Chapter IV: Front Matter (4)

Then, against the wickedness of those men, which I had seen among
them; I put forth a ballet, uttering the falsehood and knavery that
I was made privy unto. For the which, they so hated me that they
raised false slanders and bruits of me, saying that "I was a spy
for the Duke of NORTHUMBERLAND": and calling me [Bishop] "HOOPER's
companion," for a bill that I set up upon Paul's gate, in defence
of HOOPER; and another at St. Magnus's Church, where he was too
much abused, with railing bills cast into the pulpit and other ways.

Thus became I odious unto most men, and many times in danger of
my life, even in King EDWARD's days. As also for apprehending one
ALLEN, a false prophesier [_of whom UNDERHILL says elsewhere_, This
ROBERT ALLEN was called the God of Norfolk, before they received
the light of the Gospel]; who bruited [_in January, 1551_] that
King EDWARD was dead, two years before it came to pass; who was a
great calculator for the same. But these jugglers and wicked dicers
were still in favour among the magistrates, and were advanced; who
were the sowers of sedition, and the destroyers of the two Dukes.

I pray God the like be not practised by such flatterers in these
days [_i.e., in ELIZABETH's reign_], according to the old proverb,
"He that will in Court dwell, must curry Fauvell." And

_He that will in Court abide,_
_Must curry Fauvell back and side,_

[_i.e._, he must curry or groom a horse, of Fauvell (a bright yellow or tawny) colour (opposed to Sorell, a dark colour), back and side.]

for such get most gain.

I was also called "the hot Gospeller!" jesting and mocking me,
saying, "He is all of the Spirit!"

This was their common custom, at their tables, to jest and mock
the Preachers and earnest followers of the Gospel; even among the
magistrates: or else [speak] in wanton and ribald talk; which when
they fell into, one or other would look through [_along_] the
board, saying, "Take heed that UNDERHILL be not here!"

At Stratford on the Bow [_now Stratford at Bow_], I took the pix
of the altar; being of copper, stored with copper gods: the Curate
being present, and a Popish Justice dwelling in the town, called
Justice TAWE.

There was commandment it should not hang in a string over the
altar; and then, they set it upon the altar.

For this act, the Justice's wife with the women of the town,
conspired to have murdered me; which one of them gave me warning
of, whose good will to the Gospel was not unknown unto the rest.
Thus the Lord preserved me from them, and many other dangers more;
but specially from hell fire, but that, of His mercy, He called me
from the company of the wicked.

This BANBERY, aforesaid, was the spy for Stepney parish; as JOHN AVALES, BEARD, and such others were for London: who [_i.e., BANBERY_]caused my friend and neighbour Master IVE to be sent unto the Marshalsea, but the LORD shortly delivered him. Wherefore I thought it best to avoid [_leave_]; because my not coming to the church there, should by him be marked and presented.

Then took I a little house in a secret corner, at the nether [_lower_] end of Wood Street; where I might better shift the matter.

Sir HUMPHREY RATCLIFFE was the Lieutenant of the Pensioners, and always favoured the Gospel; by whose means I had my wages still paid me [_70 marks a year_ = £46 13_s._ 4_d._ = _about_ £500 _now; besides a free diet_].

* * * * *

When [Sir THOMAS] WYATT was come to Southwark [_6th February, 1554_] the Pensioners were commanded to watch in armour that night, at the Court: which I hearing of, thought it best, in like sort, to be there; lest by my absence I might have some quarrel piked unto [_picked with_] me; or, at the least, be stricken out of the book for receiving any more wages.

After supper, I put on my armour as the rest did; for we were appointed to watch all the night.

So, being all armed, we came up into the Chamber of Presence, with our pole-axes in our hands. Wherewith the Ladies were very fearful. Some lamenting, crying, and wringing their hands, said, "Alas, there is some great mischief toward! We shall all be destroyed this night! What a sight is this! to see the Queen's Chamber full of armed men. The like was never seen, nor heard of!"

The Master [JOHN] NORRIS, who was a Gentleman Usher of the Utter [_Outer_] Chamber in King HENRY VIII.'s time, and all King EDWARD's time; always a rank Papist, and therefore was now Chief Usher of Queen MARY's Privy Chamber: he was appointed to call the Watch, and see if any were lacking. Unto whom, MOORE, the Clerk of our Cheque, delivered the book of our names; which he perused before he would call them at the cupboard. And when he came to my name, "What!" said he, "what doth he here?"

"Sir," said the Clerk, "he is here ready to serve as the rest be."

"Nay, by God's body!" said he, "that heretic shall not be called to watch here! Give me a pen!" So he struck out my name out of the book.

The Clerk of the Cheque sought me out, and said unto me, "Master UNDERHILL, you need not to watch! you may depart to your lodging!"

"May I?" said I, "I would be glad of that," thinking I had been favoured, because I was not recovered from my sickness: but I did not well trust him, because he was also a Papist. "May I depart indeed?" said I, "will you be my discharge?"

"I tell you true," said he, "Master NORRIS hath stricken you out of the book, saying these words, 'That heretic shall not watch here!' I tell you true what he said."

"Marry, I thank him!" said I, "and you also! You could not do me a greater pleasure!"

"Nay, burden not me withal!" said he, "it is not my doing."

So departed I into the Hall, where our men were appointed to watch. I took my men with me, and a link; and went my ways.

* * * * *

When I came to the Court gate, there I met with Master CLEMENT THROGMORTON [_father of JOB THROGMORTON, the Martinist of 1589_], and GEORGE FERRERS [_the Poet and Historian; see p._ 173], tending their links, to go to London. Master THROGMORTON was come post from Coventry; and had been with the Queen to declare unto her the taking of the Duke of SUFFOLK. Master FERRERS was sent from the Council unto the Lord WILLIAM HOWARD, who had the charge of the watch at London Bridge.

