any, nor none will I accuse; but your Honours do know that in
this Controversy that hath been, some be called Papists, and some
Protestants."
"But we must know whom thou judgest to be Papists, and that we command
thee, upon thine allegiance to declare!"
"Sir," said I, "I think if you look among the priests in Paul's, ye
shall find some old _Mumpsimuses_ there."
"_Mumpsimuses_, knave!" said he, "_Mumpsimuses!_ Thou art an heretic
knave, by God's blood!"
"Ay, by the mass!" says the Earl of BATH, "I warrant him an heretic
knave indeed."
"I beseech your Honours!" said I, speaking to the Lords that sat at
table; for those other stood by, and were not then of the Council,
"be my good Lords! I have offended no laws, and I have served the
Queen's Majesty's father and brother a long time; and in their service
have spent and consumed part of my living, never having, as yet, any
preferment or recompense; and the rest of my fellows likewise, to our
utter undoings, unless the Queen's Highness be good unto us. And for my
part, I went not forth against Her Majesty; notwithstanding that I was
commanded, nor liked those doings."
"No, but with your writings, you would set us together by the ears!"
said the Earl of ARUNDEL.
"He hath spent his living wantonly," saith BOURNE, "and now saith he
has spent it in the King's service; which I am sorry for. He is come of
a worshipful house in Worcestershire."
"It is untruly said of you," said I, "that I have spent my living
wantonly: for I never consumed any part thereof until I came into the
King's service; which I do not repent, nor doubted of recompense, if
either of my two masters had lived. I perceive you [to be] BOURNE's son
of Worcester; who was beholden unto my uncle WYNTER, and therefore you
have no cause to be my enemy: nor you never knew me, nor I you before
now, which is too soon."
"I have heard enough of you," said he.
"So have I of you," said I, "how that Master SHELDON drave you out of
Worcestershire, for your behaviour."
With that, came Sir EDWARD HASTINGS from the Queen, in great haste,
saying, "My Lords! you must set all things apart, and come forthwith to
the Queen."
Then said the Earl of SUSSEX, "Have this gentleman unto the Fleet until
we may talk further with him!" though I was "knave," before, of Master
GAGE.
"To the Fleet!" said Master SOUTHWELL, "have him to the Marshalsea!"
"Have the gentleman to Newgate!" saith Master GAGE again, "Call a
couple of the Guard here."
"Ay," saith BOURNE, "and there shall be a letter sent to the keeper
how he shall use him; for we have other manner of matters to him than
these."
"So had ye need," said I, "or else I care not for you!"
"Deliver him to Master [_after Sir WILLIAM_] GARRARD, the Sheriff [of
London]," said he, "and bid him send him to Newgate."
"My Lord," said I, unto my Lord of ARUNDEL, (for that he was next to
me) as they were rising, "I trust you will not see me thus used, to be
sent to Newgate. I am neither thief nor traitor."
"You are a naughty fellow!" said he, "you were always tutting in the
Duke of NORTHUMBERLAND's ear, that you were!"
"I would he had given better ear unto me," said I; "it had not been
with him then, as it is now" [_waiting his trial in the Tower_].
* * * * *
Master HASTINGS passing by me, I thought good to prove him; although he
threatened me, before noon.
"Sir," said I, "I pray you speak for me, that I be not sent to Newgate;
but rather unto the Fleet, which was first named. I have not offended.
I am a Gentleman, as you know; and one of your fellows, when you were
of that Band of the Pensioners."
Very quietly, he said unto me, "I was not at the talk, Master
UNDERHILL; and therefore I can say nothing to it." But I think he was
well content with the place I was appointed to.
So went I forth with my two fellows of the Guard, who were glad they
had the leading of me, for they were great Papists.
"Where is that knave, the printer [_of the ballad_]?" said Master GAGE.
"I know not," said I.
* * * * *
When we came to the Tower gate, where Sir JOHN BRYDGES [_afterwards
Lord CHANDOS of Sudeley, see p. 128_] had the charge, [who was there]
with his brother Master THOMAS; with whom I was well acquainted, (but
not with Sir JOHN) who, seeing the two of the Guard leading me, without
their halberts, rebuked them; and stayed me while they went for their
halberts.
His brother said unto me, "I am sorry you should be an offender, Master
UNDERHILL."
"I am none, Sir!" said I, "nor went I against the Queen."
"I am glad of that," said he.
And so forth we went at the gate, where was a great throng of people to
hear and see what prisoners were committed: and amongst whom stood, my
friend Master IVE, the High Constable, my next neighbour.
