<P_15>

With these wordes and writynges and suche other , the Duke of
Gloucester sone set a fyre , them that were of themself ethe to kindle
, and in especiall twayne , Edward Duke of Buckingham , and Richarde
Lorde Hastinges and chaumberlayn , both men of honour and of great
power . The tone by longe succession from his ancestrie , the tother by
his office and the kinges fauor . (MORERIC-E1-H,15.2)

These two not-1 bearing eche to other so muche loue , as hatred bothe
vnto the Quenes parte : <P_16> in this poynte accorded together wyth
the Duke of Gloucester , that they wolde vtterlye amoue fro the kynges
companye , all his mothers frendes , vnder the name of their enemyes .
(MORERIC-E1-H,16.3)

Vpon this concluded , the Duke of Gloucester vnderstandyng , that the
Lordes whiche at that tyme were aboute the kyng , entended to bryng him
vppe to his Coronacion , accoumpanied with suche power of theyr frendes
, that it shoulde bee harde for him to brynge his purpose to passe ,
without the gathering and great assemble of people and in maner of open
warre , wherof the ende he wiste was doubtuous , and in which the kyng
being on their side , his part should haue the face and name of a
rebellion : he secretly therefore by diuers meanes , caused the Quene
to be perswaded and brought in the mynd , that it neither wer nede , &
also shold be ieopardous , the king to come vp strong .
(MORERIC-E1-H,16.4)

For where as nowe euery lorde loued other , and none other thing
studyed vppon , but aboute the Coronacion and honoure of the king : if
the lordes of her kinred shold assemble in the kinges name muche people
, thei should geue the lordes atwixte whome and them hadde bene
sommetyme debate , to feare and suspecte , leste they shoulde gather
thys people , not for the kynges sauegarde whome no manne enpugned ,
but for theyr destruccion , hauyng more regarde to their olde variaunce
, then their newe attonement . For whiche cause thei shoulde assemble
on the other partie muche people agayne for their defence , whose power
she wyste wel farre stretched . (MORERIC-E1-H,16.5)

And thus should all the realme fall on a rore . (MORERIC-E1-H,16.6)

And of al the hurte that therof should ensue , which was likely not to
be litle , and the most harme there like to fal wher she lest would ,
all the worlde woulde put her and her kinred in the wyght , and say
that thei had vnwyselye and vntrewlye also , broken the amitie and
peace that the kyng her husband so prudentelye made , betwene hys kinne
and hers in his death bed , and whiche the other party faithfully
obserued . (MORERIC-E1-H,16.7)

<P_17>

The Quene being in this wise perswaded , suche woorde sente vnto her
sonne , and vnto her brother being aboute the kynge ,
(MORERIC-E1-H,17.9)

and ouer that the Duke of Gloucester hymselfe and other Lordes the
chiefe of hys bende , wrote vnto the kynge soo reuerentelye , and to
the Queenes frendes , there soo louyngelye , that they nothynge
Earthelye mystrustynge , broughte the Kynge vppe in greate haste , not
in good speede , with a sober coumpanye . (MORERIC-E1-H,17.10)

Nowe was the king in his waye to London gone , from Northampton , when
these Dukes of Gloucester and Buckyngham came thither . Where remained
behynd , the Lorde Ryuers the Kynges vncle , entendyng on the morowe to
folow the Kynge , and bee with hym at Stonye Stratford eleuen miles
thence , earely or hee departed . (MORERIC-E1-H,17.11)

So was there made that nyghte muche frendely chere betwene these Dukes
and the Lorde Riuers a greate while . (MORERIC-E1-H,17.12)

But incontinente after that they were oppenlye with greate courtesye
departed , and the Lorde Riuers lodged , the Dukes secretelye with a
fewe of their moste priuye frendes , sette them downe in counsayle ,
wherin they spent a great parte of the nyght . (MORERIC-E1-H,17.13)

And at their risinge in the dawnyng of the day , thei sent about
priuily to their seruantes in their Innes and lodgynges about , geuinge
them commaundemente to make them selfe shortely readye ,
(MORERIC-E1-H,17.14)

for their Lordes wer to horsebackward . Vppon whiche messages , manye
of their folke were attendaunt , when manye of the lorde Riuers
seruantes were vnreadye . (MORERIC-E1-H,17.15)

Nowe hadde these Dukes taken also into their custodye the kayes of the
Inne , y=t= none shoulde passe foorth without theyr licence .
(MORERIC-E1-H,17.16)

