Simon Fish

, a zealous Man for the Reformation of abuses in the Church, was born in Kent, and after he had been instructed in Academical Learning, he retired to Greys Inn in Holbourn to obtain knowledge in the municipal Law. About which time one Mr. Roo or Roe, having composed a Play, wherein one part deeply reflected on Cardinal Wolsey, he undertook, when divers refused, to act it: For which being soon after forced to leave the Nation, he found out Will. Tyndale in Germany, with whom for a time he sorted himself. In 1527, or thereabouts, he made a little Book entit.

The supplication of Beggars—The beginning of which is, Most lamentably complaineth their woful misery, &c. It containeth a great deal of bitter stuff against Bishops, Abbats, Priors, Monks, Fryers, &c. and indeed against the generality of the Clergy. In 1528, a Copy of it was sent to the Lady Anne Bulleyne; which, after perusal, she gave it to the King, who did not dislike it, and soon after were divers Copies scattered in London streets, which was complained of by the Cardinal to the said King. Afterwards the Cardinal being out of favor, the Author Fish was sent for home, and graciously countenanced by the King for what he had done. About which time he translated from Dutch into English, The summ of the Scriptures, which was also published and well approved. At length being overtaken by the Pest, 1531 died of it in Fifteen hundred thirty and one, and was buried in the Church of St. Dunstan (in the West.) Afterwards James Baynham, Son of Sir Alex. Baynham of Glocestershire Knight, Married his Widow; which James being a zealous Protestant, suffer’d death soon after in the Flames, as you may see in the Acts and Mon. of the Church, written by Jo. Fox.