I haue cast my selfe so low, as your haughty heart can possibly wish; whereby I haue wronged both my selfe and you: my selfe, in occasioning some suspition of weakenesse; you, in making you obstinate in your ambitious purposes. But assure your selfe, that this desire did not proceed from want either of courage, or of meanes, or of assistance of friends: I can also be both vnthankefull and vnnaturall if I bee compelled. And if all other supportance faile, yet no arme is to be esteemed weake, which striketh with the sword of necessitie and Iustice.
The King with a well appeased stayednesse returned answere; that he could easily endure the iniurie of his angry wordes: but to men of moderate iudgement hee would make it appeare, that hee entended no more in offending him, then to prouide for defending himselfe. So the Duke obseruing few complements, but such as were spiced with anger and disdaine, returned intoNormandie, associated to him theEnglishexiles, and made preparation for his defence.
The King followed with a great power, and found him in good appointment of armes: nothing inferiour to the King in resolute courage, but farre inferiour both in number of men, and in fine contriuance of his affaires. For the King had purchased assured intelligence, among those that were neerest both in place and counsaile to the Duke: in whom the Duke found treacherie, euen when he reposed most confident trust. Herewith PopePaschal, to attaine his purpose inEngland, for deuesting the King of inuesting Bishops; did not onely allow this enterprise for lawful, but encouraged the King, that hee should doe thereby a noble and a memorable benefit to his Realme.
So, many stiffe battels were executed betweene them, with small difference of aduantage at the first; but after some continuance, the Dukes side (as it commonly happeneth to euillmanaged courage) declined dayly, by reason of his dayly increase of wants. At the last the Duke, wearied and ouerlayed, both with company of men and cunning working, resolued to bring his whole state to the stake, and to aduenture the same vpon one cast: committing to Fortune, what valour and industry could bring forth. The king being the Inuader, thought it not his part to shrinke from the shocke; being also aduertised that theFrenchKing prepared to relieue the Duke. On the Dukes side, disdaine, rage, and reuenge, attended vpon hate: the King retained inuincible valour, assured hope to ouercome, grounded vpon experience how to ouercome.
They met vpon the same day of the moneth iust 40. yeeres, after the great battaile ofWilliamthe first against KingHaroldofEngland. The Kings footemen farre exceeding their enemies in number, began the charge, in small and scattering troupes; lightly assayling where they could espie the weakest resistance. But the Dukes Armie receiued them in close and firme order; so as vpon the losse of many of the foremost, the residue began somewhat to retire. And now, whether the Duke hadcause, or whether confidence the inseparable companion of courage perswaded him that he had cause; he supposed that hee had the best of the field, and that the victory was euen in his hand. But suddenly the King with his whole forces of horse charged him in flanke, and with great violence brake into his battaile. Herewith the footmen also returned, and turned them all to a ruinous rout. The Duke performed admirable effects of valour, and so did most of theEnglishexiles: as fearing ouerthrow worse then death. But no courage was sufficient to sustaine the disorder; theNormanson euery hand were chased, ruffled, and beaten downe. Hereupon the Dukes courage boyling in choller, hee doubled many blowes vpon his enemies; more furiously driuen, then well placed and set: and pressing vp hardly among them, was suddenly engaged so farre, that hee could not possibly recouer himselfe. So he was taken manfully fighting, or as some other authours affirme, was beastly betrayed by his owne followers. With him were also taken the Earle ofMortaigne,William Crispine,William Ferreis,Robert Estotiuill, with foure hundred men of armes, and ten thousand ordinarysouldiers. The number of the slaine on both sides, is not reported by any authour; but all authours agree, that this was the most bloody medly that euer had been executed inNormandiebefore: portended as it is thought by a Comet, and by two full Moones, which late before were seene, the one in the East, and the other in the West.
After this victorie the King reducedNormandieentirely into his possession, and annexed it to the Realme ofEngland. Then hee built therein many Castles, and planted garrisons; and with no lesse wisedome assured that State, then with valour he had wonne it. When he had setled all things according to his iudgement, he returned intoEngland, brought with him his brotherRobert, and committed him to safe custodie in the Castle ofCardiff. But either by reason of his fauourable restraint, or else by negligence or corruption of his keepers, he escaped away, and fled for his libertie as if it had been for his life. Notwithstanding this proued but a false fauour, or rather a true flatterie or scorne of Fortune. For being sharply pursued, he was taken againe, sitting vpon horsebacke; his horse legs fast locked in deep & tough clay.
Then hee was committed to straight and close prison, his eyes put out (as if hee should not see his miserie) and a sure guard set vpon him. Thus he remained in desolate darkenesse; neither reuerenced by any for his former greatnesse, not pitied for his present distresse. Thus hee continued about 27. yeeres, in a life farre more grieuous then death; euen vntill the yere before the death of KingHenrie. So long was he a suitor in wooing of death: so long did the one brother ouerliue his good fortune, the other his good nature and disposition; esteeming it a faire fauour, that the vttermost extremitie was not inflicted. Albeit some writers doe affirme, that the Dukes eyes were not violently put out, but that either through age or infirmitie he fell blind: that he was honourably attended and cared for: that hauing digested in his iudgement the worst of his case, the greatnesse of his courage did neuer descend to any base degree of sorrow or griefe: that his braue behauiour did set a Maiestie vpon his deiected fortunes: that his noble heart like the Sunne, did shew greatest coūtenance in lowest state. And to this report I am the more inclineable, for that it agreeth best, both to the faireconditions, and to the former behauiours, and to the succeeding fortunes and felicities of the King: For assuredly hee had a heart of manly clemencie; and this was a punishment barbarously cruell: For which causeConstantine[103]did forbid, that the face of man, adorned with Celestiall beauty, should be deformed for any offence.
Others auow that he was neuer blind; but that it was the Earle ofMortaignewhose eyes were put out. And this seemeth to be confirmed, by that whichMatth. ParisandMatth. Westm.doe report. That not long before the death ofRobert, the King vpon a festiuall day had a new robe of Scarlet brought vnto him: the cape whereof being somewhat too streight for his head, he did teare a little in striuing to put it on. And perceiuing that it would not serue, hee laid it aside and said:Let my brother Robert haue this Robe, for whose head it is fitter then for mine. When it was caried vnto him, being then not perfectly in health, he espied the crackt place, and thereupon enquired, if any man had worne it before? The messenger declared the whole matter. Which whenRobertheard, he tooke it for a great indignitie, andsaid:I perceiue now that I haue liued too long, that my brother doth clothe me like his almoseman, with cast and torne garments. So hee grew weary of his life: and his disease encreasing with his discontentment, pined away, and in short time after died, and was buried atGlocester.
And this was the end of that excellent commander; brought to this game and gaze of fortune, after many trauerses that he had troden. He was for courage and direction inferiour to none; but neither prouident nor constant in his affaires, whereby the true end of his actions were ouerthrowen. His valour had triumphed ouer desperate dangers: and verely he was no more setled in valour, then disposed to vertue and goodnesse; neuer wilfully or willingly doing euill, neuer but by errour, as finding it disguised vnder some maske of goodnesse. His performances in armes had raised him to a high point of opinion for his prowesse; which made him the more vnhappy, as vnhappie after a fall from high state of honor. He had one sonne namedWilliam, vpon whose birth the mother died: of thisWilliamshall somewhat hereafter be said.
