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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/38513-8.txt b/38513-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..18c7af2 --- /dev/null +++ b/38513-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,6531 @@ +The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Lives of the III Normans, Kings of +England: William the First, William the Second, Henrie the First, by John +Hayward + + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + + + + +Title: The Lives of the III Normans, Kings of England: William the First, William the Second, Henrie the First + + +Author: John Hayward + + + +Release Date: January 7, 2012 [eBook #38513] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LIVES OF THE III NORMANS, +KINGS OF ENGLAND: WILLIAM THE FIRST, WILLIAM THE SECOND, HENRIE THE +FIRST*** + + +E-text prepared by Mark C. Orton, Steven Gibbs, Rory OConor, and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team (http://www.pgdp.net) + + + +Transcriber's note: + + Text enclosed between curly brackets was Greek in the original + and has been transliterated into Latin characters. + + + [Illustration] + + + THE LIVES OF + THE III. NORMANS, + _KINGS OF_ + ENGLAND: + + WILLIAM the first. + WILLIAM the second. + HENRIE the first. + + Written by I. H. + + MART. _Improbè facit qui in alieno libro ingeniosus est._ + + [Illustration] + + ¶ IMPRINTED AT + LONDON BY _R.B._ + _ANNO 1613._ + + + [Illustration] + + + + + TO THE HIGH + AND MIGHTIE + PRINCE + _CHARLES_ + _Prince of Wales._ + + + MOST _Illustrious_ PRINCE: + +Ovr late, too late borne, or too soone _dying Prince, HENRY of famous +memorie, your deceased brother, sent for mee, a few monethes before his +death. And at my second comming to his presence, among some other +speeches, hee complained much of our Histories of England; and that the +English Nation, which is inferiour to none in Honourable actions, should +be surpassed by all, in leauing the memorie of them to posteritie. For +this cause hee blamed the negligence of former ages: as if they were +ignorant of their owne deseruings, as if they esteemed themselues +vnworthie of their worth._ + +_I answered, that I conceiued these causes hereof; One, that men of +sufficiencie were otherwise employed; either in publicke affaires, or in +wrestling with the world, for maintenance or encrease of their priuate +estates. Another is, for that men might safely write of others in a +tale, but in maner of a History, safely they could not: because, albeit +they should write of men long since dead, and whose posteritie is cleane +worne out; yet some aliue, finding themselues foule in those vices, +which they see obserued, reproued, condemned in others; their +guiltinesse maketh them apt to conceiue, that whatsoeuer the words are, +the finger pointeth onely at them. The last is, for that the Argument of +our English historie hath bene so soiled heretofore by some vnworthie +writers, that men of qualitie may esteeme themselues discredited by +dealing in it._ + +_And is not this (said he) an errour in vs, to permit euery man to be a +writer of Historie? Is it not an errour to be so curious in other +matters, and so carelesse in this? We make choise of the most skilfull +workemen to draw or carue the portraiture of our faces, and shall euery +artlesse Pensell delineate the disposition of our minds? Our apparell +must be wrought by the best Artificers, and no soile must be suffered to +fall vpon it: and shall our actions, shall our conditions be described +by euery bungling hand? Shall euery filthie finger defile our +reputation? Shall our Honour be basely buried in the drosse of rude and +absurd writings? Wee are carefull to prouide costly Sepulchers, to +preserue our dead liues, to preserue some memorie what wee haue bene: +but there is no monument, either so durable, or so largely extending, or +so liuely and faire, as that which is framed by a fortunate penne; the +memory of the greatest Monuments had long since perished, had it not +bene preserued by this meanes._ + +_To this I added; that I did alwayes conceiue, that we should make our +reckoning of three sorts of life: the short life of nature, the long +life of fame, and the eternall life of glorie. The life of glorie is so +farre esteemed before the other two, as grace is predominant in vs: the +life of fame before our naturall life is so farre esteemed, as a +generous spirit surmounteth sensualitie; as humane nature ouerruleth +brutish disposition. So farre as the noble nature of man hath dominion +in our minds, so farre do we contemne, either the incommodities, or +dangers, or life of our body, in regard of our reputation and fame. Now +seeing this life of fame is both preserued and enlarged chiefly by +history; there is no man (I suppose) that will either resist, or not +assist, the commendable or at least tolerable writing thereof, but such +as are conscious to themselues, either that no good, or that nothing but +ill, can bee reported of them. In whom notwithstanding it is an errour +to thinke, that any power of the present time, can either extinguish or +obscure the memorie of times succeeding. Posteritie will giue to euery +man his due: Some ages hereafter will affoord those, who will report +vnpartially of all._ + +_Then he questioned whether I had wrote any part of our English +Historie, other then that which had been published; which at that time +he had in his hands. I answered, that I had wrote of certaine of our +English Kings, by way of a briefe description of their liues: but for +historie, I did principally bend, and binde my selfe to the times +wherein I should liue; in which my owne obseruations might somewhat +direct me: but as well in the one as in the other I had at that time +perfected nothing._ + +_To this he said; that in regard of the honour of the time, hee liked +well of the last; but for his owne instruction, he more desired the +first: that he desired nothing more then to know the actions of his +Auncestours; because hee did so farre esteeme his descent from them, as +he approached neere them in honourable endeauours. Hereupon, beautifying +his face with a sober smile, he desired mee, that against his returne +from the progresse then at hand, I would perfect somewhat of both sorts +for him, which he promised amply to requite; and was well knowen to be +one who esteemed his word aboue ordinary respects. This stirred in mee, +not onely a will, but power to perfourme; so as engaging my duety farre +aboue the measure either of my leisure or of my strength, I finished the +liues of these three Kings of Norman race, and certaine yeeres of Queene +ELIZABETHS Reigne._ + +_At his returne from the Progresse to his house at S. Iames, these +pieces were deliuered vnto him; which hee did not onely courteously, but +ioyfully accept. And because this seemed a perfect worke, he expressed a +desire that it should be published. Not long after he died; and with him +died both my endeauours and my hopes. His death, alasse! hath bound the +liues of many vnto death, face to face; being no wayes able, either by +forgetfulnesse to couer their griefe, or to diminish it with +consideration._ + +_For in trueth he was a Prince of a most Heroical heart: Free from many +vices which sometimes accompanie high estates, full of most amiable and +admirable vertues: of whose perfections the world was not worthy. His +eyes were full of pleasant modestie; his countenance manly beautifull; +in bodie both strongly and delicately made; in behauiour sweetely sober, +which gaue grace to whatsoeuer he did. He was of a discerning wit; and +for the facultie of his mind, of great capacitie and power, accompanied +with equall expedition of will: much foreseeing in his actions, and for +passions a commander of himselfe; and of good strength to resist the +power of prosperitie. In counsaile he was ripe and measured, in +resolution constant, his word euer led by his thought, and followed by +his deede. And albeit hee was but yong and his nature forward and free, +yet his wisedome reduced both to a true temper of moderation; his +desires being neuer aboue his reason, nor his hopes inferiour to his +desires. In a word, hee was the most faire fruit of his Progenitours, an +excellent ornament of the present age, a true mirrour to posteritie: +being so equally both setled to valour, and disposed to goodnesse and +Iustice, as hee expressed not onely tokens, but proofes, both of a +courage, and of a grauitie and industrie right worthie of his estate._ + +_Glorious Prince, my loue and duety hath caried me further, then happily +is fit for the present purpose: and yet this is but an earnest onely of +my earnest affection and zeale to thy Honour. I shall hereafter haue a +more proper place to display at large, the goodlinesse of thy shape, the +goodnesse of thy nature, the greatnesse of thy minde: all thy +perfections, whereby our affections were much enflamed. And euillworthy +may he be of any happy hopes, who will not adde one blast of his breath, +to make vp the glorious gale of thy fame._ + +_In the meane time I haue here accomplished his desire in publishing +this worke: More to testifie to the world the height of his heart, then +for any pleasure I haue to set foorth any thing, to the view of these +both captious and vnthankefull times; wherein men will be, not readers +onely, but interpreters, but wresters, but corrupters and deprauers of +that which they reade; wherein men thinke the reproofe of others, to be +the greatest parcell of their owne praise. But how should I expect any +better vsage? The Commentaries of Cæsar, neuer disliked before, are +esteemed by Lypsius, a dry saplesse piece of writing. The most famous +Tacitus is tearmed by Alceate, [1]a thicket of thornes; by Budæus, [2]a +most lewd Writer; by Tertullian, [3]an exceeding lyar; by Orosius, [4]a +flatterer; then which assuredly he is nothing lesse. I will not expect +any better vsage, I will not desire it; I will hereafter esteeme nothing +of any worth, which hath not many to detract from it._ + +_Whatsoeuer this is, I haue presumed to present it to your Highnesse, +for these causes following: First, for that it receiued this being from +him, who was most dearely esteemed by you; who may be iustly proposed, +as an example of vertue, as a guide to glory and fame. Secondly, for +that the persons of whom it treateth, are those most worthy Ancestors of +yours, who laid the foundation of this English Empire; who were eminent +among all the Princes of their times, and happely for many ages after, +as well in actions of Peace as of Warre. Lastly, for that I esteeme +Histories the fittest subiect for your Highnesse reading: For by +diligent perusing the actes of great men, by considering all the +circumstances of them, by comparing Counsailes and meanes with euents; a +man may seeme to haue liued in all ages, to haue beene present at all +enterprises; to be more strongly confirmed in Iudgement, to haue +attained a greater experience, then the longest life can possibly +affoord._ + +_But because many errours doe vsually arise, by ignorance of the State +wherein we liue; because it is dangerous to frame rules of Policie out +of Countreys differing from vs, both in nature, and custome of life, and +forme of gouernment; no Histories are so profitable as our owne. In +these your Highnesse may see, the noble disposition and delights of your +Ancestors; what were their sweete walkes, what their pleasant Chases: +how farre they preferred glory, before either pleasure or safetie; how +by the braue behauiour of their sword, they hewed honour out of the +sides of their enemies. In these you may see, the largenesse, +commodities, and strength of this Countrey; the nature of the people, +their wealth, pleasure, exercise and trade of life, and what else is +worthy of obseruation. Generally, by these you may so furnish your +selfe, as not easily to be abused either by weake or deceitfull aduise._ + +_The Most High preserue and prosper your Highnesse: that as you succeed +many excellent Ancestours in blood, so you may exceed them all in +Honourable atchieuements._ + + Your Highnesse + most deuoted, + I. HAYWARD. + + +[Illustration] + + + + +THE LIFE OF + +KING WILLIAM + +THE FIRST, + +_Sirnamed Conquerour_. + + +Robert Duke of _Normandie_, the sixth in descent from _Rollo_, riding +through _Falais_ a towne in _Normandie_, espied certaine yong persons +dauncing neere the way. And as he stayed to view a while the maner of +their disport, he fixed his eye especially vpon a certaine damosell +named _Arlotte_; of meane birth, a Skinners daughter, who there daunced +among the rest. The frame and comely carriage of her body, the naturall +beautie and graces of her countenance, the simplicitie of her rurall +both behauiour and attire pleased him so well, that the same night he +procured her to be brought to his lodging; where he begate of her a +sonne, who afterward was named _William_. + +I will not defile my writing with memory of some lasciuious behauiour +which she is reported to haue vsed, at such time as the Duke approched +to embrace her. And doubtfull it is, whether vpon some speciall note of +immodestie in herselfe, or whether vpon hate towards her sonne, the +English afterwards adding an aspiration to her name (according to the +naturall maner of their pronouncing) termed euery vnchast woman +_Harlot_. + +It is remembred by some, rather seruile then fond in obseruations, who +will either finde or frame predictions for euery great action or euent; +that his mother before the time of her deliuery had a dreame, that her +bowels were extended ouer _Normandie_ and _England_. Also, that at the +time of his birth, he fell from his mothers body to the ground; and +there filled both his hands with rushes, which had bene cast thicke vpon +the floore, and streined them with a very streit gripe. The wiues +laughed at large, and soone grew prodigall of idle talke. But the +Midwife somewhat more soberly said; That he should not onely hold well +his owne, but graspe somewhat from other men. + +When he was about 9. yeeres of age, his father went vpon deuotion to +_Hierusalem_; and in his returne died at the Citie of _Nice_. So +_William_ at that age succeeded his father; hauing then very generous +and aspiring spirits, both to resist abroad, and to rule at home. Hee +was committed to the gouernment of two of his vnckles; and the French +King was entreated by his father to take vpon him the protection, both +of his person and State. But his vnckles pretended title to his +dignitie, by reason of his vnlawfull birth; the King of France also +desired much and had often attempted to reduce _Normandie_ to his +absolute subiection, as it was before the inuasion of the _Normans_. So +as it may seeme he was committed to these Tutors, as a Lambe should be +committed to the tutelage of wolues. The onely meanes of his +preseruation consisted in a factious Nobilitie, deuided into so many +parts, as there were parties: Some contending for possession of the yong +Dukes person; others, of his authoritie and power; all of them +incompatible to endure either equals, or els superiours: All of them +vnited against a common enemie; all deuided among themselues. + +Here it may be demanded how he being vnlawfully borne, could succeed his +father in the dutchie of _Normandie_; his father leauing two brothers +borne in lawfull marriage, and much other legitimate kindred behind him. + +_Will. Malmesburie_[5] and some others haue reported, that albeit hee +was borne out of marriage, yet Duke _Robert_ his father did afterwards +entertaine his mother for lawfull wife: which by the Law of that +Countrey, agreeable in that point to the Ciuill and Canon Lawes, +sufficed to make the issue inheritable, although borne before. + +And further, it was a generall custome at that time in France, that +bastards did succeed, euen in dignities of highest condition, no +otherwise then children lawfully begotten. _Thierrie_ bastard of +_Clouís_, had for his partage with the lawfull children of the same +_Clouís_, the Kingdome of _Austrasie_, now called _Lorraine_. +_Sigisbert_ bastard of King _Dagobert_ the first, had his part in the +Kingdome of France, with _Clouís_ the 12. lawfull sonne to _Dagobert_. +_Loys_ and _Carloman_ bastards of King _Loys le Begue_, succeeded after +the death of their father. So likewise in _England_, _Alfride_ bastard +sonne of _Oswine_, succeeded his brother _Egfride_. So _Adelstane_ the +bastard sonne of _Edward_ the elder, succeeded his father, before +_Edmund_ and _Eldred_ his yonger brothers; notwithstanding they were +lawfully begotten. So _Edmund_, surnamed the _Martyr_, Bastard sonne to +King _Edgar_, succeeded him in the state, before _Ethelbred_ his lawfull +issue. Afterward, _Harold_ surnamed _Harefoote_, bastard to _Canutus_, +succeeded him in the kingdome, before _Hardicanutus_, his lawfull sonne. +The like custome hath been obserued in _Spaine_, in _Portugale_, and in +diuers other countreys. And it is probable that this vse was grounded +vpon often experience, that bastards (as begotten in the highest heate +and strength of affection) haue many times been men of excellent proofe, +both in courage and in vnderstanding. This was verified[6] in +_Hercules_, _Alexander_ the Great, _Romulus_, _Timotheus_, _Brutus_, +_Themistocles_, _Arthur_: in _Homer_, _Demosthenes_, _Bion_, +_Bartholus_, _Gratian_, _Peter Lumbard_, _Peter Comestor_, _Io. +Andreas_, and diuers of most flourishing name: among whom our +_Conquerour_ may worthily be ranged. + +And yet in the third race of the Kings of _France_ a law was made, that +bastards should not inherite the Crowne of the Realme. This custome was +likewise banished out of _England_, and other countreys of _Europe_. +Notwithstanding in _France_, other bastards of great houses were still +aduowed. + +The exercises of this Duke from his verie youth were ingenuous, manly, +decent, & such as tended to actiuitie and valure: Hee was of a working +minde and vehement spirit, rather ambitious then onely desirous of +glory: of a piercing wit, blind in no mans cause, and well sighted in +his owne: of a liuely and present courage; neither out of ignorance, or +rash estimation of dangers, but out of a true iudgement both of himselfe +and of them. In peace he was politicke: In warre valiant and very +skilfull, both to espie, and to apprehend, and to follow his aduantages: +this valure and skill in militarie affayres, was alwayes seconded with +good successe. He was continually accustomed both to the weight and vse +of armour, from his very childhood. Oftentimes hee looked death in the +face with a braue contempt. He was neuer free from actions of armes; +first vpon necessity to defend himselfe, afterwards vpon ambition to +offend and disturbe the possessions of others. + +In his first age he was much infested with rebels in _Normandie_; who +often conspired both against his life, and against his dignitie and +State; traducing him, as a bastard, as a boy, as borne of a base ignoble +woman, as altogether vnworthy to be their Prince. Of these, some he +appeased and reconciled vnto him: others he preuented, and dispersed +their power before it was collected: others hee encountred in open +field, before he had any haire vpon his face; where hee defeated their +forces in full battell, then tooke their strongholds, and lastly chased +them out of his dominion. + +And first _Roger Tresnye_, hauing gained exceeding great both fauour and +reputation by his seruices against the _Sarasins_ in _Spaine_, made +claime to the duchie of _Normandie_; as one lawfully descended from +_Rollo_ their first Duke. And albeit many others were before him in +title, yet (said he) if they will sit still; if they, either through +sloath, which is ill, or through feare, which is worse, will abandone +the aduenture, he alone would free the _Normans_ from their infamous +subiection. He was followed by many, partly vpon opinion of his right, +but chiefly of his valour. But when he brought his cause to the +arbitrement of Armes, hee was ouerthrowne in a strong battaile, wherein +his claime and his life determined together. + +After this, _William_ Earle of _Arques_, sonne to _Richard_ the second, +and vnckle to Duke _William_, vpon the same pretence declared himselfe +against his nephew. And albeit the _Normans_ were heauie to stirre in +his fauour, yet hee so wrought with the French King, by assuring him +great matters in _Normandie_; that with a mightie armie of his owne +people, hee went in person, to place him in possession of that dutchy. +The way which the King tooke, led him to a large valley, sandie and full +of short bushes and shrubs; troublesome for horsemen either to fight or +to march. On either side were rising hils, very thicke set with wood. +Here the Armie entred with small aduisement, either for clearing the +passage, or for the safetie of their carriages. The Vaward consisted +chiefly of battle-axes and pikes. In the right wing were many _Almans_ +among the _French_. In the left were many of _Aniou_ and _Poictou_. +After these followed the baggage, with an infinite number of scullians, +carters and other base drudges attending vpon it. Next came the French +King with the maine battaile, consisting for the most part of valiant +and worthy Gentlemen, brauely mounted. The lances and men at Armes +cloased the Rereward. + +When they were well entred this valley, the _Normans_ did liuely charge +vpon them in head; they deliuered also their deadly shot from the hils +on both sides, as thicke as haile. Notwithstanding the Vantgard, casting +themselues into a pointed battaile in forme of a wedge, with plaine +force of hand made themselues way; and marching in firme and close order +through the thickest of their enemies, gained (albeit not without great +losse) the top of a hill, and there presently encamped themselues. The +like fortune happily might the residue haue had, if they had followed +with the like order and courage. But failing herein, the right wing was +hewed in pieces: the left wing was broken and beaten vpon the carriages; +where ouerbearing and treading downe one an other, they receiued almost +as much hurt from themselues, as they did from their enemies. The maine +battaile and Rereward aduancing forward to rescue the carriage, were +first miserably ouerwhelmed with a storme of arrowes from the hill on +both sides: and the gallant horses once galled with that shot, would no +more obey or endure their riders; but flinging out, either ouerthrew or +disordred all in their way. And the more to encrease the miserie of that +day, the dull and light sand which was raised, partly by the feete of +horses and men, and partly by violence of the wind, which then blew full +in the faces of the _French_, inuolued them all as in a thicke and darke +cloud; which depriued them of all foresight and direction in gouerning +their affaires. The valiant was nothing discerned from the coward, no +difference could be set betweene contriuance and chance: All laboured in +one common calamitie, and euery one encreased the feare of his fellow. + +The _Normans_ hauing well spent their shot, and perceiuing the _French_ +in this sort both disordered and dismayed, came downe from the hils +where they houered before; and falling to the close stroke of +battaile-axe and sword, most cruelly raged in the blood of their +enemies. By whom if any sparke of valour was shewen, being at so great +disaduantage, it was to no purpose, it was altogether lost; it was so +farre from relieuing others, that it was not sufficient to defend +themselues. And doubtlesse no thing so much fauoured the state of the +_French_ that day, as that the number of the _Normans_ sufficed not to +enclose them behind. For then they had bene entrapped as Deere in a +toile; then not one of them could haue escaped. But the entrance of the +valley remayning open, many fled backe to the plaine ground; tumbling +together in such headlong hast, that if the _Normans_ had sharply put +vpon them the chase, it is certaine that they had bene extreemely +defeated. But the Duke gaue ouer the execution vpon good aduise. For +knowing himselfe not to be of force vtterly to vanquish the _French_, he +assayed rather by faire forbearance to purchase their friendship. + +Here the French king assembled his broken companies, and encamped them +for that night so well as he could. The ioy of their present escape +expelled for the time all other respects. But after a little breathing, +their remembrance began to runne vpon the losse of their cariages; +whereby they had lost all meanes to refresh themselues. Of their Vaward +they made a forelorne reckoning, and the like did the Vaward of them. +Many were wounded, all wearied; and the _Normans_ gaue notice by +sounding out their instruments of warre, that they were at hand on euery +side. The rudest of the Souldiers did boldly vpbraid this infortunitie +to the King; one asked him where his Vaward was, where were his wings, +where were the residue of his battell, and Rereward. Others called for +the cariages, to preserue those in life who had not been slaine. Others +demanded if he had any more mouse-traps to leade them into. But most +sate heauy and pensiue, scarce accounting themselues among the liuing. +The King swallowed downe all with a sad silence, sometimes he dissembled +as though he had not heard; sometimes hee would fairely answere; _Good +words, good souldiers; haue patience a while, and all will be well_: +which was indeede a truer word then he thought it possible to bee when +he spake it. + +In this extremity the King assembled the chiefe of his commanders, to +aduise with them what was best to be done. It was generally concluded, +that in staying their case was desperate; and dangerous it was to +stirre. But here lay the question; whether it was least dangerous to +remoue together, or euery man to shift for himselfe. Whilest this point +was in debating, whilest they expected euery minute to be assailed, +whilest no man saw any thing but death and despaire; behold, a messenger +came from the Duke, not to offer but to desire peace; and to craue +protection of the French king, according to the trust which _Robert_ the +Dukes father reposed in him. There needed not many words to perswade. +Peace was signed, protection assured, in a more ample maner then it was +required. Then the messenger with many good words appeased the Kings +heauinesse, telling him, that his Vaward was safe, his cariages not +touched, and that he should be furnished with horses both for burthen +and draught, in stead of those that had been slaine. These words, as a +sweete enchantment, rauished the _French_ King with sudden ioy. But when +they came to gather vp their baggage, a spectacle both lamentable and +loathsome was presented vnto them. The valley couered, and in some +places heaped with dead bodies of men and horses: many not once touched +with any weapon, lay troden to death, or else stifled with dust and +sand: many grieuously wounded, reteined some remainder of life, which +they expressed with cries and groanes: many not mortally hurt, were so +ouerlaid with the slaine, that they were vnable to free themselues: +towards whom it is memorable, what manly both pitie and helpe the +_Normans_ did affoord. And so the _French_ King more by courtesie of his +enemies, then either by courage or discretion of his owne, returned in +reasonable state to _Paris_. + +Vpon these euents of open hostilitie, _Guy_ Earle of _Burgogne_, who had +taken to wife _Alix_, daughter to Duke _Richard_ the second, and Aunt to +Duke _William_, conspired with _Nicellus_ president of _Constantine_, +_Ranulph_ Vicecount of _Bayon_, _Baimond_, and diuers others, suddenly +to surprise the Duke, and slay him in the night. A certaine foole, +(nothing regarded for his want of wit) obseruing their preparations, +secretly got away, and in the dead of the night came to _Valogne_, where +the Duke then lay; no lesse slenderly guarded with men, then the place +it selfe was sleight for defence. Here he continued rapping at the +gate, and crying out, vntill it was opened, and hee brought to the +presence of the Duke. To whom he declared the conspiracie, with +circumstances of such moment, that the Duke foorthwith tooke his horse, +and posted alone towards _Falais_, an especial place for strength for +defence. Presently after his departure the conspirators came to +_Valogne_, they beset the house, they enter by force, they search euery +corner for the Duke: And finding that the game was start, and on foote, +in hote haste they pursued the chase. + +About breake of day the Dukes horse tired, and he was ignorant of his +right way. He was then at a little village called _Rie_, where the +chiefe Gentleman of the place was standing at his doore ready to goe +abroad. Of him the Duke enquired the next way to _Falais_. The Gentleman +knew the Duke, and with all duetie and respect desired to know the cause +of his both solitarie and vntimely riding. The Duke would willingly haue +passed vnknowne; but perceiuing himselfe to be discouered, declared to +him the whole aduenture. Hereupon the Gentleman furnished him with a +fresh horse, and sent with him two of his sonnes to conduct him the +direct way to _Falais_. + +No sooner were they out of sight, but the conspirators came, and +enquired of the same Gentleman (who still remained at his doore) whether +he saw not the Duke that morning: as if, forsooth, they were come to +attend him. The Gentleman answered, that he was gone a little before, +and therewith offered them his company to ouertake him. But he lead them +about another way, vntill the Duke was safely alighted at _Falais_. And +thus the more we consider these and the like passages of affaires, the +lesse we shall admire either the wisdome, or industry, or any other +sufficiencie of man. In actions of weight it is good to employ our best +endeuours; but when all is done, he danceth well to whom Fortune doeth +pipe. + +When the conspirators vnderstood that their principall purpose was +disappointed, they made themselues so powerfull in the field, that the +Duke was enforced to craue ayde of the King of _France_; who not long +before was his greatest enemie. The King preferring to his remembrance +the late honourable dealing of the Duke, came in person vnto him; by +whose countenance and aide the Duke ouerthrew his enemies in a full +battell, in the vale of _Dunes_: albeit not without great difficultie, +and bold aduenture of his owne person. _Guy de Burgogne_ escaped by +flight, and defended himselfe in certaine castles which he had fortified +in _Normandie_ for his retreite; but in the end hee rendred both +himselfe and them to the Dukes discretion. The Duke not onely pardoned +him, but honoured him with a liberall pension; which he did afterward +both with valiant and loyall seruice requite. + +Not long after, the French King had wars against _Ieoffrey Martell_, and +Duke _William_ went with a faire companie of Souldiers to his ayde. In +this seruice he so wel acquited himselfe, both in iudgement and with +hand, that the French King was chiefly directed by him; onely blaming +him for too carelesse casting himselfe into the mouth of dangers; +imputing that to ostentation, which was but the heate of his courage and +age. Oftentimes hee would range from the maine battell with very fewe in +his company; either to make discoueries, or to encounter such enemies as +could not bee found with greater troupes. Once hee withdrew himselfe +onely with foure, and was met with by fifteene of the enemies. The most +forward of them he strake from his horse, and brake his thigh with the +fall. The residue hee chased foure miles; and most of them being hurt, +tooke seuen prisoners. Hereupon _Ieoffrey Martell_ then said of him; +that he was at that time the best souldier, and was like to prooue the +best commander in the world. + +And as hee was both fauourable and faithfull towards them who fairely +yeelded, so against such as either obstinately or scornefully caried +themselues, he was extreamely seuere, or rather cruell. When hee +besieged _Alençon_, which the Duke of _Aniou_ had taken from him, the +defendants would often crie from the walles, _La pel, La pel_; +reproaching him thereby with the birth of his mother. This base +insolencie, as it enflamed both his desire and courage to atchieue the +enterprise, so did it his fury, to deale sharpely with them when they +were subdued; by cutting off their hands and feete; and by other +seuerities which were not vsuall. + +Besides these, some others of his owne blood prouoked _Engelrame_ Earle +of _Ponthieu_ to moue against him in armes: but the Duke receiued him +with so resolute valour, that the Earle was slaine in the field, and +they well chastised who drew him to the enterprise. The _Britaines_ did +often feele the force of his victorious armes. Hee had many conflicts +with _Ieoffrey Martell_ Earle of _Aniou_, confederate with the Princes +of _Britane_, _Aquitaine_, and _Tours_; a man equall vnto him both in +power and in skill to command, but in fortune and in force of arme much +inferiour. Many excellent atchieuements were performed betweene them; +insomuch as their hostilitie seemed onely to bee an emulation in honour. +Once the Duke fell into an ambushment addressed for him by the Earle of +_Aniou_; wherewith he was so suddenly surprized, that he was almost in +the midst of the danger before he thought any danger neere him. An +exceeding great both terrour and confusion seazed vpon his souldiers; +because the more sudden and vncertaine a perill is, the greater is it +alwayes esteemed. Many of his brauest men were slaine; the residue so +disordered, or at least shaken, as they began to thinke more of their +particular escape, then of the common either safety or glory. + +When they were thus vpon the point to disband, the Duke rather with +rage then courage cried vnto them, _If you loue me not Souldiers, yet +for shame follow me; for shame stand by mee; for shame let not any of +your friends heare the report, that you ran from mee and left me +fighting._ With that he threw himselfe into the thickest throng of his +enimies, and denounced those either traitours or cowards who would not +follow. This example breathed such braue life into his Souldiers, that +they rallied their loose rankes, and in close order seconded him with a +resolute charge: encouraging one another, that it was shameful indeede +not to fight for him, who so manfully did fight with them. The Duke +brandishing his sword like a thunderbolt, dung downe his enemies on +euery side; made at Earle _Martell_ in the midst of his battallion, +strake him downe, claue his helmet, and cut away one of his eares. This +so diuerted the _Aniouans_ to the rescue of their Earle, that they let +the other part of the victorie goe. The Earle they recouered againe to +horse, and so left the Duke master of the field. Verely, it is almost +impossible, that a commander of such courage should haue, either faint +or false hearted Souldiers. + +Now it happened not long before, that _Fulc_ Earle of _Aniou_ hauing +drawen _Herbert_ Earle of _Maine_ vnder faire pretenses to _Xantonge_, +cast him in prison, from whence he could not be released vntill he had +yeelded to certaine conditions, both dishonourable and disaduantageable +vnto him. _Hugh_ succeded _Herbert_; from whom _Ieoffrey Martell_ Earle +of _Aniou_ tooke the citie of _Maine_, and made himselfe lord of all the +countrey. _Hugh_ hauing lost his dominion, left both his title and his +quarrell to his sonne _Herbert_: who hauing no issue, appointed Duke +_William_ to bee his heire. Hereupon the Duke inuaded _Maine_, and in +short time subdued the whole countrey, and built two fortifications for +assurance thereof; hauing first sent word to the Earle of _Aniou_, vpon +what day the worke should begin. The Earle vsed all diligence and means +to impeach the buildings; but hee not onely failed of that purpose, but +further lost the countie of _Medune_. + +Againe, _Henry_ King of _France_ did many other times with great +preparation inuade his Countrey; sometimes with purpose to winne vpon +him, and sometimes to keepe him from winning vpon others. Vpon a time +the King led his troupes ouer the foord of _Dine_; and when halfe his +army had passed, the other halfe by reason of the rising of the Sea, was +compelled to stay. The Duke apprehending the aduantage, came vpon them +with a furious charge, being now deuided from the chiefe of the Armie; +and either slew them or tooke them prisoners, in the plaine view of +their King. After this they concluded a peace, whereof the conditions +were, That the Duke should release such prisoners as he had taken; and +that hee should retaine whatsoeuer he had wonne, or afterwards should +winne from the Earle of _Aniou_. And yet the King did againe enterprise +vpon him, with greater forces then at any time before: But the Duke +entertained his Armies with so good order and valoure, that the King +gained nothing but losse and dishonour: and the greater his desire was +of victorie and reuenge, the more foule did his foiles and failings +appeare; which so brake both his courage and heart, that with griefe +thereof (as it was conceiued) hee ended his life. And thus during all +the time that he was onely Duke of _Normandy_, he was neuer free from +action of armes: in all his actions of armes hee was caried with a most +rare and perpetuall felicitie. + +As he grew in yeeres, so did he in thicknesse and fatnesse of body: but +so, as it made him neither vnseemely, nor vnseruiceable for the warres; +and neuer much exceeding the measure of a comely corpulencie. He was +most decent, and therewith terrible in armes. He was stately and +maiesticall in his gesture; of a good stature, but in strength +admirable: in so much as no man was able to draw his bow, which hee +would bend sitting vpon his horse, stretching out the string with his +foot. His countenance was warlike and manly as his friends might terme +it; but as his enemies said, truculent and fierce. He would often sweare +_By Gods resurrection and his brightnesse_: which he commonly pronounced +with so furious a face, that hee strooke a terrour into those that were +present. His head was bald; his beard alwayes shauen; which fashion +being first taken vp by him, was then followed by all the _Normans_. Hee +was of a firme and strong constitution for his health; so as he neuer +was attached with sicknesse, but that which was the summons of his +death: and in his age seemed little to feele the heauie weight and +burthen of yeeres. + +In his first age he was of a mild and gentle disposition; courteous, +bountifull, familiar in conuersation, a professed enemie to all vices. +But as in Fortune, as in yeres, so changed he in his behauiour; partly +by his continuall following the warres (whereby he was much fleshed in +blood) and partly by the inconstant nature of the people ouer whom he +ruled: who by often rebellions did not onely exasperate him to some +seueritie, but euen constraine him to hold them in with a more stiffe +arme. So hee did wring from his subiects very much substance, very much +blood; not for that he was by nature either couetous or cruell, but for +that his affaires could not otherwise be managed. His great affaires +could not be managed without great expence, which drew a necessity of +charge vpon the people: neither could the often rebellions of his +Subiects be repressed or restrained by any mild and moderate meanes. And +generally as in all States and gouernments, seuere discipline hath +alwayes bin a true faithfull mother of vertue and valour; so in +particular of his _Normans_ he learned by experience, and oftentimes +declared this iudgement: That if they were held in bridle, they were +most valiant, and almost inuincible; excelling all men both in courage, +and in strength, and in honourable desire to vanquish their enemies. But +if the reines were layd loose vpon their necke, they were apt to runne +into licentiousnes and mischiefe; ready to consume either themselues by +riot and sloath, or one another by sedition: prone to innouation and +change; as heauily mooued to vndertake dangers, so not to bee trusted +vpon occasion. + +He tooke to wife _Matilde_ daughter to _Baldwin_ Earle of _Flanders_, a +man for his wisedome and power, both reuerenced and feared euen of +Kings; but because she was his cousin Germane, he was for his marriage +excommunicate by his owne vnckle _Mauger_ Archbishop of _Roan_. Hereupon +he sued to Pope _Victor_, and obteined of him a dispensation: and +afterwards so wrought, that by a prouinciall Councell his vncle _Mauger_ +was depriued of his dignitie. But by this meanes both he & his issue +were firmely locked in obedience to the Sea of _Rome_; for that vpon the +authoritie of that place the validitie of his marriage, and consequently +the legitimation of his issue seemed to depend. + +When he was about 50. yeeres of age, _Edward_ King of _England_ ended +his life. This _Edward_ was sonne to _Egelred_ King of _England_, by +_Emma_, sister to _Richard_ the second Duke of _Normandie_, who was +grandfather to Duke _William_: so as King _Edward_ and Duke _William_ +were cousins germane once remoued.[7] + +At such time as _Egelred_ was first ouercharged with warres by the +_Danes_, he sent his wife _Emma_, with two sonnes which she had borne +vnto him, _Alphred_ and _Edward_, into _Normandie_ to her brother; where +they were enterteined with all honourable vsage for many yeeres. +Afterward giuing place to the malice of his Fortune, he passed also into +_Normandie_, and left his whole state in the possession and power of +_Swanus_ King of _Denmarke_. But after the death of _Swanus_, partly by +the aide of the _Normans_, and partly by fauour of his owne people, he +recouered his Kingdome, and left the same to his eldest sonne _Edmund_, +who either for the tough temper of his courage and strength, or for that +he almost alwayes liued in Armes, was surnamed _Ironside_. + +Hereupon _Canutus_ the sonne of _Swanus_ made sharpe warre, first +against _Egelred_, then against _Edmund_: and finally after many +varieties of aduenture, but chiefly by the fauour of the Clergie of +_England_ (because they had sworne allegiance to his father) spread the +wings of his victory ouer the whole Kingdome. He expelled out of the +Realme _Edwine_ and _Edward_ the two sonnes of King _Edmund_: of whom +_Edwine_ married the Kings daughter of _Hungarie_, but died without +issue; _Edward_ was aduanced to the marriage of _Agatha_, daughter to +the Emperour _Henry_, and by her had issue two sonnes, _Edmund_ & +_Edgar_, and so many daughters, _Margaret_ and _Christine_. The same +_Canutus_ tooke _Emma_ to wife, who had bene wife to King _Egelred_; by +whom he had a sonne named _Hardicanutus_. + +After the death of _Canutus_, _Alphred_ the sonne of _Egelred_ came out +of _Normandie_, and with fiftie saile landed at _Sandwich_: with purpose +to attempt the recouerie of his fathers kingdome. In which enterprise +hee receiued not onely encouragement, but good assurance from many of +the _English_ Nobilitie. But by Earle _Goodwine_ he was abused and +taken; his company slaine, his eyes put out, and then sent to the Ile of +_Elie_, where in short time hee ended his life. _Edward_ also arriued at +_Hampton_ with 40. ships, but finding the Countrey so farre from +receiuing, as they were ready to resist him, he returned into +_Normandie_, and attended the further fauour of time. So after _Canutus_ +succeeded in _England_, first _Harold_ sirnamed _Harefoot_, bastard +sonne to _Canutus_; and after him _Hardicanutus_, sonne to _Canutus_ by +_Emma_, mother also to King _Edward_. + +_Hardicanutus_ being dead, the Nobilitie of the Realme sent into +_Normandie_ for _Edward_ to be their King; whereto also he was appointed +as some haue written by _Hardicanutus_. But because _Alphred_ his +brother vpon the like inuitation had bene traiterously taken and slaine +before, _William_ at that time Duke of _Normandie_ would not permit him +to depart, vntill he had receiued for pledges of his safety, _Woolnoth_ +son to Earle _Goodwine_, and _Hacon_ sonne to _Swaine_, Earle _Goodwins_ +eldest sonne. Vpon this assurance he was furnished by the duke his +cousin, with all meanes fit both for his enterprise and estate. And so +hee passed the Seas, arriued in _England_, and with generall ioy was +receiued for King. He tooke to wife _Edith_ the daughter of Earle +_Goodwine_; but whether vpon vow of chastitie, or whether vpon +impotencie of nature, or whether vpon hatred to her father, or whether +vpon suspition against herselfe (for all these causes are alleaged by +seuerall writers of those times) he forbore all priuate familiaritie +with her. + +When he was well locked into the chaire of State, Duke _William_ came +out of _Normandie_ to see him, to shew his magnificence to the _English_ +people; to shew to the _English_, both that he loued their King, and +that he was of power to relieue him, in case his necessities should so +require. Here, besides honourable enterteinement, besides many rich +gifts both to himselfe and to his followers, the King hauing neither +hope nor desire of issue, promised him, in regard of his great fauours +and deserts, that hee should be his next successour in the Kingdome. And +for further assurance thereof, sent him also the like message into +_Normandie_, by _Robert_ Archbishop of _Canterburie_. + +After this _Harold_ sonne to Earle _Goodwine_ passed the Seas into +_Normandie_, to deale for the discharge of his brother _Wolnoth_ and +_Hacon_ his nephew, who had bene deliuered for hostages to the Duke. In +his passage he was much tossed with troublesome weather, and in the end +was cast vpon the coast of _Ponthieu_, and there taken by the Earle and +committed to prison. But at the request of the Duke of _Normandie_, hee +was released with honourable respect, and by the Earle himselfe +accompanied to the Duke; who enterteined him with great magnificence at +_Roan_. The Duke was then going in Armes against the _Britaines_; in +which iourney _Harold_ did accompany him, and shewed himselfe a man, +neither rash in vndertaking, nor fearefull in perfourming any seruices +of the field. After prosperous returne, the Duke declared to _Harold_, +the purpose of King _Edward_ concerning the Dukes succession to this +Crowne. _Harold_ did auow the same to be true; and promised to affoord +thereto the best furtherance that he could. Hereupon the Duke assembled +a Councell at _Boneuill_; where _Harold_ did sweare fidelitie vnto him: +and promised likewise by oath, that after the death of King _Edward_, he +would keepe the Realme of _England_ to the vse of the Duke: that he +would deliuer vnto him the castle of _Douer_, and certaine other pieces +of defence, furnished at his owne charge. Hereupon the Duke promised +vnto him his daughter in marriage, and with her halfe the Realme of +_England_ in name of her dower. He also deliuered to him his nephew +_Hacon_; but kept his brother _Wolnoth_ as an hostage, for performance +of that which _Harold_ had sworne. + +In short time after King _Edward_ died, and _Harold_ being generall +commander of the forces of the Realme, seized vpon the soueraignetie, +and without any accustomed solemnities set the crowne vpon his owne +head. The people were nothing curious to examine titles; but as men +broken with long bondage, did easily entertaine the first pretender. And +yet to _Harold_ they were inclinable enough, as well vpon opinion of his +prowesse, as for that hee endeauoured to winne their fauour, partly by +abating their grieuous paiments, and partly by increasing the wages of +his seruants and Souldiers; generally, by vsing iustice with clemencie +and courtesie towards all. About this time a blasing starre appeared and +continued the space of seuen dayes;[8] which is commonly taken to +portend alteration in States. Of this Comet a certaine Poet, alluding to +the baldnesse of the _Norman_, wrote these verses. + + _Cæsariem Cæsar tibi si natura negauit, + Hanc Willielme tibi stella comata dedit._ + +Duke _William_ sent diuers Ambassadours to _Harold_; first to demaund +perfourmance of his oath, afterward to mooue him to some moderate +agreement. But ambition, a reasonlesse and restlesse humour, made him +obstinate against all offers or inducements of peace. So they prepared +to buckle in armes; equall both in courage and in ambitious desires, +equall in confidence of their fortune: but _Harold_ was the more +aduenturous, _William_ the more aduised man: _Harold_ was more strong in +Souldiers, _William_ in Alies and friends. + +_Harold_ was seated in possession, which in case of a kingdome is +oftentimes with facilitie attained, but retained hardly: _William_ +pretended the donation of King _Edward_, and that he was neere vnto him +in blood by the mothers side. + +Now there wanted not precedents, both ancient and of later times, that +free kingdomes and principalities, not setled by custome in succession +of blood, haue been transported euen to strangers by way of guift. +_Attalus_ king of _Pergamus_[9] did constitute the people of _Rome_ his +heire; by force wherof they made his kingdome a part of their empire. +_Nicomedes_ King of _Bithynia_[10] made the people of _Rome_ likewise +his heire; whereupon his kingdome was reduced to the forme of a +Prouince. So _Alexander_ King of _Egypt_,[11] gaue _Alexandria_ and the +kingdome of _Egypt_; and so _Ptolemie_ gaue the kingdome of _Cyrene_ to +the same people of _Rome_. _Prasutagus_[12] one of the kings of great +_Britaine_, gaue the kingdome of the _Iceni_ to _Cæsar Nero_, and to his +daughters. Yea, in the Imperial state of _Rome_, _Augustus_ designed +_Tiberius_ to be his successour; and by like appointment _Nero_ became +successour to _Claudius_; _Traiane_ to _Nerua_; _Antonius Pius_ to +_Adrian_; and _Antoninus_ the Philosopher to another _Antoninus_. When +the Emperour _Galba_[13] did openly appoint _Piso_ for his successour, +he declared to the people, that the same custome had been obserued by +most approued and ancient Princes. _Iugurth_ being adopted by +_Mycipsa_,[14] succeeded him in the kingdome of _Numidia_; and that by +the iudgement as well of _Mycipsa_ himselfe, as of the Senate and people +of _Rome_. + +The holy histories report that _Salomon_[15] gaue twentie cities to +_Hiram_ king of _Tyre_: and if the argument be good from the part to the +whole, he might in like sort haue disposed of all his kingdome. Who +hath not heard of the donation falsly attributed to _Constantine_ the +great, being in trueth the donation of _Lewis_, sirnamed the pious; +whereby he gaue to Pope _Paschal_ the citie of _Rome_, and a large +territorie adioyning vnto it; the instrument of which gift +_Volaterrane_[16] doth recite. So the Ladie _Matild_, daughter to +_Roger_ the most famous Prince of _Cicilie_, and wife to king _Conrade_, +sonne to _Henrie_[17] the 4. Emperour, gaue the Marquisate of _Apulia_ +to the Bishop of _Rome_: which when the Emperour _Otho_ the 4. refused +to deliuer, hee was for that cause excommunicate by the Pope. In like +sort the countrey of _Daulphin_[18] was giuen by Prince _Vmbert_ to the +King of _France_, vpon condition, that the eldest sonne of _France_ +should afterward be called _Daulphine_. Lastly, the Dukes first +auncestor _Rollo_, receiued the Dukedome of _Normandie_ by donation of +_Charles_ King of _France_: And himselfe held the Countie of _Maine_ by +donation of Earle _Herebert_, as before it is shewed. And by donation of +the King of _Britaine_, _Hengist_ obtained _Kent_; the first kingdome of +the English Saxons in _Britaine_. After which time the Countrey was +neuer long time free from inuasion: first, by the English and Saxons +against the Britaines, afterward by the seuen _Saxon_ kingdomes among +themselues, and then lastly by the _Danes_. By meanes whereof the +kingdome at that time could not bee setled in any certaine forme of +succession by blood, as it hath been since; but was held for the most +part in absolute dominion, and did often passe by transaction or gift: +and he whose sword could cut best, was alwaies adiudged to haue most +right. But of this question more shall hereafter be said, in the +beginning of the life of King _William_ the second. + +Touching his propinquity in blood to King _Edward_ by the mothers side, +he enforced it to be a good title: because King _Edward_ not long before +had taken succession from _Hardicanutus_, to whom hee was brother by the +mothers side. And although King _Edward_ was also descended from the +_Saxon_ Kings, yet could not he deriue from them any right: For that +_Edgar_ and his sisters were then aliue, descended from _Edmund +Ironside_, elder brother to King _Edward_. Hee could haue no true right +of succession, but onely from _Hardicanutus_ the _Dane_. So _Pepine_, +when he was possessed of the State of _France_, did openly publish, that +hee was descended of the blood of _Charles_ the Great, by the mothers +side. And albeit the said _Edgar_ was both neerer to King _Edward_ then +the Duke of _Normandie_, and also ioyned to him in blood by the fathers +side; yet was that no sufficient defence for _Harold_. The vsurped +possession of _Harold_[19] could not be defended, by alleaging a better +title of a third person. The iniurie which hee did to _Edgar_, could not +serue him for a title against any other. + +These grounds of his pretence, beautified with large amplifications of +the benefits which he had done to King _Edward_, he imparted to the +Bishop of _Rome_; who at time was reputed the arbitrator of +controuersies which did rise betweene princes. And the rather to procure +his fauour, and to gaine the countenance of religion to his cause, hee +promised to hold the kingdome of _England_ of the Apostolike Sea. +Hereupon _Alexander_ then Bishop of _Rome_ allowed his title, and sent +vnto him a white hallowed banner, to aduance vpon the prowe of his ship: +also an _Agnus Dei_ of gold, and one of S. _Peters_ haires, together +with his blessing to begin the enterprise. + +But now concerning his further proceedings, concerning his victorious +both entrance and continuance within the Realme of _England_, two points +are worthy to be considered: one, how he being a man of no great either +power or dominion, did so suddenly preuaile against a couragious King, +possessed of a large and puissant State. The other is, how he so secured +his victorie, as not the English, not the Britains, not the Danes, not +any other could dispossesse or much disturbe him & his posteritie, from +enioying the fayre fruits thereof. And if we giue to either of these +their true respects, wee shall find his commendation to consist, not so +much in the first, as in the second: because that was effected chiefly +by force, this by wisedome only; which as it is most proper to man, so +few men doe therein excell. Hee that winneth a State surmounteth onely +outward difficulties; but he that assureth the same, trauaileth as well +against internall weaknes, as external strength. To attaine a Kingdome +is many times a gift of Fortune; but to prouide that it may long time +continue firme, is not onely to oppose against humane forces, but +against the very malice of Fortune, or rather the power and wrath of +time, whereby all things are naturally inclineable to change. + +For the first then, besides the secret working and will of God, which is +the cause of all causes; besides the sinnes of the people, for which +(the Prophet saith,) _Kingdomes are transported from one Nation to +another_: King _Edward_ not long before made a manifest way for this +inuasion and change. For although he was _English_ by birth, yet by +reason of his education in _Normandie_, he was altogether become a +_Normane_, both in affection and in behauiour of life. So as in +imitation of him, the _English_ abandoned the ancient vsages of their +Country, and with great affection or affectation rather, conformed +themselues to the fashions of _France_.[20] His chiefe acquaintance and +familiar friends were no other then _Normans_; towards whom being a +milde and soft spirited Prince, he was very bountifull, and almost +immoderate in his fauours. These he enriched with great possessions; +these he honoured with the highest places both of dignitie and charge. +Chiefly he aduanced diuers of them to the best degrees of dignitie in +the Church: by whose fauour Duke _William_ afterward was both animated & +aided in his exploit. Generally as the whole Clergie of _England_ +conceiued a hard opinion of _Harold_; for that vpon the same day wherein +King _Edward_ was buried, he set the Crowne vpon his owne head, without +Religious Ceremonies, without any solemnities of Coronation: so they +durst not for feare of the Popes displeasure, but giue either +furtherance or forbearance to the Dukes proceedings; and to abuse the +credite which they had with the people, in working their submission to +the _Normans_. Now of what strength the Clergie was at that time within +the Realme, by this which followeth it may appeare. + +After that _Harold_ was slaine, _Edwine_ and _Morcar_ Earles of +_Northumberland_ and _Marckland_, brothers of great both authoritie and +power within the Realme, had induced many of the Nobilitie to declare +_Edgar Athelinge_ to be their King: but the Prelates not onely crossed +that purpose, but deliuered _Edgar_ the next heire from the _Saxon_ +Kings to the pleasure of the Duke. + +Againe, when the Duke after his great victorie at _Hastings_ aduanced +his armie towards _Hartford-shire_; _Fredericke_ Abbot of _S. Albanes_ +had caused the woods belonging to his Church to be felled, and the +trees to be cast so thicke in the way, that the Duke was compelled to +coast about to the castle of _Berkhamstead_. To this place the Abbot +vnder Suerties came vnto him; and being demanded wherefore he alone did +offer that opposition against him, with a confident countenance he +returned answere: that he had done no more then in conscience and by +Nature he was bound to doe: and that if the residue of the Clergie had +borne the like minde, hee should neuer haue pierced the land so farre. +Well, answered the Duke, I know that your Clergie is powerfull indeed; +but if I liue and prosper in my affaires, I shall gouerne their +greatnesse well ynough. Assuredly, nothing doeth sooner worke the +conuersion or subuersion of a State, then that any one sort of Subiects +should grow so great, as to be able to ouerrule all the rest. + +Besides this disposition of the Clergie, diuers of the Nobilitie also +did nothing fauour King _Harold_ or his cause: for that he was a +manifest vsurper, naked of all true title to the Crowne, pretending +onely as borne of the daughter of _Hardicanutus_ the _Dane_. Yea he was +infamous both for his iniurie and periurie towards the Duke, and no +lesse hatefull for his disloyaltie in former times, in bearing Armes +with his father against King _Edward_. Hereupon the Nobilitie of the +Realme were broken into factions. Many (of whom his owne brother _Tosto_ +was chiefe) inuited _Harold_ King of _Norway_ to inuade; with whom +whilest _Harold_ of _England_ was incountring in Armes, the residue drew +in Duke _William_ out of _Normandie_. And these also were diuided in +respects. Some were caried by particular ends, as being prepared in +diuers maner by the _Normane_ before hand: others vpon a greedy and for +the most part deceiueable ambition, in hunting after hazard and change: +others were led with loue to their Countrey, partly to auoyd the tempest +which they saw to gather in clouds against them, and partly to enlarge +the Realme both in dominion and strength, by adioyning the Country of +_Normandie_ vnto it. In which regard, (because the lesse doeth alwayes +accrue to the greater) they thought it more aduantageable to deale with +a Prince of an inferiour state, then with a Prince of a state superiour +or equal. + +As for _Edgar Atheling_, the next successour to the Crowne in right of +blood, he was not of sufficient age; of a simple wit and slow courage; +not gracious to the _English_, as well for his imperfections both in +yeeres and nature, as for that he was altogether vnacquainted with the +customes and conditions of their Countrey: vnfurnished of forces and +reputation, vnfurnished of friends, vnfurnished of all meanes to support +his title. So Duke _William_ hauing better right then the one, and more +power then the other, did easily cary the prize from both. + +Now touching the state of his owne strength, albeit _Normandie_ was but +little in regard of _England_, yet was it neither feeble nor poore. For +the people, by reason of their continuall exercise in Armes, by reason +of the weightie warres which they had managed, were well inabled both in +courage and skill for all Militarie atchieuements. Their valour also had +bene so fauoured by their Fortune, that they were more enriched by +spoile, then drawne downe either with losses or with charge. Hereupon +when preparation was to be made for the enterprise of _England_, +although some disswaded the Duke from embracing the attempt; affirming +that it was a vaine thing to streine at that which the hand is not able +to conteine, to take more meat then the stomacke can beare; that he who +catcheth at matters too great, is in great danger to gripe nothing: Yet +did others not onely encourage him by aduise, but enable him by their +aide. Among which _William Fitz-Auber_ did furnish 40. ships with men +and munition; The Bishop of _Baieux_ likewise 40: the Bishop of _Mans_ +30: and in like sort others, according to the proportion of their +estates. + +And yet he drew not his forces onely out of _Normandie_, but receiued +aide from all parts of _France_; answerable not onely to his necessitie, +but almost to his desire. _Philip_ King of _France_ at that time was +vnder age, and _Baldwine_ Earle of _Flanders_ was gouernour of the +Realme; whose daughter the Duke had taken to wife. By his fauour the +Duke receiued large supplies from the state of _France_, both in +treasure and in men of warre: for countenance whereof it was giuen +foorth, that the Duke should hold the Realme of _England_ as hee did the +Duchie of _Normandie_, vnder homage to the Crowne of _France_. Hereupon +diuers Princes of _France_ did adioyne to his aide; and especially the +Duke of _Orleance_, the Earles of _Britaine_, _Aniou_, _Boloigne_, +_Ponthieu_, _Neuers_, _Poictou_, _Hiesmes_, _Aumale_, and the Lord of +_Tours_. Many other of the Nobilitie and Gentlemen did voluntarily +aduenture, both their bodies and whole estates vpon the euent of this +enterprise. So greatly had he either by courtesie wonne the loue, or by +courage erected the hopes of all men: yea of many who had bin his +greatest enemies. With these also the _Emperour Henry_ 4. sent him +certaine troupes of Souldiers, commanded by a Prince of _Almaine_. Hee +receiued also many promises of fauour from _Swaine_ King of _Denmarke_. +And who can assure (for the sequele maketh the coniecture probable) that +he held not intelligence with _Harold Harfager_ King of _Norway_, to +inuade _England_ with two armies at once. So partly by his owne +Subiects, and partly by supply from his Alleys and friends, hee amassed +a strong Armie, consisting chiefly of _Normans_, _Flemings_, _French_ +and _Britaines_, to the number of fiftie thousand men; and brought them +to S. _Valeries_, before which Towne his ships did ride. Here he stayed +a certaine time attending the wind, as most writers doe report; but +rather as it may be coniectured, to awaite the arriuall of _Harold +Harfager_ K. of _Norway_: knowing right well, that the inuasion of +_Harold_ of _Norway_ vpon the North parts of the realme, would draw away +_Harold_ of _England_ to leaue the coasts towards the South vndefended. + +During his abode at S. _Valeries_, certaine English espials were taken, +whom King _Harold_ had sent to discouer both the purposes and power of +the Duke. When they were brought to his presence, with a braue +confidence he said vnto them: _Your Lord might well haue spared this +charge; hee needed not to haue cast away his cost to vnderstand that by +your industrie and faith, which my owne presence shall manifest vnto +him; more certainly, more shortly then he doth expect. Goe your wayes, +goe tell him from me, If he find me not before the end of this yeere, in +the place where hee supposeth that hee may most safely set his foote, +let him neuer feare danger from mee whilest hee liue._ Many _Normans_ +disliked this open dealing of the Duke: preferring to his iudgement the +valour and experience of King _Harold_; the greatnesse of his treasure; +the number and goodnes of his men; but especially his strong Nauie, and +expert Saylers; accustomed both to the fights and dangers of the Sea, +more then any other people in the world. To these the Duke turned, and +sayd: _I am glad to heare this opinion run, both of his prowesse and of +his power; the greater shall our glory bee in preuailing against him. +But I see right well that I haue small cause to feare his discouery of +our strength, when you, who are so neere vnto mee, discerne so little. +Rest your selues vpon the Iustice of your cause and foresight of your +Commaunder. Who hath lesse then hee, who can iustly tearme nothing his +owne? I know more of his weakenesse, then euer he shall know of my +strength, vntill he feele it. Performe you your parts like men, and he +shall neuer be able to disappoint either my assurance, or your hopes._ + +Now _Harold_ King of _England_ had prepared a fleet to resist the +inuasion of the duke of _Normandie_: but by reason of his long stay at +S. _Valeries_, speeches did spread, whether by error or subornation, +yea, assured aduertisement was sent out of _Flanders_, that he had for +that yeere abandoned his enterprise. In the meane time _Harold Harfager_ +King of _Norway_, then whom no man was esteemed more valiant, hauing +assured both intelligence and aide out of _England_, arriued in the +mouth of _Humber_: and from thence drawing vp against the streame of +the riuer _Owse_, landed at a place called _Richhall_. Here he +Marshalled his Armie, and marched foorth into the Countrey: and when hee +came neere vnto _Yorke_, he was encountred by the _English_, led by +_Edwine_ and _Morchar_ the principall commanders of all those quarters. +The fight was furious, but in the end the _English_ were ouerthrowne, +and with a great slaughter chased into _Yorke_. + +Vpon aduertisement hereof, _Harold_ King of _England_ caried all his +forces against _Harfager_. His readinesse was such, and such his +expedition, that the fifth day after the fight before mentioned he gaue +him battell againe; wherein _Harold Harfager_ was slaine, and so was +_Tosto_ the King of _Englands_ brother: _Tosto_ by an vncertaine enemie, +but _Harfager_ by the hand of _Harold_ of _England_. Their armie also +was routed, and with a bloody execution pursued, so long as day and +furie did last. Here a certaine Souldier of _Norway_ was most famous +almost for a miracle of manhood. He had been appointed with certaine +others, to guard the passage at _Stamford_ bridge. The residue vpon +approach of the English forsooke their charge; but hee alone stepped to +the foote of the Bridge, and with his Battle-axe sustained the shocke +of the whole armie; slew aboue fourty assailants, and defended both the +passage and himselfe, vntill an English Souldier went vnder the Bridge, +and through a hole thereof thrust him into the bodie with a Launce. + +If this victory of King _Harold_ had been so wisely vsed as it was +valiantly wonne, he should haue neglected the spoyle, and returned with +the like celeritie wherewith he came. But hee gaue discontentment to his +Souldiers, in abridging their expectation for free sharing the spoile; +and hauing lost many in that conflict, he retired to _Yorke_, and there +stayed; as well to reforme the state of the Countrey, greatly disordered +by meanes of these warres, as also both to refresh and repaire his +armie. + +In the meane time the Duke of _Normandie_ receiuing intelligence, that +the Sea-coasts were left naked of defence, loosed from S. _Valeries_ +with three hundred, or, as some writers report, 896, or, as one _Norman_ +writer affirmes, with more then one thousand saile: and hauing a gentle +gale, arriued at _Pemsey_ in _Sussex_, vpon the 28. of September. The +ship wherein the Duke was caried is said, (as if it had runne for the +garland of victory) to haue outstripped the rest so farre, that the +sailers were enforced to strike saile, and hull before the winde to haue +their companie. When hee first stepped vpon the shoare, one of his feete +slipped a little. The Duke to recouer himselfe stepped more strongly +with the other foote, and sunke into the sand somewhat deepe. One of his +Souldiers espying this, sayd merrily vnto him: _You had almost fallen my +Lord, but you haue well maintained your standing, and haue now taken +deepe and firme footing in the soyle of_ England. _The presage is good, +and hereupon I salute you King._ The Duke laughed; and the souldiers, +with whom superstition doth strongly worke, were much confirmed in +courage by the ieast. + +When he had landed his forces, he fortified a piece of ground with +strong trenches, and discharged all his ships; leauing to his souldiers +no hope to saue themselues, but by onely by victory. After this he +published the causes of his comming in armes, namely: + +1 To chalenge the kingdome of _England_, giuen to him by his cousin King +_Edward_, the last lawfull possessor at that time thereof. + +2 To reuenge the death of his cousin _Alfred_, brother to the same K. +_Edward_, and of the _Normans_, who did accompanie him into _England_; +no lesse cruelly then deceitfully slaine by Earle _Goodwin_ and his +adherents. + +3 To reuenge the iniurie done vnto _Robert_ Archbishop of Canterburie; +who by the practise (as it was then giuen foorth) of _Harold_, had been +exiled in the life time of King _Edward_. + +This last article was added either to please the Pope, or generally in +fauour of the Cleargie: to whom the example grew then intollerable, that +an Archbishop should bee once questioned by any other then by +themselues. + +So the Duke, leauing his fortification furnished with competent forces +to assure the place, as wel for a retreit, as for daily landing of fresh +supplies, marched forward to _Hastings_; and there raised another +fortresse, and planted likewise a garison therein. And in all places he +restrained his Souldiers, either from spoyling or harming the Countrey +people, for feare that thereby they would fall into disorder: but giuing +forth, that it were crueltie to spoile them, who in short time should be +his Subiects. Here the Duke, because he would not either aduenture or +trust his Souldiers, went foorth in person to discouer the Countrey, +with 15. horsemen in his company, and no more. His returne was on foote, +by reason of the euill qualitied wayes: and when _Fitz-Osberne_ who went +with him, was ouerwearied with the weight of his armour, the Duke eased +him by bearing his helmet vpon his shoulder. This action may seeme of +slender regard; but yet did gaine him, both fauour and dutie among his +Souldiers. + +K. _Harold_ hearing of these approches, hasted by great iourneyes +towards _London_; sending his messengers to all places, both to +encourage and entreate the people to draw together for their common +defence. Here he mustered his Souldiers; and albeit hee found that his +forces were much impaired by his late battaile against _Harfager_, yet +he gathered an able armie, countenanced and commanded by diuers of the +Nobilitie, which resorted vnto him from many parts of the Realme. The +Duke in the meane time sent a messenger vnto him, who demanded the +Kingdome in so stout maner, that he was at the point to haue bene euill +entreated by the King. Againe the King sent his messenger to the Duke, +forbidding him with loftie language, to make any stay within that +Countrey; but to returne againe no lesse speedily, then rashly he had +entred. The Duke betweene mirth and scorne returned answere; That as he +came not vpon his entreaty, so at his command he would not depart. But +(said he) _I am not come to word with your King, I am come to fight, and +am desirous to fight: I will be ready to fight with him, albeit I had +but 10000. such men as I haue brought 60000._ + +K. _Harold_ spent little time, lost none (vnlesse happely that which hee +might haue taken more) both in appointing and ordering his Armie. And +when he was ready to take the field, his mother entreated him, first +moderately, then with words of passion and with teares, that he would +not aduenture his person to the battaile. Her importunitie was admired +the more, for that it was both without any apparant cause, and not +vsuall in former times. But _Harold_ with vndaunted countenance and +heart, conducted his Armie into _Sussex_, and encamped within seuen +miles of the _Normans_: who thereupon approched so neere to the +_English_, that the one Armie was within view of the other. + +First, espials were sent on both sides, to discouer the state and +condition of their enemies. They who were sent from the English made a +large report, both of the number, and appointment, and discipline of the +_Normans_. Whereupon _Girth_, yonger brother to King _Harold_ presented +him with aduise, not to play his whole State at a cast; not to bee so +caried with desire of victory, as not to awaite the time to attaine it: +that it is proper to Inuaders presently to fight, because they are then +in the very pride and flourish of their strength; but the assailed +should rather delay battell, rather obserue only and attend their +enemies, cut off their reliefe, vexe them with incommodities, weary +them, and weare them out by degrees: that it could not be long before +the Dukes armie, being in a strange Countrey, would be reduced to +necessities; it could not bee long but by reason it consisted of diuers +nations, it would draw into disorder: that it was proper to an armie +compounded of different people, to be almost inuincible at the first, +whilest all contend to excell or at least to equal other in braue +performance; but if they be aduisedly endured, they will easily fall +into disorders, and lastly of themselues dissolue. _Or if_ (sayd he) +_you resolue to fight, yet because you are sworne to the Duke, you shall +doe well to withdraw your presence; to imploy your authoritie in +mustering a new armie, to bee readie to receiue him with fresh forces. +And if you please to commit the charge of this incounter vnto me, I will +not faile to expresse, both the loue of a brother, and the care and +courage of a Commander. For as I am not obliged to the Duke by oath, so +shall I either preuaile with the better cause, or with the quieter +conscience die._ + +Both these counsailes were reiected by _Harold_: The first out of a +violent vehemencie of these Northerne nations, who doe commonly esteeme +delay of battell a deiected cowardise, a base and seruile deflouring of +time; but to beare through their designes at once, they account a point +of honourable courage. The second he esteemed both shamefull to his +reputation, and hurtfull to the state of his affaires. For what honour +had he gained by his former victories, if when he came to the greatest +pinch of danger, hee should fearefully shrinke backe? with what heart +should the Souldiers fight, when they haue not his presence for whom +they fight? when they haue not their Generall an eye witnesse of their +performance? when they want his sight, his encouragement, his example to +enflame them to valour? The presence of the Prince is worth many +thousands of ordinarie Souldiers: The ordinary Souldier wil vndertake +both labour and danger for no other respects so much, as by the presence +of the Prince. And therefore he did greatly extenuate the worth of the +_Normans_, terming them a company of Priests; because their fashion was +to shaue their faces: But whatsoeuer they were, as he had (hee said) +digested in his minde the hardest euents of battell; so either the +infamie or suspicion of cowardise in no case hee would incurre. Hee +resolued not to ouerliue so great dishonour; he resolued to set vp as +his last rest, his Crowne, and Kingdome; and life withall. And thus +oftentimes Fortune dealeth with men, as Executioners doe with condemned +persons; she will first blindfold, and then dispatch them. + +After this the _Norman_ sent a Monke to offer the choise of these +conditions to _Harold_; Either to relinquish his kingdome vpon certaine +conditions; or to hold it vnder homage to the Duke; or to try their +cause by single combate; or to submit it to the iudgement of the Pope, +according to the Lawes of _Normandy_ or of _England_, which he would. +Againe, some conditions were propounded from K. _Harold_ to the Duke: +But their thoughts were so lifted vp both with pride and confidence, by +reason of their former victories, that no moderate ouerture could take +place: and so they appointed the day following, which was the 14. of +October, to determine their quarrell by sentence of the sword. This +happened to be the birth day of K. _Harold_, which for that cause by a +superstitious errour, he coniectured would be prosperous vnto him. + +The night before the battaile for diuers respects was vnquiet. The +_English_ spent the time in feasting and drinking, and made the aire +ring with showtings and songs: the _Normans_ were more soberly silent, +and busied themselues much in deuotion; being rather still then quiet, +not so much watchful as not able to sleepe. At the first appearance of +the day, the King and the Duke were ready in Armes, encouraging their +Souldiers, and ordering them in their arrayes; in whose eyes it seemed +that courage did sparckle, and that in their face and gesture victorie +did sit. The Duke put certaine reliques about his necke, vpon which King +_Harold_ had sworne vnto him. It is reported that when he armed, the +backe of his Curasses was placed before by errour of him that put it on: +some would haue bin dismayed hereat, but the Duke smiled, and said; +Assuredly this day my Fortune will turne, I shall either be a King, or +nothing before night. + +The _English_ were knit in one maine body on foot; whereof the first +rancks consisted of _Kentishmen_ (who by an ancient custome did +challenge the honour of that place,) the next were filled with +_Londoners_; then followed the other _English_. Their chiefe weapons +were pole-axe, sword and dart, with a large target for their defence. +They were paled in front with paueises in such wise, that it was thought +impossible for the enemie to breake them. The King stood on foot by his +Standard, with two of his brothers, _Girth_ and _Leofwine_; as well to +relieue from thence all parts that should happen to be distressed, as +also to manifest to the Souldiers, that they reteined no thought of +escaping by flight. On the other side, the _Normans_ were diuided into +three battailes: The first was conducted by _Roger Montgomerie_, and +_William Fitz-Osborne_; it consisted of horsemen of _Aniou_, _Maine_ and +_Britaine_, commanded by a _Britaine_ named _Fergent_; It caried the +Banner which the Pope had sent. The middle battaile consisting of +Souldiers out of _Germanie_ and _Poictou_, was led by _Geoffrye +Martell_, and a Prince of _Almaine_. The Duke himselfe closed the last +battaile, with the strength of his _Normans_ and the flowre of his +Nobilitie. The Archers were diuided into wings, and also dispersed by +bands through all the three battails. + +Thus were both sides set vpon a bloody bargaine; ambition, hope, anger, +hate, enflaming them to valour. The duke edged his Souldiers, by +declaring vnto them the noble Acts of their ancesters, the late +admirable atchieuement of their fellow _Normans_ in subduing the +Kingdome of _Sicill_, their owne braue exploits vnder him; by shewing +them all that pleasant and plentifull Countrey, as the purchase of their +prowesse, as the gaine and reward of their aduenture: by putting them in +minde, that they were in a Countrey both hostile & vnknowne, before them +the sword, the vast Ocean behind, no place of retreit, no surety but in +valour and in victory; so as they who would not contend for glory, were +vpon necessitie to fight for their liues: Lastly, by assuring them, that +as he was the first in aduise, so would he be the foremost in aduenture, +being fully resolued either to vanquish, or to die. The King encouraged +his men, by presenting to their remembrance, the miseries which they +susteined not long before, vnder the oppression of the _Danes_; which +whether they were againe to endure, or neuer to feare, it lieth (said +he) in the issue of this field. The King had the aduantage both for +number of men, and for their large able bodies; The Duke both in Armes, +(especially in regard of the Bow and arrowes,) and in experience and +skill of Armes; both equall in courage; both confident alike in the +fauour of Fortune, which had alwayes crowned their courage with victory. +And now by affronting of both the Armies, the plots and labours of many +moneths, were reduced to the hazard of a few houres. + +The _Normans_ marched with a song of the valiant acts of _Rowland_, +esteeming nothing of perill in regard of the glory of their aduenture. +When they approched neere their enemies, they saluted them first with a +storme of Arrowes: _Robert Fitz Beaumonte_ a yong Gentleman of +_Normandie_, beginning the fight from the right Wing. This maner of +fight as it was new, so was it most terrible to the _English_, so were +they least prouided to auoyd it. First, they opened their rancks, to +make way for the Arrowes to fall; but when that auoydance did nothing +auaile, they cloased againe, and couered themselues with their Targets, +ioyned together in maner of a pendhouse; encouraging one another, to +hast forward, to leape lustily to hand-strokes, and to scoure their +swords in the entrailes of their enemies. Then the Duke commanded his +horsemen to charge: but the _English_ receiued them vpon the points of +their weapons, with so liuely courage, in so firme and stiffe order, +that the ouerthrow of many of the foremost, did teach their followers to +aduenture themselues with better aduise. Hereupon they shifted into +wings, and made way for the footmen to come forward. Then did both +armies ioyne in a horrible shocke, with Pole-axes, & the Prince of +weapons the sword: maintaining the fight with so manlike furie, as if it +had bene a battaile of Giants, rather then of men. And so they continued +the greatest part of that day, in close and furious fight; blow for +blow, wound for wound, death for death; their feet steadie, their hands +diligent, their eyes watchfull, their hearts resolute; neither their +aduisement dazeled by fiercenesse, nor their fiercenesse any thing +abated by aduisement. + +In the meane time the horsemen gaue many sharpe charges, but were +alwayes beaten backe with disaduantage. The greatest annoyance came from +the Archers; whose shot showred among the _English_ so thicke, as they +seemed to haue the enemy in the middest of their Armie. Their armour was +not sufficiently either compleate or of proofe to defend them, but euery +hand, euery finger breadth vnarmed, was almost an assured place for a +deepe, and many times a deadly wound. Thus whilest the front was +maintained in good condition, many thousands were beaten downe behind; +whose death was not so grieuous vnto them, as the maner of their death, +in the middest of their friends, without an enemie at hand, vpon whom +they might shew some valour, and worke some reuenge. + +This maner of fight would soone haue determined aswell the hopes as the +feares of both sides, had not the targets of English been very +seruiceable vnto them; Had not King _Harold_ also with a liuely and +constant resolution, performed the part, not onely of a skilfull +commander, by directing, encouraging, prouiding, relieuing; but of a +valiant Souldier by vsing his weapon, to the excellent example of his +Souldiers. In places of greatest danger hee was alwayes present; +repayring the decayes, reforming the disorders, and encouraging his +company, that in doing as men, whether they preuailed, or whether they +perished, their labour was alwayes gloriously employed. So they knit +strongly together, and stood in close and thicke array, as if they had +been but one body: not onely bearing the brunt of their enemies, but +making such an impression vpon their squadron, that the great bodie +began to shake. The Duke aduentured in person so farre, moued no lesse +by his naturall magnanimitie, then by glory of the enterprise, that +besides his often alighting to fight on foote, two, or (as some report) +three horses were slaine vnder him. And hauing a body both able by +nature, and by vse hardened to endure trauaile, hee exacted the greater +seruice of his Souldiers: commending the forward, blaming the slow, and +crying out (according to his nature) with vehement gesture and voice +vnto all; that it was a shame for them who had been victorious against +all men with whom they dealt, to be so long held by the _English_ in +delay of victory. So partly by his authoritie, and partly by his +example, he retained his Souldiers, and imposed vpon them the fayrest +necessitie of courage; whilest euery man contended to win a good opinion +of their Prince. + +Then the fight entred into a new fitte of heate; nothing lesse feared +then death, the greatnesse of danger making both sides the more +resolute: and they who could not approach to strike with the hand, were +heard to encourage their fellowes by speach, to pursue the victory, to +pursue their glory, not to turne to their owne both destruction and +disgrace. The clashing of armour, the iustling of bodies, the resounding +of blowes, was the fairest part of this bloody medley: but the +grislinesse of wounds, the hideous fals and groanes of the dying, all +the field defiled with dust, blood, broken armour, mangled bodies, +represented Terrour in her foulest forme. Neuer was furie better +gouerned; neuer game of death better played. The more they fought the +better they fought; the more they smarted, the lesse they regarded +smart. + +At the last, when the Duke perceiued that the _English_ could not be +broken by strength of arme, he gaue direction that his men should retire +and giue ground; not loosely, not disorderly, as in a fearefull and +confused haste, but aduisedly and for aduantage; keeping the front of +their squadron firme and close, without disbanding one foote in array. +Nothing was more hurtfull to the _English_, being of a franke and noble +spirit, then that their violent inclination caried them too fast into +hope of victory. For, feeling their enemies to yeeld vnder their hand, +they did rashly follow those who were not hasty to flee: And in the +heate of their pursuit, vpon a false conceit of victory, loosed and +disordered their rankes, thinking then of nothing but of executing the +chase. The _Normans_ espying the aduantage to be ripe, made a stiffe +stand, redoubled vpon the _English_, and pressing on with a furie equall +to their fauourable fortune, with a cruell butchery brake into them. On +the other side it is scarce credible with what strength both of courage +and hand the _English_ euen in despight of death, sustained themselues +in this disorder; drawing into small squadrons, and beating downe their +enemies on euery hand, being resolued to sell their liues with their +place. + +But a mischiefe is no mischiefe, if it comes alone. Besides this +disaduantage of disarray, the shot of the _Normans_, did continually +beate vpon the _English_ with a grieuous execution. Among other King +_Harold_ about the closing of the euening, as he was busie in sustaining +his armie, both with voyce and with hand, was strooke with an arrow +through the left eye into his braines, of which wound hee presently +died. His two brothers, _Girth_ and _Leofwine_ were also slaine, and +also most of the nobilitie that were present: So long as the King stood, +they stood stoutly, both with him, and for him, and by him: his +directions supported them, his braue behauiour breathed fresh boldnesse +and life into them. But his death was a deadly stabbe to their courage; +vpon report of his death, they began to wauer in resolution, whether to +trust to the force of their armes, or to commend their safetie to their +good footemanship. In this incertainty many were slaine: Many retired in +reasonable order to a rising ground, whither they were closely followed +by the _Normans_; but the _English_ hauing gotten aduantage of the +place, and drawing courage out of despaire, with a bloody charge did +driue them downe. Count _Eustachius_ supposing fresh forces to be +arriued, fled away with fiftie Souldiers in his company; and meeting +with the Duke, rounded him secretly in his eare, that if hee went any +further hee was vndone. Whilest he was thus speaking, hee was strooke +betweene the shoulder with so violent a blowe, that he fell downe as +dead, and voided much blood at his nose and mouth. In this conflict many +of the noblest _Normans_ were slaine, which mooued the Duke to make a +strong ordered stand, giuing libertie therby for those _English_ to +retire. Others fled through a watery channell, the passages whereof were +well knowen vnto them: and when the _Normans_ did more sharpely then +aduisedly pursue, the place being shadowed partly with Sedges and +Reedes, and partly with the night, they were either stifled in the +waters, or easily destroyed by the _English_, and that in so great +numbers, that the place was filled vp with dead bodies. The residue +scattered in smaller companies, and had their flight fauoured by +increasing darkenesse: the enemie not aduenturing to follow, both in a +strange Countrey, and in the night. Earle _Edwine_ and Earle _Morchar_, +brothers of approoued both courage and faith, did great seruice at that +time, in collecting these dispersed Troupes, and leading them in some +fashion to _London_. + +Duke _William_ surprised with Ioy, gaue publike charge for a solemne +thanksgiuing to God. Then he erected his pauilion in the middest of the +field, among the thickest of those bodies whom death had made to lie +quietly together. There he passed the residue of that night; and the +next morning mustered his souldiers, buried those that were slaine, and +gaue libertie to the _English_ to do the like. The bodie of King +_Harold_ could not be knowen by his face, it was so deformed by death, +and by his wound; by his armour and by certaine markes vpon his body it +was knowen. As it lay vpon the ground, a _Norman_ Souldier did strike it +into the legge with his sword: for which vnmanly acte he was cassed by +the Duke with open disgrace. It was caried into the Dukes Pauilion, +vnder the custodie of _William Mallet_. And when his mother made suite +for it to bee buried, the Duke denied it at the first; affirming, that +buriall was not fit for him, whose ambition was the cause of so many +Funerals. The mother, besides her lamentations and teares, offered for +it (as one _Norman_ writer affirmes) the weight thereof in gold. But the +Duke, with a manly compassion gaue it freely; as holding it +dishonourable both to value the bodie of a King, and make sale of a +slaine enemie. So his body was buried by his mother at _Waltham Crosse_ +within the monasterie which hee had founded. Verely there was nothing to +be blamed in him, but that his courage could not stoupe to be lower then +a King. + +I haue been the more long in describing this battel, for that I esteem +it the most memorable and best executed that euer was fought within this +land: as well for skilfull direction, as for couragious performance, and +also for the greatnesse of the euent. The fight continued with very +great both constancie of courage, and variety of fortune, from seuen of +the clocke in the morning vntill night. Of the _Normans_ were slaine +6000 and more, besides those that were drowned and beaten downe in the +water. The slaughter of the _English_ is vncertainely reported, but +certainely it was farre greater then that of the _Normans_. Certaine +also that their death was most honourable and faire, not any one basely +abandoning the fielde; not any one yeelding to bee taken prisoner. And +yet one circumstance more I hold fit to bee obserued; that this victory +was gotten onely by the meanes of the bow and arrow: The vse whereof was +by the _Normans_ first brought into this land. Afterward the _English_ +being trained to that fight, did thereby chiefly maintaine themselues +with honourable aduantage, against all nations with whom they did +contend in armes; being generally reputed the best shot in the world. + +But of late yeeres it hath bene altogether layed aside, and in stead +thereof the harquebuze and calliuer are brought into vse: yet not +without contradiction of many expert men of Armes; who albeit they doe +not reiect the vse of these small pieces, yet doe they preferre the Bow +before them. First, for that in a reasonable distance, it is of greater +both certainty and force. Secondly, for that it dischargeth faster. +Thirdly, for that more men may discharge therewith at once: for onely +the first rancke dischargeth the piece, neither hurt they any but those +that are in front; but with the bow 10. or 12. rancks may discharge +together, and will annoy so many ranckes of the enemies. Lastly, for +that the arrow doeth strike more parts of the body: for in that it +hurteth by discent; (and not onely point blancke like the bullet) there +is no part of the body but it may strike; from the crowne of the head, +euen to the nayling of the foot to the ground. Hereupon it followeth, +that the arrowes falling so thicke as haile vpon the bodies of men, as +lesse fearefull of their flesh, so more slenderly armed then in former +times, must necessarily worke most dangerous effects. + +Besides these generall respects in many particular seruices and times, +the vse of the Bow is of greatest aduantage. If some defence lye before +the enemy, the arrow may strike where the bullet cannot. Foule weather +may much hinder the discharge of the piece, but it is no great +impediment to the shot of the Bow. A horse strooke with a bullet if the +wound be not mortall, may performe good seruice; but if an arrow be +fastened in his flesh, the continuall stirring thereof, occasioned by +the motion of himselfe, will enforce him to cast off all command, and +either beare downe or disorder those that are neere. + +But the cracke of the piece (will some man say) doeth strike a terrour +into the enemie. True, if they bee such as neuer heard the like noise +before. But a little vse wil extinguish these terrours: to men, yea to +beasts acquainted with these cracks, they worke a weake impression of +feare. And if it be true which all men of action doe hold, that the eye +in all battailes is first ouercome, then against men equally accustomed +to both, the sight of the arrow is more auaileable to victorie then the +cracke of the piece. Assuredly, the Duke before the battaile encouraged +his men, for that they should deale with enemies who had no shot. But I +will leaue this point to be determined by more discerning iudgements, +and happily by further experience in these affaires, and returne againe +to my principall purpose. + +The next day after the victorie the Duke returned to _Hastings_, about +seuen miles from the place of the encounter, partly to refresh his +Armie, and partly to settle in aduise and order for his further +prosecution. First, he dispatched messengers to signifie his successe to +his friends abroad; to the Pope he sent King _Harolds_ Standerd, which +represented a man fighting, wrought curiously with golde and precious +stones. Afterwards placing a strong garrison at _Hastings_, he conducted +his Armie towards _London_: not the direct way, but coasted about +through part of _Kent_, through _Sussex_, _Surrey_, _Hampshire_ and +_Barkeshire_: the wayes where hee passed being as free from resistance, +as his thoughts were from change. At _Wallingford_ he passed ouer the +_Thames_; and then marched forward through _Oxford-shire_, +_Buckingham-shire_, and _Hartford-shire_, vntill he came to the Castle +at _Berkhamstead_. In this passage many of his Souldiers languished and +died of the Fluxe. And whether it were vpon licentiousnesse after the +late victorie, or whether for want of necessary prouision, or whether to +strike a terrour into the _English_, or whether to leaue no danger at +his backe, he permitted the sword to range at large, to harrie freely, +to defile many places with ruine and blood. + +In the meane time the _English_ Lords assembled at _London_, to aduise +vpon their common affaires; but the varietie of opinions was the chiefe +impediment to the present seruice; the danger being more important, then +the counsaile resolute, or the confidence assured. The Nobilitie +enclined to declare _Edgar_ grandchild to _Edmund Ironside_, to be their +King: and with these the _Londoners_ wholy went. But those of the +Clergie were of opinion (some vpon particular respects, all vpon feare +to displease the Pope) to yeeld to the storme and streame of the present +time, to yeeld to the mightie Arme of GOD; that their forces being +prostrated, their hopes feeble and forlorne, they must be content not to +be constrained; they must not prouoke the Victor too farre; against +whose forces and felicities, time gaue them not power to oppose. This +deliberation held so long, that all the time of action was spent. For +the Duke approched so neere the Citie, that many preferring their +safetie before other respects, withdrew themselues and went vnto him. +Hereupon the residue dissolued: and _Alfred_ Archb. of _Yorke_, +_Wolstane_ Bishop of _Worcester_, _Wilfire_ B. of _Hereford_, and many +other Prelates of the Realme went vnto the Duke at _Berkhamstead_; +accompanied with _Edgar_, Earle _Edwine_, Earle _Morchar_, and diuers +others of the Nobilitie: who gaue pledges for their allegiance, and were +thereupon receiued to subiection and fauour. The Duke presently +dispatched to _London_, was receiued with many declarations of ioy, the +lesser in heart, the fairer in appearance, and vpon _Christmas day_ next +following was crowned King. + +Now the meanes whereby this victory was[21] assured, were the very same +whereby it was atchieued; euen by a stiffe and rigorous hand. For +whosoeuer supposeth that a State atteined by force, can be reteined by +milder meanes, he shall find himselfe disappointed of his hopes. A +people newly subdued by force, will so long remaine in obedience, as +they finde themselues not of force to resist. + +And first he endeauoured either to preuent or appease all forren warres, +especially against the _Danes_, who were then chiefly feared in +_England_, as well in regard of their former victories, as for that they +pretended title to the Crowne. And herein two things did especially +fauour his affaires. One, for that the _Normans_ were in some sort +allied to the _Danes_; being the progenie of those _Noruegians_ and +_Danes_, which vnder the conduct and fortune of _Rollo_ inuaded +_France_, & after many great atchieuements, seated in _Normandie_. The +other was, for that after the death of _Canutus_, the state of +_Denmarke_ was much infeebled by diuision. For the _Noruegians_ set vp +_Magnus_ the sonne of _Olaus_ for their King; but the _Danes_ +acknowledged _Canutus_ the third of that name: by meanes whereof that +puissant empire did languish in consumption of it selfe, and could not +be dangerous to any neighbour Countrey. Yet ceased they not for many +yeeres, to continue claime to the Crowne of _England_: But King +_William_ had purchased many sure and secret friends in that diseased +state, wherein all publike affaires were set to sale; especially he vsed +the authoritie of _Adelbert_, Archbishop of _Hamburgh_, either to crosse +all counsaile of hostilitie against him, or else to delay, and thereby +to delude the enterprise, or lastly so to manage the action, that it +should not worke any dangerous effect. + +After the death of _Swaine_, _Canutus_ prepared a Nauie of one thousand +saile for inuasion of _England_; and was aided with sixe hundred more +by _Robert le Frizon_, whose daughter hee had taken to wife. But either +for want, or else by negligence, or happily of purpose, this Nauie +continued, partly in preparation, and partly in a readinesse, the space +of two yeeres, and then the voyage was layd aside. The cause was +attributed to contrarietie of winds; but the contrariety of wils was the +truest impediment. Likewise _Swaine_ had furnished against _England_ a +Nauie of 200. sayle, commanded by Earle _Osborne_ his brother. Another +fleete of 200. saile was set foorth vnder the charge of Earle _Hacon_: +But King _William_ so corrupted them both, that the one departed out of +the Realme without performing any great exploit, the other neuer would +arriue. + +Also out of these confusions in _England_, _Malcolme_ King of Scots, did +take his opportunitie for action. Hee receiued into protection many +_English_, who either for feare, or for discontentment, forsooke their +Countrey; of whom many families in _Scotland_ are descended, and namely +these; _Lindsey_, _Vaus_, _Ramsey_, _Louell_, _Towbris_, _Sandlands_, +_Bissart_, _Sowlis_, _Wardlaw_, _Maxwell_, with diuers others. Hee +entertained into his Court _Edgar Atheling_; and tooke his sister +_Margaret_ to wife. He possessed himselfe of a great part of +_Cumberland_, and of _Northumberland_; wherewith the people were well +content, for that hee was their Earles sisters sonne. + +Hereupon King _William_ sent against him, first, _Roger_ a _Norman_, who +was traiterously slaine by his owne Souldiers, then _Gospatrick_, Earle +of _Gloucester_: These did onely represse the enemie, but were not able +to finish the warre fully. Lastly, hee went himselfe with a mighty armie +into _Scotland_, where hee made wide waste, and in _Lothiam_ found King +_Malcolme_, prepared both in force and resolution to entertaine him with +battell. The great armie of King _William_, their faire furniture and +order, their sudden comming, but especially their firme countenance and +readinesse to fight, much daunted the _Scots_: whereupon King _Malcolme_ +sent a Herault to King _William_, to mooue him to some agreement of +peace. The more that the King was pleased herewith, the more hee seemed +vnwilling and strange: the more he must be perswaded to that, which if +it had not bin offered, he would haue desired. At the last, a peace was +concluded, vpon conditions honourable for King _William_, and not +vnreasonable for the King of _Scots_: whereby all the _English_ were +pardoned, who had fled into _Scotland_, and borne armes against their +King. + +As for the _Welsh_, albeit both their courage and their power had been +extreamely broken in the time of King _Edward_, and that by the valour +and industry of _Harold_; yet vpon aduantage of these troubled times, +they made some incursions into the borders of _England_; but in +companies so disordered and small, so secretly assaulting, so suddenly +retiring, so desirous more of pillage then of blood, that they seemed +more like to ordinarie robbers then to enemies in field. Against these +the King ledde an armie into _Wales_, reduced the people both to +subiection and quiet, made all the principall men tributary vnto him, +receiued pledges of all, for assurance of their obedience and faith. + +Whilest the King thus setled his affaires abroad, he secured himselfe +against his subiects,[22] not by altering their will, but by taking away +their power to rebell. The stoutest of the Nobilitie and Gentlemen were +spent, either by warre, or by banishment, or by voluntary auoidance out +of the Realme. All these hee stripped of their states, and in place of +them aduanced his _Normans_: insomuch as scarce any noble family of the +_English_ blood did beare either office or authoritie within the Realme. +And these ranne headlong to seruitude; the more hasty and with the +fairer shew, the more either countenanced or safe. These he did assure +vnto him, not onely by oath of fidelitie and homage, but either by +pledges, or else by reteining them alwaies by his side. + +And because at that time the Clergie were the principall strings of the +_English_ strength, he permitted not any of the _English_ Nation to be +aduanced to the dignities of the Church, but furnished them with +_Normans_, and other strangers. And whereas in times before, the Bishop +and Alderman were absolute Iudges in euery Shire, and the Bishop in many +causes shared in forfeitures and penalties with the King; he clipped the +wings of their Temporall power, and confined them within the limits of +their Ecclesiasticall Iurisdiction; to maintaine the Canons and customes +of the Church, to deale in affaires concerning the soule. He procured +_Stigand_ Archbishop of _Canterburie_, _Agelwine_ Bishop of +_East-Angles_, and certaine other Bishops and Abbots, to be depriued by +authoritie from _Rome_, and deteined them in prison during their liues, +that strangers might enioy their places. The matters obiected against +_Stigand_ were these. + + 1 _That hee had entruded vpon the Archbishopricke whilest Robert the + Archb. was in life._ + + 2 _That he receiued his Pall from Benedict the fifth, who for buying + the Papacie had bene deposed._ + + 3 _That hee kept the Sea of Winchester in his handes, after his + inuestiture into the Sea of Canterburie._ + +He was otherwise also infamous in life; altogether vnlearned, of heauie +iudgement and vnderstanding, sottishly seruiceable both to pleasure and +sloath; in couetousnesse beneath the basenesse of rusticitie: insomuch +as he would often sweare, that he had not one penie vpon the earth, and +yet by a key which hee did weare about his necke, great treasures of his +were found vnder the ground. And this was a griefe and sicknesse to +honest mindes, that such spurious and impure creatures should susteine, +or rather destaine the reuerence and maiestie of Religion. + +Further, the King caused all the Monasteries and Abbeys to be searched, +pretending that the richer sort of the _English_ had layd vp their money +in them: vnder colour whereof he discouered the state of all, and +bereaued many of their owne treasure. Some of these Religious houses he +appropriated wholly to himselfe; of diuers others he seized the +liberties, which they redeemed afterward at a very high and excessiue +rate. Those Bishopricks and Abbeis which held Baronies, and had bene +free before from secular subiection, he reduced vnder the charge of his +seruice; appointing how many Souldiers, and of what sort, they should +furnish for him and his successours in the time of their warres. Those +strangers which he entertained in pay, he dispersed into Religious +houses, and some also among the Nobilitie, to be maintained at their +charge: whereby he not onely fauoured his owne purse, but had them as a +watch, and sometimes as a garrison ouer those, of whose alleageance he +stood in doubt. + +Now against the inferiour sort of people, knowing right well that hee +was generally hated, hee prepared these remedies for his estate: All +their armour was taken from them, they were crushed downe with change +of calamity, which held them prostrate vnder yoke, and brake the very +heart of their courage: leauing them no hope to be relieued, no hope to +rise into any degree of libertie, but by yeelding entire obedience vnto +him. Those who either resisted or fauoured not his first entrance, he +bereaued of all meanes afterward to offend him; holding them downe, and +keeping them so lowe, that their very impotencie made him secure. All +such as had their hand in any rebellion, albeit they were pardoned their +liues, lost their liuings, and became vassals to those Lords to whom +their possessions were giuen. And if they attained any thing afterward, +they held it onely at the pleasure of their Lords; at the pleasure of +their Lords they might bee despoyled. + +Hee much condemned the iudgement of _Swanus_ the _Dane_, sometimes King +of _England_, who permitted those whom hee had vanquished, to retaine +their former both authoritie and estates: whereby it happened, that +after his death, the inhabitants were of force to expell the strangers, +and to quit themselues both from their societie and subiection. +Hereupon many seuere lawes were made; diuers of all sorts were put to +death, banished, stripped of their wealth, disabled in their bodies by +vnusuall variety of punishments; as putting out the eyes, cutting off +the hands and such like: not onely to diminish his feares, if they were +suspected; but sometimes if they were of wealth, to satisfie therewith +either his pleasure or wants. His cruelty made the people rebellious, +and their rebellions made him the more cruell; in which case many +Innocents were made the oblations of his ambitious feares. Many heauy +taxations were imposed vpon them; their ancient Lords were remoued, +their ancient lawes and policies of State were dashed to dust; all lay +couched vnder the Conquerours sword, to bee newly fashioned by him, as +should bee best fitting for his aduantage. + +Hee erected Castels in diuers parts of the Realme, of which the Towre +neere _London_ was the chiefe, which afterward was increased both in +compasse and in strength by addition of the outward walls. In these he +planted garrisons of _Normans_, as if it had bene in a hostile Countrey; +not without oppression to the people although they remained quiet, and +sufficient to suppresse them if they should rebell. Thus he secured the +Realme against a generall defection; as for particular stirres, they +might happily molest him, but endanger him they could not. _Exceter_, +_Northumberland_, and some other parts did rise against him in armes; +but being vnable to maintaine their reuolt, their ouerthrow did much +confirme his State. + +Hee either imitated or concurred with _Cæsar_ in aduise: For, as _Cæsar_ +inuaded the _Germans_ which kept the great forrest of _Ardenna_, not +with his owne Souldiers, but with his aides out of _Gallia_; gaining +thereby victory ouer the one, and securitie from the other, without any +dispence of the _Romane_ blood: so after the Kings great victory against +the valiant, but too aduenturous King _Harold_, when many of the English +fled into _Ireland_, and from thence with fresh both courage, and +supplies returned into _England_; commaunded by two of _Harolds_ sonnes; +hee encountred them onely with _English_ forces. In the first conflict +the Kings partie was ouerthrowen, and the valiant leader _Ednothus_ +slaine, who had bene master of the horses to King _Harold_. In the +second his enemies were so defeated, as they were neuer able to make +head againe. So the victorers being weakened, and the vanquished wasted, +the King with pleasure triumphed ouer both. Likewise when he was +occasioned to passe the Seas into _Normandie_, either to establish +affaires of gouernement, or to represse rebellions, which in his absence +were many times raised; he drew his forces out of _England_, and that in +a more large proportion then the importance of the seruice did require. +Hee also tooke with him the chiefe men of _English_ blood, as well to +vse their aduise and aide, as also to hold them and their friends from +working innouation in his absence. + +He enclosed the great Forrest neere vnto the Sea in _Hamshire_, for +which he dispeopled villages and townes, about the space of thirtie +miles, to make a desert for beasts of chase; in which place afterward +two of his sonnes, _Richard_ and _William_ ended their liues; _Richard_ +by a fall from his horse, and _William_ by the stroke of an arrow. The +Kings great delight in hunting was made the pretence of this Forrest; +but the true end was rather, to make a free place of footing for his +_Normans_ and other friends out of France, in case any great reuolt +should be made. Diuers other parts of the Realme were so wasted with +his warres, that for want both of Husbandrie and habitation, a great +dearth did ensue; whereby many were inforced to eate horses, dogs, cats, +rats, and other loathsome and vile vermine: yea, some absteined not from +the flesh of men. This famine and desolation did especially rage in the +North parts of the Realme. For the inhabitants beyond _Humber_, fearing +the Kings secret hate, so much the more deepe and deadly because vniust; +receiued without resistance, and perhaps drew in the Armie of the King +of _Sueueland_, with whom _Edgar Atheling_ and the other _English_ that +fled into _Scotland_ ioyned their power. The _Normans_ within _Yorke_ +fired the suburbs, because it should not be a lodging for their enemies: +but the strength of the winde caried the flame into the Citie, which +consumed a great part thereof, with the Minster of S. _Peter_, and +therein a faire Librarie. And herewith whilest the _Normans_ were partly +busied, and partly amazed, the enemies entred, and slue in _Yorke_, in +_Duresme_, and thereabout, three thousand _Normans_; among whom were +many of eminent dignitie, as well for birth, as for place of their +charge. But in short time the King came vpon them, and hauing partly by +Armes, and partly by gifts dispatched the strangers, exercised vpon the +_English_ an ancient and assured experience of warre, to represse with +maine force a rebellion in a State newly subdued. Insomuch as all the +land betweene _Duresme_ and _Yorke_, except onely the territorie of S. +_Iohn_ of _Beuerlace_, lay waste for the space of nine yeeres, without +inhabitants to manure the ground. + +And because conspiracies and associations are commonly contriued in the +night, he commanded, that in all Townes and villages a Bell should be +runge in the euening at eight of the clocke; and that in euery house +they should then put foorth their fire and lights, and goe to bed. This +custome of ringing a Bell at that houre, in many places is still +obserued. + +And for that likenesse is a great cause of liking and of loue, he +enioyned the chiefe of the _English_ (and these were soone imitated by +the rest) to conforme themselues to the fashions of _Normandie_, to +which they had made themselues no strangers before. Yea, children in the +schoole were taught their letters and principles of grammar in the +_Norman_ language. In their speech, attire, shauing of the beard, +seruice at the Table; in their buildings and houshold furniture, they +altogether resembled the _Normans_. + +In the beginning of his reigne he ordeined that the Lawes of King +_Edward_ should be obserued, together with those Lawes which hee did +prescribe: but afterwards he commanded that 9. men should be chosen out +of euery shire, to make a true report what were the Lawes and customes +of the Realme. Of these hee changed the greatest part, and brought in +the customes of _Normandie_ in their stead: commanding also that causes +should be pleaded, and all matters of forme dispatched in _French_. +Onely hee permitted certaine _Dane_-Lawes, (which before were chiefly +vsed in _Northfolke_, _Suffolke_, and _Cambridge_-shire) to be generally +obserued; as hauing great affinitie with his _Norman_-customes; both +being deriued from one common head. + +Likewise at the great suit of _William_ a _Norman_ then Bishop of +_London_, he granted a Charter of libertie to that Citie, for enioying +the vse of K. _Edwards_ Lawes: a memoriall of which benefite, the +Citizens fixed vpon the Bishops graue, being in the middest of the +great West Ile of S. _Pauls_. Further, by the counsaile of _Stigand_ +Archb. of _Canterburie_, and of _Eglesine_ Abbot of S. _Augustines_ (who +at that time were the chiefe gouernours of _Kent_) as the King was +riding towards _Douer_, at _Swanescombe_ two mile from _Grauesend_, the +_Kentish_ men came towards him armed, and bearing boughes in their +hands, as if it had bene a moouing wood; they encloased him vpon the +sudden, and with a firme countenance, but words well tempered with +modestie and respect, they demanded of him the vse of their ancient +Liberties and Lawes: that in other matters they would yeeld obedience +vnto him: that without this they desired not to liue. The King was +content to strike saile to the storme, and to giue them a vaine +satisfaction for the present; knowing right well, that the generall +customes & Lawes of the residue of the Realme, would in short time +ouerflow these particular places. So pledges being giuen on both sides, +they conducted him to _Rochester_, and yeelded the Countie of _Kent_ and +the Castle of _Douer_ into his power. + +In former times many Farmes and Mannors were giuen by bare word, +without writing, onely with the sword of the Lord, or his head-peece; +with a horne or standing goblet, and many tenements with a quill, with a +horse-combe, with a bow, with an arrow; but this sincere simplicitie at +that time was changed. And whereas Charters and deeds were before made +firme by the subscription of the partie, with crosses of gold, or of +some other colour; then they were firmed by the parties speciall Seale, +set vpon waxe, vnder the _Teste_ of three or foure witnesses. + +He ordained also his counsaile of State, his Chancery, his Exchequer, +his Courts of Iustice, which alwaies remoued with his Court. These +places he furnished with Officers, and assigned foure Termes in the yere +for determining controuersies among the people: whereas before all +suites were summarily heard and determined in the _Gemote_ or monthly +conuention in euery hundred, without either formalities or delay. + +He caused the whole Realme to be described in a censuall Roll, so as +there was not one Hide of land, but both the yerely rent and the owner +thereof, was therein set downe; how many plowlands, what pastures, +fennes, or marishes; what woods, parkes, farmes and tenements were in +euery shire; and what euery one was worth. Also how many villaines euery +man had, what beasts or cattell, what fees, what other goods, what rent +or commoditie his possessions did yeeld. This booke was called _The Roll +of Winton_, because it was kept in the Citie of _Winchester_. By the +_English_ it was called _Doomes day booke_; either by reason of the +generalitie thereof, or else corruptly in stead of _Domus Dei booke_; +for that it was layed in the Church of _Winchester_, in a place called +_Domus Dei_. According to this Roll taxations were imposed; sometimes +two shillings, and sometimes sixe shillings vpon euery hide of land (a +hide conteyning 20. acres,) besides ordinarie prouision for his house. + +In all those lands which hee gaue to any man, he reserued _Dominion in +chiefe_ to himselfe: for acknowledgement whereof a yeerely rent was payd +vnto him, and likewise a fine whensoeuer the Tenant did alien or die. +These were bound as Clients vnto him by oath of fidelitie and homage; +And if any died his heire being in minoritie, the King receiued the +profits of the land, and had the custodie and disposing of the heires +body, vntill his age of one and twentie yeeres. + +It is reported of _Caligula_,[23] that when he entended to make +aduantage of his penal Edicts, he caused them to be written in so small +letters, and the tables of them to be fastened so high, that it was +almost impossible for any man to read them. So the King caused part of +those Lawes that he established, to be written in the _Norman_ language, +which was a barbarous and broken _French_, not well vnderstood of the +naturall _French_, and not at all of the vulgar _English_. The residue +were not written at all, but left almost arbitrarie, to be determined by +reason and discretion at large. Hereupon it followed, partly through +ignorance of the people, and partly through the malice of some officers +of Iustice, who many times are instruments of secret and particular +ends; that many were extreamely intangled, many endangered, many rather +made away, then iustly executed. + +But here it may be questioned, seeing these Lawes were layed vpon the +_English_, as fetters about their feet, as a ponderous yoke vpon their +necke, to depresse and deteine them in sure subiection; how it falleth, +that afterward they became not onely tolerable, but acceptable and well +esteemed. + +Assuredly, these lawes were exceeding harsh and heauy to the _English_ +at the first: And therefore K. _William Rufus_, and _Henry_ the first, +at such time as _Robert_ their eldest brother came in armes against them +to challenge the crowne, being desirous to winne the fauour of the +people, did fill them with faire promises, to abrogate the lawes of K. +_William_ their father, and to restore to them the Lawes of K. _Edward_. +The like was done by K. _Stephen_, and by K. _Henry_ the second; whilest +both contending to draw the State to himselfe, they did most grieuously +teare it in pieces. The like by others of the first Kings of the +_Norman_ race, whensoeuer they were willing to giue contentment to the +people: who desired no other reward for all their aduentures and +labours, for al their blood spent in the seruice of their Kings, but to +haue the Lawes of K. _Edward_ restored. At the last the Nobilitie of the +Realme, with great dispence both of their estates and blood, purchased a +Charter of libertie, First from K. _Iohn_, which was soone reuoked, as +violently enforced from him: afterwards from King _Henry_ the third, +which remained in force. And hereby the sharpe seuerity of these lawes +was much abated. + +In that afterwards they became, not onely tolerable, but easie and +sweete, and happily not fit to bee changed, it is by force of long +grounded custome, whereby those vsages which our ancestors haue obserued +for many ages, do neuer seeme either grieuous or odious to bee endured. +So _Nicetas_ writing of certaine Christians, who by long conuersing with +the _Turkes_, had defiled themselues with Turkish fashions, +_Custome_[24] (saith he) _winneth such strength by time, that it is more +firme then either Nature or Religion_. Hereupon _Dio. Chrysostome_ +compareth Customes to a King,[25] and Edicts to a Tyrant; because we are +subiect voluntarily to the one, but by constraint and vpon necessitie to +the other. _It is manifest_ (saith _Agathias_) _that vnder whatsoeuer +law a people hath liued, they doe esteeme the same most excellent and +diuine_.[26] _Herodotus_ reporteth, that _Darius_ the sonne of +_Hysdaspis_, hauing vnder his Dominion certaine _Grecians_ of _Asia_, +who accustomed to burne their dead parents and friends, and certaine +nations of _India_, who vsed to eate them; called the _Grecians_ before +him: and told them that it was his pleasure, that they should conforme +themselues to the custome of the _Indians_, in eating their deceased +friends. But they applied all meanes of intreatie and perswasion, that +they might not be inforced, to such a barbarous, or rather brutish +obseruation. Then hee sent for the _Indians_, and mooued them to +conformitie with the _Grecians_; but found that they did farre more +abhorre to burne their dead, then the _Grecians_ did to eate them. + +Now these seuerities of the King were much aggrauated by the _English_, +and esteemed not farre short of cruelties. Notwithstanding hee tempered +it with many admirable actions both of iustice and of clemencie and +mercie: for which hee is much extolled by the _Normane_[27] writers. Hee +gaue great priuiledges to many places; & the better to giue the people +contentment, and to hold them quiet, he often times renued the oath +which first he tooke at his Coronation: namely, _to defend the holy +Church of God, the pastors thereof, and the people subiect to him iustly +to gouerne, to ordaine good lawes, and obserue true iustice, and to the +vttermost of his power to withstand all rapines and false Iudgements._ +Such of the nobilitie as had been taken in rebellion, were onely +committed to prison; from which they were released in time: such as +yeelded and submitted themselues, were freely pardoned, and often times +receiued to fauour, trust, and imployment. + +_Edric_, the first that rebelled after hee was King, he held neere and +assured vnto him. _Gospatric_ who had been a stirrer of great +commotions, he made Earle of _Glocester_, and employed him against +_Malcolme_ King of _Scots_. _Eustace_ Earle of _Bologne_, who vpon +occasion of the Kings first absence in _Normandie_ attempted to surprize +the Castle of _Douer_, he imbraced afterward with great shew of loue and +respect. _Waltheof_ sonne to Earle _Siward_, who in defending the Citie +of _Yorke_ against him, had slaine many _Normans_, as they assayed to +enter a breach, hee ioyned in marriage to his Neece _Iudeth_. _Edgar_ +who was the ground and hope of all conspiracies, who after his first +submission to the King, fled into _Scotland_, and maintained open +hostilitie against him, who pretended title to the Crowne as next heire +to the _Saxon_ Kings, he not onely receiued to fauour, but honoured +with faire enterteinments. Hee furnished him to the warre of +_Palestine_, where he atteined an honourable estimation with the +Emperours of _Almaine_ and of _Greece_. After his returne he was allowed +20. shillings a day by way of pension, and large liuings in the +Countrey, where he mellowed to old age in pleasure and vacancie of +affaires; preferring safe subiection, before ambitious rule accompanied +both with danger and disquiet. + +Thus was no man more milde to a relenting and vanquished enemie; as +farre from crueltie, as he was from cowardice, the height of his spirit, +ouerlooking all casuall, all doubtfull and vncertaine dangers. Other +great offenders he punished commonly by exile or imprisonment, seldome +by death. Onely among the _English_ Nobilitie Earle _Waltheof_ was put +to death, for that after twice breaking allegiance, he conspired the +third time with diuers both _English_ and _Normans_ to receiue the +_Danes_ into _England_, whilest the King was absent in _Normandie_. And +for the same conspiracie _Ralph Fitz-aubert_ a _Norman_ was also +executed; who had furnished 40. ships for the King in his voiage for +_England_: for which and for his other seruices in that warre, he was +afterward created Earle of _Hereford_. But present iniuries doe alwayes +ouerballance benefits that are past. + +He much delighted in hunting and in feasting. For the first he enclosed +many forrests and parks, and filled them with Deere; which he so deerely +loued, that he ordained great penalties for such as should kill those or +any other beasts of game. For the second hee made many sumptuous feasts, +especially vpon the high Festiuall dayes in the yeere. His _Christmasse_ +hee often kept at _Glocester_, his _Easter_ at _Winchester_, his +_Whitsontide_ at _Westminster_; and was crowned once in the yeere at one +of these places, so long as he continued in _England_. To these feasts +he inuited all his Nobilitie, and did then principally compose himselfe +to courtesie, as well in familiar conuersation, as in facilitie to grant +suits, and to giue pardon to such as had offended. At other times he was +more Maiesticall and seuere; and imployed himselfe both to much exercise +and great moderation in diet; whereby he preserued his body in good +state, both of health and strength, and was easily able to endure +trauaile, hunger, heat, cold, and all other hardnesse both of labour and +of want. + +Many wrongs he would not see, of many smarts he would not complaine; he +was absolute master of himselfe, and thereby learned to subdue others. +He was much commended for chastitie of body; by which his Princely +actions were much aduanced. And albeit the beginning of his reigne was +pestered with such routs of outlawes and robbers, that the peaceable +people could not accompt themselues in surety within their owne doores; +hee so well prouided for execution of Iustice vpon offenders, or rather +for cutting off the causes of offence; that a young maiden well charged +with gold, might trauaile in any part of the Realme, without any offer +of iniurie vnto her. For if any man had slaine another vpon any cause, +he was put to death; and if he could not be found, the hundred paide a +fine to the King; sometimes 28. and sometimes 36. pounds, according to +the largenesse of the hundred in extent. If a man had oppressed any +woman, he was depriued of his priuie parts. As the people by Armes, so +Armes by lawes were held in restraint. + +He talked little and bragged lesse: a most assured performer of his +word: In prosecution or his purposes constant and strong, and yet not +obstinate; but alwayes appliable to the change of occasions: earnest, +yea violent, both to resist his enemies, and to exact dueties of his +Subiects. He neither loued much speech, nor gaue credite to faire; but +trusted truely to himselfe, to others so farre as he might not be abused +by credulitie. + +His expedition (the spirit of actions and affaires) may hereby appeare. +He inuaded _England_ about the beginning of October; He subdued all +resistance, he suppressed all rising Rebellions, and returned into +_Normandy_ in March following. So as the time of the yeere considered, a +man should hardly trauaile through the land in so short a time as he did +win it. A greater exploit then _Iulius Cæsar_ or any other stranger +could euer atchieue vpon that place. + +He gaue many testimonies of a Religious minde. For he did often frequent +Diuine seruice in the Church, he gaue much Almes, hee held the Clergie +in great estimation, and highly honoured the Prelats of the Church. He +sent many costly ornaments, many rich presents of gold and siluer to the +Church of _Rome_; his _Peter_ paiments went more readily, more largely +then euer before. To diuers Churches in _France_ after his victorie he +sent Crosses of gold, vessels of gold, rich Palles, or other ornaments +of great beautie and price. He bare such reuerence to _Lanfranck_ +Archbishop of _Canterburie_, that he seemed to stand at his directions. +At the request of _Wolstane_ Bishop of _Worcester_, he gaue ouer a great +aduantage that he made by sale of prisoners taken in _Ireland_. He +respected _Aldred_ Archbishop of _Yorke_, by whom he had bene crowned +King of _England_, as his father. At a time vpon the repulse of a +certaine suit, the Archbishop brake forth into discontentment, +expostulated sharpely against the King, and in a humorous heat offered +to depart. But the King staied him, fell downe at his feet, desired +pardon, and promised satisfaction in the best maner that he could. The +Nobilitie that were present, put the Archbishop in minde that he should +cause the King to arise. Nay (answered the Archb.) let him alone; Let +him still abide at S. _Peters_ feet. So with much adoe he was appeased, +and entreated to accept his suite. And so the name of Saint _Peter_, and +of the Church hath been often vsed as a mantle, to couer the pride, +passions and pleasures of disordered men. + +He founded and enlarged many houses of Religion: Hee furnished +Ecclesiasticall dignities, with men of more sufficiencie and worth then +had been vsuall in former times. And because within his owne Dominions +studies did not flourish and thriue, by reason of the turbulent times, +by reason of the often inuasions of barbarous people, whose knowledge +lay chiefly in their fists; hee drew out of _Italy_ and other places +many famous men, both for learning and integritie of life, to wit, +_Lanfranke_, _Anselm_, _Durand_, _Traherne_ and others. These he +honoured, these hee aduanced, to these hee expressed great testimonies +both of fauour and regard. + +And yet he preferred _Odo_ his brother by the mothers side to the +Bishopricke of _Baion_, and afterwards created him Earle of _Kent_: A +man proud, vaine, mutinous, ambitious; outragious in oppression, cruelty +and lust; a prophaner of Religion, a manifest contemner of all vertue. +The King being called by occasions into _Normandie_, committed vnto him +the gouernment of the Realme: In which place of credite and command he +furnished himselfe so fully with treasure, that hee aspired to the +Papacie of _Rome_: vpon a prediction then cast abroad, (which commonly +deceiue those that trust vnto them) that the successour of _Hildebrand_ +was named _Odo_. So filled with proud hopes, hee purchased a palace and +friends at _Rome_; hee prepared for his iourney, and drew many gentlemen +to be of his traine. But the King returning suddenly out of _Normandie_, +met with him in the _Isle of Wight_, as he was ready to take the Seas. +There hee was arrested, and afterwards charged with infinite +oppressions; also for seducing the Kings subiects to forsake the Realme; +and lastly, for sacrilegious spoyling of many Churches. Hereupon his +treasure was seized, and he was committed to prison; not as Bishop of +_Baion_, but as Earle of _Kent_, and as an accomptant to the King. And +so he remained about foure yeeres, euen vntill the death of the King. +His seruants, some in falshood, and some for feare, discouered such +hidden heapes of his gold, as did exceede all expectation: yea, many +bagges of grinded gold were drawen out of riuers, wherein the Bishop had +caused them for a time to be buried. After this hee was called the Kings +spunge: as being preferred by him to that place of charge, wherein he +might in long time sucke that from others, which should at once be +pressed from himselfe. By this meanes the King had the benefit of his +oppression without the blame; and the people (being no deepe searchers +into secrets of State) were so well pleased with the present punishment, +as they were thereby, although not satisfied, yet well quieted for all +their wrongs. + +Towards the end of his reigne he appointed his two sonnes, _Robert_ and +_Henry_, with ioynt authoritie, gouernours of _Normandie_; the one to +suppresse either the insolencie, or leuitie of the other. These went +together to visit the _French_ King, lying at _Conflance_: where +entertaining the time with varietie of disports, _Henry_ played with +_Louis_ then _Daulphine_ of _France_ at Chesse, and did win of him very +much. Here at _Louis_ beganne to growe warme in words, and was therein +little respected by _Henry_. The great impatiencie of the one, and the +small forbearance of the other, did strike in the end such a heate +betweene them, that _Louis_ threw the Chesse-men at _Henries_ face, and +called him the sonne of a bastard. _Henrie_ againe stroke _Louis_ with +the Chesse-boord, drew blood with the blowe, and had presently slaine +him vpon the place, had hee not been stayed by his brother _Robert_. +Hereupon they presently went to horse, and their spurres claimed so good +haste, as they recouered _Pontoise_, albeit they were sharpely pursued +by the _French_. + +It had been much for the _French_ King to haue remained quiet, albeit no +prouocations had happened, in regard of his pretence to many pieces +which King _William_ did possesse in _France_. But vpon this occasion he +presently inuaded _Normandie_, tooke the Citie of _Vernon_, and drew +_Robert_, King _Williams_ eldest sonne, to combine with him against his +owne father. On the other side King _William_, who neuer lost anything +by loosing of time, with incredible celeritie passed into _France_; +inuaded the _French_ Kings dominions, wasted and tooke many principall +places of _Zantoigne_ and _Poictou_, returned to _Roan_, and there +reconciled his sonne _Robert_ vnto him. The _French_ King summoned him +to doe his homage for the kingdome of _England_. For the Duchie of +_Normandie_ he offered him homage, but the kingdome of _England_ (he +said) he held of no man, but onely of God, and by his sword. Hereupon +the _French_ King came strongly vpon him; but finding him both ready +and resolute to answere in the field: finding also that his hazard was +greater then his hope; that his losse by ouerthrow would farre surmount +his aduantage by victory; after a few light encounters he retired: +preferring the care to preserue himselfe, before the desire to harme +others. + +King _William_ being then both corpulent and in yeeres, was distempered +in body by meanes of those trauailes, and so retired to _Roan_; where +hee remained not perfectly in health. The _French_ King hearing of his +sickenesse, pleasantly said, that hee lay in child-bed of his great +belly. This would haue been taken in mirth, if some other had spoken it; +but comming from an enemie, it was taken in scorne. And as great +personages are most sencible of reproach, and the least touch of honour +maketh a wide and incurable wound; so King _William_ was so nettled with +this ieast, that hee swore _By Gods resurrection and his brightnesse_, +(for this was the vsuall forme of his oath) that so soone as hee should +be churched of that child, he would offer a thousand lights in _France_. +So presently after his recouery hee entred _France_ in armes, tooke the +Citie of _Meux_, set many Townes and Villages and corne fields on fire; +the people abandoning all places where he came, and giuing foorth, that +it was better the nests should be destroyed, then that the birds should +be taken in them. At the last he came before _Paris_, where _Philip_ +King of _France_ did then abide: to whom he sent word, that he had +recouered to be on foote, and was walking about, and would be glad +likewise to find him abroad. This enterprise was acted in the moneth of +August, wherein the King was so violent and sharpe, that by reason both +of his trauaile, and of the vnseasonable heate, he fell into a relapse +of his sicknesse. And to accomplish his mishap, in leaping on +horse-backe ouer a ditch, his fat belly did beare so hard vpon the +pommell of his saddle, that hee tooke a rupture in his inner parts. And +so ouercharged with sickenesse, and paine, and disquietnesse of minde, +hee returned to _Roan_; where his sickenesse increased by such dangerous +degrees, that in short time it led him to the period of his dayes. + +During the time of his sickenesse hee was much molested in +conscience,[28] for the blood which hee had spilt, and for the seueritie +which he had vsed against the _English_: holding himselfe for that +cause more guilty before God, then glorious among men. Hee spent many +good speeches in reconciling himselfe to God and the world, & in +exhorting others to vertue and Religion. He gaue great summes of money +to the Clergie of _Meux_, and of some other places in _France_, to +repaire the Churches which a little before he had defaced. To some +Monasteries he gaue tenne markes of gold, and to others sixe. To euery +Parish Church hee gaue fiue shillings, and to euery Borough Towne a +hundred pounds for reliefe of the poore. Hee gaue his Crowne, with all +the ornaments therto belonging, to the Church of Saint _Stephen_ in +_Caen_, which hee had founded: for redeeming whereof, King _Henry_ the +first did afterwards giue to the same Church the Mannour of _Brideton_ +in _Dorcetshire_. Hee reteined perfect memorie and speach so long as he +reteined any breath. Hee ended his life vpon the ninth day of September: +full both of honour and of age, when hee had reigned twenty yeeres, +eight moneths and sixteene dayes; in the threescore and fourth yeere of +his age. + +So soone as he was dead, the chiefe men that were about him went to +horse, and departed forthwith to their owne dwellings: to prouide for +the safety of themselues, and of their families and estates. For all men +were possessed with a marueilous feare, that some dangerous aduentures +would ensue. The seruants and inferiour Officers also fled away; and to +double the basenesse of their disposition, tooke with them whatsoeuer +was portable about the king; his Armour, plate, apparell, +household-stuffe, all things were held as lawfull bootie. Thus the dead +body was not onely abandoned, but left almost naked vpon the ground: +where it remained from prime vntil three of the clocke, neither guarded +nor regarded by any man. In the meane time the Religious persons went in +procession to the Church of S. _Geruase_, & there commended his soule to +God. Then _William_ Archb. of _Roan_ commaunded, that his body should be +caried to _Caen_, to be there buried in the Church of S. _Stephen_. But +hee was so forsaken of all his followers, that there was not any found +who would vndertake either the care or the charge. At the last +_Herlwine_ a countrey Knight, vpon his owne cost, caused the body to be +embalmed and adorned for funerall pompe: then conueyed it by coach to +the mouth of the Riuer _Some_; and so partly by land, and partly by sea +brought it to _Caen_. + +Here the Abbot with the Couent of Monks came foorth with all accustomed +ceremonies, to meet the corps: to whom the whole multitude of the +Clergie and Lay-people did adioyne. But when they were in the middest of +their sad solemnities, a fire brake out of a certaine house, and +suddenly embraced a great part of the towne. Hereupon the Kings body was +once againe abandoned; all the people running from it in a headlong +haste; some to saue their goods, others to represse the rage of the +flame, others (as the latest nouelty) to stand and looke on. In the end +a few Moncks returned, and accompanied the Hearse to the Abbey Church. + +Afterward all the Bishops and Abbots of _Normandy_ assembled to +solemnize the funerall. And when the diuine Office was ended, and the +coffin of stone set into the earth, in the presbytorie, betweene the +Quire and the Altar (but the body remained vpon the Herse) _Guislebert_ +bishop of _Eureux_ made a long Sermon; wherein hee bestowed much breath +in extolling the honourable actions of the King. In the end he +concluded; That forsomuch as it was impossible for a man to liue, much +lesse to gouerne, without offence; First, by reason of the multitude of +a Princes affaires; Secondly, for that he must commit the managing of +many things to the conscience and courtesie of others; Lastly, for that +personall grieuances are many times beneficiall to the maine body of +State; in which case, particular either losses or harmes, are more then +manifoldly recompenced by the preseruation or quiet of the whole: If +therefore any that were present did suppose they had receiued iniurie +from the King, he desired that they would in charitie forgiue him. + +When the Bishop had finished his speach, one _Anselme Fitz-Arthur_ stood +vp amongst the multitude, and with a high voice said; _This ground +whereupon wee stand, was sometimes the floore of my fathers house; which +that man of whom you haue spoken, when he was Duke of Normandie, tooke +violently from my father, and afterward founded thereon this Religious +building. This iniustice hee did not by ignorance or ouersight; not vpon +any necessitie of State; but to content his owne couetous desire. Now +therefore I doe challenge this ground as my right; and doe here charge +you, as you will answere it before the fearefull face of Almightie God, +that the body of the spoiler be not couered with the earth of mine +inheritance._ + +When the Bishops and Noble men that were present heard this, and +vnderstood by the testimony of many that it was true, they agreed to +giue him three pounds presently for the ground that was broken for the +place of burial; and for the residue which he claimed, they vndertooke +he should be fully satisfied. This promise was performed in short time +after, by _Henrie_ the Kings sonne, who onely was present at the +Funerall; at whose appointment _Fitz-Arthur_ receiued for the price of +the same ground one hundred pounds. + +Now when the body was to be put into the earth, the sepulchre of stone +which stood within the graue, was hewen somewhat too strait for his fat +belly; whereupon they were constrained to presse it downe with much +strength. By this violence, whether his bowels burst, or whether some +excrements were forced out at their natural passage, such an intolerable +stinck proceeded from him, as neither the perfumes that smoaked in great +abundance, nor any other meanes were able to qualifie. Wherefore the +Priests hasted to finish their office, and the people departed in a sad +silence; discoursing diuersly afterward of all these extraordinarie +accidents. + +A man would thinke that a sepulchre thus hardly attained, should not +easily againe bee lost. But it happened otherwise to this vnquiet King; +not destined to rest, either in his life or after his death. For in the +yeere 1562. when _Chastilion_ tooke the Citie of _Caen_, with those +broken troupes that escaped at the battaile of _Dreux_; certaine sauage +Souldiers of diuers nations, led by foure dissolute Captaines, beate +downe the Monument which King _William_ his sonne had built ouer him, +and both curiously and richly adorned with gold & costly stones. Then +they opened his Tombe, & not finding the treasure which they expected, +they threw forth his bones with very great derision & despight. Many +_English_ souldiers were then in the Towne, who were very curious to +gather his bones; whereof some were afterwards brought into _England_. +Hereby the report is conuinced for vaine, that his body was found +vncorrupt, more then foure hundred yeeres after it was buried. Hereby +also it is found to be false, that his body was eight foote in length. +For neither were his bones proportionable to that stature, (as it is +testified by those who saw them) and it is otherwise reported of him by +som who liued in his time; namely, that he was of a good stature, yet +not exceeding the ordinary proportion of men. + +And this was the last end of all his fortunes, of all that was mortall +in him besides his fame: whose life is too much extolled by the +_Normans_, and no lesse extenuated by the _English_. Verely, he was a +very great Prince: full of hope to vndertake great enterprises, full of +courage to atchieue them: in most of his actions commendable, and +excusable in all. And this was not the least piece of his Honour, that +the Kings of _England_ which succeeded, did accompt their order onely +from him: not in regard of his victorie in _England_, but generally in +respect of his vertue and valour. + +For his entrance was not by way of conquest but with pretence of title +to the Crowne: wherein he had both allowance and aide from diuers +Christian Princes in Europe. He had also his partie within the Realme, +by whose meanes he preuailed against the opposite faction, (as _Cæsar_ +did against _Pompey_) and not against the entire strength of the State. + +Againe, hee did not settle himselfe in the chaire of Soueraignetie, as +one that had reduced all things to the proud power and pleasure of a +Conquerour, but as an vniuersall successor of former Kings, in all the +rights and priuiledges which they did enioy. Hee was receiued for King +by generall consent; He was crowned with all Ceremonies and Solemnities +then in vse; Hee tooke an oath in the presence of the Clergie, the +Nobilitie, and of much people, for defence of the Church, for moderate +and carefull gouernement, and for vpright administration of iustice. + +Lastly, during the whole course of his gouernement, the kingdome +receiued no vniuersall change, no losse or diminution of honour. For, +neither were the olde inhabitants expelled, as were the _Britaines_; +neither was the kingdome either subiected or annexed to a greater: but +rather it receiued encrease of honour, in that a lesse State was +adioyned vnto it. The change of customes was not violent and at once, +but by degrees, and with the silent approbation of the _English_; who +haue alwaies been inclinable to accommodate themselues to the fashions +of _France_. The grieuances and oppressions were particular, and with +some appearance either of iustice, or of necessitie for the common +quiet; such as are not vnusuall in any gouernement moderately seuere. So +the change was chiefly in the stemme and familie of the King: which +whether it be wrought by one of the same nation (as it was in _France_ +by _Pepine_ and _Capett_) or by a stranger, (as in the same Countrey by +_Henry_ 5. and _Henry_ 6. Kings of _England_) it bringeth no +disparagement in honour; it worketh no essentiall change. The State +still remained the same, the solid bodie of the State remained still +_English_: the comming in of many _Normans_, was but as Riuers falling +into the Ocean; which change not the Ocean, but are confounded with the +waters thereof. + +This King had by his wife _Matild_, daughter to _Baldwine_ Earle of +_Flanders_, foure sonnes; _Robert_, _Richard_, _William_ and _Henrie_: +Hee had also fiue daughters; _Cicely_, _Constance_, _Adela_, _Margaret_ +and _Elianor_. + +_Robert_ his eldest sonne surnamed _Courtcuise_, by reason of the +shortnesse of his thighs, succeeded him in the duchie of _Normandie_. He +was a man of exceeding honourable courage and spirit, for which cause he +was so esteemed by the Christian Princes in the great warre against the +_Saracens_, that when they had subdued the Citie and territorie of +_Hierusalem_, they offered the kingdome thereof first vnto him. Yet +afterwards, either by the malice of his Fortune, or for that he was both +suddaine and obstinate in his owne aduise (two great impediments that +valour cannot thriue) he receiued many foiles of his enemies, which +shall be declared in their proper place. Before the King made his +descent into _England_, hee gaue the duchie of _Normandie_ vnto him: but +whether he did this onely to testifie his confidence, or whether +afterwards his purpose changed, being often demanded to performe this +gift, he would neither deny nor accomplish his word, but enterposed many +excuses and delayes; affirming that he was not so surely setled in +_England_, but the duchie of _Normandie_ was necessary vnto him, both +for supply for his seruices (which he found like _Hydraes_ heads to +multiply by cutting off) and also for an assured place for retreit, in +case hee should be ouercharged with extremities. Hereupon _Robert_ +vnable to linger and pine in hopes, declared openly against him in +armes. _Philip_ King of _France_ was ready to put fuell to the flame; +who as he neuer fauoured in his owne iudgement the prosperous encreases +of the King of _England_, so then he was vigilant to embrace all +occasions, either to abate or limit the same. And thus _Robert_ both +encouraged and enabled by the King of _France_, inuaded _Normandie_, and +permitted his souldiers licentiously to wast; to satisfie those by +spoile, which by pay he was not able to maintaine. At the last he +encountred the King his father in a sharpe conflict, before the castle +of _Gerberie_, wherein the King was vnhorsed and wounded in the arme; +his second sonne _William_ was also hurt, and many of his souldiers +slaine. And albeit _Robert_ so soone as he knew his father by his voyce, +allighted forthwith, mounted him vpon his owne horse, and withdrew him +out of the medley; yet did he cast vpon his sonne a cruell curse, which +lay so heauie vpon him, that he neuer prospered afterward in any thing +which hee vndertooke. And although after this he was reconciled to his +father, and imployed by him in seruices of credit and weight, yet did +the King often bewray of him an vnquiet conceit, often did he ominate +euill vnto him: yea, a little before his death he openly gaue forth, +_That it was a miserable Countrey which should be subiect to his +dominion, for that he was a proud and foolish knaue, and to be long +scourged by cruell Fortune_. + +_Richard_ had erected the good expectation of many, as well by his +comely countenance and behauiour, as by his liuely and generous spirit. +But he died yong by misaduenture, as he was hunting within the +New-forrest, before he had made experiment of his worth. Some affirme +that he was goared to death by the Deere of that Forrest, for whose +walke his father had dispeopled that large compasse of ground: others +report, that as he rode in chase, hee was hanged vpon the bough of a +tree by the chaps: others more probably doe write, that he perished by a +fal from his horse. He was buried at _Winchester_ with this inscription: +_Hic iacet Richardus filius Wilielmi senioris Berniæ Dux_. + +_William_ did succeed next to his father in the Kingdome of _England_. +To _Henry_, the King gaue at the time of his death fiue thousand pounds +out of his treasure; but gaue him neither dignitie nor lands: +foretelling, that hee should enioy the honour of both his brothers in +time, and farre excel them both in dominion and power. Whether this was +deuised vpon euent; or whether some doe prophesie at their death; or +whether it was coniecturally spoken; or whether to giue contentment for +the present; it fell out afterward to be true. For hee succeeded +_William_ in the Kingdome of _England_, and wrested _Normandie_ out of +the possession of _Robert_. Of these two I shall write more fully +hereafter. + +His daughter _Cicelie_ was Abbesse of _Caen_ in _Normandie_. _Constance_ +was married to _Allen Fergant_ Earle of _Britaine_. _Adela_ was wife to +_Stephen_ Earle of _Blois_, to whom she bare _Stephen_, who after the +death of _Henry_ was King of _England_. _Margaret_ was promised in +marriage to _Harold_; she died before hee attained the Kingdome, for +which cause he held himselfe discharged of that oath which he had made +to the Duke her father. _Elianor_ was betroathed to _Alphonso_ King of +_Gallicia_; but she desired much to die a Virgine: for this she daily +prayed, and this in the end she did obtaine. After her death her knees +appeared brawnie and hard, with much kneeling at her deuotions. +Assuredly it will be hard to find in any one Familie, both greater +Valour in sonnes, and more Vertue in daughters. + +In the beginning of this Kings reigne, either no great accidents did +fall, or else they were obscured with the greatnesse of the change: none +are reported by the writers of that time. + +In the fourth yeere of his reigne, _Lanfranke_ Abbot of _Caen_ in +_Normandie_, but borne in _Pauie_, a Citie of _Lumbardie_, was made +Archbishop of _Canterbury_: And _Thomas_ a _Norman_, and _Chanon_ of +_Bayon_ was placed in the Sea of _Yorke_. Between these two a +controuersie did arise at the time of their consecration, for prioritie +in place: but this contention was quieted by the King, and _Thomas_ for +the time subscribed obedience to the Archb. of _Canterbury_. After this +they went to _Rome_ for their Palles, where the question for Primacie +was againe renued, or as some affirme, first moued before Pope +_Alexander_. The Pope vsed them both with honorable respect, and +especially _Lanfrank_, to whom he gaue two Palles, one of honour, and +the other of loue: but their controuersie he referred to be determined +in _England_. + +About two yeeres after it was brought before the King and the Clergie at +_Windsore_. The Archbishop of _Yorke_ alleadged, that when the +_Britaines_ receiued the Christian faith, in the time of _Lucius_ their +King _Eleutherius_ then Bishop of _Rome_, sent _Faganus_ and _Damianus_ +vnto them, who ordeined 28. Bishops, and two Archbishops within the +Realme, one of _London_, and the other of _Yorke_. Vnder these the +Church of _Britaine_ was gouerned almost three hundred yeeres, vntill +they were subdued by the _Saxons_. The _Saxons_ remained Infidels vntill +_Gregorie_ Bishop of _Rome_ sent _Augustine_ vnto them. By his preaching +_Ethelbert_ King of _Kent_ was first conuerted to the Christian faith: +By reason whereof _Augustine_ was made Archbishop of _Douer_, by +appointment of Pope _Gregorie_; who sent vnto him certaine Palles with +his letter from _Rome_. By this letter it is euident, that _Gregorie_ +intended to reduce the Church of the _Saxons_ to the same order wherein +it was among the _Britaines_; namely, to be vnder twelue Bishops and two +Archbishops; one of _London_ and the other of _Yorke_. Indeede he gaue +to _Augustine_ during his life, authority and iurisdiction ouer all +Bishops and Priests in _England_: but after his decease he ioyneth these +two Metropolitanes in equall degree, to constitute Bishops, to ouersee +the Church, to consult and dispose of such things as appertaine to the +gouernement thereof, as in former times among the _Britaines_. Betweene +these he put no distinction in honour, but only as they were in +prioritie of time: and as he appointeth _London_ to be consecrated by no +Bishop, but of his own Synod, so he expresseth, that the Bishop of +_Yorke_ should not bee subiect to the Bishop of _London_. And albeit +_Augustine_ for the reason before mentioned, translated the Sea from +_London_ to _Douer_, yet if _Gregorie_ had intended to giue the same +authoritie to the successours of _Augustine_ which hee gaue vnto him, he +would haue expressed it in his Epistle: but in that he maketh no mention +of his successours, he concludeth, or rather excludeth them by his +silence. + +The Archbishop of _Canterbury_ alleaged, that from the time of +_Augustine_, vntill the time of _Bede_, (which was about 140. yeeres) +the Bishops of _Canterburie_ (which in ancient time (said he) was called +_Douer_) had the Primacie ouer the whole land of _Britaine_, and +_Ireland_; that they did call the Bishops of _Yorke_ to their Councels, +which diuers times they kept within the Prouince of _Yorke_; that some +Bishops of _Yorke_ they did constitute, some excommunicate, and some +remoue. He alleaged also diuers priuiledges granted by Princes for the +Primacie of that Sea; diuers graunted from the Apostolike Sea to +confirme this dignitie in the successours of _Augustine_: that it is +reason to receiue directions of well liuing, from whence we first +receiued directions of right beleeuing; & therfore as the Bishop of +_Canterbury_ was subiect to the Bishop of _Rome_, because hee had his +faith from thence; for the very same cause the Bishop of _Yorke_ should +be in subiection to the Bishop of _Canterbury_: that like as the Lord +said that to all the Bishops of _Rome_, which hee said to S. Peter; so +that which _Gregorie_ said to _Augustine_, hee said likewise to all his +successours. And whereas much is spoken of the Bishop of _London_, what +is that to the Archbishop of _Canterbury_? For, neither is it certaine +that _Augustine_ was euer resident at _London_, neither that _Gregorie_ +appointed him so to be. + +In the end it was decreed, That _Yorke_ for that time should be subiect +to _Canterburie_; that wheresoeuer within _England_ the Archbishop of +_Canterburie_ should hold his Councell, the Archbishop of _Yorke_ should +come vnto it, with the Bishops of his Prouince, and be obedient to his +decrees: that when the Archbishop of _Canterburie_ should decease, the +Archbishop of _Yorke_ should goe to _Canterburie_, to consecrate him +that should succeed: that if the Archbishop of _Yorke_ should decease, +his successour should goe to _Canterbury_, or to such place as the +Archbishop of _Canterburie_ should appoint, there to receiue his +Consecration, making first his oath of Canonicall obedience. And thus +was the contention for this first time taken vp; but in succeeding times +it was often renued, and much busied the Clergie of the Realme. + +In the ninth yeere of the reigne of King _William_ a Councell was holden +at _London_, where another matter of like qualitie and nature was +decreed: namely, that Bishops should translate their Sees from villages +to Cities; whereupon in short time after, Bishops Sees were remoued, +from _Selese_ to _Chichester_, from _Cornewall_ to _Exeter_, from +_Wells_ to _Bath_, from _Shirbourne_ to _Salisburie_, from _Dorcester_ +to _Lincolne_, from _Lichfield_ to _Chester_, and from thence againe to +_Couentree_. And albeit the Archbishop of _Yorke_ did oppose against the +erecting of a Cathedrall Church in _Lincolne_, because he challenged +that Citie to be of his Prouince; yet _Remigius_ Bishop of _Dorchester_, +being strong both in resolution and in friends, did prosecute his +purpose to effect. Not long before the Bishopricke of _Lindafferne_ +otherwise called _Holy land_, vpon the riuer _Tweed_, had bene +translated to _Durhame_. + +In the tenth yeere of his reigne the cold of Winter was exceeding +memorable, both for sharpenesse and for continuance: For the earth +remained hard frozen from the beginning of Nouember, vntill the middest +of April then ensuing. + +In the 15. yere a great earthquake happened in the month of April; +strange for the strong trembling of the earth, but more strange for the +dolefull and hideous roaring which it yeelded foorth. + +In the 20. yeere there fell such abundance of raine, that the Riuers did +greatly ouerflow in all parts of the Realme. The springs also rising +plentifully in diuers hils, so softned and decaied the foundations of +them, that they fell downe, whereby some villages were ouerthrowne. By +this distemperature of weather much cattel perished, much corne vpon the +ground was either destroyed, or greatly empaired. Herehence ensued, +first a famine, and afterwards a miserable mortalitie of men. + +And that all the Elements might seeme to haue conspired the calamity of +the Realme, the same yeere most of the principall Cities in _England_ +were lamentably deformed with fire. At _London_ a fire began at the +entry of the West gate, which apprehending certaine shops and +Ware-houses, wherein was Merchandise apt to burne, it was at once begun +and suddenly at the highest. Then being caried with a strong wind; and +the Citie apt to maintaine the flame, as well by reason of the crooked +and narrow streets, as for that the buildings at that time had open and +wide windowes, and were couered with base matter fit to take fire, the +mischiefe spread more swiftly then the remedies could follow. So it +raged vntill it came to the East gate, prostrated houses and Churches +all the way, being the most grieuous that euer as yet hath happened to +that Citie. The Church of S. _Paul_ was at that time fired; Whereupon +_Maurice_ then Bishop of _London_, began the foundation of the new +Church of S. _Paul_. A worke so admirable, that many did iudge, it would +neuer haue bene finished; yet all might easily esteeme thereby his +magnanimitie, his high erected hopes, his generous loue and honour to +Religion. The King gaue towards the building of the East end of this +Church, the choise stones of his Castle at the West end of the Citie, +vpon the bancke of the Riuer Thames; which Castle at the same time was +also fired: in place whereof _Edward Killwarby_ Archbishop of +_Canterburie_ did afterwards found a Monasterie of blacke Friers. The +King also gaue the Castle of _Storford_, and all the lands which thereto +belonged, to the same _Maurice_, and to his successours in that See. And +doubtlesse nothing more then either parcimonious or prophane expending +the Treasures of the Church, hath since those times much dried vp those +fountaines which first did fill them. + +After the death of _Maurice_, _Richard_ his next Successour, as well in +vertue as in dignitie, bestowed all the Rents rising out of this +Bishopricke, to aduance the building of this Church; maintaining +himselfe by his Patrimonie and friendes: and yet all which hee could +doe, made no great shewe: so that the finishing of this worke was left +to many other succeeding Bishops. Hee purchased the ground about the +Church whereupon many buildings did stand, and inclosed the same with a +strong wall of stone for a place of buriall. It seemeth that this wall +was afterwards either battered and torne in some ciuill warres, or else +by negligence suffered to decay: for that a graunt was made by King +_Edward_ the second, that the Church-yard of Saint _Pauls_ should bee +enclosed with a wall, because of the robberies and murthers that were +there committed. Many parts of this wall remaine at this time, on both +sides of the Church, but couered for the most part with dwelling houses. + +The same yeere in Whitsun-weeke, the King honoured his sonne _Henrie_ +with the order of Knighthood. What Ceremonies the King then vsed it is +not certainly knowen: but before his time the custome among the +_Saxons_ was thus. First, hee who should receiue the order of +Knighthood, confessed himselfe in the euening to a Priest. Then hee +continued all that night in the Church, watching and applying himselfe +to his priuate deuotions. The next morning he heard Masse, and offered +his sword vpon the Altar. After the Gospel was read, the sword was +hallowed, and with a benediction put about his necke. Lastly, he +communicated the mysteries of the blessed body of Christ, and from that +time remained a lawfull Souldier or Knight. This custome of Consecrating +Knights the _Normans_ did not onely abrogate, but abhorre; not for any +euill that was therein, but because it was not altogether their owne. + +This yeere in a Prouince of _Wales_ called _Rosse_, the Sepulchre of +_Wawyn_, otherwise called _Gawen_, was found vpon the Sea shore. Hee was +sisters sonne to _Arthur_ the great King of the _Britaines_; a man +famous in our _Britaine_ Histories, both for ciuill courtesie, and for +courage in the field. I cannot but esteeme the report for fabulous, that +his bodie was fourteene foote in length. I doe rather coniecture that +one credulous writer did take that for the length of his body, which +happily might bee the length of his tombe. + +It is constantly affirmed that the ground whereon the _English_ and the +_Normans_ did combate, doth shew after euery raine manifest markes of +blood vpon the grasse: which if it was not a proprietie of the soyle +before, it is hard now to assigne, either from what naturall cause it +doth proceede, or what it should supernaturally portend. + + +[Illustration] + + + + +[Illustration] + +K. WILLIAM + +THE SECOND, + +sirnamed RVFVS. + + +King WILLIAM the Victor when hee drew towards the end of his dayes, +commended the Kingdome of _England_ to his second sonne _William_: with +many blessings, with many admonitions, with many prayers for the +prosperous successe of his succession. And because the presence of the +next successour is of greatest moment to establish affaires, the King a +little before his passage to death, dispatched him into _England_, with +letters vnder his owne Seale to _Lanfranck_ then Archbishop of +_Canterbury_: a man highly esteemed in forraine Countreys, but with the +Cleargie and vulgare people of the Realme, his authoritie was absolute. +In these letters the King expressed great affection and care towards his +sonne _William_; commending him with many kind words, for his +sufficiencies, for diuers vertues; especially for that hee did alwayes +stand firmely by him, alwayes declare himselfe both a faithfull Subiect +and dutifull sonne. It was also coniectured by some, that the King was +guided in this choise, no lesse by his iudgement, then by his affection: +for that he esteemed the fierce disposition of his sonne _William_ more +fit to gouerne a people not well setled in subiection, then the flexible +and milde nature of his eldest sonne _Robert_. So _William_ taking his +last leaue of his father, who was then taking his last leaue of this +world, iourneyed towards _England_; and in short time arriued at the +port called _Whitesand_, where he receiued the first report of his +fathers death. Hereupon with all speed hee posted to _Lanfranck_, +deliuered his fathers letters, and foorthwith was declared King, vpon +the 9. day of September, in the yere 1087. and vpon the first of October +next ensuing was by the same _Lanfranck_, with al ceremonies and +solemnities perteining to that action, crowned at _Westminster_. + +_Robert_, either by negligence and want of foresight, or by the +perpetuall malice of his destinie, or happily not without his fathers +contriuance, was absent in _Germanie_, whilest his yonger brother +_William_ did thus possesse himselfe, both of the Kingdome of his +father, and of his treasure. Otherwise he wanted neither pretence, nor +purpose, nor fauour of friends to haue empeached his brothers +proceedings. For it was then doubted by many, and since hath bene by +many debated; whether in any case, vpon any cause or consideration +whatsoeuer, a King hath power to disinherite his eldest sonne, and to +appoint another to succeed in his estate. + +That a King may aduance any of his sonnes to bee his successour, without +respect of prioritie in birth, there seemeth to want neither warrant of +example, nor weight of authoritie. _Dauid_[29] a man greatly prooued and +approoued by God, did preferre _Solomon_[30] to succeede him, before his +eldest sonne _Adonia_. And in like sort _Rehoboam_ the sonne of +_Solomon_, appointed the yongest of all his sonnes to succeed him in the +Kingdome.