<B ORIGINA2>

[^ORIGINAL LETTERS, ILLUSTRATIVE OF ENGLISH HISTORY; INCLUDING
NUMEROUS ROYAL LETTERS: FROM AUTOGRAPHS IN THE BRITISH MUSEUM,
AND ONE OR TWO OTHER COLLECTIONS. VOL II. 2ND EDITION. ED. BY
ELLIS, HENRY. LONDON: HARDING, TRIPHOOK, AND LEPARD. 1825.^]

<Q OR2 1520S TWOLSEY>
<A THOMAS WOLSEY>
<P 1>
[} [\LETTER CII. CARDINAL WOLSEY TO THOMAS CROMWELL.\] }]
   Myn owne enterly belouyd Cromwell, I beseche yow, as ye loue
me and wyl euyr do any thyng for me, repare
<P 2>
hyther thys day as sone as the Parlement ys brokyn vp, leyng
aparte all thyngs for that tyme; for I wold nut onely commynycat
thyngs vnto yow wherin for my comfort and relief I wold haue
your good, sad, dyscret aduyse and counsell, but also opon the
same commytt sertyng thyngs requyryng expedicion to yow, on my
behalf to be solycytyd: this, I pray yow therfor, to hast your
commyng hyther assafore, with owt omyttyng so to do as ye tendyr
my socor, reliff, and comfort, and quyetnes of mynde. And thus
fare ye wel: from Asher, in hast, thys Satyrday, in the mornyng,
with the rude hande and sorowfull hert of your assuryd louer
   T. Car=lis= Ebor.
   I haue also serteyn thyngs consernyng yowr sylf wych I am
suere ye wolbe glad to here and knowe: fayle not therfor to be
here thys nygth, ye may retorne early in the mornyng ageyn yf
nede shul so requyre. (\Et iterum vale.\)
   M. Agusteyn shewyd me how ye had wryttyn onto me a Lettre
wherin ye shuld adu'tyse me of the commyng hyther of the Duke of
Norfolke: I assure yow ther cam to my hands no suche Lettre.

<Q OR2 1520S? TWOLSEY>
<A THOMAS WOLSEY>
<P 3>
[} [\LETTER CIII. CARDINAL WOLSEY TO DR. STEPHEN GARDENER.\] }]
<P 5>
   My owne goode Mastyr Secretary, aftyr my moste herty
recommendacions, with lycke thanks for your goodness towards me,
thes shalbe to advirtyse yow that I have beyn informyd by my
trusty frende Thomas Crowmuell that ye have sygnyfied unto hym
to my synguler consolacions howe that the Kyngs Hyghnes, mouyd
with pity and compassyon, and of his excellent goodnes and
cheryti consyderyng the lamentable condicion and stat that I
stand yn, hath wyllyd yow with other lords and mastyrs of hys
honorable Cownsell to intende to the perfygttyng and absolvyng,
without further tract or delay, of myn end and appoyntment, and
that my pardon shulde be made in the most ample forme that my
cownsell cowde devyse; for thys the Kyngs moste gracyous
remembraunce, procedyng of hymsylf, I accompte my sylf not onely
moste bowndyn to serve and pray for the preservation of hys
moste Royal Majeste, but also thancke God that ye have occasyon
govyn unto you to be a sollycyter and setter forth of such
thyngs as do and shall conserve my said ende, in the makyng and
compownyng whereof myn assuryd trust ys that ye wele shewe the
love and affeccion wych ye have and bere towards me your old
lover and frende. So declaryng your sylf therin that the world
may perceive that by your good meanys the Kyng ys the better
goode Lorde unto me; and that, nowe, newly in maner commyng to
the world, ther may be such respect
<P 6>
had to my poore degre, olde age, and longe contynuyd servys, as
shal be to the Kyngs hygh honor and your gret prayse and laude,
wych undowttydly shal folowe yf ye extende yowr benyvolence
towards me and mine, perceiving that by your wysdom and
dexteryte I shalbe releuyd and in this my calamyte holpyn. At
the reverens therfor of God, myn owne goode M. Secretary and
refuge, nowe set to your hande that I may come to a laudable
ende and reposse; seyng that I may be furnyshyd aftyr suche a
sorte and maner as I may ende my short tyme and lyff to the
honor of Cryst's Churche and the Prince. And, besydys my dayly
prayer and true hert, I shal so requyte your kyndnes as ye shal
haue cause to thyncke the same to be wel imployed, lycke as my
seyde trusty frende shal more amply shewe unto yow to whom yt
may please yow to give for me credens and loving audience: and I
shall pray for the increase of your honor. Wryttyn at Asher with
the tremylling hand and hevy hart of your assuryd lover and
bedysman.
   T. Car=lis= Ebor.
To the rygth honorable and my synguler goode frende Master
Secretary.

<Q OR2 1520S? TWOLSEY>
<A THOMAS WOLSEY>
<P 7>
[} [\LETTER CIV. CARDINAL WOLSEY TO DR. STEPHEN GARDENER.\] }]
   My owne goode mastyr Secretary aftyr my moste herty
commendacons I pray you at the reverens of God to help, that
exspedicion be usyd in my presents, the delay wherof so
replenyssheth my herte with hevynes, that I can take no reste;
nat for any vayne fere, but onely for the miserabli condycion
that I am presently yn, and lyclyhod to contynue in the same
onles that ye, in whom ys myn assuryd truste, do help and releve
me therein; for fyrst contynuyng here in thys moweste and
corrupt eyer, beyng enteryd in to the passyon of the dropsy,
(\cum prostratione appetitus, et continuo insompnus\) , I cannat
lyve; wherfor of necessyte I muste be removyd to summe other
dryer eyer and place, wher I may have comodyte of Physycyans.
Secondly havyng but Yorke, wych ys now decayd by viijC.=li= by
the yeere I can nat tell how to lyve and kepe the poore nombyr
of folks wych I nowe have; my howsys ther be in decay, and of
every thyng mete for howsold onprovidyd and furnyshyd. I have
non apparell for my howsys ther, nor money to bryng me
<P 8>
thether, nor to lyve with tyl the propysse tyme of the year shal
come to remove thither. Thes thyngs consyderyd, M=r=. Secretary,
must nedys make me in agony and hevynes; myn age therwith and
sycknes consyderyd. Alas M=r=. Secretary, ye with other my
lordys shewyd me that I shuld otherwyse be furnyshyd, and seyn
unto. Ye knowe in your lernyng and consyens whether I shuld
forfit my spiritualties of Wynchester or no. Alas the qualytes
of myn offencys consyderyd, with the gret punisshement and losse
of goodes that I have sustignyd, owt to move petyfull hertys.
And the moste nobyl Kyng, to whom yf yt wold please yow of your
cherytabli goodnes to shew the premyses aftyr your accustomable
wysdom and dexteryte, yt ys nat to be dowettyd but hys Hyhnes
wold have consyderacon and compassion, aggmentyng my lyvyng, and
appoyntyng such thyngs as shuld be convenyent for my furniture;
wych to do shalbe to the Kyngs high honer, meryte, and dyscharge
of consyens; and to yow gret praysse for the bryngyng of the
same to passe for your olde brynger up and lovyng frende. Thys
kyndnes exibite from the Kyngs Hyghnes shal prolong my lyff for
sum lytyl whyl, thow yt shall nat be long; by the meane wherof
hys Grace shal take profygtt, and by my deth non. What ys yt to
hys Hyhnes to geve summe convenyent porcion owt of Wynchester
and Seynt Albons, hys Grace takyng with my herty good wyl the
<P 9>
resydue. Remembyr, good M=r=. Secretary, my poore degre and what
servys I have done: and how nowe approchyng to deth I must begyn
the world ageyn. I beseche yow therfor, movyd with pity and
compassyon, soker me in thys my calamyti, and to your power,
wych I do knowe ys gret, releve me: and I with all myn shall not
onely ascrybe thys my relef unto yow, but also pray to God for
the increase of your honor. And as my poore shal increase, so I
shal not fayle to acquyte yo=r= kyndnes. Wryttyn hastely at
Asher with the rude and shackyng hand of your dayly bedysman and
assuryd frende.
   T. Car=lis=. Ebor.
   To the rygth honorable And my assuryd frende Mastyr
Secretary.

<Q OR2 1520S? TWOLSEY>
<A THOMAS WOLSEY>
<P 10>
[} [\LETTER CV. CARDINAL WOLSEY TO SECRETARY GARDENER.\] }]
   My owne goode mastyr Secretary goyng this day owt of my pue
to sey masse, your lettres datyd yesternygth at London wer
delyveryd unto me, by the contynue wherof I undyrstand that the
Kyngs Hyhnes of hys excellent goodnes and cheryte ys contentyd
that I shal inyoy and have the admynistracon of Yorke merly,
with the gyftts of the promocyons spiritual and temporall of the
same; reservyd onely onto hys nobyll Grace the gyft of v or vj
of the best promoco~ns: and that hys pleasure ys I shal leve
Wynchester and Saynt Albons. As hereonto Master Secretary I can
nat expresse howe moche I am bowndyn to the Kyngs Royal Maieste
for thys hys gret and bowntawse liberalyte, reputyng the same to
be moche more than I schal evyr be abyl to deserve. Howbeyt yf
hys Maieste, consyderyng the short and lytyl tyme that I shal
lyve here in thys world, by the reason of suche hevynes as I
have conceyved in my hert, with the minyuose of the olde howsys,
and the decay of the seyd archbyshoprych at the lest to the
summe of viij C marcke yerely, by the reason of the Act passyd
for fynys of testaments; with also min long peynful servys and
poore
<P 11>
degre; and for the declaracion of hys Graces excellent cheryte,
yf hys hyhnes be myndyd I shal leve Wynchester and Saynt Albons
wych I supposyd when I made my Submyssyan, not offendyng in my
treweth towards hys royal parson, dygnyti, or majeste royal, I
shuld not now have deservyd to have left; and moche the more
knowyng hys Graces excellent propensyon to pyte and mercy, and
rememberyng of the francke departyng with of all that I had in
thys world; that I may have summe convenyent pencion reservyd
unto me, suche as the Kyngs hyhnes of hys nobyl charite shal
thynke mete; so orderyng hys that shal succede and my lyvyng,
that the same may be of lyck value yeerly and exstent. Wherat my
trust ys and my herte so gevyth me, that hys Majeste wole make
no dyfficultie yf yt may lycke yow frendly to propone the same;
assuryng yow that I desyre nat thys for any mynde, God ys my
jugge, that I have to accumulat good, or desyre that I have to
the muke of the world; sen God be thankyd, at this ower, I set
no more by the ryches and promocyons of the world than by the
roshe undyr my fote; but onely for the declaration of the Kyngs
honor and hyhe charyte, and to have wherewith, to do good dedys,
and to helpe my poore servants and kynnysfolks. And furthermore
that yt wold please the Kyngs excellent goodnes by your freindly
medyacion, consyderyng how slendyrly I am furnyshyd in my Howse,
nowe specially that the apparell
<P 12>
of Wynchester and Saynt Albons shalbe takyn from me, to geve and
appoynt on to me a convenyent fernyture for the same, (\non ad
pompam sed necessariam honestatem\) : and yf I may have the free
gyft and dyssposycion of the benefyces, yt shalbe gretly to my
comfort. And yet when any of the v or vj princypall shal fortune
to be voyd, the Kyngs Grace beyng myndyd to have any of them,
hys hyhnes shalbe as sure of the same as thougth they wer
reservyd. And thus by hys nobyl and mercyful goodnes delyveryd
owt of extreme calamyte, and restoryd to a newe fredome, I
shall, with Gods mercy and help, so ordyr my lyff, that I trust
hys Majeste shal take special comfort theran, and be pleasyd
with the same. (\Spero quod haec quae peto non videbuntur
magna.\) Howbeyt I moste humbly submyt and refferre all my
petycions, (\immo ipsam vitam\) , to hys gracyous ordynance and
pleasure, prayng yow to declare and sygnyfye the same, supplying
myn indyssposcycon and lack of wyt conceyvyd by reason of my
extreme sorowe and hevynes, that the same may be to the Kyngs
contentacion; whom I had lever be ded than to ofende in worde,
thowgth, or dede. And as towchyng the grantyng of the fee of one
C=li= for M=r=. Nores duryng hys lyff for hys good servys done
unto the Kyng's hyhnes, for the wych I have alweyes lovyd hym,
and for the singler good hert and mynde that I knowe he hath
allweys borne unto me, I am content to make owt my graunte
<P 13>
opon the same, ye and yt wol please the Kyng to inlarge yt to
one C=li= more: and semblably, cause M. Thesauror hath the
kepyng of the Kyngs game nygth to Fernam, I wold gladly yf yt
may stand with the Kyngs pleasure grawnte onto hym the revercion
of such thinges as the lorde Sands hath ther, with the
ampliacion of the fee, above that wych ys oldely accustomyd, to
the summe of xl=li= by the yeer: and also I wold gladly geve to
M=r=. Comptroller a lycke ffee: and to M=r=. Russell anothyr of
xx=li= by the yeere: remyttyng thys and all other my suts to the
Kyng's Hyhnes pleasure, mercy, pity, and compassyon moste holly.
Besechyng hys Hyhnes so nowe gracyously to ordyr me that I may
from hens forth serve God quyetly and with reposse of mynd, and
pray as I am moste bowndyn for the conservacion and increase of
hys most nobyll and royal astat. And thus with my dayly prayer I
byd yow farewell. From Asher hastely, with the rude hand and
moste hevy hert of yowr assuryd frend and bedysman
   T. Car=lis= Ebor.
To the rygth honorable M=r= Secretary, in hast.

