A26815:124
Vitæ selectorum aliquot virorum qui doctrinâ, dignitate, aut pietate inclaruere
Londini : Typis A.G. & J.P. & prostant venales apud Georgium Wells ..., 1681
Title page: Wellcome Library copy, digitized by the Internet Archive
A26815:124
Londini : Typis A.G. & J.P. & prostant venales apud Georgium Wells ..., 1681
Title page: Wellcome Library copy, digitized by the Internet Archive
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Fatalis enim invidia est quae bonis inceptis semper obstat, prohibetque videlicet, ne quantum homini datum est nostra provehantur. Insevit animis hominum hoc semen noverca aliqua natura, ut dum privatam vitam agimus magistratu non indigni videamur, at pauci sunt qui utriusque vitae personam sic cum dignitate possunt sustinere, ut non sit longè deterior eorum conditio postquàm dignitatibus aucti fuerint. 1Adeò est illud poëtae verum. Spem frustrate senex, privatus sceptra mereri Visus es, imperio proditus inferior.
Fatalis enim invidia est quae bonis inceptis semper obstat, prohibetque videlicet, ne quantum homini datum est nostra provehantur. Inseuit animis hominum hoc semen noverca aliqua natura, ut dum privatam vitam agimus magistratu non indigni videamur, at pauci sunt qui utriusque vitae personam sic cum dignitate possunt sustinere, ut non sit longè deterior eorum conditio postquàm dignitatibus aucti fuerint. 1Adeò est illud poëtae verum. Spem frustrate senex, privatus sceptra mereri Visus es, imperio proditus inferior.
ENim vero noster harum rerum minimè imperitus, anixiùs agebat quo beneficii genere non solum praesentis aevi mortales, sed longo post tempore nascituros sibi devinciret. Nam et novis acceptis honoribus parem see exhibere volebat, & magno Reipub. cum bono natum see demonstrare id vero vehementer discupiebat. Itaque dumb ingens been-merendi ambitio animum illius occupabat, opus sanè soeculorum omnium predication dignum inchoavit. Et quod foelix faustumque bonis literis & pictati sit, Aulam beatae Magdalenae 1consecravit. Inceptum (ne quid parcius dicam) verè heroicum. Fides numinum! namque altero à consecrationis ipsius anno tam grande negotium parturire, quod sine maximis prudentiae fortunaeque subsidiis aggressus operam omnem eluderet, & maturitate tam festinatà contendere quasi serius quam par erat ad rem adeo praeclaram animum adjecisset, incredibile in bonis literis promovendis, desiderium apertè profitetur. Neratius Priscus inter Juris conditores author non ignobilis, è tribus constare collegium affirmat; quam 2sententiam Marcellus quoque secutus est: noster verò sodalitium hoc suum numero quinquagenario definivit. Caeterum ne quid, sub sacri conventus praetextu, adversus leges molitus videretur quinto nonas Maji illis coeundi jus ab Henrico Rege impetravit. Simulque insignem illâ tempestate virum, Johannem Hornley Sacrae Theologiae Bacchalaureum Praesidem, artium magistros tredecem, 3septemque Bacchalaureos (quibus bonus ille senex cum imperio praeesset) collegas admisit: reliqua studiosorum multitudo ex minorum gentium 4scholaribus conflata est. Johanes Godmanstonus ex eâ nobilium notà, qui Armigeri appellantur, bonarum artium summus admirator, Fundaterem sponte suâ satis incitatum, benignè etiam instigavit. Et ne in alieno solo temere 5aedificaret, fundum pie est elargitus. Jamque fervêre opus incipiebat, quum ⟨p. 68⟩derepente causa belli propè erubescenda emicuit, quae Wintoniensem à tam sancto proposito parumper avocavit; quippe Londinum pariter & bellum, vir ultimae sortis Johannes Cadus invaserat; dubium liber an servus, sed qui Pseudomortymerus 6tamen vocabatur. Ibi Rex ut concitatis rebellibus fraenos mature injiceret, sic quasi explorabundus, & ut verum dicam, contemtim Humfredum Staffordium cum electà militum manu praemittens ab illo imaginario & scaenico Mortymero in primo statim congressu profligatum desideravit. Inde qui rebellantium fuerit furor:
ENim vero noster harum rerum minimè imperitus, anixiùs agebat quo beneficii genere non solum praesentis aevi mortales, sed longo post tempore nascituros sibi devinciret. Nam et novis acceptis honoribus parem se exhibere volebat, & magno Reipub. cum bono natum se demonstrare id vero vehementer discupiebat. Itaque dum ingens bene-merendi ambitio animum illius occupabat, opus sanè soeculorum omnium praedicatione dignum inchoauit. Et quod foelix faustumque bonis literis & pictati sit, Aulam beatae Magdalenae 1consecravit. Inceptum (ne quid parcius dicam) verè heroicum. Fides numinum! namque altero à consecrationis ipsius anno tam grande negotium parturire, quod sine maximis prudentiae fortunaeque subsidiis aggressus operam omnem eluderet, & maturitate tam festinatà contendere quasi serius quam par erat ad rem adeo praeclaram animum