No More Learning

And true, that openly “reported the queens grace, men had
‘right estimation things, they should not ‘esteem any part your graces honour
This misery the queens drew after the
common effects that follow persons under such “clearly disparaged. And am such per
disgrace; for now the court was against ! ". that my mind clean amazed. For her, and every one was courting the rising never, had better opinion woman, than queen. But Cranmer had not learned these “had her; which inaketh me think, that arts, and had better soul him, than ‘she should not culpable. And again, capable such baseness and ingratitude. He ‘think your highness would not have gon had been much obliged her, and had con ‘far, except she had surely been culpable. ceived high opinion her, and
‘touched thereby, but her honour only
could not ‘Now think that your grace best knoweth, her; yet ‘that next unto your grace, was most bound
downright ‘unto her all creatures living. Wherefore justification her would provoke him: there ‘most humbly beseech your grace, suffer me
knew the kings temper, and that
fore wrote the following Letter, the
May, with the softness that tender point required; which justified her far
was consistent with prudence and charity. The letter shows of what constitution he was
“in that which both Gods law, nature, and also “her kindness, bindeth me unto that that “may with your graces favour wish and pray “for her, that she may declare her self incul ‘pable and innocent. And she found “culpable, considering your graces goodness
that wrote it; and contains many things
that tend highly her honour, that shall ‘towards her, and from what condition your insert here, copied from the original. ‘grace your only meer goodness took her,
Pleaseth your most noble grace, ‘and set the crown upon her head; repute ‘advertised, that your graces commandment ‘him not your graces faithful servant and sub Mr. Secretary his letters, written your ‘ject, nor true unto the realm, that would not ‘graces name, came Lambeth yesterday, desire the offence without mercy pu
and there remain know your graces ‘nished, the example all other. And as
further pleasure. And forsomuch without “I loved her not little, for the love which “your graces commandment, dare not con ‘judged her bear towards God and his gos ‘trary the contents the said Letters, pre ‘pel; she proved culpable, there not ‘sume come unto your graces presence; “one that loveth God and his gospel, that ever
nevertheless, my most bounden duty, can will favour her, but must hate her above all
less than most humbly
‘grace, your great wisdom, and
desire your ‘other; and the more they favour the gospel, the as ‘the more they will hate her for then there suppress was never creature our time that much
“sistance Gods help, somewhat
‘the deep sorrows your graces heart, and “slandered the gospel. And God hath sent
take all adversities Gods hands both pa “her this punishment, for that she feignedly ‘tiently and thankfully. cannot deny, but your ‘hath professed his gospel her mouth, and
‘grace bath great causes many ways lament
‘not heart and deed. And though she have “offended so, that she hath deserved never to ‘be reconciled unto your graces favour; yet “Almighty God hath manifoldly declared his ‘goodness your grace, and never offended you.
able heaviness: also that the wrongful esti
‘mation the world, your graces honour every
‘part highly touched, whether the things
‘that commonly spoken true not,
‘that remember not that ever Almighty God “But your grace, am sure, knowledgeth that “sent unto your grace, any like occasion “you have offended him. Wherefore trust ‘try your graces constancy throughout, whe ‘that your grace will bear less entire favour “ther your highness can content take unto the truth the gospel, than you did be
Gods hands, well things displeasant, “fore: forsomuch your graces favour the “pleasant. And find your most noble ‘gospel, was not led affection unto her, but “heart such an obedience unto his will, that zeal unto the truth. And thus beseech “your grace, without murmuration and over “Almighty God, whose gospel hath ordained “much heaviness, accept adversities, not ‘your grace defender of, ever preserve “less thanking him, than when things suc your grace from evil, and give you the
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417] STATE TRIALS, 28 HENRY VIII. 1536. -and others, for High Treason. [41s
‘end the promise of his gospel. From Lam whatsoever. Which was the slander of the ‘beth, the 3d of May. issue that was begotten between the king and
“After I had written this letter unto your her. ' And this was Treason, according the ‘grace, my lord chancellor, my lord of Oxford, statute made the 26th year this reign (so “my lord of Sussex, and my lord chamberlain of that the law, that was made for her and the “your graces house, sent for me to come unto
‘the Star Chamber; and there declared unto
‘me such things as your graces pleasure was
‘they should make me privy unto. For the
‘which I am most bouuden unto your grace.
“And what communication we had together, I been any evidence for there was
‘doubt not but they will make the true report stretching the other statute,
“thereof unto your grace. I am exceedingly have proved the violating the queen, the
‘sorry, that such faults can be proved by the known statute the 25th year * queen, as I heard of their relation. But I Edward had been sufficient.
