416FRIAR BRACKLEY TO [JOHN PASTON]

226.1[From Fenn, iii. 382.] This letter appears to have been written just before the sitting of the Parliament of October 1460, of which John Paston was a member. Warwick’s brother was then Chancellor. No signature is attached to this letter in Fenn’s literal copy, although the name is appended to the modern transcript.226.2Alice, widow of William, Duke of Suffolk.226.3John de la Pole, second Duke of Suffolk. He married Elizabeth, the Duke of York’s daughter.226.4George Nevill, Bishop of Exeter.226.5Richard Nevill, Earl of Salisbury.227.1Psalm ci. (or cii.) 18.227.2Psalm lxviii. (or lxix.) 28.227.3‘Feria quarta’ means Wednesday.416FRIAR BRACKLEY TO [JOHN PASTON]1460[OCT.]Jesus, Maria, &c. Reverende domine, si contingat ut sitis Londoniæ hoc termino in principio parliamenti, hæc poteritis in secretis dicere domino Warwik ac domino Cancellario, quomodo Johannes W.227.4apud Felbrigg jacet cum manu forti contra pacem domini Regis et patriæ, qui quantum valere potest est hostis publicus et inimicus capitalis domini Regis et suorum fidelium dominorum utilitatem rei publicæ et communitatem Angliæ diligentium, pro quo taliter esset modo indilate et cum omni festinacione possibili providendum quod esset commissio directa sub pœna ligeanciæ et pœna mortis et privatione bonorum vicecomiti, domino M. Stapilton, domino W. Chambirleyn, W. Yelverton justiciario, W. Calthorp, Johanni Twyre, Johanni Geney, T. Gurnay, Johanni Fyncham, Johanni Yelverton Juniori, Edmundo Bokyngham, Johanni Gros, Johanni Dam, Johanni Lomenour, Jacobo Arblaster, T. Denys, ut assistant sub pœna prædicta sex primis militibus et armigeris ad excitandum populum de patria pro domino T. T.,227.5J. H.,227.6P. Wentworthe, J. A.,227.7T. Danyel, H. Hunton, J. Wode, W. Prentys, S. Gunnor, H. Todynham, Joh. Wyndham, Palmere Ballivo de Costsey, T. Brygge, et suis complicibus subito et secretiori modo capiendo et versus London adducendo cum manu forti, et in Turri vel Newgate firmitercum Thorp de Scacario carcere collocando, &c. Et tunc eorum clientes et eis adhærentes non possent, ymmo nec auderent, nocere populo patriæ bonæ disposicionis. Certe si in hac parte fideliter laborare in effectu volueritis, dominus Comes Warwic, et omnes sibi et suis benivoli essent vobis multiformiter obligati, et tunc esset in Norffolchia mansio concors et valde pacificus. Utinam bona voluntas vestra non sit in hac materia pigra, &c.2º. Item, quod Episcopus Norwicensis esset in curia Regis ad tempus, vel in parliamento omnino, quia hic parvum bonum facit, nisi supportando iniquos et paci patriæ contrarios; est enim satis dives ad comprestandum pecunias Regi in necessitate sua. Ipse enim cum ducissa Suff. et aliis personis prænominatis sunt Reginæ et principi maxime favorabiles cum totis suis viribus; et ideo maxime expediens est parti Regis et comitis Warwic subtrahere, diminuere, et pocius opprimere, vires omnium illorum prædictorum eis et suis continue malignantium ex adverso, &c.3º. Item, vos et vestri præmunire poteritis, si placeat, Doctores Kyrry et Godard quomodo fama communis hic volat continue per Boreales et eorum fautores quod Regina ac sui firmiter statuerunt unanimi decreto ipsos doctores et me non solum morti ignominiose tradere sed etiam generaliter omnes Fratres Minores citra flumen Trent commorantes interfici facere. Sed Magister Vergeant cum socio qui in sermonibus Reginam cum principe solempniter recommendat et in suis missis Reginam nominatim specificat per instanciam Ducissæ Suff. erit cum socio privilegiatus ab hac punicione.4º. Item, bonum esset quod juvenis dux Suff. cum suis militibus et armigeris uteretur suis calcaribus et jam probaretur in bello cui esset fidelis, an caro vel piscis. Si T. T. cum suis prius recitatis essent unde memorati in parliamento a dominis et communibus, non dubium quin puniti essent causatores insurrectionis falsorum Regis contra Comitem Warwic apud pontem Westmonasterii, &c.5º. Item, memorari dignetur dominus Comes Warwic quomodo T. T., J. H., J. A., et H. T.,228.1J. W. et cæteri gravissime comminantur priorem Wals’ [Walsingham], &c.6º. Item, caveant Comes Marchiæ et Comes Warwic ne quovis modo sit inter eos controversia, sed sint omnino unanimes et concordes, nec aliqua cupiditas consiliariorum suorum faveat alicui eorum adversario propter lucrum bonorum in finalem deperdicionem ipsorum et amicorum suorum.7º. Item, fiat per decretum parliamenti diminutio juris peritorum ac legis attornatorum Suff. et Norff. punicioque taxata singulorum oppressorum, generosos ac eorum liberos, nativosque tenentes cotidie et annuatim gravissime infestancium.8º. Continue ac continue cordialiter cogitate ac scrutinio diligenti sæpius revolvite quomodo inimici vestri et adversarii antiqui, spiritu rancoris et invidiæ maliciose agitati, nituntur pro posse suo, et totis viribus, vos, et vostros vobis benevolos funditus destruere et finaliter deperdere, quod absit omnino; quare ex naturali legis dictamine potestis et debetis vim vi volenter ac potenter reprimere ac repellere et eorum maliciis inveteratis virili congressu rigorose resistere, quia minus malim incomparabiliter videtur existere quod eorum obstinata malicia potestate politica sit diminuta et quasi dejecta quam vos et vestri affines,propinquiet amici essetis nimis depauperati, et quasi, quod absit, finaliter abjecti.227.4John Wyndham.227.5Sir Thomas Tuddenham.227.6John Heydon.227.7John Andrews.Seep. 222.228.1Henry Tuddenham.1460 / [OCT.]closing ] in sidenote missing or invisiblevos et vestri affines, propinqui et amicitext has “propinuqi”417FRIAR BRACKLEY TO JOHN PASTON229.1Reverendo magistro meo et amico singulari Johanni Paston armigero detur.1460OCT. (?)Jhesus, Maria, Raphael, Johannes Baptista, Johannes Ewangelista, Franciscus Guardianus, cum Sanctis omnibus, succurant mæstis in tribulationibus. Amen. Præcordialissime domine et amice maxime singularis, Omissis pro præsenti vestri gratitudinis beneficiis mihi sæpius impensis, me humilime vestræ reverenciæ recommendo. Pensetis, quæso, cum omni festinatione possibili instabilem virum, utinam Hibernicum229.2non ingratissimum, cujus nacionis aliquales proprietates sunt istæ:—animo sæva, vultu ferox, torva affatu, versupellis moribus et inconstancia in omnibus bonis viis suis; qui inter cætera magistro Clementi retulit quod expensæ annuales magistri Johannis Fastolff, bonæ memoriæ, secundum fidelem compotum se extendunt omni anno ad octingentas marcas in Norfolch et Suffolch, &c., et quod idem miles vobiscum faciens pactum pro iiij. Ml,&c., fuit purus fatuus; et quod idem vobis donatoriam literarum faciens fuit major fatuus, &c., et quod idem Hibernicus scit deteriorare, et diminuere bona militis ad summam viginti mlmarcarum, &c. Ob reverentiam Jhesu Christi, cavete quod impediatur omnino a suscipiendo onus testamenti quousque verum et integrum compotum reddiderit de defuncti bonis per eum receptis tot annorum evolutis et transactis curriculis, &c. Item, quod non vendat nec alienet maneria, terras, tenementa cum pertinentiis, nec commutat jocalia nec evidenciales literas, nec pecunias per vestrum germanum, W. P., et per ipsum receptas London, Bermondyseye, &c., cum jam sciat de multis ubi sunt, &c. Videtur mihi, salvo saltem vestro meliori judicio, quod de aliis personis et locis est cum omni celeritate possibili prudenter providendum et politice, ne idem W. W. oculis luscus et denigrato colore, in facie fuscus, sit cum W. Yelverton judiceconfederatus, et per Ducem Exoniæ satis tiranizantem supportatus et per suos complices, &c. Sapienti loquor; nam philosophorum princeps ait ‘Cave ab hiis quos natura signavit’; et metrice dicitur:‘Nam fallax faciens mens, mores ac pariformesConcludunt mutuo quod sit quasi fraudis ymago.’Dixi vobis quod non esset pro vobis nec vestris utile in W. W. aliquam confidentiam gerere. Post vestrum didici recessum in 4ornostri collegii famulis duplicibus et falsis cum omni perfidia contra voluntatem militis et ejus executores iniquitatis vinculo confederatis et astrictis, scilicet Colino Gallico, coquinæ clerico, W. W., militis secretario et W. Eton; nunc in promptuario propter Jhesum Christum deleantur de libro vertuose et unanimiter viventium et a modo cum justis nequaquam conscribantur, &c. Est vulgare proverbium ‘Accordyng to ryte reson that to oftyn it is in ceson, that in trust is gret treson.’ Ideo cavete quod Sapiens dicit ‘Qui cito credit, levis est corde.’230.1Et audite scripturæ sacræ sententiam ‘A malo inquit consiliario serva animam tuam,’230.2&c. Nam alibi Sapientis proclamat eloquium: ‘Non est sapientia, non est prudentia, non est consilium contra Dominum.’230.3Hæc ibi. In alienis negociis velox, nec vivax erit, qui in propriis causis piger existit. Rogo attendite et menti imprimite diligenter quod revolvite quomodo poteritis resistere homini tam perverso noxam volenti et nocumentum executoribus inferre. Mens mea particulam evangelii retinet: ‘Si in viridi ligno hoc faciunt in arido quid fiet?’230.4Quasi diceret, si iste W. W. executorum ultimus et merito novissimus et per vestram et magistri Thomæ Howes diligenciam inscriptus tantam proterviam gerit, in hoc quasi exordio, quid in fine maliciose sit facturus? Hoc penitus ignoro. Deo vos vestros et vestra commendo et præsentem causam. Recommendetis me si placeat recommendandis, &c. Scriptum festinanter, hora prima post prandium. W. B., lator præsentis, intendit vobis si placeat humilime et verissime servitorum. Ex Castre in die Sabbathi.Vester ad vota promptissimus,Frater J. B., Minorum minimus.229.1[Add.MS.34,888, f. 158.] This letter appears to be holograph. If we are right that it was written just beforeNo. 418, we may place it early in October 1460.229.2Seep. 213.230.1Eccles. xix. 4.230.2Ibid.xxxvii. 9 (8).230.3Prov. xxi. 30.230.4Luke xxiii. 