As we went, for that they were both my friends and Protestants, I told them of my good hap, and manner of discharge of the Watch at the Court.

When we came to Ludgate, it was past eleven o'clock. The gate was fast locked; and a great watch within the gate of Londoners, but none without: whereof HENRY PECKHAM had the charge, under his father; who, belike, was gone to his father, or to look to the water side.

Master THROGMORTON knocked hard, and called to them, saying, "Here are three or four gentlemen come from the Court that must come in; and therefore open the gate!"

"Who?" quoth one, "What?" quoth another; and much laughing they made.

"Can ye tell what you do, sirs?" said Master THROGMORTON, declaring his name, and that he had been with the Queen to shew her Grace of the taking of the Duke of SUFFOLK, "and my lodging is within, as I am sure, some of you do know!"

"And," said FERRERS, "I am FERRERS, that was Lord of Misrule with King EDWARD; and am sent from the Council unto my Lord WILLIAM, who hath charge of the Bridge as you know, upon weighty affairs: and therefore let us in, or else ye be not the Queen's friends!"

Still there was much laughing amongst them.

Then said two or three of them, "We have not the keys. We are not trusted with them. The keys be carried away for this night."

"What shall I do?" said Master THROGMORTON, "I am weary and faint, and I now wax cold. I am not acquainted hereabout; nor no man dare open his doors at this dangerous time; nor am I able to go back again to the Court. I shall perish this night!"

"Well," said I, "Let us go to Newgate! I think I shall get in there."

"Tush!" said he, "it is but in vain. We shall be answered there as we are here."

"Well," said I, "and [_if_] the worst fall, I can lodge ye in Newgate. Ye know what acquaintance I have there! and the Keeper's door is without the gate."

"That were a bad shift!" said he, "I had almost as leave die in the streets; yet I will, rather than wander again to the Court."

"Well," said I, "let us go and prove! I believe the Keeper will help us in at the gate, or else let us in through his wards, for he hath a door on the inside also. If all this fail, I have a friend at the gate, NEWMAN the ironmonger; in whose house I have been lodged: where, I dare warrant you, we shall have lodging, or at the least, house-room and fire."

"Marry, this is well said!" saith FERRERS.

So to Newgate, we went: where was a great Watch without the gate, which my friend NEWMAN had the charge of; for that he was the Constable. They marvelled to see there, torches coming at that time of the night.

When we came to them, "Master UNDERHILL," said NEWMAN, "what news, that you walk so late?"

"None but good!" said I, "We come from the Court, and would have gone in at Ludgate, and cannot be let in: wherefore, I pray you, if you cannot help us in here, let us have lodging with you!"

"Marry, that ye shall!" said he, "or go in at the gate whether ye will!"

"Godamercy, gentle friend!" said Master THROGMORTON; "I pray you let us go in, if it may be!"

He called to the Constable within the gate, who opened the gate forthwith. "How happy was I!" said Master THROGMORTON, "that I met with you. I had been lost else."

* * * * *

When WYATT was come about [_i.e., from Southwark, through Kingston, to Westminster on 7th February 1554_], notwithstanding my discharge of the watch by Master NORRIS, I put on my armour, and went to the Court [_at Whitehall Palace_]: where I found all my fellows in the Hall, which they were appointed to keep that day.

Old Sir JOHN GAGE was appointed without the utter [_outer_] gate, with some of his Guard, and his servants and others with him. The rest of the Guard were in the Great Court, the gates standing open. Sir RICHARD SOUTHWELL had charge of the back sides, as the Wood Yard and that way, with 500 men.

The Queen was in the Gallery by the Gatehouse.

Then came KNEVETT and THOMAS COBHAM with a company of the rebels with them, through the Gatehouse from Westminster: wherewith Sir JOHN GAGE and three of the Judges [of the Common Pleas] that were meanly armed in old brigantines [_jackets of quilted leather, covered with iron plates_] were so frighted, that they fled in at the gates in such haste, that old GAGE fell down in the dirt and was foul arrayed: and so shut the gates, whereat the rebels shot many arrows.

By means of this great hurly burly in shutting of the gates, the Guard that were in the Court made as great haste in at the Hall door; and would have come into the Hall amongst us, which we would not suffer. Then they went thronging towards the Water Gate, the kitchens, and those ways.

Master GAGE came in amongst us, all dirt; and so frighted that he could not speak to us. Then came the three Judges; so frighted that we could not keep them out, except we should beat them down.

With that we issued out of the Hall into the Court, to see what the matter was; where there were none left but the porters, the gates being fast shut. As we went towards the gate, meaning to go forth, Sir RICHARD SOUTHWELL came forth of the back yards into the Court.

"Sir!" said we, "command the gates to be opened that we may go to the Queen's enemies! We will else break them open! It is too much shame that the gates should thus be shut for a few rebels! The Queen shall see us fell down her enemies this day, before her face!"

"Masters!" said he, and put his morion off his head, "I shall desire you all, as you be Gentlemen, to stay yourselves here; that I may go up to the Queen to know her pleasure; and you shall have the gates opened. And, as I am a Gentleman! I will make speed!"

Upon this, we stayed; and he made a speedy return: and brought us word, the Queen was content that we should have the gates opened: "But her request is," said he, "that you will not go forth of her sight; for her only trust is in you, for the defence of her person this day."

So the gate was opened, and we marched before the Gallery window: where she spake unto us; requiring us, "As we were Gentlemen, in whom she only trusted, that we would not go from that place."

