example the Countess of Ross abhorring the fierceness and cruelties as she gave out of her barbarous Husband but rather out of policy to be an Agent for him flyeth to the King and hath Revenues allowed her for the maintenance of her Estate Not long after the Earl of Ross himself the misadventure of his Confederates having taught him now some wisdom having seen the Kings clemency towards others equal to him to Treason and Rebellion by many humble supplications craved pardon and begged peace The King by his great prudence and the course of the affairs of his Kingdom knew that it was necessary sometimes to condiscend to the imperfections and faults of some Subjects and having compassion apply and accomodate himself to that which though according to the strictness of equity was not due yet for the present occasion and reason of State was convenient answered he would neither altogether pardon him nor 〈◊〉 eject him there being many signs of his wickendness few of his changed minde when honestly without fraud or guile he should erave a Pardon and give satisfaction to those whom by blood and pillage he had wronged and by some noble action deface the remembrance of his former crimes then should it be good time to receive him Notwithstanding this should not discourage him but he should know he had a desire to make him relish the effects of his bounty so he himself would finde the means and subject In this interim he wished him to keep the common peace of the Countrey and not oppress any of his Neighbours About this time the University of Glasgow waâ— founded by William Turnbul Bishop of that Sea William Hay Earl of Arole George Creighton Earl of Caithness William Lord Creighton died 1455. and the Bishop of St. Andrews is made Chancellor The King partly having loosed partly cut in pieces that Gordian knot of the League of his Nobility began to reobtain again the ancient Authority of the Kings his Predecessors giving and imposing Laws to his Subjects according to reason and greatest conveniencies Shortly progressing through the Quarters of the kingdom by the sound counsel and instructions of the Bishop of St. Andrews Iames Kennedy and William Saintclare Earl of Orknay used such clemency that in a short time he reclaimed all his turbâ—lent subjects In the year 1455. he held a Parliament where he ratifyed what was resolved upon to be done for the peace and weal of his People establishing many profitable Laws for the posterity after this time Ambassadors came from England and France unto him Henry the sixt King of England a soft facile Prince and more fit to obey then command having restored in blood and allowed the descent of Richard Plantagenet Duke of York the Duke under pretence and countenance of reforming the State and removing of bad Counsellors from the Court the umbrage of all Rebellions by one Iack Cade an Irish a bold man and who had a Spirit which did not correspond with his low condition who fâ—igned himself to be a Cousin of his of the House of Mortimer and other his Instruments raised a Rebellion which began amongst the Kentish men and was after continued by his confederacy with the Duke of Norfolk Earls of Warwick Salisbury Devon and others and notwithstanding he had sworn fealty to King Henry at Blackheath again openly took arms against him at St. Albans where in pitched field Edmond Duke of Somerset his greatest Competitor and who had been preferred to his place in the Regency of France was killed the King wounded taken and committed in the Tower of London At a Parliament after the Duke is made Protector of the kingdom at another Parliament he maketh claim for the Crown as in his own Right laying down thus his Title The Son of Anne Mortimer Daughter and Heir to Roger Mortimer Earl of March Son and Heir of Philip the Daughter and sole Heir of Lionel Duke of Clarence the â—hird Son of King Edward the third and elder Brother to Iohn of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster is to be preferred by very good right in Succession of the Crown before the Children of Iohn of Gaunt the fourth Son of the said Edward the third but Richard Plantaginet Duke of York is come of Philip the Daughter and sole Heir of Lionel third Son to King Edward the third then to be preferred to the Children of the fourth Son who was Iohn of Gaunt and so to Henry the fourth the Usurper his Son to Henry stiling himself Henry the fifth his Son and Henry the sixth now wrongfull calling himself King of England This Parliament chosen to the Duke of Yorks own minde at first various at last unanimously enacted that Henry during his life should retain the name and honour of a King but that the Duke of York should be continued Protector of the Countrey and be declared Heir Apparent and Successor of the Crown after the death of Henry Margarite the Queen Daughter to Rheny King of Sicily more couragious then her Husband disclaimeth the Parliamentary Authority and this Agreement of her King with the Duke of York as a matter done to the prejudice of her Son and against the Laws of Nations which admit not a forced Contract and done by a Prisoner The Crown of England hanging at this point the Queen to her defence imploring the aid and assistance of her best greatest Friends and Allies sendeth Embassadors to King Iames. These remembring the duties one King oweth to another against Rebels and the Usurpers of their Crowns the correspondency and amity of King Henry with King Iames during his prosperity expostulating the cruelty of the Rebels against Edmond the late Duke of Somerset Uncle to King Iames slain by them in defence of his Prince promise in their Kings Name Queens and their Sons with the approbation of the Noblemen of their Party to restore to the Kings of Scotland the lands of Northumberland Cumberland and Bishoprick of Durham after the manner the Kings of Scotland in former times had held these Territories of the Kings of England so he would raise an Army and advance to their aid and supply The Duke of York sent hither also his Ambassadors giving in many complaints against King Henry he had oppressed the people with taxations and all kinds of exactations he had preferred to places of State and Government new men by whose Counsel and his Queen he governed only he despised the old Nobility he had lost Normandy and Gascony as France had been lost by him England was likely to run the same danger They could not longer suffer his dull sluggishness and his Wifes exorbitant pride he was courageless in War and base in peace For the Duke of York if Justice did not warrant his claim except his Descent were undisputable and his Title without all exception he would not desire the possession nor succession of the Crown King Iames should remember it was King Henry who entertained the late Dissentions and Civil Discords of Scotland
them That he husband had faln by is own indiscreet rashness and foolish kindness to France that he regretted his death as his Ally and should be willing to prohibite all hostility against the Countrey of Scotland during the minority of her Son for a remedy of present evils one years Truce and a day longer was yielded unto in which time he had leasure to prosecute his designs against France without fear of being disturbed or diverted by the incursions and inroads of the Scots upon his borders The Government of a woman and a child over a people ever in motion mutinous and delighting in Changes could not long subsist firm nor continue a after one fashion The first shake and disorders of the Kingdom arose and was occasioned by the ambition and avarice of the Church-men the Moth-worms of State being seconded by the factious Nobles and Male-contents and it was the distribution of the Offices Places Benefices vacant by the deaths of those slain in the late Battel Andrew Formâ—n Arch-Bishop of Burges Bishop of Murray and Legate to the Pope Iulius Gaven Dowglass Bishop of Dunkell Uncle to the Earl of Anguss Iohn Hepburn Prtour of St. Andrews contend all three for the Archbishoprick of St. Andrews Gaven Dowglass was presented to it by the Queen Andrew Forman by the Pope John Hepburn was chosen by the Chapter his Canons and sundry of the Nobility favoured is election they said also te place whilst it was vacant belonged unto him and his party was so strong that none dared publish te Popes Bull in favour of Andrew Forman for many daies Till Alexander Lord Hume then chamberlain and warden of he East Marches won by many promises and the Abbacy of coldingham engaged and presently given in hand to his younger Brother David in despight of the opposition of the Lord Haylles and the faction of the Hepburns then seditious and powerful well backed by his Friends Vassals Adherents all in Arms caused publish and proclaim it at the Market cross of Edinburgh which action first incensed the Priour to plot mischief against the family of theâ— Humos William Elpâ—instoun Bishop of Aberdeen by many of the Clergy and some of the Nobility had been desired to accept this Dignity but he refused it being now weary of earthly greatness and making for another world for at this time at Edinburgh he left this As ordinarily when one faction is neer extinguished the remnant subdivideth after these jars of the Church men which were cherished by the Nobility the Nobles began to jar among themselves and grudge at others preferments Alexander Lord Gordon ruled and commanded the Countreys north-ward the River of Forth as Alexander Lord Hume usurped almost a royal Authority and commanded over the Countreys on South-side of the Forth and Earl of Anguss went about a fairer couquest Iames Earl of Arran Lord Hamiltown being neerest in blood to the King could not but wit indignation look upon the undeserved greatness of these Usurpers under the shadow of this Olygarchy turbulent evill disposed and men abhorring horring quietness ravaged the Countrey and did what they pleased Amidst these confusions these confusion the Queen in April brought forth the posthumous child in the Cattle of Sterlin whom the Bishop shop of Cathness Abbot of Dumfermlin and the Arch-Dean of St. Andrews baptized and named Alexander After she was recovered and had required her wonted strength of body she found the authority of her place was turned weak and that â—he enjoyed nothing but the name of Governing the people delighting to live rather without rule and in all disorders than to be subject to the obedience of a Woman though a Queen After great deliberation and many essays in vain to curb their insolency and vindicate her authority from their contempt as also to save her son from the dangers of an insulting Nobility and settle her estate she resolved to match with some Nobleman eminent in power and worth who could and would protect her and hers in greatest extremities Amongst the choise of the young Noblemen of Scotland for a long succession of renowned Auncestors comelyness of person nobleconversation prudence in affairs of State being lovely courteous liberal wise none was comparable to the Earl of Anguss him she determines to mâ—ke Partner of her Royal Bed and Fortunes and as ordinarily in mâ—tters of love it falleth out by the impatience of delay without acquanting her Brother the King of England or the Nobles of the Kingdom with her design she afterwards marryeth him transferring if she could the whole weight of the Kingdom and the rains of the Government of the State into his hands having no more freedom in her own determinations No sooner was this revealed to the World when the Nobility and Gentry divided into two Factions one adhering to the Dowglass in whom kindred friendship long observance had bred hopes of benefit and preferment another of such whom envy of his greatness and advancement had made hungrey of change The first would have the Government continued in the Queens person and Her husbands because hereby the Realm should still have peace with England which at that time was the most necessary point to be respected The adverse party of which the Lord Chamberlain was the principal who was a man both in Power Parentage Riches equal if not beyond to many of the great men of the Countrey importuned the election of a new Governour and Protectour of the young King The Queen loosing by her marriage both the tutelage of her Son and the Government should not take it to heart that another were chosen and put in her place Her marrying the Earl of Anguss had made him too great already to be a Subject the continuing of her in Authority would promote him to the greatness of a Prince Who should be Governour is upon both sides long and coutentiously argued Many gave their voices for the Earl of Arran as being neer in blood to the King and a man affecting peace more than others and every way sufficient for such a Charge The Chamber lain had determined of another and told it was a wrong to bar from so high an honour a man of the Masculine line in blood to the King and prefer one of the feminine Iohn Duke of Albany son to Alexander Duke of Albany the Brother of King Iames the third before all others by all reason should be preferred to the Government Being demanded if he would the first to give example to others set his hand to this election he without pawsing performed it with a protestation that though the rest of the Nobility opposed it as to his comming into Scotland to accept the Government he alone would go to France charge him with it be his Convoy hither and maintain his Title This he was thought to have done for that despairing to reach and obtain this Dignity himself out of emulation he laid a design that never any other of the Nobles of the Kingdom should
Streets out of Windows furnished him he invested a part of the Town and barricadoed some Lanes with Carts and other impediments which the time did afford The adverse party trusting go their number and the supply of the Citizens who calling to mind the slaughter of their Deacon shew them small favour disdaining the Earl should thus muster on the Streets in great fury invade him Whilst the bickering continued and the Town is in a Tumult William Dowglas brother to the Earl of Angus Sir David Hume of Wedderburn George Hume brother to the late Lord with many others by blood and Friendship tyed together enter by violence the East Gate of the Town the Citizens making small resistance force their passage through the throngs seek the Earls enemies find them scoure the streets of them The Master of Montgomery eldest Sonne to the Earl of Eglintoun Sir Patrick Hamiltun Brother to the Earl of Arran with almost fourscour more are left dead upon the place The Earl himself findeth an escape and place of retreat through a Marsh upon the North side of the Town The Chancelour and his retinue took Sanctuary in the Dominican Fryers the tumult by the slaughter of some and flight of others appeased the Earl of Angus now freed of danger licensed all who pleased without further pursuit peaceably to leave the Town of Edenburgh and return to their own Houses Some daies after the Humes well banded and backed with many Nobles and Gentlemen of their linage by the Earl of Angus consent took the Lord Humes and his brothers heads from the place where they had been fixt and with the funeral Rites of those times interr'd them in the Black-Fryers The Earl of Angus having angled the peoples hearts by his Magnificence Wisdom Courage and Liberality his Faction began to bear greatest sway in the Kingdom For the continuance of which the King of England dealt most earnestly with the French King to keep the Duke of Albany still in France with him But the French had contrary designs And when the Duke understood the great discords of the Nobility of Scotland persons of Faction being advanced to places dangerous immunities being granted to the Commons France and England beginning to be tyred of their Peace and preparing for a new war to curb the Scottish Factions keep the Nation in quietness in it self by giving the Subjects other work abroad whilst common danger should break of particular discords Notwithstanding of the English Ships which lay in wait to take him after he had been about five years in France in November he arrived on the west coasts of Scotland at a place named Garloch The Governour comming to Edenburgh set himself to amend the enormities committed in his absence the Magistrates of the Town are deposed because in the late uproar they had been evil seconds to the Lords of the west when they went to surprize the Earl of Angus A Parliament is called to which many Noblemen and Gentlemen are cited to make appearance in February to be tryed and to answer for offences committed by them in the Governours absence The appointed time being come these who appeared not were indicted and â—led into England Amongst which and the chief were the Humes and Cockburns men Authors and accessary to the death of Sir Anthony Darcey The tyde now turning and mens affections changed the Earl of Angus with his brother Sir George Dowglâ—s by the intercession of the Queen are constrained to seek a Pardon which was obtained for them but with the condition that they should leave the Countrey and stay in France one whole year which they obeyed Others have recorded they were surprized in the night and in French Ships conveyed privately away Mr. Gaven Dowglas Bishop of Dunkell in the absence of his Nephew finding the Governour violent in the chase of the Faction of the Dowglasses fled privately to the Court of England where he gave informations to King Henry against him He alone had taken to him the custody of the young King the sequel wâ—ereof he much feared he was an irreconciliable enemy to the whole Family of the Dowglasses The principal cause of his comming to Scotland was to engage the Nation in a War against England that the English Should not assist the Emperour against the French King and make his Nation slaves to France This Bishop shortly after dyed at London and was buryed in the savoy Church having been a man noble valiant learned and an excellent Poet as his works yet extant testifie The King of England upon such informations sent Clarencieux King of Arms to Scotland to require the Duke to avoid the Country according to the Articles agreed upon between the French King and him in their last truce It belonged said Clarencieux to his Master to tender the life wellfare honour fortunes of his Nephew of none of which he could be assured so long as the Duke ruled and stayed in Scotland It was against all reason and unbeseeming the man should be sole Guardian to a King who was the next heir to the Crown how easily might he be tempted by opportunity to commit the like unnatural cruelty which some have done in the like case both in England and other parts of Europe if he loved his Nation and Prince as he gave out he required him to leave the Country which if he yield not unto but obstinately continued in a re resolution to stay he denounced from his Master present war He farther complained Thâ—t the Earl of Anguss who was King Henries Brother-in Law was by him banisht and detained in France That during the banishment of the Earl which had been neer a whole year the Duke had impâ—tuned his Sister the Queen with dishonest love The Governour answered Clarencieux That what the Kings of France and England agreed upon in their Treaties of Peace was to him uncertain but of this he was most certain That neither the King of England nor France had power to banish him a Forainer over whom their authority did not reach his native country like over like having no jurisdiction As concerning the King of Scotland who was yet young in years he reverenced him as his soveraign Lord and would keep and defend both him and his Kingdome according to his Conscience honour and bound duty that there were ever more men in the world who desired to be Kings than there were Kingdomes to be bestowed upon them of which number he was none having ever preferred a mean estate justly enjoyed before a Kingdome evil acquired For the Earl of Angus he had used all Courtesies towards him notwithstanding of his evil demerits not for his own sake he did confess but for the Queens sake whom he honoured and respected as the Mother of his Prince and towards whom he should continue his observance That the King of England needed not misdoubt he would attempt any thing should derogate from the honour of his sister that complements of meer curtesie in France might
lawfull Council and forsake their errors when they shall be clearly and fairly demonstrated unto them Heresie is an errour in the fundamental grounds of Religion Schism intendeth a resolution in Separation Let a good Council be convocated and see if they be ready or not to râ—unite themselves to us That which they believe is not evil but to some it will appear they believe not enough and that there is in them rather a defect of good than any habit of evil Other points when they shall be consider'd shall be found to consist in external ceremonies of the Church rather than in substance of doctrine or what is essential to Christianity These men should be judg'd before condemn'd and they should be heard before they be judg'd which being holily and uprightly don we shall â—ind it is not our religions but our private intrests and passions which troubleth us and the State The King followed not this opinion but gave himself over to the counsel and Government of the Prelates They remonstrate to him that he should not rashly alter approv'd and long received customes that there was nothing more dangerous in Government than to abase the authority of antient Laws Let him well consider and set before his eyes the malice of Man who ever when he is drawn off one course of evil precipitateth himself in a worse It was less evil in State to tolerate disorders known unto which usual and accustomed remedies might be applyed than by altering and changing foundations to give way to new to find out Remedies to which would take and consume a whole age That this would be a way not only to take away the abuses but even the good uses of every thing and put in hazard all matters and main points concerning Religion They desired him to consider how there were two sorts of persons affecting these new opinions and studying Novations The multitude or common people and some of the Nobility and Gentry It was likely the common people might be deceiv'd and to give them satisfaction and appease them by granting them a Reformation or change in religion would not be a means to illuminate and instruct them but to bring in a popular licence If he should suffer them to misbelieve distrust call in question points of Religioâ— or search or find out more light they would immediately thereafter presume to make Laws and limit the Government by degrees restraining the Soveraign authority and after they had examined sifted narrowly and discust Ecclesiastical authority they would essay to correct and find the difficulties of the Temporall That it was more easie to oppose and resist the first demands of the multitude than pleasing them in a part after bound and limit their desires and petitions As to the great Men of his Nobility and Gentry he might be assured they had not Religion and piety for their ends but to impatronize and lay hold on the Church Rents and Ecclesiastical goods To turn absolute and free men acknowledging neither Church nor King To this end many reserved themselves and kept close their opinions attending the change which once appearing their faces would turn all one way Which imminent evils if the King would prevent there was no other means than to use his authority and power whilst the most and greatest part of his Kingdom yet obey'd him That celerity in this was most necessary before their number increas'd and erâ— they discover'd that universal commodity which would follow the imbracing of these new opinions It was safer to compose these Tumults by his absolute command and authority and if this produced not the wished effect to perform it by arms than to give reins to a popular licence and the ambition of great Men. After this counsel had prevailed most rigorous inquisitions are established and punishments denounced against all who professed opinions differing to the Church of Rome Whereupon some out of a muffled zeal of Religion others to revenge their particular quarrels most to possesse moveables and lands pursue many to judgment Of which some are executed by fire others banished many imprisoned amongst which was the famous Poet and Historian George Buchanan who whilst his Keepers slept escaped by a Window of the Prison the Muses holding the Cable the more frequent the publick executions were and banishments the greater number embraced the opinions of them which suffered The King of England having understood that the Pope giving out the confirming of a Peace between the Emperour and the French King had a meeting with them at Nice a maritime Town upon the confines of Provence and assuring himself that matters there would be both consulted upon and determined to his prejudice sendeth again to his Nephew the King of Scotland that he would come and see him at York for now he had more vehemently irritated the Pope having condemned as Rebels and confiscated the goods of all who maintained Papal authority and raised from their Tomb the Bones of Thomas Becket commonly named Saint Thomas of Canterbury canoniz'd by Pope Alexander the third for being kill'd for the maintenance of the liberties of the Church 1171. to whom there was yearly a Festival Day kept by the Roman Church and by the hands of a common Executioner caused burn in ashes and throw them in the River The revealing of which to the world was a secret more derogatory to the Pontificial State than any stumbled upon heretofore or opened up Upon this the Sentence of Ex-communication some years deferred was pronounced against him By which he was deprived of his Kingdom and those who adhered to him declared uncapable of what they possessed His Subjects were dispensed from their Oath of Allegiance and discharged to obey him Strangers were inhibited traffick with his Kingdom All Christians charged to arise in arms against him The Estates goods and persons of such Subjects as followed him given over to be a prey and spoil to any would invade them It was time for him to look to himself Such of the Nobility as loved peace and the Weal of the two Kingdoms stirr'd King Iames to this interview especially they who favour'd the reformed Religion assuring him King Henry was disposed with all demonstrations of good will that his person would be far from any danger And if by this conference they should join in bands of Amity a great benefit to themselves Country and posterity would redound Why would King Henry in the face of the World and Neighbour Princes brand so his Reputation as to break the Laws of Hospitality wrong a Prince whom he had invited to come and see him Why would he violate those of consanguinity attempting against his own Nephew The Emperour Charles the fifth had been his Guest and after Royal entertainment was friendly dismissed He met with Francis the French King at Bullen which meeting seemed rather of Brothers come to countenance some marriage Pomp than contending Neighbours If King Henry had born any discontent against his Nephew he might
