A manifest description of king Henryes noble vertues.

A briefe resitall of king Henryes Fortunate raigne.

AMong the most fortunate kynges & Princes that euer raigned: let the Fortunes of king Henrie the eyght haue a speciall place, whose happie successe in all his affaires was com­parable vnto the euents of the mightie conque­tor kyng Phillips sonne of Macedon. There were in his tyme raigning more puissant Princes together, then euer were lyuing in any age before, and yet among them all, not one of them equall to the Kyng of Englande iin prowes. In so much that the Iewes were in good hope that one of these noble Champions should be ordeined of God to be their Messias, whose comming they haue long in vayne expected, refusing the trewe Mes­sias and sauiour of the worlde Iesus Christ, loo­king for a Champion to bring them home again vnto their destroyed Ierusalem.

These were the names of the most famous go­uernours of the world at that tyme. Firste Henry king of Englande. The Emperour Max­imilian. And Frauncis the Frenche king, with the valyant Princes that then were in Germa­nie, and Selimus the Emperor of Turkie, with Barbarossa his great capitaine, besydes a nom­ber [Page 3] more, mentioned by Paulus Iouius & other good Aucthors. And among them all, the same of king Henry shyned farre brighter then the rest, as hereafter followeth. But first I will note of the blisse and happines that came vnto Englande by his byrth. It is manifest that he was the first braunche of the tree of concorde, after the any­ting of the two noble howses of Laucaster and Yorke, that long had beene at discention & open hostilitie for the imperiall Diadem of this realme. For although his brother Prince Arthur were the elder, yet because he liued not to enioy his fa­thers seignories, neyther left behynde him anye Issue: I recken him that brought forth the fruite to be the cheefe and principall braunche. He was also elect and chosen of God to be that Ezechias that should sinsearly set forth his sacred lawes. Yea he was the verye Hercules that was borne to subdue the Romysh Hydra, against whyche many hedded monster, neyther kyng nor Keysar could preuayle, vntill this puissant Hercules tooke the matter in hand, to the glorie of God, and his perpetuall fame. He was also endewed by God with inuincible Fortitude, alwayes preuaylyng with glorious victorie. And lyke as when moi­ses Exod. 17. helde vp his Rodde the Israelites had the bet­ter hande, and while he helde downe the same their enemies had hope of victorie. So likewyse on whose syde so euer king Henry helde vp his Sworde, that parte had alwaye prosperous suc­cesse. [Page] As the warres betweene the Emperor Charles the fifth, and Frauncis the French kyng may sufficiently shewe. More ouer the lyke bles­sing of God happened vnto him, as seeldome, or (rather I thinke) neuer chaunced vnto any kyng. For where as hee hauing three chyldren and no mo, at his departure out of this worlde: they haue all three succeeded the father. Not as priuate per­sons, but successiuely in the regall seate: Gouer­ning his landes and territories. Also his noble magnanimitie was such, that he being Lorde of Ireland, was by the Erles, Lordes & Piers of the same Realme, desyred to take vpon him the name of their king. And they of their owne accordes, (in the name of the whole Realm of Ireland) did vnto him Homage and Fealtie.

Besides all this, when Maximilian the Empe­ror was dead, the Princes Electors of the Empire of Rome, with generall consent, committed their full aucthoritie of Eleccion, for the space of foure daies vnto kyng Henry, eyther to take the Em­pire him selfe, or els to nominate whom he would, who thankfully accepted their good willes, ren­dring vnto them againe their aucthoritie, and re­fusing to be Emperor him selfe. Thus we may saye (and that trewely) that he wan a kingdome without battaile or bludshed. And he was of power, not onely to be an Emperor, but also to make an Emperor. And thus I may boldly as­seuer, that he was blest of God aboue all kynges [Page 4] and Princes that euer I haue read of. And happy was that Prince that might stande moste in his fauour. For the which dyuers made great suite, & specially when they stoode in neede of ayd against their enemies, because they perceiued that For­tune followed his power, as handmayd to all his proceedings. A rare example (no doubt) it is, & me seemeth most strange, that one king should raigne 38. yeres, and that (almost) in continuall warres, and neuer take foyle, but alwaies preuailed as a victor inuicted, which without the assistaunce of almyghtie God, he could neuer haue atchyued.

An euident token that God was on his syde, and therefore who coulde stande agaynst him.

But to write at large of his worthinesse and in­comparable actes, would fill a bigg volume, and were too great a charge for my vnskilfull penne.

Finally, he was a Prince of singuler Prudence, of passing stoute courage, of inuincible Fortitude, of dexteritie wonderfull. He was a springing well of Eloquence, a rare spectacle of Humanitie. Of ciuilitie or good nurture, an absolute president.

A speciall paterne of Clemencie and moderation, a worthie example of Regall Iustice. A bottom­lesse spring of larges and benignitie. He was in all the honest Artes and Faculties profoundlye seene. In all liberall disciplines, equall with the best. In no kynde of literature, vnexperte. Hee was to the worlde an ornament. To Englande a treasure. To his frendes, a comforte. To hys foes, a terror.

