­ward Fines.

EDward Fines Lord Clinton, Knight of the Garter, was Lord Admiral of England for more then thirty years. He was wise, va­liant, and very fortunate, as appears by his Master-piece in Museleborough-field, in the reign of King Edward the sixth, and the Battle against the Scots. He was afterwards created Earl of Lincoln, where he was born, May 4. 1474. and where he had a proportionable Estate to support his Dignity, which [Page 226] he much increased, beside his Paternal Inheritance. He died January 16. 1558. and lieth buried at Windsor, in a private Chappel, under a stately Mo­nument, which Elizabeth his third Wise, Daugh­ter to the Earl of Kildare, erected in his remem­brance. His Fortune made him a younger Bro­ther, and his Industry an Heir; coming to Court, where they that have Estates, spend them; and they that have none, gain them. His recreation was at Court, but his business in the Country; where notwithstanding the Statute in Henry the se­venths time against Pasturage for Tillage, he Gra­zed 11000 Acres of Ground: then a noble and gaining Employment, that advanced many a Fami­ly in one Generation; and now a saving one, that hath kept up as many ten.

The best tempered Swords will bend any way, and the best metalled men will comply with any occasion. At White-hall, none more affable and courteous then our Lord; at Sea, none more skil­ful; in the field, none more resolute; in the Coun­try, none more thristy and hospitable. His Enter­tainments were orderly and suitable, made up of solid particulars, all growing upon his own Estate. King Charles would say, Every man hath his vanity, and mine (speaking of the Soveraign) is Building: Every man hath his humour, and mine (said he, speaking of the Fens) is Drayning. Adding withal, He that would be merry for a day, let him be trim­med; he that would be merry for a week, let him marry; he that would be merry for a year, let him build; he that would be merry for Ages, let him He meant land. im­prove. Now you would have him among his Work­men and Stewards in Lincoln, anon among the [Page 227] Commissioners either in France or Scotland; by and by before Bulloign or Calice, and a while after at Spieres or Muscleborough, and on a suddain at a Mask in Court. Neither was his Soul less pliable to persons, then things: as boysterously active as King Henry could expect, as piously meek as King Edward could wish, as warily zealous as Queen Mary's times required, and as piercingly obser­vant as Queen Elizabeths perplexed occasions de­manded. It was by him and my Lord Bacon said of business, That it was in business as it is in ways, that the next and the nearest way is commonly the fou­lest; and that if a man will go the fairest way, he must go somewhat about.

Sitting in a Committee about invading Scotland, whereof Sir Anthony Brown then Viscount Moun­tacute presented a Draught, there arose as great a debate between him and my Lord in Council, as afterwards in the Field, about the point of En­trance; Nay, said my Lord in the heat of the Dis­course, with as much power on others passions, as command over his own, We stand quarrelling here how we shall get in, but here is no discourse how we shall get out.

It's a Rule, Whosoever hath any thing fixed in his person that doth induce contempt, hath also a perpetual spur in himself to rescue and deliver him­self from scorn, either by vertue or malice; And my Lord having some disadvantage from Nature, made it up by Art: None more bold, none more industrious and more successful, because that dis­advantage took off envy on the one hand, and jea­lousie on the other: so that upon the matter, in a great Wit, Contempt is a great advantage to rising.

[Page 228] Judge Brooke had a Project against Usury, which came up to the Lords House: this rich Peer upon the first motion of it, stands up, and saith, Shew me a State without Usury, and I'll shew you a State with­out Men and Trade.

Rich he was for expence, and expend he did upon honour and good Action: his ordinary ex­pences were the third of his Estate, and his extra­ordinary none of it; his Rule being, Extraordina­ry disadvantages must be balanced with extraordi­nary advantages. He would not stoop to petty gains, but he would abridge petty charges: but his occa­sions calling him often from his Estate, he turned it all to certainties; often changing his Servants, who being unacquainted with him and his Estate, were less subtle, and more timorous. Much behind­hand he was when he came to the Estate, and as much before when he left it. Neither was he too suddain or too slow in paying his Debts; equally a­voiding a disadvantageous sale on the one hand, and devouring interest on the other: and so inuring himself by degrees into an habit of frugality, he gained as well upon his Minde, as upon his Estate. For husbanding the English Treasure in Scotland, he was Knighted in the Field May 11. 34 H. 8. by the Earl of Hertford: for the Clause concerning Scot­land he put in at the Treaty of Guisnes, 35 H. 8. he was made Baron by Patent: for his discreet Con­duct in demanding the young Queen of Scots, to­gether with the performance of the Articles made in Henry the eighth's time, with 60 sayl of Ships be­fore the battle of Muscleburgh, he had 600 l. a year assigned him by the Protector: for his great experience at Sea, his interest in Sea-men, and his [Page 229] nown among the Neighbour-States, he was made Earl of Lincoln.

Observations on the Life of Sir Bar­naby Fitz-Patrick.

BArnaby Fitz-Patrick had the honour of being King Edward the sixth his Proxy at School, and one of his Bed-chamber at Court. In King Henry the eighth's time he was sent to School, in King Edward the sixth's to travel, where he had these Directions following from that King, how he might learn fashions there, and send intelligence hi­ther.

This Gentleman after his return out of France, was created by the King Baron of Upper Ossory in Ireland; where he died a good Protestant, a Pub­lick-spirited Patriot, and an honest man.

Observations on the Life of Sir Hen­ry Fitz-Alane, Earl of Arundel.

HIs first appearance in the World was to adorn the Court, his next was to serve it. First his Estate and Train attends King Henry to the Interview with France, and a while after his Anno H. 8. 24. Valour and Conduct is commanded by him to the War.

Equally prepared is he to please and awe that Countrey: The Duke of Suffolke is made General for his Popularity, and the Earl of Arundel Lord Marshal, for his Spirit and Prudence; and both be­ing before Bulloign, this Noble Lord run up his Squadron under a running shelter about eleven at night, to the very Walls of the City; which being battered down by the Canon, which was mounted some forty yards higher, opened to the close Besie­gers a passage that gained the whole Town by com­position.

Neither was he less active in Peace than War: A piercing apprehension, a strong memory, a large and capacious judgement, a dexterous prudence, a discerning wisdom, was the least of his happiness: For to his sufficiency and capacity, he added a good disposition and integrity; and to that, vigour and gracefulness. He was the excellent Personage, that 1. Discerned, 2. Embraced and performed what was Noble and Publique: (To know, to will and ef­fect what is good, make up a God.) To these were added a strong Nature, a deep Study, and a very [Page 233] great Experience; qualities separated in others, but united in him: Nature will out, Education is rude; Education without Resolution, is loose; Resolution without Experience, is heady; Experience ground­ed upon particular Events, is uncertain, without the study of General and Immoveable Principles: Knowledge of things in their sources and original causes, without Nature, is a Burden: All these without Exercise, are a Notion.

This Nobleman thus furnished, derived much Honor from his Ancestors, more to them; ennobling that Blood to a Glory, which some had debased to a Blush. That great Name after four hundred years shining in that Honour with various lustre, setting in him as the Sun he bore with a full splen­dour: The last effort of Nature is a Master-piece; the last blaze of the Candle a shine.

Other Noblemen were made King Edward's Overseers for their Integrity; he one of his Assi­stants for his Ability: When an Enemy was to be awed to a submission, he was General, such his Fame! When the Countrey was to be obliged to a loan, he was Agent, such his Popularity! The first advanced him to the Comptrollership under Henry the Eighth; the second to the Chamberlain­ship under Edward the Sixth.

Nature hath provided that ravenous Beasts should not associate, le [...]t they should be too hard for it; and Government, that prime Counsellours should not agree, le [...]t they overthrow it: Warwick envied the Protectors Greatness, and Arundel would limit his Power: both with the rest of the Council declare against him. But le [...]t he should urge the same things against Warwick that he did [Page 234] against Somerset; they, who love the Treason, bu [...] hate the Traytor, turn him first out of Favour, and then out of Council, until Queen Maries time when he as an antient Nobleman of England, (tha [...] owned no upstart-designs against the old way of suc­cession) stood for her Right, and as a stiff Catho­lique promoted her Religion: So that July 21▪ 1553. he came from the Queen to Cambridge, where the Duke of Northumberland was, and enter­ing his Chamber, the Duke fell at his feet, desiring him for Gods sake to consider his case, who had done nothing but by Warrant from the Council: My Lord, (said the Earl) I am sent hither by the Queen to arrest you. And I (said the Duke) obey your Arrest; beseeching your mercy for what I did by Commission. You should have thought of that sooner, (said the Earl.) Here you might have seen at once the vicissitude of Fortune, the frailty of Man, the dejectedness of Guilt, the bravery of Innocence, who would neither be trampled on by Greatness, nor trample on Misery; of an equal temper between pity and resolution. As long as his Youth bore it, we finde him for Action; but when years came up­on him, we finde him in Council, as with Wotton [...] the great Treaty at Cambray: Yet not so unactive, but that as Sir William Pickering for his sweet De­meaner, so he for his Estate was voiced an Husband to Queen Elizabeth.

When the rest of the Council were for dealing with the Queen of Scots underhand and at distance, he was for treating with her plainly; and said in the Queens presence, The wisdom of the former Age was so provident that it needed not, and so plain that it en­dured not shifts. Leicester would perswade the [Page 235] Duke of Norfolk to court the Queen of Scots, but Arundel would not hear of it without the Queen of England's consent: Experience is always wary, yet hath its weaknesses, wherein it may be surprized. For this Noblemans Kindness to his Friend, balan­cing his Duty to his Mistriss, brought him, the Earl of Southampton, the Lords Lumley, Co [...]ham, Pier­cy, &c. to a Praemunire: whereupon he said, He is never wise, that is not distrustful.

Fear, that betrayeth the succours of Reason, when predominant, guardeth them when moderate, and is more safe, though not so Noble as that vali­ant confidence that bequeaths a dilated Freedom to all faculties and senses.

But of all his Actions this is most remarkable: Treating with the Scots, he writ to his Majesty King Henry the Eighth, what he had gained already, re­quiring to know his further pleasure: The King takes advice with his Council, who all agree that the Peace should be concluded: Whereupon the King caused his Secretary the Lord Paget to write to him to that purpose; but withal, he called Mr. Ce­cil secretly to him, bidding him tell my Lord, That whatsoever he had written in his Letter, yet with all speed possible he should break the Treaty. Mr. Cecil replying, That a message by word of mouth being con­trary to his Letter, would never be believed: Well, (said the King) do you tell him as I bid you, and leave the doing of it to his choice. Upon Mr. Cecil's arri­val, the Earl of Arundel shewed the other Com­missioners as well the Message as the Letter; they are all for the Letter: he said nothing, but ordered that the Message should be written before, and signed by his fellow-Commissioners, and thereup­on [Page 236] immediately broke up the Treaty, sending Cecil with the advertisement of it to the King: Who, as soon as he saw him, asked aloud, What, will he do it, or no? Cecil replied, That his Majesty might under­stand that by the inclosed. But then the King, half angry, urged, Nay tell me: Will be do it or no? Be­ing then told it was done, he turned to the Lords and said, Now You will hear news, The fine Treatie is bro­ken: Whereto one presently answered, That he who had broke it deserved to lose his Head; to which the King straightly replied, That He would lose a dozen such heads as his was that so judged, rather than one such Servant as had done it: and therewith com­manded the Earl of Arundel's Pardon should be presently drawn up, the which he sent with Letters of Thanks, and assurance of Favour.

Five things must a Statesman comprehend.

• 1. The Law.
• 2. The Government.
• 3. The Time.
• 4. The People. And
• 5. The Prince.

Under an active Prince, you must regard the Pre­rogative; under an easie one, the Law; under a compleat one made up of a just measure of Great­ness and Goodness, those two things are distingui­shed onely in the nice discourses of some Speculative, being but one great Rule in the solid actions of that Prince.

Observations on the Life of Sir John Dudley Duke of Northumberland.

HIs favour was first purchased by his Fathers blood, and improved by his own cunning. King Henry sacrificed Sir Edmund Dudly to allay the Peoples rage, and raised his Son to ap­pease his Ghost. He that disobligeth a multitude, must fall himself; but he that in so doing serveth his Mach▪ Prince, p. 56. King, may advance his Posterity. Something high he was in the Kings favour, because standing on his fathers Grave; but higher as he stood on his own Merit: He knew his Fathers service made his way to favour; his own Education therefore must prepare him for employment. Favour without Parts is a reproach; Parts without favour are a burden. The King restored him to his Fathers blood, and his own industry recovered his Abilities. There are those that under the notion of wisdome com­mit the greatest folly, either in too much conver­sing with the world without, or in too much re­flecting on themselves within: Sir John was made up of both; some time he allowed for Action, more for Consideration. ‘There is not any thing so prejudicial to Action, as to be bent upon Action without intermission: for as the eye seeth not the Objects touching it, but those onely more re­mote; so the understanding continually plunged in Affairs, is not so quick-sighted in occurrents, as his who sometime retireth himself from pub­lick Action, beholding it aloof off by considera­tion. [Page 238] In the heat and tumult of Affairs, Reason hath not that power as may give conduct and mo­tion to active life: besides, experience teacheth us, that the eye having lost its quickness with too much looking upon the light, recovereth it a­gain in the dark: the spirit in like manner dazled, weakened, transported and distracted among the multitude and variety of Affairs, ought to recol­lect and recover its force in the privacy of some small retreat’; which Sir John made to Italy, the seat of policy and experience; whence I pray God he brought no more (saith my Author) then his closeness and reach.

His Soveraign saw he deserved Honour, but saw not without offence to the Populacy how to confer it, until the subtle Youngster shewed him a middle way, (upon the strange death of the Viscount Lisle, who lost his life for joy that it was saved) by petiti­oning for that honour as a favour, which upon his Mothers account was his right: The crafty Youth entered himself of the Cardinals Retinue first, and then of the Kings. Much was he employed by him at Sea, as an Overseer of the Navy; more in the Field, as Director-General; most of all in the Ro­mish and French Court, as a Spy. He was too good a Proficient in his School to fall with him, therefore we immediately observe him rising with Cromwel, until the King made him Admiral, and he with his 200 sayl upon the Coast of Scotland made himself renowned; insomuch that the King left him the next year Viceroy of France, and De­puty of Calice and Bulloign: where to revenge the French attempts upon the Isle of Wight, he drew his Fleet up to the Coasts of Normandy, landed [Page 239] 6000 men at Treport, burned the Suburbs of that Town with the Abby, destroyed 30 Ships there in the Haven, and then returned, not having lost a­bove fourteen persons in the whole Voyage: inso­much that in a Treaty between Ard and Guisnes, wherein he was Commissioner with the Earl of Hert­ford, Secretary Paget, and Dr. Wotton, the French were contented that we held Bulloign till they paid us 800000 Crowns within the term of eight years. For the further Establishment whereof, he and the Bishop of Duresm are employed to take Oath of the French King and the Daulphine. His Master Henry dieth, but not his designe with him: Norfolk is out of his way; Seymour will be so: he is now Executor of King Henry's Will, he will be of his own. But as Nature, so Policy works by degrees; first the graft, then the tree; after that, the blos­some: next that, the fruit: first meaner Essays, and then higher Actions. There was nothing to be at­tempted at home, until we were secured and feared from abroad; he therefore leads the Vantguard against the Scots so successfully, that he is made Earl of Warwick. Here his spirit had ensnared him, had not his conduct brought him off. When the Pro­tector refused a Combat as not becoming him, Warwick offereth one: Bring me word (said he to the Herald that brought the Protector a Challenge from the Lord Huntley) that thy Master will perform the Combat with me, and thou shalt have an hundred Crowns for thy pains. But a publick Conduct be­comes a General better then personal Valour; and he must so far onely remember he is a Souldier, as not to forget he is a Commander, and so a whole Army too.

[Page 240] Against the Rebels in Devonshire so happy he was that upon his discreet Overture of Pardon, (Mer­cie is a Vertue with Valour, and but a Weakness with Cowardize) and coming in person to assur [...] them of it, they saying, They knew him so honoura­ble, that if he came himself they would embrace it; threw down their Arms, and submitted to Mer­cie.

Against the French, that took the opportunity of those Turmoyls, he was so prosperous, that he sent them home from Jersey and Guernsey with the loss of two thousand men.

Honour he had enough, and Power too, yet not what he aimed at; (our Souls are infinite as in their duration, so in their capacity.) Ambition is like choler, which is an humour that maketh men active, earnest, full of alacrity and stirring, if it be not stop­ped; but if it be stopped, and cannot have its way, it becometh adust, and thereby malign and veno­mous: So aspiring men, if progressive and success­ful (their passage to advancement being clear) are rather active then perilous; but if curbed with some obstructions, their secret discontent casts an evil aspect upon all persons and actions, and be­comes rather dangerous than serviceable.

This great Earl's greater minde was useful, when prosperous abroad; but at home troublesome, when finding a plain man in his way to height, great in his power, greater in his Soveraigns affections, and greatest of all in his knowing Brother; whose Spirit bare up his Authority, as his Authority supported His Courage: In that Viz. The Lord Tho. Seymour. mans Brest there was a Pru­dence that could reach, and a stoutness that could balance this at once close and fierce man.

[Page 241] Interest and Blood united these Brothers so strongly, that there was no dividing of them, but by practising on their Wives, whose Humours were above their Interest, and Fancy above their Re­lation. Their precedence is made a question at Court, where it bred first a distance, and upon an Interview contrived in this Lords house, a diffe­rence; that difference is improved to an animosi­ty, (he can do little that cannot blow up a spark in a Womans Brest to a flame) that animosity to malice, and malice cannot dwell long in those weaker brests without a mischief; mischief they cannot do them­selves: (The Ivy cleaves to the Oak, and these Wo­men to their Husbands, though both ruine the things they cling to:) What suggestions! What in­sinuations! What pretty fears and jealousies▪ What little tales and passions! Yet continual droppings wear a Stone: The Womens discords de­rive themselves into the Husbands hearts, until the Admiral falls, and leaves the Protector to his own Integrity: Whose large Trust and infinite Business could not but bewray him to some Errour, as his great Power did to much Envy, that first devested him of that Power, and then of his Life.

There is not a more admirable Wisdom direct­ing the contrarieties of Nature to an Harmony, than there is a close reach in some men to reconcile varie­ty of Humours, Affections, Oppositions, Rancoun­ters, Events and Changes to one Design. The Pro­tectors easiness is betrayed to confidence; his too late fears, to a confidence at first, and at last to irre­gularities: the hopes of some were encouraged; the grievances of others were aggravated and pitied; the envy of a third part was excited; and He the [Page 242] soul in all and every part of the action. ‘The Pro­tector was free spirited, open-hearted, humble, hard to distrust, easie to forgive: The Earl was proud, subtle, close, cruel and implacable; and therefore it was impar congressus between them, almost with as much disadvantage as be­tween a naked and an armed person.’ Two nets are laid to take the Protector; the one breaks, the other holds: The Treason was onely to give a Re­port, the Felony for designing the death of the Earl of Warwick a Privy Counsellour, did the execu­tion.

