to send an ambassador unto the emperor Maximilian[52], who lay at
that present in the Low Country of Flanders, not far from Calais.
The Bishop of Winchester, and Sir Thomas Lovell, whom the king most
highly esteemed, as chief among his counsellors (the king one day
counselling and debating with them upon this embassy), saw they had
a convenient occasion to prefer the king's chaplain, whose excellent
wit, eloquence[53], and learning they highly commended to the king. The
king giving ear unto them, and being a prince of an excellent judgment
and modesty, commanded [them] to bring his chaplain, whom they so much
commended, before his grace's presence. At whose repair [thither] to
prove the wit of his chaplain, the king fell in communication with
him in matters of weight and gravity: and, perceiving his wit to be
very fine, thought him sufficient to be put in authority and trust
with this embassy; [and] commanded him thereupon to prepare himself
to this enterprise and journey, and for his depeche[54], to repair
to his grace and his trusty counsellors aforesaid, of whom he should
receive his commission and instructions. By means whereof he had then
a due occasion to repair from time to time into the king's presence,
who perceived him more and more to be a very wise man, and of a good
entendment[55]. And having his depeche, [he] took his leave of the
king at Richmond about noon, and so came to London with speed [about
four of the clock[56]], where then the barge of Gravesend was ready
to launch forth, both with a prosperous tide and wind. Without any
farther abode he entered the barge, and so passed forth. His happy
speed was such that he arrived at Gravesend within little more than
three hours; where he tarried no longer than his post horses were
provided; and travelling so speedily with post horses, that he came to
Dover the next morning early, whereas the passengers[57] were ready
under sail displayed, to sail to Calais. Into which passengers without
any farther abode he entered, and sailed forth with them, [so] that he
arrived at Calais within three hours, and having there post horses
in a readiness, departed incontinent, making such hasty speed, that
he was that night with the emperor; who, having understanding of the
coming of the King of England's ambassador, would in no wise defer the
time, but sent incontinent for him (his affection unto King Henry the
Seventh was such, that he rejoiced when he had an occasion to show him
pleasure). The ambassador having opportunity, disclosed the sum of his
embassy unto the emperor, of whom he required speedy expedition, the
which was granted; so that the next day he was clearly dispatched, with
all the king's requests fully accomplished. At which time he made no
farther tarriance, but with post horses rode incontinent that night
toward Calais again, conducted thither with such number of horsemen as
the emperor had appointed, and [was] at the opening of the gates there,
where the passengers were as ready to return into England as they were
before in his advancing; insomuch that he arrived at Dover by ten of
the clock before noon; and having post horses in a readiness, came to
the court at Richmond that night. Where he taking his rest for that
time until the morning, repaired to the king at his first coming out
of his grace's bedchamber, toward his closet to hear mass. Whom (when
he saw) [he] checked him for that he was not past on his journey.
"Sir," quoth he, "if it may stand with your highness' pleasure, I
have already been with the emperor, and dispatched your affairs, I
trust, to your grace's contentation." And with that delivered unto the
king the emperor's letters of credence. The king, being in a great
confuse and wonder of his hasty speed with ready furniture of all his
proceedings, dissimuled all his imagination and wonder in that matter,
and demanded of him, whether he encountered not his pursuivant, the
which he sent unto him (supposing him not to be scantly out of London)
with letters concerning a very necessary cause, neglected in his
commission and instructions, the which the king coveted much to be
sped. "Yes, forsooth, Sire," quoth he, "I encountered him yesterday by
the way: and, having no understanding by your grace's letters of your
pleasure therein, have, notwithstanding, been so bold, upon mine own
discretion (perceiving that matter to be very necessary in that behalf)
to dispatch the same. And for as much as I have exceeded your grace's
commission, I most humbly require your gracious remission and pardon."
The king rejoicing inwardly not a little, said again, "We do not only
pardon you thereof, but also give you our princely thanks, both for the
proceeding therein, and also for your good and speedy exploit[58],"
commanding him for that time to take his rest, and to repair again to
him after dinner, for the farther relation of his embassy. The king
then went to mass; and after at convenient time he went to dinner.
