The Lives of the III Normans, Kings of England Part 5

_Henrie_ complained hereof to _Philip_ King of _France_; who gaue him a faire enterteinement in his Court, but was content rather to feede then finish the contention: either expecting thereby some opportunitie to himselfe, or els the opinion of his owne greatnesse not suffring him to feare, that others might grow to haue fortune against him. _Henry_ had not long remained in the Court of _France_, but a _Normane_ Knight named _Hacharde_ conueyed him disguised into _Normandie_; where the Castle of _Damfronc_ was deliuered vnto him; and in short time after hee gate all the Countrey of _Pa.s.says_, and a good part of _Constantine_; either without resistance, or without difficultie and perill.

Hereupon the Duke leuied his forces, and earnestly a.s.sayed to recouer _Damfronc_: but then hee found that his brother _Henrie_ was secretly, yet surely vnderset by the king of _England_. Hereupon, incensed with the furie of an iniuried minde, hee exclaimed against his brother of _England_, and almost proclaimed him a violator of his league. On the other side, the King of _England_ iustified his action, for that hee was both a meanes and a partie to the agreement: and therefore stood bound in honour, not onely to vrge, but to enforce performance. So the flame brake foorth more furious then it was before, and ouer went King _William_ with an able armie; where hee found the Duke also in good condition of strength commanding the field. And albeit in so neere approach of two mighty enemies, equall both in ambition and power, it is hard to conteine men of seruice; yet was nothing executed betweene them, but certaine light skirmishes, and surprizements of some places of defence. In the end, the King hearing of new troubles in _England_, and the Duke finding himselfe vnable either to preuaile with few souldiers, or to maintaine many, and both distrusting to put a speedie end to the warre; they were easily drawne to capitulations of peace. And thus ended the contention betweene these brethren; who vntill this time had continued like the waues of the Sea, alwayes in motion, and one beating against the other.

Besides these businesses which befell the King, against his n.o.bilitie, against the Duke of _Normandie_ his brother, and against the King and nation of the _Scots_; the _Welshmen_ also (who alwayes struggled for libertie and reuenge) perceiuing that the King was often absent, and much entangled with hostile affaires; enforced the fauour of that aduantage, to free themselues from subiection of the _English_, and happily to enlarge or enrich themselues vpon them. So hauing both desire and opportunitie, they wanted not meanes to a.s.semble in armes, to expell the _English_ that were amongst them, and to cast downe the Castles erected in their Countrey, as the princ.i.p.all yoakes of their subiection.

Afterwards, rising in boldnesse with successe, they made diuers incursions vpon the bordering parts of _England_; spoiled the Citie of _Glocester_, and exercised all those outrages, which vnciuill people, incensed both with want and with hate doe not vsually omit. But being a company neither in discipline nor pay, raw and vnarmed, they proceeded more like to robbers then to Souldiers; hauing no intention to vanquish, but to spoile.

Hereupon the King twice in person inuaded _Wales_, but with small shew of successe for the present. For the _Welsh_-enemies scattered the warre, by diuiding themselues into small companies, and retiring into the mountaines and woods, and other places of naturall defence. Here they trauailed the King with a fugitiue fight; flying when they were pursued, and houering vpon him when they were giuen ouer: cutting off many stragling souldiers, and taking some carriages, which in those rough places could not easily either be pa.s.sed, or defended. And so by s.h.i.+fting alwayes into places of aduantage, they sought at one time, both to auoyd fighting, and to hinder the King from doing any thing of importance. At the last, the King hauing made sufficient proofe how vaine it is, to follow a light footed enemie with a heauie Armie, pestered with traine of carriage, in places where the seruice of hors.e.m.e.n is almost vnprofitable; he gaue ouer the pursuit, and retired into _England_. But first he repaired those Castles which the _Welsh_ had destroyed, and built new Castles also vpon the frontiers and within the bosome of _Wales_; which he furnished with so sure garrisons, as might suffice with fauour of opportunitie, either to weary or consume the enemies.

And indeed the _Welsh_ being by this meanes, alwayes exercised, and dayly wasted; declined in short time, no lesse to cowardise then to wearinesse and wants; so as _Hugh_ Earle of _Chester_, & _Hugh_ Earle of _Shrewesbury_, dispossessed them of the Isle of _Anglesey_, which they had surprised not long before. The _Welsh_ that were there taken, were very hardly, or rather vnmercifully and cruelly entreated; Some had their eyes pulled out, some their hands cut off, some their armes, some their noses, some their genitalles. An aged Priest named _Kenredus_, who had bene a chiefe directer of the common affaires, was drawne out of a Church whereinto he had fled, had one of his eyes pulled out, and his tongue torne from his throat. I make no doubt but these seuerities were vsed against them, vpon some sauage outrages which they had done; wherein the lesse compa.s.sion was borne to their calamities, for the cowardise which they shewed in their owne defence.

