Kentish Worthies. ANNE BOLEYN. (Continued from page 89.) In this act of Attainder which was introduced into the Lords on the 21st February, 1533-4 the names of Fisher and More were inserted as the Maid's accomplices, and on the 27th, Fisher wrote to the King supplicating that he would "dismiss him from the trouble." The following is a transcript of the letter as preserved in the British museum Cott.MSS. E 6, fol. 162the spelling only modernised for easier perusal by the general reader. "Please it your most gracious Highness benignly to hear this my most humble suit which I have to make unto your Grace at this time,a nd to pardon me that I come not myself unto your Grace for the same, for in good faith, I have had so many perilous diseases one after another, which began with me before Advent, and so by long continuance hath now brought my body in that weakness, that without peril of destruction of the same, which I dare say your Grace for your sovereign goodness would not, I may not as yet take any travelling upon me; and so I wrote to Master Cromwell your most trusty councillor, beseeching him to obtain your most gracious license for me to be absent from this Parliament for that same cause, and he put me in comfort so to do. Now thus it is, most gracious sovereign Lord, that in your most high court of Parliament is put in a bill against me concerning the Nun of Canterbury, and intending my comdemnation for not revealing of such words as she had unto me touching your Highness, wherein I most humbly beseech your Grace, that, without your displeasure, I may show unto you the consideration that moved me so to do, which, when your most excellent wisdom hath deeply considered, I trust assuredly that your charitable goodness will not impute any blame to me therefore. "A truth it is this Nun was with me thrice in coming to London by Rochester, as I wrote to master Cromwell, and showed unto him the occasions of her coming, and of my sendings until her again. The first time, she came unto my house, unsent for of my party, and then she told me, that she had been with your Grace, and that she had shewn unto you a revelation which she had from Almighty God; your Grace, I trust, will not be displeased with this my rehearsal thereof. She said, that if your Grace went forth with the purpose that ye intended, ye should not be King of England seven months after. "I conceived not by these words, I take it upon my soul, that any malice or evil was intended or meant, unto your Highness by any mortal man, but only that they were the threats of God, as she did then affirm. And though they were feigned, that (as I would be saved) was to me unknown, I never counselled her, nor was privy thereunto, nor to any such purposes, as it now is said, they went about. "Nevertheless, if they had told me this revelation and had not also told me that she had reported the same unto your Grace, I had been verily far to blame, and worthy extreme punishment, for not disclosing the same unto your Highness, or else to some of your council. But since she did assure me therewith, that she had plainly told unto your Grace the same thing, I thought doubtless that your Grace would have suspected me that I had come to renew her tale again unto you, rather for the confirming of my opinion, than for any other cause. "I beseech your Highness to take no displeasure with me for this that I will say. It striketh yet, most gracious sovereign lord, in my heart to my no little heaviness, your grevious letters, and after that, your much fearful words, that your Grace had unto me, for shewing unto you my mind and opinion in the same matter, notwithstanding that your Highness had so often, and so straightly commanded me to search for the same before, and for this cause I was right loth to have come unto your Grace again with such a tale pertaining to that matter. Many other considerations I had, but this was the very cause why that I came not unto your Grace; for, in good faith, I dread lest I should thereby have provoked your Grace to further displeasure against me "My lord of Canterbury also, which was your great councillor, told me that she had been with your Grace, and had shewed you this same matter, and of him (as I will answer before God) I learned greater things of her pretended visions than she told me herself. And at that time I shewed unto him, that she had been with me, and told me as I have written before. I trust now that your excellent wisdom and learning seeth that there is in me no default for not revealing of her words unto your Grace, when she herself did affirm unto me 'that she had so done, and my lord of Canterbury that then was, confirmed also the same. "Wherefore most gracious sovereign lord, in my most humblewise, I beseech