There we marched up and down the space of an hour; and then came a herald posting, to bring the news that WYATT was taken.

Immediately came Sir MAURICE BERKELEY and WYATT behind him; unto whom he did yield at the Temple Gate: and THOMAS COBHAM behind another gentleman.

* * * * *

Anon after, we [_the Gentlemen Pensioners_] were all brought unto the Queen's presence, and every one kissed her hand; of whom we had great thanks and large promises how good she would be unto us: but few or none of us got anything, although she was very liberal to many others, that were enemies unto GOD's Word, as few of us were.

* * * * *

Thus went I home to my house, where[in] I kept, and came little abroad, until the marriage was concluded with King PHILIP.

Then was there [the] preparing [_in July, 1555_] to go with the Queen, unto Winchester; and all the Books of the Ordinaries were perused by [STEPHEN GARDINER] the Bishop of WINCHESTER and the Earl of ARUNDEL, to consider of every man.

Sir HUMPHREY RATCLIFFE, our Lieutenant, brought unto him the Book of the Pensioners; which when they overlooked, they came unto my name.

"What doth he here?" said the Earl of ARUNDEL.

"I know no cause why he should not be here," said Master RATCLIFFE, "he is an honest man. He hath served from the beginning of the Band [_founded in December, 1539, as the Band of Spears. It consisted of a Captain, Lieutenant, Standard bearer, Clerk of the Cheque, and Gentleman Harbinger, and fifty Gentlemen; chosen out of the best and most ancient families of England. Some of them sons to Earls, Barons, Knights, and Esquires: men thereunto specially recommended for their worthiness and sufficiency; without any stain or taint of dishonour, or disparagement in blood_], and was as forward as any to serve the Queen, in the time of WYATT's rebellion."

"Let him pass then!" said the Bishop.

"Well," said the Earl, "you may do so; but I assure you, my Lord! he is an arch-heretic!"

Thus I passed once again.

* * * * *

When we came to Winchester, being in the Chamber of Presence, with my fellows, Master NORRIS came forth of the Queen's Privy Chamber; unto whom we did reverence, as his place required.

"What!" saith he unto me; "what do you here?"

"Marry, sir!" said I, "what do you here?"

"Eh!" said he, "are you so short with me?"

"Sir!" said I, "I must and will forbear, for the place you be in; but if you were in the place you were in, of the Outer Chamber, I would be shorter with you! You were then the doorkeeper; when we waited at the table. Your office is not to find fault at my being here. I am at this time appointed to serve here, by those that be in authority; who know me, as well as you do!"

"They shall know you better!" said he, "and the Queen also."

With that, said Master JOHN CALVELEY, one of my fellows (brother unto Sir HUGH CALVELEY, of Cheshire), who served at the journey to Laundercei in the same Band that I did, "In good faith! Master NORRIS, methinks you do not well! This gentleman, our fellow, hath served of long time, and was ready to venture his life in defence of the Queen's Majesty at the last service, and as forward as any was there; and also being appointed and ready to serve here again now, to his great charges, as it is unto us all, methinks you do other than the part of a Gentleman thus to seek him!"

"What!" said he, "I perceive you will hold together!"

"Else we were worse than beasts," said my fellow; "if we would not, in all lawful cases, so hold together; he that toucheth one of us, shall touch all."

So went he from us, into the Privy Chamber; and from that time never meddled more with me.

* * * * *

On the marriage day [_25th July, 1555, at Winchester_], the King and the Queen dined in the hall in the Bishop's Palace; sitting under the Cloth of Estate, and none else at that table. The Nobility sat at the side tables. We were the chief servitors, to carry the meat; and the Earl of SUSSEX, our Captain, was the Sewer.

The second course at the marriage of a King is given unto the bearers; I mean the meat, but not the dishes, for they were of gold.

It was my chance to carry a great pasty of a red deer in a great charger, very delicately baked; which, for the weight thereof, divers refused [_i.e., to carry_]. The which pasty I sent unto London, to my wife and her brother; who cheered therewith many of their friends.

I will not take upon me, to write the manner of the marriage, of the feast, nor of the dancing of the Spaniards, that day; who were greatly out of countenance, specially King PHILIP dancing with the Queen, when they did see my Lord BRAY, Master CAREW, and others so far exceed them; but will leave it unto the learned, as it behoveth him to be, that shall write a Story of so great a Triumph.

* * * * *

Which being ended, their repair was to London. Where, shortly after, began the cruel persecution of the Preachers and earnest professors and followers of the Gospel; and searching of men's houses for their books. Wherefore I got old HENRY DAUNCE, the bricklayer of Whitechapel; who used to preach the Gospel in his garden, every holiday, where I have seen a thousand people: he did inclose my books in a brick wall by the chimney's side in my chamber; where they were preserved from moulding or mice, until the first year of our most gracious Queen ELIZABETH, &c.

Notwithstanding that, I removed from thence, and went unto Coventry; and got me a house a mile out of that city in a wood side. But before I removed from the said house [_in Wood Street_] in London; I had two children born there, a wench [_i.e., a girl, his fifth daughter, ANNE, born 4th January, 1554_], and a boy [_his second son, EDWARD, born 10th February, 1555_].

It was a great grief to me, to see so much innocent blood shed for the Verity. I was also threatened by JOHN AVALES and BEARD: which I understood by Master LUKE [SHEPHERD], my very friend, of Coleman Street, physician; who was great with some that kept them company, and yet were honest men. Whom I caused to let them understand, that "If they did attempt to take me, except they had a warrant signed with four or five of the Council's hands, I would go further with them than PETER did, who strake off but the ear of MALCHUS; but I would surely strike off head and all." Which was declared unto them; so that I oftentimes met them, but they would not meddle with me. So mightily the merciful LORD defended me; as also from being present at that blasphemous _Mass_, in all the time of Queen MARY.

