BEAVCLERKE.

Robert Duke of _Normandie_, the eldest brother to King _William_ the

second, was in _Palestina_ when King _William_ was slaine; being one of

the principal leaders in that Heroical warre, which diuers Christian

Princes of _Europe_ set vp, to recouer _Hierusalem_ out of the power and

possession of the _Saracens_. In this expedition hee purchased so

honourable reputation, for skill, industrie, and valour of hand, that

when the Christian forces had surprised _Hierusalem_, and diuers other

Cities in those quarters, the kingdome thereof was offered vnto him.

But the Duke, whether he coniectured the difficulties of that warre,

for that the enemie was both at hand, and vnder one command, but the

Armie of the Christians was to be supplied from farre, and also

consisted of many Confederats; In which case albeit sometimes men

performe well at the first, yet in short time inconueniences encreasing,

they alwayes either dissipate and dissolue, or else fall into confusion.

Or whether he heard of the death of his brother, to whose Kingdome he

pretended right; as well by prerogatiue of blood, as by expresse

couenant betweene them confirmed by oath; refused the offer, which was

the last period of all his honour, and in short time after tooke his

iourney from _Palestine_ towards _France_.

But _Henry_ the Kings yonger brother, apprehending the opportunitie of

the Dukes absence, did foorthwith seaze vpon the treasure of the King,

and thereby also vpon his State, and so was crowned at _Westminster_

vpon the second day of August, in the yeere 1100. by _Maurice_ Bishop of

_London_; because _Anselme_ Archb. of _Canterburie_ was then in exile.

This enterprise was much aduanced by the authoritie and industrie of

_Henry Newborow_ Earle of _Warwicke_, who appeased all opposition that

was made against it. The people also, albeit they had bene managed so

tame, as easily to yeeld their backe to the first sitter; yet to _Henry_

they expressed a prone inclination, for that hee was borne in _England_,

at a place called _Selby_ in _Lincolneshire_, since his father was

crowned King: whereas Duke _Robert_ his brother was borne before his

father attained the kingdome.

This serued Prince _Henry_ not onely to knit vnto him the affections of

the people, but also to forme a title to the Crowne. For it hath bin a

question often debated, both by Arguments and by Armes, and by both

trials diuersly decided; when a king hath two sonnes, one borne before

he was King, and the other after, whether of them hath right to succeed?

_Herodotus_ writeth, That when _Darius_[77] the sonne of _Hysdaspis_

King of _Persia_ made preparation for warre against the _Graecians_ and

_Egyptians_, he first went about to settle his succession: because by

the Lawes of _Persia_, the King might not enter into enterprise of

Armes, before he had declared his successour. Now _Darius_ had three

children before he was King, by his first wife the daughter of _Gobris_.

After he was King he had other foure, by _Atossa_ the daughter of

_Cyrus_. _Artabazanes_, or (as other terme him) _Arthemenes_ was eldest

of the first sort; _Xerxes_ of the second. _Artabazanes_ alleaged that

he was the eldest of all the Kings sonnes, and that it was a custome

among all nations, That in principalities the eldest should succeed.

_Xerxes_ alleaged, that he was begotten of _Atossa_ the daughter of

_Cyrus_, by whose valour the _Persians_ had obteined their Empire.

Before _Darius_ had giuen sentence, _Demaratus_ the sonne of _Aristo_,

cast out of his kingdome of _Sparta_ and then liuing an exile in

_Persia_, came vnto _Xerxes_, and aduised him further to alleage, that

he was the eldest sonne of _Darius_ after hee was King; And that it was

the custome of _Sparta_, that if a man had a sonne in priuate state, and

afterwards another when he was King, this last sonne should succeed in

his kingdome. Vpon this ground _Artabazanes_ was reiected, and _Darius_

gaue iudgement for _Xerxes_. This history is likewise reported by

_Iustine_,[78] and touched also by _Plutarch_: although they disagree in

names, and some other points of circumstance.

So when _Herode_ King of _Iudea_ appointed _Antipater_ his eldest

sonne, but borne to him in priuate state, to succeed in his Royaltie,

and excluded _Alexander_ and _Aristobulus_ his yonger sonnes, whom he

had begot of _Mariamne_, after he had obteined his kingdome;

_Iosephus_[79] plainly reprehendeth the fact, and condemneth the

iudgement of _Herode_ for partiall and vniust. So _Lewes_ borne after

his father was Duke of _Milane_,[80] was preferred in succession before

his brother _Galeace_, who was borne before. And so when _Otho_ the

first was elected Emperour, his yonger brother _Henry_ pretended against

him; for that _Otho_[81] was borne before their father was Emperour, and

_Henry_ after. In which quarrell _Henry_ was aided by _Euerharde_ Earle

Palatine, and _Giselbert_ Duke of _Lorreine_, with diuers other Princes

of _Almaine_: But when the cause came to be canuased by the sword, the

victorie adiudged the Empire to _Otho_.

Furthermore, this right of title seemeth to be confirmed by many grounds

of the Imperial Law. As[82] that sonnes borne after their father is

aduanced to a dignitie, doe hold certaine priuiledges, which sonnes

formerly borne doe not enioy. That[83] those children which are borne

after a person is freed from any infamous or seruile condition, doe

participate onely of that libertie, and not they who were borne before.

That if a man taketh a wife in the Prouince wherein he holdeth office,

the marriage is good, if after the time his Office shall expire, they

continue in the same consent[84]: but so that the children borne before,

shall not be thereby helde for legitimate. That[85] those children which

are borne after their father is honoured with the title of

_Clarissimus_, do enioy the rights due vnto that degree of dignitie, and

not they who were borne before. That as a sonne borne after the father

hath lost his kingdome, is not esteemed for the sonne of a King[86]: so

neither hee that is borne before the father be a King[87].

And although these and diuers like passages of Law commonly alleadged,

doe seeme little or nothing pertinent to this purpose; for that they

concern not any vniuersall right of inheritance, which is due vnto

children after the death of their parents; but certaine particular

priuiledges and rights attributed vnto them whilest their parents were

in life, which for the most part are arbitrarie and mutable, as

depending vpon the pleasure of the Prince: Yet many Interpreters of both

Lawes haue bene drawen by these reasons to subscribe their iudgements

for this kind of Title: and namely _Pet. Cynus_, _Baldus_,

_Albericus_[88], _Iac. Rebuffus_, _& Luc. Penna_[89]. Also

_Panormitane_[90], _Collect._[91], _Dynus_[92], _Franc. Cremen._[93],

_Marti. Laud._[94], _Card. Alexander_[95], _Phil. Decius_[96],

_Alceat_[97], _Bon. Curti._[98]. And lastly, _Anton. Corsetta_[99],

deliuereth it for a common receiued and followed opinion. Which must be

vnderstood with this distinction, if the kingdome be either newly

erected, or else newly acquired by Conquest, Election, or any such

title, other then by hereditarie succession according to proximitie in

blood. For if the kingdome bee once seded in a certaine course of

succession, because the dignitie is inherent in the blood of that

stocke; because it is not taken from the father but from the ancestors;

because it is not taken onely from the ancestors, but from the

fundamentall law of the State; the eldest sonne shall indistinctly

succeede, although hee were borne before his father was King[100]. And

therefore after the kingdome of _Persia_ had been caried by succession

in some descents, when _Darius_ the King had foure sonnes, _Artaxerxes_

the eldest, _Cyrus_ the next, and two others; _Parysates_ the wife of

_Darius_ hauing a desire that _Cyrus_ should succeede in the kingdome,

alleaged in his behalfe the same reason wherewith _Xerxes_ had preuailed

before: to wit, that shee had brought foorth _Artaxerxes_ to _Darius_,

when hee was in priuate state; but _Cyrus_ was borne to him when he was

a King. Yet _Plutarch_[101] affirmeth, that the reason which she vsed

was nothing probable, and that _Artaxerxes_ the eldest sonne was

appointed to be King. And so _Blondus_[102] and _Ritius_ doe report,

that _Bela_ the King of _Hungarie_ being dead, _Geysa_ succeeded,

although borne vnto him before he was a King.

Others inferiour in number, but not in weight of Iudgement do affirme,

that whether a Kingdome be setled in succession, or whether by any other

title newly attained, the right to succeed by all true grounds of law

pertaineth to the eldest sonne; albeit borne before his fathers

aduancement to the kingdome, in case there be no expresse law of the

state to the contrary. The principall reason is, because this is the

nature of all successions by way of inheritance: For, if a father

purchaseth lands, leases, cattell, or other goods, the inheritance shall

bee transmitted to his eldest sonne, although borne before the purchase.

Likewise if a father be aduanced to any title of honour, as Duke, Earle,

Marquesse, &c. it was neuer, I will not say denied, but once doubted,

but that the eldest sonne should succeede in the same, albeit he was

borne before the aduancement. And therefore seeing this is the generall

rule of all other inheritable successions, and there is no reason of

singularitie in a kingdome; it followeth, that in like case the

succession of a kingdome should also descend to the eldest sonne,

although borne before the kingdome were atchieued.

Againe, the sonne who was borne before his father was a King, had once a

right to succeede in the kingdome; for if another sonne had not

afterwards beene borne, without all question hee should haue succeeded.

But a right which a man by his owne person hath acquired; albeit in some

cases it may be diminished, yet can it not bee altogether extinguished

by any externall or casuall euent, which hath no dependencie vpon

himselfe. And so the right which the eldest sonne hath to his fathers

inheritance, may bee diminished by the birth of other children, in

regard of those goods which are to bee distributed in parts among them;

but it cannot possibly be extinguished. Neither can it bee diminished in

those things which are not of nature to bee either valued or diuided (of

which sort a Kingdome is the chiefe) but doe passe entirely vnto one.

For the right of blood which onely is regarded in lawfull successions,

is acquired and held from the natiuitie of the childe, and doth not

begin at the fathers death; at which time the inheritance doth fall.

Lastly, if it be true in sonnes, that he shal succeede in a kingdome who

is first borne, after the father is exalted to bee a King; then is it

true also in other remote degrees of consanguinitie. And hereby it

should often happen, that when a King dieth without issue of his body,

they who are not onely inferiour in age, but more remote in degree,

should exclude both the elder and the neerer in blood; because perhaps

borne after the kingdome was attained: which is against all lawes of

lawfull succession.

Howsoeuer the right standeth, _Henry_ the yonger brother to King

_William Rufus_, vpon aduantage of the absence of Duke _Robert_ his

eldest brother, formed this title to the Crowne of _England_. In which

pretence he was strongly supported, first by a generall inclination of

the common people, for that he had both his birth and education within

the Realme, and they were well perswaded of his good nature and

disposition. Secondly, by the fauour and trauaile of many of the

nobilitie, especially of _Henry Neuborow_ Earle of _Warwicke_. Thirdly,

(for that the sailes of popular fauours are filled most violently with

reports) by his giuing forth, that his brother _Robert_ intended neuer

to returne; for that he was elected King of _Hierusalem_, and of all

those large Countreys in _Asia_, which the Christians had lately wrung

out of the _Saracens_ hands. Lastly, by vsing celeritie the very life of

actions; for he was Crowned at _Westminster_ (as it hath bene said) vpon

the fifth day of August, in the yeere 1100. which was the third day

after his brothers death.

In person he was both stately and strong; tall, broad brested, his

limmes fairely fourmed, well knit, and fully furnished with flesh. He

was exceeding both comely and manly in countenance, his face wel

fashioned, his colour cleere, his eyes liuely and faire, his eye-browes

large and thicke, his haire blacke and somewhat thinne towards his

forehead. He was of an excellent wit, free from ostentation; his

thoughts high, yet honourable and iust: in speach ready and eloquent,

much graced with sweetnesse of voyce. In priuate he was affable, open,

wittily pleasant, and very full of merrie simplicitie: in publicke he

looked with a graue Maiestie, as finding in himselfe cause to be

honoured. He was brought vp in the studie of Liberall Arts at

_Cambridge_, where he attained that measure of knowledge, which was

sufficient both for ornament and vse; but ranne not into intemperate

excesse, either for ostentation, or for a cloake to vnprofitable expense

of time. By his example the yong Nobilitie of the Realme began to affect

a praise for learning: Insomuch as, at a certaine enteruiew betweene the

King and Pope _Innocent_ the 2. the sonnes of _Robert_ Earle of

_Mellent_, maintained open disputations against diuers Cardinals and

Chapleines of the Pope.

