The seedes of this contention were cast, whenAnselmewas first receiued to his Sea. For at that time two did striue for the Papacie ofRome;VrbanusandGuibert, calledClementthe third: some Christian States fauouring the one, and some the other. KingWilliaminclined toClementthe third, and with him the Realme generally went; butAnselmedid fully goe withVrbane; 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 ofCanterburyas the King had giuen to his friends since the death ofLanfranck, might still be held by them as their lawfull right: but to thisAnselmewould 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 toRome, to receiue his Pall; which when the King refused to grant, he appealed to the Sea ofRome. Now this was the first Appeale that euer before had been made inEngland. For Appeales were not here in ordinarie vse, vntil after this time, vnder the reigne of KingStephen; whenHenrieBishop ofWint.being the Popes Legate, brought them in.
Wherefore the King offended with this noueltie, chargedAnselmewith breach of his fealtie and oath.Anselmeanswered, 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 thatto 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.Anselmereplyed, 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 Cæsar that which belongeth to Cæsar, 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, thatChristintended 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 withAnselme; but some, and especially the Bishop ofDurhame, 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 depriueAnselme, and to expell him out of the Realme. ButAnselmeauowed, 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 PopeVrbaneatRome, 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 cameGuibertthe Popes Legate, who brought the Pall. The Legate went first priuily to the King, and promised that ifVrbaneshould be receiued for Pope inEngland, the King should obtaine of him whatsoeuer he would. The King required thatAnselmemight 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,Vrbanewas 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 toAnselmewith 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 inuadedWales; where he repressed the rebellious enemies, and returned victorious.Anselmeprepared 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 appointedAnselmeappeared, but auoyded his answere by appealing to the Pope: for prosecution whereof, hee made suit for the Kings licence to goe toRome. TheKing said as before; That this appeale was against the custome of the Realme, and against the dignitie of his Crowne, to both whichAnselmehad sworne.Anselmeanswered, That he was sworne to neither of them, but so farre as they were consonant to the Lawes ofGod, 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 timeAnselmewas 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.Anselmedeparted from the Court, went streight toDouer, with purpose to passe the Seas intoFrance. Here hee was either awaited or ouertaken byWilliam Warlewastthe 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 theKing; making a bare allowance to the Monks, of meat, drinke and cloathing. So the Archbishop crossed the Seas intoFrance, rested a while atLions, and then trauailed ouer theAlpestoRome; where he was enterteined by PopeVrbane, with more then ordinarie ceremonies of honour.
And first the Pope wrote to the king ofEnglandon the behalfe ofAnselme; and reteined him in his Palace vntill he should receiue answere from the king. When the messenger was returned with such answere asAnselmedid 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 ofCanterburie.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 hisright foot with these words;Includamus hunc in orbe nostro, tanquam alterius orbis Papam. Afterwards in all generall Councels, the Archb. ofCanterburietooke that place. In this Councell the points of difference betweene the Greeke and Latine Churches were strongly debated; especially concerning the proceeding of theHoly Ghost, and for leauened bread in the administration of theEucharist: whereinAnselmeshewed 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 ofEngland, and the Pope is said to haue bene ready to excommunicate him: butAnselmekneeled before the Pope, and obteined for the King a longer terme. The Pope was then at great contention withHenrythe fourth Emperour, who had bene excommunicated before byHildebrand, and was then againe excommunicate byVrbane: being the first Christian Prince with Souereigne power, who was euer excommunicate by any Pope. And for thatVrbaneat that time had his hands full against the Emperour, for that also hee would not make the example too odious at thefirst; he was willing ynough to forbeare excommunication against the King. And the rather for thatAnselmehad intelligence from his friends inEngland, 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 excōmunicate.