adjecisset, incredibile in bonis literis promovendis, desiderium apertè profitetur. Neratius Priscus inter Juris conditores author non ignobilis, è tribus constare collegium affirmat; quam 2sententiam Marcellus quoque secutus est: noster verò sodalitium hoc suum numero quinquagenario definivit. Caeterum ne quid, sub sacri conventus praetextu, adversus leges molitus videretur quinto nonas Maji illis coeundi jus ab Henrico Rege impetravit. Simulque insignem illâ tempestate virum, Johannem Hornley Sacrae Theologiae Bacchalaureum Praesidem, artium magistros tredecem, 3septemque Bacchalaureos (quibus bonus ille senex cum imperio praeesset) collegas admisit: reliqua studiosorum multitudo ex minorum gentium 4scholaribus conflata est. Johanes Godmanstonus ex eâ nobilium notà, qui Armigeri appellantur, bonarum artium summus admirator, Fundaterem sponte suâ satis incitatum, benignè etiam instigavit. Et ne in alieno solo temere 5aedificaret, fundum pie est elargitus. Jamque fervêre opus incipiebat, quum ⟨p. 68⟩derepente causa belli propè erubescenda emicuit, quae Wintoniensem à tam sancto proposito parumper avocavit; quippe Londinum pariter & bellum, vir ultimae sortis Johannes Cadus invaserat; dubium liber an servus, sed qui Pseudomortymerus 6tamen vocabatur. Ibi Rex ut concitatis rebellibus fraenos mature injiceret, sic quasi explorabundus, & ut verum dicam, contemtim Humfredum Staffordium cum electà militum manu praemittens ab illo imaginario & scaenico Mortymero in primo statim congressu profligatum desideravit. Inde qui rebellantium fuerit furor:
Quae post victoriam insolentia, vel ex eo intelligi potest, quod summo (proh dedecus) Angliae Quaestori Johanni Sayo cervicem amputarunt, locupletissimum quemque maxim proscripserunt, optimos ut sors obtulerat, foede trucidarunt, nihilque ad extremam crudelitatem reliqui fecerunt. Quocirca cives non tàm ex fiduci i, sed quià oppressi erant, ut audere aliquid viderentur, improbum perduellem intempestâ nocte adoriuntur, pari fortunae aleâ utrinque ad summum mane decertantes; documenta cladis mutuae, cruenta aliquandiu Thamesis, plenae caedibus viae, pons •adaveribus interclusus, flammamque alii fugientes in subjectum flumen praecipites dati. Quis cladem illius noctis, quis funera fando Explicet, aut possit lachrymis aequare dolorem?1
Quae post victoriam insolentia, vel ex eo intelligi potest, quod summo (proh dedecus) Angliae Quaestori Johanni Sayo cervicem amputarunt, locupletissimum quemque maxime proscripserunt, optimos ut sors obtulerat, foede trucidarunt, nihilque ad extremam crudelitatem reliqui fecerunt. Quocirca cives non tàm ex fiduci i, sed quià oppressi erant, ut audere aliquid viderentur, improbum perduellem intempestâ nocte adoriuntur, pari fortunae aleâ utrinque ad summum mane decertantes; documenta cladis mutuae, cruenta aliquandiu Thamesis, plenae caedibus viae, pons •adaveribus interclusus, flammamque alii fugientes in subjectum flumen praecipites dati. Quis cladem illius noctis, quis funera fando Explicet, aut possit lachrymis aequare dolorem?1
Adeò est illud verum Cornelii Taciti in turbis & discordiis pessimo cuique plurimam inesse vim, pacem & quietem non nisi consilio & bonis artibus comparari. Prima redeuntis, atque ut sic dixerim, repubescentis imperii spes, Cantuariensis & Wintoniensis fuere, qui novam de perfido latrone victoriam commenti sunt, non pugnare: novum sane illud sed salutare Reipub: consilium. Accersitus quippe à Cancellaria Wintoniensis ab aedibus Halywellensibus 1•in quibus ob metum seditiosorum sese continuerat) rogatusque sententiam quid in tam praesenti calamitate facto opus esset, re diu deliberatâ, utriusque visum est è re Reipub. futurum, ut, quos armis compescere hactenus non valebant, eos tumultu per spem impunitatis summoverent. A Turre igitur trajecto flumine, Sudovercam appellunt, edictoque per praeconem promulgato omnibus delictorum gratiam (excepto Cado) impertiunt, bonam mentem modo deinceps colerent, & serenissimam majestatem comiter observarent. Haec ubi per exercitum disseminata sunt, dici vix potest quibus laetitiis persusi, & quam immortaliter gavisi seditiosi: neque datâ acceptâque salute, fed incredibili celeritate usi domum repetiverunt. Quod si gubernator praecipua laude fertûr qui navem ex hyeme marique scopuloso fervat: tum quantam ejus viri prudentiam existimari par est, qui ex tot tantisque procellis plusquam civilibus, Reipub. ceu lacerae ratis membra eripuerit. At Cadus jam fractus animo, postquam in latibulis salutem diu quaesivisset, ultimò deprehensus, animam simul cum victoriâ (quam non bene coxerat) evomere est coactus hic est ille fraterculus Gygantis, terraefilius. Cujus supplico non debuit una parari Simia, non serpens unus non culeus unus.
