[Illustration]
JOHN FOX, the Martyrologist.
[Sidenote: _The Ecclesiastical History, containing the
Acts and Monuments, &c._ 2nd Ed., II., pp. 1355-6, 1570.]
_How the Lord CROMWELL helped Archbishop
CRANMER's Secretary._
[July 1539.]
[Sidenote: The Archbishop CRANMER disputeth three days in
Parliament against the _Six Articles_.]
MENTION was made before how King HENRY, in the 31st year
[1539-1540] of his reign, caused the _Six Articles_ [31. _Hen. VIII._,
c. 14. _An Act abolishing diversity in opinions_] to pass [in June
1539]; much against the mind, and contrary to the consent of the
Archbishop of CANTERBURY, THOMAS CRANMER: who had disputed
three days against the same in the Parliament House, with great reasons
and authorities. Which _Articles_, after they were granted and passed
by the Parliament, the King, for the singular favour which he ever
bare to CRANMER and reverence to his learning (being desirous
to know what he had said and objected in the Parliament against these
_Articles_; or what could be alleged by Learning against the same)
required a Note of the Archbishop's doings, what he had said and
opposed in the Parliament touching that matter. And this word was
sent to him from the King by CROMWELL and other Lords of
the Parliament, whom the King then sent to dine with him at Lambeth:
somewhat to comfort again his grieved mind and troubled spirits: as
hath been above recited at page 1,298.
[The passage referred to runs thus:
After the Parliament was finished and that matter
concluded; the King (considering the constant zeal of
the Archbishop in defence of his cause; and partly also
weighing the many authorities and reasons whereby he had
substantially confirmed the same) sent [in July 1539] the
Lord CROMWELL (which within a few days after [_or rather
on 10th June 1540_] was apprehended), the two Dukes of
NORFOLK and SUFFOLK, and all the Lords of the Parliament,
to dine with him at Lambeth: where they signified to him,
That it was the King's pleasure that they all should,
in His Highness's behalf, cherish comfort and animate
him as one that, for his travail in that Parliament, had
declared himself both greatly learned, and also a man
discreet and wise: and therefore they willed him not
to be discouraged in anything that was passed in that
Parliament contrary to his allegations.
He most humbly thanked, first the King's Highness of his
singular good affection towards him; and them, for all
their pains: adding moreover that he so hoped in GOD that
hereafter his allegations and authorities should take
place, to the glory of GOD and commodity of the realm.]
[Sidenote: The name of this Secretary was Master RALPH MORICE,
being yet alive [_i.e., in 1570_].]
Whereupon, when this dinner was finished [in July 1539], the next day
after the Archbishop (collecting both his arguments, authorities of
Scripture, and Doctors [_i.e. the Fathers of the Church_] together)
caused his Secretary to write a fair Book thereof for the King, after
this order:
First, the Scriptures were alleged.
Then, the Doctors.
Thirdly, followed the arguments deduced from those Authorities.
This book was written in his Secretary's Chamber [at Lambeth Palace];
where, in a by-chamber, lay the Archbishop's Almoner.
When this Book was fair written, and while the Secretary was gone
to deliver the same unto the Archbishop his Master, who was, as it
chanced, ridden to Croydon; returning back to his chamber, he found his
door shut, and the key carried away to London by the Almoner.
At this season also [it] chanced the father of the said Secretary to
come to the city; by whose occasion it so fell out, that he [RALPH
MORICE] must needs go to London. The Book he could not lay in his
chamber, neither durst he commit it to any other person to keep; being
straitly charged, in any condition, by the Archbishop his master, to be
circumspect thereof: so he determined to go to his father, and to keep
the Book about him.
And so, thrusting the Book under his girdle, he went over [the Thames]
unto Westminster Bridge, with a sculler; where he entered into a wherry
that went to London: wherein were four of the Guard, who meant to land
at Paul's Wharf; and to pass by the King's Highness who was then in his
barge, with a great number of barges and boats about him, then baiting
of bears in the water, over against the Bank [Side in Southwark].
