OBSERVATIONS ON A LIBEL. 397 



latter times were not so prosperous. And for king 

 Henry V. as his success was wonderful, so he wanted 

 continuance ; being extinguished after ten years 

 reign in the prime of his fortunes. 



Now for her majesty, we will first speak of the 

 blessing of continuance, as that which wanted in the 

 happiest of these kings ; and is not only a great 

 favour of God unto the prince, but also a singular 

 benefit unto the people ; for that sentence of the 

 Scripture, &quot; misera natio cum multi sunt principes 

 &quot; ejus,&quot; is interpreted not only to extend to divisions 

 and distractions in government, but also to frequent 

 changes in succession ; considering, that the change 

 of a prince bringeth in many charges, which are 

 harsh and unpleasant to a great part of the subjects. 

 It appeareth then, that of the line of five hundred 

 and fourscore years, and more, containing the number 

 of twenty-two kings, God hath already prolonged 

 her majesty s reign to exceed sixteen of the said two 

 and twenty ; and by the end of this present year, 

 which God prosper, she shall attain to be equal with 

 two more : during which time there have deceased 

 four emperors, as many French kings ; twice so 

 many bishops of Rome. Yea, every state in Chris 

 tendom, except Spain, have received sundry suc 

 cessions. And for the king of Spain, he is waxed so 

 infirm, and thereby so retired, as the report of his 

 death serveth for every year s news : whereas her 

 majesty, thanks be given to God, being nothing de 

 cayed in vigour of health and strength, was never 

 more able to supply and sustain the weight of her 



