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 THE HISTORY OF GRISILD 
 
 THE SECOND. 
 
 9 
 
THE 
 
 Hiftory of Grifild the Second: 
 
 A NARRATIVE, IN VERSE, OF THE DIVORCE 
 
 OF QUEEN KATHARINE OF 
 
 ARRAGON. 
 
 WRITTEN BY WILLIAM, FORREST, 
 
 SOMETIME CHAPLAIN TO QUEEN MARY I., 
 
 AND NOW EDITED, FOR THE FIRST TIME, 
 
 FROM THE AUTHOR'S MS. IN THE 
 
 BODLEIAN LIBRARY, 
 
 BY THE 
 
 REV. W. D. MACRAY, M.A., F.S,A. 
 
 LCf ND O N: 
 
 PRINTED BY WHITTINGHAM AND .WILKINS, 
 AT THE CHISWICK PRESS.' 
 
 '. i'iUR'ftRY 
 
ML5^0\ 
 
Cfce 3Roj:lburgije Clttb. 
 
 MDCCCLXXV. 
 
 HIS GRACE THE DUKE OF BUCCLEUCH, K. G, Prefident. 
 
 RIGHT HON. THE EARL BEAUCHAMP. 
 
 HENRY BRADSHAW, ESQ. 
 
 REV. W. E. BUCKLEY. 
 
 PAUL BUTLER, ESQ. 
 
 RIGHT HON. THE EARL OF CARNARVON. 
 
 RIGHT HON. THE EARL OF CAWDOR. 
 
 REV. W. G. CLARKE. 
 
 REV. H. O. COXE. 
 
 F. H. DICKINSON, ESQ. 
 
 G. B. EYRE, ESQ. 
 THOS. GAISFORD, ESQ. 
 H. H. GIBBS, ESQ. 
 
 G. L. GOWER, ESQ. 
 R. N. GRENVILLE, ESQ. 
 THE- BARON HEATH. 
 K. D. HODGSON, ESQ. 
 R. S. HOLFORD, ESQ. 
 A. J. B. HOPE, ESQ. 
 RIGHT HON. LORD HOUGHTON. 
 SIR E. HULSE, BT. 
 HENRY HUTH, ES'Q. 
 -MOST NOBLE THE MARQUIS OF LOTHIAN. 
 SIR W. STIRLING MAXWELL, BT. 
 J. C. NICHOLL, ESQ. 
 RIGHT HON. LORD ORMATHWAITE. 
 RIGHT HON. THE EARL OF POWIS. 
 E. P. SHIRLEY, ESQ] 
 E. J. STANLEY, ESQ. 
 S. W. TAYLOR, ESQ. 
 G. TOMLINE, ESQ. 
 CHARLES TOWNELEY, ESQ. 
 REV. E. T TURNER. 
 
TO 
 
 THE PRESIDENT AND MEMBERS OF 
 
 Cfce 3fco):burg!)e Club, 
 
 THE HISTORY OF GRISILD THE SECOND, 
 
 (RESTORED FROM THE MS. IN THE BODLEIAN LIBRARY,) 
 IS DEDICATED AND PRESENTED BY THEIR 
 OBEDIENT SERVANT, 
 
 J. B. HEATH. 
 
 66, Kujfell Square. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 Page 
 
 REFACE xi 
 
 History of Grisilde the Second . i 
 Oration Consolatory to Queen 
 
 Mary 149 
 
 Appendix : — 
 
 1 . Extracts from the Hijiory of fofeph 
 
 2. Extracts from the Metrical Pfalms 
 
 3. Extracts from the Governance of Princes 
 
 4. Extracts from the Life ofB. V. Mary . 
 
 Notes 
 
 165 
 176 
 180 
 185 
 
 191 
 
Preface. 
 
 HE poem now for the firft time printed, 
 is one which has been almoft entirely 
 overlooked by thofe who have written 
 on the important portion of Englifh 
 hiftory to which it refers. Although 
 its exiftence has been known to the 
 literary world by its being mentioned by Wood, Tanner 
 and Warton, and by a few mort extracts occafionally 
 printed (as mentioned hereafter), it has nevertheless re- 
 mained in undeferved obfcurity. Little as it can claim 
 of regard for poetical merit, there are yet a quaint- 
 nefs and a fimplicity in the greater part of it that always 
 redeem it from contempt, and often render it amufing. 
 But it is in the illuftrations of contemporary hiftory 
 which it affords that its chief value lies. Frefh in per- 
 fonal knowledge of the events of which he writes, and 
 of fcenes of fome of which he was an eye-witnefs, and 
 enabled by official pofition as a royal chaplain to relate 
 fome things with fpecial certainty, William Forreft gives 
 us here a record of the Great Divorce, which is fecond 
 
xii Preface. 
 
 in date only to the eloquent proteft of Cardinal Pole, con- 
 temporary with the narrative of Harpsfield,* and earlier 
 than the hiftories of Campian and Sanders, amongft thofe 
 who efpoufed the caufe, as well as maintained the faith, 
 of the rejected Queen. 
 
 Of the perfonal hiftory of this " fymple Preeifte," as 
 he with fufficient reafon ftyles himfelf, very little has as 
 yet been afcertained. We learn from himfelf that in 
 the year 1530, when the King fent to Oxford to procure 
 the judgment of the Univerfity in his favour, he was 
 then prefent at the difcuflions which enfued, " attending, 
 upon a certain good man" whofe name he has unfor- 
 tunately omitted. It is poffible that he was himfelf a 
 native of Oxford, fince a family of the name of Foreft 
 was long fettled there, as one of fome little civic im- 
 portance. In the records of the parifhes of St. Peter- 
 in-the-Eaft and St. Peter-le-Bailey, various perfons of 
 the name of William Foreft are met with between the 
 years 1-509 and 1600, and Dr. John Underhill, the 
 third bifhop of Oxford during the reign of Queen Eliza- 
 beth,-]- waj the fon of the widow of one of thefe. We find 
 from the Calendars of the State Papers that there were 
 alfo feveral perfons bearing the fame family name who 
 were connected with the Court. Edward Foreft was 
 Groom of the Chamber to Queen Katharine in 15 17, 
 and Miles Foreft held the fame office about the King, 
 with whom he appears to have been in great favour ; 
 
 * Nicholas Harpsfield's account of the divorce ftill remains in MS. 
 (in duplicate copies) in the library of New College, Oxford. A notice 
 of it is appended to this Preface. 
 
 t MS. collections for the city of Oxford, by Mr. W. H. Turner 
 now transferred by him to the Bodleian Library. 
 
Preface. xiii 
 
 while father John Forreft, Prior of Greenwich, and 
 Provincial of the Francifcans in England, who was 
 burned in 1538 for denying the King's Supremacy, was 
 Chaplain to Queen Katharine. Doubtlefs it was from 
 fome near relationfhip to thefe that our author obtained 
 his introduction at Court, and became fubfequently, as 
 we learn from himfelf that he did become, Chaplain to 
 Queen Mary. A fervant of the fame name was alfo 
 employed by Cardinal Wolfey, who probably claimed 
 kindred with the reft.* 
 
 That our author was an eye-witnefs of the eredtion of 
 Wolfey's College upon the lite of the Priory of S. 
 Fridefwide, is evident from the way in which he de- 
 fcribes the " loitering," from the lack of good overfeers, 
 of the thoufand workmen thereon employed. And that 
 he was appointed to fome poft in the College as re- 
 founded by the King, appears from the occurrence of 
 his name amongft the penfioned members after its 
 dhTolution, as the recipient of an annual allowance of 
 £b, in 1553 and 1556.Y That he was prefent at the 
 
 * It may even be that as our author became a member of Cardinal 
 College, either on its original or on its lecond and regal foundation, 
 that he himfelf was the retainer of its Founder, but, if fo, that gratitude 
 which has been defined as " the expectation of benefits to come," left 
 him free after the fall of his mafter to fpealc of him in the fame terms 
 as does Sanders, and almoft in the language of Roy or Skelton. The 
 only mention of the name of Foreft found in the early regifters at Chrift 
 Church, occurs in the " Dean's entrance-book," where there is the 
 entry of a commoner fo named (whofe Chriftian name is not given), 
 under date of May, 1555- (Information of Rev. T. V. Bayne, M. A.) 
 
 t When this penfion ceafed to be paid has not been as yet afcer- 
 tained. The Iflue Roll of the Exchequer for the 9th year of Elizabeth 
 (1566-7) being the firft roll of her reign now remaining in the Public 
 
xiv Preface. 
 
 funeral of Queen Katherine at Peterborough, in 1536, 
 is fhown by his recital of details which are not preferved, 
 it is believed, by any other writer. In 1548 we find 
 him dedicating his verfion of the treatife De regimine 
 principum to the Duke of Somerfet, as alfo in 1551 his 
 paraphrafes of fome of the Pfalms. This continued 
 choice of patron, together with the character of the 
 latter work, gives fome reafon for Warton's fufpicion. 
 " that our author could accommodate his faith to the 
 reigning powers."* A further and a ftrong corrobora- 
 tion of this is found in the curious fadt that while in 
 the poem before us he inveighs ftrongly (at p. 67) againft 
 Dr. Cox, the Chancellor of Oxford, for perfecuting 
 all clergy and " religious " who continued to wear 
 their (haven crowns, he yet, at the beginning of his 
 treatife on the Governance of Princes, reprefents himfelf 
 in a neat drawing as a rather young man, with fome- 
 what oftentatioufly full and flowing hair, in the attitude 
 of prefenting his book to the Protedtor. But in 1553 
 we find him, on the other hand, coming forward with 
 warm congratulations on the acceflion of the new and 
 reactionary fovereign. 
 
 Among Browne Willis's MS. collections for Bucking- 
 hamlhire preferved in the Bodleian Library, double 
 entries are found of the prefentation of William Foreft 
 by Anthony Lamfon, on July 1, 1556, to the Vicarage 
 of Bledlow, in that county. In Lipfcomb's Hijiory of 
 
 Record Office, — a bulky record of enormous length, — has been kindly 
 examined for the Editor by his friend Mr. H. Gough, with the negative 
 refult of afcertaining that Forreft's name does not occur there. 
 * Hijl. ofEngliJh Poetry, fed*. 53. 
 
Preface. xv 
 
 Buckingham/hire, the name of the prefentee is given as 
 William Forte/cue. As the county was then in the 
 diocefe of Lincoln, the epifcopal regifter which contains 
 the record of the prefentation is confequently preferved 
 at Lincoln, and it has not been poffible for the Editor 
 to make a fearch there, and clear up the difcrepancy.* 
 
 In 1558 Forreft prefents to his royal miftrefs the poem 
 here printed, which he tells us was completed on the 
 25th of June. Of his fortunes after her deceafe we 
 know nothing, except that from the fadl of his dedica- 
 ting his Hijlory of Jofeph to Thomas Howard, Duke of 
 Norfolk, fhortly before that nobleman's execution in 
 1572, we may conjecture that he found a refuge, under 
 the again-altered ftate of things, in the protection of that 
 ftaunch adherent of the unreformed religion. And that 
 Forreft himfelf then remained in the fame faith to the 
 laft, may be gathered from the fadt that all that we know 
 further about him is that the two dates of "27 Odt. 
 1572, per me Guil. Forreftum" and "1581", occur, 
 the one at the end and the other at fol. 95 of a volume 
 (Harl. MS. 1703) containing a poem which treats of 
 the Life of the Blefled Virgin and of the Immaculate 
 Conception, in the fpirit of a moft devout adorer, as 
 well as other controverfial verfes. But in religion, 
 
 * As B. Willis ufed the Lincoln Regifters, it is, however, probable 
 that he has taken his own entry from them. In reply to a letter 
 addrefled to the Vicar of Bledlow, with the enquiry whether any 
 parifli records exift which might give the true name, the Editor has 
 been informed that the Regifters do not reach back further than to 
 1592. If our author was really the perfon prefented, his penfion pro- 
 bably ceafed on the promotion. The next incumbent of the parifli was 
 appointed in 1576. 
 
xvi Preface. 
 
 although Roman, he was not Papal; he fhared that 
 old Englifh diflike to the ufurped domination of the 
 Bifhop of Rome, which fo largely helped to the general 
 acceptance of the high-handed meafures of Henry VIII. 
 In one of his poems in the Harleian MS. he fpeaks 
 ftrongly of the right of each national branch of the 
 Church to enjoy felf-government,-and of each Bifhop to 
 rule his own diocefe, relegating by name the Bifhop of 
 Rome to his own fee.* The right ufe of relics is treated 
 of with great moderation in his Hijiory ofjofeph. 
 
 Apart from theological views, Forreft often dis- 
 plays in his various writings great good feeling and 
 good fenfe, with a ftrong love of juftice and fair dealing. 
 This is particularly fhown in his Hijiory of Jofeph and 
 the Governance of Princes, where there is much on the 
 management of fervants, the condition of the poor, and 
 the railing of rents, which is full of intereft, and affords 
 curious illuftrations of the times. 
 
 In the poem before us, its fimplicity and ruggednefs, 
 through which nothing in the narrative is facrificed to 
 elegance of didtion (the author himfelf telling us, at p. 
 133, that he regards truth more than accuracy of metre), 
 render its hiftorical illuftrations the more interefting and 
 truftworthy. In addition to the points to which the 
 few notes appended to this volume refer, other matters 
 deferving notice are, the diftindt ftatement of the merce- 
 nary views of Henry VII. in regard to his fon's mar- 
 riage with the widowed Katharine ; -f the defcription of 
 
 * See Appendix, p. 187. 
 
 t The Simancas State Papers (calendared as yet only to the year 
 1526), afford full confirmation of the miferable money-getting aims 
 
Preface. xvii 
 
 Katharine's perfonal appearance, and of her devotion 
 and alms-deeds;* the notices of the character of Henry 
 VIII., depicted with great apparent fairnefs, and the 
 account of the proceedings in Oxford at the Convoca- 
 tions about the divorce. -j- 
 
 which influenced Henry VII. They fhow that after the death of 
 Prince Arthur, he actually at firft propofed to marry Katharine him- 
 felf ; a propofal which, however, affords ftrong prefumptive evidence 
 that her marriage had never been confummated. They (how alfo that, in 
 her early Englifh days, {he was far too much influenced by a young 
 Confeflbr, of immoral character, Fray Diego Fernandez, againft whom 
 the Spanifh ambafladors themfelves conftantly protefted, and who was 
 at laft judicially difmifled about the year 1515. Mr. Bergenroth believes 
 that thefe letters contain imputations on the honour of Katharine her- 
 felf ; but the idea feems very far from being borne out by the documents 
 themfelves, while it is contradicted by the whole hiftory of her life ; 
 and if it were correcl:, we may be fure that Henry VIII. would not 
 have hefitated in after years to have availed himfelf of the evidence 
 which would have been forthcoming. We learn from the Preface, by 
 Don Pafcual de Gayangos, to the firft part of vol. iii. of the Calendar 
 of thefe State Papers (1873, p. x.), that there is in the Library of the 
 Efcurial, a hiftory of Henry VIH- fr° m I S3°> wlt ^ P art of the reign 
 of Edward VI., written by a Spanifh lawyer who came to England in 
 Katharine's fuite, which is " full of interefting details." 
 * " Seeleden is feene Pryncefle the pooare to vifyte 
 
 And with her owne handys the fame tapparayle." — (P. 145.) 
 In our own days this rare fight is happily not infrequently reproduced 
 in the a6ts of our own Queen. 
 
 t The corruption and intimidation that were employed on the 
 King's fide are well known. The amufing but very doubtful ftory 
 told in Wood's Hiftory of Oxford (vol. ii. p. 46, 1796), of a regent- 
 mafter of Balliol College, who bore the very apocryphal name of King 
 Henry, rufhing to vote at a convocation held clandeftinely at midnight, 
 againft the divorce, with his breeches thrown haftily over his fhoulders 
 inftead of a hood, and for which Wood only gives as a reference 
 " Anon. MS.," is taken from a MS. in his own collection now in the 
 Bodleian Library, D. 18, entitled, "Apology for the Government of 
 the Univerfity, againft Hen. VIII- 1597." 
 
 C 
 
xviii . Preface. 
 
 The frequent ufe of proverbs and proverbial expref- 
 fions is a charadteriftic of the fimplicity of ForrefVs 
 ftyle, as it was of the ftyle of his friend Alex. Bar- 
 clay, the tranflator of Brandt's Ship of Fools, of whom 
 (fcantily noticed by contemporaries*) he gives fome 
 interefting particulars which will be found in the 
 Appendix to this volume. A lift of thofe which occur 
 in the prefent poem, and of fome which have been 
 noticed in his Hijiory of fofeph, is fubjoined in the note 
 below, -j- In his fpelling, Forreft conftantly doubles in 
 a rather unufual manner the vowels e and o, and in 
 words ending in ew or ue, generally tranfpofes thefe 
 two letters, writing knwe, nine, rive, dive, for knew, new, 
 rue, due, &c. He alfo almoft invariably places an acute 
 
 * See Mr. T. H. Jamiefon's " Life of Barclay," prefixed to his 
 edition of Barclay's Ship of Fools, p. lxxxii. 4*0. Edinb. 1874. 
 
 t " Man proponeth, God difpofeth," p. 33. 
 
 " To pick a thank," p. 49. 
 
 " Two wits better than one," p. 51. 
 
 " To have an oar in a thing," p. 54. 
 
 " Like a dog with a burnt tail," p. 58. 
 
 " The glover faid the dog was mad, in order to have his fkin," p. 81. 
 
 "Inter pontem et fontem," p. 123 [" Mifericordia Domini inter 
 pontem et, fontem j" a faying afcribed to S. Auguftine]. 
 
 "Happy the brood in which there is neither thief nor unthrift," 
 p. 156. 
 
 "Hadlwift,"p. 158. 
 
 " Bleffed are they that live in reft," ibid. 
 
 " To draw by one firing," p. 159. 
 In the yofeph thefe are met with amongft others : — 
 
 " To kifs the poft," p. 172. 
 
 " Let him that is cold blow the coal," p. 172. 
 
 " The young cock crows after the old," p. 177. 
 
 " Thou flialt fcace know the moone from a greene cheefe." 
 
 "A newe bfoome fweeapeth bothe fayre and cleane." 
 
Preface. xix 
 
 accent over the article a, and occafionally over that letter 
 at the commencement of a word. 
 
 Warton (Hift. Poet.) defcribes Forreft as being 
 "eminently fkilled in mufic," and fays, that "with 
 much diligence and expenfe he collected the works of 
 the raoft excellent Englifh compofers that were his 
 contemporaries." His love and knowledge of Church 
 mufic may be inferred from the pafiage at p. 141, 
 where he fays that no fuch " melodious fong " was 
 heard throughout the world as was heard in England, 
 from the mention of his own performance of divine 
 fervice at p. 186, and from his notice of the Proteftant 
 compofer, whilom his friend, on the fame page.* But 
 the only pofitive evidence of which the editor is aware, 
 is afforded by the MS. in the Library of the Mufic 
 School at Oxford, which Warton mentions. It is a 
 collection of eighteen Mafles, in fix parts, and con- 
 fequently in fix volumes, in oblong quarto, written by 
 two hands. In the counter-tenor book is the follow- 
 ing infcription : — " William Forreft hunc librum jurae 
 {fie) poflidet, cum quinque aliis eidem pertinentibus ;" 
 the date of 1530 has been added by a later hand.-f- The 
 volumes are bound in black calf, ftamped in double com- 
 partments, bearing — 1, The arms of England, with the 
 dragon and greyhound as fupporters, and in the upper 
 corners the fun and moon, and fhields with crofles; 2, 
 
 * Probably this was John Taverner, of whom Fuller fays {Church 
 Hiji., cent. xvi. p. [171]-) that he repented of having fet fo many Popifh 
 ditties to mufic. 
 
 t Burney MS. 357 (Brit. Mus.) written in the eleventh or twelfth 
 century, formerly " Liber Sandte Marie de Thame," bears alfo Forreft's 
 name as owner : " Liber Gulielmi Forrefti." 
 
xx Preface. 
 
 The Tudor rofe, fupported by angels, and with the 
 pomegranate (the badge of Katharine of Arragon) below, 
 furrounded by the motto, — 
 
 " Hec rofa virtutis de celo miffa fereno 
 Eternu florens regia fceptra feret." * 
 
 It would appear from this binding that Forreft had ob- 
 tained thefe volumes from the royal library. 
 
 It now only remains to defcribe the MS. from which 
 this volume is taken, and to enumerate the other extant 
 writings of its author. 
 
 The Hijiory of Grijilde the Seconded exifts amongft the . 
 MSS. of Ant. a Wood in the Bodleian Library, No. 2 
 of that collection which was bought by the Univeriity 
 after his death. It is evidently the copy prefented by 
 the author to Queen Mary, being beautifully written on 
 fine vellum, J and having been originally " bound in laced 
 
 * This motto, found on the binding of many of the King's books, 
 appears to have been afterwards adapted to Anne Boleyn, by the ad- 
 dition of a monogram of the letters AH.! The Bodleian Library 
 potteries a Salluft, printed in 1519, which bears on its covers the arms 
 of England, impaling thofe of Caftile, Leon, Arragon, Sicily and 
 Granada, on one fide, and thofe of England alone on the other. It may 
 poflibly have been ufed by Mary as one of her fchool-books. Many 
 Englifh and Latin words are interlined in the text in two or three con- 
 temporary handsi and a few of thefe interlineations bear fome refem- 
 blance to the handwriting of her father. 
 
 t In the fcheme of education drawn up in 1523 by Jo. Lud. Vives 
 for the ufe of the Queen in the training of her daughter, the " Grefilida 
 vulgatajam fabula" was one of the very few ftories fan&ioned as fit for 
 perufal (Madden's Privy Purfe Expenfes of R. Mary, 1831, p. cxxiv.) 
 It is curious that this ftory of Patient Grifild fhould thus afterwards 
 have been taken as the type of the life of Katharine. 
 
 t Proper names occurring in the poem are written in red ink ; thefe 
 are here printed in italics, but other rubricated words, which frequently 
 occur, have not been thus diftinguifhed. 
 
Preface. xxi 
 
 fatin." Nearly all the lace has now difappeared, and 
 the fatin is tattered and faded. It has clafps, and 
 brafs boffes with the words " Ave Maria, gracia plea " 
 at each corner, as well as a centre bofs. It formerly 
 belonged to Ralph Sheldon of Wefton Park, Warwick- 
 (hire, who gave it to his friend Wood. Wood extracted 
 fome paflages in his Englifh Annals of the Univerfity of 
 Oxford, being the accounts of the Convocations about 
 the divorce and of the doings of Dean Cox of Ch. Ch. 
 (pp. 75-79 and 66-68 infra) which are printed in Gutch's 
 edition of fhe Annals (1796) vol. ii., pp. 47-49 and 
 1 1 5-1 17. The whole of the ninth chapter was con- 
 tributed by Dr. Blifs in 18 14 to vol. iv. of Sir E. 
 Brydges' Britifh Bibliographer, where it occupies pp. 
 200-5. Dr. Blifs alfo printed the firft three ftanzas 
 of the Oration Confolatory in the account of Forreft 
 given in his edition of Wood's Athena, vol. i. col. 
 300. And Sir F. Madden printed the firft five ftanzas 
 of chap, iv., refpeding the education of Mary, in his 
 Preface to Mary's Privy Purfe Expenfes, p. cxix. With 
 thefe few exceptions the whole of the poem has hitherto 
 remained inedited. 
 
 Forreft's other known poetical works are as follows : — 
 
 I. The Hijlory ofjofeph the Chaijle compofed in balladde 
 royall crudely; largely derived from the Teftaments of 
 the Twelve Patriarchs. In two parts : the firft, contain- 
 ing the ftory of Jofeph's adverfity, in forty-feven chap- 
 ters ; the fecohd, containing his profperity, in forty-two 
 chapters. Dedicated to Thomas Howard, Duke of 
 Norfolk, and dated as having been finished nth April, 
 1569, but faid by the author to have been originally 
 
xxii Preface. 
 
 written twenty-four years before. A copy on vellum 
 in two volumes folio was in the pofleflion of Mr. Charles 
 Theyer in 1 697, being numbered 243, 244 in the lift of 
 his MSS. in Bernard's Cat. MSS. Anglice. He mowed 
 Wood one volume in 1680, and told* him he intended 
 to give it to Univerfity College Library. This intention 
 was carried out before 1700, and in the library of that 
 College the firft part remains, handfomely bound in 
 tooled calf with corner bofles.-j~ The fecond part is now 
 (together with others of Theyer's MSS.) in the Royal 
 Library, Britifh Mufeum, 18. C. xiii., bound in a more 
 recent covering of vellum. Another perfect copy of the 
 work, containing both parts in one folio volume of 286 
 pages written on paper, is in the pofleflion of Rev. J. E. 
 A. Fen wick, at Thirleftane Houfe, Cheltenham, being 
 in the vaft collection of MSS. of the late Sir Thomas 
 Phillipps, which that gentleman has inherited. At the 
 end it has the initials of an old owner, E. B., with 
 the Welfh motto (the motto of the families of Meredyth 
 and Moftyn), " Heb Dhuw, heb dhim." In 1 693 it was 
 in the pofleflion of the Earl of Stamford ; afterwards in 
 that of Thomas Lloyd, Efq., at whofe fale in July, 
 1 8 19, it was purchafed by Mr. Heber for £20 ipj. ; at 
 Heber's fale in February, 1836, (part xi. p. 80, No. 
 796), it was purchafed by Thorpe, the bookfeller, for 
 the fmall fum of £6 16s. 6d., in whofe catalogue of 
 MSS. in 1836 it is defcribed, and who fold it finally to 
 Sir Thomas Phillipps for £t 2 I2J. This copy appears 
 
 * Wood MS. D. 18. 
 
 t For free ufe of this MS. the Editor is indebted to the courtefy of 
 A. Chavafle, Efq., the Librarian. 
 
Preface. xxiii 
 
 • 
 
 to contain fome additions to the other ; in part i. there 
 is a curious chapter comparing a Welfh lady (noted in 
 the margin as being Anne Vavafer, wife of Andrew 
 Vavafer, whofe paramour was one Richard Parry,) to 
 Potiphar's wife, Memphytica, with notices of her pride 
 and evil manners ; and at the end of the volume there 
 is an addrefs to all clafles of perfons urging the perufal 
 of the book for the lefions which it contains. At the 
 end of the dedication to the Duke of Norfolk (who 
 was beheaded in 1572), there is this note in red ink, — 
 " Of this J)ukes myferable fall fhortlye after the de- 
 lyverye of this Booke, looke at thende of this fame " ; 
 but thofe, however, who look, find nothing.* 
 
 II. A verfion and variation of the treatife called 
 Ariftotle's, but really written by iEgidius Romanus 
 towards the end of the thirteenth century, entitled De 
 regimine principum. This was written in 1 548, and 
 dedicated, as before mentioned, to the Duke of Somerfet, 
 but intended, when fandtioned by him, for the ufe of 
 Edward VI. A copy on vellum, in quarto, containing 
 feventy-eight leaves, is in the Royal Library, Brit. Mus. 
 17 D, in. The additions made by Forreft himfelf con- 
 tain much of very great intereft. 
 
 III. A metrical verfion of fome of the Pfalms; 
 written in 1551, and alfo dedicated to the Duke of 
 Somerfet, with a" high panegyric on Sternhold. A paper 
 MS. in oclavo, Royal Libr. Brit. Mus., 17 A. xxi. 
 This appears to be the MS. formerly in Weftminfter 
 
 * The Editor defires to exprefs his obligations to Mr. Fenwick for 
 kindly permitting him to examine this volume. 
 
xxiv Preface. 
 
 Abbey, No. 225, which is defcribed in Bernard's Cata- 
 logue in 1697 as " Some Pfalms in Englifh verfe, by 
 W. Foreft," but which is no longer to be found there. 
 The Pfalms here verfified are, 6 — 20, 22, 23, 25, 30, 32, 
 
 35> 37» 42, 45—47» 5 2 » 53> S5> 5 6 > 59> 6o > 6 5> 66 > 6 9» 
 71, 74, 85, 87, 92, 94, 95 — 97, 100, 112, 129, 148, 
 1 50, together with the Te Deum, BenediSius, Magnificat, 
 and Nunc Dimittis. Out of thefe forty-nine, fifteen had 
 been previoufly paraphrafed by Sternhold in his collec- 
 tion of thirty-feven Pfalms printed in 1549. In the 
 MS. noticed under the next head, there are alfo verfions 
 of Pfalms 1 — 6, 8, 11 — 13. 
 
 IV. Life of the Blefled Virgin Mary ; a poem in 
 praife of her, and in honour of the Immaculate Concep- 
 tion ; followed by mifcellaneous moral and religious 
 verfes; dated from 1572 to 1581. Harleian MS. 1703, 
 a folio volume on paper. On the fly-leaf is written 
 " W. Foreft's Poems to Q^JVIary." This is the title 
 given in Bernard's Catalogue in 1 697 to No. 44 of the 
 MSS. then in the poffeflion of Henry Worfeley, of 
 Lincoln's Inn. It feems, moreover, that this is the 
 volume defcribed in Wood's Athence, as having been 
 in the pofleflion of the Earl of Ailefbury.* It has the 
 fame motto and initials on the firft leaf as the Phillipps 
 MS. of the Jofeph, « Heb Dhuw heb dhim. E. B." 
 
 V. A new Ballade of the Marigolde. Imprinted at 
 London in Alder/gate Street by Richard Lant. Verfes on 
 
 * Some theological and controverfial treatifes, apparently in profe, 
 are alfo there enumerated as being in the Earl's poffeflion, which have 
 not as yet been further traced. 
 
Preface. xxv 
 
 the acceffion of Queen Mary : figned with Forreft's 
 name. Fourteen flanzas of eight lines. 
 
 A copy of the original broadfide is in the library of 
 the Society of Antiquaries at Burlington Houfe ; and it 
 was reprinted by Thomas Park in vol. x. of the fecond 
 edition of the Harleian Mifcellany, 4to. Lond. 1813, 
 
 P- 253- 
 
 VI. Pater Nqfter and 7V Deum, verfified as a Prayer 
 and a Thankfgiving for Queen Mary. Thefe are only 
 found in the firft edition of Foxe's A5ls and Monuments, 
 printed in 1563, pp. 1139-40, and have never been re- 
 printed in any fubfequent edition. Foxe thus introduces 
 them : — " And for fo much as prayer is here mencioned 
 for Quene Mary, here folowethe to be fene the Pater 
 Nofter then fette forth in Englifhe meter, compiled or 
 rather corrupted by one W. Foreft. 
 
 ***** 
 
 The Pater Nojier to gods glory, 
 with prayer to him for Quene Mary, 
 Our father which in heauen doftefit 
 
 We fandtifie thy name, 
 Our praier we praye thee to admyt, 
 Quene Mary faue from blame." 
 
 [&c. Six more quatrains.] 
 " Te deum, lauding God fpecially , 
 
 with prayer t her in for our Quene Mary. 
 O God thy name we magnifie, 
 
 In thy fanduary, 
 For that thou haft of thy mercy 
 Sent us our Quene Mary, 
 d 
 
xxvi Preface. 
 
 To thee this all our Englifhe grounde 
 
 Doth render prayfe alway : 
 Whome mercyfull hath euer founde, 
 
 So healpe vs ftyll we praye." [&c. 1 1 6 lines more.] 
 
 As thefe compofitions both end with the formula, 
 " Finis, quod W. F.," they were probably printed as 
 broadfides, like the preceding poem. 
 
 With thefe the lift of Forreft's known poems con- 
 cludes ; poems which, however profaic under the form 
 of verfe, are all of them full of intereft, alike as illus- 
 trations of the hiftory and manners of his times, and as 
 illuftrations of language. Under both afpedts it is be- 
 lieved that this volume will be found to deferve no 
 little regard. 
 
 DUCKLINGTON R.ECTORY, OxON., 
 
 May 29, 1875. 
 
Note to Page xii. 
 
 Nicholas Harpsfield's Treatife concerning Marriage, occasioned by 
 the Divorce of Q. Katharine (New Coll. MS. 311.) 
 In Three Books. 
 
 Book I. — Certain Reafons and Arguments to juftify the Marriage, 
 with an Abftracl: of a book written in Latin by Bp. Fifher, " and never 
 yett printed fotfarre as wee knowe," in anfwer to the book printed in 
 England, both in Latin and Englifli, in defence of the cenfures of the 
 Univerfities. 
 
 Book II.— Anfwers to (i.) Egidius de Bella Mera, " that long before 
 our tyme writeth of this matter ;" (ii.) Marcus Mantua, " a learned law- 
 yer of Padua and one of our owne tyme ; " (iii.) a little Latin book of 
 Mr. Robert Wakefield, one of the King's chaplains, againft Bp. Fiflier, 
 printed (there is alfo extant " fome booke of his which I have not 
 feene"); (iv.) an anonymous dialogue in Englifli called "The Glafs of 
 Truth." With an hiftorical difcourfe of the Divorce, and the contents 
 of certain letters fent by the King and Cardinal Wolfey to the King's 
 agents at Rome. 
 
 Book III. — Difcourfes on the A£ts of Parliament about the divorces 
 of Katharine, Anne Boleyn, and Anne of Cleves, fhewing the repug- 
 nance of the fame to the book made in defence of the divorce of the 
 firft, and the manifold plagues that fell afterwards on the King's mar- 
 riages and on the whole realm. [This book includes a vindication of 
 Sir Thomas More.] 
 
 The treatife was written during the reign of Q. Mary (f. 302). 
 
 Interefting extracts about Q. Katharine's manner of life and habits 
 of devotion while at Buckden, and the reflilts of the diflblution of abbeys, 
 are printed by Hearne at pp. 640-645 of his Gloflary to Langtoft's Chron- 
 icle. The account of the fecret marriage with Anne Boleyn, printed in 
 
xxviii Note to Page xii. 
 
 Latin by Le Grand (Hijl. du Divorce t '8cc, 1688, vol. ii. pp. 109-111.) 
 from an anonymous MS. narrative, and which has been quoted from him 
 by all later hiftorians, is here found almoft verbatim in Englifh (ff. 
 244-5.) There are curious anecdotes (amongft others) of the licking 
 up by a dog of the blood from the body of Henry VIII. before his em- 
 balming (in fulfilment of a warning uttered by Peto, the Obfervant 
 Friar, in his famous fermon before the king), as reported by one 
 William Confell, who faid he was there prefent, and with much ado 
 drove away the dog (f. 209) ; and of Cranmer's being nominated 
 Archbifhop of Canterbury when attending upon the King at a bear- 
 baiting (f. 308 b .), as alfo of his carrying his wife about with him concealed 
 in a great cheflr full of holes,- for which cheft on the occafion of a fire 
 at his palace in Canterbury all other care was fet afide, the archbifhop 
 crying out that it contained his evidences and other writings which he 
 efteemed above any worldly treafure : " this I heard out of the mouth 
 of a gentleman that was there prefent." (f, 29 i b .) A fimilar verfion 
 of the ftory of the dog is extracted in Hearne's Gloflary to Langtoft, 
 p. 560, from Hall's Life of Bijhop Fijher, printed in 1655. 
 
Gryfilde the Seconde. 
 
 [PROLOGUE.] 
 
 To the mofte excellente and vertuous Prynces, oure mojie 
 gratious foueraigne ladye, Marye (by the grace of God J 
 Queene of Englande, France, Naples, Hierufalem, and 
 Irelande, Defendrejfe of the faith, Pryncefe of Spaine, and 
 Cicilie, Archeduchejfe of Aujiria, Duchejfe of Millayne, 
 Burgundye, and Brabande, Countejfe of Ha/purge, Flaun- 
 dres, & Tyrale, Toure maiejlies mojie faithefull, louynge 
 & obedyent SubieSle, William Forrejie, wifcheth all grace 
 and fauour from God aboue, longe life (yn goode healthe) and 
 profperous reigne : withe (after this life) ceternallfelicitee. 
 
 ^[ The Prologe to the <%ueenis Maieftee. 
 S Nature hathe an inclynation 
 
 e. 
 
 Unto the lyvely louinge parent ; 
 So, younge humayne propagation 
 To heeare recordys of their freendys 
 
 auncyent, 
 Their adtys recomptinge that weare 
 excellent, 
 Thoughe not fo of the contraryous forte, 
 Bycaufe no renowne their fame dothe reporte. 
 
 B 
 
 The naturall 
 c /tilde delitet/ie 
 the goode re- 
 porte of the 
 parent. 
 
2 Of Gryjilde 
 
 To thende, he What more renowne to childe redounde maye,. 
 
 feruynge God, 
 
 the childe may Then as to reade or heeare, by recomptinge, 
 
 doo the lyke. , ., , . .... j 
 
 Howe his parentys in their lyuynge daye ' 
 Had heere God in highe reuerencinge, 
 His honour, feruice, and lawes mayntayninge, 
 That hee, not degeneratinge thearfro, 
 May (in his lyuynge) pradHce the like fo. 
 
 The parentys 
 euyll example 
 the chylde - 
 ought tauoyde 
 
 omnia probate, 
 quod bonum eft 
 tenet e [i] 
 Theffalo. [v. 
 
 Filius non por- 
 tabit iniquita- 
 tem patris, 
 nisi, ut pater, 
 mfequitur 
 proles. 
 
 Or, whoe dothe reade or heeare the contrarye, 
 
 His parentys to bee nocyuous and yll, 
 
 But that it maye geue niotyon ynwardelye 
 
 As to beeware the like to fulfyll. 
 
 Bothe are to bee knowne : Paule graunteth thear till, 
 
 After the goode oure wayes to dyre&e, 
 
 All euyl examples for to rejedte. 
 
 Vnknowne it is not to men of knowledge 
 
 But parentys hathe beene, fome peruerfe, fome goode 
 
 The badde, the childe fhall not his doingis pledge, 
 
 Or anfweare thearfore withe trobled moode, 
 
 Except as parent fo fuethe the broode ; 
 
 Then, withe the like, for like myfgouernaunce, 
 
 Awarded they bee, by Dyuyne ordynaunce. 
 
 Filius fapiens, 
 gloria patris. 
 [Prov. x. i.] 
 As the to- 
 nvardys chylde 
 ajoye to the 
 father, fo the 
 goode father 
 joye to the 
 chylde. 
 
 If vertuous younge impe, wyttie and towardys, 
 
 To parent a pleafure and glorye bee, 
 
 And, contrarye wife, the peruerfe and frowardys 
 
 Annoyaunce and greate infelicitee, 
 
 Semblable wife then, maye ferue in degree 
 
 The godly parent the chylde to reioyce, 
 
 Bycawfe the befte waies hee tooke heere in choyce. 
 
the Seconde. 
 
 Howe muche (O noble and excellent Queene !) 
 
 Maye then delyte youre domynation 
 
 Youre Mothers meeke life of youe to bee feene, 
 
 Or reduced to commemoration, 
 
 That was of mofte worthye commendation, 
 
 Perfedtely knowne to hundreadys that yeat bee, 
 
 As mofte efpecyall to youre maieftee. 
 
 Ho=we ought to 
 reioice our 
 noble S^ueene 
 the lyfe to 
 reade of her 
 mofte godly e 
 Mother. 
 
 Well I confydre at this prefent daye 
 
 No fewe hathe tawlke of her highe worthynes, 
 
 Howe vnt® vertue fhe gaue her alwaye, 
 
 And deadys of pytee paflinglye doubtles, 
 
 Witheftandinge her enemye, for all his ftowtnes^ 
 
 The fathanyke Serpent, whoe had her in hate, 
 
 But neauer cowlde her (to his purpofe) culpate. 
 
 The 'vertues of ' 
 noble queene 
 Catharyncar? 
 remembred at 
 this prefent 
 daye. 
 
 For that fhe was fo fpeciall notable, 
 In this inconftant mofte daungerous tyme, 
 ( — Whiche to adnote is muche myferable, 
 As maye bee exprefte in profe or in ryme, 
 Concordinge withe oure firft mateir, the flyme, 
 Whiche as it is muche lothefome and fylthie, 
 So all earthelye our pradiycingis gyltie ; — ) 
 
 Tor fhe ivas 
 fojpeciall 
 gratious, htr 
 life the wor- 
 thier to be put 
 in recordis. 
 
 I thought it goode for reformation, 
 
 By her examples to vertues increafe, 
 
 Wheare reftethe gohoftelye inclynation, 
 
 To prompte them withe this in a readynes, 
 
 As rule to induce to all godlynes, 
 
 Thus muche to that ende feruynge the rather 
 
 For that in knowledge the fame wee gather. 
 
 Her life may 
 be as rule 
 others lyues 
 in -vertue 
 
 to dyrelle. 
 
4 Of Gryjilde 
 
 while jhe<was Well ought her holve conuerfa-tion 
 
 fetby,this TT • , . x, , , . , 
 
 Royaimeflo- Heere, in this Royalme, bee put in remembraunce, 
 mt/o after- For, while fhe was in digne eftymation, 
 <wardys. j t flQj.jfj.jjt j n W ealthe, and all abundaunce 
 
 That fpeciallye ferued to mannys fuftynaunce, 
 Withe of Goddys lawe bothe awe and reuerence, 
 And nowe fallen into great inconuenyence, 
 
 Emurand As into erroure mofte fpecyallye 
 
 "ntrZthL By Schifmys and Sedys, of Sathans owne rayfinge, 
 
 ffiS& Withe Co^etoufnes vniuerfallye, 
 
 To fundry (the pooarys) vtter vndoinge, 
 Due Obedyence rafchelye contempnynge ; 
 Theis, withe hundreadys of myferyes mo, 
 Hathe entred fithe fhee was reiedted fo. 
 
 This Royalme Whiche I impute a plage of punyfchement 
 fynnes accus- By all examples of antiquytee, 
 fnmthe cheif. For fynnes accuftome mofte worthelye fent, 
 Engendred from the highe nobilytee, 
 And fpredde ouer all by muche fragilytee, 
 Whiche (I heere faye) may well bee veryfied, 
 Her holy life myght in nowife abyde, 
 
 TMswarieis As appearethe in this narration, 
 
 but as a Jparke l l 
 
 in comparafon Compafte, in forte as oure knowledge dothe leade, 
 
 of her luhoale . , . . , ... 
 
 lyfe. And with others auxihation, 
 
 That muche in the fame did vs alfo fteade ; 
 Whoe that vouchefauethe, the fame for to reade ; 
 Thoughe oure faide traueyle, in this prefent warke, 
 To her whoale life is but as a fmall fparke ; 
 
the Seconde. 
 
 Direftinge the fame to youre maieftee 
 As to her onlye, and dearefte of all, 
 Not of purpofe, or meere neceffitee, 
 Her hereby vnto remembraunce to call, 
 And els (witheoute this) not fo to bee fall, 
 But, as yee and the godlye dothe the fame, 
 So, oure pofterytee to heeare of her fame. 
 
 Her I heere lyken to Gryjilde the goode, 
 As well I fo maye, for her great patience ; 
 Confyderinge althingis withe her howe it ftoode, 
 Her geauynge that name theare is none offenfe ; 
 Your noble Father workinge like pretence 
 As Walter to Gryjilde, by muche vnkyndenes, 
 By name of Walter I dooe hym exprefle. 
 
 Whiche noble Father, I cannot but faye, 
 
 Was leadde in fome parte by meanys of the light 
 
 Perhaps for fynne, that reigned at that daye, 
 
 God fufFred this Royalme fo to alter quyte, 
 
 Gr for that He wolde fhewe His dyuyne myght, 
 
 Hable teredle by the weake and frayle fex, 
 
 Howe eauer Sathan His Churche did heere vex ; 
 
 Or, peraduenture, Hee wolde it bee fo 
 
 To trye (in meekenes) her ftabilitee, 
 
 In higher meryte to haue her to go, 
 
 For to alaye heere her fragilite ; 
 
 In quyet eftate fhewthe not humylite 
 
 To eauerlaftinge remuneration, 
 
 As in troble and tyrrie of temptation. 
 
 * 
 
 This wuarke 
 (as to her chef- 
 eft jeivell) di- 
 rected to our 
 Sfuecnys 
 maieflie. 
 
 ' By names 
 
 Gryfilde and 
 ' Walter our 
 | Sjieenys 
 
 Father and 
 j Mother ex- 
 I amplyfyed. 
 
 Oure Kynge 
 fometvhat 
 ledde by the 
 counfeu of 
 tmdifcreeit 
 perfons. 
 