[31] So some Lawyers affirme, That a King may determine in his +life, which of his sonnes shall reigne after him. + +But this must be vnderstood, either when a State is newly raised to the +title of a kingdome, or else when by Conquest, Vsurpation, or some other +meanes of change, the gouernment thereof is newly transferred from one +stemme to another: For then because there is no certaine Law or Custome +of succession in force, the right seemeth to depend vpon the disposition +of the Prince. And yet euen in this case, the eldest or neerest cannot +be excluded without iust cause. For so when _Iacob_[32] depriued his +eldest sonne _Reuben_ of his priuiledge of birth, he expressed the +cause, For that he had defiled his fathers bed; which fact of his +_Hierome_ applieth to the case in question. So when _Ptolemie_[33] the +first King of _Egypt_ commended the State to his yongest sonne, he +yeelded a reason for that which he did. So _Henrie_ the fourth Emperour, +crowned _Henrie_ his yonger sonne King, reiecting _Conrade_ his eldest +sonne, for that hee had borne armes against him, and ioyned in league +with his open enemies. + +But when by expresse Lawe or long grounded Custome the Succession of a +State is established to the eldest sonne, the best approoued +interpreters of the Canon and Ciuill law doe conclude,[34] that the +father hath no power to inuert or peruert that course of order. For +parents may debarre their children of that which proceedeth from +themselues, of that which dependeth vpon their appointment; but of that +which is due by nature,[35] by the immutable law of the State, the +parents can haue no power to dispose. When by a fundamentall Lawe or +Custome of State, Succession is annexed to the dignity of a Crowne, +according to prioritie in birth, it followeth, that so soone as the +first borne commeth into light, the right of succession is fixed in +him;[36] not in hope onely, but also in habite; whereof neither the +father nor any other can dispossesse him. + +And therefore when _Prusias_[37] intended to depriue his eldest sonne +_Nicomedes_ of his prerogatiue of birth, and to preferre his yonger +sonnes, which he had by another wife, in succession before him, he could +not assure it by any meanes, but by determining the death of +_Nicomedes_; which _Nicomedes_ to preuent, dispoiled his father both of +kingdom and of life. _Ptolemie_ the first King of _Egypt_[38] of that +name, who after the death of _Alexander_ the great possessed himselfe +of _Egypt_, & part of _Arabia_, and of _Affrick_, left his kingdom to +the yongest of his sons: but afterward when _Ptolemie_, surnamed +_Phiscon_,[39] vpon the importunity of his wife _Cleopatra_, attempted +the like, the kingdome being then setled in succession, the people +opposed, & reuersed his order after his death. So _Pepine_[40] after hee +had made seisure of the kingdome of _France_, & ordered all things which +he thought necessary for the suerty therof, disposed the succession +therein by his Testament; leauing the Realme of _Noion_ to his sonne +_Charles_, and to _Carloman_ his other sonne the Realme of _Soissons_. +The like was done by some other of the first Kings of his race. But +since that time the custome hath been strongly stablished, that the +kingdome passeth entirely to the eldest sonne, and possessions are +assigned to the rest vnder the name of _Appanage_. And therefore the +_French_[41] writers affirme, that the eldest sonne of _France_ cannot +be depriued of succession, vpon any cause of ingratitude against his +parents; and that if the King should institute his eldest sonne,[42] yet +cannot hee take the kingdome by force of his fathers guift, but onely by +the immutable law of the Realme. Yea, _Girard_ writeth of _Charles_ the +simple, that hee was King of _France_[43] before hee was borne. And in +this regard the _Glossographer_[44] vpon the Decrees noteth, that the +sonne of a King may bee called King during the life of his father, as +wanting nothing but administration. And the same also doth _Seruius_ +note out of _Virgil_, where hee saith of _Ascanius_: _regémq; +requirunt_, his father _Aeneas_ being then aliue. + +Now then, for that the right of Succession to the Crowne of _England_ +was not at that time so surely setled as it hath been since; but had +waued in long vncertainetie: First, in the _Heptarchie_ of the _Saxons_ +and _English_, afterward betweene the _English_ and the _Danes_, and was +then newly possessed by the _Normane_, and that chiefly by the sword: +For that also _Robert_ the Kings eldest sonne gaue iust cause of +offence, by bearing armes against his father; it may seeme that the King +might lawfully direct the succession to his second sonne. And yet, +because as _Herodotus_[45] saith, _It is a generall custome amongst all +men, that the first in birth is next in succession_; because as +_Baldus_[46] affirmeth, _Semper fuit, & semper erit, &c. Alwayes it hath +been, and alwayes it shall bee, that the first borne succeedeth in a +kingdome_; because as S. _Hierome_[47] writeth, _A kingdome is due vnto +the first borne_; and as S. _Chrysostome_[48] saith, _The first borne is +to bee esteemed more honourable then the rest_; whereupon diuers Lawyers +obserue, that the word _Senior_[49] is often times taken for a Lord. +Lastly, because this precedencie both in honour, and in right seemeth to +be the Law of all nations, deriued from the Law of Nature, and expresly +either instituted or approoued by the voice of God: First, where he said +to _Cain_[50] of his yonger brother _Abel_; _His desires shall be +subiect to thee, and thou shalt haue dominion ouer him_: Secondly,[51] +where he forbiddeth the father to disinherite the first sonne of his +double portion, because by right of birth it is due vnto him: Lastly, +where hee maketh choice of the first borne to be sanctified and +consecrated to himselfe;[52] it hath almost neuer happened that this +order hath been broken, that the neerest haue bene excluded from +Succession in State, but it hath been followed with tragicall euents. + +Yea, albeit the eldest sonne be vnfit to beare rule, albeit hee be +vnable to gouerne either others or himselfe; as if hee be in a high +degree furious, or foolish, or otherwise defectiue in body or in minde, +(vnlesse he degenerate from humane condition) yet can he not therefore +be excluded from succession:[53] because it is due vnto him, not in +respect of abilitie, but by reason of his prioritie of birth. As for the +kingdom, it shall better be preserued by the gouernment of a Protector +(as in diuers like causes it is both vsual and fit) then by receiuing +another Prince:[54] as well for other respects, as for that by cutting +off continuance in the Royall descent, by interrupting the setled order +of gouernment, by making a breach in so high a point of State, +opportunitie is opened both for domesticall disturbances, and for +inuasions from abroad: whereupon greater inconueniences do vsually +ensue, then did euer fall by insufficiencie of a Prince. For if these +pretenses may be allowed for good, what aspiring Subiect, what +encroaching enemy, finding themselues furnished with meanes, will not be +ready to rise into ambitious hopes? _Gabriel_ the yonger brother of the +house of _Saluse_, kept his eldest brother in prison, vsurped his +estate, giuing foorth to the people that he was mad. And seldome hath +any vsurpation happened, but vpon pretence of insufficiencie in +gouernment. Assuredly, if these principall points of Principalitie be +not punctually obserued, the ioynts of a State are loosened, the +foundation is shaken, the gates are opened for all disorders, to rise +vp, to rush in, to prosper, to preuaile. + +Hereupon _Medon_[55] the eldest sonne of _Codrus_, albeit he was lame +and otherwise defectiue, was by sentence of the Oracle of _Apollo_ +preferred to succeed his father in the kingdome of _Athens_, before +_Neleus_ his yonger brother. So when _Alexandrides_[56] King of _Sparta_ +left two sonnes, _Cleomenes_ the eldest, distracted in wits, and +_Doricus_ the yongest, both able and enclined to all actions of honour; +the _Spartans_ acknowledged _Cleomenes_ for their King. _Agisilaus_ the +famous King of _Sparta_ was also lame, as _Plutarch_[57] and _Prob. +Æmilius_ do report; _Orosius_ saith, that the _Spartans_ did rather +choose to haue their King halt, then their Kingdome. And therefore when +_Lisander_[58] moued them to decree, that the worthiest and not alwayes +the next in blood of the line of _Hercules_ should reigne, he found no +man to second his aduise. _Aristobulus_[59] and _Hircanus_ after a long +and cruel contention for the Kingdome of _Iewrie_, committed their +controuersie to the arbitrement of _Pompey_: _Hircanus_ alledged, that +hee was the eldest brother; _Aristobulus_ obiected, that _Hircanus_ was +insufficient to gouerne: but _Pompey_ gaue iudgement for _Hircanus_. The +like iudgement did _Annibal_[60] giue for the kingdome of that Countrey +which is now called _Sauoy_; restoring _Brancus_[61] to his State, from +which he had bene expelled by his yonger brother. And although +_Phirrus_[62] did appoint that sonne to succeed, whose sword had the +best edge; yet was the eldest acknowledged, who bare the least +reputation for valour. + +_Ladislaus_[63] King of _Hungarie_ left by his brother _Geysa_ two +Nephewes; _Colomannus_ the eldest, who was lame, bunch-backed, +crab-faced, blunt-sighted, bleare-eyed, a dwarfe, a stammerer, and +(which is more) a Priest; and _Almus_ the yongest, a man of comely +presence, and furnished with many princely vertues: In regard of these +natural prerogatiues _Ladislaus_ appointed _Almus_ to succeed; but in +regard of the prerogatiue in blood, the _Hungarians_ receiued +_Colomannus_ for their King. _Barbatius_[64] writeth, that _Galeace_ +Duke of _Milane_ did oft times expresse his griefe, for that he could +not preferre in succession _Philip Maria_ his yongest sonne, before +_Iohn_ his eldest; for that he seemed the most sufficient to vndertake +the manage of the State. _Girard_[65] affirmeth that it hath bene the +custome of the _French_, to honour their Kings whatsoeuer they are; +whether wise or foolish, valiant or weake; esteeming the name of King to +be sacred by whomsoeuer it be borne. And therefore they obeyed not only +_Charles_ the simple, but _Charles_ the sixt also; who reigned many +yeres in plaine distraction of his mind. It was an ancient custome in +_Scotland_, that the most sufficient of the blood of _Fergusus_[66] was +receiued for King; but such warres, murthers, and other mischiefes did +thereupon ensue, that a law was made vnder _Kenet_ the third, and +afterwards confirmed by _Millcolumbus_, that the nighest in blood should +alwayes succeede. And accordingly the Scots refused not for their King +_Iohn_ the eldest sonne of _Robert_ the second, albeit he was borne out +of marriage, and did halt, and was both in wit and in courage dull. + +For what if he who is debarred for disabilitie shall afterward haue a +sonne free from all defects?[67] It is without question that the right +of the Kingdome should deuolue vnto him: for that the calamitie of +parents doeth not preiudice their children, especially in their +naturall rights, which they may claime from the person of former +ancestors. But what if another be in possession of the Kingdome?[68] +will he readily giue place to this right? will he readily abandon that +honour, for which men will not spare, to climbe ouer all difficulties, +to vndergoe all dangers; to put their goods, their liues, their soules +in aduenture? If a man be once mounted into the chaire of Maiestie, it +standeth not, I will not say with his dignitie, but with his safetie, to +betake himselfe to a priuate State; as well for the eternall iealousie +wherein he shall be held, as for the enuie which shall be borne against +him vpon many of his actions: So as what some few would not doe for +ambition, the same they must doe to preserue themselues. Hereupon it +will follow, that the possession of the Kingdome being in one, and the +right in another; disunions, factions, warres may easily ensue. + +It is inconuenient (I grant) to be vnder a King who is defectiue in body +or in mind; but it is a greater inconuenience, by disturbing a setled +forme of gouernment, to open an entrance for all disorders; wherein +ambition and insolencie (two riotous humours) may range at large. For +as euill is generally of that nature, that it cannot stand, but by +supportance of another euill; and so multiplieth in it selfe, vntill it +doth ruine with the proper weight: so mindes hauing once exceeded the +strict bounds of obedience, cease not to strengthen one bouldnesse by +another, vntil they haue inuolued the whole State in confusion. + + +Bvt now to returne to the person and gouernment of this King _William_. +He was a man of meane stature, thicke and square bodied, his belly +swelling somewhat round; his face was red, his haire deepely yealow, by +reason whereof he was called _Rufus_; his forehead foure square like a +window, his eyes spotted and not one like the other; his speech +vnpleasant and not easily vttered, especially when he was mooued with +anger. He was of great abilitie in body, as well for naturall strength, +as for hardinesse to endure all ordinary extremities both of trauaile +and of want. In Armes he was both expert and aduenturous; full of inward +brauerie and fiercenesse; neuer dismayed, alwayes forward, and for the +most part fortunate; in counsaile sudden, in performance a man; not +doubting to vndertake any thing which inuincible valour durst promise to +atchieue. Hee had bene bred with the sword; alwayes in action, alwayes +on the fauourable hand of Fortune: so as, albeit he was but yong, yet +was he in experience well grounded; for inuention subtill, in counsaile +quicke, in execution resolute; wise to foresee a danger, and expedite to +auoid it. In a word, the generall reputation of his valour and +celeritie, made him esteemed one of the best Chiefetaines in his time. + +His behauiour was variable and inconstant; earnest in euery present +passion, and for the most part accompanying the disposition of his mind, +with outward demonstrations. Of nature he was rough, haughtie, +obstinate, inuincible, which was much enlarged both by his soueraigntie +and youth: so singular in his owne conceit, that he did interprete it to +his dishonour, that the world should deeme, that he did not gouerne by +his owne iudgement. In publicke he composed his countenance to a stately +terrour; his face sowerly swelling, his eyes truculent, his voyce +violent and fierce, scarce thinking himselfe Maiesticall in the glasse +of his vnderstanding, but when he flashed feare from his presence. And +yet in priuate he was so affable and pleasant, that he approched neere +the degree of leuitie: much giuen to scoffing, and passing ouer many of +his euill actions with a ieast. In all the other carriages of his life, +he maintained no stable and constant course; but declared himselfe for +euery present, as well in vertue as in vice, strong, violent, extreeme. + +In the beginning of his reigne he was esteemed a most accomplished +Prince; and seemed not so much of power to bridle himselfe from vice, as +naturally disposed to abhorre it. Afterwards, either with variation of +times, or yeelding to the pleasures which prosperity vseth to ingender +euen in moderate minds, or perhaps his nature beginning to disclose that +which hee had cunningly concealed before, corruptions crept vp, and he +waued vncertainely betweene vertue and vice. Lastly, being imboldned by +euill teachers, and by continuance both of prosperitie and rule, he is +said to haue made his height a priuiledge of loosenesse, and to haue +abandoned himselfe to all licentious demeanour; wherein he seemed little +to regard God, and nothing man. + +Assuredly, there is no greater enemie to great men, then too great +prosperitie in their affaires; which taketh from them all iudgement and +rule of themselues; which maketh them ful of libertie, and bould to doe +euill. And yet I cannot conceiue that this King was so bould, so +carelesse, so shamelesse in vices, as many writers doe report. It is +certaine that hee doubted of some points of Religion, at that time +without any great contradiction professed; and namely, of praying to +Saints, worshipping of Reliques, & such like. It is certain also, that +out of policie in State, he endeuoured to abate the tumorous greatnes of +the Clergie at that time; as well in riches, as in authority and power +with the people: and that he attributed not so much to the Sea of +_Rome_, as diuers Kings before him had done. Insomuch as he restrained +his subiects from going to _Rome_, and withheld the annuall paiment of +_Peter_ pence, and was oftentimes heard to giue foorth, that _they +follow not the trace of S. Peter, they greedily gape after gifts and +rewards, they retein not his power, whose pietie they do not imitate_. +These were causes sufficient for the writers of his time (who were for +the most part Clergie-men) to enlarge his vices beyond the trueth, to +surmise many vices vntruely, to wrest his true vertues to be vices. + +And this I doe the rather coniecture, for that I doe not find his +particular actions of like nature, with the generall imputation which is +cast vpon him; for that also I finde the chiefe of these generall +imputations to bee these:[69] _That he was grieuous to the Church, of no +deuotion to God, preferring respect of temporall state before the rules +of the Gospel_. Verely, it is hard to doe that which will beare a cleere +beauty in the eyes of all men; and if our actions haue not the fauour of +time, and the opinion of those men who doe estimate and report them, +they are much dimmed with disgrace.[70] Out of all doubt he was a +magnanimous Prince, mercifull and liberall, and in martiall affaires +most expert, diligent and prosperous; wise to contriue his best +aduantage, and most couragious to atchieue it. But two things chiefly +obscured his glory; one, the incomparable greatnesse of his father, to +whom he did immediatly succeede; the other was the prowesse of those +men, against whom he did contend in armes; especially of _Malcolme_ King +of _Scots_, and of _Robert_ Duke of _Normandie_. To these I may adde, +that hee died in the principall strength and flourish of his age, before +his iudgement had full command ouer his courage. + +Many doe attribute his excellent beginnings to _Lanfranck_ Archb. of +_Canterburie_: who during the time of his life, partly by authoritie, +and partly by aduise, supported the vnstable yeeres and disposition of +the King: which after the death of _Lanfranck_ returned by degrees to +their proper sway. But I do rather attribute many of his first vertues +to the troubles which happened in the very entrance of his reigne; which +partly by employment, and partly by feare, held his inclination in some +restraint. For _Odo_ Bishop of _Baion_ and Earle of _Kent_, the Kings +vncle by the mothers side, had drawen the greatest part of all the +Prelates and Nobilitie that were _Normans_, into a dangerous +confederacie against the King; to deiect him from his State, and to +aduance _Robert_ his elder brother for their King. + +The secret cause of this conspiracie was partly vpon a generall +discontentment, at the great, though worthy estimation and authoritie (a +most capitall offence in the eye of enuie) of _Lanfrank_ Archbishop of +_Canterburie_; by means whereof many of the conspirators liued in farre +meaner reputation, then their ambitious minds could easily breake: but +chiefly it was vpon a more particular grudge, which _Odo_ did beare +against the same _Lanfranck_; because by his perswasion, _Odo_ had been +committed to prison by King _William_ the elder. For when the King +complained to _Lanfranck_ of the intolerable both auarice and ambition +of his brother _Odo_, the Archbishop gaue aduise, that hee should bee +restrained of his libertie. And when the King doubted, how he being a +Bishop, might be committed to prison, without impeaching the priuiledges +of the Church; indeede answered _Lanfranck_, you may not imprison the +Bishop of _Baion_, but you may doe what you please with the Earle of +_Kent_. + +The publike and open pretenses were these. _Robert_ Duke of _Normandie_ +had the prerogatiue of birth; which being a benefit proceeding from +nature, could not bee reuersed by his fathers acte. He had also wonne a +most honorable reputation for his militarie vertues; and had by many +trauels of warre wasted the wilde follies of youth. Hee was no lesse +famous for courtesie and liberalitie, two most amiable ornaments of +honour; being so desirous that no man should depart discontented from +him, that he would oftentimes promise more then hee was able to +performe, and yet performe more then his estate could expediently +afford. As for K. _William_, besides that he was the yonger brother, his +nature was held to be doubtfull and suspect, and the iudgement of most +men enclined to the worst. And what are we then aduantaged, (said they) +by the death of his father? if whom he hath fleeced, this shall flay; if +this shall execute those whom he hath fettered and surely bound; If +after his seuerities that are past, wee shall be freshly charged with +those rigours, which tyrants in the height and pride of their Fortune +are wont to vse? And as stronger combinations are alwayes made betweene +men drawne together by one common feare, then betweene those that are +ioyned by hope or desire; so vpon these iealousies and feares, +accompanied also with vehement desires, the Confederats supposed that +they had knit a most assured league. + +Now it happened that at the time of the death of _William_ the elder, +_Robert_ his eldest sonne was absent in _Almaine_; and at once heard +both of the death of his father, and that his brother _William_ was +acknowledged to be King. Hereupon in great hast, but greater heat both +of anger and ambition, he returned into _Normandie_: and there whilest +he was breathing foorth his discontentment and desire of reuenge, he +receiued a message from the Confederats in _England_; that with all +speed hee should come ouer vnto them, to accomplish the enterprise, to +furnish their forces with a head: that they had no want of able bodies; +they wanted no meanes to maintaine them together; they wanted onely his +person both to countenance and conduct them. The Duke thought it no +wisdome, to aduenture himselfe altogether; vpon the fauour and faith of +discontented persons: and he had bene so loosely liberall before, that +he was vnprouided of money, to appoint himselfe with any competent +forces of his owne. Hereupon he pawned a part of _Normandie_ to his +brother _Henry_, for waging Souldiers: many also flocked voluntarily +vnto him; vpon inducement, that hee who of his owne nature was most +liberall & full of humanitie, would not faile both of pay and reward, +vnlesse by reason of disabilitie & want. + +In the meane time the Confederats resolued to breake forth in Armes, in +diuers parts of the Realme at once; vpon conceit, that if the King +should endeuour to represse them in one place, they might more easily +preuaile in the other. And so accordingly _Odo_ fortified and spoiled in +_Kent_; _Geoffrey_ Bishop of _Exceter_, with his nephew _Robert Mowbray_ +Earle of _Northumberland_, at _Bristow_; _Roger Montgomerie_ in +_Northfolke_, _Suffolke_ and _Cambridgeshire_; _Hugh de Grandemenill_, +in _Leicestershire_ and _Northamptonshire_; _William_ Bishop +of _Durhame_, in the North parts of the Realme; diuers others +of the Clergie and Nobilitie in _Herefordshire_, _Shropshire_, +_Worcestershire_, and all the Countreys adioyning to _Wales_. And as in +time of pestilence all diseases turne to the plague; so in this generall +tumult, all discontentments sorted to Rebellion. Many who were oppressed +with violence or with feare; many who were kept lower either by want or +disgrace then they had set their mounting minds, adioyned daily to the +side, and encreased both the number and the hope. And thus was all the +Realme in a ruinous rage against K. _William_, who wanted neither +courage to beare, nor wisdome to decline it. + +And first hee endeuoured by all meanes to make the _English_ assured +vnto him. And albeit few of them were at that time in any great place, +either of credite or of charge, but were all wounded by his fathers +wrongs; yet for that they were the greatest part, he made the greatest +reckoning of them. For this cause hee released many _English_ Lords who +had bene committed to custodie by his father. He composed himselfe to +courtesie and affabilitie towards the people, and distributed much +treasure among them. But especially hee wanne their inclination by +promises of great assurance, to restore vnto them their ancient lawes, +to ease them of tributes and taxations, and to permit them free libertie +of hunting: which being their principall pleasure and exercise before, +was either taken away, or much restrained from them by King _William_ +the elder. Herewith he applied himselfe to appease the mutinous minds of +his Nobilitie, to seuer the Confederats, to breake the faction; to +diuide it first, and thereby to defeat it. + +To this purpose he dealt with _Roger Montgomerie_, who next vnto _Odo_ +was a principall both countenance and strength to the reuolt; he dealt +also with diuers others, inferiour vnto him in authority and degree; +that he could not coniecture for what cause they were so violent against +him: did they want money? His fathers treasure was at their deuotion: +desired they encrease of possessions? they should not be otherwise +bounded then by their owne desires: that hee would willingly also giue +ouer his estate, in case it should be iudged expedient by themselues, +whom his father had put in trust to support him: that they should doe +wel to foresee, whether by ouerthrowing his fathers iudgement in +appointing the kingdome vnto him, they should not doe that which might +be preiudiciall to themselues; for the same man who had appointed him to +bee King, had also conferred vnto them those honours and possessions +which they held. Thus sometimes dealing priuately with particulars, and +sometimes with many together, and eftsoones filling them with promises +and hopes, and that with such new vehemencie of words as they beleeued +could not proceede from dissembled intents; he so preuailed in the end, +that hereby, and by example of some inducing the rest, _Roger +Montgomerie_ and diuers others were reconciled to the King; in whom was +thought to rest no smal matter to hold vp the reputation of the +enterprise. + +And further, hee prepared a nauie to guard the seas, and to impeach the +passage of his brother into _England_. Hee prepared great forces also by +meanes of the treasure which his father had left, and disposed them in +places conuenient, either to preuent or to represse these scattered +tumults. But the successe of his affaires was by no meanes so much +aduanced, as by _Lanfranck_ Archbishop of _Canterbury_, and by +_Woolstane_ Bishop of _Worcester_: the authority of which two men, the +one for his learning, wisedome, and mild moderation, the other for his +simple sanctitie and integritie of life, was greatly regarded by all +sorts of people. By encouragement of _Woolstane_ not onely the citie of +_Worcester_ was maintained in firme condition for the King, but his +enemies receiued there a famous foyle; the greatest part being slaine, +and the residue dispersed. This was the first sad blow which the +confederates tooke; afterward they declined mainely, and the King as +mainly did increase. + +The King in person led his chiefe forces into _Kent_, against _Odo_ his +vncle, the principall firebrand of all this flame. Hee tooke there the +castle of _Tunbridge_ and of _Pemsey_, which _Odo_ had fortified; and +lastly hee besieged _Odo_ himselfe in the castle of _Rochester_, and +with much trauell tooke him prisoner, and compelled him to abiure the +Realme. Vpon these euents, the Bishop of _Durham_, aduising onely with +feare and despaire, fled out of the Realme; but after three yeeres he +was againe restored to the dignitie of his Sea. The residue did submit +themselues to the Kings discretion; and were by him receiued, all to +pardon, some to gracious and deare account. For in offences of so high +nature, pardon neuer sufficeth to assure offenders, vnlesse by further +benefits their loyaltie bee bound. + +_Robert_ Duke of _Normandy_ was busied all this time, in making +preparation for his iourney into _England_: but his delayes much abated +the affections of those who fauoured either his person or cause. At the +length, hauing made vp a competent power, he committed to sea; where, +his infelicities concurring with his negligence, diuers of his ships +which he had sent somewhat before him, to assure the confederats of his +approach, were set vpon and surprised by the nauie of King _William_. +After this hee arriued in _England_, sent vnto many of his secret +friends, and made his comming knowen vnto all: but no man resorted to +him, he receiued no aduertisement from any man; but plainely found, that +by the fortunate celeritie of King _William_, the heart of the +conspiracie in all places was broken. So the Duke returned into +_Normandie_, hauing then good leisure, to looke into the errour of his +leisurely proceedings. + +When the King had in this sort either wisely reconciled, or valiantly +repressed his domesticall enemies; because an vnperfect victory is +alwayes the seede of a new warre, he followed his brother with a mighty +armie, and remoued the seate of the warre into _Normandie_. For he +coniectured (as in trueth it fell out) that the Duke his brother vpon +his returne, would presently disperse his companies, for want of money; +and for the same cause would not easily be able to draw them together +againe. So his valour and his power being much aduantaged by his sudden +comming, ioyned to the want of foresight and preparation in the Duke; +he tooke in short time the Castles of _Walerick_ and _Aubemarle_, with +the whole Countrey of _Eu_; the Abbacie of _Mount S Michael_, +_Fescampe_, _Chereburge_, and diuers other places; which he furnished +with men of Armes, and Souldiers of assured trust. + +The Duke feeling his owne weakenesse, dealt with _Philip_ King of +_France_, and by liberall promises so preuailed with him, that he +descended into _Normandie_ with a faire Armie, and bent his siege +against one of those pieces which K. _William_ had taken. But he found +it so knottie a piece of worke, that in short time wearied with +hardnesse and hazards of the field, he fell to a capitulation with King +_William_, and so departed out of _Normandie_; receiuing a certaine +summe of money in regard of his charges, and conceiuing that he had won +honour ynough, in that no honour had bene won against him. + +The money that was payd to the King of _France_, was raised in _England_ +by this deuise. King _William_ commanded that 20. Thousand men should be +mustered in _England_, and transported into _Normandie_, to furnish his +warres against the _French_. When they were conducted neere to +_Hastings_, and almost ready to be embarked, it was signified to them +from the King; that aswell for their particular safeties, as not to +disfurnish the Realme of strength, whosoeuer would pay 10. shillings +towards the waging of Souldiers in _Normandie_, he might be excused to +stay at home. Among 20. Thousand scarce any was found, who was not +ioyfull to embrace the condition; who was not ready to redeeme his +aduenture with so small a summe: which being gathered together, was both +a surer and easier meanes to finish the warres, then if the King had +still struggeled by force of Armes. For when the _French_ King had +abandoned the partie, Duke _Robert_, being prepared neither with money, +nor constancie of mind to continue the warre, enclined to peace; which +at the last, by diligence of friends, was concluded betweene the two +brothers, vpon these conditions. + + _That the Duke should yeeld to the King the Countie of Eu, the Abbey + of Fescampe, the Abbey of S. Michaels mount, Chereburge, and all + other Castles and fortifications which the King had taken._ + + _That the King should subdue to the vse of the Duke, all other + Castles and houldes, which had reuolted from him in Normandie._ + + _That the King should giue to the Duke certaine dignities and + possessions in England._ + + _That the King should restore all those to their dignities and lands + in England, who had taken part with the Duke against him._ + + _That if either of them should die without issue male, the suruiuour + should succeed in his estate._ + +These Articles were confirmed by twelue Barons on the Kings part, and as +many on the part of the Duke; so long obserued, as either of them wanted +either power or pretence to disanull them. + +This peace being made, the Duke vsed the aide of King _William_, to +recouer the fort of _Mount S. Michael_, which their brother _Henrie_ did +forceably hold, for the money which hee had lent to the Duke of +_Normandie_. Fourtie dayes they layed siege to this castle; hauing no +hope to carrie it, but by the last necessity, which is hunger. Within +the compasse of this time, as the King straggled alone vpon the shoare, +certaine horsemen salied foorth and charged vpon him; of whom three +strooke him together so violently with their lances, as because he could +not be driuen out of his saddle, together with his saddle he was cast +vpon the ground, and his horse slaine vpon the place, for which he had +payed the same day 15. markes. Extremitie of danger (as it often +happeneth) tooke from the King all feare of danger: wherefore taking vp +his saddle with both his hands, he did therewith defend himselfe for a +time. But because to stand vpon defence onely is alwayes vnsure, he drew +his sword, and would not depart one foot from his saddle; but making +shew of braue ioy, that he had nothing to trust vnto but his owne +valour, he defended both his saddle and himselfe, till rescue came. +Afterward when some of his Souldiers in blaming maner expostulated with +him, wherefore he was so obstinate to saue his saddle: his answere was, +that a King should loose nothing which he can possibly saue: _It would +haue angred mee_, (said he) _at the very heart, that the knaues should +haue bragged, that they had wonne the saddle from mee_. And this was one +of his perpetuall felicities, to escape easily out of desperate dangers. + +In the end _Henry_ grew to extreeme want of water, and other prouisions: +by which meanes he was ready to fall into the hands of those, who +desired to auoyd necessitie to hurt him. And first he sent to the Duke +his brother, to request some libertie to take in fresh water. The Duke +sent to him a tunne of wine, and granted a surcease of hostilitie for +one day, to furnish him with water. At this the King seemed +discontented, as being a meanes to prolong the warre. But the Duke told +him, that it had bene hard to deny a brother a little water for his +necessitie. Herewith likewise the King relenting, they sent for their +brother _Henry_; and wisdome preuailing more then iniuries or hate, they +fell to an agreement, That vpon a day appointed, _Henry_ should receiue +his money at _Roan_; and that in the meane time, hee should hold the +countrey of _Constantine_ in morgage. The King enterteined with pay many +of his brother _Henries_ souldiers; especially he receiued those who +ouerthrew him, to a very neere degree of fauour. And thus all parties +ordered their ambition with great modestie; the custome of former warres +running in a course of more humanitie, then since they haue done. + +The King was the more desirous to perfect these agreements of Peace, for +that _Malcolme_ King of _Scots_ (as Princes often times make vse of the +contentions of their neighbours) tooke occasion vpon these confusions, +to enterprise vpon the parts of _England_ which confined vpon him. So as +he inuaded _Northumberland_, made great spoile, tooke much prey, caried +away many prisoners; whose calamitie was the more miserable, for that +they were to endure seruitude in a hard Countrey. For this cause the +King with his accustomed celeritie returned into _England_, accompanied +with the Duke of _Normandie_ his brother; and led a mighty armie against +the _Scots_ by land, and sent also a nauie to infest them by sea. But by +a sudden and stiffe storme, by a hideous confusion of all ill disposed +weather, his ships were cruelly crushed; and hauing long wrought against +the violence and rage of the tempest, were in the end dispersed, and +diuers of them cast away. Many of his souldiers also perished, partly by +penurie and want, and partly by the euill qualitied ayre. + +Notwithstanding the _Scots_, knowing the King of _England_ to bee an +enemie mighty and resolute, began to wauer in their assurance; framing +fearefull opinions, of the number, valour and experience of his armie. +Hereupon some ouertures of peace were made; the _Scots_ expecting that +the King, by reason of his late losses, would be the more moderate in +his demands. But hee then shewed himselfe most resolute and firme; +following his naturall custome, not to yeelde to any difficulty. King +_Malcolme_ coniecturing that such confidence could not be without good +cause, consented at the last to these conditions. + + _That King Malcolme should make a certaine satisfaction for the + spoyles which hee had done in England._ + + _That King William should restore to him certaine lands in England._ + + _That K. Malcolme should doe homage to King William._ + +Now the day was come wherein _Henrie_ was appointed to receiue his money +at _Roan_, from the Duke of _Normandie_. But as affaires of Princes haue +great variations, so they are not alwayes constant in their Counsels. +And so the Duke, caried by his occasions, and ready to lay downe his +faith and word more to the traine of times, then to the preseruation of +his honour; instead of paying the money, committed his brother _Henry_ +to prison: from whence he could not be released, vntill hee renounced +the Countie of _Constantine_, and bound himselfe by oath neuer to claime +any thing in _Normandie_. + +_Henrie_ complained hereof to _Philip_ King of _France_; who gaue him a +faire enterteinement in his Court, but was content rather to feede then +finish the contention: either expecting thereby some opportunitie to +himselfe, or els the opinion of his owne greatnesse not suffring him to +feare, that others might grow to haue fortune against him. _Henry_ had +not long remained in the Court of _France_, but a _Normane_ Knight named +_Hacharde_ conueyed him disguised into _Normandie_; where the Castle of +_Damfronç_ was deliuered vnto him; and in short time after hee gate all +the Countrey of _Passays_, and a good part of _Constantine_; either +without resistance, or without difficultie and perill. + +Hereupon the Duke leuied his forces, and earnestly assayed to recouer +_Damfronç_: but then hee found that his brother _Henrie_ was secretly, +yet surely vnderset by the king of _England_. Hereupon, incensed with +the furie of an iniuried minde, hee exclaimed against his brother of +_England_, and almost proclaimed him a violator of his league. On the +other side, the King of _England_ iustified his action, for that hee was +both a meanes and a partie to the agreement: and therefore stood bound +in honour, not onely to vrge, but to enforce performance. So the flame +brake foorth more furious then it was before, and ouer went King +_William_ with an able armie; where hee found the Duke also in good +condition of strength commanding the field. And albeit in so neere +approach of two mighty enemies, equall both in ambition and power, it is +hard to conteine men of seruice; yet was nothing executed betweene them, +but certaine light skirmishes, and surprizements of some places of +defence. In the end, the King hearing of new troubles in _England_, and +the Duke finding himselfe vnable either to preuaile with few souldiers, +or to maintaine many, and both distrusting to put a speedie end to the +warre; they were easily drawne to capitulations of peace. And thus ended +the contention betweene these brethren; who vntill this time had +continued like the waues of the Sea, alwayes in motion, and one beating +against the other. + +Besides these businesses which befell the King, against his Nobilitie, +against the Duke of _Normandie_ his brother, and against the King and +nation of the _Scots_; the _Welshmen_ also (who alwayes struggled for +libertie and reuenge) perceiuing that the King was often absent, and +much entangled with hostile affaires; enforced the fauour of that +aduantage, to free themselues from subiection of the _English_, and +happily to enlarge or enrich themselues vpon them. So hauing both desire +and opportunitie, they wanted not meanes to assemble in armes, to expell +the _English_ that were amongst them, and to cast downe the Castles +erected in their Countrey, as the principall yoakes of their subiection. +Afterwards, rising in boldnesse with successe, they made diuers +incursions vpon the bordering parts of _England_; spoiled the Citie of +_Glocester_, and exercised all those outrages, which vnciuill people, +incensed both with want and with hate doe not vsually omit. But being a +company neither in discipline nor pay, raw and vnarmed, they proceeded +more like to robbers then to Souldiers; hauing no intention to vanquish, +but to spoile. + +Hereupon the King twice in person inuaded _Wales_, but with small shew +of successe for the present. For the _Welsh_-enemies scattered the +warre, by diuiding themselues into small companies, and retiring into +the mountaines and woods, and other places of naturall defence. Here +they trauailed the King with a fugitiue fight; flying when they were +pursued, and houering vpon him when they were giuen ouer: cutting off +many stragling souldiers, and taking some carriages, which in those +rough places could not easily either be passed, or defended. And so by +shifting alwayes into places of aduantage, they sought at one time, both +to auoyd fighting, and to hinder the King from doing any thing of +importance. At the last, the King hauing made sufficient proofe how +vaine it is, to follow a light footed enemie with a heauie Armie, +pestered with traine of carriage, in places where the seruice of +horsemen is almost vnprofitable; he gaue ouer the pursuit, and retired +into _England_. But first he repaired those Castles which the _Welsh_ +had destroyed, and built new Castles also vpon the frontiers and within +the bosome of _Wales_; which he furnished with so sure garrisons, as +might suffice with fauour of opportunitie, either to weary or consume +the enemies. + +And indeed the _Welsh_ being by this meanes, alwayes exercised, and +dayly wasted; declined in short time, no lesse to cowardise then to +wearinesse and wants; so as _Hugh_ Earle of _Chester_, & _Hugh_ Earle of +_Shrewesbury_, dispossessed them of the Isle of _Anglesey_, which they +had surprised not long before. The _Welsh_ that were there taken, were +very hardly, or rather vnmercifully and cruelly entreated; Some had +their eyes pulled out, some their hands cut off, some their armes, some +their noses, some their genitalles. An aged Priest named _Kenredus_, who +had bene a chiefe directer of the common affaires, was drawne out of a +Church whereinto he had fled, had one of his eyes pulled out, and his +tongue torne from his throat. I make no doubt but these seuerities were +vsed against them, vpon some sauage outrages which they had done; +wherein the lesse compassion was borne to their calamities, for the +cowardise which they shewed in their owne defence. + +Shortly after, _Magnus_ King of _Norway_ the sonne of _Olaus_, the sonne +of _Harold Harfager_, hauing brought the Isles of _Orkeney_ vnder his +dominion, subdued also from the _Welsh_ the Isle of _Man_; and +enterprised vpon the Isle of _Anglesey_ against the _English_. But at +his landing he was encountred by the Earle of _Shrewsbury_ and the Earle +of _Chester_; in which fight the _Norwegians_ were vanquished and +repelled, but the Earle of _Shrewsbury_ with too braue boldnesse lost +his life: leauing his honourable both actions and end as an excellent +ornament to his posteritie. Afterwards the Earle of _Chester_ led an +armie into _Wales_; and found the people so consumed by the _English_ +garisons, that he easily reduced many to professe obedience to the +Crowne of _England_; and disabled others, hauing no leaders of +experience and valour, for shewing their faces as enemies in the field. + +Also vpon some variances which did rise betweene _Iustinus_, sonne to +_Gurguntus_, Earle of _Glamorgane_ and _Morganock_; and _Rhesus_ sonne +to _Theodore_ Prince of Southwales: _Iustinus_, not of power to +maintaine either his right or his will, sent _Æneas_, sonne to +_Genidorus_, sometimes Lord of _Demetia_, to craue aide in _England_. +This he obtained, not onely readily, but in greater measure then the +seruice did require. _Robert Fitzhamond_ was generall Commander of the +_English_ armie; who encountred _Rhesus_ at a place called _Blackhill_; +and in that fight _Rhesus_ was slaine: after whose death the name of +King ceased in _Wales_. Then _Iustinus_ failing, and happily not able to +performe such conditions as in necessitie hee had assured, _Fitzhamond_ +turned his forces against him; chased the _Welsh_ out of the champaine +Countrey, and diuided the same among his principall Gentlemen. These +erected Castles, in places conuenient for their mutuall ayde; and so +well defended themselues, that they left the Countrey to their +posterity. Thus was the Lordship of _Glamorgane_ and _Morganock_, which +conteineth 27. miles in length, & 22. in bredth, subdued to the +_English_; giuing example how dangerous it is for any people, to call in +a greater force of strangers to their ayde, then being victorious, they +may easily be able to limit and restraine. This being a Lordship +marcher, hath enioyed royall liberties, since the time wherein it was +first subdued. It hath acknowledged seruice and obedience onely to the +Crowne. It hath had the triall of all actions, as well reall as +personall, and also held Pleas of the Crowne; with authority to pardon +all offences, Treason onely excepted. + +Whilest the King was entertained with these chases, rather then warres +in _Wales_, hee lay at _Gloucester_ many times; as not esteeming that +his presence should alwayes be necessary, and yet not farre off if +occasion should require. To this place _Malcolme_ King of _Scots_ came +vnto him, vpon an honourable visitation. But the King hauing conceiued +some displeasure against him, refused to admit him to his presence. +Hereupon King _Malcolme_, full of fury and disdaine, returned into +_Scotland_, assembled an armie, enuaded _Northumberland_, harrased and +spoyled a great part thereof; hauing done the like foure times before. +Such is the heate of hate in mindes that are mighty; who seldome hold it +any breach of Iustice, to bee reuenged of him who offereth dishonor. +When he was come neere to _Alnewicke_, and his souldiers were much +pestered with prey, (a notable impediment both for readinesse and +resolution to fight) hee was set vpon both suddenly and sharply by +_Robert Mowbray_ Earle of _Northumberland_; his troupes hewen in pieces, +himselfe together with his eldest sonne _Edward_ slaine. The third day +ensuing, _Margaret_ wife to King _Malcolme_, and sister to _Edgar +Adeling_, not able to beare so sad and heauie a blow of fortune, ended +also her life. Shee was famous for pietie and for modestie, two +excellent endowments of that Sexe. By her perswasion _Malcolme_ made a +law, that whereas by a former law made by King _Eugenius_, the Lord +enioyed the first night with any new married woman within his dominion; +the husband might redeeme that abuse by paiment of halfe a mark of +siluer. + +King _Malcolme_ being slaine, _Dunwald_ his brother vsurped the +kingdome; but after a few dayes he was dispossessed thereof by +_Duncane_, bastard son to K. _Malcolme_. In this action _Duncane_ was +chiefly supported by the King of _England_; with whom he had remained in +hostage, and to whom hee had made his submission by oath. And because +the _Scots_ did either see or suspect that hee bare a fauourable +affection to the _English_, they would not receiue him for their King, +but vnder promise that hee should not entertaine any _English_ or +_Normane_, either in place of seruice, or as a follower at large. The +yeere next following _Duncane_ was slaine, and _Dunwald_ was againe +possessed of the kingdom. Hereupon King _William_ sent _Clito Edgar_ +with an armie into _Scotland_; by whose meanes _Dunwald_ was dispoiled +againe of his Kingdome, and _Edgar_ sonne to King _Malcolme_ aduanced to +his fathers estate. + +These were the principall aduentures by Armes which concerned _England_, +during the reigne of K. _William_ the second: wherein he so behaued +himselfe, that he did worthily winne an opinion to be one, who both knew +and durst. In all actions hee esteemed himselfe greatly dishonoured, if +hee were not both in Armes with the first, and with the forwardest in +fight; doing double seruice, as well by example, as by direction: In +which heate of valour, the fauour of his Fortune excused many of his +attempts from the blame of rashnesse. He was oftentimes most constant, +or rather obstinate in pursuing those purposes, which with small +deliberation he vndertooke. + +At a certaine time when he was in hunting within the new Forrest, he +receiued aduertisement, that _Mans_ was surprised by _Helie_, Count _de +la Flesch_, who pretended title thereto in right of his wife: that he +was aided in this enterprise by _Fouques d'Angiers_, an ancient enemie +to the Dukes of _Normandie_: and that the castle which held good for the +King, must also be rendered, if in very short time it were not +relieued. Vpon these newes, as if he had bene in the heat of a chase, he +presently turned his horse; and his passion not staying to consult with +reason, in great haste roade towards the Sea. And when he was aduised by +some to stay a time, and take with him such forces as the importance of +the seruice did require; with a heart resolute and violent voice he +answered, _That they who loued him, would not faile to follow; and that +if no man else would stirre, he alone would relieue Mans_. + +When he came to _Dortmouth_, he commanded ships to be brought for his +passage. The winds were then both contrary and stiffe, and the Sea +swelled exceeding bigge; for which cause the Shipmasters perswaded him +to await a more fauourable season, and not to cast himselfe vpon the +miserable mercie of that storme. Notwithstanding the King, whose feare +was alwayes least when dangers were greatest, mounted vpon Shipboard, +and commanded them to put to Sea; affirming, That it was no Prince-like +mind to breake a iourney for foulenesse of weather; and that he neuer +heard of any King that had bene drowned. And so for that the chiefe +point of rescue rested in expedition, hee presently committed to Sea; +taking few with him, and leauing order that others should follow. After +hee had long wrastled with the winds and waues, he arriued in _France_, +where running on in the humour of his courage and forwardnesse, he +acquitted himselfe with greater honour then at any time before. So +effectuall is celeritie for the benefit of a seruice, that oftentimes it +more auaileth, then either multitude or courage of Souldiers. + +In this expedition, _Helie_ the principall commander against him was +taken. And when he was brought to the Kings presence, the King said +pleasantly vnto him: _Ah master! in faith I haue you now; and I hope I +shal be able to keepe you in quiet_. Then he: _It is true indeed, the +successe of my attempts haue not bene answerable to the resolution of my +minde; by meere aduenture now you haue me: but if I were at libertie +againe, I doe better know what I had to doe, and would not so easily be +held in quiet_. The King with a braue scorne replied: _I see thou art +but a foolish knaue; vnable to vse, either thy libertie or thy restreint +aright. But goe thy wayes, make good thy confidence: I set thee free and +at libertie againe; vse thy aduantage, and doe thy worst_. _Helie_ +daunted more with this high courage, then before he had bin with the +victory of the King, submitted himselfe, and made his peace vnder such +conditions as it pleased the King to lay vpon him. Certainely this +magnanimous example hath seldome bin equalled, neuer excelled by those, +who are admired for the principall worthies of the world. + +He little fauoured flatterers; the flies which blow corruption vpon +sweetest vertues; the myrie dogs of the Court, who defile Princes with +fawning on them; who commonly are fatted with bread which is made with +the teares of miserable people. He was most firme and assured in his +word: and to those who did otherwise aduise him, he would say; That _God +did stand obliged by his word_.[71] + +He is commended for his manly mercie; in releasing prisoners, and in +pardoning offences of highest qualitie: which to a people that then +liued vnder a Law, both rigorous, and almost arbitrarie, and (as well +for the noueltie as for the vncertaintie thereof) in a manner vnknowne, +was a most high valued vertue. He not onely pardoned many great +offenders, but partly by gifts, and partly by aduancements he knit them +most assuredly vnto him. And therefore although in the beginning of his +reigne, most of the Nobilitie, and many Gentlemen of best quality and +rancke endeuoured to displace him, and to set vp _Robert_ his elder +brother for their King; yet doeth it not appeare, either that any +seueritie was executed vpon them, or that afterward they were dangerous +vnto him. Notwithstanding in some actions he was noted of crueltie, or +at the least of sharpnesse and seuerity in iustice. For albeit hee +promised to the _English_, whilest his first feares and iealousies +continued, that they should enioy free libertie of hunting; yet did hee +afterwards so seuerely restraine it, that the penalty for killing a +Deere was death. + +_Robert Mowbray_ Earle of _Northumberland_, after he had defeated the +_Scots_ and slaine _Malcolme_ their King, not finding himselfe either +honoured or respected according to his seruice; first refrained, and +afterwards refused to come vnto the Court. Hereupon the King, ouerruled +indifferently with suspition and hate, (two violent passions in minds +placed in authoritie) sent his brother _Henry_ with an armie against +him; who spoyled the Countrey, tooke the Earle, and committed him to +prison. Then was hee charged with diuers crimes, which were sufficient +(although but surmised) to vndoe an Innocent. Many examinations were +also made, but for appearance onely and terrour, not to any bottome or +depth. The especiall matter obiected against him was, for contriuing to +despoyle the King both of life and state, and to set vp _Stephen +Albamerle_ his Aunts sonne for King. And thus it often happeneth, that +great deserts are occasions to men of their destruction; either because +Princes generally loue not those to whom they are exceedingly beholding, +or else for that thereby men doe grow proud, insolent, disdainefull, +bould, immoderate both in expectation and demand, discontented, +impatient if they be not satisfied, and apt to breake forth into +dangerous attempts. + +Of those who any wayes declared themselues in his fauour or defence; +some were despoiled of their goods, some were banished the Realme; +others were punished with losse of their eyes, or of their eares, or of +some other part of their bodie. _William d'Owe_ was accused in a +Councell holden at _Salisbury_, to bee a complice of this Treason. And +albeit he challenged his accuser to the combate, yet his eyes were +pulled out, and his stones cut off by commandement of the King. And yet +some authours affirme, that he was ouercome in combate before. For the +same cause the King commanded _William Aluerie_ to be hanged; a man of +goodly personage and modest behauiour; the Kings sewer, his Aunts sonne, +and his godfather. Before his execution hee desired to be whipped +through manie Churches in _London_: he distributed his garments to the +poore, and bloodied the street as he went, with often kneeling vpon the +stones. At the time of his death he tooke it vpon the charge of his +soule, that he was cleere of the offence for which he suffered. And so +committing his innocencie to God, and to the world his complaints, he +submitted himselfe to the Executioners hands: leauing an opinion in +some, a suspition in many, that others also died without desert. For the +king gaue an easie eare to any man, that would appeach others for his +aduantage: whereby it sometimes happened, that offenders were acquited +by accusing innocents. + +He was liberall aboue measure; either in regard of his owne abilities, +or of the worthinesse of the receiuers. Especially hee was bountifull +(if that terme may be applyed to immoderate lauishing)[72] to men of +warre: for which cause many resorted to him from farre Countries for +entertainement. To winne and retaine the fauour of these, hee much +impouerished his peaceable people. From many he tooke without iustice, +to giue to others without desert: esteeming it no vnequall dealing, that +the money of the one, should bee aduentured and expended with the blood +of the other. + +He much exceeded in sumptuousnes of diet and of apparell, wherewith +great men vse to dazel the eyes of the people: both which waies he +esteemed the goodnesse of things, by their price. It is reported, that +when his Chamberlaine vpon a certaine morning brought him a new paire of +hose, the King demaunded what they cost; and the Chamberlaine answered, +three shillings. Hereat the King grew impatient, and said: _What? heauie +beast! doest thou take these to be conuenient hose for a King? Away +begger, and bring me other of a better price_. Then the Chamberlaine +departed and brought a farre worse paire of hose (for a better could not +at that time bee found) and told the king that they cost a marke. The +king not onely allowed them for fine enough, but commended them also as +exceeding fit. Assuredly this immoderate excesse of a King is now farre +exceeded by many base shifting vnthrifts. + +In building his expences were very great. He repaired the Citie and +Castle of _Caerlile_, which had been wasted by the _Danes_ 200. yeres +before. Hee finished New castle vpon _Tine_. Many other Castles he +erected or repaired vpon the frontiers of _Scotland_; many also vpon the +frontiers and within the very brest of _Wales_. Hee much enlarged the +Towre of _London_, and enuironed it with a new wall. Hee also built the +great Hall at _Westminster_, which is 270. foote in length, and 74. +foote in breadth. And when many did admire the vast largenes thereof, he +would say vnto them, that it was but a bed chamber, but a closet, in +comparison of that which he intended to build. And accordingly he layd +the foundation of another Hall, which stretched from the Riuer _Thames_ +to the Kings high street: the further erection wherof, with diuers other +heroicall enterprises, ceased together with his life. + +Thus partly by reason of his infinite plots and inuentions, and partly +by his disorders and vnbrideled liberalities, he alwayes liued at great +charges and expences; which whilest the large treasure lasted which his +father left him, were borne without grieuance to the subiects: But when +that was once drained, he was reduced to seeke money by extraordinary +meanes. So, many hard taxes were laid vpon the people, partly for +supplie to his owne necessities, and partly to imitate the policie of +his father; that the people being busied how to liue, should reteine +small either leisure or meanes to contriue innouations. For this cause +he was supposed, vpon purpose to haue enterprised many actions of +charge; that thereby he might haue colour to impose, both imployments +and taxations vpon the people. + +And because the riches of the clergie at that time were not onely an +eye-sore vnto many, but esteemed also by some, to bee very farre aboue +due proportion; Hee often fleeced them of great summes of money. For +which cause it is euident, that the writers of that age (who were for +the most part Clergie men) did both generally enueigh against him, and +much depraue his particular actions. He withheld his annuall paiment to +the Sea of _Rome_, vpon occasion of a Schisme betweene _Vrbane_ at +_Rome_, and _Clement_ at _Rauenna_. He claimed the inuestiture of +Prelates to be his right: Hee forbade Appeales and entercourse to +_Rome_: For which and other like causes he had a very great contention +with the Clergie of his Realme, especially with _Anselme_ Archbishop of +_Canterbury_. + +The seedes of this contention were cast, when _Anselme_ was first +receiued to his Sea. For at that time two did striue for the Papacie of +_Rome_; _Vrbanus_ and _Guibert_, called _Clement_ the third: some +Christian States fauouring the one, and some the other. King _William_ +inclined to _Clement_ the third, and with him the Realme generally went; +but _Anselme_ did fully goe with _Vrbane_; making so his condition +before he did consent to accept his dignitie. + +When he was elected and before his consecration, the King demanded of +him, that such lands of the Church of _Canterbury_ as the King had giuen +to his friends since the death of _Lanfranck_, might still be held by +them as their lawfull right: but to this _Anselme_ would in no case +agree. Hereupon the King stayed his consecration a certaine time; but at +length by importunitie of the people hee was content to receiue his +homage, and to giue way to his consecration. Not long after, the +Archbishop desired licence of the king to goe to _Rome_, to receiue his +Pall; which when the King refused to grant, he appealed to the Sea of +_Rome_. Now this was the first Appeale that euer before had been made in +_England_. For Appeales were not here in ordinarie vse, vntil after this +time, vnder the reigne of King _Stephen_; when _Henrie_ Bishop of +_Wint._ being the Popes Legate, brought them in. + +Wherefore the King offended with this noueltie, charged _Anselme_ with +breach of his fealtie and oath. _Anselme_ answered, that this was to be +referred to the iudgement of a Councell, whether it bee a breach of +allegiance to a terrene Prince, if a man appeale to the Vicar of Christ. +The King alleaged; that the custome of his Realme admitted no appeale +from the king; that supreame appeale was a most principall marke of +Maiestie, because no appeale can be made but to a superiour; that +therefore the Archbishop by appealing from him, denied his Souereignty, +derogated from the dignitie of his Crowne, and subiected both him and +that to another Prince, to whom as to a superiour he did appeale; That +herein hee was an enemie and a Traitour to him and to the State. +_Anselme_ replyed, that this question was determined by our Lord, who +taught vs what allegiance is due to the Pope, where he saith; _Thou art +Peter, and vpon this Rocke will I build my Church, &c._ And againe; _To +thee will I giue the Keyes of the Kingdome of Heauen, &c._ And againe in +generall; _Hee that heareth you heareth me, and who despiseth you +despiseth me_. And againe, _He that toucheth you, toucheth the apple of +my eye_. But for the allegiance due to the King, he saith; _Giue to +Cæsar that which belongeth to Cæsar, and to God what pertaineth to God_. +To this the king finally said; That hauing made themselues Masters to +interprete and giue sence to the Scriptures, it was easie to maintaine +by them whatsoeuer they desired or did; it was easie for them to burst +their ambition with their swelling greatnes. But well he was assured, +that CHRIST intended not to dissolue orders for Ciuill gouernment, to +ruine kingdoms, to embase authority and right of Kings, by meanes of his +Church: this right of a King he had, and this right he would maintaine. + +In this contention few of the Bishops did openly take part with +_Anselme_; but some, and especially the Bishop of _Durhame_, did +directly declare against him. The residue, when he asked their aduise, +would answere him, That he was wise ynough, and knew what was best for +him to doe; as for them, they neither durst nor would stand against +their Lord. By assistance of these the King purposed to depriue +_Anselme_, and to expell him out of the Realme. But _Anselme_ auowed, +That as he was ready to depart the Realme, so would he take his +authoritie with him, though he tooke nothing else. + +Now the King had sent two messengers to Pope _Vrbane_ at _Rome_, to +entreat him to send the Pall to the King; to be disposed by him as he +should thinke fit. These messengers were by this time returned; and with +them came _Guibert_ the Popes Legate, who brought the Pall. The Legate +went first priuily to the King, and promised that if _Vrbane_ should be +receiued for Pope in _England_, the King should obtaine of him +whatsoeuer he would. The King required that _Anselme_ might be remoued. +The Legate answered, that it could not be, that such a man without iust +cause should be remoued; Notwithstanding some other things being +granted to the King, _Vrbane_ was declared to be lawfull Pope; and the +King was content to swallow downe that morsel, which had bene so +vnpleasant for him to champe on. The Pall was caried to _Anselme_ with +great pompe, in a vessell of siluer; and he came foorth bare footed, in +his Priestly Vestments to meete and to receiue it. + +The yeere next following the King inuaded _Wales_; where he repressed +the rebellious enemies, and returned victorious. _Anselme_ prepared to +goe vnto him, to salute him, to congratulate his good successe. But the +King preuented him by messengers, who layde to his charge, both the +small number, and euill appointment of the Souldiers, which he sent to +that seruice; and therefore warned him to appeare at the Court, to make +his answere. Happely also the King was incensed by matters more light; +but taken in the worst part, as it commonly falleth out in suspitions +and quarels. At the day appointed _Anselme_ appeared, but auoyded his +answere by appealing to the Pope: for prosecution whereof, hee made suit +for the Kings licence to goe to _Rome_. The King said as before; That +this appeale was against the custome of the Realme, and against the +dignitie of his Crowne, to both which _Anselme_ had sworne. _Anselme_ +answered, That he was sworne to neither of them, but so farre as they +were consonant to the Lawes of GOD, and to the rules of equitie and +right. The King replied, That no limitation being expressed, it was not +reasonable that vpon his owne conceit of pietie or equitie, he should +slip out of the band of his oath. Thus was the contention on both sides +obstinately maintained; and for a long time _Anselme_ was commanded to +attend the Court. + +At the last hee was released, but vnder expresse charge, that he should +not depart out of the Realme; or if he did, that it should neuer be +lawfull for him to returne. _Anselme_ departed from the Court, went +streight to _Douer_, with purpose to passe the Seas into _France_. Here +hee was either awaited or ouertaken by _William Warlewast_ the Kings +officer; not to stay him from his passage, but to rifle him of all that +he had. Others also were appointed to seise his goods in other places, +and to conuert the profits of his Archbishopricke to the vse of the +King; making a bare allowance to the Monks, of meat, drinke and +cloathing. So the Archbishop crossed the Seas into _France_, rested a +while at _Lions_, and then trauailed ouer the _Alpes_ to _Rome_; where +he was enterteined by Pope _Vrbane_, with more then ordinarie ceremonies +of honour. + +And first the Pope wrote to the king of _England_ on the behalfe of +_Anselme_; and reteined him in his Palace vntill he should receiue +answere from the king. When the messenger was returned with such answere +as _Anselme_ did not like, he desired of the Pope to be discharged of +his dignitie; which he had found (he said) a wearisome stage, whereon +hee played a part much against his will. But hereto the Pope would in no +case agree; charging him vpon vertue of his obedience, That wheresoeuer +he went, he should beare both the name and honour of Archbishop of +_Canterburie_. _As for these matters_, (said he) _we shall sufficiently +prouide for them at the next Councell where your selfe shalbe present_. + +When the Councell was assembled, _Anselme_[73] sate on the outside of +the Bishops; but the Pope called him vp, and placed him at his right +foot with these words; _Includamus hunc in orbe nostro, tanquam alterius +orbis Papam_. Afterwards in all generall Councels, the Archb. of +_Canterburie_ tooke that place. In this Councell the points of +difference betweene the Greeke and Latine Churches were strongly +debated; especially concerning the proceeding of the _Holy Ghost_, and +for leauened bread in the administration of the _Eucharist_: wherein +_Anselme_ shewed such deepe learning, weight of iudgement, and edge of +wit, that he approched neerer admiration then applause. These matters +determined, complaints were brought against the King of _England_, and +the Pope is said to haue bene ready to excommunicate him: but _Anselme_ +kneeled before the Pope, and obteined for the King a longer terme. The +Pope was then at great contention with _Henry_ the fourth Emperour, who +had bene excommunicated before by _Hildebrand_, and was then againe +excommunicate by _Vrbane_: being the first Christian Prince with +Souereigne power, who was euer excommunicate by any Pope. And for that +_Vrbane_ at that time had his hands full against the Emperour, for that +also hee would not make the example too odious at the first; he was +willing ynough to forbeare excommunication against the King. And the +rather for that _Anselme_ had intelligence from his friends in +_England_, that the excommunication would not be regarded. Hereupon, +accompting it a sufficient declaration of his power for the time, to +haue menaced excommunication, he caused a generall decree to be made; +That as well all Lay-persons who should giue inuestiture of Churches, as +those of the Clergie who should be so inuested; also those who should +yeeld themselues in subiection to Lay-men for Ecclesiastical liuings, +should be excommunicate. + +This generall sentence was pronounced. The Pope also signified by +letters to the King, that if he would auoyd particular proceeding +against himselfe, he should foorthwith restore _Anselme_ to the exercise +of his Office in his Church, and to all the goods and possessions +perteining thereto. Hereupon the King sent messengers to the Pope, who +declared vnto him; That their great Master the King marueiled not a +litle, wherefore he should so sharply vrge the restitution of _Anselme_; +seeing it was expresly told him, That if he departed out of _England_ +without licence, he should expect no other vsage. Well, said the Pope, +Haue you no other cause against _Anselme_, but that he hath appealed to +the Apostolicall Sea, and without licence of your King hath trauailed +thither? They answered, No. And haue you taken all this paines (said he) +haue you trauailed thus farre to tell me this? Goe tell your Lord, if he +will not be excommunicate, that he presently restore _Anselme_ to his +Sea: And see that you bring mee answere hereof the next Councell, which +shalbe in the third weeke after Easter: make haste, and looke to your +terme, lest I cause you to be hanged for your tarryance. + +The messenger was herewith much abashed; yet collecting himselfe, he +desired priuate audience of the Pope: affirming, that he had some secret +instructions from the King to impart vnto him. What this secret was it +is vnknowne. Whatsoeuer it was, a longer day was obtained for the King, +vntill Michaelmas then next ensuing. And when that day was come, albeit +complaints were renued, yet was nothing done against the King. The +Archb. seeing the small assurance of the Pope, returned to _Lions_ in +_France_; and there remained vntil the death, first of Pope _Vrbane_, +and afterwards of the king; which was almost the space of 3. yeeres. + +By this great conflict the king lost the hearts of many of the Clergie; +but his displeasure had seasoned reuenge with contentment: and finding +himselfe sufficient, both in courage and meanes to beare out his +actions, he became many other wayes heauie vnto them. When any +Bishopricke or Monasterie fell voyd, he kept them vacant a long time in +his hands, and applied the profits to himselfe: At the last hee would +set them to open sale, and receiue him for Prelate, who would giue for +them the greatest price. Herehence two great inconueniences did ensue; +the best places were furnished with men of least sufficiencie and worth; +and no man hoping to rise by desert, the generall endeuour for vertue +and knowledge were layd aside: the direct way to aduancement, was by +plaine purchase from the king. + +In this seazing and farming and marchandizing of Church-liuings, one +_Ranulph_, commonly called the Kings Chapleine, was a great agent for +the King. Hee was a man of faire vse of speach, and liuely in witte, +which hee made seruants to licentious designes; but both in birth and +behauiour base, and shamelesse in dishonestie; a very bawde to all the +Kings purposes and desires. Hee could be so euill as hee listed, and +listed no lesse then was to his aduantage. The King would often laugh at +him, and say; that he was a notable fellow to compasse matters for a +King. And yet besides more then ordinary fauour of countenance, the King +aduanced him, first to be his Chancellour, and afterward to be Bishop of +_Duresme_. By his aduise, so soone as any Church fell voide, an +Inuentory was made of all the goods that were found, as if they should +bee preserued for the next successor; and then they were committed to +the custodie of the King, but neuer restored to the Church againe. So +the next incumbent receiued his Church naked and bare, notwithstanding +that he paid a good price for it. From this King the vse is said to haue +first risen in _England_, that the Kings succeeding had the Temporalties +of Bishops Seas so long as they remained voide. Hee also set the first +enformers to worke, and for small transgressions appointed great +penalties. Hee is also reported to haue been the first King of this +Realme, who restreined his subiects from ranging into forreine Countreys +without licence. + +And yet what did the King by this sale of Church dignities, but that +which was most frequent in other places? For in other places also few +attained to such dignities freely. The difference was this: here the +money was receiued by the King, there by fauorites or inferiour +officers: here it was expended in the publike vses of the State; there +to priuate and many times odious enrichments: this seemeth the more +easie, that the more extreme pressure, as done by more hungrie and +degenerous persons: this may bee esteemed by some the more base, but +assuredly it was the better dealing. And further, it is euident that the +King did freely aduance many excellent persons to principall dignities +in the Church; and especially _Anselme_ to the Archbishopricke of +_Canterburie_, who was so vnwilling to accept that honour, that the King +had much to doe to thrust it vpon him. And the rather to enduce him, he +gaue him wholly the citie of _Canterburie_, which his predecessors had +held but at the pleasure of the King. This _Anselme_ was one whose +learned labours doe plainely testifie, how little his spirits were fed +with the fulsome fumes of surfeting and ease; which to many others, +together with their bodies, doe fatten and engrosse their mindes. He so +detested singularitie, that he accounted it the sinne which threw Angels +out of Heauen, and man out of Paradise. This detestation of singularitie +might happily encline him to the other extreme; to adhere ouer lightly +to some common receiued errours. It is attributed to him that hee would +often wish, to bee rather in hell without sinne, then with sinne in +heauen. + +The king also aduanced _Robert Bloet_, to the Bishopricke of _Lincolne_: +a man whose wisedom was highly graced, with goodly personage, and good +deliuery of speach: from whom notwithstanding the king afterwards wiped +fiue thousand markes. Hee also freely receiued _Hugh de Floriaco_, a man +for his vertue much esteemed, to be Abbot of the Monastery of S. +_Augustines_ in _Canterburie_; and likewise diuers others to other +Ecclesiasticall preferments: whereby I am confirmed in opinion, that +many odious imputations against the king, were either altogether +inuented, or much enlarged aboue the trueth. + +It happened vpon auoidance of a certaine Monastery, that two Monkes went +to the king, either of them contending, as well by friends, as by large +offer of purse, to procure to be made Abbot of the place. The king +espying a third Monke standing by, who came with the other two, either +to accompany them, or to obtaine some inferiour place vnder him that +should preuaile, demaunded of him what hee would giue? The Monke +answered, that hee had small meanes, and lesse minde, to purchase that +or any other dignitie of the Church: For with that intention did he +first betake himselfe to a religious life, that holding riches and +honour (the two beauties of the world) in contempt, he might more freely +and quietly dispose himselfe to the seruice of God. The King replied, +that he iudged him most worthy of that preferment; and therefore first +offred it vnto him, then intreated, and lastly enioyned him to accept +it. Assuredly, the force of vertue is such, that often times wee honour +it in others, euen when we little esteeme it in ourselues. + +He is charged with some actions and speaches tending to profanenesse. +The Iewes at _Roan_ so preuailed with him by gifts, that they drew him +to reprehend one who had forsaken their superstition. At _London_ a +disputation was appointed betweene certaine Christians and Iewes. The +Iewes a little before the day prefixed, brought to the King a rich +present; At which time he encouraged them (no doubt but by the way of +ioylitie and mirth) to acquite themselues like tall fellowes, and if +they preuailed by plaine strength of trueth, hee sware (as was his +vsuall) by S. _Lukes_ face, that hee would become one of their Secte. +These things happely not much spoken amisse, might easily bee depraued +by report. + +It is affirmed of him that he so much exceeded in bodily lust, (then +which nothing maketh a man more contemptible) that thereby hee seemed to +decline from the Maiestie of a Prince. This vice did cast a great mist +ouer his glorie. And yet neither is it infrequent in lusty bodies, +placed in a State both prosperous and high, neither can the pleasure of +one man that way extend it selfe to the iniurie of many. The worst was, +that after his example, many others did follow licentious traces;[74] +examples of Princes being alwayes of greater force then their Lawes, to +induce the people to good or to euill. As the King turned the +prosperitie of his actions to serue his vanities and delights, so his +followers by felicitie became insolent, and let goe at aduenture serious +affaires; not receiuing into their thoughts any other impression then of +brauery and pleasure. And they who were greatest in the counsailes and +fauours of the King, respected all things no further, then as they were +aduantageable to themselues. + +Then rose vp costly apparell, and dainty fare, two assured tokens of a +diseased State; the one the vainest, the other the grossest prodigalitie +that can be. Then was brought into vse the laying out of haire, strange +fashions and disguisings in attire, and all delicacies pertaining to the +bodie. Then were practised nice treadings, lasciuious lookes, and other +dissolute and wanton behauiour: many effeminate persons did accompanie +the Court, by whose immodest demeanour the maiestie of that place was +much embased. From hence also the poyson brake foorth, first into the +citie, and after wards into other places of the Realme; for as in +fishes, so in families, and so likewise in States, putrifaction commonly +beginneth at the head. + + +In the second yeere of this kings reigne _Lanfranck_ Archb. of +_Canterburie_ ended his life: A man highly esteemed, with good men, for +his learning and integritie; with great men, for his diligence and +discretion to sound deepely into affaires; with the common people for +his moderate and modest behauiour. King _William_ the first did honour +and embrace him with great respect, and was much guided by his aduise. +He was as a Protector to King _William_ the second. When he went to +_Rome_ to obteine his Pall, the Pope rose from his chaire, stepped +forwards to meet him, and with many ceremonies of courtesie did +enterteine him. Then he returned to his seat, and said: _Now Lanfrancke, +I haue done to thee what is due to thy vertue, come thou and doe to me +what apperteineth to my place_. He was an earnest enemie to all vices, +especially to auarice and pride, the two banes of all vertues. He renued +the great Church of _Canterburie_, and enriched it with 25. mannours. He +repaired the walles of that Citie, and built two Hospitals therein; one +of S. _Iohn_, the other _Harlebaldowne_. He gaue a thousand markes +towards the repairing and enlarging of the Abbey of S. _Albones_, and +procured _Redbourne_ to be restored thereto. By his Testament hee gaue +to the same Church 1000. pounds, besides many rich ornaments. He tooke +great paines in purging ancient Authors from such corruptions as had +crept into them: diuers workes also he wrote of his owne, but the +greatest part of them are perished. Thus he liued in honour, and died +with fame; his time imployed in honest studies and exercises, his goods +to good and Religious vses. + +The same yeere a strange and great earthquake happened throughout all +the Realme; after which ensued a great scarcitie of fruit, and a late +haruest of corne, so as much graine was not fully ripe at the end of +Nouember. + +In the fourth yere of the reigne of this King, a strong stroke of +lightning made a hole in the Abbey steeple at _Winchelscombe_, neere to +the top; rent one of the beames of the Church, brake one of the legges +of the Crucifixe, cast downe the head thereof, together with the Image +of the Virgine _Marie_ that was placed by it: Herewith a thicke smoke +darkened the Church, and breathed foorth a marueilous stincke, which +annoyed the Church a long time after. In the same yeere a mightie winde +from the Southwest did prostrate 606. houses in _London_: And breaking +into the Church of S. _Mary Bow_ in Cheape, slew two men with some part +of the ruines which it made, raised the roofe of the Church, and carried +many of the beames on such a height, that in the fall six of them, being +27. or 28. foot in length, were driuen so deepe into the ground (the +streets not then paued with stone) that not aboue 4. foote remained in +sight: and so they stood, in such order and rancke as the workemen had +placed them vpon the Church. The parts vnder the earth were neuer +raised, but so much was cut away as did appeare aboue the ground; +because it was an impediment for passage. The Tower of _London_ at the +same time was also broken, and much other harme done. + +The next yeere _Osmund_ Bishop of _Salisbury_ finished the Cathedrall +Church of old _Salisburie_; and the fifth day after the Consecration, +the steeple thereof was fired with lightning. + +The yeere following much raine fell, and so great frosts ensued, that +riuers were passable with loaden carts. + +The yeere next ensuing was exceeding remarkeable both for the number and +fashion of gliding Starres, which seemed to dash together in maner of a +conflict. + +About this time Pope _Vrbane_ assembled a Councell at _Cleremont_ in +_Auergne_, wherein hee exhorted Christian Princes to ioyne in action for +recouery of _Palestine_, commonly called _The Holy Land_, out of the +seruile possession of the _Saracenes_. This motion was first set on +foote, and afterwards pursued by _Peter_ the Heremite of _Amiens_; which +falling in an age both actiue and Religious, was so generally embraced, +as it drew 300000. men to assemble together from diuers Countreys; and +that with such sober and harmlesse behauiour, that they seemed rather +Pilgrimes then Souldiers. Among others, _Robert_ Duke of _Normandie_ +addressed himselfe to this Voyage; and to furnish his expenses therein, +he layed his Duchie of _Normandie_ to gage to his brother of _England_ +for 6666. li. or as other Authors report, for 13600. pounds of Siluer. + +This money was taken vp part by imposition, and part by loane, of the +most wealthy inhabitants within the Realme: But especially the charge +was layd vpon religious persons, for that it was to furnish a religious +warre. When many Bishops and Abbots complained, that they were not able +to satisfie such summes of money as the King demanded of them, vnles +they should sel the Chalices & siluer vessels which pertained to their +Churches. Nay answered the King, you may better make meanes with the +siluer and gold which vainely you haue wrapped about dead mens bones; +meaning thereby their rich Relickes and Shrines. + +The yeare following a blasing starre appeared, for the space of fifteene +dayes together; the greatest bush whereof pointed towards the East, and +the lesser towards the West. Gliding starres were often seene, which +seemed to dart one against another. The people began (as to mindes +fearefull all fancies seeme both weightie and true) to make hard +constructions of these vnusuall sights; supposing that the heauens did +threaten them, not accustomed to shew it selfe so disposed, but towards +some variation. + +In the 13. yeere of his reigne, the Sea surmounted his vsuall bounds, in +diuers parts of _England_ and _Scotland_: whereby not only fields, but +many villages, castles, and townes were ouerflowen, and some ouerturned, +and some ouerwhelmed with sand; much people, and almost innumerable +cattel was destroyed. At the same time certaine lands in _Kent_, which +did once belong to _Godwine_ Earle of _Kent_, were ouerflowed and +couered with sand, which to this day do beare the name of _Godwins_ +sands. Thunders were more frequent & terrible then had been vsuall; +through violence whereof diuers persons were slaine. Many feareful +formes and apparitions are reported to haue bin seene; whether errours, +or inuentions, or truethes, I will not aduow. The heauens often seemed +to flame with fire. At _Finchamsted_[75] in _Barkeshire_ neere vnto +_Abington_, a spring cast vp a liquor for the space of fifteene dayes, +in substance and colour like vnto blood; which did taint and infect the +next water brooke whereinto it did runne. The King was often terrified +in his sleepe with vncouth, ougly, vnquiet dreames: and many fearefull +visions of others were oftentimes reported vnto him. At the same time +hee held in his handes three Bishoprickes, _Canterburie_, _Winchester_, +and _Salisburie_; and twelue Abbeys. + +The same yeere vpon the second of August, a little before the falling of +the Sunne, as the King was hunting within the newe forrest, at a place +called _Choringham_ (where since a Chappell hath beene erected) hee +strooke a Deere lightly with an arrow. The Deere ranne away, and the +King stayed his horse to looke after it; holding his hand ouer his eyes, +because the beames of the Sunne (which then drew somewhat lowe) much +dazeled his sight. Herewith another Deere crossed the way; whereat a +certaine Knight, named Sir _Walter Tirrell_, aimed with an arrow: and +loosing his bowe, either too carelessly at the Deere, or too steadily at +the King, strooke him therewith full vpon the brest. The King hauing so +receiued the wound, gaue foorth a heauie groane, and presently fell +downe dead; neither by speach nor motion expressing any token of life. +Onely so much of the arrowe as was without his bodie was found broken; +whether with his hand, or by his fall, it is not certainely knowen. The +men that were neere vnto him (especially Sir _Walter Tirrell_) galloped +away; some for astonishment, others for feare. But a fewe collecting +themselues returned againe, and layd his bodie vpon a Colliers Cart, +which by aduenture passed that way; wherin it was drawen by one leane +euill-fauoured, base beast, to the Citie of _Winchester_; bleeding +abundantly all the way, by reason of the rude iogging of the Carte. The +day following hee was buried, without any funerall pompe, with no more +then ordinarie solemnities, in the Cathedrall Church or Monasterie of +Saint _Swithen_; vnder a plaine flat marble stone, before the Lectorne +in the Quire. But afterwards his bones were translated, and layd by King +_Canutus_ bones. + +Most writers doe interprete this extraordinarie accident to bee a +iudgement of God, for the extraordinarie loose behauiour of the King, +But it may rather seeme a iudgement of God, that King _William_ the +first, who threw downe Churches, and dispeopled Villages and Townes; who +banished both the seruice of God, and societie of men, to make a vaste +habitation for sauage beasts, had two sonnes slaine vpon that place. It +may also seeme a iudgement of God, that King _William_ the second, who +so greatly fauoured beastes of game, that he ordeined the same penaltie +for killing of a deere, as for killing of a man; should as a beast, and +for a beast, and among beasts be slaine. And thus God doth often punish +vs by our greatest pleasures; if they be either vnlawfull, or +immoderately affected; whereby good things become vnlawfull. + +Hee died in the principall strength, both of his age, and of his +distastfull actions; wherein hee had bene much carried by the hoate +humour of his courage and youth; his iudgement not then raised to that +stayednesse and strength,[76] whereto yeeres and experience in short +time would haue brought it. Hee reigned in great varietie of opinion +with his Subiects (some applauding his vertues, others aggrauating his +vices) twelue yeeres, eleuen moneths wanting eight dayes: and was at his +death fourtie and three yeeres old. At this time he presumed most +highly, and promised greatest matters to himselfe, hee proiected also +many difficult aduentures, if his life had continued the naturall +course; wherein his hopes were nothing inferiour to his desires. + +Hee gaue to the Monckes of _Charitie_ in _Southwarke_ his Mannour of +_Bermondsey_, and built for them the great new Church of Saint +_Sauiour_. Also of an old Monasterie in the Citie of _Yorke_, he founded +an Hospitall for the sustentation of poore persons and dedicated it to +S. _Peter_. This Hospitall was afterward augmented by King _Stephen_, +and by him dedicated to S. _Leonard_. + + +[Illustration] + + + + +[Illustration] + +KING HENRY + +THE FIRST, + +_Sirnamed_ + +BEAVCLERKE. + + +Robert Duke of _Normandie_, the eldest brother to King _William_ the +second, was in _Palestina_ when King _William_ was slaine; being one of +the principal leaders in that Heroical warre, which diuers Christian +Princes of _Europe_ set vp, to recouer _Hierusalem_ out of the power and +possession of the _Saracens_. In this expedition hee purchased so +honourable reputation, for skill, industrie, and valour of hand, that +when the Christian forces had surprised _Hierusalem_, and diuers other +Cities in those quarters, the kingdome thereof was offered vnto him. +But the Duke, whether he coniectured the difficulties of that warre, +for that the enemie was both at hand, and vnder one command, but the +Armie of the Christians was to be supplied from farre, and also +consisted of many Confederats; In which case albeit sometimes men +performe well at the first, yet in short time inconueniences encreasing, +they alwayes either dissipate and dissolue, or else fall into confusion. +Or whether he heard of the death of his brother, to whose Kingdome he +pretended right; as well by prerogatiue of blood, as by expresse +couenant betweene them confirmed by oath; refused the offer, which was +the last period of all his honour, and in short time after tooke his +iourney from _Palestine_ towards _France_. + +But _Henry_ the Kings yonger brother, apprehending the opportunitie of +the Dukes absence, did foorthwith seaze vpon the treasure of the King, +and thereby also vpon his State, and so was crowned at _Westminster_ +vpon the second day of August, in the yeere 1100. by _Maurice_ Bishop of +_London_; because _Anselme_ Archb. of _Canterburie_ was then in exile. +This enterprise was much aduanced by the authoritie and industrie of +_Henry Newborow_ Earle of _Warwicke_, who appeased all opposition that +was made against it. The people also, albeit they had bene managed so +tame, as easily to yeeld their backe to the first sitter; yet to _Henry_ +they expressed a prone inclination, for that hee was borne in _England_, +at a place called _Selby_ in _Lincolneshire_, since his father was +crowned King: whereas Duke _Robert_ his brother was borne before his +father attained the kingdome. + +This serued Prince _Henry_ not onely to knit vnto him the affections of +the people, but also to forme a title to the Crowne. For it hath bin a +question often debated, both by Arguments and by Armes, and by both +trials diuersly decided; when a king hath two sonnes, one borne before +he was King, and the other after, whether of them hath right to succeed? + +_Herodotus_ writeth, That when _Darius_[77] the sonne of _Hysdaspis_ +King of _Persia_ made preparation for warre against the _Græcians_ and +_Egyptians_, he first went about to settle his succession: because by +the Lawes of _Persia_, the King might not enter into enterprise of +Armes, before he had declared his successour. Now _Darius_ had three +children before he was King, by his first wife the daughter of _Gobris_. +After he was King he had other foure, by _Atossa_ the daughter of +_Cyrus_. _Artabazanes_, or (as other terme him) _Arthemenes_ was eldest +of the first sort; _Xerxes_ of the second. _Artabazanes_ alleaged that +he was the eldest of all the Kings sonnes, and that it was a custome +among all nations, That in principalities the eldest should succeed. +_Xerxes_ alleaged, that he was begotten of _Atossa_ the daughter of +_Cyrus_, by whose valour the _Persians_ had obteined their Empire. +Before _Darius_ had giuen sentence, _Demaratus_ the sonne of _Aristo_, +cast out of his kingdome of _Sparta_ and then liuing an exile in +_Persia_, came vnto _Xerxes_, and aduised him further to alleage, that +he was the eldest sonne of _Darius_ after hee was King; And that it was +the custome of _Sparta_, that if a man had a sonne in priuate state, and +afterwards another when he was King, this last sonne should succeed in +his kingdome. Vpon this ground _Artabazanes_ was reiected, and _Darius_ +gaue iudgement for _Xerxes_. This history is likewise reported by +_Iustine_,[78] and touched also by _Plutarch_: although they disagree in +names, and some other points of circumstance. + +So when _Herode_ King of _Iudea_ appointed _Antipater_ his eldest +sonne, but borne to him in priuate state, to succeed in his Royaltie, +and excluded _Alexander_ and _Aristobulus_ his yonger sonnes, whom he +had begot of _Mariamne_, after he had obteined his kingdome; +_Iosephus_[79] plainly reprehendeth the fact, and condemneth the +iudgement of _Herode_ for partiall and vniust. So _Lewes_ borne after +his father was Duke of _Milane_,[80] was preferred in succession before +his brother _Galeace_, who was borne before. And so when _Otho_ the +first was elected Emperour, his yonger brother _Henry_ pretended against +him; for that _Otho_[81] was borne before their father was Emperour, and +_Henry_ after. In which quarrell _Henry_ was aided by _Euerharde_ Earle +Palatine, and _Giselbert_ Duke of _Lorreine_, with diuers other Princes +of _Almaine_: But when the cause came to be canuased by the sword, the +victorie adiudged the Empire to _Otho_. + +Furthermore, this right of title seemeth to be confirmed by many grounds +of the Imperial Law. As[82] that sonnes borne after their father is +aduanced to a dignitie, doe hold certaine priuiledges, which sonnes +formerly borne doe not enioy. That[83] those children which are borne +after a person is freed from any infamous or seruile condition, doe +participate onely of that libertie, and not they who were borne before. +That if a man taketh a wife in the Prouince wherein he holdeth office, +the marriage is good, if after the time his Office shall expire, they +continue in the same consent[84]: but so that the children borne before, +shall not be thereby helde for legitimate. That[85] those children which +are borne after their father is honoured with the title of +_Clarissimus_, do enioy the rights due vnto that degree of dignitie, and +not they who were borne before. That as a sonne borne after the father +hath lost his kingdome, is not esteemed for the sonne of a King[86]: so +neither hee that is borne before the father be a King[87]. + +And although these and diuers like passages of Law commonly alleadged, +doe seeme little or nothing pertinent to this purpose; for that they +concern not any vniuersall right of inheritance, which is due vnto +children after the death of their parents; but certaine particular +priuiledges and rights attributed vnto them whilest their parents were +in life, which for the most part are arbitrarie and mutable, as +depending vpon the pleasure of the Prince: Yet many Interpreters of both +Lawes haue bene drawen by these reasons to subscribe their iudgements +for this kind of Title: and namely _Pet. Cynus_, _Baldus_, +_Albericus_[88], _Iac. Rebuffus_, _& Luc. Penna_[89]. Also +_Panormitane_[90], _Collect._[91], _Dynus_[92], _Franc. Cremen._[93], +_Marti. Laud._[94], _Card. Alexander_[95], _Phil. Decius_[96], +_Alceat_[97], _Bon. Curti._[98]. And lastly, _Anton. Corsetta_[99], +deliuereth it for a common receiued and followed opinion. Which must be +vnderstood with this distinction, if the kingdome be either newly +erected, or else newly acquired by Conquest, Election, or any such +title, other then by hereditarie succession according to proximitie in +blood. For if the kingdome bee once seded in a certaine course of +succession, because the dignitie is inherent in the blood of that +stocke; because it is not taken from the father but from the ancestors; +because it is not taken onely from the ancestors, but from the +fundamentall law of the State; the eldest sonne shall indistinctly +succeede, although hee were borne before his father was King[100]. And +therefore after the kingdome of _Persia_ had been caried by succession +in some descents, when _Darius_ the King had foure sonnes, _Artaxerxes_ +the eldest, _Cyrus_ the next, and two others; _Parysates_ the wife of +_Darius_ hauing a desire that _Cyrus_ should succeede in the kingdome, +alleaged in his behalfe the same reason wherewith _Xerxes_ had preuailed +before: to wit, that shee had brought foorth _Artaxerxes_ to _Darius_, +when hee was in priuate state; but _Cyrus_ was borne to him when he was +a King. Yet _Plutarch_[101] affirmeth, that the reason which she vsed +was nothing probable, and that _Artaxerxes_ the eldest sonne was +appointed to be King. And so _Blondus_[102] and _Ritius_ doe report, +that _Bela_ the King of _Hungarie_ being dead, _Geysa_ succeeded, +although borne vnto him before he was a King. + +Others inferiour in number, but not in weight of Iudgement do affirme, +that whether a Kingdome be setled in succession, or whether by any other +title newly attained, the right to succeed by all true grounds of law +pertaineth to the eldest sonne; albeit borne before his fathers +aduancement to the kingdome, in case there be no expresse law of the +state to the contrary. The principall reason is, because this is the +nature of all successions by way of inheritance: For, if a father +purchaseth lands, leases, cattell, or other goods, the inheritance shall +bee transmitted to his eldest sonne, although borne before the purchase. +Likewise if a father be aduanced to any title of honour, as Duke, Earle, +Marquesse, &c. it was neuer, I will not say denied, but once doubted, +but that the eldest sonne should succeede in the same, albeit he was +borne before the aduancement. And therefore seeing this is the generall +rule of all other inheritable successions, and there is no reason of +singularitie in a kingdome; it followeth, that in like case the +succession of a kingdome should also descend to the eldest sonne, +although borne before the kingdome were atchieued. + +Againe, the sonne who was borne before his father was a King, had once a +right to succeede in the kingdome; for if another sonne had not +afterwards beene borne, without all question hee should haue succeeded. +But a right which a man by his owne person hath acquired; albeit in some +cases it may be diminished, yet can it not bee altogether extinguished +by any externall or casuall euent, which hath no dependencie vpon +himselfe. And so the right which the eldest sonne hath to his fathers +inheritance, may bee diminished by the birth of other children, in +regard of those goods which are to bee distributed in parts among them; +but it cannot possibly be extinguished. Neither can it bee diminished in +those things which are not of nature to bee either valued or diuided (of +which sort a Kingdome is the chiefe) but doe passe entirely vnto one. +For the right of blood which onely is regarded in lawfull successions, +is acquired and held from the natiuitie of the childe, and doth not +begin at the fathers death; at which time the inheritance doth fall. + +Lastly, if it be true in sonnes, that he shal succeede in a kingdome who +is first borne, after the father is exalted to bee a King; then is it +true also in other remote degrees of consanguinitie. And hereby it +should often happen, that when a King dieth without issue of his body, +they who are not onely inferiour in age, but more remote in degree, +should exclude both the elder and the neerer in blood; because perhaps +borne after the kingdome was attained: which is against all lawes of +lawfull succession. + +Howsoeuer the right standeth, _Henry_ the yonger brother to King +_William Rufus_, vpon aduantage of the absence of Duke _Robert_ his +eldest brother, formed this title to the Crowne of _England_. In which +pretence he was strongly supported, first by a generall inclination of +the common people, for that he had both his birth and education within +the Realme, and they were well perswaded of his good nature and +disposition. Secondly, by the fauour and trauaile of many of the +nobilitie, especially of _Henry Neuborow_ Earle of _Warwicke_. Thirdly, +(for that the sailes of popular fauours are filled most violently with +reports) by his giuing forth, that his brother _Robert_ intended neuer +to returne; for that he was elected King of _Hierusalem_, and of all +those large Countreys in _Asia_, which the Christians had lately wrung +out of the _Saracens_ hands. Lastly, by vsing celeritie the very life of +actions; for he was Crowned at _Westminster_ (as it hath bene said) vpon +the fifth day of August, in the yeere 1100. which was the third day +after his brothers death. + +In person he was both stately and strong; tall, broad brested, his +limmes fairely fourmed, well knit, and fully furnished with flesh. He +was exceeding both comely and manly in countenance, his face wel +fashioned, his colour cleere, his eyes liuely and faire, his eye-browes +large and thicke, his haire blacke and somewhat thinne towards his +forehead. He was of an excellent wit, free from ostentation; his +thoughts high, yet honourable and iust: in speach ready and eloquent, +much graced with sweetnesse of voyce. In priuate he was affable, open, +wittily pleasant, and very full of merrie simplicitie: in publicke he +looked with a graue Maiestie, as finding in himselfe cause to be +honoured. He was brought vp in the studie of Liberall Arts at +_Cambridge_, where he attained that measure of knowledge, which was +sufficient both for ornament and vse; but ranne not into intemperate +excesse, either for ostentation, or for a cloake to vnprofitable expense +of time. By his example the yong Nobilitie of the Realme began to affect +a praise for learning: Insomuch as, at a certaine enteruiew betweene the +King and Pope _Innocent_ the 2. the sonnes of _Robert_ Earle of +_Mellent_, maintained open disputations against diuers Cardinals and +Chapleines of the Pope. + +He was an exact esteemer of himselfe, not so much for his strength as +for his weakenesses: lesse inclined to confidence then to distrust; and +yet in weighty affaires resolute and firme; neuer dismaied, and alwayes +fortunate; his spirits being of force to oppose against any sort of +difficulties or doubts. Extremities made him the more assured; and like +a well knit Arch, hee then lay most strong when hee sustained the +greatest weight. Hee was no more disposed to valour, then well setled in +vertue and goodnes; which made his valour of more precious valuation. He +had good command ouer his passions; and thereby attained both peace +within himselfe, and victory ouer others. In giuing hee was moderate, +but bountifull in recompence; his countenance enlarging the worth of his +gift. Hee was prone to relieue, euen where there was least likelihood of +requitall. He hated flatterie, the poysoned sugar, the counterfeit +ciuilitie and loue, the most base brokery of wordes: yet was no musicke +so pleasing vnto him as well deserued thankes. He was vigilant and +industrious in his affaires; knowing right well that honour not onely +hath a paineful and dangerous birth, but must in like manner be +nourished and fed. + +He was somewhat immoderate and excessiue, as well in aduancing those he +fauoured, as in beating downe and disabling his enemies. The sword was +alwayes the last of his trials; so as he neuer either sought or +apprehended occasions of warre, where with honour he could reteine +peace. But if it were iniuriously vrged, he wanted neither wisedome, nor +diligence, nor magnanimous heart to encounter the danger; to beare it +ouer with courage and successe. He was frugall of the blood and +slaughter of his Souldiers; neuer aduenturing both his honour & their +liues to the hazard of the sword, without either necessitie or +aduantage. He oftentimes preuailed against his enemies more by policie +then by power; and for victories thus attained, he attributed to +himselfe the greatest glory. For wisedome is most proper to man, but +force is common and most eminent in beasts; by wisedome the honour was +entire to himselfe, by force it was participated to inferiour +Commanders, to euery priuate ordinarie Souldier: the effects of force, +are heauie, hideous, and sometimes inhumane; but the same wrought to +euent by wisedome, is, as lesse odious, so more assured and firme. + +After that he was mounted into the seate of Maiestie, hee neglected no +meanes to settle himselfe most surely therin, against the returne of his +brother _Robert_. To this end he contracted both amitie and alliance +with _Edgar_ King of _Scots_, by taking his sister _Matild_ to wife: by +which meanes he not onely remoued his hostilitie, but stood assured of +his assistance, in case his occasions should so require. Shee was +daughter to _Malcolme_ King of _Scots_, by _Margaret_ his wife; who was +sister to _Edgar_ surnamed _Adeling_, and daughter to _Edward_, sonne to +_Edmund Ironside_, the most valiant Saxon King, the scourge and terrour +of the _Danes_. So as after the death of _Adeling_ who left no issue, +this _Matild_ was next by discent from the Saxon Kings to the +inheritance of the Crowne of _England_: and by her entermariage with +King _Henry_, the two families of _Normans_ and _Saxons_ were vnited +together both in blood and title to the Crowne. This more then any other +respect made the whole nation of the _English_ not onely firme to King +_Henrie_, against his brother, but loyall and peaceable during all his +reigne: for that they saw the blood of their _Saxon_ Kings restored +again to the possession of the Crowne. + +Shee was a Lady vertuous, religious, beautifull and wise: farre from +the ordinary either vices or weakenesses incident to her sexe. She had +been brought vp among the Nunnes of _Winchester_, and _Rumsey_, whether +professed or onely veiled our writers doe diuersly report; but most +affirme that shee was professed. Yet for the common good, for the +publique peace and tranquilitie of the State, shee abandoned her deuoted +life, and was ioyned to King _Henrie_ in mariage, by consent of +_Anselme_, without any dispensation from _Rome_. Of this _Matild_ the +King begate _William_ a sonne, who perished by shipwracke; and _Matild_ +a daughter, first married to _Henry_ the fifth Emperour, by whom she had +no issue; afterward to _Geoffrey Plantagenet_ Earle of _Aniou_, by whom +shee brought foorth a sonne named _Henrie_, in whom the blood of the +Saxon Kings was aduanced againe to the gouernment of this Realme. + +Now to purchase the fauour of the Clergie, he called _Anselme_ out of +exile, and restored him both to the dignitie and reuenues of the Sea of +_Canterbury_. Other Bishoprickes and Abbeys which King _William_ kept +voide at the time of his death, hee furnished with men of best +sufficiencie and reputation. Hee committed _Radulph_ Bishop of _Durham_ +to prison, who had been both authour and agent to King _William_ in most +of his distastfull actions against the Clergie. This _Radulph_ was a man +of smooth vse of speach, wittie onely in deuising, or speaking, or doing +euill: but to honestie and vertue his heart was a lumpe of lead. Enuious +aboue all measure; nothing was so grieuous to his eyes as the +prosperitie, nothing so harsh to his eares as the commendations of +others. His tongue alwayes slauish to the Princes desires; not regarding +how truely or faithfully, but how pleasingly he did aduise. Thus as a +principall infamie of that age, hee liued without loue, and died without +pitie; sauing of those who thought it pitie that he liued so long. + +Further, to make the Clergie the more assured, the King renounced the +right which his Ancesters vsed in giuing Inuestitures; and acknowledged +the same to appertaine to the Pope. This hee yeelded at his first +entrance, partly not knowing of what importance it was, and partly being +in necessitie to promise any thing. But afterwards he resumed that right +againe; albeit in a Councell not long before held at _Rome_, the +contrary had bene decreed. For hee inuested _William Gifford_ into the +Bishopricke of _Winchester_, and all the possessions belonging to the +same. He gaue the Archbishopricke of _Canterburie_ to _Radulph_ Bishop +of _London_, and inuested him therein by a Ring and a staffe: he +inuested also two of his Chapleins at _Westminster_; _Roger_ his +Chanceller in the Bishopricke of _Salisburie_, and _Roger_ his Larderer +in the Bishopricke of _Hereford_. Further he assumed the custome of his +father and brother, in taking the reuenues of Bishopricks whilest they +remained void: and for that cause did many times keepe them a longer +season vacant in his hands, then many of the Clergie could with patience +endure. + +But especially the Clergie did fauour him much, by reason of his +liberall leaue either to erect, or to enlarge, or else to enrich +Religious buildings. For to these workes the King was so ready to giue, +not onely way, but encouragement and helpe, that in no Princes time they +did more within this Realme either flourish or increase. And namely the +house of S. _Iohn_ of _Hierusalem_ was then founded neere _Smithfield_ +in London, with the house of Nunnes by _Clerken-well_. Then were also +founded the Church of _Theukesburie_, with all Offices thereto +belonging: the Priorie and Hospitall of S. _Bartholomewes_ in +_Smithfield_, the Church of S. _Giles_ without _Creeplegate_; the +Colledge of Seculare Canons in the castle of _Leicester_; the Abbey +without the Northgate of the same towne called S. _Mary de prato_. Also +the Monasterie of S. _Iohn_ of _Lanthonie_ by _Glocester_; the Church of +_Dunmow_ in _Essex_; the Monasterie of S. _Iohn_ at _Colchester_, which +was the first house of _Augustine_ Chanons in _England_: the Church of +S. _Mary Oueries_ furnished with Chanons in _Southwarke_; the Priory of +the holy Trinity now called _Christs Church_ within _Algate_; and the +Hospitall of S. _Giles_ in the field: The Priorie of _Kenelworth_; The +Abbey of _Kenshame_; The Monasterie of _Plimpton_ in _Deuonshire_; with +the Cathedrall Church of _Exceter_; the Priorie of _Merton_; the +Colledge of _Warwicke_; the Hospitall of _Kepar_; the Priorie of _Osney_ +neere _Oxeford_; the Hospital of S. _Crosse_ neere _Winchester_; the +Priorie of _Norton_ in _Cheshire_, with diuers others. The King also +founded and erected the Priorie of _Dunstable_, the Abbey of +_Circester_, the Abbey of _Reading_, the Abbey of _Shirebourne_. Hee +also changed the Abbey of _Eley_ into a Bishops Sea; he erected a +Bishopricke at _Caerlile_, placed Chanons there, and endowed it with +many honours. These and many other Religious buildings either done, or +helped forward, or permitted and allowed by the King, much encreased the +affection of the Clergie towards him. + +Now to draw the loue of the common people, he composed himselfe to a +sober ciuilitie; easie for accesse, faire in speach, in countenance and +behauiour kind: his Maiestie so tempered with mildnesse and courtesie, +that his Subiects did more see the fruits, then feele the weight of his +high estate. These were things of great moment with the vulgar sort; who +loue more where they are louingly intreated, then where they are +benefited, or happely preserued. He eased them of many publicke +grieuances. Hee restored them to the vse of fire and candle after eight +of the clocke at night, which his father had most straitly forbidden. +Punishments of losse of member vsed before, he made pecuniarie. Hee +moderated the Law of his brother, which inflicted death for killing any +of the Kings Deere; and ordeined, that if any man killed a Deere in his +owne wood, the wood should be forfeited to the King. He permitted to +make enclosures for Parkes; which taking beginning in his time, did rise +to that excessiue encrease, that in a few succeeding ages more Parkes +were in _England_, then in all _Europe_ beside. He promised that the +Lawes of K. _Edward_ should againe be restored; but to put off the +present performance, he gaue forth, that first they should be reuiewed +and corrected, and made appliable to the present time. And albeit in +trueth they were neuer either reuiewed or corrected, yet the onely hope +thereof did worke in the people a fauourable inclination to his part. + +Whilest the King did thus Immure himselfe in the state of _England_, as +well by ordering his affaires, as by winning the hearts of the people +vnto him, Duke _Robert_ was returning from _Palestine_, by easie and +pleasurable iourneys; vsing neither the celeritie nor forecast which the +necessitie of his occasions did require. Hee visited many Princes by the +way, and consumed much time in entertainments and other complements of +Court. Hee tooke to wife as he came _Sibell_ the daughter of _Roger_ +Duke of _Apulia_ and Earle of _Cicill_, who was a _Norman_: and the +great portion of money which he receiued for her dower, he loosely +lauished foorth amongst his followers; of whom he receiued nothing +againe, but thankes when he (scattered rather then) gaue, and pitie when +he wanted. + +At the last he arriued in _Normandie_, and foorthwith was sollicited out +of _England_ by letters from many, who either vpon conscience or +discontentment fauoured his Title; and especially from _Radulph_ Bishop +of _Durham_, who had lately escaped out of prison, a man odious ynough +to vndoe a good cause; that he would omit no time, that hee would let +fall no diligence, to embarke himselfe in the enterprise for _England_: +that he had many friends there, both powerfull and sure, who would +partake with him in his dangers, although not in the honour atchieued by +his dangers: that therewith the peoples fauour towards the King did +begin to ebbe, and that it was good taking the first of the tide. +Hereupon he shuffled vp an Armie in haste; neither for number, nor +furniture, nor choise of men answerable to the enterprise in hand. Then +he crossed the Seas, landed at _Portesmouth_, and marched a small way +into the Countrey; vainely expecting the concourse and ayd which had +bene assured him out of _England_. But King _Henry_ had made so good vse +both of his warning and time to prouide against this tempest, that hee +did at once both cut from the Duke all meanes of ayd, and was ready to +encounter him in braue appointment. Hereupon many who were vnable by +Armes to relieue the Duke, by aduise did to him the best offices they +could. For they laboured both the King and him to a reconcilement; The +King with respect of his new vnsettled estate, the Duke with respect of +his weakenesses and wants; both with regard of naturall duetie and loue, +knit betweene them by band of blood. So after some trauaile and +debatement, a peace was concluded vpon these Conditions. + +_That Henry should reteine the kingdome of England, and pay to his +brother Robert 3000. markes yeerely._ + +_That if either of them should die without issue, the suruiuour should +succeed._ + +_That no man should receiue preiudice for following the part of the one +or of the other._ + +These conditions being solemnely sworne by the king and the Duke, and +twelue Noble men on either part, the Duke returned into _Normandie_, +and about two yeeres after went againe into _England_, to visit the +King, and to spend some time with him in feasting and disport. At which +time, to requite the Kings kind vsage and entertainment, but especially +to gratifie _Matild_ the Queene, to whom he was godfather, he released +to the King the annuall payment of 3000. markes. But as a wound is more +painefull the day following, then when it was first and freshly taken; +so this loose leuitie of the Duke, which was an exceeding sad and sore +blow to his estate, was scarce sensible at his departure out of +_England_, but most grieuous to him after hee had remained in +_Normandie_ a while: whereby many motions were occasioned, as well in +the one place as in the other. + +The Duke complained, that hee had bene circumuented by his brother the +King: that his courtesies were nothing else but allurements to +mischiefe; that his gifts were pleasant baites, to couer and conuey most +dangerous hookes; that his faire speaches were sugred poysons; that his +kinde embracements were euen to tickle his friends to death. _Robert +Belasme_ Earle of _Shrewsbury_, a man of great estate, but doubtfull +whether of lesse wisedome or feare, tooke part with the Duke, and +fortified the Towne and Castle of _Shrewsbury_, the Castles of +_Bridgenorth_, _Tichel_, and _Arundel_, and certaine other pieces in +_Wales_ against King _Henry_. And hauing drawen vnto him some persons of +wretched state and worse minde, whose fortunes could not bee empaired by +any euent, hee entred _Stafford shire_, and droue away light booties of +cattell; being prepared neither in forces nor in courage, to stay the +doing of greater mischiefe. + +But neither was this sudden to the King, neither was he euer vnprouided +against sudden aduentures. Wherefore encountring the danger before it +grew to perfection and strength, he first brought his power against the +Castle of _Bridgenorth_, which was forthwith rendred vnto him. The +residue followed the example (which in enterprise of armes is of +greatest moment) and submitted themselues to the Kings discretion. Onely +the Castle of _Arundel_ yeelded vpon condition, that _Robert Belasme_ +their Lord should be permitted to depart safely into _Normandie_: And +vpon the same condition they of _Shrewsbury_ sent to the King the keys +of their Castle, and therewith pledges for their allegeance. Then +_Robert_ with his brother _Ernulphus_, and _Roger_ of _Poictiers_ +abiured the Realme, and departed into _Normandie_: where being full of +rashnesse, which is nothing but courage out of his wits; and measuring +their actions not by their abilities, but by their desires; they did +more aduance the Kings affaires by hostilitie, then by seruice and +subiection they could possibly haue done. + +Also _William_ Earle of _Mortaigne_ in _Normandie_, and of _Cornewall_ +in _England_, sonne of _Robert_, vncle to the king, and brother to king +_William_ the first, required of the King the Earledome of _Kent_, which +had been lately held by _Odo_ vncle to them both. And being a man braue +in his owne liking, and esteming nothing of that which hee had in regard +of that which hee did desire, he was most earnest, violent, peremptorie +in his pursuit. Insomuch as, blinded with ambitious haste, he would +often say, that hee would not put off his vpper garment, vntill hee had +obtained that dignitie of the King. These errours were excused by the +greenenesse of his youth, and by his desire of rising, which expelled +all feare of a fall. Wherefore the King first deferred, and afterwards +moderately denied his demaund. But so farre had the Earle fed his +follies with assured expectation, that he accompted himselfe fallen from +such estate as his hungry hopes had already swallowed. Hereupon his +desire turned to rage, and the one no lesse vaine then the other: but +both together casting him from a high degree of fauour, which seldome +stoppeth the race vntill it come to a headlong downefall. + +For now the King made a counter-challenge to many of his possessions in +_England_; and thereupon seazed his lands, dismantled his castles, and +compelled him in the end to forsake the Realme. Not for any great +offence he had done, being apt to the fault rather of rough rage then of +practise and deceit; but his stubborne stoutnesse was his offence; and +it was sufficient to hold him guiltie, that he thought himselfe to haue +cause and meanes to be guiltie. So hauing lost his owne state in +_England_, he departed into _Normandie_, to further also the losse of +that countrey. There he confederated with _Robert Belasme_, and made +diuers vaine attempts against the Kings castles; neither guided by +wisedome, nor followed by successe. Especially hee vented his furie +against _Richard_ Earle of _Chester_, who was but a childe, and in +wardship to the King, whom he daily infested with inuasions and spoiles; +being no lesse full of desire to hurt, then voyd of counsaile and meanes +to hurt. + +On the other side, diuers of the Nobilitie of _Normandie_, finding their +Duke without iudgement to rule, had no disposition to obey; but +conceiued a carelesse contempt against him. For he seemed not so much to +regard his substantiall good, as a vaine breath of praise, and the +fruitlesse fauour of mens opinions, which are no fewer in varietie then +they are in number. All the reuenues of his Duchie he either sold or +morgaged; all his Cities he did alien, and was vpon the point of passing +away his principall Citie of _Roan_ to the Burgers thereof, but that the +conditions were esteemed too hard. Hereupon many resolued to fall from +him, and to set their sailes with the fauourable gale which blew vpon +the fortune of the King. To this end they offered their submission to +the King, in case he would inuade _Normandie_; whereto with many reasons +they did perswade him: especially in regard of the late hostile +attempts there made against him, by the plaine permission of the Duke +his brother, and not without his secret support. + +The King embraced the faire occasion, and with a strong Armie passed +into _Normandie_. Here he first relieued his forts, which were any wayes +distressed or annoyed; then he recouered those that were lost; Lastly, +he wanne from the Duke the towne and castle of _Caen_, with certaine +other castles besides: And by the help of the President of _Aniou_, +fired _Baion_, with the stately Church of S. _Marie_ therein. Vpon these +euents, all the Priories of _Normandie_, resembling certaine flowers, +which open and close according to the rising or declining of the Sunne; +abandoned the Duke, and made their submission to King _Henry_. So the +King hauing both enlarged and assured his state in _Normandie_, by +reason of the approch of winter, departed into _England_: but this was +like the recuiling of Rammes, to returne againe with the greater +strength. + +He had not long remained in _England_, but his brother _Robert_ came to +him at _Northampton_, to treat of some agreement of peace. Here the +words and behauiours of both were obserued. At their first meeting they +rested with their eyes fast fixed one vpon the other; in such sort as +did plainely declare, that discourtesie then trencheth most deep, when +it is betweene those who should most dearely loue. The Duke was in +demaunds moderate, in countenance and speech enclined to submisnesse; +and with a kinde vnkindnesse did rather entreate then perswade, that in +regard of the naturall Obligation betweene them by blood, in regard of +many offices and benefits wherewith he had endeuoured to purchase the +Kings loue, all hostilitie betweene them, all iniurie or extremitie by +Armes might cease. _For I call you_ (said he) _before the Seate of your +owne Iudgement, whether the relinquishing of my Title to the Crowne of +England, whether the releasing of my annuity of 3000. markes, whether +many other kindnesses, so much vndeserued as scarce desired; should not +in reason withdraw you from those prosecutions, where warre cannot be +made without shame, nor victory attained without dishonour_. + +The King vsed him with honourable respect; but perceiuing that he was +embarked in some disaduantage, conceiuing also that his courage with his +Fortune began to decline, he made resemblance at the first, to be no +lesse desirous of peace then the Duke: But afterwards, albeit he did not +directly deny, yet hee found euasions to auoyd all offers of agreement. + +The more desirous the Duke was of peace, the greater was his disdaine +that his brother did refuse it. Wherefore cleering his countenance from +all shewes of deiection or griefe, as then chiefly resolute when his +passion was stirred, with a voice rather violent then quicke, he rose +into these words. + +_I haue cast my selfe so low, as your haughty heart can possibly wish; +whereby I haue wronged both my selfe and you: my selfe, in occasioning +some suspition of weakenesse; you, in making you obstinate in your +ambitious purposes. But assure your selfe, that this desire did not +proceed from want either of courage, or of meanes, or of assistance of +friends: I can also be both vnthankefull and vnnaturall if I bee +compelled. And if all other supportance faile, yet no arme is to be +esteemed weake, which striketh with the sword of necessitie and +Iustice._ + +The King with a well appeased stayednesse returned answere; that he +could easily endure the iniurie of his angry wordes: but to men of +moderate iudgement hee would make it appeare, that hee entended no more +in offending him, then to prouide for defending himselfe. So the Duke +obseruing few complements, but such as were spiced with anger and +disdaine, returned into _Normandie_, associated to him the _English_ +exiles, and made preparation for his defence. + +The King followed with a great power, and found him in good appointment +of armes: nothing inferiour to the King in resolute courage, but farre +inferiour both in number of men, and in fine contriuance of his +affaires. For the King had purchased assured intelligence, among those +that were neerest both in place and counsaile to the Duke: in whom the +Duke found treacherie, euen when he reposed most confident trust. +Herewith Pope _Paschal_, to attaine his purpose in _England_, for +deuesting the King of inuesting Bishops; did not onely allow this +enterprise for lawful, but encouraged the King, that hee should doe +thereby a noble and a memorable benefit to his Realme. + +So, many stiffe battels were executed betweene them, with small +difference of aduantage at the first; but after some continuance, the +Dukes side (as it commonly happeneth to euill managed courage) declined +dayly, by reason of his dayly increase of wants. At the last the Duke, +wearied and ouerlayed, both with company of men and cunning working, +resolued to bring his whole state to the stake, and to aduenture the +same vpon one cast: committing to Fortune, what valour and industry +could bring forth. The king being the Inuader, thought it not his part +to shrinke from the shocke; being also aduertised that the _French_ King +prepared to relieue the Duke. On the Dukes side, disdaine, rage, and +reuenge, attended vpon hate: the King retained inuincible valour, +assured hope to ouercome, grounded vpon experience how to ouercome. + +They met vpon the same day of the moneth iust 40. yeeres, after the +great battaile of _William_ the first against King _Harold_ of +_England_. The Kings footemen farre exceeding their enemies in number, +began the charge, in small and scattering troupes; lightly assayling +where they could espie the weakest resistance. But the Dukes Armie +receiued them in close and firme order; so as vpon the losse of many of +the foremost, the residue began somewhat to retire. And now, whether the +Duke had cause, or whether confidence the inseparable companion of +courage perswaded him that he had cause; he supposed that hee had the +best of the field, and that the victory was euen in his hand. But +suddenly the King with his whole forces of horse charged him in flanke, +and with great violence brake into his battaile. Herewith the footmen +also returned, and turned them all to a ruinous rout. The Duke performed +admirable effects of valour, and so did most of the _English_ exiles: as +fearing ouerthrow worse then death. But no courage was sufficient to +sustaine the disorder; the _Normans_ on euery hand were chased, ruffled, +and beaten downe. Hereupon the Dukes courage boyling in choller, hee +doubled many blowes vpon his enemies; more furiously driuen, then well +placed and set: and pressing vp hardly among them, was suddenly engaged +so farre, that hee could not possibly recouer himselfe. So he was taken +manfully fighting, or as some other authours affirme, was beastly +betrayed by his owne followers. With him were also taken the Earle of +_Mortaigne_, _William Crispine_, _William Ferreis_, _Robert Estotiuill_, +with foure hundred men of armes, and ten thousand ordinary souldiers. +The number of the slaine on both sides, is not reported by any authour; +but all authours agree, that this was the most bloody medly that euer +had been executed in _Normandie_ before: portended as it is thought by a +Comet, and by two full Moones, which late before were seene, the one in +the East, and the other in the West. + +After this victorie the King reduced _Normandie_ entirely into his +possession, and annexed it to the Realme of _England_. Then hee built +therein many Castles, and planted garrisons; and with no lesse wisedome +assured that State, then with valour he had wonne it. When he had setled +all things according to his iudgement, he returned into _England_, +brought with him his brother _Robert_, and committed him to