Plots, conspiracies and attempts of domestick and forraigne enemies, of the Romish religion against the princes and kingdomes of England, Scotland and Ireland : beginning with the reformation of religion under Qu. Elizabeth, unto this present yeare, 1642 / briefly collected by G.B.C. ; whereunto is added, the present rebellion in Ireland, the civell practises in France against the Protestants, the murthers of Henry the 3d. and Henry the 4th, by the popish French faction.

Plots, conspiracies and attempts of domestick and forraigne enemies, of the Romish religion against the princes and kingdomes of England, Scotland and Ireland : beginning with the reformation of religion under Qu. Elizabeth, unto this present yeare, 1642 / briefly collected by G.B.C. ; whereunto is added, the present rebellion in Ireland, the civell practises in France against the Protestants, the murthers of Henry the 3d. and Henry the 4th, by the popish French faction.

Table of contents

Title page

The Contents.

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Plots, Conspiracies and Attempts of Domestick and Forraigne Enemies, of the Romish Religion, against the Princes and Kingdomes of England, Scotland and IRELAND, &c.

The King of Spaine offereth Marriage to the Queen.

The practice of the Guises with the Queen of Scots against ENGLAND.

The Rebellion of the Earles of Northumberland and Westmerland.

Dacres his endeavour to deliver the Scots Queen.

Fitz-Morris raiseth Rebellion in Ireland.

Stanleys Conspiracy.

Dissimulation of Don John of Austria.

Stucleys designe against Ireland.

Fitz-Morris his second attempt against Ireland.

San Josephus with 700. Spaniards sent into Ireland.

Campian and others condemned.

Somerviles attempt to kill the Queen.

Mendoza the Spanish Ambassadour thrust out of England.

A Popish practise against Qu. Elizabeth discovered, not without a miracle, by Creightons torne Papers, a Scottish Jesuite.

Parry executed for Treason.

Savages attempt to kill the Queen.

The French Ambassadors plot to kill the Queen.

The Spanish Armado.

Lopez his undertaking to poyson the Queene.

Squires Practice to poyson the Queenes Saddle.

Earle of Tyrones Rebellion.

Garnet, Catesby and others, labour to invade England.

The Gun-powder-Treason.

The conspiracy of Sir Griffin Markham and others.

The Massacre and Treason in Ireland, extracted out of the Irish Remonstrance, and Irelands Teares.

The most bloody Massacre at Paris, Anno 1572. extracted out of the French History, truly and briefly related.

The treacherous murther of Henry the 3d ▪ King of France, by a Jacobine▪ Monke, Anno 1589. extracted out of the French History.

The most deplorable and execrable murther of Henry the 4th. K of France, by one Francis Raviliack. Extracted also out of the French History.

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PLOTS, CONSPIRACIES AND ATTEMPTS of Domestick and Forraigne Enemies, of the Romish Religion. Against the Princes, and Kingdomes of ENGLAND, SCOTLAND and IRELAND. BEGINNING With the Reformation of Religion under Qu. ELIZABETH, unto this present Yeare, 1642.

Briefly Collected by G. B. C.

The second Edition. Whereunto is added, The present Rebellion in IRELAND, the cruell Practises in FRANCE against the Protestants, the murther of Henry the 3d. and Henry the 4th. by the Popish French Faction.

PSAL. CXXIV. VI.

Blessed be the LORD, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth.

IT is Ordered by the Committe of the House of COMMONS concerning Printing this 19th. day of September, 1642. That this Booke be printed. Iohn White.

London, Printed by G. M. for Ralph Rounthwait, 1642.

The Contents.

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PHilip the second King of Spain, his offer of Marriage with Q Elizabeth rejected.

The practice of the Guises with the Q. of Scots, against the Crowne of England.

The Rebellion of the Earles of Northumberland and Westmerland, the Pope sends Letters to the King of Spaine, and K. of Portugall, to send an Army to invade England.

Leo: Dacres joyning with the Rebells, indevoureth to deliver the Q. of Scots, after a sharp conflict with the Lo. of Hunsdon is put to flight.

Iames Fitz-Morris of the House of Desmond, raiseth Rebellion in Ireland.

Thomas and Edward Stanley with others conspire against the Queene.

Don Iohn of Austria, his perpetuall (but treacherous) Edict for Peace.

Stucley, his designe against Ireland, turned another way by the K. of Portugall.

Iames Fitz-Morris, his second attempt to reduce Ireland to Popery.

San: Iosephus an Italian, sent by the Pope and K. of Spaine with 700. Spaniards and Italians into Ireland.

Campian, Sherewin and others, comming into England, taken and condemned for Treason.

Somervile, his desperate attempt against the Queenes Person.

Mendoza the Spanish Embassador, thrust out of England, for practising with Throgmorton and others to invade the Land.

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D. Parry, for practising the Queenes death executed.

Savage and others, their attempt to kill the Queene.

The French Ambassador, his plot to kill the Queene.

The Spanish Armado, in Anno 1588.

D. Lopez his attempt to poyson the Queene.

Squires practise to poyson the Queenes Saddle.

Tyrone, his Rebellion in Ireland.

Garnet, Catesby and others, their attempt for Invasion of England.

The Hellish Gun-powder Treason.

Sir Griffin Markham and others, their conspiracy against King Iames.

The present bloudy Rebellion in Ireland.

The cruell Massacre at Paris.

The Murther of Henry the 3d.

The Murther of Henry the 4th.

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Gentle Reader,

THou mayest evidently see by this ensuing discourse, what are the fruits and effects of Popery, how the Popes have kindled the fier amongst all the Princes and States of Europe, and like Balaam the false Prophet, troubled us with their wiles, cursed the Church and State of England, and by their Incendiaries, the Priests and Iesuites (for effecting their owne pernicious and divellish designes) have stirred up one Nation against an other, and all Christendome against the English, tainted many a great House, and endangered their Lives and Estates, to the ruine of great and Noble Families in this Kingdome.

Plots, Conspiracies and Attempts of Domestick and Forraigne Enemies, of the Romish Religion, against the Princes and Kingdomes of England, Scotland and IRELAND, &c.

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THose which make descriptions of large Countries in small Tables, offend not against truth, though somewhat against quantity, so Pliny telleth us. Notwithstanding with much convenience, ease to the beholder, and truth of observation, things are presented to our eyes in those little draughts, that the very places themselves being viewed with great trouble and losse of time, cannot yeeld more benefit to the most diligent, oftentimes not so much. Wherfore especially, because the Argument cannot be now unseasonable (for the abridgement of the Commentaries of large Histories, is not unlike Maps of Kingdomes) I have here collected out of divers Authours, which have severally handled parts of this subject, into one, The chief conspiracies and attempts against the Kingdomes alone and immediately of great Brittany and Ireland, or cls mediately through the sides of the Princes of these Countries, by Traytors at home or abroad, of the Romish Religion, or forraigne Enemies, by treacherous courses of those of the same bloody superstition. The beginning I make the first time of Reformation of Religion here in England under Queen Elizabeth, and the extent unto this present yeere. I begin no higher then Queene Elizabeth, because the Reformation of Henry the eight was but in part, and the other of King Edward, was an interrupted one, by the sudden succession of his sister Qu. Mary; the rather, because, for ought we know, there was no great matter plotted against [Page] this hopefull young Prince, that was not rather from ambition, (if there was any such) then from a desire of subverting Religion. Not but thaa the Enemies of our Religion and Kingdome, had us then in their minds, but other wayes there were, before bloody and desperate practises were to be taken in hand, to be first entred into, of lesse difficulty, and more hopeful successe. And these are the steps the adversaries of our Religion use to tread, who thirsting after England, labour first to bring us back to Rome, by striving to make our selves hate our own Religion, and leave that God which brought us out of the Land of Aegypt, bewitching us with glorious Idolatry of the golden Calvs of Rome, introducing ignorance and blindnes, that we may when our eyes are out, patiently grind in the Mill of slavery. If this course fail, the next is by poyson, murder, and force of Arms, to draw us to Sodom and Aegypt.

The Reformation of England and Ireland fall under one time, and because that of Scotland also differeth not many yeares in age, they may all be brought in one account. With the Plots are joyntly handled the Deliverances, which in some respect or other may very we [...]l be called great, either in regard of the misery we had fallen into, (if God had not prevented them) of the slavery of soule and body, and this agreeth with all: Or else for the strangenesse of the discoveries of their mischiefes, (sometime almost miraculous) before they have come to their birth, or disappointing them of their purposes, when the Authours have put them in practise; and these two respects, the one or the other, which may well denominate Gods goodnesse to us, in disappointing them to be great, may be found in all likewise. So that for these mercies received, we ought to ascribe to our Deliverer that which is due unto him, the praise of his own work, and continuall thankes for his mercies, which even to this day, is from those Deliverances of the dayes of old, extended; we should have bin then betrayed, but we had now bin slaves, both we, our selves and ours; one Plot, had it succeeded, had bin the betraying of England at once to them, who love themselves too well to have lost it easily, and are so wise, that they endure no Traitors, but for themselves, nor can indure any that loves his Country but a Spaniard. We may learne also to trust in him, even now particularly, who is the same yesterday and to day, and for ever, nor is his hand shortened that he cannot save, nor his eare heavy that he cannot heare those that call upon him, lifting up [Page] pure hands in sincerity of heart: although the sins of our Nation in generall, may justly provoke our God to punish us by them that hate us, for that cause, that instead of extirpating Popery and superstition (a thing nor hard to be done in humane reason, if the children of Papists were carefully educated under Protestant Tutors) we thinke their Religion tolerable, and nothing so dangerous to soul or body as some men seem to make it. Should we not detest and abhorre the Religion of such a generation, as count they doe God good service, by killing us? witnesse the bloudy Persecution under Qu. Mary, and the damnable plot of the Gun-powder-Treason. Yet some there are that would seem Protestants, and yet deny that their cruelty was such, as the Authour of the English Martyrology makes the Marian persecution to be: Others of no small esteem in the Church of England, instead of acknowledging Foxes History a Monument of Martyrs, call it a Book fraught with Traitors and Heretiques. And for the Gun-powder conspiracy, some affirm it the deeds of a few male-contents, farre from the approbation of the Catholiques, others as falsely, that there was no such Treason intended, but that it was an invention of him, whom in reverence I forbeare to name. But yet this may incourage us, that God will still preserve us, for their sakes that have now and heretofore stoutly defended Gods true Religion, and that in very many places of this Land, we have had those that with all their power have opposed the very beginnings of Popery. But wonderfull it is, and scarcely credible, that any should so much have forgotten the Gun-powder-Treason, as to say, that they would rather trust a Papist then a Puritan; as if they believed not there was any such Treason, or had forgotten it; or that they thought that those whom men call Puritans, were traiterously minded, and bloudy persons. In the most Reverend and Judicious Assembly of this Kingdome, a Member of that Assembly, declared in particulars, how the best men have bin branded with the name of Puritan, (it was where any man might freely have spoken) yet no man contradicted him. If it be given sometime to the best, without question those ordinarily called by that bie-name, are none of the worst; because from likenesse at least divers men have one Name. We will acknowledge hypocrites among them, but because one is such, no man will conclude they must be all so. No man of us almost abhorreth the name of Protestant to be given him, and yet of these, some will lie, others will [Page] steale, and a third sort will do worse. Since this Parliament (perhaps I imagine the time, and reason aright) the Jesuites and Jesuited have invented a strange name for such men, and let fall the reproach of Puritan. They call them by a figurative name, which is ignorantly spoken by most, falsly by all; and as the roundest figure is of the largest capacity, so they have shaped them a name, which larger then Precisian, Brownist, or the like, surroundeth every one, that thinketh it not a just thing to rail against the Parliament, or curse the Fathers of his Country. But I desire not to be called, but to be totus teres at (que) rotundus. So much by the way; to fall upon the busines now.

The King of Spaine offereth Marriage to the Queen.

AT the beginning of the raigne of Qu. Elizabeth, Philip the second of Spaine sought to win her to him by Marriage, not doubting to procure a dispensation for the Incest, but was as wisely answered, as he wickedly and craftily intended, that the Queen could not so soon forget her Sisters death, she knowing it to be a part of discretion to keep in hope so potent an Adversary, if he should be incensed by a denyall (her own Kingdom, by reason of the change of Religion, and the depriving of many Popish Bi [...]hops, which the blinded people had in some esteem, among many other alterations, being of doubtfull affections) till she could better provide for her own security. The Spaniard in the mean time perceived that his suit was not like to succeed; when the thought of uniting England to Spaine by the marriage of Q. Elizabeth, if like her sister Mary she proved not barren, was taken away, he took hold on the next occasion.

The practice of the Guises with the Queen of Scots against ENGLAND.

MAry now Queene of Scots, Daughter and heire apparant unto James the fift, and Wife unto Francis Dauphine of France, Daughter of Mary of Loraine, who was Sister unto the Duke of Guise. She, after the death of Qu. Mary of England, being incouraged thereunto by the Guises her Uncles, usurpeth the Armes of England, uniting them to the Armes of Scotland, on her plate, in the windowes of her house, and on her servants coats, declaring her selfe thereby Queen [Page] of England. Her meaning was well understood, and this (it is very probable) in the fourth yeare of Qu. Elizabeth, made Arthur Poole and his Brethren, descended of George Duke of Clarence, Brother to Edward the fourth, and Anthony Fortescue their Brother in law, with their confederates, to conspire secretly to fly unto the Guises in France, and thence, and with their help, to come with an Army into Wales, and ther to proclaime the Queen of Scots Queen of England, and Arthur Poole Duke of Clarence. God was pleased in a very good time to discover this Plot. For had they gone thither, and discovered their intents, it had (if God had not powerfully opposed it) not only animated the Guises to have seconded them, and furnished them with men and mony, but having returned into Wales, they would have gathered great forces to augment their numbers, and put the Queen to the incomparable trouble and danger of a civill warre. Beside all this, she had at this time on every side enemies abroad, the French King, the King of Spaine, the Guisian and Popish faction in Scotland. The loyall people of Scotland were so unable to helpe her, that they stood in need of her helpe. The Low-Countries were under Spanish tyranny, and a convenient place from whence to annoy this Kingdome. The Conspiratours confessed that they did not intend to put in practise this thing, during the life of our Queen; for indeed they were made beleeve by predictions of Popish Astrologians, that Qu. Elizabeth could not live above one yeare. The good Queen notwithstanding pardoned their lives, after sentence of death upon them, from their own confession.

