Chapter V: Part 5

Also vpon some variances which did rise betweene _Iustinus_, sonne to _Gurguntus_, Earle of _Glamorgane_ and _Morganock_; and _Rhesus_ sonne to _Theodore_ Prince of Southwales: _Iustinus_, not of power to maintaine either his right or his will, sent _Aeneas_, sonne to _Genidorus_, sometimes Lord of _Demetia_, to craue aide in _England_. This he obtained, not onely readily, but in greater measure then the seruice did require. _Robert Fitzhamond_ was generall Commander of the _English_ armie; who encountred _Rhesus_ at a place called _Blackhill_; and in that fight _Rhesus_ was slaine: after whose death the name of King ceased in _Wales_. Then _Iustinus_ failing, and happily not able to performe such conditions as in necessitie hee had assured, _Fitzhamond_ turned his forces against him; chased the _Welsh_ out of the champaine Countrey, and diuided the same among his principall Gentlemen. These erected Castles, in places conuenient for their mutuall ayde; and so well defended themselues, that they left the Countrey to their posterity. Thus was the Lordship of _Glamorgane_ and _Morganock_, which conteineth 27. miles in length, & 22. in bredth, subdued to the _English_; giuing example how dangerous it is for any people, to call in a greater force of strangers to their ayde, then being victorious, they may easily be able to limit and restraine. This being a Lordship marcher, hath enioyed royall liberties, since the time wherein it was first subdued. It hath acknowledged seruice and obedience onely to the Crowne. It hath had the triall of all actions, as well reall as personall, and also held Pleas of the Crowne; with authority to pardon all offences, Treason onely excepted.

Whilest the King was entertained with these chases, rather then warres in _Wales_, hee lay at _Gloucester_ many times; as not esteeming that his presence should alwayes be necessary, and yet not farre off if occasion should require. To this place _Malcolme_ King of _Scots_ came vnto him, vpon an honourable visitation. But the King hauing conceiued some displeasure against him, refused to admit him to his presence. Hereupon King _Malcolme_, full of fury and disdaine, returned into _Scotland_, assembled an armie, enuaded _Northumberland_, harrased and spoyled a great part thereof; hauing done the like foure times before. Such is the heate of hate in mindes that are mighty; who seldome hold it any breach of Iustice, to bee reuenged of him who offereth dishonor. When he was come neere to _Alnewicke_, and his souldiers were much pestered with prey, (a notable impediment both for readinesse and resolution to fight) hee was set vpon both suddenly and sharply by _Robert Mowbray_ Earle of _Northumberland_; his troupes hewen in pieces, himselfe together with his eldest sonne _Edward_ slaine. The third day ensuing, _Margaret_ wife to King _Malcolme_, and sister to _Edgar Adeling_, not able to beare so sad and heauie a blow of fortune, ended also her life. Shee was famous for pietie and for modestie, two excellent endowments of that Sexe. By her perswasion _Malcolme_ made a law, that whereas by a former law made by King _Eugenius_, the Lord enioyed the first night with any new married woman within his dominion; the husband might redeeme that abuse by paiment of halfe a mark of siluer.

King _Malcolme_ being slaine, _Dunwald_ his brother vsurped the kingdome; but after a few dayes he was dispossessed thereof by _Duncane_, bastard son to K. _Malcolme_. In this action _Duncane_ was chiefly supported by the King of _England_; with whom he had remained in hostage, and to whom hee had made his submission by oath. And because the _Scots_ did either see or suspect that hee bare a fauourable affection to the _English_, they would not receiue him for their King, but vnder promise that hee should not entertaine any _English_ or _Normane_, either in place of seruice, or as a follower at large. The yeere next following _Duncane_ was slaine, and _Dunwald_ was againe possessed of the kingdom. Hereupon King _William_ sent _Clito Edgar_ with an armie into _Scotland_; by whose meanes _Dunwald_ was dispoiled againe of his Kingdome, and _Edgar_ sonne to King _Malcolme_ aduanced to his fathers estate.

These were the principall aduentures by Armes which concerned _England_, during the reigne of K. _William_ the second: wherein he so behaued himselfe, that he did worthily winne an opinion to be one, who both knew and durst. In all actions hee esteemed himselfe greatly dishonoured, if hee were not both in Armes with the first, and with the forwardest in fight; doing double seruice, as well by example, as by direction: In which heate of valour, the fauour of his Fortune excused many of his attempts from the blame of rashnesse. He was oftentimes most constant, or rather obstinate in pursuing those purposes, which with small deliberation he vndertooke.

At a certaine time when he was in hunting within the new Forrest, he receiued aduertisement, that _Mans_ was surprised by _Helie_, Count _de la Flesch_, who pretended title thereto in right of his wife: that he was aided in this enterprise by _Fouques d'Angiers_, an ancient enemie to the Dukes of _Normandie_: and that the castle which held good for the King, must also be rendered, if in very short time it were not relieued. Vpon these newes, as if he had bene in the heat of a chase, he presently turned his horse; and his passion not staying to consult with reason, in great haste roade towards the Sea. And when he was aduised by some to stay a time, and take with him such forces as the importance of the seruice did require; with a heart resolute and violent voice he answered, _That they who loued him, would not faile to follow; and that if no man else would stirre, he alone would relieue Mans_.