<Q OR2 1530S? TFRYSBY>
<A THOMAS FRYSBY>
<P 20>
[} [\LETTER CVIII. THOMAS FRYSBY TO THOMAS CROMWELL.\] }]
<P 21>
   Right worshipfull my singuler good Master my duety humbly
premised with my prayer. Pleasith it your good Mastership of
your goodnes to call to your remembraunce when ye laye here with
us at Launde Abbey some tyme ye wolde take the payne to walke
with me or my brethern abowt owr busynes; and as you and I cam
on day from Withcoke I had a fall backeward in the Snowe in a
place called the Dammes, betwen Launde and Withcoke; and by the
same tokyn I doo send you by this berar vj. Chesys of this
contre makyng, praying you to accepte the same that the old
acquentaunce somme thyng myght be renewed. You shall nott nede
to gyve our M=r=. prior eny thanks for the same. Other newellies
have I not to doo your Mastership pleasur with all, but with my
prayer which all wayes ye shalbe assuryd of to the pleasure of
God, who all wayes have you in his blessid kepyng, to your harts
ease and your worship daily encreasyng. At Laund Abbey this
xiiij=th=. daye of January
   By your beadisman
   Thomas Frysby chanon.
   To the right worshipfull M. Cromwell be this delyvered.

<Q OR2 1533 TCRANMER>
<A THOMAS CRANMER>
<P 33>
[} [\LETTER CXIV. THOMAS CRANMER ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY, TO
MR. HAWKYNS THE AMBASSADOR AT THE EMPEROR'S COURT.\] }]
<P 34>
   In my most hartie wise I commende me unto you and even so
woulde be right gladd to here of your welfare, &c. Thes be to
advertise you that inasmoche
<P 35>
as you nowe and than take some paynes in writyng vnto me, I
woulde be lothe you shuld thynke your Labour utterly lost and
forgotten for lake of wrytyng agayne; therefore and bycause I
reken you be somedele desirous of suche newis as hathe byn here
with us of late in the Kyngis Graces matters, I entend to
enforme you a parte therof accordyng to the tenure and purporte
vsyd in that behalf.
   Ande fyrste as towchyng the small determynacion and
concludyng of the matter of devorse betwene my Lady Kateren and
the Kyngs Grace, whiche said matter after the Convocacion in
that behalf hadde determyned and aggreed accordyng to the former
consent of the Vniversites, yt was thowght convenient by the
Kyng and his lernyd Councell that I shuld repayre unto
Dunstable, which ys within iiij. myles vnto Amptell, where the
said Lady Kateren kepeth her howse, and there to call her before
me, to here the fynall Sentance in this said mateir.
Notwithstandyng she would not att all obey therunto, for whan
she was by doctour Lee cited to appear by a daye, she utterly
refused the same, sayinge that inasmoche as her cause was before
the Pope she would have none other judge; and therfore woulde
not take me for her judge. Nevertheless the viij=th= daye of
Maye, accordyng to the said appoyntment, I came vnto Dunstable,
my Lorde of Lyncoln beyng assistante vnto me, and my Lorde of
Wyncehester, Doctour Bell, Doctour
<P 36>
Claybroke, Doctour Trygonnel, Doctour Hewis, Doctour Olyver,
Doctour Brytten, Mr. Bedell, with diuerse other lernyd in the
Lawe beyng councellours in the Lawe for the King's parte: and
soo there at our commyng kepte a Courte for the apperance of the
said Lady Kateren, where were examyned certeyn witnes whiche
testified that she was lawfully cited and called to appere,
whome for fawte of apperance was declared contumax; procedyng in
the said cause agaynste her (\in paenam contumaciam\) as the
processe of the Lawe thereunto belongeth; whiche contynewed xv.
dayes after our cummyng thither. And the morow after Assension
daye I gave finall Sentance therin, howe that it was
indispensable for the Pope to lycense any suche marieges.
   This donne, and after our reiornyng home agayne, the Kings
Highnes prepared al thyngs convenient for the Coronacion of the
Queene, whiche also was after suche a maner as foloweth.
   The Thursdaye nexte before the feaste of Pentecost, the Kyng
and the Queene beyng at Grenewyche, all the Craftes of London
thereunto well appoynted, in severall bargis deckyd after the
most gorgiouse and sumptuous maner, with dyverse pagiantes
thereunto belongyng, repayred and wayted all together upon the
Mayre of London; and so, well furnysshed, cam all vnto
Grenewiche, where they taryed and wayted for
<P 37>
the Queenes commyng to her barge: which so done, they brought
her unto the Tower, tromppets, shambes, and other dyverse
instrumentes all the wayes playng and makyng greate melodie,
which, as ys reported, was a combly donne as neuer was lyke in
any tyme nyghe to our rememberaunce. And so her Grace cam to the
Tower on Thursdaye at nyghte, abowte v. of the clocke, where
also was suche a pele of gonnes as hathe not byn harde lyke a
great while before. And the same nyghte, and Frydaye aldaye, the
Kyng and Queene taryed there; and on Frydaye at nyght the Kyngs
Grace made xviij knyghts of the Bathe, whose creacion was not
alonly so strange to here of, as also their garmentes stranger
to beholde or loke on; whiche said Knightes, the nexte daye,
whiche was Saturday, rydde before the Queene's grace thorowte
the Citie of London towards Westminster palice, over and besyds
the moste parte of the nobles of the Realme, whiche lyke
accompanied her grace thorowe owte the said citie; she syttyng
in her heere, upon a Horse Lytter, rychely appareled, and iiij
knyghtes of the v. ports beryng a Canapye over her hedd. And
after her cam iiij. riche charettes, one of them emptie, and
iij. other furnysshed with diuerse auncient old lades; and after
them cam a great trayne of other Ladies and gyntillwomen: whyche
said Progresse, from the begynnyng to thendyng, extendid
<P 38>
half a myle in leyngthe by estimacion or thereaboute. To whome
also, as she came alongeste the Citie, was shewid many costely
pagiants, with diverse other encomyes spoken of chyldren to her;
wyne also runyng at certeyne Condits plentiously. And so
procedyng thorowte the streats, passid furthe vnto Westminster
Hall, where was a certeyn banket prepared for her, which donne,
she was conveyd owte of the bake syde of the palice into a Barge
and so vnto Yorke Place, where the Kyng's grace was before her
comyng, for this you muste ever presuppose that his Grace came
allwayes before her secretlye in a Barge aswell frome Grenewyche
to the Tower as from the Tower to Yorke place.
   Nowe than on Soundaye was the Coronacion, which allso was of
such a maner.
   In the mornynge ther assembled withe me at Westminster
Churche the bysshop of Yorke, the Bishop of London, the Bishop
of Wynchester, the Bishop of Lyncoln, the Bishop of Bathe, and
the Bishop of Saint Asse, the Abbote of Westminstre with x or
xij moo Abbottes, whiche all revestred ourselfs in our
pontificalibus, and, soo furnysshed, withe our Crosses and
Crossiers, procedid oute of th'Abbey in a procession unto
Westminstre Hall, where we receyved the Queene apareled in a
Robe of purple velvet, and all the ladyes and gentillwomen in
robes and gownes of scarlet accordyng to the maner vsed before
tyme
<P 39>
in suche besynes: and so her Grace sustayned of eche syde with
ij=to= bysshops, the Bysshope of London ande the Bysshop of
Wynchester, came furthe in processyon unto the Churche of
Westminster, she in her here, my Lord of Suffolke berying before
herr the Crowne, and ij=to= other Lords beryng also before her a
Ceptur and a white Rodde, and so entred up into the highe Alter,
where diverse Ceremoneys used aboute her, I did sett the Crowne
on her hedde, and then was songe (\Te Deum\) , &c. And after
that was song a solempne Masse, all which while her grace satt
crowned upon a scaffold whiche was made betwene the Highe Alter
and the Qwyer in Westminstre Churche; which Masse and ceremonyes
donne and fynysshed, all the Assemble of noble men broughte her
into Westminstre Hall agayne, where was kepte a great solempne
feaste all that daye; the good ordre therof were to longe to
wrytte at this tyme to you. But nowe Sir you may nott ymagyn
that this Coronacion was before her mariege, for she was maried
muche about sainte Paules daye last, as the condicion therof
dothe well appere by reason she ys nowe sumwhat bygg with
chylde. Notwithstandyng yt hath byn reported thorowte a greate
parte of the realme that I maried her; whiche was playnly false,
for I myself knewe not therof a fortenyght after yt was donne.
And many other thyngs be also reported of me, whiche be mere
lyes and tales.
<P 40>
   Other newys have we none notable, but that one Fryth, whiche
was in the Tower in pryson, was appoynted by the Kyngs grace to
be examyned befor me, my Lorde of London, my lorde of
Wynchestre, my Lorde of Suffolke, my Lorde Channcelour, and my
Lorde of Wylteshere, whose opynion was so notably erroniouse,
that we culde not dyspache hym but was fayne to leve hym to the
determynacion of his Ordinarye, whiche ys the bishop of London.
His said opynyon ys of suche nature that he thoughte it nat
necessary to be beleved as an Article of our faythe, that ther
ys the very corporall presence of Christe within the Oste and
Sacramente of the Alter, and holdethe of this poynte muste after
the Opynion of Oecolampadious. And suerly I myself sent for hym
iij or iiij tymes to perswade hym to leve that his Imaginacion,
but for all that we could do therin he woulde not applye to any
counsaile, notwithstandyng nowe he ys at a fynall ende with all
examinacions, for my Lorde of London hathe gyven sentance and
delyuerd hym to the secular power, where he loketh every daye to
goo unto the fyer. And ther ys also condempned with hym one
Andrewe a taylour of London for the said self same opynion. [^A
PASSAGE OMITTED^]
   And thus farr you well, from my manor of Croydon the xvij.
daye of June.

<Q OR2 1535 ABOLEYN>
<A ANNE BOLEYN>
<P 45>
[} [\LETTER CXVI. QUEEN ANNE BOLEYN TO THOMAS CROMWELL.\] }]
<P 46>
   Anne the Quene. By the Quene.
   Trustie and right welbiloued we grete you well. And where as
we be crediblie enformed that the berer hereof Richard Herman
marchaunte and citizen of Antwerpe in Brabant was in the tyme of
the late lorde Cardynall put and expelled frome his fredome and
felowshipe of and in the Englishe house there, for nothing ells
(as he affermethe) but oonly for that that he dyd bothe with his
gooddis and pollicie, to his greate hurte and hynderans in this
Worlde, helpe to the settyng forthe of the Newe Testamente in
Englisshe. We therefore desire and instantly praye you that with
all spede and favoure convenient ye woll cause this good and
honeste marchaunt, being my Lordis true faithfull and loving
subjecte, restored to his pristine fredome, libertie, and
felowshipe aforesaid, and the soner at this oure requeste, and
at your good leyser to here hym in suche thinges as he hathe to
make further relacion unto you in this behalf. Yeven undir our
Signete at my Lordis manoure of Grenewiche the xiiij=th= daye of
May.
To our trustie and right welbeloved Thomas Crumwell squyer Chief
Secretary unto my Lorde the Kings Highnes.

