Mirror for Magistrates.
T. Bensley, Printer,
Bolt Court, Fleet Street, London.
Mirror for Magistrates.
EDITED BY
JOSEPH HASLEWOOD.
[Illustration]
VOLUME I.
LONDON:
PRINTED FOR
LACKINGTON, ALLEN, AND CO. FINSBURY SQUARE;
AND
LONGMAN, HURST, REES, ORME, AND BROWN, PATERNOSTER ROW.
1815.
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Mirror for Magistrates,
IN FIVE PARTS.
_VOLUME THE FIRST_,
CONTAINING
PART I.
BY JOHN HIGGINS.
PART II.
BY THOMAS BLENER-HASSET.
COLLATED WITH
VARIOUS EDITIONS, AND HISTORICAL NOTES, &c.
BY JOSEPH HASLEWOOD.
LONDON:
PRINTED FOR
LACKINGTON, ALLEN, AND CO. FINSBURY SQUARE;
AND
LONGMAN, HURST, REES, ORME, AND BROWN, PATERNOSTER ROW.
1815.
------------------------------------------------------------------
TO
FRANCIS DOUCE, ESQ.
_THIS EDITION_
OF THE
Mirror for Magistrates:
A
POPULAR PRODUCTION OF THE REIGN OF ELIZABETH
WHICH MERITED REVIVAL,
_IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED_,
BY HIS OBEDIENT
AND OBLIGED SERVANT,
JOSEPH HASLEWOOD.
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[Illustration]
INTRODUCTION.
Although the prevailing taste for Bibliography has already drawn forth
copious accounts of the various editions of the MIRROR FOR MAGISTRATES,
and the industry of preceding Biographers has left little new to
say of its authors, yet an entire Reprint of this once celebrated
work requires the accompaniment of an Introductory Account of these
subjects, even at the hazard of repeating a great deal that has been
lately told, unmixed with much that is novel.
The history of the Work divides itself under three several heads; viz.
1. Of its origin. 2. Of the 'primary inventor.’[1] 3. Of the various
editions. But before these are separately examined, there may be fitly
introduced the following view taken by our admirable historian of
English Poetry, of the turbulent period of its first appearance.
“True genius,” Warton says, “unseduced by the cabals, and unalarmed
by the dangers of faction, defies or neglects those events, which
destroy the peace of mankind, and often exerts its operations amidst
the most violent commotions of a state. Without patronage and without
readers, I may add without models, the earlier Italian writers, while
their country was shook by the intestine tumults of the Guelfes and
Guibelines, continued to produce original compositions both in prose
and verse, which yet stand unrivalled. The age of Pericles and of
the Peloponnesian war was the same. Careless of those who governed
or disturbed the world, and superior to the calamities of a quarrel,
in which two mighty leaders contended for the prize of universal
dominion, Lucretius wrote his sublime didactic poem On the System of
Nature, Virgil his Bucolics, and Cicero his Books of Philosophy. The
proscriptions of Augustus did not prevent the progress of the Roman
literature. In the turbulent and unpropitious reign of Queen Mary, when
controversy was no longer confined to speculation, and a spiritual
warfare polluted every part of England with murthers more atrocious
than the slaughter of the most bloody civil contest, a poem was
planned, although not fully completed, which illuminates with no common
lustre that interval of darkness, which occupies the annals of English
poetry from Surrey to Spenser, entitled _A Mirrour for Magistrates_.”[2]
I. After this general character of the work, the first step in our
particular discussion leads us to its origin. This was confessedly
LYDGATE’S _Fall of Princes_, an origin which is very striking, and
still enhances the high merit so eloquently ascribed to it by Warton,
when we recollect that the writer to whom it thus owed its foundation,
has been pronounced by a shrewd critic one “who disgraced the name and
patronage of his master Chaucer.”[3] But so decisive and intimate was
this origin of a work, which had so important an effect on our national
poetry, that when first planned, it seems intended to have been
embodied in the same volume with the translation by Lydgate.
To prove that this is not a mere point of speculative criticism; but,
on the contrary, stands on evidence very different from conjecture,
I need only cite the words of William Baldwin himself, the original
editor: “Whan the printer (he says) had purposed with himselfe to
printe Lidgates booke of the fall of Princes, and had made pryuye
thereto many both honourable and worshipfull, he was counsailed by
dyuers of them to procure to haue the storye contynewed from where as
Bochas left, vnto this present time, chiefly of such as Fortune had
dalyed with here in this ylande: which might be as a myrrour for al men
as well nobles as others.”[4] From this suggestion the printer, John
Wayland, importuned Baldwin to undertake the task; but he describes
himself as declining so weighty an enterprise without assistance.
On the other hand Wayland, “earnest and diligent in his affairs,”
procured, shortly after, divers learned men to consent to take upon
them part of the 'travail;’ and early in the year 1555, the _Mirror for
Magistrates_ was partly printed in folio, but the proceeding hindered
by the Lord Chancellor that then was.[5]
In that suppressed edition the interlocutory parts are given in
running lines across the page, and the poems in double columns, the
type corresponding and the page imposed of the same size as Wayland’s
edition of Lydgate’s translation; wherein the roman numericals have an
unusual stop at the end of the seventh book with “leaf clxiij,” and the
prologue of the eighth book commences with “fol. 1,” which continues
to the end at “fol. XXXVII,” as if it was projected to add to the last
portion the _Mirror for Magistrates_, making a second part or volume in
continuance of the work which gave it origin.
From the time of first establishing the English press to the reign of
Queen Mary, when the folio, or suppressed, edition was printed, our
typographical annals do not show any works in equal estimation with
the domestic chronicles. The Fruit of Times, or St. Alban’s Chronicle,
Polychronicon, and those others compiled by Fabyan, Grafton, Hall,
Harding, Lanquet, &c. were in general repute and extensive circulation,
and for that reason fixed upon as fit materials for poetry by Baldwin
and his coadjutors.
