Part 10

Shortly after, _Magnus_ King of _Norway_ the sonne of _Olaus_, the sonne of _Harold Harfager_, 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 assured, _Fitzhamond_ turned his forces against him; chased the _Welsh_ out of the champaine Countrey, and diuided the same among his principall 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 Lordship 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 Lordship 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_, assembled 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 Sexe. 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_, bastard 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 _Clito 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 principall 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 aduertisement, that _Mans_ was surprised by _Helie_, Count _de la Flesch_, who pretended title 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 passion 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 ships to be brought for his passage. The winds were then both contrary and stiffe, and the Sea swelled exceeding bigge; for which cause the Shipmasters 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 Shipboard, 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 multitude or courage of Souldiers.

In this expedition, _Helie_ the principall 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 principall 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 assured in his word: and to those who did otherwise aduise him, he would say; That _God 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 assuredly vnto him. And therefore although in the beginning of his reigne, most of the Nobilitie, 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 passions 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 godfather. 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 God, 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 lauishing)[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 shillings. 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. Assuredly this immoderate excesse of a King is now farre exceeded by many base shifting 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 inuestiture 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_; _Vrbanus_ 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 principall marke of Maiestie, because no appeale can be made but to a superiour; that therefore the Archbishop by appealing from him, denied his Souereignty, derogated from the dignitie of his Crowne, and subiected both him and 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 God what pertaineth to God_. To this the king finally said; That hauing made themselues Masters to interprete and giue sence to the Scriptures, it was easie to maintaine by them whatsoeuer they desired or did; it was easie for them to burst their ambition with their swelling greatnes. But well he was assured, 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 assistance 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 GOD, 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 passe the Seas into _France_. Here hee was either awaited or ouertaken by _William Warlewast_ the Kings officer; not to stay him from his passage, but to rifle him of all that he had. Others also were appointed to seise his goods in other places, and to conuert the profits of his Archbishopricke to the vse of 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.