<Q OR2 1530S JROCHEFORD>
<A JANE ROCHEFORD>
<P 67>
[} [\LETTER CXXIV. LADY ROCHEFORD TO SECRETARY CROMWELL.\] }]
   Mayster Secretory, as a power desolat wydow wythoute
comffort, as to my specyall trust under God and my Pryns, I have
me most humbly recommendyd unto youe; prayng youe, after your
accustemyd gentyll maner to all them that be in suche
lamentabull case as I ame in, to be meane to the Kyngs gracyous
Hyghnes for me for suche power stuffe and plate as my husbonde
had, whome God pardon; that of hys gracyous and mere lyberalyte
I may have hyt to helpe me to my power lyvyng, whiche to his
Hyghnes ys nothynge to be regardyd, and to me schuld be a most
hygh helpe and souccor. And farther more, where that the
<P 68>
Kyngs Hyghnes and my Lord my father payed great soms of money
for my Joynter to the Errell of Wyltchere to the some off too
thowsand Marks, and I not assuryd of no more duryng the sayd
Errells naturall lyff then one hundreth Marke; whyche ys veary
hard for me to schyffte the worldd wythall. That youe wyll so
specyally tender me in thys behalff as to enforme the Kyngs
Hyghnes of these premysses, wherby I may the more tenderly be
regardyd of hys gracyous persone, youre Worde in thys schall be
to me a sure helpe: and God schall be to youe therfore a sure
reward, whyche dothe promes good to them that dothe helpe powere
forsaken Wydos. And bothe my prayer and servys schall helpe to
thys duryng my naturall lyff, as most bounden so to doo, God my
wyttnes; whoo ever more preserve you.
   Jane Rocheford.

<Q OR2 1537 JMESSYNDYNE>
<A JANE MESSYNDYNE>
<P 74>
[} [\LETTER CXXVII. THE PRIORESS AND CONVENT OF THE CISTERCIAN
NUNNERY OF LEGBORNE IN LINCOLNSHIRE TO THEIR FOUNDER.\] }]
   Right honourable our most synguler Maister and Founder, our
duetie in the humblest wise presupposed, with dayly prayer, as
your perpetuall and religious beedwomen. Please yt your goodnes
to undirstonde, that where as Almyghty God hath indued you w=t=
just title Founder of the Pryory of Legborne to
<P 75>
the great comfort of me and all my systers: we doo and shall
alweyes submit ourselfs to youre most rightuouse commaundement
and ordre, oonly puttyng our comfort in your goodnesse for all
causes concernyng your poure Pryory of Legbourne. And where as
we doo here that a grete nombre of Abbyes shalbe punysshed,
subprest, and put downe bicause of their myslyvyng; and that all
Abbyes and Pryores undir the value of CC=li=. be at our moste
noble Prynce's pleasure to subpresse and put downe. Yet if it
may pleas your goodnes, we trust in God ye shall here no
compleynts agaynst us, nother in our lyvyng nor hospitalitie
kepyng. In consideracion wherof if it may please your goodnes,
in our great necessitie, to be a meane and sewter for your owne
powre Pryory, that it maye be preserved and stond, you shalbe a
more higher Founder to vs than he that first foundid oure Howse.
We have noon othir comfort nor refuge but oonly unto your
goodnes, and we hooly submyt our selfs to the pleasure of God,
to the pleasure of our Prynce, and to the pleasure of you our
Founder; and how soever it shall please God that we shalbe
orderid, we shall continue your faithfull and dayly bedewomen.
As knoweth oure Lorde who ever preserve you to your most
comfort.
   Yo=r= owne dayly beadwomen
   Jane Messyndyne (^Pryores and^) sisters (^of the^) pryory
(^of^) Legborne.

<Q OR2 1530S? JLONDON>
<A JOHN LONDON>
<P 79>
[} [\LETTER CXXIX. DR. JOHN LONDON TO LORD CROMWELL.\] }]
   In my most humble maner I have me commendyd unto yowr gude
lordeschippe, acertenyng the same that I have pullyd down the
Image of o=r= Ladye at Caversham wherunto wasse great
pilgremage. The Image ys platyd over with sylver, and I have
putte yt in a cheste fast lackyd and naylyd uppe, and by the
next bardge that commythe from Reding to London yt shall be
browght to yo=r= Lordeschippe. I have also pullyd down the place
she stode in w=t= all other ceremonyes, as lights, schrds,
crowchys, and imagies of wex hangyng abowt the chapel, and have
defacyed the same thorowly in exchuyng of any farther resortt
thedyr. Thys chapell dydde belong to Notley abbey, and ther
always wasse a chanon of that monastery wiche wasse callyd the
Warden of Caversham, and he songe in thys chapell and hadde the
offerings for hys lyving. He wasse acustomyd to schew many prety
relyks,
<P 80>
among the wiche wer (as he made reportt) the holy dager that
kylled Kinge Henry; and the holy knyfe that kylled Seynt
Edwarde. All thees w=t= many other, with the cots of thys image,
her cappe and here, my servant shall bring unto yo=r=
Lordeshippe thys weke w=t= the Surrendre of the Freers undre
ther covent seale, and ther seale also. I have sent the chanon
home agen to Notleye, and have made fast the doores of the
chapell, wiche ys thorowly well covered with ledde: and if it be
yo=r= lordeships pleasur I shall se yt made suer to the Kings
Grace's use. And if it be nott so orderyd, the chapell stondith
so wildely that the ledde will be stolyn by nyzt, as I wasse
servyd at the Fryers; for as soon as I hadde taken the Fryers
surrendre, the multytude of the poverty of the Town resortyd
thedyr and all thinge that myzt be hadde they stole away:
insomyche that they hadde convayd the very clapers of the
bellys. And saving that M. Fachell, wiche made me great chere at
hys howse, and the Mayer dydde assist me they wolde have made no
litell spoyle. In thys I have don as moche as I cowde do to save
every thing to the Kings graces use, as shall apper to yo=r=
Lordeschippe at the begynnyng of the terme, Godde willing, who
w=t= increse of moche honor long preserve yo=r= gudde
Lordeschippe.
   At Redinge (\xvij=o= Septembris\) .
   At Caversham ys a propre lodginge wher the chanon lay, with a
fayer garden and an orcherd mete to be
<P 81>
bestowed upon som frynde of yo=r= lordeschips in thees parties;
for the chanon had no thing to do ther butt to kepe the chapell
and receyve the offrings.
   I besek your gudde Lordeschippe to admytt me a powr sutar for
thees honest men of Redinge. They have a fayer town and many
gudde occupiers in ytt; butt they lacke that howse necessary, of
the wiche for the mynystration of Justice thay have most nede
of. Ther Town Hall ys a very small Howse and stondith upon the
ryver, wher ys the commyn wassching place of the most part of
the Town; and in the cession dayes and other cowrt dayes ther ys
such betyng with batildores, as oon man can nott here another,
nor the guest here the chardg gevyng. The body of the Church of
the Grey fryers, wiche ys selyd with laths and lyme, wold be a
very commodoise rowme for them. And now I have rydde all the
fasschen of that Churche in parcloses, ymages, and awlters, it
wolde mak a gudly Town Hall. The Mayer of that Town, M=r=
Richard Turner, a very honest jentill person with many other
honest men hathe expressyd unto me ther gref in thys behalf, and
have desyred me to be an humble sutar unto your Lordeschippe for
the same if it schulde be solde. The wallys, besyd the coyne
stonys, be butt chalk and flynt, and the coveryng butt tile. And
if it please the King's Grace to bestow that howse upon any of
hys servants, he may spare the body of the
<P 82>
churche, wich stondith next the strete, very well; and yet have
rowme sufficient for a great man.
   Your most bounden orator and servant,
   John London.

<Q OR2 1530S? JFOSTER>
<A JOHN FOSTER>
<P 111>
[} [\LETTER CXLI. JOHN FOSTER TO LORD CROMWELL.\] }]
   In my most humblyst wyse, I beyng not so bold as to appere
before youre Lordshyp untyll your plesure
<P 112>
ys knowyn, feere sett appartt, nede compellythe me to wrytt.
Thys last Lentt I dyd no lesse then wrytt, and also to your
presence I dyd approche, suyng for your lordschyppys gracious
servyce; but now my sute ys muche other, for my dysfortune hathe
byn to have conceyvyd untruly Goddys worde, and not only with
yntellectyon to have thought yt, but exteryally and really I
have fulfyllyd the same; for I, as then beyng a preste, have
accompleschyd maryage; nothyng pretendyng but as an obedyentt
subyect. For yf the Kyngys Grace could have founde yt lawfull
that prestys mught have byn maryd, they wold have byn to the
Crowne dubbyll and dubbyll faythefull, furst in love, secondly
for fere that the Bysshope of Rome schuld sette yn hys powre
unto ther desolacyon. But now by the noyse of the peopull I
perseyve I have dunne amysce, which saythe that the Kyngy
serudyte yugementt with all hys cowncell temperall and
spyrytuall hathe stableschyd a contrary order, that all prestys
schalbe separat by a day; with which order I have contentyd my
selfe: and as sone as I herd it to be tru, I sentt the woman to
her frendys iij. score mylys from me, and spedely and with all
celeryte I have resorted hether to desyre the Kyngs Hyghtnes of
hys favor and absolucyon for my amysce doyng; prayng and
besechyng your Lordschypps gracyous cumfortt for the optaynyng
of hys gracyous pardon: and I schalbe your bounden servauntt yn
hartt and also yn
<P 113>
contynnuall servyse yf yt schall please your gracyous lordschypp
to accept yt duryng my lyfe: wrythyn the xviij. day of June.
   Your bounden for ever,
   John Foster.

<Q OR2 1540S 10LADIES>
<A TEN LADIES>
<P 126>
[} [\LETTER CXLVI. TEN LADIES OF THE COURT, TO KING HENRY THE
EIGHTH.\] }]
   Most gratiouse and benigne sovraigne Lorde, please it your
Highnes to understonde that wee have seene and beene in your
newe Greate Shippe, and the rest of your shippes at
Portismowth, wiche arr things so goodlie to beeholde, that, in
our liefs wee have not seene (excepting your royall person and
my lord the Prince your sonne) a more pleasaunt sight; for
wiche, and the most bountiful gifts, the chere and most
gratiouse enterteignment, wich your Grace hath vouchsavid to
bestowe upon us your most unworthie and humble servaunts, wee
rendre and send unto the same our most humble and entier thanks
wich wee beseche
<P 127>
your Ma=tie= to acceept in good parte, advertising the same that
there rest nowe but only ij. sorowes; the tone for lacke of
your royall presence that ye might have seene your said Shippes,
nowe at this tyme whan wee might have waited on you here; the
toodre that wee thinke long til it may eftsones lieke you to
have us with you, wiche wee all most hertely beseche our Lord
God may bee shortely; who preserve your most noble person, and
my Lord Prince, and graunte you bothe to reigne over us; Your
Majesty many yeris, His Grace with long continuance but by late
succession, as never Princes did before You. From Your Majesties
havon and towne of Portismowth the iiij=th=. of August.
   Yo=r= Highnes most bounden and humble servaunts, and
beadwomen
   Mabyell Sowthampton Margaret Taylebois, Margrett Howarde,
Alys Browne. Anne Knevytt. Jane Denny. Jane Meows Anne Basset
Elizabeth Tyrwhyt Elsabeth Harvy.

<Q OR2 1546 EDWARD6>
<A EDWARD VI>
<P 131>
[} [\LETTER CXLIX. PRINCE EDWARD TO QUEEN CATHERINE PARR.\] }]
   Most honorable and entirely beloued mother, I have me most
humbli recommended to your Grace w=t= lyke thankes, both for
y=t= your Grace did accepte so gentylly my simple and rude
letters, and also y=t= it pleased your Grace so gentylly to
vowchesaufe to directe unto me your louing and tendre letters,
which do geue me much comfort and encouragement to go forward in
such thinges wherein your Grace bereath me on hand, y=t= I am
alredy entered. I pray God I maie be hable in part to satisfy
the good expectation of the Kings Maiesti my father and of your
Grace, whom God have ever in his most blessed keping.
   Your louing sonne
   E. Prince.

