The History of Queen ANN of BULLEN.

ENgland, for many years past, did not flourish with so great Peace and Tranquility as in the first years of the Reign of King Henry VIII. The Inclinations of this Prince were good; He pos­sessed many eminent Qualities; He was at first purposed for the Church, and his youthful years having been employed in conti­nual Study, he acquired a pro­found Knowledg, whereof he gave a signal Testimony in pro­cess of time.

[Page 5]He ascended the Throne so young, that in the beginning of his Reign he stood in need of the Dutchess of Richmond his Grand-mothers Counsels, a Woman of the greatest Ingenuity and Vir­tue in her Age. The chief Offi­ces in the Kingdom were disposed of by her; by her William War­ham Archbishop of Canterbury was made Lord Chancellor, Richard Fox Bishop of Winchester, was made Lord Keeper, Thomas How­ard Earl of Surrey Lord Treasu­rer, and George Talbot Earl of Shrewsbury Lord Steward of His Houshold.

Things did not long continue in so quiet a Condition as at the beginning. The King Espoused Katherine of Arragon, Relict of his Brother Prince Arthur, not without some repugnancy; the Dutchess of Richmond dyed soon [Page 6] after this Marriage: There hap­pened a division amongst his Mi­nisters; Wolsey is raised from a low Condition to that of the Kings Favourite, and all the kindness this Prince could have for the Queen was Traversed by the En­chantments of Elizabeth Blunt. Ne­ver was any Person more ensna­red by this Passion than he, and this one vanity of his clouded the splendour of all his virtues.

Although the Birth of Wolsey was very obscure (being the Son of a Butcher, born at Ipswich in Suffolk) he had a most pregnant Wit, capable of the highest affairs, so that few Courtiers were com­parable to him in their abilities; as he had particular Tallents to make a happy usage of the Kings Favour, so did he exquisitely in­sinuate himself into His Majesties affections, by cherishing this young [Page 7] Princes inclinations to Women.

The first advantages he acqui­red by his Policy were the Bi­shopricks of Tournay and Lincoln, shortly after, the King made him Archbishop of York, and that he might not be inferiour to the Archbishop of Canterbury, he pro­cured of the Pope to be made a Cardinal.

But whilest he establisht him­self thus gloriously, Blunt made no less considerable Progress in His Majesties Affections; this Il­lustrious Conquest made her Am­bitious without moderation, she pleased her self sufficiently in ma­king the King Act blindly what­ever she desired. (excepting this weakness) he was the best man in the World at the Age of two and twenty years.

Pleasures incessantly reigned in his Court, there Youth appeared [Page 8] Magnificent, the King had a Libe­ral Soul, His Favourite was not covetous, Blunt loved Splendor and vast expence, nothing was there seen but Balls, Comedies, Turnaments, and stately Magni­ficence.

The Queen was a Princess in­finitely wise and constant to her Husband; the amorous commerce betwixt him and Blunt gave her much perplexity, but she hoped that time and the advantage she should have in bringing forth a Legitimate Heir to the Crown would winn her the Kings heart.

But things happened not accor­ding to her desire, for she was delivered of a Son, whom she sent as a New-years-gift to the King the first day of January; he re­ceived it with no small joy, but she was much afflicted by the Death of this young Prince, who [Page 9] lived but one Month; but Blunt more fortunate then the Queen, brought forth a Son who was im­mediately Created Knight of the Garter, Earl of Nottingham, Duke of Richmond and Somerset, and afterwards Admiral of England.

So much Grandeur might have satisfied Blunts Ambition, yet she raised her self to something more considerable. There were certain Circumstances in the Kings Mar­riage which made her conceive other hopes, and Woolsey's Friend­ship being most necessary to her, she sought by all possible means to gain it; but he well saw her Power was so great that he fear­ed he had too much favour'd a Passion which might diminish, or at least limit his Esteem.

At this juncture of time the af­fairs of England and France ob­liged Henry VIII. and Francis I. [Page 10] of France to resolve upon that famous interview made betwixt Guines and Ardres; The King of England arrived at Guines with all his Court, and at the same time the King of France at Ar­dres with his Court; the two Kings saw one another, and spoke toge­ther, and so splendid was the Mag­nificence on both sides, that ever since the place is call'd The Camp of Cloath of Gold; both Parties made Feasts, and both Nations often intermixed. Blunt, extream­ly eager to possess the heart of Henry, brought with her an Equi­page worthy of her Ambition. The Dutchess of Suffolk who had been the Wife to Lewis the Twelfth, but now Wife to Charles Brandon Duke of Suffolk, upon this occa­sion appeared as the Kings Sister, and as one of the most Beautiful Ladies in the World. As for the [Page 11] Queen who was naturally modest she did not affect the sparkling of Gems, but was content with that of her dignity, and had with her many Maidens of the best Houses of England, whose Parents had put them into an Equipage suitable to her retinue, yet there was no sight there comparable to the fair Ann Bullen, who went o­ver into France with the Princess of England when she was Married to Lewis XII. and continued there till now. She Eclipsed all the Beauties there, and King Henry, who till then had never sighed for any Lady but Blunt, felt at the sight of Ann Bullen that his Soul was too great to be Limited to one single passion, he found some­thing so sweet and Charming in her eyes, that in spight of Blunts Jealousie he abandoned himself to the pleasure of beholding her.

[Page 12] Wolsey, who studied all his acti­ons, soon perceived this Passion, and at the same instant contrives a design to oppose her to Blunt, whose esteem began to disquiet him. But as Ann of Bullen was of the Queen of France's Reti­nue, and as there could be no pretence to withdraw her thence so suddenly, she returned to Pa­ris, and Henry was much trou­bled to part with her.

There were then many Persons of quality, who passed from Eng­land to France, and from France to England, curiosity transporting some, and love enforcing others. Henry Percy, Son to the Earl of Northumberland, followed the Court of France, or rather Ann of Bullen, of whom he was most passionately amorous; he was per­fectly handsom, and of very great Merit, although he was young he [Page 13] had already shewn much Valour against the Britans, and had fol­lowed the Marquis of Dorset with much Honour in the affair of Na­varre, he now only reserved the Honour to gain the heart of Ann Bullen, who had resisted the suits of the most Illustrious persons of France.

And it was in this Voyage that Piercy first acquainted her with the Passion he had conceived for her at the interview of Guines. He had submission and heat, per­severance and a certain sweet and agreeable temper of Wit, easy to insinuate. Ann Bullen was ten­der and courteous; her Eyes found him worthy of her heart, and he found no difficulty in gaining her love, after he had assured her of his.

But whilest they th [...] passio­nately engaged each other, For­tune [Page 14] changed their Scene. There happened some things in England which did precipitate the designs of Wolsey. The Duke of Buck­ingham who had a Soul both great and generous) as generally all those of his name ever had) sup­ported the Pride of Wolsey with much impatience, he explained himself hereupon a little too high, and his Franckness was the cause of his Ruin. The Cardinal who knew the importance of so great an Enemy, resolved to overthrow him speedily, and began by re­moving his most particular friends. The Earl of Surrey his Son in Law was, upon some slight pretence, imprisoned, and the Earl of Nor­thumberland his Father in Law was sent into Ireland. Wolsey's ill nature took the advantage of that Power his favour had raised him to, and by his under-hand [Page 15] labouring Buckingham was Con­demned to be Beheaded. The Crimes whereof he was accused were inconsiderable, and he had assuredly obtain'd his Pardon, if he had asked it, but he had so much Courage as to prefer death before a base submission.

Blunt made so strong an oppo­sition in this Affair against Wol­sey, that he often feared he should not be able to compass his de­signs herein. She perceived he had no good intentions for her, and therefore she took contrary Measures in her conduct to what she did formerly in respect of him. As he was the most penetrating of all men, he disintricated all the designs of Blunt, and waver'd no longer to mannage the return of Ann Bullen (whom he well knew the King remembred with much tenderness) in hopes to have an [Page 16] entire power over a Person whom he pretended to raise above Blunt.

The arrival of Ann Bullen was a most agreeable surprize to the King, who had conserved a vi­gorous Passion for her, her ab­sence had only produced in him pressing desires to see her again, and now, found her more fair, and abandoned himself intirely to her Charms, but whether he feared Blunt, or had some respect for the Queen, he was a little cautious of shewing his Change. Piercy who went into France on­ly for the love of Ann Bullen, stayd not there after her return: at her arrival she was preferred to the Queen, where the King had opportunity to see her and discourse with her without diffi­culty. Wolsey was now wholly bent to put her in the place of [Page 17] Blunt, who in a short time per­ceived the Kings inconstancy: She was ready to dye with grief, and doubted not but it was the Cardinal's doings only, which made her conceive an irreconci­leable hatred against him.

Ann Bullen, although she per­ceived what effects her Beauty had produced upon the Kings heart, became nothing proud thereof, and found nothing but subject of perplexity in this ad­vantage. Piercy had smitten her in such an effectual and tender manner that nothing was capa­ble to remove him from her, and as this was not the first time she had sacrificed considerable Con­quests to him; she easily deter­mined to hear the King no far­ther then her condition obliged her to, and to answer him no o­therwise then with respect and indifferency.

[Page 18]The Rank she held with the Queen was considerable, being descended from the ancient Earls of Ormond by the Fathers side, and from the great House of Norfolk by the Mothers; her wit which was Modeled in the most gallant Court of Europe created her many Friends, and Blunt, whose jealousie encreased against her at the same measure that the Kings flames were declared in her favour, was the only person who sought not her friendship, notwithstanding she durst not permit her first Fury to act open­ly against her, but contented her self to search into, and in­struct her self in the affairs of Ann Bullen.

