The cry of royal innocent blood heard and answered being a true and impartial account of Gods extraordinary and signal judgments upon regicides : with an historical relation of the deposing, murthering, and assasinating of several kings of England, Scotland, France, &c. ...

The cry of royal innocent blood heard and answered being a true and impartial account of Gods extraordinary and signal judgments upon regicides : with an historical relation of the deposing, murthering, and assasinating of several kings of England, Scotland, France, &c. ...

Table of contents

Title page

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TO THE READER.

THE CRY OF ROYAL BLOOD Heard & Answered: OR, An Historical Account of the Deposing, Murthering, &c. of several KINGS of England, &c. and of Gods severe Vengeance on the Regicides.

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CHAP. II.

CHAP. III.

CHAP. IV.

CHAP. V.

CHAP. VI.

CHAP. VII.

CHAP. VIII.

Books sold by Daniel Brown at the Black Swan and Bible without Temple-Bar, and Thomas Benskin in St. Brides Church-Yard.

PLAYS.

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THE CRY OF Royal Innocent Blood, Heard and Answered: Being a True and Impartial Account of Gods extraordinary and Signal Judgments upon REGICIDES.

With an Historical Relation of the Deposing, Murthering, and Assasinating of several Kings of England, Scotland, France, &c. for near 600 years last past. With the Plots, Conspiracies, Means and Methods that were used to compass their destruction.

As likewise Gods signal Vengeance immediately succeeding such Tragedies, upon the Nations in which they were suffered to be perpetrated, as Famine, War, Pestilence, Murraine of Cattle, Fires, Earthquakes, and Inundations.

Worthy the perusal of all, and may serve as an Antidote against Faction and Rebellion.

Touch not my Anointed, nor do my Prophets no harm,

Psal. 105.15.

Entred according to Order.

London, Printed for Daniel Brown at the Black-Swan and Bible without Temple-Bar, and Tho. Benskin in St. Brides Church-Yard Fleet-Street, 1683.

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K Edmund the 30 Mon of the Enalishmen Assasianated.

K· Edward ye II. Deposed & Murthered

K· Richard ye II. Deposed & Murtherd.

K· Henry ye VI. Deposed & Murthered

K Edward ye V. Murthered.

K· Henry ye III of Fra Assasianated

K Henry ye IIII of Fra Assasinated

Henry Stewart K of Scotland Murthered

K· Charles ye I. Martyred

Printed for Dan Browne and Tho. Benskin 1683

TO THE READER.

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REader, what ever thou art, consider well this Treatise, in which as in a Mirrour, you may behold the Machivilian Policies of Wicked and desperate Men, formed to bring about their Diabolical purposes, and at the same time observe how the unerring hand of Divine Vengeance has overwhelmed them with swift destruction; for what greater Affront can be offered the Almighty, [Page] then with Sacralegious Hands to shed the Blood of his Anointed, even those whom himself has Chosen from amongst all the Sons of Men, to bear his Sacred Character, and Govern as his Vice-Gerents upon Earth, on whom he has doubly Stamp'd his bless'd Idea, and has declared that by him they Reign, and Honoured them with Titles above the ordinary rank of Men, viz. I have said ye are Gods, &c. as indeed they are Gods upon Earth, to Execute Justice [Page] upon the Wicked, and Cherrish the Virtuous, against whom the wise Man says there is (that is, there ought to be) no rising up, and that we ought not to speak Evil of them, no not in our Hearts, yet such have been the Hellish Engins raised by the Prince of Darkness, that (not regarding their Allegiance to the King of Kings, nor his Vice-Gerents) contrary to all Oaths▪ and strictest Ties, have not feared to perpetrate such Villanies as in their effects have made [Page] whole Kingdoms groan, but added Guilt to Guilt, by making Religion the Cloak of their Horrid Impieties, or at least the Reformation of the Kingdoms wherein their Villanies were Acted, which (as they insinuated into the unthinking Plebeans) must of necessity be effected, or that all things would sink into inevitable Ruin, when at the same time, these Instruments of Satan, were brooding more miseries and dire Calamities then Pandoras-Box contained, [Page] Plagues to Afflict Mankind, and turn all things into Confusion, though for the most part the Pitt that they digged for others, themselves have fallen into, for it has been observed, how crafty so ever the Regicides of all Ages have been to bring about their amazing Impieties, yet none of them sooner or later have escaped the Hand of Divine Vengeance, either in some Signal and Exemplary Punishment, or by the wounds of a torturing Conscience, even in this Life, as is at large discovered in this Treatise, which contains the Tragedies of many good Kings of these latter Ages, Deposed and Murthered by their Subjects (or rather Devils in the Shapes of Men) especially such Kings of England, as have come to [Page] untimely Ends by such means, for Six Hundred Years past; together with Compendious Histories of their Lives and Reigns, and the Calamities that thereupon have befallen this and other Nations; Worthy the perusal of all Persons, and may serve as a terrible Memento, or Warning-Peice to those whose Consciences Start not (when either Ambition or Profit is the Master) at the Horridest Impiety that Hell can Dictate.

THE CRY OF ROYAL BLOOD Heard & Answered: OR, An Historical Account of the Deposing, Murthering, &c. of several KINGS of England, &c. and of Gods severe Vengeance on the Regicides.

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1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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CHAP. II.

The Historical relation of the deposing and barbarous Murther of Edward the Second, commonly called Edward of Carnarvan, King of England, Lord of Ireland and Duke of Aquitaine, and the Forty eighth Monarch of England; with the manner of Gods vengeance upon those that were guilty of shedding his Blood.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Edvardum occidere nolite timere Bonum est.

To shed King Edward's Blood

Refuse to fear I count it good.

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

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

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

[Page]

CHAP. III.