The aforesaid Yeomen of the Guard, when they came against the King's
barge, they durst not pass by towards Paul's Wharf, lest they should be
espied: and therefore entreated the Secretary to go with them to the
Bearbaiting; and they would find the means, being of the Guard, to make
room and to see all the pastime.
The Secretary perceiving no other remedy, assented thereto.
When the wherry came nigh the multitude of boats; they with poleaxes
got the wherry so far that, being encompassed with many other wherries
and boats, there was no refuge if the bear should break loose and come
upon them: as, in very deed, within one _Paternoster_ while, the bear
brake loose; and came into the boat where the Yeomen of the Guard were,
and the said Secretary.
[Sidenote: Tall Yeomen, but ill Keepers.]
The Guard forsook the wherry, and went into another barge; one or two
of them leaping short, so fell into the water.
[Sidenote: A Bearbaiting upon [the] Thames before the King.]
[Sidenote: The Book of Dr CRANMER against the _Six Articles_
lost in the Thames.]
The bear and the dogs so shaked the wherry wherein the Secretary was,
that the boat being full of water sank to the ground; and being also,
as it chanced, an ebbing tide, he sat there in the end of the wherry
up to the middle in water. To whom came the bear and all the dogs. The
bear, seeking as it were aid and succour of him, came back with his
hinder parts upon him; and so, rushing upon him, the Book was loosed
from the Secretary's girdle, and so fell into the Thames out of his
reach.
The flying of the people, after that the bear was loose, from one boat
to another, was so cumbrous that divers persons were thrown into the
Thames: the King commanding certain men, that could swim, to strip
themselves naked; and to help to save them that were in danger.
This pastime so displeased the King, that he bade, "Away, away with the
bear! and let us go all hence!"
The Secretary, perceiving his Book to fleet away in the Thames, called
to the Bearward to take up the Book.
[Sidenote: This Bearward was Princess ELIZABETH's servant.]
[Sidenote: Dr CRANMER's Book against the _Six Articles_
delivered to a Popish Priest.]
When the Bearward had the Book in his custody, being an arrant
Papist, far from the religion of his Mistress (for he was the Lady
ELIZABETH's Bearward, now the Queen's Majesty), ere that the
Secretary could come to land, he had delivered the Book to a Priest
of his own affinity in religion standing on the bank: who, reading in
the Book, and perceiving that it was a manifest Refutation of the _Six
Articles_, made much ado; and told the Bearward that whosoever claimed
the Book, should surely be hanged.
Anon, the Secretary came to the Bearward for his Book.
"What," quoth the Bearward, "dare you challenge this Book? Whose
servant be you?"
"I am servant to one of the [Privy] Council," said the Secretary, "and
my Lord of CANTERBURY is my master."
"Yea, marry," quoth the Bearward, "I thought as much. You be like, I
trust, to be both hanged for this Book."
"Well," said he "it is not so evil as you take it: and, I warrant you,
my Lord will avouch the book to the King's Majesty. But I pray you let
me have my Book, and I will give you a crown [_6s., or in present value
about £2_] to drink."
"If you will give me 500 crowns, you shall not have it," quoth the
Bearward.
* * * * *
With that the Secretary departed from him: and, understanding the
malicious forwardness of the Bearward, he learned that BLAGE
the Grocer in Cheapside might do much with him. To whom the Secretary
brake this matter, requiring him to send for the Bearward to supper;
and he would pay for the whole charge thereof: and besides that, rather
than he would forego his Book after this sort, the Bearward should have
20s. [_in present value about £6_] to drink.
The supper was prepared. The Bearward was sent for, and came. After
supper, the matter was intreated; and 20s. offered for the Book.