When he came to _Dortmouth_, he commanded ships to be brought for his passage. The winds were then both contrary and stiffe, and the Sea swelled exceeding bigge; for which cause the Shipmasters perswaded him to await a more fauourable season, and not to cast himselfe vpon the miserable mercie of that storme. Notwithstanding the King, whose feare was alwayes least when dangers were greatest, mounted vpon Shipboard, and commanded them to put to Sea; affirming, That it was no Prince-like mind to breake a iourney for foulenesse of weather; and that he neuer heard of any King that had bene drowned. And so for that the chiefe point of rescue rested in expedition, hee presently committed to Sea; taking few with him, and leauing order that others should follow. After hee had long wrastled with the winds and waues, he arriued in _France_, where running on in the humour of his courage and forwardnesse, he acquitted himselfe with greater honour then at any time before. So effectuall is celeritie for the benefit of a seruice, that oftentimes it more auaileth, then either multitude or courage of Souldiers.

In this expedition, _Helie_ the principall commander against him was taken. And when he was brought to the Kings presence, the King said pleasantly vnto him: _Ah master! in faith I haue you now; and I hope I shal be able to keepe you in quiet_. Then he: _It is true indeed, the successe of my attempts haue not bene answerable to the resolution of my minde; by meere aduenture now you haue me: but if I were at libertie againe, I doe better know what I had to doe, and would not so easily be held in quiet_. The King with a braue scorne replied: _I see thou art but a foolish knaue; vnable to vse, either thy libertie or thy restreint aright. But goe thy wayes, make good thy confidence: I set thee free and at libertie againe; vse thy aduantage, and doe thy worst_. _Helie_ daunted more with this high courage, then before he had bin with the victory of the King, submitted himselfe, and made his peace vnder such conditions as it pleased the King to lay vpon him. Certainely this magnanimous example hath seldome bin equalled, neuer excelled by those, who are admired for the principall worthies of the world.

He little fauoured flatterers; the flies which blow corruption vpon sweetest vertues; the myrie dogs of the Court, who defile Princes with fawning on them; who commonly are fatted with bread which is made with the teares of miserable people. He was most firme and assured in his word: and to those who did otherwise aduise him, he would say; That _God did stand obliged by his word_.[71]

He is commended for his manly mercie; in releasing prisoners, and in pardoning offences of highest qualitie: which to a people that then liued vnder a Law, both rigorous, and almost arbitrarie, and (as well for the noueltie as for the vncertaintie thereof) in a manner vnknowne, was a most high valued vertue. He not onely pardoned many great offenders, but partly by gifts, and partly by aduancements he knit them most assuredly vnto him. And therefore although in the beginning of his reigne, most of the Nobilitie, and many Gentlemen of best quality and rancke endeuoured to displace him, and to set vp _Robert_ his elder brother for their King; yet doeth it not appeare, either that any seueritie was executed vpon them, or that afterward they were dangerous vnto him. Notwithstanding in some actions he was noted of crueltie, or at the least of sharpnesse and seuerity in iustice. For albeit hee promised to the _English_, whilest his first feares and iealousies continued, that they should enioy free libertie of hunting; yet did hee afterwards so seuerely restraine it, that the penalty for killing a Deere was death.

_Robert Mowbray_ Earle of _Northumberland_, after he had defeated the _Scots_ and slaine _Malcolme_ their King, not finding himselfe either honoured or respected according to his seruice; first refrained, and afterwards refused to come vnto the Court. Hereupon the King, ouerruled indifferently with suspition and hate, (two violent passions in minds placed in authoritie) sent his brother _Henry_ with an armie against him; who spoyled the Countrey, tooke the Earle, and committed him to prison. Then was hee charged with diuers crimes, which were sufficient (although but surmised) to vndoe an Innocent. Many examinations were also made, but for appearance onely and terrour, not to any bottome or depth. The especiall matter obiected against him was, for contriuing to despoyle the King both of life and state, and to set vp _Stephen Albamerle_ his Aunts sonne for King. And thus it often happeneth, that great deserts are occasions to men of their destruction; either because Princes generally loue not those to whom they are exceedingly beholding, or else for that thereby men doe grow proud, insolent, disdainefull, bould, immoderate both in expectation and demand, discontented, impatient if they be not satisfied, and apt to breake forth into dangerous attempts.