 In quyet eftate 
 humylite is not 
 tryed as yn 
 the tyme of 
 temptation. 
 
 * [ /. e. by means of light perfons.] 
 
For owghtes 
 heere *wry- 
 tinge amyjjie 
 this Author 
 humbly defy- 
 reth perdon. 
 
 6 Of Gryjllde the Seconde. 
 
 Such my concepte, conceaved in this thinge ; 
 If from youre pleafure it fwerue anye waye 
 Youre gratious perdon I crave on kneis knelinge 
 Before (in, readinge) my fawte me bewraye ; 
 Commendinge your grace bothe by night and daye, 
 Meanynge to Hym, bothe wakinge and fleepinge, 
 That hathe your Mothers fweete fowle in keepinge. 
 
f The Table. 
 
 A table direSlinge to the chef and principall poyntis of this 
 Booke by ordre of Chapiters, as after enfuethe. 
 
 at 
 
 % Caput i. 
 
 lO what ende wryters'endeauorethe their paynes. 
 If This hiftorye of Griflde the feconde wryten 
 to this ende, other (of meekenes) to take 
 thearby fruyte. 
 ^[ Of Father and Mother, and what noble howfe was 
 
 iffued this younge ladye Gryjilidis. 
 ^ Of her education and wondreful towardnes yn her 
 
 youthe to all godlynes and vertue. 
 ^[ Howe, emongys all vertues, {he embraced humylitee. 
 ^f A breeue defcription of her complexion and perfonage. 
 % Howe, tavoyde all infolent and light inwarde motions, 
 
 fhe gaue herfelfe much to contemplatife life. 
 T[ Howe (voydinge idlenes) fhe oftetymes wolde practice 
 withe the nedyll, and other handye bufineflies, to ladies 
 neceffarye. 
 ^[ Euery moarnynge, and at nyght, twoe howres (at the 
 leafte) vpon her kneeis in her chambre or clofett 
 occupyinge herfelfe in godlye prayer. 
 
8 * OfGryfilde 
 
 1f To riche and pooare (he fhewed alwaies benynge 
 
 cheare, readye to doOe her deauer in all godlye affayes. 
 % She euermore endeauoringe the glorye of God, deteft- 
 
 ing (as deathe) all worldely praifes and vaine glorye. 
 *lf The vertuous vp tradinge of yoUthe attendinge vpon 
 
 her, whois Cowrte was as it had beene religious. 
 % Howe nothinge {he wanted of princely behauyour, 
 
 nurture, and fuche, to womanlynes appertaynynge. 
 ^| All her life was geauen to godlynes, by fpeciall grace 
 
 which God did her indue. 
 
 ^[ Caput 2. 
 
 ^f The worthie fame of this noble Gryjilde blowne into 
 greate Britaine, was, by the kinge theare, (called the 
 feconde Salomon) procured in mariage to his eldeft 
 funne. 
 
 ^f After the defpoufaile, within fhorte fpace, withoute 
 knowledge of her hufbonde, (he became wydowe, and 
 of her lamentable heauynes and forowinges for hym. 
 
 11" -In her great heauynes for her hufbonde (ymputinge 
 herfelfe mofte infortunate) (he commendethe her 
 whoalye to Goddis ordynaunce, his takinge awaye (by 
 deathe) to bee as a plage for her iniquitee. 
 
 % Caput 3. 
 
 ^[ The kinge {Gryjildis father in lawe) by affent of all 
 Chriftian clergie, and the Popis then witheall, mar- 
 ryethe her to his other funne {Walter). 
 
 % The kinge (hortelye dyethe ; Walter is crowned Kinge 
 and Gryjilde alfo Queene mofte honorablye. 
 
the Seconde. , 9 
 
 ^[ A prynce was borne betweene this noble Walter and 
 Grifilde, which not longe heere contynued lief. 
 
 1 After muche forrowinge of Grifilde for her childe, 
 how fhe (mofte wyttelye) appeaced the fame, not con- 
 traryinge Goddis ordynaunce, whome (well fhe wifte) 
 at his dyvyne pleafure myght fende her like fruyte as 
 He did that. 
 
 TI God (remembringe his fervaunte Walter) fendethe 
 hym by Gryjilde his wife a nwe fayre increafe, a 
 doughter, havynge to name Marye. 
 
 "[[ Caput 4. 
 
 ^[ Of Grifildis upp tradinge her younge goodly princes, 
 of her Angular towardnes in all vertue, Thomas Lyna- 
 ker her cheif inftrudtor in the Latyne tunge. 
 
 % In Britayne that feafon was muche quyetnes and 
 plentye of all goode thingis, the honour of God 
 florifcheinge, the riche mercyful, the pooare nurifched. 
 
 % Howe Grifilde had alwaies before her iyes the love of 
 God, caftinge to pleafe Hym before all worldelye 
 thingis. 
 
 ^[ Of her large difpofinge her almys to the pooare, and 
 fpecialhye to the aged, weake and ympotent. 
 
 ^[ In townys wheare fhe came fhe ofte gave fhurtys, 
 fmocks, and other necefTaryes to the pooare and neady. 
 
 ^J Sometymes fecreatlye fhe wolde vyfite the pooare 
 lyinge in childe bedde, and leave theare behynde her 
 bothe fheeatys, lynnen, and other necefTaryes, fpecially 
 monay for candyll, fyer and fuche other neadfull 
 thyngys. 
 
IO 
 
 Of Gryjilde 
 
 If She was not quoyifche, prowde or difdaynefull, but 
 
 coulde bee contented (for Chriftis fake) to vifite the 
 
 pooare. 
 H Oftetymes wolde fhe rife at myddnyght, and ferve 
 
 God in prayer, (as the Religious dyd), and devout 
 
 contemplation. 
 *\ Thoughe this goode Gryjilde weare lyvynge in this 
 
 worlde, yeat in the fame fhe had no delyte but in the 
 
 worlde to come. 
 1[ For the devotion fhe fpecially had to the Paffion of 
 
 Chrifte, fhee let make an Image reprefentinge the 
 
 fame, of wondrefull woorkemanfhippe, a lyttle from 
 
 London, neeare to the waye goinge to Ifyllingeton. 
 % Howe, above all natyons, fhe loved an Englifcheman, 
 
 doinge for dyverfe of them manye fundrye benefyciall 
 
 deadys, and fhee (to all goode) in fyngular acceptation. 
 f[ Wheareeaver fhe became, the people mofle hartely 
 
 wolde praye for her grace, commendinge her afmuch 
 
 as they wolde Walter their kynge. 
 *[[ This noble Grijilde was fpeciall benyficiall in mayn- 
 
 taynynge of Scholars to learnynge, bothe in Oxforde 
 
 and alfo in Cambrydge. 
 
 % Caput 5. 
 
 ^[ How, at the Dyvyllis (and certayne of his) inftiga- 
 tion, Walter fought meanys to bee dyvorfed from 
 Grijilde, for that hee had no prynce by her tenheryte 
 after hym, and for alfo that fhe was his brother's wief. 
 
 If Walter's Counfell perceavynge his entent, durfte not 
 contrarye the fame, hee was a man fo headye furyous. 
 
the Seconde. 1 1 
 
 ^[ A fhorte and breve complaynynge againfte weake 
 harted Counfelours, that fhrynkethe to fpeake in the 
 cawfe of right, chalengeinge felfe wylled prynccys that 
 will woorke (in grave mateirs) withoute fage advyfe- 
 ment. 
 If A kyngis Counfell is cheiflye choafe to ordre a kinge, 
 
 and they (by feare or forfe) not to bee compelled. 
 ^[ A kyngis Cownfell oughte to bee choafe of thauncient 
 forte, for their wifedom and experience, and not of 
 younge gaddinge wittys, whoe (if they bee founde 
 contrari<jus) to have no lyttle caufe to lament. 
 % Walter fully determynethe to relinquifche Gryjilde his 
 wife, for whiche, as the grave forte weare penfife and 
 forye, the light wittys weare joyous and gladde. 
 % Of the Cardynall Wolfaye, whoe, counfelinge withe 
 Aftronomyers, founde a woman to be his undoinge, 
 whiche (mofte wronfullye) he ymputed to goode 
 Grifilde, whearfore he went into Fraunce, and labored 
 for the Kyngis fifter theare, to matche withe Walter 
 our Kinge. 
 % Of Anne Bullayne, newlye entred the Cowrte, on 
 whom Walter cafte his mynde (by Angular favour) 
 that theare he purpofed to fettle hym felfe. 
 Tf A prynce his mynde onfe fett upon a thinge (bee ytt 
 neaver fo wronge), flaterers abowte hym will finde 
 cavyllations ynoughe to bringe it unto paffe, as in this 
 prefent cafe. 
 ^f They burdayne goode Grifilde withe fterilenes, not 
 
 confyderinge howe all increafe proceadethe of God. 
 ^[ Kingis and Great men, voyde of feare of God, kepinge 
 concubynes, He ofte cuttethe of their pofterytee, 
 
1 2 ^ Of Gryfilde 
 
 and fuche eredtethe in their places pleafinge unto 
 Hym. 
 Tj Anne Bullayne advaunced Merquefes of Penbrooke, and 
 is as Queene regarded and take, whiche fundrye (the 
 wife) muche merveyled therat, fearinge fuche fodayne 
 clymbinge to have a muche fodayne fall. 
 
 % Caput 6. 
 
 % MefTengers are fent to Rome for a dyvorfement, but 
 none myght bee obteyned ; Walter (the meane while) 
 withe the newe Merquefes paffethe their tyme in 
 huntinge and other pleafures the Progreffe, tyme, 
 goode Grifilde (as an abjedte) attendinge upon them. 
 
 ^[ The Cardynall Wolfayes fayle heer begynneth to 
 a vale. 
 
 ^[ Twoe fpeciall caufes (by reporte) of the Cardynals 
 departure oute of favour. 
 
 ^| Howe, at thende of the Progrefle tyme, he rendred 
 an accompte of all the treafure that hee had, and was 
 fent to Torke, to his See churche theare. 
 
 *\ Immedyatly, and withe greate hafte, he was fent 
 for backe to the Cowrte, wheare (in returnynge) he 
 dyed at Lecejire Abbaye by the way, and of his 
 Chriftyan and penytent ende. 
 
 *\ A note, howe, dyinge penytentlye, God of fuche 
 refpedtethe the ende, and not the former life. 
 
 ^f The Authour heereof pyteithe his deathe and departure 
 oute of favour before the completinge his notable warke 
 begone in Oxforde, wifchinge our noble Queene nowe 
 tyme and powre to fulfill his lacke. 
 
the Seconde. 13 
 
 1F Caput 7. 
 
 ^[ The caufe originall of the Cardynal's ere&inge his 
 
 College in Oxforde, then called Frydifwife. 
 ^[ The tryfelinge of the woorekemen and lacke of goode 
 
 overfeers was the vearye let of fynyfchinge the fame. 
 ^[ The warke, to the Cardynal's vayne glory, was to- 
 
 muche fumptuous, but to the glorye of God nowhit 
 
 to curious. 
 If Mannys vayne pompe before Goddys glorye preferred, 
 
 the warke theare can neaver take goode fuccefTe. 
 ^f Theare fhoulde have beene readde the Seavyn lyberall 
 
 Sciencies, and the cheififte learned in Chriftiandome 
 
 (if theye myght have beene gote for monaye or meede) 
 
 to have beene Readers in the fame. 
 ^f Goddis ayde was not affiftinge theare (by all toknes) 
 
 bycaufe of pryde ; God graunte humylytee to fulfill that 
 
 pryde lacked grace to dooe. 
 ^f Wifchinge oure noble Queene Marye tyme and poure 
 
 to fynyfche that yeat is lackinge in that noble fundation. 
 If The fruyte of true and perfedte learnynge, howe muche 
 
 ytt furderethe to a commone utylytee. 
 ^f Of Doctor Cox, Chauncellour of Oxforde, a very robber, 
 
 an hearetike and utter enemy to God and all goode 
 
 ordre, of his robberye and dyvyllifche doingis in 
 
 Oxforde. 
 
 f Caput 8. 
 
 ^f Walter revertynge his progreiTe, the newe Merquefes 
 accompayneth hym thorowe c Thame, goode Grifilde 
 commynge after, at which the goode people mut- 
 terethe, prayinge for Grifilde God to preferve her. 
 
14 Of Qryfilde 
 
 TI What tawlke the Commons fecreatlye had (frynde to 
 
 frynde) upon Walter's exchaunginge his wife, fearynge 
 
 theareupon greate daungers to enfue. 
 1T The meflengers revert from Rome, unfpedde of the 
 
 thinge they traveyled for. 
 1T Howe theareupon Walter raged and frett againfte the 
 
 Busfhoppe of Rome. 
 1T Howe Walter was firfte enfenfed (by a muche light 
 
 perfon) to take upon hym the Supreamacye, whiche 
 
 by A&e of Perlyament (choafen at his owne will) was 
 
 foone graunted. 
 
 1[ Caput 9. 
 
 % Walter, to appeace the worldelye rumoure, caufed his 
 
 cafe to bee difputed at Oxforde. 
 IT John Longelande (Bufshoppe of Lincolne) was cheeif 
 
 Commyffioner in the faide cafe. 
 1T One fryer Nicholas (an alien) was cheeif foliciter for 
 
 the Kynge in this behaulfe. 
 % No indifFerencye was ufed theare, for whoe that fpake 
 
 againfte the Kingis partye weare redargued, difdayned, 
 
 and muche cruellye threatened. 
 % And contrarye wife, thois leanynge to the Kinges 
 
 partye cheared, rewarded, and made of. 
 % At that bufynes theare Falfehod tryumphed, and 
 
 Truthe quaked for feare, but neaver fhranke his hed. 
 ^[ An ASle that feafon was differred, bycaufe theife fyue 
 
 Inceptour Dodtors, Mawdelaye, Mooreman, Holyman, 
 
 Mortymer, and Cooke, wolde (in nowife) agree to the 
 
 dyvorfement, whiche fyue weare notable clarkes all. 
 
the Seconde. 15 
 
 ^[ The Ac~ie, at the lafte, tooke place by treatye the 
 
 Pro&ors made to Bufshope Langelande for their 
 
 owne fpecial availe. 
 ^f On Lincoln's College gate, wheare Bufshoppe Longe- 
 
 lande laye, weare gallowes made withe chalke, and 
 
 ropyfle of hempe fafte nayled thearby, fignyfyinge 
 
 that hee and hys weare worthie the lyke for their 
 
 goinge againfte the truthe. 
 % Goode women in Oxforde couraged the mateir fore 
 
 on goode Grifildis partye, and had foyled fryer Nicholas 
 
 and other of that forte, if ther handys myght have 
 
 ferved to their harts. 
 ^[ Howe, thorowe fryer Nicholas complaynte, a thirty 
 
 women (or neare theareaboutys) weare empryfoned in 
 
 Buckerdo for thre dayes fpace and three nyghtys. 
 ^[ Howe the Regeaunte Maifters (at that tyme) wolde 
 
 by nomeanys graunte the Unyverfiteis feale to thagre- 
 
 ment of Gryjildis dyvorfihge. 
 % A Convocatio of certayne called by Bufshoppe Long- 
 
 lande (after longe tarryinge in vayne), whear they ftale 
 
 the Unyverfyteeis feale to fuche falfe inftrment [Jic\ 
 
 as thei had contrived. 
 Tf What forowe and lamentation (withe tearys) was made 
 
 of manye goode Graduates and Studentes for ftealynge 
 
 the Unyverfyteeis feale. 
 % Howe tenne to one of the Unyverfytie of Oxforde 
 
 ftucke to the verytee on goode Grifildis partye, if they 
 
 myght have beene hearde. 
 ^f What calamyteis and myferyes enfued in this Royalme 
 
 upon the goinge furthe of this dyvorfement, and fpe- 
 
 cyally upon ufurpinge the Supreamacye. 
 
1 6 Of Gryfilde 
 
 ^[ Upon this occafion downe went Crojfes, Churchejfe, 
 Abbayes, Collegies, Chauntries, Hofpitales, and fundrye 
 put to deathe mofte unmerfyfullye. 
 
 % Caput 10. 
 
 % Walter prefented withe the Unyverfyteeis feale, he 
 
 made nowe no ftoppe, but furdered his purpofe, hee 
 
 had no maner a lett. 
 % Walter fendethe to Grifilde to rendre up her Crowne, 
 
 whiche fhee (utterlye) denyeth to dooe, withe fuche 
 
 wittye and reafonable anfweare that Walter was mofte 
 
 fore offended thearewitheall. 
 ^[ Grifilde is heere avoyded the Cowrte to wheare as 
 
 Walter pleafethe to affigne her. 
 \ The greateft gr^eif to goode Grifildis hart was that 
 
 me myght have no comforte of her Dowghters com- 
 
 panye, whoe laye then at Ludlowe and was kept from 
 
 her of fett purpofe. 
 ^f The Dowghter, heearinge her mothers uncharytable 
 
 entreatinge, mofte pytefullye lamentethe her cafe. 
 % Of Walter's great folicitude in this mateir, who wolde 
 
 bee feene to dooe all uprightlye, and his feche was 
 
 cleane to the contraye. 
 
 ^f Caput ii. 
 
 ^[ A Cowrte Walter affignethe at Dunftable, wheare goode 
 Grifilde was depryved her regale eftate, and theare was 
 geaven to name the ladye Douagere. 
 
 % What daungre enfuethe to breache of faithe when 
 pryncis dooe ftrey from their bownden promyfes. 
 
the Seconde. 17 
 
 % For breache of faithe and promyfes made, this Royalme 
 hathe beene plaged, and yeat (at this daye) is not all 
 free. 
 
 *[f Caput 12. 
 
 % Gryjilde (after her depofition) was fent to Bugden (to 
 
 a freendys place of hers) theare to fojourne. 
 % What goodnes goode Gryjilde fownde at that frindis 
 
 handys, John Longelande, BufToppe of Lincolne. 
 % Theare at Bugden all her olde ofFycers weare com- 
 
 maunded from her, and newe put in their places, to 
 
 the great lidmynyftringe of forowes to her harte. 
 % Of her lamentabl takinge her leave of her olde mofte 
 
 truftye and lovynge fervauntys. 
 ^[ Howe grevouflye Grefilde tooke it that fhe myght not 
 
 fo amplye departe to the pooare as (he was wonte to 
 
 dooe ; She refufethe all mundayne comfortinge, and 
 
 betaketh" her whoale to the merciful difpofition of 
 
 Almyghty God. 
 ^[ Of her often complaynynge unto her felfe of Walters 
 
 unkindenes unto her, and (he fo lovynge unto hym. 
 
 Howe fhe (fpecially) endeavored, for all her trobles, 
 
 to avoyde murmuration. 
 If Of her malignours fhe wifchethe amendement of life, 
 
 and not that God fholde oughtis revenge her cawfe. 
 % She neaver wolde curfTe or blame her mysfortune or 
 
 myfentreatinge, lamentinge muche rather others 
 
 daungers enfuynge then her owne. 
 
 f Caput 13. 
 ^f Gryjilde removed to Conmolton in Huntyngedone- 
 
18 OfGryfilde 
 
 (heere; God theare vifitinge her withe fikenes, 
 
 perceavynge her tyme come to departe this life, 
 
 mofte chriftyanlye {he prepared thearfore. 
 ^| She befought no bodelye phifike, but to be diflblved, 
 
 that her fpirite myght bee with Chrifte. 
 ^[ What mofte Chriftian waies fhee tooke for her faufe 
 
 walkinge oute of this myferable life, to bee ad noted of 
 
 eache goode Chriftian (when tyme {hall come) to 
 
 practice the like. 
 % Firjle, {he became mofte penytent in harte for what- 
 
 foeaver offenfe towardys God or the worlde {he had 
 
 commytted. 
 % Next, {he fore lamented that eaver {he fet delegation 
 
 of mynde upon worldely thinge before her Lorde God. 
 ^[ Thyrdele, withe meeke contrition and harte fixed 
 
 upon the Paflion of Chrifte, {he evermore cryed to 
 
 Hym for mercye. 
 ^[ Fowrthelye, {he confydered that whoefo defyrethe of 
 
 God forgevenes of fynnes ought firfte to dooe the 
 
 fame to other, wheafore [fie) {he forgeavethe all the 
 
 worlde as {hee wolde bee forgeaven of God. 
 ^[ Then, takinge her Goftelye Father, her whoale lyfe 
 
 (difpleafinge unto God) mofte penytentlye to hym {he 
 
 declarethe. 
 ^[ Fynallye, receavynge the Eucharijie mofte reverentlye, 
 
 {he thought her felfe in goode waye againfte her utter 
 
 howre {holde come. 
 •[[ She takethe her leave of this worlde in muche Chriftian 
 
 forte, of Walter (with muche openynge her mynde 
 
 unto hym, partelye for her buryall, partylye for her 
 
 Dowghter Marye) of her Freendys, her Foes, her 
 
the Seconde. 19 
 
 Servauntys, of Lordys, Ladyes, Knygbtys, Gentlemen, 
 and Commoners. 
 
 ^f Caput 14. 
 
 ^[ Heere goode Gryfilde (muche motherly e) takethe her 
 leave of her Dowghter Marye, commendinge her unto 
 Goddys mercye and blefled tuytion, withe muche 
 motherlye and godlye admonytions, bleffinge her 
 withe the bleffinge that the holye Fathers Abraham, 
 Ifahac and Jacob blefled their children. 
 
 * 
 
 1T Caput 15. 
 
 1T The daye prefent of Gryfildis departinge oute of this 
 life, munyted (as is faide) withe the Sacramentys 
 of the Churche and nowe alfo withe the Extreme 
 VncJion, fliee rendrethe her fowle to God eaver- 
 laftynge. 
 
 ^[ So weare her trobles heere brought to an ende, and 
 muche alteringys (concernynge her cawfe) ceafled, 
 but newe (far warfle) began, that ceafled not of longe 
 tyme after. 
 
 <ff Somuche the Authour heereof confeflethe he hathe 
 not of this goode woman heere made mentyon as 
 other (yeat lyvynge) better inftrudted in her holye 
 life can dooe 
 
 ^ Caput 16. 
 
 «[f Howe Walter willethe the bodye of Gryfilde, ac- 
 cordinge to her nobilitee, in Peterburrowe churche to 
 be entiered much honorablye. 
 
20 
 
 Of Gryfilde 
 
 % The maner (fome parte) of the conveyaunce of the 
 
 faide bodye (withe ojFycers and mynyflers) to wheare 
 
 it fholde refte, muche parte expreflinge of the funerall 
 
 obfequye. 
 \ Of whois feparation oute of this life all goode folke 
 
 joyed, bycaufe (he, lyvynge well, cowlde not after- 
 
 wardys myfcary. 
 % Whoefo lyvethe at luftes lybertee after vitious forte, 
 
 his ende is to -bee dowbted, thearfore befte is in tyme to 
 
 ufe vertue, for the deathe of the Goode in the fight of 
 
 God is preacious. 
 % The portion or rewarde ordayned for the Evyll is Fyer 
 
 and Sulphur everlaftingelye deputed for them to boyle 
 
 yn. 
 1F Gryjilde for her heere abhorringe of fynne and piteinge 
 
 the pooare hathe nowe in heavyn everlaftinge rewarde. 
 \ God fo provyded that thoughe Grifilde was heere 
 
 depryved her Crowne, He rendred her another that 
 
 eaver fhall endure. 
 
 1f Caput 17. 
 
 ^ The cheeif mooarner in the funerals of this goode 
 Gryjildis exequye was her mofte tendre and lovynge 
 Doughter Marye, to whome (in comparafon for, that 
 behaulfe) all the other mooarners weare but countrefettes 
 as in her lamentation for her faide mother and com- 
 mendation of her to God dothe plentyouflye appeare. 
 
 1T Caput 18. 
 if A conferrynge betweene the Firfte Grifilde and the 
 
the Seconde. 21 
 
 Seconde, the Firjie Walter and the Seconde, fomuche 
 provynge the Seconde Gryjilde of more authorytee 
 as (he was a Chrijlian, the other an Ethnyke, fhe a noble 
 woman of byrthe and delycatlye brought upp, thear- 
 fore the more harder adverfytee tendure, thother farre 
 bafe[r] brought upp in penurye and hardenes, brought 
 to the fame fiate agayne me myght the eafyer fuffre 
 ytt.. 
 
 IT Somuche as is betweene earnejl and game, fo was the 
 unkyndenes doone to this Seconde Grifilde of more 
 ymportaiyice then to the Firjie, for fhe, relinquyfched, 
 was receaved agayne, fo did her Walter but dyffemble 
 withe her. But this Seconde Gryjilde, depofed of her 
 honour, was neaver thearto receaved agayne, fo was 
 fhe cruellye ufed and dallyed witheall. 
 
 1T The Firjie Walter his children tendered mofte honor- 
 ably, thother Walter abacinge his feade much un- 
 naturally. 
 
 1T Walter the Firjie ignoraunte of Goddys lawe, bycawfe 
 he was an Infydele, fomuche his offence the leffe if he 
 had played the like parte; but Walter the Seconde 
 a Chryftyan, fomuche a greate deale his fawte the 
 greater. 
 
 % This comparafon, Walter withe Walter and Grifilde 
 withe Gryjilde, maye well ferve for Title of this hiftorye. 
 
 ^[ Howe muche this Hiftorye of the Seconde Gryjilde is 
 withe manye (at this prefent daye) knowne to be 
 true, the other doubtefull and to bee but fayned 
 fuppofed of manye, fomuche then maye this bee 
 take in more authorytee. 
 
 1f Sithe Ethnykes (of olde) their famous women put in 
 
22 Of Gryjilde 
 
 recordys to their pofterytee, howe muche ought wee 
 Chrijlyans then, and muche more, to dooe the fame. 
 
 % Thautor of this, wrytinge the fame partely by know- 
 ledge and paretelye by heearinge faye, if (thearfore) 
 oughtys bee heere fownde contraryinge the Truthe, he 
 humblye fubmyttethe it to the reformation of other. 
 
 % A fpeciall and mofle probable tryall Gryjildys maryage 
 to bee mofle lawfull and goode. 
 
 If Howe heavyn and earthe (fpecially the goode forte) 
 rejoyced in the exaltynge of Gryjildys feade to the 
 hie eftate. 
 
 f Caput 19. 
 
 ^f Gryjilde^ joyinge the heavynly felycitee (as wee fully 
 trufte), dothe praye for us theare is no myfdoubtys. 
 
 ^f A probation howe Sayndles (by God) dothe knowe oure 
 thoughtes and alfo (of charytee) dothe praye for us. 
 
 ^f A contemplation of this Author, after what forte 
 (may bee thought) the heavynly Courte dothe praye 
 for fynners, as for oure Englande late owte of the 
 waye. 
 
 IF Caput 20. 
 
 If Heere concludeth the Author howe in Gryjilde 
 
 nobilytee and meekenes weare mett, thoughe feelden 
 
 fo feene in one Eftate mundayne. 
 ^f Howe (of meekenes) fhe inclyned herfelfe lowe, 
 
 thynkynge of thearthe to yffue and thearin agayne 
 
 to be refolved. 
 If Of meekenes fhe vyfited the pooare, fhe daylye was 
 
the Seconde. 23 
 
 kneelynge in prayer, at myddenyght geavynge her 
 felfe to contemplation, fufferynge adverfite without 
 murmuration. 
 % Wrongefull entreatinge, fightynge agaynfte the Dyvyll, 
 the Worlde and the Flefche, fufferinge for Right- 
 uoufnes fake, maye well bee called a Martyrdome. 
 
 ^| Heere endethe the Table. 
 
 ^f An Oration confolatory to our mojie dreade foveraigne 
 Queene Marye to comforte her felfe in God, by example 
 of Jofeph, funne unto Jacob the holye Patriarkei whome, 
 after his great . trobles, God fet in honor and for if c hinge 
 ejlate above all the pryncis of the worlde, as Hee hat he 
 her above all ladyes and women. 
 
 [This " Oration" is appended by the Author at 
 the end of his book.] 
 
^f Heere enfuethe a true and mojie notable Hijiorye of a 
 right noble and famous ladye produced in Spayne, in- 
 tytuled, THE SECONDE GRISILDE, practiced 
 not longe oute of this tyme, in muche parte tragedous, 
 as delegable bothe to Heearers and Readers. 
 
 !/»■] 
 
 ^f Caput Primum. 
 RYTERS hathe manye endeauored their ^ e ^{" 
 
 DaVneS endewver their 
 
 * 1 faynes. 
 
 Hiftoryes famous to put in recordis, 
 Some for their practice, fome for meede 
 
 or gaynes, 
 Muche delytinge bothe to ladyes and 
 lordis, 
 In whiche their ftiles and pryncipall exordis 
 Muche ornatlye, as feemed to them befte, 
 They fawe the fame mode florifcheingely drefte. 
 
 Whois worthie fteppis enfuynge (as I can) 
 (Thoughe an ydiot the probate fapyentis) 
 I heere entende of a noble woman 
 (As addinge of myne to their preafydentys) 
 To wright and fet furthe the godly talentis, 
 For an exampler in fome maner fute, 
 Oother of veftue to take thearby frute. 
 
 The goode 
 
 Slueene 
 
 Catharyne. 
 
26 
 
 OfGryfilde 
 
 Hermeekenes Whoe, for her paffinge noble vertues, 
 
 fpeciallje fur- -» —^ T^TT r , 
 
 momtynge. specially meekenes in adueriytee, 
 In all hiftoryes of Gentyls or Jues, 
 As vnfaynedly feemethe vnto mee, 
 To her maye no jufte comparafon bee ; . 
 Wronged as fhee was, meekely to fuftayne 
 Almofte it was a thinge farre inhumayne. 
 
 Tto^A&wo-lxhis noble ladye, this godlye Gryfilde, 
 So applied for onlye the propretee, 
 On whome we purpofe oure mateir to bilde, 
 As to entreat by goode authorytee, 
 As probate witneflies hathe learned mee, 
 Concernynge her Countrey, to name fpeciall, 
 In Spayne fhee had her firfte oryginall. 
 
 ryne, for her 
 meeknes, ap 
 plied to 
 Gryfilde. 
 
 [/. ii".] 
 
 Her Fathers Doughter fhee was to one Ferdynande, 
 
 name Ferdy- ° .... J. 
 
 nande, her Kynge of Spayne and Cicilye alfo ; 
 
 Elizabeth. Her mother was called, as I vndreftande, 
 Elizabethe, as oother fundrye mo ; 
 After, when firfte fhee was hable to go, 
 To nurifche her in forte to her degree, 
 Ladyes weare choafe, the befte that gote myght bee. 
 
 Howefhe had In literate knowledge entred fhee was, 
 
 aptenes to all , .. ° 
 
 wrtuous By lyttle and lyttle, as fhee in age grwe, 
 .ercyfej. Towardiflye althingis withe her came to paffe 
 That fpecially framed vnto vertue ; 
 Suche inftincTre of grace God can her indue, 
 That by her vertues in fo tendre age 
 Shee fhoulde of honour afcende the worthie ftage. 
 
the Seconde. 
 
 Afcendinge vpp to more maturytee, 
 
 Attaynynge to perfedte difcretion 
 
 Alwayes an inclynation had fhee 
 
 To lowly nes, that cheeif perfection, 
 
 Gatheringe, as rule for her direction, 
 
 In holye Scriptures howe theare is alowde 
 
 All meekenes of God, refiftinge the prowde. 
 
 Of her perfonage defcription to make. 
 She was right comely and chearful withe all ; 
 In voyce, fomewhat bigge fowndinge fhe fpake; 
 In ftature, but meane, and bonarly withe all ; 
 Her coolour fanguyne, that men dothe befte call ; 
 What to this purpofe neadethe more to bee tolde ? 
 She was a ladye pleafaunte to beeholde. 
 
 So perfedte fhe was not in perfonage, 
 
 But farre perfedter was her inwarde mynde ; 
 
 To voyde all wilful infolent outerage 
 
 (Exited by carnal voluptee blynde) 
 
 This remeadye (by grace) fhe wolde befte fynde, 
 
 To geeve herfelfe to contemplation 
 
 In whiche was muche her exercitation. 
 
 Deus fuberbis 
 (Jc) refiftit, 
 humilibus dat 
 
 fratiam. 
 i Pet. v. s-] 
 
 Of her forme 
 and perfon- 
 age. 
 
 Pulchra facie, 
 fed pulchrior 
 
 mente. 
 
 Greatlye fhe loued to heeare and to reade 
 
 The holye Scriptures mofte fpeciallye, 
 
 Alfo the lyues of Saindtys that bee deade, 
 
 To holye life that muche myght edifie ; 
 
 In whiche accuftomynge cuftomablie, 
 
 It was a certaigne fpiritual habyte 
 
 That clofed her from this worldis vayne delyte. 
 
 Htmuejhe 
 favored the 
 Scriptures of 
 God and the 
 lyues of 
 SainSles. 
 
but alivayes 
 in <vertuous 
 bujynejjes. 
 
 28 OfGryfilde 
 
 Howejbe not I Withe ftoole and needyl fhe was not to feeke 
 
 delytedin j 
 
 <vayne tqyes, | And oother practycingis for ladyes meete ; 
 
 To paftyme at Tables, Ticktacke or Gleeke, 
 Cardys, Dyce, or vayne toyes accuftomed yeete, 
 She thought not feemed for women difcreete, 
 But weare incitamentys to" finne and vice, 
 Whearfore fhe .gaue her to oother exercife. 
 
 ofherexerdfe Every moarnynge and alfo at nyght 
 
 bothe moarn- J JO J o 
 
 yngeandnyght Twoe howres (at the leafte) on kneeis wolde {he fitte, 
 
 071 Jl€T ktlEEtS 
 
 in prayer. Commendinge herfelfe to God mofte of myght, 
 [/ ""■] Her life that Hee wolde alwayes ordre itt, 
 From fynne by His grace as to prohybit, 
 That to His will mofte honorable 
 Herfe myght bee euermore conformable. 
 
 lopoareas fo euery creature, riche other poore, 
 
 ricnejhe <vuas J * 
 
 chearfuU,toaii Shee {hewed herfelfe mofte amyably, 
 
 goode deadys 
 
 ahwaies ready Of contention fhe loued no ftoore, 
 
 to doo her fur- „ , . r • 11 
 
 theraunce But to bee in quyet ipecially ; 
 
 Her life fhee heere ledde muche charitably, 
 To what goode deade that anyman woulde 
 Readye alwaies to dooe the befte fhee coulde. 
 
 she waspyte- ^ s f^g was chearful to creatures all, 
 
 jut and Jul of 
 
 mercye vnto So was fhe euermore muche pitefull ; 
 
 Her charitee to the pooare was not fmall, 
 
 To dooe them comforte fhe wolde not bee dull, 
 
 No vertuous deade fhe wolde difanull 
 
 But muche rather the vttermufte fhe myght, 
 
 Wheare flacknes was, the partyes to exite. 
 
the Seconde. 
 
 29 
 
 But for fhe was her parentys yeat vndre, 
 So amplye fhe coulde not her mynde extende, 
 Yeat at her dooingis dyverfe dyd wundre, 
 And in their hartys did her greatly commende ; 
 Whateauer fhe did was to a goode ende, 
 Only (as to faye) Goddis fpecyal praife, 
 Vayne glory (as Deathe) deteftinge alwaife. 
 
 The youthe that to her weare affociat, 
 
 As vpon her, their miftreffe, -to attende, 
 
 Vfinge taches light and illicitat, 
 
 She thearof wolde them mofte ftreitely defende, 
 
 Withe oother meanys if thei lifte not amende, 
 
 So that in that parte (whiche was meruelous) 
 
 Her Courte was as it had been Religious. 
 
 For princelye behauyour, nurture, and fuche 
 
 To womanlynes that did appertayne, 
 
 None myght (certaynely) commende her to muche, 
 
 She had in that kinde the vearye right veyne ; 
 
 Of her princelye prefence all men weare fayne, 
 
 Not onlye the cheif had fuche affection 
 
 But alfo the pooare had her in diledtion. 
 
 She was a woman of wondreful grace 
 
 As in oure age of long tyme did fpringe, 
 
 All vertue fpecially fhe did embrace 
 
 And vice (of truthe) vtterly contempnynge, 
 
 Whiche was wondreful in fo younge a thinge ; 
 
 But, wheare God geavethe illumynation, 
 
 Mufte neadys fhewe light of goode conuerfation, 
 
 Her de'adys 
 orderynge to 
 Goddys Jpecial 
 praife, and not 
 to anye vayne 
 glorye. 
 
 Howe her 
 Cowrte nvas 
 as Religious, 
 for bryngynge 
 wpp of her 
 yonuthe. 
 
 forherprynce- 
 ly behauyoure, 
 bothe poore and 
 riche defyred 
 her prefence. 
 
 Wheare Cod 
 infpirethe to 
 grace, mufte 
 neadys profper 
 •vnto the fame. 
 
3° 
 
 Of Gryfilde 
 
 Asjhe ivas 
 vertuous in- 
 <wardelye,fo 
 Jhe ordred her 
 outivardys ex- 
 ample. 
 
 To whiche (he had a fpecyall refpecle, 
 Afwel her outwardys whoale fafhyonynge 
 By euyl example on none to refledte, 
 As inwardelye fhe abhorred fuche thinge, 
 Muche prudently this wife confyderinge, 
 Whois example inducethe to lightnes 
 Obumbrethe of Grace the gloffinge brightnes. 
 
 [/ i3 b -] 
 
 The brute of 
 this ladye 
 bloixme {by re- 
 forte) into 
 
 Englande. 
 
 Henfye the 
 Seavynthe, 
 
 ^[ Howe this noble Seconde Gryfilde was marryed into 
 Greate Brytayne, to a mojle worthie and towardys Prynce 
 theare, called Arthur, whoe lyued withe her but ueryjhorte 
 tyme, fo (in his tendre age) departinge this life, and of 
 her piteful lamentation for hym. 
 
 % Caput 2. 
 
 HIS princely lady, Grijilde, (as wee name,) 
 Withe her deere parentes abidinge in Spaine, 
 Whois paflinge worthynes wasblownebyfame 
 Vnto the noble cowntrey of Brytayne, 
 
 Wheare at that tyme a famous kynge did reigne, 
 
 Oute of this life departed longe agone, 
 
 Called (in his tyme) the Seconde Salomon. 
 
 of Prynce Unto this kinee of famous memorye 
 
 Arthur, and ° J 
 
 of his pryncely A prynce theare was, mode goodly nonfchinge, 
 By name Arthur, fo called proprelye, 
 In all this worlde no towarder younge thinge ; 
 Whois famous Father that tyme thus caftinge 
 That as he was noble in eftate 
 To haue hym machte accordinge to the rate. 
 
the Seconde. 
 
 This prudent kinge in Spayne that tyme herde tell 
 To bee this ladye, fayre GryjMdis, 
 Withe pryncely vertues howe fhe did excell, 
 That towardys her his mynde occupied is, 
 Counfelinge thearin withe Counfelours of his, 
 Whiche debated throughe fage aduifement 
 Founde it to bee thinge mofte expedient. 
 
 After, with fpeede, ambaffadours weare fent 
 
 Vpon this marryage for to entreat, 
 
 Which, on {hat one partye wayed to entent, 
 
 And on the other by polecye greate, 
 
 For to conclude their braynes they much did beate, 
 
 As for bothe partyes feeamed to the befte 
 
 That myght be caufe of tranquillytee and refte. 
 
 Cmtmfell tak- 
 ingefor the 
 maryageofthis 
 ladye Catha- 
 ryne. 
 
 Meffengersfent 
 far entreatye 
 of the fay de 
 marryage. 
 
 [/"•MO 
 
 This weyghtye mateir brought to conclufion, 
 
 Our Br it ay ne ambaffadours whome did reverte, 
 
 In whiche was wrought no maner collufion, 
 
 But faitheful true meanynge on either parte ; 
 
 To whiche goode Grifilde graunted her whoale harte, 
 
 And fhortely after, moft worthelye, as fhe ought, 
 
 Into Brytayne was honorablye brought, 
 
 The marryage 
 concluded be- 
 tweene Pry/ice 
 Arthur and 
 the Ladye 
 Catharyne. 
 
 Wheare the defpoufaile was folemplye kepte, 
 Withe fuche worthie tryumphe as did belonge ; 
 But the marryed togeathers not flepte, 
 For the faide Prynce was but tendre and yonge, 
 Lefte to his growinge it myght dooe muche wronge ; 
 Yeat, notwitheftandinge that myght not bee had, 
 Either of oother weare paffingelye glad. 
 
 Thedejpoufaile 
 folemply kept 
 ivitheoute car- 
 nail cognytion. 
 
3 2 Of Gryjilde 
 
 Ppnce Ar- But, W ell awaye ! halas the heauye cafe ! 
 
 fiortefpace After this myrthe and ioyous felycitee, 
 
 after Ms mar- _ . . , * 
 
 ryage, depar- rogeathers in healthe they loyed no longe fpace, 
 This noble Prynce this life departed hee, 
 For whome was forowinge of euery degree, 
 Mofte fpecially of faire Gryjilidis, 
 So foone her deearefte in fuche wife to myffe. 
 
 The doleful "Halas" (fhe faide) " whathappe is me betyde 
 
 lamentation of v ' rr J 
 
 thisyoungelady My fpeciall Jewell aboue oother all 
 
 forherkoue J J 
 
 late departed. Thus to rorgoe, no lengre to abyde, 
 [/ H b ] To my great greeif and hynderaunce not fmall ! 
 
 O Lorde of heauyn ! which pleafidfte hym to call 
 
 Vnto Thy heauynly celeftiall prefence, 
 
 Bee Thou my ayde, my fuccour, and defenfe ! 
 
 The crueines of " Thou wotifte I am come oute of farre countraye 
 
 Deathe inhoe . . . 
 
 •v/etke all men Heere hoapmge (throughe Thee) in loye to haue dwelte, 
 But nowe, fithe withe me it hapnethe this waye, 
 No lyttle care is of me to bee felte. 
 
 Deathe ! whie hafte thou thus cruelly delte ? 
 
 1 dare not on thee make exclamation, 
 For me thou wilte vfe after like fafhion. 
 
 shedefrethe " Evyn nowe, O Lorde, if it myght fo pleafe Thee, 
 ■woide) to bee Then fhoulde I no more of worldely greeif taifte ; 
 thhtife"! 1 e " To bee withe my Arthur befte weare for mee, 
 Withe hym of Thie jpyes to haue like repaifte. 
 If (to Thie pleafure) my woordis bee in waifte, 
 (For that throughe forowe my wittis are wexte grofe) 
 Bee it (O Lorde) as Thou lifte to difpofe. 
 
the Seconde. 
 
 33 
 
 " And, merciful God, Kinge of Kyngys all, 
 Woorke Thou for me nowe mofte mercifullye ; 
 Sithe hither Thou pleafidfte me thus to call, 
 Geue me not vpp to lyue myferablye, 
 But, as I purpofe to ferve Thee trulye, 
 So fauorablye for mee Thou prouyde, 
 And in my neade to bee alwaies my Guyde. 
 
 " Thee haue I ay fownde to this prefent daye 
 My fpecial goode Lorde and faufe Protector ; 
 As Thou hafte fo beene, fo bee thou alwaye 
 To me a gratious fryndlye Refpedtor 
 And withe Thie Grace a daylye Refector, 
 That this or oother the like tribulation 
 From Thee of mee make no feparation. 
 
 " In hither repayringe to forefaide entent 
 My frindis to this ende had expectation 
 I to haue profperde wheare deathe can preuent, 
 And they to haue ioyed in oure generation, 
 Whiche all is nowe brought to defolation, 
 After this fayinge, ' Thoughe man proponethe, 
 God as Hee pleafethe althingis difpofethe.' 
 
 " Hoapinge fuche wife in my profperous fuccefTe 
 
 Withe me they departed verye largelye ; 
 
 Vpon this myfliappe what maye they nowe gefle 
 
 But me to accompte for mofte vnhappye ? 
 
 Theis all to my harte breedethe no fmall coarfye, 
 
 Takinge as worthelye fent vnto mee 
 
 For my former life and inyquytee. 
 
 F 
 
 Of God flu 
 befeachethe 
 fpeciall ayde, 
 asjhe myndeth 
 tofer<ue Hym. 
 