[Page] To his saythfull and louing Subiectes, a tender Father. To Innocents, a sure Protectour. To wilfull malefactours, a sharpe scourge. To his Common weale and good people, a quyet Hauen and Aucor of safegarde. To the disturbers of the same, a Rocke of Extermination. In haynous and intollerable crymes against the comon welth, a seuear Iudge. In the lyke offences committed against him selfe, a redye porte and refuge of mer­cye, except to such as would persist incorrigiblye. A man he was in all gifts of nature, of Fortune, and of grace, pierles. And to conclude, a man a­boue all prayses. Suche a kyng did God set to raigne ouer England, whereof this Realme may well vaunt aboue other nations, whose worthi­nes is more treated of by forreyn wryters, then by any of our owne countrey men. Which may iustly redownd to the reproche of all our English Poets and Historiographers.

¶ A Discourse of the vnyting the two noble howses of Lancaster & Yorke, from which vnyted howse, king Henry was the first king that proceeded.

Of the Battaile fought at Bosworth, betweene King Henry the vii. & Richard that then vsurped the Crowne.

AFter long cōtinuance of blody warre (through ciuill contention) betweene the two [...]ble houses, of Lancaster & Yorke for the imperiall Diademe of this Realme, to the great effusion of English blood, as well of the nobilitie, as also of the Comons: It pleased Almightie God to put into the mindes of the nobilitie of this Realme, a meane how to preuent this eminent subuersion, by ioyning in knot of Mariage the heires appa­rant of these two noble houses (as is aforesaide) to the perfect securitie of this noble Nation. And here is to be noted; that when kyng Edward the fourth dyed (who was lineally discended from the house of Yorke, whose variable chaunces of For­tune I ouer passe.) He lefte behynde him two sonnes, and fyue daughters. The elder of his sonnes was named Edwarde, who was after­wardes k Edward the fifth. proclaymed Kyng, being of the age of xi. yeres. His yonger brother had to name Richarde who was Duke of yorke. Now by reason of the nouage of the yong king: Richard Duke of Gloucester, being vncle vnto the yong kyng, in­truded him selfe to the Protectorship of the kyng [Page 9] and the Realme, and also wrested into his tuition the kinges brother, taking him from the Queene his Mother, who then laye in the Sanctuarie at Westminster for doubt of the cruell tyrannie of the Protector, whose Ambitious mynde shee knewe to bee insatiable of honor and dignities, & wholly A lambe vn­der the kee­ping of a Wolfe. bent to cruell tyrannie, which shortly after he put in practyse. For when he had got into his clawze these two yong Princes: Like a cruell Tyger, and rauenyng Wolfe, moste vnnaturally, he caused them to be pittifully murthered within the To­wer of London. And caused one Doctor Sha, (who better deserued to be called doctor Shame) A doctor for the deuill. to preach at Paules Crosse, perswading the people that king Edwarde the fowerth, late deceased, was not ryghtfull king: Affirming that he was a Bastarde. And that the Duke of Cloucester (being lawfully begotten) ought to haue beene king when his brother was, and therefore myght nowe iustlye challenge the Crowne. Was not A good sonne. this a graceles sonne, that caused his owne natu­rall and vertuous mother, to be proclaimed at Powles Crosse a Harlot? This and his vnnatu­rall homicide, sownded moste abhominably in the eares of all honest men. Notwithstandinge by this beastly and detestable policie. (wherunto he also added the death of the Lorde Hastinges and other noble men, whome he supposed woulde by all meanes possible haue hindered his vngodlye proceedinges) he hitt the marke whereat he shot, [Page] which was the Crowne of Englande, and in fine was crowned king, by the name of king Ry­charde the thirde. But ere he had raigned little more then two yeres, it pleased God to stir vp the nobilitie of this Realme, to the ayde of Henrye Earle of Richemond, to set him in his ryghtfull inheritaunce of the Imperiall Diadem of this Realme. The large discourse wherof, is exquisite­ly written by Sir Thomas More, as appeareth in the Cronicle, written by Edwarde Hall.

In conclusion this noble Earle of Richemonde after manye doubtfull casualties & harde euents, arryued at Milforde Hauen in Wales, wyth an armye of Britons, and by the ayde of the Welsh­men, his power encreased. And manye of the no­bilitie of Englande with greate strength came to hys ayde, vntill he came to a place in Leycester shiere called Bosworth, where he met with kynge Richarde & his armye, and betweene them was fought a sharpe battaile, in which conflict, the king himselfe was slayne, and his bodie caryed to Leycester on horsebacke, as a Butcher caryeth a A condigne reward for such a tyraun Calfe to the Market. After whiche victorie won by this noble Earle, he was proclaymed kyng of England, by the name of king Henry the seuenth, & consequently he maried y^e lady Elizabeth daugh­ter An. Do. 1485. vnto king Enward the iiii. & they bothe crow­ned king and Queene of Englande, to the greate ioy of the whole realme. And thus were the noble houses of Lancaster & Yorke vnited in one whiche was the finishing of long warre.