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 restoreAnselmeto 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 ofAnselme; seeing it was expresly told him, That if he departed out ofEnglandwithout licence, he should expect noother vsage. Well, said the Pope, Haue you no other cause againstAnselme, 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 restoreAnselmeto 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 toLionsinFrance; and there remained vntil the death, first of PopeVrbane, and afterwards of theking; 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, oneRanulph, 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 indishonestie; 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 ofDuresme. 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 inEngland, 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 especiallyAnselmeto the Archbishopricke ofCanterburie, 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 ofCanterburie, which his predecessors had held but at the pleasure of the King. ThisAnselmewas 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 aduancedRobert Bloet, to the Bishopricke ofLincolne: 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 receiuedHugh de Floriaco, a man for his vertue much esteemed, to be Abbot of the Monastery of S.AugustinesinCanterburie; 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 atRoanso preuailed with him by gifts, that they drew him to reprehend one who had forsaken their superstition. AtLondona disputation wasappointed 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.Lukesface, 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 hisfollowers 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 reigneLanfranckArchb. ofCanterburieended 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. KingWilliamthe first did honour and embrace him with great respect, and was much guided by his aduise. He was as a Protector to KingWilliamthe second. When he went toRometo 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 ofCanterburie, and enriched it with 25. mannours. He repaired the walles of that Citie, and built two Hospitals therein; one of S.Iohn, the otherHarlebaldowne. He gaue a thousand markes towards the repairing and enlarging of the Abbey of S.Albones, and procuredRedbourneto 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 frō 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 atWinchelscombe, 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 VirgineMariethat 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. housesinLondon: And breaking into the Church of S.Mary Bowin 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 groūd; because it was an impediment for passage. The Tower ofLondonat the same time was also broken, and much other harme done.
The next yeereOsmundBishop ofSalisburyfinished the Cathedrall Church of oldSalisburie; 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 PopeVrbaneassembled a Councell atCleremontinAuergne, wherein hee exhorted Christian Princes to ioyne in action for recouery ofPalestine, commonly calledThe Holy Land, out of the seruile possession of theSaracenes. This motion was first set on foote, and afterwards pursued byPeterthe Heremite ofAmiens; 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,RobertDuke ofNormandieaddressed himselfe to this Voyage; and to furnish his expenses therein, he layed his Duchie ofNormandieto gage to his brother ofEnglandfor 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 suchsummes 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 ofEnglandandScotland: 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 inKent, which did once belong toGodwineEarle ofKent, were ouerflowed and couered with sand, which to this day do beare the name ofGodwinssands. 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. AtFinchamsted[75]inBarkeshireneere vntoAbington, 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, andSalisburie; 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 calledChoringham(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 SirWalter 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 SirWalter 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 ofWinchester; 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 SaintSwithen; vnder a plaine flat marble stone, before the Lectorne in the Quire. But afterwards his bones were translated, and layd by KingCanutusbones.
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 KingWilliamthe 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 KingWilliamthe second, who so greatly fauoured beastes ofgame, 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 ofCharitieinSouthwarkehis Mannour ofBermondsey, and built for them the great new Church of SaintSauiour.Also of an old Monasterie in the Citie ofYorke, he founded an Hospitallfor the sustentation of poore persons and dedicatedit to S.Peter. This Hospitall was afterwardaugmented by KingStephen,and by him dedicatedto S.Leonard.* **
R
obert Duke ofNormandie, the eldest brother to KingWilliamthe second, was inPalestinawhen KingWilliamwas slaine; being one of the principal leaders in that Heroical warre, which diuers Christian Princes ofEuropeset vp, to recouerHierusalemout of the power and possession of theSaracens. In this expedition hee purchased so honourable reputation, for skill, industrie, and valour of hand, that when the Christian forces had surprisedHierusalem, and diuers other Cities in those quarters, the kingdome thereof was offered vnto him. Butthe 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 fromPalestinetowardsFrance.
ButHenrythe 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 atWestminstervpon the second day of August, in the yeere 1100. byMauriceBishop ofLondon; becauseAnselmeArchb. ofCanterburiewas then in exile. This enterprise was much aduanced by the authoritie and industrie ofHenry NewborowEarle ofWarwicke,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 toHenrythey expressed a prone inclination, for that hee was borne inEngland, at a place calledSelbyinLincolneshire, since his father was crowned King: whereas DukeRoberthis brother was borne before his father attained the kingdome.
This serued PrinceHenrynot 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?
Herodotuswriteth, That whenDarius[77]the sonne ofHysdaspisKing ofPersiamade preparation for warre against theGræciansandEgyptians, he first went about to settle his succession: because by the Lawes ofPersia, the King might not enter into enterprise of Armes, before he had declared his successour. NowDariushad three children before he was King, by his first wife the daughter ofGobris. After hewas King he had other foure, byAtossathe daughter ofCyrus.Artabazanes, or (as other terme him)Arthemeneswas eldest of the first sort;Xerxesof the second.Artabazanesalleaged 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.Xerxesalleaged, that he was begotten ofAtossathe daughter ofCyrus, by whose valour thePersianshad obteined their Empire. BeforeDariushad giuen sentence,Demaratusthe sonne ofAristo, cast out of his kingdome ofSpartaand then liuing an exile inPersia, came vntoXerxes, and aduised him further to alleage, that he was the eldest sonne ofDariusafter hee was King; And that it was the custome ofSparta, 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 groundArtabazaneswas reiected, andDariusgaue iudgement forXerxes. This history is likewise reported byIustine,[78]and touched also byPlutarch: although they disagree in names, and some other points of circumstance.
