tarried that night all heavy, both feeble in body, and comfortless in
mind.
From that place, they passed to Master DODD's house, at Mimms [_near
Potters' Bar_]; where they also remained that night.
And so from thence, she came to Highgate: where she, being very sick,
tarried that night and the next day: during which time of her abode,
there came many pursuivants and messengers from the Court unto the
Lords; but what about, I cannot tell.
From that place, she was conveyed to the Court; where by the way came
to meet her, many gentlemen to accompany Her Highness, which were
very sorry to see her in that case: but especially a great multitude
of people that were standing by the way; who then flocking about her
litter, lamented and greatly bewailed her estate.
* * * * *
Now when she came to the Court, Her Grace was there straightways shut
up, and kept as close prisoner for a fortnight, seeing neither Queen,
nor Lord, nor friend at that time; but only then, the Lord Chamberlain,
Sir JOHN GAGE, and the Vice-Chamberlain, which were attendant upon the
doors.
About which time, Sir WILLIAM ST. LO was called before the Council;
to whose charge was laid, that he knew of WYATT's rebellion: which he
stoutly denied, protesting that he was a true man, both to God and his
Prince, defying all traitors and rebels. But being straitly examined,
was, in conclusion, committed to the Tower.
The Friday before Palm Sunday [_16th March_], [STEPHEN GARDINER] the
Bishop of WINCHESTER, with nineteen others of the Council (who shall
be here nameless, as I have promised) came unto Her Grace, from the
Queen's Majesty; and burdened [_accused_] her with WYATT's conspiracy:
which she utterly denied, affirming that "she was altogether guiltless
therein."
They being not contented with this, charged Her Grace with the business
made by Sir PETER CAREW and the rest of the Gentlemen of the West
Country; which she also utterly denying, cleared her innocency therein.
In conclusion, after long debating of matters, they declared unto her,
that "It was the Queen's will and pleasure that she should go unto the
Tower, while the matter were further tried and examined."
Whereat, she being aghast, said that "She trusted the Queen's Majesty
would be a more gracious Lady unto her; and that Her Highness would not
otherwise conceive of her, but that she was a true woman." Declaring
furthermore to the Lords, that "She was innocent in all those matters,
wherein they had burdened her, and desired them therefore to be a
further mean to the Queen her sister, that she, being a true woman in
thought, word, and deed, towards Her Majesty, might not be committed to
so notorious and doleful a place": protesting that she would request
no mercy at her hand, if she should be proved to have consented unto
any such kind of matter as they laid unto her charge. And therefore, in
fine, desired their Lordships to think of her what she was; and that
she might not so extremely be dealt withal for her truth.
Whereunto, the Lords answered that "There was no remedy. For that
the Queen's Majesty was fully determined that she should go unto the
Tower"; wherewith the Lords departed, with their caps hanging over
their eyes [_this was a purposed sign of disrespect_].
But not long after, within the space of an hour or a little more,
came four of the foresaid Lords of the Council, with the Guard, who
warding the next chamber to her, secluded all her Gentlemen and yeomen,
Ladies and gentlewomen; saving that for one Gentleman Usher, three
Gentlewomen, and two Grooms of her Chamber, were appointed in their
rooms, three other men, and three waiting women of the Queen's, to give
attendance upon her; that none should have access to her Grace.
At which time, there were a hundred of Northern soldiers, in white
coats, watching and warding about the gardens all that night: a
great fire being made in the midst of the Hall; and two certain Lords
watching there also with their Band and company.
* * * * *
Upon Saturday, being Palm Sunday Eve [_17th March_], two certain Lords
of the Council, whose names here also we do omit [_but who were the
Marquis of WINCHESTER and the Earl of SUSSEX_], came and certified
Her Grace that "forthwith she must go unto the Tower! the barge being
prepared for her, and the tide now ready, which tarrieth for nobody."
In heavy mood, Her Grace requested the Lords, that "She might tarry
another tide;" trusting that the next would be more joyous and better
_because in the day time_.
But one of the Lords [_i.e._, WINCHESTER] replied that "Neither tide
nor time was to be delayed!"
And when Her Grace requested him, that she might be suffered to write
to the Queen's Majesty, he answered that "He durst not permit that;"
adding that, "in his judgement it would rather hurt than profit Her
Grace in so doing."