31.418FRIAR BRACKLEY TO JOHN PASTON231.1Venerando suo magistro, Johanni Paston.Jesus, &c.1460Reverendedomine, &c. Propter Deum caveatis a confidentia in illo nigro Hibernico231.2oculis obliquo et lusco, qui utinam corde, ore et opere non esset obliquior; qui heri misit literam Colino Gallico; de quibus dicitur quod singuli caccant uno ano. Et parvus Adam hodie portavit (?) magistro suo responsum. Idem enim luscus dicit vos esse cupidissimum, quia multum afflixistis debitores patris vestri, persequendo eos cum omni rigore, &c. Item dicit quod cum pater vester fuerit judex ditissimus, quasi nihil fecistis pro eo in distribuendo elemosinam pro anima ejus, et cum nihil feceritis pro patre vestro, quomodo pro magistro Fastolf aliquid facietis? Item dicit ‘Utinam fuissem in morte magistri mei, quia in me ultra omnes homines mundi maxime confisus est,’ &c. Item dicit quod in hora qua obiit magister suus, obviavit sibi unus albus bubo, qui eodem tempore juxta unam ecclesiam continuo clamavit mirabiliter et volavit sæpius iteratis vicibus sub equo suo inter tibias equi sui &c. Item dixit cuidam fratri conventus mei, ‘Magister Brakle accipit super se magnum regimen, &c., et certe, si pecunia legata in ultima voluntate suis servientibus non fuerit in larga habundancia distributa, erit ad magnum dedecus et verecundiam personæ meæ,’ &c. Utinam caveritis ita bene de eo sicut ego cavebo, quia cum sit filius Hibernicus, ego de eo semper minus curabo. Ipse vellet habere bona ex parte sua, &c.Deo teste non fecit (?)232.1vos magistri sui, &c. Hæc omnia et plura dixit idem miser magistro Clementi, a quo hæc omnia et plura didici &c. Item dicit quod vos timetis adire locum parliament quia non vultis præstare pecunias Regi nec Reginæ et aliis; et ideo pigritia vestra in hoc passu erit bonis mortui satis nociva, &c. Ego tot et tanta audivi de illo quod, per Deum, nunquam confidam in illo, &c.; est enim miser multum malencolicus et in toto colericus, et, salva patientia vestra, reddat compotum de singulis antequam capiat onus testamenti, &c.Judex232.2cras venturus est, &c., et sicut se hic gerit vestra caritas notitiam habebit, &c. Rogo detis mihi licentiam recedendi ad conventum Norwici, ad mutandum vestimenta mea propter sudores, &c., et ad studendum pro sermone, &c., ad honorem Dei, &c., qui vos vestros et vestra salvet in sæcula. Amen.Vester orator,Frater J. B.On the back:—Item dixit magistro Clementi quod ipse non vult esse Frere, veni mecum, nec canta secum, nec Dacok, nec facok, nec Frater, lava pedes, &c. Item dicit vos instruxisse magistrum suum contra eum de auferendo evidencias, &c., et ipse plures labores habuit pro eo quam vos vel aliquis alius, &c. Custodite literam ultimo a me vobis missam, &c. Utinam Upton et ipse essent extra locum, &c., quia hic fiunt consumptiones maximæ, &c.Endorsed in a 16th century hand:—A lettre much dispraising W. Wircester, from Doctor Brakley.231.1[From PastonMSS., B.M.] This letter appears by the contents to have been written about the beginning of the Parliament of 1460, to which it would seem Paston did not immediately repair to take his place, thus giving occasion to an insinuation that he did not wish to be called upon to vote money for the King and Queen.231.2Seep. 213.232.1The word is ‘ft’ in theMS.And to make sense of the passage, I must suppose another word to be omitted. ‘Non fecit vosamicummagistri sui,’i.e.he did not make you out to be any friend of his master.232.2William Yelverton.419CHRISTOPHER HANSSON TO JOHN PASTON233.1To the right worshipfull Sir and Maister, John Paston, Escuier, at Norwiche, be this delyvered in hast.1460OCT. 12Rightworschipfull Sir and Maister, I recomaund me un to you. Please you to wete, the Monday after oure Lady Day233.2there come hider to my maister ys place,233.3my Maister Bowser, Sir Harry Ratford, John Clay, and the Harbyger of my Lord of Marche, desyryng that my Lady of York233.4myght lye here untylle the comyng of my Lord of York and hir tw sonnys, my Lorde George233.5and my Lorde Richard,233.6and my Lady Margarete233.7hir dawztyr, whiche y graunt hem in youre name to ly here untylle Mychelmas. And she had not ley here ij. dayes but sche had tythyng of the londyng of my Lord at Chestre. The Tewesday next after, my Lord sent for hir that sche shuld come to hym to Harford [Hereford], and theder sche is gone. And sythe233.8y left here bothe the sunys and the dowztyr, and the Lord of Marche comyth every day to se them.Item, my Lord of York hath dyvers straunge commissions fro the Kyng for to sitte in dyvers townys comyng homward; that is for to sey, in Ludlow, Schrrofysbury, Herford, Leycetre, Coventre, and in other dyvers townys, to punych them by the fawtes to the Kyngs lawys.As for tythyngs here, the Kyng is way at Eltham and at Grenewych to hunt and to sport hym there, bydyng the Parlement,and the Quene and the Prynce byth in Walys alway. And is with hir the Duc of Excestre and other, with a fewe mayne, as men seythe here.And the Duc of Somerset he is in Depe [Dieppe]; withe hym Maister John Ormound, Wyttyngham, Andrew Trollyp, and other dyvers of the garyson of Gyanys, under the Kyng of Fraunce safcondyte, and they seythe here, he porpose hym to go to Walys to the Quene. And the Erle of Wyltschyre234.1is stylle in pece at Otryght at the Frerys [Friars], whiche is seyntwary.Item, Colbyne ys come home to my maister is place, and seyth that, at your departyng234.2ouzt of London, ze send hym word that he schuld come hedder to the place, and be here un tylle your comyng a zene; and so he is here it, and seith he wolle take no maister but be your avyce, nether the leese [nevertheless] awaytythe uppon Maister Oldhall the most parte at Redre234.3at his place.Item, Maister Ponyngs hathe enteret on an two or iij. placys uppon the Erle of Northomberlond, and he stondyth in good grace of the Kyng, my Lord of Marche, my Lord Warwyk, and my Lord of Salysbury. Most parte of the contre abought his lyflod hold aythe withe hym. And my maisteras your sister234.4is not delyverd as yet; God yef hir god delyveraunce.No more to you at this tyme, but and ze wolle comaund me any servyce y may doo, it is redy. And Jesu have you in his blessid kepyng; and I beseche you this letter may comaund me to my maisteras your moder, and my maisteras your wyfe, and alle your houshold.Wreten at London the xij. day of Octobre.Your owne Servaunt,Christofer Hansson.233.1[From Fenn, i. 198.] This letter must have been written in the year 1460, when the Duke of York came over from Ireland, his party having been victorious at the battle of Northampton, and gained possession of the King’s person.233.2The Nativity of Our Lady is on the 8th September. The Monday following was in this year the 15th.233.3Probably Sir John Fastolf’s place in Southwark.233.4Cecily, Duchess of York.233.5Afterwards Duke of Clarence.233.6Afterwards RichardIII.233.7Afterwards Duchess of Burgundy.233.8The modern version in Fenn reads: ‘And she hath left here.’234.1James Butler, Earl of Wiltshire and Ormond.234.2Paston must have left London and gone to Norwich not long before the Parliament, which began on the 7th October; and, as we have already observed, he did not return in time for its commencement.234.3Redriff or Rotherhithe.234.4Elizabeth, wife of Robert Poynings.—SeeNo. 406, p. 217.420ABSTRACT235.1Robert Call to [John Paston].1460(?)OCT. 17Has delivered the horse-litter to Robert Lynne according to his message. Cannot get a farmer for Mauteby. Sends John Deye. He will not pass one combe barley for an acre. He has fourteen acres ‘reasonably well dight to sow on wheat.’ None will take the close at Mauteby at the price agreed upon with Calle by Lynne and Robert Butler.Caister, St. Luke’s Eve.P.S. on the back, unimportant.[From what is said in Margaret Paston’s letter of the 20th October following about the lands at Maultby being unlet, this may perhaps have been written in the same year three days earlier.]235.1[From PastonMSS., B.M.]421THOMAS PLAITER TO JOHN PASTON235.2To my rygth worchipfull and my good maister, John Paston, Esquyer, in hast.1460[OCT.]Rygthworchipfull and my most speciall synguler good maister, I recomend me to you, besechyng your maistership not to be dysplesed with my long taryans, and also to take it to no gref thou it were long or I wrot to you; for in good feyth I wend my self with in sevenygth after Seynt Feythesmesse235.3to have ben at London, and for asmoche as Suthwell235.4desyred me to tarye for evydens gevyng, &c. I promysed hym so to do and tarye tyll the Munday after Seynt Feythesmesse, or tyll the Tewysday sevenyth after at theferthest, and at tho dayes I hard no word fro hym. And so uppon the Thursday after had I word that the under-eschetour schuld sytte at Ocle236.1the Tewysday after Seynt Luce;236.2and so I tarye as yette, and trust verely to be with you the Saterday at the ferthest after Seynt Luce. Item, Sir, if my Maister of the Rolles236.3be not come, I trust to God to com tydely i now, as for the traversys; and if ye besi you to the innyng ther of or I com, Richard Ley schall delyver hem you, if ye send to hym for it; for I left hem with hym to gete hem in if he mygth, and promysed hym a reward for his labour. Item, my maistres236.4and all folkes be heyll and mery, blyssed be Jesu, ho have you in his blyssed governans and proteccion.By your,Thomas Plaiter.235.2[From PastonMSS., B.M.] The writer of this excuses his delay in coming to London, as he had been asked to stay and give evidence before the under-escheator, who was to sit at Acle on Tuesday after St. Luke’s Day. This refers to the inquisition on the lands of Sir John Fastolf, which was taken at Acle on that day in 1460.235.3St. Faith’s Day is on the 6th of October.235.4Richard Southwell, Escheator of Norfolk.236.1Acle in Norfolk.236.2St. Luke’s Day is the 18th October. The Tuesday after it was the 21st in 1460.236.3Thomas de Kirkeby.236.4Margaret Paston.422THOMAS PLAITER TO JOHN PASTON236.5To my maister, John Paston, Esquyer.1460[OCT. 21]A[FTER] my most speciall recomendacion, like your maisterchip wete that the office236.6is taken at Ocle in lyke forme as Suthwell236.7can schew you, for Fraunceys Costard hath sent it hym, and the jentylmen that passed uppon the office wold fynd nor medyll nouther with the tenurs nor ho is next here [heir]. Wherfor if ye wol have other wyse found, Fraunceys Costard hath under take it, but it schal not be by suche men of worchip [as] is yn this. Item, the under-chryf was at Ocle, and ded and sayd to the jentylmen al that ever he cowde to the lette of the matter. And as for Suffolk, I understand they have no warant, so I tarye as yet what cas that everfalle. And if ye wold that I tarye not, that it lyke you by the brynger her of to send me hasty wurd.I send you the names of the jure here in.Your,Thomas Plaiter.On a separate paper formerly enclosed in the preceding is the following List:—Jurati pro Domino Rege.237.1Willelmus Rokewood, armiger, jur’.Johannes Berney, armiger, jur’.Radulphus Lampytte, armiger, jur’.Johannes Byllyngford, armiger, jur’.