Adeò est illud verum Cornelii Taciti in turbis & discordiis pessimo cuique plurimam inesse vim, pacem & quietem non nisi consilio & bonis artibus comparari. Prima redeuntis, atque ut sic dixerim, repubescentis imperii spes, Cantuariensis & Wintoniensis fuere, qui novam de perfido latrone victoriam commenti sunt, non pugnare: novum sane illud sed salutare Reipub: consilium. Accersitus quippe à Cancellaria Wintoniensis ab aedibus Halywellensibus
Caeterum Rex ut omnes flammae tàm exitialis restingueret reliquias, non ita multò post Cantuariam profectus est. Ubi illum pro eo ac decuit obsequio acceperunt illustrissimi Antistites Cantuariensis & Wintoniensis noster, convocatisque 1in Capellam Domini Prioris consiliariis, (aderant autem Johannes Staffordus Archiepiscopus Cantuariensis, Johannes Kempius Archiepiscopus Eboracensis, Wintoniensis noster, Episcopus Elyensis, dux Somersetensis, Salopiae Comes, Comes Wiltoniae & Prior Sancti Johannis Baptistae London: quid de facibus & furiis Reipub. teterrimis statuendum soret, in commune consulebatur. Post benè longum deliberandi spacium, vicit tandem eorum sententia quibus aequitatis quam justitiae potior fuit ratio. Itaque sublatis è medio perniciosissimis seditionum patronis, innocentia ubique tuta & incolumis evasit. Vix dumb respiraverat Insula, quum statim Richardus Eboraci dux homo potens & factiosus, quique Regem ipsum cognatione proxime attingebat, opprimendae Reipub. consilium cepit. Bonus Glocestriae princeps Humfredus iniquissimae 2damnationis ruinà prostratus ad superos abiit, infestus subditis Somersetensis propter amissam Normanniam, exhausta bellis Gallicanis militum virtus, in Anglia exercitus nullus, Ipsi imperium consequendi spes magna, tutae tranquillaeque res omnes, sed ea prorsus peropportuna Eboracensi. Igitur cum amicis re communicatâ copias conscribit. Quod ubi Henrico nunciatum est venienti morbo occurrendum putans, Blachethi castra metatus est, indeque ad Eboracensem legatos misit (non quales olim populus Ro: in Bythiniam, de quibus Cato Censorius dicere solebat, illos nec pedes nec caput nec cor habere) sed eximiae spectataeque prudentiae praesules duos Wintoniensem nostrum atque Elyensem, penes quos causam tanti motus intelligendi deque pacis conditionibus transigendi summa authoritàs fuit. Qui postquam in conspectum Ducis prodiissent, hujusmodi orationem habuisse dicuntur.
Caeterum Rex ut omnes flammae tàm exitialis restingueret reliquias, non ita multò post Cantuariam profectus est. Ubi illum pro eo ac decuit obsequio acceperunt illustrissimi Antistites Cantuariensis & Wintoniensis noster, convocatisque 1in Capellam Domini Prioris consiliariis, (aderant autem Johannes Staffordus Archiepiscopus Cantuariensis, Johannes Kempius Archiepiscopus Eboracensis, Wintoniensis noster, Episcopus Elyensis, dux Somersetensis, Salopiae Comes, Comes Wiltoniae & Prior Sancti Johannis Baptistae London: quid de facibus & furiis Reipub. teterrimis statuendum soret, in commune consulebatur. Post benè longum deliberandi spacium, vicit tandem eorum sententia quibus aequitatis quam justitiae potior fuit ratio. Itaque sublatis è medio perniciosissimis seditionum patronis, innocentia ubique tuta & incolumis evasit. Vix dum respiraverat Insula, quum statim Richardus Eboraci dux homo potens & factiosus, quique Regem ipsum cognatione proxime attingebat, opprimendae Reipub. consilium cepit. Bonus Glocestriae princeps Humfredus iniquissimae
Quo te nomine insigniamus (Richard?) principemne hodie alloquamur an proditorem, tute ipse ambiguum nobis reliquisti. Nam principis dignitate perinde ac titulo alienum eum judicamus qui patriae statum vel mediocriter labefactavit: Et cognomentum proditoris ab antiquissimis Regibus originem repetenti tibi indecorum non negabis. In tuâ manu positum vides, quid nunc sis aut velis esse. Quamquam opinione nostra quid velis esse, ubi instructam aciem, infestaque signa conspicimus, haud ampliùs incertum sit. Huc nimirum te adegit impotens dominandi libido, & quam errore animi finxisti, principatus spes. Sed per vim quidem patriam administrare, quanquam & possis, & facinorosos coerceas, praeterquam in deum impium est, etiam est importunum: quum praesertim omnes rerum mutationes parricidia, direptiones & injurias secum adferunt; Frustra autem contendere, neque aliud tumultuando nisi apud bonos & cordatos cives opprobrium quaerere, hominis est tum opibus tum ingenio intemperanter abutentis. Quare si vel ullus dignitatis aut salutis tuae apud te sit locus, quod fieri tandem necesse est, lubens facito: Exue quamprimùm arma, dimitte exercitum, recipe te in clientelam non minùs metuendi, quàm amati Regis, ipsum (& authoribus nobis) aequissimum habiture tuarum litium judicem, aut si mavis arbitrum. Quae ubi accepisset Eboracensis, subitône dicam Regis adventu & certaminis periculo perculsus, an expectione laetioris •ortunae paulum recreatus ita fertur respondisse.