with a great many young Noblemen of the Kingdom to remain Hostages for the rest who after the English Writers were David son to the Earl of Athole Alexander Earl of Crawford the Lord Gordon Iohn de Lyndesay Patrick Son and Heir to Sir Iohn Lyon David de Ogleby Sir William de Ruthen Miles Graham David Mowbray and William Oliphant These were honorably received entertained and kept The Kings Father in Law the Earl of Somerset the Cardinal his Brother accompanied their Nâ—ece to the Borders and there taking their leave returned back The King with the rest of their Train received with many Troops of Nobles and Gentlemen who swarmed from all parts of the Kingdom to give him a dutifull welcome into his Native soyl and themselves the contentment of beholding one they had so long deâ—ired and expected with loud acclamations and applauses of the Commons as he held his Progress on the Passion Week in Lent came to Edinburgh During his abode there he assembled many of the Estates listened to their Petitions prepared for the approaching Parliament which had been summoned before his coming The Solemniâ—iâ—s of Easter finished the King came with his Queen to Perth and from thence in the beginning of the moneth of May to Scone where the year 1424. by Mordock the Governor Duke of Albany and Earl of Fife to whom that charge by custom of the Kingdom did appertain and Henry Bishop of S. Andrews self and his Queen being according to the computation of the old Scottish History the hundreth and one King of Scotland At which time Sigismond son to Charls the fourth was Emperour of the West An. Dom. 1424. Iohn the seventh the son of Andronicus of the East Amurach the second Great Turk Alphonsus the fifth King of Spain Charlâ— the seventh King of France Henry the sixth King of England and with Martine the fifth many claimed the Chair of St. Peter The ends in calling the Parliament were the Coronation of the King to make the People see a Princes authority was come where they had but lately a Governours the establishing a Peace amongst the Subjects and taking away all Factions the exacting a Subsidie for the relief of the Hostages in England To this last the Nobles held strong hand by reason many of their Sons were engaged Here a general Tax was condescended up on through the whole Realm as twelve pennies of the pound to be paid of all Lands as well Spiritual as Temporal and four pennies of every Cow Ox Horse for the space of two years together When the Commons had taken it grievously that the Subsidie granted by the States of the Kingdom in Parliament was exacted mostly of them after the first Collection the King pittying their poverty remitted what was unpayed and until the Marriage of his Daughter thereafter never exacted any Subsidie of his Subjects For he would gently strain milk and not wring blood from the breast of his Countrey rendring the disposure thereof chaste sincere and pure for expences necessary and profitable not for profusions which neither afford contentment nor reputation for money is both the nerves which give motion and veins which entertain life in a State Amongst others whom the King honoured Alexander second Son to Duke Mordock was dubbed Knight The Parliament dissolving the King came from Perth to Edinburgh where having assembled all the present Officers and such who had born Authority in the State during the time of Duke Robert and Duke Mordock especially those whose chargâ— concerned the Rents of the Crown he understood by their accounts that the most part of all the Rents Revenues and Landâ— pertaining to the Crown were wasted alienated and put away or then by the Governors bestowed on their friends and followers the Customs of Towns and Burroughs only excepted â—his a little incensed his indigâ—ation yet did 〈◊〉 â—mother and put a fair countenance on his passion sâ—eming to slight what he most car'd for occasion thereafter no sooner served when he began to countenance and give way to Promoters and Informers necessary though dangerous Instruments of State which many good Princes have been content to maintain and such who were not bad never denyed to hear but using them no longer then they were necessary for their ends to rip up secrâ—t and hidden câ—imes wrongs suffered or committed during the time of his detension in England He received the complaints of the Church-men Countrey Gentlemen Merchants against all those who had either wronged them or the State and would have the causes of all Accusers to be heard and examined Here many to obtain the favour of the Prince accused others Upon pregnant accusations Walter Stuart one of the Sons of Duke Mordock was Arrested and sent to the Bass to be close kept so was Malcolm Fleming of Cammernauld and Thomas Foyd of Kilmarnock committed to Ward in Dalkieth Not long after the Nobiliâ—y interceding Malcolm and Thomas goods being restored which they had taken wrongfully and Finâ—â— laid upon them for their Offence promising to satisfie all whom they had wrong'd were pardoned all faults and then set at Liberty The King by listening to Promoters came to the knowledge of many great insolencies committed by sundry of his Nobles which as it bred hatred in him so fear in them and both appeared to study a Novation They for their own safety He to vindicate Justice and his Authority The Duke had highly resented the committing of his Son as had his Father in Law the Earl of Lennox The Male-contents being many if they could have swayed in one body as they came to be of one mind threatned no small matter The King from the intelligence of close Meetings secret Leagues some Plots of his Nobles began to forecast an apparent storm in the State and danger to his own Peâ—son whereupon being both couragious and wise â—e proclaimeth again a Parliament at Perth where the three Estates being assembled in his Throne of Majesty he spoke in this manner I have learned from my tender years that Royalty consisteh not so much in a Chair of State as in such actions which do well become a Prince What mine have been since my coming Home and Government among you I take first God and then your sâ—lves for witnâ—sses Iâ— all of them be not agreeable to you all and if any rigorous dealing be used against some Let him who is touched lay aside his particular and look to the setling of Justice in the State and publick Good of the whole Kingdom and he shall find his sufferings tolerable perhaps necâ—ssary and according to the time deserved I have endeavoured to take away all Discords abolish Factions Suppress Oppression as no Forein Power hath attempted ought against you hitherto so that ye should not endeavour ought one against another nor any thing against the weal publick and Soveraignty Slow have I been in punishing injuries done to my self but can hardly pardon such as are done to the Common-wealth for this
Laws The Duke to raise his own reputation to the disadvantage of the King with all secrecy of his intentions had procured himself a vast Authority with the Nobles by a semblance of liberality wasting the Patrimony of the Crown as remitting Treasons restoring again Lands annexed to the Crown He had studied so conciliate to him the minds of the Commons that the desire of a King did not much touch them using such moderation in his proceedings that his Government seemed unto many not only tolerable but desirable He had essayed to draw the Earl of Dowglass and had drawn the Earl of March to enter into a League with him and these Noblemen then in the Castle of St. Andrews divided the Nobility and made them break their Allegiance to the King Upon which attempt it seemeth that that Act of this Kings second Parliament was made That no Subjects should lâ—ague themselves together The King esteemed all that Government of Robert and Mordock to be an 〈◊〉 of the Crown and feared the like thereafter His Son Iames had burnt Dumbarton and treacherously killed the Kings Uncle which was not done without his knowledge it not Câ—unsel Though he relieved the King of his Captivity he suffered him to remain very long a Prisoner nâ—iâ—her did he practise his deliverance till he perceived the whole States of the Kingdom resolved to call him Home and was compelled by the injuries of his own Children To exasperate new injuries by old rancours his Father Robert spurred by Ambition had famished to death the Kings Brother David in the Castle of Faulkland to escape whose Tyrannie the King yet a childe was committed to the protection of stranger Princes What ever the particulars of their accusations have been it is above the possiâ—iâ—ity of any Governor or Man in eminent place and authority so to carry himself but a discontented Prince if he wiâ—l set him to a tryal shall bring some one or other of his actions to whiâ—l him within compass of Justice Thus the imprecation of Robert the third took effect upon the race of Robert the Governor for after the death of the Duke of Rotâ—esay he is said to have cursed him most deadly praying as he had slain his Brothers Son and filled thâ—ir house with blood so God would punish him his Stock and Pâ—sterity There is noâ— any wickednâ—ss which beareth not its punishment and repentance at the last if we can have â—aâ—ience to attend the last act of those Tâ—agedies played on this Theater of the World By the Attaindor of the Duke the 〈◊〉 of Fiâ—e Monteith and Lennox were divâ—lved to the Crown The Câ—stle of Inchâ—Merin in Loch-Lommond which hâ—d a while been kept good for Iames who flâ—d into Ireland by Iohn Montgomery and Humphrey Cunningham was brought to the obedience of the King Whâ—n the Lords and Gentlemen who were in Prisons attending the Kingâ— pleasure understood what necessary justice had been executed upon the Duke and his Sons they were gâ—iâ—voâ—sly perplexed yet the King like a wise Physitian would take no more blood then might take away the disease and all further causes of Faction For within twelve moneths thereafter he set them all at Liberty and received them in his wonted favour upon promise of their loyal demeanour and dutifull obedience in time to come But being thus freely discharged the conce it was taken that Mordocks head and his sons with Lennoxes was only the aim and that they were used but as a Countenance of State to dazlâ— the eyes of the People The Wars continuing between the Englâ—sh and the French the one to keep what he was in possâ—ssion of the other to reobtain what he had lost Charls the seventh a wise and victorious Pâ—ince knowing the friendship of Scâ—tland to be of no small importance to any that would fight against the English the flower and strength of the Scottish Souldiers which had followed the French Wars being then blasted and spent sendeth Iohn Stuâ—rt of Darnley Marshal of a Garrison of Hoâ—semen with the Earl of Dowglass as the French write then Marshal of France to Scotland to have a fresh supply of Men of Arms and Renauld of Charteres Arch-bishop of Rheymes who there had Crowned his Master and was Chancellour of France to renew the ancient League between the French and Scots But the main business about which the Arch-bishop came was the trafficking of a Marriage between Lewis the Daulphine though then very young with Margaret Daughter to King Iames. This Match the â—nglish had either neglected or contemn'd which afterward â—hey sued for The renewing of the old League and Amity between the two Nations was easily condescended unto it being but a witness to the world of their mutual kindness The chief Articles of which were The War or Injury moved or done by the English men to one of the said Nations to be as Common-wrong to both If the English men make War on the French Nation then the Scots at the costs and charges of the French King shall minister to them succours Likewise if the Scots be molested by the English Wars the French Nation having their charges allowed shall be to them Ayders and Assisters That none of both Nations shall either contract or make Peace with the Realm of England without the consent and agreement of the other The Marriage being found commodious for both Nations was likewise with great contentment agreed upon and concluded fresh recruits of Souldiers were Ievied and dispatched with the Embassador to France The South and Champion parts of Scotland brought under obedience and a peacefull Government the King will have the remotest Countreys of his Kingdom even those blocked up and baâ—icadoed by the snowy Clifts of Grantsben to acknowledge his Justice The wildeness of the soyl had made the Inhabiâ—ants there more fierce then Fierceness it self and let them out to all unlawful Riots and Rapines To restrain their insolent humors and bring them within compass of Civility in the year 1426. he caused repair the Castle of Innerness which is situated in the uttermost borders of Murray and by their incursions which had been turned desolate hither some years after commeth he in person and keepeth open Court that being near the evil he might have the better means to provide for and consider it But he seemed to have arrived in some Territory of the Scythians having known and found things which none did nor dared relate unto him for he had learned that not many miles of thâ—re were men some of which had one thousand some two thousand Robbers at their call who were accustomed to drive preys from the more civil Neighbours and Borders pilling and spoiling poluting and ravishing without any difference of right or wrong holy or prophane but only following their ravenous and insolent humours On the quiâ—ter sort thâ—y set Tribute others they compell to Minister to them sustenance and necessaâ—ies The God Prince Law which they obey are their barbarous Châ—iftains amongst
out and set at liberty of purpose that they might be thrust forward into a greater danger Returning to their wilde countreys Duff nothing respecting the Kings clemency accompanied with many Theeves and Robbers driveth a great prey of cattel and other spoils from the Confines of Murrey and Caithness which to recover Angus Murrey that he might attempt something worthy of his life and liberty followeth with a great power of like Souldiers having now Authority to justifie his revenge on a guilty enemy he overtaketh Duff near unto Strath-Naverne There strongly is it fought neither of the parties being inferiour to other in number cruelty or despair This conflict continued so fierce and eagar that of both sides there remained scarce twelve persons alive and those so wounded that Justice had not whom to pursue An overthrow delightful and commodious for the peace and quiet of all the honest and vertuous Subjects of these Countreys These many executions nothing appalled one Mac-Donald born in Ross a Thief flesht in all murthers mischievous wiâ—hout mercy equally greedy of blood and spoil who by Robberies had acquired great riches Amongst other cruelties he is said to have naild horse shoes to the soles of a Widow because in her grief she had sworn in haste to report his wickedness to the King Being brought to Perth by men of his own qualities with twelve of his Associates the King caused them in like manner to be shod as they served the woman and when three days for a spectacle to the people they had been hurryed along the Town his Companions were Gibbeted and he made shorter by the head Gross enormities cut a way factions repressed the King maketh a Progress throughout all the parts of his Realm doing Justice upon all sorts of Malefactors neither did Pardons granted by the late Governour avail it being alledged that they expired by his death and though small faults might have been passed by such remissions yet horrible and crying crimes were not within the compass of such authority Whilest he thus continues in the administration of Justice the favorable eye of Providence looketh upon him and in the year 1430. in the moneth of October Queen Iane is delivered of two sons at Holy-Road-House Alexander and Iames the one deceased in his infancy the other succeeded to his Father and was King To highten the joy of his people and diffuse it universally many prisoners are set at liberty amongst which were Archibald Earl of Dowglass Sir Gilbert Kennedie the Kings Sister sons the Earl had been keeped in Locâ—leavin the other in Sterling They had been committed rather upon suspition of the times then men having spoken too freely against the present Government Alexander Earl of Ross was also set at liberty And that the King intended a real and sincere reconciliation the Earl of Dowglass was made Parent to his Children at the Font at this solemnity fifty Knights were Dubbed the first of which was William Dowglas son to the Earl who after succeâ—ded to his Father in the Earldom of Dowglas A sweet calm diffuâ—ing it self through every corner of the Realm the King imagining the rest of his Raign to be but the enjoying of a Crown sets his thoughts wholly to the works of Peace Many unreasonable Customs which were become to the vulgar Laws had many years continued in his Kingdom these he will either have abolished or amended To this effect he selecteth persons commended for wisdom gravity and uprightness of life through his Realm to pry into all abuses here and determine of all sorts of quarrels and suits if any were brought unto them where of the ordinary Judges either for fear dared not or power of stronger could not or for â—atred or favour would not give any perfect Judgment To them he gave full Authority to make Inquisition of the breach of poenal Statutes some hereby were punished by Fines others in their Lives he took away the deceit which had been occasioned by variety of measures for this end certain Iron measures were appointed to be made unto which the rest should be conform and like before his Reign not only in every Town and Shire but in every Mannor and House different measures were currant which abuse he abolished by Parliament The roughness of the times and perpetual wars and troubles of his Ancestors had near taken away the Arts and Handy-crafts and turned the Sciences contemptible especially since the Reign of Alexander third The Commons by the manifold changes and miseries of the Age affecting Barbarity the Nobles making Arms their whole study and care to the further advancement of the Commonwealth and that his Subjects might have occasion to avoid sloth and idleness the King from the Neighbor Continent and from England drew unto him the best Artizans and Manufactors whom either large priviledges or moneys could entice and oblige Of which such a fair number came and were so graciously received that they forgot their Native Countreys and here made their perpetual abode And what till this day Scotland enjoyeth of them owe all their beginning to these Times Schools of learning were sounded to which great Liberties and priviledges were granted the King well knowing that what ever is excellent in any Estate from them had beinning and feed and that there is no better means to sweeten and same the wilde nature of Men theâ— to busie their spirits with peacefull and sedentary Exercises rude and untrained minds being inclinable of themâ—elves to tumult and sedition To make a necessity of learning he made an Act that none of the Nobility should succeed to their Ancestors Heritage except they had some taste of the Civil Law or practice of the Country-Customs but this after was by them abolished Many famous men in all Sciences from the Noblest Universities of Christendom came hither as to the Sanctuary of the Mâ—ses where often the King himself in person graced their Lessons and when great matters did not withdraw him was Umpire to their harmless Conflicts Being himself religious he advanced Men learned and of good life to eminent places in the Church and that the best deservers might be discerned he distinguished the learned in degrees Making a Law that none should enjoy the room of a Cannon in any Cathedral Church unless he were Batchelour in Divinity or at the least of the Cannoâ— Law Though he challenged King David and named him a grievous Saint to the Crown for dilapidating so much Râ—nt in extraordinary Donations to the Church yet with great cost and magnificence â—he founded the Convent of Charters in Perth and bestowed fair Revenues upon it The excellent skill which he had in Musick and delight in Poesie made him affect Quiristers and he was the first that erected in his own Chappels and the Cathedral Churches of Scotland Organs being not much known before his Reign to the Nation Peace hath its own dangers no less than Wars yea often such estatâ—s as have increased their Dominions and become mighty