This LUKE [SHEPHERD] wrote many proper books against the Papists,
for the which he was imprisoned in the Fleet; especially a book
called _JOHN BON and mast. Person_, who reasoned together of the
natural presence in the Sacrament [_see pp. 101-111_]. Which book
he wrote in the time of King EDWARD; wherewith the Papists were
sore grieved, specially SIR JOHN GRESHAM, then being Mayor [_i.e.,
October 1547-October 1548; but the true date of ALLEN's arrest
would appear, from p. 87, to have been in 1551; when Sir ANDREW
JUDDE was Lord Mayor_].

JOHN DAY did print the same book [_? in 1551_]; whom the Mayor sent
for, to know the maker [_author_] thereof saying "He should also go
to prison, for printing the same."

It was my chance to come in the same time; for that I had found
out where [ROBERT] ALLEN the Prophesier, had a chamber; through
whom there was a bruit in the city, that the King was dead: which
I declared to the Mayor, requiring him to have an Officer to
apprehend him.

"Marry," said the Mayor, "I have received letters to make search
for such this night at midnight."

He was going unto dinner; who willed me to take part of the same.

As we were at dinner, he said "There was a book put forth, called
JOHN BON; the maker whereof, he would gladly search for."

"Why so?" said I, "that book is a good book. I have one of them
here, and there are many of them in the Court."

"Have you so?" said he, "I pray you, let me see it; for I have not
seen any of them."

So he took it, and read a little of it, and laughed thereat, as it
was both pithy and merry. By means whereof, JOHN DAY, sitting at
a sideboard after dinner, was bidden [to] go home; who had, else,
gone to prison.

When we had dined, the Mayor sent two of his Officers with me to
seek ALLEN; whom we met withal in Paul's [Church], and took him
with us unto his chamber; where we found figures set to calculate
the nativity of the King, and a judgement given of his death;
whereof this foolish wretch thought himself so sure, that he, and
his counsellors the Papists, bruited it all over.

The King lay at Hampton Court, the same time; and my Lord Protector
[_the Duke of NORTHUMBERLAND_] at the Sion [_Sion House, near
Isleworth_]; unto whom I carried this ALLEN, with his books of
conjurations, calculations, and many things belonging to that
devilish art: which he affirmed before my Lord, "was a lawful
science, for the statute [_33 Hen. VIII. c. 8._] against such was
repealed [by 1 _Edw. VI. c. 12_]."

"Thou foolish knave!" said my Lord, "if thou, and all that be of
thy science tell me what I shall do to-morrow, I will give thee all
that I have!" Commanding me to carry him unto the Tower: and wrote
a letter to Sir JOHN MARKHAM, then being Lieutenant, to cause him
to be examined by such as were learned.

Master MARKHAM, as he was both wise and zealous in the LORD, talked
with him. Unto whom he did affirm that "He knew more of the science
of Astronomy than all the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge."
Whereupon he sent for my friend, before spoken of, Doctor RECORDE;
who examined him: and he knew not the rules of Astronomy; but "Was
a very unlearned ass; and a sorcerer, for the which he was worthy
hanging," said Master RECORDE.

To have further matters unto [_in reference to_] him, we sent for
THOMAS ROBYNS _alias_ MORGAN, commonly called Little MORGAN or TOM
MORGAN (brother unto great [_big_] MORGAN, of Salisbury Court, the
great dicer); who, when I was a companion with him, told me many
stories of this ALLEN: what a cunning man he was! and what things
he could do! as, to make a woman love a man, to teach men how
to win at the dice, what should become of this realm; there was
nothing, but he knew it! So he had his chambers in divers places of
the city, whither resorted many women, for things stolen or lost,
to know their fortunes, and their children's fortunes; where the
ruffling roister[er]s and dicers made their ma[t]ches.

* * * * *

When this MORGAN and ALLEN were brought together; MORGAN utterly
denied that ever he had seen him, or known him.

"Yes," said ALLEN, "you know me! and I know you!" For he had
confessed that, before his coming.

Upon this, Master Lieutenant stayed Little MORGAN also a prisoner
in the Tower.

* * * * *

I caused also Master GASTON the lawyer [_not to be confounded_
_with GASCOIGNE the Poet, of Gray's Inn; who did not marry Widow
BRETON till after 13th June, 1559_], who was also a great dicer, to
be apprehended. In whose house, ALLEN was much; and had a chamber
there, where many things were practised.

GASTON had an old wife, who was laid under the board all night, for
dead; and when the women, in the morning, came to wind her, they
found that there was life in her; and so recovered her: and she
lived about two years after.

By the resort of such as came to seek for things stolen and lost,
which they would hide for the nonce, to blear their husband's eyes
withal, [afterwards] saying, "the wise man told them"; of such,
GASTON had choice for himself and his friends, young lawyers of the
Temple [, _not of Gray's Inn_].

Thus became I so despised and odious unto the lawyers, Lords and
ladies, gentlemen, merchants, knaves, and thieves; that I walked
as dangerously as DANIEL amongst the lions. Yet from them all,
the LORD delivered me: notwithstanding their often devices and
conspiracies by violence to have shed my blood, or with sorcery [to
have] destroyed me.

These aforesaid were in the Tower about the space of a year; and
then by friendship delivered. So 'scapeth always the wicked, and
such as GOD commandeth should not live among the people.

Yea, even now in these days also; so that, methinks, I see the ruin of London and this whole realm to be even at hand; for GOD will not suffer any longer. Love is clean banished. No man is sorry for JOSEPH's hurt.