Fortune facilitated her way hereunto. This fair Ann had a Brother whose great Merit made a considerable figure in King Hen­ry's [Page 19] Court, but whose wicked Destiny inspired him with a Pas­sion for Blunt. The Kings Con­stancy to her had hindred his discovery of it, but the levity which he now observed in him emboldened him; He took Blunt in one of those moments of de­spight wherein she passionately desired to be revenged on the King, and hoping for great ad­vantages from such a lover as young Bullen, who could not pro­bably be ignorant of his Sisters Secrets, she bound him in a com­merce of Gallantry. She learnt of him the Engagement betwixt Piercy and Ann Bullen; this know­ledge was joyful to her, hoping that a Marriage between these two persons would traverse the pretentions of Wolsey, and would heal the heart of the King, whom [...]he did not renounce.

[Page 20]The Cardinal had Prospects quite opposite to Blunt; he pre­tended to govern this Prince al­ways by the means of Ann Bullen, whose Beauty engaged him more and more, but he did not fore­see the obstacle which Piercy's Merit had brought to his Pre­tentions.

The King, naturally uncon­stant, neglected not only Blunt, who before had so great power over him, but began also to have some sentiments of indifferency for the Queen, which were soon changed into a version; upon this matter he opens his very Soul to Wolsey alone: The Cardinal, who did not love this Princess, was glad of it, and began imme­diately to insinuate into the Kings mind a design of a Divorce, not that he intended to make Ann Bullen Queen, for he propo­sed [Page 21] the Alliance of the Dutchess of Allencon, Sister to the King of France, for Henry, that so he might bring that Prince over to his Interests, and that he might at the same time have a Queen absolutely for him, and a Mistriss for the King who was in some measure his Creature.

The King, who thought she could content her self with his love, consented to the Alliance with France, and left the Rupture of his Marriage to Woolsey's care. The Power which the Cardi­nal had in England, his Intrigues at Rome, and his intelligence in France gave him great hopes for the Divorce and the second Mar­riage. But Ann Bullen, who had both Vertue and Resolution, was not of the humor to indulge the Kings Passion as he desired. She received his first assurances [Page 22] of it with a respect more full of coldness, then he expectde. This resistance augmented his love, and to render himself more agreeable, he sought for succours in his Divertisements, he invent­ed Plays and Feasts, and all this was only advantagious to Piercy, who appeared there with so much grace and activity, that Ann Bul­len respected none but him, and was only sensible of his sighs. The Queen, who foresaw part of her Misfortunes by the Kings coldness to her, lived in a de­plorable sadness. All the Passi­on of young Bullen could not consolate Blunt, by reason of Henry's Inconstancy. She saw e­very day her own credit to fade, and her Rivals to flourish, and the immoderate ambition which possessed her, cast her Soul into an estate of perpetual fury and

[Page 23]In the mean time every one began to speak of the King's change, the Queen, Blunt, and all the Court were convinced of it by the constant care he had for Ann Bullen, but they also ob­served that she took no pains to manage this Conquest.

Piercy had too powerful an in­terest in this Affair not to exa­min it carefully, he was persua­ded of the fidelity of Ann Bul­len, but the concurrence of such a Rival as Henry was notwith­standing an unhappy Cross, and what ever her preference might be for him, he had reason to fear so puissant an Authority.

He saw Ann Bullen every day, [...]nd at all hours, he remarked [...]ome melancholy in her eyes, [...]nd as he loved in such measure [...]hat her least troubles were the [...]hief Subject of his dispair, be [...]eared she had taken some se­cret [Page 24] displeasure, and conjured her tenderly to make no Mystery of it to him. He found her one day in so extraordinary a melan­choly, that he sighed several times, and she perceived it not, finding something of cruelty to his love in this Novelty, he brake a silence which began to make him impatient. I know not Madam, said he, what your heaviness presages to me, but it makes me fear 'tis something un­luckey: there is no appearance that you have not still the same bounty for me as you had before, nor do I believe I have rendred my self unworthy of it, nevertheless I see a surprizing change in you: It may be said your eyes did not know me, or that they would not give them­selves the trouble to look upon me, I see nothing in them but a cruel indifferency: It seems they never [Page 25] did know you have loved me. Can it be possible that your Court is agreed with those — ‘No, she replied, interrupting him with a sigh, do not expound a lan­guish which you have caus'd, to my disadvantage. I love you with too much Justice ever to cease loving you, and this trouble which you have observed by my silence and by my melancholy is only an effect of that tenderness I have for you.’ Do not hide my good Fortune under such cruel ap­pearances, replied Piercy. Tell me the true cause of this condition wherein I now see you, if you love my repose.

‘I fear, said she, Fortune has no good will towards me, and I am jealous of her favours.’ I know, says Piercy, she hath crea­ted me a dangerous Rival, but I [Page 26] am assured of your Constancy and I neither fear his merit nor his pow­er. ‘You do me justice, said Ann Bullen, and I do again re­iterate my Vows I have so of­ten made to you, That I will never love any but your self. But Piercy, if that tenderness which the King declares for me be not capable to move me, his Authority which obliges me to suffer it, will prove but a fatal Experiment; I protest to you it is with great impatience that I am forced to spend those few Moments with him, which I would most willingly bestow upon you, and that he can see nothing in my eyes but discon­tent which ought to repulse him.’ Piercy loved too well not to find a sensible delight in this obliging discourse of Ann Bul­len, he returned her his Thanks [Page 27] for it in most passionate terms, and continued his discourse, say­ing, Make my interest with your Parents, Madam, before the King explains himself, and I will secure my own, and you can, by establish­ing my good fortune, hinder the King from thwarting us. An Bul­lin loved Piercy sufficiently to consent to every thing that might secure her self for him. Now it was openly discoursed that the King would divorce his Queen, and Marry the Dutchess of Alen­con, and the opportunity was fa­vourable enough to Piercy's in­tentions, who declared them to old Bullen, and he accepted of this Alliance without difficulty, as being very advantagious to his Family. Blunt learnt this News of her lover with such joy, as for some time suspended her jealousy. But old Bullen would [Page 28] not consent to this Marriage be­twixt Piercy and his Daughter, till the King and the Earl of Northumberland had approved it. There was then a necessity to speak to them of it, and as Ann [...] Bullen had great reason to fear some obstacles, she would not employ ordinary persons in this Negotiation. She prayed the Dutchess of Suffolk (by whom she was tenderly beloved, as be­ing her Confident during her se­cret Intelligence with Brandon) to make the King consent to Piercy's good Fortune, it wa [...] not without some confusion tha [...] she explained her self to th [...] Dutchess, but the interest o [...] her heart overwhelmed her Mo­desty.

The King had much Friend­ship and very great Respect fo [...] the Dutchess of Suffolk, she sus­pected, [Page 29] as well as others, the de­signs that he had upon the heart of Ann Bullen, but as he never had told her any thing of it, she feigned ignorance and ac­quainted the King her Brother, That she having a Friendship full of esteem for Ann Bullen, she ardently desired to see her Married to Piercy, a Person of Merit, and humbly begg'd His Majesty to consent to it.

The King blusht at this dis­course of his Sisters, and judged that Ann Bullen had given the Princess this employ, and that from her only she had learnt to Praise Piercy, his thoughts were mightily discomposed, and be­ing sensible of nothing but love and jealousie, he looked upon the loss of Ann Bullen as the greatest of evils which could pos­sibly befall him. He could not [Page 30] hide his trouble from the Prin­cess, whom he desired to speak no more of this affair, for some important reasons, whereof he would one day give her an ac­count. But he enquired of her whether Piercy was beloved, and having learnt the truth, he im­mediately quitted the Dutchess of Suffolk, and sent to find Wool­sey, whom he commanded to think no more of the Dutchess of Alencon for his Queen, but to employ all his Art to pre­serve Ann Bullen for him.

The Cardinal wished hear­tily that the King's Passion had been a little more moderated, but considering it was an epi­dimical distemper, and that in making Ann Bullen Queen he should gain her absolutely, he did not believe that a person of her Age and condition could have [Page 31] Constancy proof against a Crown. So he assured the King of all that might flatter him, and took upon himself the Charge to let Piercy know that he must heal himself till such time as the King should declare his intentions for Ann Bullen.

In the mean time they began to labour for the Divorce, and the Queen, who had secret ad­vice thereof, expected those suc­cours she stood in need of for the justice of her cause. Blunt, who believed the Marriage of Piercy and Ann Bullen was con­cluded, flattered by her ambiti­ous prospects, conspired the Rupture of the Kings Marriage with the Dutchess of Alencon. She was big with great hopes of her young Son, for whom the Infanta of Portugal, with the Dutchy of Milan for her Por­tion, [Page 32] were already designed, and she doubted not one day to raise her self by this fortune to some­thing more considerable.

As Woolsey was busied in the important Affairs of this King­dom, and Piercy gave himself up intirely to his love, the Cardi­nal could not acquit himself so soon of his promise to the King. The Prince did not delay so long to explain himself to Ann Bullen; It was not many days after the Dutchess of Suffolk had spoke to him that he stopt Ann Bullen as she was passing through the Gallery into the Queens Lodgings, and taking her aside to a Window, I demand of you, said he a moments Audience, I have something to tell you of importance enough to oblige you to grant it me. Although my duty calls me to attend the [Page 33] Queen (said she) I know the Obedience I owe to your Maje­sty, and am ready to hear what­ever your Majesty shall please to say to me. The King re­plyed, ‘Is it true that you would render Piercy the most happy of all men? I thought I had suffi­ciently made known to you that I loved you so well as never to consent to it, you have an absolute power over my heart, give me some small part in yours, and I will make you a present far more glorious than Piercy.’

