tious speach. And why?-Forsooth, because it was a deare yeare. But see how a man's enemies somtimes do him as much good as his frends. Their fond accusation, and his discreet justification, made him both better known and more respected, by them that were able to doe him most good. Since this, he hath lived in so remote places from my occasions, first at Exceter, and then beyond sea in Wales; that I am become almost a straunger to his person; but yet I am grown better acquainted with his wrytings both in Laten and Englishe, and namely this his catalogue, which having read first with great contentment to my selfe, I have since for your Highnes pleasure perused againe, and presumed to add some notes, and a table, by waie of alphabet,' for the more readie finding of most memorable matters; beside a supplie of such as were in his edition wanting; of whom finding himselfe to be one, that comming in so worthilie was not worthie to be left out. I give him here in his due place his more due commendation; which if I should fortune upon some envie to have forborne, or upon judgement to have omitted, as a praise 9 This was done in the presentation copy to Prince Henry, which is now in the British Museum. needless where the whole work is his praise; he might worthilie have said as much of me, as I wrate of a certaine poetaster some yeares past, who left me out of the bed-roll' of some ryming paper-blotters, that he call'd poets. Of poets Balbus reckning up a rabble, ble; And ne're vouchsafing me to name at all, He sayes, he knowes he greivd me to the gall. I galled? simple soule; no, thou art gul-led, To think I prize the praise of such a dull-head. Whose verse is guiltie of some bodge or blame, Let them seeke testimonialls of their fame. Then learne untaught, then learn, ye envious elves, No bookes are prais'd, that do not praise themselves. And thus much be said for the province of This bead-roll Mr. Malone conjectures to have been "England's Helicon;" a miscellany first printed in 1600, and intended for republication, with some other similar collections, by the accomplished editor of "Specimens of early English Poetry." Canterbury, and the bishops of the several diocesses thereof. There followes now to saie somwhat also of the province of Yorke, which I shall endevour to accomplishe with like brevitie and fidelity. OF THE ARCH-BISHOPS OF YORKE. AND FIRST OF DOCTOR THOMAS YOUNGE.' CONCERNING the arch-bishops of Yorke that have bene in the former ages, whose lyves are particularlie related by this author, it seemes to me a matter worthie some note, that there have bene of them, for devotion and pietie, as holie; for blood and nobilitie, as high; of wealthe and abilitie, as huge; as anie not only of England, but of Europe. Now that every age may have his excellencie, I will say of this our age, (I mean for some fifty yeares past,) in which there hath beene seaven arch-bishops of Yorke, that these have bene as excellent 3 Translated from St. Davids to York, in 1560. Ob. 1568. in courage, in learning, and eloquence. For Doctor Nicholas Heath, whom her late Majesty founde both archbishop and chauncellor,+ (though she did take, or rather receave, both from him,) yet did she ever gratefullie acknowledge both his courage and fidellitie show'd in her cause, and used no man of his religion so graciouslie. Of Arch-bishop Grindall, I have spoken before, and in his due place given him his deserved praise. Now I am to add a worde or two of Archbishop Younge, that in the third yeare of Queene Elizabeth was made archbishop. He was first bishop of Saint Davids, and either next or very soone after Bishop Farrar, who among other articles that were alledged against him, had one that I thinke was never alleadged against cleargy-man or lay-man before, and that was for ryding on a Scottish saddell; but this bishop walked more warilie then that bishop did ride, so as this came to live in * Lord Chancellor: from which office he was displaced by Q. Elizabeth, for refusing to assist at her coronation. 5 See P. 18. |