safe +custodie in the Castle of _Cardiff_. But either by reason of his +fauourable restraint, or else by negligence or corruption of his +keepers, he escaped away, and fled for his libertie as if it had been +for his life. Notwithstanding this proued but a false fauour, or rather +a true flatterie or scorne of Fortune. For being sharply pursued, he was +taken againe, sitting vpon horsebacke; his horse legs fast locked in +deep & tough clay. + +Then hee was committed to straight and close prison, his eyes put out +(as if hee should not see his miserie) and a sure guard set vpon him. +Thus he remained in desolate darkenesse; neither reuerenced by any for +his former greatnesse, not pitied for his present distresse. Thus hee +continued about 27. yeeres, in a life farre more grieuous then death; +euen vntill the yere before the death of King _Henrie_. So long was he a +suitor in wooing of death: so long did the one brother ouerliue his good +fortune, the other his good nature and disposition; esteeming it a faire +fauour, that the vttermost extremitie was not inflicted. Albeit some +writers doe affirme, that the Dukes eyes were not violently put out, but +that either through age or infirmitie he fell blind: that he was +honourably attended and cared for: that hauing digested in his iudgement +the worst of his case, the greatnesse of his courage did neuer descend +to any base degree of sorrow or griefe: that his braue behauiour did set +a Maiestie vpon his deiected fortunes: that his noble heart like the +Sunne, did shew greatest countenance in lowest state. And to this report +I am the more inclineable, for that it agreeth best, both to the faire +conditions, and to the former behauiours, and to the succeeding fortunes +and felicities of the King: For assuredly hee had a heart of manly +clemencie; and this was a punishment barbarously cruell: For which cause +_Constantine_[103] did forbid, that the face of man, adorned with +Celestiall beauty, should be deformed for any offence. + +Others auow that he was neuer blind; but that it was the Earle of +_Mortaigne_ whose eyes were put out. And this seemeth to be confirmed, +by that which _Matth. Paris_ and _Matth. Westm._ doe report. That not +long before the death of _Robert_, the King vpon a festiuall day had a +new robe of Scarlet brought vnto him: the cape whereof being somewhat +too streight for his head, he did teare a little in striuing to put it +on. And perceiuing that it would not serue, hee laid it aside and said: +_Let my brother Robert haue this Robe, for whose head it is fitter then +for mine_. When it was caried vnto him, being then not perfectly in +health, he espied the crackt place, and thereupon enquired, if any man +had worne it before? The messenger declared the whole matter. Which when +_Robert_ heard, he tooke it for a great indignitie, and said: _I +perceiue now that I haue liued too long, that my brother doth clothe me +like his almoseman, with cast and torne garments_. So hee grew weary of +his life: and his disease encreasing with his discontentment, pined +away, and in short time after died, and was buried at _Glocester_. + +And this was the end of that excellent commander; brought to this game +and gaze of fortune, after many trauerses that he had troden. He was for +courage and direction inferiour to none; but neither prouident nor +constant in his affaires, whereby the true end of his actions were +ouerthrowen. His valour had triumphed ouer desperate dangers: and verely +he was no more setled in valour, then disposed to vertue and goodnesse; +neuer wilfully or willingly doing euill, neuer but by errour, as finding +it disguised vnder some maske of goodnesse. His performances in armes +had raised him to a high point of opinion for his prowesse; which made +him the more vnhappy, as vnhappie after a fall from high state of honor. +He had one sonne named _William_, vpon whose birth the mother died: of +this _William_ shall somewhat hereafter be said. + +And now, as Princes oftentimes doe make aduantage of the calamity of +their neighbours, so vpon this downefall of the Duke of +_Normandie_,[104] _Fulke_ Earle of _Aniou_ sharing for himselfe, seized +vpon _Maine_, and certain other places; made large waste, tooke great +booties and spoyles; not onely out of ancient and almost hereditary hate +against the house of _Normandie_, but as fearing harme from the King of +_England_, hee endeauoured to harme him first. In like sort _Baldwine_ +Earle of _Flanders_ declared in armes against the King for a yeerely +pension of 300. markes; the occasion of which demand was this. King +_William_ the first, in recompence of the ayde which he receiued in his +enterprise for _England_, from _Baldwine_ 5. Earle of _Flanders_, payd +him yeerely three hundred markes, which after his death was continued to +his sonne. _Robert_ Earle of _Flanders_ from a collaterall line, +demanded the same Pension; but it was denied him by K. _Henrie_: +wherefore _Baldwine_ his sonne attempted now to recouer it by Armes. + +With these, or rather as principall of these, _Lewes_ the grosse King of +_France_, seeing his ouersight in permitting _Normandie_ to bee annexed +to the Realme of _England_, assembled a great armie; and vpon pretence +of a trifling quarrell about the demolishing of the Castle of _Gisors_, +declared _William_ sonne to _Robert Curtcuise_ for Duke of _Normandie_: +and vndertooke to place him in possession of that state, which his +vnfortunate father had lost. And besides those open hostilities in +Armes, _Hugh_ the kings Chamberlaine and certaine others were suborned +traiterously to kill the King: but the practise was in good time +discouered, and the conspirators punished by death. + +Hereupon the King both with celeritie and power answerable to the danger +at hand, passed the Seas into _Normandie_: hauing first drawen to his +assistance _Theobald_ Earle of _Champaine_, the Earles of _Crecie_, +_Pissaux_, and _Dammartine_, who aspired to be absolute Lords within +their territories, as were many other Princes at that time in _France_. +These deteined the _French_ King in some tariance in _France_, whilest +the King of _England_ either recouered or reuenged his losses against +the Earle of _Aniou_. At the last hee was assailed in _Normandie_ on +three parts at once: by the Earle of _Aniou_ from _Maine_, from +_Ponthieu_ by the Earle of _Flanders_, and by the _French_ King betweene +both. The King of _England_ appointed certaine forces to guard the +passages against the Earle of _Aniou_: with directions to hold +themselues within their strength, and not to aduenture into the field. +Against the Earle of _Flanders_ hee went in person; and in a sharpe +shocke betweene them the Earle was defeated and hurt, and (as some +Authors affirme) slaine: albeit others doe report, that hee was +afterwards slaine in a battaile betweene the two Kings of _England_ and +of _France_. + +After this he turned against _Lewes_ King of _France_, and fought with +him before the towne of _Nice_ in _Normandie_; which towne the _French_ +had surprised and taken from the King of _England_. This battaile +continued aboue the space of nine houres, with incredible obstinacie; +the doubt of victory being no lesse great, then was the desire: and yet +neither part so hastie to end, as not to stay for the best aduantage. +The first battaile on both sides was hewen in pieces; valour of +inestimable value was there cast away: much braue blood was lost; many +men esteemed both for their place and worth, lay groaning and grinning +vnder the heauy hand of death. The sad blowes, the grisle wounds, the +grieuous deathes that were dealt that day, might well haue moued any +man to haue said, That warre is nothing else but inhumane manhood. + +The Kings courage, guided with his Fortune, and guarded both with his +strength and his skill, was neuer idle, neuer but working memorable +effects. In all places his directions were followed by his presence; +being witnesse both of the diligence and valour of euery man, and not +suffering any good aduantage or aduise for want of timely taking to be +lost. He aduentured so farre in perfourming with his hand, that his +armour in many places was battered to his body, and by reason of the +sturdie strokes set vpon his helme, he cast blood out of his mouth. But +this was so farre from dismaying his powers, that it did rather assemble +and vnite them: so as aduancing his braue head, his furie did breath +such vigour into his arme, that his sword made way through the thickest +throngs of his enemies, and hee brake into them euen to the last +ranckes. He was first seconded by the truely valiant; whose vndanted +spirits did assure the best, and therewith contemne the very worst. Then +came in they whom despaire, the last of resolutions had made valiant; +who discerned no meanes of hope for life, but by bold aduenturing vpon +death. Lastly he was followed by all; being enflamed by this example to +a new life of resolution. Generally, the swords went so fast, that the +_French_ vnable to endure that deadly storme, were vtterly disbanded and +turned to flight. K. _Henry_ after a bloody chase, recouered _Nice_; and +with great triumph returned to _Roan_. Afterwards he would often say, +That in other battailes he fought for victory, but in this for his life: +and that hee would but little ioy in many such victories. + +Vpon this euent the King sent certaine forces into _France_, to harrase +the countrey, and to strike a terrour into the enemie. The _French_ +King, besides the abatement of his power by reason of his late +ouerthrow, was then preparing in Armes against _Henry_ the Emperour, who +intended to destroy _Rhemes_: partly drawen on by _Henry_ King of +_England_, whose daughter he had taken to wife; but chiefly for that a +Councell had bene there held against him by Pope _Calixtus_ a French +man, wherein the Emperour was declared enemie to the Church, and +degraded from his Imperiall dignitie. This brought the _English_ to a +carelesse conceit, and to a loose and licentious demeanure in their +action; a most assured token of some mischiefe at hand. And so, as they +scattered and ranged after prey (as greedy men are seldome circumspect) +they were suddenly set vpon by _Almaricke_ Earle of _Mountfort_, +appointed by the _French_ K. to defend the Country, & with no small +execution put to the chase. The more they resisted, the greater was +their losse: The sooner they fled, the more assured was their escape. +And for that they were dispersed into many small companies, they had the +better opportunitie to saue themselues. + +Many other like aduentures were enterprised betweene the two Kings and +their adherents; some in _France_, and some in _Normandie_; with large +losse on both sides. But especially the King of _France_ was most +subiect to harme; for that his countrey was the more ample, open and +rich. The King of _England_ held this aduantage, that no aduantage could +be wonne against him: which in regard of the number, valour and +greatnesse of his enemies, was a very honourable aduantage indeed. + +At the last he made peace with the Earle of _Aniou_; taking the Earles +daughter to be wife to his sonne _William_, whom he had declared for +successour in his estate; to whom all the Nobilitie and Prelates were +sworne; and who seemed to want nothing through all his fathers +dominions, but onely the name and Title of King. This sinew being cut +from the King of _France_, and also for that _Henry_ the Emperour made +preparation of hostilitie against him, he fell likewise to agreement of +peace. By the conditions whereof, _William_ sonne to the King of +_England_ was inuested into the Duchie of _Normandie_, doing homage for +the same to the K. of _France_. In this peace was comprised on the part +of the _French_ K. _William_ son to _Robert Curtcuise_, who had bene +declared Duke of _Normandie_. On the part of the king of _England_, the +Earle of _Champeigne_ and certaine other Lords were comprised; who had +either serued or aided him against the king of _France_. After this the +warres betweene the Emperour and the _French_ king did forthwith +dissolue. + +King _Henry_ hauing happily finished these affaires, returned out of +_Normandie_, and loosing from _Barbeflote_, vpon the 24. of Nouember +towards euening, with a prosperous gale arriued in _England_; where +great preparation was made to entertaine him with many well deuised +honours. His sonne _William_ then duke of _Normandie_, and somewhat +aboue 17. yeeres of age, tooke another ship; and in his company went +_Mary_ his sister Countesse of _Perch_, _Richard_ his brother, begotten +of a concubine as some affirme; and the Earle of _Chester_ with his wife +_Lucie_, who was the Kings niece by his sister _Adela_. Also the yong +Nobilitie and best knights flocked vnto him, some to discharge their +dueties, others to testifie their loue and respect. Of such passengers +the ship receiued to the number of 140. besides 50. sailers which +belonged vnto her. + +So they loosed from land somewhat after the King; and with a gentle +winde from the Southwest, danced through the soft swelling floods. The +sailers full of proud ioy, by reason of their honourable charge; and of +little feare or forecast, both for that they had bene accustomed to +dangers, and for that they were then well tippeled with wine; gaue forth +in a brauery, that they would soone outstrip the vessell wherein the +King sailed. In the middest of this drunken ioylitie the ship strake +against a rocke, the head whereof was aboue water, not farre from the +shoare. The passengers cried out, and the sailers laboured to winde or +beare off the ship from the danger; but the labour was no lesse vaine +then the cry: for she leaned so stiffely against the rocke, that the +sterage brake, the sides cracked, and the Sea gushed in at many +breaches. + +Then was raised a lamentable cry within the ship; some yeelding to the +tyrannie of despaire, betooke themselues (as in cases of extremitie +weake courages are wont) to their deuotions; others emploied all +industrie to saue their liues, and yet more in duetie to nature, then +vpon hope to escape: all bewailed the vnfortunate darkenesse of that +night, the last to the liues of so many persons both of honour and of +worth. They had nothing to accompany them but their feares, nothing to +helpe them but their wishes: the confused cries of them al, did much +increase the particular astonishment of euery one. And assuredly no +danger dismayeth like that vpon the seas; for that the place is +vnnaturall to man. And further, the vnusuall obiects, the continuall +motion, the desolation of all helpe or hope, will perplexe the minds +euen of those who are best armed against discouragement. + +At the last the boat was hoysed foorth, and the Kings sonne taken into +it. They had cleered themselues from the danger of the ship, and might +safely haue rowed to land. But the yong Prince hearing the shrill +shrikes of his Sister _Mary_ Countesse of _Perch_, and of the Countesse +of _Chester_ his cousin, crying after him, and crauing his help; he +preferred pitie before safety, & commanded the boat to be rowed back to +the ship for preseruation of their liues. But as they approached, the +boate was suddenly so ouercharged with those, who (strugling to breake +out of the armes of death) leaped at all aduentures into it, that it +sunke vnder them: and so all the company perished by drowning. Onely one +ordinary Sayler, who had been a butcher, by swimming all night vpon the +mast escaped to land; reserued as it may seeme, to relate the manner of +the misaduenture. This ship raised much matter of nouelty and discourse +abroad; but neuer did ship bring such calamitie to the Realme: +especially for that it was iudged, that the life of this Prince would +haue preuented those intestine warres, which afterwards did fall, +betweene King _Steuen_ and _Matild_ daughter to King _Henry_. The King +was so ouercharged with this heauy accident; that his reason seemed to +bee darkened, or rather drowned in sorrow. Hee caused the coasts a long +time after to bee watched; but scarce any of the bodies were euer found. +Afterwards he tooke to wife _Adalisia_ daughter to _Godfrey_ Duke of +_Louaine_, of the house of _Lorraine_: She was crowned at _Westminster_ +by _Roger_ B. of _Salisburie_, because _Radulph_ Archbishop of +_Canterburie_, by reason of his palsey was vnable to performe that +office. And yet because _Roger_ was not appointed by him, the doting old +man fell into such a pelting chafe, that hee offered to strike the Kings +Crowne from his head. And albeit this Lady was in the principall flower +both of her beauty and yeeres, yet the King had no issue by her. + +Now as after a storme a fewe gentle drops doe alwayes fall, before the +weather turnes perfectly fayre, so after these great warres in _France_, +certaine easie conflicts did ensue: neither dangerous nor almost +troublesome to the King. For _Robert_ Earle of _Mellent_, who for a long +time had continued both a sure friend, and most close and priuate in +counsaile with the King, vpon some sudden either discontentment on his +part, or dislike on the Kings, so estranged himselfe, as it was +enterpreted to be a reuolt: being charged with intent, to aduance +_William_, cousin to _William_, sonne to _Robert Curtcuise_, to the +Duchie of _Normandie_. Wherefore the King besieged, and at last tooke +his chiefe Castle called _Pont. Audomer_; and at the same time enuironed +the towre of _Roan_ with a wall. He also repaired and fortified the +Castles of _Caen_, _Arches_, _Gisore_, _Falace_, _Argentine_, +_Donfronç_, _Oxine_, _Aubrois_, _Nanroye_, _Iuta_, and the Towne of +_Vernone_ in such sort, as at that time, they were esteemed impregnable, +and not to bee forced by any enemie; except God or gold. + +In the meane time the Earle of _Mellent_, with _Hugh Geruase_ his sonne, +and _Hugh de Mountfort_ his sisters sonne, calling such as either +alliance or friendship did draw vnto them; besides those whom youthful +either age or minds had filled with vnlimited desires; whom +discontentment also or want did vainly feed with hungry hopes; entred +into _Normandy_ in armes: being so transported with desire to hurt, and +troubled with feare of receiuing hurt, that they had neuer free scope +of iudgement, either to prepare or manage the meanes to hurt. They were +no sooner entred the Confines of _Normandie_, but _William Tankeruill_ +the kings Chamberlaine came against them, brauely appointed, and +resolute to fight. The very view of an enemie turned their euill guided +furie into a feare: and whatsoeuer they did (proceeding rather from +violence of passion then ground of reason) made them stumble whilest +they ran, and by their owne disorders hindered their owne desires. So +with small difficultie they were surprised and taken, and brought to the +King; who committed them to streit prison at _Roan_. An ordinary euent +when rage runneth faster, then iudgement and power are able to hold +pace. + +About this time _Charles_ Earle of _Flanders_ as he was at his deuotions +in the Church of S. _Donatus_ in _Bruxels_, was suddenly slaine by +conspiracie of his owne people. And because hee left no issue in life, +_Lewes_ King of _France_ inuested _William_ sonne to _Robert Curtcuis_ +late Duke of _Normandie_, in the Earledome of _Flanders_; as descended +from Earle _Baldwine_ sirnamed the Pious, whose daughter _Matilde_ was +wife to King _William_ the first, and grandmother to this _William_. +This he did, not so much in fauour to _William_, or in regard of his +right, as to set vp an assured enemie against King _Henry_: an enemie +not onely of singular expectation, but proofe: whose courage was apt to +vndertake any danger; whether for glory, or for reuenge. And herein his +proiect did nothing faile. For no sooner was the Earle aduanced to that +estate, but he raised a great hostilitie against the King of _England_: +as well to recouer the Duchie of _Normandie_, as either to relieue or to +reuenge the hard captiuitie of his father. + +In this warre the Earle did winne a great opinion, both for iudgement to +discerne, and for valour to execute what hee did discerne: shewing +himselfe in nothing inferiour to his vnckle the king, but onely in +treasure and command of men. For this cause he craued supply of _Lewes_ +king of _France_; who, as he was the first that blew the cole, so was he +alwayes ready to put fuell to the flame. But the King of _England_ +entered _France_ with a strong Armie, where his sword ranged and raged +without resistance: and yet more in prosecution of prey, then in +execution of blood. He lodged at _Hesperdune_ the space of 8. dayes; no +lesse quietly, no lesse safely, then if he had bene in the principall +Citie of his kingdome. By this meanes hee kept the _French_ King from +sending succour to the Earle of _Flanders_. And in the meane season drew +_Theodoricke_ Earle of _Holsteine_, nephew to _Robert_ who had bene +Earle of _Flanders_, and _Arnoldus_ sisters sonne to Earle _Charles_, +not long before slaine, to inuade Earle _William_: Both pretending title +to his dignitie, both bringing seueral armies, consisting of men, tough +in temper, and well exercised in affaires of the field. + +_Theodorick_ vpon his first approch tooke _Bruges_, _Ipres_ and _Gandt_; +either willingly yeelding, or with small resistance: and vpon the necke +thereof _Arnoldus_ tooke the strong towne of S. _Omer_. Earle _William_ +being thus set as it were betweene the beetle and the blocke, was +nothing deiected, nothing dismayed, either in courage or in hope. And +first he went against _Arnoldus_, with a small company, but with such a +liuely countenance of a Souldier, that _Arnoldus_ fell to capitulation +for his safe departure; and so returned home as if he had bene +vanquished. Then the Earle made head against _Theodorick_, and gaue him +battaile, albeit farre inferiour to him, both for number and furniture +of his men. The fight betweene them was long, furious and doubtfull. The +_Germans_ confident in their number, which made them trust the lesse to +their valour: the _Flemings_ rather desperate then resolute, vpon +importance of their danger. And indeed it often happeneth, that good +successe at the first doeth occasion the ouerthrow of many great +actions: by working in the one side a confidence in themselues, and +contempt of their enemies; and by making the other more earnest and +entire. So at the last the violent valour of the Earle, well followed +with the braue and resolute rage of his Souldiers, did such effects, +that the _Germans_ were shaken and disordered, many slaine in the field, +and the residue chased out of _Flanders_. + +The Earle hauing now no enemie in open field, layed siege to the castle +of _Alhurst_, which was defended against him by the _English_. The +assaults were so liuely enforced, and with such varietie of inuention +and deuise; that a wide way was opened through all impediments, and the +defendants were constrained by many necessities, to desire faire +conditions of yeelding. This whilest the Earle delayed to grant, he +receiued in a certaine light conflict a wound in his hand, whereof in a +short time after he died: hauing first raised himselfe very high in +opinion with all men, for his courage, industrie and skill in Armes. And +thus Duke _Robert_ and his sonne _William_ were brought to their vnhappy +ends; rather through the malice of their Fortune, then through any bad +merit or insufficiencie in themselues: whereby the Duchie of +_Normandie_, which had bene both the cause and the seate of very great +warres, was then strongly setled in possession of King _Henry_. + +Hee was neuer infested with domesticall warres; which in regard of those +tumultuous times, is a manifest argument both of his iustice and +prouidence; the one not giuing cause, the other no hope, for his +subiects to rebel. The King of _Scots_ did homage vnto him; for what +territories I doe not determine. _Morcard_ King of _Ireland_ and some of +his successors were so appliable vnto him, that they seemed to depend +vpon his command. The _Welsh_ who hated idlenesse and peace alike, did +striue beyond their strength to pull their feete out of the mire of +subiection; but in loose straggling companies, without either discipline +or head. For this cause hee made diuers expeditions into _Wales_, where +he had many bickerings, and put many chases vpon them: but found nothing +worthy the name, either of enemie or of warre. Wherefore by maintaining +garrisons, and light troups of Souldiers, he consumed the most +obstinate, and reduced the rest to his allegeance: receiuing the sonnes +of their Nobilitie for hostages. + +At that time many Flemings inhabited in _England_; of whom some came +ouer in the time of King _William_ the first, by occasion of his mariage +with _Matild_ daughter to _Baldwine_ their Earle: but the greatest part +came vnder the reigne of this King _Henrie_, by reason that _Flanders_ +at that time by irruption of the sea, was in many places ouerflowen. The +King was willing to entertaine them, because they brought with them both +industrie and trades; because they made the Countrey both populous and +rich. For in making a place populous, it is thereby also made rich: draw +people to a place, and plentie will follow; driue away people, and it is +vndone. They were first planted neere the riuer of _Tweede_; besides +those who dispersed into diuers Townes. But at this time the King sent +many of them into _Rose_ in _Pembrokeshire_, whose progeny did euer +since maintaine themselues in good condition against the _Welsh_: being +a people euen at this day distinguished from all other bordering vpon +them, both in language, and in nature, and in fashion of life. + +On a time as the king marched through _Powesland_ in _Southwales_, hee +came to certaine streights, through which his maine army could not +passe, by reason of their multitude and traine of cariage: wherefore hee +sent the greatest part a further way about, and himselfe with a small +company tooke the neerer way thorow those streights. When he was well +entred, he was charged very sharpely, but rudely, and disordredly by the +_Welsh_; who hauing the aduantage both in number and in place, did much +annoy him from the higher ground; but durst not approach to close fight +at hand. The King himselfe was smitten with an arrow full vpon the +breast: whereat hee swore _By our Lords death_ (which was his vsuall +oath) that it was no _Welsh_ arme which shot that arrow. Many of his men +also were hurt, and the residue strangely disordred; the amazement being +farre greater then the distresse. But the king with a firme countenance +retired in time, the enemies not daring to pursue him any further, then +they might be assured by aduantage of place. Then he sent peaceably vnto +them, and after some ouertures, brought them to agree, that for a +thousand head of cattell the passage should be left open vnto him. + + +In his politicke gouernment he so managed the State, that neither +subiects wanted iustice, nor Prince obedience. He repaired many defects, +hee reformed many abuses, which would in the meane time enfeeble, and at +last oppresse the Common-wealth. Hee ordred his affaires with such +moderation, that he was not onely well obeyed by his subiects, but +highly honoured and respected by forreine Princes: wherby it appeared, +that learning may be both a guard and guide to Princes, if it be not so +immoderately affected, as to bereaue them, either of the minde, or time +for action. He vsed much seueritie in punishing offenders; seueritie, +the life of iustice; of iustice, the most assured preseruer of States: +affording no more fauour for the most part, then dead mercilesse law did +allot. Against theeues he prouided, that no money should saue them from +hanging. He ordeined that counterfeitures of money should loose both +their eyes, and be depriued of their priuie parts. He tooke away the +deceit which had been occasioned by varietie of measures, and made a +measure by the length of his owne arme: which hath been Commonly vsed +euer since by the name of a yard. + +And wheras there are two infallible signes of a diseased State; excesse +in eating, and in attire; which could neuer be restrained by penalties +or feare, but the more the people are therin forbidden, the more are +they rauished into riot and vanitie: the King by two meanes cast a +general restraint vpon them both: by example, and by reproofe: which by +reason of the inclination of men to imitate and please their Prince, +haue alwayes been of greater force then lawes, to reforme abuses in that +kind. He much abhorred excesse in eating and drinking, and was so +moderate in his owne diet, that he seemed to feede onely for necessitie +of nature. Hee both vsed and commended ciuill modestie in apparell: +especially he could not endure an absurd abuse of men in those times, in +wearing long haire like vnto women. And when their owne haire failed, +they set artificiall _Peruques_,[105] with long locks vpon their heads; +whereas by censure of the Apostle, it is reprochfull for men to weare +long haire. He discharged his Court of many loose lasciuious persons; +affirming, that they were no good instruments of the kingdome; as being +in peace chargeable, and vnprofitable for warre. + +During his absence in _Normandie_, which was sometimes three or foure +yeeres together, he committed the gouernement of his Realme to _Roger_ +Bishop of _Salisburie_: A man harmelesse in life, in mind flourishing +and fresh, in intention vpright: most wise in taking, and most faithfull +and fortunate in giuing aduise. Hee had gouerned the Kings expenses of +house when hee was but a Prince of priuate estate; whereby he gained +that reputation for integritie and skill, which aduanced him to a higher +trust. He was Doctor of the Canon and Ciuill lawes, as most of the +Bishops at that time were, and did beare the title and name of +_Iusticiarius totius Angliæ_. Hee built the _Deuises_ in _Wiltshire_, +the Castles of _Malmesburie_ and _Shireburne_. He repaired the Castle of +_Salisburie_, and enuironed the same with a wall; hee built the stately +Church at _Salisburie_, destined to a longer life then any of his other +workes. And further, by reason of the Kings much abode in _Normandie_, +the prouisions of his house were valued at certaine prices, and receiued +in money, to the great contentment and ease of the people. + +In these times were mighty woods about the place where the two high +wayes _Watling_ and _Ikening_ doe ioyne together; which woods were a +safe couert and retreite for many robbers, who much infested those high +wayes. The most famous thiefe among them, was named _Dunne_,[106] a man +mischieuous without mercie, equally greedie of blood and of spoile, the +first infamie of his name: Hee was in a sort as the most villanously +aduentrous and vile; (for in lewd actions, the worst are greatest) +Commander ouer the rest, and of him the place was called _Dunstable_. To +represse this annoyance, the King caused the woods to bee cut downe, +built there a Borough, to which hee granted Faire & Market, and that the +Burgesses should be so free as any other Burgesses within the Realme. +Hee erected there also a Palace for himselfe, and also a faire Church or +Priorie; whereto he gaue large priuiledges and endowments. By these +meanes hee made the place first populous, and consequently both +plentifull and safe. + +Many other royall workes hee performed, some for Religion, as the +Religious buildings specified before; some for strength, as diuers +Castles in _Normandie_, in _Wales_, and some also in _England_: and +namely the Castle of _Warwicke_, of _Bristoll_, the Castle Colledge and +Towne of _Windsore_ on the hill, about a mile distant from the old Towne +of _Windsore_; which afterward was much encreased by King _Edward_ the +third, and after him by many Kings and Queenes succeeding. Many Palaces +also he built for ornament & pleasure. And to this end he maintained his +Parke at _Woodstocke_, wherein hee preserued diuers sorts of strange +beasts; which because he did with many demonstrations of pleasure both +accept and esteeme, were liberally sent vnto him from other Princes. + +Hee first instituted the forme of the high Court of Parliament, as now +it is in vse. For before his time, onely certaine of the Nobilitie and +Prelats of the Realme were called to consultation about the most +important affaires of state: he caused the commons also to be assembled, +by Knights and Burgesses of their owne appointment, and made that Court +to consist of three parts; the Nobilitie, the Clergie, and the Common +people; representing the whole body of the Realme. The first Councell of +this sort was held at _Salisbury_, vpon the 19. day of April, in the 16. +yeere of his reigne. + +His seueritie in iustice, the very heart string of a Common-wealth, his +heauie hand in bearing downe his enemies, in disabling those from +working him harme whom he knew would neuer loue him at the heart; was +traduced by some vnder termes of crueltie. And yet was he alwayes more +mindfull of benefits then of wrongs; and in offences of highest nature, +euen for bearing Armes against him, he punished oftentimes by +imprisonment or exile, and not by death. + +When _Matilde_ his daughter was giuen in mariage to _Henry_ the fifth +Emperour, he tooke 3. shillings of euery hide of land throughout the +Realme: which being followed by succeeding Kings, did grow to a custome +of receiuing ayd, whensoeuer they gaue their daughters in marriage. For +albeit the same be found in the great _Custumier_ of _Normandie_, yet +was it neuer practised in _England_ before. This happened in the +fifteenth yeere of his reigne: and he neuer had the like contribution +after, but one for furnishing his warres in _France_. So the people were +not charged with many extraordinary taxations, but their ordinary fines +and payments were very great; and yet not very grieuous vnto them. For +that they saw them expended, not in wanton wast, not in loose and +immoderate liberalitie, but either vpon necessitie, or for the honour & +dignitie of the state: wherein the preseruation or aduancement of the +common good, made particular burthens not almost sensible. + +But both his actions and exactions were most displeasing to the Clergy; +the Clergy did often times not onely murmure, but struggle and oppose +against his actions: as taking their liberties to be infringed, and +their state diminished; by abasing their authority, and abating both +their riches and power. When any Bishopricke or Abbey fell voyd, hee did +apply the reuenues thereof for supply of his necessities and wants: and +for that cause kept some of them many yeeres together vacant in his +hands. He would not permit appeales to _Rome_. Canons were not of force +within the Realme, vnlesse they were confirmed by the King. Legats from +the Pope were not obeyed; and no man would come to their conuocations. +In so much as one of the Popes Legates in _France_ did excommunicate all +the Priests of _Normandy_, because they would not come to his Synode. +For this cause the King sent the Bishop of _Exceter_ to _Rome_, albeit +he was both blind and in yeeres, to treat with the Pope concerning that +businesse. Hee gaue inuestitures to Prelates, by Crosse, Ring and +Staffe: and is charged to haue receiued of some of them great summes of +money for their places. About this time the marriage of Priests was +forbidden in _England_; but the King for money permitted them to reteine +their wiues, and in the end set an imposition in that respect vpon euery +Church throughout the Realme. It auailed not any man to say, that he had +no purpose to keepe a wife: he must pay for a facultie to keepe a wife +if he would. + +For these causes they fastened the infamie of couetousnesse vpon him. +For these causes and especially for inuesting and receiuing homage of +Prelats, he had a stiffe strife with _Anselme_ Archb. of _Canterburie_. +For the King said, that it was against the custome of his ancesters, it +could not stand with the safety of his State; that the Prelats, who at +that time held the principall places both of trust and command in his +kingdome, who in very deed ruled all the rest, should not be appointed +onely by himselfe; should not sweare faith and allegiance vnto him; +should either bee aduanced or depend vpon any forren Prince. On the +other side _Anselme_ refused, not onely to confirme, but to communicate +or common friendly with those who had bene inuested by the King: +reproching them, as abortiues and children of destruction; traducing the +King also, as a defiler of Religion, as a deformer of the beautie and +dignitie of the Church. Hereupon by appointment of the King, they were +confirmed & consecrated by the Archb. of _Yorke_. Onely _William +Gifford_, to whom the K. had giuen the Bishopricke of _Winchester_, +refused Consecration from the Archb. of _Yorke_; for which cause the +King depriued him of all his goods, and banished him out of the Realme. + +Then the King required _Anselme_ to doe him homage, and to be present +with him at giuing Inuestitures; as _Lanfranck_ his predecessor had bene +with King _William_ his father. Against these demaunds _Anselme_ +obiected the decrees of the Councell lately held at _Rome_; whereby all +Lay-persons were excommunicate, who should conferre any Spiritual +promotions; and all those accursed, who for Ecclesiasticall dignities, +should subiect themselues vnder the homage or seruice of any Lay-man. +Hereupon messengers were dispatched from both parties to the Pope: who +determined altogether in fauour of _Anselme_, or rather in fauour of +himselfe. Notwithstanding the king desisted not to vrge _Anselme_, to +sweare homage vnto him. _Anselme_ required, that the Popes letters +should bee brought foorth; and he would doe as by them hee should be +directed. The King answered, that he had nothing to doe with the Popes +letters; that this was a Soueraigne right of his Crowne; that if any man +may pull these Royalties from his Crowne, he may easily pull his Crowne +from his head: that therefore _Anselme_ must doe him homage, or else +depart out of his kingdome. _Anselme_ answered, that hee would not +depart out of the Realme, but goe home to his Church, and there see, +who would offer him violence. + +Then were messengers againe sent to the Bishop of _Rome_; two Bishops +from the King, and two Monckes from _Anselme_. The King wrote to the +Pope, first congratulating his aduancement to the Sea of _Rome_; then +desiring the continuance of that amitie which had bene betweene their +predecessours; Lastly, he tendred all honour and obedience, which in +former times the Kings of _England_ did yeeld to the See of _Rome_; +desiring againe, that he might not be abridged of such vsages as his +father did enioy: concluding, that during his life, hee would not suffer +the dignities of his Crowne to be empaired; and if he should so doe, yet +the Nobilitie and common people of the Realme would in no case permit +it, but would rather recede from obedience to his See. + +The Pope wrote backe againe to _Anselme_; that for one mans pleasure hee +would not reuerse the decrees of former Popes; and therefore gaue him +both encouragement & charge, to continue constant, and to see them +obserued in euery point. Hee directed also his letters to the King, +which the King did suppresse: but his Embassadours declared by word, +that the Pope permitted Inuestitures to the King, so as in other things +hee would execute the Office of a good Prince. _Anselme_ called for the +Popes letters. The King answered, that his Bishops were to be credited +before the Monckes, who were disabled either for voyce or testimonie in +Secular affaires. _Anselme_ said, that he was desirous to yeeld vnto the +King, but he durst not although it should cost him his head, vnlesse he +had a warrant from _Rome_: and therefore he would send thither againe, +to haue a more full and ample answere. The King and diuers of the +Nobilitie perswaded him to goe in person, to trauaile to the Pope, and +to trauaile with him, for the quiet of the Church, and of his countrey. +With much adoe he was entreated, and so set forth on his iourney towards +_Rome_: and after followed the kings Embassadour _William Warlewast_, +new elect Bishop of _Exceter_. + +When the Bishop came to the Popes presence, he declared vnto him; what +great commodities did rise out of _England_ to the See of _Rome_; that +the Inuesting of Prelats had bene an ancient right to the crowne of that +Realme; that as the King was by nature liberall, so was he stout and +resolute in courage, that it should be a great dishonour to him, who in +power exceeded any of his ancesters, if hee should not maintaine the +dignities which they held; that for this cause the Pope should doe well +to preferre to his consideration, what preiudice might follow to his +Estate, if hee should remit nothing of the seuerities of those Canons +which had bene lately made. + +The Pope gaue an attentiue eare, and seemed to pause vpon that which had +been sayd. Which the Kings Ambassadour taking to be a degree of +yeelding, did more earnestly insist, and said: that the King his master +would not for the Crowne of his Realme, loose the authoritie of +inuesting his Prelates. Hereto the Pope with a starting voice and +countenance answered; _Neither will I lose the disposing of spirituall +promotions in_ England, _for the Kings head that beareth the Crowne; +before God_ (said hee) _I aduow it_. His flattering followers applauded +this speach, as proceeding from a magnanimous courage, or rather as some +flash of diuine inspiration: and the Kings Ambassador not a little +abashed, was content to descend to lower demands. In the ende it was +ordered, that the King should be restored to certaine customes which +had been vsed by his father; but that all they who had bin inuested by +the King, should be excommunicate, & that their satisfaction and +absolution should be committed vnto _Anselme_. + +Thus _Anselme_, with full saile of victorie and ioy returned towards +_England_; but the Kings Ambassadour stayed behind, to assay whether by +any meanes hee could worke the Pope to a milder minde. But when hee saw +that he trauailed in vaine, he followed _Anselme_, and ouertooke him at +_Placentia_, and there deliuered vnto him certaine priuate instructions +from the King: that if he would come into _England_, and behaue himselfe +as his predecessours had done towards the Kings father, hee should be +welcome; otherwise, you are wise enough (said hee) you know what I +meane, and may easily coniecture what will ensue. With these words he +flang suddenly away; by occasion whereof his speaches setled with a more +strong impression, and multiplied many doubtfull constructions. So the +Embassadour returned to the King; but _Anselme_ went to _Lions_, and +remained there a yeere and halfe. + +In the meane time much posting was made betweene _England_, _Lions_, +and _Rome_; but nothing was concluded, nothing could please: For neither +the Pope would yeeld to the King, nor the King to _Anselme_. At the last +_Anselme_ threatned to excommunicate the King: whereof the King being +aduertised by the Countesse _Adela_ his sister, hee desired her to come +to him into _Normandy_, and to bring _Anselme_ with her. Here the King +restored _Anselme_ to his former possessions; but his returne into +_England_ was respited, vntill the Pope had confirmed certaine things +which _Anselme_ did assure. So the King tooke his passage into +_England_, and _Anselme_ abode at the Abbey of _Beck_. Then were +dispatched for _Rome_, _William Warlewast_ mentioned before, and +_Baldwine_ Abbot of _Ramsey_; by whose meanes the controuersie was +composed betweene the King and the Pope; that the King should receiue +homage of Bishops elect, but should not inuest them by Staffe and Ring. +After this the king went into _Normandie_, and there agreed to _Anselme_ +in these points following. + + 1 _That all his Churches which had been made tributary to King + William the second should bee set free._ + + 2 _That the King should require nothing of the sayd Churches, + whilest the Sea should remaine vacant._ + + 3 _That such Priests as had giuen money to the King to reteine their + wiues, should surcease from their function the space of three + yeeres; and that the king should take no more after such maner._ + + 4 _That all such goods fruits and possessions as the King had taken + from the Sea of Canterbury, should bee restored to him at his + returne into England._ + +Thus _Anselme_ returned into _England_, and after a short time the king +followed; hauing taken his brother prisoner, and subdued _Normandie_ to +his subiection. + +Forthwith _Anselme_ by permission of the K. assembled a great Councell +of the Clergie at _Westminster_; wherein hee so wrought with the King, +that at length (albeit not without great difficultie) it was newly +decreed; that no temporal man should giue inuestiture with Crosse, or +with Ring, or with Pastoral staffe. Also he directed Iniunctions to the +Priests of his Prouince, that they and their wiues should neuer meete +within one house; that they should not keepe any woman in their house, +but such as were next in kinred vnto them; That hee who held his wife +and presumed to say Masse within eight dayes after, should solemnely be +excommunicate. That all Archdeacons and their Officials should bee +sworne, not to winke at the meetings of Priests and their wiues for any +respect, and if they would not take this oath, then to lose their +office; that such Priests as would forsake their wiues, should cease +fourty dayes from ministration in their office, and performe such +penance as should be enioyned them by their Bishop. The execution of +these Canons importing both a great and sudden alteration, occasioned +much disquiet and disorder in many parts of the Realme. + +In the same Councel the censure of Excommunication was cast vpon those, +who did exercise the vile vice of Sodomitrie: and it was further +decreed, that the same sentence should be published euery Sonday in al +the parish Churches of _England_. But afterward it was esteemed fit; +that this general excommunication should be repealed. The pretence was, +for that the prohibiting, yea, the publike naming of that vice might +enflame the hearts of vngracious persons with desire vnto it. But wise +men coniectured, that after this seuere restreint of marriage in the +Clergie, it did grow so frequent and familiar among them, that they +would not giue way to so generall a punishment. It is certaine that in +this Kings dayes _Io. Cremensis_ a Priest Cardinal, by the Kings licence +came into _England_, and held a solemne Synode at _London_; where hauing +most sharpely enueighed against the marriage of Priests, the night +following hee was taken in adulterie, and so with shame departed the +Realme. It is certaine also that _Anselme_, the most earnest enforcer of +single life, died not a Virgine; as by the lamentation which hee wrote +for the losse thereof it may appeare. + +Not long after _Anselme_ died, being of the age of 70. yeeres. He had +bestowed much money on _Christs_ Church in _Canterburie_; as well in +buildings, as in ornaments, and encrease of possessions. Other workes of +charge he left not many; neither in very deed could he, by reason of his +often banishments, and the seasures of the reuenues of his Church. But +this he did more then liberally supply by the eternall labours of his +penne. After his decease the Archbishopricke remained voyd fiue yeeres: +during which time, the King applied the fruits to himselfe. The like +hee did to other vacant Churches; and compounded also with Priests for +reteining their wiues; and made his profit by Ecclesiasticall persons +and liuings, more largely and freely then he had done before. For which +cause it is not vnlike that the imputation of couetousnesse was fixed +vpon him. At the last _Radulph_ Bishop of _Rochester_ was aduanced to +the See of _Canterburie_; and notwithstanding all former agreements and +decrees, the King inuested him with Ring and with Staffe. + +But howsoeuer we may either excuse or extenuate the two vices of +crueltie and couetousnesse, wherewith he is charged, his immoderate +excesse in lust can no wayes be denied, no wayes defended: And when age +had somewhat abated in him the heat of that humour, yet was hee too much +pleased with remembrance of his youthfull follies. For this vice it is +manifest, as well by the sudden and vnfortunate losse of his children, +as for that he was the last King by descent from males of the _Norman_ +race, that the hand of God pressed hard vpon him. + +As _Radulph_ succeeded _Anselme_ in the See of _Canterburie_. So after +the death of _Thomas_, _Thurstine_ the Kings Chapplaine was elected +Archb. of _Yorke_. And because he refused to acknowledge obedience to +the See of _Canterbury_, hee could not haue his Consecration, but was +depriued of his dignitie by the King. Hereupon he tooke his iourney to +_Rome_, complained to the Pope, and from him returned with a letter to +the King: that the putting of a Bishop elect from his Church, without +iudgement, was against diuine Iustice, against the decrees of holy +Fathers: that the Pope intended no preiudice to either Church, but to +maintaine the constitution which S. _Gregorie_, the Apostle of the +_English_ Nation, had stablished betweene them: that the Bishop elect +should be receiued to his Church, and if any question did rise between +the two Churches, it should be handled before the King. + +Vpon occasion of this letter a solemne assembly was called at +_Salisburie_, where the variance betweene the two Prelats was much +debated. _Radulph_ would not giue Imposition of hands to _Thurstine_, +vnlesse hee would professe obedience. _Thurstine_ said, that he would +gladly embrace his benediction, but professe obedience to him he would +not. The King signified to _Thurstine_, that without acknowledgement of +subiection to the Archb. of _Canterburie_, hee should not be Consecrated +Archb. of _Yorke_. _Thurstine_ replied nothing; but renounced his +dignitie, and promised to make no more claime vnto it. + +Not long after, _Calixtus_ Bishop of _Rome_ assembled a Councell at +_Rhemes_; and _Thurstine_ desired licence of the King to goe to that +Councell. This hee obtained vnder faithfull promise, that he should +there attempt nothing to the preiudice of the Church of _Canterburie_. +In the meane time the King dealt secretly with the Pope, that +_Thurstine_ should not bee consecrated by him. This the Pope did +faithfully assure; and yet by meanes of some of his Cardinals, whom +_Thurstine_ had wrought to bee suiters for him; by reason also of his +hate against _Radulph_, for taking Inuestiture from the King; The Pope +was drawen to giue him consecration, and therewith the Pall. For this +cause the King was displeased with _Thurstine_, and forbad him to +returne into the Realme. + +After this, the Pope came to _Gisors_, to which place the King went vnto +him; and desired that he would not send any Legates into _England_, +except the King should so require. The reason was, for that certaine +Legates had come into _England_ lately before, to wit, one _Guido_, and +another named _Anselme_, and another called _Peter_; who had demeaned +themselues, not as Pillars of the Church, but as Pillagers of all the +Realme. Also he required that hee might reteine all such customes, as +his auncestors had vsed in _England_ and in _Normandie_. The Pope vpon +promise that the King should ayd him against his enemies, yeelded to +these demands: and required againe of the King, to permit _Thurstine_ to +returne with his fauour into _England_. The King excused himselfe by his +oath. The Pope answered, that he might and would dispence with him for +his oath. The King craued respite, affirming that he would aduise with +his Counsaile, and then signifie to the Pope what he should resolue. So +in short time hee declared to the Pope, that for loue to him, +_Thurstine_ should bee receiued both into the Realme and to his Church: +vpon condition, that he should professe subiection to the Sea of +_Canterburie_, as in former times his predecessors had done; otherwise +(said hee) so long as I shall bee King of _England_, hee shall neuer +sit Archbishop of _Yorke_. + +The yeere following the Pope directed his letters to the King, and +likewise to _Radulph_. And herewith he interdicted both the Church of +_Canterburie_ and the Church of _Yorke_, with all the Parish Churches of +both Prouinces; from Diuine seruice, from Buriall of the dead, from all +other offices of the Church; except onely baptizing of children, and +absolution of those who shal lie at the point of death: vnlesse within +one moneth after the receit of the same letters, _Thurstine_ should be +receiued to the Sea of _Yorke_, without acknowledging subiection to the +Sea of _Canterburie_. It was further signified to the King, that he +should also be excommunicate, vnlesse hee would consent to the same. +Vpon these letters _Thurstine_ was sent for, and reconciled to the King, +and quietly placed in his Church at _Yorke_. And thus when the Bishops +of Rome had gained absolute superiority ouer the state of the Church, +euen for managing external actions and affaires (which seeme to be a +part of ciuill gouernement) there wanted nothing but either a weake +Prince, or a factious Nobilitie, or a headstrong tumultuous people, to +giue him absolute superioritie ouer all. + +In the second yeere of this Kings reigne the Cities of _Gloucester_ and +_Winchester_ were for the most part wasted with fire. + +In the fourth yeere a blasing starre appeared, and foure circles were +seene about the Sunne. The yeere next following the King preuailed much +in _Normandie_, and so did the Sea in _Flanders_: insomuch as a great +part of that Countrey lay buried in the waters. + +In the seuenth yeere a blazing starre appeared: and vpon thursday night +before Easter, two full Moones were seene, one in the East, and the +other in the West. The same yeere _Robert_ Duke of _Normandie_ was taken +& brought prisoner into _England_. + +In the tenth yeere the Abbey of _Elie_ was made a Bishops Sea, and +Cambridge shire was appointed for the Diocesse thereof. In regard +whereof, the King gaue the mannour of _Spalding_ to the Bishop of +_Lincolne_, for that the shire of _Cambridge_ was formerly vnder the +Iurisdiction of _Lincolne_. The same yeere a Comet appeared after a +strange fashion. About _Shrewsburie_ was a great earthquake. The water +of _Trent_ was dried vp at _Nottingham_ the space of a mile, from one +of the clocke vntill three: so as men might passe ouer the Channell on +foote. Warres ensued against the Earle of _Aniou_; a great mortalitie of +men; a murraine of beastes both domesticke and of the fielde: yea, the +foules perished in great abundance. + +In the 13. yeere the Citie of _Worcester_, and therein the chiefe +Church, the Castle, with much people were consumed with fire. A pigge +was farrowed with a face like a childe. A chicken was hatched with foure +legs. The yeere next ensuing the riuer of _Medeway_ so fayled for many +miles, that in the middest of the channell the smallest boates could not +floate. In the _Thames_ also was such defect of water, that betweene the +Tower and the Bridge many men and children did wade ouer on foote. This +happened by reason of a great ebbe in the Ocean, which layd the sands +bare many miles from the shoare, and so continued one whole day. Much +rage and violence of weather ensued, and a blasing starre. The Citie of +_Chichester_ with the principall Monastery was burnt. The yeere next +following almost all the Bridges in _England_ being then of timber, by +reason of a hard Winter were borne downe with Ice. + +In the 17. yeere the towne of _Peterborough_ with the stately Church +were burned to the ground. The Citie of _Bath_ also was much ruined and +defaced with fire. In March there happened fearefull lightning, and in +December grieuous thunder and haile. The Moone at both times seemed to +be turned into blood, by reason of the euill qualited vapours through +which it gaue light. The yeere following, _Mathild_ the Queene departed +this life: a woman in pietie, chastitie, modestie, and all other vertues +nothing inferiour to her mother; but in learning and iudgement farre +beyond her: who did not act, nor speake, nor scarce thinke any thing, +but first it was weighed by wisdome and vertue. When the king desired +her in marriage, for the publicke good and tranquilitie of the State, in +reducing the _Saxon_ blood to the Crowne; she first modestly, then +earnestly refused the offer; shewing no lesse magnanimitie in despising +honours, then others doe in affecting them. But when she was not so much +perswaded as importuned to forsake her profession, she is reported by +some to haue taken the matter so to heart, that she cursed such issue +as she should bring forth: which curse did afterwards lie heauie vpon +them. For her sonne _William_ perished by shipwrack, and her daughter +_Matild_ was neuer voyd of great vexations. As she trauailed ouer the +riuer of _Lue_, at the _Old-foord_ neere _London_, she was well washed, +and somewhat endangered in her passage: whereupon he caused two +Stone-bridges to be built ouer the same riuer, one at the head of the +towne of _Stratford_, the other ouer another streame thereof, commonly +called _Channels-bridge_; and paued the way betweene them with grauel. +She gaue also certaine mannours, and a mill called _Wiggon_ mill, for +repairing of the same bridges and way. These were the first +Stone-bridges that were made in _England_. And because they were arched +like a bow, the towne of _Stratford_ was afterwards called _Bow_. + +In the 20. yere, a great earthquake hapned, in the moneth of September. +In the 22. yeere, the Citie of _Glocester_, with the principal +Monasterie was fired againe. The yeere next following, the Citie of +_Lincolne_ was for the most part burned downe, and many persons perished +with the rage of the flame. In the 27. yeere, the King receiued an oath +of the chiefe of the Prelats and Nobilitie of the Realme; that after +his death, they should maintaine the kingdom against al men for his +daughter _Matild_, in case she should suruiue, and the king not leaue +issue male in life. + +In the 30. yeere, the Citie of _Rochester_ was much defaced with fire, +euen in the presence and view of the King. The yeere next following the +oath to _Matild_ was receiued againe. About this time the King was much +troubled with fearefull dreames; which did so affright him, that he +would often leape out of his bed, and lay hand on his sword, as if it +were to defend himselfe. This yeere as he returned out of _Normandie_ +into _England_, when he had bene caried not farre from land, the winde +began to rise, and the Sea swelled somewhat bigge. This weather did +almost suddenly encrease to so dangerous a storme, that all expected to +be cast away. The King, dismayed the more by his sonnes mishap, +reconciled himselfe to God; and vowed to reforme many errours of his +life, if he did escape. So after his arriuall, he went to the Monasterie +of S. _Edmund_; and there both ratified and renued the promise he had +made. After this he was better ordered in his actions; he erected a +Bishopricke at _Caerlile_, and endowed it with many honours: he caused +Iustice indifferently to be administred; and eased the people of the +tribute called _Dane guilt_. + +In the 32. yeere, _Matilde_ daughter to the King was deliuered of a +sonne, who was named _Henry_. Hereupon the king assembled his Nobilitie +at _Oxeford_, where he did celebrate his feast of Easter; and there +ordeined, that shee and her heires should succeed him in the kingdome. +And albeit they were often sworne to this appointment; albeit _Stephen_ +Earle of _Bloise_ was the first man who tooke that oath: yet was he the +first who did rise against it; yet did many others also ioyne with him +in his action. For oathes are commonly troden vnder foote, when they lye +in the way, either to honour or reuenge. The same yeere the Citie of +_London_ was very much defaced with fire. + +The yeere next following, many prodigies happened, which seemed to +portend the death of the King, or rather the troublesome times which did +thereupon ensue. In the moneth of August, the Sunne was so deepely +eclipsed, that by reason of the darkenesse of the ayre, many starres did +plainely appeare. The second day after this defect of light, the earth +trembled with so great violence, that many buildings were shaken downe. +_Malmesb._ sayth, that the house wherein he sate, was lift vp with a +double remooue, and at the third time setled againe in the proper place. +The earth in diuers places yeelded foorth a hideous noyse; It cast +foorth flames at certaine rifts diuers dayes together, which neither by +water nor by any other meanes could be suppressed. + +During the time of the eclipse mentioned before, the King was trauersing +the sea into _Normandie_; whither hee vsually went, sometimes euery +yeere, but euery third yeere at the furthest. Here he spent the whole +yeere following, in ordering affaires of State, and in visiting euery +corner of the Countrey. He neuer gaue greater contentment to the people, +as well by his gifts, as by his gentle and courteous behauiour: he neuer +receiued greater contentment from them, by the liuely expressing of +their loue. But nothing did so much affect him with ioy, as that his +daughter _Matild_ had brought foorth other two sonnes, _Geoffrey_ and +_William_: whereby hee conceiued, that the succession of his issue to +the Crowne of _England_ was so well backed, that he needed not to +trouble his thoughts with any feare that his heires would faile. + +At the last he began to languish a little and droupe in health; and +neither feeling nor fearing any great cause, hee rode on hunting, to +passe it ouer with exercise and delight. Herewith being somewhat +cheered, hee returned home, and eate of a Lamprey, albeit against his +Physicians aduise, which meate he alwayes loued, but was neuer able well +to digest. After this, and happely vpon this vicious feeding, he fell +into a feuer; which increased in him by such dangerous degrees, that +within seuen dayes it led him to the period of his life. Hee died vpon +the first of December, in the 67. yere of his age: when hee had reigned +35. yeeres and foure moneths, wanting one day. His bowels and eyes were +buried at _Roan_: The rest of his bodie was stuffed with salt, wrapped +vp in Oxe hides, and brought ouer into _England_; and with honourable +exequies buried in the Monastery of _Reading_, which hee had founded. +His Physician who tooke out his braines, by reason of the intolerable +stinch which breathed from them, in short time after ended his life. So +of all that King _Henrie_ slue, this Physician was the last. + +He had by his first wife a sonne named _William_, who perished by +shipwracke; and _Matild_ a daughter, who was espoused to the Emperour +_Henrie_ the 5. when she was scarce sixe yeeres olde, and at the age of +eleuen yeeres was married vnto him. When shee had been married vnto him +twelue yeeres, he died; and shee returned to the King her father, both +against her owne minde, and against the desire of the greatest Princes +of the Empire: who in regard of her wise and gracious behauiour, were +suitors to the King more then once, to haue her remaine as Empresse +among them. But the king would not consent to their intreatie: For that +shee was the onely heire to his Crowne. Then many great Princes desired +her in marriage. But the King bestowed her vpon _Geoffrey_, sonne to +_Fulke_ Earle of _Aniou_: somewhat against her owne liking, but greatly +to the suretie of his estate in _France_. By him she had _Henrie_, who +afterwards was King of _England_. + +Further, the King had by a Concubine, _Richard_ a sonne, and _Mary_ a +daughter; who were lost vpon the sea with their brother _William_. By +another Concubine hee had a sonne named _Robert_, whom he created Earle +of _Glocester_: a man for valour of minde and abilitie of bodie +inferiour to none; in counsailes so aduised, as was fit for a right +Noble commander. By his faith, industrie, and felicitie chiefly, his +sister _Matild_ did afterwards resist and ouerbeare, both the forces and +fortunes of King _Stephen_. He is reported to haue had 12. other +bastards; which were of no great either note or continuance, according +to that saying of the Wise man: _Bastard plants take no deepe +rootes_.[107] + +This King in the beginning of his Reigne made many fauourable lawes: And +namely, _That he would reserue no possessions of the Church vpon their +vacancies: that the heires of his Nobilitie should possesse their +fathers lands without redemption from him, and that the Nobilitie +likewise should afford the like fauour to their Tenants: that Gentlemen +might giue their daughters and kinsewomen in marriage without his +licence, so it were not to his enemie: that the widow should haue her +ioynture, and not be compelled to marrie against her owne liking: that +the mother or next of kinred should bee Guardian of the lands of her +children: that all debts to the Crowne and certaine offences also should +bee remitted_. But these lawes afterwards were but slenderly obserued. + +Three vertues were most famous in him; wisedome, courage, and +sweetenesse of speach. By the last hee gained much fauour from the +people. By the other two he purchased, both peace at home, and victory +abroad. He was noted also for some vices: but out of doubt they were +farre exceeded by his vertues. And for these vices also, being himselfe +of a pleasant disposition, he was well pleased with pleasant reproofes. +_Guymund_ his Chapleine (obseruing that vnworthy men for the most part +were aduanced to the best dignities of the Church) as he celebrated +Diuine seruice before him, and was to read these words out of S. +_Iames_; [_It rained not vpon the earth iij. yeres and vj. +moneths_:][108] Hee did read it thus: [_It rained not vpon the earth +one, one, one yeres, and fiue, one, moneths_.] The King obserued this +reading, and afterwards rebuked his Chapleine for it: But _Guymund_ +answered, that he did it of purpose, for that such readers were soonest +preferred by the King. The King smiled, and in short time after +preferred him to the gouernment of S. _Frideswides_ in _Oxeford_. In +this King failed the heires male of King _William_ the first: and then +the Crowne was possessed by Title of heires generall. + +In these times flourished two excellent ornaments of the Church; +_Anselme_ in _England_, and _Bernard_ in _France_: both of them enrolled +in the list of Saints. And no lesse infamous for vice was _Gerard_, +Archbishop of _Yorke_; a man of some learning; not so much in substance, +as in seeming and shew; of commendable wit, which he applied chiefly, to +giue a couler for euery vice of his owne, and for euery vertue of others +either a slander or a ieast: Of enuious disposition; plagued lesse with +his owne calamities, then with the well either doing or being of other +men; in wiping money from his Subiects by dishonest meanes, subtill and +shamelesse; and no lesse sordide in his expences: giuen to Magicall +enchantments as many doe affirme. On a certaine day as he slept vpon a +cushion after dinner, in his Garden at _Southwell_, and many of his +Chapleines walked neere him; he was found in such a stiffe cold dead +sleepe, as will require the trumpe of an Archangel to awake him. His +face then looked with an ougly hell-burnt hue. His body was caried to +_Yorke_; few vouchsafing to accompany, none to meete it (according to +the vse of Exequies) when it came to the Citie; but the boyes in scorne +throwing stones at the hearse. He was basely buried without the Church +without any funerall solemnities, without any signe either of honour or +of griefe. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[1] Senticetum. + +[2] Scriptor omnium sceleratissimus. + +[3] Mendacissimus. + +[4] Adulator. + +[5] _Lib._ 3. _in princ. Ingulph. lib._ 6. _cap._ 19. + +[6] {pollakis de toi nothoi te polloi gnêsiôn ameinones.} Eurip. in +Androm. + +[7] + + _Rich. 1._ + |-----|-----| + | | + _Rich. 2._ _Emma._ + 1. 1. + _Robert._ _Edward._ + 1. + _William._ + +[8] _Heu vani monitus, fiustráq; morantia Parcas Prodigia. Lucan._ + +[9] _Flo. lib._ 2. _Eutr. lib._ 4. _epit. Liu._ 59. + +[10] _Eutro. lib._ 6. _epit. Liu._ 93. + +[11] _Cic. Agrar. orat._ 2. _Liu. lib._ 70. + +[12] _Tacit. lib._ 14. + +[13] _Tacit. An._ 17. + +[14] _Salust. bel. Iug._ + +[15] 1. _Reg._ 9. + +[16] _Geogr._ 3. + +[17] _Tritem. cap._ 22. + +[18] _Theod. Nehem. lib._ 2. _cap._ 25. + +[19] _Arg. l. creditor. & l. Claudius. D qui pot. in pign. ha._ + +[20] _Moribus antiquis res stat Romana Virisque. Aeneid._ + +[21] _Imperium ijs artibus facilime retinetur quibus partum est. Sal. +Catil._ + +[22] _Quos viceris caue amicos tibi credas. Curt. lib._ 7. + +[23] _Tranquil. in Calig_. + +[24] _Nicet. pag._ 19. {houtô chronô kratynthe ethos genous kai +thrêskeias estin ischyroteron.} + +[25] _Chrys. orat._ 76. {peri ethous}, _Suid. dict._ {ethos}. + +[26] _Agath. lib._ 2. {eudêlon men hoti dê tôn anthrôpeiôn ethnôn hôs +hekastos eige hotôdêoun nomô ek pleistou nenikêkoti embioteusaien, +touton dê ariston hêgountai kai thespesion.} + +[27] _Temperatus enim timor est qui cohibet, assiduus & acer ad +vindictam excitat. Senec. 1. de clemen._ + +[28] _Perfecto demum scelere, magnitudo eius intelligitur. Tacit. xv. +Annal._ + +[29] 3. _Reg._ 1. & 2 + +[30] 2. _Paral._ 11. + +[31] _Bald. in proem. decr. §. rex. nu._ 11. _Archid._ 2. _q._ 7. _§ +item obijcitur._ + +[32] _Gen._ 49. + +[33] _Iust. lib._ 16. + +[34] _Host. Io. And. Collect. Pet. Anch. Anto. Imo. Card. Flo. & sere +omnes in c. licet de Voto._ + +[35] _L. si arrogator. D. de Arrog. l. 3 de interd. & rel._ + +[36] _Io. And. in c. significasti de fo. comp. Pan. cons._ 85. _li._ 1. +_Molin. consuet. Paris. tit._ 1. § 85. _gl._ 3. _q._ 2. _infi._ + +[37] _Iust. lib._ 34 + +[38] _Iust. lib._ 16. + +[39] _Pausan. lib._ 1. _Iustin. lib._ 39. + +[40] _Girard. lib._ 1. _de l'estate._ + +[41] _D. Benedict. in. rep. c. Rainutius Verb. in eodem testamento le._ +1. _nu._ 209. + +[42] _Io. de terr. Rub. concl._ 9. 10. 11. 12. + +[43] _Li._ 1. _de l'estate de France._ + +[44] _In c. vlt._ 24. _q._ 1. + +[45] _In Polyhim._ + +[46] _L. ex hoc D. de Iust. & iure._ + +[47] _In Epist. ad O nagr. & in gen._ 49. + +[48] _Chrys. hom._ 5. _aduers. Iudæos._ + +[49] _Glo. Pan. in. c._ 1. _de cens. Luc. Pen. in l. decurio. c. de +decu. lib._ 10. + +[50] _Gen._ 4. 7. + +[51] _Deut._ 21. 17. + +[52] _Exo._ 13. & 22. & 34. _Levit._ 27. _Num._ 3. & 8. & 18. _Neh._ 10. +_Ezech._ 44. _Luc._ 2. 23. + +[53] _Io. Ign. in. qu. An. Rex Franciæ recognoscat superiorem. col._ 28. +_Ang. in l. cum Prætor. § non autem. D. de Iudi. Ias. in l. nemo D. de +leg._ 1. + +[54] _L._ 1. _c. de tut. vel. cur. Illustr. c. grandi. de sup. negl. +præl._ + +[55] _Herod. in Terpsych._ + +[56] _Herod. ibidem Pausan. lib._ 7. + +[57] _Plut. Aemil. in eius vita. Oros. lib._ 3. _cap._ 2. + +[58] _Plut. in Lisandr._ + +[59] _Ioseph. Ant._ 14. _cap._ 1. + +[60] _Liu. lib._ 1. 2. _belli Punici._ + +[61] _Allobroges._ + +[62] _Plut. in eius vita._ + +[63] _Mich. Riccius._ + +[64] _Cons._ 20. _lib._ 2. + +[65] _De l'estate de France. lib._ 1. + +[66] Onely the Persians had rather a superstition then a law, that no +man might be King who had but one eye: for which cause _Cosroes_ the +sonne of _Cabades_ was preferred before _Bozi_ his elder brother. +_Procop. lib._ 1. + +[67] _Bald. cons._ 389. _l._ 1. _Socin. cons._ 47. _l._ 3. _Card. Alex. +in c._ 1. _tit. an. mut. vel imperfect. And. Isern. in c. vlt. tit. +episc. vel Abb._ + +[68] _L. vlt. D. de senat. l._ 3. _D. de interd. & rel. l._ 2. _c. de +libert. & eo. lib. l. Diui. D. de iure patr. l. quæritur. D. de bo. lib. +Pan. cons._ 85. _l. 1. Io. And. in c. significasti. de fo. comp._ + +[69] _Nubrig. lib._ 1. _ca._ 3. + +[70] _Nihil est quod male narrando non possit deprauarier. Ter. in Eun._ + +[71] {kalon ti glôss' hotô pistis parê}, _Eurip. Res pulchra lingua cui +siet fides._ + +[72] {tous stratiôtas ploutizete, tôn oligôn pantôn kataphroneite.} +_Milites ditate, reliquos omnes spernite. Severus apud Dionem._ + +[73] _Concilium Baronense._ + +[74] _Hæc conditio principum vt quicquid faciant præcipere videantur. +Quint. declam._ 4. + +[75] _Quæ fato manent quamuis significata non vitantur. Tacit._ 1. +_hist._ + +[76] _Seris venit vsus ab annis._ Ouid. 6. Metam. + +[77] _In Polyhim._ + +[78] _Iust. lib._ 2. _Plut. de fraterna beneuolentia._ + +[79] _Antiq. lib._ 16. _cap._ 3. + +[80] _Guicc. lib._ 1. _Blond. decad._ 2. _lib._ 2. + +[81] _Sigeb. in Chron._ + +[82] _L. neque Doroth._ 61. _l. doctitij_ 63. _l. neminem._ 64. _cum l. +pen. & vit. C. de decur. lib._ 10 _l. ex libera._ 6. _C. suis & legit._ + +[83] _L. imperialis._ 23. _§ his illud. C. de nupt. l. quincunque_ 7. +_C. de princip. agent. in reb._ + +[84] _L. eos qui._ 65. _D. de rit. nupt. l. Etsi_ 6. _C. de nupt._ + +[85] _L. senator._ 11. _C. de dignit. lib._ 10. + +[86] _L. emancipatum._ 7. _D. de Senat. facit l. Diuo Marco._ 11. _C. de +quæst. l._ 3. _D. de Interd. & rel. l._ 2. _C. de lib. & eor. libe._ + +[87] _Gl. in d. l. Imperialis. Bar. in l. si. Senator. C. de dig. li._ +12. _Bald. in l. cum suis D. de lib. posth. Anch. & Phil. Franc. in c. +ne aliqui de priuil. li._ 6. 4. _Ana. in c._ 2. _de Iudæ. facit l. ex +libera. C. de su. & le. l. j. § fi. D. de bo. po. co. ta. l. si neque. +§. si deport. D. de bon. libert. l. filij. §. senatores. D. ad +municipia. l. quicunq; C. de princ. agen. in reb. lib._ 12. _& ib. Luc. +Pen._ + +[88] _In d. l. Imperialis. § illud._ + +[89] _In l. si Senat. C. de dign. li._ 12. + +[90] _In c. licet. de Vot._ + +[91] _In c. ex tenore. qui fil. sunt legit._ + +[92] _In l._ 2 _§. in filijs. D. de Decu. & in l. moris. §. sed vtrum D. +de poenis._ + +[93] _Sing._ 50. _& ib. addit._ + +[94] _In tract. primogen._ + +[95] _In c. Adrianus. di._ 63. + +[96] _In c. inter ceteras de rescrip._ + +[97] _In l. bona fides. D. deposit._ + +[98] _In tract. nobilitatis. part._ 3. _ad fin._ + +[99] _In tract. de poten. & excellentia regia._ + +[100] _Pet. Iac. in. arb. succ. Reg. Franc. Io. Ray. in c. prætereà. de +prohi. feud. ali. & in tract. nobil. q._ 10. _Iac. à S. Georgio. in +tract. feud. D. Benedict. in rep. c. Ramutius. n._ 200. _de test._ + +[101] _In Artax._ + +[102] _Blond. dec._ 2. _lib._ 6. _Mich. Ritius. de Reg. Hung. lib._ 6. + +[103] _L. si quis. C. de poenis._ + +[104] {dryos pesousês pas anêr xyleuetai.} + +[105] 1. Cor. 11. 14. + +[106] _Dunne_ a famous thiefe. + +[107] _Sapien._ 4. 3. + +[108] _Iam._ 5. 17. + + + + + * * * * * * + + + + +Transcriber's note: + + Original spellings were retained, including inconsistent + spellings. + + Sidenotes have been repositioned as Endnotes. + + Macrons have been replaced with the appropriate nasal (n, m). + + Errata have been corrected in the text. + + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LIVES OF THE III NORMANS, KINGS +OF ENGLAND: WILLIAM THE FIRST, WILLIAM THE SECOND, HENRIE THE FIRST*** + + +******* This file should be named 38513-8.txt or 38513-8.zip ******* + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/3/8/5/1/38513 + + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at <a href = "http://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a></pre> +<p>Title: The Lives of the III Normans, Kings of England: William the First, William the Second, Henrie the First</p> +<p>Author: John Hayward</p> +<p>Release Date: January 7, 2012 [eBook #38513]</p> +<p>Language: English</p> +<p>Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1</p> +<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LIVES OF THE III NORMANS, KINGS OF ENGLAND: WILLIAM THE FIRST, WILLIAM THE SECOND, HENRIE THE FIRST***</p> +<p> </p> +<h3>E-text prepared by<br /> + Mark C. Orton, Steven Gibbs, Rory OConor,<br /> + and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team<br /> + (http://www.pgdp.net)</h3> +<p> </p> +<hr class="pg" /> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1"></a></span></p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"> +<img src="images/p001a.png" width="600" height="215" alt="Illustration" /> +</div> + + + + +<h1><big>THE LIVES OF</big><br /> +THE III. NORMANS,<br /> +<i>KINGS OF</i><br /> +<span class="smcap"><small>England:</small></span></h1> +<h2> +<span class="smcap">William</span> the first.<br /> +<span class="smcap">William</span> the second.<br /> +<span class="smcap">Henrie</span> the first.</h2> + +<h3>Written by I. H.</h3> + +<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Mart.</span> <i>Improbè facit qui in alieno libro ingeniosus est.</i></p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 360px;"> +<img src="images/p001b.png" width="360" height="101" alt="Illustration" /> +</div> + +<p class="center"><big>¶ IMPRINTED AT</big><br /> +LONDON BY <i>R.B.</i><br /> +<i>ANNO 1613.</i></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2"></a></span></p> + + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<h3>Table of Contents</h3> + + +<div class="center"> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="toc"> +<tr><td align="left"><a href="#dedication">Dedication</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><a href="#WILLIAM_I">William the first</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><a href="#WILLIAM_2">William the second</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><a href="#KING_HENRY">Henry the first</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><a href="#footnotes">Footnotes</a></td></tr> +</table></div> + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">3</a></span></p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><a name="dedication" id="dedication"></a> +<img src="images/p003a.png" width="600" height="150" alt="Illustration" /> +</div> + + + + +<h2><big>TO THE HIGH</big><br /> +AND MIGHTIE<br /> +<span class="smcap"><small>Prince</small></span><br /> +<i>CHARLES</i><br /> +<i><small>Prince of Wales.</small></i> +</h2> + +<hr class="full" /> + +<h3> +<span class="smcap">Most</span> <i>Illustrious</i> <span class="smcap">Prince</span>:<br /> +</h3> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 117px;"> +<img src="images/p003b.png" width="117" height="123" alt="O" /> +</div> +<p>vr late, too late borne, or too soone +<i>dying Prince, <span class="smcap">Henry</span> of famous memorie, +your deceased brother, sent for +mee, a few monethes before his death. +And at my second comming to his presence, +among some other speeches, hee +complained much of our Histories of <span class="f">England</span>; and that the <span class="f">English</span> Nation, +which is inferiour to none in Honourable actions, should be +surpassed by all, in leauing the memorie of them to posteritie. For +this cause hee blamed the negligence of former ages: as if they +were ignorant of their owne deseruings, as if they esteemed themselues +vnworthie of their worth.</i></p> + +<p><i>I answered, that I conceiued these causes hereof; One, that +men of sufficiencie were otherwise employed; either in publicke +affaires, or in wrestling with the world, for maintenance or encrease +of their priuate estates. Another is, for that men might +safely write of others in a tale, but in maner of a History,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">4</a></span> +safely they could not: because, albeit they should write of men +long since dead, and whose posteritie is cleane worne out; yet some +aliue, finding themselues foule in those vices, which they see obserued, +reproued, condemned in others; their guiltinesse maketh +them apt to conceiue, that whatsoeuer the words are, the finger +pointeth onely at them. The last is, for that the Argument of our +<span class="f">English</span> historie hath bene so soiled heretofore by some vnworthie +writers, that men of qualitie may esteeme themselues discredited +by dealing in it.</i></p> + +<p><i>And is not this (said he) an errour in vs, to permit euery man +to be a writer of Historie? Is it not an errour to be so curious in +other matters, and so carelesse in this? We make choise of the most +skilfull workemen to draw or carue the portraiture of our faces, +and shall euery artlesse Pensell delineate the disposition of our +minds? Our apparell must be wrought by the best Artificers, and +no soile must be suffered to fall vpon it: and shall our actions, shall +our conditions be described by euery bungling hand? Shall euery +filthie finger defile our reputation? Shall our Honour be basely +buried in the drosse of rude and absurd writings? Wee are carefull +to prouide costly Sepulchers, to preserue our dead liues, to preserue +some memorie what wee haue bene: but there is no monument, +either so durable, or so largely extending, or so liuely and +faire, as that which is framed by a fortunate penne; the memory +of the greatest Monuments had long since perished, had it not +bene preserued by this meanes.</i></p> + +<p><i>To this I added; that I did alwayes conceiue, that we should +make our reckoning of three sorts of life: the short life of nature, +the long life of fame, and the eternall life of glorie. The life of +glorie is so farre esteemed before the other two, as grace is predominant +in vs: the life of fame before our naturall life is so farre +esteemed, as a generous spirit surmounteth sensualitie; as humane +nature ouerruleth brutish disposition. So farre as the noble nature +of man hath dominion in our minds, so farre do we contemne, +either the incōmodities, or dangers, or life of our body, in regard +of our reputation and fame. Now seeing this life of fame is both +preserued and enlarged chiefly by history; there is no man (I suppose) +that will either resist, or not assist, the commendable or at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">5</a></span> +least tolerable writing thereof, but such as are conscious to themselues, +either that no good, or that nothing but ill, can bee reported +of them. In whom notwithstanding it is an errour to thinke, +that any power of the present time, can either extinguish or obscure +the memorie of times succeeding. Posteritie will giue to euery +man his due: Some ages hereafter will affoord those, who +will report vnpartially of all.</i></p> + +<p><i>Then he questioned whether I had wrote any part of our <span class="f">English</span> +Historie, other then that which had been published; which +at that time he had in his hands. I answered, that I had wrote +of certaine of our <span class="f">English</span> Kings, by way of a briefe description +of their liues: but for historie, I did principally bend, and binde +my selfe to the times wherein I should liue; in which my owne +obseruations might somewhat direct me: but as well in the one as +in the other I had at that time perfected nothing.</i></p> + +<p><i>To this he said; that in regard of the honour of the time, hee +liked well of the last; but for his owne instruction, he more desired +the first: that he desired nothing more then to know the actions +of his Auncestours; because hee did so farre esteeme his descent +from them, as he approached neere them in honourable endeauours. +Hereupon, beautifying his face with a sober smile, he +desired mee, that against his returne from the progresse then +at hand, I would perfect somewhat of both sorts for him, which +he promised amply to requite; and was well knowen to be one who +esteemed his word aboue ordinary respects. This stirred in mee, +not onely a will, but power to perfourme; so as engaging my duety +farre aboue the measure either of my leisure or of my strength, +I finished the liues of these three Kings of <span class="f">Norman</span> race, and certaine +yeeres of Queene <span class="smcap">Elizabeths</span> Reigne.</i></p> + +<p><i>At his returne from the Progresse to his house at <span class="f">S. Iames</span>, +these pieces were deliuered vnto him; which hee did not onely +courteously, but ioyfully accept. And because this seemed a perfect +worke, he expressed a desire that it should be published. Not +long after he died; and with him died both my endeauours and +my hopes. His death, alasse! hath bound the liues of many vnto +death, face to face; being no wayes able, either by forgetfulnesse +to couer their griefe, or to diminish it with consideration.</i></p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">6</a></span></p> + +<p><i>For in trueth he was a Prince of a most Heroical heart: Free +from many vices which sometimes accompanie high estates, full +of most amiable and admirable vertues: of whose perfections the +world was not worthy. His eyes were full of pleasant modestie; +his countenance manly beautifull; in bodie both strongly and delicately +made; in behauiour sweetely sober, which gaue grace to +whatsoeuer he did. He was of a discerning wit; and for the facultie +of his mind, of great capacitie and power, accompanied with +equall expedition of will: much foreseeing in his actions, and for +passions a commander of himselfe; and of good strength to resist +the power of prosperitie. In counsaile he was ripe and measured, +in resolution constant, his word euer led by his thought, and followed +by his deede. And albeit hee was but yong and his nature +forward and free, yet his wisedome reduced both to a true +temper of moderation; his desires being neuer aboue his reason, +nor his hopes inferiour to his desires. In a word, hee was the most +faire fruit of his Progenitours, an excellent ornament of the present +age, a true mirrour to posteritie: being so equally both setled +to valour, and disposed to goodnesse and Iustice, as hee expressed +not onely tokens, but proofes, both of a courage, and of a grauitie +and industrie right worthie of his estate.</i></p> + +<p><i>Glorious Prince, my loue and duety hath caried me further, +then happily is fit for the present purpose: and yet this is but an +earnest onely of my earnest affection and zeale to thy Honour. +I shall hereafter haue a more proper place to display at large, +the goodlinesse of thy shape, the goodnesse of thy nature, the +greatnesse of thy minde: all thy <span class="f">perfections</span>, whereby our <span class="f">affections</span> +were much enflamed. And euillworthy may he be of any +happy hopes, who will not adde one blast of his breath, to make vp +the glorious gale of thy fame.</i></p> + +<p><i>In the meane time I haue here accomplished his desire in publishing +this worke: More to testifie to the world the height of his +heart, then for any pleasure I haue to set foorth any thing, to the +view of these both captious and vnthankefull times; wherein +men will be, not readers onely, but interpreters, but wresters, but +corrupters and deprauers of that which they reade; wherein men +thinke the reproofe of others, to be the greatest parcell of their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">7</a></span> +owne praise. But how should I expect any better vsage? The +Commentaries of <span class="f">Cæsar</span>, neuer disliked before, are esteemed by +<span class="f">Lypsius</span>, a dry saplesse piece of writing. The most famous <span class="f">Tacitus</span> +is tearmed by <span class="f">Alceate</span>, <a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a><span class="f">a thicket of thornes</span>; by <span class="f">Budæus</span>, <a name="FNanchor_2_2" id="FNanchor_2_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_2_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a> +<span class="f">a most lewd Writer</span>; by <span class="f">Tertullian</span>, <a name="FNanchor_3_3" id="FNanchor_3_3"></a><a href="#Footnote_3_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a><span class="f">an exceeding +lyar</span>; by <span class="f">Orosius</span>, <a name="FNanchor_4_4" id="FNanchor_4_4"></a><a href="#Footnote_4_4" class="fnanchor">[4]</a><span class="f">a flatterer</span>; then which assuredly he is nothing +lesse. I will not expect any better vsage, I will not desire it; +I will hereafter esteeme nothing of any worth, which hath not +many to detract from it.</i></p> + +<p><i>Whatsoeuer this is, I haue presumed to present it to your +Highnesse, for these causes following: First, for that it receiued +this being from him, who was most dearely esteemed by you; +who may be iustly proposed, as an example of vertue, as a guide +to glory and fame. Secondly, for that the persons of whom it +treateth, are those most worthy Ancestors of yours, who laid the +foundation of this English Empire; who were eminent among +all the Princes of their times, and happely for many ages after, as +well in actions of Peace as of Warre. Lastly, for that I esteeme +Histories the fittest subiect for your Highnesse reading: For by +diligent perusing the actes of great men, by considering all the +circumstances of them, by comparing Counsailes and meanes +with euents; a man may seeme to haue liued in all ages, to haue +beene present at all enterprises; to be more strongly confirmed in +Iudgement, to haue attained a greater experience, then the longest +life can possibly affoord.</i></p> + +<p><i>But because many errours doe vsually arise, by ignorance of +the State wherein we liue; because it is dangerous to frame rules +of Policie out of Countreys differing from vs, both in nature, +and custome of life, and forme of gouernment; no Histories are +so profitable as our owne. In these your Highnesse may see, the +noble disposition and delights of your Ancestors; what were their +sweete walkes, what their pleasant Chases: how farre they preferred +glory, before either pleasure or safetie; how by the braue +behauiour of their sword, they hewed honour out of the sides of +their enemies. In these you may see, the largenesse, commodities, +and strength of this Countrey; the nature of the people,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">8</a></span> +their wealth, pleasure, exercise and trade of life, and what else +is worthy of obseruation. Generally, by these you may so furnish +your selfe, as not easily to be abused either by weake or deceitfull +aduise.</i></p> + +<p><i>The Most <span class="f">High</span> preserue and prosper your <span class="f">Highnesse</span>: that +as you <span class="f">succeed</span> many excellent Ancestours in blood, so you may +exceed them all in Honourable atchieuements.</i></p> + + +<p class="center">Your Highnesse</p> +<p class="center">most deuoted,</p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">I. Hayward</span>.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"> +<img src="images/p008.png" width="600" height="169" alt="Illustration" /> +</div> + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">9</a></span></p> + + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><a name="WILLIAM_I" id="WILLIAM_I"></a> +<img src="images/p009a.png" width="600" height="144" alt="Illustration" /> +</div> + + + + +<h2><big>THE LIFE OF</big><br /> + +KING WILLIAM<br /> + +<small><span class="smcap">The First</span>,<br /> + +<i>Sirnamed Conquerour</i>.</small></h2> + +<hr class="full" /> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 115px;"> +<img src="images/p009b.png" width="115" height="108" alt="R" /> +</div> +<p>obert Duke of +<i>Normandie</i>, the sixth in descent +frō <i>Rollo</i>, riding through +<i>Falais</i> a towne in <i>Normandie</i>, +espied certaine yong persons +dauncing neere the way. And as he stayed to +view a while the maner of their disport, he fixed +his eye especially vpon a certaine damosell +named <i>Arlotte</i>; of meane birth, a Skinners +daughter, who there daunced among the rest. +The frame and comely carriage of her body, +the naturall beautie and graces of her countenance, +the simplicitie of her rurall both behauiour +and attire pleased him so well, that the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">10</a></span> +same night he procured her to be brought to +his lodging; where he begate of her a sonne, +who afterward was named <i>William</i>.</p> + +<p>I will not defile my writing with memory of +some lasciuious behauiour which she is reported +to haue vsed, at such time as the Duke approched +to embrace her. And doubtfull it is, +whether vpon some speciall note of immodestie +in herselfe, or whether vpon hate towards +her sonne, the English afterwards adding an +aspiration to her name (according to the naturall +maner of their pronouncing) termed euery +vnchast woman <i>Harlot</i>.</p> + +<p>It is remembred by some, rather seruile then +fond in obseruations, who will either finde or +frame predictions for euery great action or +euent; that his mother before the time of her +deliuery had a dreame, that her bowels were +extended ouer <i>Normandie</i> and <i>England</i>. Also, +that at the time of his birth, he fell from his mothers +body to the ground; and there filled both +his hands with rushes, which had bene cast +thicke vpon the floore, and streined them with +a very streit gripe. The wiues laughed at +large, and soone grew prodigall of idle talke. +But the Midwife somewhat more soberly said;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">11</a></span> +That he should not onely hold well his owne, +but graspe somewhat from other men.</p> + +<p>When he was about 9. yeeres of age, his +father went vpon deuotion to <i>Hierusalem</i>; and +in his returne died at the Citie of <i>Nice</i>. So +<i>William</i> at that age succeeded his father; hauing +then very generous and aspiring spirits, both to +resist abroad, and to rule at home. Hee was +committed to the gouernment of two of his +vnckles; and the French King was entreated by +his father to take vpon him the protection, +both of his person and State. But his vnckles +pretended title to his dignitie, by reason of his +vnlawfull birth; the King of France also desired +much and had often attempted to reduce +<i>Normandie</i> to his absolute subiection, as it was +before the inuasion of the <i>Normans</i>. So as it +may seeme he was committed to these Tutors, +as a Lambe should be committed to the tutelage +of wolues. The onely meanes of his preseruation +consisted in a factious Nobilitie, deuided +into so many parts, as there were parties: +Some contending for possession of the yong +Dukes person; others, of his authoritie and +power; all of them incompatible to endure either +equals, or els superiours: All of them vni<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">12</a></span>ted +against a common enemie; all deuided among +themselues.</p> + +<p>Here it may be demanded how he being +vnlawfully borne, could succeed his father in +the dutchie of <i>Normandie</i>; his father leauing +two brothers borne in lawfull marriage, and +much other legitimate kindred behind him.</p> + +<p><i>Will. Malmesburie</i><a name="FNanchor_5_5" id="FNanchor_5_5"></a><a href="#Footnote_5_5" class="fnanchor">[5]</a> and some others haue reported, +that albeit hee was borne out of marriage, +yet Duke <i>Robert</i> his father did afterwards +entertaine his mother for lawfull wife: +which by the Law of that Countrey, agreeable +in that point to the Ciuill and Canon Lawes, +sufficed to make the issue inheritable, although +borne before.</p> + +<p>And further, it was a generall custome at +that time in France, that bastards did succeed, +euen in dignities of highest condition, no otherwise +then children lawfully begotten. +<i>Thierrie</i> bastard of <i>Clouís</i>, had for his partage +with the lawfull children of the same <i>Clouís</i>, +the Kingdome of <i>Austrasie</i>, now called <i>Lorraine</i>. +<i>Sigisbert</i> bastard of King <i>Dagobert</i> the +first, had his part in the Kingdome of France, +with <i>Clouís</i> the 12. lawfull sonne to <i>Dagobert</i>. +<i>Loys</i> and <i>Carloman</i> bastards of King <i>Loys le<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">13</a></span> +Begue</i>, succeeded after the death of their father. +So likewise in <i>England</i>, <i>Alfride</i> bastard +sonne of <i>Oswine</i>, succeeded his brother <i>Egfride</i>. +So <i>Adelstane</i> the bastard sonne of <i>Edward</i> the +elder, succeeded his father, before <i>Edmund</i> and +<i>Eldred</i> his yonger brothers; notwithstanding +they were lawfully begotten. So <i>Edmund</i>, surnamed +the <i>Martyr</i>, Bastard sonne to King <i>Edgar</i>, +succeeded him in the state, before <i>Ethelbred</i> +his lawfull issue. Afterward, <i>Harold</i> surnamed +<i>Harefoote</i>, bastard to <i>Canutus</i>, succeeded +him in the kingdome, before <i>Hardicanutus</i>, +his lawfull sonne. The like custome hath +been obserued in <i>Spaine</i>, in <i>Portugale</i>, and in +diuers other countreys. And it is probable +that this vse was grounded vpon often experience, +that bastards (as begotten in the highest +heate and strength of affection) haue many +times been men of excellent proofe, both in +courage and in vnderstanding. This was verified<a name="FNanchor_6_6" id="FNanchor_6_6"></a><a href="#Footnote_6_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a> +in <i>Hercules</i>, <i>Alexander</i> the Great, <i>Romulus</i>, +<i>Timotheus</i>, <i>Brutus</i>, <i>Themistocles</i>, <i>Arthur</i>: in +<i>Homer</i>, <i>Demosthenes</i>, <i>Bion</i>, <i>Bartholus</i>, <i>Gratian</i>, +<i>Peter Lumbard</i>, <i>Peter Comestor</i>, <i>Io. Andreas</i>, and +diuers of most flourishing name: among whom +our <i>Conquerour</i> may worthily be ranged.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">14</a></span></p> + +<p>And yet in the third race of the Kings of +<i>France</i> a law was made, that bastards should +not inherite the Crowne of the Realme. This +custome was likewise banished out of <i>England</i>, +and other countreys of <i>Europe</i>. Notwithstanding +in <i>France</i>, other bastards of great houses +were still aduowed.</p> + +<p>The exercises of this Duke from his verie +youth were ingenuous, manly, decent, & such +as tended to actiuitie and valure: Hee was of a +working minde and vehement spirit, rather +ambitious then onely desirous of glory: of a +piercing wit, blind in no mans cause, and well +sighted in his owne: of a liuely and present courage; +neither out of ignorance, or rash estimation +of dangers, but out of a true iudgement +both of himselfe and of them. In peace he was +politicke: In warre valiant and very skilfull, +both to espie, and to apprehend, and to follow +his aduantages: this valure and skill in militarie +affayres, was alwayes seconded with good +successe. He was continually accustomed both +to the weight and vse of armour, from his very +childhood. Oftentimes hee looked death in +the face with a braue contempt. He was neuer +free from actions of armes; first vpon necessity<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">15</a></span> +to defend himselfe, afterwards vpon ambition +to offend and disturbe the possessions of others.</p> + +<p>In his first age he was much infested with rebels +in <i>Normandie</i>; who often conspired both +against his life, and against his dignitie and +State; traducing him, as a bastard, as a boy, as +borne of a base ignoble woman, as altogether +vnworthy to be their Prince. Of these, some he +appeased and reconciled vnto him: others he +preuented, and dispersed their power before it +was collected: others hee encountred in open +field, before he had any haire vpon his face; +where hee defeated their forces in full battell, +then tooke their strongholds, and lastly chased +them out of his dominion.</p> + +<p>And first <i>Roger Tresnye</i>, hauing gained exceeding +great both fauour and reputation by +his seruices against the <i>Sarasins</i> in <i>Spaine</i>, made +claime to the duchie of <i>Normandie</i>; as one +lawfully descended from <i>Rollo</i> their first Duke. +And albeit many others were before him in +title, yet (said he) if they will sit still; if they, either +through sloath, which is ill, or through +feare, which is worse, will abandone the aduenture, +he alone would free the <i>Normans</i> from<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">16</a></span> +their infamous subiection. He was followed +by many, partly vpon opinion of his right, but +chiefly of his valour. But when he brought his +cause to the arbitrement of Armes, hee was ouerthrowne +in a strong battaile, wherein his +claime and his life determined together.</p> + +<p>After this, <i>William</i> Earle of <i>Arques</i>, sonne to +<i>Richard</i> the second, and vnckle to Duke <i>William</i>, +vpon the same pretence declared himselfe +against his nephew. And albeit the <i>Normans</i> +were heauie to stirre in his fauour, yet hee so +wrought with the French King, by assuring +him great matters in <i>Normandie</i>; that with a +mightie armie of his owne people, hee went in +person, to place him in possessiō of that dutchy. +The way which the King tooke, led him to a +large valley, sandie and full of short bushes and +shrubs; troublesome for horsemen either to +fight or to march. On either side were rising +hils, very thicke set with wood. Here the Armie +entred with small aduisement, either for clearing +the passage, or for the safetie of their carriages. +The Vaward consisted chiefly of battle-axes +and pikes. In the right wing were many +<i>Almans</i> among the <i>French</i>. In the left were +many of <i>Aniou</i> and <i>Poictou</i>. After these fol<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">17</a></span>lowed +the baggage, with an infinite number of +scullians, carters and other base drudges attending +vpon it. Next came the French King +with the maine battaile, consisting for the most +part of valiant and worthy Gentlemen, brauely +mounted. The lances and men at Armes +cloased the Rereward.</p> + +<p>When they were well entred this valley, +the <i>Normans</i> did liuely charge vpon them in +head; they deliuered also their deadly shot +from the hils on both sides, as thicke as haile. +Notwithstanding the Vantgard, casting themselues +into a pointed battaile in forme of a +wedge, with plaine force of hand made themselues +way; and marching in firme and close +order through the thickest of their enemies, +gained (albeit not without great losse) the top +of a hill, and there presently encamped themselues. +The like fortune happily might the residue +haue had, if they had followed with the +like order and courage. But failing herein, the +right wing was hewed in pieces: the left wing +was broken and beaten vpon the carriages; +where ouerbearing and treading downe one +an other, they receiued almost as much hurt +from themselues, as they did from their ene<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">18</a></span>mies. +The maine battaile and Rereward aduancing +forward to rescue the carriage, were +first miserably ouerwhelmed with a storme of +arrowes from the hill on both sides: and the +gallant horses once galled with that shot, +would no more obey or endure their riders; +but flinging out, either ouerthrew or disordred +all in their way. And the more to encrease the +miserie of that day, the dull and light sand +which was raised, partly by the feete of horses +and men, and partly by violence of the wind, +which then blew full in the faces of the <i>French</i>, +inuolued them all as in a thicke and darke +cloud; which depriued them of all foresight +and direction in gouerning their affaires. The +valiant was nothing discerned frō the coward, +no difference could be set betweene contriuance +and chance: All laboured in one common +calamitie, and euery one encreased the +feare of his fellow.</p> + +<p>The <i>Normans</i> hauing well spent their shot, +and perceiuing the <i>French</i> in this sort both disordered +and dismayed, came downe from the +hils where they houered before; and falling to +the close stroke of battaile-axe and sword, most +cruelly raged in the blood of their enemies. By<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">19</a></span> +whom if any sparke of valour was shewen, being +at so great disaduantage, it was to no purpose, +it was altogether lost; it was so farre from +relieuing others, that it was not sufficient to defend +themselues. And doubtlesse no thing so +much fauoured the state of the <i>French</i> that +day, as that the number of the <i>Normans</i> sufficed +not to enclose them behind. For then they +had bene entrapped as Deere in a toile; then +not one of them could haue escaped. But the +entrance of the valley remayning open, many +fled backe to the plaine ground; tumbling together +in such headlong hast, that if the <i>Normans</i> +had sharply put vpon them the chase, it +is certaine that they had bene extreemely defeated. +But the Duke gaue ouer the execution +vpon good aduise. For knowing himselfe not +to be of force vtterly to vanquish the <i>French</i>, he +assayed rather by faire forbearance to purchase +their friendship.</p> + +<p>Here the French king assembled his broken +companies, and encamped them for that night +so well as he could. The ioy of their present +escape expelled for the time all other respects. +But after a little breathing, their remembrance +began to runne vpon the losse of their cariages;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">20</a></span> +whereby they had lost all meanes to refresh +themselues. Of their Vaward they made a +forelorne reckoning, and the like did the Vaward +of them. Many were wounded, all wearied; +and the <i>Normans</i> gaue notice by sounding +out their instruments of warre, that they +were at hand on euery side. The rudest of the +Souldiers did boldly vpbraid this infortunitie +to the King; one asked him where his Vaward +was, where were his wings, where were the residue +of his battell, and Rereward. Others called +for the cariages, to preserue those in life +who had not been slaine. Others demanded +if he had any more mouse-traps to leade them +into. But most sate heauy and pensiue, scarce +accounting themselues among the liuing. The +King swallowed downe all with a sad silence, +sometimes he dissembled as though he had not +heard; sometimes hee would fairely answere; +<i>Good words, good souldiers; haue patience a while, +and all will be well</i>: which was indeede a truer +word then he thought it possible to bee when +he spake it.</p> + +<p>In this extremity the King assembled the +chiefe of his commanders, to aduise with them +what was best to be done. It was generally con<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">21</a></span>cluded, +that in staying their case was desperate; +and dangerous it was to stirre. But here lay +the question; whether it was least dangerous +to remoue together, or euery man to shift for +himselfe. Whilest this point was in debating, +whilest they expected euery minute to be assailed, +whilest no man saw any thing but death +and despaire; behold, a messenger came from +the Duke, not to offer but to desire peace; and +to craue protection of the French king, according +to the trust which <i>Robert</i> the Dukes father +reposed in him. There needed not many +words to perswade. Peace was signed, protection +assured, in a more ample maner then it was +required. Then the messenger with many good +words appeased the Kings heauinesse, telling +him, that his Vaward was safe, his cariages not +touched, and that he should be furnished with +horses both for burthen and draught, in stead +of those that had been slaine. These words, as +a sweete enchantment, rauished the <i>French</i> +King with sudden ioy. But when they came to +gather vp their baggage, a spectacle both lamentable +and loathsome was presented vnto +them. The valley couered, and in some places +heaped with dead bodies of men and horses:<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">22</a></span> +many not once touched with any weapon, +lay troden to death, or else stifled with dust +and sand: many grieuously wounded, reteined +some remainder of life, which they expressed +with cries and groanes: many not mortally +hurt, were so ouerlaid with the slaine, that +they were vnable to free themselues: towards +whom it is memorable, what manly both pitie +and helpe the <i>Normans</i> did affoord. And +so the <i>French</i> King more by courtesie of his +enemies, then either by courage or discretion +of his owne, returned in reasonable state +to <i>Paris</i>.</p> + +<p>Vpon these euents of open hostilitie, <i>Guy</i> +Earle of <i>Burgogne</i>, who had taken to wife <i>Alix</i>, +daughter to Duke <i>Richard</i> the second, and +Aunt to Duke <i>William</i>, conspired with <i>Nicellus</i> +president of <i>Constantine</i>, <i>Ranulph</i> Vicecount of +<i>Bayon</i>, <i>Baimond</i>, and diuers others, suddenly +to surprise the Duke, and slay him in the night. +A certaine foole, (nothing regarded for his +want of wit) obseruing their preparations, secretly +got away, and in the dead of the night +came to <i>Valogne</i>, where the Duke then lay; no +lesse slenderly guarded with men, then the +place it selfe was sleight for defence. Here he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">23</a></span> +continued rapping at the gate, and crying +out, vntill it was opened, and hee brought to +the presence of the Duke. To whom he declared +the conspiracie, with circumstances of +such moment, that the Duke foorthwith +tooke his horse, and posted alone towards +<i>Falais</i>, an especial place for strength for defence. +Presently after his departure the conspirators +came to <i>Valogne</i>, they beset the house, they enter +by force, they search euery corner for the +Duke: And finding that the game was start, +and on foote, in hote haste they pursued the +chase.</p> + +<p>About breake of day the Dukes horse tired, +and he was ignorant of his right way. He was +then at a little village called <i>Rie</i>, where the +chiefe Gentleman of the place was standing at +his doore ready to goe abroad. Of him the +Duke enquired the next way to <i>Falais</i>. The +Gentleman knew the Duke, and with all duetie +and respect desired to know the cause of his +both solitarie and vntimely riding. The Duke +would willingly haue passed vnknowne; but +perceiuing himselfe to be discouered, declared +to him the whole aduenture. Hereupon the +Gentleman furnished him with a fresh horse,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">24</a></span> +and sent with him two of his sonnes to conduct +him the direct way to <i>Falais</i>.</p> + +<p>No sooner were they out of sight, but the +conspirators came, and enquired of the same +Gentleman (who still remained at his doore) +whether he saw not the Duke that morning: as +if, forsooth, they were come to attend him. +The Gentleman answered, that he was gone a +little before, and therewith offered them his +company to ouertake him. But he lead them about +another way, vntill the Duke was safely +alighted at <i>Falais</i>. And thus the more we consider +these and the like passages of affaires, the +lesse we shall admire either the wisdome, or industry, +or any other sufficiencie of man. In actions +of weight it is good to employ our best endeuours; +but when all is done, he danceth well +to whom Fortune doeth pipe.</p> + +<p>When the conspirators vnderstood that +their principall purpose was disappointed, they +made themselues so powerfull in the field, that +the Duke was enforced to craue ayde of the +King of <i>France</i>; who not long before was his +greatest enemie. The King preferring to his +remembrance the late honourable dealing of +the Duke, came in person vnto him; by whose<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">25</a></span> +countenance and aide the Duke ouerthrew his +enemies in a full battell, in the vale of <i>Dunes</i>: +albeit not without great difficultie, and bold +aduenture of his owne person. <i>Guy de Burgogne</i> +escaped by flight, and defended himselfe +in certaine castles which he had fortified in +<i>Normandie</i> for his retreite; but in the end hee +rendred both himselfe and them to the Dukes +discretion. The Duke not onely pardoned +him, but honoured him with a liberall pension; +which he did afterward both with valiant and +loyall seruice requite.</p> + +<p>Not long after, the French King had wars +against <i>Ieoffrey Martell</i>, and Duke <i>William</i> went +with a faire companie of Souldiers to his ayde. +In this seruice he so wel acquited himselfe, both +in iudgement and with hand, that the French +King was chiefly directed by him; onely blaming +him for too carelesse casting himselfe into +the mouth of dangers; imputing that to ostentation, +which was but the heate of his courage +and age. Oftentimes hee would range +from the maine battell with very fewe in his +company; either to make discoueries, or to encounter +such enemies as could not bee found +with greater troupes. Once hee withdrew<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">26</a></span> +himselfe onely with foure, and was met with +by fifteene of the enemies. The most forward +of them he strake from his horse, and brake his +thigh with the fall. The residue hee chased +foure miles; and most of them being hurt, tooke +seuen prisoners. Hereupon <i>Ieoffrey Martell</i> +then said of him; that he was at that time the +best souldier, and was like to prooue the best +commander in the world.</p> + +<p>And as hee was both fauourable and faithfull +towards them who fairely yeelded, so against +such as either obstinately or scornefully +caried themselues, he was extreamely seuere, +or rather cruell. When hee besieged <i>Alençon</i>, +which the Duke of <i>Aniou</i> had taken from +him, the defendants would often crie from the +walles, <i>La pel, La pel</i>; reproaching him thereby +with the birth of his mother. This base insolencie, +as it enflamed both his desire and courage +to atchieue the enterprise, so did it his fury, to +deale sharpely with them when they were subdued; +by cutting off their hands and feete; and +by other seuerities which were not vsuall.</p> + +<p>Besides these, some others of his owne blood +prouoked <i>Engelrame</i> Earle of <i>Ponthieu</i> to moue +against him in armes: but the Duke receiued<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">27</a></span> +him with so resolute valour, that the Earle was +slaine in the field, and they well chastised who +drew him to the enterprise. The <i>Britaines</i> did +often feele the force of his victorious armes. +Hee had many conflicts with <i>Ieoffrey Martell</i> +Earle of <i>Aniou</i>, confederate with the Princes of +<i>Britane</i>, <i>Aquitaine</i>, and <i>Tours</i>; a man equall vnto +him both in power and in skill to command, +but in fortune and in force of arme much inferiour. +Many excellent atchieuements were +performed betweene them; insomuch as their +hostilitie seemed onely to bee an emulation in +honour. Once the Duke fell into an ambushment +addressed for him by the Earle of <i>Aniou</i>; +wherewith he was so suddenly surprized, that +he was almost in the midst of the danger before +he thought any danger neere him. An exceeding +great both terrour and confusion seazed +vpon his souldiers; because the more sudden +and vncertaine a perill is, the greater is it alwayes +esteemed. Many of his brauest men +were slaine; the residue so disordered, or at +least shaken, as they began to thinke more of +their particular escape, then of the common either +safety or glory.</p> + +<p>When they were thus vpon the point to dis<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">28</a></span>band, +the Duke rather with rage then courage +cried vnto them, <i>If you loue me not Souldiers, yet +for shame follow me; for shame stand by mee; for +shame let not any of your friends heare the report, +that you ran from mee and left me fighting.</i> With +that he threw himselfe into the thickest throng +of his enimies, and denounced those either +traitours or cowards who would not follow. +This example breathed such braue life into his +Souldiers, that they rallied their loose rankes, +and in close order seconded him with a resolute +charge: encouraging one another, that it +was shameful indeede not to fight for him, who +so manfully did fight with them. The Duke +brandishing his sword like a thunderbolt, dung +downe his enemies on euery side; made at +Earle <i>Martell</i> in the midst of his battallion, +strake him downe, claue his helmet, and cut away +one of his eares. This so diuerted the <i>Aniouans</i> +to the rescue of their Earle, that they let +the other part of the victorie goe. The Earle +they recouered againe to horse, and so left the +Duke master of the field. Verely, it is almost +impossible, that a commander of such courage +should haue, either faint or false hearted +Souldiers.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">29</a></span></p> + +<p>Now it happened not long before, that <i>Fulc</i> +Earle of <i>Aniou</i> hauing drawen <i>Herbert</i> Earle of +<i>Maine</i> vnder faire pretenses to <i>Xantonge</i>, cast +him in prison, from whence he could not be released +vntill he had yeelded to certaine conditions, +both dishonourable and disaduantageable +vnto him. <i>Hugh</i> succeded <i>Herbert</i>; from +whom <i>Ieoffrey Martell</i> Earle of <i>Aniou</i> tooke the +citie of <i>Maine</i>, and made himselfe lord of all the +countrey. <i>Hugh</i> hauing lost his dominion, left +both his title and his quarrell to his sonne <i>Herbert</i>: +who hauing no issue, appointed Duke +<i>William</i> to bee his heire. Hereupon the Duke +inuaded <i>Maine</i>, and in short time subdued the +whole countrey, and built two fortifications for +assurance thereof; hauing first sent word to the +Earle of <i>Aniou</i>, vpō what day the worke should +begin. The Earle vsed all diligence and means +to impeach the buildings; but hee not onely +failed of that purpose, but further lost the countie +of <i>Medune</i>.</p> + +<p>Againe, <i>Henry</i> King of <i>France</i> did many other +times with great preparation inuade his +Countrey; sometimes with purpose to winne +vpon him, and sometimes to keepe him from +winning vpon others. Vpon a time the King<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">30</a></span> +led his troupes ouer the foord of <i>Dine</i>; and +when halfe his army had passed, the other halfe +by reason of the rising of the Sea, was compelled +to stay. The Duke apprehending the aduantage, +came vpō them with a furious charge, +being now deuided from the chiefe of the Armie; +and either slew them or tooke them prisoners, +in the plaine view of their King. After +this they concluded a peace, whereof the conditions +were, That the Duke should release +such prisoners as he had taken; and that hee +should retaine whatsoeuer he had wonne, or +afterwards should winne from the Earle of <i>Aniou</i>. +And yet the King did againe enterprise +vpon him, with greater forces then at any time +before: But the Duke entertained his Armies +with so good order and valoure, that the King +gained nothing but losse and dishonour: and +the greater his desire was of victorie and reuenge, +the more foule did his foiles and failings +appeare; which so brake both his courage and +heart, that with griefe thereof (as it was conceiued) +hee ended his life. And thus during all +the time that he was onely Duke of <i>Normandy</i>, +he was neuer free from action of armes: in all +his actions of armes hee was caried with a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">31</a></span> +most rare and perpetuall felicitie.</p> + +<p>As he grew in yeeres, so did he in thicknesse +and fatnesse of body: but so, as it made him +neither vnseemely, nor vnseruiceable for the +warres; and neuer much exceeding the measure +of a comely corpulencie. He was most decent, +and therewith terrible in armes. He was stately +and maiesticall in his gesture; of a good stature, +but in strength admirable: in so much as +no man was able to draw his bow, which hee +would bend sitting vpon his horse, stretching +out the string with his foot. His countenance +was warlike and manly as his friends might +terme it; but as his enemies said, truculent and +fierce. He would often sweare <i>By Gods resurrection +and his brightnesse</i>: which he commonly +pronounced with so furious a face, that hee +strooke a terrour into those that were present. +His head was bald; his beard alwayes shauen; +which fashion being first taken vp by him, was +then followed by all the <i>Normans</i>. Hee was of +a firme and strong constitution for his health; +so as he neuer was attached with sicknesse, but +that which was the summons of his death: and +in his age seemed little to feele the heauie +weight and burthen of yeeres.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">32</a></span></p> + +<p>In his first age he was of a mild and gentle +disposition; courteous, bountifull, familiar in +conuersation, a professed enemie to all vices. +But as in Fortune, as in yeres, so changed he in +his behauiour; partly by his continuall following +the warres (whereby he was much fleshed +in blood) and partly by the inconstant nature +of the people ouer whom he ruled: who by often +rebellions did not onely exasperate him to +some seueritie, but euen constraine him to hold +them in with a more stiffe arme. So hee did +wring from his subiects very much substance, +very much blood; not for that he was by nature +either couetous or cruell, but for that his +affaires could not otherwise be managed. His +great affaires could not be managed without +great expence, which drew a necessity of charge +vpon the people: neither could the often rebellions +of his Subiects be repressed or restrained +by any mild and moderate meanes. And generally +as in all States and gouernments, seuere +discipline hath alwayes bin a true faithfull mother +of vertue and valour; so in particular of his +<i>Normans</i> he learned by experience, and oftentimes +declared this iudgement: That if they +were held in bridle, they were most valiant, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">33</a></span> +almost inuincible; excelling all men both in courage, +and in strength, and in honourable desire +to vanquish their enemies. But if the reines +were layd loose vpon their necke, they were apt +to runne into licentiousnes and mischiefe; ready +to consume either themselues by riot and +sloath, or one another by sedition: prone to +innouation and change; as heauily mooued to +vndertake dangers, so not to bee trusted vpon +occasion.</p> + +<p>He tooke to wife <i>Matilde</i> daughter to <i>Baldwin</i> +Earle of <i>Flanders</i>, a man for his wisedome +and power, both reuerenced and feared euen +of Kings; but because she was his cousin Germane, +he was for his marriage excommunicate +by his owne vnckle <i>Mauger</i> Archbishop of +<i>Roan</i>. Hereupon he sued to Pope <i>Victor</i>, and +obteined of him a dispensation: and afterwards +so wrought, that by a prouinciall Councell his +vncle <i>Mauger</i> was depriued of his dignitie. But +by this meanes both he & his issue were firmely +locked in obedience to the Sea of <i>Rome</i>; for that +vpon the authoritie of that place the validitie +of his marriage, and consequently the legitimation +of his issue seemed to depend.</p> + +<p>When he was about 50. yeeres of age, <i>Edward</i><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">34</a></span> +King of <i>England</i> ended his life. This <i>Edward</i> +was sonne to <i>Egelred</i> King of <i>England</i>, by +<i>Emma</i>, sister to <i>Richard</i> the second Duke of +<i>Normandie</i>, who was grandfather to Duke +<i>William</i>: so as King <i>Edward</i> and Duke <i>William</i> +were cousins germane once remoued.<a name="FNanchor_7_7" id="FNanchor_7_7"></a><a href="#Footnote_7_7" class="fnanchor">[7]</a></p> + +<p>At such time as <i>Egelred</i> was first ouercharged +with warres by the <i>Danes</i>, he sent his wife +<i>Emma</i>, with two sonnes which she had borne +vnto him, <i>Alphred</i> and <i>Edward</i>, into <i>Normandie</i> +to her brother; where they were enterteined +with all honourable vsage for many yeeres. Afterward +giuing place to the malice of his Fortune, +he passed also into <i>Normandie</i>, and left +his whole state in the possession and power of +<i>Swanus</i> King of <i>Denmarke</i>. But after the death +of <i>Swanus</i>, partly by the aide of the <i>Normans</i>, +and partly by fauour of his owne people, he recouered +his Kingdome, and left the same to his +eldest sonne <i>Edmund</i>, who either for the tough +temper of his courage and strength, or for that +he almost alwayes liued in Armes, was surnamed +<i>Ironside</i>.</p> + +<p>Hereupon <i>Canutus</i> the sonne of <i>Swanus</i> +made sharpe warre, first against <i>Egelred</i>, then +against <i>Edmund</i>: and finally after many varie<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">35</a></span>ties +of aduenture, but chiefly by the fauour of +the Clergie of <i>England</i> (because they had +sworne allegiance to his father) spread the +wings of his victory ouer the whole Kingdome. +He expelled out of the Realme <i>Edwine</i> and <i>Edward</i> +the two sonnes of King <i>Edmund</i>: of whom +<i>Edwine</i> married the Kings daughter of <i>Hungarie</i>, +but died without issue; <i>Edward</i> was aduanced +to the marriage of <i>Agatha</i>, daughter to +the Emperour <i>Henry</i>, and by her had issue two +sonnes, <i>Edmund</i> & <i>Edgar</i>, and so many daughters, +<i>Margaret</i> and <i>Christine</i>. The same <i>Canutus</i> +tooke <i>Emma</i> to wife, who had bene wife +to King <i>Egelred</i>; by whom he had a sonne named +<i>Hardicanutus</i>.</p> + +<p>After the death of <i>Canutus</i>, <i>Alphred</i> the sonne +of <i>Egelred</i> came out of <i>Normandie</i>, and with fiftie +saile landed at <i>Sandwich</i>: with purpose to attempt +the recouerie of his fathers kingdome. +In which enterprise hee receiued not onely +encouragement, but good assurance from many +of the <i>English</i> Nobilitie. But by Earle <i>Goodwine</i> +he was abused and taken; his company +slaine, his eyes put out, and then sent to the Ile +of <i>Elie</i>, where in short time hee ended his life. +<i>Edward</i> also arriued at <i>Hampton</i> with 40. ships,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">36</a></span> +but finding the Countrey so farre from receiuing, +as they were ready to resist him, he returned +into <i>Normandie</i>, and attended the further +fauour of time. So after <i>Canutus</i> succeeded in +<i>England</i>, first <i>Harold</i> sirnamed <i>Harefoot</i>, bastard +sonne to <i>Canutus</i>; and after him <i>Hardicanutus</i>, +sonne to <i>Canutus</i> by <i>Emma</i>, mother also to +King <i>Edward</i>.</p> + +<p><i>Hardicanutus</i> being dead, the Nobilitie of +the Realme sent into <i>Normandie</i> for <i>Edward</i> to +be their King; whereto also he was appointed +as some haue written by <i>Hardicanutus</i>. But because +<i>Alphred</i> his brother vpon the like inuitation +had bene traiterously taken and slaine before, +<i>William</i> at that time Duke of <i>Normandie</i> +would not permit him to depart, vntill he had +receiued for pledges of his safety, <i>Woolnoth</i> son +to Earle <i>Goodwine</i>, and <i>Hacon</i> sonne to <i>Swaine</i>, +Earle <i>Goodwins</i> eldest sonne. Vpon this assurance +he was furnished by the duke his cousin, +with all meanes fit both for his enterprise and +estate. And so hee passed the Seas, arriued in +<i>England</i>, and with generall ioy was receiued for +King. He tooke to wife <i>Edith</i> the daughter of +Earle <i>Goodwine</i>; but whether vpon vow of chastitie, +or whether vpon impotencie of nature, or<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">37</a></span> +whether vpon hatred to her father, or whether +vpon suspition against herselfe (for all these +causes are alleaged by seuerall writers of +those times) he forbore all priuate familiaritie +with her.</p> + +<p>When he was well locked into the chaire of +State, Duke <i>William</i> came out of <i>Normandie</i> to +see him, to shew his magnificence to the <i>English</i> +people; to shew to the <i>English</i>, both that he +loued their King, and that he was of power to +relieue him, in case his necessities should so require. +Here, besides honourable enterteinement, +besides many rich gifts both to himselfe +and to his followers, the King hauing neither +hope nor desire of issue, promised him, in regard +of his great fauours and deserts, that hee +should be his next successour in the Kingdome. +And for further assurance thereof, sent him also +the like message into <i>Normandie</i>, by <i>Robert</i> +Archbishop of <i>Canterburie</i>.</p> + +<p>After this <i>Harold</i> sonne to Earle <i>Goodwine</i> +passed the Seas into <i>Normandie</i>, to deale for +the discharge of his brother <i>Wolnoth</i> and <i>Hacon</i> +his nephew, who had bene deliuered for hostages +to the Duke. In his passage he was much +tossed with troublesome weather, and in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">38</a></span> +end was cast vpon the coast of <i>Ponthieu</i>, and +there taken by the Earle and committed to prison. +But at the request of the Duke of <i>Normandie</i>, +hee was released with honourable respect, +and by the Earle himselfe accompanied to the +Duke; who enterteined him with great magnificence +at <i>Roan</i>. The Duke was then going +in Armes against the <i>Britaines</i>; in which iourney +<i>Harold</i> did accompany him, and shewed +himselfe a man, neither rash in vndertaking, +nor fearefull in perfourming any seruices of the +field. After prosperous returne, the Duke declared +to <i>Harold</i>, the purpose of King <i>Edward</i> +cōcerning the Dukes succession to this Crowne. +<i>Harold</i> did auow the same to be true; and promised +to affoord thereto the best furtherance +that he could. Hereupon the Duke assembled a +Councell at <i>Boneuill</i>; where <i>Harold</i> did sweare +fidelitie vnto him: and promised likewise by +oath, that after the death of King <i>Edward</i>, he +would keepe the Realme of <i>England</i> to the vse +of the Duke: that he would deliuer vnto him +the castle of <i>Douer</i>, and certaine other pieces of +defence, furnished at his owne charge. Hereupon +the Duke promised vnto him his daughter +in marriage, and with her halfe the Realme<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">39</a></span> +of <i>England</i> in name of her dower. He also deliuered +to him his nephew <i>Hacon</i>; but kept his +brother <i>Wolnoth</i> as an hostage, for performance +of that which <i>Harold</i> had sworne.</p> + +<p>In short time after King <i>Edward</i> died, and +<i>Harold</i> being generall commander of the forces +of the Realme, seized vpon the soueraignetie, +and without any accustomed solemnities set +the crowne vpon his owne head. The people +were nothing curious to examine titles; but as +men broken with long bondage, did easily entertaine +the first pretender. And yet to <i>Harold</i> +they were inclinable enough, as well vpon +opinion of his prowesse, as for that hee endeauoured +to winne their fauour, partly by abating +their grieuous paiments, and partly by increasing +the wages of his seruants and Souldiers; +generally, by vsing iustice with clemencie +and courtesie towards all. About this time a +blasing starre appeared and continued the +space of seuen dayes;<a name="FNanchor_8_8" id="FNanchor_8_8"></a><a href="#Footnote_8_8" class="fnanchor">[8]</a> which is commonly taken +to portend alteration in States. Of this Comet +a certaine Poet, alluding to the baldnesse +of the <i>Norman</i>, wrote these verses.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0"><i>Cæsariem Cæsar tibi si natura negauit,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>Hanc Willielme tibi stella comata dedit.</i><br /></span> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">40</a></span></div></div> + +<p>Duke <i>William</i> sent diuers Ambassadours to +<i>Harold</i>; first to demaund perfourmance of his +oath, afterward to mooue him to some moderate +agreement. But ambition, a reasonlesse +and restlesse humour, made him obstinate against +all offers or inducements of peace. So +they prepared to buckle in armes; equall both +in courage and in ambitious desires, equall in +confidence of their fortune: but <i>Harold</i> was the +more aduenturous, <i>William</i> the more aduised +man: <i>Harold</i> was more strong in Souldiers, +<i>William</i> in Alies and friends.</p> + +<p><i>Harold</i> was seated in possession, which in +case of a kingdome is oftentimes with facilitie +attained, but retained hardly: <i>William</i> pretended +the donation of King <i>Edward</i>, and that he +was neere vnto him in blood by the mothers +side.</p> + +<p>Now there wanted not precedents, both ancient +and of later times, that free kingdomes +and principalities, not setled by custome in succession +of blood, haue been transported euen +to strangers by way of guift. <i>Attalus</i> king of +<i>Pergamus</i><a name="FNanchor_9_9" id="FNanchor_9_9"></a><a href="#Footnote_9_9" class="fnanchor">[9]</a> did constitute the people of <i>Rome</i> +his heire; by force wherof they made his kingdome +a part of their empire. <i>Nicomedes</i> King<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">41</a></span> +of <i>Bithynia</i><a name="FNanchor_10_10" id="FNanchor_10_10"></a><a href="#Footnote_10_10" class="fnanchor">[10]</a> made the people of <i>Rome</i> likewise +his heire; whereupon his kingdome was reduced +to the forme of a Prouince. So <i>Alexander</i> +King of <i>Egypt</i>,<a name="FNanchor_11_11" id="FNanchor_11_11"></a><a href="#Footnote_11_11" class="fnanchor">[11]</a> gaue <i>Alexandria</i> and the +kingdome of <i>Egypt</i>; and so <i>Ptolemie</i> gaue the +kingdome of <i>Cyrene</i> to the same people of +<i>Rome</i>. <i>Prasutagus</i><a name="FNanchor_12_12" id="FNanchor_12_12"></a><a href="#Footnote_12_12" class="fnanchor">[12]</a> one of the kings of great <i>Britaine</i>, +gaue the kingdome of the <i>Iceni</i> to <i>Cæsar +Nero</i>, and to his daughters. Yea, in the Imperial +state of <i>Rome</i>, <i>Augustus</i> designed <i>Tiberius</i> to +be his successour; and by like appointment <i>Nero</i> +became successour to <i>Claudius</i>; <i>Traiane</i> to +<i>Nerua</i>; <i>Antonius Pius</i> to <i>Adrian</i>; and <i>Antoninus</i> +the Philosopher to another <i>Antoninus</i>. +When the Emperour <i>Galba</i><a name="FNanchor_13_13" id="FNanchor_13_13"></a><a href="#Footnote_13_13" class="fnanchor">[13]</a> did openly appoint +<i>Piso</i> for his successour, he declared to the +people, that the same custome had been obserued +by most approued and ancient Princes. +<i>Iugurth</i> being adopted by <i>Mycipsa</i>,<a name="FNanchor_14_14" id="FNanchor_14_14"></a><a href="#Footnote_14_14" class="fnanchor">[14]</a> succeeded +him in the kingdome of <i>Numidia</i>; and that by +the iudgement as well of <i>Mycipsa</i> himselfe, as of +the Senate and people of <i>Rome</i>.</p> + +<p>The holy histories report that <i>Salomon</i><a name="FNanchor_15_15" id="FNanchor_15_15"></a><a href="#Footnote_15_15" class="fnanchor">[15]</a> gaue +twentie cities to <i>Hiram</i> king of <i>Tyre</i>: and if the +argument be good from the part to the whole, +he might in like sort haue disposed of all his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">42</a></span> +kingdome. Who hath not heard of the donation +falsly attributed to <i>Constantine</i> the great, +being in trueth the donation of <i>Lewis</i>, sirnamed +the pious; whereby he gaue to Pope <i>Paschal</i> +the citie of <i>Rome</i>, and a large territorie adioyning +vnto it; the instrument of which gift +<i>Volaterrane</i><a name="FNanchor_16_16" id="FNanchor_16_16"></a><a href="#Footnote_16_16" class="fnanchor">[16]</a> doth recite. So the Ladie <i>Matild</i>, +daughter to <i>Roger</i> the most famous Prince of +<i>Cicilie</i>, and wife to king <i>Conrade</i>, sonne to <i>Henrie</i><a name="FNanchor_17_17" id="FNanchor_17_17"></a><a href="#Footnote_17_17" class="fnanchor">[17]</a> +the 4. Emperour, gaue the Marquisate of +<i>Apulia</i> to the Bishop of <i>Rome</i>: which when the +Emperour <i>Otho</i> the 4. refused to deliuer, hee +was for that cause excommunicate by the Pope. +In like sort the countrey of <i>Daulphin</i><a name="FNanchor_18_18" id="FNanchor_18_18"></a><a href="#Footnote_18_18" class="fnanchor">[18]</a> was giuen +by Prince <i>Vmbert</i> to the King of <i>France</i>, vpon +condition, that the eldest sonne of <i>France</i> +should afterward be called <i>Daulphine</i>. Lastly, +the Dukes first auncestor <i>Rollo</i>, receiued the +Dukedome of <i>Normandie</i> by donation of +<i>Charles</i> King of <i>France</i>: And himselfe held the +Countie of <i>Maine</i> by donation of Earle <i>Herebert</i>, +as before it is shewed. And by donation +of the King of <i>Britaine</i>, <i>Hengist</i> obtained <i>Kent</i>; +the first kingdome of the English Saxons in +<i>Britaine</i>. After which time the Countrey was +neuer long time free from inuasion: first, by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">43</a></span> +the English and Saxons against the Britaines, +afterward by the seuen <i>Saxon</i> kingdomes among +themselues, and then lastly by the <i>Danes</i>. +By meanes whereof the kingdome at that time +could not bee setled in any certaine forme of +succession by blood, as it hath been since; but +was held for the most part in absolute dominion, +and did often passe by transaction or gift: +and he whose sword could cut best, was alwaies +adiudged to haue most right. But of this question +more shall hereafter be said, in the beginning +of the life of King <i>William</i> the second.</p> + +<p>Touching his propinquity in blood to King +<i>Edward</i> by the mothers side, he enforced it to +be a good title: because King <i>Edward</i> not long +before had taken succession from <i>Hardicanutus</i>, +to whom hee was brother by the mothers +side. And although King <i>Edward</i> was also +descended from the <i>Saxon</i> Kings, yet could not +he deriue from them any right: For that <i>Edgar</i> +and his sisters were then aliue, descended from +<i>Edmund Ironside</i>, elder brother to King <i>Edward</i>. +Hee could haue no true right of succession, but +onely from <i>Hardicanutus</i> the <i>Dane</i>. So <i>Pepine</i>, +when he was possessed of the State of <i>France</i>, +did openly publish, that hee was descended of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">44</a></span> +the blood of <i>Charles</i> the Great, by the mothers +side. And albeit the said <i>Edgar</i> was both neerer +to King <i>Edward</i> then the Duke of <i>Normandie</i>, +and also ioyned to him in blood by the fathers +side; yet was that no sufficient defence +for <i>Harold</i>. The vsurped possession of <i>Harold</i><a name="FNanchor_19_19" id="FNanchor_19_19"></a><a href="#Footnote_19_19" class="fnanchor">[19]</a> +could not be defended, by alleaging a better title +of a third person. The iniurie which hee +did to <i>Edgar</i>, could not serue him for a title against +any other.</p> + +<p>These grounds of his pretence, beautified +with large amplifications of the benefits which +he had done to King <i>Edward</i>, he imparted to +the Bishop of <i>Rome</i>; who at time was reputed +the arbitrator of controuersies which did rise +betweene princes. And the rather to procure +his fauour, and to gaine the countenance of religion +to his cause, hee promised to hold the +kingdome of <i>England</i> of the Apostolike Sea. +Hereupon <i>Alexander</i> then Bishop of <i>Rome</i> allowed +his title, and sent vnto him a white hallowed +banner, to aduance vpon the prowe of +his ship: also an <i>Agnus Dei</i> of gold, and one of +S. <i>Peters</i> haires, together with his blessing to +begin the enterprise.</p> + +<p>But now concerning his further procee<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">45</a></span>dings, +concerning his victorious both entrance +and cōtinuance within the Realme of <i>England</i>, +two points are worthy to be considered: one, +how he being a man of no great either power +or dominion, did so suddenly preuaile against +a couragious King, possessed of a large and +puissant State. The other is, how he so secured +his victorie, as not the English, not the Britains, +not the Danes, not any other could dispossesse +or much disturbe him & his posteritie, from enioying +the fayre fruits thereof. And if we giue +to either of these their true respects, wee shall +find his commendation to consist, not so much +in the first, as in the second: because that was +effected chiefly by force, this by wisedome only; +which as it is most proper to man, so few +men doe therein excell. Hee that winneth a +State surmounteth onely outward difficulties; +but he that assureth the same, trauaileth as well +against internall weaknes, as external strength. +To attaine a Kingdome is many times a gift +of Fortune; but to prouide that it may long +time continue firme, is not onely to oppose against +humane forces, but against the very +malice of Fortune, or rather the power and +wrath of time, whereby all things are na<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">46</a></span>turally +inclineable to change.</p> + +<p>For the first then, besides the secret working +and will of God, which is the cause of all causes; +besides the sinnes of the people, for which (the +Prophet saith,) <i>Kingdomes are transported from +one Nation to another</i>: King <i>Edward</i> not long +before made a manifest way for this inuasion +and change. For although he was <i>English</i> by +birth, yet by reason of his education in <i>Normandie</i>, +he was altogether become a <i>Normane</i>, +both in affection and in behauiour of life. So as +in imitation of him, the <i>English</i> abandoned the +ancient vsages of their Country, and with great +affection or affectation rather, conformed +themselues to the fashions of <i>France</i>.<a name="FNanchor_20_20" id="FNanchor_20_20"></a><a href="#Footnote_20_20" class="fnanchor">[20]</a> His +chiefe acquaintance and familiar friends were +no other then <i>Normans</i>; towards whom being +a milde and soft spirited Prince, he was very +bountifull, and almost immoderate in his fauours. +These he enriched with great possessions; +these he honoured with the highest places +both of dignitie and charge. Chiefly he aduanced +diuers of them to the best degrees of +dignitie in the Church: by whose fauour Duke +<i>William</i> afterward was both animated & aided +in his exploit. Generally as the whole Clergie<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">47</a></span> +of <i>England</i> conceiued a hard opinion of <i>Harold</i>; +for that vpon the same day wherein King +<i>Edward</i> was buried, he set the Crowne vpon his +owne head, without Religious Ceremonies, +without any solemnities of Coronation: so they +durst not for feare of the Popes displeasure, but +giue either furtherance or forbearance to the +Dukes proceedings; and to abuse the credite +which they had with the people, in working +their submission to the <i>Normans</i>. Now of what +strength the Clergie was at that time within +the Realme, by this which followeth it may +appeare.</p> + +<p>After that <i>Harold</i> was slaine, <i>Edwine</i> and +<i>Morcar</i> Earles of <i>Northumberland</i> and <i>Marckland</i>, +brothers of great both authoritie and +power within the Realme, had induced many +of the Nobilitie to declare <i>Edgar Athelinge</i> to be +their King: but the Prelates not onely crossed +that purpose, but deliuered <i>Edgar</i> the next +heire from the <i>Saxon</i> Kings to the pleasure of +the Duke.</p> + +<p>Againe, when the Duke after his great victorie +at <i>Hastings</i> aduanced his armie towards +<i>Hartford-shire</i>; <i>Fredericke</i> Abbot of <i>S. Albanes</i> +had caused the woods belonging to his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">48</a></span> +Church to be felled, and the trees to be cast so +thicke in the way, that the Duke was compelled +to coast about to the castle of <i>Berkhamstead</i>. +To this place the Abbot vnder Suerties came +vnto him; and being demanded wherefore he +alone did offer that opposition against him, +with a confident countenance he returned answere: +that he had done no more then in conscience +and by Nature he was bound to doe: +and that if the residue of the Clergie had borne +the like minde, hee should neuer haue pierced +the land so farre. Well, answered the +Duke, I know that your Clergie is powerfull indeed; +but if I liue and prosper in my affaires, I +shall gouerne their greatnesse well ynough. +Assuredly, nothing doeth sooner worke the +conuersion or subuersion of a State, then that +any one sort of Subiects should grow so great, +as to be able to ouerrule all the rest.</p> + +<p>Besides this disposition of the Clergie, diuers +of the Nobilitie also did nothing fauour King +<i>Harold</i> or his cause: for that he was a manifest +vsurper, naked of all true title to the Crowne, +pretending onely as borne of the daughter of +<i>Hardicanutus</i> the <i>Dane</i>. Yea he was infamous +both for his iniurie and periurie towards the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">49</a></span> +Duke, and no lesse hatefull for his disloyaltie +in former times, in bearing Armes with his father +against King <i>Edward</i>. Hereupon the Nobilitie +of the Realme were broken into factions. +Many (of whom his owne brother <i>Tosto</i> was +chiefe) inuited <i>Harold</i> King of <i>Norway</i> to inuade; +with whom whilest <i>Harold</i> of <i>England</i> +was incountring in Armes, the residue drew in +Duke <i>William</i> out of <i>Normandie</i>. And these also +were diuided in respects. Some were caried +by particular ends, as being prepared in diuers +maner by the <i>Normane</i> before hand: others +vpon a greedy and for the most part deceiueable +ambition, in hunting after hazard and +change: others were led with loue to their +Countrey, partly to auoyd the tempest which +they saw to gather in clouds against them, and +partly to enlarge the Realme both in dominion +and strength, by adioyning the Country +of <i>Normandie</i> vnto it. In which regard, (because +the lesse doeth alwayes accrue to the +greater) they thought it more aduantageable +to deale with a Prince of an inferiour state, +then with a Prince of a state superiour or equal.</p> + +<p>As for <i>Edgar Atheling</i>, the next successour to +the Crowne in right of blood, he was not of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">50</a></span> +sufficient age; of a simple wit and slow courage; +not gracious to the <i>English</i>, as well for his +imperfections both in yeeres and nature, as for +that he was altogether vnacquainted with the +customes and conditions of their Countrey: +vnfurnished of forces and reputation, vnfurnished +of friends, vnfurnished of all meanes to +support his title. So Duke <i>William</i> hauing better +right then the one, and more power then +the other, did easily cary the prize from both.</p> + +<p>Now touching the state of his owne +strength, albeit <i>Normandie</i> was but little in regard +of <i>England</i>, yet was it neither feeble nor +poore. For the people, by reason of their continuall +exercise in Armes, by reason of the +weightie warres which they had managed, +were well inabled both in courage and skill for +all Militarie atchieuements. Their valour also +had bene so fauoured by their Fortune, that +they were more enriched by spoile, then +drawne downe either with losses or with +charge. Hereupon when preparation was to +be made for the enterprise of <i>England</i>, although +some disswaded the Duke from embracing the +attempt; affirming that it was a vaine thing to +streine at that which the hand is not able to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">51</a></span> +conteine, to take more meat then the stomacke +can beare; that he who catcheth at matters too +great, is in great danger to gripe nothing: Yet +did others not onely encourage him by aduise, +but enable him by their aide. Among which +<i>William Fitz-Auber</i> did furnish 40. ships with +men and munition; The Bishop of <i>Baieux</i> likewise +40: the Bishop of <i>Mans</i> 30: and in like +sort others, according to the proportion of +their estates.</p> + +<p>And yet he drew not his forces onely out of +<i>Normandie</i>, but receiued aide from all parts of +<i>France</i>; answerable not onely to his necessitie, +but almost to his desire. <i>Philip</i> King of <i>France</i> +at that time was vnder age, and <i>Baldwine</i> Earle +of <i>Flanders</i> was gouernour of the Realme; +whose daughter the Duke had taken to wife. +By his fauour the Duke receiued large supplies +from the state of <i>France</i>, both in treasure and in +men of warre: for countenance whereof it was +giuen foorth, that the Duke should hold the +Realme of <i>England</i> as hee did the Duchie of +<i>Normandie</i>, vnder homage to the Crowne of +<i>France</i>. Hereupon diuers Princes of <i>France</i> +did adioyne to his aide; and especially the +Duke of <i>Orleance</i>, the Earles of <i>Britaine</i>, <i>Aniou</i>,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">52</a></span> +<i>Boloigne</i>, <i>Ponthieu</i>, <i>Neuers</i>, <i>Poictou</i>, <i>Hiesmes</i>, +<i>Aumale</i>, and the Lord of <i>Tours</i>. Many other of +the Nobilitie and Gentlemen did voluntarily +aduenture, both their bodies and whole estates +vpon the euent of this enterprise. So greatly +had he either by courtesie wonne the loue, or +by courage erected the hopes of all men: yea of +many who had bin his greatest enemies. With +these also the <i>Emperour Henry</i> 4. sent him certaine +troupes of Souldiers, commanded by a +Prince of <i>Almaine</i>. Hee receiued also many +promises of fauour from <i>Swaine</i> King of <i>Denmarke</i>. +And who can assure (for the sequele +maketh the coniecture probable) that he held +not intelligence with <i>Harold Harfager</i> King of +<i>Norway</i>, to inuade <i>England</i> with two armies at +once. So partly by his owne Subiects, and partly +by supply from his Alleys and friends, hee amassed +a strong Armie, consisting chiefly of +<i>Normans</i>, <i>Flemings</i>, <i>French</i> and <i>Britaines</i>, to the +number of fiftie thousand men; and brought +them to S. <i>Valeries</i>, before which Towne his +ships did ride. Here he stayed a certaine time +attending the wind, as most writers doe report; +but rather as it may be coniectured, to awaite +the arriuall of <i>Harold Harfager</i> K. of <i>Norway</i>:<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">53</a></span> +knowing right well, that the inuasion of <i>Harold</i> +of <i>Norway</i> vpon the North parts of the realme, +would draw away <i>Harold</i> of <i>England</i> to leaue +the coasts towards the South vndefended.