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was, showed to the king's acquisition of his kingdom. At the least, that, according to the inclination which the king had ever professed of peace, he would look on, and stand neutral; for that their master could not with reason press him to undertake part in the war, being so newly settled and recovered from intestine seditions. But touching the mystery of re-annexing of the Duchy of Britain to the crown of France, either by war, or by marriage with the daughter of Britain, the ambassadors hare aloof from it as from a rock, knowing that it made most against them. And therefore by all means declined any mention thereof, but contrariwise interlaced, in their conference with the king, the assured purpose of their master to match with the daughter of Maximilian; and entertained the king with some wandering discourses of their king's purpose, to recover by arms his right to the kingdom of Naples, by an expedition in person; all to remove the king from all jealousy of any design in these hither parts upon Britain, otherwise than for quenching of the fire which he feared might be kindled in his own estate,

in recovery of certain towns from him; which | the like affection to the conservation of their was done in a kind of privacy, and inwardness master's estate, as their master had, when time towards the king, as if the French king did not esteem him for an outward or formal confederate, but as one that had part in his affections and fortunes, and with whom he took pleasure to communicate his business. After this compliment, and some gratulation for the king's victory, they fell to their errand; declaring to the king, that their master was enforced to enter into a just and necessary war with the Duke of Britain, for that he had received and succoured those that were traitors and declared enemies unto his person and state. That they were no mean, distressed, and calamitous persons that fled to him for refuge, but of so great quality, as it was apparent that they came not thither to protect their own fortune, but to infest and invade his; the head of them being the Duke of Orleans, the first prince of the blood and the second person of France. That therefore, rightly to understand it, it was rather on their master's part a defensive war than an offensive; as that could not be omitted or forborne, if he tendered the conservation of his own estate; and that it was not the first blow that made the war invasive, for that no wise prince would stay for, but the first provocation, or at least the first pre- The king, after advice taken with his council, paration; nay, that this war was rather a sup- made answer to the ambassadors: and first repression of rebels, than a war with a just enemy; turned their compliment, showing he was right where the case is, that his subjects, traitors, are glad of the French king's reception of those received by the Duke of Britain his homager. towns from Maximilian. Then he familiarly reThat King Henry knew well what went upon it lated some particular passages of his own advenin example, if neighbour princes should patronise tures and victory passed. As to the business of and comfort rebels against the law of nations and Britain, the king answered in few words; that of leagues. Nevertheless that their master was the French king, and Duke of Britain, were the not ignorant, that the king had been beholden to two persons to whom he was most obliged of all the Duke of Britain in his adversity; as on the men; and that he should think himself very unother side, they knew he would not forget also happy, if things should go so between them, as the readiness of their king, in aiding him when he should not be able to acquit himself in gratithe Duke of Britain or his mercenary counsellors tude towards them both; and that there was no failed him, and would have betrayed him; and means for him as a Christian king, and a comthat there was a great difference between the mon friend to them, to satisfy all obligations both courtesies received from their master, and the to God and man, but to offer himself for a mediDuke of Britain: for that the duke's might have ator of an accord and peace between them; by ends of utility and bargain; whereas their which course, he doubted not but their king s master's could not have proceeded but out of en- estate, and honour both, would be preserved with tire affection; for that, if it had been measured by more safety and less envy than by a war; and a politic line, it had been better for his affairs, that he would spare no costs or pains, no if it that a tyrant should have reigned in England, were to go on pilgrimage, for so good an effect; troubled and hated, than such a prince, whose and concluded, that in this great affair, which he virtues could not fail to make him great and po- took so much to heart, he would express himself tent, whensoever he was come to be master of more fully by an ambassage, which he would his affairs. But howsoever it stood for the point speedily despatch unto the French king for that of obligation which the king might owe to the purpose. And in this sort the French ambassaDuke of Britain, yet their master was well as-dors were dismissed: the king avoiding to undersured, it would not divert King Henry of England stand any thing touching the re-annexing of from doing that that was just, nor ever embark him in so ill-grounded a quarrel. Therefore, since this war, which their master was now to make, was but to deliver himself from imminent dangers, their king hoped the king would show

Britain, as the ambassadors had avoided to mention it: save that he gave a little touch of it in the word envy. And so it was, that the king was neither so shallow, nor so ill-advertised, as not to perceive the intention of the French for