He being removed out of the way, this Earl of Warwick, as his Predecessor, meditates the honour of King-making. To this purpose he joyns him­self by alliance to the best Families, and advanceth his children by employments to the greatest trusts; particularly (what Sir Richard Baker saith had been better if it had never been) his Son Robert (after­ward Earl of Leicester) was sworn one of the six or­dinary Gentlemen of the Kings Chamber: upon which particular the foresaid Historian observeth, ‘That after his coming into a place so near him, the King enjoyed his health but a while.’ The Duke of Somerset is trained by his enemies to such fears and jealousies, as transport him beyond his own good nature, to an attempt one morning upon the Earl of Warwick, now Duke of Northumberland, abed; where being received with much kindness, his heart relented, and he came off re infecta. At his coming out, one of his company asked him if he had done the deed? he answered, No. Then said he, You are your self undone. And indeed it so fell out: for when all other Accusations were refelled, this [Page 243] onely stuck by him, and could not be denyed; and so he was found guilty by a Statute of his own pro­curement, viz.

That if any should attempt to kill a Priby-Counsellour, although the fact were not done, yet it should be Felony, and to be punished with death.

This, notwithstanding many Divertisements u­sed, went so near the consumptive Kings heart, that he prepares for death. The Duke now within ken of his designe, considering the Kings affection for Reformation, the Lords and other Purchasers kind­ness for Church-lands, the Judges fear, the Cour­tiers compliance, carried on a Will with a high hand, (trembling with anger, saith Judge Moun­tague, if any opposed him; yea, saying, That he would fight in his Shirt with any that contradicted it) wherein the Crown was bestowed on Jane Grey, his fourth Sons Wife, (the Princesses Mary and E­lizabeth being laid aside.) But he forgot (as what man, though never so reaching, can consider all things?) that there is an invisible Power in Right, that there is a natural Antipathy in English men a­gainst Usurpation, and as great an inclination for the succession: ‘A Point they had conned so well of late out of the Statute made for that purpose, that they could not well be put out of it by this new-started Designe.’ The People stand by Queen Mary: the Council notwithstanding their Engagement to stand by him at his going away, (when he observed in Shore-ditch that the People gazed on him, but bid him not God speed; and he [Page 244] told the Lords, They might purchase their safety with his ruine. To which one of the Lords replyed, Your Grace makes a doubt of that which cannot be: for which of us all can wash his hands clear of this busi­ness?) proclaimed the Queen at London, as he doth at Cambridge; where yet the Earl of Arundel (who offered his life at his feet when he marched out: O the Vicissitudes of this lower world!) ar­rests him resolutely, and he submits weakly, first to an Imprisonment, and then to a Tryal and Exe­cution.

‘The first night he came to Cambridge, all the Doctors supped with him; and Doctor Sandys is appointed to preach before him next day. The Doctor late at night betakes himself to his Prayers and Study, desiring God to direct him to a fit Text for that time. His Bible openeth at the first of Joshua, and (though he heard no voice with St. Augustine, saying, Tolle & lege) a strong fan­cy inclined him to fix on the first words he be­held, v. 16. And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou commandest us, we will do; and whi­thersoever thou sendest, we will go: A Text he so wisely and warily handled, that his Enemies got not so full advantage against him as they expe­cted.’

‘The next day the Duke advanced to Bury with his Army, whose feet marched forward while their minds move backward. Upon the News brought him, he returned to Cambridge, with more sad thoughts within him, then valiant Soul­diers about him. Then went he with the Mayor of the Town, and proclaimed the Queen; the Beholders whereof more believing the grief in [Page 245] his eyes when they let down tears, then the joy professed by his hands when he threw up his Cap. Slegge Sergeant at Arms arrests him in Kings-Col­ledge; and when the Proclamation of Pardon set him at liberty, the Earl of Arundel re-arrests him, at whose feet he craves mercy; a low po­sture in so high a person! But what more poor and prostrate then Pride it self, when reduced to Hist. Camb. p. 131. extremity? Behold we this Duke as the Mirrour of Humane Unhappiness!’

‘As Nevil Earl of Warwick was the make-King, so this Dudley Earl of Warwick was the make-Queen. He was Chancellour of the University, and Steward of the Town of Cambridge; two Offices which never before or since met in the same person.’

‘Thus as Cambridge was his Vertical Poynt, wherein he was in the heighth of Honour; so it was his Vertical, where he met with a suddain turn, and a sad Catastrophe. And it is remark­able, that though this Duke (who by all means endeavoured to aggrand his Posterity) had six sons, all men, all married, none of them left a­ny issue behind them. Thus far better it is to found our hopes of even earthly happiness on Goodness, then Greatness. Thus far the Historian.’

It was Lewis the eleventh's Motto, Pride and Presumption go before, Shame and Loss follow after. In three sorts of men Ambition is good:

1. In a Souldier, to quicken him.

2. In Favourites, to balance others.

3. In great States-men, to undertake invidious Employments: ‘For no man will take that part [Page 246] except he be like a seeled Dove, that mounts and mounts because he cannot see about him.’ And in these men it's safe if they are mean in their ori­ginal, harsh in their nature, stirring in many little, rather then in any great business. Greater in his own interest then in his Followers. Humility so­journeth with safety and honour, Pride with dan­ger and unworthiness. No man below an Anointed One, is capable of an unlimited Power; a tempta­tion too great for Mortality, whose highest Interest if indulged, is Self; and if checked, Malice. Dan­gerous is the Power of an aspiring Person near a Prince, more dangerous his Disguise, as who acts all things against his Master by his Authority.

Let no man upon this example ever repose so much upon any mans single Counsel, Fidelity or Discretion, as to create in himself or others a diffidence of his own Judgement, which is likely to be most faithful and true to a mans own Interest. Let every man have some things that no man shall obtain, and some things that no man must dare ask; because you see here, if we let all go without reserve, our Reputation is lost in the world by the Reputation our Favourite gains with us.

There was in Rome a certain man named Enati­us, somewhat entred in Age, and of natural con­dition mutinous, ambitious, and troublesome: A­drian being advertised that he was dead, fell into a great laughter, and sware, That he could not but wonder he could intend to die, considering what great business he had night and day. Considering how many Affairs he had to manage, how many cross accidents to accommodate, I wonder what time he had to die: And considering his many pre­tences [Page 247] for the Protestant Religion, especially that for King Edward's, I wonder with what face he could die a Papist.

But I have forgot my self: for there are two sorts of persons in Machiavel that must either not believe, or not profess any Religion: The first, the States-man, that acts in publick Affairs; the second, the Historian, that writes them.

Observations on the Life of Sir Wil­liam Peter.

HE was born in that great Nursery of Parts, Devonshire; and bred in a greater, Exeter-Colledge. That Colledge made him a Scholar, and All-Souls a Man. His capacity was contemplative, and his Genius active; observing, rather then reading; with his eye more on men, then Books; studying behaviour, rather then no­tion; to be accomplished, rather then knowing; and not to erre in the main, rather then to be ex­cellent in circumstance. His Body set off his Parts with a grave dignity of presence, rather then a soft beauty of aspect: His favour was more taking then his colour, and his motion more then his favour; and all such, as made his early Vices blush, and his riper Vertues shine.

The Earl of Wiltshire first pitched upon him for his Sons Tutor, and then for his own Companion. Noble Families set off hopeful Parts, and improve them.

Cromwel's quick eye one day at my Lord, spyeth [Page 248] his Personage, and observes his Carriage. (He was a man himself, and understood one.) Nothing would satisfie him, but that the young Gentleman should come to Court, and go to Travel. King Henry lo­ved any All-Souls man, but was enamoured with him, in whom concurred the three Perquisites of that Society.

• 1. A Gentile Extraction.
• 2. A graceful Behaviour.
• 3. Competent Learning.

The young man designed for business, was to travel for Education, and the Scholar for Experi­ence.

1. His Pension is allowed him, 125 l. a year.

2. His Tutor is assigned, who had been there before, and could instruct him what he should see, where he should go, what acquaintance to enter­tain, what exercise or discipline to undergo.

3. His Instructions were drawn up: as,

1. That he should keep a Diary of what the chief­est places and the eminent persons, either apart or in Conventions, yielded worthy of Remarque and Observation.

2. To have before him a Map or Card of every place he goeth to.

3. Not to stay long in any one place.

4. To converse with no Englishmen but Agents, Embassadors, or such grave persons as his Majesty would direct him to.

5. To endeavour after Recommendations from persons of quality in one place, to those in another; keeping still his correspondence with the most pub­lick and eminent persons of every respective place.

[Page 249] Within five years he returned a compleat Gen­tleman, correcting the Vices of one Country with the Vertues of another; and being one happy Composition of every Region. Sir John Philpot was not so much the worse, as Sir William was the bet­ter for travel; He returning the shame of all Nati­ons; of his own, by his weakness abroad; of o­thers, by their follies at home: This coming home the honour of his own by his abilities abroad, of others by his perfections at home.

Two things improved his travel:

• 1. An Artificial and careless freedome, that o­pened others.
• 2. A natural gravity, that shut him up, and was more capable of observing their Vertues, and esca­ping their Vices.

Peter Earl of Savoy came to do his homage to O­tho the fourth in a double attire; on the one side Cloth of Gold, on the other shining Armour: the Emperour asked him what meant that Lindsey-Woolsey? he answered, Sir, the attire on the right side is to honour your Majesty, that on the left is to serve you. Sir William Peter returns with those Gayeties of carriages on the one hand that might a­dorn a Court, and with those abilities on the other that might support it. His first employment was the Charts, the Latine Letters, and the Forreign Negotiation; the next, was Principal Secretary: In which Office, Wriothesley was rough and stub­born, Paget easie, Cecil close, Mason plain, Smith noble; Peter was smooth, reserved, resolved, and yet obliging. Both the Laws he was Doctor of, and both the Laws he made use of; the Civil Law to [Page 250] direct Forreign Negotiations, and the other t [...] give light to Domestick Occasions.

In the Kings absence in France 1544. Cranm [...] and Thorleby are to assist the Queen in matters o [...] Religion, the Earl of Hertford in Affairs of War▪ the Lord Parr of Horton, and Doctor Peter, in th [...] Civil Government; (whose Maxime it was, It i [...] the interest of the Kings of England to be the Arbit [...] of Christendome.) Thus much he was to the Que [...] by Henry the eighth's Deputation, and no less to King Edward by his Will.

A man would wonder how this man made a shift to serve four Princes of such distant Interests as King Henry, King Edward, Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth; until he recollects the French King, who enquired of a wise man how he might govern him­self and his Kingdome? the wise man took a fair large sheet of Paper, and in stead of an infinite num­ber of Precepts, which others use to offer upon that subject, he onely writ this word, Modus, A Mean. In King Henry's time he observed his Humour, in King Edward's he kept to the Law, in Queen Ma­ry's he intended wholly State-affairs, and in Queen Elizabeth's he was religious, his years minding him of death, and his death of his faith. He moved with the first Movers in most transactions to his ap­parent danger, yet he had motions of his own for his real security. Able he was at home, and very dexterous abroad; particularly at Bulloign. The Philosophers exercising their Gifts before an Am­bassador, he asked one that was silent what he should say of him? Repart to your King (saith he) that you found one among the Graecians that knew how to hold his tongue. Ab, (said Mounsieur Cha [...]illon) we had [Page 251] gained the last 200000 Crowns without Hostages, had [...]t not been for the man that said nothing, (meaning Secretary Peter.)

Neither was he better at keeping his own coun­sel, then at discovering other mens; as appeared by the intelligence he had, that the Emperour had sent Ships to transport the Lady Mary into Germany, in case the King would not allow her the practice of her Religion, (though three men knew not that Designe in the German Court) whereupon he fetched her to Leez; and thence, under the noti­on of preparing for Sea-matters, he sent over five thousand pounds to relieve the Protestants.

Active he was about the Will in compliance with his duty to King Edward, but as nimble in his in­telligence suitably to his Allegiance to Queen Ma­ry; whom he assisted in two Particulars: 1. In making the Match: 2. In searching the bottom of Wiat's Insurrection: therefore,

• 1. When the Church-lands went against her con­science, Sir William peter must be sent for.
• 2. When the Pope sent another Legate to turn out Pool, he must be sent for; (who advised her to forbid him this Land, as she very resolutely did.)

As serviceable was he to Queen Elizabeth, till his Age not being able to go through the difficul­ties, and his Conscience being impatient of the se­verities of those busie and harsh times, he retired to Essex, where his Estate was great, and his Charity greater: both which he bequeathed his Son John, who was by King James made Baron of Writtle in that County.

Observations on the Life of Cardin [...] Pool.

HIs Extraction was so high, that it awakene [...] King Henry the Eighth's Jealousies and his Spirit so low, that it allayed i [...] When he reflected on his Royal His Mo­ther was Daughter to the Duke of Clarence, and Gran­child to Ed­ward the IV Relation, he w [...] enjealousied to hard thoughts of restraint and secu­rity; when he observed his modest Hopefulness, he was obliged to those more mild of Education and Care, as more honourable than the other, and a safe: Religion and Study would enfeeble that Spi­rit to quiet contemplation, which more manlike exercises might ennoble for Business and Action. It was but mewing him up in a study with hopes of a Mitre, and there would be no danger of his am­bition to the Crown. The Privacies of the School and Colledge made him a stranger to the transacti­ons of Court; and he was to follow his Book, that he might not understand himself.

His preferments were competent to content him, and yet but mean to expose him.

Three things concurred to his escape from King Henry's Toyl.

• 1. His Relations ambition, that could not endure he should be wrapped in Black, that was born to be clothed in Purple.
• 2. His own Inclination to adde Experience to his Learning.
• 3. The Kings Policy, to maintain him abroad, who could not safely keep at home.

[Page 253] No sooner arriveth he at Paris, than the Pope ca­ [...]esseth him as a person fit to promote his Interest: The House of York supports him, as one that kept [...]p their Claim; and the general Discontent crieth him up as one that was now the Hope of England, and might be its Relief.

That he might not come short of their Expecta­tion, or his own Right, his large capacity takes in the Learning of most Universities, observeth the way of most Nations, and keeps correspendence with all eminent men: The first of these improved his Learning, the second his Experience, the third his Converse.

The Marquess of Exeter, the Lord Mountacute, Sir Nicholas Carew, Sir Edward Nevil, Sir Geoffery Poole, would have made him a King, (but to gain him a Crown, they lost their own Heads) and Pope Julius made him a Kings Fellow; but he was never Head of this Church since he put the Red Hat on this Cardinal.

The King had him declared for a Traytor in Eng­land, and he him excommunicated for a Heretick at Rome. His Friends are cut off by the King at home, and the Kings Enemies cherished by him abroad.

But Princes are mortal, though their hatred not so: For before the Kings death, he would needs be reconciled to Pool, and as some thought, by him to Rome; wherefore he sends to him now in great esteem in Italy, desiring his opinion of his late Acti­ons clearly, and in few words: Glad was Pool of this occasion to dispatch to him his Book de Ʋnione Eeclesiarum, inveighing against his Supremacy, and concluding with an advice to Henry to reconcile [Page 254] himself to the Catholick Church, and the Pope [...] Head thereof. Our King having perused this, a [...] knowing it could not lie hid in Italy (though P [...] had promised not to publish it) sends for him b [...] Post to come into England, to explain some Passag [...] thereof: but Pool knowing that it was declar [...] Treason there to deny the Kings Supremacie, refu­sed; desiring the King nevertheless in Letters to him and Tonstal, to take hold of the present time, and redintegrate himself with the Pope; whereby he might secure his Authority, and advance it with the honour of being the cause of a Reformation of the Church in Doctrine and Manners.

King Edward is King of England, and the Car­dinal like to be Pope of Rome, keeping pace with the Royal Family; He Head of the Church Catholick, They of that in England: But King Edward's weakness of Body suffered him not long to enjoy his Throne, and the Cardinals narrowness and easi­ness of spirit suffered him not at all to sit in his chair.

For upon Paul the Third's death, the Cardinals being divided about the Election, the Imperial part, which was the greatest, gave their voice for Cardi­nal Pool; which being told him, he disabled him­self, and wished them to chuse one that might be most for the glory of God, and good of the Church. Upon this stop, some that were no friends to Pool, and perhaps looked for the place themselves, if he were put off, layed many things to his charge; a­mong other things, That he was not without suspi­tion of Lutheranism, nor without blemish of Incon­tinence: but he cleared himself so handsomely, that he was now more importuned to take the place then [Page 255] before, and therefore one night (they say) the Car­dinal came to him being in bed, and sent word they came to adore him, (a circumstance of the new Popes Honour) but he being waked out of his sleep, and acquainted with it, made answer, That this was not a work of darkness, and therefore required them to forbear until next day, and then do as God should put in their mindes. But the Italian Cardinals attri­buting this put-off to a kinde of stupidity and sloth in Pool, looked no more after him, but the next day chose Cardinal Montanus Pope, who was after­wards named Julius the Third.

I have heard of many that would have been Popes, but could not; I write this man one that could have been one, but would not.

But though he would not be Pope of Rome, yet when Mary was Queen, he was one of England; where he was Legate, and if it had not been for the Emperour, had been King: For as soon as she was in the Throne of England, he was sent for out of Italy into the Chair of Canterbury; but Charles the Emperour, by the Popes power, secretly retarded his return, fearing it might obstruct the propound­ed marriage between his Son and the Queen. In­deed the Queen bare the Cardinal an unfeigned af­fection for six reasons:

1. For his grave and becoming presence, that endeared him no less to those that saw him, then his parts and prudence did to those that conversed with him: The Diamond is then orient, when set in Gold.

2. For his disposition, as calm as her Majesties, and as meek as his Profession.

[Page 256] 3. For his Age: being about ten years older, the proportion allowed by the Philosopher between Husband and Wife.

4. For Alliance: she being daughter to Henry the Eighth, and he Grandchild to Edward the Fourth.

5. For his Education with Her, under his Mo­ther.

6. For his Religion, for which he was an Exile, as she was a Prisoner, and both Confessors.

But now when the marriage with Prince Philip was consummated, Pool at last got leave for England; and to wipe away all suspition of Lutheranism, wherewith he was formerly taxed, he became a cru­el, that he might be believed a cordial Papist: ‘For Full. Hist. Cent. 16. p. 14. meeting in Brabant with Emanuel Tremelius, re­questing some favour from him, he not onely de­nied him relief, but returned him rayling terms; though formerly he was not onely his very fami­liar Friend, but his God-father too, when of a Jew he turned Christian. Arrived in England, (as the Historian goeth on) he was first ordained Priest, being but Deacon before, and then conse­crated Archbishop of Canterbury, the Queen be­ing present, at Bow; where rich in costly Robes, and sitting on a guilded Throne, his Pall was pre­sented to him: Adorned, he presently mounts the Pulpit, and makes a dry Sermon of the use and ho­nour of the Pall, without either Language or mat­ter; all admiring the jejuness of his Discourse, as if putting off his Parts, when putting on his Pall.’

He made the breach formerly between England [Page 257] and Rome, by exasperating both sides: he now re­conciles it, obliging many by his carriage, awing as many by his presence, dazling all by his pomp and splendour. Now he confirmeth the Instituti­on of Clergy-men into their Benefices; he legiti­mateth the Children of forbidden marriages; he ratifieth the Processes and Sentences in matters Ec­clesiastical; and his Dispensations were confirmed by Act of Parliament.

Two things he was intent upon:

1. The Church-Priviledges; whereof one he procured was, That the Clergy should not shew their Horses with the Layty, but under Captains of their own chusing.