Quo te nomine insigniamus (Richarde?) principemne hodie alloquamur an proditorem, tute ipse ambiguum nobis reliquisti. Nam principis dignitate perinde ac titulo alienum eum judicamus qui patriae statum vel mediocriter labefactavit: Et cognomentum proditoris ab antiquissimis Regibus originem repetenti tibi indecorum non negabis. In tuâ manu positum vides, quid nunc sis aut velis esse. Quamquam opinione nostra quid velis esse, ubi instructam aciem, infestaque signa conspicimus, haud ampliùs incertum sit. Huc nimirum te adegit impotens dominandi libido, & quam errore animi finxisti, principatus spes. Sed per vim quidem patriam administrare, quanquam & possis, & facinorosos coerceas, praeterquam in deum impium est, etiam est importunum: quum praesertim omnes rerum mutationes parricidia, direptiones & injurias secum adferunt; Frustra autem contendere, neque aliud tumultuando nisi apud bonos & cordatos cives opprobrium quaerere, hominis est tum opibus tum ingenio intemperanter abutentis. Quare si vel ullus dignitatis aut salutis tuae apud te sit locus, quod fieri tandem necesse est, lubens facito: Exue quamprimùm arma, dimitte exercitum, recipe te in clientelam non minùs metuendi, quàm amati Regis, ipsum (& authoribus nobis) aequissimum habiture tuarum litium judicem, aut si mavis arbitrum. Quae ubi accepisset Eboracensis, subitône dicam Regis adventu & certaminis periculo perculsus, an expectione laetioris ortunae paulum recreatus ita fertur respondisse.
Deum hominesque testamur (Reverendi patres) nos contra Rempub: aut sacratissimam domini Regis personam, nihil hostile machinatos fuisse, neque quo periculum cuiquam bono crearemus propterea copias eduxisse. Sed uti è sanctioribus Regis consiliis improbos quosdam nobilitatis carnifices, reique Ecclesiasticae sacrilegos praedones summoveremus, quorum violentia & crudelitate miseri egentesque diu vexati fuimus. Horum flagitiorum caput & authorem Edmundum Ducem Somersetensem omnes poscimus, quem si in carcerem tantisper conjectum viderimus, donec illum in publicis Angliae Comitiis 1propositis criminationibus reum peregerimus, ut debitum supplicium proditor nefarius persoluat, reprimam me illicò, & ab armis discedam. Vos interea obtestamur (Legati) consulatis miseris subditis, Regique (à quo nemo unquam frustrà auxilium petiverit) nostris omnium nominibus supplicare velitis, ne eam nobis necessitatem imponat, ut rebus turbatis alacres, & per incerta tutissimi, miserias nostras cruore vindicantes, confossi inter praeliandum occumbamus.
His ità expositis Regem continuò totius negotii certiorem legati faciunt, qui ubi praeter aequum & bonum nihil postulari audiverat, Somersetensem captivum esse jubet, mox Eboracensem dedititium clementer accepit: qui non ita multo post, apud Regem in Aede Paulina, una cum nobilissimis consiliariis, adstante Wintoniensi (utpote totius negotii been conscio) jurisjurandi religione 1devinctus, professus est clientuli in fide & obsequio, se deinceps permansurum. Atque ita sopita est civilis discordia quae longiùs procul dubio processisset, nisi fide & consilio Wintoriensis nostri commodè fuisset interrupta. Per istas ab intestinis conjurationibus inducias, nascitur Edovardus Walliae princeps, quem peperit Henrico Margareta Andium Ducis filia; eum sacris lotionibus 2intinxit Wintoniensis noster, interque ipsas confirmationis ceremonias (quod munus obibat Archipraesul Cantuariensis) infantuli nomine fidejussorem sese exhibuit 3iterum Wintoniensis. Sed ille de improviso quasi terris subductus, tristissimum sui desiderium Angliae reliquit, de quo Maronianum illud affirmari verè potest. Ostendent terris hunc tantum fata, nec ultrà Esse sinent.—
His ità expositis Regem continuò totius negotii certiorem legati faciunt, qui ubi praeter aequum & bonum nihil postulari audiverat, Somersetensem captivum esse jubet, mox Eboracensem dedititium clementer accepit: qui non ita multo post, apud Regem in Aede Paulina, una cum nobilissimis consiliariis, adstante Wintoniensi (utpote totius negotii bene conscio) jurisjurandi religione 1devinctus, professus est clientuli in fide & obsequio, se deinceps permansurum. Atque ita sopita est civilis discordia quae longiùs procul dubio processisset, nisi fide & consilio Wintoriensis nostri commodè fuisset interrupta. Per istas ab intestinis conjurationibus inducias, nascitur Edovardus Walliae princeps, quem peperit Henrico Margareta Andium Ducis filia; eum sacris lotionibus 2intinxit Wintoniensis noster, interque ipsas confirmationis ceremonias (quod munus obibat Archipraesul Cantuariensis) infantuli nomine fidejussorem sese exhibuit
Eripit see subito, aufertque ex oculis praeclara virtus, & invidia certè est aliqua, quae spes maximas semper depascitur; vix dum enim annum suprâ decimum octavum impleverat, quum miserrimâ lanienâ Tewsburiae occiditur, & incredibili dolore simul & orbitate Wintoniensem afflixit. Quis tibi chare pater cernenti talia sensus, Quosque dabas gemitus?—
Eripit se subito, aufertque ex oculis praeclara virtus, & invidia certè est aliqua, quae spes maximas semper depascitur; vix dum enim annum suprâ decimum octavum impleverat, quum miserrimâ lanienâ Tewsburiae occiditur, & incredibili dolore simul & orbitate Wintoniensem afflixit. Quis tibi chare pater cernenti talia sensus, Quosque dabas gemitus?—
Hactenus, quae levi brachio pertransivimus, luculentum de Fundatoris nostri virtute & sanctitate specimen prae see ferunt: integritatem nunc & sapientiam videamus: quas Henricus (certè eximius ille Regum) adeo est admiratus, ut administrationem duorum Collegiorum, quae amplissimis reditibus nuper dotaverat, bonis etiam legibus & institutis cupiens exornare, Wintoniensi 1nostro, unà cum Johanne Episcopo Lincolniensi commiserit. Quos ille duos ut olim populus Rom: decemviros constituit, non solum ut jura conderent verùm 2etiam corrigerent si opus esset, & interpretarentur, neque provocatio ab eis ⟨p. 71⟩sicut à reliquis magistratibus fieret: Qui ubi animadverterunt deesse aliquid primis legibus, pro re natâ alias ad easdem, tabulas adjecerunt. Haec summa potestas diplomat Regio facta illis est, 3. Iduum Juliarum, Regnique 33. 3in haec verba.