[Jacobus Arblaster, armiger, jur’.]237.2Willelmus Deymayne, armiger, jur’.Willelmus Dawbeney, armiger, jur’.Willelmus Julles, jur’.Christofre Norwiche, jur’.Thomas Holler, jur’.Johannes Berkyng, jur’.Robert Bryghtlede, jur’.Robertus Spany, jur’.Johannes Bernard, jur’.Rogerus Iryng, jur’.Robertus Townesende.Johannes Grygges de Ranworth, jur’.Robertus Regestre, jur’.Johannes Maunvyle, jur’.Willelmus Rysyng.Johannes Doke.Robertus Jekkes, jur’.Johannes Why[te].Henr[icus] . . . ratte.Car[ol]us Barker.Johannes Cappe.Thomas Paternoster.236.5[From PastonMSS., B.M.] This letter must have been written immediately after the taking of the inquisition referred to in the preceding. The list of the jury who took it is on a separate paper found apart from this letter, in which it was enclosed. The names of those indicated as sworn are identical with those on the official record (Inquisitionspost-mortem, 38 and 39 Hen.VI., No. 48), but seven additional names are included, besides one that is struck out.236.6The inquisition.—Seep. 199, Note 2.236.7Richard Southwell.—Seep. 191.237.1This is a panel of the jury drawn up before the inquisition was taken. The heading and the word ‘jur’’ opposite the names of those sworn have been added afterwards.237.2This name is scored out with the pen.423MARGARET PASTON TO JOHN PASTON238.1To my ryth worchepfull husbond, Jon Paston, be thys delyveryd in hast.1460OCT. 21Rythworchepfull husbonde, I recomand me to yow. Plesyth it yow to weet that I receyvyd yowyr letter that ye sent me by Nycolas Colman on Sonday last past. And as for the mater that ye desyiryd me to breke of to my cosyn Rokwode, it fortunyd so that he came to me on Sonday to dyner sone aftyr that I had yowyr letter; and when we had dynyd, I mevyd to hym ther of in covert termys, as Playter shall informe yow eraftyr. And as I thowt by hym, and so ded Playter also by the langwage that he had to us, that he wold be as feythfull as he kowd or myte be to that good Lorde that ye wrot of, and to yow also, in ony thynge that he kowde or myte do in case wer that he wer set in offyse, so that he myth owte do; and ther to he seyd he wolde be bownde in a ml.li.[£1000] and he was so myche worthe.As for the todyr that ye desyiryd I scholde meve to of the same mater, me semyth he is to yonge to take ony swhyche thyngys up on hym; and also I knowe veryly that he scholl never love feythfully the todyr man that ye desyiryd that he schuld do, for when he rem[em]bryth the tyme that is paste, and ther for I spak not to hym ther of.Thys day was holde a gret day at Okyll238.2befor the undyr schreve and the undyr exchetor, for the mater of Syr Jon Fastolfys londys; and ther was my cosyn Rookwod and my cosyn Jon Berney of Redham, and dyvers odyr jentylmen and thryfty men of the contre; and the mater is well sped aftyr your intent (blyssyd be God!) as ye schall have knowlage of in hast.I suppose Playter schall be with yow on Sonday or on Monday next comyng, if he may. Ye have many good prayers of the poer pepyl that God schuld sped yow at thys Parlement, for they leve in hope that ye schold helpe to set a wey that they myte leve in better pese in thys contre thane they have do befor, and that wollys schold be purveyd for, that they schuld not go owt of thys lond as it hathe be suffryd to do be for, and thane schall the poer pepyll more leve bettyr thane they have do by her ocwpacion ther in.Thomas Bone hathe salde all yowyr wole her for xxd.a stone, and goode swerte fownd to yow ther for, to be payid a Myhellmas next comyng; and it is solde ryth well aftyr that the wole was, for the moste part was ryte febyll. Item, ther be bowt for yow iij. horse at Seynt Feythys feyer, and all be trotterys, ryth fayir horse, God save hem, and they be well kepyd. Item, your myllys at Heylysdon be late [let] for xij. marke, and the myller to fynde the reparacion; and Rychard Calle hathe let all yowyr londys at Caster; but as for Mawtby londys, they be not let yet. Wylliam Whyte hathe payid me a geyne thys daye hys x.li., and I have mad hym a qwetans ther of, be cause I had not hys oblygacion.Ther is gret talkyng in thys contre of the desyir of my Lorde of York.239.1The pepyll reporte full worchepfully of my Lord of Warwyk. They have no fer her but that he and othyr scholde schewe to gret favor to hem that have be rewyllers of thys contre be for tyme.I have done all yowyr erandys to Syr Thomas Howes that ye wrote to me for. I ame rythe glade that ye have sped welle in yowyr materys be twyx Syr Fylyp Wentworthe and yow, and so I pray God ye may do in all othyr materys to hys plesans. As for the wrytyngys that ye desyirid that Playter schulde sende yow, Rychard Call told me that they wer at Herry Barborys, at the Tempyll gate.The mayir239.2and the mayires sent hedyr her dynerys thys day, and Jon Dame came with hem, and they dynyd her. I am beholde to hem, for they have sent to me dyvers tymyssythe ye yed hense. The meyr seyth that ther is no jentylman in Northefolk that he woll do more for than he wole for yow, if it laye in hys poer to do for yow. J. Perse is stylle in prisone, but he wolle not confese more thane he ded when ye wer at home. Edmond Brome was with me, and tolde me that Perse sent for hym for to come spek with hym, and he tolde me that he was with hym and examynyd hym, but he wold not be a knowe to hym that he hade no knowlage wher no goode was of hys masterys more thane he hade knowlageyd to yow. He tolde me that he sent for hym to desyir hym to labor to yow and to me for hym if ye had be at home; and he tolde me that he seyd to hym ayen that he wold never labor for hym but [unless] he myth know that he wer trwe to hys mastyr, thow it lay in hys power to do ryth myche for hym. I suppose it schulde do none harme thow the seyd Perse wer remevyd ferther. I pray to Gode yeve grace that the trowthe may be knowe, and that the dede may have part of hys owne goode. And the blissyd Trinyte have yow in Hys kepyng.Wretyn in hast at Heylysden the Tuesday next aftyr Seynt Lwke.Be yowyrs,M. P.238.1[From Fenn, iv. 194.] Reference is made in this letter, as in the preceding, to the holding of the inquisition on Sir John Fastolf’s lands at Acle, which was on Tuesday the 21st October 1460, the day this letter was written.238.2Acle, in Norfolk.239.1The claim made by Richard, Duke of York, to the Crown in Parliament on the 17 October 1460.239.2John Gilbert, Mayor of Norwich.424PIERS TO MARGARET PASTON240.1To myn right reverent and worchipphull Maisterez Paston, be this delivered.1460Rightreverent and wurchippfull maisteres, I recomaunde me un to yow, beseching yow of your good maisteresshipp to be myn good maisteres to help wit your gracious woord un to myn right reverent and wurchipphullmaister and your to take of me, his pore presoner and your, suerte queche I xall fynd to be bounde for me to brynge me un to all answere, in to the tyme that myn maister and ze have dimisse me wit myn suerte. And bescheche your good maistereschipp to prey myn mayster that he will yeve yow lycense wit his wurchippfull counsaill and youre, in case that myn maister may nout tarie, that ze in his absence may take myn seid suerte. And if it please his heyghnesse and youre, that I may have answere ayene be the bryngere of this, and here up I xall send for myn suertes, queche I trust in Good xul be to your plesure. No more att this tyme. I prey God evyr have yow in kepyng.Be your pore presonere,Piers, sum tyme the servaunt ofJohn of Berneye.240.1This and the letter following appear to have been written by the prisoner spoken of in the end of Margaret Paston’s letter immediately preceding. We have accordingly placed them here as belonging to the same period, though from a subsequent letter (No. 462) we may rather surmise that this first of the two was written in 1461.425PERSE TO SIR ROBERT ROKESBY241.1To my right worschipfull Sir, Robert Rokysby.1460Ryghtwurshipfull Sir, I recomaunde me to you, besechyng you, of your goode mastership, that ye wol wechesafe to speeke to Richard Kowven that he myght brynge me or sende me the money that is betwen hym and me in all the haste that he maye, for in goode feythe I hadde never more neede for to have help of my goode as I have at this tyme, for, Godwot, it stonde right straunge with me; for the false chayler that kepeth me entretethe me worse thanne it weere a dogge, for I am feterid worse thanne ever I whas, and manacled in the hands by the daye and nyght, for he is a feerde of me for brekyng a weye. He makethe false tales of me, throw the means of a false qwene that was tendyng to a Frensheman that is presoner to my Lord Roose,241.2and for be cause of that he bronde me every day be John of Berney, that is goone to the tother Lords;242.1but I truste to God oonys to qwite hys meede. And, Sir, I thanke you mekel of that ye have doone for me or seide; and, Sir, I shal deserve it a yenst yow, be the grace of God, for i’ feythe I am be holden to you more thane to all men that ever I founde syn I cam in preson.No more to you at this tyme, but God have you in His kepyng.Be your servaunt and bedman,Perse.

