[1] [2] [3] But some haue written, that the bishop of Chester procured a licence of the pope, Wil. Paruu [...]. to alter the state of that church in sort aboue mentioned, which is most likelie, surmising against the moonks, that they were most manifest and stubborne disturbers of that peace and quietnesse which ought to remaine amongst churchmen: and yet he himselfe sowed the strife and dissention amongst them, and namelie betwéene the prior and his couent. Moreouer, the said lord chan|cellour depriued such rulers of their administrati|ons and gouernements, Ran. Higd. Polydor. as the king had appointed to beare any high authoritie within the realme, pretending not onelie the kings commandement, but also alleadging a reason which mooued him so to doo, as thus, that he might thereby take awaie all occasions of grudges from the people,The L. chan|cellors reason. which otherwise might thinke, and would not sticke to saie, that they were oppressed by the rule of manie kings in stéed of one king.The bishop of Durham. The bishop of Winchester. He did also depriue Hugh the bishop of Durham of all his honour and dignitie, and put the bishop of Winchester to great trouble. Moreouer, doubting least the Nobles of the realme would rise against him, and put him out of his place; he sought to keepe them lowe, and spoiled them of their monie and substance. Likewise pretending a colour of doubt, least earle Iohn the kings brother should attempt any thing against his brother the king now in his absence,The lord chancellors meaning to kéepe earle Iohn lowe. he sought also to kéepe him vnder. To be breefe, he plaied in all points the right part of a tyrant, and shewed himselfe such a one in all respects as mainteined his title,

Non disceptando aut subtilibus argumentis

Vincere, sed ferro mauult sua iura tueri,

Pal [...]in suo cap.Pontifices nunc bella iuuant, sunt caetera nuga,

Nec praecepta patrum nec Christi dogmata curant,

Iactant se dominos rerum & sibi cuncta licere.