Hactenus, quae levi brachio pertransivimus, luculentum de Fundatoris nostri virtute & sanctitate specimen prae se ferunt: integritatem nunc & sapientiam videamus: quas Henricus (certè eximius ille Regum) adeo est admiratus, ut administrationem duorum Collegiorum, quae amplissimis reditibus nuper dotaverat, bonis etiam legibus & institutis cupiens exornare, Wintoniensi 1nostro, unà cum Johanne Episcopo Lincolniensi commiserit. Quos ille duos ut olim populus Rom: decemviros constituit, non solum ut jura conderent verùm 2etiam corrigerent si opus esset, & interpretarentur, neque provocatio ab eis ⟨p. 71⟩sicut à reliquis magistratibus fieret: Qui ubi animadverterunt deesse aliquid primis legibus, pro re natâ alias ad easdem, tabulas adjecerunt. Haec summa potestas diplomate Regio facta illis est, 3. Iduum Juliarum, Regnique 33. 3
Henricus Dei gratiâ Rex Angliae & Franciae, & Dominus Hiberniae omnibus ad quos presentes litterae pervenerint, Salutem. Sciatis quod nos intendentes, qualitèr ad intentionem nostram perimplendam, de & in fundationibus Collegiorum nostrorum Regalium beatae Mariae, & Sancti Nicholai de Cantabrigiâ, & Beatae Mariae de Eton juxta Windesoram, plura bona & not abilia statuta, & ordinations pro salubri regimine & gubernatione eorundem Collegiorum nostrorum per nos edita, condita, ordinata, & stabilita existunt, sicut nobis constat. Ac licèt ordinations ac statuta praedicta in seipsis appareant fore pro hujusmodi regimine & gubernatione eorundem Collegiorum valdè necessaria & opportuna: I am tamen per executionem earundem ordinationum & statutorum videtur & reperitur, quòd aliqua corundem reformation egent, & magis perfecta ad dictam intentionem nostram perimplendam fieri possunt. Ac pro eo quod nos circa tam plura & grandia alia necessaria, regimen & gubernationem Regni nostri Angliae concernentia tàm sollicitè occupati sumus, quod circa reformationes defectuum ubi oportebit in ordinationibus & statutis praedictis contentorum, ut supra dictum est, ad intentionem nostram perimplendam continuè attendere non possumus; Nos de gratiâ nostrâ speciali commisimus & tenor presentium committimus Reverendis nobis in Christo patribus Willielmo Winton. & Johanni Lincoln: Episcopis potestatem & authoritatem nostra in hac parte, ut ipsi per advisamentum & consilium praepositorum Collegiorum nostrorum praedictorum, ubi eis videbitur necessarium fore, seu quomodolibet opportunum, dicta ordinations & statuta, durante vitâ nostrâ in hâc part declarent, corrigant, & reforment ad honorem dei & gloriosissimae virginis Mariae matris suae, & ad commodum & perpetuum stabilimentum Collegiorum nostrorum praedictorum. In cujus rei testimonium, has literas nostras fieri fecimus patentes. Teste meipso apud Westmonasterium, duodecimo die Julii. Anno Regni nostri. 33.
