THOUGH the Num­ber of Ladies, emi­nent in Goodness is very great; and we may raise Ideas of the most resplendent [Page 2] Vertues from those that are the living Ornaments, and might also be the noblest Pat­terns to the present Age: yet considering that no one of These (though the most Ac­complished) can be brought forth, as a President to others, without the suspicion of Flat­tery on the one side, or rai­sing Envy, and Indignation on the other; I have chosen a Noble Personage, out of the number of the Dead, of incomparable Piety and Pru­dence, (intended by Provi­dence to make Vertue love­ly and imitable) to speak truth of whom, can Regret none; and whom too, as her Merits were above, so it [Page 3] hath pleased God to remove from the Opportunities of be­ing flatterd. A Vice, to which, if I could be tempted, it would here be the most useless, her Native, Genuine, and Real Beauties being so many, and so illustrious.

It is Christian late Countess of Devonshire; who in all her Actions did so excel, and in some of them was so ex­traordinary, that not to com­memorate them, would be a great injustice to her self; but a greater to the World.

Not that I think so many Great things done before the eyes of so many yet alive, can easily pass into Forget­fulness in the present; or for [Page 4] their Rarity, will not be trans­mitted to future times; but rather, because some (and perhaps those of the greatest Lustre) may be incompleat­ly Related, if they be not faithfully collected into one bundle, for the Admiration of this, and the Imitation of Posterity. I foresee, and shall now therefore confess, that I am no ways competent, well to Acquit my self in so great an Undertaking, and should indeavour to captivate the Reader, by telling him the Reasons inducing me to this Publication, and bring them in to bear the blame of the whole miscarriage: but I shall only say; that [Page 5] the Fame of her Vertues which had spread through this Kingdom, and gone in­to others, (many years since) did so delight me; and that having the Honour of know­ing much more, of the great Passages of her Life from a Noble Person, nearly related to her, I could not forbear declaring what I have heard; but whither the thus publick­ly telling them will not bring upon me some Censures, I am not at all concerned, nor at leisure to account for.

I will not be so Confi­dent of my own opinion of things, to Impose upon any, and to conclude, that what to me was so pleasurable to [Page 6] Hear, must also be an equal entertainment to all that Read; yet I humbly con­ceive that the following Nar­rative, may yield some Pro­fit, and Delight, to all, but such, as come to it with Pre­judice, and Humor, because it is a Ladies Life. For some there are (and those too ma­ny) that love to express their own great Accomplishments, by making Invectives against the whole Sex: and so far Indulge themselves in Satyr, and Licence, that God Al­mighty himself cannot escape their Railery, but his Wis­dom, must be called in questi­on, for making so useless, and mischievous a Part of the [Page 7] Creation, as they would have Woman.

And in this Opinion they think themselves mightily de­fended, because Solomon once asked the Question, who can find a good one? To which Inquiry, though all Nations, and Ages have given suffici­ent satisfaction, yet I beg leave, (to put it beyond all dispute) to represent to the World, the Perfections of a Lady, that was an Ornament to her Sex, and may be al­lowed to be a just Model of all Vertues. Only I would take leave to remarque, (be­fore I come to her parti­cular Qualities) that the World was ever enlightned [Page 8] with the Charms, and Excel­lencies of this Sex.

Solomon himself found an Egyptian, Pharaohs Daughter that was all glorious with­in; nothing but Raies, and Glories, the Court of Heaven it self, in his own opinion, dwelling in her Bosom. Of his own Nation, it was a Woman, that more than once, delivered Israel; when the Men, and Baruch himself too were turned Cowards. Deborah, Judeth, and Hester, are high in the same Records of Fame : and it was a Wo­man that fed Elisha, when the whole Nation had for­saken him. Wicked Herod found a Mariamne, a sweet, [Page 9] sober, constant Patience; The­odosius, a brave, pious, he­roic Eudoxia. One, disfi­gures her Face to quench the sparks, a Tyrants love had kindled: another of Alexan­dria lives amongst the Dead, to defend her Chastity. A third, Leucy by name, pluck­ed out her eyes, that she might extinguish the inraged flames of unlawful Love in­kindled at them.

For Conjugal Fidelity; Clara a young Virgin, six­teen years old, obliges her self to a strict Attendance on her Husband, infected with a Disease, incurable, noisom, and insupportable to all the World besides. Ca­badis, [Page 10] a Persian Queen, dis­guises her self, and changes garments with her imprison­ed Husband, and dies for him. Eponina lives nine years, in a Sepulcher with hers, and after discovery dies with him. The Mother of the Maccabees brings up her Children to Martyrdom, and dies her self, bravely after them.

Others are as famous in the Monuments of Antiqui­ty, for Piety. Clotilda con­verts France to Christianity; Indegondis, her Grandchild re­covers her Husband and part of Spain, from the Arrian Heresie; Helena plants Christi­anity, in the Roman Empire; Cesaria in Persia; Theolinda [Page 11] in Italy; Margaret, in En­gland; Gisellis, in Hungary; Dambruca, in Poland; Olga, in Russia; Ethelbirga, in Germa­ny.

And for private Vertues; Abigail, Susanna, S. Agnes, S. Cicely, S. Monica, S. Feli­citas, Zenobia, Pulcheria, The­odora, Marcella, Paula, Eu­stochium, and ten Thou­sand more are the noblest Images. They were Women that in the Infant Church, led on the Men to Martyr­dom; and thronged them­selves in little Armies to Martyrs Fires; that brought up their Infants to the most glorious sufferings; who, smiled the Tyrants into Rage, [Page 12] and posed the subtlest inven­tions, of Pains, and Tor­tures.

And indeed the numbers, and sorts of vertuous Wo­men have so increased in la­ter Histories, that to refuse them their honour, would be the same thing, as to de­ny the Splendors of the Sun; and either we must have no eyes, to see into the present, nor any faith to credit past Records, or we must allow, and admire their merit. But I might have superseded all these Authorities, and relyed wholly upon the following Life, to have demonstrated this verity.

