TO THE READER.  
COurteous Reader: Thou wilt wonder perhaps, that this Terrible Narration of a Colloquy, so full of dread and astonishment (long since had betwixt two Kings of England, both Deceased) should not sooner have come forth, when (in the interval of so Great a tract of Time) it ought rather to have been put to the Press. But thou must know it was then strangled in its Birth (all ready fitted by me to have come into the Light) when (the late King's Blood yet smoking) the Severity of the times suppressed it; Divers also were shut up close Prisoners lest the Truth of such strange Prodigies should walk abroad with them, And the Soldiers largely bribed who watched his Hearse, not to let any thing of that Quality fall from them; But now it is by God's infinite goodness (nor unhappy (as I may say) Midwifrie of mine) that again it Resaluteth the Day, with recommendation to be Communicatively used by the—: However to myself the Author who was present at the late King's Burial, and both Eye and Eare-witness of these wonders, not as vain and only forged things speaking (like to Poets) give thou Credit and Belief; But as tracing through those Dead King's Colloquies (in this Kingdom filled with hellish darkness) the true and hidden Paths of Gods just vengeance. Farewell, and as thy Brother in CHRIST, Pray for,  
Thy, etc.   

NUNTIUS a MORTUIS: OR, A Messenger from the Dead.  
THrough the unlimited wickedness of the London. Calvinists (the first of that Name in England) King CHARLES being taken away, His headless Body (by order of Parliament (not to the Royal Abbey of St. Peter in Westminster, the solemn Buriall-place of all the Kings and Queens of England, but to Windsor twenty miles distant from London, in HENRY the Eight's Monument) was Translated to be interred. There was no Pomp at all to grace his Funeral, only a few Soldiers sent to Guard his Body, which some few Nobles (with the Duke of Richmond) waited on; where his Corpses being put into the Sepulchre, from out the penetral thereof there broke a horrid Sound, which the standers by at first amazed with much wonder; But by and by a voice attending that Noise, forced them All into a fearful astonishment. And it is Credible, that even the Soldiers would have taken their Heels, but that casting away all fears and Apprehension which they had long since laid aside of either Heaven or Hell; They resolved to hear the sequel of that Prodigy; I also who (grown Pale with fear) had begun to fly, Recollected my Spirits, and (comforting myself with the presence of the Soldiers, not uncovetous of Hearing what would follow) stood my ground; And with the rest at last discovered that it was the Voice of Henry the Eight, thus complaining with a Loud and horridly frightful Vocifiration.  Henricus. 
HO! Who is this (with Sacraligious impiety) that dares vex the so long quiet ashes of a King so many years since deceased. This said, another voice strait risen somewhat softer, but extremely Dolefull, which seemed to be Kings Charles his, thus Answering.  Carolus. 
I Am that unhappy King of England your Successor, the undoubted Heir of Sixty two Monarches whose Sceptres sometimes swayed these Nations, and who myself have (now these twenty years and upwards) worn the Kingly Diadem.  Henricus. 
As though thou indeed hadst worn the kingly Diadem? Why thou hast no Head at all whereon to put it, Man.  Carolus. 
But I had one (oh my Grief) and very lately, though my Subjects have rebelliously taken it from me.  Henric. 
Have thy Subjects then thus cruelly handled thee, oh the hatred of both God and Men! How I pray you came these things to pass? And what wickedness hadst thou done so execrable which hath transported thy Subjects to that Madness.  Garol. 
That Sir, I am totally ignorant of; but this I dare with confidence affirm, That I have violated no man's Bed, have not offered force unto any on's Daughter, driven no man from his house or Lands; of all which, yet Henry the Eight my Predecessor is held guilty through the total universe. Let these say who have brought me hither whether in any thing I have belied the Truth? then paused a while as though to hear what they would say, whilst the Soldiers (with their looks cast down) consented by their Silence to these verities. And most true it is (indeed) what hath been said; for never King since the world's Creation was more wicked than that Henry I speak of, as who (counselled by one CROMWELL of those Times) either violated all Divine and humane Laws, or gave the example to his successors of doing so. But as for Charles who is so lately deceased (only abstracting from the Blot of Heresy) no King ever (not only of his time) nor Private man was either naturally more equitable, more holy, or endowed with greater Virtues, who (not finding what he said opposed) in this manner followed on his Narration; I was criminated for defending with Arms what peaceably (but in vain) I had endeavoured) those very Laws the which my Ancestors had left to me, and which Sixteen and upwards of years, I had uncontroledly Ruled by and Reigned. Hereupon were there judges appointed (by an usurped authority of Parliament) who should sit and determine of my Head, witnesses against me sworn and examined, who had conspired to take away my Life; The day set down and forces brought the which should carry me to be arraigned before their Dire Tribunal, and though I called both God and men to witness their violation (in this proceeding) of the Laws, and that no Power on earth was capable of judging me; as also that I took not up Arms, before that Arms had first been actually taken against me; yet judgement or rather the shadow thereof) was given by which I suffered the decollation of my Head.  Henric. 
Oh wickedness, even seared to impudence, and of which as ages past are wholly ignorant, so those to come will hardly ever give credit to. We have heard perhaps of Kings and Potentates, who have suddenly been oppressed by the Fury of a Raging and incensed multitude; But that any one (a Prince of such High majesty) should be brought to death by the cruelty of his Subjects (all of one and the selfsame Religion) under the colour even itself of justice, and be obtruncated by the public Hangman, (but especially not found guilty of any crime, unless propugning his Paternal Rights.) Since Kings had being was yet never heard of. For (that Mary Queen of Scots that Niece of mine, was most cruelly and inhumanely Beheaded) that Elizabeth my unhappy daughter Queen of England (and in hatred of Religion not the unnaturalness of her Subjects brought to pass; and therefore all men have that Isabella or rather Jezabell in veneration, as though indeed a Martyr.  Carol. 