‘ am, and ever shall be, your faithful subject, dictment was read, she held ‘Your graces most humble subject, and chap pleaded Not Guilty, and ‘lain. T. Cantuariensis. ”
and did answer the evidence was brought But jealousy, and the king's new affection, against her discreetly. One thing remark
had quite defaced all the remainders of esteem able, that Mark Smeton, who was the only
for his late beloved queen. Yet the ministers person that confessed any thing, was never
continued practising, to get further evidence confronted with the queen, nor was kept
for the Tryal ; which was not brought on an evidence against her; for had received
the 12th May; and then Norris, Weston, his sentence three days before, and could
Brereton, and Smeton, were tryed com witness law. But perhaps, though
issue her marriage, now made use destroy her). was also added the indict ment, that she, and her complices, had con spired the kings death;' but this seems was only put swell the charge, for
there had need they could
the reign When the In her hand, and did her brother,
mission Oyer and Terminer Westminster was wrought confess, yet they did not
Hall. They were twice indicted, and the in think had confidence enough aver
dictments were found two grand juries, the queen's face. Therefore the evidence they
the counties Kent, and Middlesex; the brought, Spelman says, was the oath
crimes with which they were charged, being woman that was dead, yet this, rather the said to be done both these counties. Mark terror offending the king, wrought the
Smeton confessed, had known the queen lords, that they found her and her brother carnally three tines. The other three pleaded Guilty; and Judgment was given, that she not guilty;' but the jury, upon the evidence should burnt, beheaded the kings formerly mentioned, found then Guilty; pleasure. Upon which Spelman observes, that ap that attainted Treason, England, they whether she
†.
drawn the place execution,
and given, they
burning points for woman
the death which the law
them hanged, others quartered, guilty
beheaded, and high treason.
yet since she had been queen
left the king determine,
was that
should and some
whereas
On the 15th May, the queen and her bro
should dye infamous death,
ther the lord Rochford (who was peer, hav But the Judges complained this way pro ing been made viscount when his father was ceeding, and said, such disjunctive judg
created earl Wiltshire) were brought ment Treason, had never been seen. The tryed their peers; the duke Norfolk lord Rochford was also condemned be be
being lord high steward for that occasion. headed and quartered. Yet this did not
With him sate the duke Suffolk, the mar quess Exeter, the earl Arundel, and
satisfy the enraged king, but the marriage be tween him and her must annulled, and the issue illegitimated. The king remembred
more peers, whom their father the earl
Wiltshire was one. (a) Whether this unna intrigue that had been between her and the tural complyance was imposed him the earl Northumberland, which was inentioned
imperious king, officiously submitted
himself, that might thereby preserved
from the ruin that fell his family, not
the former book; and that he then lord Piercy said the cardinal, “That had gone far before witnesses, that lay upon his conscience, that could not back. "
known. Here the queen England
unbeard-of precedent was brought
and indicted High Treason. The crimes made marry her, per verba futuro, which
(a) This was not one acknowledges
Addend. Vol.
The king and his council, reflecting upon what mistake. The queen's father seems the cardinal had told him, resolved
her judges, another part
bishop Burnet try what could made his work. See earl of Northumberland
and pressed the confoss contract
took his oath
Burn. Reformat. 363.
between him and her. But
the bar, This, like, might some promise
charged her were, “That she had procured her brother and the other four lye with her, which they had done often that she had said
them, that the king never had her heart, and
had said every one them themselves,
that she loved them better than any person any force annul the subsequent marriage.
though was precontract itself, yet
seems the poor queen was either ignorant
ill-advised, was one; though
perswaded afterwards certain that nothing, but
contract per verba
praesenti, could
beheaded.
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49) state TRIALs, 2s IIesty VIII. 1536. -Trials of Queen Anna Boleyn, [420
before the two archbishops, that there was no contract, nor promise of unarriage ever between
certing which have seen the original declara tion under his own hond). Nor could they
draw any confession from the queen, before the Sentence; for certainly they could have
done tilat, the divorce had gone before the
tryas and then she must have been tryed only as marchioness of Pembroke. But now she
lying under terrible sentence, most probable, that either some hopes life were given her; least, she was wrought
the assurances mitigating that cruel part her Judgment, being burnt, into the milder part the sentence, “having her head cut off;’
that she confessed pre-contract, and the 17th May was lorought Lambeth and court, the afflicted archbishop sitting
after some ceremony, doing, she fell down
lier knees, and with many tears charged the
them, and received the sacrament upon
fore the duke Norfolk, and others
king's privy council; wishing might damnation, there was any such thing (con
her name, and do she had done, the lady
other divorce because contradict one another, that one, not both, then must
precontract, did the emperor had servant there, and honestly was apparent, put out Sir, we have not hour certain,
be the his
lady, she would answer God,
judge, some persons quality being present,
she confessed some just and lawful impedi her saint Heaven she protested ments; which was evident that her mar her innocence, and recommended her daughter riage with the king was not valid. Upon which his care. And her carriage that day she Confession, her marriage bctween the king died, will appear from the following Letter and her was judged have been null and void. writ the lieutenant the Tower, copied The Record the Sentence burnt; but these from the original, which insert, because the
unjust; for may known London, think here the marriage between the king and her was will but few, and think reasonable num
null from the beginning, then since she was not ber were best, for suppose she will declare the kings wedded wife, there could her self good woman, for all men but
adultery and her marriage the king was for the king, the hour her death. For either true marriage, not; was true, this morning she sent for me, that might be then the annulling was unjust, and with her such time she received the good was true marriage, then the attainder was Lord, intent should hear her speak unjust for there could
breach that touching her innocency alway clear. that plain, And the writing this, she sent for me, her, and and my coming she said: ‘Mr. Kingston, illegitimate her daughter, and that transport hear say shall not die aforenoon, and am
faith which was never given the king was resolved
rid
fury, did not consider that the very me verry sorry therefore, for thought
dead told her,
And then
thod took, discovered the unjustice proceedings against her. Two days after this, she was ordered executed the Green on Tower-Hill. How she received these tidings, and how stedfast she continued the protestations her innocence, will best appear
this time, and past my pain.
