FOOTNOTES:
[1] Embraced.
[Edward Underhill, Esq.
of the Band of Gentlemen Pensioners, surnamed, "The hot Gospeller."]
Examination and Imprisonment in August 1553; with anecdotes of the Time.
[Harl. MS. 425.]
[Narratives of the Days of the Reformation. Camden Society. 1859.]
A Note of the Examination and Imprisonment of Edward Underhill (son and heir of Thomas Underhill of Honingham, in the county of Warwick, Esquire) being of the Band of the Pensioners [see pp. [93]-[94]], for a ballet that he made against the Papists, immediately after the Proclamation of Queen Mary at London; she being in Norfolk.
The next day [4th] after the Queen was come to the Tower [on the 3rd of August, 1553]; the foresaid ballet [ballad] came into the hands of Secretary [Sir John] Bourne; who straightways made inquiry for me, the said Edward, who dwelt at Limehurst [Limehouse]; which he having intelligence of, sent the Sheriff of Middlesex, with a company of bills and glaives [lances, with a cutting blade at the end of each]; who came unto my house, I being in my bed, and my wife being newly laid in childbed.
The High Constable, whose name was Thomas Ive, dwelt at the next house unto me, the said Edward; whom the Sheriff brought also with him. He, being my very friend, desired the Sheriff and his company to stay without, for [fear of af]frighting of my wife, being newly laid; and he would go and fetch me unto him. Who knocked at the door, saying, "He must speak with me."
I, lying so near that I might hear him, called unto him, willing him "to come unto me!" for that he was always my very friend, and earnest in the Gospel. Who declared unto me that the Sheriff, with a great company with him, was sent for me.
Whereupon I rose, made me ready, and came unto him, demanding, "What he would with me?"
"Sir," said he, "I have commandment from the Council to apprehend you, and forthwith to bring you unto them."
"Why," said I, "it is now ten o'clock in the night; ye cannot, now, carry me unto them!"
"No, Sir," said he, "you shall go with me to my house to London, where you shall have a bed: and to-morrow, I will bring you unto them at the Tower."
"In the name of GOD! [=most certainly]," said I: and so went with him, requiring [inquiring of] him, "If I might understand the cause."
He said, "He knew none."
"This needed not, then," said I; "any one messenger might have fetched me unto them": suspecting the cause to be, as it was indeed, the ballet.
On the morrow [5th of August, 1553], the Sheriff, seeing me nothing dismayed, thinking it to be some light matter, went not with me himself: but sent me unto the Tower with two of his men, waiting upon me with two bills [men with halberts], prisoner-like, who brought me unto the Council Chamber; being commanded to deliver me unto Secretary Bourne.
Thus standing waiting at the Council Chamber door, two or three of my fellows, the Pensioners, and my cousin-german Gilbert Wynter, Gentleman Usher unto the Lady Elizabeth [see p. 120], stood talking with me.
In the meantime, cometh Sir Edward Hastings [see Vol. III. p. 147], newly made Master of the Horse to the Queen, and seeing me standing there prisoner, frowning earnestly upon me, said, "Are you come? We will talk with you or your party, I warrant you!" and so went into the Council.
With that, my fellows and kinsman shrank away from me, as men greatly afraid.
I did then perceive the said Sir Edward bare in remembrance the controversy that was betwixt him and me in talk and questions of religion at Calais, when the Right Honourable the Earl of Huntingdon, his brother, went over, General of 6,000 men: with whom I went the same time, and was Controller of the Ordnance.
The Earl being visited with sickness when he came thither, for that I went over in his company, and could play and sing to the lute, therewith to pass away the time, on the nights being long, for we went over in Christmas [1552], would have me with him in his chamber; and had also a great delight to hear his brother reason with me in matters of religion. Who would be very hot, when I did overlay him with the texts of the Scripture concerning the natural presence of Christ in the sacrament of the altar; and would swear great oaths, specially, "by the Lord's foot!" that after the words spoken by the priest there remained no bread, but the natural body that Mary bare.
"Nay, then, it must needs be so," would I say, "and [if] you prove it with such oaths!"
Whereat the Earl would laugh heartily, saying, "Brother, give him over! Underhill is too good for you!" Wherewith he would be very angry.
The greatest hold that he took of, was of the 3rd of John, upon those words, "And no man ascendeth up to heaven, but He that came down from heaven, that is to say, the Son of Man which is in heaven." I drove him from the 6th of John and all other places that he could allege; but from this, he would not be removed, but that those words proved his natural body to be in heaven and in the sacrament also. I told him he as grossly understood Christ, as Nicodemus did in the same place, of "being born anew."
In my opinion, any man that is not given up of GOD, may be satisfied concerning the natural presence in the Supper of the Lord, by the Gospel of Saint John, reading from the first chapter to the end of the seventeenth; with the witness of the first of the Acts of the Apostles of Christ's ascension and coming again; if ever he will be satisfied, without the help of any Doctors.
Undoubtedly, the apprehending of me was for this matter: but the great mercy of GOD so provided for me, that Master Hastings was not at my examination. For tarrying thus at the Chamber door, Doctor Cox [afterwards Bishop of Ely] was within; who came forth, and was sent to the Marshalsea. Then came forth the Lord Ferrers, [Viscount Hereford], and was committed to the Tower. Then it was dinner time, and all were commanded to depart until after dinner.
My two waiting men and I went to an alehouse to dinner; and, longing to know my pain [punishment], I made haste to get to the Council Chamber door, that I might be the first.
Immediately, as they had dined, Secretary Bourne came to the door, looking as a wolf doth for a lamb; unto whom my two keepers delivered me, standing next unto the door: for there were more behind me.
He took me in greedily, and shut to the door; leaving me at the nether [lower] end of the Chamber, he went unto the Council showing them of me: and then beckoned me to come near.
Then they began the table, and sat them down. The Earl of Bedford sat as chief, uppermost upon the bench. Next unto him, the Earl of Sussex; next him, Sir Richard Southwell.
On the side next me, sat the Earl of Arundel; next him, the Lord Paget. By them, stood Sir John Gage, then Constable of the Tower; the Earl of Bath, and Master [afterwards Sir John] Mason.