your Highness to dismiss me of this trouble, whereby I shall the more quietly serve God, and the more effectually pray for your Grace. This, if there were a right great offence in me, should be to your merit to pardon, but much rather, taking the case as it is, I trust verily ye will do so, Now my body is much weakened with many diseases, and infirmities, and my soul is much inquieted by this trouble, so that my heart is more withdrawn from God, and from the devotion of prayer than I would. And verily I think that my life may not long continue, wherefore oftsooner I beseech your most gracious Highness that by your charitable goodness I may be delivered of this business, and only to prepare my soul to God, and to make it ready against the coming of death, and no more to come abroad in the world. This, most gracious sovereign lord, I beseech your Highness by all the singular and excellent endow ments of your most noble body and soul, and for the love of Christ Jesus, that so dearly with his most precious blood redeemed your soul and mine, and during my life I shall not cease (as I am bounden) and yet now the more entirely, to make my prayer to God for the preservation of your most royal majesty. "At Rochester the 27th day of February. "Your most humble beadman and subject "Jo: ROFFS :" Both Fisher and More admitted the right of Parliament to alter the descent of the crown as was done by statute 25 Henry viii, cap. 22, but neither of them would allow the invalidity of the King's first marriage, -the legality of the Divorce, or of bis second marriage with Anne Boleyn, as therein enacted. Both refused to take the oath required to be administered under its provision, whereupon Cranmer on the 17th April wrote to Cromwell from the Arch episcopal palace at Croydon urging the propriety of accepting their qualified oath ; but whenever that prelate's advice was on the side of mercy it was often fated to be unsuccessful and so it proved on the present occasion. The Bishop and the Chancellor were at once committed to the Tower from which they were only released by the axe of the Headsman. To be Continued. [We have received from a correspondend an additional verse to the National Anthem, and print the whole of it for the use of schools, &c., on the auspicious tenth!] GOD SAVE THE QUEEN. Send her victorious, God save the Queen. Long may she reign! O Lord our God! arise, MARCH Was, in the earliest Roman times, the first month and the sun to shine, the buds to swell, and BROMLEY GAS CONSUMERS' COMPANY LIMITED. The report of the Directors, read at the annual meeting of this Company, held at the Bell Hotel, on the 26th ult., states that the balance of profits to be disposed of is 996/. 14s. 11d. out of which the directors propose to declare a dividend at the rate of £10 per cent. for the year on the share capital fully paid up, and at the same rate for nine months on the amount called up upon the new shares on the 1st of April last, free of Income tax, which dividends will, together, absorb the sum of 6911. 14s., and leave a balance of 3051. Os. 11d. Of this sum the directors propose to devote £150 to the formation of a new reserve fund, and to place the remainder to the credit of the profit and loss for the current year. Although the earnings of the company would warrant the directors in declaring a larger dividend for the past year, they have thought it more prudent to recommend to the shareholders the above-mentioned disposal of them, inasmuch as the removal of the works and the outlay of additional capital, which will be required to be spread over the next two years, may possibly call for such a reserve to keep up the annual dividend to something approaching the satisfactory level which they have at length attained: the more so as the directors in redemption of their frequent pledges to share the prosperity of the company with its customers, have resolved to reduce the price of gas to the consumer, from 6s. to 5s. 6d. per thousand feet. Of the new shares offered to the shareholers in accordance with the resolution of the last general meeting, 566 have been taken up, but the remainder, together with the 300 shares then reserved, making together 344, have not as yet been disposed of by the directors. It is intended to offer those shares for sale, by public Auction, on the 26th inst., at the Bell Hotel, Bromley. The Directors have purchased from Coles Child, Esq., a piece of land adjoining Brick-kiln Lane, as a site for new works, with a siding into the railway for the convenience of their coal supply, and intend to press forward the construction without delay, so as to admit of the use of such por- There is an old English superstition of March tions as may be required in the next winter. lasting till the 