So whenHerodeKing ofIudeaappointedAntipaterhis eldest sonne, but borne to him in priuate state, to succeed in his Royaltie, and excludedAlexanderandAristobulushis yonger sonnes, whom he had begot ofMariamne, after he had obteined his kingdome;Iosephus[79]plainly reprehendeth the fact, and condemneth the iudgement ofHerodefor partiall and vniust. SoLewesborne after his father was Duke ofMilane,[80]was preferred in succession before his brotherGaleace, who was borne before. And so whenOthothe first was elected Emperour, his yonger brotherHenrypretended against him; for thatOtho[81]was borne before their father was Emperour, andHenryafter. In which quarrellHenrywas aided byEuerhardeEarle Palatine, andGiselbertDuke ofLorreine, with diuers other Princes ofAlmaine: But when the cause came to be canuased by the sword, the victorie adiudged the Empire toOtho.
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 orseruile 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 ofClarissimus, 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].
And although these and diuers like passages of Law commonly alleadged, doe seeme little or nothing pertinent to this purpose; for that they concern not any vniuersall right of inheritance, which is due vnto children after the death of their parents; but certaine particular priuiledges and rights attributed vnto them whilest their parents were in life, which for the most part arearbitrarie and mutable, as depending vpon the pleasure of the Prince: Yet many Interpreters of both Lawes haue bene drawen by these reasons to subscribe their iudgements for this kind of Title: and namelyPet. Cynus,Baldus,Albericus[88],Iac. Rebuffus,& Luc. Penna[89]. AlsoPanormitane[90],Collect.[91],Dynus[92],Franc. Cremen.[93],Marti. Laud.[94],Card. Alexander[95],Phil. Decius[96],Alceat[97],Bon. Curti.[98]. And lastly,Anton. Corsetta[99], deliuereth it for a common receiued and followed opinion. Which must be vnderstood with this distinction, if the kingdome be either newly erected, or else newly acquired by Conquest, Election, or any such title, other then by hereditarie succession according to proximitie in blood. For if the kingdome bee once seded in a certaine course of succession, because the dignitie is inherent in the blood of that stocke; because it is not taken from the father but from the ancestors; because it is not taken onely from the ancestors, but from the fundamentall law of the State; the eldest sonne shall indistinctly succeede, although hee were borne before his father was King[100]. And therefore after the kingdome ofPersiahad been caried by successionin some descents, whenDariusthe King had foure sonnes,Artaxerxesthe eldest,Cyrusthe next, and two others;Parysatesthe wife ofDariushauing a desire thatCyrusshould succeede in the kingdome, alleaged in his behalfe the same reason wherewithXerxeshad preuailed before: to wit, that shee had brought foorthArtaxerxestoDarius, when hee was in priuate state; butCyruswas borne to him when he was a King. YetPlutarch[101]affirmeth, that the reason which she vsed was nothing probable, and thatArtaxerxesthe eldest sonne was appointed to be King. And soBlondus[102]andRitiusdoe report, thatBelathe King ofHungariebeing dead,Geysasucceeded, although borne vnto him before he was a King.
Others inferiour in number, but not in weight of Iudgement do affirme, that whether a Kingdome be setled in succession, or whether by any other title newly attained, the right to succeed by all true grounds of law pertaineth to the eldest sonne; albeit borne before his fathers aduancement to the kingdome, in case there be no expresse law of the state to the contrary. The principall reason is, because this is the nature of all successions by way of inheritance: For, if a father purchaseth lands, leases, cattell, or other goods, the inheritance shall bee transmitted to his eldest sonne, although borne before the purchase. Likewise if a father be aduanced to any title of honour, as Duke, Earle, Marquesse, &c. it was neuer, I will not say denied, but once doubted, but that the eldest sonne should succeede in the same, albeit he was borne before the aduancement. And therefore seeing this is the generall rule of all other inheritable successions, and there is no reason of singularitie in a kingdome; it followeth, that in like case the succession of a kingdome should also descend to the eldest sonne, although borne before the kingdome were atchieued.