The influence and demand for the chronicles also occasioned the sudden
revival, after a lapse of twenty-seven years, of _The boke of Iohan
Bochas descryuing the fall of Princes, Princesses, and other Nobles_,
translated by John Lydgate. That work was first printed by Pynson in
1494, also in 1527,[6] and then remained unnoticed until 1554, when
Richard Tottell reprinted it under a new title,[7] with the incidental
wood-cuts, and appending thereto the singular dance of Machabree.[8]
In the same or following year after this revival an edition was
projected and executed by Wayland:[9]--a convincing evidence, as well
of the fashionable cast of reading, as of the rapid demand for that
work; otherwise even the rivalry of trade would never have hazarded
another edition, so soon after Tottell’s copies had supplied the market.
All the authors who joined in enlarging, or completing the part first
published of the _Mirrour_, have but slightly deviated from Lydgate’s
model, which was then secure in public approbation; and they therefore,
in some instances, may be suspected to have sacrificed genius and
imagination at the shrine of perverted taste, in order to obtain a
continuance of the same patronage. _The Mirrour for Magistrates_ was,
in fact, a common offspring of that class of historical literature,
which then flourished widely.[10] The addition of rhyme was the mere
variance of a minor ornament, rather than a change of its substantial
nature;[11] though many inferior productions, which its popularity
brought forth, seemed afterwards to give it the appearance of forming a
main class of our national poetry.[12]
From those historical stores were taken the principal incidents and
characters of the princes and nobles, whose vicious lives and tragical
ends made them conspicuous as moral examples; and as fit beacons to
check rebellion; a purpose which is ably attempted through the whole
work. Indeed, so little did any one of this combination of poets
venture fame, that novelty was neither attempted in subject, nor manner
of composition. The whole selection of matter was from chronicles in
universal circulation; as the seven-line stanza was adopted from their
precursor Lydgate; and, upon this last point, there may be added, that
it is doubtful if Higgins did not cancel two or three lives, first
published in another measure, for the advantage of substituting others,
to accord with the original plan and general taste.[13]
II. In the next division of inquiry as to the 'primary inventor’ of the
_Mirror for Magistrates_, the discussion arises from the unfounded
application of that term by Warton to that eminent genius THOMAS
SACKVILLE, afterwards created Lord Buckhurst and Earl of Dorset, and
which has been repeated, without examination, by subsequent writers.
It has been already stated, that the industry of Wayland effected much
in obtaining the contributory aid of the popular poets; nor must the
labour of FERRERS, who exerted himself in completing the original plan,
be left unnoticed; but still the general formation rests principally,
if not entirely, with BALDWIN. His claim to the air of novelty, so
successfully introduced for the purpose of connecting the whole as an
unbroken series, by an intermediate and apposite dialogue, has not
been disputed, any more than his finally completing the volume with an
introductory Epistle and Preface.
The date at which Sackville’s communication was obtained, is decisive
against the opinion, that the work found in him “its primary inventor.”
If the contributors to the suppressed edition remain, like their
articles, unknown and uncertain; the one published in 1559, was a
complete volume, and not any communication by Sackville is there
inserted. The intervention of the lord Chancellor certainly deferred,
but did not destroy the work; and only on the enlargement thereof, by
a SECOND PART, in 1563, is his name first mentioned, in the address
prefixed to that part by Baldwin, as having “aptly ordered the duke
of Buckynghams oracion.” At the distance of a few sheets after this
trite notice, appears that beautifully descriptive and highly polished
poem called “the INDUCTION,” which served to envelop all the other
contributors with the shade of secondary characters.
The history of its origin is given, in the intermediate dialogue, thus:
“Then sayd the reader: 'The next here whom I finde miserable are king
Edwards two sonnes, cruelly murdered in the Tower of London.’ 'Haue you
theyr tragedy?’ 'No surely (q; I) the LORD VAULX vndertooke to penne
it, but what he hath done therein I am not certayne, and therfore I let
it passe til I knowe farder. I haue here y^e Duke of Buckingham, king
Richarde’s chyefe instrument, wrytten by mayster Thomas Sackuille.’
'Read it we pray you:’ sayd they. 'Wyth a good wyl (q; I) but fyrst
you shal heare his preface or Induction.’ 'Hath he made a preface (q;
one) what meaneth he thereby, seeing none other hath vsed the like
order?’ 'I wyl tell you the cause thereof (q; I) which is thys: After
that he vnderstoode that some of the counsayle would not suffer the
booke to be printed in suche order as we had agreed and determined, he
purposed with himselfe to have gotten at my handes, al the tragedies
that were before the duke of Buckinghams, which he would haue preserued
in one volume, and from that time backeward euen to the time of William
the Conquerour, he determined to continue and perfect all the story
himselfe in such order as Lydgate (folowing Bocchas) had already vsed.
And therfore to make a meete induction into the matter, he deuised this
poesye; which in my Judgement is so wel penned, that I woulde not haue
any verse therof left out of our volume.’--”
Niccols, in the last edition, has ventured, without reason, to sever
the Induction from the Legend, before which it was placed, in order to
fix it at the head of those collected by Baldwin, although that editor
did not suffer the communication of Sackville to alter his original
plan. The explanatory Advertisement of Niccols has occasioned the
erroneous belief of that author being 'primary inventor’ of the whole
work. “Hauing hitherto (he says) continued the storie, gentle Reader,
from the first entrance of Brute into this Iland, with the falles of
such Princes, as were neuer before this time in one volume comprised,
I now proceed with the rest, which take their beginning from the
Conquest, whose [pen-men being many and diuers, all diuerslie affected
in the method of this their Mirror, _I purpose only to follow_ the
intended scope of that, most honorable personage, who, by how much he
did surpasse the rest in the eminence of his noble condition, by so
much he hath exceeded them all in the excellencie of his heroicall
stile which with a golden pen he hath limmed out to posteritie in that
worthy obiect of his minde, the Tragedie of the Duke of Buckingham, and
in his preface then intituled Master Sackuil’s induction. This worthie
President of learning, intending to perfect all this storie himselfe
from the Conquest, being called to a more serious expence of his time
in the great State-affaires of his most royall Ladie, and Soueraigne,
left the dispose thereof to M. Baldwine,] M. Ferrers, and others, the
composers of these Tragedies, who continuing their methode which was by
way of dialogue or interlocution betwixt euery Tragedie, gaue it onely
place before the Duke of Buckinghams complaint, which order I since
hauing altered, haue placed the Induction in the beginning, with euery
Tragedie following according to succession and the iust computation of
time, which before was not obserued,” &c.