And ouer this in the hyghe waye <P_18> towarde Stonye Stratforde where
the Kynge laye , they hadde beestowed certayne of theyr folke , that
shoulde sende backe agayne , and compell to retourne , anye manne that
were gotten oute of Northampton toward Stonye Stratforde , tyll they
should geue other lycence . (MORERIC-E1-H,18.17)

For as muche as the Dukes themselfe entended for the shewe of theire
dylygence , to bee the fyrste that shoulde that daye attende vppon the
Kynges highnesse oute of that towne : thus bare they folke in hande .
(MORERIC-E1-H,18.18)

But when the Lorde Ryuers vnderstode the gates closed , and the wayes
on euerye side besette , neyther hys seruantes nor hymself suffered to
gone oute , parceiuyng well so greate a thyng without his knowledge not
begun for noughte , comparyng this maner present with this last nightes
chere , in so few houres so gret a chaunge marueylouslye misliked .
(MORERIC-E1-H,18.19)

How be it sithe hee coulde not geat awaye , and keepe him selfe close ,
hee woulde not , leste hee shoulde seeme to hyde him selfe for some
secret feare of hys owne faulte , whereof he saw no such cause in hym
self : (MORERIC-E1-H,18.20)

he determined vppon the suretie of his own conscience , to goe boldelye
to them , and inquire what thys matter myghte meane . Whome as soone as
they sawe , they beganne to quarell with hym , and saye , that hee
intended to sette distaunce beetwene the Kynge and them , and to brynge
them to confusion , (MORERIC-E1-H,18.21)

but it shoulde not lye in hys power . (MORERIC-E1-H,18.22)

And when hee beganne <paren> as hee was a very well spoken manne ,
</paren> in goodly wise to excuse himself , they taryed not the ende of
his aunswere , (MORERIC-E1-H,18.23)

but shortely tooke him (MORERIC-E1-H,18.24)

and putte him in warde , (MORERIC-E1-H,18.25)

and that done , foorthwyth wente to horsebacke , (MORERIC-E1-H,18.26)

and tooke the waye to stonye Stratforde . Where they founde the kinge
with his companie readye to leape on horsebacke , and departe forwarde
, to leaue that lodging for them , because it was to streighte for
bothe coumpanies . (MORERIC-E1-H,18.27)

<P_40>

The lord Cardinall perceiuing that the quene waxed euer the lenger the
farder of , and also that she began to kindle and chafe , and speke
sore biting wordes against the protectour , and such as he neither
beleued , and was also loth to here , he said vnto her for a finall
conclusion , that he woulde no lenger dispute the matter .
(MORERIC-E1-H,40.29)

But if she were content to deliuer y=e= duke to him & to y=e= other
lordes there present , he durst lay his owne body & soule both in
pledge , not onely for his suerty but also for hys estate .
(MORERIC-E1-H,40.30)

And if she woulde giue them a resolute aunswere to y=e= contrary , he
would forthw=t= depart there with all , and shyfte whoso would with
thys busynes afterwarde : (MORERIC-E1-H,40.31)

for he neuer entended more to moue her in that matter , in which she
thought y=t= he and all other also saue herselfe , lacked either wit or
trouth . (MORERIC-E1-H,40.32)

Wit if they were so dul , that they coulde nothing perceiue what the
protectour entended : (MORERIC-E1-H,40.33)

trouthe if they should procure her sonne to be delyuered into his
handes , in whom thei shold perceyue toward the childe any euil
intended . (MORERIC-E1-H,40.34)

The quene with these wordes stode a good while in a great study .
(MORERIC-E1-H,40.35)

And for asmuch her semed the Cardinall more redy to depart , then some
of the remnant , & the protectour himself redy at hand , so y=t= she
verely thought she coulde not kepe him there , but that hee shoulde
incontinent be taken thence : (MORERIC-E1-H,40.36)

& to conuay him els where , neyther-1 had shee time to serue her , nor
place determined , nor parsons appointed , (MORERIC-E1-H,40.37)

all thinge vnredy thys message came on her so sodaynely , <P_41>
nothing lesse loking for then to haue him fet out of sentuary , which
she thought to be now beset in such places about , y=t= he coulde not
be conuaied out vntaken , & partly as she thought it might fortune her
fere to bee false , so will she waste it was either nedeles or boteles
: wherfore if she shold nedes go from him , she dempte it beste to
deliuer him . (MORERIC-E1-H,41.38)

And ouer y=t= of y=e= Cardinals faith she nothing doubted , nor of some
other lordes neither , whom she there saw . Which as she fered lest
they might bee deceiuid : so was she well assured they would not be
corupted : (MORERIC-E1-H,41.39)