<Q OR2 1547 HRADCLIFFE>
<A HENRY RADCLIFFE>
<P 137>
[} [\LETTER CLV. HENRY RADCLYF, EARL OF SUSSEX, TO HIS
COUNTESS.\] }]
   Madame with most lovyng and hertie commendacions, thies be to
signifie unto you that our late Soveraigne Lord the King
departed at Westminster uppon Friday last the xxviij=ti=. of
this instant Januarie about two of the clock in the mornyng. And
the Kings Majestie that nowe is proclaymed King this present
last day of the same moneth. And lik as for the departure of
th'on wee may lament, so for th'establisshment of thother to all
our comforts we may rejoyce. The names of his Executours ar
th'archbischop of Canterburie, the Lord Wriothesley lord
Chauncelor of Englond, the Lord St. John lord president of the
Counsaile and Gret Master, the Lord Russell Lord Privie Seale,
the Erle of Hertford lord Great Chamberlein of Englond, the
Viscount Lesley lord Admiral, the bishop of Derham, Mr.
Secretarie Paget, Sir Anthonie Denie, Sir Anthonie Browne, Sir
William Herbert, The Chief Justice of the Common Place, Bromley
another Justice ther, Sir Thomas Baker Chauncelor of the
tenthes, Sir Edward North, and divers other aidours to the same,
which for lak of tyme I pretermit.
<P 138>
The Parliament is clerely dissolved: the Terme and all writs
closed. The Court is nowe at the Tower from whens the Kings
Majestie tomorrow shalbe receyved and conducted to his Hous
Derchamplace. His Hyghnes Coronacion shalbe at Shrovetyme.
   For my oone matiers hetherto, thorough the gret and diligent
busines that my lord Chauncelor hath had, I could espye no tyme
mete to the purpoos; but shal nevertheles as sone as oportunitie
may serve set forth the same. And for your repaire hether in
th'end of this weke I shall send unto you Henry Northey, by whom
you shal knowe my determynat pleasur. In the meane tyme I
require you to put all soch things in order as shalbe mete for
you here.
   Thus, good Madame albeit the contents of your Lettres
diverslie at length tending to the lak of good wil in me that
ought to be in a lovyng husband; the same nevertheles as I think
proceding of a good hert might otherwise have bin qualified I
wisse to you my owne hert as to my self. From Eliplace in
Holborne the last day of January in the first yere of the reigne
of our Soveraigne King Edward the Sixeth.
   Your assured lovyng husbond
   Henry Sussex.
   To my wief The Countas of Sussex.

<Q OR2 1550S? ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 145>
[} [\LETTER CLX. THE PRINCESS ELIZABETH TO KING EDWARD VI=TH=.\]
}]
   Like as a shipman in stormy wether plukes downe the sailes
tarijnge for bettar winde, so did I, most noble Kinge, in my
vnfortunate chanche a thurday pluk downe the hie sailes of my
ioy and comfort and do trust one day that as troblesome waues
have repulsed me bakwarde, so a gentil winde wil bringe me
forwarde to my hauen. Two chief occasions moued me muche and
griued me gretly, the one for that I douted your Maiesties
helthe, the other bicause for al my longe tarijnge I wente
without that I
<P 146>
came for. Of the first I am releued in a parte, bothe that I
vnderstode of your helthe, and also that your Maiesties loginge
is far from my Lorde Marques chamber. Of my other grief I am not
eased, but the best is that whatsoever other folkes wil
suspect, I intende not to feare your graces goodwil, wiche as I
knowe that I never disarued to faint, so I trust wil stil stike
by me. For if your Graces aduis that I shulde retourne (whos wil
is a commandemente) had not bine, I wold not haue made the halfe
of my way, the ende of my iourney. And thus as one desirous to
hire of your Maiesties helth, thogth vnfortunat to se it, I shal
pray God for euer to preserue you. From Hatfilde this present
Saterday.
   Your Maiesties humble sistar to commandemente Elizabeth.
To the Kinges most excellent Maiestie.

<Q OR2 1550S? ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 146>
[} [\LETTER CLXI. THE PRINCESS ELIZABETH TO KING EDWARD
VI=TH=.\] }]
   Like as the richeman that dayly gathereth riches to riches,
and to one bag of mony layeth a greate sort
<P 147>
til it come to infinit, so methinkes your Maiestie, not beinge
suffised withe many benefits and gentilnes shewed to me afore
this time, dothe now increase them in askinge and desiring wher
you may bid and commaunde, requiring a thinge not worthy the
desiringe for it selfe, but made worthy for your Higthnes
request. My pictur I mene, in wiche if the inward good mynde
towarde your grace migth as wel be declared as the outwarde face
and countenaunce shal be seen, I wold nor haue taried the
commandement but preuent it, nor have bine the last to graunt
but the first to offer it. For the face, I graunt, I might wel
blusche to offer, but the mynde I shal neuer be ashamed to
present. For thogth from the grace of the pictur the coulers may
fade by time, may giue by wether, may be spotted by chance; yet
the other nor time with her swift winges shal ouertake, nor the
mistie cloudes with ther loweringes may darken, nor chance with
her slipery fote may ouerthrow. Of this althogth yet the profe
coulde not be greate bicause the occasions hathe bine but smal,
notwithstandinge as a dog hathe a daye, so may I perchaunce have
time to declare it in dides wher now I do write them but in
wordes. And further I shal most humbly beseche your Maiestie
that whan you shal loke on my pictur, you wil witsafe to thinke
that as you haue but the outwarde shadow of the body afore you,
so my inward
<P 148>
minde wischeth that the body it selfe wer oftner in your
presence; howbeit bicause bothe my so beinge I thinke coulde do
your Maiestie litel pleasur, thogth my selfe great good; and
againe bicause I se as yet not the time agreing therunto, I shal
lerne to folow this sainge of Orace, " (\Feras non culpes quod
vitari non potest.\) " And thus I wil (troblinge your Maiestie
I fere) ende with my most humble thankes. Besechinge God longe
to preserue you to his honour, to your comfort, to the realmes
profit, and to my joy. From Hatfilde this 15 day of May.
   Your Maiesties most humbly sistar Elizabeth.

<Q OR2 1550S? EDWARD6>
<A EDWARD VI>
<P 148>
[} [\LETTER CLXII. KING EDWARD THE SIXTH, TO THE DUKE OF
SOMERSET.\] }]
   Derest Vncle, by your lettres and reporte of the messenger,
we have at good length vnderstanded to our great comfort, the
good success it hathe pleased God to graunt vs against the
Scottes by your good courage and wise forsight; for the wich and
other the benefites of God heaped vpon vs, like as we ar most
bounden to yeld him most humble thankes, and to
<P 149>
seke bi all waies we mai his true honour, so do we give unto
you, good Vncle, our most hartie thankes, praying you to thanke
also most hartelie in our name our good Cosin therle of Warwike,
and all the othere of the noble men, gentlemen, and others that
have served in this iournei, of whose service, they shall all be
well assured, we will not (God graunte us lief) shew our selfes
vnmindfull, but be redy ever to consider the same as anie
occasion shall serve. Yeven at our house of Otlandes, the
eighteneth of September.
   Your good neuew Edward.
To our derest Vncle the Duke of Somerset.

<Q OR2 1547 MARY1>
<A QUEEN MARY>
<P 149>
[} [\LETTER CLXIII. THE PRINCESS MARY TO THE LORD ADMIRAL
SEYMOUR.\] }] 
<P 150>
   My lorde after my harty commendacions theyse shalbe to
declare to you that accordyng to your accoustomed gentilnes I
have receyved six warrants from you by your seruant thys berer,
for the whiche I do gyve you my harty thanks; by whom also I
have receyved your lettre, wherin (as me thynketh) I parceyv
strange newes concernyng a sewte you have in hande to the Quene
for maryage; for the soner obtayneng wherof you seme to thynke
that my lettres myghte do you pleasure. My lorde in thys case, I
truste, your wysdome doth consyder, that, if it weer for my
nereste kynsman & dereste frend on lyve, of all other creatures
in the worlde, it standeth lest w=t= my poore honoure to be a
medler in thys matter, consyderyng whose wyef her grace was of
late; and besyds that, if she be mynded to grawnt your sewte, my
lettres shall do you but small pleasure. On the other syde, if
the remembrance of the Kyngs mayestye my father (whose soule God
pardon) wyll not suffre her to grawnt your sewte, I am nothyng
able to perswade her to forget the losse of hyme, who is as yet
very rype in myn owne remembrance. Wherfore I shall moste
earnestlye requyre you (the premysses consydered) to thynke non
vnkyndnes in me, thoughe I refuse to be a medler any wayes in
thys matter, assuryng you, that (woweng matters set aparte,
wherin I beeng a mayde am nothyng connyng) if otherwayes it
shall lye in my litle power to do you playser, I
<P 151>
shalbe as gladde to do it, as you to requyre it, both for hys
blodds sake that you be of, and also for the gentylnes whiche I
have alwayes fownde in you. As knoweth almyghty God, to whose
tuicyon I commytte you. From Wansted thys Saterday at nyghte
beeng the iiij=th= of June.
   Your assured frend to my power, Marye.

<Q OR2 1547 CPARR>
<A CATHERINE PARR>
<P 151>
[} [\LETTER CLXIV. THE QUEEN DOWAGER TO THE LORD ADMIRAL
SEYMOUR.\] }] 
   My lord
   As I gether by your Letter delyvered to my brother Harbert,
ye ar in sum fere how to frame my lord your brother to speke in
your favour; the denyall of yowr request schall make hys foly
more manyfest to the world, wyche wyll more greve me than the
want of hys spekyng. I wold not wyssche yow importune for hys
good wyll, yf yt com nott frankely at the fyrst, yt schalbe
suffycyent ones to have requyre yt, and
<P 152>
after to cesse. I wold desyre ye myght obtayne the Kynge's
Letters in yowre favour, and also the ayde and furtherans of the
moost notable of the Counsell, suche as ye schall thynke
convenyent, wyche thynge obtayned schalbe no small schame to
yowr brother and lovyng syster, in case they do not the lyke. My
Lord where as ye charge me w=t= apromys wryttin w=t= myne one
hand, to chaunge the two yeres into two monethes, I thynke ye
have no suche playne sentence wrytten w=t= my hand; I knowe not
wether ye be aparaphryser or not, yf ye be lerned in that syence
yt ys possyble ye may of one worde make ahole sentence, and yett
nott at all tymes after the true meanyng of the wryter; as yt
aperyth by thys your exposycyon apon my wryttyng. Whan yt shalbe
yowr pleasur to repayre hether ye must take sum payne to come
erly in the mornyng, that ye may be gone agayne by seven aclocke
and so I suppose ye may come without suspect. I pray yow lett me
have knowlege ver nyght at what hower ye wyll come, that yowr
porteresse may wayte at the gate to the feldes for yow. And thus
wyth my most humble and harty comendatyons I take my leve of yow
for thys tyme gyvyng yow lyke thankes for yowr comyng to the
court whan I was there. From Chelsey.
   I wyll kepe in store tyll I speke w=t= yow my lordes
<P 153>
large offer for Fausterne, at wyche tyme I schalbe glad to knowe
your further pleasur therein.
   By her y=t= ys and schalbe yowr humble true and lovyng wyffe
duryng her lyf
   Kateryn the Quene. K. P.

<Q OR2 1548 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 153>
[} [\LETTER CLXV. THE PRINCESS ELIZABETH TO THE PROTECTOR
SOMERSET.\] }] 
   My Lorde I have a requeste to make unto your Grace wiche
feare has made me omitte til this time for two causes, the one
bicause I sawe that my request for the rumors wiche were sprede
abrode of me toke so litel place, wiche thinge whan I considered
I thogth I shulde litel profit in any other sute, howbeit now I
<P 154>
understande that ther is a Proclamacion for them (for the wiche
I give your Grace and the rest of the counsel most humble
thankes) I am the bolder to speake for a nother thinge; and the
other was bicause paraventure your Lordeship and the rest of the
Counsel wil thinke that I favor her ivel doinge for whome I shal
speake for, wiche is for Kateryn Aschiley, that it wolde please
your grace and the rest of the Counsel to be good unto her.
Wiche thing I do not to favor her in any ivel, (for that I wolde
be sorye to do,) but for thes consideracions wiche folowe, the
wiche hope dothe teache me in sainge that I ought not to doute
but that your Grace and the rest of the Counsel wil thinke that
I do it for thre other consideracions. First, bicause that she
hathe bene with me a longe time, and manye years, and hathe
taken great labor, and paine in brinkinge of me up in lerninge
and honestie, and therfore I ougth of very dewtye speke for her,
for Saint Gregorie sayeth that we ar more bounde to them that
bringeth us up wel than to our parents, for our parents do that
wiche is natural for them, that is bringeth us into this Worlde;
but our brinkers up ar a cause to make us live wel in it. The
seconde is bicause I thinke that whatsoever she hathe done in my
Lorde Admirals matter as concerninge the marijnge of me, she
dide it bicause knowinge him to be one of the Counsel, she
thogth he wolde not go about any suche thinge without he had the
Counsels consent
<P 155>
therunto; for I have harde her manye times say that she wolde
never have me mary in any place without your Graces and the
Counsels consente. The thirde cause is bicause that it shal and
doth make men thinke that I am not clere of the dide myselfe,
but that it is pardoned in me bicause of my youthe, bicause that
she I loved so wel is in suche a place. Thus hope prevailinge
more with me than feare, hath wone the battel; and I have at
this time gone furth with it. Wiche I pray God be taken no other
wais that it is mente. Writen in hast. Frome Hatfilde this 7 day
of Marche. Also if I may be so bolde not offendinge I beseche
your Grace and the rest of the Counsel to be good to master
Aschiley her husbonde, wiche bicause he is my kindesman I wold
be glad he shulde do well.
   Your assured frende to my litel power Elizabeth.
To my verey good Lorde my Lorde Protector.