226.2Alice, widow of William, Duke of Suffolk.

226.3John de la Pole, second Duke of Suffolk. He married Elizabeth, the Duke of York’s daughter.

226.4George Nevill, Bishop of Exeter.

226.5Richard Nevill, Earl of Salisbury.

227.1Psalm ci. (or cii.) 18.

227.2Psalm lxviii. (or lxix.) 28.

227.3‘Feria quarta’ means Wednesday.

1460[OCT.]

Jesus, Maria, &c. Reverende domine, si contingat ut sitis Londoniæ hoc termino in principio parliamenti, hæc poteritis in secretis dicere domino Warwik ac domino Cancellario, quomodo Johannes W.227.4apud Felbrigg jacet cum manu forti contra pacem domini Regis et patriæ, qui quantum valere potest est hostis publicus et inimicus capitalis domini Regis et suorum fidelium dominorum utilitatem rei publicæ et communitatem Angliæ diligentium, pro quo taliter esset modo indilate et cum omni festinacione possibili providendum quod esset commissio directa sub pœna ligeanciæ et pœna mortis et privatione bonorum vicecomiti, domino M. Stapilton, domino W. Chambirleyn, W. Yelverton justiciario, W. Calthorp, Johanni Twyre, Johanni Geney, T. Gurnay, Johanni Fyncham, Johanni Yelverton Juniori, Edmundo Bokyngham, Johanni Gros, Johanni Dam, Johanni Lomenour, Jacobo Arblaster, T. Denys, ut assistant sub pœna prædicta sex primis militibus et armigeris ad excitandum populum de patria pro domino T. T.,227.5J. H.,227.6P. Wentworthe, J. A.,227.7T. Danyel, H. Hunton, J. Wode, W. Prentys, S. Gunnor, H. Todynham, Joh. Wyndham, Palmere Ballivo de Costsey, T. Brygge, et suis complicibus subito et secretiori modo capiendo et versus London adducendo cum manu forti, et in Turri vel Newgate firmitercum Thorp de Scacario carcere collocando, &c. Et tunc eorum clientes et eis adhærentes non possent, ymmo nec auderent, nocere populo patriæ bonæ disposicionis. Certe si in hac parte fideliter laborare in effectu volueritis, dominus Comes Warwic, et omnes sibi et suis benivoli essent vobis multiformiter obligati, et tunc esset in Norffolchia mansio concors et valde pacificus. Utinam bona voluntas vestra non sit in hac materia pigra, &c.2º. Item, quod Episcopus Norwicensis esset in curia Regis ad tempus, vel in parliamento omnino, quia hic parvum bonum facit, nisi supportando iniquos et paci patriæ contrarios; est enim satis dives ad comprestandum pecunias Regi in necessitate sua. Ipse enim cum ducissa Suff. et aliis personis prænominatis sunt Reginæ et principi maxime favorabiles cum totis suis viribus; et ideo maxime expediens est parti Regis et comitis Warwic subtrahere, diminuere, et pocius opprimere, vires omnium illorum prædictorum eis et suis continue malignantium ex adverso, &c.3º. Item, vos et vestri præmunire poteritis, si placeat, Doctores Kyrry et Godard quomodo fama communis hic volat continue per Boreales et eorum fautores quod Regina ac sui firmiter statuerunt unanimi decreto ipsos doctores et me non solum morti ignominiose tradere sed etiam generaliter omnes Fratres Minores citra flumen Trent commorantes interfici facere. Sed Magister Vergeant cum socio qui in sermonibus Reginam cum principe solempniter recommendat et in suis missis Reginam nominatim specificat per instanciam Ducissæ Suff. erit cum socio privilegiatus ab hac punicione.4º. Item, bonum esset quod juvenis dux Suff. cum suis militibus et armigeris uteretur suis calcaribus et jam probaretur in bello cui esset fidelis, an caro vel piscis. Si T. T. cum suis prius recitatis essent unde memorati in parliamento a dominis et communibus, non dubium quin puniti essent causatores insurrectionis falsorum Regis contra Comitem Warwic apud pontem Westmonasterii, &c.5º. Item, memorari dignetur dominus Comes Warwic quomodo T. T., J. H., J. A., et H. T.,228.1J. W. et cæteri gravissime comminantur priorem Wals’ [Walsingham], &c.6º. Item, caveant Comes Marchiæ et Comes Warwic ne quovis modo sit inter eos controversia, sed sint omnino unanimes et concordes, nec aliqua cupiditas consiliariorum suorum faveat alicui eorum adversario propter lucrum bonorum in finalem deperdicionem ipsorum et amicorum suorum.7º. Item, fiat per decretum parliamenti diminutio juris peritorum ac legis attornatorum Suff. et Norff. punicioque taxata singulorum oppressorum, generosos ac eorum liberos, nativosque tenentes cotidie et annuatim gravissime infestancium.8º. Continue ac continue cordialiter cogitate ac scrutinio diligenti sæpius revolvite quomodo inimici vestri et adversarii antiqui, spiritu rancoris et invidiæ maliciose agitati, nituntur pro posse suo, et totis viribus, vos, et vostros vobis benevolos funditus destruere et finaliter deperdere, quod absit omnino; quare ex naturali legis dictamine potestis et debetis vim vi volenter ac potenter reprimere ac repellere et eorum maliciis inveteratis virili congressu rigorose resistere, quia minus malim incomparabiliter videtur existere quod eorum obstinata malicia potestate politica sit diminuta et quasi dejecta quam vos et vestri affines,propinquiet amici essetis nimis depauperati, et quasi, quod absit, finaliter abjecti.