Againe, the sonne who was borne before his father was a King, had once a right to succeede in the kingdome; for if another sonne had not afterwards beene borne, without all question hee should haue succeeded. But a right which a man by his owne person hath acquired; albeit in some cases it may be diminished, yet can it not bee altogether extinguished by any externall or casuall euent, which hath no dependencie vpon himselfe. And sothe right which the eldest sonne hath to his fathers inheritance, may bee diminished by the birth of other children, in regard of those goods which are to bee distributed in parts among them; but it cannot possibly be extinguished. Neither can it bee diminished in those things which are not of nature to bee either valued or diuided (of which sort a Kingdome is the chiefe) but doe passe entirely vnto one. For the right of blood which onely is regarded in lawfull successions, is acquired and held from the natiuitie of the childe, and doth not begin at the fathers death; at which time the inheritance doth fall.
Lastly, if it be true in sonnes, that he shal succeede in a kingdome who is first borne, after the father is exalted to bee a King; then is it true also in other remote degrees of consanguinitie. And hereby it should often happen, that when a King dieth without issue of his body, they who are not onely inferiour in age, but more remote in degree, should exclude both the elder and the neerer in blood; because perhaps borne after the kingdome was attained: which is against all lawes of lawfull succession.
Howsoeuer the right standeth,Henrytheyonger brother to KingWilliam Rufus, vpon aduantage of the absence of DukeRoberthis eldest brother, formed this title to the Crowne ofEngland. In which pretence he was strongly supported, first by a generall inclination of the common people, for that he had both his birth and education within the Realme, and they were well perswaded of his good nature and disposition. Secondly, by the fauour and trauaile of many of the nobilitie, especially ofHenry NeuborowEarle ofWarwicke. Thirdly, (for that the sailes of popular fauours are filled most violently with reports) by his giuing forth, that his brotherRobertintended neuer to returne; for that he was elected King ofHierusalem, and of all those large Countreys inAsia, which the Christians had lately wrung out of theSaracenshands. Lastly, by vsing celeritie the very life of actions; for he was Crowned atWestminster(as it hath bene said) vpon the fifth day of August, in the yeere 1100. which was the third day after his brothers death.
In person he was both stately and strong; tall, broad brested, his limmes fairely fourmed, well knit, and fully furnished with flesh. He was exceeding both comely and manly in countenance, his face wel fashioned, his colour cleere, his eyes liuely and faire, his eye-browes large and thicke, his haire blacke and somewhat thinne towards his forehead. He was of an excellent wit, free from ostentation; his thoughts high, yet honourable and iust: in speach ready and eloquent, much graced with sweetnesse of voyce. In priuate he was affable, open, wittily pleasant, and very full of merrie simplicitie: in publicke he looked with a graue Maiestie, as finding in himselfe cause to be honoured. He was brought vp in the studie of Liberall Arts atCambridge, where he attained that measure of knowledge, which was sufficient both for ornament and vse; but ranne not into intemperate excesse, either for ostentation, or for a cloake to vnprofitable expense of time. By his example the yong Nobilitie of the Realme began to affect a praise for learning: Insomuch as, at a certaine enteruiew betweene the King and PopeInnocentthe 2. the sonnes ofRobertEarle ofMellent, maintained open disputations against diuers Cardinals and Chapleines of the Pope.
He was an exact esteemer of himselfe, not so much for his strength as for his weakenesses:lesse inclined to confidence then to distrust; and yet in weighty affaires resolute and firme; neuer dismaied, and alwayes fortunate; his spirits being of force to oppose against any sort of difficulties or doubts. Extremities made him the more assured; and like a well knit Arch, hee then lay most strong when hee sustained the greatest weight. Hee was no more disposed to valour, then well setled in vertue and goodnes; which made his valour of more precious valuation. He had good command ouer his passions; and thereby attained both peace within himselfe, and victory ouer others. In giuing hee was moderate, but bountifull in recompence; his countenance enlarging the worth of his gift. Hee was prone to relieue, euen where there was least likelihood of requitall. He hated flatterie, the poysoned sugar, the counterfeit ciuilitie and loue, the most base brokery of wordes: yet was no musicke so pleasing vnto him as well deserued thankes. He was vigilant and industrious in his affaires; knowing right well that honour not onely hath a paineful and dangerous birth, but must in like manner be nourished and fed.
