y father was a gentleman; which title is given and grounded by merit,
not by princes; and 'tis the act of time not favour. And though my father
was not a peer of the realm, yet there were few peers who had much greater
estates or lived more noble therewith. Yet at that time great titles were
to be sold, and not at so high rates but that his estate might have easily
purchased one, and he was prest for to take; but my father did not esteem
titles unless they were gained by heroick actions, and the kingdom being
in a happy peace with all other nations, and in itself being governed by
a wise king, King James, there were no employments for heroick spirits.
Towards the latter end of Queen Elizabeth's reign, as soon as he came to
man's estate, he unfortunately fortunately killed one Mr. Brooks in a single
duel. For my father by the laws of honour could do no less than call him
to the field to question him for an injury he did him: where their swords
were to dispute and one or both of their lives to decide the argument, wherein
my father had the better: and though my father by honour challenged him,
with valour fought him, and in justice killed him, yet he suffered more
than any person of quality usually doth in cases of honour; for though the
laws be rigorous, yet the present princes most commonly are gracious in
those misfortunes, especially to the injured. But my father found it not,
for his exile was from the time of his misfortunes to Queen Elizabeth's
death. For the Lord Cobham, being then a great man with Queen Elizabeth,
and this gentleman Mr. Brooks a kind of a favourite and as I take it brother
to the then Lord Cobham, made Queen Elizabeth so severe as not to pardon
him.
But King James of blessed memory, graciously gave him his pardon and leave
to return home to his native country, wherein he lived happily and died
peaceably, leaving a wife and eight children, three sons and five daughters,
I being the youngest child he had, and an infant when he died.
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TOUR of COLCHESTER
Margaret's Hometown