2º. Item, quod Episcopus Norwicensis esset in curia Regis ad tempus, vel in parliamento omnino, quia hic parvum bonum facit, nisi supportando iniquos et paci patriæ contrarios; est enim satis dives ad comprestandum pecunias Regi in necessitate sua. Ipse enim cum ducissa Suff. et aliis personis prænominatis sunt Reginæ et principi maxime favorabiles cum totis suis viribus; et ideo maxime expediens est parti Regis et comitis Warwic subtrahere, diminuere, et pocius opprimere, vires omnium illorum prædictorum eis et suis continue malignantium ex adverso, &c.

3º. Item, vos et vestri præmunire poteritis, si placeat, Doctores Kyrry et Godard quomodo fama communis hic volat continue per Boreales et eorum fautores quod Regina ac sui firmiter statuerunt unanimi decreto ipsos doctores et me non solum morti ignominiose tradere sed etiam generaliter omnes Fratres Minores citra flumen Trent commorantes interfici facere. Sed Magister Vergeant cum socio qui in sermonibus Reginam cum principe solempniter recommendat et in suis missis Reginam nominatim specificat per instanciam Ducissæ Suff. erit cum socio privilegiatus ab hac punicione.

4º. Item, bonum esset quod juvenis dux Suff. cum suis militibus et armigeris uteretur suis calcaribus et jam probaretur in bello cui esset fidelis, an caro vel piscis. Si T. T. cum suis prius recitatis essent unde memorati in parliamento a dominis et communibus, non dubium quin puniti essent causatores insurrectionis falsorum Regis contra Comitem Warwic apud pontem Westmonasterii, &c.

5º. Item, memorari dignetur dominus Comes Warwic quomodo T. T., J. H., J. A., et H. T.,228.1J. W. et cæteri gravissime comminantur priorem Wals’ [Walsingham], &c.

6º. Item, caveant Comes Marchiæ et Comes Warwic ne quovis modo sit inter eos controversia, sed sint omnino unanimes et concordes, nec aliqua cupiditas consiliariorum suorum faveat alicui eorum adversario propter lucrum bonorum in finalem deperdicionem ipsorum et amicorum suorum.

7º. Item, fiat per decretum parliamenti diminutio juris peritorum ac legis attornatorum Suff. et Norff. punicioque taxata singulorum oppressorum, generosos ac eorum liberos, nativosque tenentes cotidie et annuatim gravissime infestancium.

8º. Continue ac continue cordialiter cogitate ac scrutinio diligenti sæpius revolvite quomodo inimici vestri et adversarii antiqui, spiritu rancoris et invidiæ maliciose agitati, nituntur pro posse suo, et totis viribus, vos, et vostros vobis benevolos funditus destruere et finaliter deperdere, quod absit omnino; quare ex naturali legis dictamine potestis et debetis vim vi volenter ac potenter reprimere ac repellere et eorum maliciis inveteratis virili congressu rigorose resistere, quia minus malim incomparabiliter videtur existere quod eorum obstinata malicia potestate politica sit diminuta et quasi dejecta quam vos et vestri affines,propinquiet amici essetis nimis depauperati, et quasi, quod absit, finaliter abjecti.

227.4John Wyndham.227.5Sir Thomas Tuddenham.227.6John Heydon.227.7John Andrews.Seep. 222.228.1Henry Tuddenham.

227.4John Wyndham.

227.5Sir Thomas Tuddenham.

227.6John Heydon.

227.7John Andrews.Seep. 222.

228.1Henry Tuddenham.

1460 / [OCT.]closing ] in sidenote missing or invisiblevos et vestri affines, propinqui et amicitext has “propinuqi”

1460 / [OCT.]closing ] in sidenote missing or invisible

vos et vestri affines, propinqui et amicitext has “propinuqi”

Reverendo magistro meo et amico singulari Johanni Paston armigero detur.

1460OCT. (?)

Jhesus, Maria, Raphael, Johannes Baptista, Johannes Ewangelista, Franciscus Guardianus, cum Sanctis omnibus, succurant mæstis in tribulationibus. Amen. Præcordialissime domine et amice maxime singularis, Omissis pro præsenti vestri gratitudinis beneficiis mihi sæpius impensis, me humilime vestræ reverenciæ recommendo. Pensetis, quæso, cum omni festinatione possibili instabilem virum, utinam Hibernicum229.2non ingratissimum, cujus nacionis aliquales proprietates sunt istæ:—animo sæva, vultu ferox, torva affatu, versupellis moribus et inconstancia in omnibus bonis viis suis; qui inter cætera magistro Clementi retulit quod expensæ annuales magistri Johannis Fastolff, bonæ memoriæ, secundum fidelem compotum se extendunt omni anno ad octingentas marcas in Norfolch et Suffolch, &c., et quod idem miles vobiscum faciens pactum pro iiij. Ml,&c., fuit purus fatuus; et quod idem vobis donatoriam literarum faciens fuit major fatuus, &c., et quod idem Hibernicus scit deteriorare, et diminuere bona militis ad summam viginti mlmarcarum, &c. Ob reverentiam Jhesu Christi, cavete quod impediatur omnino a suscipiendo onus testamenti quousque verum et integrum compotum reddiderit de defuncti bonis per eum receptis tot annorum evolutis et transactis curriculis, &c. Item, quod non vendat nec alienet maneria, terras, tenementa cum pertinentiis, nec commutat jocalia nec evidenciales literas, nec pecunias per vestrum germanum, W. P., et per ipsum receptas London, Bermondyseye, &c., cum jam sciat de multis ubi sunt, &c. Videtur mihi, salvo saltem vestro meliori judicio, quod de aliis personis et locis est cum omni celeritate possibili prudenter providendum et politice, ne idem W. W. oculis luscus et denigrato colore, in facie fuscus, sit cum W. Yelverton judiceconfederatus, et per Ducem Exoniæ satis tiranizantem supportatus et per suos complices, &c. Sapienti loquor; nam philosophorum princeps ait ‘Cave ab hiis quos natura signavit’; et metrice dicitur:

‘Nam fallax faciens mens, mores ac pariformesConcludunt mutuo quod sit quasi fraudis ymago.’