_A Prayer, taken out of the Psalms of DAVID,_
_daily and nightly, to be said of_
_EDWARD UNDERHILL._

Lord! teach me the understanding of Thy commandments! that I may apply myself for the keeping of the same, as long as I live! Give me such wisdom that I may understand, and so to fulfil the thing that Thy law deviseth! to keep it also with my whole heart, that I do nothing against it! Guide me after the true understanding of Thy commandments! for that hath been always my special desire. Incline mine heart unto the love of Thy statutes, and cause me utterly to abhor covetousness! Turn mine eyes aside! lest they be 'tangled with the love of most vain things; but lead me, rather, unto life through Thy warnings! Set such a Word before Thy servant, as may most chiefly further him to worship Thee! Take away the shame that I am afraid of! for Thy judgements are greatly mixed with mercy. As for me, verily, I have loved Thy commandments; wherefore keep me alive according to Thy righteousness!

_Love GOD, above all things! and thy neighbour as thyself!_
That this is CHRIST'S doctrine, no man can it deny,
Which little is regarded in England's commonwealth,
Wherefore great plagues at hand be, the realm for to destroy.

_Do as thou wouldst be done unto_! No place here he can have.
Of all he is refused. No man will him receive.
But Private Wealth, that cursed wretch, and most vile slave!
Over all, he is embraced; and fast to him, they cleave.

_He that hath this world's goods, and seeth his neighbour lack;_
_And of him hath no compassion, nor sheweth him no love,_
_Nor relieveth his necessity, but suffers him to go to wrack;_
_GOD dwelleth not in that man_, the Scriptures plainly prove.

Example we have by DIVES, that daintily did fare,
In worldly wealth and riches therein he did excel;
Of poor LAZARUS's misery he had thereof no care:
Therefore was suddenly taken, and tormented in hell.

* * * * *

+EDWARD UNDERHILL.+

#John Bon and#
#mast Parson.#

* * * * *

_Picture of a_
_procession of Priests_
_bearing the Host._

* * * * *

[->] #Alas, poor fools! so sore ye be lade!
No marvel is it, though your shoulders ache:
For ye bear a great god which ye yourselves made.
Make of it, what ye will! it is a Wafer Cake;
And between two irons, printed it is and bake.
And look, where idolatry is, Christ will not be there!
Wherefore, lay down your burden! An idol, ye do bear!
[->] Alas, poor fools!#

[This attack on the _Mass_, written by Doctor LUKE SHEPHERD, one of the very earliest productions of the press of the celebrated Elizabethan printer, JOHN DAY, was apparently printed in 1551; and is reprinted here from the _Percy Society_'s text, on account of UNDERHILL's story respecting it at _p._ 96.]

#John Bon and mast Parson.#

[->] #The Parson.#

What, JOHN BON! Good morrow to thee!

#John Bon.#

Now, good morrow, mast[er] Parson, so mut I thee!

#Parson.#

What meanest thou, JOHN! to be at work so soon?

#John.#

The sooner I begin, the sooner shall I have done,
For I 'tend to work no longer than none.

#Parson.#

Marry, JOHN, for that, GOD's blessing on thy heart!
For, surely, some there be, will go to plough and cart;
And set not by, this holy _Corpus Christi_ even.

#John.#

They are the more to blame, I swear by Saint Stephen!
But tell me, mast[er] Parson, one thing, and you can;
What Saint is Copsi Cursty, a man, or a woman?

#Parson.#

Why, JOHN! knowest not that? I tell thee, it was a man.
It is CHRIST His own self, and to-morrow is His day.
We bear Him in procession, and thereby know it ye may.

#John.#

I know! mast[er] Parson! and nay, by my fay!
But methink it is a mad thing that ye say,
That it should be a man. How can it come to pass?
Because ye may Him bear within so small a glass.

#Parson.#

Why, neighbour JOHN, and art thou now there?
Now I may perceive ye love this new gear.

#John.#

God's forbod! master! I should be of that faction.
I question why, your masship, in way of cumlication.
A plain man, ye may see, will speak as cometh to mind:
Ye must hold us excused, for ploughmen be but blind.
I am an eld fellow, of fifter winter and more,
And yet, in all my life, I knew not this before.

#Parson.#

No did! Why sayest thou so? Upon thyself, thou lyest!
Thou hast ever known the sacrament to be the body of CHRIST!

#John.#

Yea, sir, ye say true! All that, I know indeed;
And yet, as I remember, it is not in my _Creed_:
But as for Cropsy Cursty to be a man or no,
I knew not till this day, by the way my soul shall to!

#Parson.#

Why, foolish fellow! I tell thee it is so!
For it was so determined by the Church long ago;
It is both the sacrament and very CHRIST himself.

#John.#

No spleaser, mast[er] Parson! Then make ye CHRIST an elf;
And the maddest made man, that ever body saw!

#Parson.#

What! peace, mad man! Thou speakest like a daw!
It is not possible his manhood for to see.

#John.#

Why, sir; ye tell me it is even very He:
And if it be not His manhood, His godhead it must be.

#Parson.#

I tell thee, none of both! What meanest thou? Art thou mad?

#John.#

No, neither made nor drunk; but to learn I am glad:
But to displease your masship, I would be very loath,
Ye grant me here plainly, that it is none of both,
Then it is but a cake: but I pray ye, be not wroth!

#Parson.#

Wroth, quoth ha! By the mass! (thou makest me swear an oath),
I had leaver with a Doctor of Divinity to reason,
Than with a stubble cur, that eateth beans and peason.

#John.#

I cry ye mercy, mast[er] Parson! Patience for a season!
In all this cumlication is neither felony nor treason.