 She al'Wayes 
 tooke Gad her 
 fpecyall 
 ProteSor. 
 
 U. 15.] 
 
 Howe God 
 difpofethe, 
 /wive eauer 
 man pro- 
 ponethe. 
 
 She takethe 
 this greeiffor 
 her demerytes. 
 
34 Of Gryfilde 
 
 Howe God a l t£k e it of Goddys prouyfion fent 
 
 can ordayne is . 
 
 not for man As I not worthie withe hym to remayne, 
 Or for fome oother farre fecrete entent 
 Whiche Hee alone in Hymfelfe dothe conteyne, 
 Whois counfellis occulte howe He can ordayne 
 Surmountethe mannys inueftigation, 
 So myghtie is His domynation. 
 
 why hym or " Whie Hee tooke hym and mee heere lefte behynde, 
 
 her God tat- _ , . - , i r 
 
 etheismtfor Or whie not mee and hym to let lurvyue, 
 ma "'° f" e ' I cannot termyne in perfe&e true kynde, 
 I cannot the caufe compaffe or contryue ; 
 Hee ordaynethe for bothe the deadde and the lyue 
 All to the befte ; wee ought no leffe to faye, 
 Oure willys to His will willyngely tobeye. 
 
 •TMsiuoride " Sithe fo behovethe (thoughe Nature fraylelye 
 
 ofte tuorkethe .__ ' , . 
 
 contraryoujiye Ympugnethe by muche contraryetee), 
 goayne7. n ' Praye will I for hym, befte is fo, daylye, 
 
 And take (as God fendthe) this worldys varyetee, 
 Whiche fhewthe contrarious for oure ympyetee, 
 For doubteles thorowe oure fynnes occafion 
 Ofte hapnethe on vs Goddys indignation. 
 
 Regumi°, n " Sometyme for Father Hee plagethe the Chylde, 
 capite. Ag Davyf ^ s c hilde yffued of Berfabe ; 
 
 Sometyme the Father for Chyldren wylde 
 . Regamprimo, As Hely ; whoe lifte the Regums goe fee ; 
 
 mi capite. _ r , . 
 
 Sometyme for the owne propre myquytee, 
 But not fo of my Love I dare well faye, 
 For plyant hee was to vertue alwaye. 
 
the Seconde. 
 
 35 
 
 "Thoughe for his owne fawte, fathers, or mothers, 
 
 He was not henfe take I thynke in my harte, 
 
 It myght (perhaps) bee, as Scripture dothe reherfe, 
 
 Lefte the Malignour his fenfys myght peruerte 
 
 To what God wolde to become overthwarte, 
 
 Or, as Efay fayinge in this wife, 
 
 Hee was henfe take from this worldys malice. 
 
 " This wayes or that wayes, this is mofte certayne, 
 God (at His pleafure) hathe fent for hym henfe ; 
 To contraryq, Hym it weare but in vayne, 
 I yeealde me as pleafethe His magnyficenfe, 
 Hym befeachinge to take me to His prefence, 
 That as in cleannes we weare heere vnyte 
 So to taflbtiat in His heauynlye fight. 
 
 " For, I adnotinge this worldys behauyour, 
 All is in the fame but playne vanytee, 
 Rather pluckynge from Chrifte (my Sauyoure) 
 Then to His pleafure apply aunte to bee ; 
 Whearfore I feele it befte (hall behoue mee 
 From worldely vanyteis mee to withedrawe, 
 And to endeauer Goddys looue and dwe awe. 
 
 Raptus eft ne 
 maiitia 
 mutaret in- 
 telleflum 
 illius. Sapi. 4. 
 [1,.] 
 
 C[ap\ S3. 
 
 To contrarye 
 Goddys ordy- 
 naunce weare 
 but in 'vayne. 
 
 All in this 
 nuorlde of 
 worldly mynyf- 
 Irynge is but 
 vanytee. 
 
 " I fee heere troble and muche vexation, 
 
 I fee heere the higheft hathe none afluraunce, 
 
 I fee and feele heere muche temptation, s 
 
 I fee no man hathe heere contynuaunce ; 
 
 This worlde confyderinge of fuche inconftaunce 
 
 Whoe is but will take it accordinglye ? 
 
 As, God ! (I befeache) fo alwayes maye I ! 
 
 This worlde 
 is of none af- 
 furatmce but 
 fulofmyfery. 
 
ivorlde to 
 come. 
 
 36 Of Gryfilde 
 
 fnuoftere- " So to vfe this vayne worldelye eftate 
 grynationto- As but oure tyme of peregrynation ; 
 
 •uiardys the J r O J 
 
 So caftinge for the joyes intermynat 
 Withe all hartys earnefte inclynation, 
 Meekely fufferinge heere trybulation 
 (Whatfoeauer God fhall pleafe to ordayne), 
 The heauynlye fruition for to attayne." 
 
 Keafonnuiii- Suche was this maydyns meditation 
 
 ethe to bee con- J J 
 
 tented as God After her Loues departure this life, 
 
 " \T\e>\ Settinge afyde all confolation, 
 
 Reafon and Frayletie within her at ftrife ; 
 Reafon wylled her, thoughe late me weare wife 
 To bee contented as God lifte to fende, 
 Thoughe (inwardelye) Frayltie muche did contende. 
 
 For longe tyme B ut for all that, the lamentation 
 
 after her for- # 
 
 owes endured (Longe tyme enduringe) of this noble mayde, 
 
 forherLooue. \ r 1 t r • ■ 
 
 After her Loves io expiration, 
 
 It cannot of mee bee thorowlye fayde ; 
 
 All fumptuous attyrementes weare afide layde, 
 
 Her chriftall iyen for longe tyme after 
 
 Weare as a lymbecke diftillinge cleare water. 
 
 Great weare The heavye cheare bothe of Father and Mother 
 
 theforoiAies «i/-iiit»i 1 
 
 botheof Father And of the whoale Royalme to longe weare to tell, 
 
 and Mother —. r . , . , . 
 
 and ail the But, for myne entent is this and none other 
 $!$/* Cheiflye tentreat of this noble Damoyfell, 
 
 Prince. The refte ( for thig f ea fo n ) J W y\] \ et dwell, 
 
 And ferdre wright howe, after heauynes, 
 Her joyes agayne began for to encrefe. 
 
the Seconde. 37 
 
 *H Heere Gryfilde is marryed to Walter {her firjie huf- 
 bondys brother) ; his Father dyethe, and Walter withe 
 Gryfilde crowned Kynge and ^ueene, beetweene whome 
 theare fpryngethe a Prynce whoe lyuethe but fmall tyme, 
 and afterwardys a Princejfe called Marye, and of 
 Goddis wondrefull workeynge for her. 
 
 % Caput 3. 
 
 HIS towardysyounge Prince departed and gone [/ i 7 .] 
 And his funeral obfequye cleane pafte, 
 His famous Father, the Seconde Salomon, 
 (Wyttelye thus weyinge) began at the lafte 
 
 In his inwarde mynde to compafle and cafte 
 
 For this noble ladye howe to ordayne 
 
 That fo was hither yflued from Spayne. 
 
 At the concludinge of the mateir furfte 
 
 It was agreed, if the Prynce dyd departe 
 
 A Douarye (of duetye) neadys have fhe mufte ; 
 
 Whiche nowe the kynge reuoluethe in his harte, 
 
 Confyderinge he maye not from his promyfle ftarte. 
 
 Pryncys in their leaugis to bee fownde doble, 
 
 Is cawfe (oftetymes) of muche hate and troble. 
 
 Ferdre, as thus confyderinge alfo 
 This faide noble ladye whome to repayre, 
 And yeearely fuche Douarye from henfe to goe 
 By her exchaungeinge this foyle or layre, 
 Yeat rather he cafte (fyttinge in his chayre) 
 So that it myght bee conuenyently doone, 
 To haue her marrye withe his oother foone. 
 
3 8 OfGryfilde 
 
 For at that feafon, befydis thother deadde, 
 
 He had a foone whiche Walter had to name, 
 
 That nowe was Prynce heere in his brothers fteadde, 
 
 For whome his Father dothe bufelye frame, 
 
 As faide is before, taccomplifche the fame, 
 
 In whiche. he dyd mofte wyttye counfell take 
 
 That wyttelye cowlde for the purpofe make. 
 
 [/• >7 b .] Bycaufe the cafe was feelden feene in vre 
 
 One brother to mar rye withe the other's wife, 
 
 To dooe that their dooingis myght take effedte fure 
 
 Afterwardys to bee deuoyde of all ftrife, 
 
 Withe diligent fearche, throughe meanys excefTyue, 
 
 All Chriftian clergy e they did examyne 
 
 Vpon the faide cafe, what they cowlde defyne. 
 
 Whiche (certaynly) not headely and foone 
 
 But withe muche fobre deliberation, 
 
 Fownde (by goode learnynge) it myght well bee doone, 
 
 So defynynge in their Conuocation ; 
 
 After, yeat ferdre, for more confyrmation, 
 
 This fage Salomon, to voyde all maner blame, 
 
 Sent vnto Rome to haue judged the fame. 
 
 Wheare then the Busfhoppe withe his whoale Counfell, 
 
 Examynynge (trulye) the forefaide cafe, 
 
 As thynge probable, lawful and well, 
 
 They it fo tryed in conuenyent fpace 
 
 Confirmynge the fame, remyttinge apace 
 
 The meflengers fo in the mateir fent, 
 
 Their Kynge to proceeade in his goode entent. 
 
the Seconde. 39 
 
 Vpon whiche notable approbation 
 
 This noble ladye was marryed agayne 
 
 To the faide Walter, of highe commendation 
 
 For his perfonage, fo paflinge foueraigne, 
 
 Whoe (certaynlye), as I beleue certayne, 
 
 For comelynes and ftature to accownte 
 
 No Pry nee (then lyuynge) theare dyd hymfurmowte (Jic). 
 
 Ere longe tyme after, this faide Salomon [/ ,8.] 
 
 By God was fent for to an other life ; 
 
 Walter (his fpon) the Crowne tooke hym vpon, 
 
 Crownynge alfo Queene goode Grifilde his wife, 
 
 Betweene whiche twoe flowres, to ceafTe heere all ftrife, 
 
 A Prynce theare fprang mofte beawtious to fee 
 
 And to name Arthur (certaynlye) had hee. 
 
 Of whome this whoale Royalme was paffingely glad, 
 - Mofte highely hoaping in his pofterytee ; 
 But, after fhorte fpace, hee made them all fad 
 For, of his life heere the fhorte breuytee, 
 Henfe was hee take by Deathes crudelytee, 
 Throughe what occafion I cannot defyne 
 But that it pleafed God fo to affigne. 
 
 Thoughe Walter (the Father) manfully and ftowte, 
 (Muche ftryuynge againfte Nature ynwardelye) 
 Afmuche as hee myght, beare the mateir owte, 
 Yeat to his harte (nodoutes) it went ful nye ; 
 But, tochinge the Mother fpecyallye, 
 Neauer was theare woman (I thinke nolefle) 
 That for her childe myght fhewe more heauynes. 
 
40 Of Gryftlde 
 
 Shee wepte, fhee fuobbed, fhee fighed ofte witheall, 
 Shee wrounge her handys of motherly pytee, 
 ^Shee wolde not holde ftate vndre cloth of pall, 
 Shee whoale forgote her highe regalytee 
 Shee tooke his deathe as mofte calamytee, 
 For that it was her firfte begoten childe, 
 For whome all joyes fhe vtterlye exilde. 
 
 [/ i8 b -] Nother wolde fhee in companye frequent, 
 
 Nother wolde fhee in pleafures oughtes delyte, 
 Nother wolde fhee harken to inftrument, 
 Nother yeat pane what tawlke men did recyte, 
 Nother wolde fhee her feeadinge appetyte ; 
 Rather fhee wolde, then oughtes of theis enure, 
 Shewe cheeare as fymple or bafched creature. 
 
 This wife fhee wolde her felfe ofte tymes complayne, 
 " My louelye childe (halaffe !) I haue forlorne 
 Whome into this life I yealded with payne, 
 Thoughe to my comforte, when hee was heere borne, 
 And nowe fo fooane his life to bee oute worne 
 That was fomuche my confolation ; 
 No merueyle then of my lamentation. 
 
 " Hee was my worldely cheif ioye and comforte, 
 Nexte to my lorde and foueraigne hufbande, 
 For hym I fure had muche vauntinge repqrte 
 Of highe and eke meane thorowe all this lande ; 
 The caufe, fo caufinge, no lengre to ftande 
 I haue nowe lofte, omyttinge my fweete foone, 
 The joye, the looue, that earfle I had fo woone. 
 
the Seconde. 41 
 
 " I haue omytted that longe I dyd defire, 
 
 A Prynce, this Royalme in quyet ftate in ftaye ; 
 
 Howe maye I (agayne) another requyre ? 
 
 To tempte my Lorde God I feare, and fo maye. 
 
 A Deathe ! why hafle thoue hym taken awaye, 
 
 So highe a treafure as (lyuynge) was hee, 
 
 And fo to thoufandys afwell as to mee. 
 
 " Hee was not as chylde of the commone forte, [/ 19] 
 
 Hee was a Prynce and heyre vnto a Kinge, 
 
 Somuche thcheauyer his tyme heere fo fhorte, 
 
 Somuche the more myfte for State contynuynge, 
 
 Somuche the more for hym my forowynge, 
 
 Somuche for hym my contynuall mone ; 
 
 I was a mother, and nowe am none." 
 
 Longe bode this lady and excellent PryncefTe 
 
 Lamentynge her chyldis this life departure, 
 
 Longe laye. in her harte by muche heauynes 
 
 The thynge whiche in no wife fhe myght agayne recure, 
 
 Nature compelled her fo to endure, 
 
 For, as fhe was benynge in her eftate, 
 
 So was fhe (by nature) affedtionat. 
 
 AfFedtionat fhe was vnto all vertue, 
 
 Thoughe not affedtionat to her felfe will ; 
 
 AfFedtionat fhe was peace to contynue, 
 
 For that caufe her loue laye her childe fo vntill ; 
 
 Her will was hee fhoulde the State heere fulfill 
 
 When Walters breathe oute of this life did yeeade, 
 
 But otherwife God had thearin decreeade. 
 
 G 
 
4 2 Of Gryfilde 
 
 Yeat wifelye (at laft) calling to remembraunce 
 That Goddys fo workeinge fhe ought not to refifte, 
 Shee tooke it as thinge of Goddys ordynaunce, 
 And made as hee weare of her nowhit myfte ; 
 Ferdre confyderinge in Hym to confifte, 
 As Hee her fent that fweeatifte creature, 
 To fende an other at His owne pleafure. 
 
 [/ i9 b ] Togeather they lyued certayne yeares after, 
 
 The numbre howe manye I cannot well gefle, 
 Wheare God remembred his fervaunte Walter, 
 Sendynge by Grifilde a fayre newe encreafe, 
 A goodlye younge thinge, a Prynceffe pearlefTe, 
 Whome, to bee Chriftianed as folke did carye, 
 Her parentis wolde her to bee called Marye. 
 
 Of whiche noble Babe the Mother was fayne, 
 Father alfo, as right goode caufe had hee, 
 Withe all the Cowrte, bothe gentylman and fwayne, 
 And thorowe the Royalme was highe felycitee, 
 Withe prayfingis to God the mofte that myght bee, 
 Whiche well appeared, thoughe longe afterwarde, 
 They weare (in efFedte) of Hym that tyme herde. 
 
 For, longe tyme after, this noble Virgyn 
 
 Of all this whoale worlde proved the cheif flowre ; 
 
 The glorye of God fhee did agayne begyn 
 
 That was as layde downe by dyuyllifche erroure, 
 
 And it eftablifched, by Goddys helpinge powre, 
 
 In fuche fodayne and wondrefull fafhyon, 
 
 To all this worldys greate admyration. 
 
the Seconde. 43 
 
 Yeat, undreftande yee, ere this pryncelye mayde 
 Was brought (as is faide) to her highe eftate, 
 Neauer was Pryncefle more foarer affayde 
 In taiftinge forowes of wondrefull rate, 
 Ynowghe to haue geauen an vttre checke mate 
 Eauyn to the hardieft that eauer was feene ; 
 God was her ayde, it cowlde not els haue beene. 
 
 But for on Grijilde oure mateir dothe depende, [f. 10.] 
 
 And not on Marye pryncipallye tentreat, 
 
 Lefte I myghi happen be thought to offende 
 
 Throughe Adulation, a meddeler muche great, 
 
 I will thearfore nowe (chalengeinge no cheate 
 
 In forte fuche wife of commendation) 
 
 Ferdre of Grijilde heere make relation. 
 
 ^[ O/^Grifildis vpp tradinge her goodly e younge Pryncejfe ; 
 Of her Jyngular towardnes to all vertue howe this 
 Royalme [that feafoii) jlorifched in mojie highe honour 
 and felicite ; and of this Grifildis godly perfeSlion, to 
 thexample of all noble women euyn to the worldys ende. 
 
 ^[ Caput 4. 
 
 \RISILDE enioyinge this virginal floure, 
 And fhee receauynge Puryfication, 
 She had it nurifched in her owne bowre 
 Till tyme was come of ablactation ;' 
 Then tooke me on her muche theducation 
 To have her traded in honorable forte, 
 Of whiche I am not heere hable to reporte. 
 
44 Of Gryjilde 
 
 But thus muche we dare heere boldely to wright, 
 
 She brought her vpp withe all dylygencye 
 
 In all kynde of vertue fomuche as fhee myght, 
 
 To Goddys dwe honour mofte fpeciallye ; 
 
 As fhe encreafed to knowledge more hye, 
 
 So dyd goode Grijilde for her ftill prouyde 
 
 To haue her foftred as chicke by her fyde. 
 
 [/• 10V] Shee had to her forted men well expert 
 
 In Latyne, Frenche, and Spaynyfche alfo, 
 Of whome, before they from her did reuert, 
 She gathered knowledge, with graces other mo ; 
 The thyhge atchieued departed her not fro, 
 For, as fhee had promptnes the thynge to contryue, 
 So had fhee memory paffinge retentyue. 
 
 Emonges her inftrudtours, before other ferre, 
 Highely florifcheinge in the Latyne tonge, 
 She had the famous Thomas JLynaker, 
 Whois rules for her remaynethe vs emonge, 
 Throughe whome in Latyne fhe ornatlye fpronge, 
 Whiche afterwardys, bearing domynation, 
 Was vnto her mofte highe confolation. 
 
 For none theare was that had withe her to dooe, 
 
 Straunger or other, what foeauer he was, 
 
 But his demaundys fhe cowlde anfweare vntoo, 
 
 And geue graue fentence in mofte profounde cafe ; 
 
 So wifelye for her good Grijilde dyd purchace 
 
 That no kynde of vertue fhe dyd wante, 
 
 But weare withe her lynkte as in couenaunte. 
 
the Seconde. 45 
 
 This Walter and Gryjilde fuche wife indude 
 Withe this mofte godly and towardys iffue, 
 Betweene whome afterwardys, heere to conclude, 
 Was neauer moe, their ftyrpe to contynue ; 
 But as to rype age this more and more £rue, 
 So truly e fhee, withe beawtye decora t, 
 Dyd paflirigelye floryfche in her eftate. 
 
 By longe tyme after Walter and Gryjilde [/ *i.| 
 
 Their lyues they ledde in highe felicitee ; 
 
 His will (moile gladly) fhe alwayes fulfilde, 
 
 By all that laye in her poffybylytee. 
 
 In Brytayne that tyme was muche tranquyllytee, 
 
 Plentye of althyngis in computation 
 
 That ferued (of neade) to mannys fuftentation. 
 
 The honour of God duelye florifchinge, 
 
 His feruyce mayntayned eauerye wheare, 
 
 The riche the pooare right gladlye nurifchinge, 
 
 The greateft (at ftreife) biggeft burdayne to beare, 
 
 To that was godlye each leanynge his eare ; 
 
 So decent ordre was not then ouer all, 
 
 But after it had a muche fodayne fall. 
 
 Of which I will not (at this tyme) heere faye, 
 But tawke of Gryjilde, that foueraigne wight, 
 Whoe ordred her life fo godlye alwaye 
 That none cowld euyl her, fayinge but the right ; 
 The loue of God was alwayes in her fight, 
 Before thyngis worldelye ynwardlye caftynge 
 To pleafe the Lorde that was eauerlaftynge. 
 
46 Of Gryjilde 
 
 Her almes to the pooare was ample and large, 
 
 None came to her gatys withe oute refrefcheinge ; 
 
 To her Almofyner fhee gaue in charge 
 
 To bee dylygent in dyftrybu tinge, 
 
 Mofte fpecially to haue a refpedtinge 
 
 To the ympotent, aged, and fuche, 
 
 They (before other) moued her harte muche. 
 
 [/ « b .] 1 This godlye pytee ferdre had fhee 
 
 In townys and villagies, neare wheare {he laye, 
 She wolde (fecreatlye) fende to goe fee 
 J To knpwe wheare neaded her almes to conuaye ; 
 I Some fhurtys, fome fmockes, fome certaigne monaye, 
 Or what thynge els was thought they dyd neede, 
 As (he perceaued fo fholde they fure fpeede. » 
 
 Sometyme wolde {he fende fecreatlye alfo 
 
 To weeite wheare the pooare weare layde in childe bed ; 
 
 Knowinge thearof, {he wolde herfelf ofte goe, 
 
 And caufe to bee brought bothe ale, beeare, and brede, 
 
 Candyll, and fuche thynges that myght doo them ftede, 
 
 Bothe {heeates and lynen leauynge theare behynde, 
 
 Withe alfo monaye other neeadys to fynde. 
 
 She was not quoyfche, difdaynefull or prowde, 
 
 But cowlde be pleafed to vyfite the pooare ; 
 
 Withe God thearfore {he was highely alowde 
 
 And after (withe fauour) let yn at His doore ; 
 
 Thoughe heere agaynfte her Hee let the wynde ftoore, 
 
 It was the more to her fowlys falvation, 
 
 For heauyn is woonne by muche trybulation. 
 
the Seconde, 47 
 
 This godlye maner ofte wolde fhee frequent 
 
 At Greenewiche, fhe lyinge alone from the Kynge ; 
 
 The Fryers at matyns withe hartye entent 
 
 She wolde bee theare, in devotyon kneelinge, 
 
 A mantyll aboute her whiche was no riche thynge, 
 
 Theare in prayer and contemplation 
 
 Renderinge to God fweete commendation. 
 
 All was her harte in holyneffe pight, t7- **■' 
 
 Thoughe in this worlde yeat not of the fame, 
 
 In worldely.thynges fhee had no delyte, 
 
 For whiche in heauyn is regeftred her name ; 
 
 To that onlye ende fhe fullye dyd frame, 
 
 As all that eauer her fafchyons knwe 
 
 Can yeat recorde my fayinge to bee true. 
 
 And for the deuotion fhe fpecially had 
 
 In the remembraunce of Chriftes Paflion deere 
 
 (Her fpyrite, ynwardely, to comforte and glad) 
 
 An ymage, that reprefentation beere, 
 
 She dyd let make, in wondreful manere, 
 
 Vpon a mownte a lyttle from London, 
 
 Befydys the waye goynge to IJlyngeton; 
 
 Not to any ydolatryall entent 
 
 (As myferable men manye dothe holde) 
 
 But to the beholders to reprefent 
 
 Of Chrifte towardys man the mercyes manyfolde. 
 
 Her feruencye in vertue cannot bee tolde, 
 
 For ftudiouflye fhee neauer dyd ceafe 
 
 But day by daye in vertue to encreafe. 
 
48 OfGryfilde . 
 
 Ferdre, yeat more of her goodnes texpreffe, 
 Thoughe fhe from Brytayne weare an alyan, 
 This was mofte true, witheoute all doubtefulnes, 
 Aboue all nations fhe loued an Englifcheman, 
 And dyd for manye as well proued than ; 
 And I for them thus muche agayrie will faye, 
 They loued her withe all that in them laye. 
 
 [/ 22».] When fhee on ProgrefTe in the fomers tyde 
 Roade with her Walter themfelfes to folace, 
 Wheare they did come the Countrey farre and wyde 
 • Wolde thycke aflemble to beholde her face, 
 Cryinge a mayne " Chrifte faue her noble grace," 
 Withe fecreat tawlke her highelye commendynge 
 Afmuche as they wolde dooe Walter their Kynge. 
 
 Befydis all this, this mofte excellent Queene 
 
 A fyngular zeale had vnto learnynge, 
 
 As bothe in Oxforde and Cambrydge was feene, 
 
 In mayntaynynge ledtures, and Scholars helpeinge, 
 
 With manye a gyfte to the ChurchefTe aydinge ; 
 
 What thynge was neadful to vertues pleafaunce 
 
 She was mofte readye to dooe her furtheraunce. 
 
 The gratious deadys of this worthye woman, 
 
 Whiche are well knowne to fundry yeat lyuynge, 
 
 And fhall neauer dye by all that I, can, 
 
 If thearto maye helpe my fymple wrytynge, 
 
 All to entytle paffethe my cunnynge, 
 
 But for fomuche as to my knowledge came 
 
 I haue, and fhall, gladlye fet furthe the fame. 
 
the Seconde. 49 
 
 ^f Howe Walter fought meanys to bee dyuorced from Gry- 
 filde his wife ; howe his Counfelours {for feare) then 
 
 Jhranke from the truthe ; of the great Cardynall Thomas 
 Wulfaye; alfo of Anne Bullayne, on whome Walter^/ 
 
 fpecially hisharte, her as to marry e in goodeGrytildisfeade. 
 
 IT Caput 5. 
 
 |FTER vrixhWalter her foueraigne lorde [/*v] 
 
 She had beene matched nye twenty yeares fpace, 
 The curfed Enemye, fower of dyfcorde, 
 Began to fue his accuftomed trace, 
 
 Goode Gryfildis eftate for to difface, 
 
 Mofte wickedlye that anye can difcuffe ; 
 
 All, for (he was to hym contraryous. 
 
 Some wycked theare weare, at his exitation, 
 (To picke a thanke of hym their foueraygne) 
 That prompted Walter after this fafhyon ; — 
 For that Gryfilde was fo longe tyme barayne, 
 Wantynge a Prynce his name heere to mayntayne, 
 That he thus fholde, as for that purpofe, make 
 Her to geue upp, and fome younger to take. 
 
 Or whither it came of his owne headye mynde, 
 (As certaigne it was he wolde bee fenfuall), 
 It mail not (at this tyme) of mee bee dyffynde, 
 But furthe the mateir I profequute fhall. 
 This motion muche laye in his memoryall, 
 Sore occupied thearin bothe daye and nyght, 
 For muche it was pleafinge to his appetyte. 
 
 H 
 
5° Of Gryfilde 
 
 Ferdre, to mayntayne his Fonde opynyon, 
 
 Falfe Flaterabundy to hym drewe neare, 
 
 Enfenfinge hym after this condytion, 
 
 That muche more kendeled hym in the matere, 
 
 For that fhe was wife vnto hys brother, 
 
 Whearby he had mofte jufte occafion 
 
 To make of her a feparation. 
 
 [/•*3 k -] Theis twoe pryncyples broached in fuche wife 
 Walter his Counfell counfeled thear vpon, 
 Whoe, perceauynge his earneft entreprife, 
 Condefcended to his purpofe anon : 
 They durfte not (contrary) fpeake their reafon, 
 He was ofte tymes fo rageinge furyous, 
 Whiche, in a Prynce, was tomuche pyteous. 
 
 Halafle! that Counfelours in any cafe 
 
 Shoulde fhrynke oughtis their headys to fpeake in the right ! 
 
 Halafle ! that Prynces fholde feeme to lacke grace 
 
 To fuffre flaterers to byde in their fight ! 
 
 Whoe fo that fhrynkethe the truthe to recyte 
 
 When eauer hee bee demaunded his mynd 
 
 Is but a flaterer in vearye kynde. 
 
 If Pryncys wyllis maye haue no denyall, 
 But, as they wyll, their wyllys to take effedte, 
 What neade theare then bee Counfelinge tryall 
 Or anye Counfelours (at all) eledte, 
 Sithe, at their wyllys, they will take or reiefte ? 
 As goode no Counfell but they herde may bee, 
 And better none then hyde the verytee. 
 
the Seconde. 51 
 
 A Counfell (of olde), as hathe beene telled, 
 Is choafen, and fet, to ordre a kynge, 
 And ought not (throughe forfe) to bee compelled 
 But as true juftice appoyntethe the thynge, 
 Takynge fundation on this olde fayinge, 
 Twoe wytts (or moe) to bee better then one ; 
 So they to termyne, and not one alone. 
 
 Whye are they choafe of the auncyent forte [/ 24.] 
 
 But for their wifedome and godly prudence ? 
 
 The younge gaddyng wytts returned a torte 
 
 For that they lacke the like experyence. 
 
 If then in them bee wylfull neglygence, 
 
 In cafe of truth to woorke contrary ous, 
 
 They (hall fure rue their deade vngratius. 
 
 So nowe the Kynge withe his Counfellis confent 
 
 Hathe fullye determyned in this cafe ; 
 
 Gryjilde, whyther (he wyll or no bee content, 
 
 She mufte (no remedye) refigne vpp her place, 
 
 Theare was for her no other maner grace ; 
 
 Of whiche manye light braynes weare ioyouS and glad, 
 
 But oother godlye mofte ynwardelye fad. , 
 
 The younkers (lyke lackwyttes) hoapeth nowe fafte 
 
 To fee this fodayne alteration, 
 
 Foolifchelye bleatynge owte many a blafte, 
 
 Of vayne wytleffe communycation, 
 
 Vndre this forte and braynfycke fafhyon, 
 
 " Nowe fhall wee fure haue fome goodly younge feade, 
 
 When Walter is gone, to reigne in his fteade ; 
 
52 Of Gryjilde 
 
 " Nowe fhall this fure feche bee feched aboute, 
 
 To haue fome frefche Prynce ouer vs to reigne, 
 
 So fhall all countreyes of vs ftande in doubte, 
 
 And of oure fauours to bee glad and fayne, 
 
 WhicheneadystothisRoyalmemuftepurchefle great gayne; 
 
 So (hall oure Kyngys mynde in quyet bee fett, 
 
 When he to the fame fome younge peece fhall gett." 
 
 [/ *+"•] Thoughe light kyttifche wyttys lyfted to faye fo, 
 Olde, prouydent, fobre, wife and dyfcreete, 
 They wyfte it fholde breede muche ymmynent woe 
 If fo goode Gryjilde weare cafte vndre feete, 
 Depryued her Crowne, whiche was farre vnmeete ; 
 The cafe fecreatly fo confyderynge, 
 Bycaufe they coulde not remeady the thynge. 
 
 Thomas Woi- At that felfe feafon in Brytayne theare was 
 
 fey Cardynall 
 
 A certayne great and myghtye Cardynall, 
 Whoe was of Counfell to brynge this pane, 
 A wycked man, a vearye Belyall, 
 Puffed withe pryde mofle paffinge fpeciall, 
 Whoe (certaynly) witheoute caufe or fkyll 
 Towardys goode Gryjilde beeare lytle goode wyll. 
 
 Hee counfeled (men faide) withe Aftronomyers 
 (Or what other fedte I cannot well faye, 
 Weare they Sothefayers or weare they lyers), 
 Whyther he fhoulde fall or floryfche alwaye ; 
 Whois anfweare was, he fhoulde come to decaye 
 By meanys (they fownde) of a certayne woman, 
 But what fhee fholde bee they coulde not faye than. 
 
the Seconde, 53 
 
 Vpon whiche fonde enygmatization 
 
 Vnto goode Gryjilde ympute it dyd hee, 
 
 Whearefore in his imagynation 
 
 He wrought to haue her depofed to bee ; 
 
 But hee theare myftooke, it was not fure ftiee 
 
 That fhoulde hym brynge to his fynall myfchaunce, 
 
 Goode Gryjilde neauer wrought anyes hynderaunce. 
 
 Yeat one theare was that brought hym to his bane, [/ *j] 
 
 And not goode Gryjilde as he dyd it take, 
 
 Whois pryncely honour nowe for to prophane 
 
 To Fraunce he can a coftelye journaye make, 1518 
 
 Wheare he for the Kyngis fyfter thear fpake, 
 
 Whiche mateir concluded to his entent, 
 
 Whome he repay red, as wife as he went. 
 
 Thoughe at his theare beeinge, as well it is knowne, 
 
 He fundrye other mateirs dyd entreate, 
 
 For greefys that towardys the Pope weare then growne 
 
 By themperour, for vrgeant caufes great, 
 
 At whiche this Cardynall tooke a great heat, 
 
 Yeat one fpeciall was to forefayde cafe, 
 
 In whiche hee wanted bothe wifedome and grace. 
 
 At tyme of canuafinge this mateir fo, 
 
 In the Cowrte (newe entred) theare dyd frequent 
 
 A frefche younge damoyfell, that cowlde trippe and go, 
 
 To fynge and to daunce pamnge excellent, 
 
 No tatches fhee lacked of loues allurement ; 
 
 She cowlde fpeake Frenche ornatly and playne, 
 
 Famed in the Cowrte, (by name) Anne Bullayne. **™ Bu! - 
 
54 Of Gryfilde 
 
 On her dyd Walter dfte cafte his frayle iye, 
 So ftedfafte and fure, it myght not aftarte ; 
 To hym theare was no fuche creature earthlye, 
 His loue was theare fet neauer to departe, 
 Falfe Cupydo fo ftonge hym to the harte, 
 He thought vnto her theare weare no mo lyke, 
 Shee was to hym fweete as balme aromatyke. 
 
 [/ *5 b ] No lytle towardys her was hys longeinge lufte, 
 Oute of his prefence he cowlde fuffre her fcace, 
 At his commaundement fhe daunce and finge mufte, 
 Only aboUe all fhee ftoode yn hys grace, 
 Whiche fundrye and many adnoted the cafe, 
 That well they wifte they wolde togeathers knytt, 
 What foeauer lawe dyd oughtys prohybyt. 
 
 A Prynce his mynde onfe fettynge on a thynge, 
 
 Beyinge as wronge as pofTyble to be true, - 
 
 Cauyllations ynoughe fome wyll foone brynge 
 
 That to his purpofe the thynge fhall enfue ; 
 
 So (at this feafon) to frame for this Nwe 
 
 They laide to goode .Gryjilde her fterylenes, 
 
 Whiche fhe cowlde not helpe ; God fendeth all increafe. 
 
 And (peraduenture) to God maye bee knowne 
 
 Of His holye lawe fome makynge but light, 
 
 For that in their owne lande their feade is not fowne, 
 
 Theyr pofterytee He dothe it ofsmyte, 
 
 And heyres ere&ethe pleafinge in His fight ; 
 
 Thoughe Kyngis to their myndys maketh muche thearfore, 
 
 Yeat God in their dooyngis wyll fure haue an ore. 
 
the Seconde. 55 
 
 Ferdre they burdayned goode Gryjilde as thus, 
 For that to his brother fhe marryed was 
 Hee neeaded not to bee oughtys fcrupulus, 
 As nowe his enten (Jic) to haue brought to pane. 
 But of the mateir this was the uearye cafe, 
 Hee had in hym a lyttle fenfuall lufte 
 Whiche withe younge ware hee neadys accomplifche 
 mufte, 
 
 His mynde fetteled on Anne in this wife, [/ 26.] 
 
 She was aduaunced Merquefe of Penbrooke ; 
 
 As to their Queene, all dyd to her feruyce, 
 
 And like to Queene was her flatelye looke ; 
 
 Howbeit, many myght her fcacelye brooke, 
 
 So lowe (as fhee) to clymbe fo fodaynlye 
 
 They feared to haue a fowle deftynye. 
 
56 Of Gryjilde 
 
 ^j Of "Walters fendinge to Rome for a divorfment but none 
 myghte bee obteyned, he takinge his Progrejfe {the mean 
 while of his mejfengers returnynge) to Grafton ; Of 
 Gryfildys great patience in her aduerfytee ; Of the 
 CardynaV s fall, and the caufes of the fame, And of his 
 penytent departure oute of this life at Leyceftre Abbey. 
 
 ^ Caput 6. 
 
 [HIS peecepickte oute and chofenfor the noanfe 
 Whearon Walters harte was earneftly fett, 
 Meflengers to Rome weare fent then attoanfe 
 A Diuorfment in all great haifte to gett ; 
 But this was thearof the veary whoale lett, 
 The Churche (throughe dwe proofe) to let them marrye, 
 The Pope (then beynge) wolde yt not contrarye, 
 
 In that muche gra-uelye hee thus conceaued, 
 The Churche to bee founde of fuche duplycitee 
 Her credyte thearbye myght bee bereaued, 
 And fchifmys taryfe by muche enormytee ; 
 Whearfore hee wolde not in anye degree 
 In this vrgent mateir graunte his confent, 
 So myght bee obteyned no Dyuorfment. 
 
 [/ *6"-] Walter, fuppofinge his purpofe to haue fped, 
 The tyme of his meflengers paflage to Rome 
 To Grafton Maner his Progrefle he drefled, 
 Till they (in this cafe) brought hym the Popys dome. 
 So into Northamptonfheere hee did come, 
 The nwe Merquefes withe hym in like cafe 
 Withe huntynge paftyme themfelfys to folace. 
 
the Seconde. $j 
 
 The goode fealy Gryjilde was thear alfo, 
 Withe muche heauye harte and pyteful cheare, 
 Not in eftate as fhe was wonte to go 
 But oute of fauour, (he ftandynge a reare, 
 Ofte fecreatlye fheadynge manye a falte teare, 
 Withe ynwarde fighyngis fecht from the harte roote, 
 For that whiche (vtterlye) was then no boote. 
 
 At her wolde Walter cafte no chearful looke, 
 Nor fhe durfte approache near to his prefence ; 
 Hee cowlde her not in anywife then brooke, 
 Nor fhe (as Queene) to woorke anye pretence, 
 But, as an abiedte, ftandinge in fcilence, 
 Geauynge attendaunce, withe harte fore pyned, 
 To what ordre fhe fhoulde be affigned. 
 
 Thoughe heauynes her harte did ouer loade 
 For tomuche vnkyndenes fhewde to the fame, 
 In perfe&e charitee fhee alwayes aboade, 
 And thanked God howe eauer it dyd frame, 
 Withe wifedome frayltee thus ofte to blame, 
 Howe eache true Chriftyan it dothe behooue 
 To fuffre trobles for Chriftys deere looue. 
 
 Afmuche as fhe myght fhe kepte her felfe clofe [// 17 .] 
 
 Within her chamber in oratyon, 
 
 In whiche her defyre and vtter purpofe 
 
 To God fhe had in commendation, 
 
 As to ordre to His contentation, 
 
 Confirmynge her felfe withe all obeyfaunce 
 
 To His pleafure and dyuyne ordynaunce. 
 
5 8 OfGryfilde 
 
 At whiche felfe feafon the Cardynall then 
 
 Attended on the Cowrte theare witheout fayle, 
 
 Not in pompe withe his numbre of men, 
 
 But as a dogge that had brent his tayle ; 
 
 Illucke began hym then fafte to affayle, 
 
 Theare fewe or none had hym oughtys in refpedle, 
 
 But was as one in maner cleane abie&e. 
 
 Noforfe whye wolde he goode Gryjilde defpite, 
 He fped the woorfe (I dare faye) for her fake ; 
 Whoe enuyethe the goode, God will hym requyte 
 Withe fome mysfortune ; example I take 
 \?s. vii. 15.] At theis Dauythes woordys, " Whoe diggethe a lake 
 Oother thearin (vngodlye) to entrappe, 
 Is take in the fame by fodayne myfhappe." 
 
 So this faide Cardynall lyttle before 
 Practiced goode Gryjilde for to depofe, 
 And nowe of hym felfe hee can faye no more 
 But is as like his owne honoure to lofe, 
 Of whome ferdre I fhall fomewhat difclofe 
 (By honeft credyble information) 
 Howe hee fell into trybulation. 
 
 [/• 17*0 Twoe caufes theare weare as I haue herde tell 
 That greatly made to his confufion : 
 A certayne younge lorde in his Cowrte dyd dwell 
 Whoe (hewed pretence to this conclusion, 
 ( Whyther of earneft, other illufion, 
 The veary certayntee fcace faye I can) 
 For to haue macht withe the ladye Anne. 
 
the Seconde. 59 
 
 His lorde (the Cardynalt) as hee thearof knwe 
 He raged withe hym outragyouflye, 
 Proteftinge he fhoulde his entreprife rwe 
 If eauer he herde hym vfe her companye ; 
 This was before (he was ordayned ladye ; 
 Whiche from her knowledge was not kept fecret, 
 Whearfore longe tyme me muche ynwardlye fret. 
 
 Thother occafion was (as is faide) this : 
 Wnen Walter on her dyd firfte cafte his mynde, 
 He afked the, Cardynall what his aduyfe is, 
 Whoe anfwearde hym, as after [s]he dyd fynde, 
 She was not for hym in anye maner kynde, 
 VnlefTe for Concubyne- he wolde her take, 
 But as his Queene her clearlye to forfake. 
 
 Of whiche twoe thynges as (he had knowledginge, 
 
 Nowe that fhe is aduaunced vp fo hye, 
 
 She hathe them daylye in her remembringe, 
 
 And the Cardynall hated mofle fpitefullye ; 
 
 So dyd alfo Walter, ye well maye efpye, 
 
 At the Merquefes fecreat perfwafion, 
 
 For he was nowe cleane out of eflymation. 
 
 And ymmedyatlye after this Progrefle 
 
 He was called to a Computation, 
 
 Wheare, of his juellys, treafure and rycheffe, 
 
 Was to Walter made refignation ; 
 
 After whiche great extreme purgation 
 
 To Torke (his See Churche) dymytted he was ; 
 
 His caryage was eafed, he myght lightlye pafle. 
 
 [/• *«.] 
 
60 Of Gryfilde 
 
 Yeat ere that he came to the fayde cytee 
 (Throughe what occafion I cannot well faye) 
 He was fent after, withe great velocytee, 
 Towardys the Cowrte to haifte hym furthe waye, 
 Whiche fodayne nues put hym in mortall fraye ; 
 Notwitheftandinge, withe muche trobeled harte, 
 Backwardys to Lecejire he dyd reuert. 
 
 In whiche journeyinge by the wayes (doubtles) 
 
 Hee tooke certayne pyllys, his ftomake to purge, 
 
 Replenyfched withe greuous heauynes 
 
 For this fodayne tempeftyous furge, 
 
 Ryfinge (as he thought) throughe the Merquefes grudge ; 
 
 So that of neceffytee by the waye 
 
 He tooke reftynge at Lecejire Abbaye ; 
 
 Wheare, thorowe woorkynge of the faid peelys, 
 (Whiche, as I herde tell, weare too too manye) 
 And thorowe forowe, hymfelfe he theare feealys 
 His life to forgoe witheoute all remeadye ; 
 No longe was the tyme while he dyd theare lye, 
 Not paffinge eyght dayes at the veary mofte, 
 Tyll he was foarfed to yealde vpp the gofte. 
 
 [/ *s b .] Before he departed, right Chriftyanlye 
 He fent for the Pryor and was confeft, 
 The Eucharifte mofte reuerentlye 
 Receauynge into his penytent breft, 
 Afkynge God mercye withe harte mofte earneft 
 For that (in his tyme) by will, deade and thought, 
 Agaynfte His goodnes he had eauer myfwrought. 
 
the Seconde. 61 
 
 And to fignyfie that hee was penytent, 
 
 Certaynlye, the Pryor I herde thus faye, 
 
 A fhurte of heare was his indument 
 
 Next to his bodye, when he thear deadde laye ; 
 
 For whome hartelye it behoaueth to praye, 
 
 Sithe hee heere ended fo penytentlye, 
 
 To whome (no doubte) God grauntethe His mercye. 
 
 What thoughe he lyued muche remyflyuelye, 
 
 Farre oute of the trade of his profeffion, 
 
 Yeat dyinge»(as hee dyd) penytentlye, 
 
 His fowle (no doubtys) hathe heauyns ingreflion 
 
 By hauynge in harte vycis fuppreffion ; 
 
 For, thoughe mannys life bee neauer fo infedte, 
 
 God (fpeciallye) his ende dothe refpedte. 
 