Then thought she it should yet make them y=e= more warely to loke to
him , & the more sircumspectly to se to his surety , if she with her
owne handes betoke him to them of trust . (MORERIC-E1-H,41.40)

And at the last she toke the yong duke by the hande ,
(MORERIC-E1-H,41.41)

and said vnto the lordes : my lord <paren> quod she </paren> & all my
lordes , I neither-1 am so vnwise to mistrust your wittes , nor so
suspicious to mistruste your trouthes . Of which thing I purpose to
make you such a proofe , as if either of both lacked in you , might
tourne both me to great sorowe , the realme to much harme , and you to
gret reproche . (MORERIC-E1-H,41.42)

For loe here is <paren> quod she </paren> this gentilman , whom I doubt
not but I could here kepe safe if I woulde , whatsoeuer any man say .
(MORERIC-E1-H,41.43)

And I doubt not also but ther be some abrode so deadly enemies vnto my
blood , that if thei wist where any of it lay in their owne body , they
would let it out . (MORERIC-E1-H,41.44)

We haue also had experience y=t= the desire of a kingdome knoweth no
kinred . (MORERIC-E1-H,41.45)

The brother hath bene the brothers bane . (MORERIC-E1-H,41.46)

And may the nepheus be sure of their vncle ? (MORERIC-E1-H,41.47)

Eche of these children is others defence while they be a sunder ,
(MORERIC-E1-H,41.48)

and eche of their liues lieth in the others body . (MORERIC-E1-H,41.49)

Kepe one safe (MORERIC-E1-H,41.50)

& both be sure , and nothing for them both more perilouse , then to be
both in one place . (MORERIC-E1-H,41.51)

For what wise merchaunt aduentureth all his good in one ship ?
(MORERIC-E1-H,41.52)

All this notwithstanding , here I deliuer him and hys brother in him ,
to kepe into your handes , of whome I shall aske <P_42> them both afore
god and the world . (MORERIC-E1-H,42.53)

Faithfull ye be (MORERIC-E1-H,42.54)

that wot I wel (MORERIC-E1-H,42.55)

and I know wel you be wise . (MORERIC-E1-H,42.56)

Power & strenght to kepe him if ye list neither lacke ye of your self ,
(MORERIC-E1-H,42.57)

nor can lack helpe in this cause . (MORERIC-E1-H,42.58)

And if ye $can $not {TEXT:cannot} els where , then may you leue him
here . (MORERIC-E1-H,42.59)

But only one thing I beseche you for y=e= trust that his father put in
you euer , and for the trust that I put in you now , that as farre as
ye thinke that I fere to muche , be you wel ware y=t= you fere not as
farre to little . (MORERIC-E1-H,42.60)

And therewithall she said vnto the child : farewel my own swete sonne ,
(MORERIC-E1-H,42.61)

god send you good keping , (MORERIC-E1-H,42.62)

let me kis you ones yet ere you goe , (MORERIC-E1-H,42.63)

for God knoweth when we shal kis togither agayne . (MORERIC-E1-H,42.64)

And therewith she kissed him , (MORERIC-E1-H,42.65)

& blessed him , (MORERIC-E1-H,42.66)

turned her back (MORERIC-E1-H,42.67)

and wept (MORERIC-E1-H,42.68)

and went her way , leauing the childe weping as fast .
(MORERIC-E1-H,42.69)

When the lord Cardinal & these other lordes with him , had receiued
this yong duke , thei brought him into the sterrechamber where the
protectour toke him in his armes & kissed him with these wordes : Now
welcome my lord euen w=t= al my very hart . (MORERIC-E1-H,42.70)

And he sayd in that of likelihod as he thought . (MORERIC-E1-H,42.71)

Thereupon forthwith they brought him to y=e= kynge his brother into the
bishoppes palice at powles , & from thence through the citie honorably
into the tower , out of which after y=t= day they neuer came abrode .
(MORERIC-E1-H,42.72)

<P_46>

And of trouth the protectour and the Duke of Buckingham made very good
semblaunce vnto the Lord Hastinges , (MORERIC-E1-H,46.74)

and kept him much in company . (MORERIC-E1-H,46.75)

And vndoubtedly the protectour loued him wel , (MORERIC-E1-H,46.76)

& loth was to haue loste him , sauing for fere lest his life shoulde
haue quailed their purpose . For which cause he moued Catesby to proue
wyth some words cast out a farre of , whither he could thinke it
possible to winne the lord Hasting into their parte .
(MORERIC-E1-H,46.77)