should pain, was sottle.
seen many men, and also women, executed; the following circumstances. The dav be and that they have been great sorrow, and fore she suffered, upon strict search her my knowledge this lady has much joy and Past life, she called mind, that she had play pleasure death. Sir, her almoner con
the step-mother too severely lady Mary, tinually with her, and had been since two
and had done her many injuries. Upon which, she made the lieutenant the Tower's lady down the chair state; which the other,
clock after midnight. This the effect any
thing that here this time, and thus fare you well, Yours, William Kingston. ”
Mary, and ask her forgiveness for the wrongs
she had done her. And she said, she had no
quiet her conscience, till she had done that.
But though she did this what became Christian, the lady Mary could not easily
pardon these injuries; but retained the resent ments of them her whole life.
This ingenuity and tenderness conscience about lesser matters, great presumption,
that she had been guilty more eminent faults, she had not continued the last deny ing them, and making protestations her in
nocency. For that same night she sent her last message the king, and acknowledged
her self much obliged him, that had con tinued still advance her. She said, had, from private gentlewoman, first made her machioness, and then queen and now, since could raise her higher, was sending
particulars are repeated the Act that, passed the next parliam;ent, touching the Succession the Crown. seeins this was secretly done,
advertise you, there was divorce made between the king and have received your letter, wherein you would her, upon her confessing precontract with ano have strangers conveyed out the Tower, and
ther before her marriage with the king: that they the means Richard Gressum, was then only talkt but not generally known. and William Cooke, and Wytspoll. But the The two sentences that were past upon the number strangers past not thirty, and not
queen, the one attainder for adultery, the many those armed and the ambassador
for Spelman writes thus: was said,
any part was left out “Sir, These should
copier imployed the lord Herbert has not
writ out faithfully; for
cannot think that design.
she said, heard say the csecutioner was very
good, and have little neck, and put her
hands about laughing heartily. have
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421) STATE TRIALS, 2s Hesky VIII. 1536. -and others, for High Treason. [422
A little before noon, being the 19th of May, the Tower, (which will found the Collec she was brought to the scaffold, where she tion,) she pleaded her innocence, strain made a short speech to a great company that much wit, and moving passionate eloquence, came to look on the last scene of this fatal perhaps can scarce parralleled: certainly tragedy: the chief of whom were the dukes of her spirits were much exalted when she wrote Suffolk and Richmond, the lord chancellor,
and secretary Cromwell, with the lord mayor, the sheriffs and aldermen of London. “She
said, she was come to die, as she was judged by the law; she would accuse none, nor say any thing of the ground upon which she was
for pitch above her ordinary stile. Yet the Copy take from, lying among
-
and heartily desired they would pray for cretion, lead one all those things that were her. ' After she had been some time in her proved against her; and therefore they conclu
devotions, her last words being, ‘To Christ ded her chaste, though indiscret. Others blam
thought that some freedoms and levities her judged. She prayed heartily for the king; had encouraged those unfortunate persons
and called him a most merciful and gentle speak such bold things her, since few attempt
prince, and that he had been always to her a good, gentle, sovereign lord, and if any
see some invitations, least their carriage. them to judge the best. And so she took Others thought that free and jovial temper her leave of them, and of the world : might, with great innocence, though with dis
would meddle with her cause, she required
! commend my soul;’ her head was cut
the hangman Calais, who was brought over
more expert beheading than any England her eyes and lips were observed
move after her head was cut off, Spelman
the king, and taxed his cruelty proceed severely against person whose chastity had reason assured of, since she had
writes; but her body was thrown into com cused him.
mon chest elm-tree that was made
put given just cause
being
king
Her brother with the other four did also
suffer; none them were quartered, but they
were beheaded, except Smeton, who was
hanged. was generally said, that was
corrupted into that confession, and had his had now divorced the king second time, which life promised him but was not let
arrows and was buried the chappel within the Tower before twelve clock.
the rage
temper, conceiving against one
him live tell tales. Norris had been much the king's favour, and offer was made him his life, would confess his guilt, and
accuse the queen. But generously rejected that un-handsom proposition, and said, “That his conscience thought her innocent these things laid her charge; but whether
shewed that his conscience was governed the king's pleasure his supreme law. But what he did was unavoidable. For whatever motives
she was not, would not accuse her tence upon formal confession. Some loaded any thing, and would die thousand times, all that favoured the Reformation and said,
rather than ruin innocent person. ”
These proceedings occasioned great va riety censures, there were diversity in
now appeared what woman their great patro
ness and supporter had been. But those was answered, That her faults, true, being
terests. The popish party said, the justice
God was visitole, that she who had supplanted
queen Catherine, inct with the like, and harder.