Shortly after, _Magnus_ King of _Norway_ the sonne of _Olaus_, the sonne of _Harold Harf.a.ger_, hauing brought the Isles of _Orkeney_ vnder his dominion, subdued also from the _Welsh_ the Isle of _Man_; and enterprised vpon the Isle of _Anglesey_ against the _English_. But at his landing he was encountred by the Earle of _Shrewsbury_ and the Earle of _Chester_; in which fight the _Norwegians_ were vanquished and repelled, but the Earle of _Shrewsbury_ with too braue boldnesse lost his life: leauing his honourable both actions and end as an excellent ornament to his posteritie. Afterwards the Earle of _Chester_ led an armie into _Wales_; and found the people so consumed by the _English_ garisons, that he easily reduced many to professe obedience to the Crowne of _England_; and disabled others, hauing no leaders of experience and valour, for shewing their faces as enemies in the field.

Also vpon some variances which did rise betweene _Iustinus_, sonne to _Gurguntus_, Earle of _Glamorgane_ and _Morganock_; and _Rhesus_ sonne to _Theodore_ Prince of Southwales: _Iustinus_, not of power to maintaine either his right or his will, sent _aeneas_, sonne to _Genidorus_, sometimes Lord of _Demetia_, to craue aide in _England_.

This he obtained, not onely readily, but in greater measure then the seruice did require. _Robert Fitzhamond_ was generall Commander of the _English_ armie; who encountred _Rhesus_ at a place called _Blackhill_; and in that fight _Rhesus_ was slaine: after whose death the name of King ceased in _Wales_. Then _Iustinus_ failing, and happily not able to performe such conditions as in necessitie hee had a.s.sured, _Fitzhamond_ turned his forces against him; chased the _Welsh_ out of the champaine Countrey, and diuided the same among his princ.i.p.all Gentlemen. These erected Castles, in places conuenient for their mutuall ayde; and so well defended themselues, that they left the Countrey to their posterity. Thus was the Lords.h.i.+p of _Glamorgane_ and _Morganock_, which conteineth 27. miles in length, & 22. in bredth, subdued to the _English_; giuing example how dangerous it is for any people, to call in a greater force of strangers to their ayde, then being victorious, they may easily be able to limit and restraine. This being a Lords.h.i.+p marcher, hath enioyed royall liberties, since the time wherein it was first subdued. It hath acknowledged seruice and obedience onely to the Crowne. It hath had the triall of all actions, as well reall as personall, and also held Pleas of the Crowne; with authority to pardon all offences, Treason onely excepted.

Whilest the King was entertained with these chases, rather then warres in _Wales_, hee lay at _Gloucester_ many times; as not esteeming that his presence should alwayes be necessary, and yet not farre off if occasion should require. To this place _Malcolme_ King of _Scots_ came vnto him, vpon an honourable visitation. But the King hauing conceiued some displeasure against him, refused to admit him to his presence.

Hereupon King _Malcolme_, full of fury and disdaine, returned into _Scotland_, a.s.sembled an armie, enuaded _Northumberland_, harrased and spoyled a great part thereof; hauing done the like foure times before.

Such is the heate of hate in mindes that are mighty; who seldome hold it any breach of Iustice, to bee reuenged of him who offereth dishonor.

When he was come neere to _Alnewicke_, and his souldiers were much pestered with prey, (a notable impediment both for readinesse and resolution to fight) hee was set vpon both suddenly and sharply by _Robert Mowbray_ Earle of _Northumberland_; his troupes hewen in pieces, himselfe together with his eldest sonne _Edward_ slaine. The third day ensuing, _Margaret_ wife to King _Malcolme_, and sister to _Edgar Adeling_, not able to beare so sad and heauie a blow of fortune, ended also her life. Shee was famous for pietie and for modestie, two excellent endowments of that s.e.xe. By her perswasion _Malcolme_ made a law, that whereas by a former law made by King _Eugenius_, the Lord enioyed the first night with any new married woman within his dominion; the husband might redeeme that abuse by paiment of halfe a mark of siluer.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In building his expences were very great. He repaired the Citie and Castle of _Caerlile_, which had been wasted by the _Danes_ 200. yeres before. Hee finished New castle vpon _Tine_. Many other Castles he erected or repaired vpon the frontiers of _Scotland_; many also vpon the frontiers and within the very brest of _Wales_. Hee much enlarged the Towre of _London_, and enuironed it with a new wall. Hee also built the great Hall at _Westminster_, which is 270. foote in length, and 74.

foote in breadth. And when many did admire the vast largenes thereof, he would say vnto them, that it was but a bed chamber, but a closet, in comparison of that which he intended to build. And accordingly he layd the foundation of another Hall, which stretched from the Riuer _Thames_ to the Kings high street: the further erection wherof, with diuers other heroicall enterprises, ceased together with his life.