[Page 13] Necessary it will be, be­fore we come to relate what she did, to know from whence she was; it being not the least Glory of her Character, that as God had equall'd her by Birth, to the greatest of her time, so she her self equal­led her Vertues, to her Ex­traction.

Daughter she was to Ed­ward Lord Bruce, of Kinloss, Privy Councellor to King James, both in England and Scotland, and Master of the Rolls. He, Edward Lord Bruce, discending from Ro­bert Bruce the Norman, to whom William the first gave the Castle, and Lordship of Shelton, which was a Barony [Page 14] by Tenure. From him de­scended all the Noble Bruces both of England and Scot­land: and particularly Ro­bert, and David, both Kings of the Scots; whose Sister marrying into the Family of the Stewarts, They in her Right inherited the Crown of that Nation. It cannot therefore but be worthy our first thoughts to contemplate how the divine Providence, designing her for the most illustrious Life, besides, that it furnished her Soul, with ex­traordinary Graces, took care that it should be united to a Body descending from a Fa­mily, flourishing in Riches and Honours; intending to [Page 15] Remarque to her, what she soon understood, and as tru­ly practised, that as God had raised her by her Birth to the heights of Glory, so she should conduct her self to excel others as much in the Eminencies of Goodness, as she did in Blood.

Such a Beauty therefore, we have here to delineate, not as we could wish were, or a strong Imagination can Fancy; but such an one, as is true and solid; and far better expressing her self in her own life, than is possible by this Copy; she not being to be parallell'd, by any thing but her self. Who as she was prepared by the Divine [Page 16] goodness for Scenes of Dif­ficulty, and Honour, so was she better taught to act her own Part, by observing, how her noble Father performed his.

He, the Lord Bruce a­mongst other great Services done for his Royal Master King James, was also a Prin­cipal, and happy Instrument, of facilitating his obtaining the Crown of England: to which though he had an un­doubted Right, yet he met with very potent Obstructi­ons; which in a great measure were removed by the Interest this noble Lord had before made in Secretary Cecil (after­wards Earl of Salisbury) and [Page 17] divers others of the English Nobility.

A friendship he had con­tracted, both intimate, and fortunate, with some of the greatest Interest, and Power, during his Embassy here in England to Queen Elizabeth; joined in it to the Earl of Marre; proving afterwards an opportunity of a nobler conjunction; that of the two Crowns, which, the King had no sooner well setled to his Head, but he took this good Servant, nearer to his Heart, and Person; Animadverting, that he could not wear them with that security, and plea­sure, he desired, unless he might be Assisted by so use­ful, [Page 18] and loyal a Servant; brought him therefore into England with him, that he might continue him in his Fa­vours, and have him near, to conduct his Affairs, and Councils.

Several Sons he had; and but this only Daughter; she born to him on Christmas day, and for that reason had the name of Christian: an­swering up to the highest measures, the glorious Omen, both of the Day and of her Name; appearing so soon to be Christian, as if indeed, she had been born one; expressing in her younger years, such vigorous Demonstrations of Goodness, that the World [Page 19] might easily see, she had a Soul, and Body, made at first to all possible Perfections.

Such Impressions did this Purity of her Youth, the Pregnancy of her Wit, her freedom from Passions, that neglect of Vanity, and ha­tred of Excess, together with that Modesty, and Sweetness which were naturally hers, made upon the mind of her Indulgent and Discerning Father; that he expressed his value of her, and her own merit, by the first publick notice he could make; which was to marry her to an Heir of one of the greatest Fami­lies, and Estates in England; and by giving also such a [Page 20] Portion, as in those Days, did exceed, and would also now be a very great one, viz. 10000 l.

Her Husband was Sir Wil­liam Cavendish, Son to the Lord Cavendish (made after­wards Earl of Devonshire) descending from the ancient stock of the Jernon, and Nor­man blood. Made thus a Wife, she soon put in practice all those Vertues which such a Relation required from her. Such a Respect she paid as Saint Paul commended to Christian Women, that should also increase to Reverence, and Obedience. Consider­ing wisely with her self, that when the Wife once falters [Page 21] from the Command of her Husband, storms and tem­pests invade the Family; and that her own, her Husbands, her Childrens, and her Friends happiness, and quiet are not indangered only, but scat­tered into disorders, worse than Hell.

This Obedience she looked upon as no hard Task, be­cause love assisted, to bear the pleasing burden. Her own, and Husbands Soul met in equal Poize; and the thoughts and desires of the one, were the thoughts and desires of the other. God made them two into one; and they were one in Judgment and in Will, and in Affection, and in Care.

[Page 22] And as Love made them so, Loyalty another of her Conjugal Vertues so kept them. The Husband inclo­sed her to himself when he espoused her with his Ring: his was the Right, and hers the Virtue to be only his.

Assistance also, one of those ends, for which God made her Woman, and marriage a Wife she gave to that emi­nent Degree, that it is not easy to resolve, whether it was more for the Interest, or Honour of the Cavendish Family, that she was united to it. For Sir Williams Fa­ther having married a second Wife (which too common­ly brings disadvantages to [Page 23] the Children of the first Ven­ture) took not so much care, as he ought, of his Sons Con­cernments; nor made Al­lowances, such as might ren­der him capable of living in that Dignity, requisite for the Son of such a Father, and the Husband of such a Wife.

King James therefore ta­king notice of it, became himself an Advocate for the noble Pair: and amongst o­ther things told the old Lord Cavendish, that his Son be­ing matched into a Family, for which he must be highly concerned, he would expect accordingly, that out of that plentiful Estate he himself [Page 24] had, such a Proportion be setled, that Sir William might bear up the Port of his Fa­thers Son, and his Lady the Quality of the Kings Kins­woman. This Mediation proved so effectual, that the Lord Cavendish did what the King thought reasonable.

But this Addition though it answered the Kings; yet it did not rise up to the Gene­rosities of the Sons mind; the greatness of which, (ha­ving in himself a noble dis­dain to be limited to the Ex­pence of so many thousands only) was the Occasion of contracting a very great debt: which being entred into by an Excess of Gallantry; he could [Page 25] not relieve himself from, when he had much a grea­ter Fortune than formely; but even when Earl of De­vonshire, he rather increased it, by the Magnificence of his living both in Town, and Country, (his House appear­ing rather like a Princes Court than a Subjects) for nothing but the greatest Actions could answer the Heights of his nobler thoughts.