One of the Guard went forth at the wicket before me, to take me by the
arm, the other held me by the other arm; fearing, belike, I would have
shifted [_escaped_] from them amongst the people.
When my friend, who had watched at the gate all the forenoon saw me
thus led; he followed afar off, as PETER did CHRIST, to see what should
become of me. Many also followed, some that knew me: some to learn who
I was; for that I was in a gown of satin.
Thus passed we through the streets, well accompanied, unto Master
GARRARD, the Sheriff's house, in the Stocks Market. My friend Master
IVE tarried at the gate.
These two of the Guard declared unto Master Sheriff, that they were
commanded by the Council to deliver me unto him, and he to send me unto
Newgate: saying, "Sir, if it please you, we will carry him thither."
With that, I stepped unto Master Sheriff, and, taking him a little
aside, requested him that, forasmuch as their commission was but to
deliver me unto him, and _he_ to send me into Newgate, that he would
send me by his officers: for the request was of mere malice.
"With a goodwill!" said Master Sheriff.
"Masters!" said he, "you may depart! I will send my officers with this
gentleman anon; when they be come in."
"We will see him carried, Sir!" said they, "for our discharge."
Then the Sheriff said sharply unto them, "What! do you think that I
will not do the Council's commandment? You are discharged by delivering
him unto me!"
With that, they departed.
My friend, Master IVE, seeing them depart and leave me behind, was very
glad thereof: and tarried still at the gate to see farther.
All this talk in the Sheriff's hall, did my Lord RUSSELL, son and heir
to the Earl of BEDFORD, hear and see; who was at commandment [_under
arrest_] in the Sheriff's house, and his chamber joining into the hall,
wherein he might look: who was very sorry for me, for that I had been
familiar with him in matters of religion, as well on the other side the
seas as at home. He sent me on the morrow, 20s. [= _about £10 now_];
and every week as much, while I was in Newgate.
When these two companions of the Guard were gone, the Sheriff sent two
of his officers with me, who took no bills with them, nor lead me; but
followed a pretty way behind me: for as I said unto Master Sheriff,
"But for order's sake and to save him blameless, I would have gone unto
Newgate myself, at the Council's commandment, or his either."
When I came into the street, my friend Master IVE, seeing me have such
liberty, and such distance betwixt me and the officers, he stepped
before them, and so went talking with me through Cheapside: so that it
was not well perceived that I was apprehended, but by the great company
that followed.
The officers delivered me unto the Keeper of Newgate, as they were
commanded: who unlocked a door, and willed me to go up the stairs into
the Hall. My friend IVE went up with me; where we found three or four
prisoners that had the liberty of the house.
After a little talk with my friend, I required him not to let my wife
know that I was sent to Newgate, but [to say] to the Counter, until
such time that she were near her _churching_: and that she should send
me my night-gown, my _Bible_, and my Lute. And so he departed.
* * * * *
In a while after, it was supper time [_i.e., about 5 p.m._]. The board
was covered in the same hall. The Keeper, whose name was ALEXANDER, and
his wife came to supper; and half a dozen prisoners that were there for
felonies: for I was the first, for religion, that was sent unto that
prison; but the cause why, the Keeper knew not.
One of those prisoners took acquaintance of [_recognised_] me,
and said, "He was a soldier under Sir RICHARD CROMWELL in the
journey [_in July, 1543_] to Landreci [in Hainault], where he did
know me and whose servant I was, at the same time; and who, the
next year following [1544], when the famous King HENRY VIII. went
unto Boulogne, did put me unto his Majesty into the room of a
man-at-arms. Of the which Band, there were 200 of us, upon barded
horses, all in one suit of red and yellow damask, the bards of our
horses and plumes of feathers of the same colours, to attend upon
his Majesty for the defence of his person."
After supper, this good fellow whose name was BRYSTOW procured me
to have a bed in his chamber. He could play well upon the rebeck
[_violin_]. He was a tall man, and afterwards of the Queen MARY's
Guard, and yet a Protestant, which he kept secret: "For else," he said,
"he should not have found such favour as he did at the Keeper's hands,
and his wife's; for to such as love the Gospel, they were very cruel."
"Well," said I, "I have sent for my _Bible_; and by GOD's grace,
therein shall be my daily exercise. I will not hide it from them."
