The cry of royal innocent blood heard and answered being a true and impartial account of Gods extraordinary and signal judgments upon regicides : with an historical relation of the deposing, murthering, and assasinating of several kings of England, Scotland, France, &c. ... Assheton, William, 1641-1711. 1683 Approx. 186 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 72 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2007-10 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A26058 Wing A4026 ESTC R23635 07869634 ocm 07869634 40182 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A26058) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 40182) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1194:29) The cry of royal innocent blood heard and answered being a true and impartial account of Gods extraordinary and signal judgments upon regicides : with an historical relation of the deposing, murthering, and assasinating of several kings of England, Scotland, France, &c. ... Assheton, William, 1641-1711. [6], 126 p., [1] leaf of plates : ports. Printed for Daniel Brown, London : 1683. "Entred according to order." Reproduction of original in the British Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. 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Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Regicides. 2006-02 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2006-08 SPi Global Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2006-10 John Latta Sampled and proofread 2006-10 John Latta Text and markup reviewed and edited 2007-02 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion THE CRY OF Royal Innocent Blood , Heard and Answered : Being a True and Impartial Account of Gods extraordinary and Signal Judgments upon REGICIDES . With an Historical Relation of the Deposing , Murthering , and Assasinating of several Kings of England , Scotland , France , &c. for near 600 years last past . With the Plots , Conspiracies , Means and Methods that were used to compass their destruction . As likewise Gods signal Vengeance immediately succeeding such Tragedies , upon the Nations in which they were suffered to be perpetrated , as Famine , War , Pestilence , Murraine of Cattle , Fires , Earthquakes , and Inundations . Worthy the perusal of all , and may serve as an Antidote against Faction and Rebellion . Touch not my Anointed , nor do my Prophets no harm , Psal . 105.15 . Entred according to Order . London , Printed for Daniel Brown at the Black-Swan and Bible without Temple-Bar , and Tho. Benskin in St. Brides Church-Yard Fleet-Street , 1683. K Edmund the 30 Mon of the Enalishmen Assasianated . K· Edward the II. Deposed & Murthered K· Richard the II. Deposed & Murtherd . K· Henry the VI. Deposed & Murthered K Edward the V. Murthered . K· Henry the III of Fra Assasianated K Henry the IIII of Fra Assasinated Henry Stewart K of Scotland Murthered K· Charles the I. Martyred Printed for Dan Browne and Tho. Benskin 1683 TO THE READER . REader , what ever thou art , consider well this Treatise , in which as in a Mirrour , you may behold the Machivilian Policies of Wicked and desperate Men , formed to bring about their Diabolical purposes , and at the same time observe how the unerring hand of Divine Vengeance has overwhelmed them with swift destruction ; for what greater Affront can be offered the Almighty , then with Sacralegious Hands to shed the Blood of his Anointed , even those whom himself has Chosen from amongst all the Sons of Men , to bear his Sacred Character , and Govern as his Vice-Gerents upon Earth , on whom he has doubly Stamp'd his bless'd Idea , and has declared that by him they Reign , and Honoured them with Titles above the ordinary rank of Men , viz. I have said ye are Gods , &c. as indeed they are Gods upon Earth , to Execute Justice upon the Wicked , and Cherrish the Virtuous , against whom the wise Man says there is ( that is , there ought to be ) no rising up , and that we ought not to speak Evil of them , no not in our Hearts , yet such have been the Hellish Engins raised by the Prince of Darkness , that ( not regarding their Allegiance to the King of Kings , nor his Vice-Gerents ) contrary to all Oaths ▪ and strictest Ties , have not feared to perpetrate such Villanies as in their effects have made whole Kingdoms groan , but added Guilt to Guilt , by making Religion the Cloak of their Horrid Impieties , or at least the Reformation of the Kingdoms wherein their Villanies were Acted , which ( as they insinuated into the unthinking Plebeans ) must of necessity be effected , or that all things would sink into inevitable Ruin , when at the same time , these Instruments of Satan , were brooding more miseries and dire Calamities then Pandoras-Box contained , Plagues to Afflict Mankind , and turn all things into Confusion , though for the most part the Pitt that they digged for others , themselves have fallen into , for it has been observed , how crafty so ever the Regicides of all Ages have been to bring about their amazing Impieties , yet none of them sooner or later have escaped the Hand of Divine Vengeance , either in some Signal and Exemplary Punishment , or by the wounds of a torturing Conscience , even in this Life , as is at large discovered in this Treatise , which contains the Tragedies of many good Kings of these latter Ages , Deposed and Murthered by their Subjects ( or rather Devils in the Shapes of Men ) especially such Kings of England , as have come to untimely Ends by such means , for Six Hundred Years past ; together with Compendious Histories of their Lives and Reigns , and the Calamities that thereupon have befallen this and other Nations ; Worthy the perusal of all Persons , and may serve as a terrible Memento , or Warning-Peice to those whose Consciences Start not ( when either Ambition or Profit is the Master ) at the Horridest Impiety that Hell can Dictate . THE CRY OF ROYAL BLOOD Heard & Answered : OR , An Historical Account of the Deposing , Murthering , &c. of several KINGS of England , &c. and of Gods severe Vengeance on the Regicides . AMongst the many Crimes that hasten Heavens vengeance on wretched miscreants , there is none so vile in the sight of the Worlds Creator ( who is a God of purer Eyes than to behold iniquity ) than the loud Tongu'd Scarlet Crime of shedding innocent Blood ; a sin so heinous , that it seldom escapes Exemplary punishment in this World , the better to deterr barbarous wretches from violating the Persons , and bereeving of Life those on whom God has been pleased to impress his Sacred Stamp , by Inspiring them with immortal Souls , and setting before them a large prospect of Heaven and Eternal happiness ; but more immediately when Hell-born Villains dare Murther those on whom his Sacred Image is doubly stamped , as Kings and Men , against whom they should not imagine evil , no not in their hearts . But since History abounds with the relation of such execrable Treasons , and villainous Assassinations , I shall make it the subsequent discourse of this Treatise to lay open the nature and manner of those amazing Tragedies , by what means and treasonable divices , the Regicides of almost all Ages have accomplished their most pernicious Enterprizes ; and how Heavens vengeance with a level aim , at first or last has hit them sure , and brought them to destruction . Passing over the Murthers of Agamemnon , Darius , Alexander the Great , Hannibal , Pompey , Caesar and divers other Emperours , Kings and Princes , who fell by treachery , and whose Blood was thorowly revenged on the Murtherers , even when they supposed themselves the most secure , I shall proceed to more modern times , and not exceeding 670. years past : And First , I shall begin with the Murther of good King Edmund , Sirnamed the Ironside , being the thirty third Monarch of the English-men . This King of the Saxon Line , succeeding his Father King Ethelred , was Crowned at Kingstone upon Thames , by Livingus Arch-Bishop of Canterbury , on the 16 of April , Anno 1016. At what time the Pagan Danes , with bloody cruelties insested this Island , destroying and burning all before them , without regard to either Sex or Age. But such was the success of this valiant King , that he not only put a stop to their proceedings , but gave them many fatal overthrows , and had past all dispute forced them to have left the prey , the which so long with bloody hands so eagerly they grasped , had it not been for the prodigious Treasons of the Monster Edrick , a Person who by this Kings means , during the Reign of his Father , though ill deserving such a Title , had been created a Duke , and was now General of King Edmund's Army , and by the power of such a trust , sought by all means the downfal of his Lord , which to his Eternal Infamy he at last effected , as shall hereafter be related . Long time had this treacherous Duke sought opportunity to bring the good King to destruction , but success so waited on his Arms , that for a long time no advantage could be proposed ; for had he done it whilst the Danes were weak , his hopes had been frustrated : Yet growing impatient of delay , he resolved to make some attempt to bring about his wicked purpose . And therefore a fierce Battel being begun between the English and Danes at Sherostan in Worcester-shire , which continued bloody and doubtful for two days ; but in end the Danes beginning to shrink , Edrick presently cut off the Head of one of his own Soldiers , named Osmearus ; like the King in Hair , shape of his Beard and Countenance , held it upon his bloody Sword , still gasping , and cried to the English Host , fly wretches , fly , get you away for your King is slain , behold his Head , therefore seek now to save your own Lives . The fight so daunted the courage of the English , who entirely loved their King , that the Battel began to swerve , and wanted but little of plain flight , which had certainly been , had not King Edmund understood the cause , and instantly from a high place shewed himself to his Soldiers , with many words of incouragement stayed them in their Ranks , and by entering amongst the rest of the Squadrons , given them new vigour , so that plainly perceiving the treachery , they bent their Bows against the Traitour , and had dispatched him , had he not sunk into the Rear : Yet they turned their fury upon the Danes and made great slaughter , even till the Field was coloured with Blood , continuing the Fight till Night parted them . At what time the treacherous Duke came to the Kings Tent , and after much seeming submission , excused his Treason , by alleadging he was mistaken in the Countenance of the Man , and thirsting to save English Blood , advised them to shift for themselves : As for the former part of the excuse , 't is not doubted but he spoke true ; for that day the King was disguised in the Battel , and this wretch who sought his destruction , might in the hurry take Osmearus for him , and for that cause slew him . But such was the goodness of the King , that his dissimulation gained belief , and he was again received into favour , though contrary to the mind of the Kings Council , who would have had him banished , and well had it been for King Edmund , had their advice been taken ; for a treacherous friend is more dangerous than an open Enemy . This stratagem failing , the Danes raised their Camp in the dead of Night , and Marched with all speed towards London , which City continued Loyal to King Edmund during his Life . The King the next Morning having notice of the Danes departure followed with all his Host to prevent the spoil , and by his swift Marches , so terrified the Danes , that they altered the purpose they had to besiege the City , and the King entered it in Triumph . And two days after having refreshed his Army , resolved to follow his advantage , and thereupon Marching to Branford , where the Danes were Encamped , he gave them a great overthrow ; which Edrick perceiving , and fearing the Danes would be forced to leave the Land , he advised King Edmund to make a truce with them , using so many Arguments that he prevailed with the King , even when he had them all at his Mercy , and therefore leaving London , he retired into the West . The Danes no sooner perceived themselves free from danger , but they fell to plundering and burning as fearfully as ever , which caused the King again to advance , and entering Kent with his Army , near unto Oateford , he gave them Battel , which continued doubtful and bloody for the space of four hours . When the Danes Vauntgard giving back , their Horse upon the Right advanced , yet fell soon into disorder , and retiring amongst the Foot put them to the rout , so that they were slain on all hands , leaving above four thousand dead on the place ; when of the English there died not above six hundred , and here had not the Traitour Edrick stopped the English in pursuit of their Enemy , by laying before them the danger of an Ambush , the Danes had never more been able to have made Head. But by this means they had leisure to pass into Essex , and send for recruits from beyond the Seas , and then began to tyrannize as much as ever , which caused King Edmund to enter Essex with his Army flushed with many Victories , and at Ashdon three Miles from Saffron-Walden , gave them Battel , which was fiercely maintained on either side for many hours , till in the end the Danes began to recoil , which Edrick perceiving , drew off his Party , and fell to the Enemy , by which means they became Victorious : So that there died of the English Nobility , Dukes , Alfred , Godwin , Athelword , Athelwin , and Earl Urchin , together with Cadnoth Bishop of London , and Woolsey Abbot of Ramsey , with many other of the Clergy that were come thither to pray for the success of the Army against the Pagan Danes , the remembrance of which overthrow is retained unto this day . King Edmund thus betrayed was forced to retire from the Field on foot , and with the remainder of his Army marched to Glocester , whereupon London submitted to the Conquerors , as likewise did all the places of strength adjacent . Yet such was the love of the English to their King , that they from all parts resorted to him , and earnest to regain the late dishonour , though at the utmost hazard , soon recruited his Army , and came on to meet the Danes , who swell'd with success were advancing Northward and at Dearburs near unto the River Severn met , where both Armies were set in Battel Array ; when just as the bloody blast was about to be sounded , A Captain stepped between the Hosts , and desired to be heard , which being granted , he thus began . Many Battles ( said he ) have been fought , and many streams of Blood already shed for the Sovereignty of this Land between these two valiant Nations , and the courage of the Generals , Captains and Soldiers sufficiently tried , wherein Fortune her self seemeth to have been Conquered ; for if at any time a Battel was won , it was not long kept , neither the Conquered so weakned , but that he retained both Courage and power to turn the Scale . What is the mark then you aim at ? Is it honour and fame ? Titles indeed that attend on War ; but seldom long enjoyed , or rarely fall to the lot of the common Soldiers , at the price of whose Blood they are for the most part purchased . Let him therefore that would wear the Crown hazard himself to avoid the slaughter of many men , and by single Combate try who is most worthy to Command , and who to Obey , or divide betwixt them the Kingdom , which is large enough to maintain two , having heretofore maintained seven Reigning Kings . This Proposal was imbraced by King Edmund as the best expedient to put an end to a hazardous and doubtful War ; as likewise by Canute King of the Danes , who by mutual consent went into an Island called Alney , standing in the Severn , adjoyning unto the City of Glocester , where both being strong of body they fought like Lions , one to secure his Kingdom , the other to gain it . But in the end , the Dane being wounded , he intreated a parly , which Edmund granted , and then with a loud voice thus proceeded ; What necessity should thus move us , most Heroick King , that for the obtaining of a Title , we should thus indanger our Lives ? Is it not better to lay malice aside , and condescend to an amicable agreement ? Let us now therefore become sworn friends , and divide the Kingdom between us , and in such a League of friendship , that each may use the others part as his own , so shall this Land be peaceably Governed , and we mutually assist each others necessity . This Speech ended , both the Kings cast down their Swords , and imbraced each other , upon which great shouts arose in either Army , who before stood doubtful of the success , and this accord being ratified , the Kingdom was divided by Lot ; and that part bordering on the Coast of France fell to King Edmund , who howsoever enjoyed it not long , for in this Treaty the offence of Duke Edrick was included , and upon his submission he taken into favour by the good King , and so continued as it were glutted with the favour and princely bounty of two Kings , till at last resolving to perfect his many Treasons begun , he watched his opportunity as King Edmund was alone in the Draught-house evacuating , and having placed himself beneath , with a sharp Spear he run it up into the Kings Belly , that he there died ; then coming up , he traiterously and inhumanely cut off his Head , and escaping with it undiscovered to Canute the Danish King , and presenting it to him with these fawning Salutations : All Hail thou now sole Monarch of England ; for here behold the Head of thy Co-partner , which for thy sake I have adventured to cut off . Canute though ambitious enough of the Soveraignty , yet of Princely disposition , abashed , and sore grieved at so unworthy and disloyal an attempt , replied with an Oath , that in reward of that Service the bringers Head should be advanced above all the Peers of his Kingdom ; which high honour whilst the traiterous wretch greedily expected ( and indeed for a time found some favour ) his Head by the Kings command was smitten off , and fixed upon a Pole on the highest Gate of the City of London , as he most justly deserved : His Wife and Children were banished ; and great was the rejoycing throughout England at the Death of this prodigious Regicide , and betrayer of his Country . King Edmunds Body was buried at Glasten-bury near to his Father King Edgar ; he was of person tall , for Courage hardy , strong of Limbs , and well could indure the inconveniencies of War ; for which some think he had his additional name of Ironside ; with him at that time fell the Glory of the English , he leaving but one Son , viz. Edward , who was Sir-named the Out-law , by reason all the Reign of Canute he lived in Hungary , and there Married the Queens Sister , not returning into England till the Reign of his Uncle King Edward the Confessor . Thus fell this good King , and thus Heavens vengeance overtook the Traitour , whose miserable end in some sort made an atonement for the innocent Blood shed by wicked hands ; as likewise for the Death of Sigefreth and Morcar , King Edmunds Queens former Husband and Brother , who were murthered at Oxford by the contrivance of Edrick . CHAP. II. The Historical relation of the deposing and barbarous Murther of Edward the Second , commonly called Edward of Carnarvan , King of England , Lord of Ireland and Duke of Aquitaine , and the Forty eighth Monarch of England ; with the manner of Gods vengeance upon those that were guilty of shedding his Blood. EDward the Second of that Name since the Conquest , was Son to Edward the First , ( the terror of Syria , and dread of Scotland ) and his Wife Queen Elenor , Born on the 25 of April , 1284. at Carnarvan in North-Wales , and after the Death of Lewellin ap Griffith ; in regard of the place of his Nativity , he was with the general consent of the Welch created Prince of Wales , which Title has ever since devolved upon the Heir apparent to the Crown of England : This Edward being the first who had that Dignity conferred on him , and his Father dying , he was Crowned with great applause in the 23. Year of his Age : Then having setled the Affairs of Scotland , he passed over to Bulloin , and there in great state was Married to Isabel Daughter to Philip the fair , King of France , and returned with his Bride , not passing twelve years of Age in great Triumph , when as taking into his Favour one Pierre Gaviston ( whom his Father had banished , but himself intirely loved ; ) many of the Nobility were displeased , though the King made no great account of such their displeasure : This Gaviston was a stranger by Birth , Born in Gascoigne ; but a Gentleman in all