Conspiracy a Rebellion and in general by them all they were ready in Arms to maintain their factions and if upon suspition the King should attach any being secretly joyned in a league He could hardly have medled with their persons without a Civil War which in regard of his Engagement with England he endeavoured to spare perplexed pensive sad he cometh to Perth stayeth in the Covent of the Dominicans named the Black-Friers a place not far from the Town Wall endeavouring so secretly as was possible to finde out the Conspiracy But his close practising was not unknown to the Conspirators as that there was more peril to resolve then execute a Treason a distance of time between the Plot and execution discovering and overthrowing the enterprise Hereupon they determine to hazard on the mischief before tryal or remedy could be thought upon The Conspirators were Robert Graham Uncle and Tutor to Miles Graham Robert Stuart Nephew to Walter Earl of Athole and one of the Kings sworn Domesticks But he who gave motion to all was the Earl of Athole himself the Kings Fathers Brother whose quarrel was no less then a pretended title and claim to the Crown which he formed and alledged thus His Brother David and he were procreated by King Robert the second on his first wife Eupheme Ross daughter to the Earl of Ross and therefore ought and should have been preferred to the succession of the Crown before King Iohn named Robert and all the Race of Elizabeth Moor who was but his second wife and next them but Heirs to King Robert the second They were the eldest sons of King Robert after he was King Iohn and Robert being born when he was but in a private State and Earl of Strathern for it would appear that as a Son born after his Father hath lost his Kingdom is not esteemed for the Son of a King so neither he that is born before the Father be a King These reasons he thought sufficient the King taken away to set him in the room of State But considered not how sacred the name of King is to the Scots Nation how a Crown once worn quite taketh away what defects soever and that it was not easie to divest a King in present possession of a Crown who had his right from his Father and Grandfather with the Authority of a Parliament approving his Descent and secluding all other less came it in his thought that those children are legitimate and lawfull which cannot be thrust back and rejected without troubling the common Peace of the Country and opening Gates to Forreign Invasions Domestical disturbances and all disorders with an unsetled course of Succession the Common errour making the Right or Law Athole animated by the Oracle of a Sooth-sayer of his Highland Countrey who had assured him he should be crowned in a Solemn Assembly before his Death never gave over his hopes of obtaining the Crown and being inferiour and weak in power and faction to the other Brothers to compass his designs he betaketh himself to treacherous devices It was not in his power to ruine so many at once for mischief required there should be distance between so many bloody Acts therefore be layeth his course for the taking away of his kindred one by another at leasure he soweth jealousies entertaineth discords maintaineth factions amongst them by his counsell David Duke of Rothesay the Kings eldest Brother was famished in the Tower of Falkland neither had Iames then a child escaped his treachery if far off in England he had not been preserved He perswaded the Earl of Fiâ—e that making out of the way the King his brother he should put the Crown on his own head He trafficked the return of King Iames and he being come he plotted the overthrow of Duke Mordock by â—it instrument for such a business proving the Crimes laid against him in the Attaindor he himself sat Judge against him and his Children Thus stirring one of the Kinsemen against another he so enfeebled the Race of Elizabeth Moore that of a numerous off-spring there only remained Iames and his Son a childe not yet six years of Age upon whose Sepulchers building his designs with a small alteration of the State he thought it an easie step to the Crown Robert Graham had been long imprisoned at last released but being a man implacable once offended and cruel whom neither benefits could oblige nor dangers make wife and enemy to Peace Factious and Ambitious alike by many wicked Plots afterwards and Crimes against the Laws of the Country driven to an Out-lawry and to live as banished he had ever a male-talent against the King since the adjudging of the Earldom of Strathern from his Nephew Miles Robert Stuart was very familiar with the King and his access to his Chamber and Person advanced the Enterprise being a riotous young Man gaping after great matters neither respecting Faith nor Fame and daring attempt any thing for the accomplishing of his own foolish hopes and his Grandfathers ayms and ambition These having associated unto them the most audacious whom either fear of punishment for their misdeeds or hopes of preferment by a change of the Government would plunge into any enterprise in the Moneth of February so secretly as was possible assembled together where the Earl spake to this sense unto them These engagements which every one of you have to another and which I have to every one of you founded on the strongest grounds of consanguinity friendship interest of committed and received wrongs move me freely here to reveal my secret drifts and discover the depths of my hidden purposes and counsels The strange Tragedies which in the State and Government have been acted since the coming of this English man to the Crown are to none of you unknown Mordock with his children hath been beheaded the Earl of Lennox his Father in Law had that same end the Nobility repine at the Government of their King the King is in jealousie of his Nobles the Commons are in way of Rebellion These all have been the effects of my far-mining Policies And hitherto they have fallen forth as fortunately as they were ingeniously plotted For what more ingenious and cunning Stratagem could be projected to decline the rank growth of these Vsurpâ—rs then to take them away by handles made of their own Timber And if there was any wrong in such proceedings in small matters wrong must be done that justice and equity may be performed in great My fear was and yet is that the taking down of the Scaffold of Mordock should be the putting up of ours Crowns suffer no corrivals the world knows and he himself is conscious to it that the right and title of the Crown by descent of blood from Robert the second my Father was in the person of David my Brother and is justly claimed now by me and our Nephew As for an Act of Parliament confirming the right of that other Race and for oaths of Allegiance no
those thoughts being diversly tossed he retireth to his own Castles and after great resolves proclaimeth that none of his Vassals or Tenants especially within Annandale and Dowglass-Dale parts remote from the more Civill Towns of the Kingdom should acknowledg the present Government or obey any precepts licences or proclamations wherunto the Governours or Chancelours hands were set If any question of Law or contention arose amongst his Friends Vassals Tenants He knew none fitter to be their Judge sentence all their wrongs attone and take up their quarrels than himself To discover to the world the weakness of the two Rulers and how men never so well qualified small in means and silly of power were not for great places he giveth way for the the increasing of evil overseeing many disorders of which he was the secret cause especially the insolencies of vagabounding and ravaging Borderers Men of purpose sent forth to spoil and rifle the more quiet parts of the Countrey and to cut work to these strengthless States-men as he named them Thus as overcome with sloth and pleasure he passed some moneths amidst Countrey contentments expecting what effect time would bring forth of the equal authority of those two Governours for to fit minds equal in authority to so even a temper that they should not have some motions of dissenting he thought impossible Neither did this conjecture fail him the event being the only judge of opinions for after this the Governour began to jar with the Chancelour for ingrossing wholly to himself from his Partner the person of the King as an honour which could not altogether be separate from his place and which would give the greater authority to his proceedings urging the Chancelour in many other matters had usurped and taken upon him more than the Parliament granted The Chancelour was no better affected towards the Governour what the Governour commanded to be done he one way or other over-turned The buildings of the one was by the other demolished by common and continual brawlings thus living in turmoil neither of them was obeyed the Countrey usurped a licentious liberty every man doing what he thought best for his particular advantage and gain The remote Villages of the Kingdom are left a prey to the lawless multitude where their authority is scorned turn places of robbery where admitted places of faction The Queen all this time after her ordinary custom remained in the Castle of Sterling The divisions partialities jealousies of the Rulers she taketh in an evil part knowing usually they had a dangerous consequence She had ever found the Governour sincere and loyal in his proceedings against his counsel and will her Son was kept from her by the Chancellour whom the great ones hated for possessing the King for drawing to Offices of best trust and benefit his own creatures displacing such he suspected to favour his partner in Rule and the Commons loved him not as managing every thing after his pleasure to their damage and loss Transported by divers motions she at last resolveth to change the Game of State and by a womanish conceit befool masculine Policy To effectuate her purpose the came to Edenbrough and by many fair and passionate speeches obtained of the Chancelour to enter the Castle and delight her self some daies with the company of her Son Then to countenance her plot she giveth out a pilgrimage intended by her to the white Kirk in Buchan There will she make offerings for the health of the King and perform her other vows The honest States man who thought it disloyalty to distrust a Queen and a Mother whom years had made reverend and impiety to hinder such religioâ—s intentions giveth leave to her self with some Servants to remain in the Castle and to transport her houshold stuff and other necessaries after what manner she pleased In this time she perswardeth the King wantonly set and delighting to be obsequious to Her his Mother to be handsomely couched in a Trunk as if he had been some fardel of her apparel and convoyed by one of her trustiest Servants upon a Sumpter horse to Leith from whence he was put forward by water to Sterling there received by the Governor and wel-comed with great joy and laughter at the manner of their so quaintly deceiving the grave Man By this advantage the Reins of Ruâ—â—â— were now taken by the Governour The Queens Trick is approved his own proceedings are strengthned and confirmed Proclamations are made against the Chancellour and he charged to render the Castle of Edenbrough to the King which he refusing to do by a great power raised by the Governour of the Countrey and the Queens and his own followers he is beâ—ieged and blocked up within the Castle The Chancellour ready to fall in the danger considering he had to do with too strong a party imploreth the assistance of the Earl of Dowglass but the Earl as a matter he had long expected and earnestly wished might fall forth refuseth to assist any of them saying it belonged not to the antient Nobility to succor these Mushrooms whose ambition with no less could be â—atiate than the Government of the whole Realm This disdainful answer procured a meeting of the two Rulers which concluded in the rendering of the Castle to the Governour and a promise of true friendship between them that they might not prove a sport to the envious Nobility The Governour to shew the roundness of his intentions and his honesty continueth the Chancellour in his office and restoreth him to the keeping of the Castle of Edenbrough After this agreement the Earl of Dowglass left this world at Restalrigge the year 1439. leaving behind him a Son born of the Earl of Crawfords daughter named William who succeeded to his Fathers Honours and Ambition Malcolm Flamyne of Calmarnade and Allan Lawder upon this young Earls oath of Allegiance to the Crown of France obtain to him from the French King the Dutchy of Tourrain which his Father had enjoyed and given to Archembald his Grand-Father slain at Vernueil This forein dignity with histitles at home made the young Man very haughty and to forget moderation Discâ—etion in youth seldome attending great fortunes He surpassed far the King in his followers and Train being accustomed to have hundreds of Horse men attending him most of which were Robbers and men living upon unlawful spoils all under his protection But however thus he seemed to set forth his greatness this seemed much to bewray a distrust and that he rather travelled amongst a people which hated him than amongst his friends and men lovingly disposed Iames Stuart Son to the Lord of Lorne about this time married the Queen Dowager not so much out of love of her Person or Dowry as of ambition by her means intending to reach the Government of the State and get into his custody the person of the King And that it might rather seem the work of others out of conveniency than any appetite of his own he so insinuateth
himself with the Earl of Dowglass that the Earl essayed to lay the first groundwork of his aims The Governour who never wanted his own Spies neer the Queen at the first inkling of this novation committed both him and his Brother William to in the Castle of Sterlin The Queen whether she followed her Husband or was restrained uncertain staied with them and now began to repent her of the former courtesies done to the Governour wishing her Son had yet remained in the custody of the Chancelour who not so displeased at their imprisonment as he appeared in outward show delighting in the errours of his Partner by Alexander Earl of Huntley trafficked and wrought their Liberty Thus insinuating himself in the Queens favouâ— he irritated her against the Governour whom yet outwardly he entertained with ceremonies of Friendship approving his Sagacity in preventing astorm in the State before it brakeforth Here the Governor found how that same Key which can open a Treasure can shut it up for after this Queen prepared her Son for a change The Governour carefully ministering Justice at Pearth the Chancellour one Morning commeth to the Park of Sterling where the King was hunting by the providence of his Mother more early raised for this sport she be wailed the present estate of his Court that he was thralled to the covetousness and pleasure of others living under the power of a Man greedy of Rule that a King of France is declared to be of full years and Major the fourteenth of his age that a Prince should transfer his affection especially in tender years that by an escape he might enjoy a princely freedom better know himself and make his Rulers relish his Authority that three houres was sometimes of more importance than three daies and one hour of more than all the three that he should take hold of the present occasion offered him Prepared with such informations he is no sooner accosted by the Chancellour when approving his motions he posteth towards Edenbrough with him Received all the way as he went with many companies of the Chancellours friends and attendants The Governour finding the face of the Court altered by a King young in years and judgement possessed by his Mother dissimulating his interest in a patient and calm manner cometh to Edenbrough there after long conference and mediation of Friends in Saint Giles's Church he meeteth the Chancellour and by the Bishop of Murrays and Aberdeens diligence an agreement is between them concluded which was that the King should remain in the custody of the Chancellour and the Governour should still enjoy his charge Amongst these divisions of the Rulers the Queen all this time handsomely kept some authority affecting and entertaining sometimes the one of them somtimes the other as by turns they governed the King and State The many and great disorders in the Countrey invited a Parliament the authority of Magistrates was despised no justice was administred in many places few could keep their Goods or be assured of their Lives but by taking themselves to the servitude of one Faction or other Troubles a rose in the West by the slaughter of Sir Allane Stuart Lord Darnley killed by Sir Thomas Boyd and by the Revenge of his death taken by Alexander Stuart of Bolmet his Brother upon the Boyd the Highland Islanders invade the Territories adjacent to them spoyl and burn the Lennox where Iohn Calhowen of Luss is masâ—acrâ—d These cruelties and insolencies against all justice and authority being avouched such to be were held fit to be remedied and courses laid down to obviate them but William Earl of Dowglass permitting wickedness and wincking at mischief often approving them for lawful and good policy whilst he neither reformed them himself by his power nor suffered the Rulers to proceed against them by their authority purchased to himself the name and reputation of a lawless and strong oppressor The three Estates assembled complaints being given up against Oppressours most against him and his Followers as the source from which the miseries of the Country sprang he appeareth not nor any to answer for him The Parliament determinateth to proceed by way of Rigour against him but to this the two Rulers oppose perswading them that fair speeches and entreaties was a safer and easier way to draw unto them a young Man mighty in riches and power arrogant by his many Followers and Vassals then to give out a Sentence against him before he were heard and by threatnings stir his turbulent and ambitious thoughts which instead of making him calm might turn his neutrality in a perfect Rebellion and his insolency in madness and despair Neither as the present estate of the Countrey stood could he without civil blood be commanded and brought in which by moderation might be effectuate that verity enjoyed not always that priviledge to be spoken in every place and time it was good to keep up in silence matters concerning him the speaking of which might produce any dangerous effect Upon this Letters in their Name are sent unto him remembring him of the splendor and glory of his Ancestors the place and dignity he possessed by them in Parliament that without his presence they neither would nor could proceed in great matters If he apprehended any cause of let or stay by the offences and disorders committed by his Attendants and Followers they would freely remit them as accidents following the injury of the times and his yet tender years his greatest fault being his giving way out of rashness and negligence to the faults of others That of himself they had conceived such singular hopes of great towardness and all vertues if he would come and take a part with them giving in his complaints and grievances he should not only have full satisfaction but be honoured with what place or charge in the Government he liked best by honouring them with his Presence he should oblige not only his Countrey infinitely but particularly every one of them to stand for him to the utmost of their powers and wishes This Letter wrought powerfully upon the Minde of the Earl by nature and years desirous of glory and preferment and believing easily that which was plausible to his hopes His friends who now began to promise to themselves new Heavens think upon great matters and forecast to themselves by the change of their Lords Fortune a change of Offices in the State perswade him likewise to come to the Parliament and they divulged the certainty of his Progress The Chancellour when he understood he was upon his way rode forth of Edinbrough to meet him by many obsequious complements and friendly blandishments allured and drew him to his Castle of Creighton which was in his way where some days he rested and was honorably entertained Amongst many healthfull admonitions by way of counsel he told him that the greatness of a Subject consisted in due obedience to his Prince whom he should acknowledge to be his Lord and Master That by obedience
Brothers and Cousins wrought by the two Rulers remained unrevenged and therefore since openly without troubling the common peace of the Countrey he could not by secret and umbragious wayes he laboureth to bring it to pass Procuring a far off a disobedience to their Decrees and contempt of their Authority by men in a great distance from him in place blood friendship and familiarity who after any fashion grudged repined complained of the present form of Government or aggravated imaginary wrongs are supported and protected by him his houses turned places of refuge to distressed Maleâ—contents One Iohn Gormack of Athole not without suspition that he wrought by the motion and order of the Earl and understood his Caball essayed with a great number of Out-lawes to hinder the execution of a Malefactor and take him by main force from the Sheriff of Pearth William Ruthen but he perished in the enterprize Patrick Gilbreath in the Castle of Dumbartoun for priority of command killeth Robert Simple and to save his person or justifie his homicide flyeth to the Earl of Dowglass by whom he is protected notwithstanding the many informations given in against him at Court and his citation to answer to Justice The King whose non-age was now near expired began to relish the Sweetness of Government in his own Person and became tyr'd of the long and awful tutelage of his jarring Rulers and the Flower of his youth seeming fram'd for great affairs promised the fruit of a wise and happy reign finding it difficult to put men near dayly unto him long experienced and greedy of Rule from high Places except by the entertaining a stronger and more powerful faction He setteth his thoughts upon the Earl of Dowglass small favours to him would be a great umbrage to the ambition of his Tutors bring them within the compass of answering to what might be objected to them concerning their Service in the State he would not sue to the Earl but as occasion served he gave many signs and open speeches that he had not altogether withdrawn his love and favour from the antient House of the Dowglasses their passed faults being by them acknowledged and recompenced with fidelity and obedience in times comming The Earl of Dowglass whose towardness and liberality had acquired him many Friends at Court upon assured advertisement of his Princes good-will towards him cometh to Sterling and is no sooner presented upon his knees before the King in the Church when with all demonstrations of benevolence he is received in grace pardoned and not manies dayes after admitted to be of the Privy Council The King imparting to him his greatest affairs sheweth he will follow them by his advice and counsel honoureth him with the plausible name of Cousiâ— and entertaineth such familiarity with him that all others give him the place The promotion and credit which the Earl of Dowglass in a short time acquired about the King his faction dayly increasing moved the two Rulers by their moderation seeking to avoid disgrace to leave the Court. After which they were both removed from their offices and their places and authority in Council with their whole Friends and Followers They are upbraided with disorders both in their private actions and the manner of their Government and at last are summoned to answer before the King to such things as they should be legally accused of The murmurs every where whispered amongst the people warned and certified them if they should appear and present themselves of some sad and tragick act Whereupon with protestations of their Innocency declining the time appealing to the King in his majority and when he should be of full years from these Judges their mortal enemies than abusing absolute power they suspend their appearing declaring withal their readiness in every thing to obey the King This availeth them nothing for at a Parlament holden in Sterling articles being forged and urged against them especially of Peculate as sale of Crown Lands waste of the Kings Treasure the laying of their hands upon the Kings jewels transporting Lands to themselves and their friends distributing Offices and places of the Crown and state which should have been by the Authority of the Councel as Hunters divide a Prey between themselves Dispensing with Riots and taking the force and vigour from the Laws of the Kingdom thus as betraying the administration of the Realm into the hands of worthless and corrupted men they are denounced Rebels their persons and estates proscrib'd Charge is given to Sir Iohn Foster of Corstorphane and others the Dowglasses adherents to bring all their moveables to the use of the Exchequer demolish their houses invade their friends with fire and sword and all that sided them Thus the uncertain vicissitude of humane accidents overturns often them who seem to be raised to the highest degree of honour The Castle of Barentoren is besieged taken thrown down with other houses upon the Governours and Chancellours Lands their Farms and small Villages are plundered and ransacked In revenge of which the Rulers waste the Earl of Dowglasses Territories the Villages of Straw-Brock Abercorn Blackness are burnt with Corstorphane The ravage begun continueth with dayly loss to both parties and the overthrow of the Common-wealth The Earl wondreth now having the Kings Authority to finde his enemies so strong and hold so long out against him He suspecteth they have secret support by some not well affected towards him The most powerfull and eminent of which he guesseth to be Iames Kennedie Bishop of St. Andrews and Cousin germane to the King He knew him jealous for his sudden favours at Court and that he had whispered amongst his Friends that he feared the ambition of the Earls unlimited heart was now exalted to such exorbitancy of height that becoming top-heavy it would fall by its own weight and turn up the Root The Earl will have this Prelate less powerfull to assist the Rulers or do harm unto him To this effect he instigateth the Earl of Crawford his Allie and Alexander Ogleby of Inuerwharety to invade the Bishops Lands and rifle his Vassals in Fife without order or declaration of wrongs done by him The Bishop after the burning and spoiling of sundry of his Farms being weak by power to resist their violence and repair his losses took him to his Spiritual Arms and excommunicated the Earl of Crawford Though he made small account of this verbal Thunder yet did not this injustice long escape the revenging hand of God who raiseâ—h up ordinarily one Oppressor to execute his justice against another Alexander Lyndesay Son to the Earl of Crawford pretended a title to the Baylerie of Arbrothe out of which he was kept by Alexander Ogleby whose title was equal to his if not better This enmity kindled to such a flame that upon eitherâ—side they assemble their friends in Arms The Ogleby calleth the Lord Huntley the Lindesay the Hamiltons to assist their Rights frequent meetings having been to calm matters and reconcile them and