But Catesby whither he assayed him or assaied him not , reported vnto
them , that he founde him so fast , and hard him speke so terrible
woordes , that he durst no further breke . (MORERIC-E1-H,46.78)

And of trouth the lord Chamberlen of very trust shewed vnto Catesbye ,
the mistrust that other began to haue in the mater .
(MORERIC-E1-H,46.79)

And therfore he fering lest their mocions might with y=e= lord
Hastinges minishe his credence , wherunto onely al the matter lenid ,
procured the protectour hastely to ridde him . And much the rather ,
for that he trusted by his deth to obtaine much of the rule that the
lorde Hastinges bare in his countrey : the only desire whereof , was
y=e= allectiue y=t= induced him to be partener and one specyall
contriuer of al this horrible treson . Whereupon sone after that is to
wit , on the friday the thirtene day of Iune many Lordes assembled in
the tower , and there sat in counsaile , deuising the honorable
solempnite of the kinges coronacion , of which the time appointed then
so nere approched , that the pageauntes and suttelties were in making
day and night at westminster , and much <P_47> vitaile killed therfore
, that afterward was cast away . (MORERIC-E1-H,47.80)

These lordes so sytting togyther comoning of thys matter , the
protectour came in among them , fyrst aboute ix. of the clock ,
saluting them curtesly , & excusyng hymself that he had ben from them
so long , saieng merely that he had bene a slepe that day .
(MORERIC-E1-H,47.81)

And after a little talking w=t= them , he sayd vnto y=e= Bishop of Elye
: my lord you haue very good strawberies at your gardayne in Holberne ,
(MORERIC-E1-H,47.82)

I require you let vs haue a messe of them . (MORERIC-E1-H,47.83)

Gladly my lord , quod he , (MORERIC-E1-H,47.84)

woulde god I had some better thing as redy to your pleasure as that .
(MORERIC-E1-H,47.85)

And therwith in al the hast he sent hys seruant for a messe of
strauberies . (MORERIC-E1-H,47.86)

The protectour sette the lordes fast in comoning , (MORERIC-E1-H,47.87)

and therupon prayeng them to spare hym for a little while , departed
thence . (MORERIC-E1-H,47.88)

And sone after one hower betwene .x. & .xi. he returned into y=e=
chamber among them , al changed with a wonderful soure angrye
countenaunce , knitting the browes , frowning and froting and knawing
on hys lippes , (MORERIC-E1-H,47.89)

and so sat him downe , in hys place : al the lordes much dismaied &
sore merueiling of this maner of sodain chaunge , and what thing should
him aile . (MORERIC-E1-H,47.90)

Then when he had sitten still a while , thus he began :
(MORERIC-E1-H,47.91)

what were they worthy to haue , that compasse & ymagine the distruccion
of me , being so nere of blood vnto y=e= king and protectour of his
riall person & his realme . (MORERIC-E1-H,47.92)

At this question , al y=e= lordes sat sore astonied , musyng much by
whome thys question should be ment , of which euery man wyst himselfe
clere . (MORERIC-E1-H,47.93)

<P_52>

Now flew y=e= fame of this lordes death , swiftly through the citie , &
so forth farder about like a winde in euery mans ere .
(MORERIC-E1-H,52.95)

But the protector immediatelye after diner , entending to set some
colour vpon y=e= matter , sent in al y=e= hast for many substauncial
men out of the city into the Tower . (MORERIC-E1-H,52.96)

And at their comming , himself w=t= the Duke of Bukingham , stode
harnesed in old il faring briginders , such as no man shold wene y=t=
thei wold vouchsafe to haue put vpon their backes , except that some
sodaine necessitie had constrained them . (MORERIC-E1-H,52.97)

And then the protectour shewed them , y=t= the lord chamberlain , &
other of <P_53> his conspiracy , had contriued to haue sodeinly
destroide him & the duke , ther y=e= same day in y=e= counsel .
(MORERIC-E1-H,53.98)

And what thei intended further , was as yet not well knowen . Of whiche
their treson he neuer had knowlage before x. of y=e= clock y=e= same
fore none . Whiche sodain fere draue them to put on for ther defence
such harneis as came next to hande . (MORERIC-E1-H,53.99)

And so had god holpen them , y=t= y=e= mischief turned vpon them y=t=
wold haue done it . (MORERIC-E1-H,53.100)

And this he required them to report . (MORERIC-E1-H,53.101)

Eueri man answered him fair , as though no man mistrusted y=e= mater
which of trouth no man beleued . (MORERIC-E1-H,53.102)