He was an exact esteemer of himselfe, not so much for his strength as

for his weakenesses: lesse inclined to confidence then to distrust; and

yet in weighty affaires resolute and firme; neuer dismaied, and alwayes

fortunate; his spirits being of force to oppose against any sort of

difficulties or doubts. Extremities made him the more assured; and like

a well knit Arch, hee then lay most strong when hee sustained the

greatest weight. Hee was no more disposed to valour, then well setled in

vertue and goodnes; which made his valour of more precious valuation. He

had good command ouer his passions; and thereby attained both peace

within himselfe, and victory ouer others. In giuing hee was moderate,

but bountifull in recompence; his countenance enlarging the worth of his

gift. Hee was prone to relieue, euen where there was least likelihood of

requitall. He hated flatterie, the poysoned sugar, the counterfeit

ciuilitie and loue, the most base brokery of wordes: yet was no musicke

so pleasing vnto him as well deserued thankes. He was vigilant and

industrious in his affaires; knowing right well that honour not onely

hath a paineful and dangerous birth, but must in like manner be

nourished and fed.

He was somewhat immoderate and excessiue, as well in aduancing those he

fauoured, as in beating downe and disabling his enemies. The sword was

alwayes the last of his trials; so as he neuer either sought or

apprehended occasions of warre, where with honour he could reteine

peace. But if it were iniuriously vrged, he wanted neither wisedome, nor

diligence, nor magnanimous heart to encounter the danger; to beare it

ouer with courage and successe. He was frugall of the blood and

slaughter of his Souldiers; neuer aduenturing both his honour & their

liues to the hazard of the sword, without either necessitie or

aduantage. He oftentimes preuailed against his enemies more by policie

then by power; and for victories thus attained, he attributed to

himselfe the greatest glory. For wisedome is most proper to man, but

force is common and most eminent in beasts; by wisedome the honour was

entire to himselfe, by force it was participated to inferiour

Commanders, to euery priuate ordinarie Souldier: the effects of force,

are heauie, hideous, and sometimes inhumane; but the same wrought to

euent by wisedome, is, as lesse odious, so more assured and firme.

After that he was mounted into the seate of Maiestie, hee neglected no

meanes to settle himselfe most surely therin, against the returne of his

brother _Robert_. To this end he contracted both amitie and alliance

with _Edgar_ King of _Scots_, by taking his sister _Matild_ to wife: by

which meanes he not onely remoued his hostilitie, but stood assured of

his assistance, in case his occasions should so require. Shee was

daughter to _Malcolme_ King of _Scots_, by _Margaret_ his wife; who was

sister to _Edgar_ surnamed _Adeling_, and daughter to _Edward_, sonne to

_Edmund Ironside_, the most valiant Saxon King, the scourge and terrour

of the _Danes_. So as after the death of _Adeling_ who left no issue,

this _Matild_ was next by discent from the Saxon Kings to the

inheritance of the Crowne of _England_: and by her entermariage with

King _Henry_, the two families of _Normans_ and _Saxons_ were vnited

together both in blood and title to the Crowne. This more then any other

respect made the whole nation of the _English_ not onely firme to King

_Henrie_, against his brother, but loyall and peaceable during all his

reigne: for that they saw the blood of their _Saxon_ Kings restored

again to the possession of the Crowne.

Shee was a Lady vertuous, religious, beautifull and wise: farre from

the ordinary either vices or weakenesses incident to her sexe. She had

been brought vp among the Nunnes of _Winchester_, and _Rumsey_, whether

professed or onely veiled our writers doe diuersly report; but most

affirme that shee was professed. Yet for the common good, for the

publique peace and tranquilitie of the State, shee abandoned her deuoted

life, and was ioyned to King _Henrie_ in mariage, by consent of

_Anselme_, without any dispensation from _Rome_. Of this _Matild_ the

King begate _William_ a sonne, who perished by shipwracke; and _Matild_

a daughter, first married to _Henry_ the fifth Emperour, by whom she had

no issue; afterward to _Geoffrey Plantagenet_ Earle of _Aniou_, by whom

shee brought foorth a sonne named _Henrie_, in whom the blood of the

Saxon Kings was aduanced againe to the gouernment of this Realme.

Now to purchase the fauour of the Clergie, he called _Anselme_ out of

exile, and restored him both to the dignitie and reuenues of the Sea of

_Canterbury_. Other Bishoprickes and Abbeys which King _William_ kept

voide at the time of his death, hee furnished with men of best

sufficiencie and reputation. Hee committed _Radulph_ Bishop of _Durham_

to prison, who had been both authour and agent to King _William_ in most

of his distastfull actions against the Clergie. This _Radulph_ was a man

of smooth vse of speach, wittie onely in deuising, or speaking, or doing

euill: but to honestie and vertue his heart was a lumpe of lead. Enuious

aboue all measure; nothing was so grieuous to his eyes as the

prosperitie, nothing so harsh to his eares as the commendations of

others. His tongue alwayes slauish to the Princes desires; not regarding

how truely or faithfully, but how pleasingly he did aduise. Thus as a

principall infamie of that age, hee liued without loue, and died without

pitie; sauing of those who thought it pitie that he liued so long.

Further, to make the Clergie the more assured, the King renounced the

right which his Ancesters vsed in giuing Inuestitures; and acknowledged

the same to appertaine to the Pope. This hee yeelded at his first

entrance, partly not knowing of what importance it was, and partly being

in necessitie to promise any thing. But afterwards he resumed that right

againe; albeit in a Councell not long before held at _Rome_, the

contrary had bene decreed. For hee inuested _William Gifford_ into the

Bishopricke of _Winchester_, and all the possessions belonging to the

same. He gaue the Archbishopricke of _Canterburie_ to _Radulph_ Bishop

of _London_, and inuested him therein by a Ring and a staffe: he

inuested also two of his Chapleins at _Westminster_; _Roger_ his

Chanceller in the Bishopricke of _Salisburie_, and _Roger_ his Larderer

in the Bishopricke of _Hereford_. Further he assumed the custome of his

father and brother, in taking the reuenues of Bishopricks whilest they

remained void: and for that cause did many times keepe them a longer

season vacant in his hands, then many of the Clergie could with patience

endure.

But especially the Clergie did fauour him much, by reason of his

liberall leaue either to erect, or to enlarge, or else to enrich

Religious buildings. For to these workes the King was so ready to giue,

not onely way, but encouragement and helpe, that in no Princes time they

did more within this Realme either flourish or increase. And namely the

house of S. _Iohn_ of _Hierusalem_ was then founded neere _Smithfield_

in London, with the house of Nunnes by _Clerken-well_. Then were also

founded the Church of _Theukesburie_, with all Offices thereto

belonging: the Priorie and Hospitall of S. _Bartholomewes_ in

_Smithfield_, the Church of S. _Giles_ without _Creeplegate_; the

Colledge of Seculare Canons in the castle of _Leicester_; the Abbey

without the Northgate of the same towne called S. _Mary de prato_. Also

the Monasterie of S. _Iohn_ of _Lanthonie_ by _Glocester_; the Church of

_Dunmow_ in _Essex_; the Monasterie of S. _Iohn_ at _Colchester_, which

was the first house of _Augustine_ Chanons in _England_: the Church of

S. _Mary Oueries_ furnished with Chanons in _Southwarke_; the Priory of

the holy Trinity now called _Christs Church_ within _Algate_; and the

Hospitall of S. _Giles_ in the field: The Priorie of _Kenelworth_; The

Abbey of _Kenshame_; The Monasterie of _Plimpton_ in _Deuonshire_; with

the Cathedrall Church of _Exceter_; the Priorie of _Merton_; the

Colledge of _Warwicke_; the Hospitall of _Kepar_; the Priorie of _Osney_

neere _Oxeford_; the Hospital of S. _Crosse_ neere _Winchester_; the

Priorie of _Norton_ in _Cheshire_, with diuers others. The King also

founded and erected the Priorie of _Dunstable_, the Abbey of

_Circester_, the Abbey of _Reading_, the Abbey of _Shirebourne_. Hee

also changed the Abbey of _Eley_ into a Bishops Sea; he erected a

Bishopricke at _Caerlile_, placed Chanons there, and endowed it with

many honours. These and many other Religious buildings either done, or

helped forward, or permitted and allowed by the King, much encreased the

affection of the Clergie towards him.

Now to draw the loue of the common people, he composed himselfe to a

sober ciuilitie; easie for accesse, faire in speach, in countenance and

behauiour kind: his Maiestie so tempered with mildnesse and courtesie,

that his Subiects did more see the fruits, then feele the weight of his

high estate. These were things of great moment with the vulgar sort; who

loue more where they are louingly intreated, then where they are

benefited, or happely preserued. He eased them of many publicke

grieuances. Hee restored them to the vse of fire and candle after eight

of the clocke at night, which his father had most straitly forbidden.

Punishments of losse of member vsed before, he made pecuniarie. Hee

moderated the Law of his brother, which inflicted death for killing any

of the Kings Deere; and ordeined, that if any man killed a Deere in his

owne wood, the wood should be forfeited to the King. He permitted to

make enclosures for Parkes; which taking beginning in his time, did rise

to that excessiue encrease, that in a few succeeding ages more Parkes

were in _England_, then in all _Europe_ beside. He promised that the

Lawes of K. _Edward_ should againe be restored; but to put off the

present performance, he gaue forth, that first they should be reuiewed

and corrected, and made appliable to the present time. And albeit in

trueth they were neuer either reuiewed or corrected, yet the onely hope

thereof did worke in the people a fauourable inclination to his part.

Whilest the King did thus Immure himselfe in the state of _England_, as

well by ordering his affaires, as by winning the hearts of the people

vnto him, Duke _Robert_ was returning from _Palestine_, by easie and

pleasurable iourneys; vsing neither the celeritie nor forecast which the

necessitie of his occasions did require. Hee visited many Princes by the

way, and consumed much time in entertainments and other complements of

Court. Hee tooke to wife as he came _Sibell_ the daughter of _Roger_

Duke of _Apulia_ and Earle of _Cicill_, who was a _Norman_: and the

great portion of money which he receiued for her dower, he loosely

lauished foorth amongst his followers; of whom he receiued nothing

againe, but thankes when he (scattered rather then) gaue, and pitie when

he wanted.

At the last he arriued in _Normandie_, and foorthwith was sollicited out

of _England_ by letters from many, who either vpon conscience or

discontentment fauoured his Title; and especially from _Radulph_ Bishop

of _Durham_, who had lately escaped out of prison, a man odious ynough

to vndoe a good cause; that he would omit no time, that hee would let

fall no diligence, to embarke himselfe in the enterprise for _England_:

that he had many friends there, both powerfull and sure, who would

partake with him in his dangers, although not in the honour atchieued by

his dangers: that therewith the peoples fauour towards the King did

begin to ebbe, and that it was good taking the first of the tide.

Hereupon he shuffled vp an Armie in haste; neither for number, nor

furniture, nor choise of men answerable to the enterprise in hand. Then

he crossed the Seas, landed at _Portesmouth_, and marched a small way

into the Countrey; vainely expecting the concourse and ayd which had

bene assured him out of _England_. But King _Henry_ had made so good vse

both of his warning and time to prouide against this tempest, that hee

did at once both cut from the Duke all meanes of ayd, and was ready to

encounter him in braue appointment. Hereupon many who were vnable by

Armes to relieue the Duke, by aduise did to him the best offices they

could. For they laboured both the King and him to a reconcilement; The

King with respect of his new vnsettled estate, the Duke with respect of

his weakenesses and wants; both with regard of naturall duetie and loue,

knit betweene them by band of blood. So after some trauaile and

debatement, a peace was concluded vpon these Conditions.