 Some he callethe in their enteringe eftate, 
 Some (certaynlye) in their adolefcence, 
 Some at the terme of their decrepyte date, 
 As this Cardynall, fo departed henfe : 
 Yeat, hoapynge of age, let none woorke offenfe, 
 Myndynge at that tyme his fynnes to forgoe, 
 Lefte deathe hym preuent ere hee can doo foe. 
 
 As happe hathe happened, pytee it was [/ 29 .] 
 
 That oute of fauour fodaynly he went 
 
 Before he (fynally) had brought vnto pafle 
 
 His entred purpofe, fo paffinge excellent, 
 
 His College in Oxforde, it may well bee ment, 
 
 Witheout (as it fhewthe) the full perfection, 
 
 Of whiche I fhall tell the caufe of eredtion. 
 
62 Of Gryjtlde 
 
 % The Occqfion of the Erection of Chriftys Churche yn 
 Oxforde by the Cardynall Thomas Wolfaye, the 
 numbre of the woorke ffowlke, what he theare pretended ; 
 OfDo&.or Cockes (Deane of the fame) mojie dyuyllifche 
 diforderynge theare and of his alfo defpoyfinge [fie] the 
 faide Churche and other in Oxforde to the mayntaynaunce 
 of his fylthy and vyk carnalyte. 
 
 ^[ Caput y. 
 
 jT tyme when this man in highe fauour ftoode, 
 Walter withe hym tawlkynge famylyarly, 
 A certayne gentleman withe muche fobre 
 moode 
 
 (As then a fuetor) ftoode theare a looif by, 
 On whome as Walter that tyme cafte hys iye, 
 He afked hym, withe countynaunce benynge, 
 If that withe hym then hee wolde any thynge ; 
 
 To whome the partye thus entred his fute, 
 Befeachinge his grace to graunte his lycence 
 A fcholar of his, his fchoole heere to permute 
 Beyonde the feayes, to dooe his dyligence, 
 For more acquyringe, by ftudyes pretence, 
 Of lyterat knowledge for yeares twoe or thre, 
 The habler after to ferue his Maiftee. 
 
the Seconde. 63 
 
 At whois contemplation Walter furthewaye if *9M 
 
 Condefcended to his humble requeft, 
 
 And to the Cardynall hee theare did faye, 
 
 " I merueyle whye oure folke are fo earneft 
 
 Their youthe beyonde feaye to haue entereft, 
 
 To the confumynge of oure Royalmes treafure ; 
 
 Haue wee not Scloolys \fic\ them at whome to recure?" 
 
 " Syr," (quoth the Cardynall) " pleafethe it your grace 
 
 Me to affifte in that I dooe pretende, 
 
 I (hall fo wporke in conuenyent fpace 
 
 As fafte hitherwardys to caufe them defcende 
 
 As eauer thitherwardys they did themfelfes bende, 
 
 And oother alfo of eache Chriilian porte 
 
 For the like purpofe hyther to reforte." 
 
 " My Lorde," (quoth Walter) " furdre your pretence, 
 
 Whiche is (I perceaue) fome ftudye to begyn, 
 
 And yee fhalbee fure of oure affiftence, 
 
 What waies fo eauer yee thynke befte thearyn." 
 
 Vpon whiche oceafion hee dyd not lyn 
 
 (The plot deuyfed and curyouflye cafte) 
 
 To fet thearwithe in hande wondreflye fafte. 
 
 Mofte cunnynge woorkemen theare weare prepared, 
 Withe fpedieft ordynaunce for eauery thynge, 
 Nothynge expedyent was theare oughtis fpared 
 That to the purpofe rriyght bee affiftynge ; 
 One thynge (chieflye) this was the hynderynge, 
 The woorkefolke for lacke of goode ouerfeers 
 Loytered the tyme, like falfe tryfelers. 
 
64 Of Gryfilde 
 
 [f. 30.] They weare thus manye, a thoufande (at the leafte), 
 That thearon weare woorkeynge ftill daye by daye, 
 Their paymentes contynued, their labours decreafte, 
 For welneare one haulfe did noughtis els but playe. 
 If they had trulye done that in them laye 
 By fo longe fpace as they weare tryfelynge, 
 At his fall had beene lyttle to dooynge. 
 
 The warke was wondreful paffinge curyous, 
 And tomuche fet furthe to his vayne glorye ; 
 Tomuche it cannot bee to gloryous 
 To His honour that reignethe eternallye ; 
 Thother preferred, that beeynge layde by, 
 The warke cannot take profperous fucceffe ; 
 Of the godlye I take thearyn wytnes. 
 
 Theare fhoulde haue beene reade within that precyndte, 
 
 (To thinftrudtion of all that thither came), 
 
 The feauyn Scyencies feryoufly lynkte, 
 
 As in their ordres the Schoolemen can name ; 
 
 The Readers to haue beene men of great fame, 
 
 The picked pureft throughe all Chriftiandome, 
 
 If meede or monaye myght caufe them to come. 
 
 But, howe eauer it was, Goddys ayde theare did lacke, 
 
 It had not els quayled, as yt fhewethe yeete ; 
 
 That Pryde thearyn hathe oughtys hyndered backe 
 
 I trufte Humylytee mall perfedtlye compleete, 
 
 To fet vpp Goddys howfe, as mee feemethe meete, 
 
 For His ineftymable beneuolence 
 
 Shewde (of His grace) to her magnyficence ; 
 
the Seconde. 65 
 
 Oure noble f^ueene Marye it is that I meane, [/ 3° b ] 
 
 Whoe, as (hee is mofle noblefte nowe of all, 
 
 That noble warke not yeat fynyfched cleane, 
 
 Noblelye God graunte her to make yt formall, 
 
 To His honour and glory efpeciall : 
 
 Her other affayres firfte brought to goode fyne, 
 
 God (throughe His grace) her harte thearto inclyne. 
 
 Pytie it weare but it mould goe forwarde : 
 
 To furdre learnynge is merytoryous ; 
 
 By learnynge, to all that lifte not bee frowarde, 
 
 Is knowne to pleafe the Lorde mofte gratyous, 
 
 And to all fortys what duetyes becumethe vs ; 
 
 So that to thearof the true mayntaynaunce 
 
 All (to their powres) ought to dooe furtheraunce. 
 
 So haue wee heere faide the caufe orygynall 
 
 Howe Frydifwide howfe a Studye became, 
 
 By the great traueyle of the Cardynall, 
 
 Whois fowle God fheelde from the infernall flame, 
 
 And prpfpere in vertue the Studentes of the fame ; 
 
 They indeauorynge fo, vertuouflye, 
 
 No doubte to Goddys pleafure (hall muche edyfie. 
 
 Well I confydre (fymple thoughe I bee) 
 What worthie graces dothe learnynge enfue ; 
 Withoute learnynge and dwe cyuylytee 
 Man is not hable hymfelfe to refcue ; 
 Learnynge, whoe dothe yt perfe&lye indue, 
 To eache degre, of all maner a fute, 
 Their pertyculars can well diftrybute. 
 
 K 
 
66 Of Gryjilde 
 
 [/ 3'-] Learnynge in caufes to God appertaynynge 
 
 (Whiche Reafon tranfcendethe) can faye and perfwade, 
 
 Howe by true Faithe Man haue mufte his aydinge, 
 
 And not by Reafon in althyngys to wade ; 
 
 Learnynge inducethe the vearye true trade, 
 
 To diftrybution, as I note can, 
 
 Of all that is due bothe to God and man. 
 
 Then, worthye is learnynge of preferment 
 And of all degreeis to bee magnyfied, 
 For learnynge rendrethe the lowe excellent, 
 And the excellent wyttye to bee tryed "; 
 Learnynge and wifedome togeathers allyed, 
 As freendys and kynne of confanguynytee, 
 They neadys fhall woorke to muche vtylitee, 
 
 Admyxted withe grace, I meane, as nolefTe, 
 [i.Cw.viii.i.] For Scyence, Saindte Paule faithe, the mynde doth inflate ; 
 Of Scyence hathe manye had plentyoufnes 
 And voyde of Grace hathe proued farre ingrate, 
 Vfynge their learnynge after dyuylifche rate, 
 OfDoSorCox. As DoSior Cocke s, withe a Combe thearto fett, 
 
 Throughe flefchelye folye cawght in the Dyuyllis nett. 
 
 Whois noyfome, curfed, and dyuyllifche fubuertinge, 
 
 By hym, as in his vttermufte powre laye, 
 
 Of godlye ordre, althyngis confyderynge, 
 
 From that was goode to the contrarye waye, 
 
 I can none other wife of confcience faye, 
 
 To Vertue hee was an vtter enemye, 
 
 As (to his fhame) his factes dothe teftifye. 
 
the Seconde. 67 
 
 Abhorrynge his ordre of facrede Preeiftehod, [/ 3« b ] 
 
 A whoare hee tooke hym, wife cowlde he take none, 
 
 For contrarye vowe hee made vnto God 
 
 When of His Mynyfters hee tooke to bee one ; 
 
 But for hee wolde not to the Dyuyl alone, 
 
 Hee wrought (by all meanys) other to entrappe, 
 
 Withe hym (for eauer) to curfle their mymappe. 
 
 Hee wrought by his holye ftynkeinge Martyr Pete r> the 
 
 Peter, that Paule his breathe cowlde not abyde, *r- 
 
 (For that, like Sathans true knyght of the Gartyr, 
 
 His holye dodtryne hee heere falcyfide) 
 
 That whoe (of Preeiftes) in maryage was not tyde 
 
 Hee was afflidted, tormoyled and tofte, 
 
 To lofle of lyuynge or fome other cofte. 
 
 Somuche abhorred this vagynge verlet 
 
 All fignes of godlye conuerfation, 
 
 That whearefo a preeifte withe fhauen crowne he met 
 
 Hee fhooke hym vppe withe deteftation, 
 
 And in Oxforde his ordy nation 
 
 Was, whoefo theare a crowne on hym dyd fytt, 
 
 His College he fhoulde for his crownys fake amytt. 
 
 This was a worthie famous Doctor, 
 This was a man worthie of preamynence, 
 This was a Chriftian true Profeflbr, 
 This was a man of right intelligence ; 
 The Dyuyl hee was ! I faye my confcience, 
 He was (I faye) an erraunt curfed Theeif ; 
 His adtys declare, yee neade no ferdre preeif. 
 
68 OfGryfilde 
 
 U- 3*] Hee robbed the Churche of Frydyfwis (I faye) 
 Of Chalyces, CrofTes, Candylftickes withe all, 
 Of fyluer and gylte, bothe preacious and gaye, 
 Withe Coapis of tyffue and many a riche Pall, 
 Dedycat to God aboue asternall ; 
 And other Collegis maye hym well curffe, 
 For thorowe hym they are farre yeat the wurfle. 
 
 Hee was choafe Chauncellor for fawtes amendinge ; 
 Hee mended (indeade) from goode to the badde ! 
 Hee was a Chauncellor of the Dyuyls fendinge, 
 Neauer was Towne that fuche an other hadde ; 
 So made hee ordynaunce, that a prowde ladde 
 Withe men right reuerende myght fhewe hym checkmate, 
 And went dyfguyfed yn rufFyan rate. 
 
 Hee fet them all cleane oute of difcyplyne, 
 
 And fawe them fetteled in heynous herefye ; 
 
 Hee let them (at will) wickedlye inclyne, 
 
 He nothynge to vertue dyd edyfie, 
 
 But what to goode ordre was contrarye ; 
 
 So wrought hee, that (trulye), to make reporte, 
 
 As the Deane was, fo weare the more forte. 
 
 So I wifche not Frydifwife to florifche 
 
 In forte as that Cox example theare lefte, 
 
 But true ordre of Scholars taccomplifche, 
 
 Of whiche (wyckedlye) he fawe them berefte, 
 
 Suchewife indued and withe grace fullye fefte 
 
 As, nowe I theare noate, by fignes I doo fee ; 
 
 I wifche their furtheraunce the mofte that maye bee. 
 
the Seconde. 69 
 
 If Walter fynyfchynge his Progrefle, pajjinge thorowe U- 1*"-] 
 Thame, and other Townys, the newe Merquefes fajle 
 by his fyde, what mutteringe the people had on Grifildis 
 partye and for her doughter Mary. The Mejfengers 
 reuertefrom Rome without Dyuorfement ; Walter {by 
 a wycked man) was moued to take vpon hym the Suprea- 
 macye ouer the churche o/~Englande. 
 
 Cap. 8. 
 
 OR all our tedious and longe dygreffion, 
 We haye not forgote oure former pretence ; 
 Walters pleafure fulfilled at Grafton 
 To Buckingehamjheere he drefte hym from 
 thenfe, 
 At Ixill, before the deeare fell to oftenfe, 
 To fynyfche that tyme his huntynge feafon, 
 For Holye Roode Daye was then pafte and gone. 
 
 From thenfe wheare hee came, fafte iumpe by his fyde, 
 
 Accompayned hym the ladye Anne Bullayne, 
 
 All pleafaunte, frefche and gallaunt that tyde, 
 
 Goode Gryflde followinge, as one of her trayne, 
 
 At whiche manye (that wife weare) did difdayne 
 
 So noble a woman to bee forfake, 
 
 And in her fteade fo meane a thinge to take. 
 
jo Of Gryfilde 
 
 For thorowe Thame, that gentle Merket Towne, 
 The Kynge then iflued vpp to Londonwzrde, 
 Wheare dyuerfe and manye their headys henge downe ; 
 To fee the cafe, withe Gryjilde howe it farde, 
 Vnto their hartys, God wote, it went full harde, 
 And thus did faye, mutteringe as they ftoode ftill, 
 " Chrifte faue goode Gryjilde to His blefled will." 
 
 [/ 33] " O Lbrde !" (they faide, togeathers as they ftoode), 
 
 "What meauethe our Kynge goode Gryjilde '-to forgoe, 
 Whiche hym heere followethe withe trobled moode, 
 That better for her weare fhe weare ferdre froe ? 
 In his folacinge fhee feelethe but woe ; 
 Whoe can her chalenge or blame in the cafe, 
 Shee to followe an other in her place ? 
 
 " Shee (blefTed womon, God comforte her harte !) 
 
 Hathe beene full godlye and louynge withe all, 
 
 And her behaued in eauerye parte 
 
 Mofte honorablye, bothe to great and fmall, 
 
 And nowe her honour thus wife to appall ! 
 
 To fpeake in the cafe wee maye nother dare, 
 
 Yeat pytee it weare fhee fhoulde oughtes mysfare. 
 
 " What hathe fhe tranfgrefte to bee thus carte owte, 
 A Queerie (of bloode) fo excellent as fhee ? 
 Of her behauyour none neadethe to dowbte ; 
 Some bale is bruynge, what eauer it bee ; 
 Straunge is this fight whiche wee heere nowe fee, 
 A Queene mofte royall to come all behynde, 
 And fo meane before ; this gothe oute of kynde. 
 
the Seconde. yi 
 
 "Well, well," (they faide) " God graunte allproue well ! 
 
 Wee feare fome ftraunge nues (hall after enfue : 
 
 If fo a kynge maye his wife thus repell, 
 
 (So goode a woman and full of vertue), 
 
 Of weddelockejoynynge farewell then, adue! 
 
 This example, if it thorowly frame, 
 
 Shall other enfence to praclice the fame. 
 
 " If their uny tinge had beene thought wrongefull, [/. 33".] 
 
 Whie fo longe tyme contynued haue they ? 
 
 His Father £of witt and wifedome not dull) 
 
 What myght, and myght not, before did purveye. 
 
 Profpered togeathers they hathe many a daye, 
 
 And wee in wealthe and muche tranquyllytee ; 
 
 This is noughtys els but Mannys fragylytee. 
 
 " This is noughtis els but Mannys fenfuall mynde ; 
 God graunte wee all haue not caufe to repent ! 
 Let hym not looke a newe better to fynde, 
 Reafon withe reafonable ought bee content. 
 Fye ! that at that age Man fhoulde bee infolent ! 
 For, without all maner of fufpeftion, 
 This is begone of carnall affedtion. 
 
 " Wheare is become fage Difcretion as nowe, 
 In fuche noble Peearys that ought to frequent ? 
 Wheare is vnto God his duetye, as howe 
 To haue in awe His holy commaundement ? 
 Thoughe hee it let flippe in his inwarde entent, 
 Hee mufte and mall make anfweare in the cafe 
 When powre, nor felfe wyll, fhall rowte in the place. 
 
7 '2 0/" Gryfilde 
 
 " God graunte hee (cheeiflye) repent not this geare, 
 For neadys it mufte breede great inconuenyence, 
 Thoughe "whiche wayes wee knowe not, howe, when, 
 
 or wheare ; 
 The foare of this paffethe oure intellygence. 
 For Dauyths trefpace, oppreft withe peftylence, 
 Thoufandys of his abode the affliction : 
 Synne, fore of Kyngis, ftoorthe Goddys malediction. 
 
 [/ 34] " But fithe his afFedlion is nowe fo fett, 
 And the mateir fo earneftlye begoone, 
 Wee (poore Subjedtes) maye it in nowife let, 
 But feele it wee fhall, by althynges bee doone ; 
 Rafche recheles luft his race will neadys roone, 
 Like cowlte vnbrydeled, reafon depryued, 
 Throughe fhame (in fyne) mode ftraungely difguyfed." . 
 
 Suche, of the rude and pooare Comynaltee, 
 Was (fecreatlye) their tawlke and whifperinge, 
 Whoe vnto Gryfilde beeare loue and feualtie 
 Withe all that in their pooare hartys was lyinge ; 
 And ferdre, they had this careful fayinge, 
 " Halas ! if Walter goode Gryfilde dehye, 
 What fhall become of her doughter Marye ? 
 
 " What fhall become of that pryncely Flowre 
 That all this Royalme hathe joyed fo longe yn ? 
 Shee fhall forgoe then her Pryncely honoure ; 
 The weyes thearvnto wee fee ddthe begyn. 
 None only but God maye oother grace wynne ; 
 For Mother and Doughter what fhall beetyde ? 
 Wee can but praye Chrifte for them to prouyde." 
 
the Seconde. 73 
 
 This of one Towne was not only the tawlke, 
 
 Or of one Countie, Cytee, or Burrowe, 
 
 But comonlye, wheare eauer men did waulke, 
 
 This noble Royalme (in maner) cleane thorowe, 
 
 So deepe in their hartys it graued furrowe ; 
 
 For they of wyttie confyderation 
 
 Feared tenfue great dyffipation. 
 
 But what aduayled their tawlke in this cafe ? [/ w*J 
 
 It dyd their goode wyllis but as fignyfie ; 
 
 The mateir dyd then but paufe for a fpace, 
 
 Tyll from Rome the Meffengers myght them hye ; 
 
 Walter, nowe fetteled wheare he wolde lye, 
 
 His expectation (daylye) then was 
 
 To heeare nues, howe his purpofe came to paffe. 
 
 By this the Meffengers to the Cowrte came, 
 
 Voyde of the purpofe for whiche they weare fent : 
 
 So foone as Walter vndreftoode the fame, 
 
 For malencolye hee ynwardelye brent, 
 
 And was (throughe malice) mofte earneftlye bent 
 
 Agaynfte the Bufshope for fayinge hym naye, 
 
 Ragynge as lyon. depryued his praye. 
 
 At whiche felfe feafon one certayne ftoode by, 
 Whois name (thoughe I herde) I will not expreffe, 
 Whoe faide to Walter, muche coragyouflye, 
 " What fhoulde this mateir oughtes vex your highnes ? 
 Ye maye (witheoute doubtinge) it clearlye redreffe ; 
 Sithe yee are heere Kynge and lorde of this lande, 
 Yee dooynge youre lyfte, whoe dare youe witheftande ? 
 
74 Of Gryfilde 
 
 " Yee, takynge on youe the Supreamacye 
 As headde of the Churche ouer all Brytayne 
 And other youre Domynyons fpecyallye, 
 Yee maye (at pleafure) then althinges ordayne, 
 So foreauermore Rome Cowrie to refrayne ; 
 If yee not fticke to put this in practice, 
 Whoe is that dare denye youre entreprife ? " 
 
 [/ 35O Walter this heearynge his harte can reuyue, 
 Callynge to hym of his Counfell the cheeif, 
 For the faide mateir withe fpeede to contryue 
 That hee weare quyeted oute of his greeif ; 
 The thynge by Perlyament putten in preeif, 
 It was condefcended after his mynde, 
 None durfle fay naye but Deathe hee lifte to fynde. 
 
the Seconde. 75 
 
 1 Walter fendethe to Oxforde to haue his cafe dif cuffed, 
 John Longelande {Bufshoppe ofLincolne) his cheif Com- 
 myjjioner, Fryer Nicholas Defendaunte in the fame, Fyue 
 Inceptours, Dodtors, {withe fundry other) fpecially withe- 
 fiandinge thearin, wheare Women Jhewed them felfes on 
 Gryfildys Partye ; Thunyuerfteis Seale {by fiealthe) 
 goaten ; yind what myferyes enfued. 
 
 Cap. 9. 
 
 JEAT, for that Walter wolde not be thought 
 (Of headye poure) to woorke contrariouflye, 
 Hee fent to Oxforde, as playnnes he fought, 
 To haue his cafe theare tryed by the 
 Clergie, 
 At whiche trauelynge certaynlye was I, 
 Attendynge vpon a certayne goode man, 
 Whearfore in the fame I fomewhat faye can. 
 
 Thither was fent as cheeif Commyffioner 
 
 The Bufshoppe of Lincolne, one John Langelande, 
 
 Withe certayne other that well cowlde natter, 
 
 The learned judgment theare to vndreftande, 
 
 Wheare one Fryer Nycholas took muche in hande, 
 
 As cheeif Defendaunte in the forefaide cafe, 
 
 Whoe fownde hyrri felfe macht euyn to the harde face. 
 
76 Of Gryfilde 
 
 [/ is"-] But theare was vfed no indifFerencye ; 
 
 Suche as by learnynge made againft the Kynge 
 
 They weare redargued mofte cryellye, 
 
 Threatened alfoe to forgoe their lyuynge ; 
 
 On thother fyde, all thearto inclynynge 
 
 They had highe chearinge withe meede otherwaye ; 
 
 Falfehod tryumphinge, Truthe quakynge for fraye. 
 
 That tyme an Adle theare fhoulde haue gone forwarde. 
 
 Wheare Seauyn famous Clarices that Inceptors weare 
 
 Bycaufe (in this cafe) Fyue wolde not drawe towarde, 
 
 It was dyfferred, to their heauye cheare, 
 
 For that their cheeif freendys weare prefentlye theare. 
 
 Mawdelaye, Mooreman, Holyman alfo, 
 
 Mortimer, Cooke, withe other Twoe moe.-J- 
 
 * 
 
 \ 
 
 Theis Fyue in nowife wolde graunte their confentes, 
 The Regent Maifters weare of the fame mynde ; 
 Rather, they graunted to forgoe howfe and rentes 
 Then weetinglye fo to fhowe them felfes blynde ; 
 The Prodtors, for gaynes they hoaped to fynde, 
 (Throughe frendefhippe they made) obteyned the grace 
 Of Bufshoppe Langlande the A&e to take place. 
 
 * "Note that an Aft was foleranized 8 Apr. 1J30, being the fame day that the 
 Univerfity inftrument for the divorce was dated. The Doftors that then flood in the 
 Aft were Richard Mawdlin, archd. of Leycefter, John Moreman, William Mortimer, 
 John Holyman, Robert Cooke, Robert Aldridge, and Thomas Charnock, a 
 Dominican." — Note by Ant. a Wood to his extrait of this pajfage : Wood MS. {Bodl. Libr.) 
 D. 18, partii. fol. 72. 
 
 t " Aldridge and Charnock, that did readily confent." — Ibid. 
 
the Seconde. jj 
 
 The mateir longe tyme theare hangynge in fufpenfe, 
 
 Witheoute hauynge Thunyuerfiteis feale 
 
 As to confyrme Walters forefaide pretence, 
 
 For whiche the Bufshoppe harde threatnynges did deale, 
 
 To his reproache, and hynderaunce of goode heale ; 
 
 If fo that fome theare had had hym at large, 
 
 I wolde of his life haue taken no charge. 
 
 For on the outegatys* wheare hee by nyghtes laye f/ . j6 .] 
 
 Wear Roapes fafte nayled, withe Gallowes drawne by, 
 
 To this entent, as a man myght well faye 
 
 " If wee fo myght, fuche weare thye Deftynye." 
 
 His feruauntes ofte handeled accordynglye, 
 
 As, one (indeade) makynge water at a wall 
 
 A ftone (right heauye) on hym one let fall. 
 
 Women (that feafon) in Oxforde weare bufye, 
 
 Their hartes weare goode, it appeeared nolefle ; 
 
 As Fryer Nicholas chaunced to come by, 
 
 " Halas ! "(faide fome) " that we myght this knaue dreffe, 
 
 For his vnthankefull daylye bufynes 
 
 Againfte oure deeare Queene, good Gryjilidis ; 
 
 Hee fhoulde euyl to cheeaue, he fholde not fure myfTe." 
 
 Withe that, a woman, (I fawe it trulye,) 
 A lumpe of ofmundys let harde at hym flynge : 
 Whiche myfte of his noddle, the more pytie, 
 And on his Fryers heelys it came trytelynge, 
 Whoe (fodaynly), as hee it perceauynge, 
 Made his complaynte vpon the women fo, 
 That thirtye the morowe weare in Buckerdo. 
 
 ' " Of Lincoln Coll."— Ant. a Wood, utfupra. 
 
U 36".] 
 
 78 Of Gryfilde 
 
 Theare they contynued three dayes and three nyghtes, 
 Till woorde was fent downe from Walter the Kynge, 
 Whoe fret at the harte, as vexed withe fprytes, 
 That Grijildys parte they weare fo tenderynge, 
 To all that fo dyd, this woorde downe fendynge, 
 That, magre their teeathes, hee wolde haue his furthe, 
 And ere longe tyme make fome of them fmall wurthe. 
 
 But yeat for all that the Fyue forefaide Clarkes, 
 Withe mofte of the Regent Maifters, that tyde, 
 For all the threatnynges that flaterers barkes 
 From that was the right they wolde nowhit flyde. 
 The Bufshoppe Langelande dyd thus then prouyde, 
 A Conuocation of certayne to call, 
 And gote the Seale as confented of all. 
 
 For whiche was weepinge and lamentation, 
 I was then prefente and herde their complaynte : 
 " Halas ! " (they faide), " in pyteful fafhyon 
 No we is goode Oxforde for eauer attaynte ! 
 Thowe that hafte florifched art become faynte ! 
 Thowe weare vnfpotted till this prefent daye, 
 Withe truthe euermore to holde and to faye. 
 
 " But notwitheftandinge, confyderinge as thus, 
 Thoue weare withe powre and myght ouerlayde, 
 Thoue thearfore remaynyfte innoxius, 
 As dothe (by vyolence) the rauyfched mayde. 
 Eaueriche his duetye on eache pate bee payde, 
 That is, whoe of vs hathe wronged the right, 
 God to their defertes their dooynges requyte. 
 
the Seconde. 79 
 
 " This to this ende wee put in remembraunce, 
 To the knowledge of oure pofterytee, 
 That all, that feafon, made not dyflemblaunce, 
 But tenne to one ftucke to the verytee, 
 But cheife that ought had no fyncerytee ; 
 Falfe Ambition and Keepynge yn fauour 
 Declared in this muche lewde behauour." 
 
 In this mateir is to bee adnoted [/. 17.] 
 
 What euyl counfell withe Pryncys maye induce, 
 
 For, confequentlye, this Royalme was forted, 
 
 As water breakynge ouer hedde or fluce : 
 
 All goode ordres weare cleane fet oute of vfe, 
 
 Suche calamyteis enfuynge theare vpon, 
 
 To this Royalmys neare fubuerfion. 
 
 Then florifched Flatery tryumphantlye, 
 Then Falfehod beeare rule, and Truthe fet a fyde, 
 Then weare the goode maligned throughe enuye, 
 Then was true Meekenes ouercome withe Pryde, 
 Then to perdition all Goodenes fafte hyde, 
 Then was Selfe wyll cheif Ruler ouer all, 
 Then myght, in right, none for Aduocat call. 
 
 Then of the Churche began thafflidlion, 
 
 Then entred Herefies curfed and nought, 
 
 Then encreafed Goddys malediction, 
 
 Then His due honour in great decaye brought, 
 
 Then the goode not regarded as they ought, 
 
 But euery Ribaulde myght them checke and chace ; 
 
 The Goode depryued, the Badde in their place. 
 
8o OfGryfilde 
 
 In earthe they cowlde not their malice extende, 
 But vnto heuen (hewed indignation ; 
 The holye Sayndtys theare they dyd difcommende 
 By too too muche abomynation, 
 Sclaunderinge certayne vndre this fafchion, 
 Howe holye Virgyns, of no lyttle fome, 
 Weare Concubynes to the Bufshoppe of Rome; 
 
 [/ 37 b -] The gloryous perpetuall Virgyn Marye 
 
 No better efteamed then an other woman ; 
 
 Eache doungegell as goode as the Sandtuarye ; 
 
 Theis myfcheifes, withe hundredefolde moe, began 
 
 At the incummynge of this nwe Queene Anne, 
 
 Whoe, as me was, declared at the lafte, 
 
 Whome God variyfched withe muche fodayne blafte. 
 
 As good and bleffed inducethe Vertue, 
 
 And woorkethe all meanys to mayntayne the fame, 
 
 So the malignaunte dothe Vertue fubdue, 
 
 Bycaufe their doyngis fhee dothe fierflye blame ; 
 
 Prooif whoe fo notethe, Vice endethe withe fhame. 
 
 Then was no wondre this alteration 
 
 To breede great meanys of defolation. 
 
 For, certaynlye, vpon this induction 
 Entred in this Royalme fuche innouation 
 (To the pooare mannys vttre deftrudlion), 
 Rayfinge of Rentes in wondreful fafhion, 
 From one to fyue in ful numeration, 
 To cawfynge of dearthe in vytayl and warys, 
 Withe other fundrye ineuytable carys, 
 
the Seconde. 81 
 
 Somuche the bodye not heere moleftynge, 
 But hundredfolde more endaungeringe the fowle ; 
 At Faftynge and Prayinge was made but ieftinge, 
 The vile Ignoraunte the Clarke to controwle, 
 All holye cerymonyes coniuringe the Mowle, 
 Eache cockynge Cobler and fpittyllhowfe Pro&or 
 In learnynge taken fo goode as the Dodor. 
 
 In tokne yeat more of Infidelytee, [/ 3 g.] 
 
 Downe went the CrofTes in eauerye countraye, 
 
 Goddys fervauntes vfed withe muche crudelytee, 
 
 Dyfmembred (like beaftes) in thopen highe waye, 
 
 Their inwardys pluckte oute and hartis wheare they laye, 
 
 In fuche (mofte greuous) tyrannycall forte 
 
 That to to fhamefull weare heere ,to reporte. 
 
 Shortelye after, to mende the mateir more, 
 Churches and Mohafteries downe they went, 
 To haue the treafure fpeciallye thearfore, 
 Althoughe they fayned for other entent, 
 After this Prouerbe, to like confequent, 
 The Glouer (craftelye) brought this reafon yn, 
 The Dogge to bee madde, all to haue his Jkynne. 
 
 Yeat this was not the vttremufte euyl ; 
 
 Theye nybbed Chriftes faithe after their pleafure, 
 
 So weare they ledde by their Maifter the Deuyl, 
 
 For, on the truthe, they lyed oute of meafure : 
 
 The whoale heere to wright I haue no leafure, 
 
 But to this ende I haue reherfed this, 
 
 What came by exchaunge of good Grifilidis. 
 
 M 
 
82 OfGryfilde 
 
 % Walter fendet he to Gryfilde to rejigne vp her Crowne, 
 whiche fie neauer wolde gr aunt e ; Of her wondrefull and 
 wyttye anfweare ; She is fecluded the Cowrte ; What 
 complaynte Jhe made for her Daughter Mary, and of her 
 greeif for her Mother agayne ; Howe Walter wolde bee 
 feene to dooe vprygbtly, and all vnrightlye {in this cafe) 
 hee wrought. 
 
 % Caput 10. 
 
 [/ 38 " ] W^SM^^ER prefented withe Thunyuerfiteis Seale, 
 Seemynge to hym all had condefcended, 
 The mearyer that daye he made his ful meale, 
 Nowe had hee althynges as hee pretented. 
 Forwardys hee went, hee was not defended, 
 The goode fealye Gryfilde for to put downe, 
 And in her fteade his nwe mynyon to crowne. 
 
 At Brydewell (his place) that feafon hee laye, 
 And theare was alfo goode Gryjilidis ; 
 Thoughe in his prefence fhee came nyght nor daye, 
 Shee mufte theare attende, his pleafure fo is ; 
 To whome hee fent then, by certayne of his, 
 Her Crowne to refigne, of foarfe fhee els fholde, 
 Whiche playne fhee denyed, vfe her as hee wolde. 
 
 Shee faide, to hym fhe was true wedded Wife, , 
 
 All Chriftendome ouer can wytnes the fame, 
 
 So wolde fhee acknowledge duryinge her life, 
 
 Howe eauer otherwife hee pleafed her to name ; 
 
 As for his owne Royalme, for feare they did frame 
 
 To the fulfillinge of his fixed mynde, 
 
 Witheout refpeciinge what Confcience dothe bynde. 
 
the Seconde. 83 
 
 Shee added, his Father was thought man of wytt 
 And wyttelye he wrought ; whoe lifte, his acTys vue.; 
 All Chriftian Clergye alowed them to knytt ; 
 If they vnknytt them, fhe wolde yt not rue ; 
 But vntill fuche tyme (he wolde contynue, 
 Witheoute confentynge to refignation, 
 Howeeauer hee beeare her his indignation. 
 
 Ferder then fo, fhe merueyled greatlye [/ i9 .] 
 
 They lyuynge fo longe in looue and vnytee, 
 
 And was withe her pleafed, as dyd fignyfie, 
 
 Till latelye, what eauer the caufe ihoulde bee, 
 
 She hym obeyinge withe all humylytee, 
 
 Alfo neauer dyd, other pretended, 
 
 Whear withe his courage myght bee offended. 
 
 Or if (he had beene an AdulterefTe, — 
 
 Of whiche all the worlde cowlde her not accufe ; 
 
 She was towardys hym knytt withe all ftedfaftnes, 
 
 Withowte (in that kynde) anye maner brufe, 
 
 Whearfore the more it made her to mufe 
 
 So noble a man, fo wyttie withe all, 
 
 Into fuche an opynyon to fall ; — 
 
 Or if hee cowlde faye, or anyman els, 
 That owghtys for her fake hee had mysfared, 
 In his propre Royalme or owtewarde trauels ; — 
 But God for hym had freendelye prepared 
 As in his affayres neauer oughtys fquared, 
 By myfaduenture, to greeif of his Eftate ;— 
 Then caufe myght feeme her to bee repudiat. 
 
84 OfGryfilde 
 
 For in Adultery whoe fo ioynethe, 
 Hee maye bee fure to bee infortunat ; 
 No luckye fuccefle God hym aflignethe, 
 ' But is withe myfcheeifes manye intricat ; 
 So hathe not (throughe her) happened hym euyl fate, 
 But tryumphauntly, in pryncelye degree, 
 Florifchinge in wealthe and felycitee. 
 
 [/ 39 b ] Concernynge the fterylnes layde vnto her, 
 It was witheout reafon, difcretion or fkyll ; 
 She had, and moe myght, thorowe due order, 
 Haue borne and brought furthe, to anfweare theartyll ; 
 But lufte at lykynge his lufte dyd fulfyll : 
 (Meanynge, hee elfwheare difperfed his feede, 
 Whearfore God wolde not more feade to proceede.) 
 
 So made fhe anfweare, this noble woman, 
 At fendynge to her her Crowne to refigne, 
 Withe muche moe reafons then I rehearfe can, 
 For (he was lyghtened withe grace dyuyne ; 
 But by no maner meanys fhe wolde inclyne 
 Her Crowne to furrendre for weale or woe, 
 Thoughe Walter neauer maligned her fo. 
 
 Whiche anfweare, as Walter dyd vndreftande, 
 Hee tooke the mateir muche furyouflye ; 
 As one that had all the lawe in his hande, 
 Hee wolde her ordre as caufe hee fawe whye ; 
 Commaunde then did hee, in his fell furye, 
 Oute of his Cowrte theare fhe fholde be conueyde 
 To wheare he affigned, theare to bee fteyde. 
 
the Seconde. 85 
 
 So was goode Gryjilde fecluded the Courte, 
 
 Affigned (as Warde) whyther to reforte ; 
 
 Yeat worfle thynge of all, whiche did her mofte hurte, 
 
 Her dearefte Doughter from her was holden morte ; 
 
 One myght not an other (in care) comforte ; 
 
 The Mothers harte fomuche it dyd not byte, 
 
 But (trulye) the Daughters it did as deadly fmyte. 
 
 " O Lorde," ofte fayde this godlye Gryjilde, [A 40.] 
 
 Withe tearys (nodoubtys) of ynwarde penfyuenes, 
 
 " Wolde to. God my Walter weare thus well wylde 
 
 My Doughter and his, that is as Pryncefle, 
 
 That I myght fee her, to eafe my dyftreffe ; 
 
 Thoughe he fo farre lifte to bee ouerthwarte, 
 
 She weare ynoughe to recomforte my harte. 
 
 " She weare ynoughe to my contentation, 
 
 That I myght fee in ftate howe fhe dothe ftand, 
 
 Whyther £hee bee in like trybulation, 
 
 Cafte oute of fauour, from ftate, goodys, and lande, 
 
 As certaynly my mynde bearethe mee fo in hande ; 
 
 Thoughe (peraduenture) not yeat as am I, 
 
 I feare (ere longe henfe) the Feendys fallacye. 
 
 " I feare, and myftrufte, for mee (her Mother) 
 She (hall (at all) fare nowhit the better ; 
 Thoughe God wolde none bee wronged for other, 
 Muche fundrye wayes Sathan the goode can fetter ; 
 Whoe dare from eyther conueye oother letter, 
 Though Reafon and Nature wolde graunte theare till, 
 Yeat falfe malignours wolde rayfe thearof yll. 
 
86 OfGryfilde 
 
 " I am no Traytores, I let all men weeite, 
 No more is my Marye, I dare proteft ; 
 Wee are mofte readye to all that is meeite ; 
 Whye then (houlde anye vs wrongefully molefte ? 
 Whye may not bee had this rightfull requefte, 
 The Mother and Dowghter togeathers bothe twayne, 
 Agreeued a like, theyr greefis to complayne ? 
 
 [f. + o b .] " I cowlde bee content, and fhee (I dare faye), 
 
 (If Walters goode will wolde graunte to the fame) 
 To lyue togeathers yn fome pooare Nunraye, 
 Prayfinges to rendre to Goddys holye name, 
 The quyeter to lyue, oute of this worldys blame ; 
 For, fye on this worldys highe Domyhation 
 Commyxte (in this forte) withe trybulation ! 
 
 " Whye was I joyned to fuche highe Eftate, 
 And thus repelled withe hate and difdayne ? 
 Whye not rather to fome of meaner rate, 
 That myght of mee (as I of hym) beene fayne ? 
 Whye thus it prouethe, what (houlde 1 complayne ? 
 Geeue mee my Doughter, I holde mee content ; 
 Wheare reftethe the fawte God graunte amendement." 
 
 Suche complaynte (fyttinge all folytarye) 
 Goode Gryjilde wolde ofte vnto herfelfe make, 
 Prayinge to God for her Doughter Marye, 
 That Hee of her the gouernement wolde take ; 
 Muche was (hee careful (in harte) for her fake, 
 No Mother eauer was heere, oather yendre, 
 That, more then (he dyd, myght her childe tendre ; 
 
the Seconde. 87 
 
 Whoe at that feafon, as Pryncefie foueraigne, 
 
 At Ludlowe kepte howfeholde muche honorablye ; 
 
 Hearinge her Mothers vexation and payne," 
 
 Vnto her harte it went mofte paffinge nye ; 
 
 Thoughe fhee (deeare mayde) cowlde it not remeadye, 
 
 She prayed nyght and daye, withe many a teare, 
 
 The heauynlye Father to helpe in this geare. 
 
 Shee faide, (as fhe fpeciall occafion had), [/4»-] 
 
 " O myghtye Jefu, maker of althinge, 
 
 My Mother, dolorous, penfife and fad, 
 
 Thowe (in her forowes) bee ay comfortinge, 
 
 Turnynge the harte of my Father the Kinge 
 
 Her otherwife (of gentlenes) tentreat, 
 
 And not tafflidte her withe forowes fo great. 
 
 " If (as dothe feeme) his purpofe take efFedte, 
 To geeue her vpp, aflumynge the other, 
 Mee alfo withe her hee fure will reiedte, 
 Aswell the Doughter as fo the Mother. 
 O God ! fende helpe, the better the foner ! 
 Or, in Thye fight if it bee fo decreed, 
 Welcome thye will ! I am right well agreed. 
 
 " Welcome what wayes foeauer Thowe lifte afligne ! 
 
 Befeachinge Thy magnyficent goodnes 
 
 In nowife wee bothe oughtys to maligne 
 
 (Throughe frayletye of mynde) for worldely diftrefle, 
 
 But, to receaue it, all due meekenes, 
 
 As fent by Thy dyuyne operation, 
 
 For (as Thou knowifte) fome confyderation." 
 
88 OfGryfilde 
 
 Suche was this princelye maydyns prayer daylye ; 
 
 Sorhuche the Mother had her not in mynde 
 
 But the Doughter afmuche her femblablye, 
 
 So mutuallye wrought Nature of kynde; 
 
 But Grifilde at Walter no fauour myght fynde, 
 
 Reproched fhe was by vtter contempte, 
 
 As from his fauour and companye exempte. 
 
 [/. +i b .] Muche was in this cafe Walters folycitude 
 He wolde bee feene all to frame vprightlye, 
 And all vnrightlye he wrought to conclude ; 
 So was hee blynded in his fantazye, 
 Hee was felfe mynded muche meruelouflye, 
 So that on what thinge his mynde was onfe fett, 
 He wolde haue his furthe, he wolde haue no lett. 
 
the Seconde. 89 
 
 % Walter commaundethe a Cowrte at Dunftaple wheare 
 Gryfilde was depofed from her ejiate ; Of this worlde and 
 Jignyfication of the fame ; Why Gryfilde ivithjioode her 
 Refignation, whoe was geauen to name Lady Douager ; 
 howe Pryncys, faylinge their Faithe, geauethe occafyon 
 to other to dooe the like, for whiche this Royalme hat he 
 beene (and is) mofte greuoujly ajfliSled. 
 
 Caput. 1 1 . 
 
 ERCEAUYNGE as Walter did perfectly well 
 Thanfweare of Griflde concernynge her 
 
 Crowne, 
 No worthynes had beene her to compell, 
 Whiche, weyinge and ponderinge, made hym to frowne, 
 Yeat neadys (withe fpeede) he wolde haue her put downe, 
 Althoughe witheoute reafon, fkyll or offenfe ; 
 Shee was not hable to make refiftence. 
 
 Immedyatlye then enfuynge all this 
 
 A Cowrte he afligned at Dunftaple, 
 
 To whiche was fummoned goode Gryfilidis 
 
 To make fuche anfweare as fhee was hable ; 
 
 But what thearyn was oughtes profitable ? 
 
 Howe muche goode right fhe eauer did difclofe, 
 
 Hee was at a poynde to haue his purpofe. 
 
 N 
 
90 Of Gryjilde 
 
 [/• 4».] Theare at that Cowrte was toffinge and turnynge, 
 To fmall goode effedte wheare right ys compelled, 
 For durynge the tyme of the Judgis foiurnynge 
 At goode Gryjilde they greuouflye fwelled ; 
 What fo herfelfe or her Proclours telled, 
 It was witheoute all eftymation, 
 The mateir had earfte determynation. 
 
 The mateir was earfte decifed as thus, 
 Anne Bullayne Gryjildys place to fupplye, 
 And Gryjilde to Walter repudius 
 Bycaufe me was not pleafinge to his iye ; 
 What fhoulde they then lenger tyme occupye ? 
 Judgement followed, before contryued, 
 So was goode Gryjilde her place depryued. 
 