<Q OR2 1549 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 155>
[} [\LETTER CLXVI. THE PRINCESS ELIZABETH TO THE LORD
PROTECTOR.\] }] 
<P 156>
   My Lorde havinge reseuede your Lordeships letters, I parceve
in them your goodwil towarde me bicause you declare to me
plainlie your mynde in this thinge; and againe for that you
wolde not wische that I shulde do any thinge that shulde not
seme good unto the Counsel, for the wiche thinge I give you most
hartie thankes. And wheras I do understande that you do take in
ivel parte the letters that I did write unto your Lordeshipe, I
am verye sorie that you shulde take them so for my mynde was to
declare unto you plainlie as I thoght in that thinge, wiche I
did also the more willingelye bicause (as I write to you) you
desired me to be plaine with you in al thinges. And as
concerninge that pointe that you write that I seme to stande in
my none witte in beinge so wel assured of my none selfe, I did
assure me of my selfe nomore than I trust the trueth shal trie;
and to say that wiche I knewe of my selfe I did not thinke
shulde have displeased the Counsel or your Grace. And surelye
the cause whie that I was sorye that ther shulde be anye suche
aboute me, was bicause that I thogth the people wil say that I
deserved throwgth my lewde demenure to have such a one, and not
that I mislike any thinge that your Lordeshipe or the Counsel
shal thinke good, for I knowe that you and the Counsel ar
charged with me; or that I tak upon me to rule my selfe, for I
knowe the ar most disceved that trusteth most in themselves,
wherfore I trust you shal never finde that faute in me, to
<P 157>
the wiche thinge I do not se that your Grace has made anye
directe answere at this time, and seinge the make so ivel
reportes alreadie, shalbe but a increasinge of ther ivel tonges.
Howbeit you did write that if I wolde bringe forthe anye that
had reported it, You and the Counsel wolde se it redreste, wiche
thinge thogth I can easelye do it, I wolde be lothe to do it for
bicause it is my none cause; and, againe, that shulde be but a
bridinge of a ivel name of me that am glade to ponesse them, and
so get the ivel wil of the people, wiche thinge I wolde be lothe
to have. But if it mougth so seme good unto your Lordeshipe and
the reste of the Counsel to sende forthe a proclamation in to
the countries that the refraine ther tonges, declaringe how the
tales be but lies, it shulde make bothe the people thinke that
You and the Counsel have great regarde that no suche rumors
shulde be spreade of anye of the Kinges Maiesties Sisters, as I
am, thougth vnwordie, and also I shulde thinke myselfe to receve
suche frendeshipe at your handes as you have promised me,
althogth your Lordeship hathe shewed me greate alreadie. Howbeit
I am aschamed to aske it anye more, bicause I se you ar not so
wel minded therunto. And as concerninge that you saye that I
give folkes occasion to thinke in refusinge the good to vpholde
the ivel, I am not of so simple understandinge, nor I wolde that
your Grace shulde have so ivel a opinion of me that I have so
litel
<P 158>
respecte to my none honestie that I wolde mainteine it if I had
souficiente promis of the same, and so your Grace shal prove me
whan it comes to the pointe. And thus I bid you farewel,
desiringe God alwais to assiste you in al your affaires. Writen
in hast. Frome Hatfelde this 21 of Februarye.
   Your assured frende to my litel power Elizabeth.
To my verey good Lorde my Lorde Protector.

<Q OR2 1551 MARY1>
<A QUEEN MARY>
<P 176>
[} [\LETTER CLXXVI. THE PRINCESS MARY TO KING EDWARD THE
SIXTH.\] }] 
   My dutye moste humbly remembred unto your Majestie. It maye
please the same to be advertysed that I have by my servantes
receaved your moste honorable Letter, the contentes wherof doe
not a litle trouble me, and so much the more for that any of my
servants should move or attempte me in matteres towching my
sowle, which I thinke the meaneste subjecte within your Realme
could evell beare at their servantes hande; havinge for my parte
utterly refused heretofor to talke with them in such matteres,
and of all other persones leaste regarded them therein; to whom
I have declared what I thinke as she which trusted that your
<P 177>
Majestie would have suffered me your poore humble sister and
beadeswoman to have used the accustomed Masse, which the Kinge
your father and myne with all his predecessores evermore used;
wherin also I have been brought upp from my youth, and therunto
my conscyence doth not only bynde me, which by noe meanes will
suffer me to thinke one thing and do another, but also the
promise made to the Emperore by your Majesties Counsell was an
assurance to me that in so doinge I should not offend the Lawes,
although they seeme now to quallefye and deny the thing.
   And at my laste waytinge upon your Majestie I was so bould to
declare my mynd and conscyence to the same, and desired your
Highnes, rather then you should constraine me to leave the
Masse, to take my life, whereunto your Majestie made me a very
gentle answere.
   And nowe I beseche your Highnes to give me leave to write
what I thinke towching your Majesties Letteres. In deed they be
signed with your owne hand, and neverthelesse in my oppinione
not your Majesties in effecte, because it is well knowne (as
heretofore I have declared in the presence of your Highnes) that
althoughe, Our Lorde be praysed, your Majestie hath farre more
knowledge and greater guiftes then otheres of your yeares, yett
it is not possyble that your Highnes can at theis yeares be a
judge in matters of Religeon.
<P 178>
And therefore I take it that the matter in your Letter procedeth
from such as do wish those thinges to take place, which be moste
agreeable to themselves; by whose doinges (your Majestie not
offended) I intend not to rule my Conscyence.
   And thus, without molestynge your Highnes any further, I
humblye beseeche the same ever, for Gods sake, to beare with me
as you have done, and not to thinke that by my doinges or
ensample any inconvenyence might growe to your Majestie or your
Realme; for I use it not after any such soarte; puttyng no
doubte but in tyme to come, whether I live or die, your Majestie
shall perceave myne intente is grownded upon a true love
towardes you, whose royall estate I beseech Almightie God longe
to contynewe, which is and shalbe my daylie prayer, accordinge
to my dutye.
   And after pardon craved of your Majestie for thes rude and
boulde Letteres, yf neither at my humble suite, nor for regard
of the promisse made to the Emperor, your Highnes will suffer
and beare with me, as you have done, tyll your Majestie may be a
Judge herein yourselfe, and right understand their proceedinges,
(of which your goodness yet I dispaire not,) otherwise, rather
then to offend God and my conscyence I offer my bodye at your
will, and death shall be more welcome than lyfe with a
trowbeled conssyence.
<P 179>
   Moste humbly beseching your Majestie to pardon my slowenes in
answeringe your Letteres, for my owlde deseasse would not suffer
me to write any soner. And thus I praye Almightie God to keepe
your Majestie in alle vertue and honor, with good health and
longe lyfe to his pleasure. From my poore howse at Copped Hall
the xix of Auguste.
   Your Majestie's moste humble sistere Mary.

<Q OR2 1553 JGREY>
<A JANE GREY>
<P 183>
[} [\LETTER CLXXVII. THE LADY JANE GRAY, AS QUEEN, TO THE
MARQUIS OF NORTHAMPTON, LIEUTENANT OF THE COUNTY OF SURREY.\] }]
   Jane the quene.
   Right trustie and right welbeloved Cousen, we grete you well,
advertising the same that where yt
<P 184>
hath pleased Almighty God to call to his mercie out of this lief
our derest Cousen the King your late Sovereigne Lorde, by reason
wherof ande suche Ordenances as the said late King did
establishe in his lief tyme for the securitie and welthe of this
Realme, we are entrerid into our rightfull possession of this
Kingdome, as by the last Will of our said derest Cousen, our
late progenitor, and other severall instruments to that effect
signed with his own hande and sealed with the grete Seale of
this Realme in his own presence, wherunto the Nobles of this
realme for the most parte and all our Counsaill and Judges, with
the Mayor and Aldermen of our Cytie of London, and dyvers other
grave personages of this our Realme of England, have also
subscribed there names, as by the same Will and Instrument it
maye more evidently and plainly apere; We therfore doo You to
understand, that by th'ordenance and sufferaunce of the hevenly
Lord and King, and by th'assent and consent of our said Nobles
and Counsellors, and others before specifyed, We doo this daye
make our enterye into our Towre of London as rightfull Quene of
this realme; and have accordingly sett furthe our proclamacions
to all our loving subjects gyvenge them therby to understande
their duties and allegeaunce which they now of right owe unto us
as more amplie by the same you shall briefly perceyve and
understand; nothing doubting, right trustie and right welbeloued
cosen, but that you will
<P 185>
indever yourself in all things to the uttermost of your powre,
not only to defend our just title, but also assist us in our
rightfull possession of this kingdome, and to disturbe, repell,
and resist the fayned and untrue clayme of the Lady Mary basterd
daughter to our grete uncle Henry the Eight of famous memory;
wherein as you shall doo that which to youre honor, truthe, and
dutie aperteyneth, so shall we remembre the same unto you and
yours accordingly. And our further pleasure is that you shall
contynue, doo, and execute every thinge and things as our
Lieutenant within all places, according to the tenor of the
Commission addressed unto you from our late Cousen King Edward
the vj=th= in such and like sorte as if the same hadd byn, as we
mynde shortely it shal be, renued, and by us confirmed under our
grete Seale unto you. Yeven under our Signet at our Tower of
London the xj=th= of July, the furst yere of our Reign.
   To our right trusty and right welbeloved Cousyn and
Counsaillor the Marquiss of Northampton our Lieutenant generall
of our County of Surrey and to our trusty and welbeloved the
Deputes of that Lieutenancy; and the Sheriff, the chief Justices
of Peace and the worshipfull of that Shire.

<Q OR2 1553 JGREY>
<A JANE GREY>
<P 186>
[} [\LETTER CLXXVIII. SECOND LETTER FROM THE LADY JANE AS QUEEN
TO THE LIEUTENANCY OF SURREY.\] }] 
   Jane the Quene. By the Quene.
   Trustie and wilbiloved we grete you well. Albeit that our
estate in this imperiall Crowne wherof we be actually and really
possessed, as partely may appere by our Proclamacion wherin our
tytle is published, is not ne can be in any wise doubtfull to
all suche our good faithfull subjects as, setting blynd
affection apart, do with reason and wysdom consider the very
foundacion and grounde of our tytle, with the grete commodities
therby coming thorough Gods providence to the preservacion of
our Comon Weale and polycie; yet for that we undrestande the
Ladye Marye dothe not cease by Lettres in hir name, provoked
therto by hir adherents, enemyes of this realme, to publishe and
notiefie sklanderously to dyverse of our subjects matter
derogatorye to our title an dignitie royall, withe the slandre
of certen of our Nobilitie and Counsell, We have thought mete to
admonishe and exhorte You, as our true and faithfull subjects,
to remayne fast in your obeysaunce and duetie to the imperiall
Crowne of this Realme, whereof we have justely the possession;
and not to be removed any wise from your duetie by
<P 187>
sklanderous reports or lettres, dispersed abrode either by the
said Lady Marye, or by hir adherence; for truelye like as the
Nobilitie of our Realme, our Counsell, oure Prelats, oure
Judges, and lerned men, and others good wise men, godly and
naturall subjects, do remayne fast and surelye in their
Allegiance towards us, redy to adventure their lives, landes,
and goodes for our defence, so can a greate numbre of the same
Nobilitie, Counsailors, and Judges truely testifye to all the
worlde, with savetye of their conscience, howe carefully and
ernestly the late King of famous memorye our dere Cousen King
Edward the Sixt from tyme to tyme mentioned and provoked them
partelye by perswasion, partely commandements, to have suche
respecte to his succession if God shuld call him to his mercye
without issue, as might be the preservacion of the Crowne in the
hole undefyled English bloud; and therfore of his owne mere
motion, both by graunt of his Lettres patents, and by
declaration of his Will, established the succession as it is
declared by our Proclamacion. And for the testimonye herof to
the satisfaction of suche as shall conceyve any doubt herin, We
understand that certen of our Nobilitie have written at this
present, in some parte to admonishe You of your duties, and to
testifie their knowledge of the truethe of our tytle and right.
Wherfore we leave to procede further therin, being assured in
the goodnes of God that your harts shalbe confirmed to owe your
duetye to us your soveraigne Lady, who
<P 188>
meane to preserve this Crowne of England in the royall blound,
and out of the [\THIS SPACE IS LEFT IN THE ORIGINAL.\] of
straungers and papists, with the defence of all you our good
subjects, your lieves, lands, and goods, in our peace agaynst
the invasions and violence of all forein or inward enemies and
rebells. Yeven under our Signet at our Tower of London the
xvj=th= day of July, in the first yere of our reigne.
   To our Trustie and welbeloved the Shirieff, Justices of
Peace, and other Gentilmen of our Countie of Surrey, and to
every of them.