"Sir!" said he, "I am poor; but they will bear with you, for that they
see your estate is to pay well; and I will shew you the nature and
manner of them: for I have been here a a good while. They both do love
music very well; wherefore you with your lute, and I to play with you
on my rebeck, will please them greatly. He loveth to be merry, and to
drink wine; and she also. If you will bestow upon them every dinner and
supper a quart of wine, and some music: you shall be their white son,
and have all the favour that they can shew you!" And so it came to pass.
And now I think it good a little to digress from my matter
concerning my imprisonment and my deliverance; and to note
the great mercy of GOD shewed unto his servants in that great
Persecution in Queen MARY's time: how mightily and how many ways
he preserved such as did fear Him, even as He preserved DANIEL,
JEREMY, PAUL, and many in the old time.
Some were moved by His Spirit to flee over the seas. Some were
preserved still in London, that, in all the time of persecution,
never bowed their knees unto Baal: for there was no such place to
shift [_hide_] in, in this realm, as London, notwithstanding their
great spiall and search; nor no better place to shift the Easter
time [_to avoid being houselled, i.e., taking the sacrament_] than
in Queen MARY's Court, serving in the room I did, as shall be
shewed hereafter [_p._ 88].
A great number, God did strengthen constantly to stand to His Word,
to glorify His name, which be praised for ever and ever, world
without end! And some be preserved for these days.
And now again to prosecute the matter of my trouble and wonderful
deliverance out of that loathsome gaol of Newgate.
When that I had been there about two weeks [_5th-18th August, 1553_],
through the evil savours, and great unquietness of the lodgings, as
also by occasion of drinking of a draught of strong Hollock [a sweet]
wine, as I was going to bed, which my chamber fellow would needs have
me to pledge him in, I was cast into an extreme burning ague, that I
could take no rest, and desiring to change my lodging. And so did, from
one to another, but none could I abide; there was so many evil savours,
and so much noise of prisoners.
The Keeper and his wife offered me his own parlour, where he himself
lay: which was furthest from noise; but it was near the kitchen, the
savour of which I could not abide. Then did she lay me in a chamber,
where she said never a prisoner lay, which was her store chamber, where
all her plate and money lay; which was much.
So much friendship I found at their hands, notwithstanding that they
were spoken unto, by several Papists. And the Woodmongers of London,
with whom I had had a great conflict for presenting them for false
marking of billets; they required the Keeper to show me no favour, and
to lay irons upon me, declaring that "I was the greatest heretic in
London."
My very friend Master RECORDE, Doctor of Physic, singularly seen in
all the seven sciences, and a great Divine, visited me in the prison
(to his great peril if it had been known, who long time was at charges
and pains with me, gratis), and also after I was delivered. By means
whereof, and the Providence of GOD, I received my health.
* * * * *
My wife then was churched before her time, to be a suitor for my
deliverance; who put up a Supplication unto the Council declaring my
extreme sickness and small cause to be committed unto so loathsome
a gaol; requiring that I might be delivered, putting in sureties
to be forthcoming to answer farther when I should be called.
Which she obtained by the help of Master [afterwards Sir] JOHN
THROGMORTON, being the Master of the Requests, and my countryman
[_i.e., of Worcestershire_] and my kinsman. He, understanding who
were my enemies, took a time in their absence, and obtained [_on
21st August,1553_] a letter to the Keeper, subscribed by the Earl
of BEDFORD, the Earl of SUSSEX, [STEPHEN GARDINER the Bishop of]
WINCHESTER, [Sir ROBERT] ROCHESTER [Comptroller of the Household], and
[Sir EDWARD] WALDEGRAVE, to be delivered; putting in surety, according
to the request of my wife's Supplication.
With whom WINCHESTER talked, concerning the christening of
her child at the church at the Tower Hill; and the gossips
[_sponsors_], which were the Duke of SUFFOLK, the Earl of
PEMBROKE, and the Lady JANE, then being Queen: with the which, he
[_GARDINER_] was much offended.
My Lady THROGMORTON, wife unto Sir NICHOLAS THROGMORTON, was
the Queen's deputy; who named my son GUILDFORD after her [_the
Queen's_] husband.
Immediately after the christening was done [_on the 19th of July,
1553_], Queen MARY was proclaimed in Cheapside; and when my Lady
THROGMORTON came into the Tower, the Cloth of Estate was taken
down, and all things defaced. A sudden change! She would have gone
forth again; but could not be suffered.
But now again to my matter.
When my wife had obtained the letter, joyful she was; and brought her
brother, JOHN SPERYNE of London, merchant, with her; a very friendly
man, and zealous in the LORD: who was bound with me, according to the
Council's letters before Master CHEDELY, Justice of the Peace: who
came into the prison unto me; for I was so sick and weak that I was
constrained to tarry a while longer, and my wife with me day and night.
