THE MEMORIE of the most worthy and renowmed BERNARD STVART Lord D'Aubigni renewed.
IF after death to men, whose vertues rare
And worthy actions memorable are,
Posteritie immortall honour owe,
Which from the Muses powerfull Art doth flow,
For their reward; and that prouok'd thereby
Braue minds apace in vertues race may hie
To honors Goale: such fame is due by right
To Bernard, Lord of Aubigni, that bright
Like to a starre did shine in Vertues sphere
Among the worthiest Knights that euer were:
Who yet hath not receiu'd his honour due
In prose or verse from any of the crue
Of all those learned Clerks, that did adorne
That ancient Kingdom, wherein hee was borne,
Or that, wherein he was free denizon,
And to whose Kings great seruice he had done.
For more then their Records, the history
Of Italy and Spaine, his memorie,
(Though onely by the way) doth celebrate:
Whereas by warres he did exasperate
And much annoy their Princes and their States,
Against the Crowne of France associates.
His vertues and his acts heroicall,
As also strange his fortune may we call;
Sith he from forreiners among his foes
Receiu'd hath greater honor, then of those,
Who him for Countries sake and his deserts
Should honor and extoll with gratefull hearts.
I this neglect abhorring, and inflam'd
With loue of his transcendent worth haue fram'd
These verses to renew his memory,
And leaue a paterne to posteritie.
But of his life no Treatise hauing found,
Whereon with methode this discourse to ground,
Like to th' industrious Bee, which here and there,
From sundry flowres, that growing any where
She finds, doth gather Honie lesse or more,
Her Hony-combe that she therewith may store:
So I from sundry Nations histories.
Haue of his vertues, warres, and victories,
Cull'd and compil'd this short Memoriall,
Not fabulous, nor hyperbolicall,
Though couch'd in verse too homely to set forth
A subject of such dignity and worth;
That such a Muse to grace it would require,
As the renowmed Mantuan did inspire.
In Scotland was he borne a younger brother
To th'ancient Earle of Lenox, whom no other
Of all that Kingdoms braue Nobilitie
Surmounted in illustrious dignitie,
For that he from the Royall Stemme did spring,
Ennobled with the surname of his King.
This noble Graffe foreshew'd in spring of youth
What he would proue in ages riper growth.
He comely was and gracefull out wardly,
With actiue strength endued, and towardly
In wit and disposition: so as hee
Began betimes such as he ought to bee;
And to enure himselfe to euery game
And exercise, that best his birth became,
Misspending not of time the precious treasure
In sloth, in riot, or vnlawfull pleasure;
Wherin we see our youths themselues to wallow:
And truly had he not begun to follow
Thus early in his spring-time vertues lore,
In riper yeeres such had not been the store
And haruest of his vertue, as it grew.
For as we see a Vessell that is new
With any liquor season'd to retaine
Long time the smack thereof; so is it plaine,
That both the vertue and the vice also
Of youth, men hardly grown in yeeres forgoe:
Yea both of them doe rather grow then cease
In their possessours, as their yeeres increase.
But more then vertue vice doth on vs sease
Because the same our fancies best doth please.
Then Bernard, being such by inclination,
As also by his vertuous education
And practise may we call both wise and blest,
That had the skill, and will to chuse the best:
Like Hercules, who being of that age
Did shew himselfe both vertuous and sage,
When as two women in a forked way
Him met, the one faire seeming, gawdy, gay,
Perfumed, powdred, painted, by her Arts
To lust enticing the beholders harts:
The other shamefac'd, modest in attire
And truly faire and louely, yet the fire
Of lust abating with an awfull eye.
The former from the left hand shamelesly
Before her better stepping, said to him:
Braue Youth, if to this woman sterne and grim
Thou care doe giue, and wilt her footsteps tread,
In a most irk some way she wil thee lead
With great turmoile, and dangers manifold
In Summers parching heat, and Winters cold
Through many a thorny sleepe and craggy ground:
Wherein no pleasing Mates are to be found,
But sauage beasts, and monsters fell, to whom
In end a wofull prey thou shalt become.
But if thou wilt resolue to goe with mee
In this my way, thou shalt be wholly free
From all such toyle and danger, passing still
Through flowrie fields and medo wes, where at will
Thou maist most pleasant company enioy,
And all delightfull sports without annoy:
Where Ʋenus ioyn'd with Bacchus at thy hest
Shall entertaine thee as their welcome guest.
These charming words and pleasing baits so wrought,
As to her bent well-nigh she had him brought.
But th'other comely Matron, that did stand
At th'entring of the way on the right hand,
This seeing, said to him: O noble Youth,
Let not the sugred words come from the mouth
Of this deceitfull Strumpet thee incline
Her steppes to follow, and abandon mine.
Her beautie is but false and counterfet,
Though to the view and sale she forth it set:
Mine see thou maist, although to please thine eyes
[...] no curious Art, without disguise
True and vnstaind to be: which to thy view
Her inward falshood, and my truth may shew,
As painfull, dreadfull, dangerous my path,
Yea and pernicious she traduced hath,
Hers vaunting to be pleasant and secure,
And such as might all ioy to thee procure.
In both she a most shamelesse lier is;
For that my path, though painfull, leades to blisse
And glory: yea the paines thereof are sweet,
For that with solid inward ioyes they meet.
Whereas her way, though pleasant she it name,
Leads to destruction, infamy and shame;
The pleasures thereof being such as beasts
Enioy, her sports of Venus, and her feasts
Of Bacchus being poison to the health
Of mind and body, and the wrack of wealth
And honor. Both our wayes, & ends (of which
No mention made was by this guilefull Witch)
They that doe follow either her or mee,
Such by experience find at length to bee.
I therefore for thine honour and auaile
Wish in aduising thee I may preuaile.
Voluptuousnes and Vertue so did striue
Him after them to draw: which did him driue
Into a great quandary for a while,
His fancie to her, that would him beguile,
Inclining, but his reason to the other,
Who sought his welfare, as a louing Mother.
But Reason ruling Fancie, Vertue won
The victory: so as he soone begun
To tread her path: whereby he did attaine
To endlesse blisse and glory, vertues gaine.
Young Bernard so did Vertues counsell take;
And Vice with all her pleasant baits forsake.
He had occasion in his youth to passe
To France from Scotland, whither cald he was
By Iohn his Vncle: who before his death
Did by his will to him as heire bequeath
Of Aubigni the Lordship, with the rest
Of those demaines that he in France possest,
And which he most deseruedly had won
By valiant wise and faithfull seruice done
To Charles then King: who hauing had a proofe
Thereof much to his honor and behoofe
[...] a conflict, chiefly in the fight
[...] wherein many a noble Knight
[...] Clarence died, to grace him more,
[...] the Armes he had before
[...] three Royal Lillies in a Field
[...] in his Coat and Shield
[...] to him a glorious ornament,
[...] House an honor permanent.
[...] Nephew bent to act his part,
[...] done by acts of Martiall art
[...] and [...] went about to win,
[...] did so much excell therein,
[...] the valiant'st Knights renown'd
[...] as also worthy sound,
[...] yeeres increase,
[...] and judge, hent both in war and peace
[...] ployments. Which in peace he had,
[...] his Master with intent to adde
[...] of friendship to the former band
[...] ancient league, which without breach did stand
[...] France and Scotland, thither to that end
[...] [...]mbassador did him appoint and send:
[...] which his Embassie hee did approue
[...] both those Kings his prudence, faith, and loue.