Of those who any wayes declared themselues in his fauour or defence; some were despoiled of their goods, some were banished the Realme; others were punished with losse of their eyes, or of their eares, or of some other part of their bodie. _William d'Owe_ was accused in a Councell holden at _Salisbury_, to bee a complice of this Treason. And albeit he challenged his accuser to the combate, yet his eyes were pulled out, and his stones cut off by commandement of the King. And yet some authours affirme, that he was ouercome in combate before. For the same cause the King commanded _William Aluerie_ to be hanged; a man of goodly personage and modest behauiour; the Kings sewer, his Aunts sonne, and his godfather. Before his execution hee desired to be whipped through manie Churches in _London_: he distributed his garments to the poore, and bloodied the street as he went, with often kneeling vpon the stones. At the time of his death he tooke it vpon the charge of his soule, that he was cleere of the offence for which he suffered. And so committing his innocencie to God, and to the world his complaints, he submitted himselfe to the Executioners hands: leauing an opinion in some, a suspition in many, that others also died without desert. For the king gaue an easie eare to any man, that would appeach others for his aduantage: whereby it sometimes happened, that offenders were acquited by accusing innocents.

He was liberall aboue measure; either in regard of his owne abilities, or of the worthinesse of the receiuers. Especially hee was bountifull (if that terme may be applyed to immoderate lauishing)[72] to men of warre: for which cause many resorted to him from farre Countries for entertainement. To winne and retaine the fauour of these, hee much impouerished his peaceable people. From many he tooke without iustice, to giue to others without desert: esteeming it no vnequall dealing, that the money of the one, should bee aduentured and expended with the blood of the other.

He much exceeded in sumptuousnes of diet and of apparell, wherewith great men vse to dazel the eyes of the people: both which waies he esteemed the goodnesse of things, by their price. It is reported, that when his Chamberlaine vpon a certaine morning brought him a new paire of hose, the King demaunded what they cost; and the Chamberlaine answered, three shillings. Hereat the King grew impatient, and said: _What? heauie beast! doest thou take these to be conuenient hose for a King? Away begger, and bring me other of a better price_. Then the Chamberlaine departed and brought a farre worse paire of hose (for a better could not at that time bee found) and told the king that they cost a marke. The king not onely allowed them for fine enough, but commended them also as exceeding fit. Assuredly this immoderate excesse of a King is now farre exceeded by many base shifting vnthrifts.

In building his expences were very great. He repaired the Citie and Castle of _Caerlile_, which had been wasted by the _Danes_ 200. yeres before. Hee finished New castle vpon _Tine_. Many other Castles he erected or repaired vpon the frontiers of _Scotland_; many also vpon the frontiers and within the very brest of _Wales_. Hee much enlarged the Towre of _London_, and enuironed it with a new wall. Hee also built the great Hall at _Westminster_, which is 270. foote in length, and 74. foote in breadth. And when many did admire the vast largenes thereof, he would say vnto them, that it was but a bed chamber, but a closet, in comparison of that which he intended to build. And accordingly he layd the foundation of another Hall, which stretched from the Riuer _Thames_ to the Kings high street: the further erection wherof, with diuers other heroicall enterprises, ceased together with his life.

Thus partly by reason of his infinite plots and inuentions, and partly by his disorders and vnbrideled liberalities, he alwayes liued at great charges and expences; which whilest the large treasure lasted which his father left him, were borne without grieuance to the subiects: But when that was once drained, he was reduced to seeke money by extraordinary meanes. So, many hard taxes were laid vpon the people, partly for supplie to his owne necessities, and partly to imitate the policie of his father; that the people being busied how to liue, should reteine small either leisure or meanes to contriue innouations. For this cause he was supposed, vpon purpose to haue enterprised many actions of charge; that thereby he might haue colour to impose, both imployments and taxations vpon the people.

And because the riches of the clergie at that time were not onely an eye-sore vnto many, but esteemed also by some, to bee very farre aboue due proportion; Hee often fleeced them of great summes of money. For which cause it is euident, that the writers of that age (who were for the most part Clergie men) did both generally enueigh against him, and much depraue his particular actions. He withheld his annuall paiment to the Sea of _Rome_, vpon occasion of a Schisme betweene _Vrbane_ at _Rome_, and _Clement_ at _Rauenna_. He claimed the inuestiture of Prelates to be his right: Hee forbade Appeales and entercourse to _Rome_: For which and other like causes he had a very great contention with the Clergie of his Realme, especially with _Anselme_ Archbishop of _Canterbury_.

The seedes of this contention were cast, when _Anselme_ was first receiued to his Sea. For at that time two did striue for the Papacie of _Rome_; _Vrbanus_ and _Guibert_, called _Clement_ the third: some Christian States fauouring the one, and some the other. King _William_ inclined to _Clement_ the third, and with him the Realme generally went; but _Anselme_ did fully goe with _Vrbane_; making so his condition before he did consent to accept his dignitie.

When he was elected and before his consecration, the King demanded of him, that such lands of the Church of _Canterbury_ as the King had giuen to his friends since the death of _Lanfranck_, might still be held by them as their lawfull right: but to this _Anselme_ would in no case agree. Hereupon the King stayed his consecration a certaine time; but at length by importunitie of the people hee was content to receiue his homage, and to giue way to his consecration. Not long after, the Archbishop desired licence of the king to goe to _Rome_, to receiue his Pall; which when the King refused to grant, he appealed to the Sea of _Rome_. Now this was the first Appeale that euer before had been made in _England_. For Appeales were not here in ordinarie vse, vntil after this time, vnder the reigne of King _Stephen_; when _Henrie_ Bishop of _Wint._ being the Popes Legate, brought them in.