Lest I should seem too much to stand upon my innocence, I confess I was to blame (although not charged therewith) when I assented unto strafford's dying (not least guilty on my knowledge of his Charge) through the lenity of my Nature (though unwillingly) wherefore respecting that strict Father of justice (whose dominion is juster over Kings, then that of Kings over other mortals) I cannot wail my Blood so spilt unworthily, who (Pilate like) subscribed another's death, having declared him first wholly innocent in my judgement.  Henric. 
Had this been the cause of thy Calamity, those other rather much should have been punished with the loss (by Heavens just vengeance) of their heads who Thee being innocent made thus guilty by their prejudice, and (however against thy will and Relucting) as by the shoulders forced thee headlong forwards into that most horrid iniquity of their judgement. Therefore some thing there must necessarily be more which have caused this so execrable fate to thee; nor know I why thou shouldest here be more obtruded on me, thou thyself canst tell me any just cause why thou wert stripped out of this miserable Life by so shameful and opprobrious a death; if thou camest (as such thou boasts thyself) of Kings, had it not been meeter thou hadst laid thy Bones amongst thy ancestors then trouble here my rest and quiet?  Carol. 
I earnestly (indeed dying) desired to have been buried in the Tomb of my Father, but who spoiled me of my life denied that boon to me. Fearing I believe least lying so near them, that the voice of my Blood would cry more loud to them. But in this they have not only been inhuman to me; Many other and most grievous indignities have I suffered in my shameful way of Dying. At Westminster where myself and my Ancestors (the Kings of this Nation) were Inaugurated, was I forced to hear the Sentence of my Life from the mouth of a silly Pettifogger, when according to the municipal Laws, no Noble man can be judged but by his Peers. At St. james his was I keeped close Prisoner, whilst my Enemies did determine of my Head, wholly cast upon their Arbitrary judging me; a Place above all others loved by me, through the memory of my past there Childhood, where my youth also had been harmlessly entertained with many innocuous and most innocent oblectations. The Scaffold for my death appointed, raised directly before the Court of my house, unto which that I might come with more regret and also shame, even through those rooms they dragged me, where (to honour Foreign States Ambassadors) with Royal pomp, I used and Masques to recreate them. I beheld also (but with what sense of indignation?) his head covered, & Eyes sternly fixed on me, Oliver Cromwell one of ordinary extraction and (abstracting from what Fortune hath reared him to) much more despicable than the meanest of my Nobles (how much short then of the majesty of a King) sitting umpire of my life and death. But though these things were very grievous and deplorable, yet that one was even then death itself less tolerable to me, when my ears (the Blood yet spinning out my veins) swallowed in that fatal mandate from the Crier, that it should be death to call my Son or Prince of Wales, or destiny him to be his Father's successor. And then indeed it truly appeared, as conjectured by the wiser in the beginning, that not the King so much as Rule displeased the Rebels, who conspired so unanimously my death, to the end that That aswell as I should be extirpated. Yet this one thing very much consolates my Griefs, that (at least) I have been destined to this Place, where I cannot doubt of your more courteous reception of me, as being Nephew of your Sister the Princess Margaret, her I mean who marrying james the fourth of Scotland, bore that Mary of whom so lately you made mention, and she james my late Father since deceased, unto whose Sceptre she gave both England and Scotland, unto which James, I Charles the first (as Heir unto my Father) have succeeded.  Henric. 
Hom, what's that I hear, and art thou that Charles then the Son of James, to whom from me by Elizabeth that Kingdom is divolved by Succession? art thou I prithee that self same Charles, and canst not see how all these evils have oppressed thee? But it seems thy eyes yet very well see not (newly come into into this region of Darkness) No! hadst thou remembered how a long while ago I drew from out that yoke my neck which in the Church I had full 20. years drawn in, after first I was anointed King; I, and defended with both Sword & Pen too, thou wouldst lesse wonder that (after 20. year's Reign) thy Subjects should have so departed from thee; Thou canst not be ignorant that amongst all the Christian Kings I was the first that ever arrogated the Supremacy and would be cal'ed The Head of the Church, which Titles that I might knit them to my Crown with a knot that should never be untied, Oh! what Blood have I not shed of Martyrs? This sin of mine so long since committed, being to be expiated by the blood of a King, both this Sceptre and monstrous Head together were at once to perish; this was long ago decreed by the Fates, as we may judge now 'tis come to pass. But more than all this I will tell you; There was a Person of great note during my Reign, of whom many things thou canst not choose but have heard, whose Name was called Thomas Moor. This man (adorned with virtues so transcendent many ages could not match his worth) from a Pleader (at the Bar) of the Law, and (having regard unto his merit and Learning) I called to be Lord Chancellor of England. But I seemed only thither to have raised him, that I might depress him from the greater Hight; For when (following the dictamen of his Conscience) he would not own me the Head of the Church; I commanded forthwith His to be cut off; So that whilst Playing Calisthenes he fell into the hands of Alexander. Go thou then now (Head of the Church) and complain, that by the Sentence of a pitiful Lawyer Thine is also cut off from thy Shoulders. Or rather seest thou not plainly in these Prodigies the Tenor of God's admirable judgements? It was grievous to thee to be a Prisoner at St. James his; where thou hast so innocently in thy youth disported thyself; but thou minds not that I formerly (by violence and Sacraledge) snatched those Houses from the Church, as not long after all the Goods of the Monks, the Carthusians, bernardin's, Cestersians, Canon Regulers, and so of all the rest; But more especially of those of St. Benedict, whose houses and Estates I confiscated, being