Although Ann Bullen hearken­ed well to what the King told her, she could not refrain sigh­ing, the happiness of her life was founded upon her Passion for Piercy, she preferred him a­bove all the Fortunes of the Universe. ‘If your Majesty, [Page 34] said she, had in the least inti­mated to me, that I should not love Piercy, at the time when my heart was at liberty, I had done all that was in my pow­er to have prevented it, but it is now a long time since I de­clared my inclinations in his favour.’ I will oppose it all my life time, said the King extream­ly moved, you know he is my Subject, and I can remove him from you when I list. She repli­ed boldly, ‘You can do some­thing yet more unjust, but in Banishing Piercy from your Kingdoms, or exposing him to any disgrace, you will not find the way to chace him from my heart, and any misfortune that he suffers for my sake will but render me the more sen­sible for him. Your Majesty obliges me to speak with that [Page 35] freedom which perhaps you may condemn, but I had ra­ther commit that error then betray my just sentiments.’ A more passionate man than I, the King replied, would punish Pier­cy for the Injustice you have done me, I hope that a little reflection upon my proceedings will make you sensible you are in the wrong: abuse not my moderation, I am not ex­empt from some transports I would willingly avoid, I love you enough to Sacrifice all things to you, and I would not give place to the high­est Powers in the Ʋniverse for you; the life of Piercy shall answer for what you make me suffer, there­fore I leave it to you to manage my hopes.

Ann Bullen enter'd the Quens Presence much tormented at the King's last words. In the mean time Woolsey entertain'd Piercy, [Page 36] and put his patience upon the Anvil. ‘It is a long time, said he to him, that I have sought for an occasion to let you know that I love you, I am persua­ded of your exceeding great Merit, and should be sensibly displeased if you should give the least occasion to Fortune to declare her self against you; I must give that advice which I would not have you neglect. You love Ann Bullen, the King hath some designs which agree not with your Passion, endea­vour to free your self from it, and merit the Kings esteem by this effort.’ What designs soever the King may have, answered Pier­cy, I see nothing that can hinder me from loving the person you speak of, and it is not my humour to re­nounce the least of my hopes. I [Page 37] know that you can love in spite of all the World, reply'd Wool­sey, but I know better that the King can Command you not to look upon a person, for whom he hath a particular esteem, and that it were better for you to remove your self from her, then to expose your self to the indig­nation of your Prince. I know not by what Motive you Act, said Piercy, whether in zeal for him, or Pitty for me, but I declare to you, That neither all the Powers of Earth, nor a whole Age of Refle­ction, can ever be able to make me change. Woolsey added, I thought you had not been so strictly en­gaged, but since you resolve so blindly to destroy your self, I must leave you to your Passion. ‘And I will follow the Inclina­tions of it with Pleasure, said Piercy, and I feel my self de­termined [Page 38] to a Constancy tha [...] is Proof against all things.’

Woolsey left him enraged with a foolish Stability, and resolved to punish him for it. His Am­bition, which every body flat­tered, could not see himself dis­pised without Indignation, but he hid it from the King, and did not tell him the truth of things, to spare him the trouble.

Piercy recounted to his Mi­striss the discourse he had had with Woolsey, and she told him what had passed between the King and her; and as these Lo­vers were Allarmed at the crosses preparing for them, so the plea­sure of loving each other with such Constancy did Comfort them.

Woolsey, who was Confident of the King's Passion, and knew all its violence, hearkning no [Page 39] longer to Reason, which at first hindred him from indulging it, now only studies Piercy's Mis­fortune. Blunt, who looked upon the Cardinal as the principal Athor of the King's infidelity, discover'd to him her Resent­ments of it upon all occasions. The Cardinal knew her fierce­ness, and was not ignorant of her Artifices, and as he feared her credit, though much dimi­nished, he resolved to ruin her, to advance the Fortune of Ann Bullen. He a [...]seth the King to recall the old Earl of Nor­thumberland out of Ireland, and oblige him to marry his Son Piercy: at the same time that these orders were given, Henry declares openly the intention he had for the Divorce. The Queen in vain employs the aid of her tears and tenderness, but [Page 38] [...] [Page 39] [...] [Page 40] nothing spoke in her favour, and Brian and Vane were sent to Rom [...] to proceed in it.

Blunt doubted not but this great design was Woolsey's Inspi­ration, and judged that he la­boured to elevate her Rival▪ The Queen, who was upon the very point to receive so sensi­ble an injury, was not less en­raged against him, and although she had more Moderation them Blunt, her Hatred for the Car­dinal aspired [...] less to Venge­ance.

Ann Bullen's Favour, which began to appear openly, and the care of the Queen and Blunt to decry her, began to make the people murmur; The King was obliged to explain himself to an Assembly of his Lords at his Palace of Bridewell, where he Protested that it was purely [Page 41] out of Conscience, and the de­sire he had to give them a Suc­cessor to the Crown, which mo­ved him to this design of di­vorcing the Queen. Some of them appear'd satisfied herewith, but many of them were not con­tented at it. The subtil Wool­sey, who feared some dangerous troubles might befall him upon [...]it, persuaded the King, That whatsoever Pleasure he took to see Ann Bullen, it was of vast importance for him to remove her for some time, That reasons of State as well as those of love obliged him to it, That it was to separate her from Piercy, and to facilitate the design he had to recall his Father, That the Queen murmured, and that the discontent of the People which was managed by the jealousy of Revengeful Blunt, was not [Page 42] less to be feared, and that this retirement of Ann Bullen would infallibly calm all things.

The King approved Woolsey's Reasons, but found it difficult to consent to them; but the Cardinal left him not till he made him determine this Exile, which he went immediately to de­nounce to Ann Bullen. ‘Ma­dam, said Woolsey to her, I come to offer a Petition to you from the King, which will be surprizing, since the Con­tents thereof is to Banish your self from the Court, for no o­ther Crime then that you have appeared therein too Beautiful: 'Tis not without much regret that he removes you, since all the happiness of his life de­pends upon seeing and plea­sing you. But the present state of Affairs have so Ordered it, [Page 43] and it shall be for so short a time as would not be discerna­ble, but that all Eyes are upon you.’

Ann Bullen was fierce, and sen­sible of the least thing that con­cern'd her Honour, she took some offence at her undeserved Exile, [...]nd their endeavour to Banish [...]er from the love of Piercy ex­ [...]iting her Passion, she told Wool­sey she should readily quit that place where she received so little satisfaction. ‘I pitty His Maje­sties weakness, said she, and and I shall joyfully depart from a Court, where I am often for­ced to hear those things that displease me, to retire into a solitude, where I may with li­berty entertain my self with those thoughts that please me. You may there make just re­flections, replied Woolsey, upon [Page 44] the grand Advantages which Fortune has decreed you.’ ‘Her Favours, said she, are so un­solid that I will wholly bend my self to despise them; tell the King I will be gone to mor­row, and that I am extreamly obliged to him for ordering me that thing which I desired with my whole heart.’

She would have no longer Converse with him, but shut her self up in her Chamber, and feigned an Indisposition. The Cardinal returned to the King, and as he had made himself a necessary familiarity to flatter him, he concealed the Rage of Ann Bullen from him, and set­led his mind in a peaceable Condition.

Piercy received this News of Ann Bullens Banishment with unspeakable grief. She exhort­ed [Page 45] him to support this begin­ning of their crosses with con­stancy, and said a thousand ten­der things to him, which some­thing allay'd his torment, but their parting extracted many tears from both; Piercy had a great Courage, but could not refrain this weakness.

Ann Bullen retired some two days Journey from London, to one of her Fathers Houses, where she was only accompa­nied by her Mother. The place was very agreeable and proper to flatter her melancholy, her absence astonished every body. Blunt, who knew not the true causes hereof, was joyful at it, and believed it to be the be­ginning of her disgrace, and that she was withdrawn by ri­gour. But the Queen, more penetrating, plainly perceived [Page 46] That her Banishment was only to appease the peoples murmur­ing, and to facilitate the King's designs.

At this juncture, the old Earl of Northumberland return'd from Ireland, and was received with extraordinary Testimonies of Esteem and Friendship. The King gave him new Offices, aug­mented his Revenues, and plea­santly surprized him by the ad­dition of Favours, even beyond his hopes. Woolsey, who had advised with the King upon the Conduct which ought to be ob­served in this Affair, expressed to him on his own part, how strong a desire he had to serve him, and gave him Counsel how he might yet farther sustain and enlarge his Fortunes; he con­vinced him at last that the Al­liance of Ann Bullen would be [Page 47] [...]o ways advantagions to his [...]on, and proposed by the By [...]he only Daughter to the Earl [...]f Shrewsbury for him, and made [...]im easily apprehend how great [...] Credit this Marriage would [...]rocure to his Family. The on­ [...]y thing that made him pause, [...]as to find a means whereby [...] oblige his Son, who was a­ [...]orous, and passionately belo­ [...]ed, to commit an Infidelity. Woolsey, more crafty and less [...]arful, told him, That with a [...]tle Affront or foul play, it [...]ight easily be brought to pass, [...]d that it was no hard matter [...] obstruct the most tender En­ [...]gements.

Although the Earl loved his [...]n with a Fatherly Passion, [...]d was persuaded of his con­ [...]ncy, yet he followed the Car­ [...]nal's Counsel, and proposed [Page 48] the Earl of Shrewsbury's Daugh­ter to Piercy, who Answered his Father with great emotion, and protested he would sooner seek his Death in the utmost parts of the World, then re­nounce his love. The Earl pas­sed by this his first rashness; but whilest Piercy, by a happy in­telligence, entertained a Com­merce with Ann Bullen which cherished him, there was a Trea­chery of cruel effects preparing for them both.

It was acknowledged that Ann Bullen was the only Orna­ment of the Court ever since her first arrival. The King was insensible of all pleasures, but those of love, and Woolsey was obliged to hasten those Affair [...] which might recall Ann Bullen.

Old Bullen, who was flattered with the hopes of seeing his [Page 49] Daughter a Queen, did willingly assist to deceive her, and whilest his more indulgent Wife suf­fered her to continue her cor­respondence with Piercy, he en­gages with Woolsey and the Earls of Northumberland and Shrews­bury.