¶ The Byrthe of the puisant Prince King Henry the eyght, which was in the yere of our Lorde God. 1490. the xxii. of Iune.

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¶ Of Prince Henries towardlynes in the tyme of his Minoritie.

AS this noble Prince grewe in age, so he encreased in vertue and princely demeanure. Using suche exercises as was commendable in so noble a per­sonage: wherein he excelled all other of his tyme. As in Learning, Rydyng, and mar­tiall feates. In so muche, that when he was the onely hope of this Realme, he was no lesse feared of forreine foes, then entierly loued of his owne countrey men. And had he not set the feare of God before his eyes, with speciall regarde of obedience towardes his Father: no doubt but he had bene seduced by the wicked suggestions of faccious flatterers, that often tymes inueagled him to take vppon him the gouernaunce of this Realme (his Father being alyue) As he him selfe hath reported after he came to the Crowne. But he alwayes abhorred their vngodly instigations.

At last it pleased God to call his Father from the Earth to dwell with him in Heauen, when he had raygned 23. yeres. And then this royall Prince his sonne succeded him in this Realme, as hereaf­ter foloweth.

¶ King Henry the eyght being proclaimed king of Englande the xxii. day of Aprill 1509. goeth to the Tower of London.

¶ Of the Coronation of king Henry the viii.

¶ From the tyme of this kinges Coronation, vnto his going into Fraunce to the siege of Tur­win & Turneie, I referre thee (gentle Reader) to peruse in Edwarde Hall his Cronicle, who hath largely displaied the courtly exersises, wherein he passed the firste iiii. yeres of his raygne. Wherin also thou maist read of sundry Ambassadours that came vnto him from foreine countreys, with the successe of his noble Captaines that he sent into Spaine, and into Gelderland and Fraunce, and to scoure the Seas. I will treat onely of such mat­ter as appertaineth to his own person, and of the two famous voyages that he made into Fraunce in proper person.

[Page 16] When king Henry purposed his Iorney into Fraunce, he firste entred in league of frendship with Iames king of Scots (who had maryed Margaret the kynges Sister) for the confirmation of which league, they both receiued the Sacra­ment, with solemne vowe to keepe the same vn­uyolate. But what ensued hereof, you may here­after read more at large.

Now let vs go forwarde with setting forth of this Royall voyage.

Of the winning of Turwin and Turnay.

Anno Domini. 1513.

KIng Henry being confederate with the Em­perour Maximilian, and manye of the nobilitie of Brabant, Flaunders and Holland, hauing the sayde Emperor in wages vnder his Banner, in­uaded Fraunce, and first assaulted Turwin with a puissant Armye. Whiche towne (in the ende) was enforced to yelde it selfe vnto the mercye of king Henry, who mercyfully graunted them par­don of their lyues, and free leaue to departe in safe­garde, yelding vp their towne with all their fur­niture and munition vnto the king: who entred the sayde towne with Banner displaide as a con­querour. And hauing taken the ordnaunce, with the rest of the spoyle, within a whyle after he con­sumed the towne with Fyer, which thing plea­sed the Emperor very well, for that the sayd town was oftentymes a scourge vnto him.

The king at this tyme to solace him self, rode to Lisley (which is a town of the Emperours) where as he was nobly entertained. And at his entrie in to the towne, the keyes of the gates were of­fered vnto him to dispose at his pleasure: who re­ceiued them thankfully, rendring them againe to him of whome he tooke them. And when he had recreat him selfe thear three dayes, he returned vn­to his campe againe. Whose returne was ryght ioyfull vnto his Souldiers. For as his presence encreased their ioyes, so his absence augmented their dolours, so entire he was vnto all his loiall Subiectes.

[Page] Shortly after, he marched forwardes with his whole Armie towardes the great Citie of Tur­ney, which Citie is saied to haue as manye To­wers in it as be dayes in a yere, which is in nom­ber. 365. And in fine, after sharpe assault, he ob­tained the towne, and after possession taken, hee built there a strong Castle. In this meane season, he enuy [...]ed the Emperour and the Empresse his wyfe to this his new wonne towne of Turney. Turney. who ryght ioyousely came thither, and were there royally feasted, and his trayne had both greate entertainment and bountifull rewardes.

In these warres were manye feates of Armes tryed, and sundry noble exploites atchyued, and in conclusion, the cheefe power of Fraunce discom­fited. But among the tragicall euents that there happened, one pretie accident chaunced by master Henry Norace, who at that tyme being a yong Henry Norace. Gentleman, and one of the kinges Henchemen, hauing on his head the kinges Helmet: was by the fiercenesse of his horse caryed from the kings Campe into the middest of the Frenche armye that then lay without the towne of Turnay in battaile ray. And being thus among his enemies against his will: at laste founde the meanes to turne his horse hed againe, and so by good happe came backe vnto the king: wherof the king was ryght glad. And being thus escaped, the king of­fered to make him knight for this aduenture. But he tolde the king, that his horse rather deserued [Page 21] that dignitie, which caryed him among his ene­mies against his will. Whereat the king plea­santly laughed, for he loued this yong gentleman verie well.