During all the time of my sickness, I was constrained to pay 8_d._ [=
_about_ 6_s._ 8_d. now_] every meal; and as much for my wife, and for
every friend that came to see me, if they were alone with me at dinner
or supper time, whether they came to the table or not; and paid also
40s. for a fine for irons [_i.e., for not being chained_] which they
said, "They shewed me great favour in; I should have else paid £4 or
£5."
Thus, when they perceived I did not amend, but rather [grew] worse and
worse; they thought it best to venture the matter; and provided a horse
litter to carry me home to Limehurst. I was so weak that I was not able
to get down the stairs; wherefore one that was servant to the gaoler,
who, beforetime, had been my man, who was also very diligently and
friendly unto me, took me in his arms, and carried me down the stairs
to the horse-litter, which stood ready at the prison door; and went
with me to my house.
Many people were gathered to see my coming forth, who praised GOD for
my deliverance, being very sorry to see my state, and the lamentation
of my wife and her friends, who judged I would not live until I came
home.
I was not able to endure the going of the horse-litter, wherefore they
were fain to go very softly, and oftentimes to stay; at which times,
many of my acquaintances and friends and others resorted to see me:
so that it was two hours ere we could pass from Newgate to Aldgate;
and so within night, before I could get to my house. Where many of
my neighbours resorted to see me taken out of the horse-litter; who
lamented and prayed for me, thinking it not possible for me to escape
death, but by the great mercy of GOD.
Thus I continued for the space of eight or ten days, without any
likelihood or hope of amendment.
I was sent to Newgate, the 5th day of August; and was delivered the 5th
day of September.
* * * * *
The 1st day of October, was Queen MARY crowned; by which time I was
able to walk up and down my chamber. Being very desirous to see the
Queen pass through the City, I got up on horseback, being scant able to
sit, girded in a long night-gown; with double kerchiefs about my head,
a great hat upon them; my beard dubbed [_clotted_] hard too. My face so
lean and pale that I was the very Image of Death; wondered at of all
that did behold me; and unknown to any. My wife and neighbours were
too too sorry that I would needs go forth; thinking I would not return
alive.
Thus went I forth, having on either side of me a man to stay [_uphold_]
me; and so went to the West end of Paul's; and there placed myself
amongst others that sat on horseback to see the Queen pass by.
Before her coming, I beheld Paul's steeple bearing top and top-gallant
[yards] like a royal ship, with many flags and banners: and a man
[_PETER, a Dutchman_] triumphing and dancing in the top.
I said unto one that sat on horseback by me, who had not seen any
coronation, "At the coronation of King EDWARD, I saw Paul's steeple
lie at anchor, and now she weareth top and top-gallant. Surely, the
next will be shipwreck, ere it be long!" which chanceth sometimes
by tempestuous winds, sometimes by lightnings and fire from heaven.
But I thought that it should rather perish with some horrible wind,
than with lightning or thunderbolt [_evidently alluding to the
destruction by lightning of the Steeple, on the 4th June,1561_];
but such are the wonderful works of GOD, whose gunners will not
miss the mark that He doth appoint, be it never so little.
When the Queen passed by, many beheld me, for they might almost touch
me, the room [_space_] was so narrow; marvelling, belike, that one in
such a state would venture forth. Many of my fellows the Pensioners,
and others, and divers of the Council beheld me: and none of them all
knew me.
I might hear them say one to another, "There is one that loveth the
Queen well, belike; for he ventureth greatly to see her. He is very
like never to see her more." Thus my men whose hearing was quicker than
mine, that stood by me, heard many of them say.
The Queen herself, when she passed by, beheld me. Thus much I thought
good to write, to shew how GOD doth preserve that which seemeth to man
impossible; as many that day did judge of me. Thus returned I home.
* * * * *
And about two months after [_i.e., in December_], I was able to walk to
London at an easy pace; but still with my kerchiefs and pale lean face.
I muffled me with a sarsenet, which the rude people in the streets
would murmur at, saying, "What is he? Dare he not show his face?"
I did repair to my old familiar acquaintance, as drapers, mercers, and
others: and stood talking with them, and cheapened their wares; and
there was not one of them that knew me.
Then would I say unto them, "Do you not know me? Look better upon me!
Do you not know my voice?" For that also was altered.
"Truly," would they say, "you must pardon me! I cannot call you to
remembrance."