[...] Great also grew in warfare his command
[...] When he was chosen Captaine of that Band
[...] this own warlike Nation, that contain'd
[...] hundred men of Armes, and had obtain'd
[...] [...]hat honour first of all the Companies,
[...] Which of that kind did since in France arise:
[...] Whose Princes no disparagement it hold
[...] be as Captaines of those Bands enrold.
[...] of this charge, and of each high degree
[...] honour worthy shew'd himselfe to bee,
As did by many his braue deeds appeare:
Whereof much one by right should him endeere
To all great Britain, and throughout the same
Immortall glory purchase to his Name.
Which was, that he with warlike power from France
Did come to
England, Henry to aduance,
[...]
Long thence exil'd, and but in name and shew
Then Richmonds Earle: who when he ouerthrew
And slew the crookeback Tyrant in the field,
Rich Englands scepter gloriously did wield:
The helpe of this his Champion wise and stout
Both in his passage full of dread and doubt,
And in the battaile hauing happily
Been such, as much he furthred was thereby.
It seemeth then to haue been Heau'ns intent,
That he in Scotland borne, and by descent
Of Kingly race, should for a Scottish King
Sprung from that Royall Stemme, whence he did spring,
Who both great Britains Scepters now doth sway,
Prepare to this great Monarchy the way.
O how both Nations of this famous Ile
Are by this Vnion blest! which doth exile
From them all discord and vnpleasant iarr's,
With all the harmes and woes of former warr's,
Them tying fast with concords happy bands,
And giuing them occasion hearts and hands
To ioyne in seruing both one soueraigne Lord,
And for their mutuall profit to afford
All fruits of loue and friendship th'one to th'other,
As if they were the children of one Mother
Ioyn'd by this Vnion: for which thanks they owe
To him, from whose support such helpe did flow
To Royall Henry: who the Roses twaine
Made one by wedlock: whence proceeds againe
This second Vnion more then th'other bless,
Made by a King sprung thence, of Kings the best,
Appointed by heau'ns high and blest decree
Sole Monarch of great Britain first to bee,
As well by Vertues purchase hauing right
Thereto, as by inheritance: whose might
Is equal'd by his goodnes, and good will
Is guided by Minerua's arts and skill.
Whose Prudence linked is with Pietie,
With Iustice, and vnfain'd sinceritie;
Whose Iustice is by mercy qualified;
Whose courage is by wisedome modified;
Whose Maiestie with modestie is deckt;
Whose worth is lesse in shew, then in effect,
Like Phoebus, whom, the brighter is his light,
The lesse we see, his rayes so dim our sight.
And as he doth to all this worldly frame
Impar [...]h [...], beames to benefite the same:
So doth our Phoebus well with all men deale,
As an efficient cause of publique weale
To subiects, neighbours, and confederates,
As likewise to all other Christian states,
Sith he by wisedome mediates their peace,
And thereby their commerce & wealths increase.
And as he happy in his person is,
So in his issue is he blestywis;
As in his Princely Sonne, both of his feature,
And phisnomie the liuely pourtraiture,
As also of the beauty of his mind:
Who to all kind of vertues well inclind
Such buds of them doth yeeld in spring of youth,
As promise vs in ages riper growth
Of vertues rare and deeds Heroicall
A fruitfull haruest: whereby winne he shall
The name and fame of Albions Charlemaine,
When in his Fathers throne he comes to raigne.
Who in his Daughter faire is blest likewise
From all the worthiest of her sex the prize
Of honor winning by her worth: whereby
She doth procure to her Elector hie
Much happinesse, as by her bringing forth
Such Princes, as may for their bloud and worth,
When th'Emperours election shall be free,
As well Elected as Electours be,
And daughters matches fit for France's flowers,
Romes Eagles spred, or Castil's stately Towers.
But cease to range thus any more, my Muse,
And by thy homely chanting to abuse
The prayses of such sacred Maiesty;
Though it to honour duty do thee tye,
Yea, and the present subiect thee inuite:
And (going on where thou didst leaue) indite
To me his worthy deedes, whom we may blesse
As instrument of so great happinesse.
When as King Henry crown'd and settled was,
Lord D'Aubigny backe into France did passe:
Where by the King and his Nobility
His valour, wisedome, and felicity
In his late action was with great applause
Extol'd and magnifi'd: and for that cause
He worthy was esteem'd of greater charge
And place; wherein, as in a field more large,
Or Theater, he might his Martiall skill
And prowesse vse and exercise at will.
Whereof a fit occasion shortly came:
For Charles then King th'eighth being of that name,
Encourag'd by his heat and strength of youth,
And by ambition (whose enormeous grouth
Exceedeth in that age) more hardy made,
Resolu'd the Realme of Naples to inuade:
Which to the Dukes of Aniou appertain'd
Some ages past, but then from them detain'd
Was by th'vsurping house of Aragon:
And Sforza Duke of Milain egging on
Charles to this action, him to be therein
More forward mou'd. But ere he would beginne
He knew, that when his gifts he thus did sow,
Thence to himselfe such fruits should after grow
Of honour, seruice, and fidelity,
As he with great increase should gaine thereby.
And in effect right so to passe it came:
For D'Aubigni himselfe did euer frame
To honour him, and serue him faithfully
In warre and peace with care and industry,
And with vnfained loue and ardent zeale
Both to his good and to the Publike weale.
In his Calabrian gouernment appear'd
This to be true, whiles there the helme he steer'd:
Where still to worke his Masters good he sought:
And what he could for publike good he wrought,
That people ruling with much equity,
With moderation and with lenity:
[...]
So as when they his goodnesse tride and prou'd,
He was by them much honour'd and belou'd,
Though they were Demi-Grecians, and defam'd
As factious and rebellious, yea and nam'd
Diuels by a nick-name old, as yet they are.
Such force haue vertues eminent and rare
In Rulers, as the stubborn'st they allure,
And them to loue and reuerence procure.
And for his sake (so much they him respected)
They to the French the better were affected:
Nor any in that Realme surmounted them
In loyalty to the French Diadem.
The power whereof awhile there being great
Was much diminisht by the Kings retreat;
But more by reason of his dalliance
And negligence, wen he return'd to France.
King Ferdinand, that had a long time houer'd
And lurk't to saue himselfe, thereby recouer'd
Both strength and courage, and was hart'ned more
By new supplies, which from the Spanish shore
Came to assist him vnder the command
Of that Consaluo surnamed Hernand,
To whom as eminent in worth and fame,
The Spaniards of Great Captaine gaue the name.
The King his forces hauing with his owne
Conioyn'd, and thereby the more hardy grown,
Into Calabria passeth in all haste:
Where th'Angeuins possessions he doth waste,
And all subuerts that would his passage stop;
Like to a Torrent from a mountaines top
Downe falling after stormy snowes and raines,
Which ouer-flowing all the lower plaines,
Trees, bridges, cottages and countrey townes
With violence downe beares, subuerts and drownes.
But D'Aubigni, whose courage like a Rock
Or Bulwark strong did nothing feare the shock
Of this his furious force, himselfe prepares
Him to encounter, yea and stoutly dares
His passage finding out by wise foresight,
To meete him, hie apace, and with him fight.
Guiec. l. 2. Iou. Hist. l. 3.
Neere to the walles of Seminare he found
Him, and his Spanish Champion so renoun'd,
With all their army, which did his surpasse
In number farre: but such the valour was,
Which he himselfe, and all his warlike crue
Of Frenchmen & North-Britaines then did shew, wise
As they defeated quite their enemies:
Whose Leaders, though themselues both stout &
They shew'd, yet to escape by flight were faine,
The King in danger being to be slaine,
Or taken through the falling of his Steed,
When faithfull Altauile in this his need
His horse to him, and for him gaue his life.