 So was the goode and godlye reiefted, 
 
 For that to this worlde fhe was not pleafinge ; 
 
 So was the other in place elected, 
 
 Bycaufe to this worlde fhe was contentinge : 
 
 [St. John, The worlde louethe his, by Chriftys owne tellinge, 
 
 xv - '9-J ^ n( j hj s enem y es hathe in illufion, 
 
 As heere nowe prouethe the conclufion. 
 
 This worlde is bothe blynde and phantafticall, 
 Fycle and falfe in all his praftycinges, 
 Inconftante, muche praue, and perylous withe all, 
 Of whiche to bee ware wee haue great warenynges, 
 Hee fo deceauethe by fundrye compafinges ; 
 Whois notoryous reprehenfible ftate 
 To certayne entent wee fhall dyuulgat. 
 
the Seconde, 91 
 
 The Worlde is the People, it is no leafinge, [/■ +»"•] 
 
 The greater parte, by innumerable forte, 
 
 Geauen to peruerfe and wrongeful dealinge, 
 
 Farre oute of trade whiche Goddys truthe dothe exhorte, 
 
 To lye, to fclaunder, to gawde, and to fporte, 
 
 To flefchlye alfo abomynation, 
 
 Withe other meanys of muche deceptation. 
 
 Takinge to name Worlde of the People fo, 
 
 Bycaufe all worldelye their fafhions dothe frame, 
 
 Of whiche' faid Worlde the Dyuyl (our mortall foe) 
 
 Is cheif Capytayne, Chrifte grauntinge the fame, 
 
 " The Prynce of this Worlde, in his furyous flame, [ s *- J° h "> 
 
 , X1V - 3°0 
 
 Commethe to feeke lucre, in Mee hathe hee none ; " 
 For Hee was not of this Worldys condytion. 
 
 Nomore was this godly Gryjilde trulye, 
 
 In worldelye pleafures fhee had no delyte, 
 
 Aboue, the heauynlye Manfion on hye, 
 
 Was firmelye fixed her whoale appetyte ; 
 
 Thearfore this Worldys Prynce had her in defpyte, 
 
 And, at his curfed exitation, 
 
 The Worlde did her all this vexation. 
 
 What more vexation myght vex her harte 
 Then wrongefullye fo entreated to bee, 
 Depofed (as to faye) from her dwe parte ? 
 Not feene the like, in fuche nobilitee, 
 So highe, to defcende to lower degree, 
 Onlye by furmyfed inuafion ; 
 No fmall thearfore her greefes occauon. 
 
92 Of Gryjilde *«- 
 
 [/«•] Whye fhee witheftoode or made refiftence*,' 
 And was not willinge her ftate to forg©e, 
 Confyderinge farre higher preamynence - 
 For wronges fufteynynge belorige fuche vnto, 
 She for this caufe did fpecyallye fo, 
 In right to ftande behouethe all and fome, 
 Euyn vntill Deathe the life dothe ouercome. 
 
 Another as this vndreftande wee maye ; 
 Shee (beeinge a woman of great prudencye) 
 Confydered, in her Depofition laye 
 Daungers occulted, open to her iye, 
 Deftrudtion of Chriftys Sanftuarye 
 Withe hundred other calamyteis mo, 
 If fhee her Eftate reiedted weare fro. 
 
 Shee fawe Newfanglenes entred her foote 
 And was withe Walter famyliar to muche, 
 Alfo Herefye, of myfcheif the roote, 
 Newes to induce that dyd the quycke tuche, 
 In forte (as to faye) mofte horryble, fuche 
 That, if they weare not (in tyme) refifted, 
 To late fhoulde bee to haue them defifted. 
 
 For that, (like woman of godlye meanynge), 
 Shee was mofte lothe her Eftate to auoyde, 
 Confyderinge as howe parties weare leanynge 
 This Royalme thearbye to bee forelye anoyde, 
 Grace and Vertue, as creatures accloyde, 
 Weare heauye and fadde, as laboringe withe greeif, 
 For they themfelfes fawe geauen ouer of the Cheif, 
 
the Seconde. 93 
 
 In this to helpi^ ahd'fynde fome maner ftaye [/. 43 b .J 
 
 This mercyful" Matrone manfullye ftoode, 
 
 Rather^then womanlye to fhrynke for fraye, 
 
 *Onlye of entent to dooe this Royalme goode, 
 
 That from her olde dwe began to chaunge moode, 
 
 As to chaunge honour, renowne and goode fame, 
 
 For difhonour, folye and flefchelye fhame. 
 
 Suche was the meane of this godly woman, 
 But God permytted the Dyuyl to take place 
 As ofte Hee fo dothe, probation prooue can, 
 When wronge is fuffred the right to oute chace ; 
 So oure defertes deferued in the cafe, 
 That of this woman vnwoorthye wee weare, 
 Whiche nowe at Dunjiaple depofed was theare. 
 
 Depofed fhee was as feemed to the worlde, 
 
 But fhee exalted in fauour of the Higheft ; 
 
 Of longe the wicked mofte weywardely jorlde 
 
 Tyll whome they mynded to Walter was nygheft ; 
 
 O wicked worlde ! thoue wrongefullye wryeft, 
 
 So contrariouflye to affix thy looue ! 
 
 Note well heereafter what thearebye {hall prooue. 
 
 When fo they had doone the thynge they came for, 
 They gaue her to name Ladye Douager, 
 A name leffenynge muche deale the honor 
 That of forne promyfTe was due vnto her : 
 From Faithe when Pryncys begynnethe to erre, 
 Whiche other (their Subjedtis) tobferue fhoulde fee, 
 What, in that cafe, of right then judge maye wee ? 
 
94 Of Gryjilde 
 
 if. 44.] What is it but they the like will enfue ? 
 And fo dyd fundrye, I feare not to tell,* 
 Gaue vpp their olde wyues and tooke them to nwe, 
 Makynge as nothynge of Chriftys Gofpell ; 
 A meanys that muche conduced vnto hell, 
 Whiche, at the headys, example fo takynge, 
 Scace yeat at this daye hathe clearly flakynge. 
 
 So weddelocke not fhynethe as I wolde wifche ; 
 
 God graunte fome meanys of reformation ! 
 
 To muche Adultery dothe ftill florifche, 
 
 As thearin cheeif their delectation, 
 
 Witheoute feare of Goddys indignation ; 
 
 I meane no fmall Byrdys of the fymple forte, 
 
 As prefidentes fhewthe, dothe Rumor reporte. 
 
 For whiche, and other abomynations, 
 
 This noble Brytayne hathe beene plaged fore 
 
 Withe fundrye and manye trybulations, 
 
 I thynke no Royalme in Chriftendome more. 
 
 Oure purpofe otherwife tendinge, thearfore, 
 
 Thearto accordinge, profequute we mall, 
 
 Till iufte occafion maye thearto befall. 
 
the Seconde. 95 
 
 f Gryfilde depryued her honour was ajjigned too Bugden, the 
 Bufshoppe o/*Lincolns maneir, ivhoe was cheif mynyjler 
 of all her forowes, whear fundrye her olde cheif officers 
 and feruauntes weare commaunded from her ; Of her 
 lamentable taking her leaue at them, and of her greuous 
 complaynynge for Walters vnkyndenes towardys her. 
 
 Caput 12. 
 HIS godly Gryfilde depryued her place, [/ ^ 
 
 To chaunge of cheeare not fole of her alone, 
 ( Whoe had cheif caufe, confyderinge the cafe) , 
 But to the greeif alfo of manye a one, 
 After her wrongefull Depofition 
 She was (as warde) from place to place conueyde ; 
 Leafte to her comforte, theare was fhee lengeft fteyde. 
 
 Place had fhee none of her owne to reforte, 
 Rentes or Reuenues digne to her eft-ate, , 
 Or oughtes that ferued her fpeciall comforte, 
 But beinge blanked as -one all amate 
 (As was no merueyle, ferued in fuche rate) 
 Was commaunded to a place called Bugdayne, 
 In Huntingedone fheeare to refte and remayne ; 
 
 Whiche to the Bufshoppe of Lyncolne dyd belonge, 
 
 Whoe firfte began her heauynes to broache, 
 
 In a Sermon whearin hee waded wronge 
 
 And floored, whearbye the breache did approache ; 
 
 At hym takynge light manye dyd encroache, 
 
 (For meede and promotion) that Walter myght 
 
 Exchaunge good Gryfilde and dooe but the right. 
 
96 Of Gryfilde 
 
 Vndre his handys her greeifes they grewe muche, 
 Whiche all to expreffe fhoulde feeme tedyous ; 
 Partely at Oxforde it was her chaunce fuche, 
 Partely at Dunjiaple, as this dothe difcufle, 
 And nowe was fent to foiourne in his howfe ; 
 Alfo he was, emonges other thynges all, 
 The Executor of her Funerall. 
 
 [/ 4-sJ That, of all noatys that I dooe adnote 
 
 Whiche hee (of his partye) to her did extende, 
 
 Was cheiflye the befl, I all men behote, 
 
 For then weare her trobles brought to an ende : 
 
 I will not faye they dyd her thither fende 
 
 For any coarfey vnto her ftomake, 
 
 As fome (peraduenture) wolde it fo take, 
 
 But theare {he was for a certayne feafon, 
 
 Wheare this other affli&ion her befell, 
 
 Which foundethe (me thynkethe) farre oute of reafon, 
 
 As one of her Seruauntes to mee did tell ; 
 
 Her Offycers, that longe withe her did dwell, 
 
 Weare her auoyded for certayne entent, 
 
 And newe affigned at Walters comaundement : 
 
 At whois departure, when they tooke their leaue, 
 At her (their olde and reuerende Miftreffe) 
 Tendrenes of harte her powres did bereaue, 
 As tearys from the fame did playnlye expreffe, 
 Sayinge vnto them in her great heauynes, 
 " Halas! youre feruyce to mee of longe date, 
 That I (no waies) can oughtes remunerat ! 
 
the Seconde. 97 
 
 *' Halas ! that (of forfe) I neadys mufte youe forgoe, 
 
 And yowe alfo mee ; no reamedye theare is ; 
 
 No lyttle thearfore is my inwarde woe ! 
 
 What mail me nowe betyde I wote not I wiffe ! 
 
 Newe mufte I neadys take ; what meanethe. by this 
 
 But of my tyme heere the ftiorte abrydgement ? 
 
 Whoe cannot refifte mufte holde her content. 
 
 " What is it for mee, or other the like, [/ 45".] 
 
 Thofe to forgoe (my Seruauntes mofte truftie) 
 
 That in my cheeif neadys weare my whqale phyfike, 
 
 By fyrme affyaunce that in them had I, 
 
 All ftraunge and vnknowne their romethes to fupplye ? 
 
 It mouethe mee my life haulfe to fufpedle, 
 
 Whither they are fent the fame to infedte ? 
 
 " For well I perceaue and vndreftande maye, 
 Some are that fmall paflethe of my welfare ; 
 Weare I henfe rapte to morowe or to daye, 
 The fhorter my tyme the leffe wolde they care. 
 As abjedte, or thrall, they keepethe mee bare ; 
 And nowe of my Truftie depryuynge mee, 
 What can they fhewe of more extremytee ? 
 
 " But, for I mufte neadys obedyent bee, 
 
 I will in goode parte take as God fhall fende, 
 
 Prayinge youe hartelye to praye for mee, 
 
 As I fhall for youe vnto my lyues ende ; 
 
 And fo to God I humblye youe commende." 
 
 Whearewithe, to certayne (withe many a falte teare) 
 
 She gaue in rewarde of her wearynge geare. 
 
9 8 O/Gryfilde 
 
 So departed they eyther from other, 
 
 Withe muche heauye hartes as cheare dyd declare, 
 
 Throughe whiche her ende approached the foner, 
 
 As is a preparatyue Sorowe and Care ; 
 
 What thearto myght make, fome lifte not to fpare ; 
 
 Ynowhe was her trybulation in vre, 
 
 More then fome euyn of the meanyfte myght endure. 
 
 [/.+&.] Her fourgynge forowes (certaynlye), I faye, 
 So daylye encreafte by muche abundaunce, 
 That thre yeares fpace, witheout any delaye, 
 It had withe her a ftill coritynuaunce ; 
 So was me plunged in peruerfe peanaunce, 
 As, in degre, eftate withe payne to cownte, 
 All greeis (of her gree) herfe farre did furmounte. 
 
 Emonges whiche all, this one did her fore payne, 
 
 The Pooare to her repayringe for releeif, 
 
 And them (as mee wolde) not hable to fuftayne ; 
 
 It was to her an inwarde deadlye greeif, 
 
 And to her enemyes a fhameful repreeif 
 
 So goode a woman, and noble withe all. 
 
 To bee fo vfed and holden in thrall. 
 
 " Halas ! " fhe wolde thus often tymes complayne 
 
 Vnto her felfe muche lamentablelye, 
 
 " Why dothe my Walter at mee thus difdayne, 
 
 And I hym tenderinge, withe all feruencye, 
 
 For hym my life to put in ieoberdye ? 
 
 No woman can wifche her huflbonde more well, 
 
 Thoughe hee of mee can fcante byde to heeare tell. 
 
the Seconde, 99 
 
 " Hee cannot fuffre mee neare his prefence, 
 Hee lifte not to fende to weeite howe I doo fare, 
 Hee fequeflrethe mee from all preamynence, 
 Hee nowhit for mee dothe oughtes cure or care ; 
 Hee dothe to mee that hathe beene feene 1 but rare, 
 To cafte mee off, his true defpoufed wife, 
 And feemeth as foarye to heeare of my life. 
 
 " I deeme euyl counfell dothe leade hym in this ; [/ 46"] 
 
 God fende hym better ! I can nomore faye ; 
 
 So noble a* man great pytee it is 
 
 That fo feduced fhoulde wandre a ftraye ; 
 
 His deade to forthinke onfe come (hall the daye, 
 
 When nother I oughtes maye eafe his entent, 
 
 Nor hee to haue tyme to woorke amendement. 
 
 " What fhoulde I oughtes grudge or troble my mynde 
 
 For that whiche I fee theare is no remeadye ? 
 
 To fhue to the worlde it weare but waifte wynde ; 
 
 To God I appeale, That fittethe mofte hye ; 
 
 Hee is the Judge that judgethe rightuouflye, 
 
 The wronged to meede of mercye tafcende, 
 
 And the ofFendre throughe grace to amende. 
 
 " Hee is Hee onlye in Whome I full trufte, 
 
 This worlde I defye withe his fautours all, 
 
 Not for that (of forfe) I neadys nowe fo raufte, 
 
 Bycaufe I am as thruften to the wall 
 
 And bootethe not for remeadye to call, 
 
 But am befte pleafed, fithe God will the fame, 
 
 To bee thus for ted in forte as I am. 
 
ioo Of Gryjilde 
 
 " Small deale mee mouethe my Depofition, 
 Whiche nothynge hyndrethe to my faluation ; 
 But wheare the fawte is I wifche contrition, 
 For ferdre fallynge in flagellation 
 Engendred by Goddys great indignation, 
 Thorowe makynge light of His holye lawes, 
 Setteled in fynne, defendinge theyr cawes ; 
 
 [/ 47.] " In whiche I wifche amendement right gladlye, 
 
 And not reuengeaunce that God fhoulde oughtes take, 
 
 But, thorowe His grace, demurely and fadlye 
 
 For flefchelye folye his confcyence to quake, 
 
 Throughe mouinge thearof his fynne to forfake ; 
 
 This is of all my cheeif petytion, 
 
 To voyde the wayes to fowle perdition. 
 
 " For thoughe falfe Frayletee foolifchelye voltethe 
 
 Into the feate of vyle Carnalytee, 
 
 And fo agaynfte mee the dooare hee boltethe 
 
 Witheoute all right and dwe vrbanytee, 
 
 I, not fetteled in fuche kynde of prauytee, 
 
 Befeache to all my malefadtours 
 
 In heauyn withe mee to bee contraftours, 
 
 " Theare in vnytee, withe one harte and mynde, 
 
 ^Eternally to geeue laudation 
 
 To the Redeamer of all mankynde 
 
 For oure heauynlye coadunation, 
 
 Notwitheftandinge this worldys variation, 
 
 Oure reconcylement wrought by dyuyne grace, 
 
 That wee maye (by Chrifte) inhabyte that place." 
 
the Seconde. 101 
 
 Suche of this godlye and blefled woman 
 
 Was vfuallye the meditation ; 
 
 She drefte not her felfe to curfle, other banne, 
 
 But tooke in goode worthe her conftellation, 
 
 Lamentynge (rather) the diffipation 
 
 Of thynges infurginge to Englandys vndoinge, 
 
 Then in her caufe the wrongefull myfufinge. 
 
 If Gryfilde remouedfrom Bugden -to Cowemolton, wheare, if. 47".] 
 vifited wjthe Jicknes, Jhe felte her tyme come to departe 
 this life ; Of her mojie Chrijiian preparinge for the fame ; 
 Of her mojie chary table takynge her leaue at Walter and 
 all other Nobles, Knyghter, Gentlemen and Commoners, 
 defyrynge them all to pr aye for her. 
 
 Caput 13. 
 |FTER a feafon, to Walter pleafinge, 
 She had foiourned at Bugden forefaide, 
 She was remoued, to more difeafinge, 
 To a towne Cowemoulton, theare to be ftaide ; 
 As Walter wolde, (he helde her well apayde, 
 Remembringe ho we by murmu ration 
 Was greatly e floored Goddys indignation. 
 
 Awhile as (he had contynued theare, 
 God vifited her withe certaigne ficknes, 
 Wheare thorowe greatly abated her cheare, 
 And more and more genderinge in procefle 
 That tyme was come to fyne heere her progrefle, 
 Whiche, well vndreftandinge her mortall fore, 
 Mofte Chriftianly fhe preparde thearfore. 
 
1 02 Of Gryfilde 
 
 For bodelye Phyfike fhe nowhit cured, 
 
 But rather wifched to bee diffolued, 
 
 Of heauynlye ioyes to bee afTured, 
 
 Whiche, after this forte, fhe ofte reuolued, 
 
 That, thoughe in the earthe her corps weare dolued, 
 
 Her fpyrite myght to the heauyns attayne, 
 
 As in her creation God dyd ordayne. 
 
 [/ 48.] To walke that waye as true Chriftyan ought, 
 Sauflye and furelye witheoute impedyment, 
 (Thorowe hoape in Hym that dearlye her bought,) 
 Shee firfte became a perfecte penytent, 
 Callinge to mynde her life muche negligent, 
 In whatfoeauer her corifcyence cowlde mooue 
 Tochynge offenfe agaynfte God abooue. 
 
 Then to the worlde fhe dyd her conuerte, 
 Her pradtycinges heere callynge vnto mynde, 
 Forthinkinge muche, withe a forowful harte, 
 That more then fhe ought fhe thearto inclynde, 
 Accufinge her felfe for creature vnkynde 
 Vnto her Lorde, that no darkenes may dymme, 
 That eauer this worlde fhe preferde before Hym. 
 
 Of Hym (mofte meekelye) fhe mercy befought, 
 Withe tearys oute tryllynge of pure contrition, 
 Grauynge His Paffion deepe in her thought 
 For her cheif garde againfle perdition, 
 Befeachinge thearby to haue remiffion 
 Of her offenfes venyall and deadlye, 
 Onlye and cheiflye for His great mercye ; 
 
the Seconde. 103 
 
 Remembringe this Texte, in her aduifement, 
 Howe, crauynge of God remyflion of fynne, 
 Behoauethe all men, withe conftant confent, 
 Vnto their neighbours the like to begyn, 
 Thearby the rather Goddys mercye to wynne; 
 Whiche nowe fhe hathe in confyderation 
 The more to make, for her fowlys faluation. 
 
 Thearfore fhe made this proteftation, [/ +8".] 
 
 " O Jefu, my Lorde and foueraigne Kynge, 
 
 Forgeue Thoue my fynnes abomynation, 
 
 As I forgeue all men me oughtes tranfgreflinge 
 
 By woorde, woorkynge, or wrongefull fuppreffinge, 
 
 And, as I wolde Thy heauynly affuraunce, 
 
 So graunte it them (Lorde) in contynuaunce." 
 
 Then this goode Gryjilde to make althinges fure 
 
 Her Gohoftely Father to her dyd let call, 
 
 To whome her whoale life fhee playne did difcure ; 
 
 To walke the waye that was vnyuerfall, 
 
 The gatis heere of Deathe that all men pafle fhall, 
 
 Depured alfo withe the Bodye of Chrifte, 
 
 Mofte commonly called the Eucharifte ; 
 
 Withe fuche deuotion receauynge the fame 
 As neauer myght woman poflyble more : 
 No figne of vertue myght any one name 
 But in her was feene, withe other great ftore ; 
 Life in her yeat reftinge, tell I fhall thearfore, 
 Howe of this worlde fhe tooke nowe her farewell, 
 As Chriftian affection did her compell. 
 
io4 Of Gryfdde 
 
 At Walter (her lorde) fhe thus wife began, 
 
 " Farewell, deere Hufbonde, to whome I was heere knytt 
 
 In lawefull fpoufayle, as God ordayne can, 
 
 By His holye Churche, I playne confefle itt, 
 
 ' And fo I take thee tyll Deathe prohybit ; ' 
 
 Farewell, withe full afteclyon of harte, 
 
 For tyme is nowe come I neadys mufte departe. 
 
 [/- 49] " Nowe mufte I walke the waye that thow mufte go, 
 Nowe maifte thow marrye, impedyment is none ; 
 Nowe, that thy true wife is parted thee fro, 
 I Thow mayfte bee free from fornycation ; 
 I God wyll of thy fynne the mytigation, 
 God wyll that I nowe, to ceaffe thy trefpace, 
 Shall vnto thy choyce refigne vpp my place. 
 
 1 " God fende the mercye and goode fucceflion, 
 Withe profperous reigne and peace contynuall ; 
 God in thy doynges bee thy direction, 
 As to thy fowle healthe mofte cheifly make fhall ; 
 This is my wifche before my funerall, 
 Lynkte vnto thee by true Ghriftian looue 
 Whiche neauer (but Deathe) fhall any remooue. 
 
 " My fowle vnto God I only bequeaue, 
 My bodye wheare thowe fhalte pleafe to affigne ; 
 Aboue grownde I trufte thowe wilte it not leaue, 
 To be deuowred withe vermyne or fwyne, 
 For that it was onfe vnyte vnto thyne, 
 Somuche the rather in Earthe it tengraue, 
 Thoughe other fauour I boote not to craue. 
 
the Seconde. 105 
 
 " But that I maye haue (as Reafon fo wolde, 
 
 For that I am of Chriftian beleeue) 
 
 Honeft intierment as Chriftian fholde, 
 
 Withe charytie delte, the pooare to releeue, 
 
 To praye for my fowle th at may them fo meeue, 
 
 This I befeache thee, as pooare woman maye, 
 
 Voyde of all frendefhippe (faue.God) at this daye. 
 
 " Befeachinge thee ferdre, of nature and kynde, [/ ^\] 
 
 Thy Doughter Mary to cafte not awaye, 
 
 But that ift thy fight fhe may fuche grace fynde 
 
 To be as thy Doughter knowne an other daye, 
 
 Sithe of thy bloode fhe is cummen nonaye ; 
 
 Not for my fake I moue to thee heere yn, 
 
 But for fhee is mofte neareft of thy kyn. 
 
 " Sithe God hath fent her to lyue in this life [>.] 
 
 And is of towardyfnes not to bee abhorde, 
 
 Thoughe mee thoue lifte not to take as thy wife, 
 
 Yeat bee thoue to her thus fpeciall goode lorde, . 
 
 To fome ftaye of lyuyng to-fee her reftorde, 
 
 For that (as I faide) fhe is of thee fpronge, 
 
 And not for my fake to take the more wronge. 
 
 " Sore I myfdoubte her entretaynynge ; 
 If thoue renounce her for Doughter of thyne, 
 No fmall fhalbee her caufe of complaynynge ; 
 So teachethe the ftory of Magubryne ; 
 Let fomewhat thy harte towardys her inclyne, 
 For the deeare Bloode that from Chriftes fyde came owte, 
 For fhee is thy bloode, thoue neadift not to dowbte. 
 
 p 
 
1 06 Of Gryfilde 
 
 " And nowe to thee I haue nomore to faye, 
 But Jefus take thee in His protection ; 
 To Deathes areft I neadys mufte obeye, 
 Whoe hathe in me powred his infection, 
 My fowle to walke to Goddys election ; 
 Farewell thearfore for eauer and eauer, 
 For nowe is the tyme I mufte dyfleauer." 
 
 [/■ so.] Of whiche her faide mynde and fynall farewell 
 (As fundry dothe faye) a Bill fhe let make, 
 It fendinge to Walter, that playnly dyd tell 
 The fome thearof, howe eauer hee dyd it take, , 
 
 Whoe ofte thearon thought, thoughe lyttle hee fpake, 
 As afterwardys occafion had hee, 
 By tryinge this Worldys falfe duplycitee. 
 
 And, certaynly, for certayne tyme after 
 
 He was muche fad, ouer he was wonte to bee ; 
 
 Some certayne remorfe moued in Walter, 
 
 By woordys in her Byll that wryten had fhee, 
 
 So was it conftrued of fundry degree ; 
 
 Of whiche I wyll heere no lengre tale make, 
 
 But, takynge her leaue, howe ferdre fhe fpake : — 
 
 " Farewell, my Freendys, that wolde me oughtes well, 
 Jefus rewarde youe wheare I am not hable ! 
 Farewell, my Foes, wheare eauer yee doo dwell, 
 God vnto youe all bee mercyable ! 
 Farewell, my Seruauntes, fo feruyable, 
 That longe hathe ferued vnrecompenfed, 
 God from all euyll fee youe faufe defenfed ! 
 
the Seconde. 107 
 
 " Farewell, bothe Lordys and Ladyes of eftate ! 
 Farewell, yee Knyghtes and Gentlemen alfo ! 
 Farewell, yee Commoners in hartyeft rate, 
 That hathe beene eauer me louynge vnto ! 
 God I befeache Hym youe mercy to doe ! 
 Farewell yee all ! my panges they are right fore, 
 Praye for my fowle nowe, I afke youe nomore." 
 
 Thus takynge her leaue mofte Chryftyanlye, [/ 5°".] 
 
 In loue and chary tee withe eauery man, 
 
 Yeat abydinge in perfedte memorye 
 
 An other Adieu fhee after began, 
 
 Afwell as her powre that feafon feme can, 
 
 Vnto her deareft Doughter Mary ; 
 
 So as I herde tell declare it mall I. 
 
 ^[ Of Gryfildys mojle pytefull takynge her leaue at Marye 
 her Doughter, commendynge her to the mercye of God, 
 withe muche Mother/ye admonytions for her to praSlice 
 and haue in remembraunce after her dayes. 
 
 f Caput 14. 
 
 ITHE Deathe his Bedyll of ymbecylitee 
 Hathe fent to fomen me oute of this life, 
 To ende the courfe of this fragilytee 
 As is of Deathe the olde prerogatife, 
 Notwitheftandynge thoughe Nature makethe ft rife, 
 I wyll yeat nowe, emongeft other all, 
 Take leaue of Mary my Doughter fpeciall. 
 
io8 O/Gryfilde 
 
 " O Mary mayden, by lyneall defcent 
 
 Spronge of the frefche and fweete Rofe rubycounde, 
 
 In florifchinge yeares, when hee was content 
 
 Withe the Pomegarnet on ftawlke to bee fownde, 
 
 Till ferpentyne fhakynge loafed the grounde, 
 
 Dyfceauerynge vs muche myferablye, 
 
 Wheare thorowe thowe art in heauynes drounde, 
 
 Teat Jefu thee fane of His great mercy e ! 
 
 [/. 51.] " Of the haue I had greate comforte and joye 
 Hoapinge the fruyte of thy pofterytee, 
 Whiche Frayletee hathe wrought wrongely to annoye, 
 By meanys of flyckeringe Carnalytee, 
 Seeamynge as fugered fuauytee, 
 Mengeled withe poyfon, and lifte not efpye, ' 
 Greatlye makynge to thy calamytee; 
 Teat Jefu faue thee of His great mercy ! 
 
 " Sithe wycked woorkynge, muche colorably, 
 From that was thy dwe hathe fhyfted the owte, 
 Wrongely entreatynge, as truthe can teftifye, 
 By fundry compafinges fetchinge abowte, 
 Of thee (my deareft) I ftande in great dowbte, 
 Thoughe Childe for Parent ought not myfcarye : 
 So is Inyquytee nowe wexed ftowte ; 
 Teat ]ti\xfaue thee of His great mercy e ! 
 
 " Thowe, that wafte goaten in facred weddelock, 
 Art foarted nowe as illegitymat, 
 To the great fclaunder of thy worthye ftocke 
 Whiche on my parte was neauer viciat ; 
 
the Seconde. 109 
 
 Suche wayes this worlde dothe falfely imytat, 
 To the vndoinge of many a partye ; 
 But fclaunderers God dothe excommunycat, 
 Who faue and keepe thee of His great mercye I 
 
 " Howe eauer contrary this worlde dothe frame, 
 His bloyfterous blafles behouethe to fufteyne ; 
 Heauynly rewarde enfuethe the fame, 
 Who fo for Truthes fake refufethe no payne, 
 Whiche Truthe in fyne no Falfehod may ftayne ; 
 Withe patience thearfore, O Doughter Mary, 
 Arme thee alwayes, and Chrifte thy fouereigne 
 Shall faue and keepe thee of His greate mercye. 
 
 " For all vnkyndenes that happen the (hall, [/ ji b .] 
 
 Vnto thy Father fhewe due obedyence ; 
 
 As hee fhall affigne thee, to rife other fall, 
 
 Content thearwithe thyne inwarde confcyence ; 
 
 So maifte thoue haue of his beneuolence, 
 
 If Pytee or Mercye in hym dothe oughtes lye ; 
 
 In nowife to any woorke thoue offenfe, 
 
 And Chrifte Jhall graunte thee of His mercye. 
 
 " If eauer God fhall thee fet in Eftate 
 
 (As, what Hee will dooe, noman can defyne), 
 
 Vnto thy Countrey bee neauer ingrate, 
 
 To dooe them comforte thy harte let inclyne ; 
 
 So fhalte thoue fhewe thee true Doughter of myne, 
 
 For I them loued withe all feruencye, 
 
 And they lykewife mee in perfedte true lyne ; 
 
 For whiche Chrifte Jefus graunte them His mercye ! 
 
I IO 
 
 Of Gryjilde 
 
 " The pooare (to thy poure) releeaue and fufleyne, 
 Thearby thoue fhalte heere great goodnes purchace ; 
 Afwell of the pooare as the riche be fayne, 
 Specially tenderinge their neadful cafe ; 
 JEuermore mercy withe pytee embrace, 
 So fhalte thoue laye vpp thy treafure on hye, 
 And fhalte abounde withe Goddys fpeciall grace, 
 Who faue and keepe thee of His great mercye ! 
 
 " Bee meeke and lowlye in harte and in looke, 
 Beare thee not bolde of thy nobylitee ; 
 Bufye thy felfe in Goddys dyuyne Booke, 
 Whiche teachethe the rulys of pure humylitee ; 
 Bewares the wayes of falfe fragilitee, 
 Vfe faftynge and prayinge for beft remeadye ; 
 So fhalte thoue trulye withe all facylitee 
 Purcheffe of God Hisfauour and mercye. 
 
 If. si.} " So fhalte thoue bee in His fpeciall fauour ; 
 So fhalte thoue of man the daungers efcape ; 
 So fhalte thoue purcheffe heauyn for thy labour ; 
 So fhall the Higheft in thy behaulfe fhape, 
 And thee faufelye fheelde from all maner rape ; 
 If thoue to ferue Hym wylte truly applye, 
 Hee withe thye enemyes will tryfle nor iape, 
 For that Hee bearethe thee His louynge mercye. 
 
 " Attende (O Doughter ! ) vnto my dodtryne ; 
 Some (I well hoape) will thee thearof inftrudte 
 Thoughe I not fee thee withe corporall iyene, 
 Yeat owte of my harte thoue art not edudte ; 
 
the Seconde. 
 
 As mee (thy Mother) bee thoue not illufte, 
 God it forbeade! I pray Hym hartelye ! 
 After His pleafure His grace thee conducie, 
 Andfaufely keepe thee of* His great mercy e! 
 
 1 1 1 
 
 / 
 
 " And nowe farewell, deeare Doughter Mary 1 
 Farewell pooare Orphan, as feemethe vnto mee! 
 Farewell, whome fayne I wolde not myfcary ! 
 Farewell, of forfe I neadys mufte forgoe thee! 
 Farewell in Hym that is bothe One and Three ! 
 Farewell, from feeinge thee withe mortall iye ! 
 Farewell, nowe flowringe in virgynytee ! 
 Jefu thee preferue of His great mercye ! 
 
 " To take oure leaues each one of other, 
 Firfte thoue of mee (as Nature wolde fo), 
 And I of thee, thy fickely Mother, 
 That oiite of this worlde is ready to goe, 
 It is prohybite, to my mortall woe ; 
 Thoughe no difcretion declarethe.caufe whie, 
 Indignation thee keepethe mee froe ; 
 Teat Jefufaue thee of His great mercye ! 
 
 " Halas ! that I myght thee yeat onfe beholde [/ sz \] 
 
 Before that Deathe mall bereaue mee my fight, 
 
 To blefTe thee withe hande, thoughe earthelye and colde, 
 
 As ynwardely feruethe my appetyte, 
 
 To whiche (as I wolde) I am impedyte ; 
 
 Thoughe reafon it weare, the worlde dothe deny ; 
 
 Goddys will bee fulfilled, as yt is right, 
 
 Whofaue and keepe thee of His great mercy ! 
 
112 
 
 Of Gryfilde 
 
 " The God of Abraham His bleffinge geeue thee ! 
 The God of Ifahac graunte thee the fame ! 
 The God of Jacob thy fuccurrer bee, 
 Thee to defende from all worldely fhame, 
 And to fee profper, to glory of His name, 
 This worlde (for His fake) clearly to defye, 
 After His pleafure thy lyuynge to frame, 
 Whofaue and keepe thee of His great mercy ! 
 
 " And as olde Abraham dyd Ifahac blefFe, 
 And Ifahac Jacob, called Ifraell, 
 And Jacob Jofeph, Genefis dothe exprefTe, 
 In awe of Goddys lawe they truly to dwell, 
 And other Blefled, as Scrypture dothe tell, 
 So blefle I thee withe bleffinge femblably, 
 In name of the myghtye Emanuel, 
 Whofaue and keepe thee of His great mercy e ! 
 
 " What bleflynges more to Mother dothe pertayne, 
 If thoufandys they bee, on thee they alight, 
 Withe bleffinge of God eauer to remayne, 
 On thee (my Doughter) thee well to acquyte, 
 Of all falfe enemyes to voyde the defpyte, 
 To pleafure of God mofte fpecyallye, 
 In his caufe (as man) manfully to fight, 
 Whofaue and keepe thee of His great mercy ! 
 
 [/■ 53] " Thus byd I thee (Doughter) for eauer farewell ! 
 Farewell ! farewell ! in forowes furely pight ! 
 Farewell I bydde thee ! Deathes panges dothe compell, 
 The daye dyfpayrethe, fafte drawethe vnto nyght, 
 
the Seconde. 1 1 3 
 
 Yeat after dymme clowdys I hoape the Sunne bright, 
 
 That fhynethe vnclypfed eauerlaftingely ; 
 
 Hee make thee partyner of that heauynlye light 
 
 That is . . . . the Father of endeles mercye ! ^ A 77{ d 
 
 *' To Whome I befeache thee, {Mary) deere Chylde, 
 
 To praye that Hee pleafe my fynnes to forgeeue, 
 
 That from His Prefence I bee not exilde, 
 
 Throughe tendre pytee that maye Hym fo meeue, 
 
 For that in Hym I dooe only beleeue 
 
 And eauer haue doone, Hee wotethe it trulye ; 
 
 Thus, fayntynge for breathe, I neadys mufle bee breeue, 
 
 Commendinge the (Doughter) to Goddys mercye ! " 
 
 % Of Gryfildis godly departynge this life ; Her trobles 
 heere ended, euerlajlinge reft enfued. Wheare awe of 
 God is not, what myferyes enfuethe. An Elucidation 
 vpon this texte, In Domo Patris mei Manfiones multas 
 funt, approuynge, whoe feruethe highelye {as did this 
 Gryfilde) is of 'God highely rewarded. 
 
 ^[ Caput 15. 
 JIFF this noble woman the day beinge come 
 Her corps to rendre to wheare it firfte fpronge, 
 As was fo ordayned by Goddis dyuyne dome, 
 Lefte in departinge the fame myght haue 
 wronge, 
 After fhee had in ficknes traueylde longe, 
 Shee humblye befought, withe hartys compundtion, 
 To haue (as was dwe) the Extreme VnSlion. 
 
ii4 Of Gryfilde 
 
 \f. 53" 1 Whearwithe munyted, in true Chriftian forte, 
 Agaynfte tranfgreflion of the fenfes fyue, 
 So fealynge then vpp eache highe waye or porte, 
 The lyttle life lefte began as to ftryue, 
 As thoughe againfte Deathe it fayne wolde reuyue, 
 But thearby brought in fuperation, 
 She of her fpirite gaue expiration. 
 
 So weare her trobles heere brought to an ende, 
 
 After of fundrye thexpedtation, 
 
 Vnto that purpofe whiche longe did attende, 
 
 Thoughe, cheiflye of all, to her confolation, 
 
 For refte was to her after trybulation ; 
 
 None otherwife I can in harte efteeme 
 
 But, fufferinge for right, to weare the dyadeeme. 
 
 And thoughe fliee heere (in this life tranfitorye) 
 
 Weare of her honour and kyngedome {hut owte, 
 
 Into a kyngedome of farre more glorye 
 
 Shee was receaued, I/haue no myfdoubte ; 
 
 So, for her, her heauynly Kynge brought abowte, 
 
 Whiche neauer faylethe all thofe Hym feruynge, 
 
 That well ys to ferue fo noble a Kynge ; 
 
 Whome all her lifetyme (he truly obeyde, 
 And ferued withe all her harte cowlde deuife, 
 As (partelye) heerein wee haue of her faide, 
 That fo to credyte ynoughe may fuffice ; 
 What more then needethe to tell a tale twice ? 
 Shee nowe departed (as earfte wee haue tolde), 
 So ended heere her trobles manyfolde. 
 
the Seconde. 1 1 5 
 
 So was the alterynge, by many a daye, [/ 54.] 
 
 Nowe at a poyn&e, tochynge the former cafe ; 
 
 Thoughe Newe vpon Newe theare followed nonaye, 
 
 As neauer the like in fo little ipace, 
 
 And no lyttle fpace contynued the race, 
 
 For twentye yearys full, it day by day wrought 
 
 Till it had (almofte) brought all vnto nought. 
 
 Wheare dwe awe of God is feene negledted, 
 
 Wheare wycked alfo dothe predomynat, 
 
 Wheare throughe falfe Cupyde the Royalme is infected, 
 
 Wheare meanys may none his foly mytigate, 
 
 Wheare the Holye men dothe contamynat, 
 
 Wheare libertee frayle is not refrayned, 
 
 Theare \s the Countrey muche to bee wayled ; 
 
 Theare rieedys mufte reign e Goddys indignation ; 
 
 Wheare that fo dothe, this fequele mufte enfue, 
 
 Of His meere Grace clean depryuation ; 
 
 Depryued thearof, adieu all vertue, 
 
 In obduracye for to contynue, 
 
 So followeinge oure owne fragilytee, 
 
 As thoughe for fynne no punyfchment fholde bee. 
 
 Suche daungerous tyme was certaynlye feene 
 
 By alterations, as is aforefayde, 
 
 In the later dayes of this noble Queene, 
 
 Whearby vertue was vtterlye decayde, 
 
 Excepte in a fewe whiche God (by grace) ftayde, 
 
 As this goode Gryjilde fpecially one, 
 
 Owte of this life to His mercy nowe gone. 
 
n6 Of Gryjilde 
 
 [f. 54 b .] Somuche wee haue not of that goode woman 
 Mentioned heere to her commendation, 
 But lyuynge are manye that farre better can 
 Put her dooynges in commemoration, 
 To Goddys mofte worthie and highe veneration, 
 For that His Grace was her fpeciall guyde 
 In vertuous patience to caufe her abyde ; 
 
 To Whome, in arte of recompenfation, 
 Befydis her feruyce in this life mundayne, 
 As freendys by muche freendely falutation 
 Salutethe their freendys with giftes heere terrayne 
 At Newe yearys tyde, in frendemippe to remayne, 
 Shee to her Freende that befte for her cowlde fhifte, 
 Yealded her fowle for her Newe yearys gifte. 
 
 For on Newe yearys eue (as I was inftrucied) 
 
 Shee yealded her gohofte to her Redeamer, 
 
 And vnto His palace it was conducted, 
 
 By fignes nolefle, dyinge whoe had feene her, 
 
 Withe vertue florifcheinge, no lawrer greener, 
 
 To thacceptation of her heauynly Lorde ; 
 
 To that He bought her fhee was thearfore reftorde, 
 
 And fet in place (as well wee maye fuppofe) 
 Of heauynly blyfTe, mofte glorioufly fhynynge, 
 For Chrifte in His Fathers howfe dothe difclofe 
 To bee Manfyons manye, of His deuyfinge, 
 Accordinge to heere the partyes merytinge ; 
 Then maye be faide, the gloryous in life 
 Of gloryous place to haue prerogatife. 
 
the Seconde. 
 
 117 
 
 As the mofte excellent Virgyn Marye 
 
 Dyd heere excell in vertue foueraigne, 
 
 So in the celeftiall fandhiarye 
 
 Her feate tranfcendethe all creatures certaigne ; 
 
 Of her fo to holde it is not in vayne, 
 
 For the Lorde theare (her Sunne and Iffue) 
 
 As mother nexte Hym ought her to indue. 
 
 [/• 55.] 
 
 Exaltata eft 
 fuper choros 
 Angelorum,ca- 
 nit Ecclefia. 
 
 Of John the Baptijie maye alfo be thought, 
 
 For that Chrifte (Hym felfe) hym praifed fo highlye, 
 
 Thearto aecordynge in place to bee brought ; 
 
 None higher then hee of humayne progenye, 
 
 Excepte (beforefaide) oure blefted Ladye ; 
 
 In all comparafons of vertue and grace 
 
 Shee of all creatures mufte haue the cheif place. 
 
 John the Euangelijie, a pure Virgyn, 
 That Chrifte permytted to fleepe on His brefte, 
 Whiche, neauer corrupted withe flefchely fynne, 
 Mufte neadys in heauyn haue highe enterefte ; 
 That life (of all lyues) is theare alowed befte, 
 For they whoe theare can bee approued fo 
 Followe the Lambe wheare eauer Hee dothe goe. 
 
 Holy Saindte Pawle that, paffinge other all, 
 Labored in preachynge of Chryftes gofpell, 
 Hathe he not (trowe yee) a farre higher ftall 
 Then other that not fomuche dyd trauell ? 
 As lobour (Jic) mountethe, rewarde dothe excell ; 
 Whoe fowethe muche, abundantly fhall mowe, 
 And hee but lyttle that lyttle dothe fowe. 
 
 Inter natos 
 mulierum non 
 furrexit major 
 Joanne Bap- 
 tifta. [St. 
 Luke vii. 28] 
 
 Supra peflus 
 
 DominiinCena 
 
 recubuit. 
 
 [Rev. xiv. 4.] 
 
 Ego plus omni- 
 bus laborawi. 
 [1 Cor. xv. io.] 
 
 [2 Cor. ix. 6.] 
 
u 8 Of Gryfilde 
 
 [f : 55 b -]. The holy martyrs Laurence and Vincent, 
 
 Stephyn and Dyonyfe, withe other fuche mo, 
 
 Ehdurynge for Chrifte moll greuous torment, 
 
 Eauyn tyll the Tortours themfelfes lifte bydde, Whoe ! 
 
 Shall other (in joye) fo paffyngelye go 
 
 That quyetlye endethe, thoughe Chriftyanlye ? 
 
 No ; theare is certayne indyfferencye. 
 
 The Theeifxhzt henge on Chryftys right fyde, 
 
 Whiche mofte his lyfe tyme myferablye ledde, 
 
 Whome Chrifte (His mercye to haue that tyme tryde) 
 
 Tooke to His joyes after hee was dedde, 
 
 And was of the fame fuffyciently fpedde, 
 
 Yeat to bee weyed (as I dooe take ytt) 
 
 His meryte withe Pawle, noman may make ytt. 
 