And because my Aucthor was brought vp vn­der this saide Gentleman, and by him preferred vnto the king, I am occasioned somewhat to di­gresse by remembraunce of his worthinesse. This forenamed master Norace grewe in suche fauour and grace with the king, that he became to be the chiefe gentleman of his priuie Chamber, and also was master of the blacke Rodd: Which is an of­fice to the noble Order of the Garter, which office hath a large Prerogatiue. He was rightfullye termed the father of the Court (nexte vnder the king) for his singuler order of education in courtly ciuilitie: As dyuers noble men, and gentlemen, by him brought vp, can full well witnesse. Namely The Lorde Henry Dudley, the Lord Sheafield, The Lorde Edmund Shandos, with many more. His nature was to do good to as manye as hee might, and harme to none. His pursse was neuer shut from the needie. Finally, he was endued w^t all godly and vertuous condicions: liuing in the courte in great fauour and estimation, vntill enuye (who alwaies pursueth vertue) threw at him her spytefull and poysoned dartes, to his decaye. After whose death, the king (to shewe his good will to­wardes him) shewed him selfe gracious Lord vn­to as manye as were seruauntes vnto the sayde [Page] master Norace in his lyfe tyme, and to expresse the same more at large: he bestowed his daughter (mistresse Marie Norace) in Mariage on Sir George Carew, which mariage was solempnised in the Court, at the proper costes and charges of the king, to the same and furtherance of the saide knight and the yong ladye his wife.

Now to returne to my matter againe. Whyle the king was in Fraunce, king lames of Scot­lande An. Do. 1513. (notwithstanding his league and solempne vowe before mencioned) made an inuasion vppon the Borderers adioyning vnto Scotlande. And sent an Ambassadour vnto the kyng into Fraunce, accusing the Borderers for breache of the truce be­tweene them taken. When the king vnderstoode by the Ambassadour, of the king of Scottes pre­tence: He rewarded the Ambassadour, and so dis­missed him.

Nowe the king of Scottes supposed that all the power of Englande was in Fraunce with king Henry: knowing also that king Henry could not, nor woulde not breake vp his Campe to come against him, And thought that nowe he had a plaine gappe opened vnto him, to enter into Eng­lande, and there to woorke his will. But by the prouidence of the Queene, who was left Regent of the Realme by the king at his setting foorth, & by the balyanties of the Earle of Surrey the kinges lieftenaunt, he was preuented of his pur­pose. For when he thought to haue entered this [Page 22] Realme with all his power, he was mett by the Earle of Surrey at a place called Brampston, This field was it that we call flod­den fielde, where betweene them was fought a cruell bat­tayle not without great effusion of blood on both parties: but in the ende (by Gods prouidence) the victorie fell vnto the englishe men. The King of Scottes himselfe being slayne in this fielde with xi. of his noble men being all of them Earles, be­sydes a number of his knyghtes and gentilmen of name, and his whole power made very weake. This battaile being ended to the renoune of the Queene, the Earle the kinges lieuetenant, and the whole Realme: The dead bodye of the king of Scottes was founde among the other carcases in the fielde, and from thence brought to London, and so through London streetes on a horsebacke, in such order as you haue reade before of king Ri­charde, and from thence it was caried to Sheene (neere vnto Brainford) wheras the Queene then laye. And theare this periured carcas lyeth vnto this daye vnburied. A condigne ende and a meete Sepulker for such a forsworn Prince. This shame­full ende of the Scottish king, kindled the Fyer of malyce in the breastes of the Scottes, the flame whereof (in the ende) consumed also their yong king that then was lefte vnto them, as followinge you may reade. But first I haue taken vpon mee to introduce king Iames vnto thee, informe of the Mirror for Magestrates, to vtter his complaynt & tell his owne tale as followeth.

The Lamentable complaint of king Iames of Scotlande, who was slayne at Scottish fielde. Anno. 1513.

¶ Nowe that king Iames hath tolde hys tale, and vttered his complainte, let vs see what befell vnto his Sonne, whom he lefte to succeede in his kingdom. Whose history I haue annexed vnto this (although it folowed not immediatly) that the iust iugdement of God againste periurie, maye the playnelyer appeare. The notable example wherof may bee a terror vnto the large & careles conscience of man. Fyrst reade his storie & then bestowe the perusing of his complaynte,

The Historie of king Iamies sonne, who after the death of his Father, was king of Scottes being but a chylde.

YOu haue hearde before of the death of kinge Iames and the maner therof, who left behynde him a sonne named after his father, Iames.