It is not to be doubted but that this ambassador hath been since his
return with his great friends, the Bishop of Winchester, and Sir Thomas
Lovell, to whom he hath declared the effect of all his speedy progress;
nor yet what joy they conceived thereof. And after his departure from
the king in the morning, his highness sent for the bishop, and Sir
Thomas Lovell; to whom he declared the wonderful expedition of his
ambassador, commending therewith his excellent wit, and in especial the
invention and advancing of the matter left out of his commission and
instructions. The king's words rejoiced these worthy counsellors not a
little, for as much as he was of their preferment.
Then when this ambassador remembered the king's commandment, and saw
the time draw fast on of his repair before the king and his council,
[he] prepared him in a readiness, and resorted unto the place assigned
by the king, to declare his embassy. Without all doubt he reported the
effect of all his affairs and proceedings so exactly, with such gravity
and eloquence that all the council that heard him could do no less but
commend him, esteeming his expedition to be almost beyond the capacity
of man. The king of his mere motion, and gracious consideration, gave
him at that time for his diligent and faithful service, the deanery
of Lincoln[59], which at that time was one of the worthiest spiritual
promotions that he gave under the degree of a bishoprick. And thus from
thenceforward he grew more and more into estimation and authority, and
after [was] promoted by the king to be his almoner. Here may all men
note the chances of fortune, that followeth some whom she listeth to
promote, and even so to some her favour is contrary, though they should
travail never so much, with [all the] urgent diligence and painful
study, that they could devise or imagine: whereof, for my part, I have
tasted of the experience.
Now ye shall understand that all this tale that I have declared of his
good expedition in the king's embassy, I received it of his own mouth
and report, after his fall, lying at that time in the great park of
Richmond, I being then there attending upon him; taking an occasion
upon divers communications, to tell me this journey, with all the
circumstances, as I have here before rehearsed.
[Illustration: HENRY THE EIGHTH.
FROM AN ORIGINAL PICTURE BY HOLBEIN.
IN THE COLLECTION OF BARRET BRYDGES ESQ.
AT LEE PRIORY IN KENT.
_London, Published Jan^y. 1, 1825; by Harding, Triphook & Lepard._]
When death (that favoureth none estate, king or keiser) had taken that
prudent prince Henry the Seventh out of this present life (on whose
soul Jesu have mercy!) who for his inestimable wisdom was noted and
called, in every Christian region, the second Solomon, what practices,
inventions, and compasses were then used about that young prince,
King Henry the Eighth, his only son, and the great provision made for
the funerals of the one, and the costly devices for the coronation of
the other, with that virtuous Queen Catherine[60], then the king's
wife newly married. I omit and leave the circumstances thereof to
historiographers of chronicles of princes, the which is no part mine
intendment.
After all these solemnities and costly triumphs finished, and that
our natural, young, lusty and courageous prince and sovereign lord,
King Henry the Eighth, entering into the flower of pleasant youth,
had taken upon him the regal sceptre and the imperial diadem of this
fertile and plentiful realm of England (which at that time flourished
in all abundance of wealth and riches, whereof he was inestimably
garnished and furnished), called then the golden world, such grace of
plenty reigned then within this realm. Now let us return again unto
the almoner (of whom I have taken upon me to write), whose head was
full of subtil wit and policy, [and] perceiving a plain path to walk
in towards promotion, [he] handled himself so politicly, that he found
the means to be made one of the king's council, and to grow in good
estimation and favour with the king, to whom the king gave a house at
Bridewell, in Fleet Street, sometime Sir Richard Empson's[61], where
he kept house for his family, and he daily attended upon the king in
the court, being in his especial grace and favour, [having][62] then
great suit made unto him, as counsellors most commonly have that be
in favour. His sentences and witty persuasions in the council chamber
[were][63] always so pithy that they, always as occasion moved them,
assigned him for his filed tongue and ornate eloquence, to be their
expositor unto the king's majesty in all their proceedings. In whom the
king conceived such a loving fantasy, and in especial for that he was
most earnest and readiest among all the council to advance the king's
only will and pleasure, without any respect to the case; the king,
therefore, perceived him to be a meet instrument for the accomplishment
of his devised will and pleasure, called him more near unto him, and
esteemed him so highly that his estimation and favour put all other
ancient counsellors out of their accustomed favour, that they were in
before; insomuch that the king committed all his will and pleasure unto
his disposition and order. Who wrought so all his matters, that all his
endeavour was only to satisfy the king's mind, knowing right well, that
it was the very vein and right course to bring him to high promotion.