Thus our braue Warriour in this warlike strife
To his immortall honour ouercame
A King, and a Commander of such fame,
As was Consalue, whose worth and valiant deedes
Of Spaines renown and greatnes were the seedes.
But fortune of his glorious victory,
Or rather of so great prosperity
Of the French Nation growing enuious,
The course of his exploits victorious
Stop't by a sicknesse trouble some and long,
[...] 3. Theuet des hommes illustres enla [...]ie de Consalue.
Which on him seas'd: wherein as she did wrong
His glory, so much woe thereby she wrought
To the French side, which to decay was brought,
Not hauing Chiefetaines, able to withstand
The re-inforc'd assaults of Ferdinand,
And of Consalue, that did the French assaile,
And euery where against them did preuaile.
The Vice-Roy, Lord Monpensier without doubt
Was both a noble personage and stout,
But not so circumspect and prouident,
As needefull was, such dangers to preuent.
Wherewith Lord D'Aubigni, that then diseas'd,
With sicknesse lay, was vexed and displeas'd,
As also seeing that no new supply
Came from the King, who liuing carelesly
In pleasure suffred by his negligence
That to be lost, which with so great expence
Of treasure, yea with care and toile sustain'd
Euen by himselfe he rather bought then gain'd.
But this his Champion, (although euer true
And faithfull to him much displeas'd he grew
That his affaires were in so euill estate)
Yet seeing that with prouidence and fate,
Which wrought this change, he should but striue in vaine,
Himselfe in end to yeeld thereto was faine;
When of his long disease not wholy rid
By true relation vnderstand he did,
How that the Lord Monpensier, hauing lost
The field, and with the remnant of his Host
Besieged in Atella, did agree
And solemnely capitulate that he
With all his Freuchmen should that Land forsake:
And therefore he not able head to make
To th'Aragonian forces, nor to mend,
What was by others mar'd, did condescend,
Though much against his stomack, to be tied
To Th'articles already ratified.
And seeing that no hope to him was left,
Since he was wholy of all meanes bereft
Of doing seruice to his King, or good
To those distress'd Naipolitanes, that stood
Well-minded and affected to him still;
He vs'd his best endeuours and good will
To saue that remnant of the French, that were
Suruiuing to their woes and dangers there.
Then as among the first he thither past,
So in departing was he of the last.
Much was he grac't, when backe to France he came,
Both by the King, and those, to whom by fame
His vertues rare and eminent were knowne,
Which by his worthy actions he had showne,
As Trees do shew their goodnesse by their fruite:
Which to him chiefly made them attribute
What victories and honour had beene wonne,
And whatsoeuer other good was donne
In Naples by the Frenchmen, as the blame
Of all the losses, crosses, woes, and shame
By them sustain'd to others they imputed.
Yea by the King he was so well reputed,
As he was like to send him back againe,
That Kingdome lost by arm's to re-obtaine.
But he surprised being in his flowre
And strength of age by death, which doth deuoure
As well the young and lusty, as the old,
And is as much with Kings as subiects bold;
To him succeeded Lewis the twelfth by name,
Who willing to enlarge his power and fame,
Assembled a great Army, by the force
Thereof to driue away vsurping Sforze
From Milaine, which as rightfull heire he claim'd.
And for that Armies are as bodies maim'd
Without Commanders valiant and expert,
Three did he chuse, as men of best desert,
To leade his Army:
[...]
whereof chiefe in worth
And place was D'Aubigni: who setting forth
Towards Lombardie, when thither he arriu'd,
Th'Vsurper of his chiefest townes depriu'd
By force or composition, put to flight
His Army, and himselfe bereft of might
And courage he compel'd likewise to flie
From Milain: whither soone the King did hie,
To take possession of that goodly state,
Commanders valiant, wise and fortunate
Reputing them, who thus did him inuest,
But this our noble Knight aboue the rest.
Whereof sufficient proofe he shortly gaue;
When by this conquest he beganne to haue
Both more desire, and greater hope, againe
By Armes the Realme of Naples to obtaine.
But iudging nothing else so requisite
For this his purpose, as that opposite
Th'ambitious Spaniard to it should not bee,
The conquest of that Land he did agree
To share with him, who did thereto pretend
A title, as he did, and in his end
Of growing greater did with him consent.
And knowing well that to the same intent
He was to chuse for leading of his Host
A fit Commander, such a one as most
Could further his attempt, of D'Aubigni
He made election: who both warily
And valiantly with speede did through the Lands
Of foes, and doubtfull friends conduct his bands;
The Romane Columnes much endammaging,
That then assisted th'Arragenian King.
Whose Army in his passage comne to let
His troupes from passing
Gariglian he met.
Du Ha [...] au regne de Louis. [...]2.
But when to passe the Riuer he did thinke,
To set on them, he saw his horsemen shrinke:
Whom thus he loudly did rebuke and taunt,
To egge them on. Yea lately oft did vaunt,
That you alone without our footemens aid
Your enemies would daunt: yet now afraid
Of them you are: which much your honor wrongs.
O let it not be said, that in your tongues
Your courage lies, not in your hands or hearts!
But brauely act of valiant men the parts,
And shew that you can do as well as speake.
His words them made, wroth with themselues, to wreake
Their anger on their Foes; whom furiously
They charg'd, defeated, and compel'd to flie.
He Capua did besiege, and quickly take.
Auerse, and Nole durst not against him make
Resistance, but themselues did to him yeeld.
King Frederik would neither sword, nor shield
More vse against him, so much terrified
He was, and by his Prowesse damnified.
Wherefore he by experience in the raigne
Of Charles well hauing learned, how humane
And true he was, some sent to treat with him,
That found him not in count'nance sowre or grimme,
Nor harsh in words, but meeke and mild in both,
To helpe him willing, and to grieue him loth.
When they his answere back to him did bring,
It pleas'd him so (if ought could please a King,
That from a Throne was forced to descend)
As he resolu'd in vaine not to defend
ABout that time King Ferdinand of Spaine
Consaluo sent, with Forces to obtaine
The share to him allotted in that Land:
Who so preuail'd, as none could him withstand,
When as with Armes he did the same inuade;
His Conquest the more easie being made
By D'Aubigni, who did subdue the King,
And stately Naples to subiection bring.
But both those Nations proud and insolent,
In humors and conditions different,
Contending for their bounds began to iarre:
Whence did arise betwixt them open warre.
Wherein on the French party for a while
The better hauing Fortune seem'd to smile.
And as in former times our D'Aubigni
More stoutly, skilfully, and happily
Then any other did in warre command:
So did he at this season, when in hand
He took the third part of the Host to leade
Into Calabria lately conquered
By Great
Consaluo; [...]
for he thence did chase
By force the Spaniards, and in euery place
Thereof preuaile: wherein auail'd him much
His reputation in that country such
For Martiall deedes, and ciuill gouernment,
When in those parts he had commandement,
As they against the Spaniards did rebell,
And ioyn'd their Armes with his them to expell.
Yea, such as were the greatest of them all,
And of that Kingdomes Peeres the principall,
Who did his worth and vertues best discerne,
Ioyn'd with him: as the Princes of Salerne,
And Bisignan, with th'Erle, to whom Milet
Did appertaine: whom enuy did not let
From seruing vnder his command in field:
In so great estimation him they held,
And so him lou'd: whereof he had a proofe
Soone after to his honour and behoofe.
Du Hail. auregue de Louis 12. Iou. in vn. Cons. l. 2.