to return home There after long advisement with his other Brothers and some haughty Vassals they declare old Rapines and Wrongs being joyned to new and recent with which they were charged the restitution was impossible and like spilt water which could not be recovered Not satisfied with this Answer the Councel citeth the Earl of Dowglass upon some days to appear before them and all his Vassals and Followers with his Brothers to answer according to Law to such Articles as should be given in against them The Earl was far off and they considered it consisted not with their weal to hazard their persons to the Arbitrement of Judges many of which had been obnoxious to their affronts Thus for not appearing they are denounced Rebels and Warrants granted in invade and spoil their Lands as publick enemies to Authority and the present Government This Decree is followed by open force and to facilitate the execution of it and to take up the Earl of Dowglasses Rents William Earl of Orkney cometh to Galloway Dowglas-dale Liddes-dale But he found Authority not seconded with power against lusty Rebels to produce weak effects for he returned disobeyed contemned and near spoiled and rifled by the Earls Tenants and Vassals The King to vindicate his Authority since he could not prevail by reason with competent forces in person entreth the same Terâ—itories taketh all the strong Fortresses and Castles where bâ— came demolisheth the Castle of Dowglass placeth a Garrison in Lochmabane giveth the custody of such places he spared with the whole Goods and Moveables appertaining to them to the Complainers and men interested in wrongs or blood by the Rebels The noise of this unexpected backblow being heard at Rome perplexed not a little the Earl of Dowglass Many of his train leave him that where lately he represented a Prince he seemed now scarce a private Gentleman he was â—ssured he lived under a Soveraign who maughre all detractions would hear his own defences Upon which hopes he resolveâ—h to return taketh him to his Journey and for his greater haste and safe progress he obtaineth a Passe through England come to the Borders of Scotland his Brother Iames is directed to the Court to understand the Kings minde towards him and if there were any possibility in this ebb of favors to have access to him The King ingenuously promiseth to accept him and performed it for all that hapned by the misdeameanor of his Friends in his absence requesting that he would but live peaceably according to the order of the State without hating that which his Prince loved or improving that which he approved and authorized and that as himself and his Brothers were ever the most able and readiest to repel the wrongs of Strangers so they would endeavor to entertain unity and concord in the Countrey it self and purge their Lands of Theeves and Robbers if mischievous and wicked men were not punished there would be no surety nor safety for the good and vertuous Past wrongs are pardoned the Garrisons removed from his Castles and they are rendred unto him Then to put him in assurance of increasing favours he is made Lieutenant General of the Kingdom a place great and requiring great action being onely to be bestowed upon a Man active great in power and friends The Earl of Dowglss again afloat in the stream of his Soveraigns favours might have continued if his miseries had not been decreed from above soon after he falls in new disgrace whether upon a promise of return or that he was sent for or that he would officiously give thanks for received courteâ—ies when he was in his way homewards he passeth privately to the Court of England and without his Masters knowledge or leave hath many days serious conference with the Nobility of that Kingdom then many ways distressed by the Rebellion of Kent and the factions of the great Men. The pretended cause of his journey was given out to be the repairing of his own and his Vassal lsosses sustained by the in-rodes of the English the time of his travels abroad and the redressing of other disorders on the West Borders but his Enemies suggested he intended to enter a League with some of the English to the disadvantage of his Master and trouble of his Countrey by changing the form of Government or the Officers of State King Iames took this meeting with the English in an evil part but after great intercession and many requests of the Queen and Noblemen after he had submitted himself to his clemency and acknowledged his errors received him In this mean time he is discharged of all publick imployments his Offices of State are divided between the Earl of Orkney and the Lord Creighton his reconciled Enemies Removed from publick imployments he giveth himself to study private revenge and the whole secret Council turn distasteful unto him especially Orkney and Creighton men perfectly abhorring his ambition and who greatly feared his dismeasured greatness Their suspected affronts and alledged wrongs towards him were increased daily by tales of Sycophants It was told the Earl that the Lord Creightoun in conference with the King had said it were expedient for the peace of the Countrey that the Earl of Dowglass with all his friends and followers were rooted out and their memory abolished but if that were left undone neither should the King rule in due Majesty nor the Subjects ever give him that obedience which they ought That wise Princes suffered houses to grow as men do Spider-webs not taking heed of them so long as they were small but when offensively encreased they swept them wholly away Irritated by these and many such like speeches after much contempt of the Chancellor one dawning as he was early coming form Edinburgh to his Castle of Creighton the Earl who wanted not his own intelligence amongst his followers Hatred being an evil Counsellor laid an ambush for him on the high way But the clearness of the morning discovering it by swiftness of his horse he escapeth some of his company being wounded and one of the Assailers slasin in the pursuit Two days after the Chancellor to repair his credit accompanied with a number of his Friends and Followers coming in great haste to Edinburgh had unawared surprized the Earl of Dowglas then attended but with a small number of his friends if he had not speedily shifted himself form the danger This contention now bursting forth into open hostility divided into Factions the whole Kingdom The Earl of Dowglass maintaining his by the long continued grandeur of his House the Chancellor standing by his Princes favour and a long practise of the affairs and course of the World the Earl fearing the Authority of the King might sway the Ballance and make the party unequal if he should be brought to call to remembrance passed actions and attempts of his Predecessors findeth nothing more expedient to curb his enemies and strengthen his proceedings then to renew his old Confederation and combine with him many
innocent life renounce that Union and League with your Peers which excepted or commanded or approved or permitted by your Prince subsisteth not in Law nor in Reason being forbidden under great pains and let it not be heard any longer that ever such an unjust Confederation was and so wonted â—lemency shall be preferred before deserved Justice The Earl replyed The League being drawn up by the common consent of many Lords Barons and Gentlemen and subscribed it could not be cancell'd nor renounc'd but by their common consent nor was it profitable for the King nor to him other ways to have it done That being together they might condescend to the renouncing and cancelling of it But says the King you to shew good example to the rest shall first begin Neither living shall any Traytor in my presence disavow and disclaim my Authority in what is within my possibility of accomplishing The Earl requests him to remember he came to Court upon a publique assurance A publique assurance cannot so warrant any man but that he may fall by his own private misdemeanor answered the King withal considering a mean courage in a King to be an imputation and that he did neither wrong towards God nor his Fame in revenging himself upon the enemies of the State The place a strong Castle his present power all within being his Councellors and Servants the danger if he should escape the easiness of suppressing the Rebellion the head taken away The Earl continuing hot and stubborn in debating his points of the League wrath banishing other Doubts and Interests his Dagger performed what armed Justice scarâ—e dared attempt The Kings blow the noise arising was seconded by a number of his Servants who rushing in the Room left him dead upon Shrewd-Eve the 22. of February 1452. About the last Scene of this Tragedy a pair of Spurs between two Platters an Emblem of speedy flight as a part of the Kings Banquet is directed to Sir Iames Hamilton of Cadyow This he communicateth to the Lords and Gentlemen of the Union in which time the News of the Earls death is spread abroad The Lieguers finding themselves weak to carry so strong a place as the Castle in hot blood set on fire divers quarters of the Town of Sterlin make Proclamation against the King and his Councel for violating the assurâ—nce granted to the Earl Infamous Libels are spread every where and the safe Conduct of the King and his Councel bound to a wooden Truncheon at a Horâ—es tail is trailed along the streets In the Market-place by the mouth of a Cryer to the sound of all their hunting-horns they declare the King and those that abode with him Faith-breakers perjured persons enemies to all goodness and good men Iames the next brother of the House of Dowglass a Church-man being proclaimed Earl in rage and madness committing all sort of Hostility they over-run the Lands and Possessions of those whom they suspected would side the King and not prove of their party Iohn Lord of Dalâ—eith their Kinsman and of the Name of Dowglass they besiege in his Castle of Dalkeith for that he hated their proceedings the Tenants and Vassals of the Earl of Anguss are plunderâ—d for the same cause The strength of the place raised the Siege of Dalkeith and the Earl of Auguss by their many wrongs and insolencies remained more constant to the King In this time the King writeth to all the good Towns of the Realm and Church-men giving reasons for the taking away the Earl imputing the fault to the Earl himself exhorting the people to make no stir for the just execution of a Man born for the ruine of the Kingdom and who voluntarily had precipitated himself in his own mis-hap offering all his power to keep the Countrey in quietness according to that Authority in which God hath placed him This blow as particular Interests made the hearts of men incline and as passions were various was variously and in several maners taken Some without inquiring of circumstances after what fashion or occasion soever done allowing it thought the King had more clear and evident inducements for his deed then could fall within the Labyrinths of reasoning The Majesty of a Prince hardly falleth from an height to a midst but easily is precipitated from any midst to the lowest degree and station The King said-they hath obviated this fall hath set a foot again and raised his Authority threatned with ruine he hath vindicated his liberty almost thraâ—ld hath assured the Lives Honors Estates of many loyal Subjects which were endangered by not adhearing to the league of the Earl and keeping their Oath of Allegeance to the King he if he please now with Honor and Reputation may hold his Parliaments bring to pass his designs for the conservation of his Authority and the peace of his Subjects Other blamed this Deed everywhere and in every circumstance laying perjury and murther against him and the breaking of the publick Faith and Assurance the common Band of humane Society the common defence of all and the ground of Justice To which it was answered that the Earl was not taken away for his past demerits and misdeservings but for what he had recently committed in the Kings own presence having spoken to him with an insupportable irreverence They which have safe conduct being obliged to shun all kindes of offence towards him who gives it them any enormity being sufficient to annull the benefit of it More for the breach of Faith the Earl and his confederates were the more perjured and he the murtherer of himself they having violated that Natural Oath to their King which all Subjects owe to their Soveraigns by drawing up a League among his People to the breaking of the tyes of Soveraignty giving by this occasion and just cause to the King to reward them after their demerits Most said the killing of the Earl was evil but that it was a necessary evil That as Nature suffereth not two Suns so Reason of State suffereth not that in one Kingdom their be two Kings but that of necessity the one must overthrow the other and matters going thus he who giveth the first blow hath the advantage Thus did Men judge diversly after their proper interests of the Deeds of others The Torrent of these disorders increasing Laws are neglected Towns Villages Houses the High-ways are every-where afflicted with Rapine Fire and Fury and save needy boldness nothing is safe and secure in any place The changing Multitude like Mad-men limning Pourtraicts with their won blood delight in their Proceedings and daily increase the number of the Rebels In this Insurrection the King is reduced to many extremities and is said to have thought upon an escape Sea to France if he had not been diverted by Iames Kennedie Bishop of St. Andrews who told him that to leave the Kingdom was to give all over to the insolency of his Rebels and for fear of burning to leap into the fire it self That besides the
a day again in which he might have hazarded one Cast of a Dye for a whole Kingdom But his Fortune was now declined and perhaps would never stand upright that by giving that night to his Souldiers to pause and deliberate on the matter they would perchance take the safest way be more advised what to enterprise the next morning readily not fight at all consisting of a number of bold young Gentlemen Volunteers who for the most part out of bravery and compassion followed him That the Kings Army by his lingring and lying off was encouraged finding they were to cope with men who would adviseere they fought After which speeches he bad the Earl farewel And now knowing that the way lay open both for Pardon and Favor to him that would first seek it he in the night breaketh out with some friends and having got over the fields betwixt the two Camps was brought sately to the King who graciously received and freely pardoned him The Army having understood the clandestin Revolt and escape of Sir Iames Hamilton disbanded every man slipping away by secret passages to his own habitation that on the morrow there was nothing to be seen but the solitary field upon which they had encamped The King out of joy of this bloodless Victory caused Proclaim in all his chief Towns That since Soveraign Authority had no less splendor by the actions of Clemency then by these of Justice all those who had followed the Earl of Douglass and been of his party rather by mis-fortune and unadvised rashness then any evil will against him should be freely pardoned Those who would abandon the Earl and come to the Kings Camp whosoever they were no Justice no Law should trouble them but they should be received to mercy and have all pardon After this Proclamation many submitted themselves to the King and were pardoned though Sir Iames Hamilton was remitted yet that under colour of reconciliation worse mischief might not be plotted the King sent him with the Earl of Orkney to the Castle of Rossline during his pleasure and the taking in of the Castle of Abercorn remembring also it was some prejudice to a Prince to be obliged to any Rebel The Earl of Douglass gathering together the split pieces of his Ship-wrack with his Brothers and so many of his Confederates as would not forsake him flieth to England here with much Travel by many promises of Rewards great hopes of spoil gathering unto him a power of Out-laws Felons Bancker-outs and such as lived by Rapine as well of his own Nation as of the English he maketh a Rode upon the West Borders of Scotland some Villages being burnt many preys much spoil driven into England at last he meeteth with the valiant men who were appointed ro defend the Marches the Maxwells and Scots here in a furious skirmish his Companies are discomfited Archibald Earl of Murray's Brother is slain and his head sent to the King the Earl of Ormond is taken Prisoner himself with the Lord Balvenny with great difficulty escapeth in a Forest when he sought to return again into England he findeth all Passages stopped up the wayes layed for him and begining to feel much want he is constrained in a disguised habit to lurk meanly in the inmost parts of Scotland till he wandred toward the far High-lands where finding Donald Earl of Ross Lord of the Isles one of his League a man cruel arrogant unpolisht after many discourses and long conference with him being no less eloquent then active he possesseth him with great hopes after a division of the Kingdom between them two of an absolute power and Government of of all the High-lands besides the wealth and treasure which he would purchase by the spoil He requireth onely he would break upon the more civil Countries bring all the Fire-brands he could to kindle and trouble them and cut work for the King whilst he with new supplies and a great Army to be raised in England should invade the Marches and bordering Countries The Earl of Ross who thought nothing impossible to him being to himself in these barbarous parts by phantasie a King and was used to vaunt of a long pedegree from Fergus relisbeth the profit and possibility of this Enterprise sweareth to leave nothing undone for the accomplishing of it and parting with him upon mutual assurance intreateth onely celerity and swift performance of what they had concluded Scarce was the Earl of Douglass in England when the Earl of Ross the two pillars of his Designs being Injustice and Violence supported by fair hopes from the South with his wilde Mountainers and Islanders like an inundation over-runneth the Neighbor bounds Argile suffereth the first effects of their fury the Isle of Arrain is taken the Castle made a Bon fire as if they were the sacrifice for the sinns of the rest the Bishop of the Isles saveth himself by flight and taketh Sanctuary Lochquabar and Murryland are spoiled the Town of Innerness is set on fire the Castle surprized Murthers Ravishings Robberies with what insolency the barbarous Canibals could commit are every where and the sad image of death ravageth amongst the common people The Earl of Douglass now at his last shifts and efforts leaveth no shifts nor helps unsought out such who lived upon prey and spoil resort unto him he maketh hot inincursions and after a most hostile maner which purchased him the hatred of all his Countrey-men and turned those who were indifferent in his quarrel his professed enemies This ravage continuing Henry Earl of Northumberland after slain at Caxtoun-field whom love of the valor of the house of Douglass and true commiseration had brought to take arms with him invadeth one quarter of the Marsh and the Earl of Dowglass turneth towards another But whilest they are dispersed and more eager and intentive to carry away spoil then to look to their own safety and military discipline the Earl of Auguss with Sir Iames Hamilton of Cadyow put them both with number and confusion overborn to flight slaying many and taking more prisoners After this overthrow during the Kings reign the Earl of Douglass deliberating not to oppose longer to necessity but to be still till better times never attempted tempted to invade his Countrey Amidst these incursions the Earl of Ormâ—nd at Edinburgh is beheaded the Countess of Dowglass Beatrice all hopes being lost of restoring her Husband despoiled of her Lands and fair Heritage turned now a Monster of Fortune the blame of her unlawful Wedlock laid upon the Earl consented to â—y her out of a certain fear of her life submitteth her felt to the Kings Clemency The King who denied not mescy to any sought it of him that the less guilty amongst the seditious might withdraw themselves and the obstinate remain the less powerful and weak receiveth her and giveth her in Marriage to his Brother Iohn Earl of Athole son to the Black Knight of Lorne designing for her Dowry the Lordship of Balveny By her