With a knowlege of the statement made by Baldwin, there is not any
thing obscure or easily to be mistook in this Advertisement. Niccols
has only repeated the intention of Sackville, and that being prevented
by more weighty engagements from executing it, he left the Induction at
the disposal of Baldwin, Ferrers, &c. who chose to continue their own
plan. Of this plan Niccols altered the order, and placed the Induction
at the beginning. However the sense of the prefatory article has been
much mistaken; probably from a want of some knowlege of the antecedent
authority.
Mrs. Cooper, in the _Muses Library_, 1738, says of Sackville: “It
appears to me, by a preface of Mr. Niccols, that the _Original Plan_ of
the Mirror for Magistrates, was principally owing to him.”--Collins,
in the _English Peerage_, having transcribed the passage given above
in brackets, is referred to by Lord Orford, in the _Royal and Noble
Authors_, as his authority for asserting, that “the original thought
was his Lordship’s.” And might not this concatenation of error extend
further by the construction of Lord Orford and have misled Warton? That
luminous historian of our native poetry, says: “More writers than
one were concerned in the execution of this piece: but its PRIMARY
INVENTOR, and most distinguished contributor, was Thomas Sackville
the first lord Buckhurst, and first earl of Dorset. About the year
1557, he formed the plan of a poem, in which all the illustrious but
unfortunate characters of the English history, from the conquest to the
end of the fourteenth century, were to pass in review before the poet,
who descends like Dante into the infernal region, and is conducted
by Sorrow. Although a descent into hell had been suggested by other
poets, the application of such a fiction to the present design, is a
conspicuous proof of genius and even of invention. Every personage was
to recite his own misfortunes in a separate soliloquy. But Sackville
had leisure only to finish a poetical preface called an _Induction_,
and one Legend, which is the life of Henry Stafford duke of Buckingham.
Relinquishing therefore the design abruptly, and hastily adapting the
close of his _Induction_ to the appearance of Buckingham, the only
story he had yet written, and which was to have been the last in his
series, he recommended the completion of the whole to Richard Baldwyne
and George Ferrers.”--
“Baldwyne and Ferrers,” it is afterwards observed, “perhaps deterred by
the greatness of the attempt, did not attend to the series prescribed
by Sackville, but inviting some others to their assistance, among which
are Churchyard and Phayer, chose such lives from the newly published
chronicles of Fabyan and Hall, as seemed to display the most affecting
catastrophes, and which very probably were pointed out by Sackville.”--
The observations of Warton were either written at various times, or he
depended too implicitly upon loose extracts from authorities no longer
possessed, as he refers to one edition when quoting another.[14]
The hypothesis of Sackville being 'primary inventor,’ &c. shows that
he relied upon, and at the same time mistook, the meaning of Niccols,
(whose corrupt text of _the Induction_ he reprinted,) and never
discovered that his position was negatived by the interlocutory matter
given above from the edition of 1563, when Sackville made his first and
only known communication.
While this circumstantial detail disrobes Sackville of his revived
honors, there must not be more than a qualified portion of the
character of 'primary inventor’ of the _Mirrour for Magistrates_
transferred to Baldwin. He was the common editor and inventor of the
intermediate conversations, but the acknowledged design of himself and
associates went no further than to raise another story upon the fabric
built by Lydgate in the preceding century.[15]
III. The bibliographical division is classed chronologically by
the dates of the editions, and not as to the legends. The first or
suppressed edition was entituled
_A Memorial of suche Princes, as since the tyme of King
Richarde the seconde, haue been vnfortunate in the Realme of
England. Londini Inædibus Johannis Waylandi. Cum priuilegio per
Septennium._ Folio.
The above title in the same compartment as was used by Wayland on
reprinting Lydgate.[16] At the back of the leaf is a copy of his
letters patent, as preserved in the note below,[17] to secure a right
in the work as having first printed it.
Baldwin in his Epistle dedicatory, in 1559, says: “The wurke was
begun, & part of it printed iiii years agoe, but hyndred by the Lord
Chancellor that then was.” This hinderance must have arisen from the
rigour of Stephen Gardiner, who died, Chancellor, in Nov. 1555. How
far the printing had proceeded is unknown.[18] Three or perhaps four
copies of the title leaf may be traced; and two of those are in the
possession of Mr. Heber.[19] There is also a fragment of two duplicate
leaves in the British Museum, with running title “vnfortunate English
Princes,” containing part of the legend of Owen Glendower, and from
which the appropriation is now first made of the signature “_T. Ch._”
to its more certain owner Sir THOMAS CHALONER. It maybe added, that I
have reason to believe, a still larger fragment exists in a private
library.[20]
From the size and manner of the page of this folio edition being upon
the same scale as Wayland’s reprint of _The tragedies gathered by Ihon
Bochas_, as noticed already, it appears upon calculation, that if no
more than was printed in 1559 had been given,[21] it would not have
exceeded twenty-five or thirty leaves, and which may be assigned as a
further reason for believing the original intention was to include both
works in one volume.
_A Myrroure for Magistrates. Wherein may be seen by example of
other, with howe greuous plages vices are punished: and howe
frayle and vnstable worldly prosperitie is founde, even of those
whom Fortune seemeth most highly to fauour. Fœlix quem faciunt
aliena pericula cautum. Anno 1559. Londini, In ædibus Thomæ
Marshe._ 92 leaves.