For Ʋgo de Cardon from Sicilie
With puisant Forces comming furiously
Into Calabria, therein to annoy
The French, and if he could, them to destroy,
Our worthy Warrior, who with watchfull eye
Did see, yea and foresee what th'enemy
Did, or intended, ioyn'd in haste together
His Forces, and with greater haste them thither
He led, where he to finde his Foes did looke;
And through vnhanted wayes his iourney tooke
Of purpose, vnawares them to surprise:
Which wisely he effected in such wise,
As vnexpected he did on them set.
Yet so their courage did Don Ʋgo whet
By his couragious deedes, and words, as they
His deedes did follow and his words obey.
Which made the combate, many being slaine
On either side, so doubtfull to remaine,
As D'Aubigni, whose eye was in all parts,
Perceiuing that his footemens hands and hearts
Beganne to faint, and that they did recoyle,
The Spanish footemen striuing them to foyle,
Commanded Grigni with his horsemen light
Those Spaniards to assaile: which of the fight
The Fortune chang'd twixt both Infanteries.
But seeing that their hearts did eftfoones rise
Encourag'd by their valiant men of Armes,
With his North-Britaines braue, that no alarmes
Nor Armes could terrifie, he them assail'd,
And breaking them, against their Host preuail'd;
Which vtterly in th'end he put to flight.
As at this time his skill ioyn'd with his might
Made him victorious, so did it likewise
In many another warlike enterprise
Of conflicts, and of taking Townes and Forts:
Which, seeing Story shortly them reports
But as his meanest actions, I omit,
As acts of greater fame to match vnfit.
But after this his famous victory
Her ficklenesse and mutability
Did Fortune shew: for full of fraud and guile
Shee on the Spaniards now beganne to sinile,
But on the Frenchmen spitefully to frowne,
And, as she rais'd them vp, to cast them downe.
He being chiefe Vpholder of that side,
To which this misaduenture did betide
Through Fortunes alteration, did partake
With them therein: yet could not that him make
Faint-hearted: yea, in this to his behoofe
Did Fortunes frowning turne, that for a proofe
It seru'd, the more his Vertue to refine,
And for a Foile the more to make it shine.
For truly courage in aduersity
Appearing greater Magnanimity
And worth in th'owner shewes, then when it is
Accompanied with Fortunes seeming blisse:
As Pilots do in stormes their Art and skill
Farre better shew, then hauing winde at wil.
Some in renowne of valiancy do flourish,
Whiles Fortune with her fauors doth them cherrish,
Who, if she frowne on them, will play the parts
Of men deiected and depriu'd of hearts.
And if it chance (which seldome chance we see)
That he, who valiant is, still happy be
In his attempts: yet, in his good successe
Her share and portion Fortune clayming, lesse
Appeares his courage, then if he thereby
Should Fortune daunt and vanquish manfully.
For, though Timoleon so much fauour'd were
By her, as euermore, and euery where
He had successe, so as the same to shew,
A Painter him with nets Townes taking drew:
Yet was he not therefore so much esteem'd,
As many Warriours not so happy deem'd.
O how I much admire that worthy King,
Renowned Bruce, whom Fortune, enuying
His glory, more then once in warres did crosse,
And forc't him to retire with griefe and losse!
Yet could she neuer force him to forsake
His braue dessignes, nor him faint-hearted make,
Who did from all occasions great and small
Draw motiues, to stirre vp himselfe withall.
For when he once a Spider weauing view'd,
That oftentimes her broken Web renew'd,
Till she had weau'd it wholy; then shall I,
Said he, demeane my selfe lesse constantly,
In that which doth concerne my countryes good,
And mine own right by Fortunes spite withstood,
Then doth this vermine when it thus doth weaue?
No, no: for all th'affronts, that I receaue
From Fortune, to her shall not make me yeeld,
Nor as a Coward quite my sword or shield,
Till I my foes shall vanquish, and her might,
And winne the Kingdome that is mine by right.
So spake, so did he; and though his attempt
From many dangers great were not exempt,
Yet he by valiant constancy therein
Did Fortune vanquish, and a Kingdome winne.
Lord D'Aubigni, who to his Royall race
Was neere in bloud, and whom the heau'ns did grace,
As they did him, with Magnanimity
In ouercomming Fortunes enmity,
Preceyuing, that the Spaniards did beginne
Vpon the Frenchmen dayly ground to winne,
Their strength decreasing, and no new supply
From France arriuing them to fortifie,
Their Passions, them thus gently taxed hee.
Deare kinsmen, I am greeu'd thus you to see
Deiected and disheartned, who should proue
Of Valiant courage, Paternes fit to moue
All Noble Youths the same to imitate;
Not suffering any chance infortunate
Your manly courage womanly to make,
Or thus your selues, like women, to betake
To teares and wailing. What? thus will ye wrong
That ancient Royall Stocke, whence you are sprung,
As from it to degenerate so much,
Or wrong your Countries Honor; which is such,
As Britaines haue th' old Romanes property
And praise, to act and suffer valiantly?
Let courage then such tendernesse remoue
From you, and (as it much doth you behoue)
Let reason, without too much griefe or feare,
All Fortunes changes make you stoutly beare;
Especially in Warre, wherein more rife
They are, then in the remnant of our life:
Since by experience oft it hath beene seene,
That they which haue one day victorious beene,
Another day, yea and perhaps the same
Haue lost the field, such is Bellonas game.
And therefore as on Fortune to rely
Too much yee ought not; so you are to fly
Of her, or of your selues a base distrust:
Yea brauely striue to vanquish her yee must,
And make her by your valiancy renew'd
As friendly to you, as she now is shrewd.
Thus both in deeds and words he made appeare
His Courage and his Vertue bright and cleare,
As well when Fortunes stormes did him assaile,
As when her fauours most did him auaile.
He prisoner in Naples did remaine,
Till, when the warre was ceas'd, to France againe
He was to goe with other men of worth.
Iou. in vit. Cons. lib. 3.
To them Consaluo at their setting forth
Did offer horses with much courtesie
For their returne: for which our D'Aubigni
Him thanking, thus did answere him: My Lord,
Since that your bounty doth to vs afford
To beare vs horses, we would haue them strong,
That they to France may carry vs along,
And hither backe. Consaluo what he said
Well vnderstanding, thus him straight repaid:
Returne, when it shall please you, Lords, for I
Towards you will vse like liberality,
Both horses, and my Pasport giuing you
As willingly, as I you giue them now.
These words their quicknesse in conceit did shew,
And Noble mindes, such as are found in few.
Yet shew they most his magnanimity,
Who thus could iest in his aduersity.
If we the warriours of their time compare
With them, among them all they peerelesse are.
Such by two famous King's esteem'd they were,
Soone after meeting at Sauona: where
King Lewis of France inuiting to a feast
The King of Spaine, Consaluo as a guest
With him inuited, and most courteously
Him vsing, did extoll and magnifie
The worthinesse that did in him abound,
His Martiall deedes, and victories renow'nd.
All which his iealous King did little please.
Lewis, peraduenture knowing his disease,
Thus to increase it, did Consaluo grace.
King Ferdinand behind hand in this case
Was not with Lewis: but as Lewis of his traine
The worthiest Warriour chose; so hee againe
Desirous choise of such a guest to make,
Mariana hist, Hisp. l. 29. [...].9.
Among the French our D'Aubigni did take
For such, and in like sort him entertain'd.
To whom this honour high his merits gain'd,
Though he a Britain were, and in degree
To Princes Dukes, and Peeres that chanc'd to bee
There at that time inferiour farre, so bright
Did vertue shine in this renowmed Knight.
The fauour of these Monarchs to these twaine
Was of their matchlesse worth a witnesse plaine.