the most Splended and Opulent of all the Kingdom, by an injustice till that Time not ever heard of; wherefore as I (for that they owned me not their Head) cast in Prison many innocent Religious, and from their Houses made them hve unto the Gallows, so then hadst for thy Prison (where thou suffered'st) a house that had been heretofore Religious, I hanged up several Abbots at their doors to give a terror (by their sufferings) to the Monks. And what wonder, if (to the astonishment of Kings and Kingdoms) thou hast suffered at the doors of thy Palace, an ignominious and opprobrious Death? But knowest thou not (over and above) that this very Palace (the House of thy abode) was the dwelling place of the Bishops of York, which I extorted from Cardinal Wolsey; A man sometimes highly advanced by me, whilst serving my unbridled Lust; but whom afterwards I utterly Confounded, when I judged it for the avail of my Avarice. Nor profaned I only the Episcopal houses to ungodly and Nefarious uses, but Compelled ev'm themselves the Bishops (from their Obedience to the Roman Sea) into an acknowledgement of my jurisdiction in Church affairs, unless only who presided over Rochester whom when neither with fair words nor menaces I could draw into the defection of the rest, I beheaded to complete my Sacraledge. Behold therefore if or not it were fatal and most agreeable to the Heavenly justice, that this Head of the Church (so Admentitious) should have been cut off before the doors of the Bishop? To give Promotion to the affairs of my Primacy; I made me a Vicar of one CROMWELL of those Times, a man of very mean extraction, unto whom (and he of Lay condition) both the Bishops and Archbishops were as underlings: Now another of that name (and like descent) Rules as absolute over all thy Nobles, and Guides the minutes of thy Life and Death. The very same I made my Principal instrument of keeping from their means the Church its children, and of bringing on the Baine of that Religion so long practised in the Times of my Ancestors) which I would call The Reformation of the Church; I entered to this Kingdom (from my Father) when it was Blemishless, entire, and truly Regal; nor in any thing unto any one obnoxious, only (as fitting, in things that were Spiritual) paying submission to the Vicar of CHRIST. Thou received'st it when strengthless and wounded, rend, and torn from the yoke of St. Peter, (so just, so sweet and so amiable) wholly slaved unto the Vicars of the People, chose to govern by the votes of the multitude.  Carol. 
Too too true (by the loss of my Head) have I found those very things which thou hast said to me, and now lately (unless by others allowance) that I had nothing either of Life or Kingdoms, which was not wholly in the hands of the Parliament, since puffed up with fond pride and contumacy (by thy Example) I have swarved from the Church; yet feared I not the qublique Hatchet would have struck me by the hands of Rebels, with such pomp and seared impudence at my death, but much more dreaded Secret counsels and impoisoning.  Henric. 
But of that thou shouldst the least have been afraid; for the punishment would not have answered the offence. Public sins must have public Expiations, nor sought I corners in which to perpetrate my wickednesses, but sinned boldly after once I had begun, only I drew indeed the mask of justice upon the Face of my iniquities; the Supremacy (as though my due) of the Church, unto myself I arrogated, calling a Parliament by a Decree, whereout I quite abolished the Roman Seas authority; I repudiated (by pretence of Right) the woman that was my lawful Wife; the Possessions (likewise wholly of the Clergy) under the same colour, I occasioned to be confiscated; whosoever was averse to my Supremacy (as though guilty of High Treason) I put to Death. Wheresote when our sins (for which we worthily are punished) are covered over with the veil of justice, no wonder if the self same vizard likewise veil us when ourselves at last we come to suffer.  Carol. 
But these Audacities (from their Subjects unto Kings) are the effects of most unheard of wickedness.  Henr. 
I confess it, but with how much greater wickedness are those insolences by ourselves deserved? Such sin only against a mortal Prince, but we Princes against an eternal Deity. But you (Sir (unless a marked out Sacrifice God so willing) for your sin's enormities) could you not have mocqued that arrest of Popular judgement, by your Prerogative in dissolving of the Parliament?  Carol. 
I did what I could to dissolve it, but I pray hear what followed after my so doing. The Scottish men (my natural Subjects) in hostile sort invaded England with their Armies, whom opposing in their march at York, an humble Book came to my hands by Kymbolton, under written by certain Noble men of my Kingdom.—  Henric. 
King Henry hearing Kymbolton named after fetching first a very deep sigh. Oh, Katherine (says he) 〈…〉 Kymbolton (that Woman of all other most dear to me) as excelling all her Sex in virtue, whom I Banished (Heaven forgive me) from my Bed to make place therein for that Strumpet Anne of Bollen, afterwards publicly beheaded (for Adultery) hath exchanged this so hated Life! This Divorce (against both heavens and humane Laws (to the end that I might make it firm) made me usurp unto me the authority of the Church, when (unless with so horrid a Sacraledge) I could not uphold the impiety of that villainy. Hence broke upon ourselves and both our Kingdoms, the inundation of all these pressing miseries.  Carol. 
When (holding forth Kymboltons' Book) from this says he, as by one wave of a Deluge hath also flowed the total Sea of my disasters; for unadvisedly (O my grief) I condescended (they so craving) to a Treaty with the Scots, in which I bond myself firmly to make Good what in my name, should (by my Delegates) be agreed upon. These Deputed (O imprudent Drones or rather indeed perfidious Traitors) gave concessions to the insidiating Scots to take strong Holds into their hands within my Kingdom, till such time as by my Kingly authority the Parliament (then dissolved) should be revoked. Writs therefore I accordingly issued forth, The Scots are most Liberally gratified, nor do they suffer them sooner to leave England, than that first I had engaged my Princely Faith (by a writing under my Hand and Seal (this Hamilton also unhappily Counselled me, that unfortunate kinsman of mine) not to annul the said new Sessions of Parliament, till such time as they should all thereto assent.  Henric. 