And how zealously the Guises endeavouted to invade England, may appeare by the inclination of Sebastian Martigius sent into Scotland, by the counsell of the Guises (for about those times their alone counsels were principally followed) with Horse and Foot, to assist in the civill warre of Scotland, who could hardly be restrained from invading England presently, and first of all, presuming (no question) on the ayde of Papists in England, from intelligence held with them here. For otherwise what could a 1000. Horse, and not very many Foot do in respect of conquering all England? Now was the Queen of Scots in France, and although the Regency of Scotland was put into the hands of the Marquesse of Hamilton, yet the power of the Qu. Dowager with her French faction did so increase, and on the other side the authority of the Marquesse Regent so abate, that after the promise [Page] from the French King of 12000. crowns by the yeare, and Duchy of Castle Herald, to which was added the preferment of all the Marquesses chiefe kindred, the Marquesse resigned his place into the hands of Mary of Loraigne Qu. Dowager; a thing for a woman to be Regent in Scotland, but once before known. She had made many promises unto the Scots of the freedome of exercising the Protestant Religion, but being now setled in the Regency, she discovered her mind wholly bent to alter Religion. She told her friends in plain tearmes, that though the Ministers whom she named should preach more honestly, or (as she called it) more sincerely then they had done, yet they should all be banished. She expressed at the death of a young-man, whom she seemed to bewaile, being slain, for that his father had not rather excused him, being a stout defender of the reformed Religion, that she was cruelly minded toward the Professours thereof. Easter also was commanded to be celebrated after the Romish custome. For these and divers other overtures of her, Messengers were sent unto her, to desire her to be good to the Protestants, and to remember the many promises she had made unto them to that end. But all in vaine. She told the Earle of Glencarne, and Sir John Cambell, who were sent unto her; that performance of promises was to be expected from Princes, no farther then stood with their profit. Upon this they told one another that they then renounced all obedience and duty toward her. Violence now with art was to be used for effecting her purpose touching Religion.

Hereupon advice was given by Labrosse a French Commander in Scotland, to put to death all the Nobility of Scotland, for that the people being bereaved of their heads, would after be easily brought to undergo any yoake; but that things might appeare with a more pleasing colour, there was a shew, as if the Queen had laboured, and would endeavour to convince her adversaries in Religion by no other way but by arguments. Into Scotland were sent 3. Sorbon Doctours with the Bishop of Amiens. But with what safety might any man dispute with them, when he that did so was in the midst of his armed enemies, and there was greatest feare of violence from the disputers themselves. For the Bishop of Amiens counselled the Queen Regent, that if any there were which should be found to dispute against these Romish Decrees, he should be put to death, yea even those who but seemed to be of another mind only, We are not informed [Page] that the Qu. Regent put in practice the fore-going counsels, perhaps the time was not altogether seasonable, nor doe we take every single action, which might conduce to the subverting of Religion, to be a conspiracy: but we may well esteem by the Queens words, the Counsellours and Commanders intents and purposes, the placing of such a Regent, all this to be a continued conspiracy, to strangle in the birth the Church of Scotland, having yet scarcely taken breath in the world. Not long after the Qu. Regent dyeth, and although it will perhaps be said, there was no discovery of any conspiracy which was in acting (as to put to death all the Nobility, or all that would dare dispute against the Bishop or Doctors, could be no easie taske to goe about; the latter, because the death of their last Martyr Walter Mille did seem so grievous unto them, and if any more should suffer, how would such a thing be taken by French-men, people of another Nation?) It may be objected from the above named arguments, that there wanted no endeavour. After the death of the Mother, the Daughter returning into Scotland, was married unto Henry Lord Darnley, who being of the same Religion with the Queen, and they both a brothers and sisters children, did strongly maintain Popery against the Protestant Religion. We cannot imagine here that any thing should be contrived against the lives of those Princes by a Popish party to overthrow Religion. For to subvert Religion no way could be found better, then by maintaining in life and honour such Princes as these two were, who professed and maintained Popery; as contrarily to subvert Religion, Laws, Liberties and the like, the best means are thorough the sides of such Kings and Queens as are projectors and maintainers of them. So the holy Scripture declareth by word and example, I will smite the Shepheard and the sheepe shall be scattered. For this Queen was so far from furthering the establishment of Religion, nay from connivence at those who should goe about any such matter, that she professed that she would follow the example of her cousin Qu, Mary of England, which was no other thing then maintaining in her dominions the Pope and Popery, and punishing the contrary minded as Hereticks. It will not be thought (I suppose) that either the Papists at home in Scotland, or those in France, or els where, would go about to take away the lives of such Princes, whose lives secured their Religion. For what was attempted against the life (and most unhappily succeeded,) of the King, was not any way to [Page] subvert Popery; because the deed was committed, and the plot chiefly layed by Papists. It rather was undertaken against the life of this Prince, by some, to make way for their own family to inherit the Crowne of Scotland, by others, to get the Kingdome, and admit any Religion. But those which look farther into matters judge this act to be committed against a Professour of the Romish Religion, that he being taken out of the way, another might succeed, which had greater power and friends to bring to passe, what K. Henry the Queens husband, had a mind, but not power enough to do. And that made those which were no enemies to the King in point of Religion, not dislike the Treason for the ends sake. I cannot be of their minds altogether, who judge that of the Queen of Scots, being now in restraint in England, not long before married to Earle Bothuile, and presently to desire a divorce from him, and to require that he should be summoned within the space of a very few days, to return into the Kingdom, to make answer and defence to the Queens suit of divorce, to have proceeded from the changing fancy of the Queen, not so much from conscience. For it was as well known before her departure into England, as after, that Earle Bothuile had a wife living when he married the Queen; in so much that at the publishing of the banes of their Matrimony, one stood up in the Church and forbad them. It was generally thought that it was, that a way might be open for the Duke of Norfolk, who then made suit unto her. He indeed was such a man, as being of great wealth, mighty in friends, and singular abilities of mind, could better bring about what was desired; then a man of no great riches at any time, but was now in extreme poverty and disgrace in the Dominions of the King of Denmark, and notoriously infamous for his crimes in Scotland.

The Rebellion of the Earles of Northumberland and Westmerland.

AT this time the King of Spaine wrote unto the Duke of Norfolk, to joyn with the Earles of Northumberland and Westmerland, to raise a Rebellion in England, and to the Earle of Ormond to do the like in Ireland. These Letters were shewen unto Qu. Elizabeth by the Duke and the Earle; that from hence at least might appeare their loyalty.

Neverthelesse, whether by the advice of the Bishop of Rosse, who lay as Ambassadour at London for the Queen of Scots, and one Rodolf a Florentine, going in the appearance of a Merchant factor, or purposing of himselfe, whatsoever he might pretend, he privately sought to marry [Page] the Q. of Scots (she being next heir to the Crown of England) contrary to his promise made unto his Soveraign Q. Elizabeth. The Q. of Scots and the Duke participate of one anothers mind, by Letters written in hidden characters. Neither was this a matter only supposed; but the Dukes Secretary, one Higford, who was commanded by the Duke to burne such Letters as came from the Qu. of Scots, but did it not, and hid them under a mat in his chamber, and being under examination, he caused them to be produced. This was when the two Earles of Northumberland and Westmerland had secretly complotted to raise Armes, and not long after the Dukes apprehension, they fell into open Rebellion. One of the Letters which was shewen at the Dukes arraignment was to this purpose. That the Qu. was sorry that the said Earles of Northumberland and Westmerland were in Armes, before the Dukes forces were ready. This was undertaken after that Pope Pius quintus had in Bulls from Rome printed, and sent to Ridolf, absolved Q. Elizabeths Subjects from their allegiance. The Pope perswaded the Spaniard to assist the conspiratours, that his affairs in the Netherlands might prosper the better: and the French did the like, that the Qu. of England might be lesse able to send aid to the Protestants in France. Northumberland and Westmerland having thus taken Armes, supplies and monies failing, withdrew themselves into Scotland, Norfolk was thrown into prison. Ridolf being in custody, for whom the Pope had appointed 150000. crowns to help the conspirators, was for want of cleare proofe dismissed. Ridolf being got out of prison, afterward distributeth the 150000, crowns to the partners in the Treason. He being with the Pope, is sent by him to the Spaniard, to presse him to give assistance to the King of Portugall also for the same purpose. He wrote also to the Duke of Norfolk▪ promising to send him aid. The Popes letter to the Spaniard was, that he should send an Army out of the Low-countries to invade England. And this very thing the Spaniard endeavoured.

There was now a difference betwixt Q. Elizabeth and the Spaniard, about mony sent by him to the Duke of Alva, but was intercepted by the Queen, and that was one pretence that the Spaniard had for his dealing against our Queen and Kingdome. But the Duke of Norfolk was put to death. Nor is this the Relation of an English Protestant, but of a Papist (a good part whereof had not bin knowne but for him) one Hieronimus Calena. The Book was printed at Rome, by the priviledge of Pius quintus, 1588. The Earles of Northumberland and Westmerland, [Page] seduced by one Morton a Priest, and at Duresme set up the Masse, thence they marched to Clifford-moore, where hearing that the Queen of Scots was removed to Coventry, that the Earle of Sussex was sent with strong forces against them, and that Sir George Bowes was behind them, and had fortified Bernards Castle, that Scroupe and Cumberland had fortified Carliel, and had also an Army in readines, that the souldiers of Barwick and the power of Northumberland were in New-castle, besieged Bernards Castle, and took it on conditions. Then for feare of the Earle of Sussex they fled to Hexam, thence by bie-wayes to Naworth Castle, from that place into Scotland, and from thence was Northumberland sent, and here beheaded, Westmerland escaped into the Netherlands, where with a poor pension under the Spaniard, he lived poorly all his days.

Dacres his endeavour to deliver the Scots Queen.

IN the Yeare 1569. Leonard Dacres, second son of William Lord Dacres of Gillesland, being grieved to see a very great patrimony go from him to the daughters of the Baron, whom the Duke of Norfolke their Father in law had joyned in marriage with his sons, grew revengefull, and joyning with the Rebels, endeavored to deliver the Queen of Scots; yet a little before being at the Court, promised to assist the Queen his Soveraign against the Rebels, but treacherously he undertook to kill the L. Scroup and Bishop of Carleil, to whose custody the Scottish Queen was committed, but he failing in the performance, took Grastock Castle, holding it as his own, and gathered Souldiers. The L. Hunsdon met him with the trained Souldiers of Barwick, and after a sharpe conflict overcommeth him, and Dacres fled into Scotland, from thence into the Netherlands, where at Lovaine he lived and dyed poorly.

Fitz-Morris raiseth Rebellion in Ireland.

IN this Yeare Edmund and Peter Butler, brethren to the Earle of Ormond, joyning with James Fitz-Morris, of the house of Desmond, entred into a conspiracy against Qu. Elizabeth; and to further it, came Joannes Mendoza secretly out of Spaine. The Earle of Ormond going into Ireland, caused them to submit; they were imprisoned, and for their brother the Earles sake, not brought to tryall. The Lord Deputy, and Sir Humphrey Gilbert (through Gods assistance) appeased that [Page] rebellion. It is cleare enough that this rebellion in Ireland, arose from the Spaniard as the first mover, for to this end he sent Mendoza into Ireland, and had not long before written to the Earle, brother to the two Rebels, to raise a rebellion in Ireland.

Stanleys Conspiracy.

IN the Yeare 1570. under a colour of delivering the Queen of Scots, Thomas Stanley and Edward, younger sons of the Earle of Darby, Thomas Jerard Rolston, Hall, with others in Darby-shiere, conspired; but the son of Rolston which was pensioner to the Queen, disclosed the conspiracy. All but Hall were impisoned. Hall escaped into the Isle of Man, thence by the commendation of the Bish. of Rosse, he was sent into Dunbretan; whence (the Castle being won) he was brought to London and suffered death.

Dissimulation of Don John of Austria.

IN the Yeare 1576. Don John of Austria comming into the Low-Countries as Governour▪ sent Gastellus to Qu. Elizabeth, pretending a perpetuall Edict for peace. The Queen as if ignorant of any bad intent, sent Rogers to congratulate Don Johns Edict; yet she knew that Don John had conceived a certain hope of marrying the Qu. of Scots, and of enjoying Scotland and England, intending to invade the Isle of Man, that from thence he might out of Ireland, the north of England and Scotland also (where he knew were many Papists) invade England. This man to help forward this great designe, practised secretly with the Pope and with the King of Spain, for the Havens of Biscay But the King of Spain neglected him in this desire, accounting England and Scotland, a morsell fitter for his own palate.