But if them both we doe compare together
(Which fitly may be done) both th'one and th'other
Were younger brethren to two Noble Lords;
To whom in what inheritance affords
Inferiour being more they were then mates
To them by their own purchase of estates,
And honour made by their industrious care,
And by their vertues eminent and rare.
For industrie, which both did help to raise,
Lord D'Aubigni deserues the greater praise:
Sith he no Frenchman beeing, could in France,
By industrie himselfe so much aduance:
Where th'other great in his owne Countrey grew,
Grac'd by a Queene,
[...]abel Queene of Spayne.
that him to action drew
In vertue both excell'd, yet different were
In that our Bernards vertue was sincere;
Where th'others hauing still a glistering shew,
Sometimes more artificiall was then true.
Both th'one and th'other of a noble mind,
And truly generous to haue beene we find.
Yet when on both malignant Fortune fround,
More courage did in D'Aubigni abound.
With Prudence both were plentifully stor'd:
Yet tax'd and branded is the Spanish Lord
For craft and breach of faith in histories;
Which th'other name no lesse vpright then wise.
For valiancy, that like in both w [...] found,
Among the valiant'st both may be renown'd.
In Martiall skill they may be paralel'd,
And iustly for great Captaines both be held:
Although to win that name, th'one Fortunes ayd
Had more then th'other: for Consaluo sway'd
And rul'd, as best him pleas'd, the Spanish side:
Where D'Aubigni so could not rule and guide
The French, another being then Vice-roy.
Yet did he so the power he had imploy,
As in both warres made for that Kingdome, none
Of all that led the French, but he alone,
Wonne any great and famous victory,
As witnesseth that Ages historie.
Whereby this truth is also testified,
That not Consaluo, so much magnified
So oft victorious was in field as hee.
For besides lesser conflicts, battailes three
He wonne, the first of them at Seminare;
Wherein Consalue had of the losse his share
With Ferdinand then King; at Gariglian
The next against King Fredericks host he wanne;
The third, neere to Terine: whereas but twice
Consalue in battaile rang'd (although the price
Thereof was all that Kingdome) vanquished
The
French by
Nemours, and
Gonzaga led.
Iou. in vit Cons. lib. 2.
This of our Warriour Iovius more doth tell,
That after the mischance, which him befell
But once in warre, of Fortune he complain'd,
That him, who had twelue victories obtain'd,
Since he in Britain, and in France betooke
Himselfe to warre, she thus in end forsooke.
Whereby appeareth how this noble Knight
By silence is defrauded of his right:
As also we may well thereby obserue,
That oftentimes such men as best deserue,
Are lesse then men of lesse desert respected,
And in their fame, as other wise neglected.
But this to him the rather hath arriu'd,
For that almost continually he liu'd
In forrein Lands, and all his famous deeds
In them atchiev'd: where seldome any heed's
A Strangers worthy Acts, or takes the paines
Them to record, but for reward and games:
For which respect Consalue so much renown'd,
Besides the Spaniards that his praises sound,
Hath had the learned Iouius him to praise:
Who by the way, the more his worth to raise,
In part the worth of D'Aubigni record's,
As of his chiefe Opponent: which affords
Occasion thus to paragon together
These two renowmed warriours: whereof either
Did th'others worth esteeme and magnifie,
Though different in this, that D'Aubigni,
As best it with his Masters pleasure stood,
Or most behoofull was for publike good,
Alone, or ioyn'd with others in the field
Did gouerne, or the place to others yeeld.
Whereas, such was the Spaniards hauty heart,
As euermore he a Commanders part
Did striue to act:
Iou. in vita Cons. lib. 3.
for which he well compar'd
Was to a Carracke huge, built and prepar'd,
Rigg'd, trimm'd, and furnish'd with excessiue charge,
Which well may ride aflote, or saile at large
In the deepe Ocean, but cannot abide
A shallow Hav'n, or neere the shore to ride.
Whereas our Brittish Lord compar'd may be
To one of those Ships Royall, which we see
Neere Chattam, fit to saile into the Maine
To serue her King, and to returne againe
Into her Hav'n, or, when a boystrous blast
At Sea doth take her, neere the shore to cast
Her Anchor, riding there from stormes secure.
So euermore did he himselfe enure
Both to his duty and his fortune still,
Though free from basenesse to conform his will.
By all that hath beene hitherto recorded
Of him, to him this praise may be afforded
Deseruedly, that many did him giue,
Who chanced in his company to liue;
To wit, that among Warriours none they knew,
That did in Warre more skill and valour shew;
No Councellor or Gouernour in Peace
More wise; and in prosperities increase
None more humane and gentle; as likewise
None in aduersity that play'd his prize
More brauely against foes, and Fortunes spite:
So as this praise doth iustly me inuite,
Together with his other Merits rare,
With great Consalue in worth him to compare.
But that in matching them I may forbeare
To be too tedious, after that they were
So graced by the Kings of France and Spaine,
Their fortune, like to Cynthia in her waine,
Decreased, so as neyther of them was
In warfare more imployed: which came to passe,
Not for that they, as men with action cloy'd,
Were grown vnwilling so to be imploy'd,
But through their Masters great ingratitude,
Which them from such employment did exclude;
Were it for that so great were their deserts
And seruice, as their Masters narrow hearts
Did them, as too much owing to them, lothe,
Or that with them by whispering slanders wroth
They were become, or did their faith distrust.
But whatsoeuer was the cause, so thrust
They out of fauour were. But the displeasure
Of Ferdinand not hauing end nor measure
Against Consaluo, Lewis did soone relent,
And reconcil'd to D'Aubigni, he ment
Him in some famous action to employ.
But sicklinesse did him so much annoy,
As he therefore was counsel'd to repaire
To Scotland, that by that his natiue ayre
He might his health recouer: which aduice,
And Countreys loue did him thereto entice.
He thither ward through England tooke his way:
Where Henry th'eighth by name, that then did sway
The Seepter of this Land, remembring well,
What furtherance he heard his Father tell
This Lord him gaue, when to the Crowne he came,
And hauing vnderstood by publique fame
Much of his worthy deeds, him to present
His dutie to him comne with great content
Did graciously receiue and entertaine,
Inuiting him in England to remaine
By bounteous offers: but with reuerence
He thanking that great Monarch, homeward hence
Departed: where with honour and applause
The King and all estates, not without cause
His worth esteeming much, did him receaue.
There shortly after death did them bereaue
Of him their rare and precious ornament.
For which their losse in him they did lament:
As did his friends in France, and euery where,
Enamour'd with his vertue, as it were
A Loadstone, drawing to him many hearts:
So as in many Ages for deserts
None was belou'd and honour'd more, then he
In sundry Lands by men of each degree.
Yea death, which doth the greatest, whiles they liue
Enioying loue and honour, oft depriue
Of both, yet could not him bereaue of either,
As well we may by one example gather.
Which is, that the Commanders of the Host
Of Frauncis, France's Monarch, in the Coast
Of Piemont, hauing taken by surprise
Columne a Chiefetaine other times so wise,
That he like Fabius was his Countries shield;
As prisoner himselfe he would not yeeld
To La Palisse, or Bayard, though renown'd
Aboue the rest they were: but hauing found
That D'Aubigni was of the chiefest one,
He did his person yeeld to him alone,
As Neuew to our famous D'Aubigni,
Whom he had in the warres of Italy
Well known, and highly for his worth esteem'd,
So as his Neuew for his sake he deem'd
Most worthy thus by him to be affected,
And more then all the rest to be respected.
To Bernard such was his respect and loue,
As death from him could not the same remoue.