Yet for y=e= further appesing of y=e= peoples mind , he sent immediatli
after diner in al y=e= hast , one herode of armes , w=t= a proclamacion
to be made through y=e= city in y=e= kinges name , conteyning y=t= the
lord Hastinges w=t= diuers other of his traytorous purpose , had before
conspired y=e= same day , to haue slaine y=e= lord protector & y=e=
duke of Buckingham sitting in y=e= counsel , & after to haue taken vpon
them to rule y=e= king & y=e= realm at their pleasure , & therbi to pil
& spoil whom thei list vncontroled . (MORERIC-E1-H,53.103)

And much mater was ther in y=e= proclamacion deuised , to y=e= slaunder
of y=e= lord chamberlain , as y=t= he was an euil counseller to y=e=
kinges father , intising him to many thinges highlye redounding to y=e=
minishing of his honor , & to y=e= vniuersal hurt of his realm , by his
euyl company , sinister procuring , & vngracious ensample , as wel in
many other thinges as in y=e= vicious liuing & inordinate abusion of
his body , both w=t= many other , & also specialli w=t= shores wife ,
which was one also of his most secret counsel of this heynous treson ,
w=t= whom he lay nightli , & nameli y=e= night last passed next before
his death , so that it was y=e= less meruel , if vngracious liuyng
brought him to an vnhappy ending : which he was now put vnto , by y=e=
most drede commaundement of y=e= kinges highnes & of his honorable &
faithful counsel , bothe for his demerites , being so openli taken in
his falsli conceiued treson , & also lest y=e= delaying of his
execucion , might haue encoraged other mischiuous persons partners of
his conspiracy , to gather & assemble themself together in makyng some
<P_54> gret commocion for his deliueraunce , whose hope now being by
his wel deserued deth politikely repressed , al y=e= realm shold bi
gods grace rest in good quiete and peace . (MORERIC-E1-H,54.104)

Now was this proclamacion made w=t=in .ii. houres after y=t= he was
beheded , (MORERIC-E1-H,54.105)

& it was curiously indited , & so fair writen in parchment in so wel a
set hande , & therwith of it self so long a processe , y=t= eueri child
might wel perceiue , that it was prepared before .
(MORERIC-E1-H,54.106)

For al y=e= time betwene his death & the proclaming could scant haue
suffised vnto y=e= bare wryting alone , all had it bene but in paper &
scribled forth in hast at aduenture . So y=t= vpon y=e= proclaming
therof , one y=t= was scole master of Poules of chaunce standing by , &
comparing y=e= shortnes of y=e= time w=t= the length of y=e= matter ,
said vnto them y=t= stode about him here is a gay goodly cast , foule
cast awai for hast . (MORERIC-E1-H,54.107)

And a merchant answered hym , y=t= it was writen by profecy .
(MORERIC-E1-H,54.108)

Now then by & bi , as it wer for anger not for couetise , y=e=
protector sent into y=e= house of shores wife <paren> for her husband
dwelled not w=t= her </paren> (MORERIC-E1-H,54.109)

& spoiled her of al y=t= euer she had , aboue y=e= value of .ii. or
.iii. M. marks , (MORERIC-E1-H,54.110)

& sent her body to prison . (MORERIC-E1-H,54.111)

And when he had a while laide vnto her for the maner sake , y=t= she
went about to bewitch him , & y=t= she was of counsel w=t= the lord
chamberlein to destroy him : in conclusion when y=t= no colour could
fasten vpon these matters , then he layd heinously to her charge , y=e=
thing y=t= her self could not deny , that al y=e= world wist was true ,
& that natheles euery man laughed at to here it then so sodainly so
highly taken , y=t= she was nought of her body . (MORERIC-E1-H,54.112)

And for thys cause <paren> as a goodly continent prince clene & fautles
of himself , sent oute of heauen into this vicious world for the
amendement of mens maners </paren> he caused the bishop of London to
put her to open penance , going before the crosse in procession vpon a
sonday with a taper in her hand . In which she went in countenance &
pace demure so womanly , & albeit she were out of al array saue her
kyrtle only : yet went she so fair & louely , namelye while the
wondering of the people caste a comly rud in her chekes <paren> of
<P_55> which she before had most misse </paren> that her great shame
wan her much praise , among those y=t= were more amorous of her body
then curious of her soule . (MORERIC-E1-H,55.113)

And many good folke also y=t= hated her liuing , & glad wer to se sin
corrected : yet pitied thei more her penance , then reioyced therin ,
when thei considred that y=e= protector procured it , more of a corrupt
intent then ani vertuous affeccion . (MORERIC-E1-H,55.114)