This title is in an architectural metal border, composed of four
pieces. After the Epistle inscribed by the editor WILLIAM BALDWIN, to
the Nobility, and his Brief Memorial addressed to the Reader, follow
nineteen legends, viz:
1. Tresilian by _Ferrers_.
2. Two Mortimers _Cavyll_.
3. Gloucester _Ferrers_.
4. Norfolk _Chaloner_.
5. Richard II. _Ferrers_.
6. Owen Glendour _Phaer_.
7. Northumberland *_Baldwin_.
8. Cambridge _Baldwin_.
9. Salisbury *_Baldwin_.
10. James I. _Baldwin_.
11. Suffolk _Baldwin_.
12. Jack Cade *_Baldwin_.
13. Yorke *_Baldwin_.
14. Clifford *_Baldwin_.
15. Worcester *_Baldwin_.
16. Warwick *_Baldwin_.
17. Henry VI.[22] *_Baldwin_.
18. Clarence _Baldwin_.
19. Edward IV. _Skelton_.
Several of these lives have always been printed without signatures,
and, from want of a knowledge of other claimants, are conjecturally
supposed to be written by BALDWIN. A slight authority for this
appropriation is found in the Epistle before the continuation of the
work in the next edition, in the observation: “I have nowe also set
furth another parte conteynynge as litle of myne owne, as the fyrst
doth of other mens.” With no better testimony, ten of the lives,
distinguished above with asterisks, are attributed to his pen, while
in another place Baldwin makes questionable his own title. The passage
alluded to is found in the preface, and has been hitherto passed over
unnoticed. He says: “The numbre of seauen, were through a generall
assent at one apoynted time and place, gathered together, to deuise
thereupon; (and, he adds) I resorted vnto them.”[23] After this formal
annunciation of a company consisting of eight persons, including the
EDITOR, given at the head of the volume, may we not expect to find,
that each was a contributor? Yet in the above list, are only six names,
viz: FERRERS, CAVIL, CHALONER, PHAER, BALDWIN, and SKELTON; and the
last doubtful, as he died as early as 1529; and Baldwin repeats the
lines from memory. Perhaps this difficulty may be avoided by adding
to the five certain names those of SACKVILLE, DOLMAN, and SEGAR;
concluding that the EDITOR had received their assurance of articles
in time for another edition, and which are found inserted in the next
accordingly. No other name interferes with this disposition, except
that of CHURCHYARD, whose communication of _Shore’s Wife_ was no sooner
read, than Baldwin observes: “all together exhorted me instantly to
procure Maister Churchyarde to vndertake and to penne as manye moe of
the remaynder as myght by any meanes be attaynted at his handes.” This
presumptively shows that the author was not enumerated as one of the
company.
All that can be gleaned from the intermediate prose, upon this subject,
is very inconclusive and unsatisfactory. For example, there being no
man ready at the meeting,[24] Baldwin said: “I will somewhat doe my
part, I will, under your correction, declare _the tragedy of Thomas
Mowbray, duke of Northfolk_.” And to this life, in edition 1571,
“_T. Ch._” is added, the signature of Sir T. CHALONER. Again, at p.
77, FERRERS is staid by one who briefly said: “To the end, BALDWIN,
that you may know what to say of the Percies,--I will take upon me
the person of the Lord Henry Percy,” &c. and this is left without
signature, and given to BALDWIN. Similar at p. 102, where the Speaker
adopting king James, concludes “mark, Baldwin, what I think he may
say,” and which also, as wanting signature, has the same appropriation.
Several others are contradictory, as being delivered in the person
of one of the company, and since assigned to the Editor, by whose
indolence, perhaps, in not altering the conversations to suit the fact,
after public approbation extinguished the desire of secrecy, and real
signatures were added, much of this complexity arises.
_A Myrrovr for Magistrates--Anno 1563. Imprinted at London in
Fletestrete nere to Saynct Dunstans Churche by Thomas Marshe._
178 leaves.
This title in the same border as before. In addition to the contents of
the preceding article, this has the original Induction by Sackville;
and the eight following legends, as a second part, viz.
20. Rivers by _Baldwin_.
21. Hastings _Dolman_.
Induction _Sackville_.
22. Buckingham _Sackville_.
23. Collingborn _Baldwin_.
24. Richard III. _Segar_.
25. Jane Shore _Churchyard_.
26. Somerset *_Baldwin_.
27. The Blacksmith _Cavyll_.
As well in this as the prior edition, there is a lapse in numbering the
folio from xlviii to lix.[25] The other edition is printed on a better
paper, and with clearer ink; abounds less in press errors; and has not
such frequent inaccuracies in the numbering, though they correspond
in leaves to fol. Lxxxv, sig. k i, where “endeth the first parte”
in this edition. The opening prose, or conversation, of the second
part is addressed to the reader, by BALDWIN, in whose hands FERRERS
is described, as placing all he had brought, having business great
and weighty to attend, and knowing he could “do it well inough:” And
“dyuers of the rest lykyng hys deuyse, vsed the lyke maner.” The whole
controul of this first edition of the second part was evidently given
to Baldwin.
At folio Cxvi, or sig. P iii, is the unusual circumstance of a variance
being made in two instances, while printing, and here given as they
stand in two different copies:
One has:
The _Induction_.
_The tapets torne, and euery_ blome _downe blowen_.
The other:
Mayster Sackuilles _Induction_.
_The tapets torne, and euery_ tree _downe blowen_.
The effect is considered in Vol. II. p. 309. At the end of the volume
is a leaf with “The ¶ contes and Table of the first parte of this
Booke. ¶ A prose to the Reader, continued betwene the tragedies from
the beginning of the booke to the ende. Tragedies beginning,” &c. as it
stands in the former edition; and on the next page Ҧ The Contentes of
the second parte. ¶ A Prose to the Reader continued through the booke.
Complayntes beginning,” &c. Another leaf has “Faultes escaped in the
Printing,” which fill two pages.
_A Myrrovr for Magistrates.--Newly corrected and augmented. Anno
1571. Fœlix, &c. Imprinted at London by Thomas Marshe dwellynge
in Fleetstreete, neare vnto S. Dunstanes Churche._[26] 174 leaves.
This edition only varies in the arrangement from the preceding, by _the
life of the Duke of Somerset_ being transposed to fall in chronological
order. The addition of the signatures of several of the authors, gives
a peculiar value to this impression.