At the board's end, stood Serjeant Morgan [who, later on, condemned Lady Jane Grey] that afterwards died mad; and Secretary [Sir John] Bourne.
The Lord Wentworth [the Lord Deputy of Calais, when lost; see p. 173] stood in the bay window, talking with one, all the while of my examination, whom I knew not.
My Lord of Bedford being my very friend, (for that my chance was to be at the recovering of his son, my Lord Russell, when he was cast into the Thames against the Limehurst, whom I carried to my house and got him to bed; who was in great peril of his life, the weather being very cold) would not seem to be familiar with me, nor called me not by my name, but said, "Come hither, sirrah! did not you set forth a ballet of late, in print?"
I kneeled down, saying, "Yes, truly, my Lord! Is that the cause I am called before your Honours?"
"Ay, marry," said Secretary Bourne, "you have one of them about you, I am sure."
"Nay, truly, have I not," said I.
Then he took one out of his bosom, and read it over distinctly; the Council giving diligent ear.
When he had ended, "I trust, my Lords," said I, "I have not offended the Queen's Majesty in this ballet; nor spoken against her title, but maintained it."
"You have, sir," said Morgan, "yes, I can divide your ballet, and make a distinction in it; and so prove at the least sedition in it."
"Ay, sir," said I, "you men of law will make of a matter what ye list!"
"Lo," said Sir Richard Southwell, "how he can give a taunt! You maintain the Queen's title, with the help of an arrant heretic, Tyndale."
"You speak of Papists there, sir," said Master Mason, "I pray you, how define you a Papist?"
I look upon him, turning towards him; for he stood on the side of me, "Why, sir," said I, "it is not long since you could define a Papist better than I" [meaning that he had turned with the new change of religion]. With that some of them secretly smiled; as the Lords of Bedford, Arundel, Sussex, and Paget.
In great haste, Sir John Gage took the matter in hand, "Thou callest men Papists there," said he, "who be they that thou judgest to be Papists?"
I said, "Sir, I do name no man, and I came not hither to accuse any, nor none will I accuse; but your Honours do know that in this Controversy that hath been, some be called Papists, and some Protestants."
"But we must know whom thou judgest to be Papists, and that we command thee, upon thine allegiance to declare!"
"Sir," said I, "I think if you look among the priests in Paul's, ye shall find some old Mumpsimuses there."
"Mumpsimuses, knave!" said he, "Mumpsimuses! Thou art an heretic knave, by God's blood!"
"Ay, by the mass!" says the Earl of Bath, "I warrant him an heretic knave indeed."
"I beseech your Honours!" said I, speaking to the Lords that sat at table; for those other stood by, and were not then of the Council, "be my good Lords! I have offended no laws, and I have served the Queen's Majesty's father and brother a long time; and in their service have spent and consumed part of my living, never having, as yet, any preferment or recompense; and the rest of my fellows likewise, to our utter undoings, unless the Queen's Highness be good unto us. And for my part, I went not forth against Her Majesty; notwithstanding that I was commanded, nor liked those doings."
"No, but with your writings, you would set us together by the ears!" said the Earl of Arundel.
"He hath spent his living wantonly," saith Bourne, "and now saith he has spent it in the King's service; which I am sorry for. He is come of a worshipful house in Worcestershire."
"It is untruly said of you," said I, "that I have spent my living wantonly: for I never consumed any part thereof until I came into the King's service; which I do not repent, nor doubted of recompense, if either of my two masters had lived. I perceive you [to be] Bourne's son of Worcester; who was beholden unto my uncle Wynter, and therefore you have no cause to be my enemy: nor you never knew me, nor I you before now, which is too soon."
"I have heard enough of you," said he.
"So have I of you," said I, "how that Master Sheldon drave you out of Worcestershire, for your behaviour."
With that, came Sir Edward Hastings from the Queen, in great haste, saying, "My Lords! you must set all things apart, and come forthwith to the Queen."
Then said the Earl of Sussex, "Have this gentleman unto the Fleet until we may talk further with him!" though I was "knave," before, of Master Gage.
"To the Fleet!" said Master Southwell, "have him to the Marshalsea!"
"Have the gentleman to Newgate!" saith Master Gage again, "Call a couple of the Guard here."
"Ay," saith Bourne, "and there shall be a letter sent to the keeper how he shall use him; for we have other manner of matters to him than these."
"So had ye need," said I, "or else I care not for you!"
"Deliver him to Master [after Sir William] Garrard, the Sheriff [of London]," said he, "and bid him send him to Newgate."
"My Lord," said I, unto my Lord of Arundel, (for that he was next to me) as they were rising, "I trust you will not see me thus used, to be sent to Newgate. I am neither thief nor traitor."
"You are a naughty fellow!" said he, "you were always tutting in the Duke of Northumberland's ear, that you were!"
"I would he had given better ear unto me," said I; "it had not been with him then, as it is now" [waiting his trial in the Tower].
Master Hastings passing by me, I thought good to prove him; although he threatened me, before noon.
"Sir," said I, "I pray you speak for me, that I be not sent to Newgate; but rather unto the Fleet, which was first named. I have not offended. I am a Gentleman, as you know; and one of your fellows, when you were of that Band of the Pensioners."
Very quietly, he said unto me, "I was not at the talk, Master Underhill; and therefore I can say nothing to it." But I think he was well content with the place I was appointed to.
So went I forth with my two fellows of the Guard, who were glad they had the leading of me, for they were great Papists.
"Where is that knave, the printer [of the ballad]?" said Master Gage.
"I know not," said I.
When we came to the Tower gate, where Sir John Brydges [afterwards Lord Chandos of Sudeley, see p. 128] had the charge, [who was there] with his brother Master Thomas; with whom I was well acquainted, (but not with Sir John) who, seeing the two of the Guard leading me, without their halberts, rebuked them; and stayed me while they went for their halberts.
His brother said unto me, "I am sorry you should be an offender, Master Underhill."
"I am none, Sir!" said I, "nor went I against the Queen."
"I am glad of that," said he.
And so forth we went at the gate, where was a great throng of people to hear and see what prisoners were committed: and amongst whom stood, my friend Master Ive, the High Constable, my next neighbour.