Ann Bullen lived contentedly in her Solitude, and shewed a strong resolution to continue in it, but her Father went himself to pull her out of it, and made use of all his Authority to make her return to the Court. She obeyed, but would not return to the Queen, and it was with great grief that she saw herself constrained to suffer the King's Visits.

‘You fly from me (said the King to her the first time he saw her) will you always in this manner answer a Passion [Page 50] which makes me undertak [...] such extraordinary things?’ Yo [...] have explained it, she repli'd, i [...] so extraordinary a manner, tha [...] I have great reason to doubt o [...] it, and there are but few Lover [...] who would signalize their passio [...] in Banishing the Creature the [...] love. ‘The Violence I acte [...] on my self (the King returned in Banishing you hence, ough [...] to oblige you to pitty me, an [...] not to reserve so unjust resentments against me, I would labour securely for my repos [...] and your Fortune; For yo [...] alone I have engaged my sel [...] in this Divorce which now so much surprizeth all Europe▪ In one word I will make you Queen. It is a condition, she repli'd interrupting him, too glorious for me, and I am no [...] in a conditition to accept [Page 51] You owe your heart to the Queen, who is a Princess de­serving all your Affection, do not, in abandoning her, draw upon your self those miseries which usually attend Infideli­ty. How cruel is your Gene­rosity, said the King, or ra­ther how unjust is your per­severance for Piercy? he is not so worthy as you esteem him, and time shall shew you who is most amorous, he, or I.’

In this manner the King ex­plained himself, and Ann Bullen continued stedfast to the Pas­sion she had for her Lover, who had left London to shun the Per­secution of his Father, and was absent at her Arrival, but soon came up at the News of her re­turn, and she soon perceived she had committed an irreparable o­versight in leaving the Queens [Page 52] House. Her Father forbid her to see Piercy, and sent him word of it, that so he might avoid the refusal which would be given him at the Gate. This Prohi­bition troubled her extreamly, but she was necessitated to make use of her Courage. She dissem­bled before her Father, and told him with great indifferency that she would obey his Commands, but that she hoped, in doing this Injustice to Piercy, it was not in his resolution to employ the Au­thority he had over her in favor of any other Person. As those whom I would serve in your be­half, said he, have more power then I, I shall easily promise you to do nothing for them. At length he retired, and as she doubted not but Piercy's impa­tience would soon bring him to her, she Writ to him her Fathers Orders.

He that delivered this Letter to Piercy was an Eye-Witness of his transports caused by it; he presently thought upon revenge, and to begin with Woolsey first, whom he looked upon as the principal cause of his misfortune, but considering he was fore­warned not to follow the moti­ons [Page 54] of his Wrath, he was content to Afflict himself, and thus he an­swer'd the Letter of Ann Bullen.

The Messenger whom Ann Bul­len entrusted with her Letter to Piercy, was perfideous, and being corrupted by her Father, never delivered her the Answer he had sent; she was surprized at Pier­cy's coldness, notwithstanding she did not accuse him, but attri­buted [Page 55] this silence to his grief.

She feigned herself indisposed for a long time, as foreseeing that since she was forbidden to see Piercy at home, she could not be permitted to see him else­where. And to avoid all occasi­ons of giving her Father cause to complain of her disobedience, and the World to give her trou­ble, she appear'd not in any place, and Piercy sought after her in vain; in the mean time he was exposed to all the bad effects that a violent Passion cruelly thwarted could possibly cause. The King had other like Privi­ledges, and saw Ann Bullen every day. Piercy was not long igno­rant thereof, he knew well e­nough that her indisposition was feigned, and believing that she had received his Answer; bewails himself that her first Bounties [Page 56] should have so short a continu­ance: In this sort he passed away one Month, Ann Bullen being al­ways retired, the King saw her as he was wont, and Piercy could do nothing but figure a thou­sand cruel things to himself: his Jealousie began to make him fear that the King was more happy then he, and the event of things confirmed him in his first suspi­cions.

The Earl of Northumberland and old Bullen were equally a­greed with Woolsey, the one aspi­red to see his Daughter Crown­ed, and the other to see his Son matched into the most considera­ble Family in England. Piercy had a Constancy which amazed them, and to remove it, Wolsey contrives with them a Letter from old Bullen to the Earl of Northumberland, which was in these Terms.

The Earl of Northumberland laid this Letter upon the Table in his Closet, where his Son usually came to speak with him, and left the dore open. Fate acted what he desired; Piercy having some business with the Earl, went into his Closet, and there found this Artificial Letter, which caused [Page 58] the loss of his Repose. He read it often and would have persua­ded himself that it was not real: but appearances joyned with so powerful an evidence left him no place to doubt of his misfor­tune. The faithless Creature has surrendred, cry'd he, and whilest I despise real advantages, she hearkens to an unconstant man, who himself will soon punish her for the injury she hath done me. He paused a long time upon this Letter, and confirmed himself in his thoughts, that he was betray­ed. By these reflections he con­cluded that Ann Bullens Letter to him was only an Artifice to hinder him from seeing her, and that she agreeing with her Father had consented to the writing of this to the Earl of Northumber­land, who at this moment came in, and judged by the great con­sternation [Page 59] he found his Son in, that he had found Bullen's Let­ter. He asked him remisly if he had any thing to say to him. Yes my Lord, replyed Piercy, I come to beg your permission that I may go for some time to suck in a more a­greeable Air then this of London. Why will you, said the Earl, leave it, when all things require your continuance here, you are sensible of my designs, and of the complaisance I have hitherto shewed to your repugnancy of them; but in short Piercy, it is high time you should now satis­fie me, you bear an illustrious name, my years are far spent, and the Interest of our House solicits me to establish you. I know, my Lord, said Piercy sighing, that I ought indisputably to act what ever you please, but you have known my weakness, and I still crave your [Page 60] Honours Pardon for it. Your Per­severance is so little merited, the Earl interrupted him, that I blush to see you sigh for a Woman who does abandon you, and pays those favours she only hopes from the King with such shameful ad­vances. I beseech you, my Lord, repli'd Piercy dolefully, to spare Ann Bullen, she may have some levity, but can never fail of being Virtuous, and I am persuaded she will never sacrifice me but to the Crown of England. There is no likelyhood of what you say, con­tinued the Earl; the Divorce cannot be made, Campeius is pre­paring to go for Rome, and the Queen has more hopes then ever. Notwithstanding the King Visits Ann Bullen every day, and at all hours, he is very well satisfied with her, and has quite deserted Blunt.

[Page 61]Some persons that came to pay a Visit to the Earl interrupted this conversation, which conti­nued long enough to put Piercy upon cruel Tryals; his Father would not in policy speak to him of this Letter, as not doubting but he had seen it, but gave him liberty to go and make doleful Reflections thereupon.

He passed one of those terrible nights, where sensible disquiets take up the place of repose, and far from finding relief, he found on the morrow that the King had Created Ann Bullen Marchioness of Pembrook, old Bullen Earl of Ormond and Wilton, and his Son Viscount Rochfort. He doubted not then that these favours from the King were recompences for the favours he received from Ann Bullen, and in spight of himself he fell into unjust suspicions of her.

[Page 62]The Earl of Northumberland quickly perceived the disorder of his mind, and the impression that all these things had made up­on it, he neglected not so favou­rable a Conjuncture: Piercy's con­stancy was attacked in many dif­ferent places, they made him ap­prehend that he ought to engage himself before the intrigue of the King and Ann Bullen was made publick. The Earl of Shrewsbury's Daughter was young and beautiful, he believed he might find some repose with a person so amiable, and marry­ed her after he had so long resist­ed the Commands of his Father, but time made him know his love was only hid under a resentment of short continuance.

In the mean time the business of Divorce did not advance, the Cardinal Campeius who was Mediator [Page 63] for Rome, had orders to proceed slowly, the King's love made him impatient; Ann Bul­len was not of the same Chara­cter with Blunt, but stuck much faster to her honour.

But how great was her surprize when she heard of Piercy's Mar­riage, although she had murmur­ed at his silence, she did not fear his fidelity: she gave no credit of a great while to this News, and thought it was only a Tryal they had put her upon, but at length she was forced to yield, and persuade her self of that thing which all the World con­firmed. Her own Conduct did nothing reproach her, yet she be­lieved his distrust of her constan­cy had been the cause of his change. She employed all her care to hide her grief, but she suc­ceeded not so well therein but [Page 64] the King perceived it, and re­proach'd her with the kindness she conserv'd for so faithless a man: in fine all her spight was turned upon Wolsey: she had not the power to wish Piercy any harm, to avenge her self. Blunt was not less enraged against Wol­sey then she, she understood by her correspondence with Vis-Count Rochefort that Piercy had not been deceived but by the Cardinal. These two redoubted Enemies undertook a thing that seemed impossible, that is to say the utter overthrow of Wolsey's Fortune. The Queen, who had a much more just subject to hate him, had the same intentions to ruin him, laboured on her part to destroy this audacious favourite.

Piercy found not that tranqui­lity in his Marriage which he ex­pected, although he believed the [Page 65] Marchioness of Pembrook was un­constant, and that all things ob­liged him to withdraw his affe­ctions from her, he found a great­er disposition in himself to love her now then ever. The per­plexity of finding himself every day sensible of his first Passion, occasioned him a dangerous fit of sickness; in the height of his Fever it was discoverable that he retained the same passion, but his Youth and the great care that was taken of him surmount­ed that Distemper, which every body judged to be Mortal. But he continued in a languish which time could hardly wear out.

As angry as Ann Bullen was with him, she could not forbear to make some Vows for him, his Crime appear'd most detesta­ble to her, but she thought up­on his Person with pleasure. They [Page 66] had not seen one the other from the time His Majesty had com­manded her to retire from Lon­don, till they accidentally met one day by the side of the River Thames with equal emotion of Spirit, she could hardly know him he was grown so pale and cast down, that he moved rather pitty then wrath. She gave a screek when she perceived it was he, who took her surprize to be her aversion. Madam, said he to her, I did not design to give you any trouble here, my grief conduct­ed me hither, as a place proper for no other Company but it self; at a more happy time perhaps you might have seen me with less Horror.