Wherefore the King offended with this noueltie, charged _Anselme_ with breach of his fealtie and oath. _Anselme_ answered, that this was to be referred to the iudgement of a Councell, whether it bee a breach of allegiance to a terrene Prince, if a man appeale to the Vicar of Christ. The King alleaged; that the custome of his Realme admitted no appeale from the king; that supreame appeale was a most principall marke of Maiestie, because no appeale can be made but to a superiour; that therefore the Archbishop by appealing from him, denied his Souereignty, derogated from the dignitie of his Crowne, and subiected both him and that to another Prince, to whom as to a superiour he did appeale; That herein hee was an enemie and a Traitour to him and to the State. _Anselme_ replyed, that this question was determined by our Lord, who taught vs what allegiance is due to the Pope, where he saith; _Thou art Peter, and vpon this Rocke will I build my Church, &c._ And againe; _To thee will I giue the Keyes of the Kingdome of Heauen, &c._ And againe in generall; _Hee that heareth you heareth me, and who despiseth you despiseth me_. And againe, _He that toucheth you, toucheth the apple of my eye_. But for the allegiance due to the King, he saith; _Giue to Caesar that which belongeth to Caesar, and to God what pertaineth to God_. To this the king finally said; That hauing made themselues Masters to interprete and giue sence to the Scriptures, it was easie to maintaine by them whatsoeuer they desired or did; it was easie for them to burst their ambition with their swelling greatnes. But well he was assured, that CHRIST intended not to dissolue orders for Ciuill gouernment, to ruine kingdoms, to embase authority and right of Kings, by meanes of his Church: this right of a King he had, and this right he would maintaine.

In this contention few of the Bishops did openly take part with _Anselme_; but some, and especially the Bishop of _Durhame_, did directly declare against him. The residue, when he asked their aduise, would answere him, That he was wise ynough, and knew what was best for him to doe; as for them, they neither durst nor would stand against their Lord. By assistance of these the King purposed to depriue _Anselme_, and to expell him out of the Realme. But _Anselme_ auowed, That as he was ready to depart the Realme, so would he take his authoritie with him, though he tooke nothing else.

Now the King had sent two messengers to Pope _Vrbane_ at _Rome_, to entreat him to send the Pall to the King; to be disposed by him as he should thinke fit. These messengers were by this time returned; and with them came _Guibert_ the Popes Legate, who brought the Pall. The Legate went first priuily to the King, and promised that if _Vrbane_ should be receiued for Pope in _England_, the King should obtaine of him whatsoeuer he would. The King required that _Anselme_ might be remoued. The Legate answered, that it could not be, that such a man without iust cause should be remoued; Notwithstanding some other things being granted to the King, _Vrbane_ was declared to be lawfull Pope; and the King was content to swallow downe that morsel, which had bene so vnpleasant for him to champe on. The Pall was caried to _Anselme_ with great pompe, in a vessell of siluer; and he came foorth bare footed, in his Priestly Vestments to meete and to receiue it.

The yeere next following the King inuaded _Wales_; where he repressed the rebellious enemies, and returned victorious. _Anselme_ prepared to goe vnto him, to salute him, to congratulate his good successe. But the King preuented him by messengers, who layde to his charge, both the small number, and euill appointment of the Souldiers, which he sent to that seruice; and therefore warned him to appeare at the Court, to make his answere. Happely also the King was incensed by matters more light; but taken in the worst part, as it commonly falleth out in suspitions and quarels. At the day appointed _Anselme_ appeared, but auoyded his answere by appealing to the Pope: for prosecution whereof, hee made suit for the Kings licence to goe to _Rome_. The King said as before; That this appeale was against the custome of the Realme, and against the dignitie of his Crowne, to both which _Anselme_ had sworne. _Anselme_ answered, That he was sworne to neither of them, but so farre as they were consonant to the Lawes of GOD, and to the rules of equitie and right. The King replied, That no limitation being expressed, it was not reasonable that vpon his owne conceit of pietie or equitie, he should slip out of the band of his oath. Thus was the contention on both sides obstinately maintained; and for a long time _Anselme_ was commanded to attend the Court.

At the last hee was released, but vnder expresse charge, that he should not depart out of the Realme; or if he did, that it should neuer be lawfull for him to returne. _Anselme_ departed from the Court, went streight to _Douer_, with purpose to passe the Seas into _France_. Here hee was either awaited or ouertaken by _William Warlewast_ the Kings officer; not to stay him from his passage, but to rifle him of all that he had. Others also were appointed to seise his goods in other places, and to conuert the profits of his Archbishopricke to the vse of the King; making a bare allowance to the Monks, of meat, drinke and cloathing. So the Archbishop crossed the Seas into _France_, rested a while at _Lions_, and then trauailed ouer the _Alpes_ to _Rome_; where he was enterteined by Pope _Vrbane_, with more then ordinarie ceremonies of honour.