And if any Blame can be derived, from a Debt con­tracted by so generous an hand, and made yet greater, by a continuing, and grow­ing Generosity, we shall see that not the least Censure can light upon our Excellent [Page 26] Lady. For besides, that she neglected all Delicacies, and came not near the least Ex­cess, either of Games or Va­nity, (the usual Consumers of Estates) she had also the greatest Prudence, both in the Management, and to in­crease them when they fell under her own Oeconomy, as we shall see in the sequel of this Narrative.

Her Lord dying about the year (27) though he left her a Dowry that for greatness (being near 5000 l. a year) might abundantly testifie his own extraordinary kindness, and her more than usual Deservings: yet the other Part of the Estate, de­scending [Page 27] upon her Son, was so complicated with Law­suits, as must in the Re­demption, testifie her, to be a Woman of matchless Dis­cretion, and of a Fortitude able to surmount all Oppo­sition.

And to make publick those Vertues, she had many great and troublesom Opportuni­ties during her Widowhood. The Suits in Law in which she was left involved, were in number near thirty, and in their nature the most intri­cate: and what yet added more to her trouble, by the Cunning and Power of her Adversaries, they were ren­dred as perplext difficult, [Page 28] and tedious, as was possi­ble.

But to that Right, which was on her side, she added Diligence and Resolution; and by these, not only Ac­quitted her self with the greatest Bravery, but pre­vailed in them all to the high­est satisfaction. Such great Deeds, rendred her justly Fa­mous, insomuch that the late King jestingly said to her; Madam, You have all my Judges at your Disposal: as what Courts would not be influenced by such com­manding Charms, to do justice?

And yet she would not Ar­rogate much of all this to [Page 29] her self; but would always (next to God) Attribute the Success of her Undertakings, to the Care and Industry of her Brother the Earl of Elgin: who, besides the most generous Inclinations, which he had; to assist the Distres­sed, the rather undertook this troublesome Province, that he might declare both to her self, and the whole World, the extraordinary Kindness, he had for his Sister; the dear Respects he bare to his deceased Brother in Law; and the tender Care he had for his young Ne­phew, the Earl of Devonshire, that now is, being then, but nine years of Age.

[Page 30] But the Discharging the Estate, from those numerous Law-suits, was not the only thing that required her Care: there was a great Debt also, which must take up her thoughts; and be another Specimen of her Trouble, as well as Prudence. Her Lord indeed, had before his Death, provided some Materials, by obtaining an Act of Parlia­ment, for cutting off an En­tail, in order to the sale of Lands: a thing not usual in those times; and that then had not been effected, but for the sakes of those, for whom it was done; as the late King was pleased to ex­press it.

[Page 31] My Lord of Devonshire had been a great speaker; and much beloved, and admired, in both Houses of Parliament, she her self also, a Lady of that Affability, and sweet Address; had besides, so great a Wit, and Judgment of what was fit to be urged and done, that she captivated many both of the Lords and Commons, who had in a manner Resolved never to have consented, to the Passing of such a Bill.

But gained it was; though when obtained, it bore no Proportion, towards the Pay­ment of that vast Debt for which it was designed: how­ever, with what mony the [Page 32] sale of Lands brought in, to­gether with her own Care, and Management, (though with Difficulty enough) she discharged the Debt. Ha­ving thus cleared the Estate for the Heir; her next Con­cern was, by the most gene­rous Education, to prepare her Son, that he might an­swer his great Fortune, and greater Name, by the noblest Actions.

For considering wisely with her self, that the good or evil condition of Chil­dren did not depend upon any kind Aspects, or male­volent Configuration of Pla­nets at their Birth; or that they were made Fatally evil, [Page 33] by any Original Necessity of being wicked; she concluded that (next to Gods Grace) the best Impresses of Vertue ought to be stamped upon Children when they are young; if their Parents would have them Eminent in the Practice of it.

Upon these Reasonings, our prudent Lady, (who both by her own Prince, and Strangers, was Reputed to live greater than any Sub­ject whatsoever, as to Hospi­tality, Resort, and Retinue,) spared no cost in Breeding the young Lord: who in his Minority, was maintain­ed both at Home, and in his Travels, beyond any of [Page 34] his Quality; and by her Care instructed also, by such Tu­tors, as could read to him, the most Accomplished Lect­ures, in all those Sciences that must Render him, a perfect Gentleman.

Towards which that she might give him the most in­viting Incouragements, to the Indulgencies of a Mother, she added the Prudence of the Housewife; and at the same time, she was so expen­sive in his Education; yet then and at other times by her frugality, made such Purchases, which when she died, added considerably to his Fortunes: becoming at once a Pattern of the largest [Page 35] Generosity, and strictest Houswifry; and giving De­monstrations to all of their mutual Consistence. For when Courts, both Dome­stick and Forreign, did ad­mire the one; the most Parsimonious did confess that she surpassed them in the o­ther.

But these extraordinary Actions her great Prudence, though conjoined with a Resolution, not to be wea­ried out, could not have Ef­fected; if she had not also with the most discreet, as well, as Christian Forecast, wisely proportioned the right Expence of Time. Her Mornings therefore, being [Page 36] disposed to Devotion, and the Houshold Affairs; every day, after she had first Ac­counted to God for her self, she then took the Accounts, even to the minutest Expen­ces, of what the preceding Day had consumed.

But Prayers and pious Read­ings were her first Business; Vertues almost natural to the Sex: the devout Sex, the Fa­thers call it; as if the very Inclinations, of Women, were to Religion; to teach them, how much they degenerate from themselves, even from Women, when they grow impious. They are the Beauties of this lower world; Natures sweetest Pride; and [Page 37] Grace, though it springs not out of Natures Garden, yet it often is transplanted thi­ther, as the aptest Soil to nourish it.