And now, as Princes oftentimes doe makeaduantage of the calamity of their neighbours, so vpon this downefall of the Duke ofNormandie,[104]FulkeEarle ofAniousharing for himselfe, seized vponMaine, and certain other places; made large waste, tooke great booties and spoyles; not onely out of ancient and almost hereditary hate against the house ofNormandie, but as fearing harme from the King ofEngland, hee endeauoured to harme him first. In like sortBaldwineEarle ofFlandersdeclared in armes against the King for a yeerely pension of 300. markes; the occasion of which demand was this. KingWilliamthe first, in recompence of the ayde which he receiued in his enterprise forEngland, fromBaldwine5. Earle ofFlanders, payd him yeerely three hundred markes, which after his death was continued to his sonne.RobertEarle ofFlandersfrom a collaterall line, demanded the same Pension; but it was denied him by K.Henrie: whereforeBaldwinehis sonne attempted now to recouer it by Armes.
With these, or rather as principall of these,Lewesthe grosse King ofFrance, seeing his ouersight in permittingNormandieto bee annexed to the Realme ofEngland, assembled a great armie; and vpon pretence of a triflingquarrell about the demolishing of the Castle ofGisors, declaredWilliamsonne toRobert Curtcuisefor Duke ofNormandie: and vndertooke to place him in possession of that state, which his vnfortunate father had lost. And besides those open hostilities in Armes,Hughthe kings Chamberlaine and certaine others were suborned traiterously to kill the King: but the practise was in good time discouered, and the conspirators punished by death.
Hereupon the King both with celeritie and power answerable to the danger at hand, passed the Seas intoNormandie: hauing first drawen to his assistanceTheobaldEarle ofChampaine, the Earles ofCrecie,Pissaux, andDammartine, who aspired to be absolute Lords within their territories, as were many other Princes at that time inFrance. These deteined theFrenchKing in some tariance inFrance, whilest the King ofEnglandeither recouered or reuenged his losses against the Earle ofAniou. At the last hee was assailed inNormandieon three parts at once: by the Earle ofAnioufromMaine, fromPonthieuby the Earle ofFlanders, and by theFrenchKing betweene both. The King ofEnglandappointed certaine forces toguard the passages against the Earle ofAniou: with directions to hold themselues within their strength, and not to aduenture into the field. Against the Earle ofFlandershee went in person; and in a sharpe shocke betweene them the Earle was defeated and hurt, and (as some Authors affirme) slaine: albeit others doe report, that hee was afterwards slaine in a battaile betweene the two Kings ofEnglandand ofFrance.
After this he turned againstLewesKing ofFrance, and fought with him before the towne ofNiceinNormandie; which towne theFrenchhad surprised and taken from the King ofEngland. This battaile continued aboue the space of nine houres, with incredible obstinacie; the doubt of victory being no lesse great, then was the desire: and yet neither part so hastie to end, as not to stay for the best aduantage. The first battaile on both sides was hewen in pieces; valour of inestimable value was there cast away: much braue blood was lost; many men esteemed both for their place and worth, lay groaning and grinning vnder the heauy hand of death. The sad blowes, the grisle wounds, the grieuous deathes that were dealt that day,might well haue moued any man to haue said, That warre is nothing else but inhumane manhood.
The Kings courage, guided with his Fortune, and guarded both with his strength and his skill, was neuer idle, neuer but working memorable effects. In all places his directions were followed by his presence; being witnesse both of the diligence and valour of euery man, and not suffering any good aduantage or aduise for want of timely taking to be lost. He aduentured so farre in perfourming with his hand, that his armour in many places was battered to his body, and by reason of the sturdie strokes set vpon his helme, he cast blood out of his mouth. But this was so farre from dismaying his powers, that it did rather assemble and vnite them: so as aduancing his braue head, his furie did breath such vigour into his arme, that his sword made way through the thickest throngs of his enemies, and hee brake into them euen to the last ranckes. He was first seconded by the truely valiant; whose vndanted spirits did assure the best, and therewith contemne the very worst. Then came in they whom despaire, the last of resolutions hadmade valiant; who discerned no meanes of hope for life, but by bold aduenturing vpon death. Lastly he was followed by all; being enflamed by this example to a new life of resolution. Generally, the swords went so fast, that theFrenchvnable to endure that deadly storme, were vtterly disbanded and turned to flight. K.Henryafter a bloody chase, recoueredNice; and with great triumph returned toRoan. Afterwards he would often say, That in other battailes he fought for victory, but in this for his life: and that hee would but little ioy in many such victories.
Vpon this euent the King sent certaine forces intoFrance, to harrase the countrey, and to strike a terrour into the enemie. TheFrenchKing, besides the abatement of his power by reason of his late ouerthrow, was then preparing in Armes againstHenrythe Emperour, who intended to destroyRhemes: partly drawen on byHenryKing ofEngland, whose daughter he had taken to wife; but chiefly for that a Councell had bene there held against him by PopeCalixtusa French man, wherein the Emperour was declared enemie to the Church, and degraded from his Imperiall dignitie. This brought theEnglishto a carelesse conceit, and to a loose and licentious demeanure in their action; a most assured token of some mischiefe at hand. And so, as they scattered and ranged after prey (as greedy men are seldome circumspect) they were suddenly set vpon byAlmarickeEarle ofMountfort, appointed by theFrenchK. to defend the Country, & with no small execution put to the chase. The more they resisted, the greater was their losse: The sooner they fled, the more assured was their escape. And for that they were dispersed into many small companies, they had the better opportunitie to saue themselues.
Many other like aduentures were enterprised betweene the two Kings and their adherents; some inFrance, and some inNormandie; with large losse on both sides. But especially the King ofFrancewas most subiect to harme; for that his countrey was the more ample, open and rich. The King ofEnglandheld this aduantage, that no aduantage could be wonne against him: which in regard of the number, valour and greatnesse of his enemies, was a very honourable aduantage indeed.
At the last he made peace with the Earle ofAniou; taking the Earles daughter to be wife to his sonneWilliam, whom he had declared for successour in his estate; to whom all the Nobilitie and Prelates were sworne; and who seemed to want nothing through all his fathers dominions, but onely the name and Title of King. This sinew being cut from the King ofFrance, and also for thatHenrythe Emperour made preparation of hostilitie against him, he fell likewise to agreement of peace. By the conditions whereof,Williamsonne to the King ofEnglandwas inuested into the Duchie ofNormandie, doing homage for the same to the K. ofFrance. In this peace was comprised on the part of theFrenchK.Williāson toRobert Curtcuise, who had bene declared Duke ofNormandie. On the part of the king ofEngland, the Earle ofChampeigneand certaine other Lords were comprised; who had either serued or aided him against the king ofFrance. After this the warres betweene the Emperour and theFrenchking did forthwith dissolue.
KingHenryhauing happily finished these affaires, returned out ofNormandie, and loosing fromBarbeflote, vpon the 24. of Nouember towards euening, with a prosperous galearriued inEngland; where great preparation was made to entertaine him with many well deuised honours. His sonneWilliamthen duke ofNormandie, and somewhat aboue 17. yeeres of age, tooke another ship; and in his company wentMaryhis sister Countesse ofPerch,Richardhis brother, begotten of a concubine as some affirme; and the Earle ofChesterwith his wifeLucie, who was the Kings niece by his sisterAdela. Also the yong Nobilitie and best knights flocked vnto him, some to discharge their dueties, others to testifie their loue and respect. Of such passengers the ship receiued to the number of 140. besides 50. sailers which belonged vnto her.