The king was young and lusty, disposed all to mirth and pleasure,
and to follow his desire and appetite, nothing minding to travail in
the busy affairs of this realm. The which the almoner perceiving very
well, took upon him therefore to disburden the king of so weighty a
charge and troublesome business, putting the king in comfort that he
shall not need to spare any time of his pleasure, for any business that
should necessarily happen in the council, as long as he, being there
and having the king's authority and commandment, doubted not to see all
things sufficiently furnished and perfected; the which would first make
the king privy of all such matters as should pass through their hands
before he would proceed to the finishing or determining of the same,
whose mind and pleasure he would fulfill and follow to the uttermost,
wherewith the king was wonderly pleased. And whereas the other ancient
counsellors would, according to the office of good counsellors, diverse
times persuade the king to have sometime an intercourse in to the
council, there to hear what was done in weighty matters, the which
pleased the king nothing at all, for he loved nothing worse than to be
constrained to do any thing contrary to his royal will and pleasure;
and that knew the almoner very well, having a secret intelligence of
the king's natural inclination, and so fast as the other counsellors
advised the king to leave his pleasure, and to attend to the affairs
of his realm, so busily did the almoner persuade him to the contrary;
which delighted him much, and caused him to have the greater affection
and love to the almoner. Thus the almoner ruled all them that before
ruled him; such [things] did his policy and wit bring to pass. Who was
now in high favour, but Master Almoner? Who had all the suit but Master
Almoner? And who ruled all under the king, but Master Almoner? Thus
he proceeded still in favour; at last, in came presents, gifts, and
rewards so plentifully, that I dare say he lacked nothing that might
either please his fantasy or enrich his coffers; fortune smiled so upon
him; but to what end she brought him, ye shall hear after. Therefore
let all men, to whom fortune extendeth her grace, not trust too much
to her fickle favour and pleasant promises, under colour whereof she
carrieth venemous gall. For when she seeth her servant in most highest
authority, and that he assureth himself most assuredly in her favour,
then turneth she her visage and pleasant countenance unto a frowning
cheer, and utterly forsaketh him: such assurance is in her inconstant
favour and sugared promise. Whose deceitful behaviour hath not been
hid among the wise sort of famous clerks, that have exclaimed her
and written vehemently against her dissimulation and feigned favour,
warning all men thereby, the less to regard her, and to have her in
small estimation of any trust or faithfulness.
This almoner, climbing thus hastily on fortune's wheel, that no man
was of that estimation with the king as he was, for his wisdom and
other witty qualities, he had a special gift of natural eloquence[64],
with a filed tongue to pronounce the same, that he was able with the
same to persuade and allure all men to his purpose. Proceeding thus
in fortune's blissfulness, it chanced the wars between the realms
of England and France to be open, but upon what occasion I know not,
in so much as the king, being fully persuaded, and resolved in his
most royal person to invade his foreign enemies with a puissant army,
to delay their hault[65] brags, within their own territory: wherefore
it was thought very necessary, that this royal enterprise should be
speedily provided and plentifully furnished in every degree of things
apt and convenient for the same; the expedition whereof, the king's
highness thought no man's wit so meet, for policy and painful travail,
as his wellbeloved almoner's was, to whom therefore he committed his
whole affiance and trust therein. And he being nothing scrupulous in
any thing, that the king would command him to do, although it seemed to
other very difficile, took upon him the whole charge and burden of all
this business, and proceeded so therein, that he brought all things to
a good pass and purpose in a right decent order, as of all manner of
victuals, provisions, and other necessaries, convenient for so noble a
voyage and puissant army.