His worth, that did allure this worthy Knight
Thus him to loue, and honor doth by right
Stirre vp my homely Muse thus to renew
His memory with prayses to him dew
Among our Britaines: to whom he their owne
Should be as well, as among strangers knowne,
Yea better, since to him they partly owe
Both th'Vnions (whence their happinesse doth flow)
Of both the Roses, and the Kingdomes twaine,
With double thanks for this their double gaine.
Whose vertuous deeds the rather I set forth,
That worthy mindes may imitate his Worth,
And worthily aspire to his renowne:
Which length of time shall not in Lethe drowne,
Whiles of his Worth and Name, the Memory
Shall be preseru'd by many a History
In Romane, Tuscaue, French and Spanish scroules,
As also kept in these my English Roules.
A short Collection of the most notable places of Histories quoted in this Memoriall.
I Haue thought it meete, the better to shew how this Memoriall agreeth with Historicall truth, to adde thereunto the most notable places of Histories quoted in the Margent, without altering the seuce of the Authors, yea, or their words, but onely in that they are translated, and in the abridgement of some narrations, wherein other mens actions are interlaced. To the said passages I haue added nothing but the connexion, and some few briefe obseruations. Which collection I haue the rather made, for that the things contained in this Memoriall, that are of least importance and doubtfulnesse, being drawne from Records and Relations of honorable and credible persons, the contents thereof which are of greatest unportance, and may seeme most doubtfull, are testified and auerred by these passages.
The charge which he had of a Company of men of Armes, is thus recorded by Malingre a French Historiographer.
Charles the seuenth,Hist. Chronol. who did first institute the ordinary Companies of men of Armes in France, crected the Company of Scottishmen of Armes of the remnant of the Scottishmen ouer-throwne at Ʋernueil, which consisted of an hundred men of Armes, and two hundred Archers, giuing them the first place among the [Page] French bands of that kinde: Of which Company the said Author saith, that Bernard Stuart Lord D'Aubigni was the second Captaine.
Of his Embassage to the King of Scotland,Hist. Scot [...]. Lesley Bishop of Rosse maketh mention in this manner: Charles the eighth sent into Scotland Bernard Stuart Lord D'Aubigni, and Doctor Mallart his Embassadours, to renue the ancient League betweene the two Kings and Nations.
Of his comming to England with King Henry the seuenth, Ibid. the said Lesley writeth thus: He commanded those Forces, that accompanied the Earle of Richmond into England, and did him good seruice against the Vsurper, King Richard. So as the said Earle being crowned King, did therefore euer after fauour the Scottish Nation.
The same is confirmed by the foresaid Malingre,Hist. Chronol. who affirmeth, That he was the Kings Lieutenant generall of the Army, which was sent to England, to assist Henry the seuenth, against Richard the third.
Of his Embassage to the Pope, Guicciardin writeth thus: In his Hist. of Italy. l. 1. King Charles sent to the Pope foure Embassadours: to wit, Bernard D'Aubigni a Chiefetaine, being a Scottishman by Nation, one of the Treasurers of France, the President of the Parliament of Proumce, and Peron de Basche.
Where is to be noted, that among men of such dignity he had the first place. Yea, he was of such reputation, as Paulus Iouius doth name no other Embassador but him, writing of his Embassage in this wise:
To the Pope was sent for Embassador,Hist. l. 1. Bernard D'Aubigni a Scottishman, of the Royall Family of the Stuarts, a renowmed Warriour: who had direction in his iourney to Rome to treat with Iohn Bentiuoli, then Lord of Bononia, Hercules D'Este, Duke of Ferrara, Peter de Medices, Chiefe Commander of the Common wealth of Florence, and Pandulpho Petrucci of Siena: As also comming to those Cities to learne what power they had, and how they were [Page]pitulation of Atella, (whereby the Frenchmen, after a great ouer-throw, the Duke of Monpensier being their Generall, were bound to depart out of the Kingdome of Naples) Consaluo returned into Calabria, Hist. Hisp. 126. [...]. the greatest part whereof was in his absence brought vnder the French yoke by D'Aubigni a most valiant and stirring warriour, but a man of valour and wisedome more approued, then fortunate, for that he had to deale with so strong an Aduersary: whose diligence pressing him euery where, he was constrained to yeeld to the Articles of agreement made with common consent by the Frenchmen, and leauing Italy, to returne into France.
Of the enterprise of Milllain,Auregne [...] Louis 12. Du Haillan hath these passages that follow: The King had assembled an Army of fiue and twenty thousand footemen, and of sixe thousand horsemen. He gaue the conduct of them to Bernard Stuart, Lord D'Aubigni, Lewis of Luxenbourg, Lord of Ligni, and Iohn Giacomo Triuulcio; all men of great experience and sufficiency in the Mystery of Armes.
D'Aubigni assaulting Nona with his troupes, tooke it at the first assault. The City of Dertona was yeelded immediately after to him.
And they of Pauia fearing the mis-fortune of the Alexandrians, did not make longer resistance.
Paulus Iouius naming D'Aubigni the principall Leader in this enterprise, Hist. epit. l 17. saith, That Sforza being astonished by the newes which he had of the defeate of his Army, and of the taking of Alexandrta, was quite dis-heartned: and leaning Milain, fled to the Emperour Maximilian: and that soone after, King Lewis hauing receiued the most pleasing newes of this victory, came to Milain; and that all the Townes of Sforza's dominion, with the City of Genua, yeelded to him.
Of the enterprise of Naples, Du Haillan hath written that which followeth in sundry places: D'Aubigni departed from Milain with twenty thousand footemen, and foure thousand [Page]Horsemen. Au. Regnt de Louis 12. He tooke the Castles of the Lords of the house of Columna well fortified, some by force, and some by composition.
When hee came to passe the Riuer of Gariglian, the Frenchmen were molested by the Enemies Army. But the Lord D'Aubignt lowdly reproching to the French Horsmen their arrogant boasting a little before, that they alone without the helpe of the Foot-men, would ouercome their enemies, they set on them so couragiously, as at the first encounter they put them to flight.
Soone after Naples yeelded, and King Frederic did capitulate with the Lord D'Aubigni, that the King shuld giue him a certaine yeerely Pension. He had leaue also to carry away his moueables, and contented himselfe with the Lord D'Aubigni's Letters to the King, and without any other assurance, came into France to the King, who gratified him not onely with the pension promised to him, but also gaue him many good townes, houses, and faire gardens.
The affaires of Naples being ended, the King was troubled with no other care, but of settling the state thereof, which (as it happeneth in time of war) was very much shaken. To which end hee commanded fiue Ciuilians, of honest life, and good reputation, to bee admitted into the Senate. And some telling the Lord D'Aubigni of the learning of Iouianus Pontanus, he fell into such a liking of him, as sending for him, the next day he bestowed on him great and rich Presents, and offered him a place in the Senate, with the fiue already chosen.
Hitherto Du Haillan maketh no mention of the Duke of Nemours, but ascribes to the Lord D'Aubigni what soeuer was done, eyther in warre, or in settling the State. But hee saith, That after, the King gaue the chiefe authority to Lewis of Armaignac, Duke of Nemours.
As for the discord, which fell betweene the Frenchmen and Spaniards, for the confines of that Kingdome diuided betweene [Page]both their Kings, Hist. Hisp. li. [...] Marian saith, That after the taking of Naples, there arose discord betwixt both Nations, as it must needs haue come to passe, they being in conditions, manners, and fashions extremely different.