Oh, stupidity or rather extremest Madness. Didst thou not see when to thy stiffnecked People thou Granted this, that thou puttest a final Period to the sway of thy Kingly Authority? This was one and the selfsame thing, as if thou hadst given into the hands of the Parliament thy Sceptre and thy Princely Diadem; on condition not to have them again until such time as they should please to restore them Thee; But much otherwise should I have handled mine; Though now it is as clear as noon day, that the measure of my Sins hath been made-up in Thee, by Thy unhappy Participation of my Schisms, and that (by blinding the eyes of thy mind (in Propitiation of the offended Deity) Gods just vengeance hath brought on Thee destruction.— Whom God will destroy he taketh away their Right understanding. But when once it was come to that pass, Thou shouldst have gained (at least) the Parliaments votes unto Thee, by giving Honours to them and other vast Largitions.  Carol. 
Even that in what I could I attempted. But much otherwise (God he knows) it come about; For my Catholic Nobility and Bishops (whose votes I most relied on in Parliament) were ejected by the adverse Faction. They were both indeed very Passionate for my good; the Catholics as hoping I would mitigate the asperity of the Laws in Force against them, by Queen Elizabeth's and my Father's constitutions; The Prelates also as probably expecting a conservation of their Means and Benefices (then threatened in another way) From this Head of theirs (O God) how ridiculous! Having lost thus in the House of Lords (for the Lower was of little consideration to me) more than twenty and upwards of Suffrages, who remained more indulgent and Firm to me, were intimidated (thereto Books cast abroad) by the tumultuousness of the Apprentices & Tradesmen, which Seditions the adverse party of the Parliament with all the eagerness that they could, fomented. At Westmiaster also scandalous Books were written against me, at the pleasure of those Parliamentary Rebels, which (their Emissaries fare and near dispiersing them) by some Provincials (thereto courted) were Subscribed, and exhibited suddenly after to the Parliament, as though (nothing on their part suggested) the whole matter had by the People been exacted.  Henric. 
The very selfsame Fraud and Collusion did I practice to the Church its ruin; For first of all (by writs and declamations) who were Refractory of the Clergy I indulged, in doing whereof I pretended Reformation, and not ruin which was really my Design (like your Rebels, who in the beginning of their Defection even by Oath and Public Faith obliged themselves, not to attempt against your Person, Realms or Church, but to defend them with their utmost power) though however of some Defects in Church and State (by removing from you certain evil Councillors) they seemed to pretend a Reformation. And lest any thing should have the face of Oppression which I did, I procured certain Books to fly abroad with whose Sense I was very well pleased, which the Monks in their own names should write to me, near according to this following Tenor.—  
SInce the goodness of GOD (with your Highness' concurrence) hath so wrought, that in these Later days (the Darkness of Times passed dispersed) a new and veritable Light hath appeared unto us; We hearty and humbly make Request, that you will free us from this Cloistered slavery (the very path unto most certain Perdition) and restore us to our Spiritual liberty; for which doing (to express our Gratitude) we (freely and not any ways enforced, whom nor fear nor yet collusion Draws thereto) Give you all our Houses, Goods and Lands, nay jurisdiction to be your own for ever.— These Books I dispersed through all the Monasteries, and Commanded that every one should subscribe them, who would not to be forthwith hanged. But especially all the Abbots & Superiors, that the rest might by their suffering be intimidated; so that divers through the fear of death (as though really from their proper motives) were induced to underwrite these Papers.  Carol. 
I have signed also many things constrainedly, and (what is worse) been forced to swear I did so willingly. But so fare was this my easiness from availing me (especially about the City of London) that (after all whatsoever they asked me I had given them with a full compliance) they still more and more increased their tumults; and observing all my Castles, Strengths and Navy, taken from me (with the total Militia) it was then (when no means else were left me) that I betook myself first unto Arms, whereby to Guard my life, my Crown, and my Dignity; wherefore (setting up my Kingly Standart) the most faithful of my Subjects fly to me, whose numbers in short time so increased that I waged seven war with the Parliament. During which time it was Remarkable to see how (more than others) the Roman Catholics flocked to me, and (for my good) exposed their Lives and fortunes. Those to wit who were formerly traduced (by the obloquys of most slanderous Calumniators) as suspected to both King and Kingdoms, for refusing of the oath of Allegiance) in which point they never yet were found defective) though falsely therefore called Recusants, but which also exacted from their Consciences an abjuration of the Pope's authority, and an acknowledgement of my Spiritual Supremacy, these very men I say, though they took not that Oath, yet (unsworne) they never stuck at any thing in the which they might be Loyal to me and faithful. But the Covenanters (call them Protestants or Puritans (what did they (though against their Oaths, and highly abjuring any such kind of Practice) but even Tooth and nail bend all their forces to deprive their King of Life and Dignity. Nor wanted these their Plots at last success; For (money falling short to pay the Soldiers (whom I therefore was constrained to dismiss) being myself of all things destitute to extremity) I was glad (as to my very last refuge) to betake myself wholly to the Scots. But (oh unheard of and most shameful perfidiousness!) those sold me to who would give most for me, by which means thus tossed from Prison to Prison, these miseries as you see have overwhelmed me.  Henric. 
I wonder not (by the Parliaments authority and insinuations) that some of thine have left thee; But how cometh it, that thy Countrymen the Scots have taken Arms against thee, joining with thy Enemies?  Carol. 