Which grounds being by the French king wisely laid, all things fell out as he expected. For when the English ambassador came to the court of Britain, the duke was then scarcely perfect in his memory, and all things were directed by the Duke of Orleans, who gave audience to the chaplain Urswick, and upon his ambassage delivered, made answer in somewhat high terms: that the Duke of Britain having been a host, and a kind of parent or foster-father to the king, in his tenderness of age and weakness of fortune, did look for at this time from King Henry, the renowned King of England, rather brave troops for his succours, than a vain treaty of peace. And if the king could forget the good offices of the duke done unto him aforetime; yet, he knew well, he would in his wisdom consider of the future, how much it imported his own safety and reputation, both in foreign parts, and with his own people, not to suffer Britain, the old confederates of England, to be swallowed up by France, and so many good ports and strong towns upon the coast be in the command of so potent a neighbour king, and so ancient an enemy: and therefore humbly desired the king to think of this business as his own: and therewith brake off and denied any further conference for treaty.

the investing himself of Britain. But first, he | King of England, as one that had committed all was utterly unwilling, howsoever he gave out, to to his will; nay, and which was yet more fine, enter into war with France. A fame of a war he make faith in him, that although he went on with ✓ liked well, but not an achievement; for the one the war, yet it should be but with the sword in he thought would make him richer, and the other his hand, to bend the stiffness of the other party poorer; and he was possessed with many secret to accept of peace; and so the king should take fears touching his own people, which he was no umbrage of his arming and prosecution; but therefore loath to arm, and put weapons into their the treaty to be kept on foot to the very last inhands. Yet notwithstanding, as a prudent and stant, till he were master of the field. courageous prince, he was not so averse from a war, but that he was resolved to choose it, rather than to have Britain carried by France, being so great and opulent a duchy, and situate so opportunely to annoy England, either for coast or trade. But the king's hopes were, that partly by negligence, commonly imputed to the French, especially in the court of a young king, and partly by the native power of Britain itself, which was not small; but chiefly in respect of the great party that the Duke of Orleans had in the kingdom of France, and thereby means to stir up civil troubles, to divert the French king from the enterprise of Britain. And lastly, in regard of the power of Maximilian, who was co-rival to the French king in that pursuit, the enterprise would either bow to a peace, or break in itself. In all which the king measured and valued things amiss, as afterwards appeared. He sent therefore forthwith to the French king Christopher Urswick, his chaplain, a person by him much trusted and employed: choosing him the rather, because he was a churchman, as best sorting with an embassy of pacification: and giving him also a commission, that if the French king consented to treat, he should thence repair to the Duke of Britain, and ripen the treaty on both parts. Urswick made declaration to the Urswick returned first to the French king, and French king, much to the purpose of the king's related to him what had passed. Who finding answer to the French ambassadors here, instill- things to sort to his desire, took hold of them, and ing also tenderly, some overture of receiving to said; that the ambassador might perceive now grace the Duke of Orleans, and some taste of that, which he for his part partly imagined before. conditions of accord. But the French king, That considering in what hands the Duke of on the other side proceeded not sincerely, but Britain was, there would be no peace, but by a with a great deal of art and dissimulation in this mixed treaty of force and persuasion: and theretreaty; having for his end, to gain time, and so fore he would go on with the one, and desired the put off the English succours under hope of peace, king not to desist from the other. But for his till he had got good footing in Britain by force of own part, he did faithfully promise to be still in arms. Wherefore he answered the ambassador, the king's power, to rule him in the matter of that he would put himself into the king's hands, peace. This was accordingly represented unto and make him arbiter of the peace; and willingly the king by Urswick at his return, and in such a consented, that the ambassador should straight- fashion, as if the treaty were in no sort desperate, ways pass into Britain, to signify this his con- but rather stayed for a better hour, till the hamsent, and to know the duke's mind likewise; mer had wrought and beat the party of Britain well foreseeing that the Duke of Orleans, by more pliant. Whereupon there passed continuwhom the Duke of Britain was wholly led, ally packets and despatches between the two taking himself to be upon terms irreconcilable kings, from the one out of desire, and from the with him, would admit of no treaty of peace. other out of dissimulation, about the negotiation Whereby he should in one, both generally abroad of peace. The French king mean while invaded veil over his ambition, and win the reputation of Britain with great forces, and distressed the city just and moderate proceedings; and should of Nantz with a strait siege; and, as one, who withal endear himself in the affections of the though he had no great judgment, yet had that,

that he could dissemble at home, the more he did urge the prosecution of the war, the more he did, at the same time, urge the solicitation of the peace. Insomuch as during the siege of Nantz, after many letters and particular messages, the better to maintain his dissimulation, and to refresh the treaty, he sent Barnard D'Aubigney, a person of good quality, to the king, earnestly to desire him to make an end of the business how

soever.