During this treaty of perpetuall peace, this treacherous Don treateth secretly with the Scotish Queen about the marriage: and the better to work his own ends, took divers Towns and Castles in the Low-countries by treachery, and wrote into Spain, that for the invasion of the Netherlands, it would be best to seize on first the Towns of Zealand, before the more inland places; and that England might with the more ease be first invaded. The Queen in the mean while prepareth for war; but God cut off this her enemy very sodainly, before the fruits of his high thoughts were ripe.

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Stucleys designe against Ireland.

NOt long before this time in Ireland, Thomas Stucley a prodigall, riotous and needy English-man, discontented for that he lost the Stewardship of Wexford, breathes out contumelies against the Queen, and betaketh himselfe to the Pope, with whom he treateth, and b [...]asteth that he will subdue Ireland with 3000. men, and burne the Queens Navy. Pope Pius quintus, had a great opinion of him. After him Gregory the 13. and the King of Spaine, consulted together to invade England and Ireland at once. The Pope aymed to get for his Son James Boncompayno, the Kingdome of Ireland, and the Spaniard chiefly to imitate the course of Qu. Elizabeth (who to keep the Spaniard busie abroad, secretly sent ayd to the Dutch) that he might with-draw her help from the Low-countries. But because the strength of England consisteth chiefly in the Navy, the King of Spaine setteth the Merchants of Italy, and the Netherlands a worke, to hire the Merchants ships of England, and so to send them away in very long voyages, that the ships being from home, and Stucley joyning with the Rebels of Ireland, the Queens Navy might be over-thrown by a greater. The Pope gave him very great Titles in Ireland, and sent under his command 800. Italians, the Spaniard paying the souldiers. Stucley then went to Sebastian King of Portugall, to intreat him to be chiefe Conductor, but was perswaded by the said King, and the King by Abdallas son Mahomet, to go first unto the African warr, where both King Sebastian and himself lost their lives. And thus God overthrew their wicked counsels for that time.

Fitz-Morris his second attempt against Ireland.

ANno Domini 1579. James Fitz-Morris formerly having fled into France, being pardoned for a former Rebellion in Ireland, goeth now to the Spaniard, and is by him sent unto the Pope, to consult with him about his request, which was to reduce that Kingdome by force of Arms unto Popery. The Pope, at the earnest suit of Nicolas Sanders an English, and Alan an Irish Priest, gave Fitz-Morris some mony to that intent, and sendeth him back to the Spaniard, from whence with his Priests, 3. ships and a few Souldiers, he arrived at Smerwick in Kerry in Ireland, and raiseth a Fort there. Thomas Courtney an English-man, presently surpriseth the ships. John and James, brethren [Page] to the Earle of Desmond, joyn themselves to Fitz-Morris who was their Kinsman. The Earle of Desmond (although he pretended the contrary) favored them, drew forces together, and by this pretence of Desmond, caused the [...]arle of Clanrickard who came to oppose them, to withdraw himselfe. Fitz-Morris seeing few Irish come to his aid, under pretence of going in pilgrimage to the holy crosse of Tipp [...]rary, went toward Conaught and Ʋlster, to draw forces together: whose horses being tired, he took some horses from the Plough of William a Burgh his kinsman, and being pursued by the sons of William a Burgh, Fitz-Morris perceiving that, told his cousin Theobald a Burgh, that it was no time now to fall out about horses, but to joyne with him in the businesse of rebellion, for which he was come into Ireland. These brethren had bin in a former rebellion, but now declared unto Fitz-Morris their sorrow for it, yet now fighting with Fitz-Morris to recover the horses, both the brethren, and some others were slain. Sir William Drury was then Lord Deputy, who sent for the Earle of Desmond, who made a promise by his wife to the Deputy, that he and his men would fight against the Rebels. He dissembled long; but after that Malbey had defeated John his brothers forces, and had sent for Desmond to come unto him about Rekel a Town of Desmond, he plainly discovered his rebellion.

That night the Rebels set upon Malbeys Tents, but were disappointed. Afterward Desmond was sent for (to come in person) by the Lord Deputy Pelham, who succeeded the deceased Sir William Drury; but excuseth himselfe by a letter sent by his wife. The Earle of Ormond was sent unto him, that he should deliver Sanders the Priest, the Castles of Carigofoile and Asketton, and to submit himself absolutely. The prosecuting of him was committed to the Earle of Ormond, who ruined Conilo, the Rebels only refuge; he hanged the Bayliffe of Youghall at his doore, for refusing to take an English garrison into the Town, besieged the Spaniards in S [...]rangicall, but they withdrew themselves, and after were all killed; and so hard he pressed Desmond and his brethren, that madly they intreated the chiefe Justice to take their parts. Afterward the Justice sent for the Nobility of Munster to come to him, and would not dismisse then, till they had given pledges that they would assist against the Rebels. They made the Baron of Lixenaw yeeld himself, took Carigofoil Castle, killed and hanged all the Spaniards in it, and the Captain also an Italian.

San Josephus with 700. Spaniards sent into Ireland.

THe next Yeare, 1580. 700. Spaniards and Italians came to divert the Qu. Forces, rather then to conquer Ireland; they landed at Smerwick, [Page] under the command of San Josephus an Italian, they fortified it and called it Fort Delor; but being followed by the Earle of Ormond, they withdrew thence into a valley called Glammingel. Some prisoners of them were taken, who confest they were 700, and that Armes were brought for 5000, and that more were expected from Spain; that to conquer Ireland, the Spaniard and Pope had resolved, and therefore sent into the hands of Sanders, Desmond and his brother John, a vast sum of mony. That night the Spaniards and Italians returned to their Fort, which so soon as Ordnance could be brought, and Winter was returned with the Ships of war from England, was on every side besieged, and after 5 days taken. The common Souldiers Italians and Spaniards, were put to the sword, the Irish hanged: only the Captains of the former were preserved. Three years after, Desmond wandering like a vagabond, had his arme almost cut-off by a common Souldier, before he was known, and after was slain. Nicolas Sanders was almost famished in the Woods, and died stark mad. This yeare 1580. Priests and Seminaries much increasing in England, severe Laws were enacted against them. These were for the most part bred in the English Colledge of Doway, founded (by the procurement of Alan, somtimes a student in Oxford, afterward Priest and Cardinall) in the year 1568. Afterward under Requesenius government in the Low-countries, when the wars were betwixt England and Spain, the sugitives were thrust from thence, and 2. Colledges erected for them, one at Rhemos, the other at Rome, the first by the Guises, the 2d by Gregory the 13. From these places rose in England, Hanse, Nelson, Main, Sherward Priests, who reported Q Elizabeth to be an Heretick, and so ought to be deposed, for which they suffred. In the aforesaid yeare 1580. Robert Parsons, a man of a turbulent spirit and impudent, Campian a more modest man, both Jesuites; they to serve the Catholicks turns, obtained of Pope Gregory an interpretation of Pius his Bull against Q Elizabeth, that it bound the Q. and Hereticks always, but not Catholicks, till a convenient season. Campian wrote a Book intituled 10 Reasons in defence of Rome. M. Chark answered him soberly. Parsons wrote against Chark virulently: but Camp. 10 Reasons were thorowly answered by D. Whitaker.

Campian and others condemned.

EDmund Campian, Ralfe Sherwin, Luke Kirby, Alexander Briant, were taken in the year 1581; as Traitors to the Q. and State, and condemned for comming into England to stir up sedition. Still more and more Priests came into England, and for their dangerous doctrin, that Princes excommunicate were to be thrown out of their Kingdomes; that Princes of any other then the Roman Religion had lost their Kingly dignity; that those who had taken [Page] orders were freed from Princes jurisdiction, and not bound by their Laws, it was enacted 1582. that it should be treason to disswade any Subject from his allegiance, and from the Religion established in England, &c.

Somerviles attempt to kill the Queen.

AN: Dom: 1583. divers Priests and Jesuites wrote dangerous books against Q. Eliz. and certain other Princes excommunicated: which prevailed so far, that one Somervil a Gentleman, breathing out nothing but bloud against the Protestants, secretly sought entrance into the Queens presence, with a drawn sword set upon one or two in his way; and being apprehended, confessed that he purposed to have killed the Queen. Ed. Arden his father in law, a Gentleman of Warwick-shiere, and Arderns wife, and their daughter Somervils wife, and Hall a Priest, were condemned as guilty of Somervils practise. After 3 days Somervile was found strangled in prison (for fear of revealing it, as was thought) where he lay, and Ardern was hanged the next day.

Mendoza the Spanish Ambassadour thrust out of England.

IN 1584. some English Gentlemen began to practise the delivery of the Qu. of Scots, Francis Throgmorton was suspected by letters written to the Qu. of Scots, and intercepted. Presently Thomas Lord Paget, and Charles Arundell a Courtier, left the Land secretly. Henry Earle of Northumberland, and Philip Earle of Arundel were commanded to their houses. And there was great cause of circumspection; for the Papists by printed Books, incited the Maids of Honour to do that against the Qu. that Judith did against Holofernes. Yet was the Queens mercy such, that she caused 70. Priests to be sent out of England. The chief of them were Gasper Heywood, who of all the Jesuites first came into England, James Bosgrave, John Hart, and Edward Rishton, who presently after wrote a book against the Queen. At this time Bernardinus Mendoza the Spanish Ambassadour, was thrust out of England, for practising Treason against the State. He having dealt with Throgmorton and others, to bring in strangers to invade the Land, as appeared by Throgmortons action, who being apprehended, sent one of his packets to Mendoza: his other packets being searched, there was found a catalogue of all the Havens in England, fit to land in, and another of all the Noblemen in England, which favoured the Romish Religion. And he did not deny that he had promised his help to Mendoza, and the help of those Nobles it was fit he should deale with.

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A Popish practise against Qu. Elizabeth discovered, not without a miracle, by Creightons torne Papers, a Scottish Jesuite.

Q [...]een Elizabeth, that rare Paragon of her Sex, aud that fairly flourishing Flower, which Traitors (though oft attempted) could never nip, nor crop up, being a Princesse, both prudent, pious and pittifull; seeking (therefore) a faire opportunity and sutable meanes to set the Queen of Scots (at those times tainted with some treasonable practises against her Crown and Person) at liberty; and for that purpose sent Sr. William Wade (who was then returned out of Spain) to confer with her of the meanes therunto. And the good Queen was about to send Sr. Walter Mildmay to bring this ayme of hers to further issue. But some terrours and feares in the interim brake-out between them, which disturbed that intention; especially by a notable discovery by certain papers, which one Creighton a Jesuite sailing into Scotland did then teare in peeces when he was apprehended in the Ship by Dutch-Pirates at Sea, whose person being by them ceasedon, he tooke forth his papers (wherin it [...]eems the project of a traiterous plot against Qu. Elizabeth at that time, was described) tore them into small peeces, and with all his force threw them into the Sea. But see how the Lords good providence ordered it; as they slew in the ayre, the winde blew stifly, by force wherof they were all blowne back again into the ship, even in a miraculous manner, as the Jesuite himself confessed, when he saw it. Which papers were all kept and gathered together, sent to England to Sr. William Wade aforesaid, and with much labour and singular skill, so joyned and set together again, that he found they contained a notable new plot (among many other) of the Popes, the Spaniards and the Guises resolution to invade England. Wherupon, and by reason of many other rumors of dangers intended against the Queen and whole Kingdome of England, a great number of all sorts of men (out of common charity and to shew their love and affectionate care of the welfare of the Queen and State) bound themselves by an association (as then it was called) by mutuall promises and subscriptions of hands and seales to prosecute all such (by all their force and might, even unto death) that should attempt any thing against the life of the Queen, or welfare of the Kingdome. Now the Queen of Scots tooke this as a thing devised to bring her into danger, and she also was so continually set upon by seditious spirits, who if they may but have accesse are able to draw the greatest Princes to destruction. And what have bin their practises from time to time, but to bring great personages and greatest Families to ruine. Lamentable experience shews openly the fruit of their malice [Page] and mischievous plots of treason, which they impiously and audaciously call and count nothing els, but advancing of their Catholike cause. Now the Scots-Queen (led on by her blind guides) dealt most importunely with the Pope and Spaniard, by Sir Francis Englefield, that by all meanes they would with speed undertake their intended businesse, namely, the invasion of our Realme. For the advancing wherof, the Pope and Spaniard had resolved on these points.

1. That Qu. Elizabeth should be deprived of her Kingdom.

2. That the King of Scots, a manifest favourer of heresie, should utterly be dis-inherited of the Kingdom of England.

3. That the Scots-Queen should marry some noble man of England that was a Catholike.

4. That this man must be chosen King of England by the Catholikes of England.

5. That this choice so made must be confirmed by the Pope.

6. That the children of him, so chosen, begotten of the Scots-Queen must be declared Successours in the Kingdom.

All these things were confirmed to be true by the testimony of one Hart a Priest. Who was that noble English-man that should marry the Scots-Queen was much enquired after by Sir Francis Walsingham with all diligence, but not certainly found out; yet there was strong suspition of Henry Howard brother to the Duke of Norfolke, who was noble by birth, unmarried, and a fast favourer of that Religion, and in great grace and favour with them. All these things were discovered by this Creighton the Jesuites torn Papers, as afore-said. And all this their plotting and contriving of France, Spaine and the Pope against Queene Elizabeth and King James, for no other cause, but for their Religion, which they had now fairely begun to establish among their people.

Parry executed for Treason.

