'.:•¦:.;.> ^rj-'i! MiWM*2 g**»*Jfr? Q •YAIUE-'VMVEISSinnf- DEPOSITED BY THE LINONIAN AND BROTHERS LIBRARY JJreLwn- onr Sto/ln by Jl J~ liaj-7^i>}^j*}i . Vjoirf^yHjO UtJ-d* The $;,,.',, J ;¦: "'' maDmmimr ©fficDniL, '•is alte.il «pif © amiss iooey:,, j'};.',,, the* i ''r.j.wirz-/ -.n,r, ',,-,,,./ /',,/ ^,, rr-r, ro. is, thePossessum of*' The- Most JVoile , ,c'u--rAi,i? ;/«<,¦< of Sa;',,-,',, •;/ T,ihk,;,k/d. by Bcru-y Coition,'. IS. G' ¦ l'.iri/,,,n,:-,,,;: ,<'fre.> 1SC8. QUEEN ELIZABETH AND ' ' *" HER TIMES, , A SERIES OF ORIGINAL LETTERS, SELECTED FROM THE INEDITED PRIVATE CORRESPONDENCE OF THE LORD TREASURER BURGHLEY,- THE EARL OF LEICESTER, THE SECRETARIES WALSINGHAM AND SMITH, SIR CHRISTOPHER HATTON, AND MOST OF THE DISTINGUISHED PERSONS OF THE PERIOD. EDITED BY THOMAS WRIGHT, M. A. F. S. A. &c. OF TRINITY COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE. IN TWO VOLUMES. VOL. II. LONDON: HENRY COLBURN, PUBLISHER, GREAT MARLBOROUGH STREET. 1838. T3y3l 53 2 I.ON [JON; PRINTED BV IBOTSOM AMI P.WMKK, bAVOY STREET. CONTENTS OF THE SECOND VOLUME. 1 Sir Thomas Smith to Lord Burghley (MS. Harl. 6991, 62) 2 Dr. Wilson to Lord Burghley (MS. Harl. 6991,59) 3 Archbishop of Canterbury to Lord Burghley (MS. Lans. 19, 65) 4 Bishop of London to Lord Burghley (MS. Lans. 20, 61) 5 Earl of Leicester to Lord Burghley (MS. Lans. 20, 49) 6 Earl of Leicester to Lord Burghley (MS. Harl. 6992, 6) 7 to Sir Henry Killigrew (MS. Cotton. Calig. c. v, 31) 8 John Selby to Sir Francis Walsingham (Calig. c. v, 31 b.) 9 Sir Francis Walsingham to Lord Burghley (MS. Harl. 6992, 8) 10 Recorder Fletewood to Lord Burghley (M. Lans. 20, 8) 1 1 Lord Hunsdon to Lord Burghley (MS. Cotton. Calig. c. v, 37) 12 Stukeley to Mistress Julian (MS. Lans. 20, 44) 13 Sir Nicholas White to Lord Burghley (MS. Lans. 20, 40) 1 4 Sir Francis Walsingham to Lord Burghley (MS. Harl. 6992, 14) 15 Sir Thomas Smith to Lord Burghley (MS. Lans. 21,21) 16 The same to the same (MS. Harl. 6992, 1) 17 Sir Francis Walsingham to Lord Burghley (MS. Harl. 3992, 23) Page Richmond, March 6, 1575 1 Antwerp, Feb. 14 3 sy . Feb. 18 7 London, April 1 1 9 June 10 10 Grafton (?) June 28 11 Kenilworth, July 12 13 July 15 15 Stafford, Aug. 7 16 Bacon House, Aug. 8 17 Berwick, Aug. 24 21 Rome, Oct. 24 24 Waterford, Oct. 27 35 Windsor, Nov. 18 27 . Windsor, Dec. 4 29 Chanon Row, March 27, 1576 ib. Whitehall, April, 12 - — 31 VI CONTENTS. 18 Sir Thomas Smith to Lord Burghley (MS. Harl. 6992, 22) 1 9 The Regent Morton to Lord Burghley (MS. Cotton. Calig. c. v, 67) 20 Sir Nicholas White to Lord Burghley (MS. Lans. 21, 33) 21 Recorder Fletewood to Lord Burghley (MS. Lans. 23, 58) 22 The same to the same (MS. Lans. 22,51) 23 The same to the same (MS. Lans. 23, 54) 24 Sir Edward Waterhouse to Lord Burghley (MS. Lans. 23, 84) 25 Dr. Wilson to Lord Burghley (MS. Cotton. Galba, c. v, 325) 26 Sir Henry Ratcliffe to the Earl of Sussex . (MS. Harl. 6992, 33) 27 Earl of Northumberland to Lord Burghley (MS. Lans. 24, 15) 28 Sir Henry Cheek to Lord Burghley (MS. Lans. 23, 68) 29 Lord Abergavenny to Lord Burghley (MS. Harl. 6992, 35) 30 Lord Burghley to the Earl of Shrewsbury (MS. Cotton. Calig. ¦,. ,, 76, b.) 31 The Earl of Shrewsbury to his Countess (communicated by the Rev. J. Hunter) 32 Earl of Essex to Lord Burghley (MS. Lans. 25, 19) 33 Edmond Hogan to Queen Elizabeth (MS. Cotton. Nero, b. xi, 297) 34 Daniel Rogers to the Earl of Leicester (Galba. c. vi, p. 76) 35 Earl of Leicester to the Earl of Sussex (Lans. 25, 28) 36 Recorder Flet'ewood to Lord Burghley (MS. Lans. 24, 79) 37 Robert Bowes to Sir Francis Walsingham (MS. Cotton. Calig. c. v, 79) 38 Recorder Fletewood to Lord Burghley (MS. Lans. 24, 80) 39 The same to the same (MS. Lans. 24, 81) 40 The same to the same (MS. Lans. 25, 75) Page Chanon Row, May 2, 1576 32 May 8 33 Dublin, Sept. 30 ¦ 34 Nov. 37 The Fleet , Nov. 7 41 The Fleet , Nov. 9 42 Chartley. Nov. 15 43 Brussels, Dec. 3 45 Portsmouth, Jan. 15, 1577 46 . Petworth, March 22 48 Florence, March 29 49 Comfort, April 8 51 May 9 54 ib. Cambridge, May 1 3 55 Marocco, June 11 56 Enchusen, July 26 57 July 30 61 Bacon House, July 30 62 Berwick, Aug. 2 65 Bacon House, Sept. 66 Bacon House, Nov. 1 0 70 Jan. 1578 72 CONTENTS. Page Greys, Jan. 9, 1578 74 41 Sir Francis|Knollys to Secretary Wilson (MS. Harl. 6992, 44) 42 Sir Francis Walsingham to Randolph . Hampton Court, Feb. 4 (MS. Harl. 6992, 47) 43 The same to the same . . Hampton Court, Feb. 20 (MS. Harl. 6992, 48) 44 Randolph and Bowes to the two Secretaries . Edinburgh, Feb. 28 (MS. Harl. 6992, 49) 45 Sir Francis Walsingham to Randolph and Bowes 7G 78 (MS. Harl. 6992, 50) 46 Robert Bowes to Lord Burghley (MS. Cotton. Calig. c. v, 89) 47 John Barker to the Earl of Leicester (MS. Cotton. Vespas. c. vii, 371) 48 Dr. Wilson to (MS. Cotton. Nero, b. i, p. 206) 49 Recorder Fletewood to Lord Burghley (MS. Lans. 26, 67) 50 W. Davison to Lord Burghley (MS. Cotton. Titus, b. ii, 415) 51 Lord Hunsdon to Lord Burghley (MS. Cotton. Calig. c. v, 101) 52 Lord Burghley to the Earl of Shrewsbury (Shrewsbury Papers — Lodge) 53 Sir Francis Walsingham to Sir Christopher Hatton The Court, March 16 79 Edinburgh, April 28 81 (From a private collection) 54 Dr. Wilson to the Earl of Leicester (MS. Cotton. Galba, c. vi, p. 2, 102) 55 Robert Bowes to Lord Burghley (MS. Cotton. Calig. c. v, 116) 56 Recorder Fletewood to Lord Burghley (MS. Lans. 28, 32) 57 Sir Christopher Hatton to Lord Burghley (MS. Lans. 28, 63) 58 Lord Burghley to Sir Christopher Hatton (From a private collection) 59 Sir Philip Sydney to Sir Christopher Hatton (From a private collection) 60 Earl of Leicester to Lord Burghley . Kenilworth, Oct. 20 (MS. Harl. 6992, 56) 61 The same to the same .... Nov. 12 (MS. Harl. 6992, 57) 62 Dr. Wilson to Lord Burghley . . The Court, Dec. 3 (MS. Harl. 6992, 59) 63 Sir Christopher Hatton to Sir Francis Walsingham (From a private collection) Hatton House, April 26, 1580 106 St. Lucar, June 10 83 The Court, June 14 85 Bacon House, July 21 86 Antwerp, Aug. 8 89 Berwick, Aug. 19 91 Theobalds, Oct. 8 92 Hatton Antwerp, Sept. 9 Richmond, Nov. 9 93 94 March 29, 1579 96 July 6 97 Greenwich, Aug. 9 98 Holdenby, Aug. 19 99 . Aug. 28 - 100 101 103 105 Vill CONTENTS. 64 Dr. Wilson to Lord Burghley . St. Catherine's, May 31 (MS. Harl. 6992, 60) 65 Lord Grey to Queen Elizabeth . . Dublin, Aug. 12 (MS. Cotton. Titus, b. xiii, 305) 66 Sir Francis Bacon to Lord Burghley . Gray's Inn, Sept. 16 (MS. Lans. 31, 14) 67 Christopher Hoddesdon to the Earl of Leicester, Antwerp, Sept. 25 (MS. Cotton. Galba, c. vii, 71) 68 Daniel Rogers to Dr. Wilson . Steinbergh, Oct. 1 (Galba, c. vii, 80) 69 Sir Nicholas Bagnall to the Earl of Leicester . Dublin, Oct. 3 (Titus, b. xiii, 307) 70 Sir Richard Bingham to the Earl of Leicester (MS. Titus, b. xiii, 317) Smerwick Road, Nov. 11 Page 1580 109 110 112 114 116 119 71 Thomas Norton to Sir Christopher Hatton (From a private collection) 72 The Suit of William Simpson (MS. Lans. 108, 60) 73 Sir Henry Wallop to the Earl of Leicester (MS. Cotton. Titus, b. xiii, 319) 74 John Brown to the Earl of Leicester (Titus, b. vii, 90) 75 Francis Mylles to Randolph (MS. Lans. 31, 44) 76 Mr. Huband to William Herle (MS. Cotton. Galba, c. vii, 39) 77 J. Barrow to London, Dec. 30 Dublin, Jan. 26, Mechlin, May 1 Whitehall, March 18 Shrewsbury, March 22 London, April 24 The Court, April 25 Shrewsbury, April 26 Nonsuch, June (Galba, c. vii, 121 b.) 78 George Bohun to William Herle Galba, c. vii, 120) 79 E. Molyneux to — Moreton (Galba, c. vii, 128) 80 Lord Burghley to the Earl of Sussex (Titus, b. ii, 423) 81 Thomas Churchyard to Sir Christopher Hatton, Berwick, June 23 (From a private collection) 82 The same to the same .... July 1 0 (From a private collection) 83 Lord Burghley to Sir Christopher Hatton July 13 (From a private collection) 84 Thomas Churchyard to Sir Christopher Hatton (From a private collection) The Marshalsea, July 20 85 The Bishop of Norwich to Lord Burghley . Ludham, Auir 2 (MS. Lans. 33, 20) b 86 Lord Grey to Sir Christopher Hatton Dublin, Aug. 12 . (From a private collection) 120 123124 1581 125 127 129 ^— 130 131 133 136 137 140 142 144 145 - ib. 147 CONTENTS. IX Page 87 Sir Francis Walsingham to the Earl of Sussex . Paris, Aug. 20, 1581 148 (MS. Cotton. Titus, b. ii, 421) 88 Sir Walter Raleigh to the Earl of Leicester . Lismore, Aug. 25 1 49 (MS. Harl. 6993, 3) 89 The Queen to Sir Edward Stafford . . . 150 (From a private collection) 90 Sir Francis Knollys to Burghley and Leicester, London, Sept. 29 154 (Ms. Lans. 33, 84) 91 The Bishop of London to Lord Burghley . Fulham, Sept. 29 154 (MS. Lans. 33, 24) 92 Christopher Hoddesdon to . Antwerp, Oct. 15 156 (MS. Cotton. Galba, c. vii, 142) 93 Sir Philip Sydney to Sir Christopher Hatton, The Court, Oct. 17 157 (From a private collection) 94 Sir John Hawkins to Mr. Bolland . Chatham, Oct. 20 158 (MS. Harl. 6993, 7) 95 Recorder Fletewood to Lord Burghley . . Oct. 21 159 (MS. Lans. 32, 39) 96 Recorder Fletewood to Sir F. Walsingham . . . ] 61 (MS. Lans. 32, 9) 97 Sir Philip Sydney to Sir Christopher Hatton (From a private collection) Barnard's Castle, Nov. 13 162 98 . The same to the same . . Salisbury, Dec. 18 163 (From a private collection) 99 Recorder Fletewood to Lord Burghley, Bacon House, Jan. 14, 1582 164 (MS. Lans. 34, 3) 100 Thomas Norton to Sir Christopher Hatton . London, Feb. 28 167 (From a private collection) 101 Recorder Fletewood to Lord Burghley . Bacon House, May 8 169 (MS. Lans. 35, 26) 102 The same to the same . . Serjeant's Inn, May 5 171 (MS. Lans. 35, 27) • 103 The same to the same .... May 6 173 (MS. Lans. 35, 28) 104 Roger Bodenham to Lord Burghley . Saint Lucar, June 11 174 (MS. Lans. 32, 51) 105 John Walker to the Earl of Leicester . At Sea, June 14 177 (MS. Cotton. Otho, E. viii, 133) 106 Edward Prinne to Lord Burghley . . . 179 (MS. Lans. 35, 71) 107 Sir John Norris to Queen Elizabeth . Antwerp, Jan. 9, 1583, 180 (From a private collection) 108 The Mayor of London to Lord Burghley . London, Jan. 14 183 (MS. Lans. 37, 4) 109 Recorder Fletewood to Lord Burghley . . Jan. 19 184 (MS. Lans. 37, 5) CONTENTS. Edinburgh, March 4, 1 583 Venice, March 4 . Antwerp, March 6 1 1 0 W- Davison to Sir Christopher Hatton. (From a private collection) 111 W. Parry to Lord Burghley (MS. Lans. 37, 32) 112 Sir John Norris to the Earl of Leicester (MS. Cotton. Galba, c. viii, 171) 113 Sir Francis Walsingham to Sir Christopher Hatton (From a private collection) Barn-Elms, March 19 114 Robert Bowes to Sir Francis Walsingham, Edinburgh, April 12 (MS. Cotton. Calig. t. vii, 145) 115 Sir F. Walsingham to Lord Burghley (MS. Lans. 38, 61) 116 Queen Elizabeth to Lord Burghley (MS. Harl. 787, 66 A.) 1 17 W. Parry to Lord Burghley (MS. Lans. 39, 21) 118 Sir Francis Walsingham to Lord Burghley MS. Harl. 6993,27) 119 Recorder Fletewood to Lord Burghley (MS. Lans. 38, 12) 120 Francis Touker to Lord Burghley (MS. Lans. 39, 34) 121 *Sir Francis Walsingham to Lord Burghley Barn-Elms, Aug. 6 (MS. Harl. 6993, 29) 122 *Queen Elizabeth to the King of Scots (From a private collection.) 123 Sir William Cecil to Lord Burghley MS. Lans. 104, 65) 124 Sir John Norris to Mr. Herle (MS. Cotton. Galba, u. vii, 258) 125 to Mary Queen of Scots Page 188 191 193 The Court, April 20 May 8 ¦ Lyons, May 10 The Court, July 2 ¦ July 18 - July 22 - Aug. 1 Paris, August 26 Flushing, Sept. 13 Sept. 26 (Calig. c. vii, 247) 126 A Letter of News (Galba, c. vii, 254) 127 Robert Bowes to Sir F. Walsingham (Calig. c. vii, 275) 128 The same to the same (Calig. c. viii. 3) 129 The same to the same (Calig. c. viii, 12) 130 The same to the same (Calig. c. viii, 13 6.) 131 Recorder Fletewood to Lord Burghley (MS. Lans. 41, 13) * These two letters were misplaced by an error in the transcript, not discovered till it was too late to restore them to their place. Nov. 6 Berwick, Feb. 24, 1584 Berwick, April 5 Berwick, April 23 Berwick, April 26 June 18 ¦ ib. 195 200 201 ib. 203204206 253 254 208 ib. 209211215 218 ooo 225 226 CONTENTS. XI Page Deptford, July 10, 1584 231 Edinburgh, July 234 Aug. 24 235 Paris, Sept. 28 237 Oct. 1 240 Nov. 29 243 July 7, 1585 245 Aug. 2 252 Tutbury, Aug. 8 255 Aug. 21 259 132 Sir John Hawkins to Lord Burghley (MS. Lans. 43, 11) 133 W. Davison to Sir F. Walsingham (MS. Cotton. Calig. c. viii, 701) 134 Sir F. Walsingham to Lord Hunsdon (Calig. c. viii, 99 b) 135 Sir Robert Cecil to Sir F. Walsingham (Galba, 2. vi, 252) 136 Recorder Fletewood to Lord Burghley (MS. Lans. 56, 8) 1 37 The same to the same (MS. LansMl, 16) 138 The same to the same (MS. Lans. 44, 38) 139 Mr. Wotton to Sir F. Walsingham (MS. Cotton. Calig. c. viii, 220 140 Sir Amias Poulet to Lord Burghley (MS. Harl. 6993, 51) 141 A to G. (MS. Cotton. Calig. c. viii, 226) 142 John Davis to Sir Francis Walsingham (MS. Lans. 46, 21) 143 Lord Scrope to Sir F. Walsingham MS. Cotton. Calig. c. viii, 259) 144 Sir George Carey to Lord Burghley Carisbrook Castle, Nov. 10 (Vespas. F. xii, 117) 145 Thomas Doyley to the Earl of Leicester (Galba, c. viii, 206) 146 Lord Scrope to Sir Francis Walsingham (Calig. c. viii, 264) 147 Thomas Doyley to the Earl of Leicester (Galba, c. viii, 211) 148 The Earl of Leicester to Lord Burghley (MS. Harl. 6993, 62) 1 49 Lord Willoughby to Lord Burghley . (MS. Lans. 45, 50) 150 Lord Charles Howard to the Earl of Leicester The Court, Dec. 27 - (MS. Cotton. Galba, c. viii, 243) 151 Contents of Leicester's letters from Flandeis Jan. 22 — Feb. 27, 1 (MS. Lans. 46, 59) 152 Lord Burghley to the Earl of Leicester . Greenwich, Jan. 17 - (MS. Cotton. Galba, t. ix, 24), 153 The same to the same . . Westminster, Feb. 7 - (Galba, c. ix, 71) 154 Sir Robert Constable to Sir F. Walsingham . . Feb. 24 - (Calig. c. viii, 293) Oct. 3 263 Berwick, Nov. 5 Calais, Nov. 12 Nov. 18 - . Flushing, Nov. 23 - Dec. 5 - Cronenburgh, Dec. 15 — ib. 265 266 269 270 271 274 275 277 281 282 283 XI 1 CONTENTS. 155 W. Davison to the Earl of Leicester . . Feb. 28. (Galba, u. viii, 46) 156 Lord Burghley to the Earl of Leicester . Greenwich, March 6 (Galba, c. ix, 115) 157 Sir Henry Wallop to the Earl of Leicester . Dublin, March 15 (Titus b. xiii, 389) 158 Sir Walter Raleigh to the Earl of Leicester Page 1586 284 287 (MS. Harl. 6994, 2) 159 Recorder Fletewood to Lord Burghley (MS. Lans. 49, 1) 1 60 Cotton Mowgrave to Thomas Randolph (MS. Harl. 6994, 6) 161 Earl of Sussex to Lord Burghley (MS. Lans. 50, 19) 162 Lord Burghley to the Earl of Leicester (MS. Cotton. Galba, c. ix, 256) 163 Earl of Sussex to Lord Burghley . (MS. Lans. 50, 20) 164 The same to the same (MS. Lans. 50, 21) 165 Lord Burghley to the Earl of Leicester (MS. Cotton, Galba, c. ix, 274) 166 Declaration of B. Bland (MS. Lans. 50, 2) 167 Sir Francis Drake to Lord Burghley (MS. Lans. 51,14) 1 68 Randolph to Archibald Douglas (Murdin's State Papers.) 169 Lord Burghley to the Earl of Leicester (MS. Cotton. Galba, c. ix, 374) 170 Sir Walter Mildmay to Lord Burghley (MS. Harl. 6994, 18) 171 Recorder Fletewood to Lord Burghley (MS. Lans. 49, 4) 1 72 Master of Gray to Archibald Douglas (Murdin's Burghley Papers.) 173 The Mayor, &c. of Rye to Lord Cobham (MS. Lans. 48, 70) 174 Earl of Sussex to Lord Burghley (MS. Lans. 50, 25) 175 Lord Burghley to the Earl Leicester (MS. Cotton. Galba, c. x, 19) 176 Matter of Gray to Archibald Douglas (Murdin's Burghley Papers.) 177 Sir W. Stanley to the Earl of Leicester (MS. Cotton. Galba, c. x, 71) The Court, March 29 Bacon-house, Whitsunday ¦ Nostill, May 1 • Beare, June 4 June 8 ¦ . Portsmouth, June 13 • Portsmouth, June 13 - . Greenwich, June 20 - June At sea, July 26 - Newcastle, Aug. 5 - Burghley-house, Aug. 18 - Althorp, Sept. 2 - The Guildhall, Sept. 6 - Dumf., Sept. 8 - Rye, Sept. 9 - Portsmouth, Sept. 10 — Windsor, Sept. 15 — Falkland, Sept. 29 — Zutphen, Oct. 20 — - 289 - 290 ¦ 291 • 293 - ib. ¦ 295 296 298299 302 303 305 306 307308 309 310 311 313315 31S Exeter, Feb. 3 329 Exeter, Feb. 4 • 330 The Court, Feb. 332 Feb. 14 333 Carlisle, Feb. 21 334 CONTENTS. Xlll Page 178 Sir Francis Walsingham to Sir Edward Stafford (Galba, E. vi, 309) Barn-Elms, Oct. 27, 1586 319 179 W. Davison to the Earl of Leicester . Richmond, Nov. 4 321 (Galba, c. ix, 41) 180 SirF. Walsingham to the Earl of Leicester Barn-Elms, Nov. 5 323 (Titus B. vii, 65) 181 Lord Burghley to the Earl of Leicester Westminster, Nov. 9 324 (Galba, c. x, 40) 182 Sir Henry Widdrington to Walsingham . Berwick, Dec. 7 327 (Calig. c. ix, 452) 183 Thomas Wylkes to Queen Elizabeth . The Hague, Jan. 19, 1587 327 (MS. Harl. 6994, 26) 184 The Mayor of Exeter to Lord Burghley (MS. Lans. 51, 42) 185 The Mayor of Exeter to the Council (MS. Lans. 51, 43) 1 86 Secretary Wolley to the Earl of Leicester (MS. Cotton. Calig. c. ix, 168) 187 Lord Scrope to Sir Francis Walsingham (Calig. c. ix, 157) 188 The same to the same (Calig. c. ix, 166) 189 Sir Francis Walsingham to the Earl of Leicester (Galba, c. ix. 315) The Court, April 3 335 190 The Earl of Sussex to Lord Burghley . Portsmouth, April 27 337 (MS. Lans. 53, 42) 191 Sir Francis Walsingham to Lord Burghley . The Court, May 23 338 (MS. Harl. 6994, 39) 192 The same to the same . . The Court, May 26 339 (MS. Harl. 6994, 39) 193 The same to the same . . Barn-Elms, July 16 340 (MS. Harl. 6994, 42) 194 The same to the same . . Barn-Elms, July 20 341 (MS. Harl. 6994, 46) 195 Sir Thomas Leighton to the Earl of Leicester (MS. Cotton. Galba, D. 1, 148) Guernsey, July 21 342 196 Sir Roger Williams to the Earl of Leicester . uo (Galba, D. x, 214) 197 The Earl of Essex to the Earl of Leicester, Theobalds. Julv 31 Ui (Galba, D. i, 141) ' 198 W. Herle to the Earl of Leicester . Temple-Bar, Sept. 8 345 (Titus, b. vii, 57) * 199 Sir Francis Walsingham to Lord Burghley, Barn-Elms, Sept. 12 346 (MS. Harl. 6994, 52) * 200 Sir William Russell to the Earl of Leicester, Flushing Sept 13 %A7 (MS. Cotton. Titus, B. vii, 1 08) * ' ' XIV CONTENTS. Page 201 Edward Prinne to Lord Burghley . London, Sept. 16, 1587 350 (MS. Lans. 54, 74) 202 Thomas Tuncker to William Watson . Elsinore, Oct. 13 351 (MS. Lans. 53,10) 203 Sir Thomas Leighton to the Earl of Leicester (MS. Cotton. Galba, D. ii, 69) Guernsey, Sept. 18 353 204 Sir F. Walsingham to the Earl of Leicester . London, Oct. 9 354 (Galba, D. 1, 46) 205 Lord Hunsdon to Queen Elizabeth . Berwick, Oct. 24 355 (Murdin's State Papers) 206 The Earl of Derby to Lord Burghley . Chanon Row, Dec. 1 356 (MS. Lans. 53, 66) 207 Lord Charles Howard to Lord Burghley At Sea, Dec. 24 357 (MS. Harl. 6994, 55) 208 The Council to the Lieutenants of Sussex The Court, Jan. 4, 1588, 358 (MS. Harl. 703, 52) 209 The Lord High Admiral to Lord Burghley . At Sea, Jan. 23 359 (MS. Harl. 6991, 61) 210 Letters of Privy Seal to Roger Columbell . Jan. 26 361 (MS. Add. Brit. Mus. 6702, 31) 211 Sir William Russell to the Earl of Leicester . Flushing, Feb. 8 362 (MS. Cotton. Galba, D. ifi, 42) 212 Lord Willoughby to Lord Burghley . The Hague, Feb. 22 363 (MS. Harl. 6994, 62) 213 Sir William Russell to the Earl of Leicester. Flushmg, Feb. 29 365 (MS. Cotton. Galba, D. iii, 54) 214 Sir Robert Cecil to Michael Hickes . Ostend, Feb. 29 366 (MS. Lans. 107, 42) 215 Earl of Huntingdon to Lord Burghley York, March 13 368 (MS. Harl. 6994, 63) 216 Lord High Admiral to Lord Burghley Hackney, April 13 369 (MS. Harl. 6994, 65) 217 Earl of Huntingdon to Lord Burghley . York, May "8 370 (MS. Lans. 57, 42) 218 Sir Edward Norris to the Earl of Leicester Ostend, June 10 371 (MS. Cotton. Galba, D. iii, 287) 219 Sir Francis Drake to Sir Francis Walsingham June 24 372 (Hardwicke Papers — from the State Paper Office) 220 Earl of Huntingdon to Lord Burghley . York June 29 373 (MS. Harl. 6994, 66) 221 Circular from the Council to the Nobility 374 (MS. Lans. 57, 57) 222 Mr. Rither to Lord Burleigh . Harwood, July 17 376 (MS. Lans. 57, 14) 223 Sir Thomas Heneage to the Earl of Leicester (MS. Cotton. Galba, D. iii, 221) The Court, July 17 378 CONTENTS. 224 Sir Francis Drake to Lord Henry Seymour At Sea, July 21, 1588 (Hardwick Papers) 225 Sir Francis Drake to Sir Francis Walsingham At Sea, July 31 (Hardwicke Papers) 226 Lord Willoughby to Lady Stafford . Middleburgh, Aug. 5 (MS. Harl. 6994, 70) 227 Sir Francis Walsingham to the Earl of Leicester (MS. Cotton. Galba, D. iii, 232) The Court, Aug. 6 228 Sir Francis Walsingham to the Lord Chancellor (MS. Harl. 6994, 74) 229 Sir Francis Drake to Queen Elizabeth (Hardwicke Papers) 230 Sir Edward Fitton to Lord Burghley . (MS. Harl. 6994, 72) 231 Sir Francis Walsingham to Lord Burghley (MS. Harl. 6994, 73) 232 The same to the same (MS. Harl. 6994, 75) 233 The same to the same (MS. Harl. 6994, 76) 234 Sir Francis Drake to Sir Francis Walsingham (Hardwicke Papers) 235 Earl of Leicester to the Earl of Shrewsbury (Shrewsbury Papers, — from Lodge) 236 Earl of Leicester to Lord Burghley (MS. Harl. 6994, 77) 237 W. Asheby to Lord Burghley (MS. Cotton. Julius, F. vi, A. 20) 238 LoTd North to Lord Burghley (MS. Lans. 57, 50) 239 Sir Francis Walsingham to Sir Edward Stafford (MS. Cotton. Galba, E. vi, 379) 240 William Hobby to Lord Burghley (MS. Lans. 99, 11) 241 Mr. David Powell to Lord Burghley (MS. Lans. 60, 42) 242 Sir Thomas Bodley to the Council (MS. Cotton. Galba, D. iv, 229) 243 to Lord Burghley The Camp, Aug. 8 - At Sea, Aug. 8 - Gawsworth, Aug. 8 - The Camp, Aug. 8 - Gravesend, Aug. 9 ¦ The Camp, Aug. 9 - At Sea, Aug. 10 • The Camp, Aug. 15 ¦ Wanstead, Aug. 18 • Kirtling, Sept. 9 • Richmond, Jan. 28, if 89 The Tower, April 28 London, April 28 ¦ Berghen-op-Zoom, May 28 (MS. Lans. 61, 45) 244 Lord North to Lord Burghley (MS. Lans. 60, 78) 245 Sir Robert Cecil to Michael Hickes (MS. Lans. 61, 83) 246 James Rither to Lord Burghley (MS. Lans. 61,69) Portsmouth, June 25 Kirtling, July 28 Aug. Barden, Sept. 26 Page 379 380382 384 385 ib. 386 387 ib- 388 389 390 391 392 393394 397398 399400401 402 403 XVI CONTENTS. 247 Sir Anthony Thorold to Lord Burghley (MS. Lans. 60, 33) 248 James Rither to Lord Burghley (MS. Lans. 64, 72) 249 Sir Thomas Heneage to Lord Burghley (MS. Harl. 6995, 37) 250 Sir Roger Williams to Lord Burghley (MS. Harl. 6995, 50) 251 The Council to Sir Thomas Bodley (MS. Cotton. Galba, D. viii, 126) 252 Sir Thomas Bodley to Lord Burghley (Galba, D. viii. 125 b.) 253 Sir Robert Cecil to Michael Hickes (MS. Lans. 68, 89) 254 Thomas Churchyard to Mrs. Perm (MS. Lans. 68, 115) 255 Sir Robert Cecil to Michael Hickes (MS. Lans. 107, 35) 256 Sir Robert Cecil to Mrs. Penn (MS. Lans. 107,58) 257 The same to the same (MS. Lans. 107, 62) 258 Sir Francis Knollys to Lord Burghley (MS. Lans. 66, 52) 259 Recorder Fletewood to Lord Burghley (MS. Lans. 71, 16) 260 Sir John Burgh to Lord Burghley (MS. Lans. 70, 27) 261 Sir Martin Frobisher to the Council (MS. Lans. 70, 30) 262 Drake and W. KiUigrew to Lord Burghley (MS. Lans. 70, 31) 263 Lord Burghley to Sir Thomas Bodley (MS. Cotton. Galba, D. ix, 334) 264 Lord Burghley to Sir Robert Cecil (Cambridge MS. 2) 265 The same to the same (Cambridge MS. 5) 266 The same to the same (Cambridge MS. 10) 267 The same to the same (Cambridge MS. 17) 268 The same to the same (Cambridge MS. 18) 269 Earl of Huntingdon to Lord Burghley (MS. Lans. 78, 9) Page 406 407409410 411412 413 414 ib. 415 416 Jan. 9, 1592 417 . Marston, Nov. 6, 1589 Harwood, Aug. 29, 1590 The Court, Sept. 23 March 27, 159] Theobalds, May 17 The Hague, May 17 At Sea, Aug. 17 Causson Bay, Sept. 4 Plymouth, Sept. 5 Hampton Court, Dec. 9 Westminster, May 21, 1593 May 28 Theobalds, Dec. 7 Theobalds, Dec. 7 Feb. 10, 1594 York, March 25 418 420 422 423 424 426 427 428 480 431 CONTENTS XV 11 Page 270 Lord Burghley to Sir Robert Cecil March 29, 1594 432 (Cambridge MS. 24) 271 The same to the same April 25 433 (Cambridge MS. 19) 272 The same to the same May 5 ib- (Cambridge MS. 20) 273 The same to the same Sept. 4 434 (Cambridge MS. 26) 274 Sir Henry Maynard to Michael Hickes The Court, Sept. 14 435 (MS. Lans. 77, 15) ¦ 275 Lord Burghley to Sir Robert Cecil Oct. 13 436 (Cambridge MS. 30) 276 The same to the same Oct. 19 437 (Cambridge MS. 32) 277 Sir Richard Bingham to the Council Dublin, Nov. 4 438 (MS. Harl. 6996, 116) 278 Lord Burghley to' Sir Robert Cecil Dec. 2 439 (Cambridge MS. 33) 279 The same to the same . Burghley House, Dec. 27 440 (Cambridge MS. 37) 280 The same to the same Jan. 2, 1595 441 (Cambridge MS. 38) 281 The same to the same Feb. 17 ib. (Cambridge MS. 42) 282 The same to the same Theobalds, April 29 442 (Cambridge MS. 43) 283 The same to the same May 20 443 (Cambridge MS. 44) 284 The same to the same May — , 444 (Cambridge MS. 45) 285 The same to the same June — , ib. (Cambridge MS. 48) 286 Drake and Hawkins to Lord Burghley Plymouth, Aug. 18 445 (MS. Harl. 6997) 287 Lord Burghley to Sir Robert Cecil Sept. 13 446 (Cambridge MS. 55) 288 Sir Henry Maynard to Michael Hickes Sept. 20 448 (MS. Lans. 77, 68) 289 Sir John Norris to the Lord Chancellor Sept. — , 450 (MS. Harl. 6997) 290 Lord Burghley to Sir Robert Cecil Oct. 7 452 (Cambridge MS. 58) 291 The same to the same Oct. 18 ib. (Cambridge MS. 60) 292 The same to the same Dec. 2 453 (Cambridge MS. 70) VOL. 11. c Vlll CONTENTS. Dec. 6, Dec. 7 Jan. 2, Jan. 26 March 23 March 30 293 Lord Burghley to Sir Robert Cecil (Cambridge MS. 65) 294 The same to the same (Cambridge MS. 64) 295 The same to the same (Cambridge MS. 73) 296 The same to the same (Cambridge MS. 75) 297 The same to the same (Cambridge MS. 78) 298 The same to the same (Cambridge MS. 82) 299 The same to the same (Cambridge MS. 88) 300 Sir Henry Maynard to Sir Robert Cecil (Cambridge MS. 86) Burghley House, March 31 301 Lord Burghley to Sir Robert Cecil . March 31 (Cambridge MS. 87) 302 The same to the same . . April 4 (Cambridge MS. 89) 303 The same to the same . . . May 26 (Cambridge MS. 90) 304 Earl of Essex to Lord Burghley . Cadiz, July 1 (MS. Lans. 82, 12) 305 Lord Mayor of London to Lord Burghley London, July 25 (MS. Lans. 81, 30) 306 Lord Burghley to Sir Robert Cecil (Cambridge MS. 98) 307 Lord Mayor of London to Lord Burghley (MS. Lans. 81, 32) 308 Lord Burghley to Sir Robert Cecil (Cambridge MS. 100) 309 The same to the same (Cambridge MS. 105) 310 Anthony Bacon to Dr. Hawkins (MS. Harl. 286) 311 Earl of Clanricarde to the Lord Deputy (MS. Cotton. Titus, b. xiii, 488) 312 Mayor of Galway to the Lord Deputy (Titus, b. xiii, 473) 313 Sir Richard Bingham to Sir Robert Gardiner (Titus, b, xiii, 475) Beaumaris, Jan. 20 314 The same to the same . Beaumaris, Jan. 27 (Titus, b. xiii, 489) 315 Lord Burghley to Sir Robert Cecil (Cambridge MS. Ill) July 28 Sept. 26 Oct. 31 Nov. 14 Essex House, Nov. 26 Lough Reagh, Jan. Galway, Jan. 15, 19 Page 1595 454 455 1596 456 456 ib. 457 458 ib. 459 460 461 ib. 462 463 ib. 464 465 466 1597 ib. 467 469471 May 15 473 CONTENTS. XIX 316 Sir Robert Cecil to Michael Hickes (MS. Lans. 85, 18) 317 Lord Burghley to Sir Robert Cecil (Cambridge MS. 112) 318 The same to the same (Cambridge MS. 113) 319 The same to the same (Cambridge MS. 114) 320 Sir Robert Cecil to the Earl of Essex (MS. Lans. 85, 19) 321 Sir Henry Maynard to Michael Hickes (MS. Lans. 85, 22) 322 The same to the same (MS. Lans. 85, 23) 323 The same to the same (MS. Lans. 85, 25) 324 Lord Burghley to Sir Robert Cecil (Cambridge MS. 120) 325 The same to the same (Cambridge MS. 121) 326 The same to the same (Cambridge MS. 122) 327 Sir Robert Cecil to Lord Burghley (MS. Cotton. Calig. E. ix, 462) 328 Lord Burghley to Sir Robert Cecil (Cambridge MS. 128) 329 The same to the same (Cambridge MS. 180) 330 The same to the same (Cambridge MS. 133) 331 Sir Robert Wroth to Michael Hickes (MS. Lans. 87, 83) 332 The same to the same (MS. Lans. 87, 84) 333 Sir Henry Danvers to Mr. Ate (MS. Cotton. Titus, b. xii, 517) 334 John Davis to Sir Robert Cotton (Julius, c. iii, 14) 335 William Camden to Sir Robert Cotton (Julius, c. iii, 14, 6.) 336 Simon Thelwal to Mr. Dun (MS. Harl. 286) Page July 4, 1597 474 Theobalds, July 4 ib. Theobalds, July 5 ib. Theobalds, July 8 475 Greenwich, July 26 — - 477 The Court, Aug. 2 481 The Court, Aug. 10 ib. The Court, Aug. 20 482 Aug. 24 483 'Theobalds, Aug. 25 484 Sept. 13, 485 Dover, Feb. 16, 1598 486 June 9 487 Theobalds, June 1 1 ib. July 10 488 Lucton, Sept. 9, 1600 ib. Lucton, Sept. 18 489 Somerset House, 1601 490 . 493 March 15, 1603 494 London, April 1 6 495 CORRESPONDENCE, &c. &c. SIR THOMAS SMITH TO LORD BURGHLEY. Your Lordship have good cause to marvel that I have not wrytten of any resolution for the matter of Ulster. But also what can I wryte, when I can have none with daily attending, for the most part three or four tymes in the day ? It maketh me weary of my life. I see what your Lordship writeth, the tyme passing almost irrecuperable, the advantage lost, the charges contynuing, nothing resolved, and therefor, such number of thinges unanswered, whereupon her Majestie's mynisters lie still in suspense ; that realme not able to be set in any form yet, the Deputye uncertayn how to rule, the fool ish and unruly encouraged to contynew ther undutifull wildnes, in hope that they shall be, by our slacknes here, set agayn at their unbridled liberty. I neither can get the other letters signed, nor the letter allredy signed, which your Lordship knoweth, permitted to be sent away, but day by day, and hour by hour, deferred till anon, sone, and to-morrow. Your Lordship hath done well and friendly for my Lord Deputye, and my Lord of Leicester told me that he hath written with VOL. II. B 2 SIR VALENTINE BROWN. [MARCH, you. But what certayntie is that to my Lord Deputye ? And as your Lordship thynks, it is no warrant to hym to discharge, especyally if he have any color of warrant to receive or detayne still. This for that matter, which indeede maketh me werie of my life, to have no resolution, but still wayting and suspense for that which doth so much import her Majestie's honor, profit, and reputation. I would some other man occupied my roome, who had more credit to get things resolved, signed, and thyngs necessary resolved in tyme. Your Lordship do well put in mynd for a successor to Sir Valentine Browne. His books of articles and answers have bene now agayn perused by commissioners, whereof I was one, and be brought to a shorter summary. But almost all the articles do stand in his deniall, and offer of proofe by the captaines. The more they were sifted there, the more they proved so : mary, if they be proved against hym, he wil be found in muche blame. Without proofe manifestly made, it is no reason to condempne any man ; and that in particular, not in generall by exclamations, the proofes to be made. The commissioners had nede to be grave, wise, and of authoritie, and to heare the particularities at Berwick. Methynks he hath not done well, thus to signifie by his man Meen (r), as he hath done, for my Lords and I take May-day to be the day, and not the 25th of Marche, which is very nere. Your Lordship seeth here Sir Jo. Foster's letter ; and I pray your Lordship send the same letter by hym to-morrow, with your Lordship's opinion in this matter. For my Lords wold have hym to appeare to morow before them for this matter, otherwise he might have tarried till Wednesday. Thus I bid your Lordship most hartely farewell. From Richmond, the 6th of March, 1574, at night. YourLordshipp's allwais at commandement, T. Smith. 1575.] THE NETHERLANDS. DR. WILSON TO LORD BURGHLEY. I do not cease to call upon the Commendator * for banysh- ment of these rebels, and especiaUie synce my late coming from Brussels, but as yet they are not gone. What his meaning is, I do not knowe. Upon the returne of my servante, at what tyme I truste to make my returne, there shall not wante any solicitation for this matter, and excepte they be indeed banished before my departure, I will plainly declare the Quene's Majestie's discontentation, and breache of covenantes in the entercourse. The Advocate Fiscal hath done bad offices, synce his re turne out of Englande, declaring to the Commendator and others, that how straytely soever our nation is used in their demands, there is no feare or doubte of any breache, for the Quene's Majestie and the Counsell also (saythe he), are so desirous to lyve in peace, that they will agree to any conditions, be they never so harde, rather than they will fall out with the Kyng, giving oute that the Quene's Majestie is verie fearful, with other unmannerlie speeche of the Counsel and whole nation. He is noted here to be one of the chiefest advancers of the levying of the tenth and twentieth penye, and so devoted to the Duke of Alva, as no man more, and now seeketh credit with this Commendator to the discredit of our nation, having given lately such an answer to certayne particular demandes that I proposed for the mer- chauntes, as he sheweth hymselfe to be an unfytte man to deale betwixte prynces for any accorde. And sorie I am, that he * Don Lewis Zuniga de Requesens, great Commendator of Castile, who had now succeeded the Duke of Alva in the government of the Netherlands. To conciliate Queen Elizabeth, he ordered the English rebels to quit Flanders, and dissolved the seminary at Douay, during ithe present year. A commendator was one who enjoyed the rents of fan abbey or other benefice. Dr. Wilson was sent over as ambassador at the latter end of the preceding year. B 2 4 ENGLISH REBELS IN FLANDERS. [FEB. had so muche of his wyl at his being in England, who was commended to make an accorde in any wyse, howe bad so ever it was. This I do heare, but whether it be true or no, I cannot tell. Of this I am well informed, that King Philippe wyl not fall out with Englande at any hande, and hath given commandement to the Commendator to use the best means he can, to mayntayne amytie. Upon answer from your Ho nors, and my despatche here, I shall better understande the uttermost of the Commendator's meaning. Our Englishe ma- ryners and soldiers, to the number of almost an hundreth, were sent of late under the conduct of Mr. Copley,* to take a shype of warre upon the coast of Hollande, whereof one Davis was capitayne, the same man that shoulde have suffered at Wap- pinge heretofore ; and upon the taking of the said shyppe, they thought to have gone further, and taken others. But their doings were discovered, and Davis armed against their coming, with two other shippes of warre. So that our men returned to Antwerpe agayne, without doing any thyng at all, who, as I can perceive, would gladly be at home, they are so evil payde, and make so little gayne here. I do send here with the names of all the soldiers and maryners, together with the names of the chiefest dealers in this towne against the welfare and quietnes of their countrie. Surelie it were good that some one of understanding were entertayned to advertise from hence of particularities univer- salie and chieflie concerning England. For this I know, there is a great hope and expectation of the Scottishe Queene's en largement, and al practises tend that waie. No one man in England more noted here, than your Lordship is, yea, it is sayde by some that your Lordship onlie is the chiefest cause of the trouble, and worketh most agaynst her. And therfore those lewdlibels be cast out agaynstyou chiefly, by which their writing they do not only meane myschief » Who was one of the English rebels. Along with the letters, Dr. Wil son sent a list of English sailors, &c. in their service. 1575.] MARRIAGE OF THE KING OF FRANCE. 5 to your Lordship, but destruction to our most gracious so- verayne, whose faithful and good-meaning nature is much abused by these false craftie foxes. Surelie the Catholics' malice is unspeakable, and if I had not by secrete meanes understoode their deepe maliciousnes, I would never have believed the same by any common bare reporte. God, for his mercie, defende our soverayne from their tyrannie ! This daie I understoode that the French King shoulde marie the daughter of the Duke of Vaudemont, whereof the House of Guise is descended, and to-morrowe is the mariage daye. I do know, your Lordship is not ignorant of this, and yet because of the manner of reporting it, I thought good to shew what is sayde. At his being at Avignon, certayne Jesuites came unto hym, and persuaded him to leave that loose lyfe of his, and to forsake souche dames as he brought with hym out of Venice, otherwyse God would not prosper him. And hereupon he, being touched, hath confessed his synnefull lyfe to those Jesuites, with full purpose to lyve better here after, and so hathe given himselfe to marie. At his going from Avignon to Rheyms to be sacred, there was no money to be had, and therefore one Ludovico da Diagetto, a Floren- tyne, was enforced muche agaynst his wyl, to disburse by waye of lone an hundred thousand frankes, or els the Kinge coulde not have gone from Avignon to be sacred at Rheyms, nor yet to be mailed. The Jesuites here do beare all the credit, and yesterday the Commendator went with the Bysshoppe of Antwerpe to their howse to see it sanctified by the sayd Bysshoppe, which howse was bought at the charges of certayne women and wydowes in this towne, for a greate summe of moneye ; as another also is bought at Bridges, where our Englishe staplers did dwel. The English catholics in this countrie do give oute that Kynge Philippe wyl be a meane to the Queene's Majestie, that four Englishe Jesuites maie freelie preache in England ; Sanders and Aleyn of Douay named for two of 6 VARIOUS NEWS. [FEB. them. What the other two are I know not, although I do heare the two Heywodes named, and. others. It is certayne that the Turke is deade, and his sonne Amu- rathes in place, a yonge man of twenty-six years of age, fierce, cruel, martial, and a deadly ennemye to all Christendome. He prepareth three armyes for three several places, and threat ened! utter destruction. To shewe hymselfe to be a very tyrant indede, it is sayde that he hath caused fyve of his bretheren to be putte to death. The Flushingers are sayde to have taken ten shyppes of Spayne, laden with wolle, and fyve shyppes laden with fruites, wynes, and other merchandises, and all these verie latelie.* The four commissioners are gone from hence to deale with the Countie Swafhenbrough for an accorde, if it be possible. The Counte hath no authoritie to determyne, but to make re port onlie to the Emperor, and his Majestie to stryke the stroke. Kynge Philipe doth mynde to have peace in any wise, howsoever it be made ; requiring onlie that regard be had to his honor in the making thereof. This Countie de- sireth an ende of these warres most eamestlie. The Commen dator seeketh for monye chiefly, whereof here is great wante. Those in Flanders have yielded to paye in four yeres a three myllions and six hundred thousand crownes, upon assurance to have their privileges observed. Those of Brabante are to meete here, the 19th of this montlie, for their portion; who are the most unwilling of all others to grante any thynge, excepte they may have their privileges, which are the greatest and strangest that ever I have seen, read, or understoode. And thus most hartelie I do commend me to your good Lordship, praying God hartelie, that I may speedelie make my returne. From Antwerpe, this 14th of Februarie, 1574. Your Lordship's ever most assured, Thomas Wylson. * Flushing was in the hands of the Protestants, enemies to the 1575.] ARCHBISHOP PARKER. THE ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY* TO LORD BURGHLEY. Sir, I am crediblie enformed that th'Erle is unquyet and conferreth by the helpe of some of the examiners to use the councell of certain precisians, I feare, and purposeth to undo me, &c. ; but I care not for hym, yet I wil reverence hym, because her Majestie hath so placed hym, as I do all others toward her, and if you do not provide in tyme to drill this attempt, there will be fewe in authorytie to care greatly for your danger, and for such others, they will provide for themselves, and wyl learne by me in my case howe to do. I was informed by a wise man that a conspyracye of us was pro posed, if the parliament had gone forward. At whom they shote, God knoweth all. If I led with the vehement wordes of the first statute (before I was in place) howe Archbishops and Bishops be charged as we wold answere before God, &c. which wordes I have put to his consideration advisedly ; if I set forth that religion, which I knowe in conscience is good, and confirmed by publick authoritie ; if I do the Quene's commandement, for which the precisians hate me; what is meant but to go over the style, where it is lowest. Beware of cunnying, all is not gold that glittereth. As for myself, I care not thre poyntes, for if I shold lye in prison for doing a poynt of justice with charitable discretion, I wil rejoice in it ; whatsoever welthe or commodity maye stand in my office, I desire it not for myself. I wrote my letters to hym, and dyd for charytie move one other of the gretest parties of them to conscience, but not in a submyssion, (as some of the crue take it and report it,) for I have neyther offended hym nor them, (except I was careful for your savegard,) and he peaceably agayn wryting to me, Spanish government, who had obtained great power on the coast, and committed perpetual devastations on the Spanish navy. * This is the last letter we shall have from the good and amiable Archbishop Parker, who died on the 17th of May following, at the age of seventy-two, and was buried in the chapel at Lambeth. ARCHBISHOP PARKER. [FEB- yet I understand what is purposed agaynst me, for religion's sake, I take it. And do you thinke that they knowe not what religion you be of, and what ye do therin ? In talke (as I am informed) you be accompted the Deane of Westmynstre, it must be of some pollecie that I neyther write nor oft come to the court. I like not these dialogues, these treatises, these French bokes, &c. I feele some displeasure in some that be towardes me, as where they kepe in the King's benche an honest olde man, a very good and modest preacher, and some tyme my almoner, whom I have sent home to his benefice to do good, and yet in extremyty of lawe against al conscyence in the court of requestes condemned, and persecuted for love of me, of such whom I specially made, and who at this daye have the most parte of their lyving by me ; a matter picked .partly of c'ovetousness and meere malice, and so favored, and, but this matter is to long to write of, he hath lyne there ever since Hollowmas in a nastye prison, chargeably, and rotting among the worst, who shal be there stil before I wil serve their tumes. I maye not worke against precisians and pu- ritanes, though the lawes be agaynst them, knowe one and knowe all. I trust her Highnes with your advise wil take good heede, and specially for providing of such as shal goveme the dio- cesses. I like wel my neybor at Westmynstre, the Deane there, to be at Norwich, whose sad1 and sure governance in confirmytie I knowe. I set not one halfpenny by the profite of the diocess, for any procurations or jurisdictions, for at my last metropolitan visitation there, I had never a penny of them, but the visiters spoiled all ; and I spent twenty pounds of myn owne purse to have that diocesse wel visited, and yet no good done, and the contrye proclaiming, and some varletts purchased (as I am informed) twenty pounds yerely by their bribing, whom some of my visiters be like used, but I knewe not of it till all was done. I am a foole to use this playnnes with you in writing, but 1 Serious. 1575.] PROTESTANT REFUGEES. 9 though I have a dull heade, yet I see partly by myself and partly by others howe the game goeth. I toye out my tyme partly with copying of bokes, partly in devising ordinances for scholars to helpe the mynistery, partly in genealogies, and so forth, for I have little helpe (if ye knewe all) where I thought to have had most, and thus tyl Almighty God cometh I repose myself in patyence. At my house, this 18th of February. Yours in Christ, Matthew Cant. THE BISHOP OF LONDON* TO LORD BURGHLEY. My honorable good Lorde, I with others of the commission have advertised the counsell of certaine strangers of the coun tries of Hollande, Flanders, and Luke, which were appre hended on Easter daie laste. We examined them, propound ing these four points of religion unto them : 1. Whether that Christe tooke naturall fleshe of the sub stance of the Virgin Mary. 2. Whether that infants are to be baptized. 3. Whether a Christian may take uppon him the office of a magistrate, and punishe transgressors with the sworde. 4. Whether it be lawfull to sweare, and by an oathe to beare witnes to the truthe. All these poynts they flatly denied, and being pressed by the authoritie of the scriptures, as well by the Frenche as Dutche preachers alledged agaynste them, not one of them wolde yielde therunto ; whereuppon we returned them to the * Edwin Sandys, consecrated Bishop of Worcester, 21st Dec. 1559, and removed to the See* of London, after Grindal had quitted it for that of York, in 1570. Many of the foreigners who sought refuge in England from the religious persecutions which raged in their own countries, held doctrines altogether dissonant from the Protestant Church of England, and not content with the asylum which was given to them, busied themselves in spreading their own doctrines, and in raising dangerous seditions in matters of religion. 10 PROTESTANT REFUGEES. [APRIL, Marshalsea agayne, and now praie some order for them ; for it will be too dangerous to suffer these errors to be spreade abroade in this realme. If your Lordship will give me leave to saie myne opinion, I would think it convenient, that suche as will recant their errors in the Dutche churche openly, and yielde themselves to be members of that churche, and to communicate with that congregation in the worde, sacraments, and praier, that they are to be tollerated and still remaine in this realme ; but such as will refuse thus to do, in myne opinion it is moste necessary that they be utterlie expelled oute of this realme, and if they returne to lose their lives for it. The last yeare, by order from the counsell, I committed sixtene of the same sorte to the Lorde Maior that then was : he put them in a shippe to banish them, but as I am informed they sailed not over, but arryved agayne upon the parts of Norfolke, and I thinke that some of them are now in holde here, which were banished then. I shall praie your good Lordship to be a meane that some speedy order may be taken for these people. On Fridaye last, according to your Lord ship's order, I tendred the oathe, being well assisted bothe by Justice Manwodde and sondry of the commission, to the Irishe priest. First I offered the oathe as his ordinary, after wards by vertue of the commission, but he flatly refused it. Justice Manwodde is presently framing a certificat for me to offer into the Benche. Thus praying God to graunt unto your good Lordship health of body and soule, I humbly take my leave. London, 1 1th Aprilis, 1575. Your Lordship's at commandment, Ed. London. THE EARL OF LEICESTER TO LORD BURGHLEY. My good Lord, I most hartely thank you for the care I perceive you have had of my servant, by the speedy making of the book, which I mean to present to her Majestie, and to 1575.] ELIZABETH'S RECREATIONS. 11 leave the keping in or putting out of the twelve wordes to her own best lyking and pleasure ; nevertheles, howsoever it take, I reckon myself much beholding to your Lordship, and wyl be redy to my power to requyte it. Her Majestie, God be thanked, is better and better since her fyrst coming hither, and this day was once about to have taken physick, but fynding herself very well, deferred it. God send her no nede to take any these many yeres ! I cannot send your Lordship certen word of her remove, neyther yet is she resolved whether to go to Yorke or no ; her desire is great that way, I perceive, and it is lyke, if she find her health well, that she will go thither. It wyl be these three or four days ere she wyll determyne it ; if your Lord ship is not thither yourself, you shall be advertised as sone as it shal be resolved. And so wishing your Lordship as well as myself, with my most harty commendations to both my good ladyes,* I wyll byd ye farewell, in great haste. Scribbled this 10th of June. Your Lordship's assured frend, R. Leycester. THE EARL OF LEICESTER TO LORD BURGHLEY. My good Lord, the great expectation I had of your being here before this tyme caused me to be more silent to you then ells I had bene, but fynding your comming yet dowbtfull (albeit I hope Kenelworth shall not mysse you) I will lett your Lordship understand such newes as we have, which is only and chiefely of her Majestie's good health,-)- which, God be thanked, is as good as I have long knowen it, and for her liking of this howse, I assure your Lordship, I think she never came to place in her lyfe she lykes better, or commends * Lady Burghley and Lady Oxford. t She was now on the progress in which she made the celebrated visit to Kenil worth. At the writing of this letter she was perhaps at Grafton. 12 Elizabeth's recreations. [june, more. And synce her coming hither, as oft as weather serves, she hathe not bene within dores. The howse lykes her well, and her owen lodgings specyally. She thinks her cost well bestowed, she sayth, if it had bene five tymes as muche ; but I wold her Majesty wold bestowe but half as much more, and then I think she should have as pleasant and commodyous a howse as any in England. I am sorry your Lordship is not here to see it. Even by and by her Majesty is going to the forrest to kyll jsome bucks with her bowe, as she hathe done in the parke Ithis morning. God be thanked, she is very merry and well disposed nowe. But at her fyrst coming, being a marvelous hott day, at her coming hither not one drop of good drynk for her, so well was she provyded for, notwithstanding her oft telling of her coming hither. But we were fayne to Lon don with bottells, to Kenelworth, to dyvers other places, where ale was, her owen here was such strong, as there was no man able to drynk it, you had bene as good to have drank Malmsey, and yet was it layd in above three days be fore her Majesty came. It dyd put her very farr out of tem per, and almost all the company besyde too ; for none of us all was able to drynk bere or ale here. Synce, by chance, we have found drynk for her, to her lyking ; and she is well agayne, but I feared greatly two or three dayes some sycknes to have fallen, by reason of this drinke. God be thanked, she is now perfect well and merry, and I think uppon Thurs- daye come se'nnight will take her jorney toward Kenelworth, where I pray God she may lyke all things no worse then she hath done here. I hope the letter by your good meanes for the graunt of her Majesty touching the concealed wards, &c. As I have to thank your Lordship for your frendly dealing, so wyll I no whitt be lesse thankfull then I have promised, and therof your Lordship assure yourself, though it please you to refcrr it to my consideration, it shall be even as I offred your Lordship at fyrst, and so shall your own dealers 1575.] THE raid of the reidswire. 13 be the doers as myne. And as I know your Lordship's charges to be as manye, and as your places requires, so wold it dyd lye in me, or may lye in me, to help to better it, as your Lordship shal sone fynd, when the occasion shall be offered, that I wyll deale no lesse but more ernestly than for myself, for so I may do, and what your Lordship shall imparte unto me at any time for the accomplishment hereof, you shall see how willingly and carefully I wyll deale in it. And so wish ing your good Lordship health and alway well to do, with my most harty commendations, wyll byd your Lordship farewell. In some hast, ready to ryde, this Tuesday toward evening,- (June 28, 1575.) Your Lordship's assured frend, R. Leycester. Her Majesty hath signed my other booke also, but no yeres after death. TO SIR H. KILLIGREW. Sir, my Lords, by Mr. Selbye's letters of the 9th of this present, having some cause to hope that the disorder lately happened in the Middle Marches was not a thing prepared, but fell out by chance uppon some untemperate speeches that passed betwene Sir John Forster and Carmychel,* * This disorder was the ' Raid of the Reidswire,' so famous in border song. On the 17th of June, 1575, a meeting for border matters was held at the Reidswire, about ien miles from Jedburgh, by the wardens of the Middle Marches. Sir John Forster was the English warden. The warden for Scotland was Sir John Carmichael, a great favourite of the Regent Morton. In the course of the day a true bill was found against one Farnstein, a notorious English freebooter. Forster alleged that this man had fled from justice, and therefore that it was not in his power to make compensation. Carmichael, thinking this 14 TROUBLES ON THE BORDERS. [JULY, thynke it very convenient (unles you see great cause to the contrary) that you proceede onwarde in your voiage to the Regent, and at your coming there and accesse unto him, they thinke it meete that you shold as of yourself deale very ear nestly with him for the redresse of this late inconvenience happened, and to lay before him that her Majestie cannot in honor endure that a minister of hers of that quality that Sir John Forster is of should be so used, nor other slayne and taken prisoners, without revenge, unles he shall see some se vere punishment executed uppon the offenders. And for that it is thought that Carmichel is one whom the Regent dearly loveth, and therefore, (notwithstanding he is the man that chiefely is thought culpable of the said disorder,) would be loathe to use that severity in punishing of him that in reason and justice he is bound, yet they would have you persuade him that he commit him for a tyme unto Edinboroughe Castle, that it may appeare unto the worlde that her Majesty is not had by them in contempt, which cannot be otherwise conceaved unles he be punished (he being found, as it is thought, greatly culpable). It is thought also convenient that you move him to do execution uppon some others that shal be discovered to have bene the mortherers of Sir George only a pretext, uttered words of reproach which provoked Forster to use some injurious expressions, that were retorted by the other. The fierce borderers of Redesdale and Tynedale suddenly discharged their arrows amongst the Scots, and a fray began, in which the Scots were at first beaten ; but the men of Tynedale falling to plunder, and a body of Jedburghers coming up, the English were in the end defeated, and Sir John Forster, James Ogle, Cuthbert Collingwood, Francis Russell, son of the Earl of Bedford, and other border chiefs, carried off prisoners into Scotland, where the Regent detained them at Dalkeith, till the first heat of both parties was abated. He then dismissed them with the greatest expressions of regard, and afterwards, to ap pease Elizabeth, sent Carmichael to York, where he was not long re tained. An admirable account of this affair is given us in the ballad printed by Sir Walter Scott, in the " Border Minstrelsy." 1575.] the raid of the reidswire. 15 Heme,* and others of her subjects slayne at that tyme, for that her Majesty may not endure to have her subjects slayne and the slayers of them not punished according to such treatyes of amytie as have passed betwene the two crownes. So much of their opinion they thought good to imparte unto you, to the end you may perceive how necessary they finde it for the saving of her Majesty's honor, and the continuing of good amity between the two realmes, that he be earnestly and effectually moved to see some due punishment taken of the offenders. Anything that you shall do to that end, though it be not in that course that presently is set downe, they cannot but allow of. And so I commit you to God. From Killingworth,f the 12th of July, 1575. JOHN SELBY TO SIR FRANCIS WALSINGHAM. Sh' John Foster, Sir Frauncis Russell,J Sir Cuthbert Col- lengwood,§ James Ogle, and Mr. Fenneck of Staunton, with divers other gent, are carried to Dalketh unto the Regent, whereas they do remayne, and are kept as prisoners. And all the rest of gents, countreymen, servants, and others, for the most part are in like case retayned, and kept by their takers as prysoners. And also the very same day, immediately after the quar rell, the Scotts rane a foraye uppon the water of Read,|| in the Myddell Marches of England, and toke awaye to the * Sir George Heron, of Chipchase Castle, who was slain in the fray. + Kenilworth, where the court remained from July 9 to July 27. J Sir Francis Russell, son of the Earl of Bedford, and son-in-law of Sir John Forster, was warden of the East Marches. He was after wards killed in a similar fray in 1 585. § Sir Cuthbert Collingwood, of Esclington, Sheriff of Northumber land in the 10th and 20th of Elizabeth. || The Reid-water, a stream which rises near the scene of the fray. 16 ELIZABETH ON A PROGRESS. I>UG. number of three hundred cattayll, the which they do as yet still detaine. Also sithence, within these East Marches, I have taken such ordre, that there hath bene no attempt committed uppon neither partie. Notwithstanding that, the best of these borders be well willing and contented to seke revenge in respect of the death and losse of theyr dear trends, howbeit they are and will be obedient to observe the peace, untill such tyme as the Quene makes her pleasure be further knowen herein. (July 15, 1575). SIR FRANCIS WALSINGHAM TO LORD BURGHLEY. My very good Lord, by these inclosed jestes yesterdaye determyned on, your Lordship may perceyve howe her Ma jesty's determynation to go to Worcester is altered, uppon advertisement from thence, that the towne should be vysyted with small pockes. This alteration, as I suppose, dothe hasten her Majestie's repaire to Dudley Castell sooner than was determyned. Whereuppon your Lordship may take some just cause to excuse your not coming thither. Touching the French ambassador's repaire hither, I heare nothing; and yet not passed foure dayes sythence I re- ceyved a letter from him, within the which he sent me the Governor of St. Mallo's excuse, touching the spoyles com mitted of her Majestie's subjects. For the matter wherin you do stryve to confer with him, I see no reason, consydeiing the suspicion that dayly encreaseth in tlie King of his brother, that he should meane any suche matter. And the rather I am led so to thinke, for that, as our ambassador wryt- eth, Moveysier setteth forwarde hitherwarde the Sth of this present. Howe things passe in France, your Lordship shall under- 1575.] FLETEWOOD THE RECORDER. 17 stande by these inclosed dyrected to yourselfe. The thicknes wherof maketh me to thinke that the embassador hathe wrytten as amply to your Lordship as to us, the secretaries. I have not by this despache any particular letters wi'ytten unto me contayning any matter of moment. Touching the message my nephewe Fytzwyllyam dely vered unto me by mouthe from your Lordship, I have as yet hearde nothinge of that matter, and am not lyke to heare therof very muche, being lodged as I am far off from the courte, and having no great dysposition to repayre thither, but drawen by especyall occasion. And so having nothing ells presently to imparte unto your Lordship, I moste humbly take my leave. At Stafforde, the 7th of Auguste, 1575. Your Lordship's to commande, Fra. Walsyngham. By a messenger from the Earl of Essex, we learne that there hathe bene a conflicte betwene him and Sarleboye, wherein divers Scotts were slayne, and theruppon Sarleboye desyreth to fall to composition. WILLIAM FLETEWOOD * TO LORD BURGHLEY. Right Honourable and my singular good Lord, I receaved your Lordship's letters of the 6th of August, upon the 7th of the same, from Buckestones, t for the which I most humblie * This eminent lawyer, a natural son of Richard Fletewood, descended from the Fletewoods of Penwartham, in Lancashire, was recorder of London from 1569 to 1591. Anthony Wood says, that he was "a. learned man and a good antiquary, but of a marvelous merry and plea sant conceit." He often appears in this latter character in his letters which give us a most interesting picture of London as it was in the days of " good Queen Bess." Fletewood died at his house in Noble street, Aldersgate, on the 28th of February, 1594. t Lord Burghley was on a visit to Buxton, for the benefit of the VOL. II. C 18 MASTERLESS MEN AND ROGUES. [AUG. thanke your good Lordship. The state of this cittie, my Lord, is well, and all quiet. Upon Monday laste my Lord Keper sat in the Starre Chamber, with my Lord of London, Mr. Chancellor of the Duchie, the Master of the Rolles, and Mr. Sowthecot. There were before them Mr. John Ashley, Mr. Levetenant of the Tower, Sir Rowland Hayward, and Sir John Ryvers, with divers other aldermen of our cittie, and myself. And as my Lord Keper's order is to call for the jbooke of misbehaviours of masteries men, rogges,1 fencers, and kuch like, we had nothing to present for London, for Mr. Justice Southecot and I had taken fine of sixe strompettes, .suche as haunt the hegge, and which had latelie been punished ;at the assizes in Croyden, and two or three other lewde fel lowes their companions, whom we dispatched awaye into their countryes. As for Westminster, the Duchie,* St. Giles, Highe Holborne, St. Johne's streate, and Islington, were never so well and quiet, for neither roge nor masteries man dare once to looke into those partes. My Lord Keper and the residue of the counsell at the Starre Chamber have set downe in writing certain orders for the reforming of sundry matters. One is for the suppressing of the over greate number of alehouses, the which thing, upon Wednesday last, my Lord Maior, Sir Rowland Hayward, and myself, for the liberties of Southwark, and Mr. Justice South- cot and myself for Lambeth towne, Lambeth marshe, the Clinke, the Banke, Parris garden, the Over ground, Newing- ton,Barmondesay strete, and Kentishe strete, sitting altogether, we have put down, I am certain, above two hundred alehouses, and yet have left a sufficient number, yea, and more I feare then my Lord Keper will well like of at his next coming. water. His visits thither gave room for some of his enemies to report that he was practising with the Queen of Scots, an accusation to which alludes in some of his letters to the Earl of Shrewsbury. 1 Rogues. * The Duchy was the district about the Savoy, parcel of the posses sions of the Dukes of Lancaster. 1575. J THE PLAGUE IN LONDON. 19 This was done upon Weddensdaye and Thursdaye in the forenoones. Upon the same Weddensdaye, the Master of the Rolles,Mr. Southcot,Mr. Deane of Westminster, Mr. Doctor Lewes, Mr. Edward Cordell, and myself, with other friendes, dyned at Mr. Campion's the brewer's. At after dynner Mr. Deane and I went to Westminster, and there in the courte we had before us all the officers of the Duchie and of Westmin- Wster, and there we have put downe nere an hundred alehouses Sis for St. Giles, High Holborne, St. Johne's strete, and Is- lyngton, Mr. Randoll and I mean this Saturdaye, at after noone, to see reformation in like manner. Mr. Levetennant and Mr. Fyssher deale for the east parte. I am sure they will use great diligence in these matters. And upon Thursdaye, the Master of the Rolles and I dyned at Lyncolnes lime, with Mr. Thymbleby the pleader, and Mr. Sowthcot dyned in Flete strete, at one Mr. Walsh e's, hiss one-in-lawe ; and at Walshe's doore three dronken ruffians, being fensers, drew theire weapons and began a fraye, and Mr. Justice appre hended them, and brought them to the Rolls, where the Mas ter, he, and I, by our warrant sent them to Newgate, where they shall remaine untill my Lord Keper's coming. Yesterdaye, being Fridaye, in the afternoone, Mr. Hennage, Mr. Wotton, Mr. Norton, and I, were with the Master of the Rolles, occupied in passing of Mrs. Hester Pickering's joynter, the which we have agreed of, if your Lordship and others of Sir William Pickering's fryendes shall well like of it. And as /touching the Inns of Court, it so fell out that at Grey's Inne i there was no reading this vacation, because one dyed there W the plague. At the Inner Temple there hath been a read ing, but by means that the plague was in the howse, the reading, being scarce half done, is now broken up. In Lin- colne's Inne yesterdaye, being Fridaye, at after noone, one is dead of the plague, and the companye are nowe to be dis persed. In the Middle Temple, where I am, I thank God, we have our health, and our reading contynueth. I am all- wayes at the reading, and I have taken straight order upon c 2 20 A CLANDESTINE MARRIAGE. [AUG. paine of putting out of commons, that none of the gentlemen of our howse or their servants shall go out of the howse, ex cept it be by water, and not to come in anie place of daunger, the which order is well observed. Yesterdaye, being Fridaye,betwene five and six of the clock, I being arguing of Mr. Reader's case, and all the whole com pany being present, as our order is, there cometh into the Temple churche a minister, one Tasse, a northern man, ser- vaunt to my Lord of Warwick, a hosier and his wife dwelling nere Cecille House, and a daughter of Sir Robert Drewrye's, and in a secret corner of the churche the minister, without any licence or bandes asked, was beginning to marrye this Tasse and Mrs. Drewrye, and by chaunse my fellowe Robert Snagge missing his man, and seking for him in the churche, by chaunse fell upon this solempne marriage. And thereupon he drove them all out of the churche before him, and told me of it, and I sought out the same Tasse, and brought him be fore the Master of the Rolles and Mr. Hennage, and upon the examination of the matter, it appeared Sir Roberte would not give anything to her mariage, because she intended to ruarrye against his will. The gentlewoman is forty yeres old, and Tasse is twenty-sixe, and hath no lyving. Whereupon Mr. Hennage and I, pitying the state of the poore yonge man, did recommend him over to Mr. Drewe Drewry, who lyeth at Hamsted, who I thinke will be good to him. Nothing in this little comedie did more offende me, than that they said they did choose the rather to manye in the Temple, because they supposed it to be a laweles churche. I heare that Mr. Customer Smithe maketh a great mariage this nexte weke, betwene his sone and the daughter and heire of Mr. Fenex of Kent. This mariage shall be in Kent. Gentlemen of reputation that are in London at this time, are the Master of the Rolles, Mr. Hennage, Mr. John Asteley, who lyeth at Pykering Howse, Mr. Thomas Wotton, Mr. Fanshowe, Mr. Osborne, Mr. Doctor Lewes, Mr. Doctors Yale and Amberye, Sir Thomas Kempe, and my Ladie, Mr. 1575.] THE COURTIERS HINDER JUSTICE. 21 Levetenant, Mr. Deanes of Powles and Westm., Mr. Fyssher, Mr. Stoneley, and Mr. Peter ; of our Aldermen there is out of the cittie in the countrie, Mr. Draper, Mr Boxe, and Mr. Pype. The residue are here in London. My Ladie Russell cometh shortelye unto Sir Thomas Chamberlen's howse, next Powles, where she meaneth by God's grace to lye in. My Lord, the onlie cause that this reformation taketh so good effecte here about London, is that when by order we have justlye executed the lawe, or preserved the counsell's com- mandement,we are wonte either to have a great man's letter, a ladie's ringe, or some other token from some other suche inferior persons, as will devise one untruthe or other to accuse us of, if we preferre not their unlawfull requests ; the court is farre of; here we are not troubled with letters, neither for the reprie of this prisoner, nor for sparing of that fraye-maker. These secre- tories, chamberkepers, and solicitors in the court, procure many letters from theire lords and ladies upon untrue suggestions, the which letters do greatly hurte. My Lord Chiefe Justice, or he departed from London, tooke order that Mr. Southcot shold graunt no Habeas Corpus ; by means hereof fewe or none dare offende, wanting these backsetts. For myne own parte I have no busines/ but go as quietly e to my booke as I did the first yeare that I came to the Temple. Thus being over bolde with your good Lordship, with these my tedious letters, I do most humblie commit your Honor to the tuition of Almightie God. This 8th of August, 1575, at Bacon House. Your good Lordship's most humble, W. Fletewoode. LORD HUNSDON TO LORD BURGHLEY. My very goode Lorde, thys bearer, Mr. Bowse, coming to her Majestie with the whole procedings of my Lord of Huntingdon in these matters, as also with the Regent's an- 22 TROUBLES ON THE BORDER. [AUG. swer touching the same, so as there resteth nothyng but her Majestie's resolution, what she wyll require or have done for her satisfaction and repayring of her honor in this case, I am so bold as to trouble your Lordship with my opinion therin, as also to advertise your Lordship of some doings here in Skotland, which, if the Regent looke not well unto it, and seeke to prevent it, wyll make as greate a broyle in Skotland as hathe bene heretofore. It may be that your Lordship is better advertysed thereof by others then I can, yet I wyll not omyt to let ye understand what I know therof, and as I perceive wyll follow. Touching her Majestie's satysfaction for the kylling of her subjects, the law of the borders, and the comyssioners' booke, by the which we are dyrected for all border matters, is to de- mande a quick man for a dead, to be executed for the facte, although it hathe bene seldome putt in force, as also it ap- peares that there are as many of the Skots slayne as of ours, but not of suche valew, and some of theyrs slayne by some of theyr owne, as is to be proved, and therfore, surely, unles some of the offenders be delyvered to be executed, there wyll hardly be any meting in safety hereafter. For the taking of Sir John Forster and the rest prysoners, her Majestie cannot but demand for Carmychell and the Lard of Bedrowle* to be delyvered, or some others that was then with Carmychell, to be imprisoned at her Majestie's pleasure, but her Majestie cannot touche them in lyfe, and for this, if any wold not have it so, your Lordship may allege a precedent which cannot be denyed by the Skotts. Aboute 60 yere sens there was a day of trew betwene Sir * Sir Andrew Turnbull of Bedrule, upon Rule Water. The Turn- bulls were the most notorious thieves on the borders; The old ballad of the Raid of the Reidswire, describes the Laird as being very busy in the fray. — " But auld Badreule had on a jack, And did right wee], I you declare, With all the Trambills at his back." 1575.] STATE OF SCOTLAND. 23 Wyllyam Herron, Warden of the Middle Marche, and one Robert Carr, Warden of Tyvydale, and upon words of con tention, as thys was, a base son of Sir Wyllyam Herron's slew the Warden of Skotland, and fled, but upon complaynt therof made by the King of the Skotts, the sayd Sir Wyllyam Her ron, and a neview of hys who was hys heyr, were delyvered into Skotland, where they were kepte in Fauste Castell four teen yere. I do not write thys as presuming to give her Ma jestie any advyse herin, but to let your Lordship understand what hath bene done in the lyke cases. Now touching the Regent, surely in myn opynion the matter is of grete consequence, and in some respect cannot but touche her Majesty. The Regent's dealings in many thyngs are greatly myslykedwithallby the moste parte of the nobylytie of his owne faction, but chiefely for one matter, whych is, for that he hathe of late (as it is credibly re ported, and I thynk is very trew,) taken a secret submission of the Lorde of Arbrothe, by delivering to the Regent hys sworde with the hylt forwarde, the poynt in his hande, being knowne to be the pryncipall procurer of the kylling of th'Erle of Murrey, for the harquebuss that kyld hym was hys, the horse the murtherer fled upon was hys, and he receivyd hym into Hambelton, and sent hym into France, which is hardly brooked by the rest of the Lords. Besydes it is holden for certain, that Arbrothe shall marry with the Lady of Bucklewhe, who is the Regent's niece, and in howse with hym, so as it cannot be without hys consent ; and if it do so fall out, he wyll not be long Regent, for upon these matters and some other, the Lords were resolved to kepe a convention at Sterling without him, and if he do not satisfy them in these matters, I thynk veryly they wyll do so. And surely my Lord, if he eyther make or consent to that marriage, eyther he must be Regent by the Quene's Majestie only, and then she to lose the rest of the nobylytie which 24 STUKELEY AT ROME. [OCT. are now at her devotion, or els consent with them to depose hym, and then I know not who should be Regent to serve her Majestie's turne. Thus have I troubled your Lordship over longe with these matters. And so referring your Lordship to thys bearer, who can inform ye of these matters more at large, I commyt your Lordship to the Almighty. At Berwyk, the 24th of August, 1575. Your Lordship's assured to command, Hunsdon. STUKELEY TO MISTRESS JULIAN.* My good Mestres Julyan, I have received your gentill letter by thys bearer, whom I offered all curtesy for your sake. Whereas you required me to dellyver hym three or fom: score crownes for your use, he wold not have it, for that, as he tolde me, he had not any occasion to use it. Trust me, whenso ever it shall please you to command, if it be for ten thousand crownes, you may boldly employ me, for I wyll as wyllingly dysburse it to pleasure you, as I wold give one poynt ; by profe, you shall best know the desyre I have to serve you and to give you content, whensoever it shall please you to use me. Now I refer it to yourselfe to command me, for I am and ever will be ready (with God's grace) to obey you, &c. I thanke you for the two dosen of poynts which you sent me. I receyved them as thankfullie, coming from you, as if it had been so many dyamondes. I send you by thys bearer halfe a dozen of pyctures wrought uppon taffyta. What estate I am in, I refer to be told you by this bearer, which is and ever shall be to honor and to serve you. Pray for me, as I wyll do for you. I commend me most lovingly unto yourselfe, and us both unto God, who of hys goodnes * Superscribed " To my very good frynd Mestres Jullyan, &c. 1575.] IRELAND SIR NICHOLAS WHITE. 25 send us a joyfull meeting. From Rome, the 24th of October, 1575. Your's faythfully and most assuredly, Thomas Stucley. SIR NICHOLAS WHITE TO LORD BURGHLEY. My singular good Lord, as the towardnes of this yong man, my son, is muche to my comforte, so have I humbly to thank your Honor for whose sake he hathe bene so well applied by the Deane of Westminster and Mr. Whitegift, to whom I can give no greater rewarde then your hoped thanks. He hathe bestowed some tyme here with me in reading the principles of the lawe, and is now returned to the inns of court, where I feare he shall hardly be admytted without your Lordship's accustomed favor, to which I commyt hym, praying God he may be able to honor you and your house hereafter. My very good Lord th'Erle of Essex hath taken my second son to be brought up with the Viscount his son, chiefly for that his mo ther was a Deverux. My sonnes and myselfe are beholding for good offices to this gentleman, Mr. Waterhouse, a man in whom there are many good parts conjoyned with greate sobrietie, and of me. beloved chiefely for that he professeth to love and honor you before others. And nowe to follow my promise of advertisements to your Honor, I will briefely touche some things of the matters of this state, and that freely without mistrust, because I knowe to whom I write, and have also determyned to wryte of cer tainties that I knowe, and in the rest to follow but myn opinions. And first touching th'Erle of Essex, I fynde that he hathe brought the North of Irelande to a manifest appearance of reformation, when the greatest there were contented to ac cept small portions, to yield both rent and dutie for the same, 26 THE EARL OF ESSEX. [OCT. and I doubt not, with the expense of a little more tyme and chardges, would have reduced that province to perpetuall obedience. But what good thing can be hoped for here, when a prince's determynation touching so great an enter prise in the hands of so sufficient and so honorable a subject to perform it, shal be so suddenly revoked ? And if I might with all humilitie say it to her Highnes, there are two things of great moment that seme strange to us here, if they be true. Th'one is the letting of the realme to farme, wherin so many harts might be alienated from the landlorde to the farmers ; and the other is the casting upp of th'Erle's enterprise be tweene the fallowe and the sede, which will make Ulster desperate, and all the rest doubtfull. And truly, if she look not backe where she began, and revive both the man and the matter, she shall puffe upp the Irishe into incorrigible pryde, and pull downe the harts of all good Enghsh subjects to a perpetuall diffidence of any settled government in this realme. There cannot go out of this lande a man with greater fame of honor, nor can come in whose bountie hath deserved more. And if that noble mynde of his, so desyrous of honor, and so care less of payn, were employed with the association of grave counsell, I believe God hath ordeyned him to do greate things. But here I leave him and the successe of all his causes to God's holy will. The Deputie is returned out of the Northe, and hathe apoynted th'Eaiie of Ormond to mete him at the fort in Lex, the 7th of the next monethe, and thence dothe repayre to Corke to kepe his Christmas. As I heare of no great thing he hath done in the north, more then that the Irishry have heard of his being at Cnockfargus, and might have judged th'Erle's revoca tion by making of his first voiadge thither, so I know not what he hathe to do in Minister, if they contynue that quiet- nes wherin Sir William Fitzwilliams left them. And yet I understande the commissioners there differ in report thereof, the Justice Dowdall affirming Desmond's conformytie, and 1575.] THE PLAGUE AT DROGHEDA. 27 the rest avowching the contrary, but for truthe how intem- perately soever he stormes in claiming the absolute rule of the Geraldynes to himselfe, yet in the ende he is loathe to at tempt any thing contrary to lawe. And so I leave the Deputie in his intended jorney till I fynde further occasion to write. Th'Erle of Essex hath bene lately bothe honorably and lovingly entertayned by th'Erle of Ormond at Kilkenny, where I also was, as one to whom they give good cause to honor them, but truly I love them bothe the more for that I knowe they love and honor you with carefull mynds for the conty- nuance of your honorable estate. I have told Sir William Fitzwilliams myn opinion touching th'Erle of Kildare, who deserves well to be corrected, but hardly to be cut off for any traytorous intent against the Prince, howsoever covetousness might move him to envy the gayn of captains here. The towne of Drogheda is lately infected with the plague, and the same dispersed into th'Englishe pale, which hathe chiefly banyshed us hither to Waterford. Thus, craving pardon for my tedious writing, I humbly ende ; with my contynuall prayer to God for your helth and prosperous estate. From Waterford, this 27th of October, 1575. Your Honor's humbly and most bounden to command during fife, N. White. SIR FRANCIS WALSINGHAM TO LORD BURGHLEY. It maye please your Lordship, at my returne to the courte, I met with a messenger sent from the Erie of Essex, with letters unto her Majestie, by the which he dyd give her Majesty to understande, that he was arryved within this realme, and that he greatly desyred that he might have leave to come to see her Majesty. Wheruppon her Majesty wylled me to sig- 28 ESSEX RETURNS TO ENGLAND. [NOV. nifie unto him that she was glad of his arrivall, and was well pleased that he should repaire to the courte, with con dition that with over muche haste he dyd not dystemper his bodye. By his servaunt I learne that on Monday last he dyd meane to set forwarde from a howse he hathe in Sowthe Wales, not far from the place where he landed ; so that I judge that he wyll be here within fyve or syxe days. This daye her Majesty was given to understande that Sir John Gylberd should advertise your Lordship of the appre hension of Stukeley,* which is not here believed, for that we heare no confirmation thereof from your Lordship. By Mr. Hatton I understande of your Lordship's honorable and frendly dealing towards me, in persuading her Majesty to have some consideration or rather compassion of my poore estate : for the which I render unto your Lordship my most humble thankes, thynking myselfe greatly bounde unto you for the same. By these inclosed occurrents out of Italye, it appeareth that the matters of Genua are lyke to be appeased : I praye God the forces there presently a foote, be not transported into Fraunce, (a thing somewhat doubted by Mr. Cobham.) It should appeare by the comfort that the Pope putteth the Car- dynalls in, touching the troubled state of Fraunce, that there is somewhat a brewing. And so leaving farther to trouble your Lordship, I most humbly take my leave. At Windesor, the 18th of November, 1575. Your Lordship's to commande, Fra. Walsyngham. * Probably a relative of Thomas Stukeley. 1575.] HIGHWAYMEN. \ 29 SIR THOMAS SMITH TO LORD BURGHLEY. My very good Lord, this day there came an ordynary post out of Fraunce, who brought a packet in the which these letters to your Lordship. I perceive the truce holdeth yet after a sorte, and I think those that refuse to deliver the townes, do rather it •pour faire le. bon varlet, as the Frenche dothe terme it, and to shew themselves not affectionate to Monsieur, but to the King, than for any other respect. I send also herewith to your Lordship and to my Lord Keeper, a letter which the Quene's Majestie willed this day my Lords to write unto you, for the redres of this common riding with pistoles, wherby theves now do more boldly rob true men ; and of the common rowtes nowadays of roging beggars by the highway side, naming themselves souldiers of Ireland lately discharged. Her Majestie shewed me, that some of them hath said, they be of the company of fiftene hun dred which are fayne so now to go on begging. It is honorable and almost necessary, that some good order were taken for these two disorders. Thus I commit your Lordship to Almighty God. From Wyndesor, the 4th of December, at night, 1575. Your Lordship's allwais at commandement, T. Smith. SIR THOMAS SMITH TO LORD BURGHLEY. My very good Lord, yesternight upon occasion the Quene's Majesty spake unto me of Ireland, as misliking th'enterprise of Ulster, for default of them who should execute it, axing what men of counsell or wisedom there were, into whose hands there should be committed so great a masse of money, and so great a charge. I answered her Highnes, the counsell what and how to do 30 ESSEX AGAIN IN IRELAND. [MARCH, was allready taken, a plat laid downe by my Lord of Essex, allowed of the Deputie and counsell there, and well liked of my Lords here, as her Highnes hath at large heard of my Lords and all their reasons. So that where it is said, priusquam incipias consulto, that hath bene maturely and deliberately done, to the which her Highnes, by letter to my Lord Deputy and my Lord of Essex, hath given her consent. Now resteth there nothing, but ubi consulueris mature, opus est facto. To the which her Majesty hath set a good begynning, giving a warrant for the half yere's charges. " Nofv," quoth I, " cownsells be com monly of old men, grave men, and full of experience, and at home ; the execution is to be done by yong men, captaynes, and souldiers abrode, as my Lord of Essex, who hath shewed great wisdom, courage, and boldness hitherto, and brought it to a very good pass for a begynning ; and now having more experience, and Malby and other captains with hym of courage, it is to be hoped that he shall bring it to a good end." " Yea," saith her Majesty, " but whom hath he with hym, but Malby ?* and suche a masse of money? who shall have the charge of it, and the laying of it forth ?" " Ma dame," quoth I, " the money is to be committed to your treasurer there, and upon his accompts to be employed upon the captains and souldiers for their wages and victailles, and upon fortifications. Indede the warrants must come in those quarters from my Lord of Essex, as reason is ;f the nomber of men for souldiers or laborers is appoynted to hym, their wages and their vitailles likewise, what is this yere to be ex pended upon them, their vitailles, and fortifications. If he do kepe his plats, then he followeth that which the wisest heades of the counsellers in England thynketh fit and best to be done; otherwise he deceiveth them and yom- Highnes, and most of all hymself, which it is not likely that he * The Governor of Lecale. t Being Governor of Ulster. 1576.] AFFAIRS OF THE NETHERLANDS. 31 should, nor, I trust, he will not do." Still her Majesty harped upon that string, as though she lacked there fit ministers ; and shewed herself desirous to speake with your Lordship, with whom, I dowte not, but when her Highnes shall speake, I trust she will be satisfied. This irresolution and revocation of resolutions will be the undoing of any good actions. I pray your Lordship persuade her Majesty no more to thynk of it, untill Michaelmas; by which tyme I trust she shall see such success, as her Majesty shall be gladd, and sory that it was not set upon before. Thus I commit your Lordship to Almighty God, glad to communicate this to your Lordship by wryting, which I wold rather have done by speeche, if I had had good occasion. From Chanon-Row, this Sonday, 27th Mar. 1575. Your Lordship's allwais at commandement, T. Smith. SIR FRANCIS WALSINGHAM TO LORD BURGHLEY. My very good Lord, by my man's negligence, that made up the packet, the abstract was forgotten, which I now sende you. I am sorry your Lordship fyndeth yourselfe in no better state of healthe, whereof I wyll not fayle to advertise her Majestie. By the inclosed your Lordship may see howe the Prince of Orange's state groweth to declynation, whereby of neces sitie he shall become a preye eyther to Spaine or Fraunce. I do not looke that Mr. Davyson* shall have any good answer ; in his case wordes wyll not helpe. It is too pub- lykely knowen that her Majesty meaneth not to be a dealer. If that might have bene held in suspense, it might have brought forthe some good effect. This daye I looke to heare * Who had been sent ambassador to the Netherlands, to persuade the States to peace. 32 LAST ILLNESS OF SIR THOMAS SMITH. [MAY, out of Flaunders. And so leaving farther to trouble your Lordship, I most humbly take my leave. At White-Haule, the 12th of April, 1576. Your Lordship to command, Fra. Walsyngham. SIR THOMAS SMITH* TO LORD BURGHLEY. My very good Lord, Mr. Williams, secretary to Sir William Fitzwilliams, Deputie of Ireland, is very desirous, after his service in Ireland, to have an office in England, who hathe also bene commended to me for the furtherance of his sute by these two letters which I send to your Lordship. Because I do perceive well that my sicknes is so obstinate and so little caring for any physic, which hath hitherto bene mynistered unto me, I can have no hope of any speedie re- coverie, and but weake hope that I shall overcome it. The best is, that at this tyme I do feele myselfe so weakened, and so dried with physic all my good humors, that I trust shortly I shall recover or see the end of it. All the physicians which hath bene with me now with one accord do agree, that I must leave all other and take me onely to kitchen physic, wherin they give me leave to eate what meate I can, and what meate soever my appetite doth desire, and lykewise drynk, not having care to the wholesomenes or unwholesomenes, onely to eate and drynke somewhat and what I can. Your Lordship do perceive by this libertie in what * We must now bid farewell to this accomplished scholar and minister. In the earlier part of the present year he was attacked by a disease which fixed upon his throat and tongue, and gradually gain ing upon him, " stopt," as Strype has it, " that eloquent tongue of his and that sweet and streaming rhetoric, which was wont to flow to the delight and admiration of all." Soon after the writing of this letter, he put in execution his promise of retiring to his favourite seat in Essex, where he lingered till the 12th of August, 1577. 1576.] THE EARL OF MORTON. 33 good case I am, wherefore following their decree, I mynd now to go straight home into Essex, where I trust eyther to leave my sicknes, or my life; whether pleaseth God, that is best. But if it were in my choyce, I wold leave both at once ; yet must I keepe life so long as I can, and not leave the station, wherin God hath sent me, by my defaulte and without his calling, and so mynd I to do, trusting very shortly to have some playne signification from his Majestie to whether haven I shall applie my ship, of death or of health. Blessed be his holy will, to whom I commyt your Lord ship, wishing your Lordship speedy and long health. From Chanon-row, the second of May, 1576. Your Lordship's allwais at commandement, T. Smith. THE REGENT OF SCOTLAND* TO LORD BURGHLEY. I am to crave your Lordship's favor in a matter wherewith I wold be loth to inquiet you, if otherwise I might have any reasonable order in it. The redress of the gudes taken on eyther side at the unhappie accident of the Reidswyre was appointed by the order of certaine commissioners on eyther syde that met at Fowldon in November last. How sone the troubles in France and Flanders shall drawe to any point, I will looke by your Lordship's good meanes not onely to be advertised, but advised thereanent, sithence both our states are subject to the self same enemies and malice, &c. Lastly, I may not omitt to give your Lordship warning howe I smell an intention of some newe trouble by a giving up, or defiance (as they terme it), sent be Mr. Phenick in * James, Earl of Morton. VOL. II. D 34 DEATH OF THE EARL OF ESSE.X. [SEPT. Northumberland to the Rutherfurds, Scottshemen ;* a dealing that semes to me over presumptuous for any subject, where so good affection to continue amitie remaynes betwixt our Soveraignes and both the states, whereanent I pray your Lordship's further such tymous 1 order to be put, as it may appeare howe farre that dealing mislikes her Majestye and your Lordship, and that the attempter may finde himself both admonished and corrected. (8th May, 1576 ) SIR NICHOLAS WHITE TO LORD BURGHLEY. My deare good Lord, I received by my nephew your loving letters, all written with your owne hande, which were more comfortable to me than I can expresse. I finde in them a rule to direct me, and a pillar whereon to stay me, whom yourself hathe lifted up from stumbling downe, wherof I and my posteritie shall always carry a loving memory. I will not presume to prohibit your Honour to write anything to the governor which you shall think good for me ; but I suppose he hathe made choice of suche as he thinks fittest to be acquaynted with his plott, and therefore using me but as tanquam vocatus, am to require no more, but his indifference, and favorable acceptation of my best advise in the service of my Prince and countrey. Oh ! my good Lord, here I must, among others, advertise your Lordship of the dolefull departure of tlie Erie of Essex, who ended this life to begin a better the 22d of September, * The Fenwicks were a powerful and numerous clan, whose last representative in the direct line was Sir John Fenwick, executed for high treason in the reign of William III. The Rutherforths were a neighbouring clan on the Scottish side of the border. 1 Timely. 1576.] DEATH OF THE EARL OF ESSEX. 35 in the castell of Dublin.* He felt his sicknes first at Ta- laghe, the Archbishop of Dublin's house, in his journey to wards Baltinglas to mete th'Erle of Ormond, accompanied with the Chancellor, the last of August. I was muche about him in the later end of his sycknes, and beheld suche true tokyns of nobilitie, conjoyned with a moste Godly and virtuous mynde, to the yielding up his breathe, as is rare to be sene. Two daies before he died he had speche with me of your Lordship, and sayd he thought he was borne to do you and yours good. "But now," sayd he, "I must commytt the oversight of my son and all to him." He like wise spoke lovingly of my Lord of Sussex, with many other things, which for perplexitie and otherwyse I omytt to write. He doubted that he had been poisoned, by reason of the violent evacuation which he had, and of that suspicion ac quitted this land,t saying, " No, not Tirrelaghe Lennaghe himself would do no villany to his person." But upon the opening of him, which I coulde not abyde, the Chancellor tolde me that all his inwarde parts were sounde, saving that his hart was somewhat consumed, and the bladder of his gall empty. * There seems to be little doubt that this unfortunate nobleman died of a broken heart, caused by the delays and difficulties which were thrown in his way, in the prosecution of his enterprise. " A very excellent man certainly he was," says Camden, '¦' in whom honesty of manners strove with nobility of birth, both which notwithstanding could not prevaile against envie. For after he was constrained to give up his laudable enterprise in Ireland, he returned into England, having much wasted his patrimonie, where, openly threatening Leicester, whom he suspected to have done him injuries, he was by his cunning court-trickes, who stood in fear of him, and by a peculiar mystery of the court, to strike and overthrow men by honours, sent back again into Ireland with the vaine title of Earle Marshall of Ireland, where, pining away with grief and sorrow, he piously rendered his soule to Christ, dying of ailuxe with most grievous torments." t It was suspected by some that he had been poisoned by means of his enemy the Earl of Leicester, who was publicly charged with this crime in the famous libel called " Leicester's Commonwealth." D2 36 DEATH OF THE EARL OF ESSEX. [SEPT. Suche as toke upon them to be his phisitians, as Chaloner, Knell, a preacher, and the deputie's phisitian, called Doctor Trever, applied him with many glisters, and therby filled his body full of winde, which was perceived, so as either their ignorance, or some violent cause beyond their skill, ended his life. His fleshe and complexion did not decay, his memorye and speche was so perfect, that at the last yielding up of his breathe, he cryed, " couradge, couradge ! I am a soldier that must fight under the banner of my Saviour Christ." And as he prayd alwaies to be dissolved, so was he loathe to dye in his bed, which made me to remember your Lordship's tale of your father. Among others he had care of my seconde son, which is all this while brought up with the yong nobleman his son, without any charge to me, because his mother was a Deverox; and required Mr. Waterhouse to move your Honour that he might still attende on his son, and be brought up with him, wherin I refer his case to your accustomed goodnes. His Lordship commytted to my keping the patents of his creation and contreyes here, and made me one of his feoffees of trust. I hope with the Deputie's favour to tame those landes to a reasonable yere's commoditie to his son. I do sende your Lordship here inclosed the names of suche of th'Erle's ser vants as were abowte him in the tyme of his sicknes, and served him most painfully and diligently, for which respect I think them worthy the favour of all men. It is doubted what end the Deputie will make of this great stun- in Conaght* I humbly thank your Honor for your * The sons of the Earl of Clanricarde, scarce two months after they had been pardoned for past offences, broke suddenly out into a new rebellion in Connaught, slew the workmen employed in rebuilding the town of Athenry, burnt again the town, and committed other cruel de. predations. The Lord Deputy went against them, put their father into safe custody, and drove the rebels to their lurking holes, whence from time to time they issued forth to repeat their depredations. 1576.] FLETEWOOD AND THE PORTUGUESE AMBASSADOR. 37 favor to Cusake of Dublin against his creditors in London. And so having troubled your Honor with my tedious letters, I humbly ende, with my contynuall prayer to God for your prosperitie. From St. Kathrins, besydes Dublin, this last of September, 1576. Your Honor's most bounden during life, N. White. WILLIAM FLETEWOOD TO LORD BURGHLEY. Upon Sonday last, at sixe of the clock in the afternoone, Mr. Sherriff Kympton and Mr. Sherriff Barnes and I, the Recorder, did repaire unto the Charterhowse, and knocking at the gates, no man aunswered. Mr. Sherriff Barnes by agreement went upon the backsyde to see that no masse- hearers shold escape, and after dyvers knockings at the gate the porter came,"being a Portingale who did speake Englishe, and said my Lord was not at home. " Then," quoth I, " let us speake with you, Mr. Porter, for we have brought letters." And the porter aunswered us very stubbornly, and at the length he opened the gate, and I, the Recorder, put in my left legg, meaning to enter in at the gate, and being half in and half out, the porter knowing me very well, saide, "backe, vilane !" and thrust the gate so sore upon my legg, that I shall carry the grief thereof to my grave. Sithens that time my paine hath been so great that I can take no rest, and if Mr. Sherrif Kympton had not thruste the gate from me, my legg had been utterlie bruised into shyvers; and besydes the Porter began to bussell himself to his dagger, and tooke me by the throte ; and then I thruste him from me, for indeed he was but a testy little wretche. And so I willed Mr. Sherriff and his officers to stay the fellow from doing any hurte to any other in his furye. After this we passed quietlie, all doors being open, out of the hall up the stayrs, and at the staire-head there was a great long gallerie,that in length stode easte and weste. In the same gallerie all the masse-hearers, 38 FLETEWOOD AND THE PORTUGUESE AMBASSADOR. [NOV. both men and women, were standing ; for the priest was at the gospell, and the altar candells were lighted, as the old mode was. After this we knocked at the utter door of the gallery, and all they looked back, and then Mr. Sheriff Kympton and I charged all suche as were Englishemen borne and the Queene's subjects to come forth of that place, and then came all the straungers coming towards us, some of them beginning to drawe first their daggers, and then after they buckled them- selfs to drawe their rapiers, and by that time two bayliff errants of Middlesex, whose names I remember not, being at the door, did draw their swordes. And immediately Mr. Kympton caused the straungers to be quiett, and I caused the bayliffs to putt up their swordes. And then Mr. Kympton, with all themasse- hearers, with Mr. Gerraldie's wife, and her maydes, were all in a heape forty persons at once speaking in several languages. And then I sayd to Mr. Sherriff, " I praye you, let you and me make a way for my Ladye ;" and so he, making a way before, I kyssed my hand, and tooke my ladye Gerraldie by the hands, and let her owt of the prease to her chamber- doore, and then made a most humbly cursey unto her ; and after I put owt my hands to the reste of the gentlewomen, and first kist it, and delyvered them into their chamber also. And then Mr. Sherriff Barnes came into the gallerie, and so we three examined every man what he was, and first suche as were Signor Gerraldie's men we required them to depart, and after many lewde and contumelious words used by them against us, we by faire meanes got them owt of the gallerie into their ladies' lodgyng, and then proceeded to the exa mination of the straungers that were not of Sig. Gerraldie's howse, nor of his retinewe ; and trulie they most dispitefullie, against all civilitie, used such lewde wordes in theire lan guage against us, that if our company had understande them, there might have chanced great harme. But in plain termes I said unto them, " Sirs, I see no remedie but you must go to prison, for most of you be free denizens." And then I willed the officers to lay hand on them, and immediately every man, suddenlie, most humbly putt off his capp, and began to be 1576.] FLETEWOOD AND THE PORTUGUESE AMBASSADOR. 39 sutors, and sought favor ; and so upon their submission we suffered them to depart, all saving Anthony Gwarras, who was not willing to go from us, but kept us company. And all this done, we examined the English subjects, and sent them to pryson, who, to say the truth, provoked the straungers into fury and disorder against us ; for if the Englishmen had according to our direction departed from the straungers aud come forth unto us, the straungers had been quiett, and we without trouble. But trewlie the greatest faulte Was, that as well the Englishe masse-mongers, as also the free denizens, for the covering of their owne offenses, practised rather to have murther committed then to be taken as they were. All this while the masse-sayer stode at the northe end of the altar, and no man lyving saide a worde to him, nor touched him, saving that he did give to dyvers of our servants singing cakes, wherewith I was offended with them for receiving that ydolatrous bread. And all being done, and we readie to depart, it was said by a stander by, " If you look in at that door nere the altar," said he, " you shall find a number of masse-mongers." And then did the priest take a keye out of his pockett, and smiling opened the door, and Sheriff Kympton and the priest loked in, and there was nobody. And then Anthony Gwarras tooke me by the hand to see the altar howe trime it was, for Mr. Barnes and I stode afarr off in the gallerie. And I said to Gwarras, " Sir, if I had done my dutie to you and to the Queen, I had taken two hundreth here upon All Hallowe day last, and as many more upon All Sowles day also." " Ho ! sir," said Gwarras unto me, " become of this religion, and surelie you will like it. well, and I will be a redie means to make you a good Christian." And so we went nere the altar, where neither he nor I touched any manner of thing, and so we bad the priest farewell, who gently saluted us, and I suddenlie loking back, saw the priest shake his head, and mumbled out words which sounded Diable ! and male croix ! or to that effect. And then said I 40 FLETEWOOD AND THE PORTUGUESE AMBASSADOR. [NOV. to Mr. Sherriff, " Sir, let us depart, for the priest doth curse." And so we departed, and Anthony Gwarras brought us to the utter gate, where Mr. Sherriff and I invited him to dynner with us, but he departed back to heare out the profaned masse. The foresaid Gwarras, at this business, said that he him self was an embassador to a greater person then — , and so did shake his head. "What ?" quoth I, " do you meane a greater personage then the Quene our mistris." " Na, na," said he, " I meane not so." "No," quoth I, " it were not best for you to make comparisons with the Queen our mistres. Whose embassador are you then ?" quoth I, " the Pope's ?" and then he departed further off, in an anger. This Gwarras was a very busye fellow in this action. Amongest all these straungers I marked one, who is a free denizen, and married to an Englishwoman ; he is a broker, and hath his chief lyving by our merchants. This fellowe made himself more busie then it became him. There was a tall young fellowe, an Italian, that was very wanton with us. And it hath been told me sithens that he and other are kept here for two causes, the one for uttering the Pope's almes and th'other to serve for intelligensers, which I think are very spyes. This youth was very busye, and bare him as though he had bene treading of a galliard. There was one John Chevers, an Irishman, a student of the Inns of the Chauncery, who, as it appeared unto me, I having a vigilant eye of all sydes, was a great sturrer of the straungers against us. This yong man, when he could not prevayle, then he gate up to the southe end of the altar, and there he confronted the masse-sayer with his cap on his head, who was at th'other end, and stode there as thoughe he had been an Italian. His garments were a cloke and a rapier, after the Italian fashion ; and when 1 demaunded what he was, he bowed on th'one side and th'other, as thoughe he had not understoode me muche, like the fashion of Sig. Gerraldie, by which I did note that he had bene often there. 1576.] FLETEWOOD AND THE PORTUGUESE AMBASSADOR. 41 This is all that I do remember, and in my conscience, as I shall answere before God at the latter day, we used ourselves with suche humble reverence unto the Lady and her familie, as more we could not do unto the Queen om- Mistris, save in kneeling. I sent Sig. Gerraldie word, as I remember, at Easter last, by Mr. Benedick Spinello, that he shold not suffer the Quene's subjects to repaire to his masse ; and other things shold also be amended, whereWith the people did wonderfullie grudge at him. And I am sure Mr. Spinello did my message unto him in a decent order. This is not the first time that his howse hath bene delt withall by the sheriffs. Strompetts have been gotten with child in his howse, and we of the hospital dryven to take order for their keeping. The Masters shall justifie this. I never sawe any embassador sent out of England but that was both wise and virtuous, and was not indebted to any. And whether Sig. Gerraldie were an ambassador or not, surelie, my Lord, I knewe it not untill my Lords of the coun sell had told me thereof, upon Monday last at the counsell borde.* WILLIAM FLETEWOOD TO LORD BURGHLEY. My singular good Lord, we departed from your Honor to the court, where we had bene called for ere we came. We were heard as muche as we could saye for ourselffs. My Lords made a true report to her Majestie. At theire returne, they sayd we had done but according to the lawe, yet, notwith standing, for honour's sake, insomuche as Sig. Geraldo was upon his dispatche, and for that by his good meanes there was an honorable conclusion of trafique brought to passe, * Signor Geraldi was the Portuguese ambassador, who made great complaint of this infraction of his domestic arrangements, and to pa cify him, the Lords of the council called up the recorder, and committed him for a time to the Fleet. 42 FLETEWOOD AND THE PORTUGUESE AMBASSADOR. [NOV. therefore it was thought mete by her Majestie that we shold go to the Flete, and thereuppon at the board we received our warrant to Mr. Warden of the Flete to receyve us. But after that Mr. Sheriff had out of order tumbled out a number of fonde wordes, and sayd that I and others had commanded him to go thither, I was contented to take the matter upon me alone, where in very deed, my Lord, my going was by earnest request of the Sheriff, and especially for that Mr. Sheriff's man, being light fyngered, might take things away. Trewlie, my Lord, that was the cause why I went. And I am not sorye for anything, but that her Majestie shall be offended. If your Lordship had sene the idolatrous dealing, it wold, I am sure, have stirred your Lordship's heart agaynst them more than I can expresse. My veiy good Lord, I do most humbly beseche your Honor to give all my Lords of the counsell thankes for theyr honorable and most curteis using of me, for trewelie they dyd for me as muche as at that present they possibly might do. Thus most humbly I committ your Lordship to the tuition of Almightie God, with most humble thanks for your good Lordship's great care of our wel-doings at the court. Ex Fleta, 7th Nov. 1576. Your good Lordship's most humbly bounden, W. Fletewoode. WILLIAM FLETEWOOD TO LORD BURGHLEY. My very good Lord, I have, according to the postcript written with your Lordship's own hand, sett downe, I am sure, the very truthe, without adding or informing anything more or less then the simplicitie of the matter now in action. My Lord, I have required Mr. Spinola in times past to give Sig. Gerraldie counsell to amende dyvers things that have been awrye, and especially touching the repaire of those lewde people, the Queue's subjects, that came to his masse. Sig. 1576.] THE YOUNG EARL OF ESSEX. 43 Gerraldie saith to his frendes, that I beare him malice, and did this for malice. My Lord, I refer that to God and to your Lordship's own conscience ; and I thank God even from my harte that I never used any man lyving with any malicious dealing. Sig. Gerraldie his faults are suche as that I do not onlie malice but do abhor. Our Lord make him a virtuous man ! I do beseech you, thanke Mr. Warden of the Fleete for his most frendly and courteous using of me, for surelie, I thank God for it, I am quiet, and lack nothing that he or his bedfellow are able to do for me. This is a place wherin a man may quietly be acquainted with God. O Lord God ! bless your good Lordship, my good Lady, and Sir Walter Myldmay. The 9th of November, 1576. Ex Fleta. Your good Lordship's most bounden, W. Fletewoode. SIR EDWARD WATERHOUSE TO LORD BURGHLEY. It maie please your Lordship, I came to this house of pur pose to have attended on my Lord of Essex to the burial of his father,* but when I had conferred with such as are about the Earle, and understood by them the tendernes of his body, I durst not consent to take him from hence in this extreme cold weather to so long a journey, but to leave hym here, meaning that his uncle George Devereux shall supply the place of chief mourner. I delyvered your Lordship's letters unto the Earle, which he redde three or four tymes. In the end he said, " I am muche bounde to my Lorde Treasurer ; I will write an answer." And because I wold have triall of his witt, I assure your Lordship I left hym to his own advice, saving I said that her Majestie had licenced him to go to the buriall, and that your Lordship and my Lord Chamberlaine were the persons upon whose advices my Lord his father had * The Earl of Essex was buried at Carmarthen. Sir Edward Waterhouse was the bosom friend both of the Earl of Essex and of Sir H. Sydney. 44 THE YOUNG EARL OF ESSEX. [NOV. commanded hym to repose hymself. Upon this he wrote the letter which your Lordship shall receive herewith, without helpe or correcting of one word or sillable. He desired furder of me to knowe the names of his father's principall friends in Wales, which I gave hym. Immediately he wrote two letters of like effect, but in contrary words, to these gentelmen, excusing his absence, and taking knowledge of their good wills to his father, and promising with your Lordship's licence to visit them within a yere or two. He can expresse his mind in Latin and French, as well as in English, verie curteous and modest, rather disposed to heare then to answere, given greatly to learning, weake and tender, but very comely and beautifull. I think your Lordship will as well like of him, as of any that ever came within your charge. His scholemaster, this bearer, was carefully chosen by my Lord his father, out of Cambridge ; the chief of the colledge, wherein he is a fellowe, have borne with his absence for the Earle's sake, and now I suppose he is not like to have anie longer tolleration, unlesse it proceed from your favor, or from your auctority as Chancellor of the University. And forasmuch as changing of teachers do many tymes make confusion among their schollers, and that this is every waie to be liked bothe for his learning, judgment, and acquaintance with the yong Erie's disposition, I am humbly to pray your Lordship's goodnes towards hym, Divers here have entreated me to be a sutor to your Lord ship, that the Erie might remayne here till the end of February, but if your Lordship do not signify your opinion to be so before my returne from Carmarthen, I will then bring hym up according to the former order. And in the meane season I humbly beseech you that my Lord Chamberlain may understand that the Erie goeth not into Wales. So I leave to trouble your Lordship. At Chartley, the 15th of Novem ber, 1576. Your Lordship's bounden and humbly at commandement, Ed. Waterhous. 1576.] THE NETHERLANDS. 45 DR. WILSON TO LORD BURGHLEY. (Brussels, Dec. 3, 1576. — Extracts.) The state here is very uncertayne, the people everywhere suspicious and murmuring, the magistrates and nobilitie little esteemed, greate wante of money at this present, and yet the campe of the states encreased every daie more and more, and is appoynted to be at Duffeyle, a place by a ryver, halfe waye betwixt Macline, which the states have, and Lyra . . ., where Julian Romero and his companie lyeth. The number of footmen is thought to be 30,000, and the horsemen 4,000. Every landlorde payeth the 20 parte of the lande, and tlie tenante the 40 parte, for the mayntenance of these warres ; the 100 pennie is to be levied throughout the provinces, being 17 in all, wherof 16 are agreed and united together, onlie Luxembourge is not within the accorde of the treatie betwixte the prynce and the states. Meanes have been made to me by the chiefest for monie to be had out .... at this present, but I answer, that I dare not presume to deale with out comission, onlie promising to declare that suche motion hath been, and I would take upon me to be any furtherer. Four Comissioners are especiaUie sent to Don John with warrants to deale stoutlie, and to demande thinges with greate vehemence, as by a copie of their instructions maye appear. The Com missioners are those who went after Monsieur de Resinghen, then come newlie from Brysels to Luxembourge, the Mar quesse of Haver, the Abbot of Saynt Gheselins, clerke, the Bysshoppe of Arras, Monsieur Lik ...., Monsieur Mekerke,and these require a resolute answer by the 12 of this at the fur thest. The chiefeste man of wysedome and stomack at this tyme here, is Monsieur de Champeignie, who hath made a dis course of late upon these affayres, which I do send herewith translated out of Frenche into Englishe. The Frenche copies not onlie of these two translations, but also of other ad- 46 THE NETHERLANDS. [JAN. vyses made for Don John in Spayne, to deale with the states here, I have sent to Mr. Secretary, who I trust will com municate all to your Honor, but if you please, this bearer maye suffice for all, if you have leisure, as I praye you most earnestlie so to do, for never was it more meete for the coun sel of Englande to be watchful, and careful to the state, than at this tyme. Upon three persons at this tyme all Christen dom hath their eyes, and learne to understande their doinges, viz. Don John, W , and the Prynce. And of these three it is hard to say who is most to be doubted for England's welfayre. ***** If the Prynce shal have it,* as he hath Newporte, as in- deedehe shal,iftheComyssioners agree not, it is thought verilie he will come in person, and then the trial wyl be betwixte us there and the Prynce for the best game, without hope of peace or any accorde at all. And surelie if the Prynce with the states had readie monie, it is lyke that some greate ex- ployte would sertainlie be done. And no doubt the Prynce is a rare man, of great authoritie, universalhe beloved, verie wyse in resolution in all thinges, and voyd of pretences, and that which is worthie of speciall prayse in hym, he is not dismayed with any losse or adversitie, his state being better now than ever it was. God grawnte that right maie take place, and justice may be done upon earth ! SIR HENRY RADCLIFFE TO THE EARL OF SUSSEX. It may please your Honor, such newes as I have receaved out of France, I have thought good to advertise your Honor altho I know you receive the true certificate, and I report but from friends. * Ecluse. 1577.] TROUBLES IN FRANCE. 47 Upon Thursday last there came a shipp from Deepe, which arrived here upon Sunday, by which I do understand that the French King publisheth and proclaimeth, that there shal be no more preaching of the gospel in his country.* Where upon divers of the rehgion be fled, and divers that would fly cannot, for that all the coast of Normandy and the sea coast adjoyning be restrained and stopped. Monsieur Melleroy, the governor of Normandy, doth assemble force for the King. And there hath been brought into Normandy divers bands of soldiers by small companies, which now be discovered. And Monsieur Melleroy hath taken order with Monsieur Sigonie, the governor of Deepe, that there shal be within Deepe four or five ensignes of soldiers, which Sigonie hath agreed to receive. There shal be garrisons also in most townes upon the sea coast. The Protestants, as many as could get away, be gone to the Prince of Conde, who hath been in Rochel, and taken order there. Monsieur de Montpensier and Monsieur de Bedon being with the King of Navar, to know what he would do, the King's answer was, that if the French King would not keep his promise, he would make war. There is great preparation made on both sides, and cruel war is thought to follow. The Pope, the King of Spain, and the French King, have all agreed to make the Duke of Guise general of these wars. The Duke Cassimire hath sent word to the French King, that he will prepare a great number of with its adherents, sought by all means to break the peace in France, and by grievous oppression and wrongs, to force those of the reformed religion to put themselves in armes. The King began also to inter pret his edict after a strange manner, and far otherwise than was ex pected by his confederates. Infamous libels were printed, containing villanous matters against the Protestants, and at last it was concluded by the King in the assembly of the States, that there should be none other but the Roman religion within all his territories. Then began the sixth civil war. * This was the effect of a secret council at Rome' not long before, for the rooting out of the blood royal of France, to make way for the House of Guise to take the sceptre. For that purpose, that House, 48 THE EARL OF NORTHUMBERLAND. [MARCH, men of war against him. The merchants and common people of France, upon the sea coast, are attheir wits' end for feare of this sudden war towards. There is a prohibition made that no Frenchman be suffered to fly into England. Thus have I certified your Honor of such newes as I have received, altho not confirmed. I humbly commit your Honor to God. From Portsmouth, the 15th of Jan. 1576. Your Honor's brother, most humbly to command, Henry Radcclyff. THE EARL OF NORTHUMBERLAND* TO LORD BURGHLEY. Right Honorable and my very good Lorde, I have hearde' of late that your Lordship hath not been well, and that you have kepte your chamber, which I am hartyly sory for ; and being desirous to knowe in what case your Lordship is, I have sent to understand the same, wishing to your Lordship not only helthe,but also comforte and harte's desire to you and all yours. I livehere lyke a rustyke, and yet I assure your Lord ship very well contente therewith, for altho' it be solitary, yet is it quiett. I do nowe finde what delyte and pleasure your Lordship hath had in buylding ; for in reforming but a fewe windows and making a seller 1, and some other lyttell necessaries, I finde contentation. But if I were able and had suche workes as your Lordship hathe, I shoulde take too muche delyte therein. Of all humours it is the moste plea- sante, I must confesse. And thus, being desirous to heare howe your Lordship dothe, I wishe unto you as to myself, with my wyfe's harty commendations, and myne to my Lady of Oxforthe and my Lady your wyfe, and God's blessing to the lyttell Lady.f From my house at Pettworth, this 22nd of March, 1576. Your Lordship's cossen ever assured, H. Northumberland. * Sir Henry Peicy, brother of the rebel Earl. ' Cellar. |- The Countess of Oxford's daughter. 1577.] STUKELEY IN ITALY. 49 MR. HENRY CHEEK TO LORD BURGHLEY. Right Honorable and my singular good Lord, I am en forced through the malice of some of my countrymen on this side, no less traitors to her Majestie (as I suppose) then enemyes to me, to chaunge the place of my abode, as one looked into here with many eyes, and my use noted of such as mean to entrapp me for the hatred conceived against my name. I have bene advertised of this by a certain English gentilman, who coming in the company of Mr. Stuckley* from Genua to Siena, where they arrived on the 20th of this present, gave me warning to seek some other place, and to look carefully to myself, as one greatly noted of some of my countrymen, who were such persons, and had spoken such words in his hearing as he might not declare unto me in particular. This circumstance gave me great cause to distrust Mr. Stuckley's disposition towards me, and the rather because he has discovered himself here to be a hateful enemy unto your Lordship, whom he knoweth I do, not without just cause, honor as my highest friend. To avoyd this daunger with greatest security, I thought good to use the counsell of Sr. Lorenzo Guicciardini, brother unto M. Vincenzo Guicciardini, of London, a grave, wise gentilman, very friendly unto me, and of great credit with the Grand Duke of Toscane, by whom I am advised to repayre to Padua as soon as I may, a state of security, and in the mean season to remayn at Ferrara, where I may also for a time live safely. Wherfore, my very good Lord, I am deter- * Stukeley went from Spain to Rome, where " it is incredible," as Fuller says, " how quickly he wrought himself through the notice into the favour, through the court into the chamber, yea closet, yea bosome, of Pope Pius Quintus." The Pope entered eagerly into all his plans, gave him a high title, creating him Baron of Ross, Viscount Murrough, Earl of Wexford, and Marques of Leinster, and furnished him with eight hundred men, to be paid bj the King of Spain for his Irish expedition. VOL. II. E 50 STUKELEY IN ITALY. [MARCH, mined not to hazard myself any longer in those states where I can have no surety, but depart to-morrow (God willing) towards Ferrara, following the counsell of that gentilman whose care over me in this case I have found fatherlie ; and I am most humbly to beseech your Lordship, when it shall seem good unto you, to give thanks unto his brother for me, for whose sake I have received this great friendship at Sr. Lorenzo his hands. I wrote unto your Lordship in my letter of the 23rd of February, that it was thought the Turke would invade Malta this sommer, but it is now sayd, that he is so occupied in wars abroad with the Sophi, and visited so at home with the plague, as there is no fear of his coming this year into Christendome. At this present, as the advertisements were given here this day, Venice and Padua are clear, howbeit it is thought the passages will not be open till the spring be past. The 21st of this month Mr. Stuckley departed from Siena towards Rome, where he is in great favour with the Pope, who hath employed him all this while, as it is sayd, in Flaun- ders. As he passed by Florence, he had great conference with the Duke, who did him great honor, as do th'other Dukes of Italy, esteeming him as their compagnion. He is full of money, and mayntayneth his old manner of spending. The night before his going from Siena, he invited all English gentlemen of the towne, saving myself, to supper, but they refused to go unto him. The 26th of this present, there came an English woman to Siena to pass to Rome, calling herself Mrs. Johnson, a wo man about fifty years of age, accompanied with two other Englishmen, whose years between them both scarcely arrive to fifty. The 21st of this present, also, was brought prisoner to Florence, Piero Ridolphi, one which with a great number of other gentilmen of the greatest howses in this city, conspired to have slayn the Duke and his two brothers about two years 1577.] SIR WALTER WALLER. 51 since, but the matter being discovered in time, the most part of them were apprehended and executed. Certayn of them fled, wherof one went into Turky, and was sent back again by the great Turke, at the request of the Duke. This other, PieroRidolphi,fled into Polonia, and afterwards coming with the. King's ambassador to th'Emperor his court, was there espied by the Duke's liger, wherof the Duke being advertised, wrote unto th'Emperor for him, who was contented to suffer him to be apprehended within his dominions, and so car ried to the Duke, who hath spent above 40,000 crowns in getting him, hoping to have some greater matter revealed by his meanes. He was a gentilman whom the Duke fa voured greatly, and always as his compagnion, and of such welthe, as it is sayd his revenues amount to 200,000 crowns. There is nothing els, wherof I can advertise your Lord ship at this time. Wherfore, praying contynually for the great honor and prosperity of your Lordship and yours, and most humbly beseeching you to continue your Lordship's good favour towards me, as my greatest comfort in my absence, I most humbly take my leave. From Florence, the 29th of March, 1577. Your Lordship's most ready at commandment, H. Cheek. LORD ABERGAVENNY * TO LORD BURGHLEY. May it lyke your Lordship to understand that there be certaine of Sir Walter Waller's t men, and other their com panions, who have of late fought and resisted the constable, * Henry Nevil, Baron Abergavenny. His only daughter married Sir Thomas Fane.* t Sir Walter Waller, of Groombridge, Kent. E 2 52 SIR WALTER WALLER. [APRIL, and his companie, and hurte one of them, having warrante from me and my sonne Fane and other justices, for the ap prehension of them, for that they had disobeyed the Quene's Majestie's lawes ; and if they be suffered, that they neyther will obey the warrants of justices of the peace, nor the officers themselves, I referre it unto your Lordship's consyderation what wyll followe. I delyvered to your Lordship a by 11 of such disorders, both by him and his men, which, if the pardon had not remytted, wold have proved felonie, as it is supposed by learned men ; but because he was a justice of peace, these matters were slipt over. And thus by the meanes that he is a justice of peace, he overbeareth the poor men with such disordinate dealings, both against lawe and conscience. My Lord, evill orders growe apace in this countrye, which, if they be suf fered, to what ende they will come, I know not. For we had a murther remitted, and that a wilfull murther, as I am well able to approve ; and the matter being examined by a justice of peace, and the partie bound with good sureties to appeare at the next assizes, another justice of peace discharged him cleane, without any knowledge to the bench, or any other, as it was informed to me by the justice of peace him self, who tooke the bands of the parties ; and other murthers committed, which, for brevitie, I overpasse, untill such tyme as I wayte upon your Lordship myself. But when the justices of assize be nothing regarded, but that other justices of the peace shall undo that which they do, my doings and other justices' must nedes be little sett by, as they have bene ; for I assure your Lordship, my sonne Fane, Mr. Serjeant Barham, and I,with others, have directed above ten or twelve warrants for the apprehension of these malefactors, as my servant the bearer hereof can declare unto your Lordship, who hath written the warrants, and knoweth the matter, and ever they have bene disobeyed by Sir Walter Waller's men, and by his commandement, as I can well prove. 1577.] SIR WALTER WALLER. 53 And when they heare of any warrants out for them, they go straight to Sir Walter Waller's house, and are there har boured, that the constables dare not come thither without danger of their lives, so threatened by Sir Walter and his men, which was not wonte to be used by his predecessors, which dwelte in the house before, for they lyved like sub- jectes and under lawes. My Lord, here be many robberies done, many murders, and none taken. The cause why is, that the justices of peace are so lightly sett by, for when one justice of peace shall commytt one to pryson upon disorders, other justices will bail him straight, not knowing the matter. My Lord, I have bene a justice of peace in Kent these thirty yeares, and my warrants have ever bene estemed and obeyed untill nowe, within this twelvemoneth, whieh war rants, if they have not bene made according to lawe and jus tice, let me take the reproach therin. I beseech your Lordship directe your letters downe t( some justices of peace within the shire, who, uppon your let ters, may cause Mr. Waller to send his men to be examined, and if there be not found good matters against them, both for transgressing the lawes of the realme, and also of other diso bedience not meete to be suffered, then your Lordship, may blame me, when I waite upon your Lordship, if I have not dealte justly in the matter. I do trust your Lordship shall heare of such disorders done by Sir Walter Waller and his men, that your Lordship will thinke him not meete to be a justice of peace. Thus, being bold to trouble your Lordship, I bequeath you to God. From my howse at Comforte, the Sth of Aprill, 1577. Your Lordship's to commande, Henry Abergavenny. 54 THE EARL OF SHREWSBURY. [MAY, LORD BURGHLEY TO THE EARL OF SHREWSBURY. My verie good Lord, I have received your letter of the fifte of this presente, in answere whereof you may please to under stand that her Majestie alloweth well of your purpose to re move for three wekes to your house of Chattesworth, for the ayring of your house of Sheffield in the mean tyme. How- beit, her pleasure is, that your Lordship forbeare to remove, as is aforesaid, untill Mounsieur Vergier be gone away from your chardge, and returned hither, of whose abode therewith youher Majestie much marvayleth,thinking that he wouldhave stayed with you not above fower or five days. And so hum bly commending your Lordship to God, I take my leave. "(May 9, 1577.) THE EARL OF SHREWSBURY TO HIS COUNTESS* My swetehart, your true and faithefull zeale you beare me is more comfortable to me than anything I can thynke upon, and I gyve God thanks dayly for his benefits he hath be stowed of me, and greatest cause I have to gyve him thanks that he hathe sent me you in my old yeares to comfort me withall. Your coming I shall thynke long for, and shall send a Fry day your lyttar horses and a Saterday mornyng I wyll send my folkes, because Fryday they wyl be desyrous to be at Rotheram faire. It appeares by my syster Wingfeld's letter there is brute of this Quene's going from me. I thank you for sending it me, * This letter is of uncertain date, and is placed here, because Lodge has printed about the same period a similar letter from the Countess to her husband. At the same time it is possible the " brute of this Quene's going, " may be the same alluded to by Burghley in a letter to the Earl of Shrewsbury, Sept. 7, 1577, in Lodge. 1577.] THE YOUNG EARL OF ESSEX. 