One of the Guard went forth at the wicket before me, to take me by the arm, the other held me by the other arm; fearing, belike, I would have shifted [escaped] from them amongst the people.
When my friend, who had watched at the gate all the forenoon saw me thus led; he followed afar off, as Peter did Christ, to see what should become of me. Many also followed, some that knew me: some to learn who I was; for that I was in a gown of satin.
Thus passed we through the streets, well accompanied, unto Master Garrard, the Sheriff's house, in the Stocks Market. My friend Master Ive tarried at the gate.
These two of the Guard declared unto Master Sheriff, that they were commanded by the Council to deliver me unto him, and he to send me unto Newgate: saying, "Sir, if it please you, we will carry him thither."
With that, I stepped unto Master Sheriff, and, taking him a little aside, requested him that, forasmuch as their commission was but to deliver me unto him, and he to send me into Newgate, that he would send me by his officers: for the request was of mere malice.
"With a goodwill!" said Master Sheriff.
"Masters!" said he, "you may depart! I will send my officers with this gentleman anon; when they be come in."
"We will see him carried, Sir!" said they, "for our discharge."
Then the Sheriff said sharply unto them, "What! do you think that I will not do the Council's commandment? You are discharged by delivering him unto me!"
With that, they departed.
My friend, Master Ive, seeing them depart and leave me behind, was very glad thereof: and tarried still at the gate to see farther.
All this talk in the Sheriff's hall, did my Lord Russell, son and heir to the Earl of Bedford, hear and see; who was at commandment [under arrest] in the Sheriff's house, and his chamber joining into the hall, wherein he might look: who was very sorry for me, for that I had been familiar with him in matters of religion, as well on the other side the seas as at home. He sent me on the morrow, 20s. [= about £10 now]; and every week as much, while I was in Newgate.
When these two companions of the Guard were gone, the Sheriff sent two of his officers with me, who took no bills with them, nor lead me; but followed a pretty way behind me: for as I said unto Master Sheriff, "But for order's sake and to save him blameless, I would have gone unto Newgate myself, at the Council's commandment, or his either."
When I came into the street, my friend Master Ive, seeing me have such liberty, and such distance betwixt me and the officers, he stepped before them, and so went talking with me through Cheapside: so that it was not well perceived that I was apprehended, but by the great company that followed.
The officers delivered me unto the Keeper of Newgate, as they were commanded: who unlocked a door, and willed me to go up the stairs into the Hall. My friend Ive went up with me; where we found three or four prisoners that had the liberty of the house.
After a little talk with my friend, I required him not to let my wife know that I was sent to Newgate, but [to say] to the Counter, until such time that she were near her churching: and that she should send me my night-gown, my Bible, and my Lute. And so he departed.
In a while after, it was supper time [i.e., about 5 p.m.]. The board was covered in the same hall. The Keeper, whose name was Alexander, and his wife came to supper; and half a dozen prisoners that were there for felonies: for I was the first, for religion, that was sent unto that prison; but the cause why, the Keeper knew not.
One of those prisoners took acquaintance of [recognised] me, and said, "He was a soldier under Sir Richard Cromwell in the journey [in July, 1543] to Landreci [in Hainault], where he did know me and whose servant I was, at the same time; and who, the next year following [1544], when the famous King Henry VIII. went unto Boulogne, did put me unto his Majesty into the room of a man-at-arms. Of the which Band, there were 200 of us, upon barded horses, all in one suit of red and yellow damask, the bards of our horses and plumes of feathers of the same colours, to attend upon his Majesty for the defence of his person."
After supper, this good fellow whose name was Brystow procured me to have a bed in his chamber. He could play well upon the rebeck [violin]. He was a tall man, and afterwards of the Queen Mary's Guard, and yet a Protestant, which he kept secret: "For else," he said, "he should not have found such favour as he did at the Keeper's hands, and his wife's; for to such as love the Gospel, they were very cruel."
"Well," said I, "I have sent for my Bible; and by GOD's grace, therein shall be my daily exercise. I will not hide it from them."
"Sir!" said he, "I am poor; but they will bear with you, for that they see your estate is to pay well; and I will shew you the nature and manner of them: for I have been here a a good while. They both do love music very well; wherefore you with your lute, and I to play with you on my rebeck, will please them greatly. He loveth to be merry, and to drink wine; and she also. If you will bestow upon them every dinner and supper a quart of wine, and some music: you shall be their white son, and have all the favour that they can shew you!" And so it came to pass.
And now I think it good a little to digress from my matter concerning my imprisonment and my deliverance; and to note the great mercy of GOD shewed unto his servants in that great Persecution in Queen Mary's time: how mightily and how many ways he preserved such as did fear Him, even as He preserved Daniel, Jeremy, Paul, and many in the old time.
Some were moved by His Spirit to flee over the seas. Some were preserved still in London, that, in all the time of persecution, never bowed their knees unto Baal: for there was no such place to shift [hide] in, in this realm, as London, notwithstanding their great spiall and search; nor no better place to shift the Easter time [to avoid being houselled, i.e., taking the sacrament] than in Queen Mary's Court, serving in the room I did, as shall be shewed hereafter [p. [88]].
A great number, God did strengthen constantly to stand to His Word, to glorify His name, which be praised for ever and ever, world without end! And some be preserved for these days.
And now again to prosecute the matter of my trouble and wonderful deliverance out of that loathsome gaol of Newgate.