_That Henry should reteine the kingdome of England, and pay to his

brother Robert 3000. markes yeerely._

_That if either of them should die without issue, the suruiuour should

succeed._

_That no man should receiue preiudice for following the part of the one

or of the other._

These conditions being solemnely sworne by the king and the Duke, and

twelue Noble men on either part, the Duke returned into _Normandie_,

and about two yeeres after went againe into _England_, to visit the

King, and to spend some time with him in feasting and disport. At which

time, to requite the Kings kind vsage and entertainment, but especially

to gratifie _Matild_ the Queene, to whom he was godfather, he released

to the King the annuall payment of 3000. markes. But as a wound is more

painefull the day following, then when it was first and freshly taken;

so this loose leuitie of the Duke, which was an exceeding sad and sore

blow to his estate, was scarce sensible at his departure out of

_England_, but most grieuous to him after hee had remained in

_Normandie_ a while: whereby many motions were occasioned, as well in

the one place as in the other.

The Duke complained, that hee had bene circumuented by his brother the

King: that his courtesies were nothing else but allurements to

mischiefe; that his gifts were pleasant baites, to couer and conuey most

dangerous hookes; that his faire speaches were sugred poysons; that his

kinde embracements were euen to tickle his friends to death. _Robert

Belasme_ Earle of _Shrewsbury_, a man of great estate, but doubtfull

whether of lesse wisedome or feare, tooke part with the Duke, and

fortified the Towne and Castle of _Shrewsbury_, the Castles of

_Bridgenorth_, _Tichel_, and _Arundel_, and certaine other pieces in

_Wales_ against King _Henry_. And hauing drawen vnto him some persons of

wretched state and worse minde, whose fortunes could not bee empaired by

any euent, hee entred _Stafford shire_, and droue away light booties of

cattell; being prepared neither in forces nor in courage, to stay the

doing of greater mischiefe.

But neither was this sudden to the King, neither was he euer vnprouided

against sudden aduentures. Wherefore encountring the danger before it

grew to perfection and strength, he first brought his power against the

Castle of _Bridgenorth_, which was forthwith rendred vnto him. The

residue followed the example (which in enterprise of armes is of

greatest moment) and submitted themselues to the Kings discretion. Onely

the Castle of _Arundel_ yeelded vpon condition, that _Robert Belasme_

their Lord should be permitted to depart safely into _Normandie_: And

vpon the same condition they of _Shrewsbury_ sent to the King the keys

of their Castle, and therewith pledges for their allegeance. Then

_Robert_ with his brother _Ernulphus_, and _Roger_ of _Poictiers_

abiured the Realme, and departed into _Normandie_: where being full of

rashnesse, which is nothing but courage out of his wits; and measuring

their actions not by their abilities, but by their desires; they did

more aduance the Kings affaires by hostilitie, then by seruice and

subiection they could possibly haue done.

Also _William_ Earle of _Mortaigne_ in _Normandie_, and of _Cornewall_

in _England_, sonne of _Robert_, vncle to the king, and brother to king

_William_ the first, required of the King the Earledome of _Kent_, which

had been lately held by _Odo_ vncle to them both. And being a man braue

in his owne liking, and esteming nothing of that which hee had in regard

of that which hee did desire, he was most earnest, violent, peremptorie

in his pursuit. Insomuch as, blinded with ambitious haste, he would

often say, that hee would not put off his vpper garment, vntill hee had

obtained that dignitie of the King. These errours were excused by the

greenenesse of his youth, and by his desire of rising, which expelled

all feare of a fall. Wherefore the King first deferred, and afterwards

moderately denied his demaund. But so farre had the Earle fed his

follies with assured expectation, that he accompted himselfe fallen from

such estate as his hungry hopes had already swallowed. Hereupon his

desire turned to rage, and the one no lesse vaine then the other: but

both together casting him from a high degree of fauour, which seldome

stoppeth the race vntill it come to a headlong downefall.

For now the King made a counter-challenge to many of his possessions in

_England_; and thereupon seazed his lands, dismantled his castles, and

compelled him in the end to forsake the Realme. Not for any great

offence he had done, being apt to the fault rather of rough rage then of

practise and deceit; but his stubborne stoutnesse was his offence; and

it was sufficient to hold him guiltie, that he thought himselfe to haue

cause and meanes to be guiltie. So hauing lost his owne state in

_England_, he departed into _Normandie_, to further also the losse of

that countrey. There he confederated with _Robert Belasme_, and made

diuers vaine attempts against the Kings castles; neither guided by

wisedome, nor followed by successe. Especially hee vented his furie

against _Richard_ Earle of _Chester_, who was but a childe, and in

wardship to the King, whom he daily infested with inuasions and spoiles;

being no lesse full of desire to hurt, then voyd of counsaile and meanes

to hurt.

On the other side, diuers of the Nobilitie of _Normandie_, finding their

Duke without iudgement to rule, had no disposition to obey; but

conceiued a carelesse contempt against him. For he seemed not so much to

regard his substantiall good, as a vaine breath of praise, and the

fruitlesse fauour of mens opinions, which are no fewer in varietie then

they are in number. All the reuenues of his Duchie he either sold or

morgaged; all his Cities he did alien, and was vpon the point of passing

away his principall Citie of _Roan_ to the Burgers thereof, but that the

conditions were esteemed too hard. Hereupon many resolued to fall from

him, and to set their sailes with the fauourable gale which blew vpon

the fortune of the King. To this end they offered their submission to

the King, in case he would inuade _Normandie_; whereto with many reasons

they did perswade him: especially in regard of the late hostile

attempts there made against him, by the plaine permission of the Duke

his brother, and not without his secret support.

The King embraced the faire occasion, and with a strong Armie passed

into _Normandie_. Here he first relieued his forts, which were any wayes

distressed or annoyed; then he recouered those that were lost; Lastly,

he wanne from the Duke the towne and castle of _Caen_, with certaine

other castles besides: And by the help of the President of _Aniou_,

fired _Baion_, with the stately Church of S. _Marie_ therein. Vpon these

euents, all the Priories of _Normandie_, resembling certaine flowers,

which open and close according to the rising or declining of the Sunne;

abandoned the Duke, and made their submission to King _Henry_. So the

King hauing both enlarged and assured his state in _Normandie_, by

reason of the approch of winter, departed into _England_: but this was

like the recuiling of Rammes, to returne againe with the greater

strength.

He had not long remained in _England_, but his brother _Robert_ came to

him at _Northampton_, to treat of some agreement of peace. Here the

words and behauiours of both were obserued. At their first meeting they

rested with their eyes fast fixed one vpon the other; in such sort as

did plainely declare, that discourtesie then trencheth most deep, when

it is betweene those who should most dearely loue. The Duke was in

demaunds moderate, in countenance and speech enclined to submisnesse;

and with a kinde vnkindnesse did rather entreate then perswade, that in

regard of the naturall Obligation betweene them by blood, in regard of

many offices and benefits wherewith he had endeuoured to purchase the

Kings loue, all hostilitie betweene them, all iniurie or extremitie by

Armes might cease. _For I call you_ (said he) _before the Seate of your

owne Iudgement, whether the relinquishing of my Title to the Crowne of

England, whether the releasing of my annuity of 3000. markes, whether

many other kindnesses, so much vndeserued as scarce desired; should not

in reason withdraw you from those prosecutions, where warre cannot be

made without shame, nor victory attained without dishonour_.

The King vsed him with honourable respect; but perceiuing that he was

embarked in some disaduantage, conceiuing also that his courage with his

Fortune began to decline, he made resemblance at the first, to be no

lesse desirous of peace then the Duke: But afterwards, albeit he did not

directly deny, yet hee found euasions to auoyd all offers of agreement.

The more desirous the Duke was of peace, the greater was his disdaine

that his brother did refuse it. Wherefore cleering his countenance from

all shewes of deiection or griefe, as then chiefly resolute when his

passion was stirred, with a voice rather violent then quicke, he rose

into these words.

_I haue cast my selfe so low, as your haughty heart can possibly wish;

whereby I haue wronged both my selfe and you: my selfe, in occasioning

some suspition of weakenesse; you, in making you obstinate in your

ambitious purposes. But assure your selfe, that this desire did not

proceed from want either of courage, or of meanes, or of assistance of

friends: I can also be both vnthankefull and vnnaturall if I bee

compelled. And if all other supportance faile, yet no arme is to be

esteemed weake, which striketh with the sword of necessitie and

Iustice._

The King with a well appeased stayednesse returned answere; that he

could easily endure the iniurie of his angry wordes: but to men of

moderate iudgement hee would make it appeare, that hee entended no more

in offending him, then to prouide for defending himselfe. So the Duke

obseruing few complements, but such as were spiced with anger and

disdaine, returned into _Normandie_, associated to him the _English_

exiles, and made preparation for his defence.

The King followed with a great power, and found him in good appointment

of armes: nothing inferiour to the King in resolute courage, but farre

inferiour both in number of men, and in fine contriuance of his

affaires. For the King had purchased assured intelligence, among those

that were neerest both in place and counsaile to the Duke: in whom the

Duke found treacherie, euen when he reposed most confident trust.

Herewith Pope _Paschal_, to attaine his purpose in _England_, for

deuesting the King of inuesting Bishops; did not onely allow this

enterprise for lawful, but encouraged the King, that hee should doe

thereby a noble and a memorable benefit to his Realme.

So, many stiffe battels were executed betweene them, with small

difference of aduantage at the first; but after some continuance, the

Dukes side (as it commonly happeneth to euill managed courage) declined

dayly, by reason of his dayly increase of wants. At the last the Duke,

wearied and ouerlayed, both with company of men and cunning working,

resolued to bring his whole state to the stake, and to aduenture the

same vpon one cast: committing to Fortune, what valour and industry

could bring forth. The king being the Inuader, thought it not his part

to shrinke from the shocke; being also aduertised that the _French_ King

prepared to relieue the Duke. On the Dukes side, disdaine, rage, and

reuenge, attended vpon hate: the King retained inuincible valour,

assured hope to ouercome, grounded vpon experience how to ouercome.

They met vpon the same day of the moneth iust 40. yeeres, after the

great battaile of _William_ the first against King _Harold_ of

_England_. The Kings footemen farre exceeding their enemies in number,

began the charge, in small and scattering troupes; lightly assayling

where they could espie the weakest resistance. But the Dukes Armie

receiued them in close and firme order; so as vpon the losse of many of

the foremost, the residue began somewhat to retire. And now, whether the

Duke had cause, or whether confidence the inseparable companion of

courage perswaded him that he had cause; he supposed that hee had the

best of the field, and that the victory was euen in his hand. But

suddenly the King with his whole forces of horse charged him in flanke,

and with great violence brake into his battaile. Herewith the footmen

also returned, and turned them all to a ruinous rout. The Duke performed

admirable effects of valour, and so did most of the _English_ exiles: as

fearing ouerthrow worse then death. But no courage was sufficient to

sustaine the disorder; the _Normans_ on euery hand were chased, ruffled,

and beaten downe. Hereupon the Dukes courage boyling in choller, hee

doubled many blowes vpon his enemies; more furiously driuen, then well

placed and set: and pressing vp hardly among them, was suddenly engaged

so farre, that hee could not possibly recouer himselfe. So he was taken

manfully fighting, or as some other authours affirme, was beastly

betrayed by his owne followers. With him were also taken the Earle of

_Mortaigne_, _William Crispine_, _William Ferreis_, _Robert Estotiuill_,

with foure hundred men of armes, and ten thousand ordinary souldiers.

The number of the slaine on both sides, is not reported by any authour;

but all authours agree, that this was the most bloody medly that euer

had been executed in _Normandie_ before: portended as it is thought by a

Comet, and by two full Moones, which late before were seene, the one in

the East, and the other in the West.