55 which I returne again, and wyll not shew it tyll you may speke it yourself what you heare ; and I have sent you John Knyfton's letter, that Lord brought me, that your may per ceive what is bruted of the yonge King. I thank you for your fatt capon, and it shal be baken, and kept cold and un touched tyll my sweteharte come ; gesse you who it is. I have sent you a cocke that was gyven me, which is all the dainties I have here. I have wrytten to Sellars to send every weke a quarter of rye for this tenne wekes, which wyl be as much as I know wyl be had there, and ten quarters of barley, which wyl be all that I can spare you. Farewell my swete true none1 and faithefull wyfe. All your's, G. Shrewsbury. THE EARL OF ESSEX TO LORD BURGHLEY. My very good Lord, I am not only to give your Lordship thankes for your goodnes towardes me in your Lordship's house, whereby I am bounde in duty to your Lordship, but also for your Lordship's great care of placing me here in the University, where, for your Lordship's sake, I have bene very well entertained both of the University and of the towne. And thus desiring your Lordship's goodnes towardes me to continue, I wishe your Lordship healthe, with the continu ance of all honour. From Trinity College, in Cambridge, the 13th of May, 1577. Your Lordship's at commandcment, R. Essex. ' Own. 56 EMBASSY TO MAROCCO. [JUNE, EDMOND HOGAN TO QUEEN ELIZABETH. Maye it please your Majestie to be advertised, that after your Highnes sent me, being directed unto the King of Bar- barie, with your Majestie's commission signed, delyvered unto me, I prepared myselfe for these partes, imbarking at Portesmouth the 6th daye of Maye, and the . . . of the same month arryved on this coaste of Barberie at a porte of the King's called Caphia. I remained aborde shipp in the roade, and wrote letters to Marocus, where the King keepes his courte. And at the ende of five dayes, the King being informed of my arryvall, sente certayne captaynes, with sol diers and Englishe merchauntes, to me, for to bring me up to his courte, declaring that he greatly rejoyced to hear from your Majestie. So as the first of June I came to his city of Marocus, and uppon the way, by his order, mett me all the christian marchauntes, and neare to the citty some of his court, who declared it was the King's pleasure to honnor your Majestie all he could devise, and therefore thought it good I should come to his presence. So to his pallace I was brought, and to the presence of the Kinge, sitting in his chaire of estate, and his cownsallors being as well Moores as Turkes, standing abowte hym. I dutifully delyvered vour Majestie's letters, and declaredmy message in Spaynish, which albeit he well understoode, he cawsed me to make relation what I said in their language, as the Moores mighte under stand the same. And after the Kinge, giving great thankes to your Majesty, declared that he with his countrie and all thinges therin should be at your Majestie's commandement as with his honnor and law. I aunswered, your Majesty re served the same, as by your Highnes' letters he shoulde per ceive. Theareupon, I being conducted to my lodging, being ap pointed of . . . with necessaries, accordingly the same nighte he sente for me to the courte, whereas he had long conferance with me, declaring that the Kinge of Spayne had 1577.] EMBASSY TO MAROCCO. 57 sente to hym for lycence that he mighte send an embassador hither, which request that his honnor wolde not gyve any wise to anie that did not come from your Majestie, which li cence he had graunted. " But," sayd the Kinge, " when he cometh he shall see that I make more accompte of you com ing from the Queen's Majestie of England, then of anie King of Spayne ; for I wyll use hym after the use of some places in Christendome, to tarrie twenty dayes before I speake with hym ; for that the King cannot goveme his own countrie, but is governed by the pope and inquisition," which religion he doth wholly mislike of. Fyndinghym to be a very earnest protestante, of good religion and lyving, and well ex perimented as Well in the Old Testament as New, with great affection to God's trew religion used in your Hyghnes' realme, I fynde hym willing to do good to your marchauntes more then to anie other nation, and not to urge any demaunds to your Majestie that maye ten de to your dishonnor or breache of league with other christian princes. Wherin, as apper- tayneth to my duty, I specially regarde. He is nott yet all in quiett within his countrie, for the blacke Kinge kepeth in the mowntaynes, being of small force.* Thus praying to the Lorde for the preservation of your Majestie's royall estate and honnor, longe to governe. From Marocus, in Barberia, the 11th of June, anno Domini 1577. Your Majestie's moste humble servaunte, Edmond Hogan. DANIEL ROGERS TO THE EARL OF LEICESTER. Right honourable, I have written at large unto your Lord- * There were at this time divisions in the kingdom of Marocco, of which the King of Portugal in the year following thinking to take advantage to his own aggrandisement, went with an army, and perished there. 58 TREACHERY OF DON JOHN. [JULY, shipp in my former letters, touching my negotiation with the Prince. As I was even readie to depart from Enchusen, he sent for me againe, to imparte unto me suche letters as presently he had received from Bruxelles, subsigned by the Comte of Egmont, Monsieur D'Aussy, brother unto the Counte Bossu, Counteof Lantkercke, Monsieur de Heze, Baron Merude and Berelle, as also to shewe me suche letters as Aldegonda wrote unto him from Bruxelles. The contents are worthie of your Lordshipp's knowledge, and therefore, although I was redy to depart, I thought it my dewtie to write them to your Lord- shipp. First they thank the Prynce for imparting unto them the letters intercepted and decyphered : since which tyme Don Juan should have taken the towne of Namure, and placed Monsieur de Floyon his regiment as well in the towne as in the castell. That by the meanes of Monsieur de Leieges he had lykewise obtayned Carlemont and Philippe- ville, townes heretofore builded by the Prince, and by him named, at the Emperor's commandement. That Don Juan had written unto the estate, howe that he understoode that the estate went abowte to imprison him, wherfore for his safety he had taken the above-mentioned townes. That the state had answered he had no just cause to suspect any such mat ter, and because they had great occasion given them to sus pect his doings, they willed him to returne incontinently to Bruxells. In the meanwhile the abovenamed Lords counsell the Prince to assure himself of Amsterdam, and to surprendre (if it were possible) the townes of Boldur and Breda, where the Allmaines are in garrison to prevent such mischiefs as were at hande, that they meane with the fh'ste to sende one unto him to communicate the affayres farther unto him, and to knowe his wise advise. In Aldegonda's letter was com prehended all that he had negotiated with the above-men tioned : as also howe he had with him Champigny untill thre of the clocke in the morning : that it were not yet con cluded amongst them with whom he had dealt, whether he should make the Duke of Arskot acquainted with the letters 1577.] LOW-COUNTRY NEWS. 59 intercepted. That the gates were well garded at Bruxelles, that none went forth without passport. That he had conferred with Count Lalaing, Monsieur de Montigny, the Counte's brother, Monsieur de Capers, and Monsieur de Frazin : he advertised the Prince, how Don Juan had failed in intercept ing Maestricht, which he thought to have obtayned by the helpe of the Duke of Arskot, who, with his brother, the Marquis of Havrech, followeth Don Juan. That the prince of Chimay is going towards Andwarpe to assure himself of the castell and towne : that some of the estate had sent thither to wynne the captaines. Item, that they have sent to Machlin, Monsieur de Mon tigny to be assured of Gonney and La Mote. Furthermore that the Count of Lalaing came to conduct the Queen of Navarre through his government, that the said Queen councelled the Count to go to his force, for that Don Juan mynded to sur prise him : that she should be sorrie if any thing came amysse unto him whilest he was awaiting upon her. Item, he wrote unto the Prince howe that the estate coun celled him to surprise Barronne : that Billy alias Robeloz and Mondragen were at Namure. Item, that the Counte Mansfeld was a returning to Don Juan. Item, that the estate had written to Monsieur de Ville, the Count of Hockstrat's brother, who was as yet at Machlin, that he went not to Don Juan, but should thinke to return to his government in Frislande : that Barlemont were not at Bruxelles, but at the bathes. Allagond, beside these, coun celled the Prince to come to Gertrundenberg to th'intent he might the better provyde for all thinges, as he mynded to do. In summe, I perceive the warre is begunne. The Burgmaisters there understanding these newes, desired the prince he wolde give them leave to molest them of Amsterdam ; if they tooke it not in a moneth, they would loose their lifes. The Prince, to save time, meaneth not to stay for him whom the estate promised to send, but 'this daie dispatcheth Taffin to 60 TREACHERY OF DON JOHN. [JULY, the estate and councill there from him to look well to Maes tricht, and to see how they may assure themselves of the castell and towne of Andwarpe: if they see difficulty in taking the castell, that they forthwith divide the castell from the towne by making of a trenche ; and because they ought as good as six millions of gold unto the Allmaines, he councelleth them to employ the said summe to the driving them out of the countrey. Thus he thinketh good the estate and him to levy 3000 reisters, for which purpose he meaneth to send the Count of Holleck into Germany : if they shall understande that Don Juan makes a levy of reisters, forthwith to send for 5000 reisters more : and these thinges he meaneth not to write, because he knoweth not fully their determina tions. One thing I will add, and trouble your Lordship no longer, which is, that the Emperor's ambassador remaining at Constantinople hath advertised the Prince that the King of Spaine hath made a league with the Turck for five years ; that before this the Emperor had attained a league of eight yeares : wherefore the King of Spaine wil be busy in other places as your Lordship shall understand by the letters inter cepted. Thus I leave to trouble your Lordship with my scribled letters, beseeching the Almighty God, that it may please him to strengthen your Lordshipp, and to prosper all your good endeavours. From Enchusen, this 26th of Julie, 1577. Your Lordshipp's most humble at commandement, Daniel Rogers. The Prince is marvelous gladde of the newes herein con- tayned, and especially because he having followed and ob served the peace, Don Juan shal be knowen to have broken it, which wil serve to declare his innocency and bring Don Juan into the greater hatred with al men. Right honourable, I have upon occasion of such newes as are come out of the Low Countries commended Colonell 1577.] THE INFECTION AT OXFORD. 61 Chester unto the Prince and the estats to th'intent, if the Prince commends any Colonell unto the estates general, his excellency would have a regard to avance of him that way, which I thought good to lett your Lordshipp understande. THE EARL OF LEICESTER TO THE EARL OF SUSSEX. My good Lord, I have shewed your letter to her Majesty, who did take your great care to have her welcome to your house in most kind and gracious part, thanking your Lord ship many times : albeit, she saith very earnestly, that she wil by no meanes come this time to Newhal, saying it were no reason, and less good manners, having so short warning this year to trouble you ; and was very loth to have come into these parts at al, but to fly the further from the infected places, and charged me so to let your Lordship know ; that by no means she would have you prepare for her this time. Nevertheles, my Lord, for mine own opinion, I believe she will hunt and visit your house, coming so neer. Herein you may use the matter accordingly, since she would have you not look for her. And now my Lord, we all do what we can to persuade from any progress at all, only to remain at Winsor, and therabouts. But it much misliketh her not to go somewhere to have change of air. So what wil fall, yet I know not, but must like to go forward, since she fancieth it so greatly her self. The infection at Oxford and the countrey falleth out to be onely at the assizes gotten ;* for none others either * This strange infection happened upon the hearing of the cause of one Jenks, a seditious bookseller, when on a sudden, almost every one that were present in the court fell sick and died within forty days ; as namely Bell, the Lord Chief Baron, Sir Robert Doyley, Sir William Babington, Doyley, the High Sheriff, and many others of the best 62 THE INFECTION AT OXFORD. [JULY, of the towne or countrey are touched, but those present there at the gaol delivery. And of all that fei sick, few recovered, nor any that keepeth them or cometh to them take any infec tion at all. And so God keep your Lordship as I wish my self. In hast, this 30th of July. Your Lordship's assured, R. Leycester. W. FLETEWOOD TO LORD BURGHLEY. \Right honorable and my very good Lordylyesterday being Monday was the Mercer's feast, where were the Master of the Rolls, Sir Thomas Gresham, Sir William Damsell, and , Mr. Sackford of the privy-chamber. And there were we all very merry, and then (as the manner is) we fell a talking from one matter to another, untill we came to your Lordship being at Buckstons.1 And I tolde them then that I was to write privately to your Lordship ; and they requyred me all to com mend them unto your good Lordship; at which time the Master of the Rolls (who is no wyne drinker) did drink to your Lordship a bowle of Reynishe wyne, and then Sir Thomas Gresham drank another, and Sir William Damsell the third, and I pledged them all. At the same feast, Sir Leonell Duckett was chosen master, and dynner being done (as the order is) we brought the master home to his howse, where we had a great and a royall bankett.2 And that done, I walked to Powle's to learne some newes, where came sodenly into the church* Edmond Downyng ; and he told me that he quality in the county, as Wenman, Harcourt, Fittiplace, etc. There was this also peculiar in this infection, that no women nor children were seized by it. The papists represented it as a miraculous visi tation of God upon their persecutors. 1 Buxton. 2 Banquet. * St. Paul's was the great resort of idlers, news-spreaders, and news- gatherers. See vol. i. p. 347, note. 1577.] THE INFECTION AT OXFORD. 63 was even then come out of Worcestershire, and that my Lord Chief Baron died at Sir John Hubard's howse, and that he is buryed at Leicester. And he said that the common speache of that contrey is, that Mr. Serjaunt Barham shold be dead at Worcester ; but that is not certen. The like report goeth of Mr. Fowler, the clerk of the same circuit. He told me that Mr. Davers, Mr. Doyly the uncle, and Sir Roberte his nephew, Mr. Thomas Wayneman, Mr. Symon Harcourt, Mr. Babington, Mr. Mychaell Nasshe, and a number of other gent that were at the gaole-delivery at Oxon, are all dead. The inquest of lyfe and death are almost all gone. Such clerks, servants, and yong gent, being schollers, as were at the same gaole delivery, are either dead or in great danger. Mr. Solicitor's sonne and heire, being brought home to his father's howse at Woodstocke, lyeth at the mercy of God. Mr. Attorney's sonne and heire was brought very sick from Oxon to his father's house at Harrow, where he hath bene in as great danger of death as might be, but now there is some hope of amendment. The gaole-delivery of Oxon (as I am told) was kept in the town-hall, a close place, and by the in fection of the gaole (as all men take it) this mortalitie grewe. This muche for yesterday's newes, being Monday. Upon Sonday last I rode over to Harrow to see Mr. At torney's sonne, where I found Mr. Attorney and Mrs. Ger rard and all theire household in helth, saving the yong gent, who I trust is on the mending hande. Upon Saturday last, in the afternoone, we had an oyer and determiner in the Guyldhall, the which we use to hold in the vacation tyme to kepe the people in obedience. There was, besides us of the city, Mr. Southcott and Mr. Leiftenant. Upon the forenoone I sate in the Duchie, where I did arraine a cutler, a neighbor of your good Lordship, for bawdery. Thus much shall serve for the occurrents of Saturday. Upon Fryday last we had muche busines. The subsidy for the borough of Southwark was sytt upon, and the subsidy for Middlesex, and the musters, were sitt upon at the Justice- 64 POLICE INTELLIGENCE. [JULY, hall. There were two letters considered of that came from the Lords of the Councell : the one touching the number of ale-houses in Middlesex and Dover haven, &c. ; and the other for the avauncing of archery, &c. The same day we examined certain roogs and masteries men. This shall suffise for Fryday. Upon Thursday there was nothing ado, but preaching of sermons, and at my parishe churche the Deane of Chester did preach. And thus much for Thursdaye. Upon Weddensday was arrayned in the Guyldhall one Hayward, an imbrotherer, a servant of my Lord Went- worthe's ; at which tyme the statute made in the 18th of this Quene for the supposed father's getting of children was put in execution, th'example wherof will do muche good here in London. This shall suffise for Weddensdaye. Upon Tuesday we had little or no busines, saving that the shomakers of London having builded a faire and a newe hall, made a royal feast for theire trends, which they call theire howse-warming. Upon Monday here fell a mischance betwene two of my Lord Chamberleyn's men, and the one of them was killed in Powle's churche-yarde. Thus much for Mondaye. Peradventure your Lordship wold knowe how myself is occupied. I am in very deed, my Lord, at the presente, at the request of dyvers of my trends, setting downe an order how justices of peace shall use themselfs in theire offices.* I am, thanke God, in the middest of my travell, and I hope within this month to make an end, for I have collected all my matter, and it wanteth nothing but good disposition. Thus most humblie I take my leave of your Lordship. At Bacon Howse, in Foster-lane in London, this 30th of July, 1577. Your Lordship's most humble, W. Fletewood. * This book was printed in 1657, under the title of " The Office of a Justice of the Peace." 8vo. 1577.] STATE OF SCOTLAND. 65 SIR ROBERT BOWES* TO SIR FRANCIS WALSINGHAM. It maye please your Honor, your packett to the Regent, with a letter to myselfe for convoy of hawks, sent by his Grace to my Lord of Leicester and yourselfe, I received yes terday ; and this day I have sent that packett to his Grace. The Regent hath sent hither four casts of Scottish fawcons, whereof two casts are to come to my Lord of Leicester, one to my Lord of Hunsdon, and another to yourselfe, all which I have sent forwards by myne owne servant, that shall bryng them, I trust, safely as they be directed. By former advertisements I have signified by intelligence gyven me, that the colonell and captains of the Scottish bands in Holland, upon the casshing of the same, were enter tayned with pension by Don John. I might, therefore, by the generalitie, suspect both Captain Bawfowre (whom you call Baford) late colonell of those bands, and also Molyns, whose name I suppose is Harratt. Butfynding the grace gyven to Bawfowre by her Majestie, with your owne good opinion towardes hym in your last letter, I condempne my judgement towards hym, and still contynue in suspicion of Molyns. Their doyngs herein may most readily be discovered where they served, and here I will do myne endeavor to sound and fynde out the same, the best I can. The Regent kepeth good heithe, declaring hymselfe well ^affected to followe her Majestie's course in all fortunes ; he is 'greatly disquiet by the incessant spoyles on the seas, which might seeme to be practised to breake the amytie of the \, realmes. He hathe much to do, to pacifie the mynds of that people, being greatly alienated, and almost desperate of re- 'dresse. There is no further mention of matters of religion sithens my coming from thence, but matters lying over in myslyking, and that nation not destitute of malecontents. There be some * Sir Robert Bowes was now ambassador in Scotland. VOL. II. F 66 THE PLAGUE IN LONDON. [SEPT. that wishe change of government, which in the scarcity of fitt heads to enterprise the same, is still lyke to be yet de ferred. The Lord Seaton with unaccustomed bravery is departed towards the Spawe for his heithe. The favourers of their Quene do say that oportunity well serveth in these dayes to worke her good ; but they groane to fynd that procede and prosper no better. The Carres* have bene at Edenburghe at a lawe-day to pursue the slaughter of a Carre, slayne by the Rotherforthes, and the Turnbulles, (whom the Lord Angus semeth to favor,) but the matter is adjourned to a newe day. The Lord Maxwell contynueth in warde, upon suspicion of intent to arise troubles on the borders. Thus ceasing further to trouble you untill newe occasion, and wishing shortly to heare from you in the cause commended unto you by her Majestie to be delyvered to me, I pray God preserve you in honor and contynuall wellfare. Barwicke, the second, of August, 1577. Your Honor's wholly at commandement, Robert Bowes. W. FLETEWOOD TO LORD BURGHLEY. My very good Lord, upon Michaelmas-day at night, Mr. Thomas Dudley shewed me the end of my Lord his master's letters, what fault he found with the Duchie touching the plague. His Lordship offred very honorablie to give as muche as any shold give for the relief of the sick. He threatened Ledsham the bailiff, who is his man, to pluck his coat from his back, and to punish him otherwise for his negligence. And yesterday, at my Lord Maior's, at dyner, the Master of the Rolls privatelie shewed unto me the end of your Lordship's letters, much to the same effect that my said * The Cars were a border clan. 1577.] LONDON NEWS. 67 Lord's were of, but there, instead of Ledsham, your Lordship touched me. My very good Lord, I have weekly myself sur veyed the Duchie, and have taken that order there, that if the like had been executed elsewhere, I thynk the plague had not so greatly increased as this last week it did. And trulie, my Lord, I did twise passe with all the constables betwene the barres and the tilt-yard, in both the liberties, to see the howses shutt in. The Master of the Rolls is very wise and circumspect, and I a very foole, for I am sure I did go my self to see things effectually done into such places as (be it spoken without offence) neither he nor my cousin Holcroft the bailiff wold or durst do. Upon Thursday last, Mr. Garter and Northway,1 not as kinges but as frendes, with Mr. Thomas Pole, and myself, were at Romford at the burying of Mr. Cade of the Duchie, which did weare blacks. At dyner, Mr. Pole taryed not, for he had taken a great surfett with eating of fresh pork the day before at the Musters. The Deane of Powles preached. At the sermon was my worshipfull friende Mrs. Cook of Gwydy- hall, and her gentelwomen and trayne, but she wold not tary dyner. Katheryn Carus, the late justice's wiffe, my contry- woman, with all her pryde and popery, is this week gone (as I trust) to God. She died in Bishop Thirlby's chamber in Mr. Blackwell's howse in the Black-fryers. Your Lordship may think it strange that yesterday morning at four of the clock I was at London, and at seven with Mr. Secretary, and then againe at London with the Master of the Rolls 'at my Lord Maior's at dyner, where I sawe your Lordship's postscript touching the Duchie. The citie do use to allow me horses to the court ; they provyded for me posters betwene London and Waltham, and according to their posting pace, I used them betwene Lon don and Wyndsor. At my Lord Maior's there dyned the Master of the Rolls, Justice Southcot, Sir William Damsell, Mr. Levetenant, Sir 1 Norroy. F'2 68 STEWARDSHIP OF FARNHAM. [SEPT. Rowland Hayward, Mr. Justice Randoll, Alderman Pallison, and myself. After dyner, we heard a brable betwene John Wotton and the Levetenant's sonne of the one parte, and certain freholders of Shordyche, for a matter at the theater. I mistrust that Wotton wil be found in the fault, although he complained. My Lord Treasurer, that dead is, gave me the Stuardship of Farnham Ryall besides Wyndesor, after the death of Mr. John Nudigate. The fee is 20s. per annum. Mr. Receyver of the Duchie wold nedes have it from me. My Lord gave me faire wordes and promises that I shold have a better in Buckinghamshire. I yielded up my patent to my Lord, and after was fayne to kepe the court myself untill Mr. Receiver had gotten a sufficient Deputy. My Lord, it is now void, and if it may stand with your Lordship's favor to let me have it againe, I will assure your Honor I will deale trulie between her Majestie and her tenants, and accompt myself most boun- den (as I am indeed) to your Lordship. My Lord, I was once Stuard of Set. Helen's tenure in Dochett, hard by Wynd- sor. John Thomworth wold never cease untill he had wrong it out of my handes, and that was done by the counsell of Ockam, who was the chief director in those things. My fellow Lloyd told me that your Honor's pleasure was that I shold write of such things as fell out here, and there fore I am the bolder to let your Lordship to understand of things that are but mere imaginations. My said fellow Lloyd is wonderfull well liked of here amongst us. Upon Tuesdie last my Lord Keper cessed us the Com missioners, even as we were cessed before, and gave us the same allowance for complaints that we had the last tyme. There is a broile of excommunication betwene the Archb. of York and the Mynster of Duresme about the visitation.. I think my Lord Archb. is in the wrong. My Lord Keeper graunteth forth a commission for the same cause. The ru mor is here that Mr. Justice Sowthcot or Mr. Jefferies shal be Chief Baron. The talk goeth here also, that Mr. Captain of the 1577.] LONDON NEWS. 69 Gard* and Mr. Doctor Wylson, shal be of the counsell, the one Vice-Chamberlayn, and the other Secretary. It is also said that the Master of the Rolles, Mr. Horsey, Captain of Wyght, Mr. Dyer, and Mr. Doctor Lewys, shall be of the privy coun cell. These matters have occupied Powles all the last week. Every honest man here is desirous that her Majestie shold aide the Prince of Orange. Sir John Clyfton's wife, my contriewoman, is dead in child-bed. He is a sorrowful man. She was the virtuousest lady that ever I knew to come either out of Hornby or Lathom. I wold to God her sisters had ben like her. Sir John Clyfton is presently at Elyng Parsonage, near Braynford, which was once your Lordship's, with my cosen William Fletewood, who mariedwydow Copston, being Sir John's syster. The session is at Newgate to-morrow ; the gaole is full. At the last sessions there were executed eightene at Tyborne, and one Barlow, borne in Norfolk, but of the house of the Bar- loos, neare Manchester, in Com. Lane, was pressed. They were all notable cut-purses and horsstealers. It was the quietest sessions that ever I was at. There were no more justices but my Lord Maior, Sir William Damsell, and my self. There was playne dealing, and neither favor nor parti- alitie. They were the most notable theefs in this land. The court was at Wyndsor. There was not any reprieved. My Lady Alyngton is here in London, sick. Here be no noblemen, but my Lord Wentworth. Thus most humbly I take my leave of your good Lordship. This first Sonday after Michaelmas, at Bacon House in London, 1577. Your Lordship's most humble, W. Fletewoode, Recorder * Sir Christopher Hatton. 70 THE MARQUIS OF HAVERC [NOV. W. FLETEWOOD TO LORD BURGHLEY. My very good Lord, yesternight being Saterday, Mr. Doc tor Masters supped with me, and did a message from your Honor unto me touching a robbery, by the same token that I had not writen to your Lordship of a long tyme. The thieves that committed this robbery are well known to the justices of Newgate ; they have enjoyed the benefitt both of the Quene's general pardon and speciall. If they come near this citie, I am sure to have them. My good Lord, this last week the Marquis of Haver* was right honorably feasted upon three severall dayes by the Lord Maior and the two Sheriffs. Although Mr. Sheriffs made unto him two notable feasts, yet my Lord Maior did farr surmount them. At my Lord Maior's and Mr. Sheriff Bacchus', the Marques and his company were very mery, and told us many stories, how convenient it was that there shold be amitie and alliances betweene England and Flaunders. But at Mr. Sheriff Bowyer's the Marquis and his companie were very sadd, and used nothing the like mirthe as they did before. In his retinue there is a talle yong fellow that is a fryer, and, as it is said, confessor to the Prince of Orange his sonne in Spayne. This fryer is a very busie inquisitor of every thing ; he useth to go to the lectures, and hath his trenchman with him. He frequenteth the Royall Exchange and Powle's, fense scholes, daunsing scholes, bowling allyes, and the shoting pricks, and also the beare-bayting at Parrys Garden, and all other places where he maie learne or see any noveltie. Anthony Gwarras required me very emestlie that your Lordship wold vouchsafe to remember him ; his onlie hope and trust is in your Honor, (as he said). I answered him I knew not his case, and therefore I wold advise myself very well ere I dealt in a matter that I knew not. By a late ex- * The Marquis of Havrec and Adolph Metherk were sent over by the States to borrow money of Elizabeth, and to obtain all other aid they could. See in Camden an account of the confederacy which was formed with them. 1577.] ANTHONY GWARRAS. 71 amination, taken by me, of a man of his called Damian Dela, (which I did by Mr. Secretarie's commandement,) I finde that he hath not a groate to bless him withall. His yerelie pension from King Phillip is 500 ducketts, the moitie where of hath bene stayed by the Treasurer of Arragon these three yeres, and th'other moitie this twelve monthes. His house hold stuff is not worth 40s. He is in mine opinion Iro pau- perior, and were it not that libertie is swete, I know not where in his owne country he shold have the like entertainment. I beseech your Honor, pardon my boldnes for dealing in this matter, wherin it doth not become me to medell. I had forgotten Sir Thomas Gresham, Sir William Damsell, Mr. Lievetenant and others of like calling, were invited to accompany the Marquis of Haver, but they came not. The Marquis was very desirous to have seen the ladies of our citie, but they had no great devotion to see him. Ever sithens the week before Michaelmas, I have been toiling almost both day and night in compounding a generall table for the whole body of the common lawe, that I maie turne to anything at the first that is sett downe in our books of the common lawe, the which work I have almost over come. This travell hath so withdrawn me from all things, that surelie it was the onlie cause that hath hindered me from writing any drearie matters of all this time unto your Honor, but surelie, my Lord, in my foresaid travell I have found out such strange and rare things in the lawe, that I never either marked in reading, or heard any other tell of. If God had blessed me with that leysure that others have that serve the Quene, I could (with God's help) bring forth very straunge matters. And now do I learne, after thirty yeres' study, that our forefathers were marvelous depe and profound learned men. After that I had written, my very good Lord, the first page of this letter, there came in one unto me, being the eldest sonne of Sir Thomas Lee, late Alderman, whom his father hath disinherited. He told me he had a brother that is com- 72 ANTHONY GWARRAS. [JAN. mitted unto perpetuall prison in Spayne, he suspecteth the colour to be religion, and yet he is a notable papist ; but the cause is for that Anthony Gwarras, having bought a shipp called the Clock, delyvered his brother eight score pounds to entertayne marryners to serve in the same shipp against Flushingers, the which thing his brother did not so well per- forme as Gwarras looked for. He tells me for a certaintye, that Gwarras every night after the day was past, had repair ing unto him at least twenty, thirty, or forty, that brought him intelligence of all things that were eyther done, spoken, or intended. His manner was to let them sytt or walke in his hall by dark, without candel-light, for he never useth candell beneath, but all above. And Damian his man was his cur lier, to call up every man. I will do the best I can to learne who are Gwarras' spyalls, for I perceive now that Damian told me not half that I examined upon. There was one Frenche, that dyed of the plage within these three dayes, that was his chief spyall, and also his bawde. This Frenche had a very faire wife, quam exposuit to the styllyard men, and sometyme to Acerbo and to others. She was daughter unto one Ellys Halle, the which, about twelve yeres past, came from Manchester to London as a prophet, and for that cause was commytted to Brydewell, and there ended his lyfe. This daughter of his is as notable a curtesan as ever was Lais. And thus, being over bold with your Lordship, I most humblie take my leave. This Sonday at night, the 10th of November, 1577. At Bacon Howse. Your Lordship's most humble, W. Fletewoode. W. FLETEWOOD TO LORD BURGHLEY. Right Honourable and my very good Lord, the cause why I have not written unto your Honor a long tyme touching 1578.] robbery at the lord treasurer's. 73 the confederates that intended the robbery at your Lord ship's howse, was, for that I could by no means get ariy thing from them by examination, although Croker very con stantly alwaies affirmed the same. The said Croker was a condemned man, and of no creditt. But nowe, my Lord, you shall see what is fallen out. Two nights past it came into my head, as I satt in my study, to know what common fashion was kept in Smythfield and St. John's Street this Christmas. And hereupon I sent my warrant to make a pryvy searche ; in which searche were found a nomber of masteries men, who were brought before me the nexte daye to be examined, amonges which nomber there was one Yea mans, whom I knew not. All the residue wery well knowne unto me, with whom I toke order, but as touching Yeamans, who had many trends to speak for him, my stomack grudged agaynst him, and therefore I sent him to Newgate. There were of the Quene's men with me treating for him, and in the end waxed very warm with me, because I wold not dis charge him. This Yeamans, as sone as he came to Newgate, and his name entred in the book, Croker standing by, affirmed that Yeaman's name was called Bullays ; and it was he that was sought for by Mr. Recorder, for that the same Bullays could make declaration of the confederacy touching the rob- bing'of my Lord Treasurer. Whereupon the keper of Newgate brought him and Croker unto me, and in the presence of the Quene's men and others, I examined him, and he hath con fessed, as by his examination herein inclosed, wrytten with myne owne hand, may appere. This Bullays, Croker, and Sweeting, that I kepe in Bride well at work, know nothing of any parte of your Lordship's howse, nor are not acquainted with any of your family, but as I can perceave, Pendred, the two Smythes, and Carles, are acquainted with sundry parts of your Lordship's howse. I beseech you, my Lord, let me know your opinion what is now best to be done, for I meane once againe to examyne them over, and then by th' advise of the justices to procede 74 POLICE intelligence. [jan. against them at the next sessions, tanquam confederatores et insidiatores populi dominm Reyhm. T beseech your Lord ship send me back this examination, if your Lordship mynde that I shall procede any farther against them, because it is subscribed with testimony. Thus most humblie I take my leave of your good Lordship, this 7th of Januarie, 1577. Your Lordship's most humble, W. Fletewoode. This twelfth day, my Lord, I kept my auditt for the coseners. To-morrowr I intend to do the lyke for the cut- purses, that I may know what new be sprung up this last yere, and where to finde them if nede be. And after them I am to deale with the receivors, and gage takers, and melters down of stolen plate, and such lyke. Here have I sent your Lordship inclosed a mynute of the state and commonwealth of the coseners. SIR FRANCIS KNOLLYS TO SECRETARY WILSON. I am here welcoming my frendes, which I do as Mr. Tresorer, and not as Francis Knollys, but I must returne to Francis Knollys agayne, when Mr. Tresorer shall depart from me ; and yet this welcoming of my frendes doth not so possess me, that I can forgett her Majestie's safety, the which at this present doth consist in vigilant care, in good foresyght, and in tymely prevention of her Majestie's dan ger. And Saynt Pawle speaketh of faythe, hope, and cha- ritie ; so saye I, that there remayneth vygylance, foresyght, and prevention, but the chiefe of these is prevention, be cause virtue doth consist in action, and prevention is the tymely action of vygylancy and of good foresyght. Her Majestie knoweth that I am loath to offend her, and I do know that her Majestie is loath to heare me ; and indede my speache hathe no grace worthie of her Majes- 1578.] perils of the state. 75 tie's ears ; God hath denied it me, and therefore I am the more silent, altho when I may be heard, as my grosse memorie doth serve me, rather then my silence shold be gyltie of her danger, I do utter my unworthie speeche unto her Majestie. I do know that it is fyt for all men to give place to her Majestie's wyll and pleasure, and to her affections, in all matters that touch not the danger of her estate ; but I do know also that if her Majestie do not suppress and subject her own wyll and her own affections unto sounde advice of open cownsayle, in matters touching the preventing of her danger, that her Majestie will be utterly overthrowne. For who wollpersiste in gyving of safe counsayle, if her Majestie woll persiste in myslyking of safe counsayle ? Nay, who woll not rather shrynkingly (that I may say no worse) play the partes of King Richard the Second's men, then to enter into the odious office of crossing of her Majestie's wylle ? The avoyding of her Majestie's danger dothe consyst in the preventing of the conquest of the Lowe Countries betymes; secondly, in the preventing of the revolte of Skotland from her Majestie's devotion unto the Frenche and the Quene of Skottes ; and thirdly, in the tymely preventing of the con- temptious growing of the disobedient papistes now in England to her Majestie and to her lawes, synce refusing to pray for her Majestie, and also open treason, dothe followe thereuppon. And also if her Majestie wol be safe, she must comforte the hartes of those that be her most faythfull subjects, even for : conscyence sake. But if the Bishopp of Canterburye shall be deprived, then up startes the pryde and practise of the papistes, and downe declyneth the comforte and strengthe of her Majestie's safety. And then King Richard the Second's men woll flock into courte apace, and woll show themselves in theyr colors. From which cumpanye the Lord blesse her Majestie, and the thynking thereon doth so ahorre me, that I am more fytt to dye in a pryvate lyfe, than to live a 76 battle OF gemblours. [feb. courtier, unless a preventing hart may enter into her Majestie betymes. At Greys, the 9th of Januarie, 1577. P.S. I pray you hyde nothyng of my letter from her Ma jestie. SIR FRANCIS WALSINGHAM TO RANDOLPH. Sir, this night we have received advertisement of th'over- throwe of the States' Campe,* wherefore among other things it will be thought requisite that you use as much diligence in your journey as may be, whereof I have thought good to give you knowledge, to th'end you may dispose of your things accordingly. And now you may make accompt that her Majestie will not sticke at money, considering how muche it standeth her uppon to assure Scotland. Thus I commit you to God. From Hampton Courte, the 4th of February, 1577. Your assured frend, Fra. Walsyngham. SIR FRANCIS WALSINGHAM TO RANDOLPH. Sir, what the present state of the Low Countryes is you may see by these enclosed and last advertisements from thence. We are here now in dailie and earnest consultation what is * The battle of Gemblours, gained by Don John of Austria, who had broken the pacification which he had entered into with the States. The latter were thrown into the greatest consternation, and the dissensions amongst themselves, and between them and their al lies, produced much confusion. 1578.] SCOTTISH AFFAIRS.' 77 best to be done, in which generallie I see all my Lordships inclyned to one course for her Majesty's safetye, if it please God to inclyne herself to embrace and followe the same. After you have had conference with Mr. Bowes, and by him shall be thoroughly informed of all things, who will also acquainte you with that I have now written to him, I feare me you shall deale with one whom you are to hold as a wolfe by the eare, according to the old proverbe. Therfore I pray, after you have uppon conference with Mr. Bowes well sounded him, at large and with as much speede and playnnesse as you can advertise hitherto in what good or badd termes you find him, that accordinglie deliberation may be had here, and di rection given from hence to you there. Whether this man whom you are to hold hardlie and dangerouslie do stand up right with her Majestie and her realm, or waver, or be cleane fallen away, you are thought the most apt and likely man either to continue him in a good course, or to reduce him to the right way ; and therefore, knowing as you do how neces sary the amyty betwene these two crownes is, and how re quisite a person this man (held now somewhat doubtfull) is, for the preservation of the same, though I wish you to write speedelie and largely how you find him disposed, yet I would not that yourself make any haste to returne hither, but rather tarie there untill some good and sure league of amyty may be concluded on betwene both realmes, wherin as my desire is great, so is my hope no lesse, but by your good and dis- creete dealing it wil be brought to passe. By the next I shall be able to acquaynte you with our thorough resolution for forreyn causes. In the meane time I praye God prosper your doings there as may be to God's pleasure, her Majestie's satisfaction, and the benefit of the two crownes. At Hampton Courte, the 20th of February, 1577. Your cosyn and assured frende, Fra. Walsyngham. Cominende me to my nephewe, Mr. Alexander Haye, and 78 SCOTTISH AFFAIRS. [FEB. to Mr. Nicholas Glynston. In no case salute Captain Col burne, who is decyphered to be a Marianiste. RANDOLPH AND BOWES TO THE TWO SECRETARIES. (Edinb. last of Feb. 1577.— Extract.) * # # * It is not unknowne unto your Honors of what nature this people is of, loathe to obeye, and ready upon anye occasion to myslyke : it is incident also to autoritie that the hygheste in place beareth the greatest blame. a'Of small sparkes are raysed often tymes greate flames^/ Myslyking there is of the Regent for his coveitous hu mor, and strayght dealing, where he maye either by lawe or color gette anything into his hands, whereof he distribu- teth agayne so lyttle, as fewe for services passed are rewarded, or little given to any. Suspicion also there is, that under- hande for his private affections he nourisheth the dyscords amongst sondry nobles that many well deserve. This moveth many bothe to liberall speeche, and maketh them wyllingly to to take any occasion, that may be offered, be it either to his discredit or displeasure otherwaies. The Earles therefore of Argile and Athall being lately re conciled betwene themselves, and now joined in a strayte league of frendship, greatly mysliking the Regent's govern ment, have lynked unto them some personages of the house of Marre to favour their faction, which tendetli to some great inconvenience, if in tyme it had not bene foreseen, and remedy provyded by the Quene's Majesty our soveraigne. 1578.] THE REGENT OF SCOTLAND DEPOSED. 79 SIR FRANCIS WALSINGHAM TO RANDOLPH AND BOWES. Sir, by letters received verie latelie from the borders, I un derstand of the deposing of the Regent,* which you wrote of before was intended by the contrary faction. Their civill and domesticall broyles come very evill to passe in this com bustion abrode : the tyme requireth an unitie and perfect agrement rather in them that make profession of that trewthe which is elsewhere impugned, and hathe somightie enemyes, and so cruel warres in kindling against it in their dayes amongest our fellowe members abrode. Our unitie mighte be strengthe to ourselves and an ayde unto our neighbours, but if we shall like to fall at division among ourselves, we must needes lye open to the common enemy, and by our owne faulte hasten or rather call uppon ourselves our owne ruyne: both parts I knowe will and may pretend mayntenance of the gospell, and entertaynment of good amity with her Majestie and crowne. If the same be performed indeede, and their effects be answerable to their outward pretensions, they are like to reape the better fruite of their actions, but yet it cannot be where offenced myndes are, and displeasures conceived in the one against the other, but there a thirde faction shall have the better entrance to worke his purpose. And they that are entered into jealousie are not so apte to joyne together as otherwise they wolde, if they were soundlie affected one towards the other. But it is greatlie to be doubted that the secKfecies of this * The unquiet state of Scotland gave much uneasiness to the Eng lish government this year. The Regent Morton had by his govern ment given great offence to many of the Scottish nobility, who accused him of sacrificing every interest to his own avarice. He was deposed chiefly by the.meanes of the Earls of Argile and Athol, but he after wards regained in a great measure his former power, until, at the end of the year following, the King assumed the government himself, al though little more than a child. 80 STATE OF SCOTLAND. [MARCH, practise is deeper rooted, and hathe a farther intent in it, then the removing of one man from his government, whose carying of himself in his regiment could not be so evill as the sequell of this action maie bring danger. The waie is easelie opened to division. Gappes and breaches made in state, are not easelie stopped, and seldom soundly. But seeing they are fallen into this inconvenient, that they are now more subject to those inconveniences which discorde and division breedeth, then before, it shall behove them specially whom God hathe appointed watchmen over that piece of his house, to mediate as much as they can that unitie maie be mayntayned, that the profession of the gospell and the free course thereof be not interrupted, that good re- garde be had amongest them to continue their good amity with their friends which make the same profession as them selves, that they suffer not themselves to be carryed by sinis- trous practises to anie course that maie prejudice the good estate thereof, whereuppon dependeth the welfare of the cause of religion amongest them, and of the crowne and realme. And to this effect you shall do well to persuade with the ministers and others, that are best affected, to be good in struments that waie, and to be very carefull thereof, seeing they are so nigh to danger. This I thought good to imparte unto you, for the good wish to that state, and benefit of bothe the realmes, and the dutie I owe to the advancement of the kingdom of God, and main- taynance oflthe same within this isle, which God graunte we may holde, and leave to our posteritie to be inherited and possessed by them as the greatest and beste parte of theyr in heritance. And so I leave you to the grace of God. From the Courte, the 16th of Marche, 1577. Your assured loving friende,, Fra. Walsyngham. 1578.] TUMULT AT STERLING. 81 SIR ROBERT BOWES TO LORD BURGHLEY. It may please your good Lordship, on Saturday last, about sixe in the morning, the Earle of Mar, accompanyed with the Abbots of Dribrough and Cambiskinneth and their servants, ordinarilie lodged in the castle at Sterlinge, came to the castle gate with pretence to go on hunting, and finding there the master and his servants, the abbots called the master aside, chardginghim that he had muche abused the Earle of Marre his nephewe, and farre oversene himself in witholding the custodie of the King and castle from th'Earle. The master, after reasonable excuse made, founde that they pressed to possesse the keyes and command the piece, and reaching himself to an halberte, his servants came to assist him. Driborough and some with him stayed the master. Cambis kinneth and his complices assaulted the rest, where Buche- nan, one of the master's men, was sore hurte. After the fray pacified, the master and th' Abbots withdrewe themselves to the hall to debate the matter ; and Argile, being then in bed, rose spedelye and came with a small number to the hall, where, hearing that the master and th' Abbotts were in quiet communication, he retyred himself to his chamber and arming himself he assembled his servants, that with the master were able to have overmached th'other. But the master being then fully satisfied, Argile was sone after appeased; and then yelding possession for th'Earle, they agreed at length to remove thence and drawe to concord, specially to satisfie the King, who of the tumult as is reported was in great feare, and teared his hayre, saying the master was slayne And, as I am informed, his Grace by night hath bene by this meanes so discouraged, as in his slepe he is therewith greatly dis quieted. After all this was ended, th'Earles of Argile and Marre, the master, the two Abbots, and Mr. Buchanan, advertised by their letters this counsell of this accident, declaring that VOL. II. G 82 AFFAIRS OF SCOTLAND. [APRIL, the parties were well reconciled, and persuaded the counsell to proceed forwards in the course determyned for the govern ment, as no such matter had happened. Argile departed out of the castle, and he is nowe gone to levye his forces, minding to returne within two dayes at the farthest. In this uprore th'eldest sonne of the master was so crushed in the thronge, as he died the next daye. The master is fallen into vehement disease, with daunger of his fife. Upon the coming of the said letters from Sterlinge, on Sa turday, about nine in the afternone, the counsell assembled, and after some hot humours digested, they dispached Mont- rosse that night towards Sterlinge, to understande and certi fie to them the true estate of the matter, to persuade quietnes about the King's person, and to continue this present govern ment established untill the next Parliament. Montrosse, after longe abode at the Lord of Levingston's house, came to Sterlinge on the next daye, and was receaved into the castell. He putteth the counsell in good hope that the matter is well pacified, and that this government shall not by this accident be impeached. Whereupon the moste parte of this counsell, pretending to have the King's letters commanding their re- payre to him, are departed this day towards Sterlinge. But what shall ensue hereof is greatly doubted. Loughleven being spedely advertised of the doings of the Abbots, came the same day to Sterlinge, and with some diffi culty, as was outwardlye shewed, was let into the castle with one servant, whom presentlye he returned to Loughleven to the Earle of Morton, and himself remayneth still in tlie castle. Th'Earle of Morton, upon the first advertisement, came to Loughleven, dispached his servant to th'Earle of Angus to put all his friends and forces in a readiness on an hour's warning, and many noblemen being frends to these two Earles have done the like. Nevertheless, they shewe no force nor assembly as yet. 1578.] AFFAIRS OF SCOTLAND. 83 The Lords of the counsell have likewise levyed all their powers, drawing some parte with all possible speede towards Sterlinge, and leaving the residue in readines upon warning. Some be of opinion that the counsell wil be readily receaved and welcomed to the King and to all the castle, without fur ther change. And many think that by the meanes of the Abbots, the Kinge shall cause them to retyre themselves to their owne howses, till his pleasure be farther knowne ; and in case they disobey, the same then to laye siege and take the castle. That then the King will cause the Earle of Mor ton and other nobles to levye their power within the realme, to raise the seige, and rescue his person from their violence. What storme shall fall out of these swelling seas doeth not yet appeare, but I think verilye within three or four dayes it will burste into some open matter, discovering suf- ficientlye the purposes intended. Wherein to my power I shall seke to quench all violent rages, and persuade unity and Concorde amongstthem, which,if this sodaine chance had not happened, might have easely taken place. Thus, referring the rest to the next occasion, and with my humble duety and service to your good Lordship, I pray God preserve the same in honor and perpetuall felicyty. Edinb. the 28th of Aprill, 1578. Your Lordship's wholie bounden and at commandment, Robert Bowes. i JOHN BARKER TO THE EARL OF LEICESTER.* 0 Right Honourable and my singular good Lord, my humble dutie considered, etc. with the Jonas, theEmanuell, and other * The noblemen of Elizabeth's reign speculated much in the foreign voyages and trade. Many letters of the Earls of Leicester, Shrews bury, &c. are preserved, concerning their shares in these voyages, and one or two are printed in Lodge. 02 84 STUKELEY IN PORTUGAL. [JUNE, shipps of London, who departed here hence a few days past, I wrott to your Lordshipp of the nedefull, bothe of the estate of this contrie, as also of your Lordshipp's busines that I have to deale for, since the which there is small alteration eyther in the one or other. As yet I cannot bring the prise of your Lordship's pipe staves above 40 ds. per thousand. There is not leftunsolde above sixtie thousand. By the vin- tadge, I dowte not but to sell all that is here ; I have sold none this 20 days, becawse I wold reere the prise, which I will do if I maye possible. There is newes here of certain hulckes which do come hither with tuns, as they say, through the which as yet they do staye from buying, but if there come none suche, then I dowt not but to sell the tuns that are left at a good prise. I will, as neere as I can, God willing, use all thinges to your Lordshipp's most profitt. I meane to lade for your Lordshipp the first of the vintadge to the valew of three thousand ducketts, and I hope we shall make good employments, for that a more plentiful! yere towards of wines hath not bene seene of longe tyme. Oyle is dearer then it was, by reason of great winds that hath bene in this contrie, which hath beaten the berris off the trees. Idosendyour Lordshipp in this shipp, the Mathew of London, two dosen of cordevant skins, and two payre of silke hoose. I had eight payre made, and none was to my content but this two payres. I mean to go to Granada this sonier myselfe, where I will provide your Lordshipp of those that shall be verie good, but dowtless there is no good works made in this contrie. They make things substantially, but nothing handsomely^ Here is not at the present anie news to write your Lordship, butt that for anything we can understand, the Kinge of Portugall dothe go for Barberie, and Stuckley with him. There is here and in Jubelalter 40 gallies of the King of Spayne's, staying for his coming. As I can understand of anie other thinge worthy the wryting, I will advertise your Lordship from time to time, and not having farther to enlardge for the present, I rest, praying unto the Alinightie God to grant your Lordship 1578.] DEATH OF STUKELEY. 85 long life and good heithe, with much increase of honor, to God's pleasure. From St. Lucar de Barameda, the 10th of June, anno 1578. Your Lordship's most humble servant, John Barker. DR. WYLSON TO I have receaved letters this daie of the 11th and 12th of Maye from Lysbone, wherby I understande Stewkeley's pur posed voyage to Ireland is altered, to serve the King of Por- tugale agaynste Africa,* muche agaynst his wyll, but the King wyll have it so. Hereupon Stewkley hath sent a post to the holy father, returnable in twenty daies, to declare of this alteration. The King was moved at the first rto ayde this enterprize agaynst Irelande, and because the great galyes that Stewkley came in did fayle, therefore he was desired by the sayde Stewkley to ayde him with shipps, and other thinges necessarie for the warres in Ireland, but the Kinge answered that he was in amytie with Englande, and there- ford wolde not deale that waye, but contrarywyse seeing hym * Stukeley, with his Italian forces, at the encouragement of the Pope and the King of Spain, landed in Portugal (on his way to Ireland) just as Sebastian, with two Moorish kings, was preparing an expedition into Africa, to dethrone the Emperor of Morocco, where they per suaded Stukeley to accompany them. There Stukeley is said to have shown both wisdom and great bravery. On their arrival, he coun selled the kings to repose and refresh their soldiers before they ad vanced, but the King of Portugal was eager to pursue his object, and in the great battle of Alcazar, in 1578, the Portuguese army was de stroyed, and Sebastian, and the two kings his companions, slain. Stukeley also fell, fighting bravely at the head of his eight hundred Italians, after he had been overpowered by multitudes. The old ballad of Stukeley's adventures, already quoted, represents him as falling by the hands of his men, who were enraged that he had taken them from their hopes of Irish conquest, to perish by the hands of the infidel. 86 MASS-HEARERS. [JULY, to have good store of corselets and other munitions, with shippes and men, hath seized upon hym and his company to serve in Africa. And which the Quene's Majestie under standing, I do feare the shippes wil be stayed, although I do thynk it most necessarie they should go to the seas to create a terror to James Fitzmorys, and pyrates that are upon the coast. Thus expecting your Lordship's coming, I will cease to write more at this tyme. From the Court, the 14th of June, 1578. Your Lordship's most assured to commande, Thos. Wvlson. It is thought the Kinge is now readie to sette forthe, his Duchemen being come to hym abowte the 6th of Maye last. WILLIAM FLETEWOOD TO LORD BURGHLEY. My very good Lord, sithence my laste writing to your Honor, it so fell out upon Fridaye laste that upon the banck syde two fell owt, and the one charged the other with being upon Sunday laste paste at Monsieur Malvesour's the Frenche ambassador, at masse. The matter was brought to me. By examination I found it to be trewe, and the partie of fenders wold not be knowenof any one. But he sayd that there were divers Englishmen there, whom he knewe not. Upon Sunday laste I sent two or three thither to masse, and they told me that all the doors stand open, and all men may come in at their pleasure to the masse. This last Sunday, at after- none, a Welshman of Brecknockshere, being an old servingman and also being a stubborn rude fellowe, was there at masse. I have hym in Newgate. He will not be knowen of any that were there. He wold fayne have denied his being there ; but my proof went too stronge. There was Lewis de Hays, a Spaniard, who is a common dicer and haunter of tables, 15780 LADY MORGAN. 87 and besydes a free denizen ; this man was at masse there. I have told hym that I will inform the Lords of the CounsouU of his misbehaviour. He cannot deny his being there^VDyverse Englishmen were at the masse, but they tarried dynner at the ambassador's, and were not sene to come forthe ; there was, as I learne, secret intelligence given them. Don Bernardino de Mendoza dyned at the ambassador's yesterday ; there was a greate feaste and plentie of redd deer and other venizen. Monsieur Malvesor's lady, his wife, departeth towards Fraunce to-morrow, being Tewsdaye. Upon Monday laste, the Frenche ambassador was all day at Mordaunt's place, now St. Barthelmewe's hospitall, with Monsieur Mendoza. Peradventure there may some rumour come to your Honor's hearing how that my ladie Sir William Morgan's wife, upon Saturday at night, withowte anie man of her owne, accom panied with a gent, of my Lord of Pembroke's, and one Mrs. Cowt, went by water, betwene nine and ten upon Saturday at night, from the Blackfryers to Buckhurst stayers, and there landed and tarryed a pretty whyle. This being brought to my understanding by one Iremonger, her Highnes' barge man, I caused him to go with me yesterday, being Sunday, unto my Lady Buckhurste, to know of her ladyship whether my sayd Lady Morgan that laste night before had been with her ladyship or no. My Lady Buckhurste told me that she had been there, and no further then beneath in the garden, and so tooke her leave to go to Mrs. Altham in Essex, to her mother, and I being thus aunswered, did satisfye my sayd intelligenser, with greate thanks for his vigilant care that he had to her Highnes, whose sworne servant he was, for he thought verilie that my Lady Morgan was gone to the Frenche ambassador, which fell not owte so, wherof I was very glad. Here have we come unto us the Abbot of Dumfernling, whom my Lord Maior and I appointed to John Dymmock's house, in Fanchurche strete. My advise was to place hym there, because it is neither neare the water syde, nor yet in any 88 POLICE INTELLIGENCE. [JULY, out corner, as Geraldie's lodgings is in the west, but in an open strete, et hoc absque postica. Surehe, my Lord, if there were no wiser men then I, all the ambassadors shuld be lodged either in the Sadler's hall, or in the Mercer's hall, or in the Grosser's hall, the which halles are all in the Cheape- syde, in the face of all the world. Upon Friday laste, my Lord of London, my Lord of Went- worthe, and Mr. Levetenante, (but the Master of the Rolles was absent) did assemble at my Lord Maior's, in assistaunce for good order shewed furthe in the Lords' letters. Sir Thomas Gresham, the Deane of Westminster, Mr. Justice Southcote, Sir William Damsell, and others were wont to be of the nomber. But surelie, I think these were forgotten at the writing of my Lords their honourable letter. And even at the instant writing herof, there be four students of the howses in Holborn brought before me for being in the streets yesternight, at seven of the clock, each of them with exceeding verie long staves, and in the end of every staff a long pece of a sworde blade. They are of good howses, and because I feare my Lords our assistauntes wold be over hard with them, being all under twentie yeres of age, I have, after twenty-four houres imprisonment, shaken them uppon, and sent them to their principalis to be better looked unto. My Lord John Kirby, that buylded the faire howse upon Redwell green, is dead ; so is Fairfax and Bowes, all riche men that died of surfaite. I shewed unto my Lords our assistaunts those points that your Honor in tyme past gave us for good order, playes, un lawful games, fence-skoles, vacabounds, and suche like to be suppressed, with a vigilant eye to the playe, to the watches, and to lay often privie searches. At our laste privy searches, Mr. Fisher and I toke above sixty roges, being all of the countrie ; we have sent them all away at their perils, and yet some were well whypped. As touching Abraham the rider, if your Lordship's secretarye had not come with hym, I assure your Honor I would not have senc hym. By my next letters 1578.] THE BATTLE OF RIMENANT. 89 I shall send your Lordship all my mynd touching this matter. Thus most humblie I take my leave of your Honor, at Bacon Howse, this 21st of Julie, 1578. My Lord Keeper, my Ladie, and all the howse, are come to London this night. Your good Lordship's most humble, W. Fletewoode. W. DAVISON TO LORD BURGHLEY. My very good Lorde, since my last, wherin I advised your Lordship of th'attempt and cold success of th'enemy uppon the camp of the states,* we heare he hath withdrawen his whole forces betweene Lovain and Tillemont, having sus- tayned greater loss in that skirmish than was esteemed by 6 or 700 men, amongst which are divers whose names we can yet (not) particularly learne. * The following account of this attempt is given by Camden. " Out of England were now gone over the seas John North, the Lord North's eldest son, John Norris, the Lord Norris's second son, Henry Cavendish, and Thomas Morgan, colonels, with very many volunta ries, to lay the first foundations of military discipline. Don John, burning in desire to charge upon the estates' camp at Rimenant, or to provoke them to battell before all their succours were come together out of France and Germany, posted thither sooner than was expected, and when the horsemen that stoode centinell presently gave backe, he pursued them with a hot and furious charge, as if he were assured of the victory. But they soone resumed their courage, and repulsed Don John's men, who, turning aside, endeavoured to breake through cer tain hedges and coverts, where the English and Scottish voluntaries were quartered, but could not, being most manfully received by the English and Scots, who throwing off their clothes by reason of the great heat, fought in their shirts trussed up between their thighes. Norris, the general of the English, fighting very valiantly, had three horses slain under him, and got great commendations in this battell by his martiall valour, as did also Stuart, a Scottishman, Bingham, lieutenant to Cavendish, and William Markham.'' This Bingham was Sir Richard Bingham, whom we shall find after wards distinguished in Ireland ; and Sir Walter Raleigh fs said to have been in his company at the battle of Rimenant. 90 LOW-COUNTRY NEWS. [AUG. To which repulse is since added the loss of Arschot sur prised yesterday morning by the Viscount of Gand,with 2000 horse, and 2 or 3000 footemen, who offering to assault the towne within one parte, to draw th'enemye to the defence thereof, the gates were opened by the burghers to ten com- panyes layd in ambascado on the other syde, who entering the towne put the garrison to the sworde. The taking of this place, though it import little in respect of the strength, is of some moment to the states, as well for their reputation, as for the commodity of the scite, which will avayle them much for annoying the rest of the townes at th'enemye's devotion being upon the same ryver. The D. Casimire cometh very slowly forwards, having not yet passed the Maese. The French commissioners are appointed to depart this day towards Mounts, ill satisfied with the dealing of the states, who have remytted their determyned answer till they heare from their provinces, without whose speciall direction they pretend to have no authoritie to conclude aught in this behalfe. The Duke's force are affirmed to be increased in Haynault to 2000 horse, and above 4000 footemen. The states of that province have utterly protested against the request not long since presented to the archduke and counsel] of estate by those of the religion, and it is not without sus picion that they will use the same matter as a lawfull pretext todisjoinefrom the rest of the provinces, in case they be not seconded by them in their treaty with D'Alencon. Other matter I have none presently worthy your Lordship's reading, of whom I most humbly take my leave. Andwarpe, the 8th of August, 1578. Your Lordship's most humbly boundcn, W. Davisone. 1578.] TROUBLES OF SCOTLAND. 91 LORD HUNSDON TO LORD BURGHLEY. My very goode Lorde, I wyll not trouble ye with any longe dyscourse of these matters in Skotlande, because your Lord ship is to see Mr. Bowse's letter which I send herewith, only I do send your Lordship here inclosed the articles of their agreement. And surely, my Lord, if they had gone together, as they had done if Mr. Bowse's greate travell and circum- specte dealing had not bene, there had bene suche a slaughter as wolde not a bene appeased in Skottlande this many yeres. For the malyce of the Lords and theyr adherents, especially the Wardens of Tyndale and the Marshe and theyr bands, which was their greatest force and beste appoynted, was so greate against Morton, and were so desyrous of revenge, as it was a very harde matter to stay them. They of the Marshe made them a standard of blew sarce net, and in it a chylde paynted within a grate, with thys speeche out of his mouthe, " Lyberty I crave, and cannot hyt have." They semed to answer under it, "Eyther you shall have hytt, or or we wyll dye for ytt." So as though their ma lice to Morton was their quarrell indede, yet they made the detayning the King was their colour. My Lord, the Quene's Majestie hathe now bothe the sydes at her devotion, and the party of Atholl and Argyle more in shew then the King's syde, for the King's syde termes the others Englishmen, becawse they were contented to put their whole cawses to her Majestie, which the other Lords being required of Mr. Bowse to do the like, Morton utterly refused the same, saying that the King and hys counsell wolde ende them.. But if Mr. Bowes erneste travell, and some other meanes had not taken place, it was very like that Morton had bene harde bested, for although the King's syde were some thing more in number, yet were the others better chosen men, far better horste and armed, and besydes few of them but eyther for theyr owne cawses or their trends bare Morton a deadly 92 DEATH OF DON JOHN. [OCT. hatred, and so were desyrous of revenge, which was but in few of the King's againste any of the other Lords. I pray God her Majestie do so deale now, having bothe the sydes at her devotion, as she may kepe them bothe, which surely she may easily do if she wyll. The King hathe sent her Majestie fyve caste of fawcons ; I wolde be glade that her Majestie wolderemember hym. with -some token. Thus have I troubled your Lordship more then I meant to do, and so commytting your Lordship to the Almighty. At Barwicke, the 19th of August, 1578. Your Lordship's assured frend, H. Hunsdon. LORD BURGHLEY TO THE EARL OF SHREWSBURY. My very good Lorde, a few lynes, where the matter is not unpleasant, may serve for a long letter. By letters which I received within this three hours at London, I am certainly advertised that Don John de Austria is dead of the plague,* and the Duke of Parma chose lieutenant. The report of the death of Sebastian, King of Portyngall and of two Kings of Fess is trew ; a cardynall named Heniy, of the age of 67, is to succede, but he dare not take possession of the crown untill the Pope shall license hym.t From my house at Thebalds, 8th of October, 1578.Your Lordship's assured, W. Burghley. * Don John died at his camp near Namur, on the 1st of October. Other causes of his death were assigned. t Henry reigned over Portugal two years, and on his death the kingdom was seized by the King of Spain, and the next heir, or pre tender, Antonio, took refuge in France. 1578.] STATE OF THE LOW COUNTRIES. 93 SIR FRANCIS WALSINGHAM TO SIR CHRISTOPHER HATTON. Sir, if it be good to have these countries possessed by the Frenche and alienated in good will from the crowne of Eng- . lande, then have you returned Mr. Sommers with a very good dispatche ; but if nothing can be more prejudiciall to the state of the realme then such a resolution as may minister just cause of alienation, then have you committed a most dangerous, I will not saye an irreparable, error. For surely these people meane no longer to depende upon your uncer- taynties, who are the more grieved, for that they shall be forced thereby to have recourse to a most perillous remedy, such as may be termed medicina morbo deterior. We do what we can to helpe the matter, and to stay them from taking any degenerate course. We put them in some hope that uppon our returnes, when her Majesty by us shall be thoroughly informed of the state of their affairs, she will take some other resolution, that shall be to their comforte ; which though it breedeth some contentment in them for a tyme, yet when they weigh the uncertaintie of your former proceedings, and howe subject they are to changes, and how dangerous it is for certayne diseases to be relieved by uncertayne remedies, they then despaire to receive any goode from thence. Her Majestie shall never have the like occasion offered to do them good, as she might by yielding the relief they demanded, the estate of their affaires standing then uppon making or marring. Seeing your proceedings with them of Scotland, by sending away their ministers discontented, maketh me the lesse to wonder at your dealings with those of these countries, yet the consideration of both doeth give me just cause to thinke that there hangeth over that realme, which hitherto hath bene blessed under her Majestie's government with a rare quiet- nes, some most fearfull storme ; and the rather I am led so to conceive,, for that I am informed by Mr. Sommers that no prynce could be more faythfully and earnestly dealte withall 94 VARIOUS NEWS. [NOV. by counsellors, then her Majestie hath bene by hers, wherin he telleth me no man could treate more effectually then your self. When the advise of grave and faithfull counsellors cannot prevaile with a prynce of her Majestie's rare judgment, it is a signe that God hath closed up her heart from seeing and executing that which may be for her safety, which we, that love her and depende of her fortune, cannot but with griefe think of. Particularly my Lorde Cobham and I have cause to think ourselves most unfortunate to be employed in a legation that is like to have so hard an issue. But I hope the world can witnes, that there lacked no good will in us to do that which dutie and our calling required. Thus, wanting presentlie any other matter to imparte unto you, I commit you to God's protection. From Antwerpe, the 9th of Sep tember, 1578. Your very loving assured frende, Fran. Walsyngham. DR. WILSON TO THE EARL OF LEICESTER. My verie good Lord, I tolde the Queene's Majestie of the last newes I did write to your Honor, which was of her High nes' healthe, the which selfsame news I do write now to your Honor, and praye God you maye stil heare none other newes. As for myself, I have not bene wel synce your Lordship's de parture, and therefore the lesse able to advise you of things most needeful. The Frenche ambassador stil solliciteth the sute of Mon sieur, and Monsieur de Symiers, chief darling to Monsieur, is thought to be on his way hither for that purpose. This daie the Spanysh ambassador had audience of her Majestie, but I was so evil disposed that I could not tarrie to speak with him, and therefore I did not understande the cause of his coming. To-mon'ow the Portingale ambassador 1578.] THE DEAN OF DURHAM. 95 cometh with a new commission from the new King,* as it is supposed. The meeting upon the borders betwixt the guardians of Englande and Scotlande for controversies and disorders to be ended, is put off by the Kinge from the tyme appoynted, being the 8th of this monthe, until the 9th of December next, which is much mysliked of our guardians. I do sende to your Lordship the newes of the Low Countries, suche as I received latelie, herewith inclosed, and with the same several letters to your Honor. Amongst other things I am informed that the Commissioners appoynted to deale with the Deane of Durhame, can hardly agree amongst them selves for his deprivation, because he is no Minister lawfullie made, whereas for other matters they are contented to deprive him, and so he shal be in lesse hazard of farther losse, and the Archbysshopp worse lyked for depriving a preacher. The 15th of this monthe is the tyme of his appearance at Yorke, the Commissioners in the meane season being smally esteemed of some, and they that were most forwarde to ad vance it, almost defaced. This I write to your Lordship of knowledge, which is not tolerable. I am right gladde that my good Lord of Warwicke hath his health so well, which God continew, praying you to do my humble commendement to his Lordship, to my Lord of Pembroke,t and to that good ladie, his honourable wife,J for whose sake you are all the merrier there, and so I bid your Lordship most hartelie farewell. * King Henry, the Cardinal, who succeeded Sebastian. t Henry Herbert, second Earl of Pembroke, who succeeded his father in 1S70. J The famous Countess of Pembroke, sister to Sir Philip Sydney, and consequently niece to the Earl of Leicester. She was one of the most accomplished women of her age, and celebrated by the wits and poets whom she patronised. Her brother dedicated his Arcadia to her. 96 D'AUBIGNY, EARL OF LENNOX. [MARCH, From the Courte at Richemonde, the 9th of November, 1578. Your Lordship's most assured, Tho. Wylson. SIR ROBERT BOWES TO LORD BURGHLEY. It maye please your good Lordship, at the last convention at Sterlinge, the King by his minority revoked his former graunte of th'earldome of Lennox, given to the Bishop of Cathnes, and in recompense thereof, gave to the said late Earle, then absent, th'earldome of March, continuing him still to be one of the counsell, thereby to retayne his vote in coun sell and parliament for the advantage of hymself and his friends. After the King made Monsieur de Aubigny Earl of Len nox,* giving to him that earledome, and the custodie of the castle of Dumbarton, which D'Aubigny had left in the kep- ing of the Laird of Drumwhessell, former keper of the same. D'Aubigny is also called to be one of the secret counsell, and carryeth the sway in courte. By the small assembly at this convention, it is adjoined unto the 10th of Aprill next, at Sterlinge. And because it is suspected that the Earle of Morton had held sondry noble men back with himself, therefore the King will write more earnestlie for generall appearance at the next. And that partye at Sterlinge are bent to solicite all their friends to the same, where it will appear what weather shall followe these gloming clowdes. * Esme Stuart, nephew to Matthew, Earl of Lennox, who was the grandfather of King James, with whom he soon became a great fa vourite. " The surname D'Aubigny had been used by the younger brother of this family ever since 14.22, when Charles VII. of France granted to John Stuart the territory of Aubigny in Berry."— Lodge. 1579.] A. PAPIST COMMITS SUICIDE: 97 The griefes betwixt th'Earles of Morton and Argile still in crease, the rather because it is latelie seen that Argile gave to the King the late information against Morton, wherein Ar gile beginneth to discover himselfe more playnely than before. And of these, discords most men think that great evil shall spring. The agreement betwixt th'Earles of Morton and Angus taketh no full effect, for notwithstanding the labor of the mediators and the former towardnes, yet they can live scarcely reconciled. The poysoning of Atholl * is meant to be brought againe into question and tryall, and sondry are of opinion that the matter shall be discovered. The Earl of Morton, and many with him, do earnestly withstand the returne of Sir Thomas Carre into that realm ; and it is found strange that D'Aubigny, being so nere in bloud to the King, should advance the call ing home of him that was present at the slaughter of the King's grandfather and his uncle, f March 29, 1579. WILLIAM FLETEWOOD TO LORD BURGHLEY. Right Honorable and my very good Lord, yesterday being Sonday, at twelve of the clock, Nicholas Mounslowe, a draper of this city, and brother to Alderman Kympton's wife, falling into desperation, hath stricken himself into the stomack with a knife, wherof he is dead. He lived an howre after he was hurte, and was in a great desperation. A great payns was taken to make him call upon God, and with muche ado he called to God for mercy, and so departed and ended his life. * After a reconcilement between Morton, Argile, and Athol, they all met at a feast given by Morton, and Athol dying suddenly soon after, it was generally attributed to poison. t The old Earl of Lennox, murdered in 1571, while Regent of Scotland. VOL. II H 98 SIR CHRISTOPHER HATTON. [AUG. The idol that he took for his God I have sent here unto your Lordshipp. It loketh rather like the figure of a divell, than a saynt. Thus most humblie I take my leave of your good Lordshipp. This Monday morning, the 6th of July, 1579. Your Lordshipp's most humblie, W. Fletewoode. SIR CHRISTOPHER HATTON TO LORD BURGHLEY, AT HOLDENBYE. My singular good Lord, I yield you as frendly and thanke- full a welcome, as may be given you by any man, or in any place in this world. I feare me, that as your Lordship shall find my house unbuilt, and very far from good order, for the newenes you shall find it dampishe, and full of evell ayre, whereof I pray God your heithe be not impeached. Before God, Sir, I take great comfort of your most honor able curtesie, to visit your poore frend in so kynd manner. I pray God I may deserve it by my trew service towards you. I humbly beseeche you, my honorable good Lord, show your opinion to the surveyor of suche lack and faults, as shall ap pear to you in this rude building ; for as the same is done hitherto in direct observation of your house and plotts of Ty- balls, so I earnestlie pray your Lordship that by your good corrections at this tyme, it may appear' as like to the same as it hathe ever bene meant to be. I beseeche you, Sir, use patience in your too rude enter taynment, and thynke how much he doth honor and love you, that wold have wished it to have bene muche better and fitt for so honorable a personage. Your Lordship will pardon my lack of presence to attend on you, because you know my leave cannot be gotten. God bless you for ever ! my good Lord, and a thousand and ten thousand tymes I humbly byd you welcome. Mr. Secretary telleth me, he hathe written at large our 1579.] DESCRIPTION OF HOLDENBY. 99 newes unto you, and therefore I will no farther trouble your good Lordship. Her most excellent Majestie hath good heithe, God be praysed for it, and hath commanded me to write her most gracious and loving commendations unto you. Order is in part given to prepare agaynst Monsieur his coming. And thus, my honorable good Lord, I humbly byd you my dewtyfull farewell. Greenewich, this 9th of August, 1579. Your Lordship's most bound, Chr. Hatton. LORD BURGHLEY TO SIR CHRISTOPHER HATTON. Sfr, I maye not passe out of this good house, without thankes on your behalf to God, and on myne own to you, nor without memory other Majesty, to whom it appeareth this goodly perfecte though not perfected worke is consecrated ; and all this I do in mynde largely conceive, and in writing do meane but to touche, because I am hastened to Northamp ton, and I will reserve matter to enlarge at my returne to yourself. I came yesterdaye in the afternone to your house with Sir Walter Myldmay, who came with very good will to visite this house. I was first met on the waye with Mr. Cols- hil and your good uncle Mr. Saunders, your cosen Mr. Tate, and others, and then with a great multitude of your gentilmen and servantes, all shewing themselves, as by your directions, glad of my coming. But approaching to the house, being led by a large longe straight fair waye, I founde a greate mag- nificencie in the front or frontispiece of the house, and so every parte answerable to other, to allure liking. I founde no one thing of greater grace then your stately ascent from your hall to your greate chamber, and your chambers answer able with largeness and lightsomnes, that truly a Momus could finde no fault. I visited all your roomes high and low, and only the contentation of myne eyes made me forget the infirmyty of my legges. And where you were wont to H 2 100 SIR PHILIP SYDNEY. [AUG. saye it was a yonge Thebalds, truly Theballs I like, as my owne, but I confesse it is not so good as a module to a worke, lesse then a paterne, and no otherwise worthie in any compa rison then a foyle. God sende us both longe to enjoye her for whom we both meant to excede our purses in these. Aud so I ende, with my prayer for her healthe, and thankes humbly for her Majestie's remembrance of me her weake spiritt. From a monument of her Majestie's bountifulnes to a thankful servant, that is from Holdenby, Quene Elizabeth's memorie by Sir Christopher Hatton, her faylMill servant and counsellor, 19th Aug. 1579* Yours most assuredly, W. Burghley. SIR PHILIP SYDNEYf TO SIR CHRISTOPHER HATTON. Sir, the greate advantage which I have, by the singular goodnes and frendshippe it pleaseth you to shewe me, which in truthe I do and have a good while reputed amongest the chiefe ornaments of my life and fortune, makes me fynde myselfe at as much disadvantage, when my hart, longing to shewe myself gratefull, can present nothing which maye be servisable unto you. But as I knowe, and have well founde, that you do esteeme a true good-will of some valewe, in that kynde only can I shewe myself, and assure you, that the litell that I am is and shall be in all times and fortunes so to be dis posed by you, as one that hath promised love, and is bounde * In the MS. which is only a copy, it is 1 578, which would seem, by the date of the preceding letter, to be an error. t An account of Sir Philip Sydney's quarrel with the Earl of Ox ford, alluded to in this letter, which arose out of the overbearing arro gance of that nobleman, is given by Lord Brooke. See Sir Philip Syd- 1579.] SIR P. SYDNEY AND LORD OXFORD. 101 by deserte to performe it. This is all, therefore, I can saye, though you lose me, you have me. As for the matter de pending betwene the Earle of Oxford and me, certaynly, Sir, howsoever I might have forgiven hym, I should never have forgiven myself, if I had layne under so proude an in jury as he would have laide uppon me, neither can anything under the sunne make me repente it, nor any misery make me go one halfe worde back from it. Let him, therefore, as he will, digest it. For my parte, I thinke tying upp makes some thinges seeme fiercer then they would be. Sir, let me crave still the continuance of my happines in your favour and frendshippe, and I will ever praye unto God that, among those I most honor, I maye ever see you have prosperous causes of contentment. 28th Aug. 1579. Your Honor's to be commanded even by duty, Philip Sedney. THE EARL OF LEICESTER TO LORD BURGHLEY. My Lord, my brother of Warwick hath wrytten unto me how readily and wylling he hath of late found your Lordship to further his reliefe, upon her Majesty's favourable and gra cious consideration of his great nede, which lately hath bene by his trends opened unto her, and some meanes also, such as your Lordship is made privy to. He and his frends shall be much bound to your Lordship for the frendshipp you shall please to shew him. And I must for my part as hartely thanke your Lordship for it, as for anything whatsoever were done to myself; and ney's Life, in his Miscel. Works, Oxf. 1829, p. 16. The Queen in terfered without success, and Sydney retired for a while to Wilton, the seat of his sister the Countess of Pembroke, where he composed the Arcadia during this temporary seclusion. 102 THE PAPISTS ON THEIR TIPTOES. [OCT. to intreat you most earnest to persist in your good dealing for him, as occasion shall serve, knowing indede his case, as I do. I hope shortly to see your Lordship, and to conferre more at large in this matter with you. In the meantyme there is no newes here to wryte, but such as was somewhat strange to fynd; for I do assure your Lordship since Quene Mary's tyme, the papists were never in that jollyty, they be at this present in this countrey. I have had horrid proof uppon a cause somewhat notorious, even at my coming hither, which I wyll more at large ac quaint you withall at my returne. God of his mercye and goodnes defend her Majesty from all their devices .' But, my Lord, they be here, and so in more places here, uppon their typtoes. I protest afore God, I wryte this simply and plainly to your Lordship, as manyfest causes doth enforce. Therefore they were in tyme to be looked unto. I have now also another request to make to your Lordship touching Thursey . There were certayn tenants your Lordship was wylling should contynew as they had done, saving which there be a couple that had leases from my Lady Fytzwilliams, that are very desirous to contynew tenants still, uppon such consideration as shall be thought mete by your Lordship, and for her Majesty's profitt as much as any. This bearer, George More, shall informe your Lordship for them, who hath bene an earnest sutor to me to be a meane to your Lordship, being his very- dear trends ; and he hopes your Lordship wyll gyve him leave also to attend uppon you for the same, and to declare the sute more at large. And so I wyll take my leave of your Lordship for this tyme, and commend you to the grace of God. From Kenelworth, this Tuesday, the 20th of October, 1579. Your Lordship's very friend, R. Leycester. 1579.] LEICESTER IN DISGRACE. 103 THE EARL OF LEICESTER TO LORD BURGHLEY. My Lord, I have desired my Lord of Pembroke to excuse me to you, and to pray your Lordship to helpe to excuse my not coming this day. I perceave by my brother of Warwyke, your Lordship hath found the like bitterness in her Majesty toward me, that others (too many) have acquainted me lately withall.* I must confess it greveth me not a lyttle, having so faythfully, carefully, and chargeably served her Majesty this twenty yeres, as I have done. Your Lordship is witness, I trust, that in all her services I have bene a direct servant unto her, her state, and crown ; that I have not more sought myne owne particular proffyt than her honor. Her Majesty, I see, is grown into a very strange humour, all things considered, toward me ; howsoever it were trew or false, as she is informed, the state whereof I will not dyspute. Albeit, I cannot confess a greater bondage in those cases, than my dewty of allegiance oweth. Your Lordship hath bene best acquainted, next myself, to all my proceedings with her Majesty, and I have erenow broken my very hart with * "This anger of the Queen was occasioned at first by the French match, that was agitating betwixt her and the Duke of Anjou, which Leicester was much against, but the Queen seemed inclinable to. Simier, the French ambassador, that wooed amorously for Anjou, brought her into displeasure with Leicester, by reason of some things, whether true or false, which he informed against him. Insomuch that she commanded him not to stir out of the castle of Greenwich, and had thought to have sent him to the Tower. But yet after a month or two he seemed to be in better termes with her; being appointed with the Lord Treasurer and some others to consider of the marriage. But the Queen's displeasure brake out again towards the latter end of the year, and as it seems upon the same occasion; whereupon he wrote this letter, intending that the Lord Treasurer should represent his humble behaviour to her Majesty under her indignation. But the letter, which he wrote at London, was not delivered to the Treasurer, being then with the Queen at Greenwich."— M S. Note by Strype. 104 LEICESTER IN DISGRACE. [NOV. you, and have offered, for avoyding of such blame, as I have generally in the realme, myne own exyle, that I might not be suspected a hinderer of that matter,* which all the world desired, and were sutors for. I well understand from whence this cometh now, not for so good a purpose as I meant then. But God judge them as they intend ! I wyll be found faythfull and just to her Ma jesty, no wrongs, dishonors, or other indignytyes offered me, shall alter my dewtyfull affection toward her, neither wyll I acknowledge more good dealings at their hands, that have bene causers of this, than dew respect to her Majesty shall commande me. I ever had a very honourable mynd in all my actions, as neare as my capacity might dyrect me, (and with modesty be it spoken,) toward her servyce in my pore calling. Even so was it never abased in any slavish manner, to be tyed in more than unequall and unreasonable bands. And as I caryed myself almost more than a bondman many a yere together, so long as one dropp of comfort was left of any hope, as you yourself, my Lord, doth well know, so being acquitted and delyvered of that hope, and, by both open and pryvate protestations and declarations dyscharged, methinks it is more than hard to take such an occasion to beare so great dyspleasure for; but the old proverbe say the, "they that wyll beat a dogge shall want no weapon." This is a farr fett ' matter to pyck to me. The cause is some other, I must suppose, or ells my lyfe is very wretched and unhappie. But why do I trouble your Lordship with this matter ? I meant only to thank you for that you have done, and to friend me as in truth I shall be found to deserve. For her manner toward me, I may not find lacke, I know what I have bene, and am to her in all humble dewty. She may, perhaps, forthink her benefitts bestowed. So may I * The Queen's marriage. ' Fetched. 1579.] SPANISH EXPEDITION AGAINST IRELAND. — r05" say, I have lost both youth, liberty, and all my fortune re posed in her ; and, my Lord, by that tyme I have made an even reckoning with the world, your Lordship wyll not give me much for the remamder of my twenty yeres' service ; but I trust styll, she that hath been so gracious to all, wyll not only be grievous to me. God Almighty dyrect her Majesty, and grant her many and prosperous yeres, and your Lordship as well to do as myself. In hast, this Thursday afternone. (November 12, 1579.) Your Lordship's thankfull frend, R. Leycester. DR. WILSON TO LORD BURGHLEY. My verie good Lorde, I do send unto your Lordship the letter written by the Maior and Bayliffs of Corke, which was thought meete by her Highnes' counsell that you should see, and yield your opinions of their demands, after the evil newes reported of Youghil* to be burned, as they have written. I have received a letter from Noremberg, the 3rd of No vember, written by one William Walker there, to his master John Boorne, lether-seller of London, by which appeareth, that one Doctor Christopher Ardecentions, a man of great esteeme in Noremberg, did receave letters of a fresh date, that the shyppes prepared in Spain are againste Englande and Irelande,t and that the King doth all in the Pope's name. Mr. Secretarie Walsingham did send unto me the letter, which I thought good to shew unto her Majestie, as occasion might serve. * Youghil was surprised and sacked by the Earl of Desmond. t Winter was, on this intelligence, sent out with a fleet to watch upon the coast of Ireland, but hearing nothing of the enemies for some time he returned to England. During his absence the Italians and Spaniards, under San Josepho, landed in Kerry. 106 THE INVASION OF IRELAND. [APRIL, Mr. Monson sendeth the warden of the fleete to the courte, to knowe by what warrant he is commytted to close pryson. I answered the warden that Mr. Monson doth busie hymself too much to see his warrants, if it might suffice hym that the counsel had given order by worde of mouthe ; neither needeth he to shew his warrant to any prysoner, but onely to have it, and kepe it to hymself, for his own indemnitie. The bearer hereof came out of Irelande, and he desireth a speedie answer. Thus humblie and in haste I do take my leave. At the Courte, the 3rd December, 1579. Your Lordship's most assured to commande, Thomas Wylson. SIR CHRISTOPER HATTON TO SIR FRANCIS WALSINGHAM. My good Mr. Secretary, my zealous care for her Majestie's safetie now fearfully stirred up, with these evill newes of the affaires of Ireland, doth give me dutifull occasion in my ab sence to write some littell of my simple opinion, though I I know it needeth not, but only for my dutie sake. The long expected mischief, maliciously conspired by the greate and most dangerous enemies of her Majestie, and of her royall estate, towards that kingdome of Ireland, is now, I heare, in action ; wherein though that maxim of kings which contayneth the counsell of Providence in this sentence, diibia pro rectis debeunt timere reges, hath been by our gratious Soverayne, and her most politick foresight, very gravely observed in sending out six shipps to resist these intended traiterous at tempts, yet that direction, by their untymely and unfortunate returne, contrary to order, having taken no place, we are agayne and agayne to prosecute our course, (as of necessitie we be violently urged) with a resolute perseverance of her Majestie's most noble beginning, wherein there remayneth, 1580.] THE REALM THREATENED WITH DANGERS. 107 that her Highness, through her kingly courage, should timely and victoriously resist this rabble of rebells and traytours, and to let nothing be spared either of treasure, men, munytion, or whatsoever els, to save that kingdome, being, as you knowe, the principall keye of her royall state ; by which means she should crowne this her most happie government, with con- tynuance of felicitie, over all her dominions. In whiche greate and important cause, the best counsell is according to the olde rule, to resist the beginning, and so, if it were possible, to ende this mischief, before other her potent enemyes myght find opportunitie to work their malice uppon us. For when we beholde the greate prosperitie of Spaine, through his peaceable possession of Portingale, we ought justlie to feare that his affaires being settled there in some good sorte, he will then, no doubt, with conjunct force assist this devilishe Pope to bring about their Romishe purpose. Let us not forget that his sworde is presently drawen, and then with what insolent furye this his victory may inflame him against us, in whose heart there is an auncient malice thoroughly rooted and ranckly growne for these many yeares, apparentlie knowen to all men that do bende their eyes to behold the course of his actions, and therefore we ought not only tymely to forsee, but in tyme most manfully to resist the same. In all which proceedings God's cause and her Majestie's stand joyntlie to be defended; the consideration whereof persuadeth me that there is no man that will spare travayle or expence in any sorte to reduce them to good order. Cease not, good Mr. Secretary, to putt her Majestie in contynuall rememberance of these perills, and with impor- tunitie stirre up her most princely care over God's cause and her owne. How that matter in Scotland goeth, I do not well know, but this rule I hold in all certaintie, that in Ireland and Scotland the entryes and wayes to our destruction most aptly be found. If there we safely shutt up the posterne gate, we 108 DANGERS OF THE STATE. [APRIL, are sure to repulse the perill ; but if our enemy make himselfe the porter, it will then be too late to wish we had the keyes. Would God some wise man were sent with the grave instructions of her Majestie to reclayme that countrie of Scotland unto us. The malice of France is there ever made up against us, and of these myschiefs they are ever the executioners. Howe they trouble us in Ireland, we often see and feele; but if that Kinge should be conveyed into France, and so governed and directed by the Guysians, I dare not remember, much less speake of, the daungers would issue uppon us. One thousand pounds employed now in time might happily not only buy her Majestie present safetie, but undoubtedly save her the expence of threscore thousand before many yeares. With the disposition of France, which lieth nowe in her Majestie's free arbitrament, I dare not meddell, for she only knoweth what shall become thereof; so her judgment therein must needes be most sound, which, in truth, maketh much to all these matters before mentioned. But if her Highnesse meane to marry, I wonder she so delayeth it. If she do but temporize, and will leave it at the last, what may we looke for then, but that the Pope with Spayne and France will yoke themselves in all ireful revenge, according to their solemnne combination, so long ago con cluded on against us. Now, therefore, weighing the present accidents of the world together in an equall ballance, howe hurtfull they may be to the safetie other Majestie's most royall estate, and pre servation other most blessed government, first the weake and broken estate of Ireland, then the uncertaine suspected amytie of Scotland, the dangerous action of tlie French, tend ing to the subversion of the Protestants, the irrecoverable losses and overthrowes receaved lately by tlie states of the Lowe Countries, and the fortunate and victorious successe of the King of Spayne in Portugal, I cannot but niourn in my hart to see us besett on all sides with so great and apparent dan- 1580.] CRUELTY OF THE FRENCH CATHOLICS. 109 gers. I beseech God, continue her Majestie's most careful and provident course to resist these so imminent evills in good tyme, and to make us ever thankfull towards her for such her most gracious and inestimable goodness conferred on us her poore subjects through her most kinglie care over us. God blesse you, and so with a thousand thanks for your honorable letters, I byd you most friendlie farewell. From Hatton-house, the 26th of April, 1580. Your poore friende, Christopher Hatton. DR. WILSON TO LORD BURGHLEY. (Extract.) # * # * # I do sende you herewith such advertisements as I have received out of France from Sir Henrie Cobham, together with a letter from Mr. Secretarie. Yesterdaie, Monsieur de Plessey was with me, and I do thynke this daie he wyl be with your Lordship as he told me. He cometh with letters to the Queene from the Kyng of Navarre, complayning agaynst the harde and unmerciful dealing of Montmorency and Byron ; for whereas certayne townes should have been de lyvered up, with promise from the King that in none of the same townes any garrysons should be kepte, but be ruled by their own burgesses, and to have the exercise of their reli gion, the Kyng of Navarre having performed this in some small townes, Marshals Montmorency and De Byron, have entered upon the same townes, kylled both man, woman, and chyld, setting garrysons in those townes, and commanding the Catholyke religion only to be exercised. Hereupon, the Kyng of Navarre hath complayned, and myndeth not to give up other townes of more strength without better assurance. And herein he hath gott Monsieur to be his frende greatlie, 110 STATE OF IRELAND. [AUG. who sayth, the King of Navarre hath reason with hym to do as he doth, and that others are in fawlte and blameworthie. I doubt not but your Lordship wyl hold a good hande in this Godlie cause, and therefore I neede not to use farther speache. I do heare that the King of Spayne provydeth mightely agaynst Portugale with all expedition, and that the Portugales are as readie to make resistance. God graunte right to prevayle agaynst might whatsoever. I have leave for a fortnight to looke to my health, having a greate heate there in my regnes, Doctor Hector pro- mysing unto me speedie remedie by God's grace. I do drynke mornyng and evenyng a full pynte of Tower-hyl water, which doth me great good, and hath taken awaye thethurste, wherewith heretofore I have been troubled. Thus humblie and with haste I do take my leave. At Saynt Catherine's, this last of Maie, 1580. Your Lordship most assured to command, Tho. Wylson. LORD GREY TO QUEEN ELIZABETH. It may please your Majestie, I am humbly to requyre that my wyllyngnes be not examined by the small haste my late arryvall here may seme to make hereof. Ten dayes was I held at Beaumaris by contrarie wynde, and in the ende too enforced to adventure a very scarce one, or els have made long staye, which yet it pleased God to turne to the best, so as after two dayes and as many nyghts sailing, I landed here this momyng. The state of your countrie here in generall I fynde to be thus. The Pale itself sore vexed, through the imdutiefullnes of Viscount Baltinglass and his associates, many of your sub- jectes by them spoyled and burnt, which starre wyll now be the hardlyer suppressed, having had head in the longest af forded it, and the good that is in hope to be done in them 1580.] STATE OF IRELAND. Ill by Englishe bandes onely in mamier is to be expected, the chieffest of your Hyghnes' good subjectes having in mystrust, or rather in dyspayring of theyr own followers. So contrarie to my former purpose am I stayed from the west for the prose cutions of these, which indeede is so much the more perillous action as it is nearer to the hart. Well, the event is God's onely, but that somewhat is undertaken very shortely, I doubt not but your Hyghnes shall heare. The rebells in Munster hold on styll; yet this daye I found it advertyzed hyther that James of Desmond, with Sawnders theyr honest apostle, making into these partes to have joyned with the rebells here, were encountered with by one Sir Cormack M'Feig, Lord of Muskrie, in the countie of Cork. The sayd James was taken, and a man of Sawnders hys, the master escaping very hardly, unhappely ; sundry of theyr people slayne, and the rest put to flight. An exploytt of great avayle and worthely to be considered. It may, therefore, please your Highnes to bestow some thanks on the gentilman that performed it, with some rewarde, as not onely to himself wyll be an encouragement to do better, but besydes stirre others to emulate his service by showe of lyke endeavours. By Sir Nycholas Mallbie, it seemeth that his countrie is in doubt to be troubled by one Orwyck, backed by O'Donnel, but yet hope of staye therin resideth. I fynde by Capt. Piers, that Ter. Lenoghe seemes yet to stande well devoted, and in good obedience to your Majestie, howbeit that certayne Scottes be arryved in those partes, whom he yet represseth from doing any outrage uppon your subjects, having made proclamations in his countie that none of his shall attempt any thyng that may be offensive to your Hyghnes. In requytall therof, and for his mayntayning herin, your councell here do lykewyse cause to be pro- claymed the well-lyking of his dewtifull dealing, and no less safetie and provysion for his. For all this, his assurednes goeth not undoubted by reason of his wyfe, knowen to be a 112 SIR FRANCIS BACON. [SEPT. pestilent instrumente, alltogether Scottisshe, and applying all that in her is to direct hym from your loyaltie. Your Majestie may thus see what uncertayne conditions this your realme standeth in. Greate complaynte here of lack of paye and vittayle ; these wants surely during this tumultu ous season your Highnes must have care in time to be sup- plyed, otherwyse beyond the industrie or reache of man it is to performe any acceptable or expected service. Till it shall please God to bryng thinges to better quiet, I cannot satisfye your Hyghnes' directions for your accounts taking and certi fying of the same, neyther as yet is the auditor come, but any pause gyven I wyll not, God wylling, be found slack therm. For that I maye have occasion to yeld your Hyghnes suche advertisements as the same, intercepted and knowen to others, might bryng no small prejudice to your service, I thought it requisite to devyse a cypher, wherby I might the more safely betake unto you matters of most importance, which here inclosed I send, humbly praying your Hyghnes to beare with my ragged characters, which for secrecie sake I chose rather myself ill-favoredly to sett downe, then to impart to other's fayer draught. So most humble leave I take of your Majestie, beseeching the Lorde of Lordes to guard, direct, and prosper your Hyghnes, in person, spyritt, and all actions ever. Dublin, the 12th of Aug. anno 1580. Your Majestie's most dutifull affectionate subject and servant, A. Grey- MR. FRANCIS BACON* TO LORD BURGHLEY. My singular good Lord, my humblie dutie remembered, and my humble thanks presented for your Lordship's favour * This was the great Sir Francis Bacon, afterwards Lord Verulam. 1580.] SIR FRANCIS BACON. 113 and countenance, which it pleased yom- Lordship at my being with you to vouchsafe me above my degree and deserte, my letter hathe no further errand but to commend unto your Lordship the remembrance of my suite, which then I moved unto you ; wherof it also pleased your Lordship to give me good hearing so farr forthe as to promise me to tender it unto her Majestie, and withall to add in the behalf of it that which I maie better delyver by letter then' by speeche, which is that although it must be confessed, that the request is rare and unaccustomed, yet if it be observed how fewe there be which fall in with the studie of the common lawes, either being well lefte, or trended, or at their own free election, or forsaking likelie success in other studies of more delighte, and no lesse preferment, or setting hand therunto early without waste of yeares, upon suche survey made, it may be my case may not seme ordynarye no more then my sute, and so more beseming unto it. As I force myself to say this in excuse of my motion, leste it should appeare unto your Lordship altogether indiscrete and unadvised, so my hope to obtayne it resteth onlie uppon your good Lordship's affection towarde me and grace with her Majestie, who methinks nedeth never to call for the experience of the thinge, where she hath so greate and so good of the person which recommendeth it. According to which trust of myne if it may please your Lord ship both herein and elswhere to be my patron, and to make accompte of me, as one in -whose well-doing your Lord ship hath interest, albeit, indede, your Lordship hath had place to benefitt many, and wisdom to make due choise of lighting places for your goodnes, yet do I not feare anie of your Lordship's former experiences for staying my thankfullnes borne in hart, howsoever God's good pleasure shall enable me or disable me outwardlie to make proof therof, for I cannot account your Lordship's service distincte from that which lowe to God and my prynce ; the performance wherof to best proof and purpose is the meting poynte andrendez-vous'of all my thoughts. Thus I take my leave of your Lordship in humble VOL. II. I 114 AFFAIRS OF THE LOW COUNTRIES. [SEPT. manner, commytting you, as daylie in my praiers, so likewise at this present, to the mercifull protection of the Almightie. From G. Inn, this 16th of Sept. 1580. Your moste dutifull and bounden nephew, B. Fra. CHRISTOPHER HODDESDON TO THE EARL OF LEICESTER. In Antwerpe, the 25th Sept. 1580. Iii Frislande all runneth backwards ; th'enemy being againe masters of the field, rangeth round about at his pleasure. Heoverthrewe of late two ensignes of Capitaine Michell's men, where two Capitaines were taken, and thirty or forty of the men with another capitaine slaine, and the ensignes lost, but not without some losse of th'enemies' side also, for the States men defended themselves stoutly. This done, th'enemy presented himself before Siwell, with shewe to have besieged the same, but understanding that th 'Englishmen were passing over the river to fight with them, they retired back above three leagues. They have also wonne Souoorden againe, which the Dutche that the Count of Hollacque did put therin surrendered, delivering their capitaines and officers prisoners, and them selves being permitted to depart unarmed. Since the overthrowe given to the States men at Nedden, neither the Ruitters nor any of the footmen will abyde the coming of the enemye; and the Ruitters he close in the vil lages about Deventer, Zutphen, and those other townes, calling for money. Of the Englishmen divers be sicke, for the countrey is very wett, and the foode too harde for their complexions and diet ; and being also without money or meanes to help themselves, they are forced to live upon the boores, who are 1580.] SIR FRANCIS DRAKE. 115 all in armes, and where they can be masters either of the States men or th'enemy do cutt them in pieces. No townes will take in garrison, victualles are scant, and dare not followe the campe for feare of th'enemy. The Counte of Hollacque useth the Almayne's exercise, and hath lost the hartes of the people ; they of Utrecht having commaunded him of late out of their towne with very evil speeches. So that all standeth there in desperate termes, and will to ruine if in tyme it be not remedied. To which ende it is said the Prince within these three or four dayes goeth to Utrecht, but it is feared will come too late. The malecontentes in Flaunders have not continued in any certaine place since the taking of Bouchaine, wiiich they fortified, but range from place to place. Th'enemy make a shewe towards Nivelles. In Gaunt there was some practise of treason, which being discovered, twentie or thirtie are apprehended upon suspicion to be of confederacie. The doubte of the French aydes hath made the malecontents to fortifie alongest the frontiers, and put all their countrey to armes, having made forts of their churches, so as at the alarme of their bells they are able to bring great numbers of armed men into the field. By letters of the seconde and fourth of September, it is ad vertised out of Spaine of the arrivall of twenty -two shippes from the Indies, wherof sixtene came from Nova Hispania, four from Havana, two from the Hundoras, and one out of the South Sea, which passed the Straites of Magdalanus in seeking of Frauncis Drake* In the fleete is come 850,000 * Sir Francis Drake, the son of a sailor, born near Tavistock in 1545, was brought up by the navigator Hawkins, to whom he was re lated. He died on board his own ship, near the town of Nombre de Dios, on the 28th Jan., 1596. He was, at the date of this letter, on his celebrated voyage round the world,from which he returned in Novem ber. He afterwards received a visit from the Queen in his ship, and was I 2 116 THE LOW COUNTRIES. [OCT. ducketts for the Kinge, and a million and 300,000 ducketts for the merchants, all registered, 6500 rowes of cuchinelo, 84,000 hides, and 6000 rowes of woll, great store of anel. The fleete of Terra Firma is looked for presently, and bringeth with it five millions of gold, and in the islande Tercera there remayned five galleons that came from the Portingale Indies, and seventeen shippes of Bresill and Santonia. It is advertised also by the same letters of a battaile fought in Portingall, betwixt the Duke of Alva and Don Antonio,* wherin were many slaine on both parts ; the victory remained unto the Duke of Alva his side, and Don Antonio fled, being hurte, and accompanied only by six horses. The towne of Lisbone, with the suburbs thereof, was sacked, and all de livered unto the Duke of Alva. Most ready at yom- Lordship's commandement, Christ. Hoddesdonn. DANIEL ROGERS TO DR. WILSON. Right honorable, having written a large letter unto Sir Fraunces Walsyngham and your Honour joyntlie, I do not doubte but the same shal be shewed unto you, therefore I neede not at this present to repeate such things as be said in the former letter. The first newes which your Honor shall receive at lengthe wil be that either the Duke (?) hath taken some towne, or els that he is excluded out of Andwerp. The Prince and his counsell are verie busie, howe they might persuade himself to knighted. Camden gives an interesting account of Drake and his voyage, in his Annals of this year. Antonio was the next successor to the throne of Portugal, after the death of Henry, but he was driven out by the Spaniards, who took forcible possession of his kingdom, and joined it to Spain, 1580.] PORTUGAL SEIZED BY SPAIN. 117 retire ; which things I could wishe not to come to many per sons' knowledge, because the Prince told it me as a great se crete, who spoke very franklie with me, and most courteouslie entertayned me. I am sorrie that her Majestie and the French King have not heretofore aided Don Antonio, for that two monethes ago small ayde of a fewe men and fortefyers, with munition sent unto Don Antonio, and the estate of Portugale, would have done them more goode, then a verie great host at this tyme can do, and yet (saith he) there are verie good meanes, by the which the Portugals may be holpen, as I wrote in the rude discourse, which I have sent unto you. He blameth Don Antonio to have foughten with th' enemie skilfull in warre before he had good souldiers and good captaines, and withall affirmed, if th' enemie invade us, we should not do well, ac cording to our manner to offer him battle forthewith, for that the Kinge of Spaine in suche a case, woulde get him the best captaines and souldiers which were to be had in Europe ; therefore, if th' enemie shoulde winne of us a battaill, he woulde so feare and dismay us, that the realme shoulde be in great daunger. I said that there were a singular couradge in Englishmen, and that they would defende their country otherwise then the Portugale had done. He aunswered that he woulde not compare the Portugale souldiers to the valour of an Englisheman, of whose courage he had had verie good experience ; but willed me to remember this discourse, af firming that we should do best of all, in suche a case, to take awaie victuals from th' enemie, to entrenche and fortefie our selves, &c. As for the Duke of Allanson, and Monsieur Languet, they are plainelie of the same opinion, in which he is. I can not write greater commendations of a prince, then he has written of the said Duke of Allanson, having sent divers letters of his owne hande, unto the Prince, Languet, Junius, Villiers, , as also unto the generalitie of th'estates. I have sent here to your Honour letters intercepted of the Cardinalle Granvelle's and Doctor , who methinketh hath for- 118 the low countries. [oct. gotten to write Latin. The letters of the cardinall are worthe the reading. In one of them is mention of the ... . attire of the Kinge of Portugale's horse, which he esteemeth at 8000 crownes, which he wisheth the Duke of Florence to buy ; so that it seemeth unto me, the Kinge of Spaine hath no more money then is needefull. Ludwike Giucciardine* his description of the Lowe Countries is again a printing at Plantine his shop, unto which he addeth as much more as allreadie hathe been printed, joyning the pictures of all townes, with the particular description of everie province, which he myndethe to dedicate unto her Majestie. He hathe him most humblie commended unto your Honour. The Prince of Aurenge, amongest other things, understand ing by me the travaile which your Honor tooke for the ayde to be sent into Portugale, marvaileth you had no better suc- cesse, and demaunded of me how your daughter dyd, which should have been with his wife, and was glad that she did well. He demaunded likewise of me, unto howe many princes of th'empire I had letters, and having aunswered him, he saide he mervailed that I had none to the Dutchesse of Saxonie, Duke Julius of Brunswicke, Duke Ludwike of Wittenberghe, neither unto Joachimus Ernestas prince of Anhalte ; but I gave him to understande that they shoulde be sent after me; wherefore I beseech your Honour most humblie, if alreadie you have not procured the signing of them, you will be so good as to remember them, and to send them unto me, by the bearer hereof, whom I thought good at this presente to sende unto you, as well to advertise your Honor of suche thinges as are comprehended in my large letter, as also he might re turne unto me, with such letters as will be necessarie for me, to th'intent I may have that successe which such matter re quireth for which I am sent. And thus I leave to trouble * Ludovico Guicciardini was the nephew of the celebrated historian of that name. The second edition of his Descrittione de' Paesi Bassi was published in folio at Antwerp by Plantine in 1581. It is dedicated to King Philip. 1580.] IRELAND TIRLOUGH LENNOGH. 119 your Honor, beseeching th' Almighty God to prosper your estate, to continue you in good health, and to give a happie successe to all your good endeavours. From Steinberghe, the first of October, 1580. In haste. Your Honor's most humble at commandement, Daniel Rogers. I sende herewithall unto your Honor, a copie of Sir Alle- gonde his letter written unto Monsieur Junius. He hath pro mised me the original, aud hath him most hartelie commended unto your Honor. SIR NICHOLAS BAGNALL TO THE EARL OF LEICESTER. My good Lord, when I made mention in my last letters of my Lord Deputie's repair to the Newrie, and the occasion that was ministred by Turlough Lenoughe, and that com missioners were sent unto him for a treaty, I knewe not then what wold become thereof, but now that they are returned, and that my good friend your Lordship's true follower Cap tayne Fenton hath undertaken conveyance, I thought to tell you that with him the peace is ratified, and hither thence my Lord returned. This peace can be of no better assurance then other ratifications have bene. But for the more security, although his Lordship jorney to Mounster, (whither willinglie I wold have attended) at home in my accustomed charge, I am contynued, although with small allowance and force, yet shall I eche waie willinglie do my endevors. And truly I must say that his Lordship bestowed the tyme well, for if he had not with such speed returned in the nicke, as he did, then had there bene commytted by Baltinglasse ahd his traitorous adherents many such outrages, as could not easily have bene salved ; but sithence his returne they are retired back in their fastnes. For those prosecutions course is prescribed, of which succes I knowe your Lordship shall heare. In the meane 120 REBELLION OF BALTINGLASS AND DESMOND. [NOV. tyme, it shall be founde how severely and thoroughly good Sir William Pelham hath handled Mounster ; as in all his go vernment here he deserved with the best that preceded him, so in that wrought he good perfection, and so weakened the traytors there, that John Desmond is fled to Leinster, where he is to salve his drained estate with Baltinglasse. His owne actious, if his commendation shold be withdrawen, will suffi ciently expresse his desert. For your Honor's sake, ;he so friendlie entreated me, that I cannot but beseech your Lord ship not onlie to give thankes in my behalf for his said cur tesie, but also humbly crave that your Honor will not forgett but to commend me to the Lord Deputie, to be protected with his best favour for your sake. The man I am altogether un- knowen unto, and if your Lordship remember him with your earnest letters in my behalf, I trust he shall fynde desert, and your Lordship good cause to think it well bestowed. I will not further enlarge, but shall remember to praie for your honorable prosperitie and contentation everie waie, which the Lord graunt you. Dublin, this 3rd of October, 1580. Your honorable good Lordship's to comaunde al bounden, N. Bagenall. SIR RICHARD BINGHAM * TO THE EARL OF LEICESTERt Right honorable and my singular good Lorde, may it please you to be advertysed, that on Saturday, being the 5th * Sir Richard Bingham, the second son of an ancient family of the county of Dorset, was one of the most distinguished soldiers of Eliza beth's reign, and died Marshall of Ireland. His lineal discendant is the present Earl of Lucan. * The Italians and Spaniards who had landed in Ireland, under San Josepho, during the absence of the English fleet, had fortified them selves at Smerwick in Kerry, and endeavoured to form a junction with some of the discontented Irish ; but the Lord Deputy approaching, 1580.] THE TAKING OF SMERWICK. 121 of November, in the afternoon, the Admirall, with the rest of the fleete which had bene absent with him, came into the haibar of Smericke, to which place my Lord Deputy came that day from his campe, which lay at the dyngle, hearing of their ar- ryvall here, to conferr with them for the landing of two cul- veryns out of the Revenge, two out of the Swiftsure, and two out of the Ty gar, with a sagar forth of the Ayde, and another forth of the Arrac, as also what powder and shot they myght spare for the batterie of the fortresse, with all other necessarie preparations for the trench ; further to advertyse your Honor that on Monday, being the 8th daye of this presente, early in the morning, my Lord Deputye marched with his campe from the dyngle towards the enemye, where about none he pytched his tente within faucion shotte, and in the evening there was order taken that most of the men forth of the shyppes shoulde come to labor to begynn the trenche, which trenche the fyrst night was wroughte a hundreth paces, and two culverins placed within three hundreth paces of their forte to dismounte their pieces, which were ready to play at the break of the day, and before it was two o'clocke in the afternoone they were all dismounted. The nighte following and the nexte day, being Wensday, we came with our trenche within six score paces of their curtayne, when we cast a sufficient aheade for the garde of the warde for that day, which Mr. South had. This day in the afternoone, about 9 or 10 o'clocke, Mr. Cheicke* was stricken from the forte, being in the heighte of the trenche This same day, in the after noone, they came to the poynte of the rampier, which we had beatten with the culveryns, with a white banner, beare- headed, and requested a parley, which my Lorde granted, they retired to their fort, and were taken after a defence of five days. Sir Richard Bingham's account of this affair differs very much from the account given by Camden, who says that the foreigners were put to death in cold blood by order of the council. Raleigh and Spenser the poet were at the siege. * John Cheek, the son of the famous Greek scholar, Sir John Cheek . 122 THE TAKING OF SMERWICK. [NOV. in which they were contented the same night to surrender up the place with their lyves, and all that therein was, to my Lorde's will, to have mercy or not mercy as he shoulde thynk goode. Yet for that it was nyghte, and no tyme to get them forth, they were by my Lorde respited till the morrowe, but the best of them taken forth for hostages or pledges. And we, that notwithstanding, followed our trenche, which we fynished the same nyghte within three score paces of their forte, and so ranne the same all alongst their fronte, where we meante to place our battery, to which we brought the same nyghte two pieces. In the morning, which was Thursday, and the tenthe, early in the morning my Lorde sente in dyvers gentlemen to take order that suche munitions of powder and vyttells shoulde be preserved to her Majestie's use as there was. Then order was taken that the collonell with the captayns and chiefe officers shoulde come forthe, and delyver up their ensignes, with order and ceremonie ther- to belonging, which done the band that had the order of the day then entered, which was put downe. But in the meane tyme were entered a number of the maryners upon the parte next the sea, which with the soldiours aforesaide, having pos sessed the place, fell to ryfling and spoyling, and withall kylling, which they never ceased whilest there lyved one. The number slayne myght be betwixte four and fyve hun dreth, but as some do judge, betwixte fyve and six hundreth. They had, as I heare, of powder left fifty barrells, of pykes four thousande, other furniture of arms in such lyke propor tion ; of vyttells they had great store, saving that they wanted water, which they had not in their fort. Thus hath my Lorde most worthely achieved this enterprize, and so nobly and liberally delte with all sorts, that he hath gyven a greate sa tisfaction and content to all his followers. Thus, with my humble and dutifull service commended unto your good Lordshippe, I most humbly take my leave. From Smericke roade, the 11 November, 1580. Your Honour's most humble and most assured during lyfe. R. Byngham. 1580.] THOMAS NORTON. 123 THOMAS NORTON* TO SIR CHRISTOPHER HATTON. May it please your Honor, without all displeasant humor, and especially without the base disposition to afflicte the afflicted, but onlie of true zeale to her Majestie's service, I am bould to informe you that long since I have seen a booke written in Frenche, intituled Le innocence de la tres illustre Royne, etc. in the ende wherof is a treatie touching the cause of the Duke of Norfolke, written to the defamation of her Majestie and of his peers, and of some speciall persones of her Highnes' counsell. This booke is there pretended to be written in Frenche, by a stranger to Englande, and not by an Englisheman, for speaking of Englande he saieth vostre pais et vostre roigne, and such like ; and yet in truthe it is written by an Englishman, as by Robyn Goodfellowe, and Goodman Gose, and an overslipped title, and otherwise, as I am able to prove. The whole course is very seditious, and defamatorie to her Majestie, her counsell and nobilitie. He chargeth the counsell with treason, and her Majestie with abandoning herselfe to be abused, to the disturbing of Chris- tendome, to the maintenaunce of rebells, to the robbing of princes. It maye be that your Honor will thinke it good to inquyre the auctor, and not unfitte to examine the gentleman nowe in restraynt. The booke is not only an Englisheman's, but also originally written in Englishe, and translated into Frenche. Mr. Doctor Hamond is well acquainted with his * Thomas Norton, of Sharpenhaule, or Sharpenhoe, in Bedfordshire, was a Calvinist, and a celebrated writer against the Papists. He had been joined with Sternhold and Hopkins in the formation of their metri cal version of the Psalms, twenty-seven of which were from his pen. He was closely intimate with Thomas Sackville, afterwards Earl of Dor set, and composed part of the tragedy of Gorboduc, (some say the first three acts,) which was published with their joint names. His prose works are well written, and show him to be a man of no mean abilities. He was counsel to the Stationers' Company, in whose book, we find entries of the fees paid to him, until the end of 1583 near which time Chalmers supposes that he died. 124 OLD DRINKING POTS. [DEC stile. Your Honor may also send to Mr. Dalton, and aske him whether the same party have not used at Mrs. Arundell's to mayntayne open disputations in defence of papistrie, and chalenged Mr. Dalton and others in that case, uppon wagers. There goeth also underhande abroade an Englishe treatise wrytten, wherin her Majestie's auncestrese is termed base in contempt, the Quene is threatened with rebellion of nobilitie, some great persons are charged that under her Majestie's fa vour they have, as it were, tirannized over the people. If the booke be his, it is not good. Oute of these bookes great matters of charge maye be gathered to the auctor. It were pittie he should be untruely burthened with them, but greater pittie that he or any should carrie suche thinges clearly. And so I leave to trouble your Honor any longer. At London, the 30th of December, 1 580. Your Honor's' humble, Tho. Norton. THE SUIT OF WILLIAM SIMPSON, MERCHANT.* Whereas one Garret Tynes, a stranger, lyving in Aeon, in the parts beyond the seas, being none of her Majestie's sub- * Endorsed, "Mr. Tolcarne's suite in the behalf of William Simp son, merchant, for a licence to bringe into the realme stone potts," &c. During the 16th century, much of the earthenware used in England seems to have been imported from Germany, which explains the num ber of pots, tobacco-pipes, &c. of foreign manufacture, so often dug up about old buildings. A very curious specimen of these German drinking pots, of the time of Henry VIII., is preserved in the cabinet of Mr. Crofton Croker. It was found about thirty years ago, under the roots of an old tree at Edenbridge, and is adorned with female figures, in three compartments. These figures are, 1, " Fursichticheit," or fore sight, making her way with a lighted taper ; 2, " Lockrecia " (Lu cretia) stabbing herself; 3, " Gerechticheit," or Justice, with her sword and scales. The papers of Lord Burghley are full of petitions for monopolies > 1580.] IRELAND. 125 jects, doth buy upp all the potts made at Cullein, called drink ing stone potts, and he onlie transporteth them into the realm of England, and selleth them; it maye please her Majestie to graunte unto the sayd Simpson full power and onlie licence to provyde, transport, and bring into this realm the same, or such like drinking potts ; and the sayd Simpson will putt in good sureties, that it shall not be prejudicial! to any of her Majestie's subjects, but that he will serve them as plentifullie, and sell them at as reasonable prices, as the other hath solde them from tyme to tyme. Item, he will be bound to double her Majestie's customes by the yeare, whensoever it hath bene at the moste. Item, he will, as much as in him lieth, drawe the making of such like potts into some decayed town within this realme, wherby manie a hundred poore men may be sett to worke. Note, that no Englishman doth transport any potts into this realm, but onlie the said Garret Tines, who also serveth all the Low Countries, and other places, with potts. y SIR HENRY WALLOP TO THE EARL OF LEICESTER. My good Lorde, at this last passage I have receaved your Lord ship's letters of the 26th of December, which were exceeding welcome unto me, because they confirmed me in the opynion of your Lordship's good favor towardes me, and that you take in good parte my former advertisements, wherof I must confess I was somewhat doubtfull, only by your Lordship's longe silence, and not uppon any other respect. Neverthe- lesse, I will not conceive any such impression hereafter, but impute all to the weight of your Lordship's affayres, in hope you will also conceive of me, as in trothe I am at your devo tion and comandement playnly after the onlie manner. There and on some the Treasurer has written his own disapprobation not only of the particular demand, but of monopolies in general. 