2. The Spanish Interest; and therefore Paul the fourth, who was as intent upon the French, and looked upon the Legate as the principal Promoter of the last War in France, sends Cardinal Peito to ease him of his Legantine Power in England. But the Queen so ordered the matter, that by her Pre­rogative she prohibited Peito entrance into England, and got the foresaid Power established and confir­med on Cardinal Pool, as she did likewise 1000 l. 2 year for his better support out of the Bishoprick of Winchester. The more he lived in England, the more he was Italianized; conversing with their Merchants, and practising their thrift; his Pomp being (saith my Author) rather gaudy then costly, and his attendance more ceremonious then expen­sive. Fearful he was of a Bank here, (if Queen Mary died) careful of one beyond Sea if he lived: therefore as he sends all his Estate to Italy by his▪ Will when he died, so he did most of it by Bills of Exchange while he lived: the first was judged his▪ [Page 258] Policy, (the heart whereof is prevention) the se­cond his Gratitude, bestowing his Superfluities on them who had relieved his Necessities. Of all his Estate, Aloisius Priol took but the Breviary he had always in his Pocket, so devout he was! and the Di­ary he had always in his Closet, so exact he was to observe what was done by others, and recollect what had escaped himself▪ Die he did not of Ita­lian Physick wilfully taken by himself, as Mr. Fox suggests; nor of English Poyson, given him by the Protestants, as Osorius affirms; but of a Quar­tain Ague, then Epidemical in England, and mali­gnant above the ordinary nature of that Disease. This man was a Catholick in his Interest and Chari­ty, and a Protestant in his Conscience. We cannot (was his saying) give too much to Gods grace, nor too little to our own merits. He said when he came to England, I came hither not to condemn, but reconcile; not to compel, but desire. He would burn the Ashes of one or two Protestants when dead, to avoid the suspition of Heresie; but the Bodies of none when alive, to contract the real guilt of Cruelty. In Council sound were his Debates for the main; cir­cumspect his Suggestions of Circumstances; reach­ing his foresight of Consequences: wary his Pre­cautions of Impediments; moderate and soft his Advices; prompt and steady his Expeditions; hap­py his Memory; many his Observations; large his Reading; strong his Spirit; solid his Judgement; sharp his Apprehension; fluent, but weighed; full, but pertinent; grave, but quick his Discourse: what he pronounced, was a Decree with Queen Mary; what he said, was Law with King Philip [...] His naked Proposition was Demonstration; his [Page 259] Word Reason, fetched from the Principles of things, and grounded on their Causes. His Mode­sty never sued for Greatness, though that sued for him: for great men he said were lave to six things: 1. To mens humours; 2. To business; 3. To Fortune; 4. To their own Followers; 5. To Fame; and, 6. To the Publick I will say no more of him, but that Modesty undoeth a Maid, and is the fool onely that puts Vertue out of Counte­nance. Bashfulness is at best but a weak and trea­cherous Vertue.

Observations on the Life of Sir John Russel.

HIs Name and his Valour is as ancient as the Conquest; Vertue flowing in every Age of that Family with its Honour and Worth, keeping pace with their Advancements. In every man that we meet with, there are three things that immediately offer themselves to our Considerati­on:

• 1. The Mind.
• 2. The Behaviour. And
• 3. The Person.

His Mind was befriended by Nature with a quick­ness and a capaciousness, helped by publick Educa­tion to a solidity and stayedness; improved in Tra­vel with Observation, and raised by the slow, but happy degrees of his Preferments to Skill and Ex­perience. They had need be slow and wary in that place where there is no failing the second time, the [Page 260] first errour being irremediable: therefore well-order­ed Policy imitateth Nature, which worketh slowly, and step by step, causing the Blade to come from the Grain, the Tree from the Graft, the Blossom from the Tree, and Fruit from the Blossom: so (saith my Author) ought Policy to raise great persons from one degree to another; to the end, that ha­ving made their Essays in meaner matters, they may finish their Master-pieces in more eminent Af­fairs. 2. He that demeans himself well, is ever ushered in by a friend that recommends him to the company that knew him not.

Sir John had a moving beauty that waited on his whole Body, as that standing one doth upon the Face and Complexion: Such a grace and comeli­ness waited on his Noble Meen, as exacted a liking, if not a love from all that beheld him.

A midling Clarity and quickness is best in Wine, that is, neither too thick upon the Lees, nor yet too quick: our Knights comportment and carriage was neither dull nor vapouring, neither gross nor affected, but of a becoming temper, at equal di­stance with the Clown and the Pedant, what's con­temptible, and what's invidious. 3. But both these were set off with his Person, of a middle sta­ture, neither tall to a formidableness, nor short to a contempt: straight and proportioned, vigorous and active, with that pure blood and spirits that flowed and flowred within his swelling Veins, and disposed him to those natural and innocent, those manly and noble Exercises of Dancing, &c. Dan­cing, I say, which he was not exquisite in, for that is vanity; nor ignorant of, for that's meanness: but a graceful exercise, (wherein he was carelesly easie, [Page 261] as if it were rather natural motion, then curious and artificial practising) which endeared his severer Vertues to that place where the worth that riseth must be complaisant and pleasing, as well as service­able and useful. But the favour which proceeds from personal grace and comeliness, although it seem to be doubly united, yet it is that which is soonest dissolved and dissipated, there being nothing so inconstant as mens humours, which not onely change through Ages, but also by some small occa­sion or accident which may arise: Sir John there­fore brought himself into Court by what humour­ed, but kept himself in there by those things that did oblige him; and stood not upon his Majesties pleasure, but his Interest; adding to his more aiery Courtships, more solid Employments. From the softer Court therefore we must follow him to the Camp, and that before Terwyn, where we finde him daring and active: 1. In skirmishing the French every day; 2. In recovering the red Gun over­thrown in a Lane from 10000 French, under the Earl St. Paul as General, with 250 resolute Reformades under himself but Captain; although he was once taken Prisoner, as before Calice, where he redeemed himself from the Officer that had taken him for 250 Crowns, on condition he would conduct him safe from the French Quarter, as the man did, until they were gone so far, that Sir John takes him Prisoner, compelling him to the Reimbursement of his money, with 200 Crowns more, to be bestowed on the Common Souldiers. As severely active was he at the siege of Tournay, as the oldest Souldier; and yet as innocently plea­sant at the Mask there, as the youngest Courtier. [Page 262] One of the sixty he was that went with the King to cut off the Passage between that City and the Ar­my, and one of the eleven that went with his Maje­sty to entertain the Ladies at Lisle. From serving one King in France, he had the honour as it was thought to kill another in England, (I mean James of Scotland) and challenge a third in Paris. The same thing raised him, that advanced Wolsey: for he being sent to Maximilian, (after Treasurer Napbant had brought him to Court) dispatched his business so soon, that the King chid him for not being gone, when he was returned; and withal asked him, Whether he had seen the Post that he had sent after him about a circumstance that had e­scaped him? He answered, He met him in his re­turn; but he had presumed to adde that particular of his his own head, for which he asked his Maje­sties pardon, and had his favour too for the Dea­nery of Lincoln, and the Almonership. Sir John was commanded with 1500 men to cut off the Con­voy to Terwyn: which he performed with that speed and success, that when the King saw him, he said, I, I, Sir John, while we are fooling, the Town is relieved. So it is indeed, (said he) for I have sent them 2000 Carcases, and they have spared me 1200 Wagons of Provision. I but, said the King, I sent after you to cut off the Bridge Dreban. That, replyed the Knight, was the first thing I did: wherefore I am upon my knees for your Majesties grace and pardon. Nay then, (said the King) by Lady, thou hast not my pardon, but my favour too. ‘He is the man for a Princes service, whose minde is present, and prudence is ready to meet with suddain oc­casions, and accommodate unexpected emergen­cies.’ [Page 263] The first effect of that favour, was his No­mination for one of the sixteen that answered the French Challenge at the Lady Mary's Marriage, at Paris, November 7, 1513. which shewed his man-hood, and how valiant he was. The second was, that he was one of the Forty five that were to be a­bout his Majesty at the instant of his Interview with the King of France at Guisnes; which was an Argument of his presence, and how goodly a man he was. The third was, that he was one of the Twenty two that with the Earl of Surrey Lord Ad­miral, and Sir William Fitz-Williams Vice-Admi­ral, proposed that secret, and therefore successful Designe upon Britain, under pretence of Scowring the Narrow Seas, (for now he is as good in the Sea as he had been in the Field) for which he and eight more of his fellow-Captains, Sir Joh. Corn­wallis, &c. are Knighted by the aforesaid Lord Ad­miral: which speaks him a Sea-man, and indeed one of a general capacity. The fourth was, the great Trust his Majesty reposed in him, when he was sent in disguise to widen the difference that was newly broken out between the Duke of Bourbon, the High Constable of France, and the French King; which he managed so well, that the discontented Duke declares for the Emperour and the King of England; to the great encouragement of the Eng­lish, the satisfaction of his Majesty, and the success of his Designe upon Anchor, Boungard, Bray, and o­ther places, where Sir John shewed himself as active now, as he was before cunning; as much surpassing the French Spirit in action, as he had over-reach­ed their Prudence in Negotiation.

But in vain was it to serve that King, unless a [Page 264] man obliged the Cardinal, (he that courts the Vir­gin Mary, must not neglect her little Saints) him he attended in his second Journey to France, first to honour, and then to serve him. And now after his decease, when King Henry had done the work of mercy (which was most proper for himself, as being most popular) upon the Lincolnshire Rebels, he deputed the Duke of Suffolk, Sir Francis Bri­ [...]ns and Sir John Russel to perform that of Justice, which is most distastful: wherein yet he behaves himself with that exactness, that the Country was very well pleased, and the King as well satisfied; insomuch that we finde our Knight now called from a Commander in the Field, to be Controller at Court: where he managed his Masters Expences thriftily, reduced his Family discreetly, reformed his followers effectually, and filled up his place with the awe of his presence, and the influence of his Authority, that he was at once its support and its glory. Indeed Courts being those Epitomes where­through strangers look into Kingdomes, should be Royally set off as with Utensils, so with attendance, that might possess all Comers with reverence there, and fear elsewhere.

His Person graced his Imployment, and therefore his Majesty honoured his Person with the Order of the Garter, and the Title of Lord Russel; and that his Preferment might keep pace with his Honour, he is made Lord Privy Seal, and his Nephew Sir John Gage Controller. His Honour slacked not his A­ctivity, but improved it; neither was his Vertue onely violent in Ambition, and dull in Authority. Power to do good, is the true and lawful end of aspi­ring: therefore my Lord to his Staff, added his [Page 265] Sword; and to his Court-honour, his Field­service, as Lieutenant-General before Muttrel, and Marshal before Bu [...]oign; to the relief of the first whereof, he drew Mounsieur Governor of Bi [...]. Bies, that his Maje­jesty might take the second. In the Camp he drew up the Designes, in the Field he managed the Trea­sure, and in Action to him was intrusted the Con­duct and manage. In the Kings last Will and Testa­ment he was the fifth person, and in his Sons Council the fifth; to whom he discovered a French Plot the first year of his Raign, and for whom he broke the Devonshire Rebels, what with delays, what with stratagems, to divide them according to their several Inclinations, the second, for which service he was made Earl of Bedford: The third, in the Faction at home between the Seymours and the Dudleys, he was Neuter: in the Treaties abroad between the French King and his Majesty of Eng­land, he was Principal; where he observed three Rules: 1. That there should be a general Muster at home, while this Treaty went on abroad. 2. That there should be a blow given the Scots before there was a Peace made with the French. 3. That we should first know the French Overtures before we made our own.

But while he was here, he discovered a Plot that the Emperour had to transport the Lady Mary o­ver to his Dominions, and thereby bring her Bro­ther to his terms: whereupon he with 200 men watcheth one Port, the Duke of Somerset with 200 more a second, and Master St. Leiger with 400 men a third, while the Lady was fetched by my Lord Chancellor to the King. But while he was serving his Master the King abroad, his Friend the [Page 266] Protector wanted his advice and assistance at home [...] he being of purpose sent out of the way, while tha [...] unfortunate Duke is first betrayed by his own folly, and then ruined by his Enemies Power. I finde his hand among the rest of the Counsellors in a Let­ter to Queen Mary, but not in Arms against her▪ He was concluded by the major Vote to a Commis­sion for Peace, but not to Action for conscience sake. Faithful he is therefore to her in Council, and ser­viceable in Spain and France; from the first of which places he brought her a Husband, and from the second a Treasure. He understood her Right, and disputed not her Religion; regarding not so much her Opinion, as his own Duty; not what she was, but what he should be. And thus he behaved himself, until his dear Mistress Elizabeth took him for one of her Protestant Counsellours to balance her Popish ones: and not onely of her Council, but of her Cabinet: (for as every man must have his Friend to ease his heart, so Princes have their Favourites to partake of their cares) and the Mar­quess of Northampton, the Earl of Bedford, and Sir William Cecil, were the onely Persons to whom the Queen communicated her designe of Reformation, and correcting the Common-prayer; and they or­dered affairs so, that the Protestants should be in hope, and yet the Papists should not be out of hope.

King Philip had a quarrel with the Queen for re­jecting his suit, the King of Sweden for slighting his Son, the King of France in his Wives Right, the Queen of Scots in her Own, and the Pope for ex­cluding his Supremacie; her Subjects were as un­settled in their Loyalty as in their Religion: What [Page 267] remained? but that my Lord of Bedford and Sir Wil­liam Cecil should make up a well-tempered House of Commons by their Interest, who should carry along an indifferent House of Lords by their Resolu­tion?

When he had served the Queen in Parliament for the settlement of her Kingdom at home, he served the Kingdom in an Embassie to Scotland, to set up its correspondence abroad.

The Earl of Leicester aimed at the Queen of England, and the Earl of Bedford, to divert him and secure Scotland, design'd him for the Queen of Scots; whom he watched for two things: 1. That she should either match with an English Subject, or 2. With a soft and weak Forreigner; that either the Scots might be in league with us, or have no peace at home.

His last service I finde is a complement, when he was sent by the Queen as her Deputy, with a font of massie Gold worth 1043 l. to hold King James at his Baptism; with express command not to acknow­ledge my Lord Darley as King. This his service was as lasting as his life, which ended in old Age and Renown. He conveyed his Vertue and Honour to the Excellent Francis, as he did to the Right Ho­nourable William Earl of Bedford, now living.

Observations on the Life of Stephen Gardiner, Bishop of Winchester.

THe tuition of the Earl of Dorset's Children raised Wolsey; travelling with the Duke of Norfolk's, raised Gardiner: Fox his service in the quality of Secretary, made the first; and his in the same quality, made Gardiner.

There are three kindes of Understanding: The one, that is advised by its self; the second, that un­derstandeth when it is informed by another; the third, that neither is advised by its self, nor by the assistance of another. If this Doctor failed in the first, and his own invention, he exceeded in the se­cond, of making use of others; for he was one of them that never heard or read what was not his own. His Profession was the Civil Law, that guideth forreign Negotiations: His Inclination was that general Policy that manageth them.

His Eminencies were three:

1. His Reservedness: Whereby he never did what he aimed at, never aimed at what he intended, never intended what he said, and never said what he thought; whereby he carried it so, that others should do his business, when they opposed it; and he should undermine theirs, when he seemed to promote it. A man that was to be traced like the Fox, and read like Hebrew, backward: If you would know what he did, you must observe what he did not.

2. His Boldness. Authority sometimes meets [Page 269] with those impediments, which neither power can overcome, nor good fortune divert, if Courage and Fortitude break not through and surmount them; and the motions of the irascible faculties, such as Hope, Boldness and Choler, being well ordered, and conducted by Reason, engage those difficulties she encountereth in the execution of her designs: Reason discovered him his enterprizes, his Will enclined him to them, and the noble transports of his regular passions set out both with that ardour and vehemencie, as bear down obstacles, and com­pass the design: A hope he had, that never rashly engaged him in desperate undertakings; an audaci­ty that precipitated him not weakly into impossibi­lities; and a choler that led him not blindly to in­evitable ruines: Consideration managing the first, Discretion and Foresight the second, and Reason the third. What doth it avail a man to be wise, in knowing what is fit to be done; prudent, to invent means; just, to appropriate affairs to publick good; authorized and happy, to cause them to succeed; if a Courage, guided by Reason, accompanied with Prudence, ruled by Discretion, animated by a gene­rous Boldness, be not diligent, quick and prompt for Execution? His Nature was generous and con­stant: His Education (like that of the Roman Youth among Statesmen) manifold and solid: His Soul was free, and dis-engaged from any particular De­sign.

3. Eloquence: That added to his Parts what co­lours do to a Picture; state, grace and light: Rea­son is the Ornament of a Man, Speech the Interpre­ter of Reason, and Elequence the grace of Speech; wherein the Orator excelleth other men, as much [Page 270] as they do other creatures. His Wisdom advised his Prudence contrived, his Courage resolved, and his Eloquence perswaded; adding at once grace­fulness to his Designs, and vigour to his Enterpri­zes; as that wherewith he could satisfie mens Rea­sons, and master their Passions, by which he carried them whither he pleased: His lively Expression animates his Reason, his Eloquence his Expression, and his Gesture his Eloquence; whereby he charm­ed the Senses, mollified Hearts, incited Affections, framed Desires, checked Hopes, and exercised a sa­cred Empire over every man he dealt with.

These qualities improved with Travel, raised the Doctor to be the Chancellour's Secretary, and the Kept at Black Fry­ars. Legantine Courts chief Scribe at home, a sly A­gent in Italy, a successful Orator in Germany, and Leiger Embassador in France. In Italy, he with Do­ctor Fox (having the King of France his Agent to second them) gained the Popes Commission for hearing of the Cause between King Henry the VIII, and Queen Katharine.

In Germany he undermined the French King, and in France the Emperour.

Upon the poor Pope (whom he found not worth 20 l.) perplexed between the King of England, who had set him at liberty, and the King of Spain, who had maintained him, he wrought so far, as to gain a dubious Letter in Cypher to the King, and a clear promise to the Cardinal, both about the sup­pression of some Monasteries, and the Divorce; which the crafty Agent extorted from the fearful man, with his Necesse est, &c. although all this while he palliated this his main business, with some imper­tinent overtures about King Henry the seventh's Ca­nonization: [Page 271] None better understanding the just de­grees, seasons and methods of Affairs, then this Do­ctor: Where he spoke one word for his Majesties Divorce, he spoke two for the Cardinals Advance­ment, having the French Kings Letter with him to that effect, in omnem eventum: In order whereunto he threatned the Pope from Germany, and Germany from Rome; so that their mutual jealousies forced them to a compliance with his Royal and Sacred Master. A great Agent he was in this business while Wol [...]ey's Secretary, a greater when the Kings; in which capacity he writ, they say, one Book for the Pope's Supremacie in his Masters Name, and ano­ther for the Kings in his own.

He draweth the Kingdom's Remonstrance against Upon Re­cord in Sir Rob. Cot­ton's Li­brary. the Pope, and the Pope's against the Kingdom: He and Doctor Fox are employed to gain the Vote of Cambridge for the Divorce; where he brought it from the Negative to even Voices, and from even Voices to a Disputation, and upon that, to a Deter­mination on the Kings side: for which we find him now Bishop of Winchester, Archbishop Cranmer's Assistant at pronouncing the Divorce at the Priory of Dunstable, and one of the two Embassadors at the Interview between King Francis and King Henry.

As he had declared himself by writing, so he drew up a Form whereby others might declare themselves by oath for the Kings Supremacy: And as he owneth the Kings Authority, so he maintain­eth it in his Apology for Fisher's Death.