After this victorie the King reduced _Normandie_ entirely into his

possession, and annexed it to the Realme of _England_. Then hee built

therein many Castles, and planted garrisons; and with no lesse wisedome

assured that State, then with valour he had wonne it. When he had setled

all things according to his iudgement, he returned into _England_,

brought with him his brother _Robert_, and committed him to safe

custodie in the Castle of _Cardiff_. But either by reason of his

fauourable restraint, or else by negligence or corruption of his

keepers, he escaped away, and fled for his libertie as if it had been

for his life. Notwithstanding this proued but a false fauour, or rather

a true flatterie or scorne of Fortune. For being sharply pursued, he was

taken againe, sitting vpon horsebacke; his horse legs fast locked in

deep & tough clay.

Then hee was committed to straight and close prison, his eyes put out

(as if hee should not see his miserie) and a sure guard set vpon him.

Thus he remained in desolate darkenesse; neither reuerenced by any for

his former greatnesse, not pitied for his present distresse. Thus hee

continued about 27. yeeres, in a life farre more grieuous then death;

euen vntill the yere before the death of King _Henrie_. So long was he a

suitor in wooing of death: so long did the one brother ouerliue his good

fortune, the other his good nature and disposition; esteeming it a faire

fauour, that the vttermost extremitie was not inflicted. Albeit some

writers doe affirme, that the Dukes eyes were not violently put out, but

that either through age or infirmitie he fell blind: that he was

honourably attended and cared for: that hauing digested in his iudgement

the worst of his case, the greatnesse of his courage did neuer descend

to any base degree of sorrow or griefe: that his braue behauiour did set

a Maiestie vpon his deiected fortunes: that his noble heart like the

Sunne, did shew greatest countenance in lowest state. And to this report

I am the more inclineable, for that it agreeth best, both to the faire

conditions, and to the former behauiours, and to the succeeding fortunes

and felicities of the King: For assuredly hee had a heart of manly

clemencie; and this was a punishment barbarously cruell: For which cause

_Constantine_[103] did forbid, that the face of man, adorned with

Celestiall beauty, should be deformed for any offence.

Others auow that he was neuer blind; but that it was the Earle of

_Mortaigne_ whose eyes were put out. And this seemeth to be confirmed,

by that which _Matth. Paris_ and _Matth. Westm._ doe report. That not

long before the death of _Robert_, the King vpon a festiuall day had a

new robe of Scarlet brought vnto him: the cape whereof being somewhat

too streight for his head, he did teare a little in striuing to put it

on. And perceiuing that it would not serue, hee laid it aside and said:

_Let my brother Robert haue this Robe, for whose head it is fitter then

for mine_. When it was caried vnto him, being then not perfectly in

health, he espied the crackt place, and thereupon enquired, if any man

had worne it before? The messenger declared the whole matter. Which when

_Robert_ heard, he tooke it for a great indignitie, and said: _I

perceiue now that I haue liued too long, that my brother doth clothe me

like his almoseman, with cast and torne garments_. So hee grew weary of

his life: and his disease encreasing with his discontentment, pined

away, and in short time after died, and was buried at _Glocester_.

And this was the end of that excellent commander; brought to this game

and gaze of fortune, after many trauerses that he had troden. He was for

courage and direction inferiour to none; but neither prouident nor

constant in his affaires, whereby the true end of his actions were

ouerthrowen. His valour had triumphed ouer desperate dangers: and verely

he was no more setled in valour, then disposed to vertue and goodnesse;

neuer wilfully or willingly doing euill, neuer but by errour, as finding

it disguised vnder some maske of goodnesse. His performances in armes

had raised him to a high point of opinion for his prowesse; which made

him the more vnhappy, as vnhappie after a fall from high state of honor.

He had one sonne named _William_, vpon whose birth the mother died: of

this _William_ shall somewhat hereafter be said.

And now, as Princes oftentimes doe make aduantage of the calamity of

their neighbours, so vpon this downefall of the Duke of

_Normandie_,[104] _Fulke_ Earle of _Aniou_ sharing for himselfe, seized

vpon _Maine_, and certain other places; made large waste, tooke great

booties and spoyles; not onely out of ancient and almost hereditary hate

against the house of _Normandie_, but as fearing harme from the King of

_England_, hee endeauoured to harme him first. In like sort _Baldwine_

Earle of _Flanders_ declared in armes against the King for a yeerely

pension of 300. markes; the occasion of which demand was this. King

_William_ the first, in recompence of the ayde which he receiued in his

enterprise for _England_, from _Baldwine_ 5. Earle of _Flanders_, payd

him yeerely three hundred markes, which after his death was continued to

his sonne. _Robert_ Earle of _Flanders_ from a collaterall line,

demanded the same Pension; but it was denied him by K. _Henrie_:

wherefore _Baldwine_ his sonne attempted now to recouer it by Armes.

With these, or rather as principall of these, _Lewes_ the grosse King of

_France_, seeing his ouersight in permitting _Normandie_ to bee annexed

to the Realme of _England_, assembled a great armie; and vpon pretence

of a trifling quarrell about the demolishing of the Castle of _Gisors_,

declared _William_ sonne to _Robert Curtcuise_ for Duke of _Normandie_:

and vndertooke to place him in possession of that state, which his

vnfortunate father had lost. And besides those open hostilities in

Armes, _Hugh_ the kings Chamberlaine and certaine others were suborned

traiterously to kill the King: but the practise was in good time

discouered, and the conspirators punished by death.

Hereupon the King both with celeritie and power answerable to the danger

at hand, passed the Seas into _Normandie_: hauing first drawen to his

assistance _Theobald_ Earle of _Champaine_, the Earles of _Crecie_,

_Pissaux_, and _Dammartine_, who aspired to be absolute Lords within

their territories, as were many other Princes at that time in _France_.

These deteined the _French_ King in some tariance in _France_, whilest

the King of _England_ either recouered or reuenged his losses against

the Earle of _Aniou_. At the last hee was assailed in _Normandie_ on

three parts at once: by the Earle of _Aniou_ from _Maine_, from

_Ponthieu_ by the Earle of _Flanders_, and by the _French_ King betweene

both. The King of _England_ appointed certaine forces to guard the

passages against the Earle of _Aniou_: with directions to hold

themselues within their strength, and not to aduenture into the field.

Against the Earle of _Flanders_ hee went in person; and in a sharpe

shocke betweene them the Earle was defeated and hurt, and (as some

Authors affirme) slaine: albeit others doe report, that hee was

afterwards slaine in a battaile betweene the two Kings of _England_ and

of _France_.

After this he turned against _Lewes_ King of _France_, and fought with

him before the towne of _Nice_ in _Normandie_; which towne the _French_

had surprised and taken from the King of _England_. This battaile

continued aboue the space of nine houres, with incredible obstinacie;

the doubt of victory being no lesse great, then was the desire: and yet

neither part so hastie to end, as not to stay for the best aduantage.

The first battaile on both sides was hewen in pieces; valour of

inestimable value was there cast away: much braue blood was lost; many

men esteemed both for their place and worth, lay groaning and grinning

vnder the heauy hand of death. The sad blowes, the grisle wounds, the

grieuous deathes that were dealt that day, might well haue moued any

man to haue said, That warre is nothing else but inhumane manhood.

The Kings courage, guided with his Fortune, and guarded both with his

strength and his skill, was neuer idle, neuer but working memorable

effects. In all places his directions were followed by his presence;

being witnesse both of the diligence and valour of euery man, and not

suffering any good aduantage or aduise for want of timely taking to be

lost. He aduentured so farre in perfourming with his hand, that his

armour in many places was battered to his body, and by reason of the

sturdie strokes set vpon his helme, he cast blood out of his mouth. But

this was so farre from dismaying his powers, that it did rather assemble

and vnite them: so as aduancing his braue head, his furie did breath

such vigour into his arme, that his sword made way through the thickest

throngs of his enemies, and hee brake into them euen to the last

ranckes. He was first seconded by the truely valiant; whose vndanted

spirits did assure the best, and therewith contemne the very worst. Then

came in they whom despaire, the last of resolutions had made valiant;

who discerned no meanes of hope for life, but by bold aduenturing vpon

death. Lastly he was followed by all; being enflamed by this example to

a new life of resolution. Generally, the swords went so fast, that the

_French_ vnable to endure that deadly storme, were vtterly disbanded and

turned to flight. K. _Henry_ after a bloody chase, recouered _Nice_; and

with great triumph returned to _Roan_. Afterwards he would often say,

That in other battailes he fought for victory, but in this for his life:

and that hee would but little ioy in many such victories.

Vpon this euent the King sent certaine forces into _France_, to harrase

the countrey, and to strike a terrour into the enemie. The _French_

King, besides the abatement of his power by reason of his late

ouerthrow, was then preparing in Armes against _Henry_ the Emperour, who

intended to destroy _Rhemes_: partly drawen on by _Henry_ King of

_England_, whose daughter he had taken to wife; but chiefly for that a

Councell had bene there held against him by Pope _Calixtus_ a French

man, wherein the Emperour was declared enemie to the Church, and

degraded from his Imperiall dignitie. This brought the _English_ to a

carelesse conceit, and to a loose and licentious demeanure in their

action; a most assured token of some mischiefe at hand. And so, as they

scattered and ranged after prey (as greedy men are seldome circumspect)

they were suddenly set vpon by _Almaricke_ Earle of _Mountfort_,

appointed by the _French_ K. to defend the Country, & with no small

execution put to the chase. The more they resisted, the greater was

their losse: The sooner they fled, the more assured was their escape.

And for that they were dispersed into many small companies, they had the

better opportunitie to saue themselues.

Many other like aduentures were enterprised betweene the two Kings and

their adherents; some in _France_, and some in _Normandie_; with large

losse on both sides. But especially the King of _France_ was most

subiect to harme; for that his countrey was the more ample, open and

rich. The King of _England_ held this aduantage, that no aduantage could

be wonne against him: which in regard of the number, valour and

greatnesse of his enemies, was a very honourable aduantage indeed.

At the last he made peace with the Earle of _Aniou_; taking the Earles

daughter to be wife to his sonne _William_, whom he had declared for

successour in his estate; to whom all the Nobilitie and Prelates were

sworne; and who seemed to want nothing through all his fathers

dominions, but onely the name and Title of King. This sinew being cut

from the King of _France_, and also for that _Henry_ the Emperour made

preparation of hostilitie against him, he fell likewise to agreement of

peace. By the conditions whereof, _William_ sonne to the King of

_England_ was inuested into the Duchie of _Normandie_, doing homage for

the same to the K. of _France_. In this peace was comprised on the part

of the _French_ K. _William_ son to _Robert Curtcuise_, who had bene

declared Duke of _Normandie_. On the part of the king of _England_, the

Earle of _Champeigne_ and certaine other Lords were comprised; who had

either serued or aided him against the king of _France_. After this the

warres betweene the Emperour and the _French_ king did forthwith

dissolue.

King _Henry_ hauing happily finished these affaires, returned out of

_Normandie_, and loosing from _Barbeflote_, vpon the 24. of Nouember

towards euening, with a prosperous gale arriued in _England_; where

great preparation was made to entertaine him with many well deuised

honours. His sonne _William_ then duke of _Normandie_, and somewhat

aboue 17. yeeres of age, tooke another ship; and in his company went

_Mary_ his sister Countesse of _Perch_, _Richard_ his brother, begotten

of a concubine as some affirme; and the Earle of _Chester_ with his wife

_Lucie_, who was the Kings niece by his sister _Adela_. Also the yong

Nobilitie and best knights flocked vnto him, some to discharge their

dueties, others to testifie their loue and respect. Of such passengers

the ship receiued to the number of 140. besides 50. sailers which

belonged vnto her.

So they loosed from land somewhat after the King; and with a gentle

winde from the Southwest, danced through the soft swelling floods. The

sailers full of proud ioy, by reason of their honourable charge; and of

little feare or forecast, both for that they had bene accustomed to

dangers, and for that they were then well tippeled with wine; gaue forth

in a brauery, that they would soone outstrip the vessell wherein the

King sailed. In the middest of this drunken ioylitie the ship strake

against a rocke, the head whereof was aboue water, not farre from the

shoare. The passengers cried out, and the sailers laboured to winde or

beare off the ship from the danger; but the labour was no lesse vaine

then the cry: for she leaned so stiffely against the rocke, that the

sterage brake, the sides cracked, and the Sea gushed in at many

breaches.