_The first parte of the Mirour for Magistrates, containing the
falles of the first infortunate Princes of this lande: From the
comming of Brute to the incarnation of our sauiour and redemer
Iesu Christe. Ad Romanos. 13. 2. Quisquis se opponit potestati,
Dei ordinationi resistit. Imprinted at London by Thomas Marshe.
Anno 1574. Cum Priuilegio._ Eights, Sig. K ii. Fol. 74.
Introduction 6 leaves.
This is the best legitimate attempt to enlarge the work published by
Baldwin; and the date of the first edition has escaped the research of
modern bibliographers.[27] To the Title succeeds the Table of Contents
on one leaf; the Epistle dedicatory to the nobility, and the address to
the reader. The Authour’s Induction imitates that by Sackville, and is
followed by sixteen legends, the sole production of JOHN HIGGINS.[28]
Their names follow, viz:
1. Albanact. 9. Bladud.
2. Humber. 10. Cordila.
3. Locrinus. 11. Morgan.
4. Elstride. 12. Forrex.
5. Sabrine. 13. Porrex.
6. Madan. 14. Kimarus.
7. Malin. 15. Morindus.
8. Mempricius. 16. Nennius.
At the end of Nennius the address of “the Author” concludes with the
fifth Stanza:[29]
And keepe, maintaine and celebrate his praise:
VVich graunted, all they vanisht quite their wayes.
_Viuit post funera virtus.
Finis que Iohn Higgins._
_The last parte of the Mirour for Magistrates, wherein may be
seene by examples passed in this Realme, with howe greuous
plagues, vices are punished in great Princes and Magistrates, and
howe frayle and vnstable worldly prosperitie is founde, where
Fortune seemeth moste highly to fauour. Newly corrected and
amended. Fœlix quem faciunt aliena pericula cautum. Imprinted at
London by Thomas Marshe. Anno. 1574. Cum Priuilegio._ 168 leaves.
A copy having a title page with the above date is as rare as the
preceding article. The particular description, with which it is
mentioned in a note by Warton, seemed to make its existence certain,
although there was not wanting reason for disbelief on the occasion.
Even that writer considered it “improperly entitled _The Last Parte_,”
the existence of our preceding article not being then known.
The Contents are the same as edition 1571.
_The first parte of the Mirour for Magistrates.--Imprinted at
London by Thomas Marshe. Anno 1575. Cum Priuilegio._ 80 leaves.
This is an accurate reprint of the first edition, with an enlargement
of “the Author,” at the end of Nennius, by the addition of Eleven
Stanzas, and another legend concluding the volume, viz:
17 Irenglass.
_The last parte of the Mirour for Magistrates.--Imprinted at
London by Thomas Marshe. Anno 1575. Cum Priuilegio._
This is the edition of 1574, a circumstance that accounts for it being
so little known in the original state. The part by Higgins, when it
first appeared, no doubt found a rapid demand from those who possessed
a copy of that by Baldwin; and therefore in the present instance an
altered title, wherein a new date was substituted,[30] served to keep
time with the second edition of the part by Higgins.
_The first part of the Mirour for Magistrates.--Imprinted for Thomas
Marshe. 1578._
Mentioned by Ritson in the _Bibliographia Poetica_, p. 243, and also in
a manuscript list made by him of all the editions. It is stated to have
contained, as before, seventeen legends. I have never seen it.
_The Last part of the Mirour for Magistrates.--Imprinted at
London in Fleetstreete, neere vnto Sainct Dunstanes Church, by
Thomas Marsh. 1578. Cum Priuilegio._ 190 leaves.
Two additional legends were introduced, viz:
28. Dame Eleanor Cobham, Duchess of Gloucester. _Ferrers._
29. Plantagenet, Duke of Gloucester. _Ferrers._
In the table of Contents to the edition of 1559, there is entered:
“Good Duke Humfry murdered, and Eleanor Cobham his wife banished,”
though no articles appear of that nature in the order of reference.
What occasioned them to be deferred, it would be in vain now to
inquire, or conjecture.
_The Seconde part of the Mirrour for Magistrates, conteining
the falles of the infortunate Princes of this Lande. From
the Conquest of Cæsar, vnto the comyng of Duke William the
Conquerour. Imprinted by Richard Webster, Anno Domini. 1578._ 72
leaves.
This title is in an elegant architectural compartment, supported by
crouching satyrs, and having upon the sill “Goe straight and feare not.”
It contains 12 legends, viz:
1. Guidericus. 7. Sigebert.
2. Carassus. 8. Lady Ebbe.
3. Hellina. 9. Alurede.
4. Vortiger. 10. Egelrede.
5. Pengragon. 11. Edricus.
6. Cadwallader. 12. Harold.
The whole was the production of THOMAS BLENERHASSET, and was, if we
may believe the printer’s epistle, published without the knowledge
or sanction of the author. In that epistle the writer speaks of
“findyng a booke already in print, entituled, _The first and third
part of the Mirrour for Magistrates_;” which appears only a convenient
alteration of the two titles already given, there not being any edition
distinguished as the _Third_ part.
_The Mirour for Magistrates, wherein may be seene, by examples
passed in this Realme, with how greeuous plagues vices are
punished in great Princes and Magistrates, and how fraile and
vnstable worldly prosperity is found, where Fortune seemeth most
highly to fauour: Newly imprinted, and with the addition of
diuers Tragedies enlarged. At London in Fleetstreete, by Henry
Marsh, being the assigne of Thomas Marsh. 1587. Cvm privilegio._
283 leaves.
A short preface, grounded upon the prefatory epistle of 1574, is
substituted for that, and followed by a metrical address from THOMAS
NEWTON to the reader. Some additional legends by HIGGINS are introduced
in the body of the work; and several others in continuance. Their
titles are
18. Jago. 30. Hamo.
19. Pinnar. 31. Drusus.
20. Stater. 32. Domitius.
21. Rudache. 33. Galba.
22. Brennus. 34. Otho.
23. Emerianus. 35. Vitellius.
24. Chirinnus. 36. Londricus.
25. Varianvs. 37. Severus.
26. Caesar. 38. Frelgentius.
27. Nero. 39. Geta.
28. Caligula. 40. Caracella.
29. Guiderius.
On the reverse of folio 108, commences the Part edited by BALDWIN. The
brief Memorial to the reader is given; and the 29 legends already
named with the addition of four, viz:
30. Burdet. _Higgins._ 32. Flodden Field. _Dingley._
31. James IV. 33. Wolsey. _Churchyard._
The productions of BALDWIN and HIGGINS are here united with additional
matter and corrections; and this being the last printed by either of
the original editors, may be characterised, and has been now adopted,
as the STANDARD EDITION.