But because no power is lasting, when Religion is not v [...]nerable, the wary Bishop promotes the Sta­tutes of six Articles in the House of Commons, in spight of Cromwel and Cranmer; and urgeth the [Page 272] retaining of some essential Latin As, Ecclesia, poeniten­tia, Epis­copus, Sa­crificium, Pontifex. words in the tran­slation, in the Convocation; Words, for their ge­nuine and native meaning, and for the Majesty of the matter in them contained, not to be Englished: Though he could not keep the word from shining, yet had he wit enough to keep it in a dark Lanthorn, to keep the Laity at their distance, and bear up the Will-worship of Rome.

Had he kept here, King Henry had been satisfied; but when his success improved his boldness, and that precipitated his undertakings, he must be quarreling with the Protestant Queens, and so fall out with the Uxorious King, under whose displeasure he conti­nued while he lived, as he did under his sons after­wards: (First, for refusing a confession of his fault, and then for not subscribing some Articles proposed unto him, though he owned the Supremacy, the Reformation, and said of the Common-Prayer, That though he would not have made it so himself, yet be found in it such things as satisfied his conscience; and therefore be would both execute it himself, and cause others of his Viz. Those of his Dio­cess. Parishioners to do it: and if be were troubled in conscience, he would reveal it to the Council, and not reason openly against it:) so that he lost his Liberty and his Bishoprick, until he was re­stored to both by Queen Mary, (who kissed and called him her Prisoner in the Tower) and likewise advanced him to the Chancellourship; wherein he did more harm by others then himself; keeping al­wayes behinde the Curtain, and acting in Oxford by Visitors, in London bv Bonner, and in his own Dio­cess by Suffragans: Onely in two Particulars he de­clared himself:

• 1. Against the Princess Elizabeth: saying, In [Page 273] vain it is to lop the Branches, while the Root re­mains.
• 2. Against the Exiles: Threatning that he would watch their supplies, so that they should eat their nails, and then feed on their fingers ends.

But threatned Folks live long; and before the Confessors were brought to that Bill of fare, the Bishop was eaten of worms himself, dying suddenly and strangely; wholly a Protestant in the point of merit, who had been in other things so zealous a Pa­pist.

One piece at once of his Prudence and Resolu­tion, and I have done: The Lord Protector by Letters sollicited Gardiner to resign Trinity-Hall to the Kings hand, who designed one Colledge out of that and Clare-Hall: ‘Most politick Gardiner (saith my Author) not without cause suspecting some design or casualty might surprize the Interval be­tween the dissolution of the old, and the erection of this new Foundation, civilly declined the mo­tion, informing his Grace, That the way to ad­vance the study of the Law, was by promoting the present Professors of that Faculty, (now so generally discouraged) and not by founding a new Colledge for the future Students thereof; seeing Trinity-Hall alone could breed more Civilians then all England did prefer according to their deserts.’

Observations on the Life of Sir Wil­liam Herbert.

HIs Family had not endeared its self to the antient Kings by its service, nor his Grand-father himself to King Henry the Seventh by his Relation, more then He did Himself to King Henry the Eighth by his Merit. He was a great Pattern of antient Vertue, that in the greatest For­tune enjoyed the least Liberty: Vigilant and care­ful: One whose Power was attended with Sollici­tude, (there was an Eye in the ancient Scepters) and his Sollicitude with Temperance; (he that com­mands himself, commands the World too.) While some mens imprudent integrity can do no harm, and others base cunning can do no good; Sir William's Prudence and Integrity was equally able for both, as there was occasion. Very close and successful were his and my Lord Sheffield's Negotiations a­broad: Very resolute and manly his Conduct at home. He was one of the twenty four Counsel­lours to Henry the Eighth while he lived, and one of the sixteen Executors of his Will when he died. All great Undertakers must avoid softness and effe­minacie, the bane of great Natures and Actions: For where there is love and pleasure, there is fear; and where there is fear, there is that which enchains Generosity and confines Courage.

He had his double Diary; the first for Actions, the second for Observations upon them: And in­deed his and Sir William Kingston's Manuscripts [Page 275] give a great light to the History of those times: In which Diary we finde what actions he did against the Scots by constant alarms with three thousand Welch, and what against Ket's Rebels by notable stratagems with two thousand. The man is compleat that hath a Head and a Heart.

As to the Faction in King Edward's time, he would not concern himself, looking on accusations in a Commonwealth as great advantages to check am­bition, and vent discontent; that the one may not aspire too dangerously, nor the other break out too irregularly. And as little concern'd was he in King Edward's Will; his business being rather obeying the Soveraign that was, then determining who should be.

He was a throughly advised man: one that gazed not on the issues, but enquired into the reasons and springs of Actions.

Very useful he was in Queen Mary's Council, and no less in King philip's War; where he got St. Quintin for him, and a lasting Renown for himself: who died in Queen Elizabeth's time, and left this plain Character behinde, That he was a noble Gen­tleman, of a trusty, a free and an open Nature.

Observations on the Lives of Sir Tho. Mannors, and Sir Ralph Euers.

IJoyn them both in my Observations, because they agreed both in their dispositions:

1. Both Nobly Religious, and so blessed themselves, and being a blessing unto others: Their [Page 276] Religion was attended with Magnanimity, Constan­cy, Wisdom, Prudence, Valour and Counsel, as the Products of it; and with Success as the Issue.

2. Both famous and renowned; having Honour, as the shadow doth the Sun, going before them in their younger years, to make their way to action; keeping even with them in their middle age, to countenance and credit their proceedings; and fol­lowing them in old Age to eternize and embalm them: Both making their way to Honour as Age­silaus in Plutarch, or Epictetus in Strabo, by saying what was well, and doing what was better; or with Socrates, by being what they appeared, and appear­ing no more then they were: (Vertue, though ob­scure, may satisfie me; it must be renowned, or it cannot serve others:) But action is the life of things, and good dispositions are rather a mans Inclinations than his Vertue. Both therefore were in their Cou­rage regular, in their Conduct observant, in their Ad­dresses obliging, in their Passions even, in their En­joyments severe, and in their Services equal.

Sir Thomas Mannors first weakened the In King H. 8's time, when they rise against the Resor­mation. Nor­thern Rebels, by such discreet Propositions as met with many of their Humours and Interests, and then resolved to engage them, but that the little Brook Dun swelled miraculously to a River, be­tween both Armies: And at the same time Sir Ralph Euers held Scarborough-Castle, where he had no Souldiers but his own Servants, nor any suste­nance for twenty days, but bread and water. For this service he is made Lord Warden of the Mar­ches, as Sir Thomas is Lord Governour of the North.

Both did his Majesty as much service in Peace for [Page 277] his Revenue, as in War for his Security: Both a­gainst the Cardinal's way of raising Money, which was but the relieving of a present need by laying the foundation of a lasting inconvenience; being very careful that their Master did not lose in the presi­dent what he gained in the money.

Observations on the Life of Sir John Baker.

THere is one of this Name remarqueable in every Kings Reign since the Conquest; here is one now renowned in this: 1. For Inte­grity, to be neither awed nor corrupted: 2. For a Spirit publick as Nature, neither moved with par­ticular respects, nor terminated in a private De­sign.

The French were so insolent in London the eighth year of Henry the Eighth, that when one William­son a Carpenter was about to pay for two Pigeons he bought, a Frenchman takes them out of his hand, saying, They were no meat for Carpenters, but for my Lord Embassadour; who concerned himself so much in the case, that he had Williamson impri­soned: Sir John sued to the Embassador for the man, who answered, That the English Knave deser­ved to be banged for denying any thing to a Frenchman. Whereupon Sir John replied, You know not that you are in London: A notable reply, considering that the City was up next day against Strangers, in so de­sperate a tumult, that none could suppress but Sir Thomas More, and none settle but Sir William [Page 278] Kingston and Sir John Baker. No sooner had he allayed the disorder at home, but he with the Bi­shop of St Asaph, are sent to appease a Rebellion abroad, I mean in Denmark, though in vain; when the Kings cruelty exceeded their apology, and ruine was more elegible with that people, then duty or obedience: Where he observed these six Maximes, in order to a newly-conquer'd-Kingdom:

• 1. That the Royal Line should be extinguish­ed.
• 2. That the old Customs in Laws and Taxes should be observed.
• 3. The Prince must be there to observe their hu­mours in person.
• 4. That the Officers be moderate and ho­nest.
• 5. That there be Colonies planted in one or two places that are the Keys of the State.
• 6. That the Neighbours should be weakened and divided, and the In-land Forts demolished.

As he would have composed the troubles of for­reign Princes, so he served the necessities of his own, being the most successful Commissioner for the Benevolence in the Countrey; and the most active Agent for the loan in London: Wherefore I finde him Chancellour of the Exchequer, An. 1545, and one of the assistants to the Trustees for King Edward, 1547.

Judge Mountague was the onely person that durst dispute King Edward's Will: Judge Hales and Sir John Baker were the onely Counsellours that durst refuse it; the first whereof stood to the Law, against Power; the second, to his Allegiance against Interest; and both to the Rights of the [Page 279] Crown which are lasting, rather then the Designes of some Favourites that are as momentary as their Greatness, and as uncertain as their Grandeur.

This constant and firm resolution to stick to his Duty and Loyalty, brought him to his Grave in peace and honour; having been a faithful Counsel­four and Servant to King Henry the eighth, King Edward the sixth, Queen Mary and Queen Eliza­beth.

Observations on the Life of Sir Wil­liam Kingston.

HE was one of the greatest Courtiers at Masks and Revels, one of the best Captains at Sea, and one of the most valiant and skil­ful Commanders by Land. None more pleasing to the English Ladies, none more terrible to the French King. Cunningly did he discover the King of Spains Designe upon Navarre to his Majesty, by pretending a Revolt to that King of Spain; and as cunningly did he draw the French Troops into a snare, by counterfeiting a retreat towards Britany. His Advice had saved the Admiral at Breast, and his Foresight did rescue Sir Edward Belknap near Guisnes. He was Knighted for his Service at Tour­nay, and made Marshal for his Success at Flodden. He was one of them that perswaded the City to its duty at When the rising was there. Shoreditch; and if that would not do, he was to command it from the Tower; being Com­missioner in the first place, Aug. 2. and Lieutenant of the second, September 6. (The Multitude is ra­ther [Page 280] to be awed then reasoned with. Some Princes have disarmed their Subjects, others have divided them, a third sort have obliged them; others yet have kept up Plots amongst them: but all have built and commanded Fortresses to secure themselves.) It were well if Love did, it's necessary that Fear should guide this World. The King condescended one day to Just with him; and he, though invincible, to fall by his Majesty. (You must let a Prince be a Prince in every thing.) So complaisant he was, that he was one of the six Maskers at Court at 50; and yet so grave, that when divers young men that were familiar with the King after the French mode were banished, he kept his Station, as one of the stay­ed men, at 30. He was one of the 16 that attended the King in his first Interview with the Emperour; and one of the 40 that waited on him in the two last with the King of France; narrowly escaping at the last that poyson as some thought, or ill vapours, as others conclude, whereof the open-hearted Lord Brooks, the valiant Sir Edward Poynings, reserved Sir John Pechy, and active Sir Edward Belknap, di­ed: whereupon with his advice, all French-men were put to their Fines, and all Scotch to their ransome. Neither was he onely for shew, but ser­vice too, leading the Right Wing of the Army at Guisnes, when Sir Everard Digby commanded the Left, the Lord Sands the Vanguard, Sir Edward Guilford then Marshal of Callis the Horse, Sir Ri­chard Wink field the Rear, and the Duke of Suffolk the main Battle. Where his Assaults on Cappe and Roy spake him a Souldier, as his underhand corre­spondence with the Lord Isilstein argued him a States-man.

[Page 281] Sir Thomas Mannors the first Earl of Rutland of that Name discovered, and Sir William Kingston told his Majesty the Cardinals Plots against the Kings Marriage with Queen Anne, and his Designe to marry him to the Dutchess of Alanzon: A De­signe, that because it seemed to over-reach his Ma­jesty in cunning, and really did cross his Inclination in malice, that incensed his Majesty to a passion which could be appeased with no less a sacrifice then the Cardinals fall: in order to which, the next ser­vice of this Knight, is as Lieutenant of the Tower to take him to custody: which he did at Leicester with a Noble resolution, considering that mans greatness, with a due reverence regarding his cal­ling, and with a tender compassion respecting his condition; perswading him gently of the Kings Fa­vour, at that very time when he was come to be an Instrument of his Justice. And what he did to a Cardinal now, he did to Queens afterwards: ne­ver Prince commanding higher services then King Henry, nor subjects discharging them more un­dauntedly then Sir William: because therefore he was so severe a Lieutenant in the Tower, he is made a Provost-Marshal in the Field; in which capacity, after the Devonshire-Rebels defeat, we have these two remarkable stories of him.

1. One Bowyer Mayor of Bodmin in Cornwal, had been amongst the Rebels, not willingly, but enfor­ced: to him the Provost sent word he would come and dine with him; for whom the Mayor made great Provision. A little before Dinner the Pro­vost took the Mayor aside, and whispered him in the Ear, that an Execution must that day be done [Page 282] in the Town, and therefore he must set up two Gallows. The Mayor did so. After Dinner Sir William Kingston thanks him for his Entertainment, and then desires him to bring him to the Gallows: where when they were come, Sir William asked him, Whether they were strong enough? I, I'll warrant thee, saith the Mayor. Then, saith Sir Wil­liam, get you up upon them. I hope, saith the Mayor, you do not mean as you speak. Nay, Sir, saith he, you must die; for you have been a busie Rebel. And so without any more ado hanged him.

2. A Miller that had been very active in the late Rebellion, fled, and left another to take his Name upon him. Sir William Kingston calls for the Miller, His Servant tells him that he was the Man. Then, saith he, you must be hanged. Oh Sir▪ saith he, I am not the Miller. If you are not the Miller, you are a lying Kn [...]ve: if you are the Miller, you are a trayte­rous one, and however you must die. And so he did.

Punish the Multitude severely once, and you o­blige them ever: for they love that man onely for his Good Nature, whom they fear for his Resolu­tion.

Observations on the Life of Sir Tho­mas Cheyney.

THree things advanced men in King Henry the Eighth's days: 1. Their Extraction: 2. Their Wit: 3. Their Comeliness and Strength. For the First, his Name was up since Battle-Abbey-Roll; as to the second, it was enough that he travelled with Wolsey: and touching the third, there need be no other instance then that at Paris, where upon the Daulphin's Proclamation of solemn Justs, the Duke of Suffolke, the Marquess of Dorset, Sir Edward Nevil and He, answered the Challenge; as not long after he encountered King Henry himself at Greenwich, where he had the great Honour of a strong and valiant Knight, and a great­er of being overthrown by his Majesty.

Having engaged his Majesties Person at home, he had the Honour to represent it abroad; where his Commission was to complement the French King about his Liberty, but his Business to observe the state of that place: Where he saw that a Kingdom governed by a Prince who hath under him other in­dependent Lords, as that of France, is no longer safe, than those Lords are either in Humour, or in Purse; being always in danger either from their dis­content or corruption: 2. That Faction is always eager, while Duty is modest and temperate.

This Occasion ennobled his Vertue, and his Ver­tue improved the Occasion so well, that I finde him so eminent a Parliament-man the 22th of King Hen­ry, [Page 284] that as Sir Brian Tuke had the Honour to open the several Boxes sent from the respective Universi­ties, with their opinions about the Kings Divorce; so Sir Thomas had the happiness in a set Speech to in­sist upon them all in general, and every one in parti­cular. And at Queen Anne's Coronation my Lord Vaux, Sir John Mordant, Sir Thomas, and ten more, are made Knights of the Bath.

Having acquitted himself Nobly in Court and Council, he attends the Earl of Hertford against the Scots, as Commissary; and Sir John Wallop with Sir John Rainsford, as Marshal: for his Services in both which capacities, he is made Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports in England; and with the Comptrol­ler, Sir John Gage, made Field-Marshal, and Trea­surer of the Army before Bulloign: And not long after▪ Treasurer of the Houshold, and one of the Assistants for the Over-seeing of King Henry's Will.

When some were joyning Others with the Pro­tector, others for limiting him, Sir Thomas would say, That (as Machiavel saith, No Laws, so) No good could be done by a Governour that was not absolute, without either a Restraint or a Competitor.

Upon the Reformation he would say, That the disestcem of Religious Ceremonies argued the decay of the Civil Government: good Princes have first kept their People Religious, and thereby Vertuous and uni­ted: both old and new Rome stand by this.

In a word, what makes all men, made him, A ge­nerous industry of Minde, and a well-set hardiness of Body, which were attended while he lived with Honour and Success, and since he is dead, with Re­pute and Renown.

[Page 285] Where eminent and well-born Persons out of a habit of sloath and laziness, neglect at once the No­blest way of employing their times, and the fairest occasions of advancing their fortunes; that State, though never so flourishing and glorious, wants something of being compleatly happy: As soon as ever therefore the Kingdom is settled (sedate times are the best to improve a Commonwealth, as his quiet hours are the best to improve a man) he and Sir William Howard addressed themselves as vigo­rously to the opening of Commerce and Traffick, for the enriching of this Nation, as they had before to the exercise of Arms, to secure it: Pursuing the Designe with Resolution, and keeping the frame of it in order with Industry, their constant Spirit surmounting all Difficulties that stood in the way of their own Glory, or their Countrey's Happiness; working so well upon the Russians, that they not onely obtained their Desire, but gained so far up­on the Affections of that People, that they ob­tained the greatest Priviledges any Tradesmen ever enjoyed in Muscovy; which the Russians were not easier in the promise of, then just in the execution of that promise: So that that Trade is advanced not onely beyond our hopes, but our very pre­tences too, by those three Particulars that ne­ver fail of success: 1. Union: 2. Conduct: 3. Courage in enterprizes vigorously begun and watchfully pursued: Until Queen ELIZA­BETH concerned her self so far in the Under­taking, as to influence it with a Character pecu­liar to the Dignity of such a Constitution: which carried that Commerce higher then Others could raise their Imaginations, as we see; whose profit [Page 286] by it is as remarqueable in this Age, as their zeal for it was in the last: When Fear and Distrust, those ignoble Passions that disparage all great Underta­kings, which judged that Design a Piece of extrava­gant Folly, seeth it now an Act of profound Wis­dom; especially when it may be improved under CHARLES the Second and the Great, a Prince who by admirable order of his conduct, the just administration of his Revenue, and by his fatherly goodness towards his people, hath put himself into a condition to undertake without fear whatsoever may be put in execution with Honour or Justice.

Observations on the Life of Sir Ni­cholas Bacon.

SIr Nicholas Bacon, a man full of wit and wisdome, was a Gentleman, and a man of Law, and of great knowledge therein; whereby, together with his other parts of Learning and Dexterity, he was prompted to be Keeper of the Great Seal; and being kin to the Treasurer Burleigh, was brought by his help in­to the Queens favour.