Then was raised a lamentable cry within the ship; some yeelding to the

tyrannie of despaire, betooke themselues (as in cases of extremitie

weake courages are wont) to their deuotions; others emploied all

industrie to saue their liues, and yet more in duetie to nature, then

vpon hope to escape: all bewailed the vnfortunate darkenesse of that

night, the last to the liues of so many persons both of honour and of

worth. They had nothing to accompany them but their feares, nothing to

helpe them but their wishes: the confused cries of them al, did much

increase the particular astonishment of euery one. And assuredly no

danger dismayeth like that vpon the seas; for that the place is

vnnaturall to man. And further, the vnusuall obiects, the continuall

motion, the desolation of all helpe or hope, will perplexe the minds

euen of those who are best armed against discouragement.

At the last the boat was hoysed foorth, and the Kings sonne taken into

it. They had cleered themselues from the danger of the ship, and might

safely haue rowed to land. But the yong Prince hearing the shrill

shrikes of his Sister _Mary_ Countesse of _Perch_, and of the Countesse

of _Chester_ his cousin, crying after him, and crauing his help; he

preferred pitie before safety, & commanded the boat to be rowed back to

the ship for preseruation of their liues. But as they approached, the

boate was suddenly so ouercharged with those, who (strugling to breake

out of the armes of death) leaped at all aduentures into it, that it

sunke vnder them: and so all the company perished by drowning. Onely one

ordinary Sayler, who had been a butcher, by swimming all night vpon the

mast escaped to land; reserued as it may seeme, to relate the manner of

the misaduenture. This ship raised much matter of nouelty and discourse

abroad; but neuer did ship bring such calamitie to the Realme:

especially for that it was iudged, that the life of this Prince would

haue preuented those intestine warres, which afterwards did fall,

betweene King _Steuen_ and _Matild_ daughter to King _Henry_. The King

was so ouercharged with this heauy accident; that his reason seemed to

bee darkened, or rather drowned in sorrow. Hee caused the coasts a long

time after to bee watched; but scarce any of the bodies were euer found.

Afterwards he tooke to wife _Adalisia_ daughter to _Godfrey_ Duke of

_Louaine_, of the house of _Lorraine_: She was crowned at _Westminster_

by _Roger_ B. of _Salisburie_, because _Radulph_ Archbishop of

_Canterburie_, by reason of his palsey was vnable to performe that

office. And yet because _Roger_ was not appointed by him, the doting old

man fell into such a pelting chafe, that hee offered to strike the Kings

Crowne from his head. And albeit this Lady was in the principall flower

both of her beauty and yeeres, yet the King had no issue by her.

Now as after a storme a fewe gentle drops doe alwayes fall, before the

weather turnes perfectly fayre, so after these great warres in _France_,

certaine easie conflicts did ensue: neither dangerous nor almost

troublesome to the King. For _Robert_ Earle of _Mellent_, who for a long

time had continued both a sure friend, and most close and priuate in

counsaile with the King, vpon some sudden either discontentment on his

part, or dislike on the Kings, so estranged himselfe, as it was

enterpreted to be a reuolt: being charged with intent, to aduance

_William_, cousin to _William_, sonne to _Robert Curtcuise_, to the

Duchie of _Normandie_. Wherefore the King besieged, and at last tooke

his chiefe Castle called _Pont. Audomer_; and at the same time enuironed

the towre of _Roan_ with a wall. He also repaired and fortified the

Castles of _Caen_, _Arches_, _Gisore_, _Falace_, _Argentine_,

_Donfronc_, _Oxine_, _Aubrois_, _Nanroye_, _Iuta_, and the Towne of

_Vernone_ in such sort, as at that time, they were esteemed impregnable,

and not to bee forced by any enemie; except God or gold.

In the meane time the Earle of _Mellent_, with _Hugh Geruase_ his sonne,

and _Hugh de Mountfort_ his sisters sonne, calling such as either

alliance or friendship did draw vnto them; besides those whom youthful

either age or minds had filled with vnlimited desires; whom

discontentment also or want did vainly feed with hungry hopes; entred

into _Normandy_ in armes: being so transported with desire to hurt, and

troubled with feare of receiuing hurt, that they had neuer free scope

of iudgement, either to prepare or manage the meanes to hurt. They were

no sooner entred the Confines of _Normandie_, but _William Tankeruill_

the kings Chamberlaine came against them, brauely appointed, and

resolute to fight. The very view of an enemie turned their euill guided

furie into a feare: and whatsoeuer they did (proceeding rather from

violence of passion then ground of reason) made them stumble whilest

they ran, and by their owne disorders hindered their owne desires. So

with small difficultie they were surprised and taken, and brought to the

King; who committed them to streit prison at _Roan_. An ordinary euent

when rage runneth faster, then iudgement and power are able to hold

pace.

About this time _Charles_ Earle of _Flanders_ as he was at his deuotions

in the Church of S. _Donatus_ in _Bruxels_, was suddenly slaine by

conspiracie of his owne people. And because hee left no issue in life,

_Lewes_ King of _France_ inuested _William_ sonne to _Robert Curtcuis_

late Duke of _Normandie_, in the Earledome of _Flanders_; as descended

from Earle _Baldwine_ sirnamed the Pious, whose daughter _Matilde_ was

wife to King _William_ the first, and grandmother to this _William_.

This he did, not so much in fauour to _William_, or in regard of his

right, as to set vp an assured enemie against King _Henry_: an enemie

not onely of singular expectation, but proofe: whose courage was apt to

vndertake any danger; whether for glory, or for reuenge. And herein his

proiect did nothing faile. For no sooner was the Earle aduanced to that

estate, but he raised a great hostilitie against the King of _England_:

as well to recouer the Duchie of _Normandie_, as either to relieue or to

reuenge the hard captiuitie of his father.

In this warre the Earle did winne a great opinion, both for iudgement to

discerne, and for valour to execute what hee did discerne: shewing

himselfe in nothing inferiour to his vnckle the king, but onely in

treasure and command of men. For this cause he craued supply of _Lewes_

king of _France_; who, as he was the first that blew the cole, so was he

alwayes ready to put fuell to the flame. But the King of _England_

entered _France_ with a strong Armie, where his sword ranged and raged

without resistance: and yet more in prosecution of prey, then in

execution of blood. He lodged at _Hesperdune_ the space of 8. dayes; no

lesse quietly, no lesse safely, then if he had bene in the principall

Citie of his kingdome. By this meanes hee kept the _French_ King from

sending succour to the Earle of _Flanders_. And in the meane season drew

_Theodoricke_ Earle of _Holsteine_, nephew to _Robert_ who had bene

Earle of _Flanders_, and _Arnoldus_ sisters sonne to Earle _Charles_,

not long before slaine, to inuade Earle _William_: Both pretending title

to his dignitie, both bringing seueral armies, consisting of men, tough

in temper, and well exercised in affaires of the field.

_Theodorick_ vpon his first approch tooke _Bruges_, _Ipres_ and _Gandt_;

either willingly yeelding, or with small resistance: and vpon the necke

thereof _Arnoldus_ tooke the strong towne of S. _Omer_. Earle _William_

being thus set as it were betweene the beetle and the blocke, was

nothing deiected, nothing dismayed, either in courage or in hope. And

first he went against _Arnoldus_, with a small company, but with such a

liuely countenance of a Souldier, that _Arnoldus_ fell to capitulation

for his safe departure; and so returned home as if he had bene

vanquished. Then the Earle made head against _Theodorick_, and gaue him

battaile, albeit farre inferiour to him, both for number and furniture

of his men. The fight betweene them was long, furious and doubtfull. The

_Germans_ confident in their number, which made them trust the lesse to

their valour: the _Flemings_ rather desperate then resolute, vpon

importance of their danger. And indeed it often happeneth, that good

successe at the first doeth occasion the ouerthrow of many great

actions: by working in the one side a confidence in themselues, and

contempt of their enemies; and by making the other more earnest and

entire. So at the last the violent valour of the Earle, well followed

with the braue and resolute rage of his Souldiers, did such effects,

that the _Germans_ were shaken and disordered, many slaine in the field,

and the residue chased out of _Flanders_.

The Earle hauing now no enemie in open field, layed siege to the castle

of _Alhurst_, which was defended against him by the _English_. The

assaults were so liuely enforced, and with such varietie of inuention

and deuise; that a wide way was opened through all impediments, and the

defendants were constrained by many necessities, to desire faire

conditions of yeelding. This whilest the Earle delayed to grant, he

receiued in a certaine light conflict a wound in his hand, whereof in a

short time after he died: hauing first raised himselfe very high in

opinion with all men, for his courage, industrie and skill in Armes. And

thus Duke _Robert_ and his sonne _William_ were brought to their vnhappy

ends; rather through the malice of their Fortune, then through any bad

merit or insufficiencie in themselues: whereby the Duchie of

_Normandie_, which had bene both the cause and the seate of very great

warres, was then strongly setled in possession of King _Henry_.

Hee was neuer infested with domesticall warres; which in regard of those

tumultuous times, is a manifest argument both of his iustice and

prouidence; the one not giuing cause, the other no hope, for his

subiects to rebel. The King of _Scots_ did homage vnto him; for what

territories I doe not determine. _Morcard_ King of _Ireland_ and some of

his successors were so appliable vnto him, that they seemed to depend

vpon his command. The _Welsh_ who hated idlenesse and peace alike, did

striue beyond their strength to pull their feete out of the mire of

subiection; but in loose straggling companies, without either discipline

or head. For this cause hee made diuers expeditions into _Wales_, where

he had many bickerings, and put many chases vpon them: but found nothing

worthy the name, either of enemie or of warre. Wherefore by maintaining

garrisons, and light troups of Souldiers, he consumed the most

obstinate, and reduced the rest to his allegeance: receiuing the sonnes

of their Nobilitie for hostages.

At that time many Flemings inhabited in _England_; of whom some came

ouer in the time of King _William_ the first, by occasion of his mariage

with _Matild_ daughter to _Baldwine_ their Earle: but the greatest part

came vnder the reigne of this King _Henrie_, by reason that _Flanders_

at that time by irruption of the sea, was in many places ouerflowen. The

King was willing to entertaine them, because they brought with them both

industrie and trades; because they made the Countrey both populous and

rich. For in making a place populous, it is thereby also made rich: draw

people to a place, and plentie will follow; driue away people, and it is

vndone. They were first planted neere the riuer of _Tweede_; besides

those who dispersed into diuers Townes. But at this time the King sent

many of them into _Rose_ in _Pembrokeshire_, whose progeny did euer

since maintaine themselues in good condition against the _Welsh_: being

a people euen at this day distinguished from all other bordering vpon

them, both in language, and in nature, and in fashion of life.

On a time as the king marched through _Powesland_ in _Southwales_, hee

came to certaine streights, through which his maine army could not

passe, by reason of their multitude and traine of cariage: wherefore hee

sent the greatest part a further way about, and himselfe with a small

company tooke the neerer way thorow those streights. When he was well

entred, he was charged very sharpely, but rudely, and disordredly by the

_Welsh_; who hauing the aduantage both in number and in place, did much

annoy him from the higher ground; but durst not approach to close fight

at hand. The King himselfe was smitten with an arrow full vpon the

breast: whereat hee swore _By our Lords death_ (which was his vsuall

oath) that it was no _Welsh_ arme which shot that arrow. Many of his men

also were hurt, and the residue strangely disordred; the amazement being

farre greater then the distresse. But the king with a firme countenance

retired in time, the enemies not daring to pursue him any further, then

they might be assured by aduantage of place. Then he sent peaceably vnto

them, and after some ouertures, brought them to agree, that for a

thousand head of cattell the passage should be left open vnto him.

