HISTORY OF KI.N(, IllvNRY VII.
Mways oeen. FOJ then it will come to pass, that j him to sheath his sword, as he greatly desire.], whereas not long since this realm vas mighty upon the continent, lirst in territory, and alter in alliance, in respect of -Burgundy and Britain, which were confederates indeed, but dcpeudt nt oninlerates ; now the one being already cast, partly into the greatness of France, and partly in to that of Austria, the other is like wholly to be cast into the greatness of France ; and Ibis island shall remain confined in effect within the salt waters, and girt about with the coast countries of two mighty monarchs. " For the example, it resteth likewise upon the same question, upon the French king s intent. For if Britain be carried and swallowed up by France, as the world abroad, apt to impute and construe the actions of princes to ambition, con ceive it will ; then it is an example very danger ous and universal, that the lesser neighbour state should be devoured of the greater. For this may be the case of Scotland towards England ; of Por tugal towards Spain; of the smaller estates of Italy towards the greater ; and so of Germany ; or as if some of you of the commons might not live and dwell safely besides some of these great lords. And the bringing in of this example will be chiefly laid to the king s charge, as to him that was most interested and most able to forbid it. But then on the other side, there is so fair a pre text on the French king s part, and yet pretext is never wanting to power, in regard the danger im minent to his own estate is such as may make this enterprise seem rather a work of necessity than of ambition, as doth in reason correct the danger of the example. For that the example of that which is done in a man s own defence cannot be dangerous ; because it is another s power to avoid it. But in all this business the king remits him self to your grave and mature advice, whereupon he purposeth to rely." This was the effect of the Lord Chancellor s speech touching the cause of Britain ; for the king had commanded him to carry it so as to af fect the parliament towards the business : but without engaging the king in any express decla ration. The chancellor went on : " For that which may concern the government at home, the king hath commanded me to say un to you, that he thinketh there was never any king, for the small time that he hath reigned, had greater and juster cause of the two contrary pas sions of joy and sorrow than his grace hath. Joy in respect of the rare and visible favours of Al mighty God, in girding the imperial sword upon his side, and assisting the same his sword against otherwise than lor administration of justice, but that he hath hern forced to draw it so oft, to cut oil traitorous and disloyal subjects, whom, it seems, God hath left, a lew amongst m;:i as the Canaanites amongst the people of Israel, to be thorns in their side*, to tempt and try them ; though the end hath been always, God s name he- blessed therefore, that the destruction hath fallen upon their own heads. " Wherefore his grace saith ; That he seeth that it is not the blood spilt in the field that will save the blood in th,e city ; nor the marshal s sword that will set tjiis kingdom in perfect peace : but that the true way is, to stop the seeds of sedition and rebellion in their beginnings ; and for that purpose to devise, confirm, and quicken good and wholesome laws against riots, and unlawful as semblies of people, and all combinations and con federacies of them, by liveries, tokens, and other badges of factious dependence ; that the peace of the land may by these ordinances, as by bars of iron, be soundly bound in and strengthened, and all force, both in court, country, and private houses, be supprest. The care hereof, which so much concerneth yourselves, and which the na ture of the times doth instantly call for, his grace commends to your wisdoms. And because it is the king s desire, that this peace, wherein he hopeth to govern and maintain you, do not bear only unto you leaves, for you to sit under the shade of them in safety : but also should bear you fruit of riches, wealth, and plen therefore his grace prays you to take into consideration matter of trade, as also the manu factures of the kingdom, and to repress the bastard and barren employment of moneys to usury and mlawful exchanges ; that they may be, as their latural use is, turned upon commerce, and lawful and royal trading. And likewise that our people be set on work in arts and handicrafts ; that tho realm may subsist more of itself; that idleness ie avoided, and the draining out of our treasure
- or foreign manufactures stopped. But you are
lot to rest here only, but to provide further, that whatsoever merchandise shall be brought in from aeyond the seas, may be employed upon the com modities of this land ; whereby the kingdom s stock of treasure may be sure to be kept from diminished by any over-trading of the breigner. " And lastly, because the king is well assured, hat you would not have him poor that wishes you rich ; he doubteth not but that you will have care as well to maintain his revenues of customs and all other natures, as also to supply him with yc all his enemies; and likewise in blessing him with loving aids, if the case shall so require. The so many good and loving servants and subjects rather, for that you know the king is a good hus- which have never failed to give him faithful coun- band, and but a steward in effect for the public ; sel, ready obedience, and courageous defence. and that what comes from you is but as moisturo Sorrow, for that it hath not pleased God to suffer ; drawn from the earth, which gathers into a cloud