This yong king of Scottes, was both Neuew and Godson vnto king Henry, by meanes where­of the king was lothe to do anye annoyance vnto the Realme of Scotlande. But the Scottes be­ing greedie of reuenge for the death of their late king, prouoked him to be doing with them, by meanes wherof, many incursions were made into Scotlande, to the great detriment of the Scottes and destruction of many of their Castels and vil­lages. An. do. 1523. But at the laste, by the mediation of the Queene of Scottes, an abstinence of warre was taken, and shortly after a peace concluded, whiche continued vntil the yere of our Lorde 1542. at whiche tyme king Henry tooke his Progres to­wardes the Citie of Yorke, where he made great preparation for to haue mett with his Nephewe the king of Scottes, who promysed vnto his vn­cle king Henry, that he would verye gladly meete him at Yorke, and accordingly prepared so to doo. Wherefore king Henry laye at Pipwell Abbey [Page 25] while great prouision was made at Yorke, for the meeting of these two noble kinges, to the greate charges of the king of Englande, at whose pro­per costes, a sumptuous lodging was ordayned for the king of Scottes in the Abbay of Yorke, with offices and furniture accordingly.

Whyle the king laye at Pipwell Abbay aforesaid in a readynesse to come vnto yorke by the day ap­pointed: the Secretorie vnto the king of Scottes came vnto king Henry, who was at his handes noblye entertayned, and returned againe into Scotlande, enforming the king his maister, what great cost the king of Englande was at, in pre­paring for his cumming. The king of Scottes was as desyrous to see his Uncle king Henry, as he was to haue seene his Nephew. But when he was in a readinesse to come towardes Englande, the Cardinall of S. Andrewes, who was then newely come from Rome, made haite vnto the king of Scottes (as he was setting forth toward Yorke) and threatned him, that if he proceeded to go into Englande, that another shoulde bee pro­claimed king of Scotlande before he shoulde bee iii. Myles out of his Realme. Wherat the kyng was sore abashed, and not without good cause: For a kingdome deuyded in it selfe, cannot be qui­eted without great trouble and bloodshed. And the saide Cardinall bare so great a swaye that the king durst not come into Englande according to his appointment. It is thought that y^e Cardinal [Page] feared lest the king of Englande would haue per­swaded the kinge of Scottes to abolyshe the Popes aucthoritie out of Scotlande, and to alter the state of Religion, and therefore was not wil­ling that this meeting shoulde be betweene the two kinges. King Henry perceiuing him selfe to be thus deluded by the king of Scottes, concei­ued therof great discurtesie (as he myght ful well) Notwithstanding he went forwarde him selfe with all his trayne to yorke, and made Procla­mation, that if any man had any matters to exhi­bite vnto his grace, that they shoulde be heard, and haue Iustice administred, which accordingly hee accomplished to as many as came before him.

And whereas there had bene an insurrection in the same countrey a little before this tyme: The king comaunded that all the Rebelles which were apprehended shoulde be placed before him on the lefte hande of his waye as he passed thorough the countrey, and hauing set the countrey in good or­der, he returned to London againe.

The Cardinall of sainct Androes, who (as is be­fore saide) caused the king of Scottes to breake promise with his vncle king Henry (for doubt least that discourtesie might be reconsiled) to make hys matter sure: set the two kinges at open warre, and caused the Scottes to make a roade into the borders, who spoyled and did much harme. Wher­of when king Henry hearde, he sent the Duke of Norffolke with an Armie into Scotlande, who [Page 26] burned and spoyled muche of the countrey. But when the Duke was departed from thence into Englande: The Scottes inuaded the borders againe, & did theare muche harme. But at the last Sir Thomas Wharton (beeing warden of the marches there) with Sir William Musgraue and a fewe of the borderers, met with the Scottes the 14. of Nouember, and ouerthrew them: In which conflict the Lorde Maxwell, the Earles of Glen­carue and Sassiles, with all the captaynes of the Scottish Armie were taken: and on S. Thomas eeuen the Apostle, they were brought to the Tower of London, where they laye that night. The next day following they were brought into the starre Chamber before the Lorde Chaunceller of Eng­land and the Counsaile, being by the kinges char­ges rychely apparailed, and vsed more like Prin­ces then prisoners, which they did full euil requite. For after they were dismissed vppon agreement Unthankfull Scottes. vnto certein articles, they not only refused the per­formance of their promises, but (notwithstanding the benefites on them bestowed by the king) they rebelled against him.

But nowe to returne againe vnto their kinge: It is thought of some men, that he him selfe was in the Battaile, and thear receiued his deathes wounde, but escaped vntaken, but it was not so. This con­flicte was at a place called Solomosse. True it is, that this conflict stroke him to the hart, wherof he dyed incontinently. Whereby we may bee sure that God strooke the stroake. And whe­ther [Page] it were, that God (who stryketh to the thirde and fourth generation of them that hate him) did it for his fathers offence, or for his owne, I maye not, nor will not iudge. But no doubt his fathers vngodly periurie was heauily in his mynde: since whose death the Realme of Scotlande hath bene sore plaged, and haue had little good successe in any attemptes, and especially against Englande.