This Gentleman understood his Mistress well, and the times better: He could raise Factions to serve the one, and allay them to suit the others. He had the deepest reach into Affairs of any man [Page 288] that was at the Council-table: the knottiest Head to pierce into difficulties: the most comprehensive Judgement to surround the Merit of a Cause: the strongest memory to recollect all circumstances of a Business to one View: the greatest patience to de­bate and consider; (for it was he that first said, Let us stay a little, and we will have done the sooner:) and the clearest reason to urge any thing that came in his way in Court or Chancery. His favour was eminent with his Mistress, and his Alliance strong with her States-men. No man served his Sove­raign more faithfully, none secured himself more wisely. Leicester seemed wiser then he was, Bacon was wiser then he seemed to be; Hunsdon neither was nor seemed wise. Much Learning my Lord Ba­con gained in Bennets Colledge in Cambridge, more Experience in Paris of France: His Dexterity and Dispatch advanced him to the Court of Wards, his deep Experience made him Lord Keeper. Al­liance was the Policy of that time. Bacon and Ce­cil married two Sisters; Walsingham and Mildmay two more: Knowles, Essex and Leicester were link­ed; the prudent Queen having all her Favourites Relations and Dependencies in her eye, and dispo­sing of them according to their several Interests. Great was this States-mans Wit, greater the Fame of it; which as he would say, being nothing, made all things: For Report, though but Fancy, begets Opinion; and Opinion begets Substance. He was the exactest man to draw up a Law in Council, and the most discreet to execute it in Court. When o­thers urged the repeal of that Act whereby Queen Elizabeth was declared Illegitimate, he rather sup­pressed it, chusing the closure of a festered Wound [Page 289] more prudent then the opening of it; and judging it more wisdome to satisfie the world with the old Law, That the Crown takes away all defects; then to perplex it with new disputes, Whether Queen E­lizabeth were Legitimate. State-miscarriages are rather to be privately connived at, then publickly redressed; the remedy it may be doing no more ser­vice then putting the people in minde of the mis­hap. He neither affected nor attained to Great­ness: Mediocria firma, was his Principle and his Practice. When Queen Elizabeth asked him, Why his House was so little? he answered, Madam, my House is not too little for me, but you have made me too big for my House. Give me, said he, a good E­state, rather then a great one. He had a very Quaint saying, saith Robert Naunton, and he used it often to very good purpose, That he loved the Jest well, but not the loss of his Friend. He would say, That though unusqnis (que) suae fortunae faber, was a true and good Principle; yet the most in number were those that marred themselves: but I will never forgive that man that looseth himself, to be rid of his Jest. The Excellency of his Parts was set off with the Gravity of his Person; and the Queen would say, My Lord Bacon' s Soul lodgeth well. His Account of England and all its Affairs, was punctual: his use of learned Artists, was continual: his correspondence with his fellow-States-men, exact: his apprehension of our Laws and Government, clear; his Model of both, methodical: his faithfulness to the Church, emi­nent: his industrious invention for the State, inde­satigable. He was, in a word, a Father of his Country, and of Sir Francis Bacon. Sir Nicholas Bacon was that moderate man that was appointed [Page 290] to preside at the Disputation between the Prote­stant and Popish Doctors in the first of Queen Eli­zabeth. He was that Judicious States-man, to whom was trusted the management of that Parlia­ment and Convocation: The satisfaction of the Peo­ple and Kingdome, and those Delatory Proceedings with France, Spain and Rome, that were at the bot­tom of the great work of Reformation, and settle­ment at that time.

Observations on the Life of William Cecil Lord Burleigh.

WIlliam Descend­ed of the Roman Ce­cilii, say some. Cecil was born with the advan­tage of being Richard Cecil's Son, (who was of the Robes to King Henry, and a Legatee in his Will) and bred with that of being Commoner of St. Johns in Cambridge, and Student at the Grays Inne. Innes of Court in London: whence he was advanced by his Pregnancy to serve the Duke of Somerset in quality of Master of Requests, as he was afterwards by his Master to attend King Edward the sixth, in the capacity of Secretary of State; where he furnished all Acts and Orders with Reasons of State, as he had them fitted by able Lawyers with Arguments of Law. He loved always, they say, to wrap the Prerogative in the Laws of the Land. He was constant, but not obstinate in his Advice. Fuller Holy State ex Arist. l. 2. de Coelo, c. 4. & 10. As the Planets are whirled about dayly from East to West by the motion of the Pri­mum Mobile, yet have a contrary motion of their own from West to East, which they slowly, yet surely [Page 291] move at their leisures: so our States-man, though yeilding in some things to Greatness of some Per­sons in an Age wherein it was present drowning not to swim against the stream; Yet had he his coun­ter-endeavours against the prevailing strain, and privately advanced his rightful Intentions against others wrongful Ambitions. If dissenting from his Superiours, he did it with all humility and mo­deration; yet chusing always rather to displease then betray. He was in much favour with King Edward, in some with Queen Mary, in most with Queen Elizabeth; who though sparing of her Ho­nours, yet heaped on him the trust of Secretary of State, the Profits of the Master of the Wards, the Advancement of Lord Treasurer, and the degree of Baron of Burleigh: for as he followed the Mar­quess of Winchester in his Employment, so he did in his Complyance. When he was out of Place, he was not out of service in Queen Mary's days; his Abilities being as necessary in those times as his In­clination; and that Queens Council being as ready to advance him at last, as they were to use him all her Reign.

In Queen Elizabeth's time he setled the Crown by setling Religion; and by an utter separation from Rome, strengthened England. He made equal use of those that were then Protestants by Interest, and they who were so in Conscience: Those that had affections for Church-lands, and those that had affections for the Church. The Pope would by a Bull confirm the sale of Abby-Lands; But who, said Burleigh, can confirm the Popes Bull? The King of Spain secured the Queen in hope of her Bed, the Pope winked at her in hope of her Heart: Burleigh [Page 292] over-reached the one by a fair complaysance, and the other by insensible alterations.

During the Queens ten years calm, Cecil provi­ded for a tempest; and improved her Shipping and Ammunition to a dreadfulness at Sea, as he did her Army to a great skill and experience by Land. He made Holland our Stage of War, and our School of Discipline; where England gained the security and experience of War without its calamity and deso­lations; always Offensive, and once onely Defen­sive.

His Intelligence abroad, was no less then his Prudence at home; and he could write to a friend in Ireland what the King of Spain could do for two years together, and what he could not do. His Advices from his Pensioners abroad, were presen­ted Queen Elizabeth once a fortnight; 1. clearly and plainly; 2. methodically and distinctly; 3. speedily and seasonably; 4. truly and fully. He exchanged his Interest for Walsinghams Intelli­gence, who commanded what he could do, as he did what the other knew. The Bull clapped at London-house, was first in our States-mans Study; where they might learn what they were to do, and Protestants what to expect, many years before any thing was visible.

When Leicester would have no Equal, and Sussex no Superiour, then Cecil as Neu [...]er served himself of them both. He would wrestle with neither of them, yet he would trip them both: they having many rubs in their way, yet never saw who laid them. He never quarrelled with any; neither, saith Cambden, did he ever sue, or was he ever sued. Prudens qui Patiens, was his saying, before it was [Page 293] Sir Edward Cookes Motto: and he had rather tire out Opposition by his Moderation, then improve it by his Impatience. Others were raised to ba­lance Factions, he to support the Kingdome: Fickle Favour tossed them, constant Interest secured him. No fewer then the Marquess of Winchester, the Duke of Norfolk, the Earls of Northumberland, Arundel, Pembroke, Leicester and Westmorland contrived his fall; but reason of State and his Mistress kept up his standing. Sir Nicholas Throgmorton advised them to clap him up, saying, That then men would open their mouths to speak freely against him: but the Queen understanding hereof, and standing, as I may say, Camb. Eliz. anno 15 79. / 80. (saith my Author) in the very prison­door, quashed all their Designes, and freed him from the mischief projected against him. Great was the value the Queen set upon him, as her ablest Minister of State: for coming once to visit him be­ing sick of the Gout at Burleigh-house in the Strand, and being much heightned with her Head-attire then in fashion, the Lords servant who conducted her through the door, said, May your Highness be pleased to stoop. The Queen returned, For your Masters sake I will stoop, but not for the King of Spain. She would make him always sit down in her presence: saying, My Lord, we make use of you not for your bad Legs, but your good Head.

He was a good friend to the Church as then esta­blished by Law; advising his son Thomas never to build a great House, or bestow any great charge upon an Impropriation, as fearing the foundation might fail hereafter: yet conniving at sober Non-conformists, to strengthen the foundation at pre­sent, he checked the forwardness of private men, [Page 294] and advanced the honour of the publick Establish­ment on all hands. Good my Lord, (saith he in his Letter to Archbishop Whitgift, in the behalf of some squeamish Ministers) bear with my scribbling; I write with the testimony of a good Conscience: I de­sire the peace of the Church; I desire concord and uni­ty in the exercise of our Religion: I fear no sensual or wilful Recusant. I would not make Offenders, nei­ther would I protect them. And I pray your Grace bear this, (and perchance a fault) and yet I have sharply admonished them, that if they will be Distur­bers in their Churches, they must be corrected: and yet upon your Graces answer to me, Ne sutor ultra Crepidam: neither will I put Falcem in alterius Messem. (Was his Chaplain Traverse his hand in all this?) And then again: If I had known his fault, (saith he of Brown) I might be blamed for Writing for him. Thus he carried matters without passion and prejudice prudently, as became so great a States-man. He was not rigid, yet he was care­ful: He would help the good-natured, yet punish the stubborn: He would rather be where nothing is lawful, then where all things are so. He would never skrue up the Law to the pitch of cruelty, nor unloose it to the remissness of Libertinism.

He was no less honourable a Patron of the Uni­versity, then he was a faithful Son of the Church: (the Church strengtheneth the State, and the Uni­versities furnish both:) particularly in the case of Rent-corn, which (saith my Author) first grew in Sir Thomas Smiths head, yet was ripened by Bur­leighs assistance; whereby, though the Rents of the Colledges stand still, their Revenues in­crease.

[Page 295] He was not surer of all Church-men and Scho­lars by his Obligations upon them, then he was of all by his complaisance and pleasantness. None more grave then he in Publick, none more free in Private; especially at his Table, where he drew something out of his heaviest guests; having an ad­mirable Dexterity in reading and observing men, their own occasional openings in common discourse; there being more hold to be taken of a few words casually uttered, then of set solemn Speeches, which rather shew mens Arts then their Natures, as indited rather of their brains then hearts. His power awed many, his conversation obliged more. He had his hour to put on his Gown, and his hour to put it off: When he would say, Lie thou there, Lord Treasurer; and bidding Adieu to all State-af­fairs, he disposed himself to his quiet and rest.

He laid the Designes of War by his own Theory, and his friends Intelligence; yet he advised peace, and died before the Question was determined, Whether a War with Spain? Others understood the Nature of War, but he onely the Expediency and Conveniency. If War was necessary, none more forward to promote it, none more careful to main­tain it: knowing, that in vain do the brows beat, the eyes sparkle, the tongue threaten, the fist bend, and the arm strike, if the belly be not fed, and the back cloathed: and indeed this was his Master-piece, that the Queen vying Gold and Silver with the King of Spain, had Money or Credit when the o­ther had neither; Her Exchequer, saith my Au­thor, though but a Pond in comparison, holding water, when his River fed with a Spring from the Indies, was dreined dry. It was with his advice▪ [Page 296] that that Queen paid her Obligations in Prefer­ments, rather then Money; giving away not above two Largesses of that nature in her life. In a word, when others set in a Cloud, he shined clear to his last: He saw Essex dead, Leicester slighted, Mount­joy discountenanced; and what with the Queens constant favour, which lodged where it lighted, and his own temper and moderation, when more vio­lent men failed, he died as great a Favourite as he lived; leaving his son Thomas so much Estate as advanced him to the Earldome of Exeter; and his son Robert so much State-Discipline as raised him successi [...]è to be Secretary of State, Master of the Court of Wards, Lord Treasurer, and Earl of Sa­lisbury.

He was a very exact and a wary Observer of For­reign Transaction; witness this passage to Sir Henry Norris Embassador in France: The rare manner of your Entertainment, hath moved the Queens Maje­sty to muse upon what score it should be, being more then hath been used in like cases to her Embassadors, and such as besides your own report hath been by others lately advertised: And for that in such things Gues­ses be doubtful, I pray you by your next advertise me what your self do think of it; and in the mean time I know you are not untaught to judge of the difference between fair words and good deeds, as the saying is, Fortuna cum adblanditur Capitum advenit.

His thoughts of a Rebel that submitted, take in these words: Of late Shane Oneal hath made means to the Lord Deputy of Ireland to be received into grace, pretending that he hath meant no manner of unlawful­ness towards the Queen: by which is gathered that he groweth weary of his lewdness: yet I think he is no [Page 297] therwise to be reformed then by sharp prosecution, which is intended to be followed no whit the less for any his fair Writings, as reason is.

Of Intelligence he writes thus: I doubt not but you shall have of his hand no lack of Intelligence, which you must credit as you see cause by proof of the e­vent.

About Embassadors Dispatches he saith, He must write apart to the Secretary in matters containing trouble and business, and to his Soveraign of Ad­vice.

In a particular Negotiation about Pyrates, he ad­vised, That the King of France and his Council might perceive that it is well known how the Pyrates are suffered to do what they will, notwithstanding it be contrary to Proclamation. And yet you shall so order the matter, (saith he to a French Ambassador) as not that you shall finde fault with this manner of suf­fering: for that ought properly to be to the Spanish or Portugal Embassador, with whom you may sometime deal, to understand how they do, know what is done, and how they do interpret it.

Touching the King of Scots murther, he would say, There are words spoken which I hold best to sup­press: Neither would I have you (saith he to his friend) utter any of these things, not doubting but shortly God will cause the truth to be revealed.

Of an underhand Traytor he writes to his friend, I pray write unto me somewhat more particularly for the proof of his trayterous speeches, whereby there might be some ground made how to have him deman­ded.

Of the demanding of a Town promised in a Treaty: Sir Thomas Smith went to demand Callis, [Page 298] not that we think the Governour will deliver it, but to avoid all cavillation which they might invent: (for by Law it must be demanded upon the very place; and being not delivered, the sum of 500000 l. is forfeited) Mr. Winter shall pass secretly with him to take pos­session thereof, if they deceive our expectation: but not past three of the Council know of Winters go­ing.

Concerning the unreasonable words of Princes, he saith, If hereof the Embassador (meaning the French) shall make any sinister report, you may as you see cause well maintain the Queens answer to be very reasonable, as having cause to mislike the man­ner of Writing of the Queen thereon: which never­theless you may impute to the unadvisedness of the Se­cretary: for so the Queens Majesty doth impute it.

Of the troubles in Scotland, he observed the French made their present advantage to the da­mage of England: and you know that Scotland is the French King to it, as Ireland is the Spanish.

Of Forraign News he writes to Sir Henry Norris, That he would be glad to have a Note of the Names of the chiefest Nobility of France, and with whom they be married: adding thereto any other thing that may belong to the knowledge of their lineage and de­grees, as you shall think meet.

He writes, That her Majesty being a Prince her self, is doubtful to give countenance to subjects. I wish (saith he) to have a Kalendar of them who are with the Prince, and also to see the Edicts that have lately passed from the King against them, and that in these troublesome times, wherein accidents are so di­versly reported, your advices were large and repeated, [Page 299] and that we had such Articles as pass on both sides.

Of France he saith, You must think that seeing all the parts of Christendome are intentive to hear of the matters of France, we cannot be careless to whom the same belongeth next of all, whatsoever the end thereof shall be.

Of the Distractions of France, thus to our Em­bassador in France: If you told the Queen-mother so as of your own head, as a thing you hear spread abroad in the world, I think you might do well, and speak truly: for as for the Popes Ministers, their Profession is to prefer the Weal of their own Church before the good state of any Kingdome on earth; and whatsoever come of any thing, they look onely to the continuance of their own ambitious Ruling. And as for other Ministers of Princes, or for men of War, it is a truth infallible, The more they do impoverish that Monarchy of France, the better they think their own Estates.

Of a plot discovered, he writes: We can truly hit no man, wherefore it is necessary that you speak again with the Party that gave you this Intelligence; and if the matter be of truth, and not a disguising to some other purpose, he can as well obtain you the knowledge of the party in certainty, as thus to give a guess at him: for as he hath his Intelligence of the matter which he utte­red to you, so may be attain to a more perfect know­ledge.

For the Protestants he saith, I pray you put them in comfort; that if extreamity shall happen, they must not be left: for it is so universal a cause, as none of the Religion can separate themselves one from ano­ther. We must all pray together, and stand fast toge­ther.

[Page 300] Of a Professor he writes, The Queens Majesty will in no wise hear of such matters, which she thinketh are but changeable, and without fruit; although I had earnestly moved her Majesty to have adventured some small piece of money upon such a man: therefore I see no remedy but to pay him as well as may be with good words.

Touching the Plot again: Methinks that the Par­ties that tell you such pieces of tales, if the whole were true, might as well tell you the whole, as such obscure parts: which if they do not, you might well alledge them to be but devices to breed unquietness and suspiti­on; and as I wrote before unto you, they might be tem­pted with offer of rewards, that the truth of the matter might be disclosed: and surely me thinks still, since the Informers will not be known of the particulars in more certainty, that these things are intended to bring us into their places: but yet no diligence is to be omit­ted.

Touching the delivery of an Embassie, he writes, And I think if you would in the Translating thereof distribute it into sundry members by way of Articles, you should the better carry it in your minde; making thereby an account with your self of the better delivery thereof. And you shall do well to let some such as fa­vour the intention of the Queens Message, to see the Copy of the Letter; whereby they may percase being called to give advice to the King, further the cause, to the benefit of them of the Religion. I would be glad to hear a Brief, or as they call it, a List of the Names of the princip [...]l persons that have a charge now in these Wars of France on both parts, with the Contents as near as you can of their numbers.

Of the Queen of Scots Affairs, he concludes: [Page 301] God send her Majesty clear of these Scotish matters, whereinto the entry is easie, but the passage within doubtful; and I fear the end will be monstrous: I am thrown into a maze at this, that I know not how to walk from dangers. Sir Walter Mildmay and I are sent to the Scotish Queen, as by the Queens Maje­sties Letters you may see: God be our Guide; for neither of us like the Message.

1. Knowledge is the Treasure of the Mind, Dis­cretion is the Key: the Practick Part of Wisdom is the best: a native Ingenuity is beyond the watch­ings of industrious Study.

There are no such Guards of safety as Vertue and Wisdome: Danger cannot make impression on the Vertuous, nor Fortune subvert the Wise: The Wise man cannot fall. Prudence is a safe Conduct through the various Casualties of Mortality. He declines in Wisdome, that falls in Fortune. Dis­cretion sways the Stars and Fate.

The World is a shop of Instruments, whereof the Wise man is Master; and a Kingdome but a Frame of Engines, whereunto he is the Wheel.

2. Smoothness declineth Envy and Danger, Hu­mility advanceth to Honour, Moderation preserves in it. Men come down by Domineering. Haste [Page 302] undoeth that, which a just Delay ripeneth. Our Wise man would say, Stay a little, and we will have done the sooner. An Estate evened with these thoughts, endureth. It's an excellent Motto:

3. Humility shuns Honour, and is the way to it: The purest Gold is most Ductile. It's commonly a good Blade that bends well. The Reed that bends and is whole, is better then the strong Oak that not bending breaks.

4. There is no such prevalent Work-man as Se­dulity and Diligence: A man would wonder at the mighty things which have been done by degrees, and gentle augmentations. Patience, Diligence and Moderation are the common steps to Excellen­cy. It's for Omnipotence to do mighty things in a moment; but degreeingly to grow to Great­ness, is the course he hath left for Man.

Observations on the Life of Walter Devereux Earl of Essex.