measure, the same means. Some took no
tice her faint justifying her self the scaf
sold, her conscience had then prevailed
far, that she could longer deny thing, for
which she was soon answer another Popes continued court and magnifie, after
tribunal. But others thought her care her daughter made her speak tenderly; for she
her barbarous murder her son, with other acts unsatiated spite and amb. tion. Therefore
they had reason think the worse per had drawn the kings indignation her daugh sons for claiming the protection quo en,
had observed, that queen Catherines obs' inacy
ter; and therefore that she alone might bear her misfortunes, and derive no share them on her daughter, she spoke stile, that could give the king just offence: and she said enough justifie her self, she said much for the kings honour, could expected.
Yet letter that she wrote the king from
whose faults she was criminal,) were unknown to them when they inade use her.
Some have since that time concluded
great evidence her guilt, that during her daughter's long and glorious reign, there was full nor compleat vindication her published. For the writers that time thought enough
Cromwell's other Papers, makes me believe was truly written her.
Her carriage seemed too free, and people
upon the chastity, make declarations love, persons exalted quality, except they
ing
resisted his addresses near five years;
gitimated them
marriage. But
certain her carriate had
some jealousie,
whom
man, was wooder
had signally obliged, was trans
ported into unjustifiable excesses. —Others con
demned Cranmer, man that ob-equiously followed the king's appetites; and that
drew from her the confession that pre-con tract, was obliged give sentence upon
and that which she confessed, being such made her incapable contract marriage with the king, could not decline the giving *en
secret, could cast no reflection on those, who being ignorant then, made use her pro tection. And the church of Rome thought not their cause suffered the enraged cruelty and ambition the cursed Irene, who had convened the second council Nice, and set the wor ship images again the east; whom the
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423] STATE TRIALS, 28 Henry VIII. 1536. -Trials of 2ueen Anna Boleyn, [424
to speak honourably of her; and in general, to such way, soften the king (for she knew call her innocent, but none of them ever at his temper) such humble deportment, tempted a clear discussion of the particulars favour her daughter. She was brought her laid to her charge. This had been much to her trial without having any advocate allowed her; daughter's honour, and therefore, since it was having none but her maids about her. chair not done, others concluded it could not be done; was set for her, and she looked her judges and that their knowledge of her guilt restrained with chearful countenance, she made her
opens. curtsies them, without any fear: she behaved their But others do not at allow
that inference, and think rather, that was the herself she had been still queen she spoke great wisdom that time not suffer such not much her own defence; but the mo things called question since wise desty her countenance pleaded her inno government will admit debate about the cence, much more than the defence that she clearness the princes title. For the very at made; that who saw heard her, be
the busie emissaries
Ertract from The tragedy
Rome and Spain.
Burn. Reformat. 118.
still protested her innocence. When she heard the Sentence, that she was beheaded,
prove weakens more, than any lieved her innocent. Both the magistrates
the proofs that are brought can confirm
it; London, there, and several others who were
therefore was prudently done and her great ministers, never
that queen said, they saw evidence against her only
appeared, that they were resolved rid of her.
suffer any vin dication apology written. Some indis
cretions could not be denied, and these would have been catched hold and improved
She was made lay aside the characters her dignity which she did willingly but
queen Anne followed soon after this: broke out the first
Meteren,
wrote
which
by French gentleman, Crispin, who was ‘ment you all. believe you have reasons. then London, and Meteren relates the and occasions suspicion and jealousy, upon matter, wrote without partiality. He begins which you have condemned me: but they
put prison: but were found guilty,
did not confess, and should suffer the extre Norris answered, would
that excellent History that
the Wars the Netherlands,
will not say that nor presume, that preferred the judg
took from full relation given
thus: “There was gentleman who blamed must be other, than those that have been
produced here court; for am entirely in nocent all these accusations; that
cannot ask pardon God for them. have been always faithful and loyal wife the king. have not, perhaps, times shewed him that humility and reverence, that his
goodness me, and the honour which
raised me, did deserve. confess, have had
fancies and suspicions him, which had not strength nor discretion enough manage but God knows, and my witness, that never failed otherwise towards hin and
shall never confess any other, the hour iny death. Do not think that say this, design prolong my life: God has taught me
know how die; and will fortify my faith. Do not think that am so carried
that was false, which was ready jus my mind, not lay the honour my
his sister for some lightness that appeared her behaviour, she said the queen did more than she did; for she admitted some her
court come into her chamber undue hours:
and named the lord Rochford, Norris, Weston,
Brereton, and Smeton the musician; and she
said her brother, that Sneton could tell much
more: this was carried the king. ”—When
the matter broke out the first May, the king who loved Norris, sent for him, and said,
would confess those things with which the queen was charged, he should neither suffer
his person, nor his estate; nor much
mity the law.