So they loosed from land somewhat after the King; and with a gentle winde from the Southwest, danced through the soft swelling floods. The sailers full of proud ioy, by reason of their honourable charge; and of little feare or forecast, both for that they had bene accustomed to dangers, and for that they were then well tippeled with wine; gaue forth in a brauery, that they would soone outstrip the vessell wherein the King sailed. In the middest of this drunken ioylitie the ship strake against a rocke,the head whereof was aboue water, not farre from the shoare. The passengers cried out, and the sailers laboured to winde or beare off the ship from the danger; but the labour was no lesse vaine then the cry: for she leaned so stiffely against the rocke, that the sterage brake, the sides cracked, and the Sea gushed in at many breaches.
Then was raised a lamentable cry within the ship; some yeelding to the tyrannie of despaire, betooke themselues (as in cases of extremitie weake courages are wont) to their deuotions; others emploied all industrie to saue their liues, and yet more in duetie to nature, then vpon hope to escape: all bewailed the vnfortunate darkenesse of that night, the last to the liues of so many persons both of honour and of worth. They had nothing to accōpany them but their feares, nothing to helpe them but their wishes: the confused cries of them al, did much increase the particular astonishment of euery one. And assuredly no danger dismayeth like that vpon the seas; for that the place is vnnaturall to man. And further, the vnusuall obiects, the continuall motion, the desolation of all helpe or hope, will perplexe the minds euen of thosewho are best armed against discouragement.
At the last the boat was hoysed foorth, and the Kings sonne taken into it. They had cleered themselues from the danger of the ship, and might safely haue rowed to land. But the yong Prince hearing the shrill shrikes of his SisterMaryCountesse ofPerch, and of the Countesse ofChesterhis cousin, crying after him, and crauing his help; he preferred pitie before safety, & commanded the boat to be rowed back to the ship for preseruation of their liues. But as they approached, the boate was suddenly so ouercharged with those, who (strugling to breake out of the armes of death) leaped at all aduentures into it, that it sunke vnder them: and so all the company perished by drowning. Onely one ordinary Sayler, who had been a butcher, by swimming all night vpon the mast escaped to land; reserued as it may seeme, to relate the manner of the misaduenture. This ship raised much matter of nouelty and discourse abroad; but neuer did ship bring such calamitie to the Realme: especially for that it was iudged, that the life of this Prince would haue preuented those intestine warres, which afterwards did fall, betweene KingSteuenandMatilddaughter to KingHenry. The King was so ouercharged with this heauy accident; that his reason seemed to bee darkened, or rather drowned in sorrow. Hee caused the coasts a long time after to bee watched; but scarce any of the bodies were euer found. Afterwards he tooke to wifeAdalisiadaughter toGodfreyDuke ofLouaine, of the house ofLorraine: She was crowned atWestminsterbyRogerB. ofSalisburie, becauseRadulphArchbishop ofCanterburie, by reason of his palsey was vnable to performe that office. And yet becauseRogerwas not appointed by him, the doting old man fell into such a pelting chafe, that hee offered to strike the Kings Crowne from his head. And albeit this Lady was in the principall flower both of her beauty and yeeres, yet the King had no issue by her.
Now as after a storme a fewe gentle drops doe alwayes fall, before the weather turnes perfectly fayre, so after these great warres inFrance, certaine easie conflicts did ensue: neither dangerous nor almost troublesome to the King. ForRobertEarle ofMellent, who for a long time had continued both a sure friend, and most close and priuate in counsaile withthe King, vpon some sudden either discontentment on his part, or dislike on the Kings, so estranged himselfe, as it was enterpreted to be a reuolt: being charged with intent, to aduanceWilliam, cousin toWilliam, sonne toRobert Curtcuise, to the Duchie ofNormandie. Wherefore the King besieged, and at last tooke his chiefe Castle calledPont. Audomer; and at the same time enuironed the towre ofRoanwith a wall. He also repaired and fortified the Castles ofCaen,Arches,Gisore,Falace,Argentine,Donfronç,Oxine,Aubrois,Nanroye,Iuta, and the Towne ofVernonein such sort, as at that time, they were esteemed impregnable, and not to bee forced by any enemie; except God or gold.
In the meane time the Earle ofMellent, withHugh Geruasehis sonne, andHugh de Mountforthis sisters sonne, calling such as either alliance or friendship did draw vnto them; besides those whom youthful either age or minds had filled with vnlimited desires; whom discontentment also or want did vainly feed with hungry hopes; entred intoNormandyin armes: being so transported with desire to hurt, and troubled with feare of receiuing hurt, that theyhad neuer free scope of iudgement, either to prepare or manage the meanes to hurt. They were no sooner entred the Confines ofNormandie, butWilliam Tankeruillthe kings Chamberlaine came against them, brauely appointed, and resolute to fight. The very view of an enemie turned their euill guided furie into a feare: and whatsoeuer they did (proceeding rather from violence of passion then ground of reason) made them stumble whilest they ran, and by their owne disorders hindered their owne desires. So with small difficultie they were surprised and taken, and brought to the King; who committed them to streit prison atRoan. An ordinary euent when rage runneth faster, then iudgement and power are able to hold pace.
About this timeCharlesEarle ofFlandersas he was at his deuotions in the Church of S.DonatusinBruxels, was suddenly slaine by conspiracie of his owne people. And because hee left no issue in life,LewesKing ofFranceinuestedWilliamsonne toRobert Curtcuislate Duke ofNormandie, in the Earledome ofFlanders; as descended from EarleBaldwinesirnamed the Pious, whose daughterMatildewas wife toKingWilliamthe first, and grandmother to thisWilliam. This he did, not so much in fauour toWilliam, or in regard of his right, as to set vp an assured enemie against KingHenry: an enemie not onely of singular expectation, but proofe: whose courage was apt to vndertake any danger; whether for glory, or for reuenge. And herein his proiect did nothing faile. For no sooner was the Earle aduanced to that estate, but he raised a great hostilitie against the King ofEngland: as well to recouer the Duchie ofNormandie, as either to relieue or to reuenge the hard captiuitie of his father.
In this warre the Earle did winne a great opinion, both for iudgement to discerne, and for valour to execute what hee did discerne: shewing himselfe in nothing inferiour to his vnckle the king, but onely in treasure and command of men. For this cause he craued supply ofLewesking ofFrance; who, as he was the first that blew the cole, so was he alwayes ready to put fuell to the flame. But the King ofEnglandenteredFrancewith a strong Armie, where his sword ranged and raged without resistance: and yet more in prosecution of prey, then in execution of blood. He lodged atHesperdunethe space of 8. dayes; no lesse quietly, no lesse safely, then if he had bene in the principall Citie of his kingdome. By this meanes hee kept theFrenchKing from sending succour to the Earle ofFlanders. And in the meane season drewTheodorickeEarle ofHolsteine, nephew toRobertwho had bene Earle ofFlanders, andArnoldussisters sonne to EarleCharles, not long before slaine, to inuade EarleWilliam: Both pretending title to his dignitie, both bringing seueral armies, consisting of men, tough in temper, and well exercised in affaires of the field.