‘Nam fallax faciens mens, mores ac pariformes

Concludunt mutuo quod sit quasi fraudis ymago.’

Dixi vobis quod non esset pro vobis nec vestris utile in W. W. aliquam confidentiam gerere. Post vestrum didici recessum in 4ornostri collegii famulis duplicibus et falsis cum omni perfidia contra voluntatem militis et ejus executores iniquitatis vinculo confederatis et astrictis, scilicet Colino Gallico, coquinæ clerico, W. W., militis secretario et W. Eton; nunc in promptuario propter Jhesum Christum deleantur de libro vertuose et unanimiter viventium et a modo cum justis nequaquam conscribantur, &c. Est vulgare proverbium ‘Accordyng to ryte reson that to oftyn it is in ceson, that in trust is gret treson.’ Ideo cavete quod Sapiens dicit ‘Qui cito credit, levis est corde.’230.1Et audite scripturæ sacræ sententiam ‘A malo inquit consiliario serva animam tuam,’230.2&c. Nam alibi Sapientis proclamat eloquium: ‘Non est sapientia, non est prudentia, non est consilium contra Dominum.’230.3Hæc ibi. In alienis negociis velox, nec vivax erit, qui in propriis causis piger existit. Rogo attendite et menti imprimite diligenter quod revolvite quomodo poteritis resistere homini tam perverso noxam volenti et nocumentum executoribus inferre. Mens mea particulam evangelii retinet: ‘Si in viridi ligno hoc faciunt in arido quid fiet?’230.4Quasi diceret, si iste W. W. executorum ultimus et merito novissimus et per vestram et magistri Thomæ Howes diligenciam inscriptus tantam proterviam gerit, in hoc quasi exordio, quid in fine maliciose sit facturus? Hoc penitus ignoro. Deo vos vestros et vestra commendo et præsentem causam. Recommendetis me si placeat recommendandis, &c. Scriptum festinanter, hora prima post prandium. W. B., lator præsentis, intendit vobis si placeat humilime et verissime servitorum. Ex Castre in die Sabbathi.

Vester ad vota promptissimus,Frater J. B., Minorum minimus.

229.1[Add.MS.34,888, f. 158.] This letter appears to be holograph. If we are right that it was written just beforeNo. 418, we may place it early in October 1460.229.2Seep. 213.230.1Eccles. xix. 4.230.2Ibid.xxxvii. 9 (8).230.3Prov. xxi. 30.230.4Luke xxiii. 31.

229.1[Add.MS.34,888, f. 158.] This letter appears to be holograph. If we are right that it was written just beforeNo. 418, we may place it early in October 1460.

229.2Seep. 213.

230.1Eccles. xix. 4.

230.2Ibid.xxxvii. 9 (8).

230.3Prov. xxi. 30.

230.4Luke xxiii. 31.

Venerando suo magistro, Johanni Paston.

Jesus, &c.

1460

Reverendedomine, &c. Propter Deum caveatis a confidentia in illo nigro Hibernico231.2oculis obliquo et lusco, qui utinam corde, ore et opere non esset obliquior; qui heri misit literam Colino Gallico; de quibus dicitur quod singuli caccant uno ano. Et parvus Adam hodie portavit (?) magistro suo responsum. Idem enim luscus dicit vos esse cupidissimum, quia multum afflixistis debitores patris vestri, persequendo eos cum omni rigore, &c. Item dicit quod cum pater vester fuerit judex ditissimus, quasi nihil fecistis pro eo in distribuendo elemosinam pro anima ejus, et cum nihil feceritis pro patre vestro, quomodo pro magistro Fastolf aliquid facietis? Item dicit ‘Utinam fuissem in morte magistri mei, quia in me ultra omnes homines mundi maxime confisus est,’ &c. Item dicit quod in hora qua obiit magister suus, obviavit sibi unus albus bubo, qui eodem tempore juxta unam ecclesiam continuo clamavit mirabiliter et volavit sæpius iteratis vicibus sub equo suo inter tibias equi sui &c. Item dixit cuidam fratri conventus mei, ‘Magister Brakle accipit super se magnum regimen, &c., et certe, si pecunia legata in ultima voluntate suis servientibus non fuerit in larga habundancia distributa, erit ad magnum dedecus et verecundiam personæ meæ,’ &c. Utinam caveritis ita bene de eo sicut ego cavebo, quia cum sit filius Hibernicus, ego de eo semper minus curabo. Ipse vellet habere bona ex parte sua, &c.Deo teste non fecit (?)232.1vos magistri sui, &c. Hæc omnia et plura dixit idem miser magistro Clementi, a quo hæc omnia et plura didici &c. Item dicit quod vos timetis adire locum parliament quia non vultis præstare pecunias Regi nec Reginæ et aliis; et ideo pigritia vestra in hoc passu erit bonis mortui satis nociva, &c. Ego tot et tanta audivi de illo quod, per Deum, nunquam confidam in illo, &c.; est enim miser multum malencolicus et in toto colericus, et, salva patientia vestra, reddat compotum de singulis antequam capiat onus testamenti, &c.

Judex232.2cras venturus est, &c., et sicut se hic gerit vestra caritas notitiam habebit, &c. Rogo detis mihi licentiam recedendi ad conventum Norwici, ad mutandum vestimenta mea propter sudores, &c., et ad studendum pro sermone, &c., ad honorem Dei, &c., qui vos vestros et vestra salvet in sæcula. Amen.Vester orator,Frater J. B.

On the back:—Item dixit magistro Clementi quod ipse non vult esse Frere, veni mecum, nec canta secum, nec Dacok, nec facok, nec Frater, lava pedes, &c. Item dicit vos instruxisse magistrum suum contra eum de auferendo evidencias, &c., et ipse plures labores habuit pro eo quam vos vel aliquis alius, &c. Custodite literam ultimo a me vobis missam, &c. Utinam Upton et ipse essent extra locum, &c., quia hic fiunt consumptiones maximæ, &c.

Endorsed in a 16th century hand:—A lettre much dispraising W. Wircester, from Doctor Brakley.

231.1[From PastonMSS., B.M.] This letter appears by the contents to have been written about the beginning of the Parliament of 1460, to which it would seem Paston did not immediately repair to take his place, thus giving occasion to an insinuation that he did not wish to be called upon to vote money for the King and Queen.231.2Seep. 213.232.1The word is ‘ft’ in theMS.And to make sense of the passage, I must suppose another word to be omitted. ‘Non fecit vosamicummagistri sui,’i.e.he did not make you out to be any friend of his master.232.2William Yelverton.

231.2Seep. 213.

232.1The word is ‘ft’ in theMS.And to make sense of the passage, I must suppose another word to be omitted. ‘Non fecit vosamicummagistri sui,’i.e.he did not make you out to be any friend of his master.

232.2William Yelverton.

To the right worshipfull Sir and Maister, John Paston, Escuier, at Norwiche, be this delyvered in hast.

1460OCT. 12

Rightworschipfull Sir and Maister, I recomaund me un to you. Please you to wete, the Monday after oure Lady Day233.2there come hider to my maister ys place,233.3my Maister Bowser, Sir Harry Ratford, John Clay, and the Harbyger of my Lord of Marche, desyryng that my Lady of York233.4myght lye here untylle the comyng of my Lord of York and hir tw sonnys, my Lorde George233.5and my Lorde Richard,233.6and my Lady Margarete233.7hir dawztyr, whiche y graunt hem in youre name to ly here untylle Mychelmas. And she had not ley here ij. dayes but sche had tythyng of the londyng of my Lord at Chestre. The Tewesday next after, my Lord sent for hir that sche shuld come to hym to Harford [Hereford], and theder sche is gone. And sythe233.8y left here bothe the sunys and the dowztyr, and the Lord of Marche comyth every day to se them.

Item, my Lord of York hath dyvers straunge commissions fro the Kyng for to sitte in dyvers townys comyng homward; that is for to sey, in Ludlow, Schrrofysbury, Herford, Leycetre, Coventre, and in other dyvers townys, to punych them by the fawtes to the Kyngs lawys.

As for tythyngs here, the Kyng is way at Eltham and at Grenewych to hunt and to sport hym there, bydyng the Parlement,and the Quene and the Prynce byth in Walys alway. And is with hir the Duc of Excestre and other, with a fewe mayne, as men seythe here.

And the Duc of Somerset he is in Depe [Dieppe]; withe hym Maister John Ormound, Wyttyngham, Andrew Trollyp, and other dyvers of the garyson of Gyanys, under the Kyng of Fraunce safcondyte, and they seythe here, he porpose hym to go to Walys to the Quene. And the Erle of Wyltschyre234.1is stylle in pece at Otryght at the Frerys [Friars], whiche is seyntwary.