</p> + +<p>During his abode at S. <i>Valeries</i>, certaine English +espials were taken, whom King <i>Harold</i> +had sent to discouer both the purposes and +power of the Duke. When they were brought +to his presence, with a braue confidence he said +vnto them: <i>Your Lord might well haue spared this +charge; hee needed not to haue cast away his cost to +vnderstand that by your industrie and faith, which +my owne presence shall manifest vnto him; more +certainly, more shortly then he doth expect. Goe +your wayes, goe tell him from me, If he find me not +before the end of this yeere, in the place where hee +supposeth that hee may most safely set his foote, let +him neuer feare danger from mee whilest hee liue.</i> +Many <i>Normans</i> disliked this open dealing of +the Duke: preferring to his iudgement the valour +and experience of King <i>Harold</i>; the greatnesse +of his treasure; the number and goodnes +of his men; but especially his strong Nauie, +and expert Saylers; accustomed both to the +fights and dangers of the Sea, more then any +other people in the world. To these the Duke<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">54</a></span> +turned, and sayd: <i>I am glad to heare this opinion +run, both of his prowesse and of his power; the greater +shall our glory bee in preuailing against him. +But I see right well that I haue small cause to +feare his discouery of our strength, when you, +who are so neere vnto mee, discerne so little. Rest +your selues vpon the Iustice of your cause +and foresight of your Commaunder. Who hath +lesse then hee, who can iustly tearme nothing his +owne? I know more of his weakenesse, then euer he +shall know of my strength, vntill he feele it. Performe +you your parts like men, and he shall neuer be +able to disappoint either my assurance, or your +hopes.</i></p> + +<p>Now <i>Harold</i> King of <i>England</i> had prepared +a fleet to resist the inuasion of the duke of <i>Normandie</i>: +but by reason of his long stay at S. <i>Valeries</i>, +speeches did spread, whether by error or +subornation, yea, assured aduertisement was +sent out of <i>Flanders</i>, that he had for that yeere +abandoned his enterprise. In the meane time +<i>Harold Harfager</i> King of <i>Norway</i>, then whom +no man was esteemed more valiant, hauing assured +both intelligence and aide out of <i>England</i>, +arriued in the mouth of <i>Humber</i>: and +from thence drawing vp against the streame of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">55</a></span> +the riuer <i>Owse</i>, landed at a place called <i>Richhall</i>. +Here he Marshalled his Armie, and marched +foorth into the Countrey: and when hee came +neere vnto <i>Yorke</i>, he was encountred by the +<i>English</i>, led by <i>Edwine</i> and <i>Morchar</i> the principall +commanders of all those quarters. The +fight was furious, but in the end the <i>English</i> +were ouerthrowne, and with a great slaughter +chased into <i>Yorke</i>.</p> + +<p>Vpon aduertisement hereof, <i>Harold</i> King +of <i>England</i> caried all his forces against <i>Harfager</i>. +His readinesse was such, and such his expedition, +that the fifth day after the fight before +mentioned he gaue him battell againe; wherein +<i>Harold Harfager</i> was slaine, and so was <i>Tosto</i> +the King of <i>Englands</i> brother: <i>Tosto</i> by an vncertaine +enemie, but <i>Harfager</i> by the hand of +<i>Harold</i> of <i>England</i>. Their armie also was routed, +and with a bloody execution pursued, so long +as day and furie did last. Here a certaine Souldier +of <i>Norway</i> was most famous almost for a +miracle of manhood. He had been appointed +with certaine others, to guard the passage at +<i>Stamford</i> bridge. The residue vpon approach +of the English forsooke their charge; but hee +alone stepped to the foote of the Bridge, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">56</a></span> +with his Battle-axe sustained the shocke of the +whole armie; slew aboue fourty assailants, and +defended both the passage and himselfe, vntill +an English Souldier went vnder the Bridge, +and through a hole thereof thrust him into +the bodie with a Launce.</p> + +<p>If this victory of King <i>Harold</i> had been so +wisely vsed as it was valiantly wonne, he should +haue neglected the spoyle, and returned with +the like celeritie wherewith he came. But hee +gaue discontentment to his Souldiers, in abridging +their expectation for free sharing the +spoile; and hauing lost many in that conflict, +he retired to <i>Yorke</i>, and there stayed; as well to +reforme the state of the Countrey, greatly disordered +by meanes of these warres, as also both +to refresh and repaire his armie.</p> + +<p>In the meane time the Duke of <i>Normandie</i> +receiuing intelligence, that the Sea-coasts were +left naked of defence, loosed from S. <i>Valeries</i> +with three hundred, or, as some writers report, +896, or, as one <i>Norman</i> writer affirmes, with +more then one thousand saile: and hauing a +gentle gale, arriued at <i>Pemsey</i> in <i>Sussex</i>, vpon +the 28. of September. The ship wherein the +Duke was caried is said, (as if it had runne for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">57</a></span> +the garland of victory) to haue outstripped the +rest so farre, that the sailers were enforced to +strike saile, and hull before the winde to haue +their companie. When hee first stepped vpon +the shoare, one of his feete slipped a little. The +Duke to recouer himselfe stepped more strongly +with the other foote, and sunke into the +sand somewhat deepe. One of his Souldiers +espying this, sayd merrily vnto him: <i>You had +almost fallen my Lord, but you haue well maintained +your standing, and haue now taken deepe and +firme footing in the soyle of</i> England. <i>The presage +is good, and hereupon I salute you King.</i> The Duke +laughed; and the souldiers, with whom superstition +doth strongly worke, were much confirmed +in courage by the ieast.</p> + +<p>When he had landed his forces, he fortified +a piece of ground with strong trenches, and +discharged all his ships; leauing to his souldiers +no hope to saue themselues, but by onely by +victory. After this he published the causes of +his comming in armes, namely:</p> + +<p>1 To chalenge the kingdome of <i>England</i>, +giuen to him by his cousin King <i>Edward</i>, the +last lawfull possessor at that time thereof.</p> + +<p>2 To reuenge the death of his cousin <i>Alfred</i>,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">58</a></span> +brother to the same K. <i>Edward</i>, and of the <i>Normans</i>, +who did accompanie him into <i>England</i>; +no lesse cruelly then deceitfully slaine by Earle +<i>Goodwin</i> and his adherents.</p> + +<p>3 To reuenge the iniurie done vnto <i>Robert</i> +Archbishop of Canterburie; who by the +practise (as it was then giuen foorth) of <i>Harold</i>, +had been exiled in the life time of King +<i>Edward</i>.</p> + +<p>This last article was added either to please +the Pope, or generally in fauour of the Cleargie: +to whom the example grew then intollerable, +that an Archbishop should bee once questioned +by any other then by themselues.</p> + +<p>So the Duke, leauing his fortification furnished +with competent forces to assure the +place, as wel for a retreit, as for daily landing of +fresh supplies, marched forward to <i>Hastings</i>; +and there raised another fortresse, and planted +likewise a garison therein. And in all places he +restrained his Souldiers, either from spoyling +or harming the Countrey people, for feare that +thereby they would fall into disorder: but giuing +forth, that it were crueltie to spoile them, +who in short time should be his Subiects. Here +the Duke, because he would not either aduen<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">59</a></span>ture +or trust his Souldiers, went foorth in person +to discouer the Countrey, with 15. horsemen +in his company, and no more. His returne +was on foote, by reason of the euill qualitied +wayes: and when <i>Fitz-Osberne</i> who went with +him, was ouerwearied with the weight of his armour, +the Duke eased him by bearing his helmet +vpon his shoulder. This action may seeme +of slender regard; but yet did gaine him, both +fauour and dutie among his Souldiers.</p> + +<p>K. <i>Harold</i> hearing of these approches, hasted +by great iourneyes towards <i>London</i>; sending +his messengers to all places, both to encourage +and entreate the people to draw together +for their common defence. Here he mustered +his Souldiers; and albeit hee found that +his forces were much impaired by his late battaile +against <i>Harfager</i>, yet he gathered an able +armie, countenanced and commanded by diuers +of the Nobilitie, which resorted vnto him +from many parts of the Realme. The Duke in +the meane time sent a messenger vnto him, +who demanded the Kingdome in so stout maner, +that he was at the point to haue bene euill +entreated by the King. Againe the King sent +his messenger to the Duke, forbidding him<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">60</a></span> +with loftie language, to make any stay within +that Countrey; but to returne againe no lesse +speedily, then rashly he had entred. The Duke +betweene mirth and scorne returned answere; +That as he came not vpon his entreaty, so at his +command he would not depart. But (said he) +<i>I am not come to word with your King, I am come +to fight, and am desirous to fight: I will be ready to +fight with him, albeit I had but 10000. such men +as I haue brought 60000.</i></p> + +<p>K. <i>Harold</i> spent little time, lost none (vnlesse +happely that which hee might haue taken +more) both in appointing and ordering his Armie. +And when he was ready to take the field, +his mother entreated him, first moderately, +then with words of passion and with teares, +that he would not aduenture his person to the +battaile. Her importunitie was admired the +more, for that it was both without any apparant +cause, and not vsuall in former times. But +<i>Harold</i> with vndaunted countenance and +heart, conducted his Armie into <i>Sussex</i>, and +encamped within seuen miles of the <i>Normans</i>: +who thereupon approched so neere to the +<i>English</i>, that the one Armie was within view of +the other.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">61</a></span></p> + +<p>First, espials were sent on both sides, to discouer +the state and condition of their enemies. +They who were sent from the English made a +large report, both of the number, and appointment, +and discipline of the <i>Normans</i>. Whereupon +<i>Girth</i>, yonger brother to King <i>Harold</i> +presented him with aduise, not to play his +whole State at a cast; not to bee so caried with +desire of victory, as not to awaite the time to +attaine it: that it is proper to Inuaders presently +to fight, because they are then in the very pride +and flourish of their strength; but the assailed +should rather delay battell, rather obserue only +and attend their enemies, cut off their reliefe, +vexe them with incommodities, weary them, +and weare them out by degrees: that it could +not be long before the Dukes armie, being in +a strange Countrey, would be reduced to necessities; +it could not bee long but by reason it +consisted of diuers nations, it would draw into +disorder: that it was proper to an armie compounded +of different people, to be almost inuincible +at the first, whilest all contend to excell +or at least to equal other in braue performance; +but if they be aduisedly endured, they will easily +fall into disorders, and lastly of themselues<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">62</a></span> +dissolue. <i>Or if</i> (sayd he) <i>you resolue to fight, yet +because you are sworne to the Duke, you shall doe +well to withdraw your presence; to imploy your +authoritie in mustering a new armie, to bee readie +to receiue him with fresh forces. And if you +please to commit the charge of this incounter vnto +me, I will not faile to expresse, both the loue of a +brother, and the care and courage of a Commander. +For as I am not obliged to the Duke by oath, so shall +I either preuaile with the better cause, or with the +quieter conscience die.</i></p> + +<p>Both these counsailes were reiected by <i>Harold</i>: +The first out of a violent vehemencie of +these Northerne nations, who doe commonly +esteeme delay of battell a deiected cowardise, a +base and seruile deflouring of time; but to beare +through their designes at once, they account a +point of honourable courage. The second he +esteemed both shamefull to his reputation, +and hurtfull to the state of his affaires. For +what honour had he gained by his former victories, +if when he came to the greatest pinch of +danger, hee should fearefully shrinke backe? +with what heart should the Souldiers fight, +when they haue not his presence for whom +they fight? when they haue not their Generall<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">63</a></span> +an eye witnesse of their performance? when +they want his sight, his encouragement, his example +to enflame them to valour? The presence +of the Prince is worth many thousands of +ordinarie Souldiers: The ordinary Souldier wil +vndertake both labour and danger for no other +respects so much, as by the presence of the +Prince. And therefore he did greatly extenuate +the worth of the <i>Normans</i>, terming them a +company of Priests; because their fashion was +to shaue their faces: But whatsoeuer they were, +as he had (hee said) digested in his minde the +hardest euents of battell; so either the infamie +or suspicion of cowardise in no case hee would +incurre. Hee resolued not to ouerliue so great +dishonour; he resolued to set vp as his last rest, +his Crowne, and Kingdome; and life withall. +And thus oftentimes Fortune dealeth with +men, as Executioners doe with condemned +persons; she will first blindfold, and then dispatch +them.</p> + +<p>After this the <i>Norman</i> sent a Monke to offer +the choise of these conditions to <i>Harold</i>; Either +to relinquish his kingdome vpon certaine conditions; +or to hold it vnder homage to the +Duke; or to try their cause by single combate;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">64</a></span> +or to submit it to the iudgement of the Pope, +according to the Lawes of <i>Normandy</i> or of <i>England</i>, +which he would. Againe, some conditions +were propounded from K. <i>Harold</i> to the +Duke: But their thoughts were so lifted vp +both with pride and confidence, by reason of +their former victories, that no moderate ouerture +could take place: and so they appointed +the day following, which was the 14. of October, +to determine their quarrell by sentence of +the sword. This happened to be the birth day +of K. <i>Harold</i>, which for that cause by a superstitious +errour, he coniectured would be prosperous +vnto him.</p> + +<p>The night before the battaile for diuers respects +was vnquiet. The <i>English</i> spent the time +in feasting and drinking, and made the aire +ring with showtings and songs: the <i>Normans</i> +were more soberly silent, and busied themselues +much in deuotion; being rather still +then quiet, not so much watchful as not able to +sleepe. At the first appearance of the day, the +King and the Duke were ready in Armes, encouraging +their Souldiers, and ordering them +in their arrayes; in whose eyes it seemed that +courage did sparckle, and that in their face<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">65</a></span> +and gesture victorie did sit. The Duke put +certaine reliques about his necke, vpon which +King <i>Harold</i> had sworne vnto him. It is reported +that when he armed, the backe of his +Curasses was placed before by errour of him +that put it on: some would haue bin dismayed +hereat, but the Duke smiled, and said; Assuredly +this day my Fortune will turne, I shall either +be a King, or nothing before night.</p> + +<p>The <i>English</i> were knit in one maine body +on foot; whereof the first rancks consisted of +<i>Kentishmen</i> (who by an ancient custome did +challenge the honour of that place,) the next +were filled with <i>Londoners</i>; then followed the +other <i>English</i>. Their chiefe weapons were +pole-axe, sword and dart, with a large target for +their defence. They were paled in front with +paueises in such wise, that it was thought impossible +for the enemie to breake them. The +King stood on foot by his Standard, with two +of his brothers, <i>Girth</i> and <i>Leofwine</i>; as well to +relieue from thence all parts that should happen +to be distressed, as also to manifest to the +Souldiers, that they reteined no thought of escaping +by flight. On the other side, the <i>Normans</i> +were diuided into three battailes: The<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">66</a></span> +first was conducted by <i>Roger Montgomerie</i>, and +<i>William Fitz-Osborne</i>; it consisted of horsemen +of <i>Aniou</i>, <i>Maine</i> and <i>Britaine</i>, commanded +by a <i>Britaine</i> named <i>Fergent</i>; It caried the +Banner which the Pope had sent. The middle +battaile consisting of Souldiers out of <i>Germanie</i> +and <i>Poictou</i>, was led by <i>Geoffrye Martell</i>, and a +Prince of <i>Almaine</i>. The Duke himselfe closed +the last battaile, with the strength of his +<i>Normans</i> and the flowre of his Nobilitie. The +Archers were diuided into wings, and also dispersed +by bands through all the three battails.</p> + +<p>Thus were both sides set vpon a bloody bargaine; +ambition, hope, anger, hate, enflaming +them to valour. The duke edged his Souldiers, +by declaring vnto them the noble Acts of their +ancesters, the late admirable atchieuement of +their fellow <i>Normans</i> in subduing the Kingdome +of <i>Sicill</i>, their owne braue exploits vnder +him; by shewing them all that pleasant and +plentifull Countrey, as the purchase of their +prowesse, as the gaine and reward of their aduenture: +by putting them in minde, that they +were in a Countrey both hostile & vnknowne, +before them the sword, the vast Ocean behind, +no place of retreit, no surety but in valour and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">67</a></span> +in victory; so as they who would not contend +for glory, were vpon necessitie to fight for their +liues: Lastly, by assuring them, that as he was +the first in aduise, so would he be the foremost +in aduenture, being fully resolued either to vanquish, +or to die. The King encouraged his +men, by presenting to their remembrance, the +miseries which they susteined not long before, +vnder the oppression of the <i>Danes</i>; which whether +they were againe to endure, or neuer to +feare, it lieth (said he) in the issue of this field. +The King had the aduantage both for number +of men, and for their large able bodies; The +Duke both in Armes, (especially in regard of +the Bow and arrowes,) and in experience and +skill of Armes; both equall in courage; both +confident alike in the fauour of Fortune, which +had alwayes crowned their courage with victory. +And now by affronting of both the Armies, +the plots and labours of many moneths, +were reduced to the hazard of a few houres.</p> + +<p>The <i>Normans</i> marched with a song of the +valiant acts of <i>Rowland</i>, esteeming nothing of +perill in regard of the glory of their aduenture. +When they approched neere their enemies, +they saluted them first with a storme of Ar<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">68</a></span>rowes: +<i>Robert Fitz Beaumonte</i> a yong Gentleman +of <i>Normandie</i>, beginning the fight from +the right Wing. This maner of fight as it was +new, so was it most terrible to the <i>English</i>, so +were they least prouided to auoyd it. First, +they opened their rancks, to make way for the +Arrowes to fall; but when that auoydance did +nothing auaile, they cloased againe, and couered +themselues with their Targets, ioyned together +in maner of a pendhouse; encouraging +one another, to hast forward, to leape lustily to +hand-strokes, and to scoure their swords in the +entrailes of their enemies. Then the Duke +commanded his horsemen to charge: but the +<i>English</i> receiued them vpon the points of their +weapons, with so liuely courage, in so firme +and stiffe order, that the ouerthrow of many of +the foremost, did teach their followers to aduenture +themselues with better aduise. Hereupon +they shifted into wings, and made way +for the footmen to come forward. Then did +both armies ioyne in a horrible shocke, with +Pole-axes, & the Prince of weapons the sword: +maintaining the fight with so manlike furie, +as if it had bene a battaile of Giants, rather then +of men. And so they continued the greatest<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">69</a></span> +part of that day, in close and furious fight; +blow for blow, wound for wound, death for +death; their feet steadie, their hands diligent, +their eyes watchfull, their hearts resolute; neither +their aduisement dazeled by fiercenesse, +nor their fiercenesse any thing abated by aduisement.</p> + +<p>In the meane time the horsemen gaue many +sharpe charges, but were alwayes beaten backe +with disaduantage. The greatest annoyance +came from the Archers; whose shot showred +among the <i>English</i> so thicke, as they seemed to +haue the enemy in the middest of their Armie. +Their armour was not sufficiently either compleate +or of proofe to defend them, but euery +hand, euery finger breadth vnarmed, was almost +an assured place for a deepe, and many +times a deadly wound. Thus whilest the front +was maintained in good condition, many +thousands were beaten downe behind; whose +death was not so grieuous vnto them, as the +maner of their death, in the middest of their +friends, without an enemie at hand, vpon +whom they might shew some valour, and +worke some reuenge.</p> + +<p>This maner of fight would soone haue de<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">70</a></span>termined +aswell the hopes as the feares of both +sides, had not the targets of English been very +seruiceable vnto them; Had not King <i>Harold</i> +also with a liuely and constant resolution, performed +the part, not onely of a skilfull commander, +by directing, encouraging, prouiding, +relieuing; but of a valiant Souldier by vsing his +weapon, to the excellent example of his Souldiers. In +places of greatest danger hee was alwayes present; +repayring the decayes, reforming the disorders, +and encouraging his company, that in +doing as men, whether they preuailed, or whether +they perished, their labour was alwayes +gloriously employed. So they knit strongly +together, and stood in close and thicke array, +as if they had been but one body: not onely +bearing the brunt of their enemies, but making +such an impression vpon their squadron, that +the great bodie began to shake. The Duke aduentured +in person so farre, moued no lesse by +his naturall magnanimitie, then by glory of the +enterprise, that besides his often alighting to +fight on foote, two, or (as some report) three +horses were slaine vnder him. And hauing a +body both able by nature, and by vse hardened +to endure trauaile, hee exacted the greater ser<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">71</a></span>uice +of his Souldiers: commending the forward, +blaming the slow, and crying out (according +to his nature) with vehement gesture +and voice vnto all; that it was a shame +for them who had been victorious against all +men with whom they dealt, to be so long held +by the <i>English</i> in delay of victory. So partly by +his authoritie, and partly by his example, he retained +his Souldiers, and imposed vpon them +the fayrest necessitie of courage; whilest euery +man contended to win a good opinion of their +Prince.</p> + +<p>Then the fight entred into a new fitte of +heate; nothing lesse feared then death, the +greatnesse of danger making both sides the +more resolute: and they who could not approach +to strike with the hand, were heard to +encourage their fellowes by speach, to pursue +the victory, to pursue their glory, not to turne +to their owne both destruction and disgrace. +The clashing of armour, the iustling of bodies, +the resounding of blowes, was the fairest part +of this bloody medley: but the grislinesse of +wounds, the hideous fals and groanes of the +dying, all the field defiled with dust, blood, broken +armour, mangled bodies, represented Ter<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">72</a></span>rour +in her foulest forme. Neuer was furie better +gouerned; neuer game of death better +played. The more they fought the better they +fought; the more they smarted, the lesse they +regarded smart.</p> + +<p>At the last, when the Duke perceiued that +the <i>English</i> could not be broken by strength of +arme, he gaue direction that his men should retire +and giue ground; not loosely, not disorderly, +as in a fearefull and confused haste, but aduisedly +and for aduantage; keeping the front +of their squadron firme and close, without disbanding +one foote in array. Nothing was +more hurtfull to the <i>English</i>, being of a franke +and noble spirit, then that their violent inclination +caried them too fast into hope of victory. +For, feeling their enemies to yeeld vnder their +hand, they did rashly follow those who were +not hasty to flee: And in the heate of their +pursuit, vpon a false conceit of victory, loosed +and disordered their rankes, thinking then of +nothing but of executing the chase. The <i>Normans</i> +espying the aduantage to be ripe, made a +stiffe stand, redoubled vpon the <i>English</i>, and +pressing on with a furie equall to their fauourable +fortune, with a cruell butchery brake into<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">73</a></span> +them. On the other side it is scarce credible +with what strength both of courage and hand +the <i>English</i> euen in despight of death, sustained +themselues in this disorder; drawing into small +squadrons, and beating downe their enemies +on euery hand, being resolued to sell their +liues with their place.</p> + +<p>But a mischiefe is no mischiefe, if it comes +alone. Besides this disaduantage of disarray, +the shot of the <i>Normans</i>, did continually beate +vpon the <i>English</i> with a grieuous execution. +Among other King <i>Harold</i> about the closing +of the euening, as he was busie in sustaining his +armie, both with voyce and with hand, was +strooke with an arrow through the left eye into +his braines, of which wound hee presently +died. His two brothers, <i>Girth</i> and <i>Leofwine</i> +were also slaine, and also most of the nobilitie +that were present: So long as the King stood, +they stood stoutly, both with him, and for him, +and by him: his directions supported them, his +braue behauiour breathed fresh boldnesse and +life into them. But his death was a deadly +stabbe to their courage; vpon report of his +death, they began to wauer in resolution, whether +to trust to the force of their armes, or to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">74</a></span> +commend their safetie to their good footemanship. +In this incertainty many were slaine: +Many retired in reasonable order to a rising +ground, whither they were closely followed +by the <i>Normans</i>; but the <i>English</i> hauing gotten +aduantage of the place, and drawing courage +out of despaire, with a bloody charge did +driue them downe. Count <i>Eustachius</i> supposing +fresh forces to be arriued, fled away with +fiftie Souldiers in his company; and meeting +with the Duke, rounded him secretly in his +eare, that if hee went any further hee was vndone. +Whilest he was thus speaking, hee was +strooke betweene the shoulder with so violent +a blowe, that he fell downe as dead, and voided +much blood at his nose and mouth. In this conflict +many of the noblest <i>Normans</i> were slaine, +which mooued the Duke to make a strong +ordered stand, giuing libertie therby for those +<i>English</i> to retire. Others fled through a watery +channell, the passages whereof were well +knowen vnto them: and when the <i>Normans</i> +did more sharpely then aduisedly pursue, the +place being shadowed partly with Sedges and +Reedes, and partly with the night, they were +either stifled in the waters, or easily destroyed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">75</a></span> +by the <i>English</i>, and that in so great numbers, +that the place was filled vp with dead bodies. +The residue scattered in smaller companies, +and had their flight fauoured by increasing +darkenesse: the enemie not aduenturing to +follow, both in a strange Countrey, and in the +night. Earle <i>Edwine</i> and Earle <i>Morchar</i>, brothers +of approoued both courage and faith, did +great seruice at that time, in collecting these +dispersed Troupes, and leading them in some +fashion to <i>London</i>.</p> + +<p>Duke <i>William</i> surprised with Ioy, gaue publike +charge for a solemne thanksgiuing to God. +Then he erected his pauilion in the middest of +the field, among the thickest of those bodies +whom death had made to lie quietly together. +There he passed the residue of that night; and +the next morning mustered his souldiers, buried +those that were slaine, and gaue libertie to +the <i>English</i> to do the like. The bodie of King +<i>Harold</i> could not be knowen by his face, it was +so deformed by death, and by his wound; by +his armour and by certaine markes vpon his +body it was knowen. As it lay vpon the ground, +a <i>Norman</i> Souldier did strike it into the legge +with his sword: for which vnmanly acte he was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">76</a></span> +cassed by the Duke with open disgrace. It was +caried into the Dukes Pauilion, vnder the custodie +of <i>William Mallet</i>. And when his mother +made suite for it to bee buried, the Duke +denied it at the first; affirming, that buriall was +not fit for him, whose ambition was the cause of +so many Funerals. The mother, besides her +lamentations and teares, offered for it (as one +<i>Norman</i> writer affirmes) the weight thereof in +gold. But the Duke, with a manly compassion +gaue it freely; as holding it dishonourable both +to value the bodie of a King, and make sale of a +slaine enemie. So his body was buried by his +mother at <i>Waltham Crosse</i> within the monasterie +which hee had founded. Verely there was +nothing to be blamed in him, but that his courage +could not stoupe to be lower then a King.</p> + +<p>I haue been the more long in describing this +battel, for that I esteem it the most memorable +and best executed that euer was fought within +this land: as well for skilfull direction, as for +couragious performance, and also for the greatnesse +of the euent. The fight continued with +very great both constancie of courage, and variety +of fortune, from seuen of the clocke in the +morning vntill night. Of the <i>Normans</i> were<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">77</a></span> +slaine 6000 and more, besides those that were +drowned and beaten downe in the water. The +slaughter of the <i>English</i> is vncertainely reported, +but certainely it was farre greater then that +of the <i>Normans</i>. Certaine also that their death +was most honourable and faire, not any one +basely abandoning the fielde; not any one +yeelding to bee taken prisoner. And yet one +circumstance more I hold fit to bee obserued; +that this victory was gotten onely by the +meanes of the bow and arrow: The vse +whereof was by the <i>Normans</i> first brought into +this land. Afterward the <i>English</i> being +trained to that fight, did thereby chiefly maintaine +themselues with honourable aduantage, +against all nations with whom they did contend +in armes; being generally reputed the best +shot in the world.</p> + +<p>But of late yeeres it hath bene altogether +layed aside, and in stead thereof the harquebuze +and calliuer are brought into vse: yet not +without contradiction of many expert men of +Armes; who albeit they doe not reiect the vse +of these small pieces, yet doe they preferre the +Bow before them. First, for that in a reasonable +distance, it is of greater both certainty and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">78</a></span> +force. Secondly, for that it dischargeth faster. +Thirdly, for that more men may discharge +therewith at once: for onely the first rancke +dischargeth the piece, neither hurt they any +but those that are in front; but with the bow +10. or 12. rancks may discharge together, and +will annoy so many ranckes of the enemies. +Lastly, for that the arrow doeth strike more +parts of the body: for in that it hurteth by discent; +(and not onely point blancke like the +bullet) there is no part of the body but it may +strike; from the crowne of the head, euen to +the nayling of the foot to the ground. Hereupon +it followeth, that the arrowes falling so +thicke as haile vpon the bodies of men, as lesse +fearefull of their flesh, so more slenderly armed +then in former times, must necessarily worke +most dangerous effects.</p> + +<p>Besides these generall respects in many particular +seruices and times, the vse of the Bow is +of greatest aduantage. If some defence lye before +the enemy, the arrow may strike where the +bullet cannot. Foule weather may much hinder +the discharge of the piece, but it is no great +impediment to the shot of the Bow. A horse +strooke with a bullet if the wound be not mor<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">79</a></span>tall, +may performe good seruice; but if an arrow +be fastened in his flesh, the continuall +stirring thereof, occasioned by the motion of +himselfe, will enforce him to cast off all command, +and either beare downe or disorder +those that are neere.</p> + +<p>But the cracke of the piece (will some man +say) doeth strike a terrour into the enemie. +True, if they bee such as neuer heard the like +noise before. But a little vse wil extinguish these +terrours: to men, yea to beasts acquainted with +these cracks, they worke a weake impression of +feare. And if it be true which all men of action +doe hold, that the eye in all battailes is first ouercome, +then against men equally accustomed +to both, the sight of the arrow is more auaileable +to victorie then the cracke of the +piece. Assuredly, the Duke before the battaile +encouraged his men, for that they should +deale with enemies who had no shot. But I +will leaue this point to be determined by more +discerning iudgements, and happily by further +experience in these affaires, and returne againe +to my principall purpose.</p> + +<p>The next day after the victorie the Duke returned +to <i>Hastings</i>, about seuen miles from the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">80</a></span> +place of the encounter, partly to refresh his Armie, +and partly to settle in aduise and order +for his further prosecution. First, he dispatched +messengers to signifie his successe to his friends +abroad; to the Pope he sent King <i>Harolds</i> Standerd, +which represented a man fighting, +wrought curiously with golde and precious +stones. Afterwards placing a strong garrison +at <i>Hastings</i>, he conducted his Armie towards +<i>London</i>: not the direct way, but coasted about +through part of <i>Kent</i>, through <i>Sussex</i>, <i>Surrey</i>, +<i>Hampshire</i> and <i>Barkeshire</i>: the wayes where +hee passed being as free from resistance, as his +thoughts were from change. At <i>Wallingford</i> +he passed ouer the <i>Thames</i>; and then marched +forward through <i>Oxford-shire</i>, <i>Buckingham-shire</i>, +and <i>Hartford-shire</i>, vntill he came to the +Castle at <i>Berkhamstead</i>. In this passage many +of his Souldiers languished and died of the +Fluxe. And whether it were vpon licentiousnesse +after the late victorie, or whether for want +of necessary prouision, or whether to strike a +terrour into the <i>English</i>, or whether to leaue no +danger at his backe, he permitted the sword to +range at large, to harrie freely, to defile many +places with ruine and blood.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">81</a></span></p> + +<p>In the meane time the <i>English</i> Lords assembled +at <i>London</i>, to aduise vpon their common +affaires; but the varietie of opinions was the +chiefe impediment to the present seruice; the +danger being more important, then the counsaile +resolute, or the confidence assured. The +Nobilitie enclined to declare <i>Edgar</i> grandchild +to <i>Edmund Ironside</i>, to be their King: and +with these the <i>Londoners</i> wholy went. But +those of the Clergie were of opinion (some +vpon particular respects, all vpon feare to displease +the Pope) to yeeld to the storme and +streame of the present time, to yeeld to the +mightie Arme of <span class="f"><span class="smcap">God</span></span>; that their forces being +prostrated, their hopes feeble and forlorne, +they must be content not to be constrained; +they must not prouoke the Victor too farre; against +whose forces and felicities, time gaue +them not power to oppose. This deliberation +held so long, that all the time of action was +spent. For the Duke approched so neere the +Citie, that many preferring their safetie before +other respects, withdrew themselues and went +vnto him. Hereupon the residue dissolued: +and <i>Alfred</i> Archb. of <i>Yorke</i>, <i>Wolstane</i> Bishop of +<i>Worcester</i>, <i>Wilfire</i> B. of <i>Hereford</i>, and many<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">82</a></span> +other Prelates of the Realme went vnto the +Duke at <i>Berkhamstead</i>; accompanied with <i>Edgar</i>, +Earle <i>Edwine</i>, Earle <i>Morchar</i>, and diuers +others of the Nobilitie: who gaue pledges for +their allegiance, and were thereupon receiued +to subiection and fauour. The Duke presently +dispatched to <i>London</i>, was receiued with many +declarations of ioy, the lesser in heart, the +fairer in appearance, and vpon <i>Christmas day</i> +next following was crowned King.</p> + +<p>Now the meanes whereby this victory was<a name="FNanchor_21_21" id="FNanchor_21_21"></a><a href="#Footnote_21_21" class="fnanchor">[21]</a> +assured, were the very same whereby it was atchieued; +euen by a stiffe and rigorous hand. +For whosoeuer supposeth that a State atteined +by force, can be reteined by milder meanes, he +shall find himselfe disappointed of his hopes. A +people newly subdued by force, will so long remaine +in obedience, as they finde themselues +not of force to resist.</p> + +<p>And first he endeauoured either to preuent +or appease all forren warres, especially against +the <i>Danes</i>, who were then chiefly feared in +<i>England</i>, as well in regard of their former victories, +as for that they pretended title to the +Crowne. And herein two things did especially +fauour his affaires. One, for that the <i>Normans</i><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">83</a></span> +were in some sort allied to the <i>Danes</i>; being +the progenie of those <i>Noruegians</i> and +<i>Danes</i>, which vnder the conduct and fortune +of <i>Rollo</i> inuaded <i>France</i>, & after many great +atchieuements, seated in <i>Normandie</i>. The other +was, for that after the death of <i>Canutus</i>, the +state of <i>Denmarke</i> was much infeebled by diuision. +For the <i>Noruegians</i> set vp <i>Magnus</i> the +sonne of <i>Olaus</i> for their King; but the <i>Danes</i> +acknowledged <i>Canutus</i> the third of that name: +by meanes whereof that puissant empire did +languish in consumption of it selfe, and could +not be dangerous to any neighbour Countrey. +Yet ceased they not for many yeeres, to continue +claime to the Crowne of <i>England</i>: But +King <i>William</i> had purchased many sure and secret +friends in that diseased state, wherein all +publike affaires were set to sale; especially he vsed +the authoritie of <i>Adelbert</i>, Archbishop of +<i>Hamburgh</i>, either to crosse all counsaile of hostilitie +against him, or else to delay, and thereby +to delude the enterprise, or lastly so to manage +the action, that it should not worke any +dangerous effect.</p> + +<p>After the death of <i>Swaine</i>, <i>Canutus</i> prepared +a Nauie of one thousand saile for inuasion<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">84</a></span> +of <i>England</i>; and was aided with sixe hundred +more by <i>Robert le Frizon</i>, whose daughter hee +had taken to wife. But either for want, or else +by negligence, or happily of purpose, this +Nauie continued, partly in preparation, and +partly in a readinesse, the space of two yeeres, +and then the voyage was layd aside. The cause +was attributed to contrarietie of winds; but the +contrariety of wils was the truest impediment. +Likewise <i>Swaine</i> had furnished against <i>England</i> +a Nauie of 200. sayle, commanded by +Earle <i>Osborne</i> his brother. Another fleete of +200. saile was set foorth vnder the charge of +Earle <i>Hacon</i>: But King <i>William</i> so corrupted +them both, that the one departed out of the +Realme without performing any great exploit, +the other neuer would arriue.</p> + +<p>Also out of these confusions in <i>England</i>, +<i>Malcolme</i> King of Scots, did take his opportunitie +for action. Hee receiued into protection +many <i>English</i>, who either for feare, or for discontentment, +forsooke their Countrey; of +whom many families in <i>Scotland</i> are descended, +and namely these; <i>Lindsey</i>, <i>Vaus</i>, <i>Ramsey</i>, +<i>Louell</i>, <i>Towbris</i>, <i>Sandlands</i>, <i>Bissart</i>, <i>Sowlis</i>, +<i>Wardlaw</i>, <i>Maxwell</i>, with diuers others. Hee<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">85</a></span> +entertained into his Court <i>Edgar Atheling</i>; and +tooke his sister <i>Margaret</i> to wife. He possessed +himselfe of a great part of <i>Cumberland</i>, and of +<i>Northumberland</i>; wherewith the people were +well content, for that hee was their Earles sisters +sonne.</p> + +<p>Hereupon King <i>William</i> sent against him, +first, <i>Roger</i> a <i>Norman</i>, who was traiterously +slaine by his owne Souldiers, then <i>Gospatrick</i>, +Earle of <i>Gloucester</i>: These did onely represse +the enemie, but were not able to finish the +warre fully. Lastly, hee went himselfe with a +mighty armie into <i>Scotland</i>, where hee made +wide waste, and in <i>Lothiam</i> found King <i>Malcolme</i>, +prepared both in force and resolution to +entertaine him with battell. The great armie +of King <i>William</i>, their faire furniture and order, +their sudden comming, but especially their +firme countenance and readinesse to fight, +much daunted the <i>Scots</i>: whereupon King +<i>Malcolme</i> sent a Herault to King <i>William</i>, to +mooue him to some agreement of peace. The +more that the King was pleased herewith, the +more hee seemed vnwilling and strange: the +more he must be perswaded to that, which if it +had not bin offered, he would haue desired. At<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">86</a></span> +the last, a peace was concluded, vpon conditions +honourable for King <i>William</i>, and not vnreasonable +for the King of <i>Scots</i>: whereby all +the <i>English</i> were pardoned, who had fled into +<i>Scotland</i>, and borne armes against their King.</p> + +<p>As for the <i>Welsh</i>, albeit both their courage +and their power had been extreamely broken +in the time of King <i>Edward</i>, and that by the +valour and industry of <i>Harold</i>; yet vpon aduantage +of these troubled times, they made +some incursions into the borders of <i>England</i>; +but in companies so disordered and small, so secretly +assaulting, so suddenly retiring, so desirous +more of pillage then of blood, that they +seemed more like to ordinarie robbers then to +enemies in field. Against these the King ledde +an armie into <i>Wales</i>, reduced the people both +to subiection and quiet, made all the principall +men tributary vnto him, receiued pledges of +all, for assurance of their obedience and faith.</p> + +<p>Whilest the King thus setled his affaires abroad, +he secured himselfe against his subiects,<a name="FNanchor_22_22" id="FNanchor_22_22"></a><a href="#Footnote_22_22" class="fnanchor">[22]</a> +not by altering their will, but by taking away +their power to rebell. The stoutest of the Nobilitie +and Gentlemen were spent, either by +warre, or by banishment, or by voluntary<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">87</a></span> +auoidance out of the Realme. All these hee +stripped of their states, and in place of them +aduanced his <i>Normans</i>: insomuch as scarce any +noble family of the <i>English</i> blood did beare +either office or authoritie within the Realme. +And these ranne headlong to seruitude; the +more hasty and with the fairer shew, the more +either countenanced or safe. These he did assure +vnto him, not onely by oath of fidelitie +and homage, but either by pledges, or else by +reteining them alwaies by his side.</p> + +<p>And because at that time the Clergie were +the principall strings of the <i>English</i> strength, he +permitted not any of the <i>English</i> Nation to be +aduanced to the dignities of the Church, but +furnished them with <i>Normans</i>, and other +strangers. And whereas in times before, the +Bishop and Alderman were absolute Iudges in +euery Shire, and the Bishop in many causes +shared in forfeitures and penalties with the +King; he clipped the wings of their Temporall +power, and confined them within the limits of +their Ecclesiasticall Iurisdiction; to maintaine +the Canons and customes of the Church, to +deale in affaires concerning the soule. He procured +<i>Stigand</i> Archbishop of <i>Canterburie</i>, <i>Agelwine</i><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">88</a></span> +Bishop of <i>East-Angles</i>, and certaine other +Bishops and Abbots, to be depriued by authoritie +from <i>Rome</i>, and deteined them in prison +during their liues, that strangers might enioy +their places. The matters obiected against <i>Stigand</i> +were these.</p> + +<blockquote><p>1 <i>That hee had entruded vpon the Archbishopricke +whilest Robert the Archb. was in life.</i></p> + +<p>2 <i>That he receiued his Pall from Benedict the +fifth, who for buying the Papacie had bene deposed.</i></p> + +<p>3 <i>That hee kept the Sea of Winchester in his +handes, after his inuestiture into the Sea of Canterburie.</i></p></blockquote> + +<p>He was otherwise also infamous in life; altogether +vnlearned, of heauie iudgement and vnderstanding, +sottishly seruiceable both to pleasure +and sloath; in couetousnesse beneath the +basenesse of rusticitie: insomuch as he would +often sweare, that he had not one penie vpon +the earth, and yet by a key which hee did +weare about his necke, great treasures of his +were found vnder the ground. And this was a +griefe and sicknesse to honest mindes, that such +spurious and impure creatures should susteine, +or rather destaine the reuerence and maiestie +of Religion.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">89</a></span></p> + +<p>Further, the King caused all the Monasteries +and Abbeys to be searched, pretending that +the richer sort of the <i>English</i> had layd vp their +money in them: vnder colour whereof he discouered +the state of all, and bereaued many of +their owne treasure. Some of these Religious +houses he appropriated wholly to himselfe; of +diuers others he seized the liberties, which they +redeemed afterward at a very high and excessiue +rate. Those Bishopricks and Abbeis which +held Baronies, and had bene free before from +secular subiection, he reduced vnder the charge +of his seruice; appointing how many Souldiers, +and of what sort, they should furnish for him +and his successours in the time of their warres. +Those strangers which he entertained in pay, +he dispersed into Religious houses, and some also +among the Nobilitie, to be maintained at +their charge: whereby he not onely fauoured +his owne purse, but had them as a watch, and +sometimes as a garrison ouer those, of whose alleageance +he stood in doubt.</p> + +<p>Now against the inferiour sort of people, +knowing right well that hee was generally hated, +hee prepared these remedies for his estate: +All their armour was taken from them, they<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">90</a></span> +were crushed downe with change of calamity, +which held them prostrate vnder yoke, and +brake the very heart of their courage: leauing +them no hope to be relieued, no hope to rise into +any degree of libertie, but by yeelding entire +obedience vnto him. Those who either resisted +or fauoured not his first entrance, he bereaued +of all meanes afterward to offend him; holding +them downe, and keeping them so lowe, that +their very impotencie made him secure. All +such as had their hand in any rebellion, albeit +they were pardoned their liues, lost their liuings, +and became vassals to those Lords to +whom their possessions were giuen. And if +they attained any thing afterward, they held it +onely at the pleasure of their Lords; at the +pleasure of their Lords they might bee despoyled.</p> + +<p>Hee much condemned the iudgement of +<i>Swanus</i> the <i>Dane</i>, sometimes King of <i>England</i>, +who permitted those whom hee had vanquished, +to retaine their former both authoritie +and estates: whereby it happened, that after +his death, the inhabitants were of force to expell +the strangers, and to quit themselues both +from their societie and subiection. Hereupon<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">91</a></span> +many seuere lawes were made; diuers of all +sorts were put to death, banished, stripped of +their wealth, disabled in their bodies by vnusuall +variety of punishments; as putting out the +eyes, cutting off the hands and such like: not +onely to diminish his feares, if they were suspected; +but sometimes if they were of wealth, to +satisfie therewith either his pleasure or wants. +His cruelty made the people rebellious, and +their rebellions made him the more cruell; in +which case many Innocents were made the +oblations of his ambitious feares. Many heauy +taxations were imposed vpon them; their ancient +Lords were remoued, their ancient lawes +and policies of State were dashed to dust; all +lay couched vnder the Conquerours sword, +to bee newly fashioned by him, as should bee +best fitting for his aduantage.</p> + +<p>Hee erected Castels in diuers parts of the +Realme, of which the Towre neere <i>London</i> +was the chiefe, which afterward was increased +both in compasse and in strength by addition +of the outward walls. In these he planted garrisons +of <i>Normans</i>, as if it had bene in a hostile +Countrey; not without oppression to the people +although they remained quiet, and suffi<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">92</a></span>cient +to suppresse them if they should rebell. +Thus he secured the Realme against a generall +defection; as for particular stirres, they might +happily molest him, but endanger him they +could not. <i>Exceter</i>, <i>Northumberland</i>, and some +other parts did rise against him in armes; but +being vnable to maintaine their reuolt, their ouerthrow +did much confirme his State.</p> + +<p>Hee either imitated or concurred with <i>Cæsar</i> +in aduise: For, as <i>Cæsar</i> inuaded the <i>Germans</i> +which kept the great forrest of <i>Ardenna</i>, +not with his owne Souldiers, but with his aides +out of <i>Gallia</i>; gaining thereby victory ouer the +one, and securitie from the other, without any +dispence of the <i>Romane</i> blood: so after the +Kings great victory against the valiant, but too +aduenturous King <i>Harold</i>, when many of the +English fled into <i>Ireland</i>, and from thence with +fresh both courage, and supplies returned into +<i>England</i>; commaunded by two of <i>Harolds</i> +sonnes; hee encountred them onely with +<i>English</i> forces. In the first conflict the Kings +partie was ouerthrowen, and the valiant leader +<i>Ednothus</i> slaine, who had bene master of +the horses to King <i>Harold</i>. In the second his +enemies were so defeated, as they were neuer<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">93</a></span> +able to make head againe. So the victorers being +weakened, and the vanquished wasted, the +King with pleasure triumphed ouer both. Likewise +when he was occasioned to passe the Seas +into <i>Normandie</i>, either to establish affaires of +gouernement, or to represse rebellions, which +in his absence were many times raised; he drew +his forces out of <i>England</i>, and that in a more +large proportion then the importance of the +seruice did require. Hee also tooke with him +the chiefe men of <i>English</i> blood, as well to vse +their aduise and aide, as also to hold them and +their friends from working innouation in his +absence.</p> + +<p>He enclosed the great Forrest neere vnto +the Sea in <i>Hamshire</i>, for which he dispeopled +villages and townes, about the space of thirtie +miles, to make a desert for beasts of chase; in +which place afterward two of his sonnes, <i>Richard</i> +and <i>William</i> ended their liues; <i>Richard</i> by +a fall from his horse, and <i>William</i> by the stroke +of an arrow. The Kings great delight in hunting +was made the pretence of this Forrest; but +the true end was rather, to make a free place +of footing for his <i>Normans</i> and other friends +out of France, in case any great reuolt should<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">94</a></span> +be made. Diuers other parts of the Realme +were so wasted with his warres, that for want +both of Husbandrie and habitation, a great +dearth did ensue; whereby many were inforced +to eate horses, dogs, cats, rats, and other +loathsome and vile vermine: yea, some absteined +not from the flesh of men. This famine +and desolation did especially rage in the North +parts of the Realme. For the inhabitants beyond +<i>Humber</i>, fearing the Kings secret hate, so +much the more deepe and deadly because vniust; +receiued without resistance, and perhaps +drew in the Armie of the King of <i>Sueueland</i>, +with whom <i>Edgar Atheling</i> and the other <i>English</i> +that fled into <i>Scotland</i> ioyned their power. +The <i>Normans</i> within <i>Yorke</i> fired the suburbs, +because it should not be a lodging for their +enemies: but the strength of the winde caried +the flame into the Citie, which consumed a +great part thereof, with the Minster of S. <i>Peter</i>, +and therein a faire Librarie. And herewith +whilest the <i>Normans</i> were partly busied, and +partly amazed, the enemies entred, and slue in +<i>Yorke</i>, in <i>Duresme</i>, and thereabout, three thousand +<i>Normans</i>; among whom were many of +eminent dignitie, as well for birth, as for place<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">95</a></span> +of their charge. But in short time the King +came vpon them, and hauing partly by Armes, +and partly by gifts dispatched the strangers, +exercised vpon the <i>English</i> an ancient and assured +experience of warre, to represse with maine +force a rebellion in a State newly subdued. Insomuch +as all the land betweene <i>Duresme</i> and +<i>Yorke</i>, except onely the territorie of S. <i>Iohn</i> of +<i>Beuerlace</i>, lay waste for the space of nine yeeres, +without inhabitants to manure the ground.</p> + +<p>And because conspiracies and associations +are commonly contriued in the night, he commanded, +that in all Townes and villages a Bell +should be runge in the euening at eight of the +clocke; and that in euery house they should +then put foorth their fire and lights, and goe to +bed. This custome of ringing a Bell at that +houre, in many places is still obserued.</p> + +<p>And for that likenesse is a great cause of liking +and of loue, he enioyned the chiefe of the +<i>English</i> (and these were soone imitated by the +rest) to conforme themselues to the fashions of +<i>Normandie</i>, to which they had made themselues +no strangers before. Yea, children in +the schoole were taught their letters and principles +of grammar in the <i>Norman</i> language. In<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">96</a></span> +their speech, attire, shauing of the beard, seruice +at the Table; in their buildings and houshold +furniture, they altogether resembled the +<i>Normans</i>.</p> + +<p>In the beginning of his reigne he ordeined +that the Lawes of King <i>Edward</i> should be obserued, +together with those Lawes which hee +did prescribe: but afterwards he commanded +that 9. men should be chosen out of euery +shire, to make a true report what were the +Lawes and customes of the Realme. Of these +hee changed the greatest part, and brought in +the customes of <i>Normandie</i> in their stead: commanding +also that causes should be pleaded, +and all matters of forme dispatched in <i>French</i>. +Onely hee permitted certaine <i>Dane</i>-Lawes, +(which before were chiefly vsed in <i>Northfolke</i>, +<i>Suffolke</i>, and <i>Cambridge</i>-shire) to be generally +obserued; as hauing great affinitie with his +<i>Norman</i>-customes; both being deriued from +one common head.</p> + +<p>Likewise at the great suit of <i>William</i> a <i>Norman</i> +then Bishop of <i>London</i>, he granted a Charter +of libertie to that Citie, for enioying the vse +of K. <i>Edwards</i> Lawes: a memoriall of which +benefite, the Citizens fixed vpon the Bishops<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">97</a></span> +graue, being in the middest of the great West +Ile of S. <i>Pauls</i>. Further, by the counsaile of +<i>Stigand</i> Archb. of <i>Canterburie</i>, and of <i>Eglesine</i> +Abbot of S. <i>Augustines</i> (who at that time were +the chiefe gouernours of <i>Kent</i>) as the King was +riding towards <i>Douer</i>, at <i>Swanescombe</i> two mile +from <i>Grauesend</i>, the <i>Kentish</i> men came towards +him armed, and bearing boughes in their +hands, as if it had bene a moouing wood; they +encloased him vpon the sudden, and with a +firme countenance, but words well tempered +with modestie and respect, they demanded of +him the vse of their ancient Liberties and +Lawes: that in other matters they would yeeld +obedience vnto him: that without this they +desired not to liue. The King was content to +strike saile to the storme, and to giue them a +vaine satisfaction for the present; knowing +right well, that the generall customes & Lawes +of the residue of the Realme, would in short +time ouerflow these particular places. So +pledges being giuen on both sides, they conducted +him to <i>Rochester</i>, and yeelded the +Countie of <i>Kent</i> and the Castle of <i>Douer</i> into +his power.</p> + +<p>In former times many Farmes and Mannors<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">98</a></span> +were giuen by bare word, without writing, +onely with the sword of the Lord, or his head-peece; +with a horne or standing goblet, and +many tenements with a quill, with a horse-combe, +with a bow, with an arrow; but this sincere +simplicitie at that time was changed. And +whereas Charters and deeds were before made +firme by the subscription of the partie, with +crosses of gold, or of some other colour; then +they were firmed by the parties speciall Seale, +set vpon waxe, vnder the <i>Teste</i> of three or foure +witnesses.</p> + +<p>He ordained also his counsaile of State, his +Chancery, his Exchequer, his Courts of Iustice, +which alwaies remoued with his Court. These +places he furnished with Officers, and assigned +foure Termes in the yere for determining controuersies +among the people: whereas before +all suites were summarily heard and determined +in the <i>Gemote</i> or monthly conuention in +euery hundred, without either formalities or +delay.</p> + +<p>He caused the whole Realme to be described +in a censuall Roll, so as there was not one Hide +of land, but both the yerely rent and the owner +thereof, was therein set downe; how many<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">99</a></span> +plowlands, what pastures, fennes, or marishes; +what woods, parkes, farmes and tenements +were in euery shire; and what euery one was +worth. Also how many villaines euery man +had, what beasts or cattell, what fees, what other +goods, what rent or commoditie his possessions +did yeeld. This booke was called <i>The +Roll of Winton</i>, because it was kept in the Citie +of <i>Winchester</i>. By the <i>English</i> it was called +<i>Doomes day booke</i>; either by reason of the generalitie +thereof, or else corruptly in stead of <i>Domus +Dei booke</i>; for that it was layed in the +Church of <i>Winchester</i>, in a place called <i>Domus +Dei</i>. According to this Roll taxations were imposed; +sometimes two shillings, and sometimes +sixe shillings vpon euery hide of land (a hide +conteyning 20. acres,) besides ordinarie prouision +for his house.</p> + +<p>In all those lands which hee gaue to any +man, he reserued <i>Dominion in chiefe</i> to himselfe: +for acknowledgement whereof a yeerely rent +was payd vnto him, and likewise a fine whensoeuer +the Tenant did alien or die. These were +bound as Clients vnto him by oath of fidelitie +and homage; And if any died his heire being +in minoritie, the King receiued the profits of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">100</a></span> +the land, and had the custodie and disposing +of the heires body, vntill his age of one and +twentie yeeres.</p> + +<p>It is reported of <i>Caligula</i>,<a name="FNanchor_23_23" id="FNanchor_23_23"></a><a href="#Footnote_23_23" class="fnanchor">[23]</a> that when he entended +to make aduantage of his penal Edicts, +he caused them to be written in so small letters, +and the tables of them to be fastened so high, +that it was almost impossible for any man to +read them. So the King caused part of those +Lawes that he established, to be written in the +<i>Norman</i> language, which was a barbarous and +broken <i>French</i>, not well vnderstood of the naturall +<i>French</i>, and not at all of the vulgar <i>English</i>. +The residue were not written at all, but +left almost arbitrarie, to be determined by reason +and discretion at large. Hereupon it followed, +partly through ignorance of the people, +and partly through the malice of some officers +of Iustice, who many times are instruments +of secret and particular ends; that many +were extreamely intangled, many endangered, +many rather made away, then iustly executed.</p> + +<p>But here it may be questioned, seeing these +Lawes were layed vpon the <i>English</i>, as fetters about +their feet, as a ponderous yoke vpon their +necke, to depresse and deteine them in sure sub<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">101</a></span>iection; +how it falleth, that afterward they became +not onely tolerable, but acceptable and +well esteemed.</p> + +<p>Assuredly, these lawes were exceeding harsh +and heauy to the <i>English</i> at the first: And therefore +K. <i>William Rufus</i>, and <i>Henry</i> the first, at +such time as <i>Robert</i> their eldest brother came +in armes against them to challenge the crowne, +being desirous to winne the fauour of the people, +did fill them with faire promises, to abrogate +the lawes of K. <i>William</i> their father, and to +restore to them the Lawes of K. <i>Edward</i>. The +like was done by K. <i>Stephen</i>, and by K. <i>Henry</i> +the second; whilest both contending to draw +the State to himselfe, they did most grieuously +teare it in pieces. The like by others of the first +Kings of the <i>Norman</i> race, whensoeuer they +were willing to giue contentment to the people: +who desired no other reward for all their +aduentures and labours, for al their blood spent +in the seruice of their Kings, but to haue the +Lawes of K. <i>Edward</i> restored. At the last the +Nobilitie of the Realme, with great dispence +both of their estates and blood, purchased a +Charter of libertie, First from K. <i>Iohn</i>, which +was soone reuoked, as violently enforced from<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">102</a></span> +him: afterwards from King <i>Henry</i> the third, +which remained in force. And hereby the +sharpe seuerity of these lawes was much abated.</p> + +<p>In that afterwards they became, not onely +tolerable, but easie and sweete, and happily not +fit to bee changed, it is by force of long grounded +custome, whereby those vsages which our +ancestors haue obserued for many ages, do neuer +seeme either grieuous or odious to bee endured. +So <i>Nicetas</i> writing of certaine Christians, +who by long conuersing with the <i>Turkes</i>, +had defiled themselues with Turkish fashions, +<i>Custome</i><a name="FNanchor_24_24" id="FNanchor_24_24"></a><a href="#Footnote_24_24" class="fnanchor">[24]</a> (saith he) <i>winneth such strength by time, +that it is more firme then either Nature or Religion</i>. +Hereupon <i>Dio. Chrysostome</i> compareth +Customes to a King,<a name="FNanchor_25_25" id="FNanchor_25_25"></a><a href="#Footnote_25_25" class="fnanchor">[25]</a> and Edicts to a Tyrant; +because we are subiect voluntarily to the one, +but by constraint and vpon necessitie to the +other. <i>It is manifest</i> (saith <i>Agathias</i>) <i>that vnder +whatsoeuer law a people hath liued, they doe esteeme +the same most excellent and diuine</i>.<a name="FNanchor_26_26" id="FNanchor_26_26"></a><a href="#Footnote_26_26" class="fnanchor">[26]</a> <i>Herodotus</i> +reporteth, that <i>Darius</i> the sonne of <i>Hysdaspis</i>, +hauing vnder his Dominion certaine +<i>Grecians</i> of <i>Asia</i>, who accustomed to burne +their dead parents and friends, and certaine na<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">103</a></span>tions +of <i>India</i>, who vsed to eate them; called +the <i>Grecians</i> before him: and told them that it +was his pleasure, that they should conforme +themselues to the custome of the <i>Indians</i>, in eating +their deceased friends. But they applied all +meanes of intreatie and perswasion, that they +might not be inforced, to such a barbarous, or +rather brutish obseruation. Then hee sent for +the <i>Indians</i>, and mooued them to conformitie +with the <i>Grecians</i>; but found that they did farre +more abhorre to burne their dead, then the +<i>Grecians</i> did to eate them.</p> + +<p>Now these seuerities of the King were much +aggrauated by the <i>English</i>, and esteemed not +farre short of cruelties. Notwithstanding hee +tempered it with many admirable actions both +of iustice and of clemencie and mercie: for +which hee is much extolled by the <i>Normane</i><a name="FNanchor_27_27" id="FNanchor_27_27"></a><a href="#Footnote_27_27" class="fnanchor">[27]</a> +writers. Hee gaue great priuiledges to many +places; & the better to giue the people contentment, +and to hold them quiet, he often times +renued the oath which first he tooke at his Coronation: +namely, <i>to defend the holy Church of +God, the pastors thereof, and the people subiect to +him iustly to gouerne, to ordaine good lawes, and obserue +true iustice, and to the vttermost of his power<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">104</a></span> +to withstand all rapines and false Iudgements.</i> Such +of the nobilitie as had been taken in rebellion, +were onely committed to prison; from which +they were released in time: such as yeelded and +submitted themselues, were freely pardoned, +and often times receiued to fauour, trust, and +imployment.</p> + +<p><i>Edric</i>, the first that rebelled after hee was +King, he held neere and assured vnto him. <i>Gospatric</i> +who had been a stirrer of great commotions, +he made Earle of <i>Glocester</i>, and employed +him against <i>Malcolme</i> King of <i>Scots</i>. <i>Eustace</i> +Earle of <i>Bologne</i>, who vpon occasion of the +Kings first absence in <i>Normandie</i> attempted +to surprize the Castle of <i>Douer</i>, he imbraced afterward +with great shew of loue and respect. +<i>Waltheof</i> sonne to Earle <i>Siward</i>, who in defending +the Citie of <i>Yorke</i> against him, had +slaine many <i>Normans</i>, as they assayed to enter +a breach, hee ioyned in marriage to his Neece +<i>Iudeth</i>. <i>Edgar</i> who was the ground and hope of +all conspiracies, who after his first submission +to the King, fled into <i>Scotland</i>, and maintained +open hostilitie against him, who pretended +title to the Crowne as next heire to the <i>Saxon</i> +Kings, he not onely receiued to fauour, but ho<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">105</a></span>noured +with faire enterteinments. Hee furnished +him to the warre of <i>Palestine</i>, where he +atteined an honourable estimation with the +Emperours of <i>Almaine</i> and of <i>Greece</i>. After his +returne he was allowed 20. shillings a day by +way of pension, and large liuings in the Countrey, +where he mellowed to old age in pleasure +and vacancie of affaires; preferring safe subiection, +before ambitious rule accompanied both +with danger and disquiet.</p> + +<p>Thus was no man more milde to a relenting +and vanquished enemie; as farre from +crueltie, as he was from cowardice, the height +of his spirit, ouerlooking all casuall, all doubtfull +and vncertaine dangers. Other great offenders +he punished commonly by exile or imprisonment, +seldome by death. Onely among +the <i>English</i> Nobilitie Earle <i>Waltheof</i> was put to +death, for that after twice breaking allegiance, +he conspired the third time with diuers both +<i>English</i> and <i>Normans</i> to receiue the <i>Danes</i> into +<i>England</i>, whilest the King was absent in <i>Normandie</i>. +And for the same conspiracie <i>Ralph +Fitz-aubert</i> a <i>Norman</i> was also executed; who +had furnished 40. ships for the King in his voiage +for <i>England</i>: for which and for his other<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">106</a></span> +seruices in that warre, he was afterward created +Earle of <i>Hereford</i>. But present iniuries doe alwayes +ouerballance benefits that are past.</p> + +<p>He much delighted in hunting and in feasting. +For the first he enclosed many forrests +and parks, and filled them with Deere; which +he so deerely loued, that he ordained great penalties +for such as should kill those or any other +beasts of game. For the second hee made +many sumptuous feasts, especially vpon the +high Festiuall dayes in the yeere. His <i>Christmasse</i> +hee often kept at <i>Glocester</i>, his <i>Easter</i> at +<i>Winchester</i>, his <i>Whitsontide</i> at <i>Westminster</i>; and +was crowned once in the yeere at one of these +places, so long as he continued in <i>England</i>. To +these feasts he inuited all his Nobilitie, and did +then principally compose himselfe to courtesie, +as well in familiar conuersation, as in facilitie to +grant suits, and to giue pardon to such as had +offended. At other times he was more Maiesticall +and seuere; and imployed himselfe both +to much exercise and great moderation in diet; +whereby he preserued his body in good state, +both of health and strength, and was easily +able to endure trauaile, hunger, heat, cold, and +all other hardnesse both of labour and of want.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">107</a></span></p> + +<p>Many wrongs he would not see, of many +smarts he would not complaine; he was absolute +master of himselfe, and thereby learned to +subdue others. He was much commended for +chastitie of body; by which his Princely actions +were much aduanced. And albeit the beginning +of his reigne was pestered with such +routs of outlawes and robbers, that the peaceable +people could not accompt themselues in +surety within their owne doores; hee so well +prouided for execution of Iustice vpon offenders, +or rather for cutting off the causes of offence; +that a young maiden well charged with +gold, might trauaile in any part of the Realme, +without any offer of iniurie vnto her. For if any +man had slaine another vpon any cause, he was +put to death; and if he could not be found, the +hundred paide a fine to the King; sometimes +28. and sometimes 36. pounds, according to the +largenesse of the hundred in extent. If a man +had oppressed any woman, he was depriued of +his priuie parts. As the people by Armes, so +Armes by lawes were held in restraint.</p> + +<p>He talked little and bragged lesse: a most +assured performer of his word: In prosecution +or his purposes constant and strong, and yet<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">108</a></span> +not obstinate; but alwayes appliable to the +change of occasions: earnest, yea violent, both +to resist his enemies, and to exact dueties of his +Subiects. He neither loued much speech, nor +gaue credite to faire; but trusted truely to himselfe, +to others so farre as he might not be abused +by credulitie.</p> + +<p>His expedition (the spirit of actions and affaires) +may hereby appeare. He inuaded <i>England</i> +about the beginning of October; He subdued +all resistance, he suppressed all rising Rebellions, +and returned into <i>Normandy</i> in March +following. So as the time of the yeere considered, +a man should hardly trauaile through the +land in so short a time as he did win it. A greater +exploit then <i>Iulius Cæsar</i> or any other stranger +could euer atchieue vpon that place.</p> + +<p>He gaue many testimonies of a Religious +minde. For he did often frequent Diuine seruice +in the Church, he gaue much Almes, hee +held the Clergie in great estimation, and highly +honoured the Prelats of the Church. He sent +many costly ornaments, many rich presents of +gold and siluer to the Church of <i>Rome</i>; his +<i>Peter</i> paiments went more readily, more largely +then euer before. To diuers Churches in <i>France</i><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">109</a></span> +after his victorie he sent Crosses of gold, vessels +of gold, rich Palles, or other ornaments of great +beautie and price. He bare such reuerence to +<i>Lanfranck</i> Archbishop of <i>Canterburie</i>, that he +seemed to stand at his directions. At the request +of <i>Wolstane</i> Bishop of <i>Worcester</i>, he gaue +ouer a great aduantage that he made by sale of +prisoners taken in <i>Ireland</i>. He respected <i>Aldred</i> +Archbishop of <i>Yorke</i>, by whom he had bene +crowned King of <i>England</i>, as his father. At a +time vpon the repulse of a certaine suit, the +Archbishop brake forth into discontentment, +expostulated sharpely against the King, and in +a humorous heat offered to depart. But the +King staied him, fell downe at his feet, desired +pardon, and promised satisfaction in the best +maner that he could. The Nobilitie that were +present, put the Archbishop in minde that he +should cause the King to arise. Nay (answered +the Archb.) let him alone; Let him still abide +at S. <i>Peters</i> feet. So with much adoe he was appeased, +and entreated to accept his suite. +And so the name of Saint <i>Peter</i>, and of the +Church hath been often vsed as a mantle, to +couer the pride, passions and pleasures of disordered +men.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">110</a></span></p> + +<p>He founded and enlarged many houses of +Religion: Hee furnished Ecclesiasticall dignities, +with men of more sufficiencie and worth +then had been vsuall in former times. And because +within his owne Dominions studies did +not flourish and thriue, by reason of the turbulent +times, by reason of the often inuasions of +barbarous people, whose knowledge lay chiefly +in their fists; hee drew out of <i>Italy</i> and other +places many famous men, both for learning +and integritie of life, to wit, <i>Lanfranke</i>, +<i>Anselm</i>, <i>Durand</i>, <i>Traherne</i> and others. These +he honoured, these hee aduanced, to these hee +expressed great testimonies both of fauour and +regard.</p> + +<p>And yet he preferred <i>Odo</i> his brother by the +mothers side to the Bishopricke of <i>Baion</i>, and +afterwards created him Earle of <i>Kent</i>: A man +proud, vaine, mutinous, ambitious; outragious +in oppression, cruelty and lust; a prophaner of +Religion, a manifest contemner of all vertue. +The King being called by occasions into <i>Normandie</i>, +committed vnto him the gouernment +of the Realme: In which place of credite and +command he furnished himselfe so fully with +treasure, that hee aspired to the Papacie of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">111</a></span> +<i>Rome</i>: vpon a prediction then cast abroad, +(which commonly deceiue those that trust vnto +them) that the successour of <i>Hildebrand</i> was +named <i>Odo</i>. So filled with proud hopes, hee +purchased a palace and friends at <i>Rome</i>; hee +prepared for his iourney, and drew many gentlemen +to be of his traine. But the King returning +suddenly out of <i>Normandie</i>, met with +him in the <i>Isle of Wight</i>, as he was ready to take +the Seas. There hee was arrested, and afterwards +charged with infinite oppressions; also +for seducing the Kings subiects to forsake the +Realme; and lastly, for sacrilegious spoyling of +many Churches. Hereupon his treasure was +seized, and he was committed to prison; not as +Bishop of <i>Baion</i>, but as Earle of <i>Kent</i>, and as +an accomptant to the King. And so he remained +about foure yeeres, euen vntill the death +of the King. His seruants, some in falshood, +and some for feare, discouered such hidden +heapes of his gold, as did exceede all expectation: +yea, many bagges of grinded gold were +drawen out of riuers, wherein the Bishop had +caused them for a time to be buried. After this +hee was called the Kings spunge: as being preferred +by him to that place of charge, wherein<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">112</a></span> +he might in long time sucke that from others, +which should at once be pressed from himselfe. +By this meanes the King had the benefit of his +oppression without the blame; and the people +(being no deepe searchers into secrets of State) +were so well pleased with the present punishment, +as they were thereby, although not satisfied, +yet well quieted for all their wrongs.</p> + +<p>Towards the end of his reigne he appointed +his two sonnes, <i>Robert</i> and <i>Henry</i>, with ioynt +authoritie, gouernours of <i>Normandie</i>; the one +to suppresse either the insolencie, or leuitie of +the other. These went together to visit the +<i>French</i> King, lying at <i>Conflance</i>: where entertaining +the time with varietie of disports, <i>Henry</i> +played with <i>Louis</i> then <i>Daulphine</i> of <i>France</i> at +Chesse, and did win of him very much. Here at +<i>Louis</i> beganne to growe warme in words, and +was therein little respected by <i>Henry</i>. The great +impatiencie of the one, and the small forbearance +of the other, did strike in the end such a +heate betweene them, that <i>Louis</i> threw the +Chesse-men at <i>Henries</i> face, and called him the +sonne of a bastard. <i>Henrie</i> againe stroke <i>Louis</i> +with the Chesse-boord, drew blood with the +blowe, and had presently slaine him vpon the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">113</a></span> +place, had hee not been stayed by his brother +<i>Robert</i>. Hereupon they presently went to +horse, and their spurres claimed so good haste, +as they recouered <i>Pontoise</i>, albeit they were +sharpely pursued by the <i>French</i>.</p> + +<p>It had been much for the <i>French</i> King to +haue remained quiet, albeit no prouocations +had happened, in regard of his pretence to many +pieces which King <i>William</i> did possesse in +<i>France</i>. But vpon this occasion he presently +inuaded <i>Normandie</i>, tooke the Citie of <i>Vernon</i>, +and drew <i>Robert</i>, King <i>Williams</i> eldest sonne, +to combine with him against his owne father. +On the other side King <i>William</i>, who neuer lost +anything by loosing of time, with incredible +celeritie passed into <i>France</i>; inuaded the <i>French</i> +Kings dominions, wasted and tooke many +principall places of <i>Zantoigne</i> and <i>Poictou</i>, returned +to <i>Roan</i>, and there reconciled his sonne +<i>Robert</i> vnto him. The <i>French</i> King summoned +him to doe his homage for the kingdome of +<i>England</i>. For the Duchie of <i>Normandie</i> he offered +him homage, but the kingdome of <i>England</i> +(he said) he held of no man, but onely of God, +and by his sword. Hereupon the <i>French</i> King +came strongly vpon him; but finding him both<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">114</a></span> +ready and resolute to answere in the field: finding +also that his hazard was greater then his +hope; that his losse by ouerthrow would farre +surmount his aduantage by victory; after a +few light encounters he retired: preferring the +care to preserue himselfe, before the desire to +harme others.</p> + +<p>King <i>William</i> being then both corpulent and +in yeeres, was distempered in body by meanes +of those trauailes, and so retired to <i>Roan</i>; where +hee remained not perfectly in health. The +<i>French</i> King hearing of his sickenesse, pleasantly +said, that hee lay in child-bed of his great +belly. This would haue been taken in mirth, +if some other had spoken it; but comming from +an enemie, it was taken in scorne. And as +great personages are most sencible of reproach, +and the least touch of honour maketh a wide +and incurable wound; so King <i>William</i> was so +nettled with this ieast, that hee swore <i>By Gods +resurrection and his brightnesse</i>, (for this was the +vsuall forme of his oath) that so soone as hee +should be churched of that child, he would offer +a thousand lights in <i>France</i>. So presently after +his recouery hee entred <i>France</i> in armes, +tooke the Citie of <i>Meux</i>, set many Townes<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">115</a></span> +and Villages and corne fields on fire; the people +abandoning all places where he came, and +giuing foorth, that it was better the nests should +be destroyed, then that the birds should be taken +in them. At the last he came before <i>Paris</i>, +where <i>Philip</i> King of <i>France</i> did then abide: +to whom he sent word, that he had recouered +to be on foote, and was walking about, +and would be glad likewise to find him abroad. +This enterprise was acted in the moneth of August, +wherein the King was so violent and +sharpe, that by reason both of his trauaile, and +of the vnseasonable heate, he fell into a relapse +of his sicknesse. And to accomplish his mishap, +in leaping on horse-backe ouer a ditch, +his fat belly did beare so hard vpon the pommell +of his saddle, that hee tooke a rupture +in his inner parts. And so ouercharged with +sickenesse, and paine, and disquietnesse of +minde, hee returned to <i>Roan</i>; where his sickenesse +increased by such dangerous degrees, +that in short time it led him to the period of +his dayes.</p> + +<p>During the time of his sickenesse hee was +much molested in conscience,<a name="FNanchor_28_28" id="FNanchor_28_28"></a><a href="#Footnote_28_28" class="fnanchor">[28]</a> for the blood +which hee had spilt, and for the seueritie which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">116</a></span> +he had vsed against the <i>English</i>: holding himselfe +for that cause more guilty before God, +then glorious among men. Hee spent many +good speeches in reconciling himselfe to God +and the world, & in exhorting others to vertue +and Religion. He gaue great summes of money +to the Clergie of <i>Meux</i>, and of some other +places in <i>France</i>, to repaire the Churches which +a little before he had defaced. To some Monasteries +he gaue tenne markes of gold, and to others +sixe. To euery Parish Church hee gaue +fiue shillings, and to euery Borough Towne a +hundred pounds for reliefe of the poore. Hee +gaue his Crowne, with all the ornaments therto +belonging, to the Church of Saint <i>Stephen</i> in +<i>Caen</i>, which hee had founded: for redeeming +whereof, King <i>Henry</i> the first did afterwards +giue to the same Church the Mannour of +<i>Brideton</i> in <i>Dorcetshire</i>. Hee reteined perfect +memorie and speach so long as he reteined any +breath. Hee ended his life vpon the ninth +day of September: full both of honour and of +age, when hee had reigned twenty yeeres, +eight moneths and sixteene dayes; in the +threescore and fourth yeere of his age.</p> + +<p>So soone as he was dead, the chiefe men that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">117</a></span> +were about him went to horse, and departed +forthwith to their owne dwellings: to prouide +for the safety of themselues, and of their families +and estates. For all men were possessed with +a marueilous feare, that some dangerous aduentures +would ensue. The seruants and inferiour +Officers also fled away; and to double +the basenesse of their disposition, tooke with +them whatsoeuer was portable about the king; +his Armour, plate, apparell, household-stuffe, +all things were held as lawfull bootie. Thus +the dead body was not onely abandoned, but +left almost naked vpon the ground: where it +remained from prime vntil three of the clocke, +neither guarded nor regarded by any man. In +the meane time the Religious persons went in +procession to the Church of S. <i>Geruase</i>, & there +commended his soule to God. Then <i>William</i> +Archb. of <i>Roan</i> commaunded, that his body +should be caried to <i>Caen</i>, to be there buried in +the Church of S. <i>Stephen</i>. But hee was so forsaken +of all his followers, that there was not +any found who would vndertake either the +care or the charge. At the last <i>Herlwine</i> a countrey +Knight, vpon his owne cost, caused the +body to be embalmed and adorned for funerall<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">118</a></span> +pompe: then conueyed it by coach to the +mouth of the Riuer <i>Some</i>; and so partly by +land, and partly by sea brought it to <i>Caen</i>.</p> + +<p>Here the Abbot with the Couent of Monks +came foorth with all accustomed ceremonies, +to meet the corps: to whom the whole multitude +of the Clergie and Lay-people did adioyne. +But when they were in the middest of +their sad solemnities, a fire brake out of a certaine +house, and suddenly embraced a great +part of the towne. Hereupon the Kings body +was once againe abandoned; all the people +running from it in a headlong haste; some to +saue their goods, others to represse the rage of +the flame, others (as the latest nouelty) to stand +and looke on. In the end a few Moncks returned, +and accompanied the Hearse to the Abbey +Church.</p> + +<p>Afterward all the Bishops and Abbots of +<i>Normandy</i> assembled to solemnize the funerall. +And when the diuine Office was ended, and +the coffin of stone set into the earth, in the presbytorie, +betweene the Quire and the Altar (but +the body remained vpon the Herse) <i>Guislebert</i> +bishop of <i>Eureux</i> made a long Sermon; wherein +hee bestowed much breath in extolling the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">119</a></span> +honourable actions of the King. In the end he +concluded; That forsomuch as it was impossible +for a man to liue, much lesse to gouerne, +without offence; First, by reason of the multitude +of a Princes affaires; Secondly, for that he +must commit the managing of many things to +the conscience and courtesie of others; Lastly, +for that personall grieuances are many times +beneficiall to the maine body of State; in which +case, particular either losses or harmes, are more +then manifoldly recompenced by the preseruation +or quiet of the whole: If therefore any +that were present did suppose they had receiued +iniurie from the King, he desired that they +would in charitie forgiue him.</p> + +<p>When the Bishop had finished his speach, +one <i>Anselme Fitz-Arthur</i> stood vp amongst the +multitude, and with a high voice said; <i>This +ground whereupon wee stand, was sometimes the +floore of my fathers house; which that man of +whom you haue spoken, when he was Duke of Normandie, +tooke violently from my father, and afterward +founded thereon this Religious building. This +iniustice hee did not by ignorance or ouersight; not +vpon any necessitie of State; but to content his +owne couetous desire. Now therefore I doe challenge<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">120</a></span> +this ground as my right; and doe here charge +you, as you will answere it before the fearefull face +of Almightie God, that the body of the spoiler be not +couered with the earth of mine inheritance.</i></p> + +<p>When the Bishops and Noble men that +were present heard this, and vnderstood by the +testimony of many that it was true, they agreed +to giue him three pounds presently for the +ground that was broken for the place of burial; +and for the residue which he claimed, they vndertooke +he should be fully satisfied. This promise +was performed in short time after, by <i>Henrie</i> +the Kings sonne, who onely was present at +the Funerall; at whose appointment <i>Fitz-Arthur</i> +receiued for the price of the same ground +one hundred pounds.</p> + +<p>Now when the body was to be put into the +earth, the sepulchre of stone which stood within +the graue, was hewen somewhat too strait +for his fat belly; whereupon they were constrained +to presse it downe with much strength. +By this violence, whether his bowels burst, or +whether some excrements were forced out at +their natural passage, such an intolerable stinck +proceeded from him, as neither the perfumes +that smoaked in great abundance, nor any o<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">121</a></span>ther +meanes were able to qualifie. Wherefore +the Priests hasted to finish their office, and the +people departed in a sad silence; discoursing +diuersly afterward of all these extraordinarie +accidents.</p> + +<p>A man would thinke that a sepulchre thus +hardly attained, should not easily againe bee +lost. But it happened otherwise to this vnquiet +King; not destined to rest, either in his life or +after his death. For in the yeere 1562. when +<i>Chastilion</i> tooke the Citie of <i>Caen</i>, with those +broken troupes that escaped at the battaile of +<i>Dreux</i>; certaine sauage Souldiers of diuers nations, +led by foure dissolute Captaines, beate +downe the Monument which King <i>William</i> his +sonne had built ouer him, and both curiously +and richly adorned with gold & costly stones. +Then they opened his Tombe, & not finding +the treasure which they expected, they threw +forth his bones with very great derision & despight. +Many <i>English</i> souldiers were then in the +Towne, who were very curious to gather his +bones; whereof some were afterwards brought +into <i>England</i>. Hereby the report is conuinced +for vaine, that his body was found vncorrupt, +more then foure hundred yeeres after it was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">122</a></span> +buried. Hereby also it is found to be false, that +his body was eight foote in length. For neither +were his bones proportionable to that stature, +(as it is testified by those who saw them) and it +is otherwise reported of him by som who liued +in his time; namely, that he was of a good stature, +yet not exceeding the ordinary proportion +of men.</p> + +<p>And this was the last end of all his fortunes, +of all that was mortall in him besides his fame: +whose life is too much extolled by the <i>Normans</i>, +and no lesse extenuated by the <i>English</i>. +Verely, he was a very great Prince: full of hope +to vndertake great enterprises, full of courage +to atchieue them: in most of his actions commendable, +and excusable in all. And this was +not the least piece of his Honour, that the +Kings of <i>England</i> which succeeded, did accompt +their order onely from him: not in regard +of his victorie in <i>England</i>, but generally +in respect of his vertue and valour.</p> + +<p>For his entrance was not by way of conquest +but with pretence of title to the Crowne: +wherein he had both allowance and aide from +diuers Christian Princes in Europe. He had also +his partie within the Realme, by whose<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">123</a></span> +meanes he preuailed against the opposite faction, +(as <i>Cæsar</i> did against <i>Pompey</i>) and not against +the entire strength of the State.</p> + +<p>Againe, hee did not settle himselfe in the +chaire of Soueraignetie, as one that had reduced +all things to the proud power and pleasure +of a Conquerour, but as an vniuersall successor +of former Kings, in all the rights and priuiledges +which they did enioy. Hee was receiued +for King by generall consent; He was crowned +with all Ceremonies and Solemnities then in +vse; Hee tooke an oath in the presence of the +Clergie, the Nobilitie, and of much people, +for defence of the Church, for moderate and +carefull gouernement, and for vpright administration +of iustice.</p> + +<p>Lastly, during the whole course of his gouernement, +the kingdome receiued no vniuersall +change, no losse or diminution of honour. +For, neither were the olde inhabitants +expelled, as were the <i>Britaines</i>; neither was +the kingdome either subiected or annexed to +a greater: but rather it receiued encrease of honour, +in that a lesse State was adioyned vnto +it. The change of customes was not violent +and at once, but by degrees, and with the silent<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">124</a></span> +approbation of the <i>English</i>; who haue alwaies +been inclinable to accommodate themselues to +the fashions of <i>France</i>. The grieuances and +oppressions were particular, and with some appearance +either of iustice, or of necessitie for +the common quiet; such as are not vnusuall in +any gouernement moderately seuere. So the +change was chiefly in the stemme and familie +of the King: which whether it be wrought by +one of the same nation (as it was in <i>France</i> by +<i>Pepine</i> and <i>Capett</i>) or by a stranger, (as in the +same Countrey by <i>Henry</i> 5. and <i>Henry</i> 6. Kings +of <i>England</i>) it bringeth no disparagement in +honour; it worketh no essentiall change. The +State still remained the same, the solid bodie +of the State remained still <i>English</i>: the comming +in of many <i>Normans</i>, was but as Riuers +falling into the Ocean; which change not the +Ocean, but are confounded with the waters +thereof.</p> + +<p>This King had by his wife <i>Matild</i>, daughter +to <i>Baldwine</i> Earle of <i>Flanders</i>, foure sonnes; +<i>Robert</i>, <i>Richard</i>, <i>William</i> and <i>Henrie</i>: Hee +had also fiue daughters; <i>Cicely</i>, <i>Constance</i>, <i>Adela</i>, +<i>Margaret</i> and <i>Elianor</i>.</p> + +<p><i>Robert</i> his eldest sonne surnamed <i>Courtcuise</i>,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">125</a></span> +by reason of the shortnesse of his thighs, succeeded +him in the duchie of <i>Normandie</i>. He +was a man of exceeding honourable courage +and spirit, for which cause he was so esteemed +by the Christian Princes in the great warre against +the <i>Saracens</i>, that when they had subdued +the Citie and territorie of <i>Hierusalem</i>, +they offered the kingdome thereof first vnto +him. Yet afterwards, either by the malice of +his Fortune, or for that he was both suddaine +and obstinate in his owne aduise (two great +impediments that valour cannot thriue) he receiued +many foiles of his enemies, which shall +be declared in their proper place. Before the +King made his descent into <i>England</i>, hee gaue +the duchie of <i>Normandie</i> vnto him: but whether +he did this onely to testifie his confidence, +or whether afterwards his purpose changed, +being often demanded to performe this gift, he +would neither deny nor accomplish his word, +but enterposed many excuses and delayes; affirming +that he was not so surely setled in <i>England</i>, +but the duchie of <i>Normandie</i> was necessary +vnto him, both for supply for his seruices +(which he found like <i>Hydraes</i> heads to multiply +by cutting off) and also for an assured place<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">126</a></span> +for retreit, in case hee should be ouercharged +with extremities. Hereupon <i>Robert</i> vnable to +linger and pine in hopes, declared openly against +him in armes. <i>Philip</i> King of <i>France</i> was +ready to put fuell to the flame; who as he neuer +fauoured in his owne iudgement the prosperous +encreases of the King of <i>England</i>, so +then he was vigilant to embrace all occasions, +either to abate or limit the same. And thus +<i>Robert</i> both encouraged and enabled by the +King of <i>France</i>, inuaded <i>Normandie</i>, and permitted +his souldiers licentiously to wast; to satisfie +those by spoile, which by pay he was not +able to maintaine. At the last he encountred +the King his father in a sharpe conflict, before +the castle of <i>Gerberie</i>, wherein the King was +vnhorsed and wounded in the arme; his second +sonne <i>William</i> was also hurt, and many of +his souldiers slaine. And albeit <i>Robert</i> so soone +as he knew his father by his voyce, allighted +forthwith, mounted him vpon his owne horse, +and withdrew him out of the medley; yet did +he cast vpon his sonne a cruell curse, which lay +so heauie vpon him, that he neuer prospered afterward +in any thing which hee vndertooke. +And although after this he was reconciled to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">127</a></span> +his father, and imployed by him in seruices of +credit and weight, yet did the King often bewray +of him an vnquiet conceit, often did he +ominate euill vnto him: yea, a little before his +death he openly gaue forth, <i>That it was a miserable +Countrey which should be subiect to his dominion, +for that he was a proud and foolish knaue, and +to be long scourged by cruell Fortune</i>.</p> + +<p><i>Richard</i> had erected the good expectation +of many, as well by his comely countenance +and behauiour, as by his liuely and generous +spirit. But he died yong by misaduenture, as he +was hunting within the New-forrest, before he +had made experiment of his worth. Some affirme +that he was goared to death by the Deere +of that Forrest, for whose walke his father had +dispeopled that large compasse of ground: others +report, that as he rode in chase, hee was +hanged vpon the bough of a tree by the chaps: +others more probably doe write, that he perished +by a fal from his horse. He was buried at +<i>Winchester</i> with this inscription: <i>Hic iacet Richardus +filius Wilielmi senioris Berniæ Dux</i>.</p> + +<p><i>William</i> did succeed next to his father in the +Kingdome of <i>England</i>. To <i>Henry</i>, the King +gaue at the time of his death fiue thousand<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">128</a></span> +pounds out of his treasure; but gaue him neither +dignitie nor lands: foretelling, that hee +should enioy the honour of both his brothers +in time, and farre excel them both in dominion +and power. Whether this was deuised vpon +euent; or whether some doe prophesie at their +death; or whether it was coniecturally spoken; +or whether to giue contentment for the present; +it fell out afterward to be true. For hee +succeeded <i>William</i> in the Kingdome of <i>England</i>, +and wrested <i>Normandie</i> out of the possession +of <i>Robert</i>. Of these two I shall write more +fully hereafter.</p> + +<p>His daughter <i>Cicelie</i> was Abbesse of <i>Caen</i> in +<i>Normandie</i>. <i>Constance</i> was married to <i>Allen +Fergant</i> Earle of <i>Britaine</i>. <i>Adela</i> was wife to +<i>Stephen</i> Earle of <i>Blois</i>, to whom she bare <i>Stephen</i>, +who after the death of <i>Henry</i> was King of +<i>England</i>. <i>Margaret</i> was promised in marriage +to <i>Harold</i>; she died before hee attained the +Kingdome, for which cause he held himselfe +discharged of that oath which he had made to +the Duke her father. <i>Elianor</i> was betroathed +to <i>Alphonso</i> King of <i>Gallicia</i>; but she desired +much to die a Virgine: for this she daily prayed, +and this in the end she did obtaine. After<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">129</a></span> +her death her knees appeared brawnie and +hard, with much kneeling at her deuotions. +Assuredly it will be hard to find in any one Familie, +both greater Valour in sonnes, and more +Vertue in daughters.</p> + +<p>In the beginning of this Kings reigne, either +no great accidents did fall, or else they +were obscured with the greatnesse of the +change: none are reported by the writers of +that time.</p> + +<p>In the fourth yeere of his reigne, <i>Lanfranke</i> +Abbot of <i>Caen</i> in <i>Normandie</i>, but borne in <i>Pauie</i>, +a Citie of <i>Lumbardie</i>, was made Archbishop +of <i>Canterbury</i>: And <i>Thomas</i> a <i>Norman</i>, and +<i>Chanon</i> of <i>Bayon</i> was placed in the Sea of <i>Yorke</i>. +Between these two a controuersie did arise at +the time of their consecration, for prioritie in +place: but this contention was quieted by the +King, and <i>Thomas</i> for the time subscribed obedience +to the Archb. of <i>Canterbury</i>. After this +they went to <i>Rome</i> for their Palles, where the +question for Primacie was againe renued, or as +some affirme, first moued before Pope <i>Alexander</i>. +The Pope vsed them both with honorable +respect, and especially <i>Lanfrank</i>, to whom he +gaue two Palles, one of honour, and the other<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">130</a></span> +of loue: but their controuersie he referred to be +determined in <i>England</i>.</p> + +<p>About two yeeres after it was brought before +the King and the Clergie at <i>Windsore</i>. The +Archbishop of <i>Yorke</i> alleadged, that when the +<i>Britaines</i> receiued the Christian faith, in the +time of <i>Lucius</i> their King <i>Eleutherius</i> then Bishop +of <i>Rome</i>, sent <i>Faganus</i> and <i>Damianus</i> vnto +them, who ordeined 28. Bishops, and two +Archbishops within the Realme, one of <i>London</i>, +and the other of <i>Yorke</i>. Vnder these the +Church of <i>Britaine</i> was gouerned almost three +hundred yeeres, vntill they were subdued by +the <i>Saxons</i>. The <i>Saxons</i> remained Infidels vntill +<i>Gregorie</i> Bishop of <i>Rome</i> sent <i>Augustine</i> vnto +them. By his preaching <i>Ethelbert</i> King of +<i>Kent</i> was first conuerted to the Christian faith: +By reason whereof <i>Augustine</i> was made Archbishop +of <i>Douer</i>, by appointment of Pope +<i>Gregorie</i>; who sent vnto him certaine Palles +with his letter from <i>Rome</i>. By this letter it is euident, +that <i>Gregorie</i> intended to reduce the +Church of the <i>Saxons</i> to the same order wherein +it was among the <i>Britaines</i>; namely, to be +vnder twelue Bishops and two Archbishops; +one of <i>London</i> and the other of <i>Yorke</i>. Indeede<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">131</a></span> +he gaue to <i>Augustine</i> during his life, authority +and iurisdiction ouer all Bishops and Priests in +<i>England</i>: but after his decease he ioyneth these +two Metropolitanes in equall degree, to constitute +Bishops, to ouersee the Church, to consult +and dispose of such things as appertaine to +the gouernement thereof, as in former times among +the <i>Britaines</i>. Betweene these he put no +distinction in honour, but only as they were in +prioritie of time: and as he appointeth <i>London</i> +to be consecrated by no Bishop, but of his own +Synod, so he expresseth, that the Bishop of <i>Yorke</i> +should not bee subiect to the Bishop of <i>London</i>. +And albeit <i>Augustine</i> for the reason before mentioned, +translated the Sea from <i>London</i> to <i>Douer</i>, +yet if <i>Gregorie</i> had intended to giue the +same authoritie to the successours of <i>Augustine</i> +which hee gaue vnto him, he would haue expressed +it in his Epistle: but in that he maketh +no mention of his successours, he concludeth, +or rather excludeth them by his silence.</p> + +<p>The Archbishop of <i>Canterbury</i> alleaged, +that from the time of <i>Augustine</i>, vntill the time +of <i>Bede</i>, (which was about 140. yeeres) the Bishops +of <i>Canterburie</i> (which in ancient time +(said he) was called <i>Douer</i>) had the Primacie<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">132</a></span> +ouer the whole land of <i>Britaine</i>, and <i>Ireland</i>; +that they did call the Bishops of <i>Yorke</i> to their +Councels, which diuers times they kept within +the Prouince of <i>Yorke</i>; that some Bishops of +<i>Yorke</i> they did constitute, some excommunicate, +and some remoue. He alleaged also diuers +priuiledges granted by Princes for the Primacie +of that Sea; diuers graunted from the Apostolike +Sea to confirme this dignitie in the successours +of <i>Augustine</i>: that it is reason to receiue +directions of well liuing, from whence we first +receiued directions of right beleeuing; & therfore +as the Bishop of <i>Canterbury</i> was subiect to +the Bishop of <i>Rome</i>, because hee had his faith +from thence; for the very same cause the Bishop +of <i>Yorke</i> should be in subiection to the Bishop +of <i>Canterbury</i>: that like as the Lord said +that to all the Bishops of <i>Rome</i>, which hee said +to S. Peter; so that which <i>Gregorie</i> said to <i>Augustine</i>, +hee said likewise to all his successours. +And whereas much is spoken of the Bishop of +<i>London</i>, what is that to the Archbishop of <i>Canterbury</i>? +For, neither is it certaine that <i>Augustine</i> +was euer resident at <i>London</i>, neither that +<i>Gregorie</i> appointed him so to be.</p> + +<p>In the end it was decreed, That <i>Yorke</i> for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">133</a></span> +that time should be subiect to <i>Canterburie</i>; that +wheresoeuer within <i>England</i> the Archbishop +of <i>Canterburie</i> should hold his Councell, the +Archbishop of <i>Yorke</i> should come vnto it, with +the Bishops of his Prouince, and be obedient +to his decrees: that when the Archbishop of +<i>Canterburie</i> should decease, the Archbishop of +<i>Yorke</i> should goe to <i>Canterburie</i>, to consecrate +him that should succeed: that if the Archbishop +of <i>Yorke</i> should decease, his successour should +goe to <i>Canterbury</i>, or to such place as the Archbishop +of <i>Canterburie</i> should appoint, there to +receiue his Consecration, making first his oath +of Canonicall obedience. And thus was the +contention for this first time taken vp; but in +succeeding times it was often renued, and +much busied the Clergie of the Realme.</p> + +<p>In the ninth yeere of the reigne of King <i>William</i> +a Councell was holden at <i>London</i>, where +another matter of like qualitie and nature was +decreed: namely, that Bishops should translate +their Sees from villages to Cities; whereupon +in short time after, Bishops Sees were remoued, +from <i>Selese</i> to <i>Chichester</i>, from <i>Cornewall</i> +to <i>Exeter</i>, from <i>Wells</i> to <i>Bath</i>, from <i>Shirbourne</i> +to <i>Salisburie</i>, from <i>Dorcester</i> to <i>Lincolne</i>,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">134</a></span> +from <i>Lichfield</i> to <i>Chester</i>, and from thence againe +to <i>Couentree</i>. And albeit the Archbishop +of <i>Yorke</i> did oppose against the erecting +of a Cathedrall Church in <i>Lincolne</i>, because he +challenged that Citie to be of his Prouince; yet +<i>Remigius</i> Bishop of <i>Dorchester</i>, being strong +both in resolution and in friends, did prosecute +his purpose to effect. Not long before the Bishopricke +of <i>Lindafferne</i> otherwise called <i>Holy +land</i>, vpon the riuer <i>Tweed</i>, had bene translated +to <i>Durhame</i>.</p> + +<p>In the tenth yeere of his reigne the cold of +Winter was exceeding memorable, both for +sharpenesse and for continuance: For the earth +remained hard frozen from the beginning of +Nouember, vntill the middest of April then +ensuing.</p> + +<p>In the 15. yere a great earthquake happened +in the month of April; strange for the strong +trembling of the earth, but more strange for the +dolefull and hideous roaring which it yeelded +foorth.</p> + +<p>In the 20. yeere there fell such abundance of +raine, that the Riuers did greatly ouerflow in +all parts of the Realme. The springs also rising +plentifully in diuers hils, so softned and decaied<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">135</a></span> +the foundations of them, that they fell downe, +whereby some villages were ouerthrowne. By +this distemperature of weather much cattel perished, +much corne vpon the ground was either +destroyed, or greatly empaired. Herehence +ensued, first a famine, and afterwards a +miserable mortalitie of men.</p> + +<p>And that all the Elements might seeme to +haue conspired the calamity of the Realme, the +same yeere most of the principall Cities in <i>England</i> +were lamentably deformed with fire. At +<i>London</i> a fire began at the entry of the West +gate, which apprehending certaine shops and +Ware-houses, wherein was Merchandise apt +to burne, it was at once begun and suddenly at +the highest. Then being caried with a strong +wind; and the Citie apt to maintaine the flame, +as well by reason of the crooked and narrow +streets, as for that the buildings at that time +had open and wide windowes, and were couered +with base matter fit to take fire, the mischiefe +spread more swiftly then the remedies +could follow. So it raged vntill it came to the +East gate, prostrated houses and Churches all +the way, being the most grieuous that euer as +yet hath happened to that Citie. The Church<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">136</a></span> +of S. <i>Paul</i> was at that time fired; Whereupon +<i>Maurice</i> then Bishop of <i>London</i>, began the +foundation of the new Church of S. <i>Paul</i>. A +worke so admirable, that many did iudge, it +would neuer haue bene finished; yet all might +easily esteeme thereby his magnanimitie, his +high erected hopes, his generous loue and honour +to Religion. The King gaue towards +the building of the East end of this Church, the +choise stones of his Castle at the West end of +the Citie, vpon the bancke of the Riuer +Thames; which Castle at the same time was +also fired: in place whereof <i>Edward Killwarby</i> +Archbishop of <i>Canterburie</i> did afterwards +found a Monasterie of blacke Friers. The +King also gaue the Castle of <i>Storford</i>, and all +the lands which thereto belonged, to the same +<i>Maurice</i>, and to his successours in that See. +And doubtlesse nothing more then either parcimonious +or prophane expending the Treasures +of the Church, hath since those times +much dried vp those fountaines which first did +fill them.</p> + +<p>After the death of <i>Maurice</i>, <i>Richard</i> his +next Successour, as well in vertue as in dignitie, +bestowed all the Rents rising out of this<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">137</a></span> +Bishopricke, to aduance the building of this +Church; maintaining himselfe by his Patrimonie +and friendes: and yet all which hee +could doe, made no great shewe: so that the +finishing of this worke was left to many other +succeeding Bishops. Hee purchased +the ground about the Church whereupon +many buildings did stand, and inclosed the +same with a strong wall of stone for a place of +buriall. It seemeth that this wall was afterwards +either battered and torne in some ciuill +warres, or else by negligence suffered to +decay: for that a graunt was made by King +<i>Edward</i> the second, that the Church-yard of +Saint <i>Pauls</i> should bee enclosed with a wall, +because of the robberies and murthers that +were there committed. Many parts of this +wall remaine at this time, on both sides of the +Church, but couered for the most part with +dwelling houses.</p> + +<p>The same yeere in Whitsun-weeke, the +King honoured his sonne <i>Henrie</i> with the order +of Knighthood. What Ceremonies the +King then vsed it is not certainly knowen: but +before his time the custome among the <i>Saxons</i><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">138</a></span> +was thus. First, hee who should receiue the +order of Knighthood, confessed himselfe in +the euening to a Priest. Then hee continued +all that night in the Church, watching and +applying himselfe to his priuate deuotions. +The next morning he heard Masse, and offered +his sword vpon the Altar. After the Gospel +was read, the sword was hallowed, and +with a benediction put about his necke. Lastly, +he communicated the mysteries of the blessed +body of Christ, and from that time remained +a lawfull Souldier or Knight. This custome +of Consecrating Knights the <i>Normans</i> +did not onely abrogate, but abhorre; not for +any euill that was therein, but because it was +not altogether their owne.</p> + +<p>This yeere in a Prouince of <i>Wales</i> called +<i>Rosse</i>, the Sepulchre of <i>Wawyn</i>, otherwise called +<i>Gawen</i>, was found vpon the Sea shore. +Hee was sisters sonne to <i>Arthur</i> the great King +of the <i>Britaines</i>; a man famous in our <i>Britaine</i> +Histories, both for ciuill courtesie, and +for courage in the field. I cannot but esteeme +the report for fabulous, that his bodie was fourteene +foote in length. I doe rather coniecture<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">139</a></span> +that one credulous writer did take that for the +length of his body, which happily might bee +the length of his tombe.</p> + +<p class="center"> +It is constantly affirmed that the ground +whereon the <i>English</i> and the <i>Normans</i> did +combate, doth +shew after euery raine manifest markes of blood vpon the grasse:<br /> +which if it was not a proprietie of the soyle before, it is<br /> +hard now to assigne, either from what naturall<br /> +cause it doth proceede, or what<br /> +it should supernaturally<br /> +portend.<br /> +* *<br /> +*<br /> +<br /> +</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"> +<img src="images/p139.png" width="600" height="149" alt="Illustration" /> +</div> + +<hr class="chap" /> + + + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">140</a></span></p> + + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><a name="WILLIAM_2" id="WILLIAM_2"></a> +<img src="images/p141a.png" width="600" height="145" alt="Illustration" /> +</div> + + +<h2><big>K. WILLIAM</big><br /> + +THE SECOND,<br /> + +<small>sirnamed <span class="smcap">Rvfvs</span>.</small></h2> + +<hr class="full" /> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 108px;"> +<img src="images/p141b.png" width="108" height="113" alt="K" /> +</div> +<p>ing <span class="smcap">William</span> the +Victor when hee drew towards +the end of his dayes, +commended the Kingdome +of <i>England</i> to his second sonne +<i>William</i>: with many blessings, with many admonitions, +with many prayers for the prosperous +successe of his succession. And because +the presence of the next successour is of greatest +moment to establish affaires, the King a +little before his passage to death, dispatched +him into <i>England</i>, with letters vnder his owne +Seale to <i>Lanfranck</i> then Archbishop of <i>Canterbury</i>: +a man highly esteemed in forraine Countreys, +but with the Cleargie and vulgare peo<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">141</a></span>ple +of the Realme, his authoritie was absolute. +In these letters the King expressed great affection +and care towards his sonne <i>William</i>; commending +him with many kind words, for his +sufficiencies, for diuers vertues; especially for +that hee did alwayes stand firmely by him, alwayes +declare himselfe both a faithfull Subiect +and dutifull sonne. It was also coniectured by +some, that the King was guided in this choise, +no lesse by his iudgement, then by his affection: +for that he esteemed the fierce disposition of +his sonne <i>William</i> more fit to gouerne a people +not well setled in subiection, then the flexible +and milde nature of his eldest sonne <i>Robert</i>. So +<i>William</i> taking his last leaue of his father, who +was then taking his last leaue of this world, +iourneyed towards <i>England</i>; and in short time +arriued at the port called <i>Whitesand</i>, where he +receiued the first report of his fathers death. +Hereupon with all speed hee posted to <i>Lanfranck</i>, +deliuered his fathers letters, and foorthwith +was declared King, vpon the 9. day of +September, in the yere 1087. and vpon the first +of October next ensuing was by the same <i>Lanfranck</i>, +with al ceremonies and solemnities perteining +to that action, crowned at <i>Westminster</i>.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">142</a></span></p> + +<p><i>Robert</i>, either by negligence and want of +foresight, or by the perpetuall malice of his destinie, +or happily not without his fathers contriuance, +was absent in <i>Germanie</i>, whilest his +yonger brother <i>William</i> did thus possesse himselfe, +both of the Kingdome of his father, and +of his treasure. Otherwise he wanted neither +pretence, nor purpose, nor fauour of friends to +haue empeached his brothers proceedings. For +it was then doubted by many, and since hath +bene by many debated; whether in any case, +vpon any cause or consideration whatsoeuer, +a King hath power to disinherite his eldest +sonne, and to appoint another to succeed in +his estate.</p> + +<p>That a King may aduance any of his sonnes +to bee his successour, without respect of prioritie +in birth, there seemeth to want neither +warrant of example, nor weight of authoritie. +<i>Dauid</i><a name="FNanchor_29_29" id="FNanchor_29_29"></a><a href="#Footnote_29_29" class="fnanchor">[29]</a> a man greatly prooued and approoued +by God, did preferre <i>Solomon</i><a name="FNanchor_30_30" id="FNanchor_30_30"></a><a href="#Footnote_30_30" class="fnanchor">[30]</a> to succeede him, +before his eldest sonne <i>Adonia</i>. And in like +sort <i>Rehoboam</i> the sonne of <i>Solomon</i>, appointed +the yongest of all his sonnes to succeed +him in the Kingdome.<a name="FNanchor_31_31" id="FNanchor_31_31"></a><a href="#Footnote_31_31" class="fnanchor">[31]</a> So some Lawyers affirme, +That a King may determine in his life,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">143</a></span> +which of his sonnes shall reigne after him.</p> + +<p>But this must be vnderstood, either when a +State is newly raised to the title of a kingdome, +or else when by Conquest, Vsurpation, or some +other meanes of change, the gouernment +thereof is newly transferred from one stemme +to another: For then because there is no certaine +Law or Custome of succession in force, +the right seemeth to depend vpon the disposition +of the Prince. And yet euen in this case, +the eldest or neerest cannot be excluded without +iust cause. For so when <i>Iacob</i><a name="FNanchor_32_32" id="FNanchor_32_32"></a><a href="#Footnote_32_32" class="fnanchor">[32]</a> depriued his +eldest sonne <i>Reuben</i> of his priuiledge of birth, +he expressed the cause, For that he had defiled +his fathers bed; which fact of his <i>Hierome</i> applieth +to the case in question. So when <i>Ptolemie</i><a name="FNanchor_33_33" id="FNanchor_33_33"></a><a href="#Footnote_33_33" class="fnanchor">[33]</a> +the first King of <i>Egypt</i> commended the State to +his yongest sonne, he yeelded a reason for that +which he did. So <i>Henrie</i> the fourth Emperour, +crowned <i>Henrie</i> his yonger sonne King, reiecting +<i>Conrade</i> his eldest sonne, for that hee had +borne armes against him, and ioyned in league +with his open enemies.</p> + +<p>But when by expresse Lawe or long grounded +Custome the Succession of a State is established +to the eldest sonne, the best approoued<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">144</a></span> +interpreters of the Canon and Ciuill law doe +conclude,<a name="FNanchor_34_34" id="FNanchor_34_34"></a><a href="#Footnote_34_34" class="fnanchor">[34]</a> that the father hath no power to inuert +or peruert that course of order. For parents +may debarre their children of that which proceedeth +from themselues, of that which dependeth +vpon their appointment; but of that +which is due by nature,<a name="FNanchor_35_35" id="FNanchor_35_35"></a><a href="#Footnote_35_35" class="fnanchor">[35]</a> by the immutable law +of the State, the parents can haue no power to +dispose. When by a fundamentall Lawe or +Custome of State, Succession is annexed to the +dignity of a Crowne, according to prioritie in +birth, it followeth, that so soone as the first +borne commeth into light, the right of succession +is fixed in him;<a name="FNanchor_36_36" id="FNanchor_36_36"></a><a href="#Footnote_36_36" class="fnanchor">[36]</a> not in hope onely, but also +in habite; whereof neither the father nor any +other can dispossesse him.</p> + +<p>And therefore when <i>Prusias</i><a name="FNanchor_37_37" id="FNanchor_37_37"></a><a href="#Footnote_37_37" class="fnanchor">[37]</a> intended to +depriue his eldest sonne <i>Nicomedes</i> of his prerogatiue +of birth, and to preferre his yonger +sonnes, which he had by another wife, in succession +before him, he could not assure it by any +meanes, but by determining the death of +<i>Nicomedes</i>; which <i>Nicomedes</i> to preuent, dispoiled +his father both of kingdom and of life. +<i>Ptolemie</i> the first King of <i>Egypt</i><a name="FNanchor_38_38" id="FNanchor_38_38"></a><a href="#Footnote_38_38" class="fnanchor">[38]</a> of that name, +who after the death of <i>Alexander</i> the great pos<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">145</a></span>sessed +himselfe of <i>Egypt</i>, & part of <i>Arabia</i>, and +of <i>Affrick</i>, left his kingdom to the yōgest of his +sons: but afterward when <i>Ptolemie</i>, surnamed +<i>Phiscon</i>,<a name="FNanchor_39_39" id="FNanchor_39_39"></a><a href="#Footnote_39_39" class="fnanchor">[39]</a> vpon the importunity of his wife <i>Cleopatra</i>, +attempted the like, the kingdome being +then setled in succession, the people opposed, +& reuersed his order after his death. So <i>Pepine</i><a name="FNanchor_40_40" id="FNanchor_40_40"></a><a href="#Footnote_40_40" class="fnanchor">[40]</a> +after hee had made seisure of the kingdome of +<i>France</i>, & ordered all things which he thought +necessary for the suerty therof, disposed the succession +therein by his Testament; leauing the +Realme of <i>Noion</i> to his sonne <i>Charles</i>, and to +<i>Carloman</i> his other sonne the Realme of <i>Soissons</i>. +The like was done by some other of the +first Kings of his race. But since that time the +custome hath been strongly stablished, that the +kingdome passeth entirely to the eldest sonne, +and possessions are assigned to the rest vnder +the name of <i>Appanage</i>. And therefore the +<i>French</i><a name="FNanchor_41_41" id="FNanchor_41_41"></a><a href="#Footnote_41_41" class="fnanchor">[41]</a> writers affirme, that the eldest sonne of +<i>France</i> cannot be depriued of succession, vpon +any cause of ingratitude against his parents; +and that if the King should institute his eldest +sonne,<a name="FNanchor_42_42" id="FNanchor_42_42"></a><a href="#Footnote_42_42" class="fnanchor">[42]</a> yet cannot hee take the kingdome by +force of his fathers guift, but onely by the immutable +law of the Realme. Yea, <i>Girard</i> wri<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">146</a></span>teth +of <i>Charles</i> the simple, that hee was King of +<i>France</i><a name="FNanchor_43_43" id="FNanchor_43_43"></a><a href="#Footnote_43_43" class="fnanchor">[43]</a> before hee was borne. And in this regard +the <i>Glossographer</i><a name="FNanchor_44_44" id="FNanchor_44_44"></a><a href="#Footnote_44_44" class="fnanchor">[44]</a> vpon the Decrees noteth, +that the sonne of a King may bee called +King during the life of his father, as wanting +nothing but administration. And the same also +doth <i>Seruius</i> note out of <i>Virgil</i>, where hee +saith of <i>Ascanius</i>: <i>regémq; requirunt</i>, his father +<i>Aeneas</i> being then aliue.</p> + +<p>Now then, for that the right of Succession to +the Crowne of <i>England</i> was not at that time so +surely setled as it hath been since; but had waued +in long vncertainetie: First, in the <i>Heptarchie</i> +of the <i>Saxons</i> and <i>English</i>, afterward betweene +the <i>English</i> and the <i>Danes</i>, and was +then newly possessed by the <i>Normane</i>, and that +chiefly by the sword: For that also <i>Robert</i> the +Kings eldest sonne gaue iust cause of offence, +by bearing armes against his father; it may +seeme that the King might lawfully direct the +succession to his second sonne. And yet, because +as <i>Herodotus</i><a name="FNanchor_45_45" id="FNanchor_45_45"></a><a href="#Footnote_45_45" class="fnanchor">[45]</a> saith, <i>It is a generall custome amongst +all men, that the first in birth is next in succession</i>; +because as <i>Baldus</i><a name="FNanchor_46_46" id="FNanchor_46_46"></a><a href="#Footnote_46_46" class="fnanchor">[46]</a> affirmeth, <i>Semper +fuit, & semper erit, &c. Alwayes it hath been, +and alwayes it shall bee, that the first borne succeedeth<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">147</a></span> +in a kingdome</i>; because as S. <i>Hierome</i><a name="FNanchor_47_47" id="FNanchor_47_47"></a><a href="#Footnote_47_47" class="fnanchor">[47]</a> writeth, +<i>A kingdome is due vnto the first borne</i>; and +as S. <i>Chrysostome</i><a name="FNanchor_48_48" id="FNanchor_48_48"></a><a href="#Footnote_48_48" class="fnanchor">[48]</a> saith, <i>The first borne is to bee +esteemed more honourable then the rest</i>; whereupon +diuers Lawyers obserue, that the word +<i>Senior</i><a name="FNanchor_49_49" id="FNanchor_49_49"></a><a href="#Footnote_49_49" class="fnanchor">[49]</a> is often times taken for a Lord. Lastly, +because this precedencie both in honour, and +in right seemeth to be the Law of all nations, +deriued from the Law of Nature, and expresly +either instituted or approoued by the voice of +God: First, where he said to <i>Cain</i><a name="FNanchor_50_50" id="FNanchor_50_50"></a><a href="#Footnote_50_50" class="fnanchor">[50]</a> of his yonger +brother <i>Abel</i>; <i>His desires shall be subiect to thee, +and thou shalt haue dominion ouer him</i>: Secondly,<a name="FNanchor_51_51" id="FNanchor_51_51"></a><a href="#Footnote_51_51" class="fnanchor">[51]</a> +where he forbiddeth the father to disinherite +the first sonne of his double portion, because +by right of birth it is due vnto him: Lastly, +where hee maketh choice of the first borne +to be sanctified and consecrated to himselfe;<a name="FNanchor_52_52" id="FNanchor_52_52"></a><a href="#Footnote_52_52" class="fnanchor">[52]</a> it +hath almost neuer happened that this order +hath been broken, that the neerest haue bene +excluded from Succession in State, but it hath +been followed with tragicall euents.</p> + +<p>Yea, albeit the eldest sonne be vnfit to beare +rule, albeit hee be vnable to gouerne either others +or himselfe; as if hee be in a high degree +furious, or foolish, or otherwise defectiue in bo<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">148</a></span>dy +or in minde, (vnlesse he degenerate from +humane condition) yet can he not therefore +be excluded from succession:<a name="FNanchor_53_53" id="FNanchor_53_53"></a><a href="#Footnote_53_53" class="fnanchor">[53]</a> because it is due +vnto him, not in respect of abilitie, but by reason +of his prioritie of birth. As for the kingdom, +it shall better be preserued by the gouernment +of a Protector (as in diuers like causes it is both +vsual and fit) then by receiuing another Prince:<a name="FNanchor_54_54" id="FNanchor_54_54"></a><a href="#Footnote_54_54" class="fnanchor">[54]</a> +as well for other respects, as for that by cutting +off continuance in the Royall descent, by interrupting +the setled order of gouernment, by making +a breach in so high a point of State, opportunitie +is opened both for domesticall disturbances, +and for inuasions from abroad: whereupon +greater inconueniences do vsually ensue, +then did euer fall by insufficiencie of a Prince. +For if these pretenses may be allowed for good, +what aspiring Subiect, what encroaching enemy, +finding themselues furnished with meanes, +will not be ready to rise into ambitious hopes? +<i>Gabriel</i> the yonger brother of the house of <i>Saluse</i>, +kept his eldest brother in prison, vsurped +his estate, giuing foorth to the people that he +was mad. And seldome hath any vsurpation +happened, but vpon pretence of insufficiencie +in gouernment. Assuredly, if these principall<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">149</a></span> +points of Principalitie be not punctually obserued, +the ioynts of a State are loosened, the +foundation is shaken, the gates are opened for +all disorders, to rise vp, to rush in, to prosper, to +preuaile.</p> + +<p>Hereupon <i>Medon</i><a name="FNanchor_55_55" id="FNanchor_55_55"></a><a href="#Footnote_55_55" class="fnanchor">[55]</a> the eldest sonne of <i>Codrus</i>, +albeit he was lame and otherwise defectiue, +was by sentence of the Oracle of <i>Apollo</i> +preferred to succeed his father in the kingdome +of <i>Athens</i>, before <i>Neleus</i> his yonger brother. So +when <i>Alexandrides</i><a name="FNanchor_56_56" id="FNanchor_56_56"></a><a href="#Footnote_56_56" class="fnanchor">[56]</a> King of <i>Sparta</i> left two +sonnes, <i>Cleomenes</i> the eldest, distracted in wits, +and <i>Doricus</i> the yongest, both able and enclined +to all actions of honour; the <i>Spartans</i> acknowledged +<i>Cleomenes</i> for their King. <i>Agisilaus</i> +the famous King of <i>Sparta</i> was also lame, as +<i>Plutarch</i><a name="FNanchor_57_57" id="FNanchor_57_57"></a><a href="#Footnote_57_57" class="fnanchor">[57]</a> and <i>Prob. Æmilius</i> do report; <i>Orosius</i> +saith, that the <i>Spartans</i> did rather choose to +haue their King halt, then their Kingdome. +And therefore when <i>Lisander</i><a name="FNanchor_58_58" id="FNanchor_58_58"></a><a href="#Footnote_58_58" class="fnanchor">[58]</a> moued them to +decree, that the worthiest and not alwayes the +next in blood of the line of <i>Hercules</i> should +reigne, he found no man to second his aduise. +<i>Aristobulus</i><a name="FNanchor_59_59" id="FNanchor_59_59"></a><a href="#Footnote_59_59" class="fnanchor">[59]</a> and <i>Hircanus</i> after a long and cruel +contention for the Kingdome of <i>Iewrie</i>, +committed their controuersie to the arbitre<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">150</a></span>ment +of <i>Pompey</i>: <i>Hircanus</i> alledged, that hee +was the eldest brother; <i>Aristobulus</i> obiected, +that <i>Hircanus</i> was insufficient to gouerne: but +<i>Pompey</i> gaue iudgement for <i>Hircanus</i>. The +like iudgement did <i>Annibal</i><a name="FNanchor_60_60" id="FNanchor_60_60"></a><a href="#Footnote_60_60" class="fnanchor">[60]</a> giue for the kingdome +of that Countrey which is now called +<i>Sauoy</i>; restoring <i>Brancus</i><a name="FNanchor_61_61" id="FNanchor_61_61"></a><a href="#Footnote_61_61" class="fnanchor">[61]</a> to his State, from +which he had bene expelled by his yonger brother. +And although <i>Phirrus</i><a name="FNanchor_62_62" id="FNanchor_62_62"></a><a href="#Footnote_62_62" class="fnanchor">[62]</a> did appoint that +sonne to succeed, whose sword had the best +edge; yet was the eldest acknowledged, who +bare the least reputation for valour.</p> + +<p><i>Ladislaus</i><a name="FNanchor_63_63" id="FNanchor_63_63"></a><a href="#Footnote_63_63" class="fnanchor">[63]</a> King of <i>Hungarie</i> left by his brother +<i>Geysa</i> two Nephewes; <i>Colomannus</i> the eldest, +who was lame, bunch-backed, crab-faced, +blunt-sighted, bleare-eyed, a dwarfe, a stammerer, +and (which is more) a Priest; and <i>Almus</i> the +yongest, a man of comely presence, and furnished +with many princely vertues: In regard of +these natural prerogatiues <i>Ladislaus</i> appointed +<i>Almus</i> to succeed; but in regard of the prerogatiue +in blood, the <i>Hungarians</i> receiued <i>Colomānus</i> +for their King. <i>Barbatius</i><a name="FNanchor_64_64" id="FNanchor_64_64"></a><a href="#Footnote_64_64" class="fnanchor">[64]</a> writeth, that <i>Galeace</i> +Duke of <i>Milane</i> did oft times expresse his +griefe, for that he could not preferre in successiō +<i>Philip Maria</i> his yongest sonne, before <i>Iohn</i> his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">151</a></span> +eldest; for that he seemed the most sufficient to +vndertake the manage of the State. <i>Girard</i><a name="FNanchor_65_65" id="FNanchor_65_65"></a><a href="#Footnote_65_65" class="fnanchor">[65]</a> affirmeth +that it hath bene the custome of the +<i>French</i>, to honour their Kings whatsoeuer they +are; whether wise or foolish, valiant or weake; +esteeming the name of King to be sacred by +whomsoeuer it be borne. And therefore they +obeyed not only <i>Charles</i> the simple, but <i>Charles</i> +the sixt also; who reigned many yeres in plaine +distraction of his mind. It was an ancient custome +in <i>Scotland</i>, that the most sufficient of the +blood of <i>Fergusus</i><a name="FNanchor_66_66" id="FNanchor_66_66"></a><a href="#Footnote_66_66" class="fnanchor">[66]</a> was receiued for King; but +such warres, murthers, and other mischiefes did +thereupon ensue, that a law was made vnder +<i>Kenet</i> the third, and afterwards confirmed by +<i>Millcolumbus</i>, that the nighest in blood should +alwayes succeede. And accordingly the Scots +refused not for their King <i>Iohn</i> the eldest sonne +of <i>Robert</i> the second, albeit he was borne out +of marriage, and did halt, and was both in wit +and in courage dull.</p> + +<p>For what if he who is debarred for disabilitie +shall afterward haue a sonne free from +all defects?<a name="FNanchor_67_67" id="FNanchor_67_67"></a><a href="#Footnote_67_67" class="fnanchor">[67]</a> It is without question that the +right of the Kingdome should deuolue vnto +him: for that the calamitie of parents doeth<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">152</a></span> +not preiudice their children, especially in their +naturall rights, which they may claime from +the person of former ancestors. But what if another +be in possession of the Kingdome?<a name="FNanchor_68_68" id="FNanchor_68_68"></a><a href="#Footnote_68_68" class="fnanchor">[68]</a> will he +readily giue place to this right? will he readily +abandon that honour, for which men will not +spare, to climbe ouer all difficulties, to vndergoe +all dangers; to put their goods, their liues, +their soules in aduenture? If a man be once +mounted into the chaire of Maiestie, it standeth +not, I will not say with his dignitie, but +with his safetie, to betake himselfe to a priuate +State; as well for the eternall iealousie wherein +he shall be held, as for the enuie which shall be +borne against him vpon many of his actions: +So as what some few would not doe for ambition, +the same they must doe to preserue themselues. +Hereupon it will follow, that the possession +of the Kingdome being in one, and the +right in another; disunions, factions, warres +may easily ensue.</p> + +<p>It is inconuenient (I grant) to be vnder a +King who is defectiue in body or in mind; but +it is a greater inconuenience, by disturbing a +setled forme of gouernment, to open an entrance +for all disorders; wherein ambition and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">153</a></span> +insolencie (two riotous humours) may range +at large. For as euill is generally of that nature, +that it cannot stand, but by supportance of another +euill; and so multiplieth in it selfe, vntill it +doth ruine with the proper weight: so mindes +hauing once exceeded the strict bounds of obedience, +cease not to strengthen one bouldnesse +by another, vntil they haue inuolued the whole +State in confusion.</p> + + +<p class="p2">Bvt now to returne to the person and gouernment +of this King <i>William</i>. He was a +man of meane stature, thicke and square bodied, +his belly swelling somewhat round; his +face was red, his haire deepely yealow, by reason +whereof he was called <i>Rufus</i>; his forehead +foure square like a window, his eyes spotted and +not one like the other; his speech vnpleasant +and not easily vttered, especially when he was +mooued with anger. He was of great abilitie +in body, as well for naturall strength, as for hardinesse +to endure all ordinary extremities both +of trauaile and of want. In Armes he was both +expert and aduenturous; full of inward brauerie +and fiercenesse; neuer dismayed, alwayes +forward, and for the most part fortunate; in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">154</a></span> +counsaile sudden, in performance a man; not +doubting to vndertake any thing which inuincible +valour durst promise to atchieue. Hee +had bene bred with the sword; alwayes in +action, alwayes on the fauourable hand of Fortune: +so as, albeit he was but yong, yet was he +in experience well grounded; for inuention +subtill, in counsaile quicke, in execution resolute; +wise to foresee a danger, and expedite to +auoid it. In a word, the generall reputation of +his valour and celeritie, made him esteemed +one of the best Chiefetaines in his time.</p> + +<p>His behauiour was variable and inconstant; +earnest in euery present passion, and for the +most part accompanying the disposition of his +mind, with outward demonstrations. Of nature +he was rough, haughtie, obstinate, inuincible, +which was much enlarged both by his +soueraigntie and youth: so singular in his owne +conceit, that he did interprete it to his dishonour, +that the world should deeme, that he +did not gouerne by his owne iudgement. In +publicke he composed his countenance to a +stately terrour; his face sowerly swelling, his +eyes truculent, his voyce violent and fierce, +scarce thinking himselfe Maiesticall in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">155</a></span> +glasse of his vnderstanding, but when he flashed +feare from his presence. And yet in priuate +he was so affable and pleasant, that he approched +neere the degree of leuitie: much giuen +to scoffing, and passing ouer many of his euill +actions with a ieast. In all the other carriages +of his life, he maintained no stable and constant +course; but declared himselfe for euery +present, as well in vertue as in vice, strong, violent, extreeme.</p> + +<p>In the beginning of his reigne he was esteemed +a most accomplished Prince; and seemed +not so much of power to bridle himselfe from +vice, as naturally disposed to abhorre it. Afterwards, either +with variation of times, or yeelding +to the pleasures which prosperity vseth to +ingender euen in moderate minds, or perhaps +his nature beginning to disclose that which hee +had cunningly concealed before, corruptions +crept vp, and he waued vncertainely betweene +vertue and vice. Lastly, being imboldned by euill +teachers, and by continuance both of prosperitie +and rule, he is said to haue made his +height a priuiledge of loosenesse, and to haue +abandoned himselfe to all licentious demeanour; +wherein he seemed little to regard God, +and nothing man.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">156</a></span></p> + +<p>Assuredly, there is no greater enemie to +great men, then too great prosperitie in their +affaires; which taketh from them all iudgement +and rule of themselues; which maketh them ful +of libertie, and bould to doe euill. And yet I +cannot conceiue that this King was so bould, so +carelesse, so shamelesse in vices, as many writers +doe report. It is certaine that hee doubted +of some points of Religion, at that time without +any great contradiction professed; and +namely, of praying to Saints, worshipping of +Reliques, & such like. It is certain also, that out +of policie in State, he endeuoured to abate the +tumorous greatnes of the Clergie at that time; +as well in riches, as in authority and power with +the people: and that he attributed not so much +to the Sea of <i>Rome</i>, as diuers Kings before him +had done. Insomuch as he restrained his subiects +from going to <i>Rome</i>, and withheld the +annuall paiment of <i>Peter</i> pence, and was oftentimes +heard to giue foorth, that <i>they follow +not the trace of <span class="f">S. Peter</span>, they greedily gape after +gifts and rewards, they retein not his power, whose +pietie they do not imitate</i>. These were causes sufficient +for the writers of his time (who were for +the most part Clergie-men) to enlarge his vi<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">157</a></span>ces +beyond the trueth, to surmise many vices +vntruely, to wrest his true vertues to be vices.</p> + +<p>And this I doe the rather coniecture, for +that I doe not find his particular actions of like +nature, with the generall imputation which is +cast vpon him; for that also I finde the chiefe +of these generall imputations to bee these:<a name="FNanchor_69_69" id="FNanchor_69_69"></a><a href="#Footnote_69_69" class="fnanchor">[69]</a> +<i>That he was grieuous to the Church, of no deuotion +to God, preferring respect of temporall state before +the rules of the Gospel</i>. Verely, it is hard to doe +that which will beare a cleere beauty in the +eyes of all men; and if our actions haue not +the fauour of time, and the opinion of those +men who doe estimate and report them, they +are much dimmed with disgrace.<a name="FNanchor_70_70" id="FNanchor_70_70"></a><a href="#Footnote_70_70" class="fnanchor">[70]</a> Out of all +doubt he was a magnanimous Prince, mercifull +and liberall, and in martiall affaires most +expert, diligent and prosperous; wise to contriue +his best aduantage, and most couragious +to atchieue it. But two things chiefly obscured +his glory; one, the incomparable greatnesse +of his father, to whom he did immediatly succeede; +the other was the prowesse of those +men, against whom he did contend in armes; +especially of <i>Malcolme</i> King of <i>Scots</i>, and of +<i>Robert</i> Duke of <i>Normandie</i>. To these I may<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">158</a></span> +adde, that hee died in the principall strength +and flourish of his age, before his iudgement +had full command ouer his courage.</p> + +<p>Many doe attribute his excellent beginnings +to <i>Lanfranck</i> Archb. of <i>Canterburie</i>: who +during the time of his life, partly by authoritie, +and partly by aduise, supported the vnstable +yeeres and disposition of the King: which after +the death of <i>Lanfranck</i> returned by degrees +to their proper sway. But I do rather attribute +many of his first vertues to the troubles which +happened in the very entrance of his reigne; +which partly by employment, and partly by +feare, held his inclination in some restraint. For +<i>Odo</i> Bishop of <i>Baion</i> and Earle of <i>Kent</i>, the +Kings vncle by the mothers side, had drawen +the greatest part of all the Prelates and Nobilitie +that were <i>Normans</i>, into a dangerous confederacie +against the King; to deiect him from +his State, and to aduance <i>Robert</i> his elder brother +for their King.</p> + +<p>The secret cause of this conspiracie was partly +vpon a generall discontentment, at the great, +though worthy estimation and authoritie (a +most capitall offence in the eye of enuie) of +<i>Lanfrank</i> Archbishop of <i>Canterburie</i>; by means<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">159</a></span> +whereof many of the conspirators liued in farre +meaner reputation, then their ambitious minds +could easily breake: but chiefly it was vpon a +more particular grudge, which <i>Odo</i> did beare against +the same <i>Lanfranck</i>; because by his perswasion, +<i>Odo</i> had been committed to prison by +King <i>William</i> the elder. For when the King +complained to <i>Lanfranck</i> of the intolerable +both auarice and ambition of his brother <i>Odo</i>, +the Archbishop gaue aduise, that hee should +bee restrained of his libertie. And when the +King doubted, how he being a Bishop, might +be committed to prison, without impeaching +the priuiledges of the Church; indeede answered +<i>Lanfranck</i>, you may not imprison the Bishop +of <i>Baion</i>, but you may doe what you +please with the Earle of <i>Kent</i>.</p> + +<p>The publike and open pretenses were these. +<i>Robert</i> Duke of <i>Normandie</i> had the prerogatiue +of birth; which being a benefit proceeding +from nature, could not bee reuersed by his fathers +acte. He had also wonne a most honorable +reputation for his militarie vertues; and +had by many trauels of warre wasted the wilde +follies of youth. Hee was no lesse famous for +courtesie and liberalitie, two most amiable or<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">160</a></span>naments +of honour; being so desirous that no +man should depart discontented from him, +that he would oftentimes promise more then +hee was able to performe, and yet performe +more then his estate could expediently afford. +As for K. <i>William</i>, besides that he was the yonger +brother, his nature was held to be doubtfull +and suspect, and the iudgement of most +men enclined to the worst. And what are we +then aduantaged, (said they) by the death of +his father? if whom he hath fleeced, this shall +flay; if this shall execute those whom he hath +fettered and surely bound; If after his seuerities +that are past, wee shall be freshly charged +with those rigours, which tyrants in the height +and pride of their Fortune are wont to vse? +And as stronger combinations are alwayes +made betweene men drawne together by one +common feare, then betweene those that are +ioyned by hope or desire; so vpon these iealousies +and feares, accompanied also with vehement +desires, the Confederats supposed that +they had knit a most assured league.</p> + +<p>Now it happened that at the time of the +death of <i>William</i> the elder, <i>Robert</i> his eldest +sonne was absent in <i>Almaine</i>; and at once<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">161</a></span> +heard both of the death of his father, and that +his brother <i>William</i> was acknowledged to be +King. Hereupon in great hast, but greater +heat both of anger and ambition, he returned +into <i>Normandie</i>: and there whilest he was breathing +foorth his discontentment and desire of +reuenge, he receiued a message from the Confederats +in <i>England</i>; that with all speed hee +should come ouer vnto them, to accomplish +the enterprise, to furnish their forces with a +head: that they had no want of able bodies; +they wanted no meanes to maintaine them +together; they wanted onely his person both to +countenance and conduct them. The Duke +thought it no wisdome, to aduenture himselfe +altogether; vpon the fauour and faith of discontented +persons: and he had bene so loosely +liberall before, that he was vnprouided of money, +to appoint himselfe with any competent +forces of his owne. Hereupon he pawned a +part of <i>Normandie</i> to his brother <i>Henry</i>, for +waging Souldiers: many also flocked voluntarily +vnto him; vpon inducement, that hee +who of his owne nature was most liberall & full +of humanitie, would not faile both of pay and +reward, vnlesse by reason of disabilitie & want.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">162</a></span></p> + +<p>In the meane time the Confederats resolued +to breake forth in Armes, in diuers parts of the +Realme at once; vpon conceit, that if the King +should endeuour to represse them in one place, +they might more easily preuaile in the other. +And so accordingly <i>Odo</i> fortified and spoiled +in <i>Kent</i>; <i>Geoffrey</i> Bishop of <i>Exceter</i>, with his +nephew <i>Robert Mowbray</i> Earle of <i>Northumberland</i>, +at <i>Bristow</i>; <i>Roger Montgomerie</i> in <i>Northfolke</i>, +<i>Suffolke</i> and <i>Cambridgeshire</i>; <i>Hugh de +Grandemenill</i>, in <i>Leicestershire</i> and <i>Northamptonshire</i>; +<i>William</i> Bishop of <i>Durhame</i>, in the North +parts of the Realme; diuers others of the Clergie +and Nobilitie in <i>Herefordshire</i>, <i>Shropshire</i>, +<i>Worcestershire</i>, and all the Countreys adioyning +to <i>Wales</i>. And as in time of pestilence all +diseases turne to the plague; so in this generall +tumult, all discontentments sorted to Rebellion. +Many who were oppressed with violence or +with feare; many who were kept lower either +by want or disgrace then they had set their +mounting minds, adioyned daily to the side, +and encreased both the number and the hope. +And thus was all the Realme in a ruinous rage +against K. <i>William</i>, who wanted neither courage +to beare, nor wisdome to decline it.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">163</a></span></p> + +<p>And first hee endeuoured by all meanes to +make the <i>English</i> assured vnto him. And albeit +few of them were at that time in any great +place, either of credite or of charge, but were +all wounded by his fathers wrongs; yet for +that they were the greatest part, he made the +greatest reckoning of them. For this cause hee +released many <i>English</i> Lords who had bene +committed to custodie by his father. He composed +himselfe to courtesie and affabilitie towards +the people, and distributed much treasure +among them. But especially hee wanne +their inclination by promises of great assurance, +to restore vnto them their ancient lawes, +to ease them of tributes and taxations, and to +permit them free libertie of hunting: which being +their principall pleasure and exercise before, +was either taken away, or much restrained +from them by King <i>William</i> the elder. Herewith +he applied himselfe to appease the mutinous +minds of his Nobilitie, to seuer the Confederats, +to breake the faction; to diuide it +first, and thereby to defeat it.