Theodorickvpon his first approch tookeBruges,IpresandGandt; either willingly yeelding, or with small resistance: and vpon the necke thereofArnoldustooke the strong towne of S.Omer. EarleWilliambeing thus set as it were betweene the beetle and the blocke, was nothing deiected, nothing dismayed, either in courage or in hope. And first he went againstArnoldus, with a small company, but with such a liuely countenance of a Souldier, thatArnoldusfell to capitulation for his safe departure; and so returned home as if he had bene vanquished. Then the Earle made head againstTheodorick, and gaue him battaile, albeit farreinferiour to him, both for number and furniture of his men. The fight betweene them was long, furious and doubtfull. TheGermansconfident in their number, which made them trust the lesse to their valour: theFlemingsrather desperate then resolute, vpon importance of their danger. And indeed it often happeneth, that good successe at the first doeth occasion the ouerthrow of many great actions: by working in the one side a confidence in themselues, and contempt of their enemies; and by making the other more earnest and entire. So at the last the violent valour of the Earle, well followed with the braue and resolute rage of his Souldiers, did such effects, that theGermanswere shaken and disordered, many slaine in the field, and the residue chased out ofFlanders.
The Earle hauing now no enemie in open field, layed siege to the castle ofAlhurst, which was defended against him by theEnglish. The assaults were so liuely enforced, and with such varietie of inuention and deuise; that a wide way was opened through all impediments, and the defendants were constrained by many necessities, to desire faire conditions of yeelding. This whilest the Earle delayed to grant, he receiued in a certaine light cōflict a wound in his hand, whereof in a short time after he died: hauing first raised himselfe very high in opinion with all men, for his courage, industrie and skill in Armes. And thus DukeRobertand his sonneWilliamwere brought to their vnhappy ends; rather through the malice of their Fortune, then through any bad merit or insufficiencie in themselues: whereby the Duchie ofNormandie, which had bene both the cause and the seate of very great warres, was then strongly setled in possession of KingHenry.
Hee was neuer infested with domesticall warres; which in regard of those tumultuous times, is a manifest argument both of his iustice and prouidence; the one not giuing cause, the other no hope, for his subiects to rebel. The King ofScotsdid homage vnto him; for what territories I doe not determine.MorcardKing ofIrelandand some of his successors were so appliable vnto him, that they seemed to depend vpon his command. TheWelshwho hated idlenesse and peace alike, did striue beyond their strength to pull their feete out of the mire of subiection; but in loose straggling companies, without either discipline or head. For thiscause hee made diuers expeditions intoWales, where he had many bickerings, and put many chases vpon them: but found nothing worthy the name, either of enemie or of warre. Wherefore by maintaining garrisons, and light troups of Souldiers, he consumed the most obstinate, and reduced the rest to his allegeance: receiuing the sonnes of their Nobilitie for hostages.
At that time many Flemings inhabited inEngland; of whom some came ouer in the time of KingWilliamthe first, by occasion of his mariage withMatilddaughter toBaldwinetheir Earle: but the greatest part came vnder the reigne of this KingHenrie, by reason thatFlandersat that time by irruption of the sea, was in many places ouerflowen. The King was willing to entertaine them, because they brought with them both industrie and trades; because they made the Countrey both populous and rich. For in making a place populous, it is thereby also made rich: draw people to a place, and plentie will follow; driue away people, and it is vndone. They were first planted neere the riuer ofTweede; besides those who dispersed into diuers Townes. But at this time the King sent many of them intoRoseinPembrokeshire,whose progeny did euer since maintaine themselues in good condition against theWelsh: being a people euen at this day distinguished from all other bordering vpon them, both in language, and in nature, and in fashion of life.
On a time as the king marched throughPoweslandinSouthwales, hee came to certaine streights, through which his maine army could not passe, by reason of their multitude and traine of cariage: wherefore hee sent the greatest part a further way about, and himselfe with a small company tooke the neerer way thorow those streights. When he was well entred, he was charged very sharpely, but rudely, and disordredly by theWelsh; who hauing the aduantage both in number and in place, did much annoy him from the higher ground; but durst not approach to close fight at hand. The King himselfe was smitten with an arrow full vpon the breast: whereat hee sworeBy our Lords death(which was his vsuall oath) that it was noWelsharme which shot that arrow. Many of his men also were hurt, and the residue strangely disordred; the amazement being farre greater then the distresse. But theking with a firme countenance retired in time, the enemies not daring to pursue him any further, then they might be assured by aduantage of place. Then he sent peaceably vnto them, and after some ouertures, brought them to agree, that for a thousand head of cattell the passage should be left open vnto him.
In his politicke gouernment he so managed the State, that neither subiects wanted iustice, nor Prince obedience. He repaired many defects, hee reformed many abuses, which would in the meane time enfeeble, and at last oppresse the Common-wealth. Hee ordred his affaires with such moderation, that he was not onely well obeyed by his subiects, but highly honoured and respected by forreine Princes: wherby it appeared, that learning may be both a guard and guide to Princes, if it be not so immoderately affected, as to bereaue them, either of the minde, or time for action. He vsed much seueritie in punishing offenders; seueritie, the life of iustice; of iustice, the most assured preseruer of States: affording no more fauour for the most part, then dead mercilesse law did allot. Against theeues he prouided, that no money should saue them from hanging. He ordeined that counterfeitures of money should loose both their eyes, and be depriued of their priuie parts. He tooke away the deceit which had been occasioned by varietie of measures, and made a measure by the length of his owne arme: which hath been Commonly vsed euer since by the name of a yard.
And wheras there are two infallible signes of a diseased State; excesse in eating, and in attire; which could neuer be restrained by penalties or feare, but the more the people are therin forbidden, the more are they rauished into riot and vanitie: the King by two meanes cast a general restraint vpon them both: by example, and by reproofe: which by reason of the inclination of men to imitate and please their Prince, haue alwayes been of greater force then lawes, to reforme abuses in that kind. He much abhorred excesse in eating and drinking, and was so moderate in his owne diet, that he seemed to feede onely for necessitie of nature. Hee both vsed and commended ciuill modestie in apparell: especially he could not endure an absurd abuse of men in those times, in wearing long haire like vnto women. And when their owne hairefailed, they set artificiallPeruques,[105]with long locks vpon their heads; whereas by censure of the Apostle, it is reprochfull for men to weare long haire. He discharged his Court of many loose lasciuious persons; affirming, that they were no good instruments of the kingdome; as being in peace chargeable, and vnprofitable for warre.
During his absence inNormandie, which was sometimes three or foure yeeres together, he committed the gouernement of his Realme toRogerBishop ofSalisburie: A man harmelesse in life, in mind flourishing and fresh, in intention vpright: most wise in taking, and most faithfull and fortunate in giuing aduise. Hee had gouerned the Kings expenses of house when hee was but a Prince of priuate estate; whereby he gained that reputation for integritie and skill, which aduanced him to a higher trust. He was Doctor of the Canon and Ciuill lawes, as most of the Bishops at that time were, and did beare the title and name ofIusticiarius totius Angliæ. Hee built theDeuisesinWiltshire, the Castles ofMalmesburieandShireburne. He repaired the Castle ofSalisburie, and enuironed the same with a wall; heebuilt the stately Church atSalisburie, destined to a longer life then any of his other workes. And further, by reason of the Kings much abode inNormandie, the prouisions of his house were valued at certaine prices, and receiued in money, to the great contentment and ease of the people.