He was somewhat immoderate and excessiue, as well in aduancing those he fauoured, as in beating downe and disabling his enemies. The sword was alwayes the last of his trials; so as he neuer either sought or apprehended occasions of warre, where with honour he could reteine peace. But if it were iniuriously vrged, he wanted neither wisedome, nor diligence, nor magnanimous heart to encounter the danger; to beare it ouer with courage and successe. He was frugall of the blood and slaughter of his Souldiers; neuer aduenturing both his honour & their liues to the hazard of the sword, without either necessitie or aduantage. He oftentimes preuailed against his enemies more by policie then by power; and for victories thus attained, he attributed to himselfe the greatest glory. For wisedome is most proper to man, but force is common and most eminent in beasts; by wisedome the honour was entire to himselfe, by force it was participated to inferiour Commanders, to euery priuate ordinarie Souldier: the effects of force, are heauie, hideous, and sometimes inhumane; but the same wrought to euent by wisedome, is, as lesse odious, so more assured and firme.
After that he was mounted into the seate ofMaiestie, hee neglected no meanes to settle himselfe most surely therin, against the returne of his brotherRobert. To this end he contracted both amitie and alliance withEdgarKing ofScots, by taking his sisterMatildto wife: by which meanes he not onely remoued his hostilitie, but stood assured of his assistance, in case his occasions should so require. Shee was daughter toMalcolmeKing ofScots, byMargarethis wife; who was sister toEdgarsurnamedAdeling, and daughter toEdward, sonne toEdmund Ironside, the most valiant Saxon King, the scourge and terrour of theDanes. So as after the death ofAdelingwho left no issue, thisMatildwas next by discent from the Saxon Kings to the inheritance of the Crowne ofEngland: and by her entermariage with KingHenry, the two families ofNormansandSaxonswere vnited together both in blood and title to the Crowne. This more then any other respect made the whole nation of theEnglishnot onely firme to KingHenrie, against his brother, but loyall and peaceable during all his reigne: for that they saw the blood of theirSaxonKings restored again to the possession of the Crowne.
Shee was a Lady vertuous, religious, beautifull and wise: farre from the ordinary either vices or weakenesses incident to her sexe. She had been brought vp among the Nunnes ofWinchester, andRumsey, whether professed or onely veiled our writers doe diuersly report; but most affirme that shee was professed. Yet for the common good, for the publique peace and tranquilitie of the State, shee abandoned her deuoted life, and was ioyned to KingHenriein mariage, by consent ofAnselme, without any dispensation fromRome. Of thisMatildthe King begateWilliama sonne, who perished by shipwracke; andMatilda daughter, first married toHenrythe fifth Emperour, by whom she had no issue; afterward toGeoffrey PlantagenetEarle ofAniou, by whom shee brought foorth a sonne namedHenrie, in whom the blood of the Saxon Kings was aduanced againe to the gouernment of this Realme.
Now to purchase the fauour of the Clergie, he calledAnselmeout of exile, and restored him both to the dignitie and reuenues of the Sea ofCanterbury. Other Bishoprickes and Abbeys which KingWilliamkept voide at the time of his death, hee furnished with men of best sufficiencie and reputation. Hee committedRadulphBishop ofDurhamto prison, who had been both authour and agent to KingWilliamin most of his distastfull actions against the Clergie. ThisRadulphwas a man of smooth vse of speach, wittie onely in deuising, or speaking, or doing euill: but to honestie and vertue his heart was a lumpe of lead. Enuious aboue all measure; nothing was so grieuous to his eyes as the prosperitie, nothing so harsh to his eares as the commendations of others. His tongue alwayes slauish to the Princes desires; not regarding how truely or faithfully, but how pleasingly he did aduise. Thus as a principall infamie of that age, hee liued without loue, and died without pitie; sauing of those who thought it pitie that he liued so long.
Further, to make the Clergie the more assured, the King renounced the right which his Ancesters vsed in giuing Inuestitures; and acknowledged the same to appertaine to the Pope. This hee yeelded at his first entrance, partly not knowing of what importance it was, and partly being in necessitie to promise any thing. But afterwards he resumed that right againe; albeit in a Councell not long before held atRome, the contrary had bene decreed.For hee inuestedWilliam Giffordinto the Bishopricke ofWinchester, and all the possessions belonging to the same. He gaue the Archbishopricke ofCanterburietoRadulphBishop ofLondon, and inuested him therein by a Ring and a staffe: he inuested also two of his Chapleins atWestminster;Rogerhis Chanceller in the Bishopricke ofSalisburie, andRogerhis Larderer in the Bishopricke ofHereford. Further he assumed the custome of his father and brother, in taking the reuenues of Bishopricks whilest they remained void: and for that cause did many times keepe them a longer season vacant in his hands, then many of the Clergie could with patience endure.