3rd of April, that month having Robinson Latter, Esq., chairman, having borrowed, as the story runs, her first three days moved the adoption of the report, it was se- from April, in which to kill hogs. These days, conded by I. W. Ilott, Esq., and unanimously often no doubt ungenial, were called the Boragreed to. The other resolutions were, "de-rowed Days; of which said, March when he asked claring a dividend of 10l. per cent.,' "the for the use of themcarrying 1501, to a new reserve fund ;" the reelection of Messrs. Ilott and Eaton as directors, and Messrs. S. Porter and T. Morley as auditors; and the customary votes of thanks to the chairman and directors, and to Mr. Osborn, the manager. March, a variety of proverbs have been founded of a "A dry March, a wet April, cool weather in May, Fill cellar and garner, and bring us much hay." Again, a German couplet says— "Long lying March snow To the state means woe." Whilst on the other hand it has been accounted lucky to drink snow water; and March snow has been used as a wonderful cosmetic, to produce delicacy and whiteness to the face and hands. The Anglo-Saxons called this month Loud Month, after the boisterous winds, which created great noise among the trees which overgrew our country in their time; sometimes also they called it Rugged March. The fist it shall be wind and weet, Whall gar the birds stick to the trees." It was said also, that whoever borrows or lends any thing on one of the borrowed days means mischief. WILD FLOWERS. As our imperfect notes on wild flowers in previous numbers were kindly received by our readers (and more especially by the ladies, for whose special use and benefit sweet flowers and singing birds were created), we feel tempted to resume the subject, hoping that our present attempt will be as favourably received, and that some of our friends who ramble in search of flowers, may be thereby assisted in their investigations; and that others, who have not yet done so, be tempted occasionally to take a stroll through our fields and lanes. The reflective mind cannot but discover the Creator's wisdom in the different families which compose the vegetable kingdom; for whether we consider their structure, uses, or suitability to the various places assigned them, we find the same perfection of plan displayed in all; the same care taken of the least as of the greatest; the same adaptibility to circumstances; and the same necessity for the existence of the tiny moss and the giant oak. During the present month the primrose (primula vulgaris) will be the principal attraction, its pale yellow stars peeping out on hedge banks, moist woods, and sometimes in the meadows; and by its side the sweet violet (viola odorata). The coltsfoot (tussilago farfara) is now sending up its downy stems and yellow flowers, which, being unac companied by leaves, give the plant a very naked appearance. Yellow appears to be the prevailing colour for the month, as in addition to the before-mentioned plants, we have the golden furze (uler europeus), and the lesser celandine or polewort (ranunculus ficaria); then by way of relief or contrast comes the dull red blossoms of the dead nettle (lamium purpureum); the white stars of the daisy (bellis perennis); the chickweed (stellaria media); and that funny little green flower, the moschatel or gloryless (adoxa moschalellina). But we have not quite done with the yellows, as the dandelion (leontodon tarazicum); and the groundsel (senecio vulgaris), are both elbowing themselves into notice. The commons of Chislehurst and Hayes are now shining in all their golden glory, and invite a visit from those who delight in nature's beauties. ODE TO MARCH. Now stern old Winter musters all his strength But they shall not prevail; for Spring will come Now graceful tassels deck the hazel boughs, The village children know their secret haunts, To search for flowers? Each common weed to them Now cottage gardens bloom with early flowers, The fragile snow-drop and hepatica, With amber crocus, and bright-colored tufts Of polyanthus, in rich velvet dressed. The Spring is near: M. M. MEMS FOR THE MONTH. 5th-Lecture, in aid of the Institute, by Rev. H. R. Blacket, M.A., on "Ancient Manuscripts and their Transmission to Modern Times," at the White Hart Assembly Room. 10th-Marriage of the Prince of Wales-General Holiday. 12th A Ball at the Bell Hotel. 