Henricus Dei gratiâ Rex Angliae & Franciae, & Dominus Hiberniae omnibus ad quos presentes litterae pervenerint, Salutem. Sciatis quod nos intendentes, qualitèr ad intentionem nostram perimplendam, de & in fundationibus Collegiorum nostrorum Regalium beatae Mariae, & Sancti Nicholai de Cantabrigiâ, & Beatae Mariae de Eton juxta Windesoram, plura bona & not abilia statuta, & ordinationes pro salubri regimine & gubernatione eorundem Collegiorum nostrorum per nos edita, condita, ordinata, & stabilita existunt, sicut nobis constat. Ac licèt ordinationes ac statuta praedicta in seipsis appareant fore pro hujusmodi regimine & gubernatione eorundem Collegiorum valdè necessaria & opportuna: I am tamen per executionem earundem ordinationum & statutorum videtur & reperitur, quòd aliqua corundem reformatione egent, & magis perfecta ad dictam intentionem nostram perimplendam fieri possunt. Ac pro eo quod nos circa tam plura & grandia alia necessaria, regimen & gubernationem Regni nostri Angliae concernentia tàm sollicitè occupati sumus, quod circa reformationes defectuum ubi oportebit in ordinationibus & statutis praedictis contentorum, ut supra dictum est, ad intentionem nostram perimplendam continuè attendere non possumus; Nos de gratiâ nostrâ speciali commisimus & tenore presentium committimus Reverendis nobis in Christo patribus Willielmo Winton. & Johanni Lincoln: Episcopis potestatem & authoritatem nostra in hac parte, ut ipsi per advisamentum & consilium praepositorum Collegiorum nostrorum praedictorum, ubi eis videbitur necessarium fore, seu quomodolibet opportunum, dicta ordinationes & statuta, durante vitâ nostrâ in hâc parte declarent, corrigant, & reforment ad honorem dei & gloriosissimae virginis Mariae matris suae, & ad commodum & perpetuum stabilimentum Collegiorum nostrorum praedictorum. In cujus rei testimonium, has literas nostras fieri fecimus patentes. Teste meipso apud Westmonasterium, duodecimo die Julii. Anno Regni nostri. 33.
In hoc officio quum ita se gessisset Wintoniensis ut omnes fidei prudentiaeque numeros praeclarè absoluisset, non eò solum contentus, [Greek or Hebrew] meditatus, beneficum porrò erga Etonense Collegium see ostendit. Nam bona aedificiorum pars accrevit (sic Lelandus) ut ego aliquando à fide dignis didici & 1operâ & impensis Gulielmi Wenflucti Episcopi Ventae Simenorum, favebat quippe is impensiùs operi ab Henrico incepto. Et ne quis temerè Lelandum vanitatis insimulet, quasi famae tanti viri & non veritati inservivisset, subjungam hujus rei clarissimum argumentum. A Gulielmo Orgardio lathomo principali stipulatus est Wintoniensis eam saxorum molem è lapicidinâ Hedingtonensi sibi effossam, quanta satis esse possit, dari (intra definitum aliquod tempus) ad sui, Etonensisque Collegii exaedificationem. Quo quidem facto quum insignes ab omnibus Etonae alumnis gratias promeritus fuerit, tùm virtutis hujus (ut ego conjicio) benevolentiaeque ergo (quam is erga Etonenses incredibilem semper habuit,) quotannis supplicatio pro eò decreta est. Sic enim statuta jubent. Ut, Singulis annis infrà duodecim dies, festum natalis domini proximè ⟨p. 72⟩2praecedentes, ubi congruentius fieri poterit, pro animâ Reverendi in Christo patris Williebni Winton. Episcopi, nuper Praeposui nostri Regalis Collegii, quum ab hac luce migraverit, •nimabusque omnium benefactorum ejusdem Regalis Collegii solemnes exequiae cum commendationibus atque missâ in crastino, celebrentur. Quisquamnè hominum est qui tantis praeconiis & honoribus quibus Rex Wintoniensem affecerat, posse addi aliquid putet? Meâ quidem sententiâ, ità prioribus certant proxima, ita nova semper efflorescunt, ut vel principis gratia, vel sides praesulis, inter scribendum mihi videantur crescere. Religio testamenti condendi habita est semper antiquissima, neque supremam voluntatis nostrae sententiam nisi optimo cuique atque integerrimo concreditam volumus. Rex vero cum neminem haberet, quem aut ipse plus diligeret, aut cui plus fideret, ultimae voluntatis suae executioni (negotio inter homines longè sanctissimo) Wintoniensem deputavit, haeredemque fidei commissarium in tabulis scripsit.3
In hoc officio quum ita se gessisset Wintoniensis ut omnes fidei prudentiaeque numeros praeclarè absoluisset, non eò solum contentus, meditatus, beneficum porrò erga Etonense Collegium se ostendit. Nam bona aedificiorum pars accrevit (sic Lelandus) ut ego aliquando à fide dignis didici &
IN the name of the blessed Trinity Father Sonne and holy Ghost, of our Lady Saint Mary mother of Christ, and all the holy company of heaven. I Nenry by the grace of God King of England and of France, and Lord of Ireland after the conquest of England, the sixth, for divers great and notable causes moving me at the making of these presents, have do my will and mine intent to be written in manner that followeth. Forasmuch as I have enfeffed before this time John Cardinal and Arch-Bishop of York. John Archbishop of Canterbury. Robert Bishop of London. William Bishop of Lincoln. William Bishop of Salisburie. Thomas Bishop of Bath and Welles. John Carpenter elite of the Church of Worcester, now Bishop of the same. Adam Moleynes Clerk now Bishop of Chichester. Walter Lyhert Clerk now Bishop of Norwich. John Langton Clerk late Bishop of Saint Davids, and now to God passed. John Delabar clerk now B. of S. Davids William Earl of Suffolk, now Marquess of Suffolk. Henry Earl of Northumberland. John Discount Beumont. Walter L. of Hungerford. Rafe Lord of Cromwell. Rafe Lord of Sendly. John Beuchamp Knight now Lord Beuchamp of Powike. and James Ferris squire, now Lord of Say. John Somerset. Henry Sever. Richard Andrew. Walter Shirington Clerks. Edmund Hungerford and Edward Hall Knights. John Saintlo now to God passed. John Hampton. John Norris. William Tresham. John Uampage. and Richard Andred now to God passed, squires: In divers Castles, Lordships, Manors, Lands, Tenements, Rents, ⟨p. 73⟩Services, and other possessions, Parcel of the duchy of Lancaster within England and Wales, as it is more especial and at large contained and written in divers letters patents thereof made, of which letters, the first beareth date the last day save one of November the year of my reign xxii. The second beareth date the seventh day of Julie the same year. The third bareth date the xxiii day of Feverer the year of my reign the xxiii. The fourth beareth date the xxix of June the same year. Uuhich Castles Lordships. Manors, Lands, Tenements, Rents, services and other possessions been of the yearly value of 3395. lib. xi. s. vii. d. Uuhen they be discharged of the fees and annuities with which they be now charged.