WAlter Devereux was by his Cicely, Daughter of Thomas Bourchier, late Earl of Essex. Mothers side born to, and by his Soveraigns fa­vour possessed of the Earldom of Essex: His Spirit was as the time, martial and active, equal­ly impatient of rust in his Soul, and in his Sword: Forreign Countreys bred then those Souldiers that England employed: The University made a Scho­lar, the Court a Man, and Flanders the Soul­dier.

His Actions brought him to the presence, and his Presence commended Him to the Heart of Queen Elizabeth: But the shadow doth not more naturally attend the Sun, then Envy doth Favour: Since he must rise, its contrived he should rise so high, that he must fall: Yet he might have lived longer, it was thought, if his Wife had not there more favour then himself: Abraham was afraid of, and Sir Walter was undone by his Sarah's Beauty: This is certain, he was no sooner in his Grave, than the same great man whom he declared his Enemy at his Death, was his Successor in his Marriage-Bed.

Ambitious was he of the Irish Service, and sub­tle were others to fill up his Sayls so wide, as to be over-turned; at once diving into, and ruining him by his Humour: Weary was he of the Court, and weary, as he observed, was that of him: In comes Leicester in this juncture, and advanceth him [Page 304] to the Soveraign Honour of maintaining an Army at his own charge, and the Royalty of Claudboy in Ʋl­ster; the first he knew would (as it fell out) undo him; the other was the Bears skin, when he could catch, kill and fley it; and the whole plot was but the supplanting of him out of a real Estate in Eng­land and Wales, to an imaginary one in Ireland. Over he goeth with as splendid a Retinue of Kindered, Friends, supernumerarie Voluntiers, as his Son to the same Service, or his Grandson to one more un­happy: Sir William Fitz-William's Jealousie heard of his Parade, and his Industry out-reached him so far, that all that preparation amounted to no more honour, than to have been commissioned, after much importunity and attendance, by him; nor to any more advantage than the bare Government of Ʋlster: Little good did he in Ʋlster, (now under the discouraging and heartless impressions of dis­content) less in the South of Ireland, whither he was remanded by the Deputy, whose design was not to see how successfully he would conquer, but how dutifully he would obey; in six months time spend­ing 4000 l. to ruine himself: But alas! in vain doth he conquer, who was always forbid to pursue and improve his Victory: no sooner did his Fortune favour him in one place, but he was called to his Misfortune in another: for no sooner doth he by experience and acquaintance with the situation of any Place, the humour or interest of any People, the weaknesses and strengths of any Enemy, the ad­vantages or disadvantages of any Undertaking, ri­pen circumstances towards success, but he is called off to a new and unacquainted scene of action, where he shall lose his Army, before he knoweth how to [Page 305] employ it. His friends at Court grew few and cold, his foes many and active; his affronts continual to disorder him by passion, or sink him in despair.

His Commission was but short before, but is none now; onely three hundred men stick to him: his Money failing, his Noble Followers withdrawing, his Common Souldiers mutiny, and he is recalled. And happy had he been, could he have been quiet: but nothing would compleat some mens Designes, but his Ruine; and nothing could ruine him but Honour, that at once pleased his humour, and wasted his Estate. Earl-Marshal of Ireland he is made, and thither he goeth in great state to die, anno 1576, and the 36 of his Age: a year fatal to that Family, which none of them exceeded but the last, who had been [...]ppy if he had died sooner, or lived longer then he did. Although Sir Walter De­vereux had not that success over others which his Valour deserved, yet he had that conquest of him­self that Vertue onely gives; shewing himself as good at the Buckler, as at the Sword; at suffering, as well as acting. All his changes from without he bore with, none within; his even and solid minde that fashioned its own fate, enjoying its constant calm amidst all the tempests of malice and ambiti­on. Those ignoble courses were not greater Argu­ments of his Enemies narrowness and degeneracy, then his resolved Patience was of his largeness and generousness of spirit; he being as much above those smaller tricks, as they were below his Adver­saries. We make our selves more Injuries then are offered us; and the apprehension of wrong doth more harm then the smartest part of the wrong it self. It's the Wise-mans glory, and the States-mans [Page 306] prudence, to pass by Offences. A Fool struck Cato in the Bath; and when he was sorry for it, Cato had forgot it: for, (saith Seneca) Melius putavit non agnoscere quam ignoscere. Light Injuries are made none by a not-regarding: which with a pursuing Revenge grow both to heighth and burden, and live to mischief us, when they might die to secure us. It's Princely (saith one) to disdain a Wrong, who when Embassadours have offered Undecencies, use not to chide, but deny them audience: as if silence were the way Royal to revenge a Wrong. The up­per Region is most composed; The wisest Rage the least, knowing that Observation and Resent [...]ent do but provoke and encourage that Malice which neglect and silence deads and dissipates. And it was Sir Walter's Fathers Maxim [...], That Discontent was the greatest weakness of a generous Soul, which is always so intent upon its unhappiness, that it for­gets its remedies.

This Lord was a great instance of that Maxime, That it's an equal mischief to distrust all, as to be­lieve all; although of the two, the safest is to di­strust: for Fear had secured this Noble Person, while Confidence ruined him; it being a Vertue onely when men were innocent, but ever since, the bane of those that own it.

Three things undid this Earl:

• 1. That he could not imagine he was to be rui­ned by his Advancement.
• 2. That he never mistrusted an Oath.
• 3. That he never considered, that as Princes, so Favourites, have many eyes, and long hands.

He that is so open as to reserve nothing from [Page 307] friends, is renowned for Charity; but he that is so to lie at the mercy of all, is marked for ruine. No sooner understood my Lord of Leicester Essex his Disposition, but the bitter Fool Pace could tell his Fortune, begging of my Lord at his departure the making of his Mourning; and adding, You and I have done for this world.

Walter Earl of Essex had been happy if he had not lived in my Lord of Leicester's time: his son Robert renowned, had he not been Sir Robert Cecil's Con­temporary; and his Grandchilde an Heroe, had he not known my Lord Say and Mr. Hampden.

Observations on the Life of the Earl of Sussex.

THomas Radcliff Earl of Sussex, was of a very Noble and Ancient Lineage, honoured through many Descents by the Title of Viscounts Fitz-Walters. He was a goodly Gentle­man, and of a brave noble Nature, true and con­stant to his friends and servants, noted for honesty: a very excellent Souldier, being one of the Queens Martialists, who did very good service in Ireland at her first accession, till she recalled him to the Court, where she made him Lord Chamberlain; and though he was not endowed with the cunning­ness and dexterity as others were, yet upon his Death-bed he gave his friends a caveat whom they should beware. His words, (saith Sir Robert Naunton) are these: I am now passing into another World, and must leave you to your Fortunes, and to [Page 308] the Queens Graces: but beware of the Gypsie, for he will be too hard for you all; you know not the beast so well as I do. His Prowess and Integrity drew the Soul­diers after him, Leicester's Courtship and Cunning the Courtiers, Cecil's Prudence and Service the States-men.

He succeeded his Father in his Fortune, and in his Favour; his Prudence and Resolution promo­ting him to the Government of Ireland and the North; his good husbandry and skill in Surveying, making him Justice in Eyre of all the Parks beyond Trent; and his comely Presence advancing him Lord Chamberlain. Queen Elizabeth poyzed her State by Factions abroad, and Parties at home; her chiefest wisdome lying in her general correspon­dence and complyance with each Party, as her In­terest lay in their incomplyance and distance from one another. My Lord of Sussex left this Memo­rial behind him, That for Rising Men to stick to a side, is necessary; For Great Men to be indif­ferent, is wise: and this, That he and my Lord of Leicester cleared and purged the Court: their cross Observations refining each person that was admit­ted to Court; none daring any injustice while Lei­cester observed him on the one hand, and Sussex pu­nished him on the other. Then no deserving Per­son could be excluded by the one, that could serve his Prince; nor any undeserving one admitted, that might disparage him: one Interest being sure to receive the one, as the other was to exclude the other.

Divers persons (saith one) of equal Authority, though both wicked, do in experience produce more Justice then a greater Probity in a single individua [...] [Page 309] hath been heard to pronounce; in a divided Court the Creatures of one Party being the Enemies of a­nother, no less powerful; and so they both become liable to accusation, or capable of defence: and from the sparkles of this clashing, not onely Persons and Actions, but the Publick Councils came to be refined from the Rust and Cankers that grow by an Unanimity. Faction can be as little spared in a Mo­narchy, as an Eye or an Ear, as through which the Prince hath a clearer apprehension of his own and others Affairs, then he can have when his followers are all agreed: through the percussion of equal Fa­ctions, as through that of Flint and Steel, all things coming to light by Debates, that might either ad­vance or eclipse a Princes glory.

When my Lord of Sussex could not overbear Leicester with Power, he did it with Policy; and by yeilding to him, conquered him: for (as he observed) when he and his friends retired, Leice­ster and his subdivided; and he was checked more by the Ambition he taught his own Followers, then by the competition of his Adversaries.

When Factions are carried too high, and too vio­lently, it is a signe of weakness in Princes, and much to the prejudice of their Authority and Business: The motions of Factions under Kings, ought to be like the motions (as the Astronomers speak) of the Verulam's Essays. Inferiour Orbs, which may have their proper Incli­nation, but yet are still quietly carried by the higher motion of the Primum Mobile. Queen Elizabeth had an happy time of it, if it were but for this, That her Favourites Divisions were her support: for thereby she attained the knowledge of all things that happened, so as no Suit or Designe passed the [Page 310] Royal Assent, before she understood as much of Reason as Enemies or Friends could bring for or a­gainst it.

The Character this third great Lord of his Fami­ly left behind him, was, This year died a man of a great spirit and faithfulness to his Country: and therefore none freer then he of his thoughts, none sounder then he in his counsels. Nor did this free­dome of Communication betray his future Resolu­tions to the discovery of his Enemies, as they o­pened his heart to the observation of his Prince: for through a seeming unconstancy, not of words, but of action; not his weakness, but his nimbleness, (the Bird on the wing is safe) he could so often va­ry, as it was not easie to discover where or when he would be buzzing, and give the blow: by which unsteady carriage, He so befooled his Adversaries with their Spies and Pensioners, as they were at a loss what to inform their Patrons of, or themselves how to resolve. Fortune and Conduct set up this Favourite, it falling in his Character as at Primero, and other Plays, wherein Fortune is directed and conducted by Art. The best and subtilest Gamester may loose, if it cross him; but if it smiles and fa­vours, he knoweth best how to manage and govern it.

Five things raised this person to a respect as great as his fortune; to be as high in the Queens favour, as he was in his Descent.

• 1. A Civility set off with State.
• 2. A pleasing Modesty of Countenance, and A [...]ability of Speech, ennameled with Gravity.
• 3. A Boldness attended with Patience.
• [Page 311] 4. A great Capacity, enlivened with as great Dexterity. And
• 5. An Integrity secured with wariness.

Observations on the Life of the Lord Willoughby.

THe Lord Willoughby was one of the Queens first Sword-men: he was of the antient extract of the Bartues, but more e [...]obled by his Mother, who was Dutchess of Suffolk. He was a great Master of the Art Military, and was sent General into France, and commanded the se­cond of five Armies that the Queen sent thither in aid of the French. As he was a great Souldier, so was he of a suitable Magnanimity, and could not brook the obsequiousness and assiduity of the Court at that time. He had more favour then he court­ed, and he courted more (rather to comply with the Queens humour, then his own inclination) then he desired. He would say, and that saying did him no good, (saith Sir Robert Naunton) That he was none of the Reptilia, being made rather to march as a Souldier, then to creep as a Courtier. But Civility must allay Nature in a Courtier, Pru­dence regulate it in a States-man, and modest sub­mission check and soften it in a Subject. It's as dan­gerous to be stubbornly above the Kindnesses, as it is to be factiously against the Power of Princes. Wil­loughby got nothing, Stanley lost all by his haughti­ness; which when it cannot be obliged, is suspected. But his service in France, Holland, and on the Bor­ders, [Page 312] compounded for his roughness: so that to he who could not endure he should be high at Court, were pleased he should be so in the Field. Stiffness which displeased when looked on as Pride at home, took when heard to be Resolution abroad. Each Nature is advanced in its own Element: Leicester among the Ladies, my Lord Willoughby among the Souldiers. It's a step to Greatness to know our own way to it; to exercise and shew our proper Vertues as he did: his Magnanimity in these two in­stances, among many others.

1. When one challenged him then sick of the Gout, he said, That though he were lame in his feet Cambden Eliz. 13. and hands, yet he would carry a Rapier in his teeth to fight his Adversary.

2. Having taken a Spanish Gennet designed a present to that King, and being offered either 1000l. or 100 l. a year in exchange for it, he nobly answer­ed, If it had been a Commander, he would have freely released him; but being onely a Horse, he saw no rea­son be could not keep a good Horse as well as the King of Spain himself. Sir Christopher Hatton was to an excess a Courtier, and my Lord Willoughby so a Souldier.

Observations on the Life of Sir Philip Sidney.

HE was Son to Sir Henry Sidney Lord Deputy of Ireland, and President of Wales. A Person of great Parts, and in no mean grace with the Queen. His Mother was Sister to my Lord of Leicester, from whence we may conjecture, how the Father stood up in the place of Honor and Employment; so that his Descent was apparently Noble on both sides. For his Education, it was such as Travel and the University could afford: for after an incredible proficiency in all the Species of Learning, he left the Academical life for that of the Court, whither he came by his Uncles invitation, famed aforehand by a Noble report of his Accom­plishments; which, together with the state of his Person, framed by a natural propension to Arms, he soon attracted the good opinion of all men; and was so highly prized in the good opinion of the Queen, that she thought the Court deficient with­out him: and whereas (through the fame of his deserts) he was in the election for the Kingdome of Poland, she refused to further his advancement, not out of Emulation, but out of fear to loose the Jewel of her times. He married the Daughter and sole Heir of Sir Francis Walsingham, then Secretary of State; a Lady destinated to the Bed of Honour, who (after his deplorable death at Zutphen in the Netherlands, where he was Governour of Flushing, at the time of his Uncles being there) was married [Page 314] to my Lord of Essex, and since his death to my Lord of St. Albans; all persons of the Sword, and other­wise of great Honour and Vertue. He had an equal temperament of Mars and Mercury, Valour and Learning, to as high a pitch as Nature and Art could frame, and Fortune improve him: so Dexterous, that he seemed born for every thing he went about. His representations of Vertue and Vice, were not more lively in his Books, then in his Life: his [...]an­cy was not above his Vertue: his Humours, Coun­sels and Actions, were renowned in the Romancer, Heroick in the States man. His Soul was as large as his Parents, and his Complexion as Noble; an e­qual Line of both; the modesty of the Mother al­laying the activity of the Father. A man so sweet­ly grave, so familiarly staid, so prettily serious he was above his years: Wisdome gained by travel, Experience raised from Observations, solid and use­ful Learning drawn from knowing Languet his three years Companion, and choicest Books, accompli­shed him for the love of all, and the reverence of most. His Converse was not more close at home, then his Correspondence abroad; equally mixed with Policy, Pleasure, Wisdome and Love: his Worth being penned up, and smothered within the narrowness of his fortune, sallied not out to discon­tent, but pleasure; sweetning the Affairs of State with the Debonnairness of the Stage; his Romance being but Policy played with Machiavil in jest, and State-Maximes sweetened to a Courtiers Palate. He writ men as exactly as he studied them, and discerned humours in the Court with the same deep insight he described them in his Book. His Infant-discourses teach men, O what had his riper years done!

[Page 315] He put Life into the dead Notions of Ancestors, made Philosophy practicable; joyned the Arts as closely in him, as they are in themselves. His Book is below his Spirit: a Spirit to be confined with Kingdomes, rather then Studies; to do what was to be written, then onely to write what was to be done. All eyes were upon him but his own: at first, in all Affairs he was the last; at last, he was the first: obliging all men that ever he saw, and see­ing all that were worth obliging. All were pleased with his Arcadia but himself, whose years advan­ced him so much beyond himself, as his Parts did beyond others: He condemned his Arcadia in his more retired judgement to the fire, which wise men think will continue to the last Conflagration. His private Correspondence with William of Nassau about the highest Affairs of Europe, was so exact and prudent, that he assured Sir Fulke Grevil he de­served a Kingdom in Forreign Parts, though he had not an Office in England. The Earl of Leicester held his Authority in the Low-Countries by his Counsel when alive, and gave it over when he was dead.

Sir Francis Walsingham was so much overshot by him in his own Bow, that those with whom Sir Phi­lip were acquainted with for his sake, were his friends for Sir Philips. King James was honoured when King of Scotland with his friendship, Henry the fourth with his correspondence, Don Juan highly obliged with his Visits, the King of Spain himself concerned in his death, whom England (he said) lost in a moment, but could not breed in an Age. The Universities were proud of his Patronage, the Field of his Presence: the Studious in all Parts commu­nicated with him; the Hopeful were encouraged [Page 316] by him; all excellent Persons thronged to him; all serviceable men were entertained by him; and he among them a Prince, whose minde was great, but his spirit greater. He taught England the Ma­jesty of Honest Dealing, the Interest of being Reli­gious. He looked deep into men and Counsels, and found no Wisdom without Courage, no Courage with­out Religion and Honesty: with which solid and a­ctive reaches of his, I am perswaded (saith my Lord Brooks) he would have found or made a way through all the Traverses even of the most weak and irregular times. Although a private Gentleman, he was a publick Good; of a large, yet uniform disposition: so good, that the great Monarch might trust; so great, that a little one must fear him: something he did for Fame, most for Conscience: His publick spirit, which might have enjealoused the cautious wisdome of other Princes, promoted the concerns of his own. He was sent to comple­ment Rodalph, but he dealt really with the Protestant Princes, and raised a Ceremony to a piece of Inte­rest. He shewed that long-breathed and cautious people, that imminent danger from Romes Supersti­tion, joyned with Spains Power, their private con­federacies and practices, their cruelty and designe; which awaked their drowzie wariness into an asso­ciation for Conscience and Religion more solid, as he demonstrated, then a Combination out of Po­licy. He went against the stream and current about the French Match, which he disswaded from the consequent inconveniencies of Engagements and charge to England, and the little advantage from France; backing his Argument with a late experi­ence; and so staying Queen Elizabeths Match by [Page 317] some reflexions on Queen Mary's: which was, A five years Designe or Tax, rather then a Mrriage: adding withal, That in a Forreign Match, besides the unequalness and danger of it, (when a strange Prince hath such an influence on our Constitution) the different Religion would make the Queen either quit the reputation of a good Protestant, or the honour of an obedient Wife.

Ten ways he laid down a Forreign Prince might endanger our Religion by.

• 1. Opposing and weakning the reverend Fathers of our Church.
• 2. By disgracing her most zealous Ministers.
• 3. By Latitude and Connivance.
• 4. By a loose and too free a behaviour, steering mens Consciences which way he pleased, and set­ting up indifferency.
• 5. By decrying Customes and Statutes, and en­hansing Proclamations to the Authority of Laws.
• 6. By provoking the English with French Op­pressions.
• 7. By entrenching on the British Liberties with Gallicane Prerogatives.
• 8. By breaking our League and Correspondence with other Protestant States.
• 9. Frighting our Queen to a Complyance.
• 10. And at last attempting the Protestant cause.