The softest, Natures are u­sually the most pliant; re­ceive the motions of Heaven with the most ready willing­ness; and the softest Natures usually are Women; and Devotion takes first, and surest Root, in their tender Breasts. And well Radicated it was in hers we are speak­ing of; for though none managed Family Affairs, with more Care, than she; yet al­ways God was preferred to business, him first served, and then that was attended.

[Page 38] The Remainders of the Day were determined to her Friends; in the Entertainment of whom, her Conversation was so tempered with Court­ship, and Heartiness; her Discourses, so sweetened, with the Delicacies of Expression, and Harmony of Reason; that such as did not well know the Expence of her Time, would have thought, she had imployed it all, in Address, and Dialouge.

In both which she exceed­ed most Ladies; and yet ne­ver affected the Title of a Wit; carried no snares in her Tongue; nor counterfeited Friendships; maintained no Paradoxes or imperious Dis­putes; [Page 39] and as she was never known to speak evil of any, so neither would she indure to hear it, from any, of o­thers; reckoning it not only a Vice against good man­ners, but the greatest Inde­cency also, in the Entertain­ment of Friends, to spend the time in useless talkings, and calumnies, and therefore always kept her self within the measures of Civility, and Religion; from whence, her Conversation was wise, and profitable, witty, and in­nocent; and in her lips, the very Law of kindness, and sweetness of Language.

Her Gestures corresponded to her Speech; no giddy [Page 40] head or proud Eyelids, no haughty Brow, or perplexed Countenance; but of a free, native, genuine, and graceful Behaviour; as far from af­fected, and extraordinary Mo­tions, as they from Discre­tion.

These admirable Qualities drew to her House all the best Company, towards whom, she had so easy, and such an obliging Address, without the least Allay of Levity, or Disdain, that every one departed with the high­est satisfaction; she ever di­stributing her respects accord­ing to the Quality, and me­rit of each: steering the same steady course in the Coun­try [Page 41] also; between which, and the Town, she commonly di­vided the year.

Her Country Seats, were many, and noble; some of which when her Son came of Age, she delivered up to him: (viz.) his great Houses in Darbyshire, all ready fur­nished; she her self, living in that, of Leicester Abbey; (near to which she had purchased a considerable Estate) until the Rebellion broke out.

Then it was, that the Edu­cation which she had given her Sons, began to express it self, by the most gene­rous demonstrations; both of them adhering faithfully to the Crown: for that Care [Page 42] which the Mother took, to season them at first with the just Tincture of all private and publick Vertues, prepa­red them to give the most signal Testimonies, of their Loyalty and Valour, upon the first opportunities.

The Earl of Devonshire her Elder Son, made an early Express of the severest Loyalty, mixed with the no­blest Resolution, in that fa­mous Occasion of the Earl of Straffords Bill, and many others; being then firm to the true Interest of his Prince and Country, when many others Relinquished their Posts, out of sinister Ends; or were Affrighted from them by Popular Clamors.

[Page 43] But this noble Lord, ha­ving an undaunted Inte­grity, and a mind clear sighted, the one, made him, consider his Dignity, as an Obligation of Conscience, not to deliver a Peer to the Block, to quench the thirst only of Bloud, and Ambiti­on; or satisfie a State necessi­ty: the other assured him, what would be the fatal con­sequences to the King, and Nation; and therefore would not Vote to the Acting of such a Crime, which intro­duced the ruin of them both; and which too in the Opi­nion of the Lords House made the very Record of it to be Razed out of their Journals.

[Page 44] From whence we may see also, what Estimation that Honourable House had, for those noble Parsonages who consented not to that unhap­py Vote; Eternizing their Names for Statesmen of Con­science and Courage.

Amongst whom the Earl of Devonshire, ought to be in the foremost Lists, pro­ceeding in all his Actions, with marveilous Freedom, and Integrity; concluding, that to be an ill Method of preserving Commonwealths by destroying Kingdoms.

That man certainly is the bravest Courtier, as well as Christian, who to the Serpents subtilty, joyns the Doves In­nocence; [Page 45] and will not be brought under the Tyranny of Passion, or self-interest. And so well this Noble Lord was fortified against all surprises from these mean, and mischeivous Principles; that in all publick concerns, he directed his course by the Rules of Honour, and Justice; which secure the most lasting and certain Advantages to all Kingdoms.

And let the Events of ho­nest Prudence, be what they will, yet the Observation, is every Statesmans noblest Cha­racter. That Councellor is a Cyclops, without an Eye, who thinks to secure the greatest Interests of Government, by [Page 46] Caballing with Faction, or laying Stratagems for his own Grandure upon the destructi­on of great Favourites: for every man sees through this Disguise, and finds under it a dissembling of their Pride, and Revenge, Envy, and a desire of Preheminence: and it is not so much a remo­ving the Kings Enemies out of the way, as their own Rivals.

But nothing could tempt our brave Lord to a disho­nest Action; nor to preserve himself, but together with his Reputation; chose Sequestra­tion rather than to prevaricate in the least title from Christian Fortitude, and Nobleness; or [Page 47] to change his Propositions ac­cording to the Necessities, or Advantages of the Season. For when ever Loyalty, and Religion, were the Question, he always chose to partici­pate in the common Calami­ties of the Orthodox, and the Brave; Riding safely, in that Storm, which Dashed others to pieces, upon the Plank of Innocence, and suffering: nor would he at last have been prevailed with to remove any part of his Troubles; or the Sequestration from his Estate, but by the Importu­nity; or rather the Com­mands of his Mother; De­testing in it self what in Duty to her he complied with.

[Page 48] But I must not pretend to his just Character; thinking it better to pass it over in silence and with veneration: he being also of that Gallan­try of mind, that though he delights in great things he does not care to hear of them.

Leave howsoever I may take, to make it up, from the younger Son, of our La­dy, Colonel Charles Cavendish; a Person that equalled the bravest of his time in the Accomplishments both of mind, and body; which as they rendred him the delight of all that knew him, so too the most favoured by his Prince.