IN the name of the blessed Trinitie Fader Sonne and holy Ghost, of our Lady Saint Mary moder of Christ, and all the holy company of heaven. I Nenry by the grace of God King of England and of Fraunce, and Lord of Ireland after the conquest of England, the sixt, for divers great and notable causes moving me at the making of these presents, haue doo my will and myne entent to be written in manner that followeth. Forasmuch as I haue enfeffed before this time John Cardinall and Arch-Bishop of Yorke. John Archbishop of Canterburie. Robert Bishop of London. William Bishop of Lincolne. William Bishop of Salisburie. Thomas Bishop of Bath and Welles. John Carpenter elyte of the Chirch of Worcester, now Bishop of the same. Adam Moleynes Clerke now Bishop of Chichester. Walter Lyhert Clerke nowe Bishop of Norwich. John Langton Clerke late Bishop of Saint Dauids, and now to God passed. John Delabar clerke now B. of S. Dauids William Erle of Suffolke, now Marques of Suffolke. Henrie Erle of Northumberland. John Discount Beumont. Walter L. of Hungerford. Rafe Lord of Cromwell. Rafe Lord of Sendly. John Beuchamp Knight now Lord Beuchamp of Powike. and James Ferris squire, now Lord of Saye. John Somerset. Henry Sever. Richard Andrewe. Walter Shirington Clerkes. Edmund Hungerford and Edward Hall Knights. John Saintlo nowe to God passed. John Hampton. John Norris. William Tresham. John Uampage. and Richard Andred nowe to God passed, squiers: In divers Castelles, Lordshippes, Mannours, Lands, Tenements, Rentes,
Uuhich letters patents and all thuigs contained in them, by the authority of my Parliament last holden at Uvestminster, as by an act of the same Parliament it plainly appeareth, were authorised, approved, ratified and confirmed for to perform and fulfil my will of and upon the disposition of the said castles, Lordships, manors, lands, tenements, rents services and other possessions by me to be made and ordained and to my seid feffees on my behalf, for to be declared and notified I by these my present letters declare and notify unto my said feffees according unto the said Act, that in these my letters is contained my said will, which I desire to be done and performed by my seid feffees of the castles […]. above seide. Memorandum that the King his pleasure is that these castles […]. shall remain in the feffees hands until the time that all his will in every point be entirely executed, and that afterwards they remain to his heirs and successors, Kings of England. But if it fortune that before his will take effect, they die all save three, two, or one: then these three, two, or one, must enfeffe fourteen in all those castles […]. videlicet William B. of Winchester. Reinald B. of S. •aph Thomas Earl of Devonshire, Richard Earl of Sarum. Henry Earl of Northumberland, John Earl of Shrewsburie. Thomas LORD Clifford. Lionel Lord of Welles. Master John Chadworth Provost of my College of Cambridge. William Westburie Provost of my said College of Eton. Master William Say. Master Andrew Nulls. Sir Robert Rosse Knight. and Sir Thomas Standley Knight. And if it so fall that these fourteen persons which the said three, two, or one should so enfeffe at that ⟨p. 74⟩time as such enfeffement should be made, be all dead: then these three, two, or one, must enfeffe fourteen other spiritual and temporal of good fame, faith and credence. Provided always that if any of the first fourteen be on live, he would have them all put in the feffement before any person of the same state or degree. Furthermore for the final performing of my seid will, to be put effectually in execution, I considering the great discretion of the said worshipful father in God William now B.