_A Mirovr for Magistrates: Being a trve chronicle historic of
the vntimely falles of such vnfortvnate Princes and men of note,
as haue happened since the first entrance of Brute into this
Iland, vntill this our latter Age. Newly enlarged with a last
part, called A Winter night’s Vision, being an addition of such
Tragedies, especially famous, as are exempted in the former
Historie, with a Poem annexed, called England’s Eliza. At London
Imprinted by Felix Kyngston._ 1610.
_The Falles of Vnfortvnate Princes. Being a trve chronicle
historic of the vntimely death of such vnfortunate Princes and
men of Note, as haue happened since the first entrance of Brvte
into this Iland, vntill this our latter Age. Wherevnto is added
the famovs life and death of Qveene Elizabeth, with a declaration
of all the Warres, Battels and Sea-fights, during her Raigne:
wherein at large is described the Battell of 88. with the
particular seruice of all such Ships, and men of note in that
action. Contre fortune nul ne peut. At London, Imprinted by F.
K. for William Aspley, and are to be sold at his shop in Pauls
Churchyard at the Signe of the Parrot._ 1619. also 1621. 448
leaves.
Both titles are found to the same edition. The last appears an attempt
to new vamp the remainder of an unsaleable and justly depreciated
article. A large part of the volume is formed from the labours of
Higgins, Blenerhasset, and Baldwin, and reprinted on the laudable
plan of collecting them together, by RICHARD NICCOLS. Unfortunately
the original spirit and character is materially affected, if not
destroyed, by his choosing to omit all intermediate matter between the
legends, whether prose or verse: for the _L’envoy_ of _Higgins_, and
conversations of _Blenerhasset_ and _Baldwin_ are alike rejected. And
his total want of respect for the original text, in addition to a false
taste in remodelling it to please his own ear and fancy, has scarcely
left a Legend that does not exhibit specimens of this unwarrantable
liberty:[31] indeed it has long been known that the only value his
collection now retains, is for that part completed by his own pen,
which forms the remainder of the volume.
His own explanatory advertisement may be preserved here; it is addressed
TO THE READER.
“To acquaint you in briefe with what is done in this impression:
know that the verse is in proportion by measure, and in symphonie
or rithmos, in diuers places amended; the storie in some places
false and corrupted, made historically true; the tragedies
wrongly inserted, disposed in their proper places, according to
iust computation of time; those neuer before collected in one
volume, published in this impression: for the forme and frame of
the whole historie I did intend to haue reduced it into the same
order, which I haue obserued in my Additions; but preuented by
other occasions, I haue thus digested it. The tragedies from the
time of Brute to the Conquest I haue left, with dependencie vpon
that Induction written by M. Higins: Those from the Conquest to
this our last age, that is, to the fall of the Lord Cromwell,
excellently well penned by M. Drayton, hath reference to that
golden Preface called M. Sackuil’s Induction. After these I haue
placed my Additions, the falles of such Princes as were before
omitted, and my Poem or Hymne of the late dead Queene of famous
memorie. In all which I require no other gratification for my
pains, but a gentle censure of my imperfections.”
Niccols in the first division gives the forty legends by JOHN HIGGINS,
and ten of those by THOMAS BLENERHASSET, the two of Guiderius and
Alurede being rejected. Then a new title:
_The variable Fortvne and vnhappie falles of svch Princes as
hath happened since the Conquest. Wherein may be seene the
instabilitie and change of state in great Personages. At London,
Imprinted by Felix Kyngston. 1609._
Prefixed to this part is a short prose address from the Editor on his
following the supposed plan of Sackville, by placing the Induction at
the beginning as a prefatory poem. He has retained twenty-nine of the
legends of BALDWIN, and others, already noticed, omitting for reasons
not assigned the following four; _Richard Duke of Gloucester_, _James
Ist and IVth_, and the _Battle of Flodden Field_: and adding that of
_Lord Cromwell_ by MICHAEL DRAYTON.
These reprints occupy 548 pages; the remainder of the volume is
original, and in two divisions.
_A Winter nights vision: being an addition of svch princes
especially famous, who were exempted in the former Historie. By
Richard Niccols, Oxon. Mag. Hall. At London Imprinted by Felex
Kyngston, 1610._
Dedicatory sonnet to the Earl of Nottingham, prose address to the
reader, The Induction, and ten legends, viz:
1. Arthur. 6. K. Richard I.
2. Edmund Ironside. 7. K. John.
3. Alfred. 8. K. Edward II.
4. Godwin. 9. K. Edward V. and brother.
5. Robert Curthose. 10. K. Richard III.
_England’s Eliza: or the victoriovs and Trivmphant reigne of that
virgin Empresse of sacred Memorie, Elizabeth, Queene of England,
France and Ireland, &c. At London Imprinted by Felix Kyngston.
1610._
Dedicatory sonnet to Lady Elizabeth Clere, a prose advertisement, The
Induction, and the poem of England’s Eliza.
_The Mirror for Magistrates._
IN FIVE PARTS, 1815.
Above three years have elapsed since the present edition was projected.
It was then intended to form one of a series of reprints of poetical
works of the Elizabethan æra that had ceased to be attainable, though
entitled by merit to be rescued from undeserved obscurity, and was
to have been attached to a periodical work, which has now ceased its
circulation.
To select so voluminous a performance as the _Mirror for Magistrates_
might appear extraordinary, had not a more complete edition than
has hitherto appeared, been long wanted. A want, which, as the
work combined the desultory productions of many writers, and was
interspersed with incidental narrative in prose, could not, although
a national poem, be supplied by any collection of the English poets.