When that I had been there about two weeks [5th-18th August, 1553], through the evil savours, and great unquietness of the lodgings, as also by occasion of drinking of a draught of strong Hollock The Keeper and his wife offered me his own parlour, where he himself lay: which was furthest from noise; but it was near the kitchen, the savour of which I could not abide. Then did she lay me in a chamber, where she said never a prisoner lay, which was her store chamber, where all her plate and money lay; which was much. So much friendship I found at their hands, notwithstanding that they were spoken unto, by several Papists. And the Woodmongers of London, with whom I had had a great conflict for presenting them for false marking of billets; they required the Keeper to show me no favour, and to lay irons upon me, declaring that "I was the greatest heretic in London." My very friend Master Recorde, Doctor of Physic, singularly seen in all the seven sciences, and a great Divine, visited me in the prison (to his great peril if it had been known, who long time was at charges and pains with me, gratis), and also after I was delivered. By means whereof, and the Providence of GOD, I received my health. My wife then was churched before her time, to be a suitor for my deliverance; who put up a Supplication unto the Council declaring my extreme sickness and small cause to be committed unto so loathsome a gaol; requiring that I might be delivered, putting in sureties to be forthcoming to answer farther when I should be called. Which she obtained by the help of Master [afterwards Sir] John Throgmorton, being the Master of the Requests, and my countryman [i.e., of Worcestershire] and my kinsman. He, understanding who were my enemies, took a time in their absence, and obtained [on 21st August,1553] a letter to the Keeper, subscribed by the Earl of Bedford, the Earl of Sussex, [Stephen Gardiner the Bishop of] Winchester, [Sir Robert] Rochester [Comptroller of the Household], and [Sir Edward] Waldegrave, to be delivered; putting in surety, according to the request of my wife's Supplication. With whom Winchester talked, concerning the christening of her child at the church at the Tower Hill; and the gossips [sponsors], which were the Duke of Suffolk, the Earl of Pembroke, and the Lady Jane, then being Queen: with the which, he [Gardiner] was much offended. My Lady Throgmorton, wife unto Sir Nicholas Throgmorton, was the Queen's deputy; who named my son Guildford after her [the Queen's] husband. Immediately after the christening was done [on the 19th of July, 1553], Queen Mary was proclaimed in Cheapside; and when my Lady Throgmorton came into the Tower, the Cloth of Estate was taken down, and all things defaced. A sudden change! She would have gone forth again; but could not be suffered. But now again to my matter. When my wife had obtained the letter, joyful she was; and brought her brother, John Speryne of London, merchant, with her; a very friendly man, and zealous in the LORD: who was bound with me, according to the Council's letters before Master Chedely, Justice of the Peace: who came into the prison unto me; for I was so sick and weak that I was constrained to tarry a while longer, and my wife with me day and night. During all the time of my sickness, I was constrained to pay 8d. [= about 6s. 8d. now] every meal; and as much for my wife, and for every friend that came to see me, if they were alone with me at dinner or supper time, whether they came to the table or not; and paid also 40s. for a fine for irons [i.e., for not being chained] which they said, "They shewed me great favour in; I should have else paid £4 or £5." Thus, when they perceived I did not amend, but rather [grew] worse and worse; they thought it best to venture the matter; and provided a horse litter to carry me home to Limehurst. I was so weak that I was not able to get down the stairs; wherefore one that was servant to the gaoler, who, beforetime, had been my man, who was also very diligently and friendly unto me, took me in his arms, and carried me down the stairs to the horse-litter, which stood ready at the prison door; and went with me to my house. Many people were gathered to see my coming forth, who praised GOD for my deliverance, being very sorry to see my state, and the lamentation of my wife and her friends, who judged I would not live until I came home. I was not able to endure the going of the horse-litter, wherefore they were fain to go very softly, and oftentimes to stay; at which times, many of my acquaintances and friends and others resorted to see me: so that it was two hours ere we could pass from Newgate to Aldgate; and so within night, before I could get to my house. Where many of my neighbours resorted to see me taken out of the horse-litter; who lamented and prayed for me, thinking it not possible for me to escape death, but by the great mercy of GOD. Thus I continued for the space of eight or ten days, without any likelihood or hope of amendment. I was sent to Newgate, the 5th day of August; and was delivered the 5th day of September. The 1st day of October, was Queen Mary crowned; by which time I was able to walk up and down my chamber. Being very desirous to see the Queen pass through the City, I got up on horseback, being scant able to sit, girded in a long night-gown; with double kerchiefs about my head, a great hat upon them; my beard dubbed [clotted] hard too. My face so lean and pale that I was the very Image of Death; wondered at of all that did behold me; and unknown to any. My wife and neighbours were too too sorry that I would needs go forth; thinking I would not return alive. Thus went I forth, having on either side of me a man to stay [uphold] me; and so went to the West end of Paul's; and there placed myself amongst others that sat on horseback to see the Queen pass by. Before her coming, I beheld Paul's steeple bearing top and top-gallant [yards] like a royal ship, with many flags and banners: and a man [Peter, a Dutchman] triumphing and dancing in the top. I said unto one that sat on horseback by me, who had not seen any coronation, "At the coronation of King Edward, I saw Paul's steeple lie at anchor, and now she weareth top and top-gallant. Surely, the next will be shipwreck, ere it be long!" which chanceth sometimes by tempestuous winds, sometimes by lightnings and fire from heaven. But I thought that it should rather perish with some horrible wind, than with lightning or thunderbolt [evidently alluding to the destruction by lightning of the Steeple, on the 4th June,1561]; but such are the wonderful works of GOD, whose gunners will not miss the mark that He doth appoint, be it never so little. When the Queen passed by, many beheld me, for they might almost touch me, the room [space] was so narrow; marvelling, belike, that one in such a state would venture forth. Many of my fellows the Pensioners, and others, and divers of the Council beheld me: and none of them all knew me. I might hear them say one to another, "There is one that loveth the Queen well, belike; for he ventureth greatly to see her. He is very like never to see her more." Thus my men whose hearing was quicker than mine, that stood by me, heard many of them say. The Queen herself, when she passed by, beheld me. Thus much I thought good to write, to shew how GOD doth preserve