much rather die than guilty such falshood:
tify combat against any person whatso ever; he was sent with the rest the Tower: the confession of Smeton was all that was brought against the queen he, was
chastity heart; small account now not maintained
which should make my extremity, had
my whole life long, inuch ever queen did. know, these my last believed, was prevailed accuse her: yet words will signify nothing, but justifie my
was condemned contrary the promise that honour and my chastity. As for my brother,
had been made him but was pretended that and those others, who are unjustly con his crime was, that had told his suspicions demned, would willingly suffer many deaths,
others, and not the king and when was deliver them but since see pleases alledged that one witness was not sufficient, the king, must willingly bear with their was answered that was sufficient. He adds, ‘death, and shall accompany them death, that the queen was tryed the Tower; and ‘with this assurance, that shall lead an end that she defended her honour, and modesty, “less life with them peace. ” She said this,
burnt, she was not terrified; but lifted
her hands God, and said, “O Father' May “O Creator Thou, who art the way, the
1536, but seems was concerted before; for “truth, and the life; thou knowest that parliament was summoned, least the writs have not deserved this death. ’ And turning were tested the 27th April before. There herself her Judges, (her uncle, the duke
long account her sufferings given
Norfolk, being the lord high steward)
she said, “My lords, ‘your sentence unjust “my opinion ought
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425] STATE TRIALS, 28 Henry VIII. 1536. —and others, for High Treason. [426
and a great deal more : and then, with a mo undressed her neck with great courage, and dest air, she rose up, and took leave of them ended her days. ”
all. Iler brother, and the other gentlemen, This long recital have translated out were executed first. “He exhorted those who Meteren; for not find taken notice suffered with him, to die without fear; and said any our writers. leave thus, without to those that were about him, that he came to any other reflections upon but that seems die, since it was the king's pleasure that it over credible. Thevet, Franciscan fryar, who should be so. He exhorted persons, not for years, had wandered and down trust courts, states, and kings, but God Europe, prepare materials for his Cosmo only. He had deserved heavier punishment graphy, (which published the year 1503,)
give him long, and good life. With him, sins, being the point death and
all the rest suffered death, which they had among other things, the injury and the crime way deserved. Mark Smeton only confessed, committed against queen Anne Boleyn, who
cleared me that publick shame has brought
me Alas! fear his soul suffers for and
that now punished for his false accusation. But for my brother, and those others, doubt not, but are now the presence of that
Great King, before whom am morrow. '”
seems, that gentleman knew nothing
partiality for queen Anne. We must leave those secrets the great day.
".
for his other sins; but not from the
had never offended. Yet prayed God that king Henry expressed great repentance
whom says, many English gentlemen him, that assured
he had deserved well die which gave occa
sion inany reflections. When the queen
heard how her brother and the other gentlemen
had suffered, and had sealed her innocence
with their own blood but that Mark had con
fessed, deserved die; she broke out into ing queen Catherine, not suspected some passion, and said; Has he not then
the judgment that passed
nulling the marriage for
secretly. could have
lour, but from that story mentioned Caven also received the blessed sacrament upon the
dish's Life Wolsey, the lord Percy's ad same before the duke Norfolk, and other dresses her. He was now examined upon the king's highnes council learned the spi
that: but will appear from his letter Cromwell, that solemnly purged both him self and her, from any precontract; being exa mined upon oath the two archbishops; and that received the sacrament upon before the duke Norfolk, and some the king's council that were learned the spiritual law; assuring them his oath, and the sacra ment that had received, and intended receive, that there was never any contract,
romise marriage, between her and him.
This wrote the 13th May, four days
before the queen's execution; which will
found the collection. This shews plainly,
that she was prevailed on, between fear and “what write, what excuse, am alto hope, confess precontract, the person not ‘gether ignorant. Whereas you send unto me being named. ‘(willing me confess truth, and obtain
The French gentleman gives the same ac “your favour) such one whom you know count the manner her death, and her ‘to mine antient professed enemy; speech, that the other writers that time ‘sooner received this message him, than do. “When she was brought the place ‘rightly conceived your meaning; and execution, within the Tower, says, her looks “you say, confessing truth indeed m–ay were cheartui. ; and she never appeared more ‘procure my safety, shall with willing. beautiful, than that time. She said those ‘ness and duty perform your command.
about her, not sorry see me die thus; “But let not your grace ever imagine that
but pardon me from your hearts, that have “your poor wife will ever brought ac not expressed about me, that mildness “knowledge fault, where not much
that became me; and that have not done ‘thought thereof preceded. And speak that good, that was my power do. She “truth, never prince had wife more loyal
prayed for those who were the procurers her duty, and true affection, than you have death. Then, with the aid her maids, she “ever found Ann Boleyn, with which name
was falsly accused, and convicted that which was laid her charge. true, Thuanus has very much disgraced that writer, vain and ignorant plagiary but having been the order that suffered much for their adher
The Earl Northumberland's Letter Crom
well, denying any Contract,
Promise Anne and himself.
signifie unto Raynold Carnaby, ‘that there supposed precontract between
Marriage,
between Queen
to “Mr. Secretary, this shall ‘you, that perceyve
Lambeth, an ‘the queen and me; whereupon was not only
was transacted “heretofore examined upon my oath before the foundation co archbishopps Canterbury and York, but
rituall law; assuring you, Mr. Secretary,
the said oath, and blessed body which affore received, and hereafter intend receive, that the same may uny damnation, ever there were any contracte, promise marriage between her and me. At Newyng ton-Green, the xijth day Maye, the 28th year the reigne our soveraigne lord
‘king Henry the 8th.