This threefold defection (by the Scots) was indeed my utter ruin and overthrow; for if only I had contested with the English (by the aid of other faithful of my Subjects (more in number very many than the Rebels) aswell in England as also in Ireland, I should easily have made good my Prerogative. But the Scots (on this occasion) fell from me. I fancying (forsooth) as Head of the Church, that it belonged most peculiarly unto me, that not only the same tenor of Faith, through the extent of my whole Dominions, but the same Service also, Rights and likewise Ceremonies, should be uniformly in the same observed (the Archbishop thereto most of all exhorting me, whom I Reverenced as though indeed some Patriarch) I commanded the Book of Common Prayer (a Form of thy Son Edward's first composing) and the Surplice to be used by the Scots, who had not any either Public form of worship, or other decency of Ornaments in their Church, but (as now it is the fashion at Geneva) every one Babbled as he pleases his own impertinencies; strictly threatening with Exemplary punishment who thereto should not yield due obedience; which the people of Scotland observing, and that already it was put in practice, cried out Popery is now violently Forced upon us. Then tumults day by day increased, which the Calvanist Ministers fomented, who consulting the Puritans of England (especially Hambden the chief of that faction) jointly brought in the Scots upon this Nation (then in Peace) who with their Armies invaded it. This incursion (so rebellious) of those Traitors (like a River when its Banks are broken down) overflowed my total Realms with Sedition.  Henric. 
Is it not as clear then (tell me Charles) as Noon day, that our 〈◊〉 affecting Church Supremacy hath confounded us 〈…〉 which now thou seest  Carol. 
Very true it is nor void of reason for so being; yet do I not reach how all those evils rather seized not thee (the first invader of the English Primacy) who (conventing all the States of thy Kingdom, caused this Title of chief Head of the Church to be confirmed upon thyself and thy Successors) Then poor me who have but keeped (and that too peaceably) what my Ancestors by their wills had left to me.  Henric. 
Oh Charles, how art thou grossly deceived if thou thinkest I do not share in thy misfortunes? No Sin yet ever escaped unpunished, nor was impunity ever allowed to wicked persons. And to pass by what now at present I suffer) what tortures did not then distort me, when my Executioners were those three Manspillers Avarice, Cruelty and Lust.— And as for avarice so unsatiably it reigned in me, that having subverted 376. Religious houses, and snatched away their Lands and Goods (by an Edict to that purpose which I made) scarcely one year had yet been fully gone about, before I vexed with such high Taxes all my Subjects as had never been before from them exacted, by which morsel now made keen and fleshed (as it were) not long after (oh how rich and Opulent!) I confiscated what remained o'th' Church revenues, in the interim I gave hopes unto the Laiety that those goods of the Church would go so fare with me, as to free them for ever from exactions; a Hearing so grateful to the People, that they impensly for it favoured my abreptions? But so fooled they were in these their expectations, that I alone a little after more oppressed them, then in fifty years before my Predecessors, after I had spoiled and razed a thousand Churches taken all unto my use that belong unto them, all their Coin, and Sacred vessels robbed them of, Brass, Led, Shards, Ceilings, nay even the very Rubbish set to sale (with all else vendible) besides two Chests from out the Church of Canterbury (so massy scarce four men could carry one of them) so well crammed they were with Gold and precious Stones) after all (I say) these things had been thus robbed by me, I was reduced unto such very great indigence, that whereas I mixed at first but two of Brass only, with ten ounces (by my Edict) of good Silver, I afterwards with two of current Silver mixed ten ounces of adulterate Brass; thus tortured (as you see) with endless Avarice; nor less roughly by my cruelties handled;— For full 20. years at least together (whilst I lived in the Communion of the Church) no one ever of the Kings shed less Blood, in all which time two only suffered of my Nobility; But afterwards when I fell from the Church (not more thirsty of Gold then of Blood) of all conditions, all Ages, and all Sexes I exhibited a most fearful Massacre. And that upon no other Demerit but that only they withstood my voluptuousness. Four Queens (with either Steel or Imprisonments) I took away which were the Consorts of my Bed, two young Princesses, and also two Cardinals (proscribing in his absence, the Third) who was very near in Blood to me allied. Dukes, Marquesses, Counts or Sons of Counts at least a dozen I put publicly to death; Barons, Knights Bannerets, or Knights to the number of 20. wanting two, Abbots and Priors 13. Priests and Religious 77. of lesser rank and of the vulgar infinite. And (whilst belching thus on all sides my cruelties) the faithfullest of my Subjects most feared me, as witness that most horrid Catastrophe of Cardinal Wolsey, of Cromwell, and the Bullens, of the Howards, of Norrice, and lastly Compton. But as for Lust so very insatiably was I lost in it, that divorcing my best and lawful Wife, I saw not any thing of that Sex the which I burned not for, nor scarcely did I lust that woman whom I one way or other did not violate. Was it not also for the punishment of my Sins, that your Father and yourself have reigned in England? Who left nothing on my part unattempted, which I could think of to hinder your succession, that I might fix it by a masculine Birth unto the house of which myself was descended? Two wives I forced unjustly from my Bed, and as many made to quit this Life; The fifth (who fell in troublesome Labour) I commanded to be ripped up alive, to the end to save the Infant which she went with, thus barbarously and inhumanely adding; That it was easier to get more wives than children. The 6.th I also afterwards married (whom when thinking to have spilt, myself I perished). Yet (for all this my caring for Posterity (during fifty year's time of my Life) no one ever lived long of my Survivors. A