[Page 49] And not without just Rea­son; for he was a Gentle­man so furnished with all the interior, and politer parts of Learning, (obtained at home and abroad, both by reading Books, and Men,) as well as Courage; that he was prepared to defend his Prince, with his head and hand; by the strongest Rea­son, and most generous Va­lour.

Of both which, he gave such great, and glorious In­stances; that those brave Gentlemen of the Temple, who offered themselves as a Guard to the Royal Person of the late King (in the first breaking out of those Tu­mults [Page 50] which ushered in the Rebellion) chose him for their Captain; knowing he would thither lead them, where Law, Honour, and Conscience, would oblige them to follow.

A Gentleman that made the true Figure, both of Va­lour, and Vertue; that car­ried forth, his Arms (with the first,) under the Standards of Loyalty; and for the same reason, they ought to be hung up in the Temple of Glory. The Profession of Arms in his case, was the most renowned, marching with the Hosts of God and the King; and he esteemed himself more innobled by [Page 51] the bloud, he lost for his Prince, and Country, than by that he drew from the loins, of his Progenitors.

And indeed being excited by so generous a Design, as to Cement the Breaches that were made upon Mo­narchy, (though with his bloud,) he did such things in War, as increased the Palms and Crowns, which had long invironed the heads of his Predecessors; and seem­ed to be the Person, reserved by Heaven to Finish the Ho­nors of his Family.

Many eminent Actions he performed for his Prince in the late Rebellion: and one particularly in the sight of [Page 52] the Queen, (which is to be a Trophey to his memory) as she was coming from Burlington (where she landed) to Oxford. He took Burton upon Trent by Storm; in­couraging his Souldiers, by his own example to swim over; where you might have seen him, under showers of Bullets, defye all the most dreadful Images of death, and with such a Resolution scale the Works beset with Arms and Terrours, as if his Life had been as Immortal, as he hath made his Honour.

And it is not the least part of his fighting Glory, that it could never have been ta­ken from his head, but by [Page 53] such base men, who added Treachery, to their Treason, murdering him in cold blood, near Gainsburrough, after Quarter given, by Colonel Bury; who made himself dear to the Usurper, Cromwel, by this, and some other Acts of Cruelty.

But the memory of Colonel Cavendish could not thus be destroyed; nor his Esteem; for when his Body was brought to Newark to be in­terred, the whole Town was so fond of it, (even dead) that they would not suffer it, for some days to be laid into the Ground, but wept over it, and admired it, and not without the greatest Re­luctancy, [Page 54] at last committed him to his Dormitory; co­vering the Hears with Tears and Laurels; nay and about Thirty years after, when his body was removed to be interred at Darby, with his Mother, fresh lamentations were made by those that knew, and others that had heard his Fame; and the whole People of Newark ex­pressed, the most sorrowful unwillingness, to part with the Reliques of so dear a Person, who had been, when alive, the Ornament and De­fence of that Place.

But sit it was he should be laid as near as possible to his indulgent Mother, because [Page 55] his death, came nearest her heart, of any affliction God was pleased to try her Pati­ence with. And indeed but for his loss, and that of her only Daughter, the Lady Rich, Daughter-in-Law to the Earl of Warwick, she had an uninterrupted Prosperity during the whole time of her Widowhood; abating also her great Concern, for those common Calamities, which befel her self, together with the King and Church.

But it cannot be imagined what grief seized her Spirits, upon the death of two such Children: it being the hard­est Contest that ever was seen, (as those observed that were [Page 56] present with her,) between a Maternal Affection and Magnanimity of mind. And though by Reason and Reli­gion, she restrained her Passi­on from breaking out into a Tempest; yet she had sunk under the Pressure of her dolours, if she had not (next to those supports, which she received from Heaven) had great comforts, from the com­pany, and pious Assistances of her Brother the Earl of Elgin, who stirred not from her, on both these sad Occa­sions, her Son the Earl of De­vonshire, being young, when under the former, and at too great distance, when under the later of these Tryals.

[Page 57] That worthy Daughter of hers, (whose death gave a great part of these sorrows) was whilst alive the noblest Transcript of her Mothers Vertues: and for that reason became the Darling of the Family, she was matched in­to, as well as her own.

A Lady, of that compre­hensive and known Good­ness; that her very Name is a sufficient Character; nor dare I venture, at any other; it being indeavoured by the Wits, and Orators of her own time; my Lord Faukland, Mr. Waller, Mr. Godolphin, and others.

However, I may Re­marque so far: That though [Page 58] she was a Lady, that might derive Honour from the Greatness of her Bloud, she rather chose to do it by the worthiness of her Acti­ons; her Wit and Discretion kept equal measures; and her freedom of conversation, was bounded with modesty; she had a great mind, with­out disdain; the sweetest Meen, but not without Ma­jesty: and in sum; every thing she said, or did, like her self, fair and transcending, and what became a Daugh­ter of the Countess of De­vonshire.

To whom it is time, to re­turn; and we shall now find her in the exaltation of her [Page 59] Vertues: for towards the la­ter end of the Rebellion, spending some part of her time at Greenwich, the deplora­ble condition of the King, and Church, which had lain for a long time heavy upon her thoughts, set her mind into the noblest Ferment; and that produced the most vi­gorous Resolutions, at least, of endeavouring, with her utmost skill, and diligence, the Recovery of her Prince, and the Nation from those Usurpations that were upon his Crown, and their Liber­ties, by an insolent, hypo­critical and ill natured Party.

And a fair Prospect she apprehended there was, of [Page 60] effecting this brave Under­taking, (the Projecting of which was the Enamel and Beauty, of all her other Deeds) because Devereux, Earl of Essex, and the Earl of Holland, seemed at this time, desirous to expiate their former Crimes, by such a Repentance, as should make full restitution to the King and People by returning Him to his Dignity, and them to their Freedom.

To which glorious De­signs, they were not a little invited by her carnest solici­tations; and very much in­couraged by her Prudence: and in which Essex had given the surest Demonstration of [Page 61] his loyal Purposes, had not Death prevented him in the end of the year Forty six.