Your assured. “North UMBERLAND. ’
Queen Ann
Boleyn's
last Letter
king Henry.
‘Sir; Your grace's displeasure, and my im ‘prisonment, are things strange unto me,
It
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17
of
at
427] STATE TRIALS, 28 HENRY VIII. 1536. -Trials of Queen Anna Boleyn, [428
‘and place I could willingly have contented “myself, if God and your grace's pleasure had
‘ been so pleased. Neither did I at any time “so far forget my self in my exaltation, or re
‘ ceived queenship, but that I alwayes looked * for such an alteration as now I find ; for the * ground of my preferment being on no surer
“foundation than your grace's fancy, the least ‘ alteration, I knew, was and sufficient
Ertract from Strype's Memorials, vol. 279.
This year, (1536) the month May, queen Anne Boleyn was beheaded: great friend and patroness the reformed religion. She was very nobly charitable, and expended largely
manner acts liberality, according
her high quality. And among the rest her ways shewing this Christian virtue, she being
favourer learning, together with her father, draw that fancy some other subject. You the lord Wiltshire, and the lord Rochford, her
have chosen me, from low estate,
brother, maintained divers ingenious men
the universities. Among the rest, were these men note, Dr. Hethe, afterward archbishop
your queen and companion, far beyond my
desert desire. then you found me wor thy such honour, good your grace not
York, and lord chancellor; Dr. Thirlby,
any light fancy, bad counsel mine ene
mies, withdraw your princely favour from me; ward lord Paget, and secretary state:
neither that stain, that unworthy stain disloyal heart towards your good grace,
cover cast foul blot your most dutiful wife, and the infant princess your daughter:
try me, good king, but let me have lawful
which her time were favourers of the Gos pel, though afterwards they relapsed. Of Paget one hath observed, that he was most earnest Protestant, and being Cambridge, gave unto one Raynold West, Luther's book, and other
trial, and not iny sworn enemies my books the Germans, Franciscus Lamber
accusers and judges; yea, me receive open trial, for my truth shall fear open shame; then shall you see, either mine inno cency cleared, your suspicion and conscience satisfied, the ignonimy and slander the would
tus Sectis: and that,
Melancthon's rhetorick
and was maintainer
the Protestants then
that time he read openly Trinity-hall; Dr. Barmes, and all Cambridge, and helped
proved, your grace
liberty, execute
É.
punishment
follow your associion, already settled that party, for whose sake am How am, whose name could some good while since have pointed unto; your grace being not norant my suspicion therein. —But you have already determined me, and that not only my death, but infamous slander must
bring you the enjoying your desired happi ness; then desire God, that will par
don your great sin therein, and likewise mine enemies, the instruments thereof; and that will not call you strict account for
ferers, and her high esteem Iythe Queen.
the word God.
and
not me
wo, thy
man,
only
unlawful wife, but
your unprincely and cruel usage me, his
general judgment-seat, where both you and ‘that with speed and favour convenient,
my self must shortly appear, and whose “woll cause this good and honest merchant, judgment doubt not, (whatsoever the world “being my lords true, faithful and loving sub may think ine) mine innocence shall ‘ject, restored his pristin freedoin, openly known, and sufficiently cleared. —My “liberty and fellowship aforesaid. And the
last and only request shall be, that my self ‘sooner this our request: and your good may only bear the burthen your grace's ‘plesure hear him such things hath
displeasure, and that may not touch the in “to make further relation unto you nocent souls those poor gentlemen, who, half. Yeven under our signet,
this be my lord's
understand, are likewise strait impri ‘mannor Grenewich, the day
sonment for my sake. ever have found Such material piece history the king's
favour your sight, ever the name Anu Boleyn hath been pleasing your ears, then
reign, besides what written our historials, may deserve divers particular remarks be shewn, concerning this queen's behaviour and
let me obtain this cquest; and will leave
trouble your grace any further, with mine her speeches, from the time her commitment
earnest prayers the Trinity have your the Tower, her execution. Which am grace his good keeping, and direct wou enabled give from five six letters sir
your actions. From my doleful prison Willian Kyngston, constable, (as others) the Tower, this May. Your most lieutenant, the Tower, secretary Crum
loyal and ever faithful wife, ANN Boliy wel. And the rather, represent
afterward bishop Ely; and Mr. Paget, after
stopped, my guilt openly declared. So This queen was also great favourer those
that whatsoever God you may determine me, your grace may freed from open
censure; and mine offence being
that suffered for religion. Let this Letter en suing, writ her Crumwel, stand upon re cord here, shewing both her love such suf
lawfully both before
many religious persons out their cowles.