IN the yeare 1585. William Parry a Welch-man and Doctor of Law, spake against that Law, which in the Parliament then held, was exhibited, and called it a bloudy Law. Presently after he was accused of practising the Queens death. He confessed voluntarily in the Tower, that having obtained the Queens pardon for breaking into the chamber and wounding one Hare (for which he was condemned) he being a sworne servant to the Queen. From England he went into France, and was reconciled. Afterward at Venice, in consultation with Benedict Palmeus, he told him that he had found out a way to help the afflicted Catholikes in England: if the Pope or some [Page] learned Divines would approve it as lawfull. The Jesuite Palmius approved it: Next in France, one Morgan drew him to consent to murder the Queen if it should prove lawfull. This act the Popes Nuntio Ragazonius commended. Parry afterward having accesse to the Queen, shewed her all, and not long after Cardinall Com [...] his letter approving the enterprise. Now he taketh a new resolution to perform it, encouraged specially by D. Alins Book, teaching that Princes excommunicate are to be spoiled of their Kingdoms and lives. These with many other things, Parry confessed before the Lord Hunsdon, Sr. Christopher Hatton, and Sr. Francis Walsingham. In Westminster Hall the heads of his accusation being read, he confessed himself guilty. He died in the Palace-yard before Westminster Hall, not once calling on the name of God. At this time also Henry Earle of Northumb: for entring into traiterous counsels with Paget and the Guises, to invade England, was east into the Tower, where he was found dead, being shot with 3. bullets under his left pap, the chamber door bolted in the inside. A pistoll was found in his chamber, and himself the author of his own death. Thus from time to time the most noble Families of England, have bin seduced and ruined by the false and bewitching counsels of Jesuits and Seminaries.

Savages attempt to kill the Queen.

NOw againe there was a most abominable treason conspired and voluntarily confessed by the conspirators. One Gifford a Doctor in Divinity, Gilbert Gifford, and Hodgeson Priests, perswaded one John Savage a bloody fellow to undertake to kill Queen Elizabeth: To hide their mischievous intents more cunningly from the Queens Counsell, who were very carefull to fore-see all danger, they wrote a Book, in which they advise the Papists in England, not to goe about to hurt the Queen. For they were to use no other weapons against their Prince, then the Christian weapons of Teares, Fasting, Prayers and the like; and most cunningly also these Foxes spread a rumour, that George Gifford, one of the Queens Pensioners had sworne to kill the Queen, and for that cause had gotten from the Guises a very great summe of Mony. The Easter following John Ballard an English Priest of the Colledge of Rhemes, was come into England, who had bin trying the minds of Papists in England and Scotland. He had dealt with Mendoza the Spanish Ambassador in France, Charles Paget and others for the invasion of England. And although it seemed to be a very hard work, yet he had sworne to use his utmost endeavour in it, and also for the liberty of the Queen of Scots. At Whitsuntide, in a Souldiers habit, and [Page] under the name of Captain Fortescue, he had a conference in London with Anthony Babington, a young Gentleman of Darby-shiere, Romishly affected, who not long before in France, had conference with Thomas Morgan and the Bishop of Glasco, the Scotch Queens Ambassadour. He was drawn by them, shewing him most assured hopes of honour from her, to addict himselfe to them; and by their meanes had favourable letters from her. Ballard and Babington conferred together concerning the invasion of England; but it was not deemed a thing could be done, Queen Elizabeth being alive. Then Ballard informed Babington, that Savage had undertooke to kill her. Babingtons advice was, that it should not be committed to Savage alone, least perhaps he might be hindered, but to six resolute men, of which number Savage should be one. Vpon this Babington took into his consideration the Ports, in which the invaders should land the confederates, that should joyne in the act of murdering Q. Elizabeth, and delivering the Scots-Queen. In the mean time a letter was brought from the imprisoned Queen to Babington in a secret character, blaming Babingtons long silence; but he excused it, because she was under the custody of Sr. Amice Paulet a severe keeper, declared unto her, that which Ballard and he had resolved before, and that himself with one hundred more would deliver her. The purpose by her letters unto Babington was commended: and it was advised that it should be undertaken considerately, and nothing should be moved before they were sure of externall forces; that they should make an association, as if they feared the Puritans, that some tumults might be raised in Ireland, while the thing should be done here; That Arundell and his brethren, and Northumb: should be drawn to the side; Westm [...]rland, Paget and others called home. The way to deliver the Scots-Queen, was appointed, to overthrow a Coach in the gate, or set the Stables on fire, or intercept her as she rode to take the aire, betwixt Char [...]ly and Stafford▪ Babington undertook for rewards to all that should give their help. He had gotten unto him Edward Windsor, the Lord Windsores brother, Thomas Salisbury, Charles Tinley the Queens Pensioner, Chidioc Tichburne, Edward Abingdon., whose father was the Queens Cofferer, Robert Gage, Iohn Travers, Iohn Charnick, Iohn Iones, Savage, Barnwell an Irish Gent. Henry Dun, Clark of the first fruits Office; and one Polly also joyned himselfe, who was thought to reveale all to Sir Francis Walsingham. Abingdon, Barnwell, Charnick and Savage, took an Oath to kill her with their own hands. Babington enjoyned that whosoever was admitted into the conspiracy, should take the Oath of secrecy. They were so confident of the successe, that they did not feare to cause the undertakers of the Treason to be pictured together, which picture being seen of the Queen, she knew only [Page] Barnwell, and seeing him a good way off, she blamed the neglect of guarding her person. This fellow afterward gave it out, that if the conspirators had bin present, the deed might easily have bin done. That the aid from France might not be wanting, leave was obtained for Ballard to passe over thither for mony, under a false name, and Babington was to follow; who, that he might the more cunningly work his ends, pretended to Sir Francis Walsingham, that he had a desire to goe into France, to discover what the fugitives plotted for the delivery of the Scots-Queen. Walsingham seemed very much to like the matter, and to commend Babingtons resolution, but upon pretences, delayed his going. This was knowne to Walsingham, either out of a singular fa [...]ulty he had to find out Treasons, or els by the means of Gilbert Gifford a Priest, who was sent out of France to incourage Savage in his wicked resolution, and that letters might safely be transmitted by him to the Q. of Scots. Gifford corrupted with mony, or for feare, revealed the plot to Walsingham, and promised to communicate unto him, all his letters. Walsingham kindly used him, sent him into Stafford-shiere to Sir Amice Paulet, in a letter perswading Sir Amice, to suffer some of his servants to be corrupted by him. Gifford for some gold prevailed with Sir Amice his Brewer, who conveyed the letters to and from Gifford, which by messengers for that end appointed, came ever to the hands of Sir Francis Walsingham, who coppied out the letters, and by the art of Thomas Philips found out the character, and by the help of one Gregory sealed them up, that none could suspect them opened, and then sent the letters as they were directed. The Queen hereupon commanded Ballard to be apprehended, which was done. Babington advised presently to send Savage and Charnike to kill the Queen. Babington intreateth leave of Walsingham to goe into France, and sueth for Ballards liberty, who would be of use to him for discovery, and to avoid suspition. Sir Francis keepeth him back with delayes, and draweth him to his own house. Skidmore Sir Francis servant, was commanded to observe him strictly, and to goe with him, pretending, least he should be taken with Messengers. This letter being read (for the command was written) by Skidmore, was perceived and read also by Babington sitting by him, who supping with Sr. Francis man in a Tavern, pretending to rise to go pay the reckoning, left his Cloake and Rap [...]er, and fled. Then Barnwell, Gage, Dun, Charnoke being in the mean time proclaimed Traitors, fled into the Woods, and after were concealed, fed and cloathed in rusticall habit, by one Bellamy at Harrow on the hill. After 10 dayes they were found and brought to London. Salisbury was taken in Stafford-shiere and Traverse also, Jones in Wales, not privy to the conspiracy, but he concealed them, and furnished Salisbury and his man with a changed Cloake. [Page] Windsor was not found, Gilford was sent into France as an Exile and there dyed.

Sept: 13. 7 of the conspirators being brought to Judgment, confest themselves guilty, and were condemned of Treason; other 7. the next day pleaded not guilty, but were guilty and condemned. Polly though guilty, yet for confessing somthing to Sr. Fran. Walsingham, was not brought to Judgement; on the 20. the first 7. were hanged and quartered in S. Giles Fields, where they used to meet.

The French Ambassadors plot to kill the Queen.

IN the Yeare 1587. Obespineus the French Ambassadour of the Guifian faction, conferred with William Stafford to kill Q. Elizabeth, Stafford refused it, but commended one Moody in prison, Trappius Secretary to the said Ambassador, in the absence of Stafford conferred with Moody about the deed, Moody proposed poyson or a bag of Gun-powder, Trappius disliked it, and wished rather for such a man as the Burgundian, which killed the Prince of Orenge; this thing Stafford revealed to the Counsell, Trappius was apprehended going into France, and afterward the Ambassador, Moody, Stafford, Trappius, all accused the Ambassador before the Lords, who sent for the Ambassador. Stafford beginning to speak, was interrupted by the Ambassador, saying that Stafford first proposed it to him, who if he did not desist, threatned to send him bound hand and foot to the Queen; Stafford upon his knees with great protestations affirmed, that the Ambassador first moved it, the Ambassadour was admonished to take heed of such crimes, and dismist by Burley, insinuating unto him, that it was more the Queens clemency, then that his office claimed any such favour.

The Spanish Armado.

IN the yeare 1588. was set cut by the King of Spaine for the conquest of England, the invincible (as they call'd it) Navy, for this purpose the Duke of Parma had an Army in Flanders of one hundred and three Companies of Foot, and three thousand Horse, amongst which were seven hundred English fugitives, the Bull of Pius quintus, for excommunicating Qu. Elizabeth is renewed by Sixtus quintus, and a plenary Indulgence granted to all which would joyn against England. The Queen prepared a Navy also, and makes the L. Charles Howard Admirall, and sends him into the West, to joyn with Sr Fra. Drake Vice-Admirall, Henry Seimour, second son to the Duke of Somerset with 40. Ships English and Dutch, is appointed [Page] to stop Parma's comming forth; upon the Land Southward, were placed 20000 men, another Army of 22000 Foot and a 1000 horse at Tilbury under Leicester; another Army guarded the person of the Queen, consisting of 34000 Foot, and 2000. Horse under Henry L. Hunsdon. The counsell of war, decreed that all places commodious to land i [...], should be strengthened with Men and Ammunition, which places should be defended with the trained Bands in the Maritine Countries, to hinder the Enemies landing, if he should land, then they should waste the Country round about, that he might find no more relief then he brought, and that they should keep him in continuall Alarums. To secure the Qu. at home from Papists, some were committed to Wishitch Castle. There was in the mean time a Treaty of Peace from the Spaniards, even till the Fleet was almost come to the English-coast. The Spa [...]ish Fleet consisted of 130 Ships, 19290 Souldiers, Marriners 83 [...]0, chained Rowers, 2080. Great Ordnance 26 [...]0. they loosed out of the River of Tagus, 3. Ships by the help of David Guin an English servant, and the Turkish Rowers, were carried into France, the rest of this mighty Fleet, was by Gods help overthrown and dispersed, with 8. fire Ships, made to cut their Cables weigh their Anchors, and fly confusedly, and the Admiral [...] Gallyasse was taken; when they began again to gather together, they were battered and torne, divers of them perishing in the Sea: so a Navy 3. years in preparing, was overthrowne in a Month, many of their men being slain and drowned, divers of their Ships sunck and taken (not 100 English-men lost, and but one Ship) driven about Scotland, Orchades and Ireland, much impaired, and returned with shame, Gods Name be honoured.

Lopez his undertaking to poyson the Queene.

IN the Yeare 1593. one Stephen Ferrera de Ga [...]a, which came with Don Antonio, the ex [...]used K. of Portugall into England, and afterwards sought to be reconciled to the K. of Spaine, being of inward familiarity with one Roger Lopez a Portugues▪ the Queens Physitian, prevailed with him to promise to poyson Q Elizabeth. Ferrera writ [...]th to Ibarra the K. of Spains Secretary at wars, about the promise of Lep [...]z, and his requiring for the undertaking 50000. Crowns. Ferrera promised him, that there [...]hould one come in the ha [...]it of a Marri [...]er to him, who should bring him the value of 50000. Crowns in R [...]bies and Diamonds, this was Lopez own confession, who added also, that it could not be but that the King of Spaine was acquainted with the matter, for the mony was to c [...]me from the King of Spain [...], he further confessed, that Stephen Ferrera told him, that if he would offer to the Count Fuentes this great service to poyson her Majesty, he should want no [Page] mony, and hereupon he was content that Ferrera should write to the Count Fuentes, or Secretarry Ibarra, to assure them that the Doctor would undertake to poyson her: this secret was discovered by letters which were intercepted, (for all letters to any Portugues, and every Portugues comming from beyond Sea, was to be staied) superscribed to Diego Hernandes, from Francis Torres; Diego Hernandes, Ferrera confessed to be himselfe; Francis Torres was one Manoel Lowys, who had served the King of Portugall, but remained now at Bruxels, about Count Fuentes, the letter was very mysticall, and pretended merchandise, as that the Merchants on the other side, did commend his wares, &c. assuring him of good returne, &c. and therefore desired him to continue there some time. They commended the Jewell he sent, and reported how the Amber and Musk was highly esteemed, and spake of broad Cloath, Scarlet, threads of Pearle, Dyamond, &c. which letter was confessed to be in Answer to that was written by Lopez, to take away the Queenes life; more letters there were to the foresaid purpose from Secretary Ibarra to Stephen Ferrera, and from the Count Fuentes at Bruxells. Stephen Ferrera told Peter Ferrera his Keeper, that himselfe and Lopez had written into Spaine, and made offer to give the Q [...]. poyson.

Squires Practice to poyson the Queenes Saddle.