 But, vndreftande yee, in this to conclude, 
 
 The mynde of fome fomewhat to fatysfye : 
 
 Aboue the celeftiall Beatytude 
 
 Theare is no maner of controuerfye, 
 
 But peace abydynge perpetuallye, 
 
 Withe fuche charytable eftablifchment 
 
 That but perfedte vnytee dothe theare frequent. 
 
 Theare the Higheft withe Meaneft compared, 
 
 Eyther of other hathe this opynyon, 
 
 So equalye theare to bee rewarded 
 
 That but to them is one Fruytion, 
 
 And fo it is in this condition, 
 
 For the Vifyon of the Deytee 
 
 Is theare theyr full arid whoale felycitee. 
 
the Seconde. 1 1 9 
 
 That hathe the Higheft, that hathe the Meaneft, [/ s fi.] 
 
 That is euyn all, and all is yn that ; 
 
 But whoe in this life hathe lyued cleaneft, 
 
 In portion paffinge dothe fo contemplat ; 
 
 Then is this Gryjilde in place fituat, 
 
 Not withe the flackeft, that after noone came, [St. Matt. xx .] 
 
 But withe the earlieft ; her life fhewethe the fame. 
 
 For euyn from the tyme {he had difcretion 
 
 Vnto the feafon her life dyd expyre, 
 
 She (trulye) ferued withe full affedtion ; 
 
 Thearto accordynge, me hathe for her hyre ; 
 
 Not as the Murmurer (he dyd requyre, [St. Matt. 
 
 But, hoapynge rewarde of endelefle folace, 
 
 Shee her commended vnto her Lordys grace. 
 
 As of this woman oure verduyte is fuche, 
 
 So of all other that lyued as dyd fhee ; 
 
 Whis \yohois\ traueyle is great, his rewarde ys muche, 
 
 Such is the goodnes of Goddys maieftee ; 
 
 On which preafumynge, thereby judge wee 
 
 This godly Gryjilde nowe, after her peyne, 
 
 With Hym in refte eauerlaftynge to reigne. 
 
 XX. I I.] 
 
120 
 
 Of Gryjilde 
 
 ^[ Sofoone as Walter had vndrejlandynge by cert ay ne report 
 howe Gryfildys life was henfe feperat, he commaunded 
 at Peter Burrowe to haue her buried, muche honprablye ; 
 Of the maner thearof. Shee lyuynge as Jhe dyd (holely) 
 cowlde not but haue goode endinge, thoughe not fo of the 
 praue forte ; Her Corone heere taken from her, an euer- 
 lajlinge was rejlored. 
 
 % Cap. 1 6. 
 
 [/ S 6.i>] li^aS&Su^jS Walter had perfedle vndreftandynge 
 Grifilde from this life to bee feperat, 
 It moued his harte by inwarde wandringe 
 To haue her worthelye intumulat, 
 Accordynge to her honorable eftate, 
 Commaundynge his OfFycers (by reporte) 
 That it weare doone in conuenyent forte. 
 
 Ferdre, his wyll was her buryall to bee 
 
 In the See Churche of Peterbofowe ; 
 
 After whois pleafure thither brought was fhee, 
 
 The Ordre as howe I lyfte not tell thorowe, 
 
 But, paffinge ouer many a forowe, 
 
 Feelde and leafues, withe medowys frefche and greene, 
 
 In ordynary forte, as hathe beene feene. 
 
 Theare weare in ordre the OfFycers fett, 
 
 As in thobfequye of Pryncelye eftate, 
 
 Bothe Trumpetours and Herawtes, theare they mett, 
 
 To dooe accordynge as fyttethe the rate, 
 
 Withe Ladyes lamentynge her mortall fate, 
 
 Whiche, thoughe it bee mofte naturall and fure, 
 
 Suche (yeat of freendys) is the cuftome and vre. 
 
the Seconde. 121 
 
 Brought to the place, muche honorablye, 
 
 The deadde cadauer of this noble Queene, 
 
 Suche hearffe of waxe, wrought curyouflye, 
 
 Was theare vpp fett as feelde hathe earfte bee feene ; 
 
 The fame deadde bodye amyddys theare betweene, 
 
 Withe fundrye ryche clothes vpon the hearffe layde / 
 
 For purpofe whiche heere not neadethe to bee fayde. / 
 
 Executor cheeife of this obfequye \-f- 57-1 
 
 Was the Busfhoppe mentioned before, 
 
 Affifted by"twoe, withe all dyligencye, 
 
 Of the fame ordre, witheoute anye more, 
 
 Saue Abbottes and other Religious great ftore, 
 
 Synginge and fayinge, as thearto was dwe, 
 
 Dirige and Maffe, while tyme dyd contynue. 
 
 In tyme of whiche, the Herawtes theare prefent, 
 
 At eauery Pfalme and Leffon ended, 
 
 From the faide hearffe they tooke as they went 
 
 Some certaigne thynge, for caufe pretended, 
 
 Signyfyinge, the honor God lended 
 
 Vnto that ladye, in fuche riche araye, 
 
 Was (fynallye) heere from her take aw aye. 
 
 At Offerynge tyme the trumpettes dyd blowe 
 
 Eauerye Eftate to take his degree, 
 
 By fownde of whiche they perfedlye did knowe 
 
 Who firfte, whoe feconde, and who lafte to bee ; 
 
 Whiche fight, thoughe pyteful it was to fee, 
 
 Yeat the ordre was muche honorable, 
 
 Farre paffynge texpreffe then I am hable. 
 
122 
 
 Of Gryfilde 
 
 The Mane completed to the Buryall, 
 Withe lightes and torches wondreful manye, 
 And numbre of people bothe great and fmall, 
 Preparynge was the bodye to carye 
 Vnto the place wheare it fhoulde tarye ; 
 Proceadinge furthe in honorable wife, 
 Hundreadys theare followynge withe watrye iyes. 
 
 [/• 57".] And in that faide churche, all on the northe fyde, 
 At thende of this right folempne funerall, 
 Her corps (in cophyn) they did it theare hyde, 
 Lowe in the earthe, to refle perpetuall, 
 Wheare, in tokne of this exchaunge mortall, 
 The OfFycers all, withe muche heauye chere, 
 Their roddys breakynge cafte in her fepulchere. 
 
 So was this noble and godlye woman, 
 
 (After the courfe of this mortalytee) 
 
 Layde in' the colde earthe of whiche fhee began, 
 
 Notwitheftandynge her highe nobylytee ; 
 
 For whome was dealte vnto the Pouertee 
 
 Neare to the fumme of one hundred pownde, 
 
 The daye of renderynge her corps to the grounde. 
 
 Of whiche her deathe and lyfes disjunction 
 
 All goode folke joyed, in Goddys fo ordynaunce ; 
 
 For dyinge heere in true compunction 
 
 Is figne mofte fure of heauyns inherytaunce, 
 
 As dyd this woman by goode afluraunce, 
 
 Whoe all her lyfe dayes was to God pleafinge, 
 
 Whearfore fhee cowlde not but haue goode endinge. 
 
the Seconde. 123 
 
 But, contrary wife, whoe lyuethe at ryat 
 
 Flefchely and beaftely, as leadethe blynde lufte, 
 
 Reauynge and ragynge, all owte of quyat, 
 
 As, what the flefche wyll, neadys haue yt hee mufte, 
 
 Of fuche the fauegarde I haue in myftrufte ; 
 
 For Synne accuftomynge, Experyence dothe tell, 
 
 In fyne of the fame wyll haue a great fmell. 
 
 Thoughe " inter Pontem et Fontem " (ys fayde) [/ 58.] 
 
 One certaigne theare was that fownde meede of grace,' 
 
 In hoape of the like, in mynde bee yt wayde, 
 
 Let no man fynne, Goddys mercye to purchace, 
 
 But vertue tenure while heere is lent fpace ; 
 
 Of fuche, whois life is merytoryous, 
 
 In light of God the deathe is preacyous. 
 
 Of fynners not fo, fetteled in malice, 
 But is mofte odyous in Goddys dyuyne fight, 
 Withe contrarye rewarde myxte'is their chalice, 
 Fyre and fulphur to the fynner of right ; 
 The godly joyned to heauynlye delyte ; 
 Whiche dyuerfiteis, wifelye adnoted, 
 Geauethe occafion fynne to bee lothed. 
 
 As dyd this noble and godlye Gryjilde, 
 
 All her whoale life tyme heere fynne forfakynge ; 
 
 What was to Goddys pleafure me gladly fulfilde, 
 
 The pooare and neadye greatlye comfortynge ; 
 
 Whearfore Hee wolde her to haue refortynge 
 
 Vnto His heauynlye habytation, 
 
 To haue perdurable Coronation. 
 
1 24 Of Gryjilde 
 
 Thoughe heere her Corone was her depryued, 
 
 The other fhoulde neauer haue defection ; 
 
 So had the Higheft for her contryued 
 
 In His asterne prasfcient Election, 
 
 To Whome althyngis are in fubjedtion, 
 
 Bothe heauynly, earthely, and lowe in the Hell, 
 
 Wythe hartys of all Kyngis to wyll and compell ; 
 
 [/ 5» b ] And dyd (nodowbte) for her, His true feruaunte, 
 At ende of this relynquyfcheinge her life, 
 Woorke in Walter that hee fhoulde neadys graunte 
 To haue her buryed like to Pryncys wife ; 
 Suche was (thorowe Hym) her prerogatife, 
 keceauynge her fowle to His heauynlye blyfie, 
 Whois grace dyredte vs the waye not to myffe. 
 
 ^f The maner fmuche parte J of the dolefull complaynte and 
 lamentation of the mojle gratious and vertuous Pryncejfe 
 Marye for the departure of her noble mother goode 
 Gryfilidis,./fe beynge {thoughe abfeni)the Mooarner cheeif 
 inthobfequye of her Funeral! ; andofherfylyallcommen- 
 dynge her vnto theauerlajlinge mercy of almyghtie God. 
 
 If Caput 17. 
 
 j|N funerye of this aforefaide woman 
 Is to bee had in confyderation 
 Who was cheeif Mooarner to be compted than, 
 Of all the thronge and congregation ; 
 For, to expreffe in breeue narration, 
 It was her deere Doughter Marye (by name) 
 Thoughe abfent (he weare, and kepte from the fame ; 
 
the Seconde. 125 
 
 She was cheeif Mooarner, it well maye bee faide, 
 All other to her weare but as countrefettes ; 
 She, heearynge her Mother vndre booarde laide, 
 In to her clofett demurelye fhee gettes, 
 Her cheeakes all withe tearys me ruthefully wettes, 
 Kneealynge a downe in contemplation, 
 Lamentynge her Mother vndre this fafhion : — 
 
 " O heauynly Father and Kynge celeftiall, [/ 59-j 
 
 Lorde of all Lordys, Thy tytle ys fo, 
 
 To Whome fpecyall obeyfaunce dothe fall, 
 
 Thy ordynaunce dyuyne no man may parte fro, 
 
 All one to<;onuynce, in feawe as in mo, 
 
 My Mother henfe rapte from this worldys vifion 
 
 To wheare Thowe pleafifte to haue her to go, 
 
 Thowe graunte her, (Lorde), Thy heauynly fruition ! 
 
 " Her to commaunde to demore or departe 
 
 Thy office it is, none may Thee refifte, 
 
 Her Thowe heere madifte by Thy dyuyne arte, 
 
 And woldifte to tarrye fo longe as Thowe lifte, 
 
 Tyll nowe her life threade Thowe lifte to vntwifte 
 
 (As in all flefche for mannys punytion) 
 
 Whoe (naturally) of mee is fore myfte, 
 
 Teat graunte her, (Lorde), 'Thy heauynly fruition ! 
 
 " From tyme (he was firfte in wombe conceaued 
 Vnto the daye of her dyffeauerynge, 
 Of her the tradynge Thowe neauer leaued, 
 But wafte her Guyde, her lyfe aye orderynge, 
 
126 OfGryfilde 
 
 And as Thowe woldifte fhe was conformynge ; 
 Thy grace (from evyll) was her munytion ; 
 As Thowe hafte fo to her beene tenderynge, 
 So graunte her, (Lorde), Thy heauynly fruition ! 
 
 "After, (in procefle), as Thowe lifte vouchefaue, 
 Thowe hyther conueidfte her, at Thy pleafure, 
 Wheare to the fame fhee dyd her behaue, 
 Thoughe forowes fought her farre oute of meafure, 
 [/ 59"-] ThrOughe whiche, withe Thee, fhe heaped vpp treafure, 
 For that fhe loued no fedytion 
 But ferued Thee trulye, as fhee had leafure ; 
 Whearfore, Thowe graunte her Thy heauynly fruition ! . 
 
 " And nowe Thowe pleafifte her trobles to fyne 
 
 Heere in this ftate of myferye and care, 
 
 And fhee to repayre wheare Thowe lifte affigne, 
 
 Wheare Thy feruauntes and true beleauers are, 
 
 As thorowe Thy mercye I well credyte dare, 
 
 Bycaufe fhee ended withe true contrytion ; 
 
 For Thowe to all fuche digne Judgement doifte fpare, 
 
 And grauntijie freely e Thy heauynly e fruition. 
 
 " So is my hoape in Thye benygne mercye 
 
 That her Thowe hafte take to Thy heauynly refte, 
 
 Thee eauermore to praife and magnyfie, 
 
 As Thowe canfte ordayne thynges all for the befte ; 
 
 And, bleffed Lorde, graunte this humble requefte, 
 
 That I maye bee of like condytion, 
 
 After her life my life to fee drefte, 
 
 Withe her to haue Thy heauynly fruition ! 
 
the Seconde. 127 
 
 " Of whome (my Mother and Educatrice) 
 
 Callynge to mynde her conuerfation, 
 
 I cannot but in mofte dolorous wife 
 
 Fall into thoughtfull lamentation, 
 
 To myfle her motherly confolation ; 
 
 But, fithe it cummethe of Goddys prouyfion, 
 
 I can but wifche her fowlys faluation, 
 
 To haue withe Hym of His fruytion. 
 
 " Thowe parted this life, O meeke Mother myne ! [/• «<>•] 
 
 The louyagifle that eauer to chylde myght bee, 
 
 What fhall I dooe but this worldys joyes refigne, 
 
 And daylye praye God to fetche mee to thee ? 
 
 In tyme thowe lyuydfte I felte aduerfytee, 
 
 And muche more hangethe of dyfpofition ; 
 
 God I befeache His pleafure dooe withe mee, 
 
 And thee to graunte His heauynlye fruytion. 
 
 " While life in mee laftethe I fhall not forget 
 To mee (thy childe) thy motherly tendrenes ; 
 Of fylyall duetye I am fo in debte 
 By what meanys I maye the fame to exprefTe, 
 Thoughe not (as to faye) in lignes of heauynes, 
 But hartye prayer and meeke petytion, 
 That God (of His ineffable goodnes) 
 Will graunte to thee His heauyn/y fruytion. 
 
 " And, as for thee (daylye) I fhall fo praye 
 Whyle in this life I haue contynuaunce, 
 So praye thowe for mee, I trufte thowe fo maye, 
 Tefcape of this worldq the falfe conueyaunce, 
 
iz8 OfGryfilde 
 
 Withe what els enemyes woorkethe me annoyaunce 
 By falfe and fathanyke fedytion, 
 The heauynly Kynge to fhewe His puyfaunce, 
 And thee to grannte His heauynly fruytion. 
 
 " What is of this life the pompous eft ate 
 But (as to faye) a burdayne ponderous, 
 Witht \_Jic\ fundrye chargys that dothe onerat 
 Of ftreyte accompte to Chrifte mofte gloryous, 
 [/. 6o b .] Excepte true bearynge, whiche is meruelous, 
 Only graunted throughe Goddys prouyfion ; 
 So ys oure nature fownde contraryous, 
 That voydethe vs ofte from His fruition. 
 
 " But thowe (my Mother), nowe voyded this light, 
 So eauenlye lyuydifte in thy vocation 
 Towardys heere all fortys, the Goode can recyte, 
 - That foone was made thy computation, 
 So feruethe my imagynation ; 
 So godly was thy dyfpofition, 
 All vyce thowe puttidfte in fequeftration, 
 Whearfore thowe hafte of Goddys fruition. 
 
 " So is my hoape in God my Creator, 
 
 So ys to Hym my quotydyan requefte, 
 
 So ys the woonte of Hym (the Grace Dator) 
 
 All fuche to receaue in His heauynlye refte, 
 
 Speciallye thofe for right heere fupprefte, 
 
 Meekelye fufferynge this worldys punytion ; 
 
 Of whiche wronged forte thowe maifte bee confefte, 
 
 And numbred to haue of His fruytion. 
 
the Seconde. 129 
 
 " To whome thy fowle, of His Creation, 
 
 Withe all fubmyffion I meekelye commende, 
 
 Befeachynge His myghtye Domynation 
 
 From this worldys malice mee faufe to defende, 
 
 Whiche fuethe the wayes that lowe dothe defcende 
 
 Vnto the lake of fowle Perdytion, 
 
 But thee and mee, that otherwife entende, 
 
 To haue {for eauer) of His fruytion" 
 
 Suche was this Maydyns meditation [/. 61.] 
 
 For her deeare Mother, to her mofte louynge, 
 
 Withe harte fore plunged in perturbation 
 
 Throughe fundrye ftormys her ftrongely prouynge, 
 
 Yeat fhee all conftante, ftandynge vnmouynge, 
 
 Specially hoapynge in Goddys tuytion, 
 
 As mofte neadfull to her was behouynge, 
 
 To wynne the fruyte of His fruytion. 
 
 The Mother departed this mundayne life, 
 The- Doughter remaynynge, compafte with care, 
 The wicked withe her at contynuall ftrife, 
 The enuyous ferpent to tempte her fo dare, 
 The feruauntys of hym the like dyd not fpare ; 
 As abjedte, fhee lyued in muche derifion ; 
 So leaue I her, all voyde of hartys welfare, 
 But only in hoape of Goddys fruytion. 
 
13° 
 
 Of Gryfilde 
 
 1T A conferrynge betiveene the firfte Walter and the Seconde, 
 The firfte Gryfilde and the Seconde, approuynge the 
 Seconde Gryfilde of far re more worthy ejiymation then 
 the Firfte, alfo her Maryage to be mojle lawful', Ofwhis 
 Iflue heauyn and earthe reioyced. 
 
 1T Cap. 1 8. 
 O clokedlye vndre darke couerture 
 We haue not walked in this Hiftorye, 
 But that the readers may vndreftande fure 
 The meane of oure mentioned memorye, 
 Not fygured as by Alligorye, 
 But this fayde Gryfilde, playnlye to defyne, 
 Is playnlye ment the goode Queene Catharyne. 
 
 [/. 61".] Walter (her hufbonde) kynge Henry the Eight, 
 A man muche noble in pryncely corage, 
 Yeat in this mateir, importynge great weight, 
 He was wronge leadde and wandred at outrage, 
 (As may well bee thought, throughe louys dotage, 
 Loue leacherous, inconftante and fycle, 
 Whiche in the frayle dothe ftooare and muche prycle.) 
 
 Whye wee compare Catharyne to Gryfilde, 
 Henry to Walter, as fhewthe evydence, 
 For that in thys Newe is mateir dyftilde 
 As in the Olde, confyderinge pretence, 
 Withe farre paflinge vehementer ofFenfe 
 Of Henryes party to Catharyne was dooe, 
 Then eauer Walter fhewde Gryfilde vntooe. 
 
the Seconde. i 3 r 
 
 Fyrfte, Walter, a man of highe nobylitee, 
 To Gryjilde (farre bafe) auouched to knytt, 
 Whoe fhewed her tatcheffe of inftabylitee 
 When from her felowefhippe he neadys wolde flytt, 
 Her childred hee made as buryed in pytte ; 
 Relynquifchinge her, hee tooke her agayne, 
 And in this all whoale hee dyd hym but fayne. 
 
 This alter Walter, not joyned in bafe, 
 
 But in all honour machte with his equall, 
 
 Relynquifchinge her, hee had not the grace 
 
 Her as to fett in her priftynat ftall, 
 
 But earneftely wrought her harte to appall, 
 
 Witheoute all maner reconciliation, 
 
 Tyll Deathe (in her forte) made feperation. 
 
 Howemuche as Gryjilde the Firfte (as wee meane) [/ 61.] 
 
 Was iffued of meane and lowe progeniture, 
 
 Somuche the eafyer (hee myght fafchyon cleane 
 
 The fturdye dooynges of Walter tendure ; 
 
 Lowe, lowe to bee brought, not peftrethe Nature, 
 
 Lowe eafyer maye aduerfitee fufteyne 
 
 Then Highe in myferye lowe to compleyne. 
 
 Walter the Firfte his iffue not hated, 
 
 But foftred the fame muche honorablye ; 
 
 Thother Walter his iffue abated 
 
 That was of hym iffued mofte lawfullye ; 
 
 So was betweene them great dyfferencye ; 
 
 The Firfte muche kynde, thoughe he diffymuled, 
 
 Thother vnkynde, as maye bee lykened. 
 
U2 Of Gryfilde 
 
 Thus Walter withe Walter hathe lykelynes, 
 For vnto their wyues commyttynge offenfe ; 
 And Gryfilde to Gryfilde lykewife to geffe, 
 For their meeke fufferynge and patience ; 
 But muche more is to haue preamynence 
 The Seconde Gryfilde^ by goode authorytee, 
 Then the Fyrfie, as reafon feemethe to mee. 
 
 For of her great Patience theare-is nodowbte, 
 Her fades in prefent remembraunce dothe reigne ; 
 The Firfie howe her dooynges weare brought abowte, 
 
 I To vs in theis dayes they are vncertayne ; 
 
 i Many imagyne that Petrarke dyd but fayne ; 
 Howe muche the Seconde is true, that yee haue herde, 
 Somuche before thother fhee is too bee preferde. 
 
 [f. 6z\] And fithe that Ethnykes accuftomed (of olde) 
 The famous adtys of their noble women 
 In forte of Hiftoryes to haue enrolde, 
 As Hiftoryographys fawe worthye to penne, 
 Howe muche in thois oure later dayes, then, 
 Of fuche noble woman as oure Gryfilde was 
 To haue her hiftofye brought vnto-paffe. 
 
 In whiche I haue fayde as my knowledge leadethe, 
 
 And as of oother I haue beene inftrudted ; 
 
 If anye heere after that this fame readethe, 
 
 By ferdre knowledge beeynge conducted, 
 
 Shall feeme the dwe I haue ouerfludted, 
 
 Let hym take yt in reformation, 
 
 That more maye ferue to acceptation. 
 
the Seconde. 133 
 
 I weare muche lothe of highe other lowe 
 To bee fownde fawtye yn my compryfinge, 
 But farre loather opynyon wronge to growe, 
 When I am gone, by this my faide wrytinge ; 
 Rather I had myfTe forme of endytinge 
 (As to faye, meeaters true obferuation) 
 Then to leaue this in varyation. 
 
 Theare are that muche more can faye in this 
 Bycawfe muche more they fawe in practice, 
 Whiche "withe this ladye Gryfylidis 
 Weare conuerfante and dyd her feruyce, 
 But to my purpofe this dothe fuffice, 1 
 
 Withe, fome what ferdre comprobation i 
 That wrongefull was her feperation. 1 
 
 The tradynge totall of this compryfement [/. 6 3 .j 
 
 Perfwadethe of wrongis to Gryfilidis, 
 
 Approued by fequele mofte euydent ; 
 
 As, to the purpofe receaued nowe this, 
 
 To her was argued, me was fterilis, 
 
 Alfo wife to Walters brother dedde, 
 
 Whearfore fhe was to bee repudied. 
 
 To whiche objection concurryngely take, 
 
 That fhee reiecled and newe receaued, 
 
 The befle that myght vnto the purpofe make, 
 
 Whearby iffue myght bee conceaued, 
 
 From one to fyue to bee alleaued ; 
 
 And yeat (in fyne) whoe lifte to vndreftande 
 
 To Gryjildys feade the State was brought to hande. 
 
1 34 Of Gryfilde 
 
 If wronge had bee their copulation, 
 
 God wolde of wronge (Whiche is endlefle Right) 
 
 Not fo haue fet in efiymation 
 
 That wrongefull weare in His heauynly fight ; 
 
 But, beeinge rightfull, by His dyuyne myght, 
 
 Hathe Gryjildys feade in honor exalted, 
 
 Thoughe earfte (as bafe) yt farre a lowe halted. 
 
 At whois pryncelye Inthronization 
 
 (Muche meruoufly by God brought abowte) 
 
 The Heauynlye Spyrytes made Jubilation 
 
 As my confcyence perfwadethe owte of dowbte, 
 
 For that His enemyes withe her beare no rowte, 
 
 Falfe Herefyarkes, poyfonlye harted, 
 
 That earfte Goddys glorye had neare peruerted. 
 
 [/. 6 3 v| For, mofte certaynly, wheare wicked Sathan 
 Withe his tortuous wayes is eiedted, 
 Purged and clenfed as God ordayne can, 
 And His dwe honor trulye eredted, 
 Theare (credyblye) the Spirytes elected 
 (As in the conuerfion of fynners to grace) 
 Takethe occafion of heauynlye folace. 
 
 And, as the celeftyall Hierarchies fo 
 
 Of oure conuerfion reioyced fuche wife, 
 
 So thowfande thowfande withe hundredfolde mo 
 
 Withe joyinges in God their hartys did fuffice, 
 
 To fee that was downe agayne to arife, 
 
 The Chriftian Faythe withe Herefye oppreft, 
 
 As they had cawfe mofte certaynly earneft. 
 
the Seconde. 135 
 
 Emonges all whiche, mode fpeciallye of all, 
 Wee Englifche Men ought to rendre God thankes, 
 That vs Hee pleafed to grace agayne call, 
 Whiche weare as men cafte ouer the feaye bankes 
 Into the Carybdis of feendelye phalankes, 
 Withe them to gnafche in defperation 
 For oure from God falfe feperation. 
 
 For Faythe was heere (in maner) neare extyndte 
 
 Withe muche hydeous innouation, 
 
 The Badde agaynfte the Goode dyuyllifchly lynkte 
 
 By tomuche hatefull indignation ; 
 
 The pledge heere left to oure faluation 
 
 Of Chryjiys bodye that bought vs from blame, 
 
 None heere fo hardye in right forte to name. 
 
 Whearfore to God bee fpeciall dwe prayfe, [/ 64 ] 
 
 For that (of His mercye fuperabundaunte) 
 
 Hee pleafed for vs to woorke in fuche wayfe, 
 
 Thoughe wee to His lawes weare farre repugnaunte, 
 
 Whoe graunte vs nomore to bee inconftaunte, 
 
 For pleafe Hym wee cannot, the Scripture faithe, [Heb xi 6 j 
 
 Wee feaueringe from the Catholique faithe. 
 
i 3 6 
 
 Of Gryfilde 
 
 Gryfdde ,reign- 
 ynge ivitke 
 God, dothe 
 pr aye for i's 
 is not to bee 
 doubted. 
 
 '[/"• 4"-] 
 
 % Gryfilde, departed to God, prayethe for vs, wee neeade 
 not to dowbte, thoughe fome (of ' wronge opynyon) holdethe 
 the prayer of Sayntes to projite nowhyt ; a brobation 
 \_Jic~\ to the contrary, and that Englande by the prayer 
 of the blejfed aboue was (of late) reduced to the Chrijlian 
 Fait he dgayne (as wee maye well fuppofe) that weare gone 
 ajlraye. 
 
 Caput 19. 
 
 [WRE Chriftian Grifilde, as ye haue herde tell, 
 Rendred to the grownde, as right fo (hall wee, 
 In mercy of God I leaue her to dwell, 
 Partyners withe her Who graunte vs to bee ; 
 Shee, joyinge the heauynlye felycitee, 
 For vs (her olde fubjedtes), I dare well faye, 
 In all oure trobles dothe inftantlye praye ; 
 
 Thoughe myferable men, infanyat and grofe, 
 Seduced by Sathan, the Prynce of darkenes, 
 For Sayntes in glorye dothe wrongelye depofe 
 Theye weeit not owre prayinges to them in diftrefie, 
 Nor oughtes can helpe to eafe oure heauynes 
 By prayinge for vs to oure heauynlye Father ; 
 Whois errour to ceafle, theis prooues I gather : — 
 
 If only to God owre though tys inwardelye 
 
 (By prayer or els) bee perfedtelye knowne, 
 
 And to none other His creatures on hye, 
 
 Then weare the ordynaunce quyte ouer throwne 
 
 Whiche in Chriftys Churche of confuetude is growne, 
 
 Howe the Angels and Sowlys in refte aboue 
 
 Dothe impetrat God for fynners behoue. 
 
the Seconde. 
 
 l 37 
 
 In Earthe, wee haue knowledge, by holye Jeamys, 
 Howe muche dothe profyte the prayre of the Jufte ; 
 Then, they nowe regnynge aboue the funne beamys, 
 In farre higher fauour withe God wee graunte mufte, 
 For owte of fauour none can them theare thrufte, 
 The more in fauoure, the more profyte they maye, 
 As, to optayne what eauer they for praye. 
 
 And of the Lorde mofte renowmed (Jic) and great, 
 
 (The highe, myghtye, and Creator of all), 
 
 This is aiwayes the accuftomed feate, 
 
 His feruauntys heere that to Hym afcende (hall 
 
 In Heauyn to indwe withe grace more fpecyall ; 
 
 Then, if theyr prayer maye profite in this life, 
 
 In Heauyn they hathe farre more prerogatife. 
 
 If Angels (whiche are but creatures certayne) 
 Dothe knowe the fynners conuerfyon to grace, 
 Whiche conuerfion is yn the harte playne, 
 For fpeciall prooif, and not by the face, 
 Then, Sayndtes maye the like, in femblable cafe, 
 Sithe God his Freendys lifte them fo nomynat, 
 And mall in judgement withe Hym aflbciat. 
 
 The Angels, the Scripture dothe playnly declare, 
 Reioycethe farre more in one fynners amendement 
 Then in great numbers that innoxious are 
 Whiche neaded not to bee come penytent, 
 And, like fo the Sayntes, by forme confequent 
 For that, as Angels, they creatures bee, 
 And dothe (withe them) pytee oure infirmytee. 
 
 [St. James v. 
 .6.] 
 
 [St. John xv. 
 ■5-] 
 
 [/6S-] 
 
 [St. Luke xv. 
 
 7.] 
 
138 OfGryfilde 
 
 If Dyuyllis oure euyl deadys and thoughtes contraryous* 
 Shall laye to oure chargis, not purged by peanaunce, 
 Then knowe they oure fawtes, by proofe notoryous ; 
 Whye els dothe Scripture put yn remembraunce 
 Howe Sathan, that workethe vs all his vengeaunce, 
 In Judas harte entred, and wrought theare the waye 
 His Maifter (Cbrijie Jefus) to fell and betraye ? 
 
 [To i ^ t 1 xii ' Of Thobye wee reade howe that Raphael 
 (Goddys Medycyne, by interpretation) 
 His prayers, made in his hartys fecreat cell, 
 To God of them hee made prefentation ; 
 And, as of Tboby in fuche fayde fafchyon, 
 So oure goode Angels eache godlye entent 
 Of vs fulfilled to God dothe prefent. 
 
 Not that but fuche wayes He dothe them els weete, 
 (To Whois dyuyne iyes althynges are aperte), 
 But thorowe Charytee, that is fo fweete, 
 God wyll hys Spyrytes to woorke in couerte, 
 And alfo his Sayndtes, of one lynked harte, 
 In like heauynlye loue that fo dothe excell, 
 To wyll and wyfche vs mofte earneftlye well. 
 
 All whiche (their knowledge) in God they fee ytt, 
 As wee in the glaffe whoe ftandethe behynde vs, 
 Thoughe the comparafon bee farre vnfytt ; 
 So wyll Hee haue it, of His wyll gratious, 
 That as wee Worldelye in knoweledge curyous 
 Tranfcende the Brutall, by muche dyrFerence, 
 So vs the Heauynlye, by pafiinge excellence. 
 
 * This ftanza has been inferted in the margin as an addition. 
 
the Seconde. 139 
 
 Wee fee heere in earthe, fayncte Paw/e dothe exprefle, [/• 6 s b ] 
 As in a glafle, or fhadowed my fiery e ; f» c° r - xi »- 
 
 But theare, oure knowledge fhall have ful perfectnes, 
 Witheowte obumbraunce or other fallacye. 
 Thearfore I argue, as in this partye, 
 Owre imperfection in this ftate mundayne 
 To what Sayndtes maye dooe it cannot attayne. 
 
 Then, fithe holye Churche, heere mylytante nowe, 
 Receauethe and teachethe their prayers to preuayle, ' 
 What fhoulde wee otherwife then fo allowe 
 If wee withe Peter in his fhippe will fayle ? 
 Whoe holdethe by her, hys holde cannot fayle : 
 Then holde I, this Grijildis prayer to profite, 
 As Cytizyns of God throughe heauynly meryte. 
 
 For, owte of the waye as wee weare late ftreyed, 
 I fyrmelye beleeue throughe prayer made abooue 
 Of Sayndtes withe immortalytee arayed, 
 (That fo brennethe in charytee and looue, 
 As, to my feemynge, fenfyblye dothe prooue) 
 Wee weare reuoked and called vnto grace 
 From rennynge hedelynge oure dampnable race. 
 
 As after this maner imagyne I maye 
 
 Their prayers for vs to fpreadde in Goddys fight : — 
 
 " O Thowe cleare fhynynge euerlaftynge Daye, 
 
 Thowe God That art of goodnes ynfynyte, 
 
 In Whome confiftethe all whoale oure delyte, 
 
 Vouchefaufe Thyne Earys to oure prayers inclyne, 
 
 Profterned to fore Thy maieftee dyuyne ! 
 
1 40 Of Gryjilde 
 
 [/. 66] " On Englande, that fometyme (as was mofte dwe) 
 Had Thee in jufte feare and digne reuerenee, 
 Vntyll Thyne Enemye, that Thee dothe purfue, 
 (Thenuyous Serpent, full of peftylence,) 
 Oppreft the fame throughe Herefyes pretence, 
 Extende Thy mercye, and dooe not refufe 
 Them to Thy feruyce agayne to reduce. 
 
 " Remembre (O Lorde!) of this heauynlye Porte 
 
 Howe manye thowfandys dothe oure mynyflerye 
 
 Vnto Thy majeftee, in qwre humblefte forte, 
 
 That fometyme weare of Englandys progenye, 
 
 And haue theare bretherne fledde from Thy glorye, 
 
 For whome wee praye, as charytee dothe bynde, 
 
 Owte of the Feendys thrall Thowe wylte them vnwynde. 
 
 " Remembre wee theare, by many adaye, 
 
 Haue ferued Thy grace, as true Chriftyans ought, 
 
 And thorowe Thy mercye, we maye well faye, 
 
 Are hyther vnto endeleffe joyes brought : 
 
 To ceaffe their malyce let moue in Thy thought 
 
 At oure contemplation, O dreade Soueraygne ! 
 
 To praife of Thy name to florifche agayne. 
 
 " Remembre howe,hundreadys remaynynge theare yeete 
 
 (Thoughe but an handefull to the reafydue) 
 
 Profternethe them downe as lowe at Thy feete, 
 
 In faftynge and prayinge to Thee that dothe fhwe, 
 
 Owte of their myferye them to refcue ; 
 
 Whois prayers attende, withe owres, in this cafe, 
 
 And call to Thy fowlde the ftreyed (by Thy grace). 
 
the Seconde. 141 
 
 " Remembre, the lengre Thowe ftayeft Thy hande [/• «*•] 
 
 The ferdre they flee by numbres manyfolde, 
 
 Inowghe hathe fufFered the fewe that dothe ftande 
 
 Of wronges and fcoarnynges, as Thowe doifte beholde ; 
 
 Ouer Thy feruauntes the wicked are bolde, 
 
 And hathe (of malyce) mofte vyolentlye 
 
 Deftroyed and troadde downe Thy fandtuarye. 
 
 " Remembre the Cowntreys approxymat 
 
 At Englandys example howe they dothe flytt ; 
 
 No ferdre let them fo intoxycat 
 
 By ftandynge ftiffe in their fenfuall wytt ; 
 
 Put in their cheeakes Thy conftreynynge bytt 
 
 That will not approache Thy wyll to obey, 
 
 By meanys and foarfinges, as Thowe wotifte what wey. 
 
 " Remembre, if lenger Thowe lifte to forbeare, 
 Thy Chriftyan Faithe and godly reuerence 
 Wylbe abolifched vtterlye theare, 
 So ouer them hathe Sathan preamynence; 
 Shewe furthe the powre of Thy magnyficence, 
 Let not Thyne Enemye that Royalme fo defpoyle, 
 And Thowe Cheeif Lorde of Royaltee and Soyle. 
 
 " Remembre, Thy name hathe floryfched theare longe ; 
 
 Their feruynge Thee theare, nowheare was the lyke ; 
 
 None had to Thy prayfe fo melodyous fonge, 
 
 In Europe, Afia, other Aflryke, 
 
 Withe fweete enfence, as balme aromatyke, 
 
 Oratyons alfo of pure deuotion ; 
 
 Let thearfore of them bee no dyuortion. 
 
142 Of Gryfilde 
 
 [/• 67 ] " Remembre Thy douaryes Thowe hafte them include, 
 As Beawtye, Wytt, and Aptnes foueraigne, 
 Agilitee, Boldenes, and Fortytude, 
 Withe what maye decor Nature humayne ; 
 Befydys their Soyle garnyfched withe Grayne, 
 And Commodyteis paffynge to compare ; 
 Suche noble Prouynce from Thee doo not fpare. 
 
 " What if they hathe runne headelynge awhile 
 
 For fynne, whiche Thowe hafte vnponyfched lefte, 
 
 Doo not foreauer Thyne Englande exile, 
 
 And fuffre Thyfelfe to bee thearof berefte ; 
 
 Agayne (as Thowe owghtifte) bee Thowe thearin fefte, 
 
 For Thy great mercy, whiche none can dyfcuffe, 
 
 And for the Bloodefheadynge of Thy Sunne Jefus." 
 
 Emongys whiche heauynlye Supplicatours, 
 The gloryous Queene of that highe regyon, 
 Withe ornat white virgynall awaytours, 
 In numbre manye, and fundry a legion, 
 In humbleft wife that any maye thynke on, 
 For Englandys honoure and Chriftian eftate 
 The Syttynge in Throne fhee dyd fupplicate ; 
 
 Sayinge, " O myghtye, and myghtyeft of all ! 
 
 Thowe, that of man art mofte myndefull alwaye, 
 
 Vouchefaufe olde Englande to grace agayne call ' 
 
 And dooe yt not from thy fauour delaye ; 
 
 My Douarye it hathe beene many a daye, 
 
 By mynyftrynge feruyce to the honoure of Thee ; 
 
 Redrefle the amyffe to former degree. 
 
the Seconde. 143 
 
 " Geeue not the glorye of Thy holye name, [/ 6 7 b ] 
 
 That theare hathe longe beene had in reuerence, 
 
 To anye other then to the felfe fame ; 
 
 Great mufle then bee the inconuenyence. 
 
 Graunte Reformation by thy Prouydence, 
 
 Thowe that (of mercye) defyreft to wynne 
 
 The fynner to grace, then perifche in fynne." 
 
 Thus maye imagyne eauery true harte 
 The BlefTed aboue for Englande to praye ; 
 So foone>(of yt felfe) it cowlde not conuerte, 
 So farre and fo many weare gone a ftraye ; 
 Of whiche (as before) I cannot but faye 
 Oure godlye Gryfilde to ftreeke a great ftroake, 
 The mercye of God towardys vs to prouoake. 
 
[ 44 
 
 Of Gryfilde 
 
 % Heere arefummed the great Graces planted in Gryfilde 
 •while Jhe was heere lyuynge ; her highe Linage myxte 
 withe Meekenes, her Pytee to the pooare, her Deuotion 
 to God, her Sufferaunce in aduerfite, her perfeSie 
 Chary tee to all men, Fightynge agaynjle the Worlde, the 
 Dyuyll and the Flefche, whiche if theye bee Martyr- 
 doms, then maye Jhe be likened for one. 
 
 Her highe Pro- 
 geny mixte 
 withe meeke- 
 nes mq/iejpecy- 
 allye. 
 
 ^[ Caput 20. 
 
 OWE to fome vpp the fome of this purpofe, 
 To glorye of God mofte fpecyallye, 
 For fpeciall graces, as I fhall dyfclofe, 
 In Grijilde planted mofte plentyouflye ; 
 As firfte, her highe and noble Progenye, 
 Then her Meekenes and vertue foueraigne, 
 Seelden feene met in fuche Eftate mundayne. 
 
 [/.68.] Seeleden feene Pryncefle her looke to inclyne 
 fleS""' Downe to the Earthe, as to bee but earthelye, 
 TritTrpr^e Whiche agaynfte fowle Pryde is cheif medycyne, 
 as of the earth. (Whoe lifte, geeue aduertence intentyuelye) 
 As dyd this Gryjilde for all her ftate hye ; 
 Eauer me had this fpecyall refpedte 
 To bee but mortall, withe fynne all infedte. 
 
the Seconde. 
 
 '45 
 
 Seeleden is feene Prynceffe as Grifylde was 
 Her Pryncelye iyen on the Pooare to conuerte, 
 Whiche was vnto her as myrrour or glaffe 
 Her orygynall to note in that parte, 
 As ofte reuoluynge in her inwarde harte 
 Howe God myght have fetten fuche in Eftate 
 And ftiee (as they) to haue beene of like rate. 
 
 herpytefullre- 
 fpe&ynge the 
 Pooare and In- 
 digent. 
 
 Seeleden is feene Prynceffe the Pooare to vifyte, 
 And withe her owne handys the fame tapparayle, 
 But this^oode Grifilde had cheeiflye delyte 
 The Pooare to helpe bothe withe meede and vytayle, 
 Whiche nowe (to her comforte) dothe greatly aduayle ; 
 Her meekenes (in that parte) to the Pooare adept 
 Chrifte, as to Hym felfe, Hee dothe it accept. 
 
 Seeleden is feene Prynceffe to fyt vppon kneeis 
 To God (withe the loweft) her felfe to commende ; 
 This humble woorkewoman as one of Chrifte Beeis 
 Agaynfte the hell Hornett did ftowtely contende, 
 Hoonye to Hys hyue to gather and to fende, 
 As fweete examples, which (hee dyd heere wurche, 
 To the furnyfchynge of His holye Churche. 
 
 Seelde is feene Prynceffe to ryfe at myddenyght' 
 On Dauyths harpe to fearche the melodye ; 
 This bleffed bodye had fpeciall delyte 
 In contemplation of that to occupye ; 
 Of God fhee purchafte great fauour thearbye, 
 As to witheftande temptations manyfolde, 
 And nowe in the Booke of Life is enrolde. 
 
 u 
 
 her •vifitynge 
 the Pooare and 
 helpynge the 
 fame. 
 
 her humlinge 
 her felfe on 
 kneeis to God 
 in daylye 
 prayour. 
 
 [/68 b -] 
 her ryfmge at 
 mydde nyght 
 to feme God in 
 contemplation. 
 
her meekelye 
 fufferynge in 
 aduerjytee. 
 
 146 
 
 Of Gryjilde 
 
 Seelde is feene Prynceffe meekely to fufteyne 
 
 (In forte as (he ought) this worldys vexation ; 
 
 This godly Grifilde to none did compleyne 
 
 But althynges tooke in goode acceptation, 
 
 Rather wifcheinge- reconciliation, 
 
 By prayer to her Lorde omnipotent, 
 
 Then vengeaunce, plage, or other punyfchment. 
 
 her hie majef- Seelde is feene flate of magnanymytee 
 
 tie kumelynge . ° 1 
 
 txiythe the (As this goode Grifild was forted vntooe) 
 FeafFed with grace of pure humylitee 
 (As earfte is faid) with the meanefte to dooe, 
 Whois holye dooynges maye other (the lyke) wooe, 
 Meekenes, withe charytee, for to embrace, 
 As fhee, of God His fauour to purchace. 
 