The Birth, remarkable passages, deposing and murthering of Richard the Second, King of England, France, and Lord of Ireland, the fiftieth Monarch of England; with the manner of the Conspiracies against, and Vengeance that overtook many of the Regicides.

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

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

I Sing the Civil Wars, tumultuous Broils,

And Bloody Factions of a mighty Land;

Whose People haughty; proud with foreign spoils,

Upon themselves now turn their Conquering Hand;

Whilst Kin their Kin, Brother his Brother foils,

Like Ensigns all against like Ensigns band;

Bows against Bows, a Crown against a Crown,

Whilst all pretending Right, all Right threw down.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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CHAP. IV.

The Barbarous Murther of Henry the Sixth, King of England, France, and Lord of Ireland, the three and fiftieth Monarch of England, with the particular Marks of Gods vengeance upon the shedders of Innocent Royal Blood; together with the Policies and Contrivances that were used to bring about the Barbarous Regicide.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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CHAP. V.

The Murther of Edward the Fifth, and his Brother Richard Duke of York, by the means of their Ʋncle the Duke of Glocester, his Ʋsurpation and Death, with various Examples of Gods vengeance upon those that were his Assistants in the Regicide.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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CHAP. VI.

A Relation of the Murther of Henry the Third, the French King, by James Clement a Jacobin, and how Gods Vengeance overtook the Murtherer; as likewise fell heavy upon the whole Kingdom.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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CHAP. VII.

The Relation of the Murther of King Henry the Fourth of France, commonly called Henry the Great, by Francis Ravillack, what Prodigies Fore-run it, and the Ʋniversallity of the Conspiracy, with Gods vengeance on the Barbarous Actors and Contrivers, &c.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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CHAP. VIII.

The Dismal Relation of the most Inhuman and Barbarous Murther of CHARLES the First, King of Great Brittain, France and Ireland, and of Gods extraordinary Judgments, and speedy Vengeance on the Monsterous Regicides and principal Agents and Abettors in his most deplorable Death.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FINIS.

Books sold by Daniel Brown at the Black Swan and Bible without Temple-Bar, and Thomas Benskin in St. Brides Church-Yard.

[Page]

A Prospect of Government in Europe, and Civil Policy, shewing the Antiquity, Power, Decay of Parliaments, with other Historical and Political Observations relating thereunto. By T. R. 8vo price 1s.

No Protestant but Dissenters Plot discovered and defeated; being an Answer to the late Writings of several Eminent Dissenters, wherein their Designs against the Established Church of England, and the unreasonableness of Seperation are more fully manifested. By the Author of the second Part of the History of Seperation, 8vo.

The Forfeitures of Londons Charter, or an Impartial Account of the several Seisures of the City Charter, together with the means and methods that were used for the Recovery of the same; with the causes by which it came Forfeited, &c. Price 6d.

The Third Edition of the Life, Bloody Reign and Daath of Queen MARY. In this Edition is added an Account of the most Remarkable Judgments of God on many of the Persecuters. Price Bound 1s.

There is now Published the newest Collection of the choicest Songs, as they are Sung at Court Theatre, Musick-Schools, Balls, &c. With Musick-Notes, Price Bound 1s.

[Page]The Cause and Cure of Offences, in a discourse on Matth. 18. vers. 7. By R. Kingston Prebendary of Soll. and Chaplain in Ordinary to his Majesty. 8vo.

Seldens Janus Anglorum.

The Mystery and Method of his Majesties Happy Restauration laid open to publick View, by John Price Doctor of Divinity, one of the late Duke of Albemarles Chaplains, and privy to all the secret passages and particularities of that Glorious Revolution. 8vo price 1s. 6d.

The Impostor Exposed, in a Dissection of a Villanous Libel (here Printed at large) Entituled a Letter to a Person of Honour concerning the Black-Box. 8vo. price 1s. 6d.

Some Historical Memoires of the Life and Actions of his Royal Highness, the Renowned and most Illustrious Prince, James Duke of York and Albany, &c. (only Brother to his most Sacred Majesty King Charles the II.) from his Birth 1633, to this present Year 1682. price 1s.

PLAYS.

The Young King, or the Mistake: Written by Mrs. Behn.

Romulus and Hersilia, or the Sabine War.

The City Heieess, or Sir Timothy Treatall.

The Roundheads, or the Good Old Cause.

Three Farces Acted before the King and Court at Newmarket, The Merry Milk-Maids of Islington, or the Rambling Gallants defeated

Love lost in the Dark, or the Drunken Couple

The Politick Whore, or the Conceited Cuckhold

[Page]

Information about this book

Title statement

The cry of royal innocent blood heard and answered being a true and impartial account of Gods extraordinary and signal judgments upon regicides : with an historical relation of the deposing, murthering, and assasinating of several kings of England, Scotland, France, &c. ...

Assheton, William, 1641-1711.

Edition statement

1683

Publication

Publisher

Text Creation Partnership,

Place of publication

Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) :

Date

2007-10 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1).

ID [DLPS]

A26058

ID [STC]

Wing A4026

ID [STC]

ESTC R23635

ID [EEBO-CITATION]

07869634

ID [OCLC]

ocm 07869634

ID [VID]

40182

Availability

This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal. The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission.

Series

Early English books online.

Notes

(EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A26058)

Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 40182)

Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1194:29)

Source

— The cry of royal innocent blood heard and answered being a true and impartial account of Gods extraordinary and signal judgments upon regicides : with an historical relation of the deposing, murthering, and assasinating of several kings of England, Scotland, France, &c. ..., Assheton, William, 1641-1711..

Extent

[6], 126 p., [1] leaf of plates : ports.

Printed for Daniel Brown,. London :: 1683.. ("Entred according to order.") (Reproduction of original in the British Library.)

Creation

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