that which seemeth to man impossible; as many that day did judge of me. Thus returned I home. And about two months after [i.e., in December], I was able to walk to London at an easy pace; but still with my kerchiefs and pale lean face. I muffled me with a sarsenet, which the rude people in the streets would murmur at, saying, "What is he? Dare he not show his face?" I did repair to my old familiar acquaintance, as drapers, mercers, and others: and stood talking with them, and cheapened their wares; and there was not one of them that knew me. Then would I say unto them, "Do you not know me? Look better upon me! Do you not know my voice?" For that also was altered. "Truly," would they say, "you must pardon me! I cannot call you to remembrance." Then would I declare my name unto them; whereat they so marvelled, that they could scarcely credit me, but for the familiar acquaintance that I put them in remembrance of. Thus passed I forth the time at Limehurst until Christmas [1553] was passed, then I waxed something strong. I then thought it best to shift from thence; for that I had there fierce enemies; especially [Henry More the Vicar of Stepney, Abbot quondam of St. Mary de Grace on Tower Hill. He died in November, 1554.] Whom I apprehended in King Edward's time, and carried him to Croydon to Cranmer, Bishop of Canterbury, for that he disturbed the Preachers in his Church [at Stepney] causing the bells to be rung when they were at the Sermon; and sometimes begin to sing in the Choir before the sermon were half done, and sometimes challenge the Preacher in the Pulpit. For he was a strong stout Popish prelate: whom the godly men of the parish were weary of; specially my neighbours of the Limehurst, as Master Driver, Master Ive, Master Pointer, Master Marche, and others. Yet durst they not meddle with him, until it was my hap to come and dwell amongst them: and for that I was the King's Servant, I took it upon me; and they went with me to the Bishop to witness those things against him. Who was too full of lenity. A little he rebuked him, and bad him do no more so. "My Lord," said I, "methinks, you are too gentle unto so stout a Papist!" "Well," said he, "we have no law to punish them by." "We have, my Lord!" said I. "If I had your authority, I would be so bold to un-Vicar him; or minister some sharp punishment unto him, and such other. If ever it come to their turn; they will show you no such favour." "Well," said he, "if GOD so provide, we must abide it." "Surely," said I, "GOD will never cone you thank for this; but rather take the sword from such as will not use it upon His enemies." And thus we departed. The like favour is shewed now [i.e., in Elizabeth's reign]; and therefore the like plague will follow. There was also another spiteful enemy at Stepney, called Banbery, a shifter, a dicer, &c., like unto Dapers the dicer, Morgan of Salisbury Court, busking [Sir Thomas, also called Long] Palmer, lusty Young, [Sir] Ralph Bagnall [see Vol. III. p. 147], [Sir] Miles Partridge [idem], and such others. With which companions, I was conversant a while; until I fell to reading the Scriptures, and following the Preachers. Then, against the wickedness of those men, which I had seen among them; I put forth a ballet, uttering the falsehood and knavery that I was made privy unto. For the which, they so hated me that they raised false slanders and bruits of me, saying that "I was a spy for the Duke of Northumberland": and calling me [Bishop] "Hooper's companion," for a bill that I set up upon Paul's gate, in defence of Hooper; and another at St. Magnus's Church, where he was too much abused, with railing bills cast into the pulpit and other ways. Thus became I odious unto most men, and many times in danger of my life, even in King Edward's days. As also for apprehending one Allen, a false prophesier [of whom Underhill says elsewhere, This Robert Allen was called the God of Norfolk, before they received the light of the Gospel]; who bruited [in January, 1551] that King Edward was dead, two years before it came to pass; who was a great calculator for the same. But these jugglers and wicked dicers were still in favour among the magistrates, and were advanced; who were the sowers of sedition, and the destroyers of the two Dukes. I pray God the like be not practised by such flatterers in these days [i.e., in Elizabeth's reign], according to the old proverb, "He that will in Court dwell, must curry Fauvell." And He that will in Court abide, [i.e., he must curry or groom a horse, of Fauvell (a bright yellow or tawny) colour (opposed to Sorell, a dark colour), back and side.] for such get most gain. I was also called "the hot Gospeller!" jesting and mocking me, saying, "He is all of the Spirit!" This was their common custom, at their tables, to jest and mock the Preachers and earnest followers of the Gospel; even among the magistrates: or else [speak] in wanton and ribald talk; which when they fell into, one or other would look through [along] the board, saying, "Take heed that Underhill be not here!" At Stratford on the Bow [now Stratford at Bow], I took the pix of the altar; being of copper, stored with copper gods: the Curate being present, and a Popish Justice dwelling in the town, called Justice Tawe. There was commandment it should not hang in a string over the altar; and then, they set it upon the altar. For this act, the Justice's wife with the women of the town, conspired to have murdered me; which one of them gave me warning of, whose good will to the Gospel was not unknown unto the rest. Thus the Lord preserved me from them, and many other dangers more; but specially from hell fire, but that, of His mercy, He called me from the company of the wicked. This Banbery, aforesaid, was the spy for Stepney parish; as John Avales, Beard, and such others were for London: who [i.e., Banbery]caused my friend and neighbour Master Ive to be sent unto the Marshalsea, but the LORD shortly delivered him. Wherefore I thought it best to avoid [leave]; because my not coming to the church there, should by him be marked and presented. Then took I a little house in a secret corner, at the nether [lower] end of Wood Street; where I might better shift the matter. Sir Humphrey Ratcliffe was the Lieutenant of the Pensioners, and always favoured the Gospel; by whose means I had my wages still paid me [70 marks a year = £46 13s. 4d. = about £500 now; besides a free diet]. When [Sir Thomas] Wyatt was come to Southwark [6th February, 1554] the Pensioners were commanded to watch in armour that night, at the Court: which I hearing of, thought it best, in like sort, to be there; lest by my absence I might have some quarrel piked unto [picked with] me; or, at the least, be stricken out of the book for receiving any more wages. After supper, I put on my armour as the rest did; for we were appointed to watch all the night. So, being all armed, we came up into the Chamber of Presence, with our pole-axes in our hands. Wherewith the Ladies were very fearful. Some lamenting, crying, and wringing their hands, said, "Alas, there is some great mischief toward! We shall all be destroyed this night! What a sight is this! to see the Queen's Chamber full of armed men. The like was never seen, nor heard of!" The Master [John] Norris, who was a Gentleman Usher of the Utter [Outer] Chamber