This woman was born in London , worshipfully frended , honestly brought
vp , & very wel maryed , sauing somewhat to sone , her husbande an
honest citezen , yonge & goodly & of good substance .
(MORERIC-E1-H,55.115)

But forasmuche as they were coupled ere she wer wel ripe , she not very
feruently loued , for whom she neuer longed . Which was happely the
thinge , that the more easily made her encline vnto y=e= kings appetite
when he required her . (MORERIC-E1-H,55.116)

Howbeit y=e= respect of his royaltie , y=e= hope of gay apparel , ease
, plesure & other wanton welth , was hable soone to perse a softe
tender hearte . (MORERIC-E1-H,55.117)

But when the king had abused her , anon her husband <paren> as he was
an honest man & one that could his good , not presuming to touch a
kinges concubine </paren> left her vp to him al togither .
(MORERIC-E1-H,55.118)

When the king died , the lord Chamberlen toke her . Which in the kinges
daies , albeit he was sore ennamored vpon her , yet he forbare her ,
either for reuerence , or for a certain frendly faithfulnes .
(MORERIC-E1-H,55.119)

Proper she was & faire : (MORERIC-E1-H,55.120)

nothing in her body y=t= you wold haue changed , but if you would haue
wished her somewhat higher . (MORERIC-E1-H,55.121)

Thus say thei y=t= knew her in her youthe . Albeit some that now se her
<paren> for yet she liueth </paren> deme her neuer to haue ben wel
visaged . Whose iugement semeth me somwhat like , as though men should
gesse y=e= bewty of one longe before departed , by her scalpe taken out
of the charnel house : (MORERIC-E1-H,55.122)

for now is she old lene , withered & dried vp , (MORERIC-E1-H,55.123)

nothing left but ryuilde skin & hard bone . (MORERIC-E1-H,55.124)

And yet being euen such : whoso wel aduise her visage , might gesse &
deuise which partes how <P_56> filled , wold make it a faire face .
(MORERIC-E1-H,56.125)

Yet delited not men so much in her bewty , as in her plesant behauior .
(MORERIC-E1-H,56.126)

For a proper wit had she , (MORERIC-E1-H,56.127)

& could both rede wel & write , mery in company , redy & quick of
aunswer , neither mute nor ful of bable , sometime taunting w=t=out
displesure & not w=t=out disport . (MORERIC-E1-H,56.128)

The king would say that he had .iii. concubines , which in three diuers
properties diuersly exceled . One the meriest , an other the wiliest ,
the thirde the holiest harlot in his realme , as one whom no man could
get out of y=e= church lightly to any place , but it wer to his bed .
(MORERIC-E1-H,56.129)

The other two were somwhat greter parsonages , & Natheles of their
humilite content to be nameles , & to forbere the praise of those
properties . (MORERIC-E1-H,56.130)

But the meriest was this Shoris wife , in whom the king therfore toke
speciall pleasure . (MORERIC-E1-H,56.131)

For many he had , (MORERIC-E1-H,56.132)

but her he loued , whose fauour to $say $the {TEXT:saithe} trouth
<paren> for sinne it wer to belie y=e= deuil </paren> she neuer abused
to any mans hurt , but to many a mans comfort & relief :
(MORERIC-E1-H,56.133)

where the king toke displeasure , she would mitigate & appease his mind
: (MORERIC-E1-H,56.134)

where men were out of fauour , she wold bring them in his grace .
(MORERIC-E1-H,56.135)

For many that had highly offended , shee obtained pardon .
(MORERIC-E1-H,56.136)

Of great forfetures she gate men remission . (MORERIC-E1-H,56.137)

And finally in many weighty sutes , she stode many men in gret stede ,
either-1 for none , or very smal rewardes , & those rather gay then
rich : either for that she was content w=t= the dede selfe well done ,
or for y=t= she delited to be suid vnto , & to show what she was able
to do wyth the king , or for y=t= wanton women and welthy be not alway
couetouse . (MORERIC-E1-H,56.138)

<P_76>

At these wordes y=e= people began to whisper among themselfe secretely
, that the voyce was neyther loude nor distincke , but as it were the
sounde of a swarme of bees , tyl at the last in the nether ende of the
hal , a bushement of the dukes seruantes and Nashefeldes and other
longing to the protectour , with some prentises and laddes that thrust
into the hal amonge the prese , began sodainelye at mennes backes to
crye owte as lowde as their throtes would gyue : king Rycharde kinge
Rycharde , and threwe vp their cappes in token of ioye .
(MORERIC-E1-H,76.140)