In a more happy time, repli'd the Marchioness, with looks which expressed more of sorrow then wrath, I should certainly have found the most sensible of all Pleasures to [Page 67] have seen the faithful and genourous Piercy, but I ought to have nothing but horror for a man who after his dearness to me, is become unconstant, perfidious, and in one word the Son-in-Law to the Earl of Shrewsbury. You have taught me to change, an­swerd Piercy dolefully, but unfor­tunately for me, my condition is on­ly changed, my heart is altogether the same it was. You are Married, she added, can you say that I have given you Examples of levity, I whom neither King, Father, Favou­rite, nor Fortune herself could be e­ver able to shake, nay even since you have betray'd me. And have not you, said Piercy, repaid the King those Dignities he hath shower'd on your whole Family, with that same heart you stole from me? No, unjust Pier­cy, said she, I have not done what you say, I have loved you with too wuch perseverance, and if I ought to [Page 68] be reproached with any thing, it i [...] that I have writ you a Letter full of tenderness, which you would no [...] vouchsafe to answer: Have not you received my Answer, cry'd he? I am betray'd Madam, I am too courteous not to acknowledge the Honour yo [...] did me, I have watched a thousand times to see you since, but you did not appear, the King has been continual­ly in your company, has overwhelm­ed you with his favours, and all th [...] world spoke of his good fortune your Father has confirm'd it, and despair has precipitated me into this state I am in at present. I see, said the Marchioness, we owe all our mise­ries to the Artifices of Woolsey, and without reproaching your weak­ness, I shall be content to comfort my self with that Liberty I have preserved I merit much greater evils then those I have, and I well see that time has destin'd me enough of them. But as for you, Madam ‘[Page 69]said Piercy, put an end to those which may menace you, forget an ungrateful man who ought not to give you a moments trou­ble, and no longer refuse that glo­ry the King offers you, Marry him if he can make you Queen, you shall have in me a most unfortu­nate Subject, who will retain for you Sentiments of Respect, and adoration to the last minute of his life, and who shall find comfort in any condition, when he shall see you in a state wor­thy of your self. I conjure you to this, continued he in prostra­ting himself at her feet, if a truly sincere penitence can me­rit any thing of you. She in­terupted him shedding some Tears, Go Piercy, and let it suffice you to have caused me the chief of all evils, do not so­licit [Page 70] me to render it yet greater You have been more dear to me than fortune, and you are still too much: let us put a period to this conversation which af­flicts us, and can give us no o­ther Subject but that of repen­tance, conserve your self for those persons to whom you stand ob­liged, and endeavour to forget me, for your own quiet sake.’ At these words the Marchioness parted from him, and he had not force enough to detain her, she never apear'd more beauti­ful to him, and he never found himself more amorous. He con­tinued some time after upon the place, he murmured against his Father, detested Woolsey, accused the Earl of Ormond, made a thousand reproaches to himself, and returned to his [Page 71] house full of grief and relu­ctancy.

This discourse of Anne Bullen and Piercy gave them knowledge of their misfortunes, and incen­sed them against the Cardinal. The Popes sickness which hap­ned at this time, made him neg­lect the divorce, and labour se­cretly to be elected by all the powerful intrigues he had at Rome. The King perceived something, and pressed the two Cardinals earnestly to determine this famous affair, because they had full power to do it. But the Pope recovering this sickness, recals Campejus, without give­ing him leasure to satisfie the King. The King notwithstand­ing resolves to appear in Court, with the Queen before the Judg­es, nothing was more smart and [Page 72] touching then what the Queen pleaded in her defence, she im­plored justice of the King, and went out of Court in despair, and made her appeal from the Cardinals to the Pope.

The King accus'd Woolsey of his delay, and that he had be­tray'd him secretly, but the Car­dinal moderated his Indignation, by his Rhetorick who neverthe­less looked upon him as a man of little Sincerity.

Cardinal Campejus departed from London, and the King who knew the Pope and the Empe­rour were reconciled feared his Designs, Queen Katherine being Aunt to the Emperour, who in­teressed himself strongly in her Cause. Woolsey's slackness whilst he was in prospect of being e­lected Pope, caused much dis­quiet [Page 73] to the King, who ordered Campejus to be stopt at the Sea side under pretence of searching his Goods, but in effect, it was to see if there could be found amongst them any Writings concerning these Affairs.

His departure raised the Queens hopes, but gave fear to those that were interessed for the Marchioness of Pembrook. Blunt was not dissatisfied with these delays, knowing the Kings present Inclinations. And Anne Bullen was joyful thereat, in hopes to be revenged of Wool­sey, which followed soon af­ter.

The King had murmured a­gainst him with high Displea­sure, every one perceived his favour was nip'd, and the Ene­mies his haughtiness had rais'd [Page 74] him now observ'd no measures, the people cryed out upon his Injustice, the Lords of his pride, the Queen of the sorrows he had caused her, Blunt that he had made her to lose the Kings heart, and the Marchioness of Pembroke that he had occasion­ed the loss of her repose.

The Queen proved that he designed to betray the King, keeping secret intelligences with the Pope and the Emperour, it was made clearly to appear that he oppressed the Nation by his vanity which he supported by tyrannizing over the people; Anne Bullen was too much incen­sed against him not to second the multitude, and vindictive Blunt acted with no less resent­ments.

He was then accused, and ar­raigned [Page 75] according to the usual forms of Justice, yet he conti­nued to sit as Chancellour, ho­ping by his presence to disperse this storm, but the King was ac­quainted that a person accused as a criminal ought not to offici­ate the most important charge of the Kingdom. Who sent the Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk to him to demand the great Seal from him, which he refused fiercely telling them his Majesty had honoured him with the Of­fice of Chancellor for his life, but the King wrote to him on the morrow to send it him and to quit London. He obey'd the order of his Prince, returned the Seal, and immedi­ately went to Asher, a very fair House that he built after he had given Hampton Court to the [Page 76] King, commanding his Steward to deliver up to the King or his Orders all his moveables, which were the richest that ever any Subject possessed.

Norris who had been brought up with the King, took VVool­seys place of Favorite, and Con­fident. The quality of Agent in amorous Secrets was more a­greeable with his Character, than with the gravity of a Pre­late, his own experience had rendred him learned in these sort of intrigues, he had excess, of complaisance, and found the true way to please the King.

VVoolseys process was made with sufficient precipitation, all his goods were confiscated, be­ing convicted of Treason against the King, and Violation of the Laws of the Kingdom, but the [Page 77] disposal of his person was left to the pleasure of his Prince; if he had been more submissive, or less powerful, he had un­doubtedly found more Friends, but his Fortune and his Pride had raised him up irreconcilia­ble Enemies, he was ordered to attend the sequel of his Destiny at Asher. The King who could not all at once renounce the kindness he formerly had for him, left him in possession of the Arch-Bishoprick of York, and bishoprick of Lincoln; sent Norris privately to him to assure him that he pittied his misfor­tune, and to give him a Ring, which the Cardinal received up­on his Knees. He gave Norris a magnificent present, and after he acquainted him (with a great deal of wit and resolution) that [Page 78] he was a most famous example of fortunes inconstancy; he conjured him to assure the King of his respect, and acknow­ledgment. He fell dangerously sick in hearing by the intelli­gence he kept at the Court, that the Queens Friends, Blunts Indu­stry, and the Credit of Anne Bul­len, did every day extinguish those sparks of bounty the King conserved for him. The King in the mean time was concern'd at his illness, he sent to visit him, and obliged even the Marchioness of Pembroke to testifie some candour to him, he was permitted to go from Asher to Richmond, but was arrested on the Road upon new accusations of Crimen Leze-Ma­jesté, and carried to Cawood Castle.

Sometime after he was taken out of the Castle to be brought to [Page 79] London, but Grief and a Fever ended his Life upon the Road, he died with a great deal of Con­stancy, and signified no other Re­gret, but the loss of his Princes friendship; he had a prodigious Wit, and was seen (as it were) to Govern all Europe, and no E­nemies but Women could have caused his fall.

The King had been more sen­sible of his death, had he been less taken up with love, but he thought upon nothing but the means whereby he might possess Anne Bullen, whom neither his Care, nor Piercy's apparent Infi­delity, could render any thing more flexible: He gave every day some fresh mark of his boun­ty to those of her Family, her Fa­ther was put into the chiefest Em­ploys, and her Brother, Viscount [Page 80] Rochefort, appear'd the most splendid man in the Court, he was permitted to see Blunt every day, but she had nevertheless ha­tred and jealousie for his Sister.

Piercy led a most deplorable life, his Passion for Anne Bullen had recollected all its force, since their interview upon the Rivers side; she tasted more sweetness in finding him less culpable, than she could imagine, but the great­er she found her tenderness for him, the more she avoided meet­ing him, not finding in her self strength enough to hide her In­clinations from him. Norris soon made himself considerable to all the world, by the credit he had acquired with the King, he often visited the Marchioness of Pem­broke, in delivering the King's A­morous Messages to her, but he [Page 81] took a little too much pleasure in this Commerce, and unhappily found his heart was too tender to serve as an Agent for another, without some self Interest with the most beautiful person in the World.

The esteem which the Kings of England and France had reci­procally one for the other, joyn­ed with some reasons of State, ob­liged them to make another in­terview. Henry met Francis at Bulloigne, and Francis accompa­nied Henry afterwards to Callais, where the two Courts made up the most glorious Company in Europe. They made many Feasts, and the Marchioness of Pembroke appear'd so beautiful in a Mas­querade whereat the two Kings were, that she made new Con­quests. Norris was so charmed [Page 82] with her, that he could not for­bear saying to one of his most particular friends at their break­ing off; How fair is the Marchio­ness of Pembroke, and how un­happy is a man to have a heart so sensible of it as mine? The King passed by him at that instant, but the place was dark, and he not speaking it very loud, his voice could not be discerned.