 The Holy 
 Gohofte ixias 
 nxihoale her 
 ayder, 
 throughe 
 luhome her 
 fame Jhall 
 neauer dye. 
 
 [/■ 69.J 
 
 Theis feeldome feene fightes in cheifly the mofte 
 
 In Grifild weare feene florifche floryfchelye ; 
 
 So was fhee ayded by the Holye Gofte, 
 
 As feelde in oure tyme was the like to efpye, 
 
 For which her highe fame {hall neauer fure dye ; 
 
 Thoughe heere Oblyuyon maye yt abrace, 
 
 So fhall yt not owte of the Better place. 
 
 Then ought this noble and godlye woman 
 To bee exalted in worthie degree, 
 For her life, that fo vertuoufly began, 
 Alfo contynued, as heere herde haue yee, 
 And lykewife ended, withe all charytee, 
 Wiche to conferre withe other bleffed 
 Withe like rewarde (he is nowe poflefled. 
 
the Seconde. 
 
 H7 
 
 If wrongefull entreatinge and trobled harte 
 
 For ftedfaftely ftandynge in rightuoufnes 
 
 Bee a Martyrdome, by cowrfe of panges fmarte, 
 
 Thorowe Goddys woorkinge meryte to encrefTe, 
 
 Then, as holye Hierom dothe expreffe 
 
 Of Paula that clearly this world e did forfake, 
 
 This Grifild maye in the numbre bee take. 
 
 Fightynge againfte theis ftowte Capytayns three, 
 
 The Dyuyll, the Flefche, and this Worldys vayne delyte, 
 
 Witheftandynge their meanys to iniquytee, 
 
 Whearto the Enemye the mynde dothe exite, 
 
 A Martyrdome maye bee called fuche fight ; 
 
 Of whiche kynde Martyrdome, as I dooe geffe, 
 
 The lyfe of Grifild for her can expreffe. 
 
 But for it fittethe \Jic\ not oure facultee 
 Suche honor to anye as to impute 
 Of martyrdome, or fuche heauynlye degree, 
 Howe holye foeauer bee heere their brute, 
 Onlye the Higheft aflignethe that fute ; 
 Thearfore to His appoyntement dyuyne 
 What Hee rewardethe to Hym wee refigne. 
 
 Remembre I doo this texte of Salomon, 
 
 " Theare are in this life bothe godlye and wife 
 
 Whois warkes withe God are in acceptation, 
 
 And yeat farre paffethe for Man to decife 
 
 Whyther they ftande in fauour of Goddys iyes 
 
 Other yn hatred ; " for Hee onlye ys 
 
 That all rewardethe after pleafure Hys. 
 
 [Epift. 86, 
 ad Euftoch.] 
 
 If. «9 b -] 
 Suntjujiiat- 
 que Sapientes, 
 et opera eorum 
 in conjpedu 
 Deij et tamen 
 nefcit homo 
 •utrum amore 
 an odio dignus 
 fit. 
 [Eccl. ix. ;.] 
 
148 Of Gryfilde the Seconde. 
 
 To whome all dowbtefulnes wee dooe commende 
 As to Hym that knowethe the hartys fecreacye ; 
 In judgeing the befte wee dooe not offende, 
 Sithe all wee referre to His dyuyne mercye 
 And to thaduauncynge of His powre myghtye, 
 For Gryfilde, and other, their vertues all 
 From Hym they fprange, as well orygynall. 
 
 To Whome bee praife and exaltation, 
 Glorye and honour eauerlaftyngelye, 
 Whoe graunte vs in this peregrynation 
 To lyue to His pleafure accordyngelye, 
 As Gryjildys example dothe teftyfie, 
 That, fynyfchynge heere a Chryftian ende, 
 To refte perpetuall wee maye afcende. 
 
 Amen. 
 
 ^[ Heere endethe the Hijlorye of Gryfilde the feconde, 
 onlye meanynge Oueene Catharyne, Mother to oure mojie 
 dread foueraigne ladye Queene Marye, fynyfched the 
 25 daye of June the ye are of owre Lorde 1 558 by the 
 fymple and •vnlearned, Syr Wyllyam Forreft, Preeijie, 
 propria manu. 
 
[f. TO. blank. ~\ 
 
 % To the Queenys Majeftie. w- ^ 
 
 if An Oration confolatorye 
 Tq Marye oure <s>ueene, mojle worthy of fame, 
 That longe hat he traueyled in panges forye, 
 Ndwe to quyet her felfe in Goddys name, 
 
 <j[ Wyllyam Forrefte. 
 
 MONGES muche inwarde profounde Ttuoearetobee 
 
 j . obeyed aboue 
 
 perpendinges, aiithyngys. 
 
 So ferre as feruethe wyttys perfpycuytee, 
 Twoe I adnote, before all other thynges, 
 To whome behouethe lingular fouer- 
 aigntee, 
 
 (Thoughe farre the One dyfferent in degree) 
 As of eache wearynge their recognyfaunce, 
 Looue, Honour, Dreade, and dwe Obeyfaunce. 
 
 The highe, myghty, mofte magnyficent Lorde, 
 
 That higheft aboue holdethe pryncely reafydence, 
 
 By Whome this worlde (ruynous) was reftorde 
 
 To tholde forme and priftynat preamynence, 
 
 The Firjie is, that cheeifly Obedyence 
 
 Withe thother Feualties are appropryat, 
 
 For that Hee is the Cheeif Pryncely Pry mat.- 
 
 God oure Cre- 
 ator mofte efpe- 
 cyallye. 
 
150 To the ^ueenys Majeftie. 
 
 thennexte Thother art thowe, O foueraigne Pryncefie ! 
 
 Powre^oar* Marye, Queene of Englandys domynyon, 
 
 aye™?!" So foarted by His omnypotent goodnes 
 That regnethe Three in perfedte unyon, 
 Yeat farre impar by jufte opynyon, 
 Thoughe heere in earthe nexte Hym I none alowe 
 So highe, woorthye, and noble, as art Thowe. 
 
 [/ 71".]. To yowe (I faye) dothe dygnelye appertayne 
 dnue miy mnto Mofte loyall duetyes for fubjedtes tenfue ; 
 Honor, duiia, To God (the heauynlye myghty fouerayne) 
 ^grTisT * " r Honor, latria, to none other els dwe ; 
 
 And to thee {Marye), as Clarkes can conftrue, 
 Honor, dulia, thearby knowne to bee 
 Atwixte yowe twayne the great dyuerfitee. 
 
 God, Kynge Hee aboue, asuerlaftyngly regnynge, 
 abooue; ' Thowe heere alowe, paflible and mortall ; 
 s^UnemZtai, Hee in Hym felfe althynges conteynynge, 
 
 Thowe at His wyll to fytt or to fall ; 
 
 Hee omnypotent, Thowe but as His thrall, 
 
 Hee to commaunde, Thowe meekely to obeye ; 
 
 Suche Hee, fuche Thowe, thowe cannyfte not faye naye. 
 
 beneath. 
 
 God, the Hee God, That althynges created of nought, 
 Mary, His And fendethe the fruytes tencreafe and to fprynge ; 
 'thTux'te and Thowe His Creature, vpp traded and bought 
 ffi°fiynyftre. ^ uer His People to haue the gouernynge; 
 
 Thowe His Mynyfter, Hee thy Lorde and Kynge ; 
 
 Thowe for thy Office to Hym comptable, 
 
 Hee alone Key/or incomparable. 
 
To the ^ueenys Majeflie. 151 
 
 Hee Lorde, Thowe SubjeSle ; lithe knowne fo is Hee, 
 
 Hee thearfore, as Lorde aboue other all 
 
 Mofte paflynge, highely magnyfied to bee 
 
 As God only, and Kynge Imperyall ; 
 
 And Thoive aboue all creatures mortall 
 
 As His Eledte and fpecyall enoynted, 
 
 By Hym ouer vs to reigne appoynted. 
 
 To whome (that myghty magnyficent Kynge), 
 Befydys all gracys Hee Englande can indwe, 
 Mofte fpecyall cawfe of thankes renderynge 
 Wee ought to geeue, O noble Queene, for yowe, 
 For oure agayne reuoca'tion nwe, 
 From Herefyes wronge, dampnable and nought, 
 To bee in Chriftyan eftate agayne brought. 
 
 God, aboue 
 all, to be 
 honored as 
 God j and 
 
 Marye aboue 
 all in e art he 
 as Queene. 
 
 [/■ 72.] 
 Howe bounden 
 •wee are to , 
 God for onxire 
 noble Queene 
 Marye. 
 
 To bee created in forte heere humayne, 
 Withe dowaryes indued agreeinge to the fame, 
 Of lyneamentes and wytt foueraigne, 
 Withe what els maye anye worthely name, 
 Concernynge in Faythe to bee owte of frame 
 (To heauynly paflage whiche ordrethe the fayle), 
 What maye theis all to purpofe oughtes aduayle ? 
 
 Man to haue 
 all gracys, 
 yeat lackynge 
 Fait he, 'what 
 can they 
 oughtes profyt 
 hym? 
 
 What maye yt profyte to bee as Samfon ftronge, 
 
 Withe Salomon tafflowe withe wifedome and wytt, 
 
 Withe Nejlor to haue heere contynuaunce longe, 
 
 Withe Alexander great in honour to fytt, 
 
 Withe other worthyes whome Deathe made henfe flytt, 
 
 And to incurre eauerlaftynge perdytion 
 
 For faylinge of true Chriftyan relygion ? 
 
 Noiughtes 
 profiteth all 
 "wifedome, longe 
 lief, highe 
 honor, •withe 
 nuhat els maye 
 bee, lackinge 
 Chriftyan 
 
Royalme. 
 
 152 To the Queenys Majejiie. 
 
 Howe late So was ytt, it ys not yeate owte of remembraunce, 
 by Scy/mys Mofte odyous Schyfmys this Royalme dyd late perturbe, 
 ™-as gre'atiy" Almofte the mofte parte geauynge attendaunce 
 (Afwell of Nobles as the ruftycall Scrubbe, 
 Withe thowfandys in Cyteeis and eke in Suburbe) 
 To that all true Chriftian faythe dyd abhore, 
 Receauynge plagys, not yeat extyndte, thearfore. 
 
 [/ 7* b .] So heere contynuyng, by too longe fpace, 
 GoaJesfake, Aboue (as I adnote) twentye yearys full, 
 motion in this Tyll God, of His meere and fpecyall grace, 
 For the Goody s fake refpedted their trobull, 
 The cawfers (fo cawfinge) withe forowes dobull 
 Owte of their romethes euacuatynge cleane, 
 Bycaufe they dyd them no better demeane ; 
 
 Eredtynge then Thee, a Mayden well knowne, 
 (Thoughe cleane vnknowne concernynge mannys vfage) 
 By grace in thee that of longe tyme was fowne, 
 Thowe to fet free his Churche owte of bondage, 
 Whiche thowe not flackydfte, withe manly corage 
 Rather then womans, whoe lifte to aduerte, 
 For whiche harde corfayes hathe ftreyned thy harte. 
 
 But bee aflured in thy heauynlye Lorde, 
 
 For all thy Enemyes malignytee, 
 
 Howe eauer they fpurne, or at thee remorde, 
 
 Hee wyll (as Hee hathe) from them defende thee, 
 
 Theyr ftormys (I full hoape) ouer fhaken bee ; 
 
 Whoe anye moe fuche wyll ferdre attempte 
 
 As had the other, God them not exempte ! 
 
To the §{ueenys Majefiie. 
 
 Well thowe remembreft (O noble woman !) 
 The Goode God prouethe, as golde by the fyre, 
 And, confequentlye, Hee fyndethe them than 
 Woorthye to haue Hys blyfle for their hyre. 
 JDauyd, whois harte Goddys fpyrite can infpyre, 
 Declarethe the jufte to bee afflicted, 
 But God wyll them not fee derelidted. 
 
 Vnto whiche purpofe I thynke vpon well 
 
 Of godlye Jofeph the great perturbaunce, 
 
 Sunne vnto "Jacob, or Ifrael, 
 
 Howe longe contynued his greuous peanaunce 
 
 Before eftate quyet to hym dyd chaunce, 
 
 Whiche was from that hee was Sixteene yearys olde 
 
 Tyll nearehande Fortye, in Genefis is tolde. 
 
 Hee was by Bretherne, curfed and enuyous, 
 
 Maligned, afflicted, vncharytablye, 
 
 Abanyfched farre from his Fathers howfe, 
 
 And foide (as bonde man) withe muche vylonye 
 
 Vnto worfhippers of ydolatrye, 
 
 Steyde in the cytee Indoculpitas 
 
 Tyll haulfe yearys ende his byers dyd repafTe. 
 
 After, redeamed by monaye great fummys 
 
 Into the howfe of the Lorde Putyphrys, 
 
 By meanys of his ladye hee thyther cummys, 
 
 Whois name Memphytka remembred ys, 
 
 To the ende withe hym to commytt a myfle ; 
 
 But hee recufinge her lufte to content, 
 
 Shee made hym to fuffre impryfonement. 
 
 [ S3 
 
 Tanquam 
 aurum in 
 furnace pro- 
 ba-vit eteilos 
 Dominus. 
 [Wifd. Hi. 6.] 
 
 [/73-] 
 Mult* tribu- 
 lationes 
 juftorum. 
 [Pfal. xxxiv. 
 •9-] 
 
 Of the mop 
 chaifte In- 
 nocent Jofeph, 
 funne to the 
 holy patriarke 
 Jacob, or 
 Ifrael. 
 
 So turyten by 
 Ephrcm the 
 godlye Gre- 
 cyan, in quo- 
 dam fermone 
 de Jofeph. 
 
 So named in 
 Jofephs Tefia- 
 ment. 
 
154 To the ^ueenys Majeftie. 
 
 [/■ 73 b Whearwithe that Innocent helde hym pleafed, 
 His caufe commendynge to God aeuerlaflynge, 
 Fyndynge hymfelfe wondreflye eafed 
 From the temptation of flefchely brennynge, 
 Rather contented, in pryfon lyinge, 
 Hys handys of that fylthe fo clearlye to wefche, 
 Then daungerynge his fowle by followinge the flefche. 
 
 An4 thoughe in darkenes hee fate deepe a lowe, 
 
 As abiedte (in this worlde) or cafle awaye, 
 
 Withe Hym that the fecreatys of hartys dothe knowe 
 
 Hee was in fauour mofte highelye (no naye), 
 
 And when Hee pleafed to appoynte the daye 
 
 Hee fechte hym owte of the pryfon or dyke 
 
 And fet in honour, as noman the lyke. 
 
 what highe Hee fet hym highe vpon Pharaoes fleeade, 
 TdLedgwcU Withe annule on fynger, to figne or to feale, 
 ajulrjj/tu Whois prudent prouydence the worlde dyd feeade 
 That els had perifched thorowe lacke of meale ; 
 No lyttle was the comforte hee dyd deale, 
 Suche wondrefull wifedome in hym was fownde 
 To foe and freende his grace dyd fo abownde. 
 
 Hys worthynes yeat the worlde doth recowmpte, 
 
 Afwell the Heathen as Chriftyans true ; 
 
 For feruynge Hym, the Higheft (that dothe furmounte) 
 
 Such Angular wife can Jofeph indwe ; 
 
 And, as Hee Jofeph, fo faye I vnto yowe, 
 
 O Jofepha, fitter vnto the fame, 
 
 For hym refemblynge as wee maye well name. 
 
To the ^ueenys Majejiie. 
 
 [ S5 
 
 Hee was of bloode, natyuytee and lyne, 
 
 Of higheft in this worlde trulye defcended ; 
 
 Nolefle art thowe, thy tytle dothe defyne, 
 
 Of none on lyne to bee reprehended ; 
 
 At Sixtene yearys age thy greefes accended, 
 
 From that thy goode Mother her ftate was put downe, 
 
 And fyns (mofte parte) thowe receauydfte thy Crowne. 
 
 For what cawfe was Jofeph maligned fo 
 
 But for to his Bretherne he was contraryous ? 
 
 He, mofte earneftlye, geauyn vertue vnto, 
 
 And in their doynges they eauer vicyous. 
 
 So, Badde at Goode are aye litigyous ; 
 
 Thoughe with the Badde the Goode can fumwhat beare, 
 
 The Badde are farre of a contrarye leare. 
 
 Whye hathe maligned the Worlde agaynfte thee 
 (Ouer whiche the Dyuyll dothe fo predomynat), 
 But for thowe woldyfte not of his affent bee, 
 Thy fowle in his forte withe vice to vyolat ? 
 Suche on their owne headys dothe exagitat 
 Goddys indignation and fcourge of vengeaunce 
 But they (in dwe tyme) pleafe Hym by peanaunce. 
 
 [/ 74-] 
 
 What goode gote Duddeley, defrawdynge thy right, 
 
 Withe all that to hym weare affociat ? 
 
 What helped Wyat, that madde Beddelem knyght, 
 
 To foarfe his powre (by pryde) vnto Ludgate ? 
 
 Oather (of late) the forte infanyat, 
 
 As Henry Peckham, with Danyell his feare, 
 
 By falfe confpiracye agaynfte thee to fteeare ? 
 
 Of the Duke 
 Duddelaye. 
 Of Sir Thomas 
 Wyatt. 
 
 Of Henry 
 Peckham. 
 
156 To the ^ueenys Majeftie. 
 
 U- 74 b .] Alas ! my harte euyn tremblethe withe in mee 
 To fee of people the ingratytude ! 
 O Henry Peckham ! howe happened thee 
 The Dyuyll withe fuche blyndenes thee to delude, 
 Thy handys withe treafon to bee fo embrude, 
 Agaynfte thy MyftrefTe to woorke fuche pretence 
 Whiche loued thee, I dare faye in confcyence ? 
 
 Thy Father fo worthye and godlye a man, 
 
 Thy Bretherne alfo bothe Catholike and goode, 
 
 Thowe to degenerat, I merueyle than, 
 
 And yee (as to faye) of one nature and bloode ; 
 
 But (of olde fayinge) happye is the broode 
 
 In whiche nother theeif nor vnthrifte dothe fprynge : 
 
 Alas that on thee fhoulde happen fuche thynge ! 
 
 Thowe, ftandynge in trowthe (as true fubiecle ought), 
 
 Cowldifte not haue wanted that was conuenyent, 
 
 For well I wote thy MyftrefTe hathe in thought 
 
 Thy Father's feruyce, that was fo euydent 
 
 In neadfull tyme, ere fhee had regyment, 
 
 For his fake tenderinge thy wealthe and woorfhippe 
 
 Tyll into deftrudtion thowe neadys woldifte lippe. 
 
 [xviii. 20.] But the father {Ezechiel dothe- faye) 
 
 Shall not fufteyne the trefpaffe of the childe ; 
 Thy wicked dooynges fhall harme hym nowaye, 
 Hys fame fhall florifche, thoughe thowe bee exilde. 
 Why weare thowe peruerfe, why weare thowe fo wilde, 
 Leacherous (fome faithe) befydys thy wedded wife, 
 Whiche, as others, hathe fhortened thy life ? 
 
To the ^ueenys Majeflie. 157 
 
 Whoe withe his wife cannot bee contented U- 75] 
 
 But wyll withe other his lufte fatisfie, 
 
 As thoughe from Goddys lawe hee weare exempted, 
 
 Thoughe Hee not punyfchethe theare by and by, 
 
 He fufferethe fuche, as by thee dothe well trye, 
 
 To fall in fome other abomynation, 
 
 So to receaue digne recompenfation. 
 
 Ceafle fuche (I faye) as fo yeat dothe practice, 
 Ceaffe from fo ftoorynge Goddys indignation, 
 Ceafle frem youre dyuyllifche cankered malice, 
 Ceaffe from Confpiracyes execration, 
 Ceaffe from fowle Herefyes incantation ; 
 For, withoute ceaffinge from pradticynges fuche, 
 God will not ceaffe youre myferyes to tuche. 
 
 Howe the Dyuyll dare yee too dooe as yee dooe, 
 
 Agaynfte that that God wyll to entreprife ? 
 
 Shee heere to reigne God is wyllynge theartoo, 
 
 And yee to the contrarye daylye deuife. 
 
 God will ; yee will not ; Wheare dothe this arife 
 
 But by the Dyuylles fo inchauntynge your hartys ? 
 
 Ceaffe from fuche folye, and playe true mennys partys. 
 
 Youre dooynges feemethe for Religyons fake : — 
 
 Curfed bee that Religyon, I faye, 
 
 That lycencethe men fuche vyle wayes to take 
 
 Their headde to attempte and put fo in fraye ! 
 
 Dauyd Sauls cloake but clyppynge wheare hee laye 
 
 His confcyence greuouflye dyd remorde 
 
 For fo tuchynge thanoynted of the Lorde. 
 
158 To the §lueenys Majefiie. 
 
 [/• 75 b ] B u t your Religyon attendethe mofte cheeif 
 (As well is knowne) to carnall lybertee, 
 Nuryfchinge manye a traytor and theeif, 
 Withe all kyndys of vyce that named maye bee, 
 And, as it is all voyde of purytee, 
 (Difpleafinge to God That fittethe mofte hye) 
 So dothe it conduce to euyll deftynye. 
 
 Yee may by your owne take euydent proofe, 
 And other by yowe if yee not defifte : 
 Clyme not fo highe, vpp to the howfe roofe, 
 And fodaynlye fall, your footynge beinge myfte ; 
 To late wylbe to faye then, " Had I wifte"; 
 Vfe yowe like fubie&es, it fhalbe fo befte, 
 For, " BleiTed are they that lyuethe in refte." 
 
 So hathe the wicked difquyeted thee, 
 (O noble Queene! ), as the like Jofeph dyd, 
 But Jofephs God, that thy vfynge dothe fee, 
 (Whiche thy God is alfo*, thoughe Hee bee hydde), 
 I fully fo trufte wyll them nowe forbydde 
 Nomore to torment thyne innocent harte, 
 Bicaufe thowe fuffreft for takynge His parte. 
 
 Hee wyll them to ceaffe by others quaylinge, 
 
 If eauer they mynde His fauour toptayne, 
 
 And thee to ceaffe from inwardys complaynynge, 
 
 Bycawfe, as Jofeph, Hee can thee ordayne 
 
 To fytt in ftate mofte paftynge foueraygne, 
 
 Aboue all ladyes as JofepAe dyd of men, 
 
 For that, as Jofephs, thy life in forte dothe ren. 
 
To the ^ueenys Majefiie. 159 
 
 So blowfterouflye neauer hurlethe the wynde, 
 Noather the falte feayes to rage and to rore, 
 But after great ftormys cawlme weather wee fynde ; 
 Mennys malice alf fpett, then hathe they no more. 
 Wheare Trybulation (for Truthe) goethe before, 
 The Peace of God dothe certaynlye fucceede, 
 As (hall vnto thee withe aeuerlaftynge meede. 
 
 So prayethe for thee thy louynge Subiedtes all, 
 
 And all true Chriftyans I dare vndretake ; 
 
 What thowghe thyne Enemyes then frett at the gall, 
 
 God and the Goode (hall for thy partye make. 
 
 Of this tho\ve maifte afluredly make crake, 
 
 No noble bloode, that any oughtes can preeue, 
 
 Agaynfle thy Majeftee dothe ftoore or meeue. 
 
 And ferdre is to bee noted this thynge, 
 
 Of thy noble Counfelours the truthe to faye, 
 
 Neauer hathe beene feene to drawe by one ftrynge 
 
 More ftedfaftely fure then nowe at this daye, 
 
 Thy conference withe them they dooe it obeye, 
 
 For well they wote, as thynges withe the dothe happe, 
 
 Withe fpeciall grace God dothe the rownde enwrappe. 
 
 To Subiedtes (that true obedyence dothe meane) 
 
 To thynke theare vpon is fpeciall comforte ; 
 
 So longe as the Nobles to thee dothe leane, 
 
 No paflinge bee had to the Prauous forte, 
 
 But them to hamper or hawlter vpp fhorte, 
 
 Nomore of them make, fithe Lawe, Loue, nor Dredde, 
 
 From traytorous pretence their hartes can vnwedde. 
 
 [/• 76.] 
 
160 To the. ^ueenys Majefiie. 
 
 if- l 6 p . Dauyd, that was fo contentynge Goddys mynde, 
 nemfecundum Seauyn fortes of Synners hee well dyd aduue, 
 
 cor meum. . , . . _ , 
 
 [i.sa.xiii.14. Emonges wnichefalfe Rebellys hee dyd owte rynde, 
 Whome vnto deathe hee not let to purfue : 
 As like authorytee reftethe in youe, 
 So, wheare no Mercye can wynne them to grace, 
 After their defertes let Juftice take place. 
 
 Suche are not worthye the Commone wealys wealthe 
 
 That by Rebellyon difturbethe the fame ; 
 
 Whoe the Polycie vndremoynethe by ftealthe 
 
 His recompenfation the Royalmys lawe dothe name. 
 
 Better Lawes rygour, a fewe fo to tame 
 
 (That will not them frame by dwe obedyence), 
 
 Then hundreadys to perifche for their lewde ofFenfe. 
 
 As Emendation charytee afkethe 
 Wheare Emendation dothe playnlye appeeare, 
 So Juftice (of right) dwe penaltee tafkethe 
 Wheare malyfadtours vngodlye dothe fteeare ; 
 Whearfore I wifche, in Cowntreys farre and neeare, 
 Chryftyan obedyence in dwe forte to reighe, 
 That Charytee maye aboue Juftice optayne. 
 
 Then fhall Goddys glprye florifche (as it ought), 
 Then fhall thy harte bee in quyet and refte, 
 Then fhall weale publike in right trade bee brought, 
 Then fhalbe althynges as wee can wifche befte, 
 Then fhall oure Kynge bee nomore as ftraunge Gefte 
 But, as behoauethe, withe thee taffociat, 
 After oure longinge, iffue to procreat ; 
 
To the ^ueenys Majeftie. j 6 1 
 
 Whois profperous reuertynge from his countreye U- "-J 
 
 Reioycethe the hartes of whoale your fubiedtes true ; 
 
 In ioye maye yee ioye, I hartelye praye, 
 
 Yearys longe andmanye fo to contynue, 
 
 Ifiuynge betweene yowe fuche worthye iflue, 
 
 This Royalme to keepe from defolation, 
 
 As beft maye ferue Goddys contentation, 
 
 And thowe theareof, ere God for the henfe fende, 
 
 To fee the perfecte Education, 
 
 After thy.trade, that it maye after bende 
 
 When thowe fhalte chaunge this habytation, 
 
 In forte as thowe takifte imytation 
 
 After goode Gryfilde, thy holye Matrone : — 
 
 So graunte the Lorde, that higheft fittethe in Throne J 
 
 ^f Amen. 
 
wm^mm^MM**: 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 SPECIMENS OF FORREST'S 
 OTHER WORKS. 
 
 9 
 
I. 
 Hiftory of Jofeph ; 
 
 Part I : His Troubles. 
 
 [MS. Univ. Coll. Oxf. 88.] 
 
 It begins with the following Prologue : — 
 
 The Prologe of Wyllyam Forreft, fometyme chapylayne to 
 the noble §>ueene Marye, yn the mofie famous Hyjlorye of 
 Jofeph the chaijle, funne vnto Jacob the holye Patryarke, 
 compofed by hym in B a lade royall (as appearethe), to the 
 glory of God and thacceptation of all goode Folke, he 
 humbly befeachethe. 
 
 [/• »■] 
 
 FF wyfedome hydde and treafure faufe Sapieutia 
 
 J J abfcondita eft 
 
 - vnfeene, the/aum i»- 
 
 Off grounde inculte, ymployed to no Zmtasm" 
 
 gOOd Vie, Ecclus. xx. d. 
 
 Of thynges florifchinge, pleafaunte, 
 frefche and greene, 
 Shut vppe, as the folytarye Reclufe, 
 Knowledge foueraygne thignoraunt to induce, 
 Monumentys fuche in couert to retaynge, 
 To what any one breedethe ytt any gayne ? 
 
1 66 The Hifiory of jfofeph. 
 
 [f. 2».] This f or indudtyon as thus I doo move ; 
 
 Wryters their warkes that leadethe vnto vertue 
 To keepe to them felues dothe not fo behoue, 
 For then but them felues can thearof conftrue, 
 None els profytinge ; ye fee it for true ; 
 In publyke to walke, if it bee probable 
 To fundrye mo yt maye be profytable. 
 
 This warke of Jofeph I then deteynynge 
 Vnto my felfe full foure and twentye yeearis, 
 Suche as it myght profyte thearof deceauynge, 
 Perhapps, as the meane, fome honorable peearys, 
 In whiche my confcyence partelye me fteearys 
 That, as wee ought eache other to wyll well, 
 So this, to like ende, abroade to compell. 
 
 At whiche (fuche wife) Goddys exitation, 
 
 Thoughe muche tedyous the olde to renue 
 
 Whiche laye roughe hewed, as dothe the mafon 
 
 His warke at the fyrfte let to contynue, 
 
 Tyll at more leafure he geauethe yt forme dwe, 
 
 So I, accomplyfchynge warkys fundrye, 
 
 For fpace fo longe fayde let this warke lye bye ; 
 
 Tyll now (of late) withe my felfe aduertynge 
 It myght ftande in acceptatyon withe fome, 
 Thoughe other fome it wronglye peruertynge 
 Of indygnation that happlye maye come, 
 When it mall abyde eauerye mannys dome, 
 [/ 3.] The goode (I befeache) to take yt in goode parte, 
 And the other — God mollyfie their harte ! 
 
The Hijiory of Jofeph. 167 
 
 For none fo eauyn in fuche weighty matter 
 Can hym behaue to trade his penne aright 
 But thearagaynfte may rife fome vayne clatter 
 Throughe fome curyous, proude, enuyous wight, 
 Whiche (peraduentur) he takynge to wryte 
 Myght be founde to haulte ere he made an ende ; 
 So fome can chalenge farre foaner then amende. 
 
 I wote this hathe not the florifchinge veyne * 
 Of Gowers phrafe, adorned in fuche forte, 
 Oather of Chancers, that Poete foueraynge, 
 To afke their counfaylles I came all to fhorte : 
 Lydgate in this gaue me no comforte ; 
 So tell I yowe, before yee doo ytt reade, 
 I cannot them rayfe, fo longe agoe deade. 
 
 But this maye ferue for my excufation ; 
 Not on fyne manchet eauery man to feede, 
 Breade but raunged feruethe to fuftentation 
 And doethe the neadye fufFycientlye fteede. 
 So this (my poore labour) in tyme of neede 
 May ferue in readynge to be certyfied, 
 That els myght (happlye) be euyll occupied. 
 
 Whiche Hyftory of Jofeph, fo paflinge wurthe, 
 Wolde to God fome other, of farre fyner witt, 
 Had take vppon hym to wryte and fet furthe, - 
 As mofte worthelye myght thearto feeme fitte ! 
 But ofte wheare clarkes fuche thinge dothe pretermytt, 
 Foolys rafchelye entermedlethe their office, 
 As I (my felfe yeelde) in this enterprife ; 
 
1 6 8 The Hijlory of Jofeph. 
 
 In whiche to fome I fhall feeme tedybus, 
 And chalenged for the prolixyte ; 
 [/ 3".] In wrytinge a godde thinge I am thus curyous 
 To leaue not vnfayde that well faide may bee ; 
 Moreouer, I vfe heere this propertee, 
 What thynge of "Jofeph to my handys chaunced 
 His Hyftorye thearwith I haue aduaunced. 
 
 In placys I touche after my grofenes 
 
 The propertyes of the partyes pretence ; 
 
 What els fhould I ? mee feemethe playne nolefle, 
 
 Of joye or weepinge to grace fo the fentence ; 
 
 When the mateir treatethe of contynence 
 
 I handle yt as cummethe in my mynde, 
 
 And like fo a whoare in her whoaryfche kynde. 
 
 I cannot call a jade a pawlferaye, 
 
 I cannot call a knaue an honeft man, 
 
 But as the meere truthe happenethe alwaye 
 
 So harpe I thearon eauer nowe and than ; 
 
 Who can otherwife, let them that fo can ! 
 
 Flowres of Rhethoryke I gathred neauer one, 
 
 As of a pybble to make a preacyous ftone. 
 
 H Finis. 
 
The Hiftory of Jofeph. 169 
 
 The conduct of Potiphar's wife, towards her hujband, is 
 
 thus defcribed : [/. +8 |, .J 
 
 " She had a cafte to caufe hym relent 
 Weare he neauer in fo fell a rage ; 
 Her woorde was to hym a commaundement, 
 She breeke hym fo at her firfte maryage ; 
 A heckforde fhe was, of the Dyuyllis parage, 
 Stande fhe cowlde and kycke (at her pleafure), 
 Her malyce myfcheuous had no meafure." 
 
 fofaph's Management of Potiphar's Servants. 
 
 More with a woorde cowlde he of them gett 
 
 Then, in his roometh, myght fome other tenne 
 
 Whiche cowlde- bothe curfle, blawle, [fie] fight and frett, 
 
 Whiche neadethe not emongeft honeft men ; 
 
 A dyfcreeyt OfFycer nowe and then 
 
 Knowethe a meanys howe to perfuade 
 
 To wynne a knaue to an honeft trade. 
 
 Khaues to be handeled too knappyfehelye, 
 What (I praye yowe) dothe thearof ofte come 
 But thwartynge, hatred, and cankerde enuye, 
 To the aweye throwynge of no fmall fome ? 
 An olde fayinge ys, " A man of wyfedome 
 Withe gentle handelynge can bringe in frame 
 That by curryfehnes no twentye can tame." 
 
 fofeph withe his folke no fuche waies wolde take, 
 Withe gentylnes he had them at his wyll ; 
 Well was he that myght d 00 for hys fake, 
 Although theyr burtheys ofte greued full euyll ; 
 
 [/ 5« b .] 
 
j 70 The Hiftory of Jofeph. 
 
 Their wagys he wolde not longe keepe yn byll, 
 The deye of payment oanfe beynge prefent 
 They had theyr wages, witheout argument. 
 
 A poore man to labour, in heate or colde, 
 Yn weat or drye, howe fo the weather bee, 
 Hauynge a wyef and a poore howfeholde, 
 Wythe chyldren, perhappys, one, twoe, or thre, 
 Suche to prolonge or defraude theyr duetee, 
 A dyuyllyfche propertee I maye yt call ; 
 Yeat fo are poore folke ofte dealte wythe all. 
 
 [/ 59] By no maner meanys wolde Jofeph doo fo ; 
 Yf he had not monaye vnder hys lache, 
 To fome honeft frende he wolde then go 
 To haue (for the tyme) the Pooare to dyfpache. 
 Fye on all thofe that dothe clawe and fcrache, 
 Goodys to vpp hoorde all they maye come bye, 
 Hynderynge the Pooare muche fraudulentlye ! 
 
 " The maifter ought trulye hys wagys to paye, 
 
 The feruaunte (agayne) to doo his duetye," 
 
 So wolde Jofephe to hys laborers faye ; 
 
 Yf in his abfence, as when he was bye, 
 
 They dyd not theyr deauer dylygentlye, 
 
 Woorfie then Theauys he dyd them accownte, 
 
 And more before God their daunger dothe admounte. 
 
 Yeat, lyke an earneft faithefull Offycer, 
 
 Lefte grofenes (of cuftome) myght doo hynderaunce, 
 
 Specyallye wheare he fawe mofte loyterer 
 
The Hiftory of jFo/eph. 171 
 
 Thear wolde he ftyll be puttynge yn remembraunce, 
 Prayfynge other for their contynuaunce 
 About theyr labour, of purpofe to brynge 
 To mende theyr flouthe by oother prayfynge. 
 
 An other propertye Jofephe dyd vfe, 
 
 Whiche hys bufynes furdered greatlye, 
 
 He wolde (thorowe flothe) at notyme refufe 
 
 To faye, " O Searys, wheare are my maynye ? 
 
 Gawe, let vs towardys oure bufynes hye ! " 
 
 This woofde, " Gawe we," and goynge with them too, 
 
 Dyd fix tymes more good then " Goo yee " fhoulde doo. 
 
 The Baker's, and a Fellow-Prifoner 's Speech, in Prifon, after 
 Jofeph's Interpretations of his Dream : — 
 
 " Fetche me fome drynke, I praye the hartelye, 
 
 And alfo fome meate, fuche as wee (hall haue ; 
 
 If I wyfte well I fhoulde dye fo (hortelye, 
 
 I wolde of oure God a petytion craue, 
 
 To graunte ere I dyed to playe oanfe the knaue ; 
 
 By God avowe that I dooe trufte yn cheeif, 
 
 A mearye lyef yt is to bee a Theeif!" 
 
 Sayde one that fate theare next hym vnto, 
 
 " Weare yt not for hangynge fo weare yt indeeade, 
 
 For yn that fcyence I can as muche doo 
 
 As fome other three for a great neeade ; 
 
 Oh ! howe we tryumphe when we doo well fpeede ! 
 
 Lorde, oather knyght, better cheare will riot make 
 
 Then wee, when wee a goode bootvfe maye take ! 
 
172 The Hiftory ofjofeph. 
 
 " The weather boyftorous withe wynde, fnowe, or rayne, 
 Hayle, thunder, or lightnynge, or extreme frofte, 
 Theis all cannott make vs oughtys to refrayne 
 To feeke oure profyte to other mennys cofte ; 
 Who cummethe ouer late, let hym kyfle the pofte ; 
 Oh ! what yt is (yn oure roauynge) to fynde 
 A bowchett, fluffed yn his naturall kynde ! 
 
 " If wee fpeede well, then fare wee of the befte, 
 Wee drynke fweete wynes to comforte the bloodde, 
 Wheare wee before tooke payne and euyll refte 
 Wee playe and bankett withe other mennys goode ; 
 Wee laughe yt owte whyle theye chowe the cudde ; 
 Whyle they ryde and feeke to gett yt agayne, 
 Wee laugh them to fcorne, to loofe and take payne. 
 
 [/ 93 b .] " Wheare choarles doethe mocker and hooarde all vppe, 
 And cannot their goodys honeftlye beftowe, 
 Wee make huffaye cheere betweene canne and cuppe ; 
 What fhoulde one dooe but playe the goode fellowe ? 
 Hee that a colde ys, let hym the coale blowe ! 
 Lyttle preatye turls wee mufte mayntayne ; 
 As wee dooe fpeeade, fo ryfethe their gayne. 
 
 " Eauerye Arte his myfterye doethe enchide, 
 Of that and this to furnyfche yn dwe frame ; 
 Withe oure Facultee who ys oanfe endude 
 Mufte endeauer to excell in the fame ; , 
 Whoe (emongefte vs) mofte crafte can attaine, 
 As vynetyner to broache, other to inftrudle, 
 Hee fhall as pryncypall bee then indu&e. 
 
The Hiftory of jfofeph. 173 
 
 " The Dodtours of Phyfyke or Aftronomye 
 
 The nature of thynges to fearche and to knowe 
 
 Are not more ftudyous, I dare teftyfie, 
 
 Then wee oure ftudye lykewyfe beftowe 
 
 To compafle what weyes the thynge maye followe; 
 
 Dooare, wall,,ne locke, mofte craftely wrought, 
 
 Cannot witheftande the contryue of our thought. 
 
 " Wee haue all Toolys that thearunto mall neeade, 
 Bothe Sawe, Fyle, and Chyfell, mofte pure and fyne ; 
 So can wee woorke, yf wee lyfte to take heeade, 
 That all his this deye to morowe fhalbe myne. 
 Wee, that are mayfters cheyf of that Dodtryne, 
 Clyentys abroade haue with geldynges to aflyfte, 
 That can home fpeede vs ere that wee bee myfte. 
 
 " If wee be take, oure necke verfe we can, 
 Whearbye we reacon to faue the necke bone ; 
 Hee that fo cannot, fome helpe mufte haue than 
 Too fee the Keeaper to fcape the Pryfon ; 
 If the woorfte fall, then ys but a knaue gone. 
 What Foole ys hee, that for one houres hongeynge 
 Wolde leaue the lyfe to oure arte belongeynge ?" 
 
 Conclufion. 
 
 But for nowe this Booke ynoughe dothe fiiffice U- 97". ] 
 
 For one volume, as much remaynynge, 
 The reafydewe of this treatyfe 
 
174 The Hiftory of Jofeph. 
 
 Shall in another haue the ordaynynge, 
 After heauynes folace contayhynge ; 
 For heere endynge his great aduerfytee, 
 The next (hall treate of his felycyte. 
 
 Heere endethe the tragedous trobles of the mojie 
 Chaijie Innocent, Jofeph. 
 
 The Hiftory of Jofeph. 
 
 Part II : His Felicity. 
 [MS. Royal Libr., Brit. Mus., 18 C. xiii.] 
 
 Dedicated to Thomas, Duke of Norfolk, K.G. ; with a 
 Prologue againjl Idlenefs. In the Dedication Alexander 
 Barclay is mentioned, in the following Jlanzas : — 
 
 NTO whiche ende, O worthye famous Duke! 
 A certayne wryter, Alexander Barkeley, 
 In eloquent ftyle, all voyde of rebuke, 
 The booke of Mancyne in verfe did conueye, 
 
 Of Englyfche meater holdynge the weye, 
 
 Vnto the fower vertues cardynall, 
 
 To light mannys lyef, a lanterne fpecyall. 
 
 And to your noble Graundfyer Thomas, 
 Duke, as yee are, of lyke tytle and ftyle, 
 He dyd yt commende, withe ornat preface, 
 
The Hijiory of yofeph. 175 
 
 Yn forte the befte hee coulde cafte or compyle, 
 Withe other warkes mo, to paftyme fomewhyle, , 
 Whiche noble Booke, as mentyon doethe leaue, 
 Mofte noblye, (withe thankes) he ean them receaue. 
 
 Takynge egreflyon in his noble name, 
 Receaued they weare in acceptation 
 For their worthynes and noble fame 
 In profy tinge oure Englyfche nation, 
 Sought and upp bought, in bufye faihyon ; 
 But nowe, not fo, no inquyraunce for fuche, 
 For idle playes are occupyed to muche. 
 
 I confyderyngethe veary truthe fo, 
 
 And haue longe traveyled in lyke bufynes, 
 
 Althoughe my ftyle doethe farre alooyf go 
 
 From Barkeleys, as the thynge felfe doethe expreffe, 
 
 (Yeat not all voyde, to vertues encreafe) 
 
 Was fully mynded in coarners myne to hyed, 
 
 As goode as abroade and not occupyed ; 
 
 Callynge vnto mynde yeat better aduyfement, 
 Your noble father, Earle of Surraye, 
 Howe (in hys tyme) to bookes he was bent, 
 And alfo endytynge manye a vyrylaye 
 In acceptatyon mofte highe at this daye, 
 Yowe, as of Bloode-condytion fo by kynde, 
 In hoape thearof cleane altered my mynde. 
 
ij6 
 II. 
 
 Verfion of Pfalms. 
 
 [Royal Libr., Brit. Mus., 17 A. xxi.] 
 
 To the moji woorthie Prince Edwarde, Duke of Somerfet, 
 Uncle vnto oure mojte dredde Soueraigne Lorde Kinge 
 Edwarde the VI., bee fauoure in God, withe honour and 
 peace in profperous ejiate longe to contynue,fo wifchethe bis 
 humble oratour W. Forrejie. 
 
 F tymes the wrappinge and vnfoldinge to vue 
 Howe alterations commethe vnto pafle, 
 The olde laide downe, preferringe the nwe, 
 For tyme nowe altrethe from tyme that ons was, 
 
 Tyme hathe not caufe to complayne, Alas ! 
 
 When thinges olde, inveterat and nought, 
 
 Are unto better alteration brought. 
 
 To argument the meanynge of my mynde, 
 In tyme to fore what vilenes haue we herde, 
 In fonges and balades of veneryous kynde, 
 Before goode thinges much rather then preferde ; 
 As tyme that tyme fuche blyndenes dyd regarde, 
 So our tyme nowe tyme otherwife dothe fpende, 
 In godlye myrthe muche better -to commende. 
 
Verjion of Pfalms. 177 
 
 Infteade of balades diffonaunte and light, 
 
 Godly Pfalmes receaued are in place, 
 
 Conveyde in meatre of numbre and feete right 
 
 As vnto ryme apperteyneth the grace, 
 
 Sunge to the vyall, lute, treble or bafe, 
 
 Or oother inftrument, pleafinge to the eare, 
 
 With whiche commutation ought each man to beare. 
 