And they that stode before , cast back theyr heddes meruailing thereof
, (MORERIC-E1-H,76.141)

but nothing they sayd . (MORERIC-E1-H,76.142)

And when the duke and the Maier saw thys maner , they wysely turned it
to theyr purpose . (MORERIC-E1-H,76.143)

And said it was a goodly cry and a ioyfull to here , euery man with one
voice no manne sayeng nay . Wherfore frendes , quod the duke , sins
that we parceiue it is al your hole mindes to haue this noble man for
your king whereof we shall make his grace so effectuall reporte , that
we doubte not but it shall redounde vnto your great weal and commoditye
: we require ye that ye to morow go with vs and wee with you vnto his
noble grace , to make our humble request vnto him in maner <P_77>
before remembred . (MORERIC-E1-H,77.144)

And therewith the lordes came downe , (MORERIC-E1-H,77.145)

and the company dissolued and departed , the more part al sad , som
with glad semblaunce that wer not very mery , (MORERIC-E1-H,77.146)

and some of those that came thyther with the duke , not able to
dissemble theyr sorow , were faine at his backe to turne their face to
the wall , while the doloure of their heart braste oute at theyr eyen .
(MORERIC-E1-H,77.147)

Then on the morowe after , the mayre with all the alderman and chiefe
comeners of the citie in their beste maner apparailed , assembling
themself together resorted vnto Baynardes castell where the protector
lay . To which place repaired also according to theyr appointmente the
duke of Buckingham , with dyuers noble menne with him , beside manye
knightes and other gentlemen . (MORERIC-E1-H,77.148)

And thereupon the duke sent worde vnto the lord protectour , of the
being there of a great and honourable coumpanye , to moue a great
matter vnto his grace . Whereupon the protectour made difficultie to
come oute vnto them , but if he first knewe some part of theyr errande
, as though he doubted and partelye dystrusted the commyng of suche
noumber vnto him so sodainlye , withoute anye warnyng or knowledge ,
whyther they came for good or harme , (MORERIC-E1-H,77.149)

then the Duke when he had shewed this vnto the maire and other , that
they mighte thereby see howe lytle the protectour loked for this matter
, thei sent vnto him by the messenger suche louyng message againe , and
therewith so humblye besought hym to vouchesafe that thei might resort
to hys presence , to purpose their intent , of which they would vnto
none other parson any part disclose , that at the laste hee came foorth
of his chamber , and yet not down vnto them , but stode aboue in a
galarye ouer them , where they mighte see hym & speake to him , as
though he woulde not yet come to nere them tyll he wist what they mente
. (MORERIC-E1-H,77.150)

And thereuppon the Duke of Buckingham fyrste made humble peticion vnto
him , on the behalfe of them all , that his grace woulde pardon them
and lycence them to purpose vnto hys grace the intent of their commyng
with oute his <P_78> displeasure , withoute whiche pardon obtayned ,
they dyrst not be bold to moue him of that matter . In whiche albeit
thei ment as muche honor to hys grace as wealthe to al the realm beside
, yet were they not sure howe hys grace woulde take it , whom they
would in no wyse offende . (MORERIC-E1-H,78.151)

Then the protector as hee was very gentle of hymselfe , and also longed
sore to wit what they mente , gaue hym leaue to purpose what hym lyked
, verely trustyng for the good minde that he bare them al , none of
them ani thing would intende vnto hym warde , where with he ought to be
greued . (MORERIC-E1-H,78.152)

When the duke had this leaue & pardon to speake , then waxed he bolde
to shewe hym theyr intent and purpose , with all the causes mouing them
thereunto as ye before haue harde , and finally to beseche hys grace ,
that it wold lyke him of his accustomed goodnes and zeale vnto the
realm , now with his eye of pitie , to beholde the long continued
distres and decay of the same and to sette his gracious handes to the
redresse and amendement therof , by taking vppon him the crowne and
gouernaunce of this realme , according to his right and tytle lawfully
descended vnto hym , and to the laude of god , profyte of the land ,
and vnto his grace so muche the more honour and lesse paine , in that
that neuer prince raigned vpon any people , that were so glad to liue
vnder hys obeysaunce as the people of this realme vnder his .
(MORERIC-E1-H,78.153)

When the protector had hard the proposicion , he loked very strangely
therat , (MORERIC-E1-H,78.154)

and answered : That all were it that he partli knew the thinges by them
alledged to be true : yet such entier loue he bare vnto king Edward and
his children , that so muche more regarded hys honour in other realmes
about , then the crowne of any one , of which he was neuer desyrous ,
that he could not fynde in his hearte in this poynte to enclyne to
theyr desyre . (MORERIC-E1-H,78.155)