respects , being in his younger years brought up with the King , during his being Prince of Wales , and now made Earl of Cornwel ; yet so prevailed the Enviers of his rise , that they procured a Decree for his perpetual Banishment out of England : But the Kings love still following him , he was made Governour of Ireland , and within a while revoaked ; and in his return met by the King at Flint-Castle in North-Wales ; and there had bestowed on him to Wife Joan of Acres Countess of Glocester , the Kings Sisters Daughter . Yet so far prevailed the discontented Lords , that a third time they procured his banishment , but beyond the Seas his life being often put in hazard by the procurement of his Enemies ; as some suppose by the Kings secret sending for he returned within six Months , to the great trouble of the Queen and her party , who by this time began to disaffect her Husband , and joyn with the Lords against Gaviston . Whereupon first seeming to Petition for a redress of grievances , they after took up Arms , of which the Earls , Lancaster , Warwick and Hereford were chief , and within a while the Earl of Warwick at a place called Blacklow ( afterwards Gavenshead ) having surprized Gavinston cut off his Head , to the high displeasure of the King ; who at that time was not capable of hindering it , yet excessive was the grief and displeasure he conceived ; so that the Lords thought it not safe to lay down their Arms till they had reconciled themselves to the King , which was done by the mediation of Gilbert Earl of Glocester , and several Prelates who travel'd therein . Yet not so firm but the King continued a secret displeasure against the chief Actors , but his melancholy was diverted by the Queens being delivered of her first Son at Windsor , who succeeded him by the name of Edward the third , as shall hereafter be related . The Scots upon notice of this Intestine broil grew haughty , and under the Command of Robert their King , not only put many affronts upon the English , who so long before had Lorded it over that Nation , but made several Inroads into the Northern parts , which caused King Edward to draw together a great Power , composed as well of Foreign Nations as of English , and marched against them . But several of the disaffected Lords , under pretence that the King had not ratified the promised Liberties and Priviledges , refused to assist him ; so that for want of good conduct , though the English exceeded the Scots in number , yet coming to a Battel at Banocksbourn near Streveling , the English were overthrown more by stratagem than plain force , for the Scots having digged pits , and set up sharp stakes in them , cover'd them over with Earth and Hurdles ; so that the English Horse charging furiously , their weight broke the Hurdles , and there goring on the stakes became useless , being in that manner killed on all sides by Scottish Archers , who let fly at them as thick as Hail . Upon this discomfiture , the King was resolved to die in the Field , and much perswasions were used to induce him to save himself by retiring . In this Battel fell the Earl of Glocester , and the Lord Clifford , and about 700. Knights and Esquires , and as Modes Accountans relates , 6000. common Soldiers , though the Scotch Historian will have it 15000. The King being retired to York , resolved to raise a new Army to revenge this dishonour , but such was the perverseness of his Nobility that it came to nothing ; yet the Scots heightned with this success attempting to win Ireland were overthrown , and Edward Brother to King Robert , who had caused himself to be Crowned King slain . And now the King having lost his Privado or second self , to whom he might open the Cabinet of his thoughts , to supply the Room of Gavistone , began to settle his affections on Hugh D' Spencer Lord Chamberlain , and so doated on him , as likewise on his Son for his sake , that all things moved by their advice , which more inraged the discontented Lords than the actions of Gavistone had done ; especially when they perceived two to spring up in the room of one . Yet so far the Lords prevailed , that they procured their banishment ; but not long , for the Earl of Lancaster and the Lords of his Faction taking up Arms , the King was resolved to maintain his Regal Authority , though with the loss of his Life : And therefore marched against them , who now upon some distaste given , were deprived of the Queens mediation , and thereupon commandment was given for the reversion of the Sentence against the Spencers , which was performed at London by the Arch-bishop of Canterbury and his Suffragan : And now the King having increased his Power , followed hard upon the Lords , and caused Lancaster to draw off his Army from Burton upon Trent , and march towards Burrowbridges , when in the way several of the Lords of his Faction left him , and threw themselves upon the Kings Mercy , amongst whom was the Traitour Mortimer . Lancaster with his retinue being arrived at Burrow-Bridges , was there stopped by Andrew D' Hackerly Captain of Carlile , and Simon Ward Captain of York , who had gathered great forces in those parts , and there after some parly , he and the Lords of his Faction surrendred themselves : When three days after the King came with all his Forces , and Erected a Court of Justice , where the Earl of Lancaster , and most of the Lords and Barons that were taken being Sentenced as Traitours , were shortly after Executed , besides a number of the meaner sort , though contrary to the Kings own inclination , as many suppose by his afterwards bewailing the Death of his near Kinsman the Earl of Lancaster . Things being at this pass , the Queen began to conceive high displeasure at the proceedings of the Spencers , who had prevailed with the King to abridge her allowance ; whereupon she complained that she was rather kept as a waiting Woman , than a Queen or Heir of France ; and at that time Charles the Fifth King of France seeking occasion of quarrel against the English , took this advantage , and secretly dealt with the Queen to obtain leave to come to his Court , and to bring with her Prince Edward her Son , which she effected , and at the same time the Lord Mortimer having corrupted his Keepers , or as some will have it , by giving them a sleepy Potion , got out of the Tower and fled into France : Where upon the Queens arrival , he became of her Cabinet Council , and otherwise more familiar than either became her honour , or his duty , as in place convenient will appear . These things happening , and great differences arising between the two Nations , Queen Isabel taking the advantage , solicited her Husband that she might go over to mediate and reconcile the business , which request of hers was seconded by the Lord Spencer , who perswaded the King from going over to secure his possessions in Normandy in person , upon no other account then that he was afraid to stay behind him . Upon this intercession of the Spencers , the King consents to the Queens desire , and all things were prepared to transport her ; where indeed upon her arrival , she so sar prevailed with her Brother , that matters of debate ceased , upon condition that King Edward should give to his Son the Dutchy of Aquitaine , and Earldom of Pontine , which was accorded to , and the Prince sent over to do Homage to his Uncle for them , though to the utter undoing of the King his Father ; for now the Plot began , which in the end dispossessed him of his Crown and Life , though coloured under a pretence of ruining the Spencers ; which specious pretext drew many who would otherwise have been unwilling to have ●ngaged . The Prince having payed his Homage to Charles D' Volois King of France , was together with Queen Isabel , his Mother , sent for back , but the conspiracy not yet having taken root , she made many trivial excuses to delay time , which Walter Stapleton Bishop of Exeter , who attended on the Prince perceiving , and having had some knowledge of the frequent Councils that were held , and seeing the Kings Enemies in such favour with the Queen , amongst whom Mortimer was chief , he as in duty bound , secretly returned and advertised the King of the imminent danger ; who thereupon solicited ( though to no purpose ) the King of France to send over his Wife and Son. Whereupon he unadvisedly caused them to be proclaimed Enemies to the Kingdom , and banished them with all their adherents : Which discovery and Sentence of Banishment so nettled the Queen and her Accomplices , that after some feigned submission , she resolved by open force to enter the Land , and thereupon without the consent of her Husband , or the Peers of England , she affianced her Son Prince Edward to the Lady Philippa Daughter to the Earl of Hanault , and with the Money of her Portion , levied Soldiers in Germany and other places . Upon notice of these proceedings , the King thought it time to strengthen himself , and therefore set forth his Navy , which scouring the narrow Seas , brought in a Hundred and twenty French Prizes ; as likewise he fortified the Sea-Ports , and put Garisons into the places that stood most advantagious to hinder the landing of a foreign Army . Yet the Queen and her Confederates put to Sea , her whole Power not exceeding 3000 of all Nations , and two days before St. Michaels day , landed at Orwel in Suffolk , the force being commanded by the Lord John , Brother to the Earl of Hanault . The news of their arrival coming to the Kings Ear , he seemed like one amazed , and at first would not credit the report ; but upon his being further certified , he sent to the Citizens of London for Aid , who answered that they would honour with all submission the King , Queen and Prince , but resolved to shut their Gates against strangers , and to withstand them to their power ; this answer bearing no favourable Construction to the King , he committed the charge of the Tower , and in it his other Son commonly called John of Eltham , in the Custody of Sir John D' Weston , and retired with his favorites the Spencers , Baldock , and others into the West , to gather forces against the Queen and her Accomplices , having first Proclaimed them Traitours , and offered the reward of 1000 pounds to any that could take the young Lord Mortimer dead or alive : And by this his unadvised abandoning his chief strengths , he gave the Queens party opportunity to strengthen themselves , several Lords and others daily coming to their assistance , and the better to terrify the Kings partakers , and to colour the Treason , it was rumour'd that the French King had sent with his Sister so many Dukes , Earls and Lords , that England would not suffice to feed them , and that the Pope had sent to Excommunicate all the Kings partakers ; for which purpose two Cardinals had been sent over , and credibly reported to have been seen in the Queens Camp , though all was but fictitious ; and further to ingratiate with the People , she caused it to be Proclaimed , that her coming was only to remove evil Councillors from the King ( the same pretences that were used by our late forty one Parliament ) though Roger Lord Mortimer was the man that chiefly Councilled all the mischief ; then were the Kings favorites branded with the names of Traitors and Enemies to the Nation , and 1000 pounds bid to any that could bring the younger Spencers Head. And thereupon the Londoners rise in a tumultuous manner , and commit many outrages , cutting off the Bishop of Exceters Head , as likewise the Head of John Le Marchel , whom the King had appointed to Govern , the City . They likewise broke open the Prisons , and set all Prisoners at liberty , got into their possession the Tower , and taking thence the Lord John of Eltham , proclaimed him Custos or chief Governour of the City ; and the Queen likewise to strengthen her Faction , caused most of the Prisons in England to be set open , and repealed such as had been banished ; so that thereby her power greatly increasing , She , or rather the Lord Mortimer , followed the King , who destitute of friends still fled before his pursuers , who besieged Bristol , and therein took the Elder Spencer , whom without any form of Trial they cut up alive , having first exposed him to the fury of the People , upon notice of which the King entered on Ship-board , and intended to fly for Ireland , but upon further consideration came ashore in Wales , and there for the love the Welshmen bore him , was concealed for many days in the Abby of Neath ; but the Queen and her Accomplices coming to Hereford , after Prince Edward was Proclaimed High Keeper of England , Henry Earl of Lancaster , Brother to the late Earl of Lancaster , Sir William Delazouch , and others who had Lands in those parts where the King absconded , were sent in quest of him , with sums of Money to facilitate the discovery ; who in the end surprised him , together with the young Lord Spencer , Robert Baldock Lord Chancellor , and Simon de Reading , whom without any respect to the Person of the King , they conveyed to Monmouth , and from thence was the King carried to Kenelworth Castle , and there committed to the keeping of the Earl of Leicester , but the rest to Hereford ; where without any form of Trial was put to death the Lord Spencer , being hanged on a Gallows fifty foot high , and Robert Baldock committed to the keeping of the Bishop of Hereford , who sent him up to London , and exposed him to the fury of the Rabble , who though a Bishop , was used by them in such a barbarous manner , only for being true to his Soveraign , that within a short time after he died ; the Earl of Arundel and two other Gentlemen of note were put to death to pleasure Mortimer , and now the mournful King divested of all his friends , being at Kenelworth , there repaired to him the Bishops of Winchester , Hereford and Lincoln , two Earls , two Abbots , four Barons and three Knights from every County , with two of the Judges as from the Parliament , which the Queen had called at London to perswade him to a Resignation of his Crown to his Son Edward , and so many devices they had heaped together , that in the end having first given private notice to the King of their approach , and the cause , they came to Kenelworth , and presented themselves before the King , who clad in black sutable to his mournful condition , came out of an inward Chamber , when in the head of the company set in order according to their qualities , the Earl of Leicester and Bishop of Hereford began to declare the Message with which they were charged by the Body of the Kingdom , as they termed the then sitting Parliament , alledging that the Common-wealth of England was weary of his Government , and conceived such irreconcileable dislike of his management of Kingly affairs , that they would by no means permit him longer to Reign over them , but were contented that his Eldest Son Prince Edward should succeed him in his Throne , if he would make a voluntary Resignation ; if not they would proceed to Elect another not of his Blood , &c. The sound of this mournful Message struck so to the Kings Heart , that e're any could prevent it he fell to the ground , and lay stretched in a swoon a considerable time e're life could be perceived , or he recovered to his Senses : But in the end recovering , he with many heavy Sighs bewailed his Infortunate condition , and began to parly with his Vassals , but found them inflexible , persisting in threatning sort , to tell him , that unless he would freely resign his Diadem to his Son , and disclaim all Right-to the Crown , they would return his Answer , and that immediately thereupon the Parliament would proceed to the Election of another , not of his Race . These Menaces made the distressed King ( who now was fallen low in the Opinion of his Subjects through the false insinuation of the factious Lords ) to consent to their hard proposals , confessing that for his many sins God had permitted these Calamities to fall upon him , but seeing they had not rejected his Race , he was content to submit . Whereupon they proceeded to the new invented and never before practised Ceremony of dekinging their Sovereign , which in this manner was performed by Sir William Trussel , one of the Judges , who found out a Law Quirk to colour the detestable Treason as followeth . I William Trussel , In the name of all Men of the Land of England , and of all the Parliament , Procurator , resign to thee Edward , the Homage that was made to thee some time , and from this time forward , I defie thee , and deprive thee of all Royal Dignity , and I shall never be Tendant to thee as for King hereafter . This Ceremony or rather compact of Treason being utter'd , Sir Thomas Blunt Steward of the Houshold broke his Staff , and Proclaimed the Kings Houshold discharged from any further Service ; and then leaving the King divested of Regal Authority , and under strong confinement , they posted to London to tell the news , which was joyfully received , especially by Roger Lord Mortimer of Wigmore ; though the Queen the better to colour the Treason , seemed much disturbed at the relation of the Kings deposing . Now the next business was to set the Crown upon young Edwards Head , whom by reason of his Minority they thought to Rule as themselves thought fit ; who notwithstanding his being but fifteen years of Age , utterly refused to admit of the Ceremony , till he was assured it was with his Fathers free consent : But at last submitting to the perswasions of the Queen and Mortimer , he was Crowned , and Proclamation put out in his name , to satisfie the minds of people , touching the free Concession of his Father . Things being at this pass , the Queen began to think of securing her self a Dowry , which she did so large , that it amounted to two parts of the Revenues of the Crown , which she delivered to the disposal of Mortimer , at whose command she solely was , even as Fame reported , both at Bed and Board ; but their security being interrupted by the pitty many seemed to have for the miseries of the Deposed King , they well knowing if he were again restored to his Dignity , it would prove their confusion ; therefore laying aside all remorse , they entered into a conspiracy to make sure of him for ever by Murther . Whereupon removing him from Kenelworth , and out of the Custody of the Earl of Lancaster , who they thought too much favored him ; he was delivered into the Custody of Sir Thomas De Gournay , and Sir John Mattravers , two bloody Sycophants , who conveyed him to Corfe Castle , from thence to Bristol , and then to Berkly Castle , where after many barbarous and vile usages , they Murthered him ; the manner according to Holinshead thus : The Kings Death being resolved on , Mortimer procured Adam De Forleton to write this doubtful but most wicked Sophism , and to be Sealed with the Queens Seal . Edvardum occidere nolite timere Bonum est . To shed King Edward's Blood Refuse to fear I count it good . Where the Comma being put after Nolite , bids them not to make him away , but placed after Timere expresly commands it ; in performing which execrable Villany these Monsters were not slow , and the better to colour the Regicide , lest any outward appearance of violence should be observed they by force bind the good King , and ( O barbarous inhumanity ) putting a Horn into his Fundament to keep the outward part from seering , they thrust a hot Iron through it , and therewith twisted his Bowels to pieces , not once only , but often repeated the cruel torture , the which how painful may be guessed by the pittiful out-cries the King made whilst they were putting him to death , which cries were heard by many , but none durst venture to relieve him . After this foul and barbarous Murther committed , it was blazed abroad that he died of grief , and thereupon they publickly exposed his Body to the Prelates , and others for several days ; but in a short time the Murther , which is seldom hid came to light , and the Actors known , though the Queen and Mortimer deeply dissembled the matter , and to outward appearance seemed greatly afflicted . Upon the discovery Gorney and Mattravers fled , the former of which was taken at Massels in France , where he produced the Queen and Mortimers Seals for what he had done ; whereupon secret Orders were sent for Beheading him on Ship-board in his way for England , lest had he come to a Trial , he should have made a full discovery of the chief Conspirator ; as for the latter he wandered about miserably in forreign Countries , and at last died miserably in Italy , being eat up with Ulcers : And Gods vengeance found out these Monsters of men , nor was it slow in punishing most deservedly Roger Lord Mortimer , the chief Contriver of the wicked Parricide , who having attained to the height