The king was no less ready to revive and quicken the treaty; and thereupon sent three commissioners, the abbot of Abingdon, Sir Richard Tunstal, and chaplain Urswick formerly employed, to do their utmost endeavours to manage the treaty roundly and strongly.

belief, as an ill measuring of the forces of the other party.

For, as was partly touched before, the king had cast the business thus with himself. He took it for granted, in his own judgment, that the war of Britain, in respect of the strength of the towns and of the party, could not speedily come to a period. For he conceived, that the counsels of a war, that was undertaken by the French king, ↓ then childless, against an heir apparent of France, would be very faint and slow; and, besides, that it was not possible, but that the state of France should be embroiled with some troubles and alterations in favour of the Duke of Orleans. He conceived likewise, that Maximilian, King of the Romans, was a prince, warlike and potent; who, About this time the Lord Woodville, uncle to he made account, would give succours to the Brithe queen, a valiant gentleman, and desirous of tains roundly. So then judging it would be a honour, sued to the king that he might raise some work of time, he laid his plot how he might best power of voluntaries underhand, and without li- make use of that time for his own affairs. Wherecense or passport (wherein the king might any in first he thought to make his vantage upon his ways appear) go to the aid of the Duke of Britain. parliament; knowing that they being affectionate The king denied his request, or at least seemed unto the quarrel of Britain, would give treasure so to do, and laid strait commandment upon him | largely; which treasure, as a noise of war might that he should not stir, for that the king thought draw forth, so a peace succeeding might coffer up. his honour would suffer therein, during a treaty, to And because he knew his people were hot upon better a party. Nevertheless this lord, either being the business, he chose rather to seem to be deceivunruly, or out of conceit that the king would not ed and lulled asleep by the French than to be backinwardly dislike that, which he would not openly ward in himself; considering his subjects were not avow, sailed directly over to the Isle of Wight, so fully capable of the reasons of state, which whereof he was governor, and levied a fair troop made him hold back. Wherefore to all these of four hundred men, and with them passed over purposes he saw no other expedient, than to set into Britain, and joined himself with the duke's and keep on foot a continual treaty of peace, layforces. The news whereof, when it came to the ing down, and taking it up again, as the occurrence French court, put divers young bloods into such a required. Besides, he had in consideration the fury, as the English ambassadors were not with- point of honour, in bearing the blessed person of out peril to be outraged. But the French king, a pacificator. He thought likewise to make use both to preserve the privilege of ambassadors, and of the envy that the French king met with by ocbeing conscious to himself that in the business of casion of this war of Britain, in strengthening peace he himself was the greater dissembler of the himself with new alliances; as, namely, that of two, forbad all injuries of fact or word against their Ferdinando of Spain, with whom he had ever a persons or followers. And presently came an consent even in nature and customs; and likewise agent from the king, to purge himself touching with Maximilian, who was particularly interestthe Lord Woodville's going over; using for a ed. So that in substance he promised himself principal argument, to demonstrate that it was money, honour, friends, and peace in the end. But without his privity, for that the troops were so those things were too fine to be fortunate and sucsmall,, as neither had the face of a succour by au- ceed in all parts; for that great affairs are comthority, nor could much advance the Britain af- monly too rough and stubborn to be wrought upon fairs. To which message, although the French by the finer edges or points of wit. The king was king gave no full credit, yet he made fair weather likewise deceived in his two main grounds. For with the king, and seemed satisfied. Soon after although he had reason to conceive that the counthe English ambassadors returned, having two of cil of France would be wary to put the king into them been likewise with the Duke of Britain, and a war against the heir apparent of France; yet he found things in no other terms than they were be- did not consider that Charles was not guided by fore. Upon their return, they informed the king any of the principal of the blood or nobility, but of the state of the affairs, and how far the French by mean men, who would make it their masterking was from any true meaning of peace; and piece of credit and favour, to give venturous countherefore he was now to advise of some other sels which no great or wise man durst or would. course; neither was the king himself led all this And for Maximilian, he was thought then a greatwhile with credulity merely, as was generally er matter than he was; his unstable and necess supposed; but his error was not so much facility of tous courses being not then known. VOL. I.-42

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After consultation with the ambassadors, who brought him no other news than he expected before, though he would not seem to know it till then, he presently summoned his parliament, and in open parliament propounded the cause of Britain to both houses, by his chancellor, Morton, Archbishop of Canterbury, who spake to this effect.