In his politicke gouernment he so managed the State, that neither

subiects wanted iustice, nor Prince obedience. He repaired many defects,

hee reformed many abuses, which would in the meane time enfeeble, and at

last oppresse the Common-wealth. Hee ordred his affaires with such

moderation, that he was not onely well obeyed by his subiects, but

highly honoured and respected by forreine Princes: wherby it appeared,

that learning may be both a guard and guide to Princes, if it be not so

immoderately affected, as to bereaue them, either of the minde, or time

for action. He vsed much seueritie in punishing offenders; seueritie,

the life of iustice; of iustice, the most assured preseruer of States:

affording no more fauour for the most part, then dead mercilesse law did

allot. Against theeues he prouided, that no money should saue them from

hanging. He ordeined that counterfeitures of money should loose both

their eyes, and be depriued of their priuie parts. He tooke away the

deceit which had been occasioned by varietie of measures, and made a

measure by the length of his owne arme: which hath been Commonly vsed

euer since by the name of a yard.

And wheras there are two infallible signes of a diseased State; excesse

in eating, and in attire; which could neuer be restrained by penalties

or feare, but the more the people are therin forbidden, the more are

they rauished into riot and vanitie: the King by two meanes cast a

general restraint vpon them both: by example, and by reproofe: which by

reason of the inclination of men to imitate and please their Prince,

haue alwayes been of greater force then lawes, to reforme abuses in that

kind. He much abhorred excesse in eating and drinking, and was so

moderate in his owne diet, that he seemed to feede onely for necessitie

of nature. Hee both vsed and commended ciuill modestie in apparell:

especially he could not endure an absurd abuse of men in those times, in

wearing long haire like vnto women. And when their owne haire failed,

they set artificiall _Peruques_,[105] with long locks vpon their heads;

whereas by censure of the Apostle, it is reprochfull for men to weare

long haire. He discharged his Court of many loose lasciuious persons;

affirming, that they were no good instruments of the kingdome; as being

in peace chargeable, and vnprofitable for warre.

During his absence in _Normandie_, which was sometimes three or foure

yeeres together, he committed the gouernement of his Realme to _Roger_

Bishop of _Salisburie_: A man harmelesse in life, in mind flourishing

and fresh, in intention vpright: most wise in taking, and most faithfull

and fortunate in giuing aduise. Hee had gouerned the Kings expenses of

house when hee was but a Prince of priuate estate; whereby he gained

that reputation for integritie and skill, which aduanced him to a higher

trust. He was Doctor of the Canon and Ciuill lawes, as most of the

Bishops at that time were, and did beare the title and name of

_Iusticiarius totius Angliae_. Hee built the _Deuises_ in _Wiltshire_,

the Castles of _Malmesburie_ and _Shireburne_. He repaired the Castle of

_Salisburie_, and enuironed the same with a wall; hee built the stately

Church at _Salisburie_, destined to a longer life then any of his other

workes. And further, by reason of the Kings much abode in _Normandie_,

the prouisions of his house were valued at certaine prices, and receiued

in money, to the great contentment and ease of the people.

In these times were mighty woods about the place where the two high

wayes _Watling_ and _Ikening_ doe ioyne together; which woods were a

safe couert and retreite for many robbers, who much infested those high

wayes. The most famous thiefe among them, was named _Dunne_,[106] a man

mischieuous without mercie, equally greedie of blood and of spoile, the

first infamie of his name: Hee was in a sort as the most villanously

aduentrous and vile; (for in lewd actions, the worst are greatest)

Commander ouer the rest, and of him the place was called _Dunstable_. To

represse this annoyance, the King caused the woods to bee cut downe,

built there a Borough, to which hee granted Faire & Market, and that the

Burgesses should be so free as any other Burgesses within the Realme.

Hee erected there also a Palace for himselfe, and also a faire Church or

Priorie; whereto he gaue large priuiledges and endowments. By these

meanes hee made the place first populous, and consequently both

plentifull and safe.

Many other royall workes hee performed, some for Religion, as the

Religious buildings specified before; some for strength, as diuers

Castles in _Normandie_, in _Wales_, and some also in _England_: and

namely the Castle of _Warwicke_, of _Bristoll_, the Castle Colledge and

Towne of _Windsore_ on the hill, about a mile distant from the old Towne

of _Windsore_; which afterward was much encreased by King _Edward_ the

third, and after him by many Kings and Queenes succeeding. Many Palaces

also he built for ornament & pleasure. And to this end he maintained his

Parke at _Woodstocke_, wherein hee preserued diuers sorts of strange

beasts; which because he did with many demonstrations of pleasure both

accept and esteeme, were liberally sent vnto him from other Princes.

Hee first instituted the forme of the high Court of Parliament, as now

it is in vse. For before his time, onely certaine of the Nobilitie and

Prelats of the Realme were called to consultation about the most

important affaires of state: he caused the commons also to be assembled,

by Knights and Burgesses of their owne appointment, and made that Court

to consist of three parts; the Nobilitie, the Clergie, and the Common

people; representing the whole body of the Realme. The first Councell of

this sort was held at _Salisbury_, vpon the 19. day of April, in the 16.

yeere of his reigne.

His seueritie in iustice, the very heart string of a Common-wealth, his

heauie hand in bearing downe his enemies, in disabling those from

working him harme whom he knew would neuer loue him at the heart; was

traduced by some vnder termes of crueltie. And yet was he alwayes more

mindfull of benefits then of wrongs; and in offences of highest nature,

euen for bearing Armes against him, he punished oftentimes by

imprisonment or exile, and not by death.

When _Matilde_ his daughter was giuen in mariage to _Henry_ the fifth

Emperour, he tooke 3. shillings of euery hide of land throughout the

Realme: which being followed by succeeding Kings, did grow to a custome

of receiuing ayd, whensoeuer they gaue their daughters in marriage. For

albeit the same be found in the great _Custumier_ of _Normandie_, yet

was it neuer practised in _England_ before. This happened in the

fifteenth yeere of his reigne: and he neuer had the like contribution

after, but one for furnishing his warres in _France_. So the people were

not charged with many extraordinary taxations, but their ordinary fines

and payments were very great; and yet not very grieuous vnto them. For

that they saw them expended, not in wanton wast, not in loose and

immoderate liberalitie, but either vpon necessitie, or for the honour &

dignitie of the state: wherein the preseruation or aduancement of the

common good, made particular burthens not almost sensible.

But both his actions and exactions were most displeasing to the Clergy;

the Clergy did often times not onely murmure, but struggle and oppose

against his actions: as taking their liberties to be infringed, and

their state diminished; by abasing their authority, and abating both

their riches and power. When any Bishopricke or Abbey fell voyd, hee did

apply the reuenues thereof for supply of his necessities and wants: and

for that cause kept some of them many yeeres together vacant in his

hands. He would not permit appeales to _Rome_. Canons were not of force

within the Realme, vnlesse they were confirmed by the King. Legats from

the Pope were not obeyed; and no man would come to their conuocations.

In so much as one of the Popes Legates in _France_ did excommunicate all

the Priests of _Normandy_, because they would not come to his Synode.

For this cause the King sent the Bishop of _Exceter_ to _Rome_, albeit

he was both blind and in yeeres, to treat with the Pope concerning that

businesse. Hee gaue inuestitures to Prelates, by Crosse, Ring and

Staffe: and is charged to haue receiued of some of them great summes of

money for their places. About this time the marriage of Priests was

forbidden in _England_; but the King for money permitted them to reteine

their wiues, and in the end set an imposition in that respect vpon euery

Church throughout the Realme. It auailed not any man to say, that he had

no purpose to keepe a wife: he must pay for a facultie to keepe a wife

if he would.

For these causes they fastened the infamie of couetousnesse vpon him.

For these causes and especially for inuesting and receiuing homage of

Prelats, he had a stiffe strife with _Anselme_ Archb. of _Canterburie_.

For the King said, that it was against the custome of his ancesters, it

could not stand with the safety of his State; that the Prelats, who at

that time held the principall places both of trust and command in his

kingdome, who in very deed ruled all the rest, should not be appointed

onely by himselfe; should not sweare faith and allegiance vnto him;

should either bee aduanced or depend vpon any forren Prince. On the

other side _Anselme_ refused, not onely to confirme, but to communicate

or common friendly with those who had bene inuested by the King:

reproching them, as abortiues and children of destruction; traducing the

King also, as a defiler of Religion, as a deformer of the beautie and

dignitie of the Church. Hereupon by appointment of the King, they were

confirmed & consecrated by the Archb. of _Yorke_. Onely _William

Gifford_, to whom the K. had giuen the Bishopricke of _Winchester_,

refused Consecration from the Archb. of _Yorke_; for which cause the

King depriued him of all his goods, and banished him out of the Realme.

Then the King required _Anselme_ to doe him homage, and to be present

with him at giuing Inuestitures; as _Lanfranck_ his predecessor had bene

with King _William_ his father. Against these demaunds _Anselme_

obiected the decrees of the Councell lately held at _Rome_; whereby all

Lay-persons were excommunicate, who should conferre any Spiritual

promotions; and all those accursed, who for Ecclesiasticall dignities,

should subiect themselues vnder the homage or seruice of any Lay-man.

Hereupon messengers were dispatched from both parties to the Pope: who

determined altogether in fauour of _Anselme_, or rather in fauour of

himselfe. Notwithstanding the king desisted not to vrge _Anselme_, to

sweare homage vnto him. _Anselme_ required, that the Popes letters

should bee brought foorth; and he would doe as by them hee should be

directed. The King answered, that he had nothing to doe with the Popes

letters; that this was a Soueraigne right of his Crowne; that if any man

may pull these Royalties from his Crowne, he may easily pull his Crowne

from his head: that therefore _Anselme_ must doe him homage, or else

depart out of his kingdome. _Anselme_ answered, that hee would not

depart out of the Realme, but goe home to his Church, and there see,

who would offer him violence.

Then were messengers againe sent to the Bishop of _Rome_; two Bishops

from the King, and two Monckes from _Anselme_. The King wrote to the

Pope, first congratulating his aduancement to the Sea of _Rome_; then

desiring the continuance of that amitie which had bene betweene their

predecessours; Lastly, he tendred all honour and obedience, which in

former times the Kings of _England_ did yeeld to the See of _Rome_;

desiring againe, that he might not be abridged of such vsages as his

father did enioy: concluding, that during his life, hee would not suffer

the dignities of his Crowne to be empaired; and if he should so doe, yet

the Nobilitie and common people of the Realme would in no case permit

it, but would rather recede from obedience to his See.

The Pope wrote backe againe to _Anselme_; that for one mans pleasure hee

would not reuerse the decrees of former Popes; and therefore gaue him

both encouragement & charge, to continue constant, and to see them

obserued in euery point. Hee directed also his letters to the King,

which the King did suppresse: but his Embassadours declared by word,

that the Pope permitted Inuestitures to the King, so as in other things

hee would execute the Office of a good Prince. _Anselme_ called for the

Popes letters. The King answered, that his Bishops were to be credited

before the Monckes, who were disabled either for voyce or testimonie in

Secular affaires. _Anselme_ said, that he was desirous to yeeld vnto the

King, but he durst not although it should cost him his head, vnlesse he

had a warrant from _Rome_: and therefore he would send thither againe,

to haue a more full and ample answere. The King and diuers of the

Nobilitie perswaded him to goe in person, to trauaile to the Pope, and

to trauaile with him, for the quiet of the Church, and of his countrey.

With much adoe he was entreated, and so set forth on his iourney towards

_Rome_: and after followed the kings Embassadour _William Warlewast_,

new elect Bishop of _Exceter_.

When the Bishop came to the Popes presence, he declared vnto him; what

great commodities did rise out of _England_ to the See of _Rome_; that

the Inuesting of Prelats had bene an ancient right to the crowne of that

Realme; that as the King was by nature liberall, so was he stout and

resolute in courage, that it should be a great dishonour to him, who in

power exceeded any of his ancesters, if hee should not maintaine the

dignities which they held; that for this cause the Pope should doe well

to preferre to his consideration, what preiudice might follow to his

Estate, if hee should remit nothing of the seuerities of those Canons

which had bene lately made.