#Parson.#

No, by the mass! But hearest thou! It is plain heresy.

#John.#

I am glad it chanced so, there was no witness by;
And if there had, I cared not; for ye spake as ill as I.
I speak but as I heard you say, I wot not what ye thought.
Ye said "It was not God, nor man," and made it worse than nought.

#Parson.#

I meant not so. Thou tookest me wrong!

#John.#

A, sir! Ye sing another song!
I dare not reason with you long.
I see well, now, ye have a knack
To say a thing, and then go back.

#Parson.#

No, JOHN! I was but a little overseen:
But thou meantest not good faith, I ween,
In all this talk that was us between.

#John.#

I! No, trow, it shall not so been
That JOHN BON shall an heretic be called,
Then might he lay him so foul befald.

#Parson.#

But, now, if thou wilt mark me well!
From beginning to ending, I will thee tell
Of the godly service that shall be to-morrow;
That, ere I have done, no doubt, thou wilt sorrow
To hear that such things should be foredone.
And yet, in many places, they have begun
To take away the old, and set up new.
Believe me, JOHN! this tale is true.

#John.#

Go to, mast[er] Parson! Say on, and well to thrive!
Ye be the jolliest gemman [_gentleman_] that ever saw in my life.

#Parson.#

We shall first have _Matins_. Is it not a godly hearing?

#John# [_who is now speaking, aside_].

Fie! yes. Methink 'tis a shameful gay cheering,
For oftentimes, on my prayers, when I take no great keep,
Ye sing so arrantly well, ye make me fall asleep!

#Parson.#

Then have we Procession, and CHRIST about we bear.

#John.#

That is a poison holy thing, for GOD Himself is there.

#Parson.#

Then come we in, and ready us dress,
Full solemnly to go to _Mess_.

#John.#

Is not here a mischievous thing!
The _Mess_ is vengeance holy, for all their saying!

#Parson.#

Then say we _Confiteor_ and _Miseriatur_.

#John.#

JEZE LORD! 'tis abominable matter!

#Parson.#

And then we stand up to the altar.

#John.#

This gear is as good as _Our Lady's Psalter_.

#Parson.#

And so go forth with the other deal
Till we have read the _Pistel_ and _Gospel_.

#John.#

That is good, mast[er] Parson, I know right well.

#Parson.#

Is that good! Why, what say'st thou to the other?

#John.#

Marry! horribly good! I say none other.

#Parson.#

So is all the _Mess_, I dare avow this,
As good in every point as _Pistel_ or _Gospel_ is.

#John.#

The foul evil it is! Who would think so much?
In faith, I ever thought that it had been no such.

#Parson.#

Then have we the _Canon_, that is holiest.

#John.#

A spiteful gay thing, of all that ever I wist.

#Parson.#

Then have we the _Memento_, even before the sacring.

#John.#

Ye are morenly well learned! I see by your reck'ning
That ye will not forget such an elvish thing.

#Parson.#

And after that, we consecrate Very God and Man;
And turn the bread to flesh, with five words we can.

#John.#

The devil ye do! I trow this is pestilence business!
Ye are much bound to GOD for such a spittle holiness!
A gallows gay gift! With five words alone,
To make both God and Man; and yet we see none!
Ye talk so unreasonably well, it maketh my heart yearn,
As eld a fellow as I am, I see well I may learn.

#Parson.#

Yea, JOHN! and then, with words holy and good,
Even, by and by, we turn the wine to blood.

#John.#

Lo! Will ye se? Lo! who would have thought it?
That ye could so soon from wine to blood ha brought it?
And yet, except your mouth be better tasted than mine,
I cannot feel it other but that it should be wine.
And yet I wot ne'er a cause there may be, why
Perchance, ye ha drunk blood oftner than ever did I.

#Parson.#

Truly, JOHN, it is blood, though it be wine in taste.
As soon as the word is spoke, the wine is gone and past!

#John.#

A sessions on it! for me. My wits are me benumme:
For I cannot study where the wine should become?

#Parson.#

Study, quoth ha! Beware, and let such matter go!
To meddle much with this, may bring ye soon to woe.

#John.#

Yea, but, mast[er] Parson! think ye it were right,
That, if I desired you to make my black ox white;
And you say, "It is done!" and still is black in sight;
Ye might me deem a fool, for to believe so light?

#Parson.#

I marvel much, ye will reason so far!
I fear if ye use it, it will ye mar!

#John.#

No, no, sir! I trust of that I shall be 'ware,
I pray you, with your matter again forth to fare!

#Parson.#

And then we go forth, and CHRIST's body receive;
Even the very same that MARY did conceive.

#John.#

The devil it is! Ye have a great grace
To eat GOD and Man in so short a space.

#Parson.#

And so we make an end, as it lieth in an order.
But now the blessed _Mess_ is hated in every border,
And railed on, and reviled, with words most blasphemous:
But I trust it will be better with the help of _Catechismus_.
For though it came forth but even that other day,
Yet hath it turned many to their old way:
And where they hated _Messe_, and had it in disdain,
There have they _Messe_ and _Matins_ in Latin tongue again.
Yea, even in London self, JOHN, I tell the truth!
They be full glad and merry to hear of this, GOD knoweth!

#John.#

By my troth! mast[er] Parson, I like full well your talk!
But mass me no more _messings_! The right way will I walk.
For, though I have no learning, yet I know cheese from chalk,
And each can perceive your juggling, as crafty as ye walk!
But leave your devilish _Mass_, and the _Communion_ to you take!
And then will CHRIST be with you; even for His promise sake!

#Parson.#

What, art thou such a one, and kept it so close!
Well, all is not gold, that hath a fair gloss,
But, farewell, JOHN BON! GOD bring thee in better mind!