Boy indeed (of Nine years old) succeeded me in the usurped Supremacy, little knowing how to Govern himself, but much less the helm of Church jurisdiction, who had also first departed this Life before attaining to his youthful age. Marry also my legitimate Daughter (who cast out Heresy) entered afterwards to the Crown, of whose Child I could have very well hoped (five years married to the Catholiqe King) But that God (the just revenger of Homicides, Rapes, Incests and likewise of Sacraledge) barred my seed from inheriting the Earth, nor in vain are his words or to be laughed at (thus importing) that the days of the Sons shall be cut shorter for the Father's offences,— She dying soon after without issue, this Empire was translated into thy Line; But Elizabeth that illegimate Daughter of mine (begot in incest, and judged incapable of Governing by the Parliament, and myself thereto assenting) stepped however into the Kingly throne, and would be called forsooth) the head of the Church by my example, under whose womanish Popeship at least a thousand suffered death for being Priests. But ridiculous is that Head which hath no Tongue; and a Woman (as the Apostle averreth) is not allowed to speak in the Church, yet is it admirable to see with what audacity she took upon her to usurp the Church of God, who Missioning (with a womanish solicitude) her Ministers for the Planting of the Gospel, sowed the seeds (as yet we see here in England) of a multiplicity of sowre-levened Heresies. And (after 17. years keeping her Prisoner) she had cut off the head of thy Grandmother, doing acts of most unparalleled cruelty by the example of my former Tyrannies, she descended without into—. Thus (in the first Generation) ended my Progeny, so true it is what the Kingly Prophet said, That the seed of the wicked shall perish, Psal. 37. and accordingly in another place, Their fruits shall be extirpated from the Earth and their seed from the Sons of men. I have been admonished by very woeful experience of the truth of this Prophets saying. So (to wit) it hath pleased the Almighty to laugh at the Counsels of men. And this Reason the same Prophet superaddeth, For they contrived Counsels which they could not make good, Ps. 29. For there is no Council which will stand against God, Prov. 21.— as too too late (and to my cost) I have found true, wouldst thou yet be more confirmed of these sad verities? Unto Edward (when I died) my Son, I left twelve Turors all reputed Catholics, and (abstracting from the Supremacy only (which I desired he should keep in his hands) commanded he should be otherways bred up Catholic. All Heresies this only excepted by my Will I wholly excluded and abolished. But (as violating the Wills of my Ancestors, and subverting what they built and Consecrated, (so many Temples and monuments of Religion) I deserved not that my own should be observed; Amongst the rest the Duke of Somerset was one (Uncle to Edward the sixth by the Mother) who (at my Death) I did as Guardian prefer to him. He infected (and my Son by him, with Herifie) brought in that (which most I Hated) of the Sacrament, which Queen Elizabeth (after both) Confirmed. A Monument I appointed for my Ashes much more sumptuous than ever any of my Ancestors, and yet hitherto I have failed of the same; (though alone of all the Kings of Great Britain; Three children have in order succeeded me; Nor need I fear (now those are dead) to be forgotten, who (for my wickedness) shall eternally be remembered. I am the mark of all men's hate of all conditions. To the Catholics by good reason odious, cutting England from the Communion of their Church; abominated no less worthily by the Religious, as whose Families I have destroyed and sold their Goods. Equally execrable to the Church and Laiety; as first raising o'er the whole Body of the Catholics, that Persecution which to this hour afflicteth them. The Heriticks even to death detested me (still pursuing them with fire and sword) Luther called me a stall-fed Ox, and very often a most inhuman Tyrant; Calvin drew out the sword of his Pen against my Title of the Head of the Church, which (so monsterlike) to myself I had arrogated; and marked me out by the Dint of his writings, as one destitute of both fear and shame, in relation to both God and men. All the Literate will perpetually hate my memory, that I should root out and totally destroy so many monuments of Antiquity and Learning, such as scarcely in the world are to be Paralleled. To conclude whilst I lived, the most did hate me, every one feared me, and scarce any one loved me. In my Later days (by the Furies of my Conscience agitated, like to Orestes) I would feign have incorporated with the Church all those Kingdoms which I had torn from its Obedience (and in whatsoever I was able) I endeavoured a reparation of those wrongs I had done my wife. This at last in some sort I provided for, giving caution by my last will and Testament, that (if Edward my Son should die issueless) my Daughter Mary whom I had before disinherited (borne of Katherine) should succeed me in these Kingdoms. Oh, how often have I talked with my Familiars, about this first (to wit) of bowing to his Holiness, and being received again into his Grace and Favour? But having formerly cozened divers by those Arts, none would trust me (as being by all suspected) whom they eluded (as though seeking to entrap them) Thus abandoned and forsaken by every body, I departed out of the Communion of the Church (these last words before my Death ingeminating) All is marred,— All is marred,— Monks,— Monks,— Friars,— Friars,— my Burial was just like that of Achab, in the ruins of a Religious house; for when my Body was conveyed hither (even a Dunghill through over-eating and Oppletion) the Lead (in which it was wrapped) unhappily unsawdering, as it was set down within the Ruins of this house, where while a Plumber (in all haste, to help it) ran this way and that way for materials) his Dog licked up my Blood most greedily. A revenge for that of Priests and Religious which I shed (Oh God) how just and deserved a one? Dost thou not see Charles how in my Person thus suffering, God hath warned thee that I departed not unpunished?  Carol. 
These are things very grievous indeed, and which deserve to be well pondered to all eternity.  Henric. 