He would say to his [...]end the Lord Brooke, That if the Netherlands joyn with France, they are terrible to Spain: if with Spain, they are dreadful to France: if with us, they support the Reformation: if they stand on their own legs, they are too strong to be forced to [Page 318] Pyracy. He, though a private person, opposed her Majesty Queen Elizabeth in that Affair, with that sincerity, with that ingenuity, that freedome, that duty and peaceableness, that angered and pleased her. His Opinion was not more against her hu­mour, then his Manage of it was to her minde: in which Affair, when most were hood-winked with ignorance, and many captived with fear, he enjoy­ed the freedome of his own thoughts with dayly access to her Majesty, hourly converse with the French, and constant respect from the people. None more dutiful to his Soveraign then Sir Philip, none more resolute against Eucroachers upon Gentlemen and Freemen, none more dear to the whole State: which when he had designed Sir Francis Drake's second Voyage, and stollen to him at Windsor, com­manded his stay by an Earl, and for his sake the whole Fleets, although his stay disturbed, and his death destroyed his most exact Model for the Con­quest of America, the exactest Europe ever saw: A Conquest not to be enterprized but by Sir Philips reaching spirit, that grasped all circumstances, and commanded all interests on this side the Line.

When his great Soul could not improve Europe, he considered it; and made that the Field of his me­diation, that could not be the stage of his Actions. England he saw so humoursome and populous, that it was to be refined with War, and corrupted with Peace. Her interest was, he said, to balance Neighbor-Princes. France he observed weak and effeminate, the Empire enslaved and secure, the Hanses too big, Rome subtle and undermining, Spain crept to the Power and Councils of Europe, the Protestant Princes enjealoused and distrustful, Poland divided, [Page 319] Denmark strong, Sweden invironed or imprisoned, the Muscovite distressed and ignorant, the Switz enemies, yet servants to Monarchs, (a dangerous body for the soul of any aspiring Monarch to infuse defignes into) the Princes of Italy awed by their Superiours, and cautious against their equals; Tur­kie asleep in the Seraglio; but Spain all this while Master of Rome, and the wisest Council or Conclave in the Word; Lord of the Mines of America, and the Sword of Europe: Concluding, that while the Spaniard had Peace, Pope Money or Credit, and the World Men, Necessity or Humours, the War could hardly be determined upon this Low-Coun­try-stage: And that there were but two ways to conquer Spain, the one, That which diverted Han­nibal; and by setting fire on his own House, made him draw his spirits to comfort his heart: The o­ther, that of Jason, by fetching away his Golden Fleece, and not suffering any one quietly to enjoy that which every man so much affected. The assi­stance of Portugal, the surprize of Cales her key, and Sevi [...] her treasure; the drawing in of other Well­willers; the command of the Sea, an exact Intelli­gence; the Protection of Rochel, Brest, Bourdeaux, or some other distressed Protestant, to balance the over-mytred Countries, the encouragement of re­ligious or ambitious Roytolets to advance and se­cure themselves, the engaging of the French and Spaniards, a League with Venice and the Maritime States: some temptations to Italy to remove their French and Spanish Garisons, an opportunity to re­cover Sicily, some insinuations to the Pope of the Austrian Greatness, the setting up of the World in an Aequilibrium, the invasion of America, removing [Page 320] the diffidence, overpoyzing the Neutrality, and working upon the Complexions of Kings and Kingdomes, was this young, but great mans de­signe.

An Expedition to the Indies he would perswade with these motives:

• 1. That Honour was cheaper abroad then at home; at Sea, then at Land.
• 2. That the Spanish Conquests like the Jesuites Miracles, made more noise at distance then nearer hand.
• 3. That the Indians would joyn with the first Undertaker against their cruel Masters.
• 4. That Spain was too far for supply.
• 5. That the Spaniard was Undisciplined, and trusted more to the Greatness of his Name, then to Order, Policy or Strength.
• 6. That England was populous.
• 7. That it was an Action complyant with the pre­sent Humour, and not subject to Emulations.
• 8. That it would either cut off the Spanish trea­sure, or make it chargeable.
• 9. And at last set up a Free Trade by Sea, open a great Door to Valour or Ambition for new Con­quests, and to Zeal for new Converts.

He said the Inquisition would overthrow Spain, being a designe upon Humane Nature, and free­dome; to govern men at the rate of beasts. His great Abilities recommended him to Leicester's Cabinet, whose Horse he commanded in the Field, whose Counsel he guided at home. Prudent and valiant he was in contriving and executing the sur­prize of Axil: Liberal and Noble to his Souldiers at Flushing; wary and deep-sighted in his Counsel [Page 321] about Graveline; wise and stayed in the jealousies be­tween Leicester and Hollock. His Patience and Reso­lution before Zutphen, his quiet and composed spirit at Arneim, his Christian and religious comportment in his sickness and death, made his Fame as lasting as his Life was wished. And why died he lamented by the Queen, mourned for by the Court, bemoan­ed by Europe, wept over by Religion and Learning, the Protestant Churches, celebrated by Kings, and K. H. 4. K. Ja [...]es. eternized by Fame? because he was one whose Parts were improved by early Education, whose Education was raised by Experience, whose Experience was en­larged by Travel, whose Travel was laid up in Obser­vations, whose Observations were knit up to a so­lid Wisdome, whose Wisdome was graced with his Presence; and the one was as much admired by Kings, as the other was by Queens. One whose Learning guided Universities, whose Alliance enga­ged Favourites, whose Presence filled Courts, whose Soul grasped Europe, whose Merit could fill a Throne, whose Spirit was above it. It was he who was deserving and quiet, neglected and patient, great and familiar, ingenious and devout, learned and valiant, sweet and solid, contemplative & active. It was he whom Queen Elizabeth called her In Opposi­tion to him of Spain. Phi­lip, the Prince Orange his Master, and whose friend­ship my Lord Brooke was so proud of, that he would have no other Epitaph on his Grave then this, Here lieth Sir Philip Sidneys Friend. It was he whose last words were, Love my memory, cherish my Friends; their faith to me may assure you they are honest: but above all, govern your will and affections by the Will and Word of your Creator. In me behold the end of this world, and all its vanities.

Observations on the Life of Sir John Perrot.

SIr John Perrot was a goodly Gentleman, and of the Sword: and as he was of a very anci­ent descent, as an Heir to many Exstracts of Gentry, especially from Guy de Bryan of Lawhern; so was he of a vast Estate, and came not to the Court for want. And to these Adjuncts he had the Endowments of Courage, and heighth of Spi­rit, had it lighted on the allay of temper and discre­tion: the defect whereof, with a native freedome and boldness of speech, drew him into a Clouded setting, and laid him open to the spleen & advantage of his Enemies. He was yet a wise man, and a brave Courtier, but rough, and participating more of a­ctive [Page 323] then sedentary motions, as being in his Con­stellation destinated for Arms. He was sent Lord-Deputy into Ireland, where he did the Queen very great and many Services: Being out of envy accu­sed of High Treason, and against the Queens will and consent condemned, he died suddenly in the Tower. He was Englands professed Friend, and Sir Christopher Hattons professed Enemy: He fell be­cause he would stand alone. In the English Court at that time he that held not by Leicesters and Bur­leighs favour, must yeild to their frowns: What ground he gained in Forreign Merits, (as the Sea) he lost in Domestick Interests. The most deserving Recesses, and serviceable absence from Courts, is incompatible with the way of interest and favour. His boysterous carriage rather removed then pre­ferred him to Ireland, where he was to his cost, what he would have been to his advantage; chief in Command, and first in Council. His spirit was too great to be ruled, and his Interest too little to sway. He was so like a Son of Henry the They say his father married a Familiar of King Hen­ry's. eighth, that he would not be Queen Elizabeths subject: but Hattons sly smoothness undermined his open roughness; the one dancing at Court with more success then the other fought in Ireland. He was born to enjoy, rather then make a Fortune; and to command, rather then stoop for respect. Boldness indeed is as necessary for a Souldier, as Action for an Orator; and is a prevailing quality over weak men at all times, and wise men at their weak times: yet it begins well, but continueth not; closing al­ways with the wiser sorts scorns, and the vulgars laughter. Sir John Perrot was better at Counsel then Complement, and better at Execution then [Page 324] Counsel. None worse to command first on his own head, none better to be second, and under the di­rection of others. He could not advise, because he looked not round on his dangers: he could not execute, because he saw them not. His alliance to his Soveraign commended him at first to her fa­vour, and gave him up at last to her jealousie; be­ing too near to be modest, and too bold to be trust­ed: and the more service he performed, he was thereby onely the more dangerous, and withal unhappy; his Successes onely puffing up his humor, and his Victories ripening his ambition to those fa­tal Sallies against the Queens honour and Govern­ment, that had cost him his life, had he not saved it with those very Rants he lost himself by: for when he had out of an innocent confidence of his cause, and a haughty conceit of his Extraction, ex­asperated his Noble Jury to his Condemnation, he had no more to say for himself then Gods death! will the Queen suffer her Brother to be offered up as a sa­crifice to the envy of my frisking Adversaries? On which words the Queen refused to signe the War­rant for his Execution, though pressed to it from Reason and Interest, saying, They were all Knaves that condemned him. It's observed of him, that the Surplusage of his services in Ireland abated the merit of them; and that it was his oversight to have done too much there. His mortal words were those in the great Chamber of Dublin, when the Queen sent him some respectful Letters after her Expostulatory ones, with an intimation of the Spa­niards Designe: Lo, now (saith he) she is ready to piss her self for fear of the Spaniard; I am again one of her white Boys.

[Page 325] A great Birth and a great Minde are crushed in Commonwealths, and watched in Kingdomes: They who are too tall to stand, too stubborn to bow, are but too fit to break. Ruffling Spirits raise them­selves at the settlement of Governments, but fall after it; being but unruly Waves to a steady Rock, breaking themselves on that solid Constitution they would break. Few aimed at Favourites as Sir John did at the Lord Chancellor, but their Arrows fell on their own heads; Soveraignty being always struck through prime Counsellours, and Majesty through its chief Ministers. Sir John Perrot no sooner clashed with Hatton, then he lost the Queen; and ever since he reflected on his Dancing, he lost his own footing, and never stood on his legs.

Observations on the Life of Sir Fran­cis Walsingham.

HE was a Gentleman (at first) of a good house, but of a better Education; and from the University travelled for the rest of his Learning. He was the best Linguist of the times, but knew best how to use his own tongue, whereby he came to be employed in the chiefest Affairs of State. He was sent Ambassadour into France, and stayed there a Leiger long, in the heat of the Civil Wars. At his return he was taken Principal Secre­tary, and was one of the great Engines of State, and of the times, high in the Queens favour, and a watchful servant over the safety of his Mistress. He acted the same part in the Courts of France about [Page 326] that Match, that Gundamor, if I be not mistaken, (saith Sir Robert Naunton) did in the Court of Eng­land about the Spanish. His apprehension was quick, and his Judgement solid: his Head was so strong, that he could look into the depth of men and business, and dive into the Whirlpools of State. Dexterous he was in finding a secret, close in keeping it: Much he had got by Study, more by Travel; which enlarged and actuated his thoughts. Cecil bred him his Agent, as he bred hundreds. His Converse was infinuating and reserved: He saw e­very man, and none saw him. His Spirit was as publick as his Parts; and it was his first Maxime, Knowledge is never too dear: yet as Debonnair as he was prudent; and as obliging to the softer, but pre­dominant parts of the world, as he was serviceable to the more severe: and no less Dexterous to work on humours, then to convince Reason. He would say, he must observe the joynts and flexures of Affairs; and so could do more with a Story, then others could with a Harangue. He always sur­prized business, and preferred motions in the heat of other diversions; and if he must debate it, he would hear all; and with the advantage of afore­going speeches, that either cautioned or confirmed his resolutions, he carried all before him in conclu­sion beyond reply. He out-did the Jesuites in their own bowe, and over-reached them in their own e­quivocation, and mental reservation; never telling a Lye, but warily drawing out and discovering truth. As the close Room sucketh in most Air, so this wary man got most intelligence, being most of our Papists Confessour before their death, as they had been their Brethrens before their treason. He [Page 327] said what another writ, That an habit of secrecy is policy and vertue. To him mens faces spake as much as their tongues, and their countenances were In­dexes of their hearts. He would so beset men with Questions, and draw them on, & pick it out of them by piece-meals, that they discovered themselves whether they answered or were silent. This Spa­nish Proverb was familiar with him, Tell a Lye, and finde a Truth; and this, Speak no more then you may safely retreat from without danger, or fairly go through with without opposition. Some are good onely at some affairs in their own acquaintance; Wal­singham was ready every where, and could make a party in Rome as well as England. He waited on mens souls with his eye, discerning their secret hearts through their transparent faces.

He served himself of the Factions as his Mistress did, neither advancing the one, nor depressing the other: Familiar with Cecil, allied to Leicester, and an Oracle to Sussex. He could overthrow any matter by undertaking it, and move it so as it must fall. He never broke any business, yet carried ma­ny: He could discourse any matter with them that most opposed; so that they in oppofing it, promo­ted it. His fetches and compass to his designed speech, were things of great patience and use. Twice did he deceive the French as Agent, once did he settle the Netherlands as Commissioner, and twice did he alter the Government of Scotland as Embassadour. Once did France desire he might be recalled, because he was too hard for the Coun­sel for the Hugonots; and once did Scotland request his remand, because he would have overturned their Constitution: 53 Agents did he maintain in [Page 328] Forreign Courts, and 18 Spies: for two Pistols an Order, he had all the private Papers of Europe: few Letters escaped his hands, whose Contents he could read and not touch the Seals. Bellarmine read his Lectures at Rome one moneth, and Reynolds had them confuted the next. So patient was this wise man, Chiselhurst never saw him angry, Cambridge never passionate, and the Court never discomposed. Religion was the interest of his Country, (in his judgement) and of his Soul; therefore he main­tained it as sincerely as he lived it: it had his head, his purse, and his heart. He laid the great founda­tion of the Protestant Constitution as to its policy, and the main plot against the Popish as to its ruine. He would cherish a plot some years together, ad­mitting the Conspirators to his own and the Queens presence familiarly, but dogging them out watch­fully: his Spies waited on some men every hour, for three years; and lest they could not keep coun­sel, he dispatched them to forraign parts, taking in new Servants. His training of Parry who designed the murder of Queen Elizabeth, the admitting of him under the pretence of discovering a Plot to the Queens presence, and then letting him go where he would, onely on the security of a Dark Sentinel set over him, was a piece of reach and hazard beyond common apprehension. But Kingdomes were act­ed by him, as well as private persons. It is a likely report (saith one) that they father on him at his return from France, when the Queen expressed her fear of the Spanish designe on that Kingdome with some concernment, Madam, (said he) be content not to fear; the Spaniard hath a great appetite, and an excellent digestion: but I have fitted him with a bone [Page 329] for this twenty years, that your Majesty shall have no cause to doubt him: Provided that if the fire chance to slack which I have kindled, you will be ruled by me, and now and then cast in some English [...]uel which may revive the flame. He first observed the great Bishop of Winchester fit to serve the Church, upon the un­likely Youths first Sermon at St. Al [...]allows Barking: He brought my Lord Cooke first to the Church upon some private discourse with him at his Table. The Queen of Scots Letters were all carried to him by her own Servant, whom she trusted, and decyphe­red to him by one Philips, as they were sealed again by one Gregory, so that neither that Queen or her correspondents ever perceived either the Seal defa­ced, or the Letters delayed to her dying day. Vi­deo & Taceo, was his saying, before it was his Mi­stresses Motto.

He could as well [...]it King James his humour with sayings out of Xenophon, Thucydides, Plutarch, Tacitus; as he could King Henry's with Rablais's conceits, & the Hollander with Mechanick Discourses. In a word, Sir Francis Walsingham was a studious and tempe­rate man; so publick-spirited, that he spent his E­state to serve the Kingdome; so faithful, that he be­stowed his years on his Queen; so learned, that he See his Ne­gotiation in France, in his Letters to Cecil in The com­pleat Em­bassador. provided a Library for Kings Colledge of [...]is own Books; which was the best for Policy, as Cecil's was for History, Arundels for Heraldry, Cottons for Anti­quity, and Ushers for Divinity: finally, he equalled all the Statesmen former Ages discourse of, and hardly hath been equalled by any in following Ages.

Observations on the Life of the Earl of Leicester.

THe Lord Leicester was the youngest son then living of Dudley Duke of Northumberland: he was also one of the first to whom Queen Elizabeth gave that honour to be Master of the Horse. He was a very goodly person, and singular well featured, and all his youth well favoured, and of a sweet aspect, but high foreheaded, which was taken to be of no discommendation: but towards his latter end grew high-coloured and red-faced. The Queen made him Earl of Leicester for the suffe­rings of his Ancestors sake, both in her Fathers and Sisters Reigns. The Earl of Essex his death in Ireland, and the marriage of his Lady yet living, deeply stains his commendation. But in the Ob­servations of his Letters and Writings, there was not known a Stile or Phrase more religious, and fuller of the streams of Devotion. He was sent Governour by the Queen to the United States of Holland, where we read not of his wonders; for they say, Mercury, not Mars, in him had the pre­dominancy. To the Policy he had from Northum­berland his Father, and the Publican Dudley his Grandfather, he added, they say, Magick and A­strology; and to his converse with Wise men, his familiarity with Wizards. Indeed he would say. A States-man should be ignorant of nothing, but should have all notices either within his own or his Con­fidents command.

[Page 331] His Brother Ambrose was the Heir to the Estate, and he to the Wisdome of that Family. He was the most reserved man of that Age, that saw all, and was invisible; carrying a depth not to be fathomed but by the Searcher of Hearts. Many fell in his time, who saw not the hand that pulled them down; and as many died that knew not their own Disease. He trusted not his Familiars above a twelve-month together, but either transported them for Forreign services, or wasted them to ano­ther world. His Ambition was of a large extent, and his Head-piece of a larger. Great was his In­fluence on England, greater on Scotland, and great­est of all on Ireland and the Netherlands; where this close Genius acted invisibly, beyond the reach of friends, or the apprehension of enemies. Declining an immediate opposition in Court-factions, the wa­ry Sir raised always young Favourites to outshine the old ones: so balancing all others that he might be Paramount himself. The modern policy and practices were but shallow to his; who by pro­moting the Queens Match, could hinder it; who could decoy Hunsdon to Berwick, Pembroke to Wales, Sidney to Ireland; while what with his great Train, what with his growing Popularity, he was called the Heart of the Court.

To make his Basis equal to his Heighth, he enlar­ged and strengthened his Interest by Alliance with the chief Nobility, to whom he was related. By his Patronage of Learning, over which he was Chancellour; by kindness to the Clergy, whose Head he seemed to be; by his command over all men, whom either his favours had won, or his frowns awed; everybody being either within the [Page 332] Obligation of his Courtesies, or the reach of his Injuries. He advised some complyance with Philip of Spain for the Match he proposed; while by de­grees he altered Religion so, as it must be impossi­ble; designing Queen Elizabeth for his own Bed, while she made his way to the Queen of Scots: whose refusal of him he made as fatal to her, as his Marriage would have been advantageous; (The Queen of England promising to declare her next Heir to the Crown of England, in case she failed of Issue, upon that Match.) Leicester trepans Norfolk to treat a Match with the Scotch Queen; and her to accept it, to both their ruine: both being enga­ged in such foolish Enterprizes by their enemies practices, as made Leicester able in the head of a new Association in the Queens defence, to take off Norfolk and his Ladies head. He was always before­hand with his Designes, being a declared enemy to After-games.