The tirste that brought newes of the kinge of Stottes death vnto king Henry, was the Earle of Angoes a Scott, who was banished out of Scotlande, and lyued here in Englande by a pen­cion that the king gaue vnto him. This Earle came into the Courie (the king then lying at hys house of Sainct Iames) betweene tenne and xi. of the clocke at nyght, and desyred to speak with the king, which being vnto him admitted: he rehear­sed vnto the king the whole circumstance of the king of Scottes death. Whiche when he hearde, he was so sorie of that newes (that notwithstan­ding he warred against him) yet he let fall teares from his eyes for sorrowe of his Nephewes death.

¶ The Lamentation of king Iames, Sonne vnto king Iames before mentioned.

¶ Now that I haue passed thorow these tragi­call histories of the. ii. kinges of Scottes: I will returne to the declaration of the ioyfull meeting of the kinges of Englande and Fraunce betweene Callis and Bullaine whiche was in the yeare of our Lorde 1532.

And althoughe there was a solemne meetyng betweene the Kynges of these sayde Realmes, and also betweene the Emperoure and Kyng Henrie in the yeare of oure Lorde 1520. Yet [Page] because my Anothor was not there to note anye thing more then is already mentioned by Halle in his Cronicle, and was present at this that folo­weth, I haue vsed his enstruction herein referring thee to the aforesayd Cronicle to reade of the other whereas it is very well described.

¶ Howe King Henry and the King of Fraunce met together betweene Calice and boloigne by a place called Morguison 1532.

¶ The declaration of the meeting of these two noble kinges at the place aboue mencioned.

ALthough there was bluddie warre and mor­tall hatred betweene the realmes of Englande and Fraunce, in the fifth yere of this kings raigne: in whiche yere, the king of Englande wan from the Frenche men the towne of Turwin and the great citie of Turnay as is before declared, yet for the concluding of a perfect peace betweene bothe the Realmes, the same yere a Mariage was made betweene the king of Fraunce and the Ladye Marye (sister vnto the king of England) but short­ly after the saide king of Fraunce dyed, and the Duke of Suffolke maryed the Queene his wyfe. A peace also was concluded betweene the young king of Fraunce and the king of Englande. And within a whyle the Citie of Turnay was rendred vnto the Frenche king: For the whiche he shoulde paye to the king of Englande a notable summe of Money. But this amitie did not long continue: for the Frenche king refused to paye his tribute to the king of England, and also detayned the Queenes dowrie. And moreouer, caused all Englishemens goodes to bee arrested at Burdeaux, whereupon the Frenchemens goods were arrested at London and they cast in Prison. But in fine in the xix. yere [Page] of the king his raigne, a generall peace was pro­claymed betwene the kinges of Englande and Fraunce during bothe their lyues. And defyaunce sent vnto the Emperour from bothe the kyngs, and a great power sent into Italy againste the Empe­rour (who then warred with the Pope and con­stayned him to take a Castell, wherein he remai­ned as prisoner, vntill the Armyes that the kinges of Englande and Fraunce had expelled the Em­perours power out of that parte of Italye. The circumstance whereof ys very largely declared by Sleydon.) This peace taken betweene the kinges of Englande and Fraunce, continued a good whyle vnuiolate. In whiche meane-tyme, the Ambassadour Ledger of Fraunce (that then laye in London) grewe in suche fauour with kynge Henry, that he was often tymes admitted to sit in presence with the king. This Ambassadour made humblesuite vnto the kinges grace, that hee woulde vouchesaue to meete with the kynge of Fraunce his Master in some conuenient place, to salute eche other, declaring that it woulde bee an occasion to knitt them togeather in the insoluble knott of perfect frindship and amitie. Whereunto the king of Englande willingly condiscended and agreed. And the rather because the Frenche king appointed to haue met with the Pope at Marsiles by meanes wherof, king Henry hoped that the Frenche king might perswade the Pope to some conformitie in the controuersie of his deuorce from [Page 31] the Ladye Katherin, wherefore he requested the sayde Ambassadour so to informe the kynge of Fraunce (his Master) which he nothing slacked to do. And in conclusion, a tyme was appointed when these twoo noble kinges shoulde meete by a place called Morguison whiche is betweene two greate hilles, and the midway betwixt Callice & Boloigne. According to the apointment, the king of Englande set forwarde and came to Callice. The Frenche king lykewise lay at Bolloigne, and on the appointed day, they bothe met by the sayde place called Morguison with a noble trayne of Dukes, Earles, Lordes, Knightes & Gentlemen on both sydes. And while these noble Princes em­braced eache other, a Bishop of Fraunce threwe off a cast of great Hawkes called Sakers, which Hawkes being cast off, killed a Kyte ouer the kinges heades, to the great pleasure of bothe the kinges. Then passed they forwarde with Prince­ly pastymes vnto the towne of Boloigne, where was greate preparation and noble tryumphes to entertaine and welcome the King of Englande. When king Henry had passed certaine dayes at Boloigne with moste royall solace and pleasure, he Inuited the King of Fraunce to the lyke at his graces towne of Callice, who in lyke maner came vnto Callice with king Henry, where as his for­mer entertainment vnto the king of Englande & his trayne, was noblye acquyted. And whyle these two royall Kinges were thus at Callice, [Page] the king of Heraldes came vnto king Henries grace, declaring vnto him that (according to the auncient custome, and also being parcell of hys othe) he had set vp in the market place the Em­perours Armes, and the Frenche kinges Armes (for so is the custome, when kings meete together) and desyred his grace to enforme him what might please him to bee erected in his behalfe, to whom the King aunswered, that nothing shoulde bee set vp for him, neyther I care not (quod he) for anye suche matter. Then sayde the Heralde, it is my duitie to erecte somewhat in your graces name. If it be so (quoth the King) I will that you de­paint an armed Arme rysing out of a clowde, hol­ding in the hande a naked Sworde with thys Poesse vnder it: Celuy au quel ie m'adiouincts (Dieu aydant) vaincra. Whiche is as muche to say: Whether parte I take (by Gods helpe) shall haue victorie. This was set ouer the Em­perours and the Frenche kings Armes, as in this Portraiture appeareth. And full truely did this Poesie proue: As in Sleydon his Commentaries ye may reade at large.