Then would I declare my name unto them; whereat they so marvelled, that
they could scarcely credit me, but for the familiar acquaintance that I
put them in remembrance of.
* * * * *
Thus passed I forth the time at Limehurst until Christmas [1553] was
passed, then I waxed something strong. I then thought it best to shift
from thence; for that I had there fierce enemies; especially [HENRY
MORE the Vicar of Stepney, Abbot _quondam_ of St. Mary de Grace on
Tower Hill. _He died in November, 1554._]
Whom I apprehended in King EDWARD's time, and carried him to
Croydon to CRANMER, Bishop of CANTERBURY, for that he disturbed
the Preachers in his Church [_at Stepney_] causing the bells
to be rung when they were at the Sermon; and sometimes begin to
sing in the Choir before the sermon were half done, and sometimes
challenge the Preacher in the Pulpit. For he was a strong stout
Popish prelate: whom the godly men of the parish were weary of;
specially my neighbours of the Limehurst, as Master DRIVER, Master
IVE, Master POINTER, Master MARCHE, and others.
Yet durst they not meddle with him, until it was my hap to come and
dwell amongst them: and for that I was the King's Servant, I took
it upon me; and they went with me to the Bishop to witness those
things against him. Who was too full of lenity. A little he rebuked
him, and bad him do no more so.
"My Lord," said I, "methinks, you are too gentle unto so stout a
Papist!"
"Well," said he, "we have no law to punish them by."
"We have, my Lord!" said I. "If I had your authority, I would be so
bold to un-Vicar him; or minister some sharp punishment unto him,
and such other. If ever it come to their turn; they will show you
no such favour."
"Well," said he, "if GOD so provide, we must abide it."
"Surely," said I, "GOD will never cone you thank for this; but
rather take the sword from such as will not use it upon His
enemies." And thus we departed.
The like favour is shewed now [_i.e., in ELIZABETH's reign_]; and
therefore the like plague will follow.
There was also another spiteful enemy at Stepney, called BANBERY,
a shifter, a dicer, &c., like unto DAPERS the dicer, MORGAN of
Salisbury Court, busking [Sir THOMAS, _also called_ Long] PALMER,
lusty YOUNG, [Sir] RALPH BAGNALL [_see Vol. III. p. 147_], [Sir]
MILES PARTRIDGE [_idem_], and such others. With which companions, I
was conversant a while; until I fell to reading the Scriptures, and
following the Preachers.
Then, against the wickedness of those men, which I had seen among
them; I put forth a ballet, uttering the falsehood and knavery that
I was made privy unto. For the which, they so hated me that they
raised false slanders and bruits of me, saying that "I was a spy
for the Duke of NORTHUMBERLAND": and calling me [Bishop] "HOOPER's
companion," for a bill that I set up upon Paul's gate, in defence
of HOOPER; and another at St. Magnus's Church, where he was too
much abused, with railing bills cast into the pulpit and other ways.
Thus became I odious unto most men, and many times in danger of
my life, even in King EDWARD's days. As also for apprehending one
ALLEN, a false prophesier [_of whom UNDERHILL says elsewhere_, This
ROBERT ALLEN was called the God of Norfolk, before they received
the light of the Gospel]; who bruited [_in January, 1551_] that
King EDWARD was dead, two years before it came to pass; who was a
great calculator for the same. But these jugglers and wicked dicers
were still in favour among the magistrates, and were advanced; who
were the sowers of sedition, and the destroyers of the two Dukes.
I pray God the like be not practised by such flatterers in these
days [_i.e., in ELIZABETH's reign_], according to the old proverb,
"He that will in Court dwell, must curry Fauvell." And
_He that will in Court abide,_
_Must curry Fauvell back and side,_
[_i.e._, he must curry or groom a horse, of Fauvell (a bright yellow or
tawny) colour (opposed to Sorell, a dark colour), back and side.]
for such get most gain.
I was also called "the hot Gospeller!" jesting and mocking me,
saying, "He is all of the Spirit!"
This was their common custom, at their tables, to jest and mock
the Preachers and earnest followers of the Gospel; even among the
magistrates: or else [speak] in wanton and ribald talk; which when
they fell into, one or other would look through [_along_] the
board, saying, "Take heed that UNDERHILL be not here!"
At Stratford on the Bow [_now Stratford at Bow_], I took the pix
of the altar; being of copper, stored with copper gods: the Curate
being present, and a Popish Justice dwelling in the town, called
Justice TAWE.
There was commandment it should not hang in a string over the
altar; and then, they set it upon the altar.