His Interest was Popery, until my Lord North put him upon Puritanism, but his Religion neither: He promoted the French and Polish Match at Court, and disparaged them in the Country. When Cardinal Chatillian advertized her Majesty how Leicester drave Royal Suiters from her Court, he was sent to another World. He that would not hold by his favour, must fall by his frown; Arch-bishop Grindal not excepted. His hand bestowed all favours, and his brows all frowns: the whole Court was at his Devotion, and half the Council at his beck. Her Majesty suspected, but durst not remove him. His Intelligence was good in Scot­land, better in Ireland, best in Spain. The Coun­try was governed by his Allies, and the Court by [Page 333] himself. The Tower was in his servants hands, Lon­don under his Creatures Government, and the Law managed by his Confidents. His treasure was vast, his gains unaccountable, all passages to prefer­ment being in his hand at home and abroad. He was never reconciled to her Majesty under 5000 l. nor to any Subject under 500 l. and was ever and anon out with both. All Monopolies are his, who commanded most mens Purses, and all mens Parts. A man was oppressed if he complyed with him, and undone if he opposed him. In a word, his designe was thought a Crown, his Parts too large for a Subject, his Interest too great for a Servant, his depth not fathomable in those days, and his Policy not reached in these.

Observations on the Life of the Lord Hatton.

SIr Christopher H [...]tton was a Gentleman, who for his activity and Person was taken into the Queens favour. He was first made Vice-Chamberlain, and shortly after advanced to the place of Lord Chancellour: A Gentleman, that besides the Graces of his Person, and Dancing, had also the Adjectments of a strong and subtile capa­city: one that could soon learn the Discipline and Garb both of Times and Court. The truth is, he had a large proportion of Gifts and Endowments, but too much of the season of Envy. As he came, so he continued in the Court in a Mask. An honest man he was, but reserved. Sir John Perrot talked, [Page 334] and Sir Christopher Hatton thought. His features set off his body, his gate his features, his carriage his gate, his parts his carriage, his prudence his parts, and his close patience his prudence. The Queen loved him well for his activity, better for his parts, best of all for his abilities, which were as much a­bove his experience, as that was above his learning, and that above his education. The little the wary man did, was so exactly just and discreet; and the little he said, was so prudent and weighty, that he was chosen to keep the Queens Conscience as her Chancellour, and to express her sense as her Spea­ker: the Courtiers that envyed the last capacity, were by his power forced to confess their errours; and the Sergeants that would not plead before him in the first, by his prudence to confess his abilities. The Chancellourship was above his Law, but not his Parts; so pregnant and comprehensive, that he could command other mens knowledge to as good purpose as his own. Such his humility, that he did nothing without two Lawyers: such his ability, that the Queen did nothing without him. Two things he said he was jealous of, His Mistresses the Queens Prerogatives, and his Mother the Churches Discipline: the one, that Majesty might be at li­berty to do as much good; and the other, that Ini­quity might not be free to as much evil as it plea­sed. His enemies advanced him, that they might weaken him at Court by his absence, and kill him at home by a sedentariness. This even and clear man observed and improved their practices, closing with Malice it self to his own advancement, and tem­pering the most perverse enmity to the greatest kindness.

[Page 335] None Nobler, none less aspiring: none more bu­sie, yet none more punctual in his hours and orders. Corpulent he was, but temperate; a Batchelor, (and the onely one of the Queens Favourites) yet chaste: quick were his Dispatches, but weighty; many his Orders, and consistent: numerous were the Addresses to him, and easie the access. Sel­dome were his Orders reversed in Chancery, and seldomer his Advice opposed in Council. So just he was, that his sentence was Law with the Subject; so wise, that his Opinion was Oracle with his Sove­raign: so exact was Queen Elizabeth, that she cal­led upon him for an old debt, though it broke his heart; so loving, that she carried him a Cordial­broath with her own hand, though it could not re­vive him.

Observations on the Life of the Lord Hunsdon.

THe Lord Hunsdon was of the Queens near­est Kindred; and on the decease of Sussex, both he and his Son took the place of Lord Chamberlain. He was a fast man to his Prince, and firm to his friends and servants, downright, honest, and stout-hearted, having the charge of the Queens Person both in the Court, and in the Camp at Til­bury. The integrity of his temper allayed the great­ness of his birth; which had rendred him dange­rous, if the other had not vouched him faithful. He spoke big, but honestly; and was thought rather resolute then ambitious. His words were as his [Page 336] thoughts, and his actions as his words. He had Valour enough to be an eminent Souldier in ruffling times, and a renownedly honest man in Queen Eli­zabeths Reign. His Latine, faith Sir Robert Naun­ton, and his dissimulation, were both alike. His cu­stome of swearing, and obscenity in speaking, made him seem a worse Christian then he was, and a bet­ter Knight of the Carpet then he should be. The Polititians followed Cecil, the Courtiers Leicester, and the Souldiers Hunsdon, whose hands were bet­ter then his head, and his heart then both. He led so brave a Train of young Gallants, as after another threatned a Court, but after him secured it; whose Greatness was not his Mistresse jealousie, but her safeguard. One of his blunt Jests went further then others affected Harangues; the one being Na­ture, the other forced. His faithfulness made him Governour of Berwick; a place of great service: and General of the English Army; a place of great Trust. He had something of Leicesters Choler, but none of his Malice. A right Noble Spirit, not so stupid as not to resent, not so unworthy as to re­tain a sense of Injuries. To have the Courage to observe an Affront, is to be even with an Adversa­ry: to have the patience to forgive it, is to be a­bove him. There goeth a story of him, that when his Retinue, which in those times was large, would have drawn on a Gentleman that had returned him a box on the ear, he forbad them in these Souldier-like words: You Rogues, cannot my Neighbour and my self exchange a box on the ear, but you must inter­pose?

He might have been what he would, for relieving Queen Elizabeth in her distress: he would be but [Page 337] what he was: Other Interests were offered him to stand upon; he was contented with his own. He suppressed the Court-Factions, and the Nothern Commotions; the one by his Interest, the other by his Valour: for the one, he had always the Queens Heart; for the other, he had once a most Gracious Letter.

His Court-favour was as lasting as his Integrity See Fuller in his Wor­thies. One hath left this remarque concerning him: That he should have been twice Earl of Wilishire in right of his Mother Bollen. And the Queen, when he was on his Death-bed, ordered his Patent and Robes to his bed-side: where he who could dissem­ble neither well nor ill, told the Queen, That if he was not worthy of those Honours when living, he was unworthy of them when dying.

In a word, Sir William Cecil was a wise man; Bacon was reaching, Leicester cunning; Walsingham was a Patriot, and my Lord Hunsd [...]n was honest.

Observations on the Life of Nicholas Heath, Archbishop of York, and Lord Chancellour of England.

AT once a most wise and a most learned man, of great Policy, and of as great Integri­ty; meek and resolute: more devout to follow his own Conscience, then cruel to perse­cute others. It is enough to intimate his moderate temper, equal, and dis-engaged from violent ex­treams; that the first of Queen Elizabeth, in the [Page 338] Disputation between the Papists and Protestants, he was chosen by the Privy-Council one of the Mode­rators, when Sir Nicholas Bacon was the other.

The Civility he shewed in Prosperity, he found in Adversity: for in Queen Elizabeths time he was rather eased, then deposed, [like another Abiathar, sent home by Solomon to his own fields in Ana­thoth] living cheerfully at Cobbam in Surry, where he devoted his Old Age to Religion and Study, be­ing much comforted with the Queens Visits and kindness, and more with his own good conscience; that (as he would often say) he had been so intent upon the service, as never to enjoy the greatness of any place he was advanced to.

Sir Henry Wotton being bound for Rome, asked his Host at Siena, a man well versed in men and bu­finess, What Rules he would give him for his Port, Conduct and Carriage? There is one short remem­brance (said he) will carry you safe through the world; nothing but this, (said he) Gli Pensiere stretti, & el viso Sciolto: (i. e.) Your Thoughts close, and your Countenance loose.

The Character of this Prelate, a man of a calm and reserved minde, but of a gravely obliging car­riage: wise and wary; and that a solid wisdome rather then a formal; well seasoned with pra­ctice, and well broken to Affairs: of a fine Com­position, between Frugality and Magnificence: A great Cherisher of Manual Arts, especially such as tended to splendour or ornament; entertaining the most exquisite Artists with a setled Pension. E­qually divided he was between the Priest and the States-man; Great with his double Power, Ecclesi­astical and Civil: by Nature more reserved then [Page 339] popular, with Vertues fitter to beget estimation then love. In his Chancellourship he was served with able followers, rather by choice then number, and with more neatness and service then noise. As Midland Countries in busie times are most secure, as being farthest, and most participating of the common Interest: so your moderate and middle men in troublesome and perplexed times, are most quiet, as least concerned in the respective Contro­versies, and most intent upon the common good.

Observations on the Life of Sir Wil­liam Pickering.

HIs Extraction was not noble, his Estate but mean; yet was his Person so comely, his Carriage so elegant, his Life so gravely re­served and studious, and his Embassies in France and Germany so well managed, that in King Edwards days he was by the Council pitched upon as the Oracle, whereby our Agents were to be guided a­broad; and in Queen Elizabeths, designed by com­mon vote for the Prince by whom we were to be governed at home. He received extraordinary fa­vours, no doubt, so deserving he was: he was wish­ed to more, he was so popular: and when his ser­vice was admitted to her Majesties besome, all fan­cies but his own placed his person in her Bed. And I find him a Prince in this, That retiring from those busie Buslings in the State, wherein he might be matched or out-done, he devoted his large Soul to those more sublime and noble researches in his [Page 340] Study, wherein he sate Monarch of Hearts and Let­ters. Anxious Posterity no doubt enquires what great Endowments could raise so private a man to such publick honour and expectation; and it must imagine him one redeemed by the Politure of good Education, from his younger vanities and simplici­ties, his Rustick ignorance, his Clownish confidence, his Bruitish dulness, his Country solitude, his earth­ly ploddings, his Beggerly indigencies, or covetous necessities; racked and refined from the Lees of sensual and inordinate lust, from swelling and surely pride, from base and mean designes, from immo­derate affections, violent passions, unreasonable im­pulses, and depraved aspects; of a strong and hand­some body, a large and publick Soul, of a gentle and patient access, of benign and just resentments, a grand awful presence. This is he that is born to teach the world, That Causa virtus à Deo, vel ipse Deus. Vertue and Wariness make Kings as well as Gods.

Observations on the Life of Cuthbert Tonstal, Bishop of Durham.

A Man passing well seen in all kind of polished Literature; who having run through many degrees of honour at home, and worthily performed several Embassies abroad, was very hot against the Popes Primacy in his young days, very moderate for it in his middle years, and very zea­lous in his old age: like the waters in Curtius, that are hot at midnight, warm in the morning, and cold at noon. In the Reign of Queen Mary he spake [Page 341] more harshly against the Protestants, (calling Bishop Hooper Beast for being married) then he acted, be­ing politickly presumed to bark the more, that he might bite the less; and observed to threaten much in London, and do little in his own Diocess: for I meet (saith my Author) with a Marginal Note in Mr. [...]oxe, which indeed justly deserved even in the Vol. 3. p. 95 [...]. fairest letters to be inserted in the body of his Book: Note, that Bishop Tonstal in Queen Mary' s days was no great bloody Persecutor: for Mr. Russel a Preacher was before him, and Dr. Hinmer his Chancellor would have had him examined more particularly: the Bishop staid him, saying, Hitherto we have had a good re­port among our Neighbours; I pray you bring not this mans blood upon my head.

When the more violent Bishops were confined to close prisons, primo Elizabetha, he lived in Free Custody at my Lord of Canterbury's, in sweet Cham­bers, warm Beds, by warm Fires, with plentiful and wholesome Diet at the Archbishops own Table: differing nothing from his former Grandeur, save that that was at his own charges, and this at ano­thers; and that he had not his former suit of su­perfluous Servants, that long Train that doth not warm but weary the Wearer thereof. In a word, his custody did not so much sowre his freedome, as his freedome sweetned his custody; where his Soul was most free, using not once those Oracles of Se­neca, That the good things of Prosperity are to be wish­ed, and the good things of Adversity to be admired. It's true Greatness to have at once the frailty of a man, and the security of a god. Prosperity (saith my Lord Bacon) is the blessing of the Old Testament, and Adversity of the new: the first wants not its [Page 342] fears and distastes, therein therefore our Prelate was temperate; nor the second its comsorts and hopes, and therein he was resolved: in the one (—virtus vel in hoste) he was not vicious, under the other he was vertuous.

Observations on the Life of Sir Francis Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury.

NObility without Vertue is a disgrace, Ver­tue without Nobility low; but Nobility adorned with Vertue, and Vertue embel­lished by Nobility, raiseth a man high as Nature reacheth: and he in whom these two concur, hath all the glory a man can attain unto, viz. both an Inclination and a Power to do well.

This is the man whose Greatness was but the ser­vant to his Goodness, and whose Honour the In­strument of his Vertue; who was reverenced like the Heavens he bore, for his Beneficence, as well as for his Glory. He saw four troublesome Reigns, but not troubled himself, as one that was so espou­sed to the common and grand Concerns of Man-kinde, as to be uninterested in the particular and petty Designe of any party of it.

He had friends (and none more sure to them, or more devoted to that sacred thing called Friend­ship) to ease his heart to, to support his judge­ment by, to reform, or at least observe his defect in, to compose his mind with; but none to counte­nance in a Faction, or side with in a quarrel: Ʋse­fulness is a Bond that tieth great and good men, and not respects.

[Page 343] How low Learning ran in our Land among our Native Nobility some two hundred years since, in the Reign of King Henry the sixth, too plainly ap­peareth by the Motto in the Sword of the Martial Earl of Shrewsbury, (where (saith my Author) at the same time a man may smile at the simplicity, and sight at the barbarousness thereof) Sum Talboti pro occidere inimicos meos: the best Latine that Lord, and perchance his Chaplain too in that Age could afford. The case was much altered here, where this Lords Granchilde was at once the chief­est Camb. Eliz. 1560. Councellour, and the most eminent Scholar of his Age. It's a reverend thing to see any ancient piece standing against Time, much more to see an ancient Family standing against Fortune. Certainly Princes that have able men of their Nobility, shall finde ease in employing them, and a better slide Bacon Ess. 7. into their business: for people naturally bend to them, as born in some sort to command.

Observations on the Life of Sir Tho­mas Challoner.

THis Gentlemans birth in London made him quick, his Education in Cambridge know­ing, and his travail abroad expert. In Henry the eighth's time he served Charles the fifth in the expedition of Algier: where being ship-wrack­ed, after he had swum till his strength and arms failed him, at the length catching hold of a Cable with his teeth, he escaped, not without the loss of some of his teeth. (We are consecrated by dan­gers [Page 344] to services; and we know not what we can do, until we have seen all we can fear.) In Edward the sixth's Reign, he behaved himself so manly at Muscleborough, that the Protector honoured him with a Knighthood, and his Lady with a Jewel; the delicate and valiant man at once pleasing Mars and his Venus too. The first week of Queen Elizabeths Reign, he is designed an Embassadour of Honour to the Emperour; such his port and carriage! and the second year, her Leiger for business in Spain; such his trust and abilities! The first he perform­ed not with more Gallantry, then he did the second with Policy; bearing up King Philips expectation of the Match with England for three years effectu­ally, until he had done the Queens business abroad, and she had done her own at home. In Spain he e­qually divided his time between the Scholar and the States-man, his recreation and his business: for he refreshed his more careful time with a pure and learned Verse, de rep. Anglorum instauranda, in five Books, whilst as he writes in the Preface to that Book, he lived Hieme in furno, aestate in Horreo: i. e. Wintered in a Stove, and Summered in a Barn. He understood the Concerns of this estate well, and those of his own better; it being an usual saying, engraven on all his Plates and Actions, Frugality is the left hand of Fortune, and Diligence the right. Anthony Brown Viscount Mountacute urged with much Zeal and many Arguments the Danger and Dishonour of revolting off from the Catholick and Mother-Church: Sir Thomas Challoner with more Eloquence enlarged on the just Cause for which we deceded from the Errours of Rome, the true Au­thority by which we deceded from the Usurpation [Page 345] of Rome, and the Moderation in what we deceded from the Superstition of Rome.

When the Spanish Embassadour urged that some Catholicks might with the Queens leave remain in Spain; he answered him in a large Declaration, That though the instance seemed a matter of no great moment, yet seeing the Parties concerned would not receive so much advantage by the license as the Com­monwealth would damage by the President, it was nei­ther fit for the King of Spain to urge, or for the Queen of England to grant. He was very impatient of In­juries, pressing his return home when his Co [...]ers were searched; but admonished by his Mistress, That an Embassadour must take all things in good part that hath not a direct tendency to the Princes disho­nour, or his Countries danger. His death was as ho­nourable Oct. 15. 1565. as his life, Sir William Cecil being chief Mourner at his Funeral, St. Pauls containing his Grave, and he leaving a hopeful Sir Tho. Son that should bring up future Princes, as he had served the pre­sent; being as worthy a Tutor to the hopeful Prince Henry, as his Father had been a faithful Servant to the renowned Queen Elizabeth.

Observations in the Life of Sir Ed­ward Waterhouse.

SIr Edward Waterhouse was born at Helmstedbu­ry Hartfordshire: of an ancient and worship­ful Family, deriving their descent lineally from Sir Gilbert Waterhouse of Kyrton in Low-Lind­sey in the County of Lincoln, in the time of King Hen­ry [Page 346] the third. As for our Sir Edward, his Parents were,

‘ The King at his departure honoured the children By the learned, industrious and inge­nious Ed­ward Wa­terhouse Esquire, of Si [...]n. Col­ledge. of the said John Waterhouse, being brought before him, with his praise and encouragement, gave a Ben­jamins portion of Dignation to this Edward; fore­telling by his Royal Augury, that he would be the Crown of them all, and a man of great honour and wisdome, fit for the service of Princes. It pleased God afterwards to second the word of the King, so that the sprouts of his hopeful youth onely pointed at the growth and greatness of his honourable Age. For, being but twelve years old, he went to Oxford; where for some years he glistered in the Oratorick and Poetick sphere, until he addicted himself to con­versation, and observance of State-affairs, wherein his great proficiency commended him to the favour of three principal Patrons. One was Walter De­vereux Earl of Essex, who made him his bosome-friend; and the said Earl lying on his death-bed took his leave of him with many kisses: Oh my Ned, Oh my Ned, (said he) Farewel: thou art the faithfullest and friendliest Gentleman that ever I knew. In testimony of his true affection to the dead [Page 347] Father in his living Son, this Gentleman is thought to have penned that most judicious and elegant Epi­stle, (recorded in Holinshed's History, pag. 1266.) and presented it to the young Earl, conjuring him by the Cogent Arguments of Example and Rule to pa­trizare.’

‘His other Patron was Sir Henry Sidney, (so of­ten Lord Deputy of Ireland) whereby he [...]ame in­corporated into the familiarity of his Son Sir Phi­lip Sidney; between whom and Sir Edward there was so great friendliness, that they were never bet­ter pleased then when in one anothers companies, or when they corresponded each with other. And we finde after the death of that worthy Knight, that he was a close-concerned Mourner at his Obsequies, as appeareth at large in the printed Representation of his funeral Solemnity.’