Of the Lord D'Aubignies iourney into Calabria, going to warre against the Spaniards, Iouius writeth in this manner: D'Aubigni, who had next to the Duke of Nemours the greatest authority in the Army, went to Calabria with the third part thereof, being there much renowmed, both for hauing in the time of King Charles with great moderation and mildnesse gouerned that Nation Demi-Grecian, and for that by his Martiall prowesse he ouercame King Ferdinand, and Consaluo in a memorable battell: So as in all mens iudgement he was preferred before all other French Commanders. For which respects, there were many beholding and well-affected to him in particular, besides them which were of the Angeuine faction. The principall of those were the Princes of Bisignan, and Salerne, and the Earle of Mileto, who reuolted from the Spaniards, as soone as the two Kings fell at variance. The Lord D'Aubignies comming was much desired by them, desiring as much to help him in the War with their seruice and meanes, which were more then meane. They, together with others of the same part, inuited him by letters and messages to hasten his comming, and to shew the Banners of France to that people, ready to follow them. Wherefore, satisfying their desire, as soone as he came, he found himselfe not deceiued in the expectation which he had of their affection & seruice. For both in Cosenza their chiefe City, and in all the other Townes of that Prouince, the gates were opened to him, and the Spanish Garrisons & Officers driuen out of them; so as with very little bloud-shed he wanneall the Country, euen to the very straits of Messina.
The battell of Terine, and his victory is set forth by the said Iouius. Don Hugo de Cardona, with an Army which hee brought from Sicilie, hauing much annoyed the French [Page]party in Calabria: the Lord D'Aubigni went to encounter him, hauing in his Army the Princes of Besignan and Salerne with their troupes, Grigni with his light Horse-men, and Malherbe with his Gascoyne Archers, and three Companies of Heluetians. But his principall strength consisted in his men of Armes, among which was most eminent a wing of Scottish-men, which were his familiars, and faithfull to him. The enemies informed of his preparation, did not expect him til two dayes after they had notice thereof. But this expert and vigilant Captaine beguil'd their expectation. For with French expedition marching night and day, through wayes little hanted, hee shewed himselfe to them the next morning, and forth with set on them. The Spaniards sustained couragioully the assault, so as the combat was alike fierce and bloudy on both sides. D'Aubigni seeing this, commanded Grigni with his wing to rush vpon the Spanish and Sicilian Infantery; which hee doing disordered them. On the other side, the Enemies Horsemen, by the encouragement & example of Cardona, sustained the assault of the Calabrians, with like slaughter on both parts. But D'Aubigni aduancing his troups, the Spanish and Sicilian Cauallery not being able to resist the Scottish-men of Armes, was defeated, and therewithall the Infantery was ouerthrowne & cut in pieces. Grigni a most valiant Knight was slaine in the combat, and D'Aubigni himselfe being in like danger, was rescued by meanes of Iohn Duke of Albany, calling others to succor him, as Du Haillan testifieth.
As concerning the ouerthrow which hee had not long after this victory, Du Haillan relateth it to this purpose: Au Regne [...] Lours 12. Don Hugo de Cardona, hauing repaired his Army, increased the same with a new supply of fiue thousand, so that his Army consisted of eight thousand men in Armes. And albeit the Lord D'Aubigni knew the aduantage they had in number, neuerthelesse, being confident in his owne sufficiency, and the tried valour of his Souldiers, and weary of waiting for new supply from the King, he resolued to try the fortune [Page]of warre.In vit. Cons. l. 2 But his Army was defeated, and he himselfe being in danger to be slaine, was rescued by a troupe of Scottishmen, whose valour in this fight Iouius commendeth, as also he telleth how D'Aubigni was rescued by them.
In naming the Generall of the Spaniards in this battell, Mariana and Iouius differ from Du Haillan: for they call the Generall Ferdinand Andrada.
Guicciardin maketh mention of his defeate in these words: D'Aubigni was defeated and taken in the same place, [...] wherein some yeeres before, hee had with so much glory ouercome and discomfited King Ferdmand and Consaluo: So vnconstant is the prosperity of Fortune. He was one of the most excellent Captaines that Charles brought into Italy, and of a free and noble disposition. And this his mis-fortune proceeded only from a too earnest desire of victory.
This testimony of Guicciardin, (who is held to be sparing, yea, niggardly in commending any man) especially being giuen in the time of his mis-fortune, maketh much for his bonour. But the too great earnestnesse whereof he seemeth to taxe him, is by Mariana (though otherwise as tarte in censuring as he is) accounted warlike policy, Hist. Hisp. l. 27. [...] howbeit wanting successe: for he telleth, That by the death of Porto Carrero Generall of the Spanish Army, chancing at that time, there arising a ielousie betweene the chiefe of the Army about the succeeding to him, and the Souldiers being discontented for want of pay, D'Aubignt hauing intelligence thereof, and hoping thereby to winne aduantage, did then offer them battell, albeit he failed in the successe.
It is likewise probable, that hee was rather moued to fight, seeing the decay of the Frenchmen, and the Spaniards preuailing, as also the Kings slacknesse in sending thither supply of men or money, the said King being (as Du Haillan saith) so niggardly and pinching, that it is the common opinion, that fearing he should spend mony in vaine, he suffred the Kingdom of Naples, and the Dutchy of Milain to be lost.
Iouius saith, That after this ouerthrow,In vit. Cons. l. [...] D'Aubigni with drew himselfe into the Fortresse of Angitola, complaining of Fortune, which had so deceiued him, hauing beene til then inuincible, & twelue times been victorious in battell, since he began to be a Warriour in France & Britaine.
Whence wee may gather, that many of his military actions and victories are wrapped in obliuion.
The same Iouius telleth, In vit. Cons. l. 2 That whiles hee was besieged in the said fortresse, the Duke of Nemours hauing beene slaine, and his Army defeated by the Spantards at Cirignola, and Consaluo's letters touching this victory, hauing beene sent to the Spanish Commanders that besieged him, and by them to him, he said, that he perceiued Fortune to bee very opposite to the French part; and therefore iudging it folly and wilfulnesse to withstand her, he promised that he would yeeld himselfe, if that were true, which was written. Whereof being certified by Messengers, which he had purposely sent out to know the truth, he came out of the Castell apparelled in cloth of Tissue, and with a cheerefull and merry countenance yeelded himselfe, vpon condition that all those of his company should be set at liberty, and himselfe only kept in free custody. And it is said, that he sharply reproued two young Lords, his Kinsmen, (who were after renowmed Warriours) for that more faintly, then was fit for men, namely, for them being Scottishmen, and of the Bloud Royall, they did bewaile the vnfortunate successe of the warre, not remembring, that valiant men should neuer be dis-heartned, but seeke by afresh endeuour of vertue reuiued and growne inuincible, to recouer Fortunes fauour.
A witty conceit of his and Consaluo's returne to him, In vit. Cons. l. 3 whereof I haue made mention, are contained in this relation of the same Author: When the Frenchmen, after Gayeta was yeelded, were ready to depart from the Kingdome of Naples, Consaluo offering horses to many of them, D'Aubigni their Commander said to him, smiling: Sir, let vs then [...]
WISHES PRESENTED TO THE PRINCE'S Highnesse at his CREATION.
NOW that each loyall heart of kingdomes three
Doth ioyfully congratulate with thee,
Most worthy Prince, in this thy Honor new,
Which by thy birth-right doth to thee accrew,
All wishing thee all ioy and happinesse,
Their inward ioy all striuing to expresse
With cheerefull countenance and applauding words,
With Bone-fires, Triumphs, Musicall accords;
And some with Muses Panegyricke straines;
Though I come short of them, whose happy veines
Of Poetry can make thy Fame to flourish,
Yet sith thy worth and fauour to me nourish
My loue to thee, and cherish my desire
To honour thee, as fewell doth the fire,
I must at this thy new aduancement vse,
To shew my ioy, the chaunting of my muse.