126 TIRLOUGH LENNOGH. [JAN. is nothing here to be written in generalitie, but which my Lorde Deputy informeth to the Lordes, saving that your ser- , vaunts Captayne Thomas Norrys and Captayne Anthonye Dearinge have had some good happ against the followers of Clanricard in Conought, where they had the kylling of four shott, eight kerne, and of a 100 releevers and their fosterers ; but th'Erles sonne William saved himself by flight. The eldest brother, Ulicke, is said to be either deade or paste cure of a vyle disease, but in most men's judgment it is thought that Johne Burcke, (who trayned him into this rebellion) hath used the meanes to shorten his life, to make himself heire apparent to his father. A race of ranker rebels is there not in Ireland. It is advertised that Scottes are landed of late in greate numbers in Ulster, and are distributed by Tyrloughe into Co- nought and other partes, whereby he easeth his own charge in their mayntenaunce, and hath them still at his devotion, whensoever he fyndeth opportunity to publish himself in re bellion, which in my opynion he will not long cover, for as every moonlight he gathereth forces and maketh shew of in vasion, to withdraw the Lord Deputye from presenting the rebels in other partes, so is he now in a parley with Sarleboy, and such as are sent to solycitt him from th'Erle of Argile, to be backed out of Scotland, and by th'Erle's meanes (it is said) he hath adopted the King of Scotts asTiis foster sonne, which may be the occasion of the coming hither of the inland men of Scotland, which now serve him under Craforde. The returne of Captayne Piers must discover all his pur poses, and albeit the general revolt here in all tlie provinces be a means of an extreme charge, which I would wish dy- minished if it could be with her Majestie's honor and safety, yet do I see (in my opynion) a great necessity to encrease it, unless her Majestie will suffer such indignities in Ulster as are neither tollerable in respect to her soverainty, nor con venient for the preservation of her state, and therefore I do 158L] TROUBLES OF IRELAND. 127 wish that in this session of parlyament the burden that Ireland is and will be to England were not unremembered. Within these seven dayes Sir William Stanley was as saulted in the night, in Wicklowe, by the enemy, the castells having bene by them formerly spoyled, where he lost two men, and his Lyftenant hurte ; he kylled of them eight, and within two dayes after, Sir Henrye Harrington and he tooke from them 300 kyne and about a 200 studd. The 20th herof, Mr. Thomas Le Strange, in a towne of Mc Gaule's, seven myles from his owne howse, towardes Athone, in the night, killed in the church of the said towne, ninetene of the O'Melaughleyns, and tooke the twentieth, all notorious theeves, and of the consorts of the Occoners, in which place they were taking meate, as they terme it. About Twelftyde, the Seneshall of Imokelly, neere Yog- hall, killed 36 of Captayne Piers his company, and ten of Sir William Morgan's, in which conflict it is said that the Seneshall was dangerously hurte with a bullett. And so for this tyme I leave your Lordship, determyning to use my wonted boldness in vysiting your Lordship with my simple letters, as I shall finde either messenger or matter. At Dublin, the 26th of Januarye, 1580. Your Lordship's most assured to be comaunded, H. Wallop. JOHN BROWN TO THE EARL OF LEICESTER. Right honourable, wheras you willed me to write some- tymes to you, the truth is, there hath bene no matters of any greate importaunce done before the surprise of this towne of Macklyn,* wherin now we remayne, the discourse wherof * " In the Netherlands, Sir John Norris, general of the English forces, and Oliver Temple, with some companies of Netherlanders, scaled Mechlin, a rich city of Brabant, betimes in a morning, and with great slaughter of townesmen and religious people, took it ; with some 128 AFFAIRS OF THE LOW COUNTRIES. [JAN. I knowe my Collonell wrote unto you, aud also of Niwven, what was done by Monsieur Lanoe. I could have written unto you of trifles, which would have bene but tedious to him that is troubled in so great affayres as you are. We are to quitt this towne, how soone I know not, to march to Mon sieur Lanoe, to encampe ourselfes with the French, Scottish, and other nations. But there is another piece of worke in hand for the English to be employed in. The collonell his suc- cesse hathe bene so good in this, that they will not cease to employe him to keepe him busier still. Better they cannot please him, for truly if your Lordship had been to have seene the forwardnes of his owne person, the care for garding his owne men in safety uppon so soden an attempt, and the per- formaunce therof to the last ende of the act done, wherof my eyes are a witnes, you would have registred him in mind during life, which I have no doubt you do. In my opinion, you never gave credit to any man that hath better deserved from you, to do you honor and service, than he hathe, and dothe, to you and yours, wherof I as one of your little ones do taste, and my conscience doth assure me whensoever you shall neede to employe him, that he liveth not towards you whom you may more assure yourself of. The thinge that is to be shortly is secretly spoken of, and that is that we shall give an attempt to a towne called Buld- wicke, which is of some force. And whatsoever hath bene reported of other nations for the surprising of this towne, I am able from the begynning to say to your Lordship the very truth of it, robbing not any man of that which is his due to him, by word of mouth, for that I am shortly by the appoint ment of my Collonell to come over with a present of sixe Hungarian horses for her Majestie, which horses I hope your commendation indeed for their valour, but blemished with the foul blot of ravening and sacrilege, for they not only rifled the citizens goods, with all the insolency of pillaging, but raged also even against the churches." — Camden. 1581.] A PARLIAMENT, 129 Lordship will like well, for they are very well suted as ever 1 sawe for her Majestie's coach. Their colors are all light grey, and their maines and tailes all died into oringe tauny, according unto the manner of their country ; they are horses of fight shape, good of travell, and very younge. They are now but in reasonable flesh, for they have had a great journey, and they are also a very rare horse to be had. The Collonel by good fortune light on them at their first coming. Thus, praying your Lordship to pardon my longe and evill written lynes, I leave to trouble you, beseeching God to increase you in all honor and felicity, to the glorye of God. From Macklyn, the 1st of Maye, 1580. By me, your obedient servant, John Browne. FRANCIS MYLLES TO RANDOLPH.* Sir, since the last I wrote to you here hathe bene no new forayne occurrents, and our state here in court is, thankes be to God ! as you left it, and have heard synce your departure. The inclosed is the particularites of that I last touched in generall to you of the matter of Stenwyk in Fryseland.f This day a parlement ended. The titles of the actes are not yet to be had to be sent to you ; but by the next you shall have them. An extract of the newe act agaynst our pa pists I have sent now to Mr. Bowes, requesting him to im part the same to you. The greatest matters now enacted are * Randolph was now in Scotland, for the purpose of using his ex ertions to appease the heats of the turbulent parties in that king dom, and to support the interests of Elizabeth. t Stenwick, a town in Friesland, had been besieged by the Spanish party, but was gallantly relieved by Sir John Norris. VOL. II. K 130 COMMISSION ON THE BORDERS. [MARCH - the subsidie, a lawe for the strengthening the northern bor ders, a lawe according to the said extract, a lawe for punish ing utterers of seditiouse words agaynst her Majesty, and a lawe for a collection to repaire Dover haven. The matter of commissioners out of both realmes to meete on the borders is feared here will worke no better effect than the removing of her Majestie's forces now readie to do good in Scotland, after which done, they which trouble the state of that realme will be ready and peradventure better provided to do more harme. But you see more than such poore men as I am here, and I trust God will turne all to the best, which is my comfort. Touching you particularly, though here is nothing done for your good since your departure, yet nothing anie way to your particular hinderance, neither I trust shal. And thus, with humble remembrance of my dutie, I take my leave. Whitehall, the 18th of Marche, 1580. Your worshippe's greatly bounden and always to commande, Fra. Mylles. There is a staye of the French commissioners at Callice or thereabouts growen untill after Easter. Whether the parle ment be only adjorned or cleare dissolved, I know not : for it is the matter this instant in hand, her Majestie being not yet from the House. MR. HUBAND TO W. HERLE. Fellow William, I could have wisht yom- abode rather here then at Montgumery, and as I take it, it might as well stood with your business here as there, which I wishe to take suc- cesse to your own desire. As T remember you told me you might have fifteen hundred pounds ; forbeare not a good offer ; 1581.] VARIOUS NEWS. 131 detract of tyme draweth perill ; suche a sum of money is greate, considering the skarcenes and the ambiguity of the cause. The Frenche ambassadours (as my letters tell me) are staied till twentie daies after Easter. The Frenche King said to be dead. The preparation there still contynueth, bruted for Flaunders; I wishe it be so meante. The King of Spain levieth great forces out of Naples, Florence, and Cicilia, and divers other partes. They saye they come to the Low Countries, but rather thought for others. Out of Ireland no good newes. D'Olbany made protector of Scotland. We presently send greater forces to the borders. The best newes, her Majestie is in healthe, which God long preserve, with resistance of her enemyes ! Thus, with my hartie commendations, I bid you farewell. Shrosbury, the 22nd of Marche. 1580. Your loving frend, Jo. Huband. J. BARROW TO — Deare Sir, you have so well even nowe prevented me, as heretofore by sundry wayes bound me ; for notwithstanding I promysed Mr. Thomson long ere this to have wrytten, this Sonday, 23d Aprill, I receved your letter, which accuses me of slowth and condempnes me of ingratitude, but I con- fes the fault, and hope to amend. You salute me, so as be comes a good man; for in Christ is the chief band; and I esteme you more then necessitye wylls me to speak. Truthe is, I dyd marvel of your long stave, and often inquired of your shorte returne, but now your letter hath ( fully satisfied me. I knowe my dett is more then common duties, but synce you wyll be satisfied with slowe payment, tyll fytter tyme, I wyl answer your command. I cannot furnish myself with k2 132 DRAKE KNIGHTED. [APRIL, Mr. Steven's instructions, for I have not seen him of long at the court. I am not stored with newe thinges to lend you ; nor yet here is not : for our world doth muse at the Frenche and their causes. They came to London on Fridaye last, re ceaved with great triumph, and entertayned with great cost as ever you knew or heard.* The Cardinal Grand-ville is ambassador in Fraunce, and a great man from the Emperor. I had newes the other day from Naples, how Ceser and Phi lipp wyll in person be in the Low Countries this somer ; and for that cause the soldiers that were in Portingale is kept together styll. The Turck armes 200 gallies ; some feare Can die. I heare the Queene continues her mynd to answer this Maye the Turck's letters, and you were named. Scotland is quiet, and some of our soldiers from the frontiers dismissed ; nor the King in religion is not revolted; but D'Aubnye rules beyond all reache. That arch knave Campionf is not heard of, but I prefered as great matter on Easter daye to the counsail. Captayne Drake is knyghted; some think he goes agayne. The Low Countries is no changelyng, for the earthe is fattyd styll with human blude. For Cotton and Rouland York, for pri vate cause in private fight, hath moystened that ground, with ending their owne lyfe. For the rest of countries I saye * These " Frenche" were the commissioners sent over to negotiate the marriage with the Duke of Anjou. t In the year preceding, the Jesuits began to come secretly into England, with the object of making converts to the Romish religion. The most famous were Parsons and Campion, the latter of whom was taken and executed at Tyburn this year. Edmund Campion was bom at London in 1540, and was educated at St. John's College, Oxford. He wrote many books. " He was sent over," says Fuller, " with Father Parsons into England, to reduce it to the church of Rome. To this purpose he set forth his Ten Reasons so purely for Latine, so plainly and pithily penned, that they were very taking, and fetch'd over many (neuters before) to his persuasion." 1581.] DON ANTONIO. 133 nothing tyl I know myself. And thus I ende, with all duty- full commendations. I am presently within fifteen dayes to go to Venice, at which tyme I meane, God wylling, once to write to you, though I cannot see you. Sir, the haste of your mes senger makes me shorter then I would be, but I know you will esteem my good meaning, and so God bless you for ever. London, 24th Aprill, 1581. Yours ever most assured, Ja. Barrow. GEORGE BOHUN TO W. HERLE. I do accompte myself muche behoulden unto you for the greate love and frendshipp which I perceive you beare me, and which I have no meanes to requite againe, but only by loving you, wherin I purpose not to faile both in what and where I may. The expectation of the event of our commis sioners* drowneth all other newes, and what that will be men's opinions are divers ; some think the matter so long in suspence wil be, some contrarie, so that it is hard to give any certain resolution of the matter, and rather for the favorers and dislykers of it are (as conjecture maie be given by their utter . . .) in good hope. Some think the resolution of the marriage is only a pre tence, and that their intent is to treate of an union betwene Fraunce and us for the restitution of Don Antonio, and for invading the Low Countries ; but mihi non fit verisimile that nowe, for the advancement of Fraunce, we shoulde enter into warre with the King of Spaine, without reservation of commo dities to ourselfes, and therefore I think I may add the rest of the wordes, illis commentum placet. * For the marriage with the Duke of Anjou. 184 VARIOUS NEWS. [APRIL, This daie they had their first audience, and to-morrowe they are feasted by her Majestie, and after by my Lord Trea surer, my Lord Chamberlain, and my Lord of Leicester ; and my Lord of Arundell insteade of feastes entertaineth them at tilt and tourney. The Frenche King's healthe is not suche as it is reported, but good : and of the King of Navarre since the conclusion of the peace we have heard nothing, but that he liveth in quiet. Mr. Randall is returned from Scotland with small satisfac tion, for there was a culiver discharged at his windowe where he used to write, although by his good hap he was gone to the fire.* D'Obigni governeth all, and hathe possessed the popularitie of Scotland by diminishing impositions and taxes layed upon them by Moreton, so that my augurium is that by his actions he gapeth for the crowne. Mr. Randall sayeth that Moreton's deathe is resolved uppon, but not how. Our forces are all revoked from the borders, so that it seemeth that we are either satisfied out of suspicion, or out of feare. Irelande still remaineth in his oulde state, the rebellious nothing diminished, nor the rebelles terrified by the slaugh ter of Spaniards and Italians at the fort, but rather increases, so that some begin to be of opinion that a peace by pardon ing them wil be better then so unproffitable a warre. The reporte of the Jesuits is dead, and althoughe they were greate bugges at the beginning, yet nowe, except it be iu pulpitts and in somebookes of our divines newly sett oute, I heare nothing of them. Mr. Drake hath made a very proffi table journey, both for himself and the rest of the adventurers ; hath discovered some thinges which is kept ianqitammysterium, wherin he tliink- eth his service is greater than all the treasure he brought, * Randolph had drawn much ill-will upon himself from the other party by his strenuous efforts to shield Morton from their vengeance. 1581.] DON ANTONIO FLIES TO FRANCE. 135 thoughe it was better than 600,000L He is a right mag- nifico, hathe given her Majestie presents of riche jewels, and also to other of the counsell, feasted her Majestie at Dept- ford, whereas for his good service she made him a knight. Italie is all quiet, neither yeldeth any newes. The Spanish King hath since the last overthrowe got, remained in Portu gale, shewing great courtesie to the nobilitie and people therby to ... . them, and chiefly to the Duke and Dutchess of Braganza, whom he dandeleth so finely, that he hath brought them to a perswasion of a marriage between their daughter and the Prince of Spaine his sonne. Some thing he intendeth and hath made staie of certaine of our shippes to serve him, but whether for suspicion of Don Antonio only, it is unknowne, for as you know his affaires are used with great secrecie. Don Antonio, uppon his overthrowe at Porto, and the ycldingof Viana, fell into Fraunce, where he contynueth with some hope to be restored to his kingdome by them, but in mine opinion, seeing that the King of Navarre for all the as sistance that cither he or his ancestors could have from Fraunce, could never recover his lost kingdom, wher- unto they were bound and confirmed uppon Fraunce, and that a countreyman, the poore man being to them a stranger, in blud a bastard, hath a small hope to recover by their meanes that which is situated farre from them. But should 1 exemplifie the King of Navarre, seeing he never attempted the recoverie of Naples and Milanne, shall we now think he will do that for a stranger that ho will not do for himself? In the Lowe Countries tho matters pass as they did. The Prince of Orange hath lately sent out a book against the King, wherein he answereth to the prescriptions against him, and toucheth the King very notably. So that both armes and letters offensive passe. The oulde bands, that retired uppon the composition at Mastrick, are returned with the good liking of the malecon- tcntes, and not long since have given an overthrowe to the 136 ARRIVAL OF THE FRENCH AMBASSADOR. [APRIL states about Bruges, wherin were slaine 500 or thereabout, though th'other side give 1900. Mr. Norris hath behaved himself very gallantly this last winter in Frislande, hath impeached all the attempts of the malecontentes in that countrie to their losse, and in the ende enforced them to retire to the rest of their companie at Cam- bray, which they nowe besiege. Mr. Morgan returned thither with a newe supplie lately : since his going we have heard nothing of him. Roger Williams is much commended for his valour in his divers conflicts. Daniel Rogers is with the Prince of Parma, or els sent into Spaine, so that he is like to buy the glorie of his ambassie with an hard imprisonment. And so wishing you a good sale of your fee-farme, that you may re turne bene nummalus, I take my leave. From the Court, the 25th of April, 1581. Your most assured, George Bohun. E. MOLYNEUX* TO MORETON. Sir, the newes Thomas Taylor brought was of the arryval of the Frenche ambassadour at Dover, which was the 21 st of this month at night. The cause of the long staye was partly the fowle wether, but chiefly the sycknes of Monsieur Mar shall Cosse, who is so feble and weake, by reason of his late sycknes, as he travaileth not above eight or sixe myles a day. They arrived at the comte on Saturday last, being the 22d of this Aprill, and men may think reasonably, considering the numbre and the greatnes of the persons, that they come not for matter small or desperate. Mr. Randall is returned out of Scotland, muche discon- * Edward Molineux, Esq. of Nutfield, in Surrey, Secretary to Sir Henry Sydney. 1581.] VARIOUS NEWS. 137 tented, for all hathe fallen out overthwarte, for neither Moreton is brought unto triall and saved, nor the Englishe faction dare receive any aide, for feare, they alledge, lest they should be suppressed in religion. The Kinge of Spayne buyldeth gallies ; some think for the streighte Magellan ; some be of opinion for Ireland ; some others think for Friseland. The likeliest, as I conjecture, is for Magellanes. He prepareth likewise a good force by land, most like it is to be for feare or doubte of Don Antonio and his adherents. The Lowe Countries stande at warre within themselves. Monsieur muche spoken of amongest them.* They are of many heades, and the enterprise is hard and costly for Mon sieur. These are the cheife and the most important newes that I knowe for the present. I bid you farewell, with my harty commendement- From Sallop, the 26th of April!, 1581. Your assured loving trend to be comanded now and ever, E. MOLYNEUX. LORD BURGHLEY TO THE EARL OF SUSSEX. My very good Lord, with thanks for your letters and mes senger, who on Friday met me coming from Thebald's, I came yesterday hyther about five of the clock, and repayring towards the privie- chamber, to have seen her Majestie, I found the doore at the upper end of the presence-chamber shut, and then understood that the French ambassador had bene a long tyme with her Majesty, and the Prince of Conde also, where there was none other of the counsell but my Lord of Leicester and Mr. Vice-Chamberlain, Mr. Secretary Walsingham being sick in his chamber. And so about seven of the clock, the French ambassador being ready to depart * The Duke d' Anjou was elected governor of the Low Countries. 138 FRENCH AMBASSADOR AND THE PRINCE OF CONDE'. [JUNE, towards London, came to me and told me a great part of their proceedings, being pleased welljwith her Majesty for her temperate dealings, but no wyse contented with the Prince of Cond6, in whom he findeth more disposition to move troubles in France than to enjoy peace, and he addeth he clerely thynketh that these troubles in France and the Prynce's coming hyther are provoked from hence, wherin I know nothyng of certainty, but should be sorry it should be so in truth. Nevertheless, he augmenteth his suspicions uppon the sight he hath of the great favours shewed to the Prynce of Cond6 by certain counsellors here, whom he understandeth hath bene many tymes, both on Friday and Saturday, with hym at the Banketting-house, where he is lodged. Yesternight, late in the evening, her Majesty told me of her dealing with the ambassador and the Prynce, wherin she commended the Prynce's modesty in declaring the cause of his coming to be to shew to her Majesty the just causes that had moved the King of Navarr to take armes for his defence agaynst the Marshalls Montmorency and Byron, of whose violences (as he supposed without wan-ant from the King) he shewed many particular cases, to which the ambassador made defence by retorting to the King of Navarr the occa sions of the Marshall's actions to have growen fromthe King of Navarr first. The Prince also declared the causes of his coming from St. John d'Angeli to have bene to serve the Kyng in his government of Pycardy, where he sought to obtain the good- will and lyking of the towns in Picardy, be cause the Kyng and his mother also had assented for their parts that he should have the government, saving that they found the states of the countrye unwilling, which was, as he understood, but a suggestion made by means of the House of Guise to them, that d' Aumale might have that government from hym. And so he coming into Picardy found, as namely at Soyssons, the people glad of his access, and yet notwith standing his adversaryes on the part of the Duke d' Aumale procured contrary suggestions to be made to the Kyng, and 1581.J AFFAIRS OF THE PROTESTANTS IN FRANCE. 139 in the end he found certain numbers of men of warr amassed by the Lige of Picardy to have trapped the Prince, and therof complayning and fynding no remedy, he was forced to flee towards Almayn. Hearing that the House of La Feir was garded, and perceiving that the French Kyng was induced by his adversaries to creditt their false complaynts,he came hither to intreat her Majesty that the French King wold suspend his jugments both agaynst the King of Navarre and hym, and accept them as his dutifull subjects, as they meant and intended syncerely and playnely, without attempting any force, otherwise than for their defence against their oppressors. And to this I understand the ambassador used small defence, but excused the King as one that was very loath to come to terms of warr; but he argued that his master was so provoked, as he thought it a very hard matter to stay him from pro ceeding with such force as God had gyven hym to the ex- pedyting of his life and crown. The ambassador went to London, and the Prynce to his lodgyng conducted by my Lord of Leicester, where Wylkes the clerk of the counsel at- tendeth upon hym. By her Majestie I perceive his just cause of coming is for money in this sort, that is, after this rate the charges to be borne, viz. a part by the King of Navarre and his part, and another by Cassimir and certain princes Protestants, and a third is required from her Majestie. What they may prove I know not. I wish her Majestie might spend some portion to sollicite for them some peace, to the good of the cause of religion, but to enter into a warr, and therwith to break the marriadg, and so to be left alone as subject to the burden of such a warr, I thynk no good counsellors can allow. It is likely that the Prynce shall depart to-morrow by sea to Flushing, from whence he came by sea, and thither by the Rhyne from Collen, without taking land. But I think now he will at his return visit the Prince of Aurendg.' Thus your Lordship hath all my knowledg. 1 Orange. 140 CHURCHYARD THE POET; [JUNE, Her Majestie removeth on Tuesday, which daye I mean to be at Westminster, if I may. My Lord Grey is making hym ready for Ireland. From the Court at Nonsuch, this Sunday, the . . . of June, 1581 . Your Lordship's most assured, W. Burghley. THOMAS CHURCHYARD* TO SIR CHRISTOPHER HATTON. Sir, having tried my uttermost fortune, and passed the fire of affliction, through a perillous pilgrimage, not voyde of many deadly dangers, and imminente miseries, I am come, prostrate in minde, and falling downe on my knees before my Lord Governour of Barwicke, submytting myself to the Queene's Majestie's mercye, and my Lorde's good favour, always hoping that your Honour hath in mynde the promise which I made you, for a piece of service that I meante with hazard of my life to discover for the discharge of my dutie to my prince and countiy ; leaving certain notes by worde of mouthe and also in paper for that purpose with y^ou. Aud yet hearing no answer of sundry letters which I sent you after my great misfortune, I remayned three months in Englande, drawing myself downe towardes Scotland, (as I wrote unto you,) by the meane of Monsieur Mauvissiere,t of whom I brake * Thomas Churchyard was born at Shrewsbury in 1520, and had been a domestic in the family of Lord Surrey, who is said to have en couraged him to turn poet. He afterwards turned soldier, was in many battles, frequently wounded, and twice made prisoner. He published a vast number of tracts, both in verse and prose, and at different times was patronised by several of the great nobles at court. He died in 1604. * " This Monsieur Mauvissiere was then the French ambassador re sident in Englande, who used Churchyard as a spy for English newes and advertisements of and entertained him with money to that end : and to do hym some service in that kynde, he sent hym into 1581.] CHURCHYARD IN SCOTLAND. 141 with you many tymes, before my departure. But when I entred Scotlande, I found thinges fall out farr otherwise then I looked for : and so I must either sweare to be trewe to the Kynge in that extremytie, or else departe I knew not whither. If I had practised with Mr. Randall, it had been present death to me, (besides he disgraced me all he could,) and if I had written to yor Honor, I had surely smarted for it. So that sufferance and silence was my only succour. All which notwithstanding I obtained licence at length to make my sup plication to the noble parliament house, but I could finde no messengers, till Sir John Seaton went, whom I importunated daily to obtayne me favour for my returne home agayne. But God knoweth, evervthinge went awrye, and I stuck faste in the stockes, among many wild wolves and cruell tygers in the shapes of men, who woidd have worryed and torne me in pieces, had not the Kinge's goodness garded me, such is their uncivill manner and malice, and such kancred stomaks they beare to an Englishman. I gave the Kinge a booke before 1 departed thence, which manyfested muche their rudeness. If I had tarryed there never so littell longer, no doubt it had cost me my life, but God be thanked for a faire escape. Most miserable wretch that I am ! howe cursed I may seeme, after all these stormes, if 1 have lost her Majestie's favor. I desire not to live longer then I maye enjoye her good opinion ; I crave no more for all my sen-ice, then her gratious countenance, and that not graunted, I wishe I were either buryed quicke, or that the seas had swallowed me. I never meante to offende her Highness willinglie, I take God to witness : and when I was swome at the counsell boarde of Scotland,* all the Lords can testifie that I protested openly I Scotland about some exploit agreed on between them two, which was the cause that Mr. Randall, the Queene's ambassador at that tyme in Scotland, much disliked his being there, suspecting that he was there for no good to the state of Englande." — Xote in the margin qfthe original. * " He was sworne at the Counsell Board of Scotland to be trewe to the Kinge." — JYote in the margin of the MS. 142 CHURCHYARD IN PRISON. [jULY, would never be false to the Queene's Majestie and my coun- trye. And so, with a trewe face and a cleere conscience, I have humbled my boddy and life to her mercie. Wherefore, as I have ever bouldly reposed my hope wholly in your honorable goodness, so I beseech you vouchsafe me some comforte, who still praieth for the increase of your good giftes of grace and preservation of honor. From Bardwicke, the 23rd of June, 1581. Yor Honor's humbly at commandement, Thomas Churchyard. THOMAS CHURCHYARD TO SIR CHRISTOPHER HATTON. Sir, your honorable and courteous taking of my small paynes, with the great regard which you had of my patience in these troubles, dothe comfort me so muche, as my happi nesse in sending unto you and your goodness in accepting my letters are at strife the one with the other, which of them both do best deserve the victory. But finding it follie, by late experience, to depende on fortune, and resting wholly uppon God's direction, and on the goodness of my friends, your favourable acceptation of my poore present doth richly rewarde me for my worke, and conquereth both my fortune, and all other vayne hope that my presumptuous pen might give me. God, that worketh all goodness by worthie in struments, hath offered me greate good hope, and wrought a perfect meane to restore me to liberty. The man's wife, whose husbande I serve, is contented to abandon her sute, and henceforth to surcease her malice; so that I hope I shall presently departe from prison, though not able (poore wretche as I am !) to departe with any money. The divers occasions of expence in my restraint, have taken from me the best part of my purse, and only left me the bare stringes to play withall. I blushe, being olde, to begg, and yet not 1581.] CHURCHYARD IN PRISON. 143 ashamed to receive, being a courtier. A souldier shoulde rather snatch, than stande at worlde's benevolence : but no man appoynts his own portion, and men often fare the worse for snatching too bouldly. Well, I wante, and howe to gett requyres a cunning reache. And then is simplicitie butt a very blunt hooke, to take that which may supplie a man's necessitie. Why feare I my feebleness? the fortune of poettes hath been ever poore and needye. Homer had but one eye, and knewe not where to dyne. Ovid had two eyes, and yet could see but fewe that did him good. Vergill, Pe- trarck, Dante, Marshall, Marrott, and many mo, were poore and riche, but not to continue; and may not I presume among them, as poore as the least, and a writer not always among the worst, though not a poett, yet one that hath used both pen and sworde, with poett's fortune as well as they, to my owne hindrance ? Your Honor seeth my deserts, and may easily helpe them when you please, with some small remem brance of your bountie and goodness. I write not this to crave, but only desire some meanes to enlarge me, the sooner to drive away this indigence. Your Honor's servante, or whosoever please you, may nowe be welcome, and visite me when they will in this sw.eete comfort and expectation of present libertie, and bringe that with them which a prisoner is glad to see, and will be most joyfully willing to receive, whatsoever shall proceede from yom- accustomed goodness, whom I commit to the grace of God. From the Palace of Repentance, the 10th of July, 1581. Humbly at your Honor's commandment, T. Churchyard. 144 the earl of oxford. [july, LORD BURGHLEY TO SIR CHRISTOPHER HATTON. Sir, though I cannot alwayes pay my debts, yet I use to acknowledg them many tymes, to move my creditors to ac cept my good will in towardnes of payement ; and so at this tyme, though I knowe myself many wayes indebted unto you for your good will, except you will accept for acquyttal my reciproque good will, I shall not be able to pay you that I owe you. Yet yesterdaye being advertised of your good and honorable dealing with her Majestie, in the case of my daughter of Oxford, I would not suffer my thankes to growe above one daye olde, and therefore in these few lines I do presentlie thanke you, and do praye you in any proceeding therin not to have the Earle dealt withall straynably, but only by waye of advise, as good for himself. For otherwise he may suspecte that I regard myself more for my daughter than he is regarded for his libertie. I knowe only the Quene's Majestie's motions shall further the cause, and more then her motions I wishe not. You see, being a debtor, I pre scribe my manner to increase the debt, but, if I cannot ac quit it, I knowe it belongeth to Almightie God to do it. I am most sorrie to heare of the disaster fallen oute yester daye betwixte two great plannets,* but I hope they knowe their Jupiter, and will obey her Majestie rather to contente her, than to follow their owne humors. It is far out of sea son to have these breaches ; our adversaries are ever ready to make them greater, and to leap in also, to om common harme. I am not yet fully recovered ; this north-west wynde keep- eth me back from my porte of health, which God send you ever, with increase of honor. 13th July, 1581. Your's assuredly, W. Burghley. * These two planets are said to have been the Earls of Leicester and Sussex. 1581.] CHURCHYARD IN PRISON. 145 THO. CHURCHYARD TO SIR CHRISTOPHER HATTON. My dutie most humbly remembered, your Honor knoweth my calamitie ; long letters purchase small benefitt, as the weight of my sorrow sheweth ; God and good men must helpe, and in the number of the good yourselfe is one, in my poore judgment, that maye and will do what may most re lieve me. I beseech you, then, weigh my afflictions, and so worke as the world may behold your integritie and upright dealing, to God's glory and your owne immortall fame. I lye in myserie, stayned in credit, cutt off from the world, hated of some that loved me, holpen of none, and forsaken of all, for what juste cause I knowe not. My distresse is great, my calling simple and not able to avayle any thing without the assistance of your goodness ; for God's sake brynge me to my answer, and as you shall see it fall out my accusers can prove nothing against me, vouchsafe me speedie remedie, or at least the justice of the lawe and the benefit of my countrie, and if I have failed of my dutie willinglie, let me feele the price of it. I crave no pardone, but humbly sue for favorable expedition, for the which I appeale to your honorable judg ment, and praye for your good successe in all your desyres. From the Marshalse, the 20th July, 1581. Your Honor's in all faithfull devotion, T. Churchyard. THE BISHOP OF NORWICH TO LORD BURGHLEY.* My dutie unto your good Lordshippe most humblie re membered, may it please your Lordshippe to understand, * Edmond Freake, who was removed from the see of Rochester to that of Norwich, on the death of Bishop Parkhurst. In 1584, he was again translated to Worcester, and died there in 1590. VOL. II. L 146 THE PURITANS. [AUG that thoughe Mr. Browne's* late coming'into my diocese, and teaching strange and dangerous doctrine, in all disordered manner, hadde greatlie troubled the whole countrie, and brought manie to great disobedience of all lawe and magis trates ; yet by the good ayde and helpe of my Lorde Chiefe Justice, and Mr. Justice Anderson, his associate, the chiefest of such factions were so greatlie dismaied, as I verilie hoped of muche good and quietnes to have thereof ensued, hadde not the saide Browne now returned, contrarie to my expectation, and greatly prejudiced these their good proceedings, who having private meetings in suche close and secrett manner, as that I know not possible, how to suppresse the same, I am verie sorie to forsee that, towching this my dioces, which must needes in shorte tyme by hym and other disordered persons, which onlie seeke the disturbance of the churche, be brought to passe. And therefore, the carefull dutie I ought to have to the countrie being my charge, enforceth me to crave most earnestlie your Lordship's helpe in suppressing him es peciaUie, that no farther inconvenience followe by this his returne ; and procuring my Lorde Chiefe Justice, and Mr. Anderson, suche thankes from her Majestie for their painfull travell in that behalfe, that therebie they maie be encoraged to go still forwardes in the same. And herewithall, if it woulde please your Lordshipe to give me yom- good advise, how to prevent suche dangers, as throughe the strange deal ings of some of the gentlemen in Suffolk, about Burie, is like to ensue, I should be muche bounde to your Honor for the same : which gentlemen in winking at, if not of pollicie pro curing the disordered sorte to go forwards in their evil attemptes, and discouraging the staied and wiser sorte of preachers (as by sundrie letters which I sende your Lordship by this bringer, may appeare more plainlie unto your Honor), will in tyme, I feare me, hazarde the overthrow of all religion, * This was Robert Browne, the founder of the sect called Brownists, and afterwards known by the name of Independents. 1581.] PEACE MADE WITH TIRLOUGH LENNOGH. 147 if it be not in due time wiselie prevented. And thus, leav ing the rest to the further declaration of this bringer, I humblie betake your good Lordship to the protection of Al mighty God. From Ludham, this seconde of August, 1581. Your good Lordship's humblie at commandement, Edmund Norwich. LORD GREY OF WILTON TO SIR CHR. HATTON. Sir, as your manifolde curtesies have given me cause, so could I not chuse, reputing you in the number of my best frendes there, but yield you my right hartie thankes for the same, taking the opportunity of this messenger expresly to salute you. I forbeare to trouble you with the particulars of my late jorney into the northe partes, for because I knowe you shall be partakers of them by my letters which I sent unto their Lordships. If her Majestie would have been pleased to have graunted my demandes, I would not have doubted, with the assistance of God, but to have settled some better order in this jorney, as well in suppressing the pride of Tirlough, as also in expulsing the Scottes. But being now tyed to those directions which were set downe by the table there, and her Majestie's disposition to peace, I have done my best endeavour to follow the one and to satisfye the other. I have, against my will, concluded, or rather patched up, a peace with Tirlough, being such indede as I can neither re pose any assurance in for a continuance of it, nor, for the honor of it, justlie commend it. The best is that, by this occasion, some tyme may be wonne, to yield us the more libertie to deale with the mountayne rebells, against whom I purpose, with God's helpe, to bende myself with all present speede. I beseeche you to have in remembrance the gentil man whom before my departure thence you so often com mended unto me, I meane Ned Denny, that through your l 2 148 THE DUKE OF ANJOU ENTERS CAMBRAY. [AUG. honorable mediation he may finde her Majestie gracious in his oulde sute, without the which his forwardnes to continue her Majestie's service will bring him to late repentance, and depely touch him in credit. I most earnestly pray you, therefore, to stande to hym, and you shall no lesse increase my bande towardes you, through your good favour vouch- saved hym therin, then bynd the gentilman hymself to re mayne ever yours in all faythfull devotion. And so I com mit you to God. From Dublyn, the 12th of August, 1581. Your assured frende and most loving cosen, A. Grey. SIR FRANCIS WALSINGHAM* TO THE EARL OF SUSSEX. My verie good Lord, yesternight we had newes here that Monsieur should be entered into Cambray, whereat as so many in the court did rejoyce as are well affected to this crowne, so did those that favor Spayne heare verie unwil lingly of it. This good successe was followed by a hard happe of the taking of the Viscount of Turrayne, who, as your Lordship shall understand by om- common letters, seek ing to enter the towne with about fower score and ten horse in his company, was taken by th'enemye before the gates, and the greater part of the rest slayne uppon the place. Monsieur hath now referred himself for the matter of the league to such resolution as the King shall take therein, being well contented if the King be so pleased, that he shall go forward with our mariadge, so there be nothing that may any way tend to the prejudice of the mariadge. And thus, hav- * Sir Francis Walsingham and Sir Henry Cobham were this sum- mer sent into France to negotiate matters relating to the projected marriage. The Duke of Anjou was at the head of the French auxiliaries, aiding in the Low Countries against the Spaniards, sup plied chiefly with English money. 1581.] SIR WALTER RALEIGH. 149 ing nothing ells to impart unto your Lordship at this present, I humbly take my leave. At Paris, the 20th of August, 1581. Your Lordship's to commande, Fra. Walsyngham. SIR WALTER RALEIGH* TO THE EARL OF LEICESTER. I may not forgett continually to put your Honor in minde of my affection unto your Lordship, having to the world both expressed and protested the same. Your Honor having no use of such poore followers, hath utterly forgotten me, notwithstanding if your Lordship shall please to think me yours and I am, I wil be found as ready and dare do as muche in your service as any man you may commande, and do neither so muche despaire of myself but that I may be some way able to performe as muche. I have spent some tyme here under the deputy in suche poore place and chardge, as were it not for that I knewe him to be one of yours, I wold dysdayn as much as to keep sheepe. I will not troble your Honor with the busines of this lost land, for that Sir Warram Sentleger can best of any man deliver unto your Lordship, the good, the bad, the mischeife, the meanes to amend, and all in all of this commonwelthe or rather common-woe. He * Sir Walter Raleigh was the son of Walter Raleigh, Esq. of Fardel in Devonshire, and was born in 1552, at Hayes, a farm in the parish of East Badley in that county. He was educated at Oxford, and learnt the art of war in France, under the banners of the Protestants, where he was present at the battle of (Moncontour. He afterwards served in the Netherlands, and was with Sir John Norris at the famous action at Rimenant. He next engaged in a voyage of adventure to America, and on his return went to Ireland, where he served at the siege of Smerwick. 150 ELIZABETH AND THE DUKE OF ANJOU. [AUG. hopeth to find your Honor his assured good Lorde, and your Honor may moste assuredly command hym ; he is lovingly inclyned towards your Honor, and your Lordship shall win by your favor towards hym, a wyse, faythfull, and valiant gentleman, whose worde and deeds your Honor shall ever find to be one. Thus having no other matter, but only I de sire the continuance of your Honor's favor, I shall take my leave. From the Campe of Leismore, in Ireland, August the 25th. Your Honor's faithfull and obedient, W. Rauley. I am bold, being bound by very conscience, to commend unto your Honor's consideration the pitifull estate of John Fitts Edmonds, of Cloyne, a gentleman, and the only man untoucht and proved true to the Quene both in this and the last rebellion. Sir Warram can declare his service what he is, and what he deserveth. THE QUEEN TO SIR EDWARD STAFFORD." Stafford, as I greatly regard your poor man's diligence, so will I not leave him unrewarded. For the charge I have written to Monsieur that I have given in to you, this it is : first for the commissioners authorities I have good reason to require that they may be as I desyred, both for present mislikes as well as for after mishaps. It happened in Queen Mary's days that when a solemn ambassade of five or six at the least were sent from the emperor and King of Spain, even after the articles were signed, sealed, and the matter divulged, the danger was so near the Queen's chamber-door, that it was * Sir Edward Stafford was sent envoy to France, chiefly to observe the behaviour of the French towards the Low Countries, of which the sovereignty had been offered to the Duke of Anjou. 1581.] ELIZABETH AND THE DUKE OF ANJOU. 151 high time for those messengers to depart without leave- taking, and bequeathed themselves to the speed of the river- stream, and by water passed with all possible haste to Graves- end, and so away. I speak not this that I fear the like, but when I make collection of sundry kinds of discontentments all tied in a bundle, I suppose the faggot will be harder al together to be broken. There is even now another accident fallen out of no small consequence to this realme. I am sure the States have accorded to the demands of Monsieur, and do present him the sovereignty of all the Low Countries. Sup pose, now, how this may make our people think well of him, and of me to bring them to the possession of such neighbours. O Stafford ! I think not myself well used, and so tell Monsieur that I am made a stranger to myself, who he must be, if this matter take place. In my name shew him how impertinent it is for this season, to bring to the ears of our people so un timely news. God forbid that the banes of our nuptial feast should be savoured with the sauce of our subject's wealth ! O what may they think of me that for any glory of my own would procure the ruin of my land. Hitherto they have thought me no fool : let me not live the longer the worse. The end crowneth all the work. I am sorry that common posts of London can afford me surer news than the inhabi tants of touns will yield me. Let it please Monsieur to sus pend his answer unto them till he send some unto me of quality and of trust to communicate and concur with that I may think best for both our honours : for I assure him it shall too much blot his fame if he deale otherwise, not only in my sight unto whom it hath pleased him to promise more than that, but especially to all the world, that be overseers of his actions. Let him never procure her harm whose love he seeks to win. My mortal foe can no ways wish me a greater losse than England's hate, neither should death be less wel come unto me than such mishap betide me. You see how nearly this matter wringeth me, use it accordingly. If it please him the deputies may have the charge of this matter 152 THE CALVINISTS. [SEPT. joined with the other two that were aforementioned. I dare not assure Monsieur how this greater matter will end untill I be assured what way he will take with the Low Countries ; for rather will I never meddle with marriage, than have such a bad covenant added to my part. Shall it be ever found true that Queen Elizabeth hath solemnized the perpetuall harm of England under the glorious title of marriage with Francis, heir of France ? No, no : it shall never be. Mon sieur may fortune ask you " why should not the Low Coun tries be governed by the indwellers of that country as they were wont, and yet under my superiority as well as the King of Spain did ?" I answer, the case is too far different, since the one is far off by seas distance, and the other near upon the continent. We willingly will not repose our whole trust so far in the French nation, as we will give them in pawn all our fortune, and afterward stand to their discretion. I hope I shall not live to that hour. Farewell, with my assurance that you will serve with faith and diligence. In haste. Your Sovereign, , Elizabeth. SIR FRANC IS KNOLLYS TO LORD BURGHLEY AND THE EARL OF LEICESTER. My very good Lords, your ablenes and redynes to do good in these peryllous dayes of trayterous practises both agaynst God and agaynst her Majestie, doth bolden me to presume to remember your Lordships, that by your meanes order may be taken, that the two authors and favorers of the setting forthe of Castalio his books*, with the abuses of the Bishop of London in that behalfe, may be diligently examyned and bowlted out, that hypocrisy herin used being known, the * Sebastian Castalio was a famous Calvinist of Basil, born in 1515, and died in 1563- There were editions of his Dialogi Sacri printed at London in 1555, 1573, and 1580. 1581.] THE FAMILY OF LOVE. 153 pestilent /doctryne therof may be the more sowndly sup pressed i^for it seemeth to me that these free-will men, or anabaptisticall sectaries, do followe the same scoope that the deified men of the Family of Love* do follow, saving that the same perfection that the Famyly of Love do pretend to obtayne by the vertue of love, the same perfection do Castalio his sectaries pretend to obtayne by the doctryne of faythe. But it is not by faythe in believing to be saved by the merytes of Christ, but by a faythe in believing that every man is able to fulfy 11 the lawe of God, and that the cause why men do not fulfyll the lawe is the wante of this Castalio his beliefe. Nowe both these sectes do serve the turnes of the Papistes, as all free-wyll men and justiciaries or justifiers of them selves do, yet this difference is betweene the Papistes and those sectaries, I do meane touching their practises here in England ; for these Sectaries are more hypocriticall, and woll sooner denye their doctryne and assertions to avoyde punyshment, then the Papistes woll. But the Papistes secrete practyses by those Jesuytes, in going from howse to howse to withdraw men from the obedyence of her Majestie, unto the obedience of the false catholicke church of Roome, hathe and will indanger her Majestie's person and state more then all the sectes of the worlde, if no exeqution shall followe uppon the trayterous practysers that are for the same apprehended ; or at the least, if exeqution shall not followe uppon such of them as woll not openly and playnly recante. * The sect who called themselves the Family of Love, or House of Charity, was imported from Holland, and made a great noise about this time. They persuaded their followers that those only were elect and to be saved, who were admitted into their family, and that all the rest of the world would be inevitably damned. They dispersed many of their fanatical books about the country, translated out of Dutch into English, and bearing such titles as " The Gospel of the Kingdom," " Documentall Sentences," "The Prophecy of the Spirit of Love," and " The Publishing of Peace upon Earth." Against these books, and people who favoured and distributed them, a severe proclamation had been made on the 9th of October, 1580. / 154 RELIGIOUS DISORDERS. [SEPT. Thus desyring your Lordships, that are the -two heads of the two unyversities of England, to pardon my boldnes herin, becawse I, that am an unworthie person and halfe an abjecte, do expect great good things at your Lordships' handes, which hathe emboldened me herunto, and so I take leave of your Lordships. At London, going into my countrye, to the Quarter-sessions at Oxford, the 29th of September, 1581 . Your good Lordships' to comand, F. Knollys. THE BISHOP OF LONDON* TO LORD BURGHLEY. After my hartie commendations to your good Lordship, whereas I understand her Majestie is offended with certain disorders in Essex, and especially with such exercises as are thought to be had and contynued in the Lord Riche his howse,ttheministerwhereof is one Wright, (ordained I cannot tell how nor where), it maie please your good Lordship to informe her Highnes, that in the late Lord Riche his tyme (father unto this nobleman) I had many great stormes at his hande for the staying of them, and now of late, within this fortnight, the now Lord Riche came to my howse to Full- ham, together with his base uncle and another, to entreat me to licence the said Wright to preach in my Diocese, which because I utterly denyed, unles he would subscribe to the orders of this churche, his said base uncle did so shake me up, as I was never so abused at any man's hand since I was borne. For the which I would have committed him, but that we were not three present together, to do it according to the * John Aylmer, who succeeded Sandys in 1576, and died in 1598. f Robert, third Lord Rich, of Lees Priory, in Essex. He succeeded his father to the titles and estates in 1581. He was with the Earl of Essex at the taking of Cadiz, and was by James I. created Earl of Warwick, 1581.] CAMPION IN THE TOWER. 155 autoritie of the commission. Nevertheles we have deter mined to call him at our first sitting in the terme. As for the Lord Riche himself, I gave him great warning that he followed not his counsels in those matters ; if he did, I must needs make her Majesty privie to it, and so I meant to do. Wright, that is their preacher, I cannot come by, unles we should send a power of men to fetche him out of a noble man's house ; for I have chardged both the father and the son to send him to me, and they both have promised, but never performed. Therefore, seeing that we do as farr as our com mission giveth us leave, I trust her Majestie will think the best of our doings, and not either suffer us to be defaced of such busy-bodies, or be grieved with us for not doing that which our autoritie reacheth not unto. How I have struggled with them in this behalf these two whole yeres past, it is well-known to all that countrie, and yet, unless we should pull them owt by the ears, I know not how we should come by them. Touching the conferences with Campion in the Tower, I wrote unto Mr. Lieutenant of my mislyking that so many were admitted to it, whose auctoritie is not to be directed there by me, but by her Majesty and your Lordships. And for the ill opinion that I had of it, I sent to staie it. The translating of Whittacre's book,* and the publishing thereof, I minde to staie, if it come to my hands. Thus, hoping that your Lordship will intreat her Majestie not to give ear to every information made against us, but rather to consider into what peaceable tranquillitie God, by my poor service hath brought not only London and my whole dioces, but also the mostpart of England, sincel came to this place, and where by I have (as I think in my conscience) rather deserved her • William Whitaker was one of the most eminent divines of this reign. He was borne at Holme in Lancashire, in 1547, and died in 1595, and was a voluminous and able writer. He wrote a book in Latin in answer to Campion's " Ten Reasons,'' which was printed in 1581. 156 BATTLE OF NORTHORNE. [OCT. gracious favour, then discouragement, for I am hated on the other side like a dogge, and am called the oppressor of the children of God, I take my leave of your good Lordship, beseeching God to blesse you. Fullham, the 29th of September, 1581. Your good Lordship's most assuredly in Christe, John London. CHRISTOPHER HODDESDON TO . (Andwarpe, 15 October, 1581.) The overthrowe in Frizeland* was very greate, and the fio-ht long, so as th'enemie stoode longe in termes to be overthrowen, if the rest of the States' horsemen had donne their duties as well as Captaine Williams his cornet, who brake through th'enemie a greate waye and came back in the middst of them. Two barrels of powder that fyred by chaunce made the first disorder amongest the States men, and their owne horsemen in the retraite coming close uppon them moved the enemie to passe on their men forwards. The fight and execution dured very long, and most of th' ensignes taken by th'enemie, which they drew along the streetes of Groeninghen, and about the churche, where they went fourtene times, and with the fyve pieces of ordynance by them also gotten. The chief of the field who did this feate is said to be hurte, with divers other of their leaders, and men of charge. Norryes is, God be thanked, without daunger, only is like to loose one of his fingers, and his brother's hurte mendeth. Divers lieutenants and others that were missing are come home againe, and sundry taken that were thought slayne, but four or five captaynes are deade. Notwithstanding this conflict and overthrowe, the States * This was the battle of Northorne. 1581.] SIR PHILIP SYDNEY. 157 men will shortely agayne in field, abled to keep th'enemie from doing any greate harme, who since his victorie is still and beginnes to sing for money. Endouen being pressed by assaultes, and not sufficient power within longer to withstand the same, yelded by com position to depart with their armor and ensignes. Those that where sent to reskew it, being not in meanes equall by the third part, and the country verie plaine, and no retreate within a great way, did not think convenient to adventure their men, being the garrisons of many places. Monsieur, who was so earnestly expected, is said not to come this winter, so as the preparations that were a making both at Gaunt, Brudge, and other places, to resist him, are stayed. Th'enemie on the suddayne in Flaunders with all his forces went to Tornay, whither the cannon was brought, and a showe was made as if he woulde have laid seige thereunto, knowing therm to be but three or four companies of men ; but to mete with this show the Prince of Pinoij his lieute- nante used suche a course with the burghers that all promised to stand to it, and such as would not take an oathe by him and the magistrats devised showide depart the towne, so there is not heard of any things to be done by th'enemie. SIR PHILIP SYDNEY TO SIR CHRISTOPHER HATTON. Right honorable, I have spoken with my father touching Poorescourt,* which Mr. Dennye sues for. He tells me as suredly that it is most necessary some Englishe gentilman should have it, being a place of greate importaunce, and fallen to her Majestie by rebellion of the owner. As for him that sueth for it in the Court, he is indeede a good honest fellowe, according to the broode of that nation ; but being a bastard, * Powerscourt near Dublin. 158 A VOYAGE OF ADVENTURE. [OCT. he hath no lawe to recover it, and he is muche too weake to keepe it. So that your Honour may do well, if it please you, to followe this good turn for Mr. Dennye, who can and will endeavor to deserve it of her Majestie, and do you service for it in all faythfull good-will whensoever you shall commande him. And so I humbly take my leave, and rest at your devotion. From the Courte, the 17th of October, 1581. Your Honor's humbly at commandement as you have bounde me, P. S. SIR JOHN HAWKYNS TO MR. BOLLAND. I have received your letter of the 19th of this present, to gether with a letter inclosed from Sir Francys Drake, of the 14th of the same. I wold be glad my ability and state were such as I might be an adventurer in this jorney; but I assure you I had so great a burden layd upon me in this last preparation, that with all the means that I can make I am hardly able to over come the debt I owe her Majestie and kepe my creditt. It is well knowen to you, Mr. Bolland, to whom I dyd at large de clare my losses and burdens, besyde the shipping and other dead provisions which lay upon my handes. My syknes doth contynually abyde with me, and every second day I have a fytt; if I looke broade in the ayre but one howre, I can hardly recover it in six daies with good order, so as I am hartely sorry that I cannot attende upon my very good Lord,* whom I am desyrous to satisfye according- to my abylytie, if I had strength, for I am more lyke to provyde for my grave then incomber me with worldly matters. There cannot lacke neither adventurers nor anythyng that is good, to the furtherance of so'good an attempt, which enter- * The Earl of Leicester. 1581.] RIOT ON THE RIVER LEA. 159 prise I have had always a very good lyking unto for the farder benefytting of our countrey, which God, I hope, will send to a good and prosperous end, and so I hartely take my leave. From Chattham, the 20th of October, 158] . Your assured and loving friend, John Hawkyns. W. FLETEWOOD TO LORD BURGHLEY. Righte honorable and my singular good Lorde, this present Saturday being the 21st of this present moneth of October, Mr. Fanshawe, Mr. Basshe, Mr. Colshill, Mr. Leake, Mr. Clarke, and myself, mette at Tottenham for th' examination and boulting oute of certain misorders comytted by sondry lewde personnes in cutting downe the bankes of the river Lee,1 to th'intente not only to hynder, but even to overthrowe the passage betwene Ware and London. And throughe the diligent care of Mr. Fanshaw, the chiefe offenders were brought before us ; and by examynations of such as we dealte withall in the forenone,we coulde learne nothing, whereby we were halfe discoraged : but in th'afternone one poore man, that was a doer, and being examined upon his oathe in the forenone, at which tyme he comytted manyfest perjurie, did for feare he should have gone to Newgate confesse moste of all the mysdemeanors and who were the doers, and then we examyned those whom he had accused, wherof some were Mr. Wrothe's men, and the residue were of Enfielde. Of these, one of Mr. Wrothe's men, being his horsekeper, did after muche ado take his oathe and confesse all the truthe, and that he himself was a principall doer; the other of Mr. Wrothe's men, being his purveyor of wheate and malt, did commit wilfull perjurie, and would confesse nothing, though he were charged by them that were at the acte doing. 1 The river Lea. 160 RIOT ON THE RIVER LEA. [OCT. Certain other being swome, having used certain rebellious and seditious words, did utterlye denye the same, althoughe they were confronted with severall wytnesses upon their oathes. Some others, being chiefe offenders, did bothe utterly refuse to take any oathe, and also denyed to be examyned. The constable of the hundred, called Goddard, being a chiefe mayntayner and comforter of the said offenders, was sworne before us and examyned, and upon his oathe he hathe concealed not only the truthe, but also entered into cer tain peremptory arguments in defence of these misdemeanors, and did not stick to publyshe some clamorous speeches, tending towards a rebellious sturr of sundry townshipps as had nothing a do with the matter, as Awdenham for example. In th'ende of all our travell, being towarde nighte, there came in substantiall proofe of a matter, that we were all sory for, and that was Mr. Wrothe* had mysdemeaned himselfe withoute the compas of all reason, in speaking publicly certain words against the Queen's Highnes and the councell. The words tended in myne opynion very much towards a rebellion, and were suche as in good reason may not lightlie be passed over. He was not with us himselfe ; but as touch ing the constable of the hundred, for that he dwelling with in lesse than a mile of the place could by no meanes either knowe or heare, or ells did enquire of the saide mysdemeanors, but commytting wilfull perjurye, did with many strong argu ments (as he thoughte) defende the foresaide mysdemeanors, we have commytted hym to Newgate, and two or three more that dyd the lyke. And those that did confesse the trewth we dismyssed home to their owne howses, untill they should be called for agayne. This constable of the hundred, God dard, was placed this last yere by the importunate sute of Mr. Wrothe, and one Searle of Edmonton, being an honest man, was put from the same office upon a small occasion, * Sir Thomas Wroth, who had much property in Enfield and the neighbourhood, and farmed a stream which ran into the Lea, on which he had some mills. 1581.] RIOT ON THE RIVER LEA. 161 and thereupon commytted to Newgate, where he remayned a weeke. In myne opynion it were mete that Curie were re stored to his offyce, and that this man were put owte for his lewde demeanor. I have served in many commissions, bothe in the Northe and Southe, a long tyme, and I assure your Lordship I never mett with suche stubborne varletts as those be that ap peared before us this daie. Uppon Frydaie nexte we mete agayne for the examining of the reste, and making up our booke. I have persuaded my fellowes to mete at London at the sessions halle of Newgate, the which is a fitter schole- howse for suche lewde people as these are, then Tottenham is. And this is the sum and effecte of our travell for this daie. We satt at Mr. Sherife Martyn's howse at Tot tenham, where he sent his cooks and made us a greate dynner. It was informed us credibly that, upon Mondaie last, Mr. Wrothe made a marvelous greate sturr at the Swane- mote in the forrest, wherby her Majestye's servise was greatly hyndered, and the officers there greatly disquieted. I feare the gentleman be over muche puffed in pride, with over muche lyving and wealthe. I have alwaies loved his father and hym well, and therfore I do wishe the things that be amysse were amended. Thus most humblie I take my leave of your good Lordship, this Saturdaie night, 1581. Your Lordship's most humble to my small power, W. Fletewoode. W. FLETEWOOD TO MR. SECRETARY. May it please yom- Honor, I am bolder of you than doth become me, and specyally in wryting of matters unpleasant. The truthe is that within these two dayes Mr. Norton's mo ther hath drowned herself. His father being very aged and VOL. II. M 162 SUICIDE OF A WITCH. [NOV. extreme sick, is not lyke to lyve. His habitation is near to Bedford. But to make your Honor the better acquainted with this matter, it is so that this woman was but mother-in-lawe to Tho. Norton. She in her youth was brought up in Sir Thomas More's howse, in which place she dyd learne the idolatries, toys, and usages in the night seasons, as thereby she was ledd by evill spirits some tyme to hange herself, and some tyme to drowne herself. Some parte of her lewd de meanor was in the lewd exercise of Nicromancia ; that is to saye, in conference and speeches had (as she thought) with dead bodies, being of her old acquayntance. But the cause why I am so bold to write this to your Honor is this : this woman hath left behind her divers children, who are but half brothers to Tho., Norton, the which are shrewdlie given. And if the old man should die, it is to be feared all his goods will come to a spoile ; and therefore, if Mr. Peter Osborne had any commandement, I think he could devise some good order for the saving of things that may be lost. I beseeche your Honor to make my Lord Treasurer acquaynted with this unfortunate cause, for surely I am loathe to trouble his Honor with such unpleasant matters. Your Lordship's bounden, W. Fletewoode. SIR PHILIP SYDNEY TO SIR CHRISTOPHER HATTON. Sir, I do here sende you my booke ready drawen and pre pared for her Majestie's signature, in such order as it should be ; which I humbly beseech you to get signed accordinglie, with as much speede as you may convenientlie, for the thing of itself in many respects requyreth haste, and I finde my present case more pitied than perchance it could be hereafter, when happily resolution either way will be hard to gett, and make my suite the more tedious. Mr. Popham thought it would be littell or nothing worth unto me, because so many 1581. J SIR PHILIP SYDNEY. 163 have oftentymes so fruitlessly laboured in it : and this is the generall opinion of all men, which I hope will make it have the easier passage : but indeede, I am assured the thinge is of good value, and therefore, if it shall please you to pass any thinge in my booke, you shall command it as your owne, for as much or as littell as yourselfe shall resolve of; it will do me no hurte that seeke only to be delyvered out of the comber of debtes ; and if it may do your Honor pleasure in any- thinge of importance, I shall be hartily glad of it. I passe nothinge by any other instrument, than by your owne ser vante, and it shall greately contente me that the suite is of such a nature as I may have meanes at the last to shewe how ready I am to requite some parte of your favours to wards me. If it is not done before this day sevennight, I shall be in greate feare of it ; for being once knowen it will be surelie crost, and perhappes the time will not be so good as it is at the presente, which of all other thinges putteth me in greatest confidence of good success with the helpe of your honorable favor. If you finde you cannot prevaile, I beseech you lett me knowe it as soon as may be, for I will even shamelesly once in my life, bringe it her Majestie myselfe: neede obeys no lawe, and forgets blushing : nevertheless, I shall be much the more happier, if it please you indeede to bynde me for ever by helping me in these combers. And so praying for your good successe in everythinge, and in this especially, (my greatest hope of comforte,) I humbly take my leave. From Barnard's Castel, the 13th of November, 1581. Your Honour's humbly at commandement, P. Sidney. SIR PHILIP SYDNEY TO SIR CHRISTOPHER HATTON. Right Honorable, I must ever contynue to thanke you, be cause you alwayes continue to bynde me, and for that I have M 2 164 APPREHENSION OF ROGUES. [JAN. no other meanes to acknowledge the bande, but my humble thankes. Some of my friendes counsell me to stande uppon her Majestie's offer, touching the forfeyture of papists' goodes. Truly, Sir, I knowe not howe to be more sure of her Highnes in that, then I thought myself in this. But though I were, in truthe it goeth against my harte to prevent a Prince's mercie. My necessitie is greate. I beseech you, vouchsafe me your honorable care and good advise : you shall hold a harte from falling, that shall be ever yours. And so I humbly take my leave. At Salisbury, the 18th of December, 1581. Your Honour's humbly at commandment, P. Sydney. W. FLETEWOOD TO LORD BURGHLEY. My singular good Lord, upon Thursdaye at even her Ma jestie in her coache were in Islyngton for taking of the aire. Her Highnes was environed with a number of rogues. One Mr. Stone, a footeman, came in all haste to my Lord Maior, and after to me, and told us of the same. I dyd the same night send warrants out into the sayd quarters, and into Westminster and the Duchie, and in the morning I went abrode myself, and I tooke that daye 74 roogs, whereof some were blind, and yet great usurers, and very riche. And the same daye towards night I sent for Mr. Harrys and Mr. Smithe, and the Governors of Bridewell, and took all the names of the roogs, and sent them from the Ses sions hall unto Bridewell, where they remayned that night. Upon Twelf Daye in the forenoone, the Master of the Rolls, myself, and others, receaved a charge before my Lords of the Counsell as touching roogs and masteries-men, and to have a privie searche. The same daye at after dyner (for I dyned at the Rolls) I mett the Governors of Bridewell ; so that afterwards we examined all the sayd roogs, and gave them 1582.] THE SAVOY. 165 substancial payment. And the strongest we bestowed in the mylne, and the lighters. The rest were dismyssed with a promise of double paye if we mett with them agayne. Upon Sondaye, being crastino of the Twelf Daye, I dyned with Mr. Deane of Westminster, when I conferred with hym tonching Westminster and the Duchie, and then I tooke order for Sowthwarke, Lambeth, and Newington, from whence I receyved a shoal of 40 roogs, men and women, and above. I bestowed theym in Bridewell. I dyd the same afternowne peruse Pooles,1 where I tooke abowt 20 cloked roogs, that there use to kepe standing ; I placed them also in Bridewell. The next morning, being Monday, the Master of the Rolls and the rest tooke order with the constables for a privie searche against Thursdaye at night, and to have the offenders brought to the Sessions hall upon Frydaye in the morninge, where we the justices shold mete. And against the same tyme, my Lord Maior and I dyd the lyke in London and Sowthwarke. The same afternoone the Masters of Bridewell and I mett, and after every man being examined, eache one receyved his payment according to his deserts. At which tyme the strongest were put to worke, and the other dismissed into theire countries. The same daye the Master of the Savoye was with us, and sayd he was sworne to lodge claudicantes, egrotantes, et peregrinantes. And the next morning 1 sente the constables of the Duchie to the hospitall, and they brought unto me sixe tall fellowes, that were draymen unto brewers, and were neither claudicantes, egrotantes, nor -peregrinantes. The constables, if they might have had their own wills, would have brought as many more. The Master dyd wryte a very curteous letter unto us to pardon them. And although he wrote charitably unto us, yet ' St. Paul's. 166 ROGUES IN LONDON. [JAN. were they all sowndly payed, and sent home to their masters. All Tuesday, Weddensdaye, and Thursdaye, there came in no small number of roogs ; they were rewarded all according to their deserts. Upon Frydaye mornyng, at the Justice Hall, there were brought in above a hundred lewd people, taken in privie searche. The Masters of Bridewell receyved them, and immediately gave them punishment. This Satterdaye, after causes of conscience heard by my Lord Maior and me, I dined and went to Polls, and into other places, as well within the libertes as elswhere, and I found not one rooge stirring. Amongest all these thyngs, I dyd note that we had not of London, Westminster, nor Sowthwark, nor yet Middlesexe, nor Surrey, above 12, and those we have taken order for. The residue for the most were of Wales, Salop, Cestre, Somerset, Bowkingham, Oxford, and Essex ; and that fewe or none of them had bene abowte London above three or four monethes. I dyd note also, that we mett not agayne with any in all our searches, that had receaved punishmente. The chiefe nur- serie of all these evell people is the Savoye and the brick- kilnes nere Islyngton. As for the brick-kylnes, we will take suche order that they shall be reformed. And I trust, by your good Lordship's help, the Savoye shall be amended ; for surelie, as by experience I fynd it, the same place, as it is used, is not conducted to a good use or purpose. And this shall suffice for roogs. Upon Weddensdaye last, a Frenche merchaunt, in a bagge sealed, delivered to a carrier's wife of Norwich 40£. to be carried to Norwich. She secretlie conveyed the money to a house a good way off from the Inne ; and within halfe a quarter of an howre the Frenche merchaunt came agayne to see his money packed up. But the woman denyed that ever she received one penny, with suche horrible protestations as I never heard of before. Mr. Secretarie Walsingham wrote me his letters for the ayde of the Frencheman, and after great 1582.] ROBBERY OF A FRENCHMAN. 167 search made, the money was founde and restored. She not knowing of the same, I examined her in my studie private- lie, but by no meanes she wold not confesse the same, but dyd bequeath herself to the devell, both bodie and sowle, if she had the money or ever sawe it. And this was her trust, that she then had not the money, ahd indeed she sayd the truth, for it was eyther at her trend's where she left it, or els delyvered. And then I per- ceyving her fewke, I asked her whether the Frenche merchaunt dyd not bring her a bagge sealed full of metall, that was weightie, were it eyther plates, coyne, cownters, or suche lyke. Then quoth she, " I will aunswer no further." And then I used my Lord Maior's advise, and bestowed her in Bride well, where the masters and I sawe her punished, and being well whipped, she sayd that the devell stood at her elbowe in my studie and willed her to denye it, but so soone as she was upon the crosse to be punished, he gave her over. And thus, my singular good Lord, I end this tragicall part of this wicked woman. This mornyng the Deputie of Holborne and two of the Wardmote, brought me this examination. I send for the partie : he was brought before my Lord Maior and me, and we have commanded hym to warde, expecting your good Lordship's advise, as touching his offence. Thus most humbly I send unto your good Lordship this last week's Diarye, ceasing at this tyme to trouble your Honor any farther. At Bacon House, this 14th of January, 1581. Your Lordship's most bounden, W. Fletewoode. THOMAS NORTON TO SIR CHRISTOPHER HATTON. It maye please your Honor, before any aunswer to your letter, to receave aunswer to your goodness, and that is no- 168 THOMAS NORTON. [FEB. thing but thankes unto your virtue, and my prayer to God for your prosperitie, beseeching you to be assured that I am still, as you have ever knowne me, a true foole at the worst. For the matter of your letter, I am so throwne downe in harte, and in loathing of myne arrogancie, in offending her whom I least should, and never willinglie would, I take God to witnes, that since my last check, I never durst enter into any matter of state uncommanded ; and I do so flee the perill of offence that way, that I have not conceived the hardines once to go aboute any such work. I feare lest the Queen's ould enemies and myne, the papistes, have spred this rumor of me to increase my trouble, as of one that even in restraynte cannot have grace or patience to be silent. Neverthelesse, if I were commanded by my Lorde Treasurer, my singular good Lorde, to deale in it, whom it toucheth especially, and who, by employment in her Majestie's service that way, hath some understanding of this case, the papistes should knowe that howesoever I lye on the grounde, and crye on my knees to my soverayne lorde and lady, God and the Quene, that yet Norton, with a true man's harte and face, can and dare speake on tiptoe. And though I desire not to undertake any such worke, but do shunne it as stormes in a broade sea for a weake vescell, yet at commandement I will refuse no adventure, and having once performed it, I will then offer it to my Lord Treasurer and your Honors, to be done withall as they shall thynke best. And for the printing, I must not forgett that I have your Honor's letters. In the mean tyme I commend you to the Almighty, and myself, under him, to your goodness, beseeching you to give me your good testi- monye to my Lorde Treasurer, of my obsequiousnes in her Majesty's service. At my close prisone home, in London, * the 28th of Feb. 1581. Your Honor's most humbly bounden, Thomas Norton. * In a letter in the same volume as this, dated April 10, 1582, and 1582.] SEMINARY PRIESTS. 169 W. FLETEWOOD TO LORD BURGHLEY. Right Honorable and my singular good Lord, I am right glad of your Lordship's amendment. I beseeche God to continue your Lordship in heithe. During the tyme of this Lent we have bene occupied with seminarie priests, masse-mongers, libellers, and suche lyke. It fell out in the first weke of Lent, that there was a booke cast abroad in commending of Cam pion and his fellowes, and of theire deathe. I pursued the matter so neare that I found the presse, the letters, the figures, and a number of the books, and being in this searche, one Osborne, a seminarie priest, came dropping into a chamber where Mr. Topcliff of the court and I were. Him we ex amined, and it appeared that he was a seminarie priest, and had dwelt in the hospitall at Rome thre yeres, and after he was professed into a howse of Franciscanes, being barefoote friars, that lived by begging, and labored, as he saithe, by cutting of wood and bearing of it upon their backs. They lie upon no bedds, but tumble in the strawe lyke swine ; they use no shirts ; they have n.o more garments but suche as they dayly weare, the which are slender, thinne, and extreme cold. Their diett is most slender, and they eat but ones a daye, and contynually they drynke water ; they may touche no money. Et sunt undique obruti pediculis. Being of this order but seven weeks, it being so strayt, he was dryven to flee, and came into England, and in Christenmas he sayd sundry masses at Mr. Browne's house, my Lord Viscount's brother, before my Ladie Vaux, and certain others. And in Crastino Epiphanice he said masse in the Flete, in my Lord Vaux his therefore, little more than a month after it, he thanks Sir Christopher, and particularly Lord Burghley,. (" to whom I am most highly boun- den for my delyverie by his mediation"), for obtaining his enlargement, and speaks of his "so greate losse, to so poore a man, so burthened with charge as I am, and the lamentable estate of my poor wife, wher of I am not yet in full hope of recoverie, and her losse were my utter worldly destruction." 170 SEMINARY PRIESTS. [MAY, chamber, before my Lord, Mr. Treassham, Mr. Tirwitt, and others. For the which offens these thre were upon Weddens daye last convicted in the Yeld Hall, at an oyer and deter miner, where they sayd Osborne did give lyvelie evidence, although they before jugement did stowtelie denie the same, yet after they dyd most humblie submitt theymselfs unto her Majestie, and so departed to prison agayne. This Osborne is nephew to Sir Robert' Lane, and nere akyn to my Lord Vaux and to Mr. Tresham. At this oyer and determiner there was arraigned one Mrs. Rogers, some tyme wife of one Barnerd Sharerd of Grey's Inne, for hearing of a masse at Shroftide, in the howse of the wife of Francis Alford, in Salisbury Court, at which masse was Mrs. Alford herself, and one Rogers a gentilman, and one Hyde, who is Mrs. Alford's man. (Hyde was reconsiled by Deane.) The seminarie priest was one Deane. This Deane and the sayd Hyde dyd give the evidence, and for that cause Mr. Secretarie's pleasure was that they should be spared. Mrs. Alford was spared, because Mr. Frauncis is bound for her, and she promiseth to go to the churche, and this is by Mr. Secretarie's orders. (My Lord, I have sent unto yout Honor a box of such stuffe as these libellers use for their printe. There be certain Irishemen that are the utterers of the last lewd booke ; one Dowdale dothe use to sell them.) At this last gaole delyverie one Margaret Harding, a no table pickpurse, was executed. The weeke before Christmas she pleaded her pardon for the lyke fault ; that pardon was, as it was said, procured by Monsieur de Alpheme, but one gen tilman now in the court, as she reported, had an 100 markes, whose name appeareth in the first word of the ninth line in ista pag. * This woman hathe had the benefit of sundry other pardones, as well generall as speciall. There is one * Sir Robert Lane, see above, line 8. 1582.] FLETEWOOD THE RECORDER. 171 Crofts, and Bacon, that were condemned for a robberie done nere Ware ; they are reprieved. For any other things here happening, there are none worthie wryting of, save this one thing, that here are fortie brables and pickeries done abowt this towne more in any one daye than when I first came to serve was done in a moneth. The rea son is of these multitude of buildings being stuffed with poore, needie, and of the worst sort of people. Trulie, my singular good Lord, 1 have not leasure to eat my meat, I am so called upon. I am at the least the best parte of an hundred nights in a yere abroad in searches. I never reste. And when I serve her Majestie, then I am for the most parte the worste spoken of, and that many tymes. In the court I have no man to defend me, and as for my Lord Maior, my chief hand, I am dryven every daie to backe hym and his doings. My good Lord, for Christ's sake ! be suche a meane for me as that with creditt I maye be removed by her Majestie from this intollerable toyle. Certainlie I serve in a thankles soile. There is, as I learne, lyke to fall a roome of the Quene's Serjant ; if your Lordship please to helpe me to one of these roomes, I assure your Honor that I will do her Majesty as paynfull service as sixe of them shall do. Helpe me, my good Lord, in this my humble sute, and I will, God willing, sett downe for your Lordship suche a booke of the lawe as your Lordship will lyke of. This Saterdaye, 2d May, 1582, Bacon House. Your good Lordship's most bounden, W. Fletewoode. W. FLETEWOOD TO LORD BURGHLEY. My singular good Lord, this present Saterdaye, in the mominge, my Lord Chancellor did awhile stand at the Chan- eerie barr, upon the side of the hall, and anon after that, the 172 THE SWEARING IN OF THE CHIEF JUSTICE. [MAY, Justices of the Common Place were sett, his Lordship came to the Common Place, and there satt downe, and all the ser- jants, my bretherne, standing att the barr, my Lord Chan cellor my brother Anderson called by name, and declared unto hym her Majestie's good lyking and opinion of hym, and of the place and dignitie that her Majestie had called hym unto, and then my Lord Chancellor made a shorte dis course what the dutie and office of a good justice was, and in th'end his Lordship called hym up into the myddest of the court, and then, Mr. Anderson kneeling, his commission was read, and that done, his Lordship toke the patent into his hand, and then the clarke of the corone, Powle, did read hym his oathe, and after he himselfe read the oathe of the supremacie, and so kist the booke, and then my Lord Chan cellor tooke hym by the hand and placed hym upon the benche. And then father Benloos, because he was ancient, did put a short case, and then myself put the next. To the first my new Lord Chieff Justice dyd hymself only argue, but to the next that I put, both he and the residue of the benche did argue. And I assure your good Lordship, he argued very learnedlie, and with great facilitie delyvered his mynd. And this one thing I noticed in him, that he despatched more orders, and answered more difficult cases, in this one forenoone, than were despatched in one whole weeke in his predecessor's tyme. My Lord, under benedicite, there runneth a marvelous speeche over all London, that greater sums of money were offered, to whom I knowe not, then I may well wryte of, by one of the Eschekkere, and all was for this office. If it were true, the partie did not well ; if it were not trew, the first reporters were muche to blame to skandalise suche an officer of her Majestie's, by which meanes he is growen into a greater dis credit then may be in a short tyme easilie forgotten. It is almost in everie man's mouth, that after your Lord ship had understanding of the offering of suche a masse of 1582.] THE LORD MAYOR PRESENTED AT COURT. 173 money, that your Lordship was the meane to kepe hym from the question. Trulie my Lord, it was well done. Thus most humbly I take my leave of your good Lordship. From Serjaunt's Inne, in Flete-strete, this Saturdaye at night. (5th May, 1582.) Your good Lordship's most humbly bounden, W. Fletewode. My Lord, upon All Sowle Daye, when Monsieur his Grace came towards Richmond, your Lordship, in riding downe the lane betwene Richmond and the Charter -house, talked to me of the office of Garbelers to be graunted to one of Mr. Gun- ter's sone-in-lawes, and the Quene's Highnes had written to that effect, and by what meanes I knowe not, the learned counsell of the citie did give a resolute answer, that for so muche as it was an office of trust it might not be graunted. Sythens which tyme I have removed them from that opinion. And now there is no lett but that Sir Rowland, Mr. Martin, and one other of the Aldermen, are agaynst it. And besides Mr. Aldersey, Mr. Waterffishe, Mr. Townsend, are agaynst it. To-morrow my Lord Maior is to be pre sented. Your Lordship shall do well to say a word to my Lord Maior of that matter. Mr. Woodroff is earnest for Sowthwick. W. FLETEWOOD TO LORD BURGHLEY. My very good Lord, yesterdaye I sent your Lordship a letter touching the admission of my Lord Chieff Justice into •the Common Place, but my man finding not your Lordship in the courte returned the letters to me agayne. The present Sondaie my Lord Maior was presented, when her Majestie most graciouslie accepted of my Lord, and of my foolishe speeche, to the great comfort of my Lord Maior, and of all his bretheren the Aldermen. 174 THE LORD MAYOR PRESENTED AT COURT. [MAY, Her Majestie was wonderfullie well pleased in all things, saving for that some yonge gentilman, being more bold than well mannered, did stand upon the carpett of the clothe of estate, and did allmost leane upon the questions.1 Her Highnes found fault with my Lord Chamberlayn and Mr. Vice-Chamberlayn, and with the Gentlemen Ushers, for suf fering suche disorders. Her Majestie found fault with me for giving more praises unto her Highnes as touching the advancement of religion, then as she said she deserved. But, my good Lord, I said nothing but trulie, and justlie, as it was indeed. My Lord Chamberlayn made my Lord Maior knight, and my Lord kyssed her Highnes' hand, and sone departed. There wanted your Lordship, and my Lord Admirall, my Lord of Leyces ter, my Lord of Hunsdon, Mr. Secretarie, and other great personnes. Where in my letters in these inclosed I touched somewhat the Garbeler's office, my Lord Maior this daye telleth me that he is very well willing to helpe Mr. Sowthwicke. But now I find that Mr. Daniel Ducket, Mr. Pipe, and Mr. Martin, are the only lefts. I have not spared to tell them my mynd this daye, although I have angered them, yet I see they be coming over. Our Lord Jesus bless your Lordship, and sende your Lord ship heithe. This present Sondaye, (6th Maye, 1582.) Your good Lordship's most bounden, W. Fletewoode. ROGER BODENHAM TO LORD BURGHLEY. Right Honorable, my duty remembred, &c. This bearer going for England, being a man of truste, I thought good, according to my duty, to certyfy your Honor what I do un derstande of this countrie at the present. ' Cushions. 1582.] DESIGNS OF THE KING OF SPAIN. 175 The King of Spaine is proclaymed King of Portugal, by the consent of the whole realme. Your Honor knows how much this joining of Portugal with Spaine dothe increase the greatnes and power of the King of Spaine, and the pride of the Spaniards, with the hope of the Catholicks ; and al though the Kinge of Spaine of himself be a peaceable prince and enclyned to the same, yet your Honor knows how he maye be ledde by those withall, who, indeede, will not lette to hazarde the kingdome of Spayne to mayntayne theirs. And what they cannot do by armies, they will attempt to do by money. And, as I understande, this will be now their practise, because they have spedde so well with their money in the getting of Portugal], with which they gatt all the no bilitie and all the governors to betraie their owne countrie. It is therefore to be consydered, they will do what they maye with money to winne some ayders in Englande. It maye please your Honor to have great regarde to the doings of Don Bernardyno de Mendoza, and to Saubianzy, and to Alonso Basiarto. They be there for no good, althoughe it seeme that they have juste occasion of busines to be there. There be merchants in London that have doings with some of them, in the which, they might be better occupied, but not lightely worse. It is reported that the King will go shortely for Lyseborne, to sette order in many matters, and to give content to the Portugalles. It will be sene shortely what will be done in these matters. The setting of order in the matters of the Indias and owt ylandes will aske a longe tyme. The King of Spaine hathe a promise of the King of Fez to delyver hym all the forts and ports that he hathe upon the sea syde, with Juans without the straights. And it is thought he will delyver them, for that the Turke doth pre- tende to set in another in the kingdome of Fez, so that the King of Fez thinks to assure himself by the ayd of the King of Spaine. If this come to pass, as it is pretended, and with great dilligence procured, the trade of Barbary shall 176 CONDITION OF SPAIN. [JUNE, be shut up cleane from all nations, and remayne only to the Spaniards. Here is great preparations of shipps and men to go for the straights of Magelanis, to the number of 16 or 20 sayle, and 3,000 men. They go by the waye of the ylandes, to sette order in the ylande of the Tersera,1 which is rebelled, and will not obeye the King of Spaine, and it is thought that some of the other ylandes will do the lyke. I nede not put your Honor in remembrance how much it imports that the King of Spaine do not peaceably possess Flanders and those countries ; nor yet what a minde they have to have some entrance in Yreland, nor what practises they will seke in Skottland, and also with Fraunce. They saye openly, that with their money they hope to have some good luck, seeing by force only they cannot have their practises. I cannot see any cause wherefore the Quene's Majestie should feare the power of or the greatnes of the King of Spaine ; but most sure it is, that there is great cause wherefore the King should feare the Quene's Majestie's power. If my credit maye serve anything with your Honor, I dare saye for my parte that I can show howe to sette the King a worke out of England, in so muche sorte as he should be fayne to leave all matters, and to put his whole force and all the frendes he can make to remedy the same, and that he should not make amend therof in his tyme, nor paraventure his chil- derne after him. This is no fable, but most certain and true, as I can sufficiently showe and make manifeste to your Ho nor, whensoever nede shall require. They do all saye here, that God hath mightely defended that realme, consydering what practises hath bene sought by all the Catholicks of Christendome against it, and also they do saye, and not a little marvel, herin it hathe pleased God to make your Honor and the rest of the most honorable 1 Terceira. 1582.] REFUTATION OF ELIZABETH ABROAD. 177 counsell so good instruments to serve the Queene's Majestie, to so good and quiet ende and peace for long tyme, as the lyke hathe not bene sene in no prince's tyme, having so many enemies as hathe wrought against the same. The which is and will be a perpetual fame and glory to the Quene's Majestie, and to your Honors, muche more than I can saye. The Quene's Majestie's praises in this is a thou- sande tymes more than was looked for, as they saye, at a woman's handes, and specyally her Majestie's Constance to preserve your Honor, for her good and assured service, against the envye of a number, and also the mallice and practises of dyvers forain princes. I praye God contynue it to the ende ! For this cause I, as one of the least in abilitie, but not the least in good will, to serve your Honor, do advertise your Honor of that which I do understand in these parts of Spaine at this present, as also it is moste true, that whatsoever shall happen to that realme in your tyme, good or badde, toucheth your Honor's fame and credit more than any one man. Thus I am bold to trouble your Honor, hoping that ye will accept my good will, and pardon my boldenes. The Lord God pre serve your Honor in heithe, long to contynue ! From Sainte Laucas, the 11th of June, anno 1582. Your Honor's most humble, Roger Bodenham. This bearer's name is Edmond Ansell, merchaunt of Lon don ; if it shall please your Honor to informe yourselfe of the state of this contrie, he can give some good reason therof. JOHN WALKER TO THE EARL OF LEICESTER.* (A Fragment.) # * # * # All the men in the whole fleete, (God be praysed !) are * The volume from which this letter is taken (MS. Cotton, Otho, E. VIII.) contains many interesting documents relating to the voyages VOL. II. N 178 MORAL CONDITION OF THE NAVY. [JUNE, in healthe, only in the Calys eight or nyne are sycke of a feaver, but all lyke to recover. I doubte not but you have heard of the great inconvenience which was lyke to have happened at Plymouthe, by reason that the generall upon sett sayle, and lefte Mr. Captayne Hawkyns and dyvers there on shore, and would not staye for them, but by the persuasion of Captayn Warde and some one or two others, he caste about, after we had sayled fyve leages, and met them at the Lande's Ende in the Francys, whiche matter was lyke to have bredde a greate myschiefe, but that we ap peased it in the beginning. But now (God be praysed!) there is among us as great Concorde and friendly amyty as maye be among any people, and all things go well with us, and no doubt but God will bless us, for our people are wonder fully reformed, both in rule of lyfe and relygion towardes God. In the Edwarde we have dayly morning and evening prayers, besides other specyall prayers at other times of the daye. Every Sunday I preache, and after dynner we have conference in the Scryptures, wherewith the maryners, who never heard sermons in their lives, are marvelously debyghted. Captayne Warde governeth his charge with great wysdome and pollycy, who doubtlesse is so sufficiente a man every waye, that he is well worthy to goveme any great charge. I wold to God your Lordship knewe hym as he deserveth. I beseeche your Lordship to contynew your honorable good nesse towards me, which shall be a suffycient recompense of my voyage. The Lord God preserve your Lordship in most happy estate, with the dayly increase of honor. The 14th June, 1582, in the latytude of 35 degrees. Your honourable Lordship's humble servant and chaplayne, John Walker. of foreign adventure, but unfortunately it has been so much damaged with the fire, that few of them are sufficiently complete to be de- cyphered. 1582.] KING ANTONIO IN ENGLAND. 179 EDWARD PRINNE TO LORD BURGHLEY.* Right Honorable, my humble dutie considered, the cause of this my writing unto your Honor, is the dutie wherin I am bound unto her most excellent Majestie, the which, notwith standing I am alien borne, yet my father was an English man, and myself in hart, love, and fydelitie, will give no man place of my calling, for which cause, my very good Lord, I have inbowldened myselfe, craving pardon for these my attempts. The King, my master, lays in London in the greatest miserie that ever any man lay, desolate not only of neces- saryes but of comfort, for he, feeling extreme sycke at Ux- bridge, where he lay, sent hither to have the healpe of one other Majestie's physicians. I know not how the matter fell owt, but her Highness was not made acquainted with the matter, so that there came no man to him, the which was no small griefe to him, to see that fortune had brought him to that miserable state, and to me, my verie good Lord, in re spect of my dutie to this my contrie, greater griefe to see that if the Frenche embassador had not continued every daye once our todjs (?), that the poore prince had remained altogether without any comfort. Abowt three moneths past, my very good Lord, if I do re member myself well, I heard that her Majestie had given orders that two chambers should be furnished for the Kinge, the whicb helpe too I never see, the fault remaining where it is, but it had been otherwise if I could have helped it, to the end strangers might not see his myserable lodging, the which would pitie your Honour's hart if you indeed had sene him here betwene four bare walls, voyd of all good comfort, * The King of France, not himself inclined to give the aid which King Antonio sought for the recovery of his lost kingdom of Portugal, sent him over to England, where he remained for some time in poverty and distress. N 2 180 POVERTY OF KING ANTONIO. [jAN. and accompanied only by us poore servants, that cannot helpe him in any other then to mourne with him his unhappie state. What comfort and honour were it to see in this his extremitie some one gentleman come from the Quene's Ma jestie and others of their free will, (in respect of honour,) and this wold not only put him in great comfort, but all of us in greater hope that God had not altogether given us over ! Notwithstanding, we cannot altogether despaire, considering her Majesty dothe protecte the King in his safetie, we do comfort ourselves and do have in great hope that by her Majestie's good meanes, the poore kingdome of Portugal shall have relief. I beseeche your honour to take compassion, and that the great charge that her Majestie hath bene at, may not now for a small matter be put in hazard. And in truthe, my verie good Lord, I do greately fear of one hard chance over other. I have done my best hitherto, and will do till deathe, as I am bound. Thus I leave, praying the Almightie God longe to continue your Honor, to the comfort of this her Majestie's realme. (1582). Your Honor's servant in all dutie till deathe, Edward Prinne. SIR JOHN NORRIS TO QUEEN ELIZABETH. Most gracious Soveraigne, it may please your most excel lent Majesty to understande, that on Saterdaye night last past, being the sixte of this presente, the burgers of this towne of Andwerpe, being in some jelousie of the Frenche, who were lodged in the towne in greate numbers, increased their watche to the double number they were ordinarily ac customed, causing every householde to hange out lightes into the streetes, and withall in the evening gave warning at the court to such gentilmen as were lodged in the towne, to re- payre to their lodgings by nyne of the clocke. The Duke tooke not this dealing in good parte, but seemed much dis contented that any jelousie should be conceaved of those of 1583.] TUMULT AT ANTWERP. 181 his trayne, and the next mornyng about nyne of the clock, repayring to the castell, had conference with the Prynce touching that matter, which was executed in as good(sorte as might be, and the occasion therof imputed to some light deal ings and indiscrete speeches lately let fall by some of the Frenche. And that all might be appeased, proclamation was presentlie made that all those of the Frenche which belonged to the armye should forthwith repaire to the troupes at Burg- herhault, whither the Duke determined to go after dynner, to take a view of the whole forces, betwene one and two of the clocke, accompanied with the most of the gentilmen of his court. His Highnes passing through the gate that leadeth to Burgerhault, suddaynly those of his trayne which came after began to seize the gate, and fell to some blowes with the burgers which that daye garded the port, having caused eight ensignes of the Frenche to be in a readines, and to come forwarde, who also entered the gate, and had advanced themselves within the towne, as farre as St. Jacques' Churche, and near to the greate Bursse. The alarme being given throughout the towne, the burgers immediately tooke armes, and so well ac quitted themselves, that in somewhat lesse then three quarters of an hour the gate was recovered, and the Frenche forced to retire with the loss of eight or nyne hundred at the least, besides Messiers De Fervaques, Sha- mount, De F argie, L'Avernie, Beaupre, La Ferte, La Rois- seliere, and some others whose names I have not learned, which being dismounted from their horses, were brought into the towne by the burgers, and remayne under garde in severall houses. The Marshall Biron was the night before gone oute of the towne to set all thinges in order against the Duke's coming to Burgerhault. The Duke of Mountpensier accompayned his Highnes, and so did the Count de la Vail. The Count de la Marshe, not thinking of any suche matter, was playing at tennys, and from thence conducted by the burgers safelie to his lodging. In this tumulte hathe bene slayne men of name, the Count Chasteaureux' sonne, the 182 THE FRENCH IN THE LOW COUNTRIES. [jAN. Count St. Aignon and his sonne, Monsieur de Tyan, governor of Alost, a sonne of the Marshall Byron's, Secevalle, Biragues, and many others of good accompte. The Duke went straight to Berckhame to a castell one myle from Andwerpe, where he yet remayneth, from whence this daye he sent letters to the Prince, excusing the attempte of the soldyours, being driven therunto, as he saith, by the greate myserie and extremytie they had long indured, offering to imploy hymselfe and suche meanes he had to the benefit and defence of their countrie, if they should thynke good to accepte therof. The messenger being a maister d'hostell to his Highnes, with a collonell of the towne, are returned back agayne with answer, the effecte wherof I cannot yet under stande. Aboute the same tyme of this attempte in Andwerpe, the Frenche possessed themselves of Dermound, Dixmuyde, Dun- kirke, and Viluorden; and attempting to do the like at Bruges, it is said the burgers of the towne have cutte all the Frenche in pieces. Letters were immediately sent from the Prince and the States here to others their townes of garrison, advising them to stande upoD their sure garde, for the better preventing of any Frenche practise against them. There was slayne of the burgers in this tumulte betwene fortie and fyftie persons, and some fewe hurte ; and of the Frenche better then a thousand, as it is judged, besides three or four sore hurte which have bene found alyve under the dead bodyes when they were carried to their buriall. This being as much as I can presently advertise your Ma jesty touching the late accident, it may please you to give me leave to ende, with my most humble and hartie prayers to Almightie God to defende and keepe your most excellent Majestie against the practises of your enemyes, to blesse your estate, and to graunte you a long and prosperous raigne amongest us. From Andwerpe, the 9th of January, 1582. Your Majestie's most dutifull subjecte, J. Norrice. 1583.] THE PLAGUE IN LONDON. 183 THE MAYOR OF LONDON TO LORD BURGHLEY. My duty humbly done to your Lordship, I have, according to your Lordship's direction by your letters, reformed the catalog of victuallers' howses infected within the liberties of this citie, from the 8th daye of November laste, being within the two monethes appointed by your former letters, which I have done as your Lordship willed, with advise of Mr. Norton, who informeth me that he hathe herein had speciall regard to two thinges, the one to give suche plaine description and note of the stretes and places as maye serve for easy notice to suche as repaire to this citie, the other that it be in suche shortenes as maye be brought into lesse than one face of a shete of paper to be fixed in places convenyent. It may please your Lordship also to consyder of the places which I have thought good to signifie after my opinion in the note enclosed, having respecte to Westminster and the way thither, and the entrance allwaies into this citie. Further, I thought good to move your good Lordship to the same intent, that in terme tyme usually in manner all the bowses in Flete-strete and the stretes and lanes adjoining, as also without Temple-barre, do use lodgings, victualling, or letting out of chambers, whether it be not your pleasure. that all suche howses in those partes, as do so lodge and lett out chambers, though they be not otherwaies usuallie victual lers, be likewise noted, if they have bene infected within the space of these two monethes. I do humblie thanke your Lordship for your honorable and loving care of this citie in the saide matter of infection, and the repaire of the Quene's subjects hither, and for my owne parte will not faile.in diligence by your direction according to my duty It maye please your Lordship to be further advertised, which I think you have alreadie heard of, a great mishappe at Paris-garden, where by ruin of all the scaffolds at once, yesterdaye a greate number of people are some presentlie 184 NIGHT DISORDERS IN LONDON. [JAN. slayne, and some maymed and grievouslie hurte. It giveth great occasion to acknowledge the hande of God for suche abuse of the sabbath daie, and moveth me in conscience to beseeche your Lordship to give order for redresse of suche contempt of God's service. I had to that ende treated with some justices of peace of that countie, who signifie them selfs to have very good zeale, but alledge want of commission, which we humblie referre to the consideration of your hono rable wisedoms. And so I leave to trouble your Lordship. At London, the 14th of Januarye, 1582. Your Lordship's humble, Thomas Blanke, Maior.* W. FLETEWOOD TO LORD BURGHLEY. My very good Lord, according to the advise that your Honor gave me by your Lordship's last letters, I caused Mr. Seckford, of the Court of Wards, Mr. Harris, Mr. Smithe, and Mr. Yonge, and myself attending upon them, to repaire the disorders that your Lordship returned unto me agayne. ThejT did it most exactlie, and swore witnesses upon the same. The which book I have now returned agayne, corrected and reformed. Uppon Thursdaye I being at the sessions at Fynsburie, I found the chefests of the two liberties there exclaiming upon these youthes ; the justices would nedes have them in dicted ; they are indicted for common disturbers of the peace, for night walkers, for breakers of glasse wyndowes, lan terns, and suche like, and principallie for the great riott that they committed the second of this month of Jan. Light is specially indicted for singing in the churche upon Childer- * " Sir Thomas Blanke, haberdasher, sonne to Thomas Blanke, citizen and haberdasher of London, who was sonne to Thomas Blanke, of Gilford, in Surrey." — Stowe. 1583.] DISTURBANCES IN LONDON STREETS. 185 mas Day, " fallantida dillie," &c. My Lord Bishop was at the arraignment of Light. Light confessed all that he was charged with. The residue are not yet arraigned, albeit they be indicted. My Lord of Leicester hath been sued unto by the principalis of New Inne and Lion's Inne, for the setting at libertie these yonge gentilmen. I do beseeche your Lord ship be good unto them, for my good Lord of Leicester's sake. But looking through into theire demeanors, I think the in habitants well erie owt, if Knyveton and Light be not bound to theire good behaviour. If the other be sett at libertie, I do perceyve they intend to lead a new lyfe. The benche at the gaole delyverie of Newgate dyd take order that Light, who was convicted, should be bound to his good behaviour. I do not see how he can well be discharged from that bond. I do suppose that Light and Kniveton are descended of the blood of Nero the tiraunt. I never knew of two suche tyrannical youthes, the elder not being twenty yeres old. I beseche God to make them his servants. My Lord Chancellor by Mr. Harris, the justice, sent word unto us that we should procede at that sessions agaynst them for the satisfying of the people. If the principals were looked unto, and specially of New Inne, all wold be well. I do beseeche your good Lordship to be good unto the residue of them, for surelie they are most penitent for theire misbehaviours. But for Light1 and Kniveton, I see no grace in them. Thus humbly I take my leave of your good Lordship, this Satterdaye at night, (Jan 19,) 1582. Your good Lordship's most bounden, W. Fletewoode. A DYARIE. Upon Saterdaye last, I was occupied all the daye in the examination of one Levenson, and of his confederates, and of sundrie roberies, and suche lyke. This Levenson is a dan- 186 POLICE INTELLIGENCE. [JAN. gerous ruffen. He hath misused my Lord of Oxenford with words of indignitie. Upon Sondaie, after diner, we of the citie studied what Mr. Comptroller would allege agaynst the citie for the office of Garleeting. Upon the same daye the violaters of the Sabbathe were punished, by God's providence, at Paris Garden ; and as I was writing of these last words, lo, here is a booke sett downe upon the same matters. Upon Monday, Mr. Smithe, Mr. Owen, and myself, occu pied all the daye with Mr. Deane, in Westminster, for the punishment of bawdes and strumpetts, of whom some were towted,* but all banished. Upon Tuesdaye, all that daye was spent at Lambeth, in the old Duke of Norffolk's hall. Mr. Comtroller satt there at the table's end ; upon the benche satt first in Mr Aubrie, Mr. Lewes, Master of the Rolls, Sir Rowland, and Sir Nicholas Woodruf. The jurie were old courtiers and Walshe- men ; the verdict is not yet given. How we shall speed, I know not, but I am sure Mr. Comtroller hymself was and seemed most indifferent. We feare not the case, so long as your Lordship is our supreme judge. I wold to God we were at quiet with these great counsellors ! Upon Weddensdaye, we were occupied abowt the dealings of those unthrifts of the Chancerie. At after diner, my brother Flowredewe's man brought me evill newes, but at his returne he tolde me how muche he was bound to your Lordship in the behalf of his master. Surelie, my Lord, if Mr. Hermingham had bene at a sessions or gaole delyverie at London, he shold have tarried by it untill the Quene or the Lords of the counsel had otherwise determyned- Upon Thursdaye, I kept two sessions of peace, the one at Fynsburie, the other at the Yeld hall. At after diner, I was occupied in the high commission, about the foresayd Leven son, and the knight marshali's man, who tooke his parte. * Whipped? Towt, in old English, signifies neither more nor less than the backside. 1583.] YOUNG CECIL. 187 That done, I was sent for to my Lord of Leicester, abowt the gentilmen of the Chauncerie. Upon Friday, from eight in the morning until eight at the night, the gaole deliverie was, when Mr. Ti'esham and his fellows were convicte for recusants. My Lord Vaux was not brought forth, because he was a Baron. There were three condempned and put to execution this daye, in the morn- inge. Upon this Satterdaye, by commission from Mr. Secretarie, Mr. Attorney, Solicitor Norton, and myself, sat in the Temple Hall, abowt the Isle of Gerke, and for the execution of jus tice there. The strife is betweene Sir Thomas Layton and a gentilman of Gersey. At after dinner, my cosen Holcroft brought me a table from your Lordship for Westminster and the Duchie to be printed. I have bene about the setting of the forme thereof untill the writing of these letters. And thus your Lordship may see that I am so exercised that I have no leasure at all skarse to read a Littleton's case, muche lesse to studie my demurrers, that I must argue. My two Lord Chief Justices are come to London. Mr. Levete nant and the officers are occupied at this tyme in surveying the ordinances in the Tower. In the Middell Temple garden, hard under my Lord of Leicester's wall, two of the gardener's boyes fell syck of the plage ; one was buried yesterdaye, the other by my meanes is removed to Glomesburie. About a sevennight past, yong Mr. Cecill,* your Lordship's son, about seven of the clocke, passed by Saint Clement's Churche, I standing there to see the lanterns hangen, and to see if I cold mete with any outrageous dealers. There stood sixe of the honest inhabitants with me — " Lo !" quod they, " ye may see how a nobleman's son can use himself, and howe he putteth off his capp to poore men. Our Lord blesse him !" quod they. I write this for two purposes : the * Probably Sir Robert Cecil. 188 TROUBLES IN SCOTLAND. [MARCH, one is that your Lordship hath cause to thank God for so virtuous a child ; the other is, that through your Lordship's good meanes, the principalis maybe compelled to, look better to their charges. My Lord Chancellor, my Lord Chief Justice of England, my Lord Chief Baron, Sir George Bromley, myself, and many other of good calling at this daye, were of Clifford's Inn, where Mr. Haachett, of Hertfordshire, was principall. He kept us all in so good order, that none durst presume to play any wicked or lewd parts. I end, fearing to trouble your honor with these trifeling newgations. W. F. W. DAVISON TO SIR CHRISTOPHER HATTON.* It may please your honor, I have by every post of late looked for my revocation, fynding no greate cause of my particular staye here, to the increase of her Majestie's charge, * The years 1582 and 1583 were a turbulent period in Scotland. The French were intriguing deeply to revive there their former in fluence, and the party in whose power the King lay were by this means estranged from the interest of England. The English govern ment naturally used their utmost exertions to counteract the French intrigues, and the zeal of the protestant and English party in Scot- laud was brought into action. Ruthven, Earl of Gowry, with other nobles of this party, alluring the King to Ruthven Castle, made them selves master of his person, and excluded the opposite party from the government. This was afterwards known as the Raid of Ruthven. Lennox took shelter in France. The French King sent into Scotland La Motte Fenelon and Manningville to stir up a counter-revolution. The papers in the British Museum, relating to Scotch affairs at this period, leave no doubt that there was at this time a dangerous plot in agitation by the French and the Catholics, that Mary Queen of Scots was deeply engaged in it, and that it was as full of peril to England as to Scotland. 1583.] INTRIGUES IN SCOTLAND. 189 and some incommoditie to myself. But because your honor hath yet rather given me hope than assurance thereof, I must beseech you that in your next I may fully understand her Majestie's good pleasure in that behalf. Mr. Bowes his experience and acquaintance with the affayres of this state enable him sufficientlie alone to go through with any service, that is to be done here without any great want of language; for any negotiations between us and Manningville, whose staie we hope will not be long here, if thinges frame not all the sooner to his full content ment, which will appeare shortelie after the coming of the rest of the Lords, looked for this week. In the meane tyme the people here have much to do to contayne themselves from hastening his departure by some rude intreatie, which they have been willing to offer him ere this, and had surelie done it, had not the maisters and some discreete burgesses hitherto staied them : so greate is the prejudice they have of his traffique here, to the hurte of religion, and disquyet of their state : and now forbear only in expectation of his dis patche uppon the coming of these Lords, according to the promise made unto them by such as were intercessours to the Kynge for them in that behalf. And yet it seemeth that hymself is determined to ride it oute here, if he may, till he heare further out of France. By our common letter your honour shall understand all these thinges more particularlie, as also of our apprehension of one William Holte, a Jesuit, entertained secretly here by the Lord Seton, and appoynted to a voiage into France, and from thence to Rome, whom, being ready to take a passage with the first fayre wynde, we caused to be apprehended at Leithe. About him we found divers ciphers, and some two or three letters, whereof (the originalls being delivered to the Kinge) we sende you herewith the coppies. Divers other letters he had, and should have receaved here, but where he hath bestowed them we cannot yet learne. By these we send your Honour, you may pick out English 190 INTRIGUES OF THE CATHOLICS IN SCOTLAND. [MARCH, enough, touching the doings and employments of hymselfe and others of that crewe, but in his examination we cannot yet drawe hym to any further particularities. In generall, onlie he confesseth to Mr. Bowes and myself, that he thinketh there is some purpose in hand by the Pope, and divers Princes Catholicks, for a warre againste Englande, and that they have a partie strong at home ; that the pretext will be religion and libertie of the Quene of Scotts ; that they hold the enterprise easie, considering their own preparations and the factions at home ; that the Pope hath gathered a greate masse of money, and collecteth daily, as he heareth, to the same use ; that the King of Spayne, as appeareth by the letter decyphered, is also to furnish a part. But of the time, the instrument to be used, and other particularities, he can saye nothing, as he pretendeth. This daie my Lord of Dunfermlinge and others (who have been with us to the same ende once or twice alreadye) are appointed to be with us agayne, with some speciall articles of his more formall and precise examination of the proceed ing, wherein your honor shall heare more by the next Man ningville doth storme at his apprehension and detayning with us, and hath been earnest with the King to remove him out of our handes ; both he, Seaton, and the rest of that party, fearing leste their doinges by this meanes may come to light. Alexander Seaton, priour of Pluskett, and third sonne to the Lorde, author of one of these letters, is sent for, and to be examined thereuppon before his Majestie and the counsell, who is able to discover more than I think they shall easily gett from him. With this Holte we tooke two others, the one a Scottish man, his servant, whom we have delyvred over to Collonel Stuarde, the other an Englishman lately come hither, who, after his first apprehension, was used as a stale to intrappe the other, wherein he served us to great purpose. His name is Roger Almond, one that was taken about two years past at Dover, and examined before your honor at the court, 1583.] FAILURE OF THE FRENCH IN FLANDERS. 191 and afterwards sent dowrne to my Lord of Huntington to Yorke, and hathe (as he saith) been an instrument to decipher and discover dyvers of that partie. Howsoever it be, his doings in this deserveth favor. Thus referring your Honor's more particular satisfaction to our generall letters, and that you shall els receave from Mr. Bowes, I do most humbly take my leave. At Edinbrough, the 4th of Marche, 1582. Your Honor's most humble at commandement, W. Davison. W. PARRY TO LORD BURGHLEY. The late enterprise in Flaunders, (reported here to the greate dishonor of the French,*) hath filled these partes full of expectation what the Quene's Majestie will do. And as her government hath hitherto been thought to exceed all the princes of her tyme, so it is looked that her Majestie do now serve herselfe of all good occasions presented for her quietnes and better assurance. The French King and his mother do find themselves grieved for some liberall speches used of them in this towne ; but, truely, this commonwelth hath the honor of princes in greate regard, and cannot abyde to have them touched by worde or writing. It hath bene told me in greate secrete (thought I may not avow it,) that the Quene Mother lyeth in the wynde, and * The Duke of Anjou, in 1582, after his departure from England, went to the Low Countries, where he took upon him the command. But after spending of much money with very little success, he left the country without having gained any honour proportionate to the just expectations which had been formed. The disgrace and disap pointment which he reaped from this enterprise shortened the days of the Duke of Anjou, who died in 1584. The enterprise alluded to, is probably that related by Norris, in his letter to the Queen, p. 180. 192 FOREIGN NEWS. [march, watcheth to give our Quene a mate, and will undoubtedly do it, if her Majestie do not look well to her game. We heare of greate and dayly preparation for the sea in Naples, Spayne, and Portugal, but not that Don Antonio's fortune can serve hym to offende the King Catholicke. It is judged a very slender pollicy that we, having no em bassador in Spayne, do still entertayne the Spanish embassa dor in England, where I feare me there is too much to be done by money. Many are of opinion that it is a matter of less difficulty for us to confirm the auncient league with Burgundy, then to contynue our intelligence with France, with whom for five hundred yeres I do not finde that we have had any long peace. And out of doubt I am, that we have very mighty enemy es in France to our quietnes. Our trafficque into the Levant cannot but be dangerous and full of adventure for our merchants, so long as we stand upon doubtfull termes with France. The Prince of Orange is thought now to lyve in more daunger than ever, and that he shall not long escape, if practise may prevaile. The new booke printed at Rome, dedicated to the Cardinall S. Sixti, and intituled De Persecutione Anglicana, hath raised a barbarous opinion of our cruelty. I could wish that in those cases it might please her Majestie to pardon the dismembring and quartering.* Sir Richard Shelley is very desirous to returne, and pro- miseth very greate services, if he be not disquieted for his conscience. From Venyce, the fourth of March, 1582. * The bold intrigues and atrocious designs of the Jesuits, had pro voked the English government to increase the severity of the laws against the Catholics, or rather to execute them more severely. The dismembering and quartering was part of the common punishment of traitors. 1583.] ATTEMPT. ON THE PRINCE OF ORANGE. 193 SIR J. NORRYS TO THE EARL OF LEICESTER. Right honorable my verie good Lorde, since the departing of Mr. Grivel, the Prince of Orange this night hath bled more then a pounde of blud,* which verie much amaseth all his phisitions, and giveth cause of son-owe to his trends, and ge nerally doute to al men of his recoverie. This morning the phisitions, by an anatomie, have found which should be the veine that bledeth, which putteth them in small comfort that it is not impossible to be stayed. My brother stayeth a day or two to bring more certain advertisement thereof. The Frenchmen fayled of their enterprise for the surprising Namure, as it is thought, for faint of those which undertooke it. The enemie in Gelderland marcheth strongly towards us, with four regiments of infanterie and six of horse. The Prince of Parma hath battered Len tz, and draweth his troops thither, resolute to recover it, but they give out brave words that they will keepe it. At my brother his returne, I will im part any other news that shall occurr. Thus most humbly I commend and commit myself to your Honor's good favor. From Antwerp, this 6th of Marche, 1582. Your Honor's most assuredly to commaunde, J. Norreys. SIR FRANCIS WALSINGHAM TO SIR CHRISTOPHER HATTON. Sir, as I think myself infinitely bounde unto you for your honorable and friendly defence of the inteuded matche be tween my daughter and Mr. Sidney ,t so do I finde it strange that her Majestie should be offended withall. It is either to proceed of the matter or .of the manner. For the matter, I * The Prince was shot by an assassin employed by the Spanish party. t Sir Philip Sydney married the daughter of Sir Francis Walsing ham. VOL. II. O 194 MARRIAGE OF SIR PHILIP SYDNEY. [MARCH, hope wheu her Majestie shall weigh the due circumstances of place, persone, and qualitie, there can growe no just cause of offence ; if the manner be misliked, for that her Majestie is not made acquainted withall, I am no person of that state, but that itmay be thought a presumption for me to trouble her Majestie with a private marriage between a free gentleman of equall calling with my daughter. I had well hoped that my paynfull and faithfulle service done unto her Majestie had merited that grace and favour at her handes, as that she would have countenanced this match with her gracious and pryncely good liking thereof, that thereby the world might have been a witness of her goodness towards me. As I thought it alwayes unfitt for me to acquaynte her Majestie with a matter of so base a subject as this poore matche, so did I never seeke to have the matter concealed from her Ma jestie, seeing no reason wiry there should growe any offence thereby. I pray you, Sir, therefore, if she enter into any further speech of the matter, lett her understand that you learne generally that the matche is held for concluded, and withall to lett her knowe howe juste cause I shall have to fynde myself agrieved if her Majestie still showe her mishke thereof. And so, commytting the cause to your friendly and considerate handling, I leave you to the .protection of the Almightie. At Bam-Ealms, the 19th of Marche, 1582. Your's most assuredly to commande, Fra. Walsyngham. Postscript. — I will give order that my cousin Sydney shall be forewarned of the matter, who, as I suppose, wyll not be at the courte before the next weeke. If her Majestie's mis- like shoulde contynue, then would I be glad if I myght take knowledge thereof, to expresse my grief unto her by letter, for that I am forced in respect of the indisposition of my body to be absent untill the ende of this next weeke, whereof I made her Majestie pryvie. 1583.] FRENCH INTRIGUES IN SCOTLAND. 195 ROBERT BOWES TO SIR FRANCIS WALSINGHAM. Sir, by some favour and other meanes, I have seen some letters for the Master of Livingston, Henry Keir, and .... capten of the Scottish guard in France, and others ; they all agree and certify that Lennox shall returne this somer into Scotland, and some of them writt it shall be sooner than some of his enemies looke for. It appeareth that he is per suaded and purposed to returne, notwithstanding that the King of Scottes shall not assent thereunto ; for he presumeth uppon the former promise made by the King before his de parture, assuring him that he would come agayne within half- a-yeare with his favour, and by the assistance of the Lordes that he shall easilie satisfy the King and resume his former place. It is thought sufficientlie for him to bring money with out forces, and it is looked that he shall bring or send before him sixty thousand pounds, to be levied at such hands as for his service will furnishe the same, with large offers to the King and to the Lordes, in the names of the King of France, Quene Mother, Quene of Scottes,. and Duke of Guise. It appeareth that he purposeth to come in at Dumbritton, which I feare is still kept by suche as will readilie receave him, notwithstanding his oath given to the King. This matter touching the change of the captaine of that place, is onely to be remedied by her Majestie at the coming of Collo nell Steward to the court, to theire commoditie and tyme, wherof I referre the same. Many partes of the occurrences recited, are confirmed by other intelligences given me. Moreover, by other secret intelligence about Manningvil, I am assured that albeit Lennox hath assured the French King, the most ancient of the nobilitie and of greatest power and credit with the King and Lordes are bonded with him, and will both staie with him, and also run the course of the French King and the Quene of Scottes, wherin he offreth to gett good testimonies from the Lordes themselves, and for the same hath written to the Lordes, yet the King and Quene neither will not give full credite thereunto untill they shal be o2 196 FRENCH INTRIGUES IN SCOTLAND. [APRIL, advertised by Manningvil of the truth and certaintie in the same, in which behalf Manningvil hath especiall comission to sounde and feele the nobles' mindes of all such as Lennox hath presented and named to be his friends in Scotland, and also to receave at their handes such assurances as may suffice the French King and Quene of Scottes, to send and returne Lennox with forces and money, with all requisites for their aide and advancement of the cause taken in hand. Here- uppon Manningvil sayth that the reputation and welfare of Lennox lieth in his handes : he hath an evil opinion of Len nox' conducting his behaviour and course in Scotland in time past, and esteeming him to be a stranger in France, by reason that his livinges are in Scotland, nevertheles, he concludeth that Lennox must needes be employed, and therefore he will cover his faultes and sett forward his preferment, and at this convention he looketh verilie to receave th'assurances of the Lordes, and therewith to returne to France with speed. Uppon this bruite that Lennox was in England, he is afraid to passe that way, saying that by his death, being wholie and alone informed in their causes, this cause shall perishe with him. And yet, in the end, he determineth to adventure on the honour and suretie of the passporte. Advertisement is come to Manningvil that Lennox is in the way to compound and agree with Arbroath, but I cannot think that to be true, for sundrie of the friendes of Arbroath do affirme to me that their Lord will not be reconciled to Lennox, unles her Majestie shall abandon him or give over his cause. In this parte, I have had some late conference with Robert Cunningham, who is of my opinion, who will departe from hence towardes you about five or six dayes hence. Upon Sonday, letters and complaints receaved severally from the Lord Scrope and Sir John Forster, calling for meet ings with the Wardens of this realme, and for redress and justice on the borders. I have often tymes moved the King and counsell, who theron have at length both by their letters 1583.] DISORDERS ON THE BORDERS. 