in King Henry VIII.'s time, and all King Edward's time; always a rank Papist, and therefore was now Chief Usher of Queen Mary's Privy Chamber: he was appointed to call the Watch, and see if any were lacking. Unto whom, Moore, the Clerk of our Cheque, delivered the book of our names; which he perused before he would call them at the cupboard. And when he came to my name, "What!" said he, "what doth he here?" "Sir," said the Clerk, "he is here ready to serve as the rest be." "Nay, by God's body!" said he, "that heretic shall not be called to watch here! Give me a pen!" So he struck out my name out of the book. The Clerk of the Cheque sought me out, and said unto me, "Master Underhill, you need not to watch! you may depart to your lodging!" "May I?" said I, "I would be glad of that," thinking I had been favoured, because I was not recovered from my sickness: but I did not well trust him, because he was also a Papist. "May I depart indeed?" said I, "will you be my discharge?" "I tell you true," said he, "Master Norris hath stricken you out of the book, saying these words, 'That heretic shall not watch here!' I tell you true what he said." "Marry, I thank him!" said I, "and you also! You could not do me a greater pleasure!" "Nay, burden not me withal!" said he, "it is not my doing." So departed I into the Hall, where our men were appointed to watch. I took my men with me, and a link; and went my ways. When I came to the Court gate, there I met with Master Clement Throgmorton [father of Job Throgmorton, the Martinist of 1589], and George Ferrers [the Poet and Historian; see p. 173], tending their links, to go to London. Master Throgmorton was come post from Coventry; and had been with the Queen to declare unto her the taking of the Duke of Suffolk. Master Ferrers was sent from the Council unto the Lord William Howard, who had the charge of the watch at London Bridge. As we went, for that they were both my friends and Protestants, I told them of my good hap, and manner of discharge of the Watch at the Court. When we came to Ludgate, it was past eleven o'clock. The gate was fast locked; and a great watch within the gate of Londoners, but none without: whereof Henry Peckham had the charge, under his father; who, belike, was gone to his father, or to look to the water side. Master Throgmorton knocked hard, and called to them, saying, "Here are three or four gentlemen come from the Court that must come in; and therefore open the gate!" "Who?" quoth one, "What?" quoth another; and much laughing they made. "Can ye tell what you do, sirs?" said Master Throgmorton, declaring his name, and that he had been with the Queen to shew her Grace of the taking of the Duke of Suffolk, "and my lodging is within, as I am sure, some of you do know!" "And," said Ferrers, "I am Ferrers, that was Lord of Misrule with King Edward; and am sent from the Council unto my Lord William, who hath charge of the Bridge as you know, upon weighty affairs: and therefore let us in, or else ye be not the Queen's friends!" Still there was much laughing amongst them. Then said two or three of them, "We have not the keys. We are not trusted with them. The keys be carried away for this night." "What shall I do?" said Master Throgmorton, "I am weary and faint, and I now wax cold. I am not acquainted hereabout; nor no man dare open his doors at this dangerous time; nor am I able to go back again to the Court. I shall perish this night!" "Well," said I, "Let us go to Newgate! I think I shall get in there." "Tush!" said he, "it is but in vain. We shall be answered there as we are here." "Well," said I, "and [if] the worst fall, I can lodge ye in Newgate. Ye know what acquaintance I have there! and the Keeper's door is without the gate." "That were a bad shift!" said he, "I had almost as leave die in the streets; yet I will, rather than wander again to the Court." "Well," said I, "let us go and prove! I believe the Keeper will help us in at the gate, or else let us in through his wards, for he hath a door on the inside also. If all this fail, I have a friend at the gate, Newman the ironmonger; in whose house I have been lodged: where, I dare warrant you, we shall have lodging, or at the least, house-room and fire." "Marry, this is well said!" saith Ferrers. So to Newgate, we went: where was a great Watch without the gate, which my friend Newman had the charge of; for that he was the Constable. They marvelled to see there, torches coming at that time of the night. When we came to them, "Master Underhill," said Newman, "what news, that you walk so late?" "None but good!" said I, "We come from the Court, and would have gone in at Ludgate, and cannot be let in: wherefore, I pray you, if you cannot help us in here, let us have lodging with you!" "Marry, that ye shall!" said he, "or go in at the gate whether ye will!" "Godamercy, gentle friend!" said Master Throgmorton; "I pray you let us go in, if it may be!" He called to the Constable within the gate, who opened the gate forthwith. "How happy was I!" said Master Throgmorton, "that I met with you. I had been lost else." When Wyatt was come about [i.e., from Southwark, through Kingston, to Westminster on 7th February 1554], notwithstanding my discharge of the watch by Master Norris, I put on my armour, and went to the Court [at Whitehall Palace]: where I found all my fellows in the Hall, which they were appointed to keep that day. Old Sir John Gage was appointed without the utter [outer] gate, with some of his Guard, and his servants and others with him. The rest of the Guard were in the Great Court, the gates standing open. Sir Richard Southwell had charge of the back sides, as the Wood Yard and that way, with 500 men. The Queen was in the Gallery by the Gatehouse. Then came Knevett and Thomas Cobham with a company of the rebels with them, through the Gatehouse from Westminster: wherewith Sir John Gage and three of the Judges [of the Common Pleas] that were meanly armed in old brigantines [jackets of quilted leather, covered with iron plates] were so frighted, that they fled in at the gates in such haste, that old Gage fell down in the dirt and was foul arrayed: and so shut the gates, whereat the rebels shot many arrows. By means of this great hurly burly in shutting of the gates, the Guard that were in the Court made as great haste in at the Hall door; and would have come into the Hall amongst us, which we would not suffer. Then they went thronging towards the Water Gate, the kitchens, and those ways. Master Gage came in amongst us, all dirt; and so frighted that he could not speak to us. Then came the three Judges; so frighted that we could not keep them out, except we should beat them down. With that we issued out of the Hall into the Court, to see what the matter was; where there were none left but the porters, the gates being fast shut. As we went towards the gate, meaning to go forth, Sir Richard Southwell came forth of the back yards into the Court. "Sir!" said we, "command the gates to be opened that we may go to the Queen's enemies! We will else break them open! It is too much shame that the gates should thus be shut for a few rebels! The Queen shall see us fell down her enemies this day, before her face!" "Masters!" said he, and put his morion off his head, "I shall desire you all, as you be Gentlemen, to stay yourselves