of his ambition ; for he together with the Queen being at his Castle of Nottingham one Evening ( upon a bruite that his Mother was with Child by Mortimer ) the King with a well affected Company having entered a Vault that went into the Castle , passed on till he came into the Chamber where the Queen was in Bed , and Mortimer undressing himself to go to her , and so secure they were , that they had left open the Chamber door , whereupon the King caused him to be seized , which was not so easily done , but two or three were killed in the attempt ; for Mortimer had at that time a Retinue of fourscore Knights and Gentlemen attending him ; but in spite of resistance he was carried off : And within a while after condemned ( in Parliament ) for being accessary to the Murther of the late King , betraying the Nation , and wasting the Coin ; as also for committing adultery with the Queen : Whereupon he was soon after drawn to Tiburn then called the Elms , and there hanged , where by the commandment of the King , he continued hanging for two days , being pittied of none ; nor did he fall alone , for with him were Executed Sir Simon De Bedford , and John Deverel Esq both concerned in King Edwards Murther , and thus Heavens vengeance aim'd sure and overwhelmed in the height of their pride and security , these Monsters of men that durst by cruel tortures , shed the Blood of their Anointed Soveraign . CHAP. III. The Birth , remarkable passages , deposing and murthering of Richard the Second , King of England , France , and Lord of Ireland , the fiftieth Monarch of England ; with the manner of the Conspiracies against , and Vengeance that overtook many of the Regicides . RIchard the Second was Son to the black Prince , and Grandson to King Edward the Third , being Crowned in the Eleventh year of his Age , at the first entry upon his Kingdom all things promised him a peaceable and prosperous Reign ; but it continued not long so , for by reason of the ill conduct of affairs in his Minority , John Duke of Lancaster ruling all , who was in hatred with the Commons , great numbers of the Rabble rose in many Counties under the Conduct of their factious Leaders , upon pretence of Redressing grievances , the common Cloak of Rebellion ; the principal Commanders being Wat Tyler and Jack Straw , two Mechanicks , who committed many outrages , as burning , plundering and murthering in most places where they came , and were so far sided with by the City of London , that they entered it without opposition , and took the Tower wherein the King was , and were designed to murther him , had not providence prevented it , by his condescending to what they demanded , though never so unreasonable , and granting a pardon to all for what offences soever had been committed , upon which a great part acknowledged the Kings Concessions satisfactory , and so returned home ; yet their grand Captains keep their Armies on foot , and still drew up unreasonable Petitions , such as they knew the King could not with honour grant ; and hereupon they took a pretence of doing more mischief , intending to have divided the Kingdom amongst Mechanicks , every County to have had a King of the Commons , as they termed it : But e're they could bring their rebellious purpose to perfection it it was prevented , for Sir William Walworth then Lord Mayor of London being with the King at a Treaty with Wat Tyler , and hearing the Traitor speak irreverently of his Soveraign , and offering to murther one of the Kings Knights , for not shewing him such respect as he required , he with his drawn Sword Arrested him as a Traitor in West-Smithfield , and he refusing to yield , some Lords coming in he was killed , and had his head cut off and carried on a Spear out of the mouth of which he had before impiously protested that all the Laws of England should proceed . At the fall of their grand Captain the Rebels were much grieved , and being near twenty thousand strong , resolved upon revenge ; but the young King spurring forward , told them , that he was , and would be their Captain , and that whatsoever they desired , if it were lawful , they should have , which appeased and caused many of them to throw down their Arms ; and in the mean space the Lord Mayor having raised 1000 Citizens , and brought them to confront the Rebels under his own Conduct , that of Sir Robert Knowles and others , whereupon the Rebels totally submitted to the King upon promise of pardon . Whereupon the King sent to all his loving Subjects throughout England , who were able to provide Horse and Arms to attend him on Black-Heath , where they were mustered to the number of 40000 all on Horseback , and well appointed , and now the Rebels in Kent , Essex , and other Counties beginning again to raise tumults , were dispersed by force , and many of the principal Incendiaries put to death , so that the Nation was reduced to its former obedience and quiet ; so that the King began to think of Marriage , which Anno 1382. In the Month of January , he effected with the Lady Anne , Daughter to the Emperour Charles the Fourth , and Sister to Winceslaus King of Bohemia , and she Crown'd by William Courtney Son to the Earl of Devonshire , and Bishop of Canterbury : Upon which through the Negotiation of the Duke of Lancaster , a Truce was concluded between the French and English from Christmas till Midsummer ; and the said Duke upon his return dispatched with an Army to revenge the injuries the Scots had put upon the English during the intestine broils , but returned without effecting any thing memorable , and upon his return he was accused by a Carmelite Friar , and by Birth an Irish-man to have conspired the Kings Death ; to the truth of which , the Friar Swore upon the Sacrament , but the Dukes Interest in the King and his Council , so overpowered the testimony of the Friar , that it was not believed ; but on the contrary the Evidencer delivered over to the Lord John Holland , who caused him cruelly to be put to death without Trial or Form of Law , and afterwards dragged through the streets ; when at the same time the Lord Thomas of Woodstock afterwards made Duke of Glocester , rushed into the presence Chamber , swearing that he would kill any man alive , the King not excepted , that durst lay Treason to his Brothers charge ; which rash words were afterwards excused upon pretence of his Zeal to his Brothers honour , though at the same time his duty to his Soveraign ought to have overballanced the other ; but the Duke of Lancaster's credit growing great with the Court Lords , the King was forced to oblige him , not knowing how to help it ; and therefore seeing him grow obstinate , he the rather wished to be rid of him , which he thought he could no better do than by furnishing him a Navy , and an Army to Invade Castile , which Kingdom he claimed in the Right of his Wife Constance , Daughter to the late King : where arriving , he obtained several places of strength , worsting the Spaniards every where : When in the mean while the French under their young King , resolving to revenge old injuries , prepared an Army of 100000. Men to Invade England , supposing it weakned by the remoteness of the Duke of Lancaster's Army ; but such was Gods providence , that although they were imbarqued , and several times attempted to put to Sea , yet were they still driven back , and detained by contrary winds , even at such a time when the discontents amongst the Nobility made way for their Conquest ; for the King supposing himself rid at least for a time of his Uncle , the turbulent Duke of Lancaster , found his second Uncle Thomas Duke of Glocester no less troublesome , who with the Lords of his Faction continually opposed the Kings proceedings , even to the weakning the Kingdom , denying in Parliament to grant him either Men or Money , even when the French Army was daily expected to Land , upon pretence that he had undeservedly created Michael Del● Pole , Lord Chancellour , Duke of Suffolk , and Robert D' Vere Duke of Dublin in Ireland , not being willing any should be advanced , but of his own Faction , which caused a Poet , both learnedly and fellingly to Sing , or rather Weep his Countries misery in the doleful strains . I Sing the Civil Wars , tumultuous Broils , And Bloody Factions of a mighty Land ; Whose People haughty ; proud with foreign spoils , Upon themselves now turn their Conquering Hand ; Whilst Kin their Kin , Brother his Brother foils , Like Ensigns all against like Ensigns band ; Bows against Bows , a Crown against a Crown , Whilst all pretending Right , all Right threw down . The Nation which had been formerly troubled with the Insurrection of the Plebeans , was again troubled by the Faction of the Peers , who stuck not to demand the removal and banishment of all such as were near and dear unto the King , under pretence of evil Councillours : When indeed their distast for the most part was founded upon private Animosities , which when they perceived they could not effect by fair means , they retired into the several Counties where their Lands were , and where they were most popular , and there raised such forces as they could get ; which in a short time in conjunction , made an Army of Forty thousand men , though in time of eminent danger , they pretended no Forces considerable could be levyed . With these forces they march towards London , with an intent to force the King to accord to what they should propose , although at that time Dela Pole , the Duke of Ireland , and Archbishop of York , the Persons against whom they chiefly objected , were banished the Kings presence : The Lords that raised these stirs were Thomas Duke of Glocester , the Earls of Warwick , Derby , Nottingham and Arundel ; yet upon the mediation of some Prelates the matter was so ordered , that the Lords were content to present themselves to the King sitting in State at Westminster , but so far from trusting his Royal word , that they came strongly guarded , and coming into his presence fell on their Knees ; yet after the former strain , repeated their former demands , throwing down their Gloves , protesting to prove them Traitours by Combate , whom they had so named ; yet the King in a sharp reply made them sensible how little he feared their Braves , but in the end referred the further determination of matters to the next Parliament , which shortly after held at Westminster : And in the mean while bid them be content and mindful of their Allegiance , yet they refused to separate themselves , but withdrawing into the West near Burford , set upon a party of Cheshire and Welshmen , Commanded by Sir Thomas Molenaux and others , and by the Kings special Order raised to conduct safe to Court the Duke of Ireland , whom the King had secretly recalled from Banishment , and after a hot dispute slew Sir Thomas and most of his Men , the Duke hardly escaping ; then increasing their number they marched towards London , whose approach caused the King to betake himself to the Tower , and the Citizens through fear to open their Gates , so that the Lords and the greatest part of their Host entered as it were in triumph , and after some Messengers had passed between the King and them , they found means to come to his presence , and there boldly taxed him of secretly practising to fly with the Duke of Ireland into France , and to deliver up Calais and other places in Normandy to the French King , with many other unbeseeming expressions , which , either through real grief , or a Noble disdain to be so used by his Subjects , caused the King to shed Tears even in their sight , and at last it was agreed , that the King should the next day come to Westminster ; but the next day the King deferring his repair longer than the time appointed , the Lords contrary to their Allegiance sent him word , that if he came not speedily according to appointment , they would chuse them another King , who both would and should obey the Council of his Peers , they having him present whom they intended to have Invested with the Diadem , viz. Henry Earl of Derby , Son to the Duke of Lancaster , who afterward Dethroned him , as shall be related . The King having received this threatning message , though much against his Inclination , went to Westminster where the Lords were Assembled , where they forced him not only to disclaim the Duke of Ireland , divest the Lord Chancellour , but likewise turn out of favour Alexander Nevil Arch-bishop of York , the Bishops of Durham and Chichester , the Lord Souches and Beaumont , with many more of smaller account ; so that having stripped him of his friends , they thought the easier to rule him , and afterward committed as many of them as they could lay hands on Prisoners to the Tower , to answer such Accusations as should be objected against them in the next Parliament , which beginning the Candlemas following : The first day of the Sessions , most of the Judges were Arrested as they were sitting upon the Bench , and committed to the Tower ; the Crime alleadged against them was , that at Nottingham they having given Council to the Lords , which they assured them was according to Law , had afterwards assured the King that it was not according to Law , but only they had been obliged to give such Opinions for their own security : But Trisillian escaped for a while by flight , being taken in the Morning was brought before the Parliament , and having no longer respite than till the afternoon , was carried to Tyburn , and there according to Sentence had his Throat cut ; an unmanly death to be inflicted on a Lord Chief Justice : There were likewise Executed almost all the Judges , and about five Knights and Esquires , most of the Kings especial favorites , nor could the King stay this Execution ; but e're this mischief spread further , 't was allayed by the arrival of the Duke of Lancaster , who had obtained a great Sum of Money , and a yearly Revenue of the King of Spain , to quit his claim to the Crown of Castile and Leon , and that the Lord Henry his Son Marrying the Lady Catharine that Kings Daughter , should have the Title of Prince of Austria with several other advantageous matters , and upon his arrival King Richard , whether again to buy his absence is uncertain , bestowed upon him the Dutchy of Aquitain confirming it in Parliament , and putting into his Possession the Cap of Maintenance and Ducal Rod , at which time his Son Henry Earl of Derby , went for Prussia , and there ingaged himself in the War against the Lithuanian , where he Atchieved many noble deeds in Chivalry ; but soon after died the Dutchess of Lancaster , Dutchess of York , Dutchess of Derby , and what was more grievous to the King , his Queen whom he intirely loved , all dying almost in a years space ; whereupon the Duke of Lancaster went over to take possession of his Dutchy , and then upon complaint of the Out-cries committed by the Wild Irish , passed into Ireland with an Army to suppress them , and upon his return into France , he was Married to the Lady Isabel that Kings Daughter , and thereupon a peace concluded between the two Nations for the space of thirty years : And now the Duke of Ireland being dead , the discontents of the Lords seemed somewhat abated , yet not long , for the restless Duke of Glocester still contriving to secure his steerage at Helme by over-awing the King , put so many affronts upon him , that he often complained thereof to his Uncles the Dukes of Lancaster and York , who perswaded the King of his good intent , though his words might seem harsh , but within a while after a Combination of the said Duke , with the Earls of Arundel and Warwick , the Lords Cobham and Chevy , being discovered by Thomas Mobray Earl of Nottingham , wherein they had conspired to Imprison the King and his Uncles Lancaster and York ; as likewise to put to death many of his Councellours ; upon which they were Arrested , and the Duke sent Prisoner to Calais , where afterward he was smothered with a Pillow , and here only the Earl of Arundel Beheaded . These Executions wrought some alteration in the minds of the People , whose Darling the Duke of Glocester was , so that they greatly maligned his Prosecutors , and some vowed secretly to revenge ; but to salve up these discontents , especially amongst the great ones , the King in the next Parliament took upon himself the Title of Prince of Chester , created his Cousin Henry Earl of Derby Duke of Hereford , the Earl of Nottingham Duke of Norfolk , the Earl of Rutland Duke of Amaurle , the Earl of Kent Duke of Surry , the Earl of Huntington Duke of Exceter , the Earl of Sommerset Marquess of Dorset , the Lord Spencer Duke of Glocester , &c. and added to his Escutcheons the Armories of St. Edward the Confessor , sometime King of England . These proceedings for a time made fair weather , but not long ; for a Feud arising between Henry Duke of Hereford and Thomas Duke of Glocester , the latter accused the former of speaking several words to the dishonour of the King , that King Richard held the Peers of England in no esteem , but as much as in him lay , sought to destroy them by banishing some , and putting others to death : That he never troubled his mind with considering how his Dominions were diminished through his carelesness , and lastly , that all things went to wrack as well in Peace as War. Upon this it was ordered that the Accuser and the Accused should try the matter by Combate , the latter stoutly denying he ever said any such words as were objected against him , so that gages being delivered on both sides , they entered the Lists , but e're they encountered , the King threw down his Warder , and upon further consideration banished Norfolk for his Life , and Hereford at first for ten years , which after he reduced to six , which some alleadged was a just Judgment on the former , for being instrumental in putting the Duke of Glocester to death , he being then Captain of Calais . But now ruin and desolation being at hand , Portents forerun it , all the Bay-trees in England suddenly withered , and within a while sprung out again fresh , near Bedford , the River between the Villages of Harleswood and Swelston where it is deepest , drove back on either hand , and for three Miles left its Channel dry , with sundry other remarkable presages of what after happened . To give way to which the King upon notice of his Cousin the Lord Mortimer's being slain by the Irish of Leinster , who were up in Arms under their Leader Obrian , he resolved to pass over in person to revenge his death ; and therefore to furnish his expedition , he raised many of all hands , and at the same time his Uncle the Duke of Lancaster dying , he seized on his Inheritance without regard to his Son the Duke of Hereford who remained in Exile , which the said Duke hearing , was so throughly netled , that not resolving to wait the expiration of his Banishment , he taking the advantage of King Richard's absence resolves for England , having upon notice of his Fathers decease taken upon him the Title of Duke of Lancaster , and only accompanied with the banished Bishop of Canterbury and about twenty others , when having taken Ship , he for some time lay hovering on the Coast , to understand how the People stood affected to him , and the better to give his agents on shore time to work them to his purpose ; but upon notice that his Faction was strong , he Landed only under pretence of recovering his Rightful Inheritance , when as there repaired to him the Earl of Northumberland , and his Son the Lord Henry , his Son the Lord Nevil Earl of Westmorland and others , as likewise a great number of the Country People offering him their Service , so that within a short time he had formed a Puissant Army , the news of which soon alarumed Edmund Duke of York the Kings Uncle , who calling to his assistance Edmund Stafford Bishop of Chichester , Lord Chancellour , Lord Treasurer , Earl of Wiltshire , Bushy , Bagot , Green , Russel , and other Knights of the Kings Council to consult about raising forces to impeach the Dukes passage ; but their consultation came to nothing , the Dukes Faction having so dealt with the common people , that they every where refused to take up Arms against him : Whereupon Sir John Bushy Lord Treasurer , and Sir Henry Green betake themselves to Bristol Castle , but it being stormed by the Lancastrians , their Heads became a Sacrifice to popular fury , but Bagot taking ship , Sailed over to Ireland to acquaint the King with what had happened , who thereupon making such peace as he could with the Irish he hastens over ; but before his arrival , the Dukes Faction was swelled to such a torrent , that there was no opposing it . Whereupon the King having Cashiered his Army , or they for the most part deserting him , he retired to the Castle of Conway in North-Wales , whither upon notice of his being there resorted to him , the Arch-bishop of Canterbury and Earl of Northumberland , where after a long Parly the King perceiving no other conditions could be gained , required that he and eight more whom he would name might have honourable allowance with the assurance of a quiet private Life ; that he in consideration thereof would make a resignation of his Crown ; which demand Northumberland swore should be observed , and thereupon the King accompanied them to the Castle of Flint , whither the Duke was come with a part of his Army , and from thence after a short conference they removed to Chester , where the King in consideration of many fair promises never performed , put himself into the Dukes hands , who conveyed him to London , and there made sure of him in the Tower , whither several of the Lancastrian Faction daily resorted to him to parly about the surrender of his Crown , which at last he consented to do ( seeing no other Remedy ) to his Cousin the Duke of Lancaster , and at the same time taking off his Signet , he put it on the Dukes Finger ; and at the same time there being a Parliament called in King Richard's name , the Arch-bishop of York , and Bishop of Hereford were appointed his Procurators to declare what he had done , nor was this sufficient for to make him odious to the People , they exhibited thirty two Articles against him very scandalous and reproachful : Whereupon Commissioners were nominated by the consent of the Houses to pronounce the Sentence of Deposition , who were the Bishop of Asaph , the Abbot of Glastenbury , the Duke of Glocester , the Lord Berkly , and William Thyrring Chief Justice of the Common-Pleas , the Form thus . In the Name of God , We John Bishop of St. Asaph , John Abbot of Glastenbury , &c. Commissioners specially chosen by the Lords Spiritual of the Realm of England , and Commons of the said Realm representing all the states of the said Realm , sitting in place of Judgment , do renounce all fealty to Richard of Burdeaux , and him Depose from all Kingly Dignity , &c. Upon which the Duke of Lancaster rising from his Seat , Crossed himself , and then layed claim to the Crown , in these words : In the Name of God Amen , I Henry of Lancaster , claim the Realm of England and Crown , with all the appurtenances , as coming by the Blood Royal from King Henry , and by that Justice , which God of his Grace hath sent me by the help of my Kinsfolks and Friends for the Recovery of the said Realm , which was in point of perdition , through default of Government and breach of Laws . This said , he was conducted by the Arch-bishops of Canterbury and York to the Royal Throne , and there Seated , and from thenceforth all Writs and Process Issued out in his Name , Richard In the mean space remaining a Prisoner in the Tower , and every day in danger of his Life , which was often aimed at , the more firmly , to establish his Successour in his Throne , who sat uneasie whilst deposed Majesty was breathing , who though in an abject condition , yet wanted not those who were contriving to readvance him to his Throne ; yet he to render a better Construction of his actions than indeed they would bear , not only published several Proclamations , excusing what was done , but sent his Ambassadours to the Courts of neighbouring Princes to give his reasons for taking upon him the Crown of England , during the Life of the Rightful Heir , and in Parliament the better to ingratiate himself , passed an Act for restoring the Blood and Estates of such as had either suffered , or were disinherited as Traytors during the Reign of King Richard , yet gained he not so much love , but that a conspiracy , if so it may be termed , in so rightful a cause , was formed for restoring Richard to his Regal Dignity : The chief contrivers of which were the Dukes of Exceter , Surry and Amaurle , the Earls of Huntington , Kent , Rutland , Salisbury , and the Lord Spencer late Earl of Glocester , the Bishop of Carlile , Sir Bernard Broukas , Sir John Shevele , the Abbot of Westminster , and John Maudlin , the counterfeit King Richard , a person who had been his Chaplain , and much resembled him both in Features and Lineaments with several others , so that undertaking grew strong , but how to seize upon Henry and his Son they knew not , unless with a multitude , and that not to be raised without suspicion ; so that it was concluded that it should be performed in Christmas Holydays then at hand , under pretence of shows and pastime , but the Morning before the Evening it should have been put in practice , it was discovered to the King by the Duke of Amaurle as some report , yet so narrowly the King escaped , that he had scarce reached London before the Earls of Kent and Salisbury not knowing their design was discovered entered the Kings Lodging at Windsor with four hundred Armed Men , supposing to have surprized him there : But when they found the Bird was flown , they were much grieved ; yet having dared thus far , they resolved to proceed yet further ; and thereupon to increase their number , gave out that King Richard was at liberty , and in the midst of an Army of 100000 Men at Pomfret , and that Henry and his Son were fled ; and then the better to confirm the belief of the People , Maudlin the Chaplain personated Richard , but the device answered not their expectation ▪ for in the end most of the Lords were taken and put to death , as likewise Maudlin the counterfeit Richard , the whole number that at that time fell a Sacrifice to Richard's cause , were 19. Thus his friends being put to death , his turn came next , for jealous Henry could not imagine himself safe whilst Richard remained still in the Hearts of his Subjects ; therefore many Councils were held how to be rid of him , so that at last it was concluded that he should be conveyed from the Tower to Pomfret Castle , and committed to the hands of Bloody Ruffians , who that he might die a death the least discernable , as our Historians of most credit relate , was there starved to death with cold and hunger , being kept with insufferable torments fifteen days e're he died ; and as some say , the more to aggravate his torments , he had Victuals daily set before him , but was not suffered to touch it , or at most but so small a quantity , as rathe● lingered out his misery than was any ways advantageous , a death so cruel , that even the barbarous Nations detest to inflict upon the worst of Malefactors , and much more on a King Anointed , and Viceroy of Heaven , for no other fault than what he was prompted to by others , who worked upon his tender nature , being a King in himself disposed to mercy . After he was dead , his Body was brought up to London , and in St. Pauls exposed to the view of the people , and the better to colour so great an iniquity , it was caused to be rumoured , that upon notice of the execution of his friends he had pined away with grief , but that he was starved to death , agree Stow , Walsingham , Harding and other Historians of account , though some there be that affirm he was slain by Sir Piers Exton after he had in resisting slain several of his Knights , but if he had been brained , or mortally wounded , certain it is that he would never have been exposed to the view of the people , nor could he have been put to death without Henries consent , but inquiry would have been made into the cause of his death . Therefore O Henry , if thou wert Author , or at least but privy to so Execrable a Murther , though for thine own pretended safety , and for that errors cause , which is erroneously miscalled a reason of state thou art altogether inexcusable , and surely he is not a man that hears of the Infamishment of this King , and feels not a chilling horrour , and conceives not detestation of such a bloody barbarity ; but Heaven was not slow in revenging the fall of this King , for what was the Reign of his Successour but a continual trouble what Insurrections , Rebellions , Losses at Sea , Plagues , Tempests , fearful Prodigies , and all that can make a Nation miserable Famine excepted did not happen ? how many Plots and Conspiracies were layed against his Life by those that had advanced him to the Regal Dignity ? What fears and jealousies stuck as Thorns in his Crown , and made ever uneasie , what executions of the Nobility happened during his Reign , even of those especially who had been instrumental in deposing Richard , and no doubt counselling his death ? so that the English Earth never drank more noble Blood in so short a time , he Reigning but 13. y. 6. m. 3. d. and left Issue Prince Henry afterwards King , Thomas Duke of Clarence slain at Beaufort without Issue , John Duke of Bedford who died without Issue , and Humfry Duke of Glocester who was murthered in his Bed at Bury , and two Daughters Blaunch and Philip : Now as for his Eldest Son Henry the Fifth , after his glorious Atchievements in France , he died in the Flower of his Age , not without suspicion of Poyson , and Henry the Sixth , Son to King Henry the Fifth , and Grandson to Henry the Fourth , and Prince Edward his Son , and great Grand-child to the Fourth Henry , were Murthered by that Monster of Mankind the Duke of Glocester , afterwards Reigning by the name of Richard the Third : And thus we may see how Sacred Kings Lives ought to be held , when such Tragedies revenge their fall . King Richard after he had been exposed to view for several days , ( and the rueful spectacle moved many to compassionate his death ) was conveyed to Langly in Hartfordshire , and there obscurely buried , though King Henry the Fifth caused those Royal remains to be removed to Westminster , and there Interred amongst his Ancestors . Thus fell this unhappy King without Issue , and thus his fall was revenged , and now leaving him to slumber in his Grave ; we shall proceed to the next Tragedy , which as it falls next in course , is that of pious King Henry the Sixth . CHAP. IV. The Barbarous Murther of Henry the Sixth , King of England , France , and Lord of Ireland , the three and fiftieth Monarch of England , with the particular Marks of Gods vengeance upon the shedders of Innocent Royal Blood ; together with the Policies and Contrivances that were used to bring about the Barbarous Regicide . HEnry the Sixth was Son to Henry the Fifth , and Grand-child to Henry the Fourth , his Mother was Katharine Daughter to King Charles the Sixth of France , upon him the Crown devolved in his Infancy , his Father dying when he was about Seven Months old , and he Crowned at Eight ; yet his Warlike Father having time in his sickness , made his last Will and Testament , constituting his Brother the Duke of Glocester Protector of England during his Sons Minority , and his other Brother the Earl of Bedford Regent , and to the Duke of Exceter committed he the care of young Henry , though to be nurtured and brought up by the Queen . Matters being thus settled , the King dies of a burning Feaver at Bois D' Vincenois in France , and for a time all things were calm , especially in England , though they continued not long so , for although no diligence was wanting in the Dukes Regents , yet the Kings Minority gave way to many Exorbitancies as well amongst the Vulgar as the Nobility , and France desirous of gaining her former liberty , continually struggled with the Conquerour , the active Dauphin still assailing the strengths of the English , as he found advantage offer , so that many places were lost by being taken , or by revolt , yet the couragious Duke of Bedford the Kings Uncle , having received a supply of fresh forces out of England , recovered many of them , but he in the heat of those troubles dying at Roan , the English but weakly maintained their footing in France , and within a while after , the Faction amongst the Nobles increasing , the Duke of Glocester Protector of England , and the Kings other Uncle , through the procurement of Queen Margaret Wife to King Henry , was Arrested in Parliament by John Lord Beaumont High Constable of England , and committed to the custody of the Dukes of Buckingham , Somerset and others , when within a while after he was found dead , as they pretended of an Apoplexy , though those who enquired more diligently into the matter , found by apparent Symptoms that he was made away , yet the death of so great a Prince was hushed , though it proved fatal to the King and Kingdom : For in the death of these two Brothers , the two strongest twisted Cords in the Cable of Government were snapped in sunder ; whereupon it proved too weak to Anchor the Ship riding in so fierce a torrent ; for now the ambitious Duke of York Cousin to the King , having made strong his Faction , began to shew himself openly , laying claim to the Crown whilst the King was yet alive , drawing to his part a number of the discontented Nobility , who envied the Duke of Somerset , a man true and just to his Country , and one whom the King highly favoured , but that not being like to bring his designs to perfection , taking example by King Henry the Fourth , he resolves to make himself popular , and within a while so dealt by his Agents with the Mobile that they rose in many Counties in great numbers , threatning like a Deluge all before them with ruin and desolation , and from the Counties adjacent under the Leading of Jack Cade that audacious Rebel , they Mustered about London ; and Quartered in the Suburbs , ruining and plundering many stately Houses , nor did Churches scape their Sacrilegious hands . The chief of these Rebels were drawn out of Kent , and their Petition , or rather Peremptory demand after they had made incredible spoil was , 1. That Richard Duke of York then in Ireland , as likewise several others of his Faction , whom they named should be called home , and be admitted chief Councillours , and have power to manage the principal Affairs of the Kingdom . 2. That the Duke of Glocester was falsly Proclaimed a Traitour , and therefore they demanded that the Authors might be punished . By this we may see who incouraged them to those unnatural Insurrections ; they had likewise a third Article , but it only contained scandalous reflections on the Duke of Suffolk , but these Traiterous demands being denied , and their Articles rejected , they raged worse than before : Whereupon Sir Humfry Stafford drawing together such forces as he could get , Incountered them at Seven-Oaks , whither they were retired , but was unfortunately slain , and his party routed by Cade the principal Rebel who disarmed him , and put on his Armour , which ill became such a Villain . After this they again advanced towards London , and some of the factious Citizens , though contrary to the Will of the Magistrates favoring them , they enter the City and make great spoil on the Houses of such as they imagined to favour the Duke of Suffolk , or indeed the King , which caused the Lord Mayor to Assemble the Loyal Citizens , and consult what was best to be done , who agreed that when Cade was withdrawn , as soon after happened , they should shut the Gates against him , and defend the City for the King , which they effected , and kept him out , though not without the effusion of Blood on either side , but he being put to the foil , his Companions grew faint hearted , so that upon the coming forth of the Kings Proclamation to assure them of pardon , upon condition they would deposite their Arms , they deserted him , and then a thousand Marks being offered to any that could take Cade dead or alive ; he within a short time was killed at Hothfield by one Alexander Eden a Kentish Gentleman , and his Head being brought up to London , was set upon London Bridge ; as likewise twenty six more of his Accomplices who had been excluded the Charter of pardon , being taken , received the reward of their Treason . The news of these intestine tumults flying into Ireland , and coming to the Dukes Ear , who meant nothing less than the deposing of innocent Henry , lest his Faction should be weakned by his absence , he posts over , leaving the Affairs of the Kingdom with which he had been intrusted in a tottering condition , and upon his arrival without the Kings leave or liking committed Prisoners to the Castle of Ludlow , John Sutton , Lord Dudly , Reynold Abbot of St. Peters at Glastenbury , all of them the Kings friends , and afterwards ( having resolved upon deposing the King ) he takes up Arms under pretence of removing evil Councillors from about the Kings person almost the original pretence of every Rebellion , though the undertakers aim at nothing less then the King himself , and the chief person he objects against the only man that kept him from his wicked purposes was Edmund Duke of Somerset , and many grievous Accusations the better to colour the business , are made against him , but the chief insisted on was the loss of Normandy during his Regency , though it evidently appeared that the Duke of York himself by fomenting a division amongst the great ones , had given the French opportunity to recover it . The King seeing himself in danger , resolves to oppose the torrent , and therefore Arms , and with a strong power marcheth towards Wales , in whose Marches the Duke resided with his forces , of which the Duke having notice , and understanding the Kings power was such , that he was no ways able to oppose them , upon his feigned submission he so wrought upon the good nature of this pious and peaceful King that a peace was concluded ; and after some heats and accusations had passed between the Dukes of York and Somerset ; the former was swore to be true to the King , and never more take up Arms , but regarded his Oath no longer than it served for his purpose , for joyning with the Earls of Warwick , Salisbury , and others of the Faction , he again takes Arms , and marches towards London , and to oppose him the King does the like , both Armies meeting at St. Albans a dreadful fight began , which for a long time lasted doubtful , but at last the Earl of Warwick with his Battalian breaking through a Garden , fell in so furiously , that the Kings party were put to the rout , six hundred slain , and amongst them the Duke of Somerset , Earl of Northumberland , Stafford , Lord Clifford , and others of Note . Here the King received a slight wound in the Neck with an Arrow , and was taken Prisoner , though at the same time the Lords of the Faction pretended abundance of respect , leading him to London , and there procured a Parliament to be called in his name , where they caused an Act of Indemnity to be passed , and all things to be so ordered , that they render their Faction pleasing to the multitude , and now nothing remained but to depose the King , and deprive him of Life , but this they feared to do till their insinuations had spread wider , and that they had got Prince Edward his Son into their hands , for the King notwithstanding this adversity , was extreamly beloved for his singular Piety and meekness ; nor did this suffice , for in this Parliament the Duke of York got himself made Protector of England , and its appurtenances , ( a thing never heard of before , unless in the Nonage of a King ) but his insolencies were such , by Imprisoning and deposing the Kings best friends , that he was soon divested of that power at the instance of the Queen , and several Noble Lords well-wishers to the King. These Intestine broils Incited the French and Scots to molest the Sea-port Towns and ways , the remote parts of England , upon news of which the King the better to revenge those injuries , called an Assembly of the Peers at London , whither the Duke of York , Earls of Warwick and Salisbury , were Summoned under the Kings Privy Seal , and accordingly came , but finding things not for their purpose , they feigned a Plot against their Lives , and so retired to their several Castles , and places of strength without leave taken , and there gathering forces upon a second Summons came in Hostile manner ; yet the good natured King so labored that a reconciliation , or at least a seeming one on the part of the Yorkists , was the result of that meeting ; but it continued not so long , for upon a Quarrel between one of the Kings Servants , and one of the Earl of Warwicks , all was again in a combustion ; for the Earl of Warwick upon that occasion being Assaulted , flies to Calais , and there maintains himself by Piracy , utterly disowning the King Supream Lord of that Place , but being not long satisfied there , he Sails over to the Assistance of the Duke of York , and Earl of Salisbury , who again had taken up Arms , and Encamped near Ludlow , bringing with him one Captain Andrew Trolop , and a stout Band of Calesians , whom all along he had perswaded that they were to fight in the Kings Quarrel , but they finding it otherwise