Northumberland and Westmerland the Lords Beaumont and Dacres Grey and Wells were slain and above Thirty six thousand English struck down The Dukes of Somerset and Excester flie to York to carry the News to the unfortunate King leaving the Victory to Edward who is again saluted King King Henry after this overthrow perceiving how desperate his hopes were in his own Countrey with his Queen his Son and the remainder of his dispersed friends secured himself by flight into Scotland Iames Kennedy Bishop of St. Andrews to whose person the Authority of the State was then reduced received him with magnificence and honor and put him in hopes by the assistance of Scotland to restore his fortune King Henry as well to reserve some Refuge and Sanctuary for himself as to win the heart and insinuaâ—e himself in the favor of the people of Scotland caused render the Town of Berwick to them which the English had violently possessed since the days of Edw. 1. For which favor the Scottish Nobility vowed at all times to come to his supply and defend him to their uttermost and that the friendship begun might continue without all vacillation the Queens of Scotland and England both descended of the French Race began to treat of an Alliance promising Edward Prince of Wales should be marryed with the Lady Margaret the King of Scotlands Sister none of them then having attained the years of marriage The miseries of King Henry increasing suffered not these two Queens to stay long together Margaret with her Son Edward to implore the ayd of her friends maketh a Voyage towards France to her Father Rhene King of Sicily Naples and Ierusalem Duke of Anjou a Prince large of Titles short of Power These who had followed King Henry into Scotland whilest he is left onely intentive to devotion in the Cloyster of the Gray-Fryers at Edenburgh return back again to sollicite their friends in England for a second rencounter Upon the arrival of Queen Margaret in France the obtaineth of her cousin Lewis the eleventh that those who favored and assisted the Duke of York were prohibited Traffique and commanded to remove out of the Frenh Dominions and that Five hundred Soldiers should come to her ayd a number so small and so unworthy the name of an Army that it was but a competent retinue for so great a Princess with these she came to the coast of Scotland and from thence sailed to Tinmouth where being repulsed by the Inhabitants and forced again to put to Sea sâ—e was by a furious Tempest driven to Berwick Here leaving the Prince her Son Edward with the enâ—rease and supply of some Scots taking the King her husband with her she advanced into the Bishoprick of Duresm in her march through Northumberland her Army increased to a great number The Duke of Somerset Sir Ralph Percy and divers of King Henrys well-wishers having resorted unto her King Edward finding King Henry by the fresh air of the North to have acquired new Spirits prepareth to oppose him and having sent down the Lord Mountague brother to the Earl of Warwick he himself with greater Forces shortly followed Mountague having through the Shires where he went and the Bishoprick of Duresm gathered a convenient Army marched directly against King Henry In the mean time Henry â—eaufort Duke of Somerset the Lords Hungerford Ross Moulines Sir Ralph Percy present themselves to hinder his further progress They are overthrown and King Henry with great difficulty escapeth to Berwick At the news of this overthrow King Edward being in his March towards Durham finding the presence of his Person or Army needless turned towards York and gave the Earl of Warwick command to take in all the Castles and Fortresses which as yet held good for King Henry in the North. Amongst the Garrisons placed in Northumberland by the Queen there was a Garrison of the French in the Castle of Anwick under the Command of Peter Bruce otherwise named le Seigneur de la Varoune Seneschal of Normandy which held long good against the English This Peter Bruce was in great account with Charles the seventh father to Lewis but sent over with Queen Margaret to make wrack upon apparent dangers having escaped Tempests at Sea he took the Castles of Bambrough and Dunstanbrough which he demolished After he essayed to keep the Castle of Anwick but the Earl of Warwick King Edward lying near to Durham there beleagured him Whether this man came from the Race of the Bruces of Scotland or no is uncertain for the vulgar Writers in this detract him naming him Bryce and a Bretone or that the Scots would give a proof of their friendship to the Queen of England and of their valour to the French whilst he is everywhere beset and near past hope of relief the Earl of Anguss then Warden of the Marshes raised a Power of twenty three thousand horseâ—men remarkable for their Valour These about the midst of the day coming near the Castle of Anwick and by their colours and arms being known a far to Captain Bruce he taketh a resolution to sally out and meet them the strongest of the Scottish Horsemen rrceiving them convoy them safely to their Borders some of the Besiegers would have fought in the pursuit but the English General gave him fair passage King Edward having taken all the Castles and Forts which in the North held out against him placing Garrisons in them returned to London as King Henry void both of counsel and courage came back to Edinburgh Here he had not long stayed when tired with the tediousness of his exile the prolonging of a wretched Life being more grievous to him then death it self and allured by false hopes of his Friends he resolveth to hazard upon a return to his own Kingdom his Grown lost all his Favorers and wel-wishers almost slaughtered he cometh into England then disguised and by night journeys shifting from place to place at last betrayed by some of his Servants he is found out It is recorded a Son of Sir Edward Talbots apprehended him as he sate at Dinner at Wadding Town-hall and like a Common Malefactor with his legs under the horse belly guarded him up towards London By the way the Earl of Warwick met him who led him Prisoner to the Tower Margaret his desolate Queen with her Son is driven once again to flie to their Father Rhene into France King Edward his Competitors all dead or suppressed finding a Cessation of Arms expedient and a breathing time from War to settle and make sure his new Government as to other his neighbour Princes for peace sendeth Embassadors to Scotland to treat for a Truce for some years The Earl of Argile Bishop of Glasgow Abbot of Holyrood-house Sir Alexander Boyd Sir William Cranstoun being chosen to this effect Commissioners come to York and the English Commissioners there attending them a Truce for fifteen years is agreed upon and solemnly by both Kings after confirmed Mary Queen of Scotland daughter to
Arnold Duke of Gilders and mother to King Iames the projected Marriage of her Daughter with Edward Prince of Wales by the miseries of King Henry and Queen Margarite her kinswoman proving desperate her son Alexander either as he went to the Low-Countries to see his Grand-father or returned from him being by the English taken upon the Seas limited in credence of governing her children by the insolency of a proud Nobility her Reputation branded after a long languishing with inward discontentments turned as it were recluse and began to bid farewel to this world Her melancholy growing incureable amidst her last Trances when her Son had come to visit her the is said to have spoken to him almost to this sense That Providence which brought me upon the Earth and set a Crown on my head doth now recal and remove me to a better Kingdom and my happiness is not in this a little that I leave this life without change of that estate in which I peaceably lived Death now sheweth me as in a mirrour the frailty of all worldly Pomp and glory which before by the marble colours of false greatness was overshadowed and covered from me My Griefs have been many few my Contentments The most eminent of which was the hopes I conceived of you and my other children And now may greatest regret is that I leave you before I could see my wishes accomplished towards you My onely care was to have you brought up in all vertue and goodness But Heaven shall bestow that charge to more prudent Governors Always take these motherly directions from me who can leave you no better Legacy Be earnest to observe these Commandments which are prescribed unto you by Religion for this supporteth the Scepters of Princes and a Religious King cannot but have obedient Subjects What an unreasonable thing is it that a King will have a People to acknowledge him for their Soveraign Prince upon Earth and will not acknowledge God for his supream Lord in Heaven A King who rebelleth against God all subordinate Creatures will rebel against him Love my children and laying aside the Port and Stateliness of a King receive them with the affection of a Brother Endeavor to make your Subjects obey you more out of Love then Fear or make your self beloved and feared both together seeing love alone of it self is often cause of contempt and fear alone begets hatred Remember ye Govern not the soft effeminate People of the South but a sierce Warlike Nation of the North which oftner use to be intreated then commanded by their Princes Be sparing to lay Subsidies on them which maketh many Male-contents and live upon your own suffering others to enjoy what is theirs Beware of Flatterers and exalting undeserving Persons above your ancient Nobility Suffer not your Prerogatives to come in Question but foreseeing the danger rather give way to all that with reason is demanded of you Moderate your Passions He shall never Govern a Kingdom who cannot govern himself and bring his Affections within the Circle of Reason It fears me Envy and Malice arm themselves against you which to overcome endeavor to be Martial in your self for a Prince that is not Martial in himself shall never be freed of Rebell on amongst his subjects a strong arm should hold the Ballance of Iustice When dissention ariseth be not a Loyterer and Sluggard but with all celerity suppress it in the infancy Rebellion is like fire in a City which should be quenched though with the pulling down of the neighbour Houses Others will instruct you in the art of Governing with greater curiosity and wisdom but not with the like love and affection I wish this Counsel be ingraven in your heart and conscience after my death for a perpetual testimony of my sincerity in your education And if by the unjust counsel of others ye be brought to practise ought contrary to these instructions Remember ye cannot shun inevitable dangers both to your State and Person But now I am warned from above to deliver this griefâ—full Body to the rest of a desired Grave After she had thus counselled and blessed her Son not living many days she was buried with all Solmnities and Funeral-Rites at Edinburgh in the Colledge of the Trinity which she her self had Founded in the year 1466. 1466. The King as he increased in years increasing in strength and ability for exercises either of recreation or valour by the Regents is given to a Brother of the Lord Boyd to be bred in Knightly Prowess a man singular for his Education abroad and demeanor at home The Kennedies were now aged and become tyred to give such assiduous attendance at Court as they were wont and the times required The Lord Boyd by the weakness of his Co-partners governed the State alone as Sir Alexander his Brother did the young King To whose Natural inclination he did so comply and conform himself that he had the whole trust of his affairs and the King had no thoughts but his So soon as the King began to know himself he turned impatient of being subject to the Laws of Minority that he himself should be restrained by that Authority which did derive from him to loath the Superintendency and Government of others and to affect an unseasonable Priviledge to be at his own disposal and the governing himself Many things are done without the advice of the Governors and occasion is sought to be disburdened of their Authority The Lord Boyd and his Brother in a little time increasing in greatness and having an intention to transfer the Power of the State and Glory of the Court to their Family fail not to finde opportunity to free the King from the severity and rigour of the Governors Schooling and to frame him an escape Whilst the King remained at Linlithgow the Lord Hayls Lord Sommervail Sir Andrew Carre of Cesford Sir Alexander Boyd agree upon a match of Hunting and will have the King Umpire of the Game Early the morning following the Gentlemen who were upon the Plot failed not in their Attendance The King being a mile off the Town and holding the way towards Edinburgh the Lord Kennedy whose quarter then was to attend and who had leasurely followed suspecting this Hunting to be a Game of State the King continuing his Progress laying his hands upon the Reins of his Bridle requested him to turn again to Linlithgow for that he perceived the time was not convenient for him to go further neither was heat a convenient match in absence of his best deserving followers Sir Alexander Boyd impatient that the King should have been thus stayed after injurious words stroke the Reverend Governour with a Hunting-staff upon the head and took the King along with him to Edinburgh At a frequent meeting of the States the Kennedies urged to have the King continue under Minority the Boyds to take the Government in his own Person after long contestations wisdom being overcome by boldness the Authority of the better
intelligence the Lords of Scotland who under the shadow of the publick good but really out of their disdain and particular interests conspired against the King send the Duke word the golden Age could not be fram'd nor Arms taken for the good of the Common-wealth nor the State alter'd without the frequestring of those from the King who misgovern'd him And these could not be remov'd by that power which was amongst themselvs without great danger and trouble considering the Kings faction and the malignant Party If King Edward would agree to the raising of an Army in England in favour of the Duke of Albanie and for restoring him to his Places and inheritance out of which he was most unjustly ejected and other pretences of which they should afford the occasions which no way should do harm to the Kingdom of Scotland disorder'd already and laid waste more by the license of a Tyrant in peace then it could have been by war and at this time bestow upon them favours as they might one day hereafter challenge to receive the like The Nobility of Scotland should be ready with an other Army not to fight but to seize upon the Kings Favourits and Misgovernors of the State for which the English should have many thanks That this Enterprize could not but prove most successfull the hatred of the Commons considered against such violent oppressions The King was fallen into so low esteem that assaulted by the English he would be constrain'd by the submission of his Crown to intreat for safety The Kâ—ng of England understanding this was to touch the finest string of State and Dominion for it is a matter of much consequence and main importance to defend the subjects of an other Prince for under this Mask and pretence of protecting the Liberties of a People of assistance and aid an usurpation and oppression of all liberty might be hidden and many have established and settled themselves in those Kingdoms which they came to relieve from tyranny and the oppression of their Rulers keeping by force what was granted to them at first by way of trust and under the colour of helping usurped a Soveraignty agreeth easily to what was demanded and resolved upon The Lords of the Association to play more covertly their Game and mask their intentions the Commons ever suffering and paying for the faults and errors of the great ones give way for the breaking loose of the Borderers Fierce incursions by the English are made upon Scotland and by the Scots upon England some Villages on either side are burnt The secrecy to this business which was inviolably observed was of great importance which is the principal knot and try of great affairs Rumours are spread that the Dukes of Gloucester and Albany with Iames late Earl of Dowglass and Alexander Ierdan and Patrick Halyburton men proscrib'd and upon whose heads a price was set were at Anwick with a powerful Army and in their march towards Kelsoo The King wakened out of his Trances by the Alarms of his Nobility and clamours of the people made proclamations to all between sixty years and sixteen to meet him at Edenburgh and to be in readiness to oppose their old enemies of England now come upon the Borders After many delayes and much loytering an Army is assembled by the Nobility which consisted of and a number of Câ—rts charged with small Ordinance New incursions being blazed to have been made by the English the King amidst these Troops marched to Lawder The Army was encamped and all things Ordered the best way the occasion could suffer them little or nothing being left to Fortune if the English should invade whom the Lords knew were not at all yet gathered and though gathered and in a Body and upon the Bordâ—rs or nearer would never invade them The King at this time is mâ—rvellously perplexed and become suspitious of the intentions of his Nobility in this Army in this confusion of thoughts fell upon two extremes In his 〈…〉 conversation too familiar and inward with his 〈…〉 Servants and favourites which rendred them 〈◊〉 believing the bare name of King to be sufficient whilst weakness and simplicity had made him despised and them hated and too retired reserved and estranged from his Nobilitie which made them malicious This he did as his pensiveness conjectured that his Nobles should not attempt any thing to the prejudice of his royal Authority independent of any Council But what he most feared came to pass he resolved and dispatched all matters by his Cabinet Counsel where the Surveyor of his Buildings was better acquainted with the affairs of the State than the gravest of his Nobility This preposterous course of favour made the great men of the Kingdom to fall headlong upon their rest though long projected attempt After many private conferences in their Pavilions the Chiefs of the Insurrection as the Earls of Anguss Lennox Huntley the Lords Gray Lile and others about midnight come together in the Church of Lawder with many Barons and Gentlemen Here every of them urging the necessity of the times and the dangers the Common-wealth was like to fall into requireth speedy resolutions and having before premeditated deliberated and concluded what to follow they draw up a League and confederation of mutual adherence in this order Forasmuch as the King suffereth himself to be governed by mean persons and men of no account to the contempt of the Nobility and his best Subjects and to the great loss of the Commons The confederates considering the imminent dangers of the Kingdom shall endeavour to separate the Kings Majestie from these naughty upstarts who abuse his Name and Authority and despise of all good men and have a care that the Common-wealth receive no dammage And in this quarrel they shall all stand mutually every one to the defence of another The design agreed upon and the confederacy sworn the chiefs of them in Arms enter the Kings Pavilion where after they had challenged him of many misorders in his Government contrary to his honour the Laws and good of his Kingdom they took Sir William Roger a man from a Musitian promoted to be a Knight Iames Homill Robert Cochran who of a Surveyor of his works was made Earl of Mar or as some mittigate that title Intromittor and taker up of the Rents of that Earldom by whose devise some Authors have alleged copper moneys had been coyned by which a dearth was brought amongst the Commons which as others have recorded was an unjust imputation for that copper money was coined in the Minority of the King in the time of the Government of the Boyds with others All these being convicted by the elamours of the Army were immediately hanged upon the Lidder Iohn Ramsey a youth of eighteen years of age by the intreaties Prayers embraces of the King was preserved Thus they the late objects of envy were turn'd and become the objects of Pity and Compassion The body of the Commons and the Gentry of
The Peaceproclaimed the Duke of Gloucester in all solemnity of greatness returned towards London being welcomed by the King with many demonstrations of great joy He to show how much he approved the conditions of this Peace went solemnly in procession from St. Stevens Chappel now the Parlament House accompanied with the Queen his Sister and a mighty retinue of the greatest Lords into Westminster Hall Where in presence of the Earl of Anguss the Lord Gray and Sir Iames Liddale Embassadours extraordinary from Scotland the peace was ratifyed At the return of the Scots Embassadours to their Countrey King Edward sent an Herauld with them who in his Masters name gave over the marriage contracted between the Lady Cicilia and the Prince of Rothsay and required the money which had been delivered upon hopes of consummation to his King The Citizens of Edenburgh had given their Bond for the redelivery and a day being granted to them for the payment they at the appointed day intirely delivered the sum Some thought King Edward recalled this marriage of a suspition he conceived that the Ambition of the Duke of Albany and the hatred of the Subjects against their King amidst the manifold distractions of the Realm might hazard the Succession of the Prince of Rothsay to the Crown But king Edward having gained what he had endeavoured most to acquire a division amongst the Nobles of Scotland and by this a Security from their assisting the French rejected the Match Besides the Duke of Gloucester who after his comming in Scotland was laying the foundations of the usurping the Crown of England his Brother once dead thought the alliance of his Brothers Daughter with a King of Scotland too strong a Support to that Race which he was to declare Bastards and a Rock upon which he was confident he should make a fearful shipwrack Neither his Brothers Daughter being marryed to a King of such martiall and turbulent Subjects as the people of Scotland durst he ever attempt the taking away of her Brothers and King Edward in neglect of this match committed a greater errour of State than he did in his marrying the Lady Elizabeth Gray and forsaking the Lady Bona Daughter to the Duke of Savoy According to the Records of some Authors whilst the King is kept nine Moneths in the Castle of Edinburgh the Duke of Albany the Lord Evandale Chancellour the Earl of Arguile the Archâ—bishop of St. Andrews the Earl of Athole his Uncle who for the preservation of his person and honour of his Office accepted the charge to attend him in that Fortress governed the State The King say the honest Records had all honour which appertained to a Prince save that he could not come abroad and none was permitted to speak unto him except in the audience of some one of his Lords Keepers and that his Chamber doors were shut before the setting of the Sun and long after the rising opened Proclamations are publisht in his name and Authority and other publick writings Such who only heard of him could not but take him to be a free and absolute Prince when near he was but a King in phantasie and his Throne but a Picture the regal Authority being turned into a cloak to cover the Passions of those who did govern The Duke of Albany dayly importuned by the solicitations Prayers and tears of the Queen a calm and temperate Lady for her Husbands Liberty finding himself not so respected by the other Governours as his birth and merits did deserve being a man who delighted in nothing more than in changes and novations of Court and State after so many scorns and rebukes offered to his Brother and King commiserating his long sufference and believing that good turns would make past offences be forgotten and recent benefits were sufficient to blot away old injuries withall remembrance of former discontents whilst the other Governours at Sterling securely passed the time posted in the night to Edenburgh Here a meeting being appointed of some of his friends and Vassals who knew nothing of his intentions by the assistance of the Citizens of Edenburgh men intirely loving their King and devoted to him all the time of the insurrection of his Nobles who gave the first assault yet was it rather their intelligence than force the Castle is surprised the King and all his Servants set at libertie This unexspected and noble act of the Duke of Albany having so fortunate a success brought a mighty change on the Court and State The King is now again reinstall'd and hath this residence in his own Palace to which many Noblemen and Gentlemen have frequent concourse rejoicing to see such evident tokens of love pass between the two Brothers if their affection could have continued The Provost and Baylies of Edinburgh in recompence of their service were made Sheriffs within all the bounds of their own Territories and rewarded with other privileges contained in that patent which they call their golden Charter 1482. The Lords of the contrary faction who remained at Sterlin by this new accident betook themselves to new thoughts and considerations every man full of fears and repinings flying to his own dwelling place and conceaving a great hatred against the Duke of Albany They said he was inconstant rash mad in setting at liberty the man who would prove his Executioner and one who would never forget any profer'd injury that if he perished before them it was but his own just deserving and procurement The Duke contemning those reproaches and answering their calumnies and evil words with patience and good deeds by the mediation of the Earl of Anguss Studied a reconciliation between the King and his discontented Lords And his endeavours had such good success that in a short time after this Atonement some of them turned so familiar and inward with the King that like the Ivy they began to sap the wall by which they had been supported They made the wound of the Kings old jealousies ranckle again and added poison to former discontents remembring him of the unnaturalness of his Brothers first Rebellion and assuring him that his antient Ambition had yet more power of him than his new fears of honesty and respect That howsoever he shewed outwardly the arguments of a reconciled Brother he loved yet to govern and aimed at the Crown That he had wrought his liberty to bring a greater confusion in the State than he had ever done before The King who ever had a watchful eye over his reconciled Enemies and who desired to be freed and fairly quited of them all gave way to their calumnies And they after long deliberation resolve upon a plot to bring the Duke within compass of law and summoned him to answer upon Treason And this was the rendring of the Town of Berwick to the English which they undertook to prove was only by his intelligence procuration and being in company with the Duke of Gloucester in that expedition Though the Duke had an absolute and general pardon