In these times were mighty woods about the place where the two high wayesWatlingandIkeningdoe ioyne together; which woods were a safe couert and retreite for many robbers, who much infested those high wayes. The most famous thiefe among them, was namedDunne,[106]a man mischieuous without mercie, equally greedie of blood and of spoile, the first infamie of his name: Hee was in a sort as the most villanously aduentrous and vile; (for in lewd actions, the worst are greatest) Commander ouer the rest, and of him the place was calledDunstable. To represse this annoyance, the King caused the woods to bee cut downe, built there a Borough, to which hee granted Faire & Market, and that the Burgesses should be so free as any other Burgesses within the Realme. Hee erected there also a Palace for himselfe, and also a faire Church or Priorie;whereto he gaue large priuiledges and endowments. By these meanes hee made the place first populous, and consequently both plentifull and safe.
Many other royall workes hee performed, some for Religion, as the Religious buildings specified before; some for strength, as diuers Castles inNormandie, inWales, and some also inEngland: and namely the Castle ofWarwicke, ofBristoll, the Castle Colledge and Towne ofWindsoreon the hill, about a mile distant from the old Towne ofWindsore; which afterward was much encreased by KingEdwardthe third, and after him by many Kings and Queenes succeeding. Many Palaces also he built for ornament & pleasure. And to this end he maintained his Parke atWoodstocke, wherein hee preserued diuers sorts of strange beasts; which because he did with many demonstrations of pleasure both accept and esteeme, were liberally sent vnto him from other Princes.
Hee first instituted the forme of the high Court of Parliament, as now it is in vse. For before his time, onely certaine of the Nobilitie and Prelats of the Realme were called to consultation about the most important affaires of state: he caused the commons also to be assembled, by Knights and Burgesses of their owne appointment, and made that Court to consist of three parts; the Nobilitie, the Clergie, and the Common people; representing the whole body of the Realme. The first Councell of this sort was held atSalisbury, vpon the 19. day of April, in the 16. yeere of his reigne.
His seueritie in iustice, the very heart string of a Common-wealth, his heauie hand in bearing downe his enemies, in disabling those from working him harme whom he knew would neuer loue him at the heart; was traduced by some vnder termes of crueltie. And yet was he alwayes more mindfull of benefits then of wrongs; and in offences of highest nature, euen for bearing Armes against him, he punished oftentimes by imprisonment or exile, and not by death.
WhenMatildehis daughter was giuen in mariage toHenrythe fifth Emperour, he tooke 3. shillings of euery hide of land throughout the Realme: which being followed by succeeding Kings, did grow to a custome of receiuing ayd, whensoeuer they gaue their daughters inmarriage. For albeit the same be found in the greatCustumierofNormandie, yet was it neuer practised inEnglandbefore. This happened in the fifteenth yeere of his reigne: and he neuer had the like contribution after, but one for furnishing his warres inFrance. So the people were not charged with many extraordinary taxations, but their ordinary fines and payments were very great; and yet not very grieuous vnto them. For that they saw them expended, not in wanton wast, not in loose and immoderate liberalitie, but either vpon necessitie, or for the honour & dignitie of the state: wherein the preseruation or aduancement of the common good, made particular burthens not almost sensible.
But both his actions and exactions were most displeasing to the Clergy; the Clergy did often times not onely murmure, but struggle and oppose against his actions: as taking their liberties to be infringed, and their state diminished; by abasing their authority, and abating both their riches and power. When any Bishopricke or Abbey fell voyd, hee did apply the reuenues thereof for supply of his necessities and wants: and for that cause kept some of them manyyeeres together vacant in his hands. He would not permit appeales toRome. Canons were not of force within the Realme, vnlesse they were confirmed by the King. Legats from the Pope were not obeyed; and no man would come to their conuocations. In so much as one of the Popes Legates inFrancedid excommunicate all the Priests ofNormandy, because they would not come to his Synode. For this cause the King sent the Bishop ofExcetertoRome, albeit he was both blind and in yeeres, to treat with the Pope concerning that businesse. Hee gaue inuestitures to Prelates, by Crosse, Ring and Staffe: and is charged to haue receiued of some of them great summes of money for their places. About this time the marriage of Priests was forbidden inEngland; but the King for money permitted them to reteine their wiues, and in the end set an imposition in that respect vpon euery Church throughout the Realme. It auailed not any man to say, that he had no purpose to keepe a wife: he must pay for a facultie to keepe a wife if he would.
For these causes they fastened the infamie of couetousnesse vpon him. For these causes and especially for inuesting and receiuing homage of Prelats, he had a stiffe strife withAnselmeArchb. ofCanterburie. For the King said, that it was against the custome of his ancesters, it could not stand with the safety of his State; that the Prelats, who at that time held the principall places both of trust and command in his kingdome, who in very deed ruled all the rest, should not be appointed onely by himselfe; should not sweare faith and allegiance vnto him; should either bee aduanced or depend vpon any forren Prince. On the other sideAnselmerefused, not onely to confirme, but to communicate or common friendly with those who had bene inuested by the King: reproching them, as abortiues and children of destruction; traducing the King also, as a defiler of Religion, as a deformer of the beautie and dignitie of the Church. Hereupon by appointment of the King, they were confirmed & consecrated by the Archb. ofYorke. OnelyWilliam Gifford, to whom the K. had giuen the Bishopricke ofWinchester, refused Consecration from the Archb. ofYorke; for which cause the King depriued him of all his goods, and banished him out of the Realme.
Then the King requiredAnselmeto doehim homage, and to be present with him at giuing Inuestitures; asLanfranckhis predecessor had bene with KingWilliamhis father. Against these demaundsAnselmeobiected the decrees of the Councell lately held atRome; whereby all Lay-persons were excommunicate, who should conferre any Spiritual promotions; and all those accursed, who for Ecclesiasticall dignities, should subiect themselues vnder the homage or seruice of any Lay-man. Hereupon messengers were dispatched from both parties to the Pope: who determined altogether in fauour ofAnselme, or rather in fauour of himselfe. Notwithstanding the king desisted not to vrgeAnselme, to sweare homage vnto him.Anselmerequired, that the Popes letters should bee brought foorth; and he would doe as by them hee should be directed. The King answered, that he had nothing to doe with the Popes letters; that this was a Soueraigne right of his Crowne; that if any man may pull these Royalties from his Crowne, he may easily pull his Crowne from his head: that thereforeAnselmemust doe him homage, or else depart out of his kingdome.Anselmeanswered, that hee would not depart out of the Realme, but goe home tohis Church, and there see, who would offer him violence.
Then were messengers againe sent to the Bishop ofRome; two Bishops from the King, and two Monckes fromAnselme. The King wrote to the Pope, first congratulating his aduancement to the Sea ofRome; then desiring the continuance of that amitie which had bene betweene their predecessours; Lastly, he tendred all honour and obedience, which in former times the Kings ofEnglanddid yeeld to the See ofRome; desiring againe, that he might not be abridged of such vsages as his father did enioy: concluding, that during his life, hee would not suffer the dignities of his Crowne to be empaired; and if he should so doe, yet the Nobilitie and common people of the Realme would in no case permit it, but would rather recede from obedience to his See.