But the other Lord, who was the Earl of SUSSEX, more courteous and
favourable, kneeling down, told Her Grace that "She should have liberty
to write, and, as he was a true man, he would deliver it to the Queen's
Highness; and bring an answer of the same, whatsoever came thereof."
Whereupon she wrote: albeit she could not, nor might not speak with
her; to her great discomfort, being no offender against Her Majesty.
[_The actual letter written by the Princess, at this moment, is in
the State Paper Office._ Domestic, MARY, Vol. IV. No. 2.
The Lady ELIZABETH to the Queen.
If any ever did try this old saying, that _A King's word was more
than another man's oath_, I most humbly beseech your Majesty to
verify it in me; and to remember your last promise, and my last
demand, that "I be not condemned without answer and due proof,"
which it seems that I now am: for, without cause proved, I am,
by your Council, from you, commanded to go to the Tower, a place
more wonted for a false traitor than a true subject, which, though
I know I desire it not, yet, in the face of all this realm, [it]
appears proved. While I pray to GOD I may die the shame-fullest
death that ever any died afore, if I may mean any such thing! and
to this present hour I protest before GOD (who shall judge my
truth, whatsoever malice shall devise), that I never practised,
counselled, nor consented to anything that might be prejudicial to
your person any way, or dangerous to the State by any means. And
therefore, I humbly beseech your Majesty to let me answer afore
yourself and not suffer me to trust to your Councillors; yea, and
that afore I go to the Tower, if it be possible, if not, before I
be further condemned. Howbeit, I trust assuredly your Highness will
give me leave to do it, afore I go; that thus shamefully, I may not
be cried out on, as I now shall be: yea, and without cause!
Let conscience move your Highness to take some better way with me
than to make me be condemned in all men's sight afore my desert
known! Also I most humbly beseech your Highness to pardon this my
boldness, which innocency procures me to do; together with hope
of your natural kindness which I trust will not see me cast away,
without desert: which what it is, I would desire no more of GOD but
that you truly knew; but which thing, I think and believe you shall
never by report know; unless by yourself you hear.
I have heard of many, in my time, cast away for want of coming to
the presence of their Prince; and, in late days, I heard my Lord
of SOMERSET say that "If his brother [_The Admiral Lord THOMAS_
_SEYMOUR_] had been suffered to speak with him, he had never
suffered; but persuasions were made to him so great that he was
brought in belief that he could not live safely if the Admiral
lived, and that made him give consent to his death." Though these
persons are not to be compared to your Majesty; yet, I pray GOD, as
evil persuasions persuade not one sister against the other! and all
for that they have heard false report, and not hearken to the truth
not known.
Therefore, once again, kneeling with humbleness of heart, because
I am not suffered to bow the knees of my body; I humbly crave
to speak with your Highness: which I would not be so bold as to
desire, if I knew not myself most clear, as I know myself most true.
And as for the traitor WYATT, he might peradventure, write me a
letter; but, on my faith, I never received any from him. And as
for the copy of the letter sent to the French King, I pray GOD may
confound me eternally if ever I sent him word, message, token, or
letter, by any means! And to this truth, I will stand in to my
death.
Your Highness's most faithful subject, that hath been from the
beginning, and will be to my end,
+ELIZABETH.+.
I humbly crave but only one word of answer from yourself.]
And thus the tide [_season_] and time passed away for that time, till
the next day, being Palm Sunday, when, about nine of the clock, these
two came again, declaring that "it was time for Her Grace to depart."
She answered, "If there be no remedy, I must be contented;" willing the
Lords to go on before.
And being come forth into the garden, she did cast up her eyes towards
the window; thinking to have seen the Queen, which she could not.
Whereat she said, "She marvelled much, what the Nobility of the realm
meant; which, in that sort, would suffer her to be led forth into
captivity, the LORD knew whither! for she did not."
After all this, she took her barge, with the two aforesaid Lords,
three of the Queen's Gentlewomen, and three of her own, her Gentleman
Usher, and two of her Grooms: lying and hovering upon the water, an
hour; for that they could not shoot the Bridge [_the tide used to rush
through the narrow spaces of old London bridge, with the force of a
mill-race_]: the bargemen being very unwilling to shoot the same so
soon as they did, because of the danger thereof. For the stern of the
boat struck upon the ground, the fall was so big, and the water was so
shallow.