But do what could be done; neither friendship, acquaintance, nor yet
reward of money, could obtain the Book out of his hands: but that the
same should be delivered unto some of the [Privy] Council, that would
not so slightly look on so weighty a matter as to have it redeemed for
a supper, or a piece of money. The honest man, Master BLAGE,
with many good reasons would have persuaded him not to be stiff in
his own conceit: declaring that in the end he should nothing at all
prevail of his purpose, but be laughed to scorn; getting neither penny
nor praise for his travail. He, hearing that, rushed suddenly out of
the doors from his friend Master BLAGE; without any manner of
thanksgiving for his supper: more like a Bearward than like an honest
man.
When the Secretary saw the matter so extremely to be used against him;
he then thought it expedient to fall from any farther practising of
entreaty with the Bearward, as with him that seemed rather to be a bear
himself than master of the beast: determining the next morning to make
the Lord CROMWELL privy of the chance that happened.
* * * * *
So, on the next day, as the Lord CROMWELL went to the Court,
the Secretary declared the whole matter unto him; and how he had
offered the Bearward 20s. for the finding thereof.
"Where is the fellow?" quoth the Lord CROMWELL.
"I suppose," said the Secretary, "that he is now in the Court,
attending to deliver the book unto some of the Council."
"Well," said the Lord CROMWELL, "it maketh no matter. Go with
me thither, and I shall get you your book again!"
[Sidenote: The Bearward waiting to give CRANMER's Book to the
Council.]
When the Lord Cromwell came into the Hall of the Court, there stood
the Bearward with the Book in his hand; waiting to have delivered the
same unto Sir ANTHONY BROWNE or unto [STEPHEN GARDINER] the Bishop of
WINCHESTER, as it was reported.
[Sidenote: The Lord CROMWELL getteth the Book from the
Bearward.]
To whom the Lord CROMWELL said, "Come hither, fellow! What
Book hast thou there in thy hand?" and with that snatched the Book out
of his hand: and looking in the Book, said, "I know this hand well
enough. This is your hand," said he to the Secretary.
"But where hadst thou this Book?" quoth the Lord CROMWELL to
the Bearward.
"This Gentleman lost it two days ago in the Thames," said the Bearward.
"Dost thou know whose servant he is?" said the Lord CROMWELL.
"He saith," quoth the Bearward, "that he is my Lord of
CANTERBURY's servant."
"Why then didst thou not deliver to him the Book when he required it?"
said the Lord CROMWELL. "Who made thee so bold as to detain or
withhold any Book or writing from a Councillor's servant, especially
being his Secretary? It is more meet for thee to meddle with thy bears,
than with such writing: and were it not for thy Mistress's sake, I
would set thee fast by the feet, to teach such malapert knaves to
meddle with Councillors' matters. Had not money been well bestowed upon
such a good fellow as this is, that knoweth not a Councillor's man from
a cobbler's man!"
* * * * *
And with those words, the Lord CROMWELL went up into the
King's Chamber of Presence, and the Archbishop's Secretary with him:
where he found, in the Chamber, the Lord of CANTERBURY.
[Sidenote: The words of the Lord CROMWELL to the Archbishop
CRANMER.]
To whom he said, "My Lord, I have here found good stuff for you,"
showing to him the paper book that he had in his hand, "ready to
bring both you, and this good fellow your man, to the halter: namely
[_especially_] if the knave Bearward, now in the Hall, might have well
compassed it."
At these words, the Archbishop smiled, and said, "He that lost the Book
is like[ly] to have the worst bargain: for, besides that he was well
washed in the Thames, he must write the Book fair again."
And, at these words, the Lord CROMWELL cast the Book unto the
Secretary, saying, "I pray thee, MORICE, go in hand therewith,
by and bye, with all expedition: for it must serve a turn."
"Surely, my Lord, it somewhat rejoiceth me," quoth the Lord
CROMWELL, "that the varlet might have had of your man 20s. for
the Book: and now I have discharged the matter with never a penny; and
shaken him well up for his overmuch malapertness."
"I know the fellow well enough," quoth the Archbishop, "there is not
a ranker Papist within this realm than he is; most unworthy to be a
servant unto so noble a Princess."