“Anne the Queen. Trusty and right well “beloved, wee greet you well. And whereas,
“we credibly enformed, that the bearer “hereof, Rychard Herman, merchant, and citi ‘z Antwerp Brabant, was, the time
the late lord cardinal, put and expelled
from his freedom and fellowship and ‘English-House there, for nothing else, “affirmeth, not only for that, that did, both
with his goods and policy, his great hurt and hind ance this world, help the set ting forth the New Testament English. Wee therefore desire and instantly pray you,
the
May. ”
‘ ‘ • • • • • • • inIn to as
*
• • • • * •
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1. p.
42) state TRIALs, as Hosoy VIII. 1536—andola, High Treason. Loo
matters concerning this queen her afflictions letter. Mrs. Cosins, gentlewoman appointed
the more largely, exactly and distinctly; which
bishop Burnet bath set down from the same papers, more briefly and imperfectly. And perhaps upon the reading what follows, some things which that reverend author attributes
fits and vapours the queen, may find better and truer interpretation. The lord Herbert
wait upon the queen here, and that lay her palate bed, said, that Norris (one those
also has given things.
added, enquire her present
only some short- hints these -
Norfolk, and some other
into dungeon answered her, No, ought should come the king, but good, you madam you shall into your lodging, that would look have me. Then said, he you lay your coronation. Upon which should have any such thought, would his she said. too good for me. And further head were off. And then she said, she could said, “Jesu have mercy me. ’ And then undo him, she would. And therewith they
kneeled down, weeping great pace. And
After the duke
the kings council who had conducted queen
any such
Anne the Tower (which was the
May) were departed, the said constable the
Tower went before her into her lodging. And
then she said him, ‘Mr. Kyngston, shall said she, You look for dead men's shoes. For
great laughing. And so she did several times afterwards. Then
fell out.
And then she said, more fear Weston
the same sorrow fell into
she desired Mr. Kyngston, move the king's
highness that she might have the sacrament
the closet her chamber, that she might pray
for mercy. “For Iain clear,’ said she, “from one the queen's maids, that courted. ] the company man, for sin, am clear And further, Kyngston related another saying,
from you and again, “the king's true wedded wife. ’ And then she said, ‘Mr. Kyngston,
you know wherefore am here? ' and
Nay. And then she asked him, when
the king said, not since saw him Tilt-Yard, [which was but the day before Greenwich, when seemed first take displeasure against her. ] And then she asked him, pray you tell me, where my lord my father He told her, saw him afore dim ner the court. where my sweet bro ther? (for she feared the king's displeasure against her, would reach unto her relations,) Kingston replyed, left him York-place:
which the queen spake him concerning Wes ton, [whom also she had sometimes talk with, coming often her way; which might create
jealousy concerning him. ] That she had spoke with him, because did love her kins
said, saw
the
woman, Mrs. Skelton. And said
loved not his wife [spoken
him, that way re her again,
thinking convenient conceal from her,
though was committed the same day.
hear say, said she, that shall accused
three men. And can say more but, Nay: and courteous nature, would exchange words though you should open my body; and there
with she opened her gown. Adding, O! Nor
ris, hast thou accused me? thou art the Tower with me. And thou and shall die
sometimes, and enter into some talk with such she met the court; and with these gen. tlemen, who were the privy chamber: and
happened often come where she was. And some their discourse happened
together. And Mark, [another that accused
her] thou art here too. And then with much brought the king some officious person, -
compassion she said, O' my mother, thou that owed her good will.
wilt die with sorrow. And then she much la another Letter secretary Crumwel,
mented my lady Worcester (being with child) wrote these passages concerning the said queen: because her child did not stir her body. And That she much sired have there her
when the constable's wife, being present, asked, closet the sacrament; and also her amner for what might the cause, she said, was for one hour, when she was determined die
the sorrow she took for me.
Then she said, Mr. Kyngston, shall die without justice which resolved, The poorest subject the king had, had justice. And there with she laughed. All these sayings hap pened that night. The next morning con versation, with her, these specches happened; related W. Kyngston, his foresaid
[that suffer death. After examina tion her Greenwich, before some the council, the said Kyngston sent for his wife and Mrs. Cosins (who both were appointed
always with her) know them, how she had done that day. They said, she had been very merry, and made good dinner; and after, call
for supper. And then called for him,
that were accused about her) did say day last unto the queen's amner, that
speaking the queen, [as minding her concerning the occasion
trouble] Madam, why should there
unatters spoken Marry, said the queer",
bade him do so. For asked him, why he did not through with his marriage [with some lady, seems, Norris courted]. And made answer, would tarry time. Then
swear for the queen, that she was woman. And then the said gentlewoman
[another that was cast into the Tower about
Her business. ] For Weston had said unto her, that Norris came more unto her chamber for
Satur would good
her, than did for Mage [the name, suppose,
proof. ] And made answer
that he loved one her house better than
them both. And the queen said, Who that gave this answer, yourself. And then
she defied him, she said Kyngston [in scorne and displeasure, reflecting upon her
honour, undoubtedly]. These passages be tween the queen and them, was the cause all their deaths; coming some way other the jealous king's ears. For she, being frce
by
sir be
heit
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431] STATE TRIALS, 28 HENRY WIII. 1530. -Proceedings against the [432
and asked him, where he had been day. And did, when put two such about her, my after some words, she began talk, and said, lady Boleyn, and Mrs. Cosins. For they could she was cruelly handled Greenwich with the tell her nothing my lord, her father, and no
Nor thing else. But that she defied them all. And that [Meaning any about her whosoever, able
said, [to what she had spoken,
her own defence] “Tut, tut, tut;' and shak But then upon this, my lady Boleyn [her kins
king's council namely, with my lord folk [who was indeed her enemy. . ]
seems charge her with any dishonourable act. ]
ing his head three four times. And for Mr. Treasurer, was, said she, the forest Windsor. You know, added the writer the letter, what she meant that. And then named Mr. Comptroller (another the coun
woman] said her, Such desire you have had such tales, [tale-carriers tellers, some perhaps her women were] have brought you this. Then said Mrs. Stoner, [another gentlewoman about her] Mark |Smeton, the musician, another committed the Tower, an accuser the queen] the worst cherished any the house. For weareth irons. The queen said, that was because was gentle
cil) very gentleman. But she queen, and cruelly handled, was
never
seen. “But think the king doth
prove me. ’ And then laughed withal; and was very
merry. And then she said, shall have jus man. And never was my chainber;
tice. Then said the constable, Have no doubt therein. Then she said, any man accuse
me, can say but nay. And they can bring witness.