upon the Kings approach , expressed their Loyalty by forsaking the Yorkists , and coming over to the King , who good natured Prince , received them with all convenient expressions of kindness and Royal favour ; and Trolop their Captain being privy to all the Plots and Designs of the Yorkists Faction ; the Kings Enemies disperse , the Duke of York , with the Earl of Rutland his youngest Son into Ireland , the Earl of March his Eldest Son and Heir , together with the Earls of Warwick and Salisbury , with much difficulty escape to Calais , which place had King Henry timely fortified , he had driven them all to great extremity ; yet the Parliament proceeded to Proclaim them and their Abetters , Traitours , and to attaint them of high Treason , disabling them or their Heirs of ever inheriting their Titles or Possessions , which made them again prepare to Invade England by stealth in their wonted Hypocrisy ( the better to win the multitude to side with them ) with deepest Oaths , protesting they only sought the good and welfare of King Henry , and the removal of evil Councillors sending many Writings abroad fraight with dissimulations to that purpose , which wrought them much favour , so that Landing in Kent , and swearing to be true to King Henry , especially the Earl of Warwick who swore it upon the Cross of the Cathedral of Canterbury , they came forward to London still increasing in number , which caused the King and Queen being no ways confident of the Citizens , to remove to Northampton , whither the Earls of March and Warwick hasted , and notwithstanding their many fair pretences gave the King Battel , overthrew his Army , and taking him Prisoner , brought him as it were in Triumph to London , and although they held him Prisoner , yet continued their dissembled kindness towards him , with many feigned expressions of Obedience and Loyalty . Upon news of this success , the Duke of York hasts from Dublin in Ireland , and pulling off the Mask he had so long vailed his design with , layed claim in the Parliament then sitting to the Crown , breaking open the Kings Lodgings , and possessing himself thereof ; but the Parliament not approving his rashness , he drew up his Pedigree , in which he proposed himself to be the rightful Heir , which was likewise opposed with many forcible Arguments , yet so powerful was his Faction , that he prevailed to be Proclaimed Heir apparent , and again to enjoy the Title of Protector of England , with a grant that Henry the Sixth should Reign only during his natural Life , and that then the Crown should devolve on him and his Heirs , as descended of the Masculine Line from Edward the Third ; but at this time the Queen being in the North , gathering forces to release her Husband , would by no means consent to this agreement , which caused York to advance in order to oppose her , but her forces consisting of near 18000 , and his a far less number , he contrary to the advice of his Council , resolving to give Battel before his Son the Earl of March could joyn him , the Battel was fought at Wakefield , and therein himself , the Lord Harington , Sir Thomas Nevil Son to the Earl of Salisbury , and almost all his Soldiers were slain ; so severe is the Almighty in punishing perjury , and disloyalty to him and his Vice-gerents , Kings Anointed ; the Earl of Salisbury was taken Prisoner and Beheaded , and his head with the Dukes fixed upon York Gates ; upon this the Queen and her Army came to London , and released the King by the overthrow of Warwick at St. Albans , restoring him to his Power and Majesty , but rested not long e're the Earl of March , Eldest Son to the Duke of York advanced with a Puissant Army , and the Earl of Warwick having escaped the fight joyned with him , which news made the King and Queen retire into the North , to provide against the threatning storm , whereupon Edward Earl of M●rch , without any controul advanced and entered London , fearful of a Sack , and there by threats and perswasions prevailed with the unstable multitude to give their Assents for his being Crowned King , which Ceremony ended , though against all Law and Right he drew forth his Army , and advanced against the King , who had gathered great forces which were in chief by the Duke of Somerset , Earl of Northumberland , and Lord Clifford , both Armies consisting of 112000. the greatest Army of English that ever England saw , who upon the charge being sounded , began the Fight with great fury near Ferry-Bridge , which continued ten hours , and was lost on the Kings side by the overhastiness of the Northern Archers , who spent all their Arrows at a distance , as not being able to discern the Enemy ; by reason the Snow that then fell was driven full in their Eyes : The Nobility that died on the Kings side , were the Lords Scales , Willowby , Beaumont , Wells , Grey , Dacres , Fitz Hugh Buckingham and Clifford , the two Bastards of Exceter , of Knights and Esquires a great number , and in all on both parts the slain were computed 35091. a slaughter ▪ the like not known in England since the Conquest . Upon this fatal overthrow King Henry hs Son the Prince , and several great Lords escaped into Scotland , where they were kindly received , and a Marriage proposed between the young Prince , and the Lady Margaret the Scotch King's Daughter , upon which Queen Margaret passed into France , to negotiate her Husbands affairs with the French King for new supplies . In the mean while Edward is Crowned at Westminster , and a Parliament called , wherein King Henry , and Prince Edward his Son are disinherited of the Crown and all Regal Authority , upon news of which Queen Margaret returns to Scotland , having obtained a considerable supply of men from her Father Duke Reynold , Duke of Anjoy , King of Naples , Jerusalem and Sicily ; having suffered much by storm from Scotland , she passed into England , together with her Husband and such Scotch forces , as that King assisted her with , and took several Castles in Northumberland , several Loyal English daily resorting to the Royal Standard , which proceeding greatly alarumed Edward , so that constituting the Lord Montacute his Lieutenant General , he furnished him with an Army , with which he gave Battel to King Henry's forces near unto Hexham where the Yorkists prevailed , and King Henry is obliged again to fly into Scotland , from whence some time after coming into England in disguise , he was taken Prisoner by Thomas Talbot in Cletherworth in Lancashire , and from thence brought to ▪ London , with his Legs bound under the Horses Belly , ( so little respect had those Varlets , into whose hands he fell to afflicted Majesty ) and upon his arrival committed Prisoner to the Tower. Edward having King Henry in safe custody , began to give himself over to sports and Daliances , and above all to bethink himself of a Wife , upon which several were proposed , as the Lady Margaret , Sister to King James of Scotland , the Lady Elizabeth Sister and Heir Apparent to Henry King of Castile , the Lady Bona Daughter to the Duke of Savoy , and Sister to the French Queen , of which the latter being thought the fittest Match ; the Earl of Warwick was sent over to negotiate the affair , and proceeded so well , that he procured a free consent of the French King , Queen , and the Lady her self ; when in the mean while Edward had cast his Eyes upon Elizabeth Grey Widdow to Sir John Grey slain in the Quarrel of King Henry at St. Albans , and notwithstanding all the perswasions of the Dutchess of York his Mother , Married her , and made her Queen , which Warwick taking as a grievous affront put upon him , from that moment Alienated his Affections from Edward , and consulted how to restore King Henry to his Crown and Dignity , in order to which , he first consults his two Brothers , George Nevil Arch-bishop of York , and John Nevil Marquess of Montacute , the former of which soon consented , but the latter proposed many delays , whereupon the politick Earl the better to bring his designs about , resolves to bring to his Lurd George Duke of Clarence , Edwards Second Brother ( whom he knew to be discontented with his Brothers Rule ) and so effectually wrought with Soliciting , that he soon found him pliable , and ready to espouse his Interest ; whereupon the more to secure him , he proposed to him his Eldest Daughter in Marriage , with the one half of his Wives Inheritance , which was afterwards consummated at Calais , and in the mean while by the countenance of the Earl , many Commotions were raised in England to countenance which , and to dispossess Edward of his Usurped Crown , ( to say no worse ) the Duke and Earl prepared for England , having first espoused his second Daughter to Prince Edward , Son to King Henry , and then arriving a great conflux of People , hasted to his Banner , so well known and dreaded in England , being the White Bear and Ragged Staff , to oppose which torrent e're it grew greater Edward hastened , and at Woolvy four Miles from Warwick , where the Duke and the Earls Host lay , pitched his Tents , and bid the Earl Battel , who undaunted Spirit brooked no such Bravado advance and both Armies stood Imbattled expecting the dreadful blast , but it so happened , that the Fight was delayed , and both Armies retire , as if a Peace would undoubtedly insue , but crafty Warwick had other designs on foot ; for within a while after he surprized Edward in the midst of his Army , and took him Prisoner , committing him to the custody of the Archbishop of York , from whom he soon after escaped , which greatly perplexed the Earl ; yet he so ordered the matter , as not to seem in the least to regard it . Edward upon his escape fled to London , and the Duke and Earl continuing in their station , levied great forces , but upon the Mediation of the Nobility , it was so ordered that the Duke and Earl came to Edward upon his Letters of safe conduct , but Edward taxing them with Disloyalty , and they him with ingratitude , nothing was done but both departed , Edward to Canterbury , and the other returned to Warwick , and from thence sent their Agents into Lincolnshire , where they dealt with the Commons to take up Arms under the Leading of Sir Robert Wells , Son to the Lord Wells ; but he in revenge of his Fathers Death ( whom Edward had basely Beheaded contrary to his promise ) rashly ingaged Edwards power before Warwick could come to his Aid , and by that means lost the day and his own Life ; upon notice of which overthrow , the Duke and Earl betook themselves again to Calais , of which place the latter was Captain , but were denied entrance by Vawclere his Lieutenant , and thereupon went to the French Court , where they were kindly received , and within a while returning into England , gathered so huge an Army , that Edward was forced to fly the Land , and his Queen to take Sanctuary ; whereupon King Henry was again restored to his Regal Dignity , and Edward with all his adherents Proclaimed Traitors , and in Parliament disinabled from Inheriting the Crown , and it again Intailed on King Henry , upon which Heart-breaking news , Edward procures forces from the Duke of Burgundia , who had Married his Sister , and under pretence of Friendship enters England , pretending to no more than his Dutchy of York , framing Letters for his safe conduct under the Seal of the Earl of Northumberland ; but he no sooner entered but surprized that City ; whereupon Warwick and Clarence prepare to drive him thence , but the latter was so wrought with under hand , that he revolted to Edward , and endeavored to perswade Warwick to do the like , who generously answered to the Messenger , go tell your Duke that I had rather be an Earl , and always like my self , than a false and perjured Duke , and that e're my Oath shall be falsified ( as his apparently is ) I will lay down my Life at my Enemies Foot , which I doubt not but shall be bought very dear , and thereupon Marched towards London , when at St. Albans he considered what was best to be done , and finding that the Sword must decide it , he advanced , and at Barnet both Armies approached each other , where in the spacious Field , the Battle joyn'd on Easter day with such fury , that the like had not been known , and continued doubtful for a long time , when as the day being overcast with mist hindering the Soldiers sight , Warwicks Battalian took the Stars Imbroidered upon the Earl of Oxford's Mens Coats for his Son Edwards Body , whereupon they let fly upon their friends , which mistake caused the Earl to leave the fight , his Men crying Treason , Treason , we are all betrayed , which Warwick perceiving , charged with fury upon the Enemy , but entering too far was beaten down and slain , though not without performing wonders sutable to his great Soul , who had been Englands Make-King for many years before , with him perished his Brother the Marquess of Montacute , and a great number of smaller note , as likewise the loss of the Battle on the side of the Lancastrians . Son after this overthrow , Queen Margaret and Prince Edward arrive at Weymouth , and understanding the loss of the Battle of Barnet Field , she went to Ceerue Abby , whither the Lancastrian Nobility that escaped the slaughter came to her , and with comfortable words , put her in hopes of better success , and immediately raised such forces as they could , and joyned them to those they Queen had brought over from France , but loth she was that the Prince her Son should hazard himself in the Battle , and urged sundry persons , but was over perswaded by the Lords , whose preparations alarumed Edward , so that gathering an Army , he advanced towards them , resolving to hinder the increase of the Queens power , having first committed King Henry , and the Archbishop of York to the Tower , and at Teuxbury both Armies met , where after a hot Encounter , by the Treachery of the Lord Wenlock the Battle went with Edward , which Treachery was rewarded with death , the Duke of Somerset the Queens General beating his Brains out with his Battle-Ax . In this Battle of the Lancastrian Nobility , were slain John Lord Summert , John Coventry Earl of Devonshire , the Lord Wenlock in manner aforesaid , several Knights , and three thousand common Soldiers , and on the other side not fewer . Upon this defeat Proclamation was made for the Apprehending Prince Edward , who was soon taken by that unworthy Knight Sir Robert Crofts , and delivered to his most Capital Enemy , the Duke of Somerset , and others of Quality having taken Sanctuary , were haled thence and beheaded . Prince Edward not passing fourteen years of Age , being brought before Edward had assumed the Soveraignty , he beheld him with a stern Countenance , and demanded how he durst with Banners displayed enter his Realm ? to which the young Prince with an undaunted Courage replied , to recover my Fathers Kingdoms , and most Rightful Inheritance possessed by his Father and Grandfather , and immediately from him descending to me ; how darest thou then that art but his Subject , take up Arms against thy King ? This Brave and Generous Answer , so touched King Edward to the quick , that he unmanly with his Gauntlet , smote him on the Mouth , when at the same instant the more villanous Duke of Glocester , afterwards Usurper of the Crown by the name of Richard the Third , together with his wicked Accomplices , stabbed the Prince to death in Edwards presence , Monsters unworthy of the name of Men , but Heavens vengeance for this and other black crimes overtook the Actors . The Prince after his being murthered , was Buried in the Grey-Fryars at Tewksbury without any Ceremony , and now Queen Margaret having taken Sanctuary , was discovered and brought Prisoner to the Tower , where she continued till her Father with a great Ransome ( to raise which he was forced to sell most of his Signeouries to the French King ) he redeemed her , and now King Henry being Prisoner , likewise , and the Thorne that made Edwards Crown sit uneasie , he resolves to be rid of him , and therefore sent his Brother , that Crook-backed Monster in the shape of a Man , to dispatch him , who pretending to discourse about his releasment , stabbed the pious King to the Heart , and eased him of this troublesome Life , though perpetual horrour haunted the Actor of this black deed to his Grave . After this cruel murther committed on the pious King , his Body was for many days exposed to the view of the People ever bleeding afresh , which raised at once pitty and detestation in the Spectators , and then carried by Water to Chersie in Surry . And thus fell this good King , though not unrevenged , for he lived to see the miserable ends of all such as had first broached the mutual War against him , viz. Richard Duke of York , the Earls of Salisbury and Warwick , and afterward God was not slow to revenge his Royal Blood , for within a while the Duke of Clarence King Edwards Brother was attainted of Treason , and privately put to death in the Tower , as some say drowned in a Butt of Malmsey , King Edward himself continually infested with troubles , through his unquiet Reign , and People every where suffering through storms , pestilence , and Losses by Sea and Land , after his Decease his two Sons murthered by their unnatural Uncle the Duke of Glocester , and that Monster himself after a short Usurpation slain in Bosworth Field , as in the sequel shall more at large be shown , and thus I shall end with the death of this pious , though unfortunate King , who left no Issue , his only Son being murthered as is before recited . CHAP. V. The Murther of Edward the Fifth , and his Brother Richard Duke of York , by the means of their Vncle the Duke of Glocester , his Vsurpation and Death , with various Examples of Gods vengeance upon those that were his Assistants in the Regicide . Edward the Fourth having ( though for the most part ) reigned twenty two years , one Moneth and five days , deceased , leaving his Nobility at variance , though at his death they were seemingly reconciled , and his two Sons both young , and Glocester Protector of the Realm , during Edward the Elders Minority ; but he having before Plotted the Acquirement of the Soveraignty , resolved to work the destruction of his Nephews to his way to the Throne , and therefore confederating with the Duke of Buckingham , and other Lords of his Faction , which with gifts and large promises he won to his Lure : Whereupon his first attempt was to accuse the Lords of the Queens Blood , with many things thereby to render them odious in the Eyes of the People , and therewith a strong Guard went to meet the young King , who at his Fathers death was at Ludlow , under pretence of bringing him up to London to his Coronation , when indeed he never intended he should wear the Diadem , they having politickly perswaded the Queen from setting any guard about her Son , that so they might the easier work their purposes , and coming to Northampton where the Lord Rivers , the Queens Brother , and the Lord Richard her Son by Sir John Grey , lay , they with all seeming kindness received and imbraced them , and seemed to study nothing more than the advancement of the King , but Glocester , Buckingham and others of the Faction having held a close Consult most part of the Night , the next Morning they locked up the Inn , setting a guard of their Servants , whom they had privately sent for to secure it , and others to secure the way from Northampton to Stony Stratford where the King lay , that none should pass to bear the news of what had happened , under a pretence only that they designed to be the first that would wait upon the King from that Town , but Earl Rivers perceiving himself as it were a Prisoner , and mistrusting some design against his Person , went boldly to the Dukes , who were in the same Inn , and demanded the reason of such their proceedings , upon which they began to pick a quarrel with him , saying that he endeavoured to sow discord between the King and them to their utter confusion , should it take effect , but as he was about to excuse the false Accusation they committed him to Ward , and taking Horse Rode to Stony Stratford , where in the presence of the young King , they after a feigned salutation and submission , picked a quarrel with the Lord Grey , the Kings other Brother by the Mothers side , saying that he the Lord Rivers and Lord Marquess had Conspired their ruin , and that the Marquess had taken the Kings Treasure out of the Tower , and fitted out Ships to Sea ( which though they alledged as a crime against him , yet themselves knew it was done for the good of the Nation , and with the consent of the Council . These Accusations the King excused , saying , as for his Uncle and his Brother present , he durst ingage they had done nor meant no