 The flrft that fo endevored his payne 
 (As I haue herde, and perfedtlye doe knowe) 
 Was Thomas Sterneholde, by Atropos flayne, 
 The pyked befte of all Pfalmyfters rowe, 
 Whois ftepps dyuerfe attemptethe to followe, 
 And dothe full well, woorthye of highe prayfe ; 
 God contynue them in their godlye wayfe ! 
 
 Excited thearbye (as the cockerell younge 
 
 After the olde to crowe as hee can), 
 
 The Pfalmes I haue heere entred emonge, 
 
 In followinge them my meatre to fcan, 
 
 Thoughe lacke of knowledge my wittes dothe fpan 
 
 Fynelye to frame them, as beft may content ; 
 
 In doinge mye befte I ought not bee fhent. 
 
 Whiche Pfalmes I haue collected togither, 
 The names of whiche this proheme dothe enfue ; 
 The numbre of fyftie I haue brought hither, 
 Meatred by crofie ryme, as dothe appeare true, 
 Bye eight and fyxe, whoe lifte the fame to vue ; 
 Which foarced me ofte to adde and to detraye, 
 To no hynderaunce of the fenfe I dare faye. 
 
 A A 
 
178 Verfion of Pf alms. 
 
 If cafe I haue, (to my judgement vnknowne) 
 
 I will not ftande in defenfe of the fame, 
 
 But yeelde myfelf (by ignoraunce ouerthrowne) 
 
 To better learned, fo to auoyde blame, 
 
 Rather then ftyflye to ftande to my fhame ; 
 
 To. envye anye I doe yt not mynde, 
 
 But in their vertue to followe fome kynde. 
 
 For certaynlye this dare I holde and faye, 
 
 No better occupation can bee hadde 
 
 Then in the faide Pfalmes to finge or to praye, 
 
 Our man interyour to comforte and to gladde, 
 
 Confyderinge greefes that maketh the fame ofte fadde, 
 
 As burthen of fyn that forefte dothe molefte, 
 
 Remedye for which in Pfalmes is readye drefte. 
 
 Oure carcafes alweyes to feede and franke, 
 
 (As for the fame cheiflye to carpe and care,) 
 
 It is to be compted but a mad pranke, 
 
 Sithe that fo fone takethe from hens his forthefare ; 
 
 The fame then to pleafe and leaue the fowle bare 
 
 Theis Pfalmes forbyddethe, whoe lyfte taduerte, 
 
 And falve preparethe before the foare fmarte. 
 
 And, for the vfage of wryters alweye 
 
 Is (as theye favour) to father their workes, 
 
 As dyd John Lidgate to noble Duke Humfreye, 
 
 So I (thoughe an ydyot, followinge clarkes) 
 
 Suche wife encoraged with their faide fparkes, 
 
 To yowe, noble Duke, theis Pfalmes doe prefent, 
 
 As vnto w home my harte of love is bent. 
 
Verfion of Pfalms. 1 79 
 
 Wheare other your frinds with giftes temporall 
 This Newe Yearis tyde your Honour dothe falute, 
 Wifchinge yow healthe and quyetnes withall, 
 And to withftande all falfe enemyes purfute, 
 I (befydes that) my prefent thus permute 
 With theis fewe Pfalmes, of fpirituall fee, 
 Wifche to your Grace aeternall felycytee. 
 
 As Sternholde highefte in framynge of Pfalmes 
 Vnto the Highefte can deftynate his doinges, 
 Bicawfe I^cannot fo highe reache the palmes, 
 Unto meaner then dignyte of Kinges 
 (As vnto your Grace) I make my ofFeringes, 
 Befechinge the fame to take them in goode wurthe, 
 So fhall yee force me moe Pfalmes to fet furthe. 
 
 His verfion of Pfalm c. alone fhows fumciently the 
 juftnefs of his felf-depreciation :* — 
 
 " O all yee earthelye creatures 
 
 In God (the Larde) ioye yee 
 Serve hym before all oother cures 
 
 Withe all felycytee 
 Before His prefence come ye yn 
 
 With ioye and all gladnes, 
 Clenfinge your hartes from deadlye fyn 
 
 His favour to purchefTe 
 Knowe yee the Lorde for He is God 
 
 He made vs fenfytyfe 
 
 * The verfion in the old Englifh and Scottifli Pfalter is by Will. 
 Kethe. [See Rev. N. Livingfton's " Scottifli Metrical Pfalter," fol. 
 Glafgow, 1864, P- 2 &] 
 
1 80 The Governance of Princes. 
 
 So is His powre from owres far odd, 
 
 Wee can geave nothinge lyfe. 
 We are the people and the fheepe 
 
 Of His onlye paflure ; 
 The weye into His gates ftreyte keepe 
 
 With joye theare to manure 
 Rendringe vnto that heavinlye Lorde 
 
 The prayfe of thankefgevinge 
 In hymnys that fweetlye dothe conchorde 
 
 To fo noble a Kinge. 
 Prayfe ye His name, for fweete is Hee, 
 
 His mercye fhall endure 
 For eaver in eternytee, 
 
 So is His highe pleafure. 
 
 III. 
 
 The Governance of Princes. 
 
 [Royal Libr. Brit. Muf 17 D. Hi.] 
 
 With dedication, by " Sir William Forrejie preeijle," to 
 Duke of Somerfet, to who/e viSlory in Scotland in 1547 
 Forrejl thus refers : — 
 
 IS hathe not been herde, fo paffinge precife, 
 Withe the loffe of fivetie, or fewe moe 
 
 certife, 
 XV thoufande for too confownde, 
 Miraculowfe it was : God was his grownde." 
 
 Commends him as a true Protector and faithful uncle. 
 
The Governance of Princes. 1 8 1 
 
 The book prefented to him, that it may have his ap- 
 proval firft before it be given to the King. 
 
 The Table of Contents contains thirty-feven chapters, 
 but only twenty-four are found in the MS. There is a 
 drawing reprefenting the author as a young man in a 
 gown, with abundant hair, not tonfured, prefenting his 
 book to the King on his throne. 
 
 Advifes the King to found and endow fchools and 
 colleges. After dinner, to have mufic, or play at tables, 
 chefs, or cards, but at fedentary amufements only at night. 
 
 Advice about marriage : — 
 
 " A kynge Godde forbeade too bee nue fanglede, 
 His wief texchaunge for his luftis dalyaunce," 
 
 and therefore he' muft enquire beforehand " if fhee bee 
 entanglede;" not to marry when infants, but that they 
 mould at years of difcretion make "free election. "* It 
 makes his "backe iche " to hear of a young girl marrying 
 an old man for money, or a youngling " an olde wiche." 
 
 Regulation of foreign affairs and commerce. 
 
 On choice of nurfes for children ; but, notwithftanding, 
 " What longethe to the nurcerye women paffeth mee." 
 
 Education ; judges ; impartial adminiftration of the 
 laws ; officers ; againft monopolies, regrating of grain, 
 accumulation of wealth; need of protection of the poor 
 from encroachments of the rich. The King ought to 
 punifti all thofe who endeavour 
 
 " At ale howfe too fitt, at mack or at mall, 
 
 Tables, or dyce, or that cardis men call, 
 
 Or what oother game, owte of feafon dwe." \ 
 
 * The reference here to the cafe of Henry VIII. is very evident. 
 t Quoted in Strutt's Sports and Pa/limes, 1801, p. 245. 
 
1 82 The Governance of Princes. 
 
 " Out of feafon" is on working days. Children to be 
 fent to fchool at four years old ; none to be fet to work 
 under eight ; the fchool to be free in every town ; the 
 curate to teach them to fay, fing, and write, and to have 
 a honeft ftipend. An overfeer or controller to be ap- 
 pointed to punifh all idle perfons with the flocks or 
 fcourging, and to have -£3 or £4 a year out of the town 
 coffer, eledted or re-eledted yearly. The wool trade 
 ought to be encouraged. Proteft againft the grafping 
 avarice of the rich, and the railing of rents and amafling 
 of lands ; thofe who afk for the higher rent, and thofe 
 who give it, and fo turn out the old occupiers, fhall 
 alike go to the Devil. Rents ought to be kept as they 
 were forty years before. The poor man does not dare 
 to fpeake againft one who has the farms and abbeys, and 
 who will not, give anything out of his "clampis," or he 
 will get " his hedde all to broken." 
 
 [/. 6o b .] The poore man to toyle for two penfe the daye, 
 Some while thre haulfe penfe, orels a penye, 
 Hauynge wief, childrene, and howfe rent to paye, 
 Meate, clothe and fewell withe the fame to bye, 
 And muche oother thinges that bee neceffarye, 
 Withe manye a hungry meale fufteynynge, 
 Alas! makethe not this a doolefull'compleynynge? 
 
 The worlde is chaunged from that it hathe beene, 
 
 Not to the bettre but to the warffe farre ; 
 
 More for a penye wee haue before feene 
 
 Then nowe for fowre penfe, whoe lifte to compare : 
 
 This fuethe the game called Makinge or Marre ; 
 
The Governance of Princes. 183 
 
 Unto the riche it makethe a great deale, 
 
 But muche it marrethe to the Commune weak. 
 
 To reyfe his rent, alas ! it neadethe not, 
 
 Or fyne texadte for teanure of the fame, 
 
 Fowrefolde dooble, it is a fhrewde blot, 
 
 To the great hynderaunce of fome mennys name. 
 
 I knowe this to bee true, els weare I to blame 
 
 To mooue this mateir in this prefent booke, 
 
 At whiche Refpublica lookethe a crooke. 
 
 A rent t6 reyfe from twentie to fiftie, 
 
 Of powndis (I meane) or fhealingis whither, 
 
 Fynynge for the fame vnreafonablye 
 
 Sixe tymes the rent, adde this togither, 
 
 Mufle not the fame great dearthe bring hither ? 
 
 For, if the fermoure paye fowrefolde dooble rent, 
 
 He mufte his ware neadys fell after that ftent. 
 
 So for that oxe whiche hathe beene the like folde 
 For fortie fhealingis, nowe taketh hee fyue pownde, 
 Yea, feauyn is more, I haue herde it fo tolde, 
 Hee cannot els lyue, fo deeare is his grownde ; 
 Sheepe, thoiighe they neauer fo plentie abownde, 
 Suche price they beare, whiche fhame is to here tell, 
 That fcace the pooare man can bye a morfell. 
 
 Twoe penfe (in Beeif) hee cannot haue ferued, 
 Other in Mutton, the price is fo hye ; 
 Vndre a groate hee can haue none kerued, 
 So goethe hee (and his) to bedde hungrelye, 
 -And rifethe agayne- withe bellies emptie, 
 
184 The Governance of Princes. 
 
 Whiche turnethe to tawnye their white Englifch fkyn, 
 Like to the fwarthie coolored Flawndrekyn. 
 
 Wheare they weare valiaunt, ftronge, fturdy and ftowte, 
 
 To flioot, to wraftle, to dooe anye mannys feate, 
 
 To matche all natyons dwellinge heere abowte, 
 
 As hitherto (manlye) they holde the chief feate, 
 
 If they bee pinched and weyned from meate, 
 
 I wiffe, O Kynge, they, (in penurye thus pende) 
 
 Shall not bee able thye Royalme to defende. 
 
 Owre Englifche nature cannot lyue by rooatis, 
 By water, herbys, or fuche beggerye baggage, 
 That maye well ferue for vile owtelandifche cooatis : 
 Geeue Englifche men meate after their olde vfage, 
 Beeif, mutton, veale, to cheare their courage, 
 And then I dare to this by 11 fett my hande 
 They {hall defende this owre noble Englande. 
 
 Labourers' wages mould be raifed from \\d. a day 
 to 6d. in the fhorteft days, and yd. and Sd. as the days 
 get longer, working truly and diligently. Thoufands 
 would get wed had they houfes " to coauer their hedde." 
 
 Defcription of kingly' virtues. Thofe who have been 
 maimed in war ought to be provided for. Some one 
 ought to be employed to go about amongft the people 
 and hear all that is faid againft the king. 
 
 At the end of the table of contents is this note, but 
 the promifed narrations are not found in the book : — 
 
 " At thende of this warke (hall enfue certaine narra- 
 tions exemplifinge fundry of the maters of the aforefaide 
 tytles." 
 
i8 5 
 
 IV. 
 
 Life of the Blefled Virgin. 
 
 [Harl. MS. 1703. J 
 
 ORREST mentions in this poem that a leafe 
 had been granted by a College, 
 
 " . . . . the name I put bye, 
 Of whiche the tytle went in our Ladys name," 
 
 omitting the- title of our Lady, confequently the leafe 
 was declared void and of no value, and the farm forfeited. 
 In "this prefent yeare 1571 " he faw a letter written 
 from the " cheeif partye," now " farre higher" in office, 
 in which he dated fuch a day after " thannuncyation," 
 difdaining to fay " of oure Ladye." For forty years 
 together, from 1532, the BlefTed Virgin has been blaf- 
 phemed ; e.g. a. prieft at an alehoufe fitting on the ale- 
 bench, faid (he was no better than his wife (rather, his 
 concubine), and compared her to a faffron bag; as foon 
 as our Lord left her womb, fhe ceafed (like a bag emptied 
 of its contents) to be any better than any other woman ; 
 but upon leaving the houfe he fell down dead. Second 
 inftance; a woman born in mean eftate, raifed to a high 
 one, of difTolute life, who more than others made herefy 
 
 B B 
 
1 86 Life of the Bleffed Virgin. 
 
 to arife and flourifh in the land [Anne Boleyn?]; her 
 time was fliortened by " the chief," by divine fentence. 
 Third inftance; an acquaintance of the writer's, who had 
 
 " Syngular knowledge in mufyk's fcyence 
 
 So that his fame, fyngularlye alone, 
 
 Over this Royalme in fpecyall pryce fhone." 
 
 He had written many fongs in praife of the BlefTed 
 Virgin, many of which remain, but no fin that he had 
 committed grieved him fo much as thefe. He died mad, 
 after having been fo for two years. Fourth inftance ; 
 a woman at Manchefter was in the habit of compar- 
 ing the BlefTed Virgin to a faffron bag ; fhe died of the 
 yellow jaundice. Fifth inftance ; a man the writer knew 
 well, ftrong, athletic, hearty, who always reviled the 
 BlefTed Virgin; notably at a barber's when he once went 
 to be fhaved ; he, when fifty years old, became decrepit, 
 weak, dirty, and loathfome to behold. At Chriftmas, 
 1545, the writer was invited to go to a Knight's houfe of 
 much eftimation, where Mifrule, in herefy, whoredom, 
 fwearing, and the like, went on all the year ; there he 
 did his beft with fong and organs to celebrate fervice in 
 the chapel ; but while finging an anthem one night 
 there came in a gentleman, as they called him, and a 
 ruffian, and ran into the choir, and kneeled down on the 
 ftones, and fang, " Ave Maria, gracy plena, Dominus 
 drinke onys," and then got up and departed; the firft 
 was afterwards flain, and the other drowned. Many 
 now think nothing of any authority that is not in Scrip- 
 ture : — 
 
Life of the Blejfed Virgin. 187 
 
 " To fyne me thynke fuche curyofite ; 
 Bycawfe my name in Scripture not expreft, 
 Ergo, my name not Wyllyam Forreft." 
 
 Account of the beginning of the Feaft of the Concep- 
 tion in William the Conqueror's time, out of "owre 
 olde pamphiles." 
 
 Prayer to the Blened Virgin and to God to help 
 againft Luther's herefy; but the author prays alfo for 
 " owre noble Quene here," [Q^Eliz.], and continues : — 
 
 " For one man, the Buffhoppe of Rome (I doe meane), [/7«] 
 
 Let not Chryftes Churche fuche myferye fufteyne 
 
 As to conculcat and ouerthrowe cleane, 
 
 Sithe yt their partyes rather to mayntayne 
 
 In eauery Royalme, as thus to ordayne, 
 
 As James and the reft had placys by name, 
 
 So in eache countreye a buffhoppe foueraigne 
 
 To haue and to doo in chardge of the fame. 
 
 Of me a member of Chriftys Churche fo, 
 Grounded on Faythe, Hoape and true Charyte, 
 Suche my defyer withe all Chryftyans mo 
 To fee her floryfche in peace and vnyte." 
 
 At f. 85 13 is the following interefting ftory relative to 
 Alexander Barclay : — 
 
 One, on a daye, in companye 
 Chaunced to faye thus fodaynlye, 
 " I yeafter, daye was in daungere 
 Of necke breakinge in a mannere ; 
 
i88 
 
 My mare fhee {tumbled adowne right 
 
 That I fell to the grounde then quight, 
 
 But, thankes too God and oure Ladye, 
 
 I caught (at all) noe harme therebye." 
 
 " Whye," fayde there on then of the Garde, 
 
 " The matter dyd yt goe fo harde, 
 
 That God's helpe there might not affifte 
 
 Although oure Ladyes had ben mifte ? 
 
 Ye derogate much God's glorye, 
 
 For which yee maye bee right forye. 
 
 In ignorance yee bredd all waye, 
 
 Therfore yee wotte not what yee faye ; 
 
 Some punyfhment God fende ere longe, 
 
 That yee may knowe what right, what wronge." 
 
 An other dyd replye forth waye, 
 
 Called Alexander Barkeleye, 
 
 Then fittinge there other amonge, 
 
 And to the Cowrte dyd eke beelonge, 
 
 Who was much fyne and eloquente, 
 
 And could tranflate and eke convente. 
 
 In Poetry e, other Scripture, 
 
 Emonge vs yeat are well in ure 
 
 His workes fundrye which I haue redde, 
 
 And yeat doth live though hee bee dedde, 
 
 Which certaynly fo well are pende 
 
 That none this deye can them amende. 
 
 Which Alexander Barkleye than 
 
 The matter take in hande hee can, 
 
 And fayd, " No harme was in fo fayinge, 
 
 By good reafon thus approouinge ; — 
 
 I doe remember three yeares paft 
 
i8 9 
 
 Yee dwelt at Croydon, fure and fade, 
 
 With fuch a man, I knewe you well, 
 
 Wherfore I can the better tell. 
 
 A longe lubber yee were in deede, 
 
 Much flovenly yee ware youre weede, 
 
 With coate of lethere, paltocke wyfe, 
 
 Youre hofe lyke fo in floven whTe 
 
 Pachte upe unto the myddle legge, 
 
 Youre mooes beedobbed with nayle and pegge, 
 
 And ofte to London yee carryed coales, 
 
 Youre hatte beefrett with fundrye hoales. 
 
 Who fhoulde haue fought fyve myles aboughte 
 
 Coulde not haue founde a veryer loute. 
 
 But for yee were bygge, longe and talle, 
 
 Thankes bee to God now, firft of all, 
 
 And to Kinge Henrye fpeciallye, 
 
 As the truthe by you doth now trye, 
 
 Who of his grace hath you preferde 
 
 To bee a Yoman of his Garde, 
 
 And doo become youre wearinge well ; 
 
 But playnely, further forth to tell, 
 
 If Kinge Henry, though poure farre odde, 
 
 Had not putt to his helpe with God, 
 
 It might bee fayde and allfo fworne 
 
 Yee hadde continued as beforne. 
 
 Therfore in naminge oure Ladye 
 
 No harme, then naminge Kinge- Henrye. 
 
 God without theyre affiftance can 
 
 Doo what Him lyfle, who iifte to fcan, 
 
 Yeat, by Saint Pawles authoritye, 
 
 Godes helpers in fome thinges wee bee. [i Cor.iii. 9 .] 
 
190 
 
 The plowe man but hee ftyrre and fowe 
 No corne or grayne is like to mowe, 
 Yeat dare I faye in everye preafe 
 [iConiii. 7 .] God onlye geveth the encreafe." 
 
 The Yoman of the Garde dyd yealde, 
 As on ouercome in the feelde. 
 Barkeleye was boulde to faye his mynde, 
 For hee in Courte had manye freynde ; 
 The matter then turned to iefte, 
 They eate and dranke ; all was in refte. 
 
 At f. 1 00 is, " A dyttye or fonet made by the Lorde 
 Vaus in time of the noble Queene Marye, reprefentinge 
 the Image of Deathe." 
 
" v/h</, to name, Arthur (certaynelye) had hee." — P. 39. 
 
 NOTWITHSTANDING the apparent certainty with 
 which' this is ftated, Our author appears to be in error in 
 thus giving the name of Arthur to Henry's firft child. 
 He is called Henry by Sanders, with whom all other 
 hiftorians agree. 
 
 " In Latyne, Frenche and Spaynyfche alfo." — P. 44. 
 
 The Princefs Mary's French teacher was Gilles Guez, Duwes, or 
 Dewes, who printed his inftru6Hon-book under the title of An intro- 
 duSiorie for to lerne to rede, to pronounce and to fpeke French trewly, com- 
 pyledfor the right high, exellent and moft vertuous lady, the Lady Mary of 
 Englande. This, which went through three editions in England, was 
 reprinted in 1852 in the great French Colleclion des Documents inedits. 
 It contains various converfations fuppofed to have been held by the 
 tutor and others with the Princefs at various times, together with 
 letters and verfes, which tend to fhow the amiable temper of Mary 
 and the friendly relations which {he held towards thofe around her. 
 
 P. 47. The "ymage" here mentioned does not appear to have been 
 fet up as a wayfide crucifix, but to have been in a wayfide chapel. 
 Stowe, in his Survey of London, when fpeaking of Gofwell Street and 
 the fuburb without Alderfgate, fays, " There is at the fartheft north 
 corner of this fuburb a windmill, which was fometime by a tempeft of 
 wind overthrown, and in place thereof a chapel was built by Queen 
 Katherine (firft wife to Henry VIII), who named it the Mount of 
 Calvary, becaufe it was of Chrift's Paflion, and was in the end of 
 Henry VIII pulled down, and a windmill newly fet up as afore." 
 (Edit. 1842, p. 160.) The fpot is ftill known as Mount Mill ; it is in 
 the parifh of St. Luke. 
 
j 92 Notes. 
 
 P. 60. Sanders relates that reports were prevalent that Wolfey 
 had poifoned himfelf, and an aflertion to this effect was interpolated 
 in the early editions of Cavendifh's Life of the Cardinal. But here we 
 have the teftimony of one who was likely to be thoroughly well- 
 informed in the matter, that the caufe of death was an over-dofe of 
 medicine, which would eafily give occafion to the ftory of poifon. It 
 is curious to find from the State Papers that Wolfey had in years paft 
 been in the habit of over-phyficking himfelf. In a letter written in 
 1519, Sir T. More tells him that the King fays Wolfey may thank him 
 for his health, becaufe by the. King's counfel " ye leave the often taking 
 of medicines that ye were wont to ufe." (Vol. hi. part 1. p. 154.) 
 
 P. 73. It is from Cardinal Pole that we learn that the original 
 fuggeftor of the aflertion of the Royal Supremacy, whofe name Forreft 
 fo carefully fupprefles, was Cromwell. Pole gives a report of Crom- 
 well's addrefs to the King, which clofely agrees in fubftance with that 
 in the text. {Apol. ad Car. v., pp. 118-22, 125-6, vol. i. ; Eplftt. Poli, 
 4 . Brixiae, 1744.) 
 
 P. in. Mr. Froude refufes to believe on the authority of Cardinal 
 Pole that Henry would not grant leave to Queen Katharine to fee her 
 daughter when .on her death-bed, and does not think it poflible that 
 permiffion was afked. But Pole's (only too-probable) account is fully 
 confirmed by our text, which reprefents the Queen as faying that it was 
 forbidden, without reafon affigned, that (he, the dying mother, mould 
 take leave of her daughter. And we have been before told (at p. 85) that 
 it was a dangerous thing for any one to convey letters on either fide. 
 
 Pp. 155, 156., Little mention is made by hiftorians of the confpiracy 
 in which Henry Peckham, fon of Sir Edmund Peckham, was involved. 
 His confeflion, preferred in the State Paper office, under date of 9th 
 December, 1556, ftates that its object was to fend the Queen over the 
 feas to her hufband, and to raife Elizabeth to the throne ; he was him- 
 felf led to join in it by the folicitations of Chriftopher Afchton, who 
 reprefented to him that the Queen was the " vnthankfulleft myfteres 
 on the earth, for fche hathe gyuen thee but one hundered marks a year, 
 and hathe taken from the foer." The Earl of Weftmoreland and Lord 
 Williams were implicated, and Sir Henry Dudley was faid to have 
 engaged all the gentlemen in London that were foldiers. The only 
 full account of the confpiracy is to be found in Mr. J. Bruce's Vermy 
 Papers^ Camd. Soc- 1853, -pp. 59"75- 
 
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 GLOSSARIAL INDEX. 
 
 BANTSCHED, ban- 
 ifhed, 153. 
 Ablactation, weaning, 
 
 43- 
 Abrace, to, to rub out, 
 to efface, 146. 
 Accended, kindled, 155. 
 Accloyd, clogged, overloaded, 92. 
 Adept, acquired, 145. 
 Adnote, to, to notice, 3, 35, 96, 123, 
 
 149. 
 Advayle, to, to avail, 145, 151. 
 Aduue, to, to fee, notice, 160. 
 Affayde, affected, 43. 
 Alhaued, allowed ; five wives " al- 
 leaued" to Henry after Q^Katherine, 
 
 133- 
 Alowe, a /owe, below, 1 34, 1 50, 1 54. 
 Alowde, approved, 46. 
 Alter, other, 131. 
 Am ate, difmayed, 95. 
 Amyddys, amidlt, 121. 
 Apayde, fatisfied, pleafed, 10 1. 
 Applyaunt, united, attached, 3 5. 
 Attoanfe, at once, 56. 
 Avowe, to, to vow, 171. 
 Avoyd, to, to quit, 92 ; to remove, 96. 
 Awaytours, attendants, 1 42. 
 
 Beedobbed, beefrett, ornamented all 
 
 over, 189. 
 Bebote, to, to promife, 96. 
 Bequeaue, to, to bequeath, 104. 
 
 Blanked, paled, 95. 
 BlowfterouJly,bloyfterouJly, boifteroufly, 
 
 109, 159. 
 Bonarly, pleating, 27. 
 Boote, remedy, help, 57. 
 Botachett, a budget, a travelling-bag, 
 
 172. 
 Brute, report, 30, 147. 
 
 Carpe, to, to talk, 178. 
 Certife, certainly, 1 80. 
 Cbeaue, obtain ; " hee ihoulde euyl 
 
 to-cheaue," he mould utterly obtain 
 
 evil, 77. 
 Cbildred, children, 131. 
 Choarle s, churls, 172. 
 Cbriftianed, chriftened, 42. 
 Clampis, clutches, 182. 
 Clokedlye, obfcurely, 1 30. 
 Coarfye, coarfey, cor/aye, vexation, 3 3 , 
 
 96, 152. 
 Cockerell, a young cock, 177. 
 Cocking, fwaggering, boaftful, 81. 
 Conftellation, the ruling planet of one's 
 
 life ; " tooke in goode worth her 
 
 conftellation," 101. 
 Convent, to, to make to agree (faid of 
 
 a tranflation agreeing with the origi- 
 nal), 188. 
 C our aged, took to heart, 15. 
 Crake, a boaft, 159. 
 Culpate, to, to involve in evil, to make 
 
 faulty, 3. 
 
 C C 
 
94- 
 
 Glojfarial Index. 
 
 Cummen, come, 105. 
 Cure, to, to care, 102. 
 Cures, cares, 179. 
 
 Dare, daring, 1 29. 
 Dator, giver, 128. 
 Denver, endeavour, 170. 
 Deceave, to, to difappoint, 166. 
 Decife, to, to decide, 147. 
 Decor, to, to decorate, 142, 
 Defend, to, to prohibit, 29. 
 Demore, to, to delay, 125. 
 Departed, bellowed, fliared, 33. 
 Depured, cleanfed, purified, 103. 
 Detray, to, to take away, 177. 
 Difceauerynge, diffeauerynge, diffever- 
 
 ing, 108, 125. 
 Dolved, buried, 102. 
 Doungegell, dunghill, 80. 
 Dyke, a pit, 154. 
 Dyfpayreth,d\(kppeirtth, 112. 
 
 Edutt, caft out, no. 
 
 Enfenfing, inflrufting, advifmg, 50. 
 
 Evyl, to, to report evil of, charge with 
 
 evil, 45. 
 Exordis, beginnings, 25. 
 
 Feare, companion, 155. 
 
 Fecbe, performance, 16. 
 
 Feft, enfeoffed, 142. 
 
 Feualtie, fealty, 72, 149. 
 
 Flaterabundy, flattery, 50. 
 
 For, for fear of, 100. 
 
 Forne, former, 93. 
 
 Fortbefare, journey hence, death, 178, 
 
 Fortbink, to, to repent, 99, 102. 
 
 Forowe, furrow, 120. 
 
 Frank, to, to fatten, 178. 
 
 Fray, "fear, 93, 157. 
 
 Furtb., forward way, 78, 88. 
 
 Fyne, to, to finilh, 101, 126. 
 
 Game, to, to go, 171. 
 
 Gear, bufinefs, 72 ; clothes, 97. 
 
 Gleek, a game at cards played by three 
 
 perfons, 28. 
 Gree, degree [or grief?], 98. 
 Grofenes, dulnefs, 168, 170. 
 
 Hable, able, 5, 43, 65, 89. 
 
 " Hard face, macht to the," withftood 
 
 openly, 75. 
 Heckford, a heifer, 169. 
 Hedelynge, headelynge, headlong, ralhly, 
 
 139, 142. 
 Huffay, fwaggering, roiftering, 172. 
 
 Ulicitat, illicit, 29. 
 
 Illucle, mocked, expofed to lhame, 1 1 1 . 
 Infaniat, mad, 155. 
 lye, iyeit, iyene, iyes, eye, eyes, 9, 36, 
 54, 62, 92, no, 138, 145, 147. 
 
 Jape, jeft, gibe, no. 
 Jorld, jollied, 93. 
 Jumpe, joined, 69. 
 
 Keyfor, Kaifer, Emperor, 150. 
 Knappyfchelye, crofily, fnappifhly, 169. 
 
 Lache, charge, keeping, 170. 
 Layre, land, 37. 
 Lengre, longer, 141. 
 Leare, countenance, complexion, 155. 
 Leafues, leafowes, paftures, 1 20. 
 Let, hindrance, 56, hindered, 166. 
 Lippe, to, to leap, 156. 
 -Lyn, to, to flop, delay, 63. 
 
 Mack, an undefcribed game, 181. 
 
 Magre, maugre, in fpite of, 78. 
 
 Making or marring, a game, 1 82. Pro- 
 hibited by Stat. 2 and 3 Philip and 
 Mary, (1555) cap. 9. No defcrip- 
 tion of it is known. 
 
 Mall, a game, 181. Apparently not the 
 game with ball and mallet, known 
 fubfequently under the fame name, 
 as here it is faid to be played by men 
 fitting in alehoufes. 
 
 Manchet, the fineft white bread, 167. 
 
 Manure, to, to remain, 1 80. 
 
 Maynye, a company of men, followers, 
 171. 
 
 Meane, meaning, 130. 
 
 Meeue, to, to move, 105, 159 ; [foalfo 
 preeue for prove, 159.] 
 
Glojfarial Index. 
 
 *95 
 
 Memory al!, memory, remembrance, 49. 
 
 Mercy able, merciful, 106. 
 
 Mervoujly, marvelloufly, 1 34. 
 
 Mo, moe, more, 4, 45, 51, &c. 
 
 Mocker, to, to heap up, 172. 
 
 Mowle, a fore. (Promptorium Parvulo- 
 rum.) " All holy ceremonies con- 
 juring the mowle," 81, i.e. all holy 
 ceremonies regarded as mere charms, 
 like the conjuring away of a fore or 
 fefter. Dr. Blifs, fuppofing that the 
 word mowle had fome connection 
 with the verb to mow, i.e. to grin or 
 feoff at, faid {Brit. Bibl. iv. 205), 
 " I take the meaning of this line to 
 be, All holy ceremonies were mocked 
 at." 
 
 Neck-ver/e, the firft verfe of Ps. li. read 
 by felons claiming benefit of clergy, 
 
 173- 
 
 Newes, novelties, 92. 
 Nibbed, cut up, pared away, 81. 
 Noforfe, no matter, 58. 
 Nonaye, no naye, without contradiction, 
 105, 115, '54- 
 
 Oather, other, or, 86, 133. 
 
 Obumbretb, bbfeureth, 30. 
 
 Odd, unlike, different 1 80, 1 89. 
 
 Omytted, loft, 41. 
 
 Ofmundys,"a kind of iron" (Halliwell's 
 GloJJary, Wright's Political Poems 
 and Songs, ii. 171), 77. Explained 
 by Dr. Blifs (Brit. Bibl. iv. 202) as 
 being the o/munda regalis at flower- 
 ing-fern s which was not very likely 
 to have been met with in the ftreets 
 of Oxford, nor would have been a 
 very ferious miflile even if it had 
 ft ruck the Friar's head. 
 
 Overflueled, exceeded, 132. 
 
 Overthwart, contrary, perverfe, 85. 
 
 Paltock, a fhort cloak, 1 89. 
 Parage, parentage, kindred, 169. 
 Parte, partye, refpect, inftance, 1 39, 
 
 145. 
 Pigbt, pitched, placed, 47, nz. 
 
 Poyfonly, poifonoufly, 134.- 
 Prave,pravous, wicked, 120, 159. 
 Preafe, gain, taking, [or, undertaking ?], 
 
 190. 
 Probate, approved, 25, 26. 
 Proftern, to, to proftrate, 139, 140. 
 Pyned, pained, 57. 
 
 £>uoyifehe, £>uoyfche, coyifti, referved,. 
 10, 46., 
 
 Rape, injury, 1 10. 
 
 Rate, rank, condition, izo. 
 
 Raunged, lifted ; '* raunged bread," the 
 
 fecond-beft, 167. 
 Reaving, raving, 123. 
 Recure, to, to recover, 41 ; to receive, 
 
 63. 
 
 Recufe, to, to refufe, 153. 
 
 Regiment, rule, 156. 
 
 Religious, bound by monaftic rule, con- 
 ventual, 8, 29. 
 
 Remorde, to, to bite, to find fault, 152, 
 
 '57- 
 Ren, to, to run, 158. 
 Rowte, riot, disturbance, 134. 
 Rowte, to, to riot, 71. 
 
 Sapyentis, wife men, 25. 
 
 Scace, fcarce, 54, 58, 94. 
 
 Scacely, fcarcely, 55. 
 
 Scrubbe, mean people, 152. 
 
 Sealy, fimple, 57, 82. 
 
 Seaye, fea, 63, 135, 159. 
 
 Seelde, Jeelden, Jeeleden, feldom, 22, 
 38, 121, 145, 146. 
 
 Servyable, ferviceable, 106. 
 
 Shent, blamed, or ftiamed, 177. 
 
 Sbwe, to, to fue, 140. 
 
 " Sitteth the rate," 120. This ap- 
 pears to be a miftake in the MS. for 
 fitteth the rate, i. e. as is fit for the 
 rank. 
 
 Soare, height, loftinefs, 72. 
 
 Soarted, ranked, placed, 108. 
 
 Some, price, value, 80. 
 
 Spyttyllhowjje, low, degraded, 81. 
 
 Steeare, to, to ftir, to move, 155, 160, 
 166. 
 
 Steede, to, to fupply, fupport, 167. 
 
*K* 
 
 196 
 
 Glojfarial Index. 
 
 Stent, rate, value, 183. 
 Stool, a game, 28. 
 
 Stoore, to, to rife up, 46, 159; to 
 raife up, to ftir, 72, 95, 101, 130, 
 
 157- 
 
 Streeke s to, to ftrike, 143. 
 
 Sue, to, to follow, 49, lig, 182.. 
 
 Suobbed, fobbed, 40. 
 
 Sute, kind, way, 25, 65, 147; 
 
 fables, backgammon, 28. 
 
 Taches, tatcbes, tatchejfe, triclcs, 2*9, 
 
 53, '3'- 
 Tmgrave, to en-grave, /.«. to bury, 
 
 104. 
 Tenure, to enure, to accuftom, 123. 
 
 Many other verbs are contrafted in 
 
 this way in the infinitive. 
 t Termyne, to, to determine, 34, 51. 
 Tick-tack,, a fpecies of backgammon, 
 
 28. 
 To-cheaue: fee cheaue. 
 Tofore, before, 139. 
 Togeatber, together, 31, 66, 70, 71, 
 
 86. 
 Torte, wrong, 51. 
 Trade, training, 66, 161. 
 Traded, trained, 43, 150. 
 
 Trading, training, 9,43, 125; fum, 133. 
 Trill, to, to flow, 102. 
 Trytelyngf, rolling, 77. 
 Turls, trulls, {trumpets, 172. 
 
 Unclypfed, uneclipfed, 112. 
 
 Paging, wandering, 67. 
 
 Vanyfcbed, made vain (Halliwell), or 
 
 made to vanifli, 80. - 
 FoyJ,'to t to avoid, 27, 38 ; to remove 
 
 from, 1 128 bis. 
 Vyrylaye, a ihort poem, 173. 
 
 Waded, went, 95. . 
 
 Weeite, weete, to, to wit, to know, 46, 
 
 86, 99, 138.. 
 Weetingly, wittingly, 76. 
 Wboe, Woh! flop! 118. 
 Wbome, home, 31, 37, 53, 63. 
 Wry, to, to turn afide, 93. 
 Wurcbe, to, to work, 145. 
 
 Tdiot, a Ample, unlearned perfon, 25, 
 
 178. 
 Ydolatryall, idolatrous, 47. 
 Teeade, to, to go, 41. 
 Yendre, yonder, 86. 
 
INDEX OF NAMES. 
 
 jFRICA, 141. 
 Aldridge (Robert), 
 
 D.D., 77 *. 
 Alexander the Great, 
 
 151. 
 Arthur, Prince of 
 Wales, 30, tt feqq. 
 Arthur, fon of Henry and Katharine, 
 
 39. I9 1 - 
 Ashton, Chrift., 192. 
 Asia, 141. 
 
 Barclay (Alexander), 174, 188 — 90. 
 
 Bersabe [Bathflieba], 34. 
 
 Boleyn (Anne), 53, 55, 56 — 60, 69, 
 
 80, 90, 185. 
 Bruce (John), 192. 
 Buckden, Hunts, 17, 95, IOI. 
 Buckerdo. See Oxford. 
 Burco (Nicholas de), a Dominican, 14, 
 
 iS.75. 77- 
 
 Cambridge, 47. 
 Cavendish (G.), 192. 
 Charnock (Thomas), D. D., 77 n. 
 Chaucer, Geoffrey, 167. 
 Clement VII. (Pope), 56, 73. 
 Cooke (Robert), D.D., 77. 
 Cowmoulton, i.e. Kimbolton, q. v. 
 Cox (Dr.), Dean of Chrift Church 
 and Chancellor of Oxford, 66 — 68. 
 
 [Cromwell (Thomas)], 73, 192. 
 Croydon, 189. 
 
 Daniel (John), 155. 
 David, 34, 58, 72, 157, i'6o. 
 Dionysius, S., 1 1 S.- 
 Dudley (Sir Henry), 192. 
 Dudley (John), Duke of Northumber- 
 land, 155. 
 Duwes, Giles, 191. 
 Dunstable, 16, 89, 93, 96. 
 
 Eli, 34. 
 
 Elizabeth, Queen, of Spain, 26, 192. 
 
 Elizabeth, Queen of England, 187. 
 
 Efhraem the Syrian, S., 153. ■ 
 
 Europe, 141. 
 
 Ezekjel, 156. 
 
 Ferdinand, King of Spain, 26. 
 Froude (J. A.), 192. 
 
 Gloucester » (Humphrey, Duke of), 
 
 178. 
 Gower (John), 167. 
 Grafton Manor, Northamptonlhire, 
 
 56, 69. 
 
 Holyman (John), D. D., 77. 
 Henry VII. (" the fecond Solomon "), 
 
 30, 37. 38. 39. 7i, 83- > 
 Henry VIII., pajjim to p. 132, 189, 
 190, 192. 
 
198 
 
 Index of Names. 
 
 Howard (Henry), Earl of Surrey, 175. 
 Howard (Thomas), Duke of Norfolk, 
 grandfather and grandfon, 1 74. 
 
 Indoculpitas, 153. 
 Islington, 10, 47. 
 Ixill, Bucks, 69. 
 
 Jacob, 153, 175. 
 
 James, S., 137, 187. 
 
 Jerome, S., 147. 
 
 John the Baptist, S., 117. 
 
 John the Evangelist, S., 117. 
 
 Joseph, 153, 154, 155, 158, 165— 
 
 174. 
 Judas Iscariot, 138. 
 Julius II., Pope, 38. 
 
 Katherine, Queen. Her alms-deeds, 
 46 ; devotion, 47 ; erecis a crucifix 
 near Iflington, 10, 47, 191. 
 
 Kimbolton, or Conmolton, or Cowe- 
 moulton, Hunts, 17, 101. 
 
 Laurence, S., 118. 
 
 Leicester Abbey, 60. 
 
 Linacre (Thomas), Latin tutor to Q;. 
 Mary, 44. 
 
 London, 47, 70 ; Bridewell Palace, 82; 
 Ludgate, 155. 
 
 Longland (John), Bifhop of Lincoln, 
 1 7 ; manages the bufinefs of the 
 divorce at Oxford, 7 5 — 78 ; preaches 
 in favour of the divorce, 59; had the 
 charge of the Queen's funeral, 96, 
 121. 
 
 Ludlow, 16, 87. 
 
 Luther (Martin), 187. 
 
 Lydgate (John), 167, 178. 
 
 Magubryne (?), 105. 
 
 Manchester, 186. 
 
 Mancinus, 174. 
 
 Martyr (Peter), 67. 
 
 Mary, B. V. 117, 142 ; life of, 185. 
 
 Mary, Queen. Birth and education, 
 42 — 4, 191 ; feparated from her 
 mother, 85; at Ludlow, 16, 87; 
 lamentation for her mother, 1 24. 
 
 Maudelaye, or Mawdlin (Richard), 
 
 archd. of Leicefter, 76. 
 Memphytica, Potiphar's wife, 153, 
 
 169. 
 Moreman (John), D. D., 76. 
 More (Sir T.), 192: 
 Mortimer, (William), D. D., 77. 
 
 Nestor,. 151. 
 
 Oxford, 14, 15, 47. 75— 7 8 > 9 6 J 
 building of Cardinal College, 13, 61, 
 65 ; St. Fridefwide's Priory, 65, 68 ; 
 Lincoln College, 15, 77; Buckerdo, 
 or Bocardo, formerly one of the gates 
 of the city, and ufed as a prifon, 15, 
 77. [In thisprifon Cranmer, Ridley, 
 and Latimer, were confined, and the 
 door of their cell with its key is now 
 preferved in the Church of St. Mary 
 Magd.] 
 
 Paul, S., 2, 66, 1 17, 118, 139, 190.; 
 
 Paula, 147. 
 
 Peckham (Henry), fon of Sir Edm. 
 
 155, 156, 192. 
 [Percy (Lord Henry)], 58. 
 Peter (S.), 139- 
 Peterborough ; Queen Katharine's 
 
 burial there, 120. 
 Petrarch, 132. 
 Pharaoh, 154. 
 Pinkie (Battle of), 1 80. 
 Pole (Card.), 192. 
 Potiphar, al. Putyphrys, 153. 
 
 Raphael, 138. 
 Rome, 38, 56, 73, 74. 
 
 Samson, 151. 
 
 Sanders, (N.), 191. 
 
 Saul, 157. 
 
 Solomon, 147, 151. 
 
 Somerset (Edw. Seymour, Duke of), 
 
 179 — 181. 
 Stephen, S., 118. 
 Sternhold (Thomas), 177, 179. 
 
Index of Names. 
 
 199 
 
 Thamb, Oxon., 70. 
 
 TOBIT, I38. 
 
 Vaux, (Thomas, Lord,) 1 90. 
 Vincent, S., 118. 
 
 Westmoreland (H. Nevill, Earl of), 
 292. 
 
 William the Conqueror, 187. 
 Williams (John, Lord), 192. 
 Wolsev (Card.), 52, 58 — 65, 191, 
 
 192. 
 Wood (Anth. a), 77 n. 
 Wyat (Sir Thomas), 155. 
 
 York, 59. 
 
 THE END. 
 
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