And first the Pope wrote to the king of _England_ on the behalfe of _Anselme_; and reteined him in his Palace vntill he should receiue answere from the king. When the messenger was returned with such answere as _Anselme_ did not like, he desired of the Pope to be discharged of his dignitie; which he had found (he said) a wearisome stage, whereon hee played a part much against his will. But hereto the Pope would in no case agree; charging him vpon vertue of his obedience, That wheresoeuer he went, he should beare both the name and honour of Archbishop of _Canterburie_. _As for these matters_, (said he) _we shall sufficiently prouide for them at the next Councell where your selfe shalbe present_.

When the Councell was assembled, _Anselme_[73] sate on the outside of the Bishops; but the Pope called him vp, and placed him at his right foot with these words; _Includamus hunc in orbe nostro, tanquam alterius orbis Papam_. Afterwards in all generall Councels, the Archb. of _Canterburie_ tooke that place. In this Councell the points of difference betweene the Greeke and Latine Churches were strongly debated; especially concerning the proceeding of the _Holy Ghost_, and for leauened bread in the administration of the _Eucharist_: wherein _Anselme_ shewed such deepe learning, weight of iudgement, and edge of wit, that he approched neerer admiration then applause. These matters determined, complaints were brought against the King of _England_, and the Pope is said to haue bene ready to excommunicate him: but _Anselme_ kneeled before the Pope, and obteined for the King a longer terme. The Pope was then at great contention with _Henry_ the fourth Emperour, who had bene excommunicated before by _Hildebrand_, and was then againe excommunicate by _Vrbane_: being the first Christian Prince with Souereigne power, who was euer excommunicate by any Pope. And for that _Vrbane_ at that time had his hands full against the Emperour, for that also hee would not make the example too odious at the first; he was willing ynough to forbeare excommunication against the King. And the rather for that _Anselme_ had intelligence from his friends in _England_, that the excommunication would not be regarded. Hereupon, accompting it a sufficient declaration of his power for the time, to haue menaced excommunication, he caused a generall decree to be made; That as well all Lay-persons who should giue inuestiture of Churches, as those of the Clergie who should be so inuested; also those who should yeeld themselues in subiection to Lay-men for Ecclesiastical liuings, should be excommunicate.

This generall sentence was pronounced. The Pope also signified by letters to the King, that if he would auoyd particular proceeding against himselfe, he should foorthwith restore _Anselme_ to the exercise of his Office in his Church, and to all the goods and possessions perteining thereto. Hereupon the King sent messengers to the Pope, who declared vnto him; That their great Master the King marueiled not a litle, wherefore he should so sharply vrge the restitution of _Anselme_; seeing it was expresly told him, That if he departed out of _England_ without licence, he should expect no other vsage. Well, said the Pope, Haue you no other cause against _Anselme_, but that he hath appealed to the Apostolicall Sea, and without licence of your King hath trauailed thither? They answered, No. And haue you taken all this paines (said he) haue you trauailed thus farre to tell me this? Goe tell your Lord, if he will not be excommunicate, that he presently restore _Anselme_ to his Sea: And see that you bring mee answere hereof the next Councell, which shalbe in the third weeke after Easter: make haste, and looke to your terme, lest I cause you to be hanged for your tarryance.

The messenger was herewith much abashed; yet collecting himselfe, he desired priuate audience of the Pope: affirming, that he had some secret instructions from the King to impart vnto him. What this secret was it is vnknowne. Whatsoeuer it was, a longer day was obtained for the King, vntill Michaelmas then next ensuing. And when that day was come, albeit complaints were renued, yet was nothing done against the King. The Archb. seeing the small assurance of the Pope, returned to _Lions_ in _France_; and there remained vntil the death, first of Pope _Vrbane_, and afterwards of the king; which was almost the space of 3. yeeres.

By this great conflict the king lost the hearts of many of the Clergie; but his displeasure had seasoned reuenge with contentment: and finding himselfe sufficient, both in courage and meanes to beare out his actions, he became many other wayes heauie vnto them. When any Bishopricke or Monasterie fell voyd, he kept them vacant a long time in his hands, and applied the profits to himselfe: At the last hee would set them to open sale, and receiue him for Prelate, who would giue for them the greatest price. Herehence two great inconueniences did ensue; the best places were furnished with men of least sufficiencie and worth; and no man hoping to rise by desert, the generall endeuour for vertue and knowledge were layd aside: the direct way to aduancement, was by plaine purchase from the king.