For in all other nacyons where the trueth wer not wel knowen , it shold
paraduenture be thought , that it were his owne ambicious minde and
deuise , to depose the prince & take himself the crown . With which
infami he wold not haue his honoure stayned for anye crowne . In whiche
he had euer parceyued muche more labour and payn , then pleasure to
<P_79> hym that so woulde so vse it , as he that woulde not were not
worthy to haue it . (MORERIC-E1-H,79.156)

Notwithstanding he not only pardoned them the mocion that they made him
, (MORERIC-E1-H,79.157)

but also thanked them for the loue and hearty fauoure they bare him ,
prayinge them for his sake to geue and beare the same to the prynce ,
vnder whom he was and would be content to lyue , (MORERIC-E1-H,79.158)

& with his labour and counsel as farre as should like the kyng to vse
him , he woold doe his vttermost deuor to set the realm in good state .
Whiche was alreadye in this litle while of his protectorship <paren>
the prayse geuen to god </paren> wel begon , in that the malice of such
as wer before occasion of the contrary and of new intended to bee were
nowe partelye by good policye , partly more by goddes special
prouidence then mans prouision repressed . (MORERIC-E1-H,79.159)

Vpon this answer geuen , the Duke by the protectours lycence , a lytle
rouned , aswell with other noble men about him as with the mayre and
recorder of London . (MORERIC-E1-H,79.160)

And after that vpon lyke pardone desyred and obtayned , he shewed
aloude vnto the protectour , that for a fynal conclusion , y=t= the
realm was appointed king Edwardes lyne shoulde not any longer reigne
vpon them , both for that thei had so farre gone , that it was now no
surety to retreate , as for that they thought it for the weale
vniuersal to take that wai although they had not yet begonne it .
Wherfore yf it would lyke hys grace to take the crowne vpon him , they
woulde humblye beseche hym thereunto . (MORERIC-E1-H,79.161)

If he woulde geue them a resolute aunswere to the contrarye , whyche
they woulde bee lothe to heare , than muste they needes seke and shold
not faile to fynd some other noble manne that woulde .
(MORERIC-E1-H,79.162)

These wordes muche moued the protectoure , whiche els as euery manne
may witte , would neuer of likelyhoode haue inclyned therunto .
(MORERIC-E1-H,79.163)

But when he saw ther was none other way , but that eyther he must take
it or els he and his bothe goe fro it , he saide vnto the lordes and
commons : Sith we parceiue wel that al the realm is so set , whereof we
be very sorye that they wil not suffer in any wise king Edwardes line
to gouerne them , whom no manne earthly can gouerne again their willes
, and we wel also perceue , that no manne is there , to whom the crown
can by so iust tytle appertayn as to our self , as <P_80> verye ryghte
heyre lawfullye begotten of the bodye of oure moste deere father
Rycharde late Duke of Yorke , to whiche tytle is nowe ioyned your
elleccion , the nobles & comons of this realm , whiche wee of all
titles possible take for most effectual : we be content
(MORERIC-E1-H,80.164)

& agre fauourably to incline to your peticion and request ,
(MORERIC-E1-H,80.165)

and accordyng to the same , here we take vppon vs the royall estate ,
preeminence and kyngdome of the twoo noble realmes , England and
Fraunce , the tone fro this day forward by vs and our heires to rule ,
gouerne and defend , the tother by goddes grace & youre good helpe to
geat again and subdewe , (MORERIC-E1-H,80.166)

and established for euer in due obedyence vnto this realme of Englande
, thaduancement whereof we neuer aske of god longer to lyue then we
entende to procure . (MORERIC-E1-H,80.167)

With this there was a great shout , crying kyng Richarde king Rychard .
(MORERIC-E1-H,80.168)

And then the lordes went vp to the kyng <paren> for so was he from that
time called </paren> (MORERIC-E1-H,80.169)

and the people departed , talkyng diuersly of the matter euery man as
his fantasye gaue hym . (MORERIC-E1-H,80.170)

But muche they talked and marueiled of the maner of this dealing , that
the matter was on both partes made so straunge , as though neither had
euer communed with other thereof before , when that themself wel wist
there was no man so dul that heard them , but he perceieud wel inough ,
y=t= all the matter was made betwene them . (MORERIC-E1-H,80.171)

Howbeit somme excused that agayne , (MORERIC-E1-H,80.172)

and sayde all must be done in good order though . (MORERIC-E1-H,80.173)