<Q OR2 1564 HBERKELEY>
<A HENRY LORD BERKELEY>
<P 196>
[} [\LETTER CLXXXII. HENRY LORD BERKELEY TO THE EARL OF
SUSSEX.\] }]
   Right honorable and my very good Lorde, whereas I am informed
by suche as of late are come owte of
<P 197>
Irelande that my Ladye Woormonde my sister is not so well used
by my Lorde her husbande as I would wishe her to be: and nature
movinge me to learne further of the truthe herein, I am so bolde
at this presente (hearinge of your Lordshipps late arrivall owt
of those partes) to desire your Lordship that yt maye please you
by your Lettres to signifye unto me whether you understande
there be anye suche mislikinge betwene them or not, and the
causes thereof, to the ende I maye travell therein accordinglie.
Trustinge also that yf she be not well dealte withall and used
as she ought to be, that then your Lordshippe will make reaporte
of the same to suche of the Councell as maye healpe to redresse
the matter, and my suite to be made for her the better
furthered. And in so doinge I must neades acknowledge myselfe
bothe very moche beholden unto your good Lordshippe, and She
also, for her parte, moste bounden contynuallye to pray to the
Almightie for the preservation of your Lordship with the
encreace of muche honoure. From my Castell of Berkeley, the
xxvj=th=. of Maye, 1564.
   Your Lordshipps assured
   Henry Berkeley.
   To the Right honorable and my very good Lorde the Earle of
Sussex, yeve these.

<Q OR2 1565 TRANDOLPH>
<A THOMAS RANDOLPH>
<P 198>
[} [\LETTER CLXXXIII. THOMAS RANDOLPH TO SIR WILLIAM CECILL.\]
}]
   Your H. desyerethe from tyme to tyme to here of our doyngs
here, and, as the worlde framethe amongeste us, presentlye I
perceave that I shall lacke no matter to wryte of. Yester daye,
beinge Sondaye, the Banes of Matrimonie were askede in S=t=.
Giles Churche betwene thys Quene and the Lord Darlye in that
sorte as I sente your H. a byllet in wrytinge, saving that She
was fyrste named. After dyner, with all the solemnities
requisite, he was created Duke of 
<P 199>
Albanie, so that upon Sondaye nexte withowte all dowte the
mariage goethe forwarde, but yet uncertayne whether yt shalbe in
the Churche whear the Banes were asked, in the Abbie Churche, or
in her owne Chappell.
   Her force remaynethe contynnuallye with herr, and
proclamation made thys daye that no man upon payne of deathe
shall departe owte of the towne for x. dayes.
   The daye of Lawe agaynste the iiij Bourgois men of thys towne
is lyke to holde, for anye thynge that she cane be perswaded to
the contrarie. Yf so be that theie do compere, the protestants
have bounde them selves to assyste them with all the force that
theie are hable to mayke. The daye is upon Thurseday nexte. Thys
Counsell is nowe augmented by one copple mo then were before of
worthye Counsellors, that upon Saterdaye with no smale force
came to thys towne, the Earle Athall and L. Ruthen. So are ther
nowe present the L. Chauncelor, L. Athall, L. Ersken, L. Ruthen,
and the Secretarie; some other are admitted to stonde by, of the
noble men that are here present. My Lord of Murraye hathe
playnelye refused to come amonge their hands whome he hathe so
good occasion to suspecte, and therfore yt was yesterdaye in
consultation whether yt were beste to have hym proclamed rebell
thys daye or not; whear unto some among the Lords dyscented. I
knowe not yet what
<P 200>
will become of yt, nor who their were that dyscented.
   I here saye that the Quene will thys daye despache a man, I
know not yet whome, towards the Quene's Ma=tie=, I thynke some
Frenche man, bycause of the Emb. from whome she hathe all her
intelligens. Ther is one Lassells that dwellethe bysyds Toplyf,
a cunnynge dealer betwene thys Countrye and that. Maye yt please
her Ma=tie= that I may knowe her pleasure for suche Englisshemen
as are here, or others that come. Moste humblye I tayke my
leave. At Edenbourge the xxiiij=th=. of Julye, 1565.
   Yo=r= H. allwayes at commaund
   Tho. Randolphe.
To the right honorable S=r=. William Scicill knight principall
Secretorie to the Q. Ma=tie=.

<Q OR2 1566 TRANDOLPH>
<A THOMAS RANDOLPH>
<P 205>
[} [\LETTER CLXXXV. THOMAS RANDOLPH TO SIR WILLIAM CECIL.\] }]
   Maye yt please yo=r= H. I have receaved the Quene's M=ts=.
lettre of the seconde of this instant, and therby understonde
her Mat=s=. mynde touchynge the Commissioners appoynted by this
Quene according to her Mat=s=. will. I have spoken agayne with
this Quene that some other noble man of lyke qualitie myghte be
appoynted in my Lord Bothewell place, whearunto her Grace hathe
not yet accorded, but hathe promised to conferr with her
Counsell ther in, and to gyve me a resolute answer therof within
iij. or iiij. dayes, w=ch= tyme I do attende, and in the meane
season wolde not that yo=r= H. sholde thynke longe for my
lettres; for with more expedition I cane not bringe these
matters to that passe that is to be desyered. I thoughte good
also t'advertyse yo=r= H. that this daye Roberte Melvin is
despached from hens towards the Quene's Ma=tie= from the Quene.
His cheif Commission is to see what the Quene's Ma=tie= will do
for this Quene towards the succession in favour of my Lord of
Murraye and his complices. He muste also sue for my Ladie Lenox
deliverie, and other wyse see what freindshipe he cane mayke
amonge such as are well wyllinge towards her
<P 206>
and howsbonde, that none be preferred to them in their pretended
righte. The best couller that he cane use is to be suter for the
Lord, and in the meane season maye deale with other as he cane
fynde occasion. Yt is thought that anye thynge that this Quene
cane desyer wilbe the easlyer accordyd for the greate number of
her favorers in the Quenes Ma=ts= reaulme. I shall not neade nor
wyll not be so bolde as t'advise you to stonde harde to yo=r=
centere, but I assure you I see this parte of the circumference
shrewedlye inclined, and to beare a greate swaye to yo=r= hurte,
yf yt be not looked unto. Yt hathe byne openlye saide by this
Quene that she wyll have the Masse free for all men that wyll
here yt. Her howsbonde, his father, Lord Athall, and other, nowe
daylye resorte to yt. The Protestants in suche feare and dowte
of them selves that theie knowe not what shall become of them.
The wyseste so myche meslyke this state and goverment, that
theie desyer nothynge more then the retorne of the Lords, ether
to be receaved in their owne rowmes or ons agayne to put all in
hazarde.
   Yesterdaye the Lord Darlye receaved the Order. The Emb. bothe
dyned and supped with hym. This daye he dynethe with the Quene;
tomorrowe with the Counsell; upon Wensedaye in the Castle; and
Thursedaye departethe. The Solemnitie was greate, the moste
parte of the nobilitie present. Ther went with hym to the masse,
his father, Earles Athall and
<P 207>
Cassels, and Lord Seton. Thus myche I thought good to wryte unto
Your H. attendinge suche answer as I shall gette touchynge the
Commissioners. Moste humblye I tayke my leave. At Edenb. the
x=th=. of Februarie 1565.
   Yo=r= h. bounden at commande
   Tho. Randolphe.
   To the righte honorable S=r=. William Cecill Knighte
Principall Secretarie to the Quenes Ma=tie=.

<Q OR2 1566 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 229>
[} [\LETTER CLXXXIX. QUEEN ELIZABETH TO THE LADY HOBY.\] }] 
   Madam
   Although we heare that since the death of your husband, our
late Ambassador, S=r= Thomas Hoby, you have received, in France,
great and comfortable courtesyes from the French King, the Queen
Mother, the Queen of Navarre and sundry others, yet we made
accompt that all these layd together cannot so satisfye you as
some testimony and sparke of our favour, with the application of
the late service of your Husband, and of your own demeanour
there: wherefore though you shall receive it somewhat lately in
time, yet we assure you the same proceedeth only of the late
knowledge of your return. And therefore we let you know that the
service of your Husband was to us so acceptable, as next
yourself and your children we have not
<P 230>
the meanest loss of so able a Servant in that calling. And yet
since it hath so pleased God to call him in the entry of this
our Service, we take it in the better part, seeing it hath
appeared to be Gods pleasure to call him away, so favourably to
the service of him, especially in the constancy of his duty
towards God, wherein, we hear say, he dyed very commendably.
   And for your self, we cannot but let you know that we hear
out of France such singular good reports of your duty well
accomplished towards your husband, both living and dead, with
other your sober, wise, and discreet behaviour in that Court and
Country, that we think it a part of great contentation to us,
and commendation of our Country, that such a Gentlewoman hath
given so manifest a testimony of virtue in such hard times of
adversity. And therefore though we thought very well of you
before, yet shall we hereafter make a more assured account of
your virtues and gifts, and wherein soever we may conveniantly
do you pleasure, you may be thereof assured. And so we would
have you to rest yourself in quietness, with a firm opinion of
our especiall favour towards you. Given under our Signet at our
City of Oxford the .. of September 1566: the eight year of our
Reign.
   Your loving Friend Elizabeth, R.

<Q OR2 1569 BRANDOLPH>
<A BERNARD RANDOLPH>
<P 254>
[} [\LETTER CXCVII. BERNARD RANDOLPH COMMON SERJEANT OF LONDON,
TO SIR WILLIAM CECIL.\] }] 
   Righte honorable, after my humble duetie to your Honor
remembred, pleasethe the same to be advertised
<P 255>
that I (allthough most unworthie) being by dyvysion lymytted
under your honor and M=r=. Deane to the Citie of Westminster and
lyberties of the same, aswell for thexamynacion of rogues and
sturdye vagabondes and masterlesse men, as also for to punyshe
other enormyties and mysdemeanors theare; to the whiche
precincte above other in the Shire, in th'absence of your honor
(and the said M=r=. Deane) I thinck myself more bounden to have
a vigillant eye then if the same M=r=. Deane weare at home, or
your honor somewhat nearer. And repayring thither this daye (as
comonlie I doo but ones everye fortenight yf I have no especial
cause), but this is the thirde tyme of my goinge thither, to
examyn a lewde persone whoe hathe stolen diverse parcells of
brass and copper that did adorne the Tombe of the late Kinge of
famouse memorie Henrie the Seventhe and Queene Elizabeth his
wife. And at my nowe comynge thither M=r=. Staunton and others
of th'inhabitants of the said Cytie, gave me to understande
thatt there was a great disorder in or near Long Acre, by reason
of certain Games that were proclaymed there to be exercised,
wheare indede theare was none used but one onlie Game, called
Riflinge, by which they saide diverse persons weare spoyled and
utterlie undon. Wheruppon I comaunded M=r=. Colbrande the highe
Constable of the saide Cytie and Lyberties (taking with hym
suche nomber of petit constables and others
<P 256>
as to his discression sholde seme mete, and sendinge before
worde to the constable of S=t=. Gyles in the fieldes to mete hym
theare) to goe thither, and not onlie to apprehende all persones
that sholde be founde theare usinge the same game, but also them
that kepte the same games. And I my self went also thither for
the quieter apprehendinge of them, for I was informed by the
said M=r=. Staunton that theare was a very greate nomber, and
the nomber I thinck was muche the greater by reasone of the
concourse of people thither to se one lyinge theare that was
slayne theare this mornyng. Wheruppon the Keper of the same
Games was broughte before me, but none of them that played
theare: and yet one of my owne Servants, whom I sent pryvylie
thither for that purpose, did see that game of Ryflinge in use
theare at that tyme. But I thincke pryvie warnynge was gyven
when I was perceyved to bende my selfe that waye. Maye it please
your Honor, I commytted the Keper of the same Game to warde,
meanynge nevertheles uppon sute to bayle hym untill the general
Sessions. And forasmuche as he is one of the Quene's Majestie's
Servants, and hathe a Lycence for laufull Games signed by
th'andes of the right honorables the Lorde Stewarde, the Lorde
of Arrundell, and the Lorde of Leicester (the copye wherof I
have taken and intende to kepe the same), and he was in tymes
past servant to the saide Lorde of Arrundell. And for that
before
<P 257>
this tyme I have had some stoute and sharpe wordes when I have
don even favorable justice to honorable mens servants, and
doubting what synister complainte may be now againste me to any
of honorable personages abovenamed, I have thought good to make
your Honor pryvie of this my doinge, humblie praying your good
Honor's ayde if I shall have nede of the same. And beinge verie
sorie to trouble your Honor with this my longe rude Lettre, I
comytt the same to the tuyssion of the Allmightie whoe ever
preserve you in helthe and welthe longe to contynue, with
increase of much honor. Written the fourth of this September
1569.
   Your Honor's to commande to my little power
   Bernard Randolph,
Commen Serjiant of London.
   To the right honorable Sir William Cecyll Knight, principall
Secretarie to the Quene's Majestie be theis gyven withe good
spede.