Then Her Grace desired of the Lords, that "She might not land at the
stairs where all traitors and offenders customably used to land"
[_called the Traitor's Gate_].
They answered that "it was past their remedy; for that otherwise they
had in commandment."
"Well," said she, "if it be so, my Lords! I must needs obey it:
protesting before all your Honours, that here now steppeth as true a
subject as ever was, towards the Queen's Highness. And before thee, O
GOD! I speak it; having none other friends, but only Thee!"
The Lords declared unto her that "there was no time then to try the
truth."
"You have said well, my Lords!" quoth she, "I am sorry that I have
troubled you!"
So then they passed on [_i.e., through the Traitor's Gate_], and went
into the Tower: where were a great company of harnessed men, and armed
soldiers warding on both sides: whereat she being amazed, called the
Lords to her, and demanded "the cause, why those poor men stood there?"
They declared unto her, that "it was the use and order of the place so
to do."
"And if it be," quoth she, "for my cause; I beseech you that they may
be dismissed."
Whereat, the poor men kneeled down, and with one voice, desired GOD
to preserve Her Grace; who, the next day, were released of their cold
coats.
After this, passing a little further, she sat down upon a cold stone,
and there rested herself.
To whom, the Lieutenant [_Lord CHANDOS, see p._ 78] then being,
said, "Madam, you were best to come out of the rain! for you sit
unwholesomely."
She then replying, answered again, "Better sitting here, than in a
worse place! For, GOD knoweth! I know not whither you will bring me!"
With that, her Gentleman Usher wept. She demanded of him, "What he
meant so uncomfortably to use her, seeing she took him to be her
comforter, and not her dis-mayer: especially for that she knew her
truth to be such, that no man should have cause to weep for her." But
forth she went into the prison.
The doors were locked and bolted upon her; which did not a little
discomfort and dismay Her Grace. At what time, she called to her
gentlewoman for her book [_i.e., her Bible_], desiring GOD, "Not to
suffer her to build her foundation upon the sands, but upon the rocks!
whereby all blasts of blustering weather should have no power against
her."
After the doors were thus locked, and she close shut up; the Lords
had great conference how to keep ward and watch, every man declaring
his opinion in that behalf, agreeing straightly and circumspectly to
keep her: while that one of them, I mean the Lord of SUSSEX, swearing,
said, "My Lords! let us take heed! and do no more than our Commission
will bear us! whatsoever shall happen hereafter. And, further, let us
consider that she was the King our Master's daughter! and therefore let
us use such dealing, that we may answer unto it hereafter, if it shall
so happen! For just dealing," said he, "is always answerable."
Whereunto the other Lords agreed that it was well said of him: and
thereupon departed.
It would make a pitiful and strange story, here by the way, to touch
and recite what examinations and rackings of poor men there were, to
find out the knife that should cut her throat! what gaping among the
Lords of the Clergy to see the day, wherein they might wash their
goodly white rochets in her innocent blood? But especially the Bishop
of WINCHESTER, STEPHEN GARDINER, then Lord Chancellor, and ruler of the
rost.
Who then, within few days after [_March, 1554_], came unto her, with
divers other of the Council, and examined her of the talk that was at
Ashridge, betwixt her and Sir JAMES A CROFT concerning her removing
from thence to Donnington Castle, requiring her to declare, "What she
meant thereby?"
At the first, she, being so suddenly taken, did not well remember
any such house: but within a while, well advising herself, she said,
"Indeed, I do now remember that I have such a place: but I never lay in
it, in all my life. And as for any that hath moved me thereunto, I do
not remember."
Then to enforce the matter, they brought forth Sir JAMES A CROFT.
The Bishop of WINCHESTER demanded of her, "What she said to that man?"
She answered that, "She had little to say to him, or to the rest that
were then prisoners in the Tower. But my Lords!" quoth she, "you do
examine every mean prisoner of me! wherein, methinks, you do me great
injury! If they have done evil, and offended the Queen's Majesty, let
them answer to it accordingly. I beseech you, my Lords! join not me in
this sort with any of these offenders! And as concerning my going unto
Donnington Castle, I do remember Master HOBY and mine Officers, and you
Sir JAMES A CROFT! had such talk: but what is that to the purpose, my
Lords! but that I may go to my own houses at all times?"