The Pope wrote backe againe toAnselme; that for one mans pleasure hee would not reuerse the decrees of former Popes; and therefore gaue him both encouragement & charge, to continue constant, and to see them obserued in euery point. Hee directed also his letters to the King, which the King did suppresse: but hisEmbassadours declared by word, that the Pope permitted Inuestitures to the King, so as in other things hee would execute the Office of a good Prince.Anselmecalled for the Popes letters. The King answered, that his Bishops were to be credited before the Monckes, who were disabled either for voyce or testimonie in Secular affaires.Anselmesaid, that he was desirous to yeeld vnto the King, but he durst not although it should cost him his head, vnlesse he had a warrant fromRome: and therefore he would send thither againe, to haue a more full and ample answere. The King and diuers of the Nobilitie perswaded him to goe in person, to trauaile to the Pope, and to trauaile with him, for the quiet of the Church, and of his countrey. With much adoe he was entreated, and so set forth on his iourney towardsRome: and after followed the kings EmbassadourWilliam Warlewast, new elect Bishop ofExceter.
When the Bishop came to the Popes presence, he declared vnto him; what great commodities did rise out ofEnglandto the See ofRome; that the Inuesting of Prelats had bene an ancient right to the crowne of that Realme; that as the King was by nature liberall, so washe stout and resolute in courage, that it should be a great dishonour to him, who in power exceeded any of his ancesters, if hee should not maintaine the dignities which they held; that for this cause the Pope should doe well to preferre to his consideration, what preiudice might follow to his Estate, if hee should remit nothing of the seuerities of those Canons which had bene lately made.
The Pope gaue an attentiue eare, and seemed to pause vpon that which had been sayd. Which the Kings Ambassadour taking to be a degree of yeelding, did more earnestly insist, and said: that the King his master would not for the Crowne of his Realme, loose the authoritie of inuesting his Prelates. Hereto the Pope with a starting voice and countenance answered;Neither will I lose the disposing of spirituall promotions inEngland,for the Kings head that beareth the Crowne; before God(said hee)I aduow it. His flattering followers applauded this speach, as proceeding from a magnanimous courage, or rather as some flash of diuine inspiration: and the Kings Ambassador not a little abashed, was content to descend to lower demands. In the ende it was ordered, that theKing should be restored to certaine customes which had been vsed by his father; but that all they who had bin inuested by the King, should be excōmunicate, & that their satisfaction and absolution should be committed vntoAnselme.
ThusAnselme, with full saile of victorie and ioy returned towardsEngland; but the Kings Ambassadour stayed behind, to assay whether by any meanes hee could worke the Pope to a milder minde. But when hee saw that he trauailed in vaine, he followedAnselme, and ouertooke him atPlacentia, and there deliuered vnto him certaine priuate instructions from the King: that if he would come intoEngland, and behaue himselfe as his predecessours had done towards the Kings father, hee should be welcome; otherwise, you are wise enough (said hee) you know what I meane, and may easily coniecture what will ensue. With these words he flang suddenly away; by occasion whereof his speaches setled with a more strong impression, and multiplied many doubtfull constructions. So the Embassadour returned to the King; butAnselmewent toLions, and remained there a yeere and halfe.
In the meane time much posting was madebetweeneEngland,Lions, andRome; but nothing was concluded, nothing could please: For neither the Pope would yeeld to the King, nor the King toAnselme. At the lastAnselmethreatned to excommunicate the King: whereof the King being aduertised by the CountesseAdelahis sister, hee desired her to come to him intoNormandy, and to bringAnselmewith her. Here the King restoredAnselmeto his former possessions; but his returne intoEnglandwas respited, vntill the Pope had confirmed certaine things whichAnselmedid assure. So the King tooke his passage intoEngland, andAnselmeabode at the Abbey ofBeck. Then were dispatched forRome,William Warlewastmentioned before, andBaldwineAbbot ofRamsey; by whose meanes the controuersie was composed betweene the King and the Pope; that the King should receiue homage of Bishops elect, but should not inuest them by Staffe and Ring. After this the king went intoNormandie, and there agreed toAnselmein these points following.
1That all his Churches which had been made tributary to KingWilliamthe second should bee set free.2That the King should require nothing of the sayd Churches, whilest the Sea should remaine vacant.3That such Priests as had giuen money to the King to reteine their wiues, should surcease from their function the space of three yeeres; and that the king should take no more after such maner.4That all such goods fruits and possessions as the King had taken from the Sea ofCanterbury, should bee restored to him at his returne intoEngland.
1That all his Churches which had been made tributary to KingWilliamthe second should bee set free.
2That the King should require nothing of the sayd Churches, whilest the Sea should remaine vacant.
3That such Priests as had giuen money to the King to reteine their wiues, should surcease from their function the space of three yeeres; and that the king should take no more after such maner.
4That all such goods fruits and possessions as the King had taken from the Sea ofCanterbury, should bee restored to him at his returne intoEngland.
ThusAnselmereturned intoEngland, and after a short time the king followed; hauing taken his brother prisoner, and subduedNormandieto his subiection.
ForthwithAnselmeby permission of the K. assembled a great Councell of the Clergie atWestminster; wherein hee so wrought with the King, that at length (albeit not without great difficultie) it was newly decreed; that no temporal man should giue inuestiture with Crosse, or with Ring, or with Pastoral staffe. Also he directed Iniunctiōs to the Priests of his Prouince, that they and their wiues should neuer meete within one house; that they should not keepe any woman in their house, but such as werenext in kinred vnto them; That hee who held his wife and presumed to say Masse within eight dayes after, should solemnely be excommunicate. That all Archdeacons and their Officials should bee sworne, not to winke at the meetings of Priests and their wiues for any respect, and if they would not take this oath, then to lose their office; that such Priests as would forsake their wiues, should cease fourty dayes from ministration in their office, and performe such penance as should be enioyned them by their Bishop. The execution of these Canons importing both a great and sudden alteration, occasioned much disquiet and disorder in many parts of the Realme.
In the same Councel the censure of Excommunication was cast vpon those, who did exercise the vile vice of Sodomitrie: and it was further decreed, that the same sentence should be published euery Sonday in al the parish Churches ofEngland. But afterward it was esteemed fit; that this general excommunication should be repealed. The pretence was, for that the prohibiting, yea, the publike naming of that vice might enflame the hearts of vngracious persons with desire vnto it. But wise men coniectured, that after this seuere restreint of marriage in the Clergie, it did grow so frequent and familiar among them, that they would not giue way to so generall a punishment. It is certaine that in this Kings dayesIo. Cremensisa Priest Cardinal, by the Kings licence came intoEngland, and held a solemne Synode atLondon; where hauing most sharpely enueighed against the marriage of Priests, the night following hee was taken in adulterie, and so with shame departed the Realme. It is certaine also thatAnselme, the most earnest enforcer of single life, died not a Virgine; as by the lamentation which hee wrote for the losse thereof it may appeare.
Not long afterAnselmedied, being of the age of 70. yeeres. He had bestowed much money onChristsChurch inCanterburie; as well in buildings, as in ornaments, and encrease of possessions. Other workes of charge he left not many; neither in very deed could he, by reason of his often banishments, and the seasures of the reuenues of his Church. But this he did more then liberally supply by the eternall labours of his penne. After his decease the Archbishopricke remained voyd fiue yeeres: duringwhich time, the King applied the fruits to himselfe. The like hee did to other vacant Churches; and compounded also with Priests for reteining their wiues; and made his profit by Ecclesiasticall persons and liuings, more largely and freely then he had done before. For which cause it is not vnlike that the imputation of couetousnesse was fixed vpon him. At the lastRadulphBishop ofRochesterwas aduanced to the See ofCanterburie; and notwithstanding all former agreements and decrees, the King inuested him with Ring and with Staffe.