<Q OR2 1572 FRUSSELL>
<A FRANCIS RUSSELL>
<P 266>
[} [\LETTER CCIII. THE EARL OF BEDFORD TO LORD TREASURER
BURGHLEY.\] }]
   After my hartie comendacions to yo=r= good Lordshippe, here
enclosed I sende you a Lettre of M=r= Asshetones
<P 267>
which shuld have bene delyvered some dayes sythens. [^A PASSAGE
OMITTED^]
   I am now going to prepare for her Ma=ties= coming to Woborne,
which shalbe done in the best and most hartiest maner that I
can. I trust yo=r= L. will have in remembraunce to provide and
helpe that her Ma=ts=. tarieng be not above two nights and a
daye; for, for so long tyme do I prepare. I pray god the Rowmes
and Lodgings there may be to her Ma=ts=. contentacion for the
tyme. If I could make them better upon suche a sodeyn, then wold
I, be assured. They should be better then they be. So w=t= my
hartie thanks to yo=r= good L. remayning alwayes as I have just
cause yo=rs=, do so committ you to Gods keping. From Russell
House this xvj=th=. of July 1572.
   Yo=r= L. right assured
   F. Bedford.
To my verie good Lord the Lord Burghley, Highe Treasurer of
England.

<Q OR2 1582 W1FLEETWOOD>
<A WILLIAM FLEETWOOD 1>
<P 283>
[} [\LETTER CCXII. WILLIAM FLEETWOOD RECORDER OF LONDON, TO LORD
BURGHLEY.\] }] 
   My singuler good Lord, uppon Thursday at even, her Majestie
in her Cooche, near Islyngton, taking of
<P 284>
the aier, her Highnes was environed with a nosmber of Rooges.
One M=r= Stone a footeman cam in all hast to my Lord Maior, and
after to me, and told us of the same. I dyd the same night send
warants owt into the seyd quarters and in to Westminster and the
Duchie: and in the mornyng I went a brood my selff, and I tooke
that daye lxxiiij roogs, whereof some were blynd and yet great
usurers, and very riche: and the same daye towards night I sent
for M=r=. Harrys and M=r=. Smithe and the governors of Bridwell,
and tooke all the names of the roogs; and sent theym frome the
Sessions Hall unto Bridwell where they remayned that night. Upon
Twelff daye in the forenoone, the Master of the Rolls, my selff,
and others receyved a charge before my Lords of the Counsell as
towching roogs and masterles men, and to have a pryvie searche.
The same daye at after dyner (for I dyned at the Rolls) I mett
the governors of Bridwell, and so that after nowne we examined
all the seyd roogs and gave theym substanciall payment. And the
strongest we bestowed in the mylne and the lighters. The rest
wee desmyssed with a promise of a dooble paye if we mett with
theym agayne. Upon Sounday being (\crastino\) of the Twelfth
daye, I dyned with M=r= Deane of Westminster, where I conferred
with hym towching Westminster and the Duchie, and then I tooke
order for Southwarke, Lambeth, and Newyngton, from whence I
receyved a shooll of xl. rooggs, men and women, and
<P 285>
above. I bestowed theym in Bridwell. I dyd the same after nowne
peruse Pooles, where I tooke abowt xx=ti= cloked roogs that
there use to kepe standing. I placed theym also in Bridwell. The
next mornyng, being Mounday, the M=r=: of the Roolls and the
rest tooke order with the Constables for a privie searche
ageynst Thursdaye at night, and to have the offendors browght to
the Sessions Hall upon Frydaye in the mornyng where wee the
Justices shold mete. And agaynst the same tyme my Lo. Maior and
I dyd the lyke in London and Sowthworke. The same afternowne the
Masters of Bridwell and I mett, and, after every man being
examined, eche one receyved his payment according to his
deserts; at whiche tyme the strongest were put to worke and the
other dismissed into theire Countries. The same daye the M=r=.
of the Savoye was with us and sayd he was sworne to lodge "
(\claudicantes, egrotantes, et peregrinantes\) ;" and the next
mornyng I sent the Constables of the Duchie to the Hospitall and
they browght unto me at Bridewell vj. tall fellowes that were
draymen unto bruers and were neither " (\claudicantes,
egrotantes\) , nor (\peregrinantes\) ." The Constables if they
might have had theyre owen wills wold have browght as many moo.
The Master dyd wryte a very curtese letter unto us to produce
theym: and although he wrott charitably unto us, yet were they
all sowndly payed, and sent home to thare
<P 286>
masters. All Tewsday, Weddensdaye, and Thursdaye there cam in
nosmbers of roogs; they were rewarded all according to theire
deserts. Upon Frydaye mornyng, at the Justice Hall, there were
browght in above a C. lewed people taken in the privie searche.
The M=rs=. of Bridwell receyved theym, and immediatly gave theym
punishment. This Satterday, after Causes of Consciens herd by my
Lord Maior and me, I dined and went to Polls and in other places
as well within the libertes as els where, and I founde not one
rooge stirryng. Emongest all these thyngs I dyd note, that we
had not of London, Westm. nor Sowthwarke, nor yet Midd. nor
Surr. above twelve, and those we have taken order for. The
resedew for the most were of Wales, Salop, Cestr. Somerset,
Barks, Oxforde, and Essex; and that fewe or none of thaym had
ben abowt London above iij. or iiij. mownthes. I dyd note also
that we mett not agayne w=th= any in all our searches that had
receyved punishment. The chieff nurserie of all these evell
people is the Savoye, and the brick kilnes nere Islyngton. As
for the brick kylnes, we will take suche order that they shall
be reformed. And I trust by yo=r= good Lordship's help the
Savoye shall be amended; for suerlie, as by experiens I fynd it,
the same place, as it is used, is not converted to a good use or
purpose. And this shall suffice for Roogs.
   Upon Weddensdaye last a Frenche merchaunt, in a bagge sealed,
delivered to a cariers wiff of Norwich
<P 287>
xl=li= to be caried to Norwich. She secretlie conveyed the money
to a howse a good way off frome the Inne, and within half a
quarter of an houre the Frenche merchaunt cam agayne to se his
money packed up. But the woman denyed that ever she received any
one penny with such horrible protestacions as I never herd of
before. M=r=. Secretarie Walsingham wrote me his Letters for the
ayde of the Frenche man, and after great searche made, the money
was founde and restored. She not knowing of the same, I examined
her in my studie privatlie, but by no meanes she wold not
confesse the same, but dyd bequeth her selff to the Devell, both
bodie and sowle, if she had the money or ever sawe it. And this
was her craft that she then had not the money, and in dead she
sayth the trowth, for it was eyther at her frynds where she left
it, or els delyvered. And then I perceyving her fewke, I asked
her whether the Frenche merchant dyd not bring her a bagge
sealed full of metall that was weightie, were it either platts,
coyne, cownters, or suche lyke: then, quoth she, I will aunswer
no further. And then I used my Lo. Maiors advise, and bestowed
her in Bridwell, where the Masters and I sawe her punished; and,
being well whipped, she sayd that the Devell stood at her elbowe
in my studie, and willed her to denye it. But so soon as she was
upon the Crosse to be punished he gave her over. And thus my
singuler good Lo. I end this tragical part of this wicked woman.
<P 288>
   This mornyng the Deputie of Holborne and two of the Wardmot
Enquest browght me this examination. I send for the partie. He
was browght before my Lord Maior and me. And we have commanded
hym to warde expecting yo=r= good Lo. advise as towchinge his
offens.
   Thus most humbly I send unto yo=r= good Lo. this last weeks
Diarye, ceasing at this tyme to troble yo=r= honer any further.
At Bacon howse this 14 of Ja. 1581.
   Your good Lo. most bounden W. Fletewoode.
To the right honorable and my singuler good L. My Lo. High
Treaso=r= of England.

<Q OR2 1583 W1FLEETWOOD>
<A WILLIAM FLEETWOOD 1>
<P 290>
[} [\LETTER CCXIV. M=R= RECORDER FLEETWOOD TO LORD BURGHLEY.\]
}] 
   Right honorable
   Sithens your Lo. last being here in London there have ben
twoo great Feasts, the one at the Grosers-hall, the other at the
Haberdashers-hall. At the Haberdashers feast was my Lord Maior,
and divers of his brethern, with myselff, where my Lo. Maior
after the second course come inne dyd take the great standing
Cupp of the gift of Sir William Garrett, being full of Ypocraze,
(and silence being commaunded throwgh all the Tables) all men
being bare-headed, my Lo, before all men dyd use these words
with a convenyent lowd voyce "M=r=. Recorder of London and yow
my good bretherne the Aldermen, beare witnes that I do drynke
unto M=r=. Alderman Massam as Shereff of London and Midd. frome
Mighelmas next comming, for one holl yere; and I do beseche God
to graunt hym as quiett and peaceable a yere with as good and
gratious favor of her Maiestie as I my selff and my brethern the
Shereffs now being have hytherto had, and as I trust shall
have." This spoken, all men desired the same. The Sword-bearer
in hast went to the Grosers
<P 291>
ffeast, where M=r=. Ald=n=. Massam was at dyner; and there dyd
openlie declare the words that my Lo. Maior had used: whereunto
(silens made and all being hushe) the Alderman aunswered verie
modestlie in this sort, "First I thanke God who through his
great goodness haith called me frome a verie poore and meane
degree unto this worshipfull estate. Secondlie I thanke her
Majestie for her gratious goodnes in allowing unto us these
great and ample fraunchises. Thirdlie I thank my Lo. Maior for
having so honorable an opinion of this My Companie of Grocers as
to make choise of me being a poore member of the same." And this
said, bothe he and all the Companie pledged My Lord and gave hym
thanks.
   M. Nowell of the Court haith lately been here in London. He
caused his man to geve a blowe unto a carrman. His man haithe
stricken the carrman with the pumell of his sword and therwith
haith broken his skelle and killed hym. M=r=. Nowell and his man
are lyke to be indicated; whereof I am sure to be muche trobled,
what with lettres and his frynds, and what by other meanes as in
the verie like case heretofore I have byn even with the same
man. Here are sunderie yonge gentilmen that use the Court that
most commonly terme theymselffs (^gyntylmen^) . When any of
these have done any thinge amisse and are compleyned of, or
arrested for debt, they then runne unto me, and no other excuse
or aunswere can they make but saye
<P 292>
" (^I am a Jyntylman, and being a Jyntylman I am not thus to be
used at a slave and a colions handes.^) " I know not what other
parlee M=r=. Nowell can pled; but this I say, the fact is fowle.
God send hym good deliverans. I thinke in my conscience that he
makethe no reckenyng of the matter.
   Hit was my chaunse to examine a matter in the Court holden at
Bridwell. I have ben complayned of to the Counsel bord. I was
sent for. M=r=. Secretary received my Aunswer, and told the
compleynaunts that they had deserved to be hanged And this is
the Case. Abraham of Abraham a gentilman of an hundred pound
land in com. Lanc. put his dawghter and heire unto my lady
Gerrerd of the Brenne. Sir Thomas and my lady being here in
London, one Dwelles, a fenser nere Cicell howse, and his wiff,
by indirect meanes, being of kyn to the girle, dyd invite all my
Lady's children and gentilwomen unto a breakfast. They cam
thether, and at theire commyng the yowthes and servingmen were
caried up to the ffens skolle. My Ladys dowghters and
gentilwomen must nedes play at the cardes, will they nill they.
The girle Abraham, by the wiff of the howse, was conveyghed in
to a chamber, and shut the dowre after her and there left her.
The Girl found in the Chamber iiij. or v. tall men. She knew
theym not. And ymediatlie the girle fell into a great ffeare
seyng them to compasse her about. Then began an old priest to
read upon a
<P 293>
booke, his words she understood not, saving these words "I Henry
take the Suzane to my wedded wiff" &c. This done they charged
the wenche never to discover this to any body lyving: and so
sent her downe to her fellowes. And dyner being done the wenche
told to her fellowes very lamentably what had ben donne; and
they over to S=r=. Tho. and my La. And upon complaynt I sent for
the ffensers wiff who wold confesse nothyng. I went with her my
self to Bridwell, where there was a full Court, and thether cam
Sir Thomas with the wenche, and there we bolted owt the wholl
matter and dyd no more. The ffensers wyff is retorned to the
Cownter. The wenche is with my La. Gerrerd. She was never in
Bridwell, as the ffenser and one Poollwhele dyd avouche to some
of my Lords. The wenche was there to accuse the fensers wiff in
open Court. My Lo. this being the fact, and the trew case
thereof, I fynd the same to be ffellonie by A=o=. 3. st. 7. ca.
2. And therefore me thinketh suche companyons as this fenser and
his wiff are, owght not to be allowed to deface suche poore men
as I am, in suche order, before the Lords. Thus most humbly I
take my leave of yo=r= good Lo. this 18 of Julie 1583.
   Yo=r= good Lo. most bounden
   W. Fletewoode.
"To the right honorable and my singuler good Lord Treasourer of
England."