The Pope gaue an attentiue eare, and seemed to pause vpon that which had

been sayd. Which the Kings Ambassadour taking to be a degree of

yeelding, did more earnestly insist, and said: that the King his master

would not for the Crowne of his Realme, loose the authoritie of

inuesting his Prelates. Hereto the Pope with a starting voice and

countenance answered; _Neither will I lose the disposing of spirituall

promotions in_ England, _for the Kings head that beareth the Crowne;

before God_ (said hee) _I aduow it_. His flattering followers applauded

this speach, as proceeding from a magnanimous courage, or rather as some

flash of diuine inspiration: and the Kings Ambassador not a little

abashed, was content to descend to lower demands. In the ende it was

ordered, that the King should be restored to certaine customes which

had been vsed by his father; but that all they who had bin inuested by

the King, should be excommunicate, & that their satisfaction and

absolution should be committed vnto _Anselme_.

Thus _Anselme_, with full saile of victorie and ioy returned towards

_England_; but the Kings Ambassadour stayed behind, to assay whether by

any meanes hee could worke the Pope to a milder minde. But when hee saw

that he trauailed in vaine, he followed _Anselme_, and ouertooke him at

_Placentia_, and there deliuered vnto him certaine priuate instructions

from the King: that if he would come into _England_, and behaue himselfe

as his predecessours had done towards the Kings father, hee should be

welcome; otherwise, you are wise enough (said hee) you know what I

meane, and may easily coniecture what will ensue. With these words he

flang suddenly away; by occasion whereof his speaches setled with a more

strong impression, and multiplied many doubtfull constructions. So the

Embassadour returned to the King; but _Anselme_ went to _Lions_, and

remained there a yeere and halfe.

In the meane time much posting was made betweene _England_, _Lions_,

and _Rome_; but nothing was concluded, nothing could please: For neither

the Pope would yeeld to the King, nor the King to _Anselme_. At the last

_Anselme_ threatned to excommunicate the King: whereof the King being

aduertised by the Countesse _Adela_ his sister, hee desired her to come

to him into _Normandy_, and to bring _Anselme_ with her. Here the King

restored _Anselme_ to his former possessions; but his returne into

_England_ was respited, vntill the Pope had confirmed certaine things

which _Anselme_ did assure. So the King tooke his passage into

_England_, and _Anselme_ abode at the Abbey of _Beck_. Then were

dispatched for _Rome_, _William Warlewast_ mentioned before, and

_Baldwine_ Abbot of _Ramsey_; by whose meanes the controuersie was

composed betweene the King and the Pope; that the King should receiue

homage of Bishops elect, but should not inuest them by Staffe and Ring.

After this the king went into _Normandie_, and there agreed to _Anselme_

in these points following.

1 _That all his Churches which had been made tributary to King

William the second should bee set free._

2 _That the King should require nothing of the sayd Churches,

whilest the Sea should remaine vacant._

3 _That such Priests as had giuen money to the King to reteine their

wiues, should surcease from their function the space of three

yeeres; and that the king should take no more after such maner._

4 _That all such goods fruits and possessions as the King had taken

from the Sea of Canterbury, should bee restored to him at his

returne into England._

Thus _Anselme_ returned into _England_, and after a short time the king

followed; hauing taken his brother prisoner, and subdued _Normandie_ to

his subiection.

Forthwith _Anselme_ by permission of the K. assembled a great Councell

of the Clergie at _Westminster_; wherein hee so wrought with the King,

that at length (albeit not without great difficultie) it was newly

decreed; that no temporal man should giue inuestiture with Crosse, or

with Ring, or with Pastoral staffe. Also he directed Iniunctions to the

Priests of his Prouince, that they and their wiues should neuer meete

within one house; that they should not keepe any woman in their house,

but such as were next in kinred vnto them; That hee who held his wife

and presumed to say Masse within eight dayes after, should solemnely be

excommunicate. That all Archdeacons and their Officials should bee

sworne, not to winke at the meetings of Priests and their wiues for any

respect, and if they would not take this oath, then to lose their

office; that such Priests as would forsake their wiues, should cease

fourty dayes from ministration in their office, and performe such

penance as should be enioyned them by their Bishop. The execution of

these Canons importing both a great and sudden alteration, occasioned

much disquiet and disorder in many parts of the Realme.

In the same Councel the censure of Excommunication was cast vpon those,

who did exercise the vile vice of Sodomitrie: and it was further

decreed, that the same sentence should be published euery Sonday in al

the parish Churches of _England_. But afterward it was esteemed fit;

that this general excommunication should be repealed. The pretence was,

for that the prohibiting, yea, the publike naming of that vice might

enflame the hearts of vngracious persons with desire vnto it. But wise

men coniectured, that after this seuere restreint of marriage in the

Clergie, it did grow so frequent and familiar among them, that they

would not giue way to so generall a punishment. It is certaine that in

this Kings dayes _Io. Cremensis_ a Priest Cardinal, by the Kings licence

came into _England_, and held a solemne Synode at _London_; where hauing

most sharpely enueighed against the marriage of Priests, the night

following hee was taken in adulterie, and so with shame departed the

Realme. It is certaine also that _Anselme_, the most earnest enforcer of

single life, died not a Virgine; as by the lamentation which hee wrote

for the losse thereof it may appeare.

Not long after _Anselme_ died, being of the age of 70. yeeres. He had

bestowed much money on _Christs_ Church in _Canterburie_; as well in

buildings, as in ornaments, and encrease of possessions. Other workes of

charge he left not many; neither in very deed could he, by reason of his

often banishments, and the seasures of the reuenues of his Church. But

this he did more then liberally supply by the eternall labours of his

penne. After his decease the Archbishopricke remained voyd fiue yeeres:

during which time, the King applied the fruits to himselfe. The like

hee did to other vacant Churches; and compounded also with Priests for

reteining their wiues; and made his profit by Ecclesiasticall persons

and liuings, more largely and freely then he had done before. For which

cause it is not vnlike that the imputation of couetousnesse was fixed

vpon him. At the last _Radulph_ Bishop of _Rochester_ was aduanced to

the See of _Canterburie_; and notwithstanding all former agreements and

decrees, the King inuested him with Ring and with Staffe.

But howsoeuer we may either excuse or extenuate the two vices of

crueltie and couetousnesse, wherewith he is charged, his immoderate

excesse in lust can no wayes be denied, no wayes defended: And when age

had somewhat abated in him the heat of that humour, yet was hee too much

pleased with remembrance of his youthfull follies. For this vice it is

manifest, as well by the sudden and vnfortunate losse of his children,

as for that he was the last King by descent from males of the _Norman_

race, that the hand of God pressed hard vpon him.

As _Radulph_ succeeded _Anselme_ in the See of _Canterburie_. So after

the death of _Thomas_, _Thurstine_ the Kings Chapplaine was elected

Archb. of _Yorke_. And because he refused to acknowledge obedience to

the See of _Canterbury_, hee could not haue his Consecration, but was

depriued of his dignitie by the King. Hereupon he tooke his iourney to

_Rome_, complained to the Pope, and from him returned with a letter to

the King: that the putting of a Bishop elect from his Church, without

iudgement, was against diuine Iustice, against the decrees of holy

Fathers: that the Pope intended no preiudice to either Church, but to

maintaine the constitution which S. _Gregorie_, the Apostle of the

_English_ Nation, had stablished betweene them: that the Bishop elect

should be receiued to his Church, and if any question did rise between

the two Churches, it should be handled before the King.

Vpon occasion of this letter a solemne assembly was called at

_Salisburie_, where the variance betweene the two Prelats was much

debated. _Radulph_ would not giue Imposition of hands to _Thurstine_,

vnlesse hee would professe obedience. _Thurstine_ said, that he would

gladly embrace his benediction, but professe obedience to him he would

not. The King signified to _Thurstine_, that without acknowledgement of

subiection to the Archb. of _Canterburie_, hee should not be Consecrated

Archb. of _Yorke_. _Thurstine_ replied nothing; but renounced his

dignitie, and promised to make no more claime vnto it.

Not long after, _Calixtus_ Bishop of _Rome_ assembled a Councell at

_Rhemes_; and _Thurstine_ desired licence of the King to goe to that

Councell. This hee obtained vnder faithfull promise, that he should

there attempt nothing to the preiudice of the Church of _Canterburie_.

In the meane time the King dealt secretly with the Pope, that

_Thurstine_ should not bee consecrated by him. This the Pope did

faithfully assure; and yet by meanes of some of his Cardinals, whom

_Thurstine_ had wrought to bee suiters for him; by reason also of his

hate against _Radulph_, for taking Inuestiture from the King; The Pope

was drawen to giue him consecration, and therewith the Pall. For this

cause the King was displeased with _Thurstine_, and forbad him to

returne into the Realme.

After this, the Pope came to _Gisors_, to which place the King went vnto

him; and desired that he would not send any Legates into _England_,

except the King should so require. The reason was, for that certaine

Legates had come into _England_ lately before, to wit, one _Guido_, and

another named _Anselme_, and another called _Peter_; who had demeaned

themselues, not as Pillars of the Church, but as Pillagers of all the

Realme. Also he required that hee might reteine all such customes, as

his auncestors had vsed in _England_ and in _Normandie_. The Pope vpon

promise that the King should ayd him against his enemies, yeelded to

these demands: and required againe of the King, to permit _Thurstine_ to

returne with his fauour into _England_. The King excused himselfe by his

oath. The Pope answered, that he might and would dispence with him for

his oath. The King craued respite, affirming that he would aduise with

his Counsaile, and then signifie to the Pope what he should resolue. So

in short time hee declared to the Pope, that for loue to him,

_Thurstine_ should bee receiued both into the Realme and to his Church:

vpon condition, that he should professe subiection to the Sea of

_Canterburie_, as in former times his predecessors had done; otherwise

(said hee) so long as I shall bee King of _England_, hee shall neuer

sit Archbishop of _Yorke_.

The yeere following the Pope directed his letters to the King, and

likewise to _Radulph_. And herewith he interdicted both the Church of

_Canterburie_ and the Church of _Yorke_, with all the Parish Churches of

both Prouinces; from Diuine seruice, from Buriall of the dead, from all

other offices of the Church; except onely baptizing of children, and

absolution of those who shal lie at the point of death: vnlesse within

one moneth after the receit of the same letters, _Thurstine_ should be

receiued to the Sea of _Yorke_, without acknowledging subiection to the

Sea of _Canterburie_. It was further signified to the King, that he

should also be excommunicate, vnlesse hee would consent to the same.

Vpon these letters _Thurstine_ was sent for, and reconciled to the King,

and quietly placed in his Church at _Yorke_. And thus when the Bishops

of Rome had gained absolute superiority ouer the state of the Church,

euen for managing external actions and affaires (which seeme to be a

part of ciuill gouernement) there wanted nothing but either a weake

Prince, or a factious Nobilitie, or a headstrong tumultuous people, to

giue him absolute superioritie ouer all.

In the second yeere of this Kings reigne the Cities of _Gloucester_ and

_Winchester_ were for the most part wasted with fire.

In the fourth yeere a blasing starre appeared, and foure circles were

seene about the Sunne. The yeere next following the King preuailed much

in _Normandie_, and so did the Sea in _Flanders_: insomuch as a great

part of that Countrey lay buried in the waters.

In the seuenth yeere a blazing starre appeared: and vpon thursday night

before Easter, two full Moones were seene, one in the East, and the

other in the West. The same yeere _Robert_ Duke of _Normandie_ was taken

& brought prisoner into _England_.