ANno Dom: 1596. one Edward Squire, sometimes a Scrivener at Grenewich, afterwards a deputy Purveyer for the Queens Stable, in S. Francis Drakes last voyage, was taken prisoner and carried into Spaine, and being set at liberty, one Walpole a Jesuite grew acquainted with him, and got him into the Inquisition, whence he returned a resolved Papist, he perswaded Squire to undertake to poyson the Pummell of the Queenes Saddle, and to make him constant, made Squire receive the Sacrament upon it, he then gave him the poyson, shewing that he should take it in a double bladder, and should prick the bladder full of hoales in the upper part when he should use it, (carrying it within a thick glove fo [...] the safety of his hand) should after turne it downward, pressing the bladder upon the Pummell of the Queenes Saddle. This Squire confest. Squire is now in Spaine, and for his safer dispatch into England, it was devised, that two Spanish prisoners taken at Cales, should be exchanged for Squire and one Rowles, that it might not be thought that Squire came over but as a redeemed captive. The Munday sevennight after Squire returned into England, he understanding the Horses were in preparing for the Queenes riding abroad, laid his hand, and crushed the poyson upon the Pummell of the Queenes Saddle, saying, God save the Qu., the Qu. rode abroad, and as it should seem laid not her hand upon the place, or els received no hurt (through Gods goodnesse) by touching [Page] it, Walpole counting of it as of a thing done, imparted it to some principall fugitives there, but being disappointed of his hope, supposing Squire to have bene false; to be revenged on him, sent one hither (who should pretend to have stolne from thence) with letters, wherein the plot of Squire was contained, this letter was pretended to be stolne out of one of their Studies, Squire being apprehended confessed all without any rigor, but after denied that he put it in execution, although he acknowledged he consented to it in the Plot, at length he confessed the putting it in execution also.

Earle of Tyrones Rebellion.

ANno Dom: 1597. Hugh a Bastard made Earle of Tyrone by Q. Eliz: pardoned also by her for a murder, and usurping the Title of Oneale, set on by the Spaniard, with whom he had lived a fugitive, assaulted the Fort of Blackwater, and at that very time when he wrote to S. John Norris the English Generall, that he might be dealt mildly withall, least he should run on the rocks of rebellion, wrote also to Kildare to side with him, the Qu: desiring to spare shedding of blood, agreed unto a conference with him by her Commissioners, the Rebell not liking the conditions proposed by the Commissioners, departed and spoiled the Country about Blackwater, and plucked down the Town of Dunganon. The Country wasted, and no victuall to be had, Tyrone presented to the Generall a Petition, craving pardon upon his knees, at the foote of the Qu: picture; and in the mean time dealt for aide out of Spaine, the K. of Spaine promised him aide, requiring him to admit of no Articles of peace with the English, hereupon (though there was a cessation of Armes) he burneth and spoileth the Country, then he put on againe his old habit of dissimulation and sues for pardon, presently by shufling or neglect, Conaught and Ʋlster revolted, then he fell to rebellion againe, and about the Blackwater overthrew 1500. English, then the Earle of Essex comming Generall into Ireland, he cleared Munster, thence went into Lemster against the O Conors and O Neales, whom he vanquished, he sent thence S. Conyers Clifford against Ororke, himselfe going another way, to distract the Forces of Tyrone, but S. Conyers was staine, and his Forces defeated, Tyrone comming neare to the Generall, he declared, he desired not to fight but parley of peace, which was denyed, afterward he obteyned conference with the L. Generall, and then another conference, where it was concluded, that next day Commissioners should meet to treat of peace, then was the L. Generall sent for into England, after whose departure Tyrone takes the Field againe, in the time of cessation of Armes, the Spaniard sent him some Money and Ammunition, the Popes Indulgences, [Page] and a Plume of Peacock-Feathers.

Anno 1600. The L. Mountioy came into Ireland, as Lieutenant Generall, and in divers small skirmishes beat the Rebels. The Spaniard to further the Rebellion, sent Don John de Aquila with 2000. old trained Souldiers, with some Irish fugitives, who landed at Kingsale. There were also at that same time, 2000. Spaniards more arrived at Been-haven, Ballimore and Castle-haven. The L. Deputy encamped neare Kingsale, S. Richard Levison with two of the Queenes Ships blockt up the Haven: and on both sides the Town was battered. Then S. Richard Levison sunke five of their Ships. To these Spaniards, Odonel betook himselfe, and presently after Tyrone, Orork, Raymund, Burk, Mac Mabon, Randal, Mac Surly, and Tirrell, with the chiefe of the Nobility, in all 6000. Foote, and 500. Horse, Tyrone on a hill not far from the Camp, made a bravado two dayes together, as if he would give the English Battaile. The L. Deputy at the foote of the hill, chose a convenient plot to fight with him, but Tyrone soundeth a retreat, whom the L. Generall followed, and forced to make a stand in midst of a bogge: where by the E. of Clanrikard, their Horse were routed, and defeated. Alonso O Campo one of the Spanish Generalls, and six Ensign-bearers, were taken prisoners, and the Ensignes taken by the English, and 1200. Spaniards slaine. Tyrone was forced to fly into Ʋlster, Odonel fled into Spaine, the rest hid themselves. The L. Generall returned to Kingsale to batter it, in 6. dayes space, the enemy attempted nothing against him. Then Don John offereth conditions of surrendring the Town; which propounded, the L. Generall (the English being wearied out with a Winters siege) agreeth with the Spaniard on certaine Articles, and taketh possession of the Town, and sendeth away all the Spaniards, as well as those in this Town, into Spaine. The next Spring the Generall pursueth Tyrone into Ʋlster, and spoileth the Country; upon which the Rebels make haste to come in unto the Deputy, and Tyrone beggeth pardon upon his knees. From Dublin Tyrone should have bin carried into England, but the Queens death hindered that, and K. James pardoned him. Afterward he entred into another conspiracy with Ocane, but being sent for with a Processe, to answer a suite which the Bishop of Derry had against him, and fearing he had bin sent for for his conspiracy, he fled out of Ireland.

Garnet, Catesby and others, labour to invade England.

IN the last Yeare of Queen Elizabeth, there was a plot layed against her by Garnet. Catesby and others, that the Spaniard should joyne with the Papists here, in the Invasion of England. Winter was sent into Spaine [Page] for that purpose, and Creswell the leger Jesuite in Spaine, Don Pedro Francisco, second Secretary of State, and the Duke of Lerma, assured Winter, that this Mess [...]ge would be very acceptable to the K. of Spaine. Then had Winter an Answer by Count Miranda, that the K. would bestow 100000. Crownes toward the expedition, and at the next Spring at farthest, would set his foote in England, Winter returneth, and acquainteth Garnet, Catesby and Tresham with all, and they others; but before the next Spring the Queen died.

The Gun-powder-Treason.

AT the Queens death, Christopher Wright was sent into Spaine, and Guy Fawkes also from Bruxels by S. William Stanley, to advertise them there, that K. James was as violent against the Catholicks, as Q Elizabeth, and therfore urged the Spaniard to prosecute the old designe. The Jesuites privately suggested that they should not admit him into England, as being an heretick, Catesby held, that the K. being an heretick, forfeiteth his Kingdome before any sentence pronounced. The Parl: was dissolved the 7th. of July, which the K. held, and prorogued till the 7•h. of February. Catesby at Lambeth broke with Winter about blowing up the Parliament House. Winter told him that it strooke at the roote, but what and if it should not take effect? Catesby won Winter to consent, but first (said he) goe over and winne the Constable, to obteyne more favour for Catholicks; and if you may bring over with you some consident Gentlemen, as M. Fawkes. Winter went, met with the Constable at Bergin, and delivered his Message. The Constable answered, that his Master commanded him to doe all good offices for the Catholicks; but he shewed the Constable nothing of the matter. Fawkes and Winter came both into England. This plot of blowing up the Parliament House, after an Oath of secrecy, and the Sacrament received upon it, Catesby disclosed it to Percy, and Winter, and Wright to Fawkes. Percy hired the House, Fawkes was pretended to be Percies man, and Names himselfe Johnson, and kept the keyes of the House till the adjournment of the Parliament: at which time all the conspirators departed into the Country. A House was hired at Lambeth by Percy, to keep the Powder and Wood for the mine, to which it was to be conveyed. When the plot had taken effect, what should they doe? Percy, with two or three of them, with a dozen more, would seize on the Duke, and carry him away. The Lady Elizabeth was to be surprized at a hunting neare the L. Harringtons. They would save from the Parliament, first Catholicks, then some particular persons. While they wrought in the mine, they fed on baked meates, that they might not goe forth. At Candlemas the Powder is brought over, [Page] about which time working in the mine, they came against astenewall; when hearing a rushing noise of Coales, they feared they were di [...] covered; But it was only the moving of Coales to be sould, which Cellar Fawkes hired, 20. Barrells of Powder they had provided, which they hid with Billets and Fagots. Fawkes went into Flanders to acquaint therewith Stanley and Owen, Stanley was not there; Owen approved it. Percy and Catesby met at the Bathe; and it was agreed, that Catesby should call in whom he thought best, the number being small. He called in Sir Everard Digby, and afterward M. Tresham. The Parliament was anew prorogued till the 5. of November. Then the conspirators all went into the Country, and returned 10. dayes before the Parliament, and hearing that the Prince would be absent from the Parliament, said they would then seize on the Prince, and let alone the Duke. Saturday before the Kings returne (which was on Thursday) a letter in the street was delivered to the L. Mount [...]a [...]les man, to put into his Masters hand: It had neither date nor superscription, and by the Lord was that night sent to the Earle of Salisbury, who made acquainted with it the Lord Chamberlaine, the Lord Admirall, the Earle of Worcester and Northampton▪ The Letter was this.

My Lord,

OƲt of the love I beare to some of your friends, I have a care of your preservation, Therefore I would advi [...]e you, as you tender your life, to devise some excuse to shift off your attendance at this Parliament. For God and Man have concurred to punish the wick [...]d [...]sse of this time. And think not slightly of this advertisement, but retire your selfe into your Country, where you may expect the event in safety: for though there be no appearance of any storme, yet I say, they shall receive at [...]rible blow this Parliament, and yet they shall not see who hurt them. This counsell is not to be contemned, because it may doe you good, and can doe you no harme: for the danger is past so soone as you shall have burned this [...]etter. And I hope God will give you the grace to make good use of it; to whose holy protection I commend you.

I [...] [...]llowing the King read it, who considering the sentence therein expressed (that they should receive a terrible blow this Parliament, and yet should [...] know who hurt them) and j [...]yning it to the sent [...]nce (for the danger is [...] so soon as you shall have burn'd this Letter) did suspect the danger mentioned, to be some sodaine danger of blowing up with Powder. Afterward it was determined the Lord Chamberlaine should view both above and beneath the Parliament Houses. Which the L. Chamberlaine having done, found in a Vault under the upper House, great store of [Page] Billets, faggots and Coales, and casting his eye aside, a fellow standing by, which called himselfe Percy's man, that had hired the Cellar. The K. supposing that Gunpowder might be hid under that Wood and Coales, caused a further search to be made. Whereupon Sir Thomas Knevet went about the Parliament House with a small number, to search more narrowly, the mid-night next after, where he found Fawkes standing without doores, booted and spurd, and apprehended him; then in search under the Wood and Coales, 36. Barrells of Gunpowder, and about the Traitor three Matches, and other Instruments fit for that wicked purpose were found, which wicked intent of blowing up the House, he instantly confessed; affirming, that if he had bin in the House, he would not have failed to blow up both himselfe and them. In this mine wrought Catesby, Robert Winter, Esquires. Thomas Percy, Thomas Winter, John Wright, Christ: Wright, Guido Fawkes, Gentlemen, and Bates, Catesbyes man. Sir Everard Digby, Ambrose Rookewood, Francis Tresham, Esquires, John Grant, Gent: and Robert Keys, were made acquainted with the plot, but wrought not in the mine. After Fawkes apprehension, the Traytors poast away, and pretending Religion they would fight for, gathered in open Rebellion all they could, which number never exceeded 80. They wandered thorough Warwick-sheire, to Worcester-sheire, and thence to the borders of Stafford-sheire, and having gotten themselves into a House, they obstinately refused to yeeld to the Sheriffe, but (through Gods providence) a lesse quantity of Powder then 2. pounds, taking fire, did so mangle some, disable others, that having begged pardon on their knees for their crime, of God, they desperately exposed themselves to the peoples fury, 3. of the chiefe joyned back to back, and two of them were killed with one shot, Catesby & Percy, Winter was taken alive. So all of them were killed, beaten or taken.

The conspiracy of Sir Griffin Markham and others.

ANno Dom: 1603. George Brooke, Sir Griffin Markham, Watson and Clerk Priests, entred into a conspiracy against K. James (it was said) to surprise Prince Henry, to keep the King and Prince in the Tower, or to carry them to Dover Castle, and there to obteine their own pardons, a toleration for Religion, and Removall of some Councellors. Divers beside these were accused, and condemned; but Brooke confessed he did it, but by a Commission from the King, to try the; faithfullnesse of the Kings Subjects; but he could produce no such Commission. Sir Griffin Markham confessed that he intended forraine Invasion and Alteration of Religion, but not to destroy the King, as was in the inditement. Watson and Clerk, confessed they drew the Gentlemen into the plot, houlding the King for no King till he was Crowned. Of them all only Watson, Clerk and Brook suffered death.

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The Massacre and Treason in Ireland, extracted out of the Irish Remonstrance, and Irelands Teares.