But especially the Clergie did fauour him much, by reason of his liberall leaue either to erect, or to enlarge, or else to enrich Religious buildings. For to these workes the King was so ready to giue, not onely way, but encouragement and helpe, that in no Princes time they did more within this Realme either flourish or increase. And namely the house of S.IohnofHierusalemwas then founded neereSmithfieldin London, with the house of Nunnes byClerken-well. Then were also founded the ChurchofTheukesburie, with all Offices thereto belonging: the Priorie and Hospitall of S.BartholomewesinSmithfield, the Church of S.GileswithoutCreeplegate; the Colledge of Seculare Canons in the castle ofLeicester; the Abbey without the Northgate of the same towne called S.Mary de prato. Also the Monasterie of S.IohnofLanthoniebyGlocester; the Church ofDunmowinEssex; the Monasterie of S.IohnatColchester, which was the first house ofAugustineChanons inEngland: the Church of S.Mary Oueriesfurnished with Chanons inSouthwarke; the Priory of the holy Trinity now calledChrists ChurchwithinAlgate; and the Hospitall of S.Gilesin the field: The Priorie ofKenelworth; The Abbey ofKenshame; The Monasterie ofPlimptoninDeuonshire; with the Cathedrall Church ofExceter; the Priorie ofMerton; the Colledge ofWarwicke; the Hospitall ofKepar; the Priorie ofOsneyneereOxeford; the Hospital of S.CrosseneereWinchester; the Priorie ofNortoninCheshire, with diuers others. The King also founded and erected the Priorie ofDunstable, the Abbey ofCircester, the Abbey ofReading, the Abbey ofShirebourne. Hee also changed the Abbey ofEleyinto a Bishops Sea; he erected aBishopricke atCaerlile, placed Chanons there, and endowed it with many honours. These and many other Religious buildings either done, or helped forward, or permitted and allowed by the King, much encreased the affection of the Clergie towards him.
Now to draw the loue of the common people, he composed himselfe to a sober ciuilitie; easie for accesse, faire in speach, in countenance and behauiour kind: his Maiestie so tempered with mildnesse and courtesie, that his Subiects did more see the fruits, then feele the weight of his high estate. These were things of great moment with the vulgar sort; who loue more where they are louingly intreated, then where they are benefited, or happely preserued. He eased them of many publicke grieuances. Hee restored them to the vse of fire and candle after eight of the clocke at night, which his father had most straitly forbidden. Punishments of losse of member vsed before, he made pecuniarie. Hee moderated the Law of his brother, which inflicted death for killing any of the Kings Deere; and ordeined, that if any man killed a Deere in his owne wood, the wood should be forfeited to the King. He permittedto make enclosures for Parkes; which taking beginning in his time, did rise to that excessiue encrease, that in a few succeeding ages more Parkes were inEngland, then in allEuropebeside. He promised that the Lawes of K.Edwardshould againe be restored; but to put off the present performance, he gaue forth, that first they should be reuiewed and corrected, and made appliable to the present time. And albeit in trueth they were neuer either reuiewed or corrected, yet the onely hope thereof did worke in the people a fauourable inclination to his part.
Whilest the King did thus Immure himselfe in the state ofEngland, as well by ordering his affaires, as by winning the hearts of the people vnto him, DukeRobertwas returning fromPalestine, by easie and pleasurable iourneys; vsing neither the celeritie nor forecast which the necessitie of his occasions did require. Hee visited many Princes by the way, and consumed much time in entertainments and other complements of Court. Hee tooke to wife as he cameSibellthe daughter ofRogerDuke ofApuliaand Earle ofCicill, who was aNorman: and the great portion of moneywhich he receiued for her dower, he loosely lauished foorth amongst his followers; of whom he receiued nothing againe, but thankes when he (scattered rather then) gaue, and pitie when he wanted.