In this seazing and farming and marchandizing of Church-liuings, one _Ranulph_, commonly called the Kings Chapleine, was a great agent for the King. Hee was a man of faire vse of speach, and liuely in witte, which hee made seruants to licentious designes; but both in birth and behauiour base, and shamelesse in dishonestie; a very bawde to all the Kings purposes and desires. Hee could be so euill as hee listed, and listed no lesse then was to his aduantage. The King would often laugh at him, and say; that he was a notable fellow to compasse matters for a King. And yet besides more then ordinary fauour of countenance, the King aduanced him, first to be his Chancellour, and afterward to be Bishop of _Duresme_. By his aduise, so soone as any Church fell voide, an Inuentory was made of all the goods that were found, as if they should bee preserued for the next successor; and then they were committed to the custodie of the King, but neuer restored to the Church againe. So the next incumbent receiued his Church naked and bare, notwithstanding that he paid a good price for it. From this King the vse is said to haue first risen in _England_, that the Kings succeeding had the Temporalties of Bishops Seas so long as they remained voide. Hee also set the first enformers to worke, and for small transgressions appointed great penalties. Hee is also reported to haue been the first King of this Realme, who restreined his subiects from ranging into forreine Countreys without licence.

And yet what did the King by this sale of Church dignities, but that which was most frequent in other places? For in other places also few attained to such dignities freely. The difference was this: here the money was receiued by the King, there by fauorites or inferiour officers: here it was expended in the publike vses of the State; there to priuate and many times odious enrichments: this seemeth the more easie, that the more extreme pressure, as done by more hungrie and degenerous persons: this may bee esteemed by some the more base, but assuredly it was the better dealing. And further, it is euident that the King did freely aduance many excellent persons to principall dignities in the Church; and especially _Anselme_ to the Archbishopricke of _Canterburie_, who was so vnwilling to accept that honour, that the King had much to doe to thrust it vpon him. And the rather to enduce him, he gaue him wholly the citie of _Canterburie_, which his predecessors had held but at the pleasure of the King. This _Anselme_ was one whose learned labours doe plainely testifie, how little his spirits were fed with the fulsome fumes of surfeting and ease; which to many others, together with their bodies, doe fatten and engrosse their mindes. He so detested singularitie, that he accounted it the sinne which threw Angels out of Heauen, and man out of Paradise. This detestation of singularitie might happily encline him to the other extreme; to adhere ouer lightly to some common receiued errours. It is attributed to him that hee would often wish, to bee rather in hell without sinne, then with sinne in heauen.

The king also aduanced _Robert Bloet_, to the Bishopricke of _Lincolne_: a man whose wisedom was highly graced, with goodly personage, and good deliuery of speach: from whom notwithstanding the king afterwards wiped fiue thousand markes. Hee also freely receiued _Hugh de Floriaco_, a man for his vertue much esteemed, to be Abbot of the Monastery of S. _Augustines_ in _Canterburie_; and likewise diuers others to other Ecclesiasticall preferments: whereby I am confirmed in opinion, that many odious imputations against the king, were either altogether inuented, or much enlarged aboue the trueth.

It happened vpon auoidance of a certaine Monastery, that two Monkes went to the king, either of them contending, as well by friends, as by large offer of purse, to procure to be made Abbot of the place. The king espying a third Monke standing by, who came with the other two, either to accompany them, or to obtaine some inferiour place vnder him that should preuaile, demaunded of him what hee would giue? The Monke answered, that hee had small meanes, and lesse minde, to purchase that or any other dignitie of the Church: For with that intention did he first betake himselfe to a religious life, that holding riches and honour (the two beauties of the world) in contempt, he might more freely and quietly dispose himselfe to the seruice of God. The King replied, that he iudged him most worthy of that preferment; and therefore first offred it vnto him, then intreated, and lastly enioyned him to accept it. Assuredly, the force of vertue is such, that often times wee honour it in others, euen when we little esteeme it in ourselues.

He is charged with some actions and speaches tending to profanenesse. The Iewes at _Roan_ so preuailed with him by gifts, that they drew him to reprehend one who had forsaken their superstition. At _London_ a disputation was appointed betweene certaine Christians and Iewes. The Iewes a little before the day prefixed, brought to the King a rich present; At which time he encouraged them (no doubt but by the way of ioylitie and mirth) to acquite themselues like tall fellowes, and if they preuailed by plaine strength of trueth, hee sware (as was his vsuall) by S. _Lukes_ face, that hee would become one of their Secte. These things happely not much spoken amisse, might easily bee depraued by report.

It is affirmed of him that he so much exceeded in bodily lust, (then which nothing maketh a man more contemptible) that thereby hee seemed to decline from the Maiestie of a Prince. This vice did cast a great mist ouer his glorie. And yet neither is it infrequent in lusty bodies, placed in a State both prosperous and high, neither can the pleasure of one man that way extend it selfe to the iniurie of many. The worst was, that after his example, many others did follow licentious traces;[74] examples of Princes being alwayes of greater force then their Lawes, to induce the people to good or to euill. As the King turned the prosperitie of his actions to serue his vanities and delights, so his followers by felicitie became insolent, and let goe at aduenture serious affaires; not receiuing into their thoughts any other impression then of brauery and pleasure. And they who were greatest in the counsailes and fauours of the King, respected all things no further, then as they were aduantageable to themselues.