197 given commaundment to all the Wardens of the marches in this realme to kepe metings, and to do justice to the opposite Wardens in England, accordingly to the late order accorded by her Majestie, with Mr. J. Colvill; and also written for the Lard of Asford, Warden of the Middle Marche and Keper of Liddesdale, to th'intent at Cesfiird's coming hither order may be taken as well for the answering and xedresse of all th'offences done in England by Liddesdale, against whom our Wardens before named do chiefly complayne, as also for the disposition of th'office and chardge of Liddesdale, which office the King purposeth to comitt to th'Earle of Bothwell, who is loath to accept the same without greater entertaynment then the King is hitherto pleased to bestowe therwith. Be sides, the Lard of Cesfurd with great labor hath found out and gotten into his handes Miles Kelsinge, before taken forth of his howse in Cumberland, and detained prisoner long time in secret places by the Liddesdale men. Gelsinge shal be speedily delivered to satisfie the Lord Scrope's demaund in that parte. The King promiseth to provide that from hence forth her Majestie's wardens shall finde justice to be done to them with speed, and to their good contentment. Manningvil seking to linger his departure, suffreth all his letters and his despach prepared and ready for him to remayne still in the clerk's hands, and is gone to Seaton to recreate himselfe there, this three or four dayes yet to come. He purposeth to see th'end of this convention, which although it be appointed to begin this day, yet fewe or no noblemen are come, and the assembly will not sit in counsell before Monday next. Some do looke that Manningvil his abode and this convention shall produce weighty effects, and for th' advan tage of Lennox and of the French, but others trust that it shall blowe over without any greate matters, other then graunte of a taxe to the king, for the satisfying of Gowry, to appoint a parlement, and such like needfull occasions foi 198 STATE OF SCOTLAND. [APRIL, the common state, except that uppon tryall of matters betwixt Arrane and Gowry some trouble shall arise. Th'other day Manningvil receaved letters out of France by the hands of George Vangbope, that returned from France with many other merchaunts. He will not be knowne to have gotten any letters at all, and sithence the same he appeareth to be resolved to returne home through England sone after th'end of this convention, for which tyme he will, he sayth, finish all his affayres. Kilsith prepareth himself to passe agayne through Eng land into France. It is thought that he shall carry some resolutions and errands to Lennox to hasten his returne into Scotland. Our late conference together hath so little pleased him, as he hath not visited me so often as he promised, nor so ordinarily as he did Manningvil, to whom he hath done all the good offices he could, and so liberally as some minis ter checking him presently for the same, he complayned thereof to the King without cause or great advantage. John Chelsham, an especiall instrument for Manningvil, reported that in his late speech with the King, the King told him that he would move the Lords at this convention for the revocation of Lennox, which coming to the know ledge of Collonell Steward, he informed the King, that in great passion denyed that he either spake or ever intended any suche thing. Whereuppon the King hath given order to Collonell Steward to see Chelsham chastised according to his fault. By letters from Gowry to the Justice Clerk, I have seene Gowrie's affirmation that he sent his servant to Arrane not to call him to the meting with the other Lords named in my former, but to restrayne his coming thither, and Gowry is readie to prove the same. But Arrane will stand to his for mer information, adding, that Gowry had no intention to sur prise the King or alter his state, but by common advise at this convention to persuade the King both to trust his nobi- 1583.] ENGLISH PIRATES. 199 lity and subjects, and thereon to dischardge his guard, that was chardgable, and ministered cause of suspicion betwixt the King and noblemen, and for a tyme to forbeare to use the advise and counsell of the Prior of Blantyre, to satisfie the desire of sondry noblemen that misliked as much the late doings of Blantyre as they did before of Lennox. But Gowry, at his returne to courte, which will be this day or to- morrowe, will seke to cleare himself against this reporte, and theron the matter is like to fall in contention betwixt Arrane and him, and some effects to fall out of the same, which upon the issue and tryal shall be shortly advertised to you. Upon information given to the burgesses of Edinburgh, that Stephen Haynes, Englishman, with his complices, had lately spoyled two Scottish skippers returning from London with books, paper, and other wares, and lying in the roads of Lasto, the said provost, burgesses, sundry barons, gentlemen, ministers and many others, in great number and assembly, com playned first to the King, and next to myself, with earnest request for speedy redresse, affirming that their hurts daily growing by English pirates, were nowe grievous and greater then ever hath been sene in tyme of open warres, albeit the well-affected do well allowe and accept my answere and declaration made, and signifying the greate care and chardge that her Majestie hath taken to preserve this nation from the piracies of any of her Majestie's subjects, and the impossi bility by any punishment or means to prevent and suppresse spoyles of pirates in this present condition of tyme and state of all nations in Europe, with her Majestie's extraordinary favour to punishe severely all such like offenders against this nation, and to make speedy redresse and justice, yet th'others inclining to the French do both murmur exceed ingly, and also blowe the coale to stirre all men in this realme to an universall mislike and offence with England. Amatter that I shall trust exceede their power, and yet I wishe that by seasonable remedy the inconvenyence may be pre vented, to the satisfying of the King and all good men in 200 BURGHLEY RETIRES FROM COURT. [APRIL, this realme, whom I see deepely grieved and wounded with the often piracyes done by the Englishmen against this people, who, they say, do seldome or never offend any Englishmen in any like manner. For your better instructions in this cause, I send you th'information presented to me, together with the notes of the wares and the value thereof, that are taken by the pirates ; all which I leave to your good advice, with humble request that for her Majestie's service this cause may finde favourable consideration. Edinburgh, April 12, 1583. SIR FRANCIS WALSYNGHAM TO LORD BURGHLEY. My very good Lord, her Majestie hathe wylled me to sig nifie unto your Lordship, that as she hathe bene pleased for a tyme to permit you to wrestle with nature, not doubting but that wysdom and religion hathe wrought in you ere this that resolution that appeitayneth to a man of your place and calling, so nowe she thinketh that if the healthe of your body may so permyt, you should do better to occupy yourself hi dealing in publick causes, than by secluding your selfe from access, to give yourselfe over a prey unto griefe. And if you might conveniently repayre hither, she would be glad to have your Lordship's advice in a matter of weight concerning certayne offers lately made unto her by the Scottish Quene, sent hither from the Earl of Shrewsberry, wherof I sende your Lordship a coppie, to the ende you may be the better prepared to give your advyce. The proclamation for reprieves is signed and sent to the prynting. And so, commytting your Lordship to the com forte of the Almyghtye, I most humbly take my leave. At the Courte, the 20th of Aprell, 1583. Your Lordship's to commande, Fra. Walsyngham. 1583.] BURGHLEY ABSENT FROM COURT. 201 QUEEN ELIZABETH TO LORD BURGHLEY. Sir Spirit,* I doubt I do nickname you, for those of your kinde (they say) have no sense, but I have of late seen an ecce signum, that if an ass kicke you, you feele it too soone. I will recant you from being my spirit, if ever I perceive that you disdaine not such a feehng. Serve God, feare the Kinge, and be a good fellow to the rest. Let never care appeare in you for such a rumor, but let them well know, that you rather desire the lighting of such wrongs, by making knowne their error, then you to be so silly a soule, as to foreslowe that you ought to do, or not freely delyver what you thinke meetest, and pass of no man so much, as not to regard her trust, who gmts it in you. God bless you, and long may you last, Omnino, E. R. (Received 8th May, 1583.) W. PARRY TO LORD BURGHLEY. Right Honourable, my great liking to live in the state of Venyce was over-ruled by the necessity of my departure. Though I have not, perhaps, fully satisfied th' expectation had of me, yet have I done my best to serve the Quene's Majestie. If I be not deceaved, I have shaken the foundation of the English semynary in Rheyms, and utterly overthrown the credit of the English pensioners in Rome. My instru ments were such as passe for greate, honourable, and gTave. The course was extraordinary and strange, reasonably well devised, soundly followed, and substantially executed, with out the assistance of any one of the English nation. Your honourable favour, and Mr. Secretary's, hath overthrown my * Queen Elizabeth was accustomed to call her able and faithful counsellor, Lord Burghley, her Spirit. 202 FOREIGN NEWS. [MAY, credit with our countrymen on this side ; and yet, if I were well warranted ahd allowed, I would either prevent and dis cover all Romayne and Spanish practises against our state, or lose my lyfe in testymony of my loyalty to the Quene's Majesty, and duty to my honourable friendes that have pro tected me. If it please your Lordship to conferre with Mr. Secretary touching my letters herewith sent, to advise and direct me, I am ready to do all I shall be able and am commaunded. Whatsoever I have already spent, I do thinke well be stowed. But it is neither my poore state, nor my trifling allowance, thut will serve to do that is to be done, the meanest man that is to be followed and courted being a se cretary. I have taken my leave of ordyflary occurrents long ago, as little worth and lesse avayling our State. I am promised very good information from Venyce ; if it be performed, your good Lordship shall be well served. I came by Bada, where the diet is holden. The embassa dors of France, Savoy, the Cantons, and confederates were assembled. The embassadors of Surich, Bern, and Ge neva tould me they had small hope of any accorde. They mean to urge the matter to some sounde resolution. I finde the French King greatly mistrusted. Geneva is in greate hope to be relieved out of England. 1 spake with Mr. Beza. I thinke the man greatly decayed, and not long lasting. I was also with Mr. Gualter, a good man and well affected to our nation. I was very well entertayned and presented in Zuric and Geneva. Thus, longing to heare, and praying for yom- Lordship's good health, I besech God to increase your honor and hap piness. From Lyons, 10th May, 1583. Your Lordship's ever bounden, W. Parry. 1583.] STATE OF IRELAND. 203 SIR FRANCIS WALSINGHAM TO LORD BURGHLEY. My verie good Lord, the same night that your Lordship departed from hence, I was taken with an extreme fitt of the chollick, which held me untill the next day at noone ; and synce that tyme till now, I have been so greatly troubled with a payne in my backe and head, as I am not able to write. Wherefore your Lordship is to pardon me that I use not myne own hand. My Lord of Ormond hath lately written a letter to my Lords, by which it appeareth that Desmond is brought to great extremitie and miserie, and in his said letter to my Lords requireth authoritie and direction from hence to disch ardge his souldiers, wherof I moved her Majestie before the receipt of these letters. By a letter from the Lord Jus tices, which I send your Lordship herewith, it appeareth that George Carew * hathe latelie comitted a verie fowle act, able to make the Irishmen enter into an hatred of us, trusting us in nothing, and thinking that there is treacherie in anie fayre promises made unto them. I am verie sorrie for this act, and, though I love the gentleman well, yet do I wishe some exemplarie punishment done on him for this fact. Yesterday here arrived a messenger from Monsieur to her Majestie, who wold have spoken with me, but that I could not by reason of my sicknes, so of his coming and cause ther of I can say nothing, howbeit he, purposing, as I heare, to repaire to your Lordship, I suppose you are acquaynted with the matter of his coming. Touching Master Fenton, and a callender or jornall of this his voiage,t so soone as he cometh hither I will satisfie your * George Carew was created, in 160.3, Baron Carew of Clopton, in Warwickshire, and by Charles I. Earl of Totness. 1- The Journal of Fenton's voyage is printed in the interesting col lection of Hakluyt, vol. iii. The chaplain of this small fleet was Mr. Walker, see p. 178, of this volume. 204 THE LORD MAYOR'S SPEECH. [JULY, desyre in that behalfe. And so I commend your Lordship humblie to God. From the Court, the second of Julye, 1583. Your Lordship's to command, Fra. Walsyngham. WILLIAM FLETEWOOD TO LORD BURGHLEY. Right Honorable, sithens your Lordship last being here in London, there have been two great feasts, the one at the Grocer's Hall, the other at the Haberdasher's Hall. At the Haberdasher's feast was my Lord Maior and divers of his bretherne, with myself, where my Lord Maior, after the se cond course come in, dyd take the great standing cup, of the gift of Sir William Garrett, being full of ypocraze, and silence being commanded through all the tables, all men being bare headed, my Lord before all men did use these words with a convenient lowd voyce. "Mr. Recorder of London, and you my good bretherne the Aldermen, beare witness that I do drynke unto Mr. Alderman Massam, as Sheriff of London and Middlesex, from Michael mas next coming, for one whole yere, and I do beseeche God to graunt him as quiet and peaceable a yere, with as good and gracious favour of her Majestie, as I myselff, and my bretherne the Sheriffs now being, have hytherto had, and as I trust shall have." This spoken, all men desired the same. The sword-bearer in hast went to the Grocers' feast, where Mr. Alderman Mas sam was at dinner, and there dyd openlie declare the words that my Lord Maior had used, whereunto (silence made, and all being hushe) the Alderman answered verie modestlie in this sort : " First, I thank God, who through his great good ness hath called me from a verie poore and meane degree unto this worshipfull estate. Secondlie, I thanke her Ma jestie for her gracious goodnes in allowing unto us these great 1583.] FRAYS IN LONDON. 205 and ample franchises. Thirdlie, I thank my Lord Maior, for having so honorable opinion of this my companie of Grocers, as to make choice of me, being a poor member of the same." And this said, bothe he and all the companie pledged my Lord, and gave him thanks. Mr. Nowell, of the court, hath latelie bene here in London. He caused his man to give a blowe unto a carrman. His man hath striken the carrman with the pummellofhis sword, and therewith hath broken his skull and killed him. Mr. Nowell and his man are lyke to be indicted, whereof I am sure to be muche trobled with his letters and his frynds, and what by other means, as in the verie like case heretofore, I have bene even with the same man. /vHere are sundrie yong gentylmen that use the court, that most commonlie terme theymselfs gentylmen ; when any of these have done any thinge amisse, and are complayned of, or arrested for debt, then they run unto me, and no other excuse or answer can they make, but say — " I am a gentylman, and being a gentyl man, I am not thus to be used at a slave and a colion's handes."\ I know not what other plea Mr. Nowell can plead. But this I saye, the fact is fowle. God send hym good de liverance. I thinke, in my conscience, that he maketh no reckoning of the matter. It was my chance to examine a matter in the courte holden at Bridewell. I have bene complayned of to the counsell- board. I was sent for. Mr. Secretarie received my answer, and told the complainants they had deserved to be hanged. And this is the case : Abraham of Abraham, a gentylman of an hundred pound land in Com. Lane, put his daughter and heire unto my Ladie Gerrard of the Breme. Sir Thomas and my Ladie being here in London, one Dwelles, a fenser near Cicell House, and his wife, by indirect meanes, being of kyn to the girle, dyd invite all my Lord's children and gentyl- women unto a breakefast. They came thither, and at theire coming the youthes were carried up to the Fense Hall. My Lady's daughters and gentylwomen must nedes play at the 206 A FORCED MARRIAGE. [JULY, cordes, will they nill they. The girle Abraham by the wife of the howse was conveyed into a chamber, and shut the doore after her, and there left her. The girl found in the chamber four or five tall men; she knew them not. And immediately the girle fell into a great feare, seeing them to compasse her abowt. Then began an old priest to read upon a booke ; his words she understood not, saving these words, " I Henry take thee Suzane to my wedded wife," &c. This done, they charged the wenche never to discover this to any body lyving. And dyner being done, the wenche tolde to her fellowes very lamentably what had bene done, and they over to Sir Thomas and my Ladie ; and upon complaynt I sent for the tenser's wife, who wold confesse nothing. I went with her myself to Bridewell, where there was a full court, and thither came Sir Thomas with the wenche, and there we bolted owt the whole matter, and dyd no more. The tenser's wife is returned to the Counter. The wenche is with my Lady Gerrard. She was never in Bridewell, as the fenser and one Poollwhele dyd advance to some of my Lords. The wenche was there to accuse the tenser's wife in open court. My Lord, this being the fact and the true case thereof, I fynd the same to be felonie by Ac. 3, H. 7, ca. 2. And therefore methinketh suche companions as this fenser and his wife - are, ought not to be allowed to deface suche poore men as I am in suche order before the Lords. Thus most humblie I take my leave of your good Lordship, this 18th of Julie, 1583. Your good Lordship's most bounden, W. Fletewoode. FRANCIS TOUKER TO LORD BURGHLEY. The22d July, 1583. Right Honorable, since my laste being with your Honor, I have bene three times at the Marshallsea, where I finde one 1583.] FOREIGN INTRIGUES. 207 Ticlier, who was acquainted with me in Rome. This Ticher, at my requeste, procured Christopher Fosteres to write unto the Rector of the Englishe seminarie in Rome for the de- lyverie of her housbande out of the gallies, who was con demned with Peter Barker. He saide also with some travell she might have the Quene of Skotte's letter to the Pope, or Fectnume's to the Cardinalls. He preferred me to con vey my letter at any time to Nicolas Fitzharbord, in Rome. I thinke the conveier of the letters would be knowen with some diligence. Ticher hath written two times since his im prisonment, but not answered ; he warned me to beware of one Robert Woodwarde, who served some time Doctor Wendon in Rome. They have great intelligence, and feare him muche. In Aprell laste there came from Rome to Napoles an Irishe- man whom the Pope created Bishoppe of Rosse in Irelande, and gave him authoritie to make priestes, by which authoritie he gave orders to as many as came and got much money. The Archbishope of Napoles forbade him, but the Pope's nuncio maintained his doings. This Bishope staide in Napoles only for passage into Spaine, and so directly for Ireland. He car ried with him great store of pardones and agnosdeis to the Pope's friends in Irelande. He hath to his servant one Thomas Galtrope, a marchants son of Dewlin. This Gal- trope pretends to leave the Bishope's service and return to his father, at their coming home. Also there died one John Davies in Rome, who served the Lord William Howard, as he saide. This Davies said in Rome, that happie shall they be one daie that have launguages, for when God takes our Prince from us, there will be much troubles in Englande, and great revenging of old quarrells, but he saide if the Earle could get Norwiche on his heade, they did not care, with many like words. Upon Soundaie nexte I go towards Exeter, and return by the end of Auguste : if it be your Honour's pleasure that I 208 ANNIVERSARY OF ST. BARTHOLOMEW'S. [AUG. shall come to you before I depart, Mr. Cope maie let me knowe of it. Francis Tourer. SIR WILLIAM CECIL* TO LORD BURGHLEY. (Extract.) * # # * # I write unto your Lordship no newes, because the court is not here, but yet looked for the last of this monethe. Upon St. Bartelmeus Day, we had here solempn proces sions, and other tokens of triumphs and joy, in remembrance of the slaughter committed this time eleven years past. But I doubt they will not so triumph at the day of judgment. Thus, most humbly craving your Lordship's blessing, I commit the same and my Lady to Almighty God. At Paris, this 26th of August. - Your Lordship's most obedient son, W. Cecill. SIR J. NORRYS TO MR. HERLE. Mr. Herle, I receaved yours of the 23rd by the post. Your advertisement of Fraunce concurres for the most part with those that we have here, touching warres prepared against the religion ; but we say withall, that the fresh newes of the truce made between the Turck and the Persian wyll break that course, and it is looked for that at a general assembly of the nobility at Paris, the 20th of thys month, where we hear the King wyl be, the intent to accept the inquisition wil be greatly repugned by the Catholicks themselves, and not lyke to get forward. We have receaved also letters from Monsr. from Cambray, who saith he is arrived there with * Lord Burghley's youngest son. 1583.] MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 209 8000 footmen and 2000 horse, and attendeth but that the States should accept hym, and then to begin a new warre agaynst Spayn. By thys we guesse that Monsieur is not comprehended in any resolution to make warre against the Protestants, and that the Kinge wyll not begin a warre till he see what part Monsieur wyll take. Our negotiations are heard, but you knowe the humour of those people, howe slowe they are to give aunswer. From Cologne we hear the Duke Casimer is arrived to mediate an agreement, and, as far as I can learne, the towne wyll be content with that bysshop, which is lyke to bring them first peace. The Prince of Parma hath held hys determynations in suspence a whyle, partly for that he was informed that I should bring some forces hither, and partly to hear what Monsieur did in Fraunce, but nowe he procedeth to besiege Ipre. I am not of opinion, under correction of the wyser, that it is a good course to make fayr weather to the Queen of Scotland.* My reasons I wyll discourse by the next, be cause the wind now surpriseth me, and therefore, with great thankes to your remembring of me, I wyll commytt you to God. From Flushing, thys 13th of Sept. stilo corretto, 1583. Your good trend, J. NORREYS. TO MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS.f Madame, le — de ces mois au departement de l'ambas- sadeur de Walsingham, vostre filz m'a certifie qu'il est de- * Some approaches were at this time made towards a treaty for the liberation of Mary, but the unexpected discovery of her treacherous dealings, and of new plots in which she was engaged, put a stop to them. t Translation.—" Madam, the 15th of this month, at the departure of the ambassador Walsingham, your son assured me that he is de- VOL. II. I3 210 FRENCH INTRIGUES IN SCOTLAND. [SEPT. termine de m'envoyer 26 en toute diligence. J'appercois qu'il est dutout ordonne a poursuivre 1'amitie et ligtie de ce royaulme, et de suivre en tout le conseil de Monsieur de Guise, d'achever le traicte comence entre vous et luy. Partant si vous donnez bon ordre par dela, j'estime que vos affaires pourront bien aisement estre menez a, bon port. La povrete de vostre filz est si grande qu'il ne peut mettre en execution la moindre partie de ces desseigns. Parquoy je vous supplie de tenir la main par vostre moyen et conseil a. l'en- droict de Monsieur de Guise et aultres qu'il soit secouru en cela. Je suis constraint moy mesme d'entreprendre ce voiage a mes despens, ce que je ne puis bonnement soustenir si vostre Majest6 ne me faict secourir. Car le principal motif qui me le faict entreprendre est l'avancement de vostre service. De- sirant pour le mesme, que vostre Ma. me face entendre en quoy particulierement et en quelle maniere vostre Ma. desire que je m'employe par dela. Walsingham a este fort mai receu et entretenu. Sept. 26, 1583. termined to send me into France with all diligence. I perceive that he is altogether given to pursue the friendship and league of that kingdom, and to follow in everything the counsel of Monsieur de Guise, to finish the treaty begun between you and him. So if you give good order there, I think that your affairs may easily be brought to a good end. The poverty of your son is so great, that he cannot put in execution the least part of his design. Wherefore I pray you hold a hand by your means and counsel with regard to Monsieur de Guise and others, that he may be aided in that. I am myself obliged to undertake this voyage at my expense, which I cannot well support if your Majesty does not cause me to receive aid. For the principal motive which makes me undertake it is the advancement of your ser vice. Desiring for the same, that your Majesty give me to under stand in what particularly, and in what manner your Majesty desires that I may employ myself there. Walsingham has been very ill re ceived and entertained." This is an intercepted letter, in cypher in the original, from some one of Mary's party in Scotland, where Walsingham was on an em bassy. The cypher 26 must mean France. It is curious that the writer avoids calling James king. 1583.] DESIGNS OF DUKE CASIMIR. 211 A LETTER OF NEWS. Sithense the writing of my last, Right Honorable Lord, this further is to be advertised, that the Lord Treasurer is called for backe from Burgheley in diligence, and will be here this day in his jornay towards the courte. My Lord of Leicester is also like to be staied from Warwickshire, which riseth of the affayres that growe now great. Of Mr. Secre taire's successe and proceeding in Scotland, the rest of our directions depende. D. Casimire hath a new messenger here, and so hathe the King of Navarre. The sayd Casimire is at Bon, and hath sent some deputyes to the States of the Low Countryes, to accorde with them uppon articles, which, if they agree unto, then will he, after the appeasing of the cawses of Colleyn, (which he makes verie easie,) marche downe with his army into Flaundres to rayse the seige of Ipre. The principall mark he shoots at, and most harde to at- fayne, is to joyne Germany, France, and England in the action, and to establish the onlie Protestant religion through out the Lowe Countryes, saving in those places that the Frenche King shal be master by conquest, and there the sayd King is to use his owne religion and authority, and to an nexe his conquests to the crowne of Fraunce, as Casimire shall do some other parts to the empire, and the rest to be for England. In which treaty, all the Protestants of France, of Germanye, England, and ellswhere, are to be comprised. A godly wishe, but an impossible acte, to my capacity. To introduce the Frenche King thereunto, be two prin cipall reasons ; the first of necessity, and the other of proffytt, viz. the greatnes of the King of Spaine is suche, and his ambition, that if it be not rembarred, the same will grow dredfull and dangerous to France, as the next neighbor to offence and perill, and best deserving it by provocation. p 2 212 THE LOW COUNTRIES. [NOV. The other reason is, the proffyt that seemes great and certayn to the Frenche King, to be possessed by this conjunction of Artoys, Cambresy, and other provinces next adjoyning to France, which is suche an augmentation to the crowne, as should incline the Frenche King to accept sodenly of this motion, and satisfie Monsieur's ambition for all pretences, titelles, or claymes to the Lowe Countryes. The Quene of England, likewise, seeing that religion should be secured, the Protestants provided for, the priviledges of the countrey remayne entire to the States, the sea townes not in possession of the Frenche, herself to be entrusted with the best and strongest places of the countrey for her assurance, the King of Spaine kept short, and matched also with the authority of the empire, she were as easilie, it is presumed, drawen to like hereof as any other. All which, in my opinion, will resolve into smoke, and is the thinge that the Frenche and the Spanyards would have gladliest entertayned, even to amuse and entangle us and our side in irresolution and hope, till all were loste, and that a full division were made among those of the Low Countryes de pending hereof, who in the ende should be dryven to caste themselves into the King of Spaine's mercy simply, which is even now in handling. There is some great thing presentlie expected from the King of Navarr by his ambassador, for the personage is honorable and well-accompanyed that is come hither ; it is the Baron of Pardillan, called Monsieur de Segure. Her Majestie came this night to Ottlands from the hunt ing, somewhat erased with the cold. Yong Kingessmele is growen into great favor at the court. The Prince of Cymaye, son to the Duke of Areschott, a wise and religious gentleman, giving great hope that he will do good offices to the States there, is not only made Governor of Flaunders, but overseer of the whole, which dothe take from the Prince of Orange's authority muche former credytt, and brings him now lowe indeede. Mr. Norris shall have great 1583.] FOREIGN NEWS. 213 charge and commandement there, and so shall Coronell Morgan be well employed. Also Mr. Norris' agent, called Audeley Daniell, is arrived here this day with letters. The said Prince of Orange is gone to Doodrecht in Hol land, for that is the place appointed for the meeting of the States Generall to conclude of their affayres. Some think that Casimirus in person, or some from him, wil be there. Ipre is straightlie besieged, and hathe the plage within it, which will breed some despaire among them, if they be not the sooner rescued, or well persuaded they may have it done in tyme. If that place be gone, Gawnt and Bruges are devided from ayding one another, and secluded from looking out of doore once with the losse of the whole contrey abowt them, or of their wonted provision and intercourse. The Prince of Parma, with his forces, are about Namures, and towards Cleve, to favor the new Bishop of Colleyn. The town of Colleyn and Casimire do treat of some accord to restore the old Bishop to his degree, whereof we shall hear more by the next. Archeduke Charles of Awstria is made Generall by the Emperor for these warres of Colleyn, with great supplies out of sundry places for the proceding therein, having the King of Spaine's purse and the Pope's to furnishe him, and all the favor that Italy and the other Papisticall Princes can minister. The King of Spaine shall incestuouslie againe marrie with his other niece, the widow of France, and the Duke of Savoye is sayd to be contracted with the daughter of Lorreyn, and therof may be sene, that the Frenche King, the howse of Guyse, Monsieur, and the King of Spaine, do runne all one course to our confusion that be of the religion, if they may prevayle, howsoever they disguyse to the contrary in their speeches and negociations, which cost the poore King, Don Anthonio, (who lyes in Symyer's howse beside Paris, a trustie hoste to be assured of,) his lyfe, to begyn with. The 214 VARIOUS FOREIGN NEWS. [NOV. Lowe Countryes, their liberties, and livings, and Scotland to be stirred upp against us, with some further domesticall trouble within England, if they may procure it. But our gracious Lord liveth, which, with the death of one King of Spaine, or otherwise, as shall please him, is able to turne their councels and forwardnes agaynst God to their own ruyne, and make their power as it is, even duste and ashes. There is a massacre begun in Languedock against some of the religion. King Phillip hathe done so muche by his pragmatical decree, through Spaine, for shipping, and by his own building of shippes, as he hathe a newe and mightie navye well nigh ready, to garde the coastes of Spaine and the fleete of the Indyes, which shall have a perpetuall allowance for the maintayning of the sayd navy in state still, and for the uses above sayd, besyde his other navyes that shal be employed in the Levant Seas, within the Strayts, and hitherwards into the Lowe Countryes, but God is to dis pose of men's large purposes, according to his owne secret will. Butrech, who is the drawer of this plan for Casimirus, to joyne France and England, in the action of the Lowe Coun tryes, in one, is hurte with a small shott before Colleyn, but in no danger. Casimirus hath taken ten riche waggons of Italyens goods above Colleyn, and stayes them, which riseth to a great masse of money. Sir Walter Mildmay is still here ; Mr. Secretary yet at Barwick, which may presage somewhat by his staye tliere so long. It is thought that he shall have occasion to be oc- cupyed in Scotland till Christmas, which is nothing for his health and convenience. The safe conduct of the Scottishe King sent Mr. Secretary to Barwick, was found insufficient, and therefore returned back, a matter of some impediment and cunning withall. The Duke of Guise lyes extremely sick, some say poisoned. His cousin gemiayn, the Marquesse of Elbuef, hath the 1583J Sl'ATJS OF SCOTLAND. 215 charge of the shipping preparing in Normandye, and of the forces gathered therabouts. We have preparations of musters throughout England, along the sea coaste, and the borders of Scotland are provided for ; but not so as I humbly wyshe, which I refer to your wisdome and authority when time may serve. One Preston, a student of some accompt in Cambridge, namely for oratorie, is sayd to be withdrawen into Scotland as a malcontent, and there made much of by the King, who incorages hereby others to followe the lyke example, but ui ¦ wisely in my opinion for the King and his actions. Du Reaw and the Frenche ambassador shall have a second/ audience at the court on Sunday next, but the King of Na- varr's man shal be received and delt with to-morrow before hand. John Herbart hath compounded our merchants' causes well in Denmark with the King, and is sent from thence into Polonia, for the trafficque of those contries to be established at Elving in Prussia, and at Cracovia in Poland. William Wade hath likewise done his parte with the Emperor in impugning the Stillyard men. And so very humbly I finishe. The 6th of November, 1583. ROBERT BOWES TO SIR FRANCIS WALSINGHAM. It may please your Honor, the King contynueth still at Holyroode-house, and hath bene there accompanyed with sundry noblemen, as Argyle, Arrayn, Crawford, Montrosse, Bothwell, Glencarne, and others of the nobility and counsell, who have lately bene much occupied, and chiefly in th'exa- mination and tryall of the accusation made agaynst Mr. Andrewe Melyn, provost of the University of St. Andrewes, a person had in great estymation in that realme for his learn ing and good behayviour. He is chardged that in his sermon he compared this court and the courtyers to the court of 216 SEDITIOUS PREACHERS IN SCOTLAND. [FEB. King James the Third, and the courtyers therof who for their wickednes were hanged over Lauther bridge ; that their Nabugodonaser (meaning the King's mother*) had for her synnes bene fed these two seven yeares with hay, and that for their synnes, she should yet come agayne to them ; and, i lastly, that the King was extraordinarily called to the crowne \ and kyngdome. Whereunto he confessed to have made some mention of part of the matters objected agaynst hym, but not ir* suche termes or effects as he was accused, shewing that albeit he noted the courtyers of King James the Third, (after many great benefits given to them by God,) became proud Nand insolent, and thereon received sharpe punishment, yet he did not resemble this court or the courtyers to them, neyther did he irreverently speak of the King's mother, or foretell or prognosticate anything of her returne ; and in his prayer he gave thanks to God for the great blessings he had powred on the King, recounting particularly sundry graces, and among the same that God had favourably and extraordinarily called the King to this kingdome in lyke manner as David, Salomon, and Boas were, ending with an earnest prayer to God to pre serve the King, and make hym thankfull for these gracious gyfts, lyke as by further advertisement to be given by Mr. Melyn himselfe and to be shewed to me, will appear more at large. In this many wytnesses have bene examined, and straitly withall, by the King in person ; yet they have approved the innocency of Mr. Melyn, that besydes them hath also many other good testimonies for him in this behalfe. In this he offered to abyde th'uttermost torture and punysh- ment in case th' articles layd against him should be proved, putting the King and counsell in memory of th'act of par liament made for the maner of tryall of mynisters accused to commyt any offence in their sermons. Whereuppon he was soone checked for declyning and appealing from the King, and thereon by act of counsell he was charged to ward in * Mary Queen of Scots. 1584.] AFFAIRS OF SCOTLAND. 217 Edenburgh castle. Whereunto he was ready to obey ; but afterwards he was charged by other letters to enter into warde in Blacknesse. These letters were offred to have bene sygned by Argyle and Montrosse, who wold not subscribe thereunto, and great difficulty was made therein, yet Crawford and Morton subscribed. And after the King in publicke counsell caused Argyle, Montrosse, and all the rest then present to subscribe to this matter. The sight of this earnest course, and other circumstances, occasioned Mr. Melyn to putt hymselfe in safety, and thereon to come hither, purposing to seeke to recover the King's grace and favor uppon the understanding of his innocency, and thereon to returne agayne to his charge and office, or otherwise to passe to the schooles, as by himself he will, I thynke, shortly signify to you. It is told the King that Seaton arryved safely at CaHys, and I am informed that before Seaton landed he wrote to the King, signifying that he did abyde at Yarmouth e-roade above twenty-four hours, in despite of all her Majestie's shippes, with other braveries, agreable to his humor. ***** Gowry hath obtayned lycence to passe out of the realme ; nevertheless he will tarry th'ende of the dayes given hym, and then he will make no hast to depart. James and Archebald Douglasse, (base sonnes of Morton deceased,) are already departed. Carmychell and the rest are in readynes to follow them. Mackoneill being lately at Court, hath renewed his lease for the isles, and thereon he offred, as I heare, very largely to take the possession of the Isle of Man, seming that the same might be done without great danger or difficulty. Thus, with myne humble duty, I pray God have you in his blessed keeping. At Barwicke, the 24th of February, 1583. Your Honor's at comandement, Robert Bowes. 218 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SCOTTISH LORDS. [APRIL, R. BOWES TO SIR FRANCIS WALSINGHAM. It may please your Honor, by th'advyse of some courtiers, the King is still persuaded to think that Angusse, Atholl, Marre, Gowry, and Master of Glamis, were convened quyetly at St. Johnston, and have resolved to enter into some action against him, or some especiall persons about hym, and that Gowry will not obey the charge given him to depart out of the realme at the day prescribed, being now passed. Hereon the King had purposed to have levyed four hundred footemen, wherof three hundred are already gathered under Captains Bruce, Ramsey, and Creighton. The rest are to be supplied, if they can be gotten ; but it is not yet agreed how they shal be payed. The barons and gentlemen of Lowthyan have at tended and kept a stronge watche in their armor every night for the King's defence. Now the gentlemen of Fyfe are corned to Edenburgh to garde the King, abowt whom and in the towne there watcheth nightly seven or eight hundreth men, and the ward and scourage on the day is sett fyve or six myles abowt the towne. The passages by water are by the King's commandement stopped ; and the King and court are so greatly moved herewith, pretending to prepare to go against Gowry with all their forces, in case he shall not depart ac cording to the charge given hym, as hereon it is bruited and looked for generally through the realme, and chiefly on the borders and in the sowth part thereof, that the Lords be still assembled together at St. Johnston's, intending to gather their powers and come agaynst the King and courtyers, owt of which rumours I thynke that longe before these you have re ceaved severall advertisements. But in all this tyme, Gowry hath contynued in St. Johnston quyetly, with his ordinary re- tynue, having lately sent Atholl his sonne-in-law to sue to the King for a prorogation of the day appoynted for his de parture, but it was not graunted, and Atholl is directed to re mayne in Edinburgh during the King's pleasure, howbeit he is now in hope to gett leave to returne home. Angusse is 1584.] A TUMULT IN EDINBURGH. 219 sayd to have broken his word, and therewith it hath bene given out that he came to Tomptallan, offering to sue for Arrayne's favors, and to be reconciled to hym. He hath sent Rathowse presently to the court, to travell in his behalfe, and to make it knowen that he hath truely kept his ward in Brichen, and touching that brute for seeking of Arrayne's favor, his trends say that it procedeth more upon a subtile practise, then any playn truthe. Because those Lords do understand that the King and courtyers conceiving thus of them, are purposed to put at them, (as they terme it,) therefore it is looked they shall pro vide for their defence by the best meanes they can ; where- uppon it is thought that some troubles shall hastely followe thereon. Yet others think that those dark clowdes may, per- adventure, dissolve in small droppes, without any violent storme, whereof some better certainty will be had within fewe dayes. Upon proclamation published at Edenburgh, that all the servants and dependers of Marr and Glamis should depart owt of the towne within three howres, and that none of Cledesdale (except Sir James Hamylton his sonne and ser vant,) should come into Edenburgh, the Countesse of Marre was commanded to passe out of Sterlynge, and Col. Steward coming to make searche in the Lady Hume's howse in Eden burgh for letters and persons suspected, gave her order to de part spedily, whereunto she obeyed. Every fourth quarter of the towne of Edenburgh was charged to watch nightly by turns, and upon the increasse of the feare in the courte, the whole towne was charged to watche nightly, wherewith they were soon tyred : and upon advertysement of some default in the watch, and that some others were watching in St. Giles' churchyard for the safety of the towne and ministers according to their custom, Arrayn in some passion passed into Edenburgh, and Huntley into Canyngate, to serche the watche, where Arrayn, fynding Mr. Thomas Cragge, an advocate, Mychaell Gylbert, and other 220 FRENCH SOLDIERS EXPECTED IN SCOTLAND. [APRIL, burgesses, with their wives, in the streets returning to their howses, checked them that they were not personally in the watch, and albeit they humbly answered, that they had their sufficient deputies there, agreable to the charge and custom, yet he sodenly stroke Gylbert with his baston, pursuing hym into his owne howse, where he beat hym well. This is evill taken by the towne, that put a garde to their ports, mynding to have kept Arrayne out of the towne. And after some dyfficulty shewed for his entry, afterwards he was at length receaved. In the late revocation of the King's graunts, Morton was so favourably provided, as thereby he thought himselfe in especiall grace ; neverthelesse pressing th'other day to come into the King's chamber, and entring in it unawares behynd the King, while he was at his pastime and not pleased to be troubled therin, he heard the King command the door to be kept agaynst hym, adding that he was but a foole. And al beit the King (espying that he heard it,) wold have salved the matter, yet he is departed greatly discontented. Glencarne left the court much more sodenly then was looked for. Both well coming to the court to renew the graunts of his offices and possessions given by the King, ob- tayned the King's good will, and thereon retyred to Kelso, purposing to returne to the court within a short tyme. At his late repayre and departure from the court, it is by some reported to have bene farr otherwyse. Among these other rumors, it is commonly hinted, and be lieved by many, that 600 Frenchmen shall come with the next wynd out of Fraunce into Scotland, for the King's garde. Sundry of Edinburgh and Dundey, (receaving letters from their trends in Parys,) have advertised me, that by these letters it is confirmed and certifyed that the sayd number of Frenchmen shall be sent to Newhaven to be embarked for Scotland. Howbeit I cannot learne that Seaton, in his late letters to the King, hath made any mention thereof, and knowing that you understand by others the truth in this bet- 1584.] FRENCH INTRIGUES. 221 ter then I can signify, therefore I forbear to wryte further thereof. It is advertised to me by a wise and honest gentleman, that it is done hym to understand that Sir John Seaton, ar- ryving at Dumbarton, or in the west of Scotland, was secretly in Canyngate, and is gone to Seaton. That he hath bene privily with the King, notwithstanding that he sayth to suche as he will shewe hymselfe unto, that he may not pre sent himselfe to the King's presence, nor can tell what suc- cesse he shall have in his late negotiation in Spayne, untill Seaton his father shall return unto Scotland. And herewith I am advertised also that by the late letters brought to the King from Seaton, he commendeth the good entertaynment given hym in Fraunce, shewing that he was directed to re- tyre unto and remayne at Roan, untill the French King's answer shall be sent thither to hym. He sheweth many fayre and large promises to be made to hym there for the King his master's welfare, yet with conditions that the King of Scotts shall contynue and performe lyke frendshippe to the Frenche King, as his progenitors in Scotland have shewed, according to th' ancient league betwixt those nations ; and that in case the French King shall invade the Protestants in Fraunce or elswhere, that the King of Scots shall assyst hym notwithstanding the matter of religion, and that he shall restrayne the preachers and his other subjects in Scotland hereafter to rayle agaynst hym, or the nation of Fraunce. Some in court are still perswaded that Seaton shall returne with more plenty of the King's seales then thousands of his crownes, to be sent to the King of Scots, which I know you will by others understand sooner and better then I can learne and certify. Crawford is recovered of the hurt receaved by the fall of his horse. He hath taken into his defence Dumfermlynge and his cause, otherwise Dumfermlynge had bene charged to have followed others, and sought forrayn nations. It is meant, (as I am informed,) that the Castle of Edin- 222 STIRLING CASTLE YIELDED TO THE LORDS. [APRIL, burgh shal be taken from Alexander Erskyne, and commytt to the custody of Collonell Stewart. Thus, with myne humble duty, I pray God have you in his blessed keeping. At Barwicke, the 5th Aprill, 1584. Your Honor's at commandement, Robert Bowes. ROBERT BOWES TO SIR FRANCIS WALSINGHAM. It may please your Honor, on Monday last the 20th here of, in the evening, William Colvile receaved his dispatch at Sterling, and came hither yesternight with letters to myselfe from Angusse, Marre, and Glamys, referring credit to the bearer aforesayd, which credit rested chiefly in the declara tion of sending sondry petitions made by the sayd Lords, and appearing in the note inclosed. The sayd messenger hath herewith informed me as fol loweth. First, that the Lords and their companyes came to gether at Sterlynge on Saturday last, agreable to my former, and that on Sonday last, the castle there, being in the custody of Henry Steward, (brother of Arrayn,) and Mr. John Stew ard, the constable thereof, accompanyed with eight other persons, was rendered upon composition that Henry, John, and the rest in the castle, should depart without hurt. And albeit, liberty was given to Henry Steward and the rest to have departed at his pleasure, yet Henry being advysed that some of his particular enemyes lay in the way in awayt to kyll hym, he rather chose to tarry still with them at Sterlynge, wheruppon he is kept in the castle there. That these Lords contynue still in the castle and towne of Sterlynge, with five or sixe hundreth horsemen, hoping that the rest of their associates shal be with them with all their forces very speedily, and that they were advertised, at the time of the departure of this messenger, that Atholl wold 1584.] THE LORDS AT STIRLING. 223 be there on the morrow, as well with his own power, as also with all Gowry's forces. That the same day the forces of Boyd, Master of Cassils, Bargamye, and sondry Barons of the northe parts, and in Angusse, Fyfe, and other places, shall shortly come to them. In hope of which succour and support they have entered into this action, which by a large and long proclamation, already published in Sterlynge, they protest and declare not to be taken in hand in any waye to the hurt of, or against, the King their soveraigne, but only to bring sundry persons abowte hym, and abusing hym and th'estate, to due tryall and chastisement, as their offences fownd and proved by lawe should deserve. That the Countesse of Gowrye came to Sterlynge, purpos ing to have passed that way to the King, to have sought his favour towards her husband, and falling into dangerous syck nes by her travell so soone after delyvery of chylde, she was constrayned to stay sometyme at Sterlynge, whereupon commandement is given that she shall not come nere the King's presence by twenty myles. That Argyle sent an especiall messenger to Glamys, signi fying that the King had sent for hym in suche sort as he could not deny to go to him, with his ordynary howsehold, desyring Glamys to send his servant to hym with his advyse, what he wold counsell hym to do at his coming to the King. Whereuppon Glamys sent a gentleman to Argyle, advysing him to repaire to the King with his household servants, and to let the King and all noblemen with hym understand that those Lords in Sterlynge are not convened to oppose them selfs against his Majestie's person, but to seeke that some evil instruments about hym and abusing hym and th'estate, may be drawen to examynation, tryall, and punyshment by lawe, according to the judgment of his Majestie, and generall convention of all th'estates and parliament, in lyke sort as they will suffer and yield themselfes unto. Which Argyle hath promised to performe effectually, and with all favour. That Rothowse, Lyndsey, and sondry others, carrying 224 THE KING PREPARES AGAINST THE LORDS. [APRIL, good affection to these Lords at Sterlynge, are determyned to come to the King with their forces ; neverthelesse that they will in tyme informe the King of the true meaning of the Lords in this action, and perswade hym thereon to stay his forces, and in no wyse aventure his person in battayle for such a cause. That if their counsell herin shal be rejected, they will then withdrawe themselfs and their forces with them. Besydes, by other intelligence, I am advysed that the King is fully resolved to proceede in person against these Lords, with all possible expedition and violence, purposing to sett forward this day to Lithkoe. Upon the proclamations made, and commanding all men, betwixt sextene and sixtie, to come to hym, his forces gathered at Edinburgh are very great ; for fewe (others then suche as especially depend on the Lords' partye in this action) do disobey or deny to come to the King as they are accommanded. Among others, the towne of Edinburgh, upon these musters and comandement, have agreed to sett forthe five hundred footemen to attend on the King at their charge. And besydes, they have disbursed and lent the King 11, OOOi. Scots, to list and entertayn 500 other footemen. All the boroughes and townes of the sea coaste are com manded to come to the King, and they yield thereunto. So as the forces assembled and coming to hym will surely be exceding great, and farre above the numbers that can be gathered by the Lords ; who, notwithstanding, are in hope that all which come in feld agaynst them will not enter into the battayle agaynst them and this action. At the coming away from Edinburgh of myne informer hereof, the King and his counsell were about to appoynt th'officers in his army, which then were not chosen. The castle of Edinburgh is not yet called for; but because the King suspecteth James Rede, the constable thereof, and hath commanded the captain to put another in his place, therefore the captain suffereth another to occupy his roome, 1584.] THE LORDS RSTREAT FROM STIRLING. 225 keeping hym still in the castle and especiall trust. And albeit, the same castle shall be commanded to be delyvered up, yet the captain is hitherto mynded to keepe the same still, in respect that the charge thereof was commytt to hym by par liament, and with order that he should not leave the same by any other commandement or authority. The King maketh suche hast to the field, and with such earnestnes, as it is thought the matter shall be brought to spedy tryall, either by battayle or by defeyt of the Lords, that hitherto are sayd to have small powers against the great forces of the King, which I commend to the good pleasure and will of God, and to the experience to be sene following herein. Thus, with myne humble duty, I pray God have you in his blessed keeping. At Barwicke, the 23rd of Aprill, 1584. Your Honor's at commandement, Robert Bowes. ROBERT BOWES TO SIR FRANCIS WALSINGHAM. It may please your Honor, this mornynge I have receaved credible advertisement, that Coll. Steward went forth towards Sterlynge on Thursday last in the night, with 1000 horse men, promising to knocke on Sterlynge walls, but he stayed longe in Lithkoe. Afterwards he passed to Torwood, where some small skyrmishes were, of none effect. Yesterday, about eleven in the forenoone, the King and his army marched from Edenburgh towards Lithkoe, with 6000 men of horsebacke and foote, of all gatherings. The vayward was comytt to Huntley, Crawford, Arreyn, Montrosse, and Rothhowse. The King was in the myddle ward, garded with 800 shott, sett forth of Edenburgh. And in the rereward was the Lords Saynclere, Somervile, Hume, and others. The yong Duke was commytt to, and left with, the provost of Edenburgh, The Lords in Sterlynge, being advised as well of the pre sent forces against them, as also of others gathering, did VOL. II. Q 226 THE RETREAT OF THE SCOTTISH LORDS. [APRIL, put four score or a hundred men into the castle, and after withdrewe themselfs from Sterlynge, for their forces were not above fyve or syxe hundred men, and suche trends as pro* mised to come, fayled and brake promyse. Thus they are departed from Sterlynge, and given backe, but I cannot learne that they be wholly broken. It is adver tised herewith to me, that they are drawing together towards the borders, whereof I cannot have any further knowledge, as yet, then conjecture of my informer. Bothwell is commaunded to returne to his owne howse, leaving his forces behynd hym. His servant sent to Angusse on Thursday last, was taken and brought to the King. Both- well justify ed the sending of hym ; and that he had wrytten and sent to Angusse to give up kyndnes with them. Bothwell was corned home, but he is sent for agayne. Lyndesey is warded in Blacknesse; Coldenknowes also commytt to warde ; Sesford commanded to forbeare to come to the King. Gowry, as it is credibly reported, hath confessed and dis covered the whole matter, and the names of thirty-two noble men and greate barons to have bene partyes in this action, perswading the King thereon to beware to procede over hastily. Great reward is promised to any that shall apprehend and brynge to the King any of the Lords or parties in this enter prise, and they be publiquely declared traytors and rebells. Thus leaving all others to the next, and with myne humble duty, I pray God have you in his blessed keeping. At Bar wick, the 26th of Aprill, 1584. Your Honor's at comandement, Robert Bowes. W. FLETEWOOD TO LORD BURGHLEY. Right honourable, and my very good Lord, upon Whit- sondaye there was a very good sermon preached at the New 1584.] LONDON PRENTICES. 227 Church-yard near Bethelem, whereat my Lord Maior was with his bretherne. And by reason no playes were the same day, all the citie was quiett. Upon Mondaye I was at the court, and went to Kingston to bed, and upon Tuesdaye I kept the lawedaye for the whole libertie of Kingston, and found all quiet and in good order. There lyeth in Kingston Sir John Savage, of Ches hire, with his ladie, at Mr. He. Grises his house, the which is at the Vicarage. That night returned to London, and found all the wardes full of watches. The cause thereof was for that neere the theatre or curten, at the tyme of the playes, there laye a pren tice sleeping upon the grasse ; and one Challes alias Grostock did turne upon the toe upon the belly of the same prentice ; whereupon this apprentice start up, and after words they fell to playne blowes. The companie increased of bothe sides to the number of 500, at the least. This Challes exclaimed and said, that he was a gentleman, and that the apprentice was but a rascal, and some there were littel better than roogs, that tooke upon them the name of gentelmen, and saide the prentizes were but the skumme of the worlde. Upon these troubles, the prentizes began the next daye, being Tuesdaye, to make mutinies and assemblies, and did conspyre to have broken the prisones, and to have taken forth the prentizes that were imprisoned. But my Lord and I having intelli gence thereof, apprehended four or fyve of the chief conspi rators, who are in Newgate, and stand indicted of their lewd demeanours. Uppon Weddensdaye, one Browne, a serving man in a blew coat, a shifting fellowe, having a perilous wit of his owne, intending a spoil if he could have brought it to passe, did at the theatre-doore quarrell with certayn poore boyes, handi craft prentizes, and strooke some of them ; and lastlie, he, with his sword, wounded and maymed one of the boyes upon the left hand. Whereupon there assembled near a thousand people. This Browne did very cunningly conveye himself Q 2 228 FRAYS IN LONDON. [JUNE, awaye, but by chance he was taken after and brought to Mr. Humfrey Smithe, and because no man was able to charge him, he dismyssed hym. And after this, Browne was brought before Mr. Younge, where he used himself so cunninglie and subtillie, no man being there to charge hym, that there also he was dismyssed. And after I sent a warrant for hym, and the constables with the deputie, at the Bell in Holborne, found him in a parlour, fast locked in, and he would not obeye the warrant, but by the meane of the host he was conveyed awaye ; and then I sent for the host and, caused hym to ap- peare at Newgate, at the sessions of oier and determiner, where he was committed untill he brought forth his gest. The nexte daye after he brought hymselfe, and so we indicted hym for his mysdemeanours. This Browne is a common cousener, a thief, and a horse-stealer, and colloureth all his doings here about this towne with a sute that he hathe in the lawe agaynst a brother of his in Staffordshire. He resteth now in Newgate. Upon the same Weddensdaye at night, two companions, one being a tailor and the other a clerck of the Common Pleas, bothe of the Duchie, and bothe very lewd fellowes, fell out abowt an hariott, and the tailor raised the prentises and other light personnes, and thinking the clerk was ran into Lyon's Inne, ran to the house with 300 at the least, brake downe the wyndowes of the house, and strooke at the gentilmen. During which broyle, one Raynolds, a baker's sonne, came into Flete Strete, and there made sollemne pro clamation for clookes. The streate rose and tooke and brought hym unto me. And the next daye we indicted hym also, for this mysdemeanor, with many other more. Uppon Weddensdaye, Thursdaye, Frydaye, and Satter- daye, we dyd nothinge els but sitt in commyssion, and ex amine these misdemeanors. We had good helpe of my Lord Anderson, and Mr. Sackforthe. Upon Sondaie, my Lord sent two aldermen to the court, for the suppressing and pulling downe of the theati'e and 1584.] FRAYS IN LONDON. 229 curten, for all the Lords agreed thereunto, saving my Lord Chamberlayn and Mr. Vice-Chamberlayn ; but we ob- tayned a letter to suppresse them all. Upon the same night I sent for the Quene's players, and my Lord of Arundell his players, and they all well nighe obeyed the Lords letters. The chiefest of her Highnes' players advised me to send for the owner of the theatre, who was a stubborne fellow, and to bynd him. I dyd so. He sent me word that he was my Lord of Hunsden's man, and that he wold not come to me ; but he would in the morning ride to my Lord. Then I sent the under-sheriff for hym, and he brought him to me ; and at his coming he showted me out very justice. And in the end, I showed hym my Lord his master's hand, and then he was more quiet. But to .... for it he wold not be bound. And then I mynding to send hym to prison, he made sute that he might be bounde to appeare at the oier and determiner, the which is to-morrowe, where he said that he was sure the court wold not bynd hym, being a coun sellor's man. And so I have graunted his request, where he is sure to be bounde, or els is lyke to do worse. Upon Sondaye, at afternoon, one brewer's man killed ano ther at Islyngton. The lyke parte was done at the White Chappel, at the same tyme. The same Sondaie, at night, my Lord Fitzgerrald, with a number of gentilmen with hym, at Moore-Gate, met a tall yong fellowe, being a prentize, and strook hym upon the face with his hatt. Whereupon my Lord and his companie were glad to take a house, and dyd skarcelie escape without great danger. The sheriff came and fett him to his house, where he lodged; and imprisoned one Cotton, that procured my Lord to misuse the prentize. The same night, at Aldersgate Street, a prentise was put in the kage, and the kage was broken by a number of lewd fellowes, and I hearing thereof dyd send my men for hym, and sent hym to the Counter, where to-morrow he shall answere for his misdemeanour with others. 230 A FRAY IN CHEAPSIDE. [JUNE, A Frenchman, a dweller in Flete Street, a hanger upon Monsieur Malvesour, for having received a Frenche boye into his house, and for the conveying hym awaye, who had robbed one of my Lord of Bedford's gentilmen, was brought unto me. My Lord Malvesour sent unto me for hym, and said he wold do justice upon hym hymself. I told the messenger what the lawe was, and wylled hym to bring me sureties, and he should be bailed, untill the Lords were certified thereof. The which they refused to do. But to-morrowe, at the oier and determiner, I will do as I am advised by my Lords the justices. I sent the prisoner, with the cause, unto Mr. Treasurer, thinking that he wold, being a counsellor, have taken order therein; but he returned the prisoner agayne to me. Surelie, my Lord, 1 love not to have to deale with these embassadors, for surelie I do often see, heare, and fynde things done by them, that are neither godlie nor honorable. The eldest sonne of Mr. Henrie I heare upon Mondaye, being yesterdaye, fowght in Cheapeside with one Boat, that is, or latelie was, Mr. Vice-Chamberlayn's man ; and all was which of them was the better gentilman, and for taking of the wall. This daie Mr. Cheney, of the Boyes, brought me his yongest sonne, being nephew to Sir Henrie Lee, and wold needes have me to send hym to Bridewell, where he had pro vided a chamber for hym. But I wold not agree thereunto, but sent hym to be kept with my Lord of Wynt.'s bailiff's house, the which is a place bothe swete and cleane. The yonge gent hathe hurt two, whereof I learne they are lyke to die. The gentilman, as I can perceyve, is wild, et lucidus inter valla. And even now cometh in mjr Lord of Winton's bailiff, and telleth me that he is glad to hire three men to kepe hym both daye and night in this extreme frenzie. This Weddensdaye morning, the oyer and determiner sat at Newgate, for the quieting of the dailie and nightlie brawles. There appeared my Lord Fitz Gerrald, and one 1584.] SIR JOHN HAWKINS. 231 Cotton of eighteen yeres of age, (more bold then wise,) a marvelous audacious youth, standing altogether upon his genterie. It so fell out, that, by due examination, my Lord of Kyldare's sonne delt very wisely, well, and circumspectly, without any manner of evill behaviour in any manner of wise. Mr. Wynter, sonne and heir of Mr. George Wynter, de ceased, was there, and advised my Lord so to do for tyme's experience. Mr. Doctor Lewes, and the Admirall commis- mission, have made hym a man of good understanding. An old musicion of the Quene's had this last night meretricem in suo lectulo. One Alen, a constable, being homo barbatus, the Italian most violentlie tore off Alen's beard, and said he might have a wenche in his chamber, for that he was the Quene's man. Aleyn is now become a Mar- quesuto. My Lord Maior hathe bound the Italian to aun- swere at the next gaole delyverie. (June 18, 1584.) SIR JOHN HAWKINS TO LORD BURGHLEY. My bounden duty in right humble manner remembred unto your good Lordship, I have briefly considered uppon a substantiall course, and the materyall reasons that by myne owne experience, I know (with God's assistance) will strongly annoy and offend the Kinge of Spayne, the mortall enemy of our relygion and the present government of the realme of England. And surely, my very good Lord, if I shold only consyder and looke for myne own lyfe, my quietnes, and commodyty, then truly myne, own nature and disposition doth preferre peace before all things. But when I consyder wherunto we are boren, not for our selves, but for the defence of the churche of God, our prynce, and our contrey, I do then thynke how this most happy go- 232 MEANS TO ANNOY THE SPANIARDS. [JULY, vernment myght, with good providence, prevent the con- spyracies of our enemies. I do nothyng at all doubt of our abylytie in welthe, for that I am persuaded that the substance of this realme is trebled in vallue, synce her Majestie's raygne. God be glo- ryfyed for it ! Neyther do I thynk there wauteth provysions carefully provyded, of shypping, ordinance, powder, armour, and munition, so as our people were exercised by some meanes in the course of warrs. For I rede when Mahomette the Torke toke that famous city Constantinople, dygging by the foundations and bot- tomes of the howses, he found suche infinyte treasure, as the said Mahomet condempning their wretchednes, wondred how this city could have bene overcome, or taken, if they had in tyme provyded men of warre and furnyture for their defence, as they were very well able ; so I say there wanteth no abyllyty in us, if we be not taken unprovided, and upon a soddayne. And this is th'only cause that hath moved me to say my mynd frankly in this matter, and to sett downe these notes inclosed,* praying th'Almighte God, which directeth the The inclosure alluded to is as follows: — * " The best means how to annoy the King of Spayne, in my opinion, withowt charge to her Majestie, which also shall bryng great proffyt to her Hyghnes and subjects, is as followeth :— " First, if it shal be thought mete that the Kinge of Portyngall may in his ryght make warre with the Kinge of Spayne, then he wold be the best means to be the head of the faction. " There wold be obtayned from the sayd King of Portyngall an auctority to some person, that shold allwayes give leave to suche as upon their owne charge wold serve and annoy the King of Spayne as they myght, bothe by sea and land, and of their booties', to paye unto the King of Portyngall, fyve or ten of the hundrethe. " There wold be also some person auctorysed by her Majesty to take notes of suche as do serve the sayd King of Portyngall, and so that partye with her Majestie's consent to gyve them leve and allow- 1584.] MEANS TO ANNOY THE SPANIARDS. 333 harts of all governom'S, either to the good or benefitt of the people for their relief and delyverance, or ells doth alter and ance to retyre, victuall, and sell in some port of the West Contrye, for which lybertye they shold paye unto hir Majestie fyve or ten of the hundrethe. " None shold have leave to serve the sayd King of Portyngall, but they shold put in surety to offend no person, but suche as the sayd King had warre with, but shold be bound to breke no bolke but in the port allowed, where wold be commissioners appoynted to restore those goods as are belonging to friends in amyty with the King of Portyn gall, and to allow the rest to the taker. " There wold be martial law for suche as committed pyracy, for there can be none excuse, but all idle seamen may be employed. " If these condytions be allowed, and that men may enjoy that which they lawfully take in this service, the best owners and merchant adventurers in the ryver wyll put in fotte, and attempt great things. " The gentlemen and owners in the west parts will enter depely into this party. " The Flushingers wyll also be a great party in this matter. " The Protestants of France wyll be a great company to help this attempt. " The Portyngalls in the islands, in Brasyll, and in Geney, (Guinea,) for the most part wyll contynually revolt. " The fyshings of Spayne and Portyngall, which is their greatest relief, wyll be utterly impeded and destroyed. " The islands wyll be sacked, their forts defaced, and their brasse ordinance brought away. " Our own people, as gunners (wherof we have fewe) wold be made expert, and growe in number, our idle people wold grow to be good men of warre both by land and sea. " The coast of Spayne and Portyngall in all places wold be so annoyed, as to kepe contynuall armyes there wold be no possibylyty ; for that of my knowledge it is trouble more tedyous and chargeable to prepare shypping and men in those partyes then it is with us. " The voiage offered by Sir Francys Drake might best be made lawfull to go under that lycence also, which wold be secret tyll the tyme draw neere of their readynes. " All this before rehersed shall not by any meanes draw the King of Spayne to offer a warre, for that this party will not only consyst of Englishmen, but rather of the Frenche, Flemyngs, Scotts, and suche lyke, so as King Phyllip shall be forced by great intreaty to make her 234 MURDER OF THE PRINCE OF ORANGE. [JULY, hynder their understanding to the punyshment and ruin of the people for their synns and offences. Humbly beseching your good Lordshipe to beare with my presumption in deal ing with matters so highe, and to judge of them by your great wisdome and experyence how they may in your Lord ship's judgement be worthy the consyderation, humbly taking my leave. From Deptford, the 20th of July, 1584. Your honourably Lordship's ever assuredly bounden, John Hawkyns. W. DAVISON TO SIR F. WALSINGHAM. (Extract, Edinburgh, July 1584.) Sir, before the receipt of your Honor's letters by my man, we had here the unhappy newes of the murther committed on the poore Prince of Orenge, which as it is generally lamented of all good men, so is there little better issue (without God's goodnes) expected of D'Espernon's voiage to the King of Navarre, flowing, as it is feared, from the same blood-lhirsty counsell, howsoever it be cloaked and disguised. The Lord in mercy preserve her Majesty, against whom the mayne bat tery of their mallice and fury hath been layd this many yeres, giving her the grace to acknowledge from whom her former deliveraunces have come, confessing with the prophet David that the Lord is her refuge and defence in the day of trouble, and to depend still uppon his mercy and protection, that is able to carry her through all dangers both of body and sowle. Majestie a meane to withdraw the forces of her subjecjts and the ayde of her Hyghnes' ports, for otherwyse there will be suche scarcyty in Spayne, and his coast so annoyed, as Spayne never endured so great smart. The reason is, for that the greatest traffiques of all Phyllipe's dominions must passe to and fro by the seas, which will hardly es cape intercepting." 1584.] FRENCH INTRIGUES IN SCOTLAND. 235 De la Fontaine hath till this day contynued at Leith, but sent over a paquet on Wednesday last to the court, from whence Doun was the next addressed unto him, by whom his way hath been prepared. He brought letters of address and commendation both to him and others, from Manninge- ville, with many thanks for their good offices shewed in de livery of Holt, and hath speciall letters from the French King and the Duke* his master to the most part of the nobility, to entertayn them in good humour and lyking of this un happy course. I am borne in hand by gentlemen of great credit, that he is not come without food to relieve the hunger of our courtiers, which they pretend to be well advised of, and that he hath brought a sword from the Duke his master to the King, which is confidently bruted and believed to have been hallowed by the Pope, and sent from him. It should seem that her Majestie's difficulty to consent to the publique voiage of Mauvissiere, and Monsieur Pinart hath bredd the employment of this man, that under the habit and cloak of a private person things might be carryed the more secretly, and with the lesse note and jealousey. Here is likewise some expectation that Mr. W. Ballandyne, who, during his late being here, had often and private conference with the King, should returne agayne very shortley, instructed with the se cret of all things, as a person specially trusted by 50 and 260,f but in the mean tyme there appeares no want of others to do good offices. *-Vt dfe dfc >Mz ^C ^C -^ TC SIR F . WALSINGHAM TO LORD HUNSDON. (Extract, Aug. 24, 1584.) I do now send your Lordship herewith the safe conduct of * Of Guise. t These numbers are cyphers. 236 THE SCOTTISH LORDS IN ENGLAND. [AUG. the Master of Gray,* which could not sooner be dispatched by reason of her Majestie's departure from Oatlands towards a little progresse, as by my last I wrote unto your Lordship. It appeareth by credible advertisementes and intelligences, that the matter of Ireland was contrived in January last there in Scotland, and that James Maconell, a principall leader of the Irishe Scottes, who dependeth altogether uppon Arran, was then at the courte, which practise was now revived and presently put in execution uppon William Nugent's repayre into that realme. For which purpose Mr. Orrell receaved both commission and some supplie of money, howsoever, they do otherwise plead ignoraunce, and seem to take no knowledge of the matter. Touching the new pretended conspiracy that your Lord ship hath before written unto me is layd to the charge of these distressed noblemen here in England, they do from their hartes protest their innocency therein, and refuse no indiffe rent tryall to cleere themselves of the same, nor any punish ment if it may be proved against them. And therefore it is a very hard and strange course, that the Erie of Arran should suffer himself to be made an instrument of such slaunderous imputations, and seeke to defame and make the noblemen odious to her Majestie and to all the world, thereby to thrust him into the charge of the castle of Edenborough, and to frustrate her Majestie reasonable request for their relief, wherin she herself is touched in honour, to be abased with such wrong informations, and therefore cannot in reason looke for any playne or sure dealing at his hands that shall devise such false and malicious plots to serve his owne turne, to the overthrowe of the innocent. For myne owne part, as one that love and honour your Lordship, I cannot but wishe that you may receave better measure at his handes then I fear me you shall, and that all that goodly outward shewe * The Master of Gray was sent iuto England as ambassador from the King of Scotland. 1584.] DEATH OF THE DUKE OF ANJOU. 237 and vehement protestation of frendship and sound meaning fall not out to be but a device to winne time to serve their owne turne. * # # # # SIR ROBERT CECIL * TO SIR FRANCIS WALSINGHAM. (Extract.) Right honorable, although my small abode here hath bred me so slender experience, as that I knowe myself altogether unable to satisfie you as touching the pointe sett downe in your letters, yet notwithstanding am I rather cut out by fol lowing your commandement herein to bewray my ignorance, then not to obey him, whom I have vowed to serve during lyfe. And first, as touching the King of Navarre, notwithstand ing that his right to the crowne of Fraunce (the King failing of issew) is suche as is generally esteemed the next of blood, being come of the eldest brother of the howse of Bourbon, and as it were publiquely declared to the world by the King himself to be the sonne rising, by sending to him personally after his brother's death his deare mignon Monsieur L'Es- pernon, yet for all that the howse of Guise (sworne enemies to him and the rest of the howse of Bourbon) especially since the death of Monsieur, hath spread divers reports against him and his title, hoping, by excluding him, the easelier to gett the crowne themselves. And because they cannot * Sir Robert Cecil, created Earl of Salisbury by James I., in whose reign he was Lord Treasurer, was Lord Burghley's eldest son by his second wife. On the death of the Duke of Anjou, the King of Navarre became heir apparent to the throne of France, and afterwards succeeded as the famous Henry IV. Sir Philip Sydney had been sent to Paris to condole with Henry III. on the death of his brother the Duke of Anjou. 238 PARTIES IN FRANCE. [SEPT. cloake their ambitious desire with coloure of title, being straungers, aud not anie waie of the blood of France, they wold fain persuade the world that the Cardinall of Bourbon, who is the King of Navarre his father's younger brother, hath more right than he, not for anie love they beare him, but because they hope if he were Kinge, being old and simple, they might the sooner abuse him, and in the end peradventare handle him as Pipin did Childerick the third and last of the lygne of Pharamond, who became of a King a monke. Sjp ¦HP Tp tF tt The nobilitie of France is generally well enough affected to the King's title, only these excepted, which are altogether Guisards. Du Sang : — The Cardinall of Bourbon, hoping by him to be advanced. The Cardinall of Vendosme, whom the Car dinall of Bourbon hath made what he listeth in shewe, though in hart men think him better affected. The Duke de Mercure, Governour of Britaigne ; the Duke de Guise, Governour of Champaigne ; the Duke of Meyne, Governour of Burgundy ; the Duke D'Aumale ; the Duke D'Albeuf ; the Duke de Nevers, whereof he hath made very small shew since Monsieur's death; the Duke Joyeuse ; the Mareshall de Raits, though, for feare of the Quene Mother, he dare not shewe to the Duke de Guise, but inwardly a sworne enemy to the Protestant Princes ; the Marishall Ma- tignon ; the. Marishall D'Aumont ; the Marshall Joyeuse ; the Cardinall of Guise ; the Cardinall Joieuse ; the Chancellour; besides the cities of Frawnce which be of greate strength, especially Paris and Orleans, fearing to give accompt to the King of Navarre for their massacres committed by them, are suspected to enclyne rather to the Cardinall of Bourbon, ex cept they might be assured of liberties in religion. And as the Guisards think their faction strong at home, so are they in hope to have divers fautors abroade, some for religion, as the Antechrist and King of Spayne, with the Emperour to 1584.] PARTIES IN FRANCE. 239 his small power; for kindred, the Duke of Lorrayne, the Duke of Ferrare, the Duke of Baviere, whose wife is the Duke of Lorrayn's sister. And for the people of Gwein, Gascogne, and Langue- dock, they are well affected to the King of Navarre, but the rest of the provinces so infected with superstition, as there is no greate hope of then loyaltie. And as the King of Navarre hath great confidence in some of the Catholique nobilitie, who are alwaies accustomed to accept of their naturall Prince whatsoever, if some pe culiar affection have not drawne them to partialitie, so is he not destitute of other frendes to him either for religion or other private respects assured. Du Sang : the Prince of Condie; the Marques of Conty, and Conte Horsins, though he dare make no suche shewe, for fear of the Cardinall ; the Duke of Mompensier, trend to him in re spect of blood, and not of religion; the Duke de Bovillon; the Duke d'Espemon; the Marshal Montmorency; Monsieur de Meri ; Monsieur de Rohan ; Monsieur de la Vail ; Viconte Turene. Of the King's privie counsell, though not for religion, yet moved with the right of his cawse, and misliking to live under the government of anie Guisards, he is not likely to want the favour of these that followe. Monsieur la Motte Fe- nelon; Monsieur Bellieure ; Monsieur Rambouillet; Monsieur Lenoncourt ; Monsieur Maintenon; with divers others of greate howses, who for religion's sake will without all doubt joine with him, as also of many of the chiefest of the Robe longue in other cities, as well as here in Paris, where almost all the Presidents are thought to be that waie inclyned. Neither is he of forraine aide quite destitute, cheiflie making accompte other Majestie, next of the Swisses in respect of their con federate with the crowne of Frawnce, beside that the cheifest cantons are of the religion, as namely, Berne, Zurick, Basle, and Schaphuse, together with the Grisons their confederates. It is likewise hoped that such Princes of Germany as be not Papists will put to then helping hand. And last of all, 240 THE KING OF NAVARRE. [SEPT. though the Venetians do refraine publiquely to assyst him, for feare of the Pope and the King of Spaine, yet notwith standing it is thought they will be content underhand to help him with money, if not for love for him or his cawse, yet will thinke themselves in farre greater suretie to have a King of Frawnce their trend unlikely to depend on the Spaniard. But to conclude, notwithstanding wiiat oppositions soever, having right on his syde, no doubt God will increase the number of his trends, and tread downe his enemies which imagine deceit agaynst hym, if, together with David, he crye to the Lord in his tyme of trouble. Thus having bene bold in following your direction by your letters, to arrive at that wherein I was truly unable to satisfie your expectation according to my desire, I will also be bold to entreat and beseech you to take in good part -these unripe gathered fruites of my two monthes' travell. From Paris, this 28th of September, stilo novo, 1584. Your Honor's humble to command, Robert Cecill. W. FLETEWOOD TO LORD BURGHLEY. Dyariam. Upon Michaelmas even, the Lord Maior, aldermen, and commons, admitted the new Shereffs unto their offices and swore them, at which tyme they appoynted Mr. Bland his sonne the Quene's skinner to be then under-shereff of Middle sex, who was there sworne also. Upon Michaelmas daie, the aforesayd assemblie met again, and did choose a new Lord Maior, who was Mr. Thomas Pulison, alderman, at which tyme he stood up and gave the commons great thankes, disabling himself, as the order is, and after hym the old Lord Maior stood up and gave them his thankes in lyke manner, &c. At after-diner the new Shereffs received the charge of the four prison houses from the old by indenture. 1584.] LIBEL ON THE QUEEN OF SCOTS. 241 In crastino Michaelis, my Lord, the Aldermen, and many of the liveries went to the Exchekker, with the new Sheriffs, viz. Layne and Billingsley, where I did present them in the name of the whole citie, who there were admitted by Maister Baron Sotherton; the court being full of officers. There we did such services as appertayned, viz. in bringing a num ber of great horse-shoes and nailes, chopping-knives, and little roddes. After this is the Maior of Oxford sworne, and is yerelie invited to dyner with the elder Shereff, and at the same tyme are invited all the officers to dyner. Thursdaie, the next daie after, we kept the generall ses sions at Westminster Hall for Middlesex. Surelie it was verie great ! We satt the whole daie and the next after also, at Fynsburie. At this sessions, one Copie and one Baldwen,* my Lord of Shrowsburie's gent, required me that they might be suffered to indict one Walmesley of Islyngton, an Inn-holder, for scandilation of my Lord their master. They shewed me two papers. The first was under the clerk of the counsel's hand of my Lord's purgation, in the which your good Lordship's speeches are specially set downe. The second paper was the examinations of divers witnesses taken by Mr. Harris ; the effect of all which was, that Walmesley should tell his gests openlie at the table, that the Erie of Shrowsbury had gotten the Scottish Quene with child, and that he knew where the child was christened, and it was alledged that he should further adde, that my Lord should never go home agayne, with lyke wordes, &c. An indicte- ment was drawne by the clerk of the peace, the which I thought not good to have published, or ' that the evidence should be given openlie, and therefore I caused the jurie to go to a chamber, where I was, and heard the evidence given, amongst whom one Merideth Hammer, a doctor of divinitie and vicar of Islyngton, was a witnes, who had delt as lewdlie * Thomas Baldwin, many of whose letters to his master are given in Lodge. 1 Before, ere. VOL. II. If 242 RIOT AT BRAINFORD. [SEPT. towardes my Lord in speeches as dyd the other, viz. Wal- meslye. This doctor regardeth not an oathe. Surelie he is a verie bad man ; but in the end the inditement was indorsed Billa v6ra. At this sessions, one Hawtrie Smith, two of the Halls, and one mo, committed in their rage of drinke, at Brainford, a verie great riott, using most lewd wordes and threatening to Mr. Halley, being a justice, and because your Lordship had latelie writt that we should not deale with the Quene's men, I did therefore staie the complaynt, and caused the Brain- ford men and also Mr. Halley to put their dolianses in writing, and to sett Mr. Halley his hand to the same, the which I have sent unto Mr. Viz chamberlayn, because the offenders are of the gard. At this sessions fell out a contention. The matter was this : Mr. Levetenant come to my howse over night, and de sired me that he might give the charge at the sessions the next mornyng. I agreed, and gave hym great thankes, and immediately after came in Justice Smithe, and he re quired the lyke, and I with the lyke thankes yielded. These two gents went merilie home, the one not knowing of the other's intention. Both of them forsook their sup pers, betook themselfs to their studies, and spent neere hand the whole night in traveling of the charge. The next day the levetenant made offer to give it. " Stay," saith Mr. Smithe, " for I am provided." " And so am I," said the levetenant. I was with Mr. Levetenant, and all the rest with Mr. Smith, and therefore he gave the charge. At dyner, Mr. Levetenant wold nedes have Mr. Smithe to sitt uppermost at the table's end, because he gave the charge, and to end that strife I caused Mr. Deane to take that place, as the fittest person for it. And thus your Lordship may see that in all our troublesome busines we make ourselfs as merie as we may. Upon Saterday, at Bridwell we had a minister's wife of Cardicanshire. She confessed that she was greatlie sought unto by yonge women, maide servaunts she meant, when 1584.] OPENING OF PARLIAMENT. 243 they were gotten with childe. She confessed that she gave them saven, &c. One Higham, an old fellow, who is bothe excommunicate for putting away his wife, and also for such other lyke parts, he hath this yere gotten thre of his lawndres' maides with child in the Flete, being there a prisoner. He stowteth out the matter with us, and will not fynd the children, but writeth lewd letters unto us, &c. Upon Monday, at the sessions of gaole delivery, we had two hundred there at the least. Most of them were pilferers. We had no matters of any importance, saving that one of Mr. Docwraye's sonnes, of Chamber-howse, in Barkshire, was arrained for stealing of a portmanteo, with 84,1. in the same, taken out of an inne in Bardey, but he was acquitted therof. There are three notable thiefs reprieved, one called Grene, the second Salisburie, the third is one Dudley. The two first are noted to be of the companie of them that robbed Mr. Cofferer, and for that cause they are to be staid to be further examined by warrant from my Lord Chamberlain. Our gaole deliverie continued three daies. W. FLETEWOOD TO LORD BURGHLEY. (Dyarium a 22 Nov. usque ad 29.) 23. First, there appeared in the parliament-house the knights and burgeses, owt of all order, in troops, standing upon the floore making strange noises; there being not past seven or eight of the old Parliaments. After this we were all called into the Whitehall, and there called by name before my Lord Steward and the rest of the counsell. And after that we were sworne, whereby we lost the oration made by my Lord Chancellor ; and after that Mr. Treasorer moved the howse to make an election of a Speaker, whereupon he hym self named my brother Puckeringe, who sate nexte me, and there was not one word spoken. And then I said to my com- R 2 244 PROCEEDINGS AT THE OPENING OF PARLIAMENT. [NOV. panions about me, " Crie, Puckering !" and then they and I begynning, the rest dyd the same. And then Mr. Speaker made his excuse, standing still in his place, and that done, Mr. Treasorer and Mr. Controller, being by me called upon, sitting neere, they rose and sett hym to hys place, where indeed they should have sett hym eyther before his speeche, or els at the begynning, and his speeche should have been before the cheare. And that done, we all departed untill Thursday, that the Speaker was presented. And after his allowances ' and re turne into the court, a bill was read for order sake, touching the due observation of the Sondaies, &c. The next daye, being Fridaie, the said bill was once agayne read, and committed. The committees amounted in number to sixtie at the least, all yonge gent. And at our meeting in the afternoone, twenti at ones did speake, and there we sate talking, and dyd nothyng untill night, so that Mr. Chancellor was wearie, and then we departed home. Upon Satterdaye there were two other bills read, which were devised by my Lord Chieff Baron, one for trialls, another for demurrers, and a third as touching recusaunts. After this, Mr. Chancellor used a speeche for the space of one houre and more. Mr. Chancellor's speeche tended to a generalitie, concluding upon the safetie of her Majestie. Mr. Vizcha. followed, and his speeche was above two houres : his speeche tended to particularities, and speciall actions, and concluded upon the Quene's Highnes' savetie. Before this tyme I never heard in Parliament the lyke matters uttered, and espe cially the thinges contayned in the latter speeche. They were magnolia regni. After this done, committees for this cause were appointed. But for what chaunced, a lewd fellowe called Robenson, free of the skynners, and borne in Stawnforth, satt in the Parliament House all the whole daie, and heard what was said. He was searched, and nothing found abowt hym. Mr. Wylcks, Mr. Topdyff, Mr- Beale, and I, were sent to 1584.] THIEVES AND CUT-PURSES. 245 searche his lodging, but we found nothing. He is in the Serjeant's custodie. We have made as yet no report. This morning I have examined Coffen of the gard, and he hath made confession, the which I do leave with Mr. Cofferer. (Nov. 29, 1584.) W. FLETEWOOD TO LORD BURGHLEY. Right Honorable and my verie good Lord, uppon Thurs daye laste, being the crastinum of Trinitie Terme, we kept a sessions of inquirie in London in the foreuoone, and in the afternoone we kept the lyke at Fynsburie for Middlesex, in which two severall sessionses all such as were to be ar raigned for felonie at the gaole delyvery were indycted. Uppon Fryday laste, we sate at the Justyce Hall at New gate, from seven in the morninge untyll seven at night, where were condempned certain hors-stealers, cutpurses, and such lyke, to the number of ten, wherof nine were executed, and the tenthe stayed by a meanes from the courte. These were executed on Saturdaye in the morning. There was a shoemaker also condempned for wyllfull murder commytted in the Blackefryars, who was executed uppon the Mondaie in the morning. The same daie my Lord Maior being absente abowte the goods of the Spanyards, and also all my Lords the jus tices of the benches being also awaye, we fewe that were there did spend the same daie abowte the searching owt of sundry that were receptors of felons, where we found a greate many as well in London, Westminster, Sowthwarke, as in all other places abowte the same. Amongst our travells this one matter tumbled owt by the way, that one Wotton, a gentilman borne, and sometyme a marchaunt man of good credyt, who falling by tyme into decay, kepte an alehowse 246 A SCHOOL FOR CUT-PURSES. [JULY, at Smart's Keye, neere Byllingsgate, and after for some mys- demeanor being put downe, he reared up a new trade of lyfe, and in the same howse he procured all the cuttpurses abowte this cittie to repaire to his same howse. There was a schole- howse sett up to learne young boyes to cutt purses. There were hung up two devyses, the one was a pocket, the other was a purse. The pocket had in it certain cownters, and was hung abowt with hawkes' bells, and over the top did hang a little sacring bell ; and he that could take out a cownter without any noyse was allowed to be a publique foyster, and he that could take a piece of sylver out of the purse, without the noyse of any of the bells, he was adjudged a judiciall nypper. Nota, that a foyster is a pickpokett, and a nypper is termed a pickpurse, or a cutpurse. And as con cerning this matter, I will sett downe no more in this place, but refer your Lordship to the paper herein enclosed. Saturdaie and Sondaie being past, uppon Mondaie my Lord Maior, my Lord Buckhurste, the Master of the Rolles, my Lord Anderson, Mr. Sackford, Master of the Requestes, Sir Rowland Hayward, myselfe, Mr. Owen, and Mr. Yonge, with the assistance of Mr. Attorney and Mr. Solicitor, did arraigne one Awfeild, Webley, and Crabbe, for spersing abroad certain lewd, seditious, and traytorous bookes. Awfeild did most trayterously mayntayne the booke, with long, tedious, and frivolous wordes and speeches. Webley did affirme as much as Awfeild had uttered. They are both executed, through God's goodnes, and your Lordship's good helpe, as Mr. Younge told me. There came a letter to re prieve Awfeild, it was not well dygested of as many as knew of it, but after all was well taken. When he was executed, his body was brought into St. Pulcheres to be buryed, but the parishioners would not suffer a traytor's corpes to be layd in the earthe where their parents, wyfes, chyldren, kynred, maisters, and old neighbors did rest ; and so his carcase was returned to the buryall grounde neere Tybome, and there I leave it. Crabbe surely did renownce the Pope, 1585.] ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE. 247 and my Lords and the rest of the benche moved Mr. At torney and Mr. Solicitor to be a meane to her Majestie for him, and for that cause he was stayed. Trewely, my Lord, it is nothing needefull to wryte for the staye of any to be reprieved, for there is not any in our com mission of London and Middlesex, but we are desirous to save or stay any poor wretche, if by color of any lawe or reason we maye do it. My singular good Lord, my Lord William of Winchester was wonte to say, " When the courte is furthest from London, then is there the best justice done in all England." I once heard as great a personage in office and authority, as ever he was, and yet living, say the same wordes. It is growen for a trade nowe in the courte to make meanes for reprieves ; twentie pounds for a reprieve is nothing, although it be but for bare ten daies. I see it will not be holpen, unles one honoured gentilman, who many tymes is abused by wrong information, (and surelie, uppon my sowle, not uppon any evill meaning,) do staye his penne. I have not one letter for the stay of a theife from your Lord ship. Fearing that I trouble your Lordship with my tedious letters, I end. This 7th of Julie, 1585. Your good Lordship's moste humbly bownden, W. Fletewoode. At the ending of this letter I received another, the which I will aunswer owt of hand. Upon Tewsdaie I sat in jugement in the hustings, where Mr. Cure and his corporate bretherne, the Sadlers, recovered 4,01. land in a writ of right Von le mise fint joyne sur le mere droit against one Beale. Upon Weddenday we sat in Southwark about theSeweres, where my cosen Holcroft accused, and de repetundis, &c. 248 A ROBBERY. [JULY, ARCHANA. There was one that is called Mr. Abarrowe, that was at the taking of the Erie of Arundell, and had gotten into his hands of his neare abowt 3001. in gold. He was commanded to bring the same to the Lordes of the Starre Chamber. His man carried it after hym even to the Starre Chamber doore, and sodenly his man started away, and took a boate, past into Sowthwarke, devided the money, and there by my war rant was taken, and in effect all the money was had agayne. Mr. Abarrow, his master, was the loathest man in England to have his man touched for this offence. I caused him to be indicted and arraigned. My Lord Anderson took it to be no felony, because his master delyvered him the money. I sayd it was felony by the common lawe, because the custodie and bearing of the money in his master's presence was ad judged to be as if it had bene in his master's own custodie ; as if my butler, my horse-keeper, my sheperd, or the yoman of my warderobe do steale and imbessell anything in his charge, this is felony, and even so is it of my purse-bearer. And if it were not felony by the common lawe, then was it by the statute, if the sum were above 40s. But I, fearing the matter might be called before my Lords, being a thing so notoriously knowen, I caused the jurie to find the speciall matter, and so it resteth. I do learne sithens, that the fel low had bene in tymes past servant to Mr. Smith the clerk of the pype, &c. The Names of a number of Maisterles-men and Cut-purses, whose practice is to robbe Gentelmen 's chambers and Arti ficers'1 shoppes in and about London. Imprimis, John Blewate, a lockesmith, Thomas Byrche, William Jackson, George Jones, Thomas Croe, a barber, Thomas Hychins, alias Mekins, John Middelton, John Cooke, Staring Robyn, William Sayger, Richard Doe, Nele, John Baker, William Holden, Thomas Moore, John 1585.] HARBOURING-HOUSES FOR ROGUES. 2f9 Moorcrofte, Turfelt, George Sayterre, William Spooner, John Powlter, John Watts, Roger Raynsford, alias Radford, Trustonne, William Coole, John son, Henrie Howell, William Etheridge, John Leryman, Welche Dycke, John Syson, Richard Syson, John Berry, alias Blythe, Robert Leveret, William Crosse, Nicholas Skeeres, Barbor, Symond Askew, William Sherman, Thomas Howse, Frauncis Holloway, William Hardinge, Wilfrid Hallowes, Nicholas Jones, alias Waker, Thomas Huse. 45. Harboring-howses for Maisterles-men, and for such as lyve by theffe and other such like shifts, viz.* LONDON. Richard Waterwarde, at theFawcon in Grace-streete; Woot- * This, and other of Fletewood's letters, afford us a curious picture of London in the sixteenth century. To his account of the lurking houses of masterless-men and rogues, we may join the following list of houses which served for harbour to recusants and papists, and others disaffected to this government. (MS. Harl. 360, 20.) — Advertisements given to Alderman Martin, towching howses suspected. Sir, As it is the dutie of all good subjects to give advertisement of all suche matters as may tend to the furtherance of her Majestie's ser vice, so I, being moved in conscience, have thought good to set downe and deliver to your worship a note of suche places as in my judgment are very suspicious for the harbouring of papistes, whereby I doubt lest they should at this present harbour any of those that have pre tended evill to her Majestie. These be the places : First, One great howse in or adjoyning to the Blackfreres, wherein Mr. Blackwell, the towne clerke, sometyme dwelt. Nowe there dwel leth in it one that is a very incomformable man to her Majestie's pro ceedings. It hath sundry back-dores and bye-wayes, and many secret vaults and corners. It hath bene in tyme past suspected, and searched for papists but no good done for want of good knowledge of the back- dores and bye-wayes, and of the dark corners. I thynke it were better a convenient serche of it were made in the morning, or daytyme, then in the night, because of the dark corners, leaving the consideration thereof to your Worship's better discretion. 250 HARBOURING-HOUSES FOR ROGUES. [JULY, ton's howse, at Smart's Keye ; the Gooune,^ at Byllyngate ; the Crowne, at Byshopsgate ; Maydenheade, by the Tower Dytcbe ; the Harrowe, at Bedlem ; the Rose, at Flete-brydge. WESTMINSTER. The Styll, in the Sayntuarie; the Beare and Ragged State, at Charing Crosse ; the Redd Legge, in the Pallace ; the White Horse, in Tuttell Streate ; the White Lyon, in the Sayntuarie ; one Auncient, by the Abbey of Westminster. MIDDLESEX. Baker's howse, in Tummy 11 Streate ; the Blacke Lyon, in Shorditche ; Muggleston's howse, in the Whitechaple. Secondly, There is a house by my garden, within the manner of Paris Garden, wherein one Tarlton dwelleth, a place of great suspicion, and about three years since, when the plague was in the Marshalsea, the papiste prisoners there gott libertie of the keeper of the prison, and lodged in this house, having suspicious resort unto them : and continu ally from that time hitherto, by being often at my garden there, I have seen suche resort thither as hath bene very suspicious. It hathe fore- dores one waye, and back-dores another waie towarde St. George's fields, and having bene sundry tymes serched, for want of due know ledge of the back-dores, no good hathe bene done ; for the fore-dores are no sooner knocked at, but any within may passe out at the back-dores. Whereof it may please your Worshippe to have due consideration. Thyrdely, there be two houses, joyning uppon Tuthill fields, by Westminster, with fore dores one waie and back dores another waye, wherein papistes have bene usually lodged,being very suspicious houses by meanes of the situation of the places, having passages forward and backward, whereof it may please you to consider. There is one Bosgrave, a suspicious person lyving, of the papists, having no dwelling house, but dailie seene in Paule's, and very familiar amongst the crew of papistes, whose brother was condemned with Campion, and yet sent over agayne. I take him for a very dangerous person, so as if your Worship think good, I take him to be a meete man to be examined in any matter touching papists, that may be for her Majestie's service. Richard Frith. 1 Gun. 1585.] LONDON SLANG. 251 SURREY. Pressinge Yron, in Sowthwarke ; the Rose, at Newington Butts. Memorandum. — That in Wootton's howse, at Smart's Keye, are wrytten in a table divers poyses, and amongst the rest one is thus : Si spie, sporte ; si non spie, tunc steale. Another is thus : Si spie, si non spie, foyste, nyppe, lyfte, shave, and spare not. Note, that foyste is to cutt a pockett, nyppe is to cut a purse, lyfte is to robbe a shoppe, or a gentilman's chamber, shave is to fylche a cloake, a sword, or a sylver spoone, or such lyke, that is negligentlie looked unto. Note, that myl- kyn ken is to comytt a robberie or burghlarie, in the night, in a dwelling howse, etc.* * The number of tracts on the manners and practices of the rogues and vagabonds of the time, who formed a peculiarly distinct class, pub lished during the reign of Elizabeth, and those of her immediate suc cessors, is truly surprising, and they appear under the most grotesque titles. According to these books, the rogues in London, which was their head-quarters, formed a regular society, the numbers of which were divided into numerous grades, according to their different occu pations as thieves, pickpockets, beggars, &c. In the British Museum are preserved several of these tracts, bound up into a volume together. In them we find many specimens of the slang of the day, resembling^ what is here given by Recorder Fletewood. Thus we have to nip a bung and to nip ajan, identical phrases signifying to cut a purse. So to foyst is to pick a pocket, and a lift occurs in the sense of a house or a shop breaker. The words of the strange jargon are much less arbi trary than we might be led to suppose, and are many of them very old. To lift, and a lift, are the Gothic and Anglo-Saxon hlifan, to steal, Gothic hliftus, a thief, (the Greek KAejirew and k\<=W?jj,) and are still preserved in the term shop-lifter. In one of the lists of slang words in the tracts just mentioned, we have pad, a way, and padder, a highwayman, a purse taker on the high road ; up to a very late period highwayman were called pads, and in Yorkshire, they call a certain hobgoblin, which is believed to haunt the highways, a pad-foote. Ken is still a slang word for a house. 252 AFFAIRS OF SCOTLAND. [AUG. MR. WOTTON TO SIR FRANCIS WALSINGHAM. The last of July the States of Scotland assembled in St. Andrews, to whom the King opened the matter of the league,* to which, by a public instrument, they subscribed, which the Secretary! shewed him after. They expect here, at Mr. Myll's returne, some good reso lution from her Majestie, concerning as well the matter he had in charge, as what she will have done with 19, (Arran) J who is and shall still remayn prisoner here, untill her Ma jestie's further direction. But to send him prisoner to Eng land, this King is unwilling for many reasons, but willing that he make his purgation to the Quene, which offer he adviseth to be accepted. 1st August, the Bishop of St. Andrewe's preached before the King, commended much the intended league, signified a fast to be kept two dayes publick, in respect of the pestilence then generally raging, and the dangers wherof the island is in by the devilysh practises of Seaton and his instruments abrode. Though the proviso in the end of the publick instrument seemeth to intend the league defensive and offensive uppon the poynt of rehgion only, yet it is meant by the King and his counsell to reach against all invaders of either prince's dominions, according to the. articles sent out of England, uppon what ground soever the quarrel be. It was so dout- fully framed, the easier to induce the States then assembled * The leaguewith England. f Maitland. + The Earl of A~rran, so famous, or rather so infamous, by his cor ruption, debauchery, and tyranny, was James Stuart, second son of Lord Ochiltree. He was a great favourite with the King, and had chiefly brought about the fall and execution of Morton. He was sus pected and accused of having incited the borders to the fray in which, this year, Sir Francis Russell, son and heir of the Earl of Bedford, was slain, and the Earl received a wound which caused his death the next day, and on this account to appease Elizabeth, he was committed to prison. 1585.] ILL STATE OF SCOTLAND. 253 to grant a power to the King and such commissioners as he should appoint to conclude a league. He hath stayed any further proposing the article about granting the King a Duchy in England. But they all think it most reason that her Majestie promisse not to do any thing to the preju dice of the King's title, and the rather because the Master of Grays affirmith, that at his being in England the Quene pro tested as much to him. At the closing up of this letter, 39 came unto him, and affirmed the King much perplexed be tween the love he beareth 19 (Arran) and the promise to the Quene to detayn him still prisoner. Aug. 2, 1585. SIR FRANCIS WALSINGHAM TO LORD BURGHLEY. Your Lordship by the inclosed shall perceyve howe head long things run in Scotelande, and therefore howe necessarie it were that an embassaye with countenance should be presently sent into that realme, as also well furnyshed with meanes to stoppe the intended course, wherin there is already such an entry made as I see just cause to think that by my employment alone wyll not be repayred. For if T cannot be there at the tyme desyred, being the 15th of this present, it were to good purpose that her Ma jestie dyd wryte a letter out of hande unto that King, and to acquaynt hym with her intent of sending of me ; and in the meantyme to require him, as he tendereth her contynuance of frendship, to staye all further proceeding in his intended alterations. This courage in the King sithence Fentrye's arrivall groweth not without good assurance of backing, and wyll not be helped without a rounder and more resolute kynde of dealing, then hitherto hath bene taken for the con servation of the amity of that realme. It shall be necessary also to give severall present dyrections unto Mr. Bowes, for the advyce that is demaunded by Marre and his associates, 254 Elizabeth's letter to the king of scots. [aug. touching that act done at Ruthen. And so leaving further to trouble your Lordship, I most humble take my leave. At Barne Elmes, the 6th of this present August, 1583. Your Lordship's to commaund, Fra. Walsingham. For that Mr. Sommers fyndeth himself unapt for the ser vice, (for the reasons contayned in his letter,) I thinke no other wyll be found more apt for the place then this bearer, my brother Beale, if her Majestie shall allow thereof. QUEEN ELIZABETH TO THE KING OF SCOTS. Among your many studies, my dear brother and cousin, I would Isocrates' noble lesson were not forgotten, that wills the Emperor, his sovreigne, to make his words of more ac count than other men do their oathes, as meetest ensigns to shewe the truest badge of a prince's arms. It moveth me much to move you, when I behold how diversly sundry wicked spirits distract your minde, and bend your course to wicked pathes, and like all evil illusions, wrapped under the cloak of your best safetie, endanger your state and best good. How may it be, that you can suppose an honorable aunswer may be made me, when all your doings gainsay your former vows ? You deal not with one whose experience can take drosse for good payment, or one that easily will be beguiled ; no, no, I mind to set to school your craftiest counsellors. I am sorry to see you bent to wrong yourself, in thynking to wrong others ; yea, those which, if they had not even then taken opportunity to let a ruin, that was newly begun, that plot would have perilled you more than a thousand of such men's lives be worth, that persuade you to avouch such deedes, to desere a faultless pardon. Why do you forget what you wrote to myself, with your own hand, shewing how dangerous a course the Duke was entered in, though you ex- 1583.] sir amias poulet. 255 cused himself to think no harm therein ? And yet they that with your safetie preserved you from it, you must now seem to give them reproach of guilty folk. I hope you more es teem your honor than to give it such a staine, since you have protested so often to have taken these Lords for your most affectionate subjects, and to have done all for your best.* To conclude, I beseech you passe no further in this cause till you receive an expresse messenger, a trusty servant of mine, from me, by whom I mean to deal like an affectionate sister with you, as of whom you shall see plainly you may receive honor and contentment, with more surety to yourself and state, than all these dissembling counsellors will or can bring you ; as knoweth the Lord, to whose most safe keeping I do commyt you, with my many commendations to your person. Your most assured and faithfullest sister and cousin, E. R. (Aug. 1583.)t SIR AMIAS POULET J TO LORD BURGHLEY. My very good Lord, I am growen so thrifty, that to save a little paper, I do not sticke, insteade of a just letter, to trouble * " He imprisoned certain Lords, that preserved his life from peril, and bereaved some of them of their lives, being his most affectionate subjects ; therefore she desireth him to pass no further in that cause, till she sent a messenger unto him with an embassy. This trusty messenger was Mr. Secretary Walsingham." — Marginal note in the Original MS. t The letter appears to be the one recommended by Walsingham in the preceding. These two letters, as the date will show, have been misplaced by an oversight. J Sir Amias Poulet, or Paulet, was born at Hinton St. George, in Somersetshire, and was grandson of the Sir Amias Poulet, who put Cardinal Wolsey, then but a schoolmaster, in the stocks. Sir Amias was a man of great credit for his honesty and faithfulness, and was entrusted in the present year, after the Earl of Shrewsbury had re signed the charge, with the custody of Mary Queen of Scots. At a later period, when on an embassy in France, and a chain of gold been 256 MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. [AUG. your Lordship with a copy of my letters to Mr. Secretary, as foloweth : Sir, I have receaved your letters of the third of this pre sent, and am right hartely sorry for the losse of that good Earle, and his sonne,* partly for the particular interest I had in them both, but especially in respect of our Quene and countrey, who, in these dayes of treachery and treason against 'God and his anointed, cannot be deprived of the faithfull service of two such personages, without singular damage Whereas you write this Quenef hath desired, that for the cleansing and sweetening of this house, she might remove to some other place for some short tyme, it is most certain that there is no house in these partes either sufficient or commo dious for her and her trayne, or assured for the governour. The Lord Paget hath only two houses in this countrye, the one at Burton, distant from Jiiis castle three myles, a ruinous howse, the buildings scattered and adjoyning to a very poore town, full of badd neighbours, the other at Baudesert, distant seven myles, a howse of no strength, the buildings not finyshed ; and both these houses naked, and utterly unfur nished of all things belonging to household, so as the furni ture of this remove must come altogether from this castle, which will be a matter of excessive charge and trouble, and almost impossible to be performed, this charge being such as the companye may not be divided one daye and night without perill. If she should be removed for some short tyme, it is of necessyty, in my simple opinion, that it must be to some house furnished already, of which sort I knowe of no other then Mr. Candishe's house, J which being insuffi- presented to him by the French king, he is said to have received it with reluctance, declaring that " he would wear no chains but his Mistress's." * The Earl of Bedford, and his son Francis, slain by the Scotch borderers. t Mary Queen of Scots. J Cavendish. 1585.] chatsworth in 1585. 257 ciently furnished to receave this company, considering the newness of this castle, the defects might be supplied from hence. But to say nothing of the weaknes of the house, it is not capable of the Scottishe trayne alone, and yet they must lodge divided in many pieces. Mr. Candishe hath builded a little dyning-chamber, and a chamber or two adjoyning; all the residue of the house is old and ruinous, the kitchen and other houses of office being far lesse then sufficient to serve both those housholds. One thinge I may add, that this countrey is so ill affected, (a thinge not unknowen unto you,) as I thinke no man of judgement would willingly take the charge of this Quene in any house in this sheere out of this castle. No doubt this Quene was in some hope to be removed to Mr. Candishe's house, as I have heretofore written unto you, which was the cause and ground of this motion. But find ing in conference with me, sythens the dispatch of her last packet, that the house was not any way fit for her use, and promising to provide carpenters, and other artificers, to re- payre her lodgings in such sort as should be devised by her ministers, Nau being 'present sayd, that I could say no more, so as, urging the matter of their remove no further, it seemed to me they were satisfied. Notwithstanding, follow ing your directions, and to the end this Quene might knowe her Majestie's favour towards her, I have given her to under stand that her Highnes is well pleased that she be removed, so as any fit house might be found ; and hereupon I told her I knowe only three vacant houses in these parts, viz. Mr. Candishe's house, and the Lord Pagett's two houses at Bur ton and Beaudesert, and have delivered unto her my opinion touching the sayd houses, which is, that Mr. Candishe's house is less then sufficient to receave her owne trayne; that the house at Burton standeth so neare the river as it will not stand with her health to remove thither ; that it is so ruinous as it will not be repayred in short tyme ; that it is unfurnished of all implements belonging to household ; and VOL. n. s 258 MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. [AUG. is also too little to receave this great company. That the house at Beaudesert is not yet finished, and so unfurnished as it hath not so much as one stoole or bedstead in it, and that considering the far distance from hence, there is no possibility to remove all the stuffe of this house thither in convenient tyme. I have added to these foresayd reasons, that the weather hath bene suche of long tyme, as there is litle signe of summer, and that when all diligence shal be used, before this remove shall be performed, and that beere, wyne, wood, coals, and such necessaryes shall be provided, winter will be in its full strength. I sayd that Mr. Can dishe's house was already well knowen to her principall ministers, who could judge if I sayd trewely or no, and the house at Burton might be sene by any of her servants, when she would. She replyed very little, only that the Earle of Shrewsburye removed his stuffe from one house to another ; and that if the house were too little, some of her companye might be lodged in the towne. I aunswered, that the Earle perchaunce removed some of his best stuffe, but was not troubled with his kitchen stuffe, bedstedes, table-boards, and such like ; and that it was very inconvenient that her trayne should be lodged farr from her. I prayed her to consider of it, which she sayd she would do ; so as I thinke I shall heare little more of this matter. If any newe motion shal be made herin by the Frenche ambassador, it may please you to take no knowledge of that which hath passed betwene this Quene and me, untill I shall receave her resolution. I have receaved the three packets for this Quene, and have perused them with her good liking, because having passed over the first packett, I sent it immediately unto her, and so one after the other, untill all be delivered, which pleaseth her greatly. The French ambassador, in his letters to this Quene, chaungeth not his stile touching Archibald Douglas, saving that he adviseth her, considering his departure, to ap point the sayd Archibald to followe her causes about that court. All other things mentioned in the sayd packetts, and 1585.] INCONSTANT BEHAVIOUR OF KING JAMES. 259 seeming worthy to be observed, are contayned in this paper inclosed. It may be, and it is very likely, that I advertise many needeles things, wherin I crave pardon, because I do not knowe what you knowe already, but of this I am sure, I have omitted nothing that may concerne the Quene or coun trey, and have used such expedition therin, as I am deceaved if this Quene thinks anything lesse then that I have taken any extracts of her letters. It is likely that her Majestie will conferr with my Lord Treasurer touching this remove, and therefore I have thought good to advertise his Lordship of all my proceedings herin with this Quene, and of my simple opinion of the vacant houses in these parts. And thus I committ you to the Almighty, who prosper all your actions to his glory, etc. And thus I leave to trouble your Lordship any further, resting alwayes at your commandement, and so do committ your good Lordship to the mercy of the highest. From Tutburye, the 8th of August, 1585. Your Lordship's to commaund, A. Poulet. A. TO G.* Since the directing of my last unto you of the date of the seventeenth of Auguste, I have been divers times at courte, and have assayed by such small credit as I have, to qualify some of these hard apprehensions conceaved of our sove- raigne's procedings. I perceave my travell cannot prevayle ; neither see I how this matter can be well helped, unles some matter in actions may be performed, wherby this inconstant dealing (so termed by those of the councell) may be re moved. Her Majestie doth utter speeches, that she would never have believed that the King or any of his wise councell would have so far overseen themselves as to write one day * "A letter written in white ink, from A. to G. the 21st of August, 1585." S2 260 ELIZABETH ACCEPTS THE NETHERLANDS. [AUG. to her such and such matters should be performed, and on the next day thereafter, not abiding her answer, would then overthrowe the same, so manifest a mockery, that no gen tleman of reputation would have used the like to his inferiour or servant ; and as her Majestie and comisailours are grieved at the manner of proceedings, so is there a number of gen tlemen, frendes to the trespassed, wounded in minde for the slaughter of the gentelman of so greate expectation, where- uppon there is occasion taken by unfrendes to aggravate this matter in such manner, that hardly can any man or assured frend be found who will help this matter. I feare it shal be so unpleasant to her Majestie, that I will not pre sume to open any parte of it. These banished Lordes are like not onely to finde the assistance and favour of all per sons grieved, but also to procure greater liberty, which unto this time had beene straight by th'only means of Sir Francis Walsingham ; the remanent counsaylors for the most parte being absent from courte. My Lord of Leicester is not yet returned, but by letters which I have seene from his Lordship, he heavily lamented the manner of these procedings, specially because of the good appearaunce that might have ensued, if matters had beene right followed out. As I writ unto you before that Andwerp was rendered, so it is now confirmed. The forme of the appointment shall be sent unto you by the next. Her Majestie had receaved the countrey of Holland and Zeland, given unto her by the estates therof, and hath sent 9000 men for receaving possession of such townes as should be delivered into her keeping. These two provinces being the places in Christianity most abundant in shippes, being joyned to those in this countrey, are thought able not only to defend themselves against all enemies that would invade them of both, but also to stopp any other nation but such as they please to approve in any parte of this island or her Majestie's dominions. Thereuppon they have founded the 1585.] STATE OF FRANCE. 261 first surety of this estate, and are not much like to seeke the ayde of any forein prince for establishing of their surety. I pray God her Majestie be moved to devise some good meanes, wherby her Majestie may remayne contented of his proceed- inges, and his Highnes recover the favour which he had uni versally obtayned of this flourishing nation, abounding in wealth and riches. From France it is given out that the King altogether mis- likes of these Guisards, and that there doth appeare a peace to followe betwixt the King and protestantes, wherby the former edict shall be ratified, and the last abolished. Poverty, and lack of money to sustayne these warres, is likely to produce their effectes, and that shortly. As matters falleth out, you shall have further advertisement. * I began your letter with no small regard, because I feared some course to be in hand at this time, which of before I caused Thomas Milles under secret to open unto you, I most hartely pray you to be wise and with yourself to consider therof. The opening of it may do great harme, and keping secrett with knowledge no small good. The remedy in these matters for your particular, appears to be this : to excuse yourself by writ, and to move the King to deale by actions hereafter, and if you can be the doer yourself, you will re cover reputations to both. Before this can come to your handes, the ambassador will let you to understand what is reported of you, and committ to his eares, and he will desire to knowe the verity therof of yourself. But I think he will not let you understand who is the reporter, because I could not obtayn so far commaund to be given unto him. But thus farr I cannot hide from you. The men that you suspect are the doers, which I pray you most hartely to keepe secrett, because the opening thereof wil be my utter discredite, and hurtfull to yourself. The sound of the report is this, you are the chief furtherer of Arrene's liberty, have receaved good deed * " In white ink of the same day, and to the same person from A." 262 BEHAVIOUR OF SCOTLAND. [OCT. for doing thereof, is entered in dealing with the Jesuits, and dissimulation in the courses with England. The matter was very hardly taken here, and specially by her Majestie, and heavily lamented by your friends, and truly matters are entered into so hard apprehensions, that I feare this incon stant kind of dealing, imprisoning one day and relapsing at another, without her advise, shall give occasions of speech and thinking at all times hereafter that nothing shall be be lieved of that which shall come from that country, except it shall consist in action. And to speak the truth, it was not well done to sett Arren at liberty before returning of her Ma jestie's ambassador, by reason all men condemnes the King in that matter, either of inconsistency, or then that it was done for wresting with her Majestie, which is very evill taken, as will appear by her Majestie's letters to the King. I have travelled divers times that her Majesty might have used some mitigation, but I perceave my labours will not prevayle unles his Majestie make some amendment by action, so far as concerneth these banished Lordes. I perceave the whole frendes of Sir Thomas Russell not only minded to give their countenance and assistance, but her Majestie is also be ginning to give eare to their petitions, and cause questions of their force at home to be demaunded. It will be dangerous to suffer that course to go forwards, by reason it can not be called back when men would. In my opinion, it should be well done to lay the perill open to his Majestie, and to lett him understand nothing can help that matter and bring him in credite and favour here, as he was before, except doing by action, and no action can be able to helpe, but the reliev ing of the banished Lords, or then the delivery of Arren and Ferniherst, to be used at their pleasure, or then the performing of both. I thhike reason should move his Ma jesty to amend these matters, before they come to further ripeness, otherwise where men would do good, matters will be unremedible, as 1 writt to you before : that writt was lost. 1585.] DAVIS THE NAVIGATOR. 