The Presbyterian Faction in general, that first fomented, and still carried on this un­natural Rebellion, beginning the War in the name of God, would not put an end to it, neither for his sake, nor the Kings: having other Appre­hensions and making other Advantages of the Kings, and Churches sufferings; For be­cause God was pleased to make them the Crucifiers of his People, they supported their Persons and their Pre­tenses by their successes; and reckoning their own Christi­anity from their Victories, [Page 62] would not allow either the King, or his Cause to be so much as Christian: for they themselves are the men that were Fortunate, and Prospe­rous, and therefore had the Baseness, as well as ignorance to declare that they were setting up Christs Kingdom, (though by the breach of all his Commandments) be­ing suffered by Heaven to sa­tisfie their lust, ambition and revenge upon the Crown, and Mitre.

A Principle, that equally serves, Presbitery and Mahu­metism; for we have seen the Grand Segnior to prevail upon a great part of Christen­dom, and to have made both [Page 63] the Kings and Bishops of the Eastern Churches his Slaves and Tributaries; and yet he is prosperous: hence the Sul­tans of each Party do agree, that every thing is Right, that is Fortunate; and what mischief both the Turk and the other, have wrought to Christian Princes the whole World can tell; or what hopes there may be to find Penitents, amongst such men who will declare a Prevaling Villain, to be Gods General, the next Age must expect, for we can find but very few in this.

The Generosity indeed of Essex, ought to have its due allowance, and commenda­tion; [Page 64] and the rather, because even after all his successes, he saw the Error of his Arms; and the Kings Right did then appear to him, when he had triumphed over all his Power. But he could live no longer than only to see his Faults; and it may be, his being infected with Loyalty was the Poison that dispatched him.

Essex being dead, the Ja­nizaries of the Rebel Army, by the basest Treachery, and Violence, soon made them­selves Masters of the Kings Person: and carrying him from place to place, whether they pleased; brought him to Latimers; where our noble [Page 65] Lady happening then to be with her Son the Earl of De­vonshire, his Majesty had much private Consultation with her concerning the State of his Affairs; and at the same time expressed both to her, and the Earl, the great sense, he had of the faithful Services they had done him.

The latter end of that year, increasing the Kings troubles and the consideration of his, multiplying her own; be­ing much depressed in mind, with such a load of publick Calamities, she would try if Privacy might give ease to any part of her Sorrows: re­tire therefore she did to her Brothers, the Earl of Elgins [Page 66] House at Ampthill; a place, if any in the world, (next to her Sons) that could com­pose her distracted thoughts; and the only means, she could then think on, to give any tolerable comfort, un­der those circumstances of the Kings, and her own Af­flictions.

And thither she was the rather invited, by that unpa­rallelled kindness that ever had been, between her self and Brother; the extraordi­nary love, she bare to his Lady the Countess of Oxford; and the dear Respects, she had also, for her Nephew, the Lord Bruce, his Lady, and Children.

[Page 67] Here, as she would always acknowledge to her death, she both lightned her griefs, and her expences, and at this time, (during her three years stay there) she became Mi­stris of those Riches, which her Retirement gave her op­portunity to gather.

For when at home her ex­pences in the noblest House­keeping, and the most gene­rous Charity, kept equal mea­sures with her Incomes, and her Goodness so vied her Hus­wifry, that she could scarce tell how to lay up mony so long as she had a friend to entertain, or any in distress to relieve. For Charity was one of her dear Delights; [Page 68] nor would she stay for, but find out Opportunities; though indeed she lived in such times, that afforded dayly Objects for her ten­derest Compassions.

The War had made Loy­alty poor; and Sequestrati­ons upon the Priests of God, had reduced the Clergy to such lamentable wants, that they had nothing left to cloath them, but their own Righteousness; nor any thing to feed on, but a good Con­science, and their passive Ver­tues.

Here our noble Lady saw, and pitied; and as ever she had been the Defender, so now she became the succou­rer [Page 69] of the Righteous Cause; Fed, and Cloathed, and Com­forted all, that lived within the Vicinage of her Charity; and as one Act of goodness creates Appetites after others; so neither could her Desires be satisfied with the next oc­casions for her Bounty, but she sought abroad, and diffu­sed it round the Nation, and beyond it also, to such as were made poor for Gods sake, and the Kings.

And in this, she had a pe­culiar Generosity, for though she would give with both hands to the loyal Sufferers yet she would not indure it should be reckoned as an Alms, but rather as a just [Page 70] Debt to them, out of her A­bundance.

And God was pleased to invite her forward, to keep the Fountains of her Noble­ness, and Charity, continually open, by the greatest incou­ragements: for as she laid up Riches in Heaven, by her mighty Expence, in the Acts of mercy; so those waters upon which she cast her bread returned with such Fertility and Increase, that she became Owner of larger Possessions upon Earth; and collected mony, and Blessing by her Dispersions to the Poor. Re­moving in the year 50 to that pleasant seat of Rohamp­tom in Surry; she had not [Page 71] lived much above a year in it, ere it became her own by Purchase.

And now began again the usual Resort of her former friends, and her own mag­nificent way of living: which she improved not only to raise to her self the Me­moirs of a private Greatness, but a Name of everlasting Honour, for her concerns in the Publick good.

Hence she took opportuni­ty from such loyal Persons as frequented her House, to discourse with, and perswade them, to the most Active in­deavours for the Kings Re­stauration: and her Coun­sels in this business, as they [Page 72] were the most Prudent, and steady; so neither could any to whom she communicated them, scruple in the least, their own joyning in such honourable Designs, because they saw that she invited and incouraged, her nearest Rela­tions, into the same generous Hazards.

For during her abode at Amphthill, she had continual Correspondencies with such Persons, both in England, and Scotland, as she found would assist to the resettlement of the King, and the Recovery of the Church, and State, from those thraldoms, under which they both groaned.

[Page 73] To this end, many Letters passed between her, and Duke Hamilton, the Earls of Hol­land and Norwich, (that Nor­wich, who was General of those Forces raised by Esq Hales in Kent) and many others of eminent conduct: which Letters were both writ­ten, and received in Cha­racters; in the writing and opening of which she in­trusted none but her Ne­phew, the Lord Bruce (now Earl of Ailesbury) and her Chaplain, Mr. Gale.