But sith it is too homely to set forth
In any Panegyrike verse thy worth,
I leaue the taske of acting such a part
To them who can it act with better Art,
That thou maist Iustice doe, and loue it too,
Since Tyrants for their ends oft Iustice doe:
And that thy sword of Iustice doe not spare
Such crimes, as haynous and malicious are:
That thou her Ballance equally doe weigh,
Not suffering spleen or fauour it to sway:
That men accus'd may haue this iust refuge,
That thou wilt heare both parties ere thou iudge:
That in rewards as well as punishment,
Thy Iustice mens deserts to weigh be bent:
That it may giue to euery man his owne,
Nor fauour more the Courtier then the Clowne:
And that thou see they, as thy selfe, beiust,
Whom to doe Iustice, thou shalt put in trust:
That spiders webs they make not Laws betoken,
Which catching smaller flies, by wasps are broken:
That to their sutors grieuance and decay,
They may not frustrate Iustice by delay,
Nor by renuing Suites, like Hidra's heads,
To cramme the Crue, that writes, reports, and pleades:
That from pretence of Conscience and Law,
Decrees against them both they may not draw:
That th'Vnder-Rulers of thy flocks may feare
To flea them, or vniustly them to sheare:
That as the members doe the head defend,
And it to them doth health and safety send;
So may thy subiects Thee, thou them protect,
And may thy Iustice none of them neglect:
That, when thou shalt thy Royal Sire succeed,
Thy Iustice may thee loue and glory breed.
But for that Iustice is a kinde of racke,
If Mercy make it not with measure slacke,
I wish that thou doe Clemency imbrace,
As best resembling God in such a case:
That men to loue thee rather thou allure
By Mercy, then by rigour awe procure:
That thou sometime thy Clemency extend,
Where there is hope th'offender will amend;
And when as thence no publike scandall growes,
Nor wrong to any priuate person flowes;
Or when the fault concernes thee in such wise,
As thence to thee no danger may arise:
That rather in thine owne, then others wrong,
To true remorse thy mercy doe belong:
That wilfull malice with farre greater terror
Thou punish, then weake frailty or blinde error:
That thou, as aboue slanders reach, contemne
The Sland'rer, making him himselfe condemne,
As Philip, Iulius, August, Antonine,
Vespasian did; whose glory still doth shine:
That thou delight men to relieue and spare;
But punish them with griefe that guilty are;
Yet temper so in Country, Court, and City
Thy Mercy, as it proue not foolish pity:
That when thou shalt this Vertue put in vre,
With honor, safety it may thee procure.
Then wish I, that, as Iustice thou shalt cherish,
And Clemency her sister, so thou nourish
Faith in performing promises, the prop
Of Iustice, and of Honors height the top:
That for a certaine truth thou vnderstand
This Vertue rare to be the surest band
Of friendship, commerce and society,
And truest badge of morall honesty;
That thou in word and practice it obserue,
And neuer from it be induc'd to swerue:
And that not onely for thy wished ends
Thou keepe thy promise, or for loue to friends,
But also to thy foes for Vertues sake;
Whereby of foes thy friends thou maist them make:
That thou but for some vrgent cause bee loth:
T'ingage thy selfe by word, but more by othe:
But that, when thou shalt do it, no respect
Thy plighted faith induce thee to neglect;
So as thy promise iust and lawfull be,
Which euer to be such thou must foresee:
That thy respect of honesty and fame
May win thee of a faithfull Prince the name:
That such perfidious counsell thou detest,
As would remoue this Vertue from thy brest,
Since not the purchase of a Diadem
Can counteruaile the losse of such a gem.
And since no vertue to a Prince or King
More loue doth purchase then his Bounty, spring
And fountaine of his bountifull rewards,
And Princely gifts; thy honour who regards,
Cannot but wish thee to be liberall,
And so do I: yet wish I therewithall,
That Iudgement may thy Bounty so direct,
As therein be no notable defect,
Nor great excesse; both which extremities
Are vices that do blinde mens inward eyes,
And make them without measure spend or spare:
Wherefore I wish that with a heedefull care
Thou to the golden meane thy selfe apply,
In being frugall, and not niggardly;
As also that thou spend with a due measure,
And not exhaust by lauishing thy treasure:
That ordring so thy Bounty by proportion,
Thou neuer neede supply it with extortion:
That Thrift thy Bounties treasurer thou make:
That men of merit may thereof partake;
To wit, such as for seruice done deserue,
Or they who can thee and their country serue:
That thy rewards for seruice place may haue
Before thy gifts, as equity doth craue:
Yet that thy Bounty also thou extend
To men distressd, and for thy honor spend
In all occasions, that may it aduance,
And namely in the princely maintenance
Of thine Estate and Court in euery thing,
Which might neglected staine to honour bring:
And that too much thou do not giue to any,
That thou thereby mai'st giue the more to many:
That impudence and importunity
May not extort thy Liberality:
But that thou freely most on them bestow,
Who best deserue, although in asking slow:
And that to such as by thy gifts would thriue,
Much rather, then to Spend-thrifts, thou do giue:
That, where t'impart thy bounty thou hast reason,
Thou doe not long delay, but giue in season:
That as by others rather, then by thee,
That should be done which may distastfull bee;
So meerely from thy selfe thy Bounty flow,
That men may thankes to thee, not t'others ow:
That, as to many thou shalt liberall proue,
So God to thee be in his grace and loue.
Moreouer, sith a Prince not only deckt
Must be with vertues, that may him direct
To rule in peace, but must be arm'd likewise
With Fortitude against each enterprise
Of Foes, or Rebels, that would make a breach
Of peace in his estate, or yet impeach
His honour with vnsufferable wrongs,
This Vertue is my wishes eeke belong's,
Most noble Prince, since it belongs to thee,
Their worthy Obiect, whom I wish to bee
A second Magnus, or first Maximus,
As thou art borne to be first Carolus
Of Kingdoms three: which that thou maist defend,
And them represse, that would thy hurt intend,
I wish thou be as stout and valiant found,
As Charlemaigne for valour most renown'd:
A son Altesse.
CHarles, qui fais honneur a ta Principautè,
Non moins qu'a t'honnorer d'elle sert la puissance,
Maintenant qu' inuesti tu yes, par naissance
'Digne heritier estant d'une haute Royautè;
Pour tes faueurs & dons, amour & Loyautè
Te debuant, ce beau iour, qui d'honneur accroissance
Te donne, ie celebre auec reiouissance,
Et te rens par ma Muse humble hommage & feautè.
Ce que dignement faire en Hymnes ou Cantiques
Ne ponuant par ses vers, & chansons trop Rustiques,
D' elle aidè ie le fai par mes Voeus & Souhaits;
Priant, qu'apres ton Pere en la Grande Bretagne
Tu regnes longuement vn autre Charlemagne,
Grand en merite, & gloire, & plein d'heur a iamais.
Ad eundem Illustrissimum Principem.
NOn tibi delato, Princeps, tam laetor honore,
Quàm magis excelsum quòd mereare decus.
Nam gener is qui iure tui, ceu more vetusto,
I am tibi conting it, sit lices amplus hones;
Maiori tamen esse parem te, quae indolis altae
Ʋirtutis [...] tuae das, document a docent:
Quae precor augescant, possis vt semper honores
Crescentes meritis anteuenire tuis.
FINIS.