263 JOHN DAVIS* TO SIR FRANCIS WALSINGHAM. Right Honorable, most dutifully craving pardon for this my rash boldness, I am hereby according to my duty to signify unto your Honor, that the north-west passage is a matter nothing doubtfull, but at any tyme almost to be passed, the sea navigable, voyd of yse, the ayre tollerable, and the waters very depe.f I have also found an isle of very great quantytie, not in any globe or map descrybed, yielding a sufficient trade of furs and leather. And although this passage hath bene supposed very impossible, yet, through God's mercy, I am in experience an eye wytnes to the contrary, yea, in the most desperate clymates, which, by God's help, I will very shortely most at large reveale unto your Honor, as sone as I can possibly take order for my maryners and shipping. Thus, depending upon your Honor's good favour, I most humbly commytt you to God. This 3rd of October, (1585.) Your Honor's for ever most dutyfull, John Davys. LORD SCROPE TO SIR FRANCIS WALSINGHAM. It may please you, Sir, I fynde uppon the returne of my man, remembred by my last of the third, that the contents of that my last to you is true and am partlie given to under- * John Davis, the navigator, was born at Sandridge, near Dart mouth, in Devonshire. He was very sanguine in his expectations of the discovery of a north-west passage, and first visited Davis's Straits, which have been so named after, him. He was slain in an encounter with the Japanese on the 27th of December, 1605. f The northern seas appear to be much more clear of ice some years than others, and Davis perhaps visited them in a favourable 264 THE SCOTTISH LORDS BESIEGE STIRLING. [NOV. stand, that after the towne of Sterlinge was wonne, these Lords* assalted the castle, and contynued skirmysh with the Lords therein from fyve hours in the morning on Tuesday last, untill eight of the clock on the same day, at which tyme the King sent out to the Lords the Justice Clerk and the Secretary, to commune with them, and to offer that him self would be well pleased to have speech and conference with any two of these four, viz. Hamylton, Bothwell, Hume, and Maxwell, utterly denying to speak with Angusse, Marr, or Glamis. But the Lords answered they would do nothing but conjointly and altogether. This parley contynued be twixt the King and the Lords, and the castell holden, untill Wenesdaye at fyve of the clocke in the afternoone, messages still going to and from the King all this tyme. At which hour it was delyvered to the Lords, and the Lords in the castell and others ih the towne were taken, and yielded themselves, viz. Th'Erles of Crawford, Montrosse, Rothowse, Arrell, and Mershall, andGlencarne, Collonell Steward, Sir Robert Melyn, William Steward, Captain of Dumberton, James Steward, his brother, and the Master of Levingstone, with many other Barons and gentlemen taken in their lodgings in the towne. * These were the banished Lords, who, taking advantage of the ill- feeling which had been created throughout Scotland by the conduct of Arran and his party, entered Scotland, and made themselves masters of Stirling and the person of the King, and immediately strengthened themselves by giving the strong holds of the kingdom to the custody of their friends. " Then," says Camden, " when they had, by their faithful obedience, cleared the King's minde of all things that were criminously and suspiciously objected against them by their adver saries, all proscriptions of all men whosoever, and for what causes soever, from the King's inauguration to that very day, were in as sembly of the estates decreed to be for ever forgotten, (except those for the murder of the King's father, and also against the Archbishop of Glascow, the Bishop of Rosse, and the Bishop of Dunblane,) and with general consent of all, authority was confirmed to the King to enter into a confederacy with the Queene of England, and to assigne de legates. 1585.] THE LORDS TAKE STIRLING. 265 In this parley it was agreed betwixte the King and the Lords, that they should have all things as they would. Whereuppon proclamation in ample forme against Arren, and such as shall make receipte of him, were graunted to be published at all markett crosses throughout that realme. The King's Majestie is shortly to remove from Sterlinge, by reason of the great plague there. The Captain of Dumberton, being in hand, is threatened to be executed, unles he deliver the Castell of Dumberton, and th'Erle of Arren suspected to be therein. Thus being readie to take horse and returne towards Car lisle, and having acquainted the full contents of your laste to the gentlemen, the reste of the commissioners, who are right glad to hear of the thankfull acceptance of their service herin at her Majestie's hands, I committ you for the present to the protection of the Almighty. From Barwick, the 5th of November, 1585. Your loving frend assuredly to commaund, H. Scrope. SIR GEORGE CAREY* TO LORD BURGHLEY. May it please your Lordship, I cannot but crave pardon for my hasty departure on Sunday last, and yield my humble thankes for your honorable entertaynment. The news I re- cieved from court yesterday as very freshe and not common, you shall understande, which are, that the banished Earls of Scotlande, with their confederates, entered Sterlinge towne by two a' clocke in the morning, and with the loss of ten men, tooke all the noblemen that was with the Kinge pri soners, saving the Erie of Arren, who escaped over the brige, and is thought is gone into Dunbrittan. The King is in the castle with the Master of Gray, the Secretary, and some * The eldest son of Lord Hunsdon. 266 AN ENGLISH SHIP TAKEN BY THE DUNKIRKERS. [NOV. others ; what will become of him is doubtful. And so for this time I leave longer to trouble you. From Carisbrook Castell, this 10th of November, 1585. Your Lordship's to commaunde, George Carey. I beseeche your Lordship, present the humble remembrance of my duty to bothe the ladies. THOMAS DOYLEY TO THE EARL OF LEICESTER. Right Honourable my singular good Lord, my humble dutie premised, having by many difficulties ridd myself out of the hands of the hell-hounds of Dunkirk, and arrived at Calleys, where I may boldly write unto your Honour the unlucky event of our journey, these are to advertise your Honor, that putting out from Gravelinge the 13th of October, the 14th of the same we were taken not farre from Dunkerk ; our pilot sayl- ing off his course, bending too much southward. At the taking of us there were two men-of- warre, the one called the Lour Haane, and the other the Skeur Water, having two prises in his companie. Our ship being heavie and full freighted, both the upper and nether deck, so that we could make no fight, so that we yielded and were rifled of all our goods and apparel unto our doubletts and hose, with their daggers at our throats, and brought to the common jayle, and after our being there an hour, came the under-baylife, or serjeant-major of the towne, with their poignards to our brests, stripping us stark naked, searched us againe, and took away such money as the mariners fayled of. There we remayned from Thursdaye untill Mondaye, having nothing sayd unto us. That day we were examined before the go vernor, the bayhf, bourghemaster, pensioner, and others, of our own estate, other Majestie's actions in Flanders, of your Honor's coming over, and this examination signed with our hands, was two dayes after sent to the Prince of Parma at 1585.] TREATMENT OF THE PRISONERS. 267 Antwerp, whose resolution we must attend. The same day fortnight he went, he returned. After four days consultation upon the Prince's letters, we were called to the Towne Howse, and there told by the baylif the Prince had de clared our goods confiscated and our bodies to be set at ransome. We demanded if he had declared us ene mies ; they answered, No ; but we were therefore put to our ransom, because enemies goods were found in our ship, namely, the Earl of Oxford's, which they proved by letters of my Lord Treasurer's to him, wherein he wrote of her Majestie's grante of the commanding of horsemen, which letter one of the Earl of Oxford's chamber brought over in our boate, with his monie, apparel, wine, and venison, etc. Then were we severally put to our ransom, and rated at their plesures, merchants, mariners, ship, and all. My ransom, with my charges in prison, was 500 guilders, which, by the means of one Mr. Hudson and Mr. Beal, merchants, I dischardged. Mr. Stephens was exempted from this putting to ransom, because by the letters he had, they pretended him to be an agent of matters of estate, and an especiall instrument in matters of Flushinge, and sett him downe articles, wher- unto they comaunded him to answere peremptoriely, uppon payne of the torture, the coppie wherof, with his answer to them, he hath sent to Mr. Secretarie. The answer to the articles is sent to the Prince, so that I douthis will be a longe and difficult matter. I escaped well, because they found nothing in my chest but physick and astronomy books, all letters and notes for your Honor's busines I drowned out of a porthole, when they entered the ship, which Mr. Stephens could by no means do, his trunk being overwhelmed with sondrie packs. There came awaie in my companie two merchants, and your servant John Potter, for whose ransom I have given my worde. We left behinde us some merchants, two of the Earl of Oxford's men, besides the four gentilmen which were there before us, namely, Mr. Shelton, two Traceys, and Mr. 268 STATE OF DUNKIRK. [NOV. Whithed, for whom they demaund 2000 guilders a-piece, and as yet growe no lower. The day before our coming out of Dunkirk, there arrived an Enghsh ship laden with corne and salt, a Sandwich man, his name is Richard Durrhum, the consideration wherof I refer to your Honor. There was one Burnham, whose bro ther serveth Mr. Secretarie, an inhabitant of Dunkerk, ba nished the towne uppon suspicion of informations into England. There remayneth in Dunkerk, Mr. Stanyhurst, the Lord of Tunsan's brother, and Mr. Copley, surnamed Lord, whose sister Mr. Stanyhurst married : also Mr Kemp, called Don Gulihelmo. The governor is a Spaniard named Francisco d'Aguillar d'Alvarede. The garrison is two companies Spanish, and one of Muffs, both weake. The Spaniards are notably hated of the inhabitants. The towne is verie poor and desolate, the grass growing in the streets. If the Flushingers would hinder their fish ing, they should be soone starved and brought to ex tremitie. The day before our coming away, they, by proclamation, called downe the value of all coines to the rate of Brabant monie, as I suppose, to allure marchants to trade with them. Mr. Stephens humbly requesteth your Honor's assistance in the procuring his libertie. * He hath wrote to Mr. Row land York for his returne, and to St. Aldegonde to that effect, as he hath conferred with your Honor. I knowe not what order your Honor hath taken touching your affayres since my imprisonment. I am readie as alwayes to do your Honor anie service, if your Honor please to em ploye me. I request agayne your letters of credit, and from the estates also ; I hope to kepe them better. I meane, God willing, presentlie to take shipping for Flushinge. We durst not go from Dunkerk to Ostende, the 1585.] ARRAN ESCAPES FROM STIRLING. 269 quarters being broken, no passport or drum would war rant us. Thus humbly commending my dutifull service to your Honor, I wish the same felicitie in all affayres. This 12th of November, 1585. From Calleys. Your Honor's most affectioned and dutifull servant, Tho. Doyley. LORD SCROPE TO SIR FRANCIS WALSINGHAM. Sithence the dispatch of my laste of date yesterdaye, and sente by Henry Leigh's man, there hath come unto me a confirmation of such matters as by the said letters I did ad vertise, except that of the councellorshippe that still resteth in suspence. I am further given to understand, that at the surprise of the towne and castell of Strivelinge, the escape of the King was at a neare hazarde : who, before the sur render of the castell, assayed for that purpose to have cor rupted William Maxwell, of Newarke, which at that pre- sente had the chardge of a secret posterne of the castell, to whom the Lords sent and offered large sums of money to have lett him out at the said posterne, but by good forsight this devise was prevented and defeated. It is not yet certainlie knowne what is become of Arren, but suspected that both himself and all his brethren have taken shipping for other countryes. His especiall favourites in courte are all either removed of the courte, or wardes ; the Colonell Steward committed to the care of Morton, and presentlie with him at Drumfreys. The Lords continueth still at Lithquo, and hath appointed the last session of the Parliament to begin and be holden in Lithquo, the 1st of December next, wherunto it is looked that the whole nobilitie and estates shall convene and give their presence and free votes. In that Parliament, it is 270 SIR PHILIP SYDNEY AT FLUSHING. [NOV. intended that good order shall be had for the restitution of the lands and livings to the late forfayted Lords and others, with order for their salfty and standing hereafter, with oblivion of all matters paste, and divers other things to be then entreated and enacted for the weale and common quietnes of that realme. The keeping of these Weste Borders are (for a tyme) com mitted to the charge of Morton, who hath already made his entry into that office of wardenry, and published his proclamation for redres of late disorders, and other matters which I referre to your view of the copie of the same here with sent you, and committ you to the protection of the Al mighty. Nov. 18, 1585. THOMAS DOYLEY TO THE EARL OF LEICESTER. Right Honorable, my humble dutie premised, arriving at Vlushinge the 16th, the next day the souldiors and bourgers solemnized with the great ordinance, the ensigns displayed on the towne walls, her Majestie's coronation daye. The 18th arrived Sir Phillip Sydney,* so much the welcomer because he brought a supply of monie, the wante wherof caused a general discontentment, and on Sundaye there was a reciprocall oathe taken betweene the governor and the magistrates of the towne, and Mr. Edward Norreys having resigned his provisional charge, is gone into Guilderland to his brother, being encamped before Nyewmegen, still batter ing the towne from a skonce gayned by force from the enemie over agaynst the towne, on the other syde of the river, being not 2000 stronge. The enemie made gi'eat provision of bridges and boats for the rescue therof, minding to have joyned his troupes with Verdugos, but the moystnes of the * Who was made governor of Flushing, one of the cautionary towns. 1585.] STATE OF THE LOW COUNTRIES. 271 weather hindered their carriages, so that he turned his forces toward Bolduc, and is passed over a branch of the Wael into Bomelswaert, a rich soyle, but the townes are too strong, as Bommel and Tyel, for him to prevayle ; but he would withdrawe the General from Nyewmegen. The enemies being on foote, caused all the townes fronter- ing uppon them to stand uppon their garde, especially Oestende, Sluys, Berghes-op-Zoom, Utrecth, as also our small camp. The Prince hath sent to Blankenbergh 3000 foot and 500 horse, for the making of a skonce there, lying between Oestende and Sluys, and it is thought he will make a haven there, for the relief of Bruges for victuals. Your Honor's coming is wonderfully wished for, and not more de sired than necessarie, to establish some better order, which groweth towards a confusion, for manie new comers can better mislike then amende, and have as little skill to commaund as will to be commaunded, and everie man projecteth to his self and his estate, besydes the discontentement of the people, whom nothing can content but your Honor's presence I am skant awake from the miserie of the prison, therefore I humbly crave pardon if I particularise not the occurrents wherein I am skant entered. So wishing to your Honor the greatest degree of felicitie, I commit the same to the protection of the Almightie. From Vlusshinge, the 23rd of November, 1585. Your Honor's most dutifull servant, Tho. Doyley. THE EARL OF LEICESTER TO LORD BURGHLEY. My very good Lord, I am sorry I could not take my leave of you before my departure, but I heard, which I am sorry for, that your Lordship's paines increased after my going from the court, and dyd lett your coming to London. But 272 LEICESTER ON HIS WAY TO HOLLAND. [DEC. having that opportunity taken away, I have thought it my parte to bid your Lordship farewell by these few lines, wher in I shall wyshe your Lordship present health, and many yeres to serve her Majestie, commending you for the same to the myghty protection of the Lord. My good Lord, I may not, having this occasion, be un- myndfull of those things also, which I did think at my leave taking to have remembered to your Lordship, albeit I know the care you always have of her Majesty's good services. Your Lordship cannot but remember the cause for which it hath pleased her Majesty to send me into the Low Coun tryes. It was not only by your Lordship, but by the whole number of counsellors, agreed uppon, how meete and ne cessary it was for her Highnes to give ayde and assistance for the reliefe of those afflicted countryes, her neighbours and most auncient trends. It hath grown synce to newe termes and resolutions, as well by her Majestie's own words of comfort to them, as by contracts set downe between her and them, by her Majestie's commyssioners appointed for that purpose. I trust, my good Lord, now that I have taken this voyage uppon me, to serve her Majestie as she hath commaunded, your Lordship wyll be myndfull of me, poore man, but of the cause comytted now to my dealing cheifly. Albeit I have no mystrust, but in so great absence and such a service I myght greatly rely uppon your partycular good wyll and regard of myself. But in this case I desire not respect nor regard of me, but of the cause, which I beseech you, my Lord, I may at this farewell recommend to your Lordship's wyse- dome and great care. It cannot be, but whatsoever lack shall happen to me in this service, but the want must turn to her Majestie, and as there can no good or honour fall to this action, but it must be wholly to the prayse and honor of her Majestie, so whatsoever disgrace or dishonor shall hap pen (growing for lacke of our good maintenance,) but it wyll redounde to her Majestie also. Her Majesty, I see, my Lord, often tymes doth fall into myslike of this cause and 1585.] LEICESTER ON HIS WAY TO HOLLAND. 273 sundry opinions it may breede in her Majestie withall: but I trust in the Lord, seeing her Highnes hath thus far resolved, and growen also to this far execution as she hath, and that myne and other men's poore lives and substances are adven tured for her sake and by her commaundement, that she will fortifie and maintayne her own actions to the full perform- aunce of that she hath agreed on. Thus shall there be no doubt, but assured hope of all good successe, to the glory of God, and perpetual honor other Majesty. My good Lord, you may conceive my meaning without more words used to you, and the rather that I desired Mr. Secretary to imparte a letter to you I wrote to him. I beseech your Lordship have this cause even to your heart, as it doth appear you have even by consenting to the adventure of your eldest sonne in this service ; for this I must say to you, if her Majestie fayle us with such supplye and maintenance as shall be fyt, all she hath done hitherto will be utterly lost and cast away, and we her poore subjects no better then abjects. And good my Lord, for my last, have me only thus far in your care, that in those thinges which her Majestie and you all have agreed and confirmed for me to do, that I be not made a metamorphosys, if I shall not knowe what to do. And so the Lord have you in his keeping, preserve her Majestie for ever, and send us good successe in his service. In some hast, this 5th of December, 1585, in my way to the sea side. By your Lordship's assured friend, R. Leycester. My Lord, no man feeleth comfort, but they that have cause of griefe, and no men have so much neede of reliefe and com fort as those that go in these doubtful services. I pray you, , my Lord, help us to be kept in comfort, for that we wyll hazard our lyfes for it. VOL. II. 274 SLACKNESS OF THE GERMAN PRINCES. [DEC. LORD WILLOUGHBY * TO LORD BURGHLEY. My most honorable good Lord, I was sorry when I de parted that I could not for lacke of tyme better satisfy your Lordship nor myself for that small trifle of Gretam, which I valued only because it was the first gracious gift of her Ma jestie, and was loath that her Majestie's hand should have bene unto me in vaine. Notwithstanding, I referred the cause by my last letters to your Lordship, wholly unto you, since I understand how honorable your Lordship hath delt with me, your poore neighbour, which I acknowledge in all love and dutie, and shall be ready by all meanes I may to deserve, and as your Lordship useth not that authoritie you may in hindering my meane affaires, so your Lordship shall find me to my abilitie ready to furder your Lordship's good pleasure with all offices and services I am able, which I hope your Lordship will not regard by the smallness of my power, but by the greatnes of my good will. Mr. Stokes, I heare, is dead. I hope your Lordship re- membreth your letters of promise for Ednam parsonage, wherin it pleases your Lordship so well to conceive the rea sons, as I nede not to yield you any, but give you humble and hartie thankes for the same. I have no advertisement here worthie your Lordship : I was employed here by her Majestie to sollicit succours for the King of Navarre, either by men or money, but I have received a mar velous cold answere, which I am sine your Lordship shall be made acquainted with. They understand better proximus sum egomet mihi, than they have learned humani nihil a me alienum puto. The Germane Princes contynueth still in their depe securitie and lethargie, careles of the state of others, dreaming of their ubiquitye, and some of them, as it * Peregrine Bertie, Lord Willoughby, was one of the bravest and most skilful soldiers of this reign, and was made commander of all the English forces in the Low Countries after the retirement of the Earl of Leicester in 1587. 1585.] PREPARATIONS OF THE SPANIARDS. 275 is thought, inclining to be Spanish and Popish more of late than heretofore. As better occasion shall serve, so will I not fayle to trouble your Lordship oftener with my letters. In the mean season I leave your Lordship, with my praiers to Almightie God. From Crount-nbargh, the 15th of December. Your Lordship's to commaund, Peregrine Wyllughby. LORD CHARLES HOWARD * TO THE EARL OF LEICESTER. My honorable good Lord, I am wonderfully beholding unto you to that it pleaseth you to remember me your too poore friend with your letters, which I have received by sun dry. Your Lordship shall be always more assured of my love and service, and with all my power to be a mean that you may be well backed. We have here hourly advertysements out of Spayne of the great preparations the King dothe make, and it is by some of our own nation that is stolen from them. It hath given here some hot alarm, but forgotten in a day or two, after the olde manner, which your Lordship is best acquainted with. I am much afraid, and I pray God I live not to hear of Eng land as was of Callys, that it was lost before we scant heard it was besieged, for if they prepare thus wonderfully and we hear of it and do nothing resist it, your Lordship is wyse to judge what is like to followe. But, my Lord, my case is hard, now lacking so good a friend as your Lordship to joine * Charles Lord Howard of Effingham, was the eldest son of Lord William Howard, on whose death in 1573, he succeeded to the office of Lord High Admiral of England, and afterwards commanded the fleet against the Spanish armada. He died at an advanced age on the 14th of December, 1624. At the time of writing this letter, the reports of the great prepara tions of the Spaniards began to be spread abroad. T2 276 CLANDESTINE trade with the enemy. [dec with me ; for whatsoever I say to seeke to prevent this great mischiefe towards, it is very unpleasant to some, but most unto her for whom God knows I am more carefull then for myself, wyfe, and children ; but I thinke it is tolde her Majestie that war is my gayne, and therefore no marvel if I procure it. But being as it is, and our mynds of no greater courage, I wolde to God we were carefull to defend ourselves, synce we are so afrayd to offend. My Lord, my duty unto God for his cause, my faythefull- nes unto her Majesty, being in the place I am in, wyll not suffer me to hold my peace. And yet I fear much it woll do no good. Your Lordship and your company hathe lefte very few men of war here. I pray God, a shaddow of peace or some such things put into her Majestie's head, bredeth not us muche danger. If her Majesty do prepare a navy, as of necessytie she must, I thinke we muste have help from your Lordship, both of shyppes and men, for it is one of the articles. Touching that, I think yom Lordship shall hear more shortly. Touching that I did understand, and that your Lordship had understanding, that Englishemen near the coste should carry vytell over unto the enemy, some one now may do so, but it is deathe if it be found. I would to God your Lordship could advertise us of any. But, my Lord, dayhe the Hollanders do, and yet they fynd means to have the States write in their behalf. For this they do : they carrie one half of their goods that is lawfull and the other prohibyted goods, thynking to save the prohibyted goods by the collour of the lawfull goods, but the law is, that having any pro hibyted goods in the shyppe, all shall be forfeited, for so is the law. But our poore men that have ventured to do this servys is discouraged and almost undone, for whatsoever is taken, they are so wrangled withall as they are weary to serve any longer. And believe me, my Lord, do what you chuse, the States wyll deceive you in that, if your Lordship meet not with them on the seas. Your Lordship's letter touching the lewd be- 1585.] LEICESTER ACCEPTS THE GOVERNMENT. 277 havyour of Churche, it shall be duly examyned and be well punyshed. I have declared unto the bearer, Mr. Atie, somethynge to say unto your Lordship by word of mouthe. Your Lordship shall always have me with all my goodwyll and power to stand by your Lordship in this honourable action, and pray to God to bless you in all your doings, and take you and all your company to his protection. The Courte, the 27th (Dec. 1585.) Your Lordship's always most assured friend, C. Howard. I am sure your Lordship doth hear ere this, how your Flushyngers hath used the Dunkerkers. CONTENTS OF THE EARL OF LEICESTER'S LETTERS TO LORD BURGHLEY FROM FLANDERS. January 22, 1585. That the soldi ours in garrison townes will no longer stand to the States' paiment. Wherupon fol lowed this consequent, that the townes were all put in daun ger of being surrendered, etc., and himself forced to take upon him the whole paiment, and so the absolute government, otherwise the matter could not be pacified. That the Prince of Parma, upon his arrivall, called together the counsell and president, declared to them the views of his coming, as also of Captain Drake sent to the Indies, whereto the president aunswered, that those inconveniences followed upon the Kinge's refusing of their good counsail, which was to graunt the freedom of religion to the Low Countries, which if he had done for the time he might have resumed at pleasure, and have put down the Protestants again when he lysted. That the Prince of Parrna casteth owt rumours of peace offered by the Quene, to make a jelousie and division among the States ; and that a letter was sent to that purpose from 278 LEICESTER IN HOLLAND. [JAN. Antwerp, which signified that the English howse was in pro viding for my Lord who was to come thither abowt that pur pose, and that the Prince of Parma presumeth much of the humour of England that way. That to stand only upon a defensive war will be disho nourable, and a way to undo all, for these reasons. 1. That the enemie having the field roveth and scoureth where he lyst, doing force and receiving force but where and when himself lysteth. 2. That Brabant and Flaunders have been lost by that resolution. 3. That he spoileth the countrey by continuall incursions, where the English should be re lieved without resistance. 4. That the defensive only being an endless war, is a discouragement to the people, seeing no measure nor end of their taxes and contributions. 5. That the enemie is more afrayd of the field, than our part is, he standing only upon the forces of his garrisons, but we hav ing many strong townes for refuge after any losse. 6. That the fields may be got and purchased on our part with a very small charge added to that which is already. To be means to the Quene that he may have by Easter 2,000 horse and 5,000 footmen, to meet with the skowerers that spoil the countrey. That Villiers is a very villain, and leadeth away the Count Morrice to a reconciliation, and useth also to that pur pose one Malarie that is about the young Count. That forasmuche as my Lord North is sickly, and taketh his living there for a punishment, means may be made to the Quene, that either he may have leave to retume into Eng land, or be there with more honour, viz. to have a place in the commission and D. Bartilimew Clark to be sent home, being there needlesse, for as much as D. W. Clark furnisheth the towne for law much better. That the Duke of Saxonie is become a new man since his last marriage, hath sent a very plain message to the Em- perour, and is agreed with divers other princes to send to the Frenche King to desist, etc., telling him that otherwise they will 1586.] PLOT AGAINST THE QUEEN. 279 stay from him all Germans aydes, and assist the King of Spaine with their forces. That the Count of Emden is all Spanishe, the rather because his brother Count John received so small comfort in England, for which cause presently he languisheth. That it were good to reduce the two brothers by some good means. That Hamborough is villainous and all Spanishe. If it may be, the Enghsh trafficque to be removed thence, and towards someway els, by that means to reduce or abate them. That he hath won the States (whom he fyndeth very lov ing) to some new contributions. That Paul Bruys is a very villain, a dissembler. Or- tell lykewyse to be his, and to skorne the English. Feb. 22. That he hath proceeded already with the States to a conclusion for an armie to be levied for the field, that being the only way to relieve those countries. That he hath provided for that purpose for the water, 40 good ships and 25 smaller vessels, to run upon the rivers, and for land that they have concluded for 4,000 horse, most Reiters. That 3,000 Spaniards more are arrived there of late. That the King of Denmark hath sent him very kynd mes sage by my Lord Willo wbey, that he offereth to her Majestie's service 2,000 horse, with his best captains and his own son, if she pleases. The Count Hollock to be very forward and earnest in her Majestie's service. That he hath mett with divers letters and intelligences, wherby he understandeth that the Pope hath greatly la boured divers desperate persons to do violence to her Ma jestie, the plot to be executed by strangers under colour of merchandise. And that the Prince of Parma of late spake broadly to that purpose, that the English ayde would not continue many weekes, meaning by her Majestie's death. 280 LEICESTER IN HOLLAND. [FEB. That he is informed how that two Jesuites of Burges have undertaken a great enterprize in England, and were well in structed with pretences for accesse to the court. To prevent the mischief, it were good, 1, To banish the Popish mer chants of the Low Countries at London ; 2, To lay for these two, whom he will gett better described ; 3, To remove her Majestie from London to Woodstock, or Farnham, or some other place far and in a country well affected. Feb. 24. That he hath procured 20,000 florens more of the States monthly, besides the 20,000 graunted before. That he hath chaunged divers garrisons of late, for some small suspicions, and now all places to be sure and faithfull. That he is making Lillo and Lyfkyn Hoof stronger, being places of so good importance. That he hath learned there to be of a good nature, and hopeth to sett the Kings of Fraunce and Spain together by the eares shortely, without a groat charges. To move her Majestie for Sir W. Pellam's sending over, and Captain Bingham for four months. To remember for money, money. Feb. 26. That he is informed by one of the States, of certain bruites given abroad by the Prince of Parma, touching the Quene's disposition for a peace with the King of Spain, and to the lyke effect he is certified from London that one Lewis de Pare, a Spanish merchant, is sent a month since to the King about that matter, which he cannot believe, being a thing so dishonourable and dangerous. That Mr. Secretarie would certifie him if any such thing be. Feb. 27. That Coronell Shenkes hath taken a towne and castell in Westphalie, of very great importance. The town to be the principall within the province of Werle, belonging to the Bishop of Collen. That the Count of Mears hath met with a conspiracie of late at Deventer, and chaunged the magistrates, who would have 1586.] LEICESTER IN HOLLAND. 281 rendered the towne to the Spanishe, and that this Count is the best Protestant and surest affected in those countreys. That Utricht and some other neutrall townes, since his coming, have inclined towards religion, and shewed some good fruits, the ministers now waxing more bold, and that he meaneth shorteley towards Utricht. LORD BURGHLEY TO THE EARL OF LEICESTER. My very good Lord, as matters do rise so am I bold to wryte unto you, and yet I see so many misaventures in safety of arryvall of letters, as I see it necessary to repeate things in second letters, wherewith your Lordship may be troubled by reading ; but I would rather so trouble your Lordship then leave it undone. In my former letters, I have shewed you that her Majestie wold have your Lordship to cause inquisition to be made of the nomber and power of the shipps of warre in Holland and Zetland, and with what number they wold be content uppon their charges to serve this yere with her Ma jestie's navy agaynst the King of Spayne's power, which hath been reported greater than I can believe ; but her Majestie is resolved to have her navy ready at Portesmouth, before the end of March. Her Majestie also wold gladly have your Lord ship discover to what purpose the Itallien carpenters do work, as it is sayd, very secretly in churches in Antwerp, about shipps or gallyes. Of late, Oftell, that remayneth here agent for the States, propounded certain questions uppon the trade to be used by the shippers of Holland and Zetland. The articles I do send herewith to your Lordship, with an answer by us here given under your Lordship's advise. Uppon conference with the States, we fynd here that under colour of any trade with mar- chandise to any partof Pycardy, the enemy is succoured. Never theless, as your Lordship there shall fynd the States conform able, we will here prescribe the same order to be kept. 282 LEICESTER ACCEPTS THE GOVERNMENT. [FEB. Truly, my Lord, it is most necessary that all kynd of victells or matters for shipping be utterly forbydd. We have ad vertisements from Lysborn, by sondry come from thence that all English men are at liberty there, and that the preparation is as yet not great, only all maner of great hulks are stayed. And so I end from any farder troubling of your Lordship. 17th January, at Grenwych. Your Lordship's most assuredly, W. Burghley. LORD BURGHLEY TO THE EARL OF LEICESTER. My very good Lord, your last letter come to my hands was by your Lordship wrytten at the Hague the 29th of January, by which I was glad to perceave you had receaved my letters sent by Mr. Atye, and my son, which were made old letters by the contrary wynd, which of late hathe bene so constant to hang long in one coast, as either your Lordship there havecause, or we here, to misse it, for it holdeth strongly either west, which pleaseth us to send, but not to heare, or els in the east, which discontenteth either of us in contrary manner. By your Lordship's letters I fynd many thyngs of my let ters answered, so I shall be able to satisfye her Majestie ; but to be playn with your Lordship, in a few words, I and other your Lordship's poore trends, find her Majestie so dis contented with your acceptation of the government there, before you had advertised, and had her Majestie's opinion, that although I, for my own part, judge this action both honorable and profitable, yet her Majestie will not endure to heare any speeche in defence therof. Nevertheless, I hope a small tyme shall alter this hard conceit in her Majestie, wherunto I have allready and shall not desist to oppose my self with good and sound reasons to move her Majestie to alter her hard opinion. But to end this wryting, I cold not but to accompany this gentleman, Horatio Pallavicino, with my letter, whom for his wisdom and all other good qualities, I 1586.] AFFAIRS OF SCOTLAND. 283 nede not to commend to your Lordship, being so well knowen and approved to your Lordship as he is. Your Lordship's assured at command^ W. Burghley. From my howse in Westminster, 7th February, 1586. SIR ROBERT CONSTABLE* TO SIR FRANCIS WALSINGHAM. It may please your Honor, the 21st of this instant, Mr. Randolph e, her Majestie's ambassador, came unto this towne, and presently wrote unto the King for his licence, which was returned unto him the 24th of the same, who the next morning sett forth of this towne unto the courte of Scot land, and requireth that he might have Robert Carvell to ac company him, whom I licenced accordingly. I receaved this enclosed from Roger Ashton,t which I do returne unto your Honor. Th' occurrences I have intelligence of at this time, are as followeth : The Master of Grey (as I am informed) stands not in such'i favor with the King as he did of late, and therefore deter- j mined to drawe himself home from courte. The Secretary! is in great credit and favour with the King at this present. There hath bene some conspiracie and practise latelie against the Lordes. But it was lefte of, for that it could not be brought about to take effect, devised (as is thought) by the Erie of Arren and his adherents. Sir William Steward was apprehended upon suspecte for the same matter, and brought to the Lord of Arbroathe, who examined him, and afterwards was carried to the King, * Marshal of Berwick. t The English resident in Scotland. t Maitland. 284 EARL OF ARRAN BANISHED. [FEB. with whom the King hath great conference in secrett, and thereuppon by the King discharged, at libertie and resident nowe in courte. It is said th'Erle of Arren shall departe forthe of the realme abowte the thirde or fourth of Marche next ensuing, and that Collonell Steward hath taken his leave already at the courte, and is departe forth of the realme lykewise. And moreover, (as I am informed,) if her Majestie's ambassador had not come at this present there had growen great dis pleasure and alteration sodenly amongst them in the courte, for that there is great disdaine and envie amongst the noble men at this present. The Lord Maxwell as yet continueth in warde, whom the Lordes have in great suspect for this conspiracie and practise against them, and are tinned to be his enemies, seeking to procure at the King's handes that he maye have his triall, and abyde an assise, who is like to come to be arraigned, and thought it will go very hard with him, as well for his former proceedings, as this his late action. I am certainly informed that Sir Thomas Carre, the Lord of Farnihearst, is deceased in the towne of Aberdene, in the north of Scottland. (24th Feb. 1585.) W. DAVISON TO THE EARL OF LEICESTER. My singular good Lorde, yesterday I receyved your letter of . . . . and even now another of the 10th of this present. By them both I see how much your Lordship longeth to heare how things have succeeded with me since my returne, wherin, because I have written at some length in my letters of the 2 ...., commytted for surety sake to this bearer, one of the captains that . . . over, though detayned here ever since by the contrariety of wynd and weather, I shall not neede in this to make any new or long rehearsall. Since my second 1586.] THE queen's ANGER AGAINST LEICESTER. 285 and third daye's audience, the stormes I mett withall at myn arryvall have overblowen and abated dayly. Sir Thomas Henneage,* notwithstanding, continueth his jorney, and, as we think, is yesterday embarqued. He intendeth to go by Flushing, where I wyshe he might not fayle of Sir Philip Sydney. Since the qualification of his message, I do not heare of any change ; neither hath her Majestie, or himself, mentioned anything therof to Mr. Secretarie ; the most I have learned therof hath been from my Lord Treasurer, who, I can assure your Lordship, hath herein done good offices, though he have not been able to do all that he wished. On Satterday last, uppon some newes out of France, wherin it seemes they grew jealous of your Lordship's interest in that go- vernement, her Majestie fell into some new heat, which lasted not long. This day I was myself at the court, and found her in reasonable good termes, though she will not yet seem satisfied to me, either with the matter or manner of your proceeding, notwithstanding all the labor I have taken in that behalf. Howsoever it be, I am zealous of the success of things there uppon the bruites delivered abroad, specially when they shall be confirmed by Sir Thomas his arrivall, if he carry not himself very temperately and discreetely, which I have the better hope of, as well for the common opinion had of his judgment, as for the love he beareth to your per son and the cause. It shall not be amisse, in my poore opinion, that in your next letters to my Lord Treasurer, your Lordship take know ledge as from myself of his good offices done in your behalf. In the meantyme, I do not forgett to labor him all that I may. I had no speach with him this day, by reason both himself and divers others of the councell were met together in hear ing the old differences between the Lord President of the * Sent to signify to the Earl of Leicester the Queen's displeasure at his having accepted the government of the Netherlands. 286 THE QUEEN'S ANGER AGAINST LEICESTER. [FEB. north, and my Lord Mountjoy.* Mr. Vice-Chamberlain pro tested that he hath and will deale honorably with your Lordship ; and for anything that I heare, hath performed it. Mr. Secretary hath been behind-hand to no one of the rest in an honest and honorable defence of your doings, but th' opinion of his partiality for your Lordship hath somewhat prejudiced his credit with her. Both he and the rest of your good friends do fynde a great lack in your Lordship's seldom entertayning her Majestie with your own letters, and think it one speciall helping cause to all the offence and myslike here against you, which I fynde to be true, and wish your Lordship would labor to reforme. Though I dare not take uppon me to give advyse to your Lordship how to proceede with Sir Thomas Henneage, yet could I wishe, under your correction, in case he has order to proceede in the delivery of any other letters then to yourself, that they were retayned till uppon the information of your Lordship and others, I had signified the danger and inconveni ence thereof to her Majestie, and receyved her further plea sure, because in the meane tyme I hope tilings may be wrought here as you wish them, so your Lordship forgett not to amend your noted fault in her Majestie's behalf; for in particular, I find not her Majestie altogether so sharp as some men say, though her favour outwardly cooled in respect both of this action and of our plaine proceeding with her here in defence thereof. In your supply of men there is nothing yet resolved, though her Majestie promised to determyne something this day. I am sorry your Lordship hath cause to myslike the partie I recommended you, not without some forewarning of his par ticular wants, which your Lordship will, in your wisdome, either help or beare with. The man I know is able to do you very good service, but his long use to goveme alone, doth make him somewhat incompatible fellowshipp. * James Blount, sixth Baron Montjoy, father of the Lord Montjoy, celebrated in Irish history. 1586.] THE QUEEN'S ANGER AGAINST LEICESTER. 287 I have not seen my Lady these ten or twelve dayes ; to morrow I hope, God willing, to do my duty towards her. I found her greatly troubled with tempestuous newes she re ceyved from court, but somewhat comforted when she under stood how I had proceeded with her Majestie. It hath been assured unto me by some great ones, that it was putt into her Majestie's head that your Lordship had sent for her, and that she made her preparation for the journey, which, added to a number of other things, cast in by such as love neither your Lordship nor the cause, did not a little increase this heat of her Majestie's offence against you. But these passions over- blowen, I hope her Majestie will have a gracious regard both towards yourself and the cause, as she hath not let sometymes to protest since my Teturne, knowing how much it importeth her in honour, surety, and necessity ; which recommending to the blessings of God, and your Lordship to his gracious protection, thus I most humbly take my leave. At my poore howse, this last of February, 1585. Your Lordship's ever bounden servant, W. Davison. LORD BURGHLEY TO THE EARL OF LEICESTER. My very good Lord, I should be ashamed greatly for not oftener wryting to your Lordship of late, having receaved so many from you, but that I have an excuse more sufficient, than I lyke of, which also this bearer can inform you of. Since Mr. Hennadge went from hence, who tarryed very long at the sea coast for want of convenient wynd, her Majestie wold never be content to have any speeche of the state of things nedeful to be knowne for your chardg. I have not desisted to move her to gyve eare, but she continued her offence as in no sort I cold attayn to any answer mete to be given to your Ldrdship. And now of late having had a myshap by a fall, 288 AFFAIRS OF THE LOW COUNTRIES. [MARCH, wherby I have bene and still am to kepe my bed, I have at sondry tymes wrytten to her Majesty. I have also sent my mynd by Mr. Vice-Chamberlain, who hath earnestly used my name to her Majestie, specially to send money and men to supply the broken bandes, but no answer to purpose can be had, and yet I mynd not to cease, but being pushed thereto with conscience and care of ber honour, yea, of her savety, I will still sollicit her Majesty, hoping God will move her to harken to necessary motions, principally for herself. Now, my good Lord, though I cannot gyve you no answer to many thyngs for lack of her Majestie's good disposition, yet I will remember the matters contained in your Lordship's letters, and wryte soomwhat therof, in another paper here inclosed with my man's hand, because, in very truth, the payne of my bruised foot disableth my hand to write as I wold. My Lord, I imparted to her Majestie the secret offer made to you for to yield to her Majestie the gayn of 30,000 or 40,000 pounds by the yere, for the permission to coyne the Rose nobles there, but her Majestie would not be tempted therwith ; and surely, my Lord, I marvell how such a gayn can be made therof, for though for a reasonable portion to be coyned there, at the first utterance, the same might be valued for great gayn, yet when there should be any plenty, the gredynes of them will be stayed, and the true valewe wold be knowne, and the estymation wold abate. It wold be knowne to what qualitie he wold monthely or quarterly coyne, and if it should be taken in hand, and within a few months quake for want of utterance, the matter wold be evil spoken of, to erect up a coinadg in a forrayn country of our currant money ; but if the gayne might be sure, the proffit wold answer the speeche. As I may heare more from your Lordship, so will I procede herin. And so I take my leave of your Lordship, praying you to take in good part, my 1586.] LEICESTER IN HOLLAND. 289 divyding of my letter, by wryting part with my own hand, and part with my servant's. From the Court at Grenwych, the 6th of March, 1585. Your Lordship's most assured, W. Burghley. SIR HENRY WALLOP TO THE EARL OF LEICESTER. Right Honorable and my very good Lord, though I be late to make shewe of my gladnes, of the happie begin nings which we heare your Lordship hath encountered with in this your voyage unto the Low Countryes, yet I am none of the laste that do rejoyce thereat, or in the meaner sorte, either in respecte of my partycular devotion and affection to wardes your Lordship, or for the greate good which I con- ceyve and hope may come unto the common cause of Godde's truthe, to the relief of those oppressed people, and to the preservation and salfetie of her Majestie's estate, through the prosperous successe of the enterprize, God being pleased to bless the same, as he hath done the firste beginning, to wardes which, for that my fortune, nor the reason of my being employed here in so remote a place, for her Ma jestie's service, doth mynister unto me any other means to advaunce so godly a work, I will at the least em- ploie my daylie prayers to his divine Majestie, that he will vouchsafe (if it be his holie will) to prosper the whole course of your Lordship's proceedings there with the same good fortune with which this your first entering hath been made joyfull to all those that love and honor your Lord ship, or favor the cause. And as I shall ever be most glad to understand that they be, as I do wishe, so do I humbly beseeche your Lordship to accompte of me, as of one that shall lykewise be as readie to do you any kynd of service that shall lye in my power, as any man of my calling and VOL. II. u 290 the queen pacified. [march, abilitie, wherof whensoever it shall please you to make tryall by commaunding me in any sorte, I will yield better proof by deedes then I can make offers or declarations in wordes. This broken and patched estate is for the present in quyet, but of the contynuance I dare not assure. Lenity and tempo rising (in my simple judgment) is not the waie to reduce Ireland to dutyfulnes and civility. But such her Majesty will have it for, and the dysobedient in religion not to be touched. Her directions must be obeyed, though I feare it will prove dangerous in the ende. Thus for this tyme ceasing to trouble your Lordship any further, I end with remembraunce of my humble dutie. From Dublyn, the 15th of Marche, 1585. Your Lordship's alwaies at commaundement, H. Wallop. SIR WALTER RALEIGH TO THE EARL OF LEICESTER. My very good Lorde, you wrote unto me in your laste letters for pioneers to be sent over, wheruppon I moved her Maiestye and found her very willing, in so much as order was given for a commission ; but synce, the matter is stayed, I know not for what cause. Also according as your Lordship desired, I spake for one Jukes for the office of Backhowse, and the matter well liked. In ought else your Lordship shall fynde me most assured to my power to performe all offices of love, honor, and service towards you. But I have been of late very pestilent reported in this place to be rather a drawer back then a furtherer of the action where you govern. Your Lordshipe doth well understand my affection towards Spayn, and how I have consumed the best part of my fortune, hating the tirannous prosperity of that estate, and it were now straunge and monstrous, that I should become an enemy to my countrey and conscience. But all that I have desired at 1586.] THE EARL OF ARUNDEL. 291 your Lordshipe's hands is, that you will evermore deale di rectly with me in all matters of suspect doubleness, and so ever esteme as you shall find me deserving- good or bad. In the meane tyme I humbly beseech you lett no poeticall scribe worke your Lordship by any device to doubt that I am a hollow or cold servant in the action ; or a meane wellwiller and follower of your owne, and even so I humbly take my leave, wishing you all honor and prosperity. From the Court, the 29th of Marche, 1586. Your Lordshipe's to do you service, W. Ralegh. The Queen is in very good termes with you, and, thanks be to God ! well pacified, and you are agayne her sweet Robyn. WILLIAM FLETEWOOD TO LORD BURGHLEY. Upon Tewresday morning, at such time as the Earle of Arundell's* cause was in handeling in the Starre chamber, myselfe, with others, did sitt at Fynsburie, where we found my Lord Windsor's office. After that I went into London, and kept the Sessions there, where we had little to do. At after noone, went I to Fynsbury againe, and did likewise keepe the Sessions for Middlesex, where we had not much ado, but in verie small causes. Wednesday was spent at the gaoll of Newgate, where we had little or nothinge to do. The matters there were slender and of no great importaunce. There were none executed ; but all the reprieves are referred to the order of my Lords * Philip Howard, Earl of Arundel, eldest son of the Duke of Nor folk. He had committed various infractions of the laws against the Catholics, and in the preceding year had endeavoured to escape out of England, but being taken, after a year's imprisonment, he now re ceived judgment, which was, that he should be fined ten thousand pounds, and should suffer imprisonment during the Queen s pleasure. U2 292 OXFORD PREACHERS. [MAY, the Commissioners, for the which cause we receaved letters from sixe of the Lords. Thursday was spent by Mr. Wroth and Mr. Yoonge in perusing the strength and abifitie of the prisoners. Myself went that day to the Court, by commaundement, where I found neare fortie of Westminster and the Duchie. Our coming was for the Marshall Sessions, but it did not holde, and it is adjourned unto the next day before the next terme. Upon Friday, a good number of the commissioners for the sewers sat in Southwarke upon a newe commission, where we did bestowe a great piece of that day. At after noone, I sat in commission at Lambeth, with my Lord's grace, where three Oxford preachers were charged for that they would have all temporall causes to be decided by the seniors of the church, and that her Majestie had not to deal in causes ec- clesiasticall, with such like matters. My Lord Almoner did beare much with them. Satterday was by me employed to abbreviate and explaine a new commission graunted for the relief of the Fleete and King's Bench, and this I did by the commaundement of my Lord of Canterbury his Grace. And thus your good Lord ship may see that I have not bene idle this present weeke before Whitsuntide. My Lord Mayor hath a house at Zefinge, neare Brainford, where he was robbed. The goods came to Mrs. Gardiner's howse, whose husband was lately chirographer ; she im prisoned the officers in her house, but now she hath made re stitution, and is sortie for her misdemeanour. Your good Lordship, peradventure, may marvell why we have had so fewe dealings in criminal! causes at these our late Sessions. The reason is this : we have in prison here in Newgate the most principall thieves of this realme ; we lacke none but Manneringe, who doth daylie gather into his societie lewd persons, who committ in all parte of this realme most daungerotts robberies. I heare that the Genner or Ingen is in your Lordship's custodie, the want wherof 1586.] THE EARL OF SUSSEX. 293 is a great stay of many burglaries. This present Whitson- day, 1586. From Bacon-house. Your Lordship's most humblie bounden, W. Fletewode. COTTON MOWGRAVE TO THOMAS RANDOLPH. My Lord Embassador and my good cousin, I am most glad to heare of your healthe, as, God be thanked, I left your wyfe and chyldren, when I came from London, and I am glad to hear of your returne out of Scotland in healthe. I pray you lett your friend see you at. his poore house, in your passage; it is not out of your way; you shall be as welcome to my house as unto any friend his house in Eng land that you have. News I can wryte you none, because they are thinges I aske not after. God send you well at my house at Nostill, and from thence, as it shall please God and you, to London, where there is so many that wold be most glad to see you, and I to receive some few lynes from you of your returne, as you passe, and at what tyme, and thus I committ you to the Lord. The fyrst day of May, 1586. Your kynsman and assured friend, Cotton Mowgrave. THE EARL OF SUSSEX* TO LORD BURGHLEY. Right honorable and my very good Lord, purposing now presently to have gone up to London about diverse great sutes I have, and being ready to go to-morrow earlie, there was this afternoon brought me an information of a certaine mutiny and assemblie to be shortlie practised within this * Sir Henry Ratcliffe, who succeeded to the title of his brother, on the death of the latter in 1583, and died in 1593. He was captain and governor of Portsmouth. 294 PLOT IN HAMPSHIRE DISCOVERED. [JUNE, shire, and for that both the man who gave me notice hereof, as also he of whom he hearde the same, are both of good be haviour and honest credit, I. thought good to stay my coming up till further examination and triall be made hereof; and have sent your Honor herin inclosed a coppie of this man's declaration. In the mean tyme, I have directed out letters to the justices of the peace in every division to prepare themselves, and such as be under their charge, to be in a readynes to suppresse and resist every attempt, and to take order that their beacons may be for a tyme well guarded with some horsemen and footmen, to th'ende no lewde persons sholde be able to attempt the tyring of them uppon any so- dayne, wherby the countrey should be assembled or brought together, and also that the constables and other honest men may watch and have speciall care if any such action should be conferred or talked of, and to informe the same. I have forborne to write herein to the whole counsell boarde, unlesse I had more better proofe therof, least it might make a greater rumor and speech therof then the case I hope will require, mynding upon better examination to advertise your Honor more at large. From my howse at Beare, going back to Portesmouth, the 4th of June, 1586. Your Honor's to command to his power, Sussex. Postscript.— Synce the wryting of this letter, I have also examyned the party who first declared the matter, who doth agree with the other, as by his declaration also may ap- peare. My Lord, wheras I have a daye of hearing betweene my Lady my sister-in-lawe and me, uppon Fryday next, I shall moste hartely require your Lordship to put it off untyll it be towards th'ende of the terme, consydering the cause of my present stay, by which tyme I hope there shall be no further cause for me to stay, and your Lordship will do the lyke at my other sutes. 1586.] ' LEICESTER IN HOLLAND. 295 LORD BURGHLEY TO THE EARL OF LEICESTER. My very good Lord, the sodayn coming to me this after noone of Mr. Nicholas Gorge, with declaration of her Ma jestie's meaning to send him with speed to your Lordship, forceth me to scribble a fewe lynes, though I have cause to wryte very many. What her Majestie wryteth, I know not, but I hope very comfortably, for so I lately found her Ma jesty disposed to allow greatly of your service, howsoever she had bene in many things sowre, if I may so terme it. At this presence, uppon the coming of the tresorer and the au ditor, her Majestie hath shewed some mislyking of her charges there, and evill content to heare how more than nedefull it is to send money thyther. * # # # # Your Lordship hath no few causes of grief, as partly ap peareth by your Lordship's late letters sent by Mr. Barker to Mr. Vicechamberlayn, Mr. Secretary, and myself, and in truth I cannot blame your Lordship either in thynking or writing hardly of your state, considering the small comfort from hence, notwithstanding your good desert there, and the good suc cesses of your services there. But yet, my good Lord, we here have more to saye in our defence and purgation, than is convenient for us to say truly, by removing the fault from ourselves, and so I hope your Lordship's own ministers here can declare and express unto your Lordship. For otherwise truly, for myne own part, if I were not cleare of all fault, I might lyve with a conscience tormented. Wherefore, my good Lord, howsoever your Lordship feeleth cause of much griefe, yet condemn not your frends here, that are not able to remedy such accidents as are out of their power. Good my Lord, now that her Majesty is disposed to allow of your honorable servyces, turn your griefes into comfort, and, in one word, there is no way so ready to continue her Majestie's good lyking therof, as to help to abridg her extraordinary charges, the nature wherof truly doth make here great changes with her Majesty. 296 THE HAMPSHIRE CONSPIRACY. [JUNE, I will leave now this humor, and end with the other matter of our merchants. They complayne grievously of the Hol lander's shipps of war that kepeth the ryver of Embden in such sort, as they can have no trade to Embden, the let wherof impeacheth their trade, so as they are less able to help you with money. And truly, my Lord, if you can help that, and by placard stablish your values of our monyes there, you shall not want their help with monyes from hence, the carry ing wherof thy ther is here very evill spoken of, and greatly mislyked of her Majestie. And as it is here commonly re ported, by the over-valuing of our gold there, it is stolen over thyther, and partly chested up there, or molten and converted into base gold, and of this here is very lewd speeche by per sons malecontent. ***** Sth Junii, 1586. Your Lordship's at command, W. Burghley. THE EARL OF SUSSEX TO LORD BURGHLEY. It maye please your Honor, whereas I wrote unto you in my letters of the 4th of June, of th'information I had of a conspiracie of rysing and tumulte, which shold have bene putt in execution by fyring of the beacons, you shall under stand that the same, uppon prosecution of tlie matter, doth manifestly appeare not only to be a rysing and rebellion in this shire, but also in other shires, as it was in King Ed ward's tyme, as by th'examination sent unto your Honors of the counsell, and my letters therof may more plainlie ap peare. I thank God that it was my chaunce to stay two or three daies longer than I was determyned, for I finde by the sequell of the matter (as some terme it) tliere wold have bene a black and bloody day in Englande, which (I hope) by this meanes of discovery and foresight is prevented. 1586.] THE HAMPSHIRE CONSPIRACY. 297 I have by letters unto the justices of every division, and articles delivered unto the constables, and by private speech and perswasion amongst the yeomen and best farmers, taken such order (I hope) as if there should be any murmuring or speech of sturr, the yeomen, farmers, and constables will do their endeavours to make stay therof, and to cause the parties to be apprehended, and also give such speedie notice to the justices of the peace that they shall be suppressed before they may levy any number for force. I have also written letters to the Deputie Lieutenants of Sussex, and justices of peace there,, for the apprehensions of certayne persons in that shire being of this conspiracie, wishing them also for a more safetie and defence, to cause their beacons to be for a tyme the better garded. I have divers of the conspirators and their confederates taken, of whom some be examyned, and some not, for that they be brought in hourly, of whom you view the names in a paper herein inclosed. And so I most humbly commytt your Honor to God. From Portismowth, this 13th of June, 1586. Your Honor's assured to his power, Sussex. Postscript. — I presume your Honor will have me in re membrance touching my sutes, as I requested your Honor in my former letters, for the deferring of the dayes of hearing untill my coming, which is put of uppon this occasion of service, so that if it cannot be this terme, your Honor wold defer it till the next terme. Postscript. — It may please your Honor, I thinke I have some here in my custodie, for that as yet I have sent none to gaole, that if they were well wronge, wold disclose by whom and from whom this originall rebellion did proceede, wherof 1 pray your Honor's speedy answer, for that once being in the gaole they shall not lack counsellors enowe for their pur pose, and to advertise how they shall be sent for ; theruppon I will commytt the rest to the gaole. 298 THE CONSPIRATORS TRY TO ESCAPE. [JUNE, THE EARL OF SUSSEX TO LORD BURGHLEY. My Lord, synce the disappointing of their pretended ' re bellion, I am secretly given to understande, that some recu sants have prepared themselves to flye beyonde sea, and to carry with them their goods and other matters, who I feare, by the perswasion of forayne rebells and fugitives, and by practise of domesticall recusants, have bene privy of this re bellious conspiracie. I have so followed this matter, as I have brought it so to passe, as those which were a counsell for conveying of them and their goods over sea, be now by me and some of my household retynue appointed to be the apprehenders of them. They knowe none of their names but one, but there be both gentlemen and gentlewomen to go over. The barck that sholde carry them over was bought and rigged here in Portismouth ; but I have talked with the master therof, who is in consort with them that I have sent in a pynnace, to give them a token when they and their goods be come aboarde, and then the pynnace to boarde them. I have also sent out Henry Clerck, a shipp master of myne owne, in a boat of his owne of thirtie tonnes, with six tene or twentie shott, to lye plying up and downe uppon the seas, wherunto the fugitives mynde to goe, to th'ende if they shold escape the pynnace uppon the shore, he sholde meete them at the seas, and by this means I hope to have them all taken and brought unto me. I have rather chosen to deal this way by sea, then to seeke to apprehende the knowen man by lande, for that he being once apprehended, the others wolde be conveyed away, for such people be overmuch friended uppon this sea coast, and such letters as they have of advyse or creditt (if they carry any,) never to come to light. If this matter shold not fall out according to my ex pectation, but that I sholde mysse of them, yet I hope your ' Intended. 1586.] SIR THOMAS CECIL. 299 Honor and the rest wold so make report of my good will for service, as the best may be thought therof. And if this my practice for their apprehension take good successe, I have pro mised tlie discoverers and apprehenders a good reward of suche goods as they shall take with them, which I hope your Honors will for my creditt's sake, and the recompence of their service, give me leave to performe. The worst is (if I should mysse) it is but that so many lewde persons be gone, which perhapps by friendshipp might have obtayned lycense. And so I most humbly commyt your Honor to God. From Portismowth, the 13th of Junii, 1586. Your Honor's assured to his power, Sussex. LORD BURGHLEY TO THE EARL OF LEICESTER. My very good Lord, tymes do alter matters in all places,. and therefore this forenoone, when Mr. Secretary and I had taken care for making some instructions for Mr. Aty, wherof some part tended to declare some thyngs beside her. letters to the counsell of the States from her Majesty, and some part to yourself, her Majesty mislyked that Mr. Aty should, being your secretary, impart her pleasure to the States in thyngs that might concern yourself, and therefore soddenly she gave Mr. Secretary order to command my son,* who was ready to take shipping towards Holland, to stay and to be informed of those matters that concern the speeches to the counsell of the States, and that he should be directed with those to your Lordship, and as your Lordship should thynk mete upon pe rusal of them, so to direct him in her Majestie's name to utter the same. And this was the very cause that Mr. Aty was not employed therin. * Sir Thomas Cecil, Lord Burghley's eldest son, now governor of Brill. He was created by James I. Earl of Exeter. 300 PROCEEDINGS OF THE EARL OF LEICESTER. [JUNE, I see still her Majestie's disposition very resolute to con tinue her first purpose for the defence of that action, and therin she is with good cause fully persuaded of your Lord ship's honorable mynd to prosecute the same to her honour and surety, but alwayes I fynd two obstacles in her Majesty. One is, she is very carefull, as a good naturall prynce, al though in such a case as this somewhat too scrupulous, to have her people adventured in fights. The other is, she will not have any more expended on her part, that she hath yielded unto, mislyking all extraordinary charges. And therefore she still calleth on us to wiyte ernestly to your Lordship, that you should now, having that generall autho ritie which you have with her good lyking, press and com mand that the common collections of the countrey should answer all manner of charges, to the disburdening of her Majesty, otherwise than to the sums assented unto. And so her Majesty doth often repeat that your Lordship hath wrytten hyther that you wold so do. • By a letter which this daye Mr. Secretary hath gyven my son, sent out of France from Sir Edward Stafford, to be showed unto your Lordship, you may see how diligent the enemyes and their partyners are to disperse news for their advantages, not regarding how they mixt lyes with truthes. That which in that letter is most marquable for your Lord ship is that of Utrycht, which I doubt not but your Lordship will regard. I know no better waye to impeache these excursions of the Prince of Parma, with his number of soldiors, wherwith he semeth that he will kepe the field, than by all pollycy to distress his victell, which enterprise must now be taken in hand afore harvest. For sm'ely, my Lord, I understand all the countreys in Flanders and Artoiss are well taken with corn, and lyke to yield great plenty to serve all the wynter and spryng following. Surely if the enemy did not thus avance hymself towardes you there in Holland, by the waye of Braband, wherby I see your Lordship is forced to kepe 1586.] IRELAND IN QUIETNESS. 301 your strengthes there also to defend your frontier townes, as Bommell, Nuiss, Gorcum, and such lyke, your Lordship might, with a small band of horsmen to be layed at Sluse and Ostend, compell the towns of Bruges and Gant to revolt, for I know surely the people there are bent so to do for want. I doubt not but Mr. Secretary advertiseth your Lordship of the state of Scotland, where Mr. Randolph findeth none better nor more constantly disposed to kepe good amyty with her Majesty than the Kyng himself. The Lords that were here banished are, as the Scotts termeth it, somewhat drye, which I impute to fearfulness. Of them all, the Master of Glarnes is most cold, joyning himself strictly with the Secre tary agaynst the Master of Gray and Archebald Dowglass, which two men remayn constant to the Quene's Majestie's frendshipp. Out of Spayn we heare that the Kyng's navy, so long pre pared to have followed Sir Francis Drake, are newly stayed, and all other preparations out of Italy. In Irland all thyngs are quiet, and a number of gentilmen of Somersett, DevoD, Dorsett, Cheshyre, and Lancashyre, are making themselves to go to Monster, to plant two or three thousand people mere English there this year, and it is pretended by them to plant about twenty thousand people English within a few yeres. And thus, my good Lord, I beseeche God prosper you, for his honor, to govern those contryes as your noble heart can desyre, and I beseeche your Lordship to continue my son in your favor, as he desyreth. From the Court at Grenewych, ready to pass to London, the 20th of June, 1586. Your Lordship's assuredly to my power, W. Burghley. 302 PREPARATIONS OF THE SPANIARDS. [JUNE, THE DECLARATION OF B- BLAND, LATELY ARRIVED FROM SPAINE.* It is reported that the Kinge of Spayne is making three hundreth sayle of shipps, whither I am not able to say, the reporte is for England or Ireland ; of this I am assured, he hathe sent for all his captaynes, pilotts, and masters, in all the whole land of Spayne, to be at his courte of Mathreete,1 by the 1st of May last past, to take their counsaile in this affaire, for which fleete, as by reporte, there is appoynted ten galleasses, one hundredth sayle of gallies brought owt of the straytes, and the rest are of the shipps and barques made in the contrey. Sixtene sayle of the sayd fleete are made from Byskie, and the province there ; there is six greate shipps made readie at St. Sebastians, two in Allareatha, two in St- Andreas, and six in Castro, with all speed possible to departe for Lysbon, where the whole fleete are appointed to meete together. But it is sore suspected by our Englishmen that are in Spayne, that the King of Spayne goeth about to make some consort with the King of Scoteland for some entrance through his land into England. The cause why we suspecte the Scottishmen so muche is, that before this time they have not bene accustomed to use any traffick into that contrey, and now at this present hath bene two Scottishe shipps in Bilbo, one in Alareda, one in Castro, which hath bene very well intreated, and in better order than ever we were at any tyme when we and they had the best peace that ever we had, saving one that was in Castro, whose name is George Locker, of the towne of Ayre, and was taken of sus picion to be an Englishman, for the which he was greatly * The rumours of the great preparations making by the King of Spain, and the surmises as to their destination, began to create much uneasiness in England, and all intelligence from that quarter was now received with avidity. 1 Madrid. 1586.] PREPARATIONS OF THE SPANIARDS. 303 troubled, and some of his men put to the racke. And after he had proved himself to be a Scottishman, by wytness of some of his contreymen that were in Bilbo, he was sett at lyberty, and appealed to the King, where he had present justice with out delay. But on this I dare venture my life, that if ever the King of Spaine do give any attempt, he will eyther land his men in Ireland, or Scotland, if he may have leave of the King of Scotts. It is most certaine that the King of Spaine hath taken all his ould souldiers owte of all his holds and fortes, both in Spaine and Italie, and in all other his dominions, and placed newe in the same, and the ould to serve in such place as the King shall appoynte, whither I am not able to sale. But the Spaniard reports, that if they were landed in England, they have no dowte of the winning of the land, for that they are certainly persuaded by letters owte of England, that th'one halfe of England will take theyr parte, and who the princi palis be they knowe, and the token that shall be between the Spanyarde and them shall be the signe of the Crosse in their hand ; and by this signe the Spanyarde shall receive them as good Catholicks. Of this token I was certainly perswaded by an Irishe priest, that liveth in that contrey, and hathe bene behelpte by me and divers others Englishmen owte of the contrey. I remayned prisoner in Spaine from the last of Maie, 1585, untill the 13th daie of June, 1586, and was conveyed by some of my friends abord a shipp of Aire, and arrived in Ayre the 26th of the same monethe, and tooke passage thence to Dub lin the 27th of the same, and resided at Dublin the last of the said June, 1586. SIR FRANCIS DRAKE TO LORD BURGHLEY. Right Honorable, having yet in remembrance your Ho nor's wish in your last letter, that the receit of my letter 304 SIR FRANCIS DRAKE. [JULY, which I had written unto your Honor a little before, had bene dated rather from Cape Venester ' then from Plymouth, I cannot omytt to give your Honor now to understand that as we then slacked no possible travel or dilligence which might any way belong to the handling of so great a dispatch, so let me assure your good Lordship, that I will make it most apparent to your Honor, that it skaped us but twelve hours, the whole treasure which the Kynge of Spayne had out of the Yndyes this last yere, the cause best knowen to God. And we had at that instant very fowl weather. My very good Lord, there is now a very great gappe opened, very littel to the lyking of the Kynge of Spayne. God work it all to his glory ! The gentlemen, the bearers herof, have bene actors and eye-witnesses of all that is passed, and can fully certyfy your Honor of all particularities better then can be written, for which cause I thought it most meete to send them, as also more especially to declare the present estate of our shippes, munition, and men, being, as I judge, of no small value to performe any good servise, if her Majestie be offered the oc casion of further employment. It resteth, therefore, in your wysdoms to consyder, and in lyke sort to directe speedily, what course we have to follow. And further, I most humbly beseeche your good Lordship to afford us your honourable good favour, that some moneyes may be had with some expedition for the present dispatch of our poorer sort of men, whose travel and long absence desyr- eth a speedy dispatch. The sum requisite for this dispatch would be no lesse then sixe thowsand pounds ; and in lieu thereof, there shall be either by land or sea sent to the Tower, or where or when your Lordships shall take order, bullyon for it. And so humbly taking my leave of your good Lord ship, untill such tyme as your Lordship shall command me to wait on your Lordship, when I shall give your Lordship something to understand, I hope in God, to your Lordshippe's Finisterre. 1586.] SCOTLAND. 305 good lyking. From a-bord her Majestie's shippe the Elysa- beth Benaventure, this 26th July, 1586. Your Honor's most bounden, Fra. Drake. RANDOLPH TO ARCHIBALD DOUGLAS,* PRIOR OF GLASGOW. Domine, non adhuc sacrosancte, I long to hear how you have preached to the Carrs, and how far your eloquence can persuade about the Queen's, my mistress, favorable offer, or their obedience to the King. It is written or reported to Mr. Secretary Walsingham, that they are gone to the hills. If my authority were as great as the Queene of England's is, then should neither hill nor hold keep them ; but it should be too hotte for them to remayne in either. When you are sanc tified, and in the honourable estate of an ambassador, you will know more then yet I will either speake or write. Mr. Secretary is advertised of such doings and alterations lyke presently to be, as though ten myllions of men were to be slayne in a day among you. As I see no suche lykelyhoode, so have I written to the contrary. Look to your own person that you bring it shortly sacrosanctified into England. Be ware of the crafts of the Arranses and ^hatred of the Can's, for herupon dependeth the state of your welfare, sanctifica- tion, or reprobation. As notable a piece of knavery hath bene of late wrote agaynst my sanctitie in esse and yours in ¦propinquo, as any cunning knave in Scotland could ever have wrought. I have sent the Kynge two hunting men, verie good and skilfull, with one footman, that can hoop, hollow, and crye, that all the trees in Fawkland will quake for feare. Pray the Kynge's majestie to be mercifull to the poor bucks; but let * Cousin to the Regent Morton. He was soon after this employed as ambassador resident in England. VOL. II. X 306 babington's conspiracy. [aug. him spare and look well to himself. At Newcastle, the 5th of August, 1586. Your Lordship's to command, Tho. Randolph. LORD BURGHLEY TO THE EARL OF LEICESTER. (Extract.) # * * * I thynk, by the accompt of Englishmen of late months past out of this realme, there are besyde the Quene's own army, above sixe thousand footemen, so as if your Lordship may have wherwith to pay them, I wold thynk your Lord ships shold be able so to kepe the field, as the Prince of Parma shold not be able to continue any siege to any town of strength, being also well manned. And surely, my Lord, without you shall be able to kepe the field, there is no town so strong but the Prynce with his battery will wyn it. I am very glad that the town of Anell serveth to so good a purpose. I am sure, if the Prince did not follow these sieges in Gelderland, &c. your Lordship wold advance some horsement to Sluse and Ostend, to spoyle the countreys about Bruges and Gant, which also wold make them revolt. Now, my Lord, I dowt not but Mr. Secretary doth at large acquaint you with the discovery of the late traytorous con- spyracies, the authors wherof as far forth as we do esteem, we have, saving only two, Thom. Salisbury and Edw. Abyn- don, both which are fled, but pursued. My Lord Chancellor and I are here continuing at London dayly occupyed, first in procuring their apprehension, and now in examyning, &c. And so, my good Lord, being urged with a weak gouty right-hand to leave wryting, I pray your Lordship to accept these lynes so evill scribled in good part. From my house at Strond, 18th of Aug. 1586. Your Lordship's most assured, W. Burghley. 1586.] FOTHERINGAY CASTLE. 307 SIR WALTER MILDMAY TO LORD BURGHLEY. It may please your good Lordship, the day after I writt to your Lordship, Sir Amias Poulet* sent Mr. Darrell to me, who hath very diligently reviewed the state of Fotheringay Castle, t and considered of all other things touching the pro visions. This morning he is rettnned to Sir Amias, to make report of his doings, wherof I think he will advertise your Lordship, and thereupon as your Lordship shall resolve, so will I be ready to do anything that may be in me for the furtherance of her Majestie's service. Untill which tyme I will trouble your Lordship no longer, but expect what your finall resolutions shall be herin, and so humblie com mend your Lordship to the mercyfull protection of the * Who had the custody of the Queen of Scots. t The conspiracy mentioned by Lord Burghley in the preceding page, was the dangerous and celebrated plot which cost Mary her life. She was to all intents and purposes the principal in this con spiracy, the object of which was to murder Queen Elizabeth and her principal councillors, to raise the papists, and let in the Spaniards, and the end would have been what the Earl of Sussex terms on another occa sion, " a black and bloody day in England." The plot was betrayed to Walsingham, and the letters of the conspirators and of Mary herself intercepted, many of which are preserved, and show clearly that the vast preparations of the Spaniards were connected with it, and that they were much disconcerted by its discovery. By one of Mary's letters in the Museum, it appears that the Spaniards were to be ready for the invasion of England in concert with the explosion of her plot, during the same August it was discovered, so that it is by no means improbable that the Spanish fleet which we shall shortly hear of on the coast of France, had some connexion with it. A very clear account of the plot is given by Camden. The Queen of Scots, after her papers, &c. had been seized, was taken to Fotheringay Castle, in North amptonshire, which at the time of this letter was preparing for her reception. x 2 308 ILL MAY DAY. [SEPT. Lord Almighty, From Althorp, * the second of September. 1586. Your good Lordship's ever to command, Wa. Mildmay. RECORDER FLETEWOOD TO LORD BURGHLEY. Right honourable and my singular good Lord, this pre sent daie, from two of the clocke untill six, my Lord Maior with some of his brethren, th' Aldermen, and myselfe, dyd examyne certaine apprentices for conspiring an insurrection in this cittie against the Frenche and Dutche, but specialhe against the Frenche, all things as lyke unto Yll May Daye,t as could be devised in all manner of cyrcumstances, mutatis mutandis ; they wanted nothing but execution. We have taken fyve, all of an age, yet all under 21, four of them Dar- bishire borne, the fyfte borne in Norhamshfre. We are searching and seeking for the principall captayne. We hope we shall heare of him this present night, for he hath bene working all this day in the Whyt Hall at Westminster, and at his coming home we trust to have him. We have this night sett a standing watche armed from nyne untill seven in the morninge, and do meane to contynue the same so long as it shall be thought convenient unto your Honor, and the resydue of my Lords. Mr. Alderman Woodcocke, who marryed the wydowe of Mr. Lanyson, shall be buried uppon Mondaye next. Sir Rowland Hayward is extreme sicke, and greatly distressed ; (our Lord comfort him !) ; my Ladie his wife is likewise verie sicke. * Sir Walter's seat, in Northamptonshire. t The bloody insurrection against the strangers by the apprentices of London, on the first of May, 1517, in the reign of Henry the Eighth, was thus designated. A detailed account of it will be found in all the old chronicles. It was long preserved in remembrance by a ballad bawled about the streets, of which copies are still preserved. 1586.] LONDON APPRENTICES. 309 This night Mr. Attorney Generall sent his man unto me to sett my hand and seale unto a warrant to summon a quest of enquirie to appeare to-morrow at Westminster Hall. The citizens, when they shall heare of it, will lyke thereof verie well, for they all crye owt that justice may be done uppon those traitors. * The foresaid apprentices, being of the mysterie of plas terers, are commytted unto Newgate uppon the Quene's Highnes' and her counsell's comandement, where they are lyke to remayne, untyll they be delivered by speciall war rant. Here is presentlie no other thing worthie of writing. Wherefore I beseech God to preserve first her Majestie, and then your Lordship, from all those traitors and such other wicked people. From the Guylde Hall, this present Tewesdaie, the sixt of September, at seven of the clocke in the eveninge, 1586. Your Lordship's most humblie bounden, W. Fletewode. At the sending away of my man this Weddensday morn ing, all the bells of London do ring for joye, that, upon the 7th of this monethe, being as this daie, Ao. 25, H. 8,t her Grace was borne. There will be this daie but specially great feastings at supper. I have been bidden owt this night to supper in six or seven places. THE MASTER OF GRAY J TO ARCHIBALD DOUGLAS. § Sir, because I am shortly to send Roger with his Majestie's letters to you, I will not write at length. Ye do evil that * The persons concerned in Babington's conspiracy. f The 7th of September, 1533. § Now ambassador in England. J This person, already so often mentioned as acting a prominent part in the Scottish affairs, was Patrick Gray, eldest son of Patrick, sixth Lord Gray of Scotland, by a daughter of Patrick, Lord Ruth- 310 BABINGTON'S CONSPIRACY. [SEPT. taxis the Secretary with any matter by letter to his Majestie ; for sic dealing of necessitie must nedis have good men and wel-willers to comment on, or than evil-willers makis evil constructions. His Majestie by Roger i^ to wryte to the Quene congratulatorie, to my Lord Leicester and Sir Francis, I believe to the Tresaurer, so he has promissit to me. As for the first part touching the conspiracie, I cannot now write at length, bot diferris it til I send Roger ; yet this far I adver- tis you, that the King is wel willit in all thingis as ye left him, and verie glade of the discoverie of this mater. But his opinion is that it cannot stand with his honour, that he be a consenter to tak his mother's lyfe, bot he is content how strictly she be keipit, and all her auld knaifish servantis heingit,' chiefly the*y who be in handis. For this you must deal verie warely to eschue inconvenientis, seeing necessitie of all honest men's affairs requiris that she war out of the way. I committis you to God. From Dumf. this Sth of September, 1586. Your affectionate friend, Master of Gray. THE MAYOR AND SEARCHER OF RYE TO LORD COBHAM. It may please your Honor, that uppon Sunday last past, being the fourth of this moneth, came over John Baptista Helman, and Samuell Daniell, servante unto my Lorde Staf ford, her Majestie's embassadour in France, and in their company one that said his name was Julio Marino, an Italian, but it is said his name is Renney, and a poysoner, servaunte unto the Quene-Mother. This man, it is now informed us} ven. He was appointed by King James, chief gentleman of his bed chamber, master of his wardrobe, and commendator of the monastry of Dunfermline. He was employed more than once as ambassador to the Queen of England. He became Lord Gray in 1609, and died in 1612. 1 Hanged. 1586.] APPREHENSIONS OF A SPANISH INVASION. 311 since his departure, by the Frenche, that he poysoned the olde Quene of Navar. Such persons are greatlie to be feared, and therefore, ac cording to our duties, we have sent this expresse messenger f advertise your Honor therof, as the partie may be looked unto. Thus we commytt your Honour unto God. From Rye, the 9th of September. Your Honor's ntost humble to be commaunded, Thomas Adolphe, Maior. Hen. Gaymer. THE EARL OF SUSSEX TO LORD BURGHLEY. It may please your Honor, uppon the receipt of your Honor's letters of the counsell of the 8th of this instant, wherby I was advertised of th'arrivall of the Spanishe fleete in Fraunce, and of some suspicion to be had of their invasion into Englande, I thought good, besides my generall aun swer to my Lords of the Counsell's letters, to write particu- larlie unto your Honor, touching the readynesse of the countrey that they might be able to withstande any sodayne attempt, although it be not in such state as I could wishe, by reason that my Lord Marquis and I have not yet mett to gether, (as I certified your Honor in my former letters of the 7th of this instant,) yet have we taken such order with the justices of the peace of every division of this shire, to muster, view, and certify the number of men both trayned and un- trayned, and given warning that they sholde be in readynesse uppon any occasion of service, and the like view to be taken of the demi-launces and light horsemen, as I trust the countrey will be in a reasonable good forwardnes, the defect wherof shall be amended at our next meeting and conference, if not in the mean tyme, and if there shall be any lett or de fect therin, it will proceede from your Honors, for that we be neyther fi'om you directed how we shall proceede, neyther 312 appearance of a Spanish fleet. [sept. do we know or can agree what will be best. Wheras your Honors of the counsell wrote that certaine skyffes and small boates sholde be prepared and sent forthe for discoverie, your Honor shall understande, that I have prepared a barck, which by God's grace shall sett saile owt of this harbour this night or to-morrow morning betymes, which shall awayte contynuallie whither the fleet goeth, and bring intelligences therof, as wynde and weather will permitt, and if it so hap pen by reason of contrarie wyndes they may not put in, then have I taken order with them, that by a certaine signe of fyre made in the shipp I shall understande their whole in tent and purpose. I doubt not but as wynde and weather will serve to have good intelligences from tyme to tyme of the fleete by this barck, which as I receive I will advertise your Honor of. I wrote unto your Honors of the counsell and to your Lord ship particularlie in my last letters, for certaine necessaries to be presentlie sent downe to Portismowthe, wherof I have as yet received no aunswer, and the necessitie of those thinges is verie great, speciallie of the armorers and things pertayning to the armory, the fyre works and things necessarie for them, and also for small shott and for the ordynance ; I have bulwarcks and places enow to plant ordynance in, but I have no ordynance, and so the place for the want therof standeth verie naked and ungardable. Yet hath my lieute nant planted for defence all the ordynances he could borrow : wherfore I pray your Honor to be a meanes that these things maie be speedilie sent downe as the necessitie of the case requireth. And even so not doubting of your Honor's speciall furtheraunce in. all these causes, I most humblie commytt your Honor to God. From Portismowthe, this 10th of September, 1586. Postscript. — After the writing herof I received your Honor's letter of the 10th of this instant, by my man, wherby I perceive that my man delivering my letter forgatthe deliver ing of the memoriall, who was only willed to deliver it unto 1586.] THE IiOW COUNTRIES. 313 yourself, praying your Honor to beare with his negligence therin : giving your Honor most hartie thankes uppon the sight therof for the speedie acquainting their Honors therwith, wherby I hope the sooner to have supplie for all necessaries. As I mynde to staye the proceeding with the cittadell for this point, so am I carefull to fortify for defence of sodayne, wherin I have great lack of Peerse the engineer, for that neyther is that accomplished which sholde have bene fynyshed, neyther yet will the charges of the estimate come neere the perfor mances therof; neverthelesse I will proceede therin as well for safetie and defence, as also the same to be orderlie done with least charge, to the best of my skill. I most humblie thank your Honor that you will procure the warrants for 300 labourers, whom I hope to employ as occasion shall serve, as they shall not only serve the towne for labourers, but also for defence, and so both turnes to be served with one charge. If your Honor can procure the fynding of a pyn- nasse here, it will be much for her Majestie's service, for that I fynde whole fleets will rather vayle to one of the Quene's Majestie's than to twenty others. Thus resting at your Honor's commandement, with my most humble thankes, I commytt your Honor to God. Your Honor's most humbly to command, Sussex. LORD BURGHLEY TO THE EARL OF LEICESTER. My very good Lord, Mr. Wylkes is come, wherby her Majesty falleth into consideration of the state of those coun tryes, which surely requireth no small consultation. The let wherof is at this tyme more than is convenient, that we of the counsell are thoroughly occupyed, some at London, some here, and some abrode, to deale partly in tryall of traytors, in searching for more, in looking to the sea-coastes 314 COMMISSION FOR MARY'S TRIAL. [SEPT. to withstand the landing of certain Spanish shippes of war which are come to Brest ; but as yet we know not to what end. Some thynk they come to have bene in readyness to have landed in ayde of this late conspyracy intended, some to joyne with the French for recovery of Rochell. Within a few dayes we shall see what they meane. I understood your Lordship did secretly stay amongst others my son from going to the assalt of Dewsberegh * I do thank your Lordship therfor, although I can be content that both he and I shold spend our lyves for the Quene and our contrye, but I wish it in a matter of more moment ; and yet I judg the wynning of that town very necessary as the tyme was, but most of all if therby Zutphan might be gotten, which I thynk must be by peril of famyne. The Quene of Scotts is lykely to come to Fodrynghay Castel the 27th hereof, and I thynk a number of the coun sellors and others of the nobilitie shall have commission,! according to the late statute 27°, to heare and judg her cause there, so as in the next Parlement, to begyn uppon a new summons the 15th of October, furder order may be taken with that Quene, according to part of her deserts. Your Lordship and I were very great motes in the traytors' eies, * The English army came before Dowsborough on the 30th of August, and the place surrendered on the 2nd of September. In this siege the Earl of Leicester narrowly escaped being killed by a cannon- shot, which wounded the Lord Marshall, Sir William Pelham. t The commissioners for the trial of the Queen of Scots were, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Lord Chancellor, Lord Burghley, the Marques of Winchester, the Earls of Oxford, Shrewsbury, Kent, Derby, Worcester, Rutland, Warwick, Pembroke, Leicester, Lincoln, Viscount Montague, Lords Howard, Hunsdon, Abergavenny, Zouch, Morley, Cobham, Stafford, Grey of Wilton, Lumley, Sturton, Sands, Wentworth, Mordaunt, St. John of Bletso, Buckhurst, Compton, Cheiney, Sir Francis Knollys, Sir James Crofts, Sir Christopher Hatton, Sir Francis Walsingham, Secretary Davison, Sir Ralph Sadler, Sir Walter Mildmay, Sir Amias Poulet, Secretary Wolley, Judges Wray, Anderson, Manwood, Gawdy, and Penam. 1586.] babington's conspiracy. 315 for your Lordship there and I here shold fyrst about one tyme have bene kylled. Of your Lordship they thought rather of poysoning than slaying. After we two gone, they purposed her Majestie's death. But God, our defender, hath graciously prevented their mallyce, and I hope will continue his favor to make voyd the reliques of their mallyce. I will not fayle but remember your Lordship's reasonable sute for the forfeyted lease of Salisbury at Denbigh, being the land your Lordship I can write no more at this tyme, wishing to heare some comfortable news of Berk,* either of freedom from the siege, or reasonable composition for our people there. From Wyndsor, 15th of Sept. 1586. Your Lordship's most assuredly, W. Burghley. Seaburo, the Spanyard, hath bene ready this month to be sent to your Lordship, and so I told Mr. Dudley three weeks past. THE MASTER OF GRAY TO ARCH. DOUGLAS. My Lord, I resavit your letter the 28th, datit the 21st. His Majestie is very well content with all your proceedings, but chiefly touching his boukis1 and hunting horses. I pray you negotiate so well- that ye fail not to effectuate substan tially that point. As for his mother, his command is, you do as he gave your nephew Richard instruction. I can assure you he is content the law go forwart, her life being save, and would gladely wysh that all foraine princes should know how evil she has tisit herself towardes the Quene's Majestie there, * The Prince of Parma had laid siege to this town in August. ' Bucks. 316 BATTLE OF ZUTPHEN. [OCT. and that she resavis favour through her clemencie. I com mit your Lordship to God. From Falkland, this 29th of September, 1586. Your Lordship's as is awin, Master of Gray. SIR W. STANLEY TO THE EARL OF LEICESTER.* I thought it my dutie to make knowen to your Excellencie, in the absence of the Lord Marshall, of such service as hap- * The siege of Zutphen, which was commenced on the 15th of Sep tember, will be ever famous for the death of Sir Philip Sydney. The present letter gives us a brief account of one of the many gallant ex ploits performed there by our countrymen. It was in a severe en gagement, on the 22nd of September, that Sir Philip Sydney fell. " The 22nd of September," says Stowe, " was the most brave fight performed of our side that could be. The enemy this night put into Suthfield (Zutphen) some hundred wagons with victuals, which being perceived, streightwayes Sir William Stanley went with his own com pany, which were some 200, to stand as a bascado, Sir John Norris overtooke him, being sent to the service, and said to Sir W. Stanley, ' There hath bene/ said he, ' some words of displeasure betweene you and me, but let all passe, for this day we both are employed to serve her Majestie ; let us be friends, and let us die together in her Ma jestie's cause.' Quoth Sir W. Stanley, ' If you see me not this day, by God's grace, serve my prince with a valiant and faithful courage, account me for ever a coward, and if neede be I will die by you in friendshippe.' Thus the long quarrell, begunne in Ireland, was here ended with such friendship as made all men rejoice ; both of them served so forwardly this day, that the one could not tell much how to commend the other, only the one served with footemen, the other with horse. Sir W. Stanley marched with his footemen, but the enemy was come to the church where our men had at the first placed themselves. There was of the enemy 2,200 muskets and 800 pikes, which were enow to gard the place of their refuge, to wit, the intrenched church. The Lord Audley, with some hundred and fiftie men, by great suite made to his Excellency, attained at length to goe, who made so great haste, that he overtoke Sir William Stanley ere the skirmish began, 1586.] battle of zutphen. 317 pened to us since his departure to Deventour. Wednesday, being the 19th of this month, the enemie sallied out of the towne to the number of 3000, and entred into our old which was hot, but the Lord Audley and Sir William Stanley, not liking the hot volies of musket shot, pressed neare the enemy, and themselves at the push of their pike with their men, put the whole company to retreat to the hold, which done, they retired a little back out of the musket shot, and there made a stand. The Earle of Essex, lord generall of the horse, the Lord Willoughby, Sir William Russell, and Sir John Norris, with their cornets, came to charge the enemy. There were of the enemy fifteen cornets, of which five or six were Albanoys, the rest were Spaniards or Italians. The Albanoys issued, which our men charged so furiously, that it was thought at the first shock there were a thirtie or fortie of the enemies overthrowne ; then our men went to the curtelax, which they so furiously plyed, that the enemy, after some three-quarters of an houre, retreated to their pikes, losing of foote and horsemen, as the prisoners since taken confesse, besides hurt, an hundred men of their bravest, amongst which was the County Anoaball, also Captaine George, the commander of all the Albanoyses, was taken prisoner, besides neare twentie commaunders, some captaines, some ensigne-bearers, lieutenants, and other officers. But to Sir John Norris he gave the first charge, who, with his pistol in his hand, offered to discharge it on a brave man, but his pistol would not go off, which he seeing, stroke it on the head of his enemie and overthrew him. The Lord Willoughby, with his launce in his rest, met Captayne George and unhorsed him, so that he fell into a ditch, and cryed to the Lord Willoughby, ' I yield your prisoner, for that you be a seemely knight;' (this he spoke in French ;) the Lord Willoughby came not to take prisoners, but passed on with his curte lax in his hand, and his whole cornet after so furiously, that it was wonder to see ; the Lord Willoughby was so forward that often times, but twise especially, he was like to be taken prisoner, his basses were pulled off from him, but rescued by our side. When the skirmish was done, and all retreated, Captain George being in his Excellence's tent, would not graunt to be prisoner to any but to him who unhorsed him, whom he knew if he saw him in his armour. The Lord Wil. loughby came in armed. ' This is the knight that I am prisoner to, and I yield to him,' said he ; so the Lord Willoughby had the pri soner adjudged to be his. The 3. the Earle of Essex, charged with 318 BATTLE OF ZUTPHEN. [OCT. trenche, and came on with great fury to our new work at the bridge end, and by good happ I was coming over at that in stant, not being above 300 men in our new skonce, but God and we put them to retyre, and yet they gave two fresh charges with great fury, but we put them in the end to retyre on heapes, with the losse of fewe. They retyred to their olde skonce, where in like manner with Captain Parker, Sir Edward Stanley, and my kerne, we put them to the towne gates. Om' horsemen had the killing of their footemen into their gates. Captain Parker did shewe such valour in that chardge, as they thought him more than a man, and had but only two killed in that charge. And thus, most humbly commending my service to your Excellencie, and praying to God for your happie estate, I his cornet, who so encouraged his men, ' For the honor of England,' said he, ' my fellows follow me/ and with that he threw his launce in his rest, and overthrew the first man, and with his curtelax so behaved himselfe that it was wonder to see. Sir William Russell, with his cornet, charged so terribly, that after he had broke his lance, he with his curtelax so plaid his part, that the enemy reported him to be a devil, and not a man, for where he saw six or seven of the enemies together, thither woulde he, and so behaved himself with his curtelax, that he woulde separate their friendship. Amongst the rest, Sir Philip Sidney so behaved himself that it was wonder to see, for he charged the enemy thrise in one skirmish, and in the last charge he was shott through the thigh, to the great grief of his Excellencie and the whole campe, who being brought to my lord-lieutenant, his Excellencie said, ' O Philip, I am sorry for thy hurt / and Sir Philip answered, ' O my Lord, this have I done to do your Honour and her Majestie servise.' Sir William Russell coming to him, kissed his hand, and said with teares, ' O noble Sir Philip, there was never man attayned hurt more honorably than ye have done, nor any served like unto you.' He was conveyed to Arnam, where he continued till his ende in such kinde of godly behaviour, that both the preacher did wonder at it, and the chirurgions did admire, the one seeing his wise godli- nesse, the other his valiant courage, with patience to abide all kinde of paines." 1586.] TRIAL OF MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. 319 take leave. At the campe of Sutphen, the 20th of October, 1586. Your Excellencie's most faithful for ever, W. Stanley. SIR FRANCIS WALSINGHAM TO SIR EDWARD STAFFORD. Sir, the principall cause of this dispatch unto you is to make you acquainted with our proceedings here in the Scot tish Quene's cause, since the departure of Mr. Wotton. And therefore you shall understand, that upon the 11th of this month the comissioners came to Foderinghay, and began the assembly there on the 12th, at which tyme some of the comissioners were chosen out to repaire unto the Scottish Queene to let her understand the occasion of our coming thither, and to signify unto her, that according to her Ma jestie's letters written to herself, and the direction given to us, we were ready to heare what she would answer to such matters as she was to be charged with. Hereunto she then alledged, first, that she was an absolute princesse, and there fore exempted from answering to the lawes of any other country, secondly, that she wanted counsell to answer for her, she herself being altogether ignorant in our lawes. And in these termes she stood, both that day and the next day following, which was the 13th. But in th'end, when it was shewed unto her both by the judges of this realme, and by certayn learned in the civil lawe, that for her first pointe, her prerogative of being an absolute Queene could not in this case serve her for a privilege against the lawes of this realme, but that all persons, of what high calling soever, remayning in other princes' domynions, and commytting an offence against the said prince, were subject to the lawes of the place where the offence was committed; and that touching the second pointe, forasmuch as it was a matter de facto, and not de jure, and altogether concerned a cri- 320 TRIAL OF MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. [OCT. minall cause, she neither needed nor ought to be al lowed counsail in the answering thereof. She was at length contented to appear and answer before the com missioners, and so both on the 14th and 15th came forth publiquely into the place appointed for that purpose; and there, not supposing to have had the matter so plainly and directly proved against her, as it was as well by Babington's examination as her own secretary's voluntary confessions, and divers other circumstances wherewith Mr. Wotton hath already acquainted you, she had in the ende and in effect no other defence to alledge for herself, but only a bare and naked deniall. And after we had heard all that she could say, it was thought convenient, in respect the matter touched a per son of her qualitie, to dismisse the assembly there, and to adjourn the commission until the 25th, to the end, in the meantyme, the matter might be more advisedly and deli berately considered of. At which day the commissioners mett againe in the Starre-chamber, and there, after a re petition made by the Quene's learned counsaile of that wiiich had passed before in this matter, the Scottish Quene's two secretaries were brought forth before the Lords, and openly affirmed as much viva voce as they had before de posed in writing, which brought a great satisfaction to all the commissioners, inasmuch that albeit some of them, as you knowe, stood well affected to her, yet considering the playnnes and evidence of the proofs, every one of them* after this gave their sentence against her, fynding her not only accessary and privy to the conspiracy, but also an imaginer and compasser other Majestie's destruction. Abowt two dayes before our last asssembly at the Starre- chamber, the Frenche ambassador being denied audience here, wrote a letter to her Majestie for the staying of our pro ceedings against the Scottish Quene ; but it was answered by * To understand the importance of this circumstance, the list of commissioners given in the note, at p. 314, of this volume, must he kept in mind. 1586.] GREAT VICTORY IN IRELAND. 321 her Majestie that it was not convenient to stay the pro ceedings, and hoped that the King his master would not be an intercessor in that behalf, and if he should, she could not but take it unkindly at his hands. And where there hath been an uncertain report spreade abrode touching a conflict happened the 22nd of September, betwene the Englishe and Spanishe troupes neare unto Zut phen, wherein it hath bene given out that the Spaniards had the better, I have thought good to send you here enclosed a copie of the reporte which I receyved from the Lord Wil loughby touching the truth and manner of that conflict. Upon the same 22nd day of September, Sir Richard Bing ham obtayned a notable victory in Irelande, against the Scotts in Connaught, who with the helpe of some Irishe rebelles in vaded that province. But Sir Richard being accompanied only with four hundred footmen and one hundred horsemen, marched against them, and put one thousand six hundred of them to the sworde, which is the greatest overthrowe that hath bene given in Ireland these many yeres, and must needes bring a wonderfull quietnes to all that country.* The parliament beginneth at Westmynster the 30th of this present. And so praying you to communicate the con tents of this letter with Mr. Wootton, I bidd you hartely farewell. From Barn-Elms, the 27th of October, 1586. Your assured loving frende, Fra. Walsyngham. w. Davison to the earl of Leicester. My singular good Lord, her Majestie was so much afflicted with sorrow when she dispatched Mr. Gorge, for the loss of her deare servant, and your Lordship's dearest nephew, Sir * See for a full account of this affair Stowes' Chronicle in this year. VOL. II. Y 322 THE GOVERNMENT OF HOLLAND. [NOV. Philip Sidney,* as she forgatt to touch some things in those her letters, which since it hath pleased her I should remem ber unto you. One is the care she hath that, before your Lordship's returne thence, you should take such provident order for the settling of that government in your absence, as may be most for the surety of the cause and her own par ticular service ; wherin, because she doubteth how it may stand with the one or other, that the government martiall should be commytted to any one of her servants there, and the civill left to the disposition of the estates, (a thing bruted here,) she would wish, notwithstanding the leave she hath by her letters given your Lordship to returne when you think good, that if your health may penny tt it, you should in any wise stay the arryval of my Lord Gray, whom her Majesty promiseth very faithfully, and is resolved to dispatch thither with all th'expedition that may be for your releasement. The reasons that move her Majestie herin, amongst others, are the doubt she hath of any sound correspondence betwixt these different governors and governments, civill and mar tiall, in the hands of persons which, perhaps, may have different respects, ends, and affections, the emulation and faction that may grow amongst her own servants, if one, as Sir William Pelham or Sir John Norrys, be preferred before the other, and inconvenient otherwise in case they should be both conjoined together, considering how rare a thing it is to fynd colleagues and companyes in authority soundly to agree together. Though of the two, her Majestie would lyke best of the latter way, if you find it so expedient. The dan ger may otherwise grow to her service if the charge of these things should be left to any stranger, as to the Count Maurice, as well in regard of his general pretention and par ticular interest to the towne of Flushing, as the bad disposi- » Sir Philip died of his wound on the 15th of October. His body was brought to London, where it arrived on the Sth of November, and was buried with great splendour. 1586.] LORD WILLOUGHBY. 823 tion and offices of some ill-affected to her service, which of late have wholly guided and possessed him. Besides, other perills may growe to the common cause by your absence, if things be not all the better and more seasonably provided for. Another thing, and not the least, is her Majestie's particular care of the state of Flushing, which the love and respect of your Lordship's deare nephew hath hitherto kept, as she con fesseth, in the better devotion towards her, and because she feareth his loss in that behalf may be followed with some notable dishonor and prejudice to her service, if your Lord ship should not take all the better order before your coming thence ; her Majestie hath thought it very expedient that you commend the charge therof to the Lord Willoughby, as a gentleman, for his calling, valour, and fashion, agreeable to the humor of that people, very fitt for it, if your Lordship fynd no other cause to the contrary than she is yet acquainted with. And thus much her Highnes' pleasure is I should signify to your Lordship in her name, wherwith 1 will re commend your Lordship to the protection of the Almighty, and so most humbly take my leave. At the Courte at Rich mond, this 4th of November, 1586. Your Lordship's humbly at commandement, W. Davison, Seer. Your Lordship's presence here were more than needful for the great cause* now in hand, which is feared will receave a colder proceeding then may stand with the surety of her Majestie and necessitie of our shaken estate. SIR FRANCIS WALSINGHAM TO THE EARL OF LEICESTER. I humbly beseeche your Lordship that this bearer may re ceive your honourable assistance in the recovery of such imprests as have bene made by his late master unto such as * The trial of the Queen of Scots. Y 2 324 sir philip Sydney's debts. [nov served under him. Sir Philip hath left a great number of poor creditors.* What order he hath taken by his wyll for their satisfaction I knowe not. It is true, that immediately after the deathe of his father, he sent me a letter of attorney for the sale of such portion of lande as might content his creditors, wherin there was nothing done before his deathe. I have payde, and must paye, for hym above 60001., which I do assure your Lordship hath brought me into a most harde and desperate state, which I weigh nothing in respect of the losse of the gentleman, who was my chiefe worldly comforte. Sorry I am to take any occasion to revyve the memory of him to the renewing of your Lordship's griefe, for the which I praye pardon. And so I most humbly take my leave. At Barne-Ealmes, the 5th of November, 1586. Your Lordship's to command, Fra. Walsyngham. LORD BURLEIGH TO THE EARL OF LEICESTER. My very good Lord, this gentleman, Mr. Gorge, cometh thitherward with such hast, as I have no lesure to wryte as otherwise I wold, but briefly I have, according to your Lord ship's late letter, moved her Majestie for your Lordship's lycence to return, wherto her Majestie is of herself very willing, as well for the desyre she hath to see your Lordship, as for the dowt she also hath that this wynter season you might fall into some sycknes, but yet herewith she is also very carefull how those countries may be governed, without harm to the public cause, and how her own army, consysting of her people, might also be ruled and directed, of both which, though her Majestie hath had some kynd of speeches, yet she myndeth not to make any resolution but by your Lordship's advyse. Yet for the government of her army, I * Another letter of Walsingham to Leicester on the subject of Sir Philip Sydney's debts, is printed in Ellis, vol. iii. p. 14. 1586.] GOVERNMENT OF HOLLAND. 325 perceave she will lay the charge uppon my Lord Gray, who will shun it, I am sure, as much as he may, and yet I have perswaded her Majestie to encoradg hym, with remis sion of an Irish debt that in conscience he ought not to paye. I told Mr. Gorge by speeche, that seeing there is treasure sent over, wherof your Lordship had no knolledg at your late wryting, I wold wish your Lordship to see the same or the greater part issued out, where is most nede, but specially to make full payes to some day certain. For the government of the country there in your Lordship's absence, we here can not gyve advyse, but considering your Lordship's great ex perience there, whatsoever your Lordship shall declare to be mete, 1 will assent therto, and by my advyse to her Majestie furder it as reason is. Some spoke of naming Count Mor- rice to be governor, alone in your absence, and as to have the rule under your Lordship ; some wish that the Count Morrice should be joyned with the Lord Graye. The Quene's Majestie wold that it was in the States' direction agayn, as it was before they remitted it to your Lordship, with the direction of Lord Gray, as lieutenant of her army ; but surely I feare greatly the success hereof, for the generall evill opinion conceaved, both by the people and the men of warr, agaynst the particular persons representing the States, except there might be a new election by the severall pro vinces of new and more upright persons to represent the States. My Lord, though presently it semeth your Lordship to be grieved with the sundry myslykings other Majestie, signyfied by her present letters for sundry things, wherof your Lordship hath sufficient matter to dischardg yourself, yet I dowt not uppon your Lordship's return to her presence, she will be fully satisfyed by your Lordship's own good answers, for so I myself do conceave the issue will so be proved. And by reason of Mr. Gorge's hasty departure, I am compelled to end. From Westminster, the 9th of November, 1586. 326 AFFAIRS OF SCOTLAND. [DEC. Yesterday all our commissioners protest our sentence against the Scottish Quene with one full assent, but I feare more slackness in her Majestie than will stand either with her surety or with ours. God direct her heart to follow faythfull counsell. Your Lordship's most assured to my power, W. Burghley. SIR HENRY WIDDRINGTON TO SIR FRANCIS WALSINGHAM. It may please your Honor, the 6th of this present instant, late at night, I receaved forth of the court of Scotland these intelligences, which I do assure your Lordship I am credibly informed of by one of no smalle account in courte, and are as followeth. The nobilitie of Scotland are summoned, and have general warning to be on Satterday next at Edenbroughe to convene in counsell with the King, beginning on Monday next, and are to continue three dayes in counsell, which is to conclude with a generall consent, that if the Quene of Scotts be put to deathe, the King will gyve up the peace with her Majestie, and make warre with England.* The King showeth himself nowe at this present to he greatly discontented to heare that the Quene his mother should dye. And yet it cometh not all of himself, but he is * The behaviour of King James on this occasion, as on many others, was most contemptible. However guilty the Queen of Scots was, and of her [extreme guilt, with our documentary evidence, no reasonable person can doubt, her son ought to have shown filial sentiments. Yet in the British Museum we have original letters of the French King and his ministers, stigmatizing in the most severe terms his callousness, and urging him to take the part of his mother, both by threats and promises of assistance. He was at length persuaded to assume a threatening attitude, but it was a character so ill supported, that Eli zabeth, not much accustomed to be disturbed by threats, paid in this instance very little attention to them, though she was herself adverse to severe proceedings against her unfortunate but guilty enemy. 1586.] THE LOW COUNTRIES. 327 both threatened and forced by his nobilitie to enter in the action against her Majestie and this realme, if his mother dye. * # # # Barwicke, the 7th of December, 1586. Your Honor's most humble, Henry Widdrington. THOMAS WYLKES* TO QUEEN ELIZABETH. May it please your most excellent Majestie, there hath bene of late by chance taken neer the town of Bruxelles by certain horsemen of the garison of Bergues op Zoom, a gen tleman sent from the King of Denmark to the Duke of Parma, who, as it appeareth, had received his dispatch from the Duke, and was returning towards Denmark. The gen tleman is son to one Henry Ranzoveus, a principal man about the King ; though here in his legation meanly accom panied, having but one man. At the time of his taking he was assaulted only with three soldiers, against whom he put himself in defence, not manifesting what he was, where by he was the more rudely intreated by the soldiers, and rifled of all that he had, and of such letters and dispatch as he had immediately before received from the Duke, which, with as little good manners, they opened and perused ; and finding many of them to be of importance, they sent them hither to be visited by the council, among which there was one wrytten from the Duke to the King, whereof it was thought fit to take a copy, because the same concerned the affaires of these countries, containing a purpose between the * Thomas Wylkes was secretary at first to Dr. Dale, the Queen's ambassador in Fiance in the year 1573. He was afterwards divers times employed ambassador to Spain, to the Spanish Netherlands, to France, knighted by the French King for a comfortable message he privately brought him from the Queen twenty-five years before, when he was King of Navarr, and under restraint. He dyed in an embassy in France, 1597. 328 THE LOW COUNTRIES. [jAN. King and' the Duke to treat of a peace, as will appear by the tenor of the letter, a copy of the which I thought conve nient to address only to your Majestie. The States and coun- cel here are not well pleased with the King's proceedings therin, in respect that the same is taken in hand by him without their privitie ; and that they find by experience, as they allege, that the onely brute of a peace here will open a gap to the worse affected (who are many in number) un timely to practise among the common people, to draw their affections thereunto, before it might be assured that the King would yield to the point of religion, without which there is no hope of peace. And therefore the onely overture of a pacification is likely to be of a dangerous consequence to these countryes. They say further, that by the like experience they see, that albeit the King should assent to the allowance of their privileges, as in the time of Charles V., yet is there no hope of his performance therof, because in the rest of the provinces now under the government of the Spanish King, the contracts and promises of privileges are in no sort observed. A third poynt there is wherin yom- Majestie is principally interested, and from which their safety cannot be severed, which is the consideration how your Majestie's state may be secured, if these countries shall come to be under the rule and disposition of Spain. These thinges being of so great moment, and wherupon the States and councel here do ground their difficulties of peace, I could not, in discharge of duty, omit to report unto your Majestie, to whose princely and grave consideration I do with all humility refer them. In the mean tyme, the councel of State are advising to ex cuse the accident of the taking of the King's ambassador, wiiich they hope to do to his good satisfaction ; and withal to pray his Majestie not to procede in treating with the Duke of Parma, without their privity and assent, laying before him the dangers and difficultyes like to ensue therof, in case, before he begin, the King shall not accord them the 1587.] sinister rumours. 329 poynt of religion, which they believe he never will do. And so I beseech Almighty God long to preserve your Majestie. At the Hague, the 19th of January, 1586. Your Majestie's most humble and obedient servant and subject, Tho. Wylkes. THE MAYOR OF EXETER* TO LORD BURGHLEY. Our duties moste humbly remembred, with our moste humble and hartie thankes to your good Lordshipp, may it please your Honor to be advertized, we received, the se- conde of this Februarye, about the hour of one in th'after- noone, a precepte herein enclosed for hue and crye to be made touching the staying of the Quene of Scotts, which, according to the same, we, fearing the worste, did presentlie dyspatch, notwithstanding the simplenes of the inditing pf the same, and th' order therof without hande or seale of any counsellor or justice, hoping in God that the contents therof are untrue. And for that we heare no further certaynty of the contents therof, and do perceyve that the rumour therof, with the watching, warding, and searching hereuppon, which as yet we continewe, if the same come of any pollicy of the enemyes to her Majestie, may breede some trouble or incon venience to the countrey, we moste humbly pray to be adver tised of the certayntie hereof, and to be directed from your Honor what is further to be done therin. And so commyt ting you to the Almightie, who preserve you eternally, we most humblie take our leave. Exon, the 3d of Februarie, 1586. Your Honor's moste humbly to be commanded, George Smithe, Maior. Nycholas Martyn. Thomas Brereton. • The following letters give us a curious picture of the state of ex citement throughout the kingdom, after the discovery of Babington's conspiracy, and the trial of the Scottish Queen, when all kinds of ru mours were eagerly received and credited. 330 sinister rumours. [feb. Hue and Crye. These are to charge you in her Majestie's name, upon payne of death, to make diligent search and hue and crye for the Quene of Scotts, who is fledd, and to laye all high wayes, and staye all barkes and shipping in your harbours, for that the direction came from Mr. Howard, Esquier ; so you kepe a standing watche daye and night, untill you receyve order to the contrarye, and lett this be done by the chiefe of your parishe. This second of Februarie, anno 1586. Received into Honyton, at 11 of the clocke in the forenoone, this present Thursday. Thomas Ward, Constable of Honyton. This hue and crye to go to the Mayor of Exeter, and so forth. Received by David Colles, of Honyton, the second of Februarie, abowte one of the clocke in the afternoone, into Exon. THE MAYOR OF EXETER TO THE COUNCIL. Right honourables, having receyved hue and crye that her Majestie's Citty of London by theenemyesis set on fyre, and therby are commanded to have our men and armor in ready- nes upon payne of death, in great haste, as by a coppie of the same precept of hue and crye which is herein enclosed appeares, we, hoping in God that the same premisses are untrue, and yet fearing the worste, have caused our men and armor accordingly to be in readynes, have thought good to address this bearer to your Honors for the certayne know ledge of the premisses, praying your Honors to vouchsafe to sende us direction in the premisses, and thus most humblie take our leave. 1587.] sinister rumours. 331 Exon, the 4th of Februarye, at the hour of one in the nighte, 1586. Your Honors' most humble to be commaunded, George Smithe, Maior of Exon. Nycholas Martyn. Thomas Brereton. Rychard Pray. Hue and Crye. These are, in the Quene's Majestie's name, to charge and commaunde, immediately upon sight herof, to sende lyke pre- ceptes four maner of waies, from towne to towne, to make your armor and artillery in readynes, and that with all speed, upon paine of death, for London is set on fyre. For Mr. Turlett of Anstenlewell brought this worde from the Bell, the 1st of Februarie. Sende this to Exeter with all speede. William Bowerman, Justice. This from Sampfield, this 10th inst., Satterdaie, the 4th of Februarie, 1586, at 8 of the clocke in the evening. Rec. this by the handes of Robert Smythe, of Colompton, the 4th of Februarie, at 10 of the clocke in the night. William Marston. William Kyrkham. Edward Hate. These are in her Majestie's name straitly to charge and commaund you that upon the sight herof you send like pre- cepte two or three waies, from tithing to tithing, to set your men in armour with all speede uppon paine of death, for Lon don is on fyre. Let this go to Exeter upon horseback. Hast ! hast ! hast ! Thomas Warde, Constable of Honyton. Received from Mr. Collins, this 4th of Februarie, about 8 of the clocke at night. 332 ELIZABETH OFFENDED WITH HER COUNCIL. [FEB. Received this by Phillip Balston, of Honiton, vitler, be twixt the hours of 9 and 10. By me, Roger Chandon. SECRETARY WOLLEY TO THE EARL OF LEICESTER. Right honorable and my most especiall good Lord, it pleased her Majesty yesterday to call the Lords and others of her counsell before her into her withdrawing chamber, where she rebuked us all exceedingly for our concealing from her our proceeding in the Quene of Scotts' case, but her in dignation particularly lighteth most upon my Lord Threasurer and Mr. Davison, who called us together, and delivered the commission. For she protesteth she gave expresse com mandement to the contrarie, and therfore hath tooke order for the committing of Mr. Secretaiie Davison to the Tower, if she continue this morning in the mind she was yesternight, albeit we all kneled upon our knees to praye to the contrarye. I thinke your Lordship happy to be absent from these broiles, and thought it my dutye to let you understande them. And so in haste I humbly take my leave. At the courte, this present Sunday, 1586. Your Lordship's ever most bounden, J. Wolley. * The Queen having signed the warrant for the execution of Mary, to be ready in case of sudden invasion or rebellion, and given it into the keeping of Secretary Davison, the latter communicated it to the council, who held a secret consultation, and determined, in their zeal for the Queen's service, which they saw in danger so long as the Scot tish Queen lived, to take upon themselves the responsibility of putting it in execution. The Queen, when she heard of Mary's death, re buked her council, and forbad most of them her presence. Davison was imprisoned and severely fined, and never recovered the Queen's favour. Wolley was one of the Secretaries of State, and a member of the privy council. 1587.] EXECUTION OF THE QUEEN OF SCOTS. 333 LORD SCROPE TO SIR FRANCIS WALSINGHAM. (Extract.) It may please you, Sir, your letter of the 10th hereof I re ceaved at 8 of the clocke yesternighte, wherby I understand that execution was done uppon the Scottish Quene the 8th daye of this instante, wherof I am right glad, that the Lord hath supplanted so dangerous a roote, and wish that the branches of so greate perill may wither and perish with her. And concerning your good advice in your said letter, both putting me in mynde of Mr. Secretary Davyson his letter for the strengthening of the borders, and wishing me watchfullie to stand upon good guarde for the better defence of these frontiers, untill it may appear what will issue from Scotland uppon this execution, you shall understand that albeit I had purposed to have forborne the gathering together of the 50 horsemen untill Mondaye next, for such causes as by my late letters to Mr. Davyson may appeare, yet nowe, as well in respect of the aforesaid execution, as in regarde both of the dangerous rumours abroade here, and of the great braggs given out heron by our neighbours of Scotland, I am now resolved and will (God willing) both enter the said 50 horsemen into wages to-morrow, and bestowe them in such place as I think meetest to defende the frontier, and so far forthe as may be to repell and meete with any sodaine incursion that may be attempted by th' opposite borderer. (14th Feb. 1586.) LORD SCROPE TO SIR FRANCIS WALSINGHAM. It may please you, Sir, according to my laste, I addressed a Scotsman unto Edenburgh for th'understanding of th'ac- ceptance of the deathe of the Quene of Scots, with the King and that nation. By which messenger I do perceive, that 334 THE THREATS OF THE SCOTS. [FEB. when the King understood by Roger Aston, (who returned to him about Wensday last,) that his mother was in truth put to death, he did not onlie take that newes very grevous and offensively, but also gave oute in secrett speeches that he could not disgeste the same, nor leave it unrevenged, as should appear by such good deeds as we should receive at his hands hereafter. And albeit the King and some others be highly offended with us for this execution, yet am I advertised that some of the noblemen (though they seeme malecontents) would not have that tragedie to playe agayne. It is likewise advertised unto me by good credit, that the King intendeth to depart secretly out of that realme, but for what nation he prepareth himself I do not know. The cer- tentie of these matters I leave to my next herin and your better advertisements from other places. It is looked that there will be a generall convention of all the noblemen and States of that realme, but the certaine daye of their assemblie in not yet knowne. The King hath written unto Maxwell, that either himself or some one of good credyt and authorised from him, do make repaire to the court, for that he intendeth to appoint Maxwell warden to these West Marches of Scotland, thinking him the meetest man to have the government therof, and to execute such service as he shall enjoyne him and the present state of matters shall require. And it is thought that Maxwell shall enter his jorney towardes the King, uppon Mondaye next, or else will that day send one authorised from him to accept that office, and bring him his patent for the same. William Carr of Ancrom (one in the murther of the late Lord Russell,) and yonge Fernyhurste gave out that they would be with the Kinge uppon Fryday laste. All matters on these frontiers rest as yet in good quiet. As anything shall fall out to the contrarie, or any other newes shall come to my knowledge, you shall be advertised therof from tyme to tyme. And so for the present I commit 1587.] ELIZABETH OFFENDED WITH HER COUNCIL. 