But though these things may seem to mortals very grievous, yet (in comparison of what I suffer in Hell) they are mere trifles, and not worthy to be commemorated. For (besides what I have merited by my own) whatsoever I have sinned against another, what innovations I have forced upon Religion, superadd unto the increase of my torments; inasmuch as (by my usurping the Supremacy) I opened a Gap to all the mischiefs of Heresies. Wherefore as (superadditionally) I am here tormented, by the arrival of any new come Ghosts, so is it just (since the afflicted comfort the afflicted) that those very same, should have a share in my punishments who have maintained and keeped on foot my Errors, as thou hast done; who (though the scourge of heavens just Ire, hath these ten years through three Kingdoms closely followed thee, and that too chief (for thy hatred to Religion) yet hast thou breathed (with thy last Breath) a disobedience, to the authority of the Sea of Rome (thy Bishop so of London persuading thee) nay moreover not the Primacy only which I left thee (but new Errors (introduced by Queen Elizabeth and thy Father) didst thou strive to uphold (of Prince Edward I here wittingly am silent) and (if other things be true which I have heard) thou stampd'st thy Coin also with the inscription of Protestancy.  Carol. 
Oh heavens, that That fatal Protestancy had never been hatched at least not come unto my Ears! It began (about thy time) in Germany when (the followers of Luther were called Protestants) whence it afterwards passed into England. And as Queen Elizabeth (oh Henry) and my Father, were the first of all those that went before them who protested thy Religion in these Kingdoms, whereupon hath come this name of Protestant. So (soon after) risen the Puritan faction, or the Calvanist, who impugned both the other, and our Ritual (or Book of Common Prayer) set in force with the 39 Articles. Which (subverting all Episcopal jurisdiction) doth yet glory in being called Protestant. Afterwards springs a Sect of Independents which protests against the three that went before, these are divided into hundreds of other ●●●e●te●malion and new-broached Opinions, which yet all will needs be termed Protestants, and perhaps as many more there will yet rise (from out the Hydra of this unhappy Reformation) which will always be impugning one the other. Heaven grant that with the milk of my mother I had also sucked in the Religion of my Ancestors; for my Grandmother not only died Catholic, but shed her Blood in the defence of that Religion. But, as others may condig'nly have been punished, for introducing or promoting of Errors; For vexing with much cruelty the Catholics, and usurping or maintaining this Supremacy, I certainly never innovated Religion, of all others have been mildest unto Catholics, nay even next of all acceded to their Tenants. In fine I have exercised this Supremacy, with a moderation surpassing all the rest, and (by reason I did not judge it fitting, or becoming any Layman's undertaking) The whole charge thereof (at least the greater part) I recommended to the Archbishop of Canterbury.  Henric. 
But hast thou not observed that (of the whole English Episcopacy) only Canterbury in these troubles lost his head? (both Documents of the highest instruction!) Thou, for Kings; and, that Patriarch, for Prelates; who (if their Heads they would have stand upon their shoulders) must not make themselves Heads of the Church (by hereafter prejudicing the Roman jurisdiction) but what availed it thee to have approximated unto Popery, unless throughly thou hadst embraced that Faith; for it sufficeth not to stand in the Portch, unless thou enter into the bosom of the Church. Moreover many (in these gulfs below the Earth) are much more grievously Tormented and vexed, because they knew but have not exercised the Truth; that (in some things) King Agrippa was a Christian, was not sufficient to work his Salvation; No (for that throughly he was not converted by Paul) he now burns with me in eternal flames, did I not myself sometimes profess that Faith in all particulars (only abslracting from the Pope's Supremacy) but Sinning in that one sole defection, I am guilty of all those other Abominations. But he that spared not Paul his incredulity (doing things of which he then was ignorant) will not spare this most execrated Head of mine, who have wittingly, nay and willingly perished. But how frivolous is that which thou pretendest to extenuate the malice of thy crime, when thou fairest thou didst not exercise the Supremacy, only left it unto Canterbury to do it. As though indeed thou hadst not Exercised that charge whereunto thou hadst deputed another? Nay more, I hold that Strafford lost his Head (so Provided by the eternal justice) for that also He then carried thine (as being thy Vicar) in the Church of Ireland.  Carol. 
As I have not wholly been exempt from all fault, so having (proceeded) much more moderately in the Supremacy, and promoted more the Peace of the Church, than all these others (who have passed before me) I would feign know why I am the most of all punished?  Henry. 
Thou hast not observed (it seems) that jealous God (who punisheth in the Child the Father's faultiness) how he scourgeth the impieties of the wieked, to the third and also fourth Generation, lest (if only he should scourge us in ourselves) we might think that any enormions impiety, would be easily and more suddenly expiated, nor defers he to punish till so long after, that his memory who sinneth should die, but lest it should be forgotten that he was punished for sinning; Thou art the third now (from the cradle of Schism) who hath reigned King, in which Generation thou sufferest; For though my two Daughters (first Marry then Elezabeth) have Successively inherited the Crown, yet those two with their Brother King Edward (who was my Son) make up but one Generation; if you number therefore either the Kings or Generations;— Edward me, James him, and thou James, have successively and in order followed; nor hath it happened (but by the hand of God) that the heavenly vengeance should have fallen upon thy head (the most innocent and moderate of all the rest) To show that not so much thy private Sins have been chastised by his Rod of justice, as the Hereditary evils of thy office, with what impieties still attend thy Titles,— as it is said,— The fathers have eaten sour Grapes and the Teeth of their children have been set on edge, Ezek. 18. Which take not as though Children entirely innocent should be overwhelmed by their Father's faultiness; For the Soul that sins itself shall Die. But that such who are less faulty, nay even innocent (as it were) in comparison of their Father's crimes) do yet suffer often something of their merit. For if that punishment had happened in the time of any wicked and luxurious Prince, I should not have sought for its infliction any where else; then from the crimes of such a Trus'd-up Potentate. But that my Subjects (who stile themselves Protestant's) should (by taking off thy head) thus punish thee whom thy very Enemies cannot asperce with any crime, came not indeed by any other way to pass, but through that Capital transgression of our Pride, in presuming to be Heads of the Church; and as I was the last of my name both King and also Head of the Church, so thou (Oh, too too unfortunate Charles) art the first of thy name that ever Reigned, and the last that shall be Head of the Church.  Carol. 