here; that I may go up to the Queen to know her pleasure; and you shall have the gates opened. And, as I am a Gentleman! I will make speed!" Upon this, we stayed; and he made a speedy return: and brought us word, the Queen was content that we should have the gates opened: "But her request is," said he, "that you will not go forth of her sight; for her only trust is in you, for the defence of her person this day." So the gate was opened, and we marched before the Gallery window: where she spake unto us; requiring us, "As we were Gentlemen, in whom she only trusted, that we would not go from that place." There we marched up and down the space of an hour; and then came a herald posting, to bring the news that Wyatt was taken. Immediately came Sir Maurice Berkeley and Wyatt behind him; unto whom he did yield at the Temple Gate: and Thomas Cobham behind another gentleman. Anon after, we [the Gentlemen Pensioners] were all brought unto the Queen's presence, and every one kissed her hand; of whom we had great thanks and large promises how good she would be unto us: but few or none of us got anything, although she was very liberal to many others, that were enemies unto GOD's Word, as few of us were. Thus went I home to my house, where[in] I kept, and came little abroad, until the marriage was concluded with King Philip. Then was there [the] preparing [in July, 1555] to go with the Queen, unto Winchester; and all the Books of the Ordinaries were perused by [Stephen Gardiner] the Bishop of Winchester and the Earl of Arundel, to consider of every man. Sir Humphrey Ratcliffe, our Lieutenant, brought unto him the Book of the Pensioners; which when they overlooked, they came unto my name. "What doth he here?" said the Earl of Arundel. "I know no cause why he should not be here," said Master Ratcliffe, "he is an honest man. He hath served from the beginning of the Band [founded in December, 1539, as the Band of Spears. It consisted of a Captain, Lieutenant, Standard bearer, Clerk of the Cheque, and Gentleman Harbinger, and fifty Gentlemen; chosen out of the best and most ancient families of England. Some of them sons to Earls, Barons, Knights, and Esquires: men thereunto specially recommended for their worthiness and sufficiency; without any stain or taint of dishonour, or disparagement in blood], and was as forward as any to serve the Queen, in the time of Wyatt's rebellion." "Let him pass then!" said the Bishop. "Well," said the Earl, "you may do so; but I assure you, my Lord! he is an arch-heretic!" Thus I passed once again. When we came to Winchester, being in the Chamber of Presence, with my fellows, Master Norris came forth of the Queen's Privy Chamber; unto whom we did reverence, as his place required. "What!" saith he unto me; "what do you here?" "Marry, sir!" said I, "what do you here?" "Eh!" said he, "are you so short with me?" "Sir!" said I, "I must and will forbear, for the place you be in; but if you were in the place you were in, of the Outer Chamber, I would be shorter with you! You were then the doorkeeper; when we waited at the table. Your office is not to find fault at my being here. I am at this time appointed to serve here, by those that be in authority; who know me, as well as you do!" "They shall know you better!" said he, "and the Queen also." With that, said Master John Calveley, one of my fellows (brother unto Sir Hugh Calveley, of Cheshire), who served at the journey to Laundercei in the same Band that I did, "In good faith! Master Norris, methinks you do not well! This gentleman, our fellow, hath served of long time, and was ready to venture his life in defence of the Queen's Majesty at the last service, and as forward as any was there; and also being appointed and ready to serve here again now, to his great charges, as it is unto us all, methinks you do other than the part of a Gentleman thus to seek him!" "What!" said he, "I perceive you will hold together!" "Else we were worse than beasts," said my fellow; "if we would not, in all lawful cases, so hold together; he that toucheth one of us, shall touch all." So went he from us, into the Privy Chamber; and from that time never meddled more with me. On the marriage day [25th July, 1555, at Winchester], the King and the Queen dined in the hall in the Bishop's Palace; sitting under the Cloth of Estate, and none else at that table. The Nobility sat at the side tables. We were the chief servitors, to carry the meat; and the Earl of Sussex, our Captain, was the Sewer. The second course at the marriage of a King is given unto the bearers; I mean the meat, but not the dishes, for they were of gold. It was my chance to carry a great pasty of a red deer in a great charger, very delicately baked; which, for the weight thereof, divers refused [i.e., to carry]. The which pasty I sent unto London, to my wife and her brother; who cheered therewith many of their friends. I will not take upon me, to write the manner of the marriage, of the feast, nor of the dancing of the Spaniards, that day; who were greatly out of countenance, specially King Philip dancing with the Queen, when they did see my Lord Bray, Master Carew, and others so far exceed them; but will leave it unto the learned, as it behoveth him to be, that shall write a Story of so great a Triumph. Which being ended, their repair was to London. Where, shortly after, began the cruel persecution of the Preachers and earnest professors and followers of the Gospel; and searching of men's houses for their books. Wherefore I got old Henry Daunce, the bricklayer of Whitechapel; who used to preach the Gospel in his garden, every holiday, where I have seen a thousand people: he did inclose my books in a brick wall by the chimney's side in my chamber; where they were preserved from moulding or mice, until the first year of our most gracious Queen Elizabeth, &c. Notwithstanding that, I removed from thence, and went unto Coventry; and got me a house a mile out of that city in a wood side. But before I removed from the said house [in Wood Street] in London; I had two children born there, a wench [i.e., a girl, his fifth daughter, Anne, born 4th January, 1554], and a boy [his second son, Edward, born 10th February, 1555]. It was a great grief to me, to see so much innocent blood shed for the Verity. I was also threatened by John Avales and Beard: which I understood by Master Luke [Shepherd], my very friend, of Coleman Street, physician; who was great with some that kept them company, and yet were honest men. Whom I caused to let them understand, that "If they did attempt to take me, except they had a warrant signed with four or five of the Council's hands, I would go further with them than Peter did, who strake off but the ear of Malchus; but I would surely strike off head and all." Which was declared unto them; so that I oftentimes met them, but they would not meddle with me. So mightily the merciful LORD defended me; as also from being present at that blasphemous Mass, in all the time of Queen Mary. This Luke [Shepherd] wrote many proper books against the Papists, for the which he was imprisoned in the Fleet; especially a book called John Bon and mast. Person, who reasoned together of the natural presence in the Sacrament [see pp. [101]-[111]]. Which book he wrote in the time of King Edward; wherewith the Papists were sore grieved, specially