335 you to the protection of th' Almighty. From Carlisle, the 21st of Februarie, 1586. Your assured loving frend at commandement, H. Scrope. SIR FRANCIS WALSINGHAM TO THE EARL OF LEICESTER. My very good Lord, your sharpe humors continue here styll, which doth greatly disquiet her Majestie and discom- forte her poore servants that attend here. The Lord Threa- surer remayneth styll in dysgrace, and behinde my backe her Majestie giveth out very hard speeches of myself, which I the easier credit for that I fynd in dealing with her I am nothing gracious ; and if her Majestie could be otherwyse served, I knowe I shold not be used. I dyd by my other letters ac quaint your Lordship with the answer I received from her Highnes touching the request for the 5,000Z. I mean when any fytt opportunity shall be offered to shewe her the letter you wrote unto me by young Balyse, wherby she may see how greatly your Lordship is disappointed for lacke of the sayd sum. The Frenche King taketh it very unkyndly that his embas sador is denied accesse, wherby he may cleare hymself, as also that D'Etrapes is not sent unto him. If her Majesty had followed the advyse gyven in her behalfe by your Lordship, the Lord Threasurer, and myselfe, I suppose there would have followed some good effect therof. The arrest of our shippes continueth, and Mr. Wade is denied accesse. They of the Leage do greatly labour the King to make himself a party with them, who make their profit of the present unkyndnes between the sayd" Kyng and her Majestie. For further par ticularities touching that country, I refer your Lordship to the inclosed occurrents. By the inclosed from W. Shute, your Lordship shall see 336 SCOTLAND AND THE LOW COUNTRIES. [APRIL, what passed betweene the King of Navar and the Spaniards, and how things proceede there. For Scotlande, the Quene's Majestie seemeth to neglecte altogether such opportunyties as are offred, with the which Mr. Archibald Duglas is greatly dyscoraged. Such of that realme as stand yll affected to this crowne, do losse no opportunity that they may work a breache. The present dyscord be tween her Majestie and her counsell hindereth the necessary consultation that were to be desyred for the preventing of the manifest perrylls that hang over this realme. It appeareth, by late letters out of the Lowe Countryes, that the foote-bands and horse-bands in her Majestie's paye there are greatly decayed, insomuch as there remayned not of the five thousand footmen not above three thousand, and of the one thousand horse but five hundred. I have acquainted her Majestie herewith, and moved her for a supply ; but I fynd her not disposed to resolve therin, and yet is she gyven to understand in what readiness the enemy is to marche. Her Majestie doth wholly bende herself to devyse some further meanes to dysgrace her poore counsell that subscribed, and in respect therof she neglecteth all other causes. This daye, Mr. Barker delyvered me dyvers letters directed to your Lordship, which I have had no leisure yet to peruse, saving Mr. Atye's, which I send unto your Lordship here with. To-morrowe I meane to acquaint her Majestie with so many of them as shall importe her servyce, and afterward to send them unto your Lordship. And so I most humbly take my leave. At the Courte, the thirde of Aprill, 1587. Your Lordship's to commaund, Fra. Walsyngham. I pray your Lordship to remember my humble commenda- dations unto the Earle of Warwycke and the Lord Northe. 1587.] SPANISH GOODS SEIZED. 337 THE EARL OF SUSSEX TO LORD BURGHLEY. It may please your Honor, on Monday last, there appeared before this towne foure sailes of shipps, wherof tliree came owt of Spayne, from St. Lewkers, the fourth an English man- of-warr ; which man-of-warr having understanding that one of the said three shippes was laden with Spaniardes' goods, meant to have borded and taken the said shippe, wheruppon the rest associated themselves for defence, and I having some intelligence herof, perceiving them to be somewhat within the shott of the towne, as well for th'avoiding of the conflict or fight, as also to bring them within her Majestie's jurisdic tion, where they might have lawe and justice, shott a piece of ordinance at them, which being somewhat shorte they semed not to staye, wheruppon without delay I shott another, which passing over them, caused them presently to beare in towards the harboroughe, where they be safely arryved ; unto whom I have shewed such favour, as they be masters and possessors of the goods. Nevertheless I have made a seizure and stay, especially of one shipp called the Tyger of Ripen, in Devonshire, the goods wherof as well by the de claration of Englishe passengers, as also by their owne doubles of certificates, I think will prove Spaniards' goods, with some letters to Englishmen, to father and colour the same here in England, as by proofe shall more playnely, I thinke, ap- peare. When the master of the shippe, called the Tyger of Ripen, in Devonshire, sawe that the man-of-warr the night before meant to deale with him, he delivered owt parte of his goods, and wold have delivered more, if the skippers of the other shippe had not refused the same, saying " We will no more of your goods, least they be Spaniardes' goods, and that proved, we may lose our goods also." And theruppon the great hulke, called the Black Raven, of Copeman's haven, wolde receyve nothinge, but th'Admiral, called the Dragon of Empden, did receyve certayne parcells, which he hath con- VOL. II. z 338 SPANISH GOODS SEIZED. [MAY, fessed. There is one Thos. Standlay, a fishmonger, dwelling at the Bellin-gate, who keepeth a tabling-howse for Flemings and straungers, who should be a fatherer and colourer of these goods, who being strictly examined, I thinke will de clare the truthe, who, if he might be presently sent awaye hither with this bearer and e-samined, the truth wold the better appeare. This shippe hath neither charter nor bills of lading, saving certayne bills in print to be delivered at Hambo- roughe. The skipper of this shipp saith, he doth not knowe whether the goods be Spaniards' goods, Englishmen's goodes, or Dutchmen's goodes. The man that laded these goodes in Spayne, is one Mr. Cambray, dwelling at St. Lewkers, and Vanbell, a Fleminge, born at Cambray in Artoys. The English passengers and the pilott of th'other shippe called the Dragon of Empden, said they heard the skipper of the other shippe, called the Tyger, saye that he should put into Dunkercke. I have sent unto your Honor herein inclosed a note or briefe of all the lading that is within the three shippes. Thus having thought good to advertise your Honor of the state of all things here, I committ your Honor unto God. From Portismouthe, the 27th of Aprill, 1587. Your Honor's assured to his power, Sussex. Postscript. — I have sent the bearer herof partly instructed in the matter, who, if it please your Honor to give hym audience, he will declare the matter more at large. SIR FRANCIS WALSINGHAM TO LORD BURGHLEY. My very good Lord, I will stop the course of the Earle of Lyncoln's sute for the levetenantship. It were a great wronge unto your Lordship, having your chiefe howse in that countrye, that either he or any other should be pre ferred before your Lordship. 1587.J LEICESTER RETURNS TO HOLLAND. 339 Yesterdaye, at the earnest request of the Earle of Ley cester, I did press her Majestie to growe to some resolution touching his employment, letting her understand that the service could abyde no delay, the harveste approaching so fast on as it doth. But after longe argument, I could draw no conclusion from her. I found some disposition in her, rather to use my cosyn Norryce then the Earl. I dyd humbly pray her, (the matter importing her as it doth,) it myght be con sidered by certayne of her choyce counsellors, which motion was also rejected. I fynd no dysposition in her Majestie to take any course for the assurance of Scotland. Touching the Chauncellorship of theDutchy, she told Sir Amias Paulet, that in respect of her promyse made unto me, she would not dyspose of it otherwise. But yet hath he no power to delyver the seales unto me, though for that purpose the attorney is commanded to attend him, who I suppose wyll be dysmissed hence this daye, without any resolution. And so I most humbly take my leave. At the Court, the 23rd of Maye, 1587. Your Lordship's to commaunde, Fra. Walsyngham. SIR FRANCIS WALSINGHAM TO LORD BURGHLEY.* My very good Lord, accordingly as I was directed, I ac quainted her Majestie with our proceeding at the late con ference. She doth nothyng lyke of the resolution. I fynde * The Earl of Leicester, who had returned from the Low Countries at the latter end of the preceding November, was now again sent to take the government, but he was limited both in authority and force, and great jealousies arising between him and the States, he was un able to perform any successful enterprise, and returned home with disgust. An accusation was brought against him at home of ill-go vernment, but he was sheltered by the favour of the Queen. z2 340 LEICESTER RETURNS TO HOLLAND. [JULY, she hath had some secret advertisement from Holland, which maketh her to stand upon the 15,000. I advysed her therfore to commyt the direction of the warres there to the author of that counsell, seeing the Earl of Leycester will not under take it. She hath commanded me to send for him, and sayth he shall go with those forces that she thynketh fyt. I wish your Lordship here, so as it might stand with your healthe, to the end there might be some resolution taken in the great causes. Her Majestie is pleased that the Earl of Hartford shall proceede in the execution of the wyll, and so is it her plea sure that your Lordship shall direct him. I am commanded to send for the Lord Harrye,* and to let him understande how greatly her Majestie mysliketh of the neglect of your Lordship's advice, and of the contempt of the Earl his brother. I wyll not be ttnmyndfull of the request of the alderman of the Styllyarde with the fyrst opportunitie. And so I most humbly take my leave. At the Courte, the 26th of Maye, 1587. Your Lordship's to command, Fra. Walsyngham. SIR FRANCIS WALSINGHAM TO LORD BURGHLEY. My very good Lord, touching the letters desired by the Frenche ambassador to be dispatched according to the agreement at the last meeting, I did before my coming from the court give order to Mr. Ward, as well for a letter to be prepared from her Majestie to the states of Zeland, as also for other letters to be written from your Lordship to the Earle of Leycester and Sir William Russell to that effect. I have also written to his Lordship according to the reso- * The Earl of Hertford's brother. 1587.] threats of the Spaniards. 341 lution taken by my Lords of the counsell. Notwithstanding the said letters, it is left to his own consideration to do therin as he shall thinke meet, only that the men be well used, and money given them for their corne, if the country stand in need of it. The notes of such matters as were agreed on at the meeting are remayning with Buck, my Lord Admirall's man, who, his Lordship desired, might have the keeping of the same, as register for like causes. Touching the answers to be made by Sir John Norris, and Mr. Wilkes, I think that Mr. Norris will bring the same with him, and to Mr. Wilkes I have written to prepare his against the tyme appointed by your Lordship. Your Lordship, by the inclosed from Florence, may per ceive howe some stay is made of the former preparations. It seemeth the next year the King of Spayne, and his con federates, are resolved to sett up their case. The only waye to bridle their mallyce is the interrupting of the Indian fleets. I wyshe, therefore, that the employment of Sir Francis Drake had not been so long delayed. The Duke of Parma's proceeding in this treaty of the peace dothe showe he dothe but dally. It seemeth by Shute's letter, that there is some staye made of the preparations of the ten Biscaye shippes. And so I most humbly take my leave. At Barn-Elmes, the 16th of Julye, 1587. Your Lordship's to commaund, Fra. Walsyngham. I humbly praye your Lordship that Pompees' letter may be reserved to yourself. I would be loth the gentleman, should have any harme through my default. SIR FRANCIS WALSINGHAM TO LORD BURGHLEY. My very good Lord, I send your Lordship such letters as I received yesternight late from the Earl of Leycester. I am 342 GREAT PREPARATIONS OF THE SPANIARDS. [JULY, sorry to fynd by him so gi'eat backwardnes in the States. I feare this devysion between the sayd Earl and them will be the losse of Sluse, or rather of the whole countrye. And so I most humblie take my leave. At Barne-Elmes, the 20th of Julye, 1587. Your Lordship's to commaund, Fra. Walsyngham. SIR THO. LEIGHTON TO THE EARL OF LEICESTER. My singular good Lord, having the commoditie of a pas sage and so convenient a messenger as the bearer herof, Mons. Kenelle, a godly honest minister of this isle, who hath occasion to make a voyage into those parts, I would not faile to acquaint your Excellencie with such intelligence as of late I receaved from certain notable merchants of Brittaine, my very friends, which are these. That by letters from sundry of their factors from Calles, Saint Lucar, and other parts of Spaine, they do ascertaine that the King of Spaine doth as semble a very greate army at Lisbon, for what purpose is not certainly knowne, but the report is divers, some say for Eng lande, some for Irlande, and some for Britaine, and some for Barbary, and others say to guarde the armadas that are to come from the Yndia. But neither of these latter can it be, by reason that the provision is so greate. For it is advertised that there is at Lisbon to the number of 140 greate shipps, besides galliots and other smalle vessells in great number. Furthermore there is sett forth from Calles by the order of the Duke de Medina Sydoynie, 40 greate shipps, 6 galiases of 6 and 9 hundreth tonnes. In these galiases came 1,500 oulde souldiors from Sisille,1 Naples, and other places, which were presently put into galiots and sent to Lisbon. There are 6 galiases more daily looked for, to come from Levante. 1 Sicily. 1587.] THE LOSS OF SLUISE. 343 They do account upon 15,000 oulde soldiors, Spaniards and Itallians, beside a great number of bisoyns. Also there is pardon offered to all the thieves that lye in the mountains so as they will come in and serve the King in this voyage. These factors write that they have sene laden 6,000 muskets, greate number of cullivers, corslets, pikes, and other mu nitions. Vitels is at Lisbon most abondant. The army is to be conducted by the Marques Saint Cruse. There is also lately arrived at the courte, 50 capitains Wallons. All this fleete will be in a readiness by the end of this month of July. Your Excellencie shall do well to prepare and put yourself in best order to receive them, for so much the more it is to be doubted that their meaning is for the Low Countries, in that they name so many other places, and say nothing of that which touches them nearest. tF *?? 4P •«• "jp At Guernsey, the 28th of July, 1587. Your Excellence's most humbly, Tho. Leghton. SIR ROGER WILLIAMS TO THE EARL OF LEICESTER. I have all the copies of letters I wrote and received since my coming into the Sluse,* the which do shewe our neces- syties and wants. Since the loss of the fort we were bat tered with fourtene thousand cannonades, one breach of almost four hundred paces, another of three score paces, an other of sixteen paces, all fordable for horse and man. Three days afore our coming out, the enemy won our rampier, possest it for half an English myle. We have hurte and slain very neer eight hundred. We had not powder to fight two hours. We * Sluise had been long besieged, and the Earl of Leicester had been pressed to go into Holland, in hopes that his presence would have relieved it. But the delays and smallness of the supplies rendered these hopes vain. 344 THE LOSS OF SLUISE. [JULY, were continually for 13 nightes all on the breaches. I pro test unto your Excellency, had your person bene with us we had not kept the place two hours longer. His army being ready to give a generall assault, we were forced to com pound, in the which I swore unto him either to go out with honor, or else die with the rest and burne castell and towne. He gave us honorable composition. Had the state of Eng land lain on it our lyves, we could not defend the place three hours, for half the rampier was his, neither had we any pioneers but ourselves. I am sure never troupe fought longer than we dyd, nor never worse resolved to fly and skape, that could through the drownd land. Had your troupes entered a Tuesday, it had bene too late, for they had won the best part of the towne. When all the truth is knowne, we were sold by the vilains that are angry with us. Yours to death, R. Williams. Referring the rest to Mr. Brouke. THE EARL OF ESSEX TO THE EARL OF LEICESTER. Sir, I received your letters but now. My Lord of Cumber land came half a day before Sir Thomas Shurley, with the news of the yielding up of Sluse, which since it is gone shall not so much grieve me, the composition being so honorable. The Quene was a little troubled with it, and only blamed the Dutch, and your Lordship that you would trust theni in any thing. She hath bene since long with her counsaile. What is agreed on I know not, but this bearer is very hastely dis patched. I had great speech with her presently after my Lord of Cumberland was come. I desired her she wold know your enemies, and not believe anything they shold say. If they layd any matter to your charge, that she wold suspend her judgment till she did hear yourself speake. I will watch with the best diligence I can, that your enemies may not take 1587.] COURT APPOINTMENTS. 345 advantage of your absence. Your Lordship is very much be holding to my Lord Lumley, who both professeth himself to be yours, and shewes his affection in all your causes here. He is very carefull of the good successe of all your busines. Thus in haste I commit your Excellencie to God's happy pro tection. Theobalde's, this last of July, 1587. Your sonne, most ready to do you service, R. Essex. W. HERLE TO THE EARL OF LEICESTER. This day, about 2 of the clocke in the afternoone, arrived Mr. Atye here from your Excellency, and on Wensday morn ing to Thiballd's were letters brought out of Spayne, bring ing a full assent to the peace, which are kept very close and secret.* The Earle of Derby will be at the courte on Son- ^day, and theruppon will follow what order shall be gyven to our commissioners for their proceeding. Sir Tho. Heneage on Wensdaye in the afternoone was sworne and admytted Vice-chamberlayne.f The Lord of Hunsdon departs to morrow to his howse in Hartfordshire, and thence northward, being made Lord Warden of the Myddell Marches, with all fees and profits therunto appertayning bestowed on him. He hath beside a great parcell of the temporalityes of the Bishoprick of Durham given him, wherof his followers prog nosticate that he shall be made Cownte Palatine. He hath some forces appoynted him to strengthen his government and action. Mr. Robert Cecill, at the mediation of the Earle of Essex, had all his father's offices graunted him in reversion within * Towards the latter end of the year the Earl of Derby was sent into Flanders with commission to negociate with the Prince of Parma for peace. t The place of Sir Christopher Hatton, who was this year made Lord Chancellor. 346 FRANCE KING OF NAVARRE. [SEPT. Hartfordshire. Sir John Norrys' friends give out that he shall be sent over to make his submission to your Excellency, they using very reverent speeches of you, and taking hold of some check ye gave to the Lord Marshall, for the ill-ex ploited enterprise of Howghstrate, that if Sir John Norrys had been used in the charge, he would have fought it owt with what forces soever he caryed, which doth so much the more please that syde, in how much it sounds to the dys grace of the sayd Lord Marshall. I have now a sute to your Excellency of myne own ; it is that ye wold be pleased to write an ernest letter on my be half to the Lord Threasurer, who surely is well enclyned of himself to favour me, and hath promised all the mediation he can to her Majestie for my good, which by your recommen dation will be furthered both in countenance and commodity; wherefore, seeing that your Excellency may greatly satisfy by so easy a meane, one that truly serves and honors you, I do rely thereof, and wholly commend it to your speedy $ honorable writing ; lykewise that ye will vouchsafe that my Lady your wife do inclyne her son* to the same effect with her Majestie and the Lord Threasurer, which shall be a double favour, wherewith very humbly I take my leave. Temple Barre, the 8th of September, 1587. Your Excellencie's most humble, W. Herlle. SIR FRANCIS WALSINGHAM TO LORD BURGHLEY. My very good Lord, your Lordship by the inclosed from Mr. Stafford, may perceyve how muche there remaynetli in his handes of the 18,000 crownes which I wish were dely vered unto the Count of Soyssons in case he contynues his former resolution to joyne the King of Navarr. How * The Earl of Essex, whose mother the Earl of Leicester had married. 1587.] AFFAIRS OF FRANCE. 347 greatly it importeth her Majestie to have the King of Navarr upheld, the inclosed I receyved this morning from your ser vant, Mr. Powle, wyll shewe your Lordship. It were conve nient that this letter were read unto her Majestie by Mr. Wolley, or at least so much thereof as concerneth herselfe. There would be expedition used in taking order for the send ing of some present supply unto the King of Navarr. Mr. Horatio wyll attend on your Lordship this afternoone, to be ready to be employed in case her Majestie shall lyke to use his servyce. If the Duke of Montpensier shall find her Ma jestie resolved to back the King of Navarr, there is no doubt but that he maye be drawen to make himself a partye. There is no waye so apt to stopp the Spanish expeditions agaynst this realme, as the upholding of the King of Navarr, and the keeping under of the Howse of Guise, whom Spayne seeketh to advaunce. If her Majestie shall loose this opportu- nitye, either by long delay in resolving, or by not sending such a portion of treasure as may do good, she shall have cause to say, Farewell my dayes of peace. Mr. Stafford, in a bye paper unto me, desyred that the copye of the enclosed wrytten unto him from one whom he mayntaineth of purpose in the Reyters' campe, may not be knowne to be dyrected unto him, but rather to seeme some of his in Parris. I thinke your Lordship shall do well to ac- quaynt Mr. Chauncellor with the French and Italyan letters, and to praye him to joyne with your Lordship in the further ing of this cause of the King of Navarr's. And so I most humbly take my leave. At Barn-Elmes, the 12th of Sept. 1587. Your Lordship's to commaund, Fra. Walsyngham. SIR WILLIAM RUSSELL* TO THE EARL OF LEICESTER. It maie please your Excellencie to understand, that wheras * Sir William Russell was the fourth son of Francis Earl of Bed ford. In the preceding year he had distinguished himself in the battle 348 TUMULT AT FLUSHING. [SEPT. complaynt hath bene made unto your Excellencie of the forcible delivering of a prisoner, and unreverent usage of the magistrates committed by the commons of this towne, the beginning of the disorder, and manner of proceeding therin, was such as followeth. The barber who was imprisoned,being, (as it is thought,) overcome with drinke, passed by the house of one Adrian Cornelison, a captain at sea, whom he found standing at his doore, and seeing a paper declaring that the house was to be lett, after other speeches, wished that he had bene gone both from his house and office before Shiis had bene lost, that some honester man that would have adven tured to relieve it, might have enjoyed his roome. And uppon further speeches, he called the said Adrian traitor, and told him that he never dared to fight, neither before Sluis nor in any other service, and now it was lost he meant to abandon Vtisching and go to Camphere. Uppon complaynt made, the barber was summoned to appear before the magistrates at a daie appointed, which he omitted, and ex- cuseth it because he said that there were many to be heard that daie, and himself appointed one of the last, wherby he presumed that the tyme would not serve. For the contempt of absenting himself, he was taken out of his bedd in the night, at ten or eleven of the clocke, and imprisoned. His freinds offered sureties to be bownd for him in a thousand guilders, which was refused. Uppon this the common people found themselves grieved, and flocked together, murmuring that their privileges were violated, in that the man was taken prisoner in the night for nothing but words against a private person, and cautions for him refused, being touched with no treason. Some of them came to my house to have communicated the matter to me, but I would not have to do with them, only this, I sent to the magistrates to advertize at Zutphen, where Sir Philip Sydney was wounded, and he succeeded him as governor of Flushing. He was afterwards Lieutenant of Ire land, and was created by James I., Baron Russell, of Thornbourgh, in Northamptonshire. He died in 1613. 1587.] TUMULT AT FLUSHING. 349 them that I heard of the people's discontent, and to advise and desire them to have regard that the trouble might be pacified. And as my message was done, the people ran violently uppon the magistrates, and forced them to release the prisoner. The daie following the magistrates desired my ayde, which I offred so far forthe as to persuade the people to end their tumults, and behave themselves obediently to wards their magistrates, but to take any autoritie uppon me in the civill policy which belongeth to them and not to me, I would not, because T understood this trouble proceeded of an old grudge among them, so that if I had medled therin I must have bene partaker of one faction. I never animated any man in disobedience, and if I offended in anything, I assure your Excellencie it was in soliciting peace among them. This is th'effect of their disagreement, and thus farr did I deale therin and no farther, which I trust your Excellencie will not disallow, for that the matter touched the magis trates, and not any attempt against her Majestie nor the gar rison, so farr as I could perceyve in either part. They were presentlie very well disposed to growe to any good agree ment after they had bene with me, and nowe there is a good end made of all past grudges, and myself was required a few daies past to be present in the state-house at the conclu sion of their amity, wherin every man seemed well content. Concerning the other matter wherof your Excellencie did write unto me, I trust your Excellencie is satisfied in my former letter. And thus humblie craving pardon for that my sickness did not permitt me to write in mine owne hand, I commit your Excellencie to the protection of the Almightie. Vlisching, this 13th of September, 1587. Your Excellencie's at commandement, W. Russell. 350 SIR FRANCIS DRAKE. [SEPT. MR. E. PRINNE TO LORD BURGHLEY. Right Honorable, my humble dutie considered, the cause that moved me to write these few lynes is that nature causes me to shewe my dutie wherto I am bounde as the sonne of an Englishman. It is not unknowne unto your Honor of Sir Francis Drake's good success in this his last voyage ;* whereuppon in France manie of the nobles and marchants were of the opynion that her Majestie wolde nowe lende the Kinge my masterf out of this rich shipp of Portingall goods taken by the said Sir Francis Drake two hundred thousand crownes, to levy an army for the voyage of Portingall, which opynion of them the King assureth himselfe no lesse of her Majestie, as the tyme did give opportunitie. But, my good Lorde, putting asyde these great matters, I am in loyall dutie even bounde to shewe your Honor that the myserable state of the poor King is suche, that her Majestie might do well to cause some of the King's poore creditors to be paid. All which 1200 or 1300 pounds wold discharge, and by this meanes the poore King owt of extremitie and daunger of greate discreditt, which I do assure your Honor wold befall, if at Michaelmas nexte there be not some good order taken * Drake had been sent with a small fleet to harass the coast of Spain, and had been highly successful. " Entring into the port of Gades," says Camden, " he chased six gallyes under the forts, and sunke, tooke, or fired about a hundred vessels, wherin was great store of munition and victuals." From thence he made to Cape St. Vin cent, where he took three forts, burnt the fishing-boats along the coast to the mouth of the Tagus, challenged the Marques of Santa Cruce to come out and fight him, and plundered the coast and destroyed the shipping in his sight. " From thence setting saile towards the Azores, he lighted by chance upon a very great marchaunt shippe, and very rich, (called a carack,) and named the Saint Philip, returning from East India, and easily overcame it, which the seafaring men on both sides, in regard of the name of Philip, interpreted to presage some dis aster to Philip of Spaine." t Antonio, Ex-King of Portugal. 1587.] THE KING OF PORTUGAL. 351 with these poor men which are in greate danger of utter un doing. It will be a godly deede for her Majestie to supplie this extremitie. If this my simple letter wold not seeme te dious unto your Honor, I could be large in showing the most pittifull state of this poor King : in honor, my good Lord, her Majestie sholde take pittie unto his poore creditors, the names of whom I will referr untyll such tyme as it shall please your Honor to weary yourself with this poor King's miseryes, weighing his poor estate with your true ballance, and use herin your honorable favours, under which banner the state of his poore howse dependeth, having no other refuge but in your Honor. And for my part, I do professe that my dutie unto her Majestie causeth me to write this bolde letter unto your Honor, for which I most humbly crave pardon, in hope of which I end, praying Almightie God longe to prosper your Honor's lyfe. From London, the 16th of September, 1587. Your Honor's most humble and dutifull servant, Edward Prinne. THOMAS TUNCKER TO WILLIAM WATSON.* I have here met with some Lubeck and other ships come from Lisborne, who assuredly saie that there is great preparation made, and daily making, at Lisborne, against the begynning of January, to invade England in the north parts, where for religion they shall finde the fifth man to be gyven to papestry, which will take part with them. As for Scotland, they be vowed to the King of Spaine as one man. As also they do practise with our English gentilmen, yonger brothers, to make them equal with them in inheritance. The Cardinall's secretary, and the Marquis Seint Croise his levetenant, told * " The copie of a letter written from Elsener in Denmark, by Thos. Tuncker, the 13th of October, 1587, directed to William Watson of London, merchant, and by hym receyved the 4th of November, anno dicto." 352 PREPARATIONS OF THE SPANIARDS. [SEPT. this to Albar Grobe, master of a great ship of Lubeck, being abord his ship at Belyan, and willed the shipper for auncient acquaintance to beware against their coming, which was about the middle of February, to do such an exployte as all the rest of Europe shold stand trembling if it might be per formed. They had never learned this, but that they made their hearts merry with drinke. There came ships with great provisions daily out of the straights, with bisketts in numerable quantities, so of rice, wyne, oyle, powder, shot. There were also eightene great ships, some of Wismore, of Rostocke, of Hamburgh, which came to Lisborne, laden with butter, chese, ankers, cables, tackle, fisshe of a wonderfull quantitie, and the ships presently entertayned into service, and new ports cut out, nyne or ten ports more then they had before. Likewise all the Holland ships prepared, besides a number preparing owt of the straights, and that of ships, of men, of victaalls, there is great plentie, and no want. The Marques St. Croise at sea, with thirty-six sailes to conduct home th'Indian fleete, but there is a pestilence amonges his men at sea. A Scottishe ambassador is arryved at Lisborne, an Earle, highly entertayned of the Cardinall's, come thither overland. The Prince of Parma his factor at Hamburgh hath his servants abrode to buy fly -boats, of sixty and seventy lastes, at Elbing, Danske, at Lubeck, in this place, and spareth for no money. They have bought twenty-five brave boats already. All these shall mete at Sluce, and with the Dunkirkers scoure the seas and kepe our men occupied in the narrow seas. God help England ! for a destruction is pre paring, if God stay it not. Syr, these news that I wryte be all trewe. The masters of those ships have sworne by their salvation that such speeches were uttered abord his ship the 1st of September past. 1587.] PREPARATIONS OF THE SPANIARDS. 353 SIR THOMAS LEIGHTON TO THE EARL OF LEICESTER. My singular good Lorde, the very barke that brought me your Lordship's letter, returning now unto Midelbourgh, I wold not faile, according to your Lordship's commandement, to imparte such intelligences as are come to my hands, which is that the Spanishe armie departed from Lisbon the 3rd of this presente, in the which are shipped to the number of between fifteen and eighteen thousand soldiers, said to go into Scotlande. Another army the King prepareth, which are for the most part Italians, but those are thought will not be ready before the next springe ; nevertheless sondry bands of them arrive daily in Spaine. The French doth undoubtedly determine to joyne with the Spaniarde this next yere. This I received but yesterday from the mouth of one that is in wardly greate with the embassador of Spaine, who farther affirmeth from the mouth of him that is for her Majestie, that he is not of the religion but parforce, and would be content to see a change in Englande. I leave to the judgment of your Excellencie whether it be not a thing of most dangerous consequence to have in so dangerous a tyme an unsounde person in that place. Well, God preserve her Majestie ! It seemes to me that in so perilous a tyme, a pressing care wold be had what persons are put into such places, and so I leave further to trouble yout Lordship, in presenting my humble duty, beseeching God to preserve you, and give you most prosperous success in all your actions. Guernsey, this 18th of September, 1587. Your Excellence's most humbly, Thos. Leighton. Within fifteen days I .determine, if God permit, to be in Englande, where I desire of God to see your Lordship. VOL. II. A A 354 negotiations for peace. [oct. SIR FRANCIS WALSINGHAM TO THE EARL OF LEICESTER. My very good Lord, in the middest of my diett I fell into a fever, and since my recoverie of the fever, I am troubled greatly with a defluction of an humour into one of mine eyes, which hath bene the cause why your Lordship hath not heard from me these many daies. I hope your Lordship, considering it groweth from the hand of God, will excuse me. I doubt not but your Lordship is thorougly acquainted with our courte proceedings since the returne of my Lord North and my brother Beale. From them and other your Lord ship's honorable friends in court, I know you are informed how offensively it is taken that the matter of peace goeth so slowly forward there. It is reported that both Mr. Her bert, the Master of Requests, and Mr. Ortell, shall presently repaire over to deale effectually with the States for the ad vancement of the said peace ; and it is also said that our commissioners shall put themselves presently in a readiness to departe into those contries, to th'end that when the States have given their consents to yield to the treatie, there may be no time lost. There is the more haste made in this matter, for that Andreas de Loe doth write that the Duke of Parma thinketh he is but mocked and dallied withall, and that he doubteth greatly that if Commissioners shall not be pre sently sent over, the said Duke will breake off and not pro ceed to the treatie, which we do believe here to be most true, and will by no meanes be persuaded that the King of Spaine and the said Duke do but dally with us, so strong a conceite are we growne to have of both their sincerities, con trarie to the opinion of all men of judgment, seeing the gi'eat preparations made both by sea and- land. Sir Edward Stafford hath advertised hither that the French King hath especially sent unto his agent in Spaine, to learne there whether the King of Spaine meant soundly to proceed in this treatie of peace with the Quene, from whom he hath receaved undoubted answer that the King doth it only to 1587.] disposition of the Scottish king. 355 winne tyme and to abuse the Quene of England. This, not withstanding that Mr. Stafford hath gotten it from one of good account about the King, is offensively taken here, so much do we myslyke anything that may hinder the said treatie of peace. Such newes as we have receaved out of France touching the King of Navarre and the Reiters' Campe, I send here with unto your Lordship, and so most humbly take my leave. From my howse in London, the 9th of October, 1587. Your Lordship's to command, Fra. Walsyngham. LORD HUNSDON TO ClUEEN ELIZABETH. Touching this young King, surely if your Highness look for any amyty or kind dealing at his hands, you will fynde yourself greatly deceived. For if there were any good incli nation in hym towards your Highness, which I neither fynd nor believe to be, yet hath he such a bad company about hym, and so maliciously bent against your Highness, as, if there were any good inclynation in hym towards your Highness, they will not suffer hym to remayn in it two days together. So as whatsoever is to be had from them must be by force, as I think your Highness fynds partly by this tyme, by such letters as I gat from Corselles* lately, and sent them up ; for the which, I assure your Highness, he hath bene twice ready to hange himselfe. A greate pyty he was letted1 from so good a deede! I commytt your Highness to the protection of the Al- * De Courcelles, a Frenchman, who was employed in the intrigues with Mary, before her death, and afterwards with the French party. It is to the letters here mentioned, apparently, that allusion is made in a long letter from R. Douglas to Archibald Douglas, on the 6th No vember.— (Lodge ii. 359.) 1 Hindered. AA2 356 THE EARL OF DERBY. [DEC mighty, who send your Highness a long life, with all happi ness to your own hart's desyre and best contentment. At Barwyke, the 24th of October, 1587. Your Highness' most dutifull and obedient servant, H. Hunsdon. THE EARL OF DERBY TO LORD BURGHLEY. My verie honorable good Lord, the charges of this embassy wherin her Majestie nowe imployeth me, which with all my harte for her service and the realme's I take uppon me, I fynde farre greater then I made reckoning of, for I assure your Lordship nowe uppon conference with my officers, touching those paste and them to come, I fynde it hathe cost me largelie synce my coming from myne own house, having attended here these three monthes, insomuch as the great dearthe of all thinges, where we go, considered, I fynde my proportionment for this turne muste of necessity be supplied. It pleased your Lordship at your howse, for the which I thinke myself most deeplie behoulding to your Lordship, to proffer your bonde for me, the which albeit I will not desire of your Lordship, yet muste I make bolde to praye a little favor at your handes, which is that either it will please your Lordship to commende my desire by your letters to Sir Thomas Ramsey and Mr. Alderman Spencer for the loane of a £1,000 a twelvemonth uppon interest, and my statute for theire safetie and satisfaction, or els uppon the lyke securitie to move her Majesty to lende me as muche ; for excepte by one of these two meanes, I see not howe my presente turne wil be served. I beseeche your Lordship to have consideration hereof, whereby your Lordship shall make me so muche behoulding to you, as amonges a nom ber of your honorable favors, I shall thinke myselfe for this principally behoulding to you and yours, so long as I 1587.] ACCIDENT IN THE FLEET. 357 lyve. Of my greate expenses here sondrie wayes, besides the daylie charges of ray standing howse in the country, for the fynding of my sonne and daughter Strange, and bothe our servants, bothe which being the causes of my presente wante, this bearer, who is acquainted therewithall, can at large informe your Lordship. And so wishing to your good Lordship as to myself, I do committ you to God. My howse in Channon-rowe, this 1st of December, 1587. Youre Lordship's faythfull, loving friend, alwayes to use, H. Derby. LORD CHARLES HOWARD TO LORD BURGHLEY. My honorable good Lord, I do understand by Mr. Csesar how much I am bound unto your Lordship for your honor able favor. I have no ways to recompense it but with my love and service, which your Lordship shall be most assured ever of. It may be there hathe bene some reporte made to your Lordship of some chance that happened here before my coming downe, by fyre in one of the shyps, and because I do under stand that it is reported that it should be done by Ascott, I do assure your Lordship it was after this manner. There were two poor knaves that came from Weschester, that stryved for a place to hang up their netting for to lye in, and the one of them had a piece of a kandell in his hand, and in stryving thekandell fell downe where there lay some ocham: it myght have bred some mischief, but it was quickly put out: it was in the E. Benaventre, but I hope to make them a warning to others to beware. I am bolde to send you by this bearer, my man, the copy of a proclamation, which I have drawen and proclaimed in my own shypp, and shall this day and to-morrow proclaim in the rest. I am but a bad drawer of a proclamation, but it shall serve, I hope, for to prevent some ill that might happen. My 358 ANNUS MIRABILIS. [JAN. good Lord, this bearer, my man, shall attend at the court, and shall attend on your Lordship allways to knowe your pleasure, if you wyll command him anything unto me. And so resting always most beholding unto your Lordship, and most ready to do your Lordship any service, I humbly take mv leave. Aboard her Majestie's good ship, the White Bear, 24th Dec. 1587. Your Lordship's most assured to command, C. Howard. THE COUNCIL TO THE LIEUTENANTS OF SUSSEX.* After our right hartie commendations to your Lordships, wheras her Majestie hath thought it most convenient, (being advertised sondrie ways of the great preparations that are made already of shipping and men,) to provide all things necessarie to defende any invasion or attempt that might be made against the realme, or other her Majestie's dominions ; amongst other things, considering howe, of late yeares, divers other subjects by the meanes of bad instruments have bene withdrawen from the due obedience they owe to her Majestie and her lawes, insomuch as divers of them most obstinately have refused to come to the church to prayers and divine ser vice, for which respects being so addicted, it is hardely ad ventured to repose that trust in them which is to be looked for in her other good subjects ; and it is also certaine that such as should meane to invade the realme would never at- -* The Lord Admiral and Lord Buckhurst. We now arrive at the eventful year 1588, which witnessed the de feat of the memorable Spanish Armada. At the commencement of the year the certain intelligence, which arrived every day, of the vast pre parations made by the enemy, and the certainty that they were intended for England, rendered it necessary to adopt all measures possible for putting the nation in a posture of defence, and to secure the persons of all who were suspected of ill designs at home. 1588.] RECUSANTS PLACED UNDER RESTRAINT. 359 tempt the same, but uppon hope (which the fugitives and rebells abroade do give and assure them) of those bad mem bers that alreadie are knowen to be recusants ; it is therefore thought meet in these doubtfull tymes, they should be looked to and restrayned, as they shall neither be able to give assist ance to the enemie, nor that the enemie should have any hope of reliefe and succour by them. Wherefore her Majestie's plea sure is, your Lordship shall cause due enquirie to be made what number of recusants are in that countie, and what qualitie and abifitie they be of. Wherin such gentlemen as have been commissioners before in those matters, are able to instruct you. And therupon to cause the most obstinate and noted persons to be committed to such prysons as are fittest for their safe keeping. The rest that are of value, and not so obstinate, to be referred to the custodie of some ecclesiasticall persons and other gentlemen well affected, to remayne at the charges of the recusant, to be restrained in such sorte as they may be forthcoming, and kept from intelligence one with another. Wherin, hoping your Lordships will take such or ders herin as shall be most requisite in that behalfe, we byd your Lordships hartelie farewell. From the Courte, the 4th of January, 1587. Your Lordship's very loving frendes, Jo. Cant. F. Knollys. Chr. Hatton, Cane. James Croft. W. Burghley. T. Heneage. H. Derby. A. Poulet. C. Howard. J. Wolley. THE LORD HIGH ADMIRAL TO LORD BURGHLEY. My honorable and good Lord, I have received your Lord ship's favorable letter, and am much bownde unto your Lordship for your Lordship's favors. I wold to God your 360 THE PORT OF HARWICH. [JAN. Lordship's heithe and strength were answerable to your mynde; then I am sure this company here with me should be happy to see your Lordship here. My Lord, on Wensday last, I went to Harwyge, to see the towne and the haven, which I had not seen this 27 yeres. My Lord, it is a place to be made much of, for the haven hath not his fellow in all respects not in this realme, and es pecially as long as we have such enemyes so neere us, as they be in the Low Countryes, and not more assured of Scotland then we are. My Lord, we can bringe all the shyps that her Majestie hath a grownde there in 13 springs. I knowe not that we can do so in any place else but here at Chatham. That which is doing above the towne wyll be to very good purpose for any sodden, and for my part I wysh it were as stronge as Flushynge. I received a letter from my Lord Cobham, of an enterprise that is sent downe to burn all such shyps of her Majestie as shall ryde before the Ramskyns, or thereaboutes. I received this letter as I was half the way coming homewards from Harwyge. I presently sent away a pynace, with John Wyn ter in her, your Lordship's servant, and dyd send the ad- vertysement unto Sir W. Russell, with a letter of my own ; and lykewyse I did write unto the captaines of her Majestie's ships, with certain instructions, which, if the devise be at tempted, I believe you shall hear they shall smart for ther devyse. There is two shyps and a pynace; their vyttells cometh out about an 8 days hence, so that then they will come away. In the meane tyme, if nothing be done already, I doubt not but they shall safely come away. My good Lord, God send you ever well to do ! And so I bid yom- Lord ship most hartily farewell. From aboard the Bear, the 23rd of Jan. Your Lordship's most assured always to command, C. Howard. 1588.] FORCED LOAN. 361 LETTER OF PRIVY SEAL TO ROGER COLUMBELL* BY THE QUEEN. Trustie and well-beloved, we greet you well, whereas for the better withstanding of the intended invasion of this realme, upon the great preparation made by the Kinge of Spaine, both by sea and land the last yeere, the same having been such as the lyke was never prepared at any time agaynst this realme, we are now forced for the defence of the same, and of our good loving subjects, to be at infinite charges both by sea and land, especially for that the same intended invasion tendeth directly to the conquest of this realme, and fynding also by such intelligences as we dayly receive that the lyke preparations are nowe making for the lyke intent the next yere, by the said Kynge, for the with standing whereof it shall be necessarie for us to prepare bothe by sea and land, which cannot be performed without great charges, we have therefore thought it expedient, having alwaies our good and loving subjects most ready upon such lyke occasion to furnish us by way of loane of some con venient portions of money, agreable with their estate, (which we have and mynde alwayes to repaye,) to have recourse unto them in lyke manner at this present. And therefore, having made choyce in the several parts of our realme of a number able to do us this kynd of service, which is not refused between neighbour and neighbour, amongst thenumber we have also particularly named you,Roger Columbell, for your ability and good-will you beare to us and our realme, to be one ; wherefore we require you to paye to our use the sum of fyve-and-twentie pounds to such person as by our lieutenant of that countie shall be named to you by his hand wryting. And these our letters of privy seale, subscribed by the partie so named, by our lieutenant that * Of Darley Hall, in Derbyshire. This letter is a curious illustra tions of the mode of raising money on an extraordinary emergency, by a forced loan. 362 PARTIES IN HOLLAND. [FEB. shall receive the same, confessing the time of the receipt thereof, shal be sufficient to bynd us, our heires, and sue cessors, duly to repaye the said summe to you or your as signes, at the end of one yere, from the 26th day of January, in the thirty-first yere of our raigne. Thos. Kery. Received of Mr. Roger Columbell, the 12th daye of Aprill, for her Majestie's use, the above said sum, twenty and five poundes, at Haddon, by me John Maners, Clerk in Engham. SIR WILLIAM RUSSELL TO THE EARL OF LEICESTER.* Since the writing of my last to your Lordship, the bourgers and captayns of Reverr hath declared themself to hold the town for her Majestie and your Honor, utterly refusing to obeye either Count Moriss or Hollock, or to receive any of their soldiers, wherfore they have most earnestly desired me to write to your Lordship, that they might be putt into her Ma jestie's paye, and they will hold the towne for her use and your Honor ; a place, as your Honor knoweth, of great im portance, commanding all the island. They marveling very much that all this while they have not heard from your Honor, their soldiers crying for two monthes' paye, so that if pre sently your Honour sendeth not over some mony for them, the place will be lost, and your Honor greatly dishonored and this action overthrowne, myself having already fur nished them with some mony, and having from time to time assured them of your Lordship's promise, wherupon they 'After the departure of Leicester, there were two factions in the Low Countries ; the English party, and the party of Count Maurice, son of the Prince of Orange, and the common cause suffered much by their jealousies. 1588.] PARTIES IN HOLLAND. 363 have sett up their restes, being most assured to lose their lives, if your Lordship fayl them ; wherfore I beseech your Lordship that with the very first there may be order taken for the levetenant, who hath so well deserved it. And thus nothing doubting of your Lordship's good care for Ends, a place of so great importance, I humbly take my leave. Flushing, February 8- Your Lordship's to command, W. Russell. LORD WILLOUGHBY TO LORD BURGHLEY. Your Lordship's most honourable courtesyes and your most friendly councells received both by letters and messages by my servant Colman, were causes sufficient to make me wholly yours, if I were not already so far forth bound unto you, as nothing can be added to the sincere and affectionate regard wherewith I honour you and desire to serve you. For newes, this messenger departs so soone after the arrival of Colman, as having won so much time, not without some pains, as to travel from Utrecht hither to the Haghe, I have not had leisure to communicate those services with the States, commanded by her Majestie, only I have dispatched com fortable messages to the besieged of Meddenblick, and others distressed, as also her Majestie's letter to the two Counts. It is thought Hollock's letter will find him in good disposition, being, as some say, much inclined to a reconciliation with my Lord Stuard * and our nation, but the truth th'end will approve. As far as I can learn, all the lendings are issued five or six dayes since, so I was forced to begin my credit anew with them at Utrecht, or else to have those daungerous events fall out in this troublesome time, which lack and misery cawses * The Earl of Leicester 364 DISORDERS IN THE ARMY. [FEB. among men of warre. It was true lately that I sent to your Lordship, that the said treasure would have served nine weeks, but it hath scarce dured any more than sixe. I know not where the fault is, but I am well assured it might be better. There are divers Captains with great store of ser vaunts, (that spend her Majestie all togethei no lesse then 1001. a day, by all estimation,) absent from their companyes in London : if it were spent here, it would do poore soldiours more good, and cause good discipline and order to be better regarded of all sorts. It may please you to pardon me that I trouble you with this, for as for those thinges which dis orderly charge her Majestie, I know none more willing to redresse them than yourselfe : I have already bene blamed and complained on by the Treasurer to the Lord Stuard for my care in these things : your Lordship may vouchsafe to keep all to yourselfe, and as your Lordship shall think good reform by little and little what is amiss, for her Ma jestie's better service, which God is my witnes I desire up rightly to proceede in like an honest servant, without malicing of any, and I could wyshe myself a private man, discharged of all, to give occasion of offence to none, which is hardly found of those that serve as becomes them in any office. Thus I comfort me, in the mean while, that no thing shall please me better than a triall of my actions, when I shall be called therunto. For the rest your Lordship's direction (if God blesse me to follow it,) will make me passe these pikes the easier, which I always shall be ready to ac knowledge as becomes me. And so I humbly take my leave, commending your Lordship to Almighty God. From the Hagh, the 22d of February, stilo veteri, 1587. Your Lordship's most humble and assured to commaund, P. Wyllughby. I have written to my Lord Stuard how all the lendings are out, and made mention to have the captains sent home. I beseech you kepe the rest to yourself, and consyder the 1588.] PARTIES IN HOLLAND. 365 truth by esteeming how the captains live that are in London, to follow the court, and not the warres or their charge, in such sort as they do. SIR WILLIAM RUSSELL TO THE EARL OF LEICESTER. My very good Lord, sithens the writing of my last unto your Lordship, those of Armewe have thrust forth those horsmen which were in garrison there, and shewe themselves to rely themselves altogether uppon her Majestie, being in myne opinion very necessary (if it shall please your Lord ship) to write unto them, for that it would greatlie satisfie them withall. The captaine of that place hath been with me this morning, to desire me to move your Lordship that there may be order taken for him and his companie to be entered into the Quene's paye, if the Estates fall from them, and deny them paye. Sithens my being at Revere, they have thrust forth the chieffest burguemaster and the balleve, for that they doubted of their good meanings towardes her Majestie. Now is this iland* whollie assured unto her Majestie, if your Lordship will have regard to take order that Colonell Sonoy may be relieved in good tyme, otherwise it is to be doubted lest all will fall from us againe. They resort unto me from many places, and do shewe them selves most willing to be governed by her Majestie, although Count Maurice and the Estates persuade them all that the Quene will undo them all with this treatie of peace. They in these parts and everywhere are so well affected unto your Lordship, that they desire greatly your Lordship's coming over. I am persuaded if it would please your Lordship to come, nowe is the tyme. Your Lordship might do much good, and bridle the States, with like revenge on all them which have crossed your Lordship. Forasmuch as the States * Zealand. 366 SIR ROBERT CECIL. [FEB. and Count Maurice go about to deale in all things against the good proceeding of her Majestie in these countryes, I feare in this dangerous tyme, lest they, or some instrument for them, should corrupt our soldiers nowe they are in this great extremitie by reason of their wants and poverty. Wherefore I beseeche your Lordship to cause treasure to be sent over with as convenient speed as may be. Even so I cease further to trouble your Lordship, and do commend your Lordship to the Almightie's protection. Vlushing, the 29th of Feb. 1587. Your Lordship's ever to command, W. Russell. SIR ROBERT CECIL* TO MICHAEL HICKES.f Mr. Hycks, lest you might think Ostend hath altered my disposition, though it may chance to change my complexion, 1 have written these few lines. You live, and so doth Mr. Arondell too, in safety and pleasure, both which I never wanted tyll now. The soldiours every day disposed to mutynies, nothing to be had but what we brought with us, and that spoyled with lying shypped a moneth for want of wynd and wattage. My cosen Spencer is gone toward Bruxelles to the Duke ; when you heare I have bene there, believe it. The Governour of the next towne, hearing that we had * Addressed " To Mr. Michael Hycks, my frend, by the fyre side, I believe'' t Michael Hickes, the eldest son of Robert Hickes, a wealthy citizen and mercer of Cheapside, in London. Michael was educated at Trinity College, Cambridge, was afterwards entered at Lincolu's-Inn, and finally became private secretary to Lord Burghley, with whose son, Sir Robert, he formed a friendship that lasted all their lives. He was made a baronet by James I. and died in 1612. Sir Robert Cecil accompanied Lord Derby in his mission to the Low Countries. 1588.] SIR ROBERT CECIL. 367 greyhounds and setters in our company for hares and par tridges, as plenty by the wast of the land as crowes in Eng land, sent this day a drum, which was ledd blyndfold into the towne between two, because he shold not descry the manner of our fortifications, for leave that he with his doggs might in safety hunt under the towne, and send us a pasport to do the lyke at Odenborch, which is two Dutch myles from us. We need not feare him in these trifles, for such is the weaknes of this place, as in ten dayesjie may have it, if he will sett downe before it, which, assure you, this treaty once broken, he will not be long about. If there be cessation of arms, as I hope there will, we shall to Bruges, and then I will go to all the brave townes about, where I will wish both you and W. Arondell, to whom I pray you lett my letter with my excuse be imparted, but of this kepe my counsaile. I desire to heare answer of my letter from Dover. I can not see in what sence I can be looked for tyll Midsommer, as I dare to you confess in private. Commend me to Mr. Steward, Mr. Webster, and Mr. Wil- kynson. My health was never so good, I praise God. Honesty is a goodly Jewell. Many things I could be merry with in my letter to you both, but Uteres scripta? manent. And vivat the good Erie of Darby ! whose muttons dye, his henns starve, and we are fayne nevertheles to eat them. My songe is all my riches, with which I trust you. From Ostend, where I shall learne what becomes a soldiour, though I must say cedant arma togai. This 29th of Feb. leape yeere. Your nose would drop off, i'fayth, Don Michael, [if you were as cold as we have bene. Robt. Cecill. Not a fayre woman, nor an honest. 368 DEFENCE OF THE BORDERS. [MARCH, THE EARL OF HUNTINGDON TO LORD BURGHLEY.* Yesterday I dyd receive your Lordship's letter, dated of Tybauldes, the 8th of thys instante, and the same with others was brought me from the Lord Scrope, in which he wryteth that the Lord Herrys is returned home from, the King, as offycer and warden opposite of the west countreys of Scot land, with as full countenance and favor as ever he had, which is a very soddayne change from that which I did heare three weeks paste, that the King should intend against this man. But welters, (as they terme them,) be not stronge in Scotland. Your Lordship's advyse for my proceding in that I have begun, for the putting of these men in readynes, hathe made me appoynte a shorter daye for the view of the army. For nowe I mynde to have it done the weeke after the end of the assize. So as I hope before Easter the furniture shal be prepared in good order, and soon after Easter they shall be all put into bandes, under captaynes, that they may be trayned, if so it be thought fytte, as in my opynion it is ; but as I have before this tyme wrytten somewhat unto your Lordship hereof, so have I also acquaynted my Lords by a letter directed to them, of this my intention. So as I hope to understand your Lordship's lyking or mynde otherwyse herein, before the tyme wyll serve to put the same inpractyse- I wyshe, as your Lordship doth, that these preparations may prove to be rather promissional then actional, so longe as her Majesty may with honor and safety be free from warre ; for a warre once begun, is not so soone ended, and as this pre paration at home is no doubte one good meanes to keepe peace and putt off warre, so I thinke there are many in Scotland * It was expected by many that the Spaniards would land in the North of England, where they might be aided by the Scots, and where the disaffected Catholics were most numerous. As the disposition of the Scots was much mistrusted, it was thought especially necessary to put that part of the country in a state of defence. 1588.] BEHAVIOUR OF THE FRENCH. 369 well inclyned to this course, that the amyty betwixte the two realmes may still be preserved ; for the Protestantes of Scot land do or may see, that a warre wyll be the overthrowe of them, and that cause which, I thinke, they holde most deare I do heare that Boste and Holte were of late in Northum berland, and also that Davy Inglebye is sometymes there ; but whether her Majestie wolde have this man nowe to be taken, I am not sure ; if your Lordship thinke good I shall be glad to understand it. Thus comytting your Lordship to the tuition of the Lord, for thys tyme I take my leave. At Yorke, the 13th of March, 1587. Your Lordship's assured to commaund, H. Huntyngdon. THE LORD HIGH ADMIRAL TO LORD BURGHLEY. My honorable good Lord, I received even now a letter from Captain Frobysher ; the effect was, that there is come from the ryver Seine, in France, sixe English shipps, who de clared unto him, that there was great forces of soldiers come downe to the sea coast, and that it is spoken there that word is brought by one that came out of Spayn, that the Spanysh fleete is at the sea, and that there upon the news the French men made great joly tie and bravery, and came downe to the English shipps and cut their cables, and used them so badly as they were driven to come away with all speed, and leave all their business, and also Mr. Frobysher hath wrytten that on Friday last, being the 5th of this present, there passed by Calysse a hundred pilots, wherof two were Englyshemen: they came in a fly-boat from Dunkirk, and are gone to meet the Spanysh fleet. Her Majestie's pleasure was, that this letter should be sent to Syr Fr. Drake, for the wynd being as it hathe bene ever synce, it is like they should not be past the islands of Garnse and Jerse, and that he should send two or three nimble barks to intercept them, if it bepossyble, and VOL. II. B B 370 SIR ROBERT CECIL. [MAY, also if they meet with any that come out of Spayne, to learne what they can of the readynes of the armie there, whych in my opinion is readyer than we do thinke they be. I would have been very glad to have seen your Lordship myselfe, but I could not obtayn leave of her Majesty, and yet it were fit that I should make your Lordship acquainted with her Ma jestie's resolution touching the service on the seas, which, God wylling, I wyll do befor I departe, if no sudden alarme come, which I fear hourly. My good frend, Mr. Robert Cyssell, did write me a letter, which I think her Majestie she did reade it over to me twice, with words of him that I was not sorry to hear. I am bold to send the letter unto your Lordship, praying your Lordship that after you have read it, that you will send it me agayne, for after her Majestie had read it thrice unto me, she called for it agayne, and read it to my Lord Stuard.* I pray to God to send your Lordship strength and heithe, and so I take my leave of your Lordship. From Hakne, the 13th of April- Your Lordship's most assured to commaund, C. Howard. THE EARL OF HUNTINGDON TO LORD BURGHLEY. Maye, it please your Lordship, this good knyghte can suffyciently shewe your Lordship howe farre I have pro ceeded, and in what sorte, for the reducing of the men into bandes, which her Majestie commaunded to be levied here, as also for their trayning. I have had his company here sundry tymes since my coming hyther, for which I pray your Lord ship to tlianke hym. But if her Majestie, by your Lordship's meanes, myght be pleased to take knowledge therof, it wolde not a lyttle comfort hym. With the cause of his repayre to London and the Court, I know he wyll acquaynt yom- Lord ship ; but I thinke good to let your Lordship understand that * The Earl of Leicester. 1588.] THE DUKE OF PARMA. 371 without my privytie and consent he wolde not take the journey, because of the commaundement which her Majestie dyd give unto hym at his coming from London. And truly, if cause of servise shoulde happen, I wysh he might not be longe stayed there. But I hope your Lordship hath cause to thinke that by Mydsummer there wyll be more hope of quietnes then abowte Christmas it was lyke to be,* and yet I styll wysh that the preparations for warre might in some sorte be continued, and especially for provision of such ne cessaries as on the soddayn cannot be had, as powthyr, etc. Thus commytting your Lordship to the protection of the Allmyghty, I take my leave. At Yorke, the 28th of May, 1588. Your Lordship's moste assured, H. Huntyngdon. SIR EDWARD NORRIS TO THE EARL OF LEICESTER. It pleased your Honor to command me to write unto you, which I would not fail, as nothing else that ever your Honor shall command me. The enemy is still lodged betwixt this and Newport, of horse and foote seven thousand men; the rest of his army round about the countrye. What he intendeth he never gives out, but it is thought, if he part from^this towne, he will be siege Utrect, and to that end doth draw downe part of his forces towards that place, under colour to besiege Berk, although the most common brute be that he prepares against England, and for that end doth here cutt passages for his boates, and layes his army here for safeguard of the pioneers. * * * * * The estate of our towne is yet so miserable, that I think, * This is a curious proof of the uncertainty and varying reports which prevailed in England of the motions and intentions of the Spaniards, up to the moment of the appearance of their fleet. BB 2 372 THE SPANISH ARMADA AT SEA. [JUNE, fitter for me to endeavour by all meanes rather to mend it, then wryte of it. The soonest way to have it better is, that it may please your Honor to have care of it ; for though the enemy shall spare us, as I know not why he should, knowing our weaknes as he doth by our continuall soldiers that run unto him, yet is there otherwyse great appearance of our ruine, and so great, that would God the feare of the enemy's besieging us were the greatest. For myself, it shall appear that against the enemy and the rest I will not spare to em ploy all that littel whatsoever I am worth or able, and if withall I may procure your Honor's good favor and opinion of me, I will think myself happy. I feare I have troubled your Honor over long, so that with the offer of my humble service, and my daily prayers for your Honor, I will most humbly take my leave. From Ostend, this 10th of June, 1588. Your Honor's always ready to do you service, Ed. Norreys. SIR FRANCIS DRAKE TO SIR FRANCIS WALSINGHAM* Although I do very well knowe that your Honor shall be at large advertised by my very good Lord the Lord Admi rall, that the Spanish forces are descried to be near at hand, in severall companies, on our coast, as it is reported for cer taine by three barkes, unto whom they gave chase and made shott, yet have I thought it good also to write these fewe lynes unto your Honor, nothing doubting but that, with * The Armada set sail from the Tagus on the 29th of May, but was so scattered by tempest before it reached the Groine, that it was be lieved in England that no further danger was to be expected this year. The Lord Admiral put out to sea, but, the wind changing round, and being favourable for the Spaniards, he returned to the English coast, fearing they might get under sail and pass him. The Spaniards did not leave the Grpine till the 12th of July. The report mentioned in this letter, must have been a false alarm. 1588.] DEATH OF THE COUNTESS OF OXFORD. 373 God's assistance, they shall be so sought out and encountered withall in such sort, as I hope will qualifie their malicious and long pretended practises. And therefore I beseeche your Honor to pray continually for our good success in this action, to the performance wherof we have all resolutely avowed the adventure of our lyves. June the 24th, 1588. THE EARL OF HUNTINGDON TO LORD BURGHLEY. I am sorry with all my harte for the cause of griefe* which your Lordship hath. But I hope that your wysdome and knowledge wyll easily persuade you to dygest the same in such sorte as the affections of nature shall not prevayle to * The death of his daughter Anne, Countess of Oxford, whom he especially loved, and whose heart was broken by the neglect she experienced from her husband. While speaking of this lady, we may add the following (from MS. Lansd. 104, 76,) to the list of lite rary productions from the pen of her father, given by Nares. Stanzas of English poetry sent with a new-yere's-gift of a spinning-wheel, by Sir William Cecill to his daughter Anne. 1 566. TO MISTRES ANNE CECILL. As yeres do growe, so cares increase, And tyme will move to looke to thrifte, S Though yeres in me worke nothing lesse, Yet for your yeres, and new-yere's gifte, This huswife's toy is now my shifte ; To set you on -worke some thrifte to feele, I sende you now a spynning wheele. But one thing firste I wishe and pray, Leste thurste of thryfte might soone you tire, Only to spynne one pounde a daye, And play the reste as tyme require : Sweate not (oh fy !), fling rocke in fyre. God sende, who sendeth all thrifte and welth, you long yeres and your father helth ! 374 DEFENCE OF NEWCASTLE. [JUNE, the hurte of your mynde or body. And so I do hartely wyshe it may with your Lordship be wysely and christianly passed over. It may please your Lordship to understand, that upon the receit of my Lords' letters, by which I do perceive that it is her Majestie's pleasure I shoulde prepare myself to go unto New castle,* I have thought to myself how I may be best able to do it, which her Majesty may justely looke for, and I in duty am desyrous to performe. And surely, excepte it may please her Majesty to lappoynt me to go in other sorte then I have done in tymes pftste, my journey thyther will neyther be honorable for her Majesty, credit to myselfe, or good for the cause. For without forces to be present with me, for the wythstandfng of any soddayn attempte, what can I be able to do ? In Tynemouthe, I thinke there is little or nothing at all, and in the store-house at Newcastle, there is as little to sup ply. But if bothe the places were fylled most plentifully with all kynde of necessary furniture, unless I had men with me to use it, what servyse could I be able to do ? As I do knowe you do thynk carefully of this, and all lyke matters, so let me humbly and hartely beseeche you to thynke frendly of me. Thus I praye I may not wante those meanes to assyste, without the Mrhich in this kynde of servise, nothing can be done. And so commytting your Lordship to the Allmighty, myselfe to your honorable favor, and all things pertayning to this servyse to your most grave consyderation, I take my leave. At Yorke, wrytten in great payne, the 29th of June, 1588. Your Lordship's most assured, H. Huntyngdon. CIRCULAR FROM THE COUNCIL TO THE NOBILITY. Although we doubt not your Lordship heareth dayly of the * To be ready to hinder the landing of the Spaniards, should they come there. 1588.] CIRCULAR FROM THE COUNCIL. 375 reports made from all parts beyond the seas what great pre parations of forces are made, as well in Spaine as in the Low Countries, and that in common judgement of men the same may be intended against the state of this realme ; yet because in our directions given these late years, through the whole realme, for mustering, arming, and trayning of all persons able to beare armor, there hath bene no speciall di rection given to require any nobleman to prepare himself with any furniture for the warre, for himself, his servaunt, or tenants, but that her Majestie did certainly suppose that it was the naturall disposition of the nobilitie without any di rections to be armed, both for themselves and for furniture of horsemen and footmen, according to their abilitie. There fore we that have cause by our calling in the service of her Majestie to have a more certaine knowledg then by common reports what preparations are already made in the parts be yond the seas very likely to the offence of this realme, for defence whereof, considering that her Majestie hath very providently ordered that her people in all parts of the realme should be in readines under captaines and leaders, and that it is the part of wisdom, that her Majestie's person should have in such a tyme of danger a speciall army to resort to her person, to be directed by her Majestie, where cause shall require, in which service none are more mete to be trusted therin then her nobilitie, we have thought it not impertinent to this purpose to impart thus muche to your Lordship, as one whom we knowe her Majesty doth trust, and therwith do require your Lordship to take it for an argument of our speciall love to your Lordship in advertising you of your promises. And in regard therof we do not doubt but your Lordship with all your spede you can possible will be fully furnished with armor and weapon mete for your calling, and of your servaunts and able tenants that are not already en rolled in the generall musters of your countie, as speciall trayned persons, to make as many horsemen as you can, both for launces and light horsemen ; and for the more increase 376 CHARACTER OF THE SCOTS. [JULY, of horsemen for want of sufficient number of greate horses or geldings, we thinke your Lordship may do well to increase your number if you shall provide able men with pettronells upon horses of smaller stature then is mete for a launce or a staffe ; and your Lordship being thus furnished, as we hope you will, we thinke her Majestie will make good accompte of you amongest other noblemen to repaire to her person, when you shall be called. And your Lordship shall singularly content us to lett us knowe by your letters as soon as you may, what shall be the numbers which your Lordship shall ac count to have furnished, and of what condition for this ser vice, whereuppon we may, according to the good will we beare you, impart the same to her Majestie. MR. RITHER TO LORD BURGHLEY. In these tymes of expected troubles, right honourable, the zeal due to my countrey, which cannot well be contayned within his appointed lymittes, must break owt, I hope excus ably. God having blessed your wysdomes to our peace these many yeares past, yet this vicissitude so conversant in human courses will at length worke his effect. Eternall peace is by th'Allmighty established in heaven only. This perjured nation next ours is that which I am most jealous over, to whom this verse may well be applyed, Pax Scotias interdum, pacisfiducia nunquam, gens vere punica. An old writer sayth they are a nation by nature delighting in frawd and treason, which want of force by necessity doth often forward, as Achelous sayd, Inferior virtute, meas divertor adartes. If they used such in defence of their own, and expected not greater rewardes of their arte, quidnunc expectandum ! quum spes et metus gemina ope cone ur runt. What shall I speake of the gyftes and plausible wordes offred by these and other our cnemyes, worse to be lyked then their drawen swordes ; but as the Trojan, wyse in counsell, and faythfuU to his 1588.] CHARACTER OF THE SCOTS. 377 country, sayd by the fatall horse, Quicquid id est timeo Danabs et dona ferentes, commonly under such plesaunt baytes lye hidden the bitter hookes of such as fysh for our landes, lyves, lyberties, lawes. Of all other most worthely did the Italien pronounce these words, " I wyll not owe my lyfe to the enemy of my country." My Lord, I was born in Kent, brought up in Northamp tonshire, dwell now in Yorkshire, and am often conversant with the people of Kendall, and having taken notice of the dyfferent dyspositions, with some narrow observations of these several inhabitants, I fynd it an infallible certainty, that the farther north less truth, which rule they say here reacheth hence into the hart of Scotland. It isneedfullto gyve an eye to the back-door ; if the Scottes be our frendes, we may well call them our back frendes, for we have seldom had to do with our foes before, but they have stryken at us behynde; an old English adage, omne malum ab aquilone. Our forces and myndes of this countrey are a match for all Skottland, if conduct be answerable. Barwyke is thought by the wiser sort here to be forgotten, considering the danger of these dayes. But truly our Lord Lyvetenant,* assisted with the meaner Lords, are all painfull and carefull noble men, if that wyll suffice. Yet in common reason, such as busily guyde a barge in a calme, will not easily rule a greater vessell in a storm. In myne own conceit I nowe performe the parte of Apelles' shomaker, but because many thinges have been of late reformed here by your Honor's dyrection, I do embolden myself the more, of these to delyver my dym in spect, which somewhere offred worketh no such effect, for that it is not everywhere so well taken as meant. God is my judg, whose good favour guyde all your Honor's courses, tending ever to his glory and our good. Harwood, 17° Julii, 1588. 'Your Lordship's most humbly. * The Earl of Huntingdon. 378 DUKE OF PARMA THREATENS LONDON. [JULY, SIR THOMAS HENEAGE TO THE EARL OF LEICESTER. My Lorde, I have more to say to your Lordship than to write ; and if Mr. Candy sh had kept promise with me, he had been the bringer of this letter, which I send chiefly to let your Lordship knowe, that upon the intelligence we receive, that the Duke of Parma resolutely purposeth to attempt Lon don, however he may, whether it be by water or by land,* and upon the coming backe of my Lord Admirall with the whole navy to Portesmouthe, her Majestie hath not seemed pleased that your Lordship be absent. I told her Majestie that you had been here but for her servyce of seeing the musters in Hertfordshire; and I thought also in Essex. Herewith for that tyme she seemed satysfied ; but after, I heard she thought the consideration of the things above mentioned were fytter to be regarded. And as my Lords, and such as be here of herMajestie's councell, have once sett upon these things, and some made a report therof, wherat myself was not, so this afternoon my Lord Chamberlayn, with Mr. Wolley and myself, calling by appoyntment, Sir John Norris and Sir Thomas Leighton have somewhat further debated of these causes for the withstanding the at tempt of London, both by water and land, if it shold be sodainely assailed, when our shippes were wynd-bound, to make things more ripe when your Lordship shall come to consider therof. So resting sure your Lordship's, to per forme ever the office of a man that most loves you, I commend me humbly unto you, and wysh your Lordship soone and well here. At the courte, this 17th of July, 1588. Your Lordship's as bound ever, T. Heneage. * The Spanish Armada was to join its forces with those in the Netherlands under the Prince of Parma, and then to bring them all to the Thames, whence the army was to march immediately against London. 1588.] FIRST FIGHT WITH THE ARMADA. 379 SIR FRANCIS DRAKE TO LORD HENRY SEYMOUR.* Right Honorable and my verie good Lord, I am com manded by my good Lord the Lord Admirall, to send you the carvel in haste with these letters, giving your Lordship to understand that the armye of Spaine arrived upon our coast the 20th of the present; and the 21st we had them in chase, and in coming up to them there had passed some common shot between some of our flete and some of them ; and, as far as we can perceive, they are determined to sell their lyves with blowes. Wherupon his Lordship hath com manded me to write unto your Lordship and Sir William Winter, that those shippes serving under your charge should be putt into the best and strongest manner you can, and ready to assist his Lordship, for the better encountering of them in those parts where you nowe are. In the mean tyme, what his Lordship and the rest following hym may do, shall be surelie performed. * Lord Henry Seymour and Sir William Winter were stationed with a fleet to prevent any sudden attempt by the Prince of Parma, while the Lord Admiral was looking after the Armada. On the 19th of July, intelligence was brought to the Admiral, that the whole Spanish fleet was entered into the British seas. The wind was against the English fleet, which was with difficulty towed out of the harbour. " The 21st of July, the Lord Admiral, sending a pinnace before, called the Defiance, denounced war by discharging her ordinance, and pre sently, with much thundering out of his own ship, called the Ark- royall, he first set upon the Admiral, as he thought, of the Spaniards, but it was Alphonso de Leyva's ship. Soone after, Drake, Hawkins, and Frobisher, played with their ordinance upon the hindmost squa dron, which was commanded by Recalde, who laboured all he could to stay his men that fled to the fleete, till his own ship, being much battered with shott, and now growne unserviceable, hardly withdrewe itselfe to the maine fleete." The Duke of Medina Sidonia called in his ships, and made all sail possible. And after " they had maintained a hot fight, the space of two hours, the Lord Admirall thought not good to continue the fight any longer, for that forty of his ships were not yet come in, being scarcely yet gotten out of the haven." — Camden. 380 THE SECOND FIGHT. [JULY, His Lordship hath commanded me to write heartie com mendations to your Lordship and Sir William Winter. I do salute your Lordship, Sir William Winter, Sir Henry Palmer, and all the rest of those honorable gentlemen serving under you, with the lyke, beseeching God of his mercie to give her Majestie our gracious sovereign alwayes victory against her enemies. Written abord her Majestie's good ship the Revenge, off of Start, the 21st late in the evening, 1588. Your Lordship's poor frend ready to be commanded, Francis Drake. Postscript. — This letter, my honorable good Lord, is sent in haste. The flete of Spaniards are somewhat above a hun dred sails, many great ships. But trulie I think not halfe of them men of warre. Haste ! Your Lordship's assured, Francis Drake. SIR FRANCIS DRAKE TO SIR FRANCIS WALSINGHAM. Most Honorable, I am commanded to send these prisoners ashore by my Lord Admirall, which had, ere this, by me bene done, but I thought their being here might have done something, which is not thought mete nowe. Let me be seeche your Honor that they may be presented unto her Majestie, either by your Honor, or my honorable good Lord my Lord Chancellor,* or both of you. The one, Don Pedro,t * Sir Christopher Hatton. t Don Pedro de Valdez, whose ship had been taken by Drake at night, on the 22nd, the day after the first fight, and, according lo Hakluyt, the English sailors " merrily filled their pockets" with the money in the Spanish vessel. The 23rd, " betimes in the morning, the Spaniards taking the benefit of a northerly wind, turned about against the English, who for their advantage, turned aside towards the west ; and after they had strived 1588.] THE ARMADA BEFORE CALAIS. 381 is a man of great estimation with the King of Spain, and thought next in this army to the Duke of Sidonia. If they to get the wind one of another, they prepared themselves on both sides to fight, and fight they did, confusedly, and with variable fortune, whilst, on the one side, the English manfully rescued the shippes of London that were hemmed in by the Spaniards; and on the other side, the Spaniards as stoutly delivered Recalde, who was in danger. Cock, an Englishman, died with honour in the middest of the enemies in a small ship of his. The English ships, being far the lesser, charged the enemy with marvailous agility, and having discharged their broad sides, flew forth presently into the deep, and levelled their shot di rectly, without missing, at those great ships of the Spaniards." On the 24th there was no fighting, but the English admiral sent to land for powder, &c, and divided his fleet into four squadrons, the first under his own command, the other three severally under Drake, Hawkyns, and Frobisher. On the 25th (St. James's Day) there was another running fight, in which, according to the Spanish account, the Spanish admiral suffered very severely. On the 27th the Spaniards came to anchor before Calais, whence he sent urgent messengers to the Prince of Parma to hasten his junction with them, and the whole English navy anchored close by. " Whilst they were here," says Stowe, " the Spanish faction in sundrie nations had divulged that England was subdued, the Quene taken and sent prisoner over the Alpes to Rome, where, barefoote, she should make her humble reconciliation, &c. In Paris, Don Barnardino de Mendoza entered into our Ladie Church, (Notre Dame,) advancing his rapier in his right hande, and with a loud voyce, cried, ' Victorie ! victorie !' and it was forthwith bruted, that England was vanquished. But the next day, when truth was knowne of the Armada's overthrowe, cer tain pages of adverse faction unto Spayne, in bitter, scoffing manner, humbly prayed his Lordship's letters unto the Duke of Parma, in favour of their good fortune, to bestowe upon them some odde wast cast townes or villages, as London, Canterbury, or Yorke, or so, whereat Mendoza, being much dismayed, obscured himself, not daring to shewe his face." By the Queen's direction, the English Admiral now prepared eight fire-ships, which were sent among the Spanish fleet in the night, who, in their terror and confusion, cut their cables and fled on every side, several being stranded and lost. " The English forces being now wholly united, prevented their enemies conjoyning together, and fol lowed their fortunes to the uttermost, continuing four dayes' fight in 382 THE ARMADA FLIES TO THE NORTH. [AUG. should be given from me unto any other, it would be some griefe to my friends. If her Majestie will have them, God defend but I should think it happy ! We have the army of Spaine before us, and mynd, with the grace of God, to wrestle a pulle with them. There was never anything pleased better then the seeing the enemie flying with a southerlie wind to the northwards. God grant we have a good eye to the Duke of Parma ! for, with the grace of God, if we lyve, I doubt it not, but ere it be long, so to handle the matters with the Duke of Sidonia, as he shall wish hymselfe at St. Mary Port, among his vyne- trees. God give us grace to depend upon hym ! so shall we not doubt victory, for our cause is good. Humblie taking my leave, this last of July, 1588, Your Honor's faithfully to be commanded ever, Francis Drake. I crave pardon of your Honor for my haste, for that I had the watch this last night upon the enemie. Yours ever, Francis Drake. LORD WILLOUGHBY TO LADY STAFFORD. Madame, having once disliked her Majestie with my let ters, I am so discouraged as I dare not adventure my dutifull good meaning to my bad inditing, and therefore I come to more deadly manner then at any time before, and having incessant cause of fresh incoragement, chased the Spaniards from place to place, until they had driven them into a desperate estate, so as of necessitie, as well for that the wind was westerlie, as that their enemies increased, and their own provisions of sayles, cables, and anchors, greatly wasted, resolved to shape their course by the Orcades and the north of Ire land, in whose pursuit, if the English had been but meanly furnished with victuall and munition, they would have brought them all unto their mercie." — Stowe. 1588.] THE DUKE OF PARMA. 383 you (as at the second hand, but my first meanes) to let her Majestie understand, that if my hand simply declaring a simple truth offended her, the same hand shall give her satis faction against her enemies (if God shall give me leave) or purchase myne own death. It is thought here, the Duke of Parma opinioneth himself to sett foot in England, with that armie he hath here in readiness, with the first faire windes and spring tides. Hitherto, for any newes we understand from sea, to divide her Highnes' fleete were daungerous, and to trust in a few of these countrey shippes onely, no great as surance to impeach such an action. But if it please her Majestie I joyne with them, with those forces others that are here, keeping those few together, and not disjoyning our small forces, we shall on this side venture to stoppe their coming out ; but if that faile, at least we may fall so at their backes, as they shall not dare to disembarke themselves, but that we shall hazard a great part of their float and forces to be de feated, which they can sett all at once on land. I sett this rudely downe as my manner is, but it may fall out in effect as good as those that are better polished. Thus, Honorable Lady, let either her Majestie reade, or heare say from your self, that religion, the humblest respect, and the devotest love, are seated as much in my zealous harte to her Highnes' service, as in the greatest subject that serveth any prince; such equalitie is there betwixt poore men and the greatest, that we compare our love and duties to God and our prince, and seale it with that life as precious to us as to the best, since we have but one common end, our grave. And so, commending myself to you, to be remembred the best you may, to the best of all, I leave you to God. Midleburgh, 5th of August, 1588. Your Ladyship's assured to commaund, P. Wyllughby. Since this, I have, according to the pleasures of the Lordes of the Councell, sente awaie the best part of the shotte 1 384 NEWS OF THE ARMADA. [AUG. have here, though it be a great maiming to all the service on this side, and we left, as it were, destitute. SIR FRANCIS WALSINGHAM TO THE EARL OF LEICESTER. My good Lord, the trustiness of this gentleman maketh me the shorter. How we lyke of the Quene's repaire to the campe, he will shewe you, and what dowtes are made of mysadventare that may fall owt. I have let him understand what I heare. This daye Monsieur Cleremonte D'Amboyse had audi ence. His arrant, as I learne by Busenvall, is to sollycit supporte, but fynding the tyme unseasonable, he meaneth to forbeare to deale therin. From hence he goeth to Sedan. It seemeth the King of Navar is careful to preserve that towne. From the Lord Admirall we heare nothing. The last mes senger that came from thence doth assure me that the Duke of Sidonia hath but 86 sayle left. I meane to steale to the campe, when her Majestie shall be there. And so in the meane tyme I most humbly take my leave. At the Courte, the 6th of August, 1588. Your Lordship's to command, Fra. Walsyngham. How the King of Scots standeth affected towards her Majestie and the newes, this bearer will shew your Lord ship. The Duke of Guyse is at Chartres with the King* There are no ships at Depe nor Newhaven. * It had been reported that the Duke of Guise was raising forces to join with the Spaniards. 1588.] THE ENGLISH FLEET RETURNS. 385 SIR FRANCIS WALSINGHAM TO THE LORD CHANCELLOR. By the coppy of the Lord Admyrali's letters brought this daye to the campe by the Earle of Cumberland, your Lord ship may perceive what is become of the Spanish fleete. I am sorry the Lord Admyrall was forced to leave the prosecu tion of the enemie through the wants he sustayned.* Our halfe doings doth breed dishonour, and leaveth the disease uncured. The Earle of Derby and the rest of the commis sioners arrived this morning at Dover. The Lord Admyrall cometh this night to the Downes. And so I most humbly take my leave. At the campe, the 8th of August, 1588. Your Lordship's to commaund, Fra. Walsyngham. SIR FRANCIS DRAKE TO QUEEN ELIZABETH. The absence of my Lord Admiral, most gracious sovereign, hath emboldened me to put my pen to the paper. On Fri day laste, upon good consideration, we caste the army of Spayn so farre to the northwardes, as they could neither re cover England nor Scotland ; and within three days after, we were entertayned with a greate storme, consydering the tyme of the yeare, the which, in many of our judgments, hath not a little served to drive the enemy away. If the wynd hinders it not, I think they are forced to Den mark, and that for divers causes. Certain it is, that many of their people were sick, and not a few kylled. Their shipps, sayls, ropes, and waste, nedeth great reparations, for that they had all felt of your Majestie's forces. If your Majestie thought it mete, it were not amisse you sent presently to * The English fleet, after chasing the Spaniards to the north of the Frith of Edinburgh, were compelled for want of powder to give up the pursuit. VOL. II. C c 386 SIR EDWARD FITT0N. [AUG. Denmark to understande the truthe, and to deale with that King according to your Majestie's great wisdome. I have not wrytten this, wherby your majesty should diminish any of your forces. Your Highnes' enemies are many, yet God hath and will heare your Majestie's prayers, putting your hand to the plough for the defence of his truthe, as your Majestie hath begun. God, for his truthe's sake, blesse your sacred Majestie now and ever ! Wrytten abord your Majesties good shipp the Revenge, this 8th of August, 1588. Your Majestie's faithful vassal, Francis Drake. SIR EDWARD FITTON* TO LORD BURGHLEY. My very good Lord, being extreme sicke in my bed, and hear ing the styrre and the newes about the southe partes, I have intreated this bearer, my cousen Bould, who acknowledgeth himself most bounde to your Lordship, to lett your Lordship know, that at your Lordship's pleasure I will send to your Lordship two hundrethe able men, and if I be able and lyve, will bring them. I presume to write this because other Lords send for all their servants ; and, my Lord, if your Lordship lust to wryte, a number of my kyn and friends have sayd, they will be at your command. Thus, being sicke in my bed, and so having been this three weekes, I humbly take my leave. Gausworth, this 8th of August, 1588. Your Lordship's during my lyfe, Ed. Phyton. Our furnyture generally is bowes, jackes, and bylles. * This was the second Sir Edward Fitton, of Gawsworth. He was president of Munster, and died in 1606. 1588.] RETURN OF THE ENGLISH FLEET. 387 SIR FRANCIS WALSINGHAM TO LORD BURGHLEY. My very good Lord, immediately uppon my arrival at the camp, I met with the Earl of Comberland, sent hither unto her Majestie from the Lord Admyrall. By his Lordship's letter (wherof I send your Lordship a copy) you may perceive where he lefte the Spanysh fleete. It is hard now to resolve what advyse to give her Majestie for disarming, either by sea or land, untyll it shall be knowen what is become of the sayd fleete. The Earl of Comberland telleth me that the Lord Admyrall would be this night at the Downes. And so I most humbly take my leave. At the Camp, in the Lord Generall's tent, the 8th of August, 1588. Your Lordship's to command, Fra. Walsyngham. The comyssioners* landed this morning at Dover ; they write nothing touching the Duke of Parma's proceedings. SIR FRANCIS WALSINGHAM TO LORD BURGHLEY. My very good Lord, I send unto your Lordship the in closed two letters, which I received this morning from Mr. Henrie Killegrew, both of them bearing date 31st of July, by one of which it may appear to what extremitie the com panies serving there are likely to grow unto, and what daun ger may ensue, if their weeklie lendings be not contynued unto them. It may therefore please your Lordship, seeing that the money cannot so readily be had, to try the merchaunt adventurers, who have not long sythens sent over certain shippes laden with cloth into Medleburgh, to deale with them either for this loane, or taking up of so much money by ex- * Who had been sent over to treat with the Duke of Parma. c C 2 388 DISMISSAL OF THE ARM"¥. [AUG. change, as may serve for the lendings one month ; for that otherwise they have no meane to be holpen there. And so I humblie take my leave. From Gravesend, this 9th of Au gust, 1588. Your Lordship's to command, Fra. Walsyngham. The Flushingers were forced to retyre from Dunkirk the last storme, and the gap left open, being not as yet retrieved. But I hope that through the Lord Admyrall' s care, they wyll be stopped in their passage. Sir W. Russell doth put us in hope that there will be some powther sent hither from Amster dam, for in Zeland there is none to be had. The 1,000 shott under the conduct of Sir Thomas Morgan are arrived, which may be made parte of the 6,000 footemen. It were not wys dome, untyll we see what wyll become of the Spanish fleet, to disarme too fast, seeing her Majestie is to fight for a king dom. It were meet that the governor of the merchant ad venturers were, sent to Stoade, to take some money. SIR FRANCIS WALSINGHAM TO LORD BURGHLEY. My very good Lord, to the end that her Majestie might grow to some full resolution what forces were meete to be kept both by land and by sea, I moved her Majestie to send for my Lord Admyrall, and to appoynt both his Lordship and the Lord Stewarde to be at the courte on Sundaye next at St. James's, there to confer with the rest of her counsell what were fyt to be done therin, wheranto her Majestie assented. I wrote to my Lord Admyrall yesternight to advertyse how many shippes he thought meete to be entertayned in paye, and that the lesser shippes that were not thought serviceable might be discharged. At his repayre to the courte his Lord ship may be dealt withall therin. For the sending of some money to the fleete for the re- 1588.] THE DUKE OF PARMA. 389 liefe of the decayed men, I thinke the same may be differred untyll her Majestie's return. Touching your Lordship's opinion for the sending of four shippes well appoynted, to followe the Spanishe fleete, I thinke if it had bene thought of in tyme, they might have bene very well employed, but I feare it wyll now be too late. This daye at noone, her Majestie, dyning with the Lord Stewarde in his tent at the campe, had advertysement sent unto her from Sir Thomas Morgan, who is arryved at Marget with the 1000 shott, that the Duke of Parma was determined this spring tyde to come out, and that he looked by that time the Spanishe fleete would be returned, according to an agreement between him and the Duke of Medyna. But this matter, though it were effectually apprehended at the fyrst, yet her Majestie doth not so much account of it, as that it wyll worke any stay here, as was determined uppon. A conceipt her Majestie had, that in honour she could not returne, in case there were any lykelihood that the enemy would attempt anything. Thus your Lordship seeth that this place breedeth courage. I feare now more the hand of God in respect of the unseasonablenes of the weather, than the enemy. And so I most humbly take my leave. At the Courte in the campe, the 9th of August, 1588. Your Lordship to commaund, Fra. Walsyngham. SIR FRANCIS DRAKE TO SIR FRANCIS WALSINGHAM. The Prince of Parma, I take him to be as a beare robbed of her whelps ; and no doubt but, being so great soldiour as he is, that he will presently, if he may, undertake some great matter, for his credit will stand nowe thereupon. It is re ported for certain, that the Duke of Sidonia standeth some what jealous of hym, and the Spanyards begin to hate hym, 390 SIR FRANCIS DRAKE. [AUG. their honour being touched so nere, and many of their lyves spent. I assure your Honour, not so little as fyve thousand men lesse than when we fyrst saw them nere Plymouth; divers of their ships sunke and taken : and they have nothing to say for themselves in excuse, but that they came to the place appoynted, which was at Calais, and there stayed the Duke of Parma's coming about twenty-four hours, yea, and untill they were fired owt. So this is my poor conclusion, that if we may recover nere Dunkirk this night or to-morrow morning, so as their power may see us returned from the channel and ready to encounter them, if they once sallie owt, that the next news you shall heare will be the one to come to meting against the other; which when it shall come to passe, ot whether there be meting or no, let us all with one consent, both high and lowe, magnifie and prayse our most gracious and mercifull God, for his infinite and unspeakable goodness towards us. Wrytten with much haste, for that we are ready to set sayle to prevent the Duke of Parma this southerly wyud, if it please God, for truly my poor opinion is that we should have a great eye upon him. August 10th, 1588. Postscript. Sithens the wryting herof, I have spoken with an Englishman which came from Dunkirk yesterday, who sayth, upon his life, there is no fear of the fleete. Yet would I willingly see it ! THE EARL OF LEICESTER TO THE EARL OF SHREWSBURY. My deare good Lord, I cannot sufficiently imagyne how to render you thanks enow for your loving and honorable care of me, but it doth me so much good to hear oft from you, and specially in this so noble and kind manner, as I can no way express it, but only with so just and so an as sured good will, as never to fayle you whilst 1 lyve. And 1588.] THE QUEEN'S VISIT TO THE CAMP. 391 now, my good Lord, I must most earnestly entreat you not to think me forgettfull that I have not wrytten to you of late. The true cause I trust you hear and conceave, which is in dede the continuall toyl and business I have bene in since my coming to this camp ; but now, God be thanked ! the most difficulties are past which lay most upon myne own hand, and our gracious mistress hath bene here with me to see her camp and people, which so enflamed the harts of her good subjects, as I think the weakest person amonges them is able to match the proudest Spaniard that dares land in England. But God hath also fought myghtely for her Ma jestie, and I trust they be too much daunted to follow their pretended enterprise. My Lord, this gentleman hath seen our camp, and a fayr shew I made my Lord Tresarer, who came from London to see us ; he shall tell you how wylling and well furnished men here be ; and, being now very full of busines, I wyll take my leave, and commyt my dearest good Lord and frend to the Almighty. From the camp, this 15th of August. Ever your Lordship's most assured, R. Leycester. THE EARL OF LEICESTER TO LORD BURGHLEY. My very good Lord, your letters of the 17th of this pre sent month I received this evening, at six of the clocke, wherin I am advertized that her Majestie's pleasure is, the whole campe sholde presentlie be dissolved, and that those companies brought over by Coronell Morgan shold be placed in Kent, neare the sea coast : uppon the receipt wherof I did presentlie send away by post to the camp, with such careful order for the performaunce therof as was requisite. Being very glad, that although it be her Highnes' pleasure to discharge the soldiers, yet the captaines and officers still 392 SHIPWRECKED SPANIARDS IN SCOTLAND. [AUG. to be contynued in wages, which will be no small encorage- ment to them to persevere in that forwardnes which hitherto they have shewed. And even so I bidd your Lordship right hartelie farewell. Wansted, the 18th of August, 1588. Your Lordship's assured loving friend, R. Leycester. Postscript. My Lord, the sooner your Lordship do dis charge the Thresurer, who is there with us, the sooner and better the matter will be discharged. W. ASHEBY TO LORD BURGHLEY.* I have nothing, right Honorable, to advertise, having written yesterday to you, and withall a letter inclosed from Mr Fowler, touching the proceeding with Denmarke. These few lines I send to certifie your Honor of the receipt of the safe-conduct, with a letter from the Lords of the counsell touching the transporting Spa. to Flaunders, who are seeking if any one Scotsman would venture to passe from hence by the north of Scotland into Spayne only with the chiefest of them ; but none of this country will undertake to transport any without a safe-conducte. The Kinge is in the north of Scotland ; the Lord Cha. at his howse called Lawder Lodian, but expected to-morrow ; uppon whose coming order will be taken for the dispatch of the Spanyardes. I will have care, according to the direction in the letter from the Lords of the Counsell, that satisfaction may be made for this murther of the trompeter before the safe-conduct passe out of my hands. There is four shippes prepared for the trans porting, and the Spaniards are almost all come to Edenburgh * This letter, without date, seems to relate to the Spaniards cast ashore in Scotland, in their flight to the north. 1588.] DEATH OF THE EARL OF LEICESTER. 393 and Lith, and Burnesland in Fife, to the number of 600. Many are dead sythence they came, and many still in misera ble case, and diverse fynd themselves so well entertayned amongst noblemen, as they be loth to part from hence. I thinke some of the cheife shall stand here to redeme one Lambe's son of Lyth, and some other Scotsmen, in the inquisition in Spayne. What is done your Honour shall understand by the next, and so I most humbly take my leave. Your Honour's to command most humbly, W. Ashebye. LORD NORTH TO LORD BURGHLEY. The untimely death, my singular good Lord, of that noble Earle of Lester,* is a great and generall loss to the whole land, and cannot but be generally and greatly lamented of the good and best sorte. In his life he advanced the glory of God, and loyally served his soveraigne ; he lived and died with honor, in speciall grace and favor of her Majestie and the good subject. We are all like Christians and trends to praise the name of the Lord, for this his blessed deliverance out of this wicked and wretched world, and to prepare our selves ready to waite on the will of our Lord God, seeing death is a thing most certaine, and the coming therof a thing most uncertaine. Now, my good Lord, for that I have my harte long sithence settled to love your Lordship, my pur pose is to acquainte your Lordship with my actions, that what I do, or where I am, you shall have power to command me. The state of my bodie being farr from health, and yet not sicke, my griefe cannot be determined by all the * The Earl of Leicester died on the 4th of September, of a fever caught on his way to Kenilworth, after the dismissal of the forces. 394 DEATH OF THE DUKE OF GUISE. [jAN. doctors of Cambridge. They send me now to the bathes, in hope the drinking the waters and bathing may do me good, whither I am going, and by the sufferance of God, will be there Thursday next, the 12th of this present; and there will abide (without contrary commandement) untill the 10th of the next moneth. Your good Lordship may thinke me over bold, that I do thus trouble you with these trifells. I am resolved to honor you above all the world, which I will testifie with all my words and deeds that issue from a faith full harte. So praying the Lord God to bless your Lordship with all heavenly and earthly blessings, I take my leave. At Kirtling, 9th September. Your good Lordship's frend at commandement, R. North. SIR FRANCIS WALSINGHAM TO SIR EDWARD STAFFORD. Sir, the late accident of the death of the Quene-Mother ministering unto her Majestie occasion to send unto the King to condole with him for the same, as both the common custom among Princes, and the speciall affection and good will she beareth unto the King do require at her handes, she wotdd not have fayled to have done the same, but she doubteth how her sending unto him at this time, whilest his realme standeth in such termes as since the Duke of Guise's death* it hath done, it might be construed of such as will be apt to interpret all things to the said King's disadvantage ; and therefore, for that respect, her Highness did thinke meet to stay the send ing of anie person untill she might understand from himself how he can allow thereof, which she wold have you signify unto him, wherein, uppon knowledge receaved from you, she * The Duke of Guise, who had made himself dangerous to the crown by his power and designs, had been murdered by order of the King, in the latter part of the preceding year. 1589.] AFFAIRS OF FRANCE. 395 doth mean to do as she shall finde will be most agreeable to his good liking, being of herself very well bent to send some well chosen gent, unto him. The Frenche ambassador hath taken his leave of her Ma jestie, who, upon the King's late letter, and also finding by the same, that his departure hence can no way prejudice, did readily give him licence to depart, and so within these three or four dayes he beginneth his journey, of whom I have thought good to say thus much unto you, that if, after the dispatch of his busines, which he pretendeth to be the cause of his going over, the King shall not be disposed to return him hither againe, you may do well to use such meanes as you can to procure that some other may be sent in his place, that is better affected to the maintenaunce of the amitie be tween the two crownes that this man hath shewed himself to be. In Scotland things are now in very quiet termes, and so like to continue now that they are taken away in Fraunce who were like to have been the maintayners and nourishers of unquiet humors in that realme. Before, we began to feare of some alteration by certaine practises sett abroad pout of that realme, the rather because the Earl of Huntley was then newly made the captain of the King's garde, a man suspected in religion and ill affected to this realme. The Duke of Parma lyeth still without attempting any thing, only we heare that some part of his forces do marche towards the frontiers of Fraunce, to be employed, as is given out, for the countenance and support of those that remayn of the League. But it is doubted he will expect direction out of Spaine, before he engages the King in a matter of so great consequence, and that they of Spayne will be too well advised to give offence to the King of Fraunce, considering the evill successe of their affaires this last year, and that they have enough to do in the Lowe Countries, and also that the pre parations here do make them doubt some further attempt by sea from hence. Men of best judgment and best affected here 396 ENGLISH PIRATES. [jAN, do wishe that Spain would make himself a party with those of the League, as the only way to drawe the King to use the King of Navarre's service and those of the religion.* Because it may be the King shall be urged especially upon the return of the ambassador with the complaints of some of his subjects, spoyled by the English pyrates, who have not obtayned such redresse as were to be wished, you may do well by such meanes as by you shall be thought meet, to possess him before-hand with an opinion that there hath not wanted care here to yield them due redresse, but that the state of the time is suche by reason of the differences be tween Spaine and this crowne, as all things can not be per formed that were convenient, which proceedeth of the great number of shippes of warre which her Majestie is forced to keepe at sea, for the annoyance of the King of Spaine, wher of manie, being adventurers, do oftentimes exceed their com mission, spoyling of such as are in league with her Majestie, which being once possessed therof, have so manie shiftes to avoyd the daunger of the lawe, as it is impossible to reduce them to make exact restitutions, though there do not want in her Majestie and in the Lords of the Councell, all the care that may be to yield satisfaction to the King's subjects. And this may be further justly avouched, that though the redresse have not been equall to their losses, yet hath it been greater then that which of their side hath been yielded to the subjects of this realme, who have receaved none at all, wherof they do not fayle to complaine as earnestly as the King's subjects do to him. And so I byd you hartely fare well. From the Court at Rychmond, the 28th of January, 1588. Your assured loving frend, Fra. Walsyngham. * In the latter days of his reign, Henry "ill. was obliged to fly to the Protestant party for aid against his rebellious subjects. 1589.] THE DEVIL AND HIS DAM. 397 WILLIAM HOBBY TO LORD BURGHLEY* Leave your Lordship to understand, that there is a cas tell in the parish of Skemfryth, in the countie of Mont- gomerie, your Lordship graunt full authoritie unto myne owne selfe, I am a poore subject of the Quene's, if there be any treasure there, your Lordship shall know it, for by the voice of the countrey there is treasure. No man in remem brance was ever seene to open it, and great wars hath been at it, and there was a place not farr from it whose name is Gamdon,that is as much to say the game is doun. Pray you, good my Lord, your letter to the castle, craving your Lord ship's free authoritie to open, and if treasure be there I will use it as it ought to be, and I will stand to your Lordship's consideration to give me what you please. For the countrey saieth there is greate treasure. The voyce of the countrey goeth there is a dyvell and his dame, one sitts upon a hogs- hed of gold, the other upon a hogshed of silver, yet never thelesse, with your Lordship's full power and authoritie they shall be removed, by the grace of God, without any charge to the Quene and your Lordship. If that treasure be there, then I will looke for something at your handes. So praying your Lordship's answer for the present despatche, so I bid * " William Hobby's request to Lord Burghley for his leave to drive the devill and his dam from some treasure hid in his Lordship's castle at Skemfryth, in Montgomeryshire, 1589." This singular letter is a curious illustration of superstitions which still exist in many parts of the country, though fast disappearing. Curiously enough, in the original the Lord Treasurer has acceded to his petitioner's request, by signing his own name at the end. On examing it more closely, I, however, think the signature may be a forgery ; Burghley's signature was not unfrequently counterfeited. The saying, "The Devil and his Dam," is familiar to every reader of Shakespeare : it is very difficult to explain its origin, for the legen dary lore which would explain it, is on this point defective. But the reader of the Saxon romance of Beowulf, will not fail to compare with it the evil Grendel and his mother. 398 ALEHOUSES AND ROGUES. [APRIL, your Lordship farewell. From the Tower of London, this 28th of Aprill, 1589. Your Lordship's to commande, William Hobbye. Your Lordship's owne hand write the Lord Treasurer underneath this petition, as for example, The Lord Treasurer. MR. DAVID POWELL TO LORD BURGHLEY. May it please your Honour to be advertised, that in Lent last past, I made an especial journey to the councill in the Marches of Wales, about the multitude of alehowses and the wandering of rogues in disorder, without controlment, from countrie to countrie, (in the which thinges the justices of peace have greatly neglected their duties,) and have pro cured her Majestie's letters to be directed to the justices of peace in all the shires of Wales, commanding them, accord ing to their dutie and the trust reposed in them, to reforme those disorders, and of their doings and reformations to cer tifie the said councell the 20th day of June nexte. And that your Honor may see how requisite it is to have a redresse in that behalfe, I have sent your Lordship by this bearer, a true certificate of the alehowses in Denbighshire, (which is but a little shire,) wherby you may estimate of all the shires in Wales, and therafter judge of that service. And thus with all humilitie, I take my leave. From my Chamber in Little Brittain, in London, the 28th of Aprilis, 1589. Your Honor's most humble at commandment, David Powell. For matters of religion, we are quieter in North Wales then we were wonte to be. 1589.] THE LOW COUNTRIES. 399 SIR THO. BODLEY* TO THE COUNCIL. It may please your Lordships to be advertised, that being at Berghen op Zoome, your Lordships' letter, written the 13th, came to my handes the 22nd of this moneth, wherunto by reason of my absence from the place of residence of the Generall States, I have no meanes at this present to make suche answer as is requisite. But I go from hence to the Hage within these two daies, where I will not faile, according to your Lordships' direction, to presse them to deliver in writing the particular proofes of those generall accusations whiche they have published in their placcart against my Lord Willughby. I do assure myself that their deputies in England have had expresse charge to deale in those mat ters ; and I knowe they were carefull before their departure, to gather all their informations that might make for their purpose. Howbeit, upon this occasion presented, to deliver my opinion under humble correction, and without any preju dice to your Lordships' censures, all their allegations, which I have heard them hitherto produce, are so slenderly proved, as I thinke, for mine own parte, both her Majestie and my Lord hath been dishonorably dealt withall by them. For all this countrey doth knowe, and it hath bene openly and usually spoken in all places, that the only losse of Gertru- denbergh was the willfullness and passion of some fewe, who to colour afterwards their unadvised enterprise, and to pre vent that the common people might not call them to account, * Sir Thomas Bodley will ever be famous as the founder of the Bodleian library at Oxford. He was born at Exeter in 1544, and spent his youth at Geneva, where his father took refuge during the reign of Mary. He was afterward entered at Magdalen College, Ox ford, under the tutorship of the celebrated Dr. Humphreys. In 1583, he was made gentleman usher to Queen Elizabeth, and was afterwards employed in numerous embassies. At the Hague, he was both am bassador, and, from the position in which Elizabeth stood to the States, he was admitted one of the Dutch Council of State, taking his seat next to Count Maurice. He died in Jan. 1612. 400 EXPEDITION TO PORTUGAL. [JUNE, published that placcart wherof your Lordships make men tion, and which I do not doubt but in conference with the Deputies, or by that which their generall assembly shall de liver unto me, your Lordships will easily discover to be but a sinister practice, and full of unjust imputations, in respect of any disloyal act wherwith my Lord may be charged ; the consideration wherof I leave to your Lordships' wisdom, and take my humble leave. From Berghes, May 28th, 1 859. Your Lordships' most humble to commaund, Tho. Bodley. TO LORD BURGHLEY.* My duty remembred, it may please your Honour to be advertized, the 25th of this month, there came into the har bour a flyboate from the roade of Cascales ; the fleete then sailing into the sea, Captaine Harcott brought in the fly boate full of sick men. He saith, after they had been at the Groyne, Sir John Norris sailed toward Penecheo, and there tooke the towne and castle. There my Lord of Essex killed a Spaniard hand to hand ; and from thence they marched towards Lisborne, and did take the suburbes, and continued there two dayes and three nightes. In the time of being in the suburbes, the gallies did more harme then the highe towne. The highe towne put out a bravado on the side where Sir Frauncis Drake's regiment did lye, wherein Capi taine Carre and Capitaine Brett were slaine. And so re turning to Cascales, there was some small number by sicknes lost. And coming to Cascales, they tooke the towne and the castle. It is said the friers caused the castle to be taken for safety of their own lives. He saith he knoweth not where the fleete is become, for he was putt from them in a * This letter relates briefly the celebrated expedition to Portugal, in 1589, under Norris and Drake, in which the Earl of Essex distinguished himself so much by his courage. 1589.] marriage of sir Robert cecil. 401 tempest in a night. The captaine hath no passport. He mett at Usshant my Lord of Cumberland's pinnace, which had taken two prizes, and lie saith that at Usshant there was Collonel Sydney, and one other collonel, in a shipp seeking for some prizes, who be come from the fleete. It is possible he hath some secrett newes, which I cannot learne. The Tiger and the Swallow, with two pinnaces, are at a road by Hasel- worth Castle. The captaines are Captaine Winter and Captaine Bostocke. Thus I take my leave of your Honor. From Portesmouth, this 25th of June, 1589. LORD NORTH TO LORD BURGHLEY. I am given to understand, my special good Lord, that the mariage between Mr. Robert Cecill and Mistres Brooke* will shortly be solemnised, and if I can come by any good thing worthie the sending, I will not fail to do it, otherwise I will undoubtedly, if God so will, honor the feast, and the least that longeth to your Lordship, with my presence, and do all other services in my power, praying your good Lord ship to lett me know the time and place. Your good Lord ship seeth how very ready I am to trouble you. For the subsydie matters, when the Quene's letter and bookes and commission come down, I will do all that I can with good conscience to further that service, leaving every man a good and large peniworth of his own goods, and yet advance the rate. As there shall happen any occasion in this shire worthie advertising, I will forthwith repaire with my intel ligence to your Lordship, upon whom I will with all frendly love and service depend, trusting your good Lordship will remember to send me word of the mariage, if you will * The daughter of Lord Cobham. VOL. II. D D 402 MURDER OF THE KING OF FRANCE. [AUG. have so ill a guest. So praying God to bless your Lordship with long life and honor, I take my leave. At Kirtling, 28th July. Your good Lordship's most assured to commande, R. North. SIR ROBERT CECIL TO MICHAEL HICKES. I thank you for your letter. The books be the same I writt for. Our newes is here from France good, for Mylls hath bene with Gourden, that is governour of Calais, who wept most bitterly for the death of his King,* standeth now firme to this successor, and when the Quene offered to re commend him to the King of Navarr's favour, he aunswered bravely, that he would require no forrain recommendation, but wold, as he had deserved regard of the late King dead, so recover this prince's favor by his own merit, promising ever firmly to hold this towne at his Majestie's devotion. The camp lieth still afore Paris, and acknowledgeth this King for their soveraigne, being the bravest company of soldiers that ever France had together, only wanting pay, which the Quene will or must help them with. The King of Navarr hath under his hand and seale vowed no way to chaunge any religion, only reserving to him and his, as before, free profession. I have receaved this letter inclosed from Mr. Newton, who is at Putney, and will be here to-day. If Portington think to get it without cost, he is I find deceaved. I will deale with her importunately, though as you see she hath the start of us. What I can do he shall know to-morrow, when I come, for I have now receaved all favour for the Quene that * Henry III. of France was murdered at St. Cloud by a fanatical monk named Jacques Clement, on the 1st of August, 1589. He was succeeded by the King of Navarre as Henry IV. 1589.] STATE OF THE NORTH OF ENGLAND. 403 I can wish, in sundry that I wold come to her, and so I grow now weary of this west course. Yours, R. Cecill. This Mylls, you know, was toward Randall. He brings word that of the six orders of Friers, five in every howse had vowed by sacrament to do this villany. In Paris they make bonfires for the act, but it cannot long hold out. I have made a suggestion that old Colborne will in no wise suffer the other Armetreading to be joined with him. My Lady Stafford is very round with me in the matter, and will move the Quene for Armtreading. What may be done, shal be done. JAMES RITHER TO LORD BURGHLEY. I cannot satisfie myself in duty to my country, unlesse I delyver over to your honorable Lordship the discoveries I fynde of the particularities of this countrie from tyme to tyme, in the which thinking myself skilfull enough when I dedicated my last endeavors therin to your good Lordship, by an accident since I knowe more, and therfore will be come an humble sutor to your Honor, to have the profytting of that symple pamflett which I presented, of that importance it pleased the right honorable my very good Lord and Ladie of Warwick to proffer me the stewardship of the late Mar- quesse's lands about Kendall, which I refusing, was yet con tent to execute the thing till such tyme as their better choyces might lay it upon a more meet person for that charge. In the execution of this office very lately, I passed through the people of two great dales, the one called Dent, or Danett, as some say, and so lyke, when the Danes were dryven to any shift, to be their resting, as your Lordship's lands of Tanfield, sometimes also called Danefield, where d d 2 • 404 DENT AND SEDBURGH. [SEPT. yet remayne extansies of their encamping. The other greater part is called Sedbar. A thinge worthy noting I shall re count to your Lordship.* In this Sedbar, the vycar could present to me but only four disordered persons, which I bound to good abearing as bar rators that haunted ale-houses, the great fault of this country, and were dayly fighting, quarrelling, and disquietting this good people. In Dent only one was brought before me, for very undutifull partes to his father ; this is notable amongst so many hundreth householders. Now your Lordship cometh to the marvell ; no justice of peace is resident within thirty myles of them in their county, and he and ... a head nonstable they have, which, if he did anything amongst them touching this office, I feare me it wold fall out worse for their government. In the one parish no gentilman, in the other only two, and those very mean. These people, situate amongst the wilde mountains and savage fells, are generally affected to religion, quiett and in dustrious, equall with Hallyfax in this, excelling them in civility and temper of lyfe, as well in abstaining from drinke, as from other excesses. These people are, as they term themselves, customary tenants, and greatly addicted to raise and maintain customs. They have no courts kept this many years past. I had much to do to make them knowe the high auctority of parliaments, which they thought could not cutt off any custom, no, not for reformation of any offence ; hut before all, their custom of quiett and industrious lyfe I willed them to keep, and so penall statutes cannot touch them. Promoters begin to abuse them and themselves no tably. This is that part of the county which heretofore I have noted to your Lordship to be 50 myles from my house, and * The town and parish of Sedburgh is situated in Yorkshire, on the borders of Westmoreland, at the bottom of the Houghill Fells, and is about eleven miles from Kendal. Dent is a township belonging to it. 1589.] MARRIAGE OF THE KING OF SCOTS. 405 but only this one justice for a good tyme within this compass, yet I may not by this ensample of duty, &c. seem to showe to your Lordship that justices are not requisite for these partes ; for spending my tyme in houshold with my good and honorable lady the Countesse of Cumberland, I see the people here in Craven almost wome out of due obedience to her Majesty's auctority, for a justice may dyrect out his warrant here twise to one township for offenders, and shall be fayne to go fetch the third tyme, if he will have their com panies. This virtuous ladie, as many other of God's favours to this commonwealth, is placed here, I trust, for her Ma jesty's good, for her actions in this ebb of her estate, in re lieving the poore, in settling the idel a work upon her own cost, and that which is principal in spreading good doctrine by her life and practise, are not unworthy to be left in re membrance to all posterities, only she hath showen herself too pitifudtojnj^&JiMnters, which now are grown to such numbers, as she is content to see justice done upon some of them. Of this sort there are that do all kind of robberies, under colour of stealing flesh, as they terme it. To conclude with all the novelties I can give your Lord ship out of these northern parties, as my last that ever I shall give I fear me, the Skotts are busy on the borders with murders, and further within with matters of marriadg.