demeanour that he yet meditated Revenge and had begun to invadea nd shake the ancient privileges of the Humes more out of Spight and discontent against them for having assisted and follow'd the Lords of the Reformation of the State than any intention of the increasing the Rents of his new erected Chappel That ere long he would be avengedupon all whom he either knew were accessary or suspected to have been upon the Plot of Lawder Bridg or his committing in the Castle of Edenbrough That it was some time better to commit a fault unpardonable than venture under the Pardon That the King had taken a Resolution to live upon the Peoples contributions and give his owne Revenues to particular Men. The faults of his Counsellours are highly exaggerated They were base Persons and he himself given to dissimulation misdevotion and revenge as occasion served he would remember old wrongs It was good to obey a King but not to lay the head upon a Block to him if a Man could save himself After along smother of discontent and hatred of the Nobility and People rankor breaking dayly forth into Seditions and alterations The Lord Hume and Haylles being the Ring-Leaders many Noblemen and Gentlemen under fained pretences especially the courses of swift Horles keep frequent meetings Where they renew their Covenant agreed upon at Lawder Church the necessity of the times and the danger of the Common-wealth requiring it and gave their oaths that at what time soever the King should chalenge them directly or indirectly or wrong them in their Rights Possessions Places Persons They should abide together as if they were all one Body marry each others quarrells and the wrongs done to any one of them should be done to them all When the King understood the conâ—ederacy of the Lords to anticipate the Danger he made choyse of a Guard for the preservation of his Person and Servants Of which he made Iohn Ramsay of Balmayne a Man whom he had preserved at Lawder and advanced to be Maister of his houshold at Court Captain giving him a warrant not to suffer any Man in Arms approach the Court by some miles This in stead of cooling exasperated the Choler of the Male-contents and stirr'd them to assemble with numerous Retinues all in Arms. The King scarce beleeving the Mindes of so many were corrupted and perswading himself the Authority of the publick name of a King would supply the want of some Power summond certain of them upon fourty days to answer according to Law Of those some rent his Summons and beat shamefully his Heraulds and Messengers for discharging their Offices Others appeared but with numbers of their Adherents Friends Allies and Vassals And here he found that the faults of great Delinquents are not without great danger taken notice of and reprehended he used some Stratagems to surprise the Heads and chiefs of their faction But unadvisedly giving trust to the promises of those who lent their ears but not their hearts to his words his designs were discovered before they produced any effect his secrets all laid open to his great hatred and disadvantage the discoverers taking themselves to the factious Rebells and cherishing unkind thoughts in all whom they saw distasted with his Government Perceiving himself betrayed and his intentions divulged he remained in great doubt to whom he should give credit The nature and manner of all things changed by the League of the Confederates he thought it high time to remove a little further from that Torrent which might have overwhelmed him and made them Masters of his person To temporize and win time caused furnish the Castles of Edenburgh and Sterling with provision of Victual Ammunition and Garrisons to defend them from the dangers of war he resolved to make his aboad beyond the River of Forth and to leave the â—outh Parts of the Kingdom After which deliberation he entred a Ship of Sir Andrew Wood a famous Navigator and stout Commander at Sea which pretended to make sail for the low Countreys and was lying at Anchor in the Forth These who saw him aboard spread a rumour that he was flying to Flanders The Lords of the insurrection making use of this false report seised on his carriage in the Passages towards the North rifled his Coffers spoiled his Servants of their stuff and baggage And then after certainty that he was but landed in Fyfe and from that was in progress to the Northern parts preparing and directing his good Subjects to be in readiness to attend him at his return they surprised the Castle of Dumbar The Moneys found in his Coffers wage Souldiers against him and the Harness and Weapons of his Magazines arm them Having gathered some companies together tumultuously they overrun the Countreys upon the South of the Forth riffling and plundering all men who went not with them or whom they suspected not to favour their desperate and seditious ends In his progres the King held Justice Courts at Aberdeen and Inneress where William Lord Creighton not long before impeacht with the Duke of Albany submitted himself to his Clemency and was received in favour and pardoned after which grace he shortly left this world Whilst the King in the North the Lords in the South are making their preparations When they were assembled at Lithgow they find themselves many in number and strong in power the success of their proceedings being above their hopes there only wanted a Man eminently in esteem with the people and noble of Birth to give lustreto their Actions shadow their Rebellion and be the titular and painted head of their Arms. When they had long deliberared upon this great Man they assented all that there was none to be paralleld to the Prince of Rothsay the Kings own Son So strongly providence befools all human wisdom and foresight his keepers being corrupted by gifts pensions and promises of divers Rewards he is delivered into their hands and by threats that they would otherwaies give up the Kingdom to the King of England he is constrained to go with them To heighten the hatred against the King and the closlier to deceive the people for the love of subjects is such towards their natural Kings that except they be first deceived by some pretence and notable sophism they will not arise altogether in arms and rebel they make proclamations and by their Deputies by way of Remonstrances spread abroad seditious Papers in what a Sea of blood would these men launch into that all true Subjects should come in defence of the Prince and take arms because his Fathers jealousies and superstitious fears were risen to that height that nothing but his Sons death or imprisonment could temperate them That he was raising an Army to take his Son out of their hands that he might do with him as he had done with his own Brothers That force was the onely means to work his safety and keep the Plotters of this mischief within bounds they also should take arms to reduce the
Government to a better form for that the Kingdom was oppressed with insupportable grievances the King being altogether given to follow the advice projects and counsels of base men to amass and gather great sums of money from his people upon which he studied to maintain his Court and State and give away his own When the Engin was prepared for the people and spread abroad they sent to the Earl of Dowglass then closely as a Monck shut up in the Abby of Lyndores to come out be of the Party and assist them with his Counsel and Friends promising if their attempt had happy Success to restore him again to his ancient possessions and Heritage former dignitys and the Places of honour of his Ancestors The Earl whom time and long experience had made wary and circumspect having a suspition the Earl of Angus who possessed the greatest part of his estate had been the chief motioner of this liberty and that rather to try what he would do then that he minded really to set him free refused to come out of his Cloister And by his letters disswaded them from their bold enterprize against their Prince wishing they would set his house and himself for a pattern precedent of Rebellion He sent to all such of his Friends whom his disasters had left unruined to take arms for the King as the Dowglasses of Kayvers and others The King neither losing courage nor councel for the greatness of the danger of the Rebellion trusting much to his good fortune with such forces as came with him from the North in Captain Woods Ships and other Boats and Vessels prepared to that end passeth the Forth near the Blackness an old Fortress and Sea port in West Lothian not far from the Castle of Abercorn and that place where the Forces of the Earl of Dowglass left him and the King his Father obtained so harmless a victory Before the arrival of the King at this Place the Earls of Montross Glencarn Lords Maxwell and Ruthven with others advertised by Letters of the Rendevouz had come to the Place had encamped and were attending him And he mustered a sufficient Army to rencounter the Lords of the association who from all quarters were assembled having with them the Prince to add Authority to their quarrel The two Armies being in readiness to decide their indifferences by a Battail the Earl of Athole the Kings Uncle so travailed between the Lords of either party and the King that a suspention of Armes was agreed upon and reconcilement and the Earl of Athole rendered himself a pledge for the accomplishing of the Kings part of the reconcilement to the Lord Haylles and was sent to be kept in the Castle of Dumbar This was not a small fault of this Prince the Confederates forces were not at this time equall to his neither had they essayed to hinder the landing of his Army being but in gathering the Castle of Blackness was for his defence and his Ships traversing up and down the Forth in case of necessity for succour That if he had hazarded a battail he had been neer to have recovered all that reputation he had before lost Now upon either side some common Souldiers are disbanded some Gentlemen licensed to return to their own dwelling places The King in a peaceable manner retireth to the Castle of Edenburgh The Earl of Athole was now removed from him and many of the other Lords who loved him returned to their houses the Counsel of man not being able to resist the determinations of God The Lords suspecting still the King to be implacable in their behalf and unaccessible in his Castle keeping the Prince alwaies with them entring upon new meditations hold sundry meetings how to have his person in their power and make him a prey to their ambitious designs The Town of Edinburgh is pestered with troups of armed men the Villages about replenished with Soldiours The King warned of his danger fortifies of new the Castle of Edenburgh for his defence and is brought to such a tameness that resolving to do that with love of every man which he feared in end he should be constrained unto with the universal hatred of all and his own damage and danger out of a passive fortitude sent Commissioners indifferent Noble men to the Lords and his Son to understand their intentions and what they meant Why his Son was kept from him and continued the head of their faction Why his Uncle was so closely imprison'd and himself as it were blocked up by their tumultuous meetings in Arms He was content they should have an abolition of all that was past that their punishments should not be infinitely extended and that they should think upon a general agreement after the best and fittest manner they could devise and set it down They finding their offences flew higher than hope of pardon could ascend unto Their suspitions and the conscience of their crime committed breeding such a distrust out of an apprehension of fear answered that they found no true meaning Open war was to be preferred to a peace full of deceit danger and fears that being assured he would weave out his begun projects against them they could not think of any â—afety nor have assurance of their lives nor fortunes unless he freely resigned the title of his Crown and Realm in favour of his Son and voluntarily deposed himself leaving the Government of the People and Kingdome to the Lords of his Parliament divesting himself wholly of his Royall dignity Neither would they come to any submission or capitulation until he consented to this main point and granted it submissivelye King Iames notwithstanding of this answer after a cleer prospect of the inconveniences and mischiefs which were growing and the many injuries indignities and affronts put upon him yet really affecting a peace sought unto Henry King of England as also to the Pope and King of France to make an attonment between him and his Subjects The King accordingly interposed their Mediation in a round and Princely manners not only by way of request and perswasion but also by way of protestation and menace declaring that they thought it to be the common cause of all Kings if Subjects should be suffered to give Lawes unto their Soveraign a ligitimate King though a Tyrant was not subordinate to the Authority of Subjects Iames was not a Tyrant his errours proceeding most part form youth and evil Counsel That suppose the King had done them wrong it was not wisely done for a desire of revenge to endanger their particular Estates and the peace and standing of the whole Kingdome What State was there ever so pure but some corruption might creep into it That they should be very ment too far That they would accordingly resent and revenge it Rage prevailing against Reason and fears the Lords made that same answer to these Embassadours which they had sent to the King himself before As for the Popes Embassy which was sent by Adrian de
Climates Concerning his conditions He was a Prince of an haughty and towring Spirit loved to govern alone affecting an absolute Power and Royal Prerogative over his people He knew that Noble-men were of his Predecessors making as the coyn and why he might not put his stamp upon the same mettal or when these old Medails were defaced that he might not refound them and give them a new print he thought no sufficient reason could be given His reign seemeth a Theater spred over with mourning and staind with bloud where in a revolution many Tragedies were acted Neither were the neighbour Kingdoms about in a calmer estate during his reign France under Lovys the eleventh England under Henry the sixth Edward the fourth and Richard the Usurper Flanders and Holland under Charles the War-like Arnold Duke of Guilders was imprisoned by his own Son As if the heavenly Influences were sometimes all together set to produce upon this Ball of the Earth nothing but conspiracies treasons troubles and for the wickedness of the Inhabitants to deprive them of all rest and contentment This King is by the most condemned as a rash imprudent dangerous Prince good People make good Kings when a people run directly to oppose the authority of their Sovâ—raign and assume Rebellion and arrogancy for obedience resisting his fairest motions and most profitable commandments if a King be martial in a short time they are beaten and brought under If he be politick prudent and foreseeing in a longer time as wild Dear they are surprized and either brought back to their first order and condition or thrall'd to greater miseries If he be weak and suffer in his Reputation or State or person by them the Prince who sucâ—eedeth is ordinarily the Revenger of his wrongs And all conspiracies or Subjects if they prosper not in a high degree advance the Soveraignty This Prince seemeth not to have been naturally evil inclined but to have been constrained to leave his natural inclination and necessitate to run upon Precipices and dangers his turbulent Subjects never suffering him to have rest Many Princes who in the beginning of their reigns have bin admiâ—ed for their fair actions by the ingratitude of their Subjâ—cts have turn'd from one extremity to another and become their rebellious Subjects executioners He was provoked to do many things by the in solency of private men and what some call tyranny and fierceness in a Prince is but just severity He sought to be feared believing it to be the onely way to obedience It is ture injuries took such deep impression in his mind that no after service could blot them away The taking away of his Favourites made him study revenge which if he had not done he had to much of the Stoical virtues little of the Heroical These who blame Princes under a pure and absolute Monarchie for having favourites would have them inhumane base and contemptible and would deprive them of power to confer favours according to the distinguishing power of thier understanding and conceptions The choise a Prince maketh of men whom he advanceth to great imployments is not subject to any mans censure And were it bad yet ought it to be pass'd over if not approv'd least the discretion and judgement of the Prince be questioned and his Reputation wounded Favourites are shrines to shadow Princes from thier People Why should a people not allow a Prince some to whom he may unmask himself and discover the secrets of his Heart If his secrets should be imparted to many they would be no longer Secrets Why should it be imposed on a Prince to love all his Subjects alike since he is not beloved of them all alike This is a desire to tyrannize over the affections of Princes whom men should reverence He seemeth too much to have delighted in retiredness and to have been a hater of business nor that he troubled himself with any but for formalities sake more desirous of quietnes than honour This was the fault of the Governours of his youth who put him off business of State that they might the more easily reach their own ends and by making him their shadow govern after their pleasure Of this delight in solitariness his Brothers took their advantage and wan the people to their observance He was much given to Buildings and trimming up of Chappels Halls and Gardens as usually are the Lovers of Idleness and the rarest frames of Churches and Pallaces in Scotland were mostly raised about his time An humour which though it be allowable in men which have not much to do yet is harmfull in Princes As to be taken with admiration of Watches Clocks Dyals Automates Pictures Statues For the the art of Princes is to give Laws and govern their people with wisdom in peace and glory in war to spare the humble and prostrate the proud He is blam'd of Avarice yet there is no great matters recorded of it save the encroaching upon the dealing and taking the giving to whom he pleased of Church Benefices which if he had liv'd in our times would have been held a virtue He was of a credulous Disposition and therefore easie to be 〈…〉 moved some to record He was given to 〈…〉 to inquire of future accidents which if it be credible was the fault of those times Edward the fourth of England is said to have had that same fault that by the misinterpertation of a prophecy of a Necromancer which foretold that one the first Letter of whose name was G. should usurp the Kingdom and dispossess the children of King Edward he took away his Brother George Duke of Clarence which being really practised in England some Scottish writers that a King of Scotland should not be inferior to any of his Neighbor Princes in wickednes without grounds have recored the same to have bin don by this King his love was great to learned men he used as Counsellors in his important affairs Iohn Ireland a Doctour of Divinity and one of the Sorbon in Paris made Arch-deacon of St. Andrews Mr. Robert Blackadore whom he promoted to be Bishop of Glasgow Mr. William Elphinstoun whom of an Official or Commissary of Lothian he surrogated in the place of Mr. Robert Blackadore and made Bishop of Aberdeen and his faults either in Religion or Policy may be attribuied to these and his other Counsellours Many have thought that the fatal Chariot of his Precipice was that he had equally offended kindred Clergy Nobility and People But suppose this had been true why should such an horrible mischief have bin devised as to arm his own Son against him and that neither the fear of Divine justice the respect of infamy with the present or after times the danger of the example had power to divert the minds of men from such a cruel Design This was really to seeth the Kid in the Mothers milk and to make an innocent youth obnoxious to the most hainous crime that could be committed What ever courtains could be spred to
overshadow and cover this mischief the horrour of this fact possest this Prince to his last hour and God out of his Justice executed the revenge of this cruelty upon the Nobles Commons and the Prince himself at the field of Flowden where some of the chief Actors of this paricide were in their own persons others in the persons of their Successors sacrificed to the Ghost of this King Iames IIII King of Scotts Anō 1488 THE HISTORY OF THE LIFE REIGN OF Iames the fourth King of Scotland THe Lords who had chosen rather to be reputed famous Rebells than contemn'd Subjects by their boldness of enterprizing skill of managing the publick affairs and continued purchases swelling to that greatness of power that they found none to counterpoise few to oppose to their Designs To make their Rebellion lawful and show the world they intended not the subversion of their Countrey but of their opinionative King nor that they did dislike Soveraignity so they might have a Prince who would be ruled by their directions take the name and leave to them the Majesty and Authority of his Place after the killing of the Father call a Parliament for the installing of the Son in the Royall Throne few of the three Estates here meeting except themselves and the Commissioners of Burroughs in the Moneth of Iune the year 1488. at Edenburgh the Prince is crowned then having not attained the sixteenth year of his age Though these men had assumed the Government yet in divers parts of the Countrey they had bur doubtful obedience nor was their Authority universally acknowledged the flames of dissention seeming yet neither to be extinquished nor altogether smothered with the life of the late King On the Sea Sir Andrew Wood who had attended the event of the last Battel maintained resolutely the Quarrel of his dead Master Five tall Ships sent by the King of England to his Confederates aid but which came too late pretending a Revenge upon his disloyal Subjects pillaged the maritime Towns and forraged the adjacent parts of the Countrey shut up the mouth of the River of Forth and interrupted the Commerce of Merchants To repel which violence the Ships gathered by the Lords struggled in vain being every way inferiour and weak to supprels their incursions and Algarads On the land the Forces of those who had stood out for the late King had rather been by the last conflict scatter'd than throughly broken and brought under The ablest and most convenient companies which were gatherd to his assistance having never assembled and joind in one body the fight being inconsideratly precipitated and the Dye thrown before they could descend from the far Mountains and cross the Foord-less Rivers And of those who were in the Fray not many being taken prisoners fewer killed falling under the weight of friendly arms The prime Men of those who had chosen rather justly to follow the King than profitably his Rebells finding themselves for their loyaltie and that good will which they had carryed to their Soveraign persecuted and proscrib'd in their Fortunes and Persons inflamed with indignation and shame resolve to oppose wisdom to Fortune courage to strength and hazard some one day more for the repairing the losses of former the Pillage begun upon the Seas by the English animating them And being desirous to make as many fellows of their danger as they could they send Letters thorough all the Quarters of the Kingdom to their Friends Familiars and Confederates encouraging them to ply the business generously opposing their valour and courage to the strength and power of the abusers of the Prince By publick writings they cast aspersions on the present Government After that battail of Sterlin and since the Coronation of the King they had not fallen in the power of a Monarch but under an Olygarchy the most depraved form of all Governments the name and Title of a King a young man searce sixteen years of age enjoyed but he governed not but was by the Killers of his Father misgoverned who under false pretences intended the ruin of the State What reproach and shame would it be not onely with all men now living but also with Posterity to suffer these who had hazarded what they had dearest for the honour and preservation of their Prince to be branded with the name of Traytors be banished and followed to death Whilst the Transgressors and Abusers of all Laws divine and humane sit Judges over them as Revengers of general wrongs usurping the Titles of Deliverers of the Countrey and Restaurers of the Common-wealth amongst whose pawes the present King could not be assured and safe They being the men who to justifie their injustice and make their fact meritorious brought him in Arms not knowing whither against his King and Father most wofully taken away besides the abusing of his Name and Authority in every civil matter The late King had lost the day and himself by his own errours not by their power and designs Now they should oppose to their proceedings though they might be esteemed inferiour in number to them yet if they met together they might be found equal to them in worth and courage being puft up by the last misfortune and only putting their confidence in that they mastered their Designs Much being projected and designed for their meeting in arms in the North Alexander Lord Forbes a Man born neither to rest himself nor suffer others in Aberdeen and other Towns on the point of a Launce displayed the shirt of the slaughtered King purpled with his bloud inviting the Countrey as by an Herauld to the revenge of his Murther In the West the Earl of Lennox a man eminent by his Birth and Fortunes hath the same resolution the Earl of Marshall Lords Gordon and Lyle with their confederates in other parts of the Kingdom where their power or eloquence could prevail move all their Engins to advance the enterprize and put every thing in readiness The Lords of the insurrection having the young King in their hands to countenance their proceedings joining discretion to their good succes determine except upon necessity not to spill more civil blood And to disperse the clouds of that appearing storm they encourage Sir Andrew Wood now received in favour and brought not onely to be no enemy but to be their friend and fellow-helper having obtained from them the Barony of Largow disposed to him hereditarily of which before he had only a lease of the late King for his first service with his Ships to clear the Forth and scoure the 〈◊〉 of the English And they launch out to his assistance the Vessels and Boats of the Havens neer adjacent At that same time Iohn Lord Drummond stuart of Strathern a Nobleman couragious and adventurous is directed to wait upon the Earl of Lennox stopt his ravaging and wasting the Countrey and kept him back from joining with his Confederates of the North and infesting the more civil parts being the greatest ablest and