[Page 32]

¶ The Historie of the winning of Bulleyne by the moste victorious King Henrye the eyghth in his owne person.

THe Realmes of Fraunce and Scotlande per­ceiuing that they neuer coulde preuayle against the king of Englande in any attempt, neyther by dissembling peace, nor yet by open warre: ceased not to followe the example of the Scarabe, who presuming to contende with the Eagle, and being farre vnable to encounter with him, deuysed to annoye him, though it were but with the filthye dung, wherin he accustometh to welter and tom­ble. So these two Realmes, to obtaine their de­syred purposes, namely for that they coulde not bring vnder yoke the king of Englande, they al­way shott at him a farre of, to annoy him as much as they durst: which king Henry well perceiuing, And calling to mynde the dammages that some of his predecessours had sustained after the death of the right valyant king Edward the thirde by the Realme of Fraunce, and further waying with him self the feythlesse leagues of y^e frenchmen: who al­wayes when they entreated for peace, had theyr Swordes readye to fight, and theyr dissembling mindes wholy bent on treason & mischiefe: thought with him selfe, that it was better to haue them hys open foes, then his fayned friendes, and determy­ned to inuade the Realme of Fraunce, and in the ende was fully mynded to passe into Fraunce ve­ry secretly with a mightie & puissant power, which in deede was wrought so priuily, that he imparted his minde in this matter vnto no man, sauing on­ly to the Duke of Suffolk, but caused a rumor to be [Page] spread that hee was determined to goe ouer vnto Parys. The Duke of Norfolk lay (by the kinges apointment) at y^e siege of Muttrell, who hearing of the kinges pryuie passage into Fraunce, maruailed with him selfe what shoulde bee hys pretence: And thought some vncurtesie y^t he might not haue been made pryuy therof, he being one of the kings pryuy counsail. Wherupon he sent a letter vnto Sir An­thony Brown the maister of y^• kings horse, wherin he declared that he mused what the kinges purpose shoulde bee, desiring Sir Anthony Browne to re­solue him by his letters of this doubt. This let­ter was brought when the kinge lay at Calyce to passe into Fraunce. And because the custome is in the tyme of warre, that all letters which are sente vnto anye noble man or other of the campe, shall fyrst be presented vnto the king to breake them opē and to read them, if he be in the campe him selfe: the messenger brought the letter vnto the maister of the Postes, who exhibited it vnto the Kinges grace. The letter that was sent from the Duke of Norfolk vnto Sir Anthony Brown being in the packet of letters, which the king tooke & opened. And when hee had reade it, hee sayde vnto master Edmunde Harman one of his pryuye Chamber who then was in presence with him and none els: Lo (quoth hee) the Duke of Norfolk seemeth by this letter to thinke him selfe not well dealt withal because hee is not made pryuye to our pretence in this voyage, I assure thee Fdmund (quoth he) no [Page 35] mortall man in this worlde doth knowe the cause hereof, but onelye Sir Charles Brandon: And thou shalt bee the second, vnto whome I will re­ueale this matter. My purpose is (sayd the Kyng) to lay siege vnto Boloygne, and I doubt not but to win it, by Gods help. May it please your grace then sayde maister Harman, it will bee a noble vic­torie to win: But it will bee more noble to hold it when it is wonne. Well (sayd y^• king) I nothyng doubt the holding of it, by Gods grace, if I may winne it. Now was the Duke of Suffolke before Bullaine, and had layde siege vnto it on the Easte syde ofit, who thear remayned vntill the king him selfe came and encamped on the North side. After whose comming the towne was so sore battered with gunshot, and so sharply assaulted, that after a Moneths siege, the captayn, whose name was Mounsier Des [...]e, shot out an arrowe with a letter tyed to the shafte, wherin hee offered the King, to render vp the towne vnto his graces behoote, so that he woulde graunt pardon of lyfe vnto all the people of the town, and licence to depart with bagg and boggage. Whiche the king mercifully graunted on this condicion, that none of them should departe with any Gonne charged. And the Bulleiners departed the town with as much of theyr goodes as they could cary with them. After which departure, king Henrie with hys nobilitie entred the towne with Banners displayed lyke a conquerour. And after hee had taried there by the [Page] space of fyue dayes, or there about, he returned a­gaine into Englande, leauing behinde him to de­fende the towne, the Duke of Suffolke that most valiant Capitayne. But when the kings maiestie was vppon departure, newes was brought vnto him y^t the Dolphin of Fraunce was determined to come downe and repell him from thence and hys power, whereunto the king aunswered that hee shoulde be verie welcome. For (quoth he) the Dol­phin is my God sonne: and if he come, he shall haue my blessing. But he made no haste to come, as he vaunted? Wherefore the Duke of Suffolk and the Earle of Essex perswaded the king to returne home to Englande againe, for that he had wonne as much honour theare, as was to be had at that tyme. Wherupon the king committed the defence of the towne to the Duke of Suffolke and the Earle of Essex ioyntly. But before his departure, he being doubtfull whether the Duke of Norfolke had any neede of help at Muttrell, called vnto him syr Anthony Browne, & appointed him to go thi­ther to the ayde of the Duke of Norfolke with all his power. But Sir Anthony Browne answered that he had dismissed many of his souldiers by rea­son of sicknesse, & the rest were either wounded or wearied with trauaile, and many of their Horses tyred. Then the king demaunded of the Earle of Essex, In what estate his bande was: who had This earle is he that was after Lords marques of Northapton. vnder his charge 1500 horsemen, he aunswered the kyng, that of his whole power he wanted not [Page 36] 60. And that hee was ready to fulfill his graces pleasure. Wherupon the king thought to haue sent him to Muttrell, but in the end y^t king hauing a spe­ciall regarde for the keeping of Bullaine, leatte the Earle with the Duke to defende the towne, and sent Sir Ihon Gage to Muttrell to the ayde of the Duke of Norfolk. And then the king returned into England againe with great triumph. After whose departure out of Fraunce, y^• frenchmen began to be verye busie against the englishmē. But when they could preuaile nothing at all, they began to entreat for peace, always hoping to haue Bullayne againe by some meanes or other. But king Henry was so affected to that towne, that neyther strengthe of warre, nor force of money could win it from hym. And he would oft times saye, that no true subiect of his woulde perswade him to yelde it vp. Which towne he helde in despight of the Frenchmen du­ring his life.