All things being by him perfected, and furnished, the king, not minding
to delay or neglect the time appointed, but with noble and valiant
courage advanced to his royal enterprise, passed the seas between Dover
and Calais, where he prosperously arrived[66]; and after some abode
there of his Grace, as well for the arrival of his puissant army royal,
provisions and munitions, as to consult about his princely affairs,
marched forward, in good order of battle, through the Low Country,
until he came to the strong town of Terouanne. To the which he laid his
assault, and assailed it so fiercely with continual assaults, that
within short space he caused them within to yield the town. Unto which
place the Emperor Maximilian repaired unto the king our sovereign Lord,
with a puissant army, like a mighty and friendly prince, taking of
the king his Grace's wages[67], as well for his own person as for his
retinue, the which is a rare thing seldom seen, heard, or read, that
an emperor should take wages, and fight under a king's banner. Thus
after the king had obtained the possession of this puissant fort, and
set all things in due order, for the defence and preservation of the
same to his highness' use, he departed from thence, and marched toward
the city of Tournay, and there again laid his siege; to the which he
gave so fierce and sharp assaults, that they within were constrained
of fine force[68] to yield up the town unto his victorious majesty. At
which time he gave the Almoner the bishoprick of the same See, for some
part of recompense of his pains sustained in that journey. And when
the King had established all things there agreeable to his princely
pleasure, and furnished the same with noble valiant captains and men
of war, for the safeguard of the town against his enemies, he returned
again into England, taking with him divers worthy persons of the peers
of France, as the Duke of Longueville, and Countie Clermont, and divers
other taken there in a skirmish most victoriously. After whose return
immediately, the See of Lincoln fell void by the death of Doctor Smith,
late bishop of that dignity, the which benefice and promotion his
Grace gave unto his Almoner[69], Bishop elect of Tournay, who was not
negligent to take possession thereof, and made all the speed he could
for his consecration: the solemnization whereof ended, he found the
means to get the possession of all his predecessor's goods into his
hands, whereof I have seen divers times some part thereof furnish his
house. It was not long after that Doctor Bambridge[70], Archbishop of
York, died at Rome, being there the king's ambassador unto the Pope
Julius; unto which benefice the king presented his new Bishop of
Lincoln; so that he had three bishopricks[71] in one year given him.
Then prepared he again of new as fast for his translation from the
See of Lincoln, unto the See of York. After which solemnization done,
and he being in possession of the Archbishoprick of York, and _Primas
Angliæ_, thought himself sufficient to compare with Canterbury; and
thereupon erected his cross in the court, and in every other place,
as well in the presence of the Archbishop of Canterbury, and in the
precinct of his jurisdiction as elsewhere. And forasmuch as Canterbury
claimeth superiority and obedience of York, as he doth of all other
bishops within this realm, forasmuch as he is _primus totius Angliæ_,
and therefore claimeth, as a token of an ancient obedience, of York
to abate the advancing of his cross, in the presence of the cross
of Canterbury; notwithstanding York, nothing minding to desist from
bearing of his cross in manner as is said before, caused his cross
to be advanced[72] and borne before him, as well in the presence of
Canterbury as elsewhere. Wherefore Canterbury being moved therewith,
gave York a certain check for his presumption; by reason whereof there
engendered some grudge between Canterbury and York. And York perceiving
the obedience that Canterbury claimed to have of York, intended to
provide some such means that he would rather be superior in dignity
to Canterbury than to be either obedient or equal to him. Wherefore he
obtained first to be made Priest Cardinal, and _Legatus de latere_;
unto whom the Pope sent a Cardinal's hat, with certain bulls for his
authority in that behalf[73]. Yet by the way of communication ye shall
understand that the Pope sent him this hat as a worthy jewel of his
honour, dignity, and authority, the which was conveyed hither in a
varlet's budget, who seemed to all men to be but a person of small
estimation. Whereof York being advertised, of the baseness of the
messenger, and of the people's opinion and rumour, thought it for his
honour meet, that so high a jewel should not be conveyed by so simple a
messenger; wherefore he caused him to be stayed by the way, immediately
after his arrival in England, where he was newly furnished in all
manner of apparel, with all kind of costly silks, which seemed decent
for such an high ambassador. And that done, he was encountered upon
Blackheath, and there received with a great assembly of prelates, and
lusty gallant gentlemen, and from thence conducted and conveyed through
London, with great triumph. Then was great and speedy provision[74] and
preparation made in Westminster Abbey for the confirmation of his high
dignity; the which was executed by all the bishops and abbots nigh or
about London, in rich mitres and copes, and other costly ornaments;
which was done in so solemn a wise as I have not seen the like unless
it had been at the coronation of a mighty prince or king.
Obtaining this dignity [he] thought himself meet to encounter with
Canterbury in his high jurisdiction before expressed; and that also he
was as meet to bear authority among the temporal powers, as among the
spiritual jurisdictions. Wherefore remembering as well the taunts and
checks before sustained of Canterbury, which he intended to redress,
having a respect to the advancement of worldly honour, promotion,
and great benefits, [he] found the means with the king, that he was
made Chancellor of England; and Canterbury thereof dismissed, who had
continued in that honourable room and office, since long before the
death of King Henry the Seventh[75].