ill , though the Marquess being absent , he could not as yet tell what he might have done , but this availed not , for in the Kings presence they Arrested the Lord Richard , Sir Thomas Vaughan , and Sir Richard Hawit , and brought the King and all his Train back to Northampton , which unexpected news coming to the Queens Ear , she immediately with her second Son the Duke of York took Sanctuary in Westminster , and there in great heaviness attended the sequel , and there had the great Seal delivered to her by the Arch-bishop of York , which he afterward repenting , sent privately for it again . In the mean while Gloucester used many Arguments to perswade the King and those about him , that all should be well , and sent a dish of meat from his own Table to Earl Rivers with comfortable , though dissembling words , but in the end , the Lord Rivers , the Lord Richard , Sir Thomas Vaughan were sent to divers Prisons , and in conclusion all Beheaded at Pomfret by the command of Gloucester , without Process of Law. The next thing was to scandalize the Queen , and to insinuate with the people , that the Lord aforesaid intended to kill all of the Blood Royal , to which purpose they shewed several pieces of Armour found in their Carriages , saying it was designed for their destruction , which many of the more easie sort believed , though wise men knew , that if they had so intended , they would have had it on their backs , but at last the King was brought to London , and joyfully received by the Lord Mayor , Aldermen , Sheriffs , and chief Citizens , and thereupon a Council was called to consult of his Coronation , in which Gloucester so cunningly dissembled his Intentions , th●t he was made Protector of the Kings Person and Realm , and so the Lamb was committed to the keeping of the Woolf , and thus having got the King safe in the Tower , nothing remained but possessing himself of the young Duke of York who was with the Queen in Sanctuary , the which ( though much contrary to the will of the Queen ) he at last obtained , and upon first sight took him in his Armes , and gave him a Judas kiss . Thus having secured himself of the Male Line of the House of York , he began to pull off the Vizard that he so long had worn , and began to place and displace the Kings attendants as he thought most advantagious for the carrying on of his design , to all which Buckingham was privy , and it was resolved between them , that the Protector should be King , and Buckingham upon these following considerations , to assist him to grasp the Crown to his utmost power , viz. That Gloucesters only Son should Marry his Daughter , and that when he had attained his desire , he should have quiet possession of the Earldome of Hereford with other Immunities , and the better to carry on the designe , two Counsels were appointed , one in the Tower , and the other in Bishopsgate-street , the latter of which was composed of the Protectors own Creatures , amongst whom was one Catesby a Lawyer , in whom the Lord Hastings Lord Chamberlaine put such c●nfidence , that he doubted not but from him to have frequent Intelligence of all that passed , but he deceived his expectation , and instead of standing by him , gave Council against his Life , by incensing the Protector , that whilst he lived he could not accomplish his design , which so netled the Protector , that though he loved the Lord Chamberlain , yet rather than to be baulked in his purpose , he resolved , and the next day in Counsel he found occasion to pick a Quarrel with him upon pretence that the Queen and Shores Wife ( the late Kings Concubine ) had bewitched him , the latter of which the Lord Chamberlaine for the great Love he bore her , seeming to excuse , as indeed she was no ways Guilty , the Protector with a Sign given , in a great Rage gave notice to his men in Harness that he had planted in the next Room , who rushing in in great number , one struck at the Lord Stanley with a Battle-Axe , that had he not swiftly stooped under the Table , had split his Scull , but as it was , it grievously wounded him , then was the Lord Hastings Arrested , and within an hour after Beheaded on a Logg in the Tower , and all the other Lords disposed of in safe Custody for a time , and to excuse the Fact , a Proclamation was put forth , intimating that the Lord Stanley and Lord Hastings intended to have Murthered the Protector and Duke of Buckingham in Counsel , but few or none believed it , and the better to colour his pretence of being bewitched by Jane Shore , he caused her house to be rifled , and her to do open Pennance ▪ and the same day the Lord Chamberlaine was beheaded , the Lords of the Queens Blood were Beheaded at Pomfret , not without his Counsel and advice , little suspecting his Life was of equal date with theirs . The Protector having thus far proceeded , and resolving to go through stitch , procures Edmund Shore Knight Lord Mayor of London to be of the Counsel , that being privy to his design , he might work the City to his purpose ; as likewise procured the said Shores Brother a Doctor in Divinity , and one Fryer Pinker to Preach his Title , and insinuate him in their Sermons into the hearts of the People , in which the former by such prodigious Flattery and Dissimulation proceeded , that being reviled and hated of all men , for very shame and anguish he shortly after died , the latter in the midst of his Sermon so lost his Voice , that he was forc'd to break off in the middle ; but this way not prevailing , ( though Gloucester had ordered them to Proclaim his Mother an Adulteress , and that his Brother Edward was unlawfully begotten . ) Buckingham , together with tho Mayor , Recorder , and some of the Aldermen , repaired to Guild-Hall , where the Duke made a long harangue in praise of the Protector , to all the Citizens assembled , laying open the Cruelties , Lusts , and Tyranny of King Edward , vilifying his off-spring , and alleadging them unlawful , by arguing him lawfully Married to the Lady Elizabeth Lucy , though upon Tryal no such thing appeared , the Lady denying and disowning any such Marriage . His tedious Speech ended , he expected the loud applause of the people , that they should have cryed , King Richard , King Richard , but they rather stood amazed in deep silence , not so much as the murmur of a voice being heard , at which the Duke was much perplexed , and signified as much to the Mayor , who told him , he believed the people did not understand him aright , whereupon he again began to repeat what he had before declared , with additions more plain than what he had before delivered , which ended , some of his own men and of Gloucesters retinue , as likewise several Apprentices and loose Fellows , who had thrust in amongst the Citizens , cryed , King Richard , King Richard , and threw up their Caps , whilst the Citizens looked back as amazed at what they meant , but the Duke taking hold of this opportunity , said , It was a joyful Acclamation , and he rejoyced to see that all as one man had consented that the Protector should be King , and therefore desired them that the next day they would accompany him to wait upon the Protector to see if his Grace would accept of the Regal Diadem , and in the mean while he would acquaint him with their good will towards him . In the Morning the Mayor , some of the Aldermen , and several Citizens , but more Apprentices and Serving-men , accompanied the Duke to Baynards Castle , where the Protector resided , and being entred the outward Court , they sent in a Message to the Protector , to acquaint him that there were many Eminent persons , as well Nobility as Citizens , had an Important Suit to his Grace , and could impart it to no other , upon which he dissembles fear and unwillingness to speak with them , but after many earnest Intreaties , he came into a Gallery where they might behold him , and from whence he might speak to them , and then the Duke of Buckingham in the name of the rest , addressed himself in a speech , intimating , that it was the desire of all the Nobility and Commons of England , that he should take upon him the Soveraignty of the Kingdom of England and its Apurtenances , which he made strange at , as if he had never known of any such design , and vehemently ( though with much dissimulation ) argued against it , till the Duke of Buckingham told him , that the Nation was resolved to reject the Line of Edward , and therefore offered the Crown first to him as Right Heir , and should be sorry his Grace should refuse it , but if he did , they were resolutely bent to Elect some Nobleman King without his consent . To this the Protector after some recollecting himself , as if he had been to study what to answer , said , He was sorry they should reject his Brothers Children , and not suffer them to Rule , but since it was their pleasure , it was not in his power to oppose it , and therefore as next Rightful Heir he accepted of their kind offer , and would study to deserve their kindness , &c. After he had spoken what he thought convenient , the people shouted , King Richard , King Richard , ( that is the Rabble ) but the Graver Citizens stood Mute , and had various discourses amongst themselves what might be the sequel , yet we may well say here ended the young King Edwards Reign , which was rather an Inter Regnum which from his Fathers Death continued only two Months and 16 days , and in that space he not Crowned . Richard by Tyranny and Usurpation having snatched the Diadem , was Crowned with all Splendor , and caused a Parliament to be called in his name ( such was the partial flattery of that Age ) many Acts were made which confirm'd him rightful Heir , and to justifie his proceedings , but he siting uneasy in his Usurped Throne , whilst his Nephews were alive , soon plotted the destruction of the Royal Infants , which Heaven past doubt suffered , for the many unjust blood-sheads committed by their Father ; nor was he long in finding a fit Instrument for his Hellish purpose , for having in vain tempted Sir Robert Brakenbury to Murther the Innocents , he in his Progress to Gloucester , complained to one of his Pages , saying , Ah ▪ whom shall a Man Trust , those whom I have brought up my self ? those that I had thought most surely to serve me , even those fail me at my commandment , and will do nothing , to which his Page ( well understanding his meaning ) replyed that there was one without that he durst Ingage his Life would perform his commands ( meaning one Sir James Terril ) which much rejoyced the Usurper , who going into the Pallace Chamber , found Sir James and Sir Thomas Terril ( both Brothers , though unlike in conditions ) in bed together , when calling up Sir James , ( a Varlet unworthy of Knighthood ) he Imparted the matter to him , who never bogled at the horrid Villany , but in hopes of Favour and advancement , consented to the Impiety , and thereupon obtained the Usurpers Letter , to the Lieutenant of the Tower , to have all the Keys delivered to him for one Night , to perform his pleasure , which he accordingly received . But before I proceed to the Tragedy , one thing is worthy of Note in the Young King , who hearing his Uncle had taken upon him the Regency , with a Feeling grief , said to him that gave him notice thereof , Alass , I would my Vncle would let me Enjoy my Life yet , though I loose my Kingdom and Crown . But to return , this Monster having got the Power , displaced all the young Kings Servants , and left none about them but one Black Will , a Bloody Villain , and when the Night of Murther came , he appointed one Miles Forrest and John Dighton , both fleshed in Murthers from their Youth , the latter of them his Horse-keeper , to dispatch the King and his Brother the Duke of York , who coming in at Midnight , smoothered them to Death with Pillows , laying upon them , till they felt by their stillness they were dead , and then laying their Naked bodies upon the Bed , called their wicked Master to behold the dismal Spectacle , who caused the Bodies to be buried under the Stairs , and a heap of Stones to be layed on them , and then posted to tell the Usurper what he had done , who rejoyced at the most Execrable Tragedy , yet ordered their Bodies to be removed thence , which as the Writers of most credit say , were wrapped up in Lead , and put in a Coffin full of holes , and thrown into the Tower Ditch ; others affirm , that they were thrown into a black deep in the Mouth of the River of Thames , but certain it is , they were never afterwards found , but low the just Vengeance of Heaven on their Murtherers , and those that contributed to it ; First , the Duke of Buckingham taking up Armes against the Usurper whom he had raised , was discomfited , and flying to one Banister who was his Tennant , and had been his Servant , a man whom himself had raised from nothing to high esteem , continued with him for a while in the disguise of a Gardener , but Proclamation coming forth , promising the reward of 1000 Marks to any that could apprehend him , the false Wretch ( though Gods Judgment was signal therein ) delivered him up , and within a few days after he was beheaded : Forrest rotted piece-meal , and died in great Torment : Dighton lived miserably at Calais dying in the Streets ; and Terril after he had confessed the Murther , was beheaded for Treason on Tower-hill , in the Reign of Henry the Seventh , the Usurper during his short Reign , which lasted but three years , was continually terrified with frightful Visions of Devils , that seemed to tear and hale him in pieces , his evil Genius still haunting him , till at last he was slain in the Battle of Bosworth-field , and his Body carryed naked before a Horseman , being made a sport and scoffing to all that beheld it , and lay to publick view in Leicester , and then obscurely Buried ; and to conclude , his name grew so odious , that the White Bore which was his device , was every where torn down , the Executions during his Reign were many ; the Afflictions of the Land by Dearths and Inundations Excessive , so that few or none lamented his Fall , who had Murthered two Kings , and two Princes of the Blood Royal , their immediate Heirs and Successors . Nor died King Edward the Sixth , that pious Prince and Phaenix of the World , without great suspition of being Poysoned , for the Earl of Northumberland by his Stratagems , and the assistance of the Lords of his Faction , having procured the Death of the Kings two Uncles , the Lord Admiral , and Lord Protector , for the Death of the last of which the King falling into a deep Melancholy , and then sickening , he so dealt with him , as to disinherit his Sisters , the Lady Mary and Lady Elizabeth , and to settle the Crown by Will upon his Couzen the Lady Jane Gray , Daughter to the Earl of Suffolk , whom he had caused to be Married to his 4 th Son the Lord Guilford Dudley , thereby to Entail the Crown to his Posterity , and then ( as he thought ) to Seal what he had done , he removed the Kings Phisitians , and set a Woman who undertook to Cure him , who either through Ignorance , or rather as many imagine , to compleat the Hellish purpose , brought him to that pass , that his Phisitians being again called to him , durst not give their Advice , but went away shaking their heads , with Tears in their Eyes , and shortly after that Pattern of true Piety and Vertue left this Life , when after his Death his Body was found swelled at a Monstrous rate , and so diversly coloured , that most whispered it , that he was Poysoned , as did many Learned Phisitians , but durst not speak their minds freely , yet Northumberlands project lasted not , for himself , his Son , and the Pious and Innocent Lady Jane , as likewise the Duke of Suffolk her Father , all lost their Heads in the Reign of Queen Mary . Nor did Heavens Justice seem slow upon the heads of those Scotch Monsters who slew their King , viz. James the Fifth , stiling themselves the Ministry of Scotland , for the chief Actor was Burnt , together with all or most part of his Family , by his House accidentally firing in the Night , and others his wicked accomplices , who durst stretch out their hands against Majesty , were forced to fly and die miserable Exiles , whilst the Land Groaned under civil Dissentions , Famine , Mortal Sickness , and the like . But having proceeded thus far , I shall make a step over into France , and there take a view of the untimely Ends , and Barbarous Murther of two of their late Kings . CHAP. VI. A Relation of the Murther of Henry the Third , the French King , by James Clement a Jacobin , and how Gods Vengeance overtook the Murtherer ; as likewise fell heavy upon the whole Kingdom . KING Henry the Third of France , Third Son to Henry the Second , after the Death of his Father and two Brothers , Francis and Charles , ( in the latter of whose Reign , by his special Command , happened the Bloody Massacree of the Protestants all over France ) succeeded to the Crown of France , and was Crowned with great Solemnity , but sate not long in his Throne e're the Guises Faction began to give him disturbance , and under combination of League against him , take up Armes , whereupon many Battles were Fought , and what they most alleadged , was his favouring the Protestants , and to such a height the Duke of Guise pushed the Discontent , for the hate he bore to the Hugonets , ( as the Protestants were termed ) himself having been the Perswader to the former Massacres , that the King was forced in secret wise to fly Paris , and for refuge , betake himself to his Army , whereupon he sent for the King of Navarre , ( afterwards King of France , whose Tragedy we shall next relate ) to his assistance , who joyning Forces , fought many Battels with the Leaguers , but finding them the more obstinate , and that the Duke of Guise sought to deprive him of his Crown , it was so resented by some of the Kings Servants , that they set upon the Duke in the Castle of Chartres , and forcing their Entrance , killed him and his Brother the Cardinal , which was no doubt a signal Judgment for the many Thousand Innocents that by his advice were Massacred . Upon this the Leaguers prevailed with Pope Sixtus the fifth ( willing enough of himself ) to excommunicate the King , and every where excite his Ruffians to Assassinate him , promising for their encouragement great Rewards on Earth , and greater in Heaven , but the King was still Invironed with such Trusty Friends , that the Popes Hellish design was for a while Frustrated , though no way that carryed the Face of a Probabillity was lest unattempted . The Leaguers growing still more Furious having made the Duke of Mayne , the Duke of Guise and others their head , therefore to nip them in the bud , the two Kings advanced with their Armys , and sate down before the great City of Paris , the chief Seat of the Leaguers , and made Sundry Assaults , in order to win it , but did not so soon prevail , but that one of the Popes Hellish Instruments , prevailed against the Kings Life , the manner thus . One James Clement a Jacob in Monk , having been tampered withall and moulded in private , to Enterprize so great a wickedness , he in the Assembly of his Convent , declares his Resolution to kill the King , for which resolution he is carressed , called , Saviour of his Country , applauded and promised Mountains in this World , if he overlived the Act , and if he miscarry to be assured of Saintship to pass immediately to Heaven , without calling at Purgatory , to have shrines and Altars erected in memorial of the ( as they wickedly and falsly termed it ) Pious , Religious and Holy undertaking , which so Transported the Novice , that he thought himself already capering above the Clouds , and thought every moment a day till he had put his wicked design in practice , wherefore , either to make him the more venterous , or that themselves did think it more expedient , they carryed him to the High-Altar , prayed over him , ( O wickedness beyond Degree ) that God would Strengthen his Arm to give a sure Blow , and thereupon delivered him a Dagger , wrapped up in the Relict of a Saint , as they called it , and the better to compleat the Impostor , added to all their wickedness , by dipping the point of it in consecrated Wine of the Sacrament , and then dismissed him with what they called Blessings , but indeed such monstrous Impiety , that to the everlasting Infamy of the Romish-church let it stand Recorded . This deceived wretch full Fraught as he imagined with Honour in this World , and happiness in the other , Arrives at the Kings Camp at St. Clou , and pretended an Embassy from the Leaguers to the King , which he was charged to deliver to no Person but himself , and so by Feigned pretences , had admittance , when putting his hand into his