Henry made the King of France his Confident in the passion he had for Anne Bullen, and told him he was resolved to marry her as soon as ever the Divorce should be determined. This Prince far from condemning his design, a­vows to him bona fide, that he had passionately lov'd her, and that in the same Condition he should have done the same thing, that he could assure him by expe­rience, [Page 83] she had vertue made her worthy of that honour he de­creed for her, and he offered him his assistance and force, if he stood in need of it upon this occasion, an Authority of such importance that caused a sensible joy to Hen­ry. The two Princes mutually promised an inviolable friend­ship, and being willing to demon­strate it even in their Subjects, Henry gave the Order of the Gar­ter to the Constable of Montmo­rency, and the Admiral Brion, and Francis gave the Order [...] to the Dukes of Nor­folk and Suffolk.

At the return from this Voy­age, the King of France, whose counsel the Marchioness respect­ed, solicited her for the King of England, she could no longer oppose so great difficulties, her [Page 84] Parents, her Acquaintance, and Piercy himself who conjur'd her to it; at length shaked her stabi­lity, which till that time she made appear. She consented to marry the King, and Rome having not yet concluded, Rowland Lee, af­terwards Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield, privately Celebrated the Ceremony in presence of Archbishop Cranmer, a number of Persons to whom the King im­parted this secret, and some of the Family of Anne Bullen. The Publication of the Divorce was made shortly after, Queen Anne was presently Crowned, and Queen Catherine ever after called the Princess Dowager.

Never was any Person more satisfied with his own Fortune than Henry, nor more worthy of hers than the beautiful Queen, [Page 85] she reserved so much sweetness and modesty in this Exaltation, that she charmed all those that approach'd her therewith. Pier­cy, who continually adored her, was consolated in some measure, in the happiness of his Rival for his Mistresses glory; Queen Ka­therine expected it too long to be surprised at it, but Blunts fury, who foresaw it as well as the Queen, ceased not to give her terrible transports at the news: Her hatred to the Sister extended to the Brother, and she detested both the one and the other. It was somewhat terrible to her to see her Rival elevated to the same degree of honour that she had fix­ed her hopes upon, and nothing appear'd difficult for her to en­terprise, whereby she might pull her down.

[Page 86]In the Interim the young Queen was with Child, and was deli­vered of a Daughter who was af­terwards that famous Princess Queen Elizabeth.

The Divorce was so far from being confirmed by the Pope, that it was declared void at Rome, where King Henry was sentenced to retake his Queen, upon pe­nalty of Excommunication in case he refused. 'Twould be in vain here to repeat the whole Series of a matter so well known: The grief of Queen Katherine was ve­ry violent, for she had hoped, that after the King had satisfied his love, he would be reduced by rea­son; but when she saw him per­severe, she gave her self up to discontent, and fell into a distem­per, whereof she died.

She wrote such tender and [Page 87] smart things to the King, that he was touched with some Re­morse for his unjust dealing with her. She left him one Daughter, who was afterwards Queen Mary.

Norris sought by all means to keep in the King's favour, but he had an Interest to manage: His heart was strongly fixed up­on the Queen, but the King's Constancy to her, rob'd him ever of his hopes to discover his passi­on to her: He knew the King was capable of new amours, and he took a great deal of care to make him observe the beauty of a young Lady that waited upon the Queen; insomuch that he perceiv'd the King was insensibly smitten with her; a full and quiet possession oftentimes pawls the Appetite of the most passionate [Page 88] Lover, and the enjoyment most commonly is sufficient to oblite­rate the merit of the Person. Thus whilst the Queen performed her duty, faithfully loving the King, and forcing her self to forget un­fortunate Piercy, Love revenged Blunt, and prepared misfortunes for the Queen, from which no­thing could secure her.

Although her Beauty was no­thing diminished by Marriage, the King could not forbear fol­lowing his Inclinations for un­constancy, and became amorous of Jane Seymour. The perfidious Norris, who was the occasion hereof, pretends to make himself meritorious of the Queen's Fa­vour hereby, and acquaints her with the King's new Amours, in hopes to please her therewith: She told him that since his Maje­sty [Page 89] had been pleased to honour her with his tenderness, and ren­dred her Condition so glorious, he was not obliged to confine all his Affections to her Person; and she should be so far from perplex­ing her self with an incommodi­ous Jealousie, that she should be joyful to see him search his satis­faction.

Norris expounded the Queens discourse to his particular sence, he believed that she did not love the King, and that her indiffer­ence had caused her thus to speak. Your Majesty has reason, said he, thus to despise his injustice, and you will have no less reason to use him with the same unconstancy: Thus your Majesty ought to revenge your Beauty, and you cannot do a­miss herein, since he hath given you a President: If I had so great a [Page 90] share in your Majesties esteem, as I have passion for your Interests, I should take the liberty to tell your Majesty — If I had the least e­steem for you, replied the Queen coldly, and you should have a real zeal for me, it should be neither your Friends nor your Counsels, that should regulate my Conduct: I know the King's Goodness, and shall ne­ver recede from the acknowledg­ment and respect I ow him; I do not penetrate the reasons that oblige you to speak this, be more discreet for the future, and do not force me to Advertise the King that you be­tray his Secrets.

The Queen left Norris in de­spair, at the ill success of his In­fidelity; the King's new Inclina­tion was not long kept secret, Blunt was immoderately over­joyed at it, hoping that if she [Page 91] could chase Anne Bullen from the King's Heart, she might also ea­sily dethrone her, where she could not look upon her without extreme Grief. The tenderness she had for the Viscount Roche­fort was utterly blotted out, by his keeping the Marriage of his Sister as a secret from her, and never acquaint her with it; and she spared not to sacrifice him, so that she might but destroy his Sister who was her Rival. She had so good intelligence at Court, and had so Wedded her self to Fortune, that she had power to act greater things than any other: She knew that it was now high time to second the indifference that the King began to have for the Queen, and she caused a hun­dred things to be publish'd against the Vertue of this Princess, who, [Page 92] though she kept not the least Correspondence with Piercy, they did not stick to say that she saw him every day, and retain'd a great kindness for him: The fury of this enemy proceeded yet farther, and she reported in seve­ral places, that Viscount Rochefort was passionately in Love with the Queen his Sister, and received favour enough from her. These noises were spread abroad every where, and Tales which never lose any thing in carriage, were now augmented according to the old Custom. These Reports reached the King, who the rather gave ear to them to Authorise his Change, than that he thought there was any truth in them.

Piercy had seen her sometimes after she was Queen, but had his Passion been never so earnest to [Page 93] have entertained her with Dis­course, it was impossible for him to succeed in it. But Destiny once granted him this advantage at Greenwich: The Queen was sitting there one Evening in a green Arbour, which gave a pro­spect of the Thames, and Piercy's Melancholy conducted him to the same place, not dreaming what he should meet there.

The Queen was meditating upon the unhappy state of her Condition, who though she had no extraordinary passion for the King, she had yet so much, as to create in her a most sensible sub­ject of Grief for his Unconstancy. She was looking toward the Ri­ver side when Piercy came into the Arbour, and he knew not who she was at present, till at the noise of his coming in she turned [Page 94] her self, and then notwithstanding the obscurity, they perceiv'd each other.

The Queen being alone would have gone away, but Piercy, with a little earnestness stay'd her: Ah! Madam, said he, casting himself at her feet, refuse not one moment of your Presence to a man, whose grief for the loss of you, hath re­duc'd to a condition that deserves your pity. If what you ask could be capable to re-establish your Re­pose, replied the Queen, I should grant it with pleasure; but Piercy, you can be never the happier for it, but will become the more criminal; we live under those Laws that leave us not to our selves, why do you solicit me to pursue a weakness, which can do you no service? Will you then command me to renounce all manner of hopes, interrupted [Page 95] Piercy, and give me leave to per­swade my self, that your hatred makes you act thus: I know the dif­ference that there is now betwixt your rank and mine, and that per­haps I commit a great error in say­ing I ever love you, but I can never forget that equality of sentiments which heretofore united us: Can it be possible that so much of that passion should continue in my heart, and that nothing of it should remain in yours? I acknowledge that I have deserved my misfortune, but you have formerly found me worthy of [...]our tenderness, and the Remorse [...]hat my Crime hath cost me, ought [...]n some measure to expiate it. If I hated you, replied the Queen, I should take less care to avoid you, [...]t is the inclination I have for you, [...]hat obliges me to shun you: I know [...]y self, Piercy, and that I am not [Page 96] proof against your sighs, they have heretofore composed all the happiness of my life, perhaps at this time [...] should be but too sensible of them; I have Enemies that have a vigi­lant eye upon me, and the least fail­ure may attract the greatest miseries, which would make you despai [...] to have caused me: Quit me the [...] indispensably tied to what I owe th [...] King. But he betrays you, interrupted Piercy, and Seymour enjoys him entirely. His proceeding may afflict me, added the Queen but ought not to make me incurr [...] Guilt. So I ought not to hope, sai [...] Piercy, that Love will do any thin [...] for me. 'Tis a passion, replye [...] the Queen, which can procure [...] nothing but misfortunes: Retire Piercy, I conjure you, for I hav [...] some presages of a direful Consequence, at this very moment that [...] [Page 97] speak to you, I feel my heart and my whole body to tremble, without knowing the least reason for it. I will obey you till death, replyed Pier­cy most lamentably, and I hope when I have sought her, she will cut off the intail of all my miseries. At this the Queen could not forbear some tears. Piercy found great pleasure in looking upon her, but could not long enjoy it, she commanding him to retire.