Now he being in possession of the chancellorship, endowed with the
promotion of an Archbishop, and Cardinal Legate _de latere_, thought
himself fully furnished with such authorities and dignities, that he
was able to surmount Canterbury in all ecclesiastical jurisdictions,
having power to convocate Canterbury, and other bishops, within his
precincts, to assemble at his convocation, in any place within this
realm where he would assign; taking upon him the correction of all
matters in every diocese, having there through all the realm all manner
of spiritual ministers, as commissaries, scribes, apparitors, and
all other officers to furnish his courts; visited also all spiritual
houses, and presented by prevention whom he listed to their benefices.
And to the advancing of his Legatine honours and jurisdictions, he
had masters of his faculties, masters Ceremoniarum, and such other
like officers to the glorifying of his dignity. Then had he two great
crosses of silver, whereof one of them was for his Archbishoprick, and
the other for his Legacy, borne always before him whither soever he
went or rode, by two of the most tallest and comeliest priests that he
could get within all this realm[76]. And to the increase of his gains
he had also the bishoprick of Durham, and the Abbey of St. Albans _in
commendam_; howbeit after, when Bishop Fox, of Winchester, died, he
surrendered Durham into the King's hands, and in lieu thereof took the
Bishoprick of Winchester. Then he held also, as it were _in ferme_,
Bath, Worcester, and Hereford, because the incumbents thereof were
strangers[77], born out of this realm, continuing always beyond the
seas, in their own native countries, or else at Rome, from whence they
were sent by the Pope in legation into England to the king. And for
their reward, at their departure, the prudent King Henry the Seventh
thought it better to reward them with that thing, he himself could not
keep, than to defray or disburse any thing of his treasure. And then
they being but strangers, thought it more meet for their assurance,
and to have their jurisdictions conserved and justly used, to permit
the Cardinal to have their benefices for a convenient yearly sum of
money to be paid them by exchanges in their countries, than to be
troubled, or burdened with the conveyance thereof unto them: so that
all their spiritual promotions and jurisdictions of their bishopricks
were clearly in his domain and disposition, to prefer or promote
whom he listed unto them. He had also a great number daily attending
upon him, both of noblemen and worthy gentlemen, of great estimation
and possessions, with no small number of the tallest yeomen, that he
could get in all this realm, in so much that well was that nobleman
and gentleman, that might prefer any tall and comely yeoman unto his
service.
Now to speak of the order of his house and officers, I think it
necessary here to be remembered. First ye shall understand, that he
had in his hall, daily, three especial tables furnished with three
principal officers; that is to say, a Steward, which was always a dean
or a priest; a Treasurer, a knight; and a Comptroller, an esquire;
which bare always within his house their white staves. Then had he
a cofferer, three marshals, two yeomen ushers, two grooms, and an
almoner. He had in the hall-kitchen two clerks of his kitchen, a clerk
comptroller, a surveyor of the dresser, a clerk of his spicery. Also
there in his hall-kitchen he had two master cooks, and twelve other
labourers, and children as they called them; a yeoman of his scullery,
and two other in his silver scullery; two yeomen of his pastry, and two
grooms[78].
Now in his privy kitchen he had a Master Cook who went daily in damask
satin, or velvet, with a chain of gold about his neck; and two grooms,
with six labourers and children to serve in that place; in the Larder
there, a yeoman and a groom; in the Scalding-house, a yeoman and two
grooms; in the Scullery there, two persons; in the Buttery, two yeomen
and two grooms, with two other pages; in the Pantry, two yeomen, two
grooms, and two other pages; and in the Ewery likewise: in the Cellar,
three yeomen, two grooms, and two pages; beside a gentleman for the
month: in the Chaundery, three persons: in the Wafery, two; in the
Wardrobe of beds, the master of the wardrobe, and ten other persons; in
the Laundry, a yeoman, a groom, and three pages: of purveyors, two, and
one groom; in the Bakehouse, a yeoman and two grooms; in the Wood-yard,
a yeoman and a groom; in the Garner, one; in the Garden, a yeoman and
two labourers. Now at the gate, he had of porters, two tall yeomen
and two grooms; a yeoman of his barge: in the stable, he had a master
of his horse, a clerk of the stable, a yeoman of the same; a Saddler,
a Farrier, a yeoman of his Chariot, a Sumpter-man, a yeoman of his
stirrup; a Muleteer; sixteen grooms of his stable, every of them
keeping four great geldings: in the Almeserie, a yeoman and a groom.