* God turne it to the good of England ! for it is he that only worketh myracles, to make us newe friends of old enemies. The Dane and Skott are nations naturally hatefull to us, yet, as I said, God and under his mercy good government by him favored and blessed may effect marv ells. I must ask your Lordship's pardon, and with the same crave of God your increase of honor and comfort. Barden, this 26th of Sept. 1589. Your Honor's in duty bounden, James Rither. * The marriage of King James with the daughter of the King of Denmark. 406 operation of the new poor-laws. [nov. SIR ANTHONY THOROLD TO LORD BURGHLEY. My duty to your good Lordship humbly remembered, it may please the same to call to remembrance that by dyvers statutes heretofore, lawes have bene established to abolish th' excessive number of roges, and to dryve them to settle and abyde where they were borne, or last abyding by the space of three yeres, and lykewise to charge any towne or parishe to kepe and relieve all the poore therin borne or last inhabit ing by the space of three yeeres, which did great good where the same was executed. But now the statute made in the last parliament for expelling of innemates, I feare wyll send ten tymes as many abrode to begge as at any tyme before did, ex cept it may please her Majestie, by proclamation or otherwyse, to give order by some lawfull meanes, for tolleration therof to all suche as at th'end of the last parliament were innemates during their tymes onely and no longer, of which there be a great number in every towne and village which shall be lyke to peryshe for lacke of relief and lodging, or ells wander abrode in excessive numbers, which I feare wolde breed great inconvenience. That parte of the statute which doth prohibite erecting of cottages from henceforth otherwise than the same doth allowe, I hope will do much good. As I am bold to sygnify my symple conceit in this, even so presuming of your honorable acceptance, I am bold to sig nify unto your Lordship another matter as nedefull to be some way reformed or stayed, if not more than this former, which is the early marrying of peasants and other poore folks, having neither house, lands, nor goods to lyve upon, which in short tyme must needs breed a monstrous swarrne of beggers. Since I may remember, very fewe of that sorte did marry untill they were 30 yeres old, or very neare it, nor then except they were first provyded of a howse to dwell in, but now they marry under 20, having no regarde how to lyve, nor whereto dwell. If it might please your Lordship, according to your great wisdome, to be a meanes (by the bysshops or otherwise) 1589.] THE NEW POOR-LAWS. 407 to staye and prohibite such fond, symple, and undiscrete marryages, before the parties achieve to reason or discretion to consyder therof, I think your Lordship shold do to God and her Majestie good service, and a great good to the com- monwelthe. Yet a third mischief (which is horrible) of late years, which is wonderfully increased, and one common in every towne, village, or hamlet, in these partes, and (as I heare) is lykewise in other countreys. Young able fellowes do wick edly allure foolish lewd young women to folly, promysingthem marryage, and when they are perceived to be with child, the men runne awaye into unknown places in farre contreys, leaving the woman also to begge with her child. Some course wold be devysed (if it might be) to restraine that kind of wickednes, which at this day doth abounde. Satan so farre playeth with such people, that no shame nor ordinary punishment will helpe. Thus craving pardon for this my over much boldness, but urged therunto in respect of my duty to God and our gracious Quene, and unto your Lordship her Highnes' Lieutenant in this shire,* most humbly I take my leave. From Marston, this 6th of November, 1589. Your Lordship's to commaund, Anthony Thorold. JAMES RITHER TO LORD BURGHLEY. By long observances I have ever noted, right Honourable, the people of this isle, though airways divided by the auncient enmities of England and Skotland, yet the neerer any part of our pale is to Skotland, the less enmity, the more accord ance in manners ; not that the Skottes take of us, but we of them as the evill is ever more infective than the good. * Lincolnshire. 408 STATE OF THE SCOTTISH BORDERS. [AUG. Greatly in the farr north partes is commended the especiall praises which the King of Skottes should give of late to all northern gentillmen, with his more regard of them than of the rest, then the pulling down of the Lord Ambassador's armes by night, being sett up over the door of his lodging. In Skotland, these things I could not hear, being about the court when my said Lord returned, albeit I was much con versant with some northern gentylmen that had been that jorney. But be these rumors false or trewe, they are rimaa by which we may easilie spie into their myndes throughout these speeches what they like. Also out of these partes I perceive divers that have horses to sell, and were wont to carry them to the great horse faire at Malton, in the east partes of this shire, as now purposed to go to Kaerlyle with them. They finde meanes now to convey them into Skot land from more inward fairs. But why shold that needy nation esteem our horses at a greater pryse then our owen country people do ? for it is the hope of Skotts money that drawe these horses to Kaerlyle, and so the sellers confess. There are also that sattel dwelling that way upon no substantiall causes that I can learne. I wysh no more fugitives thither, for they watch a tyme of returne, which they wyll by all meanes hasten. Pardon my conceyt, my good Lord, it is Kentysh, as far from the condition of these in mynde as in comitry, and yet as near fully as the Skott is in good will to the true English. We have many Skottish wytts amongst us. The borderer's property of taking more then his own (for they never steal) is gotten so into us, that cattell, sheep, and horses were never so hard to keepe from theeves' handes, even in the hart of this shire, as now: the complaintes are many and great, the redress small. The Lord in his mercy graunt us all trew English hartes, and preserve our such vigilant preservers as he hath hitherto blessed us with, under this her Majestie's most florishing empire, which we humbly 1590.] A SPANISH SPY. 409 beseech hym to contynue in his accustomed favour. Har- wood, this 29th of Aug. 1590. Your Honor's most humbly to dyspose, James Rither. SIR T. HENEAGE TO LORD BURGHLEY. My Lord, this bearer, Lazarus Melchesio, coming hither yesternight, and asking strange questions, with desire to delyver letters to her Majestie from the King of Denmark, I thought good, when I heard therof, to acquaynt my Lord Chamberlayne withall, wherwith myself thought best to let him know that it was not the manner of our princess to re ceive letters at the hand of strangers, except they were em bassadors, and therefore, taking his letters of hym, and acquaynting her Majestie withall, (who commanded me to read them to her,) upon consideration wherof, and fynding that the words of the letters, importing his taking by the Tnrkes, with his escape, doth not accord with the words of his passport, which sheweth that he was taken in going in pilgrimage to Compostella, her Majestie hath willed me to signify to your Lordship that her pleasure is, he shold have a passport made to departe presently into his own country, or from this realme whither he wold, without any tarriance. This much and no more have I leisure to wryte to your Lordship, attending upon Don Antonio, King of Portugall, but commend me humbly unto you, and letting your Lord ship knowe I suspecte this man to be both a Spanyard and a spye. At the Courte, 23rd of September, 1590. The letter from Denmark is here inclosed. Your Lordship's bound at commandement, T. Heneage. 410 AID SENT TO THE FRENCH KING. [MARCH, SIR ROGER WILLIAMS* TO LORD BURGHLEY AND THE COUNCIL. Moste Honorables, yesterdaie it was your Lordship's plea sure to shewe the roll of captaines by their names. More then half of them are knowen unto me sufficient to take charges ; a greate number of others, besides the rest in that roll, although not knowen unto me, maie be as sufficient as the others, perhapps knowen unto men of farr better judg ment then myselfe. To saie truthe, no man ought to meddle further than his owne charge. Touching the three captaines that your Lordships appointed to go with me, I knowe Polate and Coverd, but not the thirde. There is one Cap taine Polate, a Hampshire man, an honest gentleman, wor thie of a good charge. There is another not worthie to be a sergeant of a band, as Sir John Norris knows, with many others ; and I do heare by my Lord of Sussex it is he. Captain Coverd is worthie, but not comparable unto a dozen others that have no charge ; but whatsoever your Lordships direct unto me, I muste accept, and will do my best endeavour to discharge my dutie towards the service comitted unto me. But be assured that the more new captaines that are made, the more will begg, I meane will trouble her Majestie after the * The important aids with which Elizabeth furnished Henry IV. during the first part of his reign, both in money and men, are well known. Soon after the writing of this letter. Sir Roger Williams passed over with 600 men to Dieppe, near which town the enemy lay. The first service he did was, by forcing the enemy to de part and clear the wayes infested by them, and he was highly com mended for his valour by the King in letters to the Queen. He then accompanied the King to the suburbs of Paris, and there, by a short letter, challenged the Spanyards, who held the city against the King, to send 200 pikes and 100 musketeers to encounter with so many English in the field. Afterwards the King sent him with his troops to Noyon, contrary to what he had in command from the Queen, and there hazarded much English blood, whereby he incurred the Queen's displeasure. 1591.] A SPANISH FLEET AT SEA. 411 warrs, unless the olde be provided for. I must confess I wrote effectual for one Captaine Smithe unto Sir Philipp Butler ; two of the name Sir John Norris will confess to be well wor thie to commaunde, at the least, three hundred men a-piece. He that I named, my desire is that he may be one of myne. I protest, on my poore credytt, I never delt with her Majestie concerning any of those captaines, nor anything that your Lordships spake yesterdaie before me; but true it is, I spake before the Earle of Essex and Sir John Norris, it was pittie that young captaines should be accepted and the old re fused. True it is that I toulde them also that the lieutenants of the shire knew not those captaines so well as ourselves. On my creditt, my meaning was the deputies lieutenants, the which, as it was toulde me, had made all these captaines. My speeches are no lawe, nor scarce good judgment, for the warrs were unknowen to me 22 yeres agon. Notwith standing, it shall satisfie me, that the greatest generalls in that time took me to be a souldier, for the which I will bring better proofs than any other of my qualitie shall deny. Humbly desiring your Lordships' accustomed good favor to wards me, I reste to spend my life alwaies at her Majestie's pleasure, and at your Lordships' devotion. (March 27th, 1591.) THE LORDS OF THE COUNCIL TO SIR THOMAS BODLEY. After our hasty commendations, her Majestie, understanding that the King of Spaine's fleete is come into the North Seas, and it is doubted will make some attempt or incursions on some part of her Majestie's dominions, to the annoyance of her subjects, hath thought fit to lett you know so much, re quiring you to let the States of Holland understand, foras- much'as her Majestie is presently to put in readines and set to sea her whole navy, to resist or prevent such attempts as the enemy may do as is above said, for which purpose she hath already sent such her shipps as lay now at hand, 412 SURPRISE OF ZUTPHEN. [MAY, to impeach any hostile action to be attempted from Dunkirk, or those parts to the west parts of this realme, her High nes thinketh it very needefull that such warlike shipps as are in Holland should be presently sent to lye before Dun kirk, to withstand whatsoever in the absence of her Majestie's ships may be attempted, to remaine there and upon that coaste untill the returne of her Majestie's shipps, emploied as above said, for some certaine knowledge of the enemie's purpose, to be further signified to you from hence. We have to the like intent written to Sir Robert Sidney, and therefore the matter being of so great importance, her Ma jestie doubteth not of your carefullness in the due and speedie accomplishment of the premisses with all earnestnes, and to advertise us speedily of your proceedings. And so we bid you hartely farewell. From the Court at Theobald's, the 17th of May, 1591. Your loving trends, W. Burghley. H. Derby. C. Howard. H. Hunsdon. J. Wolley. THOMAS BODLEY TO LORD BURGHLEY. May it please your good Lordship, by my letter unto you the 14th of this month, I have signified that Sh' Francis Vere was appointed by the Council of State before the in tended siege of Zutphen or Deventer should be undertaken, and before the troupes of the country should assemble in those quarters, to endeavour the surprise of the fort of Zutphen : which we are informed at this very present, he hath performed very happily ; so as now the countrey is freed from the enemy on this side the river, and their other designes made more easy by much to be atchieved by their forces. What numbers 1591.] 3L THE QUEEN ON A PROGRESS. 413 of soldiers were within the fort, and what losse is sustained of one side or other, there is nothing certified in particular. Only this is yet signified by a letter sent in hast, that he tooke it with a stratagem, by the meanes of 13 souldiers which were cladde in boore's apparel, and armed underneath, and with the assistance and company of certain other boores of the countrey, which were knowen in the fort and neigh bourhood, and contrived very privately to enter a wel, which they kept till such time as Sir Francis Vere possessed the place ; because the advertisement is newly come, with a pre sent opportunitie for the sending of my letter, I would not omit to impart it to your Lordship, and so I take my humble leave. From the Hage, May 17, 1591. Your Lordship's most humbly bounden, Tho. Bodley. SIR ROBERT CECIL TO MICHAEL HICKES. Mr. Hycks, I can wryte you nothing but that all is well : my Lord holds on his progress, the Queen hunts and is merry, you shall do well to come to Portsmowth, and you shall do as well to leave all your recknings behind you.* You cannot take any harme by bringing something to Portsmowth that is daynty, although Bess Cecillf say it is a shame for me thus to move you. The French King will besiege Roan for certaine. Your friend full assured, R. Cecill. * The Queen was on a progress in Sussex and Hampshire. Ac counts of the hunting exploits will be found in Nichols's Progresses. Lord Burghley accompanied the court. f Sir Robert Cecil married Elizabeth, daughter of William Brooke Lord Cobham. 414 THOMAS CHURCHYARD. [1591. THOMAS CHURCHYARD TO MRS. PENN.* Good Mrs. Pen, I never deserved your dyspleasure, and have made her Majestie understand of my band1 touching the Earl, and for fear of resting2 1 lie in the sanctuary, for albeit you may favour me, yet I know I am in your danger, and am honest and true in all myne actions. I fynd in court causes to forsake it and the realm too, yet wold I see you and all my friends well pleased, as knoweth God, who bless and pre serve you to his pleasure. Yours in all as becometh me at commandment lovingly, T. Churchyard. SIR ROBERT CECIL TO MICHAEL HICKES.+ Mr. Hicks, your letters are welcome because they be not short ; let mine not be unwelcome because they be not longe, for the good will is all one. Sir W. Rawley and I dined together in London : we went to your brother's shop, J where your brother desired me to wryte to my wife, in anywise not to let anybody know that she paied under Sl. 10s. a yard for her cloth of silver. I * Mrs. Penn was the mother-in-law of Michael Hickes. Poor Churchyard appears to have been continually in some difficulty. By other papers in the same volume from which this letter is taken, it would seem that Churchyard had taken lodgings of Mrs. Penn for the Earl of Oxford, giving his own bond for the payment, and that the Earl leaving without paying, the burden fell upon the poet. 1 Bond. 2 Arresting. t The three following letters, without date, are placed here because they are written by, and addressed to, the same persons as the two last. The letters to Mrs. Penn exhibit much kind feeling. t Baptist, the youngest brother of Michael Hickes, succeeded to his father's business. He was knighted by James I., and by Charles I. was created Baron Hickes, of Ilmington, in Warwickshire, and Viscount Camden, of Camden, in Gloucestershire. 1591.] MRS. PENN. 415 mervaile she is so simple as to tell anybody what she paies for everything. It costs me not much to send two horses, one to the Erie,* and another to you. If he meane to go, let him come home to meet us all to-morrow night at my howse, where we will supp and go away on Monday, so as we may be in towne againe on Wednesday by noone, you to be at Court at night, and I to be here to do some busines. If you come not, let me know. If I heare not by 2 of the clock, I will expect. Leave the key of my chamber safe, and so neare my sleeping. I leave all things els to our meeting. Your frend, this Saturday night late. If my wife will send me her black cuff, I will send her on Monday a better. SIR ROBERT CECIL TO MRS. PENN. Good Mrs. Penn, I am very sorry to heare how extreme syck you are, by your son Michael, my frend, and the rather, understanding that you have not bene well ever since you were here. If you took any cold by coming to my Lord's howse, being no way accustomed to stirr abroade of long tyme, I hope it wyll away with discreet and warme keeping. If any other conceipt shold trouble you, surely this letter may as sure you that there was not, nor is, the least suspicion con ceaved of any privity of yours to any ill of his who is now a prisoner in the Gate-house. For my part, I do wish the poore soule no harme. Some thyngs there are found out of his lewd disposition to the State, which is the cause of his restraint. With tyme it may be qualified, wherin though no private respects shall make better or worse my conceipts of any man's offences, yet shall I be the more apt in pity to deale for him (I must confess,) if he do forbeare, according to his vile humour, to raile at Mr. Henry Cecill out of the * Of Essex. 416 MRS. PENN. [1591. prison by letters, wherof I am informed, being of my blood, and one who never deserved of him but too well. For the letter you sent, it shews your sincerity, of which I was never doubtfull, as I have told your son often when he sued to me for him. I wish you helth and contentment, and so do byd you hartely farewell. Your loving friend, Ro. Cecyll. SIR ROBERT CECIL TO MRS. PENN. Good Mrs. Penn, your son, Mr. Mich. Hycks, hath delt very ernestly with me, as from you, to be a meane to my Lord in Mr. Skynner's behalf, for mitigation of his fyne and enlargement owt of prison, of whom, although I have some cause to think unkyndnes, in a particular matter of mine owne, and that a very trifle, yet I am so persuaded in that point by your son, as that being now required by you, I will not only forget former cause, but also do for him any frend- ship I may in his honest and good occasion. For the matter it depends before the whole body of the counsaile, where my Lord hath but one voice in number and equall power with most of the rest, wherof some are greatly offended with Mr. Skynner's detraction of his submission, which in reason able sort th'other Alderman hath performed willingly. You may deale with him therfore to leave to stick upon his owne opinion, wheron he standeth often too peremptorily, and to confide himself to the Lords' liking, who will the sooner be good unto him, to which I will not faile, as tyme serves, to procure my Lord's favourable furtherance. And so wishing I had some occasion to make you know indeed, how ready my good will shall be alwaies for you or yours, I committ you to God. From my lodging this Saturday night. Your loving frend, Rob. Cecill. 1592.] the puritans. 417 SIR FRANCIS KNOLLYS TO LORD BURGHLEY. My very good Lorde, I do forbeare to come unto you presently for lacke of full strength, and partly to avoyde your trouble from being combefed with my weake body ; yet I can not but signifie this much unto you in writing, that 1 do mar- veil how her Majestie can be persuaded, that she is in as much danger of such as are called Purytanes as she is of the Papysts, and yet her Majestie cannot be ignorant that the Purytanes are not able to change the government of the clergie, but only by petition at her Majestie's handes. And yet her Majestie cannot do it, but she must call a parlement for it, and no acte can passe therof unless her Majestie shall give her royall assent therunto. And as touching their sedi tious going aboute the same, if the byshoppes, or my Lord Chauncelor, or any for them, could have proved de facto, that Cartewrighte and his fellow prisoners had gone aboute any such matter seditiously, then Cartewrighte and his fol lowers had been hanged before this tyme. But her Majestie must keepe a forme of justyce, as well against Purytanes as any other subjectes, so that they may be tryed in tyme con venient, whether they be suspected for sedition or treason, or whatever name you shall give unto it, being purytanisme or otherwyse. The 9th of Januarie, 1591. RECORDER FLETEWOOD TO LORD BURGHLEY. My very good Lord, I humbly thank your Lordship for yom- honorable letters to my Lord of Buckherst in my son's behalf. Every one of my masters of the benche do now dis claim and lay all the fault upon Mr. John Amersan, at Ag- mondesham, who, I feare, be at this present not in case to be talked withall, quoniam lucidus est inter valla, and espe cially ever about midsomer, and continually he is as malin- choly as a curre dogge, according to the Bysshopricke pro- VOL. II. E E 418 fletewood's last diary. [aug. verb, surely an unfit man for to be a ruler over yong gent of good famylies. My said Lord of Buckherst meaneth to send for hym. diarium. My Lord of Lincoln kept his bedd in the Flete. He is glad that he is at libertie. Kyrkham, using a stubborne abstinence for the space of three daies, doth now fall to his meate and drynke. His de sire is, that he may have penne and inke to make his submis sion, and to have it delivered unto your good Lordship. There is one John Vyneon, her Majestie's servant, in the Flete for new buildings at Ratclyff. He spake to me to be a sutor for hym unto your Lordship, and delyvered this letter unto me, the which I have bene bold to inclose within these my simple letters. This day I rode to the Yeld Hall to sitt in the commision for strangers, and in the lower end of the Cheape-side to wardes Poole's, there stood a man and a woman, both aged persons, upon a skafold, with papers upon their heades. The man was keper of the cundett there. These two lewd people in the night entered into the cundett, and washed themself, et adtunc et ibidem turpiter exoneraverunt ventres eorum, etc. This day Mr. Recorder surrendered his office. The lot is now to be cast betwene Mr, Serjeant Drew and one Mr. Flemmynge, of Lincolne Inne. This present Satterday, Your good Lordship's most bounden, W. Fletewoode. SIR JOHN BURGH TO LORD BURGHLEY.* Ryght Honorable and my singular good Lord, the hope * The following letters relate to the rich Spanish Carrack, of the taking of which Camden gives a detailed account under this year. The embezzlement by the takers called forth a proclamation by the Queen. Camden says, that besides what was plundered, its cargo was worth a hundred and fifty thousand pounds. 1592.] CAPTURE OF THE SPANISH CARRACK. 419 which I put your Lordship in my last letter of meeting the Carracks, has succeeded happily, for uppon the 3rd of this month we mett with one, and fought with her from ten of the clocke in the morning tyll one or two at nyght, which I wyll referr to Captaine Cross to make report of to your Lordship, being there present hymself. As for the shypp, she is very rich, but much spoyled by the soldiers being entred by force, and to which it was not possible for me to give order not of a long tyme, for that the Erie of Cumberland's men stood upon their Lord's commission, and thereby challenged as great a commaundement as I, notwithstanding that I made it knowen to the chief of them that I was joyned in her Ma jestie's commission with Sir Martyn Furbysher. I have now taken possession of her in her Majestie's name and right, and I hope, for all the spoyle that have been made, her Majestie shall receive more proffyt by her then by any shypp that ever came into England. I must crave pardon of your Lordship,. that I have not advertysed your Honor of this, for my Lord of Cumberland's pynnace stole away unknowen to me, and I durst not spare none of the shypps tyll I was passed out of danger of meeting one of the King of Spaine's armados, who are dayly looked for about the islands. I wyll use the advyse of the best maisters of this fleete, for the safe harboring of this shypp ; and if the weather be fair, I wyll bring her up as high as I shall be advysed by them I may with safety. I shall not be able to receive direction from your Lordship, be cause if this wynde holde, I hope to be in England very soon after this shall come to your Lordship's handes. And so, resting allwayes at your Lordship's devotion, I wyll most humbly take my leave of you. From aborde the Carrack, the 17th of August. Your Lordship's most ready ever at commaundement, Jo. Burgh. I most humbly beseche your Lordship to favour my poore credytt so much as I may be joyned in commission with e e 2 420 CAPTURE OF THE SPANISH CARRACK. [SEPT. those that shall be sent for her Majestie for the surveying of the goods. Sir Francis Drake was on the lyke, and there fore I presume to desyre the same. SIR MARTIN FROBISHER TO THE COUNCIL. My humble dutie, my honorable good Lordes, I sente the gallion Rawley for England the fifteenth of Julie, with a prize of Brasill sugar, which I hope is well arrived. I mette with Captaine Crosse in the Foresight, the thirtie- one daie of August, in fortie-seven degrees, and he gave me to understande that the Foresight, the Rowbucke, and my Lord of Cumberland's shippes, with the Daintie, and some others, have taken one Carrecke, and another is burnte, and the third it was my hard hap to misse in the Burlinges in a darke night, having sight of her light the seventh of Julie. But I am of opinion that my staie upon the coaste of Spaine made the Kinge's fleete staie so longe upon the island, as this Carrecke was the better come by. For I have kept everie daie upon the coast, as by this letter herin inclosed your Honours may partlie understand. I understand by Captaine Crosse, that the Carrecke will want ankers, cabells, and sails, and for that I am able out of this shippe to furnish her in all thinges, I will for the better safetie other, keepe betwixt the Lizard and Hushing, and so if God send weather, bringe her alongst for the Isle of Wight, for she draweth thirtie feete of water, and there we will staie to know your Honour's further pleasure, except the wynd force us to some other harbour. I will have as greate care as lyeth in my power to save all thinges ; for I understand all the men of warr that hath bene at the taking of this and the other Carrecke that burnte herselfe, have made very greate spoyle, and hath it abord their shippes. I will staie all the men of wan-, and suffer nothinge to land, as neare as I may, till I heare from your Honours. I have had, since the first of August, a greate sicknes amongst my com- 1592.] CAPTURE OF THE SPANISH CARRACK. 421 panie, which forceth me to put into Plimouth to land my sicke men, but I meane not to staie there an hour, if the wynd serve me. I have staide the Foresight with me, for that I heare of some mutinie in the Carrecke with the other shippes in her companie ; but I do not doubte if I meete with them but to pacify all thinges, till your Honours' further order. Thus, with my prayer to the Allmightie for your honorable estate, with all happines, I cease. This ... of September, 1592. Your Honour's most humblie, Martin Frobisher. Notwithstanding my commandement to Captaine Crosse, that he should go himselfe away, if he list, and leave the Fore sight, he hath very disorderlie carried her away, only to convey such wealth away as he hath abord him, which is given me to understand to the value of ten thousand pounds. This bearer, Richard Ferris, was in the Foresight with Crosse, and can advertise your Honours of Crosse's wealth, and all the companie, and touching the mutinie in the Carrecke. My chiefe cause of staying the Foresight, was for one pointe to assist me for the wafting in of the Carrecke ; and secondlie, for that the rest of the shippes that hath conveyed great store of welth, should see that I began first with her Majestie's shippe. I hope your Honours will consider the authoritie I have by her Majestie's commission, and my own poor re putation, so long as I commanded him not in any thing but for her Majestie's service. I understand there is one Captaine Martchant, and Crosse his brother, that are appointed to con vey all these Jewells and wealth. The rest of the shippes had, as I understand, a night and half a daie respect to came out of the Carrecke what they list, before Sir John Bor- rowes came ; for the night before she was taken, Sir John Borrowes layed the Carrecke abord, and received a shott that had like to have sunk him, which forced him to fall off againe to stop his leake, having six feet water in his hould. I 422 CAPTURE OF THE SPANISH CARRACK. [SEPT. hope your Honours will restraine him of his liberty, till such time as Sir John Burrowes and I will advertise your Honours how he hath dealt with us both ; for disorderlie he went from me off the coast of Spaine, and disorderlie he is now comen from Sir John Borrowes. I am taking in of some fresh men at Plimouth, so presentlie I mean to go to sea, to waft home the Carrecke. Thus, with my humble duty, I rest. Causson bay, this fourth of September, 1592. Martin Frobisher. The letter my man brought to your Honours should have comen by Captaine Crosse. SIR FRANCIS DRAKE, &c. TO LORD BURGHLEY. Our humble duties remembered, it may please your Lordship to be advertised, that yesterdaie here arrived her Majestie's good shippe, the Gardland, with whom the daie before the Foresight, (wherin is Captaine Crosse,) hap pened to meete, and sent this bearer aboarde to Sir Martin Frobusher, to acquaynte him with the manner of taking the Carrique, and the state they left her in, (which also we leave wholly to his reporte.) But this last great storme arising, by occasion wherof the boat could not passe to returne Ferris aboard the Foresight, he contynuing in the Gardland, came in here with Sir Martin, who expecting that Captaine Crosse had followed him in, he, notwithstanding, in the night, as it seemeth, packed on more saile, and is passed to the east wards. It is thought the shipp is rich, and because it is to be doubted that th'other consorts which are coming with the Carrique may happelie of purpose passe this place, we have thought it our duties to give your Lordship speedie know ledge hereof by this messenger, that the lyke order (as is here) may be sent to Portsmouth, Weymouth, and other ports eastwards, for the intercepting of those men-of- warre. 1592. J death of the duke of parma. 423 where they shall happen straglinglie to arrive. Thus, untill we heare further, we most humblie take our leave of your good Lordship. From Plymouth, the 5th of September, 1592. Your good Lordship's most humbly to commaund, Fra. Drake, William Kyllygrewe. LORD BURGHLEY TO SIR THO. BODLEY. Sir, I cannot omitt at this time, but to remember you what good opportunitie there is to do some good in Flanders and Brabant, upon the death of the Duke of Parma,* and before any government can be stablished. Of which matter devising with Monsieur de Caronthis day, by her Majestie's direction, I understande by him that the States there have thought of this matter before time, whilst the Duke was in danger, and have therefore since his deathe sent secretlie divers discrete messengers to the principal townes of Brabant and Flanders, as Antwerp, Bruges, Gant, and Bruxelles, and other like, to move them to take the advantage of the time, to be de livered of the government by Spaniardes and Italians, and to procure, if it may be, the pacification of Gant to be graunted to them and the countries, which course so taken by the States her Majestie liketh so well, as if you shall find any such entrie made by them, she would have you by all good meanes to further it, and to use her name in it, as a thing that she would greatlie allow of. And if they have not entered thereunto, yet her Majestie's pleasure is you should propound this mat ter unto them, and most earnestly require them in her name to delay no time to attempt it, the meanes whereof cannot be expresed so well to you or them, as themselves can thinke expedient, specially considering there be a great number of wise and good men of Brabant and Flanders, that are in the * The Duke of Parma, who had led an army into France, to the aid of the League, died at Arras, on the 3rd of December, 1592. 424 affairs of france. [may, Low Countries, under the States, fell from the tyranny of the Spaniarde ; of which number it is likely the States and you shall find many fitt persons to be used herein, as well for the particular as the publique. The like I find by Monsieur Caron, being natif of Bruges, that he will emploie his credit the same way, onlie hast is required herin, and therefore I do make an ende hereof. From Hampton Court, the 9th of December, 1592. Your verie loving frend, W. Burghley. LORD BURGHLEY TO SIR ROBERT CECIL. This evening after I received your letter, I had a letter brought me dyrected from Dover, by which I only am ad vertised from the Maior of his receipt of the letters which were sent yesterdaye both from my Lords and from myself, and from the ambassador, and within a little tyme afterwards my Lord Cobham sent me certain letters, dyrected to him from his levetenant of Dover. To make a comment of those let ters, for myne own ease, I leave it to you, and to gather what you think fitt thereof to advertise her Majestie, for that they contayn variety of intelligence, and in some part a lewde act of him that brought the ladye's* letters that were dyrected to Diep out of their waye. And yet it seemeth that at the tyme of the writing of her letters to the governor of Diep she was in some feare of the enemy, and for that purpose dyrected her messenger both to the French King and to Monsieur Espernon, her brother. But what was contained in those letters I cannot gather. By the letters of the Maior of Dover, you may perceive that it is likely the Queen's Majestie's good-will will be notified to the Lady, and to the governor of the towne also, and it may be they both will be the bolder to crave some provisions * This lady was Gabrielle d'Estrees, commonly known as la belle Gabrielle, the favourite mistress of Henry IV. 1593.] lord burghley's counsel. 425 of munitions and powder, wherof if the army be departed they shall have no nede. And yet we shall have more nede to kepe the same. The great haste that the Lords made yesterday in the morning, showed a great difference betwene their humors and myne ; for though they were quicke as martiall men are most commonly, and I slowe, as men in yeares are, yet I used no delay for the purpose to understand the cause of the perill, and so to provide remedy. In this I fynd by your letter, that her Majestie misliked not my slowness, whereby I am the better confirmed in my opinion. I wrote to-day to you, that the augmentation of the ship ping might staye awhile untill we might see how the weather would blowe over. For if the officers of the Admiraltie have commandment to prepare the shipping, it will cost her Ma jestie one monthe's charge by presting, rigging, and victual ling, without a se'nnights' service. The matter you write of concerning the answer to be made by Lock is very picquant for difficulties on both sides, wherin the rule of christian philosophie consisteth in difference be twixt utile and honestum. And yet utile incertum, and yet honestum certum. But if honestum were reciproche, it were to be preferred with more constancy. In private men's causes cretisare cum cretensi is allowable. Thus you see how I beginne to wander before I dare affirme anything. If my hand were free from payne I would not commyt thus much to any other man's hand,* and yet yon may impart my words to her Majestie without offence. I pray you require Mr. Wolley to send me my Lord Scrope's letters, and know of him what answer I may make to Sir Thos. Wilsone, who doth only attend here to knowe her Majestie's pleasure, being very unwilling to enter into the charge, except there were a governor in the towne, f to beare * The greater part of this letter is written by his Secretary, Henry Maynard, as appears by the hand. t Berwick. 426 lord burghley's illness. [may, the brunte of the charge, which the late Marshall did, and with which charge Sir Robert Constable was beggard. For the sute of Mr. Nowell, in my next I will get meanes to ad vertise you. X I have sondry offers to ease me of my torment in my head, which the offerors conceive to come of the quicksilver, and therefore to give me the tyncture of gold. My nightly paynes are so grevous, as I am ready to receive any offer, and yet with feare for offending her Majestie, if I should thereby impayre my healthe, contrary to her careful advise, and yet I will not be hasty therein, but will presume that the advise of her Majestie may have some secret impulse from God, her head and my director, to serve her for hym. You see that my hand now serveth my hart, without excuse. From my house in Westminster, the 21st of May, 1593. Though I want feet to go to the Hall, yet I forbeare not to be occupied there, with payne to ease others. Your loving father, W. Burghley. LORD BURGHLEY TO SIR ROBERT CECIL. I have received your letter of this 28th. Hereupon, though I am weak, and uncertayn how I shall be able to come to the Court, yet I am in mynd to come to-morrow to the Court, with opinion that after one or two dayes her Ma jesty will licence me to return, to seke my amendment, or to take my jorney to follow universam viam carnis ; and to this latter jorney I am most disposed, with persuasion that if sowles have sense of earthly thynges, I shall be in God's sight an intercessor for the prosperitie of his Church here, and for her Majestie, as his governor therof to his glory. You must allow me to be in this humor, for I fynd no other taste of any other thyng. I Here begins Lord Burghley's own hand-writing. 1593.] lord burghley's wooing. 427 If I shall be able by coache or litter (for I provyde both) 1 will be with you to-morrow. Your loving father, W. Burghley. Untill this dynner tyme I have had nother kyn nor inward friend to see me or salute me, but multitude of sutors that only come for their own causes. (May 28, 1593.) LORD BURGHLEY TO SIR ROBERT CECIL. I dare not write to you of my wowing mentioned hereto fore, untill I heare how her Majesty alloweth of my absence to follow it. But in the meantyme you may assure her Ma jesty that I fynd no great hope of speedy success. I fynd the lady* somewhat strange to give eare to my request, for that she useth not to give audience in clowdy and fowle weather, and therof is here too great plenty, but yet betwixt showres I do attend and follow her trayne. Thus much metaphorically, I trust without offence to her Majesty. Now literally : I do send you the letters from Mr. Bowes, which I have read, and the decree of the Con vention, as you may see by my notes ; whereunto if her Ma jesty will have me make answer, I will do so. I send you also herewith a letter from Mr. Warburton, whom her Majesty allowed by her warrant to exercise tthe office of Vice-chamberlayn in Chester. By it you shall see how necessary it is for execution of justice to all that have sutes from any superior courts in that Countie Palatyne, that there be a chamberlayn ; and therefore, as her Majesty shall allow the now Erie to occupy that office, so may her Majesty do well to passe it to him other mere gratuitie, with- * It is scarcely necessary to say that the Tady Lord Burghley wooed was Health. 428 AFFAIRS OF IRELAND AND FRANCE. [DEC. out any appearance of this necessity. If her Majesty assent therto, you may do well to procure a bill from Mr. Attorney. I looke before I slepe to heare from you, how far her Ma jesty do allow of my simple opinion for the Irland causes. 7 December, 1593, at Theb. Your loving father, W. Burghley. LORD BURGHLEY TO SIR ROBERT CECIL. I have received your letter written this daye, late at night, and because with it and other writinges which you sent me, there are many points to be answered, for ease of my hand I do use my Secretaiie, and do answer the parts of your letter as they lye in order. # # # * * The second poynt of your letter concerneth my former allegoricall letter written to you, in which I perceive her Majestie discovered the literall sense thereof before the mydst of it seene. I must confesse that my cunning therein was not sufficient to hide the sense from her Majestie, al though I thinke never a ladye besides her, nor a decipherer in the courte, would have dissolved the figure to have found the sense as her Majestie hath done. And where her Ma jestie alloweth of me, that I made myself merry, in very truthe 1 did it rather to make her some sport, (myself therein not altered, no otherwise then her Majestie's lute is in her own hand, that maketh others merry, and continueth itself as it was.) For the matters of Ireland, I perceive her Majestie yester night meant to heare them this day, and for yom- question what sum of nioney might be reasonably required, I think five or six thousand pounds very nedefull, so as Sir Henry Wallopp be moved to procure payment of the overplus of 1593.] sir john norris in frafce. 429 the Quene's ordinary revenue due there, above all ordinarie fees for offices of the realme payd. Now, to the greatest matter of all these, concerning the letters from Sir John Norreis, written the last of October, which I returne unto you, dated at Pontrieux, and so do I also now send you another of his, dated the next daye fol lowing, at Pempole, which came to me with yours. And for the matters contayned in his former letter, and the disposi tion in her Majestie for the safetie of her troupes, upon her opinion of the breach of the truce, I am in doubt what advise to give unto her Majestie, by reason of the diversitie of the dyrections which have bene sent to Sir John Norreis ; the last wherof, as you may remember, was, wherewith her Ma jestie was acquainted, * that considering her Majestie was advertised both from the King and from the States of Brit taine, that certaine deputies should come from the States to treate with her Majestie for the continuance other forces, and satisfaction for her charges, both paste and to come, and that Sir John Norreis desired privately to come over, he was lycensed by her Majestie to informe himselfe well of the legation of the deputies, and so to come over to give her Majestie better information, and to leave the troupes in surety. And this was the last dyrection made unto him to my knowledge. Which might be allowed to continue, if there were not newe matter advertised by Sir John Norreis, by this his last letter, wherin he declareth his opinion, that notwithstanding the truce accepted by the Duke Mereur, yet by letters from the Mareschall unto him, he is advised to stand upon his gard, arguing thereby a doubt whether the truce would be performed or not. ^p * * "jF tP By his latter letter, which her Majestie hath not yet seene, I see the intention of the sending of the deputies hither from the States is, as I at the first did conjecture, to borrow money of her Majestie, which in a paraphrasis is, to carry away money, and to leave writings under seales, whereof her Ma- 430 ELIZABETH AND LORD BURGHLEY. [FEB. jestie hath a greate plenty, so as the coming of these deputies may be better looked for than welcome. # # * * * I perceive her Majestie looketh for me by the end of the next weke. Wheruppon you may say merely to her Ma jestie, that I am so disposed, if God permitt me, whether I spede in my wowing or no. For if I do spede, then I may not fayle, but if I spede not by all that weke's pursute, I will trouble myself no more with following her in the countrey, but will lyve in hope to fynd her at the court, where I know she will come to serve her Majestie all these Christmas hollydayes. God gyve you grace. From my house at Theobald's, the 7th of December, 1593. Your loving father, , W. Burghley. If her Majestie mislyke my opinion for the care of her Majestie, I am no opiniaster, but an opynor. LORD BURGHLEY TO SIR ROBERT CECIL. Even now I received your letter, wherin you report her Majestie's care for my helth, for the which I most humbly thank her, hoping that her good wishings shall help to re turn me to strength for her service, which I esteme the ser vice of God, whose place she holdeth in earth. That was spoken of my answer, that before dynner I was no man, and after dynner half a man, was thus far rnisreported. For I sayd before dynner I was but one quarter of a man, and after dinner half a man, now for some increase to better, by drynking of a draught of red wyne and sugar, and synce your good going to me, I make accompt to be three-quarters of a man whole, and one quarter syck. Thus I am pleased in 1594.] HENRY IV. ENTERS PARIS. 431 a fancy to express my estate, wherwith you may acquaynt her Majestie, when she hath no other matter to hearken to. I thank her Majestie for her offer to me of my Lord Admi- rall's lodging, but I never had audacitie to require other lodging than was allotted me, and yet I presume my Lord Admirall will without offence yield therto. God send her Majestie a well-disposed carnyvall, or a care-vale, to be rid of all cares ! (Feb. 10th, 1593.) Your loving father, W. Burghley. THE EARL OF HUNTINGDON TO LORD BURGHLEY. I hartilie thanke your Lordship for imparting unto me the good newes sent from Sir Robert Sydneie,* her Majestie's embassador in Fraunce, of the Kinge his peaceable entrie into Parris, and quiet setting there, thoughe his coming thither were with some souldiours, after a warlike manner. God make him thankfull for those mercies which the Lord pleaseth to shewe unto him, and then (I hope) we shall heare f of his hartie repentaunce for his late fowle fall,t which God i graunte him in due time ! if it be his good will. I did receave these letters from your Lordship in my journie hither from the funerall of the Lord Evre, whither myselfe, and such of this counsell as was here, were invyted. Before my coming to this towne, I was advertised of the Lord Bothwell J his being here, but whatsoever was his pur- * Sir Robert Sydney was the brother of Sir Philip Sydney, and was equally distinguished by his bravery and conduct in the wars of the Low Countries. By James the First he was created Earl of Leicester. He died in 1626. t Henry IV. of France, in the preceding year, had deserted the Reformed religion, of which he had been so long the champion, and embraced the creed of Rome. J The Earl of Bothwell, who raised a party for the Spaniards and Catholics, broke out into open rebellion this year, and caused much 432 LORD burghley. [march, pose, he sodenlie departed, and is gone to the borders againe There was in his companie only one Scottishman, the Lord of Netherbie, who married the Earle his sister, George Selbie, sonne unto one William Selbie, marchattnt of New castle, and one Richard Southwike, whose father dwelleth in Cumberland. Thus taking- my leave, I do commit your Lordship to the protection of th' Almightie. At Yorke, the 25th of March, 1594. Your Lordship's loving frend assured, H. Huntyngdon. LORD BURGHLEY TO SIR ROBERT CECIL. By your letter, and by the message of Mr. Loveless, I per ceive her Majestie wold have me come fo the court to-inorrow, being Satyrday, but the tide serveth me at night, for I am not in good helth on the forenoons, and therfore I will pre vent the commandment, making it meritum, and with God's leave I will come thyther at this evening tyde. You may tell Symmons so, but not provyde me anything but a new layd egg, for I have vowed to fast this day, without super stition. I send such two letters as I received from Sir Robert Sydney, the latter of the 16th, by which I see that as then he had not received the letters sent from hence. I send you also Atwell Smyth's, assuring the rendition of Roan, which must needs bryng on St. Mallos. March 29th, 1594. Yom- loving father, W. Burghley'. confusion in Scotland. His strong hold was the borders of the two kingdoms. The Queen issued a proclamation against harbouring him or his adherents. 1594.] lord burghley's health. 433 LORD BURGHLEY TO SIR ROBERT CECIL. I marvell that I heare not from you concerning the letters to be sent into Ireland, whyther also I have in readiness some from myself. Now will you thynk also long to heare of my forspoken pilgrimage to the bath, but I am yet in deliberation non- injudicially, my continuance in payne without remission moveth me to harken to all meanes of remedy or ease. I have bene occupied both with lytigious causes in the checquer and the wards all this daye, and have found meanes to ease the first griefes of complaynants. I have had also now this evening by report, the sondry opinions of physi cians concerning the baths, but therin mo reasons of dissua sions than of provocations, and that which is worst from none any direct advise for my cure, only exercise of body and idleness of mynd is prescribed. For these two I have none to furder me but her Majestie. If I might have a receipt therof from her Majestie's cabynett, I wold make proof, to be able to be her Majestie's porter at Theobald's, upon her second jorney. Thus much you may blab to her Majestie, if she ask of me. I wryte almost in the dark. April 25th, 1594. Your loving father, W. Burghley. LORD BURGHLEY TO SIR ROBERT CECIL. As I was coming in my coache from Grenwich, certain letters were brought to me, directed from Mr. Bowes, the reading wherof occupyed me untill I came to Lambhith Fields, neare Paris Garden, which I folded up into a piece of paper, lacking wax sufficient, which I thynk also will occupy you in reading as they did me, but how her Majestie VOL. II. F F 434 FRENCH AFFAIRS. [SEPT. will judg therof, and how she will procede, I know not. Certainly I see that without some money the Kyng will continue his delayes. I am not able to warrant any counsell, and yet somewhat must be adventured either with money or without money. I send you a bill to be signed for reduction of the eleven hundred men from Flushyng, for that I see there is no suffi cient warrant, as there is for them that shall come from Pempole. If the Scottish causes shall not hynder me, I mynd only to see Thebald's on Wednesday at night, and return on Thurs day at night, to the court, or to London. May 5th, 1594. Your loving father, W. Burghley. LORD BURGHLEY TO SIR ROBERT CECIL. I do send here included letters sent to Mr. Edmunds, of the 21st of August, containing sondry things, wherof I think her Majestie will have much mislyking, as the dowtfiilness of the Duke of Monpensier's journey to Britain with new forces, wherof the Kyng by bis letters made so firm a promise, as in truth I made accompt that we should have heard out of Britaine of his arryvall there. Herewith, I think her Ma jestie should do well to cause the French ambassador to be charged, for, as I think, he did inform her Majestie, uppon letters from the King, of the Duke Monpensier's purpose.* The other matter to be mislyked is the message under * After the French King had embraced the Catholic religion, the famous League which had so long deluged France with blood, was dis solved. But the Spaniards who had been called into Brittany by the French Catholics, refused to give up the places which were in their hands, and still carried on the war, being opposed by Norris and the English forces. 1594.] PLOT TO POISON THE QUEEN. 435 hand from the King of Spayn, to have one sent to Bayon to conferr of a peace. Whereto, though the King pretendeth a mislyke, yet sarely the Catholique counsellors, with the dis position also of the people, will work some furder operation therin, and so both England and all the protestants in France shall fele the smart therof. But I am bold to hope of the favor of the Kyng of kyngs, that can abridg the Kyng of Spayne's life, and show some notable avendg upon the French Kyng for his perfydie towards God and man. My hand is so weak, as I am unable to wryte any more. 4 September, 1594. Your loving father, W. Burghley. SIR HENRY MAYNARD TO MICHAEL HICKS. Mr. Michaell, I thinke this my letter will finde you at London, and therefore I will not trouble you with your Essex progresse, untill our meeting. By my wife's letter I perceive that my lanterne and porche began not to be raised untill Mondaie last, and so have I hearde out of the country, whereby if I should go thither, as I intended, I should hardly see the one or the other up, and therefore I mean to differ my journey as neare towardes Michaelmas as I can, and so you may returne when you are filled with your pleasure. The busines that I have had, and that we have been most busied withall, hath been in the dispatch of Sir Thomas Wilkes to the Archduke Ernestas,* to expostulate with him * The Spaniards this year made a new attempt to take off the Queen, who was to have been poisoned by her physician, Roderigo Lopez. Nearly all the persons concerned in the plot were Spaniards or Por tuguese. The Queen, says Camden, " remaining undaunted, with a manly spirit and provident caution, reposing her trust in God, con demned these treacheries, and often called to mind that of the kingly Psalmist, Thou art my God, my times are in thy hands. Yet did she F F 2 436 PLOT TO POISON THE QUEEN. [OCT. the wicked practises of the Spanishe Kinge's ministers, and her Majestie's rebelles, in going about to take her Majestie's life, by poysonings and murderings. This hath much busied us : and letters are sent to Sir Edward Norris for the procur ing of a passport. This is a counsell matter, and therefore to be secrett. Another matter presently troubles us, and that is to have Sir William Fitzwilliams charged with Legge's informations, which hath cawsed my Lord to ransack all his bagges of his time, as you shall perceive at your returne, and we do expecte what will become of the Earle of Tirone,* having received no letters out of Ireland since your depar ture. We are all here in healthe, and my Lord as busie as may be in this matter. The monarque hath left his throne, and now humbleth himself to dine in the cole-house every daye with his followers. Mr. Brocas hath with much ado yielded the howse for Mrs. Carre, and I have sent my stuffe to my howse at Clapham. If I had further matter you should be partaker therof. In great hast, from the Court, the 14th of Sept. 1594. Your's alwaies, H. Maynard. LORD BURGHLEY TO SIR ROBERT CECIL. I see by your letter how desirous her Majestie is to have me there : now I have a mynd to come thy ther to-morrow, but you shall not be known therof untill I shall come. Cause advertise Ernest, Archduke of Austria, governor of the Belgick pro vinces for the Spaniard, of these treacheries plotted by Ibara and other Spanish ministers, and English fugitives, to the end he might wipe away from himself the aspersion of this crime, by punishing his officers and ministers, and delivering into her hands the English architects of so great impiety." + The Earl of Tyrone, who had been engaged in extensive rebellion, had submitted himself to the new deputy, Sir William Russell. 1594.J lord burghley's illness. 437 my chamber to be made ready. Herin I shall venture percase my life, but I remit all to God. Fiat voluntas sua ! 13th October, 1594. Your loving father, W. Burghley. LORD BURGHLEY TO SIR ROBERT CECIL. Though I did require you to inform her Majestie of my great weakness, increased upon me since I came from court, so as I found myself unable to perform my resolute intention to return as this daye, with a mynd, if her Majestie shold re move shortly to Richmond, to aventure to come thyther, yet because Mr. Chancellor, now at 1 1 of the clock, telleth me that her Majestie sayd she looked for me this night, which he says he thought I was unable to do, I have thought good, in this my perplexity, being chiefly carryed afore all other purposes to satisfyce her Majestie's mynd, to require you to understand what her Majestie shall herin direct for me to do, and I will obey the same notwithstanding any difficultie, but privation of life ; which also, if the same may proffit her ser vice, I can readily yield unto, and therby enter into the eternall service of Almightie God, I hope in heaven. I pray you procure and send me spedy answer, for until that I shall remayn Jluctuans, preplexed. I am sorry to perceive by Mr. Chancellor, that her Majes tie is not more inclynable to relieve the Erie with some graunt of parkes, in such sort as may be no diminution to her Majestie's revenue, and yet relieve him, in a sort very reasonable. I move not these things for the Erie, pro merito, but pro condigno for her Majestie. This Satyrday, 18 or 19 (the 19th Oct. 1594.) Your loving father, W. Burghley. 438 IRELAND REBELLION IN ULSTER. [NOV. SIR RICHARD BINGHAM TO THE COUNCIL. It may please your Honours, taking occasion to send the bearer, my servaunt, into England, I thought it my dutie to advertise the same briefly of the state of things here, being desirous to showe some part of my serviceable good will and thankfullnesse towards your Honours for all your honorable favors, which otherwaies I cannot do, having not the means to deserve the same. The greate ones of Ulster have of late more openlie shewed themselves in nature of rebellion, then at the first, when Magwier only raised heade, and howsoever, some may suggest matter in favour of the greatest, I see not how her Majestie can well take it upp without correcting the offenders, for they have by degrees commytted much violence, and how the harmes of the subjectes will be recompensed on good assurance had for preservation of her Majestie's peace, where the traitorous subjects shall require conditions, I leave to their judgments which best knoweth the proceedings of Ireland, myself being the least able to say anything of Ulster, for that I am a straunger to the partes of that province, saving Fermanagh and Teirconnell, which are held by O'Donnell and Magwier, both two neere borderers unto Connaght. But if her Majestie be pleased and your Honours, to have the Lord Deputy do any thing against the bad Ulster men, I wish it might please the same to give his Lordship all due assistance and contynaunce, that he may with less strength and tyme go through with it, or so much as shall be thought requisite to undertake. And for Feagh M'Huge, the mountayne neighbour here,* I do not doubte but a small strengthe shall overthrowe him, for indeed he is a very baggadge knave, and upheld against all reason, lying as he dothe amongest the best * Feagh Mac-Hugh, who was in rebellion in Leinster, and narrowly escaped being taken by the Deputy. His wife, a notorious character amongst the rebels, was taken and condemned to be burnt, but her life was spared by the Queen. 1594.] THE KING OF FRANCE. 439 subjects of the realme, and contynued so neere the state, to the great detriment other Majestie's good subjects. The province of Connaght (God be praised for it) is generally quiett, and good assurance for the contynuance therof: only the subjects of the county of Sligo, which lye open to the incursions of O'Donnell's people, are now and then by stealthe oppressed, and being once taken over the Earne into Teirconnell, there is no hope to pursue the same. But if Beeleck were reeddified and Ballyshannon taken into her Majestie's possession, Connaght were wholly assured from the partes of Ulster, and the passage stopped either from Scotts or other Irish rebelles, which have bene wont to annoye us. And so humbly remembring my dutie unto your Honors, as one always ready at your Honor's command, and wishing my abilitie were able to do your Honour better ser vice, I take my humble leave. From Dublin, the fourth of November, 1594. Your Lordships' most humblie at commandment, R. Bingham. LORD BURGHLEY TO SIR ROBERT CECIL. I thank you for sending to me the copy of her Majestie's letters to the French Kyng, assuring myself that there could no such marye come out of any knuckles but of hers that in all graces by nature, by calling, by long experience, is of such perfection as none can attayn unto. In this letter, though I knolledg my weaknes to judg therof, yet I see every sen tence full of matter of great vallue, in a princely kyndness to a Kyng very acceptable, in congratulating his escape very comfortable, in advising him how to preserve his person more carefull than she is for herself, otherwise than she leaveth all to the care of God, in advise further to remove the nursery of his common enemies, without relenting to contrary counsells, so wisely and religiously, as of all these thyngs I am sure no 440 marriage of burghley's GRANDDAUGHTER. [dec. secretary nor orator could so lyvely express her princely mynd. For her hope to have me dance, I must have a longer tyme to leran to go, but I will be ready in mynd to dance with my hart, when I shall behold her favorable disposition to do such honor to her mayd, for the old man's sake.* I wish her Majesty would send some treasure into Irland, and that her Treasurer might see to the orderly expence therof better than his clerks have done these six yeres. (Dec. 2, 1594,) Your loving father, W. Burghley. The argument of my letter hath tempted my hand to wryte thus much. " LORD BURGHLEY TO SIR ROBERT CECIL. I send herewith unto you two packets of letters brought out of Ireland : the greater is of the elder date, and the lesser of a later. I minde not to write unto you the particulars therof, for that they be verie many, and therefore to be more diligently perused. My healthe serveth me not to enter into any finall consideration therof, but onlie two thinges are ne cessary : increase of the forces, which I am sorie to see so longe delayed from coming out of Bretaigne, although I knowe not whom to blame : the second is to send monie thither for maintenance of the garrisons already in that realme, considering it doth appeare by the certificate of the Treasurer's deputie, that of the treasure sent over last there is nothyng remayning, as by the accompt of the Trea surer's deputie may appeare. But therein no mention is made * Alluding to the preparations for the marriage of Lord Burghley's granddaughter, Elizabeth Vere, eldest daughter of Anne Countess of Oxford, with William Earl of Derby. 1594.] THE LOW COUNTRIES. 441 of a great sum of mony that remained in the handes of the Treasurer's deputie this last yeare, for the which the Trea surer had good assurance for repayment. From my howse in the Strand, this 27th of December, 1594. Your loving father, W. Burghley. I leave no hope to amend towardes the world. LORD BURGHLEY TO SIR ROBERT CECIL. Though my hand is unable to fight, and my right eye un able to take a levell, yet they both do stoop to return my hum ble thankes for continuance of her favor at this tyme, when I am more fitter for an hospital, than to be a party for a marriage. I will be a precise keeper of myself from all cold untill Fryday, on which daye I will venture to come thyther. If you shall heare that this night I have played at post and pare, you will guess that I shall recover, for I have lost all I playd for. (2 Jan. 1594.) Your loving father, W. Burghley. LORD BURGHLEY TO SIR ROBERT CECIL. I send to you herewith Mr. Bodeley's letter, being the first received since he departed. By it only appeareth his entrance into the matter of his charge. By his next will appear, upon the States' answer, what may be expected, so as untill then I see no cause of his further instruction.* * There arose some difference between the Queen and the States at this time about the payment of their debts, the Queen representing to 442 new bishops. [april, As for Colonell Stuard's negociation, I weigh it not much. If he can get for the Kyng* a piece of mony, I thynk it will gage hym that waye from harkening to papisticall confederacy, or from other harmfull league with France, from whence he may have shews of friendship without substance. I am glad that her Majestie is satisfyed with my answer for Mills's imprisonment. You forgett the matter for the Quene's assurance of certain rents from the two Bishopsf of Wynchester and Durham, and therewith the attorney's request to be furder assisted with another sergeant and sollicitor. How her Majestie will have the Lord Deputie of Irland answered, uppon your report of our conference, which because you write that you have reported with her Majestie's allow ance, I have privately, having opportunity to send to hym, by my private letter advertised him a good part of our opi nions, without prescribing to him any direction untill her Ma jestie shall direct the same ; and to informe you how I have remembered the same, I send you a copy of my private letter, which may be affirmed or controlled by a more gene ral letter from the counsell. (17 Feb. 1594 ) Your loving father, W. Burghley. LORD BURGHLEY TO SIR ROBERT CECIL. I thank you for your letter, which I cannot answer with myne own hand in any sort. I allow your discretion in con cealing from the Quene my last night's paines, and though I them the great burden which they had long been and now in particu lar were to her. It was arranged by a compromise, the States agree ing to contribute in greater proportion than they had done. * Of Scotland. t Thomas Cooper and Richard Barnes, the former of whom had been newly elected to his see. 1595.] THE KING OF SCOTLAND. 443 had yesterday a painefull journey with my hand, and have had this night a continuance thereof with some new paine in my foote, whereby I am forced to kepe my bed this forenoone, yet you shall do well not to be knowne herof to any. If I had come well hither, and the wether fayre, I might have tarryed here but two daies, but now I know not how long I shall be forced to tarry here by this ill-accident, which seeing it was to fall out at this time, I am glad I am here without company to trouble me. And so God blesse you with his grace. From my howse at Theballd's, the 29th of April, 1595. I send you a letter of Mr. Carye's, with a ticket of a pro- gresse intended by the Kyng of Scotts, to come to the sight of Barwick, for which purpose he is desirous to know how he shall behave himself at that time ; whereof I pray you make my Lord Chamberlayn privy, to the intent he may understand the Quene's mind, and as for the workes to be done there, I will give order by the next letter to have the same per formed. LORD BURGHLEY TO SIR ROBERT CECIL. I am willinger than able to come on Monday, and yet Mr. Chancellor and I have appointed a speciall meeting here that afternoone with the office of the Custom House, and so must my Lord Keper and I with other judges mete to-morrow about difficult busynes, so as I am not idle in my afternoone, though far unable to beare such burdens. I cannot saye that I will come on Monday, but I must saye I must be car ryed there very paynfully, and unmete to be sene to her Ma jesty's presence. I have bene thoroughly occupyed this day. (May 20, 1595.) Your loving father, W. Burghley. 444 HOLLAND AND IRELAND. [jUNE, LORD BURGHLEY TO SIR ROBERT CECIL. I cannot yet get out of my bedd. What I shall be able to do to-morrow I know not. For the manner of retaming of Mr. Bodeley with her Majesty's answer of misliking both of the States' answer and of his coming back uppon their ad vise, I cannot but very well allow therof, and I think he ought to try them with so many reasons as the tyme serveth for her Majesty, after ten yeres' charge, without either mony or any donative of gratitude from them by waye of present ment of their thankfulness, adding that her Majesty is now also provoked in Ireland to enter into a charge not estimable, whereto she hath no hope of any help, but of hyndrance by Spayne and otherwise. If they shall be content to paye her Majesty's people, and grant a good yerely sum towards the discharge of their debt, her Majesty remayning their protector, and they continuing their defence agaynst the Kyng of Spayne, I could be content to see her Majesty so eased of this growing charge. Thus I so scrible, not without payne. (May, 1595.) Your loving father, W. Burghley. LORD BURGHLEY TO SIR ROBERT CECIL. You may by the beginning of this included letter judg of Sir John Norrice' forwardness, which you may shew to her Ma jesty, with an intention how it is meant to take the Erie's* * Of Tyrone. Ireland was this year, partly by the intrigues of the Spaniards, brought to a very troubled and uncertain state. Sir John Norris was sent over to take the chief military command, and to act in conjunction with the deputy. The Earl of Tyrone was again in rebellion, and Norris marched against him, and victualled Armagh, but no very great success attended on him, though in the latter part of the year Tyrone submitted to him. Much injury was done to the service by jealousies which arose between Sir John Norris and the Lord Deputy, Sir William Russell. 1595.] EXPEDITION AGAINST THE SPANIARDS. 445 chief howse, which they cannot do without passing the Black- water, howsoever a contrary opinion assure her Majesty. You may also see the reasons iterated, for accepting of Few McHugh, but his offers have not bene secrett, neither will his son nor his other companion be easily taken and de lyvered. I have sent for Sir H. Hilligrew and the rest to be with me to-morrow at 7 of clock, where I wish Sir Tho. Wilkes might be present, and so tell hym. I think to speake with Sir Fr. Drake this night for Plym- mouth. And so I thank you your too much care of me in sending to know how I do, which, I thank God, is well, but tyred with London stones. Your loving father, W. Burghley. I miss two of my brood, a male and a female, but I think they are forthcoming, ready to return when they shall be called for. (June, 1595.) SIR F. DRAKE AND SIR J. HAWKINS TO LORD BURGHLEY.* Our duty in most humble manner remembred, it may please your Lordship, we have answerd her Majesty's letter we hope to her Highnes' contentment, whom we would not wil lingly displease. We humbly thanke your Lordship for your manyfold fa - vours which we have allwayes found never varyable, but with all favour, love, and constancy, for which we can never be * The English carried on during the present year a very destruc tive war with the Spaniards in their colonies. Drake and Hawkins were sent with a fleet to Porto Rico, on the report of a great mass of treasure brought thither. But they were not so successful as was expected, and before their return both these brave sailors died at sea. 446 ELIZABETH AND THE TURKS. [SEPT. sufficiently thankfull, but with our prayers to God long to blesse your good Lordship with honour and health. We thinke it be true, that some small men of warre be taken upon the coast of Spayne, but they are of very small moment ; they be for the most part such small carvels as was before this taken from the Spanyards. Some small num ber of our men are yet in Spayne, which is the only losse, but as we learne, there be not above one hundreth left in Spayne of them, but many returned already into England. And so loking dayly for a good wynd, we humbly take our leave. From Plymouthe, the 18th of August, 1595. Your Lordship's ever most bounden, Fra. Drake. John Hawkyns. LORD BURGHLEY TO SIR ROBERT CECIL. At your departure yesterdaie, I had no leisure to deliver sundry things unto you, which now with these my letters in a heape I send unto you. First, you shall receive Mr. Bodeleie's letter, dated the 27th of the last monthe, the contentes wherof you may at convenient tyme, or the letter itself, shewe to her Majestie, wherein I see he moveth some scruples and doubts how her Majestie may be satisfied. I send to you also a copy of a letter written out of Russia, by John Morish, agent for the Englishe companie there, whereby he doth advertise a matter of some weight delivered to him by Boros Frederick, principall counsellor to the Em peror of Moscovia, by which it appeareth how ready the Pope's legate hath bene to slaunder her Majestie after the accustomed manner of his master, the father of Pius.* And * Elizabeth first threw aside the old prejudices which had separated nations of different creeds from friendly intercourse with each other, and thus opened the extensive field of commerce which has raised and enriched her country. She made a commercial alliance with the 1595.] AFFAIRS OF SCOTLAND. 447 considering the discrete discoverie therof by the Moscovite, and his not crediting of the untruthe, it were well done that this agent had her Majestie's letters both to the Emperor and to Boros Frederick, declaring to them the untruth of this report, and her Majestie's disposition to have peace. For the Emperor of Almaigne, her Majesty dare in form referre herself to the Emperor of Almaigne, to whom her Majesty did send her ambassador expressly a year past, offering all the meanes in her power to reduce the Turke to peace. And of this matter none can better make declaration than D. Parkyns, who in mine opinion were very fitt to conveye these two letters to the Emperor of Russia and to Boros Frederick. I do also send unto you a letter of Archibald Dowglas, who also came himself after his letters written in person. By his letter and speeche, I find by him a disposition to do some good service for quietness in Scotland, and particularly for the Quene's Majestie's satisfaction. His negotiation consist- eth upon two partes : the one for the Erie of Angus, the other for the Erie of Bothwell. The ground of his dealing pro- ceedeth of a letter from his nephew Richard Dowglas, which he did shewe me, and whereof I send you a copie. The purpose is to have the Erie reconciled to the Kinge, and to leave off his confederacy with Huntley, Arroll, and others ; and if her Majesty would intercede for him to the Kinge, he would discover unto her Majesty sundry things prejudiciall to her state. But it semeth except he may have the Kinge's favor wrought by her Majesty, he will not discover his know ledge. The second matter, concerning Bothwell, is an offer that one James Dowglas, called the Lord of Spott, an offen der with Bothwell, offreth to come into England, and so to passe into France where the Erie Bothwell is, and not only Turks. But in this measure, the malice of her enemies found a fa vourable opportunity for slander, and the Catholics eagerly spread abroad the report that she was exerting herself to arm the infidels to destroy the Catholics throughout Europe. 448 SIR HENRY MAYNARD. [SEPT. to dissuade Bothwell from conspiring with the Spaniard, but to discover all his knowledge of any attempt against the Quene's Majestie. And this he offreth to performe, so as his charges be provided for, for his coming and returning. Of these two matters I would you would informe her Majestie, and receive her pleasure. I send also unto you a request of the merchants adventur ers to be recommended to Mr. Bodeleie and Gilpin, or to one of them, which request consisteth upon two partes, both very necessary for to be reformed by the States, as by the reading therof you will perceive. And therefore, I pray you move it to my Lordes there, that their letters might be writ ten to Mr. Bodeleie and Mr. Gilpin, according to the request of the merchantes. ***** If I shall not recover my heithe at this time, wherin the sun is departing, I shall dispayre to continue the next wynter alyve, or out of misery, for within 40 hours I shall make my period of 84 yeres, and whatsoever shall be more, shall be, by the judgment of King David, labour and [toyle. 13th Sept. 1595* Your loving father, W. Burghley. SIR H. MAYNARD t TO MICHAEL HICKS. Mr. Michaell, I am sure you have heard by some generall report of an encounter that passed the fifth of this month * In a letter written the day after this, Lord Burghley says, in a postscript, " I mistoke yesterdaye to have been the 13, so as this to have been but 13, and to-morrow 14, my birth-daye, the sun entering into libra. God send you to live so many, within which tyme many acci dents shall happen unknown to all astrologers." T Sir H. Maynard, of Estains in Essex, the father of the first Lord Maynard. He was one of Lord Burghley's secretaries, (Michael Hickes being the other,) and seems to have been a close attendant on 1595.] A BATTLE IN IRELAND. 449 between Sir John Norris and the Erie of Tirone, and for that the same may be uncertainely or untruely reported, you shall understand that Sir John Norris, having revictualed a place called Armagh, he was, in his returne to the Newry, hotly charged by the Erie, whom Sir John did most valiantly en counter, being mounted on an Englishe gelding, in his doblet and hose. With him was the prime of all his forces, and in his own troope, his brother Sir Thomas Norris, the Marshall, Henry Denny (for him do I name, being exceed ingly recommended for his valour that day), Captaine Richard Wingfeild, and many others. But the disadvantage of the place, and the placing of some shott by the Erie so annoyed them, with the Erie's horse, that Sir John Norris received two hurtes, the one overthwart his bellye, the other in his right arme ; his brother Sir Thomas shott through the left thighe ; Richard Wingfeild shott in his left elboe, to the losse of his arme or life ; Henry Denny not hurte. So the service ended, the Erie making a retreate, with the losse, as we saye, of 60 persons, and we of 12 slaine, and 30 hurte. I forgott to tell you that Sir John Norris' horse received four shott, andsanke under him, that he was constrained to withdrawe himself owt of his troope, and to newe mount himself. We do still say the Erie offreth to come to good condition for his pardon. I praie God it prove true, and her Majestie would be pleased to accept thereof. All yesterdaie was spent in the writing of an Irishe dis patche, which kept me from bowles, but I assure you such hath been otherwise our idleness here, that my Lord* seeing I had nothing to do, gave me leave of himself, and lent me horses to go into Essex, where I was the two fowle daies of Sonday and Monday, and returned on Tuesday. My his master during his latter years. The letters of Lord Burghley to his son, Sir Robert, from 1593 to his death, when not written by him self, are almost all in the hand-writing of Sir Henry Maynard. Sir Henry died in 1616. * Burghley. VOL. II. G G 450 STATE OF IRELAND. [SEPT. companie was Tom Griffin, Mr. Smithe, Mr. Cave, and Mr. Tippinge, but I leave the report of all to Tom Griffin, when you returne. On Friday next I hold my purpose againe to go thither, to discharge necessary occasions, and I shall expect your coming two dayes at the least before that time, and for ought I see, you are like to find my Lord here, having no great disposition to returne to Nonsuch, except the letters which come now out of Ireland, which Sir Robert Cecil carried yesterdaye to the court, carry him hither. And so praying you to remember me to good Mrs. Hickes, Mr. Alderman Lowe, and Mrs. Lowe, Mr. Colson and Mrs. Colson, and the rest of your good company, I will end, my Lord being ready to come owt of his bed-chamber. This 20th of September, 1595. Your assured loving friend and fellowe, H. Maynard. SIR JOHN NORRIS TO THE LORD CHANCELLOR. Right honorable my very good Lord, before such time as I could have the meanes to recover this place, my Lord Deputie hath taken order for the calling together of the general host ing, and not long after I was arrived here, his Lordship ap pointed me to repaire to Dundalk, there to assemble the sayd forces together, wherin was used that suddenness, that it gave no leasure to make any manner of provision answerable to so important a journey. Within a small time after his Lordship had met us there, we dislodged the army towards the Nurye, and so to Armagh, which th'enemy had burnt the morning before our coming, only the churche therof remained still, being by nature seated somewhat strongly ; wherupon it being advised to put the same in defence, we spent some three or four daies there abouts, and after leaving therein a sufficient garrison, we were forced to returne backe again to the Nurye for a supply of victualls, as well for the provision of our army, as to victuall 1595.] THE REBELS DEFEATED. 451 the said place of Armagh ; wherin, for want of carriage, we were faine to employ those belonging unto the riseing out, (?) to bring along the said provision. Afterwards, having victualled Armagh, our next purpose was to do as much for Manhoan,* which in two daies libertie we effected. Upon our returne homewards, being encamped within some three miles of the Nurye, the enemy presuming still of his late good fortune, passed his army along within view of our skouts, meaning to have crossed over betwixt us and Dundalk, and to have lyen uppon an advantageous part, where it was said he would have fought with us ; but hav ing thus discovered him, we gott to horse with what ex pedition we might, and followed the whole of his horsemen some three or four miles, having them continually in sight, and in th'end unhorsed some of the hindermost of them, and seized uppon three or foure of them, amongst which one was known to be a man of great reputation. Their footemen being utterly left by their horsemen put themselves into route, every man to shift for one, throwing awaie their mantles, and leaving some part of their baggage and furniture to the dis position of those that would looke after them. In all this time our foote could not possibly get upp, but had we appre hended the sight of th' enemy but one hour sooner, I would not have doubted, by God's assistance, to have sent your Lordship the newes of some better success then that which fortuned. This little, notwithstanding, so frighted them, as that they were contented to afford us a peaceable marche, keeping themselves close within their woods and strengthes. Our want of carriage and victualls hath now caused us to disperse our troopes, and retire ourselves into garrison, my Lord Deputie taking consultation for another journey into those partes out of hand. But if we be not seconded out of England, by better meanes then can be looked for here, I * Monaghan. G G 2 452 FEAGH M'HUGH. [OCT. cannot see how we may hope for much better event then in this last. Your Lordship in th'advertisement unto my Lords of the Counsaill, shall at large understand the wants that are found in this business. If anie thing shall hereafter befall worthie your Lordship's knowledge, I will not fail to remember your Lordship therwith. In the meane time and alwaise, I will remain, Your Lordship's most ready to do you all humble servyce, J. Norreys. LORD BURGHLEY TO SIR ROBERT CECIL. I do send you this included to be shewed to her Majestie, wherof I can make no comment, the text being so barren. I pray you remember the cause of Feagh M'Hue, who would either be stablished a good subject, or born withall, until her Majestie's forces may be spared to suppress hym. The attempt of the Lea, in killing of them that brought Walter Reagh and his three brethren to their end, would be sharply reformed, for els the lyke service will not be per formed. And yet I doubt of my Lord Deputie's intention to reform it, though the service with the O'Tooles that are slayn was done by his Lordship's procurement. 7th October, 1595. Your loving father, W. Burghley. LORD BURGHLEY TO SIR ROBERT CECIL. I send to you these included from Mr. Bodeley, to be shewed to her Majestie. Hereby is to be sene what harm the French Kyng's reconcilement with such dishonorable and 1595.] the queen's fingers. 453 servile conditions is lyke to work in the world.* But I most feare the intent of the princes of the empyre, that are pur posed to propound conditions of peace to a people wearyed of war, will work a revolt, specially the tyme being now taken, when the enemy doth prosper, and the States with their forces have decayd all this yeare. The events hereof are only in God's disposition. 18th Oct. 1595. Your loving father, W. Burghley. It is here sayd that Mr. Vice-Chamberlayn t is half dead. God bless his sowle ! LORD BURGHLEY TO SIR ROBERT CECIL. I have read your letter, whereby I perceive you have read and shewed my letter of my hand writing to her Majestie, who sayth that she will have a battell with my fingers, and then afore hand, I know who shall have the victory by the battell, for I have no warrant for my fingers, but her Majestie is allowed to say as King David sayd in the 144th Psalme, as the same was repeated the 30th of last month, Benedictus Dominus Deus metis, qui docet manus meas ad prelium et digitos meos ad bellum, and in his next verse, he addeth that which properly belongeth to her Majestie, refugium meum, susceptor meus, et liberator mens, protector metis, et in ipso speravi, qui subdit populum meum sub me. And if her Majestie's hands or fingers were to fight, I durst match her with Kyng Philip, and overmatch hym. Thus you see * The behaviour of the Spaniards had compelled the French King to declare war against them, in which he was encouraged by the English,, but at first sustaining some reverses, great persuasions were used by the Catholics to bring him to accept a peace. t Sir Thomas Heneage, who died this year. 454 PREPARATIONS OF THE SPANIARDS. [DEC. that I cannot spare my fingers, where my hart is fully con tented to ntter my opinion of her estate and value. I am glad that her Majestie is disposed to send some mony into Ireland, wherof surely there is great want, a matter dan gerous to be known to the rebells, whose yielding hath grown only by sight other Majestie's forces. I send you a form for a warrant, wherin her Majestie may do well to allow some good round sum, or otherwise she must be shortly pressed for more, for the debt there is already great, and untill the rebells' submission be perfected, her forces may not be di minished. I wish such as Nevill and Waynman were either in some other prison, or not at liberty in the towne, where now, with a sparke of fyre, they may secretly disarm the Quene of all her powder and armor, &c. 2nd Dec. 1595. Your loving father, W. Burghley. LORD BURGHLEY TO SIR ROBERT CECIL. I bethynk with myself of so many thyngs mete to be con sidered by her Majestie, and by her authoritie to her counsell for her affayres in respect of the news from Spayne,* as though I cannot, without conference with such counsellors as her Majestie shall please to name, do or furder such thynge to execution by myself, yet I am willing to come thyther to be neare her Majestie, though I am not able to make access to her person; but of force, without more amendment in strength, must presume to kepe my chamber, not as a poten tate, but as an impotent aged man, neither yet as a bankrupt, but as respondent to any action or demand ; and if by your speeche with her Majestie, she will not mislyke to have so * It was reported that a greater Armada than that of 1588 was now preparing for the invasion of England. 1595.] SIR THOMAS EDMONDS. 455 bold a person to lodg in her howse, I will come as I am, in body not half a man, but in mynd passable to the muster of the rest of my good Lords, her Majestie's councellors and my good friends. God give you his grace, to ask his grace faythfully to serve her Majestie, and to respect none but for her, and for her justice ! 6 Dec. 1595. Your loving father, W. Burghley. Upon your answer I will make no unnecessary delay, by God's permission. LORD BURGHLEY TO SIR ROBERT CECIL. I send you by this bearer, Peter Brown, Mr. Edmonds'* letter, which you may perceive by my titles in the margin I have read, wishing that her Majestie wold spedely send her ambassador to the Kyng to stay hym from violent courses, wherin I hope the constable may do much good to temper other furious actors. Your loving father, W. Burghley. Of necessity Edmonds wold be relieved. (Dec. 7th, 1595.) LORD BURGHLEY TO SIR ROBERT CECIL. This forenoone I sent to you, by the Lord Deputie's ser vant, the Irish letters containing no good things, and so I return to you Sir John Norrice's letters, wherby I see a ma nifest disjunction betwixt the Lord Deputie and hym. And in one part, I note that Sir John Norrice was too bold to * Sir Thomas Edmonds, the Queen's ambassador in France. 456 sir henry unton. [jan. command the companyes in the English pale for Waterford, without assent of the Deputie, for out of Monster he hath no sole authoritie. I feare contynually evill disasters. Post meridiem, Jan. 2nd. Your loving father, W. Burghley. LORD BURGHLEY TO SIR ROBERT CECIL. I do send you Sir H. Unton's* depeche, wherin I see a most dangerous course intended by the most ingratefull King that lyveth. I will not comment hereuppon, but I am sure her Majesty will depely consider of this indignity, and in tend some course to mete herewith in tyme. I thynk our ambassador hath, by his present letter to her Majesty, en larged his favourable opinion. We had nede to crave and expect the favour and protection of Almighty God, wherof I dowt not for the goodness of our cause, though I cannot devise the meanes. 26th Januar. 1595. Your loving father, bitten with cold, W. Burghley. LORD BURGHLEY TO SIR ROBERT CECIL. I am begynning of a lesson that is to me three score and ten yeres old, that is to old my pen in order to write. But * Sir Henry Unton, born at Wadley in Berkshire, was the son of Sir Edward Unton, his mother being Anne, eldest daughter of Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset, and widow of John Dudley, Earl of Warwick. He had before been for some time ambassador in France, and died there in the present year. It was he who in the beginning of 1593 challenged the Duke of Guise for injurious expressions against Queen Elizabeth. 1596.] expedition against spain. 457 being as yet unable, I only return you for answer the brief of the Irish army, as it was the last quarter. Your loving father, W. Burghley. LORD BURGHLEY TO SIR ROBERT CECIL. I thank you for your letters, for which I looked untill now at eight I received them. I am sorry to see the uncertainty for resolution, considering the delays doth harm both wise, as well for loss in the continuance of the matter, if it should dissolve, as for hyndrance to the expedition,* by the stagger ing. I do hold, and will alwayes, this course in such matters as I differ in opinion from her Majesty ; as long as I may be allowed to give advise, I will not change my opinion by affirming the contrary, for that were to offend God, to whom I am sworn first, but as a servant I will obey her Majestie's commandment ; and no wise contrary the same, presuming that she being God's chief minister here, it shall be God's will to have her commandments obeyed, after that I have performed my duty as a counsellor, and shall in my hart wish her commandments to have such good successes, as I am sure she intendeth. You see I am in a mixture of divinitie and polycy, pre ferring in polycy her Majesty afore all others on the earth, and in divynitie the King of heaven above all betwixt alpha and omega. Thus my cogitations you may use to your own good, be seeching God to bless you. This Satyrday, March 23rd, 1595. Your loving father, W. Burghley. * The expedition against Spain, under the Lord Admiral, the Earl of Essex, Lord Thomas Howard, and Sir Walter Raleigh. 458 STATE OF IRELAND. [MARCH, LORD BURGHLEY TO SIR ROBERT CECIL. I send you a letter written to me by Sir Geffry Fenton,* which you may as you see cause shew to her Majesty, and procure such answer as shall best please her ; and if she shall still rest upon strict poynts, as I have noted she hath done in all these Irish actions, I wish the end may prove better than I see the same done, her charges and danger for her whole realm being now become unsupportable. And yet I cannot deny but her royall state moveth her to be so precise as she is, but non sunt ponendi rumores ante salutem. I understand that my Lord Deputie hath given command ment by his Frenchman, that no letters shall be suffered to pass out of Irland to me, but by his Lordship's own warrant. What his Lordship meaneth hereby I know not, though I can probably gess, for herin you are also included. I wish my Lord had such skyll or good luck in his government as there neded no advertisement or advise but from hymself. I heare there cometh over with his Lordship's passport many soldiors out of Irland, more able than such as now are ready to go over ; for so Proby writeth to me, how much it is misliked, to send from hence new men, when sufficient men come from thence. But I will not deale herin, for my Lord Deputie is privately advertised that all his faults are sought out by me. I wish they did not deserve to be sought out. . (March 30th, 1596.) Your loving father, W. Burghley. SIR HENRY MAYNARD TO SIR ROBERT CECIL. Sir, my Lord hath willed me to write to you, himself not being well able, without pain of removing to be sett up, that * Sir Geoffrey Fenton was Surveyor General of Ireland. 1596.] SIEGE OF CALAIS. 459 he is much troubled in his minde with the alarme of Callis,* wherof my Lord Admirall wrote to him, and which adver tisement he sent to you by his Lordship's servant. And therefore for the quiett of his minde he prayeth you, as soone as you shall understand any certaintie thereof, to lett him know the same. And in case it should fall owt to be true, his opinion is that my Lord of Essex and Lord Admirall cannot with more honor employ themselves and her Majes tie's forces, than to the succouring thereof, and their whole paye to be answered by her Majestie. But this, his opinion, his Lordship would have you as yet to kepe to yourself. And so I most humbly take my leave. From my Lord's howse in the Strand, the last of Marche, 1596. Most humbly at your Honor's commandment, H. Maynard. Now towardes evening my Lord's paine beginneth to hold him in his head and neck, as it did yesterday, but I hope with less grief. LORD BURGHLEY TO SIR ROBERT CECIL. This alarm of Calliss hath kept me waking all night, and hath styrred up in me many cogitations : first, that it were necessary to be informed from the governor, what he wanteth of men or munition to defend the town, how he is able to * The new governor of the Netherlands under the Spaniards, Albert, Archduke of Austria, giving out that he intended to raise the siege of La Fere in Picardy, marched suddenly to Calais. " As soon as the Queen heard by the fearful messengers of the French King that Calais was besieged, she commanded a power of men to be gathered that very day, being Sunday, while men were at divine service, to aid the French King, and, withall, provide for the safety of England. This army, hastily raised, she committed to Essex ; but before they were shipped, she had certain advertisement that both the towne and castell were yielded up into the Spaniards' hands." — Camden. 460 SIEGE OF CALAIS. [APRIL, receave succors, of what numbers the army are that doth be siege it, where the battery is planted, how the haven re mayneth free for succor to come with shipping. If the haven be possessed by the enemy with his shipping, why may not ayd be sent by shipping to a place east from Calliss toward Gravelyng, or to Witsonby ; and if the town may be defended for thirteen dayes, in that space La Fere will be yielded or taken, and then it may be hoped that the French Kyng will levy the siege, wherunto he hath five or six thousand foote men, that may be had in this sort, two thousand from Lon don, one thousand from Essex, two thousand from Kent, one thousand from Sussex, or such lyke, for England may not endure this town to be Spanish, and the Quene hath also promised him aide. I wish these men were put in order, that either some of them may spedily enter Calliss, if it hold out, and that powder and muskets were presently sent to Dover, but of these thyngs I am sure more will be there foresene. I confess I am troubled so herewith, as I see not well what I write. (March 31st, 1596.) Your loving father, W. Burghley. LORD BURGHLEY TO SIR ROBERT CECIL. I wryte with payne, and see many difficulties which I dare not take upon me to resolve. I send you my Lord of Essex' letter, who seemeth very dilligent in this cause. By Sir Co. Clyfford* we shall know more certainly. I marvell the Hol land shypp will not attempt the boats of Gravelyng. The night tydes must serve for our men to pass to the town. I have drawen a warrant for my Lord Cobham, and for mony to be delivered to Sir Th. Flod, which cannot be ex- * Sir Coniers Clifford, who was employed in the expedition to Spain, and who was afterwards governor of Connaught, in 1599. 1596.] THE EARL OF ESSEX. 461 pressly set down, but by estimation, considering the uncer tainty of the shipping and victuall, wherof if there be suffi cient in Callis, the care will be the less, so as every soldier carry with himself some bread and chese for a meale, or two meale. I wish the captain had no allowance of dead payes. The numbers wold consist of pyke and shott. I cannot dare to write any more. (April 4th, 1596.) Your loving father, W. Burghley. LORD BURGHLEY TO SIR ROBERT CECIL. You have filled my heart so full with your large reports of her Majesty's allowance of my insufficiencyes as sufficient, and of her superabundant care and desyre of my amendment, as I cannot containe in the flowing of my heart, without sending to you to be presented to her Majesty, some portion of the comfort of my hart by waye of most humble thank fulness to her Majesty, with a portion also of my sacrifice to Almighty God by my harty prayers for the continuance of her happiness, wherin she exceedeth all her equalls in body and government. My heart hath forced my weak hand thus far. Maii 26. Your loving father, W. Burghley. THE EARL OF ESSEX TO LORD BURGHLEY. My very good Lord, I shall not neede to tell your Lord ship that Cales is won, and the King of Spayne's great fleete at Cales defeated and destroyed. I shall lesse neede to re late the particular circumstance of either, for as fame itself 462 LIBELLOUS BALLADS. [JULY, will bring the first, so this gentleman that carryes my letter will performe the second. This is to crave of your Lordship that I may be continued in your good Lordship's favor, and to pray you that you will pleade for me till I returne, that before I be heard, I be not upon report or misconceit brought into her Majestie's displeasure, for I doubt not but your Lordship and such honorable judges shall think I do acquitt myself like an honest man. I wish your Lordship all honor, helth, and happiness, and rest, At your Lordship's commaundement, This 1st of July, 1596.* Essex. THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON TO LORD BURGHLEY. My humble duty to your Lordship remembred, there was brought to my hand a certain ballad containing a com plaint of the great want and scarcitie of corn within this realm, which, forasmuch as it containeth in it certaine vaine and presumptuous matter, bringing in her Highnes to speak with her people in dialogue in very fond and undecent sort, and prescribeth orders for the remedying of the dearth of corn, extracted (as it seemeth) out of the booke published by your Lordship the last year, but in that vaine and undis- creet manner as that thereby the poore may aggravate their grief, and take occasion of some discontentment, I thought good to call before me the printer and the partie by whom it was putt to print, who pretended a lycence ; but finding the same to be untrue, I have comitted him to one of the counters, and have taken suerties of the printer himself for his ap pearance, if yom' Lordship shall think it fitt to have any further punishment inflicted upon him. The maker himself, * Essex and the army was still at Cadiz, at the date of this letter. On the 5th, after plundering the town, they left it, to pursue their depredations in other quarters. 1596.] THE SPANISH EXPEDITION. 463 who is one Delonie,* (an idle fellowe, and one noted with the like before in printing a| booke for the silk weavers, wherein was found some like foolish and disordered matter,) I cannot yet find. A copie of the ballad I have sent to your Lordship inclosed herewithall. And so I humblie take my leave. From London, the 25th of Julie, 1596. Your Lordship's most humble, Stephen Slany, Maior. LORD BURGHLEY TO SIR ROBERT CECIL. * I most humbly thank her Majesty for imparting to me the reports of her victoryes,t hoping to have them hourly so verified by her own generalls, as her Majesty shall have just cause to have publick thanks gyven to the Almighty God that maketh her so mighty against her enemyes, and yet most humble to acknowledge from whence she hath her strength, and worldly glory. (28 Jul. 1596.) Your loving father, W. Burghley. THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON TO LORD BURGHLEY. My humble dutie remembred unto your Honor, wheras the bearer hereof, Edward Rempton, a cittizen of good reputation and creddit, and deputie of the Warde where he inhabiteth, had in his absence lefte at his howse with a servaunt of his certaine thinges inclosed in a bagge, which I have here sent * Thomas Deloney, the celebrated ballad writer. f In the Spanish expedition. 464 EXPENSES OF IRELAND [OCT. unto your Honor, together with his servant who receaved the same, which he did not think fitt to be concealed, but there uppon brought them unto me, and made me pryvie of his mynde. I have now thought it not more then my dutie to sende them unto your Honor, and acquainte your Lordship thereof, expecting your further direction what course you will advise, either for the apprehension of the partie that left them at his howse or what further shall seem good unto your Lord ship to be herein taken. And where before this tyme I did send your Honor, inclosed in a letter, two libells which were founde and presented unto me, and having at this instant two others, which have been lykewise founde dyspersed by some seditious person in this cittie, I thought it my dutie to send them herein inclosed unto your Honor. And thus referring the matter to your Honor's further consideration, I humbly take my leave. London, this 26th of September, 1596. Your Honor's at commaund, Stephen Slany , Mayor. LORD BURGHLEY TO SIR ROBERT CECIL. I neither can myself write, nor yet forbeare to expresse the grief I have to thinke of the dangerous estate of her Ma jestie's armie in Ireland, where all the treasure sent in August is expended, and the armie, consisting of the number of about seven thousand, receiving pay of her Majesty, besides a great number of others, having extraordinary payments by way of pensions and such like, the monethly charge wherof cometh to eight thousand five hundred and sixty pounds sterling, and thereunto is to be added one thousand newe men, now lately transported, whose monethly pay must come to one thousand one hundred and sixty-five pounds, and with the extraordinaries the charges will presently be ten thousand four hundred and twenty-two poimds the moneth, for which the treasurer hath never a penny in Ire- 1596.] the queen's illness. 465 land, and now to this charge doth presently follow the charge of two thousand new men already levied and appointed to be sent thither, for whom, at their arrival there, there is also no monie to entertaine them. What danger this may be I do tremble to utter, considering they will force the countrie with all manner of oppressions, rather than furnish, and thereby themultitude of the Quene's loyall subjects in the English pale tempted to rebell. These unpleasant lines I am most sorrie to be presented to her Majesty, but I cannot endure to bethink myself of the perill. From my howse in the Strand, this last of October, 1596. I am homo illiteratus, W. Burghley.* LORD BURGHLEY TO SIR ROBERT CECIL. I was first advertised this evening by my Lord Chamber lain's letter, that her Majesty differed her remove unto Wed nesday, which is the very daye of her access to the Crown, being right sorry for the cause. And therefore I pray you when tyme may serve you, lett her Majesty know that I do send to heare of her Majesty's amendment, for by her im pediment to order her affayres, all her realm shall suffer de triment. I have not bene idle since you went, having (though not profaned this Sabbath-day) made it a full working day, such is the importunity of sutors, and now wearyed I end my scribbling. 14th Nov., at night. Your loving father, W. Burghley. * The signature, as is often the case in these latter letters of Lord Burghley, is written with a trembling hand. VOL. II. H H 466 TROUBLES IN IRELAND. [jAN. ANTHONY BACON TO DR. HAWKINS. Sir, As my last week's intermission was for wante of ac ceptable matter generall or particular worthy the sending so farre, so was I resolved to have continued my silence so longe as my Lorde* continued his absence from courte, and had so done if I were not more than in hope that this day shall be the last daye of the eclipse, and that the beames of his Lordship's virtue, fame, and meritt can be no longer shadowed by malice and envie which you know reign in courts, not doubting but that ere 24 houres passe he shall be Lord High Marshall of England, and have a royall recorde of his peereless prowess and deserts. * * Mons. de Meze, who was ambassador there for the French King, is arrived here very honorably accompanied, to impart unto her Majes tie how far the King his master hath proceeded in the over tures of peace betwixt him and Spaine, and to receave her princely advice. * * * * * From Essex House, this 26th of November, (1596.) Your entire assured frend to use, Anth. Bacon. THE EARL OF CLANRICARDEf TO THE LORD DEPUTY. My verie good Lord, may it -please your Lordship to be advertised that this 1 5th of January, Hugh Roe O'Donell, Tybott Bourke, McWalter Kytagh, with many other of their adherents of Ulster, and of this province, came into this countie of Clanricard, with three thousand foote and two hundred horse, and burned and spoyled there half of the countrie, and assaulted divers castles therin, but won none of any account as yet, and divers of their men were kild and hurte aboute the castles. They have entred Athenrie, where * Of Essex. T Ulick de Burgh, third Earl of Clanricarde. 1597.] REBELLION IN CONNAUGHT. 467 they encamped the last night ; whether they gott the castle or not is more then I yet heare. They report that they will remaine in Clanricard untyll after Shrovetyde, which they may well performe, if forces be not sent presently by your Lordship, to resist their violence. The poore countrie is so ruinated and brought to such desolation that now they know not how to lyve for want of reliefe. Th'enemies do bragg that they will lay siege to my own howses, which I hope shall be to little effect, although I doubt divers other holds in the countrie may be lost for want of reliefe. Doubtless they will not leave any corne or cottage unburnt in three daies within the whole countrie, the which we beare, and God willing will most contentedly, in respect that we sustaine the same for our daily servise and due obedience to our naturall and most gracious Princess, from whom we will never swerve for any losses or afflictions whatsoever. I have sent to my Lord Thomond for his ayde, whose coming I expect dayly, although not yet come. But God knoweth, our forces both are nothing in respect of theirs, but God willing, our best en deavours shall not want, and still as occasion shall be minis tered your Lordship shall be advertised therof, which in the meanetime I leave to your Lordship's careful and most. honorable consideration, and humbly take my leave. From Lough-Reogh, the 15th of January, 1596. Your Lordship's most humble at commaund, Clanricard. THE MAYOR OF GALWAY TO THE LORD DEPUTY. My most humble dutie remembred, may it please your Lordship, Hugh Roe O'Donell, and other the rebells of Tyre- conell, coming of late to this province of Connaght, assembled with them Tibbott Mac Walter Kittagh Bourke, whom he made Mac William, with all the rebells and runagates of Con naght, wasted, burned, destroyed this last weeke almost this whole countie of Gallway, wherin on Saturdaie last thev H H 2 468 GALWAY BESIEGED BY THE REBELS. [JAN. sallied and then burnt the gates therof, and having entred the same, after contynuing there the night, in the morning, sallying the castell there, and being withstood, tooke all the wall towers, and as many of the inhabitants as warded them they withhold prisoners, and put to ashes all the rest of the towne, besides the said castell, that resisted them, and the bodies of the Abbay and Churche. And then afterwards, uppon Sondaie last, at twilight, came to our suburbes, and sent a priest and another layman to our gates, then being shutt, offering that they would do us no harme if we should relieve them with wine and other necessaries, to which we aunswered for that night, that we mistrusted O'Donell him self was so nigh, and if he was, our auncient custome hath beene not to open our gates at night for any affaires, with which the messengers departing, the next morning O'Donell sent a letter under his own hand, praying to send him vittles and other necessaries for his money, except powder and munition, otherwise he should annoy us the best he could, whom we aunswered he did but pick a quarrell, for he and the rest of his adherents, breaking their allegiance to their naturall Prince, destroying townes, countrie, and goods of herMajesfie's loyal subjectes, that unless they would convert to goodnes to God, their prince, and neighbours, we would not afford them no relief. Upon returne of which answer he stayed our messenger, till he caused divers houses of our suburbes to be. fired, and the wind being at east-north-east, right against that side of our towne, hindred us muche in not discovering th' enemies till the flame was up, and then, O'Donell, Tibbot Bourke, Mac William, Mac Dermot, and all the cheiftaines that were with them, began to retire, and sent some loose shott to plaie uppon our towne, and being confronted with like loose shott, as th'enemies thronged on this side of the hill, a greate piece of ordinance was by us discharged, which scattered them, and clustering againe, another greater piece was lett flie, which utterly danted them, that they retired so farr that our loose shott gained the height of the ridge of 1597.] GALWAY BESIEGED BY THE REBELS. 469 the hill, and saved the howses that were not burnt; and we heare the rebells had there wounded and killed some six persons, and that night camping in the farthest part of our franchise, sent some bands to fire the howses that before were rescued from them. But before that afternoone we dis covered them, so that, saving one howse lying beyond the greene, they missed of their purpose, and the daie following they burnt every villadge downe to the countie of Maio, and ranged verie wide, even to the poole of Loghcoirbe, to leave nothing undestroyed, amongst which about twentie villadges apertayning to us were not pretermitted. Their speeches, as we understood them, were very blasphemous against us, and all the rest of her Majestie's constant subjects, threatening that they shall be shortly worse used by the Spaniards, then the poore inhabitants of Athenrie hath been used by them, whom they left mother naked, without howse or any whit in the world to live on. And thus, &c. Gallwaie, the 19th of Januarie, 1596. Your Lordship's most humble at commaund, Oliver Oge French, Maior. As the rebells were in Athenrie, they of the Castle sent by night one to me for powder and lead, which the same night came from me to them. SIR RICHARD BINGHAM TO SIR ROBERT GARDINER. Good Sn Robert, I have receaved from my honorable good frends and others, letters, whereby I finde howe you have most frendlie and faythfully used many good offices of me, which I do in all thankfulness reste to acknowledge, and to my beste parte I will never be unmindfull to deserve, be seeching you as often as you shall find fit occasion to sollicit my estate to the higher powers, whereby they may be fullie possessed of the greate wronges offered me, as in some good 470 THE FOUR JOURNEYS OF IRELAND. [JAN. measure they have bene alreadie by your good meanes.* 1 longe to be freed from these troubles, although I be lefte as a begger. For my employment in that kingdome, I am as you knowe, the moste unfyttest man therefor that liveth, having bene so mightelie disgraced as I have bene, and therefore do not desire any employment there, onlie I crave a due hearing of my cawses, and. after to be disposed of as shall seeme beste to her Majestie, for obedience is better then sacrifice. In my laste letter to you, I writt the causes that stirred the people to rebell ; and nowe I will acquaint you with the four journies that loste the lande, viz. the defeate of Sir Henrie Duke and Sir EdwardHerbert, when they purposed to have victualled Eniskillin ; secondlie, the journie to victuall Monaghan ; thirdlie, the journie that the Lord Deputie and Sir John Norrise made to the Blacke Water ; and fourthlie, Sir John Norrise's journie, when he proclaymed his aucthori- tie, for he was furnished to have gone through with the execution bothe with men, munitions, and pioneers, but he returned without doing any service worthie acceptaunce. These journies enhaunsed the rebells' pryde, furnished them with habilements of warr, which our men loste, and made them stande upon such demaundes as were never heard of since the conquest of that realme ; and therefore I thinke it verie strange that I shoulde be lefte in Ireland to do ser vice. Persons that must do greate services, must be such as are in greate favour of the Prince, as I have often tolde you, and must be allowed all good meanes therefor, as Sir John Norrise hath bene, for myself have bene kepte under by all hard and unusuall meanes by all the Deputies. But the same proceeded from England. But if it please God that I re turne back to London from Ireland, I shall be more poorer and in worse estate then I was when I firste wente into Ire- * Sir Richard Bingham fell into disgrace on accusations brough against him of too great severity and misbehaviour in his governmen of Connaught, and he was on this charge recalled from Ireland, and committed to custody. 1597.] THE REBELLION OF CONNAUGHT. 471 land. Thus alwaies resting to praie for your good successe in all thinges, with my moste hartie commendations to your owne self, I betake you to the tuition of the Almightie. From Bewmares, the 20th of January, 1596. I putt to sea in hope to have gone to Dublin, but by violence of contrarie windes with much paines reached this, harborough, where I have fallen into relapse of sicknes more grievous then the former, so that I am constrained to remaine here a time for my recoverie, and will not put any more to sea till it shall please God to restore me to perfect healthe. My last over bouldnes in putting ' out had neere coste me my life. Your last letter of the 10th of this instant I have receaved, for which also I verie hartely thank you. So the Lord kepe you! Your most fast and assured loving frend till death, Ry. Bingham. SIR R. BINGHAM TO SIR ROBERT GARDINER. Good Sir, although I doubt not but you have the newes of Ireland daylie from the Lord Deputie and such others here as can far better deliver the same then myself, yet John Kinge, newly arriving here from thence, I could not omit to write to you somewhat of that which he brought, namely, how O'Donell with all his rabble, and the rebells of Conaught, have taken 8 thewins, spoyled and burned Clanricard, and laye before the howse of Loughreogh (where the Erie of Clan ricard kept) at the coming thence of the laste advertisements, purposing further mischief, no doubt, before they wold dis perse, for most of these which came in to Sir John Norrise were now revolted againe to O'Donell, and at the same tyme the O'Relies and others, to the number of 7 or 800, entered the towne of Kells three wayes, and set the greatest parte thereof on fire, Captayne Strete keping onlie for his own securitie a few strengths in the towne, which cannot long hold oute if the rebells be not kept further of. And Faugh Mc Hugh is be- 472 TYRONE'S REBELLION. [JAN. come a captayne of 600 footmen, at the leaste, and 40 horse men, readie uppon any opportunitie to playe his parte. So as Ardmagh is like to be victualled quietly now, for which purpose there was somewhat accorded at Dundalk, between Sir John Norrise and the Erie of Tirone, before John Kinge lefte Dublin. He findeth (I meane Tirone) that his fayre offers availeth him often times, muche more then open warres, for whatsoever is promised, if it may be hurtfull to him and beneficiall for the State, it is never performed, and he know eth by experience how to deale with us, expecting still greater advantages, and the foreign ayde which is surely pro mised him. Sir John Norrise was purposed to go no further then Dondalk upon his new agrement, but to sende some troupes to Ardmagh, for whose safety he had taken some assurance. The laste letters which Browne, the Lord De putie's man, carryed over, imported for me no further then this, viz. that uppon my coming into Ireland I should be used as a commelade in the martiall cawses there, without any mention of any allowance or place in entertainment, or anything expressed for the altering of the course appointed for my triall at Athlone, so there is nothing gone over yet for my good. I perceive also that as the Lord Deputy cometh away, so Sir John Norrise shall be licenced to come over, and I rooned it might be thought fit, then, to admit myself to answer him before the Lords in England, that it might ap peare to them what these fowle things are wherwith I am since charged. And so should I be rid of going backe into Ireland, if uppon healing of the cawse there I might be able to justifie myself, as I no whit make doubt to do. Sir Conyers Clif- farde contynueth still at Dublin, expecting to have 3000 men with him downe uppon the ending of the journey for Ardmagh, so as it may now appeare playnelie enough, it was not that Bingham's remove that would quiet Conaught, or any other alteration in government there, but rather the expelling of all the English, which is generally required throughout Ireland. But God doth knowe howe I have bene dealt withall. I con- 1597.] SIR RICHARD BINGHAM. 473 tynue here, yet not in case to put to sea againe, hoping still that tyme may work out somewhat for my good ; for, though going onwards worse and worse as they do, I would think they might look back uppon the wrong which they have done to me, and appointe some indifferent course agreable with my desire and justice, and not persecute me still in malice, as I feare they do. I am thrust out of all, and yet they are not contented, but must ever expose me to a tryall which they knowe will cut my heaxte, for Sir John Norrise is the most intollerablest man in his persecutions against me that ever was, although God is my witnes, I never gave him cause. And so wylling you all contentment, and never to feele these griefes which oppresse ine, with all thankfull remembrance and most loving com- mendements, I commyt you to God. From my sick bed in Bewmarris, the 27th of January, 1596. Your's in all assurance for ever, Ry. Bingham. LORD BURGHLEY TO SIR ROBERT CECIL. I perceive that her Majesty lyketh argumentations of prof- fitt, by accepting of Quarle's offers, though hatched by Beachor. I will expedite the matter, when the parties shall come to me. I pray you deliver this pacquet to my Lord of Essex, the labor wherof hath wearied my hand and my head, both un- mete for any matter of weight. If I can amend, which as yet I fynd no hope of, I will be there before your next working daye, but rather as a roge than a labourer. 15th Maii, 1597. Your loving father, W. Burghley. 474 AFFAIRS OF FRANCE. [jULY, SIR ROBERT CECIL TO MICHAEL HICKS. I would gladly have your company to-morrow by three of clock at furthest, for I must go to supp where you shall be welcome. And so I leave you this Sunday night, having sent you a piece of venison for your dynner, with commendations to Mrs. Hicks, in whom I envy your good fortune, but rest for all that, Your loving frend, Ro. Cecill. If we supp late, you and I will lay at Cecill House. July 4, 1597. LORD BURGHLEY TO SIR ROBERT CECIL. I have read Sir An. Mildmay's* letter, which I do return with a weak hand, as you may see. Considering the charges past, which I shall accompt lost on her Majesty's part, and if her ayde be not contynued, the French Kyng may be ruined, and Pycardy possessed at her dores by an unplacable enemy, besides many other increase of his strength, and therefore the remedy being but a mony matter, and pecuniam in loco neg- ligere est lucrum, I wish her Majesty wold without delay, whitest the French Kyng's irons are hotte, supply hym nowe for two or three months. And so for lack of a strong hand I end, wishing you God's grace to serve her Majesty, and my blessing to your comfort. All your offspring are here merry. From Theobald's, 4th July, 1597. Your old loving father, W. Burghley. LORD BURGHLEY TO SIR ROBERT CECIL. I do send you a letter herewith written to my Lord of Es- * Sir Anthony Mildmay succeeded Sir Henry Unton as ambassador in France. 1597.] EXPEDITION AGAINST SPAIN. 475 sex, to whom I did not write since his departure, nor untill now that God hath shewed him favor from heaven with the new moone to send him a prosperous wind. I could not write comfortably, neither for myself nor for him ; and now I do write unto him with my weak hand only to congratulate with him for this favor of God, and do exhort him, as a Christian soldier, to acknowledge the same beyond all man's power and witt. I have also written unto him, that I am sure you will frequently advertise him of things convenient, to supply my want, remembering a true saying of Tully in thssc words, omnibus peregrinantibus gratum est minimarum quoque rerum quae domi geruntur, fieri certiores.* I pray you by the next safe messenger send this my letter to his Lordship, letting him know that I am here licensed for a while to be at my house, where I assure you I continue in such paine of my foote, at I am not able to stirre abroad but in my coach. From my howse at Theballd's, the 5th of July, 1597. Your loving father, W. Burghley. LORD BURGHLEY TO SIR ROBERT CECIL. I have with your letter wrytten yesterday received two let ters to you, one from my Lord of Essex wrytten on Wed nesday, since which tyme I have gladly observed eveiy day a most favorable wynd to sett hym forward, so as God hath, like a gracious Father, after a few dayes frowning to make his power known, changed his countenance into blessing, whereby may be sayd to the army, viriliter agite, et confor- tentur corda vestra, omnes sperantes in Dominum. Your other letter from Sir Anthony Mildmay with the copy * The expedition against Spain was now setting out, in the course of which was first openly shown Essex's jealousy of Sir Walter Ra leigh, who took by himself the town of Fayas. 476 AFFAIRS OF FRANCE. [JULY, of the French Kyng's letter to hym, can scantly have any good sense wheron to found any present counsell, for I see no lykelihood for the French Kyng to seek peace at this present when by all advertisement the Cardinall* as yet hath no mony to wage his men to come to the relief of Amyens, nor his new levyes as yet come out of Italy ; which advises being true, I see no cause in necessitie either to offer or to hearken to peace. But yet it may be that the Pope and his legate and the cordelyar may tempt hym thereto, and the Kyng's discontented state may move hym to forget his honor. On the other side it may be suspected, that this chanting of peace is a song only to allure the Quene's Majesty to yield him still ayde of more men or mony, or both, wherin I can yield no other opinion, than that her Majesty shoidd yield no more than good reason may warrant with conversation of her own estate, and so having warrant of a good conscience in that she hath or shall in her benefits strayne her own state, to become unable to preserve herself, having no hope nor apparance to be ayded by any other, as she hath ayded many. And though it may be feared that by the French Kyng's peace her enemy the Spanyard may become more to be feared, yet in God's goodness, whose cause her Majesty defendeth, she may say with David, Exaltabo te, Domine, quoniam elevasti me, nee letificasti inimicos meos super me. But you may say, my conceits are spirituall, and so ought all human actions to be governed. Thus to shew myself bold to arm, in an obscure subject, I will end with a very weary hand, untill I shall understand the event of Mr. Mildmaye's journey. From my house at Thebald's, the rooms wherof I have not sene, more than my bedchamber, my dyning place, and my chappell, so lame I am on one leg, as Sir Edw. Hobby, I think, can shewe you, by whom I returned my most humble thanks to her Majesty, notifying to her, that where I spent at * The Archduke of Austria. Amiens was taken by the French King, aided by the English auxiliaries, in the course of the summer, before the relief could be brought. 1597.] SIR WALTER RALEIGH. 477 the court the substance of my poore wytt, I fynd no meanes here to restore it, being forced dayly to fede of an asse's milk, and so subject to be as dull as an ass. From Thebald's, 8th July, 1597. Your loving father, W. Burghley. SIR ROBERT CECIL TO THE EARL OF ESSEX. My good Lord, by a letter of yours, written on Saturday, what hour I know not, your Lordship seemeth not to con ceive what might be the reason that things runne on by us with so great silence, wherein that you may see the poor un fortunate Secretarie will leave no scruple in you, of lack of industry, to yield you all satisfaction, (whom it were inhu manitie to neglecte, the circumstances considered of your cares and toiles, which have much of their dependancie on the breath of this place.) I have thought good to yield you reason for all, by drawing you to make your own computations. Tyll Fryday in the morning, we heard nothing of your safe arrivall,* of which to tell you true, tyll I was well advertised, I tooke little pleasure to thinke of aunswering the remaine, but wished the action dissolved, and knewe, if you had pe rished, it hath bene a vanitie to have dreamed any further of ought els but passion here, and confusion there. And for good Mr. Ralegh, who wonders at his own diligence, (because diligence and he are not familiars,) it is true that on Wed nesday night, I beeing at Greenwich, and the Quene at Mr. Walsingham's, his letter found me, which I imparted on Thursday as soone as the Quene was readie, unto her, and do confesse, that in expectation to heare of you, we did differ aunswer to you untyll Fryday, of which day, I trust, divers dispatches are with you long before this tyme. Thus do you see that a man, whose fortunes scants him of meanes to do you service, will not beare coales to be accused of dulnes, * They were driven by contrary winds to return to Plymouth. 478 THE POLISH EMBASSY. [JULY, especially by your Rere Admirall,* who making haste but once in a yeare to write in post, gave date from Waymouth to his last dispatche, which by the circumstances I knew was written at Plymouth. But now, my Lord, after this long preface, lett me take a little tyme from you with that, which I assure you, would have pleased you, if you had been a beholder. There arrived three daies since in the cittie an ambassador out of Poland, a gentleman of excellent fashion, witte, dis course, language, and person ; the Quene was possessed by some of our new counsellours, that are as cunning in intelli gence as in decyphering, that his negotiation tendeth to a proposition of peace. Her Majestie, in respect that his father the Duke of Finland had so much honored her, besydes the lyking she had of this gentleman's comeliness and qualities, brought to her by reporte, did resolve to receive him pub liquely, in the chamber of presence, where most of the erles and noblemen about the Court attended, and made it a great day. He was brought in attired in a longe robe of black velvett, well jewelled and buttoned, and came to kisse her Majestie's hands where she stood under the state, from whence he straight returned ten yards of, and then begun his oration aloude in Latin, with such a gallant countenance, as in my lyfe I never behelde. The effect of it was this, that " the King hath sent him to putt her Majestie in mynde of the auncient confederacies between the Kings of Poland and England ; that never a monarche in Europe did willingly neglect then friendship, that he had ever frendly received her merchants and subjects of all quality, that she had suf fered his to be spoyled without restitution, not for lacke of knowledge of the violences, but out of meere injustice, not caring to minister remedy, notwithstanding many particular petitions and letters received, and to continue her disposition to avowe these courses (violating both the law of nature and * Sir Walter Raleigh. 1597.] THE POLISH EMBASSY. 479 nations) because there were quarrells betweene her and the King of Spaine, she therefore tooke upon her, by mandate, to prohibite him and his countries, assuming therby to herself a superioritie (not tollerable) over other Princes, nor he de termined to endure, but rather wished her to knowe, that if there were no more than the auncient amitie between Spain and him, it were no reason to look that his subjects should be impedited, much less now, when a stricte obliga tion of bloud had so conjoined him with the illustrious howse of Austria;" concluding that if her Majestie would not re- forme it, he would. To this I swear by the living God, her Majestie made one of the best aunswers extempore, in Latin, that ever I heard, being much moved to be so challenged in publick, especially against her expectation. The wordes of her beginning were these, " Expectavi legationem, mihi vero quer elam ad- duxisti. Is this the business your King has sent you about ? surelie I can hardly believe, that if the King himself were present, he would have used such language, for if he should, I must have thought that his being a King of not many years, and that non de jure sanguinis, sed jure electionis, imo noviter electus, may leave him uninformed of that course which his father and auncestors have taken with us, and which, peradventure, shall be observed by those that shall come to live after him. And as for you" saith she to the ambassador, "although I perceave you have read many books, to fortifie your arguments in this case, yet I am apt to believe that you have not lighted upon the chapter that prescribeth the forme to be used between kings and princes ; but were it not for the place you hold, to have so publickly an imputation throwne upon our justice, which as yet never failed, we would aunswer this audacitie of yours in another style ; and for the particulars of your negotiations, we will appoint some of our counsell to conferre with you, to see upon what ground this clamor of yours hath his foundation, 480 EXPEDITION TO SPAIN. [JULY, who shewed yourself rather an heralde than an ambas sador." I assure your Lordship, though I am not apt to wonder, I must confesse before the living Lord that I never heard her (when I knew her spirits were in a passion) speake with better moderation in my lyfe.