* * * * *
And so, after humble thanks given to the Lord CROMWELL, the
said MORICE departed with his Book: which, when he again had
fair written it, was delivered to the King's Majesty by the said Lord
CROMWELL, within four days after.
[Illustration]
R. W[ITC].
Against the wilful inconstancy of
his dear foe E. T.
Which example may justly be a sufficient warning
for all young Men to beware the feigned
fidelity of unconstant Maidens.
ALL youthful wights at liberty,
whom Love did never thrall;
I wish that my decay may be
a warning to you all!
That have a sore, bred in my breast,
although it be not strange;
Yet will it bring me to the grave,
without some sudden change.
For I, by suit, have servèd one
two years and somewhat more,
And now I can no longer serve;
my heart it is so sore.
Which heart I let to Usury,
through greedy fond desire;
Not doubting to receive home twain,
when I would them require.
But if that every Usurer
had such good hap as I,
There would not be so many men
would use this usury.
My Debtor hath deceivèd me;
for she is from me fled:
And I am left among the briars
to bring a fool to bed.
So that I silly [_innocent_] man remain
each day in doubtful case:
For Death doth daily lie in wait
to 'rest me with his mace.
And cast me into prison strong,
the door is made of grass:
And I might bless my hour of birth,
if it were come to pass.
For, lo, my careful choice doth choose
to keep me still in thrall;
And doth regard my love no more
than stone that lies in wall.
Whereby I see that women's hearts
are made of marble stone:
I see how careless they can be,
when pensive men do moan.
I sowed both pure and perfect seed
on fair and pleasant ground;
In hope, though harvest brought some pain,
some profit might be found.
But now the harvest ended is;
and for my faithful seeds,
And all my pain[s] and labour past,
I have nought else but weeds.
I thrust my hand among the thorns,
in hope the rose to find:
I pricked my hand, and eke my heart;
yet left the rose behind.
Not I, but many more I know
in love do lack relief:
But I, as cause doth me compel,
do wail my pain and grief.
I doubtless cannot be the first
that Love hath put to pain:
Nor yet I shall not be the last
that Women will disdain.
If I, poor wretch, should think upon
the pains that I have past;
Or if I could recount the cares
that she hath made me taste:
Into despair it would me drive,
and cleave my heart in twain;
Or else bereave me of my wits,
to think upon the pain.
I never spent one day in joy,
my careful heart doth know;
Since first I lent my love to her,
by whom my grief doth grow.
There are no greater pains assigned
for damnèd ghosts in hell,
Than I do suffer for her sake,
that I do love so well.
The price that I have paid for love,
not many men would give:
But I my bargain shall repent
as long as I do live.
I paid for love, and that full dear:
yet I received right nought.
I never was so much deceived
in anything I bought.
If every woman on her friend
such pity used to take;
Then shortly men will run to love,
as bears unto a stake.
But now let VENUS fire her forge!
Let CUPID's shaft be sent!
They can no more increase my woe:
for all my love is spent.
But here, good Reader, thou mayst see
how Love hath paid my hire!
To leave me burning in the flame;
compelled to blow the fire.
But if that thou, good friend, desire
to live in happy state:
Then seek in time to shun mishap!
_Repentance comes too late!_
Frequent not women's company;
but see thou from them swerve!
For thy reward shall be but small
whatever thou deserve.
Take heed, for thou mayst come in thrall
before that thou beware:
And when thou art entanglèd once,
thou canst not fly the snare.
Take thou not this to be a jest;
but think it to be true!
Before thou prove, as I have done:
lest proof do make thee rue.
Yet if thou chance to place thy love;
take heed What thou dost say!
And see thou place thy talk in print,
or else beware a fray!
And thus I end: not doubting but
these words may well suffice
To warn thy greedy heart of harm,
and ease thy roving eyes.
Ease by Disease
hath made me to halt:
Time hath so turned
my sugar to salt.