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My lords and masters, the king's grace, our sovereign lord, hath commanded me to declare unto you the causes that have moved him at this time to summon this his parliament; which I shall do in few words, craving pardon of his grace, and you all, if I perform it not as I would.

"His grace doth first of all let you know, that he retaineth in thankful memory the love and loyalty shown to him by you, at your last meeting, in establishment of his royalty; freeing and discharging of his partakers, and confiscation of his traitors and rebels; more than which could not come from subjects to their sovereign in one action. This he taketh so well at your hands, as he hath made it a resolution to himself to communicate with so loving and well-approved subjects, in all affairs that are of public nature at home or abroad. "Two therefore are the causes of your present assembling the one a foreign business, the other matter of government at home.

"And the better to open your understandings in this affair, the king hath commanded me to say somewhat to you from him, of the persons that do intervene in this business; and somewhat of the consequence thereof, as it hath relation to this kingdom, and somewhat of the example of it in general; making nevertheless no conclusion or judgment of any point, until his grace hath received your faithful and politic advices.

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First, for the king our sovereign hims If, who is the principal person you are to eye in t.as business; his grace doth profess, that he truly and constantly desireth to reign in peace. But his grace saith he will neither buy peace with dishonour, nor take it up at interest of danger to ensue; but shall think it a good change, it please God to change the inward troubles and ditions wherewith he hath been hitherto exerered into an honourable foreign war. And for the other two persons in this action, the Freuch⠀ng and the Duke of Britain, his grace doth deci re unto you, that they be the men unto whom he is of all other friends and allies most bounden: the one having held over him his hand of protection from the tyrant; the other having reached forth unto him his hand of help for the recovery of his kingdom. So that his affection toward thin his natural person is upon equal terms. A whereas you may have heard that his grace was enforced to fly out of Britain into France for doubts of being betrayed, his grace would not in any sort have that reflect upon the Duke of Britain in defacement of his former benefits; for that he is thoroughly informed, that it was but the practice of some corrupt persons about him, during the time of his sickness, altogether without his consent or privity.

"The French king, as no doubt ye have heard, maketh at this present hot war upon the Duke of Britain. His army is now before Nantz, and holdeth it straitly besieged, being the principal city, if not in ceremony and pre-eminence, yet in strength and wealth of that duchy. Ye may guess at his hopes, by his attempting of the hardest part of the war first. The cause of this war he knoweth best. He allegeth the entertaining and succouring of the Duke of Orleans, and some other French lords, whom the king taketh for his "But howsoever these things do interest his enemies. Others divine of other matters. Both grace in this particular, yet he knoweth well that parts have, by their ambassadors, divers times the higher bond that tieth him to procure by all prayed the king's aids: the French king aids or means the safety and welfare of his loving subneutrality; the Britains aids simply; for so their|jects, doth disinterest him of these obligations of case requireth. The king, as a Christian prince, gratitude otherwise than thus; that if his grace and blessed son of the holy church, hath offered be forced to make a war, he do it without passion himself as a mediator to treat of a peace between or ambition. them. The French king yieldeth to treat, but will not stay the prosecution of the war. The Britains that desire peace most hearken to it least; not upon confidence or stiffness, but upon distrust of true meaning, seeing the war goes on. So as the king, after as much pains and care to effect a peace as ever he took in any business, not being able to remove the prosecution on the one side nor the distrust on the other, caused by that prosecution, hath let fall the treaty; not repenting of it, but despairing of it now as not likely to suc-worthy the consideration, how this may import ceed. Therefore by this narrative you now understand the state of the question, whereupon the ing prayeth your advice; which is no other, but whether he shall enter into an auxiliary and defensive war for the Britains against France?