VPon the 23 day of October, 1641. a most prodigious and nefarious viper gnawing the bowels of its native-parent Ireland, burst out of the womb therof, & visibly appeared most epidemically destructive to that whole State and Kingdome. It had lien long (as some of the Rebels reported) undiscovered, but was all that while hatching by many hot and high-built hopes, both by fortaine and domestick encouragements. The accursed Midwives of this bastard-birth were Popish-Priests, Pryers and Jesuites, together with other fire-brands and incendiaries of that State and Kingdom. Their hideous and hellish hopes were mightily supported and corroborated by strong assistance from Spaine, France and Flanders, together with deeply engaged assurance of full correspondency in England, and an equivalent party in Scotland, besides their great encouragements by Popish Buls from Rome, authorizing the speedy and immediate Surrender of all such places of strength as they had beleagured, promising free pardon of all sins whatsoever before hand committed by any of them, tending to the advancement of this great work, thundring (or rather roaring) out excommunications against any that should refuse so to joyn with them therin, terming themselves the Catholike Army, and the ground of their work (as all their abominable and bloody plots are) the Catholike-cause. Their desperate and most divellish resolution was therin not to leave a drop of English blood in Ireland, and so consequently not the least sparke or glimpse of the Gospell and pure Protestant Religion, giving out in words and designing in their hearts, that the Tower of London, the Castle of Edenborough and the Castle of Dublia were to be surpized by their Faction in all these places all upon one day. In all which time (this therefore might the more easily have bin done, especially in Ireland) there was not the least feare or suspition of treachery; yet there were (a little before the day of this bloudy-birth) secretly gathered together about 400 Irish Papists, elected out of most parts of Ireland, desperate and damnably bloudy minded persons, designed for this horrid and hellish attempt, who had all privately convayed and sheltered themselves in severall places of the City and Suburbs of Dublin, waiting and expecting the time and watch-word, when to give the on-set. In this plot all the Popish Nobility and men of quality in Ireland were interessed, and it was professed by that most impious and barbarous Arch-Rebell Sr. Philim O Neal, that what he and they did was by the consent of the Parliament in Ireland. Yea some of them have bin so impiously audacious, as to professe and perswade others of their accursed confederates to believe [Page] that they had regall authority for it, and were so bold as to term themselvs the Queens Army.

And for the more strongly prosecution of this their most exorbitant villany, the Conspirators and Traitors entred into a most accursed Covenant (just as our Popish-Pouder-Traitors did in their damnable designe) and bound themselves by an oath of Confederation and Secrecy, Reily a prime Popish-Priest and others (like his father the Devill) compassing the Earth farre and neer to draw into their conspiracy such as had not before bin therwith acquainted, as also to satisfie all scruples (if any arose in any of their minds) about the lawfullnesse of their actions, just as Garnet that old Romish Jesuiticall [...]ox did with his Pouder-conspirators, 1605. And wheras they falsly have masked this their most inhumane Treason and Rebellion under the Kings name, pretending his authority and all they did or doe in obedience to his Majesty, and tender respect to his Royall Prerogative; yet it hath bin by some others of them prof [...]ssed that they intended to have a King of their own, yea that they had one already, some saying Tyrone was he, others Sir Philim O Neal, who hath bin audaciously and traiterously honoured with the stile of his Majesty, and that they will (with the assistance of Spain and France) set footing in England (having completed their own devillish Irish-work) and after that in Scotland, where all things being setled to their desires, the whole forces of Ireland in way of retribution and acknowledgement of gratitude was intended (as hath bin confessed) for the King of Spain against the Hollanders. Such mighty and invincible Conquerours had they made themselves in their owne conceipts and most bold and bloudy imaginations. Unto which their horrible disloyalty and unparalleld treachery and Rebellion, they added most execrable expressions of unheard of hatred and inhumane barbarity to the Subjects of the English-Nation; Banishment or perpetuall slavery were the greatest favours that would have bin afforded them, their generall profession being for a generall extirpation, even to the last and least drop of English-blood from among them. Yea and that which transcends all former extents of rage and unpattern'd wrath and malig [...]ity, not so much as an English beast, or any of that breed was to be left alive in that whole Kingdom. And as the hearts and tongues of these most base and abhominable Traitors and Rebels, were boundlesly and extremely cruell in intention and profession: So it pleased the Lord for the sins of his people there, to permit power unto these barbarous Rebels to act with their hands the most accursed and profane perpetrations that ever Christian eyes beheld or eares have heard of, both for impiety against God and his holy Gospell, and almost unexpressible inhumanity toward the [Page] true Professours therof among them, blaspheming our God, stripping his Servants starke naked, and then bidding them goe to their God to be cloathed againe; breaking into Churches, burning Pulpits, with extream hatred to our Religion, and exceedingly tryumphing in all their impieties. Dragging some Professours of the Gospell by the haire of their heads through the Streets into the Churches, and there stripping and whipping them, and with most cruell and taunting termes abusing them, telling them if they came to morrow they should heare the like Sermon. Yea so excessively impious was their hatred to the Gospell of Christ, that they tooke the sacred bookes of the holy Scriptures and cast them into kennels and puddles of dirt and mire, treading them under-foot and leaping and skipping on them and (ò horrid impiety) causing a bagg-pipe to play all the while, and bidding a plague upon them, saying they were the cause of all quarrels, and burning some, and saying it was hell-fire that was then flaming, and wishing they had all the Bibles in Christendome that they might use them so.

And as for the most inhumane and more than Scythian cruelties of these Irish Canibals, and most barbarous blood-sucking Tygres, of whom we may most properly say, as Jacob did of his bloody sons Simeon and Levi in their massacre of the Shechemites, Gen. 49. 7. Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce, & their wrath for it was cruell. Yea certainly more cruell than ever any eye did see or ear did heare, yea, I say, past the most exquisite historicall expressions of any ancient or modern Relations; witnes their stripping starknaked, men, women and children, even children s [...]cking their poore mothers brests, whereby multitudes of all sorts, ages and Sexes in the extremitie of that cold season of frost and snow, have most lamentably perished; women being dragg'd up and downe naked; women in child-bed drawne out thence and cast into prison; one delivered of a child, while she was hanging; one ripped up (horresco referens) and two children taken out of her, and all cast unto and eaten up by Swine. One stab'd in the brest her child sucking. An infant cruelly murthered, whom they found sucking his dead mother, slain by them the day before. A child of 14 years of age taken from his mother, in her sight cast into a Bog-pit and held under water while he was drowned. Together with many other yet more horrid, hideous and more than savage or beast-like barbarities, too terrible for me any farther to relate, but may be more fully found in that most lamentable Remonstrance of this Irish-Rebellion, and all there proved by testimonies on Oath, wherunto I referr the Reader. Which makes me call to mind that old observation, proverbially spoken of Ireland, which is, [Page] That no poysonous Serpent will live on Irish-ground; which how true in the historicall meaning, I know not; but now I am sure 'tis most false in the mysticall meaning of it; for here it seems that Satans Serpentine seed, a brood of most poysonous native-Serpents, Adders and Snakes of villany and cruelty doe live, yea and thrive there also; but I trust, but for a season, for certainly, the Lord, the most righteous Judge of all men, and severe revenger of all wrongs, will not suffer such horrible impieties and unpattern'd cruelties to goe unpunished, but will undoubtedly r [...]inate such a pestilent generation of Romish Vipers and Babilonish blood suckers as these are, which he hath already most blessedly begun. First, by his most gracious and timely discovery of their main plot, the taking of the City of Dublin, which was indeed the Master-peice of their intended Epidemicall mischief, but prevented (I say) by the Lords great mercy and good providence, in a most strange manner, by a native Irish Gentleman, one M. Owen Mack-Connell, once Servant to that pious and most worthy Gentleman Sir John Clotworthy, and this also by a most remarkable way and worke of the Lords speciall providence, as is more particularly and punctually related in the preamble of Irelands Tears, to which I referre the Reader. And secondly by the Lords most glorious and victorious over-powring the out-ragious power and petalancy of those barbarous miscreants now in open Rebellion by the hands of a very small remnant of poore Protestants there among them, who (by reason of the most unhappy distractions and unnaturall civill-discords raised up among us in England by the Popish Faction also, and their Pontifician abettors) cannot be by us so sufficiently supplyed with men and arms, as is fit and much desired; therfore, I say, the Lord of Hoasts abhorring and abominating such atrocious and hell-fomented blasphemies, murthers and mercilesse cruelties, makes his just indignation and wrath to pros [...]cute and pursue them at the heeles, giving those small and inconsiderable companies such admirable and even almost miraculous victories over them, as most evidently declare the hand of the Lord to be against them, and his gracious purpose utterly to supplant and exterminate such devillishly desperate and intolerably barbarous and bloody Rebels and Traitors, the lively lims and lineaments of that bloody Strumpet of Rome.

The most bloody Massacre at Paris, Anno 1572. extracted out of the French History, truly and briefly related.

ANd now (good Reader) give me leave a little to seeme to digresse (not so much from the matter, as) from the persons and places at first propounded, and to looke but a little into our neighbour Kingdome of [Page] France, where, I say, I shall only vary from personages, but the subject matter the same with the former, setting forth the bloody plots and conspiracies of the Popish Faction among them also against those of the reformed Protestant Religion in France, and especially in that most butcherly and barbarous Massacre at Paris, where it primarily and chiefly began to be cruelly acted and executed o [...] Gods innocent lam [...]es, marked out to the s [...]ughter b [...]fore hand. And thus it was in brief.

In the yeares 1571. and 72. Charles the ninth, then K. of France, the said K. the then Duke of Gul [...]se and others of the Romish Faction, bearing a most inveterate hatred (which was craftily concealed) against those of the Religion, and in especiall against the then most renowned Admirall of France, whose Piety, Prudence and Prowesse was such and in so high esteem of all both friends and fo [...]s also, that whiles he subsisted and survived, the Popi [...]h-party ( [...]augre their malice) could doe nothing, to any purpose, to the prej [...]dice of the cause of the Religion. At last a plot was laid most craftily and cruelly, under pretence of a marriage between the Prince of Navarr, a no [...]le and pious Prince of the Religion, and the Kings Sister, by which snare to bring the said Prince, the Admirall and the rest of the heads of the Religion to the Count and City of Paris, that so these heads being first smitten-off, the inferiour members therof might the more easily be destroyed. Under this colour, I say, the King invites the Admirall to the Court at Paris, pretends a faire correspondence and agreement of all matters in d [...]ff [...]rence 'twixt his Maje [...]ty and those of the Religion, especially himselfe and the Admirall, and a reconcilement also betweene this noble Admirall and the Duke of Guise. In which interim, one Lignerolles a French Gentleman was openly slain in the Court, for discovering some secrets concerning this plot against those of the Religion, and the Cardinall of Chasti [...]on (then in England and ready to depart thence for France) brother to the Admirall of France, was p [...]ysoned by one of his Chamberlaines and dyed therof, to the great griefe of all his friends and servants.

The most noble and religious Admirall on the Kings invitation comes to Paris, was (with extraordinary fair shows of love and regall respect) most welcomely entertained, both he and divers others of the Religion that came with him. The fore-s [...]id marraige was not long after solemnized in Paris with great pretences of joy and content on all sides expressed, in most samptuous and liberall feasts and banquets; Maskes and da [...]ces (the sweet innocent Princes, little dreaming of such a dance to be now a leading by the King, Queen-mother and Duke of Guise, with the rest of their Romish bloody faction, as stain'd, nay steep'd all their dainties in streames of [Page] their hearts blood) in so much as 'twas admired to see such a seeming friendly mixture of those of the Religion with the Romish Catholiks, just like so many lambs among so many greedy wolvs. Now whiles every one imployed himself in such like mirth & jollity, divers that were sent for by the K., Q-Mother & Du. of Guise, that so they might be sure to be the stronger party, speedily arrived in Paris; the Catastrophe of all that follows having bin made not long before among them, the Dukes of Guise and An [...]on being the principall actors openly seen in this wicked work, who resolved not to let the Admirall depart out of Paris, but there to dispatch him and all such as should indeavour to defend him▪ Now it so fell out that one morning the Admirall comming out of the Lonure, and going to dine at his lodging, being on foot, and (without least suspition of any villanie to be attempted against him) as he was reading a Petition, one shot at him with a harquebush, the bullet wherof tooke away the fore-finger of his right-hand and hurt him in the left-arme, the villaine that shot escaped by flight, a horse standing ready to post him away after he had done the dead. The noble Admirall being therupon brought to his lodging, shewed most singular Piety, Constancy and Patience under his Surgeons hands, was visited by divers Lords and Gentlemen of the Religion, the K of Navarr (now the K. of France his brother in law) and the Prince of Conde. The French K. also, though a maine plotter in the work, craftily complained to these Princes of the mischiefe thus happened, protesting his sorrow, and swearing revenge and severe execution of Justice on the offendor, whosoever he were.

