Bruits and Britons: Rumor, Counsel, and the Henriad

Abstract

Early modern counsel was often conducted at formal or informal council meetings and tables that brought men together to plan, to talk, and to listen.¹ I want to begin this chapter with a brief meditation on the 1624 broadside Create Brittaines Noble and wor- thy Councell of Wane (Figure 2.1) and the sixteen-line poem that accompanies it:

The God of Warre lookes downe, and from his eies Shoots smiles of joy to see what Policies Are read (here) in this Schoole: This Councell-Boord, (Upheld by tenne brave Souldiers) does afford.

Matter (by Amies) to heighten Englands State, These being more great then Romes Decomuirate Happiest of Kings is ours: who in his Throne Sits, Kissing Peace, enjoying her alone:

More then all Christian Kings doe yet when Drums Beate at his Neighbours Court gates, forthwith comes This heape of Worthies; an by them tis knowne, How to guard Strangers, how to guide our owne.

Th’ Soldier fights abroad, but these at home Teach him to fight well: From these ten Heads come These streames of Councell, by which War does stand As Just, as in the Ocean does this Land.

What impyetie in tale herers, what impunity in tale tellers, what mallice in the one to seeke them, what flattery in the other to bringe them.

Barnabe Rich, A Path-Way to Military Practise (1587)