In the tenth yeere the Abbey of _Elie_ was made a Bishops Sea, and

Cambridge shire was appointed for the Diocesse thereof. In regard

whereof, the King gaue the mannour of _Spalding_ to the Bishop of

_Lincolne_, for that the shire of _Cambridge_ was formerly vnder the

Iurisdiction of _Lincolne_. The same yeere a Comet appeared after a

strange fashion. About _Shrewsburie_ was a great earthquake. The water

of _Trent_ was dried vp at _Nottingham_ the space of a mile, from one

of the clocke vntill three: so as men might passe ouer the Channell on

foote. Warres ensued against the Earle of _Aniou_; a great mortalitie of

men; a murraine of beastes both domesticke and of the fielde: yea, the

foules perished in great abundance.

In the 13. yeere the Citie of _Worcester_, and therein the chiefe

Church, the Castle, with much people were consumed with fire. A pigge

was farrowed with a face like a childe. A chicken was hatched with foure

legs. The yeere next ensuing the riuer of _Medeway_ so fayled for many

miles, that in the middest of the channell the smallest boates could not

floate. In the _Thames_ also was such defect of water, that betweene the

Tower and the Bridge many men and children did wade ouer on foote. This

happened by reason of a great ebbe in the Ocean, which layd the sands

bare many miles from the shoare, and so continued one whole day. Much

rage and violence of weather ensued, and a blasing starre. The Citie of

_Chichester_ with the principall Monastery was burnt. The yeere next

following almost all the Bridges in _England_ being then of timber, by

reason of a hard Winter were borne downe with Ice.

In the 17. yeere the towne of _Peterborough_ with the stately Church

were burned to the ground. The Citie of _Bath_ also was much ruined and

defaced with fire. In March there happened fearefull lightning, and in

December grieuous thunder and haile. The Moone at both times seemed to

be turned into blood, by reason of the euill qualited vapours through

which it gaue light. The yeere following, _Mathild_ the Queene departed

this life: a woman in pietie, chastitie, modestie, and all other vertues

nothing inferiour to her mother; but in learning and iudgement farre

beyond her: who did not act, nor speake, nor scarce thinke any thing,

but first it was weighed by wisdome and vertue. When the king desired

her in marriage, for the publicke good and tranquilitie of the State, in

reducing the _Saxon_ blood to the Crowne; she first modestly, then

earnestly refused the offer; shewing no lesse magnanimitie in despising

honours, then others doe in affecting them. But when she was not so much

perswaded as importuned to forsake her profession, she is reported by

some to haue taken the matter so to heart, that she cursed such issue

as she should bring forth: which curse did afterwards lie heauie vpon

them. For her sonne _William_ perished by shipwrack, and her daughter

_Matild_ was neuer voyd of great vexations. As she trauailed ouer the

riuer of _Lue_, at the _Old-foord_ neere _London_, she was well washed,

and somewhat endangered in her passage: whereupon he caused two

Stone-bridges to be built ouer the same riuer, one at the head of the

towne of _Stratford_, the other ouer another streame thereof, commonly

called _Channels-bridge_; and paued the way betweene them with grauel.

She gaue also certaine mannours, and a mill called _Wiggon_ mill, for

repairing of the same bridges and way. These were the first

Stone-bridges that were made in _England_. And because they were arched

like a bow, the towne of _Stratford_ was afterwards called _Bow_.

In the 20. yere, a great earthquake hapned, in the moneth of September.

In the 22. yeere, the Citie of _Glocester_, with the principal

Monasterie was fired againe. The yeere next following, the Citie of

_Lincolne_ was for the most part burned downe, and many persons perished

with the rage of the flame. In the 27. yeere, the King receiued an oath

of the chiefe of the Prelats and Nobilitie of the Realme; that after

his death, they should maintaine the kingdom against al men for his

daughter _Matild_, in case she should suruiue, and the king not leaue

issue male in life.

In the 30. yeere, the Citie of _Rochester_ was much defaced with fire,

euen in the presence and view of the King. The yeere next following the

oath to _Matild_ was receiued againe. About this time the King was much

troubled with fearefull dreames; which did so affright him, that he

would often leape out of his bed, and lay hand on his sword, as if it

were to defend himselfe. This yeere as he returned out of _Normandie_

into _England_, when he had bene caried not farre from land, the winde

began to rise, and the Sea swelled somewhat bigge. This weather did

almost suddenly encrease to so dangerous a storme, that all expected to

be cast away. The King, dismayed the more by his sonnes mishap,

reconciled himselfe to God; and vowed to reforme many errours of his

life, if he did escape. So after his arriuall, he went to the Monasterie

of S. _Edmund_; and there both ratified and renued the promise he had

made. After this he was better ordered in his actions; he erected a

Bishopricke at _Caerlile_, and endowed it with many honours: he caused

Iustice indifferently to be administred; and eased the people of the

tribute called _Dane guilt_.

In the 32. yeere, _Matilde_ daughter to the King was deliuered of a

sonne, who was named _Henry_. Hereupon the king assembled his Nobilitie

at _Oxeford_, where he did celebrate his feast of Easter; and there

ordeined, that shee and her heires should succeed him in the kingdome.

And albeit they were often sworne to this appointment; albeit _Stephen_

Earle of _Bloise_ was the first man who tooke that oath: yet was he the

first who did rise against it; yet did many others also ioyne with him

in his action. For oathes are commonly troden vnder foote, when they lye

in the way, either to honour or reuenge. The same yeere the Citie of

_London_ was very much defaced with fire.

The yeere next following, many prodigies happened, which seemed to

portend the death of the King, or rather the troublesome times which did

thereupon ensue. In the moneth of August, the Sunne was so deepely

eclipsed, that by reason of the darkenesse of the ayre, many starres did

plainely appeare. The second day after this defect of light, the earth

trembled with so great violence, that many buildings were shaken downe.

_Malmesb._ sayth, that the house wherein he sate, was lift vp with a

double remooue, and at the third time setled againe in the proper place.

The earth in diuers places yeelded foorth a hideous noyse; It cast

foorth flames at certaine rifts diuers dayes together, which neither by

water nor by any other meanes could be suppressed.

During the time of the eclipse mentioned before, the King was trauersing

the sea into _Normandie_; whither hee vsually went, sometimes euery

yeere, but euery third yeere at the furthest. Here he spent the whole

yeere following, in ordering affaires of State, and in visiting euery

corner of the Countrey. He neuer gaue greater contentment to the people,

as well by his gifts, as by his gentle and courteous behauiour: he neuer

receiued greater contentment from them, by the liuely expressing of

their loue. But nothing did so much affect him with ioy, as that his

daughter _Matild_ had brought foorth other two sonnes, _Geoffrey_ and

_William_: whereby hee conceiued, that the succession of his issue to

the Crowne of _England_ was so well backed, that he needed not to

trouble his thoughts with any feare that his heires would faile.

At the last he began to languish a little and droupe in health; and

neither feeling nor fearing any great cause, hee rode on hunting, to

passe it ouer with exercise and delight. Herewith being somewhat

cheered, hee returned home, and eate of a Lamprey, albeit against his

Physicians aduise, which meate he alwayes loued, but was neuer able well

to digest. After this, and happely vpon this vicious feeding, he fell

into a feuer; which increased in him by such dangerous degrees, that

within seuen dayes it led him to the period of his life. Hee died vpon

the first of December, in the 67. yere of his age: when hee had reigned

35. yeeres and foure moneths, wanting one day. His bowels and eyes were

buried at _Roan_: The rest of his bodie was stuffed with salt, wrapped

vp in Oxe hides, and brought ouer into _England_; and with honourable

exequies buried in the Monastery of _Reading_, which hee had founded.

His Physician who tooke out his braines, by reason of the intolerable

stinch which breathed from them, in short time after ended his life. So

of all that King _Henrie_ slue, this Physician was the last.

He had by his first wife a sonne named _William_, who perished by

shipwracke; and _Matild_ a daughter, who was espoused to the Emperour

_Henrie_ the 5. when she was scarce sixe yeeres olde, and at the age of

eleuen yeeres was married vnto him. When shee had been married vnto him

twelue yeeres, he died; and shee returned to the King her father, both

against her owne minde, and against the desire of the greatest Princes

of the Empire: who in regard of her wise and gracious behauiour, were

suitors to the King more then once, to haue her remaine as Empresse

among them. But the king would not consent to their intreatie: For that

shee was the onely heire to his Crowne. Then many great Princes desired

her in marriage. But the King bestowed her vpon _Geoffrey_, sonne to

_Fulke_ Earle of _Aniou_: somewhat against her owne liking, but greatly

to the suretie of his estate in _France_. By him she had _Henrie_, who

afterwards was King of _England_.

Further, the King had by a Concubine, _Richard_ a sonne, and _Mary_ a

daughter; who were lost vpon the sea with their brother _William_. By

another Concubine hee had a sonne named _Robert_, whom he created Earle

of _Glocester_: a man for valour of minde and abilitie of bodie

inferiour to none; in counsailes so aduised, as was fit for a right

Noble commander. By his faith, industrie, and felicitie chiefly, his

sister _Matild_ did afterwards resist and ouerbeare, both the forces and

fortunes of King _Stephen_. He is reported to haue had 12. other

bastards; which were of no great either note or continuance, according

to that saying of the Wise man: _Bastard plants take no deepe

rootes_.[107]

This King in the beginning of his Reigne made many fauourable lawes: And

namely, _That he would reserue no possessions of the Church vpon their

vacancies: that the heires of his Nobilitie should possesse their

fathers lands without redemption from him, and that the Nobilitie

likewise should afford the like fauour to their Tenants: that Gentlemen

might giue their daughters and kinsewomen in marriage without his

licence, so it were not to his enemie: that the widow should haue her

ioynture, and not be compelled to marrie against her owne liking: that

the mother or next of kinred should bee Guardian of the lands of her

children: that all debts to the Crowne and certaine offences also should

bee remitted_. But these lawes afterwards were but slenderly obserued.

Three vertues were most famous in him; wisedome, courage, and

sweetenesse of speach. By the last hee gained much fauour from the

people. By the other two he purchased, both peace at home, and victory

abroad. He was noted also for some vices: but out of doubt they were

farre exceeded by his vertues. And for these vices also, being himselfe

of a pleasant disposition, he was well pleased with pleasant reproofes.

_Guymund_ his Chapleine (obseruing that vnworthy men for the most part

were aduanced to the best dignities of the Church) as he celebrated

Diuine seruice before him, and was to read these words out of S.

_Iames_; [_It rained not vpon the earth iij. yeres and vj.

moneths_:][108] Hee did read it thus: [_It rained not vpon the earth

one, one, one yeres, and fiue, one, moneths_.] The King obserued this

reading, and afterwards rebuked his Chapleine for it: But _Guymund_

answered, that he did it of purpose, for that such readers were soonest

preferred by the King. The King smiled, and in short time after

preferred him to the gouernment of S. _Frideswides_ in _Oxeford_. In

this King failed the heires male of King _William_ the first: and then

the Crowne was possessed by Title of heires generall.

In these times flourished two excellent ornaments of the Church;

_Anselme_ in _England_, and _Bernard_ in _France_: both of them enrolled

in the list of Saints. And no lesse infamous for vice was _Gerard_,

Archbishop of _Yorke_; a man of some learning; not so much in substance,

as in seeming and shew; of commendable wit, which he applied chiefly, to

giue a couler for euery vice of his owne, and for euery vertue of others

either a slander or a ieast: Of enuious disposition; plagued lesse with

his owne calamities, then with the well either doing or being of other

men; in wiping money from his Subiects by dishonest meanes, subtill and

shamelesse; and no lesse sordide in his expences: giuen to Magicall

enchantments as many doe affirme. On a certaine day as he slept vpon a

cushion after dinner, in his Garden at _Southwell_, and many of his

Chapleines walked neere him; he was found in such a stiffe cold dead

sleepe, as will require the trumpe of an Archangel to awake him. His

face then looked with an ougly hell-burnt hue. His body was caried to

_Yorke_; few vouchsafing to accompany, none to meete it (according to

the vse of Exequies) when it came to the Citie; but the boyes in scorne

throwing stones at the hearse. He was basely buried without the Church

without any funerall solemnities, without any signe either of honour or

of griefe.