Sleeve , as though he would draw out a Letter , with the before mentioned Dagger smote him in the Belly ; the King wrested the Dagger from him wounded him on the Head , which Strugling , made such a noise , that the Guards coming hastily in , and seeing the King wounded , stayed not to Inquire into the manner , but with their Swords cut the miserable wretch to pieces , and sent him by that means to his propper place , from whence not all the Papal Authority , nor Masses of a Thousand years can deliver him . The next Morning the King Died of his Wounds , leaving the King of Navarr his Kingdom and Army , who succeeded him by the name of Henry the fourth , and soon after avenged the Death of his Predecessor , by Beseiging Paris the chief residence of the Leaguers , who greatly rejoyced for the Death of the King , reduced it to such extremity by Famine , no filthy thing was left uneaten , and yet 6 or 7000 Dyed with Hunger and Pestilence . The Pope hearing of the Kings Death , much Applauded the Murtherer , caused his Statute to be set up , and gave him a red Letter in the Callender , saying , he was worthy of praise , for he Stabbed not the Picture of a King , but the King of France , in the mid'st of his Army , and the best word he could afford the King was a Favourer of Hereticks , and an unfortunate Prince , but his joy lasted not long , for he soon after Died miserably , and thus much for the fall of this great King. CHAP. VII . The Relation of the Murther of King Henry the Fourth of France , commonly called Henry the Great , by Francis Ravillack , what Prodigies Fore-run it , and the Vniversallity of the Conspiracy , with Gods vengeance on the Barbarous Actors and Contrivers , &c. HEnry the IV. Son to Anthony of Burb●on , by his Wife the only Daughter , and Heir of Henry D' Albert , King of Navarr , after his Grandfather , Father and Mothers Decease , Injoyed that Kingdom , and as you have heard , being next Prince of the blood , he was rightful King of France , after the Decease of Henry the III. and carryed on the War against the Leaguers , till he had obtained the absolute Soveraignty , joyning both Kingdoms . Many were the Plots layed against his Life , as that Massacre in Paris , whither he resorted to Solemnize his Marriage with Margaret Sister to King Charles the IX . where amongst other Slaughters of his dearest Friends , it was debated whither he and the Young Prince of Conde should be Murthered , and carryed on the contrary , only by the perswasions of one Duke , yet the next Morning they were brought forth into an outward Court , where whole Piles of Dead lay , and put to their choice by the King , either to chuse Death or the Mass , ( they being both Protestants ) of which at that time they thought it convenient to chuse the latter , but soon found means to escape , and Renounce those Errors ; another attempt was made against his Life after the reduction of Paris at Melun , by one Peter Barrier a Souldier , who was hired to have Stabbed him , at the advantage of his passing a Corner , but being detected , had his hand first burnt , holding the Knife with which the Execution was intended in it , the mean while and afterwards had his Flesh pulled off with hot Pincers ; A third open attempt was by one John Castle a Merchants Son in Paris , and a pupill of the Jesuits own bringing up , and past doubt Instructing , he not being above 18 years of Age , thrust himself into the Kings presence , and being about to strike him into the Belly was prevented by the Kings Stooping to return a Salute to one of his Nobles , yet it struck him through the Lip and struck one of his Teeth out , whereupon the party was apprehended , and confessed the Fact , glorying in what he had done , and maintained he ought to do it , and that he should offer up a Sacrifice acceptable to God , by taking out of the World a Prince Relapsed ; and Excommunicated , not did he seem much to Regard his Torments , when his Hand was Burnt , his Flesh plucked off with hot pincers , and lastly as he justly deserved had his Limbs torn off with Wild Horses , which making it plainly appear that his Patrons the Jesuits had perswaded him to that wickedness , and promised him Salvation for his Reward , whereupon his Father was Banished , his House demollished , and a Piramid set in his place ; and secondly by a Decree of Parliament the whole Society of Jesuits were expelled out of France , but by their shews of Piety and Sincerity , so Wrought with the Kings Favorites , and they with him on their behalf , that that Decree was repealed , and they again restored to the Destruction of the Kings Life , as most imagine . The next that attempted his Life was one that was or at least pretended himself a Natural , who finding opportunity run at him with a Knife , whereupon the Guard would have Killed him , but the King forbid it , and he ( being asked the reason ) said , He was King of all the World , and that Henry kept France from him , whereupon the King out of meer compassion ordered him to be released . And now France Flourishing under this great and Glorious Prince , whose good Conduct had Reduced it to so happy an Estate , that the like for some Ages past had not been , he thought to have rested , but such was the Implacable Mallice of his Adversaries , that they watched all opportunities to deprive him of Life , to whom next Heaven they owed their happyness , nor did they desist till they had brought about their wicked purposes , the manner and opportunity given thus . The King having Married Mary D' Medicis Daughter to Frances , and Neice to Fardinand Dukes of Florence , upon the Divorce of Margaret , Sister to the three late Kings of France , She was Impatient till she was Installed , and although the King had other purposes of more urgency which required his leaving of Paris , yet was he prevailed with to stay , though many things Prognosticated ill events , as the Raining Blood in divers places , Monsters-Born , Earthquakes , and Airy Fantoms happening and appearing , and several Predictions that the King should not out-live that Year , that he should Dye in Paris , a suddain and violent Death , and in his Coach , the which he ( though he was not over credulous on such occasions ) began to hearken to it , and was heard to say that he must be gone from that City or his Enemies would Kill him ; nay , so sure were they of his Destruction , that a Month before his being Assassinated Papers were found Printed in Spain and Italy that he was Dead , and eight days before a Courrier passed through Leige , saying , He went to give the Princes of Germany notice of his Death . The Villain Incited to be the Executioner , ( with large promises of Earthly Treasure and Joys Everlasting ) hardens himself to perpetrate the Execrable wickedness , having Lingered about Paris a long time for that purpose , he being an Ill down lookt Rascal who had formerly quitted his Order , and became a Solicitor of Ecclesiastical affairs , the day after the Instalment , the King Intending to leave Paris , the next day the King going in his Coach from the Louvre to the Arsenal , and to see all things provided for the Queens Entrance , having in the Coach with him the Dukes of Espernon and Monthason , the Marshals of Lavardine , Rocquelavar , La Force , Mirebeau , and Lian Cour chief Esquires , when Entering Iron-Mongers Street , through the narrow passage by St. Innocents Church , a Cart Laden with Wine was overthrown , as most imagine , for the purpose , which caused the Coach to stop , and whilst his Guard of Partizans passed through the Church-yard , this Villain ( who had all the while followed the Coach ) set one Foot against the Stall and the other upon the spoke of the Wheel , and with a long Knife struck the King into the Breast beneath the Heart , at which the King cryed I am Wounded , yet the Hellhound redoubled his force with a second Blow , which struck him to the Heart , of which he Dyed , without fetching so much as a Sigh , and again a third stroke which the Duke D' Monthazon received on his Sleeve , and although it was supposed the Murtherer might have escaped , yet so heightened was he in his wickedness , that he never Stirred from the place , neither hid his Bloody Knife , but rather Gloried in what he had done , and being taken ; he was adjudged by the Chamber of the Assemblies to be drawn to the Grave with four Horses , and to have the Flesh pulled off from his Arms , Breasts , and Thighs with Burning Pincers , and then Torn to peices , which Sentence was put in Execution , without his Testifying the least Emotion of Grief or Fear , for such strange Torments , so that it was Evident that he had been made believe that Paricid was Merritorious , and that if he Dyed , he Dye a Martyr , being Inchanted with a false assurance of great things , though for his Horrid Treason and Barbarous Assassination he met with his just Reward . All France at the Death of this King were amazed and in Tears , unless his Enemies who secretly rejoyced , thinking to gain their purposes , but were deceived most of them , being wasted and destroyed in the Wars that were in the Minority of his Children ; and thus fell this great King , yet e're I conclude , one thing is Remarkable , when he was opened , the Jesuits got his Heart , which they so long had desired , and carryed it to their Church De La Fleck , under pretence of Burying it there , his Body was Buryed in St. Dennis , whither a little before the Body of his Prodecessor Henry the III. had been brought from the Church of St. Cornillie . And leaving France , I shall Return to England , there to give the Reader a Sight of one of the blackest Trajedies that ever the World has known , a Murther without President or Parrallel , even the Murther of the Sacred Martyr Charles the First , of ever Blessed Memory , which take as followeth , to the Eternal Infamy of the Regicids . CHAP. VIII . The Dismal Relation of the most Inhuman and Barbarous Murther of CHARLES the First , King of Great Brittain , France and Ireland , and of Gods extraordinary Judgments , and speedy Vengeance on the Monsterous Regicides and principal Agents and Abettors in his most deplorable Death . KING CHARLES the First of ever Blessed Memory , Son to the Renowned King James , first sole Monarch of Great Brittains Empire , and his Vertuous Consort Anne , Sister to Christianus King of Denmark , was Born at Dunfermel in Scotland on the 19 of November 1600 , and when Englands bright Star , the Glorious Queen Elizabeth Set , he with his Royal Father , the undoubted Heir of these Dominions , came to London , and continued with great Applause , attracting in his Infancy the Eyes and Hearts of the Nation to gaze upon his comely person , and much admire his Vertues , promising such a Blessing to England that indeed it was not worthy of , he being sole Heir to the Crown by the Death of Prince Henry , who died at St. James's , Anno 1625 , succeeded to the Crown , having before his Fathers Death contracted Marriage with the Vertuous and most Renowned Princess Henrietta Maria , Daughter to Henry the IV. of France , and Sister to Lewis the then Reigning King , and at first such was the Universal Joy , that not a Cloud of Discontent appeared upon the Brow of any , but such is the Malice of the Powers of Darkness to hinder the progress of the Gospel ( which in his Pious Reign , whilst he absolutely weiled the Sword of Justice , spread so wide , that the like no Age had parallel'd ) was not wanting to raise such Pestilential Whirlwinds of Discontent , or rather Treasonable Intentions , as overturned all order and Government , bedewing Albions Surface with Blood ; and lastly , with that more valuable then Ten thousand vulgar lives , and to accomplish it , the Monsters his Agents a while sought by underhand means , but at last finding the Rabble moulded for their purpose they appeared bare faced , and inveighed against his Favourites , and first of all the Duke of Buckingham , who at length was Murthered by one Felton basely and treacherously at Portsmouth , for which the Murtherer was deservedly hanged in Chains : The next thing was to object against the Legality of Ship-Money , though Twelve of the Judges were of opinion that the Land being in danger of an Invasion , the King at any time ( with the advice of his Counsel ) might leavy Money to defend it without intrenching upon Priviledge of Parliament , for indeed if such a thing might not be , the Nation might be over-run with a Forreigne Enemy before money in a Parliamentary way could be raised to defend it , yet these were but slight Cavels for what happened afterward , for they openly encouraged the Scots to Rebel , and act such Insolencies , that the like happened not in that Kingdom before in the age of Man , Sacriledge and Murther being counted Trifles , and although they in Parliament denyed the King any supply for his urgent occasions , yet for their dear Rebel Bretheren of Scotland in recompence for the mischief they had done in Church and State , they voated them 100000 pounds , and to shew themselves better than their words , soon after added 200000 more , and then fell to Impeach the noble Earl of Strafford of High-Treason , as many believed upon no other account then that he was the Kings Favourite , and so far proceeded in their pernicious Designs , by raising Tumults with Clubs and Stalves to assault the Kings Pallace , crying out , Justice against the Earl , and no Bishops , that the King ( though not without the Earls consent ) thinking to appease those Blood thirsty Wretches , after his Attaindure , Signed a Bill for his Execution , which on the 12 of May 1841 , was Executed on Tower-Hill , his Majesty being greatly averse to that Fatal Trajedy , and at the same time ( O the Indulgence of this Blessed Prince ) Signed another Bill for the Houses siting , till they should consent to be dissolved , which they turned to his destruction , for having got the Millitia into their Hands , they Armed against him , and to them joyned such Rake-Hells as they could scrape together , of all Religions , as Anabaptists , Independants , Quakers , Presbyters , Brownists , Ranters , Advanities , Socinians , and what not , all fit Instruments of Hells , to hew down the Ceeder of Monarchy , and Imbrew the Earth with Blood of her Sons . Upon this and many other affronts , the King sets up his Standard at Nottingham , after his having been denyed entrance into Hull by the disloyal Knight Sir John Hotham , who had a Reward for his Treason , the just Judgment of God soon overtook him , for both he and his Son were soon after Beheaded , by their Rebellious Masters Command , viz. The Parliament , for to please whom , he had manifestly broken his Oath to his Prince . And now all being in a Combustion , and no likelyhood of deciding matters , but by the Sword , ( though nothing was wanting on his Majesties part that might conduce to a Peace and happy Reconcilliation ) many dreadful Battels were Fought , wherein the success was various till most of the Flower of the English Nobillity were Lost , and the King left destitute of Mony , and other such necessaries , as are Rightfully termed the Sinns of War , Fortune , who rightfully is painted Blind , turned the Scale of Victory and success , till no considerable place of Strength but Oxford was left him , where finding no concessions , would mollifie the Flinty temper of his implacable Enemies ; he after some consultation with his Council , resolved ( rather than to hazard being obliged to such hard conditions as a close Seige might extort ) to Fly to the Scotch Army who were in the Parliaments pay , and from some of whose perfidious chief he had received several kind Invitations , which he effected in the disguise of a Serving-Man , and found it Incamped at South-well , where he was first kindly entertained with promise of Protection , but Treacherous Villains as they were ( and be it a Brand to their Posterity for ever ) rather then loose their Arrears due from the Parliament , they delivered up their lawful Soveraign the best of Kings to the dispose of his merciless Enemies , but Heavens vengeance delayed not to such perfidious dealing , for soon after all Scotland was put into a Bloody Sweat by the Usurper . The King being in the Hands of his Enemies was Imprisoned at Holmby , where having stayed some time , he was taken thence by Collonel Joyce and carryed to Childersly , thence to Newark , and so by several Stages till he came to Hampton-Court , where a Treaty was proposed though nothing less intended , for at that very time the Tub-thumpers , fearing if the King should be restored , they should loose their canting Trade , bauled out nothing but Death and desolation , saying , Not words , but rhe Sword , shall end the Controversie ; and placing a hundred Bugbears before the Peoples Eyes to render them averse to any compliance , but there cant availed not , for such was the Gracious concessions of this good King , that they were highly approved of by many , and therefore Cromwell and his Faction fearing it should come to perfection , layed a Plot to fright the King from Hampton-Court , by possessing him under pretence of Friendship that there was a design against his Life , which was so Hypocritically demonstrated to him by Collonel Whaly , that the King leaving Letters behind him to signifie the cause of his departure , he in the Company and by the advice of Mr. Ashburnham and others , departed about midnight , none endeavouring to Impeach his passage , the Plot being before hand so layed , and in the end came into the Isle of Wight , of which Collonel Hammond was made Governour , who being Brother to his Majesties Chaplain , he thought he might the better confide in him , but as disloyal as he was he proved perfidious to his distressed Majesty , for upon the Parliaments publishing their Order , to make it Treason for any that concealed his Person , he secured him , and sent them notice thereof . Upon this the King Writes to the Parliament , giving them more fully to understand the reasons of his departure , and that he was still desirous that the Treaty of Peace might be continued , and that he would consent to any thing that in Honour and conscience he might do , so that after many messages had passed , the Treaty was renewed , wherein the Kings extraordinary Wisdom appeared , and his Princely Goodness so far condescending for the sake of Peace , that his concessions were by the Rebels themselves Voted satisfactory , which the Arch-Traytor Cromwell , perceiving and finding that such a conclusion would hinder him from aspiring , he Plotted with the Factious Army Officers to marr the whole proceedings , by new modelling the Parliament , and turning out such as were Inclinable to accord with his Majesty , whereupon placing Guards about the Parliament-House , after some conference with the Speaker , Pride and Hewson sent in a Paper to the House of Commons , Requiring the Impeached Members and Major-General Brown ( as Guilty of calling in Hammilton , a Forged pretence to pick a Quarrel ) might be secured and brought to Justice , and that the ninety and odd Members that refused to Vote against the Scotch Ingagement , and all that Voted for recalling the four Votes of non Addresses to his Majesty , and for a Personal Treaty , and acquiescing Votes in his Majesties answer should be immediately suspended the House , and that those that had done no such things should draw up their Protestations in Writing , &c. a brave way of making and unmaking Parliaments , but the Paper being thrown out of the House with detestation , whereupon all the Guards advanced , and a strong Guard set at the House Door , where Sir Hardress Waller and the Collonels , Pride and Hewson , lying purdue violently seized upon several Knights and Burgesses as they came out ; others they decoyed out under Sleeveless pretences , and in the end seized upon , debarred of Entrance , and caused to decline coming no less then 200 forty one , all which number were secured and kept Prisoners , Hugh Peters being their Keeper , who protesting against this force and Insolency , done upon and against the Houses and priviledges of Parliament were released ( all except Major-General Brown , who was kept Prisoner at St. James's ) Ireton bidding them at their departure look to it , and see they Acted nothing against the present Parliament or Army . Thus all things being brought and fitted to their purpose , the King is taken from the Isle of Wight and carried to Hurst Castle , a place very incommodious both for health and necessaries it standing in the Sea , and no fresh water being to be had within three Miles , from whence Harrison conveyed him to Winchester , and so by several Journies to St. James's , that insolent Traytor riding