UUhich letters patents and all thuigs contained in them, by the authority of my Parlament last holden at UUestminster, as by an act of the same Parlament it plainly appeareth, were authorised, approved, ratified and confirmed for to performe and fulfill my will of and uppon the disposition of the seyd castels, Lordships, mannours, lands, tenements, rents services and other possessions by me to be made and ordained and to my seid feffees on my behalfe, for to be declared and notified I by these my present letters declare and notifie vnto my seyd feffees according vnto the seyd Act, that in these my letters is conteined my seyd will, which I desire to be done and performed by my seid feffees of the castels . aboue seide. Memorandum that the King his pleasure is that these castels . shall remaine in the feffees hands vntill the time that all his will in every point be entirely executed, and that afterwards they remaine to his heyres and successors, Kings of England. But if it fortune that before his will take effect, they die all save three, two, or one: then these three, two, or one, must enfeffe foureteene in all those castels . videlicet William B. of Winchester. Reinald B. of S. aph Thomas Erle of Devonshire, Richard Erle of Sarum. Henrie Erle of Northumberland, John Erle of Shrewsburie. Thomas LORD Clifford. Lyonell Lord of Welles. Master John Chadworth Provost of my Colledge of Cambridge. William Westburie Provost of my seyd Colledge of Eton. Master William Say. Master Andrew Nulles. Sir Robert Rosse Knight. and Sir Thomas Standley Knight. And if it so fall that these foureteene persons which the seyd three, two, or one should so enfeffe at that
of Winchester his high truth and fervent zeal, which at all times he hath had and hath unto my weal, and which I have found and proved in him, and for the great and hole confidence which I have in him for tho causes, well that he not only as surveyor, but also as executor and director, of my seid will, be privy unto all and every execution of the performing of my seid will, and that his consent in any wise be had thereto. And if any execution of the performing of my seid will, or if any part thereof be do in any wise contrary to the tenor and effect hereof, I will that it stand void and for ever be had for none. And if it befall that there be any divers opinions, variance or discord beteexe my seid feffees and mine executors, in or for any execution of the performing of my seide will or of any part thereof. I give then and grant unto the seid B. of Winchester by these presents, plain power and authority, And finally I will that he as umpier in that behalf have at all times power and authority for to call and take unto him such discreet persons of my seide feffees as unto him for the accomplishment of my seid will, shall seem best disposed, and he after their advice herd, do make the final conclusion in that party. And I will that the power, state, title, and interest of that person, and of tho persons of my seid feffees in home the cause of such variance and discord by the seid B. of Winchester and tho other of my same feffees shall be found, cease and be void as well in all things touching my seide feffement, as in all things touching my seid will. And if so be that the seid B. of Winchester pass unto God out of this mortal life I being on live, then I will that this authority and power by me unto him in the form above seide given and granted, return again wholly unto me and abide in mine own disposition. And in case that I be called out of this mortal life, the seide B. of Uvinchester me over living, I will then that at such time as God shall give unto him knowledge by likely-hood of his ⟨p. 75⟩brief passage out of this world, my seid will at that time not fully accomplished, he remember him of the most discreet faithful and true person a Lord spiritual or temporal, which the said B.
of Winchester his high truth and feruent zeal, which at all times he hath had and hath vnto my wele, and which I haue found and proved in him, and for the great and hoale confidence which I haue in him for thoo causes, wol that he not onely as surve•our, but also as executor and director, of my seid will, be prevy vnto al and every execution of the performing of my seid will, and that his consent in any wise be had thereto. And if any execution of the performing of my seid will, or if any part thereof be doo in any wise contrary to the tenour and effect hereof, I will that it stand voide and for ever bee had for none. And if it befall that there be any divers opinions, variance or discord beteexe my seid feffees and mine executors, in or for any execution of the performing of my seide will or of any parte thereof. I give then and grant vnto the seid B. of Winchester by these presents, plaine power and authority, And finally I will that hee as vmpier in that behalfe haue at all times power and authority for to call and take vnto him such discreete persons of my seide feffees as vnto him for the accomplishment of my seid will, shall seem best disposed, and he after their advice herd, doo make the finall conclusion in that party. And I will that the power, state, title, and interest of that person, and of thoo persons of my seid feffees in home the cause of such variance and discord by the seid B. of Winchester and thoo other of my same feffees shall be found, cease and be void as wel in all things touching my seide feffement, as in all things touching my seid will. And if so be that the seid B. of Winchester passe unto God out of this mortall life I being on liue, then I will that this authority and power by me vnto him in the forme above seide yeven and granted, returne againe wholy vnto me and abide in mine own disposition. And in case that I be called out of this mortall life, the seide B. of UUinchester me over living, I will then that at such time as God shall giue vnto him knowledge by likely-hood of his
of Uvinchester by very experience had, the mean time shall find and prove for to be best and most godly disposed, and most fervent in zeal to the performing of my seid will; and as well unto the same Lord without inordinate affection or acception of person, as he shall in brief strictly answer herein before the tribunal seat of Christ our alder Saviour and terrible judge, as unto the Provosts of both my said Colleges for the time being; commit holy under his letter and seal the said power and authority which he hath in the form abovesaid of my gift and grant made unto him in this behalf. And if it so be that the said Lord, unto whom the said power and authority, in the form abovesaid by the said B. of Uvinchester be committed, be not profitable unto the performing of the said will. I will that the Provosts of my Colleges discharge him of the authority. And that then they commit by their letters and seals full power unto another Lord, and so from time to time until the will be entirely accomplished.
of UUinchester by very experience had, the meane time shall finde and prooue for to be best and most godly disposed, and most feruent in zeale to the performing of my seid will; and as well vnto the same Lord without inordinate affection or acception of person, as he shal in briefe streitly answere herein before the tribunall seate of Christ our alder Sauiour and terrible judge, as vnto the Prouosts of both my seyd Colledges for the time being; commit hooly vnder his letter and seale the seyd power and authority which hee hath in the forme abouesaid of my gift and grant made vnto him in this behalfe. And if it so be that the seyd Lord, vnto whom the seyd power and authority, in the forme abouesaid by the seyd B. of UUinchester be committed, be not profittable vnto the performing of the seyd wil. I wil that the Prouosts of my Colledges discharge him of the authority. And that then they commit by their letters and seales full power vnto another Lord, and so from time to time vntill the will bee entirely accomplished.