<Q OR2 1585 W1FLEETWOOD>
<A WILLIAM FLEETWOOD 1>
<P 295>
[} [\LETTER CCXVI. M=R=. RECORDER FLEETWOOD TO LORD TREASURER
BURGHLEY.\] }] 
<P 296>
   Right honorable and my verie good Lord, uppon Thursdaye
laste, beinge the crastinn of Trinitie Terme, we kepte a
Sessions of Inquyrie in London in the forenone, and in the
afternone we kepte the lyke att Fynsburie for Middlesex, in
which two severall Sessionses all such as were to be arrayegned
for felonye at the Gaole deliverye were indyted. Uppon Frydaie
last we sate at the Justice hall att Newgate from vij in the
morninge untill vij att night, where were condempned
<P 297>
certen horstealers, cutpurses, and such lyke, to the nusmber of
x., whereof ix. were executed, and the tenthe stayed by a meanes
from the Courte. These were executed uppon Saterdaye in the
morninge. There was a Showmaker also condempned for wyllfull
murder commytted in the Blacke ffryers, who was executed uppon
Mondaie in the morninge. The same daye my Lord Maior beinge
absent abowte the goods of the Spannyards, and also all my Lords
the Justices of the Benches beinge also awaye, we fewe that were
there did spend the same daie abowte the searchinge out of
sundrye that were receptors of ffelons, where we fownd a greate
manye aswell in London, Westminster, Sowthwarke, as in all other
places abowte the same. Amongest our travells this one matter
tumbled owt by the waye, that one Wotton a gentilman borne, and
sometyme a marchauntt man of good credyte, who fallinge by tyme
into decaye, kepte an Alehowse att Smarts keye neere
Byllingesgate, and after, for some mysdemeanor beinge put downe,
he reared upp a newe trade of lyffe, and in the same Howse he
procured all the Cuttpurses abowt this Cittie to repaire to his
said howse. There, was as schole howse sett upp to learne younge
boyes to cutt purses. There were hung up two devises, the one
was a pockett, the other was a purse. The pockett had in yt
certen cownters and was hunge abowte with hawkes bells, and over
the toppe did hannge a litle sacring bell; and he that could
take owt a cownter without any noyse, was allowed to
<P 298>
be (^a publique ffoyster^) : and he that could take a peece of
sylver owt of the purse without the noyse of any of the bells,
he was adjudged (^a judiciall Nypper^) . Nota that a ffoister is
a Pick-pockett, and a Nypper is termed a Pickepurse, or a
Cutpurse. And as concerninge this matter, I will sett downe noe
more in this place, but referr your Lordship to the paper herein
enclosed.
   Saterdaye and Sondaie beinge past, uppon Mondaie my Lord
Maior, my Lord Buckhurste, the M=r=. of the Rooles, my Lord
Anderson, M=r=. Sackford Master of the Requests, S=r=. Rowland
Hayward, my selffe, M=r=. Owen, and M=r=. Younge, with the
assystaunce of M=r=. Attorney and M=r=. Solicitor, did arraigne
one Awfeild, Webley, and Crabbe, for sparcinge abrood certen
lewed, sedicious, and traytorous bookes; Awfeild did most
trayterously maynteyne the booke, with longe tedious and
frivolous wordes and speaches. Webley did affirme as much as
Awfeild had uttered. They are both executed thorough Gods
goodnes and yo=r= Lordshipps good helpe, as M=r=. Younge told
me. There came a Letter to reprive Awfeild, yt was not well
digested of as many as knewe of yt, but after all was well
taken. When he was executed, his bodye was brought into S=t=.
Pulchers to be buryed, but the parishioners would not suffer a
Traytor's corpes to be layed in the earthe where theire parents,
wyeffs, chyldren, kynred, maisters, and old neighbors did rest:
and so his carcase was retourned to the buryall grounde neere
Tyborne, and there I leave yt. Crabbe surelye
<P 299>
did renownce the Pope, and my Lords and the rest of the Benche
moved M=r=. Attorney and M=r=. Solicitor to be a meane to her
Maiestie for him, and for that cause he was stayed. Trewelye my
Lord it is nothinge needfull to wrytte for the staye of any to
be repryved, for there is not any in our Commyssion of London or
Middlesex but we are desirous to save or staye any poore
wretche, yf by color of any lawe or reason we maye doe ytt. My
singler good Lord my Lord William of Wynchester was wonte to
saye, "when the Courte is furthest from London, then is there
the best justice done in all England." I once hard as great a
parsonage in office and authoritye as ever He was, and yett
lyvinge, saye the same wordes. Yt is growen for a trade nowe in
the Courte to make meanes for repryves, twentie pownd for a
reprive is nothinge, although it be but for bare tenn daies. I
see it will not be holpen onles one honored gentilman, who many
tymes is abused by wronge informacion (and suerlie uppon my
sowle, not uppon any evill meaninge) do staye his penn. I have
not one Letter for the staye of a theiffe from your Lordshippe.
Fearinge that I trouble your Lordship with my tedious Lettres I
end, this vij=th=. of Julie 1585.
   Your good Lordships moste humbly bownden
   W. Fletewoode.
<P 300>
   At the endinge of this Lettre I received an othere, the which
I will aunswere owt of hand.
   Upon Tewsdaie I satt in Jugement in the hustings, where M=r=.
Cure and his corporate bretherne the Sadlers recovered xl=li=.
land in a writ of right (\'lon le mise fint ioyne sur le mere
droit'\) against one Beale.
   Upon Weddensday wee satt in Southwark abowt the Goneres where
my cossen Holcroft accused and (\'de repetundis'\) &c.
   (^Archana.^)
   There was one that is called M=r=. Abarrowe that was at the
takynge of the Erle of Arundell, and had gotten into his hands
of his nere abowte ccc=li=. in gold. He was commanded to brynge
the same to the LL. of the Sterre Chamber. His man carried it
after hym even to the Sterre chamber doore and soddenly his man
sterted away and tooke a boote, past into Sowthwarke, devyded
the money, and there by my warrant was taken, and in effect all
the money was had agayne. M=r=. Abarrowe his Master was the
lothest man in England to have his man towched for this offence.
I caused hym to be indicted and arreigned. My lord Anderson
tooke it to be no fellonye because his master delyvered hym the
money. I sayd it was felonye by the common lawe, because the
custodie and bearing of the money in his masters presens was
adjuged to
<P 301>
be as if it had ben in his masters owen custodie. As if my
butler, my horse keper, my sheperd, or the yoman of my warderobe
do steale and imbesell any thinge in his charge this is felonye,
and even so is it of my purse bearer. And if it were not
felonye by the comen lawe then was it by the statute, if the
somme were above xl=s=. But I fearynge the matter might be
called before my Lords, beinge a thing so notoriusly knowen, I
caused the Jurie to fynd the speciall matter, and so it resteth.
I do lerne sithens that the ffelow had ben in tymes past servant
to M=r=. Smith the Clerk of the Pype, &c.
[^LIST OF NAMES OMITTED^]
<P 303>
   Memorand. That in Wotton's howse at Smarts Keye are wrytten
in a table divers Poysies, and among the rest one is this
   (^Si spie sporte, si non spie, tunc steale.^)
Another thus
   (^Si spie, si non spie, ffoyste, nyppe, lyfte, shave and
spare not.^)
   Note that (^ffoyste^) is to cutt a pockett, (^nyppe^) is to
cutt a purse, (^lyft^) is to robbe a shoppe or a gentilmans
chamber, (^shave^) is to ffylche a clooke, a sword, a sylver
sponne or such like, that is negligentlie looked unto. Nota,
that (^mylken ken^) is to commytt a roborie or burgularie in the
night in a dwelling howse, &c.
   To the Right honourable and my synguler good Lord the Lord
Highe Treasorer of England.

<Q OR2 1586 W1FLEETWOOD>
<A WILLIAM FLEETWOOD 1>
<P 306>
[} [\LETTER CCXVIII. SERJEANT FLEETWOOD TO LORD BURGHLEY.\] }] 
   Right Honorable and my singuler good Lord, this present daye
from two of the clocke until syx, my Lo. Maior, with some of his
bretherne th'Aldermen and myselffe, dyd examyne certene
Apprentices for conspiringe an insurrection in this Cittie
agaynst the Frenche and Dutche, but speciallie against the
<P 307>
Frenche; a thinge as lyke unto yll Maye daie as could be devysed
in all manner of circumstaunces, (\mutatis mutandis\) , ther
wanted nothinge but execucion. We have taken fyve, all of an
age, yet all under xxj=tie=: fower of them Darbishier borne; the
fyrste borne in Norhamshier. We are searchinge and seekinge for
the principall Captayne; we hope we shall heare of him this
night, for he hath ben workinge all this daie in the Whyt hall
at Westminster, and at his cominge home we trust to have him. We
have this night sett a standinge watche armed, from nyne until
seven in the morninge, and doe meane to contynewe the same soe
longe as yt shalbe thought convenient unto your honor and the
resydewe of my Lords.
   M=r=. Alderman Woodcocke, who maryed the wydowe of M=r=.
Lanyson shalbe buried uppon Moundaye next. S=r= Rowland Hayward
is exstreame sicke and greatlie distressed (our Lord comfort
him). My Ladie his wieffe is likewise verie sicke.
   This night M=r=. Attorney Generall sent his man unto me to
sett my hand and seale unto a warrant to summon a Quest of
enquirie to appeare to morowe att Westminster Hall. The
Citizens, when they shall heare of yt, will lyke thereof verie
well, for they all crye owt that justice maye be done uppon
these Treators. The foresaid Apprentices, being of the Mysterie
of Plastorers, are commytted unto Newgate uppon the Quenes
Highnes and her Councells commaundement, where
<P 308>
they are lyke to remayne untill they be delivered by speciall
warrant. 
   Here is presentlie noe other thinge worthie of writinge.
Wherefore I beseech God to preserve first her Ma=tie=, and then
yo=r= Lordship, from all these Treators and such other wicked
people. From the Guylde hall this present Twesdaie the sixt of
September at seaven of the clocke in the eveninge 1586.
   Yo=r= Lo: most humble bownden
   W. Fletewoode.
   Att the sendinge away of my man this Weddensday mornynge all
the bells of London do ring for ioye, that, upon the 7 of this
monethe, beinge as this daie, A=o= 25 H. 8. her Grace was borne.
There wilbe this daie but specially great ffeastinge at supper.
I have ben bidden owt this night to supper in vj. or vij.
places.
   To the Right Honorable and my singuler good Lo. the Lo.
Treasorer of England, at the Courte.



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