I feel indeed the judgements of God to have fallen very heavily upon me, for as out of one false Principle in Faith many absurdities arise of Opinions, so out of one unhapple Apostasy from the Church, many others have followed after at the heels, which the newer and more recent that they are, the more dangerous, and more to be took heed of. Thou began'st others increased that Sacraledge, which when (afterwards) some had fully perfected, I at last bore the Heft of all, Thou (tearing from the Roman Obedience thy people and Bishops of England) wouldst be accounted (I, and wert) independent; and the Head of the reformed Church? Now a Sect of Independants hath broke out (God revenging so the Sin of thy Sacraledge) who regarding neither King nor Bishops, first took off my Spiritual head, than my own Cut and severed from my shoulders; one Cromwell in thy time then lived (of thy Cabinet and most secret Counsels) who persuaded thee (a King) to spoil the Church; now another of that name (and not unlike him) forced the People to destroy their King; Oh how just are the judgements of God and his ways inscrutable. For (if not sooner in ourselves) in our Posterities, shall we at last be punished in that very kind in the which we have offended. Oh, God that whilst I lived in this world, I had seriously pondered these things, at the least (when so much leafure sometimes served me) in the time of my most tedious imprisonment! Happy man had I paused upon the series of God's judgements (from above so threatening me) in the amaritude and bitterness of my Soul; I had leisure (indeed) to dally with my Pen, and write a Book of other things, a whole one, as my Armies how they came to be destroyed, of the miseries and distresses of my Life, and the insolences those especially of the Soldiers, but never once called to mind those very things which I should most of all have printed on my thoughts. Oh, Juxonius (so I called the Bishop of London) or else Lawd my faithful Counsellor and friend, why have neither of you admonished me of these things, either by Letters, or Friends that did commune with me; for being three years a Prisoner before my Death I had time enough to think of all these things, But they had Eyes and they could not see. Oh, how Blind were all these that saw me, and well may what follows be applied to us; At Length we Phrygians (but too late) grew wise.  Henric. 
This also I would have men duly Ponder, how the Parliament (the very name whereofs so Idoled (especially by the effacinated English) is devolved now into a Lower house, both the Bishops and the Lords Ejected) in whose Votes was once the total Authority, the House of Commons being not any thing regarded. A just punishment indeed for their flattering me into a presumption of being Head of the Church, who themselves are now all trodden under foot (sometimes sitting as the Heads of Parliament) And this by that third Order (without order, unto which they are so shamefully subjected). For England (as now plainly it appeareth) from a Paradise is translated into a Hell, in which no Order but perpetual horror inhabiteth, where A man strong in Arms keeps our Court and holds peaceably his usurped Possessions. This third Order being grown to that height, that Kingly Government which had its Period in thy Fate, unless by Miracle can never hold up its Head.— Hence learn O ye Kings to be wise, and take instructions you that judge the Earth.  
The Soldiers (then at hand) of CROMWELL, understanding this hard fate of Monarchy, which should hardly ever rise from out its Ruins took good heart, and (with great noise and laughter) ran in crowds from out the Church of Windsor, each one glad that he had lent a hand (by cutting off this head of the Church) to the execution of the Heavenly justice. But not knowing or less (happily) Ruminating, that the Father (ofttimes) burns the Rod with the which he doth chastise his Child.   

IN MALEVOLOS HUJUS Narratiunculae obtrectatores.  

ZOILE, ne laceres morsu mea scripta canino,  
Néve meris dicas omnia suta dolis:  
Extimus historiae cortex (volo) fictus habetor;  
Vera sed huic intùs ligna subisse scies.  
Istaque corporeis licèt auribus invia nostris,  
Mentis at internis sensibus hausta putes.  
Eia, age, mendacem me, carptor inepte, Poëetam  
Occine: narranti res dabit ipsa fidem.  R. P.  

ZOILUS' desist (with Currish Teeth) to tear  
This work of mine. Nor it as (merely) jeer,  
Made up of Frands. The outmost Bark (indeed)  
Is Fiction. But Truth dwells in the inside.  
And what th'ear struck not outwardly, That (know)  
Our Minds most inward sense both Herd and Saw.  
Cease Critic then, nor sing my Book hath Lied  
That story will find Faith, which Truth doth write.  G. T.  
An Extract out of the 8. Centurie of Michael Nostrodamus his Prophecies, Stroph. 71. Printed the year, 1603. in the beginning of King James his Reign, Father of King Charles late deceased, touching the Government now at present in England.  

A Warrior not a King shall England awe,  
One Low-born shall by Force that Empire Sway:  
Lose, Faithless, Lawless, shall the earth begore,  
Whose Time's so near at hand; I sigh therefore.   
Glory be to GOD.  
FIN.   

1660.  
CaroLVs Del GratIa AngLIae ReX SVCCefsIVe seCVnDVs RegnabIt seCVrVs et tVtVs.  
Crovogramma Restaurationis CAROLI Secundi hoc ipso Anno 1660.— E Numericis Alphabetae Literis ex eodem Diductis.—  
CCCCC. D.D.LL.X.WWWWU.IIIII.  
1660.  
Auspiciis Adsit Numen vivatque Reversus.