It is true that Sackville’s Induction and the Legend of Buckingham
may be found in Dr. Anderson’s collection: but this was a partial
appropriation rather fitting the _Elegant Extracts_, than _a Complete
Edition of the English poets_, from which such a fragment was of course
displaced. There was also wanted a certain list of the many editions,
with their various additions: what laboured research had not hitherto
supplied, for even the critical and valuable examination of the work by
Warton, was known, from the references, to have several errors.
The hallowed voice of 'elden’ critics[32] was uniform in its favour;
and to that might be joined the opinion of several literary friends,
who, on the subject being first agitated, by their assistance made the
difficulties that appeared unsurmountable, vanish. It is now comprised
in two volumes and five parts, as follows:
PART I.--SIXTH EDITION:
by John Higgins,[33] is reprinted from the standard edition of 1587
collated with those of 1575, and 1610; and contains
_In prose._--The Epistle Dedicatory.--*I. Higgins to the Reader.--*A
Preface to the Reader.--_In verse_:--Thomas Newton to the Reader.--The
Author’s Induction.--LEGENDS:
1. Albanact. 21. Emerianus.
2. Humber. 22. Chirinnus.
3. Locrinus. 23. Varianus.
4. Elstride. 24. Nennius.
5. Sabrine. 25. Irenglass.
6. Madan. 26. Cæsar.
7. Malin. 27. Nero.
8. Mempricius. 28. Caligula.
9. Bladud. 29. Guiderius.
10. Cordila. 30. Homo.
11. Morgan. 31. Drusus.
12. Jago. 32. Domitius.
13. Forrex. 33. Galba.
14. Porrex. 34. Otho.
15. Pinnar. 35. Vitellius.
16. Stater. 36. Londricus.
17. Rudacke. 37. Severus.
18. Brennus. 38. Fulgentius.
19. Kimarus. 39. Geta.
20. Morindus. 40. Caracalla.
Niccols rejected the matter distinguished above with an asterisk, and
also the intermediate verses as “L’envoy” that connected the legends,
which are now restored; and in the notes are given the variations, as
originally printed, under the title of “the authour.” Of the legends
No. 9, 13, and 14, the notes contain those as printed in the first
edition.
PART II. THIRD EDITION:
by Thomas Blenerhasset,[34] from the edition of 1578, collated with
that of 1610. Contains
*The Printer to the Reader.--*The Authour’s Epistle unto his
friends.--LEGENDS:
*1. Guiderinas. 7. Sigebert.
2. Carassus.[35] 8. Ebbe.
3. Hellina. *9. Alurede.
4. Vortiger. 10. Egelrede.
5. Pendragon. 11. Edricus.
6. Cadwallader. 12. Harold.
The original intermediate prose inductions are now given, which, as
well as the articles that have asterisks affixed, were rejected by
Niccols.
PART III. EIGHTH EDITION:
by William Baldwin, and his Assistants, is now printed from the edition
of 1587, collated with those of 1559, 63, 71, 75, 78, and 1610; and
contains
_In prose._--*The Epistle dedicatory.--*William Baldwin to the
reader.--Richard Niccols to the reader.--LEGENDS:
1. Tresilian _Ferrers._[36]
2. Two Mortimers _Cavyll_.[37]
3. Gloucester _Ferrers_.
4. Norfolk _Chaloner_.[38]
5. Richard II. _Ferrers_.
6. Glendour _Phaer_.[39]
7. Northumberland _Baldwin_.[40]
8. Cambridge _Baldwin_.
9. Salisbury. _Baldwin_.
10. *James I. _Baldwin_.
11. Duchess of Gloucester _Ferrers_.
12. Duke of Gloucester _Ferrers_.
13. Suffolk _Baldwin_.
14. Jack Cade _Baldwin_.
15. Somerset _Ferrers_.
16. Yorke _Baldwin_.
17. Clifford _Baldwin_.
18. Worcester _Baldwin_.
19. Warwick _Baldwin_.
20. Henry VIth _Baldwin_.
21. Clarence _Baldwin_.
22. Edward IVth _Skelton_.[41]
23. Rivers _Baldwin_.
24. Hastings _Dolman_.[42]
INDUCTION _Sackville_.[43]
25. Buckingham _Sackville_.
26. Collingborn _Baldwin_.
27. *Richard III. _Segar_.[46]
28. The Blacksmith _Cavyll_.
29. Burdet _Higgins_.
30. *James IV. _Anonymous_.
31. *Floddon Field _Dingley_.[47]
32. Jane Shore _Churchyard_.[48]
33. Wolsey _Churchyard_.
34. Lord Cromwell _Drayton_.[49]
To the further omissions of Niccols in this part, distinguished as
before, may be added the intermediate conversations, in their original
text, which are here restored.
PARTS IV. AND V.--SECOND EDITION:
by Richard Niccols,[50] containing _A Winter’s Night’s Vision_, and
_England’s Eliza_, are from the edition of 1610.
Such is the analysis of the following volumes, of which the bulk
required some historical matter, intended for notes, to be suppressed.
No single library could be expected to contain the many editions used
in collation; and copies inspected, of value in other respects.
The indulgent loan of those stores claims the acknowledgement of my
obligation to Mr. Heber, Mr. Douce, the Hon. Mr. Nassau, Mr. Utterson,
and Mr. Gilchrist. The like is due to my friend Sir Egerton Brydges,
from whom I have also derived much valuable assistance in the course of
the undertaking.
Only one hundred and fifty copies are printed beyond the number
demandable under a late Act of Parliament; and let it be recorded, that
the work was put to press long before that censurable measure was in
agitation, whereby it falls with all the weight and injustice of an _ex
post facto_ law upon the proprietors.
JOS. HASLEWOOD.
CONDUIT STREET,
_22d Sept. 1815_.
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
Volume I.
PART I.
_Dedication to the nobility, &c. John Higgins_ Page 3
_Address to the Reader from first edition. John Higgins_ 7
_Preface from ed. 1587. John Higgins_ 11
_To the Reader from ed. 1587. Thomas Newton_ 13
_The Author’s Induction, 1575-8. John Higgins_ 15
LEGENDS.