The Lord of ARUNDEL, kneeling down, said, "Your Grace saith true! and
certainly we are very sorry that we have so troubled you about so vain
matters."
She then said, "My Lords, you did sift me very narrowly! But well I am
assured, you shall do no more to me, than GOD hath appointed: and so,
GOD forgive you all!"
At their departing, Sir JAMES A CROFT kneeled down, declaring that "He
was sorry to see the day in which he should be brought as a witness
against Her Grace." "But, I assure your Grace," said he, "I have been
marvellously tossed and examined touching your Highness; which, the
Lord knoweth! is strange to me. For I take GOD to record! before all
your Honours! I do not know anything of that crime that you have laid
to my charge! and will thereupon take my death, if I should be driven
to so straight a trial."
[There seems no doubt that at the back of all the following efforts
to alleviate and terminate the imprisonment of the Princess, was
the ever faithful Sir WILLIAM CECIL, working by many secret means,
as far as he dare.]
[Side note: These were not the Officers of the Tower, but such as went
in white and green.]
That day or thereabouts, divers of her own Officers, who had made
provision for her diet, brought the same to the utter [_outer_] gate of
the Tower; the common rascal soldiers receiving it: which was no small
grief unto the Gentlemen, the bearers thereof.
Wherefore they required to speak with [Sir JOHN GAGE] the Lord
Chamberlain, being then Constable of the Tower: who, coming before
his presence, declared unto his Lordship that "they were much afraid
to bring Her Grace's diet, and to deliver it unto such common and
desperate persons as they were, which did receive it; beseeching
His Honour to consider Her Grace, and to give such order that her
viands might at all times be brought in by them which were appointed
thereunto."
"Yea, sirs!" said he, "who appointed you this office?"
They answer, "Her Grace's Council!"
"Council!" quoth he, "there is none of them which hath to do, either in
that case, or anything else within this place; and, I assure you! for
that she is a prisoner, she shall be served with the Lieutenant's men,
as the other prisoners are."
Whereat the Gentlemen said that "They trusted for more favour at his
hands! considering her personage," saying that "They mistrusted not,
but that the Queen and her Council would be better to Her Grace than
so!" and therewith shewed themselves to be offended at the ungrateful
[_harsh_] words of the Lord Chamberlain, towards their Lady and
Mistress.
At this, he sware, by GOD! stroking himself on the breast; that "If
they did either frown or shrug at him; he would set them where they
should see neither sun nor moon!"
Thus taking their leave, they desired GOD to bring him into a better
mind towards Her Grace, and departed from him.
Upon the occasion whereof [_there being always a fear of poisoned
food_], Her Grace's Officers made great suit unto the Queen's Council,
that some might be appointed to bring her diet unto her; and that it
might no more be delivered in to the common soldiers of the Tower:
which being reasonably considered, was by them granted. Thereupon were
appointed one of her Gentlemen, her Clerk of the Kitchen, and her
two Purveyors, to bring in her provisions once a day. All which was
done. The warders ever waiting upon the bringers thereof (and the
Lord Chamberlain himself, being always with them), circumspectly and
narrowly watched and searched what they brought; and gave heed that
they should have no talk with any of Her Grace's waiting servants; and
so warded them both in and out.
At the said suit of her Officers, were sent, by the commandment of the
Council, to wait upon Her Grace, two Yeomen of her Chamber, one of her
Robes, two of her Pantry and Ewry, one of her Buttery, another of her
Cellar, two of her Kitchen, and one of her Larder: all which continued
with her, the time of her trouble.
Here the Constable (being at the first not very well pleased with the
coming in of such a company against his will) would have had his men
still to have served with Her Grace's men: which her servants, at no
hand, would suffer; desiring his Lordship to be contented, for "that
order was taken that no stranger should come within their offices."
At which answer, being sore displeased, he brake out into these
threatening words: "Well," said he, "I will handle you well enough!"
Then went he into the kitchen, and there would needs have his meat
roasted with Her Grace's meat; and said "His cook should come thither,
and dress it."
To that, Her Grace's Cook answered, "My Lord! I will never suffer any
stranger to come about her diet, but her own sworn men, so long as I
live!"
He said, "They should!"
But the Cook said, "His Lordship should pardon him for that matter!"
Thus did he trouble her poor servants very stoutly: though afterward
he were otherwise advised, and they were more courteously used at his
hands. And good cause why! For he had good cheer, and fared of the
best; and Her Grace paid well for it.