And some communication with the lady Kyngston and Mrs. Cosins, would God, said she, had my bishops. For they would
[and could know less, she meant, than any,
what was done her, any with her there] but Winchester, and there she sent for him, play the virginals: for there my lodging
was above the king's. And never spake with him since, but upon Saturday before May day
[that fatal day, when the king first conceived
his jealousy. ] And then found him standing
the king for me. For think the
most part England prayeth for me. And the round window my chamber pre
die, you shall see the greatest punishment for sence. And asked him, why was sad. me within this seven years, that ever came And answered and said, was no matter. England. [This she spake doubt the And then she said, You may not look have confidence her innocency; and God's right me speak you would nobleman: eous and visible judgments for the most part, because inferior person. No, no, for shedding innocent blood. And indeed said he, look sufficeth me: and thus fare you within the seventh year following, happened well. This shews him some haughty dreadful pestilence London, and many com person; and thought the queen gave him not motions and insurrections the end of this respect enough. And might take this op reign. ] “And then,' said she, “shall portunity humble her; and revenge himself Heaven. For have done many good deeds this means her not thinking would
my days. ' Then she took notice divers cost him his own life.
women set about her, that she liked not; say Another letter William Kyngston
ing, think much unkindness the king put Crumwel, giving account this queen's be
such about me, never loved. Then Kyngs ton shewed her, that the king took them
good
honest and women. But would have
had my own privy chamber, replyed she,
which favour most,
another Letter Kyngston
relates, how she desired him
letter the said Crumwel [of whose friendship she had belief. ] But (it seems not think ing safe for him carry letters from her) said her, that she would tell him mouth, would For which she gave him thanks: and added, that she much mar welled, that the king's council came not her,
haviour her execution, published the History the Reformation, which began thus;
Crumwel, carry
Sir, o you,
this shall advertise that have
‘received your letter; wherein you would have ‘strangers conveyed out the tower. And
“so they be, the means Richard Gresham, ‘and William Loke, and Withepole. But the number strangers past not thirty; and not ‘many hothe “Armed' added in
Letter. Another Letter hers the king, beginning, “Sir, your grace's displeasure,’ &c.
same day she said, we should have rain, till she was delivered out the Tower being
vindicate her, giving, withholding the message the queen Anne, being prisoner clouds Heaven. ] To which Kyngston re the Tower; willing her confess the truth,
[thinking probably
that God (who takes care innocency) would lating imperfectly, viz. The king sending
season that wanted rain
plyed, pray, may shortly, because the
fair weather: adding, you know what mean
[that the king's reconciliation her]. Other occasional speeches hers, were
these. She said concerning such women was set about her, That the king wist what
she said, “She could confess no more, then she had already spoken. And she said, she must
“conceal nothing from the king, whom she ‘did acknowledge her self much bound for ‘many favours: for raising her first from ‘mean woman Marquess; next
ori ginal letter. Other mistakes there, this more exact transcription will rectify thus far the
the said History
, which word not the
seeming ready justify her self. The 426), published the said History. But
this passage following wrote the end her Letter, think worthy be transcribed, and
set here, the reverend author that book re
a as he
in
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be
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it no to to soof be
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438] STATE TRIALS, 33 HENRy VIII. 1541. -the Earl of Essex, for Treason. [434
‘ his queen. And now, seeing he could bestow flicted queen confessed to save her life, or to
* no further honour upon her on earth, for pur change the way of her execution, from burning
* posing to make her, by martyrdom, a saint in to beheading, that there never was any such
* Heaven. ”—I add one remark more concerning precontract, the said earl protested solemnly
this queen: that at this time of her being in in a letter to secretary Crumwel: who it seems the Tower, a former charge was revived against had now desired to know the truth from him
her : namely, the contract of marriage between self.