¶ And thus I ende this discourse of the wyn­ning of Bullayne: Omitting to treate of the large circumstaunce heereof, least I might seeme to rob Grafton or Halle of their laboures, concluding this commemoration of king Henry, with his con­quest of Bullaine. After which triumphant victo­rie, no special warre happened vnto him, till death the conquerour of all mortall men subdued his bo­dy, whose soule liueth with God in his Heauenlye kingdome.

[Page] KIng Henry, in his life time would often tymes saye, that if it woulde please God to endue hym with life vntill he might see three thinges brought to passe, hee woulde not desire to liue anye longer. The fyrst was, to confirme true religion in this Realme. The seconde, to establish the Crowne. The thyrde, to see hys Sonne a man. Also hee would say: that if he knewe any one to bee a man of GOD, and meete to gouerne a common welthe: he would rather yelde his Crowne vnto him, then weare it himself, so that hee myghte doe it to the pleasure of God & the weale publyke of his people.

¶ An Epitaph of the deathe of the moste valyant and renowmed Prince King Henry the eyghth.

¶ A Preamble to this parte of the Booke following.

¶ A Commemoration of Queene Anne Bullayne.

¶ An Epitaph on the death of Queene Anne Bullayne.

¶ A Commemoration of Queene Iane.

¶ An Epitaph on the death of Queene Iane.

¶ In Prayse of the renowned Ladye Queene Katherin Par.

[Page 48] ¶ It will happely seeme somewhat straunge vnto thee (Gentle Reader) that I haue so sclender­ly past ouer the treatise of these noble ladies before mencioned, whose lyues and noble vertues, I can at large descrybe. And peraduenture I may bee deemed parciall, for mentioning of these, and o­mitting the names of king Henryes other wyues. I confesse I haue in my handes a Treatise of all their lyues, so farre foorth as tendeth to the com­mendations of their noble and princely vertues, worthie the immitation of all Ladies and gentle­weomen. But it fareth with mee, as with the soare Hauke, that keepeth her selfe aloofe from the Faukners fist, vntill acquaintaunce hath breed a further familiaritie. So if I maye perceiue this beginning to haue thy frindly fauour: Thou shalt win mee to thy lure, and encourage mee to mount as hygh as I may, not bolting aboue my reache, lyke rashe Icarus, whereby to come tumblinge downe, and be drencht in the flood of follye. And thus I ende, desyring at thy hands nought else, but thy good worde in lewe of this my labour.

A Commendation of the Englishe Souldiers that serued at this siege of Hadington.

The Aucthor.