19th-Lecture "An Evening with Weber," by 24th-Lecture, entitled "English Comic & Satiric Chas. Salaman, Esq., at the White Hart. Art," at the White Hart, by R. W. Buss, Esq. 27th-The original Christy Minstrels, at the White Hart Assembly Room. GARDENING OPERATIONS. In open borders sow carrots, cabbages, asparagus, curled and Hamburgh parsley, Neapolitan kale, onions, parsnips, &c.; plant out such vegetables as have been already sown. Dig carefully, before sowing, and make the ground level and fine. Main crops may be sown in this month, such as early long-pod beans, peas, celery, turnips, and, indeed, most other vegetables. Mustard, cress, lettuce, spinach, and radishes, may be sown every week or fortnight, for succession. Shalots, chives, garlic, &c., may be planted. Plant rhubarb, potatoes, and Jerusalem artichokes. Cuttings or slips of sweet herbs may be planted. PETTY SESSIONS. Bromley, February 2nd, 1863. Present-C. L. Wilson, Esq., G. W. Norman, Esq., Col. Long, and R. B. Berens, Esq. REFRACTORY CONDUCT in the Workhouse.-Mary Butcher was charged with violent and disorderly conduct, in the Union House, - the case was proved by Mr Lukey, the Master, and the defendant was committed for seven days. Sidcup. 9th February. Present-R. B. Berens, Esq. TRESPASS IN SEARCH OF GAME.- Wm. Cheeseman was charged with having, on the 29th January, committed a trespass on land in the occupation of Major Gosset, at Chislehurst, in search of game. The defendant, who did not appear in evidence to the summons which had been duly served, was convicted in a penalty of £1 and costs, and was ordered to be committed for one month. Farnborough, 16th February. Present-G. W. Norman, Esq., R. B. Berens, Fsq., F. M. Lewin, Esq., and W. Waring, Esq. ASSAULT AT BROMLEY. Edward Garth was charged on Police sheet with having assaulted James Martin, at Bromley, on the 14th ult. The case was clearly proved on the evidence of the complainant, whose face was greatly disfigured by the blows he had received, and the defendant was fined £1 and costs, and in default, imprisoned for 10 days, TRESPASS IN SEARCH OF GAME.-Ellis v. James Lane. In this case the defendant was convicted of trespassing in search of game on the 14th ult.. at Orpington. Fined is and costs. Quarter page . 050 To Correspondents. Having received accounts of the wedding festivities in some instances from two separate sources, we have inserted the first that came to hand, adding from the second any important incident that might have been omitted in the first. We have also been obliged to use the pruning-knife rather freely, for which we hope to be forgiven. If we had not, our journal, although 8 pages extra this month, would have been much too small. We feel it neceesary to state this much, in order that our friends who have taken the trouble to send to us may not be displeased at not seeing Press of matter compels us to omit Petty Sessions and their account verbatim. Wild Flowers this month. At Home the great event of the month has been the rejoicings, some accounts of which will be found in these pages. The want of employment, and compulsory idleness has caused discontent amongst the people in some districts in the North, and minor riots have been the consequence. In our little town we have had a little excitement, resulting in a poll of the parish, on the question of managing the highways, the polling confirmed the decision of the vestry, but it was nevertheless necessary, in order that the views of the minority in the vestry should be fairly dealt with by the ratepayers who were not present. LECTURES-A course of eight popular and interesting lectures, under the patronage of several influential resident gentlemen, commenced last month, and fully bore out the intentions of the promoters as far as the talent of the lecturers and the subjects of the lectures are concerned. The first on the 19th ult., entitled "An Evening with Weber," by C. Salaman, Esq., gave great satisfaction: the same may be said of English Comic and Satiric Art," by R.W. Buss, Esq. The attendance, however, was We not satisfactory in point of numbers. should have been much better pleased if the room had been full. The price of admission being adapted to the means of working men, their presence would be satisfactory evidence that they are not indifferent to the enjoyment of literary and scientific bouquets, such as these lectures are intended to be. Another reason why we should like to see these lectures well attended is, that the profits, if any, will be appropriated to the charities of the town. It will be seen by advertisement in another page that there will be a lecture on the 2nd, 7th, 16th, 23rd and 30th of this month. FIRES.-Hayes Common has been the scene of three separate conflagrations during the past month. One occurred on the evening of the 1st, when about three quarters of an acre of Furze and Heath were consumed. The other two took place, one on Saturday evening and the other about one o'clock onSunday morning last. These fires lit up the country for miles round, and were with difficulty extinguished by the residents in the neighbourhood with long sticks. L |