be surmised sometimes by English Ladies to be solicitations and suits of Love For the War with which in case of his Stay he threatned his nation he would use his best endeavours to set his in a posture of Defence When this answer was reported to King Henry he gathered a great Army to invade Scotland and essay if by their own dangers the Scots people could be moved to abandon and disclaim the Dukes authority Seven great Ships came to Inche-keeth and spoiled the adjacent Coasts all the Scots and French which did then inhabite London and other places of England were put to their fines and commanded to go off the Countrey In compensation and for equal amends the French King seized all English mens goods in Bourdeaux imprisoned the persons and retained the money to be paid for the restitution of Tournay The Earl of Shrewsbury making incursions on the Borders burned the one half of Kelso and plundered the other At this time the Emperor Charles the fifth came to England and stirred King Henry to take arms against the French Kings and the French had sent Embassadours to Scotland intreating and conjuring the Scots by their old and new League to arise in arms and invade England The Governour assembled the three Estates at Edinburgh which together condescended to the raising of an Army to resist the incursions of the English and defend the Kingdom to encourage every man for fighting the Wards of those which should fall in this expedition were freely remitted and discharged by Act of Parlament and pensions designed to the Widdows and Daughters of those who dyed in this service This Empyrick balm could the French apply to cure the wounds of the Scotish Common-wealth The Earl of Shrewsbury advancing as was reported towards the west Borders an Army was far gathered and encamped on Rosline-moor which after according to the orders given marched to Annandale and forwards came to the Esk a River running in the Irish Seas neer Carlile the Governour delighted with the Seat and standing of the place caused dig Trenches and by the advice of certain French Gunners placed some Field Pieces and small Ordinance for defence of them and spread there his Pavilions The Citizens of Carlile terrified at the sudden approach of so powerful an Army offer many presents for the safety of their Town whch he rejected The English Army not minding to invade the Scots so long as they kept themselves on their own ground and advanced not the Governour endeavoured to make the Scots spoil the Countrey by incursions but he findeth them slack and unwilling to obey and follow him most part refusing to go upon English Ground amongst whom Alexander Lord Gordon was the chief and first man The Governour finding his command neglected and some Noblemen dissenting from what he most intended commeth back to the place where they made their stand and desires a reason of their stay They told him they had determined to defend their own countrey not invade England That it neither consisted with the weal of the Common-wealth nor as matters went at that time had they sufficient forces to make invasive War That the Governour did not instigate them to invade England for the love he carryed to Scotland but for a benefit to the French by diverting the war prepared by the English against them That by invading they might make themselves a prey to their enemies they were Men and not Angels it was enough for them whilst their King was under age to defend his Kingdom from the violence of Foreigners Put the case they werein one battel victorious considering the slaughter and loss of their Nobles and Gentry in that purchase they might be overthrown in a second fight and then to what would the King the Country be reducedâ— their last King might serve them for a pattern the Revenge of whose death should be delayed till he himself were of years to undertake it The Governour brought to an exigent said they should have propounded these difficulties before they took Arms and on the place of Battel Temerity misbecame Noblemen in action but especially in matters of War in which a man cannot err twice At the convention of the three Estates when war was in deliberation they should have inquired for the causes of it he was not to bring them upon the danger of war without their own consent The English had made many incussions upon their Countrey burning and ravaging who stand only upon defence stand upon no defence a better defence of their own Countrey could not be found than by invading the Countrey of their Enemies They should not be dejected for that accident at Flowden since it was not the fault of the Souldier but the Treason of their Chamberlain who had suffered for it That the glory of the Nation should raise their courages and inflame their bosoms with a desire of revenge The Kings honour and their piety towards the Ghosts of their Compatriots crav'd no less from them That if they would not invade England at least for their Reputation and Fame with the World they would pitch there a short time their Tents and try if the English would hazard to assail them That it would be an everlasting branding their honour if timorously in a suddennesse they show their backs to their enemies and dared them not in the face by some daies stay The Queen though absent had thus perswaded the Noblemen and having understood the Governour to be turned now flexible she dispatched a Post to him requesting he would be pleased with a Truce for some Moneths and that he would commune with the Warden of the English Marches whom she should move to come to his Tent and treat with him The Governour finding he stood not well assured of some of his Army and knowing what a cumbersome task it was to withstand the violence of their desires determined to follow their own current seemed well pleased to hearken to their opinion Hereupon the Lord Dacres Warden of the West Marches came unto the Governours Camp the eleventh of September and as some have recorded the Queen also where a Cessation of Arms was agreed unto for some daies in which time the Queen and the Governour should send Embassadours to treat for a Peace with King Henry and shortly after Embassadours were directed to the Court of England but returned without any good don King Henry demanding extraordinary and harmful conditions to the Realm of Scotland The year 1522. Andrew Forman Arch-Bishop of St. Andrews dyed and Iames Beatoun Arch-Bishop of Glasgow and Chancellour of the Kingdom came in his place of St. Andrews the Arch-Bishop rick of Glasgow was conferred upon Gaven Dumbar whom the King after advanced to be Chancellor of the Kingdom The Governour resenting highly the slighting of the Embassadours by the King of England but more the contempt and scorn of the Scottish Nobility in refusing to follow him in October by the West Seas past over to France promising that
of the Duke of Albanies taking the Seas was spread abroad the King of England by secret Letters had required the Earl of Angus who then an Exile staid in France to come to him after the receit of which with a short-leave taking he left France where he had staid almost three years commeth to England King Henry had brought him to believe That the Duke had determined to extirpate his whole Linnage To prevent which he made him offer of Men and Ammunition to preserve his own and by his faction at home and his assistance to send the Duke over Seas which if he had staied the Earl was esteemed powerful enough to have accomplished The Duke of Albany being in France the Queen with the Government of the State assumeth the person of her Sonneâ— whom she moved to leave Sterlin and come to Edinburgh the third day after he had made his entry in the Town she lodg'd with him in the Maiden Castle and it seized on armed with authority she doubted not to make the Countrey yeild her all obedience That the Supream Magistrate of the Town should not oppose her Designs he is put from his Office and the Lord Maxwell a man to her obsequioâ—s is substituted in his place To give the fairer lustre to her Actions a Parlament is called at Edenburgh that what she did might consist with Law When King Henry understood the Duke had left Scotland to exclude and bar him all regress he sent one Magnus a great Oratour but greater by the renown of his skill in the Laws with Roger Ratcliff his Embassadours to try how the Scots amidst unnecessary turmoils would rellish a Truce and Cesâ—ation of Arms and these lay the blame of all the disorders and discords between the two Nations upon the Duke The Nobles tyred with their tedious Wars beginning to espy a Heaven of rest cheerfully accept of this Embassie and agree unto a Truce for one whole year To confirm which they condescend Commissioners shall be dispatched 〈◊〉 who shall treat not only for a Truce but for a firm and lasting Peace between the two Nations and unite the two Crowns in bands of Amity as well as they were united in degrees of blood The Earl of Angus his enemy abandoning the Kingdom after honourable entertainment of the King of England many promises to befriend him and blandishments at his departing commeth to Scotland and his return began to change the Game of State The Queens and Earl of Arrans Faction carryed all matters of importance the Earls of Lennox Arguyl and the Humes had been sequestred from publick imployments the first faction by his presence find their power diminisht the other by his counterpoise and assistance have new hopes of arising both factions disliked that Angus should arise to the first place and suspected he would not be content with the second they loved to have him an equal not Supreme Private jarrs smothered and interests delayed matters concerning England requiring a hasty and present discharge Gilbert Earl of Cassiles Robert Cockburn Bishop of Dunkell David Mill Abboâ— of Cambus kenneth are sent Commissioners to the Court of England At Greenwich they are honorably and kindly received by King Henry whose countenance promised them a refusal of no reasonable thing they would require The Bishop had a speech the Sum of which was That dissention and hatred taken away between the two Nations a faithful Peace might be agreed unto and confirmed their Discords turned into Vnion their Rancour into Love which to bring to pass and make durable the only apparent and probable means was to bestow the Lady Mary the Kings daughter upon James the young King of Scotland The English with great joy applauded to what was said And King Henry appointed certain Commissioners to treat about that purpose in private These when they had met to advance the Union of the Kingdomes desired these Conditions First That the Scotish Nation giving over and fairly forsaking the League they had with France should enter in a new League with them upon the same conditions and terms which were contained in their League with France Next That the young King of Scotland till by age he was able for marriage should be brought up at the Court of England When the Embassadours of Scotland had answered That these conditions were above their Commission to which they could not well answer and desired a time to acquaint the Council of Scotland with them it was condescended unto Thus two of them remaining at London the Earl of Cassiles returned to Scotland to bring back an answer When the day in which the Parlament should have been held was come the Queen and they who were of her faction as the Earls of Arran Murray Eglintoun fearing the Earl of Angus might turn the wavering peoples affection and move them to some Revolt which might hinder their Determinations or terrify the Commissioners by the frequent convention of his Friends and Followers constraining their voices and restraining their freedom of speech Or that they had a plot to surprize some of the contrary Faction and by authority of Parlament commit them in that place caused a Proclamation to be made That none of the three Estates should sit or assemble themselves in the Town of Edinburgh but that they should keep their meeting in the castle and there give their presence The Earls of Angus Lennox Arguyl Arch-bishop of Saint Andrews Bishop of Aberdeen and Dumblane with their adherents and others who joined with them rather out of fear than good will refuse to enter the Castle and require That the Parlament be kept in the accustomed Place the King may in Triumph be shewn to his own people conveyed along the High-Street All which bâ—ing denyed them giving out That Iustice was violated the King kept against his will as a Prisoner the Government and custody of his person seised on without consent of the three Estates they surround the Castle with two thousand men in Arms stop all furniture of food and victuals which should been afforded by the Town In this distress they in the Castle turn the great Ordinance against the Town and threaten the innocent Citizens with the overthrow of their buildings Some powder and time spent in terrifying the people at last Church-men interposing themselves and interceding perswading with the parties an accomodation and atonement is wrought their fury quenched all rancour supprest injuries forgotten the King in magnificence and pomp is convoyed from the Castle to his Palace at Holy-rood-house and the Estates assemble in the wonted place of the Town of Edenburgh In this Parliament the Authority of the Governour is abrogated by which means they saved him a labour from returning into Scotland again Eight Lords were chosen to have the custody of the Kings person quarterly every one his Moneths successively and the whole to stand for tke Government of the State yet with this Limitation That the King by their Counsel should not determine nor ordain
in the way to put from all title to the Crown the report going already that the King would intail it to him out of his own favour and had designed him Heir to the Earl of Arran he having no children of his own That the King had a magnetical affection towards him which if Fortune favoured him with a Victory would increase now meritting which before was but meer favour The custody of a young King was not for a man of so short experience The Hamiltouns finding that man their Suppliant who late was their Competitor delighting to live in a trouble State and be Copartners of the Government and mannaging the affairs of the Kingdom which was promised them in their new band of Friendship laying aside all former discontent and grudge accept the Quarrel and assemble their Forces at Lynlithgow To this Town the Earl of Lennox was advancing and he being the Sisters Son of the Earl of Arran by Gentlemen well affected towards him and of his kinred they intreat him to turn back and not to try the hazard of a battel for a conquest he could not long enjoy the Government of a young Prince whom a little more time would make Governour of himself and who perhaps would reaward his service with disgrace It being ordinarily seen that great obligations to Princes procure rather their hatred than love whilst it is more easie to pay men by contempt than benefits that if he came forwards no interest of blood would save him from their just and lawfull stopping of his passage and enterprize The Earl of Lennox answered it was no time then in the eye of the world to abandon so just a quarrel that shame wounded deeper than death which he would rather imbrace than not see his Prince at Edenburgh And finding the Bridge over the Avan possest by the enemy passed his Companies over the River Et near the antient Monastery Immanuel the Maister of Kill-mayers guideth the Vantguard consisting of Westland men the Earl of Cassiles and himself the main Battel many of which were high-land men being of all as some write ten thousand The Earl of Angus having essayed in vain to bring the King to the Field with the power of Edenburgh leaving that Charge to his Brother Sir George and Archembald Dowglas Provost of the Town accompanied with the Humes and Carres being of all two thousand marketh a speedy march towards Lynlithgow But the Earl of Arran spurr'd by the ambition and youthful heat of his Son Sir Iames Hamiltoun had begun the fight before be could appear for a long time it is valiantly fought victory inclining to neither side till a great clamour arose seconded by the appearance of fresh Troops of enemies the Dowglasses and their Friends at which alarum many of the High-land and West-land men turned their backs the rest by the advantage of the place sustain the Fight The King after much loytering and many delaies having heard the Armies were near joining and much solicitation of Sir George Dowglas issueth out of Edenburgh at a slow march But when at Corstorphine Hills he was awaken'd with the noyse of the great Ordinance he urgeth his Followers to make all haste to come to the fight It was reported Sir George Dowglas drove his Horse in a great rage gave him injurious words which he never after forgot Being half way he is advertised that the Earl of Lennox highland-men were fled and by all appearance the Earl of Arran was Master of the Field This news perplexed him not a little but making the best of that worst he dispatch'd all his domestick Servants with Andrew Wood of Largo to save so many as they could in the Chase especially the Earl of Lennox whose life he now tendereth as his Crown But this Earl after he had been taken by the Laird of Pardowye in cold blood was unnaturally slain by Sir Iames Hamiltoun who either killed or wounded on the face all that came under the dint of his Sword in the Rout. They found the Earl of Arran mourning over his Corps over which he spred his cloak the Laird of Howstoun lay dead by him the Master of Killmayers sore wounded at their comming maintained the fight and was by them with difficulty saved with so many others as either the Kings authority or their power could reskew This Conflict hapened in September After the victorious Earls had rested their wounded Souldiers and refreshed them selves in Lithgow they accompany the King to Sterlin and immediately march through Fyffe in quest of those who had been the cause of taking arms against them of which number the Queen was but the Arch-bishop of Saint Andrews was the most eminent who as before he had seconded Arran to surprize Angus so now he had stirred Lennox to the overthrow of them both Because Arch-bishop was not to be found for he as some record was turned a true Pastour and in Shepheards weeds kept sheep on some Hill they spoiled the Abbacy of Dumfermling and Castle of St. Andrews defacing all the Ornaments and carryed away the Moveables and stuff in them The Queen with her husband Henry Stuart and Iames his brother betook them to the Castle of Edenburgh which the Lords at their return besieged The Mother hearing her Son was amongst the Besiegers in person obtaining favour for her husband and his Brother caused the Gates to be cast open But for their safety such who loved them advised the King to commit them to that place during his pleasure Now the Earl of Angus and Arran summoned all who had born Arms against the King to appear in judgement and answer according to the Law as Traytors Some compounded for Sums of money others became Dependers of the Houses of Angus and Arran Gilbert Earl of Cassiles being summoned and compearing Hugh Kennedy his Kinsman answer'd the indictment that he came not against the King but to assist the King for proof of which he offered to produce the Kings own Letter Though the Earl of Cassiles escaped the danger of the Law he did not the fury of the Revenge was taken about some disparaging words for as he was returning home he was surprized in the way and killed Some write by the Sheriff of Aire but by the direction of Sir Iames Hamiltoun About this time the Arch-bishop of St. Andrews and other Church-men in revenge of the spoiling of his Houses and persuing himself for questions of Religion burn the Earl of Arrans brothers Son Mr. Patrick Hamilton and banish Mr. Patricks brother Iames Sheriff of Lithgow Not long after mens wrath by time diminishing and their bloud growing colder the Arch-bishop having bestowed on the Earl of Angus Sir George his Brother and other their Friends some Church benefices and many Leases of Tyths was reconciled unto them and with appearance of great friendship they mutually entertained and feasted each others at the Christ-Mass in the City of S. Andrews But small confidence could be long among reconciled enemies Now went