Then rose vp costly apparell, and dainty fare, two assured tokens of a diseased State; the one the vainest, the other the grossest prodigalitie that can be. Then was brought into vse the laying out of haire, strange fashions and disguisings in attire, and all delicacies pertaining to the bodie. Then were practised nice treadings, lasciuious lookes, and other dissolute and wanton behauiour: many effeminate persons did accompanie the Court, by whose immodest demeanour the maiestie of that place was much embased. From hence also the poyson brake foorth, first into the citie, and after wards into other places of the Realme; for as in fishes, so in families, and so likewise in States, putrifaction commonly beginneth at the head.

In the second yeere of this kings reigne _Lanfranck_ Archb. of _Canterburie_ ended his life: A man highly esteemed, with good men, for his learning and integritie; with great men, for his diligence and discretion to sound deepely into affaires; with the common people for his moderate and modest behauiour. King _William_ the first did honour and embrace him with great respect, and was much guided by his aduise. He was as a Protector to King _William_ the second. When he went to _Rome_ to obteine his Pall, the Pope rose from his chaire, stepped forwards to meet him, and with many ceremonies of courtesie did enterteine him. Then he returned to his seat, and said: _Now Lanfrancke, I haue done to thee what is due to thy vertue, come thou and doe to me what apperteineth to my place_. He was an earnest enemie to all vices, especially to auarice and pride, the two banes of all vertues. He renued the great Church of _Canterburie_, and enriched it with 25. mannours. He repaired the walles of that Citie, and built two Hospitals therein; one of S. _Iohn_, the other _Harlebaldowne_. He gaue a thousand markes towards the repairing and enlarging of the Abbey of S. _Albones_, and procured _Redbourne_ to be restored thereto. By his Testament hee gaue to the same Church 1000. pounds, besides many rich ornaments. He tooke great paines in purging ancient Authors from such corruptions as had crept into them: diuers workes also he wrote of his owne, but the greatest part of them are perished. Thus he liued in honour, and died with fame; his time imployed in honest studies and exercises, his goods to good and Religious vses.

The same yeere a strange and great earthquake happened throughout all the Realme; after which ensued a great scarcitie of fruit, and a late haruest of corne, so as much graine was not fully ripe at the end of Nouember.

In the fourth yere of the reigne of this King, a strong stroke of lightning made a hole in the Abbey steeple at _Winchelscombe_, neere to the top; rent one of the beames of the Church, brake one of the legges of the Crucifixe, cast downe the head thereof, together with the Image of the Virgine _Marie_ that was placed by it: Herewith a thicke smoke darkened the Church, and breathed foorth a marueilous stincke, which annoyed the Church a long time after. In the same yeere a mightie winde from the Southwest did prostrate 606. houses in _London_: And breaking into the Church of S. _Mary Bow_ in Cheape, slew two men with some part of the ruines which it made, raised the roofe of the Church, and carried many of the beames on such a height, that in the fall six of them, being 27. or 28. foot in length, were driuen so deepe into the ground (the streets not then paued with stone) that not aboue 4. foote remained in sight: and so they stood, in such order and rancke as the workemen had placed them vpon the Church. The parts vnder the earth were neuer raised, but so much was cut away as did appeare aboue the ground; because it was an impediment for passage. The Tower of _London_ at the same time was also broken, and much other harme done.

The next yeere _Osmund_ Bishop of _Salisbury_ finished the Cathedrall Church of old _Salisburie_; and the fifth day after the Consecration, the steeple thereof was fired with lightning.

The yeere following much raine fell, and so great frosts ensued, that riuers were passable with loaden carts.

The yeere next ensuing was exceeding remarkeable both for the number and fashion of gliding Starres, which seemed to dash together in maner of a conflict.

About this time Pope _Vrbane_ assembled a Councell at _Cleremont_ in _Auergne_, wherein hee exhorted Christian Princes to ioyne in action for recouery of _Palestine_, commonly called _The Holy Land_, out of the seruile possession of the _Saracenes_. This motion was first set on foote, and afterwards pursued by _Peter_ the Heremite of _Amiens_; which falling in an age both actiue and Religious, was so generally embraced, as it drew 300000. men to assemble together from diuers Countreys; and that with such sober and harmlesse behauiour, that they seemed rather Pilgrimes then Souldiers. Among others, _Robert_ Duke of _Normandie_ addressed himselfe to this Voyage; and to furnish his expenses therein, he layed his Duchie of _Normandie_ to gage to his brother of _England_ for 6666. li. or as other Authors report, for 13600. pounds of Siluer.

This money was taken vp part by imposition, and part by loane, of the most wealthy inhabitants within the Realme: But especially the charge was layd vpon religious persons, for that it was to furnish a religious warre. When many Bishops and Abbots complained, that they were not able to satisfie such summes of money as the King demanded of them, vnles they should sel the Chalices & siluer vessels which pertained to their Churches. Nay answered the King, you may better make meanes with the siluer and gold which vainely you haue wrapped about dead mens bones; meaning thereby their rich Relickes and Shrines.