Fortune, who took Blunt's part, acted more for her than she could hope, and placed her near the Arbour where Piercy enter­tained the Queen; she failed not to empoyson this innocent inter­view, which mere chance had caused. The King heard of this as well as others, the King, who aspiring at the liberty to in­dulge his new passion, gave strict [Page 98] order to observe the Queen, that so she might be convicted with any small matter: This hindred not, but as he loved his Pleasures, he published a famous Tilting at Greenwich, with Orders to all the Nobility to appear at it.

The Queen, though very me­lancholy, and taking no delight in these sort of divertisements, was obliged to appear at them, but did with a great deal of neg­ligence. The King would only be a Spectator of these Justs; Viscount Rochefort, the Queen's Brother, was Defiant, and Nor­ris, the King's Favorite, was De­fendant. All the young Lords had magnificent Equipages and gallant Devices; there came an innumerable crowd of English, and Strangers to Greenwich, the Thames was cover'd with guilded [Page 99] Barges, wherein the Ladies were to return to London, after the Solemnity was over. Blunt, who foresaw that this day would end most agreeably to her, was be­decked after an extraordinary manner, and filled one of the chief Balconies with her Attendants. Young Seymour, proud to see her self adored by the King, and to be the Subject of his Divertise­ments, took care to adjust what ever Art could contribute to her natural Beauty, and both Sexes this day drained the industry of the most dextrous Persons.

Piercy, who had renounced all sorts of pleasures, and whose last Conversation with the Queen, had completed his despair, re­solves (but with a direful design) to be one of the Tilters. He sought death, and the Kingdom being in [Page 100] peace, he resolved in this day of pleasure, to make no use of his own skill, but to suffer his Ad­versary to practise his skill upon him. Having taken this design, he gave Order for his Equipage to be all in black, only a little edged with Gold: The day of solemn Justs being come, they were began with much vigour; the Viscount Rochefort won much honour, and gained great advan­tages against the first that present­ed themselves, but it was much doubted he could not keep it when Piercy appear'd, whose skilfulness they all knew. The Queen wept when she saw him; he was so pre-occupied with his design, that he never regarded the different Objects plac'd round about him: His first Encounter against the Viscount Rochefort [Page 101] was very fine, they began the se­cond, and Piercy, whose despair carried him away, run himself upon the Viscount's Lance, which entred him for want of his Ar­mour, and made him fall with a deep wound. This misfortune was followed with a general cry. The Viscount Rochefort who had done it undesignedly and against his intention, run presently to Piercy, who lost a great deal of blood, and was followed by ma­ny friends of the wounded; but whilst thus so many people shew­ed the affection they had for Piercy, the Queen demonstrated hers by more evident perswasions. The sight of Piercy's blood had chilled all hers, and a mortal grief rob'd her of her Soul, and that Love which was lodged in her heart, in spight of all her attacks [Page 102] to chace it thence, made her feel his power at this time more than in the whole course of her life; she had not strength to resist so cruel a blow, but fell down in a swound into the arms of the Dutchess of Suffolke who was near her.

This second accident conclu­ded the trouble of the Solemnity. The King found matter of per­plexity and rage herein, which ob­lig'd him to retire into his Pallace at Greenwich, where the Queen was also brought, whilst on the o­ther side care was taken of Pier­cy's preservation, which appear­ed at present very uncertain. The King was no sooner alone, but he made reflections upon this adventure; the Rumours which the cruel Blunt had sowed of Viscount Rocheforts love [Page 103] for the Queen, and of the con­tinuance of her tenderness for Piercy, passed for current in his opinion; he believed that Roche­fort having heard of the con­versation the Queen had with Piercy one evening in the Gar­den at Greenwich, was agitated with jealousie, and intended rather to kill Piercy, than to conquer him, and the Queen's grief sufficiently demonstrated her love. The King was making observations upon his first Re­sentments, whilst an Officer came in to him, and presented him with a Letter he had taken up at the Lists which he knew to be Norris his writing, where­in he read these words.

I am more enamoured with the Queen than ever any person was; when I acquainted you the first [Page 104] time at Callais of my Inclination for her, I did not believe it was able so far to transport me. Pity the Condition wherein I am, and make some Vows in favour of a passion, which must certainly kill me, unless it find some incourage­ment.

This knowledge of a third Lover of the Queens, made the King absolutely to determine to shiver them, and it was no small surprize to see the Queens Barge stopped in returning to London, from which she was taken out and sent to the Tower, with Vis-Count Rochefort, and Norris.

But how great was the joy of Blunt, when she saw the disgrace of her Rival? she promised her self that the Queens first going out of the Tower, should be to the Scaffold, and she prepared [Page 105] her self to act a terrible part in this Tragedy.

Immediately were published some of the Reasons, which the King said he had to complain a­gainst the Queen, whereupon she was severely examined, but nothing could be found capable to condemn her. She looked up­on this as a return of the same fortune that had raised her to that height, and saw that it was the King's inconstancy alone that had caused it. The affection she had retained for Piercy was in­nocent enough to hinder her from blushing, though all the World were privy to it, and as for her Brother and Norris she could not comprehend the mean­ing of it.

She submitted to the King's Orders without suffering the [Page 106] least murmur against his inju­stice to escape out of her mouth, and protesting that she was in­nocent, she was careful to spare him, only accusing her own mis­fortune of her ill treatment.

But although she appeared so reserv'd to the publick, she did not forbear to give her grief a liberal current, when the Lords arrested and carried her to the Tower. The remembrance of her first Engagements with Pier­cy, and the sweet correspondence that created them so many hap­py days, now returned fresh into her Imagination; she con­sidered that the King had been the only interrupter of that bles­sed Estate, and that his Love in pretending to raise her to a Throne, had been the sole foun­dation of all her miseries; she [Page 107] detested the condition of a Queen, and the memory of Woolsey, who had ruined her by his Artifices.

The Viscount Rochefort could not in the least imagine what should be the cause of his im­prisonment, he accused the Kings new passion of it, and judged that his Sisters misfortune was only the effect of her Husbands levity, and that fortune who had made him participate in her favour, would involve him in her troubles. The Intricacies he had had with Blunt, and his knowledge of her aversion to the Queen made him dispair of her assistance, neither did she employ her cruelty against him, for his own sake.

As for Norris, who some days before saw himself in that [Page 108] happy State, that contracted the envy of all the Courtiers, and having himself carried on the Intrigue betwixt Seymour and the King, much less apprehend­ed such a return as should whol­ly overwhelm him at one in­stant, not imagining that a Let­ter which he had written to an old Confident of his, concern­ing his secret passion for the Queen, should happen into the Kings hands; however that was not the only cause of his disgrace, for the King in reading that, called to mind what he had heard him speak in going from the Ball at Callais.

But whilst these three persons expected the event of this Affair, all the Court interessed them­selves herein differently. The King possessed with his new a­mours, [Page 109] gave himself up intirely to those pleasures wherewith his inconstancy flatter'd him, and the Queens imprisonment hin­dred him not from prostrating himself at Seymours feet.

Blunt would have sacrifized all things to have recall'd him to her, she employ'd all her Charms, and Craft to succeed herein, but seeing all was la­bour lost, and although she knew that in destroying the Queen, she did but labour to ad­vance Seymour, yet she chose ra­ther to serve that Rival of hers that revenged her, than she who stole the King's Heart from her, without this there had not been the least appear­ance of justice in her cruelty, and her bloody incompassionate Soul, furnished her with means [Page 110] for the most black and horrid in­fidelities.

As the Viscount Rochefort had most passionately loved her, he often wrote to her in the height of their Correspondence, but to hide that commerce which some lost Letter might discover, he styl'd her Sister: She conveys two of the most tender of these Letters into the Queen's Closet, in seducing by her interest those who had opportunity to do it, and never hesitated to destroy a person whom she had adored, to be re­venged of her Rival. The King searched all the Queen's papers, amongst which he found these two Letters of Blunt's which were written in these terms.

All that was in these two Let­ters, might very well be supposed as written to the Queen; and the King had no sooner read them but felt himself transported with present revenge; but considering [Page 113] at length that he was obliged to keep some measures herein, he gave order that the Queen's Pro­cess, Viscount Rochefort's, and Norris's, should be drawn up according to the usual forms: His passion for Seymour, and some little remorse for Queen Kathe­rine, destroyed all the small pity wherewith Anne Bullen could in­spire him, and though she was much more amiable than any thing that he could ever love, nothing interceded more for her, but that destiny which caused her loss, created greater woes, and suffered them to Reign.

As soon as the Queen had no­tice that her Process was form­ing, she wrote to the King; not thinking to make him relent, but in some measure to justifie her self; she had much stability, and [Page 114] was little desirous of life, and considering how much fortune had travers'd her, and what a train of miseries were mix'd with her favours, she found that death was a slight pain, and an assured refuge from all sorts of misfor­tunes, and in this meditation she wrote thus to the King.

[Page 118]This Letter which in all ap­pearance ought to have made some impression upon the King's heart, wrought no such effect; he was wholly occupied with the desire of possessing Seymour, and the Queen was now forced to de­spair of his Heart, he shut his eyes to every thing might favour her, and fixed them only on what could ruine her; he was perswa­ded that Piercy was passionately loved by her, and the Letters which the perfidious Blunt had produced, left him no place to doubt of her guilt, he believed that jealousie was the only cause that made Piercy engage with the Viscount Rochefort, and that their design in coming to the solemn Justs, was to fight in earnest. Norris his Letter was yet a far­ther subject of disquiet, and if the [Page 119] Queen was kind to Piercy, and received her own Brother into the number of her Gallants, it might justly be believed that Norris being young, handsom, and extreme amorous, was not ill treated by her.

These persons that were friends to Seymour, Confederates with Blunt, and some ingrateful ones whom the Queen had favoured, conspir'd together to destroy her: She was accused before the Dukes of Norfolk, Suffolk, and some o­ther Peers, and constrained to plead for her self, all the world having thus abandon'd her. She defended her innocence in a most perswasive manner, and explain­ed her self with extraordinary moderation in respect of the King, and testified an intire re­signation to his pleasure.