* You will think it strange that I am thus idle, as to use another bodie's hand. I assure you I have hurte my thumb at this hour, and because the Quene tould me, she was sorry you heard not his Latin and hers, I promised her to make you partaker of as much as I could remember, being, as I knew, the worst you would expect from her, and yet the best could come from any other. If, therefore, this letter finde you, and that you write backe before your going, I pray you to take notice that you were pleased to heare other wise and eloquent aunswer. I am half ashamed to take this much tyme from you, but when I hope it shall be the last which shall come to you be fore you go out of England, I am contented in this to be censured idle, though in all things els upon the face of the earth I will be founde, Your faithful and affectionate poore frende, to do you service. t I feare nothing, but your Lordship will speed the worse for having some of those in your companie that have robbed the Dantsickers and many other merchantes, exempli gratia, the Capten of the Warspight, for whom I have laied out bOl. for the Rowbuck, for which I will stay some of his billetts * It was on this occasion that the Queen, after her speech, turning to her court, exclaimed, " God's death ! my Lords, (for that was her oath ever in anger,) I have been enforced this day to scour up my old Latin, that hath lain long in rusting !" t The signature is cut off. 1597.] THE POLISH EMBASSY. 481 and canarie wine, that he hath sent for out of my sellar at Chelsey. From the Court at Greenwich, the 26th of July, 1597. SIR H. MAYNARD TO. MICHAEL HICKES. Mr. Michaell, your late entertainment was such to myself, as that on Thursdaie night you are like to be troubled with my wife and her broode, for so did I tell her it was your's and Mrs. Hickes' desire. If I had anie good conveyance for myself, I might, peradventure, be with you at that time, but thereof I can make no promise. My Lord is here full of the gowte, and is much troubled and busied with this Polish busines. The whole fleete is returned to Plymouthe and the western partes, and all the great ones well : of Cavalier Beeston we heare not a worde. Commend me to good Mrs. Hicks, Mr. Lowe, and the rest. In great hast. From the Court, the second of August, 1597. Yours most assuredly, H. Maynard. SIR H. MAYNARD TO MICHAEL HICKES. Mr. Michael, I knowe not where to beginne to thanke you for your late and manie kindnesses, but wish that my wife might get you and Mrs. Hicks at Eston, to make you some part of amendes, as our poore countrie will afford. This Polach has so troubled us here, as no daie hath escaped my Lord from writing something for his dispatche, and this evening it is ingrossed to be signed, whereby I hope my Lord may take some ease, to gett him owt of his cham ber, where he hath remained, and for the most part in his bed, this whole fortnight that he hath been here. I will do the best I can in these two petitions which you have sent me, VOL. ii. I i 482 irish news. [Aug. but this daie I could offer neither. I perceive that about the middel of the next weeke you will be readie to come hither, and by that time the Quene meaneth to be with you, if the jestes hold, which after manie alterations is sett downe this daie to be with you on Wednesdaie night, to staie there all Thursdaie, on Fridaie to dine with Mr. Knivetts, and so to Haveringe to bed. If anie alteration shall happen, as I hope there will, (for we are greatly afeard of Theobalde's,) you shall heare thereof. This afternoone it is here reported that Sir C. Clifford should be deadlie wounded in a fraie, but by whom or in what sort I knowe not, which I doubt not you have heard. Yesterdaie my Lord received letters from the Lord Chaun- cellor of Ireland, who certifieth that the Erie of Kildare was dead of a flix, and a bruise he had in the late service : and beside the Bishop of Pawghlin, who was here in trouble for Sir John Perrott's cause, and Sir Robert Dillon, the chief justice of the Common Pleas, are both dead. From the fleete we heare nothing since the Erie's departure. And so praying you to remember my most kind commendations to Mrs. Hicks, I take my leave. In hast, from the Court, this 10th of August, 1597. Your most assured frend and fellowe, H. Maynard. SIR H. MAYNARD TO MICHAEL HICKES. Mr. Hicks, there is no alteration as yet in the progresse,* nor no conceit that it will change. This morning I was with my Lord Chamberlaine about some other busines from my Lord, who, as it seemeth, had expected yom- coming to him. I told him you had been here yesterdaie, and that Mr. Bowes * The Queen this summer visited the house of Mr. Hickes, at Ruck- holt. Ellis has printed a curious letter relating to her reception there. 1597.] the queen's visit to ruckholt. 483 appointed to be with you this morning, who would report to his Lordship at his returne the state of your howse and lodg- inges. Some speeche he had with me touching your howse ; saying that he understood that it was scant of lodginges and offices: whereuppon I took occasion to tell his Lordship that it was true, and I conceived that it did trouble you, that you had no convenient place to entertaine some of her Ma jestie's necessary servaunts. His aunswer was, that you were unwise to be at any such charge, but onlie to leave the howse to the Quene : and wished that there might be presented to her Majestie from your wife, some fine wastcoat or fine ruffe, or like thinge, which he said would be as acceptably taken as if it were of great price. He said that two daies since, uppon speeche of your howse, and of your marriage, the Quene fell into an exceeding commendation of Mr. Parais, as that she never had such a merchant in her kingdome ; wheruppon his Lordship saith, that himself and others standing by gave the like commendations to her of your wife. It seemeth that the time will be two nights, as was first appointed; and though no speeche be therof, he verily thinketh that she will come to Theobalde's, though she should remaine there but three or four daies. It were a pitie at this time to trouble you with any other matter, otherwise I should let you knowe, that, as the messenger saith that is this morning come with letters from Sir Ed. Norris, though not yet opened, the Counte Maurice hath taken Berk. And so untill a further occasion, I will leave otherwise to trouble you, than with my hartiest commendations to Mrs. Hicks. From the Court, this 20th of August, 1597. Yours most assuredly, H. Maynard. LORD BURGHLEY TO SIR ROBERT CECIL. I do send here included four letters, three of myne own hand, wherof two to my Lady of Derby, that thus * marked I I 2 484 affairs of Ireland. ;[sept. she may have openly, the other privately to her own hands. The third letter is to the Erie of Comberland, only for com pliment and thankes. The fourth is to Sir Edward Phytton, of thanks both to hym and my Lady his wife. These I had made ready before your messenger came. I thank you for your honest report of my paynes, which in truth, by the weakness of my hand, are more grievous to me than the like were in former tymes. Sir Edm. Care dyning with me this day, reported the acci dents of yesterdaye's skyrmish in the Kayle (?) I looked to have had the last letter from Ireland, from whence I look not for such success as was pretended. The warrant for apparell for Ireland wold be sent. I think it shall not be nedefull to send any letters into Wales, where I think the dearth groweth not by engrossers. To-morrow I shall have here all my kynred within five or six myles compass, with all their messes, &c. 24th August, 1597. Your loving father, W. Burghley. LORD BURGHLEY TO SIR ROBERT CECIL. I have received from you the Deputie's letter directed to yourself, with the other writing therewith sent, and likewise Sir Arthur Savage's letter, all which I do return unto you, al lowing greatly the Deputie's resolute manner of writing, and especially his imperious answer to the rebell Tyrone. The sum you send me, the warrant for Ireland, and the other also for Barwick, it shall much content me, for both these hold the Quene's service in suspence, untill by those warrants I may procede. And so I end. From my howse at Theobald's, the 25th of August, 1597, 1597.] A DANISH EMBASSY. 485 where I had at dynner of old and yong, 14 descended of my. body. Your loving father, W. Burghley. LORD BURGHLEY TO SIR ROBERT CECIL. Since my last writing to you, I am more unable to write than then I was, and therefore am forced to use another man's hand, and so I pray you let her Majesty understand for my reasonable excuse. By your letter, I understand that her Majesty would have me with my presence to advise how to answer this Danishe ambassage, for which purpose she would have me come to London, where she hath appointed my Lord Keper, my Lord of Buckhurst, and Sir John Forrester, to joine with me, and to consider what were fitt to be sayd to them in answer, and therof her Majesty being first advertised, so her Majesty to allow or disallow as shall please her, and theruppon consequently to give them an answer at my howse. I have considered of their demands propounded, wherof the principall matter, tending to a mediation for peace, requireth many circumstances of weight beyond my ability to resolve theron. The other matter being a demand of free traffick and navigations upon the sea, I think cannot be more rea sonably answered than was answered to the Polishe am bassador, although I see by the Danishe ambassador they temper their request with a modification. Thus you see how doubtfull I am in these two greate matters. But yet her Majesty joining me with other great counsellors, it may be by their advise I may have some clearer understanding. Though my body be this very daye at the period of three score and seventene yeares, and therefore far unable to tra- vayle either with my body or with lively spiritts, yet I fynd myself so bound with the superabundant kyndness other Ma- 486 SIR ROBERT CECIL. [FEB. jesty in dispensing with my disabilities, as, God permitting me, I will be at Westminster to-morrow in the afternoone, ready to attend the Lords. 13 Sept. sol in libra. Your old loving father, W. Burghley. SIR ROBERT CECIL TO LORD BURGHLEY. My humble duty remembred to your Lordship, this morn ing at six o'clock, I receaved your Lordship's pacquet, with Chas. Pagett's letter inclosed, which I have read, but dare not ground anything uppon it. I do also find that it pleased God to direct your Lordship's hand to straine your body in my absence to do that which I shold do if I were there, be sides your Lordship's owne other great dispatches. Iam also thus divided between comfort in yourfavour and feare of over throwing your Lordship's health ; yet I do quiet my heart with hope in God's providence, that he will sett back your aged body, and by degrees, as it is overgrown, the vigour and strength of mind out of whose treasures many yonger witts may dayly be fed and instructed. I have likewise taken notice where your Lordship directed me, of the Erl's favour able concurrencey with your Lordship in all things concern ing me, and his dealing with myself in making these my dispatches. I am half of opinion that this new armament will divert the French King back to , except an agreement be made between them in his absence ; but the weakness of Britain the abandoning of it in making such a pacification between the two Kings or dist .... the Spanyards of Mercury. We shall heare to night whether any of the rereguard of the fleet can be light on, who were now as much beholding to the out rageous storm as hereto they have bene in the contrary. And thus never .more weary of attending on an inconstant 1598.] lord burghley's ILLNESS. 487 element, I most humbly take my leave. From Dover, newly returned from the Downes, from whence all the shippes are gone over to the French coast. Your Lordship's most humble and obedient sonn, Ro. Cecyll. This Thursday t the 16th, at one of the clock. (Dover February 16, 1597.) LORD BURGHLEY TO SIR ROBERT CECIL. I see you continue your care for me, for which I thank you. I took not your howse, for that it was too near the breathing of Westminster, nor Wymbelton, because of the discommodities in passing the river, but came hither to my familiar place, although forced to seke a resting-place, but without rest. As yet I can recover my appetite, only I supped yester night with four or five leaves of an artychock, but this morn ing I have eaten a small panado. And so I will prove all good meanes either to amend, or to make a good end. 9 Jun. 1598. Your best loving father, W. Burghley. LORD BURGHLEY TO SIR ROBERT CECIL. * # # # # I pray you to present my humble thanks to her Majesty for her frequent messages, for which I knowlledg my dett greater than I am able to requite, but yet I will gage my heart to be thankfull with prayer. From my howse at Theobald's, this 11th of June, 1598. Your loving sick father, W. Burghley. 488 burghley's last letter, and death. [1598. LORD BURGHLEY TO SIR ROBERT CECIL.* Though I know you count it your duty in nature so con tinually to shew you carefull of my state of health, yet were I also unnatural, if I should not take comfort thereby, and to beseke Almighty God to bless you with supply of such bless ings as I cannot in this infirmytie yield you. Only I pray you dilligently and effectually, let her Majesty understand how her singular kyndness doth overcome my power to acquit it, who though she will not be a mother, yet she sheweth herself by feding me with her own princely hand, as a careful norse, and if I may be weaned to fede myself, I shall be more ready to serve her on the earth, if not, I hope to be in heaven a servitor for her and God's church. And so I thank you for your partritches. 10 July, 1598. Your languishing father, W. Burghley. Serve God by serving of the Quene, for all other service is indede bondage to the devill. SIR ROBERT WROTHf TO MR. HICKES. My good friend, Saint Michaell, I have expected and have been in good hope that we should have met some time this summer, and to have bene merry together. The time draweth very neere out for sport in hunting, if therefore I might intreat you and your wife, with Mr. Alderman Loe and his wife, your brother Colston and his wife, and any other good com- * This is the last letter that Lord Burghley ever wrote with his own hand. The old and faithful ^minister Ldied on the fourth of August following. t Sir Robert Wroth, of Durance in Essex, who had large possessions iri the hundred of Ongar. f CD 3 oo § t^xT>^* ^* VN.P ^ fc O* *** -\ ^ ^ I. ^S x^X^ ^ *N ^ ^ $>*? i un is- <4 © 1600.] SIR ROBERT WROTH. 489 pany whomsoever you will bring or appoint, I shall be most glad therat, and you shall be most welcome as to your own howse, with all the rest, and in anywise you must determine to lodge with me one night at the least, and that of your coming, I desire it may be uppon Tuesday morning next, and to meet about Fairmead, where I will appoint to hunt A to make the gentlewomen some sport, with Mr. Colston's houndes and mine. And so earnestly desiring* you not to fail herein, and to send me word of your determination, and to be very earnest with Mr. Alderman Loe to have his companie and his wive's, I will bid you farewell. Lucton, this 9th of September, 1600. Your assured friend, Robert Wrothe. If the gentlewomen cannot be stirring so soon, appoint to come to dinner upon Thursday, and in the afternoone we will find some sport at bowles or otherwise, 'and therefore bring your bowles with you for yourself and your other company, among whom I pray forget not to bring with you your brother Baptist. I send herewith some apricocks to your good wife. I wolde they were as good as I could wishe them, but this year they are not kindly as they have been. SIR' ROBERT WROTH TO MICHAEL HICKES. Sir, the long expectation of your good company caused me to write unto you as I did, and desyred the time approaching so neare as it is. But whereas you write unto me that you wil be with me uppon Monday next at dinner, I am very sorry that it so falleth out that I am to be at a determined feast the same daye, yearely made by my cosin John Barfoote at his house, for the hunters, chiefly appoynted for my sake, as one of the unthriftiest in these pastymes, and the ending of hunting is appoynted in these partes, and not in Fairmeade. 490 IRELAND. SIR HENRY DANVERS. [1600. Whither if it please to come with Mr. Ralph Colston, and his merry dogges, very early in the morninge; I will make you the best sport I can. And for the gentlewomen, because I doubt of their rising so soone, if they will come to Lucton in the afternoone to supp, they shal be most hartily welcome. Yet to deale playnely with you, I must be at Dunmoe uppon Wednesday next, about the commyssion of the statute con cerning charytable uses ; and therefore if you will defer it untill Monday come se'nnight, either dinner or supper, I will be ready to bowle or to do any other pastyme with you, only the assaye, I will leave it to yourself, although your dayly say is better then I thinke you can well provide unto you, and therefore I would advise you to keepe you when you are well, and although the male kynd of venyson groweth something ranke and stronge, I will provide for you the sweete female kinde. And so prest to do unto you all the kindnes I can, expecting your aunswer therein, for otherwise where I dine I* am to sup, I will bid you farewell, with my commendations to your good wife. Lucton, this 13th of September, 1600. Your assured friende, Robert Wrothe. Mr. Jackman especially, and any other company that shall come with you, shall be most welcome, and in any wise if you can let me have the company of good Mr. Alderman Loe. SIR HENRY DANVERS TO MR. ATE.* Sir,— Now in hast, and never no good penman, I have sent you my book, which you must piece and feather. The unfitt * During the latter years of the reign of Elizabeth, by the jealousies and mismanagement of her officers in that country, the increasing turbulence of Tyrone and his companions in rebellion, and the in trigues of the Spaniards and foreign Catholics, Ireland was brought to a sate of distraction. In spite of the different successes of the 1601.] BATTLE OF KINSALE: 491 or improbable you must blott out or reconcile, as I have omitted many circumstance opposite to other relations. The Englishe you must amend in all, and then if of one line you can make use, I shall thinke my labour well bestowed. Though I will rather referr you to the cross in the margent correspondent with the cross in the line, then write it out this night agayne for a million ; having bene till within this hour ever in company, as Sir Oliver St. John can witnes, who will be with you to-morrow morning. You have prac tised many ill handes, and whether you can or cannot reade it yourself, I praye let nobody els. Commend me to my cosen, and believe I do desire to be esteemed, Your very assured loving cosen and frend, H. Danvers. Somersett Howse, this Sounday night, late. Tirrell discovering the Marshall and Sir H. Danvers to be advanced with all the horse, and Sir H. Poore with his re giment, retired some few troupes he had advanced againe to his bodyes beyonde the forde. Presently the Marshall sent the Lord Deputy word that the enemy retyred in some disorder. English troops, as fast as the rebellion of the Catholics was crushed in one point, it broke out with increasing violence in another. At length, in 1601, the rebels were assisted openly by Spain with a con siderable force, the greater part of which established itself in Kinsale, to which the Deputy laid siege. The Irish rebels under Tyrone, with the Spaniards who had landed on other parts of the coast, made an attempt to raise the siege, which ended in the battle which Sir Henry Danvers, himself a principal actor in it, relates in this letter. The victory was very decisive, and tbe Irish chieftains fled in all directions. " The Lord Deputy," says Camden, " having commanded the retreat to be sounded, and given thanks to God among the heaps of dead carcasses, knighted the Earl of Clanrickarde for his most valiant service, and returned a conqueror to the camp, with joyfull shouts and acclamations." The Spaniards in Kinsale soon afterwards surrendered the place on a composition. The battle of Kinsale con tributed greatly towards restoring at least a temporary quietness to Ireland. 492 BATTLE OF KINSALE. [1601. Wherupon his Lordship came into the head of all, but before he could give any perfect direction, a violent storme, during some quarter of an hower, gave the enemye opportunity, not now perfectly discovered, to draw off over a playn, in three great bodyes of foote, and all their horse in the reare, with their winges advanced in the heade of all. But the day clearing, and discovering by their manner of march an intent to retire, the Lord Deputy resolved to followe and take the advantage to fight with an enemy drawing off. But being advanced some mile farther, we might perceive the enemyes three bodyes to stand firme upon a forde of a bogge, that to assayle them we must of necessity pass, and in all appear ance with a resolution to fight.* Now the Marshall, a littell advanced, discovered a ford, a muskett-shott on the left hand, happily neglected by their foote, and only garded with their horse, sent unto the Lord Deputie for leave to force them that way, which his Lordship approved, and com manded to draw up the foote with all expedition. Their first winges once arrived, seconded by Sir H. Poore's regiment, the Marshall with the Earle of Clanricard, ever urging to fight, passed over, and together with Sir Richard Greemes, offred a chardg upon one of their bodyes, but finding them to stande firme, wheeled a littel about. Upon which the Lord Deputie sent over Sir William Godolphin with his company, and Captayn Minshew with the Lord President's company, who were appoynted to keep still a gross in the reare, to answer all accidents, and Sir John Barceley, with two of our three bodyes of foote. Whereupon the Marshall and the Earle of Clanricard united themselves with Sir H. Danvers, Lord Taffe, and Lord Flemminge, charged agayne the horse and the rear of the same battell, who presently ther- upon, both horse and foote, fell into disorder and brake. All this while the vanguard of the enemy, in which was Tirrell and the Spaniards, stoode firme upon the bogge on * " They mayntained a little skirmish on our side the bogge, but were easely beaten backe to their bodyes." 1602.] SIR ROBERT COTTON. 493 the right hand, unto whom within cannon shott the Lord Deputie had drawen up our reare, Sir Oliver St. John's regiment, commanded by C. Roe. But seeing Tirrell and the Spaniards drawing between our men on the execution and the bodyes of foote, his Lordship having hitherto, by direction, sett all other men's swordes aworke, himself in the head of the rear regiment charged the enemy in flancke, and put them into a disorderly retreat after their fellowes to the toppe of the next hill. JOHN DAVIS TO SIR ROBERT COTTON. Sweet Robin, for a few sweet words, a client of mine hath presented me with sweet-meates, to what end I know not, except it be as Chaucer speakes, " To make mine English sweet uppon my tongue," that I may pleade the better for him to-morrow at the Seale. Notwithstanding, the best use I can make of it, is to present you with it, especially at this time when you are in physick, that you may sweeten your taste after the rhewbarb. I have been so utterly distracted with unexpected business these two or three last dayes, that I could not performe my officious promise to visit you in this voluntary sickness of yours. Now I am faine to make my hands excuse my feet from travayling unto you, because being the servant of the multitude, I am not mine own man. Make much of yourself, and make yourself speedily well, that I may have your company towards Cambridge, from whence I will go with you to see the ancient seat of Robert le Bruis.* So wishing you a prosperous operation of your physick, at least that you may imagine so, for it is the imagination that doth good, and not the physick, which I ever thought a mere imposture, I cease to trouble you, least the intention of too much reading hinder the working of these virtuous drugs. Yours all and ever, Davis. * A pun on Cotton's name — Sir Robert Bruce Cotton. 494 THE DEATH OF THE QUEEN. [1603. WILLIAM CAMDEN TO SIR ROBERT COTTON. Pardon me, my good Mr. Cotton, if I do not now preface it. I knowe you are (as we all have been) in a melancholy and pensive cogitation. This dvirvia, or excessive sleepless in disposition other Majestie is now ceased, which being joined with an inflammation from the breast upward, and her mind altogether averted from physic in this her climactericall year, did more than terrify us all, especially the last Friday in the morning, which moved the Lords of the council, when they had providently caused all the vagrants here about to be taken up and shipped for the Low Countries, to draw some muni tion to the Court, and the great horse from Reading to guard the Receipt at Westminster ; to take order for the navy to lye in the narrow seas ; and to commit some gentlemen hunger- starved for innovations, as Sir Edm. Bainham,* Catesby,t Tresham, J two Wrights, § &c. and afterwards the Counte Arundell of Warder, || to a gentleman's house, for speech used by the foresayd turbulent spirites, as concerning him, or for that he made lately some provision of armour. This I thought good in generality to impart unto you, that you may (as we do) put away fear, and thank God for this joyful recovery of her, upon whose health and safety we all depend. Vale prospere, 15 Martii. (1602.)1[ Your Worship's assured, Guil. Camden. * He appears to have been privy to the gunpowder plot.— See Win- wood's Mem. vol. ii. p. 205. + Robert Cateshy, principall in that plot, and killed in resisting the sheriff of Staffordshire. X Francis Tresham, Esq., the same traitor who died in the Tower. § Probably John and Christopher Wright, who were agents in the plot above mentioned. || Thomas Arundel, advanced by the Emperor Rodolph IL, in 1595, to the honour of Count of the Empire, and in May, 1 605, by King James I., to the dignity of a Baron of this realm, under the title of Lord Arundel of Wardour. He died in 1609. 1 Queen Elizabeth died on the 24th March, 1602-3. 1603.] accession of james. 495 MR. SIMON THELWAL TO MR. DUNN, DEAN OF THE ARCHES, AT BREMEN, IN GERMANY. My humble duty unto your Worship remembered, the Earl of Hertford is come to London, and it is spoken, that the King is at York at this time ; and all men are well satis fied, and the realm is as quiet and peaceable as ever it was, and great hope of a flourishing time. There is very great preparations made and making for the Queen's Majesty's funeral, which is appointed to be performed on Thursday in Easter week next; and very shortly after the King's Majesty will come to London. Mr. Dr. Csesar and Mr. Wilbraham had, by the appoint ment of the Lords, set down a day to take their journey to wards the King's Majesty. But Mr. Wilbraham has, it seemeth, fearing to lose his place, took post-horses, and went the day before their appointment ; and he did send Mr. Dr. Caesar word thereof two hours after he went out of the town. Yesterday Mr. Secretary Cecille took his journey towards his Majesty. Here is old posting now. The Lord Cob ham is, as I understand, lately returned from his Majesty discontented. The King hath discharged the Earle of Southampton and Sir Henry Nevell ; and they are appointed to come to him with the rest of the Lords, when they go to meet him. Here is great dearth of silks and velvets at this time. * # # # * The King hath signified unto the Lords, that his pleasure was, that the Earls of Northumberland and Cumberland, and the Lord Montjoy, and the Lord Thomas Howard, should be of his Privy Council. London, the 16th of April, 1603. Your Worship's evermore most bounden, Simon Thelwal. INDEX. Abarrow, Mr., ii, 248 Abingdon, Edw. ii, 306 Abergavenny, Henry Nevil Lord, ii, 51 ; letter from him, ii, 51 Abraham, Mr., ii, 205 Acerbo, ii, 72 Adamson, Capt. i, 490 Admiral, see Chastillon Adolphe, Thomas, ii, 311 Alcazar, battle of, ii, 85, 92 Aldagonda, ii, 58, 59, 119, 268 Aldersey, Mr., ii, 173 Alen9on, Francis, Duke of, i, 449, 4o3. See Anjou Alford, Francis, ii, 170 Alington, Lady, ii, 69 Allen, ii, 231 Allen, tbe Jesuit, ii. 5 Almond, Roger, ii, 190 Alpbeme, Monsieur de, ii, 170 Altham,Mrs.,ii.87 Alva, Ferdinand de Toledo, Duke of, ac count of him, i, 3, n. 247, 249 ; leads an army to the Low Countries, 261 ; his behaviour towards England, 314 ; invited to land in Scotland, 341 ; pre pares to join the northern rebels in 1569, 352, 368, and the Norfolk plot, 373, 374 ; is recompensed by the king, 379 ; bis professions to Elizabeth, 387 ; his tyranny, 436, 470, ii, 3 ; he ^defeats the King" of Portugal, ii,116 Alvarede, Francisco d'Aguilar d', ii, 268 Ambassadors, English, allowances to, i, 449, n. Ambassador, Portuguese, massmongers taken at his house, i, 467 VOL. IX. Ambassador, Spanish, in England, trea sons and intrigues of, i, 98, 99, 120 Ambery, Dr., ii, 20 Amersam, John, ii, 417 Amiens, Bp. of, employed in Scotland, i, 25, 26, 42. — Letter from him, i, 25 Anderson, Justice, ii, 146, 173, 228, 246, 248 Andrews, St., the prior of, i, 16, 21 Angus, Archibald Douglas, Earl of, i, 341, 342,484; ii, 82, 97, 218, 222, 223, 226, 264, 447 Angus, William Douglas, Earl of, ii, 447 Anhalt, ii, 118 Anjou, Henry Duke of, i, 288, 313 ; ne gotiations for his marriage with Queen Elizabeth, i, 385 ; elected king of Po land, 494; afterwards Henry III. ; see France Anjou, Francis Duke of, negotiations for bis marriage with Queen Elizabeth, ii, 99 ; elected Governor of the Low Countries, 137 ; in the Low Countries, 191 ; his.death, 237 Antonio, king of Portugal, driven from his kingdom, ii, 116, 118, 133, 135, 137 ; his miserable estate, 179, 180, 213,350,351, 409 Antwerp, tumult at, ii, 181 Antwerp, Bishop of, ii, 5 Appleyard, i, 372, 373 Aquila, bishop of, i, 8 ; bis death, 155 Arbroath, Lord, i, 296, 369, 483 ; ii, 23, 196,283 Archbishops, English — York, — Dr. May appointed, i, 39 Thomas Young, account of him, i, 145 ; letters from him, i, 145, 147 K K 498 INDEX. Canterbury, — Matthew Parker, i, 134; attempt against his life, 362 ; his death, ii, 7 ; letters from him, i, 134, 162, 361, 440, 446, 493, 508 ; ii, 7 John Whitgift, ii, 75 Archbishops, Scottish. St. Andrews, account of the archbishop of, i, 32 Irish. Dublin, i, 239 ; ii, 35 Armagh, — Adam Loftus, i, 242 — letter from him, i, 242 Ardecen tions, Christopher, ii, 105 Ardes, the, colonized by Sir Thomas Smith, i, 463, 465,466 Argyle, Archibald Campbell, fifth Earl of, i. 17 ; he intrigues with the Irish, 71, 74, 78, 193, 194,195, 206, 218, 221, 227, 231, 232, 236, 254, 258, 263, 269, 294, 295,309, 341, 351, 377, 387, 454, 470 Argyle, Colin, sixth Earl of, ii, 78, 81, 91, 97,126,215,217, 223 Argyle, Lady, l, 297, 499 Armada, Spanish. Preparations in Eng land for itsreception,ii, 358, 359; a plot to burn part of the English fleet, 360; a forced loan, 361 ; preparations for defence in the north of England, 368, 370,374 ; the Spanish fleet at sea, 369 ; preparations of the Duke of Parma, 371 ; tbe armada at sea, 372 ; circular from the council to the nobility, 374, 376 ; London threatened by the Duke of Parma, 378 ; the armada comes in sight, 379; the first fight, ib. n.; the second fight, 380 ; the armada an chors before Calais, 331 ; flight of the armada, 382 ; fears of the Duke of Parma, 383 ; news of the armada, 384 ; return of the English fleet from the pursuit, 385, 387; dismissal of the army, 388, 392 ; shipwrecked Spa niards in Scotland, 392 Armagh burnt by Shane O'Neil, i, 86 Armtreading, Mr., ii, 403 Arnold, Sir Nicholas, i, 210, 239 Arran, Earl of, see Hamilton Arran, James Stuart, Earl of,ii, 198, 215, 219, 220, 225, 336; account of him, 252, 253, 261, 262, 265, 269, 283, 284 Arras, Bishop of, see Granvelle Arrol, Earl of, ii, 264, 447 Arskot, Duke of, ii, 58, 59 Arundel, Henry Fitz-Allan, Earl of, ac count of him, i, 180, 185, 248, 249, 250 Arundel, Philip Howard, Earl of, i, 402 ; ii, 134, 229, 248, 291 Arundel, Sir John, i, 507, 508 Arundel, Count, of Wardour, ii, 494 Arundell, Mrs., ii, 124 Arundell, W., ii, 366, 367 Asford, Laird of, ii, 197 Asheby, William, ii, 392 Ashley, John, ii, 1 8 Askam, Mr., i, 145 Askew, Simon, ii, 249 Asplin, i, 492 Asteley, John, ii, 20 Aston, Roger, ii, 283, 334 Athol, Earl of, i, 192, 203, 220, 229, 232, 233, 369, 377,483; ii, 78, 91; poisoned, 97 Athol, Earl of, ii, 218 Aty, Mr., ii, 277, 282, 299, 236, 345.— Letter to bim, 490 Aubrey, Mr., ii, 186 Audley, George Touchet Lord, his death, i, 40 Audley, Mr., i: 112 Austria, House of, its rise, i, 59 Austria, Charles, Archduke of, see Eliza beth, Queen. He visits Italy, i, 317 Austria, Archduke of, ii, 476 Averey, i, 457 Avery, i, 418 Avington, Captain, i, 470 Awfield, ii, 246 Ayala, Johan de, sent by the King of Spain to give advice to Queen Eliza beth, i, 23 Babington, Mr., ii, 63 Bacchus, Sheriff, ii, 70 Bacon, ii, 171 ; Mr. i, 373 Bacon, Anthony, letter from him, ii, 466 Bacon, Sir Nicholas, i, 179, 184, 348, 361 Bacon, Sir Francis, afterwards Lord Ve- rulam. — Letter from him, ii, 112 Bagnoll, Sir Nicholas, i, 237 ; a saying of his, 356. — Letters from him, ii, 119 Bailly, Charles, i, 398 Bajazet imprisoned in a cage, i, 41 Baker, John, ii, 248 Baldwin, Thomas, ii, 241 Balentine, Mr., i, 298 Balentine, Patrick, i, 229 Ballandine, Mr. W., ii, 235 Balston, Philip, ii, 332 Baltinglas, Viscount, ii. 110; bis rebel lion, 119,120 Ba lyse, iit 335 INDEX. 499 Band, Mr. i, 420 Banes, Henry, i, 267 Bannister, i, 407 ; the Russian mer chant, i, 41 9 Baptist, Mr. i, 28 Barbary, English trade with, i, 486, 488 ; ii, 175 Barber, , ii, 249 Barefoot, John, ii, 489 Bargamy, Lord of, ii, 223 Barbam, Serjeant, ii, 52, 63 Barker, Mr., ii, 295, 336 Barker, John, letter from him, ii, 83 Barker, Peter, ii, 207 Barker, William, i, 398, 407 Barlemont, ii, 59 Barloos, ii, 172 Barlow, ii, 69; Mr. i, 109, 137, 161, 178, 179, 180, 181, 225 Barnard Castle, i, 333 Barnes, Sheriff, ii, 37, 38, 39 Barrett, i, 290 Barrow, J., letters from him, ii, 131 Bartholomew, St., Massacre of, 438, 440, 443 ; anniversary of, kept in Paris, ii, 208 Baufour, James, i, 169, 342 ; ii, 65. Baventine, Mr., i, 109 Baynham, Sir Edward, ii, 494 Basiarto, Alonso, ii, 175 Basshe, Mr., ii, 159 Bastardy, law of, ii, 64 Beachor, ii, 473 Beale, Mr., i, 480; ii, 244, 254, 267, 354 Beaton, i, 267, 271 Beaton, Lady, i, 77 Beaton, Mrs., ii, 188 Beaufort, tbe feigned name of the Earl of Arran, i, 18 Beaumont, Dr. Bobert, i, i 65 Beauprg, Mons de,ii, 181 Beauvaise, Mons., i, 119 Becon, Thomas, account of him, 166 Bedford, Francis Russell, second Earl of, i, 84, 105, 184, 212, 218, 230 ; made knight of the garter, 172. — Let ters from, i, 204, 215, 226, 507— to him, i. 256 Bedford, Countess of, brought to bed of a daughter, i, 40 Bedon, Mons. de, ii, 47 Bedrule, Laird of, ii, 22 Beeston, ii, 481 Beggars in England, ii, 29 Bekesbourn, i, 135 Belasyse, Sir William, i, 339 Bell, Mr., i, 373, 374 Bellew, Sir John, i, 112, 113 Berelle, Baron, ii, 58 Berkeley, Sir John, ii, 492 Berry, John, ii, 249 Berwick, Mr., i, 127 Betaghe, i, 244 Beza, Theodore, i, 429 ; ii, 202 Billingsley, Mr., ii, 241 Bingham, Mr., ii, 127 Bingham, Sir Richard, account of him, ii, 120, 280 ; his victory over the Irish Scots, 321. — Letters from him, ii, 120, 483, 469, 471 Biragues, Mons. ii, 182 Birch, Thomas, ii, 248 Birchet, Peter, stabs Hawkins the navi gator, i, 492 Bird, Mr., i, 143 Biron, Mareschal de, ii, 109, 133, 181 Bishops, English. Bath and Wells — Gilbert Berkley, ac count of him, i, 169. — Letter i, 169 Carlisle, — Owen Oglethorp, account of, i, 149. —Letter from, i, 148 Durham, — James Pilkington, account of him, i, 221. — Letters from him, i, 221, 349— letter to him, i, 415 ; — Rich. Barnes, bishop, ii, 442 Ely, — Thirlby, with King Philip to negotiate a peace, i, 1 ; his death, 374 ; his chambers, ii, 67 ; Richard Coxe, i, 141 ; acused of cbeing rich, 497. — Letters from him, i, 141, 156, 497 Exeter, — William Alley appointed, i, 39 ; account of him, ib. n. Lincoln, — Th. Cooper, his sermon, i, 416 London, — Edmund Grindal, account of him, i, 133; his lov.e for garden ing, 164 ; his sermon on death of the emperor, 177. — -Letters from him, i, 133,135, 163, 166, 330 Edwyn Sandys, i, 438 ; account of him, ii, 9, 88. — Letters from him, i, 438, 466 ; ii, 9 Aylmer, John, account of him, ii, 154. — Letter from him, ii, 154 Norwich, — John Parkhurst, account of him, i, 39, 164. — Letter from him, i, 164 Edmund Freake, account of him, ii, 145. — Letter from him, ii, 145 Peterborough, — Edmund Scambler, ac count of him, i, 475. — Letter from him, i, 475 K K 2 500 INDEX. -Rochester, — Edmond Guest, i, 157 Winchester, — Robert Horn, account of him, i, 445. — Letters from him, i, 445, 493, 495 ; Thomas Cooper made bishop, ii, 442 Bishops, Scottish. Glasgow, — James Beaton, account of him, i, 181 Hoss, — Henry Sinclair made Bishop of, i, 26 John Lesley, Elizabeth praises him, i, 303 ; he ministers in St. Paul's, 330 ; concerned in the rebellion of 1569, 341, 344 ; imprisoned, 366, 370 ; concerned in Norfolk's con spiracy, 398, 399; in custody of Bishop of Winchester, 493, 495. — Letter to, i, 383 St. Andrew's, his sermon, ii, 252 Bishops, Irish. Kildare. — Alexander Craike, as sumes the bishopric, i, 36 Meath. — HughBrady, account of him, i, 236. — Letter from him, i, 236 Bishop of Amiens, see Amiens. Bishop of Arras, see Granvelle Bishop of Toledo, see Toledo Bishop, Thomas, i, 353 Blacader, i. 218 Blackwell, Mr., ii, 67, 249 Blaketter, i, 340 Bland, Mr., ii, 240 Bland, B., bis declaration of the Spanish preparations, ii, 302 Blanke, Thomas, Lord Mayor of London, letter from him, ii, 183 Blantyre, Prior of, ii, 199 Blewate, John, ii, 248 Blithe, Mr., i, 453 Blunt, Sir Richard, i, 137 Blunt, Capt, i, 120 Blythe, John, ii, 249 Bodenham, Capt. Roger, taken by the Turks, i, 241. — Letters from him, i, 241 ; ii, 175 Bodley, Sir Thomas, account of him, ii, 399, 441, 444,-446, 448, 452. — Letters from bim, ii, 399, 412. — Letters to him, 411,423 Bohun, George, letter from him, ii, 133 Bold, Mr., ii, 386 Bolland, Mr., letter to him, ii, 158 Bolton Castle, description of, i, 290, 291 Bomelius, account of him, i, 361 Boorne, John, ii, 103 Borders, Scottish, turbulence ofthe, i, 298, 301 ; disturbance at tbe Reids wire, ii, 13, 22, 33 ; measures of de fence on the death of Mary Queen of Scots, 333, 334 ; fray on the borders, 384 Boros Frederick, counsellor of the Em peror of Russia, ii, 446, 447 Borthwick, Lord, i, 76, 292 Bosgrave, ii, 250 Bossu, Count, ii, 58 Boste, Mr. ii, 369 Bostoche, Captain, ii, 401 Bothwell, Earl of, i, 34, 76, 83 ; impri soned, 1 23 ; his turbulent adherents, 205 ; refuses to hear mass, 220 ; con cerned in the murder of Rizzio, 229, 231, 232 ; his marriage with Mary, 250; bis death, 257, 258 Bothwell, Earl of, ii, 197, 215, 220, 226, 264, 431, 447, 448 Bowerman, William, ii, 331 Boussu, Mons. de, i, 378 Bowes, Mr., ii, 38 Bowes, Sir George, account of him, i, 275.— Letters from him, 331, 333 Bowes, Robert, ii, 21, 65, 77, 91, 129, 189, 190, 191, 253, 427.— Letters from him, ii, 20, 65, 78, 96, 215, 218, 222, 225, 233. — Letters to him, ii, 79 Bowyer, Sheriff, ii, 70 Boxe, Mr., ii, 21 Boyd, Lord, i. 371, ii, 223 Boyes, Edward, i, 163 Brabant, troubles in, i, 235 Brabant, John, his scaudalous speec bes, i, 446 Braganza, Duke of, ii, 135 Brandon, James, i, 113 Branspeth Park, i, 400 Brentius, a German reformer, i, 163 Brereton, Thomas, ii, 329, 331 Brett, Jerome, i , 472, 473 Brett, Captain, ii, 400 Brocas, Mr., ii, 436 Bromley, Sir George, ii, 188 Brooke, Mrs. Elizabeth, ii, 401 Brosse, La, see La Brosse Browne, i, 473, ii, 227 ; Mr. ii, 169 Brown, John, Letters from him, ii, 127 Brown, Peter, ii, 455 Brown.Robert, founderof the Brownists, ii, 145 Brown, Sir Thomas, of Betcbwortb, i, 4 Brown, Sir Valentine, i, 72, 343, 492 ; ii. 2. — Letters from him, i, 343 Bruce, Captain, ii, 218 Brunswick, Duke of, i, 48 ; ii, 118 INDEX. 501 Bruys, Paul, ii, 278 Bryan, Mr., i, 243 Buccleugh, Lord of, taken by Sir John Forster, i, 299—301, mentioned 340 Buccleugh, Lady of, ii, 23 Buchanan, George, account of him, i, 427 n. ii, 81 ; his history, 429. — Let- ter from him, i. 427 Buchenan, ii, 81 Buck, Mr., ii, 241 Buckhurst, Lord, ii, 246, 358, 417, 418, 485. Buckhurst, Lady, ii, 87 Bullays, ii, 73. Burghley, Lord, see Cecil Burgh, Sir John, ii, 421, 422.— Letter from him, ii, 418 Burgos, Marquis of, i, 249 Burke, John, ii, 126 Burke, Tibbott, ii,126 Burke, Ulick, ii, 126 Burnham, ii, 268 Burton, William, i, 350 Butler, Edward, i, 146 Butler, Sir Edmund, i, 146, 342 Butler, James, i, 146 Butler, John, i, 146 Butler, Sir Philip, ii, 411 Butler, Piers, letters from him, i, 146 Butler, Theobald, i, 1 46 Butrach, ii, 214 Buttes, Sir William, i, 372 Cade, Mr., ii, 67 Caen, besieged, i, 131, 132 Caesar, Dr. Julius, ii; 495 Caithness, George, fourth Earl of, i, 192, 220, 382 Calais — taken from the English in Mary's reign, i, ],». ; Elizabeth resolved to have it restored, 3 ; enterprise at, 10 ; demanded by tbe English, 247, 248 ; besieged by the Spaniards, ii, 459 Calder, i, 398 Calfhil, {i. Calshill,)i,166, 167 Cambell, Mr. i, 150 Cambuskennetb, Abbot of, ii, 81 Cambray, Mr., ii, 338 Camden, Wm., letter from him, ii, 494 Campbell, Archibald, see Argyle Campbell, Captain, i, 490 Campion, Mr., the brewer, ii, 19 Campion, the Jesuit, ii, 132, 155, 169 Canton, Jevan, i, 441, 442 Canton, John, i, 442 Canton, Thomas, i, 442 Cantre , Hi, 326 Capers, Monsieur de, ii, 59 Car, parson of Roxburghe, i, 34 Car, Sir Andrew of Fawsensyde, i, 229 232, 300, 342 Car, Dan. i, 328, 330 Car, Robert, ii, 23 Car, Sir Thomas, ii, 97,284 Cardona, Don Gaione de, i, 316 Care, Sir Edmund, ii, 484 Carey, Mr. ii, 443 Carey, Sir George, ii, 265. — Letters from him, ii, 265 Carew, Mr! i, 137 Carew, George, account of him, ii, 203 Carles, ii, 73 Carr, William of Ancrum, ii, 334 Carleton, Mr. i, 476 Carlingford, i, 113 Carlisle Castle, description of, i, 290 Carmichael, Sir John, ii, 13, 14, 22, 217 Caron, Monsieur de, ii, 423, 424 Carre, Captain, ii, 400 Carre, Mrs. ii, 436 Carrickfergus. said to be taken by the rebels, i, 65 Carter, of Carlisle, i, 353 Cartright, the Puritan, ii, 417 Carus, Katherine, ii, 67 Carvel, Robert, ii, 283 Cashell, John, i, 113 Casbell, Stephen, i, 92, 113 Casimir, Prince, i, 514, ii, 47, 90, 209 211,213,214 Cassilis, Gilbert, fourth Earl of, i, 16, 34, 77, 193, 203, 220. 268, 329. Cassilis, Master of, ii, 223 Castalio, Sebastian, ii, 152 C&teau Cambresis, peace of, i, 2 Catesby, Robert, ii, 494 Cathcart, Lord of, i, 490 Catteling, i, 420 Caubon, Monsieur, i, 56 Cavalcaut, i, 127,131 Cavan, county of, i, 61 Cave, Mr. ii, 450 Cavendish, Mr. ii, 378 Cawerden, Mr. i, 4 Cecil, Sir William, Lord Burghley. He is accused of helping secretly the Scottish Protestants, i, 23 ; ex postulates with the Queen on her reluctance to interfere in Scotland, 24; sent to Scotland to negotiate, 29 ; bis account of his negotiations, 30 — 32 ; he is subject to detractions, 159, 365 ; differences reported be tween him and Lord Robert Dud- 502 INDEX. ley, 176 ; Mary Queen of Scots' opi nion of Cecil, 311; he is slandered, 373 ; created Lord Burghley, 390, 391 ; made Lord Treasurer, 425, 427, the Lord Treasurer at Buxton, ii. 17 ; his visit to Holdenby, 99 ; he is in disgrace, 200, 201 ; in disgrace for the execution of the Scottish Queen, 332, 335 ; death of his daughter Anne, 373 ; his verses addressed to her, 373, n.'; his illness, 426 ; his wooing, 427, 438, 430 ; his illness, 433, 437 ; marriage of his granddaughter, 440, 441 ; be arrives at the age of 84, 448 ; has 14 children and grand children to dinner, 485 ; his last letter, 488 ; his death, ib. n. — Let ters from bim, i, 8, 24, 30, 61, 62, 65, 67, 70, 79, 86, 87, 93, 95, 102, 103, 109, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 125, 130, 136, 137, 138, 150, 153, 157, 158, 167, 171, 173, 174, 176, 178, 181, 197, 205, 207, 208, 224, 235, 320, 321, 364,390, 392, 398; ii, 54, 92, 99, 137, 144, 281, 282, 287, 295, 299, 306, 313, 324, 423, 424, 426, 427, 428, 430, 433, 434, 436, 437, 439, 440, 441, 442, 443, 444, 446, 452, 453, 454, 455, 456, 457, 458, 459, 460, 461, 463, 464, 465, 473, 474, 475, 483, 484, 485, 487, 488. — Letters to him, i, 5, 10, 11, 16, 18, 20, 23, 32,71, 75, 81, 113, 133, 134, 135, 141, 142, 145, 147, 148, 156, 162, 163, 165, 169, 170, 189, 204, 216, 219, 221, 247, 250, 252, 255, 256, 262, 263, 266, 270, 272, 280, 282, 283, 284, 286, 287, 289, 291, 294, 298, 300, 301, 304, 315, 318, 326, 328, 329, 330, 339, 344, 349, 358, 361, 378, 379, 386, 394, 400, 401, 422, 423, 426, 432, 435, 438, 440, 441, 443, 444, 445, 446, 448, 451, 453, 457, 459, 460, 461, 462, 464, 466, 468, 471, 475, 478, 480, 481, 484, 486, 487, 489, 491, 493, 495, 496, 497, 503, SOS- SOS ; ii, 1, 3, 7, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 21, 25, 27, 29, 31, 32, 33, 34, 37, 41, 42, 43, 45,48, 49, 51, 55, 62, 66, 70, 72, 81, 86, «,91, 96, 97, 98,101,103, 105, 109, 112, 145, 152, 154, 159, 164, 169, 171, 173, 174, 179, 183, 184, 191, 200, 204, 203, 204, 206, 208, 226, 231, 240, 243, 245, 253, 255, 265, 271, 277, 291 , 293, 296, 298, 303, 307, 308, 311, 329, 337, 338, 339, 340, 341, 346, 350, 356, 357, 359, 363, 368, 369, 370, 373, 376, 368, 387, 388, t391, 392, 393, 397, 398, 400, 401, 403, 406, 407, 409, 410, 412, 417, 418, 422, 431, 445, 461, 462, 463, 486 Cecil, Sir Robert, ii, 187, 237, 345 ; his journey to Flanders, 366, 367, 370 ; his marriage, 401, 450 ; he goes to meet King James, 495. — Letters from him, ii, 237,366.402,413,414,415, 416, 474, 477, 486. — Letters to him, ii, 424, 426. 427, 428, 430, 432, 433, 434, 436, 437, 439, 440, 441, 442, 443, 444, 452, 453, 454, 455, 456, 457, 458, 459, 460, 461, 463, 464, 465, 473, 474, 475, 483, 484, 485, 487, 488 Cecil, Anne, Countess of Oxford, ii. 48, 144 ; her death, 373 Cecil, Mr. Henry, ii, 415 Cecil, Sir Thomas, ii, 299, 314 Cecil, Thomas, of Norfolk, i, 373 Cecil, Sir William, Lord Burghley's youngest son ; letter from him, ii, 208 Cecilia, tbe Lady, of Sweden, her visit to England, i, 210 Cercamps, negotiations at, i, 1. 2, 3 Cessford, Lord of, i, 300 ; ii, 197. Challes, ii, 227 Chaloner, ii, 36 Chaloner, Sir Thomas, account of him, i, 5, n. ; ambassador in Spain, 127 ; revoked, 156: his return and death, 185. — Letters from him, i, 5, 7 — 12, 23, 177.— Letters to him, i, 8, 127 Chamberlain, i, 378 Chamberlayn, Sir Thomas, account of him, 49, n ; ambassador in Spain, 58 ; his house, ii, 21. — Letter to him, i, 49 Champenon, Sir Arthur, i, 511 Champenon, Monsieur, i, 56 Champigny, Monsieur de, ii, 45, 58 Chantonet, Monsieur de, i, 49, 56 Chartres, the Vidame of, i, 314, 451, 452, 491 Chasteaureux, Count, ii, 181 Chastellet, i, 114 Chastellier, i, 314 Chastillon, tbe Admiral, leads the Por- testants in France, i, 121 ; he goes to Harfleur, 124 ; has money from Eliza beth, 161 ; mentioned, 305, 318, 320 3-23; account of bim, 423. — Letter from bim, 423 Chatelherault, Duke of, see Hamilton. INDEX. 503 Chatsworth, Mary Queen of Scots re moved to, ii, 54 ; account of it in 1585, 257 Cheek, Henry, ii, 49. — Letter from him, ii, 49 Cheek, John, ii, 121 Chelsham, John, ii, 198 Cheney, Mr. ii, 230 Chester, Colonel, ii, 61 Chester, Dean of, ii, 64 Chevalier, Monsieur le, i, 454 Chevers, ii, 40 Chimay, Prince of, ii, 59, 212 Chiplin, i, 374 Cholmondeley, Sir Hugh, i, 312 Churchyard, Thomas, the poet, account of him, ii, 140. — Letters from him, ii, 140, 142, 145, 414 Clandeboy, i, 243 Clanricarde, Richard, Earl of, account of him, i, 212, 244, 454, 455. — Letter from him, i, 212 Clanricarde, Ulick de Burgh, third Earl of.ii, 466, 471, 492. — Letter from him, ii, 466 Clarke, Mr. ii, 159 Clarke, Bartholomew, ii, 278 Cleran, i, 219 Clergy, conduct of the, 156 Clerck, Henry, ii, 298 Clerke, Dr. of Cambridge, i, 446, 447, 448 Clifford, Sir Conyers, ii, 460, 472 Clifford, Sir R. wounded in a fray, ii, 482 Clinton, Edward Lord, account of him, i, 28 n. ; Lord High Admiral, 34. — Letters from him, i, 28, 42 Clinton, Lady, i, 50 Clopton, Thomas, letter to him, i, 239 Clvfton, Sir John, ii, 69 Coal Trade, i, 222, 478 Coast, defence of the, i, 162, 508 Cobham, Lord (William Brooke) sent to the Netherlands to announce Eliza beth's succession, i, 1 ; ii, 94, 360, 424. — Letter from him, i, 1. — Letter to him, ii, 310, 460 Cobham, Henry Lord, ii, 495 Cobham, Sir Henry, account of him, i, 378 ; ii, 28, 109.— Letters from bim, i, 378, 379 Cockburn, Captain, i, 428.— Letter from him, i, 490 Cockburn, John, see Ormeston Coffin, Mr. ii, 245 Coignac, battle of, i, 331 Coinage, reformation of the, i, 45 Colburne, Capt. ii, 78 Colburne, old, ii, 403 Coldenknowes, Laird of, ii, 226 Colles, David, ii, 330 Collingwood, Sir Cuthbert, ii, 15 Collins, Mr. ii, 331 Collonna, Marc Anthony and Pompey, shipwrecked, i, 317 Colonnas, some of the family imprisoned by the Pope, i, 41 Collyne, Capt. i, 270 Colman, ii, 363 Cologne, wars of, ii, 213 Colshil, Mr. ii, 99, 159 Colston, Ralph, ii, 488, 489, 490 Columbell, Roger, letter of privy seal to him, ii, 361 Colvil, J. ii, 197 Colvile, William, ii, 222 Comberford, Thomas, i, 458 Cond6, Lewis Prince of, i, 102, 104, 119, 174, 305 ; his death, 313, 314 Conde, . . . Prince of, i, 494,502,514; ii, 47, 137, 138 Coniers, John, i, 333 Conjurers, a plot of certain, i, 457, 458, 460, 461 Constable, Sir Robert, ii, 238, 426.— Letters from him, ii, 283 Cooke, John, ii, 248 Cook, Mrs. of Gwidy Hall, ii, 67 Coole, William, ii, 249 Cope, Mr. ii, 208 Copie, Mr. ii, 241 Copley, Mr. ii, 5, 268 Copston, i, 465 ; ii, 69 Corbell, siege of, i, 116 Cordell, Bdward, ii, 19 Corn, price of, i, 40 Cornelison, Adrian, ii, 348 Cornewall, Mr. i, 75 Cosse, Marshall, ii, 136 Cotton, i, 501 ; ii, 229 Cotton, Thomas, i, 435 ; ii, 132.— Let ter from bim, 435 Cotton, Sir Robert, letters to him, ii, 493, 494 Council, letters to the, i, 226, 249 ; ii, 330, 399, 410,420,438.— Letters from the, ii, 358, 374, 411 Courcelles, Mons. de, ii, 355 Coverd, Captain, ii, 410 Cowpland, a district of Cumberland, i, 133 504 INDEX. Cowt, Mrs. ii, 87 Coxe, Mr. i, 505 Crabbe, ii, 246 Cragge, Thomas, ii, 219 Craigmillar, i, 269 Crawford, Earl of, i, 203, 368 ; ii, 215, 217, 221, 225, 264 Crawford, Countess of, i, 193 Creighton, Capt. ii, 218 Crispe, Sir Henry, i, 162 Croc, Mons. le, i, 55, 84, 251, 253, 414, 416, 430 Crop, Thomas, ii, 248 Crofts, ii, 171 Crofts, Sir James, account of him, i, 18 ; made comptroller, 355 ; mentioned, ii, 359, — Letters from him, i, 16, 18, 20 Croke, Robert, i, 420 Croker, ii, 73 Croker, T. Crofton, old drinking pots in his cabinet, ii, 124 Cross, Captain, ii, 419, 420, 421, 422 Crossej William, ii, 249 Cruce, Santa, Marquess of, ii, 343? 350, 351, 352 Cumberland, Earl of, ii, 344, 385, 387, 401, 419, 420, 484, 495 Cumberland, Countess of, ii, 405 Cunningham, Robert, ii, 196 Cure, Mr. ii, 247 Curie, of Edmonton, ii, 160, 161 Cusac, Baron, i, 238 Cusack, of Dublin, ii, 37 Cusack, Sir Thomas, i, 88, 89 Dacre, Lord, i, 351, 392 Dacre, Anne, wife of Philip Earl of Arundel, i, 408 Dacre, Elizabeth, wife of Lord William Howard, i, 410 Dacre, Mary, wife of Lord Thomas Howard, i, 410 Dacres, Leonard, i, 357, 368 Dale, Dr. i, 155, 449, 450, 451.— Let ters from him, i, 479, 494, 500, 510, 512 Dakins, Arthur, i, 144 Dalton, Mr. ii, 124 D'Amboise, Mons. Cleremont, ii, S84 D'Amtville, Mons. i, 71, 76,78, 80, 84, 107 Damsel], Sir William, ii, 62, 67, 69, 71, 88 D'Andelot, Mons. i, 116, 264 Daniel, Samuel, ii, 310 Daniell, Audeley,ii, 213 Danvers, Sir Henry, ii, 491, 492.— Let ter from him, ii, 490 D'Anville, i, 122, 510 Darington, Nicholas, i, 496 Darnley, Lord, one of the mourners for the Emperor, i, 177 ; his marriage •with Mary Queen of Scots, 183, 186 ; be is governed by the Lord Robert, 192,197,199,203 Darrell, Mr. ii,307 D'Aubigny, see Lennox D'Aumale, Duke, i, 71, 80,116,314; ii, 139 D'Aussy, Mons. ii, 58 Davies discovers a plot, i, 10 Davies, John, ii, 207 Davis, ii, 4 Davis, Mr. i, 113 Davis, John, letter from him, ii, 493 Davis, John, the navigator, account of bim, ii, 263. — Letter from bim, ib. Davison, William, ii, 31,333; sent to the Tower, 332. — Letters from him, ii, 89, 188, 234, 284, 321 Davola, Marquess, i, 316 Day, John, the printer, i, 166 ; account of him, 447 ; his new shop against St. Paul's, 447, 448 ; attempt against his life, 493 Dearing, Capt. Anthony, ii, 126 Dela, Damian, ii, 71 D'Elbeuf, Marquess, i, 71, 125 Deloney, Thomas, ii, 463 Delves, Mr. reported to be slain in Ire land, i, 65 ; his band, 112 Delvin, Christ. Nugent, ninth Baron of, i, 244 Denmark, King of, his behaviour in the affairs of the Netherlands, ii, 327 ; bis ambassador's demands, 485 Denny, Edward, ii, 147, 157 Denny, Henry, ii, 449 Dent, in Yorkshire, ii, 403, 404 Derby, Earl of, ii, 345, 359, 367, 385, 412.— Letter from bim, ii, 356 Derby, Countess of, ii, 483 Derrick, his Image of Ireland quoted, i, 90 n. Desmond, Earl of, i, 86, 238, 244,451, 452, 453, 454 ; ii, 26, 203, 467 Desmond, James of, ii, 111 Desmond, John of, ii, 120 D'Espernon, Mons. ii, 234, 424 INDEX. 505 D'EstrSes, Gabrielle, mistress of Henry IV. of France, ii, 424 D'Etrapes, Mons. ii, 335 Deux-Ponts, Duke of, i, 313, 314, 319 Devereux, George, ii, 43 Devil and his Dam, ii, 397 Diar, i, 170 Dieppe, receives English soldiers, i, 100 Diagetto, Ludovico da, ii, 5 Dillon, Mr. i, 365 Dillon, James, i, 92, 113 Dillon, Sir Robert, ii, 482 Dionysius, Bp. Parkhurst's opinion of him, i, 165, 166 Dockwray, Mr. ii, 243 Dodington, Mr. i, 506 Doe, Richard, ii, 248 Dogs, presents of, i, 42, 89 ; killed in London, 138, n. D'Oisel, Mons. i, 26, 43, 62, 66 ; be sieged in Leith, 27.— Letter to him, i, 27 Douglas, Archibald, i, 367, 484; ii, 217,258,301, 336, 447.— Letters to him, ii, 305, 309, 315 Douglas, George, i, 226, 227, 234, 266, 267, 269, 296, 483 Douglas, James, see Morton. Douglas, James, ii, 217 Douglas, James, Lord of Spott, ii, 447 Douglas, Peter, i, 470 Douglas, Richard, ii, 447 Dover, plot for the surprise of, i, 10 Dover Haven, reparation of, ii,130 Dowdall, Robert, i, 113 Dowdall, Justice, ii, 26 Downham,i, 157 Downing, Edmund, ii, 62 Doyly, Mr. ii. 63 Doyly, Sir Robert, ii, 63 Doyley, Thomas, taken by the Dun- kirkers, ii, 266. — Letters from him, ii, 266, 270 Dragut, the Turkish admiral, i, 29 Drake, Sir Francis, account of him, ii, 115 ; knighted, 132, 134, 158, 233 n. 227, 301 ; misses the Spanish fleet, 304 ; sent against the Spaniards, 341 ; his successful expedition, 350, 369 ; his expedition to Portugal, 400 ; mentioned, 420, 445.— Letters from him, ii, 303, 372, 379, 380, 385, 389, 422, 445 Draper, Mr. ii, 21 Dreux, in Normandy, 34 ; battle of, 118 Drew, Serjeant, ii, 418 Driburgh, Abbot of, ii, 81 Drinking pots imported from Germany, ii, 124, 125 Drumwhissel, Laird of, ii, 96 Drury, Sir Dm, i, 412; ii, 20 Drury, John, i, 491 Drury, Sir Robert, ii, 20 Drury, Sir William, employed in Scot land, i, 21 ; his marriage, 47 ; ac count of him, i, 266, 292, 412.— Let ters from him, i, 266, 268, 270, 294, 328, 329, 339, 344 Drysdale, John, i, 269 Ducket, Mr. i, 419 Ducket, Sir Lionel, i,478; ii, 62 Let ter from him, i, 478 Dudley, Lord Robert, Earl of Leicester, i, 36 ; violent death of his first wife, 46 ; chosen of the order of St Mi chael, 157, 182 : his opinion of Sir Thos. Smith's behaviour, 161 ; made Earl of Leicester, 177 ; his proposed marriage with Mary Queen of Scots, 179, 186, 187, 188; he furthers the negotiations for Elizabeth's marriage with tbe Archduke, 198, 208 ; in dis grace with the Queen, 206, 207 ; his variance with the Earl of Sussex, &c. 208, 225 ; his hopes of marriage with the Queen, 211 ; he is slandered, 374, 440 ; be builds at Kenilworth, 375, 496 ; ii, 1 ; accused of Essex's death, 35 ; he is in disgrace, 103 ; his quar rel with the Earl of Sussex, 144 ; he goes to the Netherlands, 271 — 273, see Netherlands. His second mission to Holland, 339 ; mentioned, ii, 65, 134, 137, 139, 174, 185, 187, 211, 260, 340, 341,363, 364,370,388 ; his death, 393.— Letters from him, i, 37, 171, 313; ii, 10, 11, 61, 101, 103, 271, 277—281,390, 391.— Letters to him, i, 58,, 106, 186,199, 215, 385,513; ii, 37, 83, 95, 114, 120, 125, 127, 149, 152, 177, 193, 266, 270, 274, 275, 281, 282, 284, 287, 289, 290, 295, 299, 306, 313, 316, 321, 323, 324, 332, 335, 342, 343, 344, 345, 347, 353, 354, 362, 365, 371, 378, 384 Dudley, ii, 243 Dudley, Mr. i, 353 ; ii, 315 Dudley, Thomas, ii, 66 506 INDEX. Duke, Sir Henry, ii, 470 Dumbarton, held by the Duke of Cha- telherault, i, 81 Dumfermling, Abbot of, i, 329, 384; ii, 87 ; commendator of, i, 365, 366, 367 ; lord of, ii, 190 Dumlanerick, i, 233, 340 Dunboyne, Edmond Lord, i, 238 Dundalk, bailiffs of, their letter com plaining of O'Neil, 90, 112 ; the town attacked by O'Neil, 243 Dunkirk, state of the town, ii, 268 Dunn, Mr. ii, 495 Dunnottar, castle of, i, 106 Dupin, Mons. i, 423 Durrhum, Richard, ii, 268 Dyer, Mr. i, 465 ; ii, 69 Dymmock, John, ii, 87 Edmonds, Sir Thomas, ii, 434 ; account of him, 455 Edmonston, Captain, i, 490 Eglinton, Hugh Montgomery, second Earl of, i, 17, 193, 203 Egmont, Count of, i, 152, 186 ; ii, 58 Elizabeth, Queen. — Refuses to hear mass, and introduces the Protestant religion, i, 4 ; receives offers of mar riage from King Philip, 7; makes a progress to Portsmouth in 1560, 39 ; the King of Sweden offers her mar riage, i, 40 ; her disinclination to marriage, 67 ; on a progress in Essex and Suffolk, ib. ; unwilling to marry, 80 ; refuses to name a successor, 130 ; her kindness to the mother of N. Pointz, 170 ; on a progress to Cam bridge, 175 ; ber sickness, 181 ; in clined to marriage, 184 ; negotia tions for ber marriage with the Arch duke of Austria, 198, 207, 211, 225, 265 ; opinions of her in Italy, 316, 318 ; the Pope's bull against ber, 379; negotiations for her marriage with the Duke of Anjou, 385 ; on a progress in Essex, 393 ; on a progress in Bedfordshire, 438, n. ; libel on her, 440 ; proposal for her marriage with the Duke of Alencon, 449, 453 ; Eliza beth on her progress to Kenilworth, ii, 10, 11 ; her diversions at Grafton, 12 ; still on her progress, 16 ; another progress, 61; negotiations with the Duke of Anjou, 99; the French com missioners come, 132, 133, 184 ; on a progress, 236 ; a plot against her life, 279, 280; anniversary of her birth day, 309 ; her interview with her council after the death of Mary Queen of Scots, 332 ; her displeasure with her council continues, 335 ; she visits the camp at Tilbury, 390, 391 ; on a progress to Portsmouth, 413 ; plot to poison the Queen, 435; Elizabeth slandered for her treaty with the Turks, 446, 447 ; Burghley's praise of her fingers, 453 ; her illness, 465 ; her extempore answer to the Polish ambassador, 479, 480 ; her visit to Ruckholt, 482, 483 ; nurses Lord Burghley in his last illness, 488 ; the Queen's death, 494. — Letters from Queen Elizabeth, i, 8, 212, 246, 302, 365, 369, 387 ; ii, 151, 201, 254.— Letters to Queen Elizabeth, i, 1, 9, 24, 30, 177, 259, 276, 396 ; ii, 56, 110, 180, 327, 355, 385 Elphinston, Mr. i, 269. 272 Elton, the Queen's house, i, 145 Elveston, N. i, 256 Embden, Count of, ii, 279 Emerson, John, i, 400 Emperor, death of the, i, 175 ; exequies of the, 177 ; tbe Emperor's opinion of the Pope's bull against Elizabeth, 379 Englefield, Sir Francis, account of him, i, 249, 378 English, the Spaniards despise them at the beginning of Elizabeth's reign, i, 24 Enter, M'William, i, 244 Ernestus, the Archduke, ii, 435 Erskine, Alexander, ii, 222 Erskin, Arthur, i, 230 Erskin, Lord, i, 83, 204 Erskin, master of, i, 498 Essex, Walter Devereux, Earl of, pre pares for an expedition to Ireland, i, 481,496 ; his conflict with Sarleboy, ii, 17 ; his conduct in Ireland, 25, 26 ; returns to England, 27 ; his second expedition, 30 ; his death, 34, 35,36; burial, 43. — Letters from him, i, 484 Essex, Robert Devereux, Earl of, ii, 43 ; description of him while young, 44 ; his reception at Cambridge, 55 ; men tioned, 345, 346 ; in tlie expedition to Portugal, 400, 411, 415, 459, 460 ; made Lord High Marshall, 466 ; 473, 475. — Letters from him, ii, 55, 344, 461. — Letter to bim, ii, 477 INDEX. 507 Etheridge, William, ii, 249 Evers, Lord, i, 223, 339 ; his death, ii, 431 Exeter, Mavor of, letters from, ii, 329, 330 Exmouth, i, 215 Fairfax, Sir Nicholas, i, 273, 275 Fairfax, Nicholas, son of Sir Nicholas, i, 335 Fairfax, Sir William, i, 273 Fairnyherst, Lord of, i, 297, 300, 342, 344, 352, 482 ; ii, 262, 284 Falcons, see Hawks Fane, Sir Thomas, ii, 51, 52 Fanshaw Mr. ii, 20, 159 Farnham, i, 136 Farnham, Royal, stewardship of, 68 Fasts to encourage the fishery, i, 126 Fairfax, Mr. ii, 88 Fectnume, ii, 207 Fench, Oliver Oge, letter from him, ii, 647 Fenix, Mr. of Kent, ii, 20 Fenton, Capt. his voyage, ii, 203 Fenton, Sir Geoffrey, ii, 458 Fentry, ii, 253 Fenwick, Mr. of Stanton, ii, 15, 33 Feria, Count or Duke de, his opinion of the state of England, on the accession of Elizabeth, i, 7; his boasts, 248, 249 Feria, Countess of, i, 249, 391, 392 Ferrara, Cardinal of, i, 104, 105 Ferris, Richard, ii, 421, 422 Fervaques, Mons. de, ii, 181 Fetyplace, i, 169 Fews, the, i, 112 Finch, Sir Thomas, i, 127; drowned, 133 Finland, John Duke of, comes to Eng land, i, 40 Fisher, Mr. ii, 19, 21, 88 Fitton, Sir Edward, of Gawsworth, ac count of him, i, 312 ; his severe go vernment in Ireland, 455 Fitton, Sir Edward, son of the above, ii, 386, 484. — Letter from him, ii, 386 Fitzgerald, Lord, ii, 229, 230 Fitzharbord, ii, 207 Fitzmorris, Lord, i, 244 Fitzmorris, James, ii, 86 Fitzwilliam, ii, 17 Fitzwilliams, Mr. i, 379 Fitzwilliams, John, i, 243 Fitzwil)iams,Sir William,account of him, i, 3,h,70, 361, 25, 27, 32 ; ii, 436.— Letter from him, i, 3 Fitzwilliams, Lady, ii, 103 Flanders, a country rich only by its in dustry, i, 9 Flanders, treaty of trade with, i, 178, 186, 199 ; trade with, 314 Fleming, Lord, i, 204, 220, 267, 270, 294, 295, 341 ; ii, 492 Fleming, Lady, i, 77 Fleming, Mr. of Lincoln's Inn, ii, 418 Fletewood, William, the recorder, ac count of him, ii, 17; his trouble about the Portuguese ambassador, 37 — 43 ; complains of his office, 171. — Letters from him, ii, 17, 37, 41, 42, 62, 66, 70, 72, 86, 97, 159, 161, 164,169, 171, 173, 204, 226, 240, 243, 245, 291, 308, 417 Fletewood, William, cousin of the re corder, ii, 69 Flood, Sir Thomas, ii, 460 Florence, Duke of, i, 319 ; ii, 118 Florida, discovery of, i, 153 Flowerdew, Mr. i, 48 Flowerden, Mr. ii, 186 Floyon, Monsieur de, ii, 58 Flushing, tumult at, ii, 348, 349 Flyske, parson of, i, 229, 232, 233 Forster, Sir John, i, 297, account of him, 298, 485, 490 ; ii, 2, 13, 14, 15, 22, 196.— Letters from him, i, 298, 300.— Letters to him, i, 297 Fortescue, Anthonv, arraigned, i, 121, 127, 129 Fortz, M. de, i, 103 Foster, Christopher, ii, 207 Foule, Mr. i, 164 Fowler, Mr. ii, 63 Fox, John, the martyrologist, account of him, i, 164 ; loves hunting, 166 ; ac count of him, i, 325, n. — Letter from him, i, 324— Letter to him, i, 164 France, Henry II. 1547 — 1559. Negotiations for peace with France on Elizabeth's accession, i, 2, 3 ; beginning of the religious troubles, 31, 33 Francis II. 1559, 1560. His death, i, 51 Charles IX. 1560—1574. Religious troubles, i, 79, 94—96, 102—105, 116; battle of Dreux, 118; the Ad miral leads the Protestants after the death of Conde, 121 ; the religious troubles continue, 122, 125, 131 ; peace made at Orleans, 132 ; ne gotiations for peace with England, 160, 171 ; peace proclaimed, 172, 508 INDEX. 184; the third civil war, 304— 307, 313, 314 ; battle of Coignac, 313 ; movements of the armies, 320; siege of Poitiers,323 ; Charles IX. marries a daughter of the Emperor, 375, 380 ; the suspicions and fears of the Protestants, 426, 427 ; massacre of St. Bartholomew, 448, 440, 443 ; siege of Rochel, 479 ; movements of the Protestants in 1573, 494. Henry III. 1574 to 1589.— The King on his return from Poland, i, 502, - 503, 504, 510, 511 ; marriage of the King, ii, 5 ; a truce, 29 ; the breaking out of tbe sixth civil war, 47 ; cruel faithlessness of the Catholic Generals, 109 ; the Pro testants send a deputation to Eng land, 137—139 ; death of tbe Duke of Anjou, 237 ; strength of the two parties in France after his death, 238 — 240 ; the King leans towards the Protestants, 261 ; conduct of the League, 335 ; the King of Na varre raises the Protestants, 347 ; behaviour of the French ou report of the Spanish armada, 369 ; mur der of the Duke of Guise, 394 ; murder of Henry III. 402. Henry IV. 1589— 1610.— Tbe King of Navarre is acknowledged by the army before Paris, as Henry IV. ii, 402 ; he receives aid from Eliza beth, 410, 411 ; Sir John Norris in France, 429 ; Henry embraces the Catholic faith, 431 n; be enters Paris, 431 ; Rouen delivered, 432 ; Elizabeth's letter to the French King, 439 ; war with Spain, 453 ; 455, 457 ; Calais besieged by the • Spaniards, 459, 460 ; the King aided with money from Elizabeth, 474; siege of Amiens, 476 Frays in London, ii, 19, 205, 227—331 Frazin, Monsieur de, ii, 59 Fravell, i, 357 Frobisher, Martin, engaged in the coal- trade, i, 222, n ; account of him,472, n ; concerned iu a plot, 472 — 474 ; com mands against the Spaniards, ii, 369, 419, 422.— Letter from him, ii, 420 Fulham, the bishop's garden there, i, 164 Gaffes, i, 345 Galtrope, Thomas, ii, 207 Galway, Mayor of, letter from bim, ii, 467 Gand, Viscount of, ii, 90 Gardiner, Mr. ii, 292 Gardiner, Sir Robert, i, 239. — Letters to him, ii, 469, 471 Gargrave, Sir Thomas, account of him, i, 276.— Letter from him, 432 Garrett, Mr. i, 492 Gascoigne, Richard, i, 222, 223 Gaymer, Henry, ii, 311 Gazette, origin of the name, i, 324, n. Geraldi, Francis, i, 467 ; ii, 38, 40, 41, . 42, 42, 88 Glerrard, Mr. i, 373 Gerrard, Mrs. ii, 63 Gerrard, Sir Thomas, ii, 205 Gertruydenberg, loss of, ii, 399 Gesner, Conrad, the naturalist, i, 165, 166 Gheselius, St. Abbot of, ii, 45 Gilbert, Sir Humphrey, i, 424, 425, 435, 437 Gilbert, Sir John, ii, 28 Gilbert, Michael, ii, 219 Gilpin, Mr. ii, 448 Glamis, Master of, i, 490 ; ii, 218, 219, 222, 223, 264, 301 Glencaini, Alexander fifth Earl of, i, 16, 51, 115, 203, 231,258,491,499; ii, 215, 220, 264 Glynston, Nicholas, ii, 78 Goade, Dr. i, 464 Goddard, ii, 160 Godolphin, i, 503 Godolphin, Sir William, ii, 492 Gomez, Ruy, Prince of Eboli, account of him, i, 3, n. 57 Gordon, Lord, i, 114 Gordon, Adam, i, 491 Gordon, Lord George, i, 17 Gordon, Lord John, i, 106, 108 Gorge, Mr. i, 492 Gorge, Nicholas, ii, 295, 321, 324, 325 Gosfield in Essex, i, 71 Goshawks, presents of, i, 42, 89, 90, «. see Hawks. Gouden, Monsieur, ii, 402 Gowry, Earl of, ii, 197, 198, 199, 217, 218, 223, 226 Gowry, Countess of, ii, 223 Grac, Piers, i, 238 Graeme, Master of, i, 341 Grafton, the historian, i, 429 Grafton, the Queen's bouse, i, 114 Grainge, Laird of, see Kirkaldy Granvelle, Cardinal, Bishop of Arras, i, 2, 6 ; his conversation with Chaloner concerning Queen Elizabeth, 23 ; his INDEX. 509 devices with Lethington, 192 ; bis policy, 435 ; ii, 45. 117 Gravendale, monastery of, i, 2 Gray, of Newcastle, i, 344 Gray, James, i, 109 Gray, Master of, ii, 236, 253, 265, 283, 301.— Letters from him, ii, 309, 315 Green, i, 444, 445 Green, Mr. ii, 243 Greene, Sir Richard, ii, 492 Gresham, Sir Thomas, account of, i, 9 n, 128,68,71, 88 Grey, Lord John, i, 173, 174 ; his death, 179 Grey, William, Lord, of Wilton, com mands the English forces at the siege ofLeith, i, 28 Grey, Lord Arthur, of Wilton, i,443 ; in vited to take the lieutenancy of Ireland, 445 ; sent to Ireland, ii, lio ; goes to Ireland again, 140; proposed to be sent to Holland, 332, 335.— Letters from him, i, 443 ; ii, 110, 147 Grey, Lady Catherine, plot of the Spaniards, to carry her out of Eng land, i, 7, 8 ; her secret marriage and pregnancy discovered, 69 ; committed to the Tower, ib. ; she is again with child while in confinement, 129, 130 ; still in confinement, 137, 184 ; her furniture in the Tower described, 140, 141 ; her title to the crown, 173, 174 Grey, Lady Mary, her secret marriage, 207 Griffin, Tom, ii, 450 Grise, Henry, ii, 227 Grivel, Mr. ii, 193 Gryse, Mr., i, 48 Gualter, Mr. ii, 202 Guicciardini, Lorenzo, ii, 49 Guicciardini, Ludovico, ii, 118 Guicciardini, Vincenzo, ii, 49 Guise, Duke of, i, 25 ; is hurt, 125, 502 ; ii, 47, 195, 210, 214, 235, 384 ; he is murdered, 394.— Letter to him, i, 25 Gunter, Mr. ii, 173 Gwarras, Anthony, ii, 39, 40, 70, 71 Haddon, Walter, account of him, i, 128 ; his book against Osorius, 161, 172 ¦ a commission to treat with the Spaniards, 186 Hales, John, his book on the Succession, i, 172, 137, 174, 179, 185 Hall, ii, 242; i, 221 Hall the historian, i, 429 Hall, Ellis, ii, 72 Halley, Mr. ii, 242 Hallowes, Wilfred, ii, 249 Hamilton, James, Earl of Arran and Duke of Chatelherault, account of him, i, 16 n. ; enters Scotland se cretly, under the name of Beaufort, 18 ; be is in favour with Queen Marv, 81 ; opposed to the Queen, 193, 194, 206 ; he solicits from tbe French King aid against the Lords, 259— 261, 280, 293 ; imprisoned, 314, 344, 482 Hamilton, James, Lord Arran, son of trfe Duke, i, 78, 82; his conduct, 83 Hamilton, lord, ii, 264 Hamilton, Claude, i, 398 ; Lord, 499 Hamilton, Lord David, i, 16 Hamilton, Sir James, i, 270 ; ii, 219 Hamilton, Mr. James, i, 482 Hamilton, Mr. John, i, 376,470; Lord, i, 499 Hammer, Meridith, ii, 241 Hammond, Dr. ii, 123 Hampshire, a conspiracy there dis covered, ii, 294,296—299 Hampton, B. letter from, i, 36 Harcott, Capt. ii, 400 Harcourt, Sir Simon, ii, 63 Harding, Margaret, ii, 170 Harding, William, ii, 249 Harfleur, taken by the English, i, 119 Harratt, ii, 65 Harrington, Sir Henry, ii, 127 Harris, Mr. ii, 164, 184, 185, 241 Harrison, i, 493 Harwich, account of the harbour of, ii, 360 Haselby, i, 472 Hastings, Lord, of Loughborough, i, 127 Hastings, Sir Edward, i, 464 Hastings, John, i, 185 Hatchet, Mr. ii, 188 Hate, Edward, ii, 331 Hatfield, tbe Queen's house there, i, 144 Hatton, Sir Christopher, i, 440, 466, 492 ; ii, 28, 69, 345, 359, 380. — Letters from bim, ii, 98, 106. — Letters to him, ii, 93, 99, 100, 123, 140, 142, 144, 145, 147, 157, 162, 163, 188, 193, 385, 450 Havre, see Newhaven Havrec, Marquess of, ii, 45, 59 ; his visit to London, 70 Hawick town burnt, i, 205 Hawks, see Goshawks. Gifts of hawks and falcons, i, 321 ; ii, 65, 92 510 INDEX. Hawkins, Sir John, i, 452 ; account of him, 492. — Letters from him, ii, 158, 231,445 Hawkins, Capt. ii, 173 Hawkins, Dr. letter to, ii, 466 Hayes, Capt. de, i, 122 Hayes, Mr. i, 197 Haynes, Stephen, ii, 199 Hays, Lewis de, ii, 86 Hayward, Sir Rowland, i, 487, 509; ii, 18, 58, 173, 186, 246, 308 Hayward, Mr. ii, 64 Hector, Dr. ii, 110 Helman, John Baptista, ii, 310 Heneage, Sir Thomas, i, 209, 355; ii, 19, 20, 285, 286, 287, 345, 359; bis death, 453 — Letters from bim, ii, 378, 409 Henry, Mr. ii, 230 Herbert, Lord, i, 177 Herbert, John, ii, 215 Herbert, Sir Edward, ii, 470 Herbet, Mr. ii, 354 Herington, Mr. i, 340, 399 Herle, William, i, 423, 474.— Letters from him, i, 423, 471 ; ii, 345 Let ters to him, ii, 130, 133, 208 Hermingham, Mr. ii, 186 Heron, Sir George, i, 297 ; slain, ii, 15 Heron, Sir William, ii, 23 Herries, Lord, his character, i, 276, 280 ; bis intrigues, 292, 295 ; imprisoned, 314,344,413; ii, 368 Hertford, Edward Seymour, Earl of, his marriage with Lady Katherine Grey, i, 129, 173; in confinement, 137, 174, 180, 184; ii, 495, 340 Hervy, Lord, i, 466 Heydon, Sir Christopher, i, 372, 405 Heywood, ii, 6 . Haze, Mons. de, ii, 58 Hichins, Thomas, ii, 248 Hickes, Michael, account of him, ii, 366. — Letter to bim, ii, 366, 402,413, 414, 435, 448, 474, 481, 482, 488, 489 Hickes, Baptist, account of, ii, 414, 489 Hickford,i, 407 Higham, ii, 243 Hobby, Sir Edward, ii, 476 Hobby, Sir Thomas, account of him, i, 211 ; sent to France, 224, 235 Hobby, William, letter from bim, ii, 397 Hobert, i, 372 Hochstrat, Count of, ii, 59 Hoddesdon, Christopher, letters from him, ii, 114, 156 Hogan, Edmond, ii, 56 Hoggin, Mr. i, 7 Holcroft, Mr. ii, 187, 247 Holden, William, ii, 248 Holdenby, description of, ii, 98, 99 Hollack, Count of, ii, 60, 114, 115, 279, 362, 363 Holloway, Francis, ii, 249 Holstock, Mr. i, 462 Holt, William, the Jesuit, ii, 189, 190, 235, 369 Honning, William, letters from, i, 38, 43 Horsey, Mr. ii, 69 Horsey, Capt. i, 120 Hosius, his books, i, 157 Houses of the Queen, i, 144 Houses, for harbouring rogues, ii, 249, 250 ; suspected of harbouring pa pists, 249, n. Howard, of Effingham, William Lord, sent to negotiate a peace with France, i, 1, n. ; Lord Chamberlain, 4 ; i, 443, ii, 207. — Letters from him, i, 443 Howard of Effingham, Lord Charles, account of him, ii, 275, 358, 359, 378, 379, 380, 381, 384, 385, 387, 388, 412, 459.— Letters from him, ii, 275, 357, 359, 369 Howard, Lord Thomas, i, 405, 408, 411 ; ii, 495 Howard, Lord Philip, see Arundel Howard, Lord William, i, 405, 410 Howard, Lady Margaret, i, 409 Howard, Mr. ii, 330 Howell, Henry, ii, 249 Howse, Thomas, ii, 249 Huband, Mr. letter from, ii, 130 Hubard, Sir John, ii, 63 Hudson, Mr. ii, 267 Hume, Lord, i, 35, 75, 76, 192, 252, 271, 328, 342, 351; ii, 225, 264 Hume, Lady, i, 482 ; ii, 219 Humphreys, Dr. Lawrence, i, 165, 167 Hungate, William, i, 273 Hunsdon, Henry Carey, Earl of, i, 172, 177, 209; account of him, 298, 320, 356, 445 ; ii, 65, 174, 229, 345, 412.— Letters from him, ii, 21, 91, 355. — Letter to him, i, 343 ; ii, 225 Hunsdon, Lady, i, 356 Huntingdon, Henry Hastings, 3rd Earl of, i, 177 ; account of him, 310, 490 ; ii, 21, 191— Letters from him, i, 489; ii, 3o8, 370, 373, 431 INDEX. 511 Huntley, George, fourth Earl of, i, 17, 34, 74, 77 ; his death, 105, 106 Huntley, George, fifth Earl of, i, 220, 229, 231, 254, 258, 263, 269, 294, 295, 341, 351, 367, 368, 371, 376, 431, 469,483,491, 500 Huntley, George, sixth Earl of, ii, 219, 225, 447 Hurte, Maurice, i, 441 Huse, Thomas, ii, 249 Hyde, ii, 170 Imokelly, Seneschal of, ii, 127 Influenza in Scotland in 1562, i, 113 Ingleby, Davy, ii, 369 Ipswich, victual conveyed secretly thence, i, 10 Ireland. — Working of the mines there, i, 10 Earl of Sussex, Lord Deputy, 1559 to 1564 — the signet, &c. sent over to him, i, 37 ; his return to England, 60, n. ; Shane O'Neil's rebellion in 1566, 60, 61 ; a new rebellion of Shane, 63 ; robes and coronets sent over, 64 ; tbe English force attacked in Orgiall, 68 ; reinforcements sent to Ireland, 70 ; Shane's progress, 79 ; Shane accorded, 86 ; Shane's submission, 87 ; new rebellion by him, 100, 102, 110, 111 ; Dundalk threatened, 112 ; Sussexrecalled,171 Sir Henry Sydney, 1 565 to 1 571,— i, 198, 210, 225 ; Sbane defeats the Scots, 198 ; Shane's last rebellion, 213, 225, 237, 238, 240, 243, 244 ; Sir H. Sydney's description of the miserable state of Ireland, 244, n. ; repression of the rebellion of the Butlers, 321 Sir William Fitzwilliams,lb71to 1575. — Earl of Thomond's rebellion, i, 390 ; Earl of Desmond and his brother pardoned and set at liberty, i, 456 ; Sir T.Smith's colony of the Ardes, 463, 465, 466 ; Queen Elizabeth's opinion of Ireland, 485 ; Earl of Essex in Ireland, 496 Sir Henry Sydney, 1575 to 1578 — the Queen's irresolution in Irish mat ters, ii, 1 ; the Earl of Essex in Ireland, 17, 25 ; bis conduct, 26, 27 ; tbe deputy's progress, ib. ; the Queen's dislike of the Earl's expe dition, 29, 30 ; death of the Earl of Essex, 34, 35 ;"astir inConuaught,36 Sir W. Pelham, 1579— 1580,— Youg- hall burnt by the Earl of Desmond, ii, 105 Lord Grey of Wilton, 1580—1583. — The Spaniards send an expedition to Ireland, ii, 105 — 108 ; state of Ire land on the arrival of Lord Grey, 110—112; Baltinglas's rebellion, 119; arrival of the Spaniards, and siege of Smerwick, 120 — 122 ; tu mults in various parts, 126, 127 ; peace with Tirlough Lennogh, 147 ; Raleigh's character of Ireland, ii, 149,150—152 ; Desmond's rebellion reduced, 203 Sir John Perrot, 1584— 1588.— State of Ireland, ii, 290 ; planting of Mun ster, 301 ; Sir Richard Bingham gains a great victory over the Irish Scots, 321 Sir W. Fitzwilliams, 1588—1594. — Great expenses of the Irish service, ii, 428 SirWilliam Russell, 1594—1597 Ty rone's rebellion, ii, 436; rebellion in Ulster, 438 ; bad management of the treasury, 440; Tyrone again in rebellion, 444 ; Sir John Norris' encounter with the Earl of Tyrone, 449 ; Armagh victualled, 450 ; the Earl defeated, 451 ; money sent, 454; disagreement between Sir John Norris and the Lord Deputy, 455,456; the Lord Deputy hinders letters to Lord Burghley and Sir Robert Cecil, 458 ; estimate of the expenses of Ireland, 464 ; troubles of Ireland in the beginning of 1596, 466—473 Lord Brough, 1597. — Tyrone's rebel- lionin, ii, 1597, 484. Lord Montjoy, 1600-1603.— Spaniards arrive in Ireland, and battle of Kin sale, ii, 490— 493 Ivy, Anne, i, 420 Jacksley, Capt. i, 329 Jackson, Mr. ii, 490 Jackson, William, ii, 248 James Stuart, King of Scotland — see Scotland — letter to him, ii, 254 Janli, i, 426, 427 Jefeston, Nicholes, i, 268 Jefferies, Mr. ii, 68 Jenye, Mr. a letter from him, i, 255 Jeremy, i, 378 John, Don, of Austria, ii, 45, 58, 59, 60, 65 ; his death, 92 512 INDEX. Johnson, , ii, 249 Johnson, Mrs. ii, 50 Johnston, i, 340 Jones, Mr. i, 31, 56 Jones, George, ii, 248 Jones, Nicholas, ii, 249 Jukes, ii, 290 Julian, Mistress, ii, 24 Junius, ii, 117, 119 Jylls, Bess, i, 418 Kantire, Mole of, i, 79 Kattericke, Anthony, i, 335 Keeper, the Lord, ii, 18, 19 Kelsing, Miles, ii, 197 Kempe, Mr. ii, 197,268 Kempe, Sir Thomas, ii, 20 Kenelle, Mons. ii, 342 Kerrs, of Fairny hirst, noted thieves, i, 35 Kerr, Henry, ii, 195 Kete, William, i, 374 Kildare, Gerald Fitzgerald, 11th Earl of, i, 66, 71, 238 ; ii, 27, his death, 482 KiUigrew, Sir Henry, i, 103, 116, 412 ; ambassador in Scotland, 444,454, 460, 508 ; ii, 387, 445.— Lettersfrom bim, i, 468, 481, 498.— Letters to bim, i, 490 Kilsith, Earl of, ii, 198 Kilwinny, Lord, i, 195 Kimpton, Sheriff, ii, 37, 38, 39, 97 King, Mr. i, 4^6 King, Allayn, letter from him, i, 350 King, John, ii, 471,472 Kingessmele, ii, 212 Kingston, the freeholders of, i, 4 Kirby, John, ii, 88 Kirkby, i, 378 Kirkham, ii, 418 Kirkaldy, Sir James, Laird of Grainge, reported to be hurt in a skirmish with the French, i, 17 ; governor of Edin burgh Castle, 270 ; unfriendly to the Regent, 328, 329, 341, 342, 351, 377, 401 Kirkaldy, Mr. James, i, 430, 461, 470 Kirkham, William, ii, 331 Kirrie, i, 464 Kittagh, M' Walter, ii, 466, 467 Knell, ii, 36 Kniveton, ii, 55, 185 Knollys, Sir Francis, account of him, i, 272, 297, 308, 359.— Letters from bim, i, 272, 276, 280, 282, 283, 284, 286, 287, 289, 291, 496 ; ii, 74, 153,417.— Letters to bim, ii, 13 Knollys, Lady, her death, i, 308, 315 Knollys, Henry, i, 96, 185, 308, 310, 311, 312 Knollys, William, i, 301 Knox, John, his return to Scotland, i, 12; his proceedings, 14 ; his mother, 15; his description of the great seal, 20 ; his interview with Mary Queen of Scots, 72, 73; bis character, 77, 114 ; his history of Scotland, 429; his death, ib. n. — Letter from, i, 12 La Brosse, i, 25, employed in Scotland, 26, 42.— Letter from him.i, 25 La Chappelle des Oursins, Mons. i. 264 La Ferte, Mons. de, ii, 181 La Fontaine, Mons. de, ii, 235 La Haye, Mons. i, 117 Lakins, Thomas, i, 148 Lakyn, Rowland, i, 457 Lalaing, Mons. de, ii, 59 Lamb, Mr. ii, 393 Lambert, i, 335 Landores, i, 229 Lane, Sir Robert, ii, 1 70 Langley, tbe Queen's house there, i, 144 Langsyde, battle of, i, 271, 272 Languet, ii, 117 La Noue, Mons. ii, 128- Lantkercke, Count of, ii, 58 Lanyson, Mr. ii, 308 La Roisseliere, Mons. de, ii, 181 Lascelles, Christopher, i, 289 Latimer, Lord, i, 348, 339 Laurence, Don, i,392 L'Avernie, Mons. de, ii, 181 Layne, Mr. ii, 241 Lea, river, riot on the, ii, 159 Leache, i, 135 Leacbe, John, letter from him, i, 353 Leake, Mr. ii, 159 Leamounte, Mons. de, i, 271 Ledsham, ii, 66 Lee, Sir Henry, ii, 230 Lee, Sir Richard, i, 105 Lee, Sir Thomas, ii, 71 Lees, in Essex, i, 393 Leicester, Earl of, see Dudley. Leiege, Mons. de, ii, 58 Leigh, Henry, ii, 269 Leighton, i, 103 Leighton, Sir Thomas, ii, 187, 378.— Letters from bim, ii, 342, 353 Leith, held by tlie French ; its strength, i, 21 ; besieged by the Enghsh and Scots, 27 ; hard pressed, 29, 33 Lennox, Earl of, i, 82, 187, 192, 193, 195, 220, 234, 367 ; slain, 393, 398 Lennox, Lady, committed to custody, i, 197 ; mentioned, 393 Lennox, Esme Stuart Earl of (D'Au- INDEX. 513 bigny)ii, 96, 97, 131, 132,134,195, 196, 198, 199 Lennough, Tirlough, ii, 34, 111, 119, 126, 147 Leryman, John, ii, 249 Lesley, parson of Ovne, i, 229 Lesley, William, i, 267 L'Espernon, Mons.ii, 237 Le Strange, Thomas, ii. 127 Lethington, Lord of, i, 51, 62, 72, 73, 74, 80, 83, 84, 85, 108, 114, 179, 187, 187, 191, 197, 229, 230, 232, 233; joined with the lords against Mary,, 252, 253, 262, 264, 270, 278 ; jealous of Morton, 328, 329, 340, 342, 343, 244, 345, 362, 364, 369, 370, 371, 376, 377 ; he holds Edinburgh castle with Grange against the regent, 380, 382, 430; his death, 481. — Letters from him, i, 362,430 Lethington, Lady, i, 482 Levenson, Mr. ii, 185, 186 Leveret, Mr. i, 455 Leveret Robert, ii, 249 Leveson, Lord, i, 83, 220 Leveston, Lady, i. 77 Levingston, Lord, i, 311, 369, 370, 376, 395, 499; ii, 82 Levingston, Master of, ii, 195, 264 Levingston, Lady, i, 395 Lewis, Dr. i, 19, 20,69, 186, 231 Lexden, in Essex, i, 45 Libellous writings, ii, 123 Light, Mr. ii. 184, 185 Limoges, Bishop of, French ambassador in Spain, i, 53 Lincoln, Earl of, ii, 338, 418 Lindsay, Lord, i, 220, 227,228, 233, 269, 376, 380 ; ii, 223, 226 Linerolles, Mons. de, i, 263, 264 Lloyd, ii, 68 Loader, i, 2~0 Lochinvar, Laird of, i, 384 Locker, George, ii, 302 Lodowick, Count, i, 293, 436 L'Ombre, Mons. de, i, 480 London, reported to be on fire, ii, 330, 331 Loos, Andreas de, ii, 354 Lorraine, Cardinal of, i, 25, 33, 217, 219, 262, 288, 307,— Letter to him, i 25 Lochleven, Lord of, i, 269, 381 Louiston, John, i, 296 Love, the Family of, ii, 153 Loveless, Mr. ii, 432 Lowe, i, 345 VOL. II. Lowe, Alderman, ii, 450, 481, 488, 489 490 Ludham, i, 165 Lumley, Lord, i, 177, 223 ; ii, 345 Lyons, Capt.i, 121 Macconnel, James, a chieftain of the Scottish islanders, i, 71, 78 ; defeated, by Shane O'Neil, 198 ; allies himself with Shane, 218 ; offers to take the Isle of Man, ii, 217, 236 Macconnel, Otho, i, 78 M'Dermod, i, 213 ; ii, 468 M'Feigh, Lord of Muskerry, ii, 111 M'Gaule,ii, 127 M'Genes, i, 113 Macguire, ii, 438 Macguire, Shane, account of him, i, 88 ; his troubles by O'Neil's followers, 89, 93, 100—102, 110, 111, 237, 243.— Letters from him, i, 88, 93, 100, 110 M'Hugh, Feigh, ii, 438, 445, 452, 471 Maclane, i, 78 Macmabon, i, 91, 92, 112 Mecneil, Neil Oge, i, 92 MacOwelin.i, 111 M'William, ii, 467, 468 Maguile, James, i, 267 Maieieth, Duke of, i, 11 Maitland, Sir John, Secretary to King James, i, 368 ; ii, 283 Malby, Capt. i, 466, 481 ; ii, 30 Malby, Sir Nicholas, ii, 111 Man, Mr. Dean of Gloucester, account of him, i, 247. — Letters from him, i, 247, 249 Man, Isle of, ii, 217 Manethe.Thos. i, 9 Mannering, the robber, ii, 292 Manners, John, ii, 362 Manners, Roger, i, 355 , Manningville, the Frericb ambassador in Scotland, ii, 190, 195, 196, 197, 198 Mansfield, Count, ii, 59 Mansfield, Volardus van, i, 306 Marino, Julio, ii, 310 Marischal, William, fourth Earl of, i, 34 ; ii, 264 Marocco, Queen Elizabeth's embassy to, ii, 56, 57 ; battle of Alcazar, 85, 92 Marr, John Erskine, Earl of, i, 204, 258, 367, 376 ; made regent of Scotland, 398 ; ii, 81, 218, 219, 222, 253, 261 Marr, Countess of, i, 498 Marriage, a clandestine, ii, 20 ; a forced marriage, 205, 206 Marsham, i, 374 LL 514 INDEX. Marshe, Count de la, ii, 181 Marston, William, ii, 331 Martchant, Captain, ii, 421 Martiques, Count, i, 43, 260, 264 Martin, Nicholas, ii, 329, 331 Martin, Sheriff, ii, 161, 173, 249, «. Mary, Queen of England, her war with France, i. 1 Mary of Guise, Queen Dowager of Scot land. See Scotland. — Letter from her, i, 27. Ma hy Queen of Scots. Her behaviour after the death of her husband Francis II., i, 58 ; she prepares to return to Scotland, 62 ; refused a passage through England, 67 ; returns to Sc ot- land, 69, 71 ; pageants in Scotland at her reception, 73, 74 ; she follows French counsels, 78 ; her professions of friendship for Elizabeth, 84 ; proposed interview between her and Elizabeth, 97; makes a progress in the north of Scotland, 98; a marriage proposed be tween her andLeicester, 179, 183, 186; rumours of her marriage with Darn- ley, 197; account of her marriage with Darnley, 199 — 203; reported to be with child, 217; she is imprisoned in Lochleven, 250 — 266 ; she attempts to escape, 267 ; desires to marrv George Douglas, 266 ; escapes from Lochle ven, 268 ; arrives at Carlisle, 272, 273; Scrope and Knollys visit her there, 277; uncertainty of the English government as to what measures to take with her, 279; Knollys' charac ter of her, 280, and her designs, 282, 286, 293 ; diversions of her attendants, 283 ; she refuses to acknowlege Mur ray as regent, 284, 285 ; removed to Bolton Castle, 287—289 ; project to rescue her, 297 ; a commission to examine her cause, and Elizabeth's letter to her, 302 ; she is taken to Tutbury Castle, 307 ; Nicholas White's interview with her, 308 — 311 ; she proposes to marry the Duke of Nor folk, 323— 327; concerned in Norfolk's plot, and put under further restraint, 394 — 397 ; the Bishop of Ross's charac ter of her, 339, n. ; her sickness, 401 ; proposal to cut off her bead, 439, 440, n. ; a plot to release her, 457 ; removed to Chatsworth, ii, 54; she carries on intrigues in Scotland, 195, 196 ; mea sures for her liberation, 200 ; stopped by the discovery of ber intrigues, 209 ; she is accused of having a child by the Earl of Shrewsbury, 241; her desire to move from Tutbury, 256, 257 ; discovery of Babington's conspi racy, 306, 307, 309, 310, 313, 314 ; she is removed to Fotheringhay, 307 ; her trial, 314, 319, 320, 323 ; sentence pronounced on her, 326 ; rumours of her escape, and of London being set on fire, 329 — 332 ; her execution, 332, 333.— Letters from Mary, i, 383. — Letters to Mary, i, 302, 430 ; ii, 209 Mason, Mr. i, 109, 174, {1 Sir John,) 180 Mason, Sir John, account of him, i, 117. — Letter from him, i, 127 Mass-mongers, taken at the French and Spanish ambassadors', i, 123, 128, 131 ; at the Portuguese ambassador's, 467 ; ii, 37 ; at the French ambassa dor's, 86 Massam, Alderman, ii, 204 Masters, Dr. ii, 70 Maurice, Count, ii, 278, 322, 325, 362, 365, 483 Mauvissiere, the French ambassador, i, 171, 172, 210, 503 ;ii, 16, 140, 230,235 Maximilian made King of the Romans, i, 97 ; emperor, 176 Maxwell, i, 17 Maxwell, Lord, i, 342 ; ii, 66, 264, 284, 334 Maxwell, master of, i, 258, 269 May.— ni May-day, ii, 308 Maynard, Sir Henry, account of bim, ii, 448, — Letters from him, ii, 435, 448, 458, 481, 482 Mears, Count of, ii, 280 Med calf, a Norfolk conspirator, i. 374 Medina Celi, Duke of, defeated by the Turks, i, 29 ; his son taken prisoner by them, 41 Medina Sidonia, Duke of, ii, 342, 381, 382, 384, 389 Meen, ii, 2 Mekerke, Mons. ii, 45 Mekins, Thomas, ii, 248 Melcbesio, Lazarus, ii, 409 Melleroy, Mons. ii, 47 Mellila in Arragon, a wonderful accident there, i, 185 Melvil, Sir James, i, 2l6, n. 252, 412. — Letter from him, i, 4219, 220 ; his life saved, 499 Melvil, Robert, i, 216, , 216, 217 Melyn, Andrew, ii, 215, 216, 227 Men, Sir Robert, ii, 264 INDEX. 515 Mendoza, the Spanish ambassador, ii, 505, 511 Mendoza, Bernardino de, ii, 87, 175 Mennell, i, 335 Menteith, William, fifth Earl of, i, 16 Merche, Mr. i, 10 Mercolles, ii, 305 Meru, Mons. de, 185 Merude, Baron, ii, 58 Metcalf, Mr. i, 353.— See Medcalf. Mewtes, Sir Peter, i, 75, 78, 84 Mitchell, Capt. ii, 114 Middle-men in Ireland, their character, i, 111 Middlemore, Mr. i, 122, 123,124, 282, 284, 286 Middleton, a Norfolk conspirator, i, 373 Middleton, John, ii, 248 Might, Mr. i, 112 Mildmay, Sir Anthony, ii, 474, 475, 476 Mildmay, Sir Walter, i, 490 ; ii, 43, 99, 214.— Letters from him, i, 506 ; ii, 307 Mines in Ireland, i, 10 Minshew, Captain, ii, 492 Moffet, i,190 Molyneux, Mr. i, 123 Molyneux, Edward, letter from him, ii, 136 Mondragon, ii, 59 Molyns, ii, 65 Monson, Mr. 106 Montague, Anthony Browne, Viscount, i, 38, 473 Montague, Justice, a saying of his, i, 40 Montalban, Duke of, i, 313 Montbeau, Mons. i, 512 Montgomery, Gabriel Count, i, 103. 104, 120, 450, 452, 502 Montgomery, Lord, i, 220 Montgomery, Capt. i, 490 Montgomery, Robert, i, 490 Montbaut, or Hill Hall, in Essex, 465 Montigny, Mons. de, ii, 59 Montjoy, James Blount, sixth Baron, ii, 286, 495 Montmorency, Marshal, ii, 109, 138 Montpensier, Duke of, i, 512 ; ii, 47, 181, 347, 434 Montrose, William Graham, twentieth Earl of, i, 34; ii, 82, 215,217, 225, 264, Moon, Mr. i, 369 Moor, the, the Queen's house, i, 144 Moorcroft, John.ii, 249 Moore, Thomas, ii, 248 More, George, ii, 102 More, Sir Thomas, ii, 162 More, William, of Loseley, i, 3, it. — Letter to him, i, 3 Moreton, Mr. letter to him, ii, 136 Morette, Mons. de, i, 59 Morgan, Sir Thomas, ii, 388, 389, 391 Morgan, Sir William, ii, 87, 127, 136, 213 Morish, John, ii, 446 Morley, Lord, i, 373, 500, 501 Morley, Richard, i, 222, n. Morton, James Douglas, fourth Earl of, i, 17, 51, 76, 83, 187, 203, 227, 228, 230, 231, 232, 234, 236, 269, 278, 292, 300, 328, 329,340, 342, 367, 376, 382, 384, 414 ; ii, 82, 83, 91, 96, 132, 134.— Letter from him, ii, 33 Morton, Archibald, Earl of, ii, 217, 220, 269, 270 Morton, Mr. i, 290, 301 Mosman, i, 482 Mothe, M. de la, i, 591, 511 Mounslow, Nicholas, ii, 9Y Mount, Christopher, i, 96 Mowgrave, Cotton, letter from him, ii, 293 Muffett, Mr. i, 100 Murray, James Stuart, Earl of, ii, 114, 179,184, 193, 195,205, 206; he re turns to Scotland, 215, 216 ; Cecil's opinion of him, 225, 227, 229; arrives in Scotland, 230 ; taken to favour, 231, 232, 234, 236; he comes secretly out of France, 255, 256, 261 ; arrives in Scotland, 263, 264; his interview with Mary, 266 ; regent, 268, 269 ; gains the battle of Langsyde, 270 ; sends Mary her apparel, 288 ; comes to England to the commission for trial of Mary's cause, 299 ; his murderer, ii, 23.— Letters from bim, i, 297, 321 Myites, Francis, letter from him, ii, 129 Mylles, Thomas, ii, 252, 261, 402, 403 Nallard, i, 373 Nantoillet, Mr. i, 172 Nash, Michael, ii, 63 Navarre, Anthony, King of, his death, i, 100, n., 104 Navarre, Queen of, 314 ; ii, 59; poison ed, ii, 311 Navarre, Henry King of, serves under the admiral, i, 314 ; ii, 47 ; leads the Protestants, 109, 134, 138, 139, 211, 2l5, 234 ; becomes heir apparent, 237, 336 ; heads the Protestants, 346, 347, 355, 384 ; ascends the throne as Henry IV. 402, see France. Navy, moral condition of the, ii, 178 ll2 516 INDEX. Nawler, i,378 Nele, ii, 248 Netherby, Lord of, ii, 432 Netherlands, King Philip prepares to quit the Ne therlands, i, 6, n. Duchess of Parma regent, 1559 — 1568. Elizabeth congratulates her on her accession, i, 9 ; the embargo on the English trade, 154 ; their trade with England, 175, 179, 186 ; Duke of Alva leads an army to the Low Countries, 261, 262 Duke of Alva regent, 1568—1573. English volunteers go into the Low Countries, 424, 424 ; religious troubles, 426 ; policy ¦ of Spain to wards tbe Netherlands, 435 — 437 Don Lewis de Requesens regent, 1573 — 1575. Conduct of the Advocate Fiscal, ii, 3 ; the country more pa cified, 6 Don John of Austria governor, 1 576 — 1578. Condition of the Netherlands in 1576, ii, 45, 46 ; treacherous pro ceedings of Don John, 58 — 60 ; battie of Gemblours, 76 ; battle of Rimenant, 89 ; position of affairs, 90 ; death of Don John, 92 Duke of Parma governor, 1578 — 1592. His appointment, ii, 92 ; the events of the war, 114, 115 ; surprise of Mechlin, 127, 128 ; Stenwick re lieved, 129; the Protestants elect the Duke of Anjou governor, 137, 148 ; battle of Northorne, and siege of Endouen, 156, 157 ; tumult with the French at Antwerp, 181, 182; Duke of Anjou in tbe Netherlands, 191 ; assassination of the Prince of Orange, 193, 235 ; plan for a pa cification, 211; siege of Ipres, 213 ; Queen Elizabeth receives the Low Countries under ber protection, 260; Sir Philip Sidney arrives at Flush ing, 270 ; the Earl of Leicester sent to the Netherlands, 271—273 ; Leicester's early proceedings, 277 — 281 ; be accept the government, 277 ; the Queen's anger, 282, 285 —288; she is appeased, 291, 295 ; Leicester's proceedings, 300, 306, 314, 315; battle of Zutphen, 316— 318,321; Leicester returns,322,323, 324, 325 ; behaviour of the King of Denmark, 327, 328 ; Spanish ships arrested by the English, 337, 338 ; Leicester's second mission, 339; proposals for peace, 341 ; loss of Sluise, 343, 344 ; tumult at Flush ing, 348, 349 ; treaty for peace, 354 ; dissensions between tbe two parties in Holland, after Leicester's de parture, 362—365 ; the Duke of Parma prepares to join the armada, 371 ; accusations against Lord Wil loughby, 399 ; surprise of Zutphen, 412, 413; death of the Duke of Parma, 423 Archduke of Austria governor, 1593 to 1594. Differences between theQueen and the States about tbe payment of their debts, ii, 441 ; Count Maurice takes Berk, 483 Nevill, ii, 454 Nevil, Christopher, i, 332, 334 Nevill, Sir Henry, i, 393 ; ii, 495 Nevill, Sir John, i, 337 Nevil, Richard, i. 332 Newhaven occupied by the English, i, 94, 96, 99, 100, 105, 109, 117—119, 124, 125; visited by the plagie, 135; delivered by the English, 136, 139 Newsmongers of London in 1570, de scribed, i, 347, n. Newspapers, their antiquity, i, 323, n. Newton, Mr. ii, 402 Nouailles, Monsieur de,i, 55 Norfolk, Thomas Howard, Duke of, com mands the forces on the Scottish bor der, i, 26, 34 ; returns from Scotland, 42 ; unfriendly to the Earl of Leices ter, 209; approves of the marriage with Austria, 225, 265 ; accused of being a Papist, 265; proposes mar riage with Mary, 323—327; in the tower, 372, 373,' 374 ; his plot, 392, 394; his letter to his children, 402 ; the Queen's reluctance to order his execution, 416. — Letters from him, i, 265, 402. — Letter to him, i, 324 Norfolk, Duchess of, her burial, i, 165 Norfolk plot in 1570, i, 372— 374 Norris, Sir Edward, ii, 270, 436. — Let ter from him, ii, 371 Norris, Sir Henry, account of him, i, 259, 386. — Letter from him, i, 259, 304 Norris, Sir John, ii, 136, 212, 322, 339, 341, 346, 378,400, 411, 429,444,449, 455,456,470, 471,472, 473, 483.— Letters from him, ii, 180, 193, 208, 450 INDEX. 517 Norris, Thomas, ii, 126 Norris, Sir Thomas, ii. 449 North, Richard Lord, sent on an embassy to France, i, 512 ; in Holland, ii, 278, 336, 354. — Letter from him, ii, 393, 401. North of England, condition of, i, 148, 149 ; the rebellion of 1569, 331—348 ; state of the country after the rebellion, 349; state of in 1573,489; in 1589 and 1590, ii, 403— 405, 409 North-west passage, voyage in search of the, ii, 263 Northampton, Marquis of, i, 87 Northampton, Marchioness of, i, 50 Northumberland, Thomas Percy Earl of, i, 223 ; goes to meet the Queen of Scots at Carlisle, 272—275; he and the Earl of Westmoreland rebel, 331 — 348 ; taken by the Regent of Scotland, 348 ; at Edinburgh, 350, 352 ; at Lochleven, 381, 415; delivered to the English and executed, 432 — 134; ballad on his delivery, 432, n. Northumberland, Countess of, i, 350 ; account of her, 351, 352 ; at old Aber deen, 368 ; escapes to Flanders, 377, 378, 391. — Letter from her, i, 391 Northumberland, Henry Percy, Earl of, ii, 48. — Letter from, ii, 48 Northumberland, Henry Percy, Earl of, ii, 495 Norton, Francis, i, 332, 334 Norton, Richard, i, 332 Norton, Thomas, of Sharpenhoe, i, 346, n. ; ii, 19 ; account of him, ii, 123 ; death of his mother-in-law, 161, 162 ; mentioned, 183, 187. — Letters from him, ii, 123, 167 Noue, Monsieur de la, i, 502 Nowell, Mr. ii, 205, 425 Nowell, Alexander, dean of St. Paul's, i, 136, 166 Nudigate, John, ii, 68 Nugent, Sieve, i, 238 Nugent, William, ii, 236 Oatlands, the Queen's house, i, 144 O'Connor, ii, 127 O'Connor Sligo, i, 213 Octavian.anltalian captain, bringsFrench forces to Scotland, i, 25 O'Donnel, ii, 111, 438, 439 O'Donnell, Callagh, aud his wife taken by Shane O'Neil, i, 63, 79 ; his coun try ravaged, 237 O'Donnel, Hugh, joins with Shane O'Neil, i, 101,102, 110 O'Donnell, Hugh Roe, ii, 466, 467, 468, 471 Offaly, invaded by rebels, i, 65 Ogibing, Captain, i, 490 Ogle, James, ii, 15 Ogleby, Lord, i, 368 O'Hanlon, i, 113, 240 Oisel, de, see D'Oisel Oldenburgh, Count of,i, 125 O'Melagblin, ii, 127 O'Mores, their rebellion, i, 167, 238 O'Neil, Maurice, 92 O'Neil, Shane, raises a rebellion in Ire land, i, 60, 61 ; how to reduce him, 78 ; he submits, 89 ; his appearance before tbe Queen, 87 ; bis depreda tions on Macguire, 89, 100—102 ; he rebels anew, 93, 100, 110, 111 ; de feats Macconnel, 198 ; his last rebel lion, 213; allies himself with Mac- connell, 218 ; joins with Argyle, 221 ; his boasts, 228 ; in rebellion, 237, 231, 243 ; his death, 244, n. 246 Orange, Prince of, heads the Protestants in Holland, i, 426, 436 ; ii, 31, 69, 70 135, 139,192,193,212, 234 O'Reily invaded by Shane O'Neil, i, 60, 61, n., 89, 237 O'Reilies, tbe, Irish rebels, ii, 471 Ormiston, John Cockburn laird of, is robbed by the Earl of Bothwell, i, 20, n. ; receives money for tbe aid of the Scottish Protestants, 21, 490 Ormond, Thomas Butler, Earl of, i, 86, 146, 147, 390, 454, 481; ii, 26, 27, 35, 203 O'Rourk, i, 213 O'Rourke, ii, 467, 468 Orrell, Mr. ii, 236 Ortell, Mr. ii, 281, 354 Orwick, ii, 111 Osborn, a seminary priest, ii, 169, 170 Osborne, Mr. ii, 20 Osborne, Peter, ii, 162 Osorius, account of him and his book against Elizabeth, i, 161 Owen, Mr.ii, 186,246 Oxford, Edward de Vere, Earl of, i, 504, 507 ; ii, 101, 267, 414 Oxford, the infection at the jail delivery there, ii, 61—63 Oxford, Mayor of, ceremony of his swear ing, ii, 241 Oxford preachers, their heterodox doc trine, ii, 292 518 INDEX. Pacheco, Don John, i, 39 Paget, Lord, ii, 256 Paget, Charles, ii, .486 Pallavicino, Horatio, ii, 282, 347 Pallison, Alderman, ii, 68 Papists, laws and penalties against, i, 126 ; they spread seditious books in England, 224 Parais, Mr. ii, 483 Pare, Lewis de, ii, 280 Paris, provost of, i, 122, 132 Paris Garden, accident at, ii, 183, 184, 186 Parker, i, 373 Parker, Captain, ii, 318 Parkyns, D. ii, 447 Parliament, elections for the, i, 4 ; open ing of, 121 ; its proceedings, 123, 124 ; Fletewood's account of the opening of a new Parliament, ii, 243, 244 Parma, Margaret Duchess of, account of her, i, 9, n. see Netherlands. Parma, Duke of, governor of the Nether lands, ii, 92, 193, 209, 213, 266, 267, 277, 278, 279, 280, 300, 327, 341, 352, 354, 382, 383, 387, 389, 390; Bis death, 423 Parry, William, letters from him, ii, 191, 201 Pasley, i, 483 Paulet, Sir Hugh, i, 105, 117 Paul's, St., Dean of, ii, 21, see Nowell. Pegrillion,M. i, 103 Pelham, Sir William, ii, 120, 280, 322, 346 Pembroke, William Herbert, Earl of, sick, i, 38, 40, 69, 70 ; attends the council, 87 ; marriage of his son, 130 Pembroke, Henry Herbert, Earl of, ii, 95, 103 Pembroke, Countess of, ii, 95 Pendred, ii, 73 Penn,Mrs.letters to her.ii, 414,415,416 Penne, Anthony, letter to him, i, 241 Percy, Sir Henry, account of bim, i, 350, 434, see Northumberland, Henry, Earl of.— Letters from him, i, 356.— Letters to him, 350, 354 Perne, i, 127, 136 Perrot, Sir John, i, 455, 456 ; ii, 482 Persia, English trade with, i, 419 Peter, Mr. ii, 21 Petre, Sir William, account of him, 30 ; mentioned, 36, 109, 180 Petwortb, buildings at, ii, 48 Philip, King, see Spain, Netherlands, &c. — Letter to him, i, 12 Pickering, Hester, ii, 19 Pickering, Sir William, ii, 19 Piers, Captain, ii. Ill, 124, 127 Pilson, Roger, i, 415 Pinart, Monsieur, ii, 235 Pinoij, Prince of, ii, 157 Pipe, Mr.i, 467; ii, 21, 174 Pirates, English, troublesome, i, 66, 168, 178 ; ii, 199, 396 Piscare, Marquis of, i, 316 Plague in England, i, 134, 138, 152, 166, 167 ; ii, 19, 67, 183ri8'7 ; in Ireland, ii, 27 — _ — Players, Bishop Griudal's observa tions on them, i, 167 ; suppressed, ii, 229 Ples3y, Monsieur de, ii, 109 Poinings, Sir Adrian, i, 94, 127, 133 Pointz, N. letter from him to Cecil, i, 170 Poissy, Sinod of, i, 79 Poland, the Duke of Anjou elected King of, i, 494 ; he is close watched, 500 ; the Poles proceed to another election, 513 ; repent that of the Duke of Anjou, 514 ; the Polish ambassador's speech to the Queen, and her answer, ii, 478 —481) ; his affairs, 481 Polate, Captain, ii, 410 Pole, Thomas, ii, 67 Polwhele, ii, 206 Poole, Arthur, and his brother's plot, 103, 121, 129, 129 Pools, John, i, 472 Poor Laws, working of the new, ii, 406, 407 Poore, Sir Henry, ii, 491, 492 Pope, called Bishop of Rome by English, i, 41 ; Pius IV. prosecutes the Col- lonnas, ib. ; the Pope offers a reward to any one who would murder Eliza- beth.i, 126 ; death of Pius IV. 217; the Pope's bull against Elizabeth, 379 Popham, Mr. ii, 126 Portinary, Mr. i, 105, 117 Portington, Mr. ii, 402 Portugal, the King of, killed in Africa, ii, 92 ; tbe new King, 95 ; the kingdom seized by Spain, 116 — 118, see An tonio Possession, a case of, i, 509 Post, tlie first post established with Ire land, i, 64 Potter, John, ii, 267 Poulet, Sir Amias, account of him, ii, 255, 307, 339,351.— Letters from him, ii, 255 INDEX. 519 Poulter, John, ii, 249 Powder, a new mode to preserve, i, 11 Powell, David, letter from him, ii, 398 Powle, Mr. ii, 347 Pray, Richard, ii, 331 Pregles, Mr. i, 75 Prentices, London, their riotous beha- viour/ii, 227, 231 ; conspiracy among them, 308, 309 Prestall, i, 127, 378 Preston, ii, 215 Preston, Lord of, i, 270 Price, Mr. ii, 466 Prinne, Edward, letters from him, ii, 179, 350 Prior, Grand, of Scotland, i, 71, 76, 77, 80,34 Probert, Thomas, i, 441 Proby, Mr. ii, 458 Progresses of the Queen, see Elizabeth Protestants, great conspiracy against them, i, 219 Protestant religion proclaimed in Eng land, i, 5, n. Protestant refugees, their behaviour in England, ii, 9 Puckering, Mr. ii, 243, 244 Puckering, Sir John, letter to him, ii, 466 Pulison, Thomas, ii, 240 Puritans, their behaviour, i, 169, 476, 477; ii, 146,417 Pyckman, Capt. i, 435, 437 Quarle, ii, 478 Quintin, i, 135 Radford, Roger, ii, 249 Raleigh, Sir Walter, i, 372, ri. ; ii, 89, n. ; 121, n.; account of him, 149, 414; his want of diligence in letter-writ ing, ii, 477, 478. — Letters from him, ii, 149, 290 Randan, Sieur de, i,53 Randall, Mr. ii, 19, 68 Randolph, Thomas, account of him, i, 16 ; expected at Berwick, 18 ; his life attempted, 212 ; his embassy to Moscovy, 313 ; sent to Scotland, 358 ; Lethington's opinion of him, 364, 369, 457 ; in France, 495 ; in Scot land ii, 135, 141 ; returns from Scot land, 293, 301 ; mentioned, 403.— Letters from him, i, 71, 75, 81, 106 113, 188, 189, 199, 216, 219, 226 358, 366, 368, 370, 376, 380, 413 415; ii, 305. — Letter to him, i, 61, 212, 313, 412, 427 ; ii, 76, 129, 293 Ranzoveus, Henry, ii, 327 RambouiUet, Mons. i, 218, 220, 253 Ramsey, Capt. ii, 218 Ramsey, Sir Thomas, ii, 356 Ratcliffe, Egremont, i, 500, 504 Ratcliffe, Lady Frances, i, 80 Ratcliffe, Sir Henry, i, 345.— Letters from him, i, 345, 348, 355 ; ii, 46 ; see Sussex Ratcliffe, Lady Mary, i, 80 Ratcliffe, Thos. ; see Sussex Raylton, Mr. i, 12, 1 5, 20.— Letter to him, i, 12 Raynolds, ii,228 Raynsford, Roger, ii, 249 Read, Mr. i, 283, 290, 376 Reader, Mr. ii, 21 Reagh, Walter, ii, 452 Reau, Mons. du, ii, 215 Rede, James, ii, 224 Redman, i, 372 Reidswire, Raid of the, ii, 13—16, 22, 23,33 Religion, state of, i, 156, 157 Rampton, Edward, ii, 463 Renney, ii, 310 Requesens, Don Lewis Zuniga de, ii, 3 Requests, Master of tbe, ii, 246 Resinghen, Mons. de, ii, 45 Retz, Mareschal de, i, 494, 510, 511 Revell, Mr. John, i, 457, 458, 459 Rbinegrave, the, i, 8, 119, 131, 177, 179, 306 Rich, Robert Lord, ii, 154 Ridolpbi, i, 398 Ridolphi, Piero, ii, 50, 51 Riots in London, ii, 184, 185 ; at Brain- ford, 242 Rimenant, battle of, ii, 89 Rither, James, letters from him, ii, 376, 403, 407 Rivers, Sir John, ii, 18 Rizzio, David, in favour with Mary Queen of Scots, i, 221 ; is murdered, 226 — 223 ; his riches, 233 Robert, the Lord, see Stuart Robinson, i, 395; ii, 224 Robinson, Capt. i, 490 Robsart, Amy, wife of Lord Robert Dudley, her death, i, 46 ; the legend of her murder, ib. n. — Letter from her, i, 48 Rochel, description of, i, 479 520 INDEX. Rockingham, forest of, i, 80 Roe, C. ii, 493 Rogers, Daniel, ii, 136. — Letters from him, ii, 57, 116 Rogues and masterless-men, ii, 18, 164, 165,398,406 Rokeby, Anthony, i, 344 Rolls, Master of the, ii, 18, 19, 20, 62, 67, 69, 164, 165, 186, 246 Romero, Julian, i, 389 Ross, Lord, i, 270 Rothes, Earl of, i, 206, 227, 231 ; ii, 219, 223, 225 Rouen, besieged by tbe Catholics, i, 94, 93,100; taken, 114, 115 Russel, Lord, slain on the Scottish bor der, ii, 334 Russell, Sir Francis, ii, 15 Russell, Sir Thomas, ii, 262 Russell, Sir William, ii, 348 ; account of him, 347, 360, 388 Letters from him, ii, 347, 362, 365 Russell, Lady, ii, 21 Russell, page of the chamber, i, 40 Russia, or Muscovy, English trade with, i, 416 — 420 ; an embassy to, ii, 446, 447 Rutherforth, ii, 34 Rutland, Henry Manners, second Earl of, his death, i, 144 Ruthven, Patrick, third Lord, i, 17, 192, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230, 231, 234, 235, 236, 376 Rybault, M. i, 103 Rybault, John, his expedition to Flori da, i, 151, 153; delivered from re straint, 305 Rye, letter of the mayor and searcher of, ii, 310 Sackfield, Mr. i, 177 Sackford, Mr.ii, 62, 184,228, 246 Sackvile, Sir Richard, i, 143 Sadler, Sir Kalph, account of, i, 18, 179, 180, 339, 393. — Letters from him, i, 16, 18, 20. — Letters to him, i, 392 Saintclere, Lord, ii, 225 Saire, John, i, 335 Salisbury, Mr. ii, 243 Salisbury, Robert, ii, 466 Salisbury, Thomas, ii, 306 Sampson, Dr. Thomas, i, 165 Sanders, Mr. i, 4 Santon, i, 170 Sarlabos, Sieur, i, 28 Sarleboy, i, 243, 463, 465, 466 ; ii, 17, 126 Saubianzy, ii, 175 Saunders, Mr. uncle to Sir Chr. Hatton, ii, 99 Saunders, Nicholas, petition for his being made a cardinal, i, 12 ; his book against Elizabeth, 446 ; ii, 5 ; in re bellion in Ireland, ii, 111 Savage, Sir Arthur, ii, 484 Savage, Sir John, ii, 227 Savoy, the, a harbour for rogues, ii, 165, 166 Savoy, Duke of, defeated by the Turks, i, 41 ; his ambassador to England, 59 ; his marriage, ii, 213 Sawle, Capt. i, 119 Saxony, Duke of, ii, 278 Saxony, Ducbess of, ii, 118 Sayger, William, ii, 248 Sayterre, George, ii, 249 Schomberg, i, 502 Scotland. — Mary of Guise Regent, 1555 — 1560. — Staff with the arms of England sent from France, i, 12 ; the Queen Regent deprived of au thority by the Protestant Lords, 13 ; the intrigues and designs of the French, ib. n. ; labours of Knox, 14, 15; skirmishes between the Protestants and the French party, 17; the Protestants require aid of Elizabeth, 19 ; she aids them with money, 20 ; necessity of the Pro testants, 21 ; the English forces are sent to aid them, 22 ; n. ; tbe French discover the secret aid given them by Elizabeth, 23 ; Eliza beth's reluctance to interfere in Scotland, 24 ; tbe English besiege Leitb, 27, 28; death of the Queen Dowager, 28 ; Cecil negotiations, 30,32, 36 ; effect of the news of tbe Queen's death in France, 33 ; a treaty concluded at Edinburgh, 38 Mary Stuart Queen, 1560 — 1568.— Mary and tbe French King refuse to ratify the treaty of Edinburgh, 51 — 56; she arrives in Scotland, 71 ; Mary's behaviour and reception at her arrival, 72 — 74 ; her French attendants return through England, 75 — 77 ; the Queen tolerates the Protestants, 79; jealousies in the court, 81 ; turbulence of the Scots, INDEX. 521 82 ; a tumult at the Queen's mass, 83 ; another, 98 ; a plot, 105, 106 ; negotiations with France, 107, 108, 113, 114; state of Scotland during tbe question of Mary's marriage with Leicester, 189 — 196 ; mar riage of the Queen with Darnley, 199 — 203 ; forebodings of the people, 200, 201 : behaviour of the new King, 204, 205 ; increasing mistrusts, 206 ; troubles, 208 ; the banished Lords return, 215 ; mis- likings between Mary and her hus band, 217 ; attempt to introduce the mass, 220, 221 ; account of the murder of Rizzio, 226 — 235 ; the conspirators prosecuted, 236 ; the Lords imprison the Queen in Loch- leven, 250 — 266; the Earl of Mur ray comes secretly from France, 255 : the French King threatens to interfere, 259 — 261 ; Mary attempts to escape, 267 ; Mary's escape, 268 ; preparation on both sides, 269 ; Murray Regent, 268 ; battle of Langsyde, 270, 271, see Mary James VI. King, 1568—1603 — In trigues of Mary's partizans, 292, 294 — 296, 314 ; jealousies between Lethington and Grainge and the Regent's party, 328, 329 ; the Re gent offers Elizabeth aid against the northern rebels, 340, 344; di visions and jealousies in Scotland, 359, 360, 363 ; English forces sent into Scotland, 363, 264; jealousies in Scotland, 367—371, 376, 377, 382 — 384 ; the Regent Lennox murdered, 393, 398 ; Earl of Marr made Regent, 398 ; Elizabeth pro poses an arrangement between the parties, 413, 414 ; Edinburgh castle field by Grainge and Lethington, against the Regent, 430, 431 ; they are promised aid from France, 454 ; Elizabeth sends aid to the Regent, 459, 462 ; James Kirkaldy taken on his return from France, 461; Edinburgh castle besieged, 469 — 471 ; the castle taken, 480, 481, 484 ; pensions given by Elizabeth to the Scottish nobles, 483; de scription of the young King, 498 ; affairs of Scotland, ii, 65, 66, 77, 7S — 86; insurrection against the Regent Morton, 91 ; ascendancy of D'Aubigny, Earl of Lenuox, 95 ; continued discords, 97 ; D'Aubig ny made protector, 131, 132 ; troubles of Scotland, 1583, 188 — 191, 195—199; Walsingham pre pares to go to Scotland, 253, 254 ; Elizabeth's letter to the King, 254 ; French intrigues, 210; seditious preaching, 215, 216 ; proceedings of the Lords, 217, 218 ; tumult at Edinburgh, 219; French intrigues, 220, 221 ; the Lords seize Stirling, 222, 228; the King prepares against them, 224 ; they retreat, 225, 226; French intrigues, 235 ; a league with England, 252 ; the King's inconstant behaviour, 259 — 262 ; the banished Lords besiege and take Stirling, 264, 265, 269, 270; state of Scotland in 1586, 283,284; good inclination of tbe King, 301, 305 ; King James's con duct on the condemnation of his . mother. 326 ; threats of the Scots after her execution, 334; ill incli nation of tbe King, 355 ; Scotland quiet, 395 ; marriage of King James, 405 ; Bothwell's rebellion, 431 ; Burghley's sneer at the King's mercenary disposition, 442 ; the King's progress towards Berwick, 443; Bothwell's intrigues, 447, 448 ; James becomes King of Eng land, 495 Scots, the, will climb no walls, i, 18 ; their turbulent character, 82 ; their character, i, 216 ; James Rither's character of them, 376 Scott, Sir Walter, of Howperlay, i, 300 Scott, Sir Walter, bis romance of Kenil- worth, i, 48 ; the Abbot, 266 Scotts, of Buccleugh, noted thieves, i, 35 Scrope, Lord, i, 275 ; account of him, 276, 290, 292, 297, 353; ii, 196, 197, 368.— Letters from him, i, 276, 263, 269 ; ii, 333. — Letters to him, i, 413 Seaburo, ii, 315 Searle, ii, 160, an error of the press for Curie Seaton, Lord.'i, 83, 220, 270, 341, 368, 377, 378 ; in Flanders, 387 ; returns to Scotland, 414, 415, 454, 470, 491 ii, 66, 188, 190, 217, 220, 221, 252 Seaton, Lady, i, 77 Seaton, Alexander, ii, 190 522 INDEX. Seaton, Sir John, ii, 140, 221 Secevalle, Monsieur, ii, 182 Sedburgh, in Yorkshire, ii, 404 Seditious papers distributed, ii, 462, 463, 464 Segur, Monsieur de, ii, 212 Selbie, George and William, ii, 432 Selby, John, ii, 13. — Letter from him, ii, 15 Sellars, ii, 55 Semple, i, 267 Semple, Lord, i, 231, 258, 269, 483,491 Sesford, i, 226, 268 Seymour, Lord Henry, ii, 379. — Letter to him, ii, 379 Shaftoe, James, i, 354 Shaftoe, Matthew, letters from him, i, 354 Shaftoe, Robert, i, 350, 353 Shamount, Monsieur de, ii, 181 Sharerd, Barnard, ii, 170 Sheen, palace of, i, 142 Shelley, Sir Richard, i, 128; ii, 192 Shelton, Mr. ii, 267 Sheres, Mr. i, 159 Sherman, William, ii, 249 Ships, names of; the Hare, i, 117; the Double Rose, 119, n. ; the Jonas and Emmanuel, ii, 83 ; tbe Matthew, 84 ; the Revenge, 121, 366; the Swift- sure, ib. ; the Tiger, ib. 337, 401 ; the Aid, ib. ; the Arrac, ib. ; the Francis, 178 ; the Edward, ib. ; the Elizabeth Benaventure, 305, 357 ; the Black Raven, 337 ; the Dragon, ib. ; the White Bear, 358, 360 ; the Swallow, 401 ; the Raleigh, 420 ; the Foresight, 420, 421 ; the Roebucjc, 420; the Dainty, ib. ; the Garland, 422 ; the Warspigbt, 480 Shirley, Sir Thomas, ii, 344 Shrewsbury, Francis Talbot, fifth Earl of, his death, i, 45 Shrewsbury, George, sixth Earl of, i, 130 ; account of him, 307 ; has tbe custody of the Queen of Scots, 312 ; dangerously ill, 320; he is evil re ported at court,346 ; a libel on him and the Queen of Scots, ii, 241 ; mentioned, ii, 200.— Letters from him, i, 394, 396, 401, 457 ; ii, 54. — Letters to him, ii, 54, 92, 390 Shrewsbury, Elizabeth, Countess of, ac count of her, i, 371. — Letters to her, i, 371 ; ii, 54 Shute, William, ii, 335, 341 Sigonie, Monsieur, ii, 47 Simier, Monsieur, ii, 213 Simpson, William, i , 124, 125 Sinclair, John, i, 392 Singleton, a Lancashire poet, i, 431, n. Sir, meaning of tbe word when given to a clergyman, i, 442, n. Skarling, Lord, i, 292 Skeeres, Nicholas, ii, 249 Skeldon, i, 387 Skelton, i, 133 Skeuk, Colonel, ii, 280 Skinner, Mr. ii, 416 Skipworth, Mr. i, 288 Slang, specimens of, ii, 251 Slany, Stephen, Lord Mayor of London , letters from him, ii, 462, 464 Slingsby, Mr. i, 354 Sluise, taken by the Spaniards, ii, 343, 344 Smerwick, siege of, ii, 121, 122 Smith, ii, 73, Mr. i, 44, 164, 184,186, 450 Smith, Mr. of Cambridge, i, 164 Smith, Mr. Customer, ii, 20 Smith, Dr. i, 149 Smith, Captain, ii, 411 Smith, Justice, ii, 242 Smith, Atwell, ii, 432 Smith, George, Mayor of Exeter, ii, 329, 331 Smith, Gillian, i, 418 Smith, Hawtry, ii, 242 Smith, Humfrey, ii, 228 Smith, Richard, i, 474 Smith, Robert, of Colompton, ii, 331 Smith, Sir Thomas, account of him, i, 93 ; recalled from France, 224, 235 ; his colony of the Ardes, 463, 465, 466 ; his last sickness and death, ii, 32. — Letters by him, i, 444, 448, 451, 453, 459, 460, 461, 462, 464, 480, 491, 503 ; ii, 1, 29, 32. — Letters to him, i, 93,102, 103, 109, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 225, 130, 136, 137, 150, 153, 157, 158, 171, 173, 174, 176, 178, 181, 1 97, 205, 207, 208, 224, 235, 392, 398, 500, 510. Smith, Thomas, i, 421 Smith, William, i, 416 Snagge, Robert, ii, 20 Soissons, Count of, ii, 346 Somer, or Somers, Mr. i, 25, n. 118, 125, 150, 159,161, 171, 174, 440 ; ii, 93, 251 Somersham, i, 142 INDEX. 523 Somervile, Lord, ii, 225 Sonoy, Colonel, ii, 365 South, Mr. ii, 122 Southampton, Earl of, ii, 495 Southcot, Justice, ii, 18, 19,21, 63, 67, 68, 88 Southwick, Mr. ii, 174 Southwike, Richard, ii, 432 Spain, Philip II. 1556— 1598.— Accession of Elizabeth announced to him, i, 1, n. ; his professions of friendship. 2, 6 ; he prepares to quit the Netherlands, ib. ; he makes offers of marriage to Elizabeth, 7 ; returns to Spain, 8 ; violent proceedings of the Inquisi tion, 11, 12 ; the King is discovered to be acting falsely towards Eng land, 23 ; the Spaniards defeated by the Turks, 29 ; duplicity of the Spaniards towards England, 35 ; the English ambassador' s cook put in the Inquisition, 56 ; the King prepares to go into Flanders, 177 ; he raises an army,306 : be brings the soldiers out of Italy, 319 ; Philip marries a daughter of the Emperor. 374; Stukeley's project against Ireland, 386 — 390; duplicity of the King of Spain, 506 ; Philip unwilling to quarrel with England, ii, 4 ; expe dition to Ireland, 105 — 108; the Spaniards prepare against Portugal, 110 ; defeat of Don Antonio, and conquest of Portugal, 116—118, 175 ; Bodenham's account of the disposition and power of the Spanish King, 175 — 177 , the King marries again, 2 13 ; he fits out a great fleet, 214; Hawkins' proposal for annoy ing tbe Spaniards, 231 — 234; great preparations against England, 275, 281 ; a Spanish fleet at sea, 311, 314 ; Spanish ships and goods seized by the English ships, 337,338; con tinued preparations and threats of the Spaniards, 341, 342, 351, 352, 353-, see Armada ; Norris and Drake's expedition to Portugal, 400 ; a Spanish fleet sent towards the Netherlands, 411 ; capture of the great Spanish carrack, 418 — 423; Drake and Hawkins' depredations in the Spanish colonies, 445 ; new preparations against England, 454 ; an expedition prepared against Spain, 457 ; its success, 461, 162, 463 ; the expedition of 1596, 475, 477, 480, 481 ; the Spaniards in vade Ireland, 490 Spencer, i, 127 Spencer, ii, 366 Spencer, Alderman, ii, 356 Spenser, the Poet, ii, 121, n. Spinola, Benedict, i, 487 ; ii, 41, 42 Spirit, a familiar name given by Elizabeth to Lord Burghley, ii, 201 Spooner, William, ii, 249 St. Aignon, Count, ii, 182 St. Come, Lord, i, 78, 84, 85 St. John, Lord, i, 204 St. John of Jerusalem, Lord of, of Scot land, i, 50 St. John, Sir Oliver, ii, 491, 492 St. Leger, Sir Warbam, account of him, i, 238 ; concerned in a plot, 472 — 474, ii, 149 Stace, i, 465 Stafford, Sir Edward, ii, 150, 300, 310, 346, 347, 354, 355. — Letters to him, ii, 150, 319, 394 Stafford, Lady, ii, 403. — Letter to her, ii, 382 Stafford, Sir Robert, i, 355 Standlay, Thomas, ii, 338 Stanhope, Thomas. letter from him, i, 338, Standen, Mr. i, 476 Stanley, Sir Edward, ii, 318 Stanley, Sir George, account of him, i, 60. — Letter from bim, i, 60 Stanley, Patrick, i, 113 Stanley , Sir AVilliam, ii, 127 ; his bravery before Zutphen, ii, Sir} — 318. — Letter from bim, ii, 316 Stanyhurst, Mr. ii, 268 Stephens, Mr. ii, 267, 268 Steward, Mr. ii, 367 Stewart, i, 270 Stint, Michael, i, 421 Stokes, Mr. ii, 274 Stone, Mr.ii, 164 Stonely, Mr. ii , 21 Storv, Dr. i, 373, 374, 378 Strange, Mr. i, 157 Strange, Lord, i, 177 Strosse, Monsieur de, i, 306 Stuart, Colonel, ii, 190, 198, 219. 222, 225, 264, 269, 284, 442 Stuart, the Lord James, i, 76, 77,80; created Earl of Murray, 83, 84, 85 Stuart, Henry, ii, 222 Stuart, James, Captain of the Guard, i, 74 Stuart, John, ii, 222 521 INDEX. Stuart, James, ii, 264 Stuart, Lord Robert, bishop of Caithness , i, 192,230. 246 Stuart, Robert, slain in France, i, 314 Stuart, William, ii, 264; Sir William, 283 Stukeley, Mr. ii, 28 Stukeley, Thomas, a book dedicated to him, i, 40, n ; account of him, 150 ; he takes Ribauld and the French ship, ib. 153,154 ; employed in Ireland, 246 ; goes to Spain and plots against Eliza beth, 386 — 390; proposes to go to Rome, 391, 472, 500, 501 ; at Rome, ii, 24 ; in Italy, 49, 50 ; goes to Bar- bary with King Sebastian, 84, 85 ; his death, 85. — Letter from him, ii, 24. — Letter to him, i, 391 Stute, Captain, ii, 471 Subsidy, meaning of the word, i, 124 Sussex, Lieutenants of, letter to them ii, 358 Sussex, Thomas Ratcliffe, Earl of, goes to Ireland, i, 28; account of him, 60,ra. ; goes again to Ireland, 63, n. ; he ob tains his recall from Ireland, 171 ; a mourner for the emperor, 177 ; a com missioner to treat with Spaniards, 186, 187 ; his variance with the Earl of Leicester, 208, 209 ; he is ill re ported at court, 346, 355 ; invades the Scottish borders, 359, n. 363, 364; ii, 35 ; quarrels with the Earl of Lei cester, 144. — Letters from him, i, 326. — Letters to him, i, 28, 36, 37, 38, 42, 43, 60, 62, 65, 67, 70, 79, 86, 87, 88, 93, 100, 110, 112, 146. 167, 171, 212, 236, 242, 265, 320, 321, 331, 333, 345, 348, 353, 355, 356, 358, 365, 366, 368, 369, 370, 376, 389, 479, 494; ii, 46, 61 Sussex, Henry Ratcliffe, Earl of, ii, 293, 410.— Letters from him, ii, 293, 296, 298, 311, 337 Sutton, Mr. i, 462 Sutton, Oliver, i, 238 Swaf henburg, Count, ii, 6 Sweden, Eric XIV., King of, proffers marriage to Queen Elizabeth, and is expected in London, i, 40; an early book on Sweden, 40, n. ; tbe King ex pected in England, 79, 85 Sweeting, ii, 73 Swinburne, John, i, 336 Swyno, James, i, 350 Sydney, Sir Henry, account of him, i, 97; sent to France, 103; his return, 105 ; made knight of the garter, 172, named to be sent to Germany, 176 ; 177 ; made Lord Deputy of Ireland, 198, 210, 225 ; holds a meeting with Shane O'Neil, 237, 243, 496; ii, 194. — Letter to him, i, 246 Sydney, Sir Philip, a marriage proposed between him and Ann Cecil, i, 323 ; sent to Germany and Poland, 513; his quarrel with the Earl of Oxford ; ii, 100, 101; his poverty, 163, 164; his marriage, 193, 194; he is sent gover nor to Flushing, 270, 285 ; mortally wounded at Zutphen, 318 ; his death, 322; his debts, 324.— Letters from him, i, 513 ; ii, 100, 157, 162, 163 Sydney, Sir Robert, ii, 401, 412; account of him, 431, 432 Syson, John, ii, 249 Syson, Richard, ii, 249 Taffe, Lord, ii, 492 Talbot, Gilbert, i, 458 Tankerville, the taking of, i, 119 Tarlton, ii, 250, n. Tartars, wars of the, i, 419 Tasse, Mr. ii, 20 Tate, Mr. ii, 99 Taylor, i, 344 Taylor, Thomas, ii, 136 Tempeste, i, 377 Tench, Oliver Oge, ii, 469 Terell, i, 238 Terra Nova, Prince of, i, 316 Teylle, Mr.i, 4, 5 Thames, the, frozen, i, 158 Thelwal, Simon, letter from him, ii, 495 Thieves and cut-purses in London, ii, 245—251 Thimbleby, Mr. ii, 19 Thomson, Mr. ii, 131 Thomwortb, John, ii, 68 Thore, Mons. de, i, 511, 512 Thornton, i, 219, 220, 235 Thorold, Sir Anthony, letter from him, ii, 406 Throgmorton, engaged in the Norfolk plot, i, 372, 373, 374 Throgmorton, Kenelm, i, 137 Throgmorton, Sir Nicholas, account of him, i, 32; employed in France, 116, 118. 120, 121, 124, 125, 131, 136, 138 ; quarrels with Sir Thomas Smith, 155, 174; his return from France, 172, 173; named to go to Germany, 176, 177; bis friendship with the French ambassador, 174; sent to Scot- INDEX. 525 land, 197; in favour with the Earl of Leicester, 209 ; his negotiations in Scotland, 250 ; promoted, 335 ; pro posed to be of the privy council, 199. — Letters from him, i, 32, 49, 58, 250, 252, 256, 262, 263 Ticher, ii, 207 Tipping, Mr. ii, 450 Tirrell, ii, 492, 493 Tirwitt, Mr ii, 170 Toledo, Antonio de, i, 47, 249 Toledo, Bishop of, i, 12,47 Tomworth, Mr. i, 206 ; his death, 315 Topcliff, Mr. ii, 169, 244 Touker, Francis, letter from him, ii, 206 Tower, Lieutenant of the, ii, 63, 67, 71, 88,187,242 Townsend, Mr. ii, 173 Tracey, Mr. ii, 267 Treasure Legends, i, 444 ; ii, 397 Trefrye, Mr. i, 465 Tremayne, Mr. i, 75, 463,480 Tresham, Mr. ii, 170, 187 Tresbam, Francis, ii, 494 Trever, Dr. ii, 36 Treybrowen, Lord of, i, 270 Trimbote, Mr. i, 420 Tripoli, Spanish expedition to, defeated, i, 29 Trieston, ii, 249 Tuncker, Thomas, letter from him, ii, 351 Tunsan, Lord of, ii, 268 Twifelt, ii, 249 Turks, defeat the Spaniards in the. Medi terranean, i, 29 ; they invade the territory of Nice, 41 ; take Gerba from the Spaniards, 47; thev cruise on the coast of Portugal, 241 : their wars with the Italians, 316; they invade Ciprus and Dalmatia, 375 ; make peace with Poland, 513 ; death of the Sultan, ii, 6 ; the Turks prepare to in vade Malta, 150 ; make a peace with the Emperor, ii, 60 ; negociate with England, 132 •, Elizabeth's treaty of commerce with them, 446, n. Turlett, Mr. ii, 331 Turner, Dr. Dean of Wells, i, 169 Turrayne, Viscount of, il, 148 Tuscany, Grand Duke of,ii, 49 Tutbury Castle, description of, 312 Tutes, the, i, 244 Tvan, Mons. de, ii, 182 Tynes, Garret, ii, 124 Tyrone, Hugh O'Neil, Earl of, ii, 436, 444, 449, 472, 484 Tzarras, i, 424 Unsland, country of, i, 41 8 Unton, Sir Henry, account of him, ii,456 Valdez, Don Pedro de, 380 Valence, John de Montluc, Bishop of, ambassador in Scotland, i, 27, 43, 53 Valetta, Signor de, i, 315 Valle, Mons.de la, ii, 181 Vanbell, ii, 338 Vangbope, George, ii, 198 Vaudemont, Duke of, ii, 5 Vaughan, Mr,i, 356 Vaux, Lord, ii, 169, 170, 187 Vaux, Lady, ii, 169 Vaux, Mons. de, i, 132 Vavasor, John, i, 273 Verac, Mons. i, 360, 468, 469 Vere, Sir Francis, ii, 412, 413 Vernon, Mr. i, 291 Ville, Mons. de, ii, 59 Villebonne, Mons. i, 119 Villemont, Mons. i, 106 Villeroy, Mons. de, i, 250, 251 Villiers, ii, 117, 278 Vincent, Mr. i ,33 Vitelli, Marquess of, i, 379 Vydam, Mr. i, 320 Vyneon, John, ii, 418 Wade, Mr. ii, 335 Wade, William, ii, 215 Wakely, Mr. i, 60 Waker, Nicholas, ii, 249 Waldegrave, Edward, of Smallbridge, i, 69 Waldegrave, Thomas, letter from him, i, 239 Walker, John, Leicester's chaplain, ii, 177. — Letter from bim, 177 Walker, William, ii, 105 Waller, Sir Walter, ii, 51, 52, 53 W aliis, i, 357 Wallop, Sir Henry, ii, 125, 428.— Let ters from him, ii, 125, 289 Walmesly, ii, 241 Walshe, Mr. ii, 19 Walsingham, Sir Francis, account of him, i, 385, 412, 449, 451 ; ii, 116, 137, 166, 209, 210, 211, 214, 260, 305. — Letters from him, i, 385, 386, 426, 505 ; 16, 27, 31, 76, 79, 93, 193, 526 INDEX. 200, 203, 235, 253, 319, 323, 335, 338, 339, 340, 341, 346, 354, 384, 385, 387,388, 394.— Letters to him, i, 387, 498, 500, 510, 512 ; ii, 15, 65, 106, 161, 215, 218, 222, 225, 234, 237, 252, 263, 269, 283, 326, 333, 372, 380, 389 Ward, Capt. ii, 178 Ward, Thomas, ii, 330, 331. 341 Warner, Sir Edward, i, 130.— Letter from him, i, 139 Warwick, Ambrose Dudley, Earl of, employed as governor of Newhaven, i, 95,96, 105, 116,117, 119; his return, 137; ii, 20, 95, 101, 103, 336, 403 Warwick, Countess of, i, 144 Waterfishe, Mr. ii, 173 Waterhouse, Sir Edward, ii, 25, 36. — Letter from him, 43 Waterward, Richard, ii, 249 Watson, William, letter to, ii, 35] Wattes, Mr. i, 167 Wattes, Archdeacon, i, 374 Watts, John, ii, 249 Waynman, ii. 454 • Warburton.Mr.ii, 427 Wayneman, Thomas, ii, 63 Webly, ii, 246 Webster, Mr. ii, 367 Wendon, Dr. ii, 207 Wentworth, Lord, i, 133 ; ii, 69, 88 West, Mr. i, 290 "" ' * Westminster, Dean of, ii, 8, 19, 21, 25, 88, 165,186 Westmoreland, Henry Nevill, Earl of, i, 223 Westmoreland, Charles Nevill, Earl of, i, 223 ; his rebellion,302; see Northum berland, Earl of ; he narrowly escapes being taken, 352 ; goes to Flanders, i, 368, 377, 392, 501 Westmoreland, Jane, Countess of, i, 358. — Letters from her, i, 358, 400 Wetherburn, Laird of, i, 233, 340 Wharton, Thomas Lord, i, 275 Whitaker, William, account of him, ii, 155 White, of Louvain, i, 37 White, of Waterford, i, 2 White, Sir Nicholas, account of him, i, 307 ; his interview wit! Mary Queen of Scots, 308. — Letters from him, i, 107 ; ii, 25, 34.— Letters to him, i, 321, 364, 390 White Knight, i, 146 Whitehead, Mr. i, 166 Whitgift, Mr. ii, 25 Widdrington, Sir Henry, letters from him, ii, 326 Wilbraham, Mr. ii, 495 Wilford, Mr. i, 290 Wilkes, Sir Thomas, ii, 244, 313, 313, 341, 435, 445.— Letter from him, ii, 327 Wilkinson, Mr. ii, 367 Williams, Mr. ii, 32 Williams, Sir Roger, ii, 136, 156.— Letters from bim, ii, 343, 410 Williams, Lady, of Thame, i, 47 Willoughby, Peregrine Berty Lord, ac count of him, ii, 274, 279, 321, 323, 399. — Letters from him, ii, 274, 363, 382 Wilson, i, 159, 210 Wilson, Robert, i, 421 Wilson, Stephen, i, 220, 470 Wilson, Dr. i, 392 ; account, of him, 488 ; ii, 69. — Letters from bim, i, 486, 487; ii, 3, 45, 85, 94, 105, 109.— Letters to him, i, 392, 398 ; ii, 74, 116; Sir Thomas, ii, 425 Winchester, William Paulet, Marquess of, i, 142 ; ii, 247. — Letters from bim, i, 142 Windsor, Edward Lord, account of him, i, 315 ; bis travels in Italy and Malta, 315 — 320. — Letters from him, i, 315, 318 Windsor, Lord, ii, 291 Wingfield, Mrs. ii, 54 Wingfield, Jacques, i, 86 Wingfield, Capt. Richard, ii, 449 Wingfield Thomas, i, 496 Winter, Captain, ii, 401 Winter, Mr. George, ii, 231 Winter, John, ii, 360 Winter, Sir William, employed with the fleet in Scotland, i, 34 ; sent to Dieppe, 95 ; commands against the Spanish Armada, ii, 379, 380 Wirtemburg, Duke of, his kindness to the English refugees, i, 163 Wittenberg, Duke of, ii, 18 Wogan, John, i, 441 Wolley, J. Secretary of State, ii, 332, 347, 359, 378, 412, 425.— Letter from him, ii, 332 Wolves in Ireland, i, 91, 92 Woodcock, Alderman, ii, 308 Woodcock, James, i, 416 Woodcock, Matthew, i, 418 INDEX. 527 Woodham Walters, in Essex, i, 44; Cecil's account of it, 66 Woodhouse, Sir William, i, 141 Woodruff, Sir Nicholas, ii, 173, 186 Woodstock, the Queen's house, i, 144 Woodward, Robert, ii, 207 Worcester, Henry Somerset, second Earl of,i, 351,448, 449, 450, 452, 455,465 Wotton, ii, 245 Wotton, Mr. ii, 19, 319, 321.— Letter from him, ii, 252 Wotton, John, ii, 68 Wotton, Dr. Nicholas (Dean of Canter bury) account of him, i, 1 ; his mission with Cecil to Scotland, 29 ; a commis sioner to treat with the Spaniards, 186. ' — Letter from him, i, 1 Wotton, Mr. Thomas, ii, 20 Wright, a minister, ii, 154, 155 Wright, John and Christopher, ii, 494 Wroth, Mr. ii, 292 Wroth, Sir Robert, letters from him, ii, 488-, 489 Wroth, Sir Thomas, ii, 159, 160, 161 Yale, Dr. ii, 20 Yeamans, ii, 73 Yeastus, Mr. i, 418 Yester, Lord, i, 76 York, Rowland, ii, 132, 268 Youghil burnt, ii, 105 Younge, Mr.ii, 184, 228, 246, 292 Young, Peter, one of King James's schoolmasters, i, 498 Zaudant, Monsieur de, i, 42 Zouche, Lord, his death, i, 320 Zutphen, battle of, ii, 316 — 318; sur prised by Sir Francis Vere, 412 THE END. LONDON ! PKINTED BY IBOTSON AND PALMER, SAVOV STREKT. New and Cheaper Edition, with considerable Additions. Now Publishing, in Six Monthly Parts, price 7s. 6d. each. Part II. being now ready, MEMOIRS OF THE BEAUTIES OF THE COURT OF CHARLES II. With an Introductory View of the State of Female Society, and its in8uence, during tbat remarkable Reign. By Mrs. JAMESON, Authoress of "Characteristics of Women," &c. Comprising a Series of Twenty-one splendid Portraits, illustrating the Diaries of Pepys, Evelyn, Clarendon, and other contemporary writers of that gay and interesting period. Engraved by the most distinguished Artists, from Drawings made by order of her late Royal Highness the Princess Charlotte. The following is a brief descriptive list of the Portraits comprised in this Work, which supplies what has long been a desideratum in the Fine Arts, and forms a desirable Companion to " Lodge's Portraits.'' Catherine of Braganza, tlie uwiappy ami slighted wife of Charles. Lady Castlemaine, afterwards Duchess of Cleveland, the haughty enslaver of the Monarch. La Belle Hamilton, Countess de Gram- mont, one of (he ancestors of the Jerningham family. The gentle and blameless Countess op Ossory, interesting from her beauty, her tenderness, and her feminine virtues. Nell Gwynne, merry and open-hearted, who, with all her faults, was at least exempt from the courtly vice of hypocrisy. The beautiful and wealthy JJuchess pp So merset, the wife of three successive hus bands, one of whom encountered a tragical fate. The noted Frances Stfwart, Duchess of Richmond, whose mairiage was the imme diate cause of Lord Clarendon's disgrace. Miss Lawson, mild and gentle, yet opposing the fortitude of virtue to the perils of a li centious Court. The Countess of Chesterfield, one of the fair principals of .De Gramimmt's celebrated story of the " bas veils.'* The Countess of Southksk, whose faults, follies, and miseries constitute a tale well fitted to "point a moral." The interesting and exemplary Countess of Rochester. The beauteous and arrogant Lady Den ham, interesting from the poetical fame of her husband, and her own tragical tate. The magnificent Lady Bellasys, renowned for her beauty, wit, and spirit. Mrs. Nott, fair, sentimental, and Madonna like. Anne Digby, Countess of Sutherland, beau tiful and blameless, the friend of the angelic Lady Russell, and of the excellent Evelyn. The fair coquette, Mrs. Middleton. Miss Bagot, the irreproachable wife of two libertine Lords. The fair, the elegant, and fascinating Miss Jennings, " who robbed the men of their hearts, tbe women of their lovers, aud never lost herself." The Duchess of Portsmouth, one of the most absolute of Royal Favourites, The Countess of Northumberland, dis tinguished for her uncommon grace and beauty, and tbe blameless tenor ol" her life. And the Duchess of Devonshire, fair, kind, and true, and wedded to a nobleman who, to the valour and bearing of a Paladiu of old Romance, added the spirit oi an an cient Roman. HENRY COLBURN, PUBLISHER, 13, GREAT MARLBOROUGH STREET, LONDON. :-'*' r#i^&*>