The yeare following a blasing starre appeared, for the space of fifteene dayes together; the greatest bush whereof pointed towards the East, and the lesser towards the West. Gliding starres were often seene, which seemed to dart one against another. The people began (as to mindes fearefull all fancies seeme both weightie and true) to make hard constructions of these vnusuall sights; supposing that the heauens did threaten them, not accustomed to shew it selfe so disposed, but towards some variation.

In the 13. yeere of his reigne, the Sea surmounted his vsuall bounds, in diuers parts of _England_ and _Scotland_: whereby not only fields, but many villages, castles, and townes were ouerflowen, and some ouerturned, and some ouerwhelmed with sand; much people, and almost innumerable cattel was destroyed. At the same time certaine lands in _Kent_, which did once belong to _Godwine_ Earle of _Kent_, were ouerflowed and couered with sand, which to this day do beare the name of _Godwins_ sands. Thunders were more frequent & terrible then had been vsuall; through violence whereof diuers persons were slaine. Many feareful formes and apparitions are reported to haue bin seene; whether errours, or inuentions, or truethes, I will not aduow. The heauens often seemed to flame with fire. At _Finchamsted_[75] in _Barkeshire_ neere vnto _Abington_, a spring cast vp a liquor for the space of fifteene dayes, in substance and colour like vnto blood; which did taint and infect the next water brooke whereinto it did runne. The King was often terrified in his sleepe with vncouth, ougly, vnquiet dreames: and many fearefull visions of others were oftentimes reported vnto him. At the same time hee held in his handes three Bishoprickes, _Canterburie_, _Winchester_, and _Salisburie_; and twelue Abbeys.

The same yeere vpon the second of August, a little before the falling of the Sunne, as the King was hunting within the newe forrest, at a place called _Choringham_ (where since a Chappell hath beene erected) hee strooke a Deere lightly with an arrow. The Deere ranne away, and the King stayed his horse to looke after it; holding his hand ouer his eyes, because the beames of the Sunne (which then drew somewhat lowe) much dazeled his sight. Herewith another Deere crossed the way; whereat a certaine Knight, named Sir _Walter Tirrell_, aimed with an arrow: and loosing his bowe, either too carelessly at the Deere, or too steadily at the King, strooke him therewith full vpon the brest. The King hauing so receiued the wound, gaue foorth a heauie groane, and presently fell downe dead; neither by speach nor motion expressing any token of life. Onely so much of the arrowe as was without his bodie was found broken; whether with his hand, or by his fall, it is not certainely knowen. The men that were neere vnto him (especially Sir _Walter Tirrell_) galloped away; some for astonishment, others for feare. But a fewe collecting themselues returned againe, and layd his bodie vpon a Colliers Cart, which by aduenture passed that way; wherin it was drawen by one leane euill-fauoured, base beast, to the Citie of _Winchester_; bleeding abundantly all the way, by reason of the rude iogging of the Carte. The day following hee was buried, without any funerall pompe, with no more then ordinarie solemnities, in the Cathedrall Church or Monasterie of Saint _Swithen_; vnder a plaine flat marble stone, before the Lectorne in the Quire. But afterwards his bones were translated, and layd by King _Canutus_ bones.

Most writers doe interprete this extraordinarie accident to bee a iudgement of God, for the extraordinarie loose behauiour of the King, But it may rather seeme a iudgement of God, that King _William_ the first, who threw downe Churches, and dispeopled Villages and Townes; who banished both the seruice of God, and societie of men, to make a vaste habitation for sauage beasts, had two sonnes slaine vpon that place. It may also seeme a iudgement of God, that King _William_ the second, who so greatly fauoured beastes of game, that he ordeined the same penaltie for killing of a deere, as for killing of a man; should as a beast, and for a beast, and among beasts be slaine. And thus God doth often punish vs by our greatest pleasures; if they be either vnlawfull, or immoderately affected; whereby good things become vnlawfull.

Hee died in the principall strength, both of his age, and of his distastfull actions; wherein hee had bene much carried by the hoate humour of his courage and youth; his iudgement not then raised to that stayednesse and strength,[76] whereto yeeres and experience in short time would haue brought it. Hee reigned in great varietie of opinion with his Subiects (some applauding his vertues, others aggrauating his vices) twelue yeeres, eleuen moneths wanting eight dayes: and was at his death fourtie and three yeeres old. At this time he presumed most highly, and promised greatest matters to himselfe, hee proiected also many difficult aduentures, if his life had continued the naturall course; wherein his hopes were nothing inferiour to his desires.

Hee gaue to the Monckes of _Charitie_ in _Southwarke_ his Mannour of _Bermondsey_, and built for them the great new Church of Saint _Sauiour_. Also of an old Monasterie in the Citie of _Yorke_, he founded an Hospitall for the sustentation of poore persons and dedicated it to S. _Peter_. This Hospitall was afterward augmented by King _Stephen_, and by him dedicated to S. _Leonard_.

KING HENRY

THE FIRST,

_Sirnamed_

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].