[Page 120]But notwithstanding the force of her defences, she was brought in guilty, and condemned to lose her Head, together with the Vis­count Rochefort and Norris, who in a few days saw all his favour and the fairest hopes in the world to expire in a shameful death.

The Queen heard her Sentence with a most surprising constancy, and no woman did ever manifest a greater grandeur of Soul, inso­much that they who would have comforted her, had greater need of consolation themselves. I re­ceive this Death to which my Judg­es (said she to them) by his Ma­jesties Will have condemn'd me, as an addition to his former boun­ties, and I have lived long enough to learn to die with Constancy: I do protest that I quit this life with­out regret, and that it has been too [Page 121] grievous to me to make it desirable: Tell his Majesty if you please, that he has no reason to blush for having loved me, that I have acted nothing to render me unworthy that honour to which he was pleased to raise me: Tell him, that I have honoured him as my Prince, and loved him as my Husband; and I call Heaven to witness before you, that I have ne­ver failed in my duty to him, nei­ther as his Subject, nor as his Wife. Add to this, I conjure you, that I am so far from murmuring at his severity, that I believe him too just to have hated me without cause, and condemned me without reason, and I only accuse those enemies, which his former bounties have raised me, of my misfortunes. I leave him a Daughter which is most dear to me, because she has the honour to be of his blood. I hope he will take pity [Page 122] on her youth, that my misfortunes will not disturb her Infancy, and that besides the tenderness he owes to her, she may still find in him what she loses in me. I retain neither ha­tred nor resentment against any of those who have betrayed me, and if any thing can trouble the tranquili­ty of my soul, 'tis the grief I have for being the cause of my Brother's death. After these words and some tokens of remembrance for those that had served her, she disposed her self for Death with the same courage. The Viscount Rochefort shewed a little more weakness, and inveighed against the King and the Judges, he had truly loved the Queen his Sister, but no farther than the tyes of blood and her vertue oblig'd him, he deplor'd the misfortune of this Princess, and moved the hearts [Page 123] of people that heard him.

Nothing appeared in Norris, but passion and despair, but who can express, that of Piercy, for from the time of the Turnaments at Greenwich he had heard nothing of what passed, till one of his Servants indiscreetly told him of this dismal adventure of the Queens, at which his Wounds opened again, and a torrent of blood issued out at this emotion, which put him into a relapse of his first weakness, to which a Fever joyning made him light-headed; and thinking he always saw the Queen dying, he spake many things which testified the condition of his heart, and the disorder of his reason; he would fain have leaped out of his bed and run to the succour of this Princess, but if they had not op­posed [Page 124] this design he had not strength to execute it.

In the mean time, the King was not without some opposition, the affair in agitation caused him some troubles which he could in no wise avoid, but his passion for Seymour soon dispersed them, and no sooner was he touched with some remorse, but his fickle heart extinguished all its force.

The Queen was beheaded in the Tower, to avoid that mur­mur which pity often excites a­mongst the multitude upon those sad occasions: But although this cruel Action was executed in a private manner, there were ma­ny persons whom a barbarous curiosity obliged to be Specta­tors: Blunt failed not to be pre­sent at the place where she pro­mised her self so great pleasure; [Page 125] she appeared there with the same splendor as if it had been a gal­lant Festival, she was so obdurate as to display the magnificence of her Apparel in the face of a mourning Scaffold, and a doleful assembly wholly invested with tears and grief.

The Queen appeared with the same Grace that was constantly admired in her, her Countenance was undisturbed, and nothing could be seen in her Visage but Security and Majesty; she was Veiled all over with Mourning, and in the midst of all these dis­mal objects, her Looks which were cast upon all her spectators, infused grief and despair into all their hearts: Even Blunt her self, that fierce and implacable Enemy of the Queen's, now felt that guilt hath its limits, and that fear [Page 126] and trembling are constantly its Attendants, the constancy of the Princess made her to shiver, and she could not hinder her self from considering that she was the cause of all those evils: These re­flections wrought a beseeming pensiveness upon her, and if her eyes had been examined, they would have been found much more troubled than the Queen's. The Maids of Honour to this Prin­cess were extreme disconsolate, she exhorted them oftentimes to be constant according to her ex­ample, and seeing the Execution­er attended only her order, she spake in particular to her Divine, and afterwards addressed her self to all that could hear her.

As I die your Queen, said she, and the Artifices of Envy cannot bereave me of that quality, although [Page 127] they have rob'd me of the Kings ten­derness which was much more dear unto me; I am joyful that I can assure ye in the last moments of my life, that I have never dishonoured him either in my Actions or Thoughts, but in protesting my own innocence to ye, I do not pretend to render his Majesty criminal, I do declare that I have great cause to extol him, and his great favours to me, do sufficiently perswade that without most powerful reasons he had never abandoned me to so de­plorable a Fortune: I die without repining, imitate my stayedness, and pardon yours as I do mine Enemies, and let that pity which my misfor­tunes can create in you, be declared in the favour of a little Princess, whom I leave to the Kingdoms, and who is now going to be left to the ha­tred of the King her Father, and [Page 128] to the cruelty of those who have de­stroyed me: Her Birth is illustrious, and although my Blood is not so no­ble as the Kings, yet at least it me­rits the esteem and protection of ho­nest people: Assist one day (if there be occasion) those legitimate Rights which her Condition hath given her. I recommend her in general to the People, to the Nobility and Gentry, and in particular to all those who are concerned at my misfortune: After this I die, praying for Prosperity to the King, and Peace and Plenty to his Kingdoms. After these words she turn'd her last thoughts towards Heaven, and received her Death like a true Heroine: Blunt beheld her Head severed from her Body with hor­ror, to which was joyned a more sensible amazement, when she saw the Viscount Rochefort ap­pear.

[Page 129]She had loved him as far as her ambition was able to permit her, the deplorable Condition where­in he was, his innocence which she so well knew, and his sad and languishing Countenance gave her most mortal stabs to the very heart. He fixed his eyes upon her, and reserving a large pro­portion of kindness for her, (not­withstanding all her Intrigues) he sighed at the remembrance of their former pleasures, and not being able to comprehend that a person whom he had adored, should come to be an eye-witness of his death, and of a death of this nature, he expressed to her by his dying looks, the astonish­ment that her cruelty had caused him, he utter'd many sighs which reached Blunt's ears, and Pierced her heart, which till then had [Page 130] been impenetrable; in her seeing the fatal blow given to the Vis­count Rochefort, she felt all the injustice he suffered; remorse be­reaved her of her soul, a mortal paleness spread it self over all her face, and not being able to con­tinue longer upon this dismal place, she was carried off before the Execution of Norris, which followed the Queen's and Vis­count Rochefort's.

The King heard the news of this Catastrophe not without some confusion, and was inclina­ble to have been touched there­with, but flatterers, who always make it their chief business to extol the weaknesses of Kings, soon stifled these motions, and exhorted his Majesty to be reso­lute; wherein they so well suc­ceeded, that the Queen was [Page 131] scarcely expired, but he married Jane Seymour. His Constancy for this Queen was of longer conti­nuance than her life, she dyed within a year after the mar­riage, in Childbed with Prince Edward.

The fury of Queen Anne's E­nemies was extended even to her Daughter, and they obliged the King to declare Queen Anne's Marriage null as he had that of Queen Katherine's, and the two Princesses, Mary and Elizabeth, to be illegitimate.

After the Queens death, Piercy lived but a few languishing days, and wanted incredible strength to hinder the effects of his resent­ment; he quitted the Court, and sought for employments answe­rable to the sad state of his condi­tion. As for Blunt, she was pu­nished [Page 132] for all her crimes by the Kings constant inconstancy, and by the death of her Son, upon whom she had laid the foundati­on of so great hopes, and to whom Fortune had decreed such glori­ous advantages: She dyed suffer­ing that misery her cruelties had justly deserved, being despised by the King, and hated by all the world.

Queen Anne was generally bewailed, and notwithstanding all that her enemies have been a­ble to speak against her, many sage Persons who knew her ver­tue, have conserved a just vene­ration for her memory, and have inspired the same sentiments into succeeding Ages: She was not only Beautiful, Generous, and Benificent, but was endowed with a true and real wisdom, and [Page 133] was altogether worthy of that Grandeur to which she was rais­ed. The Princess Elizabeth her Daughter, who now Governs England with so great splendor and glory, inherits her Vertue as well as the Crown, which is her undoubted right.

The Queen who had retired into her Apartment, to give the Earl of Northumberland an intire liberty to relate the several inte­rests which gave the occasion to that cruel Spectacle, or rather per­haps to spare her self the grief of hearing the recital of those things wherein she was obliged to take so great a part; no sooner learnt that the History of Anne Bullen her Mother, was ended, but she returned to the Company; where perceiving that every one to make their Court, was preparing [Page 134] to condole the destiny of this Prin­cess, whose Innocence, Misfor­tunes, and the Cruelty of her E­nemies appeared so worthy to be lamented: She believed it was sufficient to have made them comprehend, that all the Calum­nies invented and spread abroad against the honour of the Queen her Mother, were only meer in­vectives formed by her Enemies, or by those who acted the great­est part in this Tragedy. Where­fore without dwelling longer up­on a subject which she was too sensible of, she promised them that at her return she would re­late a History to them, whose Subjects and grand Events which composed it, should at least ap­pear to them of as great curiosity as this they had already heard; but as it was already late, she [Page 135] thought it convenient to defer it till the morrow.

The Company being accord­ingly met by her Order, she told them the following Story, which is, The History of Bassa Solyman and the Princess Eronima, being the second and last Part of Queen Elizabeth's Novels, now in the Press, and will be Printed next Term.