The K. himself also went to visit the Admirall, making many serious and deep protestations of his high esteem of his loyalty and fidelity to his Person and Crowne alwayes, and that he held and esteemed him a most discreet and valiant Commander in Arms, and that therfore he much respected him, with many such like French complements. Immediately after the Kings departure the K. of Navarr and the Prince of Conde, were certainly, but very secretly enformed of the intended massacre on all of the Religion, and advised as speedily as they could to get away out of Paris, and to be assured that that blow given to the Admirall, was but the beginning of the Tragedy; but alas good Princes, they so much con [...]ided on the Kings vows & promises, that they rejected this advise and counsel, & staied ther still. About Saturday evening being the 23. of Ang. 1572. certain Protestant Gen. offered themselves to watch that night with the good Admirall, but Teligny his [...]on in law would not suffer them, but dismissed them with many thanks, little suspecting (still) any approaching or precipitating danger on his father. Night being come on, the Duke of Guises Lieut. in this action, which now [Page] at this present was to be declared to the Duke of Anjon, sent for all the Captains of the Switzers and companies of Strangers (which still increased) into the Town; shewing them his Commissions to kill the Admir▪ and all his partakers, exhorting them to be couragious in shedding of blood and making spoyle of them, and appointed their Troops to be placed where he thought meete [...]. About midnight it was informed to all the Popish Assemblies in the Town, that the like to this massacre should be done to all of the Religion throughout the whole Realme, and that the watch-word of the generall massacre should be the great bell of the Pallace, which should be rung at the break of day, and the badge of the Executioners should be a white Handkerchief tyed upon their sleeves, and a white cr [...]ss [...] in their hats. The Duke of Guise with his bloudy minded associates had charge to begin at the Admirals lodgings. The mighty noyse of armour and running up and down with very many lighted torches, soon after mid-night, made many of those of the Religion that were lodged neare the Admirall, to come out of their lodgings and to goe into the street to enquire of their acquaintances, what this no [...]se ment at such an undue houre, but being anxiously answered, they went on still toward the Lonure, where the Duke of Guise and his bloudy Comendes were attending the deed, where those innocent Lambs of the Religion were fast set upon, and assaulted by the Dukes guard. Then presently they rang S. Germaines bell in the Pallace, wherupon one Cosserias a French-fury, perceiving the Duke of Guise comming with his Troops, knocks at the Admirals gate, between 2 and 3 of the clock in the morning, being Sunday the 24. of August, 1572. La-bonne one of the Admirals attendants opens the gate, and was instantly stab'd by Cosseins; the 2d doore going up the stairs, being soon burst open, they came to the Admirals chamber, where his own guard of Switzers were, one of them was slain with an harquebush. And while Cosseins was jumbling at the chamber-doore, one Cornatan ran up into the chamber, and being asked by the Admirall (who had caused his men to lift him out of his bed, and in his night-gowne, having assisted his Ministers in fervent Prayer, and most humbly commended his soul to his Saviour Christ Jes [...]s) what all this hurly burly meant, Cornatan his servant answered, my Lord, it is God that cals for us, the house is entred by force, and there is no means of resistance. The good Admirall, then, replyed, it is not long since I disposed my self to die, save you your selves, if it be possible, for you cannot save my life, and therfore I commit my soule into the hands and mercy of God. Presently hereupon his attendants begen to shift for themselves and to fly for their lives, and some of them got up into the top of the house, and found a window to issue out of the roof and so into gutters, but most of them were slain [Page] in the next houses; but Cornatan and Merlin a godly Minister, escaped, and were miraculously preserved. The Admirals Chamber-doore being now opened, 70 [...]8 armed men with their Targets entred into it, and one Besmes, servant to the Duke of Guise, with a naked Sword in his hand of [...] ring him the point, wherupon the good Admirall, said unto him▪ Young man, thou oughtest to respect mine age and infirmity, yet shalt thou not shorten my life, with that Besmes thrust his Sword into the Admirals body, and redoubling the blow upon the Admirals head, every one of the rest also gave him a blow, in such sort, that h [...] fell upon the ground and so lay gasping. The Duke o [...] Guise and others, staying below in the Court and hearing the blowes, asked if they had done, and commanded the body to be throwne out of the window, which was presently done, by that vill [...]ine Besmes and his compani [...]s. Now the blowes that he had on his head, and the blood covering his face had so disfigured him, that the Duke of Guise hardly knew him, wherupon stooping downe and wiping his face with his hankerchief, he said, now I know him, it is he indeed, and therwith gave him a kick with his foot on his face being dead, whom all the murtherers of France extremely feared being alive. Which done, he left the Admirals house, accompanied with his most bloudy traine, and began to cry about the Streets; courage, fellow Souldiers, we have made a good beginning, let us now to the rest, for the King commandeth it, repeating these words oft, with great Majesty, for the King commandeth it, it is his pleasure, it is his expresse commandement, just as our Romish and Atheisticall Prelates and Popish-Courtiers doe now a dayes cry out to us, and did ever of latter times, laying all the [...]dium of their impious villanies and crueltie [...] on the Kings Majesty, saying still 'twas his pleasure it should be so. Now presently thereupon the Pallace Clock-strooke, and then a noyse was heard all about the streets of Paris, saying that the Hugo [...]ets (for so the Romish Catholiques terme the true Protestants in France) were in armes (they being all, alas, in their beds, farre from any such thoughts) and me [...]t to kill the King (just as our powder-Traitors intended, had their plot taken [...]ff [...]ct, to have slandered the Puritans in England, to have bin the Authours of that hellish-Treason) to whom the Admiralls head was carried and presented,See here the holinesse of Rome, and zeal of the Romanists and to the Queen-mother of France, and then imbal [...]ed and sent to Rome to the Pope and Cardinall of Lorraine. The Common-people (like Priest, like people) ran to the Admirals lodging, where they cut-off his hands and his privy members, and drew his body for the space of three dayes about the Towne; which done it was borne to the Gibbet of Monifaucon and there hanged by the feet. The Gentlemen officers of the Chamber, Governours, Tutours and houshold Servants of [Page] the King of Navarr, the French Kings brother in law, lately married to his sister, and of the Prince of Conde, were driven out of their Chambers where they slept in the Lonure, and forced into the Court, were there massacred in the Kings owne presence. The like was done to the Lords and Gentlemen that lay round about the Admiralls lodgings, and then throughout the Towne, in such sort that the number slain that Sunday at night and the 2 next dayes ensuing, within the Towne or City of Paris and the Suburbs thereof, was esteemed to be above 10000 persons, Lords, Gentlemen, Pages, Servants, Justices of all sorts, Schollars, Lawyers, Physitians, Merchants, Artificers, Women, Maids, and Boyes, not sparing little children in their Cradles, no nor in their Mothers bellies. The Courtiers of the Kings guard and strangers that massacred these Gentlemen, said, that in one day, by weapons and disorder they had ended those processes, which pen, paper, sentences of Justice nor open warre could not find the means to do or execute in 12 years space. And thus these most honourable Protestant Lords and Gentlemen, falsly accused and slandered of conspiracies and practises against the King, being starke naked, thinking only upon their rest, scarce awakened out of their sleepe, utterly unarmed, in the hands of infinite, cruell, crafty and most treacherous enemies, not having so much leasure as to breath, were barbaronsly slain, some in their beds, others on the roofes of houses, and in whatsoever other places, where they might be found. It would be too tedious to recite at large the names and surnames of all the honorable personages of divers qualities that were then slain and butchered, it sufficeth that their names are written in heaven, and that their death (though shamefull and despicable in the sight and presence of men of this world) is precious in the sight of the Lords most holy Majesty.

Now let the tender hearted Christian Reader, but consider and ponder in his heart, how strange and horrible a thing it might be in a great Town or City, to see at the least 60000 men with Pistols, Pikes, Courtlasses, Ponyards, Knives and other such bloody instruments, run swearing and blaspheming the sacred Majesty of God throughout the streets, and into mens houses, where most cruelly they massacred all whomsoever of the Religion they met, without regard of estate, condition, sex or age, the streets paved with bodies cut and hewed in peeces, the gates and entries of houses, Palaces and publike places died with bloud. A horrible plague of shoutings and howlings of the murtherers mixed with continuall blows of Pistols and Calivers, together with the pittifull cryes of those that were murthered, the bodies cast out at windowes upon the stones, drawne [Page] through the dirt with strange noyse and whistlings, the breaking open of doors and windows with bils, stones and other furious instruments, the spoyling and plundering of houses, Carts carrying away the spoyles and dead bodies, which were throwne into the river of Soame, all red with blood, which ran in great streams through the Town, and from the Kings Pallace into the said river.

As for the King of Navarr himself, and the Prince of Conde, they were called into the Kings presence, who must himselfe speak with them, who with his own mouth certified them, what had thus past all this while, adding that he had saved their lives only upon condition that they should renounce their Religion, and follow his; otherwise that they must look for the like punishment that their Adherents had and should receive. The King of Navarr besought the King to remember his promise of alliance newly contracted, and not to constraine him in his Religion. The Prince of Conde also more fervently answered, that the King had given his faith unto him and to all those of the Religion, with so solemn a Protestation and Vow,Mark here the vowes of Romish Princes. that he could not be perswaded that his Majesty would falsifie such an authentick oath, and that thereupon he had thus farre yeelded to his Majesties demands, and faithfully performed what he had required of him on this assurance. But as touching the Religion, whereof the King had granted him the free exercise, and God the true knowledge, to whom he was to make an account therin, for this his Religion, he said, he was fully resolved to remaine most constant therin, and which he would alwayes maintain to be true, although it were with the losse of his life. This answer of the Prince, set the King into such a choller that he began to call him rebell, seditious and son of a sedit [...]ous person, with horrible threatnings to cause them to loose their heads, if within 3 dayes they tooke not better counsell: and indeed these threatnings, and other crafty carriages in this way, so wrought on both these Princes, at last, that they forsooke their Faith and first Love, and turned to Romish abhominations.

Now the King perceiving that this massacre of Paris would not quench the fire, but rather kindle it the more, fearing least those of the Religion in his other Provinces and Townes might assemble and unite themselves together, and so give them new worke; he with the speedy advise of his Counsellours, sent two Messengers with two severall Messages, the one to the Governours and seditious Catholikes of his remoter Townes, wherein were many of the Religion, with expresse command to massacre them; the other containing certaine [Page] Letters to the Governours of Provinces, by which he pretended this Massacre to be perpetrated by the Duke of Guise, and the Admirall to be murthered on a particular and private quarrell twixt them two, and that the Kings honest meaning and intention was utterly against these things, and seriously to maintaine his former Edict of a generall Pacification; and therfore that his care and vigilancy had ceased it the same day it began; and yet (as my Authour recordeth in his History) on the Tewsday following, being the 26. of the same August, the King accompanied with his Brethren and the chiefest of his Court, went to his Court of Parliament, and there publickly declared in expresse tearms, that whatsoever had hapned in Paris, was done, not only by his consent, but also by his commandement, and of his own motion. And as for his other former mentioned Message and Letter to other Townes and Provinces, for the massacring of those of the Religion among them also; his bloudy command herein was immediately put in execution at Lyons and many other places, where the poore Protestants were murthered and massacred in most hideous and horrible manner, by those mercilesse and inhumane Butchers of bloody Rome, who knockt down the innocent Christians among them, as so many doggs, cut their throats, mangled their bodies, slash'd off their hands with great sharp knives, as on their knees they held them up to the villains, praying for the sparing of their lives; yea, and were knowne to rip up their bellies and take out their fat from their bowels, and to sell it to their Apothecaries to make medicines. Thus also in those remoter parts from Paris were very many thousands of the Religion murthered, without any difference or distinction either of Sex or Age. And so deeply enraged was the King and his adherents, and so desperately resolved to root out and extirpate the memory of those of the Religion, especially of any note or eminency, that the King having at last got into his custody one Briquemant a noble French Gentleman, of the age of seventy yeares, one that had valiantly imployed himselfe in the Service of the Kings of France, having been found in the House of the Embassadour of England, then resident in France, wherein he had hid himselfe, whiles the greatest fury of the massacre was executed, was by the Kings command put in close prison, together with another vertuous Gentleman Cavagnes Master of the Requests, both which Gentlemen bare great affection, both unto the Religion, and also unto the renowned Admirall, and were themselves of great esteeme and reputation in France; but the [Page] King having them now fast in hould, threatned to teare them in peeces upon the rack, if they would not write and signe with their hands, that they had conspired with the Admirall to kill the King, his Brethren, the Queene and the King of Navarr. But they having most constantly and justly refused to avouch so horrible a lye against their owne and their godly friends innocencies, were racked and cruelly tormented, and by a most unjust sentence of the Court of Parliament in Paris, they were both declared guilty of Treason and condemned to be hanged upon a gibbet, which was accordingly executed. The Queen-Mother leading the King, her two sonnes and the King of Navarr her brother in law to see the Execution. Her Counsellours thinking that at this last exploit, what they had wickedly projected (namely, the false transferring of the cause of this bloody massacre on a treasonable plot, intended by the Admirall and others of the Religion against the King, as was fore-mentioned) would now be wrought out and effected, if Briquemant in presence of all the people, now at the time of his expected death would aske pardon of the King, withall (to worke it on the more) sending one to him to certifie and assure him that so he might easily save his life, for the King was mercifull, and that he should have pardon, if he would desire it, confessing this fact wherewith hee was charged. But Briquemant answered boldly and with a good courage; that it belonged not unto him, but to the King to aske pardon of God for such an heynous offence: That hee would never aske pardon for a fault, wherein hee had not offended, but knew himselfe to bee most innocent, whereof hee called GOD to witnesse, desiring him to pardon the Kings so great disloyalty and cruelty. Cavagnes also the other noble Gentleman, did the like untill hee dyed. Insomuch that this execution (contrary to the Kings expectation) served to no other end, but more to publish the iniquity of all those cruell homicides, and of all their most pernicious counsels.

[Page]

The treacherous murther of Henry the 3d ▪ King of France, by a Jacobine▪ Monke, Anno 1589. extracted out of the French History.

HEnry the 3d. King of France, making warre against a great association of his Subjects, assembled together in Paris, under the name of the Leaguers, for the advancement of the Catholicks in France, and under the command and conduct of the Duke de Main, and other heads of that League, whose wicked practises and insolencies against those of the Religion, the King much distasted and discountenanced. The King of Navarr also joyning with the King of France in pursuit of the Leaguers, to bring them into better obedience, and therby having chaced the forces of the Leaguers, and put them to the worse, and cooped them up at last within the wals of Paris, and by that meanes brought them into much danger, and distresse and feare of a tot [...]ll overthrow.