Wherefore he used himself afterwards more reverently towards Her Grace.
* * * * *
After this sort, having lain a whole month there, in close prison; and
being very evil at ease therewithal; she sent [_in April_] for the Lord
Chamberlain and Lord CHANDOS [_see p._ 78] to come and speak with her.
Who coming, she requested them that "She might have liberty to walk in
some place, for that she felt herself not well."
To the which, they answered that "They were right sorry that they could
not satisfy Her Grace's request; for that they had commandment to the
contrary, which they durst not in any wise break."
Furthermore, she desired of them, "If that could not be granted; that
she might walk but into the 'Queen's Lodgings.'"
"No, nor that!" they answered, "could, by any means, be obtained,
without a further suit to the Queen and her Council."
"Well," said she, "my Lords! if the matter be so hard that they must be
sued unto, for so small a thing; and that friendship be so strait, God
comfort me!"
And so they departed: she remaining in her old dungeon still; without
any kind of comfort, but only GOD.
The next day after, the Lord CHANDOS came again unto Her Grace,
declaring unto her that "He had sued unto the Council for further
liberty. Some of them consented thereunto. Divers others dissented, for
that there were so many prisoners in the Tower. But in conclusion, they
did all agree that Her Grace might walk into those 'Lodgings'; so that
he and the Lord Chamberlain, and three of the Queen's Gentlewomen did
accompany her: and the windows were shut, and she not suffered to look
out at any of them." Wherewith, she contented herself; and gave him
thanks for his goodwill in that behalf.
Afterwards, there was liberty granted to Her Grace to walk in a little
garden, the doors and gates being shut up; which, notwithstanding, was
as much discomfort unto her, as the walk in the garden was pleasant
and acceptable. At which times of her walking there, the prisoners on
that side straightly were commanded not to speak, or look out at the
windows into the garden, till Her Grace were gone out again: having in
consideration thereof, their keepers waiting upon them for that time.
Thus Her Grace, with this small liberty, contented herself in GOD, to
whom be praise therefore.
* * * * *
During this time, there used a little boy, the child of a man in the
Tower, to resort to their chambers, and many times to bring Her Grace
flowers; which likewise he did to the other prisoners that were there.
Whereupon naughty and suspicious heads thinking to make and wring out
some matter thereof, called, on a time, the child unto them, promising
him figs and apples, and asking, "When he had been with the Earl of
DEVONSHIRE?" not ignorant of the child's wonted frequenting unto him.
The boy answered that "He would go by-and-by thither."
Further they demanded of him, "When he was with the Lady ELIZABETH?"
He answered, "Every day!"
Furthermore they examined him, "What the Lord DEVONSHIRE sent by him to
Her Grace?"
The child said, "I will go [and] know what he will give to carry to
her." Such was the discretion of the child, being yet but three years
of age.
"This same is a crafty boy!" quoth the Lord Chamberlain; "what say you,
my Lord CHANDOS?"
"I pray you, my Lord! give me the figs ye promised me!"
"No, marry," quoth he, "thou shalt be whipped if thou come any more to
the Lady ELIZABETH, or the Lord COURTNEY!"
The boy answered, "I will bring the Lady, my Mistress, more flowers!"
Whereupon the child's father was commanded to permit the boy no more to
come into their chambers.
And the next day, as Her Grace was walking in the garden, the child,
peeping in at a hole in the door, cried unto her, saying, "Mistress! I
can bring you no more flowers!" Whereat, she smiled, but said nothing;
understanding thereby, what they had done.
Wherefore, afterwards, the Lord Chamberlain rebuked his father highly;
commanding him to put him out of the house.
"Alas, poor infant!" quoth the father.
"It is a crafty knave!" quoth the Lord Chamberlain. "Let me see him
here no more!"
The 5th day of May [1554], the Constable was discharged of his office
of the Tower; one Sir HENRY BEDINGFIELD being placed in his room. A man
unknown to Her Grace, and therefore the more feared: which so sudden
[a] mutation was unto her, no little amaze.
He brought with him a hundred soldiers in blue coats; wherewith she
was marvellously discomforted; and demanded of such as were about her,
"Whether the Lady JANE's scaffold were taken away or not?" fearing, by
reason of their coming, least she should have played her part.