1 How King _Albanact_ the yongest son of _Brutus_, and
first King of Albany (now called Scotland) was slaine by King
_Humber_. Ant. C. 1085. _John Higgins_ 21
2 How _Humber_ the King of Hunnes minding to conquer
Britaine was drowned in the arme of sea now called Humber. Ant.
C. 1085. _Higgins_ 47
3 How King _Locrinus_ the eldest sonne of _Brutus_
liued vitiously, and was slaine in battaile by his wyfe Queene
_Guendoline_. Ant. C. 1064. _Higgins_ 53
4 How Queene _Elstride_ the Concubine, and second Wife,
of King _Locrinus_, was miserably drowned by Queene
_Guendoline_. Ant. C. 1064. _Higgins_ 62
5 How the Lady _Sabrine_, daughter of King _Locrinus_
and _Elstride_, was drowned by Queen _Guendoline_. Ant.
C. 1064. _Higgins_ 77
6 How King _Madan_ for his euill life was slayne by wolues.
Ant. C. 1009. _Higgins_ 86
7 How King _Malin_ was slayne by his brother King
_Mempricius_. Ant. C. 1009. _Higgins_ 92
8 How King _Mempricius_ giuen all to lust, was deuoured by
wolues. Ant. C. 989. _Higgins_ 98
9 How King _Bladud_ taking on him to fly, fell vpon the
Temple of _Apollo_, and brake his necke. Ant. C. 844.
_Higgins_ 106
10 How Queene _Cordila_ in dispaire slew her selfe. Ant. C.
800. _Higgins_ 123
11 How King _Morgan_ of Albany was slayne at Glamorgan in
Wales. Ant. C. 760. _Higgins_ 143
12 How King _Iago_ dyed of the Lethargie. Ant. C. 612.
_Higgins_ 149
13 How King _Forrex_ was slayne by his brother King _Porrex_.
Ant. C. 491. _Higgins_ 153
14 How King _Porrex_ which slewe his brother, was slaine by his
owne mother and hir maydens. Ant. C. 491. _Higgins_ 163
15 How King _Pinnar_ was slain in battayle by _Mulmucius Donwallo_.
Ant. C. 441. _Higgins_ 172
16 How King _Stater_ of Scotland was slayne by _Mulmucius Donwallo_.
Ant. C. 441. _Higgins_ 175
17 How King _Rudacke_ of Wales was slayne by _Mulmucius
Donwallo_. Ant. C. 441. _Higgins_ 178
18 How the noble King _Brennus_ after many triumphant victories,
at the seege of Delphos in Greece slewe himselfe. Ant.
C. 375. _Higgins_ 183
19 How King _Kimarus_ was deuoured by wilde beastes. Ant.
C. 321. _Higgins_ 208
20 How King _Morindus_ was deuoured by a monster. Ant. C.
303. _Higgins_ 213
21 How King _Emerianus_ for his tirany was deposed. Ant. C.
235 _Higgins_ 220
22 How King _Chirinnus_ giuen to dronkennesse, raygned but
one yeare. Ant. C. 137. _Higgins_ 222
23 How King _Varianus_ gaue himselfe to the lustes of the
flesh. Ant. C. 136. _Higgins_ 226
24 How the worthie Britaine Duke _Nennius_, as a
valiaunt soldier and faithfull subiecte, encountred with
_Iulius Cæsar_, and was by him death wounded. Ant. C. 52.
_Higgins_ 230
25 How the Lord _Irenglas_ cosen to King
_Cassibellane_, was slayne by the Lord _Elimine_ cosen
to _Androgeus_ Earle of London. Ant. C. 51. _Higgins_
246
26 How _Caius Iulius Cæsar_, which first made this Realme
tributorie to the Romans, was slaine in the Senate house.
_Higgins_ 260
27 How _Claudius Tiberius_ Nero Emperour of Rome, was poysoned
by _Caius Caligula_. A. D. 39. _Higgins_ 276
28 How _Caius Cæsar Caligula_ Emperour of Rome, was slayne
by _Cherea_ and others. A. D. 42. _Higgins_ 283
29 How _Guiderius_ King of Britayne and the elder sonne of
_Cimbaline_, was slayne in battayle by a Romayne. A. D. 44-46.
_Higgins_ 286
30 How _Lelius Hamo_ the Romayne Captayne was slayne after
the slaughter of _Guiderius_. A. D. 46. _Higgins_ 289
31 How _Claudius Tiberius Drusus_ Emperour of Rome, was
poysoned by his wife _Agrippina_. A. D. 56. _Higgins_ 291
32 How the Emperour _Domitius Nero_ liued wickedly and
tyrannously, and in the end miserably slewe himselfe. A. D. 70.
_Higgins_ 296
33 How _Sergius Galba_ the Emperour of Rome (gieuen to
slaughter, ambition, & glotony) was slayne by the souldiers.
A. D. 71. _Higgins_ 301
34 How the vicious _Siluius Otho_, Emperour of Rome, slew
himselfe. A. D. 71. _Higgins_ 304
35 How _Aulus Vitellius_ Emperour of Rome, came to an infortunate
end. A. D. 71. _Higgins_ 307
36 How _Londricus_ the Pict was slayne by King _Marius_ of
Britaine. A. D. 80. _Higgins_ 310
37 How _Seuerus_ the Emperour of Rome and Gouernour of
Britayne was slaine at Yorke, fighting against the Picts. A. D.
206-13. _Higgins_ 313
38 How _Fulgentius_ a Scythian, or Pict, was slayne at the seege
of Yorke. A. D. 206-13. _Higgins_ 320
39 How _Geta_ the yonger sonne of the Emperour
_Seuerus_ once Gouernour of Britayne, was slayne in his
mother’s armes, by his brother _Antonine_ Emperour of Rome.
A. D. 214. _Higgins_ 325
40 How _Aurelius Antonius Bassianus Caracalla_ Emperour of
Rome, was slayne by one of his owne seruauntes. A. D. 209.
_Higgins_ 330