</p> + +<p>To this purpose he dealt with <i>Roger Montgomerie</i>, +who next vnto <i>Odo</i> was a principall +both countenance and strength to the reuolt;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">164</a></span> +he dealt also with diuers others, inferiour vnto +him in authority and degree; that he could not +coniecture for what cause they were so violent +against him: did they want money? His fathers +treasure was at their deuotion: desired +they encrease of possessions? they should not +be otherwise bounded then by their owne desires: +that hee would willingly also giue ouer +his estate, in case it should be iudged expedient +by themselues, whom his father had put in +trust to support him: that they should doe wel +to foresee, whether by ouerthrowing his fathers +iudgement in appointing the kingdome vnto +him, they should not doe that which might be +preiudiciall to themselues; for the same man +who had appointed him to bee King, had also +conferred vnto them those honours and possessions +which they held. Thus sometimes +dealing priuately with particulars, and sometimes +with many together, and eftsoones filling +them with promises and hopes, and that with +such new vehemencie of words as they beleeued +could not proceede from dissembled intents; +he so preuailed in the end, that hereby, +and by example of some inducing the rest, <i>Roger +Montgomerie</i> and diuers others were recon<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">165</a></span>ciled +to the King; in whom was thought to rest +no smal matter to hold vp the reputation of the +enterprise.</p> + +<p>And further, hee prepared a nauie to guard +the seas, and to impeach the passage of his +brother into <i>England</i>. Hee prepared great forces +also by meanes of the treasure which his father +had left, and disposed them in places conuenient, +either to preuent or to represse these +scattered tumults. But the successe of his affaires +was by no meanes so much aduanced, as +by <i>Lanfranck</i> Archbishop of <i>Canterbury</i>, and +by <i>Woolstane</i> Bishop of <i>Worcester</i>: the authority +of which two men, the one for his learning, +wisedome, and mild moderation, the other for +his simple sanctitie and integritie of life, was +greatly regarded by all sorts of people. By encouragement +of <i>Woolstane</i> not onely the citie +of <i>Worcester</i> was maintained in firme condition +for the King, but his enemies receiued there a +famous foyle; the greatest part being slaine, +and the residue dispersed. This was the first +sad blow which the confederates tooke; afterward +they declined mainely, and the King as +mainly did increase.</p> + +<p>The King in person led his chiefe forces in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">166</a></span>to +<i>Kent</i>, against <i>Odo</i> his vncle, the principall +firebrand of all this flame. Hee tooke there the +castle of <i>Tunbridge</i> and of <i>Pemsey</i>, which <i>Odo</i> +had fortified; and lastly hee besieged <i>Odo</i> himselfe +in the castle of <i>Rochester</i>, and with much +trauell tooke him prisoner, and compelled him +to abiure the Realme. Vpon these euents, the +Bishop of <i>Durham</i>, aduising onely with feare +and despaire, fled out of the Realme; but after +three yeeres he was againe restored to the dignitie +of his Sea. The residue did submit themselues +to the Kings discretion; and were by him +receiued, all to pardon, some to gracious and +deare account. For in offences of so high nature, +pardon neuer sufficeth to assure offenders, +vnlesse by further benefits their loyaltie bee +bound.</p> + +<p><i>Robert</i> Duke of <i>Normandy</i> was busied all +this time, in making preparation for his iourney +into <i>England</i>: but his delayes much abated +the affections of those who fauoured either his +person or cause. At the length, hauing made +vp a competent power, he committed to sea; +where, his infelicities concurring with his negligence, +diuers of his ships which he had sent +somewhat before him, to assure the confederats<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">167</a></span> +of his approach, were set vpon and surprised by +the nauie of King <i>William</i>. After this hee arriued +in <i>England</i>, sent vnto many of his secret +friends, and made his comming knowen vnto +all: but no man resorted to him, he receiued +no aduertisement from any man; but +plainely found, that by the fortunate celeritie +of King <i>William</i>, the heart of the conspiracie in +all places was broken. So the Duke returned +into <i>Normandie</i>, hauing then good leisure, to +looke into the errour of his leisurely proceedings.</p> + +<p>When the King had in this sort either wisely +reconciled, or valiantly repressed his domesticall +enemies; because an vnperfect victory is +alwayes the seede of a new warre, he followed +his brother with a mighty armie, and remoued +the seate of the warre into <i>Normandie</i>. For he +coniectured (as in trueth it fell out) that the +Duke his brother vpon his returne, would presently +disperse his companies, for want of money; +and for the same cause would not easily +be able to draw them together againe. So his +valour and his power being much aduantaged +by his sudden comming, ioyned to the +want of foresight and preparation in the Duke;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">168</a></span> +he tooke in short time the Castles of <i>Walerick</i> +and <i>Aubemarle</i>, with the whole Countrey of +<i>Eu</i>; the Abbacie of <i>Mount S Michael</i>, <i>Fescampe</i>, +<i>Chereburge</i>, and diuers other places; which he +furnished with men of Armes, and Souldiers +of assured trust.</p> + +<p>The Duke feeling his owne weakenesse, +dealt with <i>Philip</i> King of <i>France</i>, and by liberall +promises so preuailed with him, that he descended +into <i>Normandie</i> with a faire Armie, and +bent his siege against one of those pieces which +K. <i>William</i> had taken. But he found it so knottie +a piece of worke, that in short time wearied +with hardnesse and hazards of the field, he fell +to a capitulation with King <i>William</i>, and so departed +out of <i>Normandie</i>; receiuing a certaine +summe of money in regard of his charges, and +conceiuing that he had won honour ynough, +in that no honour had bene won against him.</p> + +<p>The money that was payd to the King of +<i>France</i>, was raised in <i>England</i> by this deuise. +King <i>William</i> commanded that 20. Thousand +men should be mustered in <i>England</i>, and transported +into <i>Normandie</i>, to furnish his warres +against the <i>French</i>. When they were conducted +neere to <i>Hastings</i>, and almost ready to be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">169</a></span> +embarked, it was signified to them from the +King; that aswell for their particular safeties, as +not to disfurnish the Realme of strength, whosoeuer +would pay 10. shillings towards the +waging of Souldiers in <i>Normandie</i>, he might +be excused to stay at home. Among 20. Thousand +scarce any was found, who was not ioyfull +to embrace the condition; who was not +ready to redeeme his aduenture with so small a +summe: which being gathered together, was +both a surer and easier meanes to finish the +warres, then if the King had still struggeled by +force of Armes. For when the <i>French</i> King had +abandoned the partie, Duke <i>Robert</i>, being prepared +neither with money, nor constancie of +mind to continue the warre, enclined to peace; +which at the last, by diligence of friends, was +concluded betweene the two brothers, vpon +these conditions.</p> + +<blockquote><p><i>That the Duke should yeeld to the King the +Countie of <span class="f">Eu</span>, the Abbey of <span class="f">Fescampe</span>, the Abbey +of <span class="f">S. Michaels mount</span>, <span class="f">Chereburge</span>, and all other +Castles and fortifications which the King +had taken.</i></p> + +<p><i>That the King should subdue to the vse of the +Duke, all other Castles and houldes, which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">170</a></span> +had reuolted from him in <span class="f">Normandie</span>.</i></p> + +<p><i>That the King should giue to the Duke certaine +dignities and possessions in <span class="f">England</span>.</i></p> + +<p><i>That the King should restore all those to their +dignities and lands in <span class="f">England</span>, who had taken +part with the Duke against him.</i></p> + +<p><i>That if either of them should die without issue +male, the suruiuour should succeed in his estate.</i></p></blockquote> + +<p>These Articles were confirmed by twelue Barons +on the Kings part, and as many on the +part of the Duke; so long obserued, as either +of them wanted either power or pretence to +disanull them.</p> + +<p>This peace being made, the Duke vsed the +aide of King <i>William</i>, to recouer the fort of +<i>Mount S. Michael</i>, which their brother <i>Henrie</i> +did forceably hold, for the money which hee +had lent to the Duke of <i>Normandie</i>. Fourtie +dayes they layed siege to this castle; hauing no +hope to carrie it, but by the last necessity, which +is hunger. Within the compasse of this time, +as the King straggled alone vpon the shoare, +certaine horsemen salied foorth and charged +vpon him; of whom three strooke him together +so violently with their lances, as because he +could not be driuen out of his saddle, together<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">171</a></span> +with his saddle he was cast vpon the ground, +and his horse slaine vpon the place, for which +he had payed the same day 15. markes. Extremitie +of danger (as it often happeneth) tooke +from the King all feare of danger: wherefore +taking vp his saddle with both his hands, he did +therewith defend himselfe for a time. But because +to stand vpon defence onely is alwayes +vnsure, he drew his sword, and would not depart +one foot from his saddle; but making shew +of braue ioy, that he had nothing to trust vnto +but his owne valour, he defended both his +saddle and himselfe, till rescue came. Afterward +when some of his Souldiers in blaming +maner expostulated with him, wherefore he +was so obstinate to saue his saddle: his answere +was, that a King should loose nothing which +he can possibly saue: <i>It would haue angred mee</i>, +(said he) <i>at the very heart, that the knaues +should haue bragged, that they had wonne the +saddle from mee</i>. And this was one of his perpetuall +felicities, to escape easily out of desperate +dangers.</p> + +<p>In the end <i>Henry</i> grew to extreeme want of +water, and other prouisions: by which meanes +he was ready to fall into the hands of those,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">172</a></span> +who desired to auoyd necessitie to hurt him. +And first he sent to the Duke his brother, to request +some libertie to take in fresh water. The +Duke sent to him a tunne of wine, and granted +a surcease of hostilitie for one day, to furnish +him with water. At this the King seemed discontented, +as being a meanes to prolong the +warre. But the Duke told him, that it had bene +hard to deny a brother a little water for his necessitie. +Herewith likewise the King relenting, +they sent for their brother <i>Henry</i>; and wisdome +preuailing more then iniuries or hate, they fell +to an agreement, That vpon a day appointed, +<i>Henry</i> should receiue his money at <i>Roan</i>; and +that in the meane time, hee should hold the +countrey of <i>Constantine</i> in morgage. The King +enterteined with pay many of his brother +<i>Henries</i> souldiers; especially he receiued those +who ouerthrew him, to a very neere degree of +fauour. And thus all parties ordered their ambition +with great modestie; the custome of +former warres running in a course of more humanitie, +then since they haue done.</p> + +<p>The King was the more desirous to perfect +these agreements of Peace, for that <i>Malcolme</i> +King of <i>Scots</i> (as Princes often times make vse<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">173</a></span> +of the contentions of their neighbours) tooke +occasion vpon these confusions, to enterprise +vpō the parts of <i>England</i> which confined vpon +him. So as he inuaded <i>Northumberland</i>, made +great spoile, tooke much prey, caried away many +prisoners; whose calamitie was the more miserable, +for that they were to endure seruitude +in a hard Countrey. For this cause the King +with his accustomed celeritie returned into +<i>England</i>, accompanied with the Duke of <i>Normandie</i> +his brother; and led a mighty armie against +the <i>Scots</i> by land, and sent also a nauie +to infest them by sea. But by a sudden and +stiffe storme, by a hideous confusion of all ill +disposed weather, his ships were cruelly crushed; +and hauing long wrought against the +violence and rage of the tempest, were in the +end dispersed, and diuers of them cast away. +Many of his souldiers also perished, partly by +penurie and want, and partly by the euill qualitied +ayre.</p> + +<p>Notwithstanding the <i>Scots</i>, knowing the +King of <i>England</i> to bee an enemie mighty and +resolute, began to wauer in their assurance; +framing fearefull opinions, of the number, valour +and experience of his armie. Hereupon<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">174</a></span> +some ouertures of peace were made; the +<i>Scots</i> expecting that the King, by reason of his +late losses, would be the more moderate in his +demands. But hee then shewed himselfe most +resolute and firme; following his naturall custome, +not to yeelde to any difficulty. King +<i>Malcolme</i> coniecturing that such confidence +could not be without good cause, consented at +the last to these conditions.</p> + +<blockquote><p><i>That King <span class="f">Malcolme</span> should make a certaine +satisfaction for the spoyles which hee had done in +<span class="f">England</span>.</i></p> + +<p><i>That King <span class="f">William</span> should restore to him certaine +lands in <span class="f">England</span>.</i></p> + +<p><i>That K. <span class="f">Malcolme</span> should doe homage to King +<span class="f">William</span>.</i></p></blockquote> + +<p>Now the day was come wherein <i>Henrie</i> was +appointed to receiue his money at <i>Roan</i>, from +the Duke of <i>Normandie</i>. But as affaires of +Princes haue great variations, so they are not +alwayes constant in their Counsels. And so the +Duke, caried by his occasions, and ready to +lay downe his faith and word more to the +traine of times, then to the preseruation of his +honour; instead of paying the money, committed +his brother <i>Henry</i> to prison: from<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">175</a></span> +whence he could not be released, vntill hee renounced +the Countie of <i>Constantine</i>, and +bound himselfe by oath neuer to claime any +thing in <i>Normandie</i>.</p> + +<p><i>Henrie</i> complained hereof to <i>Philip</i> King of +<i>France</i>; who gaue him a faire enterteinement +in his Court, but was content rather to feede +then finish the contention: either expecting +thereby some opportunitie to himselfe, or els +the opinion of his owne greatnesse not suffring +him to feare, that others might grow to haue +fortune against him. <i>Henry</i> had not long remained +in the Court of <i>France</i>, but a <i>Normane</i> +Knight named <i>Hacharde</i> conueyed him disguised +into <i>Normandie</i>; where the Castle of +<i>Damfronç</i> was deliuered vnto him; and in +short time after hee gate all the Countrey of +<i>Passays</i>, and a good part of <i>Constantine</i>; either +without resistance, or without difficultie and +perill.</p> + +<p>Hereupon the Duke leuied his forces, and +earnestly assayed to recouer <i>Damfronç</i>: but +then hee found that his brother <i>Henrie</i> was secretly, +yet surely vnderset by the king of <i>England</i>. +Hereupon, incensed with the furie of an +iniuried minde, hee exclaimed against his bro<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">176</a></span>ther +of <i>England</i>, and almost proclaimed him a +violator of his league. On the other side, the +King of <i>England</i> iustified his action, for that hee +was both a meanes and a partie to the agreement: +and therefore stood bound in honour, +not onely to vrge, but to enforce performance. +So the flame brake foorth more furious then it +was before, and ouer went King <i>William</i> with +an able armie; where hee found the Duke also +in good condition of strength commanding +the field. And albeit in so neere approach +of two mighty enemies, equall both in ambition +and power, it is hard to conteine men of seruice; +yet was nothing executed betweene +them, but certaine light skirmishes, and surprizements +of some places of defence. In the +end, the King hearing of new troubles in <i>England</i>, +and the Duke finding himselfe vnable either +to preuaile with few souldiers, or to maintaine +many, and both distrusting to put a speedie +end to the warre; they were easily drawne +to capitulations of peace. And thus ended the +contention betweene these brethren; who vntill +this time had continued like the waues of +the Sea, alwayes in motion, and one beating against +the other.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">177</a></span></p> + +<p>Besides these businesses which befell the +King, against his Nobilitie, against the Duke of +<i>Normandie</i> his brother, and against the King +and nation of the <i>Scots</i>; the <i>Welshmen</i> also (who +alwayes struggled for libertie and reuenge) +perceiuing that the King was often absent, and +much entangled with hostile affaires; enforced +the fauour of that aduantage, to free themselues +from subiection of the <i>English</i>, and happily +to enlarge or enrich themselues vpon +them. So hauing both desire and opportunitie, +they wanted not meanes to assemble in armes, +to expell the <i>English</i> that were amongst them, +and to cast downe the Castles erected in their +Countrey, as the principall yoakes of their subiection. +Afterwards, rising in boldnesse with +successe, they made diuers incursions vpon the +bordering parts of <i>England</i>; spoiled the Citie of +<i>Glocester</i>, and exercised all those outrages, +which vnciuill people, incensed both with want +and with hate doe not vsually omit. But being +a company neither in discipline nor pay, raw +and vnarmed, they proceeded more like to +robbers then to Souldiers; hauing no intention +to vanquish, but to spoile.</p> + +<p>Hereupon the King twice in person inua<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">178</a></span>ded +<i>Wales</i>, but with small shew of successe for +the present. For the <i>Welsh</i>-enemies scattered +the warre, by diuiding themselues into small +companies, and retiring into the mountaines +and woods, and other places of naturall defence. +Here they trauailed the King with a fugitiue +fight; flying when they were pursued, +and houering vpon him when they were giuen +ouer: cutting off many stragling souldiers, +and taking some carriages, which in those +rough places could not easily either be passed, +or defended. And so by shifting alwayes into +places of aduantage, they sought at one time, +both to auoyd fighting, and to hinder the King +from doing any thing of importance. At the +last, the King hauing made sufficient proofe +how vaine it is, to follow a light footed enemie +with a heauie Armie, pestered with traine of +carriage, in places where the seruice of horsemen +is almost vnprofitable; he gaue ouer the +pursuit, and retired into <i>England</i>. But first he +repaired those Castles which the <i>Welsh</i> had destroyed, +and built new Castles also vpon the +frontiers and within the bosome of <i>Wales</i>; +which he furnished with so sure garrisons, as +might suffice with fauour of opportunitie, ei<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">179</a></span>ther +to weary or consume the enemies.</p> + +<p>And indeed the <i>Welsh</i> being by this meanes, +alwayes exercised, and dayly wasted; declined +in short time, no lesse to cowardise then to +wearinesse and wants; so as <i>Hugh</i> Earle of <i>Chester</i>, +& <i>Hugh</i> Earle of <i>Shrewesbury</i>, dispossessed +them of the Isle of <i>Anglesey</i>, which they had surprised +not long before. The <i>Welsh</i> that were +there taken, were very hardly, or rather vnmercifully +and cruelly entreated; Some had their +eyes pulled out, some their hands cut off, some +their armes, some their noses, some their genitalles. +An aged Priest named <i>Kenredus</i>, who +had bene a chiefe directer of the common affaires, +was drawne out of a Church whereinto +he had fled, had one of his eyes pulled out, and +his tongue torne from his throat. I make no +doubt but these seuerities were vsed against +them, vpon some sauage outrages which they +had done; wherein the lesse compassion was +borne to their calamities, for the cowardise +which they shewed in their owne defence.</p> + +<p>Shortly after, <i>Magnus</i> King of <i>Norway</i> the +sonne of <i>Olaus</i>, the sonne of <i>Harold Harfager</i>, +hauing brought the Isles of <i>Orkeney</i> vnder his +dominion, subdued also from the <i>Welsh</i> the Isle<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">180</a></span> +of <i>Man</i>; and enterprised vpon the Isle of <i>Anglesey</i> +against the <i>English</i>. But at his landing he was +encountred by the Earle of <i>Shrewsbury</i> and the +Earle of <i>Chester</i>; in which fight the <i>Norwegians</i> +were vanquished and repelled, but the Earle +of <i>Shrewsbury</i> with too braue boldnesse lost his +life: leauing his honourable both actions and +end as an excellent ornament to his posteritie. +Afterwards the Earle of <i>Chester</i> led an armie into +<i>Wales</i>; and found the people so consumed +by the <i>English</i> garisons, that he easily reduced +many to professe obedience to the Crowne of +<i>England</i>; and disabled others, hauing no leaders +of experience and valour, for shewing +their faces as enemies in the field.</p> + +<p>Also vpon some variances which did rise +betweene <i>Iustinus</i>, sonne to <i>Gurguntus</i>, Earle +of <i>Glamorgane</i> and <i>Morganock</i>; and <i>Rhesus</i> +sonne to <i>Theodore</i> Prince of Southwales: <i>Iustinus</i>, +not of power to maintaine either his +right or his will, sent <i>Æneas</i>, sonne to <i>Genidorus</i>, +sometimes Lord of <i>Demetia</i>, to craue aide +in <i>England</i>. This he obtained, not onely readily, +but in greater measure then the seruice +did require. <i>Robert Fitzhamond</i> was generall +Commander of the <i>English</i> armie; who en<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">181</a></span>countred +<i>Rhesus</i> at a place called <i>Blackhill</i>; +and in that fight <i>Rhesus</i> was slaine: after whose +death the name of King ceased in <i>Wales</i>. Then +<i>Iustinus</i> failing, and happily not able to performe +such conditions as in necessitie hee had +assured, <i>Fitzhamond</i> turned his forces against +him; chased the <i>Welsh</i> out of the champaine +Countrey, and diuided the same among his +principall Gentlemen. These erected Castles, +in places conuenient for their mutuall ayde; +and so well defended themselues, that they left +the Countrey to their posterity. Thus was the +Lordship of <i>Glamorgane</i> and <i>Morganock</i>, which +conteineth 27. miles in length, & 22. in bredth, +subdued to the <i>English</i>; giuing example how +dangerous it is for any people, to call in a greater +force of strangers to their ayde, then being +victorious, they may easily be able to limit and +restraine. This being a Lordship marcher, +hath enioyed royall liberties, since the time +wherein it was first subdued. It hath acknowledged +seruice and obedience onely to the +Crowne. It hath had the triall of all actions, +as well reall as personall, and also held Pleas of +the Crowne; with authority to pardon all offences, +Treason onely excepted.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">182</a></span></p> + +<p>Whilest the King was entertained with +these chases, rather then warres in <i>Wales</i>, hee +lay at <i>Gloucester</i> many times; as not esteeming +that his presence should alwayes be necessary, +and yet not farre off if occasion should require. +To this place <i>Malcolme</i> King of <i>Scots</i> came vnto +him, vpon an honourable visitation. But the +King hauing conceiued some displeasure against +him, refused to admit him to his presence. +Hereupon King <i>Malcolme</i>, full of fury +and disdaine, returned into <i>Scotland</i>, assembled +an armie, enuaded <i>Northumberland</i>, harrased +and spoyled a great part thereof; hauing done +the like foure times before. Such is the heate +of hate in mindes that are mighty; who seldome +hold it any breach of Iustice, to bee reuenged +of him who offereth dishonor. When +he was come neere to <i>Alnewicke</i>, and his souldiers +were much pestered with prey, (a notable +impediment both for readinesse and resolution +to fight) hee was set vpon both suddenly and +sharply by <i>Robert Mowbray</i> Earle of <i>Northumberland</i>; +his troupes hewen in pieces, himselfe +together with his eldest sonne <i>Edward</i> slaine. +The third day ensuing, <i>Margaret</i> wife to King +<i>Malcolme</i>, and sister to <i>Edgar Adeling</i>, not able<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">183</a></span> +to beare so sad and heauie a blow of fortune, +ended also her life. Shee was famous for pietie +and for modestie, two excellent endowments +of that Sexe. By her perswasion <i>Malcolme</i> +made a law, that whereas by a former law +made by King <i>Eugenius</i>, the Lord enioyed the +first night with any new married woman within +his dominion; the husband might redeeme +that abuse by paiment of halfe a mark of siluer.</p> + +<p>King <i>Malcolme</i> being slaine, <i>Dunwald</i> his +brother vsurped the kingdome; but after a few +dayes he was dispossessed thereof by <i>Duncane</i>, +bastard son to K. <i>Malcolme</i>. In this action <i>Duncane</i> +was chiefly supported by the King of <i>England</i>; +with whom he had remained in hostage, +and to whom hee had made his submission by +oath. And because the <i>Scots</i> did either see or +suspect that hee bare a fauourable affection to +the <i>English</i>, they would not receiue him for +their King, but vnder promise that hee should +not entertaine any <i>English</i> or <i>Normane</i>, either +in place of seruice, or as a follower at large. The +yeere next following <i>Duncane</i> was slaine, and +<i>Dunwald</i> was againe possessed of the kingdom. +Hereupon King <i>William</i> sent <i>Clito Edgar</i> with +an armie into <i>Scotland</i>; by whose meanes <i>Dunwald</i><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">184</a></span> +was dispoiled againe of his Kingdome, +and <i>Edgar</i> sonne to King <i>Malcolme</i> aduanced +to his fathers estate.</p> + +<p>These were the principall aduentures by +Armes which concerned <i>England</i>, during the +reigne of K. <i>William</i> the second: wherein he so +behaued himselfe, that he did worthily winne +an opinion to be one, who both knew and +durst. In all actions hee esteemed himselfe +greatly dishonoured, if hee were not both in +Armes with the first, and with the forwardest +in fight; doing double seruice, as well by example, +as by direction: In which heate of valour, +the fauour of his Fortune excused many +of his attempts from the blame of rashnesse. +He was oftentimes most constant, or rather obstinate +in pursuing those purposes, which with +small deliberation he vndertooke.</p> + +<p>At a certaine time when he was in hunting +within the new Forrest, he receiued aduertisement, +that <i>Mans</i> was surprised by <i>Helie</i>, Count +<i>de la Flesch</i>, who pretended title thereto in right +of his wife: that he was aided in this enterprise +by <i>Fouques d'Angiers</i>, an ancient enemie to the +Dukes of <i>Normandie</i>: and that the castle which +held good for the King, must also be rendered,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">185</a></span> +if in very short time it were not relieued. Vpon +these newes, as if he had bene in the heat of a +chase, he presently turned his horse; and his +passion not staying to consult with reason, in +great haste roade towards the Sea. And when +he was aduised by some to stay a time, and take +with him such forces as the importance of the +seruice did require; with a heart resolute and +violent voice he answered, <i>That they who loued +him, would not faile to follow; and that if no man +else would stirre, he alone would relieue Mans</i>.</p> + +<p>When he came to <i>Dortmouth</i>, he commanded +ships to be brought for his passage. The +winds were then both contrary and stiffe, and +the Sea swelled exceeding bigge; for which +cause the Shipmasters perswaded him to await +a more fauourable season, and not to cast himselfe +vpon the miserable mercie of that storme. +Notwithstanding the King, whose feare was alwayes +least when dangers were greatest, mounted +vpon Shipboard, and commanded them to +put to Sea; affirming, That it was no Prince-like +mind to breake a iourney for foulenesse of +weather; and that he neuer heard of any King +that had bene drowned. And so for that the +chiefe point of rescue rested in expedition, hee<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">186</a></span> +presently committed to Sea; taking few with +him, and leauing order that others should follow. +After hee had long wrastled with the +winds and waues, he arriued in <i>France</i>, where +running on in the humour of his courage and +forwardnesse, he acquitted himselfe with greater +honour then at any time before. So effectuall +is celeritie for the benefit of a seruice, that +oftentimes it more auaileth, then either multitude +or courage of Souldiers.</p> + +<p>In this expedition, <i>Helie</i> the principall commander +against him was taken. And when he +was brought to the Kings presence, the King +said pleasantly vnto him: <i>Ah master! in faith I +haue you now; and I hope I shal be able to keepe you +in quiet</i>. Then he: <i>It is true indeed, the successe +of my attempts haue not bene answerable to the resolution +of my minde; by meere aduenture now you +haue me: but if I were at libertie againe, I doe better +know what I had to doe, and would not so easily +be held in quiet</i>. The King with a braue scorne +replied: <i>I see thou art but a foolish knaue; vnable +to vse, either thy libertie or thy restreint aright. +But goe thy wayes, make good thy confidence: I +set thee free and at libertie againe; vse thy aduantage, +and doe thy worst</i>. <i>Helie</i> daunted more<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">187</a></span> +with this high courage, then before he had bin +with the victory of the King, submitted himselfe, +and made his peace vnder such conditions +as it pleased the King to lay vpon him. +Certainely this magnanimous example hath +seldome bin equalled, neuer excelled by those, +who are admired for the principall worthies +of the world.</p> + +<p>He little fauoured flatterers; the flies which +blow corruption vpon sweetest vertues; the +myrie dogs of the Court, who defile Princes +with fawning on them; who commonly are +fatted with bread which is made with the +teares of miserable people. He was most firme +and assured in his word: and to those who did +otherwise aduise him, he would say; That <i>God +did stand obliged by his word</i>.<a name="FNanchor_71_71" id="FNanchor_71_71"></a><a href="#Footnote_71_71" class="fnanchor">[71]</a></p> + +<p>He is commended for his manly mercie; in +releasing prisoners, and in pardoning offences +of highest qualitie: which to a people that then +liued vnder a Law, both rigorous, and almost +arbitrarie, and (as well for the noueltie as for +the vncertaintie thereof) in a manner vnknowne, +was a most high valued vertue. He +not onely pardoned many great offenders, but +partly by gifts, and partly by aduancements he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">188</a></span> +knit them most assuredly vnto him. And therefore +although in the beginning of his reigne, +most of the Nobilitie, and many Gentlemen of +best quality and rancke endeuoured to displace +him, and to set vp <i>Robert</i> his elder brother for +their King; yet doeth it not appeare, either +that any seueritie was executed vpon them, or +that afterward they were dangerous vnto him. +Notwithstanding in some actions he was noted +of crueltie, or at the least of sharpnesse and +seuerity in iustice. For albeit hee promised to +the <i>English</i>, whilest his first feares and iealousies +continued, that they should enioy free +libertie of hunting; yet did hee afterwards so +seuerely restraine it, that the penalty for killing +a Deere was death.</p> + +<p><i>Robert Mowbray</i> Earle of <i>Northumberland</i>, +after he had defeated the <i>Scots</i> and slaine <i>Malcolme</i> +their King, not finding himselfe either +honoured or respected according to his seruice; +first refrained, and afterwards refused to come +vnto the Court. Hereupon the King, ouerruled +indifferently with suspition and hate, (two violent +passions in minds placed in authoritie) sent +his brother <i>Henry</i> with an armie against him; +who spoyled the Countrey, tooke the Earle,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">189</a></span> +and committed him to prison. Then was hee +charged with diuers crimes, which were sufficient +(although but surmised) to vndoe an Innocent. +Many examinations were also made, +but for appearance onely and terrour, not to any +bottome or depth. The especiall matter +obiected against him was, for contriuing to despoyle +the King both of life and state, and to set +vp <i>Stephen Albamerle</i> his Aunts sonne for King. +And thus it often happeneth, that great deserts +are occasions to men of their destruction; either +because Princes generally loue not those to +whom they are exceedingly beholding, or else +for that thereby men doe grow proud, insolent, +disdainefull, bould, immoderate both in expectation +and demand, discontented, impatient +if they be not satisfied, and apt to breake forth +into dangerous attempts.</p> + +<p>Of those who any wayes declared themselues +in his fauour or defence; some were despoiled +of their goods, some were banished the +Realme; others were punished with losse of +their eyes, or of their eares, or of some other +part of their bodie. <i>William d'Owe</i> was accused +in a Councell holden at <i>Salisbury</i>, to bee a +complice of this Treason. And albeit he chal<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">190</a></span>lenged +his accuser to the combate, yet his eyes +were pulled out, and his stones cut off by commandement +of the King. And yet some authours +affirme, that he was ouercome in combate +before. For the same cause the King commanded +<i>William Aluerie</i> to be hanged; a man +of goodly personage and modest behauiour; +the Kings sewer, his Aunts sonne, and his godfather. +Before his execution hee desired to be +whipped through manie Churches in <i>London</i>: +he distributed his garments to the poore, and +bloodied the street as he went, with often kneeling +vpon the stones. At the time of his death +he tooke it vpon the charge of his soule, that he +was cleere of the offence for which he suffered. +And so committing his innocencie to God, +and to the world his complaints, he submitted +himselfe to the Executioners hands: leauing an +opinion in some, a suspition in many, that others +also died without desert. For the king +gaue an easie eare to any man, that would appeach +others for his aduantage: whereby it +sometimes happened, that offenders were acquited +by accusing innocents.</p> + +<p>He was liberall aboue measure; either in regard +of his owne abilities, or of the worthinesse<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">191</a></span> +of the receiuers. Especially hee was bountifull +(if that terme may be applyed to immoderate +lauishing)<a name="FNanchor_72_72" id="FNanchor_72_72"></a><a href="#Footnote_72_72" class="fnanchor">[72]</a> to men of warre: for which cause +many resorted to him from farre Countries for +entertainement. To winne and retaine the +fauour of these, hee much impouerished his +peaceable people. From many he tooke without +iustice, to giue to others without desert: esteeming +it no vnequall dealing, that the money +of the one, should bee aduentured and expended +with the blood of the other.</p> + +<p>He much exceeded in sumptuousnes of diet +and of apparell, wherewith great men vse to +dazel the eyes of the people: both which waies +he esteemed the goodnesse of things, by their +price. It is reported, that when his Chamberlaine +vpon a certaine morning brought him a +new paire of hose, the King demaunded what +they cost; and the Chamberlaine answered, +three shillings. Hereat the King grew impatient, +and said: <i>What? heauie beast! doest thou +take these to be conuenient hose for a King? Away +begger, and bring me other of a better price</i>. Then +the Chamberlaine departed and brought a +farre worse paire of hose (for a better could +not at that time bee found) and told the king<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">192</a></span> +that they cost a marke. The king not onely allowed +them for fine enough, but commended +them also as exceeding fit. Assuredly this immoderate +excesse of a King is now farre exceeded +by many base shifting vnthrifts.</p> + +<p>In building his expences were very great. +He repaired the Citie and Castle of <i>Caerlile</i>, +which had been wasted by the <i>Danes</i> 200. yeres +before. Hee finished New castle vpon <i>Tine</i>. +Many other Castles he erected or repaired vpon +the frontiers of <i>Scotland</i>; many also vpon +the frontiers and within the very brest of <i>Wales</i>. +Hee much enlarged the Towre of <i>London</i>, +and enuironed it with a new wall. Hee also +built the great Hall at <i>Westminster</i>, which is +270. foote in length, and 74. foote in breadth. +And when many did admire the vast largenes +thereof, he would say vnto them, that it was +but a bed chamber, but a closet, in comparison +of that which he intended to build. And accordingly +he layd the foundation of another Hall, +which stretched from the Riuer <i>Thames</i> to the +Kings high street: the further erection wherof, +with diuers other heroicall enterprises, ceased +together with his life.</p> + +<p>Thus partly by reason of his infinite plots<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">193</a></span> +and inuentions, and partly by his disorders +and vnbrideled liberalities, he alwayes liued at +great charges and expences; which whilest the +large treasure lasted which his father left him, +were borne without grieuance to the subiects: +But when that was once drained, he was reduced +to seeke money by extraordinary meanes. +So, many hard taxes were laid vpon the people, +partly for supplie to his owne necessities, and +partly to imitate the policie of his father; that +the people being busied how to liue, should +reteine small either leisure or meanes to contriue +innouations. For this cause he was supposed, +vpon purpose to haue enterprised many +actions of charge; that thereby he might haue +colour to impose, both imployments and taxations +vpon the people.</p> + +<p>And because the riches of the clergie at that +time were not onely an eye-sore vnto many, +but esteemed also by some, to bee very farre aboue +due proportion; Hee often fleeced them +of great summes of money. For which cause it +is euident, that the writers of that age (who +were for the most part Clergie men) did both +generally enueigh against him, and much depraue +his particular actions. He withheld his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">194</a></span> +annuall paiment to the Sea of <i>Rome</i>, vpon occasion +of a Schisme betweene <i>Vrbane</i> at <i>Rome</i>, +and <i>Clement</i> at <i>Rauenna</i>. He claimed the inuestiture +of Prelates to be his right: Hee forbade +Appeales and entercourse to <i>Rome</i>: For which +and other like causes he had a very great contention +with the Clergie of his Realme, especially +with <i>Anselme</i> Archbishop of <i>Canterbury</i>.</p> + +<p>The seedes of this contention were cast, +when <i>Anselme</i> was first receiued to his Sea. For +at that time two did striue for the Papacie of +<i>Rome</i>; <i>Vrbanus</i> and <i>Guibert</i>, called <i>Clement</i> the +third: some Christian States fauouring the +one, and some the other. King <i>William</i> inclined +to <i>Clement</i> the third, and with him the Realme +generally went; but <i>Anselme</i> did fully goe with +<i>Vrbane</i>; making so his condition before he did +consent to accept his dignitie.</p> + +<p>When he was elected and before his consecration, +the King demanded of him, that such +lands of the Church of <i>Canterbury</i> as the King +had giuen to his friends since the death of +<i>Lanfranck</i>, might still be held by them as their +lawfull right: but to this <i>Anselme</i> would in no +case agree. Hereupon the King stayed his consecration +a certaine time; but at length by im<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">195</a></span>portunitie +of the people hee was content to receiue +his homage, and to giue way to his consecration. +Not long after, the Archbishop desired +licence of the king to goe to <i>Rome</i>, to receiue +his Pall; which when the King refused to +grant, he appealed to the Sea of <i>Rome</i>. Now +this was the first Appeale that euer before had +been made in <i>England</i>. For Appeales were not +here in ordinarie vse, vntil after this time, vnder +the reigne of King <i>Stephen</i>; when <i>Henrie</i> Bishop +of <i>Wint.</i> being the Popes Legate, brought +them in.</p> + +<p>Wherefore the King offended with this noueltie, +charged <i>Anselme</i> with breach of his fealtie +and oath. <i>Anselme</i> answered, that this was +to be referred to the iudgement of a Councell, +whether it bee a breach of allegiance to a terrene +Prince, if a man appeale to the Vicar of +Christ. The King alleaged; that the custome +of his Realme admitted no appeale from the +king; that supreame appeale was a most principall +marke of Maiestie, because no appeale can +be made but to a superiour; that therefore the +Archbishop by appealing from him, denied his +Souereignty, derogated from the dignitie of +his Crowne, and subiected both him and that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">196</a></span> +to another Prince, to whom as to a superiour +he did appeale; That herein hee was an enemie +and a Traitour to him and to the State. +<i>Anselme</i> replyed, that this question was determined +by our Lord, who taught vs what +allegiance is due to the Pope, where he saith; +<i>Thou art Peter, and vpon this Rocke will I build +my Church, &c.</i> And againe; <i>To thee will I giue +the Keyes of the Kingdome of Heauen, &c.</i> And +againe in generall; <i>Hee that heareth you heareth +me, and who despiseth you despiseth me</i>. And againe, +<i>He that toucheth you, toucheth the apple of +my eye</i>. But for the allegiance due to the King, +he saith; <i>Giue to Cæsar that which belongeth to Cæsar, +and to God what pertaineth to God</i>. To this +the king finally said; That hauing made themselues +Masters to interprete and giue sence to +the Scriptures, it was easie to maintaine by +them whatsoeuer they desired or did; it was +easie for them to burst their ambition with +their swelling greatnes. But well he was assured, +that <span class="f"><span class="smcap">Christ</span></span> intended not to dissolue +orders for Ciuill gouernment, to ruine kingdoms, +to embase authority and right of Kings, +by meanes of his Church: this right of a King +he had, and this right he would maintaine.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">197</a></span></p> + +<p>In this contention few of the Bishops did +openly take part with <i>Anselme</i>; but some, and +especially the Bishop of <i>Durhame</i>, did directly +declare against him. The residue, when he +asked their aduise, would answere him, That +he was wise ynough, and knew what was best +for him to doe; as for them, they neither durst +nor would stand against their Lord. By assistance +of these the King purposed to depriue +<i>Anselme</i>, and to expell him out of the Realme. +But <i>Anselme</i> auowed, That as he was ready to +depart the Realme, so would he take his authoritie +with him, though he tooke nothing else.</p> + +<p>Now the King had sent two messengers to +Pope <i>Vrbane</i> at <i>Rome</i>, to entreat him to send +the Pall to the King; to be disposed by him as +he should thinke fit. These messengers were +by this time returned; and with them came +<i>Guibert</i> the Popes Legate, who brought the +Pall. The Legate went first priuily to the King, +and promised that if <i>Vrbane</i> should be receiued +for Pope in <i>England</i>, the King should obtaine +of him whatsoeuer he would. The King +required that <i>Anselme</i> might be remoued. The +Legate answered, that it could not be, that +such a man without iust cause should be remo<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">198</a></span>ued; +Notwithstanding some other things being +granted to the King, <i>Vrbane</i> was declared +to be lawfull Pope; and the King was content +to swallow downe that morsel, which had bene +so vnpleasant for him to champe on. The Pall +was caried to <i>Anselme</i> with great pompe, in a +vessell of siluer; and he came foorth bare footed, +in his Priestly Vestments to meete and to +receiue it.</p> + +<p>The yeere next following the King inuaded +<i>Wales</i>; where he repressed the rebellious enemies, +and returned victorious. <i>Anselme</i> prepared +to goe vnto him, to salute him, to congratulate +his good successe. But the King preuented +him by messengers, who layde to his +charge, both the small number, and euill appointment +of the Souldiers, which he sent to +that seruice; and therefore warned him to appeare +at the Court, to make his answere. Happely +also the King was incensed by matters +more light; but taken in the worst part, as it +commonly falleth out in suspitions and quarels. +At the day appointed <i>Anselme</i> appeared, +but auoyded his answere by appealing to the +Pope: for prosecution whereof, hee made suit +for the Kings licence to goe to <i>Rome</i>. The<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">199</a></span> +King said as before; That this appeale was against +the custome of the Realme, and against +the dignitie of his Crowne, to both which <i>Anselme</i> +had sworne. <i>Anselme</i> answered, That he +was sworne to neither of them, but so farre as +they were consonant to the Lawes of <span class="smcap">God</span>, +and to the rules of equitie and right. The King +replied, That no limitation being expressed, it +was not reasonable that vpon his owne conceit +of pietie or equitie, he should slip out of +the band of his oath. Thus was the contention +on both sides obstinately maintained; and +for a long time <i>Anselme</i> was commanded to attend +the Court.</p> + +<p>At the last hee was released, but vnder expresse +charge, that he should not depart out of +the Realme; or if he did, that it should neuer +be lawfull for him to returne. <i>Anselme</i> departed +from the Court, went streight to <i>Douer</i>, +with purpose to passe the Seas into <i>France</i>. +Here hee was either awaited or ouertaken by +<i>William Warlewast</i> the Kings officer; not to stay +him from his passage, but to rifle him of all that +he had. Others also were appointed to seise +his goods in other places, and to conuert the +profits of his Archbishopricke to the vse of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">200</a></span> +King; making a bare allowance to the Monks, +of meat, drinke and cloathing. So the Archbishop +crossed the Seas into <i>France</i>, rested a +while at <i>Lions</i>, and then trauailed ouer the <i>Alpes</i> +to <i>Rome</i>; where he was enterteined by Pope +<i>Vrbane</i>, with more then ordinarie ceremonies +of honour.</p> + +<p>And first the Pope wrote to the king of <i>England</i> +on the behalfe of <i>Anselme</i>; and reteined +him in his Palace vntill he should receiue answere +from the king. When the messenger was +returned with such answere as <i>Anselme</i> did not +like, he desired of the Pope to be discharged of +his dignitie; which he had found (he said) a +wearisome stage, whereon hee played a part +much against his will. But hereto the Pope +would in no case agree; charging him vpon +vertue of his obedience, That wheresoeuer he +went, he should beare both the name and honour +of Archbishop of <i>Canterburie</i>. <i>As for +these matters</i>, (said he) <i>we shall sufficiently prouide +for them at the next Councell where your selfe +shalbe present</i>.</p> + +<p>When the Councell was assembled, <i>Anselme</i><a name="FNanchor_73_73" id="FNanchor_73_73"></a><a href="#Footnote_73_73" class="fnanchor">[73]</a> +sate on the outside of the Bishops; but +the Pope called him vp, and placed him at his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">201</a></span> +right foot with these words; <i>Includamus hunc in +orbe nostro, tanquam alterius orbis Papam</i>. Afterwards +in all generall Councels, the Archb. of +<i>Canterburie</i> tooke that place. In this Councell +the points of difference betweene the Greeke +and Latine Churches were strongly debated; +especially concerning the proceeding of the +<i>Holy Ghost</i>, and for leauened bread in the administration +of the <i>Eucharist</i>: wherein <i>Anselme</i> +shewed such deepe learning, weight of iudgement, +and edge of wit, that he approched neerer +admiration then applause. These matters +determined, complaints were brought against +the King of <i>England</i>, and the Pope is said +to haue bene ready to excommunicate him: +but <i>Anselme</i> kneeled before the Pope, and obteined +for the King a longer terme. The Pope +was then at great contention with <i>Henry</i> the +fourth Emperour, who had bene excommunicated +before by <i>Hildebrand</i>, and was then againe +excommunicate by <i>Vrbane</i>: being the +first Christian Prince with Souereigne power, +who was euer excommunicate by any Pope. +And for that <i>Vrbane</i> at that time had his hands +full against the Emperour, for that also hee +would not make the example too odious at the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">202</a></span> +first; he was willing ynough to forbeare excommunication +against the King. And the rather +for that <i>Anselme</i> had intelligence from his +friends in <i>England</i>, that the excommunication +would not be regarded. Hereupon, accompting +it a sufficient declaration of his power for +the time, to haue menaced excommunication, +he caused a generall decree to be made; That +as well all Lay-persons who should giue inuestiture +of Churches, as those of the Clergie who +should be so inuested; also those who should +yeeld themselues in subiection to Lay-men for +Ecclesiastical liuings, should be excōmunicate.</p> + +<p>This generall sentence was pronounced. +The Pope also signified by letters to the King, +that if he would auoyd particular proceeding +against himselfe, he should foorthwith restore +<i>Anselme</i> to the exercise of his Office in his +Church, and to all the goods and possessions +perteining thereto. Hereupon the King sent +messengers to the Pope, who declared vnto +him; That their great Master the King marueiled +not a litle, wherefore he should so sharply +vrge the restitution of <i>Anselme</i>; seeing it was +expresly told him, That if he departed out of +<i>England</i> without licence, he should expect no<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">203</a></span> +other vsage. Well, said the Pope, Haue you no +other cause against <i>Anselme</i>, but that he hath +appealed to the Apostolicall Sea, and without +licence of your King hath trauailed thither? +They answered, No. And haue you taken all +this paines (said he) haue you trauailed thus +farre to tell me this? Goe tell your Lord, if he +will not be excommunicate, that he presently +restore <i>Anselme</i> to his Sea: And see that you +bring mee answere hereof the next Councell, +which shalbe in the third weeke after Easter: +make haste, and looke to your terme, lest I cause +you to be hanged for your tarryance.</p> + +<p>The messenger was herewith much abashed; +yet collecting himselfe, he desired priuate +audience of the Pope: affirming, that he had +some secret instructions from the King to impart +vnto him. What this secret was it is vnknowne. +Whatsoeuer it was, a longer day was +obtained for the King, vntill Michaelmas then +next ensuing. And when that day was come, +albeit complaints were renued, yet was nothing +done against the King. The Archb. seeing the +small assurance of the Pope, returned to <i>Lions</i> +in <i>France</i>; and there remained vntil the death, +first of Pope <i>Vrbane</i>, and afterwards of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">204</a></span> +king; which was almost the space of 3. yeeres.</p> + +<p>By this great conflict the king lost the hearts +of many of the Clergie; but his displeasure had +seasoned reuenge with contentment: and finding +himselfe sufficient, both in courage and +meanes to beare out his actions, he became many +other wayes heauie vnto them. When any +Bishopricke or Monasterie fell voyd, he kept +them vacant a long time in his hands, and applied +the profits to himselfe: At the last hee +would set them to open sale, and receiue him +for Prelate, who would giue for them the greatest +price. Herehence two great inconueniences +did ensue; the best places were furnished +with men of least sufficiencie and worth; and +no man hoping to rise by desert, the generall +endeuour for vertue and knowledge were layd +aside: the direct way to aduancement, was by +plaine purchase from the king.</p> + +<p>In this seazing and farming and marchandizing +of Church-liuings, one <i>Ranulph</i>, commonly +called the Kings Chapleine, was a great +agent for the King. Hee was a man of faire +vse of speach, and liuely in witte, which hee +made seruants to licentious designes; but both +in birth and behauiour base, and shamelesse in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">205</a></span> +dishonestie; a very bawde to all the Kings purposes +and desires. Hee could be so euill as hee +listed, and listed no lesse then was to his aduantage. +The King would often laugh at him, and +say; that he was a notable fellow to compasse +matters for a King. And yet besides more then +ordinary fauour of countenance, the King aduanced +him, first to be his Chancellour, and afterward +to be Bishop of <i>Duresme</i>. By his aduise, +so soone as any Church fell voide, an Inuentory +was made of all the goods that were +found, as if they should bee preserued for the +next successor; and then they were committed +to the custodie of the King, but neuer restored +to the Church againe. So the next incumbent +receiued his Church naked and bare, notwithstanding +that he paid a good price for it. From +this King the vse is said to haue first risen in <i>England</i>, +that the Kings succeeding had the Temporalties +of Bishops Seas so long as they remained +voide. Hee also set the first enformers to +worke, and for small transgressions appointed +great penalties. Hee is also reported to haue +been the first King of this Realme, who restreined +his subiects from ranging into forreine +Countreys without licence.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">206</a></span></p> + +<p>And yet what did the King by this sale of +Church dignities, but that which was most +frequent in other places? For in other places +also few attained to such dignities freely. The +difference was this: here the money was receiued +by the King, there by fauorites or inferiour +officers: here it was expended in the publike +vses of the State; there to priuate and many +times odious enrichments: this seemeth the +more easie, that the more extreme pressure, as +done by more hungrie and degenerous persons: +this may bee esteemed by some the more +base, but assuredly it was the better dealing. +And further, it is euident that the King did +freely aduance many excellent persons to principall +dignities in the Church; and especially +<i>Anselme</i> to the Archbishopricke of <i>Canterburie</i>, +who was so vnwilling to accept that honour, +that the King had much to doe to thrust +it vpon him. And the rather to enduce him, he +gaue him wholly the citie of <i>Canterburie</i>, which +his predecessors had held but at the pleasure of +the King. This <i>Anselme</i> was one whose learned +labours doe plainely testifie, how little his +spirits were fed with the fulsome fumes of surfeting +and ease; which to many others, toge<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">207</a></span>ther +with their bodies, doe fatten and engrosse +their mindes. He so detested singularitie, +that he accounted it the sinne which threw +Angels out of Heauen, and man out of Paradise. +This detestation of singularitie might +happily encline him to the other extreme; to +adhere ouer lightly to some common receiued +errours. It is attributed to him that hee would +often wish, to bee rather in hell without sinne, +then with sinne in heauen.</p> + +<p>The king also aduanced <i>Robert Bloet</i>, to the +Bishopricke of <i>Lincolne</i>: a man whose wisedom +was highly graced, with goodly personage, +and good deliuery of speach: from whom notwithstanding +the king afterwards wiped fiue +thousand markes. Hee also freely receiued +<i>Hugh de Floriaco</i>, a man for his vertue much +esteemed, to be Abbot of the Monastery of S. +<i>Augustines</i> in <i>Canterburie</i>; and likewise diuers +others to other Ecclesiasticall preferments: +whereby I am confirmed in opinion, that many +odious imputations against the king, were either +altogether inuented, or much enlarged aboue +the trueth.</p> + +<p>It happened vpon auoidance of a certaine +Monastery, that two Monkes went to the king,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">208</a></span> +either of them contending, as well by friends, +as by large offer of purse, to procure to be made +Abbot of the place. The king espying a third +Monke standing by, who came with the other +two, either to accompany them, or to obtaine +some inferiour place vnder him that should +preuaile, demaunded of him what hee would +giue? The Monke answered, that hee had +small meanes, and lesse minde, to purchase that +or any other dignitie of the Church: For with +that intention did he first betake himselfe to a +religious life, that holding riches and honour +(the two beauties of the world) in contempt, +he might more freely and quietly dispose himselfe +to the seruice of God. The King replied, +that he iudged him most worthy of that preferment; +and therefore first offred it vnto him, +then intreated, and lastly enioyned him to accept +it. Assuredly, the force of vertue is such, +that often times wee honour it in others, euen +when we little esteeme it in ourselues.</p> + +<p>He is charged with some actions and speaches +tending to profanenesse. The Iewes at +<i>Roan</i> so preuailed with him by gifts, that they +drew him to reprehend one who had forsaken +their superstition. At <i>London</i> a disputation was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">209</a></span> +appointed betweene certaine Christians and +Iewes. The Iewes a little before the day prefixed, +brought to the King a rich present; At +which time he encouraged them (no doubt but +by the way of ioylitie and mirth) to acquite +themselues like tall fellowes, and if they preuailed +by plaine strength of trueth, hee sware (as +was his vsuall) by S. <i>Lukes</i> face, that hee would +become one of their Secte. These things happely +not much spoken amisse, might easily bee +depraued by report.</p> + +<p>It is affirmed of him that he so much exceeded +in bodily lust, (then which nothing maketh +a man more contemptible) that thereby +hee seemed to decline from the Maiestie of a +Prince. This vice did cast a great mist ouer his +glorie. And yet neither is it infrequent in lusty +bodies, placed in a State both prosperous +and high, neither can the pleasure of one man +that way extend it selfe to the iniurie of many. +The worst was, that after his example, many +others did follow licentious traces;<a name="FNanchor_74_74" id="FNanchor_74_74"></a><a href="#Footnote_74_74" class="fnanchor">[74]</a> examples +of Princes being alwayes of greater force then +their Lawes, to induce the people to good or to +euill. As the King turned the prosperitie of his +actions to serue his vanities and delights, so his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">210</a></span> +followers by felicitie became insolent, and let +goe at aduenture serious affaires; not receiuing +into their thoughts any other impression then +of brauery and pleasure. And they who were +greatest in the counsailes and fauours of the +King, respected all things no further, then as +they were aduantageable to themselues.</p> + +<p>Then rose vp costly apparell, and dainty +fare, two assured tokens of a diseased State; the +one the vainest, the other the grossest prodigalitie +that can be. Then was brought into vse the +laying out of haire, strange fashions and disguisings +in attire, and all delicacies pertaining +to the bodie. Then were practised nice treadings, +lasciuious lookes, and other dissolute and +wanton behauiour: many effeminate persons +did accompanie the Court, by whose immodest +demeanour the maiestie of that place was +much embased. From hence also the poyson +brake foorth, first into the citie, and after +wards into other places of the Realme; for as +in fishes, so in families, and so likewise in +States, putrifaction commonly beginneth at +the head.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">211</a></span></p> + +<p><br />In the second yeere of this kings reigne <i>Lanfranck</i> +Archb. of <i>Canterburie</i> ended his life: +A man highly esteemed, with good men, for his +learning and integritie; with great men, for his +diligence and discretion to sound deepely into +affaires; with the common people for his moderate +and modest behauiour. King <i>William</i> the +first did honour and embrace him with great +respect, and was much guided by his aduise. He +was as a Protector to King <i>William</i> the second. +When he went to <i>Rome</i> to obteine his Pall, the +Pope rose from his chaire, stepped forwards to +meet him, and with many ceremonies of courtesie +did enterteine him. Then he returned to +his seat, and said: <i>Now Lanfrancke, I haue done +to thee what is due to thy vertue, come thou and +doe to me what apperteineth to my place</i>. He was +an earnest enemie to all vices, especially to auarice +and pride, the two banes of all vertues. He +renued the great Church of <i>Canterburie</i>, and +enriched it with 25. mannours. He repaired the +walles of that Citie, and built two Hospitals +therein; one of S. <i>Iohn</i>, the other <i>Harlebaldowne</i>. +He gaue a thousand markes towards the repairing +and enlarging of the Abbey of S. <i>Albones</i>, +and procured <i>Redbourne</i> to be restored there<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">212</a></span>to. +By his Testament hee gaue to the same +Church 1000. pounds, besides many rich ornaments. +He tooke great paines in purging ancient +Authors frō such corruptions as had crept +into them: diuers workes also he wrote of his +owne, but the greatest part of them are perished. +Thus he liued in honour, and died with +fame; his time imployed in honest studies and +exercises, his goods to good and Religious vses.</p> + +<p>The same yeere a strange and great earthquake +happened throughout all the Realme; +after which ensued a great scarcitie of fruit, and +a late haruest of corne, so as much graine was +not fully ripe at the end of Nouember.</p> + +<p>In the fourth yere of the reigne of this King, +a strong stroke of lightning made a hole in the +Abbey steeple at <i>Winchelscombe</i>, neere to the +top; rent one of the beames of the Church, +brake one of the legges of the Crucifixe, cast +downe the head thereof, together with the Image +of the Virgine <i>Marie</i> that was placed by +it: Herewith a thicke smoke darkened the +Church, and breathed foorth a marueilous +stincke, which annoyed the Church a long +time after. In the same yeere a mightie winde +from the Southwest did prostrate 606. houses<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">213</a></span> +in <i>London</i>: And breaking into the Church of +S. <i>Mary Bow</i> in Cheape, slew two men with +some part of the ruines which it made, raised +the roofe of the Church, and carried many of +the beames on such a height, that in the fall +six of them, being 27. or 28. foot in length, were +driuen so deepe into the ground (the streets +not then paued with stone) that not aboue 4. +foote remained in sight: and so they stood, in +such order and rancke as the workemen had +placed them vpon the Church. The parts vnder +the earth were neuer raised, but so much +was cut away as did appeare aboue the groūd; +because it was an impediment for passage. The +Tower of <i>London</i> at the same time was also broken, +and much other harme done.</p> + +<p>The next yeere <i>Osmund</i> Bishop of <i>Salisbury</i> +finished the Cathedrall Church of old <i>Salisburie</i>; +and the fifth day after the Consecration, the +steeple thereof was fired with lightning.</p> + +<p>The yeere following much raine fell, and so +great frosts ensued, that riuers were passable +with loaden carts.</p> + +<p>The yeere next ensuing was exceeding remarkeable +both for the number and fashion of +gliding Starres, which seemed to dash together +in maner of a conflict.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">214</a></span></p> + +<p>About this time Pope <i>Vrbane</i> assembled a +Councell at <i>Cleremont</i> in <i>Auergne</i>, wherein hee +exhorted Christian Princes to ioyne in action +for recouery of <i>Palestine</i>, commonly called <i>The +Holy Land</i>, out of the seruile possession of the +<i>Saracenes</i>. This motion was first set on foote, +and afterwards pursued by <i>Peter</i> the Heremite +of <i>Amiens</i>; which falling in an age both actiue +and Religious, was so generally embraced, as it +drew 300000. men to assemble together from +diuers Countreys; and that with such sober +and harmlesse behauiour, that they seemed rather +Pilgrimes then Souldiers. Among others, +<i>Robert</i> Duke of <i>Normandie</i> addressed himselfe +to this Voyage; and to furnish his expenses +therein, he layed his Duchie of <i>Normandie</i> to +gage to his brother of <i>England</i> for 6666. li. or +as other Authors report, for 13600. pounds of +Siluer.</p> + +<p>This money was taken vp part by imposition, +and part by loane, of the most wealthy inhabitants +within the Realme: But especially +the charge was layd vpon religious persons, +for that it was to furnish a religious warre. +When many Bishops and Abbots complained, +that they were not able to satisfie such<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">215</a></span> +summes of money as the King demanded of +them, vnles they should sel the Chalices & siluer +vessels which pertained to their Churches. +Nay answered the King, you may better make +meanes with the siluer and gold which vainely +you haue wrapped about dead mens bones; +meaning thereby their rich Relickes and +Shrines.</p> + +<p>The yeare following a blasing starre appeared, +for the space of fifteene dayes together; +the greatest bush whereof pointed towards +the East, and the lesser towards the West. Gliding +starres were often seene, which seemed to +dart one against another. The people began +(as to mindes fearefull all fancies seeme both +weightie and true) to make hard constructions +of these vnusuall sights; supposing that the +heauens did threaten them, not accustomed +to shew it selfe so disposed, but towards some +variation.</p> + +<p>In the 13. yeere of his reigne, the Sea surmounted +his vsuall bounds, in diuers parts of +<i>England</i> and <i>Scotland</i>: whereby not only fields, +but many villages, castles, and townes were ouerflowen, +and some ouerturned, and some ouerwhelmed +with sand; much people, and al<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">216</a></span>most +innumerable cattel was destroyed. At the +same time certaine lands in <i>Kent</i>, which did +once belong to <i>Godwine</i> Earle of <i>Kent</i>, were ouerflowed +and couered with sand, which to +this day do beare the name of <i>Godwins</i> sands. +Thunders were more frequent & terrible then +had been vsuall; through violence whereof diuers +persons were slaine. Many feareful formes +and apparitions are reported to haue bin seene; +whether errours, or inuentions, or truethes, I +will not aduow. The heauens often seemed +to flame with fire. At <i>Finchamsted</i><a name="FNanchor_75_75" id="FNanchor_75_75"></a><a href="#Footnote_75_75" class="fnanchor">[75]</a> in <i>Barkeshire</i> +neere vnto <i>Abington</i>, a spring cast vp a +liquor for the space of fifteene dayes, in substance +and colour like vnto blood; which did +taint and infect the next water brooke whereinto +it did runne. The King was often terrified +in his sleepe with vncouth, ougly, vnquiet +dreames: and many fearefull visions of +others were oftentimes reported vnto him. +At the same time hee held in his handes +three Bishoprickes, <i>Canterburie</i>, <i>Winchester</i>, +and <i>Salisburie</i>; and twelue Abbeys.</p> + +<p>The same yeere vpon the second of August, +a little before the falling of the Sunne,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">217</a></span> +as the King was hunting within the newe +forrest, at a place called <i>Choringham</i> (where +since a Chappell hath beene erected) hee +strooke a Deere lightly with an arrow. The +Deere ranne away, and the King stayed his +horse to looke after it; holding his hand ouer +his eyes, because the beames of the Sunne +(which then drew somewhat lowe) much +dazeled his sight. Herewith another Deere +crossed the way; whereat a certaine Knight, +named Sir <i>Walter Tirrell</i>, aimed with an arrow: +and loosing his bowe, either too carelessly +at the Deere, or too steadily at the +King, strooke him therewith full vpon the +brest. The King hauing so receiued the +wound, gaue foorth a heauie groane, and +presently fell downe dead; neither by speach +nor motion expressing any token of life. Onely +so much of the arrowe as was without his +bodie was found broken; whether with his +hand, or by his fall, it is not certainely knowen. +The men that were neere vnto him (especially +Sir <i>Walter Tirrell</i>) galloped away; some +for astonishment, others for feare. But a +fewe collecting themselues returned againe,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">218</a></span> +and layd his bodie vpon a Colliers Cart, +which by aduenture passed that way; wherin +it was drawen by one leane euill-fauoured, +base beast, to the Citie of <i>Winchester</i>; bleeding +abundantly all the way, by reason of +the rude iogging of the Carte. The day +following hee was buried, without any funerall +pompe, with no more then ordinarie +solemnities, in the Cathedrall Church or Monasterie +of Saint <i>Swithen</i>; vnder a plaine flat +marble stone, before the Lectorne in the Quire. +But afterwards his bones were translated, and +layd by King <i>Canutus</i> bones.</p> + +<p>Most writers doe interprete this extraordinarie +accident to bee a iudgement of God, +for the extraordinarie loose behauiour of the +King, But it may rather seeme a iudgement +of God, that King <i>William</i> the first, who +threw downe Churches, and dispeopled Villages +and Townes; who banished both the +seruice of God, and societie of men, to make +a vaste habitation for sauage beasts, had two +sonnes slaine vpon that place. It may also +seeme a iudgement of God, that King <i>William</i> +the second, who so greatly fauoured beastes of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">219</a></span> +game, that he ordeined the same penaltie for +killing of a deere, as for killing of a man; should +as a beast, and for a beast, and among beasts be +slaine. And thus God doth often punish vs by +our greatest pleasures; if they be either vnlawfull, +or immoderately affected; whereby good +things become vnlawfull.</p> + +<p>Hee died in the principall strength, both of +his age, and of his distastfull actions; wherein +hee had bene much carried by the hoate humour +of his courage and youth; his iudgement +not then raised to that stayednesse and +strength,<a name="FNanchor_76_76" id="FNanchor_76_76"></a><a href="#Footnote_76_76" class="fnanchor">[76]</a> whereto yeeres and experience in +short time would haue brought it. Hee reigned +in great varietie of opinion with his Subiects +(some applauding his vertues, others +aggrauating his vices) twelue yeeres, eleuen +moneths wanting eight dayes: and was at his +death fourtie and three yeeres old. At this +time he presumed most highly, and promised +greatest matters to himselfe, hee proiected +also many difficult aduentures, if his life had +continued the naturall course; wherein his +hopes were nothing inferiour to his desires.</p> + +<p class="center">Hee gaue to the Monckes of <i>Charitie</i> in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">220</a></span> +<i>Southwarke</i> his Mannour of <i>Bermondsey</i>, and +built for them the great new Church of Saint +<i>Sauiour</i>.<br /> Also of an old Monasterie in the Citie +of <i>Yorke</i>, he founded an Hospitall<br /> +for the sustentation of poore persons and dedicated<br /> +it to S. <i>Peter</i>. This Hospitall was afterward<br /> +augmented by King <i>Stephen</i>,<br /> +and by him dedicated<br /> +to S. <i>Leonard</i>.<br /> +* *<br /> +*<br /> +</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"> +<img src="images/p221.png" width="600" height="265" alt="Illustration" /> +</div> + +<hr class="chap" /> + + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221"></a><br /><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">222</a></span></p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><a name="KING_HENRY" id="KING_HENRY"></a> +<img src="images/p223a.png" width="600" height="128" alt="Illustration" /> +</div> + + + + +<h2><big>KING HENRY</big><br /> + +THE FIRST,<br /> + +<small><i>Sirnamed</i><br /> + +<span class="smcap">Beavclerke</span>.</small></h2> + +<hr class="full" /> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 111px;"> +<img src="images/p223b.png" width="111" height="108" alt="R" /> +</div> +<p>obert Duke of +<i>Normandie</i>, the eldest brother +to King <i>William</i> the second, +was in <i>Palestina</i> when King +<i>William</i> was slaine; being one +of the principal leaders in that Heroical warre, +which diuers Christian Princes of <i>Europe</i> set +vp, to recouer <i>Hierusalem</i> out of the power and +possession of the <i>Saracens</i>. In this expedition +hee purchased so honourable reputation, for +skill, industrie, and valour of hand, that when +the Christian forces had surprised <i>Hierusalem</i>, +and diuers other Cities in those quarters, the +kingdome thereof was offered vnto him. But<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">223</a></span> +the Duke, whether he coniectured the difficulties +of that warre, for that the enemie was +both at hand, and vnder one command, but +the Armie of the Christians was to be supplied +from farre, and also consisted of many Confederats; +In which case albeit sometimes men +performe well at the first, yet in short time inconueniences +encreasing, they alwayes either +dissipate and dissolue, or else fall into confusion. +Or whether he heard of the death of his brother, +to whose Kingdome he pretended right; +as well by prerogatiue of blood, as by expresse +couenant betweene them confirmed by oath; +refused the offer, which was the last period of +all his honour, and in short time after tooke his +iourney from <i>Palestine</i> towards <i>France</i>.</p> + +<p>But <i>Henry</i> the Kings yonger brother, apprehending +the opportunitie of the Dukes absence, +did foorthwith seaze vpon the treasure of +the King, and thereby also vpon his State, and +so was crowned at <i>Westminster</i> vpon the second +day of August, in the yeere 1100. by <i>Maurice</i> +Bishop of <i>London</i>; because <i>Anselme</i> Archb. of +<i>Canterburie</i> was then in exile. This enterprise +was much aduanced by the authoritie and industrie +of <i>Henry Newborow</i> Earle of <i>Warwicke</i>,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">224</a></span> +who appeased all opposition that was made against +it. The people also, albeit they had bene +managed so tame, as easily to yeeld their backe +to the first sitter; yet to <i>Henry</i> they expressed a +prone inclination, for that hee was borne in +<i>England</i>, at a place called <i>Selby</i> in <i>Lincolneshire</i>, +since his father was crowned King: whereas +Duke <i>Robert</i> his brother was borne before his +father attained the kingdome.</p> + +<p>This serued Prince <i>Henry</i> not onely to knit +vnto him the affections of the people, but also +to forme a title to the Crowne. For it hath bin +a question often debated, both by Arguments +and by Armes, and by both trials diuersly decided; +when a king hath two sonnes, one borne +before he was King, and the other after, whether +of them hath right to succeed?</p> + +<p><i>Herodotus</i> writeth, That when <i>Darius</i><a name="FNanchor_77_77" id="FNanchor_77_77"></a><a href="#Footnote_77_77" class="fnanchor">[77]</a> the +sonne of <i>Hysdaspis</i> King of <i>Persia</i> made preparation +for warre against the <i>Græcians</i> and <i>Egyptians</i>, +he first went about to settle his succession: +because by the Lawes of <i>Persia</i>, the King +might not enter into enterprise of Armes, before +he had declared his successour. Now <i>Darius</i> +had three children before he was King, by +his first wife the daughter of <i>Gobris</i>. After he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">225</a></span> +was King he had other foure, by <i>Atossa</i> the +daughter of <i>Cyrus</i>. <i>Artabazanes</i>, or (as other +terme him) <i>Arthemenes</i> was eldest of the first +sort; <i>Xerxes</i> of the second. <i>Artabazanes</i> alleaged +that he was the eldest of all the Kings +sonnes, and that it was a custome among all nations, +That in principalities the eldest should +succeed. <i>Xerxes</i> alleaged, that he was begotten +of <i>Atossa</i> the daughter of <i>Cyrus</i>, by whose +valour the <i>Persians</i> had obteined their Empire. +Before <i>Darius</i> had giuen sentence, <i>Demaratus</i> +the sonne of <i>Aristo</i>, cast out of his kingdome of +<i>Sparta</i> and then liuing an exile in <i>Persia</i>, +came vnto <i>Xerxes</i>, and aduised him further to +alleage, that he was the eldest sonne of <i>Darius</i> +after hee was King; And that it was the custome +of <i>Sparta</i>, that if a man had a sonne in +priuate state, and afterwards another when he +was King, this last sonne should succeed in his +kingdome. Vpon this ground <i>Artabazanes</i> +was reiected, and <i>Darius</i> gaue iudgement for +<i>Xerxes</i>. This history is likewise reported by +<i>Iustine</i>,<a name="FNanchor_78_78" id="FNanchor_78_78"></a><a href="#Footnote_78_78" class="fnanchor">[78]</a> and touched also by <i>Plutarch</i>: although +they disagree in names, and some other points +of circumstance.</p> + +<p>So when <i>Herode</i> King of <i>Iudea</i> appointed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">226</a></span> +<i>Antipater</i> his eldest sonne, but borne to him in +priuate state, to succeed in his Royaltie, and excluded +<i>Alexander</i> and <i>Aristobulus</i> his yonger +sonnes, whom he had begot of <i>Mariamne</i>, after +he had obteined his kingdome; <i>Iosephus</i><a name="FNanchor_79_79" id="FNanchor_79_79"></a><a href="#Footnote_79_79" class="fnanchor">[79]</a> plainly +reprehendeth the fact, and condemneth the +iudgement of <i>Herode</i> for partiall and vniust. So +<i>Lewes</i> borne after his father was Duke of <i>Milane</i>,<a name="FNanchor_80_80" id="FNanchor_80_80"></a><a href="#Footnote_80_80" class="fnanchor">[80]</a> +was preferred in succession before his brother +<i>Galeace</i>, who was borne before. And so +when <i>Otho</i> the first was elected Emperour, his +yonger brother <i>Henry</i> pretended against him; +for that <i>Otho</i><a name="FNanchor_81_81" id="FNanchor_81_81"></a><a href="#Footnote_81_81" class="fnanchor">[81]</a> was borne before their father was +Emperour, and <i>Henry</i> after. In which quarrell +<i>Henry</i> was aided by <i>Euerharde</i> Earle Palatine, +and <i>Giselbert</i> Duke of <i>Lorreine</i>, with diuers other +Princes of <i>Almaine</i>: But when the cause +came to be canuased by the sword, the victorie +adiudged the Empire to <i>Otho</i>.</p> + +<p>Furthermore, this right of title seemeth to +be confirmed by many grounds of the Imperial +Law. As<a name="FNanchor_82_82" id="FNanchor_82_82"></a><a href="#Footnote_82_82" class="fnanchor">[82]</a> that sonnes borne after their father +is aduanced to a dignitie, doe hold certaine priuiledges, +which sonnes formerly borne doe not +enioy. That<a name="FNanchor_83_83" id="FNanchor_83_83"></a><a href="#Footnote_83_83" class="fnanchor">[83]</a> those children which are borne +after a person is freed from any infamous or<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">227</a></span> +seruile condition, doe participate onely of that +libertie, and not they who were borne before. +That if a man taketh a wife in the Prouince +wherein he holdeth office, the marriage is good, +if after the time his Office shall expire, they +continue in the same consent<a name="FNanchor_84_84" id="FNanchor_84_84"></a><a href="#Footnote_84_84" class="fnanchor">[84]</a>: but so that the +children borne before, shall not be thereby +helde for legitimate. That<a name="FNanchor_85_85" id="FNanchor_85_85"></a><a href="#Footnote_85_85" class="fnanchor">[85]</a> those children +which are borne after their father is honoured +with the title of <i>Clarissimus</i>, do enioy the rights +due vnto that degree of dignitie, and not they +who were borne before. That as a sonne borne +after the father hath lost his kingdome, +is not esteemed for the sonne +of a King<a name="FNanchor_86_86" id="FNanchor_86_86"></a><a href="#Footnote_86_86" class="fnanchor">[86]</a>: so neither hee that is +borne before the father be a King<a name="FNanchor_87_87" id="FNanchor_87_87"></a><a href="#Footnote_87_87" class="fnanchor">[87]</a>.</p> + +<p>And although these and diuers +like passages of Law commonly alleadged, +doe seeme little or nothing +pertinent to this purpose; for that +they concern not any vniuersall +right of inheritance, which is due +vnto children after the death of their +parents; but certaine particular priuiledges and +rights attributed vnto them whilest their parents +were in life, which for the most part are<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">228</a></span> +arbitrarie and mutable, as depending vpon +the pleasure of the Prince: Yet many Interpreters +of both Lawes haue bene drawen by +these reasons to subscribe their iudgements +for this kind of Title: and namely <i>Pet. Cynus</i>, +<i>Baldus</i>, <i>Albericus</i><a name="FNanchor_88_88" id="FNanchor_88_88"></a><a href="#Footnote_88_88" class="fnanchor">[88]</a>, <i>Iac. Rebuffus</i>, <i>& Luc. +Penna</i><a name="FNanchor_89_89" id="FNanchor_89_89"></a><a href="#Footnote_89_89" class="fnanchor">[89]</a>. Also <i>Panormitane</i><a name="FNanchor_90_90" id="FNanchor_90_90"></a><a href="#Footnote_90_90" class="fnanchor">[90]</a>, <i>Collect.</i><a name="FNanchor_91_91" id="FNanchor_91_91"></a><a href="#Footnote_91_91" class="fnanchor">[91]</a>, <i>Dynus</i><a name="FNanchor_92_92" id="FNanchor_92_92"></a><a href="#Footnote_92_92" class="fnanchor">[92]</a>, +<i>Franc. Cremen.</i><a name="FNanchor_93_93" id="FNanchor_93_93"></a><a href="#Footnote_93_93" class="fnanchor">[93]</a>, <i>Marti. Laud.</i><a name="FNanchor_94_94" id="FNanchor_94_94"></a><a href="#Footnote_94_94" class="fnanchor">[94]</a>, <i>Card. Alexander</i><a name="FNanchor_95_95" id="FNanchor_95_95"></a><a href="#Footnote_95_95" class="fnanchor">[95]</a>, +<i>Phil. Decius</i><a name="FNanchor_96_96" id="FNanchor_96_96"></a><a href="#Footnote_96_96" class="fnanchor">[96]</a>, <i>Alceat</i><a name="FNanchor_97_97" id="FNanchor_97_97"></a><a href="#Footnote_97_97" class="fnanchor">[97]</a>, <i>Bon. Curti.</i><a name="FNanchor_98_98" id="FNanchor_98_98"></a><a href="#Footnote_98_98" class="fnanchor">[98]</a>. +And lastly, <i>Anton. Corsetta</i><a name="FNanchor_99_99" id="FNanchor_99_99"></a><a href="#Footnote_99_99" class="fnanchor">[99]</a>, deliuereth it for a +common receiued and followed opinion. +Which must be vnderstood with this distinction, +if the kingdome be either newly erected, or +else newly acquired by Conquest, Election, or +any such title, other then by hereditarie succession +according to proximitie in blood. For if +the kingdome bee once seded in a certaine +course of succession, because the dignitie is inherent +in the blood of that stocke; because it is +not taken from the father but from the ancestors; +because it is not taken onely from the ancestors, +but from the fundamentall law of the +State; the eldest sonne shall indistinctly succeede, +although hee were borne before his father +was King<a name="FNanchor_100_100" id="FNanchor_100_100"></a><a href="#Footnote_100_100" class="fnanchor">[100]</a>. And therefore after the kingdome +of <i>Persia</i> had been caried by succession<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">229</a></span> +in some descents, when <i>Darius</i> the King had +foure sonnes, <i>Artaxerxes</i> the eldest, <i>Cyrus</i> the +next, and two others; <i>Parysates</i> the wife of <i>Darius</i> +hauing a desire that <i>Cyrus</i> should succeede +in the kingdome, alleaged in his behalfe the +same reason wherewith <i>Xerxes</i> had preuailed +before: to wit, that shee had brought foorth +<i>Artaxerxes</i> to <i>Darius</i>, when hee was in priuate +state; but <i>Cyrus</i> was borne to him when he was +a King. Yet <i>Plutarch</i><a name="FNanchor_101_101" id="FNanchor_101_101"></a><a href="#Footnote_101_101" class="fnanchor">[101]</a> affirmeth, that the reason +which she vsed was nothing probable, and that +<i>Artaxerxes</i> the eldest sonne was appointed to +be King. And so <i>Blondus</i><a name="FNanchor_102_102" id="FNanchor_102_102"></a><a href="#Footnote_102_102" class="fnanchor">[102]</a> and <i>Ritius</i> doe report, +that <i>Bela</i> the King of <i>Hungarie</i> being +dead, <i>Geysa</i> succeeded, although borne vnto +him before he was a King.</p> + +<p>Others inferiour in number, but not in +weight of Iudgement do affirme, that whether +a Kingdome be setled in succession, or whether +by any other title newly attained, the right to +succeed by all true grounds of law pertaineth to +the eldest sonne; albeit borne before his fathers +aduancement to the kingdome, in case +there be no expresse law of the state to the contrary. +The principall reason is, because this is +the nature of all successions by way of inheri<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">230</a></span>tance: +For, if a father purchaseth lands, leases, +cattell, or other goods, the inheritance shall +bee transmitted to his eldest sonne, although +borne before the purchase. Likewise if a father +be aduanced to any title of honour, as Duke, +Earle, Marquesse, &c. it was neuer, I will not +say denied, but once doubted, but that the eldest +sonne should succeede in the same, albeit +he was borne before the aduancement. And +therefore seeing this is the generall rule of all other +inheritable successions, and there is no reason +of singularitie in a kingdome; it followeth, +that in like case the succession of a kingdome +should also descend to the eldest sonne, although +borne before the kingdome were atchieued.</p> + +<p>Againe, the sonne who was borne before +his father was a King, had once a right to succeede +in the kingdome; for if another sonne +had not afterwards beene borne, without all +question hee should haue succeeded. But a +right which a man by his owne person hath acquired; +albeit in some cases it may be diminished, +yet can it not bee altogether extinguished +by any externall or casuall euent, which +hath no dependencie vpon himselfe. And so<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">231</a></span> +the right which the eldest sonne hath to his fathers +inheritance, may bee diminished by the +birth of other children, in regard of those +goods which are to bee distributed in parts among +them; but it cannot possibly be extinguished. +Neither can it bee diminished in those +things which are not of nature to bee either +valued or diuided (of which sort a Kingdome +is the chiefe) but doe passe entirely vnto +one. For the right of blood which onely is regarded +in lawfull successions, is acquired and +held from the natiuitie of the childe, and doth +not begin at the fathers death; at which time +the inheritance doth fall.</p> + +<p>Lastly, if it be true in sonnes, that he shal succeede +in a kingdome who is first borne, after +the father is exalted to bee a King; then is it +true also in other remote degrees of consanguinitie. +And hereby it should often happen, that +when a King dieth without issue of his body, +they who are not onely inferiour in age, but +more remote in degree, should exclude both +the elder and the neerer in blood; because perhaps +borne after the kingdome was attained: +which is against all lawes of lawfull succession.</p> + +<p>Howsoeuer the right standeth, <i>Henry</i> the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">232</a></span> +yonger brother to King <i>William Rufus</i>, vpon +aduantage of the absence of Duke <i>Robert</i> his +eldest brother, formed this title to the Crowne +of <i>England</i>. In which pretence he was strongly +supported, first by a generall inclination of the +common people, for that he had both his birth +and education within the Realme, and they +were well perswaded of his good nature and +disposition. Secondly, by the fauour and trauaile +of many of the nobilitie, especially of <i>Henry +Neuborow</i> Earle of <i>Warwicke</i>. Thirdly, (for +that the sailes of popular fauours are filled most +violently with reports) by his giuing forth, that +his brother <i>Robert</i> intended neuer to returne; +for that he was elected King of <i>Hierusalem</i>, and +of all those large Countreys in <i>Asia</i>, which the +Christians had lately wrung out of the <i>Saracens</i> +hands. Lastly, by vsing celeritie the very +life of actions; for he was Crowned at <i>Westminster</i> +(as it hath bene said) vpon the fifth day +of August, in the yeere 1100. which was the +third day after his brothers death.</p> + +<p>In person he was both stately and strong; +tall, broad brested, his limmes fairely fourmed, +well knit, and fully furnished with flesh. He was +exceeding both comely and manly in counte<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">233</a></span>nance, +his face wel fashioned, his colour cleere, +his eyes liuely and faire, his eye-browes large +and thicke, his haire blacke and somewhat +thinne towards his forehead. He was of an excellent +wit, free from ostentation; his thoughts +high, yet honourable and iust: in speach ready +and eloquent, much graced with sweetnesse of +voyce. In priuate he was affable, open, wittily +pleasant, and very full of merrie simplicitie: in +publicke he looked with a graue Maiestie, as +finding in himselfe cause to be honoured. He +was brought vp in the studie of Liberall Arts at +<i>Cambridge</i>, where he attained that measure of +knowledge, which was sufficient both for ornament +and vse; but ranne not into intemperate +excesse, either for ostentation, or for a +cloake to vnprofitable expense of time. By his +example the yong Nobilitie of the Realme began +to affect a praise for learning: Insomuch +as, at a certaine enteruiew betweene the King +and Pope <i>Innocent</i> the 2. the sonnes of <i>Robert</i> +Earle of <i>Mellent</i>, maintained open disputations +against diuers Cardinals and Chapleines of +the Pope.</p> + +<p>He was an exact esteemer of himselfe, not so +much for his strength as for his weakenesses:<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">234</a></span> +lesse inclined to confidence then to distrust; and +yet in weighty affaires resolute and firme; neuer +dismaied, and alwayes fortunate; his spirits being +of force to oppose against any sort of difficulties +or doubts. Extremities made him the +more assured; and like a well knit Arch, hee +then lay most strong when hee sustained the +greatest weight. Hee was no more disposed to +valour, then well setled in vertue and goodnes; +which made his valour of more precious valuation. +He had good command ouer his passions; +and thereby attained both peace within himselfe, +and victory ouer others. In giuing hee +was moderate, but bountifull in recompence; +his countenance enlarging the worth of his +gift. Hee was prone to relieue, euen where +there was least likelihood of requitall. He hated +flatterie, the poysoned sugar, the counterfeit +ciuilitie and loue, the most base brokery of +wordes: yet was no musicke so pleasing vnto +him as well deserued thankes. He was vigilant +and industrious in his affaires; knowing right +well that honour not onely hath a paineful and +dangerous birth, but must in like manner be +nourished and fed.</p> + +<p>He was somewhat immoderate and exces<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">235</a></span>siue, +as well in aduancing those he fauoured, as +in beating downe and disabling his enemies. +The sword was alwayes the last of his trials; so +as he neuer either sought or apprehended occasions +of warre, where with honour he could +reteine peace. But if it were iniuriously vrged, +he wanted neither wisedome, nor diligence, nor +magnanimous heart to encounter the danger; +to beare it ouer with courage and successe. He +was frugall of the blood and slaughter of his +Souldiers; neuer aduenturing both his honour +& their liues to the hazard of the sword, without +either necessitie or aduantage. He oftentimes +preuailed against his enemies more by +policie then by power; and for victories thus +attained, he attributed to himselfe the greatest +glory. For wisedome is most proper to man, +but force is common and most eminent in +beasts; by wisedome the honour was entire to +himselfe, by force it was participated to inferiour +Commanders, to euery priuate ordinarie +Souldier: the effects of force, are heauie, hideous, +and sometimes inhumane; but the same +wrought to euent by wisedome, is, as lesse odious, +so more assured and firme.</p> + +<p>After that he was mounted into the seate of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">236</a></span> +Maiestie, hee neglected no meanes to settle +himselfe most surely therin, against the returne +of his brother <i>Robert</i>. To this end he contracted +both amitie and alliance with <i>Edgar</i> King +of <i>Scots</i>, by taking his sister <i>Matild</i> to wife: by +which meanes he not onely remoued his hostilitie, +but stood assured of his assistance, in case +his occasions should so require. Shee was +daughter to <i>Malcolme</i> King of <i>Scots</i>, by <i>Margaret</i> +his wife; who was sister to <i>Edgar</i> surnamed +<i>Adeling</i>, and daughter to <i>Edward</i>, sonne to <i>Edmund +Ironside</i>, the most valiant Saxon King, the +scourge and terrour of the <i>Danes</i>. So as after +the death of <i>Adeling</i> who left no issue, this <i>Matild</i> +was next by discent from the Saxon Kings +to the inheritance of the Crowne of <i>England</i>: +and by her entermariage with King <i>Henry</i>, the +two families of <i>Normans</i> and <i>Saxons</i> were vnited +together both in blood and title to the +Crowne. This more then any other respect +made the whole nation of the <i>English</i> not onely +firme to King <i>Henrie</i>, against his brother, but +loyall and peaceable during all his reigne: for +that they saw the blood of their <i>Saxon</i> Kings +restored again to the possession of the Crowne.</p> + +<p>Shee was a Lady vertuous, religious, beauti<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">237</a></span>full +and wise: farre from the ordinary either +vices or weakenesses incident to her sexe. She +had been brought vp among the Nunnes of +<i>Winchester</i>, and <i>Rumsey</i>, whether professed or +onely veiled our writers doe diuersly report; +but most affirme that shee was professed. Yet +for the common good, for the publique peace +and tranquilitie of the State, shee abandoned +her deuoted life, and was ioyned to King <i>Henrie</i> +in mariage, by consent of <i>Anselme</i>, without +any dispensation from <i>Rome</i>. Of this <i>Matild</i> +the King begate <i>William</i> a sonne, who perished +by shipwracke; and <i>Matild</i> a daughter, first +married to <i>Henry</i> the fifth Emperour, by whom +she had no issue; afterward to <i>Geoffrey Plantagenet</i> +Earle of <i>Aniou</i>, by whom shee brought +foorth a sonne named <i>Henrie</i>, in whom the +blood of the Saxon Kings was aduanced againe +to the gouernment of this Realme.</p> + +<p>Now to purchase the fauour of the Clergie, +he called <i>Anselme</i> out of exile, and restored him +both to the dignitie and reuenues of the Sea of +<i>Canterbury</i>. Other Bishoprickes and Abbeys +which King <i>William</i> kept voide at the time of +his death, hee furnished with men of best +sufficiencie and reputation. Hee committed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">238</a></span> +<i>Radulph</i> Bishop of <i>Durham</i> to prison, who had +been both authour and agent to King <i>William</i> +in most of his distastfull actions against the +Clergie. This <i>Radulph</i> was a man of smooth +vse of speach, wittie onely in deuising, or speaking, +or doing euill: but to honestie and vertue +his heart was a lumpe of lead. Enuious aboue +all measure; nothing was so grieuous to his +eyes as the prosperitie, nothing so harsh to his +eares as the commendations of others. His +tongue alwayes slauish to the Princes desires; +not regarding how truely or faithfully, but +how pleasingly he did aduise. Thus as a principall +infamie of that age, hee liued without +loue, and died without pitie; sauing of those +who thought it pitie that he liued so long.</p> + +<p>Further, to make the Clergie the more assured, +the King renounced the right which his +Ancesters vsed in giuing Inuestitures; and acknowledged +the same to appertaine to the +Pope. This hee yeelded at his first entrance, +partly not knowing of what importance it was, +and partly being in necessitie to promise any +thing. But afterwards he resumed that right +againe; albeit in a Councell not long before +held at <i>Rome</i>, the contrary had bene decreed.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">239</a></span> +For hee inuested <i>William Gifford</i> into the Bishopricke +of <i>Winchester</i>, and all the possessions +belonging to the same. He gaue the Archbishopricke +of <i>Canterburie</i> to <i>Radulph</i> Bishop of +<i>London</i>, and inuested him therein by a Ring +and a staffe: he inuested also two of his Chapleins +at <i>Westminster</i>; <i>Roger</i> his Chanceller in +the Bishopricke of <i>Salisburie</i>, and <i>Roger</i> his +Larderer in the Bishopricke of <i>Hereford</i>. Further +he assumed the custome of his father and +brother, in taking the reuenues of Bishopricks +whilest they remained void: and for that cause +did many times keepe them a longer season vacant +in his hands, then many of the Clergie +could with patience endure.</p> + +<p>But especially the Clergie did fauour him +much, by reason of his liberall leaue either to +erect, or to enlarge, or else to enrich Religious +buildings. For to these workes the King was +so ready to giue, not onely way, but encouragement +and helpe, that in no Princes time they +did more within this Realme either flourish or +increase. And namely the house of S. <i>Iohn</i> of +<i>Hierusalem</i> was then founded neere <i>Smithfield</i> +in London, with the house of Nunnes by <i>Clerken-well</i>. +Then were also founded the Church<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">240</a></span> +of <i>Theukesburie</i>, with all Offices thereto belonging: +the Priorie and Hospitall of S. <i>Bartholomewes</i> +in <i>Smithfield</i>, the Church of S. <i>Giles</i> without +<i>Creeplegate</i>; the Colledge of Seculare Canons +in the castle of <i>Leicester</i>; the Abbey without +the Northgate of the same towne called S. +<i>Mary de prato</i>. Also the Monasterie of S. <i>Iohn</i> of +<i>Lanthonie</i> by <i>Glocester</i>; the Church of <i>Dunmow</i> +in <i>Essex</i>; the Monasterie of S. <i>Iohn</i> at <i>Colchester</i>, +which was the first house of <i>Augustine</i> Chanons +in <i>England</i>: the Church of S. <i>Mary Oueries</i> furnished +with Chanons in <i>Southwarke</i>; the Priory +of the holy Trinity now called <i>Christs Church</i> +within <i>Algate</i>; and the Hospitall of S. <i>Giles</i> in +the field: The Priorie of <i>Kenelworth</i>; The Abbey +of <i>Kenshame</i>; The Monasterie of <i>Plimpton</i> +in <i>Deuonshire</i>; with the Cathedrall Church of +<i>Exceter</i>; the Priorie of <i>Merton</i>; the Colledge of +<i>Warwicke</i>; the Hospitall of <i>Kepar</i>; the Priorie +of <i>Osney</i> neere <i>Oxeford</i>; the Hospital of S. <i>Crosse</i> +neere <i>Winchester</i>; the Priorie of <i>Norton</i> in <i>Cheshire</i>, +with diuers others. The King also founded +and erected the Priorie of <i>Dunstable</i>, the +Abbey of <i>Circester</i>, the Abbey of <i>Reading</i>, the +Abbey of <i>Shirebourne</i>. Hee also changed the +Abbey of <i>Eley</i> into a Bishops Sea; he erected a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">241</a></span> +Bishopricke at <i>Caerlile</i>, placed Chanons there, +and endowed it with many honours. These +and many other Religious buildings either +done, or helped forward, or permitted and allowed +by the King, much encreased the affection +of the Clergie towards him.</p> + +<p>Now to draw the loue of the common people, +he composed himselfe to a sober ciuilitie; +easie for accesse, faire in speach, in countenance +and behauiour kind: his Maiestie so tempered +with mildnesse and courtesie, that his Subiects +did more see the fruits, then feele the weight of +his high estate. These were things of great moment +with the vulgar sort; who loue more +where they are louingly intreated, then where +they are benefited, or happely preserued. He +eased them of many publicke grieuances. Hee +restored them to the vse of fire and candle after +eight of the clocke at night, which his father +had most straitly forbidden. Punishments of +losse of member vsed before, he made pecuniarie. +Hee moderated the Law of his brother, +which inflicted death for killing any of the +Kings Deere; and ordeined, that if any man +killed a Deere in his owne wood, the wood +should be forfeited to the King. He permitted<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">242</a></span> +to make enclosures for Parkes; which taking +beginning in his time, did rise to that excessiue +encrease, that in a few succeeding ages more +Parkes were in <i>England</i>, then in all <i>Europe</i> beside. +He promised that the Lawes of K. <i>Edward</i> +should againe be restored; but to put off the +present performance, he gaue forth, that first +they should be reuiewed and corrected, and +made appliable to the present time. And albeit +in trueth they were neuer either reuiewed or +corrected, yet the onely hope thereof did +worke in the people a fauourable inclination to +his part.</p> + +<p>Whilest the King did thus Immure himselfe +in the state of <i>England</i>, as well by ordering +his affaires, as by winning the hearts of the +people vnto him, Duke <i>Robert</i> was returning +from <i>Palestine</i>, by easie and pleasurable iourneys; +vsing neither the celeritie nor forecast +which the necessitie of his occasions did require. +Hee visited many Princes by the way, +and consumed much time in entertainments +and other complements of Court. Hee tooke +to wife as he came <i>Sibell</i> the daughter of <i>Roger</i> +Duke of <i>Apulia</i> and Earle of <i>Cicill</i>, who was a +<i>Norman</i>: and the great portion of money<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">243</a></span> +which he receiued for her dower, he loosely lauished +foorth amongst his followers; of whom +he receiued nothing againe, but thankes when +he (scattered rather then) gaue, and pitie when +he wanted.</p> + +<p>At the last he arriued in <i>Normandie</i>, and +foorthwith was sollicited out of <i>England</i> by letters +from many, who either vpon conscience or +discontentment fauoured his Title; and especially +from <i>Radulph</i> Bishop of <i>Durham</i>, who +had lately escaped out of prison, a man odious +ynough to vndoe a good cause; that he would +omit no time, that hee would let fall no diligence, +to embarke himselfe in the enterprise for +<i>England</i>: that he had many friends there, both +powerfull and sure, who would partake with +him in his dangers, although not in the honour +atchieued by his dangers: that therewith +the peoples fauour towards the King did begin +to ebbe, and that it was good taking the +first of the tide. Hereupon he shuffled vp an +Armie in haste; neither for number, nor furniture, +nor choise of men answerable to the enterprise +in hand. Then he crossed the Seas, landed +at <i>Portesmouth</i>, and marched a small way +into the Countrey; vainely expecting the con<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">244</a></span>course +and ayd which had bene assured him +out of <i>England</i>. But King <i>Henry</i> had made so +good vse both of his warning and time to prouide +against this tempest, that hee did at once +both cut from the Duke all meanes of ayd, and +was ready to encounter him in braue appointment. +Hereupon many who were vnable by +Armes to relieue the Duke, by aduise did to +him the best offices they could. For they laboured +both the King and him to a reconcilement; +The King with respect of his new vnsettled +estate, the Duke with respect of his weakenesses +and wants; both with regard of naturall +duetie and loue, knit betweene them by band +of blood. So after some trauaile and debatement, +a peace was concluded vpon these Conditions.</p> + +<p><i>That <span class="f">Henry</span> should reteine the kingdome of +<span class="f">England</span>, and pay to his brother <span class="f">Robert</span> 3000. +markes yeerely.</i></p> + +<p><i>That if either of them should die without issue, +the suruiuour should succeed.</i></p> + +<p><i>That no man should receiue preiudice for following +the part of the one or of the other.</i></p> + +<p>These conditions being solemnely sworne +by the king and the Duke, and twelue Noble<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">245</a></span> +men on either part, the Duke returned into +<i>Normandie</i>, and about two yeeres after went +againe into <i>England</i>, to visit the King, and to +spend some time with him in feasting and disport. +At which time, to requite the Kings kind +vsage and entertainment, but especially to gratifie +<i>Matild</i> the Queene, to whom he was godfather, +he released to the King the annuall payment +of 3000. markes. But as a wound is more +painefull the day following, then when it was +first and freshly taken; so this loose leuitie of +the Duke, which was an exceeding sad and +sore blow to his estate, was scarce sensible at his +departure out of <i>England</i>, but most grieuous to +him after hee had remained in <i>Normandie</i> a +while: whereby many motions were occasioned, +as well in the one place as in the other.</p> + +<p>The Duke complained, that hee had bene +circumuented by his brother the King: that his +courtesies were nothing else but allurements +to mischiefe; that his gifts were pleasant +baites, to couer and conuey most dangerous +hookes; that his faire speaches were sugred +poysons; that his kinde embracements were +euen to tickle his friends to death. <i>Robert Belasme</i> +Earle of <i>Shrewsbury</i>, a man of great estate,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">246</a></span> +but doubtfull whether of lesse wisedome or +feare, tooke part with the Duke, and fortified +the Towne and Castle of <i>Shrewsbury</i>, the Castles +of <i>Bridgenorth</i>, <i>Tichel</i>, and <i>Arundel</i>, and +certaine other pieces in <i>Wales</i> against King +<i>Henry</i>. And hauing drawen vnto him some +persons of wretched state and worse minde, +whose fortunes could not bee empaired by any +euent, hee entred <i>Stafford shire</i>, and droue +away light booties of cattell; being prepared +neither in forces nor in courage, to stay the doing +of greater mischiefe.</p> + +<p>But neither was this sudden to the King, +neither was he euer vnprouided against sudden +aduentures. Wherefore encountring the danger +before it grew to perfection and strength, +he first brought his power against the Castle of +<i>Bridgenorth</i>, which was forthwith rendred vnto +him. The residue followed the example +(which in enterprise of armes is of greatest moment) +and submitted themselues to the Kings +discretion. Onely the Castle of <i>Arundel</i> yeelded +vpon condition, that <i>Robert Belasme</i> their +Lord should be permitted to depart safely into +<i>Normandie</i>: And vpon the same condition +they of <i>Shrewsbury</i> sent to the King the keys of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">247</a></span> +their Castle, and therewith pledges for their allegeance. +Then <i>Robert</i> with his brother <i>Ernulphus</i>, +and <i>Roger</i> of <i>Poictiers</i> abiured the +Realme, and departed into <i>Normandie</i>: where +being full of rashnesse, which is nothing but +courage out of his wits; and measuring their +actions not by their abilities, but by their desires; +they did more aduance the Kings affaires +by hostilitie, then by seruice and subiection +they could possibly haue done.</p> + +<p>Also <i>William</i> Earle of <i>Mortaigne</i> in <i>Normandie</i>, +and of <i>Cornewall</i> in <i>England</i>, sonne of <i>Robert</i>, +vncle to the king, and brother to king <i>William</i> +the first, required of the King the Earledome +of <i>Kent</i>, which had been lately held by +<i>Odo</i> vncle to them both. And being a man +braue in his owne liking, and esteming nothing +of that which hee had in regard of that +which hee did desire, he was most earnest, violent, +peremptorie in his pursuit. Insomuch as, +blinded with ambitious haste, he would often +say, that hee would not put off his vpper garment, +vntill hee had obtained that dignitie of +the King. These errours were excused by the +greenenesse of his youth, and by his desire of +rising, which expelled all feare of a fall. Where<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">248</a></span>fore +the King first deferred, and afterwards +moderately denied his demaund. But so farre +had the Earle fed his follies with assured expectation, +that he accompted himselfe fallen from +such estate as his hungry hopes had already +swallowed. Hereupon his desire turned to +rage, and the one no lesse vaine then the other: +but both together casting him from a high degree +of fauour, which seldome stoppeth the +race vntill it come to a headlong downefall.</p> + +<p>For now the King made a counter-challenge +to many of his possessions in <i>England</i>; and +thereupon seazed his lands, dismantled his castles, +and compelled him in the end to forsake +the Realme. Not for any great offence he had +done, being apt to the fault rather of rough +rage then of practise and deceit; but his stubborne +stoutnesse was his offence; and it was sufficient +to hold him guiltie, that he thought +himselfe to haue cause and meanes to be guiltie. +So hauing lost his owne state in <i>England</i>, he +departed into <i>Normandie</i>, to further also the +losse of that countrey. There he confederated +with <i>Robert Belasme</i>, and made diuers vaine +attempts against the Kings castles; neither guided +by wisedome, nor followed by successe.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">249</a></span> +Especially hee vented his furie against <i>Richard</i> +Earle of <i>Chester</i>, who was but a childe, and in +wardship to the King, whom he daily infested +with inuasions and spoiles; being no lesse full +of desire to hurt, then voyd of counsaile and +meanes to hurt.</p> + +<p>On the other side, diuers of the Nobilitie of +<i>Normandie</i>, finding their Duke without iudgement +to rule, had no disposition to obey; but +conceiued a carelesse contempt against him. +For he seemed not so much to regard his substantiall +good, as a vaine breath of praise, and +the fruitlesse fauour of mens opinions, which +are no fewer in varietie then they are in number. +All the reuenues of his Duchie he either +sold or morgaged; all his Cities he did alien, +and was vpon the point of passing away his +principall Citie of <i>Roan</i> to the Burgers thereof, +but that the conditions were esteemed too +hard. Hereupon many resolued to fall from +him, and to set their sailes with the fauourable +gale which blew vpon the fortune of the King. +To this end they offered their submission to +the King, in case he would inuade <i>Normandie</i>; +whereto with many reasons they did perswade +him: especially in regard of the late hostile at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">250</a></span>tempts +there made against him, by the plaine +permission of the Duke his brother, and not +without his secret support.</p> + +<p>The King embraced the faire occasion, and +with a strong Armie passed into <i>Normandie</i>. +Here he first relieued his forts, which were any +wayes distressed or annoyed; then he recouered +those that were lost; Lastly, he wanne from +the Duke the towne and castle of <i>Caen</i>, with +certaine other castles besides: And by the help +of the President of <i>Aniou</i>, fired <i>Baion</i>, with the +stately Church of S. <i>Marie</i> therein. Vpon these +euents, all the Priories of <i>Normandie</i>, resembling +certaine flowers, which open and close +according to the rising or declining of the +Sunne; abandoned the Duke, and made their +submission to King <i>Henry</i>. So the King hauing +both enlarged and assured his state in <i>Normandie</i>, +by reason of the approch of winter, departed +into <i>England</i>: but this was like the recuiling +of Rammes, to returne againe with the +greater strength.</p> + +<p>He had not long remained in <i>England</i>, but +his brother <i>Robert</i> came to him at <i>Northampton</i>, +to treat of some agreement of peace. Here +the words and behauiours of both were obser<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">251</a></span>ued. +At their first meeting they rested with +their eyes fast fixed one vpon the other; in such +sort as did plainely declare, that discourtesie +then trencheth most deep, when it is betweene +those who should most dearely loue. The +Duke was in demaunds moderate, in countenance +and speech enclined to submisnesse; and +with a kinde vnkindnesse did rather entreate +then perswade, that in regard of the naturall +Obligation betweene them by blood, in regard +of many offices and benefits wherewith he had +endeuoured to purchase the Kings loue, all hostilitie +betweene them, all iniurie or extremitie +by Armes might cease. <i>For I call you</i> (said he) +<i>before the Seate of your owne Iudgement, whether +the relinquishing of my Title to the Crowne of <span class="f">England</span>, +whether the releasing of my annuity of <span class="f">3000.</span> +markes, whether many other kindnesses, so much +vndeserued as scarce desired; should not in reason +withdraw you from those prosecutions, where warre +cannot be made without shame, nor victory attained +without dishonour</i>.</p> + +<p>The King vsed him with honourable respect; +but perceiuing that he was embarked in +some disaduantage, conceiuing also that his +courage with his Fortune began to decline, he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">252</a></span> +made resemblance at the first, to be no lesse desirous +of peace then the Duke: But afterwards, +albeit he did not directly deny, yet hee found +euasions to auoyd all offers of agreement.</p> + +<p>The more desirous the Duke was of peace, +the greater was his disdaine that his brother +did refuse it. Wherefore cleering his countenance +from all shewes of deiection or griefe, as +then chiefly resolute when his passion was stirred, +with a voice rather violent then quicke, he +rose into these words.</p> + +<p><i>I haue cast my selfe so low, as your haughty heart +can possibly wish; whereby I haue wronged both my +selfe and you: my selfe, in occasioning some suspition +of weakenesse; you, in making you obstinate in your +ambitious purposes. But assure your selfe, that this +desire did not proceed from want either of courage, +or of meanes, or of assistance of friends: I can also +be both vnthankefull and vnnaturall if I bee compelled. +And if all other supportance faile, yet no +arme is to be esteemed weake, which striketh with +the sword of necessitie and Iustice.</i></p> + +<p>The King with a well appeased stayednesse +returned answere; that he could easily endure +the iniurie of his angry wordes: but to men of +moderate iudgement hee would make it ap<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">253</a></span>peare, +that hee entended no more in offending +him, then to prouide for defending himselfe. So +the Duke obseruing few complements, but +such as were spiced with anger and disdaine, +returned into <i>Normandie</i>, associated to him +the <i>English</i> exiles, and made preparation for +his defence.</p> + +<p>The King followed with a great power, and +found him in good appointment of armes: nothing +inferiour to the King in resolute courage, +but farre inferiour both in number of men, and +in fine contriuance of his affaires. For the King +had purchased assured intelligence, among +those that were neerest both in place and counsaile +to the Duke: in whom the Duke found +treacherie, euen when he reposed most confident +trust. Herewith Pope <i>Paschal</i>, to attaine +his purpose in <i>England</i>, for deuesting the King +of inuesting Bishops; did not onely allow this +enterprise for lawful, but encouraged the King, +that hee should doe thereby a noble and a memorable +benefit to his Realme.</p> + +<p>So, many stiffe battels were executed betweene +them, with small difference of aduantage +at the first; but after some continuance, the +Dukes side (as it commonly happeneth to euill<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">254</a></span> +managed courage) declined dayly, by reason +of his dayly increase of wants. At the last the +Duke, wearied and ouerlayed, both with company +of men and cunning working, resolued +to bring his whole state to the stake, and to aduenture +the same vpon one cast: committing to +Fortune, what valour and industry could bring +forth. The king being the Inuader, thought it +not his part to shrinke from the shocke; being +also aduertised that the <i>French</i> King prepared +to relieue the Duke. On the Dukes side, disdaine, +rage, and reuenge, attended vpon hate: +the King retained inuincible valour, assured +hope to ouercome, grounded vpon experience +how to ouercome.</p> + +<p>They met vpon the same day of the moneth +iust 40. yeeres, after the great battaile of +<i>William</i> the first against King <i>Harold</i> of <i>England</i>. +The Kings footemen farre exceeding +their enemies in number, began the charge, in +small and scattering troupes; lightly assayling +where they could espie the weakest resistance. +But the Dukes Armie receiued them in close +and firme order; so as vpon the losse of many +of the foremost, the residue began somewhat +to retire. And now, whether the Duke had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">255</a></span> +cause, or whether confidence the inseparable +companion of courage perswaded him that he +had cause; he supposed that hee had the best of +the field, and that the victory was euen in his +hand. But suddenly the King with his whole +forces of horse charged him in flanke, and with +great violence brake into his battaile. Herewith +the footmen also returned, and turned +them all to a ruinous rout. The Duke performed +admirable effects of valour, and so did +most of the <i>English</i> exiles: as fearing ouerthrow +worse then death. But no courage was sufficient +to sustaine the disorder; the <i>Normans</i> on +euery hand were chased, ruffled, and beaten +downe. Hereupon the Dukes courage boyling +in choller, hee doubled many blowes vpon his +enemies; more furiously driuen, then well placed +and set: and pressing vp hardly among +them, was suddenly engaged so farre, that hee +could not possibly recouer himselfe. So he was +taken manfully fighting, or as some other authours +affirme, was beastly betrayed by his +owne followers. With him were also taken +the Earle of <i>Mortaigne</i>, <i>William Crispine</i>, <i>William +Ferreis</i>, <i>Robert Estotiuill</i>, with foure hundred +men of armes, and ten thousand ordinary<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">256</a></span> +souldiers. The number of the slaine on both +sides, is not reported by any authour; but all +authours agree, that this was the most bloody +medly that euer had been executed in <i>Normandie</i> +before: portended as it is thought by a +Comet, and by two full Moones, which late +before were seene, the one in the East, and the +other in the West.</p> + +<p>After this victorie the King reduced <i>Normandie</i> +entirely into his possession, and annexed +it to the Realme of <i>England</i>. Then hee +built therein many Castles, and planted garrisons; +and with no lesse wisedome assured that +State, then with valour he had wonne it. When +he had setled all things according to his iudgement, +he returned into <i>England</i>, brought with +him his brother <i>Robert</i>, and committed him to +safe custodie in the Castle of <i>Cardiff</i>. But either +by reason of his fauourable restraint, or else by +negligence or corruption of his keepers, he escaped +away, and fled for his libertie as if it had +been for his life. Notwithstanding this proued +but a false fauour, or rather a true flatterie or +scorne of Fortune. For being sharply pursued, +he was taken againe, sitting vpon horsebacke; +his horse legs fast locked in deep & tough clay.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">257</a></span></p> + +<p>Then hee was committed to straight and +close prison, his eyes put out (as if hee should +not see his miserie) and a sure guard set vpon +him. Thus he remained in desolate darkenesse; +neither reuerenced by any for his former greatnesse, +not pitied for his present distresse. Thus +hee continued about 27. yeeres, in a life farre +more grieuous then death; euen vntill the yere +before the death of King <i>Henrie</i>. So long was +he a suitor in wooing of death: so long did the +one brother ouerliue his good fortune, the other +his good nature and disposition; esteeming +it a faire fauour, that the vttermost extremitie +was not inflicted. Albeit some writers +doe affirme, that the Dukes eyes were not violently +put out, but that either through age or +infirmitie he fell blind: that he was honourably +attended and cared for: that hauing digested +in his iudgement the worst of his case, the +greatnesse of his courage did neuer descend to +any base degree of sorrow or griefe: that his +braue behauiour did set a Maiestie vpon his deiected +fortunes: that his noble heart like the +Sunne, did shew greatest coūtenance in lowest +state. And to this report I am the more inclineable, +for that it agreeth best, both to the faire<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">258</a></span> +conditions, and to the former behauiours, and +to the succeeding fortunes and felicities of the +King: For assuredly hee had a heart of manly +clemencie; and this was a punishment barbarously +cruell: For which cause <i>Constantine</i><a name="FNanchor_103_103" id="FNanchor_103_103"></a><a href="#Footnote_103_103" class="fnanchor">[103]</a> did +forbid, that the face of man, adorned with Celestiall +beauty, should be deformed for any offence.</p> + +<p>Others auow that he was neuer blind; but +that it was the Earle of <i>Mortaigne</i> whose eyes +were put out. And this seemeth to be confirmed, +by that which <i>Matth. Paris</i> and <i>Matth. +Westm.</i> doe report. That not long before the +death of <i>Robert</i>, the King vpon a festiuall day +had a new robe of Scarlet brought vnto him: +the cape whereof being somewhat too streight +for his head, he did teare a little in striuing to +put it on. And perceiuing that it would not +serue, hee laid it aside and said: <i>Let my brother +Robert haue this Robe, for whose head it is fitter +then for mine</i>. When it was caried vnto him, +being then not perfectly in health, he espied the +crackt place, and thereupon enquired, if any +man had worne it before? The messenger declared +the whole matter. Which when <i>Robert</i> +heard, he tooke it for a great indignitie, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">259</a></span> +said: <i>I perceiue now that I haue liued too long, that +my brother doth clothe me like his almoseman, with +cast and torne garments</i>. So hee grew weary of +his life: and his disease encreasing with his discontentment, +pined away, and in short time after +died, and was buried at <i>Glocester</i>.</p> + +<p>And this was the end of that excellent +commander; brought to this game and gaze +of fortune, after many trauerses that he had +troden. He was for courage and direction inferiour +to none; but neither prouident nor constant +in his affaires, whereby the true end of his +actions were ouerthrowen. His valour had triumphed +ouer desperate dangers: and verely +he was no more setled in valour, then disposed +to vertue and goodnesse; neuer wilfully or +willingly doing euill, neuer but by errour, as +finding it disguised vnder some maske of goodnesse. +His performances in armes had raised +him to a high point of opinion for his prowesse; +which made him the more vnhappy, as vnhappie +after a fall from high state of honor. He had +one sonne named <i>William</i>, vpon whose birth +the mother died: of this <i>William</i> shall somewhat +hereafter be said.</p> + +<p>And now, as Princes oftentimes doe make<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">260</a></span> +aduantage of the calamity of their neighbours, +so vpon this downefall of the Duke of <i>Normandie</i>,<a name="FNanchor_104_104" id="FNanchor_104_104"></a><a href="#Footnote_104_104" class="fnanchor">[104]</a> +<i>Fulke</i> Earle of <i>Aniou</i> sharing for himselfe, seized +vpon <i>Maine</i>, and certain other places; made +large waste, tooke great booties and spoyles; +not onely out of ancient and almost hereditary +hate against the house of <i>Normandie</i>, but as fearing +harme from the King of <i>England</i>, hee endeauoured +to harme him first. In like sort <i>Baldwine</i> +Earle of <i>Flanders</i> declared in armes against +the King for a yeerely pension of 300. markes; +the occasion of which demand was this. King +<i>William</i> the first, in recompence of the ayde +which he receiued in his enterprise for <i>England</i>, +from <i>Baldwine</i> 5. Earle of <i>Flanders</i>, payd him +yeerely three hundred markes, which after his +death was continued to his sonne. <i>Robert</i> Earle +of <i>Flanders</i> from a collaterall line, demanded +the same Pension; but it was denied him by K. +<i>Henrie</i>: wherefore <i>Baldwine</i> his sonne attempted +now to recouer it by Armes.</p> + +<p>With these, or rather as principall of these, +<i>Lewes</i> the grosse King of <i>France</i>, seeing his ouersight +in permitting <i>Normandie</i> to bee annexed +to the Realme of <i>England</i>, assembled a +great armie; and vpon pretence of a trifling<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">261</a></span> +quarrell about the demolishing of the Castle +of <i>Gisors</i>, declared <i>William</i> sonne to <i>Robert +Curtcuise</i> for Duke of <i>Normandie</i>: and vndertooke +to place him in possession of that state, +which his vnfortunate father had lost. And besides +those open hostilities in Armes, <i>Hugh</i> the +kings Chamberlaine and certaine others were +suborned traiterously to kill the King: but the +practise was in good time discouered, and the +conspirators punished by death.</p> + +<p>Hereupon the King both with celeritie and +power answerable to the danger at hand, +passed the Seas into <i>Normandie</i>: hauing first +drawen to his assistance <i>Theobald</i> Earle of +<i>Champaine</i>, the Earles of <i>Crecie</i>, <i>Pissaux</i>, and +<i>Dammartine</i>, who aspired to be absolute Lords +within their territories, as were many other +Princes at that time in <i>France</i>. These deteined +the <i>French</i> King in some tariance in <i>France</i>, +whilest the King of <i>England</i> either recouered or +reuenged his losses against the Earle of <i>Aniou</i>. +At the last hee was assailed in <i>Normandie</i> on +three parts at once: by the Earle of <i>Aniou</i> from +<i>Maine</i>, from <i>Ponthieu</i> by the Earle of <i>Flanders</i>, +and by the <i>French</i> King betweene both. The +King of <i>England</i> appointed certaine forces to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">262</a></span> +guard the passages against the Earle of <i>Aniou</i>: +with directions to hold themselues within their +strength, and not to aduenture into the field. +Against the Earle of <i>Flanders</i> hee went in person; +and in a sharpe shocke betweene them +the Earle was defeated and hurt, and (as some +Authors affirme) slaine: albeit others doe report, +that hee was afterwards slaine in a battaile +betweene the two Kings of <i>England</i> and +of <i>France</i>.</p> + +<p>After this he turned against <i>Lewes</i> King of +<i>France</i>, and fought with him before the towne +of <i>Nice</i> in <i>Normandie</i>; which towne the <i>French</i> +had surprised and taken from the King of <i>England</i>. +This battaile continued aboue the space +of nine houres, with incredible obstinacie; the +doubt of victory being no lesse great, then was +the desire: and yet neither part so hastie to +end, as not to stay for the best aduantage. The +first battaile on both sides was hewen in pieces; +valour of inestimable value was there cast away: +much braue blood was lost; many men +esteemed both for their place and worth, lay +groaning and grinning vnder the heauy hand +of death. The sad blowes, the grisle wounds, +the grieuous deathes that were dealt that day,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">263</a></span> +might well haue moued any man to haue said, +That warre is nothing else but inhumane manhood.</p> + +<p>The Kings courage, guided with his Fortune, +and guarded both with his strength and +his skill, was neuer idle, neuer but working memorable +effects. In all places his directions +were followed by his presence; being witnesse +both of the diligence and valour of euery man, +and not suffering any good aduantage or aduise +for want of timely taking to be lost. He aduentured +so farre in perfourming with his +hand, that his armour in many places was battered +to his body, and by reason of the sturdie +strokes set vpon his helme, he cast blood out +of his mouth. But this was so farre from dismaying +his powers, that it did rather assemble +and vnite them: so as aduancing his braue +head, his furie did breath such vigour into his +arme, that his sword made way through the +thickest throngs of his enemies, and hee brake +into them euen to the last ranckes. He was first +seconded by the truely valiant; whose vndanted +spirits did assure the best, and therewith +contemne the very worst. Then came in they +whom despaire, the last of resolutions had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">264</a></span> +made valiant; who discerned no meanes of +hope for life, but by bold aduenturing vpon +death. Lastly he was followed by all; being enflamed +by this example to a new life of resolution. +Generally, the swords went so fast, that the +<i>French</i> vnable to endure that deadly storme, +were vtterly disbanded and turned to flight. +K. <i>Henry</i> after a bloody chase, recouered <i>Nice</i>; +and with great triumph returned to <i>Roan</i>. +Afterwards he would often say, That in other +battailes he fought for victory, but in this for his +life: and that hee would but little ioy in many +such victories.</p> + +<p>Vpon this euent the King sent certaine forces +into <i>France</i>, to harrase the countrey, and to +strike a terrour into the enemie. The <i>French</i> +King, besides the abatement of his power by +reason of his late ouerthrow, was then preparing +in Armes against <i>Henry</i> the Emperour, +who intended to destroy <i>Rhemes</i>: partly +drawen on by <i>Henry</i> King of <i>England</i>, whose +daughter he had taken to wife; but chiefly for +that a Councell had bene there held against +him by Pope <i>Calixtus</i> a French man, wherein +the Emperour was declared enemie to the +Church, and degraded from his Imperiall dig<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">265</a></span>nitie. +This brought the <i>English</i> to a carelesse +conceit, and to a loose and licentious demeanure +in their action; a most assured token of +some mischiefe at hand. And so, as they scattered +and ranged after prey (as greedy men are +seldome circumspect) they were suddenly set +vpon by <i>Almaricke</i> Earle of <i>Mountfort</i>, appointed +by the <i>French</i> K. to defend the Country, & +with no small execution put to the chase. The +more they resisted, the greater was their losse: +The sooner they fled, the more assured was +their escape. And for that they were dispersed +into many small companies, they had the better +opportunitie to saue themselues.</p> + +<p>Many other like aduentures were enterprised +betweene the two Kings and their adherents; +some in <i>France</i>, and some in <i>Normandie</i>; +with large losse on both sides. But especially +the King of <i>France</i> was most subiect to harme; +for that his countrey was the more ample, open +and rich. The King of <i>England</i> held this aduantage, +that no aduantage could be wonne against +him: which in regard of the number, valour +and greatnesse of his enemies, was a very +honourable aduantage indeed.</p> + +<p>At the last he made peace with the Earle of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">266</a></span> +<i>Aniou</i>; taking the Earles daughter to be wife +to his sonne <i>William</i>, whom he had declared +for successour in his estate; to whom all the +Nobilitie and Prelates were sworne; and who +seemed to want nothing through all his fathers +dominions, but onely the name and Title of +King. This sinew being cut from the King of +<i>France</i>, and also for that <i>Henry</i> the Emperour +made preparation of hostilitie against him, he +fell likewise to agreement of peace. By the conditions +whereof, <i>William</i> sonne to the King of +<i>England</i> was inuested into the Duchie of <i>Normandie</i>, +doing homage for the same to the K. of +<i>France</i>. In this peace was comprised on the part +of the <i>French</i> K. <i>Williā</i> son to <i>Robert Curtcuise</i>, +who had bene declared Duke of <i>Normandie</i>. +On the part of the king of <i>England</i>, the Earle of +<i>Champeigne</i> and certaine other Lords were +comprised; who had either serued or aided him +against the king of <i>France</i>. After this the warres +betweene the Emperour and the <i>French</i> king +did forthwith dissolue.</p> + +<p>King <i>Henry</i> hauing happily finished these +affaires, returned out of <i>Normandie</i>, and loosing +from <i>Barbeflote</i>, vpon the 24. of Nouember +towards euening, with a prosperous gale<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">267</a></span> +arriued in <i>England</i>; where great preparation +was made to entertaine him with many well +deuised honours. His sonne <i>William</i> then duke +of <i>Normandie</i>, and somewhat aboue 17. yeeres +of age, tooke another ship; and in his company +went <i>Mary</i> his sister Countesse of <i>Perch</i>, <i>Richard</i> +his brother, begotten of a concubine as +some affirme; and the Earle of <i>Chester</i> with his +wife <i>Lucie</i>, who was the Kings niece by his sister +<i>Adela</i>. Also the yong Nobilitie and best +knights flocked vnto him, some to discharge +their dueties, others to testifie their loue and +respect. Of such passengers the ship receiued to +the number of 140. besides 50. sailers which belonged +vnto her.</p> + +<p>So they loosed from land somewhat after +the King; and with a gentle winde from the +Southwest, danced through the soft swelling +floods. The sailers full of proud ioy, by reason +of their honourable charge; and of little feare +or forecast, both for that they had bene accustomed +to dangers, and for that they were then +well tippeled with wine; gaue forth in a brauery, +that they would soone outstrip the vessell +wherein the King sailed. In the middest of this +drunken ioylitie the ship strake against a rocke,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">268</a></span> +the head whereof was aboue water, not farre +from the shoare. The passengers cried out, and +the sailers laboured to winde or beare off the +ship from the danger; but the labour was no +lesse vaine then the cry: for she leaned so stiffely +against the rocke, that the sterage brake, the +sides cracked, and the Sea gushed in at many +breaches.</p> + +<p>Then was raised a lamentable cry within the +ship; some yeelding to the tyrannie of despaire, +betooke themselues (as in cases of extremitie +weake courages are wont) to their deuotions; +others emploied all industrie to saue their liues, +and yet more in duetie to nature, then vpon +hope to escape: all bewailed the vnfortunate +darkenesse of that night, the last to the liues of +so many persons both of honour and of worth. +They had nothing to accōpany them but their +feares, nothing to helpe them but their wishes: +the confused cries of them al, did much increase +the particular astonishment of euery one. And +assuredly no danger dismayeth like that vpon +the seas; for that the place is vnnaturall to +man. And further, the vnusuall obiects, the +continuall motion, the desolation of all helpe +or hope, will perplexe the minds euen of those<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">269</a></span> +who are best armed against discouragement.</p> + +<p>At the last the boat was hoysed foorth, and +the Kings sonne taken into it. They had cleered +themselues from the danger of the ship, and +might safely haue rowed to land. But the yong +Prince hearing the shrill shrikes of his Sister +<i>Mary</i> Countesse of <i>Perch</i>, and of the Countesse +of <i>Chester</i> his cousin, crying after him, and crauing +his help; he preferred pitie before safety, & +commanded the boat to be rowed back to the +ship for preseruation of their liues. But as they +approached, the boate was suddenly so ouercharged +with those, who (strugling to breake +out of the armes of death) leaped at all aduentures +into it, that it sunke vnder them: +and so all the company perished by drowning. +Onely one ordinary Sayler, who had been a +butcher, by swimming all night vpon the mast +escaped to land; reserued as it may seeme, to +relate the manner of the misaduenture. This +ship raised much matter of nouelty and discourse +abroad; but neuer did ship bring such +calamitie to the Realme: especially for that it +was iudged, that the life of this Prince would +haue preuented those intestine warres, which +afterwards did fall, betweene King <i>Steuen</i> and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">270</a></span> +<i>Matild</i> daughter to King <i>Henry</i>. The King was +so ouercharged with this heauy accident; that +his reason seemed to bee darkened, or rather +drowned in sorrow. Hee caused the coasts a +long time after to bee watched; but scarce any +of the bodies were euer found. Afterwards he +tooke to wife <i>Adalisia</i> daughter to <i>Godfrey</i> +Duke of <i>Louaine</i>, of the house of <i>Lorraine</i>: +She was crowned at <i>Westminster</i> by <i>Roger</i> B. +of <i>Salisburie</i>, because <i>Radulph</i> Archbishop +of <i>Canterburie</i>, by reason of his palsey was vnable +to performe that office. And yet because +<i>Roger</i> was not appointed by him, the doting +old man fell into such a pelting chafe, that hee +offered to strike the Kings Crowne from his +head. And albeit this Lady was in the principall +flower both of her beauty and yeeres, yet +the King had no issue by her.</p> + +<p>Now as after a storme a fewe gentle drops +doe alwayes fall, before the weather turnes +perfectly fayre, so after these great warres in +<i>France</i>, certaine easie conflicts did ensue: neither +dangerous nor almost troublesome to the +King. For <i>Robert</i> Earle of <i>Mellent</i>, who for a +long time had continued both a sure friend, +and most close and priuate in counsaile with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">271</a></span> +the King, vpon some sudden either discontentment +on his part, or dislike on the Kings, so estranged +himselfe, as it was enterpreted to be a +reuolt: being charged with intent, to aduance +<i>William</i>, cousin to <i>William</i>, sonne to <i>Robert +Curtcuise</i>, to the Duchie of <i>Normandie</i>. +Wherefore the King besieged, and at last +tooke his chiefe Castle called <i>Pont. Audomer</i>; +and at the same time enuironed the towre +of <i>Roan</i> with a wall. He also repaired and fortified +the Castles of <i>Caen</i>, <i>Arches</i>, <i>Gisore</i>, <i>Falace</i>, +<i>Argentine</i>, <i>Donfronç</i>, <i>Oxine</i>, <i>Aubrois</i>, <i>Nanroye</i>, +<i>Iuta</i>, and the Towne of <i>Vernone</i> in such sort, as +at that time, they were esteemed impregnable, +and not to bee forced by any enemie; except +God or gold.</p> + +<p>In the meane time the Earle of <i>Mellent</i>, with +<i>Hugh Geruase</i> his sonne, and <i>Hugh de Mountfort</i> +his sisters sonne, calling such as either +alliance or friendship did draw vnto them; besides +those whom youthful either age or minds +had filled with vnlimited desires; whom discontentment +also or want did vainly feed with +hungry hopes; entred into <i>Normandy</i> in armes: +being so transported with desire to hurt, and +troubled with feare of receiuing hurt, that they<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">272</a></span> +had neuer free scope of iudgement, either to +prepare or manage the meanes to hurt. They +were no sooner entred the Confines of <i>Normandie</i>, +but <i>William Tankeruill</i> the kings Chamberlaine +came against them, brauely appointed, +and resolute to fight. The very view of +an enemie turned their euill guided furie into +a feare: and whatsoeuer they did (proceeding +rather from violence of passion then ground of +reason) made them stumble whilest they ran, +and by their owne disorders hindered their +owne desires. So with small difficultie they +were surprised and taken, and brought to the +King; who committed them to streit prison at +<i>Roan</i>. An ordinary euent when rage runneth +faster, then iudgement and power are able to +hold pace.</p> + +<p>About this time <i>Charles</i> Earle of <i>Flanders</i> as +he was at his deuotions in the Church of S. <i>Donatus</i> +in <i>Bruxels</i>, was suddenly slaine by conspiracie +of his owne people. And because hee +left no issue in life, <i>Lewes</i> King of <i>France</i> inuested +<i>William</i> sonne to <i>Robert Curtcuis</i> late Duke +of <i>Normandie</i>, in the Earledome of <i>Flanders</i>; as +descended from Earle <i>Baldwine</i> sirnamed the +Pious, whose daughter <i>Matilde</i> was wife to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">273</a></span> +King <i>William</i> the first, and grandmother to this +<i>William</i>. This he did, not so much in fauour to +<i>William</i>, or in regard of his right, as to set vp an +assured enemie against King <i>Henry</i>: an enemie +not onely of singular expectation, but proofe: +whose courage was apt to vndertake any danger; +whether for glory, or for reuenge. And +herein his proiect did nothing faile. For no sooner +was the Earle aduanced to that estate, but +he raised a great hostilitie against the King of +<i>England</i>: as well to recouer the Duchie of <i>Normandie</i>, +as either to relieue or to reuenge the +hard captiuitie of his father.</p> + +<p>In this warre the Earle did winne a great +opinion, both for iudgement to discerne, and +for valour to execute what hee did discerne: +shewing himselfe in nothing inferiour to his +vnckle the king, but onely in treasure and command +of men. For this cause he craued supply +of <i>Lewes</i> king of <i>France</i>; who, as he was the +first that blew the cole, so was he alwayes ready +to put fuell to the flame. But the King of <i>England</i> +entered <i>France</i> with a strong Armie, where +his sword ranged and raged without resistance: +and yet more in prosecution of prey, then in +execution of blood. He lodged at <i>Hesperdune</i><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">274</a></span> +the space of 8. dayes; no lesse quietly, no lesse +safely, then if he had bene in the principall Citie +of his kingdome. By this meanes hee kept +the <i>French</i> King from sending succour to the +Earle of <i>Flanders</i>. And in the meane season +drew <i>Theodoricke</i> Earle of <i>Holsteine</i>, nephew to +<i>Robert</i> who had bene Earle of <i>Flanders</i>, and <i>Arnoldus</i> +sisters sonne to Earle <i>Charles</i>, not long +before slaine, to inuade Earle <i>William</i>: Both +pretending title to his dignitie, both bringing +seueral armies, consisting of men, tough in temper, +and well exercised in affaires of the field.</p> + +<p><i>Theodorick</i> vpon his first approch tooke <i>Bruges</i>, +<i>Ipres</i> and <i>Gandt</i>; either willingly yeelding, +or with small resistance: and vpon the necke +thereof <i>Arnoldus</i> tooke the strong towne of S. +<i>Omer</i>. Earle <i>William</i> being thus set as it were +betweene the beetle and the blocke, was nothing +deiected, nothing dismayed, either in +courage or in hope. And first he went against +<i>Arnoldus</i>, with a small company, but with such +a liuely countenance of a Souldier, that <i>Arnoldus</i> +fell to capitulation for his safe departure; +and so returned home as if he had bene vanquished. +Then the Earle made head against +<i>Theodorick</i>, and gaue him battaile, albeit farre<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">275</a></span> +inferiour to him, both for number and furniture +of his men. The fight betweene them was +long, furious and doubtfull. The <i>Germans</i> confident +in their number, which made them trust +the lesse to their valour: the <i>Flemings</i> rather desperate +then resolute, vpon importance of their +danger. And indeed it often happeneth, that +good successe at the first doeth occasion the ouerthrow +of many great actions: by working in +the one side a confidence in themselues, and +contempt of their enemies; and by making the +other more earnest and entire. So at the last +the violent valour of the Earle, well followed +with the braue and resolute rage of his Souldiers, +did such effects, that the <i>Germans</i> were shaken +and disordered, many slaine in the field, +and the residue chased out of <i>Flanders</i>.</p> + +<p>The Earle hauing now no enemie in open +field, layed siege to the castle of <i>Alhurst</i>, which +was defended against him by the <i>English</i>. The +assaults were so liuely enforced, and with such +varietie of inuention and deuise; that a wide +way was opened through all impediments, and +the defendants were constrained by many necessities, +to desire faire conditions of yeelding. +This whilest the Earle delayed to grant, he re<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">276</a></span>ceiued +in a certaine light cōflict a wound in his +hand, whereof in a short time after he died: hauing +first raised himselfe very high in opinion +with all men, for his courage, industrie and skill +in Armes. And thus Duke <i>Robert</i> and his +sonne <i>William</i> were brought to their vnhappy +ends; rather through the malice of their Fortune, +then through any bad merit or insufficiencie +in themselues: whereby the Duchie of +<i>Normandie</i>, which had bene both the cause +and the seate of very great warres, was then +strongly setled in possession of King <i>Henry</i>.</p> + +<p>Hee was neuer infested with domesticall +warres; which in regard of those tumultuous +times, is a manifest argument both of his iustice +and prouidence; the one not giuing cause, +the other no hope, for his subiects to rebel. The +King of <i>Scots</i> did homage vnto him; for what +territories I doe not determine. <i>Morcard</i> King +of <i>Ireland</i> and some of his successors were so appliable +vnto him, that they seemed to depend +vpon his command. The <i>Welsh</i> who hated idlenesse +and peace alike, did striue beyond their +strength to pull their feete out of the mire of +subiection; but in loose straggling companies, +without either discipline or head. For this<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">277</a></span> +cause hee made diuers expeditions into <i>Wales</i>, +where he had many bickerings, and put many +chases vpon them: but found nothing worthy +the name, either of enemie or of warre. Wherefore +by maintaining garrisons, and light troups +of Souldiers, he consumed the most obstinate, +and reduced the rest to his allegeance: receiuing +the sonnes of their Nobilitie for hostages.