"For the consequence of this action towards this kingdom, it is much as the French king's intention is. For if it be no more, but to range his subjects to reason, who bear themselves stout upon the strength of the Duke of Britain, it is nothing to us. But if it be in the French king's purpose, or if it should not be in his purpose, yet if it shall follow all one, as if it were sought, that the French king shall make a province of Britain. and join it to the crown of France; then it is

England, as well in the increasement of the greatness of France, by the addition of such a country, that stretcheth his boughs unto our seas, as in depriving this nation, and leaving it naked of so firm and assured confederates as the Britains have

that he hath been forced to draw it so oft, to cut off traitorous and disloyal subjects, whom, it seems, God hath left, a few amongst many good, as the Canaanites amongst the people of Israel, to be thorns in their sides, to tempt and try them; though the end hath been always, God's name be blessed therefore, that the destruction hath fallen upon their own heads.

always been. For then it will come to pass, that | him to sheath his sword, as he greatly desired, whereas not long since this realm was mighty otherwise than for administration of justice, but upon the continent, first in territory, and after in alliance, in respect of Burgundy and Britain, which were confederates indeed, but dependent confederates; now the one being already cast, partly into the greatness of France, and partly into that of Austria, the other is like wholly to be cast into the greatness of France; and this island shall remain confined in effect within the salt waters, and girt about with the coast countries of two mighty monarchs.

the land may by these ordinances, as by bars of iron, be soundly bound in and strengthened, and all force, both in court, country, and private houses, be supprest. The care hereof, which so much concerneth yourselves, and which the nature of the times doth instantly call for, his grace commends to your wisdoms.

"Wherefore his grace saith; That he seeth that it is not the blood spilt in the field that will save "For the example, it resteth likewise upon the the blood in the city; nor the marshal's sword same question, upon the French king's intent. that will set this kingdom in perfect peace but For if Britain be carried and swallowed up by that the true way is, to stop the seeds of sedition France, as the world abroad, apt to impute and and rebellion in their beginnings; and for that construe the actions of princes to ambition, con-purpose to devise, confirm, and quicken good and ceive it will; then it is an example very danger-wholesome laws against riots, and unlawful asous and universal, that the lesser neighbour state semblies of people, and all combinations and conshould be devoured of the greater. For this may federacies of them, by liveries, tokens, and other be the case of Scotland towards England; of Por-badges of factious dependence; that the peace of tugal towards Spain; of the smaller estates of Italy towards the greater; and so of Germany; or as if some of you of the commons might not live and dwell safely besides some of these great lords. And the bringing in of this emple will be chiefly laid to the king's charge, as to him that was most interested and most able t forbid it. But then on the other side, there is so fair a pre- "And because it is the king's desire, that this text on the French king's part, and yet pretext is peace, wherein he hopeth to govern and maintain never wanting to power, in regard the danger im-you, do not bear only unto you leaves, for you to minent to his own estate is such as may make this sit under the shade of them in safety; but also enterprise seem rather work of necessity than should bear you fruit of riches, wealth, and plenof ambition, as doth in reason correct the dangerty; therefore his grace prays you to take into of the example. For that the example of that consideration matter of trade, as also the manuwhich is done in a man's own defence cannot be factures of the kingdom, and to repress the bastard dangerous; because it is another's power to avoid and barren employment of moneys to usury and it. But in all this business the king remits him- unlawful exchanges; that they may be, as their self to your grave and mature advice, whereupon | natural use is, turned upon commerce, and lawful he purposeth to rely."

This was the effect of the Lord Chancellor's speech touching the cause of Britain; for the king had commanded him to carry it so as to affect the parliament towards the business: but without engaging the king in any express declaration.

The chancellor went on:

and royal trading. And likewise that our people be set on work in arts and handicrafts; that the realm may subsist more of itself; that idleness be avoided, and the draining out of our treasure for foreign manufactures stopped. But you are not to rest here only, but to provide further, that whatsoever merchandise shall be brought in from beyond the seas, may be employed upon the com "For that which may concern the government modities of this land; whereby the kingdom's at home, the king hath commanded me to say un-stock of treasure may be sure to be kept from to you, that he thinketh there was never any king, being diminished by any over-trading of the for the small time that he hath reigned, had foreigner. greater and juster cause of the two contrary passions of joy and sorrow than his grace hath. Joy in respect of the rare and visible favours of Almighty God, in girding the imperial sword upon his side, and assisting the same his sword against all his enemies; and likewise in blessing him with so many good and loving servants and subjects which have never failed to give him faithful counsel, ready obedience, and courageous defence. Sorrow, for that it hath not pleased God to suffer

"And lastly, because the king is well assured, that you would not have him poor that wishes you rich; he doubteth not but that you will have care as well to maintain his revenues of customs and all other natures, as also to supply him with your loving aids, if the case shall so require. The rather, for that you know the king is a good husband, and but a steward in effect for the public; and that what comes from you is but as moisture drawn from the earth, which gathers into a cloud,

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