#John.#

[Sidenote: _These are cries to the plough horses._]

I thank you, sir! for that you seem very kind;
But pray not so for me! for I am well enough.
Whistle, boy! drive forth! GOD speed us and the plough!
Ha! browne done! forth, that horson crab!
Reecomomyne, garled! with haight, black hab!
Have a gain, bald before! hayght ree who!
Cherrily, boy, come off! that homeward we may go.

#Finis.#

[->] #Imprinted at London, by John Day, and#
#William Seres, dwelling in Sepulchres#
#Parish, at the sign of the Resurrection,#
#a little above Holborn Conduite.#

_CUM GRATIA ET PRIVILEGIO AD_
_IMPRIMENDUM SOLUM_.

+JOHN FOX+, the Martyrologist.

_The Imprisonment of the Princess_
_ELIZABETH._

[_Actes and Monumentes, &c., p. 1710. Ed. 1563._]

First, therefore, to begin with her princely birth, being born at Greenwich, _anno_ 1534, of the famous and victorious Prince, King HENRY VIII., and of the noble and most virtuous Lady, Queen ANNE her mother; sufficiently is committed to the story before. Also of the solemn celebration of her baptism in the said town, and Grey Friar's Church, of Greenwich; having to her godfather, THOMAS CRANMER, Archbishop of Canterbury.

After that, she was committed to godly tutors and governors. Under whose institution her Grace did so greatly increase, or rather excel in all manner of virtue and knowledge of learning, that I stand in a doubt whether is more to be commended in this behalf, the studious diligence of them that brought her up, or the singular towardness of her own princely nature to all virtuous disposition; so apt and so inclinable: both being notwithstanding the gifts of GOD, for which we are all bound to give Him thanks. What tongue is it that Her Grace knoweth not? What language she cannot speak? What liberal art or science, she hath not learned? And what virtue wherewith her noble breast is not garnished? In counsel and wisdom, what Councillor will go beyond Her Majesty?

If the goodness of nature, joined with the industry of Her Grace's institution, had not been in her marvellous, how many things were there, besides the natural infirmity of that sex, the tenderness of youth, the nobility of estate, allurements of the world, persuasions of flatterers, abundance of wealth and pleasures, examples of the Court, enough to carry her Grace away after the common fashion and rule of many other Ladies, from gravity to lightness, from study to ease, from wisdom to vanity, from religion to superstition, from godliness to gawishness, to be pricked up with pride, to be garish in apparel, to be fierce in condition?

Eloquently is it spoken, and discreetly meant of TULLY, the eloquent orator: "To live," saith he, "a good man in other places, is no great matter: but in Asia, to keep a sober and temperate life, that is a matter indeed praiseworthy!" So here, why may I not affirm without flattery, that [which] every man's conscience can testify? In that age, that sex, in such State and fortune, in so great occasions, so many incitements: in all these, to retain so sober conversation, so temperate condition, such mildness of manners, such humbleness of stomach, such clemency in forgiving, such travailing in study: briefly, in the midst of Asia, so far to degenerate from all Asia; it hath not lightly been seen in Europe! Hitherto, it hath been seen in very few. Whereby it may appear not only what education, or what Nature may do; but what GOD, above Nature, hath wrought in her noble breast, adorning it with so worthy virtues.

Of which her princely qualities and virtuous disposition, such as have been conversant with her youth can better testify. That which I have seen and read, I trust I may boldly repeat without suspicion either of feigning or flattery. For so I have read, written, and testified of Her Grace by [_according to_] one, both learned and also that can say something in this matter. Who in a certain book, by him set forth, entreating of Her Grace's virtuous bringing up, what discreet, sober, and godly women she had about her; speaketh, namely, of two points in Her Grace to be considered. One concerning her moderate and maidenly behaviour; the other one concerning her training up in learning and good letters. Declaring, first, for her virtuous moderation of life, that seven years after her father's death [_i.e. in 1553_], she had no little pride of stomach, so little delight in glistering gazes of the world, in gay apparel, rich attire, and precious jewels, that in all that time [_i.e., through her brother EDWARD's reign_] she never looked upon those, that her father left her (and which other Ladies commonly be so fond upon) but only once; and that against her will. And, moreover, after that, so little gloried in the same, that there came neither gold nor store upon her head, till her sister enforced her to lay off her former soberness, and bear her company in her glistening gains: yea, and then, she so ware it, as every man might see that her body bare that which her heart misliked. Wherein the virtuous prudence of this Princess, not reading but following the words of PAUL and PETER, well considered True Nobility to consist not in circumstances of the body, but in substance of the heart; not in such things which deck the body, but in that which dignifieth the mind, shining and blazing more bright than pearl or stone, be it never so precious.

Again, the said author, further proceeding in the same matter, thus testifieth, that he knew a great man's daughter receiving from the Lady MARY, before she was Queen, goodly apparel of tinsel, cloth of gold and velvet, laid on with parchment lace of gold. When she saw it she said, "What shall I do with it?"

"Marry!" said a gentlewoman, "wear it!"

"Nay!" quoth she, "that were a shame! To follow my Lady MARY, against GOD's Word; and leave my Lady ELIZABETH, which followeth GOD's Word."

Let noble Ladies and gentlewomen here learn either to give, or to take good example given: and if they disdain to teach their inferiors, in well doing; yet, let it not shame them, to learn of their betters.

Likewise also at the coming in of the Scottish Queen [_in 1553_], when all the other Ladies of the Court flourished in their bravery, with their hair frounced and curled, and double curled; yet she altered nothing; but to the shame of them all, kept her old maidenly shamefastness.