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

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

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

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

Wherefore the King offended with this noueltie, charged _Anselme_ with breach of his fealtie and oath. _Anselme_ answered, that this was to be referred to the iudgement of a Councell, whether it bee a breach of allegiance to a terrene Prince, if a man appeale to the Vicar of Christ.

The King alleaged; that the custome of his Realme admitted no appeale from the king; that supreame appeale was a most princ.i.p.all marke of Maiestie, because no appeale can be made but to a superiour; that therefore the Archbishop by appealing from him, denied his Souereignty, derogated from the dignitie of his Crowne, and subiected both him and that to another Prince, to whom as to a superiour he did appeale; That herein hee was an enemie and a Traitour to him and to the State.

_Anselme_ replyed, that this question was determined by our Lord, who taught vs what allegiance is due to the Pope, where he saith; _Thou art Peter, and vpon this Rocke will I build my Church, &c._ And againe; _To thee will I giue the Keyes of the Kingdome of Heauen, &c._ And againe in generall; _Hee that heareth you heareth me, and who despiseth you despiseth me_. And againe, _He that toucheth you, toucheth the apple of my eye_. But for the allegiance due to the King, he saith; _Giue to Caesar that which belongeth to Caesar, and to G.o.d what pertaineth to G.o.d_.

To this the king finally said; That hauing made themselues Masters to interprete and giue sence to the Scriptures, it was easie to maintaine by them whatsoeuer they desired or did; it was easie for them to burst their ambition with their swelling greatnes. But well he was a.s.sured, that CHRIST intended not to dissolue orders for Ciuill gouernment, to ruine kingdoms, to embase authority and right of Kings, by meanes of his Church: this right of a King he had, and this right he would maintaine.

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

Now the King had sent two messengers to Pope _Vrbane_ at _Rome_, to entreat him to send the Pall to the King; to be disposed by him as he should thinke fit. These messengers were by this time returned; and with them came _Guibert_ the Popes Legate, who brought the Pall. The Legate went first priuily to the King, and promised that if _Vrbane_ should be receiued for Pope in _England_, the King should obtaine of him whatsoeuer he would. The King required that _Anselme_ might be remoued.

The Legate answered, that it could not be, that such a man without iust cause should be remoued; Notwithstanding some other things being granted to the King, _Vrbane_ was declared to be lawfull Pope; and the King was content to swallow downe that morsel, which had bene so vnpleasant for him to champe on. The Pall was caried to _Anselme_ with great pompe, in a vessell of siluer; and he came foorth bare footed, in his Priestly Vestments to meete and to receiue it.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The king also aduanced _Robert Bloet_, to the Bishop.r.i.c.ke of _Lincolne_: a man whose wisedom was highly graced, with goodly personage, and good deliuery of speach: from whom notwithstanding the king afterwards wiped fiue thousand markes. Hee also freely receiued _Hugh de Floriaco_, a man for his vertue much esteemed, to be Abbot of the Monastery of S.

_Augustines_ in _Canterburie_; and likewise diuers others to other Ecclesiasticall preferments: whereby I am confirmed in opinion, that many odious imputations against the king, were either altogether inuented, or much enlarged aboue the trueth.

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

He is charged with some actions and speaches tending to profanenesse.

The Iewes at _Roan_ so preuailed with him by gifts, that they drew him to reprehend one who had forsaken their superst.i.tion. At _London_ a disputation was appointed betweene certaine Christians and Iewes. The Iewes a little before the day prefixed, brought to the King a rich present; At which time he encouraged them (no doubt but by the way of ioylitie and mirth) to acquite themselues like tall fellowes, and if they preuailed by plaine strength of trueth, hee sware (as was his vsuall) by S. _Lukes_ face, that hee would become one of their Secte.

These things happely not much spoken amisse, might easily bee depraued by report.

It is affirmed of him that he so much exceeded in bodily l.u.s.t, (then which nothing maketh a man more contemptible) that thereby hee seemed to decline from the Maiestie of a Prince. This vice did cast a great mist ouer his glorie. And yet neither is it infrequent in l.u.s.ty bodies, placed in a State both prosperous and high, neither can the pleasure of one man that way extend it selfe to the iniurie of many. The worst was, that after his example, many others did follow licentious traces;[74]

examples of Princes being alwayes of greater force then their Lawes, to induce the people to good or to euill. As the King turned the prosperitie of his actions to serue his vanities and delights, so his followers by felicitie became insolent, and let goe at aduenture serious affaires; not receiuing into their thoughts any other impression then of brauery and pleasure. And they who were greatest in the counsailes and fauours of the King, respected all things no further, then as they were aduantageable to themselues.

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

In the second yeere of this kings reigne _Lanfranck_ Archb. of _Canterburie_ ended his life: A man highly esteemed, with good men, for his learning and integritie; with great men, for his diligence and discretion to sound deepely into affaires; with the common people for his moderate and modest behauiour. King _William_ the first did honour and embrace him with great respect, and was much guided by his aduise.

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