</p> + +<p>At that time many Flemings inhabited in +<i>England</i>; of whom some came ouer in the time +of King <i>William</i> the first, by occasion of his mariage +with <i>Matild</i> daughter to <i>Baldwine</i> their +Earle: but the greatest part came vnder the +reigne of this King <i>Henrie</i>, by reason that <i>Flanders</i> +at that time by irruption of the sea, was in +many places ouerflowen. The King was willing +to entertaine them, because they brought +with them both industrie and trades; because +they made the Countrey both populous and +rich. For in making a place populous, it is thereby +also made rich: draw people to a place, and +plentie will follow; driue away people, and it is +vndone. They were first planted neere the riuer +of <i>Tweede</i>; besides those who dispersed into +diuers Townes. But at this time the King +sent many of them into <i>Rose</i> in <i>Pembrokeshire</i>,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">278</a></span> +whose progeny did euer since maintaine themselues +in good condition against the <i>Welsh</i>: being +a people euen at this day distinguished +from all other bordering vpon them, both in +language, and in nature, and in fashion of +life.</p> + +<p>On a time as the king marched through +<i>Powesland</i> in <i>Southwales</i>, hee came to certaine +streights, through which his maine army could +not passe, by reason of their multitude and +traine of cariage: wherefore hee sent the greatest +part a further way about, and himselfe with +a small company tooke the neerer way thorow +those streights. When he was well entred, he +was charged very sharpely, but rudely, and disordredly +by the <i>Welsh</i>; who hauing the aduantage +both in number and in place, did +much annoy him from the higher ground; but +durst not approach to close fight at hand. The +King himselfe was smitten with an arrow full +vpon the breast: whereat hee swore <i>By our +Lords death</i> (which was his vsuall oath) that +it was no <i>Welsh</i> arme which shot that arrow. +Many of his men also were hurt, and the residue +strangely disordred; the amazement being +farre greater then the distresse. But the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">279</a></span> +king with a firme countenance retired in +time, the enemies not daring to pursue him any +further, then they might be assured by aduantage +of place. Then he sent peaceably vnto +them, and after some ouertures, brought +them to agree, that for a thousand head of cattell +the passage should be left open vnto him.</p> + + +<p class="p2">In his politicke gouernment he so managed +the State, that neither subiects wanted iustice, +nor Prince obedience. He repaired many +defects, hee reformed many abuses, which +would in the meane time enfeeble, and at last +oppresse the Common-wealth. Hee ordred +his affaires with such moderation, that he was +not onely well obeyed by his subiects, but highly +honoured and respected by forreine Princes: +wherby it appeared, that learning may be both +a guard and guide to Princes, if it be not so immoderately +affected, as to bereaue them, either +of the minde, or time for action. He vsed much +seueritie in punishing offenders; seueritie, the +life of iustice; of iustice, the most assured preseruer +of States: affording no more fauour for +the most part, then dead mercilesse law did allot. +Against theeues he prouided, that no mo<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">280</a></span>ney +should saue them from hanging. He ordeined +that counterfeitures of money should +loose both their eyes, and be depriued of their +priuie parts. He tooke away the deceit which +had been occasioned by varietie of measures, +and made a measure by the length of his owne +arme: which hath been Commonly vsed euer +since by the name of a yard.</p> + +<p>And wheras there are two infallible signes of +a diseased State; excesse in eating, and in attire; +which could neuer be restrained by penalties or +feare, but the more the people are therin forbidden, +the more are they rauished into riot and +vanitie: the King by two meanes cast a general +restraint vpon them both: by example, and by +reproofe: which by reason of the inclination of +men to imitate and please their Prince, haue alwayes +been of greater force then lawes, to reforme +abuses in that kind. He much abhorred +excesse in eating and drinking, and was so moderate +in his owne diet, that he seemed to feede +onely for necessitie of nature. Hee both vsed +and commended ciuill modestie in apparell: +especially he could not endure an absurd abuse +of men in those times, in wearing long haire +like vnto women. And when their owne haire<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">281</a></span> +failed, they set artificiall <i>Peruques</i>,<a name="FNanchor_105_105" id="FNanchor_105_105"></a><a href="#Footnote_105_105" class="fnanchor">[105]</a> with long +locks vpon their heads; whereas by censure of +the Apostle, it is reprochfull for men to weare +long haire. He discharged his Court of many +loose lasciuious persons; affirming, that they +were no good instruments of the kingdome; as +being in peace chargeable, and vnprofitable for +warre.</p> + +<p>During his absence in <i>Normandie</i>, which +was sometimes three or foure yeeres together, +he committed the gouernement of his Realme +to <i>Roger</i> Bishop of <i>Salisburie</i>: A man harmelesse +in life, in mind flourishing and fresh, in intention +vpright: most wise in taking, and most +faithfull and fortunate in giuing aduise. Hee +had gouerned the Kings expenses of house +when hee was but a Prince of priuate estate; +whereby he gained that reputation for integritie +and skill, which aduanced him to a higher +trust. He was Doctor of the Canon and Ciuill +lawes, as most of the Bishops at that time +were, and did beare the title and name of <i>Iusticiarius +totius Angliæ</i>. Hee built the <i>Deuises</i> +in <i>Wiltshire</i>, the Castles of <i>Malmesburie</i> and +<i>Shireburne</i>. He repaired the Castle of <i>Salisburie</i>, +and enuironed the same with a wall; hee<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">282</a></span> +built the stately Church at <i>Salisburie</i>, destined +to a longer life then any of his other workes. +And further, by reason of the Kings much abode +in <i>Normandie</i>, the prouisions of his +house were valued at certaine prices, and receiued +in money, to the great contentment and +ease of the people.</p> + +<p>In these times were mighty woods about +the place where the two high wayes <i>Watling</i> +and <i>Ikening</i> doe ioyne together; which woods +were a safe couert and retreite for many robbers, +who much infested those high wayes. +The most famous thiefe among them, was named +<i>Dunne</i>,<a name="FNanchor_106_106" id="FNanchor_106_106"></a><a href="#Footnote_106_106" class="fnanchor">[106]</a> a man mischieuous without mercie, +equally greedie of blood and of spoile, the +first infamie of his name: Hee was in a sort as +the most villanously aduentrous and vile; (for +in lewd actions, the worst are greatest) Commander +ouer the rest, and of him the place was +called <i>Dunstable</i>. To represse this annoyance, +the King caused the woods to bee cut downe, +built there a Borough, to which hee granted +Faire & Market, and that the Burgesses should +be so free as any other Burgesses within the +Realme. Hee erected there also a Palace for +himselfe, and also a faire Church or Priorie;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">283</a></span> +whereto he gaue large priuiledges and endowments. +By these meanes hee made the place +first populous, and consequently both plentifull +and safe.</p> + +<p>Many other royall workes hee performed, +some for Religion, as the Religious buildings +specified before; some for strength, as diuers +Castles in <i>Normandie</i>, in <i>Wales</i>, and some also +in <i>England</i>: and namely the Castle of <i>Warwicke</i>, +of <i>Bristoll</i>, the Castle Colledge and Towne of +<i>Windsore</i> on the hill, about a mile distant from +the old Towne of <i>Windsore</i>; which afterward +was much encreased by King <i>Edward</i> the third, +and after him by many Kings and Queenes +succeeding. Many Palaces also he built for ornament +& pleasure. And to this end he maintained +his Parke at <i>Woodstocke</i>, wherein hee +preserued diuers sorts of +strange beasts; which because he did with many +demonstrations of pleasure both accept +and esteeme, were liberally sent vnto him from +other Princes.</p> + +<p>Hee first instituted the forme of the high +Court of Parliament, as now it is in vse. For before +his time, onely certaine of the Nobilitie +and Prelats of the Realme were called to con<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">284</a></span>sultation +about the most important affaires of +state: he caused the commons also to be assembled, +by Knights and Burgesses of their owne +appointment, and made that Court to consist +of three parts; the Nobilitie, the Clergie, and +the Common people; representing the whole +body of the Realme. The first Councell of this +sort was held at <i>Salisbury</i>, vpon the 19. day of +April, in the 16. yeere of his reigne.</p> + +<p>His seueritie in iustice, the very heart string +of a Common-wealth, his heauie hand in bearing +downe his enemies, in disabling those from +working him harme whom he knew would neuer +loue him at the heart; was traduced by +some vnder termes of crueltie. And yet was he +alwayes more mindfull of benefits then of +wrongs; and in offences of highest nature, euen +for bearing Armes against him, he punished +oftentimes by imprisonment or exile, and not +by death.</p> + +<p>When <i>Matilde</i> his daughter was giuen in +mariage to <i>Henry</i> the fifth Emperour, he tooke +3. shillings of euery hide of land throughout +the Realme: which being followed by succeeding +Kings, did grow to a custome of receiuing +ayd, whensoeuer they gaue their daughters in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">285</a></span> +marriage. For albeit the same be found in the +great <i>Custumier</i> of <i>Normandie</i>, yet was it neuer +practised in <i>England</i> before. This happened in +the fifteenth yeere of his reigne: and he neuer +had the like contribution after, but one for +furnishing his warres in <i>France</i>. So the people +were not charged with many extraordinary +taxations, but their ordinary fines and payments +were very great; and yet not very grieuous +vnto them. For that they saw them expended, +not in wanton wast, not in loose and +immoderate liberalitie, but either vpon necessitie, +or for the honour & dignitie of the state: +wherein the preseruation or aduancement of +the common good, made particular burthens +not almost sensible.</p> + +<p>But both his actions and exactions were most +displeasing to the Clergy; the Clergy did often +times not onely murmure, but struggle and oppose +against his actions: as taking their liberties +to be infringed, and their state diminished; by +abasing their authority, and abating both their +riches and power. When any Bishopricke or +Abbey fell voyd, hee did apply the reuenues +thereof for supply of his necessities and wants: +and for that cause kept some of them many<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">286</a></span> +yeeres together vacant in his hands. He would +not permit appeales to <i>Rome</i>. Canons were +not of force within the Realme, vnlesse they +were confirmed by the King. Legats from the +Pope were not obeyed; and no man would +come to their conuocations. In so much as one +of the Popes Legates in <i>France</i> did excommunicate +all the Priests of <i>Normandy</i>, because they +would not come to his Synode. For this cause +the King sent the Bishop of <i>Exceter</i> to <i>Rome</i>, +albeit he was both blind and in yeeres, to treat +with the Pope concerning that businesse. Hee +gaue inuestitures to Prelates, by Crosse, Ring +and Staffe: and is charged to haue receiued of +some of them great summes of money for their +places. About this time the marriage of Priests +was forbidden in <i>England</i>; but the King for +money permitted them to reteine their wiues, +and in the end set an imposition in that respect +vpon euery Church throughout the Realme. +It auailed not any man to say, that he had no +purpose to keepe a wife: he must pay for a facultie +to keepe a wife if he would.</p> + +<p>For these causes they fastened the infamie +of couetousnesse vpon him. For these causes +and especially for inuesting and receiuing ho<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">287</a></span>mage +of Prelats, he had a stiffe strife with <i>Anselme</i> +Archb. of <i>Canterburie</i>. For the King said, +that it was against the custome of his ancesters, +it could not stand with the safety of his State; +that the Prelats, who at that time held the principall +places both of trust and command in his +kingdome, who in very deed ruled all the rest, +should not be appointed onely by himselfe; +should not sweare faith and allegiance vnto +him; should either bee aduanced or depend +vpon any forren Prince. On the other side <i>Anselme</i> +refused, not onely to confirme, but to +communicate or common friendly with those +who had bene inuested by the King: reproching +them, as abortiues and children of destruction; +traducing the King also, as a defiler of +Religion, as a deformer of the beautie and dignitie +of the Church. Hereupon by appointment +of the King, they were confirmed & consecrated +by the Archb. of <i>Yorke</i>. Onely <i>William +Gifford</i>, to whom the K. had giuen the Bishopricke +of <i>Winchester</i>, refused Consecration from +the Archb. of <i>Yorke</i>; for which cause the King +depriued him of all his goods, and banished +him out of the Realme.</p> + +<p>Then the King required <i>Anselme</i> to doe<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">288</a></span> +him homage, and to be present with him at giuing +Inuestitures; as <i>Lanfranck</i> his predecessor +had bene with King <i>William</i> his father. Against +these demaunds <i>Anselme</i> obiected the decrees +of the Councell lately held at <i>Rome</i>; whereby +all Lay-persons were excommunicate, who +should conferre any Spiritual promotions; and +all those accursed, who for Ecclesiasticall dignities, +should subiect themselues vnder the homage +or seruice of any Lay-man. Hereupon +messengers were dispatched from both parties +to the Pope: who determined altogether in fauour +of <i>Anselme</i>, or rather in fauour of himselfe. +Notwithstanding the king desisted not to vrge +<i>Anselme</i>, to sweare homage vnto him. <i>Anselme</i> +required, that the Popes letters should bee +brought foorth; and he would doe as by them +hee should be directed. The King answered, +that he had nothing to doe with the Popes letters; +that this was a Soueraigne right of his +Crowne; that if any man may pull these Royalties +from his Crowne, he may easily pull his +Crowne from his head: that therefore <i>Anselme</i> +must doe him homage, or else depart out of his +kingdome. <i>Anselme</i> answered, that hee would +not depart out of the Realme, but goe home to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">289</a></span> +his Church, and there see, who would offer +him violence.</p> + +<p>Then were messengers againe sent to the +Bishop of <i>Rome</i>; two Bishops from the King, +and two Monckes from <i>Anselme</i>. The King +wrote to the Pope, first congratulating his aduancement +to the Sea of <i>Rome</i>; then desiring +the continuance of that amitie which had bene +betweene their predecessours; Lastly, he tendred +all honour and obedience, which in former +times the Kings of <i>England</i> did yeeld to +the See of <i>Rome</i>; desiring againe, that he might +not be abridged of such vsages as his father did +enioy: concluding, that during his life, hee +would not suffer the dignities of his Crowne +to be empaired; and if he should so doe, yet the +Nobilitie and common people of the Realme +would in no case permit it, but would rather +recede from obedience to his See.</p> + +<p>The Pope wrote backe againe to <i>Anselme</i>; +that for one mans pleasure hee would not reuerse +the decrees of former Popes; and therefore +gaue him both encouragement & charge, +to continue constant, and to see them obserued +in euery point. Hee directed also his letters to +the King, which the King did suppresse: but his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">290</a></span> +Embassadours declared by word, that the Pope +permitted Inuestitures to the King, so as in other +things hee would execute the Office of a +good Prince. <i>Anselme</i> called for the Popes letters. +The King answered, that his Bishops +were to be credited before the Monckes, who +were disabled either for voyce or testimonie in +Secular affaires. <i>Anselme</i> said, that he was desirous +to yeeld vnto the King, but he durst not +although it should cost him his head, vnlesse +he had a warrant from <i>Rome</i>: and therefore he +would send thither againe, to haue a more full +and ample answere. The King and diuers of +the Nobilitie perswaded him to goe in person, +to trauaile to the Pope, and to trauaile with +him, for the quiet of the Church, and of his +countrey. With much adoe he was entreated, +and so set forth on his iourney towards <i>Rome</i>: +and after followed the kings Embassadour <i>William +Warlewast</i>, new elect Bishop of <i>Exceter</i>.</p> + +<p>When the Bishop came to the Popes presence, +he declared vnto him; what great commodities +did rise out of <i>England</i> to the See of +<i>Rome</i>; that the Inuesting of Prelats had bene +an ancient right to the crowne of that Realme; +that as the King was by nature liberall, so was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">291</a></span> +he stout and resolute in courage, that it should +be a great dishonour to him, who in power exceeded +any of his ancesters, if hee should not +maintaine the dignities which they held; that +for this cause the Pope should doe well to preferre +to his consideration, what preiudice +might follow to his Estate, if hee should remit +nothing of the seuerities of those Canons which +had bene lately made.</p> + +<p>The Pope gaue an attentiue eare, and seemed +to pause vpon that which had been sayd. +Which the Kings Ambassadour taking to be a +degree of yeelding, did more earnestly insist, +and said: that the King his master would not +for the Crowne of his Realme, loose the authoritie +of inuesting his Prelates. Hereto the Pope +with a starting voice and countenance answered; +<i>Neither will I lose the disposing of spirituall +promotions in</i> England, <i>for the Kings head that +beareth the Crowne; before God</i> (said hee) <i>I aduow +it</i>. His flattering followers applauded this +speach, as proceeding from a magnanimous +courage, or rather as some flash of diuine inspiration: +and the Kings Ambassador not a little +abashed, was content to descend to lower demands. +In the ende it was ordered, that the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">292</a></span> +King should be restored to certaine customes +which had been vsed by his father; but that all +they who had bin inuested by the King, should +be excōmunicate, & that their satisfaction and +absolution should be committed vnto <i>Anselme</i>.</p> + +<p>Thus <i>Anselme</i>, with full saile of victorie and +ioy returned towards <i>England</i>; but the Kings +Ambassadour stayed behind, to assay whether +by any meanes hee could worke the Pope to a +milder minde. But when hee saw that he trauailed +in vaine, he followed <i>Anselme</i>, and ouertooke +him at <i>Placentia</i>, and there deliuered vnto +him certaine priuate instructions from the +King: that if he would come into <i>England</i>, and +behaue himselfe as his predecessours had done +towards the Kings father, hee should be welcome; +otherwise, you are wise enough (said +hee) you know what I meane, and may easily +coniecture what will ensue. With these words +he flang suddenly away; by occasion whereof +his speaches setled with a more strong impression, +and multiplied many doubtfull constructions. +So the Embassadour returned to the King; +but <i>Anselme</i> went to <i>Lions</i>, and remained there +a yeere and halfe.</p> + +<p>In the meane time much posting was made<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">293</a></span> +betweene <i>England</i>, <i>Lions</i>, and <i>Rome</i>; but nothing +was concluded, nothing could please: For +neither the Pope would yeeld to the King, nor +the King to <i>Anselme</i>. At the last <i>Anselme</i> threatned +to excommunicate the King: whereof the +King being aduertised by the Countesse <i>Adela</i> +his sister, hee desired her to come to him into +<i>Normandy</i>, and to bring <i>Anselme</i> with her. Here +the King restored <i>Anselme</i> to his former possessions; +but his returne into <i>England</i> was respited, +vntill the Pope had confirmed certaine things +which <i>Anselme</i> did assure. So the King tooke +his passage into <i>England</i>, and <i>Anselme</i> abode at +the Abbey of <i>Beck</i>. Then were dispatched for +<i>Rome</i>, <i>William Warlewast</i> mentioned before, +and <i>Baldwine</i> Abbot of <i>Ramsey</i>; by whose +meanes the controuersie was composed betweene +the King and the Pope; that the King +should receiue homage of Bishops elect, but +should not inuest them by Staffe and Ring. +After this the king went into <i>Normandie</i>, and +there agreed to <i>Anselme</i> in these points following.</p> + +<blockquote><p>1 <i>That all his Churches which had been made +tributary to King <span class="f">William</span> the second should bee +set free.</i></p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">294</a></span></p> + +<p>2 <i>That the King should require nothing of +the sayd Churches, whilest the Sea should remaine +vacant.</i></p> + +<p>3 <i>That such Priests as had giuen money to +the King to reteine their wiues, should surcease +from their function the space of three yeeres; and +that the king should take no more after such maner.</i></p> + +<p>4 <i>That all such goods fruits and possessions as +the King had taken from the Sea of <span class="f">Canterbury</span>, +should bee restored to him at his returne into <span class="f">England</span>.</i></p></blockquote> + +<p>Thus <i>Anselme</i> returned into <i>England</i>, and +after a short time the king followed; hauing taken +his brother prisoner, and subdued <i>Normandie</i> +to his subiection.</p> + +<p>Forthwith <i>Anselme</i> by permission of the K. +assembled a great Councell of the Clergie at +<i>Westminster</i>; wherein hee so wrought with the +King, that at length (albeit not without great +difficultie) it was newly decreed; that no temporal +man should giue inuestiture with Crosse, +or with Ring, or with Pastoral staffe. Also he directed +Iniunctiōs to the Priests of his Prouince, +that they and their wiues should neuer meete +within one house; that they should not keepe +any woman in their house, but such as were<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">295</a></span> +next in kinred vnto them; That hee who held +his wife and presumed to say Masse within +eight dayes after, should solemnely be excommunicate. +That all Archdeacons and their Officials +should bee sworne, not to winke at the +meetings of Priests and their wiues for any respect, +and if they would not take this oath, +then to lose their office; that such Priests as +would forsake their wiues, should cease fourty +dayes from ministration in their office, and +performe such penance as should be enioyned +them by their Bishop. The execution of these +Canons importing both a great and sudden alteration, +occasioned much disquiet and disorder +in many parts of the Realme.</p> + +<p>In the same Councel the censure of Excommunication +was cast vpon those, who did exercise +the vile vice of Sodomitrie: and it was further +decreed, that the same sentence should be +published euery Sonday in al the parish Churches +of <i>England</i>. But afterward it was esteemed +fit; that this general excommunication should +be repealed. The pretence was, for that the +prohibiting, yea, the publike naming of that +vice might enflame the hearts of vngracious +persons with desire vnto it. But wise men con<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">296</a></span>iectured, +that after this seuere restreint of marriage +in the Clergie, it did grow so frequent +and familiar among them, that they would not +giue way to so generall a punishment. It is certaine +that in this Kings dayes <i>Io. Cremensis</i> a +Priest Cardinal, by the Kings licence came into +<i>England</i>, and held a solemne Synode at <i>London</i>; +where hauing most sharpely enueighed against +the marriage of Priests, the night following +hee was taken in adulterie, and so with +shame departed the Realme. It is certaine also +that <i>Anselme</i>, the most earnest enforcer of +single life, died not a Virgine; as by the lamentation +which hee wrote for the losse thereof it +may appeare.</p> + +<p>Not long after <i>Anselme</i> died, being of the +age of 70. yeeres. He had bestowed much money +on <i>Christs</i> Church in <i>Canterburie</i>; as well in +buildings, as in ornaments, and encrease of +possessions. Other workes of charge he left not +many; neither in very deed could he, by reason +of his often banishments, and the seasures +of the reuenues of his Church. But this he did +more then liberally supply by the eternall labours +of his penne. After his decease the Archbishopricke +remained voyd fiue yeeres: during<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297">297</a></span> +which time, the King applied the fruits to himselfe. +The like hee did to other vacant +Churches; and compounded also with Priests +for reteining their wiues; and made his profit +by Ecclesiasticall persons and liuings, more +largely and freely then he had done before. For +which cause it is not vnlike that the imputation +of couetousnesse was fixed vpon him. At the +last <i>Radulph</i> Bishop of <i>Rochester</i> was aduanced +to the See of <i>Canterburie</i>; and notwithstanding +all former agreements and decrees, the +King inuested him with Ring and with Staffe.</p> + +<p>But howsoeuer we may either excuse or extenuate +the two vices of crueltie and couetousnesse, +wherewith he is charged, his immoderate +excesse in lust can no wayes be denied, no +wayes defended: And when age had somewhat +abated in him the heat of that humour, +yet was hee too much pleased with remembrance +of his youthfull follies. For this vice it is +manifest, as well by the sudden and vnfortunate +losse of his children, as for that he was the +last King by descent from males of the <i>Norman</i> +race, that the hand of God pressed hard vpon +him.</p> + +<p>As <i>Radulph</i> succeeded <i>Anselme</i> in the See of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298">298</a></span> +<i>Canterburie</i>. So after the death of <i>Thomas</i>, +<i>Thurstine</i> the Kings Chapplaine was elected +Archb. of <i>Yorke</i>. And because he refused to acknowledge +obedience to the See of <i>Canterbury</i>, +hee could not haue his Consecration, but was +depriued of his dignitie by the King. Hereupon +he tooke his iourney to <i>Rome</i>, complained +to the Pope, and from him returned with a letter +to the King: that the putting of a Bishop +elect from his Church, without iudgement, +was against diuine Iustice, against the decrees +of holy Fathers: that the Pope intended no +preiudice to either Church, but to maintaine +the constitution which S. <i>Gregorie</i>, the Apostle +of the <i>English</i> Nation, had stablished betweene +them: that the Bishop elect should be receiued +to his Church, and if any question did rise between +the two Churches, it should be handled +before the King.</p> + +<p>Vpon occasion of this letter a solemne assembly +was called at <i>Salisburie</i>, where the variance +betweene the two Prelats was much debated. +<i>Radulph</i> would not giue Imposition of +hands to <i>Thurstine</i>, vnlesse hee would professe +obedience. <i>Thurstine</i> said, that he would gladly +embrace his benediction, but professe obedi<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299">299</a></span>ence +to him he would not. The King signified +to <i>Thurstine</i>, that without acknowledgement +of subiection to the Archb. of <i>Canterburie</i>, hee +should not be Consecrated Archb. of <i>Yorke</i>. +<i>Thurstine</i> replied nothing; but renounced his +dignitie, and promised to make no more claime +vnto it.</p> + +<p>Not long after, <i>Calixtus</i> Bishop of <i>Rome</i> assembled +a Councell at <i>Rhemes</i>; and <i>Thurstine</i> +desired licence of the King to goe to that +Councell. This hee obtained vnder faithfull +promise, that he should there attempt nothing +to the preiudice of the Church of <i>Canterburie</i>. +In the meane time the King dealt secretly with +the Pope, that <i>Thurstine</i> should not bee consecrated +by him. This the Pope did faithfully +assure; and yet by meanes of some of his Cardinals, +whom <i>Thurstine</i> had wrought to bee +suiters for him; by reason also of his hate against +<i>Radulph</i>, for taking Inuestiture from the King; +The Pope was drawen to giue him consecration, +and therewith the Pall. For this cause the +King was displeased with <i>Thurstine</i>, and forbad +him to returne into the Realme.</p> + +<p>After this, the Pope came to <i>Gisors</i>, to which +place the King went vnto him; and desired<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300">300</a></span> +that he would not send any Legates into <i>England</i>, +except the King should so require. The +reason was, for that certaine Legates had come +into <i>England</i> lately before, to wit, one <i>Guido</i>, +and another named <i>Anselme</i>, and another called +<i>Peter</i>; who had demeaned themselues, not +as Pillars of the Church, but as Pillagers of all +the Realme. Also he required that hee might +reteine all such customes, as his auncestors had +vsed in <i>England</i> and in <i>Normandie</i>. The Pope +vpon promise that the King should ayd him against +his enemies, yeelded to these demands: +and required againe of the King, to permit +<i>Thurstine</i> to returne with his fauour into <i>England</i>. +The King excused himselfe by his oath. +The Pope answered, that he might and would +dispence with him for his oath. The King craued +respite, affirming that he would aduise with +his Counsaile, and then signifie to the Pope +what he should resolue. So in short time hee +declared to the Pope, that for loue to him, +<i>Thurstine</i> should bee receiued both into the +Realme and to his Church: vpon condition, +that he should professe subiection to the Sea of +<i>Canterburie</i>, as in former times his predecessors +had done; otherwise (said hee) so long as I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301">301</a></span> +shall bee King of <i>England</i>, hee shall neuer sit +Archbishop of <i>Yorke</i>.</p> + +<p>The yeere following the Pope directed his +letters to the King, and likewise to <i>Radulph</i>. +And herewith he interdicted both the Church +of <i>Canterburie</i> and the Church of <i>Yorke</i>, with all +the Parish Churches of both Prouinces; from +Diuine seruice, from Buriall of the dead, from +all other offices of the Church; except onely +baptizing of children, and absolution of those +who shal lie at the point of death: vnlesse within +one moneth after the receit of the same letters, +<i>Thurstine</i> should be receiued to the Sea of +<i>Yorke</i>, without acknowledging subiection to +the Sea of <i>Canterburie</i>. It was further signified +to the King, that he should also be excommunicate, +vnlesse hee would consent to the same. +Vpon these letters <i>Thurstine</i> was sent for, and +reconciled to the King, and quietly placed in +his Church at <i>Yorke</i>. And thus when the Bishops +of Rome had gained absolute superiority +ouer the state of the Church, euen for managing +external actions and affaires (which seeme +to be a part of ciuill gouernement) there wanted +nothing but either a weake Prince, or a factious +Nobilitie, or a headstrong tumultuous<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302">302</a></span> +people, to giue him absolute superioritie ouer +all.</p> + +<p>In the second yeere of this Kings reigne the +Cities of <i>Gloucester</i> and <i>Winchester</i> were for the +most part wasted with fire.</p> + +<p>In the fourth yeere a blasing starre appeared, +and foure circles were seene about the +Sunne. The yeere next following the King +preuailed much in <i>Normandie</i>, and so did the +Sea in <i>Flanders</i>: insomuch as a great part of that +Countrey lay buried in the waters.</p> + +<p>In the seuenth yeere a blazing starre appeared: +and vpon thursday night before Easter, +two full Moones were seene, one in the East, +and the other in the West. The same yeere <i>Robert</i> +Duke of <i>Normandie</i> was taken & brought +prisoner into <i>England</i>.</p> + +<p>In the tenth yeere the Abbey of <i>Elie</i> was +made a Bishops Sea, and Cambridge shire was +appointed for the Diocesse thereof. In regard +whereof, the King gaue the mannour of <i>Spalding</i> +to the Bishop of <i>Lincolne</i>, for that the +shire of <i>Cambridge</i> was formerly vnder the Iurisdiction +of <i>Lincolne</i>. The same yeere a Comet +appeared after a strange fashiō. About <i>Shrewsburie</i> +was a great earthquake. The water of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303">303</a></span> +<i>Trent</i> was dried vp at <i>Nottingham</i> the space of +a mile, from one of the clocke vntill three: so as +men might passe ouer the Channell on foote. +Warres ensued against the Earle of <i>Aniou</i>; a +great mortalitie of men; a murraine of beastes +both domesticke and of the fielde: yea, the +foules perished in great abundance.</p> + +<p>In the 13. yeere the Citie of <i>Worcester</i>, and +therein the chiefe Church, the Castle, with +much people were consumed with fire. A pigge +was farrowed with a face like a childe. A chicken +was hatched with foure legs. The yeere +next ensuing the riuer of <i>Medeway</i> so fayled for +many miles, that in the middest of the channell +the smallest boates could not floate. In the +<i>Thames</i> also was such defect of water, that betweene +the Tower and the Bridge many men +and children did wade ouer on foote. This +happened by reason of a great ebbe in the Ocean, +which layd the sands bare many miles +from the shoare, and so continued one whole +day. Much rage and violence of weather ensued, +and a blasing starre. The Citie of <i>Chichester</i> +with the principall Monastery was burnt. +The yeere next following almost all the Bridges +in <i>England</i> being then of timber, by reason<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304">304</a></span> +of a hard Winter were borne downe with Ice.</p> + +<p>In the 17. yeere the towne of <i>Peterborough</i> +with the stately Church were burned to the +ground. The Citie of <i>Bath</i> also was much ruined +and defaced with fire. In March there happened +fearefull lightning, and in December +grieuous thunder and haile. The Moone at +both times seemed to be turned into blood, by +reason of the euill qualited vapours through +which it gaue light. The yeere following, <i>Mathild</i> +the Queene departed this life: a woman +in pietie, chastitie, modestie, and all other vertues +nothing inferiour to her mother; but in +learning and iudgement farre beyond her: +who did not act, nor speake, nor scarce thinke +any thing, but first it was weighed by wisdome +and vertue. When the king desired her in marriage, +for the publicke good and tranquilitie of +the State, in reducing the <i>Saxon</i> blood to the +Crowne; she first modestly, then earnestly refused +the offer; shewing no lesse magnanimitie +in despising honours, then others doe in affecting +them. But when she was not so much +perswaded as importuned to forsake her profession, +she is reported by some to haue taken +the matter so to heart, that she cursed such issue<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_305" id="Page_305">305</a></span> +as she should bring forth: which curse did afterwards +lie heauie vpon them. For her sonne +<i>William</i> perished by shipwrack, and her daughter +<i>Matild</i> was neuer voyd of great vexations. +As she trauailed ouer the riuer of <i>Lue</i>, at the +<i>Old-foord</i> neere <i>London</i>, she was well washed, +and somewhat endangered in her passage: +whereupon he caused two Stone-bridges to be +built ouer the same riuer, one at the head of the +towne of <i>Stratford</i>, the other ouer another +streame thereof, commonly called <i>Channels-bridge</i>; +and paued the way betweene them +with grauel. She gaue also certaine mannours, +and a mill called <i>Wiggon</i> mill, for repairing of +the same bridges and way. These were the +first Stone-bridges that were made in <i>England</i>. +And because they were arched like a bow, the +towne of <i>Stratford</i> was afterwards called <i>Bow</i>.</p> + +<p>In the 20. yere, a great earthquake hapned, +in the moneth of September. In the 22. yeere, +the Citie of <i>Glocester</i>, with the principal Monasterie +was fired againe. The yeere next following, +the Citie of <i>Lincolne</i> was for the most part +burned downe, and many persons perished +with the rage of the flame. In the 27. yeere, +the King receiued an oath of the chiefe of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_306" id="Page_306">306</a></span> +Prelats and Nobilitie of the Realme; that after +his death, they should maintaine the kingdom +against al men for his daughter <i>Matild</i>, in case +she should suruiue, and the king not leaue issue +male in life.</p> + +<p>In the 30. yeere, the Citie of <i>Rochester</i> was +much defaced with fire, euen in the presence +and view of the King. The yeere next following +the oath to <i>Matild</i> was receiued againe. +About this time the King was much troubled +with fearefull dreames; which did so affright +him, that he would often leape out of his bed, +and lay hand on his sword, as if it were to defend +himselfe. This yeere as he returned out of +<i>Normandie</i> into <i>England</i>, when he had bene +caried not farre from land, the winde began to +rise, and the Sea swelled somewhat bigge. This +weather did almost suddenly encrease to so +dangerous a storme, that all expected to be cast +away. The King, dismayed the more by his +sonnes mishap, reconciled himselfe to God; and +vowed to reforme many errours of his life, if he +did escape. So after his arriuall, he went to the +Monasterie of S. <i>Edmund</i>; and there both ratified +and renued the promise he had made. After +this he was better ordered in his actions; he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307">307</a></span> +erected a Bishopricke at <i>Caerlile</i>, and endowed +it with many honours: he caused Iustice indifferently +to be administred; and eased the people +of the tribute called <i>Dane guilt</i>.</p> + +<p>In the 32. yeere, <i>Matilde</i> daughter to the +King was deliuered of a sonne, who was named +<i>Henry</i>. Hereupon the king assembled his Nobilitie +at <i>Oxeford</i>, where he did celebrate his +feast of Easter; and there ordeined, that shee +and her heires should succeed him in the kingdome. +And albeit they were often sworne to +this appointment; albeit <i>Stephen</i> Earle of <i>Bloise</i> +was the first man who tooke that oath: yet was +he the first who did rise against it; yet did many +others also ioyne with him in his action. For +oathes are commonly troden vnder foote, +when they lye in the way, either to honour or +reuenge. The same yeere the Citie of <i>London</i> +was very much defaced with fire.</p> + +<p>The yeere next following, many prodigies +happened, which seemed to portend the death +of the King, or rather the troublesome times +which did thereupon ensue. In the moneth of +August, the Sunne was so deepely eclipsed, +that by reason of the darkenesse of the ayre, +many starres did plainely appeare. The second<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_308" id="Page_308">308</a></span> +day after this defect of light, the earth trembled +with so great violence, that many buildings +were shaken downe. <i>Malmesb.</i> sayth, +that the house wherein he sate, was lift vp with +a double remooue, and at the third time setled +againe in the proper place. The earth in diuers +places yeelded foorth a hideous noyse; It cast +foorth flames at certaine rifts diuers dayes together, +which neither by water nor by any other +meanes could be suppressed.</p> + +<p>During the time of the eclipse mentioned +before, the King was trauersing the sea into +<i>Normandie</i>; whither hee vsually went, sometimes +euery yeere, but euery third yeere at the +furthest. Here he spent the whole yeere following, +in ordering affaires of State, and in +visiting euery corner of the Countrey. He neuer +gaue greater contentment to the people, as +well by his gifts, as by his gentle and courteous +behauiour: he neuer receiued greater contentment +from them, by the liuely expressing of +their loue. But nothing did so much affect +him with ioy, as that his daughter <i>Matild</i> had +brought foorth other two sonnes, <i>Geoffrey</i> +and <i>William</i>: whereby hee conceiued, that the +succession of his issue to the Crowne of <i>England</i><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309">309</a></span> +was so well backed, that he needed not to trouble +his thoughts with any feare that his heires +would faile.</p> + +<p>At the last he began to languish a little and +droupe in health; and neither feeling nor fearing +any great cause, hee rode on hunting, to +passe it ouer with exercise and delight. Herewith +being somewhat cheered, hee returned +home, and eate of a Lamprey, albeit against +his Physicians aduise, which meate he alwayes +loued, but was neuer able well to digest. After +this, and happely vpon this vicious feeding, +he fell into a feuer; which increased in him by +such dangerous degrees, that within seuen +dayes it led him to the period of his life. Hee +died vpon the first of December, in the 67. yere +of his age: when hee had reigned 35. yeeres +and foure moneths, wanting one day. His +bowels and eyes were buried at <i>Roan</i>: The +rest of his bodie was stuffed with salt, wrapped +vp in Oxe hides, and brought ouer into <i>England</i>; +and with honourable exequies buried in +the Monastery of <i>Reading</i>, which hee had +founded. His Physician who tooke out his +braines, by reason of the intolerable stinch +which breathed from them, in short time after<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_310" id="Page_310">310</a></span> +ended his life. So of all that King <i>Henrie</i> slue, +this Physician was the last.</p> + +<p>He had by his first wife a sonne named <i>William</i>, +who perished by shipwracke; and <i>Matild</i> +a daughter, who was espoused to the Emperour +<i>Henrie</i> the 5. when she was scarce sixe +yeeres olde, and at the age of eleuen yeeres +was married vnto him. When shee had been +married vnto him twelue yeeres, he died; and +shee returned to the King her father, both against +her owne minde, and against the desire +of the greatest Princes of the Empire: who in +regard of her wise and gracious behauiour, +were suitors to the King more then once, to +haue her remaine as Empresse among them. +But the king would not consent to their intreatie: +For that shee was the onely heire to his +Crowne. Then many great Princes desired her +in marriage. But the King bestowed her vpon +<i>Geoffrey</i>, sonne to <i>Fulke</i> Earle of <i>Aniou</i>: +somewhat against her owne liking, but greatly +to the suretie of his estate in <i>France</i>. By him +she had <i>Henrie</i>, who afterwards was King of +<i>England</i>.</p> + +<p>Further, the King had by a Concubine, <i>Richard</i> +a sonne, and <i>Mary</i> a daughter; who were<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_311" id="Page_311">311</a></span> +lost vpon the sea with their brother <i>William</i>. +By another Concubine hee had a sonne named +<i>Robert</i>, whom he created Earle of <i>Glocester</i>: +a man for valour of minde and abilitie +of bodie inferiour to none; in counsailes +so aduised, as was fit for a right Noble commander. +By his faith, industrie, and felicitie +chiefly, his sister <i>Matild</i> did afterwards resist +and ouerbeare, both the forces and fortunes of +King <i>Stephen</i>. He is reported to haue had 12. +other bastards; which were of no great either +note or continuance, according to that saying +of the Wise man: <i>Bastard plants take no deepe +rootes</i>.<a name="FNanchor_107_107" id="FNanchor_107_107"></a><a href="#Footnote_107_107" class="fnanchor">[107]</a></p> + +<p>This King in the beginning of his Reigne +made many fauourable lawes: And namely, +<i>That he would reserue no possessions of the Church +vpon their vacancies: that the heires of his Nobilitie +should possesse their fathers lands without +redemption from him, and that the Nobilitie likewise +should afford the like fauour to their Tenants: +that Gentlemen might giue their daughters and +kinsewomen in marriage without his licence, so it +were not to his enemie: that the widow should haue +her ioynture, and not be compelled to marrie against +her owne liking: that the mother or next of kinred<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_312" id="Page_312">312</a></span> +should bee Guardian of the lands of her children: +that all debts to the Crowne and certaine offences +also should bee remitted</i>. But these lawes afterwards +were but slenderly obserued.</p> + +<p>Three vertues were most famous in him; +wisedome, courage, and sweetenesse of speach. +By the last hee gained much fauour from the +people. By the other two he purchased, both +peace at home, and victory abroad. He was +noted also for some vices: but out of doubt +they were farre exceeded by his vertues. And +for these vices also, being himselfe of a pleasant +disposition, he was well pleased with pleasant +reproofes. <i>Guymund</i> his Chapleine (obseruing +that vnworthy men for the most part +were aduanced to the best dignities of the +Church) as he celebrated Diuine seruice before +him, and was to read these words out of +S. <i>Iames</i>; [<i>It rained not vpon the earth iij. yeres and +vj. moneths</i>:]<a name="FNanchor_108_108" id="FNanchor_108_108"></a><a href="#Footnote_108_108" class="fnanchor">[108]</a> Hee did read it thus: [<i>It rained +not vpon the earth one, one, one yeres, and fiue, one, +moneths</i>.] The King obserued this reading, and +afterwards rebuked his Chapleine for it: But +<i>Guymund</i> answered, that he did it of purpose, for +that such readers were soonest preferred by the +King. The King smiled, and in short time after<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_313" id="Page_313">313</a></span> +preferred him to the gouernment of S. <i>Frideswides</i> +in <i>Oxeford</i>. In this King failed the heires +male of King <i>William</i> the first: and then the +Crowne was possessed by Title of heires generall.</p> + +<p class="center">In these times flourished two excellent ornaments +of the Church; <i>Anselme</i> in <i>England</i>, and +<i>Bernard</i> in <i>France</i>: both of them enrolled in +the list of Saints. And no lesse infamous for +vice was <i>Gerard</i>, Archbishop of <i>Yorke</i>; a man of +some learning; not so much in substance, as in +seeming and shew; of commendable wit, which +he applied chiefly, to giue a couler for euery +vice of his owne, and for euery vertue of others +either a slander or a ieast: Of enuious disposition; +plagued lesse with his owne calamities, +then with the well either doing or being of other +men; in wiping money from his Subiects +by dishonest meanes, subtill and shamelesse; +and no lesse sordide in his expences: giuen to +Magicall enchantments as many doe affirme. +On a certaine day as he slept vpon a cushion +after dinner, in his Garden at <i>Southwell</i>, and +many of his Chapleines walked neere him; he +was found in such a stiffe cold dead sleepe, as +will require the trumpe of an Archangel to a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_314" id="Page_314">314</a></span>wake +him. His face then looked with an ougly +hell-burnt hue. His body was caried to <i>Yorke</i>; +few vouchsafing to accompany,<br /> +none to meete it (according to the vse of Exequies) when it came to the Citie;<br /> +but the boyes in scorne throwing stones at the hearse. He was<br /> +basely buried without the Church without any<br /> +funerall solemnities, without any<br /> +signe either of honour<br /> +or of griefe.<br /> +* *<br /> +*<br /> +</p> + +<hr class="chap" /> + + +<div class="footnotes"><h3><a name="footnotes" id="footnotes"></a>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> Senticetum.</p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_2_2" id="Footnote_2_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2_2"><span class="label">[2]</span></a> Scriptor omnium sceleratissimus.</p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_3_3" id="Footnote_3_3"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3_3"><span class="label">[3]</span></a> Mendacissimus.</p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_4_4" id="Footnote_4_4"></a><a href="#FNanchor_4_4"><span class="label">[4]</span></a> Adulator.</p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_5_5" id="Footnote_5_5"></a><a href="#FNanchor_5_5"><span class="label">[5]</span></a> <i>Lib.</i> 3. <i>in princ. Ingulph. lib.</i> 6. <i>cap.</i> 19.</p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_6_6" id="Footnote_6_6"></a><a href="#FNanchor_6_6"><span class="label">[6]</span></a> <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">πολλάκις δέ τοι νόθοι τε πολλοὶ γνησίων ἀμείνονες.</span> Eurip. in Androm.</p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_7_7" id="Footnote_7_7"></a><a href="#FNanchor_7_7"><span class="label">[7]</span></a></p> + + +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="tree"> +<tr><td align="center"></td><td align="center"><i>Rich. 1.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td align="center" colspan="3">┌─────^─────┐</td></tr> +<tr><td align="center"><i>Rich. 2.</i></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"><i>Emma.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td align="center">1.</td><td align="center"></td><td align="center">1.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="center"><i>Robert.</i></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"><i>Edward.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td align="center">1.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="center"><i>William.</i></td></tr> +</table> + + + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_8_8" id="Footnote_8_8"></a><a href="#FNanchor_8_8"><span class="label">[8]</span></a> <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Heu vani monitus, fiustráq; morantia Parcas Prodigia. Lucan.</i></p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_9_9" id="Footnote_9_9"></a><a href="#FNanchor_9_9"><span class="label">[9]</span></a> <i>Flo. lib.</i> 2. <i>Eutr. lib.</i> 4. <i>epit. Liu.</i> 59.</p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_10_10" id="Footnote_10_10"></a><a href="#FNanchor_10_10"><span class="label">[10]</span></a> <i>Eutro. lib.</i> 6. <i>epit. Liu.</i> 93.</p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_11_11" id="Footnote_11_11"></a><a href="#FNanchor_11_11"><span class="label">[11]</span></a> <i>Cic. Agrar. orat.</i> 2. <i>Liu. lib.</i> 70.</p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_12_12" id="Footnote_12_12"></a><a href="#FNanchor_12_12"><span class="label">[12]</span></a> <i>Tacit. lib.</i> 14.</p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_13_13" id="Footnote_13_13"></a><a href="#FNanchor_13_13"><span class="label">[13]</span></a> <i>Tacit. An.</i> 17.</p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_14_14" id="Footnote_14_14"></a><a href="#FNanchor_14_14"><span class="label">[14]</span></a> <i>Salust. bel. Iug.</i></p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_15_15" id="Footnote_15_15"></a><a href="#FNanchor_15_15"><span class="label">[15]</span></a> 1. <i>Reg.</i> 9.</p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_16_16" id="Footnote_16_16"></a><a href="#FNanchor_16_16"><span class="label">[16]</span></a> <i>Geogr.</i> 3.</p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_17_17" id="Footnote_17_17"></a><a href="#FNanchor_17_17"><span class="label">[17]</span></a> <i>Tritem. cap.</i> 22.</p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_18_18" id="Footnote_18_18"></a><a href="#FNanchor_18_18"><span class="label">[18]</span></a> <i>Theod. Nehem. lib.</i> 2. <i>cap.</i> 25.</p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_19_19" id="Footnote_19_19"></a><a href="#FNanchor_19_19"><span class="label">[19]</span></a> <i>Arg. l. creditor. & l. Claudius. D qui pot. in pign. ha.</i></p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_20_20" id="Footnote_20_20"></a><a href="#FNanchor_20_20"><span class="label">[20]</span></a> <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Moribus antiquis res stat Romana Virisque. Aeneid.</i></p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_21_21" id="Footnote_21_21"></a><a href="#FNanchor_21_21"><span class="label">[21]</span></a> <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Imperium ijs artibus facilime retinetur quibus +partum est. Sal. Catil.</i></p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_22_22" id="Footnote_22_22"></a><a href="#FNanchor_22_22"><span class="label">[22]</span></a> <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Quos viceris caue amicos tibi credas. Curt. lib.</i> 7.</p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_23_23" id="Footnote_23_23"></a><a href="#FNanchor_23_23"><span class="label">[23]</span></a> <i>Tranquil. in Calig</i>.</p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_24_24" id="Footnote_24_24"></a><a href="#FNanchor_24_24"><span class="label">[24]</span></a> <i>Nicet. pag.</i> 19. <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">οὕτω χρόνῳ κρατυνθὲν ἔθος γένους καὶ θρησκείας ἐστιν ἰσχυρότερον.</span></p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_25_25" id="Footnote_25_25"></a><a href="#FNanchor_25_25"><span class="label">[25]</span></a> <i>Chrys. orat.</i> 76. <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">περὶ ἒθους,</span> <i>Suid. dict.</i> <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">ἔθος.</span></p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_26_26" id="Footnote_26_26"></a><a href="#FNanchor_26_26"><span class="label">[26]</span></a> <i>Agath. lib.</i> 2. <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">εὔδηλον μὲν ὅτι δὴ τῶν ἀνθρωπείων ἐθνῶν ὡς ἕκαστος εἲγε ὅτῳδηουν νόμῳ +ἐκ πλείστου νενικηκότι ἐμβιοτεύσαιεν, τοῦτον δὴ ἄριστον ἥγουνται καὶ θεσπέσιον.</span></p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_27_27" id="Footnote_27_27"></a><a href="#FNanchor_27_27"><span class="label">[27]</span></a> <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Temperatus enim timor est qui cohibet, assiduus +& acer ad vindictam excitat. Senec.</i> 1. <i>de clemen.</i></p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_28_28" id="Footnote_28_28"></a><a href="#FNanchor_28_28"><span class="label">[28]</span></a> <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Perfecto demum scelere, magnitudo +eius intelligitur. Tacit. xv. Annal.</i></p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_29_29" id="Footnote_29_29"></a><a href="#FNanchor_29_29"><span class="label">[29]</span></a> 3. <i>Reg.</i> 1. & 2</p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_30_30" id="Footnote_30_30"></a><a href="#FNanchor_30_30"><span class="label">[30]</span></a> 2. <i>Paral.</i> 11.</p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_31_31" id="Footnote_31_31"></a><a href="#FNanchor_31_31"><span class="label">[31]</span></a> <i>Bald. in proem. decr. §. rex. nu.</i> +11. <i>Archid.</i> 2. <i>q.</i> 7. <i>§ item obijcitur.</i></p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_32_32" id="Footnote_32_32"></a><a href="#FNanchor_32_32"><span class="label">[32]</span></a> <i>Gen.</i> 49.</p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_33_33" id="Footnote_33_33"></a><a href="#FNanchor_33_33"><span class="label">[33]</span></a> <i>Iust. lib.</i> 16.</p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_34_34" id="Footnote_34_34"></a><a href="#FNanchor_34_34"><span class="label">[34]</span></a> <i>Host. Io. And. Collect. Pet. Anch. Anto. +Imo. Card. Flo. & sere omnes in c. licet de Voto.</i></p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_35_35" id="Footnote_35_35"></a><a href="#FNanchor_35_35"><span class="label">[35]</span></a> <i>L. si arrogator. D. de Arrog. l. 3 de interd. & rel.</i></p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_36_36" id="Footnote_36_36"></a><a href="#FNanchor_36_36"><span class="label">[36]</span></a> <i>Io. And. in c. significasti de fo. comp. Pan. cons.</i> +85. <i>li.</i> 1. <i>Molin. consuet. Paris. tit.</i> 1. § 85. <i>gl.</i> +3. <i>q.</i> 2. <i>infi.</i></p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_37_37" id="Footnote_37_37"></a><a href="#FNanchor_37_37"><span class="label">[37]</span></a> <i>Iust. lib.</i> 34</p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_38_38" id="Footnote_38_38"></a><a href="#FNanchor_38_38"><span class="label">[38]</span></a> <i>Iust. lib.</i> 16.</p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_39_39" id="Footnote_39_39"></a><a href="#FNanchor_39_39"><span class="label">[39]</span></a> <i>Pausan. lib.</i> 1. <i>Iustin. lib.</i> 39.</p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_40_40" id="Footnote_40_40"></a><a href="#FNanchor_40_40"><span class="label">[40]</span></a> <i>Girard. lib.</i> 1. <i>de l'estate.</i></p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_41_41" id="Footnote_41_41"></a><a href="#FNanchor_41_41"><span class="label">[41]</span></a> <i>D. Benedict. in. rep. c. Rainutius Verb. in eodem +testamento le.</i> 1. <i>nu.</i> 209.</p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_42_42" id="Footnote_42_42"></a><a href="#FNanchor_42_42"><span class="label">[42]</span></a> <i>Io. de terr. Rub. concl.</i> 9. 10. 11. 12.</p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_43_43" id="Footnote_43_43"></a><a href="#FNanchor_43_43"><span class="label">[43]</span></a> <i>Li.</i> 1. <i>de l'estate de France.</i></p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_44_44" id="Footnote_44_44"></a><a href="#FNanchor_44_44"><span class="label">[44]</span></a> <i>In c. vlt.</i> 24. <i>q.</i> 1.</p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_45_45" id="Footnote_45_45"></a><a href="#FNanchor_45_45"><span class="label">[45]</span></a> <i>In Polyhim.</i></p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_46_46" id="Footnote_46_46"></a><a href="#FNanchor_46_46"><span class="label">[46]</span></a> <i>L. ex hoc D. de Iust. & iure.</i></p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_47_47" id="Footnote_47_47"></a><a href="#FNanchor_47_47"><span class="label">[47]</span></a> <i>In Epist. ad O nagr. & in gen.</i> 49.</p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_48_48" id="Footnote_48_48"></a><a href="#FNanchor_48_48"><span class="label">[48]</span></a> <i>Chrys. hom.</i> 5. <i>aduers. Iudæos.</i></p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_49_49" id="Footnote_49_49"></a><a href="#FNanchor_49_49"><span class="label">[49]</span></a> <i>Glo. Pan. in. c.</i> 1. <i>de cens. Luc. +Pen. in l. decurio. c. de decu. lib.</i> 10.</p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_50_50" id="Footnote_50_50"></a><a href="#FNanchor_50_50"><span class="label">[50]</span></a> <i>Gen.</i> 4. 7.</p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_51_51" id="Footnote_51_51"></a><a href="#FNanchor_51_51"><span class="label">[51]</span></a> <i>Deut.</i> 21. 17.</p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_52_52" id="Footnote_52_52"></a><a href="#FNanchor_52_52"><span class="label">[52]</span></a> <i>Exo.</i> 13. & 22. & 34. <i>Leuit.</i> 27. <i>Num.</i> 3. & +8. & 18. <i>Neh.</i> 10. <i>Ezech.</i> 44. <i>Luc.</i> 2. 23.</p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_53_53" id="Footnote_53_53"></a><a href="#FNanchor_53_53"><span class="label">[53]</span></a> <i>Io. Ign. in. qu. An. Rex Franciæ recognoscat +superiorem. col.</i> 28. <i>Ang. in l. cum Prætor. § +non autem. D. de Iudi. Ias. in l. nemo D. de leg.</i> 1.</p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_54_54" id="Footnote_54_54"></a><a href="#FNanchor_54_54"><span class="label">[54]</span></a> <i>L.</i> 1. <i>c. de tut. vel. cur. Illustr. +c. grandi de sup. negl. præl.</i></p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_55_55" id="Footnote_55_55"></a><a href="#FNanchor_55_55"><span class="label">[55]</span></a> <i>Herod. in Terpsych.</i></p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_56_56" id="Footnote_56_56"></a><a href="#FNanchor_56_56"><span class="label">[56]</span></a> <i>Herod. ibidem Pausan. lib.</i> 7.</p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_57_57" id="Footnote_57_57"></a><a href="#FNanchor_57_57"><span class="label">[57]</span></a> <i>Plut. Aemil. in eius vita. Oros. +lib.</i> 3. <i>cap.</i> 2.</p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_58_58" id="Footnote_58_58"></a><a href="#FNanchor_58_58"><span class="label">[58]</span></a> <i>Plut. in Lisandr.</i></p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_59_59" id="Footnote_59_59"></a><a href="#FNanchor_59_59"><span class="label">[59]</span></a> <i>Ioseph. Ant.</i> 14. <i>cap.</i> 1.</p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_60_60" id="Footnote_60_60"></a><a href="#FNanchor_60_60"><span class="label">[60]</span></a> <i>Liu. lib.</i> 1. 2. <i>belli Punici.</i></p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_61_61" id="Footnote_61_61"></a><a href="#FNanchor_61_61"><span class="label">[61]</span></a> <i>Allobroges.</i></p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_62_62" id="Footnote_62_62"></a><a href="#FNanchor_62_62"><span class="label">[62]</span></a> <i>Plut. in eius vita.</i></p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_63_63" id="Footnote_63_63"></a><a href="#FNanchor_63_63"><span class="label">[63]</span></a> <i>Mich. Riccius.</i></p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_64_64" id="Footnote_64_64"></a><a href="#FNanchor_64_64"><span class="label">[64]</span></a> <i>Cons.</i> 20. <i>lib.</i> 2.</p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_65_65" id="Footnote_65_65"></a><a href="#FNanchor_65_65"><span class="label">[65]</span></a> <i>De l'estate de France. lib.</i> 1.</p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_66_66" id="Footnote_66_66"></a><a href="#FNanchor_66_66"><span class="label">[66]</span></a> Onely the Persians had rather a superstition thē +a law, that no man might be King who had but one eye: +for which cause <i>Cosroes</i> the sonne of <i>Cabades</i> was +preferred before <i>Bozi</i> his elder brother. <i>Procop. lib.</i> 1.</p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_67_67" id="Footnote_67_67"></a><a href="#FNanchor_67_67"><span class="label">[67]</span></a> <i>Bald. cons.</i> 389. <i>l.</i> 1. <i>Socin. cons.</i> +47. <i>l.</i> 3. <i>Card. Alex. in c.</i> 1. <i>tit. an. mut. vel +imperfect. And. Isern. in c. vlt. tit. episc. vel Abb.</i></p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_68_68" id="Footnote_68_68"></a><a href="#FNanchor_68_68"><span class="label">[68]</span></a> <i>L. vlt. D. de senat. l.</i> 3. <i>D. de interd. & rel. l.</i> +2. <i>c. de libert. & eo. lib. l. Diui. D. de iure patr. l. +quæritur. D. de bo. lib. Pan. cons.</i> 85. <i>l.</i> 1. <i>Io. +And. in c. significasti. de fo. comp.</i></p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_69_69" id="Footnote_69_69"></a><a href="#FNanchor_69_69"><span class="label">[69]</span></a> <i>Nubrig. lib.</i> 1. <i>ca.</i> 3.</p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_70_70" id="Footnote_70_70"></a><a href="#FNanchor_70_70"><span class="label">[70]</span></a> <span lang="la" xml:lang="la">Nihil est quod male narrando +non possit deprauarier. Ter. in Eun.</span></p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_71_71" id="Footnote_71_71"></a><a href="#FNanchor_71_71"><span class="label">[71]</span></a> <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">καλόν τὶ γλώσς' ὅτῲ πίστις παρῇ,</span> +<i>Eurip. <span lang="la" xml:lang="la">Res pulchra lingua cui siet fides.</span></i></p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_72_72" id="Footnote_72_72"></a><a href="#FNanchor_72_72"><span class="label">[72]</span></a> <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">τοὺς στρατιώτας πλουτίζετε, τῶν ὀλίγων πάντων καταφρονεῖτε.</span> +<i><span lang="la" xml:lang="la">Milites ditate, reliquos omnes spernite.</span> Severus apud Dionem.</i></p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_73_73" id="Footnote_73_73"></a><a href="#FNanchor_73_73"><span class="label">[73]</span></a> <i>Concilium Baronense.</i></p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_74_74" id="Footnote_74_74"></a><a href="#FNanchor_74_74"><span class="label">[74]</span></a> <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Hæc conditio principum vt quicquid faciant +præcipere videantur. Quint. declam.</i> 4.</p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_75_75" id="Footnote_75_75"></a><a href="#FNanchor_75_75"><span class="label">[75]</span></a> <span lang="la" xml:lang="la">Quæ fato manent quamuis significata non vitantur.</span> +Tacit. 1. hist.</p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_76_76" id="Footnote_76_76"></a><a href="#FNanchor_76_76"><span class="label">[76]</span></a> <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Seris venit vsus ab annis.</i> Ouid. 6. Metam.</p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_77_77" id="Footnote_77_77"></a><a href="#FNanchor_77_77"><span class="label">[77]</span></a> <i>In Polyhim.</i></p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_78_78" id="Footnote_78_78"></a><a href="#FNanchor_78_78"><span class="label">[78]</span></a> <i>Iust. lib.</i> 2. <i>Plut. de fraterna benevolentia.</i></p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_79_79" id="Footnote_79_79"></a><a href="#FNanchor_79_79"><span class="label">[79]</span></a> <i>Antiq. lib.</i> 16. <i>cap.</i> 3.</p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_80_80" id="Footnote_80_80"></a><a href="#FNanchor_80_80"><span class="label">[80]</span></a> <i>Guicc. lib.</i> 1. <i>Blond. decad.</i> 2. +<i>lib.</i> 2.</p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_81_81" id="Footnote_81_81"></a><a href="#FNanchor_81_81"><span class="label">[81]</span></a> <i>Sigeb. in Chron.</i></p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_82_82" id="Footnote_82_82"></a><a href="#FNanchor_82_82"><span class="label">[82]</span></a> <i>L. neque Doroth.</i> 61. <i>l. +doctitij</i> 63. <i>l. neminem.</i> 64. <i>cum +l. pen. & vit. C. de decur. lib.</i> 10 +<i>l. ex libera.</i> 6. <i>C. suis & legit.</i></p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_83_83" id="Footnote_83_83"></a><a href="#FNanchor_83_83"><span class="label">[83]</span></a> <i>L. imperialis.</i> 23. <i>§ his illud. +C. de nupt. l. quincunque</i> 7. <i>C. de princip. agent. +in reb.</i></p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_84_84" id="Footnote_84_84"></a><a href="#FNanchor_84_84"><span class="label">[84]</span></a> <i>L. eos qui.</i> 65. <i>D. de rit. +nupt. l. Etsi</i> 6. <i>C. de nupt.</i></p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_85_85" id="Footnote_85_85"></a><a href="#FNanchor_85_85"><span class="label">[85]</span></a> <i>L. senator.</i> 11. <i>C. de dignit. +lib.</i> 10.</p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_86_86" id="Footnote_86_86"></a><a href="#FNanchor_86_86"><span class="label">[86]</span></a> <i>L. emancipatum.</i> 7. <i>D. de Senat. +facit l. Diuo Marco.</i> 11. <i>C. de +quæst. l.</i> 3. <i>D. de Interd. & rel. l.</i> +2. <i>C. de lib. & eor. libe.</i></p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_87_87" id="Footnote_87_87"></a><a href="#FNanchor_87_87"><span class="label">[87]</span></a> <i>Gl. in d. l. Imperialis. Bar. in l. +si. Senator. C. de dig. li.</i> 12. <i>Bald. +in l. cum suis D. de lib. posth. +Anch. & Phil. Franc. in c. ne aliqui +de priuil. li.</i> 6. 4. <i>Ana. in c.</i> +2. <i>de Iudæ. facit l. ex libera. C. +de su. & le. l. j. § fi. D. de bo. po. co. +ta. l. si neque. §. si deport. D. de +bon. libert. l. filij. §. senatores. D. +ad municipia. l. quicunq; C. de +princ. agen. in reb. lib.</i> 12. <i>& ib. +Luc. Pen.</i></p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_88_88" id="Footnote_88_88"></a><a href="#FNanchor_88_88"><span class="label">[88]</span></a> <i>In d. l. Imperialis. § illud.</i></p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_89_89" id="Footnote_89_89"></a><a href="#FNanchor_89_89"><span class="label">[89]</span></a> <i>In l. si Senat. C. de dign. li.</i> 12.</p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_90_90" id="Footnote_90_90"></a><a href="#FNanchor_90_90"><span class="label">[90]</span></a> <i>In c. licet. de Vot.</i></p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_91_91" id="Footnote_91_91"></a><a href="#FNanchor_91_91"><span class="label">[91]</span></a> <i>In c. ex tenore. qui fil. sunt legit.</i></p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_92_92" id="Footnote_92_92"></a><a href="#FNanchor_92_92"><span class="label">[92]</span></a> <i>In l.</i> 2. <i>§. in filijs. D. de Decu. & in l. moris. §. +sed vtrum D. de pœnis.</i></p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_93_93" id="Footnote_93_93"></a><a href="#FNanchor_93_93"><span class="label">[93]</span></a> <i>Sing.</i> 50. <i>& ib. addit.</i></p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_94_94" id="Footnote_94_94"></a><a href="#FNanchor_94_94"><span class="label">[94]</span></a> <i>In tract. primogen.</i></p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_95_95" id="Footnote_95_95"></a><a href="#FNanchor_95_95"><span class="label">[95]</span></a> <i>In c. Adrianus. di.</i> 63.</p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_96_96" id="Footnote_96_96"></a><a href="#FNanchor_96_96"><span class="label">[96]</span></a> <i>In c. inter ceteras de rescrip.</i></p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_97_97" id="Footnote_97_97"></a><a href="#FNanchor_97_97"><span class="label">[97]</span></a> <i>In l. bona fides. D. deposit.</i></p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_98_98" id="Footnote_98_98"></a><a href="#FNanchor_98_98"><span class="label">[98]</span></a> <i>In tract. nobilitatis. part.</i> 3. <i>ad fin.</i></p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_99_99" id="Footnote_99_99"></a><a href="#FNanchor_99_99"><span class="label">[99]</span></a> <i>In tract. de poten. & excellentia regia.</i></p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_100_100" id="Footnote_100_100"></a><a href="#FNanchor_100_100"><span class="label">[100]</span></a> <i>Pet. Iac. in. arb. succ. Reg. Franc. Io. Ray. +in c. prætereà. de prohi. feud. ali. & in tract. nobil. q.</i> 10. <i>Iac. +à S. Georgio. in tract. feud. D. Benedict. in rep. c. Ramutius. n.</i> +200. <i>de test.</i></p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_101_101" id="Footnote_101_101"></a><a href="#FNanchor_101_101"><span class="label">[101]</span></a> <i>In Artax.</i></p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_102_102" id="Footnote_102_102"></a><a href="#FNanchor_102_102"><span class="label">[102]</span></a> <i>Blond. dec.</i> 2. <i>lib.</i> 6. <i>Mich. Ritius. de Reg. Hung. lib.</i> 6.</p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_103_103" id="Footnote_103_103"></a><a href="#FNanchor_103_103"><span class="label">[103]</span></a> <i>L. si quis. C. de poenis.</i></p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_104_104" id="Footnote_104_104"></a><a href="#FNanchor_104_104"><span class="label">[104]</span></a> <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">δρυὸς πεσούσης πᾶς ἀνὴρ ξυλεύεται.</span></p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_105_105" id="Footnote_105_105"></a><a href="#FNanchor_105_105"><span class="label">[105]</span></a> 1. Cor. 11. 14.</p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_106_106" id="Footnote_106_106"></a><a href="#FNanchor_106_106"><span class="label">[106]</span></a> <i>Dunne</i> a famous thiefe.</p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_107_107" id="Footnote_107_107"></a><a href="#FNanchor_107_107"><span class="label">[107]</span></a> <i>Sapien.</i> 4. 3.</p> + +<p class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_108_108" id="Footnote_108_108"></a><a href="#FNanchor_108_108"><span class="label">[108]</span></a> <i>Iam.</i> 5. 17.</p> + +</div> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="transnote"> <br /> +Transcriber's Note:<br /> +<br /> +Inconsistent and original spelling were retained.<br /> +<br /> +Sidenotes have been replaced with footnotes.<br /> +<br /> +Macrons represent a missing nasal (m, n) e.g. frō = from.<br /> +<br /> +Greek ligatures have been expanded.<br /> +<br /> +Spaced out text (gesperrt) represented in bold.<br /> +<br /> +Table of contents added.<br /> +<br /> +Errata below have been corrected in the text.</p> + + +<p>======================================================</p> + +<p><i>Escapes.</i></p> + +<pre> +<i>Pag.</i> <i>Lin.</i> Errat. Correct. + +7 17 <i>Tresuy</i> <i>Tresny</i> +15 7 for strength of defence of strength for defence +17 17 in hand with hand +41 12 <i>Troiane</i> <i>Traiane</i> +68 1 <i>Beaumane</i> <i>Beaumonte</i> +70 8 example excellent example +71 25 desiled defiled +75 7 <i>Marcher</i> <i>Morchar</i> +77 11 blow of an arrow bow and arrow +84 11 204 200 + 18 those these +102 5 become became + 19 but vpon but by +104 13 <i>Boline</i> <i>Bologne</i> +113 4 <i>Pontoife</i> <i>Pontoise</i> +121 11 <i>Castilion</i> <i>Chastilion</i> +127 19 Bowe Bough +146 8 <i>Aescanius</i> <i>Ascanius</i> +188 4 rancks rancke +201 4 the place that place +209 <i>in marg.</i> <i>principium</i> <i>principum</i> +216 <i>in marg.</i> <i>fata</i> <i>fato</i> +260 7 hose house +279 8 this his +283 18 with great pleasure <i>Dele.</i> +</pre> + +<p>======================================================</p> + +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<hr class="pg" /> +<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LIVES OF THE III NORMANS, KINGS OF ENGLAND: WILLIAM THE FIRST, WILLIAM THE SECOND, HENRIE THE FIRST***</p> +<p>******* This file should be named 38513-h.txt or 38513-h.zip *******</p> +<p>This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:<br /> +<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/3/8/5/1/38513">http://www.gutenberg.org/3/8/5/1/38513</a></p> +<p>Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed.</p> + +<p>Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + + + + +Title: The Lives of the III Normans, Kings of England: William the First, William the Second, Henrie the First + + +Author: John Hayward + + + +Release Date: January 7, 2012 [eBook #38513] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII) + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LIVES OF THE III NORMANS, +KINGS OF ENGLAND: WILLIAM THE FIRST, WILLIAM THE SECOND, HENRIE THE +FIRST*** + + +E-text prepared by Mark C. Orton, Steven Gibbs, Rory OConor, and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team (http://www.pgdp.net) + + + +Transcriber's note: + + Text enclosed between curly brackets was Greek in the original + and has been transliterated into Latin characters. + + + [Illustration] + + + THE LIVES OF + THE III. NORMANS, + _KINGS OF_ + ENGLAND: + + WILLIAM the first. + WILLIAM the second. + HENRIE the first. + + Written by I. H. + + MART. _Improbe facit qui in alieno libro ingeniosus est._ + + [Illustration] + + IMPRINTED AT + LONDON BY _R.B._ + _ANNO 1613._ + + + [Illustration] + + + + + TO THE HIGH + AND MIGHTIE + PRINCE + _CHARLES_ + _Prince of Wales._ + + + MOST _Illustrious_ PRINCE: + +Ovr late, too late borne, or too soone _dying Prince, HENRY of famous +memorie, your deceased brother, sent for mee, a few monethes before his +death. And at my second comming to his presence, among some other +speeches, hee complained much of our Histories of England; and that the +English Nation, which is inferiour to none in Honourable actions, should +be surpassed by all, in leauing the memorie of them to posteritie. For +this cause hee blamed the negligence of former ages: as if they were +ignorant of their owne deseruings, as if they esteemed themselues +vnworthie of their worth._ + +_I answered, that I conceiued these causes hereof; One, that men of +sufficiencie were otherwise employed; either in publicke affaires, or in +wrestling with the world, for maintenance or encrease of their priuate +estates. Another is, for that men might safely write of others in a +tale, but in maner of a History, safely they could not: because, albeit +they should write of men long since dead, and whose posteritie is cleane +worne out; yet some aliue, finding themselues foule in those vices, +which they see obserued, reproued, condemned in others; their +guiltinesse maketh them apt to conceiue, that whatsoeuer the words are, +the finger pointeth onely at them. The last is, for that the Argument of +our English historie hath bene so soiled heretofore by some vnworthie +writers, that men of qualitie may esteeme themselues discredited by +dealing in it._ + +_And is not this (said he) an errour in vs, to permit euery man to be a +writer of Historie? Is it not an errour to be so curious in other +matters, and so carelesse in this? We make choise of the most skilfull +workemen to draw or carue the portraiture of our faces, and shall euery +artlesse Pensell delineate the disposition of our minds? Our apparell +must be wrought by the best Artificers, and no soile must be suffered to +fall vpon it: and shall our actions, shall our conditions be described +by euery bungling hand? Shall euery filthie finger defile our +reputation? Shall our Honour be basely buried in the drosse of rude and +absurd writings? Wee are carefull to prouide costly Sepulchers, to +preserue our dead liues, to preserue some memorie what wee haue bene: +but there is no monument, either so durable, or so largely extending, or +so liuely and faire, as that which is framed by a fortunate penne; the +memory of the greatest Monuments had long since perished, had it not +bene preserued by this meanes._ + +_To this I added; that I did alwayes conceiue, that we should make our +reckoning of three sorts of life: the short life of nature, the long +life of fame, and the eternall life of glorie. The life of glorie is so +farre esteemed before the other two, as grace is predominant in vs: the +life of fame before our naturall life is so farre esteemed, as a +generous spirit surmounteth sensualitie; as humane nature ouerruleth +brutish disposition. So farre as the noble nature of man hath dominion +in our minds, so farre do we contemne, either the incommodities, or +dangers, or life of our body, in regard of our reputation and fame. Now +seeing this life of fame is both preserued and enlarged chiefly by +history; there is no man (I suppose) that will either resist, or not +assist, the commendable or at least tolerable writing thereof, but such +as are conscious to themselues, either that no good, or that nothing but +ill, can bee reported of them. In whom notwithstanding it is an errour +to thinke, that any power of the present time, can either extinguish or +obscure the memorie of times succeeding. Posteritie will giue to euery +man his due: Some ages hereafter will affoord those, who will report +vnpartially of all._ + +_Then he questioned whether I had wrote any part of our English +Historie, other then that which had been published; which at that time +he had in his hands. I answered, that I had wrote of certaine of our +English Kings, by way of a briefe description of their liues: but for +historie, I did principally bend, and binde my selfe to the times +wherein I should liue; in which my owne obseruations might somewhat +direct me: but as well in the one as in the other I had at that time +perfected nothing._ + +_To this he said; that in regard of the honour of the time, hee liked +well of the last; but for his owne instruction, he more desired the +first: that he desired nothing more then to know the actions of his +Auncestours; because hee did so farre esteeme his descent from them, as +he approached neere them in honourable endeauours. Hereupon, beautifying +his face with a sober smile, he desired mee, that against his returne +from the progresse then at hand, I would perfect somewhat of both sorts +for him, which he promised amply to requite; and was well knowen to be +one who esteemed his word aboue ordinary respects. This stirred in mee, +not onely a will, but power to perfourme; so as engaging my duety farre +aboue the measure either of my leisure or of my strength, I finished the +liues of these three Kings of Norman race, and certaine yeeres of Queene +ELIZABETHS Reigne._ + +_At his returne from the Progresse to his house at S. Iames, these +pieces were deliuered vnto him; which hee did not onely courteously, but +ioyfully accept. And because this seemed a perfect worke, he expressed a +desire that it should be published. Not long after he died; and with him +died both my endeauours and my hopes. His death, alasse! hath bound the +liues of many vnto death, face to face; being no wayes able, either by +forgetfulnesse to couer their griefe, or to diminish it with +consideration._ + +_For in trueth he was a Prince of a most Heroical heart: Free from many +vices which sometimes accompanie high estates, full of most amiable and +admirable vertues: of whose perfections the world was not worthy. His +eyes were full of pleasant modestie; his countenance manly beautifull; +in bodie both strongly and delicately made; in behauiour sweetely sober, +which gaue grace to whatsoeuer he did. He was of a discerning wit; and +for the facultie of his mind, of great capacitie and power, accompanied +with equall expedition of will: much foreseeing in his actions, and for +passions a commander of himselfe; and of good strength to resist the +power of prosperitie. In counsaile he was ripe and measured, in +resolution constant, his word euer led by his thought, and followed by +his deede. And albeit hee was but yong and his nature forward and free, +yet his wisedome reduced both to a true temper of moderation; his +desires being neuer aboue his reason, nor his hopes inferiour to his +desires. In a word, hee was the most faire fruit of his Progenitours, an +excellent ornament of the present age, a true mirrour to posteritie: +being so equally both setled to valour, and disposed to goodnesse and +Iustice, as hee expressed not onely tokens, but proofes, both of a +courage, and of a grauitie and industrie right worthie of his estate._ + +_Glorious Prince, my loue and duety hath caried me further, then happily +is fit for the present purpose: and yet this is but an earnest onely of +my earnest affection and zeale to thy Honour. I shall hereafter haue a +more proper place to display at large, the goodlinesse of thy shape, the +goodnesse of thy nature, the greatnesse of thy minde: all thy +perfections, whereby our affections were much enflamed. And euillworthy +may he be of any happy hopes, who will not adde one blast of his breath, +to make vp the glorious gale of thy fame._ + +_In the meane time I haue here accomplished his desire in publishing +this worke: More to testifie to the world the height of his heart, then +for any pleasure I haue to set foorth any thing, to the view of these +both captious and vnthankefull times; wherein men will be, not readers +onely, but interpreters, but wresters, but corrupters and deprauers of +that which they reade; wherein men thinke the reproofe of others, to be +the greatest parcell of their owne praise. But how should I expect any +better vsage? The Commentaries of Caesar, neuer disliked before, are +esteemed by Lypsius, a dry saplesse piece of writing. The most famous +Tacitus is tearmed by Alceate, [1]a thicket of thornes; by Budaeus, [2]a +most lewd Writer; by Tertullian, [3]an exceeding lyar; by Orosius, [4]a +flatterer; then which assuredly he is nothing lesse. I will not expect +any better vsage, I will not desire it; I will hereafter esteeme nothing +of any worth, which hath not many to detract from it._ + +_Whatsoeuer this is, I haue presumed to present it to your Highnesse, +for these causes following: First, for that it receiued this being from +him, who was most dearely esteemed by you; who may be iustly proposed, +as an example of vertue, as a guide to glory and fame. Secondly, for +that the persons of whom it treateth, are those most worthy Ancestors of +yours, who laid the foundation of this English Empire; who were eminent +among all the Princes of their times, and happely for many ages after, +as well in actions of Peace as of Warre. Lastly, for that I esteeme +Histories the fittest subiect for your Highnesse reading: For by +diligent perusing the actes of great men, by considering all the +circumstances of them, by comparing Counsailes and meanes with euents; a +man may seeme to haue liued in all ages, to haue beene present at all +enterprises; to be more strongly confirmed in Iudgement, to haue +attained a greater experience, then the longest life can possibly +affoord._ + +_But because many errours doe vsually arise, by ignorance of the State +wherein we liue; because it is dangerous to frame rules of Policie out +of Countreys differing from vs, both in nature, and custome of life, and +forme of gouernment; no Histories are so profitable as our owne. In +these your Highnesse may see, the noble disposition and delights of your +Ancestors; what were their sweete walkes, what their pleasant Chases: +how farre they preferred glory, before either pleasure or safetie; how +by the braue behauiour of their sword, they hewed honour out of the +sides of their enemies. In these you may see, the largenesse, +commodities, and strength of this Countrey; the nature of the people, +their wealth, pleasure, exercise and trade of life, and what else is +worthy of obseruation. Generally, by these you may so furnish your +selfe, as not easily to be abused either by weake or deceitfull aduise._ + +_The Most High preserue and prosper your Highnesse: that as you succeed +many excellent Ancestours in blood, so you may exceed them all in +Honourable atchieuements._ + + Your Highnesse + most deuoted, + I. HAYWARD. + + +[Illustration] + + + + +THE LIFE OF + +KING WILLIAM + +THE FIRST, + +_Sirnamed Conquerour_. + + +Robert Duke of _Normandie_, the sixth in descent from _Rollo_, riding +through _Falais_ a towne in _Normandie_, espied certaine yong persons +dauncing neere the way. And as he stayed to view a while the maner of +their disport, he fixed his eye especially vpon a certaine damosell +named _Arlotte_; of meane birth, a Skinners daughter, who there daunced +among the rest. The frame and comely carriage of her body, the naturall +beautie and graces of her countenance, the simplicitie of her rurall +both behauiour and attire pleased him so well, that the same night he +procured her to be brought to his lodging; where he begate of her a +sonne, who afterward was named _William_. + +I will not defile my writing with memory of some lasciuious behauiour +which she is reported to haue vsed, at such time as the Duke approched +to embrace her. And doubtfull it is, whether vpon some speciall note of +immodestie in herselfe, or whether vpon hate towards her sonne, the +English afterwards adding an aspiration to her name (according to the +naturall maner of their pronouncing) termed euery vnchast woman +_Harlot_. + +It is remembred by some, rather seruile then fond in obseruations, who +will either finde or frame predictions for euery great action or euent; +that his mother before the time of her deliuery had a dreame, that her +bowels were extended ouer _Normandie_ and _England_. Also, that at the +time of his birth, he fell from his mothers body to the ground; and +there filled both his hands with rushes, which had bene cast thicke vpon +the floore, and streined them with a very streit gripe. The wiues +laughed at large, and soone grew prodigall of idle talke. But the +Midwife somewhat more soberly said; That he should not onely hold well +his owne, but graspe somewhat from other men. + +When he was about 9. yeeres of age, his father went vpon deuotion to +_Hierusalem_; and in his returne died at the Citie of _Nice_. So +_William_ at that age succeeded his father; hauing then very generous +and aspiring spirits, both to resist abroad, and to rule at home. Hee +was committed to the gouernment of two of his vnckles; and the French +King was entreated by his father to take vpon him the protection, both +of his person and State. But his vnckles pretended title to his +dignitie, by reason of his vnlawfull birth; the King of France also +desired much and had often attempted to reduce _Normandie_ to his +absolute subiection, as it was before the inuasion of the _Normans_. So +as it may seeme he was committed to these Tutors, as a Lambe should be +committed to the tutelage of wolues. The onely meanes of his +preseruation consisted in a factious Nobilitie, deuided into so many +parts, as there were parties: Some contending for possession of the yong +Dukes person; others, of his authoritie and power; all of them +incompatible to endure either equals, or els superiours: All of them +vnited against a common enemie; all deuided among themselues. + +Here it may be demanded how he being vnlawfully borne, could succeed his +father in the dutchie of _Normandie_; his father leauing two brothers +borne in lawfull marriage, and much other legitimate kindred behind him. + +_Will. Malmesburie_[5] and some others haue reported, that albeit hee +was borne out of marriage, yet Duke _Robert_ his father did afterwards +entertaine his mother for lawfull wife: which by the Law of that +Countrey, agreeable in that point to the Ciuill and Canon Lawes, +sufficed to make the issue inheritable, although borne before. + +And further, it was a generall custome at that time in France, that +bastards did succeed, euen in dignities of highest condition, no +otherwise then children lawfully begotten. _Thierrie_ bastard of +_Clouis_, had for his partage with the lawfull children of the same +_Clouis_, the Kingdome of _Austrasie_, now called _Lorraine_. +_Sigisbert_ bastard of King _Dagobert_ the first, had his part in the +Kingdome of France, with _Clouis_ the 12. lawfull sonne to _Dagobert_. +_Loys_ and _Carloman_ bastards of King _Loys le Begue_, succeeded after +the death of their father. So likewise in _England_, _Alfride_ bastard +sonne of _Oswine_, succeeded his brother _Egfride_. So _Adelstane_ the +bastard sonne of _Edward_ the elder, succeeded his father, before +_Edmund_ and _Eldred_ his yonger brothers; notwithstanding they were +lawfully begotten. So _Edmund_, surnamed the _Martyr_, Bastard sonne to +King _Edgar_, succeeded him in the state, before _Ethelbred_ his lawfull +issue. Afterward, _Harold_ surnamed _Harefoote_, bastard to _Canutus_, +succeeded him in the kingdome, before _Hardicanutus_, his lawfull sonne. +The like custome hath been obserued in _Spaine_, in _Portugale_, and in +diuers other countreys. And it is probable that this vse was grounded +vpon often experience, that bastards (as begotten in the highest heate +and strength of affection) haue many times been men of excellent proofe, +both in courage and in vnderstanding. This was verified[6] in +_Hercules_, _Alexander_ the Great, _Romulus_, _Timotheus_, _Brutus_, +_Themistocles_, _Arthur_: in _Homer_, _Demosthenes_, _Bion_, +_Bartholus_, _Gratian_, _Peter Lumbard_, _Peter Comestor_, _Io. +Andreas_, and diuers of most flourishing name: among whom our +_Conquerour_ may worthily be ranged. + +And yet in the third race of the Kings of _France_ a law was made, that +bastards should not inherite the Crowne of the Realme. This custome was +likewise banished out of _England_, and other countreys of _Europe_. +Notwithstanding in _France_, other bastards of great houses were still +aduowed. + +The exercises of this Duke from his verie youth were ingenuous, manly, +decent, & such as tended to actiuitie and valure: Hee was of a working +minde and vehement spirit, rather ambitious then onely desirous of +glory: of a piercing wit, blind in no mans cause, and well sighted in +his owne: of a liuely and present courage; neither out of ignorance, or +rash estimation of dangers, but out of a true iudgement both of himselfe +and of them. In peace he was politicke: In warre valiant and very +skilfull, both to espie, and to apprehend, and to follow his aduantages: +this valure and skill in militarie affayres, was alwayes seconded with +good successe. He was continually accustomed both to the weight and vse +of armour, from his very childhood. Oftentimes hee looked death in the +face with a braue contempt. He was neuer free from actions of armes; +first vpon necessity to defend himselfe, afterwards vpon ambition to +offend and disturbe the possessions of others. + +In his first age he was much infested with rebels in _Normandie_; who +often conspired both against his life, and against his dignitie and +State; traducing him, as a bastard, as a boy, as borne of a base ignoble +woman, as altogether vnworthy to be their Prince. Of these, some he +appeased and reconciled vnto him: others he preuented, and dispersed +their power before it was collected: others hee encountred in open +field, before he had any haire vpon his face; where hee defeated their +forces in full battell, then tooke their strongholds, and lastly chased +them out of his dominion. + +And first _Roger Tresnye_, hauing gained exceeding great both fauour and +reputation by his seruices against the _Sarasins_ in _Spaine_, made +claime to the duchie of _Normandie_; as one lawfully descended from +_Rollo_ their first Duke. And albeit many others were before him in +title, yet (said he) if they will sit still; if they, either through +sloath, which is ill, or through feare, which is worse, will abandone +the aduenture, he alone would free the _Normans_ from their infamous +subiection. He was followed by many, partly vpon opinion of his right, +but chiefly of his valour. But when he brought his cause to the +arbitrement of Armes, hee was ouerthrowne in a strong battaile, wherein +his claime and his life determined together. + +After this, _William_ Earle of _Arques_, sonne to _Richard_ the second, +and vnckle to Duke _William_, vpon the same pretence declared himselfe +against his nephew. And albeit the _Normans_ were heauie to stirre in +his fauour, yet hee so wrought with the French King, by assuring him +great matters in _Normandie_; that with a mightie armie of his owne +people, hee went in person, to place him in possession of that dutchy. +The way which the King tooke, led him to a large valley, sandie and full +of short bushes and shrubs; troublesome for horsemen either to fight or +to march. On either side were rising hils, very thicke set with wood. +Here the Armie entred with small aduisement, either for clearing the +passage, or for the safetie of their carriages. The Vaward consisted +chiefly of battle-axes and pikes. In the right wing were many _Almans_ +among the _French_. In the left were many of _Aniou_ and _Poictou_. +After these followed the baggage, with an infinite number of scullians, +carters and other base drudges attending vpon it. Next came the French +King with the maine battaile, consisting for the most part of valiant +and worthy Gentlemen, brauely mounted. The lances and men at Armes +cloased the Rereward. + +When they were well entred this valley, the _Normans_ did liuely charge +vpon them in head; they deliuered also their deadly shot from the hils +on both sides, as thicke as haile. Notwithstanding the Vantgard, casting +themselues into a pointed battaile in forme of a wedge, with plaine +force of hand made themselues way; and marching in firme and close order +through the thickest of their enemies, gained (albeit not without great +losse) the top of a hill, and there presently encamped themselues. The +like fortune happily might the residue haue had, if they had followed +with the like order and courage. But failing herein, the right wing was +hewed in pieces: the left wing was broken and beaten vpon the carriages; +where ouerbearing and treading downe one an other, they receiued almost +as much hurt from themselues, as they did from their enemies. The maine +battaile and Rereward aduancing forward to rescue the carriage, were +first miserably ouerwhelmed with a storme of arrowes from the hill on +both sides: and the gallant horses once galled with that shot, would no +more obey or endure their riders; but flinging out, either ouerthrew or +disordred all in their way. And the more to encrease the miserie of that +day, the dull and light sand which was raised, partly by the feete of +horses and men, and partly by violence of the wind, which then blew full +in the faces of the _French_, inuolued them all as in a thicke and darke +cloud; which depriued them of all foresight and direction in gouerning +their affaires. The valiant was nothing discerned from the coward, no +difference could be set betweene contriuance and chance: All laboured in +one common calamitie, and euery one encreased the feare of his fellow. + +The _Normans_ hauing well spent their shot, and perceiuing the _French_ +in this sort both disordered and dismayed, came downe from the hils +where they houered before; and falling to the close stroke of +battaile-axe and sword, most cruelly raged in the blood of their +enemies. By whom if any sparke of valour was shewen, being at so great +disaduantage, it was to no purpose, it was altogether lost; it was so +farre from relieuing others, that it was not sufficient to defend +themselues. And doubtlesse no thing so much fauoured the state of the +_French_ that day, as that the number of the _Normans_ sufficed not to +enclose them behind. For then they had bene entrapped as Deere in a +toile; then not one of them could haue escaped. But the entrance of the +valley remayning open, many fled backe to the plaine ground; tumbling +together in such headlong hast, that if the _Normans_ had sharply put +vpon them the chase, it is certaine that they had bene extreemely +defeated. But the Duke gaue ouer the execution vpon good aduise. For +knowing himselfe not to be of force vtterly to vanquish the _French_, he +assayed rather by faire forbearance to purchase their friendship. + +Here the French king assembled his broken companies, and encamped them +for that night so well as he could. The ioy of their present escape +expelled for the time all other respects. But after a little breathing, +their remembrance began to runne vpon the losse of their cariages; +whereby they had lost all meanes to refresh themselues. Of their Vaward +they made a forelorne reckoning, and the like did the Vaward of them. +Many were wounded, all wearied; and the _Normans_ gaue notice by +sounding out their instruments of warre, that they were at hand on euery +side. The rudest of the Souldiers did boldly vpbraid this infortunitie +to the King; one asked him where his Vaward was, where were his wings, +where were the residue of his battell, and Rereward. Others called for +the cariages, to preserue those in life who had not been slaine. Others +demanded if he had any more mouse-traps to leade them into. But most +sate heauy and pensiue, scarce accounting themselues among the liuing. +The King swallowed downe all with a sad silence, sometimes he dissembled +as though he had not heard; sometimes hee would fairely answere; _Good +words, good souldiers; haue patience a while, and all will be well_: +which was indeede a truer word then he thought it possible to bee when +he spake it. + +In this extremity the King assembled the chiefe of his commanders, to +aduise with them what was best to be done. It was generally concluded, +that in staying their case was desperate; and dangerous it was to +stirre. But here lay the question; whether it was least dangerous to +remoue together, or euery man to shift for himselfe. Whilest this point +was in debating, whilest they expected euery minute to be assailed, +whilest no man saw any thing but death and despaire; behold, a messenger +came from the Duke, not to offer but to desire peace; and to craue +protection of the French king, according to the trust which _Robert_ the +Dukes father reposed in him. There needed not many words to perswade. +Peace was signed, protection assured, in a more ample maner then it was +required. Then the messenger with many good words appeased the Kings +heauinesse, telling him, that his Vaward was safe, his cariages not +touched, and that he should be furnished with horses both for burthen +and draught, in stead of those that had been slaine. These words, as a +sweete enchantment, rauished the _French_ King with sudden ioy. But when +they came to gather vp their baggage, a spectacle both lamentable and +loathsome was presented vnto them. The valley couered, and in some +places heaped with dead bodies of men and horses: many not once touched +with any weapon, lay troden to death, or else stifled with dust and +sand: many grieuously wounded, reteined some remainder of life, which +they expressed with cries and groanes: many not mortally hurt, were so +ouerlaid with the slaine, that they were vnable to free themselues: +towards whom it is memorable, what manly both pitie and helpe the +_Normans_ did affoord. And so the _French_ King more by courtesie of his +enemies, then either by courage or discretion of his owne, returned in +reasonable state to _Paris_. + +Vpon these euents of open hostilitie, _Guy_ Earle of _Burgogne_, who had +taken to wife _Alix_, daughter to Duke _Richard_ the second, and Aunt to +Duke _William_, conspired with _Nicellus_ president of _Constantine_, +_Ranulph_ Vicecount of _Bayon_, _Baimond_, and diuers others, suddenly +to surprise the Duke, and slay him in the night. A certaine foole, +(nothing regarded for his want of wit) obseruing their preparations, +secretly got away, and in the dead of the night came to _Valogne_, where +the Duke then lay; no lesse slenderly guarded with men, then the place +it selfe was sleight for defence. Here he continued rapping at the +gate, and crying out, vntill it was opened, and hee brought to the +presence of the Duke. To whom he declared the conspiracie, with +circumstances of such moment, that the Duke foorthwith tooke his horse, +and posted alone towards _Falais_, an especial place for strength for +defence. Presently after his departure the conspirators came to +_Valogne_, they beset the house, they enter by force, they search euery +corner for the Duke: And finding that the game was start, and on foote, +in hote haste they pursued the chase. + +About breake of day the Dukes horse tired, and he was ignorant of his +right way. He was then at a little village called _Rie_, where the +chiefe Gentleman of the place was standing at his doore ready to goe +abroad. Of him the Duke enquired the next way to _Falais_. The Gentleman +knew the Duke, and with all duetie and respect desired to know the cause +of his both solitarie and vntimely riding. The Duke would willingly haue +passed vnknowne; but perceiuing himselfe to be discouered, declared to +him the whole aduenture. Hereupon the Gentleman furnished him with a +fresh horse, and sent with him two of his sonnes to conduct him the +direct way to _Falais_. + +No sooner were they out of sight, but the conspirators came, and +enquired of the same Gentleman (who still remained at his doore) whether +he saw not the Duke that morning: as if, forsooth, they were come to +attend him. The Gentleman answered, that he was gone a little before, +and therewith offered them his company to ouertake him. But he lead them +about another way, vntill the Duke was safely alighted at _Falais_. And +thus the more we consider these and the like passages of affaires, the +lesse we shall admire either the wisdome, or industry, or any other +sufficiencie of man. In actions of weight it is good to employ our best +endeuours; but when all is done, he danceth well to whom Fortune doeth +pipe. + +When the conspirators vnderstood that their principall purpose was +disappointed, they made themselues so powerfull in the field, that the +Duke was enforced to craue ayde of the King of _France_; who not long +before was his greatest enemie. The King preferring to his remembrance +the late honourable dealing of the Duke, came in person vnto him; by +whose countenance and aide the Duke ouerthrew his enemies in a full +battell, in the vale of _Dunes_: albeit not without great difficultie, +and bold aduenture of his owne person. _Guy de Burgogne_ escaped by +flight, and defended himselfe in certaine castles which he had fortified +in _Normandie_ for his retreite; but in the end hee rendred both +himselfe and them to the Dukes discretion. The Duke not onely pardoned +him, but honoured him with a liberall pension; which he did afterward +both with valiant and loyall seruice requite. + +Not long after, the French King had wars against _Ieoffrey Martell_, and +Duke _William_ went with a faire companie of Souldiers to his ayde. In +this seruice he so wel acquited himselfe, both in iudgement and with +hand, that the French King was chiefly directed by him; onely blaming +him for too carelesse casting himselfe into the mouth of dangers; +imputing that to ostentation, which was but the heate of his courage and +age. Oftentimes hee would range from the maine battell with very fewe in +his company; either to make discoueries, or to encounter such enemies as +could not bee found with greater troupes. Once hee withdrew himselfe +onely with foure, and was met with by fifteene of the enemies. The most +forward of them he strake from his horse, and brake his thigh with the +fall. The residue hee chased foure miles; and most of them being hurt, +tooke seuen prisoners. Hereupon _Ieoffrey Martell_ then said of him; +that he was at that time the best souldier, and was like to prooue the +best commander in the world. + +And as hee was both fauourable and faithfull towards them who fairely +yeelded, so against such as either obstinately or scornefully caried +themselues, he was extreamely seuere, or rather cruell. When hee +besieged _Alencon_, which the Duke of _Aniou_ had taken from him, the +defendants would often crie from the walles, _La pel, La pel_; +reproaching him thereby with the birth of his mother. This base +insolencie, as it enflamed both his desire and courage to atchieue the +enterprise, so did it his fury, to deale sharpely with them when they +were subdued; by cutting off their hands and feete; and by other +seuerities which were not vsuall. + +Besides these, some others of his owne blood prouoked _Engelrame_ Earle +of _Ponthieu_ to moue against him in armes: but the Duke receiued him +with so resolute valour, that the Earle was slaine in the field, and +they well chastised who drew him to the enterprise. The _Britaines_ did +often feele the force of his victorious armes. Hee had many conflicts +with _Ieoffrey Martell_ Earle of _Aniou_, confederate with the Princes +of _Britane_, _Aquitaine_, and _Tours_; a man equall vnto him both in +power and in skill to command, but in fortune and in force of arme much +inferiour. Many excellent atchieuements were performed betweene them; +insomuch as their hostilitie seemed onely to bee an emulation in honour. +Once the Duke fell into an ambushment addressed for him by the Earle of +_Aniou_; wherewith he was so suddenly surprized, that he was almost in +the midst of the danger before he thought any danger neere him. An +exceeding great both terrour and confusion seazed vpon his souldiers; +because the more sudden and vncertaine a perill is, the greater is it +alwayes esteemed. Many of his brauest men were slaine; the residue so +disordered, or at least shaken, as they began to thinke more of their +particular escape, then of the common either safety or glory. + +When they were thus vpon the point to disband, the Duke rather with +rage then courage cried vnto them, _If you loue me not Souldiers, yet +for shame follow me; for shame stand by mee; for shame let not any of +your friends heare the report, that you ran from mee and left me +fighting._ With that he threw himselfe into the thickest throng of his +enimies, and denounced those either traitours or cowards who would not +follow. This example breathed such braue life into his Souldiers, that +they rallied their loose rankes, and in close order seconded him with a +resolute charge: encouraging one another, that it was shameful indeede +not to fight for him, who so manfully did fight with them. The Duke +brandishing his sword like a thunderbolt, dung downe his enemies on +euery side; made at Earle _Martell_ in the midst of his battallion, +strake him downe, claue his helmet, and cut away one of his eares. This +so diuerted the _Aniouans_ to the rescue of their Earle, that they let +the other part of the victorie goe. The Earle they recouered againe to +horse, and so left the Duke master of the field. Verely, it is almost +impossible, that a commander of such courage should haue, either faint +or false hearted Souldiers. + +Now it happened not long before, that _Fulc_ Earle of _Aniou_ hauing +drawen _Herbert_ Earle of _Maine_ vnder faire pretenses to _Xantonge_, +cast him in prison, from whence he could not be released vntill he had +yeelded to certaine conditions, both dishonourable and disaduantageable +vnto him. _Hugh_ succeded _Herbert_; from whom _Ieoffrey Martell_ Earle +of _Aniou_ tooke the citie of _Maine_, and made himselfe lord of all the +countrey. _Hugh_ hauing lost his dominion, left both his title and his +quarrell to his sonne _Herbert_: who hauing no issue, appointed Duke +_William_ to bee his heire. Hereupon the Duke inuaded _Maine_, and in +short time subdued the whole countrey, and built two fortifications for +assurance thereof; hauing first sent word to the Earle of _Aniou_, vpon +what day the worke should begin. The Earle vsed all diligence and means +to impeach the buildings; but hee not onely failed of that purpose, but +further lost the countie of _Medune_. + +Againe, _Henry_ King of _France_ did many other times with great +preparation inuade his Countrey; sometimes with purpose to winne vpon +him, and sometimes to keepe him from winning vpon others. Vpon a time +the King led his troupes ouer the foord of _Dine_; and when halfe his +army had passed, the other halfe by reason of the rising of the Sea, was +compelled to stay. The Duke apprehending the aduantage, came vpon them +with a furious charge, being now deuided from the chiefe of the Armie; +and either slew them or tooke them prisoners, in the plaine view of +their King. After this they concluded a peace, whereof the conditions +were, That the Duke should release such prisoners as he had taken; and +that hee should retaine whatsoeuer he had wonne, or afterwards should +winne from the Earle of _Aniou_. And yet the King did againe enterprise +vpon him, with greater forces then at any time before: But the Duke +entertained his Armies with so good order and valoure, that the King +gained nothing but losse and dishonour: and the greater his desire was +of victorie and reuenge, the more foule did his foiles and failings +appeare; which so brake both his courage and heart, that with griefe +thereof (as it was conceiued) hee ended his life. And thus during all +the time that he was onely Duke of _Normandy_, he was neuer free from +action of armes: in all his actions of armes hee was caried with a most +rare and perpetuall felicitie. + +As he grew in yeeres, so did he in thicknesse and fatnesse of body: but +so, as it made him neither vnseemely, nor vnseruiceable for the warres; +and neuer much exceeding the measure of a comely corpulencie. He was +most decent, and therewith terrible in armes. He was stately and +maiesticall in his gesture; of a good stature, but in strength +admirable: in so much as no man was able to draw his bow, which hee +would bend sitting vpon his horse, stretching out the string with his +foot. His countenance was warlike and manly as his friends might terme +it; but as his enemies said, truculent and fierce. He would often sweare +_By Gods resurrection and his brightnesse_: which he commonly pronounced +with so furious a face, that hee strooke a terrour into those that were +present. His head was bald; his beard alwayes shauen; which fashion +being first taken vp by him, was then followed by all the _Normans_. Hee +was of a firme and strong constitution for his health; so as he neuer +was attached with sicknesse, but that which was the summons of his +death: and in his age seemed little to feele the heauie weight and +burthen of yeeres. + +In his first age he was of a mild and gentle disposition; courteous, +bountifull, familiar in conuersation, a professed enemie to all vices. +But as in Fortune, as in yeres, so changed he in his behauiour; partly +by his continuall following the warres (whereby he was much fleshed in +blood) and partly by the inconstant nature of the people ouer whom he +ruled: who by often rebellions did not onely exasperate him to some +seueritie, but euen constraine him to hold them in with a more stiffe +arme. So hee did wring from his subiects very much substance, very much +blood; not for that he was by nature either couetous or cruell, but for +that his affaires could not otherwise be managed. His great affaires +could not be managed without great expence, which drew a necessity of +charge vpon the people: neither could the often rebellions of his +Subiects be repressed or restrained by any mild and moderate meanes. And +generally as in all States and gouernments, seuere discipline hath +alwayes bin a true faithfull mother of vertue and valour; so in +particular of his _Normans_ he learned by experience, and oftentimes +declared this iudgement: That if they were held in bridle, they were +most valiant, and almost inuincible; excelling all men both in courage, +and in strength, and in honourable desire to vanquish their enemies. But +if the reines were layd loose vpon their necke, they were apt to runne +into licentiousnes and mischiefe; ready to consume either themselues by +riot and sloath, or one another by sedition: prone to innouation and +change; as heauily mooued to vndertake dangers, so not to bee trusted +vpon occasion. + +He tooke to wife _Matilde_ daughter to _Baldwin_ Earle of _Flanders_, a +man for his wisedome and power, both reuerenced and feared euen of +Kings; but because she was his cousin Germane, he was for his marriage +excommunicate by his owne vnckle _Mauger_ Archbishop of _Roan_. Hereupon +he sued to Pope _Victor_, and obteined of him a dispensation: and +afterwards so wrought, that by a prouinciall Councell his vncle _Mauger_ +was depriued of his dignitie. But by this meanes both he & his issue +were firmely locked in obedience to the Sea of _Rome_; for that vpon the +authoritie of that place the validitie of his marriage, and consequently +the legitimation of his issue seemed to depend. + +When he was about 50. yeeres of age, _Edward_ King of _England_ ended +his life. This _Edward_ was sonne to _Egelred_ King of _England_, by +_Emma_, sister to _Richard_ the second Duke of _Normandie_, who was +grandfather to Duke _William_: so as King _Edward_ and Duke _William_ +were cousins germane once remoued.[7] + +At such time as _Egelred_ was first ouercharged with warres by the +_Danes_, he sent his wife _Emma_, with two sonnes which she had borne +vnto him, _Alphred_ and _Edward_, into _Normandie_ to her brother; where +they were enterteined with all honourable vsage for many yeeres. +Afterward giuing place to the malice of his Fortune, he passed also into +_Normandie_, and left his whole state in the possession and power of +_Swanus_ King of _Denmarke_. But after the death of _Swanus_, partly by +the aide of the _Normans_, and partly by fauour of his owne people, he +recouered his Kingdome, and left the same to his eldest sonne _Edmund_, +who either for the tough temper of his courage and strength, or for that +he almost alwayes liued in Armes, was surnamed _Ironside_. + +Hereupon _Canutus_ the sonne of _Swanus_ made sharpe warre, first +against _Egelred_, then against _Edmund_: and finally after many +varieties of aduenture, but chiefly by the fauour of the Clergie of +_England_ (because they had sworne allegiance to his father) spread the +wings of his victory ouer the whole Kingdome. He expelled out of the +Realme _Edwine_ and _Edward_ the two sonnes of King _Edmund_: of whom +_Edwine_ married the Kings daughter of _Hungarie_, but died without +issue; _Edward_ was aduanced to the marriage of _Agatha_, daughter to +the Emperour _Henry_, and by her had issue two sonnes, _Edmund_ & +_Edgar_, and so many daughters, _Margaret_ and _Christine_. The same +_Canutus_ tooke _Emma_ to wife, who had bene wife to King _Egelred_; by +whom he had a sonne named _Hardicanutus_. + +After the death of _Canutus_, _Alphred_ the sonne of _Egelred_ came out +of _Normandie_, and with fiftie saile landed at _Sandwich_: with purpose +to attempt the recouerie of his fathers kingdome. In which enterprise +hee receiued not onely encouragement, but good assurance from many of +the _English_ Nobilitie. But by Earle _Goodwine_ he was abused and +taken; his company slaine, his eyes put out, and then sent to the Ile of +_Elie_, where in short time hee ended his life. _Edward_ also arriued at +_Hampton_ with 40. ships, but finding the Countrey so farre from +receiuing, as they were ready to resist him, he returned into +_Normandie_, and attended the further fauour of time. So after _Canutus_ +succeeded in _England_, first _Harold_ sirnamed _Harefoot_, bastard +sonne to _Canutus_; and after him _Hardicanutus_, sonne to _Canutus_ by +_Emma_, mother also to King _Edward_. + +_Hardicanutus_ being dead, the Nobilitie of the Realme sent into +_Normandie_ for _Edward_ to be their King; whereto also he was appointed +as some haue written by _Hardicanutus_. But because _Alphred_ his +brother vpon the like inuitation had bene traiterously taken and slaine +before, _William_ at that time Duke of _Normandie_ would not permit him +to depart, vntill he had receiued for pledges of his safety, _Woolnoth_ +son to Earle _Goodwine_, and _Hacon_ sonne to _Swaine_, Earle _Goodwins_ +eldest sonne. Vpon this assurance he was furnished by the duke his +cousin, with all meanes fit both for his enterprise and estate. And so +hee passed the Seas, arriued in _England_, and with generall ioy was +receiued for King. He tooke to wife _Edith_ the daughter of Earle +_Goodwine_; but whether vpon vow of chastitie, or whether vpon +impotencie of nature, or whether vpon hatred to her father, or whether +vpon suspition against herselfe (for all these causes are alleaged by +seuerall writers of those times) he forbore all priuate familiaritie +with her. + +When he was well locked into the chaire of State, Duke _William_ came +out of _Normandie_ to see him, to shew his magnificence to the _English_ +people; to shew to the _English_, both that he loued their King, and +that he was of power to relieue him, in case his necessities should so +require. Here, besides honourable enterteinement, besides many rich +gifts both to himselfe and to his followers, the King hauing neither +hope nor desire of issue, promised him, in regard of his great fauours +and deserts, that hee should be his next successour in the Kingdome. And +for further assurance thereof, sent him also the like message into +_Normandie_, by _Robert_ Archbishop of _Canterburie_. + +After this _Harold_ sonne to Earle _Goodwine_ passed the Seas into +_Normandie_, to deale for the discharge of his brother _Wolnoth_ and +_Hacon_ his nephew, who had bene deliuered for hostages to the Duke. In +his passage he was much tossed with troublesome weather, and in the end +was cast vpon the coast of _Ponthieu_, and there taken by the Earle and +committed to prison. But at the request of the Duke of _Normandie_, hee +was released with honourable respect, and by the Earle himselfe +accompanied to the Duke; who enterteined him with great magnificence at +_Roan_. The Duke was then going in Armes against the _Britaines_; in +which iourney _Harold_ did accompany him, and shewed himselfe a man, +neither rash in vndertaking, nor fearefull in perfourming any seruices +of the field. After prosperous returne, the Duke declared to _Harold_, +the purpose of King _Edward_ concerning the Dukes succession to this +Crowne. _Harold_ did auow the same to be true; and promised to affoord +thereto the best furtherance that he could. Hereupon the Duke assembled +a Councell at _Boneuill_; where _Harold_ did sweare fidelitie vnto him: +and promised likewise by oath, that after the death of King _Edward_, he +would keepe the Realme of _England_ to the vse of the Duke: that he +would deliuer vnto him the castle of _Douer_, and certaine other pieces +of defence, furnished at his owne charge. Hereupon the Duke promised +vnto him his daughter in marriage, and with her halfe the Realme of +_England_ in name of her dower. He also deliuered to him his nephew +_Hacon_; but kept his brother _Wolnoth_ as an hostage, for performance +of that which _Harold_ had sworne. + +In short time after King _Edward_ died, and _Harold_ being generall +commander of the forces of the Realme, seized vpon the soueraignetie, +and without any accustomed solemnities set the crowne vpon his owne +head. The people were nothing curious to examine titles; but as men +broken with long bondage, did easily entertaine the first pretender. And +yet to _Harold_ they were inclinable enough, as well vpon opinion of his +prowesse, as for that hee endeauoured to winne their fauour, partly by +abating their grieuous paiments, and partly by increasing the wages of +his seruants and Souldiers; generally, by vsing iustice with clemencie +and courtesie towards all. About this time a blasing starre appeared and +continued the space of seuen dayes;[8] which is commonly taken to +portend alteration in States. Of this Comet a certaine Poet, alluding to +the baldnesse of the _Norman_, wrote these verses. + + _Caesariem Caesar tibi si natura negauit, + Hanc Willielme tibi stella comata dedit._ + +Duke _William_ sent diuers Ambassadours to _Harold_; first to demaund +perfourmance of his oath, afterward to mooue him to some moderate +agreement. But ambition, a reasonlesse and restlesse humour, made him +obstinate against all offers or inducements of peace. So they prepared +to buckle in armes; equall both in courage and in ambitious desires, +equall in confidence of their fortune: but _Harold_ was the more +aduenturous, _William_ the more aduised man: _Harold_ was more strong in +Souldiers, _William_ in Alies and friends. + +_Harold_ was seated in possession, which in case of a kingdome is +oftentimes with facilitie attained, but retained hardly: _William_ +pretended the donation of King _Edward_, and that he was neere vnto him +in blood by the mothers side. + +Now there wanted not precedents, both ancient and of later times, that +free kingdomes and principalities, not setled by custome in succession +of blood, haue been transported euen to strangers by way of guift. +_Attalus_ king of _Pergamus_[9] did constitute the people of _Rome_ his +heire; by force wherof they made his kingdome a part of their empire. +_Nicomedes_ King of _Bithynia_[10] made the people of _Rome_ likewise +his heire; whereupon his kingdome was reduced to the forme of a +Prouince. So _Alexander_ King of _Egypt_,[11] gaue _Alexandria_ and the +kingdome of _Egypt_; and so _Ptolemie_ gaue the kingdome of _Cyrene_ to +the same people of _Rome_. _Prasutagus_[12] one of the kings of great +_Britaine_, gaue the kingdome of the _Iceni_ to _Caesar Nero_, and to his +daughters. Yea, in the Imperial state of _Rome_, _Augustus_ designed +_Tiberius_ to be his successour; and by like appointment _Nero_ became +successour to _Claudius_; _Traiane_ to _Nerua_; _Antonius Pius_ to +_Adrian_; and _Antoninus_ the Philosopher to another _Antoninus_. When +the Emperour _Galba_[13] did openly appoint _Piso_ for his successour, +he declared to the people, that the same custome had been obserued by +most approued and ancient Princes. _Iugurth_ being adopted by +_Mycipsa_,[14] succeeded him in the kingdome of _Numidia_; and that by +the iudgement as well of _Mycipsa_ himselfe, as of the Senate and people +of _Rome_. + +The holy histories report that _Salomon_[15] gaue twentie cities to +_Hiram_ king of _Tyre_: and if the argument be good from the part to the +whole, he might in like sort haue disposed of all his kingdome. Who +hath not heard of the donation falsly attributed to _Constantine_ the +great, being in trueth the donation of _Lewis_, sirnamed the pious; +whereby he gaue to Pope _Paschal_ the citie of _Rome_, and a large +territorie adioyning vnto it; the instrument of which gift +_Volaterrane_[16] doth recite. So the Ladie _Matild_, daughter to +_Roger_ the most famous Prince of _Cicilie_, and wife to king _Conrade_, +sonne to _Henrie_[17] the 4. Emperour, gaue the Marquisate of _Apulia_ +to the Bishop of _Rome_: which when the Emperour _Otho_ the 4. refused +to deliuer, hee was for that cause excommunicate by the Pope. In like +sort the countrey of _Daulphin_[18] was giuen by Prince _Vmbert_ to the +King of _France_, vpon condition, that the eldest sonne of _France_ +should afterward be called _Daulphine_. Lastly, the Dukes first +auncestor _Rollo_, receiued the Dukedome of _Normandie_ by donation of +_Charles_ King of _France_: And himselfe held the Countie of _Maine_ by +donation of Earle _Herebert_, as before it is shewed. And by donation of +the King of _Britaine_, _Hengist_ obtained _Kent_; the first kingdome of +the English Saxons in _Britaine_. After which time the Countrey was +neuer long time free from inuasion: first, by the English and Saxons +against the Britaines, afterward by the seuen _Saxon_ kingdomes among +themselues, and then lastly by the _Danes_. By meanes whereof the +kingdome at that time could not bee setled in any certaine forme of +succession by blood, as it hath been since; but was held for the most +part in absolute dominion, and did often passe by transaction or gift: +and he whose sword could cut best, was alwaies adiudged to haue most +right. But of this question more shall hereafter be said, in the +beginning of the life of King _William_ the second. + +Touching his propinquity in blood to King _Edward_ by the mothers side, +he enforced it to be a good title: because King _Edward_ not long before +had taken succession from _Hardicanutus_, to whom hee was brother by the +mothers side. And although King _Edward_ was also descended from the +_Saxon_ Kings, yet could not he deriue from them any right: For that +_Edgar_ and his sisters were then aliue, descended from _Edmund +Ironside_, elder brother to King _Edward_. Hee could haue no true right +of succession, but onely from _Hardicanutus_ the _Dane_. So _Pepine_, +when he was possessed of the State of _France_, did openly publish, that +hee was descended of the blood of _Charles_ the Great, by the mothers +side. And albeit the said _Edgar_ was both neerer to King _Edward_ then +the Duke of _Normandie_, and also ioyned to him in blood by the fathers +side; yet was that no sufficient defence for _Harold_. The vsurped +possession of _Harold_[19] could not be defended, by alleaging a better +title of a third person. The iniurie which hee did to _Edgar_, could not +serue him for a title against any other. + +These grounds of his pretence, beautified with large amplifications of +the benefits which he had done to King _Edward_, he imparted to the +Bishop of _Rome_; who at time was reputed the arbitrator of +controuersies which did rise betweene princes. And the rather to procure +his fauour, and to gaine the countenance of religion to his cause, hee +promised to hold the kingdome of _England_ of the Apostolike Sea. +Hereupon _Alexander_ then Bishop of _Rome_ allowed his title, and sent +vnto him a white hallowed banner, to aduance vpon the prowe of his ship: +also an _Agnus Dei_ of gold, and one of S. _Peters_ haires, together +with his blessing to begin the enterprise. + +But now concerning his further proceedings, concerning his victorious +both entrance and continuance within the Realme of _England_, two points +are worthy to be considered: one, how he being a man of no great either +power or dominion, did so suddenly preuaile against a couragious King, +possessed of a large and puissant State. The other is, how he so secured +his victorie, as not the English, not the Britains, not the Danes, not +any other could dispossesse or much disturbe him & his posteritie, from +enioying the fayre fruits thereof. And if we giue to either of these +their true respects, wee shall find his commendation to consist, not so +much in the first, as in the second: because that was effected chiefly +by force, this by wisedome only; which as it is most proper to man, so +few men doe therein excell. Hee that winneth a State surmounteth onely +outward difficulties; but he that assureth the same, trauaileth as well +against internall weaknes, as external strength. To attaine a Kingdome +is many times a gift of Fortune; but to prouide that it may long time +continue firme, is not onely to oppose against humane forces, but +against the very malice of Fortune, or rather the power and wrath of +time, whereby all things are naturally inclineable to change. + +For the first then, besides the secret working and will of God, which is +the cause of all causes; besides the sinnes of the people, for which +(the Prophet saith,) _Kingdomes are transported from one Nation to +another_: King _Edward_ not long before made a manifest way for this +inuasion and change. For although he was _English_ by birth, yet by +reason of his education in _Normandie_, he was altogether become a +_Normane_, both in affection and in behauiour of life. So as in +imitation of him, the _English_ abandoned the ancient vsages of their +Country, and with great affection or affectation rather, conformed +themselues to the fashions of _France_.