Let us now come to the second point, declaring how she hath been trained in learning; and that not vulgar and common, but the purest and the best, which is most commended at these days, as the Tongues, Arts, and GOD's Word. Wherein she so exceedingly profited, as the foresaid author doth witness, that being under twenty years of age [_i.e., before 1554_], she was not, in the best kind of learning, inferior to those that all their life time had been brought up in the Universities, and were counted jolly fellows.

And that you may understand that there hath not been, nor is in her, learning only without nature, and knowledge without towardness to practice; I will tell what hath been heard of her first schoolmaster [JOHN AYLMER], a man very honest and learned: who reported of her, to a friend of his, that "He learned every day more of her, than she of him." Which when it seemed to him a mystery, as indeed it was, and he therefore desired to know his meaning therein, he thus expounded it: "I teach her words," quoth he, "and she, me things. I teach her the tongues to speak; and her modestly and maidenly life teacheth me words to do. For," saith he, "I think she is the best inclined and disposed of any in all Europe."

It seemed to me a goodly commendation of her, and a witty saying of him.

Likewise [CASTIGLIONE] an Italian, which taught her his tongue (although that nation lightly praise not out of their own country), said once to the said party, that "He found in her two qualities, which are never lightly yokefellows in one woman; which were a singular wit, and a marvellous meek stomach."

If time and leisure would serve to peruse her whole life past, many other excellent and memorable examples of her princely qualities and singular virtues might here be noted; but none, in my mind, more worthy of commendation, or that shall set forth the fame of her heroical and princely renown more to all posterity, than the Christian patience, and incredible clemency of her nature showed in her afflictions, and towards her declared enemies. Such was then the wickedness and rage of that time, wherein what dangers and troubles were among the inferior subjects of this realm of England, may be easily gathered when such a Princess, of that Estate, being a King's daughter, a Queen's sister, and Heir Apparent to the Crown, could not escape without her cross.

And therefore, as we have hitherto discoursed [of] the afflictions and persecutions of the other poor members of CHRIST, comprehended in this History before; so likewise, I see no cause why the communion of Her Grace's afflictions also, among the other saints of CHRIST, ought to be suppressed in silence: especially seeing the great and marvellous workings of GOD's glory, chiefly in this Story, appeareth above all the rest.

And though I should, through ingratitude or silence, pass over the same; yet the thing itself is so manifest, that what Englishman is he which knoweth not the afflictions of Her Grace to have been far above the condition of a King's daughter: for there was no more behind, to make a very IPHIGENIA of her, but her offering up upon the altar of the scaffold.

In which her storms and tempests, with what patience Her Highness behaved herself, although it be best known to them who, then being her adversaries, had the minding [_imprisoning_] of her. Yet this will I say, by the way, that then she must needs be in her affliction, marvellous patient: which sheweth herself now, in this prosperity, to be utterly without desire of revenge; or else she would have given some token, ere this day, of remembrance, how she was handled.

It was no small injury that she suffered, in the Lord Protector's days, by certain venomous vipers! But to let that pass! was it no wrong, think you! or small injury that she sustained, after the death of King EDWARD, when they sought to defeat her and her sister from their natural inheritance and right to the Crown?

But to let that pass likewise! and to come more near to the late days of her sister, Queen MARY. Into what fear, what trouble of mind, and what danger of death was she brought?

First, with great solemnity, with bands of harnessed men [_i.e., in arms and armour_] (Happy was he that might have the carrying of her!) to be fetched up, as the greatest traitor in the world; clapped in the Tower: and, again, to be tossed from thence, from prison to prison, from post to pillar. At length, also prisoner in her own house; and guarded with a sort [_number_] of cutthroats, which ever gaped for the spoil of the same, that they might have been fingering of somewhat.

Which Story, if I should set forth at large, through all the particulars and circumstances of the same, and as the just occasion of the history requireth; peradventure, it would move offence to some, being yet alive. Yet notwithstanding, I intend, by the grace of CHRIST, therein to use such brevity and moderation as may be to the glory of GOD, the discharge of the Story, the profit of the reader, and hurt to none: suppressing the names of some, whom here, although I could recite, yet I thought not to be more cruel in hurting their name, than the Queen hath been in pardoning their life.

Therefore, now to enter into the description of the matter. First, to declare her undeserved troubles; and then, the most happy deliverance out of the same, this is the Story.

* * * * *

In the beginning of Queen MARY'S reign, mention is made before, how the Lady ELIZABETH, and the Lord COURTNEY were charged with false suspicion of [being concerned in] Sir THOMAS WYATT's rising [_in January, 1554, see p._ 88].

Whereupon, Queen MARY, whether for that surmise, or for what other cause I know not, being offended with the said Lady ELIZABETH her sister, at that time lying in her house at Ashridge [_near Great Berkhampstead_], sent to her two Lords [_or rather WILLIAM, Lord HOWARD, Sir EDWARD HASTINGS, afterwards Lord HASTINGS of Loughborough; and Sir THOMAS CORNWALLIS_, and Sir JOHN WILLIAMS, afterwards Lord WILLIAMS] of Thame, with their retinue, and troop of horsemen, to the number of 250, who at their sudden and unprovided [_unexpected_] coming _on the 11th February, 1554_, found her at the same time, sore sick in bed, and very feeble and weak of body.

Whither, when they came; ascending up to Her Grace's Privy Chamber, willed there, one of her Ladies whom they met, to declare unto Her Grace that "There were certain Lords come from the Court, which had a message from the Queen."

Her Grace having knowledge thereof, was right glad of their coming: howbeit, being then very sick, and the night far spent, which was at ten of the clock, requested them by the messenger, that they would resort thither in the morning.