Item, Colbyne ys come home to my maister is place, and seyth that, at your departyng234.2ouzt of London, ze send hym word that he schuld come hedder to the place, and be here un tylle your comyng a zene; and so he is here it, and seith he wolle take no maister but be your avyce, nether the leese [nevertheless] awaytythe uppon Maister Oldhall the most parte at Redre234.3at his place.

Item, Maister Ponyngs hathe enteret on an two or iij. placys uppon the Erle of Northomberlond, and he stondyth in good grace of the Kyng, my Lord of Marche, my Lord Warwyk, and my Lord of Salysbury. Most parte of the contre abought his lyflod hold aythe withe hym. And my maisteras your sister234.4is not delyverd as yet; God yef hir god delyveraunce.

No more to you at this tyme, but and ze wolle comaund me any servyce y may doo, it is redy. And Jesu have you in his blessid kepyng; and I beseche you this letter may comaund me to my maisteras your moder, and my maisteras your wyfe, and alle your houshold.

Wreten at London the xij. day of Octobre.Your owne Servaunt,Christofer Hansson.

233.1[From Fenn, i. 198.] This letter must have been written in the year 1460, when the Duke of York came over from Ireland, his party having been victorious at the battle of Northampton, and gained possession of the King’s person.233.2The Nativity of Our Lady is on the 8th September. The Monday following was in this year the 15th.233.3Probably Sir John Fastolf’s place in Southwark.233.4Cecily, Duchess of York.233.5Afterwards Duke of Clarence.233.6Afterwards RichardIII.233.7Afterwards Duchess of Burgundy.233.8The modern version in Fenn reads: ‘And she hath left here.’234.1James Butler, Earl of Wiltshire and Ormond.234.2Paston must have left London and gone to Norwich not long before the Parliament, which began on the 7th October; and, as we have already observed, he did not return in time for its commencement.234.3Redriff or Rotherhithe.234.4Elizabeth, wife of Robert Poynings.—SeeNo. 406, p. 217.

233.2The Nativity of Our Lady is on the 8th September. The Monday following was in this year the 15th.

233.3Probably Sir John Fastolf’s place in Southwark.

233.4Cecily, Duchess of York.

233.5Afterwards Duke of Clarence.

233.6Afterwards RichardIII.

233.7Afterwards Duchess of Burgundy.

233.8The modern version in Fenn reads: ‘And she hath left here.’

234.1James Butler, Earl of Wiltshire and Ormond.

234.2Paston must have left London and gone to Norwich not long before the Parliament, which began on the 7th October; and, as we have already observed, he did not return in time for its commencement.

234.3Redriff or Rotherhithe.

234.4Elizabeth, wife of Robert Poynings.—SeeNo. 406, p. 217.

Robert Call to [John Paston].

1460(?)OCT. 17

Has delivered the horse-litter to Robert Lynne according to his message. Cannot get a farmer for Mauteby. Sends John Deye. He will not pass one combe barley for an acre. He has fourteen acres ‘reasonably well dight to sow on wheat.’ None will take the close at Mauteby at the price agreed upon with Calle by Lynne and Robert Butler.Caister, St. Luke’s Eve.P.S. on the back, unimportant.

Caister, St. Luke’s Eve.

P.S. on the back, unimportant.

[From what is said in Margaret Paston’s letter of the 20th October following about the lands at Maultby being unlet, this may perhaps have been written in the same year three days earlier.]

235.1[From PastonMSS., B.M.]

To my rygth worchipfull and my good maister, John Paston, Esquyer, in hast.

1460[OCT.]

Rygthworchipfull and my most speciall synguler good maister, I recomend me to you, besechyng your maistership not to be dysplesed with my long taryans, and also to take it to no gref thou it were long or I wrot to you; for in good feyth I wend my self with in sevenygth after Seynt Feythesmesse235.3to have ben at London, and for asmoche as Suthwell235.4desyred me to tarye for evydens gevyng, &c. I promysed hym so to do and tarye tyll the Munday after Seynt Feythesmesse, or tyll the Tewysday sevenyth after at theferthest, and at tho dayes I hard no word fro hym. And so uppon the Thursday after had I word that the under-eschetour schuld sytte at Ocle236.1the Tewysday after Seynt Luce;236.2and so I tarye as yette, and trust verely to be with you the Saterday at the ferthest after Seynt Luce. Item, Sir, if my Maister of the Rolles236.3be not come, I trust to God to com tydely i now, as for the traversys; and if ye besi you to the innyng ther of or I com, Richard Ley schall delyver hem you, if ye send to hym for it; for I left hem with hym to gete hem in if he mygth, and promysed hym a reward for his labour. Item, my maistres236.4and all folkes be heyll and mery, blyssed be Jesu, ho have you in his blyssed governans and proteccion.By your,Thomas Plaiter.

235.2[From PastonMSS., B.M.] The writer of this excuses his delay in coming to London, as he had been asked to stay and give evidence before the under-escheator, who was to sit at Acle on Tuesday after St. Luke’s Day. This refers to the inquisition on the lands of Sir John Fastolf, which was taken at Acle on that day in 1460.235.3St. Faith’s Day is on the 6th of October.235.4Richard Southwell, Escheator of Norfolk.236.1Acle in Norfolk.236.2St. Luke’s Day is the 18th October. The Tuesday after it was the 21st in 1460.236.3Thomas de Kirkeby.236.4Margaret Paston.

235.3St. Faith’s Day is on the 6th of October.

235.4Richard Southwell, Escheator of Norfolk.

236.1Acle in Norfolk.

236.2St. Luke’s Day is the 18th October. The Tuesday after it was the 21st in 1460.

236.3Thomas de Kirkeby.

236.4Margaret Paston.

To my maister, John Paston, Esquyer.

1460[OCT. 21]

A[FTER] my most speciall recomendacion, like your maisterchip wete that the office236.6is taken at Ocle in lyke forme as Suthwell236.7can schew you, for Fraunceys Costard hath sent it hym, and the jentylmen that passed uppon the office wold fynd nor medyll nouther with the tenurs nor ho is next here [heir]. Wherfor if ye wol have other wyse found, Fraunceys Costard hath under take it, but it schal not be by suche men of worchip [as] is yn this. Item, the under-chryf was at Ocle, and ded and sayd to the jentylmen al that ever he cowde to the lette of the matter. And as for Suffolk, I understand they have no warant, so I tarye as yet what cas that everfalle. And if ye wold that I tarye not, that it lyke you by the brynger her of to send me hasty wurd.

I send you the names of the jure here in.Your,Thomas Plaiter.

On a separate paper formerly enclosed in the preceding is the following List:—

Willelmus Rokewood, armiger, jur’.Johannes Berney, armiger, jur’.Radulphus Lampytte, armiger, jur’.Johannes Byllyngford, armiger, jur’.[Jacobus Arblaster, armiger, jur’.]237.2Willelmus Deymayne, armiger, jur’.Willelmus Dawbeney, armiger, jur’.Willelmus Julles, jur’.Christofre Norwiche, jur’.Thomas Holler, jur’.Johannes Berkyng, jur’.Robert Bryghtlede, jur’.Robertus Spany, jur’.Johannes Bernard, jur’.Rogerus Iryng, jur’.Robertus Townesende.Johannes Grygges de Ranworth, jur’.Robertus Regestre, jur’.Johannes Maunvyle, jur’.Willelmus Rysyng.Johannes Doke.Robertus Jekkes, jur’.Johannes Why[te].Henr[icus] . . . ratte.Car[ol]us Barker.Johannes Cappe.Thomas Paternoster.

Willelmus Rokewood, armiger, jur’.

Johannes Berney, armiger, jur’.

Radulphus Lampytte, armiger, jur’.

Johannes Byllyngford, armiger, jur’.

[Jacobus Arblaster, armiger, jur’.]237.2

Willelmus Deymayne, armiger, jur’.

Willelmus Dawbeney, armiger, jur’.

Willelmus Julles, jur’.

Christofre Norwiche, jur’.

Thomas Holler, jur’.

Johannes Berkyng, jur’.

Robert Bryghtlede, jur’.

Robertus Spany, jur’.

Johannes Bernard, jur’.

Rogerus Iryng, jur’.

Robertus Townesende.

Johannes Grygges de Ranworth, jur’.

Robertus Regestre, jur’.

Johannes Maunvyle, jur’.

Willelmus Rysyng.

Johannes Doke.

Robertus Jekkes, jur’.

Johannes Why[te].

Henr[icus] . . . ratte.

Car[ol]us Barker.

Johannes Cappe.

Thomas Paternoster.