Sir John Gresham, then being Mayor [i.e., October 1547-October 1548; but the true date of Allen's arrest would appear, from p. [87], to have been in 1551; when Sir Andrew Judde was Lord Mayor]. John Day did print the same book [? in 1551]; whom the Mayor sent for, to know the maker [author] thereof saying "He should also go to prison, for printing the same." It was my chance to come in the same time; for that I had found out where [Robert] Allen the Prophesier, had a chamber; through whom there was a bruit in the city, that the King was dead: which I declared to the Mayor, requiring him to have an Officer to apprehend him. "Marry," said the Mayor, "I have received letters to make search for such this night at midnight." He was going unto dinner; who willed me to take part of the same. As we were at dinner, he said "There was a book put forth, called John Bon; the maker whereof, he would gladly search for." "Why so?" said I, "that book is a good book. I have one of them here, and there are many of them in the Court." "Have you so?" said he, "I pray you, let me see it; for I have not seen any of them." So he took it, and read a little of it, and laughed thereat, as it was both pithy and merry. By means whereof, John Day, sitting at a sideboard after dinner, was bidden [to] go home; who had, else, gone to prison. When we had dined, the Mayor sent two of his Officers with me to seek Allen; whom we met withal in Paul's [Church], and took him with us unto his chamber; where we found figures set to calculate the nativity of the King, and a judgement given of his death; whereof this foolish wretch thought himself so sure, that he, and his counsellors the Papists, bruited it all over. The King lay at Hampton Court, the same time; and my Lord Protector [the Duke of Northumberland] at the Sion [Sion House, near Isleworth]; unto whom I carried this Allen, with his books of conjurations, calculations, and many things belonging to that devilish art: which he affirmed before my Lord, "was a lawful science, for the statute [33 Hen. VIII. c. 8.] against such was repealed [by 1 Edw. VI. c. 12]." "Thou foolish knave!" said my Lord, "if thou, and all that be of thy science tell me what I shall do to-morrow, I will give thee all that I have!" Commanding me to carry him unto the Tower: and wrote a letter to Sir John Markham, then being Lieutenant, to cause him to be examined by such as were learned. Master Markham, as he was both wise and zealous in the LORD, talked with him. Unto whom he did affirm that "He knew more of the science of Astronomy than all the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge." Whereupon he sent for my friend, before spoken of, Doctor Recorde; who examined him: and he knew not the rules of Astronomy; but "Was a very unlearned ass; and a sorcerer, for the which he was worthy hanging," said Master Recorde. To have further matters unto [in reference to] him, we sent for Thomas Robyns alias Morgan, commonly called Little Morgan or Tom Morgan (brother unto great [big] Morgan, of Salisbury Court, the great dicer); who, when I was a companion with him, told me many stories of this Allen: what a cunning man he was! and what things he could do! as, to make a woman love a man, to teach men how to win at the dice, what should become of this realm; there was nothing, but he knew it! So he had his chambers in divers places of the city, whither resorted many women, for things stolen or lost, to know their fortunes, and their children's fortunes; where the ruffling roister[er]s and dicers made their ma[t]ches. When this Morgan and Allen were brought together; Morgan utterly denied that ever he had seen him, or known him. "Yes," said Allen, "you know me! and I know you!" For he had confessed that, before his coming. Upon this, Master Lieutenant stayed Little Morgan also a prisoner in the Tower. I caused also Master Gaston the lawyer [not to be confounded with Gascoigne the Poet, of Gray's Inn; who did not marry Widow Breton till after 13th June, 1559], who was also a great dicer, to be apprehended. In whose house, Allen was much; and had a chamber there, where many things were practised. Gaston had an old wife, who was laid under the board all night, for dead; and when the women, in the morning, came to wind her, they found that there was life in her; and so recovered her: and she lived about two years after. By the resort of such as came to seek for things stolen and lost, which they would hide for the nonce, to blear their husband's eyes withal, [afterwards] saying, "the wise man told them"; of such, Gaston had choice for himself and his friends, young lawyers of the Temple [, not of Gray's Inn]. Thus became I so despised and odious unto the lawyers, Lords and ladies, gentlemen, merchants, knaves, and thieves; that I walked as dangerously as Daniel amongst the lions. Yet from them all, the LORD delivered me: notwithstanding their often devices and conspiracies by violence to have shed my blood, or with sorcery [to have] destroyed me. These aforesaid were in the Tower about the space of a year; and then by friendship delivered. So 'scapeth always the wicked, and such as GOD commandeth should not live among the people. Yea, even now in these days also; so that, methinks, I see the ruin of London and this whole realm to be even at hand; for GOD will not suffer any longer. Love is clean banished. No man is sorry for Joseph's hurt. Lord! teach me the understanding of Thy commandments! that I may apply myself for the keeping of the same, as long as I live! Give me such wisdom that I may understand, and so to fulfil the thing that Thy law deviseth! to keep it also with my whole heart, that I do nothing against it! Guide me after the true understanding of Thy commandments! for that hath been always my special desire. Incline mine heart unto the love of Thy statutes, and cause me utterly to abhor covetousness! Turn mine eyes aside! lest they be 'tangled with the love of most vain things; but lead me, rather, unto life through Thy warnings! Set such a Word before Thy servant, as may most chiefly further him to worship Thee! Take away the shame that I am afraid of! for Thy judgements are greatly mixed with mercy. As for me, verily, I have loved Thy commandments; wherefore keep me alive according to Thy righteousness! Love GOD, above all things! and thy neighbour as thyself! Do as thou wouldst be done unto! No place here he can have. He that hath this world's goods, and seeth his neighbour lack; Example we have by Dives, that daintily did fare, Edward Underhill.
Must curry Fauvell back and side,
A Prayer, taken out of the Psalms of David, daily and nightly, to be said of
Edward Underhill.
That this is Christ's doctrine, no man can it deny,
Which little is regarded in England's commonwealth,
Wherefore great plagues at hand be, the realm for to destroy.
Of all he is refused. No man will him receive.
But Private Wealth, that cursed wretch, and most vile slave!
Over all, he is embraced; and fast to him, they cleave.
And of him hath no compassion, nor sheweth him no love,
Nor relieveth his necessity, but suffers him to go to wrack;
GOD dwelleth not in that man, the Scriptures plainly prove.
In worldly wealth and riches therein he did excel;
Of poor Lazarus's misery he had thereof no care:
Therefore was suddenly taken, and tormented in hell.