Her Nephew, though too young to be concerned in the first War, did as soon as possible give the noblest De­monstrations, what he would [Page 74] have done then by his inga­ging in the Kings Cause, im­mediately upon his Return from his Travels in the year 56.

He had indeed that Part of Felicity, which the Orator esteemed to be one of the bravest Portions of the Cha­racter of Constantine the Great (viz.) to be born happy: and our Lady therefore consider­ing his very Extraction, as his great Ingagement to the Crown; and finding him pre­pared by his Principles, as well as Birth, to do every thing that should be to the reputation of both; though he was as dear to her, as one of her eyes, yet she would have him, put [Page 75] his Person, and his Fortunes, into the same bottom with Caesar, and either stem the storm of Tyranny, or suffer shipwreck: from which it was only the Divine Provi­dence, that delivered him; he being once, in the hands of Cromwel his Major General; men thirsty enough of such loyal Bloud.

But he had given himself to the publick, and therefore considered not his own con­cerns in the least, when the services of the King and Church, called him forth, to the greatest dangers: and en­tring upon his Duty, with such brave intentions, and without the least mixture of [Page 76] base, and mercenary ends, God was pleased to deliver him from great Disasters, and to bless his purposes, by see­ing that King and that Re­ligion restored, which are both the best in the whole World. And though the glory of this must be wholly ascribed to Heaven; yet God was pleased to prepare a way to his own designs by the vigorus, and restless endeavours of the loyal and orthodox Lords, and Gentry; for could These have been seduced, to have complemented, and addressed to Cromwel, and his Son, as it is notorious all others but those of the Church of En­gland did; it had in humane [Page 77] speaking been the most pro­bable establishment of the U­surpation. But our Church restrains, as from Assisting, so likewise from wishing well to an Usurper; both which all the World knows, the whole Faction did. It is well therefore for Monarchy and the Church of England, that they have such sure and con­stant Friends, as this noble Lord I am speaking of; who was not only, industrious in their Resettlement, but has been as great an Instrument ever since of their mutual preservation.

It is not unknown to any, how both the Crown, and Church, have been Deserted [Page 78] in their Necessities, when they most wanted the Constancy and Fortitude, of those, that seemed to be fast Friends, to each, in their prosperous days; but even then, when it was a popular Crime, to be just and loyal, this noble Lord stood as firm as a Rock; having such a greatness, as well as steadiness of mind; that no Flatteries could charm, no Importunities force, or Dangers terrifie, either to the doing, or so much as consenting, to any Evil to the Government; or making one false step from the closest and most fixed Rules of Honour and Ju­stice.

[Page 79] And one thing more, I must take leave to add; that it is impossible, his Loyalty and Religion should ever lan­guish or faint, they not at all depending upon the nourish­ments of Ambition or Ava­rice, but resuming new vi­gours continually from the source of his own Ver­tues.

In these things, He was our Excellent Ladies Relative as well as by Blood; nor was her Loyalty without its hazards. For though her Actings were not thorowly discovered, yet so much suspected they were, by the then usurped Powers, that a Troop of Horse, had [Page 80] been sent down to fetch her up from Ampthill, (about the same time, that the Countess of Carlisle was put into the Tower) had not her Gold­smith, (a Confident of the Rebells) given a Bribe to one of the then Council of State, whose great Licentiousness, and narrow Fortunes rendred him greedy enough of Mo­ny.

Escaping thus narrowly, did not in the least abate, but ra­ther redouble her Fortitude, and reinforce her Resolutions not to give over till she had attained her ends: of which she had the fairest Prospect, in that Critical time of General Monks Action. With him [Page 81] therefore she enters into a speedy and secret Correspon­dency; and though he was one of a most retired and prudent wariness, yet so far he intrusted her (which he did few besides) that he sent her by a considerable Officer, a private Signal by which she might know his Intentions; and so managed they were by this brave Man, that they proved according to his As­surances, and her Wishes, the Kings Restauration.

And if there be any thing by which this great Lady may be allowed to have ob­liged the Present, or to fill Future times, with Admira­tion [Page 82] and Acknowledgments; it must be this glorious Act of Assisting towards that universal good, which the whole World stood in expectation of, and so ma­ny Thousands of hands were lifted up to Heaven to Ac­complish.

The General in all this knew her Merit, and valued her accordingly; and entring into a noble Friendship, con­tinued it with the greatest Respects, to her death. The King himself also, that she might receive the utmost Honour, as well as Satisfacti­on by his Return, was plea­sed (as his Father of Blessed [Page 83] Memory had done before) Graciously to assure her that he had a great sense of her constant Zeal in his Service, and as a particular mark of his extraordinary Favour, would Himself with the Queen, Queen Mother, and Royal Family, often Dine with her; and sometimes break in upon her on a sud­dain after hunting.

And that no Token of Respect might be wanting, towards the Declining part of her Age, when she could not pay her Attendance up­on the Queen, with the usu­al and due Solemnities of Court Address, she was ad­mitted [Page 84] to wait upon her Majesty with more than ordinary Ease and Kind­ness.

But there were other Courts, to which as she had through her whole life, been preparing her self; now she began with greater Intenti­ons, and the expence of lar­ger portions of her time, to Dress up her Soul for. En­ter she does into a beloved Retirement, from the noise, and imbroilments of business with silence and devotion, to fit her self for Paradice: drew the Curtain to the Affairs of the world, some years before her Death to entertain her [Page 85] self, with Meditations and Preparations for Eternity.

Not that she excluded her self from any offices of Ci­vility to her Friends, or the most indearing expressions of Tenderness towards her Rela­tions; but rather did with more Passion, and Earnestness desire their continual Compa­ny: and when without that, of her Son the Earl of Devonshire and his Lady, she would be more importunate for the useful, and agreeable Con­versation of her Nephew the Earl of Ailesbury, and his Countess.