where they were charitably received and honourably entertained by King Henry the eight Now are the Offices and Lands of the Dowglasses disposed upon the Arch-Bishop of Glasgow Gaven Dumbar is made Chancelour Robert Bartoun who was in especial favor with the King Treasurer great Customer General of the Artillery and Mines and other their Charges are given unto others The King of England intending a War against the Emperour Charles the fifth sendeth Embassadours to Scotland for a certain time to treat a peace and if it were possible to reconcile the Dowglasses with the King Five yerrs truce was resolved upon but for the Dowglasses the King would hearken to no offers onely Alexander Drummond by the intercession of Robert Bartoun and the Embassadours had liberty to return home When the Earl of Northumberland and the Earl of Murrey who had full power to conclude a Truce had met the other Commissioners upon the Borders the factious great men and ranck Ryders there put all in such a confusion by urging difficulties that they parted without agreeing unto any articles or certain conclusions which the King took in so evil a part that divining from what head this interruption sprung he committed sundry Noblemen to the Castle of Edenburgh till they gave hostages and secured the borders from invasion or being invaded In the Moneth of Iune following with a great power he visited these bounds executing Justice upon all Oppressours Theeves and Out-Laws In Ewsdale eight and fourty notorious Riders are hung on growing Trees the most famous of which was Iohn Arm-strong others be brought with him to Edenburgh for more publick execution and example as William Cockburn of Henderland Adam Scot of Tushelaw named King of Theeves The year 1530. the King instituted the College of Justice before it was ambulatory removing from place to place by Circuits Suits of Law were peremptorly decided by Baylies Sheriffs and other Judges when any great and notable cause offered it self it was adjudged Soveraignly by the Kings Council which gave free audience to all the Subjects The power and privileges of this College was immediately conâ—irmed by Pope Clement the seventh In this Court are fifteen Judges ordinary eight of them being spiritual persons of the which the most antient is President and seven Temporal men The Chancellour of the Realm when he is present is above the President There are also four Counsellours extraordinary removable at the Princes pleasure This institution is after that Order of Justice which is administred in Paris first instituted by Philip the fourth the French King the year 1286. The King about this time storeth his Arsenals with all sort of Arms the Castles of Edenburgh Sterlin Dumbartoun and Blackness are repaired and furnisht with Ordnance and Ammunition Whilst no certain Truce is concluded between the Realms of England and Scotland the Earl of Angus worketh in this interim so with the King of England that Sir Eâ—ward Darcey is sent to the Borders who when his solicitation for restoring the Earl at the Scothish Court had taken no effect yea had been scorned after he had staied at Berwick with the Garrisoned Souldiers and some selected companies out of Northumberland and Westmerland maketh a Road into Scotland Coldingham Dunglas and adjacent Villages they burn ravage the Countrey towards Dunce Some Scottish Ships and Vessels were also at this time taken by Sea When a reason was sought of this invasion in a cessation of Arms and calm of Truce They require the Dowglasses may be restored totheir antient inheritances and whatsoever had been withheld from them and that Cannabiem a poor Abbacy be rendred to the English as appertaining of old to the Crown of England The Earl of Murray being declared Lieutenant maketh head against them but the English dayly increasing in number and his companies not being suffcient to make good against so many and large in cursions the power of Scotland is divided into four Quarters every one of which for the durance of fourty daies by turns taketh the defence of the Countrey The English finding by this intercourse of new Souldiers the War to be prolonged would have gladly accepted of Peace but they disdained to sue for it to the Scots it was thought expedient that the French a Friend then to both should be a Mediatour to reconcile them whereupon after an Ambassador had come from France Commissioners first meet at Newcastle and after at London Iames Colvil of Easter Weyms Adam Otterburn of Redhall William Stuart Bishop of Aberdeen the Abbot of Kinloss These conclude a Peace To continue between the two Realms during the two Princes lives and one year after the decease of him who should first depart this life About this time the secrets of the Ecclesiastical Doctrine and Authority beginning to be laid open to the view of the World the politick Government of Kingdomes began to suffer in the alteration and discovery The Lady Katherine daughter to Ferdinando and Isabella King and Queen of Spain and Sister to the Mother of Charles the fifth Emperour had been married to Arthur Prince of Wales eldest Sonne to Henry the seventh King of England he dying by the dispensation of Pope Iulius the Second her Father in Law gave her again in Marriage to Henry his other Son the Brother of Arthur This Queen though fruitful of children and often a Mother brought none forth that long enjoyed life and came to any perfection of growth except one onely Daughter Mary Her Husband either out of spleen against the Emperrour Charles or desire of male children or other Causes known to himself pretended great scruples in his conscience would make himself and the world believe that his marriage was not lawfull After deliberation with his Churchmen whom he constrained to be of his mind he kept not longer company with his Queen his Churchmen used all their eloquence to make the Queen accept of a Divorce which she altogether refusâ—d and had recourse to the Pope who recals the cause to himself At Rome whilst in the conâ—istory the case is made difficult and the matter prolonged King Henry impatient of delâ—iâ—s and amorous divorceth from his own Queen and marrieth Anne Bullen 1533. Then the Pope with his whole Cardinals gave out their Sentence That it was not lawful for him by his own authority to seperate himself from his wife that his marriage with Katharine was most lawful not to be questioned and that under pain of Excommunication he should adhere unto her King Henry well experienced in the great affairs of the World considering how the threatnings and thunders of the Bishops of Rome even in these antient and innocent times when they were believed and reverenced in his Kingdom produced never great effects thought them to no purpose in a time when Doctrine was publisht to the World embraced and believed of numbers by which they were contemned and scorned upon this and other grounds he refuseth to obey and the Pope continneth his menacing This
disorder and boldness of the King of England moved the Emperour and the Pope to try if they could win the King of Scotland to arise in arms against his Vncle King Henry The Emperour essayeth it under pretence of other business of great importance For having given way to new opinions in Religion amongst his Countreymen of Germany and finding them mounted to that height as to have produced the effects he deâ—ired by this division laying a foundation to turn the Imperial Crown Hereditary to his own House which Germany being all of one mind and undistracted he could never have brought to pass he compelleth the Bishop of Rome to condescent to a general Council or Assembly of the Clergy of Europe the only and soveraign remedie to cure diseased minds and accord different opinions but he knew well that by the Church of Rome men would be delegated to this meeting turbulent and so far from pacifying tumults began that instead of Water they would apply Oyl and Wood to these flames turn opinions before disputable irreconciliable and leave matters worse than they found them Having implored the aid and assistance of the Potentates about him to the setting forward of so pious and holy a work he sendeth Goddes callo Errico a Sicilian for greater secrecy cie by Ireland to the King of Scotland This Embassadour for a token of that affection the Emperour his Master carryed to the person and virtues of King Iames presenteth him with the Order of the Golden-fleece 1534. with solemn Protestations for the observing of these antient Leagues and Confederacies contracted between the Princes his Masters Predeceslours and the Kings of Scotland to continue ever amongst themselves His other instructions were Plaints of the wrongs done to his Aunt Katharine most injustly repudiate and forsaken by a King forsaken of God and abhorred of men The marriage of Ann Bullen should wound deeply King James it being likely by her Succession he should be barred of his Right to the Crown of England The Emperour by his Ambassadour expostulating the wrongs of his Aunt had gained nothing but that for his sake shee was the worse entertained To make more strong and lasting the Emperours friendship with King James he if he pleased would make him an offer and give him the choice of three Ladies three Maries all of the Imperial Stem Mary of Austria the Emperours Sister the Window of Lovis King of Hungary Mary of Portugall the Daughter of his Sister Eleonara of Austria Mary of England the Daughter of Katharine and King Henry And would undertake the performance of this last either by consent of her Father or by main force The greatest but last of his instructions was that to suppress the Heresies of the time he would concur with the Emperour for the convocating a General Council and obviate the calamities then the threatning the Christian Religion The King with great cheerfulness and many thanks that the Emperour entertained him with such respect and held him worthy so fair and Royal Allyance and the participation of affairs of such importance and moment received this Embassage For the Council providing it were a general Council lawfully convocated by the Emperour and Christian Kings as the first Councils were wont free and holy as nothing is more holy than a general convocation of Christians the most charitable and quiet of the Clergy and such who would pacifie matters not the most zealous and â—iery Spirits or men corrupted by rewards being delegated unto it being premonisht of the time and place he would apply his will unto his assist him thither send his best Oratours and most convenient Church-men That if a true Council could not be obtained every Prince should reform the Errors of Doctrine and faults of the Clergy within his own Dominions The Proceedings of his Vncle were grievous unto him being a man altogether thralled to his own opinions For the Good of the Christian Religion and Peace of Europe it were expedient that all her Princes were united together in amity and love and their Arms directed against the common enemy the Turk For himself he would be Mediatour to reconcile the Emperour and his Vncle endeavour to recall him to the love of his Wife nor by any perswasions to be induced to condescend to ought prejudicial to Queen Katharine The three Ladies were every one in the superlative worthy especially Mary of England for that great reason of uniting the Isle of Great Britain but she was not in her own power nor in the power of the Emperour that he could bestow her upon whom he pleased That to ravish her out of the hands of her Father would be beside the danger of the Enterprize a breach of Divine and humane Lawes It was not safe for Paris that he preferred one of the three Goddesses to the other two for prizing those three that the Emperour might know how dearly he respected and earnestly affected his affinity there remained a fourth Lady neer in blood to the Emperour Isabella Daughter of Christian King of Denmark and Isabella the Emperours own Sister whom besides her matchless virtues for the vicinity of the Nation to his and the conformity of their harmless humours he made choice to be Queen of his affections and Dominions Godscallo answered this last That a match with Lady Isabella of Denmark could not with the Emperours credit be brought to pass because she was promished already to another Frederick Count Palatine and the marriage might be accomplished before news came to the Emperour of the Kings election This choice of the Kings was but an evasion for Sir Thomas Areskin of Brichen Secretarie and David Beatoun Abbot of Arbroth under pretence of renewing the League between France and Scotland long before had been directed to France about a Marriage with the eldest Daughter of King Francis which Iohn Duke of Albany projected when the League between the two Kingdoms was renewed at Rochell Henry King of England had now renounced all obedience from the Bishop of Rome and thorough his whole Dominions abrogated his authority and Paul the third after his assuming the Papacy set forwards by the Emperour and his Cardinals who thought either to recover England or burnt it up by a Foreign or civil war never left thundering against him But after Iohn Fisher Bishop of Rochester was beheaded a man imprisoned for adhering to the Pope then for his persecution and that the king might carry him greater respect made Cardinal the whole Conclave stir the Pope against King Henry And full of Grief and rage remonstrate what danger would follow their Order if this Example unpunisht should have way They maintained the Papal power against all Princes which now for fear of their Lives they would be forced to forsake or to proceed with great 〈◊〉 and neglect if by any secular power they might be called in Judgement and embrue Scâ—ffolds with their blood The Pope though highly provokâ— parted not from his Resolution yet used a sort
long ere now have satisfyed his ambiâ—ion and at more easie rate when the King his father with most of the Nobility and Gentry of Scotland receiv'd that fatal overthrow by the Hills of Flowden and Banks of Till the refusing of an interview might divide the King and his Vncle upon which might follow some unnatural War Upon the other part the Church-men set all their Power to hinder this interview perswading themselves it would give a terrible blow to their Estates or Religion The principal cause say they why the King of England is so passionately earnest to have this meeting is to perswade his Nephew to conform Church-matters in Scotland to those already begun in England to abolish the Popes authority to drive Religious persons from their Lands Rents Houses invest the jewels and ornaments of the Churches Which counsel and example if King Iames should follow he would hazard or lose the friendship he had with the Pope Emperour and French King his best confederates abandoned of which he and his Kingdom would be left a Prey to the tyranny of his Uncle if Henry kept no faith to God Men had no reason to trust unto him That this Interview was to intrap his person He being the man whom the Pope and Emperour had designed to set upon his Throne and revenge their quarels That it was grosly to err to he carried away with a shadow and appearance and leave a Substance to trust at once his Crown person and liberty to an Enemy And sith examples move more than precepts let him think upon the hazard of King James the first eighteen years Prisoner and after sold to his Subjects Malcolm and William Kings of Scotland He should remember if yet he were therein to be instructed that Princes serve themselves with occasions over their Neighbours that they have greater care to satisfy their ambition than fear of shame for doing of wrongs with the present times or posterity That their Oaths were no longer kept than they observed their advantages That after he falleth in his hands he ought to follow his manners Religion forsaking and giving over his own natural disposition manners and freedom have no other affections nor motions than his For who commeth under the roof of a Tyrant turneth slave though he was a free man ere he did enter That this meeting with the body would endanger the Soul and infect it with his errours corrupting it with false opinions grounded upon a liberty to live to â—ensuality and Epicurean pleasure If upon the slighting of this Interview King Henry should denounce war against King Iames and invade his Countrey they in his just defence should furnish moneys to entertain an Army and overturn his proceedings For the present necessity they offer to pay to him fyfty thousand Crowns yearly and in any hazard of the Estate voluntarily to contribute all their rents and revenues providing it would please his Majesty to suffer justice to proceed against those who scandalously had sequestred themselves from the holy Church and to the contempt of his Laws publiquely made profession of the opinioâ—s of Luther That the goods of all who should be convict of Heresie which they esteemed to no less than an hundred thousand Crowns of yearly Rent should be brought to the Exchequer and their lands annext to the Crown To this effect they intreat his Majesty to give them sufficient Judges truly Catholick and full of zeal and severity After long reasoning upon both sides it was agreed the King should not altogether refuse to meet his Vncle but adhere to the first to offer propunded to this Embâ—ssador concerning this Inter-view The meeting to be at New castle one thousand at the most in train with either King the time to be the Feast of St. Michael the Arch-Angel These Conditions not being embraced by King Henry would if not abolish totally at the least prolong the time of this meeting the King of England thinketh his Nephew too imperious to assume the Injunction of the whole circumstances of their meeting but rather than his suit should take no effect accepteth both of the Place and number of the Train and that the might have some point yeelded unto him requireth the time may be the first of August These Conditions being almost agreed upon three or four hundreth Riddesdale and Tinedale men with other Borderers break upon Liddesdale and therewith large incursions kill and forrage This during the Treaty falling miserably forth so much irritated King Iames that accepting the offers of his Clergy he gave over inwardly all intentions of any inter-view By prolonging time labouring to winde himself out of the Maze Hereupon he sendeth Letters full of excuses for his stay representing his many grievances and wrongs suffer'd and the seeds of discord began now to be sowen amongst them To lightâ—n and recreate his cloudy thoughts the Queen is delivered at Sterlin of another Son who with great solemnity is baptized in the Chappel of the Castle and named Arthur The Prelates after mature deliberation present Sir Iames Hamiltoun natural Son to the Earl of Arran to be supream Judge of the Inquisition against all suspect of Heresie and new opinions differing from the Faith of the Roman Church The King approving their judgements in their choice admitteth him Sir Iawes chearfully accepteth this new honour For now his ambition will find many guilty miserable supplicants Yet was this charge his ruin For whilst he persecuteth all who were informed against to be suspect of the Reform'd Religion having many in Jayls and numbers in his Scrâ—les to bring within the Labyrinth of a Process the supream Providence arresteth himself Iames Hamiltoun Sherif of Linlythgow Brother to Master Patrick Hamiltoun Abbot of Ferme who had suffered for Religion and was cousin to Sir Iames Hammiltoun of Fennard Lord Inquisitor for embracing his Brothers opinions had been persued so by the Church-men that he was constrain'd to forsake his own Countrey and some yeers wander as a banisht man abroad But by his friends at Court having purchased a License or Protection for some moneths to see his desolate Family and put his private Affairs in order cometh home Where finding the censorian Power to be in his cousins hands for where should he have Sanctuary if he were challenged by so neer a Kinsman for matters of Religion imagining to himself an over-sight and preterition out-dateth by his stay his Protection Sir Iames to curry the favour of the Church-men and testifie how dearly the cause of the Catholike Faith touched him resolveth to begin with his Cousin For if he were so burnt up with zeal that he spar'd not his own blood in the quarrell of the Roman Faith what Heretick could pass unpunisht Besides the investing himself in the Sherifs Office and Lands which he never minded to restore he had a Picque against him for that whilst he sate Judge in Lithgow he pronounced a sentence by which he was interested in some petty gain The
to create as many out of the Gentry in whom being his own Creatures he might have great confidence than any made by his Predecessours After this he turned so retired sullen and melancholly that every thing displeased him and he became even insupportable to himself not suffering his Domestick Servants to use their ordinary disport and recreations neer him And as all day he projâ—cted and figured to himself new cares to perplex himself some of which might fall forth others could never come to pass So in the night time the objects of his dayly projects working upon his fantasie limmed their dark shadows of displeasures which gave him terribâ—e affright in his sleep Amongst many of which two are recorded as notable one in the History of the Church the other common both seem to have been forged by the Men of those times who thought fictions as powerful to breed an opinion in discontented minds as verities and they may challenge a place in the poetical part of History As he lay in the Pallace of Lithgow about the midst of the night he leaped out of his Bed calleth for Lights commandeth his Servants to search Thomas Scot his Justice Clark who he said stood by his Bed-side accompanied with hideous weights cursing the time that ever he had served him for by too great obedience to him he was by the justice of God condemned to everlasting torments Whilst they about him labour to cure his wounded Imagination news came that Thomas Scot about that same hour of the Night was departed to the other World at Edenburgh and with no better Devotion than he was represented to the King After Sir Iames Hamiltoun had ended his part of this Trage-comedy of life he seemed to the King to have returned on the Stage and in a ghastly manner with a naked Sword in his hands he thought he parted both his arms from him advertising him he would come again shortly and be more fully revenged till which occasion he should suffer these wounds The next day after this vision which is recorded to have been the seaventh of August word came that both his Sonns were deceased and that almost in one hour Iames the Prince then one year old at St. Andrews Arthur one moneth old at Sterlin The King of England finding himself disappointed by his Nephew of their meeting and understanding it to have been occasiond by the Rhetorick and liberality of the Churchmen having many of the Nobility of Scotland of his faction whose innocency interpreted his Religion to be the reformed though indeed it was of his own stamp for he abolished the Pope but not Popacy by making prizes of Scottish Ships upon the Seas with his Fleet and incursions of his garrison'd Souldiers upon land beginneth the prologue of an unnecessary war King Iames to stop the English incursions placeth George Gordoun Earl of Huntley with his full power and authority at the Borders and directeth Iames Lermound of Darcey towards his Uncle to give sufficient reasons of his not meeting him at Newcastle withall to seek restitution of his Ships sith taken before any lawful War was proclaimed and to expostulate the hostility of the Borderers King Henry not only refuseth render the Ships or give a reason for the breaking forth of the Garrisons on the Borders but delaying the answer of the Scottish Embassadour upon advantage of time sâ—ndeth Sir Robert Bowes seconded with the Earl of Angus and Sir George Dowglas in hostile manner to invade Scotland These to the number of three thousand burn spoil small villages and ravage the Countrey neer the debatable bounds The Earl of Huntley omitteth no occasion to resist them places garrisons in Kelsoo and Iedburgh assembling all the hardy Bordrers and invadeth the English and Scottish forces at a Place named Hall-den rig here it is soundly skirmished till the Lord Hume by the advancing of four hundred fresh Launces turned the fortune of the Day for the English were put to flight the Warden Sir Robert Bowes Captain of Norham Sir William Mowbray Iames Dowglas of Parkhead with a natural Son of the Earl of Angus were taken Prisoners the Earâ— by the advantage of his horse escaping with others to the number of six hundred The Warden staied in Scotland till the Kings death This Road happened prosperously to the Scots the 24. of August 1541. being a Dise-mall St. Bartholomew to the English The War continuing till Midsommer King Henry sent the Earl of Norfolk whom he named the Rod of the Scots with great power towards Scotland with him the Earls of Shrewsbury Derby Cumberland Surrey Hereford Angus Rutland and the Lords of the North parts of England with an Army of fourty thousand men as they were esteemed With them he directeth Iames Lermound of Darcey the Scotish Embassadour to keep an equal march till they came to Bâ—rwick and there to stay that he should not give advertisement to his Master of any of his proceedings the Earl of Huntley upon advantages of places resisting the adventuring Routs who essayed to cross the Tweed But King Iames hearing the old Duke of Norfolk was their Leader raiseth from all the parts of his Kingdom Companies and assembling them upon Sâ—wteryâ— edge mustered thirty thousand men They encamped on Fallow-Moor the King having advertisement that the Duke would march towards Edenburgh Ten thousand strong the Lords Hume Seatoun Areskin to make up the Earl of Huntleys forces are sent towards the borders The King himself expecting the Artillery and other furniture of War staieth with the body of the Army in the Camp Durin this time it is reported the Lords plotteth a Reformation of the Court according to the example practised at Lawder-Bridge especially against such who were named Pensioners of the Priests but because they could not agree among themselves about those who should stretch the ropes every one striving to save his kinsman or friend they escaped all the danger That this attempt being revealed to the King he dismist some of his favourites in great fear to Edenburgh So malitious is faction armed with power Thomas Duke of Norfolk by such in the Scotish Camp who favoured King Henry having understood the preparation and mind of King Iames to meet him in an open field well knowing that Fortune had that much of a woman to favour young men more than old and that honourable â—etreits are no waies inferiour to brave Charges retireth off the Scottish ground and keeps his forces on their own marches For the valour and resolution of this young Prince might perhaps spoil and divest him of his former purchased Lawrels and Palms to the applause of King Henry who some thought being wearie of his service to this effect sent him to Scotland A great number of the Lancastrianâ— and North-Humbrians who upon hopes of spoil had followed him pretending want of Victuals and the rigorous season of the year with arms and baggage leave this Army Having done little harm to the Scots and suffered much