in the Coach with him , and giving order to his Souldiers to beat such as pressed near , either to see him , or compassionate his Sufferings . And now these Monsters resolving the Kings Death , to make way for their greatness , the offalls or fragments of a Parliament make an Ordinance , whereby they took away and disanulled the Oaths of Supremacy and Allegiance , and at the same time the Council of War forbid any State to be used towards his Majesty , whose attendants were for the most part discharged , and to compleat their Villanies , and to appear in their proper colours , an Ordinance was brought into the Commons House by Scot for the Tryal of the King , so monsterous and wicked a proposal that no Age e're parallel'd , which after some debate was approved of , and sent to the Lords House , who cast it out with detestation , which so metled them , that they presently passed a Vote , asserting the Supream power to lie in the Commons , and that whatsoever is Enacted or declared for Law by the House of Commons in Parliament , hath the force of Law , which passed without a Negative Voice , so that it plainly appeared at whose beck they were . And upon these Votes they made the Nest , wherein they hatched the Monster , called An Act for the Tryal the King , &c. which the 9 th of January 1648 was Proclaimed in Westminster-Hall by Serjeant Danby , by the Beat of Drum , and sound of Trumpet , and notice given that the Commissioners of the pretended High-Court of Justice , were to sit the next day , and that all those that had any thing to say against Charles Stuart King of England , might be heard ; The like was done in Cheapside and at the Royal-Exchange . And thus they Proclaimed their Wickedness aloud , the which however Masqued with specious pretences , and was then heard by most with Horror and amazement . The Bloody Villains that durst sit to Judge their Lawful King , were as followeth , whose Name and Memory are hateful to all Mankind . Oliver Cromwell , that Monster in Nature , Henry Ireton , John Bradshaw President and scandal to the Long-Robe , who a little before had taken the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy , but such Monsters no Oaths can bind , Thomas Harrison a Butchers Son at New-Castle Underline in Stafford-shire , John Carew , John Cook Solicitor to the Court , Hugh Peters , that Scandal to the Clergy , and Factious Bell-weather , Thomas Scot a Brewers Clark , Gregory Clement a broken Merchant , Adrian Scroop , the Stain of his Family , John Jones a Serving-man , Frances Hacker , Daniel Axtil a mean Shop-Keeper in Bedford-shire , Collonel Okey once a Stoaker in a Brew-House , Miles Corbet ; John Bark stoad , a sorry Goldsmith in the Strand , Thom●s Pride sometimes a Dray-man ▪ Isaac Ewer , Thomas Lord Gray of Grooby ( O Scandal and Shame of his Family ) Sir John Danvers , Brother to the Loyal Earl of Danby , Sir Thomas Maleverrer , Sir John Bourcher a troublesome Independant , Collonel Purefoy Governour of Coventry , John Black stone a Shopkeeper in Newcastle , Sir William Constable Governour of Gloucester , Richard Dean General at Sea , Francis Allen a Broken Goldsmith , Peregrine Pelham Governour of Hull , John Moor , John Allured , not long before a private Souldier , but to fit him for this Villany , made a Collonel , Humphry Edwards a Member of the long Parliament , Sir Gregory Norton , a Pensioner to the King , but now bought off to make one in the Execrable Villany , John Ven a broaken Silk-man , Thomas Andrews a Linnen-Draper , Anthony Stapely Governour of Chichester , Thomas Horton of mean and obscure Birth , John Fry a Country Farmer , and an Arian Heretick , Thomas Hammond Prince Henry's Physitians Son , Isaac Pennington , twice Lord-Mayor of London , twice Broke , and a lasting Dishonour to the City , Simon Meyen a recruit to the Long Parliament , Sir Hardress Waller a poor Knight , though after Inriched by the Spoils of his Maiesty , William Heveningham , Henry Martin a Lude and vicious Person , and consequently the fitter for so wicked a purpose , Owen Rowe a Silkman , Augustine Garland a petty Fogger , Henry Smith one of the Six Clarks in Chancery , Robert Tichbourn a Linnen-Draper , also Lord-Mayor of London , George , Fleetwood , James Temple , Thomas Wait of obscure Birth , Peter Temple a Linnen-Draper , Robert Lilburn Brother to John Lilburn the troubler of Israel , Gilbert Millington Chairman to the Committee for Plundering the Clergy , Vincent Potter of obscure Birth , John Downs , Thomas Wogan , John Lisby , William Say , Valentine Walton , Brother in Law to Cromwell , Edward Whaly , a Woollen-Draper , Edmund Ludlow Son of a Traytor , Sir Michael Livesey , a poor Knight of Kent , John Hewson , first a Cobler , then a Shoomaker , William Goff a Salters Apprentice , who run away from his Master , and betook him to the Army , Cornelius Holland a Serving-man , Thomas Challenor by some Reputed a Jesuit , William Cawley a Brewer , Nicholas Love , Son to Doctor Love of Winchester , John Dixwel a Recruit to the Long Parliament , Daniel Blagrave , Daniel Broughton , Edward Denby John Hutchison , Francis Lossely , Lord Munson , James Challenor , Sir Henry Mildmay , Robert Wallop , James Harrington , and John Philips . These were the pack of Hellhounds that were thought most fit to hunt after Royal-Blood , as Indeed they were , for such Monsters never Breathed before on Brittish-Soil . Matters being brought to this pass , on the 20 of January 1648. Bradshaw the President with about 70 of the aforesaid pack , Guarded by Partizans , came into Westminster-Hall , and sate down in the Court , whither the King was brought by Collonel Thomlinson , and placed at the Bar by the Serjeant at Arms , where a Crimson-Chair was set , in which he sate down without moving his Hat , or Regarding the Monsters , yet the President stood up and declared why he was brought thither , laying many Notorious Falsities to his charge , and was seconded by Solicitor Cook , but the King not to Impair his Kingly Character , absolutely denyed the Jurisdiction of the Court , and so Learnedly opposed the Illiterate Rout , with Stupendious Arguments , that they were beaten from all Defences , and nothing to say but that they were well satisfied in their Power , and that it was not for him to dispute their Jurisdiction , ( as indeed it availed not , for past doubt they Right or wrong had before-hand determined his Destruction ) and yet they convened his Majesty before them the day following , and the next day , as also on the 23 and still pressed him to answer the charge and own the Jurisdiction of the Court , without permitting him ( though he earnestly desired it ) to give his reasons why he refused it , nor to plead for the Liberty of his Subjects , which most of all he insisted on ; but Adjourned the Court to the 27 when notwithstanding the Kings Learned Arguments and perswasions , which they impatiently heard , they passed Judgment upon him , which after a long repetition of what had passed , during the Tryal , concluded in the words . For all which Treasons and Crimes this Court doth adjudge that he ( meaning the King ) as a Tyrant , Traytor , Murtherer and Publick-Enemy , shall be put to Death by severing his Head from his Body , after which Bradshaw declared , It was the Act and Resolution of the whole Court. And thus they layed to his charge things that he knew not , nor could be possible Guilty of , for Kings are accountable to none but God , nor can any man of Sence Imagine that Treason can be committed against a Subject , by his Prince , no Law allowing that it can descend , but it must ever ascend . Yet to the amazement of all Nations , having carryed on their Villany to this height , they proceeded further , for on the 29 of January a Warrant was directed under the Hands of John Bradshaw , Thomas Lord Gray of Grooby and Oliver Cromwell , to Francis Hacker , Collonel Hunks , and Lieutenant Collonel Phray , for the Execution of their wicked Sentence , the place appointed for the Tragedy being before VVhitehall ; and the next day between the hours of ten in the Morning and five in the Afternoon , to compleat the great wickedness , But to amuse the People that every where detested against their Diabollical proceedings , and to prevent any attempt that might be made , to rescue his Majesty , they caused it to be Rumoured that they would respite the Execution ; yet on the Fatal 30 of January in the Year aforesaid , the Commissioners met , and ordered four or five of their Canting Tub-Preachers to attend upon his Majesty at St. James's , but he refused to have any conference with those Varlets . In the Morning before his Majesty was brought thence , Dr. Juxon Bishop of London , officiated , and read Divine Service , when as the Second Lesson appointed to be Read for that day , by the Church Calender , happened to be the 27 Chap. of St. Matthew , being the History of our Saviours passion , which caused his Majesty to Thank the Doctor , for chusing so fit a place of Scripture , but being given to understand that it fell in course , he was highly Animated , then his Majesty received the Sacrament , after which and some other Devotions ended , he was conveyed to Whitehall through the Park , by a Regiment of Foot , but about his Person were a private Guard of Partizans , the Bishop on the one hand and Collonel Thomlinson on the other , when with a chearful voice , he bid the Guard march faster , saying , That now he went before them to strive for a Heavenly Crown , with less Solicitude then he had often Incouraged his Souldiers to Fight for an Earthly Diadem . Being come to the Stairs of the long Gallery he passed through , and coming in to an appartment appointed for him , continued in fervent Prayer , wondering at the delay , but the reason was because the Scaffold was not Finished , here he received a Letter from the Prince , brought by Mr. Seymour , and Dinner time came , he refused to Dine , only Eat a bit of Bread and Drank a Glass of Clarret . About one of the Clock Collonel Hacker came with his Guard of Officers and brought his Majesty , accompanyed with the Bishop and Collonel Thomlinson , through the Banqueting-House , and from thence upon the Scaffold , a Bridge being made from one of the Windows to it , round about which stood a Guard of 7 Regiments of Horse and Foot there placed to keep off his weeping Subjects from approaching to commiserate their dying Soveraign , the Scaffold was hung with mourning , and so Villanously were they bent on their wicked purpose , that fearing his Majesty would not willingly submit to the Axe , they had driven in Iron staples to force him to the Block with Cords , O monstrous Barbarity of these Inhumane monsters . His Majesty looking upon the Blcok , and having asked Hacker whither there were none higher , turned to Thomlinson , and began his Speech , wherein he declared , His Innocence , the unjust Incroachments of the Parliament upon his Perogative Royal , and their begining the unnatural War against him , yet Prays to God to forgive them all , and all that had a hand in his Death , advises them to restore the Church and Liberties of the People and the Crown to his Successor , laying down the particular means and methods that would unavoidably conduce to the Nations happiness , declaring till they were effectually observed , the Nation would be miserable ; and Lastly , that his Blood was causelesly shed , and that he Dyed the Martyr of the People , and then at the motion of Dr. Juxon , declared his Religion , saying , That he Dyed a good Christian according to the Profession of the Church of England , as he found it left to him by his Father , of which this good man can bear me witness , ( meaning Dr. Juxon ) then turning to the Officers , said , Sirs , Excuse me for I have a good Cause , and I have a Gracious God , then turning to Hacker , he said , Take care they do not put me to pain , after which he said to the Executioner , I shall say but very short Prayers , and when I thrust out my Hands — then he called to Dr. Juxon for his Night-Cap , which he having put on , said to the Doctor , I have a Gracious God and a Good cause on my Side , to which the Doctor answered , There is but one Stage more , this Stage is Turbulent and Troublesome , it is a short one , but you may consider it will soon carry you a very great way , it will carry you from Earth to Heaven , and there you will find a great deal of Cordial Joy and Comfort , To which his Majesty replied , I go from a Corruptible to an Incorruptible Crown , where no disturbance can be , no disturbance in the World , when as the Doctor again answered , You are to Ex●hange a Temporary for an Eternal Crown , a good Exchange . After this , they asked if his Hair was well , then he taking off his Cloak and George , gave to the Doctor , saying , Remember — which as many suppose was to give his George to the Prince , then he put off his Doublet , and bid the Executioner set the Block , and bid him when he stretched out his Hands ( shewing him the manner ) to strike . After that , having said several Prayers and bidding the Executioner ( who was disguised with a Vizard-masque ) stay for the signe , he meekly layed down his head , and after a short space giving the Sign , ( O horror and Eternal Infamy to his Murtherers ) had it struck off at one blow , which ( bloody as it was ) was taken up and shewed to the People , who in Groans and tears expressed their unfeigned Sorrow . The Tragedy Finished , his Body and Head were put into a Coffin covered with mourning Velvet , and carryed to his House at St. James's , where it was Embalmed and layed in a Leaden Coffin , to be seen of such as resorted thither , and after a Fortnights exposing , delivered to four of his Servants , who in a Hearse conveyed it to VVindsor themselves , in mourning accompanying the Corps , and placed it in the Danes-Hall , all hung with mourning , and Lights stuck round , whither resorted the Duke of Lenox , the Marquess of Hartford , the Earl of Lindsey , and the Marquess of Dorchester , to pay their last Duty , to their Royal-Master , having received orders of Parliament for his Interment , but were denyed by Whitchcot to Bury him in St. Georges Chappel by the form of the Common-Prayer-Book of the Church of England , though they pleaded the consent of the Parliament thereto , he alledging that the Parliament would not permit the use of what they had so solemnly abolished , and so destroy their own Acts , the Lords reply'd , that there was a difference between destroying their own Act and dispencing with it , and that no power so binds its own hands as to disable it self in some cases , but the rigid Fanatick would not hearken to their reasons , so that they were obliged to seek a place , and at last found King Henry the Eight his Vault , where t is conjectured his Body and that of his Wife the Lady Jane Seymore lies in Leaden Coffins , there being Room for one more , they Interred the King , and upon his Coffin fixed in large Characters King Charles , 1648 , bedewing the Earth with Tears and Sighs , but especially the Bishop , for that he was not permitted to do his last Duty to his Royal Master . Thus by Murthering hands fell this blessed Martyr , but Heavens Vengeance was not slow in making it manifest , how Sacred Kings lives ought to be held ; First it is observed that the first raisers of the Rebellion most of them died miserable , some by Grievous Diseases , some Beheaded and Hanged by their own Rebel Party , and others lived miserably in Exile ; Oliver that Monster , during his greatness , was nightly terrified with dreadful Visions , and in the day time continually in fear of his Life , seldom Lying twice in a Room , and ever haunted with an Evil Conscience , till he was cut off in the Strength of his days , and Transported to his proper place in a Whirl-wind , and after his Majesties Restauration had his odious Corps together with Bradshaws and his Son Iretons taken out of their Graves , and Hanged upon Tyburn , their Heads set up at Westminster-Hall . Pride , Ewer , Lord Gray of Grooby , Danvers , Malleverer , Bourcher , Purefoy , Blackstone , Constable , Dean , ( killed by a Shot ) Allen , Peham , Moor , Allured , Edwards , Norton , Venn , Andrews , Stapeley , Horton , Fry , Hammond , Pennington and Meyen , all of them the Kings Judges , Dyed miserably , before his present Majesties Restauration , Olivers Daughter Dyed Madd , his Son Richard tumbled down as soon as set up , and beset with Bayliffs for Debt , these of the Kings Judges were condemned and Executed as Traytors , since his Majestys Restauration , viz. Harrison , Carew , Cook , Peters , Scot , Clement , S●roop , Jones , Hacker , Axtel , Okey , Corbet , and Berkstead , being Excluded the Act of Indemnity , these following of the Kings Judges , were Sentenced to Death as Traytors , and kept in Prison to be Executed at the pleasure of the King , viz. Wallen , Heningham , Martin , Row , Garland , Smith , Tichburn , Fleetwood , James Temple , Peter Temple , Waite , Lilburn , Millington , Potter and Downs , most of which since Dyed miserably in Prison , those that Fled and came to miserable ends for the most part in Exile were these , Wagan , Lisle , Say , VValton , VVhaly , Ludlow , Linsey , Hewson , Goffe , Holland , Challenor , Cawlice , Love , Dixwell , Braughton and Danby , the following were such as upon humble submission , and Recantation found mercy and only Fined . Hutchison , Lassels both Fined , but VVilliam Lord Munson , James Challenor , Sir Henry Mildmay , Robert VVallop , Sir James Harrington , and John Philips , were deprived of their Estates ; and Sentenced to be drawn on Sledges to Tyburn , with Ropes about their Necks like Traytors , and then returned to the Tower , where they were to continue Prisoners during their Natural Lives . And thus Heavens Vengeance overtook the Regicides , and brought those monsters to their deserved Punnishents , who durst stretch out their Bloody and Trayterous hands to the sheding Innocent Blood of the Lords Anointed , and that such or worse may be the Portion of all that shall hereafter dare to imagine , the like is the hearty wish of the Authour . FINIS . Books sold by Daniel Brown at the Black Swan and Bible without Temple-Bar , and Thomas Benskin in St. Brides Church-Yard . A Prospect of Government in Europe , and Civil Policy , shewing the Antiquity , Power , Decay of Parliaments , with other Historical and Political Observations relating thereunto . By T. R. 8 vo price 1s . No Protestant but Dissenters Plot discovered and defeated ; being an Answer to the late Writings of several Eminent Dissenters , wherein their Designs against the Established Church of England , and the unreasonableness of Seperation are more fully manifested . By the Author of the second Part of the History of Seperation , 8 vo . The Forfeitures of Londons Charter , or an Impartial Account of the several Seisures of the City Charter , together with the means and methods that were used for the Recovery of the same ; with the causes by which it came Forfeited , &c. Price 6d . The Third Edition of the Life , Bloody Reign and Daath of Queen MARY . In this Edition is added an Account of the most Remarkable Judgments of God on many of the Persecuters . Price Bound 1s . There is now Published the newest Collection of the choicest Songs , as they are Sung at Court Theatre , Musick-Schools , Balls , &c. With Musick-Notes , Price Bound 1s . The Cause and Cure of Offences , in a discourse on Matth. 18. vers . 7. By R. Kingston Prebendary of Soll. and Chaplain in Ordinary to his Majesty . 8 vo . Seldens Janus Anglorum . The Mystery and Method of his Majesties Happy Restauration laid open to publick View , by John Price Doctor of Divinity , one of the late Duke of Albemarles Chaplains , and privy to all the secret passages and particularities of that Glorious Revolution . 8 vo price 1s . 6d . The Impostor Exposed , in a Dissection of a Villanous Libel ( here Printed at large ) Entituled a Letter to a Person of Honour concerning the Black-Box . 8 vo . price 1s . 6d . Some Historical Memoires of the Life and Actions of his Royal Highness , the Renowned and most Illustrious Prince , James Duke of York and Albany , &c. ( only Brother to his most Sacred Majesty King Charles the II. ) from his Birth 1633 , to this present Year 1682. price 1s . PLAYS . The Young King , or the Mistake : Written by Mrs. Behn . Romulus and Hersilia , or the Sabine War. The City Heieess , or Sir Timothy Treatall . The Roundheads , or the Good Old Cause . Three Farces Acted before the King and Court at Newmarket , The Merry Milk-Maids of Islington , or the Rambling Gallants defeated Love lost in the Dark , or the Drunken Couple The Politick Whore , or the Conceited Cuckhold