236.5[From PastonMSS., B.M.] This letter must have been written immediately after the taking of the inquisition referred to in the preceding. The list of the jury who took it is on a separate paper found apart from this letter, in which it was enclosed. The names of those indicated as sworn are identical with those on the official record (Inquisitionspost-mortem, 38 and 39 Hen.VI., No. 48), but seven additional names are included, besides one that is struck out.236.6The inquisition.—Seep. 199, Note 2.236.7Richard Southwell.—Seep. 191.237.1This is a panel of the jury drawn up before the inquisition was taken. The heading and the word ‘jur’’ opposite the names of those sworn have been added afterwards.237.2This name is scored out with the pen.

236.6The inquisition.—Seep. 199, Note 2.

236.7Richard Southwell.—Seep. 191.

237.1This is a panel of the jury drawn up before the inquisition was taken. The heading and the word ‘jur’’ opposite the names of those sworn have been added afterwards.

237.2This name is scored out with the pen.

To my ryth worchepfull husbond, Jon Paston, be thys delyveryd in hast.

1460OCT. 21

Rythworchepfull husbonde, I recomand me to yow. Plesyth it yow to weet that I receyvyd yowyr letter that ye sent me by Nycolas Colman on Sonday last past. And as for the mater that ye desyiryd me to breke of to my cosyn Rokwode, it fortunyd so that he came to me on Sonday to dyner sone aftyr that I had yowyr letter; and when we had dynyd, I mevyd to hym ther of in covert termys, as Playter shall informe yow eraftyr. And as I thowt by hym, and so ded Playter also by the langwage that he had to us, that he wold be as feythfull as he kowd or myte be to that good Lorde that ye wrot of, and to yow also, in ony thynge that he kowde or myte do in case wer that he wer set in offyse, so that he myth owte do; and ther to he seyd he wolde be bownde in a ml.li.[£1000] and he was so myche worthe.

As for the todyr that ye desyiryd I scholde meve to of the same mater, me semyth he is to yonge to take ony swhyche thyngys up on hym; and also I knowe veryly that he scholl never love feythfully the todyr man that ye desyiryd that he schuld do, for when he rem[em]bryth the tyme that is paste, and ther for I spak not to hym ther of.

Thys day was holde a gret day at Okyll238.2befor the undyr schreve and the undyr exchetor, for the mater of Syr Jon Fastolfys londys; and ther was my cosyn Rookwod and my cosyn Jon Berney of Redham, and dyvers odyr jentylmen and thryfty men of the contre; and the mater is well sped aftyr your intent (blyssyd be God!) as ye schall have knowlage of in hast.

I suppose Playter schall be with yow on Sonday or on Monday next comyng, if he may. Ye have many good prayers of the poer pepyl that God schuld sped yow at thys Parlement, for they leve in hope that ye schold helpe to set a wey that they myte leve in better pese in thys contre thane they have do befor, and that wollys schold be purveyd for, that they schuld not go owt of thys lond as it hathe be suffryd to do be for, and thane schall the poer pepyll more leve bettyr thane they have do by her ocwpacion ther in.

Thomas Bone hathe salde all yowyr wole her for xxd.a stone, and goode swerte fownd to yow ther for, to be payid a Myhellmas next comyng; and it is solde ryth well aftyr that the wole was, for the moste part was ryte febyll. Item, ther be bowt for yow iij. horse at Seynt Feythys feyer, and all be trotterys, ryth fayir horse, God save hem, and they be well kepyd. Item, your myllys at Heylysdon be late [let] for xij. marke, and the myller to fynde the reparacion; and Rychard Calle hathe let all yowyr londys at Caster; but as for Mawtby londys, they be not let yet. Wylliam Whyte hathe payid me a geyne thys daye hys x.li., and I have mad hym a qwetans ther of, be cause I had not hys oblygacion.

Ther is gret talkyng in thys contre of the desyir of my Lorde of York.239.1The pepyll reporte full worchepfully of my Lord of Warwyk. They have no fer her but that he and othyr scholde schewe to gret favor to hem that have be rewyllers of thys contre be for tyme.

I have done all yowyr erandys to Syr Thomas Howes that ye wrote to me for. I ame rythe glade that ye have sped welle in yowyr materys be twyx Syr Fylyp Wentworthe and yow, and so I pray God ye may do in all othyr materys to hys plesans. As for the wrytyngys that ye desyirid that Playter schulde sende yow, Rychard Call told me that they wer at Herry Barborys, at the Tempyll gate.

The mayir239.2and the mayires sent hedyr her dynerys thys day, and Jon Dame came with hem, and they dynyd her. I am beholde to hem, for they have sent to me dyvers tymyssythe ye yed hense. The meyr seyth that ther is no jentylman in Northefolk that he woll do more for than he wole for yow, if it laye in hys poer to do for yow. J. Perse is stylle in prisone, but he wolle not confese more thane he ded when ye wer at home. Edmond Brome was with me, and tolde me that Perse sent for hym for to come spek with hym, and he tolde me that he was with hym and examynyd hym, but he wold not be a knowe to hym that he hade no knowlage wher no goode was of hys masterys more thane he hade knowlageyd to yow. He tolde me that he sent for hym to desyir hym to labor to yow and to me for hym if ye had be at home; and he tolde me that he seyd to hym ayen that he wold never labor for hym but [unless] he myth know that he wer trwe to hys mastyr, thow it lay in hys power to do ryth myche for hym. I suppose it schulde do none harme thow the seyd Perse wer remevyd ferther. I pray to Gode yeve grace that the trowthe may be knowe, and that the dede may have part of hys owne goode. And the blissyd Trinyte have yow in Hys kepyng.

Wretyn in hast at Heylysden the Tuesday next aftyr Seynt Lwke.Be yowyrs,M. P.

238.1[From Fenn, iv. 194.] Reference is made in this letter, as in the preceding, to the holding of the inquisition on Sir John Fastolf’s lands at Acle, which was on Tuesday the 21st October 1460, the day this letter was written.238.2Acle, in Norfolk.239.1The claim made by Richard, Duke of York, to the Crown in Parliament on the 17 October 1460.239.2John Gilbert, Mayor of Norwich.

238.2Acle, in Norfolk.

239.1The claim made by Richard, Duke of York, to the Crown in Parliament on the 17 October 1460.

239.2John Gilbert, Mayor of Norwich.

To myn right reverent and worchipphull Maisterez Paston, be this delivered.

1460

Rightreverent and wurchippfull maisteres, I recomaunde me un to yow, beseching yow of your good maisteresshipp to be myn good maisteres to help wit your gracious woord un to myn right reverent and wurchipphullmaister and your to take of me, his pore presoner and your, suerte queche I xall fynd to be bounde for me to brynge me un to all answere, in to the tyme that myn maister and ze have dimisse me wit myn suerte. And bescheche your good maistereschipp to prey myn mayster that he will yeve yow lycense wit his wurchippfull counsaill and youre, in case that myn maister may nout tarie, that ze in his absence may take myn seid suerte. And if it please his heyghnesse and youre, that I may have answere ayene be the bryngere of this, and here up I xall send for myn suertes, queche I trust in Good xul be to your plesure. No more att this tyme. I prey God evyr have yow in kepyng.Be your pore presonere,Piers, sum tyme the servaunt ofJohn of Berneye.

240.1This and the letter following appear to have been written by the prisoner spoken of in the end of Margaret Paston’s letter immediately preceding. We have accordingly placed them here as belonging to the same period, though from a subsequent letter (No. 462) we may rather surmise that this first of the two was written in 1461.

To my right worschipfull Sir, Robert Rokysby.

1460

Ryghtwurshipfull Sir, I recomaunde me to you, besechyng you, of your goode mastership, that ye wol wechesafe to speeke to Richard Kowven that he myght brynge me or sende me the money that is betwen hym and me in all the haste that he maye, for in goode feythe I hadde never more neede for to have help of my goode as I have at this tyme, for, Godwot, it stonde right straunge with me; for the false chayler that kepeth me entretethe me worse thanne it weere a dogge, for I am feterid worse thanne ever I whas, and manacled in the hands by the daye and nyght, for he is a feerde of me for brekyng a weye. He makethe false tales of me, throw the means of a false qwene that was tendyng to a Frensheman that is presoner to my Lord Roose,241.2and for be cause of that he bronde me every day be John of Berney, that is goone to the tother Lords;242.1but I truste to God oonys to qwite hys meede. And, Sir, I thanke you mekel of that ye have doone for me or seide; and, Sir, I shal deserve it a yenst yow, be the grace of God, for i’ feythe I am be holden to you more thane to all men that ever I founde syn I cam in preson.

No more to you at this tyme, but God have you in His kepyng.Be your servaunt and bedman,Perse.

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