But howsoeuer we may either excuse or extenuate the two vices of crueltie and couetousnesse, wherewith he is charged, his immoderate excesse in lust can no wayes be denied, no wayes defended: And when age had somewhat abated in him the heat of that humour, yet was hee too much pleased with remembrance of his youthfull follies. For this vice it is manifest, as well by the sudden and vnfortunate losse of his children, as for that he was the last King by descent from males of theNormanrace, that the hand of God pressed hard vpon him.
AsRadulphsucceededAnselmein the See ofCanterburie. So after the death ofThomas,Thurstinethe Kings Chapplaine was elected Archb. ofYorke. And because he refused to acknowledge obedience to the See ofCanterbury, hee could not haue his Consecration, but was depriued of his dignitie by the King. Hereupon he tooke his iourney toRome, complained to the Pope, and from him returned with a letter to the King: that the putting of a Bishop elect from his Church, without iudgement, was against diuine Iustice, against the decrees of holy Fathers: that the Pope intended no preiudice to either Church, but to maintaine the constitution which S.Gregorie, the Apostle of theEnglishNation, had stablished betweene them: that the Bishop elect should be receiued to his Church, and if any question did rise between the two Churches, it should be handled before the King.
Vpon occasion of this letter a solemne assembly was called atSalisburie, where the variance betweene the two Prelats was much debated.Radulphwould not giue Imposition of hands toThurstine, vnlesse hee would professe obedience.Thurstinesaid, that he would gladly embrace his benediction, but professe obedience to him he would not. The King signified toThurstine, that without acknowledgement of subiection to the Archb. ofCanterburie, hee should not be Consecrated Archb. ofYorke.Thurstinereplied nothing; but renounced his dignitie, and promised to make no more claime vnto it.
Not long after,CalixtusBishop ofRomeassembled a Councell atRhemes; andThurstinedesired licence of the King to goe to that Councell. This hee obtained vnder faithfull promise, that he should there attempt nothing to the preiudice of the Church ofCanterburie. In the meane time the King dealt secretly with the Pope, thatThurstineshould not bee consecrated by him. This the Pope did faithfully assure; and yet by meanes of some of his Cardinals, whomThurstinehad wrought to bee suiters for him; by reason also of his hate againstRadulph, for taking Inuestiture from the King; The Pope was drawen to giue him consecration, and therewith the Pall. For this cause the King was displeased withThurstine, and forbad him to returne into the Realme.
After this, the Pope came toGisors, to which place the King went vnto him; and desiredthat he would not send any Legates intoEngland, except the King should so require. The reason was, for that certaine Legates had come intoEnglandlately before, to wit, oneGuido, and another namedAnselme, and another calledPeter; who had demeaned themselues, not as Pillars of the Church, but as Pillagers of all the Realme. Also he required that hee might reteine all such customes, as his auncestors had vsed inEnglandand inNormandie. The Pope vpon promise that the King should ayd him against his enemies, yeelded to these demands: and required againe of the King, to permitThurstineto returne with his fauour intoEngland. The King excused himselfe by his oath. The Pope answered, that he might and would dispence with him for his oath. The King craued respite, affirming that he would aduise with his Counsaile, and then signifie to the Pope what he should resolue. So in short time hee declared to the Pope, that for loue to him,Thurstineshould bee receiued both into the Realme and to his Church: vpon condition, that he should professe subiection to the Sea ofCanterburie, as in former times his predecessors had done; otherwise (said hee) so long as Ishall bee King ofEngland, hee shall neuer sit Archbishop ofYorke.
The yeere following the Pope directed his letters to the King, and likewise toRadulph. And herewith he interdicted both the Church ofCanterburieand the Church ofYorke, with all the Parish Churches of both Prouinces; from Diuine seruice, from Buriall of the dead, from all other offices of the Church; except onely baptizing of children, and absolution of those who shal lie at the point of death: vnlesse within one moneth after the receit of the same letters,Thurstineshould be receiued to the Sea ofYorke, without acknowledging subiection to the Sea ofCanterburie. It was further signified to the King, that he should also be excommunicate, vnlesse hee would consent to the same. Vpon these lettersThurstinewas sent for, and reconciled to the King, and quietly placed in his Church atYorke. And thus when the Bishops of Rome had gained absolute superiority ouer the state of the Church, euen for managing external actions and affaires (which seeme to be a part of ciuill gouernement) there wanted nothing but either a weake Prince, or a factious Nobilitie, or a headstrong tumultuouspeople, to giue him absolute superioritie ouer all.
In the second yeere of this Kings reigne the Cities ofGloucesterandWinchesterwere for the most part wasted with fire.
In the fourth yeere a blasing starre appeared, and foure circles were seene about the Sunne. The yeere next following the King preuailed much inNormandie, and so did the Sea inFlanders: insomuch as a great part of that Countrey lay buried in the waters.
In the seuenth yeere a blazing starre appeared: and vpon thursday night before Easter, two full Moones were seene, one in the East, and the other in the West. The same yeereRobertDuke ofNormandiewas taken & brought prisoner intoEngland.
In the tenth yeere the Abbey ofEliewas made a Bishops Sea, and Cambridge shire was appointed for the Diocesse thereof. In regard whereof, the King gaue the mannour ofSpaldingto the Bishop ofLincolne, for that the shire ofCambridgewas formerly vnder the Iurisdiction ofLincolne. The same yeere a Comet appeared after a strange fashiō. AboutShrewsburiewas a great earthquake. The water ofTrentwas dried vp atNottinghamthe space of a mile, from one of the clocke vntill three: so as men might passe ouer the Channell on foote. Warres ensued against the Earle ofAniou; a great mortalitie of men; a murraine of beastes both domesticke and of the fielde: yea, the foules perished in great abundance.
In the 13. yeere the Citie ofWorcester, and therein the chiefe Church, the Castle, with much people were consumed with fire. A pigge was farrowed with a face like a childe. A chicken was hatched with foure legs. The yeere next ensuing the riuer ofMedewayso fayled for many miles, that in the middest of the channell the smallest boates could not floate. In theThamesalso was such defect of water, that betweene the Tower and the Bridge many men and children did wade ouer on foote. This happened by reason of a great ebbe in the Ocean, which layd the sands bare many miles from the shoare, and so continued one whole day. Much rage and violence of weather ensued, and a blasing starre. The Citie ofChichesterwith the principall Monastery was burnt. The yeere next following almost all the Bridges inEnglandbeing then of timber, by reasonof a hard Winter were borne downe with Ice.