[20] His chiefe acquaintance and +familiar friends were no other then _Normans_; towards whom being a +milde and soft spirited Prince, he was very bountifull, and almost +immoderate in his fauours. These he enriched with great possessions; +these he honoured with the highest places both of dignitie and charge. +Chiefly he aduanced diuers of them to the best degrees of dignitie in +the Church: by whose fauour Duke _William_ afterward was both animated & +aided in his exploit. Generally as the whole Clergie of _England_ +conceiued a hard opinion of _Harold_; for that vpon the same day wherein +King _Edward_ was buried, he set the Crowne vpon his owne head, without +Religious Ceremonies, without any solemnities of Coronation: so they +durst not for feare of the Popes displeasure, but giue either +furtherance or forbearance to the Dukes proceedings; and to abuse the +credite which they had with the people, in working their submission to +the _Normans_. Now of what strength the Clergie was at that time within +the Realme, by this which followeth it may appeare. + +After that _Harold_ was slaine, _Edwine_ and _Morcar_ Earles of +_Northumberland_ and _Marckland_, brothers of great both authoritie and +power within the Realme, had induced many of the Nobilitie to declare +_Edgar Athelinge_ to be their King: but the Prelates not onely crossed +that purpose, but deliuered _Edgar_ the next heire from the _Saxon_ +Kings to the pleasure of the Duke. + +Againe, when the Duke after his great victorie at _Hastings_ aduanced +his armie towards _Hartford-shire_; _Fredericke_ Abbot of _S. Albanes_ +had caused the woods belonging to his Church to be felled, and the +trees to be cast so thicke in the way, that the Duke was compelled to +coast about to the castle of _Berkhamstead_. To this place the Abbot +vnder Suerties came vnto him; and being demanded wherefore he alone did +offer that opposition against him, with a confident countenance he +returned answere: that he had done no more then in conscience and by +Nature he was bound to doe: and that if the residue of the Clergie had +borne the like minde, hee should neuer haue pierced the land so farre. +Well, answered the Duke, I know that your Clergie is powerfull indeed; +but if I liue and prosper in my affaires, I shall gouerne their +greatnesse well ynough. Assuredly, nothing doeth sooner worke the +conuersion or subuersion of a State, then that any one sort of Subiects +should grow so great, as to be able to ouerrule all the rest. + +Besides this disposition of the Clergie, diuers of the Nobilitie also +did nothing fauour King _Harold_ or his cause: for that he was a +manifest vsurper, naked of all true title to the Crowne, pretending +onely as borne of the daughter of _Hardicanutus_ the _Dane_. Yea he was +infamous both for his iniurie and periurie towards the Duke, and no +lesse hatefull for his disloyaltie in former times, in bearing Armes +with his father against King _Edward_. Hereupon the Nobilitie of the +Realme were broken into factions. Many (of whom his owne brother _Tosto_ +was chiefe) inuited _Harold_ King of _Norway_ to inuade; with whom +whilest _Harold_ of _England_ was incountring in Armes, the residue drew +in Duke _William_ out of _Normandie_. And these also were diuided in +respects. Some were caried by particular ends, as being prepared in +diuers maner by the _Normane_ before hand: others vpon a greedy and for +the most part deceiueable ambition, in hunting after hazard and change: +others were led with loue to their Countrey, partly to auoyd the tempest +which they saw to gather in clouds against them, and partly to enlarge +the Realme both in dominion and strength, by adioyning the Country of +_Normandie_ vnto it. In which regard, (because the lesse doeth alwayes +accrue to the greater) they thought it more aduantageable to deale with +a Prince of an inferiour state, then with a Prince of a state superiour +or equal. + +As for _Edgar Atheling_, the next successour to the Crowne in right of +blood, he was not of sufficient age; of a simple wit and slow courage; +not gracious to the _English_, as well for his imperfections both in +yeeres and nature, as for that he was altogether vnacquainted with the +customes and conditions of their Countrey: vnfurnished of forces and +reputation, vnfurnished of friends, vnfurnished of all meanes to support +his title. So Duke _William_ hauing better right then the one, and more +power then the other, did easily cary the prize from both. + +Now touching the state of his owne strength, albeit _Normandie_ was but +little in regard of _England_, yet was it neither feeble nor poore. For +the people, by reason of their continuall exercise in Armes, by reason +of the weightie warres which they had managed, were well inabled both in +courage and skill for all Militarie atchieuements. Their valour also had +bene so fauoured by their Fortune, that they were more enriched by +spoile, then drawne downe either with losses or with charge. Hereupon +when preparation was to be made for the enterprise of _England_, +although some disswaded the Duke from embracing the attempt; affirming +that it was a vaine thing to streine at that which the hand is not able +to conteine, to take more meat then the stomacke can beare; that he who +catcheth at matters too great, is in great danger to gripe nothing: Yet +did others not onely encourage him by aduise, but enable him by their +aide. Among which _William Fitz-Auber_ did furnish 40. ships with men +and munition; The Bishop of _Baieux_ likewise 40: the Bishop of _Mans_ +30: and in like sort others, according to the proportion of their +estates. + +And yet he drew not his forces onely out of _Normandie_, but receiued +aide from all parts of _France_; answerable not onely to his necessitie, +but almost to his desire. _Philip_ King of _France_ at that time was +vnder age, and _Baldwine_ Earle of _Flanders_ was gouernour of the +Realme; whose daughter the Duke had taken to wife. By his fauour the +Duke receiued large supplies from the state of _France_, both in +treasure and in men of warre: for countenance whereof it was giuen +foorth, that the Duke should hold the Realme of _England_ as hee did the +Duchie of _Normandie_, vnder homage to the Crowne of _France_. Hereupon +diuers Princes of _France_ did adioyne to his aide; and especially the +Duke of _Orleance_, the Earles of _Britaine_, _Aniou_, _Boloigne_, +_Ponthieu_, _Neuers_, _Poictou_, _Hiesmes_, _Aumale_, and the Lord of +_Tours_. Many other of the Nobilitie and Gentlemen did voluntarily +aduenture, both their bodies and whole estates vpon the euent of this +enterprise. So greatly had he either by courtesie wonne the loue, or by +courage erected the hopes of all men: yea of many who had bin his +greatest enemies. With these also the _Emperour Henry_ 4. sent him +certaine troupes of Souldiers, commanded by a Prince of _Almaine_. Hee +receiued also many promises of fauour from _Swaine_ King of _Denmarke_. +And who can assure (for the sequele maketh the coniecture probable) that +he held not intelligence with _Harold Harfager_ King of _Norway_, to +inuade _England_ with two armies at once. So partly by his owne +Subiects, and partly by supply from his Alleys and friends, hee amassed +a strong Armie, consisting chiefly of _Normans_, _Flemings_, _French_ +and _Britaines_, to the number of fiftie thousand men; and brought them +to S. _Valeries_, before which Towne his ships did ride. Here he stayed +a certaine time attending the wind, as most writers doe report; but +rather as it may be coniectured, to awaite the arriuall of _Harold +Harfager_ K. of _Norway_: knowing right well, that the inuasion of +_Harold_ of _Norway_ vpon the North parts of the realme, would draw away +_Harold_ of _England_ to leaue the coasts towards the South vndefended. + +During his abode at S. _Valeries_, certaine English espials were taken, +whom King _Harold_ had sent to discouer both the purposes and power of +the Duke. When they were brought to his presence, with a braue +confidence he said vnto them: _Your Lord might well haue spared this +charge; hee needed not to haue cast away his cost to vnderstand that by +your industrie and faith, which my owne presence shall manifest vnto +him; more certainly, more shortly then he doth expect. Goe your wayes, +goe tell him from me, If he find me not before the end of this yeere, in +the place where hee supposeth that hee may most safely set his foote, +let him neuer feare danger from mee whilest hee liue._ Many _Normans_ +disliked this open dealing of the Duke: preferring to his iudgement the +valour and experience of King _Harold_; the greatnesse of his treasure; +the number and goodnes of his men; but especially his strong Nauie, and +expert Saylers; accustomed both to the fights and dangers of the Sea, +more then any other people in the world. To these the Duke turned, and +sayd: _I am glad to heare this opinion run, both of his prowesse and of +his power; the greater shall our glory bee in preuailing against him. +But I see right well that I haue small cause to feare his discouery of +our strength, when you, who are so neere vnto mee, discerne so little. +Rest your selues vpon the Iustice of your cause and foresight of your +Commaunder. Who hath lesse then hee, who can iustly tearme nothing his +owne? I know more of his weakenesse, then euer he shall know of my +strength, vntill he feele it. Performe you your parts like men, and he +shall neuer be able to disappoint either my assurance, or your hopes._ + +Now _Harold_ King of _England_ had prepared a fleet to resist the +inuasion of the duke of _Normandie_: but by reason of his long stay at +S. _Valeries_, speeches did spread, whether by error or subornation, +yea, assured aduertisement was sent out of _Flanders_, that he had for +that yeere abandoned his enterprise. In the meane time _Harold Harfager_ +King of _Norway_, then whom no man was esteemed more valiant, hauing +assured both intelligence and aide out of _England_, arriued in the +mouth of _Humber_: and from thence drawing vp against the streame of +the riuer _Owse_, landed at a place called _Richhall_. Here he +Marshalled his Armie, and marched foorth into the Countrey: and when hee +came neere vnto _Yorke_, he was encountred by the _English_, led by +_Edwine_ and _Morchar_ the principall commanders of all those quarters. +The fight was furious, but in the end the _English_ were ouerthrowne, +and with a great slaughter chased into _Yorke_. + +Vpon aduertisement hereof, _Harold_ King of _England_ caried all his +forces against _Harfager_. His readinesse was such, and such his +expedition, that the fifth day after the fight before mentioned he gaue +him battell againe; wherein _Harold Harfager_ was slaine, and so was +_Tosto_ the King of _Englands_ brother: _Tosto_ by an vncertaine enemie, +but _Harfager_ by the hand of _Harold_ of _England_. Their armie also +was routed, and with a bloody execution pursued, so long as day and +furie did last. Here a certaine Souldier of _Norway_ was most famous +almost for a miracle of manhood. He had been appointed with certaine +others, to guard the passage at _Stamford_ bridge. The residue vpon +approach of the English forsooke their charge; but hee alone stepped to +the foote of the Bridge, and with his Battle-axe sustained the shocke +of the whole armie; slew aboue fourty assailants, and defended both the +passage and himselfe, vntill an English Souldier went vnder the Bridge, +and through a hole thereof thrust him into the bodie with a Launce. + +If this victory of King _Harold_ had been so wisely vsed as it was +valiantly wonne, he should haue neglected the spoyle, and returned with +the like celeritie wherewith he came. But hee gaue discontentment to his +Souldiers, in abridging their expectation for free sharing the spoile; +and hauing lost many in that conflict, he retired to _Yorke_, and there +stayed; as well to reforme the state of the Countrey, greatly disordered +by meanes of these warres, as also both to refresh and repaire his +armie. + +In the meane time the Duke of _Normandie_ receiuing intelligence, that +the Sea-coasts were left naked of defence, loosed from S. _Valeries_ +with three hundred, or, as some writers report, 896, or, as one _Norman_ +writer affirmes, with more then one thousand saile: and hauing a gentle +gale, arriued at _Pemsey_ in _Sussex_, vpon the 28. of September. The +ship wherein the Duke was caried is said, (as if it had runne for the +garland of victory) to haue outstripped the rest so farre, that the +sailers were enforced to strike saile, and hull before the winde to haue +their companie. When hee first stepped vpon the shoare, one of his feete +slipped a little. The Duke to recouer himselfe stepped more strongly +with the other foote, and sunke into the sand somewhat deepe. One of his +Souldiers espying this, sayd merrily vnto him: _You had almost fallen my +Lord, but you haue well maintained your standing, and haue now taken +deepe and firme footing in the soyle of_ England. _The presage is good, +and hereupon I salute you King._ The Duke laughed; and the souldiers, +with whom superstition doth strongly worke, were much confirmed in +courage by the ieast. + +When he had landed his forces, he fortified a piece of ground with +strong trenches, and discharged all his ships; leauing to his souldiers +no hope to saue themselues, but by onely by victory. After this he +published the causes of his comming in armes, namely: + +1 To chalenge the kingdome of _England_, giuen to him by his cousin King +_Edward_, the last lawfull possessor at that time thereof. + +2 To reuenge the death of his cousin _Alfred_, brother to the same K. +_Edward_, and of the _Normans_, who did accompanie him into _England_; +no lesse cruelly then deceitfully slaine by Earle _Goodwin_ and his +adherents. + +3 To reuenge the iniurie done vnto _Robert_ Archbishop of Canterburie; +who by the practise (as it was then giuen foorth) of _Harold_, had been +exiled in the life time of King _Edward_. + +This last article was added either to please the Pope, or generally in +fauour of the Cleargie: to whom the example grew then intollerable, that +an Archbishop should bee once questioned by any other then by +themselues. + +So the Duke, leauing his fortification furnished with competent forces +to assure the place, as wel for a retreit, as for daily landing of fresh +supplies, marched forward to _Hastings_; and there raised another +fortresse, and planted likewise a garison therein. And in all places he +restrained his Souldiers, either from spoyling or harming the Countrey +people, for feare that thereby they would fall into disorder: but giuing +forth, that it were crueltie to spoile them, who in short time should be +his Subiects. Here the Duke, because he would not either aduenture or +trust his Souldiers, went foorth in person to discouer the Countrey, +with 15. horsemen in his company, and no more. His returne was on foote, +by reason of the euill qualitied wayes: and when _Fitz-Osberne_ who went +with him, was ouerwearied with the weight of his armour, the Duke eased +him by bearing his helmet vpon his shoulder. This action may seeme of +slender regard; but yet did gaine him, both fauour and dutie among his +Souldiers. + +K. _Harold_ hearing of these approches, hasted by great iourneyes +towards _London_; sending his messengers to all places, both to +encourage and entreate the people to draw together for their common +defence. Here he mustered his Souldiers; and albeit hee found that his +forces were much impaired by his late battaile against _Harfager_, yet +he gathered an able armie, countenanced and commanded by diuers of the +Nobilitie, which resorted vnto him from many parts of the Realme. The +Duke in the meane time sent a messenger vnto him, who demanded the +Kingdome in so stout maner, that he was at the point to haue bene euill +entreated by the King. Againe the King sent his messenger to the Duke, +forbidding him with loftie language, to make any stay within that +Countrey; but to returne againe no lesse speedily, then rashly he had +entred. The Duke betweene mirth and scorne returned answere; That as he +came not vpon his entreaty, so at his command he would not depart. But +(said he) _I am not come to word with your King, I am come to fight, and +am desirous to fight: I will be ready to fight with him, albeit I had +but 10000. such men as I haue brought 60000._ + +K. _Harold_ spent little time, lost none (vnlesse happely that which hee +might haue taken more) both in appointing and ordering his Armie. And +when he was ready to take the field, his mother entreated him, first +moderately, then with words of passion and with teares, that he would +not aduenture his person to the battaile. Her importunitie was admired +the more, for that it was both without any apparant cause, and not +vsuall in former times. But _Harold_ with vndaunted countenance and +heart, conducted his Armie into _Sussex_, and encamped within seuen +miles of the _Normans_: who thereupon approched so neere to the +_English_, that the one Armie was within view of the other. + +First, espials were sent on both sides, to discouer the state and +condition of their enemies. They who were sent from the English made a +large report, both of the number, and appointment, and discipline of the +_Normans_. Whereupon _Girth_, yonger brother to King _Harold_ presented +him with aduise, not to play his whole State at a cast; not to bee so +caried with desire of victory, as not to awaite the time to attaine it: +that it is proper to Inuaders presently to fight, because they are then +in the very pride and flourish of their strength; but the assailed +should rather delay battell, rather obserue only and attend their +enemies, cut off their reliefe, vexe them with incommodities, weary +them, and weare them out by degrees: that it could not be long before +the Dukes armie, being in a strange Countrey, would be reduced to +necessities; it could not bee long but by reason it consisted of diuers +nations, it would draw into disorder: that it was proper to an armie +compounded of different people, to be almost inuincible at the first, +whilest all contend to excell or at least to equal other in braue +performance; but if they be aduisedly endured, they will easily fall +into disorders, and lastly of themselues dissolue. _Or if_ (sayd he) +_you resolue to fight, yet because you are sworne to the Duke, you shall +doe well to withdraw your presence; to imploy your authoritie in +mustering a new armie, to bee readie to receiue him with fresh forces. +And if you please to commit the charge of this incounter vnto me, I will +not faile to expresse, both the loue of a brother, and the care and +courage of a Commander. For as I am not obliged to the Duke by oath, so +shall I either preuaile with the better cause, or with the quieter +conscience die._ + +Both these counsailes were reiected by _Harold_: The first out of a +violent vehemencie of these Northerne nations, who doe commonly esteeme +delay of battell a deiected cowardise, a base and seruile deflouring of +time; but to beare through their designes at once, they account a point +of honourable courage. The second he esteemed both shamefull to his +reputation, and hurtfull to the state of his affaires. For what honour +had he gained by his former victories, if when he came to the greatest +pinch of danger, hee should fearefully shrinke backe? with what heart +should the Souldiers fight, when they haue not his presence for whom +they fight? when they haue not their Generall an eye witnesse of their +performance? when they want his sight, his encouragement, his example to +enflame them to valour? The presence of the Prince is worth many +thousands of ordinarie Souldiers: The ordinary Souldier wil vndertake +both labour and danger for no other respects so much, as by the presence +of the Prince. And therefore he did greatly extenuate the worth of the +_Normans_, terming them a company of Priests; because their fashion was +to shaue their faces: But whatsoeuer they were, as he had (hee said) +digested in his minde the hardest euents of battell; so either the +infamie or suspicion of cowardise in no case hee would incurre. Hee +resolued not to ouerliue so great dishonour; he resolued to set vp as +his last rest, his Crowne, and Kingdome; and life withall. And thus +oftentimes Fortune dealeth with men, as Executioners doe with condemned +persons; she will first blindfold, and then dispatch them. + +After this the _Norman_ sent a Monke to offer the choise of these +conditions to _Harold_; Either to relinquish his kingdome vpon certaine +conditions; or to hold it vnder homage to the Duke; or to try their +cause by single combate; or to submit it to the iudgement of the Pope, +according to the Lawes of _Normandy_ or of _England_, which he would. +Againe, some conditions were propounded from K. _Harold_ to the Duke: +But their thoughts were so lifted vp both with pride and confidence, by +reason of their former victories, that no moderate ouerture could take +place: and so they appointed the day following, which was the 14. of +October, to determine their quarrell by sentence of the sword. This +happened to be the birth day of K. _Harold_, which for that cause by a +superstitious errour, he coniectured would be prosperous vnto him. + +The night before the battaile for diuers respects was vnquiet. The +_English_ spent the time in feasting and drinking, and made the aire +ring with showtings and songs: the _Normans_ were more soberly silent, +and busied themselues much in deuotion; being rather still then quiet, +not so much watchful as not able to sleepe. At the first appearance of +the day, the King and the Duke were ready in Armes, encouraging their +Souldiers, and ordering them in their arrayes; in whose eyes it seemed +that courage did sparckle, and that in their face and gesture victorie +did sit. The Duke put certaine reliques about his necke, vpon which King +_Harold_ had sworne vnto him. It is reported that when he armed, the +backe of his Curasses was placed before by errour of him that put it on: +some would haue bin dismayed hereat, but the Duke smiled, and said; +Assuredly this day my Fortune will turne, I shall either be a King, or +nothing before night. + +The _English_ were knit in one maine body on foot; whereof the first +rancks consisted of _Kentishmen_ (who by an ancient custome did +challenge the honour of that place,) the next were filled with +_Londoners_; then followed the other _English_. Their chiefe weapons +were pole-axe, sword and dart, with a large target for their defence. +They were paled in front with paueises in such wise, that it was thought +impossible for the enemie to breake them. The King stood on foot by his +Standard, with two of his brothers, _Girth_ and _Leofwine_; as well to +relieue from thence all parts that should happen to be distressed, as +also to manifest to the Souldiers, that they reteined no thought of +escaping by flight. On the other side, the _Normans_ were diuided into +three battailes: The first was conducted by _Roger Montgomerie_, and +_William Fitz-Osborne_; it consisted of horsemen of _Aniou_, _Maine_ and +_Britaine_, commanded by a _Britaine_ named _Fergent_; It caried the +Banner which the Pope had sent. The middle battaile consisting of +Souldiers out of _Germanie_ and _Poictou_, was led by _Geoffrye +Martell_, and a Prince of _Almaine_. The Duke himselfe closed the last +battaile, with the strength of his _Normans_ and the flowre of his +Nobilitie. The Archers were diuided into wings, and also dispersed by +bands through all the three battails. + +Thus were both sides set vpon a bloody bargaine; ambition, hope, anger, +hate, enflaming them to valour. The duke edged his Souldiers, by +declaring vnto them the noble Acts of their ancesters, the late +admirable atchieuement of their fellow _Normans_ in subduing the +Kingdome of _Sicill_, their owne braue exploits vnder him; by shewing +them all that pleasant and plentifull Countrey, as the purchase of their +prowesse, as the gaine and reward of their aduenture: by putting them in +minde, that they were in a Countrey both hostile & vnknowne, before them +the sword, the vast Ocean behind, no place of retreit, no surety but in +valour and in victory; so as they who would not contend for glory, were +vpon necessitie to fight for their liues: Lastly, by assuring them, that +as he was the first in aduise, so would he be the foremost in aduenture, +being fully resolued either to vanquish, or to die. The King encouraged +his men, by presenting to their remembrance, the miseries which they +susteined not long before, vnder the oppression of the _Danes_; which +whether they were againe to endure, or neuer to feare, it lieth (said +he) in the issue of this field. The King had the aduantage both for +number of men, and for their large able bodies; The Duke both in Armes, +(especially in regard of the Bow and arrowes,) and in experience and +skill of Armes; both equall in courage; both confident alike in the +fauour of Fortune, which had alwayes crowned their courage with victory. +And now by affronting of both the Armies, the plots and labours of many +moneths, were reduced to the hazard of a few houres. + +The _Normans_ marched with a song of the valiant acts of _Rowland_, +esteeming nothing of perill in regard of the glory of their aduenture. +When they approched neere their enemies, they saluted them first with a +storme of Arrowes: _Robert Fitz Beaumonte_ a yong Gentleman of +_Normandie_, beginning the fight from the right Wing. This maner of +fight as it was new, so was it most terrible to the _English_, so were +they least prouided to auoyd it. First, they opened their rancks, to +make way for the Arrowes to fall; but when that auoydance did nothing +auaile, they cloased againe, and couered themselues with their Targets, +ioyned together in maner of a pendhouse; encouraging one another, to +hast forward, to leape lustily to hand-strokes, and to scoure their +swords in the entrailes of their enemies. Then the Duke commanded his +horsemen to charge: but the _English_ receiued them vpon the points of +their weapons, with so liuely courage, in so firme and stiffe order, +that the ouerthrow of many of the foremost, did teach their followers to +aduenture themselues with better aduise. Hereupon they shifted into +wings, and made way for the footmen to come forward. Then did both +armies ioyne in a horrible shocke, with Pole-axes, & the Prince of +weapons the sword: maintaining the fight with so manlike furie, as if it +had bene a battaile of Giants, rather then of men. And so they continued +the greatest part of that day, in close and furious fight; blow for +blow, wound for wound, death for death; their feet steadie, their hands +diligent, their eyes watchfull, their hearts resolute; neither their +aduisement dazeled by fiercenesse, nor their fiercenesse any thing +abated by aduisement. + +In the meane time the horsemen gaue many sharpe charges, but were +alwayes beaten backe with disaduantage. The greatest annoyance came from +the Archers; whose shot showred among the _English_ so thicke, as they +seemed to haue the enemy in the middest of their Armie. Their armour was +not sufficiently either compleate or of proofe to defend them, but euery +hand, euery finger breadth vnarmed, was almost an assured place for a +deepe, and many times a deadly wound. Thus whilest the front was +maintained in good condition, many thousands were beaten downe behind; +whose death was not so grieuous vnto them, as the maner of their death, +in the middest of their friends, without an enemie at hand, vpon whom +they might shew some valour, and worke some reuenge. + +This maner of fight would soone haue determined aswell the hopes as the +feares of both sides, had not the targets of English been very +seruiceable vnto them; Had not King _Harold_ also with a liuely and +constant resolution, performed the part, not onely of a skilfull +commander, by directing, encouraging, prouiding, relieuing; but of a +valiant Souldier by vsing his weapon, to the excellent example of his +Souldiers. In places of greatest danger hee was alwayes present; +repayring the decayes, reforming the disorders, and encouraging his +company, that in doing as men, whether they preuailed, or whether they +perished, their labour was alwayes gloriously employed. So they knit +strongly together, and stood in close and thicke array, as if they had +been but one body: not onely bearing the brunt of their enemies, but +making such an impression vpon their squadron, that the great bodie +began to shake. The Duke aduentured in person so farre, moued no lesse +by his naturall magnanimitie, then by glory of the enterprise, that +besides his often alighting to fight on foote, two, or (as some report) +three horses were slaine vnder him. And hauing a body both able by +nature, and by vse hardened to endure trauaile, hee exacted the greater +seruice of his Souldiers: commending the forward, blaming the slow, and +crying out (according to his nature) with vehement gesture and voice +vnto all; that it was a shame for them who had been victorious against +all men with whom they dealt, to be so long held by the _English_ in +delay of victory. So partly by his authoritie, and partly by his +example, he retained his Souldiers, and imposed vpon them the fayrest +necessitie of courage; whilest euery man contended to win a good opinion +of their Prince. + +Then the fight entred into a new fitte of heate; nothing lesse feared +then death, the greatnesse of danger making both sides the more +resolute: and they who could not approach to strike with the hand, were +heard to encourage their fellowes by speach, to pursue the victory, to +pursue their glory, not to turne to their owne both destruction and +disgrace. The clashing of armour, the iustling of bodies, the resounding +of blowes, was the fairest part of this bloody medley: but the +grislinesse of wounds, the hideous fals and groanes of the dying, all +the field defiled with dust, blood, broken armour, mangled bodies, +represented Terrour in her foulest forme. Neuer was furie better +gouerned; neuer game of death better played. The more they fought the +better they fought; the more they smarted, the lesse they regarded +smart. + +At the last, when the Duke perceiued that the _English_ could not be +broken by strength of arme, he gaue direction that his men should retire +and giue ground; not loosely, not disorderly, as in a fearefull and +confused haste, but aduisedly and for aduantage; keeping the front of +their squadron firme and close, without disbanding one foote in array. +Nothing was more hurtfull to the _English_, being of a franke and noble +spirit, then that their violent inclination caried them too fast into +hope of victory. For, feeling their enemies to yeeld vnder their hand, +they did rashly follow those who were not hasty to flee: And in the +heate of their pursuit, vpon a false conceit of victory, loosed and +disordered their rankes, thinking then of nothing but of executing the +chase. The _Normans_ espying the aduantage to be ripe, made a stiffe +stand, redoubled vpon the _English_, and pressing on with a furie equall +to their fauourable fortune, with a cruell butchery brake into them. On +the other side it is scarce credible with what strength both of courage +and hand the _English_ euen in despight of death, sustained themselues +in this disorder; drawing into small squadrons, and beating downe their +enemies on euery hand, being resolued to sell their liues with their +place. + +But a mischiefe is no mischiefe, if it comes alone. Besides this +disaduantage of disarray, the shot of the _Normans_, did continually +beate vpon the _English_ with a grieuous execution. Among other King +_Harold_ about the closing of the euening, as he was busie in sustaining +his armie, both with voyce and with hand, was strooke with an arrow +through the left eye into his braines, of which wound hee presently +died. His two brothers, _Girth_ and _Leofwine_ were also slaine, and +also most of the nobilitie that were present: So long as the King stood, +they stood stoutly, both with him, and for him, and by him: his +directions supported them, his braue behauiour breathed fresh boldnesse +and life into them. But his death was a deadly stabbe to their courage; +vpon report of his death, they began to wauer in resolution, whether to +trust to the force of their armes, or to commend their safetie to their +good footemanship. In this incertainty many were slaine: Many retired in +reasonable order to a rising ground, whither they were closely followed +by the _Normans_; but the _English_ hauing gotten aduantage of the +place, and drawing courage out of despaire, with a bloody charge did +driue them downe. Count _Eustachius_ supposing fresh forces to be +arriued, fled away with fiftie Souldiers in his company; and meeting +with the Duke, rounded him secretly in his eare, that if hee went any +further hee was vndone. Whilest he was thus speaking, hee was strooke +betweene the shoulder with so violent a blowe, that he fell downe as +dead, and voided much blood at his nose and mouth. In this conflict many +of the noblest _Normans_ were slaine, which mooued the Duke to make a +strong ordered stand, giuing libertie therby for those _English_ to +retire. Others fled through a watery channell, the passages whereof were +well knowen vnto them: and when the _Normans_ did more sharpely then +aduisedly pursue, the place being shadowed partly with Sedges and +Reedes, and partly with the night, they were either stifled in the +waters, or easily destroyed by the _English_, and that in so great +numbers, that the place was filled vp with dead bodies. The residue +scattered in smaller companies, and had their flight fauoured by +increasing darkenesse: the enemie not aduenturing to follow, both in a +strange Countrey, and in the night. Earle _Edwine_ and Earle _Morchar_, +brothers of approoued both courage and faith, did great seruice at that +time, in collecting these dispersed Troupes, and leading them in some +fashion to _London_. + +Duke _William_ surprised with Ioy, gaue publike charge for a solemne +thanksgiuing to God. Then he erected his pauilion in the middest of the +field, among the thickest of those bodies whom death had made to lie +quietly together. There he passed the residue of that night; and the +next morning mustered his souldiers, buried those that were slaine, and +gaue libertie to the _English_ to do the like. The bodie of King +_Harold_ could not be knowen by his face, it was so deformed by death, +and by his wound; by his armour and by certaine markes vpon his body it +was knowen. As it lay vpon the ground, a _Norman_ Souldier did strike it +into the legge with his sword: for which vnmanly acte he was cassed by +the Duke with open disgrace. It was caried into the Dukes Pauilion, +vnder the custodie of _William Mallet_. And when his mother made suite +for it to bee buried, the Duke denied it at the first; affirming, that +buriall was not fit for him, whose ambition was the cause of so many +Funerals. The mother, besides her lamentations and teares, offered for +it (as one _Norman_ writer affirmes) the weight thereof in gold. But the +Duke, with a manly compassion gaue it freely; as holding it +dishonourable both to value the bodie of a King, and make sale of a +slaine enemie. So his body was buried by his mother at _Waltham Crosse_ +within the monasterie which hee had founded. Verely there was nothing to +be blamed in him, but that his courage could not stoupe to be lower then +a King. + +I haue been the more long in describing this battel, for that I esteem +it the most memorable and best executed that euer was fought within this +land: as well for skilfull direction, as for couragious performance, and +also for the greatnesse of the euent. The fight continued with very +great both constancie of courage, and variety of fortune, from seuen of +the clocke in the morning vntill night. Of the _Normans_ were slaine +6000 and more, besides those that were drowned and beaten downe in the +water. The slaughter of the _English_ is vncertainely reported, but +certainely it was farre greater then that of the _Normans_. Certaine +also that their death was most honourable and faire, not any one basely +abandoning the fielde; not any one yeelding to bee taken prisoner. And +yet one circumstance more I hold fit to bee obserued; that this victory +was gotten onely by the meanes of the bow and arrow: The vse whereof was +by the _Normans_ first brought into this land. Afterward the _English_ +being trained to that fight, did thereby chiefly maintaine themselues +with honourable aduantage, against all nations with whom they did +contend in armes; being generally reputed the best shot in the world. + +But of late yeeres it hath bene altogether layed aside, and in stead +thereof the harquebuze and calliuer are brought into vse: yet not +without contradiction of many expert men of Armes; who albeit they doe +not reiect the vse of these small pieces, yet doe they preferre the Bow +before them. First, for that in a reasonable distance, it is of greater +both certainty and force. Secondly, for that it dischargeth faster. +Thirdly, for that more men may discharge therewith at once: for onely +the first rancke dischargeth the piece, neither hurt they any but those +that are in front; but with the bow 10. or 12. rancks may discharge +together, and will annoy so many ranckes of the enemies. Lastly, for +that the arrow doeth strike more parts of the body: for in that it +hurteth by discent; (and not onely point blancke like the bullet) there +is no part of the body but it may strike; from the crowne of the head, +euen to the nayling of the foot to the ground. Hereupon it followeth, +that the arrowes falling so thicke as haile vpon the bodies of men, as +lesse fearefull of their flesh, so more slenderly armed then in former +times, must necessarily worke most dangerous effects. + +Besides these generall respects in many particular seruices and times, +the vse of the Bow is of greatest aduantage. If some defence lye before +the enemy, the arrow may strike where the bullet cannot. Foule weather +may much hinder the discharge of the piece, but it is no great +impediment to the shot of the Bow. A horse strooke with a bullet if the +wound be not mortall, may performe good seruice; but if an arrow be +fastened in his flesh, the continuall stirring thereof, occasioned by +the motion of himselfe, will enforce him to cast off all command, and +either beare downe or disorder those that are neere. + +But the cracke of the piece (will some man say) doeth strike a terrour +into the enemie. True, if they bee such as neuer heard the like noise +before. But a little vse wil extinguish these terrours: to men, yea to +beasts acquainted with these cracks, they worke a weake impression of +feare. And if it be true which all men of action doe hold, that the eye +in all battailes is first ouercome, then against men equally accustomed +to both, the sight of the arrow is more auaileable to victorie then the +cracke of the piece. Assuredly, the Duke before the battaile encouraged +his men, for that they should deale with enemies who had no shot. But I +will leaue this point to be determined by more discerning iudgements, +and happily by further experience in these affaires, and returne againe +to my principall purpose. + +The next day after the victorie the Duke returned to _Hastings_, about +seuen miles from the place of the encounter, partly to refresh his +Armie, and partly to settle in aduise and order for his further +prosecution. First, he dispatched messengers to signifie his successe to +his friends abroad; to the Pope he sent King _Harolds_ Standerd, which +represented a man fighting, wrought curiously with golde and precious +stones. Afterwards placing a strong garrison at _Hastings_, he conducted +his Armie towards _London_: not the direct way, but coasted about +through part of _Kent_, through _Sussex_, _Surrey_, _Hampshire_ and +_Barkeshire_: the wayes where hee passed being as free from resistance, +as his thoughts were from change. At _Wallingford_ he passed ouer the +_Thames_; and then marched forward through _Oxford-shire_, +_Buckingham-shire_, and _Hartford-shire_, vntill he came to the Castle +at _Berkhamstead_. In this passage many of his Souldiers languished and +died of the Fluxe. And whether it were vpon licentiousnesse after the +late victorie, or whether for want of necessary prouision, or whether to +strike a terrour into the _English_, or whether to leaue no danger at +his backe, he permitted the sword to range at large, to harrie freely, +to defile many places with ruine and blood. + +In the meane time the _English_ Lords assembled at _London_, to aduise +vpon their common affaires; but the varietie of opinions was the chiefe +impediment to the present seruice; the danger being more important, then +the counsaile resolute, or the confidence assured. The Nobilitie +enclined to declare _Edgar_ grandchild to _Edmund Ironside_, to be their +King: and with these the _Londoners_ wholy went. But those of the +Clergie were of opinion (some vpon particular respects, all vpon feare +to displease the Pope) to yeeld to the storme and streame of the present +time, to yeeld to the mightie Arme of GOD; that their forces being +prostrated, their hopes feeble and forlorne, they must be content not to +be constrained; they must not prouoke the Victor too farre; against +whose forces and felicities, time gaue them not power to oppose. This +deliberation held so long, that all the time of action was spent. For +the Duke approched so neere the Citie, that many preferring their +safetie before other respects, withdrew themselues and went vnto him. +Hereupon the residue dissolued: and _Alfred_ Archb. of _Yorke_, +_Wolstane_ Bishop of _Worcester_, _Wilfire_ B. of _Hereford_, and many +other Prelates of the Realme went vnto the Duke at _Berkhamstead_; +accompanied with _Edgar_, Earle _Edwine_, Earle _Morchar_, and diuers +others of the Nobilitie: who gaue pledges for their allegiance, and were +thereupon receiued to subiection and fauour. The Duke presently +dispatched to _London_, was receiued with many declarations of ioy, the +lesser in heart, the fairer in appearance, and vpon _Christmas day_ next +following was crowned King. + +Now the meanes whereby this victory was[21] assured, were the very same +whereby it was atchieued; euen by a stiffe and rigorous hand. For +whosoeuer supposeth that a State atteined by force, can be reteined by +milder meanes, he shall find himselfe disappointed of his hopes. A +people newly subdued by force, will so long remaine in obedience, as +they finde themselues not of force to resist. + +And first he endeauoured either to preuent or appease all forren warres, +especially against the _Danes_, who were then chiefly feared in +_England_, as well in regard of their former victories, as for that they +pretended title to the Crowne. And herein two things did especially +fauour his affaires. One, for that the _Normans_ were in some sort +allied to the _Danes_; being the progenie of those _Noruegians_ and +_Danes_, which vnder the conduct and fortune of _Rollo_ inuaded +_France_, & after many great atchieuements, seated in _Normandie_. The +other was, for that after the death of _Canutus_, the state of +_Denmarke_ was much infeebled by diuision. For the _Noruegians_ set vp +_Magnus_ the sonne of _Olaus_ for their King; but the _Danes_ +acknowledged _Canutus_ the third of that name: by meanes whereof that +puissant empire did languish in consumption of it selfe, and could not +be dangerous to any neighbour Countrey. Yet ceased they not for many +yeeres, to continue claime to the Crowne of _England_: But King +_William_ had purchased many sure and secret friends in that diseased +state, wherein all publike affaires were set to sale; especially he vsed +the authoritie of _Adelbert_, Archbishop of _Hamburgh_, either to crosse +all counsaile of hostilitie against him, or else to delay, and thereby +to delude the enterprise, or lastly so to manage the action, that it +should not worke any dangerous effect. + +After the death of _Swaine_, _Canutus_ prepared a Nauie of one thousand +saile for inuasion of _England_; and was aided with sixe hundred more +by _Robert le Frizon_, whose daughter hee had taken to wife. But either +for want, or else by negligence, or happily of purpose, this Nauie +continued, partly in preparation, and partly in a readinesse, the space +of two yeeres, and then the voyage was layd aside. The cause was +attributed to contrarietie of winds; but the contrariety of wils was the +truest impediment. Likewise _Swaine_ had furnished against _England_ a +Nauie of 200. sayle, commanded by Earle _Osborne_ his brother. Another +fleete of 200. saile was set foorth vnder the charge of Earle _Hacon_: +But King _William_ so corrupted them both, that the one departed out of +the Realme without performing any great exploit, the other neuer would +arriue. + +Also out of these confusions in _England_, _Malcolme_ King of Scots, did +take his opportunitie for action. Hee receiued into protection many +_English_, who either for feare, or for discontentment, forsooke their +Countrey; of whom many families in _Scotland_ are descended, and namely +these; _Lindsey_, _Vaus_, _Ramsey_, _Louell_, _Towbris_, _Sandlands_, +_Bissart_, _Sowlis_, _Wardlaw_, _Maxwell_, with diuers others. Hee +entertained into his Court _Edgar Atheling_; and tooke his sister +_Margaret_ to wife. He possessed himselfe of a great part of +_Cumberland_, and of _Northumberland_; wherewith the people were well +content, for that hee was their Earles sisters sonne. + +Hereupon King _William_ sent against him, first, _Roger_ a _Norman_, who +was traiterously slaine by his owne Souldiers, then _Gospatrick_, Earle +of _Gloucester_: These did onely represse the enemie, but were not able +to finish the warre fully. Lastly, hee went himselfe with a mighty armie +into _Scotland_, where hee made wide waste, and in _Lothiam_ found King +_Malcolme_, prepared both in force and resolution to entertaine him with +battell. The great armie of King _William_, their faire furniture and +order, their sudden comming, but especially their firme countenance and +readinesse to fight, much daunted the _Scots_: whereupon King _Malcolme_ +sent a Herault to King _William_, to mooue him to some agreement of +peace. The more that the King was pleased herewith, the more hee seemed +vnwilling and strange: the more he must be perswaded to that, which if +it had not bin offered, he would haue desired. At the last, a peace was +concluded, vpon conditions honourable for King _William_, and not +vnreasonable for the King of _Scots_: whereby all the _English_ were +pardoned, who had fled into _Scotland_, and borne armes against their +King. + +As for the _Welsh_, albeit both their courage and their power had been +extreamely broken in the time of King _Edward_, and that by the valour +and industry of _Harold_; yet vpon aduantage of these troubled times, +they made some incursions into the borders of _England_; but in +companies so disordered and small, so secretly assaulting, so suddenly +retiring, so desirous more of pillage then of blood, that they seemed +more like to ordinarie robbers then to enemies in field. Against these +the King ledde an armie into _Wales_, reduced the people both to +subiection and quiet, made all the principall men tributary vnto him, +receiued pledges of all, for assurance of their obedience and faith. + +Whilest the King thus setled his affaires abroad, he secured himselfe +against his subiects,[22] not by altering their will, but by taking away +their power to rebell. The stoutest of the Nobilitie and Gentlemen were +spent, either by warre, or by banishment, or by voluntary auoidance out +of the Realme. All these hee stripped of their states, and in place of +them aduanced his _Normans_: insomuch as scarce any noble family of the +_English_ blood did beare either office or authoritie within the Realme. +And these ranne headlong to seruitude; the more hasty and with the +fairer shew, the more either countenanced or safe. These he did assure +vnto him, not onely by oath of fidelitie and homage, but either by +pledges, or else by reteining them alwaies by his side. + +And because at that time the Clergie were the principall strings of the +_English_ strength, he permitted not any of the _English_ Nation to be +aduanced to the dignities of the Church, but furnished them with +_Normans_, and other strangers. And whereas in times before, the Bishop +and Alderman were absolute Iudges in euery Shire, and the Bishop in many +causes shared in forfeitures and penalties with the King; he clipped the +wings of their Temporall power, and confined them within the limits of +their Ecclesiasticall Iurisdiction; to maintaine the Canons and customes +of the Church, to deale in affaires concerning the soule. He procured +_Stigand_ Archbishop of _Canterburie_, _Agelwine_ Bishop of +_East-Angles_, and certaine other Bishops and Abbots, to be depriued by +authoritie from _Rome_, and deteined them in prison during their liues, +that strangers might enioy their places. The matters obiected against +_Stigand_ were these. + + 1 _That hee had entruded vpon the Archbishopricke whilest Robert the + Archb. was in life._ + + 2 _That he receiued his Pall from Benedict the fifth, who for buying + the Papacie had bene deposed._ + + 3 _That hee kept the Sea of Winchester in his handes, after his + inuestiture into the Sea of Canterburie._ + +He was otherwise also infamous in life; altogether vnlearned, of heauie +iudgement and vnderstanding, sottishly seruiceable both to pleasure and +sloath; in couetousnesse beneath the basenesse of rusticitie: insomuch +as he would often sweare, that he had not one penie vpon the earth, and +yet by a key which hee did weare about his necke, great treasures of his +were found vnder the ground. And this was a griefe and sicknesse to +honest mindes, that such spurious and impure creatures should susteine, +or rather destaine the reuerence and maiestie of Religion. + +Further, the King caused all the Monasteries and Abbeys to be searched, +pretending that the richer sort of the _English_ had layd vp their money +in them: vnder colour whereof he discouered the state of all, and +bereaued many of their owne treasure. Some of these Religious houses he +appropriated wholly to himselfe; of diuers others he seized the +liberties, which they redeemed afterward at a very high and excessiue +rate. Those Bishopricks and Abbeis which held Baronies, and had bene +free before from secular subiection, he reduced vnder the charge of his +seruice; appointing how many Souldiers, and of what sort, they should +furnish for him and his successours in the time of their warres. Those +strangers which he entertained in pay, he dispersed into Religious +houses, and some also among the Nobilitie, to be maintained at their +charge: whereby he not onely fauoured his owne purse, but had them as a +watch, and sometimes as a garrison ouer those, of whose alleageance he +stood in doubt. + +Now against the inferiour sort of people, knowing right well that hee +was generally hated, hee prepared these remedies for his estate: All +their armour was taken from them, they were crushed downe with change +of calamity, which held them prostrate vnder yoke, and brake the very +heart of their courage: leauing them no hope to be relieued, no hope to +rise into any degree of libertie, but by yeelding entire obedience vnto +him. Those who either resisted or fauoured not his first entrance, he +bereaued of all meanes afterward to offend him; holding them downe, and +keeping them so lowe, that their very impotencie made him secure. All +such as had their hand in any rebellion, albeit they were pardoned their +liues, lost their liuings, and became vassals to those Lords to whom +their possessions were giuen. And if they attained any thing afterward, +they held it onely at the pleasure of their Lords; at the pleasure of +their Lords they might bee despoyled. + +Hee much condemned the iudgement of _Swanus_ the _Dane_, sometimes King +of _England_, who permitted those whom hee had vanquished, to retaine +their former both authoritie and estates: whereby it happened, that +after his death, the inhabitants were of force to expell the strangers, +and to quit themselues both from their societie and subiection. +Hereupon many seuere lawes were made; diuers of all sorts were put to +death, banished, stripped of their wealth, disabled in their bodies by +vnusuall variety of punishments; as putting out the eyes, cutting off +the hands and such like: not onely to diminish his feares, if they were +suspected; but sometimes if they were of wealth, to satisfie therewith +either his pleasure or wants. His cruelty made the people rebellious, +and their rebellions made him the more cruell; in which case many +Innocents were made the oblations of his ambitious feares. Many heauy +taxations were imposed vpon them; their ancient Lords were remoued, +their ancient lawes and policies of State were dashed to dust; all lay +couched vnder the Conquerours sword, to bee newly fashioned by him, as +should bee best fitting for his aduantage. + +Hee erected Castels in diuers parts of the Realme, of which the Towre +neere _London_ was the chiefe, which afterward was increased both in +compasse and in strength by addition of the outward walls. In these he +planted garrisons of _Normans_, as if it had bene in a hostile Countrey; +not without oppression to the people although they remained quiet, and +sufficient to suppresse them if they should rebell. Thus he secured the +Realme against a generall defection; as for particular stirres, they +might happily molest him, but endanger him they could not. _Exceter_, +_Northumberland_, and some other parts did rise against him in armes; +but being vnable to maintaine their reuolt, their ouerthrow did much +confirme his State. + +Hee either imitated or concurred with _Caesar_ in aduise: For, as _Caesar_ +inuaded the _Germans_ which kept the great forrest of _Ardenna_, not +with his owne Souldiers, but with his aides out of _Gallia_; gaining +thereby victory ouer the one, and securitie from the other, without any +dispence of the _Romane_ blood: so after the Kings great victory against +the valiant, but too aduenturous King _Harold_, when many of the English +fled into _Ireland_, and from thence with fresh both courage, and +supplies returned into _England_; commaunded by two of _Harolds_ sonnes; +hee encountred them onely with _English_ forces. In the first conflict +the Kings partie was ouerthrowen, and the valiant leader _Ednothus_ +slaine, who had bene master of the horses to King _Harold_. In the +second his enemies were so defeated, as they were neuer able to make +head againe. So the victorers being weakened, and the vanquished wasted, +the King with pleasure triumphed ouer both. Likewise when he was +occasioned to passe the Seas into _Normandie_, either to establish +affaires of gouernement, or to represse rebellions, which in his absence +were many times raised; he drew his forces out of _England_, and that in +a more large proportion then the importance of the seruice did require. +Hee also tooke with him the chiefe men of _English_ blood, as well to +vse their aduise and aide, as also to hold them and their friends from +working innouation in his absence. + +He enclosed the great Forrest neere vnto the Sea in _Hamshire_, for +which he dispeopled villages and townes, about the space of thirtie +miles, to make a desert for beasts of chase; in which place afterward +two of his sonnes, _Richard_ and _William_ ended their liues; _Richard_ +by a fall from his horse, and _William_ by the stroke of an arrow. The +Kings great delight in hunting was made the pretence of this Forrest; +but the true end was rather, to make a free place of footing for his +_Normans_ and other friends out of France, in case any great reuolt +should be made. Diuers other parts of the Realme were so wasted with +his warres, that for want both of Husbandrie and habitation, a great +dearth did ensue; whereby many were inforced to eate horses, dogs, cats, +rats, and other loathsome and vile vermine: yea, some absteined not from +the flesh of men. This famine and desolation did especially rage in the +North parts of the Realme. For the inhabitants beyond _Humber_, fearing +the Kings secret hate, so much the more deepe and deadly because vniust; +receiued without resistance, and perhaps drew in the Armie of the King +of _Sueueland_, with whom _Edgar Atheling_ and the other _English_ that +fled into _Scotland_ ioyned their power. The _Normans_ within _Yorke_ +fired the suburbs, because it should not be a lodging for their enemies: +but the strength of the winde caried the flame into the Citie, which +consumed a great part thereof, with the Minster of S. _Peter_, and +therein a faire Librarie. And herewith whilest the _Normans_ were partly +busied, and partly amazed, the enemies entred, and slue in _Yorke_, in +_Duresme_, and thereabout, three thousand _Normans_; among whom were +many of eminent dignitie, as well for birth, as for place of their +charge. But in short time the King came vpon them, and hauing partly by +Armes, and partly by gifts dispatched the strangers, exercised vpon the +_English_ an ancient and assured experience of warre, to represse with +maine force a rebellion in a State newly subdued. Insomuch as all the +land betweene _Duresme_ and _Yorke_, except onely the territorie of S. +_Iohn_ of _Beuerlace_, lay waste for the space of nine yeeres, without +inhabitants to manure the ground. + +And because conspiracies and associations are commonly contriued in the +night, he commanded, that in all Townes and villages a Bell should be +runge in the euening at eight of the clocke; and that in euery house +they should then put foorth their fire and lights, and goe to bed. This +custome of ringing a Bell at that houre, in many places is still +obserued. + +And for that likenesse is a great cause of liking and of loue, he +enioyned the chiefe of the _English_ (and these were soone imitated by +the rest) to conforme themselues to the fashions of _Normandie_, to +which they had made themselues no strangers before. Yea, children in the +schoole were taught their letters and principles of grammar in the +_Norman_ language. In their speech, attire, shauing of the beard, +seruice at the Table; in their buildings and houshold furniture, they +altogether resembled the _Normans_. + +In the beginning of his reigne he ordeined that the Lawes of King +_Edward_ should be obserued, together with those Lawes which hee did +prescribe: but afterwards he commanded that 9. men should be chosen out +of euery shire, to make a true report what were the Lawes and customes +of the Realme. Of these hee changed the greatest part, and brought in +the customes of _Normandie_ in their stead: commanding also that causes +should be pleaded, and all matters of forme dispatched in _French_. +Onely hee permitted certaine _Dane_-Lawes, (which before were chiefly +vsed in _Northfolke_, _Suffolke_, and _Cambridge_-shire) to be generally +obserued; as hauing great affinitie with his _Norman_-customes; both +being deriued from one common head. + +Likewise at the great suit of _William_ a _Norman_ then Bishop of +_London_, he granted a Charter of libertie to that Citie, for enioying +the vse of K. _Edwards_ Lawes: a memoriall of which benefite, the +Citizens fixed vpon the Bishops graue, being in the middest of the +great West Ile of S. _Pauls_. Further, by the counsaile of _Stigand_ +Archb. of _Canterburie_, and of _Eglesine_ Abbot of S. _Augustines_ (who +at that time were the chiefe gouernours of _Kent_) as the King was +riding towards _Douer_, at _Swanescombe_ two mile from _Grauesend_, the +_Kentish_ men came towards him armed, and bearing boughes in their +hands, as if it had bene a moouing wood; they encloased him vpon the +sudden, and with a firme countenance, but words well tempered with +modestie and respect, they demanded of him the vse of their ancient +Liberties and Lawes: that in other matters they would yeeld obedience +vnto him: that without this they desired not to liue. The King was +content to strike saile to the storme, and to giue them a vaine +satisfaction for the present; knowing right well, that the generall +customes & Lawes of the residue of the Realme, would in short time +ouerflow these particular places. So pledges being giuen on both sides, +they conducted him to _Rochester_, and yeelded the Countie of _Kent_ and +the Castle of _Douer_ into his power. + +In former times many Farmes and Mannors were giuen by bare word, +without writing, onely with the sword of the Lord, or his head-peece; +with a horne or standing goblet, and many tenements with a quill, with a +horse-combe, with a bow, with an arrow; but this sincere simplicitie at +that time was changed. And whereas Charters and deeds were before made +firme by the subscription of the partie, with crosses of gold, or of +some other colour; then they were firmed by the parties speciall Seale, +set vpon waxe, vnder the _Teste_ of three or foure witnesses. + +He ordained also his counsaile of State, his Chancery, his Exchequer, +his Courts of Iustice, which alwaies remoued with his Court. These +places he furnished with Officers, and assigned foure Termes in the yere +for determining controuersies among the people: whereas before all +suites were summarily heard and determined in the _Gemote_ or monthly +conuention in euery hundred, without either formalities or delay. + +He caused the whole Realme to be described in a censuall Roll, so as +there was not one Hide of land, but both the yerely rent and the owner +thereof, was therein set downe; how many plowlands, what pastures, +fennes, or marishes; what woods, parkes, farmes and tenements were in +euery shire; and what euery one was worth. Also how many villaines euery +man had, what beasts or cattell, what fees, what other goods, what rent +or commoditie his possessions did yeeld. This booke was called _The Roll +of Winton_, because it was kept in the Citie of _Winchester_. By the +_English_ it was called _Doomes day booke_; either by reason of the +generalitie thereof, or else corruptly in stead of _Domus Dei booke_; +for that it was layed in the Church of _Winchester_, in a place called +_Domus Dei_. According to this Roll taxations were imposed; sometimes +two shillings, and sometimes sixe shillings vpon euery hide of land (a +hide conteyning 20. acres,) besides ordinarie prouision for his house. + +In all those lands which hee gaue to any man, he reserued _Dominion in +chiefe_ to himselfe: for acknowledgement whereof a yeerely rent was payd +vnto him, and likewise a fine whensoeuer the Tenant did alien or die. +These were bound as Clients vnto him by oath of fidelitie and homage; +And if any died his heire being in minoritie, the King receiued the +profits of the land, and had the custodie and disposing of the heires +body, vntill his age of one and twentie yeeres. + +It is reported of _Caligula_,[23] that when he entended to make +aduantage of his penal Edicts, he caused them to be written in so small +letters, and the tables of them to be fastened so high, that it was +almost impossible for any man to read them. So the King caused part of +those Lawes that he established, to be written in the _Norman_ language, +which was a barbarous and broken _French_, not well vnderstood of the +naturall _French_, and not at all of the vulgar _English_. The residue +were not written at all, but left almost arbitrarie, to be determined by +reason and discretion at large. Hereupon it followed, partly through +ignorance of the people, and partly through the malice of some officers +of Iustice, who many times are instruments of secret and particular +ends; that many were extreamely intangled, many endangered, many rather +made away, then iustly executed. + +But here it may be questioned, seeing these Lawes were layed vpon the +_English_, as fetters about their feet, as a ponderous yoke vpon their +necke, to depresse and deteine them in sure subiection; how it falleth, +that afterward they became not onely tolerable, but acceptable and well +esteemed. + +Assuredly, these lawes were exceeding harsh and heauy to the _English_ +at the first: And therefore K. _William Rufus_, and _Henry_ the first, +at such time as _Robert_ their eldest brother came in armes against them +to challenge the crowne, being desirous to winne the fauour of the +people, did fill them with faire promises, to abrogate the lawes of K. +_William_ their father, and to restore to them the Lawes of K. _Edward_. +The like was done by K. _Stephen_, and by K. _Henry_ the second; whilest +both contending to draw the State to himselfe, they did most grieuously +teare it in pieces. The like by others of the first Kings of the +_Norman_ race, whensoeuer they were willing to giue contentment to the +people: who desired no other reward for all their aduentures and +labours, for al their blood spent in the seruice of their Kings, but to +haue the Lawes of K. _Edward_ restored. At the last the Nobilitie of the +Realme, with great dispence both of their estates and blood, purchased a +Charter of libertie, First from K. _Iohn_, which was soone reuoked, as +violently enforced from him: afterwards from King _Henry_ the third, +which remained in force. And hereby the sharpe seuerity of these lawes +was much abated. + +In that afterwards they became, not onely tolerable, but easie and +sweete, and happily not fit to bee changed, it is by force of long +grounded custome, whereby those vsages which our ancestors haue obserued +for many ages, do neuer seeme either grieuous or odious to bee endured. +So _Nicetas_ writing of certaine Christians, who by long conuersing with +the _Turkes_, had defiled themselues with Turkish fashions, +_Custome_[24] (saith he) _winneth such strength by time, that it is more +firme then either Nature or Religion_. Hereupon _Dio. Chrysostome_ +compareth Customes to a King,[25] and Edicts to a Tyrant; because we are +subiect voluntarily to the one, but by constraint and vpon necessitie to +the other. _It is manifest_ (saith _Agathias_) _that vnder whatsoeuer +law a people hath liued, they doe esteeme the same most excellent and +diuine_.[26] _Herodotus_ reporteth, that _Darius_ the sonne of +_Hysdaspis_, hauing vnder his Dominion certaine _Grecians_ of _Asia_, +who accustomed to burne their dead parents and friends, and certaine +nations of _India_, who vsed to eate them; called the _Grecians_ before +him: and told them that it was his pleasure, that they should conforme +themselues to the custome of the _Indians_, in eating their deceased +friends. But they applied all meanes of intreatie and perswasion, that +they might not be inforced, to such a barbarous, or rather brutish +obseruation. Then hee sent for the _Indians_, and mooued them to +conformitie with the _Grecians_; but found that they did farre more +abhorre to burne their dead, then the _Grecians_ did to eate them. + +Now these seuerities of the King were much aggrauated by the _English_, +and esteemed not farre short of cruelties. Notwithstanding hee tempered +it with many admirable actions both of iustice and of clemencie and +mercie: for which hee is much extolled by the _Normane_[27] writers. Hee +gaue great priuiledges to many places; & the better to giue the people +contentment, and to hold them quiet, he often times renued the oath +which first he tooke at his Coronation: namely, _to defend the holy +Church of God, the pastors thereof, and the people subiect to him iustly +to gouerne, to ordaine good lawes, and obserue true iustice, and to the +vttermost of his power to withstand all rapines and false Iudgements._ +Such of the nobilitie as had been taken in rebellion, were onely +committed to prison; from which they were released in time: such as +yeelded and submitted themselues, were freely pardoned, and often times +receiued to fauour, trust, and imployment. + +_Edric_, the first that rebelled after hee was King, he held neere and +assured vnto him. _Gospatric_ who had been a stirrer of great +commotions, he made Earle of _Glocester_, and employed him against +_Malcolme_ King of _Scots_. _Eustace_ Earle of _Bologne_, who vpon +occasion of the Kings first absence in _Normandie_ attempted to surprize +the Castle of _Douer_, he imbraced afterward with great shew of loue and +respect. _Waltheof_ sonne to Earle _Siward_, who in defending the Citie +of _Yorke_ against him, had slaine many _Normans_, as they assayed to +enter a breach, hee ioyned in marriage to his Neece _Iudeth_. _Edgar_ +who was the ground and hope of all conspiracies, who after his first +submission to the King, fled into _Scotland_, and maintained open +hostilitie against him, who pretended title to the Crowne as next heire +to the _Saxon_ Kings, he not onely receiued to fauour, but honoured +with faire enterteinments. Hee furnished him to the warre of +_Palestine_, where he atteined an honourable estimation with the +Emperours of _Almaine_ and of _Greece_. After his returne he was allowed +20. shillings a day by way of pension, and large liuings in the +Countrey, where he mellowed to old age in pleasure and vacancie of +affaires; preferring safe subiection, before ambitious rule accompanied +both with danger and disquiet. + +Thus was no man more milde to a relenting and vanquished enemie; as +farre from crueltie, as he was from cowardice, the height of his spirit, +ouerlooking all casuall, all doubtfull and vncertaine dangers. Other +great offenders he punished commonly by exile or imprisonment, seldome +by death. Onely among the _English_ Nobilitie Earle _Waltheof_ was put +to death, for that after twice breaking allegiance, he conspired the +third time with diuers both _English_ and _Normans_ to receiue the +_Danes_ into _England_, whilest the King was absent in _Normandie_. And +for the same conspiracie _Ralph Fitz-aubert_ a _Norman_ was also +executed; who had furnished 40. ships for the King in his voiage for +_England_: for which and for his other seruices in that warre, he was +afterward created Earle of _Hereford_. But present iniuries doe alwayes +ouerballance benefits that are past. + +He much delighted in hunting and in feasting. For the first he enclosed +many forrests and parks, and filled them with Deere; which he so deerely +loued, that he ordained great penalties for such as should kill those or +any other beasts of game. For the second hee made many sumptuous feasts, +especially vpon the high Festiuall dayes in the yeere. His _Christmasse_ +hee often kept at _Glocester_, his _Easter_ at _Winchester_, his +_Whitsontide_ at _Westminster_; and was crowned once in the yeere at one +of these places, so long as he continued in _England_. To these feasts +he inuited all his Nobilitie, and did then principally compose himselfe +to courtesie, as well in familiar conuersation, as in facilitie to grant +suits, and to giue pardon to such as had offended. At other times he was +more Maiesticall and seuere; and imployed himselfe both to much exercise +and great moderation in diet; whereby he preserued his body in good +state, both of health and strength, and was easily able to endure +trauaile, hunger, heat, cold, and all other hardnesse both of labour and +of want. + +Many wrongs he would not see, of many smarts he would not complaine; he +was absolute master of himselfe, and thereby learned to subdue others. +He was much commended for chastitie of body; by which his Princely +actions were much aduanced. And albeit the beginning of his reigne was +pestered with such routs of outlawes and robbers, that the peaceable +people could not accompt themselues in surety within their owne doores; +hee so well prouided for execution of Iustice vpon offenders, or rather +for cutting off the causes of offence; that a young maiden well charged +with gold, might trauaile in any part of the Realme, without any offer +of iniurie vnto her. For if any man had slaine another vpon any cause, +he was put to death; and if he could not be found, the hundred paide a +fine to the King; sometimes 28. and sometimes 36. pounds, according to +the largenesse of the hundred in extent. If a man had oppressed any +woman, he was depriued of his priuie parts. As the people by Armes, so +Armes by lawes were held in restraint. + +He talked little and bragged lesse: a most assured performer of his +word: In prosecution or his purposes constant and strong, and yet not +obstinate; but alwayes appliable to the change of occasions: earnest, +yea violent, both to resist his enemies, and to exact dueties of his +Subiects. He neither loued much speech, nor gaue credite to faire; but +trusted truely to himselfe, to others so farre as he might not be abused +by credulitie. + +His expedition (the spirit of actions and affaires) may hereby appeare. +He inuaded _England_ about the beginning of October; He subdued all +resistance, he suppressed all rising Rebellions, and returned into +_Normandy_ in March following. So as the time of the yeere considered, a +man should hardly trauaile through the land in so short a time as he did +win it. A greater exploit then _Iulius Caesar_ or any other stranger +could euer atchieue vpon that place. + +He gaue many testimonies of a Religious minde. For he did often frequent +Diuine seruice in the Church, he gaue much Almes, hee held the Clergie +in great estimation, and highly honoured the Prelats of the Church. He +sent many costly ornaments, many rich presents of gold and siluer to the +Church of _Rome_; his _Peter_ paiments went more readily, more largely +then euer before. To diuers Churches in _France_ after his victorie he +sent Crosses of gold, vessels of gold, rich Palles, or other ornaments +of great beautie and price. He bare such reuerence to _Lanfranck_ +Archbishop of _Canterburie_, that he seemed to stand at his directions. +At the request of _Wolstane_ Bishop of _Worcester_, he gaue ouer a great +aduantage that he made by sale of prisoners taken in _Ireland_. He +respected _Aldred_ Archbishop of _Yorke_, by whom he had bene crowned +King of _England_, as his father. At a time vpon the repulse of a +certaine suit, the Archbishop brake forth into discontentment, +expostulated sharpely against the King, and in a humorous heat offered +to depart. But the King staied him, fell downe at his feet, desired +pardon, and promised satisfaction in the best maner that he could. The +Nobilitie that were present, put the Archbishop in minde that he should +cause the King to arise. Nay (answered the Archb.) let him alone; Let +him still abide at S. _Peters_ feet. So with much adoe he was appeased, +and entreated to accept his suite. And so the name of Saint _Peter_, and +of the Church hath been often vsed as a mantle, to couer the pride, +passions and pleasures of disordered men. + +He founded and enlarged many houses of Religion: Hee furnished +Ecclesiasticall dignities, with men of more sufficiencie and worth then +had been vsuall in former times. And because within his owne Dominions +studies did not flourish and thriue, by reason of the turbulent times, +by reason of the often inuasions of barbarous people, whose knowledge +lay chiefly in their fists; hee drew out of _Italy_ and other places +many famous men, both for learning and integritie of life, to wit, +_Lanfranke_, _Anselm_, _Durand_, _Traherne_ and others. These he +honoured, these hee aduanced, to these hee expressed great testimonies +both of fauour and regard. + +And yet he preferred _Odo_ his brother by the mothers side to the +Bishopricke of _Baion_, and afterwards created him Earle of _Kent_: A +man proud, vaine, mutinous, ambitious; outragious in oppression, cruelty +and lust; a prophaner of Religion, a manifest contemner of all vertue. +The King being called by occasions into _Normandie_, committed vnto him +the gouernment of the Realme: In which place of credite and command he +furnished himselfe so fully with treasure, that hee aspired to the +Papacie of _Rome_: vpon a prediction then cast abroad, (which commonly +deceiue those that trust vnto them) that the successour of _Hildebrand_ +was named _Odo_. So filled with proud hopes, hee purchased a palace and +friends at _Rome_; hee prepared for his iourney, and drew many gentlemen +to be of his traine. But the King returning suddenly out of _Normandie_, +met with him in the _Isle of Wight_, as he was ready to take the Seas. +There hee was arrested, and afterwards charged with infinite +oppressions; also for seducing the Kings subiects to forsake the Realme; +and lastly, for sacrilegious spoyling of many Churches. Hereupon his +treasure was seized, and he was committed to prison; not as Bishop of +_Baion_, but as Earle of _Kent_, and as an accomptant to the King. And +so he remained about foure yeeres, euen vntill the death of the King. +His seruants, some in falshood, and some for feare, discouered such +hidden heapes of his gold, as did exceede all expectation: yea, many +bagges of grinded gold were drawen out of riuers, wherein the Bishop had +caused them for a time to be buried. After this hee was called the Kings +spunge: as being preferred by him to that place of charge, wherein he +might in long time sucke that from others, which should at once be +pressed from himselfe. By this meanes the King had the benefit of his +oppression without the blame; and the people (being no deepe searchers +into secrets of State) were so well pleased with the present punishment, +as they were thereby, although not satisfied, yet well quieted for all +their wrongs. + +Towards the end of his reigne he appointed his two sonnes, _Robert_ and +_Henry_, with ioynt authoritie, gouernours of _Normandie_; the one to +suppresse either the insolencie, or leuitie of the other. These went +together to visit the _French_ King, lying at _Conflance_: where +entertaining the time with varietie of disports, _Henry_ played with +_Louis_ then _Daulphine_ of _France_ at Chesse, and did win of him very +much. Here at _Louis_ beganne to growe warme in words, and was therein +little respected by _Henry_. The great impatiencie of the one, and the +small forbearance of the other, did strike in the end such a heate +betweene them, that _Louis_ threw the Chesse-men at _Henries_ face, and +called him the sonne of a bastard. _Henrie_ againe stroke _Louis_ with +the Chesse-boord, drew blood with the blowe, and had presently slaine +him vpon the place, had hee not been stayed by his brother _Robert_. +Hereupon they presently went to horse, and their spurres claimed so good +haste, as they recouered _Pontoise_, albeit they were sharpely pursued +by the _French_. + +It had been much for the _French_ King to haue remained quiet, albeit no +prouocations had happened, in regard of his pretence to many pieces +which King _William_ did possesse in _France_. But vpon this occasion he +presently inuaded _Normandie_, tooke the Citie of _Vernon_, and drew +_Robert_, King _Williams_ eldest sonne, to combine with him against his +owne father. On the other side King _William_, who neuer lost anything +by loosing of time, with incredible celeritie passed into _France_; +inuaded the _French_ Kings dominions, wasted and tooke many principall +places of _Zantoigne_ and _Poictou_, returned to _Roan_, and there +reconciled his sonne _Robert_ vnto him. The _French_ King summoned him +to doe his homage for the kingdome of _England_. For the Duchie of +_Normandie_ he offered him homage, but the kingdome of _England_ (he +said) he held of no man, but onely of God, and by his sword. Hereupon +the _French_ King came strongly vpon him; but finding him both ready +and resolute to answere in the field: finding also that his hazard was +greater then his hope; that his losse by ouerthrow would farre surmount +his aduantage by victory; after a few light encounters he retired: +preferring the care to preserue himselfe, before the desire to harme +others. + +King _William_ being then both corpulent and in yeeres, was distempered +in body by meanes of those trauailes, and so retired to _Roan_; where +hee remained not perfectly in health. The _French_ King hearing of his +sickenesse, pleasantly said, that hee lay in child-bed of his great +belly. This would haue been taken in mirth, if some other had spoken it; +but comming from an enemie, it was taken in scorne. And as great +personages are most sencible of reproach, and the least touch of honour +maketh a wide and incurable wound; so King _William_ was so nettled with +this ieast, that hee swore _By Gods resurrection and his brightnesse_, +(for this was the vsuall forme of his oath) that so soone as hee should +be churched of that child, he would offer a thousand lights in _France_. +So presently after his recouery hee entred _France_ in armes, tooke the +Citie of _Meux_, set many Townes and Villages and corne fields on fire; +the people abandoning all places where he came, and giuing foorth, that +it was better the nests should be destroyed, then that the birds should +be taken in them. At the last he came before _Paris_, where _Philip_ +King of _France_ did then abide: to whom he sent word, that he had +recouered to be on foote, and was walking about, and would be glad +likewise to find him abroad. This enterprise was acted in the moneth of +August, wherein the King was so violent and sharpe, that by reason both +of his trauaile, and of the vnseasonable heate, he fell into a relapse +of his sicknesse. And to accomplish his mishap, in leaping on +horse-backe ouer a ditch, his fat belly did beare so hard vpon the +pommell of his saddle, that hee tooke a rupture in his inner parts. And +so ouercharged with sickenesse, and paine, and disquietnesse of minde, +hee returned to _Roan_; where his sickenesse increased by such dangerous +degrees, that in short time it led him to the period of his dayes. + +During the time of his sickenesse hee was much molested in +conscience,[28] for the blood which hee had spilt, and for the seueritie +which he had vsed against the _English_: holding himselfe for that +cause more guilty before God, then glorious among men. Hee spent many +good speeches in reconciling himselfe to God and the world, & in +exhorting others to vertue and Religion. He gaue great summes of money +to the Clergie of _Meux_, and of some other places in _France_, to +repaire the Churches which a little before he had defaced. To some +Monasteries he gaue tenne markes of gold, and to others sixe. To euery +Parish Church hee gaue fiue shillings, and to euery Borough Towne a +hundred pounds for reliefe of the poore. Hee gaue his Crowne, with all +the ornaments therto belonging, to the Church of Saint _Stephen_ in +_Caen_, which hee had founded: for redeeming whereof, King _Henry_ the +first did afterwards giue to the same Church the Mannour of _Brideton_ +in _Dorcetshire_. Hee reteined perfect memorie and speach so long as he +reteined any breath. Hee ended his life vpon the ninth day of September: +full both of honour and of age, when hee had reigned twenty yeeres, +eight moneths and sixteene dayes; in the threescore and fourth yeere of +his age. + +So soone as he was dead, the chiefe men that were about him went to +horse, and departed forthwith to their owne dwellings: to prouide for +the safety of themselues, and of their families and estates. For all men +were possessed with a marueilous feare, that some dangerous aduentures +would ensue. The seruants and inferiour Officers also fled away; and to +double the basenesse of their disposition, tooke with them whatsoeuer +was portable about the king; his Armour, plate, apparell, +household-stuffe, all things were held as lawfull bootie. Thus the dead +body was not onely abandoned, but left almost naked vpon the ground: +where it remained from prime vntil three of the clocke, neither guarded +nor regarded by any man. In the meane time the Religious persons went in +procession to the Church of S. _Geruase_, & there commended his soule to +God. Then _William_ Archb. of _Roan_ commaunded, that his body should be +caried to _Caen_, to be there buried in the Church of S. _Stephen_. But +hee was so forsaken of all his followers, that there was not any found +who would vndertake either the care or the charge. At the last +_Herlwine_ a countrey Knight, vpon his owne cost, caused the body to be +embalmed and adorned for funerall pompe: then conueyed it by coach to +the mouth of the Riuer _Some_; and so partly by land, and partly by sea +brought it to _Caen_. + +Here the Abbot with the Couent of Monks came foorth with all accustomed +ceremonies, to meet the corps: to whom the whole multitude of the +Clergie and Lay-people did adioyne. But when they were in the middest of +their sad solemnities, a fire brake out of a certaine house, and +suddenly embraced a great part of the towne. Hereupon the Kings body was +once againe abandoned; all the people running from it in a headlong +haste; some to saue their goods, others to represse the rage of the +flame, others (as the latest nouelty) to stand and looke on. In the end +a few Moncks returned, and accompanied the Hearse to the Abbey Church. + +Afterward all the Bishops and Abbots of _Normandy_ assembled to +solemnize the funerall. And when the diuine Office was ended, and the +coffin of stone set into the earth, in the presbytorie, betweene the +Quire and the Altar (but the body remained vpon the Herse) _Guislebert_ +bishop of _Eureux_ made a long Sermon; wherein hee bestowed much breath +in extolling the honourable actions of the King. In the end he +concluded; That forsomuch as it was impossible for a man to liue, much +lesse to gouerne, without offence; First, by reason of the multitude of +a Princes affaires; Secondly, for that he must commit the managing of +many things to the conscience and courtesie of others; Lastly, for that +personall grieuances are many times beneficiall to the maine body of +State; in which case, particular either losses or harmes, are more then +manifoldly recompenced by the preseruation or quiet of the whole: If +therefore any that were present did suppose they had receiued iniurie +from the King, he desired that they would in charitie forgiue him. + +When the Bishop had finished his speach, one _Anselme Fitz-Arthur_ stood +vp amongst the multitude, and with a high voice said; _This ground +whereupon wee stand, was sometimes the floore of my fathers house; which +that man of whom you haue spoken, when he was Duke of Normandie, tooke +violently from my father, and afterward founded thereon this Religious +building. This iniustice hee did not by ignorance or ouersight; not vpon +any necessitie of State; but to content his owne couetous desire. Now +therefore I doe challenge this ground as my right; and doe here charge +you, as you will answere it before the fearefull face of Almightie God, +that the body of the spoiler be not couered with the earth of mine +inheritance._ + +When the Bishops and Noble men that were present heard this, and +vnderstood by the testimony of many that it was true, they agreed to +giue him three pounds presently for the ground that was broken for the +place of burial; and for the residue which he claimed, they vndertooke +he should be fully satisfied. This promise was performed in short time +after, by _Henrie_ the Kings sonne, who onely was present at the +Funerall; at whose appointment _Fitz-Arthur_ receiued for the price of +the same ground one hundred pounds. + +Now when the body was to be put into the earth, the sepulchre of stone +which stood within the graue, was hewen somewhat too strait for his fat +belly; whereupon they were constrained to presse it downe with much +strength. By this violence, whether his bowels burst, or whether some +excrements were forced out at their natural passage, such an intolerable +stinck proceeded from him, as neither the perfumes that smoaked in great +abundance, nor any other meanes were able to qualifie. Wherefore the +Priests hasted to finish their office, and the people departed in a sad +silence; discoursing diuersly afterward of all these extraordinarie +accidents. + +A man would thinke that a sepulchre thus hardly attained, should not +easily againe bee lost. But it happened otherwise to this vnquiet King; +not destined to rest, either in his life or after his death. For in the +yeere 1562. when _Chastilion_ tooke the Citie of _Caen_, with those +broken troupes that escaped at the battaile of _Dreux_; certaine sauage +Souldiers of diuers nations, led by foure dissolute Captaines, beate +downe the Monument which King _William_ his sonne had built ouer him, +and both curiously and richly adorned with gold & costly stones. Then +they opened his Tombe, & not finding the treasure which they expected, +they threw forth his bones with very great derision & despight. Many +_English_ souldiers were then in the Towne, who were very curious to +gather his bones; whereof some were afterwards brought into _England_. +Hereby the report is conuinced for vaine, that his body was found +vncorrupt, more then foure hundred yeeres after it was buried. Hereby +also it is found to be false, that his body was eight foote in length. +For neither were his bones proportionable to that stature, (as it is +testified by those who saw them) and it is otherwise reported of him by +som who liued in his time; namely, that he was of a good stature, yet +not exceeding the ordinary proportion of men. + +And this was the last end of all his fortunes, of all that was mortall +in him besides his fame: whose life is too much extolled by the +_Normans_, and no lesse extenuated by the _English_. Verely, he was a +very great Prince: full of hope to vndertake great enterprises, full of +courage to atchieue them: in most of his actions commendable, and +excusable in all. And this was not the least piece of his Honour, that +the Kings of _England_ which succeeded, did accompt their order onely +from him: not in regard of his victorie in _England_, but generally in +respect of his vertue and valour. + +For his entrance was not by way of conquest but with pretence of title +to the Crowne: wherein he had both allowance and aide from diuers +Christian Princes in Europe. He had also his partie within the Realme, +by whose meanes he preuailed against the opposite faction, (as _Caesar_ +did against _Pompey_) and not against the entire strength of the State. + +Againe, hee did not settle himselfe in the chaire of Soueraignetie, as +one that had reduced all things to the proud power and pleasure of a +Conquerour, but as an vniuersall successor of former Kings, in all the +rights and priuiledges which they did enioy. Hee was receiued for King +by generall consent; He was crowned with all Ceremonies and Solemnities +then in vse; Hee tooke an oath in the presence of the Clergie, the +Nobilitie, and of much people, for defence of the Church, for moderate +and carefull gouernement, and for vpright administration of iustice. + +Lastly, during the whole course of his gouernement, the kingdome +receiued no vniuersall change, no losse or diminution of honour. For, +neither were the olde inhabitants expelled, as were the _Britaines_; +neither was the kingdome either subiected or annexed to a greater: but +rather it receiued encrease of honour, in that a lesse State was +adioyned vnto it. The change of customes was not violent and at once, +but by degrees, and with the silent approbation of the _English_; who +haue alwaies been inclinable to accommodate themselues to the fashions +of _France_. The grieuances and oppressions were particular, and with +some appearance either of iustice, or of necessitie for the common +quiet; such as are not vnusuall in any gouernement moderately seuere. So +the change was chiefly in the stemme and familie of the King: which +whether it be wrought by one of the same nation (as it was in _France_ +by _Pepine_ and _Capett_) or by a stranger, (as in the same Countrey by +_Henry_ 5. and _Henry_ 6. Kings of _England_) it bringeth no +disparagement in honour; it worketh no essentiall change. The State +still remained the same, the solid bodie of the State remained still +_English_: the comming in of many _Normans_, was but as Riuers falling +into the Ocean; which change not the Ocean, but are confounded with the +waters thereof. + +This King had by his wife _Matild_, daughter to _Baldwine_ Earle of +_Flanders_, foure sonnes; _Robert_, _Richard_, _William_ and _Henrie_: +Hee had also fiue daughters; _Cicely_, _Constance_, _Adela_, _Margaret_ +and _Elianor_. + +_Robert_ his eldest sonne surnamed _Courtcuise_, by reason of the +shortnesse of his thighs, succeeded him in the duchie of _Normandie_. He +was a man of exceeding honourable courage and spirit, for which cause he +was so esteemed by the Christian Princes in the great warre against the +_Saracens_, that when they had subdued the Citie and territorie of +_Hierusalem_, they offered the kingdome thereof first vnto him. Yet +afterwards, either by the malice of his Fortune, or for that he was both +suddaine and obstinate in his owne aduise (two great impediments that +valour cannot thriue) he receiued many foiles of his enemies, which +shall be declared in their proper place. Before the King made his +descent into _England_, hee gaue the duchie of _Normandie_ vnto him: but +whether he did this onely to testifie his confidence, or whether +afterwards his purpose changed, being often demanded to performe this +gift, he would neither deny nor accomplish his word, but enterposed many +excuses and delayes; affirming that he was not so surely setled in +_England_, but the duchie of _Normandie_ was necessary vnto him, both +for supply for his seruices (which he found like _Hydraes_ heads to +multiply by cutting off) and also for an assured place for retreit, in +case hee should be ouercharged with extremities. Hereupon _Robert_ +vnable to linger and pine in hopes, declared openly against him in +armes. _Philip_ King of _France_ was ready to put fuell to the flame; +who as he neuer fauoured in his owne iudgement the prosperous encreases +of the King of _England_, so then he was vigilant to embrace all +occasions, either to abate or limit the same. And thus _Robert_ both +encouraged and enabled by the King of _France_, inuaded _Normandie_, and +permitted his souldiers licentiously to wast; to satisfie those by +spoile, which by pay he was not able to maintaine. At the last he +encountred the King his father in a sharpe conflict, before the castle +of _Gerberie_, wherein the King was vnhorsed and wounded in the arme; +his second sonne _William_ was also hurt, and many of his souldiers +slaine. And albeit _Robert_ so soone as he knew his father by his voyce, +allighted forthwith, mounted him vpon his owne horse, and withdrew him +out of the medley; yet did he cast vpon his sonne a cruell curse, which +lay so heauie vpon him, that he neuer prospered afterward in any thing +which hee vndertooke. And although after this he was reconciled to his +father, and imployed by him in seruices of credit and weight, yet did +the King often bewray of him an vnquiet conceit, often did he ominate +euill vnto him: yea, a little before his death he openly gaue forth, +_That it was a miserable Countrey which should be subiect to his +dominion, for that he was a proud and foolish knaue, and to be long +scourged by cruell Fortune_. + +_Richard_ had erected the good expectation of many, as well by his +comely countenance and behauiour, as by his liuely and generous spirit. +But he died yong by misaduenture, as he was hunting within the +New-forrest, before he had made experiment of his worth. Some affirme +that he was goared to death by the Deere of that Forrest, for whose +walke his father had dispeopled that large compasse of ground: others +report, that as he rode in chase, hee was hanged vpon the bough of a +tree by the chaps: others more probably doe write, that he perished by a +fal from his horse. He was buried at _Winchester_ with this inscription: +_Hic iacet Richardus filius Wilielmi senioris Berniae Dux_. + +_William_ did succeed next to his father in the Kingdome of _England_. +To _Henry_, the King gaue at the time of his death fiue thousand pounds +out of his treasure; but gaue him neither dignitie nor lands: +foretelling, that hee should enioy the honour of both his brothers in +time, and farre excel them both in dominion and power. Whether this was +deuised vpon euent; or whether some doe prophesie at their death; or +whether it was coniecturally spoken; or whether to giue contentment for +the present; it fell out afterward to be true. For hee succeeded +_William_ in the Kingdome of _England_, and wrested _Normandie_ out of +the possession of _Robert_. Of these two I shall write more fully +hereafter. + +His daughter _Cicelie_ was Abbesse of _Caen_ in _Normandie_. _Constance_ +was married to _Allen Fergant_ Earle of _Britaine_. _Adela_ was wife to +_Stephen_ Earle of _Blois_, to whom she bare _Stephen_, who after the +death of _Henry_ was King of _England_. _Margaret_ was promised in +marriage to _Harold_; she died before hee attained the Kingdome, for +which cause he held himselfe discharged of that oath which he had made +to the Duke her father. _Elianor_ was betroathed to _Alphonso_ King of +_Gallicia_; but she desired much to die a Virgine: for this she daily +prayed, and this in the end she did obtaine. After her death her knees +appeared brawnie and hard, with much kneeling at her deuotions. +Assuredly it will be hard to find in any one Familie, both greater +Valour in sonnes, and more Vertue in daughters. + +In the beginning of this Kings reigne, either no great accidents did +fall, or else they were obscured with the greatnesse of the change: none +are reported by the writers of that time. + +In the fourth yeere of his reigne, _Lanfranke_ Abbot of _Caen_ in +_Normandie_, but borne in _Pauie_, a Citie of _Lumbardie_, was made +Archbishop of _Canterbury_: And _Thomas_ a _Norman_, and _Chanon_ of +_Bayon_ was placed in the Sea of _Yorke_. Between these two a +controuersie did arise at the time of their consecration, for prioritie +in place: but this contention was quieted by the King, and _Thomas_ for +the time subscribed obedience to the Archb. of _Canterbury_. After this +they went to _Rome_ for their Palles, where the question for Primacie +was againe renued, or as some affirme, first moued before Pope +_Alexander_. The Pope vsed them both with honorable respect, and +especially _Lanfrank_, to whom he gaue two Palles, one of honour, and +the other of loue: but their controuersie he referred to be determined +in _England_. + +About two yeeres after it was brought before the King and the Clergie at +_Windsore_. The Archbishop of _Yorke_ alleadged, that when the +_Britaines_ receiued the Christian faith, in the time of _Lucius_ their +King _Eleutherius_ then Bishop of _Rome_, sent _Faganus_ and _Damianus_ +vnto them, who ordeined 28. Bishops, and two Archbishops within the +Realme, one of _London_, and the other of _Yorke_. Vnder these the +Church of _Britaine_ was gouerned almost three hundred yeeres, vntill +they were subdued by the _Saxons_. The _Saxons_ remained Infidels vntill +_Gregorie_ Bishop of _Rome_ sent _Augustine_ vnto them. By his preaching +_Ethelbert_ King of _Kent_ was first conuerted to the Christian faith: +By reason whereof _Augustine_ was made Archbishop of _Douer_, by +appointment of Pope _Gregorie_; who sent vnto him certaine Palles with +his letter from _Rome_. By this letter it is euident, that _Gregorie_ +intended to reduce the Church of the _Saxons_ to the same order wherein +it was among the _Britaines_; namely, to be vnder twelue Bishops and two +Archbishops; one of _London_ and the other of _Yorke_. Indeede he gaue +to _Augustine_ during his life, authority and iurisdiction ouer all +Bishops and Priests in _England_: but after his decease he ioyneth these +two Metropolitanes in equall degree, to constitute Bishops, to ouersee +the Church, to consult and dispose of such things as appertaine to the +gouernement thereof, as in former times among the _Britaines_. Betweene +these he put no distinction in honour, but only as they were in +prioritie of time: and as he appointeth _London_ to be consecrated by no +Bishop, but of his own Synod, so he expresseth, that the Bishop of +_Yorke_ should not bee subiect to the Bishop of _London_. And albeit +_Augustine_ for the reason before mentioned, translated the Sea from +_London_ to _Douer_, yet if _Gregorie_ had intended to giue the same +authoritie to the successours of _Augustine_ which hee gaue vnto him, he +would haue expressed it in his Epistle: but in that he maketh no mention +of his successours, he concludeth, or rather excludeth them by his +silence. + +The Archbishop of _Canterbury_ alleaged, that from the time of +_Augustine_, vntill the time of _Bede_, (which was about 140. yeeres) +the Bishops of _Canterburie_ (which in ancient time (said he) was called +_Douer_) had the Primacie ouer the whole land of _Britaine_, and +_Ireland_; that they did call the Bishops of _Yorke_ to their Councels, +which diuers times they kept within the Prouince of _Yorke_; that some +Bishops of _Yorke_ they did constitute, some excommunicate, and some +remoue. He alleaged also diuers priuiledges granted by Princes for the +Primacie of that Sea; diuers graunted from the Apostolike Sea to +confirme this dignitie in the successours of _Augustine_: that it is +reason to receiue directions of well liuing, from whence we first +receiued directions of right beleeuing; & therfore as the Bishop of +_Canterbury_ was subiect to the Bishop of _Rome_, because hee had his +faith from thence; for the very same cause the Bishop of _Yorke_ should +be in subiection to the Bishop of _Canterbury_: that like as the Lord +said that to all the Bishops of _Rome_, which hee said to S. Peter; so +that which _Gregorie_ said to _Augustine_, hee said likewise to all his +successours. And whereas much is spoken of the Bishop of _London_, what +is that to the Archbishop of _Canterbury_? For, neither is it certaine +that _Augustine_ was euer resident at _London_, neither that _Gregorie_ +appointed him so to be. + +In the end it was decreed, That _Yorke_ for that time should be subiect +to _Canterburie_; that wheresoeuer within _England_ the Archbishop of +_Canterburie_ should hold his Councell, the Archbishop of _Yorke_ should +come vnto it, with the Bishops of his Prouince, and be obedient to his +decrees: that when the Archbishop of _Canterburie_ should decease, the +Archbishop of _Yorke_ should goe to _Canterburie_, to consecrate him +that should succeed: that if the Archbishop of _Yorke_ should decease, +his successour should goe to _Canterbury_, or to such place as the +Archbishop of _Canterburie_ should appoint, there to receiue his +Consecration, making first his oath of Canonicall obedience. And thus +was the contention for this first time taken vp; but in succeeding times +it was often renued, and much busied the Clergie of the Realme. + +In the ninth yeere of the reigne of King _William_ a Councell was holden +at _London_, where another matter of like qualitie and nature was +decreed: namely, that Bishops should translate their Sees from villages +to Cities; whereupon in short time after, Bishops Sees were remoued, +from _Selese_ to _Chichester_, from _Cornewall_ to _Exeter_, from +_Wells_ to _Bath_, from _Shirbourne_ to _Salisburie_, from _Dorcester_ +to _Lincolne_, from _Lichfield_ to _Chester_, and from thence againe to +_Couentree_. And albeit the Archbishop of _Yorke_ did oppose against the +erecting of a Cathedrall Church in _Lincolne_, because he challenged +that Citie to be of his Prouince; yet _Remigius_ Bishop of _Dorchester_, +being strong both in resolution and in friends, did prosecute his +purpose to effect. Not long before the Bishopricke of _Lindafferne_ +otherwise called _Holy land_, vpon the riuer _Tweed_, had bene +translated to _Durhame_. + +In the tenth yeere of his reigne the cold of Winter was exceeding +memorable, both for sharpenesse and for continuance: For the earth +remained hard frozen from the beginning of Nouember, vntill the middest +of April then ensuing. + +In the 15. yere a great earthquake happened in the month of April; +strange for the strong trembling of the earth, but more strange for the +dolefull and hideous roaring which it yeelded foorth. + +In the 20. yeere there fell such abundance of raine, that the Riuers did +greatly ouerflow in all parts of the Realme. The springs also rising +plentifully in diuers hils, so softned and decaied the foundations of +them, that they fell downe, whereby some villages were ouerthrowne. By +this distemperature of weather much cattel perished, much corne vpon the +ground was either destroyed, or greatly empaired. Herehence ensued, +first a famine, and afterwards a miserable mortalitie of men. + +And that all the Elements might seeme to haue conspired the calamity of +the Realme, the same yeere most of the principall Cities in _England_ +were lamentably deformed with fire. At _London_ a fire began at the +entry of the West gate, which apprehending certaine shops and +Ware-houses, wherein was Merchandise apt to burne, it was at once begun +and suddenly at the highest. Then being caried with a strong wind; and +the Citie apt to maintaine the flame, as well by reason of the crooked +and narrow streets, as for that the buildings at that time had open and +wide windowes, and were couered with base matter fit to take fire, the +mischiefe spread more swiftly then the remedies could follow. So it +raged vntill it came to the East gate, prostrated houses and Churches +all the way, being the most grieuous that euer as yet hath happened to +that Citie. The Church of S. _Paul_ was at that time fired; Whereupon +_Maurice_ then Bishop of _London_, began the foundation of the new +Church of S. _Paul_. A worke so admirable, that many did iudge, it would +neuer haue bene finished; yet all might easily esteeme thereby his +magnanimitie, his high erected hopes, his generous loue and honour to +Religion. The King gaue towards the building of the East end of this +Church, the choise stones of his Castle at the West end of the Citie, +vpon the bancke of the Riuer Thames; which Castle at the same time was +also fired: in place whereof _Edward Killwarby_ Archbishop of +_Canterburie_ did afterwards found a Monasterie of blacke Friers. The +King also gaue the Castle of _Storford_, and all the lands which thereto +belonged, to the same _Maurice_, and to his successours in that See. And +doubtlesse nothing more then either parcimonious or prophane expending +the Treasures of the Church, hath since those times much dried vp those +fountaines which first did fill them. + +After the death of _Maurice_, _Richard_ his next Successour, as well in +vertue as in dignitie, bestowed all the Rents rising out of this +Bishopricke, to aduance the building of this Church; maintaining +himselfe by his Patrimonie and friendes: and yet all which hee could +doe, made no great shewe: so that the finishing of this worke was left +to many other succeeding Bishops. Hee purchased the ground about the +Church whereupon many buildings did stand, and inclosed the same with a +strong wall of stone for a place of buriall. It seemeth that this wall +was afterwards either battered and torne in some ciuill warres, or else +by negligence suffered to decay: for that a graunt was made by King +_Edward_ the second, that the Church-yard of Saint _Pauls_ should bee +enclosed with a wall, because of the robberies and murthers that were +there committed. Many parts of this wall remaine at this time, on both +sides of the Church, but couered for the most part with dwelling houses. + +The same yeere in Whitsun-weeke, the King honoured his sonne _Henrie_ +with the order of Knighthood. What Ceremonies the King then vsed it is +not certainly knowen: but before his time the custome among the +_Saxons_ was thus. First, hee who should receiue the order of +Knighthood, confessed himselfe in the euening to a Priest. Then hee +continued all that night in the Church, watching and applying himselfe +to his priuate deuotions. The next morning he heard Masse, and offered +his sword vpon the Altar. After the Gospel was read, the sword was +hallowed, and with a benediction put about his necke. Lastly, he +communicated the mysteries of the blessed body of Christ, and from that +time remained a lawfull Souldier or Knight. This custome of Consecrating +Knights the _Normans_ did not onely abrogate, but abhorre; not for any +euill that was therein, but because it was not altogether their owne. + +This yeere in a Prouince of _Wales_ called _Rosse_, the Sepulchre of +_Wawyn_, otherwise called _Gawen_, was found vpon the Sea shore. Hee was +sisters sonne to _Arthur_ the great King of the _Britaines_; a man +famous in our _Britaine_ Histories, both for ciuill courtesie, and for +courage in the field. I cannot but esteeme the report for fabulous, that +his bodie was fourteene foote in length. I doe rather coniecture that +one credulous writer did take that for the length of his body, which +happily might bee the length of his tombe. + +It is constantly affirmed that the ground whereon the _English_ and the +_Normans_ did combate, doth shew after euery raine manifest markes of +blood vpon the grasse: which if it was not a proprietie of the soyle +before, it is hard now to assigne, either from what naturall cause it +doth proceede, or what it should supernaturally portend. + + +[Illustration] + + + + +[Illustration] + +K. WILLIAM + +THE SECOND, + +sirnamed RVFVS. + + +King WILLIAM the Victor when hee drew towards the end of his dayes, +commended the Kingdome of _England_ to his second sonne _William_: with +many blessings, with many admonitions, with many prayers for the +prosperous successe of his succession. And because the presence of the +next successour is of greatest moment to establish affaires, the King a +little before his passage to death, dispatched him into _England_, with +letters vnder his owne Seale to _Lanfranck_ then Archbishop of +_Canterbury_: a man highly esteemed in forraine Countreys, but with the +Cleargie and vulgare people of the Realme, his authoritie was absolute. +In these letters the King expressed great affection and care towards his +sonne _William_; commending him with many kind words, for his +sufficiencies, for diuers vertues; especially for that hee did alwayes +stand firmely by him, alwayes declare himselfe both a faithfull Subiect +and dutifull sonne. It was also coniectured by some, that the King was +guided in this choise, no lesse by his iudgement, then by his affection: +for that he esteemed the fierce disposition of his sonne _William_ more +fit to gouerne a people not well setled in subiection, then the flexible +and milde nature of his eldest sonne _Robert_. So _William_ taking his +last leaue of his father, who was then taking his last leaue of this +world, iourneyed towards _England_; and in short time arriued at the +port called _Whitesand_, where he receiued the first report of his +fathers death. Hereupon with all speed hee posted to _Lanfranck_, +deliuered his fathers letters, and foorthwith was declared King, vpon +the 9. day of September, in the yere 1087. and vpon the first of October +next ensuing was by the same _Lanfranck_, with al ceremonies and +solemnities perteining to that action, crowned at _Westminster_. + +_Robert_, either by negligence and want of foresight, or by the +perpetuall malice of his destinie, or happily not without his fathers +contriuance, was absent in _Germanie_, whilest his yonger brother +_William_ did thus possesse himselfe, both of the Kingdome of his +father, and of his treasure. Otherwise he wanted neither pretence, nor +purpose, nor fauour of friends to haue empeached his brothers +proceedings. For it was then doubted by many, and since hath bene by +many debated; whether in any case, vpon any cause or consideration +whatsoeuer, a King hath power to disinherite his eldest sonne, and to +appoint another to succeed in his estate. + +That a King may aduance any of his sonnes to bee his successour, without +respect of prioritie in birth, there seemeth to want neither warrant of +example, nor weight of authoritie. _Dauid_[29] a man greatly prooued and +approoued by God, did preferre _Solomon_[30] to succeede him, before his +eldest sonne _Adonia_. And in like sort _Rehoboam_ the sonne of +_Solomon_, appointed the yongest of all his sonnes to succeed him in the +Kingdome.[31] So some Lawyers affirme, That a King may determine in his +life, which of his sonnes shall reigne after him. + +But this must be vnderstood, either when a State is newly raised to the +title of a kingdome, or else when by Conquest, Vsurpation, or some other +meanes of change, the gouernment thereof is newly transferred from one +stemme to another: For then because there is no certaine Law or Custome +of succession in force, the right seemeth to depend vpon the disposition +of the Prince. And yet euen in this case, the eldest or neerest cannot +be excluded without iust cause. For so when _Iacob_[32] depriued his +eldest sonne _Reuben_ of his priuiledge of birth, he expressed the +cause, For that he had defiled his fathers bed; which fact of his +_Hierome_ applieth to the case in question. So when _Ptolemie_[33] the +first King of _Egypt_ commended the State to his yongest sonne, he +yeelded a reason for that which he did. So _Henrie_ the fourth Emperour, +crowned _Henrie_ his yonger sonne King, reiecting _Conrade_ his eldest +sonne, for that hee had borne armes against him, and ioyned in league +with his open enemies. + +But when by expresse Lawe or long grounded Custome the Succession of a +State is established to the eldest sonne, the best approoued +interpreters of the Canon and Ciuill law doe conclude,[34] that the +father hath no power to inuert or peruert that course of order. For +parents may debarre their children of that which proceedeth from +themselues, of that which dependeth vpon their appointment; but of that +which is due by nature,[35] by the immutable law of the State, the +parents can haue no power to dispose. When by a fundamentall Lawe or +Custome of State, Succession is annexed to the dignity of a Crowne, +according to prioritie in birth, it followeth, that so soone as the +first borne commeth into light, the right of succession is fixed in +him;[36] not in hope onely, but also in habite; whereof neither the +father nor any other can dispossesse him. + +And therefore when _Prusias_[37] intended to depriue his eldest sonne +_Nicomedes_ of his prerogatiue of birth, and to preferre his yonger +sonnes, which he had by another wife, in succession before him, he could +not assure it by any meanes, but by determining the death of +_Nicomedes_; which _Nicomedes_ to preuent, dispoiled his father both of +kingdom and of life. _Ptolemie_ the first King of _Egypt_[38] of that +name, who after the death of _Alexander_ the great possessed himselfe +of _Egypt_, & part of _Arabia_, and of _Affrick_, left his kingdom to +the yongest of his sons: but afterward when _Ptolemie_, surnamed +_Phiscon_,[39] vpon the importunity of his wife _Cleopatra_, attempted +the like, the kingdome being then setled in succession, the people +opposed, & reuersed his order after his death. So _Pepine_[40] after hee +had made seisure of the kingdome of _France_, & ordered all things which +he thought necessary for the suerty therof, disposed the succession +therein by his Testament; leauing the Realme of _Noion_ to his sonne +_Charles_, and to _Carloman_ his other sonne the Realme of _Soissons_. +The like was done by some other of the first Kings of his race. But +since that time the custome hath been strongly stablished, that the +kingdome passeth entirely to the eldest sonne, and possessions are +assigned to the rest vnder the name of _Appanage_. And therefore the +_French_[41] writers affirme, that the eldest sonne of _France_ cannot +be depriued of succession, vpon any cause of ingratitude against his +parents; and that if the King should institute his eldest sonne,[42] yet +cannot hee take the kingdome by force of his fathers guift, but onely by +the immutable law of the Realme. Yea, _Girard_ writeth of _Charles_ the +simple, that hee was King of _France_[43] before hee was borne. And in +this regard the _Glossographer_[44] vpon the Decrees noteth, that the +sonne of a King may bee called King during the life of his father, as +wanting nothing but administration. And the same also doth _Seruius_ +note out of _Virgil_, where hee saith of _Ascanius_: _regemq; +requirunt_, his father _Aeneas_ being then aliue. + +Now then, for that the right of Succession to the Crowne of _England_ +was not at that time so surely setled as it hath been since; but had +waued in long vncertainetie: First, in the _Heptarchie_ of the _Saxons_ +and _English_, afterward betweene the _English_ and the _Danes_, and was +then newly possessed by the _Normane_, and that chiefly by the sword: +For that also _Robert_ the Kings eldest sonne gaue iust cause of +offence, by bearing armes against his father; it may seeme that the King +might lawfully direct the succession to his second sonne. And yet, +because as _Herodotus_[45] saith, _It is a generall custome amongst all +men, that the first in birth is next in succession_; because as +_Baldus_[46] affirmeth, _Semper fuit, & semper erit, &c. Alwayes it hath +been, and alwayes it shall bee, that the first borne succeedeth in a +kingdome_; because as S. _Hierome_[47] writeth, _A kingdome is due vnto +the first borne_; and as S. _Chrysostome_[48] saith, _The first borne is +to bee esteemed more honourable then the rest_; whereupon diuers Lawyers +obserue, that the word _Senior_[49] is often times taken for a Lord. +Lastly, because this precedencie both in honour, and in right seemeth to +be the Law of all nations, deriued from the Law of Nature, and expresly +either instituted or approoued by the voice of God: First, where he said +to _Cain_[50] of his yonger brother _Abel_; _His desires shall be +subiect to thee, and thou shalt haue dominion ouer him_: Secondly,[51] +where he forbiddeth the father to disinherite the first sonne of his +double portion, because by right of birth it is due vnto him: Lastly, +where hee maketh choice of the first borne to be sanctified and +consecrated to himselfe;[52] it hath almost neuer happened that this +order hath been broken, that the neerest haue bene excluded from +Succession in State, but it hath been followed with tragicall euents. + +Yea, albeit the eldest sonne be vnfit to beare rule, albeit hee be +vnable to gouerne either others or himselfe; as if hee be in a high +degree furious, or foolish, or otherwise defectiue in body or in minde, +(vnlesse he degenerate from humane condition) yet can he not therefore +be excluded from succession:[53] because it is due vnto him, not in +respect of abilitie, but by reason of his prioritie of birth. As for the +kingdom, it shall better be preserued by the gouernment of a Protector +(as in diuers like causes it is both vsual and fit) then by receiuing +another Prince:[54] as well for other respects, as for that by cutting +off continuance in the Royall descent, by interrupting the setled order +of gouernment, by making a breach in so high a point of State, +opportunitie is opened both for domesticall disturbances, and for +inuasions from abroad: whereupon greater inconueniences do vsually +ensue, then did euer fall by insufficiencie of a Prince. For if these +pretenses may be allowed for good, what aspiring Subiect, what +encroaching enemy, finding themselues furnished with meanes, will not be +ready to rise into ambitious hopes? _Gabriel_ the yonger brother of the +house of _Saluse_, kept his eldest brother in prison, vsurped his +estate, giuing foorth to the people that he was mad. And seldome hath +any vsurpation happened, but vpon pretence of insufficiencie in +gouernment. Assuredly, if these principall points of Principalitie be +not punctually obserued, the ioynts of a State are loosened, the +foundation is shaken, the gates are opened for all disorders, to rise +vp, to rush in, to prosper, to preuaile. + +Hereupon _Medon_[55] the eldest sonne of _Codrus_, albeit he was lame +and otherwise defectiue, was by sentence of the Oracle of _Apollo_ +preferred to succeed his father in the kingdome of _Athens_, before +_Neleus_ his yonger brother. So when _Alexandrides_[56] King of _Sparta_ +left two sonnes, _Cleomenes_ the eldest, distracted in wits, and +_Doricus_ the yongest, both able and enclined to all actions of honour; +the _Spartans_ acknowledged _Cleomenes_ for their King. _Agisilaus_ the +famous King of _Sparta_ was also lame, as _Plutarch_[57] and _Prob. +Aemilius_ do report; _Orosius_ saith, that the _Spartans_ did rather +choose to haue their King halt, then their Kingdome. And therefore when +_Lisander_[58] moued them to decree, that the worthiest and not alwayes +the next in blood of the line of _Hercules_ should reigne, he found no +man to second his aduise. _Aristobulus_[59] and _Hircanus_ after a long +and cruel contention for the Kingdome of _Iewrie_, committed their +controuersie to the arbitrement of _Pompey_: _Hircanus_ alledged, that +hee was the eldest brother; _Aristobulus_ obiected, that _Hircanus_ was +insufficient to gouerne: but _Pompey_ gaue iudgement for _Hircanus_. The +like iudgement did _Annibal_[60] giue for the kingdome of that Countrey +which is now called _Sauoy_; restoring _Brancus_[61] to his State, from +which he had bene expelled by his yonger brother. And although +_Phirrus_[62] did appoint that sonne to succeed, whose sword had the +best edge; yet was the eldest acknowledged, who bare the least +reputation for valour. + +_Ladislaus_[63] King of _Hungarie_ left by his brother _Geysa_ two +Nephewes; _Colomannus_ the eldest, who was lame, bunch-backed, +crab-faced, blunt-sighted, bleare-eyed, a dwarfe, a stammerer, and +(which is more) a Priest; and _Almus_ the yongest, a man of comely +presence, and furnished with many princely vertues: In regard of these +natural prerogatiues _Ladislaus_ appointed _Almus_ to succeed; but in +regard of the prerogatiue in blood, the _Hungarians_ receiued +_Colomannus_ for their King. _Barbatius_[64] writeth, that _Galeace_ +Duke of _Milane_ did oft times expresse his griefe, for that he could +not preferre in succession _Philip Maria_ his yongest sonne, before +_Iohn_ his eldest; for that he seemed the most sufficient to vndertake +the manage of the State. _Girard_[65] affirmeth that it hath bene the +custome of the _French_, to honour their Kings whatsoeuer they are; +whether wise or foolish, valiant or weake; esteeming the name of King to +be sacred by whomsoeuer it be borne. And therefore they obeyed not only +_Charles_ the simple, but _Charles_ the sixt also; who reigned many +yeres in plaine distraction of his mind. It was an ancient custome in +_Scotland_, that the most sufficient of the blood of _Fergusus_[66] was +receiued for King; but such warres, murthers, and other mischiefes did +thereupon ensue, that a law was made vnder _Kenet_ the third, and +afterwards confirmed by _Millcolumbus_, that the nighest in blood should +alwayes succeede. And accordingly the Scots refused not for their King +_Iohn_ the eldest sonne of _Robert_ the second, albeit he was borne out +of marriage, and did halt, and was both in wit and in courage dull. + +For what if he who is debarred for disabilitie shall afterward haue a +sonne free from all defects?[67] It is without question that the right +of the Kingdome should deuolue vnto him: for that the calamitie of +parents doeth not preiudice their children, especially in their +naturall rights, which they may claime from the person of former +ancestors. But what if another be in possession of the Kingdome?[68] +will he readily giue place to this right? will he readily abandon that +honour, for which men will not spare, to climbe ouer all difficulties, +to vndergoe all dangers; to put their goods, their liues, their soules +in aduenture? If a man be once mounted into the chaire of Maiestie, it +standeth not, I will not say with his dignitie, but with his safetie, to +betake himselfe to a priuate State; as well for the eternall iealousie +wherein he shall be held, as for the enuie which shall be borne against +him vpon many of his actions: So as what some few would not doe for +ambition, the same they must doe to preserue themselues. Hereupon it +will follow, that the possession of the Kingdome being in one, and the +right in another; disunions, factions, warres may easily ensue. + +It is inconuenient (I grant) to be vnder a King who is defectiue in body +or in mind; but it is a greater inconuenience, by disturbing a setled +forme of gouernment, to open an entrance for all disorders; wherein +ambition and insolencie (two riotous humours) may range at large. For +as euill is generally of that nature, that it cannot stand, but by +supportance of another euill; and so multiplieth in it selfe, vntill it +doth ruine with the proper weight: so mindes hauing once exceeded the +strict bounds of obedience, cease not to strengthen one bouldnesse by +another, vntil they haue inuolued the whole State in confusion. + + +Bvt now to returne to the person and gouernment of this King _William_. +He was a man of meane stature, thicke and square bodied, his belly +swelling somewhat round; his face was red, his haire deepely yealow, by +reason whereof he was called _Rufus_; his forehead foure square like a +window, his eyes spotted and not one like the other; his speech +vnpleasant and not easily vttered, especially when he was mooued with +anger. He was of great abilitie in body, as well for naturall strength, +as for hardinesse to endure all ordinary extremities both of trauaile +and of want. In Armes he was both expert and aduenturous; full of inward +brauerie and fiercenesse; neuer dismayed, alwayes forward, and for the +most part fortunate; in counsaile sudden, in performance a man; not +doubting to vndertake any thing which inuincible valour durst promise to +atchieue. Hee had bene bred with the sword; alwayes in action, alwayes +on the fauourable hand of Fortune: so as, albeit he was but yong, yet +was he in experience well grounded; for inuention subtill, in counsaile +quicke, in execution resolute; wise to foresee a danger, and expedite to +auoid it. In a word, the generall reputation of his valour and +celeritie, made him esteemed one of the best Chiefetaines in his time. + +His behauiour was variable and inconstant; earnest in euery present +passion, and for the most part accompanying the disposition of his mind, +with outward demonstrations. Of nature he was rough, haughtie, +obstinate, inuincible, which was much enlarged both by his soueraigntie +and youth: so singular in his owne conceit, that he did interprete it to +his dishonour, that the world should deeme, that he did not gouerne by +his owne iudgement. In publicke he composed his countenance to a stately +terrour; his face sowerly swelling, his eyes truculent, his voyce +violent and fierce, scarce thinking himselfe Maiesticall in the glasse +of his vnderstanding, but when he flashed feare from his presence. And +yet in priuate he was so affable and pleasant, that he approched neere +the degree of leuitie: much giuen to scoffing, and passing ouer many of +his euill actions with a ieast. In all the other carriages of his life, +he maintained no stable and constant course; but declared himselfe for +euery present, as well in vertue as in vice, strong, violent, extreeme. + +In the beginning of his reigne he was esteemed a most accomplished +Prince; and seemed not so much of power to bridle himselfe from vice, as +naturally disposed to abhorre it. Afterwards, either with variation of +times, or yeelding to the pleasures which prosperity vseth to ingender +euen in moderate minds, or perhaps his nature beginning to disclose that +which hee had cunningly concealed before, corruptions crept vp, and he +waued vncertainely betweene vertue and vice. Lastly, being imboldned by +euill teachers, and by continuance both of prosperitie and rule, he is +said to haue made his height a priuiledge of loosenesse, and to haue +abandoned himselfe to all licentious demeanour; wherein he seemed little +to regard God, and nothing man. + +Assuredly, there is no greater enemie to great men, then too great +prosperitie in their affaires; which taketh from them all iudgement and +rule of themselues; which maketh them ful of libertie, and bould to doe +euill. And yet I cannot conceiue that this King was so bould, so +carelesse, so shamelesse in vices, as many writers doe report. It is +certaine that hee doubted of some points of Religion, at that time +without any great contradiction professed; and namely, of praying to +Saints, worshipping of Reliques, & such like. It is certain also, that +out of policie in State, he endeuoured to abate the tumorous greatnes of +the Clergie at that time; as well in riches, as in authority and power +with the people: and that he attributed not so much to the Sea of +_Rome_, as diuers Kings before him had done. Insomuch as he restrained +his subiects from going to _Rome_, and withheld the annuall paiment of +_Peter_ pence, and was oftentimes heard to giue foorth, that _they +follow not the trace of S. Peter, they greedily gape after gifts and +rewards, they retein not his power, whose pietie they do not imitate_. +These were causes sufficient for the writers of his time (who were for +the most part Clergie-men) to enlarge his vices beyond the trueth, to +surmise many vices vntruely, to wrest his true vertues to be vices. + +And this I doe the rather coniecture, for that I doe not find his +particular actions of like nature, with the generall imputation which is +cast vpon him; for that also I finde the chiefe of these generall +imputations to bee these:[69] _That he was grieuous to the Church, of no +deuotion to God, preferring respect of temporall state before the rules +of the Gospel_. Verely, it is hard to doe that which will beare a cleere +beauty in the eyes of all men; and if our actions haue not the fauour of +time, and the opinion of those men who doe estimate and report them, +they are much dimmed with disgrace.[70] Out of all doubt he was a +magnanimous Prince, mercifull and liberall, and in martiall affaires +most expert, diligent and prosperous; wise to contriue his best +aduantage, and most couragious to atchieue it. But two things chiefly +obscured his glory; one, the incomparable greatnesse of his father, to +whom he did immediatly succeede; the other was the prowesse of those +men, against whom he did contend in armes; especially of _Malcolme_ King +of _Scots_, and of _Robert_ Duke of _Normandie_. To these I may adde, +that hee died in the principall strength and flourish of his age, before +his iudgement had full command ouer his courage. + +Many doe attribute his excellent beginnings to _Lanfranck_ Archb. of +_Canterburie_: who during the time of his life, partly by authoritie, +and partly by aduise, supported the vnstable yeeres and disposition of +the King: which after the death of _Lanfranck_ returned by degrees to +their proper sway. But I do rather attribute many of his first vertues +to the troubles which happened in the very entrance of his reigne; which +partly by employment, and partly by feare, held his inclination in some +restraint. For _Odo_ Bishop of _Baion_ and Earle of _Kent_, the Kings +vncle by the mothers side, had drawen the greatest part of all the +Prelates and Nobilitie that were _Normans_, into a dangerous +confederacie against the King; to deiect him from his State, and to +aduance _Robert_ his elder brother for their King. + +The secret cause of this conspiracie was partly vpon a generall +discontentment, at the great, though worthy estimation and authoritie (a +most capitall offence in the eye of enuie) of _Lanfrank_ Archbishop of +_Canterburie_; by means whereof many of the conspirators liued in farre +meaner reputation, then their ambitious minds could easily breake: but +chiefly it was vpon a more particular grudge, which _Odo_ did beare +against the same _Lanfranck_; because by his perswasion, _Odo_ had been +committed to prison by King _William_ the elder. For when the King +complained to _Lanfranck_ of the intolerable both auarice and ambition +of his brother _Odo_, the Archbishop gaue aduise, that hee should bee +restrained of his libertie. And when the King doubted, how he being a +Bishop, might be committed to prison, without impeaching the priuiledges +of the Church; indeede answered _Lanfranck_, you may not imprison the +Bishop of _Baion_, but you may doe what you please with the Earle of +_Kent_. + +The publike and open pretenses were these. _Robert_ Duke of _Normandie_ +had the prerogatiue of birth; which being a benefit proceeding from +nature, could not bee reuersed by his fathers acte. He had also wonne a +most honorable reputation for his militarie vertues; and had by many +trauels of warre wasted the wilde follies of youth. Hee was no lesse +famous for courtesie and liberalitie, two most amiable ornaments of +honour; being so desirous that no man should depart discontented from +him, that he would oftentimes promise more then hee was able to +performe, and yet performe more then his estate could expediently +afford. As for K. _William_, besides that he was the yonger brother, his +nature was held to be doubtfull and suspect, and the iudgement of most +men enclined to the worst. And what are we then aduantaged, (said they) +by the death of his father? if whom he hath fleeced, this shall flay; if +this shall execute those whom he hath fettered and surely bound; If +after his seuerities that are past, wee shall be freshly charged with +those rigours, which tyrants in the height and pride of their Fortune +are wont to vse? And as stronger combinations are alwayes made betweene +men drawne together by one common feare, then betweene those that are +ioyned by hope or desire; so vpon these iealousies and feares, +accompanied also with vehement desires, the Confederats supposed that +they had knit a most assured league. + +Now it happened that at the time of the death of _William_ the elder, +_Robert_ his eldest sonne was absent in _Almaine_; and at once heard +both of the death of his father, and that his brother _William_ was +acknowledged to be King. Hereupon in great hast, but greater heat both +of anger and ambition, he returned into _Normandie_: and there whilest +he was breathing foorth his discontentment and desire of reuenge, he +receiued a message from the Confederats in _England_; that with all +speed hee should come ouer vnto them, to accomplish the enterprise, to +furnish their forces with a head: that they had no want of able bodies; +they wanted no meanes to maintaine them together; they wanted onely his +person both to countenance and conduct them. The Duke thought it no +wisdome, to aduenture himselfe altogether; vpon the fauour and faith of +discontented persons: and he had bene so loosely liberall before, that +he was vnprouided of money, to appoint himselfe with any competent +forces of his owne. Hereupon he pawned a part of _Normandie_ to his +brother _Henry_, for waging Souldiers: many also flocked voluntarily +vnto him; vpon inducement, that hee who of his owne nature was most +liberall & full of humanitie, would not faile both of pay and reward, +vnlesse by reason of disabilitie & want. + +In the meane time the Confederats resolued to breake forth in Armes, in +diuers parts of the Realme at once; vpon conceit, that if the King +should endeuour to represse them in one place, they might more easily +preuaile in the other. And so accordingly _Odo_ fortified and spoiled in +_Kent_; _Geoffrey_ Bishop of _Exceter_, with his nephew _Robert Mowbray_ +Earle of _Northumberland_, at _Bristow_; _Roger Montgomerie_ in +_Northfolke_, _Suffolke_ and _Cambridgeshire_; _Hugh de Grandemenill_, +in _Leicestershire_ and _Northamptonshire_; _William_ Bishop +of _Durhame_, in the North parts of the Realme; diuers others +of the Clergie and Nobilitie in _Herefordshire_, _Shropshire_, +_Worcestershire_, and all the Countreys adioyning to _Wales_. And as in +time of pestilence all diseases turne to the plague; so in this generall +tumult, all discontentments sorted to Rebellion. Many who were oppressed +with violence or with feare; many who were kept lower either by want or +disgrace then they had set their mounting minds, adioyned daily to the +side, and encreased both the number and the hope. And thus was all the +Realme in a ruinous rage against K. _William_, who wanted neither +courage to beare, nor wisdome to decline it. + +And first hee endeuoured by all meanes to make the _English_ assured +vnto him. And albeit few of them were at that time in any great place, +either of credite or of charge, but were all wounded by his fathers +wrongs; yet for that they were the greatest part, he made the greatest +reckoning of them. For this cause hee released many _English_ Lords who +had bene committed to custodie by his father. He composed himselfe to +courtesie and affabilitie towards the people, and distributed much +treasure among them. But especially hee wanne their inclination by +promises of great assurance, to restore vnto them their ancient lawes, +to ease them of tributes and taxations, and to permit them free libertie +of hunting: which being their principall pleasure and exercise before, +was either taken away, or much restrained from them by King _William_ +the elder. Herewith he applied himselfe to appease the mutinous minds of +his Nobilitie, to seuer the Confederats, to breake the faction; to +diuide it first, and thereby to defeat it. + +To this purpose he dealt with _Roger Montgomerie_, who next vnto _Odo_ +was a principall both countenance and strength to the reuolt; he dealt +also with diuers others, inferiour vnto him in authority and degree; +that he could not coniecture for what cause they were so violent against +him: did they want money? His fathers treasure was at their deuotion: +desired they encrease of possessions? they should not be otherwise +bounded then by their owne desires: that hee would willingly also giue +ouer his estate, in case it should be iudged expedient by themselues, +whom his father had put in trust to support him: that they should doe +wel to foresee, whether by ouerthrowing his fathers iudgement in +appointing the kingdome vnto him, they should not doe that which might +be preiudiciall to themselues; for the same man who had appointed him to +bee King, had also conferred vnto them those honours and possessions +which they held. Thus sometimes dealing priuately with particulars, and +sometimes with many together, and eftsoones filling them with promises +and hopes, and that with such new vehemencie of words as they beleeued +could not proceede from dissembled intents; he so preuailed in the end, +that hereby, and by example of some inducing the rest, _Roger +Montgomerie_ and diuers others were reconciled to the King; in whom was +thought to rest no smal matter to hold vp the reputation of the +enterprise. + +And further, hee prepared a nauie to guard the seas, and to impeach the +passage of his brother into _England_. Hee prepared great forces also by +meanes of the treasure which his father had left, and disposed them in +places conuenient, either to preuent or to represse these scattered +tumults. But the successe of his affaires was by no meanes so much +aduanced, as by _Lanfranck_ Archbishop of _Canterbury_, and by +_Woolstane_ Bishop of _Worcester_: the authority of which two men, the +one for his learning, wisedome, and mild moderation, the other for his +simple sanctitie and integritie of life, was greatly regarded by all +sorts of people. By encouragement of _Woolstane_ not onely the citie of +_Worcester_ was maintained in firme condition for the King, but his +enemies receiued there a famous foyle; the greatest part being slaine, +and the residue dispersed. This was the first sad blow which the +confederates tooke; afterward they declined mainely, and the King as +mainly did increase. + +The King in person led his chiefe forces into _Kent_, against _Odo_ his +vncle, the principall firebrand of all this flame. Hee tooke there the +castle of _Tunbridge_ and of _Pemsey_, which _Odo_ had fortified; and +lastly hee besieged _Odo_ himselfe in the castle of _Rochester_, and +with much trauell tooke him prisoner, and compelled him to abiure the +Realme. Vpon these euents, the Bishop of _Durham_, aduising onely with +feare and despaire, fled out of the Realme; but after three yeeres he +was againe restored to the dignitie of his Sea. The residue did submit +themselues to the Kings discretion; and were by him receiued, all to +pardon, some to gracious and deare account. For in offences of so high +nature, pardon neuer sufficeth to assure offenders, vnlesse by further +benefits their loyaltie bee bound. + +_Robert_ Duke of _Normandy_ was busied all this time, in making +preparation for his iourney into _England_: but his delayes much abated +the affections of those who fauoured either his person or cause. At the +length, hauing made vp a competent power, he committed to sea; where, +his infelicities concurring with his negligence, diuers of his ships +which he had sent somewhat before him, to assure the confederats of his +approach, were set vpon and surprised by the nauie of King _William_. +After this hee arriued in _England_, sent vnto many of his secret +friends, and made his comming knowen vnto all: but no man resorted to +him, he receiued no aduertisement from any man; but plainely found, that +by the fortunate celeritie of King _William_, the heart of the +conspiracie in all places was broken. So the Duke returned into +_Normandie_, hauing then good leisure, to looke into the errour of his +leisurely proceedings. + +When the King had in this sort either wisely reconciled, or valiantly +repressed his domesticall enemies; because an vnperfect victory is +alwayes the seede of a new warre, he followed his brother with a mighty +armie, and remoued the seate of the warre into _Normandie_. For he +coniectured (as in trueth it fell out) that the Duke his brother vpon +his returne, would presently disperse his companies, for want of money; +and for the same cause would not easily be able to draw them together +againe. So his valour and his power being much aduantaged by his sudden +comming, ioyned to the want of foresight and preparation in the Duke; +he tooke in short time the Castles of _Walerick_ and _Aubemarle_, with +the whole Countrey of _Eu_; the Abbacie of _Mount S Michael_, +_Fescampe_, _Chereburge_, and diuers other places; which he furnished +with men of Armes, and Souldiers of assured trust. + +The Duke feeling his owne weakenesse, dealt with _Philip_ King of +_France_, and by liberall promises so preuailed with him, that he +descended into _Normandie_ with a faire Armie, and bent his siege +against one of those pieces which K. _William_ had taken. But he found +it so knottie a piece of worke, that in short time wearied with +hardnesse and hazards of the field, he fell to a capitulation with King +_William_, and so departed out of _Normandie_; receiuing a certaine +summe of money in regard of his charges, and conceiuing that he had won +honour ynough, in that no honour had bene won against him. + +The money that was payd to the King of _France_, was raised in _England_ +by this deuise. King _William_ commanded that 20. Thousand men should be +mustered in _England_, and transported into _Normandie_, to furnish his +warres against the _French_. When they were conducted neere to +_Hastings_, and almost ready to be embarked, it was signified to them +from the King; that aswell for their particular safeties, as not to +disfurnish the Realme of strength, whosoeuer would pay 10. shillings +towards the waging of Souldiers in _Normandie_, he might be excused to +stay at home. Among 20. Thousand scarce any was found, who was not +ioyfull to embrace the condition; who was not ready to redeeme his +aduenture with so small a summe: which being gathered together, was both +a surer and easier meanes to finish the warres, then if the King had +still struggeled by force of Armes. For when the _French_ King had +abandoned the partie, Duke _Robert_, being prepared neither with money, +nor constancie of mind to continue the warre, enclined to peace; which +at the last, by diligence of friends, was concluded betweene the two +brothers, vpon these conditions. + + _That the Duke should yeeld to the King the Countie of Eu, the Abbey + of Fescampe, the Abbey of S. Michaels mount, Chereburge, and all + other Castles and fortifications which the King had taken._ + + _That the King should subdue to the vse of the Duke, all other + Castles and houldes, which had reuolted from him in Normandie._ + + _That the King should giue to the Duke certaine dignities and + possessions in England._ + + _That the King should restore all those to their dignities and lands + in England, who had taken part with the Duke against him._ + + _That if either of them should die without issue male, the suruiuour + should succeed in his estate._ + +These Articles were confirmed by twelue Barons on the Kings part, and as +many on the part of the Duke; so long obserued, as either of them wanted +either power or pretence to disanull them. + +This peace being made, the Duke vsed the aide of King _William_, to +recouer the fort of _Mount S. Michael_, which their brother _Henrie_ did +forceably hold, for the money which hee had lent to the Duke of +_Normandie_. Fourtie dayes they layed siege to this castle; hauing no +hope to carrie it, but by the last necessity, which is hunger. Within +the compasse of this time, as the King straggled alone vpon the shoare, +certaine horsemen salied foorth and charged vpon him; of whom three +strooke him together so violently with their lances, as because he could +not be driuen out of his saddle, together with his saddle he was cast +vpon the ground, and his horse slaine vpon the place, for which he had +payed the same day 15. markes. Extremitie of danger (as it often +happeneth) tooke from the King all feare of danger: wherefore taking vp +his saddle with both his hands, he did therewith defend himselfe for a +time. But because to stand vpon defence onely is alwayes vnsure, he drew +his sword, and would not depart one foot from his saddle; but making +shew of braue ioy, that he had nothing to trust vnto but his owne +valour, he defended both his saddle and himselfe, till rescue came. +Afterward when some of his Souldiers in blaming maner expostulated with +him, wherefore he was so obstinate to saue his saddle: his answere was, +that a King should loose nothing which he can possibly saue: _It would +haue angred mee_, (said he) _at the very heart, that the knaues should +haue bragged, that they had wonne the saddle from mee_. And this was one +of his perpetuall felicities, to escape easily out of desperate dangers. + +In the end _Henry_ grew to extreeme want of water, and other prouisions: +by which meanes he was ready to fall into the hands of those, who +desired to auoyd necessitie to hurt him. And first he sent to the Duke +his brother, to request some libertie to take in fresh water. The Duke +sent to him a tunne of wine, and granted a surcease of hostilitie for +one day, to furnish him with water. At this the King seemed +discontented, as being a meanes to prolong the warre. But the Duke told +him, that it had bene hard to deny a brother a little water for his +necessitie. Herewith likewise the King relenting, they sent for their +brother _Henry_; and wisdome preuailing more then iniuries or hate, they +fell to an agreement, That vpon a day appointed, _Henry_ should receiue +his money at _Roan_; and that in the meane time, hee should hold the +countrey of _Constantine_ in morgage. The King enterteined with pay many +of his brother _Henries_ souldiers; especially he receiued those who +ouerthrew him, to a very neere degree of fauour. And thus all parties +ordered their ambition with great modestie; the custome of former warres +running in a course of more humanitie, then since they haue done. + +The King was the more desirous to perfect these agreements of Peace, for +that _Malcolme_ King of _Scots_ (as Princes often times make vse of the +contentions of their neighbours) tooke occasion vpon these confusions, +to enterprise vpon the parts of _England_ which confined vpon him. So as +he inuaded _Northumberland_, made great spoile, tooke much prey, caried +away many prisoners; whose calamitie was the more miserable, for that +they were to endure seruitude in a hard Countrey. For this cause the +King with his accustomed celeritie returned into _England_, accompanied +with the Duke of _Normandie_ his brother; and led a mighty armie against +the _Scots_ by land, and sent also a nauie to infest them by sea. But by +a sudden and stiffe storme, by a hideous confusion of all ill disposed +weather, his ships were cruelly crushed; and hauing long wrought against +the violence and rage of the tempest, were in the end dispersed, and +diuers of them cast away. Many of his souldiers also perished, partly by +penurie and want, and partly by the euill qualitied ayre. + +Notwithstanding the _Scots_, knowing the King of _England_ to bee an +enemie mighty and resolute, began to wauer in their assurance; framing +fearefull opinions, of the number, valour and experience of his armie. +Hereupon some ouertures of peace were made; the _Scots_ expecting that +the King, by reason of his late losses, would be the more moderate in +his demands. But hee then shewed himselfe most resolute and firme; +following his naturall custome, not to yeelde to any difficulty. King +_Malcolme_ coniecturing that such confidence could not be without good +cause, consented at the last to these conditions. + + _That King Malcolme should make a certaine satisfaction for the + spoyles which hee had done in England._ + + _That King William should restore to him certaine lands in England._ + + _That K. Malcolme should doe homage to King William._ + +Now the day was come wherein _Henrie_ was appointed to receiue his money +at _Roan_, from the Duke of _Normandie_. But as affaires of Princes haue +great variations, so they are not alwayes constant in their Counsels. +And so the Duke, caried by his occasions, and ready to lay downe his +faith and word more to the traine of times, then to the preseruation of +his honour; instead of paying the money, committed his brother _Henry_ +to prison: from whence he could not be released, vntill hee renounced +the Countie of _Constantine_, and bound himselfe by oath neuer to claime +any thing in _Normandie_. + +_Henrie_ complained hereof to _Philip_ King of _France_; who gaue him a +faire enterteinement in his Court, but was content rather to feede then +finish the contention: either expecting thereby some opportunitie to +himselfe, or els the opinion of his owne greatnesse not suffring him to +feare, that others might grow to haue fortune against him. _Henry_ had +not long remained in the Court of _France_, but a _Normane_ Knight named +_Hacharde_ conueyed him disguised into _Normandie_; where the Castle of +_Damfronc_ was deliuered vnto him; and in short time after hee gate all +the Countrey of _Passays_, and a good part of _Constantine_; either +without resistance, or without difficultie and perill. + +Hereupon the Duke leuied his forces, and earnestly assayed to recouer +_Damfronc_: but then hee found that his brother _Henrie_ was secretly, +yet surely vnderset by the king of _England_. Hereupon, incensed with +the furie of an iniuried minde, hee exclaimed against his brother of +_England_, and almost proclaimed him a violator of his league. On the +other side, the King of _England_ iustified his action, for that hee was +both a meanes and a partie to the agreement: and therefore stood bound +in honour, not onely to vrge, but to enforce performance. So the flame +brake foorth more furious then it was before, and ouer went King +_William_ with an able armie; where hee found the Duke also in good +condition of strength commanding the field. And albeit in so neere +approach of two mighty enemies, equall both in ambition and power, it is +hard to conteine men of seruice; yet was nothing executed betweene them, +but certaine light skirmishes, and surprizements of some places of +defence. In the end, the King hearing of new troubles in _England_, and +the Duke finding himselfe vnable either to preuaile with few souldiers, +or to maintaine many, and both distrusting to put a speedie end to the +warre; they were easily drawne to capitulations of peace. And thus ended +the contention betweene these brethren; who vntill this time had +continued like the waues of the Sea, alwayes in motion, and one beating +against the other. + +Besides these businesses which befell the King, against his Nobilitie, +against the Duke of _Normandie_ his brother, and against the King and +nation of the _Scots_; the _Welshmen_ also (who alwayes struggled for +libertie and reuenge) perceiuing that the King was often absent, and +much entangled with hostile affaires; enforced the fauour of that +aduantage, to free themselues from subiection of the _English_, and +happily to enlarge or enrich themselues vpon them. So hauing both desire +and opportunitie, they wanted not meanes to assemble in armes, to expell +the _English_ that were amongst them, and to cast downe the Castles +erected in their Countrey, as the principall yoakes of their subiection. +Afterwards, rising in boldnesse with successe, they made diuers +incursions vpon the bordering parts of _England_; spoiled the Citie of +_Glocester_, and exercised all those outrages, which vnciuill people, +incensed both with want and with hate doe not vsually omit. But being a +company neither in discipline nor pay, raw and vnarmed, they proceeded +more like to robbers then to Souldiers; hauing no intention to vanquish, +but to spoile. + +Hereupon the King twice in person inuaded _Wales_, but with small shew +of successe for the present. For the _Welsh_-enemies scattered the +warre, by diuiding themselues into small companies, and retiring into +the mountaines and woods, and other places of naturall defence. Here +they trauailed the King with a fugitiue fight; flying when they were +pursued, and houering vpon him when they were giuen ouer: cutting off +many stragling souldiers, and taking some carriages, which in those +rough places could not easily either be passed, or defended. And so by +shifting alwayes into places of aduantage, they sought at one time, both +to auoyd fighting, and to hinder the King from doing any thing of +importance. At the last, the King hauing made sufficient proofe how +vaine it is, to follow a light footed enemie with a heauie Armie, +pestered with traine of carriage, in places where the seruice of +horsemen is almost vnprofitable; he gaue ouer the pursuit, and retired +into _England_. But first he repaired those Castles which the _Welsh_ +had destroyed, and built new Castles also vpon the frontiers and within +the bosome of _Wales_; which he furnished with so sure garrisons, as +might suffice with fauour of opportunitie, either to weary or consume +the enemies. + +And indeed the _Welsh_ being by this meanes, alwayes exercised, and +dayly wasted; declined in short time, no lesse to cowardise then to +wearinesse and wants; so as _Hugh_ Earle of _Chester_, & _Hugh_ Earle of +_Shrewesbury_, dispossessed them of the Isle of _Anglesey_, which they +had surprised not long before. The _Welsh_ that were there taken, were +very hardly, or rather vnmercifully and cruelly entreated; Some had +their eyes pulled out, some their hands cut off, some their armes, some +their noses, some their genitalles. An aged Priest named _Kenredus_, who +had bene a chiefe directer of the common affaires, was drawne out of a +Church whereinto he had fled, had one of his eyes pulled out, and his +tongue torne from his throat. I make no doubt but these seuerities were +vsed against them, vpon some sauage outrages which they had done; +wherein the lesse compassion was borne to their calamities, for the +cowardise which they shewed in their owne defence. + +Shortly after, _Magnus_ King of _Norway_ the sonne of _Olaus_, the sonne +of _Harold Harfager_, hauing brought the Isles of _Orkeney_ vnder his +dominion, subdued also from the _Welsh_ the Isle of _Man_; and +enterprised vpon the Isle of _Anglesey_ against the _English_. But at +his landing he was encountred by the Earle of _Shrewsbury_ and the Earle +of _Chester_; in which fight the _Norwegians_ were vanquished and +repelled, but the Earle of _Shrewsbury_ with too braue boldnesse lost +his life: leauing his honourable both actions and end as an excellent +ornament to his posteritie. Afterwards the Earle of _Chester_ led an +armie into _Wales_; and found the people so consumed by the _English_ +garisons, that he easily reduced many to professe obedience to the +Crowne of _England_; and disabled others, hauing no leaders of +experience and valour, for shewing their faces as enemies in the field. + +Also vpon some variances which did rise betweene _Iustinus_, sonne to +_Gurguntus_, Earle of _Glamorgane_ and _Morganock_; and _Rhesus_ sonne +to _Theodore_ Prince of Southwales: _Iustinus_, not of power to +maintaine either his right or his will, sent _Aeneas_, sonne to +_Genidorus_, sometimes Lord of _Demetia_, to craue aide in _England_. +This he obtained, not onely readily, but in greater measure then the +seruice did require. _Robert Fitzhamond_ was generall Commander of the +_English_ armie; who encountred _Rhesus_ at a place called _Blackhill_; +and in that fight _Rhesus_ was slaine: after whose death the name of +King ceased in _Wales_. Then _Iustinus_ failing, and happily not able to +performe such conditions as in necessitie hee had assured, _Fitzhamond_ +turned his forces against him; chased the _Welsh_ out of the champaine +Countrey, and diuided the same among his principall Gentlemen. These +erected Castles, in places conuenient for their mutuall ayde; and so +well defended themselues, that they left the Countrey to their +posterity. Thus was the Lordship of _Glamorgane_ and _Morganock_, which +conteineth 27. miles in length, & 22. in bredth, subdued to the +_English_; giuing example how dangerous it is for any people, to call in +a greater force of strangers to their ayde, then being victorious, they +may easily be able to limit and restraine. This being a Lordship +marcher, hath enioyed royall liberties, since the time wherein it was +first subdued. It hath acknowledged seruice and obedience onely to the +Crowne. It hath had the triall of all actions, as well reall as +personall, and also held Pleas of the Crowne; with authority to pardon +all offences, Treason onely excepted. + +Whilest the King was entertained with these chases, rather then warres +in _Wales_, hee lay at _Gloucester_ many times; as not esteeming that +his presence should alwayes be necessary, and yet not farre off if +occasion should require. To this place _Malcolme_ King of _Scots_ came +vnto him, vpon an honourable visitation. But the King hauing conceiued +some displeasure against him, refused to admit him to his presence. +Hereupon King _Malcolme_, full of fury and disdaine, returned into +_Scotland_, assembled an armie, enuaded _Northumberland_, harrased and +spoyled a great part thereof; hauing done the like foure times before. +Such is the heate of hate in mindes that are mighty; who seldome hold it +any breach of Iustice, to bee reuenged of him who offereth dishonor. +When he was come neere to _Alnewicke_, and his souldiers were much +pestered with prey, (a notable impediment both for readinesse and +resolution to fight) hee was set vpon both suddenly and sharply by +_Robert Mowbray_ Earle of _Northumberland_; his troupes hewen in pieces, +himselfe together with his eldest sonne _Edward_ slaine. The third day +ensuing, _Margaret_ wife to King _Malcolme_, and sister to _Edgar +Adeling_, not able to beare so sad and heauie a blow of fortune, ended +also her life. Shee was famous for pietie and for modestie, two +excellent endowments of that Sexe. By her perswasion _Malcolme_ made a +law, that whereas by a former law made by King _Eugenius_, the Lord +enioyed the first night with any new married woman within his dominion; +the husband might redeeme that abuse by paiment of halfe a mark of +siluer. + +King _Malcolme_ being slaine, _Dunwald_ his brother vsurped the +kingdome; but after a few dayes he was dispossessed thereof by +_Duncane_, bastard son to K. _Malcolme_. In this action _Duncane_ was +chiefly supported by the King of _England_; with whom he had remained in +hostage, and to whom hee had made his submission by oath. And because +the _Scots_ did either see or suspect that hee bare a fauourable +affection to the _English_, they would not receiue him for their King, +but vnder promise that hee should not entertaine any _English_ or +_Normane_, either in place of seruice, or as a follower at large. The +yeere next following _Duncane_ was slaine, and _Dunwald_ was againe +possessed of the kingdom. Hereupon King _William_ sent _Clito Edgar_ +with an armie into _Scotland_; by whose meanes _Dunwald_ was dispoiled +againe of his Kingdome, and _Edgar_ sonne to King _Malcolme_ aduanced to +his fathers estate. + +These were the principall aduentures by Armes which concerned _England_, +during the reigne of K. _William_ the second: wherein he so behaued +himselfe, that he did worthily winne an opinion to be one, who both knew +and durst. In all actions hee esteemed himselfe greatly dishonoured, if +hee were not both in Armes with the first, and with the forwardest in +fight; doing double seruice, as well by example, as by direction: In +which heate of valour, the fauour of his Fortune excused many of his +attempts from the blame of rashnesse. He was oftentimes most constant, +or rather obstinate in pursuing those purposes, which with small +deliberation he vndertooke. + +At a certaine time when he was in hunting within the new Forrest, he +receiued aduertisement, that _Mans_ was surprised by _Helie_, Count _de +la Flesch_, who pretended title thereto in right of his wife: that he +was aided in this enterprise by _Fouques d'Angiers_, an ancient enemie +to the Dukes of _Normandie_: and that the castle which held good for the +King, must also be rendered, if in very short time it were not +relieued. Vpon these newes, as if he had bene in the heat of a chase, he +presently turned his horse; and his passion not staying to consult with +reason, in great haste roade towards the Sea. And when he was aduised by +some to stay a time, and take with him such forces as the importance of +the seruice did require; with a heart resolute and violent voice he +answered, _That they who loued him, would not faile to follow; and that +if no man else would stirre, he alone would relieue Mans_. + +When he came to _Dortmouth_, he commanded ships to be brought for his +passage. The winds were then both contrary and stiffe, and the Sea +swelled exceeding bigge; for which cause the Shipmasters perswaded him +to await a more fauourable season, and not to cast himselfe vpon the +miserable mercie of that storme. Notwithstanding the King, whose feare +was alwayes least when dangers were greatest, mounted vpon Shipboard, +and commanded them to put to Sea; affirming, That it was no Prince-like +mind to breake a iourney for foulenesse of weather; and that he neuer +heard of any King that had bene drowned. And so for that the chiefe +point of rescue rested in expedition, hee presently committed to Sea; +taking few with him, and leauing order that others should follow. After +hee had long wrastled with the winds and waues, he arriued in _France_, +where running on in the humour of his courage and forwardnesse, he +acquitted himselfe with greater honour then at any time before. So +effectuall is celeritie for the benefit of a seruice, that oftentimes it +more auaileth, then either multitude or courage of Souldiers. + +In this expedition, _Helie_ the principall commander against him was +taken. And when he was brought to the Kings presence, the King said +pleasantly vnto him: _Ah master! in faith I haue you now; and I hope I +shal be able to keepe you in quiet_. Then he: _It is true indeed, the +successe of my attempts haue not bene answerable to the resolution of my +minde; by meere aduenture now you haue me: but if I were at libertie +againe, I doe better know what I had to doe, and would not so easily be +held in quiet_. The King with a braue scorne replied: _I see thou art +but a foolish knaue; vnable to vse, either thy libertie or thy restreint +aright. But goe thy wayes, make good thy confidence: I set thee free and +at libertie againe; vse thy aduantage, and doe thy worst_. _Helie_ +daunted more with this high courage, then before he had bin with the +victory of the King, submitted himselfe, and made his peace vnder such +conditions as it pleased the King to lay vpon him. Certainely this +magnanimous example hath seldome bin equalled, neuer excelled by those, +who are admired for the principall worthies of the world. + +He little fauoured flatterers; the flies which blow corruption vpon +sweetest vertues; the myrie dogs of the Court, who defile Princes with +fawning on them; who commonly are fatted with bread which is made with +the teares of miserable people. He was most firme and assured in his +word: and to those who did otherwise aduise him, he would say; That _God +did stand obliged by his word_.