At the last he arriued inNormandie, and foorthwith was sollicited out ofEnglandby letters from many, who either vpon conscience or discontentment fauoured his Title; and especially fromRadulphBishop ofDurham, who had lately escaped out of prison, a man odious ynough to vndoe a good cause; that he would omit no time, that hee would let fall no diligence, to embarke himselfe in the enterprise forEngland: that he had many friends there, both powerfull and sure, who would partake with him in his dangers, although not in the honour atchieued by his dangers: that therewith the peoples fauour towards the King did begin to ebbe, and that it was good taking the first of the tide. Hereupon he shuffled vp an Armie in haste; neither for number, nor furniture, nor choise of men answerable to the enterprise in hand. Then he crossed the Seas, landed atPortesmouth, and marched a small way into the Countrey; vainely expecting the concourse and ayd which had bene assured him out ofEngland. But KingHenryhad made so good vse both of his warning and time to prouide against this tempest, that hee did at once both cut from the Duke all meanes of ayd, and was ready to encounter him in braue appointment. Hereupon many who were vnable by Armes to relieue the Duke, by aduise did to him the best offices they could. For they laboured both the King and him to a reconcilement; The King with respect of his new vnsettled estate, the Duke with respect of his weakenesses and wants; both with regard of naturall duetie and loue, knit betweene them by band of blood. So after some trauaile and debatement, a peace was concluded vpon these Conditions.
ThatHenryshould reteine the kingdome ofEngland, and pay to his brotherRobert3000. markes yeerely.
That if either of them should die without issue, the suruiuour should succeed.
That no man should receiue preiudice for following the part of the one or of the other.
These conditions being solemnely sworne by the king and the Duke, and twelue Noblemen on either part, the Duke returned intoNormandie, and about two yeeres after went againe intoEngland, to visit the King, and to spend some time with him in feasting and disport. At which time, to requite the Kings kind vsage and entertainment, but especially to gratifieMatildthe Queene, to whom he was godfather, he released to the King the annuall payment of 3000. markes. But as a wound is more painefull the day following, then when it was first and freshly taken; so this loose leuitie of the Duke, which was an exceeding sad and sore blow to his estate, was scarce sensible at his departure out ofEngland, but most grieuous to him after hee had remained inNormandiea while: whereby many motions were occasioned, as well in the one place as in the other.
The Duke complained, that hee had bene circumuented by his brother the King: that his courtesies were nothing else but allurements to mischiefe; that his gifts were pleasant baites, to couer and conuey most dangerous hookes; that his faire speaches were sugred poysons; that his kinde embracements were euen to tickle his friends to death.Robert BelasmeEarle ofShrewsbury, a man of great estate,but doubtfull whether of lesse wisedome or feare, tooke part with the Duke, and fortified the Towne and Castle ofShrewsbury, the Castles ofBridgenorth,Tichel, andArundel, and certaine other pieces inWalesagainst KingHenry. And hauing drawen vnto him some persons of wretched state and worse minde, whose fortunes could not bee empaired by any euent, hee entredStafford shire, and droue away light booties of cattell; being prepared neither in forces nor in courage, to stay the doing of greater mischiefe.
But neither was this sudden to the King, neither was he euer vnprouided against sudden aduentures. Wherefore encountring the danger before it grew to perfection and strength, he first brought his power against the Castle ofBridgenorth, which was forthwith rendred vnto him. The residue followed the example (which in enterprise of armes is of greatest moment) and submitted themselues to the Kings discretion. Onely the Castle ofArundelyeelded vpon condition, thatRobert Belasmetheir Lord should be permitted to depart safely intoNormandie: And vpon the same condition they ofShrewsburysent to the King the keys oftheir Castle, and therewith pledges for their allegeance. ThenRobertwith his brotherErnulphus, andRogerofPoictiersabiured the Realme, and departed intoNormandie: where being full of rashnesse, which is nothing but courage out of his wits; and measuring their actions not by their abilities, but by their desires; they did more aduance the Kings affaires by hostilitie, then by seruice and subiection they could possibly haue done.
AlsoWilliamEarle ofMortaigneinNormandie, and ofCornewallinEngland, sonne ofRobert, vncle to the king, and brother to kingWilliamthe first, required of the King the Earledome ofKent, which had been lately held byOdovncle to them both. And being a man braue in his owne liking, and esteming nothing of that which hee had in regard of that which hee did desire, he was most earnest, violent, peremptorie in his pursuit. Insomuch as, blinded with ambitious haste, he would often say, that hee would not put off his vpper garment, vntill hee had obtained that dignitie of the King. These errours were excused by the greenenesse of his youth, and by his desire of rising, which expelled all feare of a fall. Wherefore the King first deferred, and afterwards moderately denied his demaund. But so farre had the Earle fed his follies with assured expectation, that he accompted himselfe fallen from such estate as his hungry hopes had already swallowed. Hereupon his desire turned to rage, and the one no lesse vaine then the other: but both together casting him from a high degree of fauour, which seldome stoppeth the race vntill it come to a headlong downefall.