Hereupon the Duke de Main and his confederats within Paris, began to sit close in counsell, to advise what was best to be done; and seeing the K so neare them and strong about them, either of necessity, like to urge them to a battell, or els to begirt them so close with a siege, that there would be small or no hope to escape: And considering that by these the Kings late so prosperous progressions in his affaires, their own thereby went much to ruine; Resolved that there was no other meanes left them to stand it out (especially being proclaimed guilty of high-treason against their chief head the K.) than by executing some notable exploit in procuring the death of the K. their Mr. and Soveraigne Lord: Now some certaine weekes before, a young Iacobine Monck, by name Fryer Idques Clement, a man drowned in all wickednesse, having passed through the hands of certaine Confessours, and conferred with some Iesuites and others of that rabble, he was for a kind of promising dexterity in any villany, found meet to strike so great a stroake. Was urged and put forward therin, yea and in the end the D. de Main himself, the sister of the D Montpensicur and others of that Catholick Combination had conference with him in divers places, who requested and encouraged him to persevere in this good determination of his, which they said they knew to arise in him from extraordinary inspirations from above, for the full performance of so renowned a service to the holy Union, the Catholick Church of Rome, and his deare Country, they promised him also Abbot-ships, Bishopricks, and whatsoever els he vvould desire: this wicked fellow thus divellishly documented and stimulated to this desperate deed, remained for certaine dayes, sometime with the Dutches Montpensieur, vvho among the Parisians vvas termed the holy-vvidow, sometimes vvith his Prior, and sometimes vvith the Iesuites. This, Monck, I say, being thus made to drinke in fury and madnesse to the deed, by so many allurements, entertainments promises and protestations of felicity, temporall and eternall, resolved within himself, and seriously promised them all to kill the K. Now in the interim, the Parisians or common-people of the City, vvho thought nothing, nor knew any thing of their cruell practises, began to talke of nothing more, than of yeelding themselves to their K, and had greatly rebated their spleene and choller against their Soveraigne. Which the Duke de Main, together with his complotters perceiving, they caused the most zealous Sorbonists and Iesuites to preach and exhort, that they should yet have patience for 7 or 8 days longer, in which interim, assuring them they should see and perceive some wonderfull matter come to passe, that would make amends for their patient expectation, and produce much good to their holy Union. The Monck being now fully ordered and instructed for the execution of the designed plot, departed from Paris and went toward St Clon. As soon as he was departed the D. de Main caused more then 200 of the principall Citizens and other rich men whom he knew to have friends and credit with the K. party, to be taken prisoners▪ as a gage, to [Page] save his Monck, if after the attempt he were staied or arrested. The Monck being come to S. Clon, and presented to speak with the K., he having fained that he had letters from the president of Harlay and Credence on his part, the K. caused him to be called into his Chamber, vvhere was none with the K, save only the L of Bellegard, chief Gen. of the same, and the Procurator generall, whom he desired to retire a while, the more privately to give eare and audience unto him; the undaunted villain having addressed himselfe vvith a countenance very modest and demure, neare the K. person. The Monck now perceiving himself alone vvith the K. and an oportunity put into his hand to do the deed he mainly came for, confirming his audacious countenance more and more fixedly, drew out of one of his sleeves a paper, which he presented to the K. and out of the other, a sharp knife, with which he violently and suddainly sheathed a thrust within the K. small ribs, the K. being seriously reading the presented paper, but thereupon perceiving himself wounded, pluckt the knife out of the vvound, and therwith struck the Monck above the eye, and thereupon some of his Gentlemen hearing a noyse and much bustling within, came running in most violently, who seeing what vvas done, and moved with vvrath at the indignity of so execrable a fact, could not contain, but forthwith killed the murtherer with their Svvords, who there expired and vvent (like Iudas) to his own place, being canonized and adored for this deed by those of the Romish-League, but detested and abhorred by those that clave to the dignity-royall and party of the Religion. The K. being carried to his bed, the Physitians and Chirurgeons drest his wound, and supposed it had not bin mortall, but the next day, he dyed of it, and left the Crowne of France to his brother, Henry D. of Burbon and K. of Navarr.

The most deplorable and execrable murther of Henry the 4th. K of France, by one Francis Raviliack. Extracted also out of the French History.

HEnry the 4th D of Burbon and K. of Navarr, a Prince of the most famous and glorious memory, that ever France brought forth, yea I say most renowned, loved and feared for his piety and prowesse, and many other most rare and princely virtues, being right Heyre apparent and true Successour to the Crowne of France, after the fore-mentioned murther and untimely death of his brother Henry the 3d yet extremely maligned and desperately opposed from the faire and peaceable possession of the diadem of France, by those most impious assassinates and bloody Tygers of the most falsly pretended holy Union or Catholike Leaguers afore-said, for the very same reason, for which they so inveterately hated and conspired against his deceased brother, viz his publikely declared good-will and affection toward those of the Religion, commonly called by their ignominious name of Hugonets in France, as our true professours of the Gospell in England, were wont to be branded with the contemptuous name of Puritans, and now by a company of base block-heads, most foolishly termed Round-heads. On this main, if not only ground of wrath and dislike this most noble and Heroick Prince, having long time bin (I say) kept out from the just enjoyment of his lawfull inheritance, pestered and perplexed with many and tedious troubles and bloudy battles with his Subjects of France the Leaguers, who were mightily animated therein, and assisted by a strong Spanish Faction among them; but in all these great warres and mountainous disturbances the most renowned and couragious Prince went Master of the field, a most constant conquerour, having as the French History records of him, triumphed over his enemies, in at the least 12 set-battles or pight fields, still unconquerable by the greatest forces and deepest stratagems, that his adversaries were able to bring against him, yet such is the unstable state and wheeling condition of the best and bravest things of this life; that this so renowned and so undaunted Prince (especially having [Page] at the first openly profest the true Religion, and long so continued, yet at last moved and overcome, not only to make an edict of maintaining the two Religions in his Kingdomes, but in his own person to make publike profession of the Romish abomination, and going openly to Masse, to the unspeakable sadding of the hearts of [...]is best Subjects, those of the Religion) this noble Prince, I say, at l [...]st, was permitted to fall into the perfidious power of a base and desp [...]cable villain to destroy him. For, notvvithstanding that they of the Catholick Leaguer and holy-Union (is they entituled themselves) I meane the Romanists had now got such hold of him, in the snares of their Romish Religion [...] yet the Jesuiticall Faction, being very jealous and suspitious of him, and much fearing his revolt from them (as indeed he st [...]ll gave them some causes thereof in the course of his regall government, by his faire carriage and facile grants of many extraordinary priviledges to those of the Religion) they therefore, at last, suborned and inticed one Fran: Raviliack, a French man, borne in Angonlesme, to kill this noble King, dealing vvith him, just as they did vvith that Monck fore-mentioned in the former Relation, promising and protesting mighty remunerations, large revvards and high preferments on the performance of the deed, leading the fellow into a fooles Paradise of high Hopes, they persvvaded him that it vvas a most meritorious vvorke, and so at length fully vvrought him to their vvils therein, seeming to admire his person, already transformed into an angelicall appa [...]ition, so glorious, that they durst hardly behold him for the beauty and lustre that was upon him, now upon this his so vertuous and valerous a resolution. Thus, I say, this execrabl [...] villain and bloody assassinate went forth from them, with a most stony and immarbled heart and brazen fore head to doe this most cruell and accursed deed. And watching his opportunity, upon a Friday, which was the next day after the Coronation of his Qu. this Henry the great (for so we may justly entitle him) being in Paris, about 3 of the clock in that after-noone, and intending to goe to his Arcenall, took his Caroch, and as a Prince who then seemed to live without feare or suspition of any of his people, living in such a faire correspondency, as he then did (but this mixture of Religions being most abominable in the eyes of the Lord) between both Religions, but as he passed on through the City accompanied with very few of his Nobility, or without taking, for his better assurance either Archers or any of his usuall guard, not farre from St. Innocents, this villain following his Majesty, and seeing his Caroch stayed by a Cart, which met and stopped their passage, Ravilliac, taking this opportunity, as having kept close by the Caroch, and the King fitting in the boot therof, he sodainly and desperately assaulted the King with a long and most sharp knife, made of purpose for this wicked use, with which he gave him 2 wounds in the left side, the first was given neare the shoulder, which entred not farr [...], but only razed the skin, the [...]d was mortall, that blow entring betwixt the 5t and 6t rib, cutting a sunder the veine leading to the heart, and this wound was so deep that it reached into the Cava vena, which also was pierced with the point of the knife This most noble and renowned Prince, finding himself wounded to death, lost his speech upon the instant, by reason of the abundance of bloud, which issued out of his mouth, therefore they turned the Caroch toward the Lonure (the villain Raviliac, being first laid hold on and kept in safe custody) where he was no sooner arrived, but he rendred his soule into the hands of Almighty God, the great Creatour and just disposer of all things. Thus this great and invincible Prince, whom neither so many nor so mighty enemies in open field, could ever vanquish or overcome, was suddainly subdued by the hands of a most wicked and ignoble villain. That Prince in whom the French Histories, observe 3 remarkable miracles or rare mysteries, namely, that he was a King and had no Crowne; he was a husband, but had no wife; he waged warre and had no mony: which seeming riddle is thus resolved; he was King of France, but was long time kept from the kingly possession of his [Page] Crown and Royalty. He was married, but could not enjoy his Queen: He waged vvarre but not being able to pay his Souldiers, his neighbour Princes came in as Volunteers and served in his warres at their own charge. Yea, I say, such a noble and renowned Prince, in matter of Religion, in his former dayes especially, that it being observed by some of his Nobles, Commanders in armes, how much he confided in those of the Religion, in most of his greatest and weightiest affairs, some of them said unto him, they marvelled he would so much rely on their fidelity. To whom his answer vvas as pithy as pious, that he vvould never be afraid to confide in those, the principles of whose Religion vvas, Never to eat their God, nor kill their King. Now from all these remarkable passages of the plots and conspiracies of these barbarous and bloody minded Romanists, I vvish the godly and impartiall Reader, whose eyes the Lord hath in any measure opened to see the truth of things; to take notice briefly of these 3 particulars.

First of the admirable providence and good hand of God in preserving those Princes and States from the most puissant forces, and most politick frauds and villanies of Traitors and enemies of his Truth and Gospell, so long as they loyally loved and embraced it; this being most cleare and evident in our blessed Qu Elizabeth of ever glorious memory, in the state of Geneva, Holland, and such like.

Secondly, of the high displeasure and just jealousie of the Lord against those Princes or people who halt 'twixt a opinions in matter of Religion▪ or maintaine mixtures in his pure vvorship, vvhich he hath also manifested against Princes, otherwise most noble and renowned, potent and prudent, permitting and raising up base and ignoble hands to bereave them of their lives, as hath bin clearly demonstrated in these two last great Princes of France, Henry 3d and Henry 4th, and might be farther proved by many such like Presidents extant in History.

Thirdly and lastly, of the most bloody and blasphemous principles of Romes Religion, teaching and encouraging the practise and perpetration of such horrid and hideous murders and massacres of the Lords most harmlesse and innocent lambes justifying King-killing and Country-destroying machinations, plots and conspiracies, and all these under a most execrable pretence of advancing their Catholik-cause, forsooth, as if the Lord, the pure and holy God of Heaven, ever intended to build his Church with such base and bloody materials, which must needs be most blasphemous to sayor once think. Most worthily therfore is Rome said to be founded and finished in its crimson architecture of blood; vvhether we respect materiall Rome in its first rise and originall, first founded in the blood of Rhemus murthered by his brother Romulus, the very first King of Rome: or spirituall Rome, the mother of spirituall Whoredomes, moulded and maintained all along by those Popish-Caines, in the bloud of their more righteous brethren, Gods beloved Abels.

Wherefore I desire that the use of this 3 fold observation, may be, first inseparable love of God in cleaving fast to his soul-saving Truth and Gospell: and secondly irreconciliable hatred of that abominable and diabolicall Religion of Rome, which thus delights in the most fearfull and finall destruction of soules and bodies.

FINIS.

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Title statement

Plots, conspiracies and attempts of domestick and forraigne enemies, of the Romish religion against the princes and kingdomes of England, Scotland and Ireland : beginning with the reformation of religion under Qu. Elizabeth, unto this present yeare, 1642 / briefly collected by G.B.C. ; whereunto is added, the present rebellion in Ireland, the civell practises in France against the Protestants, the murthers of Henry the 3d. and Henry the 4th, by the popish French faction.

G. B. C.

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1642

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2008-09 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1).

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A32576

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Wing C35

ID [STC]

ESTC R2608

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12016701

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ocm 12016701

ID [VID]

52557

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(EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A32576)

Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 52557)

Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 886:4)

Source

— Plots, conspiracies and attempts of domestick and forraigne enemies, of the Romish religion against the princes and kingdomes of England, Scotland and Ireland : beginning with the reformation of religion under Qu. Elizabeth, unto this present yeare, 1642 / briefly collected by G.B.C. ; whereunto is added, the present rebellion in Ireland, the civell practises in France against the Protestants, the murthers of Henry the 3d. and Henry the 4th, by the popish French faction., G. B. C.. The second edition..

Extent

[2], 46 p.

Printed by G.M. for Ralph Rounthwait,. London :: 1642.. (Reproduction of original in Huntington Library.) ("The contents": p. 1-2.)

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