For still, she had a nume­rous Family, and a Croud of [Page 86] Servants; which now in her Age must have incircled her with as many Troubles also, if by the Advice of her Neece the Countess of Ailesbury, the Decency, and Composure of her mind, as well as Business, had not been secured.

For her great Age had ren­dred her own Vertues some­thing unactive; but this was abundantly supplyed by such Methods and Guards of Pru­dence, which she received from another hand; by whose Care, and Wisdom, her Thoughts and Affairs were defended from a great many Vexaions, and Hazards. And the more our good Lady [Page 87] wanted the Assistance of a true and prudent Friend, the more the Countess of Ailesbury con­sidered her Duty, and with the most generous Compassions, (in the lowest Declination of our Ladies strength and years) increased her Attendance, and by such Counsels, as she had always ready in her Prudent mind, and a wise observation of things, made the last Scenes of her life, more easie and honourable.

Before Death seized her, it shewed it self at a distance, and God was pleased so to order it, that by some previous In­firmities, (as well as by a great Age) she should be called up­on [Page 88] to provide for her greatest Interest. And she soon under­stood the Intent of Gods Pro­vidence; and by Methods, truly Christian, prepared her self for Him.

Her last sickness (though it continued for some time) was entertained with great Patience, and repeated De­votions; with a perfect Re­signation to Gods Will, and all the Offices preparatory to an holy Dying: but con­sidering with her self that Charity was that only Grace which entred Heaven, her Love to God became now more intense and opera­tive, nor could she even [Page 89] under her Pains, forbear her usual Compassion and Boun­ties to the Poor, but would often inquire of her Neece, the Countess of Ailesbury, whether there were none that wanted Relief, and would by the hands of her Chaplain, to the very last minutes of her Life, conti­nue the beloved Practices of Beneficence.

Her Servants had received many, and those very great Instances of her Bounty; but she could not leave them without a farewel Testimo­ny; and therefore besides the large Legacies left to them by Will, she ordered a [Page 90] great sum to be given a­mongst them, not long be­fore her Death, by the Coun­tess of Ailesbury.

To whom our Lady thought her self so infi­nitely obliged, that she be­seeched her to make choice of her own Retributions, which she would confirm by signing any Instrument which should be offered to her; But the Countess had had her Reward before, and would have no other than the inward satisfactions of mind, arising from the Delights of doing well.

And now our good Lady was hastning to Heaven, and [Page 91] being Crowned with many Years, and Honours, she went to receive that of Immorta­lity, in January, 1674. The Noble Lord, her Son, took care that the solemnities of her ly­ing in State, and those also of her Funeral should correspond to the Magnificence of her living. The Train which wait­ed on her to her Burial, was great, and noble; and besides her own Retinue, (which was more numerous than any other of her Quality) her Nephew, the Earl of Ailesbury, his Eldest Son, the Lord Bruce, his second Son, Mr. Robert Bruce (whom for some years she [Page 92] had taken into her own Care, and Family, and Co­lonel Cook, (whom as a constant Friend to her self, and her Relations, she had made one of the Overseers of her Will) did atttend her to Derby, the Burial Place of the Earl of De­vonshires Family; where du­ring her life she had Erect­ed a Monument for her Lord, Her self and Children. One of them, Colonel Charles Cavendish, (a Person of that Bravery, and Worthiness, that his very Ashes ought to be sacred) was so Dear to his Mother, that accord­ing to her desire, his Corps [Page 93] were taken up at Newark, and in another Herse, waited that of his Beloved Mothers to Derby. To both, passing through Leicester, were due Respects paid to their Me­mories; the Magistrates of that Place attending in their Formalities; the Gentry o the County also, meeting there and waiting them out of Town. The same Ho­nourable Reception they had at Derby, where they were both interred: Her Funeral Sermon preached by Mr. Frampton (Chaplain to the Earl of Elgin) now Bishop of Glocester; his, by Mr. Naylor Chaplain to the [Page 94] Countess. Never was a Woman more honoured through her whole life, and at her death; and by both she hath taught all Ladies, That the surest Path to Honour, is by Vertue.

And both for the Me­thod, and the Experiment, we have not had of late a more pregnant Instance than this of our Noble Lady; for by the Methods of Ver­tue, she obtained the Re­putation to be a Person of the greatest Character, and Blessings. Amongst which, it was not the least, in her own Account, that she had such fair hopes that her [Page 95] Nobleness would descend, and continue in her Son the Earl of Devonshire, and her two Grandchildren, the Lord William, and the Lady Anne Cavendish.

He, the young Lord, appearing one of the finest Gentlemen in the World, married to a Daughter of his Grace the Duke of Or­mond; a Lady of great Goodness, and singular Cha­rity. She the Lady Anne Cavendish, improving her youth to such early Ver­tues, that she soon became Eminent for her extraordi­nary Modesty, and most punctual Duty to her Pa­rents: [Page 96] married first to the Lord Rich, Grandchild to the Earl of Warwick; who dying left her a young Widow, to make Fortunate the Lord Burleigh, now Earl of Exeter, her second Husband.

One thing more there was, which she would say, added infinitely to her Content­ments, to see that excellent, and noblest Friendship be­tween the Earl of Devonshire, her Son, and the Earl of Ai­lesbury, her Nephew. Which as it was one of the greatest Pleasures of her life, so the continuance of it, was one of her latest and most passio­nate Desires.

[Page 97] And such effect it had upon these two noble Lords, that the Friendship which began at Relation, and Ac­quaintance, stayed not there; but went forward to the best thing in all the World, to the most particular In­dearment, and most use­full Love. For seeing a Worthyness in each other, which is the just and pro­per Motive for Friendship, They united such Affections as were natural and vertu­ous, made up of great Dearness, and the bravest Combination of Councils, and Fortunes, and Inter­rests.

[Page 98] And it were well that when ever we enter into such a Friendship, which we intend should be (as indeed true Friendship is) the Plea­sure of Life, and the De­light of Conversation, that we would choose a Friend, amongst the Prudent, and the Generous, the Secret, and the Faithful, the Inge­nuous and the Honest; for no other are fit, or able to do those Offices, for which Friendship is useful, and ex­cellent.