[71] + +He is commended for his manly mercie; in releasing prisoners, and in +pardoning offences of highest qualitie: which to a people that then +liued vnder a Law, both rigorous, and almost arbitrarie, and (as well +for the noueltie as for the vncertaintie thereof) in a manner vnknowne, +was a most high valued vertue. He not onely pardoned many great +offenders, but partly by gifts, and partly by aduancements he knit them +most assuredly vnto him. And therefore although in the beginning of his +reigne, most of the Nobilitie, and many Gentlemen of best quality and +rancke endeuoured to displace him, and to set vp _Robert_ his elder +brother for their King; yet doeth it not appeare, either that any +seueritie was executed vpon them, or that afterward they were dangerous +vnto him. Notwithstanding in some actions he was noted of crueltie, or +at the least of sharpnesse and seuerity in iustice. For albeit hee +promised to the _English_, whilest his first feares and iealousies +continued, that they should enioy free libertie of hunting; yet did hee +afterwards so seuerely restraine it, that the penalty for killing a +Deere was death. + +_Robert Mowbray_ Earle of _Northumberland_, after he had defeated the +_Scots_ and slaine _Malcolme_ their King, not finding himselfe either +honoured or respected according to his seruice; first refrained, and +afterwards refused to come vnto the Court. Hereupon the King, ouerruled +indifferently with suspition and hate, (two violent passions in minds +placed in authoritie) sent his brother _Henry_ with an armie against +him; who spoyled the Countrey, tooke the Earle, and committed him to +prison. Then was hee charged with diuers crimes, which were sufficient +(although but surmised) to vndoe an Innocent. Many examinations were +also made, but for appearance onely and terrour, not to any bottome or +depth. The especiall matter obiected against him was, for contriuing to +despoyle the King both of life and state, and to set vp _Stephen +Albamerle_ his Aunts sonne for King. And thus it often happeneth, that +great deserts are occasions to men of their destruction; either because +Princes generally loue not those to whom they are exceedingly beholding, +or else for that thereby men doe grow proud, insolent, disdainefull, +bould, immoderate both in expectation and demand, discontented, +impatient if they be not satisfied, and apt to breake forth into +dangerous attempts. + +Of those who any wayes declared themselues in his fauour or defence; +some were despoiled of their goods, some were banished the Realme; +others were punished with losse of their eyes, or of their eares, or of +some other part of their bodie. _William d'Owe_ was accused in a +Councell holden at _Salisbury_, to bee a complice of this Treason. And +albeit he challenged his accuser to the combate, yet his eyes were +pulled out, and his stones cut off by commandement of the King. And yet +some authours affirme, that he was ouercome in combate before. For the +same cause the King commanded _William Aluerie_ to be hanged; a man of +goodly personage and modest behauiour; the Kings sewer, his Aunts sonne, +and his godfather. Before his execution hee desired to be whipped +through manie Churches in _London_: he distributed his garments to the +poore, and bloodied the street as he went, with often kneeling vpon the +stones. At the time of his death he tooke it vpon the charge of his +soule, that he was cleere of the offence for which he suffered. And so +committing his innocencie to God, and to the world his complaints, he +submitted himselfe to the Executioners hands: leauing an opinion in +some, a suspition in many, that others also died without desert. For the +king gaue an easie eare to any man, that would appeach others for his +aduantage: whereby it sometimes happened, that offenders were acquited +by accusing innocents. + +He was liberall aboue measure; either in regard of his owne abilities, +or of the worthinesse of the receiuers. Especially hee was bountifull +(if that terme may be applyed to immoderate lauishing)[72] to men of +warre: for which cause many resorted to him from farre Countries for +entertainement. To winne and retaine the fauour of these, hee much +impouerished his peaceable people. From many he tooke without iustice, +to giue to others without desert: esteeming it no vnequall dealing, that +the money of the one, should bee aduentured and expended with the blood +of the other. + +He much exceeded in sumptuousnes of diet and of apparell, wherewith +great men vse to dazel the eyes of the people: both which waies he +esteemed the goodnesse of things, by their price. It is reported, that +when his Chamberlaine vpon a certaine morning brought him a new paire of +hose, the King demaunded what they cost; and the Chamberlaine answered, +three shillings. Hereat the King grew impatient, and said: _What? heauie +beast! doest thou take these to be conuenient hose for a King? Away +begger, and bring me other of a better price_. Then the Chamberlaine +departed and brought a farre worse paire of hose (for a better could not +at that time bee found) and told the king that they cost a marke. The +king not onely allowed them for fine enough, but commended them also as +exceeding fit. Assuredly this immoderate excesse of a King is now farre +exceeded by many base shifting vnthrifts. + +In building his expences were very great. He repaired the Citie and +Castle of _Caerlile_, which had been wasted by the _Danes_ 200. yeres +before. Hee finished New castle vpon _Tine_. Many other Castles he +erected or repaired vpon the frontiers of _Scotland_; many also vpon the +frontiers and within the very brest of _Wales_. Hee much enlarged the +Towre of _London_, and enuironed it with a new wall. Hee also built the +great Hall at _Westminster_, which is 270. foote in length, and 74. +foote in breadth. And when many did admire the vast largenes thereof, he +would say vnto them, that it was but a bed chamber, but a closet, in +comparison of that which he intended to build. And accordingly he layd +the foundation of another Hall, which stretched from the Riuer _Thames_ +to the Kings high street: the further erection wherof, with diuers other +heroicall enterprises, ceased together with his life. + +Thus partly by reason of his infinite plots and inuentions, and partly +by his disorders and vnbrideled liberalities, he alwayes liued at great +charges and expences; which whilest the large treasure lasted which his +father left him, were borne without grieuance to the subiects: But when +that was once drained, he was reduced to seeke money by extraordinary +meanes. So, many hard taxes were laid vpon the people, partly for +supplie to his owne necessities, and partly to imitate the policie of +his father; that the people being busied how to liue, should reteine +small either leisure or meanes to contriue innouations. For this cause +he was supposed, vpon purpose to haue enterprised many actions of +charge; that thereby he might haue colour to impose, both imployments +and taxations vpon the people. + +And because the riches of the clergie at that time were not onely an +eye-sore vnto many, but esteemed also by some, to bee very farre aboue +due proportion; Hee often fleeced them of great summes of money. For +which cause it is euident, that the writers of that age (who were for +the most part Clergie men) did both generally enueigh against him, and +much depraue his particular actions. He withheld his annuall paiment to +the Sea of _Rome_, vpon occasion of a Schisme betweene _Vrbane_ at +_Rome_, and _Clement_ at _Rauenna_. He claimed the inuestiture of +Prelates to be his right: Hee forbade Appeales and entercourse to +_Rome_: For which and other like causes he had a very great contention +with the Clergie of his Realme, especially with _Anselme_ Archbishop of +_Canterbury_. + +The seedes of this contention were cast, when _Anselme_ was first +receiued to his Sea. For at that time two did striue for the Papacie of +_Rome_; _Vrbanus_ and _Guibert_, called _Clement_ the third: some +Christian States fauouring the one, and some the other. King _William_ +inclined to _Clement_ the third, and with him the Realme generally went; +but _Anselme_ did fully goe with _Vrbane_; making so his condition +before he did consent to accept his dignitie. + +When he was elected and before his consecration, the King demanded of +him, that such lands of the Church of _Canterbury_ as the King had giuen +to his friends since the death of _Lanfranck_, might still be held by +them as their lawfull right: but to this _Anselme_ would in no case +agree. Hereupon the King stayed his consecration a certaine time; but at +length by importunitie of the people hee was content to receiue his +homage, and to giue way to his consecration. Not long after, the +Archbishop desired licence of the king to goe to _Rome_, to receiue his +Pall; which when the King refused to grant, he appealed to the Sea of +_Rome_. Now this was the first Appeale that euer before had been made in +_England_. For Appeales were not here in ordinarie vse, vntil after this +time, vnder the reigne of King _Stephen_; when _Henrie_ Bishop of +_Wint._ being the Popes Legate, brought them in. + +Wherefore the King offended with this noueltie, charged _Anselme_ with +breach of his fealtie and oath. _Anselme_ answered, that this was to be +referred to the iudgement of a Councell, whether it bee a breach of +allegiance to a terrene Prince, if a man appeale to the Vicar of Christ. +The King alleaged; that the custome of his Realme admitted no appeale +from the king; that supreame appeale was a most principall marke of +Maiestie, because no appeale can be made but to a superiour; that +therefore the Archbishop by appealing from him, denied his Souereignty, +derogated from the dignitie of his Crowne, and subiected both him and +that to another Prince, to whom as to a superiour he did appeale; That +herein hee was an enemie and a Traitour to him and to the State. +_Anselme_ replyed, that this question was determined by our Lord, who +taught vs what allegiance is due to the Pope, where he saith; _Thou art +Peter, and vpon this Rocke will I build my Church, &c._ And againe; _To +thee will I giue the Keyes of the Kingdome of Heauen, &c._ And againe in +generall; _Hee that heareth you heareth me, and who despiseth you +despiseth me_. And againe, _He that toucheth you, toucheth the apple of +my eye_. But for the allegiance due to the King, he saith; _Giue to +Caesar that which belongeth to Caesar, and to God what pertaineth to God_. +To this the king finally said; That hauing made themselues Masters to +interprete and giue sence to the Scriptures, it was easie to maintaine +by them whatsoeuer they desired or did; it was easie for them to burst +their ambition with their swelling greatnes. But well he was assured, +that CHRIST intended not to dissolue orders for Ciuill gouernment, to +ruine kingdoms, to embase authority and right of Kings, by meanes of his +Church: this right of a King he had, and this right he would maintaine. + +In this contention few of the Bishops did openly take part with +_Anselme_; but some, and especially the Bishop of _Durhame_, did +directly declare against him. The residue, when he asked their aduise, +would answere him, That he was wise ynough, and knew what was best for +him to doe; as for them, they neither durst nor would stand against +their Lord. By assistance of these the King purposed to depriue +_Anselme_, and to expell him out of the Realme. But _Anselme_ auowed, +That as he was ready to depart the Realme, so would he take his +authoritie with him, though he tooke nothing else. + +Now the King had sent two messengers to Pope _Vrbane_ at _Rome_, to +entreat him to send the Pall to the King; to be disposed by him as he +should thinke fit. These messengers were by this time returned; and with +them came _Guibert_ the Popes Legate, who brought the Pall. The Legate +went first priuily to the King, and promised that if _Vrbane_ should be +receiued for Pope in _England_, the King should obtaine of him +whatsoeuer he would. The King required that _Anselme_ might be remoued. +The Legate answered, that it could not be, that such a man without iust +cause should be remoued; Notwithstanding some other things being +granted to the King, _Vrbane_ was declared to be lawfull Pope; and the +King was content to swallow downe that morsel, which had bene so +vnpleasant for him to champe on. The Pall was caried to _Anselme_ with +great pompe, in a vessell of siluer; and he came foorth bare footed, in +his Priestly Vestments to meete and to receiue it. + +The yeere next following the King inuaded _Wales_; where he repressed +the rebellious enemies, and returned victorious. _Anselme_ prepared to +goe vnto him, to salute him, to congratulate his good successe. But the +King preuented him by messengers, who layde to his charge, both the +small number, and euill appointment of the Souldiers, which he sent to +that seruice; and therefore warned him to appeare at the Court, to make +his answere. Happely also the King was incensed by matters more light; +but taken in the worst part, as it commonly falleth out in suspitions +and quarels. At the day appointed _Anselme_ appeared, but auoyded his +answere by appealing to the Pope: for prosecution whereof, hee made suit +for the Kings licence to goe to _Rome_. The King said as before; That +this appeale was against the custome of the Realme, and against the +dignitie of his Crowne, to both which _Anselme_ had sworne. _Anselme_ +answered, That he was sworne to neither of them, but so farre as they +were consonant to the Lawes of GOD, and to the rules of equitie and +right. The King replied, That no limitation being expressed, it was not +reasonable that vpon his owne conceit of pietie or equitie, he should +slip out of the band of his oath. Thus was the contention on both sides +obstinately maintained; and for a long time _Anselme_ was commanded to +attend the Court. + +At the last hee was released, but vnder expresse charge, that he should +not depart out of the Realme; or if he did, that it should neuer be +lawfull for him to returne. _Anselme_ departed from the Court, went +streight to _Douer_, with purpose to passe the Seas into _France_. Here +hee was either awaited or ouertaken by _William Warlewast_ the Kings +officer; not to stay him from his passage, but to rifle him of all that +he had. Others also were appointed to seise his goods in other places, +and to conuert the profits of his Archbishopricke to the vse of the +King; making a bare allowance to the Monks, of meat, drinke and +cloathing. So the Archbishop crossed the Seas into _France_, rested a +while at _Lions_, and then trauailed ouer the _Alpes_ to _Rome_; where +he was enterteined by Pope _Vrbane_, with more then ordinarie ceremonies +of honour. + +And first the Pope wrote to the king of _England_ on the behalfe of +_Anselme_; and reteined him in his Palace vntill he should receiue +answere from the king. When the messenger was returned with such answere +as _Anselme_ did not like, he desired of the Pope to be discharged of +his dignitie; which he had found (he said) a wearisome stage, whereon +hee played a part much against his will. But hereto the Pope would in no +case agree; charging him vpon vertue of his obedience, That wheresoeuer +he went, he should beare both the name and honour of Archbishop of +_Canterburie_. _As for these matters_, (said he) _we shall sufficiently +prouide for them at the next Councell where your selfe shalbe present_. + +When the Councell was assembled, _Anselme_[73] sate on the outside of +the Bishops; but the Pope called him vp, and placed him at his right +foot with these words; _Includamus hunc in orbe nostro, tanquam alterius +orbis Papam_. Afterwards in all generall Councels, the Archb. of +_Canterburie_ tooke that place. In this Councell the points of +difference betweene the Greeke and Latine Churches were strongly +debated; especially concerning the proceeding of the _Holy Ghost_, and +for leauened bread in the administration of the _Eucharist_: wherein +_Anselme_ shewed such deepe learning, weight of iudgement, and edge of +wit, that he approched neerer admiration then applause. These matters +determined, complaints were brought against the King of _England_, and +the Pope is said to haue bene ready to excommunicate him: but _Anselme_ +kneeled before the Pope, and obteined for the King a longer terme. The +Pope was then at great contention with _Henry_ the fourth Emperour, who +had bene excommunicated before by _Hildebrand_, and was then againe +excommunicate by _Vrbane_: being the first Christian Prince with +Souereigne power, who was euer excommunicate by any Pope. And for that +_Vrbane_ at that time had his hands full against the Emperour, for that +also hee would not make the example too odious at the first; he was +willing ynough to forbeare excommunication against the King. And the +rather for that _Anselme_ had intelligence from his friends in +_England_, that the excommunication would not be regarded. Hereupon, +accompting it a sufficient declaration of his power for the time, to +haue menaced excommunication, he caused a generall decree to be made; +That as well all Lay-persons who should giue inuestiture of Churches, as +those of the Clergie who should be so inuested; also those who should +yeeld themselues in subiection to Lay-men for Ecclesiastical liuings, +should be excommunicate. + +This generall sentence was pronounced. The Pope also signified by +letters to the King, that if he would auoyd particular proceeding +against himselfe, he should foorthwith restore _Anselme_ to the exercise +of his Office in his Church, and to all the goods and possessions +perteining thereto. Hereupon the King sent messengers to the Pope, who +declared vnto him; That their great Master the King marueiled not a +litle, wherefore he should so sharply vrge the restitution of _Anselme_; +seeing it was expresly told him, That if he departed out of _England_ +without licence, he should expect no other vsage. Well, said the Pope, +Haue you no other cause against _Anselme_, but that he hath appealed to +the Apostolicall Sea, and without licence of your King hath trauailed +thither? They answered, No. And haue you taken all this paines (said he) +haue you trauailed thus farre to tell me this? Goe tell your Lord, if he +will not be excommunicate, that he presently restore _Anselme_ to his +Sea: And see that you bring mee answere hereof the next Councell, which +shalbe in the third weeke after Easter: make haste, and looke to your +terme, lest I cause you to be hanged for your tarryance. + +The messenger was herewith much abashed; yet collecting himselfe, he +desired priuate audience of the Pope: affirming, that he had some secret +instructions from the King to impart vnto him. What this secret was it +is vnknowne. Whatsoeuer it was, a longer day was obtained for the King, +vntill Michaelmas then next ensuing. And when that day was come, albeit +complaints were renued, yet was nothing done against the King. The +Archb. seeing the small assurance of the Pope, returned to _Lions_ in +_France_; and there remained vntil the death, first of Pope _Vrbane_, +and afterwards of the king; which was almost the space of 3. yeeres. + +By this great conflict the king lost the hearts of many of the Clergie; +but his displeasure had seasoned reuenge with contentment: and finding +himselfe sufficient, both in courage and meanes to beare out his +actions, he became many other wayes heauie vnto them. When any +Bishopricke or Monasterie fell voyd, he kept them vacant a long time in +his hands, and applied the profits to himselfe: At the last hee would +set them to open sale, and receiue him for Prelate, who would giue for +them the greatest price. Herehence two great inconueniences did ensue; +the best places were furnished with men of least sufficiencie and worth; +and no man hoping to rise by desert, the generall endeuour for vertue +and knowledge were layd aside: the direct way to aduancement, was by +plaine purchase from the king. + +In this seazing and farming and marchandizing of Church-liuings, one +_Ranulph_, commonly called the Kings Chapleine, was a great agent for +the King. Hee was a man of faire vse of speach, and liuely in witte, +which hee made seruants to licentious designes; but both in birth and +behauiour base, and shamelesse in dishonestie; a very bawde to all the +Kings purposes and desires. Hee could be so euill as hee listed, and +listed no lesse then was to his aduantage. The King would often laugh at +him, and say; that he was a notable fellow to compasse matters for a +King. And yet besides more then ordinary fauour of countenance, the King +aduanced him, first to be his Chancellour, and afterward to be Bishop of +_Duresme_. By his aduise, so soone as any Church fell voide, an +Inuentory was made of all the goods that were found, as if they should +bee preserued for the next successor; and then they were committed to +the custodie of the King, but neuer restored to the Church againe. So +the next incumbent receiued his Church naked and bare, notwithstanding +that he paid a good price for it. From this King the vse is said to haue +first risen in _England_, that the Kings succeeding had the Temporalties +of Bishops Seas so long as they remained voide. Hee also set the first +enformers to worke, and for small transgressions appointed great +penalties. Hee is also reported to haue been the first King of this +Realme, who restreined his subiects from ranging into forreine Countreys +without licence. + +And yet what did the King by this sale of Church dignities, but that +which was most frequent in other places? For in other places also few +attained to such dignities freely. The difference was this: here the +money was receiued by the King, there by fauorites or inferiour +officers: here it was expended in the publike vses of the State; there +to priuate and many times odious enrichments: this seemeth the more +easie, that the more extreme pressure, as done by more hungrie and +degenerous persons: this may bee esteemed by some the more base, but +assuredly it was the better dealing. And further, it is euident that the +King did freely aduance many excellent persons to principall dignities +in the Church; and especially _Anselme_ to the Archbishopricke of +_Canterburie_, who was so vnwilling to accept that honour, that the King +had much to doe to thrust it vpon him. And the rather to enduce him, he +gaue him wholly the citie of _Canterburie_, which his predecessors had +held but at the pleasure of the King. This _Anselme_ was one whose +learned labours doe plainely testifie, how little his spirits were fed +with the fulsome fumes of surfeting and ease; which to many others, +together with their bodies, doe fatten and engrosse their mindes. He so +detested singularitie, that he accounted it the sinne which threw Angels +out of Heauen, and man out of Paradise. This detestation of singularitie +might happily encline him to the other extreme; to adhere ouer lightly +to some common receiued errours. It is attributed to him that hee would +often wish, to bee rather in hell without sinne, then with sinne in +heauen. + +The king also aduanced _Robert Bloet_, to the Bishopricke of _Lincolne_: +a man whose wisedom was highly graced, with goodly personage, and good +deliuery of speach: from whom notwithstanding the king afterwards wiped +fiue thousand markes. Hee also freely receiued _Hugh de Floriaco_, a man +for his vertue much esteemed, to be Abbot of the Monastery of S. +_Augustines_ in _Canterburie_; and likewise diuers others to other +Ecclesiasticall preferments: whereby I am confirmed in opinion, that +many odious imputations against the king, were either altogether +inuented, or much enlarged aboue the trueth. + +It happened vpon auoidance of a certaine Monastery, that two Monkes went +to the king, either of them contending, as well by friends, as by large +offer of purse, to procure to be made Abbot of the place. The king +espying a third Monke standing by, who came with the other two, either +to accompany them, or to obtaine some inferiour place vnder him that +should preuaile, demaunded of him what hee would giue? The Monke +answered, that hee had small meanes, and lesse minde, to purchase that +or any other dignitie of the Church: For with that intention did he +first betake himselfe to a religious life, that holding riches and +honour (the two beauties of the world) in contempt, he might more freely +and quietly dispose himselfe to the seruice of God. The King replied, +that he iudged him most worthy of that preferment; and therefore first +offred it vnto him, then intreated, and lastly enioyned him to accept +it. Assuredly, the force of vertue is such, that often times wee honour +it in others, euen when we little esteeme it in ourselues. + +He is charged with some actions and speaches tending to profanenesse. +The Iewes at _Roan_ so preuailed with him by gifts, that they drew him +to reprehend one who had forsaken their superstition. At _London_ a +disputation was appointed betweene certaine Christians and Iewes. The +Iewes a little before the day prefixed, brought to the King a rich +present; At which time he encouraged them (no doubt but by the way of +ioylitie and mirth) to acquite themselues like tall fellowes, and if +they preuailed by plaine strength of trueth, hee sware (as was his +vsuall) by S. _Lukes_ face, that hee would become one of their Secte. +These things happely not much spoken amisse, might easily bee depraued +by report. + +It is affirmed of him that he so much exceeded in bodily lust, (then +which nothing maketh a man more contemptible) that thereby hee seemed to +decline from the Maiestie of a Prince. This vice did cast a great mist +ouer his glorie. And yet neither is it infrequent in lusty bodies, +placed in a State both prosperous and high, neither can the pleasure of +one man that way extend it selfe to the iniurie of many. The worst was, +that after his example, many others did follow licentious traces;[74] +examples of Princes being alwayes of greater force then their Lawes, to +induce the people to good or to euill. As the King turned the +prosperitie of his actions to serue his vanities and delights, so his +followers by felicitie became insolent, and let goe at aduenture serious +affaires; not receiuing into their thoughts any other impression then of +brauery and pleasure. And they who were greatest in the counsailes and +fauours of the King, respected all things no further, then as they were +aduantageable to themselues. + +Then rose vp costly apparell, and dainty fare, two assured tokens of a +diseased State; the one the vainest, the other the grossest prodigalitie +that can be. Then was brought into vse the laying out of haire, strange +fashions and disguisings in attire, and all delicacies pertaining to the +bodie. Then were practised nice treadings, lasciuious lookes, and other +dissolute and wanton behauiour: many effeminate persons did accompanie +the Court, by whose immodest demeanour the maiestie of that place was +much embased. From hence also the poyson brake foorth, first into the +citie, and after wards into other places of the Realme; for as in +fishes, so in families, and so likewise in States, putrifaction commonly +beginneth at the head. + + +In the second yeere of this kings reigne _Lanfranck_ Archb. of +_Canterburie_ ended his life: A man highly esteemed, with good men, for +his learning and integritie; with great men, for his diligence and +discretion to sound deepely into affaires; with the common people for +his moderate and modest behauiour. King _William_ the first did honour +and embrace him with great respect, and was much guided by his aduise. +He was as a Protector to King _William_ the second. When he went to +_Rome_ to obteine his Pall, the Pope rose from his chaire, stepped +forwards to meet him, and with many ceremonies of courtesie did +enterteine him. Then he returned to his seat, and said: _Now Lanfrancke, +I haue done to thee what is due to thy vertue, come thou and doe to me +what apperteineth to my place_. He was an earnest enemie to all vices, +especially to auarice and pride, the two banes of all vertues. He renued +the great Church of _Canterburie_, and enriched it with 25. mannours. He +repaired the walles of that Citie, and built two Hospitals therein; one +of S. _Iohn_, the other _Harlebaldowne_. He gaue a thousand markes +towards the repairing and enlarging of the Abbey of S. _Albones_, and +procured _Redbourne_ to be restored thereto. By his Testament hee gaue +to the same Church 1000. pounds, besides many rich ornaments. He tooke +great paines in purging ancient Authors from such corruptions as had +crept into them: diuers workes also he wrote of his owne, but the +greatest part of them are perished. Thus he liued in honour, and died +with fame; his time imployed in honest studies and exercises, his goods +to good and Religious vses. + +The same yeere a strange and great earthquake happened throughout all +the Realme; after which ensued a great scarcitie of fruit, and a late +haruest of corne, so as much graine was not fully ripe at the end of +Nouember. + +In the fourth yere of the reigne of this King, a strong stroke of +lightning made a hole in the Abbey steeple at _Winchelscombe_, neere to +the top; rent one of the beames of the Church, brake one of the legges +of the Crucifixe, cast downe the head thereof, together with the Image +of the Virgine _Marie_ that was placed by it: Herewith a thicke smoke +darkened the Church, and breathed foorth a marueilous stincke, which +annoyed the Church a long time after. In the same yeere a mightie winde +from the Southwest did prostrate 606. houses in _London_: And breaking +into the Church of S. _Mary Bow_ in Cheape, slew two men with some part +of the ruines which it made, raised the roofe of the Church, and carried +many of the beames on such a height, that in the fall six of them, being +27. or 28. foot in length, were driuen so deepe into the ground (the +streets not then paued with stone) that not aboue 4. foote remained in +sight: and so they stood, in such order and rancke as the workemen had +placed them vpon the Church. The parts vnder the earth were neuer +raised, but so much was cut away as did appeare aboue the ground; +because it was an impediment for passage. The Tower of _London_ at the +same time was also broken, and much other harme done. + +The next yeere _Osmund_ Bishop of _Salisbury_ finished the Cathedrall +Church of old _Salisburie_; and the fifth day after the Consecration, +the steeple thereof was fired with lightning. + +The yeere following much raine fell, and so great frosts ensued, that +riuers were passable with loaden carts. + +The yeere next ensuing was exceeding remarkeable both for the number and +fashion of gliding Starres, which seemed to dash together in maner of a +conflict. + +About this time Pope _Vrbane_ assembled a Councell at _Cleremont_ in +_Auergne_, wherein hee exhorted Christian Princes to ioyne in action for +recouery of _Palestine_, commonly called _The Holy Land_, out of the +seruile possession of the _Saracenes_. This motion was first set on +foote, and afterwards pursued by _Peter_ the Heremite of _Amiens_; which +falling in an age both actiue and Religious, was so generally embraced, +as it drew 300000. men to assemble together from diuers Countreys; and +that with such sober and harmlesse behauiour, that they seemed rather +Pilgrimes then Souldiers. Among others, _Robert_ Duke of _Normandie_ +addressed himselfe to this Voyage; and to furnish his expenses therein, +he layed his Duchie of _Normandie_ to gage to his brother of _England_ +for 6666. li. or as other Authors report, for 13600. pounds of Siluer. + +This money was taken vp part by imposition, and part by loane, of the +most wealthy inhabitants within the Realme: But especially the charge +was layd vpon religious persons, for that it was to furnish a religious +warre. When many Bishops and Abbots complained, that they were not able +to satisfie such summes of money as the King demanded of them, vnles +they should sel the Chalices & siluer vessels which pertained to their +Churches. Nay answered the King, you may better make meanes with the +siluer and gold which vainely you haue wrapped about dead mens bones; +meaning thereby their rich Relickes and Shrines. + +The yeare following a blasing starre appeared, for the space of fifteene +dayes together; the greatest bush whereof pointed towards the East, and +the lesser towards the West. Gliding starres were often seene, which +seemed to dart one against another. The people began (as to mindes +fearefull all fancies seeme both weightie and true) to make hard +constructions of these vnusuall sights; supposing that the heauens did +threaten them, not accustomed to shew it selfe so disposed, but towards +some variation. + +In the 13. yeere of his reigne, the Sea surmounted his vsuall bounds, in +diuers parts of _England_ and _Scotland_: whereby not only fields, but +many villages, castles, and townes were ouerflowen, and some ouerturned, +and some ouerwhelmed with sand; much people, and almost innumerable +cattel was destroyed. At the same time certaine lands in _Kent_, which +did once belong to _Godwine_ Earle of _Kent_, were ouerflowed and +couered with sand, which to this day do beare the name of _Godwins_ +sands. Thunders were more frequent & terrible then had been vsuall; +through violence whereof diuers persons were slaine. Many feareful +formes and apparitions are reported to haue bin seene; whether errours, +or inuentions, or truethes, I will not aduow. The heauens often seemed +to flame with fire. At _Finchamsted_[75] in _Barkeshire_ neere vnto +_Abington_, a spring cast vp a liquor for the space of fifteene dayes, +in substance and colour like vnto blood; which did taint and infect the +next water brooke whereinto it did runne. The King was often terrified +in his sleepe with vncouth, ougly, vnquiet dreames: and many fearefull +visions of others were oftentimes reported vnto him. At the same time +hee held in his handes three Bishoprickes, _Canterburie_, _Winchester_, +and _Salisburie_; and twelue Abbeys. + +The same yeere vpon the second of August, a little before the falling of +the Sunne, as the King was hunting within the newe forrest, at a place +called _Choringham_ (where since a Chappell hath beene erected) hee +strooke a Deere lightly with an arrow. The Deere ranne away, and the +King stayed his horse to looke after it; holding his hand ouer his eyes, +because the beames of the Sunne (which then drew somewhat lowe) much +dazeled his sight. Herewith another Deere crossed the way; whereat a +certaine Knight, named Sir _Walter Tirrell_, aimed with an arrow: and +loosing his bowe, either too carelessly at the Deere, or too steadily at +the King, strooke him therewith full vpon the brest. The King hauing so +receiued the wound, gaue foorth a heauie groane, and presently fell +downe dead; neither by speach nor motion expressing any token of life. +Onely so much of the arrowe as was without his bodie was found broken; +whether with his hand, or by his fall, it is not certainely knowen. The +men that were neere vnto him (especially Sir _Walter Tirrell_) galloped +away; some for astonishment, others for feare. But a fewe collecting +themselues returned againe, and layd his bodie vpon a Colliers Cart, +which by aduenture passed that way; wherin it was drawen by one leane +euill-fauoured, base beast, to the Citie of _Winchester_; bleeding +abundantly all the way, by reason of the rude iogging of the Carte. The +day following hee was buried, without any funerall pompe, with no more +then ordinarie solemnities, in the Cathedrall Church or Monasterie of +Saint _Swithen_; vnder a plaine flat marble stone, before the Lectorne +in the Quire. But afterwards his bones were translated, and layd by King +_Canutus_ bones. + +Most writers doe interprete this extraordinarie accident to bee a +iudgement of God, for the extraordinarie loose behauiour of the King, +But it may rather seeme a iudgement of God, that King _William_ the +first, who threw downe Churches, and dispeopled Villages and Townes; who +banished both the seruice of God, and societie of men, to make a vaste +habitation for sauage beasts, had two sonnes slaine vpon that place. It +may also seeme a iudgement of God, that King _William_ the second, who +so greatly fauoured beastes of game, that he ordeined the same penaltie +for killing of a deere, as for killing of a man; should as a beast, and +for a beast, and among beasts be slaine. And thus God doth often punish +vs by our greatest pleasures; if they be either vnlawfull, or +immoderately affected; whereby good things become vnlawfull. + +Hee died in the principall strength, both of his age, and of his +distastfull actions; wherein hee had bene much carried by the hoate +humour of his courage and youth; his iudgement not then raised to that +stayednesse and strength,[76] whereto yeeres and experience in short +time would haue brought it. Hee reigned in great varietie of opinion +with his Subiects (some applauding his vertues, others aggrauating his +vices) twelue yeeres, eleuen moneths wanting eight dayes: and was at his +death fourtie and three yeeres old. At this time he presumed most +highly, and promised greatest matters to himselfe, hee proiected also +many difficult aduentures, if his life had continued the naturall +course; wherein his hopes were nothing inferiour to his desires. + +Hee gaue to the Monckes of _Charitie_ in _Southwarke_ his Mannour of +_Bermondsey_, and built for them the great new Church of Saint +_Sauiour_. Also of an old Monasterie in the Citie of _Yorke_, he founded +an Hospitall for the sustentation of poore persons and dedicated it to +S. _Peter_. This Hospitall was afterward augmented by King _Stephen_, +and by him dedicated to S. _Leonard_. + + +[Illustration] + + + + +[Illustration] + +KING HENRY + +THE FIRST, + +_Sirnamed_ + +BEAVCLERKE. + + +Robert Duke of _Normandie_, the eldest brother to King _William_ the +second, was in _Palestina_ when King _William_ was slaine; being one of +the principal leaders in that Heroical warre, which diuers Christian +Princes of _Europe_ set vp, to recouer _Hierusalem_ out of the power and +possession of the _Saracens_. In this expedition hee purchased so +honourable reputation, for skill, industrie, and valour of hand, that +when the Christian forces had surprised _Hierusalem_, and diuers other +Cities in those quarters, the kingdome thereof was offered vnto him. +But the Duke, whether he coniectured the difficulties of that warre, +for that the enemie was both at hand, and vnder one command, but the +Armie of the Christians was to be supplied from farre, and also +consisted of many Confederats; In which case albeit sometimes men +performe well at the first, yet in short time inconueniences encreasing, +they alwayes either dissipate and dissolue, or else fall into confusion. +Or whether he heard of the death of his brother, to whose Kingdome he +pretended right; as well by prerogatiue of blood, as by expresse +couenant betweene them confirmed by oath; refused the offer, which was +the last period of all his honour, and in short time after tooke his +iourney from _Palestine_ towards _France_. + +But _Henry_ the Kings yonger brother, apprehending the opportunitie of +the Dukes absence, did foorthwith seaze vpon the treasure of the King, +and thereby also vpon his State, and so was crowned at _Westminster_ +vpon the second day of August, in the yeere 1100. by _Maurice_ Bishop of +_London_; because _Anselme_ Archb. of _Canterburie_ was then in exile. +This enterprise was much aduanced by the authoritie and industrie of +_Henry Newborow_ Earle of _Warwicke_, who appeased all opposition that +was made against it. The people also, albeit they had bene managed so +tame, as easily to yeeld their backe to the first sitter; yet to _Henry_ +they expressed a prone inclination, for that hee was borne in _England_, +at a place called _Selby_ in _Lincolneshire_, since his father was +crowned King: whereas Duke _Robert_ his brother was borne before his +father attained the kingdome. + +This serued Prince _Henry_ not onely to knit vnto him the affections of +the people, but also to forme a title to the Crowne. For it hath bin a +question often debated, both by Arguments and by Armes, and by both +trials diuersly decided; when a king hath two sonnes, one borne before +he was King, and the other after, whether of them hath right to succeed? + +_Herodotus_ writeth, That when _Darius_[77] the sonne of _Hysdaspis_ +King of _Persia_ made preparation for warre against the _Graecians_ and +_Egyptians_, he first went about to settle his succession: because by +the Lawes of _Persia_, the King might not enter into enterprise of +Armes, before he had declared his successour. Now _Darius_ had three +children before he was King, by his first wife the daughter of _Gobris_. +After he was King he had other foure, by _Atossa_ the daughter of +_Cyrus_. _Artabazanes_, or (as other terme him) _Arthemenes_ was eldest +of the first sort; _Xerxes_ of the second. _Artabazanes_ alleaged that +he was the eldest of all the Kings sonnes, and that it was a custome +among all nations, That in principalities the eldest should succeed. +_Xerxes_ alleaged, that he was begotten of _Atossa_ the daughter of +_Cyrus_, by whose valour the _Persians_ had obteined their Empire. +Before _Darius_ had giuen sentence, _Demaratus_ the sonne of _Aristo_, +cast out of his kingdome of _Sparta_ and then liuing an exile in +_Persia_, came vnto _Xerxes_, and aduised him further to alleage, that +he was the eldest sonne of _Darius_ after hee was King; And that it was +the custome of _Sparta_, that if a man had a sonne in priuate state, and +afterwards another when he was King, this last sonne should succeed in +his kingdome. Vpon this ground _Artabazanes_ was reiected, and _Darius_ +gaue iudgement for _Xerxes_. This history is likewise reported by +_Iustine_,[78] and touched also by _Plutarch_: although they disagree in +names, and some other points of circumstance. + +So when _Herode_ King of _Iudea_ appointed _Antipater_ his eldest +sonne, but borne to him in priuate state, to succeed in his Royaltie, +and excluded _Alexander_ and _Aristobulus_ his yonger sonnes, whom he +had begot of _Mariamne_, after he had obteined his kingdome; +_Iosephus_[79] plainly reprehendeth the fact, and condemneth the +iudgement of _Herode_ for partiall and vniust. So _Lewes_ borne after +his father was Duke of _Milane_,[80] was preferred in succession before +his brother _Galeace_, who was borne before. And so when _Otho_ the +first was elected Emperour, his yonger brother _Henry_ pretended against +him; for that _Otho_[81] was borne before their father was Emperour, and +_Henry_ after. In which quarrell _Henry_ was aided by _Euerharde_ Earle +Palatine, and _Giselbert_ Duke of _Lorreine_, with diuers other Princes +of _Almaine_: But when the cause came to be canuased by the sword, the +victorie adiudged the Empire to _Otho_. + +Furthermore, this right of title seemeth to be confirmed by many grounds +of the Imperial Law. As[82] that sonnes borne after their father is +aduanced to a dignitie, doe hold certaine priuiledges, which sonnes +formerly borne doe not enioy. That[83] those children which are borne +after a person is freed from any infamous or seruile condition, doe +participate onely of that libertie, and not they who were borne before. +That if a man taketh a wife in the Prouince wherein he holdeth office, +the marriage is good, if after the time his Office shall expire, they +continue in the same consent[84]: but so that the children borne before, +shall not be thereby helde for legitimate. That[85] those children which +are borne after their father is honoured with the title of +_Clarissimus_, do enioy the rights due vnto that degree of dignitie, and +not they who were borne before. That as a sonne borne after the father +hath lost his kingdome, is not esteemed for the sonne of a King[86]: so +neither hee that is borne before the father be a King[87]. + +And although these and diuers like passages of Law commonly alleadged, +doe seeme little or nothing pertinent to this purpose; for that they +concern not any vniuersall right of inheritance, which is due vnto +children after the death of their parents; but certaine particular +priuiledges and rights attributed vnto them whilest their parents were +in life, which for the most part are arbitrarie and mutable, as +depending vpon the pleasure of the Prince: Yet many Interpreters of both +Lawes haue bene drawen by these reasons to subscribe their iudgements +for this kind of Title: and namely _Pet. Cynus_, _Baldus_, +_Albericus_[88], _Iac. Rebuffus_, _& Luc. Penna_[89]. Also +_Panormitane_[90], _Collect._[91], _Dynus_[92], _Franc. Cremen._[93], +_Marti. Laud._[94], _Card. Alexander_[95], _Phil. Decius_[96], +_Alceat_[97], _Bon. Curti._[98]. And lastly, _Anton. Corsetta_[99], +deliuereth it for a common receiued and followed opinion. Which must be +vnderstood with this distinction, if the kingdome be either newly +erected, or else newly acquired by Conquest, Election, or any such +title, other then by hereditarie succession according to proximitie in +blood. For if the kingdome bee once seded in a certaine course of +succession, because the dignitie is inherent in the blood of that +stocke; because it is not taken from the father but from the ancestors; +because it is not taken onely from the ancestors, but from the +fundamentall law of the State; the eldest sonne shall indistinctly +succeede, although hee were borne before his father was King[100]. And +therefore after the kingdome of _Persia_ had been caried by succession +in some descents, when _Darius_ the King had foure sonnes, _Artaxerxes_ +the eldest, _Cyrus_ the next, and two others; _Parysates_ the wife of +_Darius_ hauing a desire that _Cyrus_ should succeede in the kingdome, +alleaged in his behalfe the same reason wherewith _Xerxes_ had preuailed +before: to wit, that shee had brought foorth _Artaxerxes_ to _Darius_, +when hee was in priuate state; but _Cyrus_ was borne to him when he was +a King. Yet _Plutarch_[101] affirmeth, that the reason which she vsed +was nothing probable, and that _Artaxerxes_ the eldest sonne was +appointed to be King. And so _Blondus_[102] and _Ritius_ doe report, +that _Bela_ the King of _Hungarie_ being dead, _Geysa_ succeeded, +although borne vnto him before he was a King. + +Others inferiour in number, but not in weight of Iudgement do affirme, +that whether a Kingdome be setled in succession, or whether by any other +title newly attained, the right to succeed by all true grounds of law +pertaineth to the eldest sonne; albeit borne before his fathers +aduancement to the kingdome, in case there be no expresse law of the +state to the contrary. The principall reason is, because this is the +nature of all successions by way of inheritance: For, if a father +purchaseth lands, leases, cattell, or other goods, the inheritance shall +bee transmitted to his eldest sonne, although borne before the purchase. +Likewise if a father be aduanced to any title of honour, as Duke, Earle, +Marquesse, &c. it was neuer, I will not say denied, but once doubted, +but that the eldest sonne should succeede in the same, albeit he was +borne before the aduancement. And therefore seeing this is the generall +rule of all other inheritable successions, and there is no reason of +singularitie in a kingdome; it followeth, that in like case the +succession of a kingdome should also descend to the eldest sonne, +although borne before the kingdome were atchieued. + +Againe, the sonne who was borne before his father was a King, had once a +right to succeede in the kingdome; for if another sonne had not +afterwards beene borne, without all question hee should haue succeeded. +But a right which a man by his owne person hath acquired; albeit in some +cases it may be diminished, yet can it not bee altogether extinguished +by any externall or casuall euent, which hath no dependencie vpon +himselfe. And so the right which the eldest sonne hath to his fathers +inheritance, may bee diminished by the birth of other children, in +regard of those goods which are to bee distributed in parts among them; +but it cannot possibly be extinguished. Neither can it bee diminished in +those things which are not of nature to bee either valued or diuided (of +which sort a Kingdome is the chiefe) but doe passe entirely vnto one. +For the right of blood which onely is regarded in lawfull successions, +is acquired and held from the natiuitie of the childe, and doth not +begin at the fathers death; at which time the inheritance doth fall. + +Lastly, if it be true in sonnes, that he shal succeede in a kingdome who +is first borne, after the father is exalted to bee a King; then is it +true also in other remote degrees of consanguinitie. And hereby it +should often happen, that when a King dieth without issue of his body, +they who are not onely inferiour in age, but more remote in degree, +should exclude both the elder and the neerer in blood; because perhaps +borne after the kingdome was attained: which is against all lawes of +lawfull succession. + +Howsoeuer the right standeth, _Henry_ the yonger brother to King +_William Rufus_, vpon aduantage of the absence of Duke _Robert_ his +eldest brother, formed this title to the Crowne of _England_. In which +pretence he was strongly supported, first by a generall inclination of +the common people, for that he had both his birth and education within +the Realme, and they were well perswaded of his good nature and +disposition. Secondly, by the fauour and trauaile of many of the +nobilitie, especially of _Henry Neuborow_ Earle of _Warwicke_. Thirdly, +(for that the sailes of popular fauours are filled most violently with +reports) by his giuing forth, that his brother _Robert_ intended neuer +to returne; for that he was elected King of _Hierusalem_, and of all +those large Countreys in _Asia_, which the Christians had lately wrung +out of the _Saracens_ hands. Lastly, by vsing celeritie the very life of +actions; for he was Crowned at _Westminster_ (as it hath bene said) vpon +the fifth day of August, in the yeere 1100. which was the third day +after his brothers death. + +In person he was both stately and strong; tall, broad brested, his +limmes fairely fourmed, well knit, and fully furnished with flesh. He +was exceeding both comely and manly in countenance, his face wel +fashioned, his colour cleere, his eyes liuely and faire, his eye-browes +large and thicke, his haire blacke and somewhat thinne towards his +forehead. He was of an excellent wit, free from ostentation; his +thoughts high, yet honourable and iust: in speach ready and eloquent, +much graced with sweetnesse of voyce. In priuate he was affable, open, +wittily pleasant, and very full of merrie simplicitie: in publicke he +looked with a graue Maiestie, as finding in himselfe cause to be +honoured. He was brought vp in the studie of Liberall Arts at +_Cambridge_, where he attained that measure of knowledge, which was +sufficient both for ornament and vse; but ranne not into intemperate +excesse, either for ostentation, or for a cloake to vnprofitable expense +of time. By his example the yong Nobilitie of the Realme began to affect +a praise for learning: Insomuch as, at a certaine enteruiew betweene the +King and Pope _Innocent_ the 2. the sonnes of _Robert_ Earle of +_Mellent_, maintained open disputations against diuers Cardinals and +Chapleines of the Pope. + +He was an exact esteemer of himselfe, not so much for his strength as +for his weakenesses: lesse inclined to confidence then to distrust; and +yet in weighty affaires resolute and firme; neuer dismaied, and alwayes +fortunate; his spirits being of force to oppose against any sort of +difficulties or doubts. Extremities made him the more assured; and like +a well knit Arch, hee then lay most strong when hee sustained the +greatest weight. Hee was no more disposed to valour, then well setled in +vertue and goodnes; which made his valour of more precious valuation. He +had good command ouer his passions; and thereby attained both peace +within himselfe, and victory ouer others. In giuing hee was moderate, +but bountifull in recompence; his countenance enlarging the worth of his +gift. Hee was prone to relieue, euen where there was least likelihood of +requitall. He hated flatterie, the poysoned sugar, the counterfeit +ciuilitie and loue, the most base brokery of wordes: yet was no musicke +so pleasing vnto him as well deserued thankes. He was vigilant and +industrious in his affaires; knowing right well that honour not onely +hath a paineful and dangerous birth, but must in like manner be +nourished and fed. + +He was somewhat immoderate and excessiue, as well in aduancing those he +fauoured, as in beating downe and disabling his enemies. The sword was +alwayes the last of his trials; so as he neuer either sought or +apprehended occasions of warre, where with honour he could reteine +peace. But if it were iniuriously vrged, he wanted neither wisedome, nor +diligence, nor magnanimous heart to encounter the danger; to beare it +ouer with courage and successe. He was frugall of the blood and +slaughter of his Souldiers; neuer aduenturing both his honour & their +liues to the hazard of the sword, without either necessitie or +aduantage. He oftentimes preuailed against his enemies more by policie +then by power; and for victories thus attained, he attributed to +himselfe the greatest glory. For wisedome is most proper to man, but +force is common and most eminent in beasts; by wisedome the honour was +entire to himselfe, by force it was participated to inferiour +Commanders, to euery priuate ordinarie Souldier: the effects of force, +are heauie, hideous, and sometimes inhumane; but the same wrought to +euent by wisedome, is, as lesse odious, so more assured and firme. + +After that he was mounted into the seate of Maiestie, hee neglected no +meanes to settle himselfe most surely therin, against the returne of his +brother _Robert_. To this end he contracted both amitie and alliance +with _Edgar_ King of _Scots_, by taking his sister _Matild_ to wife: by +which meanes he not onely remoued his hostilitie, but stood assured of +his assistance, in case his occasions should so require. Shee was +daughter to _Malcolme_ King of _Scots_, by _Margaret_ his wife; who was +sister to _Edgar_ surnamed _Adeling_, and daughter to _Edward_, sonne to +_Edmund Ironside_, the most valiant Saxon King, the scourge and terrour +of the _Danes_. So as after the death of _Adeling_ who left no issue, +this _Matild_ was next by discent from the Saxon Kings to the +inheritance of the Crowne of _England_: and by her entermariage with +King _Henry_, the two families of _Normans_ and _Saxons_ were vnited +together both in blood and title to the Crowne. This more then any other +respect made the whole nation of the _English_ not onely firme to King +_Henrie_, against his brother, but loyall and peaceable during all his +reigne: for that they saw the blood of their _Saxon_ Kings restored +again to the possession of the Crowne. + +Shee was a Lady vertuous, religious, beautifull and wise: farre from +the ordinary either vices or weakenesses incident to her sexe. She had +been brought vp among the Nunnes of _Winchester_, and _Rumsey_, whether +professed or onely veiled our writers doe diuersly report; but most +affirme that shee was professed. Yet for the common good, for the +publique peace and tranquilitie of the State, shee abandoned her deuoted +life, and was ioyned to King _Henrie_ in mariage, by consent of +_Anselme_, without any dispensation from _Rome_. Of this _Matild_ the +King begate _William_ a sonne, who perished by shipwracke; and _Matild_ +a daughter, first married to _Henry_ the fifth Emperour, by whom she had +no issue; afterward to _Geoffrey Plantagenet_ Earle of _Aniou_, by whom +shee brought foorth a sonne named _Henrie_, in whom the blood of the +Saxon Kings was aduanced againe to the gouernment of this Realme. + +Now to purchase the fauour of the Clergie, he called _Anselme_ out of +exile, and restored him both to the dignitie and reuenues of the Sea of +_Canterbury_. Other Bishoprickes and Abbeys which King _William_ kept +voide at the time of his death, hee furnished with men of best +sufficiencie and reputation. Hee committed _Radulph_ Bishop of _Durham_ +to prison, who had been both authour and agent to King _William_ in most +of his distastfull actions against the Clergie. This _Radulph_ was a man +of smooth vse of speach, wittie onely in deuising, or speaking, or doing +euill: but to honestie and vertue his heart was a lumpe of lead. Enuious +aboue all measure; nothing was so grieuous to his eyes as the +prosperitie, nothing so harsh to his eares as the commendations of +others. His tongue alwayes slauish to the Princes desires; not regarding +how truely or faithfully, but how pleasingly he did aduise. Thus as a +principall infamie of that age, hee liued without loue, and died without +pitie; sauing of those who thought it pitie that he liued so long. + +Further, to make the Clergie the more assured, the King renounced the +right which his Ancesters vsed in giuing Inuestitures; and acknowledged +the same to appertaine to the Pope. This hee yeelded at his first +entrance, partly not knowing of what importance it was, and partly being +in necessitie to promise any thing. But afterwards he resumed that right +againe; albeit in a Councell not long before held at _Rome_, the +contrary had bene decreed. For hee inuested _William Gifford_ into the +Bishopricke of _Winchester_, and all the possessions belonging to the +same. He gaue the Archbishopricke of _Canterburie_ to _Radulph_ Bishop +of _London_, and inuested him therein by a Ring and a staffe: he +inuested also two of his Chapleins at _Westminster_; _Roger_ his +Chanceller in the Bishopricke of _Salisburie_, and _Roger_ his Larderer +in the Bishopricke of _Hereford_. Further he assumed the custome of his +father and brother, in taking the reuenues of Bishopricks whilest they +remained void: and for that cause did many times keepe them a longer +season vacant in his hands, then many of the Clergie could with patience +endure. + +But especially the Clergie did fauour him much, by reason of his +liberall leaue either to erect, or to enlarge, or else to enrich +Religious buildings. For to these workes the King was so ready to giue, +not onely way, but encouragement and helpe, that in no Princes time they +did more within this Realme either flourish or increase. And namely the +house of S. _Iohn_ of _Hierusalem_ was then founded neere _Smithfield_ +in London, with the house of Nunnes by _Clerken-well_. Then were also +founded the Church of _Theukesburie_, with all Offices thereto +belonging: the Priorie and Hospitall of S. _Bartholomewes_ in +_Smithfield_, the Church of S. _Giles_ without _Creeplegate_; the +Colledge of Seculare Canons in the castle of _Leicester_; the Abbey +without the Northgate of the same towne called S. _Mary de prato_. Also +the Monasterie of S. _Iohn_ of _Lanthonie_ by _Glocester_; the Church of +_Dunmow_ in _Essex_; the Monasterie of S. _Iohn_ at _Colchester_, which +was the first house of _Augustine_ Chanons in _England_: the Church of +S. _Mary Oueries_ furnished with Chanons in _Southwarke_; the Priory of +the holy Trinity now called _Christs Church_ within _Algate_; and the +Hospitall of S. _Giles_ in the field: The Priorie of _Kenelworth_; The +Abbey of _Kenshame_; The Monasterie of _Plimpton_ in _Deuonshire_; with +the Cathedrall Church of _Exceter_; the Priorie of _Merton_; the +Colledge of _Warwicke_; the Hospitall of _Kepar_; the Priorie of _Osney_ +neere _Oxeford_; the Hospital of S. _Crosse_ neere _Winchester_; the +Priorie of _Norton_ in _Cheshire_, with diuers others. The King also +founded and erected the Priorie of _Dunstable_, the Abbey of +_Circester_, the Abbey of _Reading_, the Abbey of _Shirebourne_. Hee +also changed the Abbey of _Eley_ into a Bishops Sea; he erected a +Bishopricke at _Caerlile_, placed Chanons there, and endowed it with +many honours. These and many other Religious buildings either done, or +helped forward, or permitted and allowed by the King, much encreased the +affection of the Clergie towards him. + +Now to draw the loue of the common people, he composed himselfe to a +sober ciuilitie; easie for accesse, faire in speach, in countenance and +behauiour kind: his Maiestie so tempered with mildnesse and courtesie, +that his Subiects did more see the fruits, then feele the weight of his +high estate. These were things of great moment with the vulgar sort; who +loue more where they are louingly intreated, then where they are +benefited, or happely preserued. He eased them of many publicke +grieuances. Hee restored them to the vse of fire and candle after eight +of the clocke at night, which his father had most straitly forbidden. +Punishments of losse of member vsed before, he made pecuniarie. Hee +moderated the Law of his brother, which inflicted death for killing any +of the Kings Deere; and ordeined, that if any man killed a Deere in his +owne wood, the wood should be forfeited to the King. He permitted to +make enclosures for Parkes; which taking beginning in his time, did rise +to that excessiue encrease, that in a few succeeding ages more Parkes +were in _England_, then in all _Europe_ beside. He promised that the +Lawes of K. _Edward_ should againe be restored; but to put off the +present performance, he gaue forth, that first they should be reuiewed +and corrected, and made appliable to the present time. And albeit in +trueth they were neuer either reuiewed or corrected, yet the onely hope +thereof did worke in the people a fauourable inclination to his part. + +Whilest the King did thus Immure himselfe in the state of _England_, as +well by ordering his affaires, as by winning the hearts of the people +vnto him, Duke _Robert_ was returning from _Palestine_, by easie and +pleasurable iourneys; vsing neither the celeritie nor forecast which the +necessitie of his occasions did require. Hee visited many Princes by the +way, and consumed much time in entertainments and other complements of +Court. Hee tooke to wife as he came _Sibell_ the daughter of _Roger_ +Duke of _Apulia_ and Earle of _Cicill_, who was a _Norman_: and the +great portion of money which he receiued for her dower, he loosely +lauished foorth amongst his followers; of whom he receiued nothing +againe, but thankes when he (scattered rather then) gaue, and pitie when +he wanted. + +At the last he arriued in _Normandie_, and foorthwith was sollicited out +of _England_ by letters from many, who either vpon conscience or +discontentment fauoured his Title; and especially from _Radulph_ Bishop +of _Durham_, who had lately escaped out of prison, a man odious ynough +to vndoe a good cause; that he would omit no time, that hee would let +fall no diligence, to embarke himselfe in the enterprise for _England_: +that he had many friends there, both powerfull and sure, who would +partake with him in his dangers, although not in the honour atchieued by +his dangers: that therewith the peoples fauour towards the King did +begin to ebbe, and that it was good taking the first of the tide. +Hereupon he shuffled vp an Armie in haste; neither for number, nor +furniture, nor choise of men answerable to the enterprise in hand. Then +he crossed the Seas, landed at _Portesmouth_, and marched a small way +into the Countrey; vainely expecting the concourse and ayd which had +bene assured him out of _England_. But King _Henry_ had made so good vse +both of his warning and time to prouide against this tempest, that hee +did at once both cut from the Duke all meanes of ayd, and was ready to +encounter him in braue appointment. Hereupon many who were vnable by +Armes to relieue the Duke, by aduise did to him the best offices they +could. For they laboured both the King and him to a reconcilement; The +King with respect of his new vnsettled estate, the Duke with respect of +his weakenesses and wants; both with regard of naturall duetie and loue, +knit betweene them by band of blood. So after some trauaile and +debatement, a peace was concluded vpon these Conditions. + +_That Henry should reteine the kingdome of England, and pay to his +brother Robert 3000. markes yeerely._ + +_That if either of them should die without issue, the suruiuour should +succeed._ + +_That no man should receiue preiudice for following the part of the one +or of the other._ + +These conditions being solemnely sworne by the king and the Duke, and +twelue Noble men on either part, the Duke returned into _Normandie_, +and about two yeeres after went againe into _England_, to visit the +King, and to spend some time with him in feasting and disport. At which +time, to requite the Kings kind vsage and entertainment, but especially +to gratifie _Matild_ the Queene, to whom he was godfather, he released +to the King the annuall payment of 3000. markes. But as a wound is more +painefull the day following, then when it was first and freshly taken; +so this loose leuitie of the Duke, which was an exceeding sad and sore +blow to his estate, was scarce sensible at his departure out of +_England_, but most grieuous to him after hee had remained in +_Normandie_ a while: whereby many motions were occasioned, as well in +the one place as in the other. + +The Duke complained, that hee had bene circumuented by his brother the +King: that his courtesies were nothing else but allurements to +mischiefe; that his gifts were pleasant baites, to couer and conuey most +dangerous hookes; that his faire speaches were sugred poysons; that his +kinde embracements were euen to tickle his friends to death. _Robert +Belasme_ Earle of _Shrewsbury_, a man of great estate, but doubtfull +whether of lesse wisedome or feare, tooke part with the Duke, and +fortified the Towne and Castle of _Shrewsbury_, the Castles of +_Bridgenorth_, _Tichel_, and _Arundel_, and certaine other pieces in +_Wales_ against King _Henry_. And hauing drawen vnto him some persons of +wretched state and worse minde, whose fortunes could not bee empaired by +any euent, hee entred _Stafford shire_, and droue away light booties of +cattell; being prepared neither in forces nor in courage, to stay the +doing of greater mischiefe. + +But neither was this sudden to the King, neither was he euer vnprouided +against sudden aduentures. Wherefore encountring the danger before it +grew to perfection and strength, he first brought his power against the +Castle of _Bridgenorth_, which was forthwith rendred vnto him. The +residue followed the example (which in enterprise of armes is of +greatest moment) and submitted themselues to the Kings discretion. Onely +the Castle of _Arundel_ yeelded vpon condition, that _Robert Belasme_ +their Lord should be permitted to depart safely into _Normandie_: And +vpon the same condition they of _Shrewsbury_ sent to the King the keys +of their Castle, and therewith pledges for their allegeance. Then +_Robert_ with his brother _Ernulphus_, and _Roger_ of _Poictiers_ +abiured the Realme, and departed into _Normandie_: where being full of +rashnesse, which is nothing but courage out of his wits; and measuring +their actions not by their abilities, but by their desires; they did +more aduance the Kings affaires by hostilitie, then by seruice and +subiection they could possibly haue done. + +Also _William_ Earle of _Mortaigne_ in _Normandie_, and of _Cornewall_ +in _England_, sonne of _Robert_, vncle to the king, and brother to king +_William_ the first, required of the King the Earledome of _Kent_, which +had been lately held by _Odo_ vncle to them both. And being a man braue +in his owne liking, and esteming nothing of that which hee had in regard +of that which hee did desire, he was most earnest, violent, peremptorie +in his pursuit. Insomuch as, blinded with ambitious haste, he would +often say, that hee would not put off his vpper garment, vntill hee had +obtained that dignitie of the King. These errours were excused by the +greenenesse of his youth, and by his desire of rising, which expelled +all feare of a fall. Wherefore the King first deferred, and afterwards +moderately denied his demaund. But so farre had the Earle fed his +follies with assured expectation, that he accompted himselfe fallen from +such estate as his hungry hopes had already swallowed. Hereupon his +desire turned to rage, and the one no lesse vaine then the other: but +both together casting him from a high degree of fauour, which seldome +stoppeth the race vntill it come to a headlong downefall. + +For now the King made a counter-challenge to many of his possessions in +_England_; and thereupon seazed his lands, dismantled his castles, and +compelled him in the end to forsake the Realme. Not for any great +offence he had done, being apt to the fault rather of rough rage then of +practise and deceit; but his stubborne stoutnesse was his offence; and +it was sufficient to hold him guiltie, that he thought himselfe to haue +cause and meanes to be guiltie. So hauing lost his owne state in +_England_, he departed into _Normandie_, to further also the losse of +that countrey. There he confederated with _Robert Belasme_, and made +diuers vaine attempts against the Kings castles; neither guided by +wisedome, nor followed by successe. Especially hee vented his furie +against _Richard_ Earle of _Chester_, who was but a childe, and in +wardship to the King, whom he daily infested with inuasions and spoiles; +being no lesse full of desire to hurt, then voyd of counsaile and meanes +to hurt. + +On the other side, diuers of the Nobilitie of _Normandie_, finding their +Duke without iudgement to rule, had no disposition to obey; but +conceiued a carelesse contempt against him. For he seemed not so much to +regard his substantiall good, as a vaine breath of praise, and the +fruitlesse fauour of mens opinions, which are no fewer in varietie then +they are in number. All the reuenues of his Duchie he either sold or +morgaged; all his Cities he did alien, and was vpon the point of passing +away his principall Citie of _Roan_ to the Burgers thereof, but that the +conditions were esteemed too hard. Hereupon many resolued to fall from +him, and to set their sailes with the fauourable gale which blew vpon +the fortune of the King. To this end they offered their submission to +the King, in case he would inuade _Normandie_; whereto with many reasons +they did perswade him: especially in regard of the late hostile +attempts there made against him, by the plaine permission of the Duke +his brother, and not without his secret support. + +The King embraced the faire occasion, and with a strong Armie passed +into _Normandie_. Here he first relieued his forts, which were any wayes +distressed or annoyed; then he recouered those that were lost; Lastly, +he wanne from the Duke the towne and castle of _Caen_, with certaine +other castles besides: And by the help of the President of _Aniou_, +fired _Baion_, with the stately Church of S. _Marie_ therein. Vpon these +euents, all the Priories of _Normandie_, resembling certaine flowers, +which open and close according to the rising or declining of the Sunne; +abandoned the Duke, and made their submission to King _Henry_. So the +King hauing both enlarged and assured his state in _Normandie_, by +reason of the approch of winter, departed into _England_: but this was +like the recuiling of Rammes, to returne againe with the greater +strength. + +He had not long remained in _England_, but his brother _Robert_ came to +him at _Northampton_, to treat of some agreement of peace. Here the +words and behauiours of both were obserued. At their first meeting they +rested with their eyes fast fixed one vpon the other; in such sort as +did plainely declare, that discourtesie then trencheth most deep, when +it is betweene those who should most dearely loue. The Duke was in +demaunds moderate, in countenance and speech enclined to submisnesse; +and with a kinde vnkindnesse did rather entreate then perswade, that in +regard of the naturall Obligation betweene them by blood, in regard of +many offices and benefits wherewith he had endeuoured to purchase the +Kings loue, all hostilitie betweene them, all iniurie or extremitie by +Armes might cease. _For I call you_ (said he) _before the Seate of your +owne Iudgement, whether the relinquishing of my Title to the Crowne of +England, whether the releasing of my annuity of 3000. markes, whether +many other kindnesses, so much vndeserued as scarce desired; should not +in reason withdraw you from those prosecutions, where warre cannot be +made without shame, nor victory attained without dishonour_. + +The King vsed him with honourable respect; but perceiuing that he was +embarked in some disaduantage, conceiuing also that his courage with his +Fortune began to decline, he made resemblance at the first, to be no +lesse desirous of peace then the Duke: But afterwards, albeit he did not +directly deny, yet hee found euasions to auoyd all offers of agreement. + +The more desirous the Duke was of peace, the greater was his disdaine +that his brother did refuse it. Wherefore cleering his countenance from +all shewes of deiection or griefe, as then chiefly resolute when his +passion was stirred, with a voice rather violent then quicke, he rose +into these words. + +_I haue cast my selfe so low, as your haughty heart can possibly wish; +whereby I haue wronged both my selfe and you: my selfe, in occasioning +some suspition of weakenesse; you, in making you obstinate in your +ambitious purposes. But assure your selfe, that this desire did not +proceed from want either of courage, or of meanes, or of assistance of +friends: I can also be both vnthankefull and vnnaturall if I bee +compelled. And if all other supportance faile, yet no arme is to be +esteemed weake, which striketh with the sword of necessitie and +Iustice._ + +The King with a well appeased stayednesse returned answere; that he +could easily endure the iniurie of his angry wordes: but to men of +moderate iudgement hee would make it appeare, that hee entended no more +in offending him, then to prouide for defending himselfe. So the Duke +obseruing few complements, but such as were spiced with anger and +disdaine, returned into _Normandie_, associated to him the _English_ +exiles, and made preparation for his defence. + +The King followed with a great power, and found him in good appointment +of armes: nothing inferiour to the King in resolute courage, but farre +inferiour both in number of men, and in fine contriuance of his +affaires. For the King had purchased assured intelligence, among those +that were neerest both in place and counsaile to the Duke: in whom the +Duke found treacherie, euen when he reposed most confident trust. +Herewith Pope _Paschal_, to attaine his purpose in _England_, for +deuesting the King of inuesting Bishops; did not onely allow this +enterprise for lawful, but encouraged the King, that hee should doe +thereby a noble and a memorable benefit to his Realme. + +So, many stiffe battels were executed betweene them, with small +difference of aduantage at the first; but after some continuance, the +Dukes side (as it commonly happeneth to euill managed courage) declined +dayly, by reason of his dayly increase of wants. At the last the Duke, +wearied and ouerlayed, both with company of men and cunning working, +resolued to bring his whole state to the stake, and to aduenture the +same vpon one cast: committing to Fortune, what valour and industry +could bring forth. The king being the Inuader, thought it not his part +to shrinke from the shocke; being also aduertised that the _French_ King +prepared to relieue the Duke. On the Dukes side, disdaine, rage, and +reuenge, attended vpon hate: the King retained inuincible valour, +assured hope to ouercome, grounded vpon experience how to ouercome. + +They met vpon the same day of the moneth iust 40. yeeres, after the +great battaile of _William_ the first against King _Harold_ of +_England_. The Kings footemen farre exceeding their enemies in number, +began the charge, in small and scattering troupes; lightly assayling +where they could espie the weakest resistance. But the Dukes Armie +receiued them in close and firme order; so as vpon the losse of many of +the foremost, the residue began somewhat to retire. And now, whether the +Duke had cause, or whether confidence the inseparable companion of +courage perswaded him that he had cause; he supposed that hee had the +best of the field, and that the victory was euen in his hand. But +suddenly the King with his whole forces of horse charged him in flanke, +and with great violence brake into his battaile. Herewith the footmen +also returned, and turned them all to a ruinous rout. The Duke performed +admirable effects of valour, and so did most of the _English_ exiles: as +fearing ouerthrow worse then death. But no courage was sufficient to +sustaine the disorder; the _Normans_ on euery hand were chased, ruffled, +and beaten downe. Hereupon the Dukes courage boyling in choller, hee +doubled many blowes vpon his enemies; more furiously driuen, then well +placed and set: and pressing vp hardly among them, was suddenly engaged +so farre, that hee could not possibly recouer himselfe. So he was taken +manfully fighting, or as some other authours affirme, was beastly +betrayed by his owne followers. With him were also taken the Earle of +_Mortaigne_, _William Crispine_, _William Ferreis_, _Robert Estotiuill_, +with foure hundred men of armes, and ten thousand ordinary souldiers. +The number of the slaine on both sides, is not reported by any authour; +but all authours agree, that this was the most bloody medly that euer +had been executed in _Normandie_ before: portended as it is thought by a +Comet, and by two full Moones, which late before were seene, the one in +the East, and the other in the West. + +After this victorie the King reduced _Normandie_ entirely into his +possession, and annexed it to the Realme of _England_. Then hee built +therein many Castles, and planted garrisons; and with no lesse wisedome +assured that State, then with valour he had wonne it. When he had setled +all things according to his iudgement, he returned into _England_, +brought with him his brother _Robert_, and committed him to safe +custodie in the Castle of _Cardiff_. But either by reason of his +fauourable restraint, or else by negligence or corruption of his +keepers, he escaped away, and fled for his libertie as if it had been +for his life. Notwithstanding this proued but a false fauour, or rather +a true flatterie or scorne of Fortune. For being sharply pursued, he was +taken againe, sitting vpon horsebacke; his horse legs fast locked in +deep & tough clay. + +Then hee was committed to straight and close prison, his eyes put out +(as if hee should not see his miserie) and a sure guard set vpon him. +Thus he remained in desolate darkenesse; neither reuerenced by any for +his former greatnesse, not pitied for his present distresse. Thus hee +continued about 27. yeeres, in a life farre more grieuous then death; +euen vntill the yere before the death of King _Henrie_. So long was he a +suitor in wooing of death: so long did the one brother ouerliue his good +fortune, the other his good nature and disposition; esteeming it a faire +fauour, that the vttermost extremitie was not inflicted. Albeit some +writers doe affirme, that the Dukes eyes were not violently put out, but +that either through age or infirmitie he fell blind: that he was +honourably attended and cared for: that hauing digested in his iudgement +the worst of his case, the greatnesse of his courage did neuer descend +to any base degree of sorrow or griefe: that his braue behauiour did set +a Maiestie vpon his deiected fortunes: that his noble heart like the +Sunne, did shew greatest countenance in lowest state. And to this report +I am the more inclineable, for that it agreeth best, both to the faire +conditions, and to the former behauiours, and to the succeeding fortunes +and felicities of the King: For assuredly hee had a heart of manly +clemencie; and this was a punishment barbarously cruell: For which cause +_Constantine_[103] did forbid, that the face of man, adorned with +Celestiall beauty, should be deformed for any offence. + +Others auow that he was neuer blind; but that it was the Earle of +_Mortaigne_ whose eyes were put out. And this seemeth to be confirmed, +by that which _Matth. Paris_ and _Matth. Westm._ doe report. That not +long before the death of _Robert_, the King vpon a festiuall day had a +new robe of Scarlet brought vnto him: the cape whereof being somewhat +too streight for his head, he did teare a little in striuing to put it +on. And perceiuing that it would not serue, hee laid it aside and said: +_Let my brother Robert haue this Robe, for whose head it is fitter then +for mine_. When it was caried vnto him, being then not perfectly in +health, he espied the crackt place, and thereupon enquired, if any man +had worne it before? The messenger declared the whole matter. Which when +_Robert_ heard, he tooke it for a great indignitie, and said: _I +perceiue now that I haue liued too long, that my brother doth clothe me +like his almoseman, with cast and torne garments_. So hee grew weary of +his life: and his disease encreasing with his discontentment, pined +away, and in short time after died, and was buried at _Glocester_. + +And this was the end of that excellent commander; brought to this game +and gaze of fortune, after many trauerses that he had troden. He was for +courage and direction inferiour to none; but neither prouident nor +constant in his affaires, whereby the true end of his actions were +ouerthrowen. His valour had triumphed ouer desperate dangers: and verely +he was no more setled in valour, then disposed to vertue and goodnesse; +neuer wilfully or willingly doing euill, neuer but by errour, as finding +it disguised vnder some maske of goodnesse. His performances in armes +had raised him to a high point of opinion for his prowesse; which made +him the more vnhappy, as vnhappie after a fall from high state of honor. +He had one sonne named _William_, vpon whose birth the mother died: of +this _William_ shall somewhat hereafter be said. + +And now, as Princes oftentimes doe make aduantage of the calamity of +their neighbours, so vpon this downefall of the Duke of +_Normandie_,[104] _Fulke_ Earle of _Aniou_ sharing for himselfe, seized +vpon _Maine_, and certain other places; made large waste, tooke great +booties and spoyles; not onely out of ancient and almost hereditary hate +against the house of _Normandie_, but as fearing harme from the King of +_England_, hee endeauoured to harme him first. In like sort _Baldwine_ +Earle of _Flanders_ declared in armes against the King for a yeerely +pension of 300. markes; the occasion of which demand was this. King +_William_ the first, in recompence of the ayde which he receiued in his +enterprise for _England_, from _Baldwine_ 5. Earle of _Flanders_, payd +him yeerely three hundred markes, which after his death was continued to +his sonne. _Robert_ Earle of _Flanders_ from a collaterall line, +demanded the same Pension; but it was denied him by K. _Henrie_: +wherefore _Baldwine_ his sonne attempted now to recouer it by Armes. + +With these, or rather as principall of these, _Lewes_ the grosse King of +_France_, seeing his ouersight in permitting _Normandie_ to bee annexed +to the Realme of _England_, assembled a great armie; and vpon pretence +of a trifling quarrell about the demolishing of the Castle of _Gisors_, +declared _William_ sonne to _Robert Curtcuise_ for Duke of _Normandie_: +and vndertooke to place him in possession of that state, which his +vnfortunate father had lost. And besides those open hostilities in +Armes, _Hugh_ the kings Chamberlaine and certaine others were suborned +traiterously to kill the King: but the practise was in good time +discouered, and the conspirators punished by death. + +Hereupon the King both with celeritie and power answerable to the danger +at hand, passed the Seas into _Normandie_: hauing first drawen to his +assistance _Theobald_ Earle of _Champaine_, the Earles of _Crecie_, +_Pissaux_, and _Dammartine_, who aspired to be absolute Lords within +their territories, as were many other Princes at that time in _France_. +These deteined the _French_ King in some tariance in _France_, whilest +the King of _England_ either recouered or reuenged his losses against +the Earle of _Aniou_. At the last hee was assailed in _Normandie_ on +three parts at once: by the Earle of _Aniou_ from _Maine_, from +_Ponthieu_ by the Earle of _Flanders_, and by the _French_ King betweene +both. The King of _England_ appointed certaine forces to guard the +passages against the Earle of _Aniou_: with directions to hold +themselues within their strength, and not to aduenture into the field. +Against the Earle of _Flanders_ hee went in person; and in a sharpe +shocke betweene them the Earle was defeated and hurt, and (as some +Authors affirme) slaine: albeit others doe report, that hee was +afterwards slaine in a battaile betweene the two Kings of _England_ and +of _France_. + +After this he turned against _Lewes_ King of _France_, and fought with +him before the towne of _Nice_ in _Normandie_; which towne the _French_ +had surprised and taken from the King of _England_. This battaile +continued aboue the space of nine houres, with incredible obstinacie; +the doubt of victory being no lesse great, then was the desire: and yet +neither part so hastie to end, as not to stay for the best aduantage. +The first battaile on both sides was hewen in pieces; valour of +inestimable value was there cast away: much braue blood was lost; many +men esteemed both for their place and worth, lay groaning and grinning +vnder the heauy hand of death. The sad blowes, the grisle wounds, the +grieuous deathes that were dealt that day, might well haue moued any +man to haue said, That warre is nothing else but inhumane manhood. + +The Kings courage, guided with his Fortune, and guarded both with his +strength and his skill, was neuer idle, neuer but working memorable +effects. In all places his directions were followed by his presence; +being witnesse both of the diligence and valour of euery man, and not +suffering any good aduantage or aduise for want of timely taking to be +lost. He aduentured so farre in perfourming with his hand, that his +armour in many places was battered to his body, and by reason of the +sturdie strokes set vpon his helme, he cast blood out of his mouth. But +this was so farre from dismaying his powers, that it did rather assemble +and vnite them: so as aduancing his braue head, his furie did breath +such vigour into his arme, that his sword made way through the thickest +throngs of his enemies, and hee brake into them euen to the last +ranckes. He was first seconded by the truely valiant; whose vndanted +spirits did assure the best, and therewith contemne the very worst. Then +came in they whom despaire, the last of resolutions had made valiant; +who discerned no meanes of hope for life, but by bold aduenturing vpon +death. Lastly he was followed by all; being enflamed by this example to +a new life of resolution. Generally, the swords went so fast, that the +_French_ vnable to endure that deadly storme, were vtterly disbanded and +turned to flight. K. _Henry_ after a bloody chase, recouered _Nice_; and +with great triumph returned to _Roan_. Afterwards he would often say, +That in other battailes he fought for victory, but in this for his life: +and that hee would but little ioy in many such victories. + +Vpon this euent the King sent certaine forces into _France_, to harrase +the countrey, and to strike a terrour into the enemie. The _French_ +King, besides the abatement of his power by reason of his late +ouerthrow, was then preparing in Armes against _Henry_ the Emperour, who +intended to destroy _Rhemes_: partly drawen on by _Henry_ King of +_England_, whose daughter he had taken to wife; but chiefly for that a +Councell had bene there held against him by Pope _Calixtus_ a French +man, wherein the Emperour was declared enemie to the Church, and +degraded from his Imperiall dignitie. This brought the _English_ to a +carelesse conceit, and to a loose and licentious demeanure in their +action; a most assured token of some mischiefe at hand. And so, as they +scattered and ranged after prey (as greedy men are seldome circumspect) +they were suddenly set vpon by _Almaricke_ Earle of _Mountfort_, +appointed by the _French_ K. to defend the Country, & with no small +execution put to the chase. The more they resisted, the greater was +their losse: The sooner they fled, the more assured was their escape. +And for that they were dispersed into many small companies, they had the +better opportunitie to saue themselues. + +Many other like aduentures were enterprised betweene the two Kings and +their adherents; some in _France_, and some in _Normandie_; with large +losse on both sides. But especially the King of _France_ was most +subiect to harme; for that his countrey was the more ample, open and +rich. The King of _England_ held this aduantage, that no aduantage could +be wonne against him: which in regard of the number, valour and +greatnesse of his enemies, was a very honourable aduantage indeed. + +At the last he made peace with the Earle of _Aniou_; taking the Earles +daughter to be wife to his sonne _William_, whom he had declared for +successour in his estate; to whom all the Nobilitie and Prelates were +sworne; and who seemed to want nothing through all his fathers +dominions, but onely the name and Title of King. This sinew being cut +from the King of _France_, and also for that _Henry_ the Emperour made +preparation of hostilitie against him, he fell likewise to agreement of +peace. By the conditions whereof, _William_ sonne to the King of +_England_ was inuested into the Duchie of _Normandie_, doing homage for +the same to the K. of _France_. In this peace was comprised on the part +of the _French_ K. _William_ son to _Robert Curtcuise_, who had bene +declared Duke of _Normandie_. On the part of the king of _England_, the +Earle of _Champeigne_ and certaine other Lords were comprised; who had +either serued or aided him against the king of _France_. After this the +warres betweene the Emperour and the _French_ king did forthwith +dissolue. + +King _Henry_ hauing happily finished these affaires, returned out of +_Normandie_, and loosing from _Barbeflote_, vpon the 24. of Nouember +towards euening, with a prosperous gale arriued in _England_; where +great preparation was made to entertaine him with many well deuised +honours. His sonne _William_ then duke of _Normandie_, and somewhat +aboue 17. yeeres of age, tooke another ship; and in his company went +_Mary_ his sister Countesse of _Perch_, _Richard_ his brother, begotten +of a concubine as some affirme; and the Earle of _Chester_ with his wife +_Lucie_, who was the Kings niece by his sister _Adela_. Also the yong +Nobilitie and best knights flocked vnto him, some to discharge their +dueties, others to testifie their loue and respect. Of such passengers +the ship receiued to the number of 140. besides 50. sailers which +belonged vnto her. + +So they loosed from land somewhat after the King; and with a gentle +winde from the Southwest, danced through the soft swelling floods. The +sailers full of proud ioy, by reason of their honourable charge; and of +little feare or forecast, both for that they had bene accustomed to +dangers, and for that they were then well tippeled with wine; gaue forth +in a brauery, that they would soone outstrip the vessell wherein the +King sailed. In the middest of this drunken ioylitie the ship strake +against a rocke, the head whereof was aboue water, not farre from the +shoare. The passengers cried out, and the sailers laboured to winde or +beare off the ship from the danger; but the labour was no lesse vaine +then the cry: for she leaned so stiffely against the rocke, that the +sterage brake, the sides cracked, and the Sea gushed in at many +breaches. + +Then was raised a lamentable cry within the ship; some yeelding to the +tyrannie of despaire, betooke themselues (as in cases of extremitie +weake courages are wont) to their deuotions; others emploied all +industrie to saue their liues, and yet more in duetie to nature, then +vpon hope to escape: all bewailed the vnfortunate darkenesse of that +night, the last to the liues of so many persons both of honour and of +worth. They had nothing to accompany them but their feares, nothing to +helpe them but their wishes: the confused cries of them al, did much +increase the particular astonishment of euery one. And assuredly no +danger dismayeth like that vpon the seas; for that the place is +vnnaturall to man. And further, the vnusuall obiects, the continuall +motion, the desolation of all helpe or hope, will perplexe the minds +euen of those who are best armed against discouragement. + +At the last the boat was hoysed foorth, and the Kings sonne taken into +it. They had cleered themselues from the danger of the ship, and might +safely haue rowed to land. But the yong Prince hearing the shrill +shrikes of his Sister _Mary_ Countesse of _Perch_, and of the Countesse +of _Chester_ his cousin, crying after him, and crauing his help; he +preferred pitie before safety, & commanded the boat to be rowed back to +the ship for preseruation of their liues. But as they approached, the +boate was suddenly so ouercharged with those, who (strugling to breake +out of the armes of death) leaped at all aduentures into it, that it +sunke vnder them: and so all the company perished by drowning. Onely one +ordinary Sayler, who had been a butcher, by swimming all night vpon the +mast escaped to land; reserued as it may seeme, to relate the manner of +the misaduenture. This ship raised much matter of nouelty and discourse +abroad; but neuer did ship bring such calamitie to the Realme: +especially for that it was iudged, that the life of this Prince would +haue preuented those intestine warres, which afterwards did fall, +betweene King _Steuen_ and _Matild_ daughter to King _Henry_. The King +was so ouercharged with this heauy accident; that his reason seemed to +bee darkened, or rather drowned in sorrow. Hee caused the coasts a long +time after to bee watched; but scarce any of the bodies were euer found. +Afterwards he tooke to wife _Adalisia_ daughter to _Godfrey_ Duke of +_Louaine_, of the house of _Lorraine_: She was crowned at _Westminster_ +by _Roger_ B. of _Salisburie_, because _Radulph_ Archbishop of +_Canterburie_, by reason of his palsey was vnable to performe that +office. And yet because _Roger_ was not appointed by him, the doting old +man fell into such a pelting chafe, that hee offered to strike the Kings +Crowne from his head. And albeit this Lady was in the principall flower +both of her beauty and yeeres, yet the King had no issue by her. + +Now as after a storme a fewe gentle drops doe alwayes fall, before the +weather turnes perfectly fayre, so after these great warres in _France_, +certaine easie conflicts did ensue: neither dangerous nor almost +troublesome to the King. For _Robert_ Earle of _Mellent_, who for a long +time had continued both a sure friend, and most close and priuate in +counsaile with the King, vpon some sudden either discontentment on his +part, or dislike on the Kings, so estranged himselfe, as it was +enterpreted to be a reuolt: being charged with intent, to aduance +_William_, cousin to _William_, sonne to _Robert Curtcuise_, to the +Duchie of _Normandie_. Wherefore the King besieged, and at last tooke +his chiefe Castle called _Pont. Audomer_; and at the same time enuironed +the towre of _Roan_ with a wall. He also repaired and fortified the +Castles of _Caen_, _Arches_, _Gisore_, _Falace_, _Argentine_, +_Donfronc_, _Oxine_, _Aubrois_, _Nanroye_, _Iuta_, and the Towne of +_Vernone_ in such sort, as at that time, they were esteemed impregnable, +and not to bee forced by any enemie; except God or gold. + +In the meane time the Earle of _Mellent_, with _Hugh Geruase_ his sonne, +and _Hugh de Mountfort_ his sisters sonne, calling such as either +alliance or friendship did draw vnto them; besides those whom youthful +either age or minds had filled with vnlimited desires; whom +discontentment also or want did vainly feed with hungry hopes; entred +into _Normandy_ in armes: being so transported with desire to hurt, and +troubled with feare of receiuing hurt, that they had neuer free scope +of iudgement, either to prepare or manage the meanes to hurt. They were +no sooner entred the Confines of _Normandie_, but _William Tankeruill_ +the kings Chamberlaine came against them, brauely appointed, and +resolute to fight. The very view of an enemie turned their euill guided +furie into a feare: and whatsoeuer they did (proceeding rather from +violence of passion then ground of reason) made them stumble whilest +they ran, and by their owne disorders hindered their owne desires. So +with small difficultie they were surprised and taken, and brought to the +King; who committed them to streit prison at _Roan_. An ordinary euent +when rage runneth faster, then iudgement and power are able to hold +pace. + +About this time _Charles_ Earle of _Flanders_ as he was at his deuotions +in the Church of S. _Donatus_ in _Bruxels_, was suddenly slaine by +conspiracie of his owne people. And because hee left no issue in life, +_Lewes_ King of _France_ inuested _William_ sonne to _Robert Curtcuis_ +late Duke of _Normandie_, in the Earledome of _Flanders_; as descended +from Earle _Baldwine_ sirnamed the Pious, whose daughter _Matilde_ was +wife to King _William_ the first, and grandmother to this _William_. +This he did, not so much in fauour to _William_, or in regard of his +right, as to set vp an assured enemie against King _Henry_: an enemie +not onely of singular expectation, but proofe: whose courage was apt to +vndertake any danger; whether for glory, or for reuenge. And herein his +proiect did nothing faile. For no sooner was the Earle aduanced to that +estate, but he raised a great hostilitie against the King of _England_: +as well to recouer the Duchie of _Normandie_, as either to relieue or to +reuenge the hard captiuitie of his father. + +In this warre the Earle did winne a great opinion, both for iudgement to +discerne, and for valour to execute what hee did discerne: shewing +himselfe in nothing inferiour to his vnckle the king, but onely in +treasure and command of men. For this cause he craued supply of _Lewes_ +king of _France_; who, as he was the first that blew the cole, so was he +alwayes ready to put fuell to the flame. But the King of _England_ +entered _France_ with a strong Armie, where his sword ranged and raged +without resistance: and yet more in prosecution of prey, then in +execution of blood. He lodged at _Hesperdune_ the space of 8. dayes; no +lesse quietly, no lesse safely, then if he had bene in the principall +Citie of his kingdome. By this meanes hee kept the _French_ King from +sending succour to the Earle of _Flanders_. And in the meane season drew +_Theodoricke_ Earle of _Holsteine_, nephew to _Robert_ who had bene +Earle of _Flanders_, and _Arnoldus_ sisters sonne to Earle _Charles_, +not long before slaine, to inuade Earle _William_: Both pretending title +to his dignitie, both bringing seueral armies, consisting of men, tough +in temper, and well exercised in affaires of the field. + +_Theodorick_ vpon his first approch tooke _Bruges_, _Ipres_ and _Gandt_; +either willingly yeelding, or with small resistance: and vpon the necke +thereof _Arnoldus_ tooke the strong towne of S. _Omer_. Earle _William_ +being thus set as it were betweene the beetle and the blocke, was +nothing deiected, nothing dismayed, either in courage or in hope. And +first he went against _Arnoldus_, with a small company, but with such a +liuely countenance of a Souldier, that _Arnoldus_ fell to capitulation +for his safe departure; and so returned home as if he had bene +vanquished. Then the Earle made head against _Theodorick_, and gaue him +battaile, albeit farre inferiour to him, both for number and furniture +of his men. The fight betweene them was long, furious and doubtfull. The +_Germans_ confident in their number, which made them trust the lesse to +their valour: the _Flemings_ rather desperate then resolute, vpon +importance of their danger. And indeed it often happeneth, that good +successe at the first doeth occasion the ouerthrow of many great +actions: by working in the one side a confidence in themselues, and +contempt of their enemies; and by making the other more earnest and +entire. So at the last the violent valour of the Earle, well followed +with the braue and resolute rage of his Souldiers, did such effects, +that the _Germans_ were shaken and disordered, many slaine in the field, +and the residue chased out of _Flanders_. + +The Earle hauing now no enemie in open field, layed siege to the castle +of _Alhurst_, which was defended against him by the _English_. The +assaults were so liuely enforced, and with such varietie of inuention +and deuise; that a wide way was opened through all impediments, and the +defendants were constrained by many necessities, to desire faire +conditions of yeelding. This whilest the Earle delayed to grant, he +receiued in a certaine light conflict a wound in his hand, whereof in a +short time after he died: hauing first raised himselfe very high in +opinion with all men, for his courage, industrie and skill in Armes. And +thus Duke _Robert_ and his sonne _William_ were brought to their vnhappy +ends; rather through the malice of their Fortune, then through any bad +merit or insufficiencie in themselues: whereby the Duchie of +_Normandie_, which had bene both the cause and the seate of very great +warres, was then strongly setled in possession of King _Henry_. + +Hee was neuer infested with domesticall warres; which in regard of those +tumultuous times, is a manifest argument both of his iustice and +prouidence; the one not giuing cause, the other no hope, for his +subiects to rebel. The King of _Scots_ did homage vnto him; for what +territories I doe not determine. _Morcard_ King of _Ireland_ and some of +his successors were so appliable vnto him, that they seemed to depend +vpon his command. The _Welsh_ who hated idlenesse and peace alike, did +striue beyond their strength to pull their feete out of the mire of +subiection; but in loose straggling companies, without either discipline +or head. For this cause hee made diuers expeditions into _Wales_, where +he had many bickerings, and put many chases vpon them: but found nothing +worthy the name, either of enemie or of warre. Wherefore by maintaining +garrisons, and light troups of Souldiers, he consumed the most +obstinate, and reduced the rest to his allegeance: receiuing the sonnes +of their Nobilitie for hostages. + +At that time many Flemings inhabited in _England_; of whom some came +ouer in the time of King _William_ the first, by occasion of his mariage +with _Matild_ daughter to _Baldwine_ their Earle: but the greatest part +came vnder the reigne of this King _Henrie_, by reason that _Flanders_ +at that time by irruption of the sea, was in many places ouerflowen. The +King was willing to entertaine them, because they brought with them both +industrie and trades; because they made the Countrey both populous and +rich. For in making a place populous, it is thereby also made rich: draw +people to a place, and plentie will follow; driue away people, and it is +vndone. They were first planted neere the riuer of _Tweede_; besides +those who dispersed into diuers Townes. But at this time the King sent +many of them into _Rose_ in _Pembrokeshire_, whose progeny did euer +since maintaine themselues in good condition against the _Welsh_: being +a people euen at this day distinguished from all other bordering vpon +them, both in language, and in nature, and in fashion of life. + +On a time as the king marched through _Powesland_ in _Southwales_, hee +came to certaine streights, through which his maine army could not +passe, by reason of their multitude and traine of cariage: wherefore hee +sent the greatest part a further way about, and himselfe with a small +company tooke the neerer way thorow those streights. When he was well +entred, he was charged very sharpely, but rudely, and disordredly by the +_Welsh_; who hauing the aduantage both in number and in place, did much +annoy him from the higher ground; but durst not approach to close fight +at hand. The King himselfe was smitten with an arrow full vpon the +breast: whereat hee swore _By our Lords death_ (which was his vsuall +oath) that it was no _Welsh_ arme which shot that arrow. Many of his men +also were hurt, and the residue strangely disordred; the amazement being +farre greater then the distresse. But the king with a firme countenance +retired in time, the enemies not daring to pursue him any further, then +they might be assured by aduantage of place. Then he sent peaceably vnto +them, and after some ouertures, brought them to agree, that for a +thousand head of cattell the passage should be left open vnto him. + + +In his politicke gouernment he so managed the State, that neither +subiects wanted iustice, nor Prince obedience. He repaired many defects, +hee reformed many abuses, which would in the meane time enfeeble, and at +last oppresse the Common-wealth. Hee ordred his affaires with such +moderation, that he was not onely well obeyed by his subiects, but +highly honoured and respected by forreine Princes: wherby it appeared, +that learning may be both a guard and guide to Princes, if it be not so +immoderately affected, as to bereaue them, either of the minde, or time +for action. He vsed much seueritie in punishing offenders; seueritie, +the life of iustice; of iustice, the most assured preseruer of States: +affording no more fauour for the most part, then dead mercilesse law did +allot. Against theeues he prouided, that no money should saue them from +hanging. He ordeined that counterfeitures of money should loose both +their eyes, and be depriued of their priuie parts. He tooke away the +deceit which had been occasioned by varietie of measures, and made a +measure by the length of his owne arme: which hath been Commonly vsed +euer since by the name of a yard. + +And wheras there are two infallible signes of a diseased State; excesse +in eating, and in attire; which could neuer be restrained by penalties +or feare, but the more the people are therin forbidden, the more are +they rauished into riot and vanitie: the King by two meanes cast a +general restraint vpon them both: by example, and by reproofe: which by +reason of the inclination of men to imitate and please their Prince, +haue alwayes been of greater force then lawes, to reforme abuses in that +kind. He much abhorred excesse in eating and drinking, and was so +moderate in his owne diet, that he seemed to feede onely for necessitie +of nature. Hee both vsed and commended ciuill modestie in apparell: +especially he could not endure an absurd abuse of men in those times, in +wearing long haire like vnto women. And when their owne haire failed, +they set artificiall _Peruques_,[105] with long locks vpon their heads; +whereas by censure of the Apostle, it is reprochfull for men to weare +long haire. He discharged his Court of many loose lasciuious persons; +affirming, that they were no good instruments of the kingdome; as being +in peace chargeable, and vnprofitable for warre. + +During his absence in _Normandie_, which was sometimes three or foure +yeeres together, he committed the gouernement of his Realme to _Roger_ +Bishop of _Salisburie_: A man harmelesse in life, in mind flourishing +and fresh, in intention vpright: most wise in taking, and most faithfull +and fortunate in giuing aduise. Hee had gouerned the Kings expenses of +house when hee was but a Prince of priuate estate; whereby he gained +that reputation for integritie and skill, which aduanced him to a higher +trust. He was Doctor of the Canon and Ciuill lawes, as most of the +Bishops at that time were, and did beare the title and name of +_Iusticiarius totius Angliae_. Hee built the _Deuises_ in _Wiltshire_, +the Castles of _Malmesburie_ and _Shireburne_. He repaired the Castle of +_Salisburie_, and enuironed the same with a wall; hee built the stately +Church at _Salisburie_, destined to a longer life then any of his other +workes. And further, by reason of the Kings much abode in _Normandie_, +the prouisions of his house were valued at certaine prices, and receiued +in money, to the great contentment and ease of the people. + +In these times were mighty woods about the place where the two high +wayes _Watling_ and _Ikening_ doe ioyne together; which woods were a +safe couert and retreite for many robbers, who much infested those high +wayes. The most famous thiefe among them, was named _Dunne_,[106] a man +mischieuous without mercie, equally greedie of blood and of spoile, the +first infamie of his name: Hee was in a sort as the most villanously +aduentrous and vile; (for in lewd actions, the worst are greatest) +Commander ouer the rest, and of him the place was called _Dunstable_. To +represse this annoyance, the King caused the woods to bee cut downe, +built there a Borough, to which hee granted Faire & Market, and that the +Burgesses should be so free as any other Burgesses within the Realme. +Hee erected there also a Palace for himselfe, and also a faire Church or +Priorie; whereto he gaue large priuiledges and endowments. By these +meanes hee made the place first populous, and consequently both +plentifull and safe. + +Many other royall workes hee performed, some for Religion, as the +Religious buildings specified before; some for strength, as diuers +Castles in _Normandie_, in _Wales_, and some also in _England_: and +namely the Castle of _Warwicke_, of _Bristoll_, the Castle Colledge and +Towne of _Windsore_ on the hill, about a mile distant from the old Towne +of _Windsore_; which afterward was much encreased by King _Edward_ the +third, and after him by many Kings and Queenes succeeding. Many Palaces +also he built for ornament & pleasure. And to this end he maintained his +Parke at _Woodstocke_, wherein hee preserued diuers sorts of strange +beasts; which because he did with many demonstrations of pleasure both +accept and esteeme, were liberally sent vnto him from other Princes. + +Hee first instituted the forme of the high Court of Parliament, as now +it is in vse. For before his time, onely certaine of the Nobilitie and +Prelats of the Realme were called to consultation about the most +important affaires of state: he caused the commons also to be assembled, +by Knights and Burgesses of their owne appointment, and made that Court +to consist of three parts; the Nobilitie, the Clergie, and the Common +people; representing the whole body of the Realme. The first Councell of +this sort was held at _Salisbury_, vpon the 19. day of April, in the 16. +yeere of his reigne. + +His seueritie in iustice, the very heart string of a Common-wealth, his +heauie hand in bearing downe his enemies, in disabling those from +working him harme whom he knew would neuer loue him at the heart; was +traduced by some vnder termes of crueltie. And yet was he alwayes more +mindfull of benefits then of wrongs; and in offences of highest nature, +euen for bearing Armes against him, he punished oftentimes by +imprisonment or exile, and not by death. + +When _Matilde_ his daughter was giuen in mariage to _Henry_ the fifth +Emperour, he tooke 3. shillings of euery hide of land throughout the +Realme: which being followed by succeeding Kings, did grow to a custome +of receiuing ayd, whensoeuer they gaue their daughters in marriage. For +albeit the same be found in the great _Custumier_ of _Normandie_, yet +was it neuer practised in _England_ before. This happened in the +fifteenth yeere of his reigne: and he neuer had the like contribution +after, but one for furnishing his warres in _France_. So the people were +not charged with many extraordinary taxations, but their ordinary fines +and payments were very great; and yet not very grieuous vnto them. For +that they saw them expended, not in wanton wast, not in loose and +immoderate liberalitie, but either vpon necessitie, or for the honour & +dignitie of the state: wherein the preseruation or aduancement of the +common good, made particular burthens not almost sensible. + +But both his actions and exactions were most displeasing to the Clergy; +the Clergy did often times not onely murmure, but struggle and oppose +against his actions: as taking their liberties to be infringed, and +their state diminished; by abasing their authority, and abating both +their riches and power. When any Bishopricke or Abbey fell voyd, hee did +apply the reuenues thereof for supply of his necessities and wants: and +for that cause kept some of them many yeeres together vacant in his +hands. He would not permit appeales to _Rome_. Canons were not of force +within the Realme, vnlesse they were confirmed by the King. Legats from +the Pope were not obeyed; and no man would come to their conuocations. +In so much as one of the Popes Legates in _France_ did excommunicate all +the Priests of _Normandy_, because they would not come to his Synode. +For this cause the King sent the Bishop of _Exceter_ to _Rome_, albeit +he was both blind and in yeeres, to treat with the Pope concerning that +businesse. Hee gaue inuestitures to Prelates, by Crosse, Ring and +Staffe: and is charged to haue receiued of some of them great summes of +money for their places. About this time the marriage of Priests was +forbidden in _England_; but the King for money permitted them to reteine +their wiues, and in the end set an imposition in that respect vpon euery +Church throughout the Realme. It auailed not any man to say, that he had +no purpose to keepe a wife: he must pay for a facultie to keepe a wife +if he would. + +For these causes they fastened the infamie of couetousnesse vpon him. +For these causes and especially for inuesting and receiuing homage of +Prelats, he had a stiffe strife with _Anselme_ Archb. of _Canterburie_. +For the King said, that it was against the custome of his ancesters, it +could not stand with the safety of his State; that the Prelats, who at +that time held the principall places both of trust and command in his +kingdome, who in very deed ruled all the rest, should not be appointed +onely by himselfe; should not sweare faith and allegiance vnto him; +should either bee aduanced or depend vpon any forren Prince. On the +other side _Anselme_ refused, not onely to confirme, but to communicate +or common friendly with those who had bene inuested by the King: +reproching them, as abortiues and children of destruction; traducing the +King also, as a defiler of Religion, as a deformer of the beautie and +dignitie of the Church. Hereupon by appointment of the King, they were +confirmed & consecrated by the Archb. of _Yorke_. Onely _William +Gifford_, to whom the K. had giuen the Bishopricke of _Winchester_, +refused Consecration from the Archb. of _Yorke_; for which cause the +King depriued him of all his goods, and banished him out of the Realme. + +Then the King required _Anselme_ to doe him homage, and to be present +with him at giuing Inuestitures; as _Lanfranck_ his predecessor had bene +with King _William_ his father. Against these demaunds _Anselme_ +obiected the decrees of the Councell lately held at _Rome_; whereby all +Lay-persons were excommunicate, who should conferre any Spiritual +promotions; and all those accursed, who for Ecclesiasticall dignities, +should subiect themselues vnder the homage or seruice of any Lay-man. +Hereupon messengers were dispatched from both parties to the Pope: who +determined altogether in fauour of _Anselme_, or rather in fauour of +himselfe. Notwithstanding the king desisted not to vrge _Anselme_, to +sweare homage vnto him. _Anselme_ required, that the Popes letters +should bee brought foorth; and he would doe as by them hee should be +directed. The King answered, that he had nothing to doe with the Popes +letters; that this was a Soueraigne right of his Crowne; that if any man +may pull these Royalties from his Crowne, he may easily pull his Crowne +from his head: that therefore _Anselme_ must doe him homage, or else +depart out of his kingdome. _Anselme_ answered, that hee would not +depart out of the Realme, but goe home to his Church, and there see, +who would offer him violence. + +Then were messengers againe sent to the Bishop of _Rome_; two Bishops +from the King, and two Monckes from _Anselme_. The King wrote to the +Pope, first congratulating his aduancement to the Sea of _Rome_; then +desiring the continuance of that amitie which had bene betweene their +predecessours; Lastly, he tendred all honour and obedience, which in +former times the Kings of _England_ did yeeld to the See of _Rome_; +desiring againe, that he might not be abridged of such vsages as his +father did enioy: concluding, that during his life, hee would not suffer +the dignities of his Crowne to be empaired; and if he should so doe, yet +the Nobilitie and common people of the Realme would in no case permit +it, but would rather recede from obedience to his See. + +The Pope wrote backe againe to _Anselme_; that for one mans pleasure hee +would not reuerse the decrees of former Popes; and therefore gaue him +both encouragement & charge, to continue constant, and to see them +obserued in euery point. Hee directed also his letters to the King, +which the King did suppresse: but his Embassadours declared by word, +that the Pope permitted Inuestitures to the King, so as in other things +hee would execute the Office of a good Prince. _Anselme_ called for the +Popes letters. The King answered, that his Bishops were to be credited +before the Monckes, who were disabled either for voyce or testimonie in +Secular affaires. _Anselme_ said, that he was desirous to yeeld vnto the +King, but he durst not although it should cost him his head, vnlesse he +had a warrant from _Rome_: and therefore he would send thither againe, +to haue a more full and ample answere. The King and diuers of the +Nobilitie perswaded him to goe in person, to trauaile to the Pope, and +to trauaile with him, for the quiet of the Church, and of his countrey. +With much adoe he was entreated, and so set forth on his iourney towards +_Rome_: and after followed the kings Embassadour _William Warlewast_, +new elect Bishop of _Exceter_. + +When the Bishop came to the Popes presence, he declared vnto him; what +great commodities did rise out of _England_ to the See of _Rome_; that +the Inuesting of Prelats had bene an ancient right to the crowne of that +Realme; that as the King was by nature liberall, so was he stout and +resolute in courage, that it should be a great dishonour to him, who in +power exceeded any of his ancesters, if hee should not maintaine the +dignities which they held; that for this cause the Pope should doe well +to preferre to his consideration, what preiudice might follow to his +Estate, if hee should remit nothing of the seuerities of those Canons +which had bene lately made. + +The Pope gaue an attentiue eare, and seemed to pause vpon that which had +been sayd. Which the Kings Ambassadour taking to be a degree of +yeelding, did more earnestly insist, and said: that the King his master +would not for the Crowne of his Realme, loose the authoritie of +inuesting his Prelates. Hereto the Pope with a starting voice and +countenance answered; _Neither will I lose the disposing of spirituall +promotions in_ England, _for the Kings head that beareth the Crowne; +before God_ (said hee) _I aduow it_. His flattering followers applauded +this speach, as proceeding from a magnanimous courage, or rather as some +flash of diuine inspiration: and the Kings Ambassador not a little +abashed, was content to descend to lower demands. In the ende it was +ordered, that the King should be restored to certaine customes which +had been vsed by his father; but that all they who had bin inuested by +the King, should be excommunicate, & that their satisfaction and +absolution should be committed vnto _Anselme_. + +Thus _Anselme_, with full saile of victorie and ioy returned towards +_England_; but the Kings Ambassadour stayed behind, to assay whether by +any meanes hee could worke the Pope to a milder minde. But when hee saw +that he trauailed in vaine, he followed _Anselme_, and ouertooke him at +_Placentia_, and there deliuered vnto him certaine priuate instructions +from the King: that if he would come into _England_, and behaue himselfe +as his predecessours had done towards the Kings father, hee should be +welcome; otherwise, you are wise enough (said hee) you know what I +meane, and may easily coniecture what will ensue. With these words he +flang suddenly away; by occasion whereof his speaches setled with a more +strong impression, and multiplied many doubtfull constructions. So the +Embassadour returned to the King; but _Anselme_ went to _Lions_, and +remained there a yeere and halfe. + +In the meane time much posting was made betweene _England_, _Lions_, +and _Rome_; but nothing was concluded, nothing could please: For neither +the Pope would yeeld to the King, nor the King to _Anselme_. At the last +_Anselme_ threatned to excommunicate the King: whereof the King being +aduertised by the Countesse _Adela_ his sister, hee desired her to come +to him into _Normandy_, and to bring _Anselme_ with her. Here the King +restored _Anselme_ to his former possessions; but his returne into +_England_ was respited, vntill the Pope had confirmed certaine things +which _Anselme_ did assure. So the King tooke his passage into +_England_, and _Anselme_ abode at the Abbey of _Beck_. Then were +dispatched for _Rome_, _William Warlewast_ mentioned before, and +_Baldwine_ Abbot of _Ramsey_; by whose meanes the controuersie was +composed betweene the King and the Pope; that the King should receiue +homage of Bishops elect, but should not inuest them by Staffe and Ring. +After this the king went into _Normandie_, and there agreed to _Anselme_ +in these points following. + + 1 _That all his Churches which had been made tributary to King + William the second should bee set free._ + + 2 _That the King should require nothing of the sayd Churches, + whilest the Sea should remaine vacant._ + + 3 _That such Priests as had giuen money to the King to reteine their + wiues, should surcease from their function the space of three + yeeres; and that the king should take no more after such maner._ + + 4 _That all such goods fruits and possessions as the King had taken + from the Sea of Canterbury, should bee restored to him at his + returne into England._ + +Thus _Anselme_ returned into _England_, and after a short time the king +followed; hauing taken his brother prisoner, and subdued _Normandie_ to +his subiection. + +Forthwith _Anselme_ by permission of the K. assembled a great Councell +of the Clergie at _Westminster_; wherein hee so wrought with the King, +that at length (albeit not without great difficultie) it was newly +decreed; that no temporal man should giue inuestiture with Crosse, or +with Ring, or with Pastoral staffe. Also he directed Iniunctions to the +Priests of his Prouince, that they and their wiues should neuer meete +within one house; that they should not keepe any woman in their house, +but such as were next in kinred vnto them; That hee who held his wife +and presumed to say Masse within eight dayes after, should solemnely be +excommunicate. That all Archdeacons and their Officials should bee +sworne, not to winke at the meetings of Priests and their wiues for any +respect, and if they would not take this oath, then to lose their +office; that such Priests as would forsake their wiues, should cease +fourty dayes from ministration in their office, and performe such +penance as should be enioyned them by their Bishop. The execution of +these Canons importing both a great and sudden alteration, occasioned +much disquiet and disorder in many parts of the Realme. + +In the same Councel the censure of Excommunication was cast vpon those, +who did exercise the vile vice of Sodomitrie: and it was further +decreed, that the same sentence should be published euery Sonday in al +the parish Churches of _England_. But afterward it was esteemed fit; +that this general excommunication should be repealed. The pretence was, +for that the prohibiting, yea, the publike naming of that vice might +enflame the hearts of vngracious persons with desire vnto it. But wise +men coniectured, that after this seuere restreint of marriage in the +Clergie, it did grow so frequent and familiar among them, that they +would not giue way to so generall a punishment. It is certaine that in +this Kings dayes _Io. Cremensis_ a Priest Cardinal, by the Kings licence +came into _England_, and held a solemne Synode at _London_; where hauing +most sharpely enueighed against the marriage of Priests, the night +following hee was taken in adulterie, and so with shame departed the +Realme. It is certaine also that _Anselme_, the most earnest enforcer of +single life, died not a Virgine; as by the lamentation which hee wrote +for the losse thereof it may appeare. + +Not long after _Anselme_ died, being of the age of 70. yeeres. He had +bestowed much money on _Christs_ Church in _Canterburie_; as well in +buildings, as in ornaments, and encrease of possessions. Other workes of +charge he left not many; neither in very deed could he, by reason of his +often banishments, and the seasures of the reuenues of his Church. But +this he did more then liberally supply by the eternall labours of his +penne. After his decease the Archbishopricke remained voyd fiue yeeres: +during which time, the King applied the fruits to himselfe. The like +hee did to other vacant Churches; and compounded also with Priests for +reteining their wiues; and made his profit by Ecclesiasticall persons +and liuings, more largely and freely then he had done before. For which +cause it is not vnlike that the imputation of couetousnesse was fixed +vpon him. At the last _Radulph_ Bishop of _Rochester_ was aduanced to +the See of _Canterburie_; and notwithstanding all former agreements and +decrees, the King inuested him with Ring and with Staffe. + +But howsoeuer we may either excuse or extenuate the two vices of +crueltie and couetousnesse, wherewith he is charged, his immoderate +excesse in lust can no wayes be denied, no wayes defended: And when age +had somewhat abated in him the heat of that humour, yet was hee too much +pleased with remembrance of his youthfull follies. For this vice it is +manifest, as well by the sudden and vnfortunate losse of his children, +as for that he was the last King by descent from males of the _Norman_ +race, that the hand of God pressed hard vpon him. + +As _Radulph_ succeeded _Anselme_ in the See of _Canterburie_. So after +the death of _Thomas_, _Thurstine_ the Kings Chapplaine was elected +Archb. of _Yorke_. And because he refused to acknowledge obedience to +the See of _Canterbury_, hee could not haue his Consecration, but was +depriued of his dignitie by the King. Hereupon he tooke his iourney to +_Rome_, complained to the Pope, and from him returned with a letter to +the King: that the putting of a Bishop elect from his Church, without +iudgement, was against diuine Iustice, against the decrees of holy +Fathers: that the Pope intended no preiudice to either Church, but to +maintaine the constitution which S. _Gregorie_, the Apostle of the +_English_ Nation, had stablished betweene them: that the Bishop elect +should be receiued to his Church, and if any question did rise between +the two Churches, it should be handled before the King. + +Vpon occasion of this letter a solemne assembly was called at +_Salisburie_, where the variance betweene the two Prelats was much +debated. _Radulph_ would not giue Imposition of hands to _Thurstine_, +vnlesse hee would professe obedience. _Thurstine_ said, that he would +gladly embrace his benediction, but professe obedience to him he would +not. The King signified to _Thurstine_, that without acknowledgement of +subiection to the Archb. of _Canterburie_, hee should not be Consecrated +Archb. of _Yorke_. _Thurstine_ replied nothing; but renounced his +dignitie, and promised to make no more claime vnto it. + +Not long after, _Calixtus_ Bishop of _Rome_ assembled a Councell at +_Rhemes_; and _Thurstine_ desired licence of the King to goe to that +Councell. This hee obtained vnder faithfull promise, that he should +there attempt nothing to the preiudice of the Church of _Canterburie_. +In the meane time the King dealt secretly with the Pope, that +_Thurstine_ should not bee consecrated by him. This the Pope did +faithfully assure; and yet by meanes of some of his Cardinals, whom +_Thurstine_ had wrought to bee suiters for him; by reason also of his +hate against _Radulph_, for taking Inuestiture from the King; The Pope +was drawen to giue him consecration, and therewith the Pall. For this +cause the King was displeased with _Thurstine_, and forbad him to +returne into the Realme. + +After this, the Pope came to _Gisors_, to which place the King went vnto +him; and desired that he would not send any Legates into _England_, +except the King should so require. The reason was, for that certaine +Legates had come into _England_ lately before, to wit, one _Guido_, and +another named _Anselme_, and another called _Peter_; who had demeaned +themselues, not as Pillars of the Church, but as Pillagers of all the +Realme. Also he required that hee might reteine all such customes, as +his auncestors had vsed in _England_ and in _Normandie_. The Pope vpon +promise that the King should ayd him against his enemies, yeelded to +these demands: and required againe of the King, to permit _Thurstine_ to +returne with his fauour into _England_. The King excused himselfe by his +oath. The Pope answered, that he might and would dispence with him for +his oath. The King craued respite, affirming that he would aduise with +his Counsaile, and then signifie to the Pope what he should resolue. So +in short time hee declared to the Pope, that for loue to him, +_Thurstine_ should bee receiued both into the Realme and to his Church: +vpon condition, that he should professe subiection to the Sea of +_Canterburie_, as in former times his predecessors had done; otherwise +(said hee) so long as I shall bee King of _England_, hee shall neuer +sit Archbishop of _Yorke_. + +The yeere following the Pope directed his letters to the King, and +likewise to _Radulph_. And herewith he interdicted both the Church of +_Canterburie_ and the Church of _Yorke_, with all the Parish Churches of +both Prouinces; from Diuine seruice, from Buriall of the dead, from all +other offices of the Church; except onely baptizing of children, and +absolution of those who shal lie at the point of death: vnlesse within +one moneth after the receit of the same letters, _Thurstine_ should be +receiued to the Sea of _Yorke_, without acknowledging subiection to the +Sea of _Canterburie_. It was further signified to the King, that he +should also be excommunicate, vnlesse hee would consent to the same. +Vpon these letters _Thurstine_ was sent for, and reconciled to the King, +and quietly placed in his Church at _Yorke_. And thus when the Bishops +of Rome had gained absolute superiority ouer the state of the Church, +euen for managing external actions and affaires (which seeme to be a +part of ciuill gouernement) there wanted nothing but either a weake +Prince, or a factious Nobilitie, or a headstrong tumultuous people, to +giue him absolute superioritie ouer all. + +In the second yeere of this Kings reigne the Cities of _Gloucester_ and +_Winchester_ were for the most part wasted with fire. + +In the fourth yeere a blasing starre appeared, and foure circles were +seene about the Sunne. The yeere next following the King preuailed much +in _Normandie_, and so did the Sea in _Flanders_: insomuch as a great +part of that Countrey lay buried in the waters. + +In the seuenth yeere a blazing starre appeared: and vpon thursday night +before Easter, two full Moones were seene, one in the East, and the +other in the West. The same yeere _Robert_ Duke of _Normandie_ was taken +& brought prisoner into _England_. + +In the tenth yeere the Abbey of _Elie_ was made a Bishops Sea, and +Cambridge shire was appointed for the Diocesse thereof. In regard +whereof, the King gaue the mannour of _Spalding_ to the Bishop of +_Lincolne_, for that the shire of _Cambridge_ was formerly vnder the +Iurisdiction of _Lincolne_. The same yeere a Comet appeared after a +strange fashion. About _Shrewsburie_ was a great earthquake. The water +of _Trent_ was dried vp at _Nottingham_ the space of a mile, from one +of the clocke vntill three: so as men might passe ouer the Channell on +foote. Warres ensued against the Earle of _Aniou_; a great mortalitie of +men; a murraine of beastes both domesticke and of the fielde: yea, the +foules perished in great abundance. + +In the 13. yeere the Citie of _Worcester_, and therein the chiefe +Church, the Castle, with much people were consumed with fire. A pigge +was farrowed with a face like a childe. A chicken was hatched with foure +legs. The yeere next ensuing the riuer of _Medeway_ so fayled for many +miles, that in the middest of the channell the smallest boates could not +floate. In the _Thames_ also was such defect of water, that betweene the +Tower and the Bridge many men and children did wade ouer on foote. This +happened by reason of a great ebbe in the Ocean, which layd the sands +bare many miles from the shoare, and so continued one whole day. Much +rage and violence of weather ensued, and a blasing starre. The Citie of +_Chichester_ with the principall Monastery was burnt. The yeere next +following almost all the Bridges in _England_ being then of timber, by +reason of a hard Winter were borne downe with Ice. + +In the 17. yeere the towne of _Peterborough_ with the stately Church +were burned to the ground. The Citie of _Bath_ also was much ruined and +defaced with fire. In March there happened fearefull lightning, and in +December grieuous thunder and haile. The Moone at both times seemed to +be turned into blood, by reason of the euill qualited vapours through +which it gaue light. The yeere following, _Mathild_ the Queene departed +this life: a woman in pietie, chastitie, modestie, and all other vertues +nothing inferiour to her mother; but in learning and iudgement farre +beyond her: who did not act, nor speake, nor scarce thinke any thing, +but first it was weighed by wisdome and vertue. When the king desired +her in marriage, for the publicke good and tranquilitie of the State, in +reducing the _Saxon_ blood to the Crowne; she first modestly, then +earnestly refused the offer; shewing no lesse magnanimitie in despising +honours, then others doe in affecting them. But when she was not so much +perswaded as importuned to forsake her profession, she is reported by +some to haue taken the matter so to heart, that she cursed such issue +as she should bring forth: which curse did afterwards lie heauie vpon +them. For her sonne _William_ perished by shipwrack, and her daughter +_Matild_ was neuer voyd of great vexations. As she trauailed ouer the +riuer of _Lue_, at the _Old-foord_ neere _London_, she was well washed, +and somewhat endangered in her passage: whereupon he caused two +Stone-bridges to be built ouer the same riuer, one at the head of the +towne of _Stratford_, the other ouer another streame thereof, commonly +called _Channels-bridge_; and paued the way betweene them with grauel. +She gaue also certaine mannours, and a mill called _Wiggon_ mill, for +repairing of the same bridges and way. These were the first +Stone-bridges that were made in _England_. And because they were arched +like a bow, the towne of _Stratford_ was afterwards called _Bow_. + +In the 20. yere, a great earthquake hapned, in the moneth of September. +In the 22. yeere, the Citie of _Glocester_, with the principal +Monasterie was fired againe. The yeere next following, the Citie of +_Lincolne_ was for the most part burned downe, and many persons perished +with the rage of the flame. In the 27. yeere, the King receiued an oath +of the chiefe of the Prelats and Nobilitie of the Realme; that after +his death, they should maintaine the kingdom against al men for his +daughter _Matild_, in case she should suruiue, and the king not leaue +issue male in life. + +In the 30. yeere, the Citie of _Rochester_ was much defaced with fire, +euen in the presence and view of the King. The yeere next following the +oath to _Matild_ was receiued againe. About this time the King was much +troubled with fearefull dreames; which did so affright him, that he +would often leape out of his bed, and lay hand on his sword, as if it +were to defend himselfe. This yeere as he returned out of _Normandie_ +into _England_, when he had bene caried not farre from land, the winde +began to rise, and the Sea swelled somewhat bigge. This weather did +almost suddenly encrease to so dangerous a storme, that all expected to +be cast away. The King, dismayed the more by his sonnes mishap, +reconciled himselfe to God; and vowed to reforme many errours of his +life, if he did escape. So after his arriuall, he went to the Monasterie +of S. _Edmund_; and there both ratified and renued the promise he had +made. After this he was better ordered in his actions; he erected a +Bishopricke at _Caerlile_, and endowed it with many honours: he caused +Iustice indifferently to be administred; and eased the people of the +tribute called _Dane guilt_. + +In the 32. yeere, _Matilde_ daughter to the King was deliuered of a +sonne, who was named _Henry_. Hereupon the king assembled his Nobilitie +at _Oxeford_, where he did celebrate his feast of Easter; and there +ordeined, that shee and her heires should succeed him in the kingdome. +And albeit they were often sworne to this appointment; albeit _Stephen_ +Earle of _Bloise_ was the first man who tooke that oath: yet was he the +first who did rise against it; yet did many others also ioyne with him +in his action. For oathes are commonly troden vnder foote, when they lye +in the way, either to honour or reuenge. The same yeere the Citie of +_London_ was very much defaced with fire. + +The yeere next following, many prodigies happened, which seemed to +portend the death of the King, or rather the troublesome times which did +thereupon ensue. In the moneth of August, the Sunne was so deepely +eclipsed, that by reason of the darkenesse of the ayre, many starres did +plainely appeare. The second day after this defect of light, the earth +trembled with so great violence, that many buildings were shaken downe. +_Malmesb._ sayth, that the house wherein he sate, was lift vp with a +double remooue, and at the third time setled againe in the proper place. +The earth in diuers places yeelded foorth a hideous noyse; It cast +foorth flames at certaine rifts diuers dayes together, which neither by +water nor by any other meanes could be suppressed. + +During the time of the eclipse mentioned before, the King was trauersing +the sea into _Normandie_; whither hee vsually went, sometimes euery +yeere, but euery third yeere at the furthest. Here he spent the whole +yeere following, in ordering affaires of State, and in visiting euery +corner of the Countrey. He neuer gaue greater contentment to the people, +as well by his gifts, as by his gentle and courteous behauiour: he neuer +receiued greater contentment from them, by the liuely expressing of +their loue. But nothing did so much affect him with ioy, as that his +daughter _Matild_ had brought foorth other two sonnes, _Geoffrey_ and +_William_: whereby hee conceiued, that the succession of his issue to +the Crowne of _England_ was so well backed, that he needed not to +trouble his thoughts with any feare that his heires would faile. + +At the last he began to languish a little and droupe in health; and +neither feeling nor fearing any great cause, hee rode on hunting, to +passe it ouer with exercise and delight. Herewith being somewhat +cheered, hee returned home, and eate of a Lamprey, albeit against his +Physicians aduise, which meate he alwayes loued, but was neuer able well +to digest. After this, and happely vpon this vicious feeding, he fell +into a feuer; which increased in him by such dangerous degrees, that +within seuen dayes it led him to the period of his life. Hee died vpon +the first of December, in the 67. yere of his age: when hee had reigned +35. yeeres and foure moneths, wanting one day. His bowels and eyes were +buried at _Roan_: The rest of his bodie was stuffed with salt, wrapped +vp in Oxe hides, and brought ouer into _England_; and with honourable +exequies buried in the Monastery of _Reading_, which hee had founded. +His Physician who tooke out his braines, by reason of the intolerable +stinch which breathed from them, in short time after ended his life. So +of all that King _Henrie_ slue, this Physician was the last. + +He had by his first wife a sonne named _William_, who perished by +shipwracke; and _Matild_ a daughter, who was espoused to the Emperour +_Henrie_ the 5. when she was scarce sixe yeeres olde, and at the age of +eleuen yeeres was married vnto him. When shee had been married vnto him +twelue yeeres, he died; and shee returned to the King her father, both +against her owne minde, and against the desire of the greatest Princes +of the Empire: who in regard of her wise and gracious behauiour, were +suitors to the King more then once, to haue her remaine as Empresse +among them. But the king would not consent to their intreatie: For that +shee was the onely heire to his Crowne. Then many great Princes desired +her in marriage. But the King bestowed her vpon _Geoffrey_, sonne to +_Fulke_ Earle of _Aniou_: somewhat against her owne liking, but greatly +to the suretie of his estate in _France_. By him she had _Henrie_, who +afterwards was King of _England_. + +Further, the King had by a Concubine, _Richard_ a sonne, and _Mary_ a +daughter; who were lost vpon the sea with their brother _William_. By +another Concubine hee had a sonne named _Robert_, whom he created Earle +of _Glocester_: a man for valour of minde and abilitie of bodie +inferiour to none; in counsailes so aduised, as was fit for a right +Noble commander. By his faith, industrie, and felicitie chiefly, his +sister _Matild_ did afterwards resist and ouerbeare, both the forces and +fortunes of King _Stephen_. He is reported to haue had 12. other +bastards; which were of no great either note or continuance, according +to that saying of the Wise man: _Bastard plants take no deepe +rootes_.[107] + +This King in the beginning of his Reigne made many fauourable lawes: And +namely, _That he would reserue no possessions of the Church vpon their +vacancies: that the heires of his Nobilitie should possesse their +fathers lands without redemption from him, and that the Nobilitie +likewise should afford the like fauour to their Tenants: that Gentlemen +might giue their daughters and kinsewomen in marriage without his +licence, so it were not to his enemie: that the widow should haue her +ioynture, and not be compelled to marrie against her owne liking: that +the mother or next of kinred should bee Guardian of the lands of her +children: that all debts to the Crowne and certaine offences also should +bee remitted_. But these lawes afterwards were but slenderly obserued. + +Three vertues were most famous in him; wisedome, courage, and +sweetenesse of speach. By the last hee gained much fauour from the +people. By the other two he purchased, both peace at home, and victory +abroad. He was noted also for some vices: but out of doubt they were +farre exceeded by his vertues. And for these vices also, being himselfe +of a pleasant disposition, he was well pleased with pleasant reproofes. +_Guymund_ his Chapleine (obseruing that vnworthy men for the most part +were aduanced to the best dignities of the Church) as he celebrated +Diuine seruice before him, and was to read these words out of S. +_Iames_; [_It rained not vpon the earth iij. yeres and vj. +moneths_:][108] Hee did read it thus: [_It rained not vpon the earth +one, one, one yeres, and fiue, one, moneths_.] The King obserued this +reading, and afterwards rebuked his Chapleine for it: But _Guymund_ +answered, that he did it of purpose, for that such readers were soonest +preferred by the King. The King smiled, and in short time after +preferred him to the gouernment of S. _Frideswides_ in _Oxeford_. In +this King failed the heires male of King _William_ the first: and then +the Crowne was possessed by Title of heires generall. + +In these times flourished two excellent ornaments of the Church; +_Anselme_ in _England_, and _Bernard_ in _France_: both of them enrolled +in the list of Saints. And no lesse infamous for vice was _Gerard_, +Archbishop of _Yorke_; a man of some learning; not so much in substance, +as in seeming and shew; of commendable wit, which he applied chiefly, to +giue a couler for euery vice of his owne, and for euery vertue of others +either a slander or a ieast: Of enuious disposition; plagued lesse with +his owne calamities, then with the well either doing or being of other +men; in wiping money from his Subiects by dishonest meanes, subtill and +shamelesse; and no lesse sordide in his expences: giuen to Magicall +enchantments as many doe affirme. On a certaine day as he slept vpon a +cushion after dinner, in his Garden at _Southwell_, and many of his +Chapleines walked neere him; he was found in such a stiffe cold dead +sleepe, as will require the trumpe of an Archangel to awake him. His +face then looked with an ougly hell-burnt hue. His body was caried to +_Yorke_; few vouchsafing to accompany, none to meete it (according to +the vse of Exequies) when it came to the Citie; but the boyes in scorne +throwing stones at the hearse. He was basely buried without the Church +without any funerall solemnities, without any signe either of honour or +of griefe. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[1] Senticetum. + +[2] Scriptor omnium sceleratissimus. + +[3] Mendacissimus. + +[4] Adulator. + +[5] _Lib._ 3. _in princ. Ingulph. lib._ 6. _cap._ 19. + +[6] {pollakis de toi nothoi te polloi gnesion ameinones.} Eurip. in +Androm. + +[7] + + _Rich. 1._ + |-----|-----| + | | + _Rich. 2._ _Emma._ + 1. 1. + _Robert._ _Edward._ + 1. + _William._ + +[8] _Heu vani monitus, fiustraq; morantia Parcas Prodigia. Lucan._ + +[9] _Flo. lib._ 2. _Eutr. lib._ 4. _epit. Liu._ 59. + +[10] _Eutro. lib._ 6. _epit. Liu._ 93. + +[11] _Cic. Agrar. orat._ 2. _Liu. lib._ 70. + +[12] _Tacit. lib._ 14. + +[13] _Tacit. An._ 17. + +[14] _Salust. bel. Iug._ + +[15] 1. _Reg._ 9. + +[16] _Geogr._ 3. + +[17] _Tritem. cap._ 22. + +[18] _Theod. Nehem. lib._ 2. _cap._ 25. + +[19] _Arg. l. creditor. & l. Claudius. D qui pot. in pign. ha._ + +[20] _Moribus antiquis res stat Romana Virisque. Aeneid._ + +[21] _Imperium ijs artibus facilime retinetur quibus partum est. Sal. +Catil._ + +[22] _Quos viceris caue amicos tibi credas. Curt. lib._ 7. + +[23] _Tranquil. in Calig_. + +[24] _Nicet. pag._ 19. {houto chrono kratynthe ethos genous kai +threskeias estin ischyroteron.} + +[25] _Chrys. orat._ 76. {peri ethous}, _Suid. dict._ {ethos}. + +[26] _Agath. lib._ 2. {eudelon men hoti de ton anthropeion ethnon hos +hekastos eige hotodeoun nomo ek pleistou nenikekoti embioteusaien, +touton de ariston hegountai kai thespesion.} + +[27] _Temperatus enim timor est qui cohibet, assiduus & acer ad +vindictam excitat. Senec. 1. de clemen._ + +[28] _Perfecto demum scelere, magnitudo eius intelligitur. Tacit. xv. +Annal._ + +[29] 3. _Reg._ 1. & 2 + +[30] 2. _Paral._ 11. + +[31] _Bald. in proem. decr. Sec. rex. nu._ 11. _Archid._ 2. _q._ 7. _Sec. +item obijcitur._ + +[32] _Gen._ 49. + +[33] _Iust. lib._ 16. + +[34] _Host. Io. And. Collect. Pet. Anch. Anto. Imo. Card. Flo. & sere +omnes in c. licet de Voto._ + +[35] _L. si arrogator. D. de Arrog. l. 3 de interd. & rel._ + +[36] _Io. And. in c. significasti de fo. comp. Pan. cons._ 85. _li._ 1. +_Molin. consuet. Paris. tit._ 1. Sec. 85. _gl._ 3. _q._ 2. _infi._ + +[37] _Iust. lib._ 34 + +[38] _Iust. lib._ 16. + +[39] _Pausan. lib._ 1. _Iustin. lib._ 39. + +[40] _Girard. lib._ 1. _de l'estate._ + +[41] _D. Benedict. in. rep. c. Rainutius Verb. in eodem testamento le._ +1. _nu._ 209. + +[42] _Io. de terr. Rub. concl._ 9. 10. 11. 12. + +[43] _Li._ 1. _de l'estate de France._ + +[44] _In c. vlt._ 24. _q._ 1. + +[45] _In Polyhim._ + +[46] _L. ex hoc D. de Iust. & iure._ + +[47] _In Epist. ad O nagr. & in gen._ 49. + +[48] _Chrys. hom._ 5. _aduers. Iudaeos._ + +[49] _Glo. Pan. in. c._ 1. _de cens. Luc. Pen. in l. decurio. c. de +decu. lib._ 10. + +[50] _Gen._ 4. 7. + +[51] _Deut._ 21. 17. + +[52] _Exo._ 13. & 22. & 34. _Levit._ 27. _Num._ 3. & 8. & 18. _Neh._ 10. +_Ezech._ 44. _Luc._ 2. 23. + +[53] _Io. Ign. in. qu. An. Rex Franciae recognoscat superiorem. col._ 28. +_Ang. in l. cum Praetor. Sec. non autem. D. de Iudi. Ias. in l. nemo D. de +leg._ 1. + +[54] _L._ 1. _c. de tut. vel. cur. Illustr. c. grandi. de sup. negl. +prael._ + +[55] _Herod. in Terpsych._ + +[56] _Herod. ibidem Pausan. lib._ 7. + +[57] _Plut. Aemil. in eius vita. Oros. lib._ 3. _cap._ 2. + +[58] _Plut. in Lisandr._ + +[59] _Ioseph. Ant._ 14. _cap._ 1. + +[60] _Liu. lib._ 1. 2. _belli Punici._ + +[61] _Allobroges._ + +[62] _Plut. in eius vita._ + +[63] _Mich. Riccius._ + +[64] _Cons._ 20. _lib._ 2. + +[65] _De l'estate de France. lib._ 1. + +[66] Onely the Persians had rather a superstition then a law, that no +man might be King who had but one eye: for which cause _Cosroes_ the +sonne of _Cabades_ was preferred before _Bozi_ his elder brother. +_Procop. lib._ 1. + +[67] _Bald. cons._ 389. _l._ 1. _Socin. cons._ 47. _l._ 3. _Card. Alex. +in c._ 1. _tit. an. mut. vel imperfect. And. Isern. in c. vlt. tit. +episc. vel Abb._ + +[68] _L. vlt. D. de senat. l._ 3. _D. de interd. & rel. l._ 2. _c. de +libert. & eo. lib. l. Diui. D. de iure patr. l. quaeritur. D. de bo. lib. +Pan. cons._ 85. _l. 1. Io. And. in c. significasti. de fo. comp._ + +[69] _Nubrig. lib._ 1. _ca._ 3. + +[70] _Nihil est quod male narrando non possit deprauarier. Ter. in Eun._ + +[71] {kalon ti gloss' hoto pistis pare}, _Eurip. Res pulchra lingua cui +siet fides._ + +[72] {tous stratiotas ploutizete, ton oligon panton kataphroneite.} +_Milites ditate, reliquos omnes spernite. Severus apud Dionem._ + +[73] _Concilium Baronense._ + +[74] _Haec conditio principum vt quicquid faciant praecipere videantur. +Quint. declam._ 4. + +[75] _Quae fato manent quamuis significata non vitantur. Tacit._ 1. +_hist._ + +[76] _Seris venit vsus ab annis._ Ouid. 6. Metam. + +[77] _In Polyhim._ + +[78] _Iust. lib._ 2. _Plut. de fraterna beneuolentia._ + +[79] _Antiq. lib._ 16. _cap._ 3. + +[80] _Guicc. lib._ 1. _Blond. decad._ 2. _lib._ 2. + +[81] _Sigeb. in Chron._ + +[82] _L. neque Doroth._ 61. _l. doctitij_ 63. _l. neminem._ 64. _cum l. +pen. & vit. C. de decur. lib._ 10 _l. ex libera._ 6. _C. suis & legit._ + +[83] _L. imperialis._ 23. _Sec. his illud. C. de nupt. l. quincunque_ 7. +_C. de princip. agent. in reb._ + +[84] _L. eos qui._ 65. _D. de rit. nupt. l. Etsi_ 6. _C. de nupt._ + +[85] _L. senator._ 11. _C. de dignit. lib._ 10. + +[86] _L. emancipatum._ 7. _D. de Senat. facit l. Diuo Marco._ 11. _C. de +quaest. l._ 3. _D. de Interd. & rel. l._ 2. _C. de lib. & eor. libe._ + +[87] _Gl. in d. l. Imperialis. Bar. in l. si. Senator. C. de dig. li._ +12. _Bald. in l. cum suis D. de lib. posth. Anch. & Phil. Franc. in c. +ne aliqui de priuil. li._ 6. 4. _Ana. in c._ 2. _de Iudae. facit l. ex +libera. C. de su. & le. l. j. Sec. fi. D. de bo. po. co. ta. l. si neque. +Sec. si deport. D. de bon. libert. l. filij. Sec. senatores. D. ad +municipia. l. quicunq; C. de princ. agen. in reb. lib._ 12. _& ib. Luc. +Pen._ + +[88] _In d. l. Imperialis. Sec. illud._ + +[89] _In l. si Senat. C. de dign. li._ 12. + +[90] _In c. licet. de Vot._ + +[91] _In c. ex tenore. qui fil. sunt legit._ + +[92] _In l._ 2 _Sec. in filijs. D. de Decu. & in l. moris. Sec. sed +vtrum D. de poenis._ + +[93] _Sing._ 50. _& ib. addit._ + +[94] _In tract. primogen._ + +[95] _In c. Adrianus. di._ 63. + +[96] _In c. inter ceteras de rescrip._ + +[97] _In l. bona fides. D. deposit._ + +[98] _In tract. nobilitatis. part._ 3. _ad fin._ + +[99] _In tract. de poten. & excellentia regia._ + +[100] _Pet. Iac. in. arb. succ. Reg. Franc. Io. Ray. in c. praeterea. de +prohi. feud. ali. & in tract. nobil. q._ 10. _Iac. a S. Georgio. in +tract. feud. D. Benedict. in rep. c. Ramutius. n._ 200. _de test._ + +[101] _In Artax._ + +[102] _Blond. dec._ 2. _lib._ 6. _Mich. Ritius. de Reg. Hung. lib._ 6. + +[103] _L. si quis. C. de poenis._ + +[104] {dryos pesouses pas aner xyleuetai.} + +[105] 1. Cor. 11. 14. + +[106] _Dunne_ a famous thiefe. + +[107] _Sapien._ 4. 3. + +[108] _Iam._ 5. 17. + + + + + * * * * * * + + + + +Transcriber's note: + + Original spellings were retained, including inconsistent + spellings. + + Sidenotes have been repositioned as Endnotes. + + Macrons have been replaced with the appropriate nasal (n, m). + + Errata have been corrected in the text. + + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LIVES OF THE III NORMANS, KINGS +OF ENGLAND: WILLIAM THE FIRST, WILLIAM THE SECOND, HENRIE THE FIRST*** + + +******* This file should be named 38513.txt or 38513.zip ******* + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/3/8/5/1/38513 + + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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