For now the King made a counter-challenge to many of his possessions inEngland; and thereupon seazed his lands, dismantled his castles, and compelled him in the end to forsake the Realme. Not for any great offence he had done, being apt to the fault rather of rough rage then of practise and deceit; but his stubborne stoutnesse was his offence; and it was sufficient to hold him guiltie, that he thought himselfe to haue cause and meanes to be guiltie. So hauing lost his owne state inEngland, he departed intoNormandie, to further also the losse of that countrey. There he confederated withRobert Belasme, and made diuers vaine attempts against the Kings castles; neither guided by wisedome, nor followed by successe.Especially hee vented his furie againstRichardEarle ofChester, who was but a childe, and in wardship to the King, whom he daily infested with inuasions and spoiles; being no lesse full of desire to hurt, then voyd of counsaile and meanes to hurt.
On the other side, diuers of the Nobilitie ofNormandie, finding their Duke without iudgement to rule, had no disposition to obey; but conceiued a carelesse contempt against him. For he seemed not so much to regard his substantiall good, as a vaine breath of praise, and the fruitlesse fauour of mens opinions, which are no fewer in varietie then they are in number. All the reuenues of his Duchie he either sold or morgaged; all his Cities he did alien, and was vpon the point of passing away his principall Citie ofRoanto the Burgers thereof, but that the conditions were esteemed too hard. Hereupon many resolued to fall from him, and to set their sailes with the fauourable gale which blew vpon the fortune of the King. To this end they offered their submission to the King, in case he would inuadeNormandie; whereto with many reasons they did perswade him: especially in regard of the late hostile attempts there made against him, by the plaine permission of the Duke his brother, and not without his secret support.
The King embraced the faire occasion, and with a strong Armie passed intoNormandie. Here he first relieued his forts, which were any wayes distressed or annoyed; then he recouered those that were lost; Lastly, he wanne from the Duke the towne and castle ofCaen, with certaine other castles besides: And by the help of the President ofAniou, firedBaion, with the stately Church of S.Marietherein. Vpon these euents, all the Priories ofNormandie, resembling certaine flowers, which open and close according to the rising or declining of the Sunne; abandoned the Duke, and made their submission to KingHenry. So the King hauing both enlarged and assured his state inNormandie, by reason of the approch of winter, departed intoEngland: but this was like the recuiling of Rammes, to returne againe with the greater strength.
He had not long remained inEngland, but his brotherRobertcame to him atNorthampton, to treat of some agreement of peace. Here the words and behauiours of both were obserued. At their first meeting they rested with their eyes fast fixed one vpon the other; in such sort as did plainely declare, that discourtesie then trencheth most deep, when it is betweene those who should most dearely loue. The Duke was in demaunds moderate, in countenance and speech enclined to submisnesse; and with a kinde vnkindnesse did rather entreate then perswade, that in regard of the naturall Obligation betweene them by blood, in regard of many offices and benefits wherewith he had endeuoured to purchase the Kings loue, all hostilitie betweene them, all iniurie or extremitie by Armes might cease.For I call you(said he)before the Seate of your owne Iudgement, whether the relinquishing of my Title to the Crowne ofEngland, whether the releasing of my annuity of3000.markes, whether many other kindnesses, so much vndeserued as scarce desired; should not in reason withdraw you from those prosecutions, where warre cannot be made without shame, nor victory attained without dishonour.
The King vsed him with honourable respect; but perceiuing that he was embarked in some disaduantage, conceiuing also that his courage with his Fortune began to decline, hemade resemblance at the first, to be no lesse desirous of peace then the Duke: But afterwards, albeit he did not directly deny, yet hee found euasions to auoyd all offers of agreement.
The more desirous the Duke was of peace, the greater was his disdaine that his brother did refuse it. Wherefore cleering his countenance from all shewes of deiection or griefe, as then chiefly resolute when his passion was stirred, with a voice rather violent then quicke, he rose into these words.