In the 17. yeere the towne ofPeterboroughwith the stately Church were burned to the ground. The Citie ofBathalso was much ruined and defaced with fire. In March there happened fearefull lightning, and in December grieuous thunder and haile. The Moone at both times seemed to be turned into blood, by reason of the euill qualited vapours through which it gaue light. The yeere following,Mathildthe Queene departed this life: a woman in pietie, chastitie, modestie, and all other vertues nothing inferiour to her mother; but in learning and iudgement farre beyond her: who did not act, nor speake, nor scarce thinke any thing, but first it was weighed by wisdome and vertue. When the king desired her in marriage, for the publicke good and tranquilitie of the State, in reducing theSaxonblood to the Crowne; she first modestly, then earnestly refused the offer; shewing no lesse magnanimitie in despising honours, then others doe in affecting them. But when she was not so much perswaded as importuned to forsake her profession, she is reported by some to haue taken the matter so to heart, that she cursed such issueas she should bring forth: which curse did afterwards lie heauie vpon them. For her sonneWilliamperished by shipwrack, and her daughterMatildwas neuer voyd of great vexations. As she trauailed ouer the riuer ofLue, at theOld-foordneereLondon, she was well washed, and somewhat endangered in her passage: whereupon he caused two Stone-bridges to be built ouer the same riuer, one at the head of the towne ofStratford, the other ouer another streame thereof, commonly calledChannels-bridge; and paued the way betweene them with grauel. She gaue also certaine mannours, and a mill calledWiggonmill, for repairing of the same bridges and way. These were the first Stone-bridges that were made inEngland. And because they were arched like a bow, the towne ofStratfordwas afterwards calledBow.
In the 20. yere, a great earthquake hapned, in the moneth of September. In the 22. yeere, the Citie ofGlocester, with the principal Monasterie was fired againe. The yeere next following, the Citie ofLincolnewas for the most part burned downe, and many persons perished with the rage of the flame. In the 27. yeere, the King receiued an oath of the chiefe of thePrelats and Nobilitie of the Realme; that after his death, they should maintaine the kingdom against al men for his daughterMatild, in case she should suruiue, and the king not leaue issue male in life.
In the 30. yeere, the Citie ofRochesterwas much defaced with fire, euen in the presence and view of the King. The yeere next following the oath toMatildwas receiued againe. About this time the King was much troubled with fearefull dreames; which did so affright him, that he would often leape out of his bed, and lay hand on his sword, as if it were to defend himselfe. This yeere as he returned out ofNormandieintoEngland, when he had bene caried not farre from land, the winde began to rise, and the Sea swelled somewhat bigge. This weather did almost suddenly encrease to so dangerous a storme, that all expected to be cast away. The King, dismayed the more by his sonnes mishap, reconciled himselfe to God; and vowed to reforme many errours of his life, if he did escape. So after his arriuall, he went to the Monasterie of S.Edmund; and there both ratified and renued the promise he had made. After this he was better ordered in his actions; heerected a Bishopricke atCaerlile, and endowed it with many honours: he caused Iustice indifferently to be administred; and eased the people of the tribute calledDane guilt.
In the 32. yeere,Matildedaughter to the King was deliuered of a sonne, who was namedHenry. Hereupon the king assembled his Nobilitie atOxeford, where he did celebrate his feast of Easter; and there ordeined, that shee and her heires should succeed him in the kingdome. And albeit they were often sworne to this appointment; albeitStephenEarle ofBloisewas the first man who tooke that oath: yet was he the first who did rise against it; yet did many others also ioyne with him in his action. For oathes are commonly troden vnder foote, when they lye in the way, either to honour or reuenge. The same yeere the Citie ofLondonwas very much defaced with fire.
The yeere next following, many prodigies happened, which seemed to portend the death of the King, or rather the troublesome times which did thereupon ensue. In the moneth of August, the Sunne was so deepely eclipsed, that by reason of the darkenesse of the ayre, many starres did plainely appeare. The secondday after this defect of light, the earth trembled with so great violence, that many buildings were shaken downe.Malmesb.sayth, that the house wherein he sate, was lift vp with a double remooue, and at the third time setled againe in the proper place. The earth in diuers places yeelded foorth a hideous noyse; It cast foorth flames at certaine rifts diuers dayes together, which neither by water nor by any other meanes could be suppressed.
During the time of the eclipse mentioned before, the King was trauersing the sea intoNormandie; whither hee vsually went, sometimes euery yeere, but euery third yeere at the furthest. Here he spent the whole yeere following, in ordering affaires of State, and in visiting euery corner of the Countrey. He neuer gaue greater contentment to the people, as well by his gifts, as by his gentle and courteous behauiour: he neuer receiued greater contentment from them, by the liuely expressing of their loue. But nothing did so much affect him with ioy, as that his daughterMatildhad brought foorth other two sonnes,GeoffreyandWilliam: whereby hee conceiued, that the succession of his issue to the Crowne ofEnglandwas so well backed, that he needed not to trouble his thoughts with any feare that his heires would faile.
At the last he began to languish a little and droupe in health; and neither feeling nor fearing any great cause, hee rode on hunting, to passe it ouer with exercise and delight. Herewith being somewhat cheered, hee returned home, and eate of a Lamprey, albeit against his Physicians aduise, which meate he alwayes loued, but was neuer able well to digest. After this, and happely vpon this vicious feeding, he fell into a feuer; which increased in him by such dangerous degrees, that within seuen dayes it led him to the period of his life. Hee died vpon the first of December, in the 67. yere of his age: when hee had reigned 35. yeeres and foure moneths, wanting one day. His bowels and eyes were buried atRoan: The rest of his bodie was stuffed with salt, wrapped vp in Oxe hides, and brought ouer intoEngland; and with honourable exequies buried in the Monastery ofReading, which hee had founded. His Physician who tooke out his braines, by reason of the intolerable stinch which breathed from them, in short time afterended his life. So of all that KingHenrieslue, this Physician was the last.
He had by his first wife a sonne namedWilliam, who perished by shipwracke; andMatilda daughter, who was espoused to the EmperourHenriethe 5. when she was scarce sixe yeeres olde, and at the age of eleuen yeeres was married vnto him. When shee had been married vnto him twelue yeeres, he died; and shee returned to the King her father, both against her owne minde, and against the desire of the greatest Princes of the Empire: who in regard of her wise and gracious behauiour, were suitors to the King more then once, to haue her remaine as Empresse among them. But the king would not consent to their intreatie: For that shee was the onely heire to his Crowne. Then many great Princes desired her in marriage. But the King bestowed her vponGeoffrey, sonne toFulkeEarle ofAniou: somewhat against her owne liking, but greatly to the suretie of his estate inFrance. By him she hadHenrie, who afterwards was King ofEngland.
Further, the King had by a Concubine,Richarda sonne, andMarya daughter; who werelost vpon the sea with their brotherWilliam. By another Concubine hee had a sonne namedRobert, whom he created Earle ofGlocester: a man for valour of minde and abilitie of bodie inferiour to none; in counsailes so aduised, as was fit for a right Noble commander. By his faith, industrie, and felicitie chiefly, his sisterMatilddid afterwards resist and ouerbeare, both the forces and fortunes of KingStephen. He is reported to haue had 12. other bastards; which were of no great either note or continuance, according to that saying of the Wise man:Bastard plants take no deepe rootes.[107]
This King in the beginning of his Reigne made many fauourable lawes: And namely,That he would reserue no possessions of the Church vpon their vacancies: that the heires of his Nobilitie should possesse their fathers lands without redemption from him, and that the Nobilitie likewise should afford the like fauour to their Tenants: that Gentlemen might giue their daughters and kinsewomen in marriage without his licence, so it were not to his enemie: that the widow should haue her ioynture, and not be compelled to marrie against her owne liking: that the mother or next of kinredshould bee Guardian of the lands of her children: that all debts to the Crowne and certaine offences also should bee remitted. But these lawes afterwards were but slenderly obserued.